Starting Chemo February 2009?

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited February 2009

    i bought the best book at a used store today.   (10 bucks)

    "The Belles Heu'res of Jean Duke of Berry"

    I collect iconic, medieval religious art and put it in little gold painted antique frames and regularly look for reproductions of icons, etc.

    This book is so cool.

    3 brothers painted these miniatures; bible scenes, saints, beheadings, to illuminate this prayer book that was regularly prayed (3 X daily perhaps) in a cloister in France in about 1400 AD.   This is a reproduction of the book with commentary on each miniatures as well as a historical introduction.. The pictures have gold leaf, fancy french calligraphy in fanciful curlique-ish borders. 

    This era seems obsessed with beheadings.. there are at least 12 pictures of saints being beheaded....a head rests on the ground, blood is flowing from the necks,  a huge curved sword swings high, the saint wears a gorgeous gown and has long flowing hair.    I'm thinking I should  make a little framed selection of the beheadings... maybe sell them on ebay or something.

    To tell you the truth, i cannot wait until chemo tomorrow.   This is the first time i've looked forward to going.  This is my 11th chemo session overall.

    the taxol/avastin is not treating me too badly.. just aches, pains and general discontent.

    best of good feelings everyone.

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  • living4today
    living4today Member Posts: 215
    edited February 2009

    Questions for anyone getting Aloxia as a premed?  I had my first tx of A/C today with premed of Aloxia and steroids.  Don't mean to be vulgar but my urine was pink before I even left infusion center.  Have had intermittant nausea today and eating really bland and small amts of food...drinking lots of water.  The thing that is bothering most is a horrible head ache, which the doctor said I could get from the Aloxia and I think I read about that some where on this forum, but haven't been able to find what some of the tricks were...I am sorry I don't mean to whine, I am by nature a very positive person and was a little surprised to feel "yucky" so fast, I hate to see what it is going to feel like when I "hit the wall".  Sure hoping I can go to work tomorrow.  Thanks for your help.

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  • dcsige
    dcsige Member Posts: 18
    edited February 2009

    I would love to join up! I had my first chemo yesterday.  I am doing AC dose dense every two weeks for four cycles, and then something else . . .not sure what.  But they said I will have about 6 months of chemo in total before surgery.  I felt really sick yesterday and vomited a couple times, but today has been easy!  Just tired.  I am still able to walk my dog, and while food tasted horrible yesterday and I couldn't eat a thing, today I was able to eat oatmeal and half a hogie sandwhich and some grapes, and all food tastes normal.  Anyway, I just wanted to say that I really appreciate everything you all have written here, and I am looking forward to being part of the group! - Dana

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  • Bethie1
    Bethie1 Member Posts: 393
    edited February 2009

    Hey gang!!! I got through 1st day of chemo, and side effects were mild.  Some dry mouth, very sweaty immediately afterward, and some fatigue 3-4 hours later.  I feel good considering

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  • ConnieG
    ConnieG Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2009

    Living4today,

    Had red urine during treatment, not a big deal.  Water is your best friend.  Also had the headaches.  Learn to put yourself first.  Sleep is the best way to cope with the headaches.  I hope your doctor prescribed Anzemet for the side effects, it works miracles.  Changes in the taste of foods is normal.  If you need to take time from work, do it.  Who is to say you haven't hit the wall already?  This may be as bad as it gets.  Keep the positive attitude.

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  • jancie
    jancie Member Posts: 2,631
    edited February 2009

    Web:

    I finally got a chemo start date!  I start next Wednesday.  Don't have a calendar in front of me so not sure if that is the 18th or 19th??

    The oncologist said I could keep taking my Chantrix throughout chemo but when they start me on Tamoxifen then I can't take it.  No worries, I was only going to to take it for 6 more weeks anyways.

    They are calling to see what my deductible is for Emend.  I heard that one is really expensive but that it also works really well.  I will have to call tomorrow and follow up on that.

    I am just thrilled that I can start another treatment.  Sitting around for 3 weeks has driven me totally nuts! 

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited February 2009

    ConnieG

    that would be pink urine..Smile

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  • dmoore2009
    dmoore2009 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2009

    Hi i am new to this sight I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma on January 30 it is also in my lymp node under my arm.  I have to have a port put in on Wednesday, then start Chemo on Thursday.  Will have surgery following chemo treatments.  Can any one tell me any how bad it is?

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    Welcome dmoore2009! I wish I could stay up with you and answer a zillion questions, but I'm getting #2 in the morning and I've got to sleep tonite while I can. The Decadron will have me zooming tomorrow, so I'm planning my catch up post for then, haha! So, I'm sorry you're here, but glad that you have joined us. Reading over this thread will give you lots of ideas about what to expect and how to cope with it. So far, it hasn't been a joyride for most of us. Some have had more or different side effects (SE's) than others. But we're all making it. I, personally, had a couple of rough days, and am better now. But I may be on a different regimen and schedule than you, so you just never know.

    I guess the bottom line is: Don't panic. It's doable. Some days are better than others. Take them one at a time. Post questions here. Talk to folks that have a similar regimen as you. Let us know how you're doing and most of all, know you can do this. 

    Everybody, I took my notes tonite for a good long catch up post. (Decadron, YAY!) Who was it that said they kept writing them and then was it Jancie who did too and then lost them? Um, yup.l And yup!) I'll hang on to these tho. Really I will. I put them in a SAFE place this time! **where is my cheesy grin chemoticon?**

    Great to read and catch up with everyone tonite. See you tomorrow!

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  • living4today
    living4today Member Posts: 215
    edited February 2009

    Michelle S,

    I was rereading your posts and your concern about a racing heart after tx, did you end up calling your doctor?  Did he have any recommendations.  Since I rcd my first tx yesterday, my heart rate is 120-140's and that is with out any exertion...debating if I should go into work today, or wait until afternoon...I had my nuelesta shot given at same time as chemo..so don't know if that is why everything hit me so hard 2 hrs after tx finished.  Thanks for your input.

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  • ann-idiot
    ann-idiot Member Posts: 128
    edited February 2009

    Just finishing radiation next Tuesday, starting TC every 3 weeks in early March

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  • gcpommom
    gcpommom Member Posts: 883
    edited February 2009

    Well, I think I've turned a corner here.  After going to ER for breathing/racing heart on Tues night., which turned up nothing major, I suddenly just felt better Wed. night.  Breathing got better, heart slowed down, no more nausea!!!  I feel almost normal.  What a relief.  I am so happy.

    To others wondering about the racing heart, I had PSVT before starting chemo (tachycardia), which was pretty much controlled by meds.  I've had that since I was in my 30's.  It seems the chemo is aggrevating that.  So my onc may start giving my chemo one at a time:  A x 4, then C x 4, then T x 4.  He thinks seperating the meds may calm down the effects on my heart rate.  I see my heart doctor on Mon, so I will see if he has seen this reaction before.  I found that xanax helped to slow things down a bit, ativan(sp?) might help as well since it is similar.

    So, I have mega plans to get out of this house today!   Well, after I clean it anyways.  Yeah!  And I have a whole 5 days til next tx, so I plan to use it well.  Thanks to everyone here for listening to me whine and complain, and for the support! 

    Michelle, are you doing any better yet?  I truly hope you are.  This is tough stuff, but hang in there ((hugs)).

    Welcome to all the new gals, I hope your first tx's go well, and you recover quickly!

    Judy

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  • living4today
    living4today Member Posts: 215
    edited February 2009

    Judy,

    I think I goofed and thought it was Michelle with racing heart...sorry--there must be something to 'chemo" brain...sorry to hear about the ER visit...this racey heart stuff is not fun...I have a call into my oncologists, I too had troubles w/tachycardia in past, but always hated the meds, so made some lifestyle changes and haven't really had any issue last few years.  Wanted to go to work today, but will see...thanks for all your help...I too, love your mosiacs!

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited February 2009

    Hi everyone,

    Still throwing up as of yesterday.  But, only a couple of times a day... nothing like that 1st 24 hrs.  Also, my kids have colds and they shared w/ me... So, I'm on antibiotics and the onc says I'll need to be admitted if I get a fever at all.  Thankfully, no fever yet.

    So... I guess the verdict is that I still feel pretty bad but I'm managing to get to work for a few hours each day.

    I wanted to ask ya'll: anyone (other than Judy!) feel out of breath all the time? My heart rate is only mildly elevated...  I also have really, really, really bad heartburn (most likely from the throwing up, etc), anyone else feeling pain, etc from that?

    Glad to see that most of you are doing well with the SE's.  I think of you all every day!!!

    Michele 

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  • ann-idiot
    ann-idiot Member Posts: 128
    edited February 2009

    webwriter, starting chemo March 9, which I realize isn't in Februaury, but hey, I'm late for everything

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2009

    Michele - I am feeling differently with my breathing too - nothing alarming, but almost as if I am slightly out of breath. Also my BP was way down, not sure what that is from. Oh, yeah, all those Chemo drugs!! Hope the antibiotic keep the fever away! Sorry you are still throwing up.

    I really started to feel like I had turned a corner yesterday afternoon, so I am hoping to feel much better by the weekend. The terrible taste that has been bothering me is less - think i will stock up on hard candy for next go round, of course that will my last FEC, after that I am onto Taxatore, so will get a whole raft of new things to figure out!

    Its been raining for two days solid, and we have no snow left at all. At least that makes my life easier! 

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  • kelty
    kelty Member Posts: 80
    edited February 2009

    4th day after the first chemo (AC) treatment: feel much better than yesterday. But food still tastes funny and not much appetite at all.  The constipation problem seems to appear since yesterday.

    Managed to have a 30 mins walk yesterday afternoon, the weather was so nice.

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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited February 2009

    Hey Ladies,

    Just got home from #2 Taxotere. Feel fine, but very drowsy.  I asked my onc. if he can downsize on the steroids so he did.  It minimized down 25% in my IV, and told me to just take 1 pill a day for the next 3 days instead of 2.  So maybe my cleaning frenzy won't be that crazy this weekend!  Also, today I got back my BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene testing results and I'm happy to report they were NEGATIVE!!!!  Now I don't know much about this stuff, but at least I think that I don't have to worry about having my ovaries removed. Also we don't have to worry about my daughter being at an increased risk, just the same risk as the rest of the general population.  So today we got news:-)

    Oh on the racing heart... I had some irregular heartbeats myself last week and it totally freaked me out. Had to take an ativan to calm my down. It lasted abougt 15 minutes and it just didn't feel right.  I called the onc. and he wasn't too concerned, unless it kept happening, which it didn't.  He told me to stop all caffeine and sugar.  Damn... they're taking away from coffee!!! NOOOOOOO!

    Keep strong ladies and please keep drinking all day long!!

    Sue

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2009

    How are you finding the Taxotere?? Any bad side effects? Are you doing FEC-T too??

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  • kat4pink
    kat4pink Member Posts: 63
    edited February 2009

    Hi everyone! I have been lurking on here since my dx back in December and all the information has been great!! I decided that since I will be starting chemo this month, it was time to join in.  I should start next week or the week after.. I am really nervous, but have taken lots of notes from all of your great information and I hope it will get me through this and help me handle the side effects that I hopefully will not get. :-)

    I am from a small town in the Florida panhandle and not looking forward to spending most of my summer doing chemo and radiation.. but it sure beats the alternative!

    I look foward to getting to know you all, and learning from you!

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  • living4today
    living4today Member Posts: 215
    edited February 2009

    Called my onco this morning and she wanted the racing heart checked out, said that is not typical response, I tried some ativan x 2, didn't help, went to Internist and had EKG...rates 130-150...started on another med to lower heart rate just for the chemo days/steroid days...so hope this helps and that maybe i will feel better.  I hate sounding like a whiner..but did want to share the MD news in case others have this issues.

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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited February 2009

    KerryMac,

    So far no bad side effects.  I'm on Emend and Zofran for 3 days for anti-nausea, plus steroids, they keep me going for many days!  I'm only doing Taxotere.  I had already done Adriamycin/Cytoxan/5FU x4 prior to surgery.  So far, knock on wood, taxotere is being much easier on me.

    living4today, Gosh I hope it's nothing serious cause that's a high heart rate. Are you happy with  the doc's follow-up on this?  What chemo drugs are you on??

    Sue

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  • Bethie1
    Bethie1 Member Posts: 393
    edited February 2009

    Hey Diane!!!  Welcome although under unfortunate circumstances, but you're here girl!!  I have IDC with lymph node involvement as well.  I just got through my first round of chemo.  Side effects are different for everyone.  You could have no side effects or the extreme of nausea, vomiting, etc.  You'll get a list of common as well as more severe effects.  I would suggest keep a journal of what side effects you feel, how long they last, the severity of uncomfort/pain, etc, and show your nurses at chemo and your doctors when you follow up with them.  Take care

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2009

    Sue - thanks for that. I have done 2 FEC, got one more to go, then 3 Taxotere. I'm hoping the Taxotere is easier on me!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2009

    MicheleS, i was hoping you'd be feeling better by now. you poor thing you.

    living4today & judy, i hope they can get to the bottom of the racing heart. big hugs to you.

    "So far, knock on wood, taxotere is being much easier on me." thank you for that, susan13. 3 more AC's for me, then i start the tax. (i forgot which 'tax', tho.)

    welcome, kathie. good for you for taking notes.i'm a huge note-taker too. it helps.

    i'm doing pretty ok. the worst things so far are temporary heartburn (yay, zantac 150), irregularity, cystic zits, and fierce chemo brain. seriously thick Fog. i also seem to get lightheaded at the drop of a hat, even tho i'm eating voraciously. the lightheadedness is making me anxious (ie: being afraid to run errands after work, just making a beeline for home; really really not wanting to go to the boy's school concert tonite, just want to curl up on the couch with my book).

    but all in all, certainly doable. 

    i actually woke up wishing today was chemo day, because i'm feeling so normal and i just want to get this thing DONE already. 

    really torn up about what to do with the hair. i know some of you are all so much braver ... you've chopped and buzzed and made it an adventure of fun and love and control. but i'm a wuss. i love my hair so. obsessively so. and i hate that my scalp already feels tender and pimply and icky. i guess i'm probably going to wind up letting nature take her course. the best would be if it started to come out on a weds chemo day, i take thurs and fri off from work, go to my Wig Angel, have her style my wig (which is me, only better) and then, voila! walk in monday with a fab new 'do!

    but, you know, in a perfect world, they'd have figured out how to cure cancer by now without baldness. le sigh. 

    (((everyone))) 

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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited February 2009

    Lisa,

    I was the same about the loosing hair thing.  I'm going on my second bout with baldness, coming up soon.  Go onto my blog (address in my profile) I have pictures of when I went wig shopping, when I shaved my head, and the first day I wore my wig to work, plus other wig accessories like fake bangs that u wear underneath a hat.  A good wig is key, and you will feel good about yourself!  Dress nice, put your make up on, use the wig like your own hair...put it up, pull it back, etc.

    Sue

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  • Grace4me
    Grace4me Member Posts: 47
    edited February 2009

    What a change in a week....I actually feel like my old self today. I worked all day and actually said yes to a small slumber party for my 13 year old. So I have 4 teenagers and a pesty 9 year old with me tonight. I actually ate 3 pieces of pizza!!  There is a lady I work with who has been through all of this and she said that the 2nd treatments were not as bad on her, like the first was a shock to her system and then things got better.....I hope she is right.

    boy Lisa 810 can I relate to the hair. My hair was long and wavy, people have stopped me on the street to comment on it...................oh well, a couple of weeks ago I had it cut for Locks of Love, it made me feel as if I was more in control and that it was not just a waste.  The remainder of my hair should be out by next week also................just about my birthday...............I will not cry again!

    hang in there....God is still good.

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  • kat4pink
    kat4pink Member Posts: 63
    edited February 2009

    I seem to be the only one that is having the TAC drugs for my breast cancer.. that seems kind of strange..would seem that someone else on this thread would be having it too.. or am I just not understanding the chemo lingo yet?

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  • jancie
    jancie Member Posts: 2,631
    edited February 2009

    kat4pink -   Are you talking about having Adriamycin and Cytoxin we call that AC here and then T for Taxol or Taxotere - same type of chemo basically but from what I heard about SE of Taxotere in which there are a "few"  women that never got their hair back - I am glad I will go on Taxol.

    What small town in the panhandle are you from?  My FIL lives in Santa Rosa Beach, my BIL lives in Destin and I found this magnificent horse facility in the Pace/Milton area.  If I ever move to Florida I will have to live in the Pensicola area so that I can put my  horse at that facility Laughing

    I am starting chemo next Wednesday so you and I should pretty much be on the same schedule.

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  • kat4pink
    kat4pink Member Posts: 63
    edited February 2009

    Hi Jancie - Destin in one of my favorite places! I am just north of Panama City.

    My oncologist told me I would be getting TAC... all 3 meds at the same time for 6 treatments 3 weeks apart. He told me the names, but I can't remember if the T was  Taxol or Taxotere.. but the A and C are the Adriamycin and Cytoxin.. I wonder why so many other women seem to be having these separate, but I will be having all 3 at the same time??

    I kind of hope they start me next week, so I can go ahead and get the first time over with, but it may end up being the week after.

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