I hope you get answers today Andrea, maybe someone else out there has had these symptoms. (Halooooo out there) Taxotere sounds like a nightmare, wish they could just give you that joy juice that you had for port thing...but then I guess you wouldn't be able to function (maybe half joy juice?)
Will stay tuned.

Andrea...I just was directed to your website from a friend who lives in Lusaska and is fighting rectal cancer that has metasticized to other parts of his body. His battle is incredible, both in scope and results. You and I are almost exactly on the same path. I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in late October and on March 2nd had my fifth treatment of chemo...taxotere. I will be operated on after my 6th treatment...as one of my lymph nodes was so large the surgeon felt it would be better to shrink it to avoid potential nerve damage. All my lymph nodes on my left side are coming out. Anyhow...I have perused your site and see that your children have a Baba and Zaida. Are you Jewish and have you had genetic testing? I have just been confirmed as having the BRCA II mutation, which has further implications beyond the breasts. I'd be more than happy to tell you what I know so far...as I have only got this information last Thursday. And by the way...my nails and fingertips are so painful. Has that happened to you? (Next treatment I am soaking them in cold water as recommended by my oncologist. The last treatment I wanted so badly to just knit I passed on it...big mistake I think). Also the one big cosmetic indulgence I've made is expensive face cream...Elizabeth Arden. My face feels great. The rest of my body is covered in a rash and is gross however....anyhow I don't know where you are in Canada. But please feel free to contact me anytime....my email is [email]. Thanks for the writing about what so many of us are going through.

Hi Sonya,

Nice to meet you, too bad about the circumstances.

We met with the oncologist this morning, and she just shrugged and said "I told you taxotere would be bad". I did do the ice on fingers and toes and my fingers have been fine (my feet suffered badly the first week). I do recommend the ice.

I don't qualify for genetic testing and have decided not to pay for it myself, since I don't have any breast cancer in my family -- other than me.

Thanks for your contact info. I'm in Ottawa.

Wishing you a swift, smooth and permanently successful treatment. Hoping to speak with you again soon,
Andrea