Starting Chemo July 2012

winter_flower

Hi ladies,

I'm also new to this exclusive club I wish I never joined

I start AC on Thursday and am terrified. It's like I'm standing in front of this dark tunnel that I have to enter and I don't know who's waiting for me there in the dark with a hammer.

I've been diagnosed end of May, tried freezing eggs - that didn't work. 30K and almost 2 months later, here I am just starting my treatment. I got a lot of useful info from this website and am grateful to have had found it.

Do you ladies know what to expect from your first AC (side effects, SE, wise)? any "tools" you have ready to target the SEs? I heard of prune juice to prevent constipation, moisturizer for hands/etc...

Melrosemelrose

winter_flower- Glad you found this thread.  You will find a lot of support here and on other chemo threads as well.  I'm on the April/May 2012 chemo hangout with a great group of gals who will give you support and help that you need.  In addition, it's just a great place to rant, rave and vent which we all need to do time to time.  Please feel free to go to that thread and ask any questions you may have.    If you are wanting to help getting prepared, please go to this link which is the first thread in the Chemo forum for Newbies.  You will find some great info to help you gather up things in preparation for chemo.  You don't have to purchase everything on that list but it gives you an idea of what one might need. 

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/785189?page=1#idx_1 

I am on a different chemo regimen as you( Cytoxan/Taxotere) but I know there are a few here who are have same A/C regimen as you.  Just know that one may or may not have all of the side effects that the regimen can have and those side effects that one has may not be that severe.  Whatever drugs that your oncologist prescribes for you for help prevent nausea, make sure you take them as prescribed whether or not you are experiencing nausea.  Take them on schedule and don't wait for the nausea to hit to take action.  If you start having problems with some of your side effects, let your oncologist know asap--- no matter what time of day it is or whether it is a week day or weekend.  In general, they want to help you but you've got to communicate with them to let them know what anti-nausea drugs are working and which ones are not.  It's their job to help you and you are not imposing upon them.  As for constipation, there are foods you can eat to help prevent that.  Prune juice, dried prunes ( I eat the Sunsweet Ones which are really moist and sweet), apple juice, wheat bran, other fuirts and veggies help.  I have two cookbooks which have been a great help to me--- Eating Well Through Cancer by Holly Clegg and Gerald Miletello, M.D.( this book was given to me at the cancer center where I get treatment) and the Cancer Fighting Kitchen by Rebecca Katz.  The Eating Well Through Cancer is a great book with grocery lists, recipes and what to eat when having certain side effects.  It took away all the guesswork I was trying to do searching and figuring out what to eat.  Hope this helps.  Wishing you the best!!!!  You can do this.... after the first treatment, you will need to say out loud, "I am doing this!!!"

roadwarrior28

Winter flow - I'm starting AC as well this Friday

_Ann_

Hi Jennifer404, sorry to have to welcome you to this club.   Wow, they really got your treatment going fast.

I'm on day 4 of AC #1 and doing well.  Teeballmom, it's kinda funny I had that slow motion walking and couldn't type thing going on as well but I'd nearly forgotten about it already.  Blocked it out I guess.  I also had a bit of red rashiness that someone mentioned is from the steroids.  I didn't think of that, I thought it was photosensitivity.

 I actually ate a burger and fries today I was so famished from eating lightly all this past week.   Only a touch of nausea left and still using Senokat-S, kinda wishing I'd used more of that earlier.  One thing is I'm sick to death of all the hand-washing and Biotene swishing already but I know I have to keep it up.  If the next three AC infusions go this easily for me I'll be very grateful.

I did the pixie cut down to 1" last week but am really, really dreading the hair fall.    

To any of the new ladies, one thing that really helped my tummy was keeping a little food in it all the time.  Not too much, not too little.   The nurse gave me that tip and it was right on.

 I haven't had too much taste bud trouble but I'm having trouble with plain water lately.  Never liked it much to begin with, now it's just yuck.  I don't like to be drinking sugary liquid all day but I finally broke down and added some cran-raspberry juice to my water.  Ginger tea was not cutting it.  I was annoyed to notice the juice has vitamin C added, which is not a good thing for BC, but it appears to be a small amount.  I'll look for something with nothing added next time. 

Hang tough, ladies, we'll get through this! 

curveball

I have a chemo newbie question. In other chemo-related threads I see people using the abbreviation "PFC". What does that stand for?

winter_flower

thanks for the invite and tips Melrose! I'll join the April/May 2012 discussion as per your advice )

roadwarrior, big hug and we CAN do this I'll keep posting my symptoms here, may be it will help someone...

fishinurse

Hi all! So glad i can come here and feel all your strength and comfort. Today is my first time in the Big Girl Chair,AC at 1pm,been up since 4 am,mixed feelins,dread it,but, lets get it started!

Melrosemelrose

curveball- PFC= post f*#k%ng chemo.  It is what you might think it means.

How to keep a happy tummy during chemo-I almost forgot to tell you that you should try to eat 5-6 small meals rather than 3 big meals day.  Keeping something in your tummy constantly will help.  In short, a fed tummy is a happy tummy.  You probably need to take your anti-nausea meds with food since those drugs on an empty stomach may cause nausea.  Trying to figure out what to eat was starting to make my brain hurt so thank goodness the oncology navigator gave me that cookbook I mentioned above. 

Drinking liquids is very boring and sometimes just plain untasty.  I sometimes put an orange slice in my water to help flavor it.  I also just add cut up fruit to my water (strawberries/berries/grapes). Eating watermelon and grapes can also help add fluids to your body.  You can also drink gatorade.  I sometimes drink decaffinated ice tea.  I also fill up two 32 ounce Nalgene bottles so I just drink out of two containers.  For some reason the idea of drinking multiple glasses of water seems undaunting to me and keeping track of the number of glasses is not easy when one isn't feeling well.

I had a one inch pixie cut at the beginning of my 2nd round of chemo.  That following week, the hair really started to go.  I tried not to panic about the hair loss.  I used a lint roller to get the hair off of my neck, back, etc., my bed, my clothes.  Yes, there was plenty of hair in the shower drain but after a while, the hair loss subsided.  I never have lost all of my hair.  I have sparse hair all over my head and now heading into the 5th round tomorrow.  I have some stubbies and some peach fuzz.  I don't know if that new growth will fall out after these last two rounds but at least it gives me hope that those little hair follicles are trying awfully hard to make hair again!!!!  I have a wig from the American Cancer Society ( it was free through its Look Good Feel Good program which you can check out on line) that sits in a ziploc bag.  It's too hot to wear it and plus it just isn't me.  I wear hats, caps, bandanas and Buffs.  As your hair goes, just remember that you are beautiful no matter what!!!

HUGS to each of you and hoping for minimal side effects for all.!!!! The first infusion is an anxious time but you will realize how doable chemo is and that you can do this!!!

boobzilla

@melrose-thanks for the additional tips!

Probably cutting hair this week (also not looking forward to it-ugh), and sending away to have them make a hairpiece so I can wear my own hair and whatever hat I want (I am kind of an 'Adidas', sporty girl'). I've chosen to go this route to be a bit more 'me' during this melee, LOL. Another surgery tomorrow and then 1st time in 'Big Girl' chair Thurs...been drinking all of this water and fluid for days to get accustomed (unfortunately I have a tendency to never drink enough, so Nalgene bottles by my side, it's a big 180 for me)....Good luck everyone-stay strong! 

RobbG

For anyone taking Neulasta (sp?) and has had a round or two, how long does the bone pain last?  Wifey got the shot on Friday.  Did well on Saturday.  Had an in-bed day on Sunday til 5pm.  Woke up about 3am Monday with severe pain.  She is doing reconstruction so has the pain killers, Dilaudid, Perqocete, Clonipin, Ibuprofen, etc.  She is just curious how long she will need to manage the severe pain. As she calls it, the "woodpecker pain".  I told her about the Claritin and she has been on that for years for allergies.  I know the answer is probably already in one of these topics, but couldn't find anything quickly.  Hope everyone is doing well today.

Melrosemelrose

RobbG- I read somewhere it is about 7 days for the Neulasta shot pain.  If she takes the Claritin, she should take it either the day before she gets the Neulasta shot or the morning of the Neulasta shot.  According to the ongoing clinical trial protocal (check clinical trial gov. website), one takes Claritin for 7 days beginning the day of the Neulasta injection.  Hope this helps....

RobbG

Thanks Melrose, 

How hot is it in Houston this summer?  I was supposed to be at Rice in a few weeks, but may get to put it off until Fall.

teeballmom

Hi everyone.

Just popping in for a few minutes.  

I will say that I had a crummy weekend, but not how you'd think.  Side effects are manageable, and I slept most of the weekend away anyway.  I'd say I was just going to shut my eyes and be out for 2 hours at a time.  One time I woke up 4 hours later.

I probably should have thought the whole idea of shaving my head the same weekend as my first treatment a little more.  Too much to take in too quickly, but I'm o.k. today and am sporting a t-shirt turban on my head (it's god awful pink but I bought a bunch of pink t-shirts before my diagnosis and it felt good cutting one up - already sick of pink).  The hardest thing this weekend was facing my 6 and 4 year old boys with my shaved head and my 4 year old son when he looked at me and said "Mommy, when are you not going to be sick anymore?"  O.K. I lost it and had to rush upstairs.  My poor husband was trying to console me (and it was his birthday that day) but it made me feel like a failure as a mom.  I know I'm not and I'll be stronger when I'm done, but boy, doesn't that hurt when you unintentionally must be hurting your kids somehow? 

As far as the Neulasta shot, my ONC didn't want me to take any Claritin because she is having me journal every day any body aches (and she doesn't want the Claritan to mask anything) so that when I meet with her this Weds, I can tell her how everything went.  For me, if I have any pain, I'm supposed to take 800mg of ibuprofen.  I had my shot last Thurs and so far, I haven't felt any bone pain (knock on some wood).  

Sending hugs to everyone and wishing anyone having treatment this week no side effects!!! 

Take care.

Lifeonitsside

Winter_flow - I start onThursday as well so I'll send you good vibes. I'm anxious about it but I have good people who are going with me to take care of me.

Lifeonitsside

Had a blast at Comic-Con this weekend. Nice last blast of fun before chemo. Now back to real life. Cutting my hair after the pin-up shoot on Wed.



Hope this posts - shot from Comic-Con this week...



http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3959591901741&set=a.1551117491386.2079982.1038599388&type=1

Madelyn

Winter_Flower

I am on Day 6 (started AC Chemo 7/11) and so far I am doing well.  As the other people suggested, I think the worst part is the anticipation.  I didn't sleep at all the night before.  The Tx was fine, I brought lots of snacks (I really like the tip about just keep something in your stomach at all times-great advice).  My onc has private rooms or has recliners all in a big room with great windows.  I chose to be with other people because I find strength in listening to other's stories.  I drank 120 ounces of water the first day, my stomach was bloated but I know it was important.  You will pee pink from the adriamycin (lasts about a day-no biggie) I'm drinking about 60-80 ounces a day of water now, squeezing lemon or any other fruit is a great idea.  Coffee just kind of isn't that important to me anymore.  You will feel exhausted-I did feel a kind of half speed and sluggish step but that was temporary honestly.  Day 3 was my tired day.  I found out the nausea meds made me feel loopy so instead of taking the nausea meds on day 3, 4 and 5-I just ate well and often.  But please take your medicine as your onc directed, I don't mean to suggest otherwise!  I'm craving watermelon for some reason! Today I walked 2 miles again and feel good.  I know my hair will be coming out soon so that is the next obstacle.

 I think the best piece of advice is to look at this as a journey.  Thursday is your mission and the quicker you complete it, the sooner you can go on with life.  I found humor and laughter works great.  Also, I learned to really put myself first...right now I am concentrating on washing my hands and staying close to home.  The NADIR for AC every two weeks is Day 5-10.  So I just want to keep the white blood cells happy and steer clear of a temperature.  Neulasta shot was fine, I did take the Claritin.  

For anyone with the constipation SE, I recommend Fiber One Honey Squares Cereal.  I alternate between this and a protein shake with half a bananna every day.  

P.S. Had a great chuckle telling the telemarketer yesterday that I had BC.  They told me they were sorry and said "have a nice day."  Maybe this disease can come in handy for something!

for anyone undergoing AC chemo coming up and is having a hard time...send me a private message and I will give you my cell number.  I realize every experience is different--but we are all in this together!

teeballmom

Madelyn:  You and the other women here are such an inspiration to me.  Thank you for being so fantastic!  And I love the telemarketer story.  I'm going to use it the first chance I get.

Melrosemelrose

Madelyn-So wonderful that you continue to let everyone know you are doing.  The best part of all of this that you get it.  You recognize the importance of staying positive and doing what you can do to help yourself.  Everyone tells me how good I look and that I am constantly smiling.  Yep, I do and it is real.  When I first got my diagnosis this past February, I made the decision that I needed to stay positive and do whatever I could do to get healthy and stay healthy.  Yes, I've had my share of crying times but I attribute that to chemo, hormone fluctuations and dealing with being on a treatment train that has been on a fast track.  It's my goal to thrive, be hopeful and positive during my journey and with this new life I have.  HUGS to you!!!!  If you ever feel blue/down, you can always private message me!!!!  As I always say to friends I've met along the way during my treatment phases, no one gets left behind.

tmramirez

Hi Ladies,

I will start AC on Friday, July 20.  I originally started with Taxotere and Cytoxin and had a severe reaction to the Taxotere twice.  So my MO is changing me to AC.  I am extremely nervous and not completely on board with this decision.  Today I had my echo, so I will wait to hear from my MO.  I only need 3 tx since I was able to get thru the first TC, but not the second tx to complete 4 in total.    I guess I am seeking some words of wisdom!!!! 

Thanks!

boobzilla

TM-if you don't mind me asking  what was your reaction to the Taxotere? I start TAC this Thursday and am just curious. I wish you the best as you transition to the other treatment!

roadwarrior28

tmramirez - I'm starting AC on the 20th as well. I really hope those nurses are as good as everyone says they are since I'm terrified of Adriamycin going into my skin instead of the vein. 

Jennifer404

Hi everone,

Just had my third treatment today, first complete round out of 6, and I am on day 14 from the first treatment and my hair is coming out. Thought I would be ok when it started happening.. But, I will admit I was sad. Seems to be the schedule that I hear everyone say that their hair falls out. I think I had myself convinced it might not happen:(

Hair, schmair...it's too hot anyway.

By the way is there anyone else on here that is her2+?

dventi

Helloooo! Has anyone found thick headbands that could sit on your forehead with fake hair attached to the headband - not long hair but on the shorter side.  I exercise and dont want to wear my wigs nor a turban to the gym.

What have you worn while exercising at the gym..

Just starting wearing my wigs.. hair loss right before 2nd treatment

Thanks so much.. 

swimmom01

Jennifer-

I am Her2+ and I start taxotere/Carboplatin and herceptin on Wednesday. Just had my port installed today. Little sore and tired but so glad to have it done. Once again they insisted on using a vein in my hand and it blew. It happened right before my BMX too. I can't imagine having it happen before each treatment.

I am trying to decided when to shave my head. I don't want to do it too soon but don't think I can handle clumps coming out.

Jennifer404

Swimmom-I am so glad you got a port. It makes such a difference. I can not imagine getting an iv each time. You will be glad to have the port in the long run.

I have not shaved my head...only got a pixie. Considering shaving now though. My hair has been loosening up for days and now it is full on coming out when I touch it. My scalp feels weird...not painful per say...just different. You have to do what makes you feel the best about it. Our hair is a very personal thing.

For me...I am gonna skip the wigs and just go natural or with a scarf:)

curveball

@ melrosemelrose,

I had guessed that "P" was for "post" and "C" for chemo, but I thought the "F" was either "first" or "finishing". In other words, where do I start counting, from the date of the first treatment or the last?

Melrosemelrose

curveball-Start counting from the date of your final chemo to be PFC.  I didn't start counting how many days until I got there since I knew that any point in time during my chemoland, my treatments could be delayed from a side effect or reaction to something.  I just never wanted to get my hopes up and dashed because of delays.  I take one chemo round at a time and hoping that after each round, I am able to have the next scheduled round.  It is only now as I head into #5, I am starting to see the end of my chemo journey in early August.

Jennifer404 & swimmom01- The hair is very personal decision and choice that each makes with chemo.  There is not right way or wrong way here.  Whatever you decide to do, always take control over the hair before it takes control over you.  I can't explain that statement very well but I believe each of you will know what I mean when you reach that point.  I never shaved my head or had my hair clipped close to the scalp.  I've had a self/at home short short boy cut.  That occurred after my 2nd treatment and because I got annoyed with the hair being everywhere.  I made the 5 little pony tails and snipped those pony tails alone.  It was quite liberating and it controlled that hair being everywhere.  Yes, my hair has fallen out and I now a thin veil of hair all over my head.  I've scant wispy bangs and scant hair on the nape of my neck.  I decided before I had chemo that I would not be shaving my head since I wanted to see what the chemo regimen would actually do ( self science experiment) and felt that going from waist length hair to absolutely no hair was going to be a little too much for me.  I love how my head feels now with what hair I have, peach fuzz and some new stubbie growth.  My DH and DS rub my head and I tell them it's for good luck.  It is reassuring to know that those little stubborn hair follicles are trying to get on with growing hair despite that mean old chemo.   I have a free wig from the American Cancer Society Look Good Feel Good program and that poor little wig is having abandonment issues sitting in a zip loc bag.  I usually wear caps, bandanas, Buffs and straw fedora hats.  The wig just isn't me but the other head coverings are.  No matter what action you take, just remember that you are beautiful no matter what!!!!

Wishing all of you gals on this thread the best with minimal side effects.

dventi

Hi Jennifer404 -- My hair/scalp feels the same way..Comes out when I touch it, comb it.  Going on second treatment.. Will be getting a pixie and will be wearing wigs.  MO said I would lose hair by 2nd treatment.. but didnt think it would happen this fast..

Jennifer404

Dventi-my scalp kind of feels like a sunburn??? My dr said not to shave my head until first signs of hair loss between days 14 and 21...unless I just really wanted to. Glad I waited...but, now I need to find some clippers. Hair is everywhere.

Jennifer404

Also...just an FYI...did anyone sign up for chemo angels? I did and I love the program. You go to their website and fill out their questionnaire and they assign two breast cancer survivors to you and they send you little things, cards, gifts etc. for encouragement...all through snail mail and they continue through your treatment. I find that it lifts my spirits and look forward to doing the same for someone next year:)