Starting Chemo March 2016

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  • Nina27
    Nina27 Member Posts: 77
    edited March 2016

    hello,

    I'm starting Endoxan and farmorubican chemo next week, is that EC? Not sure what types these are?


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  • mmn1975
    mmn1975 Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2016

    So funny thing about the port, I've been nervous about getting a blood clot, since I had one 14 years ago in my leg (DVT from birth control, overweight, etc). I was tested recently before chemo and am positive for Factor 5 Lyden gene (easier to clot). Well, left arm (port side) felt tingly yesterday so my Onc wanted me in. Apparently I have an "old" jugular vein clot, not blocking but shows on ultrasound. So lucky me, not just chemo for the next few months but Lovonox shots/warfarin. Trying not to get bummed out, but between all else we deal with, this sucks. I guess it's good in a way; I was a runner before the diagnosis/surgery/chemo, so it could have been a stroke if it moved...

    Sorry, needed a second to vent, not sure the fam gets it, they're happy I went in and it was found. Just feeling another setback.

    On a positive note, I'm on 8 days after the last chemo session, so even though I have a cold still, I am hungry and interested in food :)

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  • phaila
    phaila Member Posts: 279
    edited March 2016

    I woke up Tuesday dizzy and clammy. My temp was 99.7-99.9 then it jumped to 100.5-100.7 I called doctor and he said I could ride it out until tomorrow to see them or go to er. It was up to me. I chose hospital. So my white blood was basically zero. Ive been on fluids since Tuesday and I am starting to feel myself just now. My doctor visited and everything said was good. As a last minute question I asked him if I should still be taking my anti naseau? He said that's only to be taken as needed. I had been taking it every 4-6 hours! He said it could cause serious side effects if taken too much so I'm guessing it helped contribute to my feeling faint and clammy. I've also gotten like 4 different antibiotics and iron iv, which is probably a really good thing since my period should be starting in like 4 stupid days!! Yay me even more

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  • Loretta_J
    Loretta_J Member Posts: 67
    edited March 2016

    It was so good to hear that you are beginning to feel better Phaila. I was really concerned for you.

    I will do some further research and have lots of questions answered before my next infusion. My instructions were not the same. I want to get that nailed down to avoid adding more SEs to a list already a mile long caused by TCHP.

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  • Loretta_J
    Loretta_J Member Posts: 67
    edited March 2016

    Mmn1975- that is a bummer. I am sorry about the blood clot, but you have such a good attitude. I have found this group is wonderful to vent to. My family doesn't need the extra stress of my whining.


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  • NancyHB
    NancyHB Member Posts: 1,512
    edited March 2016

    Nlunn, it looks like Endoxan is another name for Cytoxan, and Farmorubican is another name for Epirubicin or Ellence. This sounds like part of the regimen FEC (I know nothing about this regimen, except what I've read on these boards). Hopefully someone else will come along that can be more helpful.

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  • phaila
    phaila Member Posts: 279
    edited March 2016

    thanks:

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  • Logang
    Logang Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2016

    Just spent a while catching up on the posts. I haven't had time to be on much. I have been busy with work. I have also been stressing over planning a graduation party for my oldest son and am relieved to finally have a date and hall arranged as of last night.

    Welcome to all those who have joined the thread. This is a great place to gate info and vent.

    I am gearing up for round 2 of AC tomorrow. Hoping to make it to Easter dinner on Saturday as well. Today is day 14 and so far my hair is hanging tight.

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  • WannaCruize
    WannaCruize Member Posts: 66
    edited March 2016

    Well, day 15 after my first chemo and, right on schedule, the hair is starting to go. Of course, it's the hair on my head, not the other hair I'd rather see go. Can't win for losing, I guess.

    I already had my hair cut pretty short, and luckily when I went back to work on Monday, I wore my wig. It's the same color as my own hair, so most people, I think, just commented they liked my new haircut.

    Tonight I guess I'll have my hubby give me a #2 cut all over, like he has. Not shaving, but just close, recruit style. At least it will be more comfortable under my wig. Probably have a glass of wine or two while I do it. I've cut out all alcohol once I started chemo, but I deserve a treat, right??

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited March 2016

    Thinking of all of you and wishing you well.

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  • Jonsey22
    Jonsey22 Member Posts: 100
    edited March 2016

    I lost 90% of my hair now, most of it today. I thought I was ready for it, but it is a little tough. I know it is only hair. I just hate looking like a chemo patient. It is sore too.

    I will enjoy Easter and new treatment Tuesday. Then I will be half done I suppose.

    Gentle hugs to you all

    Candy


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  • Loretta_J
    Loretta_J Member Posts: 67
    edited March 2016

    This is the day for hair to fall out. My hair is just beginning to fall out - day 13. I am also having some blood vessel issues. Nose bleeds and possibly my left eye. My right one bled out even before chemo started. I had some neuropathy in my feet the last two nights. The diarrhea has finally stopped. So I'm counting my blessings for that one. My blood pressure is much much higher than normal. I have an appointment with my cardiologist Monday and I hope we can get it controlled.

    Hope you ladies have a restful night and no more hospital stays.

    God bless. Lirett



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  • phaila
    phaila Member Posts: 279
    edited March 2016

    sorry candy:( that must stink:(

    Loretta, I hope all your dumb side effects go away ASAP!

    Vicki

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  • rleepac
    rleepac Member Posts: 755
    edited March 2016

    Hi gals. I'm from the March 2015 chemo group and I'm just popping in to give some support and encouragement. I was one of those that had every side effect listed - and then some! BUT...I got through it and you will too!!

    Keep supporting each other and lean on your friends and family if needed. You didn't ask for cancer and you sure as heck didn't ask for chemo so don't feel bad if you need help.

    I'm now 8 months PFC and 7 months post BMX with a pathologic complete response to chemo. I just did my last Herceptin treatment today and my port comes out on Monday with my last (hopefully) reconstructive surgery. My energy is starting to come back and my hair is too :)

    Hang in there...it does get better eventually!

    Bekah


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  • NancyHB
    NancyHB Member Posts: 1,512
    edited March 2016

    Good morning (or evening, depending on where we all are right now!) Second TC under my belt, only four more to go! My DH asked me if I thought TC was better or worse than AC-T from four years ago - I stuck out my tongue and told him "it all sucks just about the same."

    For some reason I've been incredibly nauseous this week - never had that before. I'm going to be taking the Friday after treatment off - it seems to be my worst day, and then gives me three days to recuperate and feel better by Monday. Otherwise, I feel reasonably okay, for which I'm really grateful.

    My daughter took me to Ulta last weekend to help me pick out eyebrows. :-) I got stencils and some Too Faced eyebrow make-up, as well as a couple of pencils. This eyebrow thing might be harder than I thought! Next step is eyelashes - I hate how naked my face looks without them. Does anyone have any makeup suggestions for reusable eyelashes, or anything else?

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  • Teaner16
    Teaner16 Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2016

    Good morning, ladies!

    Phaila - Hope you're feeling better! Glad you went to the hospital instead of waiting.

    Jonsey22 - I know what you mean about the hair loss -- I thought it would be no big deal! My head HURTS! My wig seems old already and I have months to go. When I first learned I'd have chemo, I told one of my contractors about it so he could adjust his high expectations of my turnaround times for him and he said, "Oh, breast cancer is no big deal. Snip, snip. Get a wig. You're cured!" Yeah...not quite like that. But I hope he's right about the outcome.

    Seashine - We have the same ER+ PR- HER2+. Can't wait until March 2017!

    I had 4th of 12 weekly Taxol/Herceptin on Monday of this week. Knocked me on my can on Wed afternoon and yesterday -- tired, cold/flu symptoms, Big C (which I thought I had under control), dry eyes, sensitive skin, increased neuropathy in feet. Feeling crappy, but not so bad that I can't work. Went to bed at 7:00 two nights in a row and finally feel more alive this morning. Never really thought I was a weenie, but I have my moments. Lots and lots of empathy for those of you with REALLY bad SE's.

    May the sun shine on you today!

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  • Teaner16
    Teaner16 Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2016

    NancyHB - Thanks for the Ulta tip! I need to do that. I might try false eyelashes. Can't stand the idea of the naked cancer look and I don't want sympathy -- I want this to be over!. But...can I stand gluing something to my eyelids everyday?

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  • Seashine
    Seashine Member Posts: 24
    edited March 2016

    So I am day #3 after first TCHP chemo and I feel fine. I had some steroid rage feelings (pretty bad actually) yesterday and the night of my infusion I had pretty bad gas/heartburn. But a few tums took quick care of that. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. Any of you have that feeling? Like i know i am going to get this really bad flu, i am just waiting for it to happen! I have a plan with my darling hairdresser, she is going to come to my house around the 11th of April to shave my head. I am hoping it is before i really start to lose my hair, i don't want to go have that falling out in my hands, seems like no fun! I have found some super cute turbans and since i won't be working, i think i will skip the wig thing. I was told that the Perjeta was going to give me the runs, but so far no movement there at all. I'm starting to fear the big C is the way my system is going to go instead. Should i get ahead of that one and start to take stool softeners now? I saw someone posted something about magnesium, maybe i will try that. The phrase pop till you poop comes to mind. Taking the anti-nausea on schedule, so far zero nausea, hoping that keeps up! Wishing you all a SE fee day and lots of hugs and warm wishes! Stay strong and warrior on!

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  • WannaCruize
    WannaCruize Member Posts: 66
    edited March 2016

    Seashine,

    I'm actually taking a stool softener daily while I'm on chemo. The Onc Nurses say that aren't habit-forming, and as long as you keep drinking water, they will just help keep everything moving. I plan to add either Miralax or Senakot for the week of chemo, to try and head off the big C I got after my first round on the 9th.

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  • Valstim52
    Valstim52 Member Posts: 1,324
    edited March 2016

    Nlunn, just chiming in, I too am a stage 3. But Inflammatory BC. I had a full week of tests, as fast as they could, chemo started 3 weeks from diagnosis. . It was a push getting my port done, and the PET scans, heart etc. Now I'm only 2 doses away from being done with chemo (hopefully). Yes it will pass in a flash.

    I think they just want to be sure of everything before starting the chemo.

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  • Loretta_J
    Loretta_J Member Posts: 67
    edited March 2016

    Seashine - like you I am doing the TCHP. I was slightly C for 4 days. My D started on day 7 and lasted thru to day 12. It was really hard to stay ahead of the dehydration because o it. It was relentless for me. Worse than a colon prep on some days. Not a lot of cramping though - praises for small favors. I had chills on day 7&8, but fortunately no fever. I got fluids on day 8.

    This is day 14 for me. Had my hair buzzed. I have felt good this week. More praises. I think I can do 5 more rounds. I am not too fatigued, have very little neuropathy so far. I have been really fortunate with no aches either from the chemo or Neulasta.

    Hope all of you have a restful night.

    Loretta

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  • MFPM
    MFPM Member Posts: 69
    edited March 2016

    I know I'm always complaining but am in such bad shape.  It's only day 2 after infusion of CT but besides the stomach issues, am so weak, can barely walk, shivering and shaking all around, feeling very dazed too.  I stayed in bed, not much sleep either until almost 3 P.M..  I'm eating small meals, drinking water and ginger ale, took the Zofran etc., but all these things are getting so much worse.  Can anyone tell me if this sounds right?  When I was in treatment, I read the bag which said Cytoxan 970 mgs..  Isn't that a VERY high dosage, since I did look it up after being like this?!  I'm feeling so bad for about 24 hours now, in this shaky weak state, I'm wondering if he gave me too much.  I don't know what to do or go to a hospital?  I can't believe this is happening, as I've been trying to be tough.  Thanks if anyone has any advice. Marilyn

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited March 2016

    I'm sorry. What a drag. Do you have a fever? You may be ill. Call your medical contact (on-call doc, nurse, or wherever they told you to call). Don't worry about bugging them, and please don't wait--if you have something, you'll need treatment, and if you don't, you'll need an explanation and some intervention ideas.

    I don't know what to say about dosage. Medscape says "600 mg/m² IV with other antineoplastics; dose intensification possible."

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  • MFPM
    MFPM Member Posts: 69
    edited March 2016

    Someone from the office called me today to ask how I was doing and I told her.  She said to feel better and that she'd check up on me again Monday.  I really don't think I am ill or have anything.  At first it was basically the stomach and feeling a bit weird, maybe from the initial steroids that day, but last night this all got worse with these symptoms.  I've been like this since, unable to even relax or barely sleep.  I'm seriously wondering if I got too much of the Cytoxan and consider it didn't even peak yet.  I don't quite understand the dosing and the medical lingo.

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  • phaila
    phaila Member Posts: 279
    edited March 2016

    that's exactly how I felt the day I went to hospital. I would call dr and have them admit you. It'll skip the er psrt. I layed in er room for 7 hours feeling like total shit only to find afterwards the dr can bypass that. Call them and insist on it. I just got out today after 4 days of ivs and antibiotics. My wbc was basically 1. When I left it was 16..... Call NO

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  • phaila
    phaila Member Posts: 279
    edited March 2016

    my fever had been 99.6-99.9 all day. It hit 100.5-100.6 and I called dr, they said I could ride it out which obviously after 4 days of hospital "riding it out" may have been extremely dangerous.

    Take your temp

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  • MFPM
    MFPM Member Posts: 69
    edited March 2016

    97.6

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  • phaila
    phaila Member Posts: 279
    edited March 2016

    well that's not bad:

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  • MFPM
    MFPM Member Posts: 69
    edited March 2016

    I know and sorry to be a bother when you just went through this, but you understand how scary it is.  Thank you.


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  • phaila
    phaila Member Posts: 279
    edited March 2016

    no biggie! I'm glad you don't have a fever!

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