Anyone Starting Chemo Jan. 2010?

michelle_nj

Agbmom - I have dose dense AC, started on Jan 15. Wish you an easy treatment on Thursday, with no nausea at all.
VegasDiva- That was scary. Glad you fell better.

friscosmom

youngmomof3 - let me know what you are told about the drawing of blood from a power port. I was told this by one of my chemo nurses at my last treatment, it came as a surprise to me. Wondering if she knows what she's talking about now. I appreciate you posting that infomation about the options of who puts in your port, I wasn't really given a choice, but it could help others. Thankkfulyl it worked out in the end. My scar is not really very big (maybe inch and a half long) and it's almost not noticable any more. I do love my surgeon but not sure I'd feel the same way if I had to get two infusions IV because my port didn't work; I'm a HUGE baby about needles!

youngmomof3

I have a question for those of you who get the Neulasta shot...when should I start taking the Claritan? I have chemo on Thursday so shot will be on Friday. Should I start tomorrow? my nurse practitioner said that the white blood cells usually drop around day #7 after chemo so that is when I will most likely feel pain but said I could take it everyday. what have you girls done?

friscosmom: I did talk with my onc nurse today and she said that the power port should be able to draw blood from. I'll ask onc again on Thurs and let you know. I have to admit definitely a little annoyed with surgeon and also with myself b/c I just took the info given to me and didn't look into any other options(not that I knew there were any). I am relying on these drs/surgeons to be the experts b/c this is all new to me but I need to do a better job of keeping myself informed and asking more questions. Also not a huge fan of needles but am used to them and feeling like a pin cushion. I spent 5 weeks in the hospital last yr on bedrest with my daughter and was poked and prodded non-stop. After all of that, now I get to do it again. realized that again I  have little privacy and that my body is a free for all with drs. 

agbmom: I am also on day 19 from my 1st taxotere, had carboplatin the week before but was told that is not the one that causes hair loss. Def shedding hair but still have the majority of it. Was also wondering at what point do i shave it? will it be when I am sick of it falling out? I don't want to shave it until it is really noticable, holding on as long as i can i guess.

Vegasdiva: I am so sorry to hear about your very rough night. that must have been very scary and i hope you don't have to go through that again. did your drs have any idea what made you feel this way? Sounds like you have a wonderful boyfriend to support you.

Georgiabirdgirl: what a nightmare with your port! that totally stinks. I was in the ER last week b/c of chest,back,neck,shoulder pain which were on the side that my port is on. they checked me for blood clots and everything came back ok but i am still nervous about it. so glad you went to the hospital and that they will now be closely monitoring you. Who knows about surgeon vs. interventional radiologist but it is frustrating when something that is put in to make this whole process easier becomes more of a headache and worry. So glad you were able to enjoy the snow with your kids. I am sooo over snow here in NJ.

I am also having serious mood swings. Could be the chemo, could be the period that i am still getting, could be the stress of all of this. Who knows. I am feeling bad for my DH, sometimes easily irritated with the kids:( and honestly sometimes get on my own freakin nerves. Laughing to crying to feeling like I could scream over the stupidest crap. Thought I was feeling prepared for chemo on Thurs and then tonight I took out my steroids so that i can take them tomorrow and started to feel very uneasy in my stomach. Do I really have to do this again? and another 4 times? Oh Lord, give me strength! Give us all strength!!!

friscosmom

youngmomof3 - thanks for the info on the power port, I just dug out my information packet from when I got mine and it says it can be used for blood draws. I'm a bit concerned now because the reason this came up with the chemo nurse is because when she flushed then pulled back to get blood returned she got nothing; that's when she asked if I had the power port and said you can't pull blood from it. I plan on getting clarification on that at my next visit because if the are supposed to be able to pull blood and she's not getting any I worry something is wrong.

Someone mentioned getting sick just hearing the words Breast Cancer, I couldn't agree more! You can't get away from it,  I love watching The Office and last episode the new owner of the company, during her introductions, announced she was a breast cancer survivor, I just about turned the TV off! 

mom2Bnegativex3

SOO true about throwing up with just the thought of the word. Usually at the end of the week of tx I don't even want to read anythig about it. This time i didn't even want to look at the word chemotherapy. Just clicking on that link made me nausea (sp).

This Friday is my fudraising jewelry party. Not only do I get the money but I get double the jewelry!! woo hoo. I have one lady donating the cake. I am trying to find some good food to make. Because of BC I went inactive selling pampered chef but maybe I can find something on my website. Last time for my wig party I had my wig on and so did the other ladies so my hubby had to get all of the food out of the oven!! lol If any of you ladies have a Pampered Chef consultant in May is when they come out with their pink products to donate to cancer reasearech. It is called Help Whip cancer. I have a few cute little pink piecse that I lke to entertain with. This year they are going to have martani glasses and reusable grocery bags! Hope everyone has a great day!! Take it easy!

georgiabirdgirl

youngmomof3- start taking the Claritin two days before the shot.  Then take it for three more days.  Total of 5 days.  So far, it has worked for me this go round.  I'm starting to get fed up with taking drugs for side effects of drugs that I'm taking for side effects.  I'm starting to feel like some sort of experiment.  I am going to ask my onc if I can skip the steroids this next go round. 

I can totally relate to the emotional craziness that comes with this stuff.  I have had several serious ups and downs and even had to call my husband to come home from the store one day, because I thought I was going to lose it while helping my son do his homework.  I knew it wasn't me, but I was just SO upset.  I was trying to help him get his work done and it was so frustrating all I could do was cry.  My poor son and husband didn't know what to make of it all.  I took a hot bath and regrouped and felt normal again after a couple of hours. 

My stomach does flips when I see my meds for after chemo too.  One more AC to go. 

As far as the blood draw from the power port goes, I will say that my chemo nurse has run into trouble with it once.  I had to lay down and they flushed it with saline.  Then it worked fine.  For my chemo (AC) it is really important that the draw is established first.  They do another test before they start adminstering the chemo and another person has to witness it.  Apparently, if it doesn't draw well, then the AC can do some serious damage to the veins.  I don't think that's the case with other chemo drugs-just the Adriamyacin.

I'm getting closer and closer to the half-way point.  Then, I think I might be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Can't wait until then.  In the meantime, thanks for listening and sharing.

gramoflexus

Hi Warriors , yippee yesterday was my last day for AC . today is the Neulasta shot ,but I have been blessed with not to bad SE's I never heard  that about taking Claritin. Now the next step to this journey is Taxol for 4 treatments and they told me yesterday I will not need the Neulasta shot , That was great news , So glad AC is done I'm ususally done for about 4 to 5 days , flip flop stomach nothing looks or smells good Hate the thought of drinking anything .

My problem right now is my eyes water all the time I guess anothe SE I wear contacts so the Doc suggested using my eyeglass for a while

I was wondering if anyone could help me find this . Lat night I was doing a search for Taxiol and came across a memeber who write this poem or saying called Attitude  It was so neat . well I thought I copy and pasted it to my email but not luck and now I can find it . Wasn'rt sure if anyone else had seen it .

Have a healthy day Linda

pumpkinsoup

 gramoflexus--CONGRATS on finishing up AC!! Woo Hoo!! 1/2 way there!

I, too, have a power port. My chemo day routine is a blood draw from the port in the early AM on the day of chemo. The nurse flushes the port with saline, draws one vial of blood and discards, then draws the blood for the workup, then injects heparin. She leaves the needle with the tubing in, taped to my chest till chemo later in the day. I haven't had a problem yet, and I so feel for you gals that have : ((

I have a developed a lovely rash on my back since last weekend. My oncologist never called me back last night, and I'm hoping this doesn't interfere with my next chemo (Tues.). Has anyone gotten a rash while on AC or Neulasta?

And, to top it off, I'm also emotionally a mess. I was OK till the last chemo, and now I can't stop focusing on my daughter growing up motherless. I try to be strong, but sometimes everything just gets too emotional.

Thanks, girls, for listening. I'm sooo ready to get off this ride. 

VegasDiva

Wow, it seems like so many of us are having a really hard time now.  I'm so sorry.  this sucks so much and I told my onc that yesterday.  They have no idea why I had that horrible episode, but have a feeling it might be related to my previous colon cancer.  I still suffer SE from that.

graceokinawa:  so sorry you had to experience those SE too.  They are brutal.

Today I woke up with a head cold.  My sinuses are like someone opened the flood gates.  I cannot stop blowing my nose.  I took DayQuill but so far it is not helping too much.  I just hope I don't get a fever.

agbmom  geeze am I showing my age with gordon gekko?  Wall Street is one of my favorite movies of all time.  I can't wait until the the new one comes out.

Stay Strong Sistas, this too shall pass.

Issymom

Georgiabird - I am also taking AC.  For my first treatment I had no steriods and felt horrible the first day then fine day 2 and day 3 I was just flu like.  Told my onc and so for the second round she gave me a small dose of steriods (not sure the unit of measure but it was 4 vs the recommended 10).  She also said that the Emend manufacturer recommends taking steriods the next 2 days.  She didn't think that was necessary and that she thought that they felt that since it works day 1 it must be good for day 2 and 3.  For the next 2 treatments, I felt good day 2 except tired since I woke up at 3am and couldn't go back to sleep (thank you steriods).  Day 3 has always been my worst day.  I don't know if we need steriods with Taxol.  Sure hope not!!

Anonymous

pumpkinsoup

I too had a itchy rash on my torso from AC. Fortunately it cleared up in few days without any medication. I heard that benedryl also helps

bbd

I am sitting on the eve of TX 3. My stomach is bugging me...is it the steroids or anxiety? I am trying to focus on 3/4 done after tomorrow.

 Gramoflexus-

Congrats....my left eye twitch regularly. I find it waters a great deal if I am outside. I am still wearing my contacts to work as my vanity is taking a beating wearing a wig so I am trying not to give up on my contacts. I will ask the onc tomorrow.

It does seem like SEs of various types are bugging us all. It doesn't seem fair, but given many of you I feel very fortunate that my SEs are much milder than many. I don't mean to whine and will focus on the end of the road.

Stay strong everyone.

Barbara

bbd

Gramoflexus-

Is the poem about attitude the post by chevyboy on February 6th? I can't seem to copy it into this email.

Barbara

wren22

I did not shave my head.  The hair came out on its own within about 24 hours by just running my fingers through it.  I still have a very tiny bit of hair--my husband says its looks like a baby's.  For me it was just more comfortable to do it this way.  Maybe I was just too chicken to shave it!

bbd:  I am also on the eve of my third tx.  So dreading feeling like crap again, but I keep telling myself that after tomorrow only one more to go!  My worst SE's have been horrible dry mouth and terrible sinus problems, but am hoping that I can get ahead of them this time.  I have my biotene mouthwash, toothpaste and gum that seem to help with the mouth issues.  Started a saline spray for the sinuses that seems to be working.  I am celebrating the fact that I did not have a period this month--woo hoo!!  Hope it stays away for a long time!  Good luck tomorrow--I will be thinking of you.

youngmomof3

Friscomom: definitley look into the port/no blood draw. my onc nurse said she wouldn't use my port until she either got blood or the port study showed that it was working properly and sending the meds to the right place. Not to freak you out at all just think it would be good info to have.

Georgiabirdgirl: thx for the info on the Claritan. chemo is tomorrow and I didn't take it today so I'm hoping I will still be okay. I am also sick of all of these extra meds for the SE's. tomorrow i will take my steroid,emend,zinc b/c the benedryl they give me gives me very restless legs which makes me quite crazy during chemo, and ativan to help me feel relaxed and also to help with the leg issue. Sorry to hear about your homework experience with your son. I have had thos emoments where I feel like I could just lose it and cry like a baby and want to hide in my room and then thank goodness once I have some space i can get myself back together and be okay. sometimes its for a 2 minute cry in the bathroom(usually over something small or stupid) or a longer little breakdown which tells me that i must really need to have this b/c having to be strong most of the time is exhausting.give yourself credit...you are a tough woman who needs a break(or breakdown) now and then. we all do.

pumpkinsoup: I am there with you. when I allow myself to think about the idea of leaving my kids I am completely overcome with emotions. It has definitely been my biggest fear through all of this. I have to keep telling myself,convincing myself, that I am going to be here to watch them grow up and live their wonderful lives. After my initial diagnosis all I thought was "will I be here next christmas? will I be around to go to disney with them in 2 years?" etc,etc,etc.I couldn't see the future with me in it and wouldn't allow myself to plan for one. That was probably the lowest I have felt but most days now I am planning and seeing our future and believe(or convince myself) that I will be here. I hope you do too. I know it is so hard to be strong and positive all of the time which is why on days when I am not feeling strong or positive I come to this message board and get strength and positivity from all of you amazing women:) 

as for the C word  we are surrounded by it. i usually watch Brothers & Sisters on TV and hadn't been able to watch it sonce my diagnosis b/c one of the main characters has cancer and seeing her with her wig or scarf on her head or sick in a hospital bed was not good for me at the time. Just started watching it a few weeks ago but partly b/c i knew she ended up being fine.

well i am off to pack my chemo "mini-vacation" bag for tomorrow. Praying all goes well with no reactions to all meds finally being given at the same time. Hope tomorrow is a better day for all of those that had a rough one today:)

mslrg

Ladies, it sounds like many of you are going through az rough patch and I am so sorry. I have had a good week and the weather here has been nothing short of glorious. I've done a lot of yard work, house cleaning, cooking, taking my kids on their appointments, and so on. My turn is coming, though--chemo #3 is on Friday

Issymom

I think the key is to make the most out of the days we have when we feel good.  I still tire easily but at least I am not nauseous anymore.  It is so good to feel somewhat normal.  Savor these moments because the bad days will come.

mslrg - sounds like you have made the most of your good days. 

volleyskcat

friscosmom- I also have a Power Port and they have taken blood from my port 4 times now with no problems.  I have terrible veins and after several unsuccessful attempts at blood draws in my arm - I talked with the oncologist and he said that is what a Power Port is for.( I also read it in the info they gave me after I had the port put in) ..he said it does take the chemo nurses a little longer because they have to flush the line then draw the blood then flush the line again before they get started on all the chemo stuff.  I would def ask again about this.  I am also a real BIG baby when it comes to needles - I can't watch or hear anything about needles without feeling sick.  Good luck. 

I just finished my 3rd dose dense AC treatment today and I have the watery eyes and nose also.  I have also had trouble with indigestion and slght nausea with my 2nd treatment.  I am hoping this 3rd one is easier.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Just-Sher

Hey ladies- 

So sorry to hear that it sounds like everyone is having a really rough time.  

I've been reading but haven't written b/c my stuff has been going really well.  At most, I have fatigue.  I rest or nap for about an hour each day, and then go to bed when my kids go to bed.  So getting about 9+ hours of sleep seems to help.  Drinking tons of water and eating my fruits and veggies.  Yoga or walking or just plain getting out, or doing something NORMAL seems to be the key for me. 

I did have issues coming off the steriods following my 2 round of TCH but talked to my chemo nurse, who talked to my onc and they are going to lessen the amount of steriods in my system so that I don't crash as hard! 

My Onc also said that his patients that take it easy on chemo day and the 2 days post chemo, even if you are feeling well, seem to fair better on days 4 and 5.  So for me, chemo is on Tuesday, so I lay low on Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday.  Then I won't CRASH so bad come Friday and Saturday!  I'll admit though its hard to lay low on Tuesday and Wednesday b/c of the steriods - but the crash on Thurs and Fri is so major.  I am hopeful that the lesser steriod dose will be helpful in reducing the emotional mess that I become for those two days.

Throughout my very unexpected nontypical journey I have focused on the positive throughout this.  I have learned to ask for and accept help.  I never call the chemo poison rather it is the medicine that is HEALING my body so that I will have many many more years to LIVE!

Ladies focus on the positive today!  Hugs those loved ones and tell the women in your lives to get those mammograms!

~Sher

pagowens

HI All,

 Had my third AC yesterday and the headache and queezy stomach are back.  Am on sick leave now and still not up and dressed - too tired.  So the grandson is still running around the house  dressed in his superman pjs, alligator rain boots, and spiderman hoodie and we're late for day care. He had mac and cheese for breakfast - what the hay!  I'll get both of us together after posting.

I shaved only because I honestly couldn't stand the clumps of hair coming out all over everything and me.  I still have lots of stubble, especially on the side that I figure would still be longish hair if I didn't shave.  But by the time I went to the hairdresser, I was pretty thin on top where it shows the most.  I figure since the SEs of the AC and the Taxol are hair loss, eventually everything will die out anyway.  So I shaved for convenience.  And, I totally understand the worry about whether the chemo is working - that's exactly how I still feel, even though the hair did start shedding on Day 16.

The Sancuso patch was in addition to the Emend for nausea.  Those of you having more and more nausea ought to ask for more help.  I'll let you know if this patch helps more than just the Emend and the other meds in a couple days.  Right now it feels the same as after the last two ACs but I know enough to know that tomorrow is the big day and the week after.  So, I'm putting my roller coaster seat belt back on and getting myself mentally set for another ride.

We can do this, we can do this, we can do this.....

Hugs to you all, this is the most difficult journey I've been on and I see and hear your anguish as well.

Pat

leta17

Neulasta #2 - I am on day 8 following my 2nd TC tx and have had only mild aches from the Neulasta shot this time around!!  The nurses were right, in that the pain would be minimal going forward, yeah!!!  I did not take Claritin, I actually forgot about it, so since it was minimal this time, I don't think I will be taking claritin going forward, would like to limit the 'extra' meds if possible:)

I hope others too have had a better time of the Neulasta their 2nd or 3rd time around.

1marmalade1

I bought this little terry cloth skull cap - my franceluxe stays on pretty good with that.

1marmalade1

I had my 2nd Taxotere yesterday - am getting Neulasta today.  My first one was HORRIBLE.  I will take Claritin today regardless and hope for the best.  I hope your nurses were right, that going forward it shouldn't be that bad.  I guess I'll know for sure by Tuesday, as my last SE's (which I call electric shock treatment) didn't kick in until 4 days after the shot.

pagowens

Hi all,

Whoops - forgot to also let you know that I have been blessed by getting Thrush on my tongue and down my throat. Apparently the fungus that is generally in your mouth can go crazy when your immune system is suppressed  - like in babies, people with HIV and cancer patients going through chemo.  Now I have "Magic Mouthwash," anti-fungal pills and lozenges to add to my collection.  Chemo is a gift that keeps giving. 

Neulasta - thanks for the reminder - I go to get my 3rd Neulasta shot today.  Each time I've only gotten the face rash which lasts one day.

Ciao!

Pat

friscosmom

pagowens - I've gotten the thrush after both my treatments, it starts 5 days after my treatment and lasts about a week. I'm two weeks out from my last treatment and the top of my mouth is cleared back up... for now. Unpleasant stuff and since it's down the throat it causes me terrible indigestion. I got some liquid I swallow 30 minutes before meals for mine; Carefate or something like that; but no anti-fungal pills. I find it so interesting to read all the different ideas our docs have about this stuff, wouldn't you think there'd be some "standard of care/treatment" for this stuff. It seems it's just all about what you doc prefers or what they've had success with I guess.

Good luck with the Neulasta, glad you aren't having the bone pain. I've not yet, I do take the Claritin but really not sure if that's what's keeping it away or if I'm just not inclined to have the bone pain. I'm not going to stop the Claritin to find out though. LOL

My best to all of you that are on your bad weeks. I'm on my good week this week, FEC #3 is next Thurday. We're supposed to be 70 degress and sunny on Saturday and I'm planning on riding my horse for the first time since my December lumpectomy; can't wait for Saturday. Hoping my pony hasn't decided to turn into a wild mustang during his two months off!

michelle_nj

Hello Sisters,
I finally feel less nausea( with medication). But I feel sick just thinking that I have another AC dose next Friday. At my #3AC I almost vomited when the nurse was giving me the A part. They put Zofran in the IV and gave me the Emend and decadron pills just when I started the tx and I was still very sick. Does anybody take any other pills on AC treatment day?
Pagowens- please let me know if Sancuso is working. I'm willing to give it a try too.
I have motion sickness and I tried before wrist bands, but didn't work for me. I just take otc medication when flying or sailing.
Friscosmom - Sounds great, to ride your horse on a sunny, 70 degrees day. Hurray!
I'm also on my good week this weekend and I intend to go skiing. I need to save some nice images in my head, in preparation for next week when I have my last expanders fill and my last AC.
Best wishes for all of you that do not fell that good. Hang in there. The good times are coming!

KAJDerby

Hey all.  I finally feel a little better today.  Today is my 29th wedding anniversary and my hubby has a special evening planned.  I was hoping that I would feel good enough.  Of course, it is only 7 am here in Okinawa, but I am going to lay low today and plan to feel good tonight. 

I get the mouth issues exactly on Day 8 and it lasts about 7 days.  I also get sores on my head at the same time as the ones in my mouth.  Vitamin E oil works great on my scalp and even takes the soreness away.

Also, I had a unilateral mastectomy and have been wearing a sport bra with a stuffed knee high stocking for the missing boob.  Well, when I am teaching the left side of the bra keeps riding up and pretty soon that stuffed stocking is up by my neck ( a little exageration).  I have to go in the closet and readjust.  I ordered a silicone prosthetic from the States almost 2 months ago and it still hadn't come!  I really wanted to wear a special outfit to dinner for my anniversary and was a little frustrated that it wasn't here yet.  Yesterday my daughter came home with the breast!!!!!  I was soooooooooo excited!  Then I was nervous as here in Okinawa there was no way to try one on.  I just had to do a lot of reading and then I ordered.  And then I prayed!!!  I put it in my bra and my husband said I looked great!  I really did!  I was elated!  So tonight I wear I real bra for the first time since December 10! 

Did any of you read the article yesterday on cnn about aspirin and breast cancer?  Just wondered if it has been on the news there in the US much.

Hang in there everyone.  It seems like we are all going through a difficult time.  Everyone has helped me so much to plan better for this.  I am a wimp, so I decided that days 1,2,3, I was going to lay low.  I have noticed that for me day 4 and 5 are  much better.  I know some of you do not have that option and I think of you everytime I have the luxury of resting when I need it.

mslrg

Hey Grace--I have 6 falsies, not silicone, though--they are like cushion filler sewn in a little boob-shaped pillow. You can take out the filler to match the size of the other side. PM me f you'd like me to send you one--I haven't used them.

mslrg

Hey Ladies, my #3 TC is tomorrow. I am so DREADING it! I have had such a great week and know I'm going to have to go back to that icky place again! I have had hot flashes almost every night since #2. Anybody else experiencing that?  Would this mean that chemopause is starting? My neighbor across the street is a non-Hodgkins lymphoma survivor. SHe said I should not try to take on the world on the days I feel good (as I have been doing). She says thegood days will last longer if I take it easy. I will also heed advice to take it easy on days 2 and 3 to make days  4 and 5 a little easier. By the time I figure out all the tricks to getting through chemo it will be done. Gevalt!

Tamatar

Hi Girls,

 I've been reading but not posting...things have been pretty good for me.  I have been feeling pretty good other than this cough/cold that I can't get rid of...typical Chicago winter cold!  But other than that I have been feeling well and have discovered that the more I sit around, the more lazy I get.  I have found that if I make myself walk to the end of the block or just get outside for a few moments that i fell more "normal".  I have also learned that I can't be as crazy as I have been in the past about housecleaning, shopping, and making everything perfect.   I have discovered that less than perfect is okay too.  I am sorry that some of you are having a hard time right now and I want you to know that my thoughts are with you...hang in there girls...we can do this together!!!!

 Take Care,

Tammy