April 2011 chemo

christine47

Pamela,

You have the perfect job for the part time situation.  Helping people during your on weeks will make you feel better too!  The staff at my office has also been very supportive and it is good to get up, dressed and out to lunch (then home to nap).  I may never want to work a 40 hr week again.

Life is good!

kg1234

Hey, just checking in - home from my first chemo, it went well.  I feel a bit off, but went for a walk, had some soup, took more anti nausea drugs.  Doing okay so far.

Kg.

shoema

sarasweety - Thank you for all the info! I have been drinking like crazy but have stopped peeing it out. I feel very bloated and loopy. I took my naus. meds without any symptoms so hopefully I can stay on top of it all. I have been eating all day. I had a regular breakfast and snacked through lunch, went out for dinner and ate very little - too full from all the liquids my body is holding onto. Good advice on the sleeping thing. I dont know if I am tired or just loopy. My mouth started feeling dry so I brushed an rinsed. I don't know if what I am feeling is for real or my imagination!

kg1234 - How did day one go for you? Did you get EMLA cream for your port. I hope you had an easy time! XOXO

shoema

kg1234 - we must have been on at the same time. Glad to hear you did well!

axtella

I was feeling well today until I got my day after shot Neulasta. THen I felt tired, not achy and little feverish, Took some Tylenol and then going to bed early tonight. A little heart burn but no sick to my stomach as of yet.

Cyborg

Hi. I want to start chemo soon! Surgery/lumpectomy was on 3/17/11. I hope that I get to be a part of the April 2011 chemo club. I am tired and scared of waiting. I just want to get on with it, girls.

Cyborg

Are most of us getting ports? Do they leave scars?

Anonymous

Shoema: I hung onto 7 pounds of water bloat after my first AC chemo last week. I had forgotten to cut off my hospital wristband and when I woke up the next morning it was digging into my wrist from the swelling. Fortunately, the water bloat ended a day or two later and I went back to normal. I believe the bloat is caused by steroids they give us in the IV.

Kg: I'm glad to hear it went well for you yesterday. My second day was the one I spent in bed with the shades drawn, unable to even speak. My husband couldn't even touch me lightly on the arm, I was so miserable. But by day three I bounced back and even went to work.

Anonymous

Cyborg: I got a port and I'm glad I did! But unlike you, we HER2+ gals get 17 additional Herceptin treatments on top of the 4 or 8 "regular" chemo treatments, so a port makes a lot of sense. If you're doing 4 or 8 treatments, I've heard you can go either way.

My scar is about 1.5 inches long, and it only shows if I wear a scoop necked top. Otherwise it's covered by my bra strap. A lot of women have posted pictures their port scars on the boards, and most of their scars look a smaller than mine. I think my sugeon went a little overboard on the incision, but I still wouldn't change my decision to get the port. I am so, so, so glad to to have it. (I loathe IVs.)

kg1234

Hi Ladies,

It's morning now and I made it one night after chemo!  No Nausea! Everyday is a victory!  I'm eating breakfast and drinking lots of water and so far, I feel good.  I am staying right on top of my meds.  I feel "off" still and a bit shaky from the steroids.  I plan ontaking some senekot this morning as I am suspecting some constipation soon. 

Going to hit the road for a walk soon and just get movin'.  Heard it's great for sideeffects.

Shoema: I have a PICC line, not a port.  Infusion went just fine.

Windlass:  Maybe your second day will be my third day...so far I feel fine...but who knows!

Cyborg: I hear ya, I just wanted to start and get on with it already! 

Well, It will be 24 hours since infusion in a few hours and so far, nothing scary.  Crossing fingers

Cheers, KG.

artiecat

Sounds like we all coped pretty well.  Walking is good and water is good.  First TAC was Wednesday and so far doing okay.  Decadron has my head spinning so my dtr is driving me.  Had acupuncture yesterday too.  Today is neulasta day, but have taken the claritin and hope that will help.  It was really helpful to have the NP explain why the neulasta can cause those symptoms.

I have been sleeping 9 hrs a night and napping in the day!  Very unusual for me!

Good thoughts to all.  Pamela

artiecat

PS - I am so happy with theport...I was lucky to have only minor discomfort with the placement, and hardly notice it now.  (Had it placed not quite three weeks ago.

pawprintgirl24

hi everyone! i hope all is weel in side effect land! i went out and got a wig today! i wasn't going to but i went to the class last night and i met a woman that just loved her wigs so i thought i would try it! so far i love it!!one is striaght and the other is kinda wavy but couldn't find one that would match my normally thin curly hair. i feel like some rock star with my wavy one and a beauty queen with my striaght one!!lol just haveing fun in this crazy world of treatment!

still kinda achie from the shot on tuesday but its getting better. so far that has been the worst of it!

kg1234

Hey ladies, I've going to call and ask the nurse if I can take claritin, my neulasta shots are for 7 days in a row. 

Anyhow, glad to hear most of us are doing okay.  So far, the worst is the weird taste in my mouth.  Been sucking on werthers candies.

Any suggestions?

shoema

Made it through the first night with no nausea. I am so bloated from what ever causes the water retention, I feel like I pigged out on a huge Thanksgiving feast. The fulness didn't go away all night and I haven't wanted to drink because of it. I am really uncomfortable. How long does the dizziness last? So glad everyone is doing fairly well! XOXO

windlass - glad to hear the bloating goes away! I know I need to drink but I am so full. I guess if this is the worst of it I am doing very well! I went on a walk with my dog this morning and it felt good to get out. I hope this is a good predictor of how it will go in the future! 

profbee

kg--I heard that lemon drops are the best.  I also heard to use plastic utensils.  I usually chew on some sugar-free gum.  The doc also recommended sugar-free candies, but BE CAREFUL!  Sugar-free candies cause diarrhea.  

2nd infusion today, and I got so dizzy/slurring from the Benadryl.  I'm hoping that they lessen it or skip it next time.   

pawprintgirl24

i was wonderong if they give you the benadryl mixture every time? i felt tipsy for days...is there a point when the side effects seem to go away like day what?? lol i just keep waiting for this or that and so far just on and off tummy issues but not to bad..just curious like if you make it to day 8 or something???

trail2

Hi ladies,  I had my first T/C treatment on the 13th,  I had bouts of the hiccups 11 times the first two days, but now just heartburn and my mouth and tongue has started tingling.  I called about my stomach feeling acid like and they recommended tums for immediate relief and zantac.  Also are calling in something called the miracle mouthwash?  I am tired, but I got out today and planted some flowers in a pot while I still could.  Hopefully we will all be able to deal with what seems to be lurking around the corner.  Good Luck to you all.

profbee

trail2--did you tell your docs about the tingling in your mouth and tongue????   That's really important.  That happened to me once years ago, and my mouth swelled, my throat swelled shut, and nearly cut off my breathing.  I had to get a shot of steroids in the ass and my lips looked like Meg Ryan's!  Do you have some Benadryl on hand just in case?  I don't want to freak you out, but you may want to make some calls before it gets to late on Friday.

Pawprint, I'm taking different drugs, but the Benadryl wears off for me that day.  I had my infusion this morning--was practically DRUNK, but I slept, and I'd say it wore off in a few hours.  If you're feeling it for days, maybe you should let them know.  They did say that at the next one (#3) they will be able to at least lessen it b/c I haven't had any reactions.

Best of luck to everyone! 

axtella

profbee --

I did not like the Benadryl either! I wouldn't take that stuff on a normal basis it loops me out for an entire day. 

Has anyone gotten the metal taste in their mouth yet? I have tried everything to get rid of it!

  

axtella

trail2 --I have heartburn no matter what I eat!

profbee

I SO get the metal taste--comes and goes!

trail2

profbee,  i did tell them about my lips and tongue tingling,  I think that is what the miracle mouth wash is for.  I do have some benedryl, but hopefully I wont need it.  I havent tried the mouth wash yet.  My lips almost feel like they are asleep, but no swelling.  Thanks though for the info.  I will keep an eye on things. 

 axtella,  the tums helped a little, I think, but hoping the zantac will kick in.  I am going wig shopping again tomorrow.  so far not much luck.  I have very thin shoulder length strait hair.  All of the styles look so poofy.  thinking of a long straight wig and having it cut shorter? 

I hope everyone has a nice restful weekend.  thanks again for being here

kg1234

I have a really weird taste, not necessarily metallic.

The roof of my mouth is a bit sore.

I've been on two walks today and took my pooch to the dog park and got some fresh air.  So far I feel normal.  Mmmmm....just curious what is around the corner.  Does anyone know??

lorenar

Hi girls ,Wanted to pop in and check n you since I stared the adrimyacin and something else in Jan.. for those of you having it real hard alot of women are getting on ssi until its over. I already get it due to a bad fall in 2005. I thought I was gonna have 6 rounds but have responded so well 4 only. Monday I start taxol and herceptin. I am her2 pos, and estro pos. I get this once a week for 4 than Ive opted for the double masectomy being herpos, it brings my odds down 97% of reaccurance,. LIsten ladies here in wva I have suffered hard withthem not wanting to give me nerve medication very little I had to beg for last time. If yoiVE WASHED WALLS FOR 2 DAYS GETTIN READY FORmONDAY SINCE ITS EVERY WEEK. nOW HUBBYS GONNA HELPS ME SHAMPOO CARPETS SUNDAY AND GET SUMMER CLOTHES OUT TO BE ON SAFE SIDE. sORRY ABOUT YOUR DAD gINGER i LOST MY REAL DAD AT 14 AND STEP DAD 6 YEARS AGO TO LUNG CANCER. i DO RELATE. iF YOU NEED ME im HERE FOR ANY PRIVATE MEDDAGES OR QUESTIONS. yOU CAN DO THIS. i AS WELL GET DEPRESSED SOME DAYS ITS NORMAL. tAKE CARE GIRLS.ur not getting it . ASK I felt better, and it helps with the steroids and peeing. I was up every 10 to 15 min. peeing all 3 rounds. It took me until week 3 to start recoving. Get benedryl as well and if you reawake in the middle of night take 2 more. Listerine helps so much for mouth sores. Would clear mine by next day and yes biotine toothpaste. Also take  stool softner some overcounter if you cant go. Seems day 6 to 8 was worse for me. Taxol isnt supposed to be quite as bad/ill let you now. Long week next wekk thursd. I meet with plastic surgeon as well. Friday ohio 3 hours away. My husband took personql days off to be there. If I GET BETTER RESPECT WITH COMFORT MEDS ITS WORTH IT. tHEY THAN SET TREATMENTS LEFT CLOSER TO HOME. aNY QUESTIONS CALL THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY. tHEY GAVE ME THE IDEA. iVE NEVER EVEN BEEN GIVEN THE SHOTS FOR BLOOD COUNT AND MINE ONCE WAS 1.9. LAST CHEMO 2.2 AND STILLL GOT CHEMO. i TEND TO EAT BLAND FOODS, LIKE BUTTERED NODLES OR POTATOES HEN i LOOSE TASTE OR NAUSEA. jUST WHAT SUITS YOU DO IT. OUND 4 LAST APPETITE ALOT BUT NOT MUCH NAUSEA.

lorenar

sorry girls I am so tired tonight I meanT NERVE PILS, ATIVAN, VALIUM, COLONIPIN. OR XANAX. ANY ONE ASK ASK AND REASK, IT HELPS SO MUCH WITH THE STEROIDS TO SLEEP THE PEEING ALL DAY AND NIGHT. I quit periods last march said premenopause at 41 but if you read some sites yes you can stop periods on chemo and they say they return also if sex hurts its normal to be dry. If ever in doubt read read read on these all posts they can answe any questions and never be afraid to changes oncs or ask them any concers. Were in this together.

sagina

Hi everyone, I finished chemo on Valentine's day - I had adriamyacin and taxotere (one is the red devil - goes in red comes out red) through port which was explained that certain meds have to go through port to much risk in arm -

I had pre-meds each time - steroids, benadryl etc.  When the syringe plunger moved with the benadryl I slept for the next two hours.

My worst days after chemo each time were days 4 and 5 ( I think cause the pre-meds wore off).  One cycle I slept from day 4-6.  I took the first week of chemo off, I had on Mondays, by the third cycle I thought I was tough and went to work day 2 and 3, mistake for me, really needed the rest.  I did work the second and third weeks each time. 

Work was difficult, chemo brain is real - unfortunately.  Memories are a bit fuzzy even now....ouch.

My period was awful after my first round of chemo, then it never came back - now I think I am in chemopause - I have a lot of hair on my face - yes that grows back the fastest!!! go figure.

I bought an expensive wig, wore it twice only - way to hot and uncomfortable for me - the American Cancer Society will give you a new wig - find them near you.

Don't eat your favorite foods while in chemo - it's true you won't want them again - I can't even look at rice right now - but I did eat fast food while in chemo and now I can't even go in parking lots!!!!! 

don't wear your favorite perfume if you can even stand perfumes - I used Dove body spray - figured if I didn't like later that was ok!!

What have I missed? Ask away! Good luck to each of you, it goes by so fast, oh one more thing, keep food in your stomach to keep the nausea away.

profbee

trail2--cool.  I'm glad you asked.  I don't know anything really, and didn't want to sound preachy, but like I said, that one time with me it got SERIOUS way fast.  Thanks for taking it as it was intended.    Also, I have thin straight hair too--I did just what you said.  I got a ridiculously long wig--same price as the shorter one.  Then, they cut it for me (no extra charge) and I had them thin out the bangs, and thin out the top, cut a few layers in.  Oh, and the other thing she did was go around the hairline in the front and cut a little layer SHORT to cover the edge of the wig (like by the ears), so I can pull it back into a ponytail and it will still look normal.  I thought that was really smart.

I've been thinking I'll wear scarves mostly, but when I showed my son my wig, he said, "I LOVE it!" and hugged me so tightly.  He misses my long hair since I cut it short and he's been talking a LOT about how I am going to be bald.  I think it's just the most obvious part to him of all this.  I can't even imagine how it will be when I'm in the hospital for surgery in the summer--not going to think about it--one step at a time.

Best to all! 

geocachelinda

Hi I did get pre-meds, something for nausea (Aloxi) and decradron the steroid.  I am just flat out exhausted still and have very little appetite and still a bit of nausea.  I feel bad because today is the Spring Festival at church and I was supposed to help out. 

kg1234

HI everyone,  day 3 on chemo.  Feel a bit queasy.  Coffee doesn't taste as good.  Scarfed down a bran muffin.  So far I feel okay.  Mmmmm....wondering when I am going to crash.  I just keep thinking there is something around the corner I don't know about.

Anyone else doing A/C DD? with neupogen?  Will the neupogen (other than bone pain) help the side effects of chemo go away?

Kg.