Anyone Starting Chemo in June 2016

Acie

justmetoo - welcome! But so sorry you are joining us here. It's a hard road but you have friends here who understand and you can get through this. Labciemtistmom nailed as to why chemo first. I am also doing chemo,first.For me they said it was to shrink the tumor and to kill any cells that may have escaped.

Little red - how was chemo today? I hope you are feeling well.

I go back in the morning for AC #3. I feel good now, normal almost but that will change tomorrow. Still I am not worried as last time so I guess that's something.

Little-Red-Corvette1

Acie-

I too like you felt just about normal over the weekend! Gives new meaning to I don't like Mondays! It was not so bad....There were some actual humorous moments if you can believe it. I get my blood drawn there first. My white blood count was 11,000 normal is 5000 to 10,000 so tomorrow my MO said I'll get a lower dose of Neulasta. The MO told me no restrictions. Stay on top of the Zofran for nausea and use OTC Meds that help. I like tums. Try to be normal. What's that?

My hair was rocking today and he did remind me it would start to shed in the next 2 to 3 days. So I asked if it would grow back on the Taxol. He said no, not until chemo is done. I also asked Chemo nurse about the icing for the taxol. She said the concern for the neuropathy is why we have it every Week so it's more spread out.

I did have my lumpectomy already. I will have radiation but haven't asked about it.

I believe I had a kick cancers ass day!

Now my hair started to shed. Oh well small price for life.

To all of you other wonderful superheroes may your week be filled with small SE's, The love of friends and family, and things to make you smile!

lilyp6

Littlered: Good for you and your kick cancer's ass day! Your post made me smile.

I was worried about going to work because I had a tougher SE week, but I had a good day, and I am feeling almost ok. You should use that lovely pic as your profile pic!

labscientistmom

Acie: I go for next chemo infusion tomorrow also. Yay, us!! its #10 taxol for me, three more weeks and on to A/C (only 4 of them every 2 weeks.)

LittleRed: great attitude for kicking butt, yay us cancer warriors in combat boots for kicking!!

Wishing you all better SE days tomorrow.

Little-Red-Corvette1

lilyp6 so funny you said that about the profile pic! I already had!!!! Great Minds.

Labscientistsmom Blessings to you warrior women. You have made a long journey and can see the light in the tunnel!!! So proud to see your trip and accomplishments.

I have opposite 4 AC every other, then 10 weeks taxol every week. I have Rads but don't know when.

Acie and labscientistsmom you kick ass today. In truth I was going to go in my pajamas but was so inspired by DollyDimples I kicked it up a few notches and the compliments left me empowered!

Thanks DollyDimples

JustAgirl33

I haven't posted since day 3 after my first TCHP chemo treatment. The first three days after treatment one I was fine; I spoke too soon. I had a bit of a tough time for the next 7-10 days. However, my last 7 days before my second treatment were awesome. I felt like a normal human being. My hair started falling out just before my seccond treatment; I went ahead and shaved it. I remember being so worried about losing my hair, and now it doesn't even bother me. I'm bald and it's the least of my worries. Treatment two I was pretty sick for the first 10 days. Seems as though I had completely different side effects then I did with treatment one. I lost my taste buds completely and my head hurt so bad. The positive side is it gets better. Around day 12 after treatment two I got my taste buds back and my head stopped hurting. It's now time for treatment 3 tomorrow. I try not to dewell and worry about the upcoming treatments, but it's hard not to. I just keep reminding myself this is temporary and I'm almost halfway through it. Keeping my head up and moving along.

boobsBgone

you go LittleRed! That is what I will say tomorrow! Kickin' cancer out!

Justagirl: that is about how I felt after my treatments. 3rd is tomorrow morning (bleh) but tackling it head on.

I agree we need to keep reminding ourselves it is TEMPORARY and not going to feel like this forever. My nurse feels I may be a bit depressed and may want to put me on anti-depressant (me? really?) I said I did not feel that way but she wants to have my MO discuss with me, so okay. saw my cardiologist today to make sure my ticker was still good. having chest pains, dizzy, palpitations, blah blah blah - making sure I am ok and it is just the anxiety of going through all this crazy-ass chemo and the stress and emotional breakdowns it brings.

Busy day - rescued two of our abandoned (rescue) cats from the kill shelter, owner dumped them on the street and animal control caught them - 3 all together, but my rescue only responsible for the 2, but saved all 3 anyway, could not leave the older boy behind, not fair to him his owners are butt-wipes. got them settled then the cardiologist apt - then home for snack and R&R! so dam tired.

I am so happy for the joy in my life and thankful I can still do some rescue work in-between the crappy days. Looking forward (high hopes) for less crappy days and more happy happy joy joy days! May everyone have a big smile today and diminished SEs.

Little-Red-Corvette1

BoobsBgone you go and kick the hell out of cancer! And those crappy cat owners. Sorry about your SE's. Maybe you should be open minded about the anti depressant Meds. There are many out there and you can start with a mild one. Stress and anxiety are horrible for the body. It is a bi-product of our now culture. A small % deal, A large % don't give a crap, then there are those that care too much- about everything! I had anxiety and panic attacks before I was even diagnosis so I knew it would be an issue. Anxiety can certainly feel like a heart attack too! Stay Strong. Your getting there.

Moondust

BoobsBGone and JustAGirl good luck to both of you tomorrow! Sending a big HUG and some extra strength for any SEs!! We will do this and get through this.

Labmom, I hope your treatment went okay and you are feeling no worse for wear. Hang in there, everyone!

labscientistmom

bbg & justagirl: sorry your SEs have been so rough. Be brave and stromg tomorrow!! the Lord is with you, he knows what its like to endure pain & suffering. He's got your back & is right there with you. its important to keep doing what we love, and not let cancer take away or become our identity. Find joy every day!!

LittleRed & Moondust: I finished #10weekly taxol today. 1/2 done,(huzzah) 10 weeks to go, 2 more taxol then 4 dreaded A/C. Gotta have an cardiac echo in there somewhere. I am doing ok tonight, a bit of headache but not too bad. was only there 4 hrs today. yay! Have been wheezing today, used my rescue inhaler twice, so much smoke from big Sand fire just north of us. we watched the flames come over the ridge of mts north of us from our driveway, we are a few miles away, but still scary and the smoke is aweful.

Got the paperwork to return to limited work after chemo and before /during rads. Will play it by ear ad I have been doing and see...MO is limiting to 6 hr shifts w restrictions until Jan. so thats good. I had a nice visit w my friend who comes by on my chemo night, we go shmooze with my cats on their escorted visits to backyard and chat. She has dogs& hubby & son are cat allergic so its a joy to see her interact w them. I enjoy shmoozing w her dogs too. Took my scarf off after she left and my short scraggly hair looks like Ursula sticking straight up!

Dolly: your pics are so lovely, you need to be kinder yourself. you are doing gr8 thru.this.process. !

wishing you all a good sleep and a blessed day tomorrow. ((hugs)) A

Anonymous

Hey folks,

How are we all doing?

Labscientist - I see you have had another treatment. You go girl...you are doing so well with this chemo thing too. How do you feel about that return to work after chemo? I am not going back til RADS are done too. My doctor has signed me off til near enough Christmas.

Littlered - you look great in your pics. Very cheery and healthy. How is treatment going for you now?

Justagirl - welcome to the forum. This stuff does get a tad easier as time goes by. But oh my how lovely would it have been for none of us, to ever have to have come into contact with each other??? Sad that we all know each other, but what a great bunch of ladies to have had for support and encouragement.

Boobsbegone - chin up lady. This is crappy, but at least you are alive and getting your treatment and you will be well and normal again soon. Apparently the fear of recurrence and anxiety goes eventually. I have read this on many webpages. I have bad days, when I think I am no longer the same carefree giggly wee thing I used to be...but then I just think sod it, I will continue to be as daft and giggly as I want. Cancer is not going to depress me. I am going to try to stay positive. Do nice things and just enjoy every single decade I get. See what I did there??? I did not say enjoy every single day...coz THAT is depressing....I said decade. Think this way BOOBS...much much more positive. And to be honest much much more likely.

Moondust - hope you have not melted in that heat - 42 degrees? Geez I would have been crying in such heat. But I guess you folks are pretty used to it. I hope you are well and are managing all side effects too.

FACEBOOK is much easier to use, but I am with you Moondust that it is probably important to keep posting here for future women.

DD

justmetoo

just got my port a cath in this morning it was my first time being put to sleep. I'm strangely glad Chemo starts tomorrow because I finally will feel like my cancer is being treated. Don't know what to expect but what ever it is we are all in this together. Any suggestions will greatly be appreciated, start first 4 rounds of Cytoxan, Adriamycin & Neulasta tomorrow followed by 4 rounds of Taxol every two weeks for a total of 8 treatments. Wish me luck....

justmetoo

what is the Facebook group name?

Heathet

justmetoo- I'll be thinking of you tomorrow! The neulasta can cause some bone pain so I take Claritin the day before and for a few days after. It seems to help with the pain. Also take some Aleve for pain - that works well! Good luck tomorrow ! I always like to stock up on my "chemo" foods - oatmeal, cream of wheat, peanut butter are some of my favorites! Lots of juices, water and Gatorade!

Moondust

Justmetoo, it is a secret Facebook group. Send a PM to Pepper43 on this forum with your name and email. She will add you to the group.

labscientistmom

Hi Dolly: I saw that your treatment was Ok, but you had some rough days. Glad you are back to cooking with your niece. I did ok on Tuesday, got in and out in 4 hours including seeing the oncologist. He is sending me to see the EarNoseThroat specialist for my bleeding sinus, that I finally got him to LOOK at last Friday. (its been two or three weeks, sheesh!) also wants me to do a CT scan of my sinuses. Waiting for insurance authorization....which is a bummer except that I pay less, which is good. My nose is more numb/sore after Tuesday, which makes me think this is primarily a SE, although a rarer one. I felt pretty good today, got some errands done including getting school supplies with my son, he goes back in 3 weeks (and my hubby does too). He took my son to youth group tonight, and is helping with their summer games mayhem, so I get some time to put my feet up and natter on at you!

I got clearance from MO to go back to work beginning of Oct after chemo is done, with restrictions until rads are over, including 6 hr shifts instead of 8 hrs and other lifting/strenuous limitations and such. I am hoping that this will be doable and a good thing, but I am sure as I have been doing, we will play it by ear and one day @a time. My supervisor is very supportive, want me to not rush back until I am ready. I think it will be good to ease back into it, actually. hoping for another mostly good day tomorrow, as our son goes to his last summer camp field trip, and my hubby and I can go on a date!!!

JustMEtoo: you go girl, hunker down for chemo, its doable, check out the preparing for chemo thread on these discussion boards for some great suggestions for stuff you might need. We are in your corner, and in your pocket tomorrow. blessings, and ((hugs))

BBG: loved your pick with the flames bandana!! You are rocking it girl, and good on you to get ONE MORE DONE!! high fives, and some whoot, whoot and Huzzah!!

Moondust, Acie, lilyP6, littleRed, Pepper, JustaGirl, Heathet and whomever else I forgot: wishing you good sleep and not much SE's tomorrow. ((hugs)) A

boobsBgone

Chemo 3 done - half way point. very sluggish and foggy today. but pushing through it - I will overcome.

cardiologist is checking a few things out, hoping it is nothing, just stress/anxiety. I think I will talk to MO more about the depress pills to help me through this. just hate taking another dam pill.

it's funny - some of you like FB better, I like this link better. guess i do not like FB as much as others.

may all your SEs be manageable! virtual hugs for everyone today!

Anonymous

Labby,

So glad you are doing well. Your onc seems to be very thorough with you and checks everything out. That has to defo be a great reassurance. Over here, I am told you have BC, we will get it out of you and cure you and that's it. No scans or xrays (I am not happy about this) and just see the onc once in between treatments 1-6!!! I see my onc next Thursday. I will be in and out in 15 mins most likely.

How are the nosebleeds doing? Do you still get them? I think chemo defo causes lots of internal bleeding and bruising doesn't it? Lets hope they stop soon.

How many more chemos do you have? I have 3 left to go. I cannot wait to get this next one done on 5th August. Then it is just two left. I am gearing myself up for the cold cap. I have grown quite scared of it now. It makes me so unwell.

Last chemo for me was not too good. It was the worst SEs I have ever had ever. Having said that, my only SE was vomiting. SO I suppose I should be very appreciative really. I was sick 3 times this time as opposed to no times like chemo 2!!! My mum was convinced that it was because the nurse put the stuff in me too quickly this time. We were in and out about an hour earlier than normal. I ma going to have to say this when I go in next week. I was sick and spent many an hour or two singing into my pink bucket! I eventually got to the point where the silent tears just dropped in with the vomit...I was a sorry soul on Friday, Sat and Sunday. ALthough...I took nooooooo anti-sickness meds and no no no steroids. So I suppose, I deserve it. But still am of opinion that my liver is healthier for it.

I have been spending lots of time with my niece. We have been making many organic dishes and baking lots and today my nutribullet arrived, so we made two smoothies. They were very nice.

My hair is still going strong. I am washing only once a week and it is not really falling out at all now! I have also had no infections or bugs...(touch wood), so no midnight trips to A&E YET!!!! I hope I get away with it!

I am so sorry to hear your husband has to go back to school...haha telll him I am off for a bit longer yet!!! I am also thinking about cutting back my working time too. Just as a precaustion for this damn thing coming back. I would like to cut down to 3 days a week instead of 5 and see if that might help. I am not sure if I will be allowed to.

I am glad you are happy to return to work. It is so good you have an understanding boss. That makes all the difference. It might make us all feel a little bit more normal when we do all get back to work. I dip hope work is positive and enjoyable for you. Just don't let anything stress you out.

DATE night??? Oh my I am jealous...I would love a handsome man to take me to dinner. However seeing as I rarely go out these days and mostly sit in jammies or trackies...I might not e the most glamourous of dates haha.

Dolly

Icandoallthings

hi all!

I have 1 treatment left in my series of 4. I'm doing TC.

I have a question though... Anyone taking the Lupron shot?

I have had it 3 times now. The first time I was fine, but the second two have been awful! Immediately after receiving the shot, I feel faint, and feel like all the blood is running out of me, and then I throw up.

I feel so embarrassed. the first time it happened, the nurse and I blamed it on the needle, and basically me psyching myself out... Which has never happened before, and I get stuck with needles a lot no problem.

I just had the shot again today, and the same thing happened. So now I'm thinking it's the medication! It just happens so quickly- I don't even think the medication can work in under 2 minutes to give me side effects, can it?

Anyone else have this happen?

revnet

I'm going to the Lollapalooza music festival tomorrow and I've got to admit, I'm feeling a little fear about porta-jon germs. I mean a porta-jon is terrifying with a fully functional immune system, but compromised? Just a few extra heeby jeebies is all. Do I really need to be worried? It's not gonna stop me from going, I'm ready for a day of fun.

Moondust

revnet, you need to bring a gallon or two of water with you so that you can really wash your hands after you've been in the porta-john! And any other part of you that touches anything in there! Maybe bring a big pack of disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, AND water. If the festival is outdoors, I hope you can find a spot to sit that is not in the middle of hundreds of people. It is a risk, that's a fact. I won't even go to walmart during my low immune periods. I have been shopping at a more expensive grocery store that is practically empty.

Icanddoallthings, I do not think you got sick because you "psyched yourself out". The medication can definitely work in less than two minutes. I would insist that more research be done before you agree to another shot. You may be allergic to some component of the shot.

Dolly, I'm glad you got the nutribullet! Smoothies are an almost daily thing with me. It is still just as hot as ever here, and smoothies are something cool to have.

labscientistmom

BBG: I like this forum better than FB too. Glad you got another treatment done!! I am glad I got the errands done yesterday on my day after steroids day, because I ran out of steam today about 3pm and have been tired and sticky sore eyes since then. So I hope your SEs are better today, and I am praying for light into the dark sad place, to bring you joy. Get big hugs from your handsome hubby. How are your rescue kitties? Hope you can find homes for them. My Sophia from the avatar pic has been wandering around crying tonight, she so wants to go outside but its too hot. {{hugs}} back to you!!

Dolly: Nosebleeds still happening, and my nose feels more numb and sore. Seems to be worse after each infusion, so I do think its chemo SE. Waiting for authorization to get sinus CT done and see specialist. Sore and sticky around my eyes tonight. My husband & I had a nice lunch and saw the new Star Trek movie. It was a nice afternoon. Sooo sorry to hear of your bad nausea and such. I am so not looking forward to the dose dense A/C that I start in 3 weeks. I have 2 more weekly taxol, then 4 every two week A/C infusions. I should be done the end of Sept and start rads the middle of Oct. Nutribullit sounds fun, I enjoy my shaken up protein drinks.

revnet: hope you enjoy the music. Lots of hand sanitizer and wipes and water to drink, stay hydrated, clean but enjoy!!!

Little-Red-Corvette1

I like this forum. It's a little hard to mention everyone but you're all in my heart.

Labs mom the sinus is a crummy SE sorry you have that. I had AC Monday and you are so spot on about the steroids. I have 2 more AC dense then the taxol. My SE's have mostly been some nausea, tiredness, and I'll feel terrible if I overdue.

On positive, once I awake very early. I take my nausea med- some tums- put on my big girl panties and say what will I do today?

Revnet backpack those Lysol wipes purel rubber gloves paper towel. Are you taking the neulasta shot? That is powerful. They had to cut mine back.

Moondust dairy really bothers me. Any ideas on a frozen drink?

Everyone who had treatment this week I wish you low SE's

All else I wish you what you need

Here's my new short haircut!

Little-Red-Corvette1

My hairdresser and I. She brought me a beautiful prayer card medal from the Vatican blessed by the Pope.

Acie

justmetoo - how are you today? How did your first round go?

LittleRed - looking good! I love the new do! I hope you are doing well with your treatment.

revnet - be careful, but have a great time! So glad you feel up to that kind of thing. I have not had quite enough energy for that kind of thing, but did enjoy a pool party here at the house last Saturday afternoon.

Dolly - I am so sorry to hear your were so sick. I know what you mean about the silent tears. I stopped short of vomiting this time, but felt so poorly I was ont he verge of tears. I am concerned about the next one (4th AC) being worse. I love my protein smoothies. I use frozen fruit, low-carb protein powder, a little vanilla yogurt, a splash of milk, ice, a tablespoon of flax seed or powder, and a tablespoon of nuts (walnuts with banana, and almonds with everything else). I have even done mint chocolate (plain yogurt, splenda or sweetner, 1/8 teaspoon mint extract (no more!), vanilla or chocolate protein powder and cocoa powder or chocolate chips. Have fun with it!

Labs - I hope you dont have a serious problem with your sinuses. I think I mentioned this before, but the only time I had sinus issues was when I stopped using my flonase nasal spray (available over the counter) for allergies. I was afraid it was drying my sinuses even more so I stopped and that's when they started bleeding. Now that I am back on it I have not had any issues. I use it once a day in the morning. When my sinuses feel dry I use saline with aloe spray. I also live where its very humid so that my help, too. Perhaps a humidifier would help you? Anyway, that's all I can offer. Maybe it will be helpful to you.

As for me, this as been a rough round and I am very worried about the next one. Just thinking about AC 4 makes me want to vomit. I am still getting through this one, but am improving as I get farther away from it. I expect the weekend to be slow and low as I come off the steroids tomorrow, and my neulasta starting working (and hurting). Still the nausea is worse this time.

On the more positive side I am thinking of getting a second wig, something wavy and casual. Anybody else, doing 2 looks? Am I crazy to think I have a dressy wig and want a casual one?

revnet

Thanks for the tips everyone. I always carry lysol wipes and butt wipes with me to a music festival anyway. It's an amateur move to do otherwise! lol. But I will take some extra precautions and just have a better awareness.

I am cold capping during my chemo, so I will have to bring a hat or something to cover my head. Thankfully it's supposed to be a cooler day here in the chicago area so hopefully my scalp won't get too warm and sweaty.

Little Red, yes I'm on the Nuelasta injections. Prior to my most recent infusion, which was my 2nd one, they said my blood counts looked fantastic. Not just for someone taking chemo, but in terms of the general population. So I'd agree, nuelasta is strong stuff.

Wishing everyone a good weekend.

ClarkBlue

Rev - ENJOY LOLLA!!!!! Totally jealous... Say "hi" to Perry Farrell for me. You low point for risk of infection peaks between 7-14 days, so if you're out of that range you should be fine - ESPECIALLY if your numbers are so great! Makes the Neulasta worth it, huh???

My vein in my hand is a little irritated from my last infusion over a week ago... any ideas on how I can keep it from getting worse?

On an interesting note, my dear cousin (44) had a double mastectomy today... her mom had BC (DCIS) at 45, and IDC 20 years later (my moms sister). I had been trying to convince her to address her "suspicious" LCIS ever since my diagnosis and our family history (my mom and 2 of her sisters at age 45) - she and her doctors wanted to wait it out and just observe her for a while. I was adamantly opposed to this and made my opinion very clear - WHY would you want to wait until it progressed????? Then you have to endure possible chemo, radiation and hormone therapy... It didn't make any sense to me. Any-who, I guess my incessant bitching worked because she decided to move forward after all. She's doing fine, they sent samples to pathology so please say a few prayers that all will go well with her recovery.

Headed up north this weekend for some fun times and relaxation. Will check in periodically!!

-Keely

labscientistmom

ClarkBlue: I agree with your thoughts on waiting to deal with cancer>....what's up with that??? Will include your cousin in my prayers, glad she got it out and is working on recovery. Enjoy your trip--fun and relaxation sound like GOOD GOALS

Acie: Hi again, I think any look you want to sport that makes you feel good, is a good one!! RE: my sinus issues, yes the flonase helps some, the anti-inflammatory seems to help some. the saline spray too. And I use a humidifier @night. Its so weird because my nose is more numb and sore feeling after the infusion on Tuesday. That seems like a chemo SE to me, worse each week and this has been progressing for 3 - 4 weeks now. The right side sinus was bleeding all morning today, the worst its been in a few days. Sore sinus headache all day and tired behind my eyes. Got my blood drawn today, repeating tumor markers again. ONLY TWO MORE WEEKLY TAXOL, YAY!! I have to say as dreaded as the A/C regimen is that I will start in about 3 weeks, it doesn't eat away at eyes and sinus and make my fingers/toes sore like taxol. I am NOT looking forward to 4 rounds of A/C, but I am looking forward to the end of numb fingers/toes and sore sinus/face.

Little RED: you are rocking the short hair, huzzah to beautiful you!!

lilyp6

Hi Lovely Ladies,

I usually read throgh the forums when I wake up, and just before I go to bed. I use my tablet, so I have to wait until I'm sitting at my desk to really say hi to everyone individually. It's hard not to participate here most of the time, but typing on the tablet is such a pain. It IS nice to check in, though. I feel like you are all with me all the time.

I had a sweet visit from a coworker today, whose mom was struggling with lung cancer that had spread. The mom was pronounced cancer free recently. She suffered a lot up to this point because of surgery and pain, but most of all because she didn't want any support but her poor family members. She was pretty hard on them. It's too bad that she didn't have the comfort of something like this forum. Anyway, some at work are afraid to talk about cancer with me, but it was lovely that this person shared that with me today.

I do have a question for Labscientist: I noticed that you get out and go to movies, which is great. I was told to avoid crowds or movies, unless they were outdoors. I know you're pretty careful, so how do you work that out? Do you just watch yor blood levels and avoid when they are low? I'm sure I could just take my chances, but I'm just curious.

Clarkblue (I think)... nurses told me to use heat on the irritated injection site. I did that in the shower. I also used ice. Both things helped a lot.

Goodnight all...

labscientistmom

Hi lilyp6: I have to say I have been so blessed so far with avoiding being sick. We usually go to the movies in the daytime, when it's not as full. The best thing really is to take hand sanitizer and use it, the most likely place to catch stuff is touching door handles, handrails and seats, etc that other people touch. Better not to touch them but hand sanitizer works too. We also usually sit in the back, because my husband hates it when kids kick the seat. Maybe that's helping cause people's coughing germs goes forward?

I have avoided baseball games and larger crowds like that. Also, I don't think taxol drops my wbc as low as A/C does. If it does, I wonder if its on chemo day itself, because I have noticed easier bruising on that day. I never really go anywhere except to chemo on day 1. Taxol nadir is 15 - 21 days, not sure how that works with weekly doses.

I am sorry to not have a better answer for you. My husband and son have been sick for a couple weeks too, I am amazed I have not caught it. Prayer, not touching anyone elses tissues, and my husband sweetly not kissing me cause he doesn't want me sick.

Hope you all have better SE day tomorrow!