Starting Chemo in December 2013

keepthefaith

amy, tea tree oil, sry. I found it at my grocery store.

waterdog

Port on Wednesday and starting Thursday barring any insurance issues. I have to say, it scares me to be posting on this string but there we have it. I have absolutely now idea where to begin although I just wrote down the recipe for mouth rinse so I guess that's a start. I just told my office and some co-workers in the past day because I didn't want to show up bald without an explanation. I guess I better have a quick learning curve. I'll be reading all of the posts for tips.

keepthefaith

waterdog, sorry you found yourself here. I started TX on the 3rd. Starting to lose my hair today:(. So far losing my hair has been my worst fear and I am surviving! Of course, I haven't lost it all yet! I have been lucky so far with few SE's and they have been minimal in severity. I hope yours are, too. You will find that everyone has different SE's and coping tools, but we are all in this together and here for each other.

((HUGS))

Carol99

Waterdog, I am also starting A/C this week, tomorrow actually. I'm scared of the side effects, hair loss, this thread is so great, I feel like everyone is so open and helpful. We will get through it!

I went back to work last week with time off needed going forward but I told everyone about my treatment too, i don't want to just show up bald I found great support & prayers from most.

Had to tell my brother that he and his young family couldn't come & stay with me NY's eve. I mean really? Not gonna be up for company! I know he wants to help but that would be a bit much I think. I'm feeling a little guilty bu there was no way.

I'll post how I'm feeling tomorrow!

Take it easy everyone!

Carol99

keepthefaith, sounds like you are doing well, hair loss is something I dread too! I hope my SE's are minimal too.

I'm stocking up on hats, it's c-c-cold here, we got about 10" of snow last night, yuck!

momat927

waterdog, sorry you have joined our club, but at least it is a club filled with remarkably supportive women. We are all rowing together. Amy

kjfromca

Hello ladies, I have a couple of questions and comments.

Question: I noticed that some of you are taking a steroid to help with SE's, what is it and is it for nausea?

Question: There is a chance that I might, if all goes well with my white blood count, get my port this week. I am scheduled for 2nd round on Thurs. I was wondering how painful when put in close to your chemo round?

Waterdog - Sorry you are having to go through this, but we are here for you.

NEskir99 - I am sorry about the situation with your brother. I think that you made a wise decision regarding New Years Eve, there are just too many situations that we will find ourselves in over these next months from SEs to low blood counts, the list goes on.

Kim

momat927

kjfromca, The day before chemo with Taxotere, the day of, and the day after, I was on large amounts of steroids- Dexamethasone- which, apparently, protects against possible allergic reactions to Taxotere. I am not sure about its relationship with nausea, but I never had to deal with that at all. Amy

KLI

I get the steroid twice a day the day before the day of and the day after. I think it does help some with the nausea but my nausea days were worst after that.

I will also be getting an arm port 3 days before my next chemo if my blood counts are ok.

I am still hibernating from germs we got lots of snow.

Welcome those of you joining.

Hope everyone is doing well.

DJJ

klfromca,

I am doing A/C for the first four rounds. I took the steroid Dexamethasone twice a day for 3 days after. The paperwork they gave me on it says "Dexamethasone interferes with the pathways responsible for nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy." As soon as I was done with the Dex the nausea hit, ugh! I'm going to ask about it before my second round on Friday and see if I can take it for another day or two. It also gave me a ton of energy.

I am scheduled to get my port tomorrow (Monday) morning. I was told that it could be used right away and wouldn't be painful. Besides the pain of the incision. I'm a little nervous about getting it. They don't knock you completely out and I think that is what is scaring me. Just knock me out already!!! Hmmmm, perhaps I could be knocked out until April and wake up when this is over, cancer free!

djj

kjfromca

Thanks for the info. ladies. I think they might change my anti nausea drugs with the next treatment, so I was curious, they throw so many names of drugs out there it is hard to remember what is what.

DJJ - Let me know how the port placement goes. Best wishes.

Kim

jackieak

I had the steroid in my AC last Thursday, and also a prescription. I did take one full pill the day after and half a dose the following day. I was also on the Zofran during and after, so it seemed like allot to fight off nausea. I have felt like I have the flu, mild flu since chemo.

I'm more worried about the neulasta shot SE coming....and today is day 3 I have not washed my hair, I'm at home so only my family sees my greasy hair! Have wigs and hats ready but determined to keep it as long as it's feasible. I cut 8 inches off already, so less to pick up.

My port was put in with my BMX, and has caused no issues, it's the implants and the underarm pain that's bothersome.

keepthefaith

jackie, glad you are faring pretty well so far. Seems like my neulasta pain started pretty quickly. I did take Claritin, so maybe it was the chemo causing the pain...guess I will never know! I cut off 10" of my hair and it's now in a short bob. I will probably be cutting it again tomorrow or Tuesday as it is starting to fall out as of today. Wearing a hair net to try to keep it contained. My head hurts in a few places like when you take it down after being in a pony tail for a while. In a way I want it just to be gone, but I am going to see if I lose it all or some of it will hang on!

Where are you in Alaska? I lived in Anchorage in my teens. Elmendorf-my step dad was in the AF. Didn't mind the cold then, but couldn't do it now. Amazingly beautiful place. As a teen, I didn't appreciate all of the beauty, but still did manage to drive the coast and get out to enjoy it once in a while.

((HUGS)) to all~

Tobyholicdeb

I'm getting my port tomorrow and starting chemo on Dec 27th. I'm terrified. Will I have a heart attack, stroke, blood clots? I'm so afraid of the chemo that I'm sick to my stomach and I cry all the time. I'm not worried a lot about the cancer.........just the treatments. Am I being weird or does everyone else feel the same? My first grandchild is supposed to be born on the day of my first chemo, which makes me more depressed. I don't have anyone to talk to and I'm hoping everyone here will help me get through it.

RobinLK

Toby, the list of possible SE's is scary. I knew what the most common were, but when I started to read through ALL of them I freaked. Started to really panic and asked my MO for Ativan to help me relax. The Ativan did help me to stop obsessing over the "what-ifs." My SE's have been relatively mild and treatable with medications. Perfectly understandable reaction you are having. First grandchild is a really big deal, how frustrating that must be. As hard as it is, this treatment is supposed to help us be around for years to come, to enjoy those grand babies.

QuirkyGirl

Welcome Toby and I'm sorry this is so hard. You're going to be okay and everyone's going to see you through it. Some of the SE can be rough but it's so personal to the individual it's hard to predict what anyone's experience will be like. The things I feared the most have not come to pass. You're in the right place. There are other threads about specific chemo treatments you may also find helpful. Big hugs to you and congratulations on that upcoming grand baby!

keepthefaith

Welcome Toby-sorry you found yourself here, but glad you did find us! The DX is scary and the thought of SE's are also. It's not weird to feel afraid. We all experience different SE's. Yours may be very mild, as mine have so far. Most of them can be controlled before they even happen. If not, your Dr's will give you something to help. The people here that have been through them will be a tremendous help in giving you tips also. I will have my 2nd TX the day after Christmas and am also expecting a grandson on the 31st.  Congratulations! Grandchildren are a precious gift and you will be amazed at how wonderful they make you feel, even when you think you are at your worst. Great medicine for sure. Just post when you feel you want to vent, cry, scream, chime in or whatever. We are all in this together and here for each other.

((HUGS))

jackieak

I live in Anchorage keepthefaith, for 20 years now, it is gorgeous and long winters can get depressing if you don't get out, and I think this will be my longest winter ever!

We have normally headed to Hawaii for Xmas holiday planned 8 months ago and then we hop to Las Vegas for New Years, have done this for several years. Except this year of course our lives have been rudely interrupted ( as you all can relate). The first MO I met said, "let's do two AC and you should be fine to do your trips, just have to be careful". I thought are you kidding??? I want to fly around feeling sick, losing hair and not partake in anything? And wouldn't even be 6 weeks out of BMX. The MO I have said total opposite, at least I can handle that reality of not being able to keep our plans.

They say the treatment is allot harder than the disease, and I too was and am very afraid of heart issues, nerve damage, no hair coming back....and I know I will want to quit doing this each time, with this support forum and my family I hope to continue to be in Hawaii next year. My best to all for a great evening

KLI

Toby your fears sound familiar to a lot of us, the unknown is scary.. It helps to hear others coping with things also.

I remember earlier someone mentioning using the sancuso patch for nausea I will be trying it for round 2 was wondering what those of you who used it experienced?

momat927

Toby, my 2nd chemo is Dec 27 Let's check in on each other! I believe a port permits a blood thinner to be injected at the end of each treatment, Heparin. You can check with your MO, but that is the case with mine. That inhibits blood clotting As for the rest, I too was terrified (and furious ) the week before my chemo. I felt incredibly deeply alone, though I am not. I think, as many have shared, these are the emotions of cancer & chemo. You make complete sense to me. Amy

J4DC

just some info for the ladies who are getting their port soon: I had my port placed on the left chest two days ago. It wasn't that bad. I wasn't completely out, just some local anesthesia. I felt some pushing and pressure and that's about it. They gave me some medicine so I wasn't nervous at all. I had some good chat with my nurses there. The whole procedure took about 0.5 hr + some prep time. I was then transferred into a recovery room, hooked up with EKG and blood pressure measurement for about an hour. I took a good nap. :-) They released me an hour later. Later of the day, I felt some pain and saw some bruises around the port, but the pain was manageable. It felt like I had a strained neck because where the port is. I did take Tylenol to help me sleep, but it wasn't absolutely nessasary. I was almost back to normal the next day. It was really not a bad procedure considering its alternative. Good luck!

Starting chemo next Wed (12/18). Can't wait to get it over with.

lorreymom

Hi,

Second chemo (FEC) hit me harder. Major nausea, no vomiting. Took my meds as prescribed & took extra gravol on top of that (at advice of my chemo nurse). Yuck...I hate the nausea! Got myself a bit dehydrated cuz I couldn't even look at water or fluids of any kind. Sipped on ginger ale & sparkling water with lemon...forcing myself to take in fluids...refuse to go to hospital for yet another IV! Good news with second neulasta shot...so far bone pain is only mild. It is day 3 of this second cycle. So fingers crossed that it is uphill from here.

Fight on!!

kjfromca

J4DC - Thanks for the info.

Lorreymom - I am sorry you feel so sick, I can relate. Make sure you are drinking those liquids as much as you hate it right now. You need to keep hydrated. Take care.

Kim

count_it_all_joy

Hey all -

trying to catch up on posts, so many new people starting this second half of the month. Everyone is right to say be informed, but hope for the best. There is such a range of how people's body handles these meds.

Encouraging you ladies all to take good care of yourselves during those nadir times! I went in to the ER room last Wednesday night (day 7) because I had started to feel better after treatment, then relapsed and was feeling awful, and my temp hit 100.8. My daughter had been home sick and my husband was just feeling the effects that night. He had been crazy about keeping us all separate/giving me my own bathroom and bed/sanitizing the house, etc, while Eve was sick, but apparently didn't work anyway. The ER room went into overdrive when they heard the word "neutropenic" - we were in our own room within 60 seconds, with dr.'s and nurses drawing blood, taking cultures, starting IV antibiotics, taking chest x-ray, CT scan. It was crazy. Long story short, my white blood cell count was 900, and they admitted me. Neuprogen shot brought my count up to 6000 within a couple days, but I was having such raging headaches that they wouldn't release me until they did another CT scan and MRI to rule out spread to my brain. I had not reacted well to the Neulasta shot (up for 2 nights crying with bone and head pain), so I think my body just did not handle that second shot. Then my WBC went to normal - and then overshot to 12000. MRI showed all good, but sinus inflammation, so it is likely just my body dealing with the viral sinus infection. Fought to go home last night, once I knew the MRI was normal. It is hard to get good sleep in a hospital, and the nurse agreed they were not doing anything by then that I couldn't do at home.

So… home, determined to make myself rest like I'm supposed to, and not try to dig in to things that need doing here. Becky, your message concerned me. Please take my experience to heart. This is a serious battle, and we women/moms are not well suited to letting balls drop if we feel like we can possibly manage it. But what you "can do", and what you "need to do" are very different things at the moment. Long term, you love your family most and best by protecting your health.

Mary

DJJ

kjfromca, Port procedure went fine. I had myself all worked up for nothing. My anesthesiologist gave me a choice of drugs that make me loopy and not care or drugs that knock me out. I chose knock me out!! I tried to get him to knock me out until April, but he wouldn't do it I went to sleep and woke up with a port! Now I'm resting with an ice pack took Ibuprofen with minimal pain. The doc said I can take my spin class tomorrow.

Toby, what you're feeling is perfectly normal. The chemo gives me terrible heart burn that scares me and sometimes I lay there at night gripped with fear wondering if it really is heartburn or if I'm having a heart attack. I live alone so I'm double scared nobody's there to help so I keep my phone in my hand during those time. But mostly I repeat what my oncologist said when she told me about the possible SE "Now those are RARE so I want you to push those out of your mind and concentrate on this fight!" As the side effects have abated I have gotten back to working out, from just slow walks, my body feels stronger and that also helps me fight the fear. Walk, walk, walk. It really helps.

jackieak, I was going to Hawaii for two weeks in January for the first time. My MO suggested not going because of SE I wouldn't probably enjoy it so much. It was all hiking and kayaking and snorkeling so I knew I would probably miss most of that. But my friends and I are now scheduling a trip to Peru for my celebration when this is all over with!

Lorreymom, I'm sorry your 2nd chemo hit you harder. I've been warned about that and am nervous. My next chemo is Friday and I fly home for Christmas Saturday. I hope I'm not sick the whole trip. My mom says she'll take care of me and spoil me. It will be nice!

Count_it_al, glad you're ok now. How scary.

One foot in front of the other...that's all we can do.

OneTexasDay

my DH and DS are both sick. I was feeling OK but now it is apparent that if nothing else I am getting the mother of all either yeast infection or bladder infections.

Any recommendation in what I ahould so nip this in the bud so it doesn't impact my holiday or my second chemo (12/27)?

kjfromca

Count it all - Thank God you are ok, what an ordeal.

DJJ - I am glad your port placement with smooth. Thanks for sharing. You just motivated me to get off my butt and go for a walk today, the sun is shining.

Kim

count_it_all_joy

One Texas Day - have you ever taken fluconozole? I hope I'm spelling that right. It's a one-pill treatment that works really well for me. (assuming it's a yeast infection… if it's a bladder infection, you'll need some good antibiotics soon). You would need a prescription for it. If things are already advanced, an over-the-counter cream for the symptoms would help until the pill knocks it out. Hope you feel better soon!

count_it_all_joy

lorreymom- happy to hear your neulasta was better… so sorry about the extra nausea! can you bring yourself to nibble on things like peeled apple slices or watermelon that are food but have extra water in them…?

keepthefaith

OTD, I had a yeast infection and thrush together. They are a fungus. OTC Monistat worked for me along with daily yogurt. Without being too graphic, a yeast infection will "show" itself. You will have sore(s) and maybe itching. . My MO gave me a RX, but I didn't have to use it. Like "count it all"  said, you will have to get anti-biotics for a bladder infection. Have you checked your temp for fever? I would call your MO's office and let them know what your symptoms are. I think bladder infections are not that uncommon with chemo either.  Make sure you stay hydrated and empty your bladder when you need to! Good luck-keep us posted.