Starting chemo January 2009?

Options
1…1516182021…139

Comments

  • ddlatt
    ddlatt Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2009

    had my first chemo today - AC.  i don't know how you all write on this forum after your chemo! i feel so weird! dizzy and just "off."  i blogged about the experience on www.ddlatt.blogspot.com. i'm a writer and photographer, so that's the easiest way for me to document all this. it wasn't as bad as i imagined. it started at 10 and i was out of there by 2:15. the nurse pushed the adriamycin in very, very slowly because i told her how afraid i was of that drug. the only negative was that the zofran made me extremely dizzy and she had to stop the drip every 15 minutes until i felt better. said next time we'll try kytril.  any advice or experiences about kytril?  i felt a little bit nauseated and very dizzy and had a headache by the time i got home, but the ginger candy worked immediately for the nausea and i also took a tylenol and a compazine, per instructions of the nurse. i drank enough water today to float a boat. my new full-time occupation is now peeing. :)  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Horselover44
    Horselover44 Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2009

    Hey ladies, count me in for the January group.  I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node done on Dec 12th and had 5 days of the brachytheraphy radiation, 2 times a day, and finished that up on Dec 20th.  I had those done in Texas, and I live in California, because medical treatment is much faster in Texas. Who knew?  I met with an oncologist last week and will need to do T/C once every 3 weeks for 4 rounds.  Now I'm sitting around waiting for the onc office to get it through their heads that they don't need approval from my insurance company (per Blue Cross).  Hurry up and wait.  I just want to hurry and get this going as I have a paid for cruise the middle of April to celebrate my 30th wedding anniversary, and I want as many weeks as possible between the end of treatment and the start of my cruise.  My whole family is going and it will now be a double celebration, the end of chemo and my wedding anniversary.  Yahoo!! Smile Who ever thought you would be in a hurry to punish your body?

    Janna

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    Hi Marymoir - its great to have someone on the same schedule as mine!  I slept so great last night after taking an ativan!!!

    Today, I walked 5 miles on the beach, went to an art therapy class and then had the remaining hairs on my head SHAVED off. I was tired of them falling everywhere.  so, I'm officially BALD and like it better than having wispy little hair all over the place!

    I'm waiting for a girlfriend to come over and give me my Neulasta shot (she's a nurse).  I have it shipped to my house and she injects me.  Avoid a copay and a long drive in LA traffic that way!

    I'm trying to drink as much as I can today.....lots of water all day and just bought a lemon flavored Propel water to mix it up a bit!  Wasn't bad!

    Hope everyone is doing well today.  Can't personalize to all as my 5 yr old is really wanting my attention now LOL!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Brenny
    Brenny Member Posts: 116
    edited January 2009

    ddlatt -- I did tx3 today (8:30 -2, incl onc visit, etc) -- got home and I had enough snow that the driveway had to be shovelled and wood for the woodburner had to be hauled in -- no time to savor the chemo day -- it was just sort of surreal -- that there I am after a day of chemo physically working my butt off -- out in my little beanie cap and bald head.  Talk about a pity party -- I do have an able bodied son who lives only a couple miles from me....go figure.   Oh well, tomorrow is another day and maybe it will help me sleep the steroids off tonight!

    and I love the posts about people bringing dinners....is it just me?  No one has cooked me a thing!!  I am tired of being Wonder Woman!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kt57
    kt57 Member Posts: 425
    edited January 2009

    kmmd - hope you are having a better evening and even better tomorrow.. Do you have any ativan - it works great on the crummy days.  I also used pepcid intermittently for the  stomach upset. 

    Jess - I took decadron two times a day the day before, the day of and the day after, in addition to the mega dose infusion the day of.  I also had an infusion of Zofran and took zofran for 4 days after chemo - kept the nausea in check.   Good luck tomorrow - you too, BevR  and Kim with your second - another step closer to being done!   

    Mamasarah- the good days are a gift indeed!  glad you are feeling well.  it is amazing how one day can make all the difference. 

    LisaLisa - white cells at 16!  I'm a 1.1 -- can ya share?  Hope this cycle continues to go well for you.

    Welcome Gail  - glad you found us.  we're all in this together..sharing helpful information and words of support.  

    Today is Day 13 - another day of feeling "normal".  Mouth is better, taste buds working again.  tomorrow I see how many WBCs I've made since Monday - hopefully LOTS!

    Take care everyone......

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    just wrote a long update on my caring bridge site....includes details on my art therapy class, etc.

     too lazy to type over.  go to www.caringbridge.com/visit/lisamittleman if you want to read it.  part of my therapy was making 3 wishes for 2009 in collage form.  i also did a self portrait of hair loss.  can't post photos till next week. they keep the projects to photograph for my portfolio.

     hugs to all,

    lisa

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KM47
    KM47 Member Posts: 65
    edited January 2009

    Hi everyone - particularly Jess who is having the same chemo drugs as me, only a few hours later!

    I had my first treatment this afternoon. I feel fine right now - but the nurse said the side effects won't kick in until this evening. (It's very odd sitting around waiting to feel sick!

    At midday I took five Dexamethasone (steroid) and three Ondoanestron (Zofran), ahead of my appointment at 1pm. They had no trouble finding a vein which was a relief (I'll have a port in by the time of my next treatment). I'm having FEC and they started with the Eprirubicin which is very red and is done slowly by syringe along with saline. It took a wee while because they do it so slowly. That was followed by the Fluorouracil which only took 15 minutes and then the Cyclophosphamide which took half an hour. I had to use the bathroom part way through (due to my increased water intake!) and already my urine was red from the Eprirubicin so Jess and others taking FEC, don't worry about red urine! 

    I finished up about 3.15pm. It's now 5.18pm and I feel fine so far but I guess that doesn't mean much given it's still so early. I just had a friend pop around who had FEC last year and she said she didn't feel that bad with her first FEC  so am hoping that will be the case with me but I realise everyone is different so time will tell. She said she didn't really feel bad with FEC until the final two (her fifth and sixth) treatments which is interesting as I (and you two Jess I think?) will be stopping FEC after the third treatment and switching to another drug. Anyway, I take ondanestron and dexamethasone for the next two days and have dompenidone to take if I feel I need it.

    Jess, the best of luck - I'll be thinking of you. Best of luck to others having their treatments on the 15th as well and those recovering from or anticipating sessions.

    One down, five to go...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Alo123
    Alo123 Member Posts: 308
    edited January 2009

    Thanks for al the update ladies!!!! I am reading carefully as I am one week out!  I made an appot. for my head to get shaved 10 days after first treatment!!!  eeekkkks!  I am going with my friend to sit with her tomorrow at the chemo room.....the one I will be at next week to keep her company! 

    I hope you all feel ok the next few days.! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hawaii808
    Hawaii808 Member Posts: 35
    edited January 2009

    I'm on day 7 of my 1st treatment and feeling like my old self again. Its amazing what difference a day can make.  Yesterday I went to work but was feeling light headed and had some stomach upset.  Still couldn't eat very much although my stomach felt crampy from not eating.  Today I woke up and felt so much better.  It has certainly helped my spirits.  I was starting to feel pretty depressed yesterday.  I actually thought how was I going to get thru all these treatments, losing my hair, etc.  Then I realized that I wasn't giving myself a break.  I thought I could be super woman and stay strong and to continue as though there was no major change in my life.  WRONG!  I think we all need to allow ourselves to be taken care of and let others be there for us and not try to be strong all the time.  We are all powerful women but now is the time to let others take care of us.  And, we all have each other!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rsben70
    rsben70 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2009

    Hi all

    hawaii808 glad you're starting to feel better

    well i am about 25 hrs from 1st chemo, let you know how it goes

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited January 2009

    Hi all.  I am just about to start.  I am very nervous.  I will be thinking of you all and will write back after my first tx.  Hugs, sisters!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ddlatt
    ddlatt Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2009

    night from hell.  yesterday was my first AC treatment. puked (had way way way too much water yesterday), had a headache all night long that made me want to die, was dizzy, very queasy. really, really awful. tylenol X didn't even faze the headache. fell asleep at 4, woke up at 8. took zofran and compazine this morning and still have headache, but no longer queasy. going in for the neulasta shot today (hospital is 15 minutes away). not looking forward to that or any of this. will ask for ativan. they are going to switch me from zofran to kytril. hope all of you have better experiences than i have had so far! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ddlatt
    ddlatt Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2009

    p.s.  can you all please share your experiences with Neulasta? i will have one today and every other thursday. have heard the bone pain is awful. did you take tylenol or heavy-duty drugs for this one?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Snowbird
    Snowbird Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2009

    Hawaii808: Congratulations! Isn't it amazing how quickly you start to feel better after that first week?

    jrgolomb: take heart from Hawaii808's report!

    ddlatt: sooooo sorry you had such a bad night. Here's hoping that'll be the worst for you! Repeat after me: this is temporary, this is temporary, this is temporary...  It WILL get better. Hang in & get as many more drugs as you need! Cyberhug.

    hotbolt: just sent you a belated reply to your PM.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brendafromflorida
    brendafromflorida Member Posts: 90
    edited January 2009

    ddlatt, I had my Neulasta shot on Monday.   So far, I have not had what I would consider bone pain.  I have had some achy feelings but nothing major.  I am having a few stomach issues that are new and I am not sure that is due to the A/C or the Neulasta.  Some cramping is the only way I can describe it.  I would assume that is from the regular treatment though.  

     I really had myself worked up about the shot, but so far it is not too bad.   Sorry you had such a rough night from the treatment.   Hang in there.  Hope it gets better for you.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited January 2009

    January Jewels ~ If any of you have problems with the Neulasta shot, in addition to using Claritin for the bone pain, you might want to consider asking to have the shot given to you in your tummy, rather than your arm.  Not sure what the difference is, but several women I recently went through chemo with reported that the bone pain -- which is kind of like a throbbing ache in your large bones that comes on a few days after the actual shot -- wasn't as bad (or even non-existent) when they got the shot in their stomach area.  Just thought this might be helpful to those of you who are extremely concerned about it.     Deanna

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • toyful
    toyful Member Posts: 1,461
    edited January 2009

    ddlatt--i absolutely loved the kytril! It made a huge difference over all those other weaker drugs! I had absolutely no nausea on it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited January 2009

    Hi all, and I hope everyone who had chemo today is doing well. IKnowing I'm not alone as I was getting mine helped. Just got back.

    Ddlatt--I get kytril in my drip and a steroid. They told me the steroid can cause a headache and to take Tylenol before it starts to come on, so I need to take one soon. Also ask about Emend. I take one an hr before AC, then one in the am for the next 2 days. Still was queasy but never felt like vomiting.

    I got the Neulasta shot in my tummy, and had flulike feelings next day--under both arms, neck, abdomen. I never really had bone pain, but then the drug didn't work for me until AFTER my low point (day 9-WBC 1.9). They want me to switch to Neupogen this time, so I go in for a check next week and if my counts are low I'll get a shot, then go in the next day, etc til the counts come back up.

    Well, 1/2 way done with AC! We're all plugging along pertty well here, with all our ups and downs. I get my first accupuncture tx tomorrow, and hope that helps with my blood counts.

    Hugs, gotta get some chicken broth in me.

    Kim

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ddlatt
    ddlatt Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2009

    dear brenda, dlb, toyful, and berkeleykim - thank you so much!  i took clariton and tylenol extra strength, and am going to get the shot in about 35 minutes. scared! did the shot in your tummy hurt?? i'm afraid to ask for that!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ChrysalisPa
    ChrysalisPa Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2009

     Hello January ladies.  Have y'all got room for one more?  I was diagnosed on 12/12/08 with IDC breast cancer.  I had my first chemo treatment this morning.  I am getting neoadjuvant treatment of 4  rounds of AC, and then, 4 rounds of Taxotere.  I had Decadron, Emend and one other that slips my mind at the moment, given as pre-meds.  And then, the AC.  All in all, so far, so good! I worked it up in my mind to be much more than it turned out to be. 

     I found the forum a little while back.  I have been reading some and attempting to educate myself.  I happened to see the group for those in chemo Jan 2009. and decided to go ahead and sign up. This morning it all became very, very real. It is wonderful they have a site like this, and where we can get some support and give some support, as well.

     I look forward to meeting and getting to know everyone.  I will be keeping good thoughts for all.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited January 2009

    ddlatt, it stings, they told me to go slow and it would be better--but I prefered more sting and quicker.

    ChrysalisPa, so sorry you're here, but welcome. I know I wouldn't have made it through this week without the support of this group 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited January 2009

    Ddlatt: No it didn't hurt me. I've also had no numbing when they stick my port, and that hurts more but doable.

    Chrysalis Pa-I guess we'll be on the same AC schedule, but today was my 2nd.

    Bye, gotta go recline, oh and keep drinking and peeing.

    kim

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lester63
    lester63 Member Posts: 21
    edited January 2009

    I'm so bummed today - I was supposed to start TC today and I started getting sick on Tuesday.  I have bronchitis and a sinus infection and now I have to wait another week.  I was already so anxious about the whole thing - the waiting was killing me!  I just want to know how this is all going to effect me.  My onco did prescribe something for the anxiety, I may not take it,but its nice to know its there.

    I've been trying to check in every so often and it sounds like SEs are all over the place.  I pray that all who are having trouble get relief soon. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    Berkeley Kim - 1/2 way done!  that is AWESOME.  i'm 1/3 way done.  How was the neulasta in the belly?  i had mine in my arm and my lidocaine had worn off a bit...hurt a little going in.  That was last night.  no bone pain yet.  for me it wasn't till day 6/7 last time.

    Just got back from a long walk and feeling good.  So far no pain, no nausea, no taste issues....waiting for it all to happen :(

    Welcome Chyrsalis - sorry you had to join us.  But, we can all help each other!

    ddlatt - hope you're feeling a bit better!  i had my 2nd neulasta last night.  for me, my pain is delayed.  like day 6 or 7.  nothing yet!  also, put emla/lidocaine on the injection spot 30-60 mins before injection.  also, make sure the shot is not cold! 

    Lester - sorry you were delayed.  that would be really hard for me too.  like you, i just wanted to start this and get it over with!  hang in there!

    Lisa

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited January 2009

    Lisa: 1/2 done with AC!!! Then 12 weeks (weekly) of T (Paclitaxol). I thought it would be 8, but I misread my clinical trial info. Yikes. I've been trying to organize my life and summer, and finding planning hard (and I need to ask when the start the rad tx--right away after chemo?).

    So, I've been keenly reading everyone's experience with the T. You're an inspiration.

    kim

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    BerkeleyKim....oops.   sorry!  i though you were 1/2 way done.....sorry that you have more after that!

    I was told there would be a 3-4 week break between chemo and radidation.  trying to plan my life/summer too!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited January 2009

    ddlatt - I am so sorry that you are having a bad experience.  I don't take Neulasta but 3 years ago I had to take injections in my lower abdomen and it really made a difference.  You get a little bruise but make the shots much easier.  As for the headaches - they are awful, I know and tylenol does not touch them.  If they can give you something stronger - don't be afraid to take it until you feel better.

    ChrysalisPA - welcome.  Are you from PA? I am and it's cold tonight.  I am off to read the morning paper.  Feeling sorry for myself tonight and quite anxious.  My 3rd TC is tomorrow morning.  Need to take my decadron and pray for sleep.  Stay strong everybody and stay warm.  OOOOHHH - I did run 4 miles yesterday for the first time since surgery in August.  Felt wonderful and beats spinning my a## off all the time.  Exercise really is a lifesaver, of course along with water and wine.

    hugs, Bobbi

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jas_man
    jas_man Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2009

    Hi Everyone!

    I finally met with my onc the other day and since my DX was stage 1, neg nodes, clear margins but ER/PR+ and HER2+ , here are the treatments he's recommending:

    4 rounds of TC (thank God it's just 4!)

    Herceptin for 1 year

    Tamoxifen for 5 years

    Since my estrogen receptiveness is quite high, he's also recommending that I stop my period by giving me shot (I forget the name of the med, starts with a L). Since I'm only 29 and single, he's asking me to think about it because there is no assurance that my period will ever come back. Hence, the possibility of never having kids.

    The tamoxifen is a bummer because i can't have kids for 5 years, but at least with that, I know I may start trying after 5 years.

    My friends tell me to think about saving my life first before thinking of another life. If it's meant to be, my period will come back. I'm starting to think that way as well. I'm just asking God to give me a sign...

    This is a major dilemma for me and any experience or inputs on this will really help me a lot. Do let me know your thoughts on this.. Smile 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sjr585
    sjr585 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2009

    Today is day 7 after first T/C treatment and today I can say I feel good.  Yesterday was good too, but today almost feel normal!  

    My worst SE has been the taste of liquids!  Finally found that water with lemon has helped.

     I found day 4 and 5 to be the worst for SE .  I finally decided to take a Tylenol sinus and that seemed to help with the headache!  My shot went fine and really haven't had any pain from that. Will be happy when Saturday comes and I take my last Levaquin. 

     Now to get ready for the hair loss.  Have wigs, scarves and hats!  Hopefully when I have to have my head shaved, my wonderful friends will go with me and we can have a party, just like our wig party and my first TX!  

    sally 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • carlajane
    carlajane Member Posts: 23
    edited January 2009

    i finished my first AC yesterday and all in all it went well...i fell okay today...maybe a little queasy but nothing i can't handle...feel tired and appetite is yuck...   i'm looking for the thread that list websites for hats and there was als a thread about making our own scarves...help...

    1 down three to go!

      

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories