Starting Chemo March 2016

NancyHB

Happy Saturday everyone! My apologies for falling down on my job as scribe. The last few days have been pretty rough and I've just not had energy to do much. The chemo caught up with me Thursday afternoon; the Taxotere is causing significant bone and joint pain (this happened to me previously on Taxol; it's not a SE everyone gets, though) and the "chemo brain" has been messing with my ability to function. Been trying to pull together a presentation for work on Tuesday and I'm pretty sure I'm going to babble like a 3-year-old.

Happy Wedding Day, HolaSandy!!! Blessings for a long and happy life!

786tex, I hope you're feeling better today. I had SEs with both AC and Taxol (but different), and everyone around me said that Taxol would be like "a vacation in Aruba" compared to the AC. I hope that happens for you. I never did Herceptin (which, I understand, has minimal to no SEs), so hopefully that proves to be easy (if anything in this mess can BE easy...)

I love that the sex question came up! I know my MO has never wanted to discuss that. DizzParkMom has great advice; extra lubrication (and patience!) is a must. Between chemopause and chemo's attack on fast-growing cells (like mucus membranes), intimacy can become extremely painful. There is also a lubricant/medication called Scream Cream that must be compounded by a pharmacy, that offers help. You can find the prescription on BCO if you search "scream cream", and ask for an Rx from your doctor.

Welcome Phillipians4, Arobedw and Tamiwin to our chemo group!

Tami, my MO didn't give me any hope that my hair might not fall out - he said it was a given. Some women lose all of their hair, period; others lose almost all of it with a few wispy pieces left. Anything is possible, however, and if your MO gave you a chance that your hair may hang around, you can always wait to see what happens before you cut it - it's completely up to you. I suspect our doctors are trying to help prepare us for the inevitable when they say, "go cut your hair" but I'm not certain they understand how difficult (and even devastating) that can be for some of us.

Gentle hugs and love and light to you all!

Logang

This is similar to how I got my hair cut today. It will take some getting used to, but I like it! My hair was long enough that it hit about mid back, so it is a drastic change. I didn't get emotional like I thought I might. Good luck to all those that will be facing haircuts!

isnogard

NancyHB, So I was wondering since everyone experiences side effects differently, do the chemo infusions get more ramped up each time? Meaning do they add on to the first one to where the side effects become worse? Don't care about hair loss. I have trouble with nausea and I absolutely hate it. Just wondering. It took me about four days from the first infusion to feel a little normal without having to take the "as needed" meds for nausea. Day 5 I feel pretty good and can go out and do errands. A little weak but that's okay too.

))

HRwinter16

my nurse told me that generally speaking the way your body reacts the first round is what you can expect the next round, but that some of the effects are cumulative so that for some of the side effects you *may* feel them more intensely the next time, but everyone reacts differently.

Good luck, I hope the nausea lessens and isn't worse next time!! 💙

NancyHB

isnogard, so sorry the nausea has been rough. Sometimes it seems medication doesn't cut it, but waiting it out is impossible. I encourage you to mention this to your MO so perhaps they can increase your long-acting antiemetic during the infusion, or maybe stronger pills for after?

Some SEs tend to be cumulative - they get a little worse each time - but not all. I can't personally speak to the nausea as I never had it very bad. For me it was the flu/aches/pains that got worse, as well as the tiredness. But every time I bounced back by the same day, about a week later, and felt closer to "normal".

I had to embrace a "one foot in front of the other" stance each and every treatment.

Logang, the hairstyle is beautiful, as I'm sure you are too!!

isnogard

Okay thanks all! Good to know. I'll just have to listen to my body and act accordingly.

azrescue

well it's day 4 for me & it's definitely the nausea & flu achy feelings that have me down. Hoping they lessen soon. I am sad when I think of feeling this way for months but happy to be healing my body too.

786tex

I love the haircut! Mine goes next weekend. I bought my wig yesterday Fiery is her name. Haha.

Melgirl

Hi everyone. I had my first round of chemo, AC, on Friday. I had it in my mind that it would be a few days before I felt bad. But within a couple hours I started to get progressively more nauseous. I took the compazene that was ordered but it didn't help. Saturday morning I called and they switched me to Zofran. It helps a lot but I still feel little gross. But at least I can read a little and don't have to just sit with my eyes closed.

EllieSurf

I'm 75 years old. My Oncotype score was 22 and given that and the grade 3, I decided for 4x CT. I begin treatment on Wednesday the 9th, and I'm having a portal placed tomorrow. I like the sense of community and support and the useful information I see at this site. I hope I can contribute something useful to the mix.

BKGameGirl

Welcome EllieSurf...sorry to have you join this club but we're all in it together.

I got my pixie cut this morning. Then I went to a strength class at the gym. I did fine - my port is finally feeling perfectly normal 9 days post-op. I'm forcing myself to rest & hydrate now in anticipation of flu-like symptoms tomorrow. My heart rate seemed to go up faster than normal at the gym so I'll monitor that with a heart rate tracker going forward. I was super-careful about touching things, I invested in a pair of youth-size batting gloves so my hands don't touch any shared equipment or surfaces directly.

My gums feel suspicious today, like that feeling I get before a canker sore erupts. I'm going to get on the baking soda and salt rinse. Other membranes are a little tender but nothing I would normally notice if I hadn't just had chemotherapy.

Phillipians4

Logang I love that hair style. Maybe if your hair does go, look for a wig similar?

My 1st chemo will be the 17th and I think we will look at wigs the same day. The cancer center has a salon where a grant paid for all the wigs for patients. I have short thick hair and, to be honest, want a new do...just not bald. LoL

Hope those of you who've had treatments already are feeling better. Know that you are not alone and we will get through this together!

Moderators

Hello All you amazing women, especially those new to our site and this thread. We are also sorry you have had to join us, but really certain that together, you'll all help each get through this difficult time. We too are here for you, and cheering you each on, every day!

Phillipians4

I finally managed to read thru the whole thread here. I see where it is preferred to use 1st names. My name is Annette. My username though came from a verse that a good friend shared with me right as I was waiting on my Biopsy results.It really helped me calm some of my fears. It now reminds me each time I login to not be anxious and to trust God in prayer.

Hope this helps you all too.

Blessings, Annette

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. Phillipians 4: 6

Lj061197

hello ,

I finished my chemo Dec 7th. You will all get through it. My best advice is drink alot of water. If anyone has any questions please message me.

HRwinter16

I've really been struggling with the fact that the chemo will kick me into menopause... Although I'm 44 and divorced and have one wonderful amazing child - and wasnt necessarily planning to have another - I do feel a strong sense of grief that these doors are closing. (Not to mention my fears about being in the dating scene again after surgery and chemo) It makes me sad and angry that I want to feel young and vibrant and this is making me feel older.

I'm sorry I know that this space is for us to support and uplift each other, I think I'm just having a rough night!

This space has been so helpful and grounding and mind-opening all at once, and I'm grateful.

Sending everyone light and love... Xo

Heidi

Jonsey22

Started dexamethasone today. I thought I would have energy and feel well. Instead, I have a ripping headache, am very moody, and am retaining water like crazy☹ Anyone else have this experience?I hope the first infusion goes better tomorrow morning. . .

Jonsey22

hello moderators,

Have you found any solutions to the problem of not being able to add my city, province, info line? I can click edit but an unable to save my edits.

bsufan

jonsey, I started dex today too. I was nervous about taking it this morning but I choked them down. No side effects so far and I took the evening dose a little easier. I have my first chemo treatment in the morning. We can do this!!

Jonsey22

Thanks ShannonLeigh. Yes we can! It is 1:00 am here and I can't sleep. Have to be up in less than 6 hours ugh.

bsufan

11:30 here and I can't sleep either. Not because of the dexamethasone though I dont think. I actually do feel tired, but having a hard time shutting off my thoughts. Let me know how it goes tomorrow and I will do the same. Scheduled for 8:30. Are you taking anything special with you? It's been 17 years since I've had chemo so things may have changed lol good luck!!

Jonsey22

Up now before 6 (almost a hour before I needed to be). I think sleeplessness is definitely a side effect lol. I am scheduled to start at 8:30 also. I am taking my medical information, prescriptions (they have to go over them with me), blanket, blistex, snacks, magazines, hard candies, water flavoured with Crystal Light, wallet, headphones, phone, charger, a change of shirt (I have to get a new IV). Best of luck to all those starting today!

Jonsey22

Heidi, I am 42 and am nervous about chemopause too. Not sure what to expect as I am thrown in very quickly. I was a very regular person with heavy ones so I hope I don't get caught in unexpected situations. That boat (children) has sailed for me, my boys are 17 and 13, but there is a finality to all of this that I wasn't expecting at my age. I wonder if things will return for people our age. I too resent that I am having to feel old through all this. I feel thankful, in many ways, though, as I read about much younger women facing this who haven't had their children yet. We are all at different stages and it seems unfair in so many ways. {{{hugs to all of you facing this}}}

Candy

Faith83111

Morning Ladies! Wanted to send positive vibes everyone's way starting out a new week! : )

For the hair, I have not lost any yet (only day 6 of first treatment), but I did cut my hair very short the day before chemo in anticipation of the coming weeks. For me it was a mental step thing. I've never cut my hair this short and needed to take it in steps for my own sake ; )

Today is my first day heading back physically in to work. I still feel fatigued and the Big D came heavy early this morning (I cannot do Imodium because it automatically gives me the Big C), but pushing through!

I will definitely take up the advice on ice chips, I have horrible sores not only in my mouth, but in my throat, humbug

Hope everyone has a great day!

HRwinter16

thank you Candy for the support!

Good luck today!

Feeling better today and on my way to first treatment -

Good luck everyone!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💕💕💕💕

azrescue

well learned the hard way ... Do not forget to take my Claritin. I was in horrible pain last night, thought I was having a heart attack. They think it was my sternum stretching from the Neulesta.

Has anyone else here contemplated anti depressants through this? I really thought I was strong enough to push through this. But I'm having my doubts. I've never been much into taking medicines of any kind. So this whole experience is difficult for me just in that aspect. But I'm sad. I want my life back. The nurse at my Drs has been through this herself & she said she had to go on anti depressants during it.

Sorry I'm being a downer today. Maybe part of it it's my dh's first day back to work since my chemo. I miss him. He's my rock.

HolaSandy

azrescue,

Please do not hesitate to ask your dr about antidepressants. As a nurse, I have seen several patients who have cancer and are on antidepressants. in fact, I would almost say that it is more common than not where I've worked.

As a person with a history of situational depression (after my brother passed away in 2007) I was put on antidepressants and it helped me immensely. I absolutely believe that there is value in these medications and I have considered the same recently too. If you are hesitant to take antidepressants, would speaking with a counsellor be an option for you instead?

NancyHB

Welcome to our new members. And good luck to HRWinter, Jonsey & Luller on your first chemo today. Keeping you in our thoughts!

I hope we feel safe enough here to share whatever it is we're feeling - good, bad, indifferent, crappy, angry, happy, tired.... There are things about this journey and treatment that only others going through it will understand. Sometimes we can be supportive, and sometimes we need support. It's okay to feel and be negative here so please don't worry about being a "downer" or too negative. We will ALL have those days, and I feel really lucky to have others who will probably understand much - if not all - of what I'm feeling. ❤️❤️❤️

I'm back at work today and starting to feel reasonably human. I had such intense pain on Friday and Saturday that I just wanted (for a second) to give up. Sunday was better, and today is like the tail end of the flu. The Big C gave me a problem for about 3 days but apple cider and Mirilax seem to work well. My sense of taste is slowly returning. I had forgotten about the unrelenting indigestion and will be getting Prilosec tonight.

Thinking of you all, sending gentle hugs and healing love your way.
Nancy

buccaneersdj

Hi Ladies, Just ducking in from the August 2009 group to say hi! I did notice someone mentioned anti-depressants. I did get very depressed during my treatment because I was home alone a lot. I did take a low dose of Xanax when needed during the first year and haven't needed it since. It worked!

Melgirl

azrescue I agree with HolaSandy. I am on Effexor and have been on something since having children. I have a family history and knew I would probably need them at some point in my life. It won't change who you are or take away all your grief but an antidepressant should take the edge off.

Hugs!