Chemo in June 2015

ksusan

Here from the April group to cheer you on and say that most of my SEs are gone at 4 weeks out from TC x 4.

LostLittle1

here's some pics of my buzz.. before pic

. pink Mohawk funwith hubby.

and finally finished product .. I kind of dig it.

Esmerelda50

You look fabulous, Littletatas! I'll be a day or two behind you.

Brightsideplease

Hey littletatas you look great. I sincerely hope I will look that good with a buzz cut!

I just noticed you and I had chemo starting the same day, and we're on the same regimen, and we also both have very large right breast tumors.

I just found out I'm BRCA1 positive, so I'm going to be having a double mastectomy after I'm done with chemo though.

Happy holiday weekend everyone!:)

December

Enigmatic, tamkay,

....thanks so very much ... yes ...ive actually seen my onc nurse practioner ...i was starting to think this is not normal, too. I have chronic daily tension migraines (see neurologist regularly ). .. im starting to think im having extended migraine triggered by the chemo ...for me, migraines also make me sick all over .... and am in consant body aches/ pain. I have hydocodones left over from sugeries and as an experiment ive taken a couple. .. worked like magic. ... don't have a clue why except getting rid of pain stops the tummy problems ... like right now, other than being tired ....i don't feel sick (whew) a couple of days ago i did have a fever @ 103 but it was like 3am and its not like i was going into the hospital that time of night (got it down with lots of ice bags and even the chills, sweats, went away) doc put me on antibiotics, and at doc visit 1 week post treatment had lost 9 lbs and white cells low ... my biggest pain is lower tummy and back ... sevier painful cramps, excessive gas... (plus i have right arm nerve pain from auxiliary lymph node surgery and the discomfort of these TEs)...so could be a combination

and yes, i have the gas-x and other otc tummy stuff!

Just wondering if any one else needed pain pills to feel human? I didnt read about in any of the litature. Until cancer, pain pills made me sick ... can't help to see this but as ironic.

thanks all for much needed support

mysunshine48

December.....I do not take pain pills because they make me sick. Chemo is not easy for sure. I am always having something new come up. My third trestment has been very painful, but I have just struggled through it. 8 days out now and starting to turn the corner. My blood cell count did not come up as well this time, thus I have been very weak....lost 5 pounds. Yes, the combination of expander pain, bone pain from Neulasta shot, feeling generally sick, all fall on us making chemo difficult. I try to look it as this trestment is getting rid of every one of those possible straggling csncer cells and there is an end to this. I cross off the dsy son my calendar. Hsve been doing this since April and was so happy to turn the page to July! Hang in there

PatRN10

December, I am not on chemo yet but do have some frequent migraines which make me very nauseated. You are right that stopping the pain helps the tummy. Excedrin Migraine (or the generic version) works wonders for me . This is a very good option if headaches are a problem and you want to save your narcotics for very severe situations. Of course check with your doctor before taking any new med. Excedrin migraine is a combinations of Tylenol, aspirin and caffeine. If this doesn't work Fiorocet is another good migraine med . It is a prescription and could be addicting but not near as strong as the hydrocodone. I feel for you. Have had migraines since childhood and they are miserable.

Tresjoli2

you can always ask for imitrex. I was told I could take imitrex with my chemo.

lulu2533

Well just got my PET scan yesterday. Time to find out if this chemo is working and see if the damn cancer is anywhere else in my body. Gotta say I am very, very anxious to hear the results. With 11 positive lymph nodes its hard to think that it didn't spread. Anyway, sorry to be a "debbie downer" just really worried.

Espanola

I have to share words of encouragement from my very wise 23 year old niece. I was telling her the I felt tired, that was was not quite feeling like myself day 5 after my 1st AC treatment. This was her response:

You are still yourself the tiring days, just the version that says mellow, smell the roses😉😘🌹🌸🌷

So to all my fellow warriors be mellow and enjoy those roses!

December

mysunshine,pat, resjoli2, and all, so much thanks for support! Imitrex doesn't work for me ... and im allergic to tramadol....i take diclofencac and rizatriptan for migraines. At least takes the edge off. Today im 90% better!!! So far. But i did take a hydro at noon. I read on web about a se called mucositus. .. an irritation of the stomach lining which is very painful .... feels like your tummy is eating its self ... hit home with me. Usually something that starts with a c (like capatah?) Is prescribed and works by coating your tummy. Will ask doc. Now a new concern ... much more tired than normal, and dizzy, faint. Blood pressure only 69/55 !!! However, 1st time since chemo that ive taken my bp meds ... guess ill stop again until i talk to family doc. Always something! !! Thanks ladies!!!

rosesrx

December--drug that coats the stomach that starts with c is - Carafate (generic name sucralfate)

December

thanks rose!!! Yep, thats it! Im going to check with onc. Sometimes i put too much faith in dr. Google! !! Btw we are neighbors. Im right at the 407 exit. Did you know any Copes there? My family, passed now.

MariaTeresaG

Sunshine...a hug for comfort.

MariaTeresa

rosesrx

December- I go to church with Jim an Jama and their 2 boys. The only ones I know.

Just went through your neck of the woods last Saturday on my way to Cumberland county. My first venture solo travel since surgery in April and starting chemo in May.

You must stay away from dr google. He is not very discerning and has no filter.

For the GI symptoms what works for me is famotidine 40mg twice daily, omeprazole 40 mg at bedtime, calcium chewable and simethicone for the gas and belching. Also when I have to take zofran I go ahead and take docusate 250-500 mg with it. Of course the 100 oz of fluids avoiding caffeine (ok 2 cups of coffee in the am except on steroid days) Stay hydrated and that my help with bp.

Brightsideplease

To Lulu2533,

Big hugs! Worrying won't change the results, just make you feel bad. Do something to take your mind off waiting, funny movie maybe? I will be thinking good thoughts for you.

To December I'm so glad your 90% better!

To all a happy, calm holiday weekend:)...think good thoughts for me tomorrow, day 16 and hair is dropping, major socializing all weekend with husband's reunion friends...I'd rather hide!

mysunshine48

Maria Teresa, thank you!

Brightside, Good luck with the hair. When my started to go, it just went!. Hope yours hangs on till Monday.

Happy Fourth of July!

Charlotte57

I'm on A/C chemo with Neulasta. Having issues with the muscle aches and bone pain I decided to ask my MO if I could use a product I've used for years when muscles were over taxed (like with excercising or yard work). She read the ingredients and gave me a green light to use it! I was hoping for relief of the overall muscle concerns but was very surprised (and happy!) to find it took away the pain in my bones from the Neulasta! A life saver for me! The product is natural and is called "T-Relief". I get the tablets online at Amazon, but you can also get them at a health food store. Check with your doctor first! I told mine I'd report back with the results and maybe they can look into it more and offer this treatment idea to others. (Oh - am taking Clariton but that didn't take care of the pain. Continuing it as it's working for my allergies as well!)

eaglemom

Happy 4th of July to all of you in the States!

It's been a while since I posted. Thanks for all the nice comments about my mohawk It held on for a few days; just a little less than a week. I wore it proudly to my MO appointment and to work for a couple of days. Then on Friday a week ago, it was bugging me so much that I went outside and put my head down and started rubbing and pulling. By the time I was done, my head looked like a badly plucked chicken! I had my daughter buzz what was left to 1/8". Some of the stubborn white hairs are still hanging in there, but overall I have maybe 20% of my hair left and it's very sparse. My head basically looks like a kiwi! So, it's been do rags out and about for me.

I had my blood work for my 3rd AC done on Monday the 29th. I was concerned whether the neutrophils would be good enough since it was only 12 days since AC #2 and the neutrophils were at 1.29 last time. Luckily, this time they were at 1.50 and I was good to go with AC#3 on Tuesday the 30th. My normal day is Wednesday, but Wednesday the 1st was Canada Day so the schedule was adjusted.

I've been doing well. I even rode my bike to the hospital for blood work and to meet with the doctor on Monday. On Tuesday, my dd came with me to chemo. Our ferry was overloaded and we weren't able to get our car on. Luckily, we got a ride to the hospital from some friends who had room in their car. On the way back, we just walked to the ferry. It only took half an hour and it was a beautiful day and I was still feeling good.

Some of the nurses mentioned that #3 often hits people hard, but I was pleasantly surprised that my #3 seemed to go better than my #2. I never got the headache this time and the upset, queasy stomach was also not as bad. Fatigue has not gone away, but it's manageable. I just take several short naps per day. I've been able to keep working my regular part-time schedule and did ok with all for my dd's 16th birthday sleep-over last weekend. I even got a nice swim in at our lake last Saturday (late in the day and with a swim cap to cover my kiwi head).

I've had a harder time drinking my 3 to 4 liters of non-caffeinated fluids per day. My electrolyte drink that I had been drinking just seems to turn me off now. I start feeling a bit sick to my stomach when I just think about drinking it. Herbal tea, ginger ale, root beer, and most juices are still ok. Yogurt has been good, so that's usually what I have first thing in the morning. I can still tolerate most foods and my taste buds seem to be ok as well.

I've still been lucky and not had any pain from the Neupogen injections. I have my claritin handy in case that changes. Thanks for the tip about the "T-Relief" Charlotte. I'll keep that in mind in case I need it and will pass it on to others who have bone and muscle pain.

I love the pictures, littletatas! Yay for the fun mohawk and you look great in your buzz cut!

I hope your hair hung in there for your reunion dinner, Brightsideplease.

I'm so glad you're feeling mostly better, December, and I hope the drugs keep working for you too keep the SEs at bay.

I'm saying some prayers for you lulu (Julie) that your PET scan comes out clear. I know how scary it is when you have a bunch of nodes involved. Try not to worry. You are doing everything you can to get the cancer out of your body.

I wish all of you a nice, relaxing, restful, and SE free weekend!

lulu2533

Thanks Brightside and Eaglemom for the kind words. I'm trying not to think about it and keeping busy. Hope everyone is having a good weekend. A/C #3 for me this Wed. Over halfway done with my A/C's then 12 weeks of Taxol.

Stay strong ladies!!

lizannee

Happy 5th! I found myself tired and emotional for the 4th and when my brother didn't take me straight home like I asked (wanted to swing by to show me and my sister his daughter's new house) I started crying. I am so emotional and I feel like a big old baby at the age of 59. I am starting day 14 after first TC treatment, still have hair, managed nausea so far, was surprised by bone pain after I stopped taking Claritin. Started experiencing a slight vertigo two days ago. Anyone else experience that? Cut my hair ultra short and waiting for hair to fall out.

Esmerelda50

1. Hi Lizannee, I am on day 16 since first TC. My hair started coming out on day 14 and today I buzzed it off. Have been an emotional wreck about that. Have not had vertigo, but did have the bone pain and I plan to try the Claritin this time. Having my next chemo on Tuesday, so I think we are close in this journey. Hope the vertigo goes away. I'm also 59, will be 60 next month.

shelly4321

hey everyone. Today is day 3 past my tc# 2. This time they had me take a nulasta shot. I'm pretty sure that is what is making me feel like crap. I still have most of my hair. I have a bald spot on the top of my crown. So far the cold caps seem to be working. I am still working my normal grave shift and my per diem job. Working keeps me busy, but I wish I was at home today. Does the bone pain and nausea go away?

Espanola

hi, I'm 10 days past my first AC treatment and I have some cyst like acne (under the skin bumps with no head) coming out on my chin. Is anyone else experiencing this and how can I combat it?

TheyCallMeCommodorable

shelly4321 - I had severe bone pain from the Neulasta on days 5-7 despite taking Claritin. On Day 6 I was prescribed Tramadol for the pain and after taking it for 24 hours, I was pain free. By Day 9 I felt back to normal and have been back at 100% since. TC #2 is tomorrow. I tolerated the chemo well, but that Neulasta shot really got me.

My hair started to go on Day 14 and by Day 16 was coming out in clumps. I had it cut way back and had my final wig fitting. I wore it when I was with friends over the weekend and I think they thought it was my real hair

justmaximom15

I hope everyone had a great weekend and to my fellow Americans I hope you all celebrated in the way you wanted. I had A/C #2 on Thursday and expected family members arrived on Friday. I hate to say it but I almost didn't want them to come because I wasn't sure how this round would go. However, I'm so glad they came. My Mom, sister, BIL, and niece arrived with more love and very unexpected showering of gifts it made me smile from deep inside. These are tough times but it's sure made me appreciate all the love I have from family and friends.

So far so good on dealing with the this treatment. Just a bit of a headache and fatigue but I nap when I'm tired.

Charlotte57

Hi Espanola! I am12 days out fro AC. I also am developing those bumps and a couple spots of acne. I am 57 and haven't had acne in years! A couple of spots around my neck as well. Not really too worried about it as I am not finding any of the chemo effects very fun, though I feel like "why should I complain?" I saw friends years ago go through this without some of the drugs we now have (like puking all the time). Then I say heck - I hate this anyway! This plain sucks! Waiting for the hair to go. Lucky the haircut I got to prepare for hair loss is really horrible so I'm hoping that'll help. Chin up all! We got this! Tears & smiles all around with hugs & kisses thrown im for good measure

rosesrx

For the acne and bumps....If you have any of the CHG (chlorhexidine gluconate, or phisohex) I use that when taking a shower. You can also ask your PCP for a topical antibiotic gel (clindamyicn or erythromycin without the benzyl peroxide) to spot treat. Wearing more makeup I have to be more diligent about removing it at night and watch the moisturizer that I am using. A lot of the new products I got at the LGFB meeting. Oh doesn't that add insult to injury. Some of the premeds or chemo may be a culprit as well.

I have been tempted to take some of my left over pain meds from surgery for the bone pain, especially at night, but have not done so. The aches last 3-4 days. I have gained a new appreciation for when people say they are tired. Cause when I say it now I feel like I am slogging around with 100 lbs weights to each foot. "This too shall pass"

AGerl

I love all the supportive postings from my fellow warriors. It is great to read the helpful advice on side effects and how things are progressing.

I was doing well mentally with everything until Friday when the reality of the situation hit me so hard that I spent the weekend crying about the wonderful 'life' I lost since starting chemo. My DH could not understand although he spent hours listening to me and comforting me...but it was quite difficult to explain how I was feeling. So...I tried to engage in intimate relations but my body was not responding at all. It resulted in a quite disappointing and painful experience. I could handle losing my hair, my time on the soccer field, my energy, my ability to eat or taste anything, and my mind, but losing this broke me. I wish I could say it was temporary, but because I am BRCA 2 positive, the plan is to have a BSO. I will have the chance to talk to my drs later this week about how I can manage this situation.

In the meantime, I am trying to focus on the positives (Friday will be the halfway point with chemo).

Espanola

Thank you Charlotte and Rosesrx , it's just nice to know I'm not alone. We are warriors, together and strong!