Starting chemo January 2009?

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  • ladyjane54
    ladyjane54 Member Posts: 192
    edited January 2009

    Bookgirl - I like your daughter's attitude.  She is right at least if we lose hair and have SEs we can be sure the chemo is working. 

    One of the nurses said something similar to me as I sat in the hospital after my first tx "At least you know the chemo is doing its job".  That one positive spin on my having to be in the hospital because of low WBC really help me through.

    Well  I went back to work today.  It was so fun to see my kids.  I had a blast.  I am not feeling any SEs at all today except for a sore in my mouth.  It has been a great day!  Hoping for another one tomorrow.

    Thursday is second chemo tx.  Really dreading it this time.

    Hair seems to be getting thinner, but not having any real fallout mess yet.  I am on day 12 after first tx.

    Patti

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  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited January 2009

    Patti: Glad your back to work and feeling good. I need to get a back to work letter (and my supervisor recommends a special back to work with accommodations form) because my school district required that I start Family Medical Leave when I took off the day before my mastectomy. I've been back for visits, and it is great to see the students. By the time I get approved and my paperwork in, I'll probably be done with AC. Then Taxol x 12, weekly--hope I can work through that.

    The good thing about not going into work was that I sat in front of the tv all day--what a day!!! (my kids are bi-racial Asian/White, and this is such a moment for them too. My daughter watched in the theatre at Berkeley High with all 3,000 students. You can imagine the energy there!)

    Glad to hear everyone's doing pretty well. I decided not to shave my head, but I do look pretty strange with the occasional 3 inch wisps of hair. I just cannot do the shave.

    One weird SE I just experienced is that I can't look at my chemo bag without getting queasy, and I didn't even feel nauseated during the 1st 2 txs. I took my thermos out of the bag and almost vomited looking at it, and now I can't even think "green tea" (which has been my staple. Strange what the mind can do. I also burned the roof of my mouth on some hot tea last night--dumb rushed me, so I'm rinsing it constantly.

    Hugs all around. We're doing it!!!

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  • holtbolt
    holtbolt Member Posts: 625
    edited January 2009

    Hey All,

    My first treatment of TC was today and after staying up all night worrying, I was pleasantly surprised... it went off without a hitch... the worst was the IV stick and that wasn't even bad... now I'm just tired and have a slight headache but other than that... grateful to have the first one behind me.  I'll take it one day at a time...I know I haven't been hit with the SE's... and I know they are coming.....but I'm just grateful for today....I go back tomorrow for the Neulasta shot.  But it was way better than expected... hope you all are having a good night.   Laughing

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  • auriga
    auriga Member Posts: 315
    edited January 2009

    I'm on day 15 also. My hair is coming out in handfuls now. It fills the brush. My chemo nurse said usually with TC you get hair thinning, not complete loss. But on my sheet handouts, it says complete loss.

    I hate to shave my head, if I'm not going to lose it all. But then again, I'm already getting tired of the mess it's causing.

    My next tx is on the 26th too. I hope it is as uneventful as the first one was.

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  • kt57
    kt57 Member Posts: 425
    edited January 2009

    Holtbolt; You're on your way to getting done!  hope your se are few to none.   Squeeze that big fat cat...#1 is done!

    BerkleyKim: know what you mean about the "visual" nausea.  I can't look at the Throst Coat licorice flavored tea without having my stomach flip-flop.  Gave it all away and got the lemon flavored Throat Coat.

    Day 19 - Better day today, less emotional.  Scalp has both itchy and tender spots - weird.

    Well, in honor of this special day in history, I will borrow this phrase for all of us;

    YES WE CAN!

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    day 8 of cycle 2.  i have a little tiny sore on my tongue....i guess its technically a mouth sore!?!?

     also, i'm having HOT FLASHES.  well, i think that is what they are!  i had a period right after cycle 1.  today, i've been so HOT!  i take hats off/on.  take socks off/on.  put on a tank top.  yep, i think its hot flashes.

    wow!

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  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited January 2009

    Lisa:

    Sounds like hot flashes. I'm 53, and went through menopause at 49, and began having hot flashes about 3 years before that and still having them. (Was talking with my nurse prac. about going on hormone replacement seconds before she found one of my lumps--stopped that discussion!)  I get them mostly at night, but for me they're definitely a flushed all over feeling--throw off the sheets, wipe the brow.

    I wonder if I'll be getting more hot flashes with chemo. Yikes.

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  • Alo123
    Alo123 Member Posts: 308
    edited January 2009

    Tomrroow is Tx 1 of 4 of TC....finally!  Thanks to all of you who have gone before me this month...I am ready.  I am humbled by your strength!!!  I got results from bone scan...all good.  The pain in my hip is just from being 45!!!! 

    I am taking all your advise with me tomorrow morning at 7:30am....once again I thank you all!   

    Right now I am going to watch Housewives of OC...do I have boob and hair envy...yes...heck yes!!!!

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  • mimi07
    mimi07 Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2009

    My computer broke down and just got it fixed.   I've been doing great since day 14.  I've been trying to walk at least a mile everyday, and drinking whey protein shakes to get my weight back.  I lost almost 10 lbs! after diagnosed back in Nov!  My hair started coming out endlessly since day 14 and my hubby snipped it short for me.  I am wearing a bandana now.  I wear my wig outside, but the wig makes my head really hot!

    kt57- Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts!  Yes, I have my 2nd treatment Friday.  I hope your wbc comes up for Friday!  Yes, it's still a roller coaster ride of emotions for me, too.  With my hair falling out, I still can't believe that I am a cancer patient.  I hope our other Jan 2 Jewel, Stacey is doing ok.

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  • Renrel
    Renrel Member Posts: 497
    edited January 2009

    Alo123- I start today as well on 4-6 tx of T/C. I will talk to the doctor today to find out why 4-6.  I am not due in till 10am EST, so I am not sure who actually is going first. I can never keep the time lines straight.  I will check in to compare notes tonight or tomorrow.

    Any last minute tips from anyone on things to bring?  I have a blanket, a lumbar support pillow, fun cosy slippers, a lavaender pillow that goes over my eyes to relax, an ipod, a mag, a couple of books and a husband.  If I remember I will grab a DVD. I am bringing all my meds and vit to review with the nurse at the chemo teach.  I have a few good luck charms as well and am dressing in comfortable clothes. I have my Jacki in case they want me to change into a Jony.

     The get together last night was nice, short with lots of talk political talk.  I drank water but took one small sip of champaign.  I took a Atavan just before bed but I am not sure I needed it. I am very calm so far.  We ate lots of cream puffs and then came home to a b-cake for my Dad. 

     Last night I read DS one more story about a family with Breast Cancer.  This time he actually started asking questiosn, like why did you get BC.  What were you doing when you got it. (He said if I could tell him maybe he could figure how I got it.  He asked if he would get cancer.  tough one to answer honestly.  If he said BC then I could say no, children don't get it and very very few grown men do, so the chances are tiny. But cancer in general?  All I could say was the I hoped not, that it was not likely and that we would do all could to all stay healthy. 

     OK I have to go shower and dress. Wishing every one a symtom free day.

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited January 2009

    Thanks for all the good thoughts.  Had another good night's sleep and now am trying to get in a short, slow run with a friend - she is my angel and has made me and SO a nice dinner after each treatment.  Feeling better today and start Levaquan tomorrow for 7 days - then the diarhrea starts!  Anyway, question about the Compazine - I was told only to take in emergency or rescue situation but forget that now - it worked like a charm.  I just try to avoid anything that will make me constipated but it's hard to keep track anymore :o)  So, now I will take the compazine if I feel sick and not worry.  Thank God for atavan, though.  That has been my emotional life saver on those bad days and even gets me back to sleep when I awake insomia-like and start to worry.

    have a good day all,

    Bobbi

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  • holtbolt
    holtbolt Member Posts: 625
    edited January 2009

    Hey... Happy to report after TX 1 yesterday, I slept like a baby (with the help of Lunesta).  I guess it overpowered the steroids.  I go back in for Neulasta today so we shall see.... I feel like I'm now waiting for all the SE's to hit.... but I'm grateful for today.

    Renrel... good luck with your 1st treatment - you are probably there now I guess... ... mine went way better than I ever imagined.  I had ALOT of stress the night before but it was a breeze.  Hope your day goes well.... you will be relieved to have one under your belt... I asked my onc about 4 versus 6 treatments as I am in the same boat... she scheduled 4 and said if I do well and I want to we could do 6, although there are no current studies that say 6 is any better and it very well may be "overtreatment". I know Alo also starts today... I PM'd her the details and all the drugs I received.. if you want I can forward so you can compare.

    Lisa, Kim. Hot flashes suck.  I am 46 and have been having them for about oh... 2 years... I'm constantly asking everyone in the room "are you hot".. they get annoyed with me.  I feel like I am definitely peri-menopausal (periods on again off again) but I was on Tamox for a year and got them all the time... now that I'm off that, I still get them.. my hormones are all messed up and chemo puts alot of us in menopause at least temporarily so I think what you are having is hot flashes... they are annoying.. just wear layers of clothing so you can peel them off and put them back on...ugh sorry you have to have those too.

    Good thoughts to Alo and Renrel today... relax and let those toxins do what they're made to do...and that's help you!!! Laughing

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

    Bobcat, Alo,New Zealand K,renrel, kt, holtbolt, berkeley kim and everyone else on this huge list!

    I am so grateful you all communicate and advise and support.  This thread has been so important to my tx.  Thank you all. 

    Tomorrow is wbc count day for me.  I so hope I get the" yes, you can stay at work" comment from doc.  Right now I feel quite well, occasional nausia but mitigated with comprazine and atavan for nightime.  I was actually bothered by a deer walking on our porch , trying to get the bird seeds.  It had already eaten the seeds out of the bird feeder.  Of course, at 4am I couldn't sleep, and I didn't want to have to take another atavan, so I cleaned off my desk!.. That tired me out real fast!Wink

    Lisa, Berkeley and anyone else , those hot flashes are something else.  Layered clothes truly helps.  I only get occasional sidelong glances from one of the teachers I team teach with.  He loves his classroom to be very hot and man, I get so red in the face, adn then I start to sweat!  Lovely!  The teens just love me! Surprisingly, they still want to hug me....

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  • rsben70
    rsben70 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2009

    hi all hope everyone is well

    hope tx went well renrel with no se's

    may have to call onc think my platlets may be dropping having a few nose bleeds, nothing major but my hubby is freaking about it.

    i was having a few hot flashes before but now OMG! wake up in a puddle

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  • mamasarah
    mamasarah Member Posts: 23
    edited January 2009

    Hello All -

    My sympathies on the hot flashes.  I am a hot flash survivor and what became a lifesaver for me was one of these little Chinese folding fans.  I carried it with me everywhere.  It's a portable air conditioner!

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  • KM47
    KM47 Member Posts: 65
    edited January 2009

    Hey there everyone.

    Jess - good to hear from you. Good luck with the WBC. I'll have my fingers crossed for you.

    It's interesting how so many of you get neulasta. That has not even been mentioned to me as an option here in NZ. It's certainly not given as a matter of course but maybe it'll be mentioned if my WBC is too low for the next treatment.

    My next thing for me is an ECG (MUGA) scan on Jan 30. This is to get a baseline of my heart and will be done every three months while I'm having chemo and then Herceptin. Has anyone else had one of these? Then there's my portacath going in on Feb 3. I'll be pleased to be able to avoid needles with the port but am very, very nervous about the procedure itself and how it'll feel afterwards. However, I'm going to be on Herceptin for a year so I know it makes sense to get one.

    Today is a week since my first treatment (on FEC) and I still feel okay. Have managed to avoid nausea with the exception of one morning when my mouthwash (Biotene) made me gag briefly! (BerkleyKim, I can understand your nausea feelings around the chemo bag and your thermos - I get the same feeling just looking at the bottle Biotene!). I'm so sick of the taste of it already. Other than that, I've been tired and have had some stomach issues (constipation and then diarrhoea) but nothing too dramatic. I spoke to my oncologist about the back pain and she reassured me it was nothing to worry about.

    Lisalisa, hope the hot flashes are lessening. I have those to look forward to next year when I start hormone treatment. A friend of mine prefers to call her hot flashes power surges! Will get one of those fans you suggest mamasarah, for when I start to surge next year.

    Am loving my shorter haircut - it's a shame it will start to disappear in another two or three weeks.  Some lovely new turbans and scarves ordered arrived yesterday - I have enough now to start a scarf shop! Note to self: stop visiting online scarf stores!

    Have signed up for a workshop called Look Good Feel Better. I think it's an international thing so you probably have them in the US. It's basically a free service for women with cancer - you basically learn how to deal with appearance-related changes (ie dry skin, drawing in eyebrows etc!). It seems very superficial to even think about something like this, but I've heard good things about it and I have no idea how to draw an eyebrow so I figured why not!

    I hope everyone is dealing with the SEs okay as they read this. I'm thinking of you from the other side of the world.

    K.

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  • jillyG
    jillyG Member Posts: 401
    edited January 2009

    Day 15 after first AC and I took my shower this morning and there it went.......lots and lots of little hairs.  My hands were full of them.  I shaved it down short a while back so the little hairs were probably less annoying than my shoulder length hair would have been. 

    Went to the doc today, have a cough that never got better, had it before tx 1 and still have it.  He put me on antibiotics for 5 days.  I called the cancer clinic and they said it shouldn't delay treatment on Monday because I will have been on them long enough by then.  Glad I went and had the cough checked out. 

    So, AC #2 on Monday, not looking forward to being unwell again, I have felt so good this week.  I think I may ask to have some antinausea meds in my IV for an extra since I got sick a few hours after chemo last time.  I am on Zofran and Decadron and then an every 4 hours one as well. 

     Have a great night ladies,

    Jill

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  • holtbolt
    holtbolt Member Posts: 625
    edited January 2009

    Jilly... despite the hair loss and cough... sounds like you are doing pretty well... did they give you a prescription for Emend (anti-nausea) day before, day of and day after chemo?  I had my first tx yesterday and I'm doing well, no nausea.(knock on wood).. I'm giving Emend credit... I requested it after stuff I read in here about how great it was... I also got stuff in my IV and I have another prescription for something else that I haven't taken yet... but when I had my treatment they told me Emend was the cadillac of anti-nausea meds.. she told me it's $600 for a 3 pack.  With my insurance I paid $45.... in my mind, well worth it.  Hope you all have a great, peaceful night!

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  • blackmailtx
    blackmailtx Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2009

    Holtbolt - it looks as though you and I are on the same schedule. I had my 1st treatment yesterday (A/C) and had my Neulasta shot today. Everything went flawlessly in through my power port and I am becoming more used to this little 'alien being' living in my chest. Last night I felt a bit light headed and held off a mild headache...no nausea that couldn't be controlled with a few crackers. I'm kind of waitng for the shoe to drop in 24 hrs or so with Neulasta SE's - how about you?

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  • Renrel
    Renrel Member Posts: 497
    edited January 2009

    I just got back from my first tx with T/C and it went fine.  Did the blood work, met with my doctor for about 45 minutes, did a teach with the nurse then up to infusion.  They gave me two bags of saline while waiting for the pharmacy to have my drugs ready.  They brought around lunch.  I was too late for accupunture or massage but signed up for next time.  There were too many interuptions or noices from this or that to really make use of my books, Ipod, tv or tv.  Next time I think I will go alone so I don't have to worry about my companion.  DH came along this time and he was more antzy then me. For some reason I have been weirdly calm about all this.  Maybe it is haveing read how for most of you the infusion was easy and that for many side effects have been minimal. The only issue I had during infusion was a slight sinus headache from the C drug.  Some Tylenol took care of that.  DH went and got my son and brough him to the hospital for the last 1/2 hour of treatment so that he could see what it was all about. He liked the tv and the popcycle.  So far I am doing well.  I feel a bit of dry mouth and my tummy and bowel feel slightly off, but they have been a bit off for a few days. Sort of gasy and bloated.  Tomorrow if I am still feeling well we have an appointment to take a pictures at a studio with my son and parents. It is a b-day present for my Dad.

    Alo123- I hope you did well today as well. 

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  • kt57
    kt57 Member Posts: 425
    edited January 2009

    Hi All - I've been to hot flash hell and back....lasted about 4 years for me.  Always got them worse at night, always disrupted my sleep.  Chronic sleep deprivation really took it's toll - felt like I was losing my mind.   Took effexor for about a year and  a half... at which point it stopped working for me and I didn't wanted to keep  increasing the dose.  decided to start Prempro - took it for one year - it worked, but had to stop when my biopsy came back positive for IDC.  Been in natural menopause for about year and half - thankfully, flashes are only mild now.  Wearing layers and drinking ice water helped me.   Had a thermos of ice water at my bedside for those night flashes.

    Thanks for your info on 4 vs 6 cycles of TC. 

    I start my steroids tomorrow and gear up for TC # 2 if my WBCs are high enough - they are, I can just tell!   Good to hear from you mimi07 - I'll be thinking about you Friday -- you too AZStacy08 - hope your hubbie is doing better with all this. eadsla - are you on for this week, too? Jan 2 Jewels - we're soon to have another one in the rearview mirror.

    Hope all of you on the first round have little or no SE.  As you can see here, if you do, you recover pretty quickly.   Hang in there.

    Hey, been thinking about our Irish Jewel with the new baby one week and chemo the next. You probably don't have a spare minute, but if you do check in, I hope you are well.

      

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  • BevR
    BevR Member Posts: 101
    edited January 2009

    Day 7 after first tx and everything is still going well, minimal SEs, a little fatigue--feel a little weird but nothing I haven't been able to handle. Blood work tomorrow, it'll be interesting to see the WBC. Good to hear most of you are doing well.....HANG IN THERE EVERYONE!

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  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited January 2009

    Hi all:

    Sounds like we're pretty much dealing with what's being dealt to us--your courage is so inspiring to me in my down moments. I go in to get my blood counts  checked tomorrow. Will probably need a shot of neupogen, since the neulasta kicked in too late last time. 

    KM47-you asked about Muga Scan. I had one done. I was told I shouldn't eat for a certain period before the test (can't remember how long). The tech injects some radioactive dye, then you sit for awhile while it circulates to your heart, then you lie down on a table with the machine over your chest area for about 20-30 minutes.  

    I know what you mean about the alternating bowel issues. Gads--now I guess I'll lay off the stool softeners and keep the imodium next to my bed.

    Good to hear from everyone--I enjoy reading all the posts and staying connected. The challenges of this are all so huge for me, and it really helps to hear from everyone.

    Well, gonna lie down for a bit before LOST!!!

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  • Alo123
    Alo123 Member Posts: 308
    edited January 2009

    What great news for this weeks women!!!  I have to say I am the same as Holtbolt and Renrel with the T/C today....peice of cake!!!  I am going to take my antinausea med as a precaution and roids and Ambiem and plan to sllep like a baby!!! 

    Holtbolt....thanks for the email while I was in the chair...my DH got a kick out of it!!!!  Keep me posted tomorrow!

    Bev...glad to hear SE are mild....that's what I am hoping for!

    Good luck tomorrw Kim..

    Blackmail..shot for me tomorrw too!!  A bit worried too!

    All other gals....thanks for sharing....must go to bed now!!!!

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  • Renrel
    Renrel Member Posts: 497
    edited January 2009

    Alo - Glad your day went well too.  Hope today is the same.

    Berkelykim  and Bev- good luck with the blood counts today.

    Irish Gem- I too am thinking about you and your little one.  Wishing you both well.  

    I slept fine last night other then getting up for peeing. Feeling fine today.  I took some miralax last night and some probiotic along with my decodron and avitan.  Feeling a bit less backed up and gassy this morning.  I also used the biotene products last night and am not noticed the dry mouth so much. I also have another natural none alchol mouthwash called Natural dentist Healthy Gums which I got at whole foods for $10 prior to this to help with some mouth sores I got either as an alergic reaction to a sulfer drug or oral hepies, or of unknown reason maybe stress from finding out about the cancer.  Each doc or dentist had a different reason and none did a culture.  In any case they were really really bad, on my tougne, lip and gums.  This stuff seemed to help a bit and it has a nice orange taste.  So I will try it on the cancer stuff as well.

    I think I forgot to mention that my scan came back negative for any cancer related stuff. YEAH.  Just signs of an inflamed tooth and some old and minor lungs scars, maybe from some asthma or broncotic along the way.  I also wore my Jacki, a special jacket that allows access to all the ports and veins and allows you to feel more dignified than a Johney.  You can get them free at many hospitial bouques or shops throught grants but the cost about $50 I think.  They look like they have buttons down the arms but each button really has a velcro patch under it so it is really easy to open and shut. There is one button on the shoulder that allow it to be openned for port access.  And there are two buttons on the front for easy access for an exam. The nurse were really impressed with it. No trouble with rolling up tight sleaves or anything to work on my arm.

    I need to go get ready for a family photo shoot now. I may post later witjh some infor about wny my doc recommends the treament he did for me.  Hope everyone has a easy SE absent day.

    Hotbolt -  a PM on your drug routine would be interesting for comparision. thank you for the offer.

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  • holtbolt
    holtbolt Member Posts: 625
    edited January 2009

    blackmailtx, renrel, alo - looks like we are very close here on timing...  sounds like we are all doing well at the moment thankfully.  I feel like I'm waiting for stuff to happen to me all the time.. but so far, everything has been manageable.  First tx went great, Neulasta shot went fine... although last evening I felt a heaviness in my chest a little and my heart raced a couple times... that scared me a little but who knows that could be from the steroids?  Anyway... had mild achiness from the shot... not enough so far to take anything... and my mouth feels weird, dry (cotton mouth)... I started rinsing with the Biotine mouthwash...food still tastes the same though so... thankful for that and no nausea.

    alo - I was so glad to hear your progress throughout the day... I was pullin for ya... good job!!  I tried to watch the whole premiere of Lost but dozed off... so I have the last hour to watch tonight... btw... what's the weather like there now?  I wish I could recoop in a warm climate... LUCKY!!

    I hope everyone has a day with little to no SE's... I'm determined to just go about my regular day and accomplish as much as I can and start a log so I know what to expect on the next round...Renrel, I'll PM my drug list... 

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  • YearoftheHat
    YearoftheHat Member Posts: 243
    edited January 2009

    Hi Ladies.  I check in so little.  Sounds like people are positive and doing OK.  My hair started falling out this morning.  It's another shock.  My brother is visiting.  When he wakes up I'll let him know what's going on then I'll shave it off.  I had just one chemo so far, adriamycin and cytoxan.  I will have three more of those then 12 Taxol.  After the first few days I felt OK.  Now I'm just a little dizzy and tired.  Hope everyone is having a good day.  Yikes, no hair just like they said.  

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  • blackmailtx
    blackmailtx Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2009

    Hi all- Neulasta shot yesterday and no SE's yet. I am waiting:) Otherwise, still just mild headache - and eating crackers when I feel a bit nauseated, kind of like being pregnant:)  Keeping well hydrated and 'regular' thanks to Senekot.

    Year of the Hat- I, too, had my 1st A/C and feel dizzy & tired. 3 more then 4 T.

    Alo, Renrel, & Holtbolt- all sounds okay. Let's hold out for only mild SE's...I can't use Biotene because i have an allergic reaction to Aloe. I'm doing the salt/baking soda regimen.

    Family photos on Saturday then the waist length hair comes off next week...before it starts falling out. Yikes, pls post scarf, turban sites if anyone has good recommendations.

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  • carlajane
    carlajane Member Posts: 23
    edited January 2009

    hello ladies...have a hard time keeping up with everyone...this is day 9 follow first AC and i got sick last night for the first time...don't know what that was all about...today i'm feeling really tired...wondering if counts are dropping...want to just rest on the sofa and think i will...i'm on leave from my teaching job and it feels strange to rest!...my head is getting all these red bumps on it...yesterday i cut my long hair to about 1/2 inch all over...i look like a porcupine....i've had a few scarves and hats come in but feel too tired to try them on...somedays i feel really focused and strong and others i feel like this is a bad dream....think i'll take a nap...biotene is working for me...no mouth sores!!!...and i've drank so much water i think i've avoided UTI...does this get worse as it goes along????

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  • ddlatt
    ddlatt Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2009

    km49 - had my MUGA 2 weeks before chemo began. i have a photo of it and description of the experience at http://ddlatt.blogspot.com/search/label/MUGA heart scan. there's really nothing to it. they take some of your blood, you wait half an hour or so, they re-inject the blood and then you lay flat on a table while the machine scans your heart in ten-minute increments for thirty minutes. i felt no pain and wasn't claustrophobic. be sure to drink a lot of fluid after the procedure to flush out the dye. i was  told i could eat anything beforehand, no restriction on that.

    jillyG- i am also having AC. the zofran made me very sick the first night of chemo - it was in the infusion bag and also i took one zofran pill at night. threw it up. had a headache from hell all night. my med onc changed my pills to kytril the next day and i haven't had one side effect since. he's going to have kytril in the infusion bag from now on instead of zofran. 

    blackmailtx - i took claritin 2 hours before my first neulasta shot, and the evening of, and twice a day for one week after. never felt any side effects of the neulasta!  my med onc said to take claritin, not claritin D, twice/day for one week after shot.

    it's day 8 after chemo for me and apart from that first night, i've had no side effects and really feel terrific. am walking a mile a day, still have appetite, no taste changes, no fatigue, nothing. my next chemo is next wednesday.

    went to the "look good, feel better" american cancer society group last night - met a woman in her sixties who is on her second round of TC and she has had no side effects at all from day one.

    i think today or tomorrow my son is buzzing my hair!

    hope it's a good weekend for everyone -  xoxo

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