Starting Chemo in September 2017

hopebringscourage

and BOOM day 9 and I feel like myself again-lierally overnight. I still feel a little fatigue but it's SO tolerable. No diarrhea or BM for 2 days now wondering about constipation...lolI used Pepto along with Imodium it seemed to help my tummy.

Now with 2 weeks until the next treatment I'm gong to try to put some pounds back on clean eating.

Off to wig ship tomorrow and Thursday I'm going to sit with my mom during het treatment. She is on 3 of 4!!

Hope everyone has a tremendous week!

OCDAmy

thanks Travel Girl. Feeling sorry for myself today and tired. The hair has been harder than I thought. Maybe I should have cold capped.

HopefulAC

I'm pretty new on here also and had my port put in today and I'm very sore. Chemo starts on Wednesday and while I'm super nervous just want to get started so it can be over. Have to do 6 cycles (1 every 3 weeks). Anyway I'm happy to read All the posts and find encouragement in them

Kiwi-in-Thailand

Hi Meg... on the dizziness... yes! I've been dizzy since Day 1 and whilst it's a bit better now that I'm in week 2, it's still there. Its not bad enough for meds, but enough for people to look strangely at me as if I'm drunk in the middle of the day - I wish at times!!

OCDAmy - you've just got to rock the scarves... so much more fun than a scratchy beastie on your head. I've got some great batik ones and there are some cool YouTube videos on how to tie them in fun ways.. you'll look so cool and it's a bit of fun...don't hate the wig, get even, ditch it and get out and about with attitude

MIlkweed.. the Neulasta is a bitch, BUT truly Tylenol really nails the bone pain for me and I only take 500 mgm twice a day, so a good alternative to Claritin .. I hope you can get it and good luck. I'm also now on Day 12 and the bone nonsense really toned down about Day 8. Strangely a massage also helped albeit I've knocked those off for now as I'm waiting for the hair to go and I'm sure some young lady would not be very thrilled if she was massaging my head and half my hair came out in her hands :-) you've gotta laugh!

Mojojennijo

haha wouldn't that be a shocking massage? I thought about implementing massage. Didn't think about having my hair rubbed off though

ewu

Miralax and smooth move tea really work for me. Thank you for everyone's advice! Feel much better now.

toughcookie_21

I just had my pre-chemo doctors appointment and my WBC counts are down. I will have to get Neulasta after tomorrow's chemo. Ugh! I was hoping to avoid this. I've hear horrible stories about the bone pain. Does everyone get bone pain? I will definitely take Claritin and they told me I could take ibuprofin for the pain.

I still have the diarrhea daily and I suspect it is going to be an ongoing problem during chemo. My stomach doesn't hurt like it did for the first week and a half after the first treatment, but I'm definitely not regular despite taking Lomotil. He told me to increase the Lomotil to up to 4 times a day to stay ahead of the big D. I've lost 7 pounds since the first treatment.

I'll report back after my second treatment tomorrow. 2 down, 4 to go! Trying to be done by Christmas so I'm praying that there are no delays.

Travel_Girl

Toughcookie -- I don't have bone pain with Nuelasta (or at least I don't feel it, I have been taking claritin as well - just did it each time, so not sure it helps or not).

What I do notice is that the afternoon after the shot kicks off, I want to sleep much earlier ... I feel very heavy, tired. So ... I go to sleep earlier and use my sleep assists to sleep more that first weekend. Could be the shot, could be the chemo kicking in and killing everything, could be the nausea meds I am on schedule taking - who knows.

If it helps you mentally, my WBC at my #2 chemo was really high, above average (14) -- so it helps.

I personally like the peace of mind that the WBC are kicking up earlier and I think it is why I feel better week 3 (and more confident to go places). I feel like after day 10 I am less susceptible to infection and it gives me a mental boost -- more normal feeling I guess.

OCDAmy - as my therapist tells me, we are are due a pity party now and then ... we all have our moments. I had one last week as well -- pity party, panic attack, a good cry ... you are allowed. You are just so close -- hang on just a bit more. #3 is just around the corner ...

OCDAmy

Travel Girl, again, thanks. You must a really good person to be friends with!

I am sorry to keep posting about hair but I was wondering if anyone has a real hair wig? I got a synthetic wig because it was cheaper and easier to care for but it just looks and feels fake. If anyone has a real hair wig and can let me know how it looks, I would appreciate it.

toughcookie_21

Thanks Travel Girl! I am hoping that I don't have the terrible bone pain that I've heard everyone talk about. The oncologist did say that I would have to get Neulasta for all of the treatments 2-6.

OCDAmy, I had gone to my hairdresser before starting chemo to try on wigs in case the cold caps don't work. He let me try on both real hair wigs and synthetic. the synthetic wigs were a bit shinier than the real hair ones, but I couldn't tell a huge difference between the two. Good luck! I will definitely be getting a wig if the cold caps don't work.

PauletteK

Tough - I don't have much bone pains at all, I took my Claritin 4-5 days and I only feel heavy feet that's all

Brightness456

Amy, I'm cold capping, so hoping I don't need a wig, but I remember reading about how to get rid of the shininess somewhere on the site. If I remember correctly, some people put baby powder or corn starch on them to dull them down a bit. Don't quote me on that, but search the site for wig tips.

OCDAmy

Rough night last night. I came home from work not feeling well, achy and had the chills. Checked my temp several times and it kept going up so I called the exchange and they told me to go to ER. My temp was 101 when I got there. After a bunch of tests they determined I had a UTI. Gave me a bunch of fluids and iv antibiotics. My wbc count was 3.5 so that was good. They were going to admit me but finally let me go home. Feeling better today but not 100% stupid cancer!

AndreaT

Toughcookie, I've had 2 Neulasta shots so far, and the bone pain I've had has been a fleeting, dull ache. That's it. Very doable for me. I take Claritin for three days prior, day of tx, and for five days after. Chemo day and for five days after I take a naproxen along with the Claritin.

I was admitted to the hospital for two days during my first cycle for very low potassium, colitis and a UTI (thanks, severe diarrhea!). BUT my WBC, RBC and platelet counts were all good. Woohoo!

Best of luck with the Neulasta-

AndreaT

OCD Amy, glad you didn't get the ticket for the overnight stay for your UTI. I had one plus other stuff and got a two-day inpatient admit. My goal is that neither of us see the hospital during the next cycle!

Travel_Girl

OCDAmy -- I hope you are feeling better. I am glad you stayed on top of your temp and called. Yes, I think we can all AGREE - stupid cancer ... a good reminder for all of us to stay on top of our temps.

I have added acupuncture to my wellness plan, did my first one ever today. The practitioner specializes in cancer and she says she can't explain why it works, she just knows it helps.

The benefits are suppose shortened tiredness post chemo, resuming to better sleep patterns earlier in the chemo cycle, maybe helping a bit with my taste buds (I taste nothing this round ... just feels like i constantly have a burned tongue) , stress, even one in my head to help with chemo brain (yes, please! ...)

For those thinking about trying it -- I didn't feel the needles at all (the last thing I wanted was more needles, which is why I waited until this round/month to add it - I just couldn't bear another poke) -- so we shall see. I have high hopes, if nothing else, the 30 mins or so - in a warm room, with soothing music gave me a moment to reflect today. I am going again the afternoon after my chemo and then a few days later -- hopefully to help with the GI issues earlier in the cycle and get to 'more normal' in fewer days. One week to #3 ... And I am trying to be present and not wish time away.

toughcookie_21

OCDAmy glad you caught the uti early. Hopefully the antibiotics will have you feeling better quickly!


I had my second TCH treatment today and it kicked my butt. I was in the chair for 5.5 hours. I'm shaky, having cold sweats and just feeling generally yucky and very out of it. No gi upset or big d thus far but I haven't eaten much and I'm taking both zofran and lomotil. Tomorrow I go back for the Neulasta which I'm dreading. Hoping I'm spared from the pain it causes.

Milkweed93

After much struggling with my insurance company, my MO office was able to get me approved for Zarxio/Neulasta. My counts went way way low on Monday, but the ins. co were being buttheads! First they said last week they wouldn't approve the Neulasta unless my WBC went below a certain level. Then when they went below that, they said I have to have a fever or sign of infection to approve. Grrr! Finally, after much hellraising, they got it approved. So I'm taking 3 Zarxio shots this week and I'm approved for Neulasta the next two rounds. I've had two Zarxio shots and haven't had the excruciating bone pain like last time. Wondering if it is the Zarxio itself, or that I'm taking Claritin ahead of time and some Aleve. They said they cost the same, and I can change to Zarxio if that works better for me. I'll think about it.

I am so much more tired and dizzy this round! When I went in for my shot today, they wanted to give me fluids in case I was dehydrated. Maybe I was, but I had already had 5 glasses of water that morning. My BP runs low anyway, but my heart rate was fast - perhaps because of the Claritin like someone else mentioned. They will check me again tomorrow. I think I'll skip the Claritin tomorrow and just do Aleve if I feel too achey.

Travel_Girl

Milkweed - congrats to you to get that covered. You have to be your own advocate. Toughcookie and Milkweed - I hope you ride the wave of SE's. Happy Healing.

_ipcoder17

The Bigger the Trial, The Sweeter the Victory!

I start chemo this morning.

I went yesterday for bloodwork. I had to have tPA to get my port to behave. After more than 2 hours, finally. I'm a newbie to the cancer center. I was inspired by so many people fighting this fight. The nurses asked if they could clone me because I was friendly to everyone. I'm prayerful and postive! I think I was just nervous and felt like I needed to be nice.

My doctors had orders for me as well, and went immediately for a follow up mammogram and ultrasound afterwards.

I have learned more in the last 90 days. June was the month I started riding this rollercoaster of emotions.

I have been reading more from the forums than posting. Thanks so much for everyone who writes about their journey and shares with others. I'm comforted by your wisdom.

hopebringscourage

OCD- so sorry for your trip to the ER! Hoping each day you are feeling better:)

Milkweed! YAY for you and your MO team. I was amazed 18,000 for my first chemo treatment...YIKES!!!

Toughcookie- exactly howI felt after my first treatment -I hope today is a new and better day. Can't you use the POD so you don't have to go back into the office? I know how your feeling and that would have been the last think I wanted to do.

Welcome jpcoder this is an awesome group full of wisdom and support!!

OCDAmy

I spoke too soon about not being admitted. The ER called me last night and said a blood culture came back and I have a bacterial infection, likely the UTI spreading to bloodstream. So back to the hospital I went and am still here getting IV antibiotics and waiting on further labs to see if I can go home on antibiotic pills or if I'll need to continue IV. I feel better but still tired, hospital beds are horrible. I hope I get to go home soon.

Mojojennijo

had my first ac yesterday and when I got home I started feeling sick. I was on top of nausea meds and still I had a horrible night. I’ve never felt so sick in my life.

I opted to not have steroids and wonder if this is why. I was under the impression that I’d feel fine for a couple days. But I do not feel well. I’m better than last night. But seriously I don’t ever want a night like the last again.

Did I do something wrong? Has anyone else been violently ill the day of infusion?

Travel_Girl

Mojo, ask your chemo/MO team -- they can help you.

With my TC chemo, there is long acting nausea med as part of the infusion -- and I am taking the steroids (day before, day of, day after). I thought the steroids are for water retention with either the T or C -- not sure what else they do.

My experience is that the Medical team don't want you to be miserable, so call them and definitely ask them now what you can do and before next time. My hope is that you resolve it.

OCDAmy -- hospital bed -- and infection - yuck. We are here for you. Let's hope this passes quickly -- we need you to stay on track for #3, so just keep doing what you need to do to fight that infection - that is your goal right now.

CA-Sunshine

Hello Everyone,

This is day two  of  post AC#1,. I am doing okay so far  with the except of  GI issues. I've gone to the bathroom a couple of times today. I have been taking Claritin   so I have had some dull minor aches with neulasta  nothing too bad . I have been averaging about 84-100oz of water and I am burned out on water but I will keep drinking. Just eating  homemade soup I made Monday and last  night had a tad of brown rice  and lamb from a Mediterranean restaurant my husband picked for him and our DD.  Is it ok to eat out at restaurants from time to time during treatment ? Or should meals be mostly homemade?   Starting to feel some fatigue but it is mild . I am going to take a nap but I will provide updates.    

NewEnglandGal

I just had my second chemo treatment. I was also quite fearful, and still am. I am allowing toxins to be infused into my body, however, the numbers given to me by my doctor convinced me that I must. I had a lumpectomy and two lymph nodes removed. There was no cancer in the lymphs OR the surrounding tissue. My oncotype and mammaprint both came back recommending chemo because of the aggressive type of cancer found, and the likelihood that there are cancer cells lurking elsewhere in my body. I nausea and a headache the first few days and then exhaustion. By day five after chemo I feel better. Have you had your first treatment yet? What was your experience?

NewEnglandGal

I understand that the steroids help absorb the meds AND help with nausea. My anti-nausea meds don't really help but I'm grateful I amnot vomiting.

VL22

Even with steroids I was nauseous throughout AC, regardless of the meds I took. Before my last infusion I was prescribed Sancuso, an anti nausea patch, My MO called it the "Holy grail" for nausea. You put it on day before infusion and keep on for 7 days. I still had twinges of sickness, but nothing like I suffered before. It can be a hassle to get through insurance for some - MO recommended letting her know to least a weeK in advance if I wanted it

tina_marie

Hi Ladies, so I had my first AC Chemo yesterday... and that really was a breeze.. they had a bit of trouble figuring out how to plug into my port but as soon as they got the Ativan in me... i was a happy camper and it went pretty quick.

Today I've been good.. worked all day... little foggy head.. really no nausea but my stomach just feels off... I can't take Zofran cause it messes with my Citalopram... so i'm on Compazine.. I've been taking it faithfully every 6 hours. I'm waiting for everything to hit me. They told me that i'll be good today but will start coming down tomorrow.

The only thing i'd say is I am freezing... i've been cold all day. Does anybody get that. I called the MO office, they didn't think any funny about that.

so far, so good with round 1

mkn86

hey everyone,

had round two epirubicin/cyclophosphamide yesterday. it was pretty uneventful thank goodness.

but MO found it strange i still have my period.

There is also this small part in the tumor had hard tissue by the border. i have a follow up checkup in a few days for that. MO says might need to switch to taxol. so please please pray for me or keep fingers crossed that follow up checkup is favorabl and that my tumor cooperates with the second dose.

Sending out strength to everyone else. welcoming the new ones too!