Starting chemo Thursday, May 31 - June Group?

allisontom911

Hi girls, I have not been on here since early June. I thought I added this to my favorites but didnt.

I have been having rough time with this AC. I go for the last one tomorrow #4!! I feel like crap about 2 hours after I am done and that continues the entire week. The last infusion the nurse had me come in on Thursday to get IV fluids and aloxi which made me feel sooooo much better.

I will start taxol on July 30th for 12 treatments with Herceptin. They said I will not need Neulasta during Taxol unless my blood work goes down. I have needed Neulasta each AC however. My blood work each time has been horrible. My WBC and neutrophil are .04-.01 so I get antibiotics for 5 days on week 2.

I will now be keeping up with you all as we continue this journey

Oh yes and today is my 6 year wedding anniversary. My parents are watching our 2 1/2 year old so we can go to a nice dinner.

StephanieJM

Hi Allison,  We are on the same treatment.  I had #3 of AC on Tues.  Find i crash for about 5 days, then 5 days better, by the last 4 I am about 80% of normal.... just in time for the next one.  I have had neulasta shot each time, hope I don't have to have it with taxol, leg ache today.  I meant to get some claritin, but already taking so much stuff for stomach, etc. etc. hate to add to the load.  Wht is aloxi??  Excuse typos, laying on couch with laptop.  Congratulations on your anniversary,  we cel. our 52 the week after I started this!!  I hope you have a great dinner, bless you.   Stephanie

ElleBee

Hey ladies! For those of you who are starting Taxol in the near future, and are planning on take the amino acid cocktail that Special K recommends to prevent neuropathy...

The Rite Aids up here have a GNC store in them. They have a sale this week on the L-Glutamine Powder. They are buy one get one free, or 33% off of one. They are 42.99 reg, but with the discount it was 31 with tax. Just thought I would let you all know. Not sure when the sale ends.

Elle Bee 

StephanieJM

thank you Ellebee,  now I can't find the formula we were suppose to take.  I thought I had copied and pasted it onto another page..... chemo brain!!   And whaat is the abbrev. for the hemoglobin on the report is it HGB or HCT, I am not very good with medical things.  Thank you!!

Melrosemelrose

StephanieJM- Here is what SpecialK wrote about the neuropathy supplements  (page 24)

Jul 10, 2012 07:11 AM SpecialK wrote:

having faith - there is an organization called Cleaning for a Reason, here is the link:

www.cleaningforareason.org/

It is free housecleaning for those undergoing cancer treatment.

elle - here is the anti-neuropathy deal - 30g of L-Glutamine powder (10g 3 times daily dissolved in a drink), 1500 mg Acetyl L-Carnitine, 50-100mg of B6.  I had TCH every 3 weeks and would do this for the week after tx - if you are doing weekly Taxol just do it all the way through.  I found the powdered L-Glutamine at Whole Foods or GNC.

Jane64

Hi all today was my third shot of neupogen with one more to go. So far just a little pain in my legs. I feel like a pin cushion. Taking claritan and seems to be working so far, i just bought the generic brand from shoprite as much cheaper, will see if that works, hope everyone is enjoying there weekend. Oh yeah i also find myself crying at the smallest things when i never cried before. Just taking it one day at a time otherwise i will be overwhelmed.

Jane64

Hi all today was my third shot of neupogen with one more to go. So far just a little pain in my legs. I feel like a pin cushion. Taking claritan and seems to be working so far, i just bought the generic brand from shoprite as much cheaper, will see if that works, hope everyone is enjoying there weekend. Oh yeah i also find myself crying at the smallest things when i never cried before. Just taking it one day at a time otherwise i will be overwhelmed.

ElleBee

Stephanie: HGB is hemoglobin, and HTC is hematocrit.

Also, forgot to mention, I think most things are buy one get one at GNC right now. So you can stock up on Vit D, the B6 and the Acetyl L-Carnitine too! 

pamelahope

Hi everyone! I just finished my last A/

C and am on day four. I start taxol in two Thursday's. I am terrified of neuropathy. I am unable to get to the store so I bought b6, l glutamine, and acetyl l carnintine all on Amazon. My whole order was approximately 45 or so with free shipping with Amazon Prime.

I hope everyone is doing well. Pam

pamelahope

Melrose, Did the regimen work for you? And did you escape without neuropathy? I see you took taxotere. Pam

allisontom911

Hi Stephanie - aloxi is an anti-nausea med. I get that with each treatment along with Emend. I am probably spelling it wrong

I do take Claritin, I took it the first time I did chemo as well. I am still super achy but my nurse said it can just be the AC since it is such a nasty chemo.

I am going to do the cocktail specialK gave. Cant hurt.

I wont be getting Neulasta with Taxol. Doesnt give your body time since I am getting it weekly.

I take double does of Zantac OTC per MO, my heart burn is horrible. I also have terrible constipation so taking stuff for that too.

Melrosemelrose

pamelahope - I have two more rounds of chemo to go--- one on Tuesday and one more in August!!!  I 'm having 6 rounds because the Herceptin B-47 clinical requires 6 rounds.  No complaints here about it being 6 instead of 4 because when I first met with my onco, she told me that I probably would have 6 rounds because of the size and agressiveness of my IDC.  Yes, I have already had partial lumpectomy in 2/2012 to remove the nasty out of me and a UMX in 3/2012 to get clean margins since the first breast surgeon did not.  As for my chemo side effects, I have managed to have minimal neuropathy.  Yes, once in a while, if I'm doing something, a finger/thumb may cramp up.  I usually just straighten whatever finger/thumb it is.  It never lasts for more than a few minutes.  I bought all of the supplements to take for neuropathy and got them approved by my onco to take but haven't needed them.  I have iced my nails (toes & fingers) during my Taxotere infusion and haven't noticed any changes to my nails.  I've had to clip my nails a few times because they continue to grow as they did before my chemo.  I still use clear nail polish so my onco can check my nails when I go in for my appt right before my chemo treatment.  I'm also very careful about using rubber gloves when I do housework/wash dishes and don't use my fingernails to open things the way I used to.  I eat pretty healthy foods and drink plenty of water, oj and milk.  I told my onco that I would rather eat the nutrients I need to help my body than take supplements.  I just think ti is easier for me to consume food than to take a supplement that I have no clue as to how my body will react.  Taxotere isn't fun but doable.  Are you having Taxotere after your A/C?

StephanieJM

Hi Allison,  I also have acid reflex so bad that the first round I vomited from it.  My onc. said take Zantac constantly AM and PM, don't wait for it to start.  Then this great onc. NP told me at night last thing before I go to bed also take Maalox, as it coats the stomach and soothes it all night.  That honestly has been so much help!!  She also said if Zantac didn't do it they would change me to Prilosec. 

I too have constipation, I take dulcolax once a day and stool softener once  a day the first few days after chemo, then just the stool softener....... stay on top of that, as I know someone who ended up in the ER TWICE it got so bad.  I also take magnesium capsules even when not on chemo, as magnesium is so depleted in our soils, few people get enough adding to constip.

Stephanie

pamelahope

Melrose, I start taxol in two Thursdays. Only two more rounds for you! Great! Minimal neuropathy is okay... Do you move on to radiation next? Pam

Melrosemelrose

Pamelahope- My case is going before the Tumor Board soon.  My cancer is a little weird; it was found in nice and neat encapsulated in a cyst.  The IDC was 2cm and Grade 3.  The onco never has made a prediction of the radiation treatment because the IDC was found inside the cyst.  I'm not wanting to have rads but I will do what I have to do to get healthy and stay healthy.  In short, I will accept whatever the final decision is made with respect to the radiation and move forward. 

Marcia1111

StephanieJM and Alison - I take 6 Metamucil capsules every day and it's helped so much.  I also drink lots of water and Powerade.

Pamela - Congratulations on finishing AC!  As you know, I'll be right behind you this week!  Will you have 4 infusions of Taxol?  I had my first emotional breakdown since dx last night.  I cried and carried on.  I said,"I don't want to do this anymore, It's not fair!, I'm tired of cancer."  My poor husband didn't know what to do. He did say that he remembered reading somewhere that many women get depressed at the halfway point. We ended up getting sandwiches and eating dinner on the beach.  The beach always makes me feel better. 

allison - Happy Anniversary!

Melrose - Good luck tomorrow!  Wow - only one more to go!

Hi ElleBee!

pamelahope

Marcia,

I get tired of fighting this too. To be honest, it is a lot of treatment!!!! Yes, we are lucky to have it but a lot to get through. This Thursday is your last A/c!!! I think you are on to something with the powerade. This time was not as bad. I also asked for the smallest dose of ativan. That helped too.

Melrose, I hope the tumor board gives you good news.

Ellebee, Stephanie, Having faith hope you are doing well. We are getting there. Pam

havingfaith

Hi everyone, My nurses recommended benadryl and ex. strength Tylenol the night of my naulasta shot and for a few days after. I haven't had any problems.

Allison- Sorry you have been having a hard time.  Good luck today. I hope Taxol is easier for you. Happy Anniversary, enjoy your night out!

Marcia- I was saying those same words to my husband just a few days ago. We are so lucky not to be going through this alone.  The sandwiches on the beach sound wounderful. Take care! 

Jane- Ive been crying a lot lately also, I feel super sensitive to everything.

Pam- How has the last four days been? Do you feel the same after every tx?  I cant seem to predict how I'm going to feel.  Day 3 is always the hardest, but I feel different every time. Once I had to sleep all day and the last I was very shaky and nauseated.

Ellebee- Thanks for the sale update. I am running out of things so I will be going.

Melrose- You have such a great attitude.

Wednesday is my last A/C and it falls on my youngest son's 10th Birthday.

pamelahope

Having faith, Congratulations for Wednesday being your last A/C. This a/C has not been as bad. I am drinking a mixture of Gatorade and water. Saturday and Sunday I slept through the side effects. I know the shaky, weak feeling. I am on day day 5 post a/c and did the dishwasher, laundry, picking up toys and light cleaning. I am resting inbetween.



Now I am scared of taxol. I am reading about neuropathy and I bought the recommended supplements. Hope it works.



Pam

allisontom911

Hi everyone, sitting here in the chemo chair now getting my pre-meds. Last AC today. I will start Taxol and Herceptin on the 30th of July.

I doctor started me on Miralax 2x a day on the last treatment and it does help. I dont get the cramping you do from other pills. Senekot-S worked ok but Miralax is really been helpful for me.

I also bought all the supplements last night for Taxol. I got a huge thing of the supplements on Amazon last night...same as Pam. It was a little pricey but worth it. I already have no feeling in 1/2 my foot from sciatica pain/nerve problem. I dont need more.

Here is wishing everyone less side effects and a great week!

StephanieJM

Interesting that so many of us have the blues...... I've been really down the last few day, lots of tears which is unusual for me.  Think we are just running on empty emotionally and physically.  congrats to you finishing up the a/c, I get my last one Next Tues.  Then on to taxol,  been trying to read about taxol on the internet, seems like for most people it is easier than a/c, others not.  I wonder how much the neulasta shots are affecting me, read that the shot causes lots of fatigue.  Just can't even get off the couch the first 5-7 days, so weak!!

Ordered the taxol suppliments from Vitacost on line today.  It was over $25 so free shipping.  I use this supplier a lot and like them. 

Bless you all as we begin another week.   Stephanie

radioactivegirl

Ellebee - your friend sounds amazing!!  Your story made me tear up!!!  But in a good way . . . I like happy tears.

Thanks for your info on the neulasta/neupogen with AC . . .it sounds like you generally get it wiht dose dense ac and mine is regular.  I wonder why the docs give some dose dense and others regular?  Hmm, I may ask my doc.  I did notice that my first taxotere is scheduled 2 weeks after my last ac, but all the rest are 3 weeks out.  So I'm not sure . . . one more question for the docs.

Marcia - funny story on the hats.  I have thought about how I would shop for a new hat, cause I normally wear my wig when I go out and I would want a hat that fits my bald head or my topper.  I have a hat that I wear when I go for my walk and it is a little tight - I knew it was tight when I bought it, but since I had hair then I thought it would fit perfectly after, but it is still a little tight . ..  but when the wind blows or a bunch of cars go past I am thankful that the hat is tight.  That is my greatest fear - that my hat will blow down the street as I am walking.  You ladies who rock the bald are awesome.  I rock the bald at home, but I want to *appear* normal when I go out. 

radioactivegirl

wow, I missed a whole page . . . duh, chemo brain.  Thanks for the info on the supplements for taxotere . . . trying to prepare for that.

Good luck to everyone in the bgc this week!!!  I'll be there with you on Wednesday. 

Melrosemelrose

radioactivegirl- Are you going to ice during the Taxotere?  Ask your onco to make sure it's okay before you do.  I've been icing and will be having #5 round tomorrow.  I also use clear nail polish on the nails to help keep them strong.  To answer your question about why some doctors opt for chemo to be given every 3 weeks and not dose dense every 2 weeks.  The reality is that for A/C, it is 3 week period recovery time period.   Nadir usually occurs during the 2nd week.  With the A/C dose dense, th Neulasta/Neuprogon is given in order to help boost the WBC to prevent infection during Nadir since one is having the next treatmtent prior to the body's 3rd week recovery.   You will like having that last week of feeling good before the next treatment!!!   I receive the Neulasta shot the day after my chemo (Cytoxan/Taxotere) because 12 days after my second infusion I had a high spikey fever, chills episode that required two antibotics.  Although my blood count numbers recovered on their own in time for the 3rd round, my onco said I would receive the Neulasta shot after rounds #3-#6.  I get my Neulasta in the tummy since I have a little tummy fat.  I chose to have it there instead of my arm because it doesn't hurt.  If you want more info about Taxotere, go to the BCO main website and check out types of chemo under the treatment section. 

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/druglist/taxotere.jsp

For more info, you can go to chemocare.com which is a website founded by Scott Hamiliton, the former Olympic ice skater who had cancer to find out more about your chemotherapy drug. 

http://www.chemocare.com/

Good luck!!!

mclark55

Stephanie - I got minimal mouth sores, I was using an amino acid known as glutamine, which is very protective of mucous membranes.  I had to play around with dosages a bit - I took anywhere between 1,000-4,000 mg/day but it REALLY helped. It also supports and enhances the effects of chemotherapy.  You should be able to get it at your local health food store.  :-)

StephanieJM

Thank you, I ordered some today.  I will also start taking lysine which is good for canker sores.   Hope your day is good!

Marcia1111

Hi!

 I spent the day cleaning and rearranging my son's room in preparation for his return home on Thursday.  He's been in Israel for a month!  His room was a mess!  He is very creative and doesn't throw anything away!  It felt good to be  productive, but now I'm exhausted.  I'm in the BGC on Thursday and will miss getting him from the airport.  I'm very sad about that, but there's nothing I can do.

I am going to bring the info on the anti-neuropathy  supplements to the doctor tomorrow just to make sure it's okay.  I'm sure it will be, but I just want to go over it with her before I make the investment.

radioactive - I definitely relate to your fear of the hat blowing off.  I feel the same way.  Last night it was windy at the beach and I was very glad to have on a buff and a hat!

Pamela - I'm so glad to hear that you're doing better this time.  I definitely think the drinking has a lot to do with it.  I seem to be slowing down on my water consumption.  I get so full and am really slacking.  I wonder if that's why I'm feeling worse this time around.  

Melrose - You always have such great information!

Good luck to everyone going to the BGC this week! 

pamelahope

Marcia, Your son sounds like mine. He is very creative and when I wake up in the morning, it looks like a mad scientist was at work. Curious about the teenage version! I think messy rooms definitely correlate with creativity!

Infusion 3 was worse than 2. I remember thinking so this is cumulative...This last infusion has not been too bad as I am drinking more. I just hate feeling like this.

I asked my doctor about the supplements, he said only b6 was okay to take. Yet, I read here about other doctors saying okay. I am doing anyway but in moderation. I am just so afraid of neuropathy. Before bc, I walked 5 miles a day, and it is part of who I am. At 45, I don't want to spend my time from 45-65 disabled. As my father points out, very bright at 85, neuropathy should not be my biggest concern...I know that. I just want to emerge as unscathed as possible. You would think my breasts and hair enough. Rambling a bit, curious what other people's doctors say....

Marcia, Thursday is your last A/c!!!!! Yah!!!

KeepMoving

Hi Everyone....fatigue from #3 AC had me feeling 98 instead of 58 at times this past weekend.  LOL  Feeling good now.  Working out my strategy in preparation for my last AC next week (a lot more water, sleep, and better nutrition.)  Hope it works.

Ellebee, what a real friend.  Such a nice, touching story.

Yes, I am going onto Taxol next.  I've noticed some calling it taxol and some calling it taxotere.  Are they one and the same?

Thanks, Marcia1111, I did feel better after some sleep.

an30, my eyebrows have thinned, but they're still here.  I also have eyelashes, but #4 might do them in.  Thanks for the info.

Ellebee, StephanieJM, Pamelahope, thanks for the Rite-aid, Amazon, and Vitacost info.  I'll check out all of those out.  

Take care everyone.  It won't be long until we're all finished.  

KeepMoving

Allisontom911, Congratulations on your last AC!!!!