June 2011 A/C & T Groupies Unite!

716bobbiejo

Hi, everyone!  I started Taxol on Thursday, 6/2/11.  I'm having 4 Taxol, followed by 4 A/C.  I was supposed to get A/C first as that is typical protocol, but evidently there is a shortage of A/C, so my onco switched my treatment around giving me T first.

Let's use this board to discuss side effects, emotions, provide support, whine, share good days & bad days!

Welcome aboard!  Together we'll make it through this! 

singlemom1

I finished my first round of a/c yesterday and so far so good. Was very tired yesterday but that could of also been from lack of sleep the night before. Overall feeling good. I am off to feeling food looking good today and then my shot. thinking of you all

dsnydawn

Thingschange - I'm right behind you!! I feel like I'm in line for this giant roller coaster and I can't get off... (actually wish it was a rollercoaster, as they only last a few minutes haha)

Singlemom - glad you didn't have too many se..hope all goes well today too : )

Did anyone buy clippers to do your hair at home? wasn't sure if I wanted to go somewhere or try to do it myself

singlemom1

We can all get through this together! It is nice to have support of people who know what it is really like. Feeling off today - minor flu like symptons - but could be worse. Very tired and bad knee pain. You are all in thoughts! Praying for minimal SE for all of us!

716bobbiejo

singlemom1, Ssssooooo thankful that your SE's seem minimal & your spirits seem a bit brighter!  How are things going with your child???

dsnydawn, I didn't buy clippers because they're just not something we would really ever use again. My "cut" cost me $12 at our local JC Penny Salon.  About the same price as clippers.  :0) 

cider8

Bobbie Jo, my daughter is high functioning on the spectrum but not aspergers.  I'm blessed to have awesome teachers for her.  She spends a couple hours a day outside the classroom.  She's made great strides this year with writing (putting pencil to paper) and is finally at grade level reading.  She's graduated from speech therapy but still meets with the teacher for language/social skills.  I think all her medical issues (deaf left ear!  severe seasonal allergies!) helped me to to be a great advocate for her, in turn making me a better advocate for myself now.  Thanks for asking.  I think most special ed teachers are a blessing.  I am a grateful parent.

I was reading some more about the A.  I think I was under the illusion it wasn't the ass kicker that it is.  It's hard not to compare myself to others.  But take heed:  don't do it!  I think even just yesterday i was trying to be superwoman.  Now I feel more accepting that it's going to be hard but I CAN GET THROUGH IT.  So what if it's sleeping through 4 days or napping every day.  My body is being hurt and I need to let it heal.  It is temporary.  My body is not your body.  My body has a great capacity to heal and I am grateful.  I say a lot of prayers.  One day at a time.  Accepting some of those things I mentioned has helped me release some of that fear.  When I can recognize my thoughts or behaviors are fear-based I can with-hold the power I give to fear and re-direct that power to somewhere else positive.  I actually find myself laughing a lot and smiling a lot.  The time I spend crying or reacting fearfully gets shorter, I think (I hope!).  

I haven't bought a clipper because my sister cuts her little boys hair with a clipper.  She has a Flo-bee, too!   

FGCUfan

Hello all, I had my mediport placed today & will start A/C every 2 weeks X4 then T X12.  on 6/23/11.  I'm getting the haircut tomorrow but unsure how short!  Just ready to get this going.  Is everyone having Neulasta the day after the chemo?

I know it's gonna be a bumpy ride but I'm in to win it!!  You'll all be in my thoughts.

Suzanne; Dx: 5/23/11 - Metaplastic BC with modified radical mastectomey on 5/26/11.   4.5cm Grade 3, 4/18 nodes, triple negative & HER2 FISH neg; Ki-67 100% ; Stage IIIA 

dsnydawn

Hey Suzanne, getting my port tomorrow...more & more nervous... I'm getting the neulast shot the day after also (I start on 6/22)  Are you getting emend? they are giving me something else ,but when I asked about emend (which everyone raves about) she said if I had a problem I can switch to that...I feel the same way as you, lets get this started so we can finish!!!  Well hoping we are all SE free!!!

ssmith37

Bobbie Jo, thank you so much for starting this thread!!  It's exactly what I logged on to look for, lol.  I met with my oncologist for the first time yesterday and he gave me the news that this is my regimen, dose dense, every two weeks.  I'll get started right after the July 4th holidays.  I'm so sorry you started losing your hair already.  But then again, that's just one more anxiety you probably don't have anymore.  Always a bright side, right?

FGCUfan

I was just going through the mound of paperwork & realized I'm also going to be getting Gemzar.   I haven't had time to study up on it but I missed it somehow.  Hang in there.  Gemzar is an additional chemo drug.  The antiemetic I'm using is Zofran, looks like I'll take it just before startnig the chemo & then every 8hrs as needed plus she gave me a scrip for Compazine which is an old drug but has been pretty effective.  Sorry for the confusion.

ThingsChange

dnsydawn,  I had my port put in last Thursday, very uneventful, don't be nervous about it. It's been just sore but not painful.  I read Claritin helps alot with the SE from neulast shot so ask your dr about that. I have a prescription for Emend...I get nausea easily so hopefully that will help. I have my first treatment this Friday, high anxiety for sure.  Such great info on this forum, it has helped so much.  Hang in there, praying for all of us.

LuvRVing

I will be leaving for my first treatment in about 30 minutes.  I'm bringing my laptop and will chronicle the events so you will all know what to expect.  I'm scared silly, but I find that blogging helps me cope. 

ThingsChange - I heard about claritin, too.  And I plan to take one this evening, and the next two nights.  I asked my doctor and chemo nurse about it and they said it won't hurt anything.

FGCUfan - I think everyone on the DD plan gets Neulasta.  There's not enough time for a natural recovery before the next treatment.  I got my hair cut on Sunday - it's less than an inch long.  If you want to see pictures to get an idea, you can check out my blog at

www.mch-breastcancer.blogspot.com

I'm hoping it's short enough that I can use a lint roller to clean up the fallout mess.

Dsnydawn - I went to a salon with my two daughters and my best friend for my cut.  My daughter also had hers cut for Locks of Love. She's been growing it for a year, so she had more than 10" of ponytail.  We had wine, cheese and crackers and strawberries.  The stylist is a friend of my kids and she was wonderful.  It was nice to have the place to ourselves, and I handled things fairly well.  I keep telling myself it's just hair, and it will grow back. 

Cider8 - you're right about giving in to the need for rest. I am not a napper -  I've been fighting breast cancer for a year and I've probably taken two naps since starting this journey. It's about to change, though. And I bought a new sectional sofa with a chaise so I can do it comfortably.

I'd better go pack up my supplies. I hope everyone has a good day.

Hugs,

Michelle

marial

I saw this thread and wanted to stop by even though I finished my chemo almost 2 weeks agp..I just wanted to say that I have very little side effects from the AC..no nausea, no taste alteration..just mainly hair loss and a lower WBC..Everyone is different, but I just wanted to say it's not a horrible cocktail for everyone..I even still went to the gym 4 to 5 times a week



I know how you feel where you ate at now..I felt like I was going to be homebound..but I was pleasantly surprised ..and I hope you all will to..best wishes to you all

ThingsChange

Marial, thank you so much for posting that.  I am starting on Friday and am terrified of the side effects....it is so encouraging to hear your experience.   My dr prescribed Emend along with two other meds...I'm hoping that keeps the nausea in check, that is one of my biggest concerns.  Thanks again and congratulations to you, enjoy yourself now, you deserve it!!

LuvRVing

I am home after having my first treatment today.  The treatment itself was long but a non-event.  I've got enough anti-nausea meds that should get me through the rough days (Aloxi, Emend, a Scopolamine patch and 6 mg of Decadron).  I chronicled the whole day and will post it on my blog later today.  My chemo nurse Lisa is very nice!

Marial - thank you for your post!  It gives me hope that I can get through this with minimal side effects.  Did you get a Neulasta shot the day after treatment?  I will have one after every treatment.

Michelle

cider8

It's been one week since my first infusion.  I feel much better today than I have in the past week.  No nap!  I think my main side effect has been the fatigue.  I'm grateful for others chiming in about their experience.  I think it helps me to realize that there are various degrees of side effects.  

I did get a lot of soft tissue work done at my first PT session today.  I still have pain from my mastectomy.  Hopefully working on that will only help with my chemo side effects.  Just one session has been amazing.  

I have no idea how to differentiate between Neulesta SE and chemo SE.  I think I'll be eager to see what my blood counts are next week.  

Dawn, let us know how getting the port goes.  I get mine Monday.  I'm just wondering what kind of nuisance it will be for the two days it's left 'open' for my Wed infusion.  

marial

LvRVing - no, I had neupogen shots for 7 days following each treatment..each treatment was ever 2 weeks..



As far as anti nausea meeds, I received zofran and decahedron as premeds, then took those for 2 days after. I also had compazene and Ativan to take as needed

LuvRVing

Still doing ok after dinner.  Hubby made boneless pork chops, salad and cole slaw.  Thirty years of marriage and now I find out he can put a meal together     For those of you who have not yet been in the chemo chair, here is a link to my blog which outlines how my day went.  I am guessing yours will be similar.

www.mch-breastcancer.blogspot.com

 Wishing everyone a good day!

Michelle

FGCUfan

dsnydawn, I received  my Emend today to go along with the Zofran.  looks like I too have enough antiemetics to handle the nausea.  Now my worry is how to pay for it!  I'm on Medicare & in the donut-hole.  My price for 1 3 day dose was $183 just for Emend, the Zofran was $35.27 for 60 tabs so I may have to stick with that one after this time.  I'll discuss with onc later.  Also as sore as the port site was yesterday after the insertion, this morning it was fine & now it's only tender if I bump it.  I'm sure yours will go as smoothly.

Michelle, I had my haircut today & it's about 1"-2" & I love it, don't know why I had let it grow out before. 

Tomorrow is Chemo Boot Camp--someone has to teach me how to play well with others.  I went to school for 18+ years & I still have trouble with that.  I have lots of questions but I'm sure they have lots of answers.

Hugs to all, let's have a good night & aa great tomorrow! 

ThingsChange

Michele, I read your blog. I am so happy you had a good first day.  I hope your night went just as well.  I start tomorrow...ugh, so much anxiety. Keep up the good work and keep blogging, It helps so much.  Wishing you a wonderful day, it's beautiful here in Connecticut.  Cheryl

dsnydawn

Michelle, Thanks for the blog & pictures (love the pink laptop!!) so glad you have your daughters and great husband.  I was living on Long Island (my mom re married & moved to upstate NY 10 yrs ago) but luckily this past Feb my husband got a transfer (still an hour but better than 4 1/2) and March 5th I felt the lump...just so grateful to be closer as we were never more than 4 blocks apart since I was married.. and as far as my husband...boy has he really stepped up..I heard him talking to men in our family and they asked him after my surgery how he was doing, he replied, it's really tiring to be Dawn!!! (I should have gotten that on tape haha) I'm thinking about doing a blog, never have, but seems like easier way to let everyone know details without getting lost in translation (my mother is famous for that)

FGCUfan -  You know I do remember the nurse saying something about the cost of the Emend During A/C I start with Aloxi (iv),decadron (premeds) compazine & ativan at home as needed

I also have to take Zantac everyday for my entire chemo..anyone else

and of course Neulast shot on day 2 during A/C(is this when you took claritan?)

During Taxol  - Premeds  Decadron,Aloxi, Pepcid,Benadryl

Well did have my port placed yesterday...being bumped an hour and my IV were the worst part..everything else was pretty uneventful.  I had my 8th grade son's graduation last night and didn't want anything in my way of getting there...I was still a little drowsy and slept like a baby last night.  I joked to my husband that now my boob wasn't bothering me at all as the port was sore lol.. this morning it is tender but manageable and all nurses told me that they would def do the same thing and when all is said and done I will be thankful to have it...well so glad you all seem to be doing good!!! I hope & pray I do too!!!

LuvRVing

Thanks,Cheryl.  I did well overnight, except I woke up extremely thirsty around 3:30.  I knew that would happen because I'm wearing th Scopolamine patch, so I had the water bottle right there.  I took an Ativan last night as a precaution.  I usually take Restoril, but the Ativan has the added "anti-nausea" effect. 

It's a beautiful day here at the lake.  But we need to return the uHaul truck and take a couple of things to my mom's, so I won't be able to sit outside until this afternoon, after I get the Neulasta shot.  I'll need to use a strong sun-blocker as apparently the chemo makes you sun-sensitive. 

Staying positive, but recognizing that things could change any minute.

Hugs to all,

Michelle

dsnydawn

Michelle, I made myself a blog (wasn't too hard) still playing around but nice to be able to keep family up to date..thanks for the info    dawnfightslikeagirl.blogspot.com

LuvRVing

Dsnydawn - good for you!  I'll check out your blog and follow it.  I find it really helps keep everyone informed and up to date without having 100 conversations.  I usually post a link to my new post on Facebook because I have quite a few family and friends who use it. 

I feel pretty good this morning, was able to drink my coffee and have a piece of toast with peanut butter.  Late yesterday afternoon I suffered a bit of nausea, but recovered enough to eat a little dinner.  I am not yet feeling the effects of the Neulasta shot, but I did take the Claritin and I'm already on an anti-inflammatory for arthritis.  So maybe that will cover it! 

I did learn that Compazine will put me to sleep!  I took one after the nausea bout, and then had all I could do to stay awake until about 9.  We went up to bed at 10 and I took an Ativan (wanted to be sure I slept, and I was down for the count! 

Speaking of cost, the nurse yesterday said that the Neulasta shot is $7,000!!!!!! Unbelievable! I'm going to be a $2 million baby by the time I finish treatment.

Michelle

dsnydawn

Was wondering if anyone had used that cream to numb port site before infusion? Not sure if worth the hassle to even ask for it

716bobbiejo

dsnydawn, my onco sprays the port with a cold spray right before the infusion.  It's a fast acting numbing agent.  I had my 2nd treatment yesterday, & both times there was zero pain when she inserted the needle.  Perhaps your onco can use something similar if you're worried about pain.

LuvRVing, like your $2 million baby comment!  So true!  The Nuelasta is outrageous.  I'm also taking Amend for nausea.  $500 for three pills!  I'm getting 8 chemo treatments, so that's $40,000 in anti-nausea meds alone!  Unreal.  Thank goodness for insurance.  My heart breaks for those going through this with no insurance coverage.  

Had Taxol #2 yesterday & Neulasta today.  So far so good.  I did try the Claritin before the shot. Tomorrow will be the telling story as to whether or not the Claritin will keep the bone pain at bay. I sure hope so because last time was unbearable for me.  I felt like I was 100 years old.  I told my husband that the way I felt must be similar to how someone with lupus, MS, or rheumatoid arthritis must feel.

Wishing you all a SE free & enjoyable weekend! 

cider8

Dawn, my nurse recommended asking for and using it.  I think I'll give it a try.

I thought I was feeling pretty good today.  But after a morning of running around, I crashed.  Back up now for some more errands.  

I started PT for my surgery pain and found out lots of interesting things about myself!  I'm apparently hypermobile, which I forgot about since I'm not nearly as flexible as I used to be.  My shoulders, back, wrists and ankles are very flexible.  So while I can move my arms in a normal range, I don't need to utilize my chest and rib muscles for shoulder movement, so those muscles have really tensed up since not moving my body so much since surgery.  My PT worked hard to loosen chest muscles before my port Monday.  She also told me that chemo will scar some tissues? ligaments? and that I may actually lose some or all of that hypermobility.  Absolutely fascinating.  My PT is wealth of info and I'm so glad I found her.

rejoice

Your diagnosis is just like mine.  Did you have mastectomy or lumpectomy?  I haven't started yet, just got the port in.  I'll have 4 dose dense rounds of AC and then 4 dose dense rounds of Taxol.  Then rad.  How are you doing?

gapeach

I was totally freaked out about losing my hair. I will say that once it's gone, the anticipation is over and it's much easier on your emotions. I have a wig and really like it for certain occasions but for the most part, I am loving scarves with a cute hat. 

Bobbiejo, We have a very similar dx.

I was also nervous about getting A. I had an allergic reaction to taxotere and they had to change things up. For me, I had very few SE from A but the T must stand for terrible.

This is very healing for me to connect and chat with women who are at the same place as me. Prayers to all of us! 

LuvRVing

I took Claritin on Wednesday, Thursday and today.  I have not felt any bone pain...or at least not any more than I normally feel with my arthritis.  I felt well enough that we went out for a nice dinner tonight.  I hope I don't regret that later!

Happy weekend!

Michelle

ThingsChange

Dawn, I had my stitches out for my port just 2 hours before my first treatment.  I was a little concerned because it was sore.  The nurse used the spray and it worked!  A tiny 3 second sting and that was it.  They drew my blood from there too, so I think it's a good thing to have. I had AC for the first time, along with Aloxi and Emend for nausea...no nausea yet!! Thank the good Lord I hope it stays that way.  Slept alot and not much appetite, had a pot of chic soup ready for when I got home.  This AM just my be toast at first and then we'll see.  Also, I made myself a pot of ginger tea the last few mornings and even put the extra in my water bottle....ginger is supposed to be a natural remedy for nausea - so  I thought I'd give it a shot. Good luck,

BobbyJo, when I told the nurse how shocked I was about the cost of the Emend (924.00 here in CT - l had to pay $150, which was bad enough), I asked her about the poor people who can't afford that, she said, we give them something else...I actually started to cry.  She said some people are eating cereal to afford their meds - something is wrong here... have a great day.