Starting Chemo May 2015

MarlanaB

Day 3 started pretty crappy but I slept 6 hours which is the most I've slept since C-Day. I've kept up a pretty steady 3 liter intake of water so the 6 hours was the longest I've gone without fluids and I think that's what made me feel so bad. I took a nausea med and once that went to work, I downed 12 oz of water. After about an hour, I was already feeling better and I peed the most foul-smelling urine that I have seen so far! Ugh. So tonight, I'll set my alarm for 3 hours, chug some fluids and try to get back to sleep. And no more neupogen for this round! Yay

sharapril1021

Surprisedat65, can you or anyone clarify how much of the Claritin you took? Was it one pill once a day or did you take one pill 3X's a day? I've been taking it regularly because NJ allergies are horrible this year. The bottle says to take only 1 pill in 24 hours and being I hate taking any drugs at all, isn't 3 a lot?

Monday is Chemo Day 1 (AC) for me and I am very anxious. Tomorrow (Sunday) I am going shopping for all the items to have on hand to help me cope with the side effects. Drinking 100 oz is definitely going to be a challenge for me, but if it will help me feel better I am going to force myself to do it.

I really appreciate everyone on the boards sharing their experiences. I do have one question: how do you list your DX and treatments like most of you have at the bottom of your posts??

Magnolia83

Sharapril, go to your profile and fill it out on My Diagnoses, and make sure to click the button to make it public. Also regarding the Claritin, I just take 1 a day as the directions state. I wouldn't think you'd want to take more than that unless your MO says it's ok

MarlanaB

rosesrx--just saw the bit about the mio--I didn't need it until tonight. My mouth was so dry and funky the first 3 days that I did okay. I needed the Orange Mio for the last 32 ounces today. I've been using peppermints for mild nausea until I have to take zofran because of the constipation issue.

mysunshine48

I took one 24 hour time release Clariton a day. Took Zofran every 8 hours.

mysunshine48

Maralab - Zofran is for nausea....and it is the Zofran that causes constipation. You need to take something for that, I take 2 Peri-Colase every day from treatment day until I have a good bowel movement. Then, just keep on top of it. Actually, after that, I was OK and just took regular Colase, which is a stool softener.

StefLove

Had AC #2 on Thursday and I just want to whine and complain and cry. Yesterday was worse then the saturday after my first AC and I was just cranky and sore and achy the entire day. Today is slightly better (although I just woke up like 30 mins ago) and I just need to get out of my funk. I'm tired of drinking water, I'm tired of not being hungry, I'm tired of scrounging around the house for any calories to eat that my body won't reject. I've lost 3 pounds since yesterday already. Luckily the nausea has been a little better this time around but the thought of eating anything makes me queasy and blah.

Friday I went to a little ladies night at the gym and there was a chiropractor there giving out free adjustments. I told her what was going on and she adjusted me and it felt great! I might start going to her during treatment and see if that helps with my SE. Anyone else go to a chiro regularly?

Hope everyone else is feeling better than me! I just need to crawl out of my little funk today and I'll be better!

MarlanaB

my sunshine--zofran is not my friend for that reason. I've taken it for Ménière's/vertigo off and on for a couple of years and run afoul of it even with stool softeners, fiber gummies and laxatives which is why I've been holding out taking it until I absolutely have to! Puking is better than impaction. Ugh! The only thing that seems to help is about a pound of watermelon and 1/2 a pound of stewed prunes.

Worst night for bone pain even with Claritin and Vicodin. Haven't slept a wink. Feels like wolves gnawing on my bones! I hate taking ANY pain meds, including Vicodin, but I may have to call my MO and get something stronger. 😕 2nd degree burns and debridement of both breasts was pleasant in comparison. Good news is that I didn't have to set my alarm to wake up so I could drink more water.

Sharapril--good luck with your treatment and I hope you have the best possible journey. Obviously by my whining, the bone pain has been my nemesis. I was starting to get cocky and thinking "Ah, this isn't so bad!" I'm feeling pretty humble after a night without sleep!

sharapril1021

Thanks everyone for the information on updating my profile. I think I did it right but if not please let me know. I am anxious for tomorrow but I am confident I will make it through because I know all of you have thus far. Even though my treatment is out of the norm from most of you(chemo before surgery) I find all your messages empowering....thank you!

tjh

My nausea has been ok, I had horrendous bone pain for 2 days after nebulasta shot, so I took Vicodin and Valium at bedtime so I could sleep. I was constipated for a couple of days after round 1, I stayed with a soft diet and colace 2 times a day....luckily it only lasted a few days. The last 3 days had major diarerria, not sure if it was a stomach bug or SE. But better today. I have round 2 on Tuesday, so I am going to take stool softener tonight and Monday to hopefully head it off. Hardest part this week was the hair loss, although once it was gone I felt better. MIL gave me a sparkly baseball cap...she is 95 with dementia, currently in assisted living so I smiled and said Thank You and when we got out to the car DH and I laughed until we cried. To say the least NOT going to wear it! Sending cyber hugs to all we will get through this!

Magnolia83

hope everyone is having a relaxing Sunday!

I wanted to share that I've been using coconut oil on my buzzed head for the last few days with great results. My scalp was dry and a little red after the buzz, so I was looking for something to keep it moisturized and healthy. I just rub on some coconut oil after my shower and let it absorb for a bit, then I wipe off any excess with a paper towel. Scalp is much happier now!

Happymamaw1

For me it was empowering to get my head shaved when my hair started coming out. It was hard but so glad I did it.

rosesrx

Nose beeds anyone? Was getting ready for church,  started sneezing then blew my nose. Oh well,  still oozing a bit. I will kick back and take it easy today. Walked 1 mile yesterday intentionally,  first time since 2012 as I had 7 broken bones from a car accident. From an ortho standpoint pain free,  my lungs beg to differ. All I had last week was Herceptin on Wednesday,  I did notice my gums bleeding last night when I brushed. May want to switch to soft bristle toothbrush my friends.

My BS said it was ok to use coconut oil on my incision,  will keep that in mind for the scalp as well. 

I was wondering if the zofran for nausea was the culprit for the constipation… will keep on top of that next time round. Tjh the pain meds can cause constipation… as well. Sorry the claritin didn't keep the bone pain at bay. I took mine for 7 days starting the night before the Neulasta shot. 

Steflove - if the chiro works go for it. I need to make time for a massage,  that would feel heavenly. 

No hair loss yet day 11.  Keeping the radio or tv turned on helps with the tinnitus from being so noticible. My mood has been improving. The Pristiq has been helping. Mom still for the most part thinks I am one of her sisters and my brother is in a highchair banging on the tray i.e.circa 1968. It is disconcerting to never know what I am walking into when visiting,  but learning to cope day by day. 

Mrsgrass

At day 10, May 22, I had quite a few hairs dropping as I was styling it so I had my head shaved so my hair was about 1/4 inch. I thoug it would be a traumatic experience, but it wasn't. Each day I lost a little more and thought to myself that it wasn't too bad. Until yesterday; I went from 90% of my hair on my head to 90% bald in the shower. I kind of freaked out and had to get some reassurance from my sister and my daughters. My husband was really supportive also so today is much better. Onto round two of TC Tuesday

rosesrx

Happymamaw and Mrsgrass,  I will probably pull out the clippers when I notice the first major shed. My new wig has lost more than the ole cranium. I haven't colored or cut since the end of February so it pretty bad.

 

tjh

I can't take Clairetin...keeps me awake all night and makes me itch. My nose and gums bled off and on from about day 7-18. Saltwater rinse helped my gums, also Biotene rinse and toothpaste and super soft toothbrush for my nose I don't go anywhere without kleenex. I am spending the afternoon holding my sleeping 2 yr old grandson...he doesn't want to lay down in his crib....I will just have to suffer through 😇

StefLove

for those of you that had AC, how long until your urine stopped being red? I'm pretty sure I'm now getting a bladder infection or something similar. and it's not the red devil in the toilet

MarlanaB

tjh--that's a tough job but someone got to do it! As for the mouth sores, I'm alternating between baking soda and saltwater rinse and sucking on ice chips (the cold helps the capillaries tighten and contract, reducing blood flow).

Steflove, I not know about the Red Devil since in on the TC cocktail but my urine is still messed up on day 5. I think someone's been slipping me concentrated asparagus pills when I'm not looking.

I managed to get the furry beasts half-a$$ed washed today. That took 45 minutes and then I needed a 3 hour nap on my parents' couch. Good thing it's leather because I drooled all over it.

mysunshine48

A question...Does anyone else get anxious about these treatments? I have #2 TC on Thursday and am already having anxiety about it. After the nurse finally got the IV in, she said, OK, I have to tell you y that with this medicine your throat could start to close, you could stop breathing, you could have chest pains, etc. Luckily, I did not have any of that, but she freaked me out! Now, I keep hearing her words in my head. Did anyone else have a nurse tell you this? And, do you ask for a slow drip?

tjh

I don't remember hearing that...mine goes into my port so, there wasn't any trouble starting it. I am more relaxed this time then the 1st, I feel better knowing what is coming. My biggest concern is that my DD's end of the year concert is Tuesday, the day of chemo. I need to be there.

Scarlett152

mysunshine, I agree very anxious prior to 2nd TC which was 5/28. I didn't have a reaction the first time, but did this time. It happened within a minute of starting taxotere. My chest felt a little tight and I coughed twice. Kind of an asthmatic cough. The nurse ran right over stopped the drip and another put bendryl in my IV. I was never in pain and it happened so fast I didn't have time to worry. Apparently my face and neck were flushed too. They waited 1/2 hour and restarted the taxotere at 1/2 speed for 15 minutes. I did not have any reaction so they went to full speed for the rest of the bag. It was a little surprising, but very manageable. The nurses wee really on it. No side effects from it except more sleeping sleepy from the Benadryl.

MarlanaB

mysunshine--I didn't get that warning either. I was extremely anxious prior--I had a headache for the whole 6 days prior. My normal bp is 110/70 and my heart rate is generally in the low to mid 70's. My vitals right before my iv were 138/86 and my heart rate was 134 bpm. The nurse said "Are you a chemo virgin?" Yeah, ya think?!

rosesrx

It is called informed consent but should have been on the chemo printout and given to you by the MO. She could have been more tactful,  supportive and reassuring. They do have all the stuff available to treat reactions. Praying,  meditating help. Hugs and good vibes being sent. 

Chemo virgin… ..don't know how I feel about that term..maybe newbie.  

Magnolia83

Stef, my urine is only red on AC for a few hours, and even then it's more of a peach color, not a bright red. Not sure what the standard amount of time is but might want to call your MO if it is staying red for days

MarlanaB

rosesrx--that was my first thought but then my twisted, dark sense of humor kicked in and I started joking about the last "virgin sacrifice" I'd been to was a frat party in my college days and they served a much better cocktail.

lman

TC#2 today. Hoping things go smoothly. Doctor said rash last week looked like a drug reaction so has me on a strong antihistamine. Unusual for it to appear two weeks after treatment. Good luck to all.

StefLove

well last night was fun my temp started going up and there was def blood in my urine. Called the emergency line and they prescribed me antibiotics. Fever broke a little bit after that and didn't get high enough to go to the hospital. Still feel crappy today with the same symptoms and slight fever. this sucks.

surprisedat65

I'm on AC. Has anyone determined yet if the dosage of either or both increases with each successive infusion? #2 tomorrow for me

StefLove

surprisedat65, I'm on AC too and honestly completely forgot to ask during my #2 on Thursday. I had the same question too!

JenJenJen

Hope you're feeling better Steflove. Make sure to keep on top of your symptoms to make sure that the antibiotic is effective in wiping out the bug. I think usually it takes about a day of antibiotics to make you feel better. If you have continued fevers, definitely call the advice line again.

Surprisedat and Steflove, I'm on AC as well and the dosage of both are the same with each infusion.