Starting Chemo in July 2009
Comments
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Day 4 - I hear this is the tell all day. Nervous.
quarter 405 - I spent 24 hours thinking about your indigestion. really. Couldn't remember the name of a product a gf rec'd about five years ago and then I woke up at around 3ish today and remembered. Its namely for heart burn but I used to use it for upset gassy stomaches and it made me better within twenty minutes.. heres the link:
wlproctor39 - very glad you like your port. it almost makes the chemo unoticable, if you can believe it. Its a bit uncomfortable but it makes life easier. ...Im still having issues with my neck from the placement of my body during the procedure. Have to call my surgeon/onc/nurse about getting the ok to see a chiro w/ the neulasta. Anybody know about this?
Joni - claritin works for the neulasta - I read it here and take it bc of it. I don't know if it really works bc I don't want to take the chance of feeling bad. I also take vitamin b tincture, vitamin d, calcium and magnesium every day since the neulasta shot. I am worried about a previous car accident where I broke my back and am just being uber cautious. The b will be good for the taxol so Im preparing since I hear that this reduces the tingling in your hands and Im doing 12 weeks of tax/herceptin. Supposedly is also good for the memory along w/ malic acid (which is juiced apples and not sure if that is so good to do on chemo - anybody?) Il take it to stay away from the chemo fog but only if its ok.
any color poop would be good. took colace c last night max dosage and hoping for more than the bunny poops ive been getting. is it better w/o the steroids bc i don't go on them anymore til next round.
paluding mom, Ill put your mom in my prayers.
i gotta take my emend now. don't want another near disaster like yesterday. peace ladies.
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Hi Everyone,
It's Day 10 for me and I feel so much better and I so enjoyed reading everyone's posts. A lot of people are just starting, so don't get discouraged if it gets worse when the Emend ends or as the week progresses.
I'd like to vote for name #9 or any other with "jedi" in, but I'm easy, so whatever you decide.
White 929 - are you ok? I didn't see posts from you and I had a very mixed week - you're on my same cycle and chemo.
Lori - If your employer has more than 15 employees, they are bound by the Family Medical Leave Act and you have up to 12 weeks and you can take it intermittently if medically necessary. Here is a website for the Cancer Legal Rights Center - you can call them and they will research it for you but take a long time to get back (few weeks) http://disabilityrightslegalcenter.org/about/cancerlegalresource.cfm
Joni2 - you raised concerns about nausea and are on the TC like me - I had emend and Zofran and when emend ended I had trouble getting my liquids in. I never vomited, but felt yucky and a little nauseous so fluids dropped. They brought me in for IV fluids and more anti-nausea and changed my protocol to add a patch next time, so don't worry, just call your docs if nausea isn't being controlled. Yes, the emend is really important to take. It was when that ended I had trouble.
Quarter 405 I also had diffculty drinking huge volumes. I tried to keep track of how much I drank and tried to get 64 ounces of something in me. the sodas did work for me - grape gator ade worked better than orange. But I found I could not simply drink huge. Salty nibbles helped my sore tummy and then made me want to drink more b/c of the salt. Not sure if this will help you. I don't usually gobble a lot of junk, but I did nibble on some junky foods during the hardest chemo days like chips and crackers. You might not want to eat a lot of it anyway.
Beachbabe - don't stress out about the weight b/c you'll go into chemo at one weight, maybe not eat too much that day and wake up like 6 pounds more in 12 hours! It's the chemo and steroids, but it's water retention and then you'll lose the water retention during the next several days. They say if you keep going up rapidly you should call b/c they worry about too much fluid retention.
Whoever said they can't sleep - I haven't had a full night's sleep in over a week thanks to steroids, even with valium and ambien - it's normal but hard side effect. Last night I finally slept 5 hours, woke for 20 minutes and then another 3 hours. Today I feel wonderful. I don't have any tips about that one - mainly just that when steroids go away you sleep closer to normal.
Paulding Mom - thanks for the huge laugh about naming your wigs! Prayers and hugs to everyone.
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o2behealthy
Great job in posting the start dates and chemo treatments.
I think it really helps knowing who is taking similar chemo treatments in regards to side effects and tips.
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Hello,
Today is my day 5 after chemo. I'm still drinking tons of fluid. Finally normal bowel movements and was able to sleep last night after I took benadryl. I'm still feeling really good and plan to excercise today.
My surgeon followed up on my port which has healed nicely and an issue where I have tissue or fluid on my left side. Everything is okay and he urged me to really get my left arm in full range motion. I had the sentinal lymph node biopsy during my mastectomy. My sentinal lymph node had a few (surgeon could count # of cells on one hand) so they took 16 additional during my mastectomy and biopsied them during my surgery. End result was only 1 of 16 was positive. I noticed that most women didn't have as many lymph nodes removed like me so I'm not sure what to make of that.
I just hope that even though I'm feeling good with little or no side effects the chemo is working.
Lastly, I'd like to thank everyone for there tips and sharing information, it is helping me get through this journey.
Have a wonderful day!
Connie
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Hi Hopeful-1
Glad to hear your feeling good today! I'm on day 11 and have had very few issues.
I started exercising again on day 6 and it felt great. One thing has set me back a bit though. I was feeling so good at the gym that I got a little ahead of myself and started lifting weights. Everything was great, I concentrated mostly on lower body and rode the bike for an hour a day. Well on day three I decided I would do some light upper body exercises, big mistake! I now have what the dr is calling a reactive swollen lymph node in my right armpit the size of a golf ball. The way she put it is that my once six lane highway has gone done to two lanes and it is bumper to bumper. Lifting any type of weights on that sentinal node side is a big no no. She didn't act like it was going to be a problem but it doesn't seem to be going away either, it will take some time I think.
Just thought I would share that with you before you head out to get some exercise. I wish i had known it before hand as it has set me back on my range of motion progress.
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Connie,
I had an axillary node disection as well with my rt mast and had 9 nodes removed. My BS said that they just remove that whole pad of tissue with whatever nodes are in it. She said every woman is different...she's seen anywhere from 7 to 27 nodes be in that space. I went for a visit yesterday with a lymphedema massage therapist who is also a onc nurse. She verified the same info and said we're all different that way. It doesn't appear I have lymphedema, but she's showing me how to do lymphatic drainage massages to preempt anything in the future. She said it can rear its ugly head 10-20 years down the road. Right now, she said all the fluid in the area is normal from surgery for at least 2-3 months out. She said exercise and movement are good, just not weight bearing or resistance. OH, and also, anything that turns the skin red is not good....hot tubs, sunburn, friction from rubbing, scratching..etc.. Hope this is helpful.
Joni(1)
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OK that's good to know. There are three of us on this thread all getting ports in on Wednesday next week.
A weird thing to say, but I'm looking forward to joining all you ladies with hair problems. I just want to get started!
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I'm new to this thread but not new to the site. I am scheduled for my first round of chemo on July 16. I'm supposed to have it once every 21 days. I will be having Adriamycin and Cytoxan. After that I will be on hormones for a while. Don't know which ones yet.
I am a little nervous and unsure at this point. I will say that I was pretty sure that I would do this cause I wanted to fight hard against this. Until yesterday.....I had my teaching lesson and took my mom and fiance. Needless to say they don't really want me to do this and can't understand why since I had a mastectomy to make sure I got rid of it all. I was given the choice of lumpectomy too, but didn't want to wonder for the rest of my life. I just wanted it gone. So now, I've been up since 3 a.m. and can't sleep. I keep going over things in my mind. Am I doing the right thing. I thought I was. Now, their concerns are bothering me.
Ever since I was diagnosed, I have been so upbeat and positive. Nothing about it really bothered me or got me down. But having to go thru chemo did hit me a little hard. But I got over that hurdle. Til yesterday. Now I just don't know. I've been reading posts for weeks now just to feel some sort of relief and to know what to expect. It's hard to explain things to your family about why you chose to do what you do when they haven't really experienced it. That's why I come on here multiple times a day to be with those who have been thru it, are going thru it and understand.
Yes I am scared. For the first time since the diagnosis. My fiance asked. "Why do you want to do chemo?" I told him, "No one wants to do chemo." How do you get them to understand and continue to support your decision?
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Giggles, Your Dx & mine are the same. I had a 2 nodes tho', not 1. I had a lumpectomy, not mastectomy. I had Oncotype testing and my tumor showed a high rate of recurrence in 5 years-better odds of not recurring if I had chemo. It's one of the main reasons I am. The other is that even with high tech medicine, the possibility of 1 micro small cancer cell escaping my boob & my nodes to travel around somewhere else to implant was enough for me to say "Eradicate 'em!"
I have a question. Everyone says "Day 5" or "Day 10", etc. How are you counting that? Is the treatment day, "Day 1" or is "Day 1" the next day. I wanna know if I'm "Day 2" or "Day 3".
Have a good Saturday everybody.
Joni2
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According to my dr treatment day is DAY 1
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proctor39 that is good to hear about the port. There are three of us on this thread all getting ports on Wednesday next week.
Connie I had 15 lymph nodes removed with lumpectomy, 9 of which were positive.
Joni1 I had no idea it was a pad of tissue removed. I somehow envisaged a long "string" of them.
I too have been reading the June chemo thread. I'm sure a lot of potential August thread people are reading ours - see how many hits there are compared to posts on this thread. We all continue to support each other, even those we don't know.
Keep up the good work and don't forget to vote by PM to PauldingMom.
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Giggles: Welcome...if you are curious on who may be on a similar cocktail, see page 7 for start dates and tx's.
Joni1: I have struggled with the issue of lymphedema...it ticks me off that I have to be watchful for the rest of my life and take so many precautions to 'hopefully' avoid lymphedema...cancer sucks...oh wait that is a different thread...
I took a preemptive strike and got a pre-chemo hair cut...my hair is color treated so I cannot donate to locks for love (bummer)...feeling a little weepy and sad but I am so relieve that it was my CHOICE and hopefully it won't be so traumatic when my hair starts falling out...
Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!
<<<HUGS>>>
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Giggles, Joni2 mentioned the "oncotype". Many of us had a few 1-3 nodes, and once you have any node involvement, most doctors want you to have some kind of chemo. For women who have 0 nodes, sometimes they do the "oncotype" testing. My oncologist thought I might have 0 nodes pre-surgery and I had 3 which had very little bit of cancer in them. Oncotype testing is expensive, so they'll only do it if there's 0 node involvement. But, if I had had 0 nodes after surgery, my oncologist wanted to send my tumor away for that testing. It gives you the "odds" of it recurring like Joni said. So, if your onco type shows your tumor might recur 5% of the time, maybe chemo isn't worth it. But, if it shows 30%, then chemo is your insurance policy. Even for those of us who had our surgeries and have only a couple of nodes, we might already be cancer free, but it's an insurance against anything that might have slipped out of the lymphatic system. This is a huge decision for you and you seem to be so brave - you have every right to ask your oncologist about the oncotype if they haven't discussed it with you.
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I am also pro port. At first I thought, "Not another surgery when I can do with out." But after talking to the nurses and reading on here it sounded like a good idea.
- It cuts down on the number of stick you have to get. Okay that's a easy one. yuck I hate them but I could live with them.
- If they accidently go thru your vein some of the chemo. junk can end up in you and not in your blood stream. Not such a good thing.
- Chemo is hard on your veins. If they use the port it goes into a great big ole vein and causes less damage.
- If your veins don't hold up to the chemo through an IV they have to move to a different spot and since most or all of us have had nodes removed they can't, or at least shouldn't use that arm.
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Thank you o2bhealthy, I will definitely check that out. I will be in this thread pretty regular to see updates and to update myself once I start chemo next Thursday.
Eph3_12: Thank you so much for sharing with me. I needed to hear that. I know he took the node for testing and it came back negative, which was a good thing. None were involved. But I do feel the same as you do. I chose to have a mastectomy cause I wanted it gone and by whatever it took. And that's the same way I look at chemo, if there was even a microscopic small bit of cancer that tried to "hide", I wanted to do what it took to make sure it was gone. So chemo is my choice.
Kathy16: I haven't had the Oncotype DX test. My doctor didn't order it. He is more aggressive at making sure we do what's necessary to get rid of it. For him, it's an insurance policy. So I will only have four rounds of chemo.
By the way all, my mom did call me this morning after my post and told me she had been thinking about it this morning and is supporting this decision as well. She looked at it from my point of view and my reasons for doing it. And she understands.
Good luck to everyone! I'll keep updates of my progress.
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Day 13 The hair hting is starting. Starting to freak out. this is the part I do not want to happen. I will keep it till it comes out in clumps. The itching is the first sign for me. My husband has been trying to be supportive but says I need to cope. He is not losing his hair. I guess it all comes out. Will shave it all when it is pretty sparse. The days count down. Chemol #2 on Monday, I will 1/4 done. You do get to feeliong better. The hips still hurt but I have found that walking helps the soreness before I go to bed. Hugs and strength Dianne
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Hang in there Dianne. We are all here for you. Try and keep a good out look on the hair loss. Less shaving, no Burt Reynolds mustach, and it may come back in better than before. ALl that good stuff.
Hugs, Lisa
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So here it is, Day 3 by your counting standards, & I'm feeling pretty good. My mom suggested we do a little day trip today, poking around antique shops in a town about 30 miles away-something we've been talking about doing. When I woke up today I wasn't sure I'd be able to pull it off-felt queasy, but got a handle on it and we went. Had a great time, bought a few things, including a great cool hat for once there's no more hair, had a great lunch. Ended up being a rouse-got home and my 14 year old & her best buddy have my bedroom torn apart and are repainting it for a belated bday present!!! Deep purple and glittering gold-gotta love teenagers!
Joni2
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JONI2....Deep purple and glittering gold has got to lift your spirits Glad you are doing well! Patti
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Joni2: that is so sweet...deep purple and glittering gold... So happy to hear that you are feeling well enough for a day out!
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To Eph3-12
Joni2: What an encouraging news. So happy for you.
I am sending you bunch of smiley faces.
Sheila
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Kathy16: Thanks for asking about me! I was out of it for a couple days and then started to post a reply and my laptop battery died...I am having a hard time keeping up with everyone.
I'll just give you an update on me. Days 4 and 5 were the worse for me. I felt like a mack truck hit me and I was achy all over (tried some tylenol..helped some). I have been getting some help with my grandson who lives with me and is 3. Full of energy he is! I feel tired most days. I haven't worked since my first tx on 7/2 as his daycare was on vacation. He goes back Monday and I'm going to try to get a couple hours in at the office. Haven't had any bowel problems as I took Senocot for the first 5 days after first tx. I am however getting a sinus infection which I'm prone to and need to have my blood checked on Monday. Counting down...4 more days of hair
Oh well...by Christmas I should have stubble. Try to get more posting done out there! God bless you all and thanks for all the updates! Good luck to all who haven't started tx one yet!
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o2bhealthy: Know what you mean about the hair loss thing...I'm freaking a little bit. It has been cut two times in preparation....four more days...UGH! Seems we keep track of everything by time....four more days hair falls out....12 more days, tx 2 of 4....then it will be 2 down and 2 to go...then wait and do rads.....starting with 36....each day counting down. I don't want to rush the summer, but thinking by Christmas may start to feel a little normal again?????
Joni2: sending you smiles toooooo
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All I can say is, I am so PROUD of all of you ladies! Just recalling the many stages we've been through so far...the emotional roller coaster..and THEN I see you trudging through this mess we're in with such determination and hope!!! We ARE more than conquerors!!!
I learn so much about what to expect as I read your updates. Thank you for sharing and being so honest in the face of adversity. We are among friends here...I hope you all feel that as well. I know we will look back on this and see we grew in ways we didn't even realize....not because of cancer, but in spite of it.
I'm realizing a friend with cancer, is a friend like no other!!
Hugs all,
Joni1
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Hi Girls,
I had my first chemo on July 9 and so far so good. The anti-emetics have pretty much kept the nausea at bay except for a little queasiness on night 1. Ativan is my saviour haven't had any sleeplessness at all the main thing is just a dry mouth and sick of drinking water.
Treatment is 3 x FEC and 3 x Taxotere plus herception but going on a trial so not sure what that will look like yet. So Jayne in UK I think you and I are the only ones on this treatment? What were the bad days for you?
Its really helpful to read how everyone else is coping and I wish you all the very best!
M
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Does anyone feel like you are wound up tight (from all the drugs) I have to sit and breathe to try to relax. What do they give for that? I dont want to be knocked out just myself?
I had to go to the ememgency room due to stomach pain so I know my poor body is in a tail spin.
e
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Hello,
So I guess my Days are mixed up and it might be due to lack of sleep. Today is my Day 7 after my 1st chemo. I felt good ,but a little tired yesterday and took a 3 hr nap. I didn't feel awake and refreshed after the nap. I've been a little depressed because this is only my first week and I have 15 to go. I try not to complain because I can go potty now, I can sleep and other than the depression, I'm feeling good.
I did connect and speak on the phone with another BC member last night who is only 1 month younger than me with a very similar diagnosis and treatment regimen. She was so nice and only has one more taxol to go on July 20th which is also her birthday. She shared her thoughts and experiences with me which helped a lot. I'm amazed at the women power and support that goes along with this illness.I'm depressed because I'm usually so active and I don't know what to do with myself. I keep organizing, throwing things away, and gather items I want to donate to a local shelter.
I really think the ice chips during chemo and tons of fluids helped.
Joni and nowaynotnow: Thanks for the information about exercise and avoiding lymphedema.
I wish everyone a good day.
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Jacee What a great post. You hit the nail on the head.
quarter 4 Do you think it's from nerves more than the chemo. I started taking an anti-anxiety med. about 2 weeks before I started chemo because I was such a basket case. I tried so hard not to be but just couldn't do it.
I find myself easily exhausted. Saturday, I got up and went to the grocery store but when I got home and got everything unloaded I had to take a nap. Then I felt much better. We decided to go on a little motorcycle ride which felt great! Came home took another nap. Then went to watch the fireworks at our local park. What a great time. But I broke out in hives on both arms. Don't know if it was nerves or what, but I applied ice and when I got home applied some ointment.
A bunch of you have voted but many of you have not. VOTE!!! Your choices are available about half way down on page 8.
Have a great Sunday! Tomorrow is my Look Good class!! Can't wait.
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Hey everyone, The hair thing is starting to me. I have alot of hair so I have found that treat it very nice and gently comb and wash it. Here is a good tip that I picked up off the boards. Take a sticky lint roller over head and it will pick up the extra strays and is gentle on the hair. Sounds funny but it works. Trying to keep it as long as possible. Strength to all Dianne
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Day five and am I the only one who feels like Ive been hit by a car? Called Drs this am and got a script for a throat infection but no returned calls for the lovely thrush. Drank lots of water, tried keifer. Biotene is almost empty after five days. Does anybody have any hints on how to get rid of a white tongue and/or if it's def thrush? I made the mistake of drinking 1/4 of a beer three days ago and have had a yeasty tongue since. Also, I was sick with a chest cold before chemo and I thought it was killed off but looks like it sprang its ugly head back into my throat. perhaps? or maybe this is just how this shit goes?
Sorry to be the yang to the above great track record.
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