Starting chemo January 2009?

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  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited January 2009

    Hi all:

    I go to the Lymphedema clinic tomorrow for an evaluation. I hope I don't have it, but I really want some better advice on exercises. I just got back from a long walk, and it's unseasonably warm here (sorry, mid-westerners!), hope I didn't overdo it. Was nice to walk with a friend. I got up to see my daughter off to school and then climbed back in back feeling sorry for myself. Losing hair down south, and I'm sure the northern exposure will follow soon. I've got to visit my students tomorrow...

    ddlatt-glad you don't have commute for the chemo. We visit Reno occasionally. My husband's cousin built a house up the Mt. Rose hwy. I love how they've landscaped the river area. Good luck tomorrow.

    Lisa--hope you get some rest!! Did the PT help you?

    Brenda: Hope returning to work goes well! I thought the trial was only 8 weeks of T, but it's 12!!! I so hope it's worth it.

    And to all--good luck, and I love hearing from you. You've all been my lifeline. I just need to stop surfing the other threads. Some are scary...

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  • kt57
    kt57 Member Posts: 425
    edited January 2009

    Oh boy, I'm not keeping everyone straight.  I'm on Day 12 after TC - back to feeling myself.  "Quarantined" to my office and home until my white count comes back up.  Never prayed for my bone marrow before !   what a weird ride.  

    I ordered my UV disinfecting light from Verilux.com. It should arrive tomorrow.

    Constipation was a big problem for me, too.  I will definately take Milk of Magnesia next time. .

    Looking back on the last two weeks, I think the worst part was the fear of the unknown.. and when I started feeling the lousy flu-like symptoms, wondering how bad it was going to get.   It got really nervous about making sure I had enough fluids - that was tough with the nausea and no appetite and mouth weirdness.  Ativan is essential to cope with the fear/anxiety...next time I'll use it more frequently during the first few days.

    mimi07 - ran my hand through my hair and it's starting to fall out -- I am not ready for the buzz yet either....I;m sure I''ll get there by the end of the week.  This is going to be soooooo strange.  Wonder if I'll wake up bald tomorow... there again, fear of the unknown -- could make a person  crazy!  

    Take care everyone.

      

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited January 2009

    Sally Jane -

    I agree - drink plenty of fluids and do you have compazine for the nausea.  Call your doc asap in the am.  We are with you,

    mimi - wait and see - everyone does the hair thing differently.  Sounds like you have a good stylist.  Hang in there.

    B

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  • Alo123
    Alo123 Member Posts: 308
    edited January 2009

    I am having my first treatment on 1/21 which is a Wednesday....I am planning on working an "Open House" for 3 hours the following Thursday....(8 days later) I will be on Taxotere and Cytoxin....do you think I will feel ok enough to work the few hours that day?  I really want to give myself a goal.....so I can mentally ge myself back into the swing of things....Thoughts?

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    hi everyone, you were all chatty today LOL!

    i was up most of the night on those crazy steroids.  i didn't think to take an ativan till it was too late and i didn't want to oversleep.  so....i got less than 2 hours sleep.  good news, is that i slept thru the entire chemo.  it went smoothly.  they halved my benadryl from the first chemo since i had no issues last time.

     i drank a TON - 3 large water bottles, 4 juices as i'm trying to stay very hydrated. came home and had 2 throat coat teas.  i'm about to take an ativan and crash.

    my wbc was 16 today.  very high.  but, they said it is due to the steroids.  so, i start from a higher place and maybe won't fall to 2 this time!?!?

    only time will tell.  i'm meeting a friend at 9am tomorrow to walk and then taking my first art therapy class for breast cancer patients.  then my neulasta shot is tomorrow afternoon.  yuck!

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  • kt57
    kt57 Member Posts: 425
    edited January 2009

    alo123 -On day 8 I had worked my 4th full day post TC.  It is a good goal and something to look forward to..  Be careful around crowds and germs - my onc said counts hit bottom on Day 10, so you'll be on the decline...unless you're getting neulasta...not sure what happens with that.  

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    i've heard that wbc is lowest from days 7-10 and its best to stay away from crowds, etc. during those days.

     i actually type into my calendar what day of each cycle that i am and plan accordingly!  if you do go out, be sure to wash and sanitize your hands a ton!

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  • ddlatt
    ddlatt Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2009

    bobcat and chrisbern - thank you!  bobcat - i smiled when i read what you wrote about me being home tomorrow night and the anxiety will be gone. that will be a miracle, and i'm really looking forward to that! i've been worried about this night and day since my diagnosis in october, and every night i have had dreams starring adriamycin. sometimes i actually see the letters in bright colors, sometimes the drug is on a cookie tray and pops like popcorn. i'll be glad when all this is OVER!

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  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited January 2009

    Lisa: Glad your tx went well today. Hope you can get more rest tonight! Wow--that's a high WBC. I think I get some steroids in drip, but it didn't seem to help. I'm so obsessed with those numbers now.

    Hugs to all. kim

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  • wishiwere
    wishiwere Member Posts: 3,793
    edited January 2009

    Sally Jane, just saw your post on another thread and came over to see if you had talked with your onco yet?  There are many combinations of antinausea meds they can prescribe for you.  You need to call them though and get something soon, before you get dehydrated. 

    Make sure also before your next treatment,that you drink a full glass of water every other hour or more and then the same thing the day of your chemo and day after.  The more hydrated you are going in, the better you'll hand it. It took 3 different combinations before we found  a set that worked for my nausea/vomiting.  You will do better wth the next.  Another thing...I found that having Adriamycin first and then the cytoxan workd better for me.  Might try to switch them next time, talk to the nurse administering it.

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  • Alo123
    Alo123 Member Posts: 308
    edited January 2009

    Thanks for te advise on germs....I will not shake hands with anyone!  

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited January 2009

    OK guys, need some encouragement today.  I was doing ok until yesterday day 5 of this TC.  Really hoped to feel better this AM and I don't.  Every cell in my body aches, the nystatin for the thrush hasn't kicked in yet.  Every fluid I drink causes the worst abdominal spasms and pain.  My head itches so bad I WISH my hair would just fall out.  I know it will get better, just need some reassurance this morning that it will. 

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  • Snowbird
    Snowbird Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2009

    kmmd: IT WILL IT WILL IT WILL...  You're probably at the low point now and you'll start feeling better soon... I'm on day 17 of tx #1 and have been feeling good/great/terrific/"normal" since, oh, 'bout where you are now...  Hang in there!

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  • ladyjane54
    ladyjane54 Member Posts: 192
    edited January 2009
    what's with th flu like symptom.  I have them too.  I am on day 6 after first A/C treatment and feeling horrible.  Work during the night with a fever and chills.  Head is pounding, stomach hurts, nose stuffed, soar throat.  I  thought I was getting cold but now I see alot of us are experiencing the same thing.  Guess they are SEs.  Can not get in touch with dr. about fever.  Waiting for return call.  I agree with you Kathy the fear of the unknown is the worse.  Day #1 afer treatment I spent in bed tired dizzy, etc. not bad...Day# 2 was able to get up and went to movies with son.  Day 4 and 5 went to work (I am a teacher) Today I am out of it.  Do you think I overdid It?  Or is it just that 7-10 days time in the cycle being the worse Patti
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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    i think everyone is different.  this is day 2 for me and i feel normal.  i didn't feel achy till day 6 and then major bone pain on day 7 last time.  i'm now on cycle 2 and not sure i can rely on the the same SE's. 

    but lady jane, wanted to let you know that your pattern is very similar to what mine was last cycle.  if it helps, i only had day 7 that was horrible.  i plan to sleep away that day LOL!

    good luck!

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  • mamasarah
    mamasarah Member Posts: 23
    edited January 2009

    kmmd - I have the same reactions with TC and H.  Last night was the worst.  Stomach cramps and muscle spasms in my back.  DH, DD went online and read that one of the SEs of C (and H, in my case) is depletion of magnesium.  So I've started supplements.  Feel a lot better this morning, but still have some residual back pain.  Head is very itchy, too.  Don't know what that's about.  Hang in there.

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  • marymoir
    marymoir Member Posts: 245
    edited January 2009

    Lisalisa, sounds like we are on the same cycle...today is Day #2 for me (of TC). 

    So far, so good, except the steroids have turned me into a sleepless zombie as well!  Got only 4 hours last night, which sounds like it was better than your 2 Frown.  Luckily, the steroids do seem to be keeping the nausea at bay so far (although I keep waiting for my "arnold" muscles to spring up)!!  Aside from that, just some mildly decreased appetite.  Hoping this is a sign of things to come, but I get my Neulasta shot today, & from what I've read here, it sounds like no one is able to escape the nasty aches & pains from having their bone marrow go into overdrive!!  But my onc. strongly belives in giving the shot prophylactically so my WBC won't fall (& possibly cause my treatment sched. to be delayed), so I guess it's worth it in the end.  Want to get this OVER with, which I'm sure is the same thought for everyone here!!

    Good luck to al out there!!

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited January 2009

    Hey Berkeley-I have the same worry-the lymphedema.  The PS felt a cord forming underneath my arm pit.  I got on line and found a short film on self massage called the Lebed method.  Let me know if you are interested and I'll post it. 

    Idid have my first fill for the tissue expander.  It actually helped.  I willhave one every three weeks right before chemo tx.  Then I wait about a month and have the exchange. 

    In about 26 hours I will have my first tx.  Very nervous. I have my pile of goodies for the tx and have stocked the fridge with the bland comfort foods and variety of liquids to flush the chemo through me. 

    Hugs to all.

     Jess

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  • blackmailtx
    blackmailtx Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2009

    Hi all-

    I am new here...diagnosed on 12/12, lumpectomy on 12/16. Triple neg, Stage 1, Grade 2 with clear nodes and margins from the tumor 1.6cm.

    I am starting chemo on the 20th (watching the inauguration from the infusion room) - "Can I do it? Yes, I can!"  I am apprehensive and trying to ready myself for 4 treatments of A/C every 2 weeks followed by 4 treatments of T every 2 weeks as well. I guess I just need some boosting up in the morale zone:) - I can't sleep much now and can't imagine much less. I have 3 yr old twins who attend school all day so I am a bit concerned with the spread of infection. Any thoughts? I know everyone's course is different so, I guess I'll just hold my breath and dive in.

    Glad I found all of you,

    Gail 

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited January 2009

    Hey BlackMail! (Gotta love that name!) I dropped you a PM. If you go to the top of the page, you'll see a notice on the black "Private Messages" nav bar. Just click it to get to your messages.

    Just wanted to say "hey" and let you know I'm right there with you. Should start my (same tx) a couple of days behind you. 

    Stock up on Germ-X for the kiddos. Little Monkey likes the grape one. ;) 

    Welcome to the thread, but I'm sorry you have to be here.

    To the rest of you Jewels, rock on! I'm sorry I haven't had time to keep up better than this. Seems like every spare moment is spent in some Dr.'s office and then I'm wiped out again. Sigh. Thinking of you all tho and sending big Southern Smiles.

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  • Triciaski
    Triciaski Member Posts: 145
    edited January 2009

    Hi, ddlatt,

    I live in Minden, so we're somewhat neighbors. I just finished Mammosite radiation treatment at Renown. Is that where you're having chemo? When I went there the first time, I thought it was the most depressing medical facility I'd ever been to -- but, I got used to it. It's not so bad after getting past the waiting room.

    I will be starting AC in a few weeks with my oncologist in Carson City. I was thinking about getting a second opinion from one in Reno (who is yours?), but mine (Dr. Perez) is already known to be aggressive. At first, I wanted to avoid chemo, but what your SF onc says makes sense -- let's take the only opportunity we have to eradicate the cancer.

    Today is your first day -- good luck! I hope my chemo nurse is as helpful as yours seems to be.

    Tricia

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  • mamasarah
    mamasarah Member Posts: 23
    edited January 2009

    Wow!  What a difference, day 7 going into day 8.  I am pain free, feeling great, and wondering what in the world I ever complained about before cancer.  Life is good and there is light at the end of this monstrous tunnel.  It's pretty amazing how aggressively we are being treated regardless of the stage, but I think its worth it to fight like hell.  Hey, one other happy note for those in the north - have you noticed that its staying light a lot later -  Spring is coming.

    Lisa - you are the vanguard of the warriors.  Please let us know how your SEs from the second treatment compare to the first. 

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  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited January 2009

    Hi ladies, I'm from the Dec 2008 group, only a month behind all of you. I wanted to drop words of encouragements over the hair loss, you should all be getting to that point soon. We all found out last nmonth that hair are overated. We all were scared to lose them only to find it to be very liberating & empowering to be able to let go. You can do it, we're all beautiful :)

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  • BevR
    BevR Member Posts: 101
    edited January 2009

    Tomorrow's the day! First of 6 TAC every 3 weeks. I'm as ready as I'll ever get I guess.......

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  • mimi07
    mimi07 Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2009

    kmmd,

    Don't worry, day 5 I think is not good for almost everybody.  My worst days were day 4-10.

    My hair is starting to fall I think...

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  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited January 2009

    Hi all!

    Jess--I've downloaded the video too, but I haven't tried to watch it (it was really slow off the Internet). I went in to be measured today by the PT, and she didn't think I have LE, just swelling still from surgery (since mid Nov??). Next week I"ll learn the LE massage and I have a referral to be fitted for a sleeve.

    Jess, BevR, and all getting a tx tomorrow (I'm losing track of all on this list--sorry). Hope it goes well... I'll be thinking of you all when I'm in my chemo recliner! Hope my 2nd AC goes ok...

    Ddlatt & Alo123, and other Weds. tx ladies--hope it went well today. Let us know!

    Saw my students for a bit today--of course they are stealth huggers, and I came home and stripped after seeing all the green boogers. I finally got my request for "reasonable accommodations," but it's hard to figure out what that might be (lounge chair in the staff room??).

    Gotta run and get my Emend rx. They were able to fill a day earlier than my insurance wanted. Hope it works as well again. Also I need to get some antacids.

    Hugs to all! And thanks Cebula, for the encouraging words. We ARE beautiful warriors (and I'm a one-boobed Amazon). I told my students who really loved my new short hair that I'd look REALLY different next time they see me!

    kim

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited January 2009

    BevR---Me too!  I will be on FEC-that is supposed to be the milder of the the 6 I am getting.  Taxotere is supposed to be harder, so the nurses have said.

    Let's kick the beast's butt!!!

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited January 2009

    BevR - you will do fine - just treat yourself well and don't overdue no matter how you feel - you will pay for that.  Listen to your body and take lots of water and rest yourself.  We are all pulling/praying for you.

     BerkleyKim - how was the day?   Good luck to ALO123 and Dddlatt.  I too have a hard time remembering all the dates and names but my intentions are good.    Love to you all.

    Bobbi

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited January 2009

    I wonder, how many of you took the steroid the night before the tx? 

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited January 2009

    I take decadron the morning before and night before and then the morning of.  I also get the decadron, zofran and benadryl with saline IV before I get TC treatment.  It has worked beautifully for me.  I then take decadron the night of  one day after, Zofran for the two days after.  I have Compazine for emergency nausea but have not needed it at all.  I drink tons of water - more than I can stand or need and I think that is the key.  Atatvan for anxiety is a life saver.  Haven't had any problems with any food even though I have metal mouth and don't prefer sweets, hot and spicy don't bother me.  Everyone is different.  But constipation is not your friend and as another poster on here said - Milk of Magnesia the night of infusion will make you feel good from head to toe :o) the next morning and I have done that twice(with Dr's blessing) and I have had no problem there.  I recommend highly and it's cheap and effective.  Good luck.

    hugs, Bobbi

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