Starting Chemo October 2014

speedcat88

Becca, My MO also said no shingles shot, live virus.  Flu shot was fine and strongly "encouraged," but it still made me feel like crap.  

Still lots of hair coming out, but as noted it's not like I was not prepared for it. Mulligan, I'm like you.  I could almost forget that I have cancer, as well as I seem to be feeling.  Losing all of my hair, having it buzzed off, will really be the slap in the face that brings the reality back home. I think I might like wearing hats more and I told my BFF who absolutely
loves antiquing to check the vintage clothing for some cute flapper
cloches.

I'm sorry kerensa about the reactions.  You shouldn't have to be going through that and I hope all goes well.  You and all of us are true warriors and we will win this war!  Anyone know where I can find flexible ice packs that I can use for the hour or so that it takes the Taxotere.  I'm still playing with ideas.  I've had no problems with my nails so far.  I am assuming that icing them for the first infusion worked.  JerseyCA my MO did not mention eyelashes or eyebrows, just the hair.    

sfcapps, welcome.  Are you taking the Claritin (Loratadine) for the bone pain?  It really worked for me along with a little Extra Strength Tylenol.  I was able to get the Sam's Club brand pretty cheap.  My MO said to go ahead and take it anyway because I may have a drippy nose from the chemo, no nose hairs!  Funny, I had not thought of that hair loss.  Well that made me think and look.  I have already lost the hair on my arms and legs!  At least I won't have to shave my legs, for awhile!    Hang in there everybody!

MarifromPA

I have been in chemo for a bit but I hope maybe I can be a little helpful.... I bring tissues ,  purified waters , bigger cup for icy drink( those litttle styrofoam buggers dont cut it ) , soft snacks like a small cup of plain chicken broth , applesauce, cream of wheat, for A/C I didn't eat butf or Taxanes i am hungry, a chapstick for dry lips , a tiny to go bottle I made of biotene to rinse mouth keep moist, a borrowed Ipad( icant concentrate to read until after, a pen and paper to record blood values, appts , med notes,  etc etc , one or two cards I got from friends so I can pray and look at them and feel home, a small warm throw from the couch( washed after use there) .. A COMPLETE LIST OF MEDS ( including vitamins or herbals stuff incase)

Leto

Hi everyone! I want to thank you all for your
input to this forum, it has been tremendously helpful. I had my 1^st chemo treatment today
and there were no surprises. I am now
waiting for the nausea to set in. Tomorrow
I am getting the Neulasta treatment. My
MO is recommending Clariton AND Pepcid AND the Ibuprofen or Aleve. The Pepcid is not something I have read on
this post regarding the reduction of the Neulasta side effects.
I start that regime tonight and continuing for 3-5 days. I hope it helps.

Nomatterwhat

Leto, please don't wait until the nausea sets in, it will be to late by then.  Take your Zofran before you eat a heavy meal and every 6 hours or however it was prescribed and I have had very little to almost no nausea.  I made sure I even got up in the middle of the night and took it.  I also made sure I took my Clariton AND Aleve for a week after chemo infusion just to be on the safe side.  You can do this.  You are in great hands with these ladies!

Speedcat88 - I have had no issues with my fingernails or toenails and all I have done is use the Sally Hansen hard as nails starting a couple of nights before chemo and using it throughout the next week.  However, hair was a real problem to buzz off, that was worse than anything I could have imagined.  But now, I am enjoying the bald look and the hats, not the wig.  That thing comes off the minute I get into my car after work.   

Ilovecoasters

Good evening Friends,

I will be starting chemo on 10/29. Looks like I am squeaking into this group. I will have 4 AC's followed by 12 weekly Taxols. My port goes in this Tuesday.  My head is spinning knowing there is no hiding from this.  I'm glad to find this group.  

Tommytoo

I had my first  TC on Tuesday, neulasta yesterday. I had terrible bone pain last night and today even though I have had Claritin.  This is one very unpleasant science experiment and case study in systems engineering.  There are so many ways the process could be improved.

I'm curious if there are any pleasant infusion centers out there.  We have three walled cubicles facing a nursing station.  Very loud, not at all calm.  The " companion" chair was a padded folding chair, not at all comfortable.  

My 20 yr old daughter is totally freaked and is implacable.  She is not easy in the best of times and is unable to be helpful or even civil.

I'm actually very strong and upbeat about treatment though that is not reflected in this post.  This is a time when I just need to vent.

Mulligan

Ok I did it! I buzzed my hair today, it was coming off some much on my pillow and falling inside my shirt that it drove me crazy. I was a bit scared but it's not as bad as I thought it would be. My husband wants me to go out bald, but I'm not brave enough yet so I went out with a hat today. He snubbed down his nose when I tried on my scarf and the same with my wig. We made a video of the process and laughed throughout it. My kids actually took it all in stride pretty well and made me feel so special as they pointed out how beautiful I was with my buzzed hair. 

I did make a collage of my hair from right around when diagnosed to it being buzzed today. I haven't shown anyone else my head and am not sure I'll be brave enough to yet...but I feel I can share it with you ladies. Is that weird that I feel comfortable sharing it here than with my own sisters? I guess because I know you all not only understand but know what it feels like...so here it is. The last 4 pics was from today.

Becca9800

-collins, I read that it's a good idea to get the vaccine during chemo if you've had chicken pox previously. I asked and was told yes, I could have the vaccine. Reading a bit further (manufacturer's insert) that it is a live but weakened virus and contraindicated for immunosuppressed persons, I got a bit nervous, I sure as hell am not looking to open my door to a shingles outbreak!. Is that us? Are chemo patients considered immunosuppressed? I'm thinking that IF you're receiving the bone marrow/WBC promoters i.e. Neulasta then perhaps we are not considered immunosuppressed. And what makes me think that..... I've asked 4 people independently who work at my treatment center if I can go to my grandson's birthday party during my Nadir. ABSOLUTEY! was every response, "you have nothing to worry about. The Neulasta will be on board, so if you're feeling up to it, go". Even after I stressed that this was a child's gathering, you know, it will be a cesspool of germs right? Right, go, have fun, were the final answers. So I am just wondering if anyone has actually received the vaccine during chemo. 

Becca9800

Mulligan! Your head is beautiful! Good for you taking control like you did! 

Becca9800

Tommytoo, I'm sincerely sorry for you, this journey is tough enough that warm fuzzies are essential. Please look around in your community for other options, go to your support groups to ask where is the best place to receive tx. Keep in mind your doc may not have privileges at all the centers. There are treatment centers out there and then there are treatment centers! Find one where you'll be comfortable and happy. My first option just left me uneasy, my gut wouldn't shut up, it kept telling me to look around. I did and now feel very good about having transferred my care to a new treatment center with my same MO. 

Becca9800

Ilovecoasters, Welcome to the group no one wants to join. Sorry you have to be here but I'm glad you found us. This site has been good for me, just having some idea of what to expect and when to expect it is comforting. I have to keep reminding myself that every treatment affects each of us differently so I don't place any bets that my side effects are going to be just like anyone else's. Best wishes to you, may you remain well. 

ml143333

Tommytoo - there are wonderful infusion centers.  Mine is glass on three walls overlooking a little wooded area.  All of the infusion chairs are recliners and the companion chairs are like padded living room chairs.  There are a few rooms toward the back with beds for the patients that need to lay down.  They have a small kitchenette area stocked with crackers, nabs, raisins, stuff like that.  The refrigerator is stocked with waters, juices, and sodas.  At lunch and dinner, the American Cancer Society comes around with sandwiches and things free for the patient.  Companions pay a small fee.  I go to an Oncology Center that is affiliated with the hospital that I work at and use for my treatments.  I would ask friends in your area.  Your local American Cancer Society is also a good place for references.

Ilovecoasters - Welcome to our group!  Sorry you had to be here, but I know I have learned a lot from the ladies here and feel much more prepared for today.

Mulligan - OMG!  You are beautiful!  The collage you made was a really neat idea.  Girl - you rock!

My MO called last night and said to come in today and we will look at my blood counts and decide if we want to go ahead or postpone based on the infection from the port placement.  I do feel better now that I am on medicine, but honestly don't feel 100%.  I would rather go into chemo at 100%, but I will see what he says.  He did say that I have some time since we are only doing chemo as insurance based on Oncotype of 23.  I will be sure to let you all know what happens!

Ilovecoasters

Thank you for the welcome. I am encouraged from reading your posts of strength and perseverance. 

Mulligan you are beautiful. I hope I have your same courage when the time comes. One of the nurses advised that I be the one to decide when my hair comes off, not chemo.  To empower myself when everything seems to be out of my own control. You did just that. 

kerensa75

mulligan.. you go girl! Way to show the cancer who is boss!

hyphencollins

Mulligan.   Love the pics.   My hair just started falling out this am.   I made an appointment to get it buzzed today but then chickened out while in the chair and got a short pixie cut instead. 

wendeeB

Jules!  Girl, you are gorgeous!!!  Remind me so much of a training partner of mine!  

I continue to feel great.  My hair is falling.  I had a short stacked bob so its not terribly noticible.  But, its definitely coming out.  Started day 14. I looked down at some paperwork today and there were a few strands on it. That made me giggle.  Purchased a 30x30 square of Hello Kitty material and fashioned a head wrap to sport around the house. 

Rack pulled 305 for 2 this a.m. @125 lbs. Pretty happy with that.

Eta:  got my blood work Friday.  My wbc are still in the 13s.  RBC good too.  I hope that means incan skip the Neulasta.  I know it's ultimately my decision, but I'd like my MO to be on board.

6 days till infusion #2.  

Let's do this.

ml143333

Just a quick post.  All went well today for chemo #1.  Everyone there was really nice. No hiccups.  Now I'm at home resting with the family.  Went ahead and took a Zofran just in case.  Other than feeling maybe queasy and like I need to take a nap, I am good.  Going for my neulasta shot tomorrow afternoon.  Next chemo is on 11/7, I think.

wendeeB

Glad you're home and resting, Mandy I had to take my zofran 3x total.  Every time my tummy felt the littlest queasy/gurgly I popped one! I ended up needing a laxative, but think I may try prunes next go-round.

Drink that water!  

Nomatterwhat

Mulligan, you are beautiful!!!!  You go girl!!!

Tommytoo, I have a beautiful infusion center with glass walls, comfy recliners, a personal TV, snack room and wonderful nurses.  My center even has ACS volunteers that come around and sit and talk and if you need a drink or snack or blanket they will get it for you.  Since I am there over the lunch hour, I even get to order from the cafeteria or if the nurses bring in lunch, they share. 

Mandy, Glad things are going good.  Stay ahead of the nausea and keep well hydrated.

Ilovecoasters - Sorry you had to join us, but there are a lot of wise and wonderful ladies in this group.  Anything you want to ask about, vent about or just tell us about, we are here to listen and help you get through this. 

Hugs to all!!!!!

cbooklvr

Mulligan you look great, the collage is cool. 

Mandy hope you are able to get some rest and still feeling better. 

My infusion center is pretty basic, the windows don't look out on anything great. I like the suggestion to see where else my MO has privileges. I have only has labwork and info session there. Will see how it goes for 1st cycle on Thursday

Tobycc

you. October girls are rockin it!!!!

Mulligan, just gorgeous. My nurses did not recognize mow with the wig today at tx.  Took it off, wore a hat, I like to change it up....except at work.

Too tommy where are you in Florida?  florida Cancer Specialists have them all over...my MO is founder and head of it. Maybe google them 

Blessings and hugs.....

Grammy863

hi everyone...I wanted to check in....has anyone been having leg cramps almost feels like "charlie horses"??

Becca9800

Had chemo Wednesday, Neulasta Thursday and felt perfect until late Friday afternoon. Then a bit achy and kinda icky. Up now at 3 AM with a sense that I want to vomit, belly twisting but not that same feeling I usually get. It's like the Aloxi masks the nausea and doesn't let my stomach sense it wants to eject its contents. Very odd sensations that I can't identify with any certainty. Fingers crossed it's all in my head

Becca9800

Grammy, my thighs (femurs) were the first to start aching. Not charlie horses though, more like the flu setting in. 

ml143333

Zofran has become my friend since about 2:00 am this morning.  Been snacking on oyster crackers, ginger ale and water.  The nausea isn't horrible just there if that makes any sense at all.

I go for my Neulasta shot at 2:20 then I'm coming straight back home and laying on the couch.  Sounds like a great plan to me.

I get my blood work on Friday.  Hopefully things will look good.

Sjacobs146

I went for a wig consultation this morning in preparation for starting chemo on Friday.  The woman was very nice, she spent about 45 minutes trying to match my color.  I'm a natural blonde, so there are many shades in there.  I go back next week, by that time she should have something for me.  I decided to treat myself and spent some time in Boston walking on Newbury Street and in The Public Garden.  Such a beautiful autumn day.

speedcat88

My sister-in-law just left and there's hair hair everywhere except upon my head!  It's so much more comfortable and cool.  Haven't tried on the wig yet, it's just so much more comfortable without.  I think my DH took it harder than I did.  Glad you treated yourself Sjacobs.  4 more days to the 2nd round. 

Tobycc

tip....my skin on hands and fingers really dry .....MO recommended utter balm and it works great

Sjacobs146

I crossed some more items off my chemo prep list.

Got a flu shot, filled pre-chemo prescriptions, had acrylic removed from my nails, enjoyed one last pedicure, picked up saltines.

I've already gotten two sleep caps and two other hats, a mercury-free thermometer, new brush heads for electric tooth brushes, Aquaphor, and Biotene mouth rinse.

I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

Radical2Squared

Hi all! I thought I'd pop in and share some info but I see monochrome beat me to it!

I did dd AC for 2 months then dd taxol for 2 months. My last treatment was Sept 30th. I wanted to pop in because I was an unusual case. For me AC was easier than taxol! 

For the AC, I found taking Claritin to fight Neulasta pain worked fairly well. Taxol on the other hand, gave me the worst body, and nail pain of my life! The remedy for that (after spending 4 days in the hospital for neutropenia) was to cut my Taxol dose to 80 percent.

Keep in touch with your onc team and be sure to tell them of any unmanaged side-effect. There is a lot they can do to make it easier!