Starting Chemo April 2009

giglgrl

Anyone who started at the beginning of the month going in for round 2? I have my second tx tomorrow. The first was on the first. Just when you start feeling back to normal.....although, I dont feel all that normal with my hair finally starting to fall out. I shaved it a week ago....but I noticed the hairs falling from other areas this weekend. Sure enough, I have a bald spot on my shaved head as well.......Anyone having hair loss already?

Nadine54

Others would think we were all half nuts...well maybe real nuts.  We talk of being sick, no hair, no shaving, etc.  Yup thats our life right now.  OMG when this is all done we are going to be such powerful ladies...watch out world the new breed of BC survivors will be on the loose.

And on grey hair...when the hair comes back I sure hope there isn't more grey's...want my baby sister to stay ahead of me on that...she deserves it. 

Got a little case of nerves today, not looking forward to more chemo juice tomorrow, but will be at least half way done.  Going to enjoy the day and try not to think of the upcoming weekend of yuk.  And for sure the food sucks that they give you during treatment, going to take my own this time.  Going to enjoy the taste of my favorites while I still can. 

Hope everyone is doing good today.  Keep marching on ladies we are getting through this. 

Nadine

Anonymous

Gigigrl - Hello!  You will find a lot of us are going for our second round this week, or some have done it today. Most of us are having or have had hair loss.  I shaved mine on Friday, because it was falling out with the shorter cut, and with it buzzed, but not balded, I am still having stubs fall out, with a few bald spots.  Haven't had much hair loss anywhere else (darn legs!!).

Nadine, girl, I am with you!  I started getting a case of the nerves last night, and thought, okay, I need to start back with the ativan to control it.  Even though we made it through #1, and I am ready for #2, I'm still nervous.  I brought my own food, little nibbles, for chemo.  My doctor's office has water and ice, I didn't ask about juice or anything else, but it doesn't matter, can't really taste it anyway!

annadou

Hi Everyone

Anyone want to give an opinion or comment on the cold cap?

Best wishes to all especially those of us getting chemoed 2moro

Anna

bombus

today has been okay.  for the first time i kind of feel like myself today, hope this keeps up. how is everyone else doing? 

Anonymous

Getting a little keyed up about the next round on Thursday, but on the whole, pretty good.  I don't think I'm losing much more hair, at least it doesn't seem to.  Maybe after this next dose . . we'll see!

aris

I'm going in for my 2nd dose of A/C tomorrow. I am nervous. I'm on the dosing of every other week (dose dense, I think it's called) and like most of you, am feeling much better now. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow at all.  No hair loss here yet!

My kids are on school vacation this week, so I'm especially not looking forward to not feeling well with them around. They have plans with friends on Thursday and Friday, but still having them away from school is less than ideal. It gives me an idea of how tough this summer will be with weekly Taxol and Herceptin dosing.

I really appreciate all the advice here and support.  Good luck to everyone who is getting infusions this week.

Pam

inthemoment

Hi all,

Bombus, good to hear you are feeling better

Chelev, good luck for Thursday - I'm a week behind you

Aris, one mountain at a time - try not to think about the summer yet - just get through this week.  When people ask how long my chemo will be, instead of telling them 15 months, I just tell them how long this particular cycle is (A/C - 12 weeks for me).  I just find it easier to handle that way.

For everyone whose treatment week is here - lots of good thoughts being sent your way - be right behind you next week

Geri

oh yeah, forgot to tell you...the only day that I did not have doctors appointments this week was today, and guess who spent the afternoon at the dentist getting a root canal because her anchor tooth in the permanent bridge broke last night? Only one guess please - right, we have a winner!!!  It was moi!  Does the fun never end?

Mittenmomma

Dear rqd817,

    Well, not much information I am sorry to say, my onc said that that treatment is an older generation so not used as much, but still used by some and is very effective; maybe even more so than the one I am on 4 treatments every 3 weeks, 3rd generation C & T.  Keeping in mind that each doctor is trying to customize the treatment to their patient and he may like the idea of spreading it out in smaller amounts for you since it sounds like it is a 3 part drug.  Key point is onc said it is still effective so as always the decision is yours.  You may need to do a plus and minus list comparing the treatment side by side to see which one your more suited for.  I wish you the best and please know that once you decide it gets way easier having your plan in place and moving forward.

Paula3558

My 2nd chemo dose (TAC) is thursday. I'm not looking forward to it, and yet I am, because it will be one more treatment behind me. Today I bought Claritin and Mylanta for the SE of bone pain,nausea and the heartburn. Thanks for the advise ladies. I'll let you know by Monday if it worked. The SE from the last treatment knocked me on my butt for about seven days. Hopefully it won't be as bad this time around. Had my head shaved last monday, haven't noticed any bald spots yet. I have noticed that the hair on my legs is not growing back as fast. Wouldn't it be nice if the hair on our legs and under our arms never comes back! Good luck everyone having their 2nd treatment, let's hope it gets easier.       

Mittenmomma

I was in to onc today and wanted to try it not so much because of saving the hair, but I thought it may help prevent chemo brain; just a hunch.  She said they have to know ahead because their caps have to be frozen prior to treatment thay are not hooked to a machine.  Then she said, the whole point of systemc treatment is to cover the entire body & by icing parts your actually blocking the chemo from them, now she said she has never had a patient get cancer in their toes or finger from ice blocking, but infact did have a patient that used the cold cap get cancer to her head!  That sinched it for me, no cap, no hair-temporarily, and staying focused the best that I can.

Peace and hugs

Mittenmomma

I was in to onc today and wanted to try it not so much because of saving the hair, but I thought it may help prevent chemo brain; just a hunch.  She said they have to know ahead because their caps have to be frozen prior to treatment thay are not hooked to a machine.  Then she said, the whole point of systemc treatment is to cover the entire body & by icing parts your actually blocking the chemo from them, now she said she has never had a patient get cancer in their toes or finger from ice blocking, but infact did have a patient that used the cold cap get cancer to her head!  That sinched it for me, no cap, no hair-temporarily, and staying focused the best that I can.

Peace and hugs

sandlee79

I started April 10th and am going for round 2 Friday 4/24.  Today has been a bit emotional as my hair just started coming out and I know what I have to do.... shave it off, but now that reality has hit... a lot harder than I thought it would be.  My hair is longer shoulder length.  I was in my car during lunch at work and noticed when it was coming out when I tugged.  Tears and reality set in.  I knew it was going to happen and thought I was prepared.  I'll be fine.  Just have to get through this "transitional" period.  I got a nice wig similar to my longer hair.  So now my dilemma is if I cut my hair short now.  Work people will say... Oh you got your hair cut... then soon I'll be wearing the wig which is longer...a little obvious that I will now be wearing the wig.   I know dumb dilemma.  I know the answer is just to shave it off... I have to get over this and just do it... but am having a difficult time.   Just have to get used to this big CHANGE.

NanaA

Aris, I am in the march group and doing taxol x 12 and finished #5 today.  I get Herceptin with it every 3rd week.  This is low dose and much easier to tolerate than what you are going thru right now.  I do a Tuesday chemo and the worst day is Friday night and Saturday with some abdominal and leg pain and really tired on Saturday which is day 5 if you count chemo day as day 1.  By Sunday starting to feel better but wear out pretty quick and by Monday I am ready to go back to work.  You could do a later day in the week if you wanted you good days on the weekend and bad day during the week, but if you have kids home for the summer having bad day on weekend when someone else might be around to help might be good.  They could take care of you too!  You can get thru this.  Just hang in there and take it a day at a time.  Hope this helped.  Annette

ikat

Hi,

Geri I am glad your blood count wen up.... that's a real good thing, now you don't have to run and hide from sick people who are coughing and sneezing on you.  Sorry you had to spend the day at the dentist.  Oh I like the picture you put up. Like puppies.

Bonbus I am happy to hear things are going better.  It takes time.

For all the ladies doing chemo this week remember that "You are one treatment closer to the end of your Chemo"

kathy 

aoandrews43

I am going for #2 (of 4, TC) on Friday (April 17). Ready for this to be half over, but not looking forward to round 2. I was lucky in that I had very mild SEs and was able to work & exercise most of the past 3 weeks, but I"m not necessarily expecting that to be the case this time. The hair buzzing was also very traumatic for me--the way it just would pull out in large clumps just felt horrible but I couldn't quite bring myself to accept that it was coming out. However, I did feel MUCH better once I decided "okay, its coming out no matter what" and went ahead an just buzzed it off--I think it is one of those things that is so bad in the anticipation that it is better to just do it. I like my wig although I don't like wearing it all day (and have an 11 year old who isn't quite comfortable seeing me in just a cap) so we'll see how  that goes. I also find that my glasses aren't comfortable with the wig and wondering about finding some softer pieces to put on the end of my glasses.

 I would like to know more about the risk of permanent hair loss with taxotere. The stories I"ve read seem to be mostly by the same people across the Internet, so it is hard to know if this is  just a horrible thing that happened to a few people, or something more common.

Best,
A

Nadine54

Good Morning-ladies:  Loved the sleep last night and of course had help with pills to calm the nerves.  And my luck to wake up a half an hour before we had too.  Palms are sweaty this morning.  Well I know the routine from round one.  Get blood tests...keep my fingers crossed I pass...see the doc, talk about things I need and how its went the last few weeks...hope he gives me the green light as a "go"...then off to the chemo room...hope they can get the vein in one poke and not 3 this time. 

Don't feel like eating but better before we go two hours.  Taking my own snacks this time, there food sucked!  We have light shopping to do after chemo then back home.

Yesterday was wonderful...worked in the yard, just kept busy all day.  Got to remember to wear sunscreen from now on.  Wore shorts, tank top and sandals...must have changed my hat 5 times.  Wore hats that would keep the sun of of my face and neck for sure.

My hair is now shooting out of the follicles.  Got a few more smooth spots...figure in a couple of days there will be no hair left on the head.   Told hubby last night I was going to take a shower and shave, and do my hair...poor  man looked at me like I had went nuts.  He didn't know if he should laugh or what so he just looked at me...I finally after a few seconds told him that I guess the showers will be fast now for a while. 

Decided today to wear my new BC tank top and new hat to chemo today...was going to wear sandals because my feet are swelling due to the heat...wearing socks and shoes and will take the sandals. 

Anonymous

Sandlee79 - I understand your hesitation and the emotions that come with the hair loss thing.  It was horribly traumatic for me to cut it short, but I did before I started treatment, thinking I would have time to adjust, and just get over it, and I did.  The people I work closely with knew what was going on, but those I didn't see often just commented on the short hair.  I had to shave it down on Friday, because it was coming out in clumps, and I came in on Monday with my first wig.  People are very accepting and cool - and every day, I've worn a different wig - slightly different color or cut.  Those at work who don't see me often just complimented me on looking very nice.

Nadine - I am laughing at the hair shooting out of your head.  I agree!!  Especially in the shower, you rub your hands over your hair, well, stubble, and whee, out it comes!!  I have some patchy balder spots than others, kind of leopard like. Glad you had a good day and I understand about the anxiety, I should be taking mine tomorrow morning too.  Good luck today - hope you have an uneventful treatment and the side effects are kind to you in the next couple of days.  My best friend is picking me up in the morning and we're going to breakfast (as a thank you for taking me) before treatment, and she'll drop me off and my husband will pick me up.  I plan on bringing a book, some snacks, water and will ask them for ice for my fingertips.

Aoandrews43 - I am having the same glasses vs. wig sides dilemma!  I wear computer glasses most of the day at work, and some of the wigs make it hard to fit them around or under or over the sides.  I spent most of yesterday adjusting both glasses and wig, every time I had to take off the glasses to get up and do something, of course, it was with the prettiest wig I have, that was the most difficult.  I was actually contemplating cutting a narrow slit on each side to slide the glasses in, but didn't know if it would work or not.  anyone else have this problem?

ikat

 Hi LJH58,

My best recommendations is to look at the first 3 links in the chemo thread. they really have a great deal of information you don't need to buy all the items. I tried to put a link in for you to follow but it didn't work.

Remember we are here for you.

kathy (one treatment down 3 to go) 

rinna40

I just read through many posts from you ladies that started treatments in april. I was supposed to have started with you, however my incision from my lumpectomy opened and now I have a two inch wound that needs to heal from the inside out before I can start. I can't believe that I am jealous of you ladies who are already in it, but I am. It is really frustrating knowing that I'm putting in time just to get to the point where I will feel like crap. I am encouraged, however, to hear you ladies talking about feeling better after the first treatment. Also am amazed and inspired by the fact that some of you are going to work between treatments. I am going to see my oncologist tomorrow, and will hopefully at least get a start date. Good luck to all. Thanks for your strength, it is keeping me motivated.

rinna40

Rinna here again. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of that </td<> stuff from my post. It doesn't show up when I go to my home page, but it shows up in my posts.

ikat

Hi Rinna

They are XHTML tags. You may have some how selected  to insert your information/post using a table. Are you using a text editor? Or are you using the Post a reply?

rinna40

ikat, I'm using post a reply.

I

jeezy

Rinna40  Welcome, I'm a newbie too and we sound like our case is similar and other than you being HER2- we are just about the same.  I also had my mastectomy scar open up and I had severe tunneling inside the wound.  I was given a wound V.A.C. for three weeks and I healed up really quickly.  Just know that you aren't alone with your problem and if the wound bothers you speak to your GS or PS about it and see if a V.A.C. could help you heal faster.  I wish you luck and hope that you can start on your chemo really soon and get it behind you.  Let me know if you ever have questions and I will help where I can.

 lgh58 Welcome to you too I had TAC (Taxol) 12 years ago and I will tell you that is isn't any easy ride, but everyone is different so make sure you communiate with your Onc when you have problems or things that worry you.  He/She can help you more than anyone, but we can always give advise and ease your mind if something is worring you.

 Everyone else inluding the two above...I wish you all a blessed and painless day.  We are stong women and we will get through this and survive in spite of CANCER!!!  I've already done it once and it is my plan to do it again!!  

 JEEZY 

rinna40

Jeezy Thanks for the info. I've asked about vac therapy and my surgeon said that vac is usually used for people who have trouble healing. Also asked my homecare nurse and she said that there was a six month waiting period for home vac therapy in my community - I live in a very small town. I'm talking to my oc tomorrow - maybe if he sees the need he can organize it for me. I've been told that the optimal window for chemo is within 12 weeks of surgery. Unfortunately for me, I'm already at eight weeks from my first surgery when the tumor was removed. Has anyone heard about best time to start chemo?

TSmith

My first day of chemo is tomorrow. I'm scared. My nerves are shot. I'm jacked up one minute and crying the next. I'm a freakin mess! I'll be glad when tomorrow is over.

ikat

Well I tried to find out why you have code showing up in your post, but still not sure.

TSmith

I'm just taking hubby with me.  He's the forever optimist. He's my positive thinker. Our daughters will be staying at home for the first treatment. I'll see how that goes before I take them along.  My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you ladies on here. I hope I am half as strong as the lot of you.

Tonya

Anonymous

Good luck to all you wonderful women getting your first treatment in the next few days.  As you read our posts, you'll see a lot of us are on our 2nd this week, or some lucky ladies have finished this week.  You can do this!!  It is frightening the first time (well . .  and the second time too, I must admit), but even after you live through the side effects (just be prepared, is all I have to say), you DO feel better and you almost feel normal towards the time for the next one.

Stay strong.  Stay powerful.  You can do it!

comingtoterms

To all of us chemo newbies.....( I just got my first tx on Monday) - It wasn't nearly the "Frankenstein" experience I had expected, and other than feeling "out of sorts" that night, and weary and a little nauseous yesterday, my SEs haven't been unmanageable bad thus far. I spent a good portion of the day on the couch, but that I kind of expected.  Just got home from my first "Neulesta" experience, so we'll see how that goes!  (Talk to me tomorrow???) With all the anti-nausea meds they give you, I found that if I took one at the first sign of it, then it got me through the six hours until I could take another!!  It is vaguely reminiscent of my awful morning (translated to all-day sickness (four times over!!), but in a sense not as bad, because there really was nothing doctors could give you for that!!  We have to remember that all of us are different - we may not experience what others are experiencing, and we may feel things that others don't - Good luck to you tomorrow!  Tammy