January 2016 Chemo!

fightergirl711

sarah_sunflower I've had "pink tissues" since the beginning, this week I've had two full on nosebleeds, one of which I was worried would not stop (at my son's basketball game no less, what a mess.) It is common, but I plan on asking about it this week, since that last one was nasty. It's also been brutally cold here, so the dry air doesn't do me any favors. Definitely try Ayr, I use the gel and the saline spray. It's near the allergy medicine in the pharmacy.

Tip: ALWAYS carry tissues.

We're thinking of you Jen! I'm surprised they are waiting one way or another, have you called to ask? I'd bug them today.

FLBuckeye93

Cathytoo and Jensgotthis....I completed round three of TC last Thursday. I'm tired but taking it easy. I've hydrated better than round two, but constipation is still an issue. I found round two to be hard also. Round three is easier because I gave myself permission to accept the tiredness and side effects instead of fighting them.

buttaflydiva

Congrats jink27 on your completion!!!

Valstim52

Jinx you and I on a similiar schedule. My last AC combo is Monday. Hoping for a good response then on to dose dense taxol.

DFWFLYGIRL, yes I work from home, but it's intense. I'm able to make my schedule where it's light on infusion weeks, and heavier on the week I'm off. The meds do not seem to affect me, other than lately I've been up at night, and I think that's due to taking a late evening nap.

I'm taking the first week off when I start Taxol. I'm a little worried about it being dose dense, as I had such a bad first experience with my first infusion of AC.

fightergirl711

Can anyone share the advantages of dose-dense vs. standard administration of AC? My MO says there isn't any advantage other than getting it over with faster. FWIW, I was told that there is less toxicity with weekly Taxol vs. going the dose dense route. So I do know that.

Wendiwithani

Jen, my thoughts are with you today...

I just need to vent ladies...hope no one minds. I try my hardest to be upbeat and positive all of the time, but I'm just mentally and physically exhausted. Post round 2, I wound up in the ER again with a 101 degree fever. This time, I have a UTI and upper respiratory infection. During my ER visit, the nurse attempted to access my port and was very rough with it. During her attempt, I felt something pop/roll and felt burning while she was attempting to flush it. I told her prior to her attempt that I only wanted her to attempt an access if she was experienced with ports and was absolutely sure she could do it. She assured me she was. She was never able to gain access. My oncology nurses have never had a minute of trouble with it. I believe she dislodged it. It feels completely different than it did before. I can no longer feel the nodules and edges they use to guide them during accessing. Now have to have an x-ray and follow up visit with my surgeon on Thursday, which means another co-pay and another possible surgery. I simply cannot afford another surgery either monetarily or mentally!!

Thanks for "listening." I feel better already.

Paxton29

Wendi, that's so frustrating. I have a recent port issue too--basically, the oncology nurse knocked off a scab while cleaning it and discovered a hole in my skin through which you can see the cath. Apparently I just don't have enough skin, an issue the surgeon was concerned about. MO said to keep it covered and apply antibiotic ointment and it needs to be pulled as soon as I'm done. I feel like I need to call my surgeon but don't want to incur more expenses if it's not that big a deal. I don't know why the port incision didn't really heal like my mastectomy scars did. He considered placing a pediatric port since I'm so thin but I didn't really get until now why that mattered.

LovesToFly

Wendi that sux. Vent away!

Sheri64

Well second TC done today. Hoping SE are same as first which weren't too bad. Got the shot injector this time on my arm so at least I don't have to go back tomorrow because we have gotten a lot of snow today. Hair coming out really bad been keeping a cap on so it doesn't fall everywhere I'm going to have to get it shaved this weekend, have wig appointment with ACS on Monday. Only 2 more to go.

Paulinek

I'm about to over share a bit, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced the same thing I am with my period. My MO told me that he thought my periods would stop during chemo but I seems the opposite is happening. I got my period 4days before my first infusion and I lasted for over 10 days!!! Now I got my period again 4 days before infusion 3. It's two weeks late and very unusually heavy/clotty (sorry, gross I know). Has anyone had this happen?

DFWFLYGIRL

Wendi,

That sounds frustrating indeed. I hope at least your temp coming down and you are feeling better despite ER nurse with bad port skills. No one wants more of anything during this journey.....vent on!

DFWFLYGIRL

Valstim,

I am right there with you...working from home on the infusion weeks and into the office on off weeks. The Ativan definitely helps so will keep on a more regular schedule...thanks for advice! Also wearing the patch for 7 days..can't tell if it's helping or not much. Is weekly Taxol not dose dense?

jensgotthis

Wendi - vent away! I'm so sorry this has happened to you. It sucks all the way around. Any chance to write a letter of to the hospital administrator and tell them they need to pick up the tab for you to see your surgeon and whatever might need to be fixed?

Paulinek, I'm 41 and they told me my period would stop too but it hasn't. I can't say that it's been heavier but it has lasted longer than normal. Mine came right before infusion 1 and the day before infusion 2. I'm curious to see when it rears its ugly head again.

Those of you doing your Neulasta shot at home, is it very easy and not painful? They are pushing me to do it at home this time and I'm hesitant. I don't mind driving to the med Ctr. It gets me out of the house and I don't have to think about it.

Thanks for the words of support friends. Still no news on results as of 3:30 this afternoon. I see them at 9:30 amtomorrow so I'll update then. Praying for good news.

LoveMyVizsla

Wendi, I would be hopping mad! Too bad you can't make that nurse pay your copay on the X-ray and surgical follow up.

I went out today in my Christie Brinkley wig. Ran into a friend of a friend, who did a double take when she saw me. She said I looked gorgeous in that wig!

Paxton, I have a little gap in my port incision too. My node incision is sort of the same way, little scabs on each end, but I am not messing with them.

Paulinek

Wendi you should be mad! I agree with what others have said. Contact the hospital liaison or write a letter. I am sorry you have to go through even more that what you are already dealing with. None of need "one more thing", especially when it could have been prevented.

Jen, I hope it's good news tomorrow. It's easy to say try not to worry, but I'm sure I would feel the same way. Fingers crossed for good news

Paxton29

I did the on board Neulasta shot and it was very easy. It was kind of annoying working around sleeping on it or getting it wet but I didn't have to do anything.

LoveMyViszla, interesting. It just seems freaky being able to see right in.

What temperature do y'all worry about? I was told to call immediately if it was 100.5 or higher. It's about a degree above normal today (5th day after second TC) and I figure as long as it stays below 100 I should be fine. My husband is not so sanguine and is starting to scare me. Thoughts? I don't have any other signs of infection and really my only current side effect is fatigue

MissBee123

Jen, I do my injections at home and they are easy peasy! Wipe with an alcohol swab, grab fatty tissue (I have plenty!) put the needle in, and push. If you're not concerned about going to the doctor then I wouldn't let it add to your stress, but it takes me all of 45 seconds to do.

Paulinek, during my chemo this summer my periods stopped by week 8 and it too about 4 months for it to come back, meaning I had one in January right before I started chemo. I had a second period, but very light, between my first and second round. For me, they did get lighter, but I would check with your doctor and just let him/her know. Everything gets so messed up down there...it's a complication no one tells you about until you're going through it!

LoveMyViszla, my doctors have said the same, 100.4. I believe that number is generally used because it is a reliable indicator of an infection. Anything lower can be normal fluctuation, but if your body temp goes above that chances are you have an infection and are at risk. If you're only a degree above normal and feel okay otherwise I would say you are fine, but can you call a nurse to make sure?

If anyone is wondering I ate an entire pint of ice cream today. I'm not sorry. It was delicious.

Cathytoo

BAD TASTE...everything tastes like cardboard. Does this go away the second or third week after transfusion

Rockstarteach

Hello ladies!

Cathy: My bad taste lasted longer after my 2nd round. About 2 1/2 weeks. I had my 3rd round today and that is one of the side effects I am not looking forward to!

I want to let everyone know that we are kicking C's A**!

Lolliipop

Hi Everyone. This is my first post, I have been reading all your posts and appreciate everyone sharing their experinces. I was diagnosed in December and have had 2 out of 6 treatments of TAC. Scheduled for my third this Thursday with Neulasta shot on Friday. Survived the first two without any serious SE. Really miss my hair. After having the port for a month still have a lot of discomfort. Still have tenderness from biopsies that were done in December and January. Working full time and tired most of the time. Anxious to be done with this chapter of my life. 😉

Paulinek

Cathy I am 2 days from my third treatment and my taste never really came back from the second infusion. It's so frustrating, but better than a lot of SE that others are dealing with (I keep telling myself). I also only crave carb heavy things like mashed potatoes and muffinsbread. My plan is vanilla milkshakes from here on out, lol!

LovesToFly

I was told my period would stop. I actually had it for my first infusion. It was four days late the next time, but quite short and light.

I do the shots at home, I was really nervous last month for the first one, but it was quick and easy and nearly painless. I'm not nervous about that at all this time!

So I go three tomorrow, not looking forward to it. Not really worried because I've been tolerating pretty well, just not looking forward to those first few days!

Cathytoo

Paulinek...that's my plan. Vanilla ice cream in any form possible. Tonight I bought a cherry pie to top with (you know what‼️). It's funny how vanilla ice cream still tastes reasonably good. Wonder how much we'll weigh in a few weeks. Chubby bald chemo gals. 👍👍

mltdd

Hi Ladies -- I had my second infusion and Thursday and have developed thrush again. I was wondering if this is something I can look forward to every time?

Fowlertee

Hello Ladies,

This is my first post..I actually don't start treatment until mid March. I stumbled on this thread and haven't been able to leave I have learned soo much from you not to mention the support system is amazing--even to me and you didn't even know I was here (not creepy at all;) Anyway. .I just wanted to share how AMAZING I think everyone is and thank you for sharing your truth, kindness and incredible strength. I was diagnosed in Oct after having what was thought to be scar tissue removed but it turned out to be the crappy C. Shocked. .to say the least. Of course I couldn't just have a 'standard run of the mill BC' whatever that is..but I'm also Her2+..triple+ actually (I'm in that group as well:) I had a BMX 1/20 and am still saddled with 2 outta 4 JPs. Im about to name them as I think they want to stay for the long haul..ughh. Im having an ALND on Friday and am getting another drain.I guess if this is the worst of things ..oh..I wish ! Anyway..just wanted to say something as I was starting to feel a little stalkish..:/ Thanks again for sharing..and allowing me to as well. Have a great night!

Cathytoo

Hi Fowlertee...even though I'm welcoming you to our group, I wish you hadn't' had the need to find us. That said...you will find so much support and caring amount these awesome women. Anything you need to ask...just let us know. This is a scary journey butfilled with so much hope for a great future.

sarah_sunflower

Wendi, do vent away. After whats happened you deserve some venting and pampering. ((hugs))

Paulinek, I'm 33 years old and my period was put on hold by giving me Zoladex two ays before the start of my first chemo TC infusion. I just finished my second cycle and not looking forward to my third one just next Wednesday. I haven't had any periods.

As for my Neupogen shots, I go for my first shot to the clinic (because I just feel very baby-ish just after the chemo) but the rest I get at home. Its quite simple actually, takes a total of 30 secs or so and relatively painless.

I'm going to LGFG session today looking forward to some tricks to make me look good and feel better. I got my head shaved last week and I have been trying out a blonde halo wig (I am naturally a brunette) since I'm bald, and bald because of this bloody inconvenience of cancer I thought I would get a wig in a colour I probably wouldn't normally dye my hair so I had an aunt from Australia send me a blonde wig, and I have been trying it with different caps and scarves, and been bold enough to go out just wearing caps and showing off some of the baldness. I feel I am loosing some eyebrows and eyelashes as well, I have very think hair on my eyebrows to begin with so my face is quickly becoming quite dull I think. Sometimes when I look at the mirror, I wonder who is this person?! Hope this LGFG teaches me some tricks.

Hi Lollipop and Fowlertee, welcome!

DFWFLYGIRL

Welcome Fowlertee..and as Cathytoo stated...hate that you had to find this site but the January Chemo ladies are very supportive and awesome.....we march this journey together!

Moderators

Welcome Lollipop and Fowlertree! You've come to the right place for support!

The Mods

Paxton29

Fowlertee, the drains are so obnoxious, aren't they? Hope you get the last two out soon!

I ended up calling my doctor as my temp kept rising (99.9), and I was worried about the hole in my skin being a route for infection. She told me to start taking my Cipro again that she had put me on last cycle when my WBC counts were low. Temp normal this morning.

I'm 46 and had a surprise early period after my first round. Not having a period would be the only chemo side effect I want but no luck yet.