Starting Chemo March 2016

Suchick

Phaila...Glad you made it through your first round of TC...mine was yesterday!

I came home with the Neulasta On-Pro kit attached to my arm, so I am grateful I don't have to go in today for the injection. I am wondering though, how many days to I take the Claritin? I started last night but forgot to ask my nurse. Thanks for the support!

phaila

Glad your day 1 was ok. Have you gotten side effects yet?

I take Zyrtech every night so I thought might as well just take Claritin instead:p So I take it every night now. Hope it works. I DO have to go into the hospital for my shot tomorrow. Hope I'm not a chemo zombie

HolaSandy

Vicki, did you get anti-nausea meds on a schedule and as needed? I was given zofran to take scheduled for a couple days post infusion and then maxeran as needed up to 4 times per day. Make sure you are taking the scheduled ones on time and the as needed ones at the first signs of nausea. It is not the time to test your boundaries and see how long you can wait it out in my opinion.

As I said earlier, I am on a different chemo regimen than everyone, but I'm day 7 today and feel pretty much "normal" and haven't suffered too too much. That said, I do this for 3 more cycles and then my final 4 will be the Docetaxel. My understanding is that those cycles will potentially be more harsh than what I'm experiencing now

Italychick

I took the Claritin the day of Neulasta and for seven days after. I have a friend who takes it all the time and she said it can lose effectiveness taken all the time. So I cycled it just in case. No bone pain from Neulasta. I also kept my D3 level pretty high, like 84-98, and took K2, so maybe that helped too. I found an article by a UCSD doctor that said it seems like taking D3 helps women deal with aromatase inhibitors better, so I figured it couldn't hurt

mmn1975

Second treatment today of A/C, halfway done! Knock on wood, so far same as last time... riding the iv stuff until after dinner then the dexamethasone every 12 hours 5 times. Last time I only had to use the zofran after the 3rd day for 3 days, and it was mostly because driving made me motion sick. Still working right through (though i know it's still early).

I had a scary minute with the oncologist, since my husband got influenza on Sunday and i got some virus I thought she would delay this chemo and am so type A I wanted to stick on schedule and luckily we did. I also panic when they can't get the port to work right off, having to flush it, have me hold my breath, etc... so odd. But it worked fine after a few tense moments.

And like a few others I also got my period.. ugh, was hoping chemo would quit that also, I cut my hair to style like my wig but am on hair watch alert to shave it off, nurses expect 2 to 3 days but my hair is so thick we will see if it's noticible.

Hope everyone is doing well...

BKGameGirl

Just finished a strength/cardio combo class at my gym, now it's time to prep for infusion #3 of 18 tomorrow! Bring on the decadron and miralax!

For those ladies with ports concerned about exercise after healing -- I am still going strong with the port with things like push-ups, planks, chest flys, and burpees. It's possible to do normal things during chemo, what a huge relief! Who else is keeping up a strength or lifting routine thru all this? I plan to bring my own mat and wear gloves once my counts start to drop.

Logang

I was told to take claritan for 5 days including the day of the neulasta injection. I take zyrtec normally, so I just swapped it out for 5 days. No bone pain.

Just wanted to remind everyone to buy generics to save money. From a nursing standpoint, they work the same and I always buy them. FYI, Walmart even has off brand Biotene.

Hope everyone had a great day and hope for an even better tomorrow!

Lori

HRwinter16

I took the Claritin for 7 days and will start it again for next session

I took the nausea meds when I felt first fringe of nausea.

My nausea didn't get bad though - fingers crossed for next time. I felt the worst days 3-5, very achey sore and tired.

Melgirl

My second dose of AC is done! I think the added decadron and immediately starting zophran helped with the nausea. I still have it significantly but it is not so horrible that I can't read or type. I take it as a win!!

I'm doing 5-7 days claritin.

NancyHB

Candy, thanks for asking - infection continues to improve a little more each day. Bought an iron bra today so I can get back to the running!

Phalia, stay ahead of the nausea if possible. I take my Compazin "just in case" for the first couple of days and have never had to worry.

My scalp started to feel tender tonight soI used the sticky-tape lint roller on my head, and now have giant bald patches. It's painless and much easier than shaving. I'll keep at it for a couple of days. Now my head is cold so I'm wearing a cozy hat to bed

phaila

Nancy I'm sorry you have an infection:(

Like You need that crap on top of everything else😡

It has the wordmaleate after the word 10m

Jonsey22

Sorry Vicki, I was busy for awhile. My team told me exactly when to take nausea medication. I did exactly like they said but I didn't need the optional every 4 hour stuff at all.

I will let you know if I lose my hair on day 14 Luke many say. That will be this Sun/Mon coming up. I didn't use a cold cap.

Candy

Jonsey22

NNcy, I am glad that your infection is improving. I ran for the first time today in forever on the treadmill. Starting the couch to 10 k program. It felt good. Here's to iron bras!

Candy

Zebu333

Hey folks! I'm jumping in. I am scheduled to do my first round of TC on Tuesday

MFPM

Candy, I'm so glad to be following your story and that you are doing very well.  As you said, we both pretty much went through the same and I will be starting next Wednesday with the C & T.  I wrote a few days ago about how he's going to give me the C and 1/2 the T, then the other 1/2 of the T the following week.  I suppose that might make it easier, though I get sick on simple meds so I'm really afraid.  The 3rd week he wants me there to check my white cell count, so I'll be there every week since then round 2 will follow the next and so on.  This is also extending the length of treatment from 4 cycles to 6 totaled going into July.  He said he'd pre medicate me with an I.V. anti nausea med but didn't give me a prescription yet for home which would make me feel more secure to have it here already.  I know everyone doesn't react the same but am trying to get an idea of what to expect or to ward off something before it happens.  Since I'm new here, I'm not sure about some things like icing the hands?  I don't even know if I"m supposed to eat before I go for treatment but I will call.  I'm a wreck and can barely think though I wish I knew what each day will bring.  
Welcome to all the other new members and Hello to everyone!  Any advice, I'm here and thank you!
Hi Zebu333, I'm starting the same on Wednesday, terrified.

NancyHB

So after using the sticky-tape lint roller, I'm mostly bald this morning (Day 17). That hair is just falling out like dead pine needles off a dry Christmas tree. My scalp is tender and the little hairs that are left kind of hurt.

Candy, I love your wig!! You look beautiful, and the wig looks so good, it makes me think I might at least go look at one, too. I'm so impressed how natural it looks. And I think I'll try out the iron bra this afternoon - was training for my first half before all this happened, but want to try another 10k before surgery this summer. Mostly - I just want to run again. :-)

phaila, I hope your nausea is non-existent and you're feeling good.

NancyHB

MFPM - It's hard to know ahead of time what your SEs will be, but it's good to plan ahead just in case. The worst possible ones you may feel could be: nausea, vomiting, dehydration, constipation, diarrhea, change in taste and smell, fatigue, bone and muscle pain (from the Neulasta and/or the "T" portion of the chemo).

Unless your MO specifies otherwise, you should be able to eat before you go for treatment. Start hydrating a day or so before treatment, and bring water with you. If the center doesn't offer ice (mine does), bring some with you to suck on during the "T" part of your treatment, it can help alleviate mouth sores later. My MO gave me two presecriptions prior to my first treatment - one for compazine for nausea, the other for steroids. Most of us get these two scripts; if you haven't, you could ask your MO if you need them. Have Mirilax or Colace on hand to combat any constipation (that side effect is almost guaranteed because of the meds, so stay ahead of that one too). Be prepared to rest when you need it, but try to stay active at least a few minutes every day - it actually help combat the fatigue and body pains you might have. If you are given the Neulasta shot, we have found that 24-hour Claritin (not Claritin D) helps with the potential pain from that - take it the day of the shot and for 6 days after.

I can't remember if you're having Taxol or Taxotere? Taxotere is harder on the hands and feet, and that's why some of us are icing our fingers and toes - to ward off neuropathy and nail problems. Even with Taxol, you could ice your hands and feet yourself if you want. Your center may offer the ice mitts but if they don't you can always make your own.

What other questions or concerns do you have? Hopefully we can answer them before you go so you feel more prepared and less terrified. And please call your MO or their team if you have questions about medications. if they don't offer anti-nausea meds, then ask for them if it'll make you feel more secure. You want to stay ahead of that SE.

Cin54

Never underestimate the power of constipation! I spent close to 3 hours last night sitting on the throne cramping like having a kid and gagging from increasing nausea from the constipation. Finally....I may have to join the constipation forum for a while to collect some tips on the right balance for me.

Italychick

Magnesium always made me go. I took 500 mg. then upped it if that didn't work.

phaila

24 hours since first treatment and no se'syet. I'm expecting to wake up and get slammed by all of them at once tomorrow. Especially after getting the neustla (sp?) shot today😡

phaila

cin use a suppository. I'm a vegetarian and always seem to need those to get things moving. You'd think with veggies and fruits I would be ok but I think bowels are helped along by substance which I dont get much of. Speaking of, it's going to be hard to stay away from anemia for me with not much protein in my diet. I'm also bad with dairy which also isntgoing to help. I'm pretty screwed on my next blood test I bet😬

DizzParkMom

phaila, GNC has a complete vegan protein powder (Puredge) that can get you your much needed protein during chemo. I had 2 smoothies a day with a serving of that mixed in and still ended up anemic by the end of 5+ months of chemotherapy...can you imagine if I hadn't supplemented with it. There are probably lots of other vegan protein products out there that are just as good too. I am not a complete vegetarian or vegan, but am not a big meat eater. I cleared the powder with my oncology team and they really liked it because of it's high profile of complete amino acids and it wasn't full of a bunch of additives. Also, I supplemented with lots of high protein greens, rice/bean combos, and some occasional animal protein. I also mixed some couscous or quinoa into my soups (veggie/lentil) to boost calories and protein. If your blood work does start to show anemia, your team might recommend a b12 shot. Despite my efforts and a b12 shot, I was nearly forced to get a blood transfusion at the end of treatment. A few weeks after treatment ended, my blood work finally started improving. 6 months after PFC, I am back at normal levels, but am still battling to get back all my lost muscle mass. You should all reach for 60+ grams of protein...minimum.

phaila

60 grams a day?

Cin54

Thanks, I'll try the magnesium. I did use suppositories. They were like just blasting the surface out. LOL

Italychick

my magnesium motto was pop till I pooped. Just be prepared, sometimes it can cause things to go the other way, but only for about an hour. Honestly, sometimes I got so constipated I didn't care if it gave me diarrhea.

Jonsey22

I thought I would mention that my MO put me in 2 iron pills a day to try to avoid anemia and build up my ferritin stores. Years of heavy periods have left them depleted. If anemia is a worry for some of you, you might want to ask about that. I hope I won't need a transfusion but if I do, I do.

As far as the constipation, it really resolved after the meds were finished for me. I hope this will be the case for those of you struggling with this.

I have a question, I am not scheduled for either blood tests or neulasta. I know things are different in Canada, but I find myself wondering what are my doctors not checking? Should I be worried about this?

Candy

ksusan

I received 5 iron infusions prior to chemo, so there's that option.

Phillipians4

Well I have made it thru Day 1 and most of Day 2 of my first chemo with minimal side effects. Have experienced some stomach discomfort and woke of feeling the big C so took my anti-nausea melds and Miralax. Also woke to a red face and neck. Apparently that is a reaction to the chemo so I took a Benadryl. Still feeling pretty fortunate but am told Day 4&5 are the hardest with the bone aches from the Neulasta. I have my pain med ready just in case!

Nancy I hope your infection is on the mend. You sound like a very strong woman and can take on anything.

Candy I so love your wig! I also picked one out yesterday at the cancer center.

Hope everyone is persevering and taking this one day at a time. 🙏🏽 prayer and (((hugs))) to you all

HRwinter16

Candy, that's interesting - maybe the neulasta isn't used as commonly in your area? And maybe they do plan to do blood work next time but just didn't explain that part yet?

So many questions to ask at each visit with each Doctor! I feel like my list grows in between treatments and exams ...

Sending love and light to everyone

BKGameGirl

Candy, are you saying that your infusion appointment does not start with a blood panel? That's interesting, and I'm glad you asked the question.

Here is my experience: my MO explained that the blood is checked every time to determine immune system status (various white blood cells and red blood cells and counts) so that they can make good decisions about chemo, shots to support white blood cells, and give me information about my immune susceptibility at the given moment.