Anyone.Starting Chemo in October 2016?

Abracadabra

Hi VLH / Lyn, Sorry you're not feeling well. Hope it settles down and you're feeling better soon. I just wanted to tell you that I also wondered what finger tablets could be ... then it struck me it that it was probably supposed to be ginger tablets! At least I hope so .... LOL.

Nfullblume

I'm happy to see that a few folks are trying to work through this. I'm hoping my company will let me work from home. Waiting on CT scan and port install now. First injection is 2 weeks from today. After reading some of your posts, I'm wondering if I misunderstood my Taxol cycles. Are they a standard 1 week dose? Or could they also be every 2 weeks

Thank you all for posting your thoughts. Strange how you can feel so connected to ladies you don't know.

Connie1230

Does anyone know just when the nausea is supposed to begin? When does the Neulasta pain normally start? I had AC Monday and the Neulasta shot yesterday. I am taking the meds religiously going so far as to set the alarm on my phone to remind me. Knock on wood, I have had few side effects yet. Now, I'm not so foolish as to think I'm going to skate through this and realize it could all start any minute. I have had a mild headache since Monday and I do have a mild back ache but no worse than I normally do by evening. I'm eating normal meals. I am taking an anti nausea pill every 8 hrs but not taking the other 2 anti nausea pills she prescribed. The emend is done and I'll end the dexamethsone tomorrow. I don't know just when to stop taking the 8 hr nausea pill. Does anyone know? I'm scared to death if I quit taking it, I'll immediately get sick.

VLH

Ginger! Of course, Barb. I was totally drawing a blank. I'm feeling better, thanks.

Connie, it's great that you haven't had nausea or body pains from Neulasta. I appreciate your dilemma. You hate to take a chance on a queasy stomach at an inopportune moment.

Nfullblume, yes, Taxol can be administered on different schedules depending on your oncologist's recommendation.

Lyn

Al12

Connie1230 hi, my pain to Nuelasta seemed to start couple of hours after and I had pressure in my neck and skin hurting. Toward the morning around 4 am I woke up and felt like someone was twisting my back it wasn't very painful but very uncomfortable. I have been taking claritin the day before chemo day and I took it until 2 days after the nuelasta shot. I'm on day 6 and feeling fine. I think the side effects for me have past. My side effects weren't that bad I was able to go to work the day after chemo and this week. the doc told me to take the nausea meds every 8 hours the next day after chemo day and for 3 days straight. the back up nausea pills are incase the first don't work. hope this helps. I felt like I didn't need the nausea pills because I felt fine but I still took them for 3 days. You can always call the nurse and ask them again what you should do.

sounds like your doing good so far.

Julesbabe55

Hello everyone. It's been a while since I posted so a bit of an update. Unlike some, I've been pretty good with SE - some nausea set in the Thursday after my first treatment on 10/4 so I immediately started the first nausea medication (Compazine - 6 hrs.) I took it for a day and a half and it seemed to do the trick - no nausea since Saturday. (Connie1230 - I struggled with whether I should stop the meds or not but in the end bit the bullet and stopped. I paid attention to every little thing happening with my body and at the first sign of trouble, I was ready to go back on the meds. It was scary. Talk to your nurses and see what they advise.). Had my first blood test yesterday and my WBC was in the basement - I knew it was to be expected but it threw me for a loop - almost lost it at the treatment center but I held on. Going back on Friday for more bloodwork to make sure the Nuelasta is doing it's thing and my next treatment (10/25) doesn't have to be delayed - I'll go nuts if it does. Meanwhile taking my temp 3 times a day to make sure no fever. Also asked my MO about bone loss supplements - she is fine with them so going to pick up something. I've heard the Calcium Citrate, Magnesium & Vitamin D are the ones to get - has anyone else heard the same thing?

For those that are interested, I've heard from a couple of different people about a topical treatment that seems to work to save eyelashes & eyebrows. It's called Brian Joseph's Lash & Brow Conditioning Gel ( https://www.brianjosephs.com/). I wasn't going to order it but when I saw that one of the local treatment centers in Delaware sells it in it's associated boutique, I plunged and ordered it from the website. Anything to save some semblance of hair will make me feel better I think. I hope it does the trick.

AI12 - love the red lipstick idea!

Melindawv - you said you were icing hands & feet. Is that to offset the Taxotere side effects? I've heard of it but am so confused of which drug causes which side effects and what you are supposed to do about it. So much to absorb.

Nfullblume - I hope you can work from home. My firm is letting me do that and it has taken such a load off my mind. I was so scared about going into the office with cold & flu season in full swing and people going to work sick. I worry about getting any kind of infection during all of this.

Does anyone have a recommendation on eye drops? My eyes haven't been super dry but I noticed last night they were drier than normal.

Hope to post more often

Julianne

Connie1230

Al12, I took the Claratin 2 days before the Neulasta and then I read here that you could start it even a day earlier. Maybe that would eliminate any side effects at all for you? Love the red lipstick and big earring idea! That would be so out of character for me but I may just have to do it. If I can find a super cheap one, I am truly considering a wild pink or purple or whatever color wig if my grandchildren come for Christmas. The oncologist wants to see where my white blood count is and how I feel before any final decisions on that

Julianne, according to the sheets my oncologist gave me, paclitaxel or docetaxel can cause skin and nail change and also cause neuropathy in fingers and toes. Ice packs can help with these symptoms. When I mentioned the booties and mittens that I read about on here (I think in Tiffany's top 21 hints), she said they were an excellent choice.

Someone on this website recommended Similasin for dry eyes. I purchased it but haven't needed it yet.

It's now the early hours of Thursday and I still feel good. I finish one prescription today and I believe I'll take the nausea and Claratin through today too and see what happens tomorrow. I suppose this means that I'll be one who gets hit hard with the symptoms after the 2nd round but I'm thankful they've evaded me so far.

Al12

well on day 7 and the only thing I can complain about is that I'm def feeling a cold coming on. I never get sick and now I have to be very careful especially that I'm commuting to work everyday into the city. I asked If I can work from home and my boss wants to play it by ear when the time comes. I am an activewear designer and I can design from my computer at home but it's not the same and I would need the printer. I might be ok until I'm done with AC cycles but I'm worried when I start taxol once a week for 12 weeks. That is a lot of days off that I can't afford. I already see my self getting tired around 4pm. The commute will be tough.

Connie1230, a colorful wig for xmas is such a great fun idea. sounds very festive. Wishing you the best results with your blood work and your able to have your family around.

Julesbabe55 , I really Hope your blood work comes out ok and Nuelasta is doing it's job. thanks for the eyebrow and lashes tip. I am going to order that too. I attend meetings at work and will need to look somewhat normal. One of my husbands co workers that went through this before had gifted me a Lancome Cils booster XL this is a mascara primer. She had mentioned that she never lost her lashes but they broke off and she used this product before her regular mascara and her lashes were able to look longer and no one was able to tell that she had really short ones.

I found this really interesting article on foods to eat and what to avoid including suppliments for different types of breast cancers. http://foodforbreastcancer.com/ hope you guys will find this interesting too.

I have a friend who has stage 4 breast cancer and went through chemo twice. she swears by her diet and lifestyle changes and how her second time around with chemo she saw better results and felt less and better on her side effects.

wishing everyone a lovely day.

Charlene1

Hi everyone

I just completed my 2nd treatment of Taxol

I was fine after last Thursday treatment but came down hard from the steroids on Sat. I took a Zofran Friday am just on case but did not need it. The se's hit around midnight Sat. But overall were not bad mild nausea, headache and mild neuropathy in toes, mild joint pain .

All but the neuropathy last only about day and a half. Felt more like I was coming down with the flu. Hair is holding on so far the Chemo nurse said it will thin but I might not lose it all but only time will tell.

Hope every one is managing through.

Char

VLH

Charlene, I'm glad your side effects haven't been too bad. Did you experience neuropathy with your first Taxol treatment?

My main challenge today (first AC infusion was Tuesday) is being dizzy. I took a compazine yesterday, which makes me super drowsy, so I dozed off and on much of the day. I'm trying to do some light chores today. My IV anti-nausea meds should be wearing off and I've had no pills so far so I'm thinking it must be the Sancuso patch on my arm?

Lyn

Abracadabra

Charlene - You are getting it done! I'm happy for you that the SEs are not too bad, and interested in your experience (I will be getting Taxol after AC). Can I ask what you mean by neuropathy in your toes? What does it feel like? Thx

Mothersip

VLH - MO told me dizziness can be caused by mild dehydration. Lots of water!

I had my first TC session today. I was so anxious about it, but it went well. Had no effects during the 3+ hour treatment. It's now 5 hours later and still feel great. Plan on going to my yoga class in the morning!

Abracadabra

Mothersip - Glad it went so well for you. It's such a relief to get started (and for the waiting and anticipation to finally be over). Enjoy yoga tomorrow ... I've been continuing to go to yoga too ... it's great. Namaste!

VLH

I'm glad to hear your treatment went smoothly, Mothersip!

I think I know why I was dizzy . I discovered my blood pressure was 100 / 58. It's now up to 109 / 66 . My oncologist had mentioned that chemotherapy could drop blood pressure so I'll monitor it more carefully and adjust medication accordingly.

Lyn

b2alicia

So I'm a few steps closer to starting the nasty Chemo. 1. I had my echo test 2 days ago which turned out good. 2. I had my pre-op appt yesterday for port placement tomorrow. 3. I had my hair cut to 1 inch all over today . (I LOST it just telling the lady at Cost Cutters what I was doing. I felt bad for her- here was this stranger starting to cry in front of her. Later, though, as she was doing the cut, the other customer in the next chair who was waiting , said "I am also a survivor who went through chemo and I wish I had cut mine ahead of time like you are doing!"). 4. On Fridays at the Cancer Center, there are free wigs given out, so hopefully I'll find one tomorrow that will feel okay.

Miles

Hello everyone. I wish you all well and want to thank you for your updates. It is nice to have a place we can all share in this experience. We may be alone in our individual experiences but on here I feel connected.

b2alicia your hair looks great! I also cut my hair similar to yours a week ago. I may even go shorter before it falls out. I am glad that I did cut it because it has taken a lot for me to get use to having short hair. I think it will be easier for me taking it in steps...

Mothersip

B2alicia - Alicia - your hair looks great! I cut mine short short the week before chemo and will get it shaved off next week. I've heard from so many people that the hair starting to fall out can be really traumatic and for some it's the first time they really feel 'sick.' MO gave me a prescription for a wig (cranial prosthesis)😂 And I found one I love. I'll take it with me when I get mine buzzed off and have my gal style it for me. I've also started a Pinterest board on all the great ways to tie head scarves.

Keep positive about the chemo! I was so anxious, but it was a piece of cake. I'm a big believer in mind over matter, and looking to a higher being to walk this journey with me. Stay strong!

Al12

well I thought I was out of the woods with SE until next chemo but this Nuelasta creeped up on me again it really makes the chemo feel like piece of cake. I woke up around 1 am with back spasms shooting pain from lower back up to my neck where it takes your breath away. laying down was very uncomfortable and standing felt better and stretching but at 1 am all I want to do is go back to sleep. I took more claritin and tylanol somehow managed to fall a sleep but now I'm at work and sitting is not comfortable either and still getting shooting pains. I'm waiting for the nurse to call me and see what I can do. My husband looked up side effects of nuelasta and we found out that nuelasta takes 14 days to cycle through your body. No wonder AC with Nuelasta is given once every 2 weeks. Hopefully doc can give me a lesser dosage next time.

anyone else doing Nuelasta right now? I wonder if anyone else feeling the same thing.

Mothersip, I too looked up how to wrap head scarves on pintrest too and there are so many great options. I just might do the same and start a page for my self. I already got my self a collection of scarves to play with.

b2alicia I love your short hair

I am going to a sound meditation concert tonight with a friend. I heard sound meditation has great healing powers and hope to get something out of it. Also feel like I need to get into a yoga routine the way I feel now with my back pain feels like yoga will be such a great relief or light stretching.

Alla

b2alicia

Miles, thank you! I agree, I'm shocked whenever I see a reflexion. I'm glad I did this ahead of time too. I have never had it this short in my adult life. I think taking it in steps is a good decision for me too. **hugs** Miles!

Mothersip,Thanks so much! I hope my chemo experience goes as smoothly as yours has. That's the same report I hear...that waiting for their hair to fall out is a huge trauma. I would rather spare myself that if I can!

Alla, thank you!

We do what we must, and just plow on through. It will be over one day, and we can move on back to our lives!

Love to all,

Betty

VLH

Al12, sorry to hear that the Neulasta has proven so painful for you. :-( Given that I have severe fibromyalgia , I've been surprised that I didn't have an issue with it. I hope you feel better soon.

B2alicia , like others I think your new do looks great …very youthful.

Miles I'm glad that you feel connected here. This is definitely the club no one wants to join, but there is comfort in feeling that we're going through it together.

Lyn

Abracadabra

Al12 - Hope you find a way to reduce that Neulasta pain ... as if the chemo alone isn't already hard enough! I don't use Neulasta, but I remember reading threads from earlier chemo groups, and there were a lot of mentions of Neulasta pain. Hoping that your MO or nurse can recommend effective treatment for it. (Treatment for a treatment ... are we medicated? Yes we are!)

b2alicia - I'll add to the chorus ... you are beautiful with short hair! It really suits you.

Well my big accomplishment of the day was to go to the dentist. Last Friday night (while I was still feeling queasy and miserable from my Monday chemo), I was nibbling at some popcorn and I must have chomped down on an unpopped kernel because part of a molar tooth broke off! What a pain in the butt. The inside edge of the tooth was really sharp against the side of my tongue. I had to wait until Monday to reach my nurse, who advised against anything invasive unless it was essential. If I needed anything major, I would have to have a blood test first (to check the WBC count), and then possibly either delay chemo or plan to take antibiotics or some combo of the two. Anyway, I finally saw the dentist today and he was brilliant ... he rebuilt the tooth without fuss or muss (or needles!). The bad news is that I'll have to get a crown ($) on the tooth once chemo is done, but I'll worry about that down the road.

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend.

VLH

BOO on the dental issue, but great that you could get a temporary repair, Barb. I have some crowns that I know are on borrowed time so hope mine don't get inspired by your naughty tooth. ;-)

Lyn

Abracadabra

Lyn - My advice to you is to avoid popcorn. The staff at my dental clinic were saying that it is one of the worst things for causing all sorts of dental problems. And I thought it was a healthy snack! I'll cross my fingers for your crowns. (Naughty tooth ... that cracks me up!)

VLH

Of course, 100 calorie bags of popcorn are my fave rave for minimizing potato chip indulgences.

Lyn

Miles

Thank you to everyone for posting and sharing. Your words make a big difference in my life. I appreciate y'all being here.

Abracadabra: So sorry about your tooth. I'm glad you were able to get it taken care of. I hope the temporay fix lasts through your Chemo. You cracked me up with your pun: "Naughty tooth ... that cracks me up" get it? (literally cracked a tooth...)

Al12: That back pain caused by Neulasta pain sound awful. I hope I have better luck with it. no bueno... Hang in there.

I hope everyone gets some rest tonight.

((Hugs))

Julesbabe55

Hello one & all:

Today was a good day - WBC came back good - Neulasta did the trick. So we are off to the races with treatment #2 on the 25th. Going to get my nails done tomorrow - had my nail tech buy an entire kit for my use only including polish and remover. That was the only way my onc would agree that I could get manicures while doing chemo.

Al12 - hope you're getting better with the Neulasta. I've been making it a point to walk every day - my nurses say that helps. I got the eyebrow/lash gel today. Put it on immediately  How was the sound meditation concert? I've been going to yoga - trying to keep up with it at least once a week. I'm also taking a mindfulness stress reduction class that incorporates yoga & meditation - it's helped keep me focused on one day at a time. Took a peak at the food site - so much information it's daunting. And of course, every food that I love I shouldn't eat There goes my peanut butter on a cinnamon raisin bagel!

b2alicia - like you, cut my hair short as well. Your new "do" looks great! I still don't recognize the person in the mirror - haven't had hair this short in years. But we do what we must.

Connie1230 - I read the same tip on the Similasin. Where did you buy it? I looked in my local CVS and they had nothing even close unless it's a different brand name. 

VLH - so glad your BP stabled. All the things we now have to watch. The Sanacuso patch is for nausea as well? Hadn't heard of that drug.

Abracadabra - too funny (maybe not) about the popcorn! Of all things. Glad it all worked out with the crown. Something to add to the list of when life gets semi-normal again.

Have a wonderful weekend all.

Julianne

VLH

Good one, Miles!

---

Good news on the WBC results, Julianne. Yes,, the Sancuso patch is for nausea and can stay on multiple days so no worries about forgetting a pill. I think it was a bit expensive though. The most common SE is constipation so I had the opposite problem.

Lyn

geneskirt

Hi ladies, Has anyone experienced super-dry sinuses? I'm day 9 and am feeling severe dryness in my upper nose and noticed some pink staining in my kleenex after blowing.

Any suggestions or tips?x

Abracadabra

Lyn - Don't get me started on chips ... I shouldn't buy them (but I do), then I shouldn't eat them (but I do). Sad but true ... in order to drink enough liquids during my chemo week, I found I had to eat something salty first to get the liquid to go down, and the Pringles were just sitting there, calling to me. It worked, what can I say!

Miles - So glad my little pun gave you a giggle. My husband and son just roll their eyes at me, but I love words and I love to laugh. Thanks for being so supportive!

Julianne - Great news about the WBC. We have the same treatment timing ... chemo #1 was Oct 3 and my chemo #2 will be Oct 24. Great idea for your manicures ... it's so important to keep positive things going on in our lives these days!

geneskirt - I have no experience with dry sinuses as I seem to be having the opposite problem ... my nose is continually dripping. So annoying! I've read, however, that dry sinuses can be eased by: 1) drinking more water to be better hydrated, 2) using steam to sooth the dryness (fill your sink or a bowl with hot water then lean over it and put a towel over your head to keep the steam contained. Breathe through your nose until you feel better.), 3) using nasal lubricants that you massage into your nostrils. This works even better if you do it after the steam treatment, as it locks in the moisture. You can buy nasal lubricants at the drugstore, but I've also heard of people using Vaseline, coconut oil or almond oil. Good luck!

I'm off to the gym ... my best friend is a gym teacher, and we meet at the gym once or twice a week to catch up on each other's live as we pedal madly on the exercise bikes for an hour. People are generally less impressed by our physical efforts and more impressed by our ability to talk non-stop for the entire hour. We tell them it's a gift!

Enjoy your day!

Connie1230

I bought the Similasin on Amazon. You can buy ANYTHING on Amazon, I'm convinced.

Does anyone have any links to the Pinterest pages on scarf tying? I'm thinking that I need to seriously consider shaving mine off because the waiting is driving me nuts. Also, where are you ordering your scarves?