Starting chemo January 2009?

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  • Hawaii808
    Hawaii808 Member Posts: 35
    edited January 2009

    Hi eadsia,

    I know what you mean about the hair loss.  I'm waiting for my hair to start shedding soon also.  I put on a beanie to see what I would look like bald and I'm not one of those women who look good bald!

    I'm waiting for a wig to be delivered to me and I'lll be needing to pick up some scarves pretty soon.  I'm having some difficulty finding some square scarves, they all seem to be rectangle.  I may have to order them on-line.  I keep wondering how I'm going to react when I see the hair start fall out.  Like you, I keep reminding myself that its only temporary and the bigger picture is to attack the cancer but still.......

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY Kim!  hope you have the best possible day (given the circumstances!)

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  • jas_man
    jas_man Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2009

    I've finally decided to go ahead with Luprolex (LHRH agonist) which stops the monthly period indefinitely. I figured, if God intends me to have kids, he'll bring back my period after the treatment .. :)

    Anyone else taking this shot? 

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  • eadsla
    eadsla Member Posts: 217
    edited January 2009

    berkeleykim - Happy B-day!  Loved the phrasing of how you'll be spending the day.  While what you'll be doing won't be the most fun for a birthday, I wouldn't be surprised if you end up having a few good laughs regardless.

    One thing I've noticed is that people seem to have different treatment regimens and prescriptions.  So I was wondering what the specifics were in the differences.  My onc said my treatment was relatively agressive because of my age and state of health, thinking that my body could handle it, but it seems like others have a stronger regimen than I.  So, I ws wondering what you all had for your treatment?  I'm doing 4 doses of Taxotere and Cytoxan every 21 days that includes emend and dexamethasone before during and after the infusion with Kytril also injected the day of.  Plus the nurses gave me 3 extra days of kytril samples to take with me(I called it my "medical swag")  Then the next day I have a Neulasta shot.

    My reaction and side effects seem almost textbook from what I've researched here, which has been great since I had been able to use a lot of tips to alleviate side effects.

     Tonight I noticed that feeling in my scalp that resembles how your hair feels after you have had a ponytail all day and you finally release the hair.  This may be the weekend where I have my neighbor come in and shave my head.  Maybe I'll save that fun for Innauguration Day?

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  • REKoz
    REKoz Member Posts: 590
    edited January 2009

    Hi-

    I have posted here once or twice before starting chemo yesterday. I haven't seen anyone on this board with the same protocol as me. Has me curious. Instead of taxotere, I am getting Carboplatin and Abraxane which I am told is IAbraxane) easier on the system and does not require steriods. I have carpal tunnel and hand issues and this drug is also supposed to be better at avoiding neuropathy. The Oncol. (LOVE him) had to fight insurance because usually this is given to higher stage cancer or reoccurrent bc. I am also HER2 pos which adds Herceptin to the regiman. I am on a 3 weeks on, one week off for a total of 12 treatments. Also told on this protocol, se's may be less due to smaller doses. I got anti nausea shot in the port prior to treatment and have Zofran to take at home. After chemo, I just felt really tired but the biggest issue seems to be headaches.  I have been fortunate enough to not have problems with headaches in my life. I have none of the other meds I have seen here. Is there anyone familiar with this type of protocol? I am returning to work on Tues. since my bilateral with expanders on Nov. 10th. Nasty post op infection, 12 days IV Vancomyacin and finally scar revision which now looks as if it should have after surgery. Hoping I'm not pushing it by returning to work (adm. asst-desk job) but have run out of sick time and $$! I have to do what I have to do.

    My cancer was discovered exactly one year to the month of my last period ( I'm 53) so I have had some experiences with those blasted hot flashes which only get worse! One thing I thought I'd mention-particularly to you younger girls going into forced menopause- is that my Oncologist has me on the anti depressent Effexor. I actually went on Wellbutrin at the advice of my Gyno when diagnosed and did feel that helped. However, after surgery I could NOT sleep to begin with and everytime I nodded, I'd be awoken by a hot flash. The Oncol. said that Effexor has been proven to help about 60% of woman with hot flashes. It's only been a month and I do still have them but less frequently. AND, I get a full night of sleep! Thought maybe it might be worth talking to your MD's about.

    Ellen

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  • rsben70
    rsben70 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2009

    hi all hope everyone is well

    had my first chemo yesterday, went well, a little nauseous late but ok today. but my chemo nurse said it will probably get worse when i change over to AC in 4 cycles.  that most people have very little N/V with taxotere and gemzar.

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

    Berkely Kim--Happy Birthday.  We keep keepin on! 

    <:AtomicElement>I just watched my daughter try bravely to get a friend's mom out of a pile of snow she slid in.  When I went out to help, she montioned me back in.  SHe doesn't want to expose me to colds she said.  It took them forever, but the 5 teenagers and a giggly mom got themselves out of the pile of snow!  Go you michigander chics!!! 

    <:AtomicElement>I have received a bit of help with the food stuff--I'll take in gladly.  I am going to go out for a bit seems weird; all those times I loved to have the family out of the house for a bit, now they are and I want them back. 

    <:AtomicElement>As far as day 3 of my side effects--my face is red and my hands are a bit raw.  I felt very nauseated the first day of tx and now okay.  I am on the qeasy side, and my usual comfort food doens't help.  I have eaten kashi for breakfast with yoghurt and that has helpe dthe digestive part of my system.  In addition, the throat coat tea has helped tremendously.  The biotene is something I put up with , because the tast kind of bothers me.   

    <:AtomicElement>I have been doing lymphdema exercises and the cord going down from my arm pit to my in chest wall has gone down quite a bit.  I looked up this web page about fancy arm fittings for lymphedema issues.  It is lymphedivas.com.  WOnderful fancy party covers designed by a girl who had breast cancer.

    <:AtomicElement>K from Zealand.  How are you?  I am a bit achey today.  Will try and rest and take tylenol instead of atavan....Don't want to get to stopped up, you know what I mean?

    <:AtomicElement>Got my hats in , tried on and bought a wig that is a very good match.  Worked my second day of tx and am relaxing over the weekend.  Hope I can handle day 7-10 when the wbcs go down. 

    <:AtomicElement>Hugs to you all---hey when we gonna meet fact to face you warrior Januray jewels???

    <:AtomicElement> 

    <:AtomicElement> 

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  • holtbolt
    holtbolt Member Posts: 625
    edited January 2009

    Wow.... if you don't come in here for a few days... catching up takes half the day!  Laughing

    Just got back from Vegas, had a great time.... pretty successful in putting cancer out of my mind for a few days but occasionally it crept back in.... the last day there kinda filled with dread ... knowing as soon as I got home... the chemo would start... oh well... we had fun... saw Wayne Brady... didn't lose too much $....

    So, back to reality... First Chemo on Tuesday morning.... anybody else starting Tuesday?  I am eager to get it behind me... nervous....onc originally was not going to write an rx for Emend (preferring to wait till after tx 1 to make that decision) but after what I read on here... I said oh hail no... and requested it anyway... she obliged... 

    Hope all is well with everyone today.... there are so many folks in here now I can't keep track....

    MaryMoir did I read that right, you are from Carmel, IN?  My chemo is at the cancer center at Community North on 82nd.  Onc is Dr. Welling.. how about you? 

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited January 2009

    jas_man

    Have you talked about harvesting some of your eggs before chemo starts??  I know some women and men that have done this successfully since you are so young.  Just a thought and something to talk to you docs about

    Bobbi

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  • sweeeeetpam
    sweeeeetpam Member Posts: 115
    edited January 2009

    Hi Everyone,

         Sorry I have been missing in action had chemo on thursday and my shot on Friday, when I had chemo before my surgery I was working and I think that is better than now I am off on thur, and fridays aso I have nothing to think about EXCEPT chemo!!

                                I have not been sleeping but doing ok, how long does it take for the pain to go away I am 3 weeks out and the tighness and bruning under tharm is crazy!!! I had no recon and only one removed!!  I don't think I could of done both!!

                               Happy birthday ddlatt, to many on here now to know who is who!! Hope all is weel going out to enjoy my arizona weather 75 today.......................Oh since my insurance will pay 300.00 for wigs I bought a blond one really short.........don';t think I would brave it to work, but on weekends!!!!!! Will try to do a new picture.  Pamela 

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  • Alo123
    Alo123 Member Posts: 308
    edited January 2009

    I start on Wed. HoltBolt......

    Happy Birthday DDlat!

     I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend!!!!

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  • KM47
    KM47 Member Posts: 65
    edited January 2009

    Hello to Jess,

    I still have not had any nausea but I was interested to read you have some acheyness too -- I've had some in my back. It's making me nervous since I didn't think that was a side effect of FEC - I'm scared it means the cancer has spread to my bones. It's amazing how every little niggle makes you start worrying sometimes...

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  • ddlatt
    ddlatt Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2009

    it's berkeleykim's birthday! not mine! so i'll take those wishes and pass them on to berkeleykim!

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

    KM47- I have achiness in the back as well, but I figured that was from the neulasta shot.  I know what you mean about every little pain as a sign. 

    I hope you all have a nice Sunday/Monday and we get through this!

    Hugs!

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  • holtbolt
    holtbolt Member Posts: 625
    edited January 2009

    That's right Alo, I do remember you starting the day after I do.  I am eager to just get on with it at this point. 'cept the premiere of Lost is on this week and I'm worried I won't feel good enough to watch it (my favorite show). lol

    I, too, have been paranoid about other aches and pains after I was diagnosed.  My left hip has been hurting for a year.. when I brought it up to the onc, he said no way, dismissed it.  Said it would be too early for this cancer to have settled anywhere else and be causing pain.  My back hurts alot also but I am trying to put that stuff out of my mind.  I took Tamoxifin for over a year and that could have been the culprit also .....so whatever.  At least when you are doing chemo you have something to blame all your physical problems on I guess.  I hope there is a discussion topic in here about dealing with paranoia after all the treatments are over.... lol

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  • jas_man
    jas_man Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2009

    bobcat - how does the egg harvesting work?

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    i also have back pain, soreness.  but, today is day 6 of my cycle.  same thing happened last cycle....on days 6 and 7.  so, i expected it.

    i attribute my pain to my wbc falling (lowest days 7-10 in general) and that allows me to FEEL the neulasta shot.  that's what i was told last time and i'm going with it :)

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  • eadsla
    eadsla Member Posts: 217
    edited January 2009

    Hello to all you January Jewels!

     Well, the doctor told me on my visit last Friday that the hair would start falling this weekend, Monday or Tuesday at the latest...and he was right.  It's almost annoying to be so predictable!  I had already gotten my hair cut short as a transitional thing last month.  I went for the Demi Moore look in Ghost, but because I hava a lot of thick hair, I sort of felt like it looked more like that idiot Governor Blagojevic(sp).  And wouldn't you know it, with the amount of hair that has come out, it now looks the way I wanted it to...gotta laugh.  I can enjoy it for a couple of days before I go for what friends call the "crazy Brittney."

    Holt--  I'm looking forward to Lost too!  Record it just in case.  During my first round of tx, friends gave me a lot of screener copies of movies "for your consideration."  They were a great diversion, but I kept falling asleep in the middle of them...but while I was awake, it was great to focus on something else.  Plus, watching Sawyer has got to have some therapeutic effect. ;)

    Also, on the paranoia...I found that I tend to get more paranoid about what I don't know will happen, and end up over preparing to some extent.  Sometimes too much research can be a bad thing.  I keep reminding myself what my onc told me: That they can do all they can to alleviate anything that happens to me physically, but it's up to me to handle the mental part.  My achilles heel is dental work.  I should have had work done before chemo, but I needed to start it right away.  So, after the first tx, I was rinsing and brushing and flossing like a madwoman, albeit a really tired one.  I noticed that my gums receeded which made me force as much water down my throat as I could.  And that was no fun since water had that oily consistency.  Thank God for straws.

    And whenever I catch myself getting bogged down by what could happen, I take a breath and just remember to take this whole thing one day at a time.  Why ruin a good moment or afternoon or day by worrying about something worse that may or may not happen. (Yeah, sounds soooo mentally balanced, doesn't it...  I didn't say it always works!)

    Hugs to all who are having se's this week.  My next tx is this Friday, so I'll be with ya next week.

    Catherine

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  • sweeeeetpam
    sweeeeetpam Member Posts: 115
    edited January 2009

    Hi all,

          I am 3 weeks out from surgery................my scar and under arm are killing me, this is my third chemo and I sleept until 1100 am...................It is hard to keep the thread going here if you don't stop by daily.

                     anyone tell me how long it is going to hurt and do you all do your exercises,,,,,,,,,yuk!!! Gotta run have a wonderful weekend!! Pamela 

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  • Alo123
    Alo123 Member Posts: 308
    edited January 2009

    Holtbolt..Lost is pretty big around here in Hawaii....I must admit I have never seen....eventhough I live within walking distance from the cast!  In fact I paddle with ome of the cast wives..... I see them out and about all the time.....I think you'll feel fine to watch!  If you will it...it will be!!!!!!!  This will be a togh week for us!!!!!!  We'll get through it!  Please post after your treatment so I have some day one insight!!!!

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  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited January 2009

    Hi all:

    Thanks for the birthday wishes. Need to do more arm exercises--I slow down after chemo, and I can tell the difference.

    I'm feeling aches and pains too and yes the worry does no good, but it's hard to stop.

    Lost and Sawyer--I think it would be healing to pick up again. Missed last year.

    Spent some time yesterday pulling out hair. Wearing hairnet now and trying to get up nerve shave the rest.

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  • donna2001
    donna2001 Member Posts: 17
    edited January 2009

    I start chemo the first week in Feb 2009.  I am so scared.  I will have ACT for 5 months,  followed by a year of Herceptin.  I am a nervous wreck.!!

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  • ladyjane54
    ladyjane54 Member Posts: 192
    edited January 2009

    Hi everyone:  Seems lilke forever since I was last here on 1/14.  From what I have been able to catch up on I am glad to hear most are doing ok.  I just spent the last four days in the hospital.  NOT FUN! As I said  in my last post.  I was on day 6 after treatment when I woke during the night with a fever.  After my post on the 14th I talked with my dr who said to come in.  Went in to see his nurse, they did blood test and I was totally blindsided and caught offguard when she told my husband and I was going to have to go into the hospital....  My WBC count as down from 10,000 before my first treatmewnt to 400.  Ran fever until yesterday despite the fact that I was getting IV antibotics every 8 hours.  I am finally home  again and feeling ok but I definitely got a dose of reality  these past few days.  I can not believe one treatment landed me in the hospital.  I was being naive about how bad this treatment was going to be and really thought I was physically fit and would sail through treatment.  Now I am a wreck and fearing Thurs. 1/22 which is the day of my next treatment.  Dr. has no explanation - happens to some...everyone different...depends how  your  body reacts...I am tired of hearing those words..

    On the plus side.I still have my hair..guess God decided I could not handle 4 days in the hospital and hair loss too right after one treatment. Smile Day 10 after treatment happy to be home enjoying the playoff games with my husband.  I hope I got the worse reaction/SE or whatever you want to call it of my treatment behind me but somehow I am not feeling as brave as I once was.

    Patti

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  • ladyjane54
    ladyjane54 Member Posts: 192
    edited January 2009

    Hi Donna.  You have come to the right place.  If nothing else it is a place to come and say "I am so scared". "I am a nervous wreck."  Lots of people on this link and we are each traveling the same road but obviously will not all hit the same bumps in the road.  My first bump seemed pretty bad two days ago as I sat in the hospital all alone crying my heart out, but I survived.  We are all STRONGER than we think. I am writing this for myself to read as well as you.  Good Luck!

    Patti

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited January 2009

    Hey Donna! Another Alabama gal, YAY! I've very nearly given up trying to stay on top of this thread, and my chemo keeps getting put off too. So let's get our February group going! See ya there!

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  • holtbolt
    holtbolt Member Posts: 625
    edited January 2009

    eadsla - I am a big fan of Sawyer, although Desmond is right up my alley too, brotha!. :)

    alo - get out!!! you associate with the cast wives?  Tell me more!!!  As if living in Hawaii wasn't great enough ...you are hob nobbing with cast wives!!  Which ones?!! Tell us more! What do you mean by paddle?   I LOVE that show... was hooked from the very beginning... I will tape it just in case... I think both of us  might just feel good Wednesday night (finger crossing)... and I will let you know how Tuesday goes....

    ladyjane - omg!  I'm so sorry to hear about your hospital stay... I'm sure that doesn't help you move forward mentally... hang in there... maybe the worst is behind you!

    sweetpam - I don't know what to tell you that would be encouraging 'coz I had a bilat on 12/2... I thought it was improving every day then all the sudden the last two days I feel like I've almost gone backwards... really numb and swollen feeling under the arm again and sore... weird.. maybe it just goes through stages back and forth and finally gets better.  I am doing some physical therapy - maybe that has caused some of my pain.  I'm frustrated at the amount of time it's taking as well... I thought for sure I'd feel sort of back to normal by now...but maybe it takes a long time....I don't know. Undecided

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  • rsben70
    rsben70 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2009

    hi all, had a bad day i guess i am crashing from the steriods, lots of body aches and just feel drained.  my brain says sleep but my body just can't get comfortable enough.

    ladyjane hope you're feeling better

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  • marymoir
    marymoir Member Posts: 245
    edited January 2009

    Hi everyone!  For anyone getting ready to start TC who is trying to get an idea of other people's experiences, here's mine so far -- Day 1, moderately tired...not sure if due to TC or lack of sleep as a result of the anti-nausea steroids; Day 2, more moderate tiredness (got Neulasta shot in late afternoon); Day 3-4, nausea, body aches, tiredness -- improved immensely when I started taking the anti-nausea med (Compazine?) which I hadn't been taking b/c I thought it was just for vomiting, not just nausea, and my leftover Darvocet from my surgery (Alleve just wasn't cutting it for the bone pain!).  Day 5 -- just some tiredness after exertion, but started getting some significant bone pain that evening (realized I'd forgotten to take my Claritin that afternoon...that was enough to convince me that the Claritin had been making a BIG difference, despite the fact that I had been having some mild pain while I was taking it).  Won't forget the Claritin again!  Day 6, today, just some more tiredness after exertion & general lack of appetite, but not to the level of nausea.  Dare I hope that this means I'll be feeling good until he next infusion???

    Holtbolt, I had my surgery at Community North, but my go to Dr. Sledge at his Northside office for my onc treatment.  My 1st infusion was last Tues., so it sounds like I'm a week ahead of you.  Good luck to you next week!!!

    To everyone starting next week, you're in my thoughts & prayers.  For all of us who are already on this fun path called chemo, hang in there, sisters!!

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  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited January 2009

    Ladyjane and rsben--hope you both will feel better. What a scary experience, ladyjane. Hope it was a one-time thing--some virus that got you when your counts were down. And rsben, have you tried Ativan for sleep. It really works for me.

    Hugs to all, kim

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    Ladyjane - wow!  so scary!  glad you are ok!

    Rsben - i agree with Kim.  take the ativan.  i've taken it everynight since i started this cycle.  it works great.

    I am doing well this cycle.  Even better than the 1st cycle. BUT, tomorrow is day 7 for me.  Day 7 last time is when i had HORRIBLE back pain as my WBC dropped.  I am a bit nervous about tomorrow.  hopefully, i'll be lucky.  but, no plans for tomorrow.  just plan to stay home and keep busy with a good book or good movie!

    i'll check in tomorrow!  g'night all!
    Lisa 

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