April 2017 Chemo

MicroGirl

Momojcbc- definitely call the doc today. That is a tough night. I had horrible headaches with my first round, but they are manageable this time. Hair, as soon as my first big chunk came out at about 11 days, I shaved it down as tiny little hairs coming out is way less stressful/traumatic. And it looks good! Of course 3.5 weeks in mine is really patchy short, but sun hats are wonderful. I hope you get to feeling better soon.

whirlwind

Even though I am on the facebook group, I'm still going to pop in here too. I know there are some that do not want to join a breast cancer group w/ thier facebook account, and I respect that. I don't mind being in both groups at all.

Microgirl - I went to that conscious ink site, and I am so ordering those tattoos! I am definitely a person that believes in the power of positive affirmations, so these are great!

kudos to those working through Chemo. That is one thing I am am worried about. I don't work outside the home, but I am a full time stay at home mom to FOUR kids, and I hope the house doesn't fall apart when I am down for the count. They are all old enough to help out. I just have to understand they aren't going to complete tasks like I do them.

I had my port put in on Tuesday, the 11th, and it's healing nicely. I have a slight skin reaction to the dermabond, and had a fluid filled itchy blister that I left alone, and it popped, but didn't cause too much trouble. My neck still hurts a little, but that's improving too. The only thing that is wierd is I feel a fluttering at the top of my heart every time I walk. If that continues I will call my surgeon on Monday. It's not painful , just strange and uncomfortable.

I finally got my Chemo start date last week. We were waiting on Insurance approval. I start AC on Wed 4/19. They will access my port for the first time when I go in for blood work on Monday. I am very scared of the unknown, but I am still in a positive mind set.

~Kelly

Limonia

Hello All,

What a great series of posts. It's my first day posting on this site and I really appreciate the support and guidance you show each other. I'm 3 weeks post surgery and have decisions to make over the next few weeks re: chemo (then following with other tx). It's a lot! Will read more of your posts before asking questions, but for now - would be grateful to hear how people stay encouraged through this process, especially with many of the unexpected things that come our way...Amy

BSchutt

Good morning, Amy. I'm learning to do a lot of self-talk/motivation that these things will pass. Trying to get into a bit of meditation but at this point, I do a lot of journeling and have been learning a lot about myself and my thoughts. Negative thoughts will happen, it is a given, but we don't have to focus on them. Just learning to observe and move on from those and go back to things we are thankful for. Living in the moment is my goal and appreciating everything. I'm reading currently, "Being Well, Even When You are Sick" but Elana Rosenbaum and I highly recommend it. Many helpful tips. I've read some Deep Chopra as well.

I wish you well and the courage to face the decisions you must make in the near future. Blessings!

BSchutt

Lydian5, I wanted to post this early because I may forget tomorrow, but I'm thinking of you and your start of chemo on Monday. Your chemo plan is what I've been doing, too. 4 doses of AC then I've started Taxol/carboplatin last Thursday for weekly doses for 10-12 weeks. Hoping you have minimal side effects. But in the meantime, enjoy today, Easter Sunday!

Momojcbc

Thanks Barbara- The doc called me in an antibiotic, I started it yesterday and today I feel so much better! I hope my head is a nice shape with no hair!

utjoy

Momojcbc- - I was wondering about you, too...glad to hear you're feeling better!

I can't keep up with anything on the internet...my eyes are not behaving! Yesterday was rough, just not feeling so good and I get worried being so far from a dr. I have recurring shingles, I broke out the week before I started AC so thought I'd be good to go...then it started to spread a bit yesterday, I don't want to start the Valtrex unless I get an 'onset'...oh well. Doing better today...I think?! Stomach decided to be lazy, too...blood pressure lower than normal for me, some edema...port area is so bruised and sore...I didn't really expect that.

I'm anxious for my 'soldiers' to get thirsty for a beer or a glass of wine!

All in all....I am very grateful, appreciative and full of hope. Happy Easter

DazzlingEagle

My first chemo was April 5 and I went back in for a check-up April 12. This time is going slowly but also flying by. Strange. The oncologist agreed my tumor is already shrinking. He said the second round, it will shrink even more. The tremendous pain all around it was inflammation and dead cells, etc. So I am not looking forward to more of that pain next time but it if means the cancer is being killed I guess it's a good pain.

A few days ago, I started getting chills and shaking and a fever but it was under control with tylenol. Then I could hardly swallow my throat hurt so bad so I couldn't swallow a lot of water or eat and the fever came back so I ended up going to the E.R. and they got my fever under control. I thought the chemo had burned my nose and throat tissue but they said I had pharyngitis. It's slowly getting better but the last three or four nights have been bad. But I do have a tip if anyone has a bad sore swollen nose. Don't use regular tissues, use something like unscented baby wipes. I read on this site about using saline nose spray and saline nose gel. The nose gel worked great. Except it burned my raw nose so I alternated it with coconut oil.

I have those burned taste buds all along the edge of my tongue. Using a lot of rinses and I think they're under control. Just rinses I bought at the drug store. Should I ask for a prescription rinse?

Not a very good few days but it's slowly getting better.

My very nice neighbor mowed my lawn for me and my sister walked my dog for me. I haven't done much besides work a very light schedule and then lay. The throat thing really messed up my eating just when I was getting hungry again. I lost eight pounds. Now I want to use this week to gear up for chemo treatment number two.

Limonia

Thank you BSchutt so very much, I will try to take your words to heart. It will be a challenge to move from the thoughts but I know how important this is to my wellbeing ultimately (while also allowing the thoughts to come when needed). I've ordered your book recommendation from the library - looking forward to it arriving, thank you!

MicroGirl

Amy, I've been trying some mindfulness meditation (should do more). And just trying to be aware of how I feel and why. Plus...temporary tattoos (consciousink.com). It is definitely a lot of decisions, in a short amount of time, when you're dealing with the diagnosis and life all at the same time. Hang in there! ...Amy :-)

MicroGirl

Dazzling, I hope you are feeling a bit better this morning. That is a very rough time. I'm glad your tumor is shrinking, but I'm sorry for the pain. I'm guessing even smoothies are painful/irritating to your throat? If not, that might be a good way to get some calories.

DodgersGirl

This morning is out patient surgery so probably won't be alert enough to post later today. Want to wish those of us who have chemo this week the best of luck!

Whirlwind - you mentioned your first appointment is 4/19. As many others have already posted, the fear of the unknown is generally harder than the actual event. Hope your session Wednesday is without hiccups. Make sure you drink lots of water the day before as well as the day of chemo (and the following days) My MO said to start taking Claritin the day before demo and then for x number of days after (because of the Neulasta On-Pro) Advice from these forums was to take something like chocolate ex-lax the night of chemo and the following night to help avoid constipation. No idea if this was the reason or not, but I did not have constipation so passing that along. One thing I wish I had taken with me to chemo (and will take with me Wednesday) is a small bottle of hand lotion. The soap in the bathroom left my hands feeling dry. My chemo nurses brought me ice to eat while getting the chemo drug that can cause mouth sores. Just like icing hands/feet/head, icing helps ward off ill effects like sores. You mentioned being concerned about taking care of your family........my most difficult side effect from the 1st round was inability to sleep much at night. I am going to ask about dosages for something like melatonin so see if I can get more sleep this round

tlss141 - good luck Friday with your next round of chemo.

dbowie2017 - good luck Thursday with your next round of chemo

utjoy - sending you hugs and prayers that you are feeling better today and each day forward. You mentioned your eyes are not behaving. I had about a day where my eyes didn't seem to want to focus right which gave me a headache. Is that what you are experiencing? If so, that SE didn't last too long for me and hope you see the same thing (no pun intended)

momojcbc - hope the antibiotics took care of your infection and that you are feeling better

CSA - did you have any drains with your surgery? I think I am more concerned about recovering from surgery as I am about making it through chemo. Thanks in advance for any tips you may have to share with us about surgery.

keeping all of us in my prayers.

oh - question for the group - I see many people talking about taking steroids after chemo. Is that something everyone is doing? I was only prescribed Zofran and Compazine for nausea. And I thought I would get steroids in the pre-chemo treatment but I just looked at my chemo treatment order and only see 3 anti-nausea meds, 2 chemo drugs (AC) and saline flushes. Hmmmmm gonna ask Wednesday about steroids and if I wasn't on them, why was sleep so difficult the first 5-6 days.

utjoy

DodgersGirl...The eyes...yeah, I think I'm a hypochondriac. Actually, pretty sure I am.ha.

I was given the steroids for nausea (2 twice daily for 3 days), but, I was told, since I didn't have nausea to stop them after the 2nd day since I had a headache.

I hope everyone had a good weekend.

MicroGirl

DodgersGirl, I was only prescribed steroids before chemo (TC). The rationale was to decrease any hypersensitivity reaction. I was only given Rx for Zofran and another anti-nausea for after. I only had constipation the second time through (steroid related or chemo, not sure). I wouldn't premedicate for that since it might lead to another problem, which might dehydrate you when you need the fluids. I did drink an equal mix of prune+OJ+ apple juice for constipation and that helped (mixed with carbonated water it didn't taste bad either).

BSchutt

Mojo, so glad you got the antibiotic and you are feeling better!

Dazzling, wow, you may have had some more severe SE from treatment. My goodness, that would be awful. I hope it goes better next time!

Dodgersgirl, thinking of your and your surgery, hope all went well!

I haven't been given any steroids at all either with the AC and now I've started Taxol/carbo with one treatment under my belt. I thought that was the plan to have them but they weren't prescribed and I seem to be tolerating everything OK. I find appetite comes and goes and my energy levels are low but for the mornings when I feel my best so that is when I try to do yoga or get in a very light eliptical at the gym. Had to end early today as I just didn't have it in me. Gone are the days when I used to lift weights, ha! Someday hoping I can again.

I hope everyone enjoyed Easter Sunday and that this week will be minimal SE's. Positive thoughts and (HUGS) to all!

DBowie2017

Hi all! Just checking in...I wrote on the FB page a few days back...and thought I'd check in here too. Momo and Dazzling, I hope you are both better today. I'm sorry you weren't feeling well on top of all of this. But, I'm hoping you are both on track again. BSchutt - thank you for the book suggestion, I will check that out. Everyone is so helpful on this site...it really makes a difference. Dodgersgirl - I hope your outpatient surgery went well today. Yes, I had steroids in my IV...which helped. Wishing you a great nights sleep tonight! Hope all is well CSA. When do you start your treatment? & welcome to this group. JLBinPDX & JoyAl I grew up in SW Portland until I was in my 20's then Ca...until a year ago we moved to Idaho...I'm 58. JoyAl, I liked your statement and wish I had read it before I started chemo last Tuesday. Regarding, anyone who hasn't started chemo yet...Fear of the unknown is much worse...because It all went well! Microgirl - thanks for sharing about your last treatment and your taxotere hypersensitivity...as I am taking that...it will help me look out for those signs you experienced. Mzara82 - I had an upset stomach my first day of chemo...it was all better later on that evening. Momo - thanks for posting about the hats...I checked out some of the links and I have ordered a couple of soft hats so far. Lydian- I have been out walking when I can. Also I have found some nice meditations on youtube...that have been helpful to listen to. I had neulasta last Wednesday and woke up in the middle of the night last night with lower back/spine pain... I had been taking Claritin for five days...just took another one to see if it would help. Otherwise...all is well. Wishing you all SE free days ahead. I hope I didn't miss anyone...wishing everyone all of the best from our varied situations... hugs.

Fanfaraway

Hi all,

I am getting my port on Wednesday and hoping to start chemo on Friday, but I don't want to get my hopes up!

Wishing all of you all the strength and perseverance!

DodgersGirl

home from surgery. All went well with just a few fun surprises:

Told I can go back to work for 1-2 days. Except my doctor had told me I can work tomorrow during the office visit. So my employer thinks I am working tomorrow. They will be surprised, too. I am imagining the doc had said I could return to work the next day without knowing the time of my surgery. Surgery was at 2 pm today with general anesthesia so that 24 hour guideline may come into play.

2nd surprise is they scheduled a follow up with the surgeon without talking to me. And, as keeps happening, they scheduled at the same time as my May chemo session. Sugh

DodgersGirl

fanfaraway- good luck Wednesday with port installation. What chemo protocol will you be starting Friday?

BSchutt

Dodgersgirl, how annoying they keep messing up your appt. scheduling. I've not had that issue at, thank goodness. All my docs are in the same network so they pull up when I have appts. so as not to overlap.

I wanted to mention to everyone and wished I had done so long before. I am taking L-Glutamine 1000mg which may help with SE like bone/joint pain. I have had very little and haven't taken Claritin so this may have helped with that. I also take B12, Vit.D3, Vit. A, Calcium, probiotics, turmeric (doc said it was OK), multi-vitamin and put ground flax and chia seeds in my morning shakes. Hope this helps!

Fanfaraway, hope the surgery goes well tomorrow. I had the port put in on a Mon. and chemo on the following Thursday so you should be fine with using it so soon. Once things start to progress in the scheduling and we actually start with port/chemo it is a relief to just be starting to do something. My cancer center has these little rooms for privacy which is really cool and I can have some family there for company. Some even have a bathroom in them. The old unit was out in the open where all the chairs were lined up which maybe that would be nice as well because then you can chat with others and their experiences.

Barb

Momojcbc

Good Morning Ladies, So we did it. We Shaved my head. I couldn't handle it just falling out everywhere. It is quite shocking and I feel naked, vulnerable? I think I will get used to it (haha like we have a choice). I have some caps I am still unsure about the wigs. The caps are still revealing that you are bald, so I think it would be nice to have a wig if you wanted to go out and not have people stare. Thank you for all the love, I hope you are all doing well. When I get brave I may post a pic, I do have a nice head shape! LOL

Limonia-Welcome! I ordered a daily reading book. Called Simple abundance I wanted to make sure I was setting my mind right each day.

Utjoy- thank you! I couldn't even think about having a drink for like a week or more after chemo, now my body just isn't interested. I think it was nausea then the taste buds.

Dazzling- there is a mouth wash. I can't remember the name of the one to prevent the mouth sores, but there is also a "magic mouthwash that you or the pharmacy can mix for mouth sores. (its like Maalox(R), Benadryl, Lidocaine (antacid, antihistamine, anesthetic). With my son it was cheaper to make myself. So the doc called in the lidocaine.

Dodgersgirl- I am still coughing but feel better. I hope you are doing well.

Dbowie- Thank you!

Fanfaraway- Welcome!

BSchutt

Came across this in something I was reading and thought I'd share:

What Cancer Cannot Do~

It cannot cripple love,

It cannot shatter hope,

It cannot corrode faith,

It cannot kill friendship,

It cannot suppress memories,

It cannot silence courage,

It cannot invade the soul,

It cannot steal eternal life,

It cannot conquer the Spirit. ~Unknown~

BSchutt

Welcome to the bald club, Momo The more time passes, the more you will feel less self-conscious. I felt everyone was staring but they weren't really. I've now gone around with a cute ball cap and no scarf and it almost feels liberating. I often find myself just rubbing my head like a buddha, though, haha. I've a hat that says, "Bad Hair Day"

I was told to use a combination of baking soda and water or peroxide for a mouth rinse. I use the biotin sample that was given to me by the cancer center to gargle/wash when I'm really cotton mouth. At night my mouth and throat are at the worst so I get up often and just take a drink of water and of course have to use the bathroom since I'm up, right? LOL

Yesterday at the gym I had three people that I don't really know talk to me and encourage me with their thoughts and well wishes. My goodness, I feel so blessed and grateful for these kind souls. And another beautiful day in store for today with lots of sunshine...enjoy your day, ladies!!

utjoy

I was told no vitamins for a week before chemo...and have stayed off so far...thinking I need some as I have recurring shingles and it's not fun. I'm on 500 mg Valltrax 2 x day for 3 days, then 1 everyday for the remainder of chemo. I don't feel so great and am irritated at ME for not being proactive.

Good vibes to all!

Annbee

I took a bit of a break for a few days. I missed a lot. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Yesterday I went to a Look Good Feel Better program and it was really nice. I recommend it. I received very nice products and it as just nice to do something fun instead of being poked and scanned. I was feeling good and today I woke up feeling yucky today.

DodgersGirl

Round 2 AC is this morning provided I pass my blood test. Curious to learn how much my WBC has gone up since tested last week when it was down to 2.

If this cycle of AC is like my first, I expect to feel pretty good today and Thursday. Friday (day 3) was the day my body did not want to concentrate or keep eyes open and felt queasy. Saturday was better is small segments. Sunday even better. A week out, felt almost normal ( except that I cut my hair off, of course so all mirrors remind me I am not at my normal right now)

If this cycle semi- repeats, I know there are better days next week

Thanks to everyone who still posts here as I can't read the FB posts. It is so nice to have you all here sharing, caring, and listenjbg

BSchutt

Happy Wednesday, ladies!! Utjoy, My doctor doesn't have a problem with me taking vitamins and they ask each week what I'm on and if anything changed. Hmmm.

Annbee, that is good you got to go to that program to boost your moral and hope you are feeling better today. It is a new day!!

Dodgersgirl, my thoughts are with you today with your second AC treatment. Keep counting down the number is left and you will get through it, remember each day will be a bit better when you have the SE after treatment. I have my second Taxol treatment tomorrow and am expecting no issues since the first went pretty well. After the second day and for a few days I was a bit yucky but it got better. AC was worse for me. So far, no neuropathy which I was told will start to happen further in. Ugh...

DodgersGirl

BSchutt- are you icing your hands and feet to limit neuropathy chances during Taxol?

whirlwind

DodgersGirl thanks for the well wishes and tips. Today is the day. I am so nervous, but so looking forward to killing this cancer! I have been drinking lots of water. I'm headed out the door now. I shall report back later.

~Kelly

Annbee

Good morning! I am better today...yeah!

Dodgersgirl- I asked my MO if the SE get worse each time and she said maybe only the fatigue...it is does not progressively get worse. I have my second ac on Monday.
Whirlwind - good luck today.
I am not very good at responding to everyone, but I read and treasure all of you.