For those starting chemo in June

PJB

Hi guys,

Went in today for number 2. No nausea yet, but I seem a lot more tired this time. I guess it's because I'm not sleeping well.

Schoolmarm, sounds like a dream vacataion to me. I hear those Alabama beaches are beautiful.

I'm getting one Neulasta shot this time around instead of the 8 Neupogen, so I'm hoping to get away for a couple days. My mom's coming down from Wisconsin to baby me for 3 weeks. (well, we'll see about that, i guess)

Hair coming out in strands, too. I'm hoping it'll hang on for a few days. Does it hurt pretty bad before it all coes clumping out?

You guys all sound like you're doing pretty well, let's keep it up.

janie44

Sevenly,

My WBC was 1.4 and something else (not sure what) was .1 . It also had to do with white counts. I had a sore throat and was placed on antibiotics etc.

My chemo was changed to Tuesday. Monday, I have an MRI brain scan, a follow-up with the PS, and blood draw from the port.

Tuesday, I see the oncologist and have the chemo.

Friday, I have a consult with a neurologist.

Unfortunately, I live two and 1/2 hours away. I was hoping these would all be on the same day.

Janie

Tine

Hi there,
the last two days I have been feeling really great. Was even able to work in my yard. But find that the tired feeling can come on quickly.
Still got pimples like crazy:)
I have a question, is there any one else on the CEF besides Belinda and myself???
Would like to compare.
So when does the hair start to come out? I keep yanking it and so far nothing. It's been 10 days since my first treatment. Find this most nerve wrecking.
How is everyone else doing??? Most of you are on No. 2 already.
Am thinking about all of you and hope that you all continue to do well.

Hugs

christine

lizzie_cee-2004Mar28

Hi Christine - I was on FEC chemo last year, 6 sessions every 3 weeks. My hair didn't fall out as I had the Packman Cold Cap. It thinned after the 2nd session, and gradually got thinner so you could just see my scalp on top, but never came out completely. The cold cap treatment lengthens the session by one and a half hours, but it was worth it to keep my hair - it was the summer and too hot to wear a wig.
Hugs, Liz.

Cathy_34

Hi girls...
Wow...it just makes me nuts and so damn mad how many of us have to be here. Cancer SUCKS!

Well, today is day 5 for me. I had my Chemo (A/C) on Monday the 21st. I found out I'm allergic to Zofran so they switched me to Kytril. I felt OK on Monday night...alittle sleepy. Tues I woke up nauseaus (I have a foggy head so spelling isn't going to be so great today). I took my Emend and then the Decadron and felt better. Slept for a couple of hours and then went back to Dr for my Neulasta shot. They were pretty amazed at how good I looked. Then on Wed., I woke feeling pretty good...shocked concidereing it was Day 3 and I was told Day 3 and 4 would be the worst. I took my Emend and Decadron again and went about my business. Well at 2pm, it struck. I was nasueaus (I obvioulsly can't spell this word today). I took Kytril and a 2 hour nap and woke feeling a little better. Yesterday I felt OK. Only had to take the Decadron. Today I am at work....but I feel very foggy. Drove 20 miles - not sure if that was the smartest thing, but I kept my speed at 60 and far distance from other cars. I have absolutely no taste buds. And I'm starting to get a sore in my mouth. I've been rinsing with saline made of water and baking soda (or powder - can't remember which one). I feel decent. Not my 150% I normally give, but I'd say I can function at about 80%. My heart was racing like nuts the first night...I called the Dr at 11pm. They said it;s the steroids (Decadron) which I stopped taking yesterday. If this is how I'll feel for the next 7 treatments...I can handle it. To me anything is worth being cancer free for the rest of my life! My Dr says my hair should fall out on the 19th day after treatment started. I guess that's around July 9th. I will cut/buzz it with my husband. I can't be tortured with the slow falling out.
That's it for now.
God bless and watch over us all!
--Love, Cathy34

Cathy_34

Janie,
Just saw your post about the MRI brain scan. What's that about? MY onc. wants me to get one also. She says she's 100% sure I don't have brain cancer, but my dumb breast tumor has traits that are similar to breast cancers that spread to the lungs and brain. And she has to follow up to be sure. Nice!
--Cathy34

janie44

Tine - Mine started coming out in strands on day 13 and I had it cut in a short pixie. Today is day 19 and it came out in clumps in the shower this morning. If I tug, it comes out. I could "snatch myself bald" if I sat and pulled on it. I guess the time has come for the great buzz-saw.

PJB - It doesn't hurt at all. When I pull it, it comes out in my hand and I do not even feel it.

Cathy - They are doing a brain scan because I developed a tremor after surgery and it got worse after the port insertion. The PS thinks it may have been the anesthesia. Anyway, I am scheduled for a scan and a neuro consult. It seems that every time I have something done, it leads to something else. My echo is fine for chemo, but there was some aortic stenosis, so you guessed it, now I have to see a cardiologist for something that I have probably had all my life since I have had a heart murmur since age 4.

shelliks

Janie, I'm having second A/C on Tuesday too. As far as the hair thing, I did Taxotere from October to January so all I have is fuzz. The fuzz started coming out this morning on day 17. I'm used to it so no trauma for me!

Is it August 10 yet????

mzsandy

Hello Ladies,

10 days after my 1st A/C and had my checkup today. My counts were a little low so they gave me the Procrit and want to check me again in 5 days. (even though I was really feeling pretty good???) Told me to not eat any raw fruits or vegetables in the next 5 days also. Of course to stay away from really sick people as well.

I am curious about the period also. Haven't started mine yet - but if I do, does that mean I am not lucky enough to pushed into menopause? I would love to get rid of periods!

Hugs to all. . .

Sandy

Tine

How would I know that my blood cell count is low, if they don't test until the day before the next chemo??? Makes more sense to check inbetween and then give shots to counteract instead of delaying the next treatment. Oh well here is hoping.

Good luck to you all

Christine

ncbeachlover

Tine,
I get mine done every week, here for WBC, CBC and something else...can't remember, but the day of treatment, I go in early and have additional liver tests before he does the infusion.

This is day two for me...I guess I'm the new girl on the block. I hope I can sleep tonite. Steroids do that to me. Then I woke up at 4:30 this morning....about twelve hours or so since I got the drugs IV, sick as a dog, and throwing up until there was no more. The instructions on the bottle said to start taking it on the 2nd and 3rd day, every twelve hours. I guess the stuff wears off in that length of time. I can also take Phenergan every 6 hours. Not so expensive, but makes me a little tired.

What is everyone doing for the neverending headache? I still have some Percocet, but it and regular tylenol are just not getting it. I wish I could have my good old Excedren, but that's on my banned list.

Oh, well....it's a long journey, and I've barely got my feet wet. And no chocolate or coffee? Don't know if I can do that. I drink decaf, but I have to have an occasional chocolate fix. Did wonders for my pity parties!

Oh well, enjoy your weekend!
What a way to enjoy my anniversary!

B :-)

MaryKB

Well, its taken me all week to read all the June threads from all you wonderful ladies. I had my first A/C on Monday and felt ok just because they had given me 5 antinausea drugs. The goal is not to have any n/v at all. I did have a killer headache though that Tylenol wouldn't touch. I also have kept drinking my coffee; such a small pleasure I didn't want to give up. Until today; day 5 when I woke up with an unsettled stomach and my headache. I still went to work but had to come home after 2 hours and slept all day. I am trying to eat food that tastes good but as soon as I eat it, it tastes yuky. Ice cream tastes very good.

Daffy, I am a MT but do not have any patient contact. My onc said I should stay away from patient anyway if I want to work. I live in WA state. Any one else?
Mary

Tine

ok,
in regards to the WBC when do you all get checked?? My blodd work isn't until the day before chemo. It seems that you guys get more checks inbetween.
And I got my period. Anything I should worry about that one?? Was hoping it wouldn't come but oh well, it is here now.
So i guess there aren't too many who are getting the CEF. Bummer I really would have like to compare symptoms etc.
Well, feel tired today. I guess I over did it yesterday a wee bit.
You have a great day. Will be thinking of you.
Isn't this an amazing place?? I am still at owe to the fact that most of my support comes off line. you guys rock. Wish we wouldn't have to go through this crap so. Hugs to all of you

Christine

Dawnt

Christine,with my 1st chemo I had bloodwork done on the 10th day.I just had my 2nd chemo on Monday & he said I dont need to come back till my next chemo.I guess it matters how your counts are.

Tine

Mary,
funny I enjoyed the ice cream as well. I still have coffee but stayed clear off it the first few days as my tummy was a bit off. The yucky feeling for food will stop. It was around day 6/7 that food started to taste ok again.

Christine

mary1220

Hi girls, Wondering how PJB and Lee are doing.Great to hear tine is doing good and Pjb's test were clear.I had the #2 and not so good. I think this stuff just doesn't agree with me. Cut my hair with sissors as was making me sick just falling out all over.My scalp in back of my head hurts something awful. Maybe its my head I don't know anymore.My sense of smell is soo exagerated everything makes me sick to smell cause it doesn't smell like it use to including my house.Nothing taste good.It should get better this is day 5.Well good luck girls I have to shower then no doubt nap.Mary

PJB

Hi guys. Well, Day 3 after No. 2, and like last time I feel like I have the flu. I'm hoping tomorrow will be better.

I got a shot of Neulasta this time instead of having the 8 shots of Neupogen. Had my hair cut REAL short today. I couldn't quite get it buzzed. My 6-year-old informed me I have a VERY square head, but he agreed I don't have to wear a wig around the house. THAT's a relief.

Mary, I know what you mean about smells. We made some scrambled eggs the other day and I had to flee the kitchen...

Good to have you guys here to talk to. Hope something will help all our aches, pains and whatnot as we beat this stuff.

Dawnt

day 4 after 2nd treatment & I have heartburn & really dont feel like eating.This time I did make sure I rested more.I feel tired alot.The burping is driving me nuts!!

Dawnt

Christine,after my 2nd treatment hair still not all gone.I did buzz cut my hair but I thought by now it will all have fallen out.It has just really thinned.I know this time they gave me ice chips when they gave me my chemo to help stop mouth sores.She said it helped the circulation in your mouth.I havent had mouth sores yet.Good luck!!

Tine

Hi all,
all the ladies who had their second treatment, I hope you are doing fine.
Does anybody's teeth hurt??? Mine started to do that two days ago and I think I am getting mouth sores. Great. I thought I was homefree
What are you guys using for mouth washes. And it has to be something else than baking soda or salt as this just makes me gag to no end. Tried it. So far have been taking melaleuca toothpaste and club soda water to gurgle. Guess it didn't cut the mustard (what kind of expression is that anyways?? Wonder where that came from?)
Other than that doing fine. Hair is still hanging in there but further south starting to fall out.
Hubby was shocked to hear that most of my body hair may be gone. Does anybody know how much hair we are loosing?? Eye brows, lashes, under arm, leg hair (please say yes to that so I don't have to shave anymore, some good thing gotta come out of this
Well just thought I check about the teeth thing.
Oh I just have to share this with you. Sorry for rambling on here.
It was our anniversary yesterday (17 years) so we went to Edmonton to the Farmers market ( so much for avoindg crowds of people) There was a lady there selling hats. Really cool ones, very lady like and then some "different" looking ones. Anyhow i told her about my chemo and she said:" oh, thanks for telling me that. I have a programm here that helps woman going through chemo getting a hat for free!!!" Turns out she has formed some organization that is trying to raise funds for cancer patients, especially kids and woman, to get head gear for free. One lady in BC donated enough money so 200 woman in our region can get a free hat ($25 worth)
So I got me a two piece hat (can interchange with other hats, a single hat and I will go back to her and get sleep wear. She is home based. She has a web site if anyone is interested. The pictures don't do the hats justice so. Email me and I send you the info. I was pleased. Started crying on the spot. Scared hubby who came running. tried to tell him about the free hat. Couldn't. He just grinned the "that's my honey grin" and they lady had to fill him in.
It really made my day. After that we went to a BBQ, then went to another set of friends for ice cream and had a great time in our back yard. I had all the comfort food one can eat (ice cream, ice cream and ice cream)
Sorry for the lenght but I just had to share.
Have a great day.

Hugs

Christine

mary1220

Hi Christine, I am on day 6 after #2. I had mouth sores last week after #1 then noticed white spots so called onc. cause I new I had yeast. Onc gave me med. and everything cleared up in three days.My hair is thinned out a lot. I cut it short but some is still hanging on like a loose tooth.Yes our legs wont need shaved for a while thank goodness!!My underarms are pretty sparse and south of the boarder. Good luck girls, hugs, mary

Caroline_T

Hi All - I am so glad to have found this board. I was diagnosed with breast cancer a little over a month ago.
I had my first round of chemo (A/C) on June 8th. Did pretty good. They gave me some anti nausea medication before hand and then Zofran to take after that. It did work but I did get some headaches. Had some stomach cramps the first week and half - that I did not like. Hair did good until this past week while I was away on vacation with the family and friends. It just started coming out in strands, then more and more. I knew it was going happen but when it did I cried. By the time I got home Sat I had my husband buzz me. I couldn't take the hair falling out everywhere. I felt like a dog shedding.
Anyway I start my second treatment tomorrow - oh yipee. So far I am doing okay - a bit depressed but okay.
You all take care and I will talk to you all soon.

PJB

Caroline, Good luck with No. 2! I think it really helps to just take it a day at a time. I'm with you on being a little depressed sometimes, but don't let it drag you down. You sound like you have a good attitude toward fighting this.

Any of you guys taking any special supplements? Do they help with the energy any? I've heard about that Coenzyme Cq10 or something, but it looks to be pretty pricey. I find myself just drained this time around.

ncbeachlover

Hi June Bugs!

It's day 5 for me after first CEF, and I'm feeling little more tired today. I probably overdid it. It was my anniversary and my grandson's 10th birthday this weekend, and I have had houseguests, my girls for the last 4 days...they are helping out, so it hasn't been too bad. I just felt I could sleep forever this morning and I have the shakes really bad. Quivery feeling in my stomach...driving me crazy.

Yesterday a little and finally this morning, at 4AM the laxatives etc finally kicked it. I was miserable yesterday, and didn't eat much....no more room, therefore no more appetite. I used the stool softeners from the get go, and I drink constantly. I have to, because of the diaretic he started me on....constantly thirsty. Or is it the chemo? Do you think it is causing the shaky feeling? As for the other problem, I finally had to use some Ducolax....like I would if I was having a colonoscopy!!! I wanted to get cleaned out....oh but the cramps...yuck.

Anyone have any ideas about the shakes, and ideas for better preparation for next time? I'm still taking an occasional Percocet and some muscle relaxants for the charlie horse cramps in my arm, so I know that's not helping to move things along.

B :-)

PS. Christine, don't worry, I have had the same reaction, crying when people do such nice things for me. I'd like her website if you'll post it for us. Can't have too many hats...you should see the stock pile I'm getting..alot of WalMart, quite a few donations, and an occasion splurge....all to be ready in about 10 days or so, I guess.

Tine

Ok, I went in for my nutrional class today.
Was anybody told, whose tumor was homanal driven, to stay away from soy and any legumes that mimic estrogen in our body??
I am a vegetarian and all my protein comes from soy and beans. So I am kind of in a pickle here.
I haven't been a vegetarian for long. For about 1 1/2 years. I wouldnt' have a huge problem going back to eating meat. Would still feel bad but if this can save my cancer from every coming back, you bet ya I go back to the meat.
Just wanted to know what you guys were told.

And to let you know, the shedding had begun by this morning and we just finished getting my hair all buzzed off. Looks like a bad imitaiton of GI Jane. I cried a wee bit. But now that it's actually done, I almost feel relieved. and yes hubby's beard and moustache is off too. He looks so cute. I have never seen him without the moustache.


Christine

mzsandy

Hello Ladies,

Sunday - day 12 after my first A/C and strands and strands are coming out. My scalp itches and hurts at the same time. I am getting it buzzed this Saturday.

It hurts to do anything with my hair so today I wore my wig to work. I like it better than my real hair! hahahaha!

I hope the leg hairs go too!

Hugs to all - have a great day!

-Sandy

janie44

Hi All,

Well, today is AC number 2. My appointments have been scattered throughout the week. I did labs, follow-up with PS, and MRI brain scan yesterday. The technician was sweet and asked if I minded removing my turban. She and the nurse were the only ones there so it was ok. I am newly bald and not used to being hairless yet. I wore a turban under a hat and had removed the hat but was waiting until I got into the room to remove the turban. I see the neurologist Friday to find out if anything showed up (MRI) about the tremor I now have.
Belinda, maybe this is like your shakes (?).


I see the onc today and then do the chemo. I got up nauseated for some reason and went ahead and took Kytril. I don't know if I should have since they are going to give me anti-nausea meds via IV's and I start the EMEND one hour prior to chemo. But I didn't want to go in already nauseated.

I love my port. It has made all this so much easier. They accessed it twice yesterday and will again today. She left the needle in overnight so I don't have to get stuck again. I still do my labs locally. The technicians there are not port certified and the nurses are always busy, so they still do it the old fashioned way -- a real hassle.

Have a good day ladies!

rlswkndr

Yesterday was #2 A/C for me. SO far no nausea, but was more proactive with the Lorazepam since she said it would help me sleep better after the steriods. Had a good meal last night while food still tastes good! I will try more of the fluid suggestions from all of you since water is getting too boring.
I get my WBC done every week. On the 23rd it was still very low and probably would have had to postpone Chemo, but I had delayed it the the 28th anyway so we could go to a country music weekend festival. We had an awesome time and it was good to forget about 'reality' for a few days. Had to be careful what I ate (fresh fruit and veges) and stayed away from anyone that looked like they were coughing.
I enjoy reading all the posts and makes me aware I am not alone- unfortunately there are too many of us going thru this.

mary1220

Hi All you Junies,Its day 7 after #2a/c. Feeling pretty good just get kinda wore out and have to rest a little. Have worked 2 days and cooking for us and mother-in-law as shes having trouble with knees.Have thrush again so using med. It makes everything taste bad, darn food was just getting to taste good again oh well, it will taste good maybe a day before #3.Two more of these bad boys to go then the taxol.Hope its better but I wont count on it.Got big bald spots now.I wear my bandana and ball caps.Wore my wig once and when I got home realized it was on crooked. (I had shoulder length hair so wig is same but no highlights in wig.)I don't think anyone would of noticed. People do look at me and I find it annoying a little cause when I look at them they hurry and look away.I just keep thinking I want to live to be old.Hugs all, Mary

ncbeachlover

Hi ladies!

Went back to work today...day 6. Only took Thurs, Fri and Mon. off. Except for the effects of the prolonged constipation on Monday, I didn't feel too bad and probably could have worked (light duty...ofc work, etc) Except we have decided to buy a new home, and we went to talk to the builder. I'm so excited! No 20 or 30 yr old paint to scrape, etc. We've never had a new home, so this is a big deal to me. It's supposed to be finished by the end of July. Then I'll be moving.

Am I crazy or what...gosh everything happening at one time, and you don't even know the half of it. Anyway, with interest rates rising, etc, it makes sense, but I will be between sessions 3 & 4 during that month. I hope I don't give out, and I intend on working as much as I can. At least I received more donated leave....now up to 277 hours. Isn't that wonderful? I've been "campaigning" hard, so it's paying off. It'll take the pressure off in the later months of treatment, then surgery.

Today wasn't too bad, except I'm using my arm too much and I had to use my cold pack under my pit that felt like it was swelling. By the end of the day I had a cramp in the back of my arm, and had to take something for pain for the short drive home.

My arm isn't really swelling, but all that skin the surgeon left for reconstruction gets so tight and sore at times. Do you think I'm getting "breast lymphadema"? My doctor wrote an Rx for a sleeve, but I don't think it will do me any good for this. I'm going to talk to my supv. at work tomorrrow and make other arrangements for my "light" duty. What I'm doing envolves too much repetitious arm work, and I can change to another department, which might work out better in the long run.

Well, I'm off for some dinner with my daughter, then to Lowes to look at some goodies for the house. I just want to feel normal and have something positive going on in my life right now!

Hugs to All
B :-)