Starting Chemo Feb 2010?

Grazie47

StaceyT- I would suggest to eat light, easy digestible foods.

Yesterday I had my second chemo treatment and the day before I ate soup, unsalted crackers,  jello for every meal, lots of fluids and animal crackers for snacks. Chemo day I also ate light and lots of fluids.

Yesterday(Chemo day) I had absolutely no side effects.  Was I happy, yes and no.. 

 I'm starting to think this chemo thing is a mind game.  I waited all day for something, then when I went to bed I hardly slept, just laying there thinking I will get really sick in the middle of the night. 

Today one day post chemo, I got up early, no side effects yet. 

 A few days ago was my son's birthday, because of all the bad weather we are having here in NJ combined with my chemo treatment he hasn't been able to come over.  Son called last night and will be over today, yeah. So this morning I'm feeling great (one day post chemo, little sleep) must be the steroids, cleaned the bathroom, stripped the bed, straightened out the house, baked a cake, made dinner, yes at 9am in the morning I made dinner.  11am Son called, he is snowed in with 18 inches of snow and can no way come over today.   I could just scream about this stupid weather.   What happened to Global warming?

In the middle of my steroid rush, the doorbell rang and I rushed to open it hoping it was a neighborhood kid looking to shovel my 12 inches, lo and behold my prayers were answered and it was, yeah.  The kid was just staring and then I realized in my frenzy I forgot to put a scarf on and there I stood with a bald head.  I was so mad at myself. Poor kid hope he is not traumatized, and will return tomorrow to do it again.

lbreedl

Grace: So sorry about your son not being able to come over. Put the cake in the fridge, he will come as soon as he can. Make some cookies for the snow boy since you're on the steroids. Pack some up to send to me too while your at it! LOL! I wish you were closer you could get my house too, or at least get me in gear to do it. I have been busy with horses all week & am behind on my chores. Thank God we're able to do these necessities. You've inspired me to get the dust off & finish the laundry.

I think I'm going to keep my witch hat at the front door just in case!

salsoda62

Grazie47, I'm beginning to agree with you about the mind game thing. I had my 1st treatment Wed, no nausea, no GI problems, just a little spacey and tired, and hey, at 47 I'm like that most days! Yesterday was the Neulasta, and I took the Claritan, on the good advice of all the folks here, and today, no pain, no nothing. I'm incredibly thankful, but also realize that just because today is good, tomorrow may not be. So I just need to be grateful for today and not think too far ahead.

And speaking of a head, I've got to get on that wig thing! Or maybe, like lbreedl, I'll just start wearing my witch hat too!

kshep

Anyone else on the AC regimen that has done the MUGA test?  My first experience with this was just the worst!   I have in a tissue expander for reconstruction and to lay there with my arms above my head for an hour was torture.  Now they have another one scheduled for a followup and I am just dreading it.  My husband thinks it will be better since the TE has been in longer etc, but I am wondering about taking pain meds or something before so I can handle it better. Not sure if I ask the PS or the Onc about this(or both).

mofend

kshep - when I had my MUGA scan it was soon after surgery and the nurse was very accommodating and said that it would be okay to keep my arms at my side - there's no way I could have had it up over my head - maybe you got Nurse Ratchet!  Ask them next time to accommodate you - and if they say they can't, get it done somewhere else - ask your oncologist and I'm sure they'll agree - no need for pain during that procedure.  Good luck! 

Off to go buy a hat with hair coming out the bottom and I'm definitely leaving it at my front door - I can just see me scaring the crap out of the neighborhood kids - thanks for the laugh!  Mo

writer

Grace, so sorry about missing your son for his birthday. I'm sure he was sad about it, too. I can't believe the snow you all are getting! It actually is because of global warming-- just saw an explanation. Because it's causing more moisture/precipitation in areas that normally get it, and less in areas that don't-- so deserts are getting drier while you get hammered.

Anyhoo, just back from my blood work, and white blood cell count great. The mystery is my worsening cough. Had it for days, and it's getting harder to sleep, so they're getting me some codeine for tonight. Antibiotics aren't working, and they just can't tell if it's side effects gone awry or I just have some weird little never-ending bug. Well, either way I hope the codeine works.

As for vitamins, my oncologist said I could take whatever I wanted, but he doesn't seem to hold much store in any of them.

MLC

Hi.  Sorry about your experience re. your friend being so unresponsive.  It may just be that she doesn't know how to cope with it herself.  I am learning just how strongly my situation affects the people around me.  Some feel helpless, a little unsure about what to say or how to respond, get depressed, etc.  Her response may not indicate any lack of caring.  If it does, then you are better off without her, now and will in the future.

In any event, i agree with your husband that the best thing might be to focus your energy on yourself.   Best of luck sister.

MLC

hi everyone....i'm new to this so apologies if my last post was not clear. i was replying to Cal30 who posted about an apparent lack of support/interest from a close friend.

ariesrottie

Hi girls! Day 1 after chemo... Just go my Neulasta shot...Took my claritan. So according to Faithfulc I should be feeling the effect by tomorrow night(sat).... What else should i expect???? I did take tylenol today after my shot. Was that ok??? Only because i am anticipation the worst.. Other then that I feeling good after yesterday experience with the taxotere... Last night had a heavy chest, today alitlle shaky.

So the hair should start  falling out by day 12?

 I hope you sisters are feeling okay today ... One day at a time...

Courage and strenght Hugs,

Donna

writer

My thought for the weekend:

I'm a middle-aged woman with scars on my breasts, hardware in my chest, a 5 o'clock shadow on my bald head, a persistent cough, and a year of medical shit in my future.

And yet... I'm essentially healthy, I'm strong, I'm still having plenty of fun with my family and friends, and I have a great husband. wonderful kids, good insurance and an amazing support network — and this all happened at a time when docs can do a hell of a lot more than they could have done a decade or two ago.

So even though it sucks the big one, it's totally manageable. My 20-year-old daughter has had Type 1 diabetes for 6 years, and unlike me, who expects to be "cured" in a year, she has to live with her disease her whole life, 24 hours a day, and she never complains. So my goal is to stop complaining.

Good weekend, everyone. We shall overcome!! 

ariesrottie

I also wanted to tell you. My oncologist doesn't believe in Vitamin supplement ever... I am so used to taking them... Oh well for now I guess I'm off of them... Who is right and who is wrong?????

One day after Chemo and the consipation really comes on... Miralax 3 times a day... Still having problem.

Donna

faithfulc

ariesrottie, sorry to hear about the constipation - hope the Miralax works for you. 

The first time I had Neulasta (around noon), the nurse told me to expect flu like symptoms by that night.  It didn't happen to me that soon.  I only began to have some minor pain a day and a half later.  It wasn't constant, and was most pronounced when I had to change posture, such as from sitting to standing up.  Also, any time I sat on the toilet, my tail bone area would feel sore.  Thankfully it only lasted about two days.

Guess everyone could respond differently - I'm crossing my fingers for you to have as little SE from the shot as possible!

lbreedl

writer: AMEN!

kshep

I had zero problems with the neulasta shot...lucky I know, but I am trying to pass on the luck to you too!!

burley

Donna-I'm at day 15 with only minor hair loss.  I can sit and pull it out if I want-and my scalp hurts like crazy!  I have super thick hair, so it doesn't really look that different so far.  I'm seriously ready to get it over with-the anticipation is killing me, but I'm too chicken to just shave it off.

I had absolutely no side effects from the Neulasta shot, so there's hope for you!  I didn't take a Claritin or anything, so who knows-everyone is different.  And I am off vitamin supplements as well!

writer-thank you for putting it in perspective.  I think I need to start reminding myself of the same thing every day!  I'm only 39, and have a lot of living left to do!

leta17

ariesrottie - For me the first Neulasta shot I experienced the bone pain 5 days later and it lasted a little over 24 hours...it was most noticable when I changed positions from sitting to standing to walking...it didn't stop me from doing things, but it was not a pleasant experience.  I hope that you have non of it:)  My second shot, I had no pain...

writer - great message!  I think of my mother, who had rheumatoid arthritis, and was badly disfigured by it. She likely experienced the same pain that I experienced from the Neulasta shot, but every day of her life!  And she never complained!  She was strong and kept on moving as best as she could.  Although she passed away last May, before my dx, I know she would be telling me to be strong, to keep living every day and enjoy life!

The sun is trying to come out here!!!  The day after the snow is always so bright and blue!!

(((((Hugs)))))

Leta

salsoda62

Donna, you and I are on exactly parallel treatment tracks! I had my Neulasta shot yesterday too, and I took the Claritan as a precaution. So far no pain. My nurse said to take Advil for pain rather than Tylenol because it is a better anti-inflammatory. I too have a heavy chest and am a little shaky; I think that is from the steriods? In any case, I hope you have an easy time of it too!

As for the vitamin business, I just decided to drop everything because all the conflicting advice from the medical professionals was driving me crazy. I figure 4 months without won't hurt me, and I'd rather not take the chance that it may undermine my treatment. Very hard to make some of these decisions!

Wishing you all a comfortable, SE-free weekend...

Sally

mofend

It's official - I'm Sinead O'Connor's protege now.  Doesn't look bad - kind of like my dad, but since he's passed it's strangely comforting to look in the mirror and see him again - I know that sounds weird, but it's true.  My daughter buzzed it off for me and it really wasn't that bad - we laughed, did a mohawk first, clown look with sides sticking out and had fun.  I'm over the hair thing now.  Next.....

writer

Did the same with my hair-- had an amusing Marine boot-camp grunt cut for a bit. 

As for "Next....," our forum friend Amy says we're about done with all the shocks once the hair comes off. By now we've dealt with the shock of the biopsies, tests, diagnosis/diagnoses (I had two stages), surgeries (well, some still have to go through that), first chemo, SE, etc. From now on we just finish what we've started.

teemee

Hi everyone,

Sorry to be silent for so long--I actually was offered a job from now through fall and I really really need the money, so was off on a site visit for several days. The clients know about the bc and still want to work with me. I feel absurdly grateful. This staph infection has knocked me flat. Where is my self-esteem? Anyway, had no internet (no time for internet) while I was there, just trying to keep up while slogging through the rain.

Great news: I got my PICC line out last night! I am now on oral antibiotics after 4 weeks. Unbelievable that I got admitted to the hospital on 1/25. I have 14 days of the orals, and if all goes well, THAT chapter will be over.

I am staying with you February women though, you are my heroines and I would be following all of your stories anyway. 

I will call the oncologist Monday and plan for the chemo ed appt, everything that had to be postponed a month ago. I haven't really talked to anyone about this, but I can't imagine doing the chemo now. I am exhausted, both my body and my spirit. Got to get my mojo back somehow. This is no way to go into chemo. Physically I am laid out flat with stomach problems at least 4 hrs/day I think because drugs killed all my good intestinal flora. Munching those probiotics. 

I feel guilty complaining but there it is. Guess I am depressed. If my stomach will cooperate I will finally try to exercise again this weekend, I think that will help a lot. I have enough energy back now. 

Anyways reading the past week's posts has made me smile, laugh out loud, send love and hugs, and in general thank the powers that be for inventing the internet . Have a wonderful weekend, all. I hope everyone is SE-free for it!

Toni

ariesrottie

Hi Girls... Just wanted to add a few things..MY DH came home for lunch today and took off his hat ( IT"S BE SNOWING HAVE MORE THEN 24 In) He shaved hois hed... He said he beat me to the punch... Love that MAN..

Another question... Does anyone smell the chemo med coming out of your pours... Or it just a reminder of what my Mom smelt like when she was alive and on chemo?

Help! Am I imagining this?

Donna

Grazie47

Well ladies my steroid rush is over at 1Pm I crashed and burned, slept for five hours, work up nauseous took a Compazine and I am fine.  Really no complaints here.  Did hear again from my son he will be here tomorrow, Yeah. 

lbreedl- I never make cookies, just cake from a box, but this coming Sept I will be in Texas and if your close to Austin my great niece will make ya some.  Going there to meet my soon to be great, great niece, can't wait.  I like the idea of the Witch hat, but I think I already terrorized that one kid who probably went home and got on his cell phone and text-ed all the rest of the neighbor hood kids.  I guess I am doomed to be known know as the "Crazy Bald Lady"  should be an interesting Halloween. LOL

salsoda62  - Last time I had the Nuelasta shot I took the Claritin  the morning of the shot and a few days after, and no problems.  This Sunday I will be getting Neulasta shot and will do the same.

kshep - I also had the MUGA scan, I was a week Post op (L. Side Mastectomy) and I also had to keep my arms up for an hour, painful.  I think it will be easier the next time.

writer - coughing at night is awful, elevate the head of your bed, or if you can sleep in a recliner.  Do not sleep flat, elevation will help you breath better.  Also a good idea to put a pillow under each arm to help open up your airways.  Codeine is your friend, take it, elevate and sleep well.Good luck sucks not getting enough sleep.  Your thought for the weekend was spot on, I need reminders that so may people are far worse off than me.  Your post are always so informative, thank you so much

MLC - Welcome, you will find great support here these ladies are great.

ariesrottie - my hair starting to fall out day 14, by day 20 it was coming out in clumps, so I just went ahead and shave it all off.  I was sick at the thought of losing my hair, but now that I bite the bullet and shaved it, it is one less dread to deal with.  For constipation try dulcolax tabs, my first go around with Chemo I suffered horribly with constipation, I started using dulcolax tabs and they really helped.  Vitamins, everyone is getting different chemo drugs, listen to your oncologist. My primary Dr dosen't want me to take vitamins or supplements , but my oncologist is OK with supplements but not a multi vitamin. 

faithfulc - I had the same thing, a little dizzy when changing my position I attributed it to the steroids leaving my body but maybe it was the Neulasta shot.  Thank you for starting this thread it really has been a lifesaver/  It is the one place I can come to and and everybody understand and are so helpful.  I have learned so much, thanks again.

kshep - Did you use the Claritan before the Good for you no SE, that is great.

burley - Once your hair is all gone weather you shave it or let is drop naturally, it will one less thing to obsess over

leta17 - I am so sick of this snow, I live in Central Jersey, where are you?

mofend - I so understand seeing your father in the mirror.  My Dad is dead over 35 years, about 10 years ago I went to a family reunion and his brother who I hadn't seen since my Dad died was there and looked exactly like him, I spent the entire reunion just staring at him.  Just seeing him was the very best thing.  I have two sons, one has my fathers face and his mannerisms despite the fact that he was born several years after my Father died.  10 years ago at the family reunion my uncle was astonished at how much my one son looked like my father, he was happy to see his brother at 17 again.  The funny part was he felt my father made sure my son Sal would look Irish instead of Italian and he dose, he has the map of Ireland all over his face, my fathers young face, blond hair blue eyes, tall and lanky. My Uncle was also struck at how his mannerisms and sense of humor was exactly the same.  My other son is named Bradley and he has the map of Italy on his face, dark hair, - go figure.

teemee - so happy to hear that your on the road to recover.  What a wonderful thing to get a new job, just getting that job was excellent medicine, good luck.

Grazie47

ariesrottie - yes, yes, yes, today I smelled it for the first time, yuck.

What a great husband, so thoughtful, it really means more than he can know.

24 inches - Yikes, I hate all this snow.  Where do you live in NY, I lived in Queens for 30 years.

leta17

Grazie47 - The snow is just incredible, my kids love it and it did get them out of the house for several hours these last two days...I live in Long Valley, just north of Tewksbury...where are you?

teemee - That is great about the work!!  Even in the face of all of this, something good comes along!!  Stay with the February sisters!!!

ariesrottie - yes I know the smell, I sweat like crazy after my tx and I need to strip my bed!  My DH said he doesn't know what I am talking about, but yuck I smell it!!

Have a great weekend everyone!  Since this is a good weekend before my next tx, I am heading out to PA to visit my dad and visit my best friend and god daughter!  They haven't seen me since I started my tx and I am looking forward to catching up with them.

Grazie47

leta17 - I live south of you, I am "Off the hook" W. Keansburg.  Where are you getting treatment?

I have been going to Monmouth Medical Center (St Barnabus affiliate), Long Branch.

Lots of good hospitals up your way.

ariesrottie

You girls are amazing. Thank you for being there for me... All the questions I have are answered right away.... I thought I smelled something funny.... Or it was my mother just being here in spirit.... Love you all .. Fell good enjoy your weekend..

Donna

Iamstronger

HI All,

Love reading everyones posts.  I want to respond to all and then I get overwhelmed thinking I can't respond to everyone, so I don't post.  Anyway, everyone on here is giving me such inspiration.  This is great.

Mofend- i loved your Next....   Boy, we have had so many next moments!!  I am right behind you on the hair front.  I am on day 11 and we are going to have a Hair shaving party with my 4 boys.  I want to make it as light and fun as possible.

Ariesrottie-I totally get the nasty smell.  I have found at day 11 it is pretty much gone.  But, YUCK on the smell

writer-you are so right.  we all have so much to be grateful for.  Cancer today is not what it was 10 years ago.  Some days it is easy to forget all our gifts that are in our life.  Thanks for the reminder.

 I am curious about the Neulast shot.  Seems like most of you are getting this.  Does everyone get this?  I have not had this and am wondering if this is something that is given in treatments down the road as I have only had one treatment.  Just curious.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Verene

Ezscriiibe

I was a little annoyed at my oncologist's office today, vmarie, regarding the Neulasta question.

I had my first chemo infusion last Thursday. During that visit, the staff made an appointment for me to come in today, about a week after the treatment, to have a CBC (blood count) taken. I was told at that time, if the white blood cell count is low, (which they expected and which I was preparted for) they will give me a Neulasta shot.

When I got the results back, as one would expect the WBC was low. However, when I said to the nurse, "Guess I get the Neulasta shot now, right?" she said, "No. It's too late for that. You should have gotten the Neulasta shot the day after your treatment."

WTF?! How am *I* supposed to know that? She said that sometimes they don't give it after the first treatment because they want to see what the body is doing on its own (or some sort of BS like that), but she insisted that the Neupogen (I think that's the shot I got) would basically do the same thing.

She did say that I would most definitely be getting the Neulasta the day after my next treatment.

Sometimes I get the feeling they're making this stuff up as they go along.

Anonymous

I had a smiliar experience today, Michele. I had my chemo last Thursday, and they had me come in today to check my WBC count. They would then decide if I need Neulasta. They said I could have it 10 days before the next round of chemo. My count was "borderline," so I didn't get the shot. I didn't even get the Neupogen.

I HATE this dry mouth deal!!!!!

Grazie47

My Oncologist likes to give Neulasta the day after Chemo, so far I have gotten it a few days later due to the weather.  According to her she said it must be given within 72hours to be effective.  It might be an insurance requirement that your Onc. has to check your WBC's and they must be at a certain level before your insurance company will pay for the shot.  The shot cost $7,000.  Ask your Onc if it is an insurance issues and if it is see if she can call your Insurance for you, or maybe it is your Onc plan of care.