Starting Chemo February 2009?

living4today

Jdking,

Re: port, yes you do need to have it flushed every month...this will keep the lines open.  I went to the infusion center and they drew my labs out of port and flushed at the same time.  Once we start chemo, they will be flushing the port with each use.  Re: coumadin, were you on this before your port placed?  Have they found a new medical problem?  Typically coumadin is used to keep your blood a bit thinner, but it should have nothing to do with port.  (unless there are other underlying medical questions.)  Good luck!

KerryMac

Webwriter, sorry about the puking...I puked too, after my first round, and no, it is no fun.

ALSO, the nausea meds make you constipated, I started taking Sennalax too late, and had an awful time the first week. That is something really worth keeping on top of.

webwriter

Ditto KerryMac on that! I didn't pre-empt the constipation either and I'm SORRY!!!

MicheleS

Webbie~ What are you taking for the nausea?  I (mistakenly, I guess) thought that the nausea *only* lasted for a few days?  If you are taking the nausea meds all of the time, how in the hell are you supposed to know when/if you can quit taking them??  And... meds for constipation... should I start them the day of chemo??  I'm getting really nervous...  I'm sorry you aren't feeling well.  I hope you are better soon.

Jdking~  Some MDs give coumadin when you get a port but I think it depends on the type of port (and your surgeon).  I asked about blood-thinners and my surgeon says that he doesn't use them for ports.

Mom_of_boys

I'd like to also know about what is best for the constipation and when to start them.  After my ovary removal and lumpectomy, the doctors didn't give me anything.  And, YES... it got to be a problem.

susan13

Hey Ladies,
Well day 6 and I made it into work today.  Still didn't sleep that great last nite, my 2 year old woke up at 1am and I had to bring her into my bed and she is the squirmiest sleeper around!  Even took 2 tylenol pm's again, but not much sleep.   Woke up with the worst cotton mouth ever, I feel like my tongue was torn open!

Janine-My onc. has me on 1mg of coumadin just to keep my port open, so yeah it is normal.  They flush the port after each treatment, so every 2-3 weeks should suffice.  If a month or 2 goes by without using the port, they should suggest that you have it flushed.

Webwrite, sorry you were sick, that so sucks! Keep up the fluids and rest!

Sue

susan13

Momofboys and Michele,

I take 2 SenekotS tablets just before I go to bed starting the nite of treatment.  They have worked like a charm for me. I find that I only need them for about the first 3-4 days after treatment. Also water with fesh lemon helps too.  You have to keep up on the laxatives or it will not be pretty!

Sue

MicheleS

thanks for your reply Sue.  I'll plan to take the SenekotS BEFORE I need it.

webwriter

I've got drug store generic for Correctol and think I'll try the Senekot.

KerryMac

Yep, last round I waited until I was feeling uncomfortable, and by then it was too late. This time I plan on starting the night of treatment - Friday. I am usually really regular (too much info I know!!) so was not expecting to be so backed up. I had the same problem after Surgery with the Tylenol 3's, but didn't think the nausea meds would be as bad, as I only took them for 3 days. But they were worse!!

Prunes are pretty great too. 

Mom_of_boys

Thank you ladies for your suggestions... I'll add SenekotS to my list of things to pick up. 

Artemis

Michele S ~ Yep, I had AC last week and have 3 more to go.  It really wasn't all that terrible.  I think I'd built it up so dreadfully in my mind that the actual process wasn't so bad after all.  Getting the line into the port hurt for a few seconds, but it wasn't enough to make me get the Emla cream that was offered.

I spent the time reading and dozing while drinking vitamin water and eating protein bars.  For several days afterward, I had a thick feeling and sort of metallic taste in my mouth, but found that hard candy helped a lot.  Popsicles are good, too!

Oh my goodness, webbie; so sorry you've been sick!  I hope you're much better today.

Can anyone tell me why Claritin-D helps with Neulasta* pain?  My arm has been hurting so bad even though my shot was a week ago.  Well, today I realized there was Claritin-D in the med cabinet, took one, and wow...I'm feeling so much better!!!

Oh, and what does "dd" mean after my treatment plan in the list?  

Hugs to all,
Artemis

*edit to correct spelling

susan13

I'm curious about the Claritin also.  I did get a tablet of Allegra with my Taxotere though.  DD means "dose dense" treatments every 2 weeks apart opposed to 3 weeks apart.

Artemis

Thanks, susan13! 

webwriter

Hey Artemis! My Onco Nurse couldn't even tell me why the Claritin helps with the Neulasta pain, but it's widely recommended and I think it probably works. I took mine two days before through two days after the shot. Some hip pain, but nothing that I couldn't blame on PMS.

MicheleS -Good question! I too figured I was in plenty of time to stop. And I do hate the whole, throw everything at it and see what happens approach. Don't panic tho, I am SUPER nausea sensitive. On top of that, some folks on TC (without A) have a funkier timing of reactions. I was good to go, could've worked for the first 3-4 days. Now it feels like the flu, sort of a surreal version, but not really worse than that. No more nausea since last night. On top of my meds now, haha!

Thanx to all who were asking, btw! I'm doing much better today. On my way to a shower and a nap, but much better. I wouldn't do it for FUN, or anything, but so far, I'm convinced we can all do it!

MicheleS

Artemis~  Have you been to work since your treatment?  Have you been out-and-about??

webwriter

Oh, also, MicheleS, you asked what meds, I think? I got Aloxi in the tx IV and phenegren to take home. Also, my Decadron was IV, no pills. Doc says my headaches are caused by the Aloxi (STILL!?!) and that they will fade as my "need for it" does. Still on the phenegren every 4 hours, just in case. I know you're trying to work, so don't let my idiocy influence you. Just plan a very flexible first round and learn from how it works for you. I've got all kinds of notes to make it work better next time, including flip flopping my expected down days! All in all, there have certainly been days when I could've worked, it's not impossible, I think.

Artemis

Michele S ~ I don't work outside my home, but I have been out a few times to the grocery store, Target, etc.  Sunday was my first "real" outing when I went to my young cousin's baton competition and then out to dinner afterwards.  It was very good to do something normal! 

I was very tired afterwards, but I slept great that night, lol!

Webbie ~ the pain in my arm is more like muscle strain rather than bone/joint pain.  I was blaming it on the port, but as I said, it finally dawned on me today that maybe it was the Neulasta.  It could be only power of suggestion, but I swear I feel soooooooooo much better since taking the Claritin-D!

Artemis

jdeking

Thanks so much for the port info from living4today, MicheleS, and Susan13! I will ask the onc again about getting it flushed if I somehow do not get my treatment start date set soon!

I hope everyone is feeling better! Good luck with treatment #2 for those of you getting ready for that! And also good luck to those of you getting #1 this week! gcpommom I hope you are able to let us know how it all went today!

Janine

TwillNW

Just want to say thanks to all who have posted their experiences in the last week - seems like most haven't found it too bad, and I am very encouraged by those who have been up and out and about since then.  I have my first AC tomorrow and am hoping to go with my daughter and her horse to a show next Sunday - planning for dh to go along as primary groom this time (usually my job) but I hope to be there. 

Looks like another big bunch of us starting chemo this week.  Whoever likened this to jumping off a high dive... great analogy!  I actually had to cut back on the amount of bc reading I was doing because I think I was becoming too absorbed in it - as with everything else related to cancer, it seems like finding the right balance is tricky. 

Good luck to all who are diving in with me this week and continued improvement to all who are already in the water. 

Tricia in the Pacific NW

Mom_of_boys

Welcome, Tricia!

I have decided to use this web site only for my internet knowledge.  I also got rid of one of my doctors -- perhaps you know him -- Dr. Google??? 

KerryMac

Oh, that evil Dr Google!! My husband was always saying to me "stay off the Internet" as I would read all sorts of terrible things and get myself in a mess.

I too, have decided not to search things out anymore - there is such a thing as too much information. And so many of the things online are so out of date, they don't apply anymore anyway.

Misty1

Hi Girls,

I hope you don't mind me butting in here, but I finished TCH on 9/30.  I am a part of the Aug. '08 group.  I always check in when a new group gets started to say...

YOU CAN DO THIS!!!  Chemo has such a bad reputation, but each of you sounds very strong.  I will keep my fingers crossed for all of you.  

It sounds like you have learned some of the good tricks, like taking Claritin with the Neulasta.  For those of you with ports, have your onc write you a prescription for Emla cream.  You put it on over the port one hour before the needle goes in.  That will numb the area for you.  Count down the days on a calendar!!  The time will go fast, and soon you will be on the other side.

Good luck with everything and here's hoping for few, if any, SEs for all of you.

~Misty

Anonymous

misty, thank you for the encouragement and the emla tip. i had my port 'installed' yesterday and it's still smarting ... just the thought of them putting a needle anywhere near it is tripping me out. gah.

 i too only use this site for my info. since november. i especially love reading "it wasn't so bad" & "it's doable" on these boards. it's what gets me thru.

i can't remember which thread i read these in, but someone mentioned that her oncologist recommends aggressive chemo treatment, even when it's preventative, because the first time is the only shot you get to stop a reoccurance. i don't ever want to go thru this again.

and someone else said when she feels sorry for herself, she thinks of the little kids that have to have chemo. that's the epitome of unfairness.

those two thoughts really helped me dig myself out of The Blue Hole. heartfelt thanks to whoever wrote them! (and profuse apologies for not remembering who you are!) 

no more pity parties for me (until next time, heh). i've got my wig (it's ME, only better!). i've got two really cute cloche caps & 2 pretty scarves. i've got my port. i've got my emend. my drugstore.com shipment just arrived. i just want to DO this thing. 

extra hugs for my 2/4 chemo sistas: grace4me, tricia, csbsk123, & bethie. 

(((everyone))) 

gcpommom

Hi gals.  I am almost done with my first chemo tx, about 8 more minutes to go.  Geez, all the preliminaries took longer than actually getting the chemo.  I've been here for 7 hours at the hospital.   We're closing the place down, the last ones here.  Wait a minute....I'm done!!!!  Yeah!!!!

They're gonna kick me outta here, so I'll write about my day when I get home. 

Judy

kelty

Hi, gcpommom, thanks for sharing.

7 hrs? I thought only it takes 3-4 hrs.  Hope you've got something to eat (or have the apetite to eat). 

Nancyb7912

Hello all. I finally have a schedule. Port will be installed on Friday and AC starts Thurs. 2/12.

 Anyone out there working full time? I'm worried I won't be able to keep up with my job. It's stressful and I don't have a strong assistant.

living4today

Hi Nancyb7912, It looks like you start AC the day after me, I will get my first dose on Feb 11.  I, too, am working full time and praying for the best.  Scared too death of it all...but learning to concentrate on just one day at a time...

Thanks to all who have posted such great information and encouragement for all of us who are a bit behind you in our tx schedules.

Good luck to all you who start tomorrow!

suzmarks

I had my port put in today. It's called a Power Port. It comes with an ID card, a bracelet, key ring card and more. The difference is it provides access for not only IVs but also power-injected contrasts as well. I guess it's a bit bigger, won't know until the bandages come off. Had a pretty bad neck ache awhile ago, took some Darvacet, actually the generic form and feel better. I'm thinking of going to work tomorrow, I teach, as I'm starting chemo on Thurs. or Fri. Has anyone else had a Power Port implanted?  Suzanne 

Nancyb7912

Living4today and suzmarks, I'm so glad to see you all are planning to work through this. I'm anxious to know how it works out for you. I know I'll be tired, but simply can't stay off work for very long. My boss has been encouraging, but I have to keep it all going or face problems.