October 2011 Chemo group

Normandy18

Hi Sue:

Sorry for the delay--I went back to work on Monday, so trying to catch up.

I live in Vindefontaine, which is close to St. Mere Eglise. I am about 15 minutes from Utah Beach. It is really a beautiful part of France.

Take care!

barbyjean

Hi Lori, welcome! 

I just had my first T/C treatment this morning and it went by without a hitch!  (Finally something has gone smoothly for me.)  I travel 100 miles to the cancer center (not by myself) and just got home. I feel great so far, and will enjoy it while it lasts.  I picked up my wig yesterday (it's really cute and short) but I have sensitive skin and so don't know if I will like how it feels.  I also love scarves and am not too upset about the hair thing -- but we'll see on the day it falls out if I have a meltdown.   

I totally agree with Nancy and the others that waiting, and waiting, and waiting some more.......... is the hardest part. I'm glad my chemo has finally started.  I had my first suspicious mammogram on May 24, so it seems like this has been forever.  I don't think I'll ever feel "normal" but the BC veterans tell me it will happen.  

So long for now!     Barb 

stjude10

Hi gals!

Can't believe it's only Wed. and I'm done w/dr. appts. for the week. Met w/PS today and everything is finally healing well. Got the outer stitches removed. Waiting for the PT to call w/my appt. time. Can't believe after 4 wks, I'm finally able to drive, move (somewhat), and finally can wear a sport's bra. Yahoo!

Tssheps

Hi ladies can I join the group? I started ACx4 on Sept. 19th. Just had round 2 on 10/3. First round hit me hard...nausea, vomiting, emotional breakdown. This time they gave me a stronger anti-nausea med and it is much better. I'm walking daily and find the fresh air wonderful. Its the fatigue that is hard to get used too.



I had my first fill last Friday. All went well with that. Had my head shaved and a final fit/cut of my wig...not bad. The kids colored make up and hair on the face of the wig stand...very cute. Taking it day by day...can't wait for the AC to be over as I heard he Taxol will be a bit easier.



Thank you for sharing your war stories...it's greatly appreciated. Take care and hugs all round,



Best,

Stacey.

perts1

I joined the radiation Oct. group but found out yesterday that my oncotype dx was 38 so they said chemo first and then radiation so here I am.  I haven't seen the med onc but will on Monday afternoon.  I guess they'll explain what I'll be taking and speak to me about wigs & stuff?  This whole diagnosis has really been crazy.  But probably no more surprises for a change.  Any pearly words of wisdom?

Carla9112

Hi everyone - just checking in today.  Day 5 after first treatment and things are going better.  Still feel queasy at times but it's not near as bad.  I do, however, have the dreaded "white tongue" but no sores yet.  Called oncologist and they called in a different kind of Magic Mouthwash that contains antibiotics.  It is supposed to kill the thrush virus.  The problem is I'm supposed to swallow it and I just haven't been able to yet.  It tastes terrible and with me still being kind of sick I'm just not sure I can get it down.  Oh the joys of chemo!  

Good news is that I still don't have bone pain.  The Claritin has really worked for me.  I told a nurse at the oncologist's office about it today. She didn't know anything about it.  She couldn't wait to tell others in her office. 

I hope everybody else that has started chemo is feeling much better.  For those that haven't started yet try to get rest and not get too anxious about it.  You will get through it!!

Last big hurdle for me to face emotionally will be Friday.  I'm going to go ahead and have my hair shaved.  It is starting to feel weird - like it's been fried - wait a minute - it has been fried with the chemo!   My hairdresser is going to a friend's house and we're going to have a "shearing" party.  I bought a cute wig - I just hope it doesn't itch and drive me crazy.  My biggest fear though is that it will fly off on a windy day!!  

Well, the Ambien is kicking in so I'll log off.  Hang in there - tomorrow will be better for all of us!!  Hugs!!!

Carla9112

I also meant to welcome Stacey and Perts. 

Stacey - I've struggled with nausea since my 1st treatment of TAC.  What kind of antinausea medicine do they have you on now?  I'm feeling better but still not quite over it.  I dread the second treatment because we still haven't found a pill that is going to help me with the nausea (and doesn't knock me out).  They changed my IV meds and it seemed to work ok. 

Perts - As a "newbie" to this world, I don't really have any words of wisdom but I have learned two very quick lessons. (1) take it a day at a time; and (2) don't try to do it by yourself.  My pride got in the way and I was determined I could do chemo by myself.  WRONG.  I should have had someone with me for a few days.  Friends and family have offered (begged) to help and I pushed them away.  No more - I'm going to take them up on their offers.  That first treatment was tough and I should have had someone with me.  I just thought I was a tough cookie!

Just know that we'll be here cheering you on.  Take care and I'll talk to you soon!

auntienance

Carla -- my nurse was surprised by the Claritin thing too.  She was interested in telling others.  Sure worked for me too!

perts1

I couldn't find the thread about Claritin so am wondering if that's the Claritin allergy med?  What is Claritin used for?  Also, you have totally motivated me to get a spunky, funky, spikey haircut!  My grandchildren will probably disown me but why not make up some fun when you can?  I really liked reading that thread. 

Carla - I'm not doing anything by myself.  This past month has turned me into a blubbering pansy and I fully admit I'm a big sissy!  But, I'm still waiting for someone to come and reassure me that this is just a joke.  I have all kinds of people who will go with me to keep me company etc.  I think my husband will get tired of going so will have some back up to relieve him.  I'm already feeling sorry for him because he has to put up with me!  LOL

LoriKristine

Day 2 after chemotherapy. Had severe nausea last night, but my doctor had prescribed me Ativan in addition to my Zofran so this helped. Ativan is not only for anxiety, but works in a different area of the brain to control nausea. Feeling O.K. this morning- no bone pain from the Neulasta which I'm accrediting to the Claritin.



-Perts1 my chemo nurses recommended taking a Claritin in the morning and night if you are taking the Neulasta shots. I tried this after reading the good outcomes from the ladies here. Claritin is an antihistamine which I think helps curb the inflammatory pain created by the Neulasta stimulating the bone marrow production.



Keep your chin up Ladies- we can do this.

Carla9112

Lori - I'm so sorry that you were sick last night.  I hope you are doing better this afternoon.  I have Ativan too but haven't used it (even though I still feel queasy quite a bit).  The doctor told me it would knock me out.  That's probably what you needed last night in order to get some rest.  Hang in there!

I go back tomorrow for another evaluation by oncologist on side effects. I sure hope he can give me some pills that I can take during the day.  I just have to work and can't afford to be wiped out from meds.  I'm scared to take anything now because it seems like they have the opposite effect on me.  I sure wish I was one of those that could take the meds and not have any nausea. 

Meanwhile, I hope you guys have a good night and we all have a great weekend with no side effects!!

stjude10

LoriK and Carla-glad to hear you both are handling your tx. I also wish you both a weekend of relaxation and no se. And yes Carla, my chin is up. We CAN do this!

I am going to try to drive tomorrow. It's been over 4 wks, and I think I'm ready. Bone scan and PT (yay) on Monday, getting hair whacked off on Tues. Going to donate it to Locks of Love. Never thought they'd want my old hair, but I guess they use all types!

TAPPY

I am going to "chemo class" today.   What questions do I need to ask ?

And I will be getting the shot the day after the A/C treatments. Do you all do this or go back in to your docs office for his ?

I am on the AC +T treatment .

My port is still hurting today (feels like pulling) - ugh...I just wantall this to be over with.

WIMusicMaker

HI Everyone! I hope today finds you in good spirits and with minimal side effects. 

I am Day 4 of first T/C. After crashing yesterday from stopping the steroids, I awoke feeling pretty good this morning. I am holding my breath that this feeling lasts throughout the day.

When I went in to get the neulasta shot at the hospital the nurse was wonderful. She explained it hurts because the medicine is suspended in alcohol and that stings. As soon as it started to sting, she stopped injecting, let the sting go away and then slowly gave me the rest of the shot. It did not hurt at all! I hope all of you have people as compassionate giving you your shots! 

To those who are still waiting for your first tx know that it is totally doable. You will get through this. The drugs they give you do work. Make sure you take them. The claritin is doing the trick for me also.

Some things that have helped me the past few days include:

I have taken a walk every day. It was nearly impossible to drag myself out the door the past two days, but I felt so much better once I took the walk. Throughout the day when I start feeling achy again I go and walk around outside the house. Keep moving!

Biotene toothpaste and rinse has been great. My taste always seems to change for the worse as the day goes on but these keep my mouth feeling fresh.

Dentyne cinnamon gum has helped and Trader Joe's Triple Ginger Cookies have been great for the taste and feel good on the stomach. Smartwater has been a life saver the past two days!

st jude I hope you have a good time driving-a little bit of gaining your freedom back is always a good thing. 

Tappy I hope your port feels better soon. I found the chemo class to be very informative and helped to lessen my fears.

Carla I hope you can find the right combination of drugs to help you through this.

LoriKristine I hope you woke up like me this morning and feel more like your normal self.

Perts1 my only advice is know you can do this. Take it one day at a time and put one foot in front of the other. 

We are strong and we do this!! I hope you all of you have a wonderful day! 

LuvRVing

Ladies - regarding the stinging of the Neulasta shot...it will not sting if the Neulasta has been brought to room temperature.  It takes about 30 minutes.  I always called my chemo center and told them I was "on my way" and the nurse made sure it was out of the fridge.  By the time I got there and checked in, it was 30 minutes and the injection did not sting.  Slowly injecting also helps.  But the biggest thing is definitely bringing it to room temperature. 

Remember to keep drinking, ladies...96 ounces.  It will help, I promise.

Michelle

auntienance

I was totally amazed that my neulasta shot didn't hurt at all -- didn't even feel it. Musicmaker - Anna's ginger cookies are great too. Day 5 for me and hooray! Coffee tastes good again!

NancyJill

Hi, I had my first TCH on October 4. My first Herceptin alone was September 27, and that was no big deal. I did much better than I had worried about with TCH. I am scheduled for 4 of those treatments, 3 weeks apart. No nausea! What I did feel like was weak and foggy-headed starting the day after and getting worse two days after TCH. My volunteer navigator calls it "chemo head." She said it will pass!! I did not feel as though I could drive yesterday. She prepared me to get emotional or even weepy at the blood count crash after 10 days. I will have my blood counts checked then, and will find out if I need Neupogen at that time. Today is my third day post TCH, and I feel out-of-it, but less so than yesterday! We can do this, ladies!!

wildrumara

Ladies quick question..... vaginal bleeding today....my period was finishing up just before I started chemotherapy last Friday.    I am not concerned....just thinking this is all part of the chemotherapy and its wicked ways......body doesn't know what to do??   Any thoughts?  Did call my MO.  Haven't heard back. 

perts1

LuvRVing - Drink what?  I think a nice 96 oz. of vodka might be nice.  Just kidding.  I knew you meant water.  I meet with the med onc on Monday and I don't know what questions to ask.  I do love reading what all of you are doing and how you are reacting.  It helps to know I have some company in this. 

LuvRVing

LOL, Perts!  Now that would be one way to ensure elevated liver enzymes and a chemo "holiday"!!!  Seriously, though, any liquids that you can tolerate will do the trick.  It doesn't have to be just water.  And don't forget soups, juicy fruits and veggies, popsicles - they all count.

Carla9112

Hi everyone - I hope everyone is having a good day.  Went back to oncologist today and he convinced me to try Ativan for the nausea.  I was scared to try it because the pharmacist told me it was a pretty powerful little pill.  I just didn't want to suffer another headache and end up knocked out.  Well, I ended up taking it and I haven't felt sick in about two hours now.  No headache either.  I took a nap but it certainly didn't put me into a drug induced sleep.  Maybe, just maybe, this is the right pill for nausea. 

White counts were low today but I guess that's expected at this point.  I think I'll stay away from the crowds this weekend just to be safe. 

I hope you all have a great weekend.

LoriKristine

Good Morning Everyone! Day 4 after A/C and definitely feeling better today. Seems that 48 hours after chemo was my low point. I've been improving since. I've not been eating very much but have found that juices help with the blood sugar and make me feel more perky. I'm not experiencing any mouth sores so definitely chew the ice during your Adriamycin dose. I've also been doing a baking soda/salt rinse just in case too.



Wildrumara- did you hear back from your doc? All the drugs that we are all taking will mess with your cycle. I was kinda hoping it shut mine down for a while. Ha! One less thing to worry about. I read that Cytoxan really has an impact on your ovaries.



Carla9112-glad the ativan is helping -any break in this nausea is such a relief.



Y'all take care!

Carla9112

Hi Lori Kristine- so glad to hear from you and that you are feeling better.  I'm worried about some of our other chemo sisters since we haven't heard from them.  Maybe their SE's are so minimal that they are out playing! 

Okay - I'm going to vent and I hope you will forgive for not being so positive (which I normally am).  I am already freaking out about the next treatment.  This past week was so hard because I've been pretty sick.  I just don't want to go back and don't know how I'm going to make myself. This week when I went to see the oncologist for follow-up I almost had an anxiety attack just walking into the place again.  I'm meeting with the oncologist's psychologist on Tuesday because the thoughts of putting that poison in my body again scares the hell out of me.  Anybody else feel like this?

Hope you have a great day!

WIMusicMaker

Carla I am right there with you! We are letting them put horrible things into our body! Are we CRAZY?!?! I know, I know, this is a necessary evil to make sure we kick this thing, but seriously, they haven't come up with something a little easier on the system? Thank you for letting me rant.

I have been taking it easy today. Last night (day 4) was kind of tough. I had a really upset stomach and a slight touch of diarrhea. Felt horrible this morning and now have a slightly elevated temp-99.5. I am taking my temp. every 30 minutes. I hope it holds steady. I really don't like the thought of visiting the hospital on Saturday night. I also have an eye twitch going and breaking out in acne.

On a postive note I watched the movie "Morming Glory". It was cute and took my mind off of things. If you want something like that now, I highly recommend it. 

Carla9112

WIMusicMaker - I sure hope you feel better.  I guess I just thought with all of the progress that has been made in breast cancer treatment that the chemo just wouldn't be so bad. People just kept telling me that I wouldn't feel nausea and that "chemo wasn't so bad anymore".  Well, if they don't find the right meds for you I am proof that you will feel nausea.  The ativan is a miracle drug for me though.  No nausea since I started taking it.   I am Day 7 and today and I went to have my nails done.  It felt so good to get out, walk around and not feel like I was going to barf.  Thank you God!!

So, for those of you that haven't started chemo yet keep that in mind.  If you get severe headaches and feel nausea even though you may be taking Zofran or Compazine then they may have to change your anti-nausea meds. 

We will get through this one step at a time.  Now I just have to stop thinking about the next treatment. 

NancyJill

Day 3 and 4: Intestinal cramps. MO on call said it is from nerve damage, slowing down my bowel, due to the chemo. She advised Colace or Miralax because they help provide bulk rather than forcing the colon into doing something it's not ready to do. Heating pad or warm water bottle. I'm to call if I get nausea or very distended.  I had hoped no nausea would mean no stomach issues. Wrong!

auntienance

Nancyjill, I've had the same problem. I used dulcolax and today has been much better. Thanks for posting. Good info. I'll try that next time.

susanwmcg

Hi All,

I am on day 3 from first TC and have been in bed all day. Super weak and achy and diarrhea. I keep drinking water so am not dehydrated. Just can't keep any solids in me. I will call my MO if still bad tomorrow. He told me he was on call this weekend.



Hope everyone else is doing ok.

Susan

wildrumara

Well, I have to say that yesterday (Friday) I turned a corner.  Not one Motrin or Aleve, no Ativan for sleep, nothing all day long.  Didn't have to sleep during the day.  Felt like myself.   Same thing for today (Saturday).  Did hear back from MO about bleeding.  She said it was nothing to be concerned about and that could happen from time to time while undergoing chemo.   My blood counts are low, but as expected, nothing major. She said they are where they should be!   So, in a nutshell, pretty sick Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday with general malaise, achiness, slight nausea, no appetite, but by Thursday, feeling a little bit better and Friday felt like myself!!!  I doubt it will be this way for the remaining 5 cycles, but one can only hope!   This week I will be anticipating my hair to start to shed.  Appointment next Saturday to have head shaved and wig placed......although my kids want to do the job.....

NancyJill

Auntienance, I had tried the Dulcolax this morning, and it took many hours and Colace, also, to help. Heating pad felt very good! I think we better keep drinking water, too. I'm also going to cut back on meat and try yogurt/liquids/fruit tomorrow--don't want this a third day.