October 2011 Chemo group

LuvRVing

Ladies - a helpful hint regarding heartburn for Taxol (Paclitaxel) vs heartburn for AC.  I got Pepcid by IV for Taxol, so afterwards I took generic Pepcid once a day, every day, during the entire treatment time.  For AC, I took generic Prilosec every day.  I got Taxol after AC and continued on both the Prilosec and Pepcid until a couple weeks after all treatment was finished.

There are different causes for heartburn.  AC stimulates one cause and Taxol stimulates a different one.  So you will need different antacids depending on what's causing your heartburn problems.  This is information that was given by my chemo nurse, when I asked for an explanation about the IV Pepcid before Taxol.  With this arrangement, I almost never needed anything else.  I think I took Tums a couple times when the combination of fried food and diet Coke just did me in.  Otherwise, I was heartburn-free.

Don't suffer...talk to your MO if you are popping antacids frequently.

Terry71

P.S Neulasta injection in the tummy is So much better than any other place......  On either side of the belly button works for me Ive always gotten them there Since its a Sub Q injection it just has to go into the fatty tissue and the needle is tiny, and SHARP But remember to take it OUT of the fridge a few hours before so its Not cold or it will HURT like crazy ( burn) 

perts1

Terry, I think Target has some childrens clothes that might be easier for you to put on - LOL - just sayin'.  I had the Neulasta in my tummy after my last tx & it was painless and took just a second.  I was so dreading that but it was really easy.  I wondered if I really got the shot, that is, until the bone and joint pain started.  Then I knew.  Thanks for Claritin! I am dreading next Tuesday - my second tx.  But not horrible, just don't want to get sick.  Good luck everyone and I hope you do well this weekend. 

perts1

PS.  Don't forget to have a designated "poster" to let us know how you're doing if you are unable to get on here.  I'm going to train my DH this weekend!

barbyjean

Hi ladies, I was having my daily cry so I got straight on the boards and now I'm laughing! So much better to laugh. 

Cfdr (is that right?)  My fingers were peeling and the skin looked sort of burned on the fingertips, and from reading the posts, realized that it was the neuropathy from the Taxotere. My onc nurse confirmed it. I was looking for numbness and tingling but I don't always follow the rules!! So, maybe that is happening. I wasn't very consistent with my L-glutamine and B vitamin supplements after this second round, so I started them up again when I realized what it was. No amount of lotion helped, but now they seem to be improving. 

Last night after my shower, I was rubbing my head and all the dark stubble came out! Some white hairs came out too, but they are holding on harder than the rest.  Very weird. I am on day 10 of round #2. I think I will be smooth as a baby's butt pretty soon. I too am looking at all the weird bumps and scars on my scalp. I really don't mind the hair loss so much, it's one less thing to take care of with my low energy.

I live alone and can barely take care of myself and 2 cats. I don't know how you gals go to work and take care of kids too!  We are all superheroes, for sure!!!

I didn't get the neulasta shot this time, I'm not really sure why, but the back and hip pain last time was terrible on days 6 and 7 for me. But now I'm really paranoid about infection. This whole thing sucks!

Keep on, ladies!     Barb 

cfdr

Yikes, barbyjean, neuropathy didn't even cross my mind! I have a rash along the back of my thumb, onto the hand and up the index finger, on both sides. Red and itchy. Plus the peeling skin at the fingertips. Also starting yesterday was my fingertips are wrinkled like I just got out of the bathtub. Weird! I'll have to ask my onc about the supplements; they don't want me taking anything without clearing it first. There is a nutritionist on staff, maybe I'll ask her too.

auntienance

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one having these emotional moments this week!   Day 12 out from #2 and I'm having more stomach issues this go around.  More burning stomach and esophagus, with some nausea rather than outright nausea, especially after eating anything.  Feels exactly like it did when I had an ulcer years ago.  I've been popping pepcid and zantac, which helps, but last night I hit it with my whole arsenal and it was difficult to get under control.  I guess I'll be discussing this Monday when I go in for my blood draw.  Other than that, the fatigue is much better this go around.  Went for a half hour bike ride today and that helped my spirits considerably.  I'm tired of all of my hats and scarves already and I hate looking at my weird looking head.  I have a big dent in the back.  WTH happened there???   Wishing everyone smooth sailing this weekend!!

julsjewels11

Hi Again:

And to add to all the other oddities- I have a terrible yucky taste in my mouth...only time I'm not aware of it is when I'm asleep! Makes downing the water difficult. Anyway- have as good a weekend as possible. Hang in there - this is all temporary!!!!  Hugs Juls

reesefoggy

Hi fellow chemo champs, 

 Been reading here for a few months, first post.  I started Cy/Tax Oct 12, round two was Nov. 2. First round I was fine until day three then I felt like I was lying in the middle of the train tracks. Then pretty good. I got bumps all over me, took benadryl and it ended that. I use coconut oil on my skin for the lizzard skin. Everything goes through me when I eat. Has since the first round.  Nothing tasted good and I lost 12 pounds in five days. 

This round I have taken claratin and it has helped the flu body ache feeling so far. I was really tired the second day this time. But I also cut back on the steroids and the anti nausea meds (felt it was too much) and it has helped my stomach. Just hoping I don't get the hit by a train feeling this time. My tastebuds are gone so it's saltines and ensure for a week again. Chocolate taste ok too . Headache today, and sleeping through the night is impossible without the sleeping pills.

 My hair started to come out in bits day ten so I got a mohawk at a hat party I had. A week later had my husband shave it.  I also got professional eyelashes prior to them falling out and WOW, highly suggest it. I will need to get fills every month but that is fine. They put them on lash by lash and look very natural. No mascara needed .  I haven't lost all my hair even though it is shaved. But it is pretty darn patchy. I have two more rounds to go, every three weeks. Thank fully I will be done before christmas.

TAPPY

Still having problems with the nasuea.   The Zofran works - but stops working in about 3-4 hours.   I am fighting this horrible sinus drip/coughing to....uck.

Is there a better med that I can can ask for to control the naseau for a longer period of time so I dont have the break thru ?

stjude10

Tappy= I know they gave my DD Kytril. It's pretty potent anti-nausea

reesefoggy= I like the mohawk idea. I am shedding like crazy! Like the eyelash idea too.

My chemo is back on as of the 16th. MO is cutting down the steroids to help w/the blood sugar. Should get the drain out next Wed. as I'm strictly following my instructions and there's hardly any drainage in them. Will soooo be looking forward to a shower! Here's hoping the hole stays shut!

Hoping Oct. gals have a great weekend!

TAPPY

Chips and an icee did the trick.   I know it is not "healthy" - but it sure helps settle the tummy.

 I really dont want to take anything else to make me feel groggy...I just want to get past the bad days...I keep telling myself....just six more treatments. (I pray - I hope)

AbqTiger

What you said, juls, I can totally relate to: it's like I'm living someone else's life right now. My body feels all wrong, I'm grumpy with my beautiful 7 year old daughter. Don't feel like exercising....



I got off all the nausea meds and am just taking pepcid right now for my stomach. It still feels a little queasy, but bearable (day 10 after TCH). Does anyone have other ideas for the stomach weirdness? I just got the biotin mouthwash for my dry mouth.



Thanks everyone

AbqTiger

Tappy, zofran and phenergen totally didn't cut it with me, so on day 4 I went back on steroids and started Ativan along with the zofran. Felt much better. Stopped it all on day 8 post chemo. The Ativan seemed to help me sleep too.

cfdr

Tappy, they have given me compazine and ativan. I'm on TC so I don't think the nausea is as bad...I've had one brief incident per cycle, but the compazine has been fast and effective. I've mostly been using the ativan for its other purpose, anxiety, and for getting to sleep on the nights I'm on steroids, so I don't know how effective it is for nausea.

perts1

I sound like a broken record but boiling the juiced lemons with grated fresh ginger makes a potent anti nausea.  Works like a champ for me & I haven't had to take any nausea meds since I started drinking it.  I drink a couple of hot cups in the morning and then just sip on it over ice the rest of the day - it hydrates me, too.  I sure hope were going to get some nice medals for going through this!

Carla9112

Hey everyone - I've been away for a couple of days and am catching up.  I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one feeling emotional.  I've been on the verge of tears since Friday.  I went out to shop some today but got an even bigger pity party going for myself.  Why me?  Why did I get cancer?  Why do I have to go through this awful treatment?  Why do I have to be bald?  Why do I have to feel like crap most of the time?  I just came home and had a good cry. 

I have treatment no. 3 on Friday - maybe that's why I'm so emotional.  I dread it so bad.

Sorry to be such a negative person today but I know you gals won't care.

Hope you each have a great night and get lots of good sleep!

Hugs!

LuvRVing

Are all of you getting Emend for nausea?  It's administered as a pre-med on the day of TX, and then for the next two days.  It really is a wonder drug. 

Lori - you, especially, should ask about Emend as your MO is cutting your steroid dose.  I took just 6 mg decadron as a pre-med on TX day and I was fine.  My blood sugar was back to normal by the next morning.  But I also had the Emend and Aloxi.  I took just a couple of compazines and ativans throughout all my treatment.  Emend really did the trick for me.

stjude10

thanks LuvRVing, I did get the Emend before treatment, and you're right. It works really well. I also have the compazine. I got a bag of Decadron the first time. MO is cutting that down. I also had to take Dex for 2 days at home, and I think he's doing away with that. I'm sure it'll be fine, I just fear the change! It's like starting all over again.

julsjewels11

Pert1-I'm going to make some more of that ginger/lemon stuff- do you actually boil it together and then just cut it with plain water? We had just poured boiling water over it and then put it into the fridge. I haven't tried it hot but I will- I find I am more nauseated this time around.

michelle- they are giving me dexamethasone(Decadron) and granisetron(Kytril) for nausea- is that the same as emend? Also have Prochlorperazine (stemetil) in case I need something else.

abqtiger-guess we'll just have to be somebody else for awhile...I feel all jiggly, disoriented and in a fog most of the time. Do you have sleeping issues- the past couple of nights I have had really bad stomach issues even though I take something in the am that's supposed to help with that- maybe the after effects of the steroids?The odc told me to take Gaviscon to help but it doesn't eliminate it.

It must be so hard to have to put on a brave front for your daughter when you feel like crap. She'll understand though- kids are really resilient and will be okay. My 5 and 3 year old grandsons were here yesterday and said I looked "funny" and told me to put my hat back on!

Carla- I had the same questions and day you had! Sometimes it's overwhelming and frustrating feeling like this and we can't get off this treadmill- not yet at least. At least we're all in the same boat! Hang in there: this is temporary and we will be okay!

Have a pleasant Sunday everyone- hope you feel okay today!   Hugs Juls

TAPPY

Had a big ole pity party at my house this morning.

This treatment zapped me and I have no energy what so ever.   I feel so bad putting this on my family.  I am also fighting a nasty chest/sinus cold (no fever) - that is wearing me down to.

What happened to my normal life....I did manage to eat some pancakes this morning,  I hope it gives me some energy to at least fold some clothes.

perts1

Hey Juls - I put about 6 cups of water in a pan then add juice of 2 lemons and the peels.  About 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger grated.  Bring to a boil, turn it off and let it sit for an hour then put it in something in the fridge.  It has really saved me on more than 1 occassion (from nausea).  You can adjust lemon or ginger to suit yourself.  I kinda like it strong with both flavors. 

 Dreading Tuesday - TX 2.  But I'll be rarin to go on Monday and Wednesday - from the steroids. 

AbqTiger

Hello Juls and everyone else,



I do have stomach stuff and trouble sleeping. All I am taking now is pepcid, ,but it's my lower GI tract that is all gurgley and uncomfortable. Imodium helped when it was out and out diarrhea,but I haven't taken it in 2 days. Maybe I'll try your Gaviscon. Last night I got up at midnight and took a Ativan which helped me sleep. Don't know if that's the best approach.



Out of the blue my daughter said to me yesterday, "Mama, you're gonna be bald by Xmas", in the most matter of fact way. I don't know if it's a coincidence, but she seems more grown up to me lately!



On a positive note, today is day 11 post chemo and I feel reasonably ok.



I' m gonna try the lemon stuff too.





You gals are a lifeline.

AbqTiger

Perts1



I know the dread feeling. My second tx is not for another week plus and I am already feeling that way. Good luck on Tuesday. You will be ok. How did we become so brave?

AbqTiger

Antienance,

I love your picture!



To all,



I also love that biotin mouthwash. My mouth feels so much better after just one day. My facial skin is starting to feel "lizardy" as someone so delicately put it. Do the lindy products help or is there something better?



To tappy and anyone else feeling down,



I am so not positive about all this. Thank you for reminding me that maybe i'm not a loser for having this reaction. I wanted to be one of Bernie Seigal's exceptional cancer patients, but I'm not there yet.

julsjewels11

Thanks perts for replying so fast- I have had one cup of it warm so far and it's staying down.

Tappy- I still have my chest cold and runny nose and I'm into the third week of it- just can't seem to shake it- no fever either. Just makes it all harder to deal with doesn't it? Maybe some sunshine would help but I don't have the energy or will to go for a walk today. I think we'll take a ride in the car for a change- it's a lovely clear sunny cold day.

abqtiger and all: We all have our down days- and sad times- none of us want to feel sick, be bald or not functioning and hard on our families but we must do this to have a healthy, long future so we are lucky that they have these drugs-even if it all seems rather barbarick at the time.I'mm glad you are feeling a bit better today. They say a positive attitude makes you feel better and having a good laugh helps- I am trying but it's a struggle!  Love and Hugs to all the brave ladies!     Juls

PS I like Biotene too

auntienance

Abqtiger - thanks!  If all of you want a laugh, check out this writer, Diane Mapes.  She is living our collective "dream": (i.e. nightmare) going through treatment for bc.  And she is doing it with a great deal of irreverance and humor.  You might particularly enjoy her essay on "Breast cancer causes foot in mouth disease in others"  because we've all been there and done that.  Check her out!

http://singleshotseattle.wordpress.com/ 

cfdr

I was feeling weepy and emotional and anxious even before I started chemo. I went on lexapro (antidepressant) a week before starting chemo and it has definitely helped. Before that there were nights I would take an ativan because I just couldn't shut my mind off enough to go to sleep. I also talked to a counselor a couple of times; at Duke the sessions are free for cancer patients. I hate the idea that I need psych meds just to function normally, but I like functioning normally more than I hate being on the meds. The counselor I went to told me that 25% of cancer patients suffer from depression, and that it is very common for the oncologists (at Duke, anyway) to prescribe antidepressants to their patients. At least now when I can't get off the sofa I know it's because of the chemo, and not because I've lost the will to get up off the sofa.

lizzybc

Hi Everyone.  I'm so glad I found this group, it's nice to talk to people who are going through what I am going through.  Is anyone else tired of hearing people tell you "you have to be positive and strong" and "in a few months it will be all over".  Yeah I know all that but how about we trade places and you be the one with BC and go through this.  I have my second go round on Wednesday and definitely not looking forward to it.  And I've become paranoid about being around people because of germs.  Have a happy Sunday everyone.

perts1

Someone told me today that I should buck up and be out and about everyday because 1 in 4 women have breast cancer (incorrect) and it's just not that big a deal.  Yes, I let her live darnit.  I just couldn't understand why you would say that to someone on chemo.  I wouldn't say I'm depresssed but I do get down - especially when I look in the mirror at my bald head - or straggly haired head.  LOL.  I think we're all getting through this the best we can - we haven't been given choices, have we?