Starting Chemo October 2009

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  • buccaneersdj
    buccaneersdj Member Posts: 241
    edited October 2009

    Hi everyone I see that some of you already have mouth sores. I (knock on wood) have not had one yet and have had 4 TAC tx's, everytime I get chemo I ask for ice chips and chew on them the entire time and I think this is why no sores. When the bloodvessels in your mouth are real cold they contract and don't absorb as much blood. Ask your chemo nurse, mabye it will help you. Just a thought, my chemo nurse had me do this from day 1 and I guess it's working, worth a try. {{{HUGS}}} Donna

    Also, get the blonde wig, who cares if you have brown eyebrows, they may not be there for much longer.

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  • snuziq
    snuziq Member Posts: 107
    edited October 2009

    Shelby - my nurse told me to put 1 tsp of Baking Soda and 1 tsp of Salt in a liter of water to use as a mouth rinse.  She suggested I use it after eating and before bedtime.  I have one at home and one on my desk at work - thus far my mouth was only sore and didn't break out, so either it's working or I'm just lucky.

    As for wigs, the American Cancer Society offered one when I registered for my Look Good, Feel Better class.  I didn't take them up on the offer (still kind of on the fence about a wig) but it is definately worth the toll-free call, 800-227-2345, to find out if they can help you out.  

    Well, off to my Look Good, Feel Better class.  Here's hoping for new tips I can share!

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  • MarieK
    MarieK Member Posts: 911
    edited October 2009

    I've been using Biotene for the mung-mouth and it seems to work for me.  I keep one in my downstairs powder room and another bottle in my master bathroom.  Whenever I go in to use the bathroom I squirt some in my mouth. Oh that just sounds wrong - I mean I squirt the Biotene in my mouth (it has a squirt top on the bottle).

    I did notice I had a bit of sore on the roof of my over the weekend and so I used Kanka.  It's a mouth sore liquid.  It comes with an applicator tip inside the bottle but I use a fresh q-tip instead and that helps to make it last longer.

    My daughter's orthodontist recommended it to her when she wore braces and we've always had a bottle in the house ever since!

    It's avaiable at most drug stores where the lip balm, cold sore stuff is.

    Here's a link to it so you know what it looks like:

    http://international.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=15811&catid=20146&aid=333181&aparam=sespider

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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited October 2009

    OMG, Marie, I cracked up at you squirting it in your mouth!  Thank you for giving me a smile today!

    I have that kanka stuff, but I'd be swabbing it all over my mouth and it makes it feel all numb and weird. I had biotene, but when i moved in August I got rid of it because I hadn't used it in a while - darnit!  Who knew I'd need it?

    SnuziQ, thanks for the "recipe", I'll start using that today.  BTW, I'm not a "native" Texan - I was wondering where McKinney is?  I live in San Antonio. 

    Peace... 

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  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited October 2009

    Onty and Laura

     I guess I will eat lightly and see what happens.  I just hope that I don't get sick at the beginning of the chemo.  I have a very sensitive tummy.  I don't do liquid meds because of the vitamins my mother gave me when I was a child and I am very sensitive to different tastes and smells. Isn't it strange that things that you did as a child still affect you has an adult?

    Snuziq

    I can only hope I do as well as you.  I don't want to be sick 7 or 8 days.

    Juannelle

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  • newtonville
    newtonville Member Posts: 43
    edited October 2009

    Meredith, you r funny.    are ebay wigs used or brand new ones?  i also saw some front lace wigs on there as well.    I am now in the stage of making this hell thing more fun.  thinking of getting redhead, blonde wigs, im a brunette with dark brown hair :)

     MaryNY-- i love those smiley faces you made for our txs.   such brilliant idea. made me smile.

    all, i ve had 2 AC so far, my 3rd is this thursday, and i was lucky with no mouth sores so far.   I ve been using biotene since day 1 of chemo each day, sometimes use it couple times a day.  It s been working for me.  also i am specially the first weekof the chemo, using baking soda and water mix after meals. whatever works , right?

    newtonville

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  • Sido
    Sido Member Posts: 234
    edited October 2009

    SHAKES!  Teh only good thing I've found about chemo is an excuse to have shakes.  Marie, I love your wig!  It is too cute and I love how stylin' you're being about your hair.  I just invested in a couple of "Beaubeaus' and love them.  They remind me of when I was a little girl an would put sweaters on my head to try different hair colors (blue was my favorite).

    Day 4 post-chemo and I seem to be doing okay, though last night my DH and I were hit by a van while we were walking our dog, so the vicodin may be helping abate some se's (especially the bone pain that started yesterday - which the walking was actually helping).  We're all pretty beaten up, but nothing broken (dog included).

    Meredeth, I had to tell you how pretty your picture is!  I love your coloring.  Are you going to do ao wig or rock the scarves and hats?  

    One thing I am noticing is that I'm breaking out since my treatment.  It is no fair, I'm 42 with clear skin all my life, I turn 40 and start breaking out, and when I get it under control, chemo makes it start again.  Is anyone else having acne outbreaks?

    My onco never said anything about my stopping my supplements, in fact she recommended I start B-6 two weeks before I started treatment.  I'm still doing my multivitamin, miatake mushroom, B-6, fish oil and even botox injection a week beforehand.

    Be well lovelies!  Sido

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  • newtonville
    newtonville Member Posts: 43
    edited October 2009

    hi Sido,

    i always had nice skin as well, and  had done two tx so far, and my skin started to break up.  last time was short lived, i used clearasil on it like crazy.   yesterday i got some, these more like puffiness now, not acne.  feels like bugs ate my face.   weird.  amazing what chemo does to all our bodies, and cells.

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  • MeredithK02
    MeredithK02 Member Posts: 86
    edited October 2009

    Donna, thanks for the tip about the ice chips--I've added it to my list of things to bring in case they don't have any there. 

     Marie, my Biotene didn't come with a squirt top.  Do you have any tips on how to find one that will squirt it into my mouth whenever I want it to?  Wink

    newtonville, I think the ebay wigs are all new.  I haven't bought any there but I've been browsing a lot.   A week or so ago I was considering going as Lola from Run, Lola Run, and they've got some fun bright-orange wigs.

    Sido, I think I'm just going to use scarves.  I've gotten a couple already from softhats.com and they're really cute.  I've been practicing wearing them so it won't be something to learn later. 

    I don't think I'll buy a wig, but then again, I always thought to myself that if I had to have a mastectomy for some reason, that I wouldn't do reconstruction.  But now that I *have* had to have it done, I want reconstruction (I had a skin-sparing mx and they were planning to do immediate reconstruction, but when a sentinel lymph node came back positive they closed up, so for now I'm just flat and lumpy!), so I might change my mind when all my hair is gone.  But everyone I work with knows I have cancer and am starting chemo, AND I have super-short hair (since last week, anyway), so I think everyone would just see it and think, "Oh, that's a wig.  Should I say something, or pretend I can't tell?"  Anyone else have that dilemma?  I think the caps I bought will match most of my clothes, so maybe I'll just think of it as another accessory.  I signed up for a Look Good, Feel Better class on November 9th and I'm looking forward to seeing what other people are doing.

    I'm really hoping my skin doesn't start breaking out...it seems like it just stopped doing that a few years ago!  Too bad they can't add anything to the chemo infusion that would target acne bacteria...

     Anyway, sorry so long! 

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  • newtonville
    newtonville Member Posts: 43
    edited October 2009

    Meredith

    you look graet with your short hair,. you go girl!!!  im gonna check ebay right now.  also check out wigs.com too.

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Try tlcdirect.org for wigs starting @$40.

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  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 287
    edited October 2009

    Hey Jean - good news. U r so nice.Maria annoyed the heck out of me-she does look about 16 and had little to offer ,I thought. I think this whole thing makes me less tolerant of others more often than I used to be. Oh, well, hopefully i will be able to tolerate myself.

    I got sores on my inside lower lip and stinging burning day #4 but salt watered it like 8x a day for a few days and clean as a whistle! Be well- Valerie 

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  • ReneeJean
    ReneeJean Member Posts: 100
    edited October 2009

    Snuziq---yep, started the steriods this morning...no rage this time so far...I guess I was just keyed up before my first treatment last time.  I am going to go take some tylenol PM in a minute to help me sleep.  Also have been drinking gallons of water since Sunday....living in the bathroom<g>. 

    Have a peaceful day tomorrow.....may our chemo infusions be drama-free and may we feel like going out to dinner (or movie tavern is my vote) after our chemo....and may our SE be no worse than previous!!!  I am lifting my water glass in a toast!!!

    I buzzed my hair on day 16...I am okay with it now....I have no choice...that ship sailed with treatment #1. I am wearing a wig out of the house....but I am going to wear a scarf to chemo tomorrow---just can't imagine having this hair in my head for the day sitting in a recliner...sigh.  My head itches the past two days and I am losing more and more of my stubble.  Oh well, it will grow back (I hope).

    Juannelle--glad you have your dates...it does get better after you face treatment #1 (well except for the hair thing with me---that literally put me on my knees, but hopefully you won't have that same experience/feeling).   You will know what to expect with subsequent treatments to a degree and I think that helps---at least it is helping me as I face #2.  

    Peace and hugs to all....

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  • ReneeJean
    ReneeJean Member Posts: 100
    edited October 2009

    Sido...you got hit by a van...as in an auto vs ped  accident????  OMG!   What happened.  You said you were all okay...did the driver go to jail?  Just when you think Cancer and Chemo are bad....good grief.  But on  a positive note...you are okay so if you are going to get hit by a van in your lifetime that was a good  hit!!    Sorry...morbid sense of humor I have, an occupational hazard.

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Dear Renee Jean,

    Where did you see Sido got hit by a van? Hope she is well.

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited October 2009

    MaryNY           can you up date mine please ive found out today that my onco has changed my cemo to FEC 100  EVERY 3 WEEKS X 6 thank you  i  whent to chemo class today didnt learn anythink new either only a change in meds they were really nice took a tour of cancer care unit and they showed me where ill be geting my chemo done it was good to get familer with the place  well only 2 MORE SLEEPS TILL CHEMO im not at all worried any more well thats for now anyway ill be letting you know how im feeling thurs night hope everyone is doing ok on their treat make the most of the good days and crawl under our rocks on the bad days   love to all

    joanne

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  • Scoobydoo
    Scoobydoo Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2009

    Hi ladies.  Please add me to your list.  I am on also on the sept 2009 thread.  I have just completed my 3rd AC and have one more to go on 10/29.  I have 4 Ts after that then rads.  I started on 9/17. 

    Seems to be like every tx is different for me.  This has been a challenge both physically and emotionally.  I hate chemo!!!!  But I know t live I must do this. 

    I can not wait to be done with AC though.  That is a nasty cocktail. 

    Anita

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Hey Anita,

    You here too!

    Welcome.

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited October 2009

    Hi Anita!

    For those about to begin, I think truly the waiting was the hardest part.  I remember just sitting there waiting to start with tears running down my face.  Of course, after 3 rounds I won't say it is a picnic, but not as bad as what I worried about, and every week I do is a week closer to being finished. 

    For those with sensitive stomachs, I wanted to pass on a tip I haven't needed, but I've seen several people use.  I guess for some the point at which they flush your IV or port with the saline/heparin causes upset stomach.  I've seen two separate women now who use a spoonful of peanut butter.  If they put it in their mouths right when the nurse is ready to flush the IV they avoid the smell/taste.  Don't know why it works for them, but they both seemed convinced it made a difference. 

    Sido...can't believe someone hit you.  Glad you are doing OK.  I got my Neulasta yesterday and need to get out walking........

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  • puffins
    puffins Member Posts: 32
    edited October 2009

    Good morning, everyone,

    I want to cheer you all on and give you an update on my progress.

    I met with my onc. last week and discusses my options for treatment after a very difficult time with my first TAC. After looking at treatment options and % benefits, I've decided that chemo is not my path to healing, especially since we had clear nodes after the second surgery. I'm predicted to have a 4X greater benefit from the hormonal therapy, so will shift to it as my treatment plan.

    I really admire each of you as you move forward with chemo!

    I'm with you in solidarity, and in losing my hair, so that's a good daily reminder for me to keep sending you prayers and good energy for your healing! Each of you is an awe-some woman!!!

    I'll keep reading about your progress here.

    Hugs to all,

    Shoshanna   :-) 

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited October 2009

    Sido,

    You had an accident?  I hope all is well...I am hoping that you are ok..Surprised

    I had to share a funny story.  Yesterday we talked about how our kids don't let us use the "Cancer Card",  Well last evening my daughter, who is 10, and I were laying in bed snuggling and reading.  So she found an eyelash and she was trying to decide what to wish for.  Remember how we use to do that when we were kids.  So I piped up and said, "Why don't you wish that I didn't have cancer",  she says "nahh",  so I say "well, why don't you wish that my chemo goes well".  She says"nahh".  Then she turns to me and says to me, "mom, why don't you get your own eyelash!"  Well I burst out laughing like crazy.  No cancer card taken in this house.

    Have a great SE Free dayLaughing

    Michele

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  • snuziq
    snuziq Member Posts: 107
    edited October 2009

    Hey everyone, The Look Good, Feel Better class was good last night. We moved kind of slow as our "make up" lady is 10 days post double mastectomy. The minute she told us that we all became mother hens making sure she didn't over do! The ladies that did the make-up and hair section are from a local salon for cancer patients and their families. Very sweet ladies. It was nice to hear all of the things that the American Cancer Society offers as they have a lot of routes for support of all kinds of cancer. They even have a study matching program on their website!

    Sido -- I hope you don't have any long term effects from the accident. I am glad everyone (puppy included) is doing ok.

    Shelby - McKinney is about 30 miles north of Dallas. I have a friend who keeps asking if I'm sure you don't need a passport to go that far north.Smile Well, I am raising my juice to ReneeJean and anyone else who has chemo today for an easy treatment with little or no SEs. I am in the infusion suite getting my pre-drugs. I will give updates as the day progresses.

    Love to all my BC sisters!

    Suzi

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  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 287
    edited October 2009

    Michele, That was so funny! I love kids - sounds like you r bringing her up well!!!! I think she will be a strong woman ! 

    Got sxs of a cold or a cold? Comes and goes w/ a vengeance - is this a chemo se? Also, when is the "nadir" (lowest white blood cell count). Felt crummy yesterday and today. Went to work on monday and alas have not been back since (sigh) Back to tv game shows. Be well- Valerie 

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Nadir should occur between 7 and 10 days post AC.

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  • MeredithK02
    MeredithK02 Member Posts: 86
    edited October 2009

    Welcome, Anita!

    For everyone: I'm so grateful I get to read all of your tips before my first treatment.  That peanut butter trick sounds great!

    Sending everyone good wishes!

    Meredith

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  • azdiva
    azdiva Member Posts: 201
    edited October 2009

    Good Morning Ladies!

    Cold seems to be going away.  DH left for Istanbul at 400 am.  Maybe I am only sick when he is here.  Maybe he is making me sick!  HAHAHA  I actually accused him of this.  He has been sleeping in Guest Bed, leaving me and wonderdog, Fabio, in luxurious comfort.  I toss too much now, sweat too much, eat too many popsicles . . . Plus I am really sensitive to touch right now.  The TEs bug me.  Fabio doesn't care.  He just moves around as he wants to, and if he wants to sleep on my head he just does.  Dog snoring doesn't bother me, but if Bob touches me with his toe I just want to smack him!  Bet you all are glad you're not married to me!  Actually, I am thinking of trying to be nicer to him.  Our relationship was really rocky before BC, and he did some really sh!tty things, but I think he is really trying now.  I need to forgive him, but it is hard to forgive someone who doesn't act like they need forgiveness!  Plus he bought me really great jewelry - totally unsolicited!  Hmmmm .. .maybe someday I'll feel like having sex again . . . Not today!  Which I guess is a good thing since he is out of town.  HA!  TMI for you guys, I'm sure.

    So I have been spending a TON of time reading other threads, exploring topics.  I am so torn about tamoxifen right now.  Is anyone else thinking of not doing it?  I swear if my tumor was Grade 1 or even 2, I would just tell my onc I'm not doing it.  But Grade 3 makes it hard.  I never did the Onco test because chemo was a given.  And Onco test assumes tamoxifen anyway.  But I wonder what my risk of reoccurrence is since I've had BMx and am now doing chemo?  I want to get BRCA tested as well.  So hard.  I'm 44 and I don't want to feel 84.  My grandma had her period into her 60s (ok, maybe I don't want that, but there is something comforting about the monthly visitor).  I guess I should also find out what % ER/PR positive I am.  100% would point to Tamoxifen.  But 80%?  What about that other 20%?  Won't it INCREASE my risk of non-Estrogen receptor cancer?  I just don't know.  Guess I have time to research.

    So!  Cold is better.  Hair is still on head (but I have had a few strands come out; that could be because I am running my hands through it all of the time to check).  Going to do blood work today because I totally blew it off yesterday!!  I wonder if my WBCs have come down from 37?  Will they still give me the shot after chemo next week if they are so high?  Wouldn't think so.

    Hope you all have a great day!  Love to All -

    Laura 

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  • MarieK
    MarieK Member Posts: 911
    edited October 2009

    Hi All!

    It's pouring down rain here in West Vancouver BC (British Columbia).  The wig is not too bothered by the rain - the rain just runs right off and down my neck!  Like a duck....

    I'm starting to feel guilty when I wear my wig - not the "why do I look so beautiful and everyone else has rain hair" feeling HaHa!!  But that my hair looks so perfectly coiffed and I get a lot of compliments (from strangers).  With my self-deprecating personalty I have to stop myself from telling people it's a wig.  I do tell my friends and people I know but strangers - they don't need to know right?  I should lap up those compliments and just say thanks!

    I'm sure the Starbucks girls are starting to clue in becuase I have a different hairstyle everytime I've been in lately.  I'm sure they're wondering - how does that lady go from short dark to long highlighted?  Is she a Chrissy doll or what? Hmmmm....no I think they are smarter than that and have figured it out!

    Today I had to go for my pre-chemo bloodwork.  A day early because I needed to have extra tests done before I go for my PICC line install tomorrow.  The poor lab tech couldn't find a vein and had to call in her superior.  This lady was a pro and was massaging my arm like crazy and finally got a good bleeder out of my hand (near my pinkie finger!).  I asked her if they could draw blood from my PICC line and she told me not at their lab. 

    Do you girls with ports and PICC lines have your blood draws out of your "appliance" or do you still use veins?

    It was a lot of work/wait and although I got a lot of compliments and appraising looks for my hair my veins were not very complimentary today.

    I'm guess I'll ask the IV nurse or Radiologist tomorrow when I go get mine done....

    Sido - I hope you are still doing ok after being hit by a van!  Sometimes - because of adrenalin - you don't feel the full effects of any damage until days later.  I hope you both saw your doctor and got checked out.

    Laura - how did you get your cold?  I'm glad you're doing better but I wonder because I've got both of my kids home with the stomach flu.  First my daughter (16) and now my son (14).  I'm trying to keep my distance from them so I don't get it but it's really hard!  My husband is also sick with a cough so basically I keep to myself when everyone is home.

    There is so much H1N1 going around in my area.  BC (British Columbia) has been hit pretty hard with lots of cases of this flu.  One of the universities here is seeing 10-12 cases daily (in this last week) of the H1N1 flu in it's on campus clinic.

    Pretty much any flu going around here is the H1N1 and we are close to hitting a peak and the vaccine isn't even released yet (I heard by next week it should be making it's way to clinics in our area).

    I guess I should stick to shopping online and stay away from people for next few months!

    Speaking of online shopping - Meredith and Newtonville - I bought most of my wigs online through eBay they are new with tags still attached.  The wig I'm wearing in my avatar was a custom one that I paid $600 for but the others were around $40-50.  They are synthetic with skin parts and lace strutures.  Very comfortable to wear!

    I figured that they are close to what I would spend on a haircut so instead of saving that money I am getting new "haircuts" with it.

    Well I should get off and make some chicken noodle soup for my kids in quarrantine!

    Have a great day everyone!

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  • Scoobydoo
    Scoobydoo Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2009

    Hi MarieK.  I still get my blood work through my veins.  Only my Onc RN can draw from port.  I would rather go to the nearest med center then drive over to where I get chemo.  Lots of swine flu here in MD too.  Lots of daughters field hockey players are out sick.  Trying to keep from getting this nasty flu.  I was given a regular flu shot day 1 of chemo.  Still havent got vaccine at my med center and onc is not sure I should get it.

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited October 2009

    Marie I think my wig looks better than my real hair too.  My hair was really curly...not really ever an asset, so a "good hair day" looking wig is better than what they were used to.  Except that I hardly wear it around the house.  I do the knit caps and scarves, so much less "huggy" on my head.  For chemo day I also wear scarves........I figure if I can't rock the chemo look there, where can I?

    Michelle, our families have a way of keeping us real, don't they?

    Laura, I have no advice about Tamoxifen...I'm ER- so didn't spend a lot of time on that one. 

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Hi MarieK,

    For the simple basic CBC blood-work I get a pin prick on the finger. Other than that everything thru' the power port.

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