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Andrea Barnett Budin · 04-27-2013, 05:25 PM

Yes, Julie -- very important. Going off Effexor is a slow weaning process. Even though I was crazed by that drug (super forgetful, scattered, unable to focus, feeling like my knees were about to collapse) I had strict instructions on how to stop it.

I live by my lists. Can't function without them. Have been like that forever. I smile, as my dghtrs used to tease me about that, and now -- they make lists -- in magic marker!!

Amazed at your energy, yet you did crash, like the rest of us at a certain point w/tx. You will rally. I am sure. Oh the flashes are brutal. I would be dripping wet or at best clammy, not wanting people to shake my head, or knowing when they put their cheek to mine to kiss, they'd comment. Makes you feel so icky. But I never got nauseous.

With chemo, I would take Phenergan (in '95) and for the major nausea Zofran. They may have newer stuff out there. Some anti nausea meds did not work on me. You have to find your match.

When pregnant, 1,000 yrs ago, I would eat saltines and drink ginger ale. Nausea is truly sucky, I know.

Hope you'll soon be back to an acceptably good normal!

Andi

04-27-2013, 05:25 PM	#6
Andrea Barnett Budin Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: LAND OF YES! w/home in Boca Raton, Florida Orig from L.I., N.Y. Ever hovering IN THE NOW... Posts: 1,904	Re: Effexor anyone??? Yes, Julie -- very important. Going off Effexor is a slow weaning process. Even though I was crazed by that drug (super forgetful, scattered, unable to focus, feeling like my knees were about to collapse) I had strict instructions on how to stop it. I live by my lists. Can't function without them. Have been like that forever. I smile, as my dghtrs used to tease me about that, and now -- they make lists -- in magic marker!! Amazed at your energy, yet you did crash, like the rest of us at a certain point w/tx. You will rally. I am sure. Oh the flashes are brutal. I would be dripping wet or at best clammy, not wanting people to shake my head, or knowing when they put their cheek to mine to kiss, they'd comment. Makes you feel so icky. But I never got nauseous. With chemo, I would take Phenergan (in '95) and for the major nausea Zofran. They may have newer stuff out there. Some anti nausea meds did not work on me. You have to find your match. When pregnant, 1,000 yrs ago, I would eat saltines and drink ginger ale. Nausea is truly sucky, I know. Hope you'll soon be back to an acceptably good normal! Andi __________________ Andi BB '95 post-meno dx Invasive LOBULAR w/9cm tumor! YIKES + 2/21 nodes. Clear mammo 10 mnths earlier. Mastec/tram flap reconst/PORT/8 mnths chemo (4Adria/8CMF). Borderline ER/PR. Tamoxifen 2 yrs. Felt BLESSED. I could walk and talk, feed and bathe myself! I KNEW I would survive... '98 -- multiple mets to liver. HER2+ 80%. ER/PR- Raging, highly aggressive tumors spreading fast. New PORT. 9 mnths Taxotere Fought fire w/fire! Pronounced in cautious remission 5/99. Taxotere weekly for 6 wks, 2 wks off -- for 9 mnths. TALK ABOUT GRUELING! (I believe they've altered that protocol since those days -- sure hope so!!) + good old Vit H wkly for 1st 3 yrs, then triple dosage ev 3 wks for 7 yrs more... The "easy" chemo, right?! Not a walk in the park, but not a freight train coming at 'ya either... Added Herceptin Nov '98 (6 wks after FDA fast-tracked it for met bc). Stayed w/Vit H till July '08! Now I AM FREE! Humbly and eternally grateful for this life-saving drug! NED since '99 and planning on keeping it that way. To hell w/poor prognosis and nasty stats! STOPPED VIT H JULY '08...! REMAIN STABLE... Eternally grateful...Yes is a world & in this world of yes live (skillfully curled) all worlds ... (e e cummings) EVERY DAY I BEAT MY PREVIOUS RECORD FOR # OF CONSECUTIVE DAYS I'VE STAYED ALIVE. Smile KNOWING you too can be a miracle. Up to me and God now...