First round (of 4) of TC started yesterday (12/9/15)

gakristi

I had my first infusion of TC yesterday. They included anti-nausea meds in the IV. One they said would last about 48 hours, the 2nd would last about 72 hours. So I haven't had any nausea yet. Yesterday evening, I did have some mild sweating episodes (not due to fever - I've been checking that scrupulously). Slept well, took 1st of 2 steroid pills with food, which seems to be settling well.

I'm trying to play this by ear. I really need to continue working, though I am very blessed to have a job where, when needed, I can work from home (I am a software developer). Some people I know that have been though this previously (or know someone who has) keep telling me that it will really hit me today or tomorrow, but no one has said what drugs were used for them, so what I'd really like to know is some information from those of you who have had the same treatment.

Like everyone else, I'm also nervous about the hair loss. I'm trying to decide if I want to go the wig route or just stick with head coverings (hats / scarves). Thoughts?

A little bit about me. I am single, 45, and I live alone, so my care is pretty much solely up to me. Any advice anyone has for someone in my situation would be great, especially meal planning, nutrition, things that are easy to prepare.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and hearing your advice. Thank you in advance.

MsPharoah

Hi Gakristi and gentle hugs to you! Everyone is different but since I am also in software development and can work from home and also had 6 rounds of TC, I will share my experience.

My first chemo round was a non-event. I scheduled off work on infusion day (Tuesday) and left the office to get my Neulasta shot the next day. Thursday and Friday, I felt weird and that is the best way to describe it....kind of foggy but I got through those work days. The Neulasta injection normally causes bone pain and achiness for a couple of days and I took Claritin for that. It wasn't perfect, but it helped. By Monday, I was feeling normal and worked up to the 2nd infusion. As far as hair goes, I decided to get a wig and found a couple of great wigs. Your hair will start to shed around day 17 from the 1st infusion but it will also get dry and lifeless too. Right before my second infusion, I got a pixie haircut and started wearing the wig. Interesting that no one noticed!!! I was able to find a wig that was the same color and style. I bought a bunch of hats and scarves and hated them....a big waste of money! But everyone is different. If you like the way you look in a hat and you can find hats that are your "style" go for it!

Infusions 2 and 3 were a bit challenging. While I was able to go to the office on Thurs and Fri after round 1, I decided to work from home the Thursday and Friday after the infusions, and that worked out well. Saving energy on those days from having to fix hair, makeup, commute, etc was helpful. I also took a nap during what would normally be lunch time. For all my infusions, it was day 3-5 that were the most challenging. I spent a lot of time in bed or on the couch due to fatigue. But interesting, once I got past those days, I was able to function pretty normally.

The fatigue and the taste changes were the most difficult for me. By the time I got to chemo #5, my taste buds were pretty much gone and I do remember being so depressed about not finding something to eat that didn't taste like cardboard or worse. The fatigue gets progressively more pronounced. If you want to continue to work, you will need to conserve your energy for that and let other things slide.

As it turned out, I missed 6 days for the infusions and 2 additional days because of fatigue toward the end.

Now, all that said, my husband did a lot for me while I was on chemo. I could have taken care of things, but it was so nice to have him supporting me....running all the errands, taking care of the household duties, etc. So, I would recommend that you take all offers for help. If you can afford it, hire a cleaning service while you are on chemo.

Other advice.....take care of your teeth...gentle brushing and use Biotene for dry mouth. I didn't have much nausea. I did have diarhhea and had to stay ahead of that with Immodium. Some people have constipation. (I think I would rather have had constipation. LOL)

All the best to you.

MsP

CatsRus

gakristi, check out this thread (ignore the dates in the heading, it is ongoing for anyone getting TC chemo. https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topics/800978?page=147#idx_4384 (sorry failed at getting it to paste as a link, maybe you can cut and paste it). I finished my 4 rounds of TC in July. Fatigue was my biggest side effect. Not too bad round one but was a little more severe with each one. And, of course, dry mouth and taste was off. Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash helped me too. I'm older than you so hopefully you will sail through with little to no SEs. All the best to you!

gakristi

Thank you so much to both of you!

I'm glad you mentioned that you "felt weird"! When my sister asked how I was doing... I didn't quite know how to describe it. Not great, but not bad was the best I could do.

Kristi