Hi everyone
Went for my last chemo today … so far have managed to struggle through
4 x Epi and 3 x TAX
I say “struggle” because nearly all of them have been delayed at least once - some twice - have been “at it” since 14th January!
Well, the neutofils managed their usual performance and only hit the dizzie heights of 0.7 - and that was after 8 neupogen injections (instead of my usual 5). By the way - I thought these were 300-400 euros per box but it’s 300 per injection - so I have had nealy 10k euros worth of injections so far!!!
Also, last time I was given TAX I started vomiting as it went in - so it took all day as it had to be dripped very slowly. This has been a bit of a worry for me.
Given the state of the nation (or the state of yours truly) he has suggested that I stop now.
He wanted to give me extra treatment as I am triple negative and under 50 but although I had a big lump (nearly 5cm) my lymph nodes were clear - although one was quite large.
He is of the opinion that we should abandon the last one. I thought it was a good idea as it’s not doing me much good and I’ve been at it for over 6 months now. That was until I read paula43’s posting just now - what a shock that was.
The irony is that I have spent quite a lot of time this week decdiing whether to shout “yippee I’ve finished” after number 8 or shout it 12 days after number 8 as I have my “TAX storm” between days 7-ish to 12-ish where I can’t stop eating salty rubbish and ,feel very very down.
It now seems as though I may have taken a short cut and be there already!
Am very very confused and will go to sleep for an hour - I have to do this after every postponement as it is very disorienting so I go to sleep and start again!
This is how I left it … it’s over unless I ring him tomorrow in which case I can go in and pick up my 1500 euros worth of injections and come back for more chemo next week …
What do you think ladies and gents? answers on a posting …
Thanks as always
Lots of love
FB xxx
PS Rads next!
Hey FB,
That’s a bit pants on the neutrophils. The only thing I would say is that I’m only having 6 sessions in total and I know a lot like me that are having 6 so you may not benefit from the last tax. It is one last kick in the b****cks for the cancer but if you are really unwell then maybe the onc knows best hunny.
It’s a hard decision I know but you said you had no nodes involved and I had 3.
Sorry not much help hunny
L
xoxo
Hi FizBix
I think you should call it a day and enjoy the fact that no more chemo to make you ill. I am due my last TAX on tues (no 3 after 3 FEC) and I had one node involvement and lumpectomy. Missing one chemo won’t do you any harm - just go out and celebrate the end of it!
I have just come out of hospital yesterday after 5 nights in with a chest infection and on admission my neutrophils were only 0.6…I felt really rough but only needed 2 neupogen to get my white blood count up. I also am triple negative and my tumour was 15mm and fully removed. I have just had my letter from hosptial with my date for planning 4th Aug and 20 sessions of rads starting 19th Aug. The light at the end of the tunnel is shining brightly!
Cancel the last chemo and do your rads and recover from the horrendous 8 months you have tried to complete your treatment. You must be bloody sick of it all by now.
Let us know what you decide…I know what I would do.
Anita
Thanks LeeLoo and Anita
I think you are right - I slept for 4 hours and feel exhausted - I think it’s the relief - especially as it is so hot here - with the chemo build up and the heat build-up and the potential vomiting during the drip I have been WORRIED!
Time to celebrate! We are off out to dinner.
I just can’t believe it is over !!! It will take a little while to sink in … I am feeling quite emotional but no tears yet!
My head is all over the place …
it’s quite funny as on our way in the car this morning i said to my OH - it will be one of these :
* get sent home with injections for next week again
* have it and feel fine
* have it and am ill again …
I was prepared for all of these -but I hadn’t considered a cancellation!
Anyway - think I am over the moon … just shell shocked …
lots of love and rambling…
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - YOU CAN DO IT!!!
love FB xxx
Hi Fizbix,
My consultant has changed the regime she gives us to only 3 TAX, as it is so powerful the research she has studied says three lots is enough to do the job. So, I would go with your onc’s advice and finish with it now. The rads will do the rest, and your immune system will recover and do it’s job,too.
Concentrate on getting well now, relax, enjoy your food ( at last!! ), maybe get your much needed holiday, find yourself again ( you are in there somewhere ), and take stock of the rollercoaster ride you have been on, though not quite finished yet, but on the HOME STRETCH!! YIPPEE!!
I really think you should publish a book from the comments you’ve posted on here… you have an incredible knack with words. You have us in tears one minute, then in fits of laughter the next. It’s a wonderful talent F-B, please use it to help others. ( and maybe bring in some cash! )
We all love you and hope this is the end of the rough part of the ride.
Slap plenty of cream on your skin during the rads, I’ve been told.
I’ve one more TAX to do in 3 weeks time, then onto rads for me, too. Although,I hope to fit a week’s holiday in before starting them.I had very low neuts last time., and had to go in for 4 days for antibiotics. She’s reduced my dose by 25% this time. Yippee. See what happens this time.Had no.2 this afternoon. High on steroids at the moment. Dreading the weekend if it’s going to be last time.But I have codeine to take for the pain if I can cope with the spaced out feeling that gives me!
Well, do what’s best F-B, I hope you make the right decision for you. Three Tax will be enough for me, that’s for sure! I had 4 nodes involved.
Love, Ann G. xx
Hi Fizbix - just wanted to reinforce what others have said I had 2mm lump, 3 out of 5 nodes involved and am halfway through 3FEC 3TAX. When I told the onc I thought treatment was 4 and 4, she said research had shown 3 and 3 is just as effective. I would just accept it and finish. WELL DONE YOU and good luck with the rads - Helen.
thanks for that Helen - am defintiely FINISHED !!! YEEEEEAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
FB,
You have done a great job lasting so long despite endless delays and it must be fab to know it is done. Hope you will still keep in touch, a resident expert to keep us all going! Do you have anything else like rads, etc to do next?
Take care and have fun
Lily x
thank Lil - rads around the corner - not sure yet when I’ll start - hey are ringing me for an appointment as the post here is rubbish! …will still drop in … good luck … love FB xx
Good news FB. Good luck with rads. I am waiting for my last chemo on Monday then finished too !!!
Rach
Hooray for you FB - bet you are sooooo pleased, it’s been a long drawn out process for you and I’ve only been on here from half way through 
Take care, watch the rads, they can be very draining, I had 30 sessions a few years back with no chemo beforehand and they still tired me out. Enjoy the rest before they start and keep in touch - start a ‘anyone on rads?’ thread 
Make sure you keep us updated about the hair situation - we want to know what to expect! Glad some of the other ladies on here have said what their oncs know and that you’re not stopping early - you’ve done the course - well done - give a gold badge to that girl for length of chemo service.
Nicky x