Starting Chemo January 6, 2014

belleb

I just got my period today - 11 days after chemo! It's not when I would normally get it, so I thought it was weird. Glad I'm not the only one. Today I went and had my genetic counseling appointment and sent off bloodwork to the lab for the testing. I also went and picked out a wig (our hospital provides one to every cancer patient). It's not very comfortable, but it will work in a pinch! I'm envisioning just wearing scarves, etc...for the most part, but you never know when you might want to go somewhere and just blend in a bit more.

Mor

I am now 10 days out from first chemo.  No more aches, loose stools, not constipated.  

However I have never been so tired.  I thought By now I would be able to to normal things, like paying bills, vacuuming, cleaning, etc.  not so.  If I start, in 10 minutes, I must rest.  Had lab work done 2 days ago and I have appointment with MO on Monday to go over results.

I have a cold and when I blow my nose, I have loose blood in the tissue.  Not a great deal, but enough that I will pass it by the MO in a phone call today.  Saturday.

How do you get enough nourishment and all the protein your body needs when nothing, absolutely nothing (except chocolate) tastes edible.  I am sure others have this problem and I would like to know how you cope with this problem.

Starting tomorrow our local library is having meditation classes.  I think it might be good for me, teach me how to relax.  I take Ativan for sleep.  Take it between 9:30 and 10:00.  Takes 45 to 90 minutes to fall asleep.  Up around 12:30 to pee.  Go right back to sleep....then up again for another pee around 3:30 or 4:00.  At this time, I usually have a bowel movement.  Then I am awake for the day.  I have never been a good sleeper so this does not surprise me.

Mor

Carol99

good morning,

 I'm heading in on Monday for my last AC:)

For me the SE's were worse with each infusion, I'm nervous, I wish I could be put to sleep for the next week!

Enjoy the weekend!

Wipa

hey everyone.  Feeling like crap today, day 2 of my second AC.  I had my MO take out the steroid this time, was giving me palpitations.  I felt fine day 1 Last time, this time called into work.  Stomache  ache and headache yesterday, today is body aches.  Headache isn't as bad as last time.

Hair started falling out right at the 2week mark.  Going to get it cut today.  Figure I can have that for about a week before it all goes.  Did my period this week as well, wouldn't mind if that went away.

Here's wishing everyone a good day

Brwneyedgirl

8 days out from chemo #1.  Feel pretty good other than intestinal stuff still going on.  I am eating 5 smaller meals per day and still loosing weight everyday.  Mind you I could stand to loose a lot but my Drs were pretty adamant about not loosing weight.  Should I be concerned?

Crazywabbit

have you tried some protein supplements.  I make smoothies with greek yogurt and frozen fruit. Also use sometime use  protein power with milk and frozen fruit.  I have avoided using fresh berries and any fresh greens in them, concerned about low WBCs and bacterial contamination of fresh items. If it is not frozen, cooked or peeled I am avoiding it for now.  I really miss fresh salads but like wine I can live without if for the next few months.

Barbara

Brwneyedgirl

I am going to look for a protein powder today, lactose and soy free.  I too miss salads and fresh fruit.  I am going to make Brussel sprouts tonight with dinner.  I can't wait.  I will cook them longer than usual to kill any bacteria.  I am doing the frozen, peeled, canned or cooked thing too for now.  Thank you for the info.

tekwriter

For me I use the extra protein ensure or boost.  I try to find the lower sugar drinks since I am diabetic. I drink those or a powdered protein mixed with whole milk when I don't want to eat.  I have lost a little over 10 pounds since starting chemo.  I am obese morbidly so and I doubt they will say anything unless weight starts coming off super rapidly.  Even if they do they can stuff it.  I am doing the very best I can to eat healthy and keep my protein  up.

Carol99

I got a recipe from December sister for smoothie.  I made one today, I used frozen blueberries, mixed berries, ensure  powder - vanilla,almond milk- vanilla, baby spinach, blended.  It was really good.

atlbc

I am 12 days out from 1st TCH.  I do not have a port.  The hand used for the infusion has a red rash on the back side going up my arm.  My chemo nurse says that it is taxotere burn.  Has anyone experienced this?  Looks like I am getting a port after all.  

Diamond_lil

hi all, I am eating a regular diet including salads and fresh foods. I was told to avoid soft cheeses and processed meat, but that's about all. What is the thinking behind these extremely limiting diets?

LIL

Brwneyedgirl

I got my port 2 days before my first chemo and although I it was sore I was glad I did it.  Made it much less painful.  I hate having an IV.

Diamond_lil

hi again, just another thought, so you limit good fresh food and then add supplements? I'm confused!

Brwneyedgirl

I can have fresh veggies if they are cooked. No raw unpeeled fruits or veggies.  So, I eat a lot of asparagus, Brussel sprouts and green beans.  

Crazywabbit

I think the risk of fresh uncooked produce is small but I figure when my WBC counts are so low  I would rather not chance any bacterial contamination. You hear so many recalls for E. coli and salmonella in fresh produce, berries and even melons that I prefer not to risk it.  I figure I can live for a few months without those foods.  I do not handle raw chicken or meat without wearing latex gloves either.  Preferable I make my husband to the raw meats.  If my WBC  counts stay reasonable on taxol I may expand my diet. I am just so paranoid about infections and so far I have been able to avoid them.  

Barbara

rabbitvelvet

I am using the Boost protein shakes now.  Plus I bought some lactose free vanilla ice cream to add to the Boost 'milkshake'.  I am skittish about lactose but I am able to tolerate a single serving frozen California Pizza Kitchen cheese pizza (has 18 grams of protein). I also eat a lot of canned fruit but still reserve the occasional fresh fruit to mix in my  non dairy yogurt or cottage cheese.  20 years ago while living in San Diego I had two episodes of severe food poisoning so I am fanatical about food cleanliness.  I spray everything (can lids included) with a 1:10 sol. of diluted white vinegar& then I use a brush to clean the fruit (incl. bananas).  My understanding was that I could have cleaned/organic fruit and produce in moderation if I was not going through a neutropenia episode. 

 

birdlover23

Marren - Emend and Taxol are prepared the same way, very technical, but it makes sense to me.  I get Kytril and steroid in IV right before chemo infusion.  Have steroid for at home 3 days post chemo, and Compazine and Zofran to take as needed.

Enjoying the Olympics.  At least we can watch them when we have time - great way to take mind off of yourself

Diamond_lil

hi again, I'm still confused regarding food. Where are you guys getting your info about bacteria and food? Is it your oncologist recommending no fresh foods and adding protein via shakes etc? Is the diet your taking deficient in protein? And if so why? So many questions from me, sorry. Why can't we eat a normal diet based on fresh, wholesome, well prepared food?

And I would have thought that the US would have some formidable food safe policies!

A confused LIL

myra104

Day after #3 and I didn't change my underwear today, lol!  All I can think is how crappy I feel, this too shall pass, and 1 AC LEFT!!

Asb

I have not been told by any of my doctors to restrict any foods. I have still been eating normally.  My chemo nurse told me to make sure I have a lot of protein and vitamin c after a tx. I do avoid salad bars. 

Sunshower

I wasn't put on any diet restrictions either...My MO just said to make sure I was eating enough protein since it helps your body heal and renew healthy cells. I think the concern with fresh fruits and veggies is there is an risk of contamination, but I have continued to eat fresh fruits and veggies. I clean them really well with vinegar or a veggie cleaner spray. I also am avoiding salad bars or getting salads out since who know how they prepared it and how clean they are.  

tekwriter

Most of the literature tells you to avoid things without a peel like cantaloupe and banana's. I have had some salad and a few other items and been okay. so far. I think a lot would depend on how much trouble you are having with your chemo. I have had very few se's with my AC so far. I only have one infusion left before starting TAXOL so we will see how that one goes.

CarpeVinum

My onc team told me no buffet restaurants and no sushi. Other than that they said eat whatever I feel like eating.

I need to read back pages and pages to catch up with everybody! This board is really moving!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend

Marren

atlbc- I'm also on the TCH but I also have perjeta. And I noticed a burn during the chemo, but it subsided. But my arm was sore for days after. I'm 13 days post my first chemo. I felt dizzy and nausea for about  9 days. Just starting to feel a bit normal. But so tired. They gave me the nuelasta shot a week after chemo, and they said my WBC is at 59,000. 10x normal, I hope thats ok.? 

I get my port put in Monday, tomorrow. I'm pretty scared I've never had any type of surgery. I've only been in to have my two kids, but thats it. I've heard it's pretty simple though.

As for food I think as long as you wash everything well. Whole foods are best. My doc just said no sushi. And my acupuncturist(which my dr has for free,pretty cool) said to cook my veggies so your body doesn't have to work so hard since your digestive system is compromised during chemo. Which made sense. 

I sent my hair off to hip hats. Has anyone else done that? I thought I saw someone mention it. 

I still have my hair but I'm expecting it to go any minute.

sammie10

Hello!  What a great group, I've got a couple questions.  I am having my second round of TCH Thursday, have had 1 of 4 and had weekly herceptin since.  I've been able to work through this first cycle; I feel lucky for that.  I had the normal SE's first round but mildly enough to handle with the over-the-counter remedies, biotene for sore mouth and tongue issues, ducolax & hi-fiber for early constipation, imodium for the later diarrhea, nasogel for the bloody sinus, benadryl cream for the neck-rash (itchy-itchy!!), lost a lot of my hair last week, shaved it and am wearing wig/hats.  The 2 big surprises to me have been the horrible soapy-salty taste in my mouth and the pain following the neulasta shot.  I love water and didn't anticipate any problem following advice to keep drinking lots to flush the system but I can not drink plain water at all - it tastes like the old colonoscopy prep.  So it has been watered down juices and clear carbonated drinks.  I finally tried adding a couple slices of lemon and that has done the trick!  The neulasta pain was severe enough to keep me from sleeping and lasted 4 - 5 days and I am dreading this go round because of it.  My center had me take zyrtec with it; I usually take claritin and may try it this go round, I've seen so many ladies recommend it here.  Anyone heard it is better than zyrtec for the neulasta pain?  Anyone had lessening of the bone pain after the first time?  

Sandy

otceb

Hi Sammie, I did not have any pain from the Neulasta shot  - I took a Claritin the day before, the day of, and the day after. Some women take it for longer, but I did not need it. We can all relate to the feeling of not being able to drink more water anymore (I was feeling sick from it on day 1 of chemo!), you seem to have found good alternatives. Another drink I heard is easy on us is tea (ginger tea, etc.), I have not tried yet.

I'm day 9 after chemo #1, still feeling good. No change in taste buds and only extremely mild nausea, so I've actually gained weight in the past weeks!  Back to running since yesterday, hopefully this will take care of things. I try to be careful with germs, but because I feel so well and think the Neulasta will take care of my WBC, I'm probably not careful enough. I eat whatever fresh fruits and veggies I want, I've never washed them in more than just water, I should probably be more careful.

The tough thing for me up to now is the F* hair. I got it cut 2 days ago, I look awful. My wig is too poofy, my hairdresser trimmed it but it's still bad, so I'll have him work on it again this week. This year of baldness/short hair will be very long, I better get used to it...

Good luck to all who have infusions this week!

atlbc

Sammie- I had my first TCH on 1/27.  I used Claritin the day before Neulasta, the day of and 5 days after.  I had a few aches in my lower back and that was all.  I used Target's generic for Claritin.

lisacm

I'm day 17 after starting A/C. My hair is coming out in clumps. I'm not shaving it yet. I'm a lot more upset Than I  thought I would be. Intellectually I knew this would happen, but as the days went by after my first chemo and no hair was lost  I thought, hmmm... Maybe I won't lose hair. Silly I know. I'm dreading looking like a cancer patient.  I'm just so damn sad

Carol99

I found losing my hair, when it was falling out, way more traumatic than after I shaved it.  It was everywhere.

It was better after I made the decision to shave it.  Now I wear hats, scarves &.big earrings.  At home I wear comfy winter caps.

Asb

I have actually gained a couple of pounds also. I am not sure if that is the herceptin or all the meals people are providing. I was told not to go to the gym anymore but the weather has been too crappy to get outside and walk and we are supposed to get more ice/snow this week. I feel really good but working is about all I can accomplish. I seem to get more frequent headaches at night. 

Sammie10 My SE from round two were about the same as round 1, I had more fatigue but was back to work on Tuesday after chemo the previous Thursday. Sunday and Monday are the worst days for me. I have had some diarrhea the last two days, but not severe (this would be day 10 after 2nd TCH ) I am not sure if it is a SE or if I caught a bug. My mo said to expect it.

I am finding out that my head is too small for just about any hat I try on, I look ridiculous and very cancer pathetic. I bought a wig liner so that is much more comfortable.

I hope everyone has a good week.