Starting Chemo April 2009

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  • jax65
    jax65 Member Posts: 47
    edited April 2009

    Hi everyone,

    For all of us who already started hope you are doing well.

    For those about to start good luck!! The waiting and wondering really is worse than the actual treatment. I was able to eat dinner last night just very tired and up all night going to the bathroom all that water. But make sure you drink, drink, drink I do believe it is helping. I was able to go wig shopping after tx and my wig should be in just in time. Was able to get something very close to my own hair so pretty happy about that. Don't know if I will wear it all the time. But nice to have just in case.

    WasaBlonde--Everyone dr.s and wig shop told me to go for the cheaper synthetic wigs because they are easier to take care of and much cheaper. The one I picked out is very lightweight and very nice looking and was only 79$. Check with your insurance co. to see if they will cover a portion my did just needed to get a script from Dr. for cranial prosthesis.LOL. For scarves and hats check out heavenlyhats.com it was started by a high school boy and my package was sitting on my doorstep when I got home yesterday. You don't get a choice in what they send but I got a pretty good selection. They sent a ball cap, 2 scarves and 2 knit hats. Also check out franceluxe.com they will send a free wrap and very nice selection. Hope this helps.

    Hope everyone has a wonderful day.Laughing

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  • annadou
    annadou Member Posts: 221
    edited April 2009

     Hi ,

    This is Anna from Greece. Anyone starting AC on the 7th April  or around?

    Love to hear from you

    Take care

    Anna 

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

    Good morning, everyone.  had my first treatment on Thursday, and was feeling fairly good following (the port infusion was easy - much easier than I built it up to be!  Slight soreness still near the port, but it's only a week since the install, so I'm still healing).  Last night I was nauseous, but it was from eating a piece of garlic bread - too greasy or something!  Last night also last day for steroids.  I'm tired today - didn't sleep too well with the heartburn and the steroid combo, should have taken ambien.  I feel slightly in a fog, could be chemo could be no sleep.  Want to "do" stuff, but am weirdly tired.  Appetite okay, so I don't see issues there.  Only other real SE is flushing cheeks from the Taxotere, periodically.  Thought it was fever at first, but no.  Comes and goes, I guess it's a slight allergic reaction?  I'll report back as I get through the weekend to see how I feel - this is doable, if the tiredness is the worst.  Been checking the hair situation, even though I know it's too early - just testing it!  If you have anti nausea drugs at home, take them, just to make sure you don't get queasy.  Ginger ale has really helped.  Plus, I'll be doing more bland foods, just to make sure!  Have a good Saturday, everyone.

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  • Believe1
    Believe1 Member Posts: 216
    edited April 2009

    Chelve, Awe.....so glad you made it through without alot of problems, it gives me great hope!  I start mine April 10th, so this Friday.....YIKES!  But like what was said, maybe we build it up to be this huge monster, and in fact its not that bad.  I am scared of course, but trying to be up-beat as possible.  I do plan on drinking, drinking and drinking so more.  I also plan on walking atleast one half of an hour everyday ( if possible ) I hear that really helps as well.  Along with watching my diet and eating things that will be beneficial to my body.  Gee, I might end-up feeling better than I have in a while. LOL

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  • jlp
    jlp Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2009

    Hi all, I am at the end of day 4 of first cycle - it feels like much longer! Since the steroid high wore off at the end of the day of treatment, I have been pretty much in the fog of the chemo / anti-nausea meds, just trying to do something each day.

    Today, did my nails really short with Sally Hansen hard as nails polish (supposed to help with nail damage from the taxotere), and walked round to my friend's house - she took me to the hospital for my port implant and I had a thank you gift for her - for a chat and cup of tea.

    Side effects are not too bad, very tired and some body aches (neulasta?). I've managed to eat 2 or 3 meals per day, but everything tastes like I just ate a banana (and I'm not that keen on bananas!) 

    Tomorrow I get my hair cut.... Monday I'm going to try to go to work, if only for a few hours.

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  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 230
    edited April 2009

    Just checking in...chemo done April 1st. Do notice a increased tiredness.  Some joint pain but not to bad.  Eating is hanging in there but slowing down. Trying to do things as much as normal each day but far more resting periods. Evenings seem to be the hard time, not hot hotflashes just plain full body sweats, nothing like the hot flashes I have been having from time to time. Lots of hand washing and lotion of course.  Only drinking about one diet pepsi a day, hitting water and juice hard and heavy.  When sleeping I am out like a light, do notice I have to take a few minutes to let the brain catch up to the body before I can stand however.  My footing is a little off but nothing to bad.  Noticed dark circles coming around the eyes, thinking I need more sleep but don't want to sleep the days away and do think I am resting plenty. Over all it hasn't been as bad as I thought round one of chemo would be.  Still waiting for the day to cut the hair off before it starts falling out.  Not looking forward to that day.  Have wigs but thinking I will probably stick with hats and headcoverings instead.  It will be a rare thing if I wear a wig.  I figure warm head is better than a wig that may itch. Anyway hope you are all doing well also.  And I am so glad we are in this together and we are not alone.  Pretty sad that we have to be here but we do have a wonderful group and we are strong folks who will get through this and get on cancer free before we know it.  Blessings and tons of hugs and good thoughts to everyone.

    Nadine

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  • annadou
    annadou Member Posts: 221
    edited April 2009

    Hi Nadine

    Have read all your letters -very inspirational and informative. 

    I start chemo on the 7th ACx4 then Tx4 -am very aprehensive ( still a lot of denial there I think )

    I am English and have lived in Greece for 30 yrs so I am doing all this treatment in greek but it sounds as if we get about the same drugs and regimes as you do there.

    Hope you are feeling ok -will continue to follow the progress of all the April Girls

    Love to everyone

    Anna 

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

    Good morning, ladies.  Okay, the "fog" is slowly starting to lift, though still in it (had first treatment on Thursday).  Slept good last night, thanks to Ambien.  Tired today, but not as bad it seems as yesterday.  I agree with you, jlp, everything tastes the same - not quite like banana, but really not much flavor!  I am slowing down on eating too - if I eat as much as I usually do at a meal, I get really bad heartburn and indigestion.  Had to take a stool softener last night, cramping but nothing - I was actually expecting the other way 'round!  That's really my only other complaint other than the fog, is that I'm still cramping somewhat.  I'm moving around as much as I can.  Oh, and mouth feels "fuzzy", if that's a good description.  Not dry, but thick.

    Hope everyone gets through today okay and we'll compare notes again later.  Have a wonderful day,ladies! 

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  • inthemoment
    inthemoment Member Posts: 538
    edited April 2009

    Hi Wasa,

    I got fitted for a wig last week, and decided on the synthetic hair - I brought my 29 year old daughter with me, and believe me, if she didn't think the wig looked good, she would have told me.  Even the stylist in the wig shop (who is recommended by ACS, told me for the convenience and ease of care for the relatively short time we have to wear the wig, it is the way to go.  My insurance paid the whole cost of the wig ($490.00) as long as I had a dr's rx, which is something you may want to look into.  I also ordered from a nurse who has an on-line store for mastectomy products called "A Woman's Place" some hair extensions with velcro and hats to wear, since I fear the wig will be too hot to wear all the time in the summer months.

    Hope this helps.

    Geri

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited April 2009

    Hey all, thanks for the input on wigs!

     I went shopping this weekend and have some advice of my own.  I bought two - a short one and a medium length (both in about my same color).  I went shopping with my hubby and daughter (10). Husband wanted a long sexy hair wig in colors different from my own....hmmmm....so not what I am looking for now...daughter wanted long hair too....i live in texas and will be doing my chemo over the 100 degree plus days....

     Advice to you all is - take a friend, sister, older daughter, etc - someone old enough to totally understand and not the man in your life....

     Julie 

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  • annadou
    annadou Member Posts: 221
    edited April 2009

    Hi Stephanie

     I start on the 7th  . We have about the same Dx so maybe we can compare notes. I am having ACx4 then Tx4 then radiation and tax for 5 years .

    Hope all goes well for you today  -will log in when I can

     Best wishes

    Anna 

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  • aoandrews43
    aoandrews43 Member Posts: 68
    edited April 2009

    Hi all,

    Day 4 for me (first tx of TCx4 was Friday). So far, just low-level nausea easily managed with meds and tiredness. But I walked and exercised and feel a lot better than  I expected. I'm even able to eat vegetables, which was the first thing to go  when I had nausea from pregnancy (11+ years ago). I have had some tingling feeling in my hands, but not too bad. So the anxiety was worse than the reality. I feel like I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop or for it to get much worse next time--but maybe that won't be the case. I'm going to a 'look good, feel better' seminar tomorrow--supposedly they give you lots of free makeup and stuff. I'm not much of a make up wearer, but hopefully I'll learn a lot since I have a feeling I'll need it soon. Oh, I've found small ginger candies can be good to chew on with the low level nausea, if you like ginger (these are called 'gin-gins' from the Ginger People--they aren't too sweet so they don't make your mouth hurt).

     Thanks to everyone for keeping the updates - it really is helpful to see how everyone is doing.

    Alice

     

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  • Believe1
    Believe1 Member Posts: 216
    edited April 2009

    Hello ladies, I get my port put in tomorrow and start first tx of ACx4 and then on to Tx12.  Your letters help me out alot, because I too am feeling all those scared, worried and anxious feelings all of you did.  I have already picked up everything I think I may need and now its just waiting.  I wish I could blink my eyes and have it be over.  Better yet, I wish I could pinch myself and have it not even be real.  I am happy to read that all of you that have had your first tx are doing well. I hope I too am in that place after mine.

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

    Hi, everyone.  Well, if yesterday was as bad as it gets, then I am glad there are only three more of them to go!  It was as if I had every SE listed going on yesterday - it was day 4 after treatment on Thursday- heartburn, painful gas in my chest, nausea, bone and skin pain, swollen lips, tired tired tired.  We ended up going out for Gas-X to relieve the chest pain, which helped a lot, as did some Pepto.  It was a hard day - I cried a few times and was almost ready to quit.  My husband got me to go for a little walk outside, it was better - he has been so wonderful and did all kinds of chores unfamiliar to him yesterday.  I rested all day off and on, couldn't really do much anything else, and was able to eat a little, bland is better right now.  Feeling better today - am actually hungry again, which is good.  Need to get my wigs styled, waiting to hear back from the Cancer Society on their stylist - I too bought some that were as long as my hair "was", but now it looks too long and I want to get it styled a little shorter.  As hot as it was yesterday (I'm in Florida), I won't be wearing a wig except to work!!  Be careful of being out in the sun too much with the steroids and the chemo - you get easily flushed and very hot.  Hope everyone is getting through okay - and at least we've been through the first round, so we should know how to deal with the rest!

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  • jlp
    jlp Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2009

    Chelev - I'm with you on the Gas-X - I was in so much pain last night and it came to the rescue - serves me right for eating my friend's spicy spaghetti sauce!

    I was at my friend's house for my pre-hair loss hair cut. And today I am back at work for a few hours, and getting lots of compliments! (Though it has meant telling another couple of people the real reason for getting my hair cut....).  I have some photos and I'm about to go on line to see if I can post them so you can see. Watch this space.... Lou.

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  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,492
    edited April 2009

    chelev ~ Sorry to hear of your heartburn/gas se's. I had the same and my onc told me to take Prilosec OTC 2 tabs every morning. This is twice the dose it says on the box but my onc said that 2 tabs equals the Rx strength for about half the price of the Rx. It worked like a charm, no more heartburn/gas!

    aoandrews43 ~ The Gin-Gin's are great! Still using them whenever I fly (which always gives me slight nausea). Whole Foods carries them.

    Hang in there, ladies! There is SOMETHING that can be done for most of the se's.

    YOU CAN DO THIS!

    Nico

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  • sherrimo
    sherrimo Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2009

    Here is my dilema. I work in a middle school and the kids are pretty savvy. My principal asked me if it was ok to tell the kids about my dx. Many of them already know. They know I have missed a lot of days and some of them are probably wondering why. I have been very open about it with anyone that asks. I told her to go ahead and talk to them because I don't want them freaking out when all of a sudden I start wearing hats and scarves to school. I have a wig but I know they will notice that too. I had one kid ask me how my hip surgery went. We got a kick out of that. Some of them aren't quite as savvy as others. I work in a Catholic school and they have been praying daily for me as a special intention. She asked if it would be ok once she talks to the kids to pray for me by name. I said that was ok too. Any help I can get, be that devine or otherwise, I'll take it! Sherri

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  • giglgrl
    giglgrl Member Posts: 81
    edited April 2009

    I am now 6 days out from my first tx.....as I am on the trial, I guess, my side affects may be different. They told me I would probably have diererrha, but it has been the complete opposite. I have been constipated since the second day. Really, like in tears. I have tried teas, fruits and veggies, milkshakes, colace...nothing is working. Called the doc and they recommended magnisuim citrate, so, I will see how that goes. The other big side effect has been a horrible rash on my face. Again, the said I could get a rash on my chest, but I totally look like someone took a blow torch to my face. I am going in tomorrow so they can take a look at it. Outside of those two things, I had some aching feet and leg pain on the 2-3 nights but have now been sleeping with a pillow under my legs, so that is helping.

    Also, for anyone yet to have there first tx. It really is not as bad as we build it up to be in our minds. My son was with me and we watched the fluid go through the tube and make its way to the port....I dont know what we were expecting to happen.....did not feel a thing....just talked and waited for the bag to drain.....then it was over.....we even went shopping right after. So hang tight ladies.....it is a pain, but we will get through it!!

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  • inthemoment
    inthemoment Member Posts: 538
    edited April 2009

    Hello all,

    Well, I got my start date today - first of 4 A/C to start on Thursday 4/9.  Will get taxol x12 after that and herceptin for the balance of a year.  Is anyone else getting neulasta even though they are not getting dose dense?  My onc is giving it to prevent counts from dipping too low even though I am not getting dose dense.

    Foot fell asleep today while sitting - got up quick to answer phone and turned my whole foot under me - heard a very loud "crunch" and now have pain and swelling around ankle, so I'll be off to the doc tomorrow for an x-ray...what's a day without a doc visit anyway! Yell

    Gentle hugs

    Geri

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  • Laurie09
    Laurie09 Member Posts: 313
    edited April 2009

    I started last thursday - 4/2.  The weekend was OK - mostly I was a bit tired, but I tried to take it easy and it was OK.  Today I worked, and I think I tried to do too much.  Ended up being at work a 12 hr day and man was I dead when I got home.  I don't think I can keep up those long days during treatment.  In addition, I seem to be having insomnia which doesn't help.  Hope to talk to my onc on Thurs when I have bloodwork done about getting some ambien or something...

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  • Paula3558
    Paula3558 Member Posts: 63
    edited April 2009

    Hi my name is paula and I started chemo-TAC on 4/2/09. Would love to join this forum to help me survive this experience!             Thanks 

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  • Paula3558
    Paula3558 Member Posts: 63
    edited April 2009

    What kind of work do you do?

     I'm a nurse and I know that there is no way that I can tolerate a 12hr day when I return back to work. Supposed to return 4/20. I also started chemo 4/2. The forth day after chemo Sunday was the worst, thought I was going to die I felt soooo bad. Read entries on the chemo forum helped alot.

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  • aris
    aris Member Posts: 124
    edited April 2009

    I'm starting chemo tomorrow (4/8). I'm on 4 doses of dose dense A/C and then Taxol and Herceptin for 12 weeks. I have been doing okay, but now I'm getting scared. Please add me to the April list, I know I'll be here a lot! 

     Pam

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  • jlp
    jlp Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2009

    Beforehttp://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=296778944/a=164613500_164613500/t_=164613500

    Hope you can see these - hair before during and after the cut!

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  • stephanie1
    stephanie1 Member Posts: 131
    edited April 2009

    Hi Anna

    I will be doing AC time 4 Taxol times 12 - not sure why I have to have so much of the Taxol but whatever the docs say right. I am only 35 so I need as much as I can get I feel. I am feeling much better on day two than one but I really think it was due to not having the right medicines to counter act the nausea. How are you feeling? What type of surgery did you have and when? I have ready so many different threads I am still trying to keep everyone straight :)

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  • stephanie1
    stephanie1 Member Posts: 131
    edited April 2009

    Good morning my fellow fighters :)

    I had my first chemo (AC) yesterday and possible Avastin (I am on a trial) Anyway I thought at first that everything was moving along smooth and that the worst of it was a terrible headache. THe nausea starting getting worse and worse by the time I got home I was dry heaving for hours on end. I called the doctor and he said "they didnt they get you your prescription for Zofran called in." Nope all I got was Reglan and reglan does nothing for nausea. Anyway as soon as I got the zofran within a few hours I was sleeping and the vomiting stopped. This morning I feel like I have been out on an old College drinking night - but otherwise doing pretty good. Go to get my Nuelasta shot later today another step I am nervous about. But it seems like you ladies are right that let the doc know whats wrong and they will find a way to fix it.

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

    Paula3558 - so glad to hear that someone else was in as bad as shape as me on Sunday!  Definitely better today, though I need to remember to take my Ambien - I am not sleeping well without out - still uncomfortable from various surgeries, plus can't quite turn my head off.  I'm a marketing manager and took this week off to see how I did with the first treatment.  I've updated my photo - this is me with the short hair, instead of halfway past my shoulders as normal.  I'm expecting it should start thinning in about a week?  I plan to try to work on the Friday after my treatment, as long as I can, and then take off maybe Monday and Tuesday of the following week, and head in after that.  Still dealing with heartburn, even with Priolosec, tums, etc., but am making sure I'm not eating anything too spicy or fatty - seems to set it right off.

    Anyone else out there having problems with smelling things?  I can smell everything, and it's all pretty unpleasant to me - which is strange, because I usually like a lot of floral, clean, scents, like from Plug Ins, and stuff, and I had to unplug all of them.  Plus, things smell "industrial" to me,almost like I'm smelling diesel exhaust, which is weird.  Much more energy today, would have been able to probably work, except for not sleeping well last night (my own fault).  Revisited the pantry and fridge, and replanned and shopped for some other items that are more appealing than what I originally thought I could eat.  Wanting more things like chicken, turkey, rice, bland I guess is the key here.  Anyone else feeling the same?

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  • sherrimo
    sherrimo Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2009

    Hi ladies, I got my port inserted today.  Not too bad, they put me in happy land and I had no idea what was happening.  They put the needle and tube contraption in and left it in for tomorrows first round of chemo in case there was swelling and they couldn't find the port.  The IV was the worse part, couldn't get that darn vein again.  My doc said good thing we put in the port or chemo would really be a nightmare.  Stephanie, let me know how the shot goes, it looks like we are kindred spirits in our treatment except I already have my rx for nausea meds.  Sherri

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  • Believe1
    Believe1 Member Posts: 216
    edited April 2009

    Well, I crossed one more stone I'll never have to cross again, and that is I got my port in today!!  Not to bad, just a little sore.  I was told no lifting, pulling, or reaching for 3 wks, also not to get wet for 3 days.  Was that the same instructions everyone else got??  Chemo is this Friday and agian, I'm trying to look at it as one more stone that is behind me never to cross again. 

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  • ikat
    ikat Member Posts: 128
    edited April 2009

    Please add me to the april list I start chemo next Wed. April 15 tax day.....

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