Chemo May 2013

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited May 2013

    MzDiva - from what I've read, taking one claritone the night before the shot, one the morning of the shot and one everyday for 5 days. I've seen variations of when to take the clariton and for how long. Pattismiles wrote a post a couple up from yours that addresses it also. I will be having my first chemo tomorrow and have the clariton standing by. So many people have gotten relief from bone pain from it. Good luck to your mom and you on the next go around. I'm sure your support means means the world to her.



    Carla

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited May 2013

    I dont get this shot that you are all talking about, but had severe bone, muscle and joint pain with my first treatment for at least 5 days and was milder for a few mire days. I'll be talk in to the nurse tomorrow during my #2 and I think she did mention benodryl/antihistamine.... But I couldn't remember what for (information overload) so I didn't take any..... I wonder if that's what she was talking about. My Onc didn't have any input when I told him of some of you taking claratin.... Is it just if younget that N shot! Or for bone pain in general? I was so miserable, I'll try anything this time!



    Lorrie

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  • Debwarrior
    Debwarrior Member Posts: 72
    edited May 2013

    Hi ReddheddMomma, you asked for my soup recipe a week or so ago and here it is. It sounds like it might be too much effort now, but maybe when you are feeling better. I'm sorry you're having mouth/throat problems. Sending my best to others with side effects. I'm starting to have a bit of neuropathy which worries me since I'm only through 3 of 12 weekly taxol treatments. Taking the b6 an l glutamine. Here's Melissa Clarks recipe for spicy chicken barley soup with sweet potatoes. There are a lot of ingredients, but if you mix all the spices together in a bowl, and have all the ingredients, it's not hard, but it is an afternoon of soup cooking.

    Heat 3 tbsp oil in large soup pot over high heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 1 tsp kosher salt and saute 3 minutes. Add the following spices and saute 2 minutes: l/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp coriander; 1/4 tp black pepper. Add 1 tbsp tomato paste and saute another minute, at lower heat. Add 3 chopped garlic cloves and saute another minute. Return heat to high and add 6 cups low sodium chicken broth, 2 cups water and 1 cup barley to the pot. Simmer 30 minutes. Add 1 peeled and diced sweet potato and simmer another 30 to 60 minutes. Add more water if it gets too thick. Add 12 oz or 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite sized pieces, partially cover pot and lower heat to medium low and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the juice of a lemon. I double the recipe and cook it in a large dutch oven.



    I have my 4th taxol and 2nd carbo tomorrow. Kinda dreading it, but it gets me closer to the finish line. Best of luck to everyone. Hope your treatment goes smoothly and side effects are few.

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited May 2013

    Took my steroids tonight....(1st time) Just about 11:30pm and I want to climb a mountain!, so I took the atavan for sleep.... No difference! Still up wishing my friends were still awake... Haha... Gonna give it some time.... N maybe take another? Good thing my infusion isn't till 12:30, at least I'll get a shower!...

    Feeling weird tho....maybe shouldn't be posting! Haha

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited May 2013

    Seriously.... When anyon asks u how are....

    Tell them "I don't believe I've had a better day!

    Some will be amazed at the positive reaction to that one comment!

    Sorry, k so a little wired from the foods before tomorrow's cocktail.

    Sitting with my iPad going.... Who can I talk to?

    Think I'll just hit my fav talent audition vids!



    Nite all

    Happy thoughts

    Lorrie

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  • 184jones
    184jones Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2013

    Hi all, Have just found this forum and am soooo pleased. I am currently living in Singapore and had my first chemo session May 19th. I have had great surgeons/hospitals and care although its not easy to get the emotional support during this time. 

    The first chemo session wasnt too bad. Went to a newly opened hospital so I was the only person there and had my own set of nurses!! I didnt think week 1 was that bad until I look back - the nausea and tiredness was overwhelming and wasnt sure what I should be eating or even if I could.

    Now I am in week 2 and my appetite has returned and I am having cravings - yesterday was tuna followed by custard. Is anyone else having this? My taste buds have gone though and the metallic taste lingers but I cant help eating despite not being able taste it once it goes in. I may be the only person to put on weight while having chemotherapy!!

    Hope its OK to join you all in the discussions, its nice to be able to talk through and hear about other people's experience with it

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    Sleeping problems here too! Damn steroids! Have finally given up and started the coffee brewing and have to take more steroids in another 2 hours. Chemo in another 4 hours.



    Will have to try that line Lorrie. Seems when I tell people I am feeling ok they don't believe me. I guess see wig or baldness and ball cap and think I must be just saying that. Really I have been blessed with more good days than bad..



    It is supposed to be 90 here today. Will be sure to ask mo about he thinks about swimming. We have pool but if he says no swimming will have to stay in house with ac since I have no tolerance for heat. Was perimenopausal before this adventure and chemo has accelerated the process me thinks. 90 plus hot flashes = not much fun.



    Wishing smooth sailing to Lorrie and all others who go today and calming seas to all those suffering from se's. Lol steroids plus thinking of son in navy brought out the sea references. Am counting down the days til he is home in June.



    Lisa

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  • Lauralind5
    Lauralind5 Member Posts: 220
    edited May 2013

    I feel your no sleeping pain! That steroid mania lasted a while for me and Ativan barely touched it.



    Off for treatment 2 of AC



    Y'all have a great morning !

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  • Ukkate
    Ukkate Member Posts: 292
    edited May 2013

    You ladies have been SUPER chatty the last 12 hours or so!!!

    So I have had my head shaved - it's about a #1 now....but this morning I found all these little hair spikes on my pillow - so I'm not sure how to deal with that.  I have to say that my head shape is pretty awesome.  The saddest thing is how "grey" my hair looks - I've been coloring it for so long I had no clue!!  I would almost rather be chrome dome at this point!

    So nausea seems to be such a constant for us.  I had it back again yesterday for a while :(  It really is like 1st trimester pregnancy for me.  I was so mad at work - I ordered a sandwhich - veggie/guacamole and when it came, it was turkey, tomato and mayo (none of which I enjoy right now!).  I had guacamole the other day and it tasted so good.  There really are only about 5 foods that taste good to me.

    Less than 5 days til my next treatment :(:(:(.  But only 2 days til my daughter's Bat Mitzvah!   HOLY MOLY!!!!!!

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  • LJaeger
    LJaeger Member Posts: 58
    edited May 2013

    Hi Jones - I am glad you have found us. Despite your SEs I am glad you are able to get so much personal attention from your nurses. Don't be afraid to ask questions - I always prefer to have all the information, because sometimes they will forget to tell you something. These boards are great because we come from all over the world, and treatments vary from place to place. I think our talks here come up with a great "best of self care" list for use. My oncology nurse told me yesterday that I should teach the class! It's all because of chatting with the may chemo group, and looking on this website.



    As for my taste buds - they disappeared day 4-7 or so, and slowly came back. When I felt like eating, it had to be something good. Otherwise I would eat a little something non satisfying, stop eating it, and keep looking for other choices. But it looks like a lot of folks are dealing with this issue, and most of us do yet the taste back for part of each cycle. My "metallic taste" tastes more like a rancid potato chip. Yuck!

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  • LJaeger
    LJaeger Member Posts: 58
    edited May 2013

    I too have issues with sleep and the steroids. Ativan doesn't seem to help too much. My MO suggested to cut my dose to just 1 steroid pill (instead of 2) days 2 and 3. She thought that could also be the culprit for my GI issues. Hopefully it won't cause nausea. I've a feeling this second round is going to be harder than the first...we'll see.

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  • ReddHeddMomma
    ReddHeddMomma Member Posts: 38
    edited May 2013

    Happiness is waking up to find that your taste buds have begun to work again. Woo hoo! For the first time in what feels like forever, I can actually taste my coffee. I am in heaven. If this holds, I get a little over a week of decent tasting before the next round of chemo. Life is good today!



    Deb - thanks so much for the recipe. It looks so yummy. Will be making it sometime this week. :)

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited May 2013

    MzDiva,

    A number of people, myself included, have tried using Claritan 24 hour (it is an allergy pill) to avoid bone pain and it has worked for most of us.



    Take one on the morning of going for the shot, then take one a day for the next 7-9 days.

    You might want to see if your doctor has any objections.



    There are some foods that people can taste a bit better when on chemo, things that are tart, watermelon is soothing, mashed or baked potato. Try some shakes,mor protein drinks too.



    I am sorry your mom is going through this, but she is blessed to have you as a caregiver.

    Pat



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  • argynis
    argynis Member Posts: 123
    edited May 2013

    I had my 2nd round AC last week and the side effects were less than last time. They also immediately found a nice vein - phewww.

    Concerning the steroids: This time I only took one tablet just before chemo. I took Emend for two days and Zofran and nausea was well under control. I don't know if its the lack of steroids but nausea and sleep was even better this time. I could sleep quite well maybe waking up once or twice. Last time I also took one steroid pill on the two days after chemo - so cutting back on the steroids was a good thing for me!

    I buzzed my hair last weekend. I still have some hair but it is very patchy and I am still shedding.

    I get neupogen shots for 7 days after each treatment and I don't experience any bone pain and I don't take clarityn.

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  • Lauralind5
    Lauralind5 Member Posts: 220
    edited May 2013

    I feel your no sleeping pain! That steroid mania lasted a while for me and Ativan barely touched it.



    Off for treatment 2 of AC



    Y'all have a great morning !

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  • MomofSam
    MomofSam Member Posts: 74
    edited May 2013

    Sebaroni & Pattysmiles - do you take Emend for nausea?  One of the side effects is hiccups - no lie!  I was getting them too and then started to look at the side effects on my anti-nausea meds.  Definitely annoying, but I'll take them over any nausea.

    Day 1 after Chemo - so far, nausea is at bay today.  I think the change up in my drugs is helping me immensely.  Those 1st 4 days after Chemo after Round 1 were terrible...just hope I stay feeling well throughout today.  We'll see :)

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  • mcgis
    mcgis Member Posts: 291
    edited May 2013

    Hello!

    I had my first chemo treat on Tuesday. I handled it well. They said it could take 5-6 hours but they were able to speed it up some so I was out of there just after 1pm. I felt fine yesterday too, thanks to the Dexamethasone. Last night was OK. I woke up a number of times feeling a little nauseous but I just read and fell back to sleep.

    I HATE this waiting period of seeing how my body will react. Will I actually get sick? Will I have diarrhea? 

    And also waiting to find out if I'll lose my hair? Maybe just thin? I'm quite nervous. 

    Being that it's my first treatment I'm hanging at home for the remainder of the week till I know what will happen.

    I've been drinking lots of water. After reading some posts pink lemonade sounds good. Might have to have the hubby grab some for me today. My sister got me some Ginger Tea I thought I will try. At night I've been drinking a cup of  chamomile tea. That helps, I think.

    How long after your treatments do you feel totally gross/sick? What day did you start to lose your hair? 

    Hang in there ladies. I'm pulling for you all and I too can't wait to "see" ya all on some survivor board in the future.

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  • mcgis
    mcgis Member Posts: 291
    edited May 2013

    Does anyone know if we can take Unisome or something to help with sleep? 

    My nurses said chemo can often mimick how you felt during pregnancy. My sister mentioned she had such terrible morning sickness that she took Unisome to help her sleep so she wouldn't experience so much nauseousness. I was wondering if that might help?

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  • tori39
    tori39 Member Posts: 26
    edited June 2013

    Hi ladies, I'm thankful for everyone who keeps the conversation going. I had my first AC two Fridays ago, and I'm dreading the next one tomorrow, bec I had really bad nausea and vomiting for 5 days. They put Emend and dexamethasone during my chemo but by evening I was so nauseous I took compazine, and had to call triage nurse if I could take Ativan immediately, too. Nurse was surprised I didn't have zofran since Ativan and compazine are both tranquilizers! But they let me take both. I was given zofran the next day when I went back for my neulasta and hydration. It worked for a bit so I'll ask the dr tom to add zofran to my cocktail. I also took Claritin-D. The nurse said it has to be the one behind the counter, not regular Claritin. It's still non-prescription but you have to ask pharmacist for it. There's a 12hr and a 24 hr one. I chose the 12 hr one, and felt no bone pain from neulasta. I think that's the only SE that I skipped.

    I had my port inserted yesterday. It hurts like hell. But I got poked 8 times during chemo and hydration that I'm thinking this should be worth the pain. I asked the surgeon for numbing cream but he said I won't need it! He said to ask my oncologist if I feel I do need it. I don't know if I'd be able to withstand pain tomorrow considering how tender my port area is right now :( How I wish I had better veins.

    Sorry this is too long, but this is the first time I "found my voice". I've been so mad at the world for going through that first round of chemo. But I realize I have to speak up somewhere people actually know what I'm going through. Thanks again for keeping our May chemo thread going. If everyone is a lurker like some of us, we won't heat of the many awesome suggestions! Good luck to those getting theirs done today and tomorrow!

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    I took tylenol pm during chemo until it wasn't working to defeat the steroids and I started taking two ativan.  

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  • tori39
    tori39 Member Posts: 26
    edited May 2013

    Mcgis, from your post, this must be your day 3. If nausea didn't hit you yet, I imagine it won't hit you anymore. I had diarrhea on day 5 when I stopped the steroids. It lasted until day 7. Then kept coming on and off. Sprite, rice and applesauce helped me with the diarrhea. The Imodium made me vomit, or so I thought, so I didn't take that anymore. This is Day 14 for me, and I started seeing tiny wisps of hair on my pillow. It's pretty much on sched if you're doing dose dense AC. Not sure if it's the same with the other ladies doing different combo. Ginger tea with chamomile helped on day 5 onwards but nothing worked with my nausea before that. I'm not familiar with unisome, but Ativan worked for me even with the steroids. But it doesn't seem to work with some. I took the steroids at around 6 am and 6 pm, and took Ativan at 10. And it helped somehow.

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  • Worrywart9390
    Worrywart9390 Member Posts: 101
    edited May 2013

    hI goldie,  I am having 4 treatments of cytoxan and taxotere....I'm not sure what other treatment I mentioned, I am too dizzy to look back at my posts, but I'm supposed to have radiation, I was first told 6 weeks, but now my doctor told me that if I get them at the hospital I am being treated in (NY Presbyterian) that they are doing a 3 week more intense radiation, she wants me to go for a consulation, so I will.  I have 5% Progesterone so she is thinking of putting me on some hormone pill when I am done with chemo, she really hasnt discussed it too much with me, I will ask her on the next visit.   I had my 2nd chemo this past tuesday, today nulasta for the first time.

    Hope all is well, please keep me posted with the hair..I'm shedding but still ok.

    angie

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited May 2013

    Whew... Liked the Ativan ! Knocked the steroid right out last night & because it's cocktail day, I slept till I woke up at 7! Nice!



    Now coffee & procrastination & then shower & procrastination ..... Haha

    Do we really willingly go in to these apts! Haha



    Good luck to us all today with our infusions. May this round be kinder to us than the last!



    Happy toughts

    Lorrie

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    ChemoI'm hoping this shows up.  Okay, it's not, here is the link.

    http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A0PDoVxnfqdRoVYAY0aJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBlMTQ4cGxyBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1n?back=http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=pole+dancing+on+the+chemo+ward&fr=yfp-t-900&fr2=piv-web&tab=organic&ri=1&amp;w=330&amp;h=435&amp;imgurl=www.mchumor.com/00images/8352_cancer_cartoon.gif&amp;rurl=http://www.mchumor.com/hospital8_bframe.html&amp;size=57.3KB&amp;name=Cancer+Cartoon+8352:+"<b>Pole+Dancing+on+the+Chemo+Ward</b>."+A+couple+of+...&amp;p=pole+dancing+on+the+chemo+ward&amp;oid=46dcb2886d8f6b250139e6b6079670e2&amp;fr2=piv-web&amp;fr=yfp-t-900&amp;tt=Cancer+Cartoon+8352:+"<b>Pole+Dancing+on+the+Chemo+Ward</b>."+A+couple+of+...&amp;b=0&amp;ni=84&amp;no=1&amp;ts=&amp;tab=organic&amp;sigr=11ce7ejhc&amp;sigb=13n619r2b&amp;sigi=11g901pte&amp;.crumb=JVltgr2YpK5&amp;fr=yfp-t-900Dx 12/21/2012, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, Grade 3, ER-/PR-, HER2-Chemotherapy 01/10/2013 Adriamycin, Cytoxan, TaxolSurgery 05/22/2013 Mastectomy (Both); Lymph Node Removal: Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection (Right)

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    I read a post a day or two ago, and my brain wasn't working.  Can't remember if it was in here or not, but someone was complaining about not feeling well and their house was a mess.  Do you all know about cleaning for a reason?  They will come and clean your house for free during your cancer treatment (I think just once).  Look them up online and see if they provide service in your area.  More businesses are joining frequently.

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    Home from 3rd ac treatment...1 ac and 4 t's to go!



    Tori my hair started coming out day 13 after 1st dose. I then shaved head. I used ice pack on port it worked wonders for me. I cant imagine going thru chemo without it. I would demand the numbing cream. It is called emla. I wouldn't be poked without personally. Not sure why Dr wouldn't just write the script for it.



    Mcgis I have had little to none nausea and no diarrhea. Perhaps you will be lucky one too. My worst side effect has been taste,sore mouth but no sores and extreme sleepiness days 3 and 4. Dr did put me on heartburn medicine so that problem is non existent now. I have never been a good sleeper but never took anything for it. Finally asked and got prescription for ambient because I am worried about wearing my self down. Valuing and xanax were not working for sleep.



    Did ask doc about pools. Was told no public pools but backyard ok. Stay out days 7~9 due to low blood counts. Get in shower and moisturize right away because of chlorine.



    Hope everyone is feeling better and today's infusion gals are doing well



    Lisa

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  • mcgis
    mcgis Member Posts: 291
    edited May 2013

    What steroids are you all referring to? 

    Go With The Flow, I forgot about Tylenol PM. Perhaps I'll try that? Thanks.

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    Gowiththeflow great cartoon

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    On AC chemo, I got steroids in the iv, then more to take for the first few days afterwards.  On taxol, I just had steroids in the iv, nothing to take afterwards.

    Tylenol PM was fine according to my doctor.  Just run it by the oncologist or a nurse first to be sure.  Everyone is different.

    I cracked up at that cartoon, lpc.  I made a button using it, but ufortunately, you can't really see it well.  But it was good for a laugh during chemo.

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited May 2013

    Mcgis... Mine gave me dexamethasone 4mg to take 2 each eve prior to treatment and possibly 1 the next day as I get steroids with my infusion. Also ativan to counter feeling jacked up from the steroids.... Our med cabinet (we keep in the kitchen - I don't know why. Haha) is beginning to look like a pharmacy... LOL



    I didn't have them prior to my first treatment and the aches really kicked mu rear! He says this may help with some of those SEs.... We shall see.



    Hi Hoooooooo, it's off to chemo I gooooooooo!



    Happy thoughts

    Lorrie

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