First Chemo Experience Bad

mimiof4

I went to my first infusion expecting to do well.  I had surgery for the port on Wednesday, my first chemo infusion on Thursday, and the Neulasta shot on Friday.  I first started vomiting on Friday night, and the nausea and vomited continued all week-end.  The anti nausea medication I had was Phenergan, and it didn't seem to work.  On Monday my husband took me back to the cancer center for another IV because I had dehydrated.  I was now traveling by wheelchair.  I was somewhat better on Tuesday, but relapsed Tuesday night and was back at the cancer center for another IV on Wednesday.  This one pushed me over the edge.  I got another anti-nausea medication, Zophran.  I am meeting with the doctor tomorrow.  Any suggestions on what I should ask for.  I am a 65 year old healthy woman, but I don't think I can do this five more times.

paml

Hi Mimi

Sorry you are having such a hard time with chemo. Some people seem to get through it alot easier than others. My doctor gave me a drug called Emend. One pill before the infusion. Then 1 each day for two days after the infusion. I was still sick but it didnt seem to be as bad. Experienced strange smells so I tried to stay out of the kitchen. Hang in there!

Hugs, Pam

everyminute

Emend is supposed to be the best.  Ask for it! I never through up - 8 treatments.

jenn3

I had a terrible experience first round and was given Aloxi by IV the day of treatment and Emend to take for the next three days - this really helped.  Although I would feel a little nauseauted or uneasy I never got sick again.  Also, I took either phenergan or zofran every 6 hours the day after chemo with the Emend.

Hope you feel better..............

karen_in_nj

I second the recommendations for Emend. It's more expensive than the other drugs but for me worked much better (I didn't get it until the third round of chemo). I think because it's expensive doctors don't like to prescribe it at the first round.

Faith316

I also had Emend with the same schedule that pami had starting with my first treatment.  And, (if I am remembering correctly) -- I had Kytril given by IV before the actual chemo infusion.  I was very fortunate in that I have never once vomited with any of the chemos I have taken.  What chemo are you taking?  I  hope they can find some type of anti-emetic that will work for you!

Octobergirl

I had TAC chemo. Emend and Ativan worked best for me. After Day 2, Ativan was better than phenegren although I would rotate them.  It is really important to stay on schedule with the meds. to stay ahead of the nausea. I made sure I took Ativan about 30 mins. before my main meal for the day because I was less nauseated/affected by food odors with Ativan. Don't wait to take the meds until after you're feeling queasy.  I ate small amts. of food all day, lots of watermelon, creamed potatoes and risotto.

I hope the chemo txs. improve for you from here.  We Stage 3 girls are right there with you and are pulling for you.

Molly

Moissy

Ditto on the Emend. I  had Zofran with my first treatment and got sick. After Emend, never a problem ever again. I was told at the clinic that because Emend costs more and isn't covered by all insurances, they didn't give it at first. I was annoyed since my insurance did indeed cover it.

Sorry you had a rough first experience. Hopefully Emend will be much better for you.

Titan

The consensus is...get the Emend!  I never ever felt sick with it either...ask for it...your insurance should pay for a good part of it...you shouldn't have to throw up with chemo..you need to eat to keep up your strength. 

The nurses told me that with the Emend and the drugs they gave me that I could go home and drink a 12 pack of beer and not feel sick..I didn't try it but it was good to know!

Oh and by the way..they also said a little bit of wine wouldn't hurt either..it would calm my nerves..and my stomach! I did do that...!

Anonymous

mimi ~  Ask your onc to prescribe Emend.  They always infused me with the Emend prior to my chemo.  They also sent me home with a prescription to take on day 1 and 2 following chemo, and also a prescription for any "breakthru" nausea,  which never happened because of the Emend.

 

Barb

Fidelia

Also - maybe a DUMB question - but why have they gone straight to chemo? if your diagnosis says ER+? is there some reason not to try hormonal stuff first? Just asking - and not meaning to introduce any doubt as to current tx

Fidelia

apple

i ate very little the day before..

applesauce and such.. dry oatmeal.. just chewed after chemo at the first sign of nausea..

but i was lucky.  I don't know if something so simple could work for you.

AsiaYM

Dear Mimi,

Here is the info for free E-mend, I copy and paste from Brenda Sharon's posting under Chemotherapy on Dec.17th,2009.  Hope this help.  Hugs, Karen

http://www.emend.com/aprepitant/emend/consumer/assistance/index.jsp

Girls you must go to this site. If you are getting Chemotherapy, you will have nausea!~~ One of the best meds that I have found is "Emend" This happens to be very costly. Without Insurance the price is $425.00!!~~~~Even with Insurance, my co-pay is $40.00.

Today I went on line per advice of another women I met at Chemo last Friday. The paragraph below in bold print, is off the website for "Emend" I copy and pasted it onto here for my "WARRIOR SISTERS"

When you call the toll-free number, 866-EMEND-Rx (866-363-6379), an ACT Reimbursement Specialist will help answer questions related to insurance coverage for EMEND and process applications for patient assistance.

Please note, I did call and explained I already had insurance, but I thought the "3" pills still cost a good bit to me having to recieve 8 Chemotherapy TX's.  I explained that I had 5 more TX's still left. They are going to send me by e-mail a form to fill out and all I need is to attach Dr's RX  to it, send it back by fax and she told me they would send me the medication for free. 

(even though I had Insurance)

 There are so many small ways we sisters can help each other. I will post back any results I get. BUT, to let you know the lady I met Friday is already receiving her  meds ~~~~~ 

EMEND and for free~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~) Good Luck Warriors

Hey, I may be    BALD & BEAUTIFUL, BUT not sick to my tummy       !!!!

kimber3006

For my DD AC, I got a load of anti-nausea by IV before my chemo, including Emend, then Emend for 2 days and Zofran for 3 days afterward.  The only time I had a real problem was my first treatment, though it was nowhere near as bad as your experience.  The rest were much easier - still some nausea, but totally managable - nothing compared to the first.  Hopefully you'll get Emend and the rest of yours will be much easier, too!

jpsgirl96

I had TAC times 6 with a dx very similar to yours.  As an aside, my oncologist said people who drink alcohol (in her experience) and who don't easily get seasick have an easier time with the nausea - I drink and I'm a sailor!  Anyway, I had some kind of anti-nausea meds in a drip for each chemo, and took Zofran for the first two or three days (at least) after each chemo.  I was sick only once, I think on tx #4.  The Neulasta was a killer for me - felt flu like symptoms for 24-48 hours after, much worse than the chemo.  Finally, many TAC and other sisters swore by Emend, as the 'gold standard' for nausea.  Sounds like your onc et.al. need to change your mix, and pronto. Thinking good thoughts for you - and no, having a bad one doesn't mean they will all be bad, or that they will get worse, especially if they get the nausea fixed.  Leigh

Note to fidelia: even for ILC'ers, node postive cancer generally equals chemo, radiation, and then the anti-hormonals.  

ebann

Have to say Emend. Costly if your insurance does not approve it. The day before my Nuelasta shot. I would take Alieve and Claritan for 3 days.  That really helped me with the flu like symptoms and the aching joints.

AzKim

I have to agree about the Emend. Hope you feel better soon.

Celtic_Spirit

I was given zofran and emend, and I believe the steroid (decadron) helps to prevent nausea, too. I never felt nauseated...not even slightly.

pupfoster1

Ugh Mimi,

Chemo just sucks.  No if ands or buts about it.  What you are experiencing sounds unusual but not abnormal.  And IT IS TEMPORARY!  I know it's easy for me to say but I've had some weird chemo se's too.  You are still early in your cycle and by next week you hopefully should show some signs of improvement.  That said I sure hope your onc will reasess your meds.  There's lots out there, and they may need to do some "tweaking" to solve your problem.

Hope things improve soon.

Sharon

mimiof4

Thank you for the advice.  My next chemo is Thursday, February 11.  I am taking Emend and several other medications and am hoping for a much better experience.

Faith316

I think the Emend is going to make a world of diffence for you.  I truly hope so!  I will pray for your next chemo experience to be much easier for you!  Please let us know how it goes.

janincanada

Emend was the answer for me.  I didn't have any nausea, just no appetite or desire for food. Will be hoping that it helps you and that the next reatment is easier.

hrf

I took dexamethasone and ondansatron and never felt nauseous. Hope the next one goes better

clariceak

Amen for Emend.

When I was especially nauseous during the first round I called my onc during the night and she recommended doubling my dose of lorazepam.  The subsequent rounds were less debilitating.