April 2013 Chemo Group

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  • Nettie1964
    Nettie1964 Member Posts: 759
    edited April 2013

    Just thought I'd post a comment for you, although I don't have seizure issues, I wanted you to know that I just took my second treatment and as of right now, the first one was the worst, but nothing near as bad as I expected!  I just slept a lot.  Took the treatment on Thursday, got Neulasta shot on Friday, didn't really get "down" until late friday, then I just hit the bed and stayed!  By Monday I was up and out the door to work!  this time, I was only down on saturday and I'm feeling almost normal this sunday afternoon!  I'm praying that this continues and I'll be praying for you also!

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  • Jen987
    Jen987 Member Posts: 145
    edited April 2013

    Hi ladies. I'm at the chemo bar having my first cocktail. Cheers to everyone else that's receiving their treatments today. Hope all goes well with everyone.

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  • indenial
    indenial Member Posts: 504
    edited April 2013

    Good luck Jen & everyone else starting today! I'm thinking of you all! I still have a week before I start. Hope you all luck out with easy infusions & minimal side effects!

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  • erinm216
    erinm216 Member Posts: 126
    edited April 2013

    Hi all,

    I have my second opinion tomorrow and I am so nervous I feel like crying.  I am 99% sure I am going to stick with the first MO and plan to start Chemo in two weeks.

    It amazes me how I can be so put together somedays and others I just can't deal.

    I have made arrangments for a short hair cut and to get a wig, I have also signed up for the Look Good Feel Better seminar and go to that next week.

    Now I am focused on gaining weight.  I am so scared to be fat and bald and it irriatates me that I am so vain.

    Anyhow, hoping everyone else who is beginning this Chemo trip is doing well today.

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  • erinm216
    erinm216 Member Posts: 126
    edited April 2013

    Sending invisible strength and support!

    You go girl!!

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited April 2013

    I had my first chemo treatment. I did well! I felt some stinging and pain at I'VE site, but it was tolerable. I have a little nausea insight, so I took a nausea med. I slept 3hours last night. I'm hoping I sleep tonight.



    I feel paranoid about getting infections! All these little things are happening. I discovered a little cut on my hand (I put an antibiotic bandaid on it), for example. I'll be glad when I get adjusted to the chemo routine!



    I bought some bandana-like scarves today. They are 30" x 30" and I really like them! That's a relief. I bought a sleeping cap too.



    I hope everyone is doing well.



    XO



    Katie

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  • Skigirl72
    Skigirl72 Member Posts: 478
    edited April 2013

    I bought and keep purell in my purse, car, counters, office, bathroom, etc. everywhere I am I have access to the stuff. My counts have been very low. My last AC had to be postponed a few days because it was still too low after three weeks. I only got one cold (from my kid lol) that kicked my ass. No fever, just a cold. I use the purell every time I touch something. A pen at the bank, a door handle, grocery carts. I use it when I get into my car and then wipe it on my steering wheel too. I do not hug people. It's strictly handshakes or fist pumps. I try to go to the stores in the off hours so I minimize people contact.

    I am going back to the gym next week after seeing what my count is for my taxol#2. I hope it is up some so I can get back into running. I plan on going early in the morning. hopefully not a lot of people will be there. I am wearing my Chemo Day t-shirt and a head wrap. Maybe that will be enough of a hint to stay away. I an thinking of doing an iron on transfer of a bio hazard or radioactive symbol on the back. lol

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  • Sunday1856
    Sunday1856 Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2013

    Thanks so much for your post! I start tomorrow and am totally stressing over what to expect.  It helps so much to hear about someone elses experience!  Think I have purchased every product mentioned on this site to counteact every possible side effect.

    Appreciate the support you all offer!

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited April 2013

    It's day 2 after my first chemo. I bought Purrell (sp?) for purse, car, and home. Good idea.



    So, my face is ruddy and slightly warm but it's mild. I drank tons of clear liquids before, during, and after... And continue to do so. I think it's helping a lot. I have had extremely light nausea, not even a worry. I am hungry, but nothing sounds good.



    I taste chemical in my mouth. I find the salt water rinses soothing. I've been doing them anytime after I eat, and at bedtime.



    I feel a bit tired, but not wiped out. I'm still on steroids and wonder if they affect mood. I feel pretty good.



    I'll report back tomorrow :)



    Sending love and hugs to my chemo buddies. Wishing you peace and and easy time!

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  • kobrien
    kobrien Member Posts: 82
    edited April 2013

    Katie-- glad your doing ok so far.

    Ladies- question. I'm starting my chemo on the 15th. A co worker of mine just sent me some beautiful flowers and a gift certificate for a spa pedicure. Can I get this done now? I know that they are pretty much off limits during chemo, but would be nice to get my feet pampered this week.

    Thanks!! Hope you are all doing well.. I'm starting to get nervous!!

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  • Jen987
    Jen987 Member Posts: 145
    edited April 2013

    Day 1 after first treatment and I feel great. Couldn't sleep much last night so got up early and went the gym to work out. Other than feeling a little flushed I'm not experiencing any other SE. I am doing the salt water/baking soda mouth rinse to stay ahead of the mouth sores. And taking stool softeners and eating prunes to avoid constipation. I haven't had any nausea but am taking my meds anyways rather than waiting for it to hit. I go for my Neulasta shot tomorrow and am starting Claritin today. Wishing all my other chemo partners well.

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  • Speedy4
    Speedy4 Member Posts: 136
    edited April 2013

    Hi Ladies ~ I am starting chemo (TCH every 3 weeks x 6) on April 4th. Hoping I'm ready for whatever comes my way....

    Deirdre

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited April 2013

    ErinM216-how did your 2nd opinion go?



    Jen 987-glad you're feeling well so far! Keep it up :). Hope fully, I will, too.



    Deirdre-good luck on the 4th. You can do this. Sending hugs and peaceful thoughts!



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  • Laura5133388
    Laura5133388 Member Posts: 577
    edited April 2013

    Dropping in to say good luck to all!  It won't be as bad as you imagine. Also want to make sure all of you have heard about cold cap therapy - it works.

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  • tlbradyful
    tlbradyful Member Posts: 134
    edited April 2013

    It's so helpful to hear all of your reports. I'm nervously awaiting my 4/4 chemo start TAC. I am amazed to hear so many of you are keeping up with your lives. I thought I would be locked in the house for 4 months. Please continue to post progress and ideas that work. I have the white board for meds and used it through my three surgeries. I also wrote the brand name and what it is for on the prescription bottles with a sharpie. That helps too.

    kobrien - I had my toes done this past weekend before I started.

    I'm proud of how well all of you that have started are doing!

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  • tlbradyful
    tlbradyful Member Posts: 134
    edited April 2013

    skigirl -You are amazing!

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  • erinm216
    erinm216 Member Posts: 126
    edited April 2013

    So it's set! Round one t/c starts the 23rd,

    .

    I'm at strange sense of peace now. I loved the second dr ( even thigh he said the same thing as the first.)

    He was very updated and knowledgable and he promises me I can get through this. He told me we can cure this for a while and the get through the unknown together. That sealed the deal with me:)





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  • Sunday1856
    Sunday1856 Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2013

    Morning, everyone - had my first TCH yesterday and enjoying still feeling good so far.  I give myself a Neulasta shot later today (after I have purchased some Clartaton).  I have the OPI Nail Envy on my nails and will apply another coat today in the event it helps.  This is quite an adventure due to not knowing what lies ahead. It helps to have the first infusion behind me and was so stressed over what to expect and that part was easy.  The port worked great.

    Appreciate all of your posts!

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  • shipsgirl
    shipsgirl Member Posts: 264
    edited April 2013

    Hi Sunday.  Congratulations for getting the first one under your belt.  What is the Clariton for?  I have to do Neulasta as well.  Not looking forward to that at all!

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  • Sunday1856
    Sunday1856 Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2013

    The Claritin is supposed to alleviate the pain caused by the Neulasta.  Sounds like the pain lasts 2-3 days.  I am getting ready to give myself a shot so stay tuned . . .

    I have to say the treatment was really easy.  I dreaded it so and stressed over it for so long, but it was a piece of cake.  I feel wonderful today (so far) and just returned from a 3 mile walk.  It is like I can't stop as worry that I will have times when I cannot and trying to cram everything that I can in.

    Hang in there!

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  • Jen987
    Jen987 Member Posts: 145
    edited April 2013

    Day 4 after 1st treatment. I got my Neulasta injection yesterday and started on the Claritin the day before and will continue for a few days. I woke up feeling just a little achy but ibuprofen helped. I cleaned my house and went for a 2 mile walk with my son today. I figure I better exercise when I feel good. As the day progresses I am losing my taste buds. It feels very strange. Hope everyone else is hanging in there.

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited April 2013

    Day 4 of TC. Neulasta shot yesterday. I think the Claritin is helping lots! I feel mildly achy and very tired. I walked my dog and then fell asleep for three hours! I'm not a napper... At least I wasn't, before :).



    My scalp hurts a little, things taste a bit off, but not horrible.



    I am terribly constipated (not surprised). So I'm working with advice nurse on strategies.



    So far, so good! Thanks to all for sharing. We're doing it!



    Love and hugs....

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  • heather214
    heather214 Member Posts: 142
    edited April 2013

    I just started my chemo yesterday, did anyone else have a port inserted? That made it pretty easy. Tolerated it well, then about 7 hours later it hit me. Nausea, then within an hour, vomiting. It was not too bad. I have heard from several survivors for some reason day 3 after chemo is the worst, when fatigue starts to set in, so we will see. It helped to just visualize the chemo as "cancer juice" attacking the cancer and the tumors. I am starting with cyclophosphamide and Doxorubicin every two weeks, prior to my mastectomies for two months. The surgeon feels the tumor is too large with dirty margins. Hoping to shrink. I am also what they call "triple+" so I have heard that tends to be good. Would love to hear how everyone else is managing their chemo? I also cut my hair short early as I have heard I will lose it soon. I bought 2 of the same wig as I did not find much I liked honestly. I stayed with a pixie like my cut, easier to manage and looked more "natural" on me. Good luck to all of us, and nice to meet you. =)

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  • Speedy4
    Speedy4 Member Posts: 136
    edited April 2013

    Home from first TCH treatment. Very uneventful! Went for a nice long walk when I got back. Did anyone else ice their fingernails during the T treatment? Just wondering... Heard it might help. MO is not planning on Nuelasta shot unless needed. Hope I don't need it! Glad to hear good news from everyone so far!

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited April 2013

    Wanted to give you all encouragement.  You can and will do it.  I write a BC Blog since my diagnosis.  I wrote a lot about AC and Taxol - including port placement, tips for home, tips for chemo day, what to expect.

    If you ever need help or info, check it out.  It is my pleasure to help others on this trecherous path.

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  • tlbradyful
    tlbradyful Member Posts: 134
    edited April 2013

    I went for my first treatment today and the MO decided to wait another week. I am not healed enough from my surgery last week and am still anemic with low iron and very low B-12. I haven't even started the chemo, but am having issues. I am very excited for those of you that have started this week. I am encouraged to hear how you are able to manage the symptoms. I haven't heard about the OPI Nail Envy and soaking your nails in ice. Let me know. 

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  • tlbradyful
    tlbradyful Member Posts: 134
    edited April 2013

    Heather214 I am so sorry about the nausea/vomiting. They have promised to give me a ton of meds to counteract that in my IV on the day of chemo and said it should last for a day or two. Did they give you Emend in your IV? Triple + does give them several known ways to attack.

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  • Sunday1856
    Sunday1856 Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2013

    Heather, I also have a port and seems like that will make it much easier.  Sorry that you are not feeling well.  I am still waiting for it to start.

    Sending HUGS!

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  • Sunday1856
    Sunday1856 Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2013

    So sorry you are having to wait as know you want to get this over with.  Stay strong!!

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  • Skigirl72
    Skigirl72 Member Posts: 478
    edited April 2013

    Heather, They gave me a few different antinausea meds. I found that the Compazine (prochlorperazine) and ativan were the ones that worked for me. If you are still getting sick, please call them. You shouldn't be getting sick. They have lots of meds out there to help. And I know you have heard this a million times... stay hydrated...

    I am 5 days from Taxol#1 and i am tired and I have a few weird aches and pains. This is WAY easier than AC... thank god.

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