January 2012 chemo

NCbeachgal

Port was placed today. It wasnt too bad. The drugs have me loopy and am ready to head to bed...again. I can tell tomorrow is gonna hurt. I'm surprised the pain management is Tylenol. A few doses of vicodin would be better. Oh well, I hope the pain will be manageable. Chemo education on Friday. AC starts early next week. So much dread.

Deb267

Whoops auto correct strikes again that was dexamethasone

Kite

Lumpynme- I had already signed up for Spring when I found out I had BC. I am on finaical aid probation due to my constent withdrawing over a period of 10 years. I just did my appeal which I was told I should get. If I withdraw now I will not qualify for ANY aid until I go and pay myself for a semester. So, I am hoping "chemo brain" isn't much worse the "mommy brain" LOL. I can swing that for sure!! So I'll be doing my best and have lots of support.

Shell-Seeker- I live right outside of Springfield. There seems to be a couple of us near each other. 

CharB22

Momof3boys - what does Claritan do before Neulesta? I start my treatment on 1/12 - dose dense - 4 AC and then 4 Taxol - treatments are every 2 weeks.

How long does a typical treatment last (I forgot to ask my MO). 1 hour, 3 hours??

rachelvk

Deb267 - It could be from the chemo. If you haven't already, call your doctor's answering service and let them know. There may be some things you can take to counteract it, or they may want to see you. If nothing else, they may want to adjust your dose. Some women get flush during tx. I turned a little red, but no stinging.

rachelvk

Lumpynme - Welcome. I do like your screen name. Good luck on the move! That's quite a lot to handle. Before my dx, I had planned to move out of my apartment at the end of the year, but I got a six-month extension (and they waived the planned increase. Yes, I played the cancer card, but legitimately, I feel). But there's no way I could have packed and moved all my stuff 8 weeks after bmx during chemo.... Good luck, whenever your tx starts.

Janetanned - I'm at TJeff, which I really like. I go on Thursdays, once every three weeks. Let me know if you ever want to meet up. 

momof3boys

Hi Char---

I had terrible lower back pain from the Neulasta shot (you may not). A tip was to take Claritin the day before and for a few days after the Neulasta shot, to prevent that pain. My MO confirmed this yesterday on the phone w me ( why she didn't mention it before, I don't know) take the 24 hr kind

momof3boys

I think I experienced nightsweats last night...anyone else? From the chemo? (I'm 43, pre menopausal)

rachelvk

Char - In addition to the Claritin, I was also told to take 2 Tylenol about an hour before.

momof3boys - It could be hot flashes. Not sure how quickly they kick in. 

PCBarbie66

Catwhisperer...was wondering if you were able to gain that 5 lbs, if so how'd u do it?  Just curious as I am 123 vs.your 107 and am concerned with loosing the weight, I lost 2 lbs during recovery from surgary, but that was the second type of pain killer they gave me..generic junk that only made me loose my appetite, not the pain.

There are so many of us starting this week....Here's hoping we don't have much to say/post!!  Mine is at 2:pm today, my husband has more anxiety than I do..he hardley slept the last 2 nights.  I've been distracting him with shopping and I bought lot's of scarves and hats on clearance (woohoo)...now own a "Fargo" hat just incase we get snow like last year...was hoping if I bought it, I won't need it!

Shell-Seeker

Kite, we are close. We may have to plan a celebration meeting at Branson this summer. I will be half way through treatment by then but chemo should be done. We could go pick out cute scarves. I have been learning some great ways to wear them and I want to share for those who havent seen these videos but there is a darling lady on youtube that teaches you how to make awesome eyebrows and all kinds of things.

Here is her link and then you can watch her other vids along with many other ladies.As a hairdresser, I find this empowering and fun. I have two nice wigs ready but honestly I think Im gonna be a hat and scarf person.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaPNix3z-Aw&feature=related

Sending prayers for those who begin today.

You ladies have helped me more than you know.

God Bless you all!!

Shell-Seeker

Here is the eyebrow link. Im very impressed and now I need to find all the right makeup. I havent heard of sealer before. Wonder if Walmart carries it.

This lady is so cute and fun!! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4lajZWeEyE&feature=related

MNGirlyGirl

Am getting my taxoterre as we speak. So far all is going well.:-) hoping the cytoxan will go as smoothly. I found out I wont have to take tamoxofan!!! O









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Kitchenella

Peggy checking in.  I had my first AC treatment today and so far so good.  I arrived around 10:30 AM (they had told me to come between 10 and 11).  Unfortunately they were short one nurse so everything was backed up.  At 12:30 PM they had me take my Emend.  I finally got my IV at 1:00PM.  The guy that did is was not much in the personality area but a genius at IV placement.  I just removed the bandage this evening and there is one tiny little spot of blood and no pain. First they gave  two small bags of anti nausea med's.  I forget what they were called.  When they were finished they hooked up the Cyclophosphamide. While that was dripping I ate my lunch. First I ate a Wasa healthy cracker.  When I saw that settled I ate a boiled potato and 2 hard boiled eggs.  I had no idea what I would feel like eating and those seemed to be what I thought I would tolerate.  As it turned out I had no stomach issues at all.  Not a touch of nausea.  The whole thing was easy peasy.  The Doxorubicn also didn't bother me. Pink pee was a trip but I expected that.  When the Dox. was finished they followed up with a bag of saline to clean me out. I think having to wait around for 2 hours was actually helpful as I relaxed quite a bit watching the other patients walking around and talking and not looking distressed at all.

The whole infusion lasted 2 hours.  The nurse then told me about what meds to take for the next 3 days.  My husband insisted we take a taxi home but I would have voted to walk to the bus as I felt I would like a short walk in the fresh air.  I think hubby was expecting a bomb to drop on the way home.  

I just finished fixing dinner (pasta).  I was feeling good and hubby had been fasting all day (minor Jewish fast day) so I took pity on him and didn't take advantage of my 'weakened' consition. LOL

A good friend of mine tells me that it is all the steroids they give for anti nausea that make you feel so good.  She said the day after her first treatment she had so much energy she didn't know where to start. Perhaps that is why so many say they 'crash' around the 4th day because by then you don't need the anti nausea meds.

Another thing that made the time fly is that Leah , who I met in another forum, stopped by so we could put names to a face.  We chatted away like old friends.

I guess that covers it for now.  Tomorrow afternoon I'll give myself my Neulesta shot.  

I'm sorry I havn't posted many replies to individuals here.  I've been really busy trying to get ready for all this and havn't had the time.  Now that Ive started I hope to have more online time and get to know you all a bit better.

Peggy 

PS I didn't get the reflexology because they go home at 11.  I'm planning to go early next time to take advantage . 

Kite

Shell- That would be cool. I just read your diagnoses.. mine is exactly the same.. 1.7 IDC, ER/PR - HER2 pos. Crazy! I also have another lump that was 1.4. I will check out the videos for sure. 

Peggy- Thanks for the update! It's always helpful to hear others experiences.

kameli16

Hey everyone this is Jennyruth's daughter. She should be just starting her chemo now! She had an echocardiogram done at like 10:30 and I just called and dad said they were talking to her and should be starting soon.. I am probably just as nervous for her! I hate having her go through all this.. just breaks my heart. She is my best friend and such an amazing person.. I just pray that by summer all will be done and everything will be ok. Thank you all for you caring thoughts and support.. it truly helps!

Momof2inME

Good luck to everyone's first day today and tomorrow. Sending wonderful positive thoughts to you!!! 

My CAT and Bone scans came back clear so it is a definite I'll be starting chemo on Monday (9th). My hairdresser is coming to the house on Saturday to cut my long hair into a pixie cut. I am hoping my little ones will not be as surprised if I do it this way..

I had my port placed with my BMX surgery on 12/21. It is still pretty sore in that area. I worry what it will feel like when they use it on Monday.......

CatWhispurrer

PCBarbie66 - I have not gained any weight back.   I am too anxious to eat well but trying to force myself.  My hubby is gone to work so am alone and don't feel like cooking either.  I had my port placement yesterday and feel like a horse kicked me.  It hurts to breathe deeply and my heart seems to do flip-flops.    I am taking my hydrocodone and sleeping most of the day.   I hope the port settles down as I start chemo next Mon, 1/9.

Gayle56

Looks like I will be joining you ladies.  I will be doing 4 treatments of TC followed by radiation and a hormone inhibiter.  I am not sure if it will start next week or the week after yet.

Momof2inME

CatWhispurrer.... Good luck on Monday. I am starting Monday as well and will be thinking of you that day. I too am an LVT in a critical care referral veterinary hospital. I took a leave after my dx since I would be having surgery and chemo. How have you dealt with work??? And I lived in Carrollton for about a year when I was very young 1977 or so....

Welcome Gayle56....You are in the right place for support and info..

Deb267

Rachelvk I did have to call the on call last night had some swelling along with the burning and stinging felt like a bad wind burn. She told me to take 50 mg benadryl it worked I have to repeat when it begins to wear off but much better tonight had my neulasta this afternoon some aching in back and hips but have felt good all day taking zofran q 8 hr and still on steroid high would like at least one more day of this. Sigh. you are such a great help on this site I hope you know how much your post are appreciated.

Shell-Seeker

Im so glad for Kitchenella.

I hope you get through this all the way easy.

I hope we all do, well I dont expect a walk in the park but you know what I mean.

Thinking and praying for all who go tomorrow including myself.

Dont forget to click on those you tube links and learn some great fashion tips and request your headwrap from the link someone provided on an earlier post.

I went out with my sister and mom (who is early stage alzhiemers) and shopped a little and had lunch. What a lift to my soul!! I bought new scarves at Claires big sale and lots of hoop earings and all the stuff to make my eyebrows. haha Sally Beauty Supply offers all you need except the sealer which Im gonna get online. It felt good to buy inexpensive but beautiful things to make me feel better about it all.

I have decided when I get through this I will voluteer my services and time to help other ladies pick out their new hair and scarves. Just help any way I can. I dont think I could go through all this and not be different. Im very scared yes, but excited to see what God is going to do in my life towards helping others with the gift of my 30 carreer. (Hairdressing) To God be the glory!!

rachelvk

MNGirlygirl and PCBarbie - Hope all went well today.

Shell - That sounds like a great way to give back. This disease does really prese- Int us with new possibilities, and it's great that you've found something you enjoy so much and can help with. I've signed up for a Look Good Feel Better course at the end of the month. That should be a lot of fun. I hear you get lots of freebies (high quality, too).

Kitchenella - I'm so glad you got to meet Leah. I've seen her on a few threads. It's always nice to have someone in person to share our experiences. Congratulations on a successful, easy first tx.

Gayle56 - Welcome! Good luck as you start this part of your treatment.

Momof2inME - Yay! for clean scans. That's always a good feeling. Good luck with the hair cut.

Deb267 - I'm glad the benadryl helped and that you're feeling. Are you in medicine? I noticed the 'q 8.' My mom's a nurse, and when she stayed with me after my bmx, she wrote up a schedule for all my meds (percocet, Keflex, Tylenol, and something else I've forgotten) and used all those abbreviations. And thank you for your comments. I figure this is part of my way of giving back. I got so much help from other women that went through this before me.

So... my Tx #2 went well, but I feel a bit sluggish. Last time I was bouncing with energy (after a brief nap in the car), and even dragged my mom to a get-together for martinis with friends. Today's was later - started around 3. One tip I forgot to mention - for those getting Adriamycin, I've been chewing on ice during that infusion to prevent mouth sores. Then icing fingers for Taxotere to hopefully ward off neuropathy. My boyfriend came with me, since my mom has been sick. Afterwards we walked back to his apartment, with a stop along the way for burritos. My stomach is a little .... noticeable.... but I took a Zofran and am feeling fine. Tomorrow it will be my first time giving myself the Neulasta, but I should be able to handle that.

Good luck to everyone who's up tomorrow. 

Momof2inME

rachelvk

Thanks for the update on your lastest treatment. I too hope to be eating burritos after my treament.  Hope it stays this way for you...HUGS

Jennt28

Anyone else needed anti-anxiety meds? I hit a big black hole in the past few days and after visiting the chemo team psych onc and my PCP today I have been prescribed an anti-anxiety med to get me through to my port placement on Wednesday and my first chemo on Thursday.



I never thought I'd need these so it's been quite shocking to me how distressed I was. You all sound so "together" about chemo. How do you do it without the fears crashing in?



regards Jennt28

Kitchenella

Jenn I also am more anxious than I ever thought I would be.  I have a strong faith in G-d and do believe that whatever happens is His will and ultimately for good even if on the surface it seems terrible.   In spite of this , inside, I'm nervous.  I just try to expect the worse and then am usually pleasanty surprised when I survive.

I find keeping busy helps me.  And planning ahead for every eventuality. I hate taking medicine so I am trying to keep away from anti anxiety drugs but if you really need them go for it.  

Good luck and take lots of deep calming breaths.  (And 'Calgon Moments' if you remember those old commercials).

Peggy 

Jennt28

Hi Kitchenella,



I've been keeping busy. Have been back at work full-time where I am the "queen" of control and efficiency, but outside of work over the past few days I had been crying almost constantly and I havn't had more than 3hrs sleep at night since my surgery on December 9th 8-/.



The psych onc recommended some big deal depesssion med, but my PCP listened to what I am feeling (anxiety not depression) and has just given me short-term med at a low dose. I have taken one this evening and I don't feel like crying :-)



Plan is to take them only up until I finish my first chemo session next week...



regards Jennt28

Janetanned

Jennt28 - I hear you!  Typically, I am the most positive person.  However, these past few weeks have been getting darker and darker!  I cry at everything!  I made the big mistake of watching two movies with my  son on New Years that had sad parts.  I needed a box of tissues to get through them.  Poor guy had to sit with me!  I think I might need to 'see' someone.

Kitchenella - I know what you mean about having faith.  Without a strong belief or faith in a Higher Power I would be really lost!  I tried to explain that to my daughter who has been questioning her own beliefs right now.

Rachelvk - Glad to hear yesterday went ok!  Jeff is a great hospital!  Two of my three kids were born at Jeff.  The only reason I chose HUP was because I am now employed by HUP.  Before moving to the burbs, we live a few blocks from Jeff and could walk to all appointments.  It sounds like your bf lives in the neighborhood?  Also, thanks for the ice chip suggestion.  I forgot about that.  Let us know how the neulasta shot goes.  I might take mine to a walk in clinic and have a nurse do it.  I'm a little phobic when it comes to injections. I don't think I could give myself a shot.  DH is little nervous too.

I have chemo today............getting a little nervous!  Shellseeker, I think we are scheduled for the same day.  I'll be thinking about you.

momof3boys

Hi Jenn28

My MO prescribed Ativan for me. It's a lose dose and I don't even take as much as she prescribed "Take every six hours, as needed for anxiety". I take one in the morning, and sometimes, like yesterday, I was anxious and depressed, I took one before bed and slept from 10pm till 6:15 this morning. Most days I just take the one. I'm not one to take medicine either (before this happened, I don't think you could find any Tylenol in my house that wasn't expired!) but, I definitely need something to take the edge off, so it's either the Ativan or vodka! Lol

PCBarbie66

JennT28...They asked if I was anxious and offered Ativan (since I was crushing the book I had with me)...I hesitated and they said go ahead take a little just to take the edge off of your first day...I took it..it helped.  The also called in a prescription of it and we picked it up on our way home.  MO said I may have issue sleeping as the steriod pills will make me buzz around (I do this w/o the drugs normolly).....and to take it at night to help sleep...I hadn't thought of that..

My first session was great...absolutely no effects at all....2:45 was my session, they put hot blankets on my legs and my covered my abdomen too...was nice...then after tubes in I got hot packs under my hand and on top, since the injection is so cold...nicer still..Fluids first, some nausea drip medicine I also didn't get the name of...and the Ativan drip...peeing Orange as you all are doing, took Amend and "DOX x3" before Sees ion and then this morning after food...drank cooler water than I should have and my temp came up low...waited 15 minutes re took, it was fine...duh.  No Nausea, just tired and I think that is from last nights night sweat!!

Kitchenella .....did you post about night sweats??  Mine were awful, 3AM had to change everything and then after fitful sleep gave up at 5:30am...gonna be tired from this all day today..didn't take any Ativanbefore bed as I was so tired from they had already given me by infusion.  Did'nt think I'd have a problem fell right to sleep and my husband said I was snoring away in there..gonna take that little pill tonight!!

I feel good enough to go to Therapy today at 10:00am we just passed the 60 days mark from sugary and can concentrate on tissue management and scar management, light weights...hope..hope...concentrate on that left arm....Basically I feel good, first day's anxiety was for nothing.  Let's hope this holds out for the shot at 4:30.