Starting Chemo February 2009?

susan13 · February 2009

Hi Ladies,

Glad to see everyone is doing ok! I'm back to feeling "normal"... doesn't seem right for some reason... and I guess I shouldn't jinx it Wink And I have no idea how I lost my Avitar, and I can't get it back up?!?

Good thoughts to everyone!
Sue

sue50 · February 2009

Hi Webwriter,

Please count me into the Furies! You guys are terrific!

My schedule started 1/29: AC x 4 dd then Taxol x 4 dd

I second Apple's suggestion of V8 juice. I always hated it as a kid...but now I just can't get enough V8. Don't even need chocolate....just gimme more V8.

Using salt water rinses/gargles for mouth/throat sores, seems to work ok.

My doc at Dana Farber (Boston) gave me a strict schedule for 4 days of anti nausea meds (take 'em whether you feel bad or not) and told me I was not allowed to puke since I'm a long distance patient. (Maine) So far I got a Pass in Not Puking. (it's a pass/fail class)

Cheers,

Sue

Mom_of_boys · February 2009

AGAIN... y'all are such an inspiration for me! I'm particularly thankful for the suggestions on taking the anti-nausea meds... I can definitely see myself as one of those not taking it if I feel okay.

I found on another thread a program called "Look Good.. Feel Better". They have nationwide programs that help with hair loss, makeup tricks, etc. Best part -- the programs (small groups only) are FREE and they give you FREE products.

http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org/

gcpommom · February 2009

Hi everyone.

Well, I had my first AC on Tuesday, and have been pretty much wiped out ever since! I thought I had a few days before side effects kick in. They gave me compazine for nausea, which I didn't take right away (since my DD has terrible side effects from it so I was scared). so I was really sick on Wed, but by Wed night I took it, and it has been working. My main se's are feeling like I can barely walk around without getting exhausted, slight body aches, and headaches. I guess it could be worse, but it is keeping me from going to work, which I didn't expect. Oh, and if I move around too much, my heart races.

One thing that surprised me is that the steroids haven't kept me awake at all....I've been sleeping like crazy! I need extra energy, so I was bummed at how tired I am, like the flu as others have mentioned.

So, I am hoping that the next round goes better??? Not sure about that, but with DH laid off, i need to go to work.

By the way, the actual infusion and night of infusion went fine. It took 7 hours because they drew blood,, then had appt with onc, then a 'class' with nurse, then another class at the 'skills lab', then on to infusion. Next visits should be much quicker.

Mom_of_boys · February 2009

gcpommom - So very, very sorry to hear about your SEs. Have you talked to your doctor about the heart racing?

I KNOW it adds to the stress knowing you have to go back to work... and, I'm certain that stresses your DH as well. I'll say an extra prayer for your DH that he finds employment soon.

MicheleS and DoubleMammyWhammy... Good thoughts headed your way today.

susan13 · February 2009

gcpommom,

It sounds like you are dehydrated. I had the same symptoms. Everything I did from getting out of bed to answering the phone, going to pee, anything.. got me out of breath and my heart racing and I had a pounding headache. All signs of dehydration. You need to chug down some fluids and alot of them! Anything, water, gartorade, hot tea, just nothing caffeinated. And you have to keep it up every day during treatment, as hard has it may be. One way to see if you are dehyrated is to notice the color of your urine. If it's yellow... you need to drink drink drink!

Drink up and feel better!

Sue

p.s. Still having problems with my avitar. For some reason the one of my face on Dolly Parton's body worked... go figure!

Bethie1 · February 2009

Hey gang! Bethie's back.!! I'm home at my house, but my 1st chemo couldn't happen yesterday as planned. Turns out the doctor, although wonderful and explained everything to me put the wrong size port in. The infusion team poked, and prodded me with about 4 different needles before decide\ing to have me go to x-ray. The port was lopsided, so tomorrow 2/6 I go for an outpatient procedure to have correct size port in. It shouldn't have happened, but dr. said one week missed isn't going to "damage" any future progress because it'll be an aggressive form of chemo..The were gungho on telling me stage because of the fact that they're more concerned about how aggressive the cancer is. I need chemo for 8 sessions then 6 weeks radiation. Feb 11 is 1st chemo!!

Bethie1 · February 2009

Hey gang! Bethie's back.!! I'm home at my house, but my 1st chemo couldn't happen yesterday as planned. Turns out the doctor, although wonderful and explained everything to me put the wrong size port in. The infusion team poked, and prodded me with about 4 different needles before decide\ing to have me go to x-ray. The port was lopsided, so tomorrow 2/6 I go for an outpatient procedure to have correct size port in. It shouldn't have happened, but dr. said one week missed isn't going to "damage" any future progress because it'll be an aggressive form of chemo..They weren't gungho on telling me stage because of the fact that they're more concerned about how aggressive the cancer is. I need chemo for 8 sessions then 6 weeks radiation

Grace4me · February 2009

Hi all!

Grace4me · February 2009

Good evening all. Last night about 10.00 I got one awful headache, then the nausea. took composine and pecocet and that seemed to help, until about 2:30 this am. I still got up at 5:30 am and went to work for half a day, I had to leave at noon to get my Neulesta shot. My stomach and headache is better tonight but I am still very achy. I am trying the Clariten D so hopefully will not get the bone pain.

I hope everyone is doing well and thank you all for your prayers and kind words. We are going to get through this and next year this will be a distant nightmare.

guess what, i got the new job so my insurance will still be intact(thank God), they want to do a physical and drug test on me next month!! Ha! Ha! may need bailed out of jail when that returns.

kelty · February 2009

Anyone with toddlers at home? I'm not sure if I can keep the germs away during chemo. It's so cold today and my 3 yr old starts to have running nose.

Anonymous · February 2009

grace, glad to see you and hear everything's going smoothly. yay on the new jobbie & the insurance ... that must be a load off!

bethie, that sucks about the port. i too had port issues, but they finally got it in. woof, did it hurt tho!

twillNW, glad to hear all went well with you too. i too get tired late afternoons, so so far my tiredness isn't anything weird. it was LOVELY getting a good night's sleep without my ativan ... i've been so dependent on it ... since i was diagnosed.

kerrymac, i'm with you on the "hangover" feeling. that's how i described it to my nurse this morning. i'm so not into buzzing my head when it's time - and my Wig Angel counseled against it. she suggested that i could blend any strands with my wig, especially if they're close to the sides ... but i would imagine seeing straggles of hair are much worse. i imagine that's when my next breakdown will come, the hair loss week. ugh. (and i happen to think you are tres adorable, and i'm a fellow cancer girl, so you can trust me!)

gcpommom, so sorry to hear about your aches and the heart racing. might be worth a call to the doc.

welcome, sue50 ... had to giggle at the pass/fail!

susan13, don't knock the normal ... accept the good! and thanks for the reminder about yellow pee ... i haven't been doing the fluids well today ... my bad.

i too am taking all my meds, since i can't really tell what's "typical" nausea (ie: not eating frequently enough) and "chemo" nausea. just took a zofran now, even tho i'm about to eat dinner. that's what the pills are for. i am not a good martyr. at all.

so far, my only real issue is not poo-ing since monday (and now the senokot cramps are happening, which isn't helping the nausea). and getting mildly uncomfortably wired from the 'roids, so i can't figure out when i should take them. but nothing i can't handle. even went into work for a few hours after my neulesta shot this morning.

i wish i could get rid of this feeling of "waiting for the other shoe to drop". my nurses & the doc are so laid back ... no classes, no precautions ... i wish i could just be patient and take it one day at a time, see how i react.

i've already pleaded chemo brain at work ... hee!

thinking all good thoughts for micheleS, doubleMammyWhammy & marlomom ... and (((everyone))) else, of course.

and a special hug for (((webwriter))) for starting this thread ... you are all such a comfort ... altho it saddens me also that so many of us are in this rocky boat. but "doable" is already a reality for me, mainly because of you guys. (eeep! hope i haven't just jinxed myself!)

csbsk123 · February 2009

Well I survived my first infusion of TC herceptin, but what a long day. I started at 8:15 and left at 3:15. Thankfully no bad side effects except the steroid keeps me wound tight and I only nod on and off during the night. The first night I was suppose to urinate every 2-4 hours to prevent a possible bladder infection from the cytoxan. Since I was up every hour anyway that was not a problem. I figured watered down cranberry juice would help ward off a bladder infection. I got my neulesta shot today. I asked my onc about the claritan D and he had never heard of it either. I guess I'll see what happens first and give it a try if needed. He said I could be his first test case on the effect. I'm not very hungry so keeping the diet light. Thanks for all your support and I pray for all of us to keep our spirits high and definitely thanks for those supportive hubbies and kids!

living4today · February 2009

Lisa 810, I had to giggle about the chemo brain...I've used that excuse twice this week and I don't even start chemo until next Wed. The first time I had sent out a reminder where ladies lunch was on Tuesday and told everyone the wrong location. The next day I was supposed to drop off my daughter at school and forgot, until after I was all ready at my work...too bad it wasn't take your daughter to work day!

Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences. It still sucks and is still scaary, but there is great comfort knowing others are sharing. By the way I got a call on Tuesday that a really good friend was just dx with BC, so spent a few hours this afternoon sharing my journey with her. My heart is just so saddened that so many wonderful women are joining this sisterhood.

Thanks everyone! You all rock!!

Kim

apple · February 2009

it is becoming more and more apparent as i go thru my treatments and read your posts, that infusion centers and chemo treatment centers are so mainstream.

so run of the mill. ..so very consistent.

many women get the same infusions ( 4X AC then 4XT with shots of neulastra, steroids and nausea meds ....... different treatments for more or less aggressive cancers.. In the first appointment, one sees the nurse who draws blood and takes the blood pressure and you see the doctor. the onc. they give out hoaky diplomas and clap when the girls finish.

it is not all that bad. chemo KILLS cancer and they really know how to make us feel good. all across America there are infusion centers with girls tethered to tubes with flowing chemicals.. talking to other girls who have had their breasts cut off or will have them cut ... who will lie, or have lain meekly under radiation machines time after time .. who may take more drugs for life... who actually pee in pink.

my nurses ask me if i want a pillow or blanket as if I'm a queen. there are snacks in the cabinet. there is candy on the counter.

we are like mice in a cancer factory.

Mom_of_boys · February 2009

Bethie1 - WOW on the wrong size port! I would be very disappointed if I didn't start chemo the day I'm supposed to; however, you sound extremely forgiving about it.

Grace4me - Hope you sleep better tonight... AND, thank God as well on your insurance!

Kelty - Sorry, no toddlers for me... just college-aged "boys".

csbsk123 - Thanks for the tip on the watered down cranberry juice... my onc mentioned about the potential bladder infections as well.

lisa810 - Count me in on the chemo brain. My mind is filled to the max right now!

apple - Thanks for the reminder that chemo does KILL cancer.

I went to my chemo class with my mom and oldest son today. To be perfectly honest, I didn't learn a whole lot that you ladies hadn't already told me. I also got my stitches out from my lumpectomy/SNB/port placement surgery. AND... I went and got my hair cut AND found a PERFECT wig.

KerryMac · February 2009

Good morning everyone. i am off for round #2 in a couple of hours. feeling good about it, one step closer to the end, eh.

Kelty - hey there, I have two small kids as well - 3 and 5. Both had colds last week, those green snot, sneezy colds where I was ducking for cover every time they looked at me. I am terrified of getting sick. No great advice - except for hand washing. We have set up a bottle of hand sanitiser inside our front door like they have at the hospitals, and everyone that comes in has to squirt! So far it has worked..... We have also stopped going to Playgroups/Library classes, anywhere there are loads of kids and loads of germs. My daughter is in Kindergarten, so no avaoiding everything.

Lisa - thanks for the nice words on the hair! It has started falling out in great chunks, so I am glad I buzzed it when I did. Actually, it is really freeing once you have done it - I was really upset just before, really didn't want to do it, but once it was done and the world didn't end I felt fine. My husband actually prefers to see me without a hat or scarf on, he says I look more like me. Hope you have a satisfying Poo soon - I'm going to keep right on top of it this time.

Apple - I loved your post - mice in a cancer factory, that is great! Actually, the Surgeon more or less told us when she referred me to the Onc, that there is a standard protocol of treatment, and most Onc's would give you the exact same treatment. I knew what chemo I would probably get before we even saw her!! But you are so right - if the drugs are killing our hair cells (or whatever it does...) they are also killing any errant cancer cells. It is a good thing, and hopefully means the drugs are working. I keep thinking I can get through all this crap easier if I think of all the good it is doing me. It is just harder to focus on the good when you are feeling so crappy....

Anyhow, good luck for anyone who is up today. Anyone who has been this week, hope your weekends find you feeling better and anyone who is starting next week try and enjoy the weekend without worrying too much.

MicheleS · February 2009

Hi every one, I have enjoyed reading your posts. I wish I could "meet" you all in person!

I had my 1st AC + avastin yesterday. The actual infusion went well; port was fine. I was done at 4pm. I had Aloxi in my IV for nausea but was still nauseasted by 5pm. I took my 1st zofran then. By 9:30 I had the dry heaves. I used my transderman phenergan. I started vomitting a couple of hrs later. Cry Finally a break... more transdermal phenergan and another zofran. I felt OK for a short time but the nausea returned in full-force... At 2am I took one of my 2 emends. THAT helped. I still have a queasy feeling but not the INTENSE nausea... I can't even describe it... I had hyperemesis for 2 of my 3 PG's so I know puking/nausea that is debilitating but this was far worse. I even remember thinking that dying of BC wouldn't be so bad as long as I didn't have to go through that again...<sigh>

I can't have another emend for 24 hrs... but zofran every 8 and phenergan (oral or transdermal) every 4. I *may* go in to work today for a few hrs later if the nausea stays caged... we'll see.

Prayers to all of you. Sometimes I feel like I just can't do this and then I come here and realize that I'm not alone.

Michele

apple · February 2009

oh Michele and Webwriter

I am so sorry you (and any of you others are having nausea). I've been so lucky. I did have twinges of nausea yesterday... really just a bit of heartburn, but it made me remember what i ate to avoid it on my first round of treatment.

I'd microwave a 1/2 cup of oatmeal in just a bit of water (1/4 cup? or less)... i would just take a bite of that every now and then.. sometimes i'd add dried apricots or peaches cut into bits. it really seemed to help. seems i lived on oatmeal the day or so after treatment.. just a small amount that day.

I was given prochlorperazine for nausea which i only took the first time. i was so afraid of stomach discomfort.. i can't imagine anything worse right now.

i hope you all feel better.

susan13 · February 2009

Sorry ladies for those who are getting sick. It's not fun. Keep up the fluids and make sure you tell your onc. once you start to throw up. Cause as been said before, we really shouldn't be throwing up during chemo. Meds should prevent that.

Kelty-I have a 2 year old. She's in a daycare/preschool with tons of other kids so yeah there's germs floating around all the time. Just so happens she caught a cold days before my 1st chemo last week. And low and behold now I have it, but so far it's not that bad. A little bit of a cough and runny nose. When I had my treatments last year I was able to stay clear of anything she caught, even the stomach flu! I washed my hands constantly with an antibacterial soap and then used Purell right after. I was diligent about it, almost obsessed! Keep his/her runny nose clear. Don't touch your eyes or mouth before washing your hands. Well that's the best advise I can give right now!

Oh... my eyelashes seem to be falling out already!?!?! ugg.

Sue

Mom_of_boys · February 2009

KerryMac - Good luck today... I'll be thinking of you. Love the "eh" in your post. We have several relatives in Canada so I'm very accustomed to the "eh".

MicheleS - I am soooo very sorry. I certainly hope you start feeling better as in TODAY... this HOUR.

otter · February 2009

(This is otter, butting in again...)

Has anyone heard from Webbie? She hasn't logged in since Wednesday, and she was feeling poorly then.

otter, signing out.

Britt · February 2009

Hi, Otter -

I last heard from Webbie on Wednesday in a response to my PM to her and she was still not feeling very well - lots of nausea and lots of sleeping. I am going to check in with her again.

If I hear anything, I will keep you all posted -

Maria (who will most likely start chemo in March - "March Madness Chemo Warriors"

webwriter · February 2009

You are all entirely too sweet to be worrying about me. I'm okay. We had a minor crisis at our house and I'm left without many resources for a few days. Auntie A's 14 year old daughter has been admitted to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy...which they subsequently couldn't find. It took days to find a small hernia behind her appendix. She's having surgery at noon today. No help with my three year old and a gazillion appointments (I'm still rehabbing a shoulder surgery from 11/20) have wiped me totally out.

Back on phenegren and it seems to be holding the line. Apple is right. (About the Cancer Factory too!) Very small, very light meals seem to be the key. Essentially I'm eating 6 or 8 healthy snacks a day and pounding water like it's a gold rush. A few bites at a time, and I haven't puked since that last round. Chemopuke is SO weird! MicheleS, I know JUST what you mean!

Bethie1 OUCH! How horrible! I'm so glad they got that straight, literally, and that you are okay.

gpcommom, yeah. Exhausted. I was/am the opposite of you tho. The decadron kept me so high and bouncing off the walls for a few days I thought that it would be a breeze. Frustrating for lack of focus, but a breeze. Then I crashed and haven't stopped. I feel pretty good for about 5 or six hours, during which, of course, I try to catch up with my life. Which of course, just makes me burn out faster. Which of course, makes the exhaustion worse. Which of course, makes me crash--HARD. I am just waking up fromm a 14 hour nap in fact.

I have to go down and get my kid from hubster's work, and get her to Acrobat class. He'll be coming home early, I am sure, but I will have her on my own for about 5 hours. After which, there is no doubt in my mind that I will crash and sleep again.

I'm sorry I've been so bad about keeping up. Thanx for the note Britt-- I was going to head for the shower and try to check in here later. Probably wouldn't have worked well, haha!

Now I really do need to go, but please try not to worry. Auntie A will be back on Monday and hopefully I'll be on the "other side" of the wall for a few days before my next round on Thursday. If I ain't here, I'm asleep! haha!

Love you all! Hang in there! It's no picnic, but it IS Doable!!!

Britt · February 2009

Webbie -

Whoa! What a week! Hope Auntie A's daughter will be ok. Glad to hear you are ok, albeit wiped out!

Looking forward to your usual effervescent input on Monday -

Xena

swest · February 2009

Michele,

I am from the Decemer 2008 chemo girls. Please, Please call you onc.! You should not be throwing up at all. Ask for Kytril. It works for me very well. I hope you get feeling well soon!

Sonia

sue50 · February 2009

Sorry for you ladies who are so sick!! I was given the Emend, Zofran and Decadron by the nurse just before injecting the AC. I wonder if earlier meds via your nurse would have helped anyone. I was also given Ativan which is supposedly a happy pill but it seemed to take the edge off the nausea as well those first few days.

Moms with younger kids: I have an 11 year old but this time of year his school is like Disney for Germs. He was croupy all last week and also the week of my surgery in Jan.. We have been doing Elbow Kisses (touch elbows and smack lips loudly from a distance) and so far so good.

Loved the Cancer Factory Mice comments: maybe they will put in exercise wheels for us someday!

Mom_of_boys · February 2009

Thanks for the update, WebWriter... I truly hope you feel better SOON!

Question for you all... especially since this is flu season...

Do you have an air purifier in your home or at your workplace? If so, what kind?

MicheleS · February 2009

Sonia~ I just called my MD in tears over last night and he said that next time he's going to give me Emend in the IV, a Kytril patch, and Emend PO for 2 days. Plus Ativan IV and PO for the "anticipatory nausea" and fear of it happening again. Does that sound better??

Webbie~ My best friend's mom is getting TC and days 5 and 6 are her worst. So another data point for you.

For all of the moms with young kids~ My 13 yr old is currently sick and is leaving snotty tissues all around. <grumble> My other 2 are 10 and 3 so there's not escape from the germs.

I went into work for a couple of hours but am regreting it. I need to go get my Neulasta shot relatively soon so I think I'm just going to go home after that.

Michele

lovemyfamilysomuch · February 2009

kmend and carol, i feel the same way you all do, side effects last so long and are so severe working is out of the question.

Starting Chemo February 2009?

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