Any May 2009 Chemo Starters?

Kelly2

Hey deb6563, I'm like you--tired and not hungry. I woke up feeling great and thinking, okay, this isn't bad and I'm ready to tackle the day. I ate breakfast, started watering the yard, showered and by then, it hit, I was tired and slept on and of until 2 pm and just not hungry. My stomach hurts some but I'm hanging in there. Not really nauseated but just not feeling good. I get chilled in the evenings, have any of you experienced that? I live in Texas where it's quite warm.

It makes me teary eyed as I read how you ladies are handling the hair loss for I know I will be the same way and my day is coming soon. How I dread it. But this is just a temporary situation and our hair will grow back some day.   

TexasRose

Susie- Welcome! I start AC x 4 on the 26th also. I went to the clinic today to get my chemo training and pick up my Rx's. I just need to get them filled and I will be ready to go. I toured the chemo infusion rooms today. They are pretty private, have a recliner, a chair and a flat screen TV in them. I'm a big reader, so I can always pass the time with a book.

deb- (((hugs))) We will get through this, won't we? Glad you got the Zofran and are feeling better.

Kelly- Get plenty of rest. If nothing else, this is our time to take care of ourselves. Do you mind my asking where in Texas you live? I am in the Temple area. Not looking forward to wigs and the Texas heat!!

Becky- Your photos on Facebook are great!! You and your hubby are adorable together!! I'm going to need the drink in one hand to do that too!!

Nothing left for me to do but fill my Rx's and enjoy the long holiday weekend while preparing to start on Tuesday. Hope everybody is hanging in there! Hugs and prayers for all!

mom2twins

Modray1481 -- Hey, we have a couple of things in common ... I'm on TAC as well, today is day 6 for me, and I have twins as well, 3 year old girls.  I am working, but have missed 2 1/2 days so far (I wouldn't have missed yesterday, but I had a terrible nosebleed in the AM and by the time I had my blood levels checked, my day was half over so I figured why bother?)  I have had mouth sores as well ... I have read that people on the AC treatment suck on ice chips during treatment to minimize mouth sores ...I wonder if that applies to TAC as well?  And actually, I have nose sores that are bothering me more than the ones in my mouth.  Oh well ... it's all just temporary, or so I keep telling myself!

sherrilynne

2nd Chemo treatment tomorrow at 9:00 a.m!!!!  After this two more to go!!!!!   We will all make it through!!!!!!!!!!!!   Not looking forward to those symptoms again after treatment. 

I'm in Texas also, San Antonio, TX. 

Indomitable1

Hi Ladies! Who would have thought that I would be so excited about starting chemo of all things. BUT, barring further complications (just got drains out, abx for possible infection post-mx), I will be starting chemo next Friday-just in time to still make the MAY cut off date. Yea!!!

nancypat

Hi TexasRose,

I will be thinking of you on the 26th.  I'll be having my 2nd round.  I kind of had a meltdown after I lost my hair.  I'm over it now but I cried for two days.  Hadn't cried until then.  I guess it finally hit home that all of this is real. 

I used to live in Ajo, Arizona.  I think it took us four days to drive through Texas to get back to the Blue Ridge Mountains. lol.  I do miss the beautful weather and scenery.  My asthma was a lot better out West too. 

Wishing us all strength and courage to do what we have to do.

Nancy

TexasRose

sherrilynne- We were in San Antonio this weekend. We went to the Riverwalk for our last little outing before chemo begins. Unfortunately, we picked the weekend with torrential downpours! Didn't spend much time actually on the Riverwalk, but the hotel was nice. We had fun even with the rain. I-35 was a nightmare from here to San Antonio. We had to stop for SEVEN accidents- several of them major between Temple and San Antonio. Thank God for the toll road around Austin or it probably would have been worse.

Indomitable-  I know how you feel. It seems like I have been waiting for chemo to start forever. I am so ready to get it over with, but I have to start first! Glad you are going to slide in with the May group!

Nancy- I'll be thinking of you too! I know that losing my hair is going to be so hard on me. I hate that I am that vain, but I just am. Hair is important to me. This became very real to me today after seeing the treatment rooms.

It does seem like it takes forever just to get out of Texas. I live deep in the heart, so no matter where we go it takes forever just to get out of the state! I have always wanted to see the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's on my must-go-to list! 

Janet22664

Hello.

I hope that it's okay if I hop on this thread so late in the month.  I'll be starting AC Chemo May 26.  I know that I'm a late starter, but I have been reading some of your posts from the last few weeks, so it has helped me know what to expect. Not looking forward to the side effects, I'm a pretty active person so the thought of being sick and tired all of the time is not very appealing.  I am having chemo before surgery (bilateral mastectomy) It doesn't look as if too many of you went this route.

DEB:  Good to see you here.

LUVTHEOCEAN:  I also have a 16 year old (mine's a daughter) her first question when I told her about the cancer was, "Will you lose your hair?"  Guess things like that matter to teenagers.  I can't imagine having her around when I shave my hair.  I already went out to have the wig ready for when I need it.  How does one even have their own head?

ZUZEE:  Did your Dr. give you a reason to avoid dairy products? 

KATHERINE H:  Seems like we have similar DX, Stage IIa;triple negative our treatment will also be similar. 

Janet

luvtheocean

Ok girls.......I'm not leaving this on for long.............Since all of you have seen me with my hair that I LOVED sooooooo much...........here I am with my husband...."THE BALD AND THE BEAUTIFUL"  "MR. & MRS. CLEAN"  LOLOLOL

nancypat

Hi TexasRose,  you aren't vain.  We have been "fixing" our hair since we were little girls.  It's just a great shock to see all of it gone.  I am getting used to it now.  What surprised me was how cold my head was.  I'm having to sleep in a fleece cap.  Hopefully, you won't have that problem in Texas.  Glad you steered clear of the accidents!  The best time to see the mountains is in the Fall when the trees are in color.  They are gorgeous!  Holler if you get a chance to come this way.  I'll take you to Luray Caverns.  They are breathtaking! 

I was really anxious before my first tx and to beat all, I fell asleep!  I had some pretty aggravating SE's and I won't say it's "doable" because I think that negates what some of us go through.  They are pretty much a pain in the bottom but I survived and really want to get this second one under my belt so I'll only have two more to go.

Good luck to all of you ladies and remember.  "YES I CAN!!!!!!!!"

blondie45

Had my first chemo of AC on Wednesday and have been super tired ever since. No nausea so far but today is last day of Emend and then starting tomorrow can take compazine and lorazepam so not sure about that as I get nauseated very easily. Cheeks are already swelling up a little on the inside, I am pretty sure I will get the mouth sores also as my cheeks would get tender and get cold sores from eating too many croutons on my salads and rubbing against my cheeks. This will be very tough and I am glad I have all of you to help me through!

TexasRose

Janet- Welcome! Sorry you have to join us and all that, but glad you found us. Our DX is similar also- stage IIa and triple neg. I am also starting AC on 5/26. Are you doing dose dense?

Becky- Mr & Mrs Clean...  That's funny! Keep your wonderful sense of humor girl!!! It will get you (and us!) through this!!

Nancy- I thought about it more last night after I signed off and I realized for me it isn't vanity about my hair. It's more about not wanting the attention. I'm the kind of person that does not like to be the center of attention. I am somewhat shy and I like to kind of fade into a room. You will never see me in the spotlight because I don't want to be there. So, the very obvious sign of cancer- losing our hair- will be hard for me because it will bring me unwanted attention. I don't think I will need to worry about a cold head! I hope I can sleep through treatment. She told me I could take a Xanax, so maybe that will help me be more relaxed.

blondie45-  I hope the no nausea continues for you. And I hope that you are able to avoid the mouth sores. We are here for you!!

I have to get my Rx filled today and then I guess I will be ready. I also need to go to the grocery store and stock up a little. I am going to start working out again today too. I haven't since the surgery and I really need to get back into my routine. The nurse told me yesterday how important it is to work out even though we are so tired. Even just a short walk helps so much. So it is time for me to get back into that.

Hugs for all who need it and I hope everybody has a super day!

anji111

Hi Ladies (I would so like to address you all individually, sorry)

I had my first treatment yesterday.  I have no complaints at all (touch wood!)  Got a little hot with the herceptin for a few seconds and that was about it. I did ask for the ice goves and booties - I hope it helps.  Just tired today and a bit of tummy trouble.  I get my Neulasta shot this pm.

The Look Good Feel Better program was on and I had registered for it but they wouldn't let me go.  But did I ever get lucky, when she was finished with the group at 3:00 she came in to the treatment room and gave me a private lesson and my box of goodies.  So nice!

So sorry about the hair everybody.  I know my turn is coming... not looking forward to it either.  Hey Becky, love the picture - you're still cute!  Do you have your wig yet?  You could post some of those pictures too.  I still haven't got my wigs figured out.  I bought one and have 3 borrowed.  I just don't know what to do with them.  Your comment about the hair in the wind made me giggle, I know it's not funny, but like everyone says it comes back right.  I couldn't let my husband shave his head.  He has really long hair (middle of his back) but it's thinning quite a bit on top.  But I think it's my favorite thing about him - look wise (did I say that out loud ) .  My kids said they would shave their heads (9yr old boy and 16yr old daughter).  Except my daughter has just started the dreaded dreads so I think she's changed her mind.

My 18yr old son is home from Vancouver (he's going to school there).  Semester break, so he'll be able to help me a bit if I need it.

I'm going to have a nap.  Wishing you all a great weekend.  Anji

Kelly2

Texas Rose-I am in the San Angleo area--out west--one of my college roomates lives in Temple and works and Scott and White. I am like you about the hair, I don't want the attention. I've had long hair for years so even with a wig, it will cause some attention and I do dread wearing it when it's so hot!!!

Sherrilyn-my sister lives in San Antonio. Nice place.

Anjii-glad you got to do the Look Good Feel Better session. I have an appt. for mine next week--they do it all private here. And she said she would style my wigs for me.

I am feeling better today--weak but appetite is some better and was able to get up and do some things around the house. Started getting the metallic taste today (day4).

deb6563

Hi everyone,

I am feeling a little better today also. I have been living on oatmeal and scrambled eggs for the last 3 days.  The thought of food makes me ill.  Anyone who takes the A/C treatment and goes right back to work has my respect.  There is no way I could do it.  Don't have the metallic taste yet, but I am sure I will get it soon. The only thing I am able to drink is sprite. 

All of you ladies who start this next week - you are in my prayers.

One down and three to go.

TexasRose

Kelly- Scott & White is my hospital. That is where I had my surgery and where I am going through chemo. Small world.

Titch

Hi again everyone....welcome to the ones started or about to start since I last posted. 

Big hugs to the ones having some side effects of the chemo.... my thoughts are with you....

Day 11 for me.  I have been really well, so far.  One of the lucky ones obviously.  I been working full time.  The tiredness is not as bad now, and officially have lost the cardboard taste buds, food and drink taste the same again (wahoo).  I am not even needing to take the nausea tablets.  I did have a lil bit of heartburn on day Day 6, and fine since then. But I have had no nausea, and hair is still in tack. I got my wig all ready for when it occurs, and every hat and scarf that is cool and stylish. 

I had a portacath put in on Thursday,  day surgery.  The hospital was so surprised at my general health, they thought my bloods would be affected and they weren't.  My blood pressure everything was normal.  The operation went really well, I was home 4 hours after the surgery. I am not due back for my next chemo until the 4th June.  

Take care all, 

zuzeee

I have been told to wear warm gloves and to drink lots of water prior to chemo on the 26th May so  they can find a blood vessel. It is winter down here!!!! Not having a port as that requires going on a waiting list for surgery. Told that I won't be given the nuestala (?) shot unless required. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly as I am self employed and want / need to carry on working. Saw my dentist on Friday and they are going to give me a foam to put on my teeth to prevent an acid attack and demineralisation of the tooth enamel.  Is anyone else doing this?

Hugs from down under Susie

sherrilynne

Had my 2nd treatment yesterday and the port worked great again.  My nurse was so good at spraying the cold stuff on it that I didn't even feel it.  Yeah, I had a good report.  So far they have not given me the N. Shot, as my blood count has not changed.  So far feel okay, but I know the symptoms from treatment hit about a day later.  I'm glad it's a long weekend.   They told me what to take for the bone pain that hits.  Hair is all gone and doing okay with it.  My doctor told me he thought my hair should be gone by now....I told him it was and it was a wig.  He was surprised at how natural it looked.   I got a prescription for cranial prothesis so I can submit the wig to my insurance -- hey it's worth a try.  

Yeah two more treatments to go.   Ladies we can do this!!!!  Thoughts and prayers to all!!!!!

cindoe

Hello all,

My partner started chemo yesterday 9 hours. She did all the pre drugs, nausea med, aloxy(sp) thru iv, benadryl, decatron, tagament. Then Taxol,Carboplatin,Avastin. It went well. So far this morning all she has is bone pain in hip and middle back that she hasn't had before. The last 2 months she's had back pain in left shoulder blade. We found out a month ago she had cancer . She has tumor under left arm, and between left upper ribs pushing on her left lung. After a month now they aren't sure if it's breast or lung cancer. They are sending tissue samples out to university of michigan, to see if they can help. This was her first chemo, the oncologist said these chemo drugs were good for both breast or lung cancer. She does have mets to bone, ribs,hip, and a couple spots middle back. This is the first pain in back,other than shoulder blade area. She is triple negative.

My questions were, what is dose dense, I hear people talk of this. What is A/C?

Thanks,

Cyn

blondie45

deb6563- I so have to agree with you, I am starting day 3 and do not feel like eating at all yet and am doing nothing but sleeping so much that when I try to get up my head and back  hurts like mad. I also give credit to those that can work through AC, I am suppose to try tomorrow but if I feel tomorrow like I do today that probably won't be happening.

Sukiann

Hi Ladies,

I had my second chemo on monday the 18th.  I'm still out of it.  I would love to respond to all of you individually but I can barely muster up the strength to write this post.  I hate missing out on life even if it's only for a few days.  Can't go to my daughter's regatta (rowing competition) today and am very sad about that but there will be others.  Nurse practitioner told me that I would gain 10 to 12 lbs over the course of chemo WHAT!!!!!!  I guess it's a small price to pay for staying alive.  Please pray I don't have to get the neulasta shot on tuesday when I go for my counts.  I'm scared of that because I have plans for next week and I don't want to be back on the couch again.  Love to all, welcome to the new ladies.  I wish I could be more interactive but I'm just too darn tired.

xoxo Sukiann

deb6563

Hang in there blondie  I actually feel like a human again.  My appetite is coming back and I didn't sleep as much yesterday.  Hubby and I are even planning on eating out tonight.  I may not eat anything but french fries but at least I feel like getting out  of the house.

nancypat

Hi cindoe,

I just wanted to give you and your partner a big hug.  I don't know about dose dense or A/C because I'm on T/C 1x3x4.  Did she get a Neulasta shot?  That is what caused my bone pain but it went away after a few days.  I took Aleve and it really helped.  I was told by my onc's office to call if I had any questions no matter how trivial I thought they were because that was their job and it's what they get paid for.  Be sure your partner calls about any se's because they can help her.  Also, these ladies give some great tips.  Good luck to both of you!

Nancy

TexasRose

Cyn- Dose dense is every two weeks instead of every three weeks. AC is Adriamycin and Cytoxan. Dose dense AC is one of the most used chemo regimens for Triple Negative BC. That is what I will be starting on Tuesday. I will be getting the Neulasta shot the day after every AC treatment. I think that is standard with dose dense AC. I don't know anything about the other chemos for Triple negative because I'm doing AC. Hugs to your partner and to you. I'm sorry she has pain.  

lassie11

 blondie45 - regarding mouth sores. One of the booklets I was given at the oncology clinic suggested rinsing my mouth with soda water. The inside of my mouth felt  . . . ummm . . . just a bit different - tried the soda water, continue to use it a couple of times a day and find that my mouth is (touch wood) OK.

Day 12 or so after first chemo treatment I am still feeling well, notice what might be a few extra strands of hair coming out. We will see when that really happens.

blondie45

Thanks everyone and forgive me also that I cannot address back to everyone individually yet either.

deb6563 what day did you have your treatment?

deb6563

blondie  my first treatment was Tuesday and today is the first day I have felt okay. still tired, but nothing like the past few days.  Hopefully by tonight you will be feeling better.

blondie45

lassie11  what do they mean by soda water, anything soda like Sprite or 7 up, etc?

sherrilynne

Anyone experience a rash? I had 2nd treatment yesterday.   If so, what were you able to take?