Starting Chemo February 2009?
Comments
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I love the picture of the german shepherds! (bad doggies
) We had a rottwieler/shepherd mix dog named Sirius. He passed away a short while after my BC dx in the fall. I miss him!Chemo farts!? Break out the air freshener, girls! There ain't nothin' we won't share on this thread!
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PlanetBuff coupon alert!!!
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Ya'll are such enablers!
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They look rather proud of themselves, don't they??
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Crap! Coupons on a bad budget week! Is there ANYTHING worse in the South?
Just popping my head in to add a "Yes! Amen, My Sisters! Meeeee Toooo!" before I forcibly (Lunesta is working for me after Ambien and Ativan failed to penetrate the sleep depravation black hole) go to sleep. Oh, and on all of it from pre-chemo night hysterics, to not recovering so well. Two days longer each time it seems, and I'm dose dense. No more time between them anymore. Oh yeah, and food is just WEIRD! No appetite at all, which subs for nausea with me, to ravenous--anything spicy and/or full of garlic will do just fine, thank you. However, my weight is stable. (129-136 and back again.) Auntie A says most weight gain during chemo is water retention from steroids. It will quickly come off if we are eating right. Dang her anyway, this is no time to hold me to a decent diet!
I have lived, so far, through TX#4. My WBC was in the basement, 2.3 after it having been through the roof last time 23.3, allowing me to skip the Neulasta shot. The nurse handed me my numbers and told me that I wouldn't be getting chemo today and that my Onco was on the way. To the astonishment of us all, he cleared it and we went ahead. I am, however grounded until Friday when I DO get my Neulasta shot. He thinks maybe we should do it every other time so I don't bounce so high. I'm not as worried about that as dropping so low! Haven't some of you been hospitalized and put on pre-emptive antibiotics for counts that low? Or am I second guessing out of personal cancer hell paranoia?
Wanted so mention a few "new" things for those heading into the T end of treatment. The old SE's will be easier, but there are a few new ones, from everything I have understood, and from current and personal experience.
Allergic reactions, rash, super flushing, breathing etc problems happen at a higher rate. Nothing to panic over. They start your drip slow and hover. If you start to react they pump you so full of Benedryl and other meds that you can't remember them all. You'll be okay if it happens, but tell someone quickly if it does. I have mild rash about a week after each one. OTC Benedryl knocks it right out.
You may have serious nail damage. Again it's pretty rare, but be on the look out. Mine are sore. I hear they can darken and begin to lift from the nail bed. Don't worry, it's not overly painful, just annoying and they will grow back. I cut mine pretty short at the beginning of this too keep from snagging and irritating them. After that, Tee Trea oil is the only credible help for it I have seen, but like everything else, it needs to be pre-emptive. Other than nail pain, and I've had 4TX now, which is equal to what most of you will be getting, I've kept mine. So, again, don't panic.
Edema (swelling) isn't as commonly talked about, but I started that little gem last night. It's kind of like pregnancy swelling. You see it in your hands (not just your at risk LE arm!) first, ankles, knee joints, etc. But it's pretty much a water retention, universal swelling thing. Auntie A said to cut back on the Gatorade (which we'd done last time to boost some numbers that were low) and up the water again. Hold the salt. She said it wasn't the elevated kind of swelling and that walking it off to circulate would help. Doin' fine with it so far.
Neuropathy is the tingling, fallen asleep, sometimes painful feeling you can get in your fingers and toes. Kind of goes along with the nail thing and the swelling thing, I guess. I've had it in my right arm to varying degrees for over 20 years because of the damaged right shoulder. It was gone for weeks before it set in from chemo in finges and toes. The bottoms of my feet itch and so do my hands. Sometimes they feel like I've walked on hot pavement in bare feet. (Remember THAT as a kid? haha!) Guess it is also sort of like the burnt tongue thing too. In any case, it's mostly temporary, mostly minor and mostly only annoying. Your Onco should know about it if it happens tho. You should also put a "pain type" number on it to track severity and duration. Lots of people get away without any sign of it tho. I just happen to be lucky.
Shout outs to all of you. I'm sorry for not being more personal, and a better "hostess." My mom finally left, I almost made it to ready for this TX, had it and now I'm swollen, itchy and gritchy. Off to Neulasta land.
(Got some update notes, thank you!!! Will try to sit down and get a decent one out tomorrow!)
May the next 24 hours find you SE free!
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Web~ Glad to see you resurface again. Are you on taxol or taxotere? Don't forget the claratin for your neulasta shot.
For you taxol ladies doing 12.... do you get neulasta? My onc is changing me from 4XT DD to 12XT weekly... I can't choose if I'm happy 'bout that or not... opinions?
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Taxotere. And they ARE different, even tho they are both from the Taxane family. I don't have up front experience with the 12 weekly (that's Taxol, right?) but can tell you that between what I've read AND what I've experienced, you'll have a better time of it on twelve, especially for work. It stretches it out a great deal, and you aren't going to feel wonderful all the time, but I don't think you'll be slammed nearly as hard because dosages can be lowered. Your Onco was really going for the Tx4 dose dense too? IMNSHO, take the 12 and run!
(Glad to be ABLE to resurface. YIKES! This is kickin' my fanny!)
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I just ate a piece of Dove milk chocolate & it didn't do ANYTHING for me. #*%$#@*&! CHEMOTHERAPY!!!! Now it's taking away my guilty pleasures!
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Kristine - I was always such a chocoholic to the point where I was eating one LARGE size candy bar every single day - I could never get enough chocolate and I would go into major withdrawals without it.
Since Chemo - I haven't had any in over 6 days. I tried some Dove Hazelnut Caramel last night and it didn't taste good at all. Normally I would eat at least 10 pieces of it in one sitting.
I made chicken curry with rice tonight. Told my stepson that since I have lost all of my taste buds, I wasn't sure if I made it too spicy hot or not. I don't ever follow recipes, I cook by taste and instinct. Fortunately I didn't kill him with the spice. I swear though if I had any more curry in the kitchen I would have added at least 3 more tablespoons!
I finally made it through one day without getting nauseated. That was a long 6 days of nausea. I am really dreading TX #3 now since I had so many problems with TX #2.
Almost midnight and I still can't sleep. That is ticking me off more than anything! Last night I couldn't get to sleep before 2 am so I slept until 10 am. I am not liking this new sleeping schedule at all.
Anybody having major problems with nose drainage yet? I think most of my nose hairs are gone and it seems like I am constantly searching for kleenex.
The constipation problem went away finally - now I am having explosive diarrhea. I wish my body would make up its mind which direction it wants to go!
I guess I shouldn't complain too much since I haven't had any problems with my Neulasta shots and am not taking anything for those (Claritan) and I haven't gotten any mouth sores yet. Hopefully I didn't just jinx myself.
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I left here after posting, went upstairs and took the "new" sleeping drug they gave me. I slept for all of 20 minutes, woke up and am wide awake once again. It is now again 1:30 a.m. and I am not sleeping.
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speaking of sleeping and drugs... what dose of Ativan are ya'll taking. My onc gave me 1/2 mg tabs and told me to take 1 or 2 for nausea or if I needed to sleep. I can take 2 and feel nothing at all. I guess I should be glad I still have a liver that works after all of this but I need sleep... those nighttime thoughts/worries are killing me.
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Kerry & Jess: I am on taxotere combined with cytoxan and Herceptin. The first week after chemo I have a numb tongue and no taste. I got mouth sores the first time, but did baking soda wash from day one second treatment and didn't get any. You do have to watch out for the nail thing with taxotere, but I use tea leaf oil everynight and have not seen any signs. I take 50mgs of B6 three times a day for the neuropathy and so far have had only minor numbness. I always have the taxotere at an hours pace and they have not changed that. They only sped up the herceptin from 11/2 hours to only 30minutes. I also have 50mgs of benadryl as a premed along with tagament and have had no problems with the taxotere. Good luck with your treatments.
The gas problem is amazing. I already was a gassy person to begin with so now I am really bad. I try to keep moving at work to spread it around so it is not concentrated in one area or at home I blame my dog Brady( 4 year old golden lab) who likes to get into the compost bin and is very gassy!
This is my good weekend so hope to enjoy it before TC #3 on Wednesday.
Best of luck to you all with treatments and SE's
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For those of you starting a taxane soon... I'm going for my 4th Taxotere tomororw... 4th and last! And looking back I can honestly say this stuff has been easier then the AC. My bloodcounts have been normal (on AC my WBC were low and I had anemia), my appetite has been good... too good! The only side effects I have had have been tiredness and sinus' issues and of course insomnia. Sinus' get dried out really really bad, so I do recommend using a saline spray daily. I have been keeping dark polish on my nails and so far so good. No discoloring and no separating. I'm not a nail polish person at all (I have very short nails to begin with), but if this has helped with not loosing them then it was worth it. Also no constipation either, but I do take Senekot the first 2 days after treatment just in case, better to be safe then sorry.
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Sunny today - yeah!
Well I was starting the upturn from AC#3 but now I'm beat again - my body is tired...I guess it's the cum effect - I'm so glad #4 is it but of course now I'm afraid of new SE's from the Taxol. Always something to worry about...
Jancie - I am going through tissues constantly - my nose runs all day and my eyes water too - I'm such a lovely sight!
MicheleS - I'm right there with you on the nighttime thoughts - I dread it and hope I can sleep some so I don't start thinking about everything - why is it that our positive thoughts are nowhere to be found at night?
Denali - I love the pic - they are beautiful - my dogs are nuts (lab and boxer) - they have been comic relief though. My boxer cuddles with me all day and follows me everywhere and they have also enjoyed some of the food the neighbors have been dropping off - they managed to snag some banana bread - wrapper and all!
Here's to a good day for all!
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Thanks guys for the advice regarding Taxatore. I hope it is easier on me than the FEC. Which actually wasn't too bad now I am done with it!! I have had issues with my WBC and dizziness, so hoping that improves too.
What does the dark polish do for the nails? I know I will be given ice mitts to wear during the infusion, also I think I get dexasone again for allergic reaction. I am seeing my onc again next week to get the run down before treatment on Friday. But good to hear people are not finding it too bad. I was reading how it works differently from the other Chemo drugs, and "freezes" the skeleton of the cells so they can't divide, I will be imagining all the little cells freezing and dying!!
Michelle and Terri - I am lucky enough to fall asleep fine, it is the early waking and worrying that gets me. I find getting out of bed and distracting myself works well, a bit harder to do when it is going to sleep time. I really think (hope) that the worrying does lessen with time.
Anyhow, I have just got back from walking my husband to work in the snow, and I am all rosy cheeked and feeling good. Amazing what a bit of exercise will do for you! Have a great day y'all!
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Hi everyone.. guess where I am at?? I am sitting in the chemo chair in the middle of treatment.. Yes.. I FINALLY got to start! I have had the "A" and am in the middle of the "T" and will have the "C" last.. so far the only thing I feel is the swimmy head that started with the steroid and anti nausea iv meds. I haven't had a chance to read and get caught up, but wanted to say HI and let you all know I finally made it to treatment.
XO
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Kathie glad you made it to treatment.
Jancie~ Sorry to hear about the explosions. I have them the first week after Chemo. I have to know where the closest bathroom is at all times. The last Chemo. I couldn't make it round trip to my daughters school (4 miles) without stopping at Wendy's. It's pretty bad when you 3 yr. old knows to get out of the car and run for the bathroom because Mom has got to go NOW. Hey how's you horse doing with her cold ?? I had a TB for 10 yrs and it was an on going joke that he knew at tax time that I got $ back and he would need the vet. around that time for something. I always had to use the pill popper because he was so picky.
Is it bad that I am dreading Monday and it's not even Fri. yet ?? I hit the half way mark on Monday but instead of being thrilled I am depressed that I have 3 more to go
. I finally am getting some sinus relief after my first treatment my sinuses have never been better after tx #2 the sinus went to hell and are a mess. I finally pulled out the tylenol sinus and they worked . Now I just need to get rid of the back spasms from these wonderful expanders and I will be ready to take on anything (well almost anything). I have lost most of my muscle mass -
Michele ~ I will start Taxolx4 on the 23rd. My onco said I'll still get Neulasta, but probably not after the last one.
webbie ~ thanks for the note about tea tree oil for nail damage.
susan13 ~ thanks for your note about the dark nail polish. I'm not a nail polish person either, but I bought some called "Black Out" and I'm surely going to use it. I'll do anything to try to keep my nails from coming off.
kat4pink ~ Hurrah! So glad you finally got started!!Hugs to all,
Artemis -
Terri: I'm so glad your dogs found the bannana bread tastey! With my appetite in the pits, my dogs are getting leftovers every time I eat. They're going to be sooooo spoiled!
My oncologists advises to use Sally Hansens Hard as Nails - clear. So far so good, but I notice my toenails starting to darken and I've only had 2 treatments! What if my toenails fall off?? What do people do in the summer?? I find myself searching for sandals online that cover the toes. Hasn't been too successful.
After hardly eating during my 3-day chemo crash, now my food cravings are wild. Yesterday I had a MacDonalds qtr pounder and it was soooooo good. With all the talk about spicey food, I was craving a shredded beef burrito and had that for lunch today. I guess I can understand a craving for protein, but the other day I HAD to have pancakes and syrup. I think I'm losing it!
Has anyone had their blood sugar go up? Mine was normal before Chemo 1, but at Chemo 2 it had spiked. The nurse thought it was the Dacadron (steroid). Any thoughts?
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Craving today: chicken kabob. Can't get enough. Maybe it's the strong flavors to get that metallic taste out of my mouth.
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Denali my Sugar was elevated at Tx#2 and it in the past when I had to do the glucose test when I was pregant it was in the 70's the first time and 90's the second. I also heard that if you lose you toenails just pain the skin and it will look semi-normal.
I craved spicey food after my first treatment. 2nd I am craving nothing.....
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I have a sinus infection.
On top of feeling like crap from chemo now I'm feeling like crap from a sinus infection too. Oh joy! My Oncologist called in a prescription to my pharmacy for a Z-pack. Thankfully I didn't have to go in....I guess that's ONE good thing?? lol At least both of my girls are feeling better.Kathie....glad you were finally able to get started!
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a couple things..
cautions for tea tree oil (from wikipedia)
According to the American Cancer Society: "Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. It has been reported to cause drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, coma, unsteadiness, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, blood cell abnormalities, and severe rashes. It should be kept away from pets and children." [14]
A small number of people experience allergic contact dermatitis as a reaction to dermal contact with tea tree oil. In an Italian study of 725 consecutive patients, patients were patch tested with undiluted, 1% and 0.1% Tea Tree Oil. For undiluted tea tree oil, nearly 6% of the patients observed positive reactions of skin irritation. Only 1 of 725 patients observed a positive reaction of skin irritation with the 1% dilution. None of the 725 patients observed adverse reactions with the 0.1% dilution.[15] Allergic reactions may be due to the various oxidation products that are formed by exposure of the oil to light and/or air.[16][17]
External application of undiluted tea tree oil and/or at inappropriate high doses has been associated with toxicity, including death, in cats and other animals
2ndly, i've been taking B6 and glutamine (kindof expensive) to avoid neuropathy.. i do have it mildly. I've noticed it REALLY works, 30 minutes after dosing my hands feel better and it lasts about 4 or 5 hours. I took a couple days off to experiment and neuropathy worsened.. (i think about my hands all the time.. just naturally baby them).. i also started taking hydrocodone.. not to strong of a prescription.. i already have arthritis big time from using my joints up doing megasports.. it is so nice to be pain free. - that really helps with any hand discomfort as well. i'm on taxol weekly (a light dose) and notice the neuropathy is worse on days 2 - 5.
just sharing.
oh yeah, my gas was very impressive today..
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Michele - I have an Ativan script for 1 mg. The 1/2 mg is pretty weak I think. I've doubled up (2 mg.) on occasion without a problem.
Kat4pink - Congrats on starting, hope your SE are pleasantly mild.
csbsk123 - I also have TX 3 of TC on Wed. Good luck to us both.
All - Love all the gas stories, we could all make beautiful, smelly music together! Ya know maybe sleep is overrated and we should give it up, think of how productive we could be with all that extra time. I always find there is so much to be done anyways. Hope all are enjoying the extra hour of daylight at night. I'm personally not happy about waking up in the dark now. I actually overslept for work on Monday as my body was protesting the dark. Happy Weekend all.
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Cravings kinda remind me of pregnancy --nothing tastes good but I gotta have it... pickles (they have taste.) Yoghurt helps my nausea first thing in the morning and also seems to help my sore mouth. I actually added olive oil and balsamic vinegar to easy mac the other day and it had a taste! I quite enjoyed it. What a way to gain weight, eh? After reading several suggestions about Popsicles I find they do feel like a great treat.
Anyone found a solution for itchy head bumps yet? I've tried Vitamin E, but seemed to make me worse. I showed the Onc and nurses and they had no suggestions. I think I'm going to try a Benydrl cream next --this may be a reaction (?) or just irritation from all the little bitty hairs and unhappy follicles. I'll let you know how the cream goes.
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Morning guys - yep, my CBC is all over the place. Before Tx1 it was all within the normal range, now everything is high or low. Except for my albumin, whatever that is!!
And food cravings, yep to that too. Anything greasy and bad for me - Wendys fries, KFC, you name it.
apple - loved the fart song - mine would make a great soundtrack to something. I keep blaming them on the kids, they think it is hysterical.
Kristine - I have heard sinus infections are common after Chemo. Don't know why, but some people who never had them before, start getting them during and after! Another lovely souvenir. Hope it gets cleared up soon
kat4pink - yah for you! That is one under your belt, it must feel great. Hope the SE are few, and rest lots.
I am meeting a friend for coffee this afternoon. She hasn't been in contact with me since last October when I told her about the BC. Mmmmm. She rang last week all "sorry I haven't been in touch, I'd love to see you, etc " So will see how it goes, hope it is not too awkward....
Anyhow, I hope everyone has a positive day today. We are supposed to have great weekend weather wise - maybe Spring is on its way at last.
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Sunny again today - that's a record for PA in the Spring I think!
Kristine - I feel for you with your sinus infection - those are bad enough without everything else going on! Z-packs work quickly so hope you're feeling better!
Kathie - I'm glad you started - now hang in there! We can help you through any SE's (hopefully few to none!) - we've all been there!
Even though my nose and eyes are still using up the tissues I'm feeling a little less tired today and thankful for it! Next dose on Tuesday - I'm dreading it but it's the end of AC for me YAHOOOOOOOO - then on to Taxol - let's get this friggin thing overwith!
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Kat4pink - Finally!!! Yeah chemo sucks but you can't get the end of you don't cross over that start line!
I haven't had sinus problems - my nose is running a little bit more but only because I am losing nose hairs.
My rant for today is the fact that I have pus coming out of my surgical incision for my SNB which was done in January! There was one part of the scar that was always red but it never hurt and I figured that it was my bra rubbing there, of course I am not sharp as a tack anymore. Last night I touched it because for the first time it was inflamed and pus came out. I need to get to the doctor so that I can get some antibiotics because I don't want to miss my chemo next week.
Datadrudge - don't have any suggestions about head hair bumps. I would think washing your scalp with gentle soap and leaving it alone would be best. Less is more, if that makes sense.
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Just got home from my last Taxotere and FINAL CHEMO , FOREVER! 4 AC's, bilat. mast. w/recon. and 4 Taxotere's... thought this day would never come! But it's here ladies ! Oh my gosh.. it feels great, but at the same time kinda scary too...........
I wore my special ceremony shirt to chemo today... it's the same saying as my avitar... and my new moto! Well I'm not totally done yet though, I get a 4 week "break" then I go onto rads. I think this last treatment though is going to knock me on my butt, cause I didn't get over my exhausted from #3 yet. We shall see what happens.
Feel good every, and keep strong!
Sue
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i think i have a bit of scalp rash (like really big bumps) from the taxol... comes and goes.
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