Tips for newbie starting AC on Thursday

lmac101

Getting a little nervous. I am starting 4 AC treatments and then 4 Taxol on Thursday. Looking for some advice or tips to help me along. Got my hair cut Saturday and port goes in on Wednesday. Working full time with three teenage girls.

Janetanned

Imac - So sorry you have to go through this!  AC can be rough.  However, your onc should provide you with whatever meds you need to get through it.  Don't be a martyr, take whatever you have to avoid the nausea.  I made the mistake of waiting until I felt really sick before medicating.  My MO told me to be more proactive, address each SE before it gets out of control.  Drink plenty of fluids every day, especially before and after tx.  Bring small snacks and drinks to each infusion.  Stock up on bland foods.  I loved 'white' foods during tx.  Rinse your mouth with a mild salt solution.  A little lemon in your water makes it taste so much better.  Get plenty of sleep.  Don't be afraid to call your MO if you have concerns or questions.  Avoid people who are sick.  Your immune system will take a beating and you will be more susceptible to illness.  I ended up in the ER twice with high fevers.  Take the neulasta shot if possible.  It will help your blood counts remain acceptable.  Go wig shopping.  Take your girls and have some fun.  My daughter picked out both of my wigs.  I asked for her help with all of my head coverings.  I think it helped her feel like she was supporting me.  See a counselor or join a group.  it really helps to have someone put everything in perspective for you.

Most of all, take care of yourself!  Cut back on your responsibilities and let others take care of you for a change.  If family and friends ask what they can do, give them little chores.  Maybe a few meals could be made, or someone could take over your carpool duties. 

I'm sure others will come along with more suggestions.

Good luck! 

GoWithTheFlow

Stock up on easy to prepare foods.  We would frequently go to Trader Joes and pick up frozen stuff to have on hand.  I liked their vegetable nests (kind of like veggie tempura you cook in a toaster oven), the pizzas, Campbell's chicken and rice soup.  I found myself drinking a lot of water and making crystal lite lemonade to drink.  i did buy some rootbeer and made rootbeer floats for a treat occasionally.  Keep crackers on hand to nibble on.

Make this a time to let your teens learn some independence.  I had been guilty of not teaching my 15 year old son how to cook his own food.  He's learned over the last 7 months.  He's also stepped up and helped me with laundry, cleaning, etc.  I asked for and got help with getting him to activities for months also.    

People WANT to help but don't know how.  Asking for help allows them to feel good about helping you, and allows you to take care of yourself first.

lpc

Imac I had very few problems with dose dense ac. I developed acid reflux and was treated with protonix. Never needed nausea meds. If you get neulasta please ask if you can take claritin 24 to keep bone pain at bay. I would get infusion on a Thursday and sleep all day Saturday and Sunday. I worked 32 hours week of infusion and 40 hours week after.



I have had 2 of 4 dd taxol. 3rd one coming up Thursday. I have harder time with taxol. Most think it is easier but have had lots of bone and muscle pain on Sundays and Monday's. I take b6 b12 and alpha lipoic acid to prevent neurapathy and it is working. Dr gave me tramadol for the pain. Will see this week if it works. I am now working 40 hours each week...I work retail on my feet. It is definitely doable.



I did get a wig but it is so darn hot I ditched it in favor of bball cap. My hair started shedding heavily on day 12 so I got it shaved on day 14.



You will get through this.



Lisa

lmac101

Thanks for all the suggestions! My girls have been so supportive I know they will continue. I will jerk you updated.



Go with the flow ~ glad you are almost done.



Lpc ~ wish you luck on your next taxol.

2bluestars

Imac, I'm sorry you are going through this.  I was so worked up over doing chemo, I couldn't eat or sleep, cried all the time, scared out of my mind.  I seriously thought heck with it, I'm not doing it, almost didn't go to my first infusion.  However, the infusion was truly painless, and uneventful.  And I swear, I have had NO se's other than a slight headache and constipation.  I feel mostly normal.  I know the se's a cumulative, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be like the first round.  The fear of the unknown is worse.

I'm doing dd ACT four times each (8 total) every other week.  It is doable, hang in there.  You can do this. 

Edited to add at the time I posted this, I wasn't aware of how bad the constipation was, so my advice, be very pro-active with softners and such. 

SheilaB330

I had my first AC via a port last Thursday July 18 and a shot of Nulestra Friday July 19. I used Lidocaine over my port an hour before to numb area. I was so grateful it was not a big deal and honestly did not feel " the poke." The oncology nurse went very slow hand injecting the Adriamycin into the main line of the port-- slow and steady. The Cytoxin was allowed to drip and got an "ice cream" headache which nurse said she will dial speed back for me next time. Women with migraines more apt to have headache. Used to get them pre-menopause.



The nurse who injected the Nulestra did so very very slowly. This too helps with any pain.



I have taken ant-nausea meds as prescribed and they hold it to manageable level. So far, so good. One day at a time. Nothing is too much. Grateful for meditation practice and the sheer number of guided imagery CDs which can be powerful for engaging your life into healing. Think for me message is to stay as much in the present and leave the rest to my spiritual practice - we only live life one moment at a time.



Good luck and good health.

jcolford

My advice with Taxol is to make sure you let your onc know as soon as you start to get any neuropathy (sp?). I finished taxol in January and still have it in my feet. I tried to be tough and suffer through it but when I finally did let them know they were able to adjust my dosage which saved my hands.

Also, be very religious on taking your meds when they are supposed to be taken it will save you a lot of grief with nausea, etc. Drink lots and lots of water.

Good luck!