Starting Chemo April 2009

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  • aris
    aris Member Posts: 124
    edited April 2009

    I'm back from infusion #2 of AC. It was all uneventful and much quicker with my new port! I came home and took a nap while my husband ran some errands. I have young kids (nearly 7 year old twins) and they spent the day with my mother.  So it has felt like an especially easy day, just resting and not worrying about anyone other than me!

    Hoping to get some sleep tonight and take it easy for the next few days.

     I hope eveyone elses transfusions were okay.  2 down and only 2 more AC to go!

     Pam

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  • TBB
    TBB Member Posts: 17
    edited April 2009

    Can someone please comment on my post from a couple of days ago... Just an acknowledgement would be helpful even if you have not heard of this place.... Its not about chemo, or hair loss, or port placement, or side effects... it is about a cancer treatment center I looked into and thought anyone from here may have heard of it.... Hope everyone had a great day!

    :)

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  • rinna40
    rinna40 Member Posts: 357
    edited April 2009

    thanks to ikat for trying to figure out why those tags are showing up in my posts. anyone else who is computer savy please elt me know.

    Glad to see all the positive posts about chemo being somewhat bareable. It is easing my fears.

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  • Mittenmomma
    Mittenmomma Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2009

    I am doing great, tomorrow will be the big test; neulasta shot.  Thank you for all the encouragement, I am feeling that I can get through this because of all of you and your sharing the information both up and downs.

    bunches of hugs to you,

    mittenmomma ( michigan gal)

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  • Mittenmomma
    Mittenmomma Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2009

    Just wanted to tell you that my first chemo treatment blew 3 veins!  I do not have a port since I only have 4 treatments total, I should have known since when I walked in they introduced me to this young women said she just came from the hospital to their office today, newbie?  Anyway, I have always had GREAT viens, I had been a regular blood donar for years, up until I found a non cancerous lump in the breast last year, then I held off till I thought it would be safe, instead found another lump in January and now that brings us up to date. The women that poked right thru all three said it "wasn't her" so she said on the 3rd one she would go get someone else, at that point I did tear and tell her I was only able to use that arm, other arm had nodes removed and is prone to lympodemia & not going to chance it.  I also informed her I was getting upset since it is exactly 6 weeks from my surgery and I don't want to get behind, I want my chemo on time, not only that, I couldn't see trying to get in at this late date to have a port put in just for 4 treatments.

    Luckily someone else came in, she took a look at the back of my hand and wrist and said "wow, what a war zone", when I had her explain what a blown vein was I just gulped, I told her I had never ever had one before, she added "you have great veins".  Needless to say, I will be requesting her by name, and will even be calling ahead to be certain not to get the other women.

    Hope non of you have to go through that, and as an added precaution, don't let a newbie go more than one vein. Not worth the upset, the bruise, or risk.

    I appreciate being able to share, hope this wasn't too gross for anyone, and I do hope it will prevent any of you from the same bad start.

    Now to lighten it up, Saturday I stressed my self out, bit of a melt down, then Monday I felt awesome; cut my hair half off; very cute till it falls out, went for a saline fill, and started the steroids day before chemo; those 3 things are better than antidepresents! Hoohah!

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  • Mittenmomma
    Mittenmomma Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2009

    Comingtoterms,

    Hi there, I wondered if you were given anything to pre treat before they started the chemo?  I requested pretreating and this is what I got; Aloxi, Decadron,Tagamet, and Benedryl!  It worked, along with small meals all day and water, water, water all day by my side in the car at my desk everywhere I go. ( go key word).  Also, Nico 1012 (BTW thank you) mentioned the American Cancer Society has announced that compazine is not adequate to treat chemo nausea, they recommend using it with the addition of either Emendo or Zofran.  I will be asking my onc to call one of them in for me, tomorrow will be day 3 and I expect what I had will wear off.  Sending big wishes for comfort speedily to you,

    Mittenmomma

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  • lissette80901
    lissette80901 Member Posts: 62
    edited April 2009

    Good to hear someone else is going through this.  I am going to start the fertility stuff after chemo.  I am already on my second AC but I couldn't wait to start it.  I also am in a fairly new relationship so the embryo thing is not an option, but the fert spec is suggesting a go to a sperm bank.  Not sure what to do.  She says the egg thing is experimental and didn't offer to have the ovary removed... I'd like to know your thoughts.

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  • Paula3558
    Paula3558 Member Posts: 63
    edited April 2009

    chevlev,

    Good luck with todays treatment. My appt. is 10am after visit with Oncologist. I'm requesting that the nurse slow the cytoxin infusion this time since it gave me a horrible sinus headache that lasted for 3 days. I'm also taking chocolate, since I'm a chocolate addict and will eat half a box of chocolate if given the chance NO will power when comes to chocolate. My thought was if I eat chocolate I won't want it ever again after chemo! (lol)

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  • jlp
    jlp Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2009

    Went for my 2nd treatment (TAC x 6) yesterday and so far so good, though if it is like last time the worse side effects for me will be early next week - hope that's the case again as our weather forecast for the weekend looks fantastic 88 on Saturday! Must remember the sunscreen....

    Going for neulasta shot today - then shopping for DH's birthday party on Saturday (keg of beer, and pizza delivery on Sat so no work for me!).

    My hair fell out in chunks day 14 after first treatment, shaved to a 'number 2' length on day 18, and since then it has stayed about the same - 'almost bald', lost a few eyelashes but no eyebrow loss yet. BUT leg hair is still growing - still need the razor for that - maybe this treatment will stop it!

    Good luck for everyone with treatments coming up - for those of you going for the first treatment, it will probably be much better than you are anticipating - and do use the info here to help with SEs!

    rinna40 - try copying your posts into Notepad or a similar basic text editor first, then copy and paste again to here. That ought to get rid of those pesky tags!

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  • jlp
    jlp Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2009

    Mittenmomma - just reread your post on anti-nausea meds. You should get Emend if your insurance will cover it.  The studies show that it is a significant improvement over other treatments. My onc will not do TAC without it.  I get IV Emend before my chemo, and 2 pills to take at home day 2 and day 3, as well as Compazine (which I found I needed for about 6 days) and Ativan (which I haven't needed).

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  • jlp
    jlp Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2009

    Well, I'm a chocaholic too, and I've been eating it during chemo and every time in between, same as ice cream. So far it hasn't worked and I'm still eating it every day!  Wink

    In fact I found ice cream to be one food I could tolerate when I just couldn't face anything else...

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  • comingtoterms
    comingtoterms Member Posts: 421
    edited April 2009

    jlp and mittenmama,

    Here is what I have been given for nausea - These all were delivered by a pharmacy, straight to my door.  I guess one in particular is very expensive, and they want to be sure it won't be declined by your insurance company.  The expensive one is Emend (three pills) per packet.  One to be taken one hour before chemo and then the other two for the next two days.  They are $100.00 per pill!!    You have to call for a refill on these every two weeks.  Then I have dexamethasone (decadron), prochlorperazine (Compazine),  and lorazepam (Antivan).  One thing am a bit confused about - it seems that some of you are doing AC/T all at the same time?  Or am I mistaken?  I am doing A/C (x4) and then T (x4) total of 16 weeks/ dose dense.  If you are doing them all together, than maybe that is why the SEs are so much more intense for you than they are for me?  I would be curious to know....Neulesta shot was yesterday, and I feel fine...... It is making me nervous waiting for the other shoe to drop!!!  TBB, I wish I could help you, but I am at Roswell Park up here in Buffalo NY and have little knowledge about any other facilities anywhere else, sorry.  Tammy

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  • rinna40
    rinna40 Member Posts: 357
    edited April 2009

    jlp - I went into ms word, wrote my message and now tried to copy and paste it inot the post a reply screen. No luck, it wouldn't paste. still have to put up with those tags.

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  • rinna40
    rinna40 Member Posts: 357
    edited April 2009

    Well, just look at that, no tags for no apparant reason. Hmmmm. 

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  • jenniferb
    jenniferb Member Posts: 24
    edited April 2009

    Hey There Beautiful People:

    Just wanted to let you know I am on Session #3 of Dose Dense AC/T and still have my period! I know the Onc and others have reported being immediately thrust into menopause but that has not been the case so far with me. Anyway, just wanted to share. And for all you ladies out there wondering what Chemo is like (especially the Double Dosage) for us 3Ns, I have a daily Chemo blog you are welcome to check out at http://3nbreastcancer.blogspot.com/

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  • HelenNC
    HelenNC Member Posts: 84
    edited April 2009

    I will probably have to post in the May chemo thread too!

    I am going for my surgeon consult today for port placement. Surgery for port tomorrow. Then chemo on Tuesday. Sat. I am getting a very short spikey haircut to get ready for hair loss.

    Good luck to all in treatment!

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  • bombus
    bombus Member Posts: 20
    edited April 2009

    tbb- i haven't heard about it but you might want to ask in the chat room some evening, there seems to be a lot of chatters from fl and they might have more infor for you. 

    jenniferb- consider your self lucky i am having menopause symptoms and the worse period i have ever had at the same time, it is like my body is fighting itself.  

    in other news i am not sleeping or eating, this has to change. i have just enough nausea to make food seem like a bad idea. i have been up since 4 this morning and since i went to bed at 1 i really should still be asleep.  i think i need different drugs.

    i have also been having a hard time with being tri neg, sometimes it just scares me silly and other times i am okay with it, at least there is no tomoxifan in my future and i can still drink soy milk.  

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  • tulipbebe
    tulipbebe Member Posts: 85
    edited April 2009

    I'm into week 2 of #1 AC.  My fingers are starting to experience neuropathy....tingling and sometimes a little numb.  Gums are a little sore.  But I still sleep ok....

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

    Mittenmama ~ I'm really curious about the statement your onc made about a patient getting cancer in her head from using a cold cap. It has been my understanding that the reason brain cancer is so difficult to treat is that very few chemo agents cross the blood brain barrier. If that is the case then a cold cap would have no effect on cancer to the brain since the chemo never reaches the brain. The purpose of wearing the cold cap is to prevent hair loss and from what I have read it is effective about 30% of time. But then statistically 25% of chemo patients never lose their hair without using a cold cap. Any input on this? Tender? Otter? I'm really curious to know what others have read or been told by their oncs.

    Nico

    "Knowledge is Power and Attitude is Everything"  Livestrong

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  • Believe1
    Believe1 Member Posts: 216
    edited April 2009

    HI all, I havent been on in a while now, but thought I would peek in and see how everyone is doing.  I had my first round of the AC 2 wks ago, and it didnt go well.  I have read how its tough but doable, and that just wasnt the case for me.  I had EVERY side effect known and honestly felt like a dead person in my own body.  I see my oncologist today at 4:45pm and we are going to talk about another form of tx.  All of my numbers and scores were wonderful, all but the damn oncotype score which was a 27.  Now that is still considered to be in the "gray" area, so I am having a very hard time, putting my body through a living HELL for a just in case.  I would be more than willing to go on the Tamoxifen for 5 yrs and then switch to the other one after that, because my cancer was estrogen and progesterone positive, and my HER2NUE was negative..  Sorry, I am  rambling, just getting thoughts together before the big meeting,  Wish me luck.  I do want to say to all out there, I really have alot of respect and admiration for all of yuou.

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited April 2009

    Believe1, I just sent you a private message

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  • Paula3558
    Paula3558 Member Posts: 63
    edited April 2009

    Hi ladies hope everyone is doing well,

    Just got home after tx.#2 of TAC. I have been drinking water for two days, carried a water bottle around with me everywhere. My mother went with me today and commented " Good Lord I've never seen anyone pee so much" Seemed I had to take my IV pole into the bathroom every hr. Last treatment lasted 5 hrs. this one was 4hr. And I'm happy to report no sinus headache. I took extra strength tylenol before starting treatment. My oncologist added Reglan for the side effect of being repulsed by the thought or sight of food which brought on the nausea. She said it should help better than the zofran, which did nothing for me.  So far so good. I'm wired from the decadron, maybe I'll get the vaccume out while I have the energy.

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  • jeezy
    jeezy Member Posts: 32
    edited April 2009

    Hello all...just checking in

     It's day 8 after TCH and I had another H today.  I felt fine until day 4, then 5, 6 and even 7 I was feeling fine one minute and horrible the next.  I've Cry for two days for no apparent reason other than it could be hormones.  Onc gave me Effexor XR today and I will start on it tonight.  They were unable to access my port today because it is infected so I'm on an antibotic for that too.  Bought one of those medicine organizers so I don't OD on all the pharms I'm taking because Chemo brain is aready rampant for me and I can't remember what I did 5 minutes ago.

    Other than all that and since I've Cry for two days, I actually feel better this afternoon so maybe I'm over the worst...I sure hope so.  God says to be brave and strong and I'm trying really hard.  Hope all you girls have a great and painless evening.

     JeezyCool

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

    Hi, ladies!  Had round 2 of TC today, and my doctor lowered the dosage somewhat to help keep my WBC from plunging down to nothing, like round 1 did.  Hopefully the SEs will be lower too!  Get my Neulasta shot tomorrow, so I guess I'll be getting all side effects at once, - that ought to be very interesting. 

    Bombus - have you talked to your doctor?  They really want to make sure you are not miserable all of the time, I'm so sorry you are going through such hell!  Have you asked your doctor for a sleep aid like Ambien?  I've been taking it since my diagnosis in February, and on the nights I try to go without, I just cannot get to sleep.  As far as eating, are you getting any protein, like lean chicken or something or some cheese or anything?  Are you nauseous or just no appetite?  You may want to bring that up to your doctor too - they may want you to go on shakes like ensure or something to make sure you are getting some nutrition.  Please keep us posted!

    Believe1 -  Good luck with your meeting - I hope you and your doctor can come up with a better solution for you!!  My oncotype was in the "gray" area too and we had to decide whether or not to even do the chemo, so I am there with you about that.  I will be thinking of you and hopefully you will be able to switch to a more doable and easier chemo treatment!!

    Jeezy - hope that you are feeling better!  I know about the chemo brain - I accidentally flooded my kitchen the first friday following treatment.  I started the water, walked away to log onto the computer and went back 45 minutes later thinking, what the heck is that noise?  Total flood.  almost made it to the bedroom before I realized what was happening.  At least I wasn't driving!!  Hope you have a better night and a great tomorrow.  I'm waiting for my SEs to kick in, thinking I'll have hell on Sunday.  Oh well, at least I know what I'm in for, and 2 down!

    Also, as my next treatment is scheduled a week later than I anticipated, because my doctor will be out of town, I think I'll be a week later in finishing Frown than I thought, but at least it's only 2 more to go!

    Blessings to all my chemo friends - we are strong and wonderful!!

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  • ikat
    ikat Member Posts: 128
    edited April 2009

    Hi All,

    Just wanted to wish all the ladies who had chemo this week a good one without SE.

    Bombus I am with you on the on sleep thing.  Tonight is the first day that food looks really good. So I am going to try some. 

    Renna 40 glad to see your lost your tagsCool 

    Kathy 

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  • TMD
    TMD Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2009

    I had my 2nd AC treatment yesterday and it went well.  The first time I had nausea a few hours after so I was a little nervous.  This time I drank 64 ounces of water within two hours of chemo and continued drinking during and afterwards. It is over 24 hours and I am still good--I will keep my fingers crossed.  I was able to attend my 9th grader's honor program last night and went to work today.  I started taking colace last night in hopes of avoiding the unbearable constipation I experienced last week.  Wish me luck on this one!  Gave myself my neulasta shot in the tummy this afternoon and hope to continue to not have bone pains.  Wish me luck on this one too! 

    Comingtoterm and Bumbus--I highly recommend Ativan if you are having trouble sleeping or have nausea--just beware it will knock you out.  After my first chemo, I was hyped up (from the steroids?) and took it.  I slept like a baby and woke up feeling great.  Ativan is my plan B--

    Believe--please hang in there. My thoughts are with you.

    Nico1012--where are you finding your statistics on hair loss?  Is this statistic for breast cancer patients or cancer patients in general?  

    Good luck to everyone.  I will check back soon. 

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

    TMD ~ I read this stat first on WebMD: Chemotherapy and Hair loss about a year ago. I had no luck with their archives in pulling up the article. However, other web sites (have read hundreds, literally) have stated the same. Scott Hamiltons site chemocare.com is great as well as about.com:Chemotherapy and Chemotherapy.com In general it is the drug and dosage that determines whether or not hair loss occurs and not the type of cancer one has. Cytoxan causes hair thinning, not necessarily hair loss Fluro does not cause hair loss so many women getting CMF have no hair loss. Taxol almost always causes hair loss and Adriamycin usually causes hair loss. Mayoclinic.com states that the the cold cap showed good results for "most" and they do not rec against it. Other web sites state there is no benefit and use could result in cancer of the scalp. The problem with so many cancer web sites is that the info can be up to 10 years old. My curiosity re: cold caps and head cancer was the issue of the blood brain barrier. Perhaps mittenmama's onc was ref head cancer other than the brain. Don't know. Still waaiting for some of the org.'s brainiacs to come along and educate me! LOL! Tender, Otter? Helllooooo ~~~~~

    Nico

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  • Believe1
    Believe1 Member Posts: 216
    edited April 2009

    Hi once more, just wanted to check in and say that I did have a good long talk with my oncologist today and have decided that chemo is not my answer.  I was expecting him to give me some kind of rebuttal, but he did not.  He said after 30yrs of doing this there are people that just can not tolerate chemo and I am one of those.  But with all of my tests, numbers and margins being so good, we decided on the 5yrs of Tamoxifen, with blood work every 3months.  He seemed to be up-beat and didnt try to push me to do any other tx.  I feel free of a hell that I just couldnt see myself going through again.  He also said, he could have 10 people on the same chemo and all 10 could react differently.  I thought that was pretty interesting.  I wish all of you luck through this time, and will never, never forget!!!!!

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  • mariemarie
    mariemarie Member Posts: 5
    edited April 2009

    Add me to the list please. I had my first AC a week ago, started feeling physically better after 4 days but am still mentally slow and fuzzy. I'm trying to work, so far my boss has been great but it's surprising how this stuff kicks your butt, even after just one treatment.

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  • inthemoment
    inthemoment Member Posts: 538
    edited April 2009

    Hi everyone,

    Saw the onc today - white count back up and #2 A/C is on as scheduled for 4/30.

    The BEST news is that the BRAC 1&2 came back as no mutation.  I don't get emotional very often, but I had two daughters who were being very brave waiting to see if they have to think about prophylactic mastectomies and oophorectomies, and that brought me to tears - I couldn't wait to get out of the office and call them. 

    I am feeling good this week and making the most of every day - will think about chemo next week when I'm forced to - until then, gotta enjoy the good days.

    Has anyone had elevated liver enzymes BEFORE chemo started.  Onc told me today that on my initial consult, enzymes were normal, but day of first chemo they were elevated (before chemo dose) and were still elevated today - about 3x normal.  The only new drug started around the time the elevation occured was wellbutrin to stop smoking, which I only took for about 3 weeks and stopped.  He said maybe that, but he would be watching me "like a hawk".  I just hope it doesn't mean my liver won't be able to process the chemo - just one more thing to think about!

    Believe 1 - I'm so sorry you are have had such a hard time with nasty s/e.  It sounds like you and your oncologist are comfortable with the decision to stop.  Everyone here will wish you the best, and you need to stop by and say hello from time to time - you are still an April Angel (sorry, just thought of that name).

    mariemarie-welcome, we all understand slow and fuzzy (some of us were like that before the bc diagnosis ;) - next cycle, you kick butt!!!

    Good night all, keep the s/e away!

    Geri

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