Chemo June 2010

TMarina

Hi all!

I will be starting chemo on Monday the 14, just like Roosje!  And pretty much the same drugs. AC every 2 weeks x 4, then Taxol weekly x 12.  I'll have herceptin as well, starting with the taxol.

Last time through chemo I made 2 lists, so I didn't have to think about things when I was really out of it.  First list was "Foods I Like".  This reminded me of my options when I was too sick to think about it.  Second list was "Things To Get Me Through".  This helped both me and my family know what I or they could do when things got really rough--either physically or emotionally.  On my list was: Music--pick out cds ahead of time (I really liked one called "Rain Garden"); DVD's --again pick out ahead of time.  We bought a tv for the bedroom, and I had funnys dvds, and favorite tv show seasons, etc.; Books on CD; IPOD --I had the New Testament on there, in addition to music.  I also had things on the list like: husband read to me, girls visit and talk to me.  My daughters hanging around on my bed laughing and talking would often make me forget how bad I felt!

I'm thinking about all of you and hope you keep us posted on how you're doing!

Blessings!

T

Anonymous

Hi,

had my first treatment today, so far so good, other than feeling a bit weird and bloated I'm doing okay. Hopefully it will last , I drove myself back no problem! I'm also sweating for some reason, does anybody know if it is something that happens?

for how long are we supposed to drink to flush the stuff? I have been drinking since this afternoon and seriously considering moving the TV to the washroom , moving the bed will be a bit more difficult.

SKD

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to check in! I had my first round of chemo Friday May 28th. I was very tired for 5 days and had very little nausea and no vomitting, no diarrhea or constipation. Every time I felt somewhat sick to my stomach I took "decodron" or gravol and felt fine (along with the other drug cocktail of zofran and mexeran). The gravol helped me sleep at night too. I have a very sensitive stomach (IBS) and I hardley had any nausea luckily! I had some heart burn so took Zantac. By Thursday night (6 days post chemo) I was feeling back to normal again but just today I started to get a sore throat (hope it goes away. I am using biotene mouth wash...). I am on day 10 now...my hair hasn't started falling out yet but feels really dry. I have gone out walking and biking lots and it seems to help me sleep. And I still drink TONS of fluids. For some reason I can't drink water so I drink TONS of juice ( I especially drank lots during the first couple days.. at least 8 cups!). It flushed all the bad stuff out and I was going to the bathroom constantly and I think that really helped me! 

Good luck everyone starting this week and I hope you all have minimal side effects. Round 2 of 6 for me is June 18th. 

janny99

Hello Everyone, I started chemo today.... Taxol & Herceptin, this was the first of 9 weekly treatments, then 1 week of rest followed by FAC every 3 weeks X3.  I think I did pretty good, but have to admit I was pretty scared.  They ran all of the meds in pretty slowly to watch for any adverse reaction to the drugs.  I also found the other patients getting their chemo were wonderful resource filling me in on where things were, how the heaters and massagers work in the chairs, where the bathroom was etc etc etc...the nurses were professional and kind.  So, I have to say for a day that I have been so afraid of, it was okay.  They did warn me that the SE might not show up too much for a couple of days, and that I will mostly feel quite fatigued...

 It felt good to get this started, I'm still nervous, but at least the show is on the road!

HolliColorado

@ chob:  I learned from my onco nurses that you shouldn't hesitate to ask for IV fluids whenever you think you need them.  It's easy for them to do.

And BTW, everyone, make your onco nurses your best friends for the next few months.  Although I bounced back from the vomiting, diarrhea, body and bone aches, fever and fatigue over the first four days after my first treatment on June 1, a whole new set of side effects is taking over.  I can't sleep more than 3-4 hours at a time, even with Ativan.  I've lost my appetite (which I don't necessarily consider a bad side effect).  I didn't poop for almost three days, and now my stools are rock hard and there's blood in them.  It's 5 a.m.  I've been up since 3:30, and I'm just waiting for the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center's nurse triage line to open in about three hours so I can talk to my new BFFs and figure out what to do about the blood in the stool situation.

Despite all this, I'm maintaining my sunny disposition and am channeling the energies I do have into whipping my house and gardens into shape.  I've taken time off from being a litigation attorney, but I can't seem to shake the "I need to be doing something productive every waking minute" mindset.  You should see how organized my closets are!  After seven years, I can finally see the surface of my home-office desk because I actually filed and shredded things and got ride of the stacks.  My rose bushes are rewarding my attention to them with a starburst of color.

There's always a silver lining.  

twinmomjackie

Holli-

You are a wonderful person to blaze the trail! I start treatment tomorrow and I although I am nervous, your posts encourage me. Even with all of the challenges you've faced you have stayed positive. That is my one hope through all of this, to stay positive. I truly believe that is the test of a person's character, not how they behave when things are good and easy, but how they cope when the chips are down. I'll be thinking of you today and hoping that you are feeling better.

tbyrd

HolliColorado, my onc told me to start on MiraLax the day before my treatment and stay on it until things start moving well.  I actually started a day earlier because I was already plugged up, maybe in anticipation?!?!  But it has worked well and doesn't taste any worse than water. 

Well I'm on day 5 after my first treatment and yesterday wasn't great, but not horrible.  It was the first time I haven't felt like doing anything but I made myself go to the Look Good Feel Better seminar and I'm glad I did.  It was worth it.

Today I'm a little better although I still have a stomach ache.  Does anyone get an ear ache?  It isn't bad, just nagging little ear ache on both sides.  And kind of a little sore throat.  Water tastes horrible.  The chicken salad sandwich at the seminar yesterday tasted better than anything I've had in days.

If I can get myself going I'm going to a store in Plano called Survivor Gals.  Its run by breast cancer survivors for people going through this mess.  They have wigs, scarves, mastectomy stuff and private rooms where you can get help learning how to use everything.

Everyone feel good today.

Terry

DesignerMom

Holli-you rock!  Still upbeat in spite of the SE!  Someone posted somewhere that we should take probiotics during chemo because the chemo kills all the good bacteria in your gut that digests food and otherwise we get terribly constipated (as you know!).  It makes total sense to me.  Even when I have to take antibiotics, my stomach gets screwed up.  I always take acidophilus with after antibiotics.  I am getting a fresh bottle of the good acidophilus from the health store.  I plan on taking it religiously to replenish the stuff in my intestines.  With everything else we can't control, let's hope we can at least poop peacefully!

Mybails

June 24 - TC x 4 - 21 days apart

Beanius

Suebean123 - I totally relate to you growing impatience. I was all set to start chemo in May but then turned out I needed another surgery. So now I'm not healed enuf and I'm waiting for oncotype test. I saw my bs yest and had to change chemo start to June 22 now. Anyway that is what's scheduled for the moment. I am not looking forward to the bad effects, but want to get started so I can get it over with!!!!

Angelwoman1 - Wishing you all the best on the 10^th - you can do it!!

tbyrd - Glad to hear you are handling tx ok, you sound good. Hope you find a few good foods to tolerate.

twinmomjackie - Good luck with your first tx on Wed. Let us now how you do.

grney5600 - Looks like I'll be starting right after you...let's get this over with!!!

Designer Mom -good luck with you PET/CT results. I had that and had to fast for a long time before and have no sugar for 24 hrs. Love the quote "fresh hell" that's like every day now there's some new kind of fresh hell! I wasn't able to have the drain from my surgery removed yet, and since I've started whining here, I'll say I don't like it one bit. Now it turns out that I've probably been too active for it and I just hate sitting around. But now I'm just not using that arm at all and having fun doing everything with my left...okay I will stop complaining now and try to sound strong. I didn't realize they would keep you away from your son due to being hot. Sorry, I have not used chat rooms.

dsa-outtahere - I hear you with the delays. Sounds like we'll be staring about the same time.

Roosje - Hi there! Good luck with your first tx next week. Please keep  us posted on how you are doing! I've heard your plan is excellent so congrats!!

To all, I'm wishing you health, comfort, and an easy time through this!!

Beanie

djoellp

I'm starting chemo on June 18th, 2010.  I believe I'll be part of the Clinical Trail B46-I/USOR 07132:Phase III Clinical Trail Comparing the Combination of TC Plus Bevacizumab to TC Alone and to TAC for Women with Node-Positive or High-Risk Node-Negative, HER2-Negative Breast Cancer. 

If for some reason I do not qualify for the Clinical Trail, I will be starting conventional chemo that day.  I'm getting myself prepared for chemo - mostly by relying on my faith.  It's scary!  I hope that I tolerate it ok.  I had long hair and just got it cut short last week in preparation of losing my hair.  I went to Great Clips and donated my hair to Lock of Love and got a free haircut in the process.  The gal who cut my hair was very sensitive and kind.  I'm still healing from the Mastectomy surgery.  I hope I'm healed up enough to start chemo next week.  A delay would be hard to take since I've gotten myself ready emotionally to start it.  Any suggestions re: anything else I can do to prepare?

mspeggy4

Started Chemo June 2 - TCH x 6 - 1 year of Herc - followed by radiation - and then who knows?  Any advise on side effects?  My stomach has given me 'fits'.  But - today I feel better.

grneyd5600

Roosje I will be a day behind you along the journey. 

Dsa - we can all compare notes and keep each other going!

wacky-wendy

wacky wendy. AC and T start 4th june x3 weekly ? X8

Anonymous

Hi everybody,

I'm trying to stay on top of all the changes in dates and treatments, also the newcomers. Please send me a private message for anychanges or mistakes I have done. This topic is growing so fast that I'm afraid that sometimes I miss some of the posts,

easy road for all of us!!!

Daniela

Beanius

djoellp - I'm starting right after you on the 22nd. I have long hair too but haven't cut it yet. I ordered a cheap synthetic wig so I can't wait to see it and if it'll do for me...I've read that with wigs you get what you pay for so I'm not expecting too much, just hope it's ok for grocery shopping etc. I'm still healing from axld surgery. I'm  planning to donate to locks of love too. Congrats to you for your donation. As for prep, I have a few hats now and the wig coming. I went thru the chemo prep shopping list here on BCO and got a lot of the items I thought I'd need to have o hand. I was supposed to start today but still need to heal, I relate to being emotionally prepared. My start has been delayed a few times now, but eventually I'll start and better yet, get through this phase.

mspeggy4 - I haven't started yet but others have told me to keep calling the doc for relief of side effects as they hve many meds to try and each person is unique. Hope you feel better soon!

grneyd5600, wacky-wendy - best wishes to you for an easy time of it!!

brat352

Hi all!

Start chemo tomorrow 6/9:  TC: 4 doses 1 every 3 weeks (IV), wait 3 weeks for Radition (6-7 weeks, daily), then Femara or Arimidex.

Hoping to feel not too bad afterwards, but have seen a lot of encouragement and possible solutions on this board.  I guess I'm going to have to start thinking about wigs/scarves, etc.  That's probably my most depressing thing - my hair.  It's long (mid-back) and straight as a board and the thought of trying to grow it back is so depressing.  But on the good side, maybe it will be curly instead of board straight when it grows back!  (turn the frown into a smile!)

So happy to have found this board as I live alone and really have no one to share this experience with.  Family members, while saying that they are here for me, tend to disappear unless I contact them. 

I'll post again tomorrow after treatment and let you know how it went.

Thanks for reading!

Beanius

brat352 - good luck tomorrow!!!

I wanted to mention the Look Good...Feel Better program I found thru ACS. http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org

It is a free service for women with cancer for help with cosmetic issues...

tbyrd

Woohoo!!  I found a few things that don't taste bad.  Chicken salad, Italian pasta salad, rice pudding, root beer and strawberry banana juice.   Strange combo, I know, but it sure does feel good to like something I put in my mouth.

Had to put off the trip to the Survivor Gals shop until tomorrow so I could wait for a phone call.  Think I'll just chill out the rest of the day and jump up early and go tomorrow. 

The Look Good Feel Better program was great yesterday.  They gave us each a big tote bag full of very nice cosmetics ... not drug store stuff ... name brand department store stuff... and gave tips on using them.  I don't know if I'm going to throw away all my current makeup like they said to because of contamination!!!?!?  They gave us each a hat or scarf of our choice and gave tips on tying the scarves and how to wear hat and wigs comfortably.  And also how to take care of your wig.  Plus they served sandwiches, chips and a dessert.  It was very nice and great to be around a group of women going through the same thing.  I took a friend with me which was good.  She didn't get the goody bag or hat but she really enjoyed it, too.

Day 5 after my first treatment and I'm doing pretty good.  I'm scheduled to go back to work on Monday and for the first time I'm feeling like I'll be able to do it.  Hope everybody who started yesterday, today and tomorrow have a good first experience like I did.  I know you'll all be relieved to get things going like I was.

Be well, everyone.

Terry

algreach

Good luck to those of you starting treatment tomorrow--wishing you a swift and uneventful experience with mininmal SEs!

Day 6 Tx 1 has been much the same as the last few days. But I'm starting to feel sore spots in my mouth that I pray do not become full blown mouth sores. I'm brushing, flossing (gently), and gargling Biotene, so hopefully everything will work out.

Holli--You have such vibrant energy and a terrific attitude. I aspire to be you. :-)

Danielas--Glad to hear everything went well!

DesignerMom

Hi djoellp!  Welcome to the club!  Good for you making something negative into a positive by donating your hair to Locks of Love! 

For everyone worrying about HAIR!  There is a wonderful high fashion accessories company who gives a gorgeous pre-folded scarf FREE to anyone suffering hair loss for medical reasons.  The company is franceluxe.com.  Just click on "Good wishes" on the sit.  I called them and they were so lovely.  They said it would take about 3 weeks.  Mine is on its way (a lovely one made of antique Japanese kimono fabric)!

Only three days before I begin my chemo on 6/11.  The way I feel is I know what I am getting into joining this circus.  Now let's get the show on the road!

Daniela-  thanks for keeping track of all of us.  Nothing like being "our Miss Brooks".  I think I am dating myself again (show from the 50's).

Sherry9316

Had my first visit with the oncologist this afternoon.  He has me starting chemo next week!  I figured it be the end of June at the earliest so I was surprised at this news.  But I'm glad to get it started because I'll be through that much sooner. I'm getting AC x4 and then Taxol x4 (dose dense applications). I'm having a CT scan and bone scan before chemo starts.  It's going to be a busy week. I got some prescriptions today but not all the ones that I've seen many of you posting about that you got before you started your chemo.  He gave me Ativan, Emend and Neurotin.  I'm having a tremendous amount of nerve pain in the back of my arm on the side where I had the AND - he thought Neurotin would help.  That was all the medications I was given.  My hairdresser is ordering my wig tomorrow.  That's the only preparation for this I've done, so I guess I need to get started gathering all my supplies.  I'm really ready to get this show on the road so that I can return to some semblence of my old self.

twinmomjackie

Hi Djoellp! Welcome to the discussion.  There is a great thread about what to get to prepare for chemo. You can find it under the active topics in Chemo- before, during and after. There is a big shopping list and tons of advice. I hope you find it helpful.

jenweg

Hi all.  I have been away for a while and trying to catch up on all the new posts.  Welcome to all the newbies!!  I see people saying that the young ones get hit hardest with se and I guess I kind of did.  It could have been worse though I am sure.  I am 37, had my first treatment last Wednesday and that day and the day after were just fine, just a little tired after a full day of work the day after.  However when Friday came ugh is all I can say.  I was on the couch Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  No throwing up however very very nauseaus, head spinning and all.  Also I have acid reflux to begin with so the chemo is not helping.  The acid is so bad that I lost my voice on Friday and still haven't gotten it back.  No mouth sores however my throat is swollen and it hurts to swallow.  I think today though is the first day I feel human again.  I am finally feeling better today thank god!!!  Funny thing is, milk has been the only thing I can drink that tastes any good, and I am not a milk drinker!!  It also helps with the acid.  I don't want to scare anyone, I mean the se's could have been a lot worse, but for me, I would rather take some pain then constant nauseau and dizziness.  But hey, I am done with one, I will get through the rest!!!  Good Luck to all and stay hydrated!!!!  Maybe I wasn't taking my meds enough, I will have to check with the nurses next time to make sure.  Well thanks for listening, gonna catch up with the pages and pages of the rest of the topics I have missed!!!!

tbyrd

Sherry, I'm on Gabapentin (generic of Neurontin) for my arm pain, too, and it has worked like a charm.  No problems at all any more unless I forget to take it.  As a side benefit it also helps with hot flashes.  They haven't gone away completely but they've been reduced in number and severity dramatically.

I wonder if my stomach will ever feel normal again!

Beanius

tbyrd - glad to hear you found some good things to eat and that you are doing well. Also thanks for the info on Look Good Feel Better, I got signed up for the next one in my area. Hope you continue to do well!!

algreach - wishing you all the best!

DesignerMom - thanks for the scarf info. Best wishes as you get ready to start!

Sherry9316 - I only got two meds prescribed so far, zofran and compazine. I wish you well as you get ready for this next week and hope that nerve pain goes away.

jenweg - I'm sorry to hear you've had a few bad days and I so hope you feel better quickly. Big congrats on getting one done - yippee!

kittycat

OMG!!!!!  THEY SENT ME HOME!  NO CHEMO TODAY! 

I went to the cardiologist's office yesterday.  They couldn't do an echocradiogram on me last week because the tech couldn't see my heart.  Well, I'm not the only breast cancer patient coming in with implants!!  So they did a MUCA nuclear test yesterday.  The tech was driving me nuts.  She told me she couldn't see my heart...  again because of the implants.  Then tells me that my heart speeds up and then slows down.  I asked her if it could be that I was very anxious since I was starting chemo the next day.  She did 2 scans.  I called the onco's office afterward and they were closed. 

So, this morning I go in.  I'm all ready for chemo.  I packed a bag and brought all this stuff.  My husband took the day off....  Well, they draw my blood.  Then the onco's nurse comes out and tells me that she got the test results from the cardiologist.  She said my heart pumps blood slower than what they consider normal to administer Adriomyacin.  The onco isn't there today - SHE'S ON VACATION!! They could give me some drug to protect my heart.  However, the other onco there didn't want to make that call.  UGHHHHH!!!!  So, they said they have to wait to hear from my onco.  They might put me on another chemo.  Hopefully they can get a hold of her this week. 

I AM SO FREAKING FRUSTRATED!!!!!  I called my inlaws.  Apparently, my FIL goes to that cardio's office and he is highly rated.  So, I left a message for the cardio because I don't feel confident with the tech, esp since I heard her say she would have to hand calculate something. 

kittycat

lauriez - I found the lumps myself.  They were on the same side where I had cancer - same area.  My PS checked it out and told me to see my onco ASAP.  They did an ultrasound and then my BS did an excisional biopsy and found I had cancer .... again!  Unbelievable, huh???

twinmomjackie

Hi All!

Jenweg- Sorry to hear about your ses. I am 37 also, so we can compare notes about what happens. It cracks me up that when I had my twins at 31 they called me a mother of advanced age and now that I have breast cancer I am considered a young woman, it's strange.

Kittycat- So sorry to hear about the delay of your treatment and the lack of answers from the professionals. Hopefully they can get everything resolved soon.

I had my first treatment this morning. So far so good. No problem with the Taxotere at all. I am also getting Gemzar twice a cycle for my first 4 cycles in the clinical study. It was painful going in so the onco. nurse diluted it with saline right away and wrapped my arm in a warm towel. So my total discomfort was probably less than 2 minutes. Thank goodness for thoughtful and attentive nurses.

I am starting to get some hot sensations in my mouth and throat though they are not in any way impacting my eating or drinnking. It just feels odd. Last night was a challenge because thanks to the decadron I had trouble sleeping so when they put benedryl through in my pre-meds this morning I started to doze. It was nice and relaxing.

Hopefully things will remain smooth. Luck to all.

janny99

Kittycat ~ I'm soooo sorry to hear about the delay.  The waiting is so hard!  I'm not crazy about having to do this, but the anticipation is so hard....hope they get you started soon.

With my first Taxol and Herceptin infusion on Monday, the SE's have been minimal.   Just very, very tired!!!  I did get nauseated and threw up yesterday afternoon, then I slept from about 5:00 pm until 10:00 this am!!!  I woke up last evening in such a fog, I didn't know what day it was, what time it was, and that was really scary!   No more puking, but I have a heck of a headache and sore throat today.  Trying to drink water, but it just isn't very palatable.

I was going to work this week, but glad that my boss had asked me to cover the weekend instead.  So, I'm facing 2 12-hour shifts Saturday and Sunday....I hope I can do it...as lethargic as I am feeling today, I wonder if I will be able to.  Then another infusion Monday.  

 Good luck to everyone this month, this is such a scary and confusing time.  I don't know if the tension has hit everyone at home, but my daughters have been arguing a lot, and the stress of that is hurting so much...I feel so responsible.  I might add that my kids are all adults now, and really know better than to fight like teenagers again.  I wish I could make this all go away.