Starting Chemo February 2015

Jackbirdie

MaryJC- I had terrible constipation after surgery in December. I didn't have pain or discomfort at first but it eventually became very uncomfortable. And it's not healthy to leave it untreated.

I now use a combination of colace (generic ducosate sodium, 100 mg) 2 tablets with one Senekot per day. It's very mild but works great.

Both are over the counter drugs. I think you can get prescription for colace, not sure, and for some, that may be cheaper. But the generic I wrote above is quite reasonable.

live_deliciously

i too am experiencing blurry vision since ct #1 with a/c and its driving me nuts. Can't read my phone and also had my vision test right before so its definitely been affected . as well my face has been breaking out too like right before my monthly but instead of one pimple I have about 6. Then the other weird SE is my voice is hoarse. Most other se are slowly going away including the bad sense of smell. That was awful to have. I still have heartburn tho even with prilosec.. Ct#2 next week.

Ewt717

I don't have a port either. They didn't recommend it for only 4 infusions, without first trying my veins, which are doing just fine.

Ewt717

Iv'e been doing really well with chemo and managing side effects. my last infusion was Feb 19 so from my last experience I should be "the good week" now. But The last four days I have been exhausted and ravenously hungry for meat, eggs, protein. I'm just so fatigued I feel like I can't keep on like this and I don't know why. I can't even think until I eat, and then I have a little energy, then it's gone. I'm falling behind on paperwork because I don't have the mental energy.

Chloesmom

EW that's exactly how I was last cycle. Almost shaky with hunger. Tried to stick with goods with lower glycemic index so that blood sugar sable. The doc said lower blood punt makes you tired. Bless those that can get to a job. N way I could function to work

Bikerbabe17

Hi all, hope your night was good, and your day even better.  We are all one day closer to the end

live deliciously, I noticed my voice was horse yesterday too, but is fine today.

I made an appointment for my hair cut this weekend, probably a little early, but the pink is fading and my dark roots are starting to show a lot.  Someone mention saving a piece of the pink hair, which sounded like a wonderful idea, I'll get a locket to put it in.

Chloesmom, what would examples of the foods you mention above?  I can never seem to remember what is good and what is not, and then quite honestly stop paying attention, much easier for me to write down names of products. 

Still having issues with cramping and D, but not to the point where I need to worry about it.  Just makes me not want to eat much, since I know what's going to happen next.

Bikerbabe17

One more SE, anyone having issues with a blood nose?

Beachbum1023

Bikerbabe, I had a bloody nose every night during chemo, and sometimes during the day as well. I have a humidifier, and that helped a lot. Once the hairs inside the nose fall out, there isn't anything to protect it. Thankfully, it has stopped after chemo. Take Care

MaryJC

slightly bloody nose here. Not a true bleed but dry nostrils. I've used my son's baby nasil spray. It lubricstes it and I'm good after that.

AND.. I decided to do what gave me the shitz in first place last week to address the C which was probiotic yogurt by Stoney Field and my multi strand probiotic pill AND some raw sour krout which also is natural probiotic. Had some navy bean soup and a large cup a coffee and EUREKA! No more C. Also no D👍. Think it's also the high fat/moderate protein (Ketogenic) diet Ive already been on prior to bc dx. I pray all you ladies are having a blessed and SE free day. Hugs to al

Chloesmom

Nose drips pink all the time. Have to be careful not to blow it too hard. Using a humidifier too. Never appreciated my nose hairs before. MO said no fresh fruit or veggies unless peeled. It has really cut back on my intake of good stuff. Trying to make smoothies with frozen ones. Tummy gurgles all day long. Feel like some old person hyper preoccupied with my digestion Between that and chemo rain making me forget stuff I really sympathize with the elderly who have memory and digestive issues!

Hats and scarves won't stay in place. My niece had in ine of those wide cloth hair bands. BINGO. Bought a couple in neutral colors and wearing under my ball caps to cover the places that show. Makes a soft interface so the linings don't rub and bother and helps anchor the scarves!

Shelster

Thanks for all your replies. Bikerbabe,I will try to post a photo of my daughter and Me as soon as I get one. MO is slightly concerned about possibility of diabetes with relationship to blurry vision. I had pre-diabetes prior to Breast cancer diagnosis so he has ordered additional blood work. In the meantime I will look for the pre bedtime gel. MO reported that both drugs in TC regimen can cause joint problems. SInce mine have been transient so far he encouraged me to use pain medications as needed. I found a lovely ginger tea by Health King. It is caffeine free. It is a refreshing change from ginger ale because it can be a hot beverage and does not have carbonation. I got it at a health food store.

SugarCakes

Swbeason, howdy neighbor! Just noticed the Durham. The Triangle is representing upin here! Not a club we want to be in, but gotta make the best of it

Shelster

Hi Sugarcakes. Yeah, not my dream club but grateful for all the support and information. Have you found Lovely Ladies shop in Cary. Darlene, the owner is a survivor and has lots of advice for coping with SE. She also has wigs and head covers, etc. Hope you are coping with treatment I am retired and grateful not to have the pressure of work responsibilities although perhaps they would be distractions

Jaejk5

Hi everyone. I just completed my first week of post first Chemo infusion. The worst part was the headaches that wouldn't go away and the debilitating constipation on Tuesday. MO said it would be like a bad hangover for a few days. I think that was an understatement. Feeling like myself again, which gives me two weeks until the next dose. You can bet I won't let the Big C get me the next time. I'm disappointed, my family is on spring break next week and heading to the beach for a week. Ordinarily I would be right there with them but my littlest grandson had the flu this week and I was advised to stay out of the sun😔. Seems as though sitting this one out might be best. I'm so grateful to read these posts and know this journey is shared by many and I'm not alone. Did anyone else experience those miserable headaches? I think the Nuelesta shot could be the problem. I was told to go ahead and take three Claritin, which seemed to help along with 880 mg of Aleve. I wish I had called my MO sooner. I may not have suffered as long.

TNBCinSTL

hey ladies,nice to meet you. Just foundy way here yesterday. Then the TNBC ladies suggested finding my chemo group. Thank goodness!

i'm having a good week after my first treatment feb 20th. But having a watery, bloody nose daily. Just trying to enjoy feeling good bf next round. Anyone here do neulasta? Nervous abt that too.

I've been ravenous for breakfast each morning which is not typically me and it has to be eggs! I also got some protein shakes which I can't seem to get enough of.

Nice to find a place to go thru this with others!!

MaryJC

Hey and welcome to the group! Very cool hair!!!! I've had mildly bloody nose. But think bec nostrils dry and makes my membranes raw. I use baby nasil spray and it stops. Hope that helps and that u continue to feel your best

Bikerbabe17

Welcome TNBC, to our very special club:)  I think most of are taking the neulasta.  So far, its been ok for me.  But use the claratin, it seems to really help with the pain.  I am so cranky today...everything is pissing me off.  I'll just try and stay in my office and hide, and limit my email replies.

I too, am starving in the morning, I have never been a breakfast eater, and if I don't eat I get pretty woozy fast.  Keeping a favorite box of cereal on hand. And yes, my nose is bothering me as well, I need to pick up some spay and see if that helps.

wrmbrownie

Tomorrow will be #6 for me on Taxol. I will have 6 more before I start A/C. I am reading all your posts about A/C and Nuelesta as that sounds scary. So far, Taxol hasn't been bad and the worst thing, aside from the fatigue day 2 or 3, is the rashes. Right now, I have rashes on my hands, fingers, arms and across most of my face. I'm taking clariten to try to help. I find it interesting that many of you start a/c first and I do it second. My hair fell out a couple of weeks ago and I have a wig as well. Surprisingly, with the new wig and color in my face due to the rash/swelling, many have said how great I look! Ugh!

Sarah0915

TNBC - love your hair and your blogs. Thanks for sharing.

TNBCinSTL

thx for the warm welcome, chemo friends. I thought I had a week left of my hair but just took a shower where it was falling out in clumps. The hubby can't wait to shave my head and my little ninjas can't wait to paint it so looks like this weekend will be some bald head fun!

Shelster

my nose has been a problem too. I have saline nasal spray and Ayr gel that you can put in your nose with a cotton swab. I also added a cold water humidifier and that has helped with headaches too. I only use the humidified at night. I have never been so dryyyyyyyyy

Damselfly

Hi TNBC, looks like we are together in the hair club. I used to love a hot shower but now I spend the whole time with handfulls of hair. I've got a wig that I have mixed feelings about, and got some cool bandanas today to wear under hats or however. I think I have heard that shaving your head down to smooth skin can be aggravating as it hurts as bits of stubble start coming in -- someone correct me if I'm wrong. I'm planning on getting my DH to wield the beard trimmer on me in the next few days and make it short short short. Phooey!

Beachbum1023

Damselfly and TNBC, I had my hair clipped to about a 1/4" right after the first infusion. I did not want to wait for it to fall out. The remaining little spikes felt very dry and was very annoying until they fell out. I used a lint roller, duck tape, just about anything to remove them! The silky pillowcases do help though. I will say, having a wig to deal with once a week was great for me. I did not feel up to fluffing my own hair.

Jerseygirl927

hello group started my first chemo February 26 and a whole lot of side effects, thank goodness no bloody nose, but have tons of mouth sores, tongue, lips sides ouch. Had constipation at first now lots of gas and one major blow out, so y for graphics but more cramps than anything. Had the neulista shot after chemo and terrible bone pain, the Claritin helped first two days, then not, taking Motrin for other pains, fatigue was awful, better today, but can't drink enough, urine flow is much later in day and by then achey. Use the biotine, maloxx, Imodium and dr ordered magic mouth for sores, been sleeping ok, except for joint pain. He told me to take a Claritin and Benadryl if I had too. Had my hercepton infusion today, that went ok, but really tired, so gonna go sleep, pee, and say prayers and off to bed. Hope we can share over the next 18 weeks and console each other. I had a meltdown yesterday, but guess I was frustrated by the whole impact of pain, fatigue helplessness. Dr says this can be common and if emotional help is needed, he is all for it and suggests this too can be dealt with. Ok now night group.

MaryJC

meltdowns very common, very necessary and very okay

Ewt717

My brother, who is a doctor, stopped by to see me yesterday. He was concerned that what's happening to me now is neuropathy. SO I'm tired, but mostly tired because I'm actually off balance. anyone else have numb fingers and toes, achy below the knee and tripping over their own feet?

vr423

one week since my first chemo. Every day I feel a little better. Feeling anxious about losing my hair, wondering when it will happen

Beachbum1023

Ewt717, I finished AC/T on 11/25 and I have neuropathy from the chemo. It is worse in the morning when I first get up, but improves with movement. I am on meds three times a day for it. It is mostly my feet, but if tired can affect my ankles and hands as well. Try rubbing your feet with Vick's until you get the meds. If left untreated, it can be permanent. Be careful walking, I tripped and fell and ripped my thumbnail off.

Chloesmom

Since I couldn't stand the clumps of hair falling out the week after I was buzzed to 1/2 inch decided to shave it. It's bristly like when he needs a shave in the spite that didn't fall out. My DH used his razor and took it down so I looked like Captsin Pickard at 16 days. It's 2 weeks later and I keep shaving the top. It's like Velcro on the top. The sides and back are smooth but the top is stubble and feels best if I shave it every 3 days. Can't stand a wig so I have wide cloth stretch hair bands with ball caps on most of the time.

MaryJC

EWT- try taking ALA alpha Lipotic acid and ALC alpha cartinine. It helps with neuropathy but def tell your onc you're experiencing this.

VR- I felt the same way and one day it started happening. I was literally laying here now saying to myself how I'm feeling pretty ok about it. Don't look as bad as I had thought. Feels good to scratch my scalp really good. Looking forward to hot shower n let water massage my head. Right now scalp a lil sore. The anxiety is the worst part. If/when it happens you'll adjust m be ok.

Beach bum- what kind of meds are u on for neuropathy?

Chloe's Mom- so the top of your hair is still growing? You make me giggle with the wig. It's just not working for you huh? What kind is it?