Chemo in July 2015

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  • 6feetover
    6feetover Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2015

    tonia52-

    Greetings! My onco doc said that I'd probably notice (what's left of) my hair starting to fall out on day 17, as well. Weird.

    lots of other folks who were discussing headcoverings/hair loss-

    I'd finally had a head of hair that I was proud of; colored it for nearly 5 years solely with a body art-quality natural henna concoction that I mixed myself at home every month. My mane was thick, naturally wavy/curly, nearly to my waist, and a beautiful cherry cola color. Alas. No way I'd have been able to watch that coming out in clumps, so I proactively shaved my head nearly to the skin (a la Sinead) prior to my first infusion! I have a "socially-acceptable" wig (in case I can actually go back to work, at some point...) and a silly purple anime wig that's just adorable, and that I totally plan to wear to future infusions and anywhere the heck else I feel like wearing it! I've actually been mostly going around sans any headcovering, but I wear a bandana and black "boonie" hat when outdoors. I'm hoping to get some Buffs and at least one cute flapper-type cloche, at some point...

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  • Thunder7
    Thunder7 Member Posts: 73
    edited July 2015

    Well first infusion of TC is over. So far so good. 24 hrs. more on my fast. The way understand it, the worst symptoms usually hit days 3-6? Then rocking a bald head at about 2 weeks.

    Saying prayers today with a pastor who was there at the same time. We added the whole July 2015 group. It was comforting. Hope he is there in 3 weeks :-)

    Hugs to all.

    Thunder7

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  • Sher0402
    Sher0402 Member Posts: 51
    edited July 2015

    My chemo was delayed AGAIN to next Thursday. It was delayed last week because they wanted to do a PET scan. Did the PET/CT fusion scan today and got the results. Good news: Nothing in bones or any organs lit up. Bad news: A lymphnode on the left side of my neck (opposite side of bc) lit up and measured 2.1 cm. Multiple lymphnodes lit up under right arm largest one at .8 cm. Now I need a biopsy on those. ARNP said that reactive lymphnodes can show up on PET and I have had at least two of those in the past so they don't want to assume they are cancer and over treat with surgery and radiation after my chemo. Any one have anything similar? Another odd thing, the tumor showed as smaller on the PET. It was 1.8 on ultrasound, MRI showed 2.7 and PET showed 1.4. She said she thought the PET/CT would be more accurate.

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  • Suzanne1971
    Suzanne1971 Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2015

    Hi everyone! I am Suzanne, 43, single with no kids (just a 70 lb lab/pit mix to keep me company). Sorry to see so many people here, but glad I found this board (from a link from a HER2+\TCHP board).

    I had my first infusion (adjuvant chemo) on July 8th, I will go every 3 weeks. 6 cycles total.

    Currently, it is day 15 for me, and no hair loss, but I'm sure it's starting as my head has felt pretty strange for a day or so. I cut it pretty short last week, and now feel like I should have shaved it. I know I will be okay once it's gone, I am just scared of the "going" part.

    Side effects for me have been 100% manageable, and I feel so fortunate. I did have some bloody noses, that sent me in for bloodwork, but that came back fine, and I haven't had one since (day 8/9). Minor bone pain from Neulasta, constipation off the bat (will start with a stool softener on infusion day next time), a couple small bouts of Diarreaha, minor neuropathy and watery/stinging eyes (day 2). The worst has been the heartburn, and disrupted sleep.

    Prior to my diagnosis, I was lucky to have a bottle of Advil on hand. Now my home feels like a CVS!

    I am working, but only part time. I have my own business, too (on the side), so I've been able to keep that going with the help of my assistant. It's a real struggle for me to see my business take a back seat to this, but this is my reality, and I'll give it all I got.

    4 days after my diagnosis, I popped open a Magic Hat Number 9 (beer), and the cap said:

    "Be a peace not in pieces"

    It has been my motto ever since.

    Good luck everyone

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  • Cheesequake
    Cheesequake Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2015

    Welcome Suzanne! Sorry you're here with us, but love your attitude :)

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  • Suzanne1971
    Suzanne1971 Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2015

    thanks @cheesequake.

    Read your signature and wondering why you had surgery first? You won't be receiving perjeta, correct?


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  • alice12
    alice12 Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2015

    Hello ladies, does everyone get neupogen / neulesta shot right after their 1st chemo? My doctor does not think I need it the first time, so I wonder if everyone gets it start from the very beginning.

    Thanks for the feedback.

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited July 2015

    alice12: I get the neulasta shot the day after my chemo treatment.

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited July 2015

    inkster: I had my hair buzzed off todY. It was coming out in large amounts. Glad I had it done today. Emotionally hard but doing well with it right now. Wondering how long it will take to be completely bald

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  • tonia52
    tonia52 Member Posts: 36
    edited July 2015

    yep.. My hair came out completely on day 17. My 17 year old daughter buzzed it off then shaved it and it looked much better. She said put your wig on and let's go have some fun and we went out all day just doing girl stuff. Before you know it your hair will be growing back. Never forget sweet lady, that God made you fearfully and wonderfully. It will be all worth itto kick cancers butt!!!

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  • tonia52
    tonia52 Member Posts: 36
    edited July 2015

    I got neulasta each time with ADR but not once with taxol. Hope that helps answer your question.

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  • alice12
    alice12 Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2015

    hartrish: did your doctor give you regardless of your WBC? In other words, if your WBC is normal, did they still give it to you? Or, did they give it to you because your WBC is on lower side?

    I am trying to understand why my doctor does not prescribe it to me on my first upcoming chemo. thank you for your feedback.

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited July 2015

    alice12: I got it not based on my wbc count with the thought that the chemo would decrease my count. My insurance company first denied and wanted my wbc count to drop before they approved. I have two open wounds from reconstruction and call them with that info. They then approved.

    I think physicians are different and insurance companies are too. Some wait till counts drop while others give up front to help minimize the drop or length of time the wbc count is low.

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  • tonia52
    tonia52 Member Posts: 36
    edited July 2015

    my MO advised to take regardless of my WBC during ADR since that is the harshest of chemosynthesis. I was told ADR is the red devil. I'm glad it's over. My WBC have been good on taxol treatments so no need for neulasta.

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  • Suzanne1971
    Suzanne1971 Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2015

    I get a Neulesta shot the day after chemo. I wasn't given the impression that this was optional, but maybe I misunderstood? (There was A LOT of info coming at me for a month!

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  • Batesburg
    Batesburg Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2015

    @ adarkadaptedi- YOU are great! I love the wigs/no wigs attitude! I have a wig appt this Friday but I know I am going to get some crazy looking things to wear from time to time- rather than stay so darn conservative!! Time to be wild during this wild ride of ups and downs with chemo and BC.

    I am one day out from Taxol (getting Taxol and Carbo next week) and started my neupogen shots today- feeling a bit funky this eve. Fatigue and right side of my neck is sore for some reason- weird. no bone pain- when does that show up? maybe I read that it doesn't show up with neupogen as much?? Thoughts?

    @ Suzanne: be at peace, not in pieces- LOVE that! Reminds me that a beer is in order soon....staying super hydrated this eve- port placement tomorrow. :(

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  • alice12
    alice12 Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2015

    Tonia52: i will be on taxotere carboplatin. I will check with my doctor again about this neupogen/ neulesta.

    ladies: thanks for the feedback

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  • Bliss58
    Bliss58 Member Posts: 1,154
    edited July 2015

    hartrish,

    Good tip about the A&H toothpaste. I'll have to try it this time, too!


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  • Bliss58
    Bliss58 Member Posts: 1,154
    edited July 2015

    Suzanne, welcome! Glad to hear your first treatment SEs were not too bad.

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  • 6feetover
    6feetover Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2015

    To all, re: the Neulasta shot: I'm wondering/guessing from what I've read here and what my onco doc told me that it's only administered after a round of AC chemo (Adriamycin + Cytoxan), rather than after every type of chemo..? According to dear onco doc (aren't I flippant? She's a sweetheart!), I won't need a Neulasta shot when I move from the AC chemo to the Taxol (plus possible carboplatin)...

    Janet: I truly hope that you don't experience any pain with the Neupogen! My poor mom suffered horribly years ago; she likened the long bone pain to being hit with a hammer or a baseball bat.

    Regarding the wigs/Sinead stance: I just can't be bothered to care what people think (or don't think) about my appearance, anymore. Being cognizant of the fact that I'm literally fighting for my life right now has put a LOT of things into clearer perspective. As a woman with Asperger Syndrome, I often feel very disconnected from other people, and even from myself; sometimes it's as though I'm merely observing what's going on in my body. It's only when I'm in that infusion chair with the nurses reciting to each other my name, stats, and chemo drugs, accessing my port, and laying out the infusion items including the ol' "Red Devil," that I'm forced back into myself, as it were, and into the sickening knowledge that this is all really happening to ME, and not someone else. Thank goodness for fluoxetine 20 mg daily, or I'd probably be in a straitjacket.


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  • 6feetover
    6feetover Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2015

    hartrish: did your dentist mention anything about biotène toothpaste?

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  • Bliss58
    Bliss58 Member Posts: 1,154
    edited July 2015

    Flaime, my onc advised just regular Claritin.

    Free, wishing you good luck tomorrow. According to the list, Thunder7 is starting tomorrow, so I'll be thinking of you both and wishing you not too bad SEs!


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  • Bliss58
    Bliss58 Member Posts: 1,154
    edited July 2015

    alice12: I got the Neulesta shot the day after 1st treatment as well.

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  • powerthruit
    powerthruit Member Posts: 59
    edited July 2015
    alice12 - I started Neupogen shots 2 days after first infusion. Next infusion is Monday and I expect the same routine. (They showed me how to do them, so I could do them at home. 7 days, 150mg ea. Easy. Small needle, hardly feel it. If at all)
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  • Flaime
    Flaime Member Posts: 18
    edited July 2015

    I'm scheduled to have the Neulasta only after the AC, but not the Taxol. So I'm guessing it's only used with drugs that drop your wbc's. I'm also taking dose dense treatments (every 2 weeks) so I guess that's what makes it possible to recover enough before the next infusion. I'll have to ask about the Claritin D. The decongestant part of it can really raise blood pressure, so if plain Claritin would work, I would think that would be better.

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  • 6feetover
    6feetover Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2015

    Flaime:

    Hi there! My onco doc and onco (chemo teaching) nurse specified only plain/generic Claritin, not Claritin D...

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  • powerthruit
    powerthruit Member Posts: 59
    edited July 2015
    Flaime - I took regular Claritin before each shot. In my case Neupogen. To your observation, no need for the D. Unintentionally, I grabbed the type that melt on your tongue, which may have made it work faster.
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  • RuthElizabeth
    RuthElizabeth Member Posts: 103
    edited July 2015

    hi everyone. I also look forward to reading everyone's posts. Have to laugh, I had super bad acne as a kid, and still get it as an adult. But, Holley cow. My face looks like a dot to dot. I'm 10 days out of first AC. Since being in for the IV fluids Monday, I feel pretty good. Now I have hemmeroids. I always knew I was a pain in the butt. All they want me to do is sitz baths. They help, but I'm getting so tired of the pain. But, I will get there. I was even able to eat a little bit the last two days. Was good, since I'm living on saltines. And I started drinking orange gator aid mixed with water.

    I only took two days of the Claritin for the neulasta shot. Day of and day after. My onc nurse still doesn't recommend it, but it helped, thanks to all of you. I think sometimes my team is a bit old fashion. Who knows.

    I have an appointment sat morning to see about a wig. Was figuring on shaving my head Friday night. Still not sure. I know that is going to be a huge reality check. No matter how much I think it's not going to bother me, who knows.

    Blessings to everyone for a good night and day today. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Time for my Benadryl for my second half nights sleep. Can't seem to get thru a night without being up at least three times. But, I'm good. Hope you are too. Night, Ruth

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  • 6feetover
    6feetover Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2015

    RuthElizabeth:

    Welcome to the July chemo crew! Have you been prescribed anything for the nausea/problems "down there?" Sorry to hear that you're not feeling well! The Benadryl does help a bit with the insomnia, but not quite enough, in my experience. Look forward to more of your posts!

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  • Bliss58
    Bliss58 Member Posts: 1,154
    edited July 2015

    Hi all. I had a blood test yesterday and my WBC is really high, 22.4! Normal is 3.7-11.1 according to the report. So, I wonder if after my treatment 7/30 my MO may decide not to give me the Neulesta shot right away. Last time, I got it the day after treatment. Anyone else experience this? Thanks and best wishes to you all!

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