April 2015 Chemo Crew... Starting in April? Please join us!

starrgirl

Had my first treatment this morning . They loaded me up on the anti-nausea medicine first and then on to A/C. Took about 2 hours total and it went well. Ate some crackers and cheese during my treatment and drank water, which I feel helped. Once home I appear to have a dry mouth and a slight headache. The nurse mentioned that when administered C can cause headaches and sinus pressure. Only noticed a slight headache during the infusion but it's continuing at home so taking Tylenol. Will also be taking my anti-nausea medicine tonight and tomorrow. Back for my shot tomorrow afternoon. Thankful to have 1 done.......7 more to go!

EBeee - Love the Easter picture!!

Ankledolphin - My infusion nurse today mentioned that if Claritin and over the counter Tylenol don't help that my MO could order a prescription for me. She also mentioned that they could adjust to only 1/2 shot each time too.

beachbum102 - Margarita and pina colada popsicles..........DELISH! I'm on the hunt for some tomorrow.

Hope everyone has a great week with little to no SE. WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!!

Karen30

hello ladies- I am having my port put in on Wednesday and start 4 rounds of AC the following Friday- two weeks between each- followed by 12 weeks of taxol- these I believe will be weekly doses- I am not having surgery until that is done apparently- I see the oncologist for the first time tomorrow - I work in the medical field so I have been fast tracked through this process- I have no idea what to expect and plan to work through this- I need my income. I have a trip planned and booked at the end of July but I have just worked out that I will still have 2 treatment s to do - I hope I can still go- I plan to speak to the oncologist tomorrow- thoughts anyone

mamajencoz

Hi Karen,

Looks like we have the same treatment start (act).  I begin my treatments tomorrow. I'm planning on trying to work through as well although I'm still off from the mastectomy surgery and physical therapy. I had my port put in about a week and a half ago.  I have a trip planned for the end of the summer as well. However I decided to move it back a few weeks. I am afraid if anything knocks my treatment off schedule I didn't want the disappointment of not going as planned. 

I pray all goes well with you. 

lovlilynne

LOVE the Easter-egg head Kay (hope I can call you Kay - since we now have another Karen). Thanks for posting those.

So, FINALLY saw the doctors today - it wasn't exactly what I expected, and it was somewhat anticlimactic after all the waiting (and because I've already received such good info from this bb). They confirmed what I had already been told, they are recommending chemo, ACT Eight rounds of dose dense (every 2 weeks) - four with the A/C, then four with the T. Then, a 4 week break, and 33 radiation treatments (larger area due to lymph nodes). Then 5-10 years of hormonal therapy.

So, now I go see the local MO on Thursday, sign consent, and get a start date. This MO said just an ECG before the treatment as a baseline - no other tests. I was kicking myself because I completely forgot to ask about the port - and they didn't say anything about it either, which I think is weird - if they do one, wouldn't they have said something? But I figure it would be done by the local MO, and so then I'll ask her.

Karen, I have a vacation planned on 6/27-7/11, and I asked the MO about it, and he said that he would either arrange it so that I go an extra week (so have treatment 3 weeks apart instead of 2 weeks), or have it right before and right after. I think the big thing about a trip/vacation is - how will you actually feel to go on one? I am only traveling ~1.5 hours away and by the ocean, so very relaxing, so if I don't feel very well (and, with the cumulative effects of the chemo, I won't be feeling very good), it will still be ok. I'll just rely on my family to do more. But, I wouldn't want to be on a trip with flights or sightseeing.

Our group is growing. Sad, I know, but at least we can support each other. Tanisha and Sherry, I hope all went well today. Sending my best for Peggy, Rockerwife, and mamajencoz for tomorrow.

Another question - when you have infusion on a Monday, does that mean you always have it on a Monday? Are you always exactly 2 or 3 weeks? I am trying to figure out - if I could start next week, what day would I want. I had read to go on Thursday or Friday, so then you can have the weekend to recuperate, but I was thinking F that - I'll be sick during the week so I can be half normal for the weekend :-)

~Lynne

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Goesf6x_13...

Karen30

my trip is 2 weeks in Florida- with family so once I get there it will be very relaxed- i will be traveling with my 3 kids who are 22,21 and 17 - so they will take care of me - but there is a 5 hour flight involved- I will ask oncologist tomorrow- hopefully we can make it happen- always good to have something to look forward to!! What have you all for in your chemo bags- I have no idea what I should have other than purell and lip balm?

Karen30

I'm not sure about the chemo days- I've asked for a Friday so I can recover over the weekend and be back at work on Monday- we will see how that goes- it is interesting they haven't mentioned a port- I thought that was the standard these days

mamajencoz

I packed snacks. (Crackers..cheerios..apple sauce.. cup o' fruit.. light stuff) Drinks i like.  Notebook to jot  down things as they pop in my head.  Phone charger, ear buds (i love music) lotion and lip stuff.  Tissues (never know when i want to cry). Hand sanitizer.  Just a few things in my Chemo bag.  I probably won't use half of what I put in there but I'll learn as i go.  

Karen30

thanks that sounds like a great start- I'll probably take my laptop and work or watch a movie while I'm there- Netflix always an option!

Beachbum1023

Hi littleblueflowers, if you made it through the "you name it", you are a pro and ready to kick chemo in the butt. Not fun at all, but very doable. And everyone will help you do it. I really have nothing to compare chemo to, it is in a class all by itself. But the side effects are manageable, and it is best to be prepared. What is your treatment plan? You will have a lot of answers to your questions when the others see your post. I finished AC/T 11/25, I can you can. Good Luck! Cheryl

littleblueflowers

Thanks Beachbum for the reassurance! My treatment plan is 16 weeks of dose dense ACT...AC and then T potentially followed by rads. We are still discussing that one, and I don't have a set plan for the rads yet. I need to change my signature line I know! I'm a TN also, already had bmx. They said the type of cancer was agressive, so I requested the most agressive treatment to fight it! You all here make me so brave! Thanks again!

Beachbum1023

Hi Karen, I am not sure what chemo you are having but I did want to chime in about the schedule. I always had my chemo on Tuesday morning, and worked 3 to 8. On Wednesday I worked 10 to 8 and had the Neulasta injection at lunch. I was off on Thursday and Friday because the side effects always hit me hard on Thursday and Friday. Then I was back to work for Saturday and Sunday. I know everyone has a different reaction, but my good days were Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday. I just don't want you to have a big surprise. I hope it all works for you. Take Care, Cheryl

Rockerwife

Tomorrow is my first infusion-4-7-15. Can't sleep from the steroids andit is past midnight. I thought Xanax would knock me out. It's not working and my DH snores like a machine. I will post details tomorrow. I am keeping a log as Kbeee suggested. Also took Miralax as suggested from my Dr. Friend that just finished her Third cycle of TC.

ankledolphin

so far this morning feeling a little better...

nose bleed wasnt like it was yesterday but i have a headache- didnt drink enough i bet, but i woke up with the worse acne i have ever had... never looked like this in high school! my nose and chin and along the top right part of my hairline and between the boobs looks like i allowed my four year old to take a red marker and dot the hell outta me!

itchy and painful! yuk.. and i have a work meeting tonight and i dont wear makeup to begin with... going to be a long day!

but we will all get through it!

Karen30

hello there- I think we may be on a very similar schedule- I see my oncologist today 4/7 and port goes in tomorrow as well- not starting chemo until next week because I had a get away at my sons college I really don't want to miss so this will be my last weekend of "normal" what ever that is for a while I guess. Good luck with all your apts :

Karen30

good to know thank you- I will chat with the nurse today when I see the oncologist and see what they say- I believe I am having 4 rounds of AC and then 12 of taxol - I'm guessing the AC is going to be the harder of the 2 is that AC fair assumption? They are doing them 2 weeks apart

lovlilynne

Karen - yesterday the MO said that some people don't do so badly with the AC, and then they find the T more difficult, but he said that in general, the AC is worse than the T - does that make sense? So, your assumption is correct unless you do great through AC, then T is going to feel worse. Yay! :-)

allicat1214

Y'all may already know this but I wanted to share something that I got from my clinic's chemo class that I just got around to reading carefully last night.

The nurse navigator gave each participant a print out on their particular chemo cocktail from the chemocare.com website.

http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/acronyms/default...

It's detailed info on chemo drugs. I knew that chemo lowered your immune system while it was killing cancer cells. But the specific print outs on my drug combo ( CT ) gave a timetable on when your blood counts would be low that I hadn't realized before. They each gave a similar timetable: :

T:

• Low white blood cell count. (This can increase your risk for infection)
• Low red blood cell count (anemia)

Nadir: Meaning low point, nadir is the point in time between chemotherapy cycles in which you experience low blood counts.
Onset: 4-7 days
Nadir: 5-9 days
Recovery: 21 days

C:

Nadir: Meaning low point, nadir is the point in time between chemotherapy cycles in which you experience low blood counts.

Onset: 7 days
Nadir: 10-14 days

Recovery: 21 days

Be sure to drill down to your particularly combo of drugs, then click on "Learn more" under each one for specifics.

Anyway, for those like me that like to plan their lives any bit of info like this is worthwhile! Although, I am trying hard to stop trying to plan so much and just experience the "now". And I know some of the side effects listed are scary, but I'm choosing to be positive and have faith that I'll make it through!

Just gathering all the info I can while I get ready for getting the port tomorrow and first chemo on Friday! If this helps even one person, I'm glad! Good luck to all of us and I pray for few SEs for all!

Allison

greenae

Hi all,

I hope its ok to join here, as well? I started TC on 3/26, so like the zodiac signs, I am on the cusp. . Speaking from a day 12 of TC standpoint, I feel OK. Some sinus snot (sorry-lol) and pain with headaches, and metal mouth and fatigue. But really not bad. The decadron made me a lil crazy, bad headache Day 4, and I had a few hours of rough hip and leg pain (the Neulasta?) on day 6. But since Day 9, pretty good! Riding my stationary bike, had a fill from the PS, so I am at 450cc, and no probs with my appetite. I have gained 4 lbs since surgery. Ugh!

I hope everyone is feeling ok, and SEs are minimal. I have learned that if Anything is unusual or bothering you, just get on the fone to your MO.

Sending hugs and strength to All!

Arlene

KBeee

Welcome greenae, Karen, and anyone else I've missed. You've found a great group of gals!

If you call me Kay, I probably won't realize you are referring to me, but KB works (and is shorter).

Karen, Ask about what premeds you get...you definitely want Emend! I got Aloxi, Emend, Dexamethasone, and Zantac. I did great with my first AC and am hoping for the same luck with my last 3! I took my Zofran religiously for the first 5 days and have needed nothing since. MO did tell me that AC and the Zofran cause terrible constipation. He told me to take my favorite stool softener and a laxative for the first 7 days. I appreciated his frank honesty and I did as he said and had no trouble with constipation, but it was clear I would have if I had not taken the meds. So if your MO does not warn you, be sure you are prepared with those. You also will want to suck on ice or popsicles during AC.

Karen30

thank you KB - that is super helpful - I will definitely get myself organized with all the goodies I need- Popsicles sound wonderful I will have to get my little cooler box ready!!

lvmom23boys

Hello Ladies,

I was diagnosed in March after I found a lump with IDC. I am 39 years old married with 3 boys, 20,14 and 4. Looks like I will be starting chemo sometime in April but don't have an exact date yet. I am getting all the necessary tests done this week, echo is scheduled for tomorrow and port placement on the 14th. I am not sure of the exact regimen but my MO mentiomed 8 treatments every 3 wks. I have not had any surgery yet. My BS is recommending a round of chemo first to try to shrink the tumor. Any one else doing chemo before surgery?

I am very anxious/scared about this whole process. I don't really know any one that has been through BC. Reading these threads has helped a lot as to what I can expect.

Take care everyone!

Julie

Karen30

yes I'm doing chemo first as well- I start next Friday- port goes in tomorrow- I saw my oncologist today for the first time and he explained why he and my surgeon felt chemo first was better in my case- I feel comfortable with their decision - it makes sense when he explained it- besides I just want to get this chemo bit behind me- dreading it- I have 2 trips planned which include flights and I was happy to hear him say that he felt I could make both!!

GingerChi

I hope everyone who started treatment this week is doing well!!

Saw MO today, I start Round 1 (AC) on 4/13....4 treatments 2 weeks apart. I'm glad to finally have a date, but am scared at the same time. I had my training at the infusion center today, the nurse was very informative and set my mind at ease ....kinda. lol My port is going in tomorrow.

I was given the option to get Neulasta via a new on body injector! They place a cartridge on your arm or abdomen, and 27 hrs after your infusion, the Neulasta will be injected automatically, no need to go to the infusion center....My first dose they want to do themselves in the center, but after that I can choose the injector if I'd like. Once the injection has finished the dose, you remove the injector and place it in a sharps container. There are indicator lights and a fill indicator to keep an eye on while the injection is taking place. I'm going to research this more, here's the link to more info:

http://www.neulastahcp.com/characteristics/neulasta-delivery-kit/

Lynne, that was a great idea to do a spreadsheet, I updated my info, but now my name isnt on the sheet, not sure what happened?

Also, Lynne...I think it was you who asked about drinking lots of water during treatment....the nurse told me today that is to prevent kidney damage. She said if I drink coffee/soda's thats fine, but always follow them with a glass of water.

Allison, thanks for the link!!

mamajencoz

Well treatment #1 AC is over with.  I don't feel bad.. just different.  They gave me 4 kinds of anti nausea medicines plus a steroid. I'm pretty sure i have  never... EVER has this much medicine running through me. EVER. My head is a little swimming but I'm assuming it's  from one or all of the meds.  I went to target afterward and picked up a Rx then came home and made dinner.  The swimmy head comes and goes i hope it stops soon. I took a power nap so that helped. Other then that nothing to report. 1 down 3 (ac) to go. 

allicat1214

Hi ladies!

Karen: I'm getting a port put in tomorrow as well. My MO puts it in the upper arm. I had a lumpectomy already back in February. Glad to hear you can still go on your trips!

Ginger: We must have cross-posted. So three of us getting a port tomorrow.

So I'm a Type A planner. I get my port tomorrow and first chemo is Friday. I went to the store today and bought little Dixie cups and baking soda, biotene mouthwash and toothpaste, a new toothbrush, snacks for chemo. I have yogurt, applesauce.

My mother is in town and is going to stay with me for the first few days.

Trying to prepare for the unknown is quite a challenge. Thanks for all of you for the tips to prepare!

SpriteB

Welcome to our new people.

Mamajen - my head was swimmy from Thursday night til this morning. I agree that it feels weird to have so many different meds in my system.  I took zyrtec and ibuprofen before this. Now I have my own spot on the counter with my medicine cabinet. Ugh.

Allicat - It is so hard to plan for unknown. I was also thankful for all the tips on these boards so I could at least  feel a little sense of control while stocking up on the recommended items. 

Moderators

All our best to the April Chemo group. May your SEs be small and your treatments effective.

All the best. The Mods

mamajencoz

Nausea set in about 9:30 this evening.  Took nausea pill.  Praying for sleep.  Not a  happy camper. Any tips?

Beachbum1023

Hi mamajencoz, Sorry you aren't feeling too good. I had AC/T, and I drank 4 to 5 bottles of water each day. I used Jell-O, popsicles, mandarin oranges, pretzels, baked potatoes, mac and cheese, and yogurt. Anything easy, but sometimes I could eat cottage cheese. Very weird combination but I ate what worked, and ate it over and over. Thankfully I was much better on Taxol. But if you had chemo today, I would tell your MO, my nausea never really hit hard until Thursday and Friday. Maybe you need a better combo on infusion day. I had 3 meds for it, but usually the Zofran kept it under control. I would take it on schedule the day after and kept it going until Monday morning. I hope you feel better soon. Cheryl

Karen30

sorry you aren't feeling well mamajencoz- sleep is probably your best bet- I haven't started yet so really have no idea what does and doesn't work but my MO said they would give me lorazepam as a backup so that of nothing else worked I could just sleep it off- hope you feel better soon