Starting Chemo October 2014

enlm20Erica

hi all!  I'm new to this post I actually start chemo Nov 17 but couldn't find a Nov post. I'm taking Cytoxan and taxotere 4 rounds any advice would help. Nervous but trying to prepare myself. 

Becca9800

Thanks to all for the support, very appreciated. I'm going the way of scarves, just don't want to fuss with hair. 

Leto! You're gorgeous,Girl! 

I grabbed the bull by the horns too and shaved the ol noggin. It was fading fast and I honestly couldn't stand the thought of it coming out in clumps. My 22 year-old daughter did the honors and when she was done she looked me over and said, "I'm not going to lie, that style is bad-ass!" I was flattered. It was tough to make the call but I'm relieved it's a done deal. Looking forward to what I'm going to get when it make its come-back, hoping for curls the next time around  

Becca9800

enlm, glad you found this Board, it's a great site for info and support. The best advice anyone gave me was 'one day at a time and before you know, this will be but a blip on your radar screen of life'. Good stuff, huh! That said, you need to start a November post. Not that you're not wanted round these parts but there is nothing better than taking a journey with others who are going to the same place. So start that November post and make sure to come back often to let us know how you're doing. 

She-Angel

Hi I am new to the website. I got my diagnosis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer 9/30/2014 and had to complete a mandatory physical assessment for work the next day that I blew out the water. Since then it seemed like I have been in a confused state of: "what is everyone waiting for get this crap out of me since then", but now that lymph node testing is done and biopsies of other areas things are progressing. My first chemo session is on Friday and that is when I find out what my cocktail will be. As this type of cancer responds very well to chemo I will have the surgery after I am done then radiation. I love my oncologist, he is smart, funny and tells me like it is without making me feel sick. When I asked could I shave my arms and legs, he said yes however you will lose the hair there so you don't need to. I wanted to know when would I lose my head hair. He was not evasive he said Day 16 is when hair starts to fall out, since I wear wigs sometimes to switch it up I have plenty. I have just never worn one with no hair. So while everyone else is gearing up for trick or treat I will be in the "infusion room" getting drugs.

ml143333

Welcome She-Angel!

Glad you found us!  Sounds like you are doing all you can right now.  Have you gotten your chemo back together?  I had fun putting mine together, but honestly didn't use any of the things I brought to occupy my time.  I spent the time talking with my husband and others.

Good luck on Friday.  Check back in and let us know how you are doing.

Sjacobs146

enlm20 I am doing the same regimen, my first treatment was this past Friday, next one Nov. 14.  So far, so good.  No nausea whatsoever thanks to the wonderful meds that they have.  They also give you steroids which make you hungry, so I've been eating normally so far.  So much for the silver lining of weight loss as a result of treatment.  The Neulasta shot I had on Saturday finally started affecting me.  I wouldn't call it bone pain, more of a twinge, just slightly uncomfortable.  Motrin helps.  My mouth is feeling odd starting today as well.  I've been using Biotene mouthwash to prevent sores.  Things are definitely not tasting normally today.  You should definitely start a November thread, but but check back with us since we're already experiencing what you'll be going through.  I will honestly say that this was not as bad as I anticipated so far.

Nik1966

enlm20 - I am starting chemo on 5th November.  I am nervous as well.  I am in New Zealand and am having 3 FEC followed by 3 Taxotere.

I have read with interest the experiences of you all in this thread.  Thanks for posting your experiences, tips and advice it has been invaluable to me.

HollyD

glad you are here November ladies, I started early October and wished I had jumped in on the September boards a bit more to know what to expect. There are wonderful helpful ladies in this thread and all across the board, I can't keep up at times. Spend some time reading through the threads for tips, but I'll try to follow up before the end of the week! 

I'm 4 days past my 2nd infusion and have stomach pain and cramping. Not sure if this is a common side effect or not? Was nauseous this morning and vomited and felt a little better but the cramps are still kicking. I have norco to help with some neulasta back pain but almost made the stomach cramping worse. Has anyone had cramping? I don't have diarrhea or anything. Yet 😳. I also got my stupid period, which I was hoping to not have to see this month, blah. Cramps are not associated w that though. They seem more intestinal. 

lost a good amount of hair, but still have alot with the cold caps, they seem to be working but it's still early. I can wear a small ponytail or hat and no one would know I'm going through this. Definitely some spots thinner than others but all coverable so far. 

cbooklvr

Waving at Nottoday from Berkeley, thanks fro the good wishes.

Leto you look amazing, very Sharon Stone, thanks for sharing your pic.

Becca I am also in denial about my hair coming out, I just under a week from my 1st chemo cycle so now nervously waiting for it to start.

I did better than expected after my infusion, no nausea. I was able to work on Friday with no issues and was ok on Saturday. Yesterday I felt pretty icky and almost did not make it to work this morning but was able to hang in there. Some muscle aches from the Nuelesta shot, but some ibuprofen helped.  Main issues are stomach cramping and weird taste in my mouth. Hopefully the worst is passing now.

Cherice

Mulligan

Leto you look awesome!

Welcome all new ladies!

Becca9800

I think my biggest beefs about this treatment are: the ceaseless and alternating constipation and diarrhea. I just want normalcy!!!! The lack of taste and awful tastes of food stuff. Most things have no tastes while others are downright repulsive. For example, who can't taste any flavor of the Nacho Cheese Dorito? Me. Nothing, not a hint of flavor can I detect. Plain, life-giving water, whether it's tap or bottled, is nasty. Just nasty. But what disturbs me the most is this nausea. I think it's in my head. There is no way I can actually be nauseated 14 days post infusion. Yet I feel it often, my appetite is not mine. Sometime just the thought of putting something in my mouth makes me want to hurl. And then there are times I can't eat enough. What gives? Anyone else experiencing this intermittent but lasting nausea? What do you do about it?   

Sjacobs146

Becca, how is your stomach normally?  Mine is pretty strong, even when pregnant, only a touch of nausea second time around, never vomited.  I don't get motion sickness,ever.  Some people have weaker stomachs, such as my next door neighbor.  She feels nausea just about every day, and she's healthy!  You might just be more susceptible to nausea.  Sorry to hear that you're not feeling well.

I have the taste issues right now.  Bland things are best.  I eat Cream of Wheat for breakfast.  Hard boiled eggs for lunch.  Coffee is meh, no Diet Coke, wine.  Of course I just keep eating things trying to find something that works so I don't think that I'll lose much.

ml143333

I hear you guys on the taste thing.  Water is repulsive!  Not many things taste the same as they used to.

I also have developed a keen sense of smell.  Oh my!   I find myself nauseous at many smells lately.  Just this past weekend, a friend brought over homemade, warm, fresh out of the oven lumpia.  Normally, I would have eaten some, but it was all I could do to take them from her and put them in the fridge.  The smell made me want to hurl.

I have always had a finicky stomach so I guess I just take the intermittent nausea the best I can.  I do find that almost two weeks out from my first infusion that I do have nausea on and off.  I just work through it.

I usually keep oyster crackers and ginger ale close by!

HollyD

Cherice It sounds like the worst may have passed for you, hopefully yesterday got a little easier. I had the bad taste/everything tasting like wood chips and as much as I hate drinking water, I found it helped to reduce that side effect quicker. It just tastes SO BAD. And my stomach is still cramping 5 days out, heating pad has been helping at home, also taking probiotics which are helping to keep things moving. Started salt and baking soda rinsing yesterday, I don't want the mouth coating to come back, so nasty! My hair even with cold caps started really falling out about day 20. The majority of it is gone but there is enough left. Not sure if it will make it through all 4 treatments but there's hope I guess. 

wendeeB

what is your passion? This morning when I was at the gym I was fortunate enough to have someone from the Chinese American basketball team asked for my advice. We spent probably a good 15 or 20 minutes talking about exercise physiology and nutrition. I'm so passionate about helping people in that aspect, and talking about it it's obviously that is where my passion lies. So, do you remember what your passion is? Think about it today.  remember the stuff that makes you feel good. I love to knit.. How about you? Crochet? I know there are quite a few auto racing fans on here. How about gymnastics or cheerleading? Do you love to cook or bake? I know this disease had taken over our lives but getting back to what truly makes us feel passionate can help alleviate some of that stress.

5 days out from infusion number 2. I feel pretty good today. This time, after infusion number one, I felt very sorry. I ended up having to take pain pills. This time I'm making do with Advil and so far so good .  I'm still rinsing with the baking soda, salt, and warm water at least 3 times a day. My mouth is a tad bit sore. But last time I got this nasty white coating, not thrush, but it made it a lot worse than this time.

I hope everybody is faring well. Have a fantastic day and blessing to all.

cbooklvr

Water taste strange to me also, plus tea which I love and drink daily. Now cran apple juice and ginger ale are my new buddies. Along with cheez it crackers and peanut butter toast.  I am happy that chocolate still taste yummy as ever.

I found eating crackers and drinking something helps with the stomach cramps. All good things to know for my next round

enlm20Erica

Sjacobs146, happy to see a familiar face my September Surgery Sister! Also glad to know it wasn't as bad as u expected. I read that eating ice or drinking an icy will help with the metal taste during treatment, not sure but I'll try. I will start that November post but I'll also check in here to try to"stay ahead". Thanks for the tips!

Becca, u kicked me out before I unpacked my bags! Lol just kidding, but you're right a November post should be started.

Kiwi, glad you're here (on the post) but I hate any of us had to go down this road but we're in the last stretch. Wishing you well as you begin your treatment! I'm gonna start a November post for us.

BookLady1

Becca - I'm just reaching out to you right now cause I could have written your post. I wanted to send you a private message but I started crying and couldn't figure it out. Yes I'm either constipated or having diarrhea,  I'm on and off nauseous, everything smells bad and tastes off and I can't even drink my sparkling water. And I have been rinsing with salt water and baking soda twice a day and I still got mouth sores today. I had to yell for my DS to bring me a Zofran while I was in bed trying to keep from hurling - I had been okay yesterday. Why did I think this would pass by me? I am  sorry you are having a bad day, Becca, you are not alone! I'm going to wallow in it a while then walk with Abby Airedale then wallow some more if needed. You are strong - be kind to yourself, linda

Becca9800

Aww Girls, we're all going to be okay. We just gotta keep moving forward, one step at a time and straight ahead! Not that I'd ever wish any of the SEs on anyone but I have to be honest and say that I'm kinda glad I'm not alone here. I'm normal! Soooo today I feel great, physically, mentally, emotionally. I feel really good! Despite the fact that almost every strand of hair fell from my mons pubis during my morning shower. My God! I'm pre-pubescent! I feel happy and healthy this day! Wishing you all a good day too, it's SO awesome to feel good! 

ml143333

Becca - so glad you are having a great day!  We got this with the help of each other, our families and friends!

 

Nomatterwhat

Becca, That's the spirit!!!!  Stay positive!!! One step at a time, one day at a time. 

Ilovecoasters

Sending love to each of you tonight. What an amazing group of women.  

ml143333

Good morning ladies!

I have a port question for you all. 

I have a BARD power port and have had it in for 10/13.  After the first week, I was pretty used to it and am even used to the thing in my neck.  My question is this...does anyone have pain or discomfort if you move or turn the wrong way or if you lift something too heavy on that side?  This week, I have had this happen on several occasions and just wonder if it is normal or if I should call my surgeon.  I don't want to sound like a baby, just want to make sure things are okay.

I did hear back from the BS office about the suture sticking out of my neck.  She said it is a traveling stitch and harmless unless it is bothering me.  She said that it will eventually dissolve or I can come back in and she can snip it off.  It isn't bothering or hurting me, so I will just let it ride for now and hopefully it will dissolve soon.

speedcat88

Hey nottoday,

Sorry with the late response.  Just got back from the racetrack.  Pretty good for post chemo #2.  Taxotere can turn your fingernails and toenails dark, can cause splitting and neuropathy.  Icing keeps that nasty med from getting to the fingertips and toes.  I iced for my first round, but it was so messy.  I decided to freeze sponges and insert my fingers and toes in them.  Now past the second round I had a little bit of tingling in the tips of my fingers, but it went away after a couple of days.  My nails still look pretty good, no darkening, no unusual or deep ridges, so I think the sponges worked.  Yes it was very cold.  One of the other patients told me that she wished someone had mentioned icing to her.  Hope that helps.

Ilovecoasters

Long day but treatment 1 is over. Another patient had a surprise party for her last day of chemo. There must have been 30 friends and family. It was very loud and very overwhelming for me as I sat in the waiting room crying.  By the time the nurse called me back, the emla cream lost its magic. The freezing spray helped.  Chewed ice all through AC. I am woozy and almost feel drunk from the Ativan they gave me.  Water tastes like poo. I wasn't expecting it so quickly.  But bottom line, I made it and I know what to expect next time. The nurses were awesome. 

Fabian59

I am 7 days post chemo treatment #2.  Feel pretty good overall just feeling tired.  My only complaint is that I got frost bite on two of my fingers during my last treatment and the feeling on the ends of these two fingers have not gotten better at all.  Also the Taxotere marked my arm from the first infusion and now it is 4 weeks post first treatments and still has not gone away.  I went to the oncologist today and she said that it probably will eventually go away.  Second treatment has not marked my arm yet and hopefully it wont'.  I only have to have 4 treatments altogether so 2 more to go.  Has anyone else had either of these problems.  Thanks. 

Sjacobs146

Can anyone suggest something for diarrhea other than bananas, rice, applesauce and toast?  I got it bad today, worst I've ever experienced.  Is there a pill I can take?

Ilovecoasters

Imodium will help you.  

Nomatterwhat

ML, I have the shooting pain from my port also.  It is such a sharp pain it will take your breath away.  I don't have the thing in my neck, the nurses injected directly into the port.  After I learned how to move and what you can and cannot lift it wasn't to bad.  It was a little rough after therapy, but it calmed down as the day went on. 

SpeedCat, I was beginning to wonder where you were.  I thought maybe you were still partying with Jr.  What a race!!!!! 

Ilovecoaster, I am glad you made it through the first treatment.  Hugs to you, hon. 

GO ROYALS!!!!!!!

Leto

Sjacobs146 - I feel for you. I had it bad on Monday and there wasn't anything I could really do but let it run the course. I was wondering if it was the store-cut FRUIT I had eaten the day before that may have caused it. Did you eat any raw fruit/vegetables?  Maybe coincidence - but probably the chemo.

However, after investigating the reason why one should not eat RAW fruit or vegetables during chemo, I found that it may contain a lot of bacteria. In fact, this is what I found on the breastcancerwarrior.net website: "avoid all uncooked, unpeeled foods. That means NO LETTUCE" and "while on Chemo or Radiation, say goodbye to green salads, as well as all unpeeled fresh fruit or veggies and eat only cooked, or thoroughly, seriously scrubbed and then peeled foods, and if a food can’t be peeled and can’t be cooked, then don’t eat it."