April 2017 Chemo

MicroGirl

DodgersGirl- I seem to be following the same cycle post treatment. I think the steroids keep me going the day of and after then I hit a wall on Friday (treatment is on Wed) feeling queasy, headachy, exhausted, Saturday is a little better then incremental for a week. This second round has been much kinder to me, so I'm hoping for a repeat the next 2 times. I am enjoying the good days :-) I'm actually looking forward to losing the rest of my hair...right now it just looks sad and patchy even with the buzz. Hopefully in a week in I'll be totally bald. Yup, I said that :-) Take care!

MicroGirl

Good luck today FanFaraway! Hope the surgery goes well, and you are back resting and hydrating soon.

JLBinPDX

Been away. Funny how life worries and challenges don't stop while you're in the midst of this (and they should, I say). One of the worst weekends I've had in many, many years has now turned into much more positive. Feeling so much better. A few small things that have helped me in my first week of chemo:

• A diffuser can be a small, little blessing-Trader Joe's Tea Tree oil has been really nice (Ryocas Decorative Candle Holder - Vintage/Retro Style Brown Gold Carved Tea Light Lantern Oil Warmer Aroma Diffuser and Burner with Glass Bowl, 4.8-Inch)
• Cheerios are my friend--I have to eat every few hours or I'm sick. Cheerios seem to help.
• Dishes stay dirty but don't multiple, call your name, or get dirtier if you leave them for four or five (or more) days. They don't even much bother me sitting there day after day.
• Rice with almond milk, cinnamon, and sugar is nice.
• The hospital just 8-10 blocks from my house (not my hospital, of course; mine is a 15 min. drive--stupid insurance) has free yoga classes for anyone with illness.
• Trader Joe's offers lots of prepared foods. Never bought any of that stuff but now so glad it's there. No guilt (weirdness, but no guilt).

Thinking about all of you.

DodgersGirl

I passed my blood test!! So am now sitting in my recliner at the chemo lounge in the middle of treatment #2 AC.

Really happy to see my WBC at 8.5 !!!!

Hair still there but sure this cycle will end that.

Made some deviled eggs and tuna pasta salad to have ready made food in the fridge so try to ward of the queasiness that will again be part of my day.

Talked to the chemo nurse about not sleeping long enough at night. Am going to try melatonin this week to see if that helps any.

JLBinPDX

"Not sleeping long enough at night" is where I'm at, too, Dodgers. I've kind of adjusted to the idea of two-hour stints of sleep--one after another after another. This is new for me.

Can anyone help with food ideas? Today's day 6 after first chemo. Woke up feeling great and then spent all afternoon pretty sick. I guess it's heartburn (which I've never had in my life so I'm guessing that's what it is), nausea, and diarrhea. Probably in the bathroom 25x today (luckily I have a tiny place and it's about 10 steps from the couch). I have meds for nausea but really don't want to add something more into the mix when I can try food. Plus, it's hard to know when it's bad enough or when it'll subside soon. Any food, tea, ideas (I thought Cheerios were helping but no help today)? Or what to avoid like the plague? I've had an appetite and need to eat often to not be so sick and everything still sounds good so just trying to choose healthy.

DodgersGirl

JLBinPDX- sorry you are having a tough day. I just woke up to take a scheduled anti-nausea pill and saw your post.

A couple of thoughts regarding your question - have you tried ginger tea? It helps calm things down. So can brown rice.

Some women find relief with a short stint of a BRAT diet which is bananas,rice, apples (applesauce), and toast.

If you have Sea Bands that you wear on your wrists to relieve nausea, that might help as it isn't another pill. Sea Band also makes a ginger gum that helps settle the stomach

If you have aroma therapy, lavender can help calm the stomach.

If you are having heartburn, you may want to try Pepcid just to get things calmed down. I have no experience wth heartburn so my words are just based on other posts here for that.

I would suggest calling MO if you have been in the bathroom that much as you may be dehydrated and losing electrolights and potassium. Etc so you may need a boost to get over this hurdle.

You mentioned Cheerios. I find I can't tolerate them when I am queasy but do eat them as something to eat when not feeling too bad.

I said a prayer for you tonight. Please write back if you want as my next pill is in 90 mins so I will probably be up for a bit

BSchutt

Dodgersgirl, I was going to try that and talked to my onc. and he said there really wasn't any benefits that have been shown (said the same about turmeric) but I believe he is not into any home remedies at all. The reason I haven't is because I get extremely cold quickly and sitting my my hands and feet in ice for 10min at a time would be really really hard for me. But if the neuropathy starts, I may suffer through and try it.

BSchutt

JLBinPDX, so very helpful tips Dodgersgirl. I've found that some days I like something and then other days, not. I've had cravings for soft scrambled eggs until I couldn't eat them for like a week. But I can again now. It is weird how our tastebuds change so drastically. I snack on pretzels and rice cakes, too, to help. I like just vanilla yogurt when it is a bad day, as well. I was enjoying cottage cheese but now that seems to have lost it's appeal I hope you are doing better today!

My sleep patterns are similar in that I get 1-2 hrs. then awake. If I have trouble falling back to sleep readily, I concentrate on deep breathing, like meditation, and fall back to sleep. Sometimes it doesn't work like yesterday morning when I woke at 2:30am so just had to get up.

Some of you other ladies seem to be prepared and making meals ahead of time..good for you! I'm a bit better now but before I just never knew what I would be able to eat so couldn't really prepare ahead.

Momojcbc

Hi Ladies-

I hope you are all doing better. Remember the peppermint oil too. You can even rub it on your belly with a carrier oil. I also keep some in my purse, helps with the nasty taste in my mouth too.

Today I have my appointment for a second opinion. The new doc is about 30 minutes away but I really feel my doc is just rushing me through this and I really think I need a scan.My doc now has not offered any education, no nuelasta, my meds were not called in until after my last chemo,Insurance wasnt pre approved, and it took us 3 hours to reach her saturday when I had a fever. Anyway we will see what they think.

DodgersGirl

BSchutt, I have a paper put out by Sloan Ketterling about benefits of icing with Taxol. If you are interested, I will post the PDF link.

I, too, don't cook ahead as I don't know what I will be hungry for day to day. So far though I haven't had any funny tastes in my mouth. Hope that continues!

My MO said I could take turmeric as long as I treat it like a blood thinner and stop it a week before surgery. And don't take it with Iron or diabetes meds.

DodgersGirl

momojcbc- good luck today with new doctor appointment Hope you get the answers you are seeking

Annbee

Good Morning!


Jlbinpd-I went through the same thing. I thought I was over the yucky and then it came back for a day. I used sea bands. They help me. I also rinsed with biotene with mint. Mint helps me too. Bananas were my friend and English muffins. I am also dealing with heartburn. Will be buying some Pepcid today.
Momojcbc - good luck today. I posted this on FB too. I totally agree. As bad as cancer is, my doctors and nurses have made me feel special. That I am their most important patient. I know I am not but they don't want me in pain, or suffering. It has made this easier. I went with a breast surgeon 30 minutes from home instead of the one my gyno recommended 5 minutes from home. You come first!
I hope everyone has a no SE day today.

I thought today I would let my brothers and sisters know about "chemo brain". Just in case. I was watching Big Bang the other night and half way through I could not remember sheldon's name at all. That was weird.

DodgersGirl

today is so weird. My hair started falling out a day after my 2nd AC chemo treatment. I am sitting here at work and can hear the hairs popping out of my head. Now the pop is soft and maybe I feel it more than to I hear it but it is a weird sensation

utjoy

DodgersGirl- That is truly strange...not so sure I want to hear my hair pop off my head? lol...There could be a country song in that somewhere, though?

DodgersGirl

Utjoy- so funny. Thanks for the chuckle

Another One Bites The Dust is already taken

Annbee

Dodgersgirl - I don't know if I could handle hearing it.

Utjoy- you made me laugh. There has to be a song. Lol

JLBinPDX

One day after second chemo--that'll be me a week from today. Hair popping; that'll be a new sensation.

Annbee, thanks for that. I guess it's not just me that's feeling close to fine and then a day of really lousy. Today, however, is so much better so I'm thinking it's going to be a week of almost normal before chemo #2. I armed myself better, though--lavender oil, Sea Bands, ginger gum, ginger snaps. I don't know how to be sick. I can't relate to any of these symptoms as I've really never had them. I taught today, though, and I walked about half of my normal route. Really wanting to play poker tonight at my favorite dive bar but not sure I could handle the whole night if I make it to the final table. Still thinking on this one. Feeling so much better.

utjoy

We could re-write 'Pop a Top'?

Pop a top again, I think I'll have another round... set it up my friends, then I'll be well and we can help some other friend cool down...

JLBin...take notes at that dive!

whirlwind

I just caught up on a LOT of your posts. It's been a while since I have been on here. I had my first AC treatment on Wed, and it's been a ROUGH 2 days. My nausea hit my within hours on the first day. The compazine they gave me didn't help. I could not leave the couch all day and evening, until I went to bed. I could not eat anything at all either. I DID sleep through the night, and for that I was grateful.

I woke up yesterday mildly queasy. I made myself eat a yogurt and some almond for breakfast. Tried to eat a banana, but could not. I took my vitamins, but was afraid to take another compazine. and it got worse through the morning. I called my Onc, and they had me come in for more nausea meds through the IV as well as fluids. It made me feel better, but still mildly quesy for the rest of the day. it was manageable though. I spent the day on the couch again, not eating much but some saltines, and trying to stay hydrated.

By around 10 PM I felt good enough to want some food, but nothing healthy appealed to me.. I wanted what my family had for dinner... a Taco Bell Taco... that was the ONLY thing that appealed to me. I said a prayer of apology to my intestines, and ate it, and it was soo good!! They told me at the onc office to try compazine again if I felt nauseous, and if that doesn't work, they gave me ativan. I asked for an Rx for Zofran, but the Onc didn't want me mixing the Zofran with the pre-meds for nausea that were still in my system. They said they might try that on the weekend if I am still bad, or the next round.

I think this morning I am coming out of the funk. Still mildly queasy, so I already took a compazine. I will take my steroids w. breakfast. Hopefully it will work this time. If not I have the Ativan. I really wish I could try medical cannabis. They passed it and legalized it , but haven't implemented the program in my state yet. They say at the earliest 2018, and I'll be done with chemo by then.

My husband has been wonderful and has used the past three days of his PTO to stay home with me, adn get the kids off to school in the AM. My Mo will help us with my next chemo round. 1 down, 3 to go. I can do this!!!! to you all !

~Kelly

DodgersGirl

Kelly, sure hope you feel better today.

Taco Bell sounds good to me and it's breakfast time!

I lost several pounds between AC 1 and AC 2 so am trying to eat more every 3 hours. Maybe it will help me with queasy moments too?

one thing my chemo nurse told me was to drink room temp water instead of cold water as it helps with nausea ferling

DBowie2017

Good Morning, I had labs on Tuesday of this week...followed up with a PA. They told me I had lost weight and they didn't want that happening because it was muscle that I was most likely losing. And, that it wouldn't be good for chemo. I told them that I had been eating really well. Veggies, Fruits and Protein. They told me it wasn't enough and to eat whatever I wanted! I was so surprised that I was given the okay to eat ANYTHING. So, I am taking advantage of this time...just like when I was pregnant many years ago...Also, after my first round of chemo...I found that sipping Bone Broth was sort of a nice easy and healthy treat. It is packaged like chicken broth in the stores (in cartons)....At least it is here in Idaho. I have added ginger and other spices, mushrooms to it...and it is a comfort drink to me. They sell it at some of the restaurants around here. I have also heard that bone marrow is good to eat...although I haven't tried that yet. That sounds really rich...

DodgersGirl

momojcbc - how did your second opinion doctor visit go? Been thinking about you

Momojcbc

Dodgers girl- It was good! I made the switch. The new doc is so much more thorough. She ordered a scan (waiting on ins approval) and she thinks my chemo should be every two weeks. I feel they have so much more support at this new office. I have a nurse navigator and the docs nurse as well. Everyone was nice and helpful. Thanks ladies! Next chemo Monday! I will be done sooner on this schedule.

whirlwind

DodgersGirl thanks, I am feeling la little better. Still had some mild nausea this morning. Thanks for the room temp water tip. It's more palatable that way. Last night my husband made dinner. Lingioni w. some light sauce, and garlic bread. I have been craving carbs like mad, and I am eating them.

I had an egg sandwich on toast , my steroids, and some yogurt, and feel a bit better. I had cry fest just now because I am terrified of my next chemo already. I hate that my kids have to see me like this. I hate that the whole household is disrupted. It made me so sick, sicker than I ever imagined, I hope and pray they can manage my nausea better next time. I am thinking just 3 more to go of this terrible A/C.

~Kelly

BSchutt

Good morning, everyone! I'm just catching up as I've not been on here in a couple of days. Dodgersgirl, yes, please could you post the pdf about icing for taxol?

Whirlwind, I posted on FB too. But just wanted to encourage you again. It is really hard to have your family watch you go through this but they'll also see that you are fighting through all of these discomforts and horrible SE's. You are super mom to them. I've found that journeling has helped tremendously for me, writing my thoughts and sadness...sometimes the pages are covered in tears but that is OK. I started the day of my diagnosis and write something everyday. Mostly always, ending with a positive note. We cannot control cancer but we can control our mindset. We will fight this...we can get through this....we are strong ladies!

Love to you all on this beautiful weekend and hope you can enjoy each moment as best as you can. Bless!

Barbara

DodgersGirl

BSchutt -- here is a link on icing https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/nail-cooling-during-treatment-taxane-based-chemotherapy

Fanfaraway

Hi Dodgersgirl! The port installation was kind of a mess and I am still recovering from a pneumothorax... but I start chemo on Monday!! I don't have the name of my drugs in front of me but will update later

DodgersGirl

fanfaraway- will keep positive thoughts for you Monday. As everyone has said, keep hydrated after chemo. Push fluids to get rid of the poisin

whirlwind

Just a quick note for today - You are ALL amazing! That is all!

~Kelly

BSchutt

Thank you, DodgersGirl for the link!

Fanfaraway, thinking of you for chemo tomorrow, good luck and hope all goes well.

I want to thank this forum, as well, for all you positive beautiful and strong ladies and the support you offer. What ever we can do to help each other in this journal is a blessing. I had to attend a memorial services yesterday and it was hard. Realizing our own mortality is an eye opener but having positive people around you is so needed at this time and probably for always. I don't have time anymore for toxicity .... life is too precious. Much love and hugs to you all!