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Andrea Barnett Budin · 04-08-2008, 01:02 PM

Hey Flori in La La Land! I just wanted to share my experience, for whatever it's worth. I truly wish I had easy remedies for your woes, but here's what I think.

When I was on Taxotere/Herceptin my fingertips hurt (among many other more awful side effects). I thought that was weird. It was crazy. Then, soon after, my nails all turned Goth. Black and creepy looking. Then my nails began to lift from the nail bed (all 10, on my hands only) and an oozy crust was evident under the raised nails. I had pain in my hands and neuropathy which basically meant I seemed to drop everything I picked up (involuntarily). Good mandatory exercise for me who resists -- bending, stretching and cleaning up what fell every ten minutes.

I would wake up with the bottoms of feet feeling like I had been walking on hot coals all night. Serious creams and Vaseline (w/socks) seemed to mitigate this.

This went on throughout my 8 mnths of Taxotere, and beyond. The Taxotere did bring my ca into remission (obviously the GOOD news) slowly but surely, so I just endured all the rest, as the price I had to pay (which is the BAD news). At times I had to resort to Roxicet to relieve the pain. Meditation helped keep me sane and centered.

What I wish for you is REMISSION and a tango with Ned. God knows you deserve this as you have been through so much crap and have earned such status to be sure!

The Herceptin I remain on (from Nov '98 to present!!!!!!!!!!) has only effected my energy level. Whereas, you Morning Glory, seem to have fabulous strength (physically, psychologically and spiritually). I can't tell you how much I admire the woman you are!

Stay close to the Light my sweet. God is with you, and within you. Connect w/your sacred Spirit, at your core, and let it guide and empower you. I know you are open to such wisdom, Flori. May it come to bless your life. Sending you loving, healing energy. Remember -- you are never alone. Never. Teachers and Guardian Angels walk with you. They are just over your shoulder...

BIG HUGS, Andi

04-08-2008, 01:02 PM	#2
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	Flori, Flori, Morning Glory... Hey Flori in La La Land! I just wanted to share my experience, for whatever it's worth. I truly wish I had easy remedies for your woes, but here's what I think. When I was on Taxotere/Herceptin my fingertips hurt (among many other more awful side effects). I thought that was weird. It was crazy. Then, soon after, my nails all turned Goth. Black and creepy looking. Then my nails began to lift from the nail bed (all 10, on my hands only) and an oozy crust was evident under the raised nails. I had pain in my hands and neuropathy which basically meant I seemed to drop everything I picked up (involuntarily). Good mandatory exercise for me who resists -- bending, stretching and cleaning up what fell every ten minutes. I would wake up with the bottoms of feet feeling like I had been walking on hot coals all night. Serious creams and Vaseline (w/socks) seemed to mitigate this. This went on throughout my 8 mnths of Taxotere, and beyond. The Taxotere did bring my ca into remission (obviously the GOOD news) slowly but surely, so I just endured all the rest, as the price I had to pay (which is the BAD news). At times I had to resort to Roxicet to relieve the pain. Meditation helped keep me sane and centered. What I wish for you is REMISSION and a tango with Ned. God knows you deserve this as you have been through so much crap and have earned such status to be sure! The Herceptin I remain on (from Nov '98 to present!!!!!!!!!!) has only effected my energy level. Whereas, you Morning Glory, seem to have fabulous strength (physically, psychologically and spiritually). I can't tell you how much I admire the woman you are! Stay close to the Light my sweet. God is with you, and within you. Connect w/your sacred Spirit, at your core, and let it guide and empower you. I know you are open to such wisdom, Flori. May it come to bless your life. Sending you loving, healing energy. Remember -- you are never alone. Never. Teachers and Guardian Angels walk with you. They are just over your shoulder... BIG HUGS, 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...