Starting Chemo in May 07

Anonymous

My turn to check in...

Glad to hear your feeling well Sheree!

I was feeling great and now I'm not! It started yesterday - those same muscle aches and pains that you described Sheree - felt like I'd been beat up but mostly in my upper body, jaws, back of my head - the exact same way I felt after the anesthetic from surgery. Except, I also have a queasy stomach and eiter I have a cold or have sinus problems from the chemo (although I didn't read about that anywhere). I started my treatment with a cold and they said no problem - but now, I'm thinking - problem. My son also has a wicked cold so who knows maybe I got it from him? I was able to go for a walk yesterday (the rain finally cleared here) but it was sheer willpower that got me out - that and fear of gaining weight/losing fitness! So far, no fever (TOUCH WOOD) which is wonderful - but I feel sick that's for sure. I also bought a wig yesterday, so, so far, this hasn't been a stellar weekend for me...however, I know it could be worse so am trying to keep my chin up and my whining to a minimum.

For anyone wondering, I had chemo 1 on May 1st, so am 6 days post tx. I really hope I feel better soon because I can't imagine 4 and 1/2 months of this! I am positive it will get better - as I said, it could be that I have a cold too.

I hope everyone else is doing well - enjoy Sunday!

chemo072

Mandy - hoping it is a cold and that it'll resolve soon. In the mean time, have you called your onc's office? I was told to communicate, commmunicate, communicate every little thing, just b/c ya never know, they might have a way to make you more comfy. Hang in there!!

Are you taking compazine or something else for the queasiness?

Anonymous

Hi Amy,

No, no phone calls to the onc - we only have access to the Triage nurse from Mondays to Fridays between 8 am and 4:30pm. The labour shortage here means that there is no one willing to work the other hours. We were instructed to go to the hospital if we get a fever during those times! As I said, I don't have a fever so hopefully it's all okay. I will call tomorrow though if I don't feel better. I don't feel too nauseaus - mostly just not hungry and then when I don't eat, my stomach gets a little upset..it's mostly this headache/sinus pain and muscle aches...I think I may be feeling a little sorry for myself too and that certainly doesn't help much - especially if I'm trying not to cry - that makes my sinuses feel even worse!

I do have some other anti-nausea meds that I can take if I need it - so I'll be okay...I really do hope this is a cold and will only be temporary - not somethning to go through 5 more times!!

Oh well, I'm heading outside to putz in the yard and get some fresh air...maybe a change of attitude is the best thing I can have right now...I'm not usually a downer kind of person - I have felt so strong and positive throughout this so far but man, I am feeling sorry for myself today and it's NOT attractive!! I'll get out in the sun and blow some stink of myself and hopefully feel better.

Sorry for complaining but thanks for listening!

lnmshoes

Wow what a group! I too am starting chemo this month. I was diagnosed in Feb, R mast on 3/15. ER/PR+ Her2+ 2 of 12 pos nodes. Had the Muga, bone scan, CT scan - thank God no cancer anywhere else in my body. So here I go. it is so great read the shared experiences. This is a great tool. I am starting with 4 DD AC on 5/16 every other week followed by 4 DD Taxol. Will be starting Herceptin somewhere in there, not really clear when that starts yet.
My name is Mary, 45 years old. I am hoping to be able to work thru chemo fortunately my boss is very flexible and said to do what I can do and not push myself.
I am single, my daugher (20) just completed her first year in college so will be home this summer. I also have a 22 year old son who lives at home.

I think I have my shopping list ready of what to buy ahead of time. I got a wig at the American Cancer Society for free and a few head covers. What a great service!

Well it is going to be a challenging summer but if it kicks Cancer's butt it will be well worth it.

Blessings,
Mary

Anonymous

Welcome Mary - another comrade on this journey,

How is everyone else doing?

chemo072

I'm still nauseaous (sp?) and it's day 5. Yikes. Don't feel like myself at all, which is what I feared, but am slowly coming back to myself. But that all said, today is a better day than yesterday - at least I'm awake today and can get some stuff done! Yesterday all my body wanted to do was sleep.....and sleep some more, it was like a comatose being took me over....it all seems so surreal, and more than a little distant, like I'm on the outside looking in...Not to freak anyone out, I'm ok, but still, it's strange, KWIM?

cinrae123

Hi girls. Started chemo yesterday. The day was fine, I felt good. Last night I had the worst indigestion (actually had indigestion the night before too) and could not go to sleep last night. I was up till 4:30 and my hubby had one sleeping pill left from when he had some surgery , so took it and got in 4 hours of sleep. Then todayyyyyyyy got indigestion again,,,,,,,loss of appetite (food just looks gross to me), and some tightness in my chest, foggy in the head, and just a general blah feeling, like the flue. I felt so good yesterday after chemo, I thought,,,,,,wow, this is a piece of cake. HaHAHA. My doctor did call me today to see how i was doing so I gave her the low down. She said the indigestion and not being able to sleep was most likely from the decodron and it shall soon be out of my system. Guess this is the first week and it will give me an idea of how my body will react. Since I am doing it every week,,,,,,,,,is this was is to be expected every single week, or for those of you who are into this for a few weeks already,,,,,does it get better or is this how its gonna be? Sucks,,,,,,,,,,,,,,lol
Hope the rest of you gals are doing good. Please keep us informed.
Cindy

chemo072

day 6 started out really badly. A family friend's words, "communicate, communicate, communicate" came to mind so I called the onc. triage nurse and she had me come in for IV fluids and a magic anti nausea drug called kyril. Which has made the world a much better place, much less seasick. I was even able to eat lunch AND dinner, which is good since I'd lost 5 lbs since Thursday.

Anyways, just wanted to put this out there in case you all, like I, hadn't called your docs yet....I just expected to feel like crap, and apparently it wasn't necessary.

cyclepath

First time here...and starting my chemo regimen very soon -- in fact trying to start even sooner. Quite sure the port will go in and the chemo will start within 24 hours of that procedure. I was surprised it's actually considered to be a kind of surgery?! Gotta get through this all before my son's wedding. My chemo is 16 weeks total in two week cycles. First A/C; then Taxol and the start of Herceptin. It's right down to the wire with a second opinion this Friday...but I want to get this over with and get on with the rest of my life. So happy to hear it's usually less awful than we imagine. I have my up and down times and I declared last weekend a cancer-free weekend -- after all, it was cut out during the lumpectomy...and my doctors keep reminding me that I'm definitely not a sick person. I had a wonderful time being cancer-free...and now my time is full of work, planning a little different work schedule, dentist and hair appts, wig hunting, crying, laughing and the like. In between planning I'm terrified but not afraid to show it.
So glad all of you are here...what a wonderful gathering! I have often come to this site but usually left without talking. Now I can't help it...

Thanks for being here...

ocinny414

First time posting here. I too should start my chemo this month. Had the port placed last wednesday and a tooth pulled the same day (HINT: Dont do that, LOL), Had the CT and Bone density scans on Monday and will have the MUGA scan on Thursday then meet with my Onc on Friday. Hopefully Friday I will find out what drugs I'll be getting and my schedule. I'm scared of how the drugs are gonna affect me and if I'm going to be able to work.
Reading everything you all have posted has been a great help. I know I can do this and I keep on the brite side of things. I have a great and sometimes twisted sense of humor so that helps me get through the tough days.
Thanks for all the wonderful information, I'll post again when I know the schedule,
Cindy
Hey now there are 2 Cindy's in our May group.

Bernadine

Hi you all,
This is day 9 for me and guess what it's about time that nauseous thing is gone. Finally yesterday was better and today it's gone.

So AmyaM and Mandy hope you guy's it's gone by now. So for the next treatment I'm going to make sure that it's not going to happen again! It's hard to feel like that when you've never been sick before. But it's O.K. we're are going to kick some butt cancer there and out they go....
Getting 6 round of FEC and Taxol and 5 years of Tamoxifin.I've got 5 more to go,summer is going to be nice they say no need to be sick again.

And for all of you girl starting don't lose faith we're going to get out of this flying colors.

I'm from N.B. by the way and I'm 48 married great hubby and 2 kids.

IDC,19nodes-,ER/PR+,stage1,grade2,3.2cm,margin clear

Anonymous

Glad to hear you're feeling better Nadola!

I have had very little nausea (thankfully) those anti-nausea meds really worked for me! I did feel krappy on the weekend but I have been told it was due to my cold - of which there is now no doubt - I definitely have a cold - sneezing and snotty all over the place!
I still feel good though - everything feels normal to me - just waiting for the "Great Follicular Exodus" as CrystalKat put it!

I hope the next 5 treatments go as smoothly as this one has (so far). I also hope I can get rid of this cold since my WBC count is plummeting right around now. Hope everyone is doing well ...looks like JudyWI is up tomorrow? Sending positive thoughts - to all of you!

Happy Wednesday - hope the weather is great wherever you are!

cinrae123

ok,,,,,,,day 2,,,,,,,,,,,and i feel like crap. Called the dr and the indigestion and gastric upset (which was horrible last night), is most likely caused from the decadron. Cant sleep,,,,,,,,it just sucks. Went to the store today to get maalox and benadryl. I hope the entire 6 months isnt gonna be like this. No nausea,,,,,,,just no appetite.
Hope the rest of you are doing ok.
Cindy

NeoPat

Hi. I am scheduled to start chemo on May 23. 4 cycles of AC and then 4 cycles of Taxol. I'm getting a port put in on May 18.

I go to the chatroom a lot and read the Discussion Boards, but this is my first post.

Pat

chemo072

Quote:

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ok,,,,,,,day 2,,,,,,,,,,,and i feel like crap. Called the dr and the indigestion and gastric upset (which was horrible last night), is most likely caused from the decadron. Cant sleep,,,,,,,,it just sucks. Went to the store today to get maalox and benadryl. I hope the entire 6 months isnt gonna be like this. No nausea,,,,,,,just no appetite.
Hope the rest of you are doing ok.
Cindy

---

Cindy - right there with ya. So sorry you're feeling crappy - big hugs!! Do your docs have something to give you to help?

for me - seasick and no appetite. Told my banker what was going on - just the word chemo - and she looked at me and said "you have to eat." Ok, then, boy do I feel transparent. What the heck do I eat? Nothing sounds good.... Feel like I've run out of imagination.

What's the benedryl for and what do you do about indigestion/heart burn?

Pat welcome, so sorry you have to join us.

cinrae123

Amyam: Well because I havent slept in two days,,,,the benadryl is to help me sleep, And the indigestion and gastric upset I take two pepcid AC a day and for the next couple of days take maalox. I hear ya on the no appetite,,,,,,I'm not nauseated its just that absolutely nothing looks good, which could be because my gastric upset and all. I feel bloated. Just nothing looks appealing. I did make a frozen yogurt with strawberries shake tonight because I knew I needed a lil something. I just feel achey like I have the flue. I go every week and I cant imagine feeling like this for the entire 6 months. Will I feel better by the end of the week just in time to start up again? I sure hope it settles down,,,,,,,,,,,if not I may switch over to the every 3 week option. The doctor said it is caused from the decadron and that we all know we have to take every time before chemo. The achey is from the taxotere. OMG,,,,,,,,I am soooooooo not looking forward to these next 6 months.......I dont feel like myself,,,,,like I'm in a fog. Its awful. I hate this feeling. Anyone out there experiencing the same sort of thing,,,,,,,,,,and if so,,,,,,,,does it get better, meaning does your body get accustomed to all this crap? I'm sorry to be on such a downer,,,,but this just sucks. The actual day of chemo went great and I felt absolutely fine when I got home,,,,,then at night,,,,,all hell broke lose.
Good luck gals,,,,,,,,,and hope everyone is doing good.
Cindy

Bernadine

Hi there,
I'm pretty much the same crapy feelings that you have I didn't sleep for 4 days,the pills weared off and the 5th night I slept for at least 4 hours,that decadron boy it worked, fog,not yourself,sea sick and all, I just want to get out of this body and get my own back. I know what you feel trust me but it's day 9 and I don't have that nauseous anymore it stop yesterday. Hope you'll see the light again soon..
I'm on FEC for now and 5 more round. Had a mast on the 9-03-07 and chemo on the 30-04-07

IDC, 3.2cm,ER/PR+,19node-,stage1,grade2,margin clear

chemo072

Cindy - there are all sorts of great drugs to help with sleep - ambien is the most effective that I know of, I personally take lunesta. Getting really run down and not sleeping has to suck. What about ativan (lorazepam)? - that will help with sleep too

Just to compare notes, I'm taking a/c, and my docs gave me emends, compazine, decadron, ativan and just recently kytril. I also take wellbutrin (for fatigue, well guess what - I had cancer, no wonder), klonopin (in the morning, for anxiety) and lunesta for sleep.

Also, I got dehydrated and have gone in for IV fluids twice - it helped a lot both times.

Nadola, I don't feel like myself either, am not sure about continuing chemo actually - but my mom had dinner with a pharmacist tonight and he said that I have to talk to my oncologist, because maybe I'm not having a "normal" reaction. So in the morning I'll be the squeaky wheel and make the call again.

So, I'd be very curious for both of you what your oncs say - I was told that I don't have to live with bad side effects, yet I have been and the days are getting worse and not better, not what I expected at all.

For achiness, the nurses said that I might take Celebrex - but it's prescription. Or maybe that was for achiness following neulasta. In any case, I'm not terrible achy.

But the back of my throat keeps doing weird tightening things? Is that the beginning of a sore or something? Off to eat ice chips.

Sorry to be so talkative everyone - I run another support group board (www.liverfamilies.net) and we are as tenacious as all get out in getting problems addressed....

Hugs!!

maryimh

Thank you so much Mandy for keeping track of all of us. I introduced myself a couple days before my treatment (4/27)and then dropped off the face of the earth. How awful of me !!! I got so wrapped up in getting my daughter ready for prom and her band trip. I guess it was kind of a good thing that my schedule was so full. But I feel terrible that I didn't check in and let everyone know how my first treatment went. I know how much we crave info from each other. I promise I'll be better.

My treatment day went much like how others have said in previous posts. Kind of uneventful, when you consider how much research all of us have done before we even get there. (We rock!!) I got my blood test (counts were good), anti-nausea med, and ativan before they even started the chemo. I don't care much for the ativan, made me real dopey. I'm going to request they don't give it to me this Friday. I too was there for about 3 hours all together. That night I had a diminished appetite, but I ate anyway. Overall I was kinda speedy for a couple days. (like you're on cold medicine)I had the Neulasta shot the next morning, Saturday. By Sunday night I was achy, like I slept on the couch wrong. I had some nausea, but nothing that the prescribed meds didn't take care of. I'm 2 days away from my second treatment and I have to say that the first couple days were the worst of it. At least for the first treatment, if you can make it thru the first 72 hours you're golden. I know, I know, it will get more difficult. But hey, I'm rather pleased with this first one. Embarrassed to say, but I've had worse hangovers. lol.

I'm fighting a nasty cold right now, but I knew that I would be at risk for viruses because I take public transportation to work, and I have small kids in school.

Anyone had problems with blurred vision, contacts not fitting, can't see out their glasses, etc....? I'm not sure if it's because I'm sick, or what????

Went to the Look Good Feel Better class on Wednesday. My girlfriend teaches it. She's a 7-year survivor and she's awesome. I had to make sure to attend her class. I was the youngest one there and I was the only one who still had her hair. It was an eye-opener for me. I know in my head that I'm going to lose my hair and "look" like I have (had) cancer, but seeing all these ladies that day made it a reality. I was a little rattled.

Good luck to all who are going thru their treatments this week. My next round is Friday. I will check back with everyone this weekend sometime. Take care all. Much love.

NeoPat

<<The rest of this post is only if you want details about the actual treatment today.>>

Just today I was thinking that I wished that I knew the details. Thank you.

Pat

NeoPat

If i understood him correctly, my onc. said that I only have to take decadron with the Taxol. Hope that is right since it sounds like it will save me a lot of grief.

Pat

Anonymous

Mary,

Don't apologize for living your life instead of being on this board! (I think I should try not reading this board for a whole day to see if I can do it!!!) Good for you that you're doing well and congratulations on your daughter's grad! How exciting!

I have a nasty cold right now too but am glad to know it's not a side effect from the chemo and hopefully won't have to have a cold for the next 3 and 1/2 months!!

Pat, I took decadron and didn't have Taxol (I'm doing 6 X FEC). My side effects from it weren't bad at all (touch wood)I was just thankful the anti nausea meds worked so well for me!

Take care everyone - hope you're all well!

StefH

Hi May girls! I was on the December thread, and I finished chemo in March. I just wanted to lend support and let you know that it does get so much worse and then so much better! I did dose dense AC and then Taxol, and I actually looked forward to the Taxol infusions because it was worlds better than the AC. I had low WBC's, pneumonia, thrush down my esophagus . . . you name it, I had it. Now I can't even remember how bad I felt.

So just remember this - when you think you can't take it anymore and you want to quit, repeat to yourselves that it will get better. You will have hair again. You will have energy again. You will not be sick forever. You are warriors. :-)

DebbieK

This is a great group! I also am starting my chemo in May. I had a lumpectomy in March followed by a mastectomy on May 2nd. Tomorrow I go to the chemo dr. to get my schedule for 4 months of chemo. They say I will get 6 1/2 weeks of radiation after the chemo.

I am 56 years old, 3 kids all grown, husband and a bulldog named Belle.

I hope to work throughout. I am fortunate to have an employer who is flexible and I can always bring my computer home to work when I need to.

I am nervous about starting the treatment and really appreciate all of the information you folks have shared about your experiences.

I will check in again after I get my dates.

Take care, Debbie

Lorain

Hi, everyone! I'm a May girl also; getting my port Monday, May 14th then the first dense dose chemo A/C on Wednesday. I had bilat mast on April 19th; doing OK except I still have the drains in and am anxious to get them out. I'm a school media specialist, so this every 2 weeks treatment will work out well for that. I'm going to pick up my wig tomorrow...I agree it sounds hot in the summer, but the newer ones aren't as bad. I'm ready to get this going...I'll have rads after chemo...not sure I can do that while working at the school...does anyone know? I also had tissue expanders put in, so am starting the fills soon. I'm very thankful for this forum...it's so interesting to read about all of you and reassuring that I'm not alone.

DX 2-22-07 IDC ER+/PR- HER2- left tumor 11 cm; right 4.5 cm no nodes

Anonymous

Welcome Debbie and Lorain!

What a large group we've turned out to be!

Stefanie - thanks for your encouraging words! It's nice to know that people do in fact come out on the other side just fine!! I'm all about positive and encouraging news so thanks for providing that!

CrystalKat - I saw in your other post that you've been in hospital - I am so sorry to hear that! I hope you're feeling better soon and that your next treatment goes MUCH smoother!

A couple of days ago, I had a friend drop in for a visit (nice) who, after about half an hour mentioned (casually) that she had just been diagnosed with STREP throat!!!! I freaked a little and then she mentioned she'd been on anitbiotics for about a week so she should be fine - and besides, I could only get it from her if we shared a straw or something. Holy Cow! I don't care if she thought I was over reacting, I definitely do NOT need to be around someone who is just getting over a strep infection - especially since I was at day 9 - my lowest for neutrophils!!

So far, I still have hair (day 10) and hope to keep it til after Mother's Day...I've heard it's more likely to come out after day 14 but you never know! Oh well, it's appropriate to wear a hat for Mother's Day brunch!

Hope everyone's feeling well and taking good care of themselves.

Looks like Mary and Lorain are up next on the 16th.

Louise- Happy 30th Birthday (May 11th right?)

Have a good night everyone!

NeoPat

StefH, thank you for your encouraging words. Even hearing how bad it can be is good to know.

Mandy, ack! on your friend with strep throat. That would freak me out.

Welcome to DebbieK and Lorain.

For those of you who have started already, are there any foods that you found you could eat and would recommend that I have on hand?

Also can someone tell me how to make a signature? Thanks.

Pat

nosurrender

hi Girls,
I had my second infusion on Wednesday. I did pretty well.
I got my nuelasta shot yesterday and it is kicking in- I HATE that thing.
My hair is really starting to come out now so tonight I am getting my GI Jane buzz cut and my wig.
I think this might be a two-xanax day!!!

chemo072

Quote:

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hi Girls,
I had my second infusion on Wednesday. I did pretty well.
I got my nuelasta shot yesterday and it is kicking in- I HATE that thing.
My hair is really starting to come out now so tonight I am getting my GI Jane buzz cut and my wig.
I think this might be a two-xanax day!!!

---

Hey no surrender, last night, realizing that I'd been given decadron in an IV YET AGAIN (why don't they tell me these things BEFORE they do it????) I remembered what a gift xanax is. Do our docs realize how much it takes to come down off the steroids??

and the neulasta - I've felt so crappy overall, how do you identify what's the neulasta and what's the chemo? How can you tell?

sherry35

Hello everyone, and welcome to our newcomers. Sorry you had to join us.
First I would like to thank everyone for being so candid with their experiences. It can't be easy to do this, but it is great for those of us who come after you to have the knowledge of your journey.
I finally have some dates. I had my MUGA scan and ECG today, I have my port put in on Monday, May 14, and will have first round of A/C with Epirubicin on the following Friday or Monday.
I'm scared sh$#less, but feel empowered with all of the information that I have. I feel prepared mostly due to the information I got here ( biotene, soft toothbrush, wig, etc.) so thank you.
Wishing you all strength and power and prayers.
Wishing courage for myself to get through the first one.
Good luck everyone.
Cheers,
Sherry