Chemo May 2011

Cyborg

What helped me with the wig selection was taking pictures of me in different wigs. It was more difficult to look in the mirror and have perspective.

jackifp

Hi, all. I've been on the April chemo board, since I started midApril. Just finished cycle 1 of 6, 3wks per cycle.



Cyborg: love the ID. Don't know if it relates to your bc or not, but I'm Frankenmom to my grown kids, lol (DH became Frankendad 2 yrs ago with his new knee; now we're the Frankenparents).

Re: meat, I was raised a vegan, mostly black beans, rice, and veggies ( vegetarian venezuelans - there's an alliteration fer ya). With the 95g protein and 30g fiber daily that my naturopath recommends as support for chemo devastation, my beans - lentils and peas, too - give lots of both. I was told by my surgeon to stay away from soy as much as possible, tho. I married a carnivore (35 yrs ago today!), and do now eat the occasional chicken or fish, but it's not a favorite and has no fiber, to boot. So if you can do beans, you're in!

jackifp

Re: our poison cocktails. A big part of my prep to start chemo was research- I looked at hundreds of websites, from traditional to alternative treatments, from personal blogs and discussion forums like this one to university and cancer center research and trials sites in USA and Europe (found very little research accessible online from other places) - including world famous centers such as Sean-Kettering and MDAnderson. I still keep looking and reading. The stats helped convince me to do chemo even with clear margins and node negative. It reassures me that the onc's reco is the standard of treatment for the specific bc I have at 60 yrs. There are studies starting and ending all the time, several of which I wish were ending sooner so I could see results, but which will benefit women down the line, nonetheless. It can be overwhelming, all the information, but gratifying that so much is being done.



And pooey on the onc nurse - and others y'all may have encountered - who was off-put by my questions (I'm lucky to have an onc who happily answers and even goes to look it up!) My body with the mutated cells, my body with the incoming poisons, my right to have answers. So there!

lorenar

Hi ladies. Wanted to pop in and wish you all the best of luck on starting your chemo. I am formally from the Jan thread but seem to pop all over the place now and than. I just like you ladies was so scared the night before my first chemo I couldnt sleep and there is no reason to be scared. Yes i dealt with alot of upset tummy I was taking my nausea medicne every 2 hours instead of 6 sipped on coke or gingerale. Ate alot of bland foods like buttered noodles or potatoes and alot of salad and icecream.So see its whatever your tastebuds tell you trust me you will make it just fine. I was the biggest chicken sh't to walk nad now Im getting ready to do 3 of 12 taxol, Yes I as welll cried when we shaved my head but it was better than gettin up at 3am with the lintroller cause it was itchin to death. I dont really care for my wig. I wear it some but Claires has alot of cute affordable caps I wear alot mpoorre. Its okay to cry, vent here, and freakin yell when your alone. but dont ever think you cant do this because we are all here for you any questions anytime ask. Its chemo and yea it sucks but its doable. Usually the side effects really didnt hit me until days 3 to 8 was the worst than Id be okay until next trip. ha/ were all in this together.

Cyborg

Lorrenar, thanks for the tips such as where to get cute caps.



Today was the first day of steroids.I just took the second dose for today. I hope that my chemo experience doesn't completely suck.

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Hi Loviesmom2,

Yes, it seems like we both have the same chemo regimen.  It's a coincidence, I am in the medical field, too, and I questioned why A/C + T was given to me and not other combination.  My oncologist at Kaiser Permanente said, it is their standard protocol.  I will be having a mtg with him this May 5th and hopefully, I get more answers.

Keep me posted as to how you are doing.  Take care.

Best of luck,

Laureen

Cyborg

Jackifp

I am not a meat eater much and I mean hardly ever. I love beans! But now that the chemo thing will be starting can't see myself babysitting a pot of beans. I guess I could rinse off some canned beans.



First day of steroids and not sleeping this night.

Robyn_S

Thanks Lorenar for your very timely advice for us first timers! I go for number 1 tomorrow and I am more apprehensive of this round of treatment than the BMX a month ago!! A good nights sleep will be a good start- I started back to work today and will get a couple of distracting hours of work in tomorrow b4 the chemo appointment- I work a childrens hospital just a short stroll from my treating hospital - very convenient for the many BC related appointments. Good luck to all chemo starters this week- I know that quite a few are beginning early this month-fingers crossed that all the meds do what they are supposed to!!!

BioAdoptMom3

Wow, seems like we all have those same feelings and fears and I don't think its vain at all to be so upset about hair loss.  It's a major part of our identity.

I started my T/C on Friday and thankfully no nausea at all.  I faithfully took the Compazine every six hours until this morning and since getting the Neulasta yesterday have been faithfully taking Motrin every 8 hours (well, I started that last night).  So far the worst side effect of this whole thing has been the exhaustion.  My energy level between yesterday morning and this morning was ZERO!  With the exception of some bathroom and water breaks I pretty much slept from 9 AM Sunday through 11 AM today!  I am feeling more energetic today though and even though I have had some aching hips from what I assume is the Neulasta, its been totally controlled with the Motrin.  I wish all of you newly starting chemo buddies the best!  We can get through this together!

Nancy

Loviesmom2

Hey laureenromero07! Thanks for the post, I was getting kinda lonely. Well 1st infusion done. Not one problem other than onc looked me in the eye and said "oh I didn't even know you were coming and my nurse didn't either." Whatttttt!!!! I have never, I mean literally never! Anywho, premeds orally, 30 min wait slow drip taxol ( supposed to have been AC 1st but my red and white counts were below normal and I would've had to get blood transfusion) . Increase rate to run bag over 1 hour, snatched out my iv and I drove 1&1/2 hour home after stopping to get rx for potential n/v. I was initially saddened by the therapy change, I was pumped up for the Beast (A/C) and ready to fight back. Now that Ive started, I'm like starting out low and slow, then big finish. God is soo good to me, even in the change, I'm really feeling better about my fight. I know many will say days 3 and 4 I may not be so up but when that bridge comes I will cross it. You can so do this and anything else you're faced with. I will be posting mid week and every Monday x 12 . Blessings to you! We win!!!!

Cyborg

Hey everybody. 1st day for me. TC. The steroids from yesterday sent me into a sleepless night and then more steroids through the IV. I am telling u that my brain doesn't do well with steroids. And then add benadryl --- I was Twired chemo buddies .bit no other symptoms.no physical symptoms.is anyone else doing TC?

Loviesmom2

Hey 38-year-old. Your hair is your crown so trust me, if the royal queen were to have her tiara taken from her, she'd be UPSET! It sucks but there are many upsides to finding your radiant beauty underneath your lovely locks. You can play and go nuts now... Try other colors (that you never would've before), try different lengths, then when it's all gone enjoy the freedom. Wigs, scarves,caps fuzz, just have at it and before you know it youre done. What about those cold caps mentioned on other forums? I read and researched then and RN says she never saw them actually work for anyone but some of the testimonials say the women kept their hair. I'd rather not go thru all that only to be dissapointed so bring on the clippers for me. My hair just recovered from too many flat iron sessions and it was great but now that it's gotta go, Im doing all kinds of tricks with it, why not?

Have fun with it and remember, my bible says WE WIN!! Blessings to you.

Loviesmom2

Congrats Cyborg you are a 1 down warrior like me. (even though I guess I cheated and got the so called easier one first). My decahedron and benadryl was by mouth 30 min. Prior to tax. Just sleepy but great. See you on the blog next week. Keep smiling. Remember WE WIN!! Blessings to you!

jackifp

Cyborg: TC as in Taxotere and Carboplatin? Because I've also seen TC refer to Taxol and Carboplatin. The Ts differ some in potential side effects, and at least with my onc, the choice for Taxotere over Taxol was due to more chance of allergic reactions with Taxol. It does seem to be an onc preference within a limited arena of drugs, since Taxotere has it's share of SEs.

DebRox

Looks like I am in a holding pattern for now.  But could possibly start the week of May 16th.  My suggested chemo right now is TC - Taxotere and Cytoxan.  I am scared. 

Doctor suggested no port since I am doing 4 cycles.  Also doctor suggested neulasta only if needed.  Is that normal?  Kind of worried about these two items.  Any suggestions or comments anyone?

Cyborg

I am getting the Nuestra shot after each cycle. But I am noticing that doctors are being more conservative--- perhaps there could be issues if we take nuestra without need to boost WBC.you cam ask your doc too. I am doing four cycless too.

Anonymous

How are you gals doing who just had treatments?  Are the steroids keeping you up still Cyborg or did the benedryl counteract that?  I cannot do benedrly IF I am going to work...but maybe I will tell them it is OK tomorrow since I plan on taking the day off....might get a real nice nap out of it...it just knocks me out. 

Robyn_S

Hello girls - I had my first chemo  (FEC x3, Taxotere x 3) today and feeling fine- nothing that is not normal for a 5am start -I went to work before the appt at 11 am  - I got the meds at 3 and no nausea  or headaches at all so far -so the meds are keeping it all at bay! I had a cup of tea and toast when I got home at 6.  I was so anxious about this but will take it one day at a time now -expecting the worst will be over the weekend!

The nerves were kept in check by a lovely nurse Aaron who orientated me very professionally and with care through all the procedural steps - why, when and kept it simple when needed and emphasized that I only need to concentrate on 3 things *1 - keep up water/fluids, *2 - take temperature morning & night and seek attention if over 38oC and *3 - treat yourself as a BABY (think skin, sun aware, gentleness and keeping away from sick people) - simple is good!! So far so good, Only 5 more to go! At least I will still have hair for mother's day this weekend!

Oh! and I was invited to join a trial (RCT) which compares Denosumab an antibody which is proposed to help prevent bone metastasis. 50/50 placebo or treatment but is over 5 years and does include yearly bone, CT & MRI scans which would give peace of mind. As a medical researcher I appreciate that every treatment we have has been examined for effectiveness in a research setting so I am very inclined to enter the trial. Is anyone else in any cancer trial or study?

Take care ladies!

Robyn

Cyborg

Marybe!

Slept all through the night!!' feel really great right now. Just woke up and will hydrate like wild! If the benadryl will help u and u get to stay home and rest them do it.

Robyn, I like what Aaron said to u, treat yourself like a baby and keep your self cared for. Love it.

Cyborg

Robyn,

That sounds like a cool trial. Lucky!



To jackifp taxotere and cytoxan ( and then the steroid that begins with a D).



Hydrating!!!!!!

Skygirl

Hi,

If there is room for one more, I would like to join. Starting chemo late May w/ AC. Am 48 w/ 2 teen daughters and married longer than my poor husband deserves. Have had a left mast and recovering well altho the doc says the form of cancer is very aggressive even tho it has not gone on a sight seeing tour of my body as far as they know. As a newbie to the boards, I will be reading up quite a bit. Am finding humor is one of the best tools and as such, I hope I do not offend those who may not find it so. Also am hoping that this experience will help guide me to being a better person overall. Who knows, stranger things have happened!  A friend told me that chemo is like the hangover to a great party you were too drunk to remember. So cheers and wishing everyone wel. Many thanks to those who have contributed to the forum.

Cyborg

Welcome, skygirl. I am glad u are on board now so that u can get the skinny on this deal before starting--- really helps with the self care. April 2011 chemo thread is helpful and March too. Take care and read up. Nice girls are on here and very helpful.

40-years-old-now

Skygirl,

I will find out next monday (May 9) when and what my chemo will be. I am guessing it will start late May because I had surgery April 21 and the surgern wants 3 weeks of heal time before I start chemo.

I have a 6 year old daughter and am 38. Hubby and I have been married just over 18 years.

And I agree on the Humor, laughter is the best medicine.

Look forward to talking/typing with you.

Candice

Skygirl

Candice, Looks like we will be starting up around the same time. Thanks for letting me know.

Cyborg and jackifp - It looks like non Carnivores are here. I eat some fish, but not other meat and have never quite developed a love of beans. Since we are to avoid soy products, do you know of a specific thread or place specifically discussing vegetarian meals while going through chemo? Glad it is the spring and fresh edibles are popping out of the ground.That's always a plus.

Glad you are up and about cyborg.

MamaV

Just wanted to say good luck to everyone starting chemo this week.  I have Taxol #3 (of weekly 12) on Thursday and can't believe it, but my eyelashes might look like they are coming back and OMG I have a little peach fuzz on my head! 

Welcome to newbies - sorry you had to join this club.  I started A/C on Jan 26th and have been through EVERY wave of emotions you are all feeling.  I still get so anxious before every treatment that I almost make myself sick.  I only get steroids in my IV, so the only trouble I have sleeping the night before treatment is from my own darn anxiety. 

I read some advice on one of these boards that is worth passing along (although I'm not very good at taking it) - Don't look back, don't look forward, just get through TODAY!

Hugs to all.

V-

Cyborg

It's avatar update time since I cut my hair to prepare for the fall out. Anyway. I think as much as I have not felt happy with my hair in general, I will miss my hair. But!!! I want to live. Alive and bald. I kind of have an apple head, but maybe this is the time for self acceptance and love toward my imperfections.

Thanks, mamav for the "focus on now." I need some redirection.

I am guessing,skygirl , that I will be crashing tomorrow as I come off of the steroids. The compazine really helps with the slight paranoia and self doubt of my perceptions and behavior while on "the roids."

I am hydrating like all get out. Water water water. And I am also eating a very tasty bowl of watermelon.

Love to everyone. {{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}   feel that?

jackifp

Sky girl: without meat and beans, you're looking at fish and, assuming you're a lactoveggie, such supplements as whey powder to your milk or juice. My naturopath and tons of research suggested 95g protein and 30g fiber daily - the protein for powering up cell rebuild and the fiber to keep chemo constipation away.

Anyone else doing something similar? I've never eaten so much protein in my life, and always feel full. Am managing to keep the calories to a reasonable level with it, which had me worried at first The meat and dairy (including whey) are , of course, no fiber, so without beans, it would be lots of fruit and veggies. Indeed glad it's fresh food season.

Robyn_S

Hello to all the May newcomers! Day 2 post Chemo#1 and feeling good which is pleasantly suprising . I was up every hour or so last night peeing like a racehorse which I welcomed as I figure that will be less side effects to cope with as the anti-nausea meds scale dowm. I am taking emend for the first three days, with onsetron morning and night to overlap that and feel no nausea at all -no appetite but my figure can cope with a few pounds off! A slight headache from the meds that panadol (tylenol) cand take care of - so far so good! Counting down the days till the hair goes (14)  - I have shoulder length hair so I will do a short cut as soon as the shedding gets annoying. if all does not fall out I would like a few strands to get a headstart on growing back!  I don,t know what the bowels are planning but keeping up with daily metamucil soluble fibre- in another big glass of water! and mixing up the water intake with electrolyte supplements ( salvital in water) which make me feel really good in the tummy as well. Maybe a chicken soup for tea if I can escape the clutches of my DH -very protective! and go to the market for some fresh chicken!

I sometimes have to remind myself how difficult it is for the our carers - my DH has rarely left my side since I found the lump in Feb which was a bad week!  he was by my side all day yesterday even though he is needle phobic - he is a real hero to me and could not do it without him (though there are times....!!)

Take care girl and be gentle on yourselves - i really think the anticipation of taking the first step into chemo is worse than actually doing it (insert picture of plump 46yo in non flattering bikini on diving board at the deep end !!!)  After the plunge I found that the water is warmer than you think!

 Cheers - Robyn

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Hi jackifp,

I read your post on protein intake.  I have two RD consults since my diagnosis and both recommended high-protein diet throughout my treatment course.  Based on my weight, I was advised to maintain 75g of protein daily.  Whey protein drinks help as snacks for me.  I'm not a big meat eater so I resort to greek yogurt, quinoa, beans, tofu, milk, tempeh, and nuts.

I questioned the estrogen in soy-based products but both RDs advised that small amounts of tofu and a cup of soy milk will not kill me.  I am trying to shift to almond milk, though.

The thing is, I have been gaining weight since my surgery.  My RDs said it is expected during treatment as we are prone to water retention.  I am not sure if the high protein intake has anything to do with my weight gain as well.

Best of luck,

Laureen

Cyborg

How are u girls doing today? I am a little out if it cause no steroids today. But I am up. It's going to be a good day.