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Stopped chemo today after 20 weeks because of peripheral neuropathy
Today - in discussion with my medical oncologist, whom I trust absolutely - I decided to stop my chemo after 4 X 3-weekly AC and 8 weeks of taxol. She has been concerned about my peripheral neuropathy for a couple of weeks; she said it would definitely get worse if I continued with taxol and could become permanent. This has been causing me anxiety since she first raised it. I can live with the numb and tingling fingers most of the time (though I've had a couple of accidents with them), but the tingling and stiffness in my feet prevents or disrupts sleep. As it is, she said it could take up to a year for the neuropathy to subside. At age 75, I decided to opt for the chance of a better quality of life post-treatment, for however many years I have left, rather than be "disabled" permanently. I feel good about the decision. Now begins the logistical battle to have prep for radiation brought forward if possible.
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- My BC nurse didn't even phone me for the first 4 weeks, even though I had been introduced to her in person by the breast surgeon.Then, when she finally telephoned, she talked nonstop about her unwell child. I didn't bother after that. I have BCN envy though- my friend has almost finished her treatment, and her BCN was totally awesome. She even came to a recent concert fundraiser we had, and gave a talk to all guests about the best ways friends and family can offer support. It's hit or miss, I guess. :(
- I felt flat as a tack when my chemo finished @Marketta. You're definitely not alone.
- Hi. I too have stopped taxol with these side effects. More my oncologist encouragement to stop!
4*3 weekly AC and 10 taxol
I was given the heads up early on that 9 is the “golden” number you try for.
6months has flown/disappeared.
im neoadjuvent so 4-6 week recovery then double mastectomy followed by radiation 5 weeks and continued zolerdex every month, herceptin every 3 weeks and hormonal therapy .
I should be excited? I should be throwing a party and doing back flips but feeling really under whelmed?!? It’s really confusing?
is it because I did t get to 12 or because my last session was last week ( unbeknown to me at the time) so I could t celebrate it as I wanted to?or because I still have a long road? Or because I’m scared to get my hopes up? I’m not quiet sure? Anyone else feel this? That sounds like a job for the Consumer Feedback process @flaneuse If no-one complains the machine grinds on and the powers that be slap each other on the back and congratulate themselves on how well everything is going.
I've been absolutely blessed by having the best BCNs anyone could wish for. Those women have travelled with me through over a decade of breast cancer. Without their support and inside knowledge, mine would have been a very different experience. I've also been an asset to them; they load me with information that I can fire at appropriate targets which need a couple of well directed grenades.
If the person concerned is not performing, someone further up the food chain needs to know. Marg xx
- @Flaneuse can you have a word with the department manager about her lack of empathy and her appalling attitude towards patients.
Stork
- Curses :#
- @kmakm Unfortunately, no. She's it at the public hospital.
- @Flaneuse Gaargh! Can you ditch her and get another??
- @kmakm Thanks for that suggestion. I've been thinking of doing just that. I'm a member of a seniors' centre about 15-20 mins away and they have a well-equipped gym and exercise physiology program for seniors. I may ask my kids for that program as a Christmas gift.
I saw the physio today and she's very happy with my operated arm movement. She has given me a new very slow, gentle massage to do to try to drain some lymphatic fluid from two flaps near my mastectomy area. Shall see if that helps. Would have been good to have it some time ago, actually.
Had a phone conversation this afternoon with my bitch of a bc nurse. Her tone confirmed that I'm definitely on her black list since I was assertive before my surgery, in the face of their appalling communication.
The radiation people are being so fantastic in adjusting my dates.
