April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

Krazycatlady37

Sandik--so glad you mentioned the smell of the sheets. I think that smell of my body, pee, vaginal discharge, mouth/breath, the oozing chemo smell contributed greatly to my nausea. It's such a disgusting smell. I thought it was my own weirdness and sensitivity.

nofear2012

I had thrush & mouth sores all 3 treatments. My onc nurse called in a liquid presc for me & that took care of it in 7 days. I also rinse w the baking soda but it did little to prevent.



Equijen - did u have any se the night of treatment?

sandik

I must have caught it in time then. 

krazy,

haha you are not weird.

I am feeling much better today! Yay!   

luvBngGma

I had my first round of chemo (cytoxan, Ellence, fluorouracil) on Tues. Anyone else on FEC, THEN taxotere?? I just got my port on Monday. My port is causing me some concern this evening. Anyone feel the catheter down in the chest under the breast? Once in a while I get a sharp stabbing pain (kinda like a needle stick), and since my chemo I have had heart palpitations. I had the echo cardio& EKG that were ok. Anyone else have these symptoms , or should I b concerned? Also, I have asthma (brought on by seasonal allergies, mostly) I have sore throat and had to use my inhaler. Still have nausea on Day4. Bottle says for extreme vomiting--I don't have vomiting--just feeling like I may any minute. Compazine seems like strong meds.

RoulaG

LuvBngGma, I also had that feeling of a pain in the center of my chest like a poking effect that would radiate between my shoulder blades in my back. I had a CT scan and all they could see was the catheter from the port. When I went to see my BS the next day she said that the catheter is in a vein or artery that is much bigger than it is, so I should not be feeling anything. She sent me to an internal doctor because she said the pain is a result of panic attacks. My internist put me on lexapro and I haven't felt anything since. Our minds can play tricks on us and just the fact that we know something is where it should not be we can convince ourselves that we feel a pain or twinge that truly is not there. Being diagnosed with bc is the hardest thing I have ever dealt with and the txs can be very scary. I am sure it is nothing try to relax and take a deep breath. If you still feel something, call your BS.

luvBngGma

>RoulaG: thanks. I am a little intimidated by all the meds( since I already have a daily regimen ) Afraid something may react with another--but the MO had all my meds on file. So I should just relax., and take as directed? Thanks

SadeSurvivor25

Had my 3rd round of AC yesterday. Surprisingly, I've only had a tad bit of queasiness which is nothing compared to what I went through the first two times. My infusion nurse decided to give me Zofran this time along with the Decadron and Emend. So far so good.



I also mentioned the discoloration of my nails and she simply confirmed that they were a SE of the chemo. She also said they were fine and that I was in serious need of a fill-in!! lol



Wishing you all very mild SE and a wonderful weekend

Stacie

Up in the wee hours just took a 1/2 sleeping pill to try and get a little more shut eye.

Stacie

No can do sitting on the porch listening to the birds. This is ok too.

vballmom

Stacie - the darn birds woke me at 5:00 this morning. Didn't have a great night's sleep because the port is uncomfortable.

I'm picking up my wig this morning. 

Today is our 22nd anniversary. I married the man of my dreams and we sure are living out our vows these days!  Chemo starts Monday, so I think we should go eat something really yummy.

 Sade - you are making me hopeful! I start the AC Monday.

Mom sent her house cleaners here yesterday.  I had them skip the bedrooms and do the main rooms of the house. What a blessing.  Hubby was so happy he was dancing around.  So much less on his plate now.

 

Pauletta

Good morning!

I loved the Look Good Feel Better workshop that I went to the other night! I got an afgan and a scarf that people had made for cancer patients. I was so impressed with the "cut a T-shirt up" idea for a head wrap! I came home and cut one of my t-shirts up. My husband thought it was a really cool thing! I have cut out caffeine ever since my first Chemo treatment on the 3rd of May. I don't know, for some reason I have no desire to drink sodas anymore(I was addicted to Pepsi big time before Chemo) and I don't drink Caffeine Sweet Tea from Mc Donald's anymore either. I love the Green Tea. It's funny that the things that I used to LOVE (food wise), I could care less about anymore. I only had to have 2 shots of Nuprogen. I went back to the Oncologist yesterday and my white blood cell count had gotten down to 3400 before the 2 shots and now it's up to 6200! YAY!! My next Chemo treatment is on the 25th.

I can't remember who it was that shared the 1 cup water, 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. baking soda mixture to rinse my mouth out everytime after I eat was, but I want to say a very special THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! I have not had any problems since I started that! I had a very white sore tongue before I started that and the next day my tongue was back to normal!!! I shared that with the other women at the Look Good Feel Better workshop the other night.

Hope ya'll have a great saturday!! 

7donatela81

Anyone run a low grade fever with no other symptoms?  I've been rehydrated twice this week and am still running a 100.8 temp.

dancetrancer

7donatela81, that would be me.  After the first TCH, I ran a low grade fever (always in the 99's) for about 11 days straight.  This 2nd TCH, I've run one off and on for the last two weeks.  In fact, I am now day 18 post my 2nd TCH and again developed another fever last night and still have it today.  They've run bloodwork, cultures, urinalysis - no infection found.  In fact, I think I'm getting thrush again. 

I understand it is typical to run a low grade fever - in fact it can occur with Herceptin, Neupogen/Neulasta, too.  

Even so, I think it is unusual to run it as long as I have.  I hope yours goes away soon!  

sandik

7donatela,

  I did the other day. Mine was 100.6. It started as a headache in the morning, so I came to work. By 11am it was a fever and I was napping in the back room. I woke up for lunch. Ate half a cup of chicken soup. Went back to bed until 3. Went home, took a cool bath, then jumped in bed with a cool cloth on my head and kept chugging the ice water. I slept all night and sweated it all out of me. Was a little weak, but ok the next day. 

Pauletta,

Im the same way. Coffee does not interest me in the least. I was hooked on it before chemo. I have found that my tastebuds are kind of leading me to a better way of eating. Chicken, fruits and veggies taste awesome to me. French fries, chips, pizza, even beef, like in spaghetti or a meatball, or sloppy joe's, can't really taste it. Ice cream doesn't agree with my stomach, but sherbet I can do. I couldn't stand water anymore last week. The other day when I put ice in it, I like it again. So, ice water, fruits and veggies for me. Hope the MO doesn't yell at me when I have lost weight again. I swear its cause Im eating better, not less. 

vballmom,

  Happy anniversary!!!! Hope you do something special tonight!  

IndigoMont11

Sade, I am curious - does your name rhyme with "Sadie" or "Sharday", like the singer?



So far, my tx#2 has been a lot like tx#1 - just the steroid crash on day 5 with the major fatigue and depression was the worst. On the upswing since - every day better. Getting the blisters again on the roof of my mouth (like when you burn your mouth on something hot) and probably the tongue sores again, so hopefully the baking soda/salt rinse keeps them from getting really bad. It also helps the burning/sore throat a lot, too.



It is rainy here (best kind - no wind, no lightning). I'm going to take my umbrella and go for a walk - lol, don't have to worry about my hair falling flat in the damp!



Hugs and purple energy to everyone!

Lisette123

Hi Ladies,

I am joining your group, started my first chemo yesterday, feeling OK today!  I went through this 20 years ago in my early twenties and things seem much better these days with anti nausea medications etc.  Thanks for the tip on the mouth rinse, I really suffered with mouth sores when I did my chemo years ago and ended up with thrush and 2 wk hospital stay, so will definately be giving that a go as a preventative measure!

Stacie

Welcome Lisette. That is my Sister and my daughter's middle name.

sandik

Welcome Lisette!

20 years ago. So sorry that you are back on this journey. Glad to have you with us though. I have heard horror stories of what chemo was like years ago. What Im doing now is not fun, but I certainly would not have wanted to do it then!

Just spent about 10 minutes chasing my puppy around the yard. He looks so funny running with his cone of shame. Haha Headed back in to take a nap before tonight's wedding.

Have a great weekend everyone!

kjiberty

Lisette:  Welcome to the board!

 vballmom:  Happy Aniversary

So glad my kids are visiting!  Tx2 was thursday, Neulasta yesterday, and so far so good.  Just waiting for s?!X to hit the fan!  

I am trying an oral rinse my sister (she's a radiation therapist) gave me--it's called MU Gard.  She got a sample bottle.  So far, so good.  You put it on 4-6 times a day, and it's like a gel.  I may have my doc call in the the script.  You can google it up. MY RO had never heard of it.  If you go to the website, it says it reduces mouthsores, by at least 60%, I think (it's been a while since I have read it).  My appetite seems to be a little better this round...Don't know why.  Not eating a lot, but eating....

It is 89 degrees here in sunny Peoria iL.  There is an ozone alert for the first time ever here.  Staying cool inside the house.  At least I don't have to put that hot wig on! 

mary71145329

Hello ladies! I was part of the March LX group but wasn't sure which way treatment would go after that. I guess I've finally found my way.

I attended a Look Good Feel Better session on Thursday night. The makeup was all really great although the selection of wigs weren't so hot. Most of them were pretty well beat up--either from being worn or just trying them on.

Worst side effects from my first treatment on 5/14 included the big "c" and an almost acne-like break out over my face, neck and chest. Definitely going to head off the constipation next time but any suggestions on the rash? Hydrocortisone maybe?

Melrosemelrose

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend with minimal side effects!!!! 

Welcome new gals to this thread!!!  The more, the merrier!!! 

It's my son's high school graduation on Sunday and I'm the lucky one missing it since it is going to be held outside in the Houston heat and humidity!!!! I feel so sorry for him since he has to wear the cap/ gown, long sleeve shirt, tie, slacks and dress shoes and also for my family.  He and I have taken plenty of grad pics already  before I started the hair fall out. 

Happy Anniversary Vballmom!!!!    Enjoy your DH and your special evening!!!!

Nap time and snack time!!!!!  What's your favorite snack ???

dancetrancer

mary71 - I had that rash all over my chin - tons of little pimples.  Doc suggested just a gentle face wash, nothing harsh (I had been using my normal scrub, and it was getting worse).  Another gal on bco recommended Cetaphil gentle face wash.  I bought the CVS brand.  It cleared up in about 4 or 5 days, I think. 

mary71145329

Thank you, I'll grab some later tonight at the store and give it a whirl!!!

SadeSurvivor25

Indigo, it's rhymes without "Shardy" like the singer. My mom named me after her...I'm an 80’s baby!

RoulaG

LuvBngGma, yes just take whatever meds they give you. There is no reason to suffer! We suffer enough with the txs. I just had my second tx, and i am on the upswing now. I took myself off the lexapro because i felt better, boy was that a mistake! I spent 4 days last week very depressed, i called my Dr and she told me to start taking them again, chemo can cause depression. So please if you feel like you need some help ask for it. There is nothing wrong with needing help. Hope I helped you, even if a little.

IndigoMont11

Sade - waaay cool! I must have listened to Smooth Operator a million times. :-)



About the breakout, I got one huge ugly pimple on my chin last time that I blamed the steroid for. I like Bare Minerals breakout treatment (it's a powder that you brush on). It dried that nasty pimple up although it did take a few days. I've been brushing it on my chin this tx, hoping maybe it will prevent pimples this time. It's probably best for spot treatment, but we'll see what happens.

IndigoMont11

Hi Lisette- I thought I recognized you from the March mastectomy thread! Welcome -lots of good info here.

velutha

sandik and 7donatella:  Fever greater than 100.5 = call your MO right away.  That's infection till proven otherwise.

Acne:  I had the pimple breakout of my life the first time I was on steroids (w. 1st a/c).  They tell you not to go all crazy with skin treatment, b/c of chemo already being hard on it.  I found spot-treating with salicylic acid GEL, the highest concentration you can get over the counter (I used origins) worked super well -gone in a couple of days, vs a couple of weeks if I did nothing.  

Other skin stuff: I bought a cheap container of spf 45 for the face to put all over my bald head.  I figured the type for face was less likely to clog pores and make the acne worse.  

 I just got back from a breast cancer + fly fishing retreat run by casting for recovery.  Google them and check them out.  I had the best time!  Beats the heck out of any walk/run/group therapy session I've tried.

I finished treatment 16 days ago.  I feel AMAZING as of day 14.  Like a real, normal human being.  I don't need to sit down, I don't lose my breath climbing stairs, I can eat when/what I want, and for the first time in months I am sleeping without medication.  I stopped taking medicine for heartburn.  The only thing I'm taking is my allergy meds -now that steroids are not part of my diet, hayfever is outta control.

dancetrancer

velutha - thanks so much for your update....you give me HOPE!!!  And that fishing retreat sounds so fun! 

wonderwoman123

velutha - thank you for your post!!!

hi everyone, i feel like i have dropped off the side of the planet.... i'm back!  My first tx was May 10th, and went pretty well, a few rough days but all in all i thought i did really well, ok, well the few days were actually quite not good but i i got through and then on day 6 feeling pretty good i headed to work for just an hour or so...and shortly after getting there i got the chills and all of a sudden did not feel well.  headed home, took temp... 100.5... ahhhh nooo ... just at the cutoff to call the doc...so i did and he said head in... by the time i got there it was 101.9.  they drew blood cultures and cbc and sent me to emerg to be admitted.  Well today is Saturday.... and i feel i am definately through the worst of it and will be home on Monday.  It turned out my counts had dived early... i had neutrophils of 400 and next day 100... so the neulasta did not seem to be working.  so they gave me a neupogen shot also.   and my bowels were...holy moly... i certainly know what they mean by black tarry - looked like the tar pits!  So iv antibiotics, and 3 days of being pretty out of it... my temp is now about just a wee titch over perfect.  feel much better.  bowel function coming back.  They did a cat scan and said diverticulitis was likely the issue.  with some bowel infection.  

Glad it was caught so quick.  i really had no symptoms except the temp and chills...

So now i have a white count of like 30,000 - so both neulasta and neupogen have kicked in!

Treatment 2 we are talking about how to deal with this.  Definatley won't be getting the same dose as round one.  Hope to leave hospital on Monday, but thought i would pop online and see how everyone has been doing.

Didn't have energy to type while i was sick, but loved reading posts when i could.  Thank you everyone.

Linda 

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