Starting Chemo in September 2017
Comments
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ps. glad to hear session 2 was uneventful for you travel_girl!
supporting you all the way with the second round! -
mkn, there are a few threads on fasting during chemo, but I haven't seen any in nutrition for it. That would be helpful.
I start 12 weeks of taxol today. I'm terrified. I live alone. What if I'm so sick and can't care for myself? I haven't gone to the grocery store recently because there have been so many things happening in my life that I haven't had time or thought about it. And I've got another appointment in the morning tomorrow. Will I be able to get myself up and drive? Can I do this? I don't want to do this. I don't want this to be my life.
I'm sorry I'm not perky today. I don't mean to being anyone down. I just can't hide my fear today
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hi Brightness456,
How can we help lift your mood up? it's okay to be afraid and worried. i'm sending you hugs!
Maybe prepping for it will calm you down a bit/distract you? like stocking up your pantry with stuff that you can easily heat and eat in case you don't have energy. or have a friend sort of be your buddy for the week?
Yeah that thread would be nice but even doctors sometimes have conflicting views. some will put patients on a strict diet and some will say "eat what wakes up your appetite" both having the same intention: makig sure the patient stays healthy and is getting proper nourishment/nutrition.
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Leilals are you icing your hands and feet-supposed tobhelpbwith the neuropathy?
JD-hang tight my thoughts and prayers are with you for positve vibes going forward!☝️
Travelgirl! WHOO WHOOT! round 2 down! You got this!!
I haven't done a ton off research on foods other than since my diagnosis I've been eating 90% clean and drinking atleast 80 ounces of water a day. I plan to eat what sounds good if I have tummy issues-and will cross that bridge wheb it gets here. I have learned now to live 1 day at a time as we cant control much of this journey.
Hang tough everyone!
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hi brightness , re food and nutrition. It's a good idea tofollow a pregnancy diet eg no soft cheeses , salami,raw fish etc that could cause infection if your immune system drops too low. Avoid pre cooked rice and also pre made lettuce salads as these both harbour bugs. Try and eat healthy eg well washed fruits and veges and organic helps as your liver has less toxins to filter. But if your struggling, eat wherever takes your fancy so at least you are getting something. Most important try and drink well.Good luck
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Brightness, we can't always be full of hope and positive, it's just not natural and in our current situations it can't possibly be expected. We will all have days where we just can't do it...but we all will rise from it. Like I said before, feel what you feel. Acknowledge it, just don't stay in it. Fear is natural. I have been terrified since the moment I got the dx. Just don't let it consume you.
Can you use Lyft or Uber to get to places if you need to? I used Lyft when I went to get my hair cut. I knew I just couldn't drive that day.
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Travel girl, glad 2 went well! Yes they started me on good drugs before. I have stomach neuropathy, I get nauseous easy. An hour in, I needed extra.
Brightness, good luck today! Yesterday was my first, I had a lot of anxiety also. Make sure you eat. I took Greek yogurt and bananas it was soothing and quick to pick up. Hugs
Hope, thanks cooled them last night, really helped!
Mkn, I'm a nutrient nerd. Eat for nutrients, your body needs to repair and it will help your future health. Eat clean if you can . Here are a few high nutrient dense foods that are easy and inexpensive. Raw sunflower seeds, Walnuts, almonds.yogurt, cheese and eggs. Black beans, brown rice. Fruits, I get bulk frozen berries for smoothie or snacking. Veggies, all kinds. Sweet potatoes ( steamed) winter squash. Green tea. These foods help rebuild blood cells. Probiotics for gut health, kefir, kombucha. Stay away from corn syrup, hydrogenated oils and high sugar content. And artificial sweeteners, they kill gut bacteria. I'm going to stop now before I get too crazy. Hope this helps!
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Brightness, this is the place to bring your fears and frustration! I wish I could come help you, hopefully you have some friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc. that you can turn to for help. I hate asking anyone for help but when I had surgery my daughter set up a meal train for me and I was overwhelmed by the number of people who offered to bring a meal. I agree, just get some cans of soup or sandwiches, whatever is easy to make and calm for your stomach. My nurse told me last time to eat what tastes good and my tummy can handle. We will start to focus on good nutrition after chemo is over. Hang in there!
Travel Girl, good to hear about TC #2 - I have my #2 tomorrow! Hoping it goes like it did last time. I am getting my chemo bag ready and my little cooler with my ice packs for my toes and fingers. Hope that same old snoring guy isn't there this time...LOL!
Called my hair dresser, who I have been going to for over 20 years. She is coming to my house on Sunday to shave my hair. The shed was really bad this morning when I shampooed it. This is the last day I can go to work and try to still have it look presentable. I will wear a hat for a few days and then switch to my wig on Monday. I wish this wasn't a big deal but it is for me.
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Amy, I hope tomorrow goes well for you. Warm wishes your way. We all have things that are hard on this journey. It's ok. I think losing my hair will be tough also. Bet your wig will be fabulous!!!
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Hi Amy
I had my first chemo treatment yesterday and I know how you feel. I was scared out of my mind. I cried but after that I was fine. The chemo room was filled with laughter which really made me think they are laughing and I'm crying . My mood changed to a more lively one. I ate ice for the adrimycin so I did not get sores in my mouth. I followed the meds for nausea and I am fine. I hope this will be the regiment for the next three but nothing is promised. I drink a lot of water, lots of water. I eat small portions and nibble on walnuts and almonds.
I hope this helps you Amy
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Hi everyone. Thank you so much for your encouragement. I made it through the first of twelve. I had a panic attack so they put Ativan in right away. I feel good other than a headache, but it's not too terrible. I ate a little and drank a ton of water. Hopefully my nerves will settle tomorrow. There's so much to do!
It's amazing what we can force our way through when we have to, isn't it?
I still kind of don't think I'll make it through all 12. It helps me mentally to focus on just the next one for now. We'll see
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I can add nosebleeds to the side effects I'm experiencing from the TCH treatment. It's been 6 days and I still have stomach pains with diarrhea too. The mo called in a prescription for Lomotil and the diarrhea is better but not gone. As for the nosebleeds, I'm going to call tomorrow because this is somewhat alarming. It's not even winter yet!
I went back to work today for the first time since surgery in late July. My immediate superior seems lost with what to say or do, but the director of my department fortunately is very understanding and the company has said they'd support me with whatever I decide to do about working. My plan is to work from home and only go in the office for important meetings. I hope I'm able to stick to this commitment. I had just accepted this promotion prior to finding out about the cancer. Although I've worked for the company for 6 years, this is a brand new role and department. I can't afford to jeopardize my job as I carry our health insurance since my husband is self employed.
For all who just started chemo in the recent days, I hope everything went smoothly with minimal side effects! -
Brightness-YOU GOT THIS!! Just focus on 1 day at a time!
My first treatment is tomorrow. My emotions tonight have been atl over the place. I am looking forward to moving through the next chapter in this book-6 treatments and by tomorrow night at this time I will have only 5 left!! WHOOT WHOOT💖☝️🌞
I went for a PT evaluation on my mastectomy side. I HIGHLY recommend it. I opted to hold off on reconstruction so the evaluation was so helpful!
Hoping I sleep tonight!
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brightness, I'm glad you made it through. I had to take Ativan too because I was having panic attacks leading up to the first chemo. I'm brave right now and say that I can do it again, butI don't think I will make it through 6 of these TCH treatments either. Not if the stomach issues I'm having aren't resolved!
Hopebringscourage- good luck tomorrow!
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Tough - I take Ativan also, I'm shocked that even Lomotil can't stop the diarrhea completely. Nosebleeds could be alarming let us know what action your MO suggested
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ToughCookie, I too have nose bleeds. I was told it's because all the mucus has dried up. I've been putting A & D ointment in there and doc said to also use cool mist vaporizer.
Regarding diarrhea: I was now told to take 2 imodium right after an episode and one after every subsequent episode up to 8 pills a day. This is my new directive from my new treatment center. No dairy at all. Which makes me sad because yogurt has been the only thing that makes my mouth and tummy happy.
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hopebringscourage, I hope it goes smooth and easy for you. Please let us know. It's so nice of you to encourage me even as you're facing your first treatment. I'm constantly in awe and thankful for the lovely people here. Positive thoughts your way!
Tough cookie, nose bleeds and stomach issues. That's a lot to manage. I'm sorry. I hope it resolves quickly.
I went to sleep early because I was still groggy, but now it's the middle of the night and I can't sleep. My head still hurts and my throaty is a little sore, which could be from crying so much before treatment. Still, that's nothing compared to what so many of you are dealing with. I've got to get back to normal real and take care of responsibilities tomorrow. In a way, that will be nice
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Mzpriss, it sounds like you and I are having very similar experiences with TCH. My oncology office said that it is my sinuses drying out that caused the nosebleeds, but it's been really humid the past few days so I don't know how that's possible. I asked if they are going to adjust the dosages for me next time as I seem to be having a lot of unexpected issues.
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6 MINUS 1 = 5 treatments left here👊
Today went well-just long. I was filled with anticipation and relaxed a bit after my RN gave me some Ativan. I'm home helped prep dinner-did a little putzing around the house. The only thing I feel is "wierd" like I'm waiting for the side effects to happen. My throat feels dry - probably fron the allergy pill. I am trying to drink 100 ounces of water to stay hydrated!
Happy Friday everyone! I hope as this week ends we can all find a piece of happiness somewhere in this tunnel.......there is light...just off in the distance.
Hello, fear. Thank you for being here. You're my indication that I'm doing what I need to do.
☝️
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Hello All,
It appears that I will be joining this group also. I will have my port placed on 9/25 and on 9/26 start 4DD AC-T. I have been a ghost in this forum and have read all of the tips for dealing with S/E. I feel so overwhelmed.
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hi everyone
had a check up with my MO yesterday and he said my tumor is responding well to chemo. it's only been less than 10 days since my first session but already the tumor has softened significantly. and my MO also reinforced the idea that yes the shooting pain is because cancer cells are being zapped to oblivion.
just like travel_girl suggested In fact, my chest feels less sore these days
i don't really know when hair will start falling out... maybe that will be tougher mentally.
CA-sunshine, welcome and warm hugs (despite the circumstances)
brightness and toughcookie, sending you both hugs and strength... i hope things ease up for you.
Leilals, thank you for the nutrition tips!
i have been doing the same my MO also kept it simple: low salt, low sugar, low fat, and he also believes in no soy products. more veggies and fruits and whole grains, lean protein, less red meat... okay maybe not so simple hahaha but definitely clearer in where i can go with nutrition and diet (filipino food after all is not the healthiest cuisine in the world but it can be adjusted) in general when i shop for food i follow this principle:1. If the food looks the same on the day I bought it and 14 days after, i shouldn't eat it because it's full of preservatives. fresh healthy food is meant to spoil at some point. it's their natural state.
2. If a 7-year old (or 8) cannot pronounce what's on the ingredient list, i shouldn't be eating that either.
... this one an author wrote about that. maybe michael pollan?Anyway sorry if this got out of hand. i wish everyone a good weekend! and keep building strength for the next round/session
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CA sunshine, that feeling of being overwhelmed is normal. Vent and ask questions on this forum. I've found the people here to be so helpful and understanding. As much as family and friends care, there's something special and soothing about hearing from people that truly understand this horrible journey from this side of the disease.
Mkn86, I like your basic food principles. I've been focusing mostly on water, water, water and fruits and veges with other things built around that for now. The irony is I've dropped some weight just from these little changes. That's one silver lining in all this. Still, I'd much rather be struggling to lose a few pounds rather than struggling with BC any day!
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CASunshine, welcome. Sorry you have to be here, but this is a group of wise and witty women. We will all get through this.
Met with the naturopathic MO yesterday and a nutritionist. What a relief. I'm ready to take on cycle 2....which starts a week from today. I was so happy to speak with both of these people. My old practice just threw more drugs at me, these two made so much more sense. I'm armed with a dietary plan (lots of good protein, including supplementing it if I have to) some supplements that will help with the ongoing diarrhea....and I'm happy to say that I get to add back yogurt! I can have dairy again, just not lactose....so fermented or cultured is okay! Bring on my Greek yogurt!
But first...I'm going to Disneyland! We leave today for Huntington Beach for the weekend and then a week at Disney for my 50th. I'm feeling almost normal, just a little more tired than normal, which I can manage with naps....and a scooter if I have to.
You ladies keep on fighting the good fight, listen to your bodies, call your docs if you need to and lean on each other! We will get through what I am calling a Season of Suck....and be on the other end of this before we know it!
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i started getting dry mouth within the first 4 or 5 days and countered that with adding some citrus juice in my water
orange, lemon, lime, even pineapple (not citrus but can be acidic enough it regulates saliva production naturally and minimizes the metallic taste in my mouth.But i couldn't go and drink too much of it because i was watching the acid content of what i was eating to avoid getting hyperacidity.
) my MO gave me meds for hyperacidity just in case but if i can avoid the extra meds to manage side effects i will ENjoy disneyland MzPriss!!!
have fun!! -
CA Sunshine welcome!! This is such a supportive group! Everything we feel in the early stages of this journey are "normal" let yourself cry, smile and share when you need to.
I woke up with a little headache today from chemo round 1 I assume-relieved by Tylenol. Other than that I just feel a little shakey. I iced my hands and feet the entire tone they infused the Taxotere (wasn't bad but I was cold and ready to be done with it at the end)
Brightness I have been doing the same with my nutrition-and have lost some weight. I feel like during this chapter it is absolutely something we have control over. I can't emphasize enough for all of us how important water is-staying hydrated is so important and your kidneys will thank you later😁
Toughcookie are you taking the Claritin-could that be to drying for your sinuses? Just a thought. I hope things start turning around for you. Howbis the cold capping going?
The sun is shining!! Live for today, don't look in the rear view mirror it will cause anxiety! Keep looking through the window the light is there...I promise!
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Welcome Sunshine, glad you found us. Have a fun trip MsPriss, glad you are feeling a little better.
I had chemo #2 yesterday. It went a little faster than last time but is still a long day with blood draw, MO appointment and about 3 hours infusion. Feel about the same so far as I did last time. Came home and took a nap and then forced myself to get up and take my dog for a walk. I could not sleep last night, too many thoughts, and steroids, running through me. Plan to take it easy today. I did not need a neulasta shot again. My wbc count was 10 and normal is 3.8 - 9.9 so I was good to go.
My daughter came to treatment and it made the time go so fast as we chatted and got caught up. The nurses there are so nice. I was icing my fingers and toes and my ziplock sprung a leak. The nurse helped my daughter get a new bag and gave us washcloths to keep under the bags. She remember me from last time and was asking how the icing was going. I said so far, so good.
Someone asked about when radiation starts after chemo. I asked my MO about that and he said generally 3-4 weeks after my last chemo, depending on how I am feeling. I will need to go to the RO for simulations prior to the start of the treatments. And I need to get my TE fills completed before then so I may start getting bigger fills next time.
I have been curious about what happens once I complete radiation. I was on anestrozole for four months prior to surgery to try and shrink my tumor. It did not shrink it much so I assumed that it did not work and after I was done with treatment they might try something else. He told me that he might see about a clinical trial after surgery that combines an AI with another drug or with aspirin. But I will definatly be on hormone therapy after for a minimum of 5 years.
I also asked about what type of scans are done after treatment ends. He said they don't do regualar scans for breast cancer. They do regular blood tests to check for changes in the liver, bones, etc. and then if those show something they would do a scan. He also said even though I had a bilateral mastectomy, I should still do self breast exams and look for lumps. And just be aware of any other symptoms that would indicate spread of the breast cancer. Sort of scary to think that what we are really doing is just waiting to see if it comes back,
Best of luck to all who have had your first chemo and to those who are getting prepared. May your side effects be few and your good days be abundant.
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CA sunshine, welcome. Despite the circumstances, you're in good company with the ladies here.
OCDAmy, good info on timelines for treatment.
Brightness & hopebringscourage, I'm glad your first treatments went well an hopeyour side effects are minimal.
Mzpriss- have fun on vacation and happy birthday! Im a Virgo, too;)
I am still chasing the big "d" with lomotil but it's not happening as often, maybe twice yesterday and once on Thursday. I actually ended up going in to see the oncologist yesterday because in addition to the diarrhea and nosebleeds, I got a rash all over my arms and legs on Thursday night. It was like hives, but hot to the touch. I'm back on a steroid for a few days and he said that it might help with the stomach issues as well, but probably not the nosebleeds. THe rash is called Macularpapular rash and it's a histamine response to the chemo. Somewhat common he said. He's not sure if my reaction is to taxotere or herceptin though. He did say that the nosebleeds, however are caused by taxotere. He is going to make some "adjustments" for my next treatment and said he'd talk to me about it when I see him right before the next one. Not sure what that means yet but I, glad he is acknowledging that there are some definite problems.
On a positive note, I found out yesterday that my employer supports me working from home exclusively until chemo is over. This is a huge weight off my shoulders as I want to work, but I was really worried about how I was going to manage it. Some of my responsibilities will be transferred to other team members so I won't have to travel or attend trade shows and I can be conferenced in for meetings etc.. what a relief!
Edited to add- no I'm not on Claritin. So far I haven't had to get Neulasta. I'm hoping that I don't have to get becsue it sounds like it has all kinds of side effects of its own. My kids are both sniffling and sneezing though, so I feel like they're bound to bring something home from school that I'll pick up. I think it's too soon to tell if the cold caps worked. Hoping for the best, but if it doesn't work I'll be ok
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i'm sorry to hear about all the side effects toughcookie. that must be rough.
Good news on being able to work from home! That's really a big load off your shoulders.
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Thank all of you ladies for your warm welcomes. I am feeling less overwhelmed today after realizing I need to reserve my energy to get through chemo and not spend so much time thinking or worrying about things so much right now. But I am still scared out of my mind.
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i've taken on the project of making sure the kitchen at home is a good place to prepare food.
that distracts me from a bunch of worries and also comedy tv series these might at least ensure that you end the day with laughter Despite the circumstances, i really think it's important we are still able to laugh.
so pardon me if at some point i make a joke that doesn't sit well with everyone or if i become overly positive
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