Starting Chemo in September 2017

toughcookie_21

Travel Girl, they told me the same thing that I didn't have enough adipose abdominal tissue for a DEIP recon. He said the best he'd be able to get was a small a cup. And then I found out about the loss of core strength and I decided to go with implants.

Selena1226

Hi ladies, I had my first TC cycle yesterday (9/8). It was a LONG day but, all in all, pretty anticlimactic. The nurses were amazing, getting my IV placement wasn't that bad, and the meds (both pre & actual chemo) was fine. I watched TV, texted my friends, hung out with my husband, and felt generally in good spirits. I think I was just feeling glad to be getting on with this next step in the treatment journey. Today I feel really tired. I can't tell if it's an actual side effect or if it's just the mental comedown from yesterday. I have two young kids (16 months and 4.5) and am really struggling to be any sort of present parent right now. Thank goodness for screen time and snacks. Now I just need to get brave enough to give myself the Neulasta shot that's chillin' in the fridge. Should I take a Claritin now or wait until tomorrow?

Thanks

Castigame

About Claritin, many say start the day before chemo and continue about 6 more days to get max effect. 7 days total

LPH

I am really scared to lose all of my hair too. I went for the short pre-chemo haircut today. I have 9in to donate! This is the shortest my hair has ever been. I am going shopping this week for headcovers, and to try on wigs

Binniebin

hi, I'm a nurse in a day oncology unit administering chemo. I have my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy tomorrow, core biopsy was approximately 1.5 cm poorly differentiated so I'm guessing chemo will be likely, my last mamo and u/s 8 months ago so im assuming it's aggressive.

As you work in a large centre do you know of any staff who have had treatment while undergoing treatment themselves. Just not sure how I will go having chemo one Week then looking after patients the next. Anyone who has Done This'll done t

MzPriss

ToughCookie: I had the diarrhea right away and it's lasted 7 days now. The PA told met hat I should have called them right away for lomotil. I got some Friday and it's helping. I also got some nausea patches that have really been a game changer.

To add to what I am referring to as the Season of Suck...my mom died yesterday. She was 99 and had been in a nursing home for 4 years. It was time. Unfortunately it had to be now...while I am going through my own issues. My family is of the dysfunctional flavor and I was notified via a text from my oldest sister that read: Has "cousin's name here" called you?....my response was no. She responded with the news. Lovely. Told via text. Everyone in my family and even not family were told except my DD and myself. My sister said they would wait to have the funeral in the Spring (it requires travel) for me....but I would bet my brand new beautiful wig that my younger sister will go full steam ahead and I will be unable to attend any service.

Brightness456

Oh MzPriss, I'm sorry for your loss, and for the messed up family dynamics. As if this disease, all by itself, isn't too much already. My heart goes out to you

OCDAmy

MzPriss, so sorry for your loss. I have an elderly mother who refuses to leave her home so my brother and I have been taking most of the responsibility caring for her. When I was diagnosed I said that I couldn't do it anymore and we hired someone to help. She hated it at first but now likes havin Her there and I can focus on me.

Binnie, I imagine that would be hard to care for others with cancer while going through it yourself. But I must say chemo nurses rock!

LPH, I'm dreading the hair loss too. Hope you find a cute wig.

Selena, hope your side effects are manageable with little ones. I can't imagine how exhausting that must be.

toughcookie_21

mzpriss, I'm so sorry for your loss and the family dynamics. There's never a good time, but now is definitely not conducive to you being able to say goodbye and mourn the loss of your mom.

Binnie, I can't imagine dealing with your own diagnosis while working in an infusion center. In some ways, you know what to expect so there's much less "unknown" for you as there's has been for many of us. You've come to the right place to find support from others!

Selena, Stay strong for your little ones and don't be afraid to ask for help!! Good luck and you've come to the right place.

My stomach is still not normal but I haven't had diarrhea since yesterday. I took one immodium so perhaps that helped. My taste buds are off. Nothing tastes the same. I've mostly just been really tired and slept a lot yesterday and last night. Not sure how I'm going to go back to work on Thursday, but that is the plan!

LPH, I cold capped on Friday but I'm just waiting until the big shed happens to see if I'll continue. If I end up loosing too much hair, I too will be shopping for a wig.

PauletteK

Mzpriss - so sorry for your lost, it is tough losing parents. I lost both of them and I still miss them.

Tough - hang in there I had Big D last Wednesday took two immodium and it stopped. One thing my Onc told me if you take immodium couple times still doesn't work you need something stronger from your ONC.

Wishing everyone have a great Sunday.

Travel_Girl

MzPriss - I am so sorry for your loss - and your family. Make sure to take care of yourself - your immediate family needs you. Mourn your mother in your own way, let others do what needs to be done and above all get yourself in a better health state. You should start to feel better soon. I wish that for you. Did you start with the new MO yet? If not, I can't wait for you to do that -- as I think they can really help with meds for the SE's -- keep asking, don't suffer in silence. My team told me to ask, they can address most SE's - they need to know you are having them.

Binnie - welcome to the group. I also think Chemo nurses are the best, so thank you for what you do. I do hope you find someone that can help you with how to deal with the situation.

Toughcookie - my stomach wasn't 'normal' until day 10 or so, I could deal with it, just as you say a few days I wanted to be very close to the bathroom -- days 10 through today have been exceedingly normal for me (and if I would have recognized constipation earlier, it would have been like day 6.. -- my taste is off, however, for me -- food is about getting healthy stuff in me -- so I am not too fused about my taste being off. I can drink coffee, I am good. I was worried I would not like coffee ever again, and it is my favorite mourning ritual. So far ... so good.

OCDAmy - my deodorant arrived (thanks for the tip!) trying it out today. Also I am using ESS as well, that arrived on Friday - we will have to compare notes. I also just ordered acetone free nail polish, as I may attempt self mani-pedis -- right now just using EVO Nail and OPI combination.

I have come to terms with going the implant route (versus flap), funny how sleep & time gives you perspective (oh and necessity ) . Now I am on the hunt to see if I am 'a direct to implant' (DTI) candidate. That is my goal for this week, round #2 - surgery consults for DTI. I will feel infinitely better when a surgery approach/date is confirmed, I want this breast tissue gone!!

Other than that -- counting down to chemo day #2 on Wed 9/13. Holding my breath for lab work to make sure I can go forward which will happen on 9/12. I feel fine, but I also did when they found the bc! So one never knows.

I endeavor to be as funny as JD ...where are you JD, I hope you are doing well and not going to dark with your family/wife situation.

OCDAmy

Was feeling quite normal today so I went on a shopping spree for fall clothes and decided to try some Chinese food. Loved my fortune and thought I would share. This is going to be my new mantra.

Aussie275

OCDAmy I love your fortune & may use it myself Guys what was the deodorant purchased & why please- I am sorry if this was covered extensively before I couldn't find it in my browsing. Thanks guys starting chemo in two days just in waiting room for ultrasound to put clips in, I am over waiting rooms.

OCDAmy

Aussie, it's Native Deodorant. You can buy it online. It's aluminum and paraben free so no chemicals close to your breast. I like the vanilla, coconut scent. It works really well.

hopebringscourage

has anyone bought anything special for icing hands and feet during treatment?

Leilals

Thanks Paulette, hope this finds you well.

OCDAmy

Hope, I just used quart size ziplock bags. I wore thin socks and used medical gloves they had an my infusion center.

mkn86

lovely fortune OCDAmy!

mkn86

day 4 after first session of chemo for me.

Did anyone have any mild pain around their tumor? Similar to feeling a little bit sore?

thank you

OCDAmy

Hope, I just used quart size ziplock bags. I wore thin socks and used medical gloves they had army infusion center.

Leilals

Hey everyone, haven't been on in a few, dealing with an infection. Starting chemo 9/13. T/C 6 treatments every 3 weeks, then 5 wks 5 days a wk rads. Lot of new people, reading all the posts, glad we're all here for each other.

JD love the hair and your spirit, I too have other health issues. 7-9 mile a day hiker, operations have really zapped my energy, it's helps my mind, my type 1 D, my diabetic neuropathy. Dealing with infection too. It sucks! Really want to get this ball rolling! Thanks for cheering me up.

Amy great fortune. So good to read your posts.

Thanks everyone for all your goodness and thoughts.

Mzprizz so sorry about your mom.

Having a lot of pain from ax node dis, 3 weeks ago. Hurts more than bmx. Nerve pain, can be the worst. I usually walk off my diab neur pain, but it's different now, my left side swells when I'm upright too long. Any ideas when that pain starts dissapating?

Good luck to everyone riding out this hurricane, best wishes for you and your families.

Kids are tough, my twins, 17 now, are really there for me. I have been sick most their lives. Miracle babies ( invitro). The thing they remember most is how much you love them. Spent many a day laying on the couch when they were little, watching movies, laughing, cuddling, even when it was hard. They remember the joy on your face and your kindness, those are the most important. It will be hard on you Selena, but small children have simple needs. Full tummy, love, joy, your babies will be fine. Mine are so beautiful!!!

Best wishes sisters, Leila.

MzPriss

Thanks all for the good wishes regrading the loss of my Mom. It was her time at 99. My Dad left us in 1999 he's been waiting for her a long time.

I thought I had a handle on the "D", but it's back. Ugh! I see the PA at my practice this afternoon to check on the status of my WBCs and maybe more fluids.

MKN, my tumor has hurt for quite some time, so I am not sure if it's any different after chemo.

I will have to look into that deodorant. My issue has always been too much sweat, so I need something that addresses that. I've often considered botox for the area, it's that bad.

I think the magic mouthwash is helping my tongue. I can taste a little better now, but the insides of my lips are still raw.

Travel_Girl

mkn -- I would ask your onc team about that. I do remember reading that one of the posts somewhere, on another thread.

Mentally I would be thinking that is the cancer getting hit and your healthy cells joining forces with the chemo to blast it away -- I like visuals.

However, asking is always best -

mkn86

thank Mzpriss. my tumor did hurt even before chemo. and after chemo it was okay for a day or two then it it would hurt only if i lie down or sit a certain way.

thanks travelgirl i tried asking also on another thread and i agree asking my MO would be the best route. but i do like that visual. maybe it hurts a bit because the cancer cells are getting hurt as well. :

hopebringscourage

MKN I have read that tumors can hurt with chemo because it attacks the cancer cells.

OCD thanks for the icing tip. With my first treatment Friday I want to be completely prepared. I am a Nurse Care Manager SO my days were spent planning for all of my patients. This journey is proving that there are things out of my control.

MZpriss so sorry about your mom-99 WOW!! I am traveling this BC journey with my mom as well-she is 1 chemo treatment ahead of me. Prayers to you and your family☝️

It's a new day! Have a great week everyone! WE GOT THIS

toughcookie_21

Still struggling with stomach cramping on day 3 after first chemo. I've been taking immodium so I haven't had diarrhea since yesterday but my stomach still hurts. Other than that, I feel ok. I wish this stomach ache would go away! I'm afraid to eat anything because it just makes my stomach hurt and it seems to go right through me

PauletteK

tough- I have similar GI problem on my first infusion is kinda like your stomach isn't happy. I got a lot of gas also. Second third times will got better

kidscats09

JD_RN

I'm very sorry to hear of your complications. At the same time, it makes me feel less alone. I'm new member though I've been reading up on some of the boards for a little while and I haven't seen any other mention of complication and I've had more than my fair share. Best wishes to you!

hopebringscourage

toughcookie-have you tried Pepto? My mom uses that and feels like it works well for the quesy tummy. Hoping tomorrow you start feeling a bit better!

Travel_Girl

hope -- wow! you are one toughcookie (ok i couldn't resist) - going through this with your mom at the same time. Just wow. I hope you live close and are able to help each other.

Toughcookie - I have heard that eating does make it feel better? Just keep trying a few different things to try and attack it, they all kind of help in different ways. Keep a journal and ask your team next time round for tips.