Starting Chemo October 2014

ml143333

Grammy and MBCS - good luck tomorrow.  We will be thinking of you.  Please let us know how you are doing after your treatment.

HollyD

I'll be thinking of you @Grammy863! Best of luck tomorrow, take an Ativan if you can, they do help!

HollyD

@mbcs829 good luck with your treatment, curious about your trial! Tomorrow will be over before you know it 

wendeeB

Good luck Grammy!  You'll do great.  Ill say a prayer for an entirely uneventful infusion

Holly, today is the first day I have felt OK.  I've been working, going to the gym etc, but the bone pain I had Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday was obnoxious.  The claritin and Advil wasn't touching it.  I finally resorted to my post lumpectomy pain meds and that worked!  I also just read that the Neulasta has Latex and I'm latex sensitive.  I had no idea but wonder if my rxn has anything to do with my sensitivity.  

My MO said 72 hours for sex too.  

Tobycc

Wendee, I am in the September group. First one 9/26. I would encourage you all to peek there too!  I was exact same as you.....SE were manageable but the pain kicked my >><|%<. Like you, I had to take hydrocodone left over from lumpectomy. Going to ask MO for pain Meds before second round 

Gentle hugs October warriors

HollyD

hydrocodon will be my only option, tramadol, Valium, leftover from surgery haven't touched mine either and just adds to the stupid fatigue! Thanks for the suggestion, I think that's the only route. 

Trekgirl

Hi everyone I had my 1st chemo round today. I handled it all quite well really. Found out the spot on my liver is just a small cyst, Dr. said leave it there it's harmless, works for me. I think I'm getting a little foggy, either that or I'm just tired. Go back in 10 days for blood work. Is there anything pre-emptive to avoid that neulasta shot? It seems that most people have more of a reaction to that than anything else. This site is great! Time to go American Horror Story premiere is coming on! Stay strong everyone! Hugs to all

Grammy863

thank you so much for all your words of encouragement.... I wish I did have something for my nerves tonight but my MO is not very liberal when it comes to medications!!!! Have all you had surgery prior to starting chemo? They are doing my chemo first then I will have surgery then radiation.

BookLady1

Grammy863 - looks like we are a match! I started chemo yesterday and will write more on it, tomorrow. It went well, and I hope you sleep well, because the relief of getting it started was tremendous. Where to sit, where the bathrooms ice and drinks/snacks are, the all important recliner/pillow/blanket combo. (Ha) I had a great nurse with great tips who backed up so much of what I've learned from this group and I hope you have a good experience tomorrow.  One of my best friends had chemo 1st, shrunk the tumor more than her doctors had thought possible, which made her lumpectomy surgery successful better ...It's all so individual, isn't it? Wonderful but overwhelming to have these options! 

wendeeB

Toby!  Thank you for your reply.  Another TNBC ass kicker here!  We've got this.

Grammy!  If you look in other lady's signatures you can see if they've had a lumpectomy (like me)/or mastectomy (sometimes abbreviated MX or bmx or umx for bilateral or unilateral) you'll do great with your infusion!  No worries.

Hey Trekkie! (Me too;) so happy it was just a cyst.  I did everything they said for Neulasta.  Claritin and Advil prior, as well as post tx.  By 4 days post shot, I could still function but it sucked.  Has nothing to do with pain tolerance either.  I homebirthed all 3 kids.  I NEVER take pain meds, but this really seems to be what hydrocodone was made for.  I didn't feel high, or loopy, just sweet pain relief. 

Blessings to everyone.  Deadlifts, hamstrings, shoulders, and cardio today!  Get out there!

ml143333

Just thinking...my MO said it was okay for me to take vitamins or supplements while on chemo, but I don't take them normally.  Is there anything in particular that I should take or look for?

KiLin

Just dropping in from the July chemo thread with a little reassurance for those who are worried about fingernails & such - 

Everyone is different, but I am doing TCx6 (finished with 4 so far), and despite not icing my nails at all, they are looking just fine. 

I also still have reasonably normal-looking eyebrows and eyelashes, though they're a little thinner.  I have been avoiding mascara, though, as I worry about taking it off.

This is actually my second bout with chemo, and when I had ACx4 several years ago, I didn't lose my brows or lashes (or fingernails) either.  

Just remember - there are a lot of potential side effects out there, but almost nobody gets ALL of them!  

kerensa75

My thoughts are with you ladies starting today! Best of luck on uneventful sessions.

Glad to hear most everyone is tolerating SE's pretty well.

Well I had my first chemo session yesterday and had my port placed.

Everything went great until 15 minutes into my Taxol...I had an allergic reaction. I couldn't breathe, my blood pressure skyrocketed, heart was racing, face turned bright red. It was SUPER scary! They gave me oxygen, pumped me full of steroids and benadryl (even more than I started with) and had the EPI pen ready to go (lucky I didnt have to have that one). They waited another 30 minutes and restarted it and I was able to take the rest of the bag. So I hope this means I am past that happening again.

Today my arms feel strange, like they are asleep/numb/heavy to lift. I have called my Dr.s office and just waiting on them to call me back.

But on the bright side, 1 session down only 11 more to go!

ml143333

Kerensa - how scary for you!  I am glad that you are okay.

Rest and take care of yourself today!

Ly5486

Grammy, I just finished my first chemo appointment. 1 down and7 to go. Since it's October I hope to join this group. Everything so far has been easy.  Port went in on Monday and that was easy. My wig is ordered. Chemo definitely is the big test. I'm trying to take it one day at a time. Lynn

Remark123

New to this site, but just wanting Prncesmommy to Hang in there. Just noticed your from Tarpon Springs, just sent you a private msg. I live in Holiday. We maybe doing chemo same place I just finished my A/C and on Taxol right now. 3 of 12 treatments. I found that thru A/C to keep your Protein levels up. I forced myself to drink 2 boosts a day after each treatment. Took Multivitamin daily. No nausea, vomiting. Mostly indigestion and Constipation due to steroid doc stated. I took Pepcid & Phillips Milk of Magnesia per doc, and helped tremendously. Initially prescription prescribed Lactulose was a bit harsh, but helped. I did remarkably well going thru A/C. Doctor believes due to keeping up protein levels and vitamins. I do my treatments on Tuesday. With A/C I found that Thursday, Friday, Saturday for the first 2 treatments were rough. Slept a lot. Come Sunday I was back to normal for entire following week. Found that on 3rd treatment and 4th of A/C I began the "accumulative" effect. This meant that my symptoms ran longer of fatique and tiredness only the second week of treatment. I felt normal but slept a lot and just overall sleepy in afternoon. Taxol is so much better. I have started to grow my hair back, which the nurses and doctor said I would. My hair is now resticking to my pillow Lol. More sleepy but no nausea, vomiting etc. Actually feel totally normal. Had during first treatment "traveling" time sensations all over body and abdominal cramping. 2nd treatment slightly achy. 3rd treatment day before yesterday. Just tired but feel totally normal. Hopefully we go to same chemo place Would love to meet you! Keep your spirits up, you can do this! The nurses and doctors are amazed with my spirit through this. So if I can help you (neighbor) the pleasure is all mine!

Grammy863

thank you ly5486, wendeeb and booklady1 for your replies. Its official my first infusion is over....it really went better than expected, not as scary as I was anticipating. I'm feeling a little nauseous, foggy brain, headache and a little jittery!  I go for my neulasta shot tomorrow. I wanted you all to know I'm thinking about you and hope you all are doing OK!!!!

mbcs829

thank you sisters for the companioship and so my first cycle is over! Got the "red devil" (my nurse description) and Cytoxan..3-4 hours later I'm feeling queasy and fatigued. Took Compazine and had been chewing ice chips which seems to help. I will have AC every 21 days x 4cycles followed by Taxotere then Herceptin and Perjeta. This is the Arm 1 of the KAITLIN study I'm enrolled in. Anybody on the Arm 2 study?. Maybe we can compare notes. until then goodnight! 

update: Vomited hours later that i was brought to the ER Friday for IV hydration. My serum sodium went down i had to stay for 23 hour observation in the hospital until all my electrolytes are back to normal. Maybe i should be drinking more but i have this bitter taste in my mouth. i hope next cycle will be better... 

Moderators

Hi October 2014 Chemo group!

Just stopping in to provide some more helpful links, starting with the main Breastcancer.org site's section on Chemotherapy, including what to expect, types of chemo meds, and side effect management.

There are some really helpful key threads here in the Chemo forum too!

Great tips and practical advice on the following discussion board threads:

• Tips for getting through chemotherapy
• More Tips (and a Shopping List) for Getting Through Chemo
• PORT PLACEMENT: Detailed description of process
• Head Covering Options for Hair Loss
• wig advice
• Cold Cap Users Past and Present, to Save Hair

Also, Last Month's Chemo thread might be informative!

Hope you find this helpful!

--Your Mods

Becca9800

Hey to All! Thanks so much for the updates from everyone, sounds pretty do-able and relieves some anxiety for me. I had a port implanted this morning and while the procedure itself was a snap, I'm finding it pretty uncomfortable to use my arms now that the local anesthetic has worn off. Using my arm muscles cause a pulling in my chest..... This too shall pass. I'm scheduled for my first treatment next Wednesday and so hoping I get by with just feeling icky. You who have gone bravely before me give me something to hang on to. Keep the daily reports coming please and may you all stay well. 

Sjacobs146

I'll be starting on October 24.  Cytoxan and Taxotere, 4 treatments, 3 weeks apart.  I'm very sad about needing chemo.  I was hoping radiation and Tamoxifen only.  Now I'll feel sicker, and I'll lose my hair so it will be harder to hide that I have cancer.  I am so happy to have found BCO, it's been great to get all the tips for dealing with this and to get the support from my comrades in arms.

Mulligan

Welcome Sjacobs, I know a lot of women have a hard time with losing their hair and they prepare for it by getting a short haircut and getting a wig styled and cut the same as that so when they do lose their hair, people won't notice any change. 

I am also doing Cytoxan and Taxotere 4/3weeks. Wait...I just realized I see you on the Cytoxan/Taxotere board. hehe my chemo brain is in effect anyways, hello again!

Nomatterwhat

Becca9800 and Sjacobs146, Welcome to this board and sorry you had to join.  There are things you can do not to feel sick.  I made sure that I took my nausea medicine every 6 hours or about 15 minutes before I ate a heavy meal.  I usually ate about 6-8 small meals a day and I also made sure I ate something before I went to bed and drank enough to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.  I made sure I ate a couple of crackers I had beside my bed and made sure I ate a couple of more crackers before I got out of bed when I woke up.  I always had a bottle of Ginger Ale to drink and make sure you drink, drink and when you think you can't drink any more, drink some more!!!!  I have not had nausea after any of my chemo rounds. 

I tried to hide the fact that I had cancer, but when my hair fell out, I thought people would know and point and stare and several did, but the majority do not even look my way, except one lady asked me what kind of cancer I had, as she was a breast cancer survivor herself.   I bought a nice wig to wear to work, but on weekends I go out without my prosthetics and in just a ball cap.  I am very proud of my "battle scars" and that I am a survivor and really don't care who looks or who doesn't look anymore.  It is the new me and I am very comfortable with the new me.  You will be fine.  The ladies on theses boards are amazing and have great advice and tips to help you. 

Becca9800

Last weekend before go-live and I'm making the most of it. Lunch today with a dear childhood friend that I haven't seen in years, tonight the Jake Owen/Eli Young Band concert, tomorrow afternoon is the Apple Butter Festival that I've never attended but always wanted to and Sunday evening dinner and 'Gone Girl' with my DH. It's supposed to be the perfect Fall weekend here in northwest Ohio and I'm feeling darned good. I'm satisfied. Ordered several cute head covers yesterday online and putting together my chemo bag this morning. Chemo class first thing Monday morning and TA DA I'm ready to roll on Wednesday. Won't lie and tell you I'm not a little afraid of the chemo's aftermath but you all have greatly reduced those worries by telling of your own experiences. I feel confident that I got this! 

ml143333

Becca - enjoy your weekend.

Yurmani

So thankful for this group and I am praying to have the same warrior mentality you ladies do! Had my first chemo trmt yesterday using my vein instead of a port and it went surprisingly well - considering the Red Cross told me not to come back several years ago since my veins collapsed,  rolled etc! Lol Doing well today. Hoping to make it through Sunday- Tuesday nights at work (3rd shift). Changing chemo to Tuesdays for next round so my "bad" days will fall on my days off. Hopefully, I'll breeze through this straight into rads after Christmas. Hope everyone has a restful Sunday! 

cbooklvr

Hello,

Just found this site and your group, lots of great information. I start chemo on 10/23, taxotere, carboplatin x 6 with weekly Herceptin.
I have my port placed this Wednesday. My pre-chemo session with the nurse was very helpful, but I was overwhelmed with all of the meds I will need to take pre-infusion. The nurse also suggested tree tea oil for my nails, will look on amazon to see if there is a nail polish type. I will also be getting Neulasta injection the day after infusion, I see there is a variety of reactions from the ladies so hoping my bone pain won't be bad. I am supposed to take Claritin for 5 days after.

My plan is to work during treatment, really concerned that I will be able to function and think during chemo. My infusions are on Thursday, not sure when the worst days are after chemo but will have the weekend to recover. For now just making sure I have my laundry list of prescriptions filled and hoping the port procedure goes well.

Cherice 

Mulligan

Welcome Cherice, I bought Jason's nail tea tree oil off amazon I can't say if it's worked as I only had 1 chemo session but so far so good. As far as how you feel after chemo I think there are a varied reaction and experiences on what days are worse but I'm sure you'll figure it out what days are best for you to do your chemo treatment. I took Claritin and aleve the day before and 7 days after my neulasta shot just to be safe. So far so good. Good luck! 

Nancy6540

Hi Ladies,

Hope everyone is doing well today!

Nellie, I am so sorry you are having such a hard time! Hopefully they will adjust your meds and get you are a menu that will leave you comfortable during this journey!

Daniella, how are you doing? I knew the port was sore for me for a while so when you were feeling "good" I thought the twenty years difference of our ages was the reason! Hope it feels OK now!

Kerensa you must have been so scared when you had the reaction! I'm so glad they are watching us like hawks during our infusions!

I go for #3 of the first 12 tomorrow. The last one they lowered my steroids and switched out the Benedryl with something new. It felt like they sedated me! Fell asleep in the chair, was helped out to the car by my husband where I slept the hour drive home. When I arrived home I climbed into bed slept four hours woke to drink water and watch tv then back to bed and slept eight hours until morning! The second day I was good, just heartburn and icky feeling. That night I did have the "steroid flush" again but I wasn't as scared this time knowing that it would end in a couple hours (which it did). Rest of the week I have been extremely tired, heartburn, slight nausea feeling, diarrhea at first then better as week went by. Except for the lethargy, not a bad week.

We can do this!!

Leto

I am so thankful that I found this forum. All the posts have been so helpful especially
for a newbie like me. I have not had any
surgery yet, I am waiting for the MYRISK tests to come back to help me decide
what type of surgery - depending on positive markers. Everything has been happening so fast I
wanted to make sure that I selected the right type of surgery for ME. I felt that the medical personnel was assuming
automatic mastectomy. Perhaps that's
because the node biopsy was positive. I
don't know. I haven't read anywhere
where someone has had a node biopsy in addition to the breast mass biopsy.

I was hoping for the lumpectomy surgery, chemo and
radiation, but a recent CT Scan found another mass approx. 2cm in size. It's very deep near the chest bone and very
high on the breast. The oncologist is almost
certain now that I will need a mastectomy.
MRI next week will give me more details on this issue (I hope).

In the meantime, I opted for the neoadjuvant chemotherapy 8
treatments every 2 weeks. 4 A/C then 4 Taxol.  Next week, I am
getting a port inserted on Monday, a breast MRI on Tuesday, 1st chemo on
Thursday, Neulasta injection on Friday.
It's going to be a busy week, but thanks to this forum, I feel that I am
better educated and ready to deal with the side effects.

Thank you all!