March 2010 Chemo Start

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  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 34,614
    edited March 2010

    Taty - my onc did not do Neulasta shot for tx #1.  I think he wants to see my bloodwork first but no labs scheduled until day of tx #2.

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited March 2010

    sarikasd - I stopped the compazine because it made me edgy and restless.  Just did the Zofran which made me sleepy.  I liked that better than the restlessness.

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  • GurleeGirrl
    GurleeGirrl Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2010

    frosty1 - your caringbridge page is awesome.  Your pics are wonderful. Your new shorter do looks very attractive on you.  Your posts are so upbeat - and I'm glad we have such positive attitudes on this board!

    lesinindy - I'm so sorry that your wife had to go through the lung issue on top of doing her chemo.  Your support and understanding is truly a blessing and I'm sure she know what an amaing husband you are.

    JLLG, PiscesMoon, Melanie36 - we are starting our journey together tomorrow.  Be strong ladies!

     

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  • EZH
    EZH Member Posts: 48
    edited March 2010

    Best wishes for an uneventful #1 chemo for this weeks starters! Good thoughts follow you into the chemo room.

    Taty:  I got the Neulasta shot after my chemo #1 and then, at the "nadir", had my blood tested.  My counts were just right...the shot is amazing.  My onc gives the shot, preventatively,  after each chemo.  Though many do wait to check the counts first, depends on the onc.

    Sarikasd:  my daughters are 10 and 13,  And yes, I'm super hopeful that the technology will exist that repairs that mutated gene, should our children have the need.  Like you, I had the dble mx and I'm stuck in skin expanders for the duration of chemo.  I did have my ovaries removed during the mastectomy surgery...very busy operating room!  

    StaceyT and LovemyGarden:  how about that wind!  Our fence blew over and a tree came down.    And the basketball hoop crashed onto my car!  Makes you think about what a hurricane would do? 

    Is anyone else unable to sleep?  Unmedicated I can't fall asleep.  So, now its 1:22am, time for the ambien.  Anyone else having insomnia? 

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  • Julia257
    Julia257 Member Posts: 284
    edited March 2010
    Scared to be starting...today Decadron, have any of you experienced se's from this?...tomorrow the kill the beastie cocktail, I can't believe this is happening!  I appreciate the support and kind words so so much, I don't feel so alone.  Also appreciate all the posts with your experiences.  It gives me some idea of what to expect however, does not diminish in any way how very sorry I am that you have to go through this as well.  I'm hoping and praying for the best possible results and the best of good health for all of us.  God bless.
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  • ThereIsHope
    ThereIsHope Member Posts: 62
    edited March 2010

    Back at ya, Julia257... My bottle of decadron is sitting  beside me and I'm preparing to take my first dose.  It is like opening the door to the unknown since this is the first medication I've taken to prepare for the actual chemo which begins tomorrow.  I have spent the last hour reading through this thread and feel so much more informed about what to expect.  Nothing will surprise me!  I just need to get through this day because I am spending it with my grandchildren.  Hopefully positive energy will arise so that I can keep up with them!  Prayers for all of our chemo sisters, Karen

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  • staceyt
    staceyt Member Posts: 106
    edited March 2010

    XO to all those starting treatment todays, the anticipation is the worst, the actual treatment not so bad. 

    EZH - that was some wind - didn't lose power - but did wake up to snow this morning- heavy wet snow UGH!

    Well Ladies, I think I am taking the plunge and having my head shaved today.  Besides that fact that there was more hair then normal in the shower "catcher" this morning my head hurts.  Just need to work myself up to it.

    Only good vibes for our chemo sisters! - Stacey

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  • sarikasd
    sarikasd Member Posts: 31
    edited March 2010

    Ladies, its a dull rainy morning in NJ, but I am glad I could atleast get up after my experience last evening and drop my son to his bus stop.  I am going a little crazy with this disoriented and fatigued feeling.  It is as if I am walking in oil.  Hopefully the day will turn out to be better.

    Tatyana- I had Neulasta shot the day after my chemo. I am using Biotene mouth wash as told by the  nurse to avoid mouth sores and infection.

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  • GurleeGirrl
    GurleeGirrl Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2010

    Had my first treatment. Feeling pretty good so far, however I know it is too early to tell.  Felt a little nauseated - so I took a Zofran - hope it keeps everything at bay. 

    I send hugs and good thoughts to all my fellow fighters!  

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  • momto3
    momto3 Member Posts: 9
    edited March 2010

    Cytoxan/taxotere x4 3weeks apart start 3/9/2010

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  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 34,614
    edited March 2010

    Words of encouragement - I had tx #1 last Tues and am already feeling back to normal. 

    One day at a time my friends!  {{hugs}}

    edit to add OMG I'm having a cup of coffee HEAVEN my first in 4 days.  Laughing

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  • horsedoc
    horsedoc Member Posts: 512
    edited March 2010

    Can I join this group?  I'm starting TC X 4, every 3 weeks, on March 26th.  I'll be having a Neulasta shot the next day.   I will also be getting the dexamethasone pills to start taking before hand.  I'm already worried about it making me want to eat, and potentially gaining weight throughout this whole ordeal.

    I had long thick curly hair and just got it all cut off a few days ago.  I had really short hair in early college so at least it's not totally foreign.  I basically wanted people (mainly clients at work) to get used to seeing me with really short hair so it's not a big shock when I have none!  I like to wear baseball caps too so that's good.

    It's good for me to read these posts to see what kind of SE's I might have and how it might affect me working. I'm glad we have each other for support!  I live by myself so might need the extra support of you guys here.

    Good luck to everyone with treatments this week!

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited March 2010

    To all you that went today and are going this week:  blessings and happy thoughts coming your way!  I hope your day in the chair is totally uneventful.  I love Julia257's description:  kill the beastie cocktail.  As for the pre-meds -- totally nothing.  Felt buzzed by the steroids, tired from the anti-nausea meds, had some blurry vision from the Zofran, but nothing too serious.

    I am feeling pre-chemo normal these days.  So Day 1 - chair day, just fine; Day 2 - chirpy and peppy; Day 3 - tired and stomach cramps/gas all night; Day 4 - very tired, little appetite, stomach cramps/gas all night; Day 5 felt like I was hit by a truck, except no pain.  Seriously felt like I had the flu.  Day 6 and 7 - small meals every 2 hours, tired, heartburn, very loose stools, cramps/gas all night.  Day 8 starting to feel okay and by Day 9 feeling normal.  One more week to Round #2 (next Wednesday).

    Started my new job this morning so wore my wig.  It was toasty.  And I bumped my head getting out of the car at lunch and was totally paranoid that I was now crooked.  No worries.  Did my blood sample on the way to work.  I'll have those results tomorrow.  Took my wig off as soon as I got in the car to come home.

    ANd finally, welcome horsedoc!  You have the support of all of us -- feel free to vent, yell, whatever you need to get you through this mess.  I too cut my hair short and then shaved it last week (about 1/4" long now).  I didn't want to go through the trauma of watching it fall out. 

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  • Ana1973
    Ana1973 Member Posts: 88
    edited March 2010

    Good evening ladies...I'm having some anxiety right now. The scripts for steroids and anti-nausea have been filled. Tomorrow I am donating my waist length hair to Locks of Love. Thursday at 7:30am is Tx. I feel like I have been waiting for someone to call and "sorry, but this has all been a bad joke", but the phone is not ringing. The only thing that is keeping me from a straight jacket right now is seeing all of your posts. Seeing that the SE are manageable and that there is still joy beyond all the tests, poking and proding. I am so scared, but can't bring myself to talk about it without crying. My husband keeps telling me what a strong woman I am and that this will be just a bump in the road....I truly don't believe he understands (whether it's denial or ignorance). Ugh...thanks for letting me vent. I needed that. I'm praying/ sending good thoughts for all of my March sisters!

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  • Taty98328
    Taty98328 Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2010

    Hello Ladies. Big news today. I`m BRCA1 +. I guess I have to think about another surgery.

    Frosty1- what did you do for stomach cramps/gas and heartburn?

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  • baileyjm39
    baileyjm39 Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2010

    Started chemo 3/8. Taxotere and Cytoxan X4

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  • Karenm50
    Karenm50 Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2010

    Can you add me to the list? thxs

    Karen - stage III, o nodes started chemo 3/8/10, THC.

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  • LillyC
    LillyC Member Posts: 64
    edited March 2010

    Hello to all.  I am new to this forum and am beginning TC X 4 on Wednesday.  I'm anxious, but ready to begin so that it can soon be over.  I wish everyone the best and will keep you in my prayers as we go through this.

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  • julesgg
    julesgg Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2010

    tomorrow marks the end of week 1 for me after my first chemo treatment...all in all, i have felt great...chemo day was a breeze...got done in about 2 1/2 hours...(TAC)...onc nurse gave me a popcile to eat while she pushed the adriamycin...went out to lunch afterward...felt great all afternoon and evening...day 2 - about the same...ate normally, but did notice a few things tasted weird...my favorite yogurt tasted salty...weird...since i LOVE yogurt, i'll probably stop eating it until i'm finished so i won't hate it...day 3 - woke up at 4am feeling like a truck had run over me...like i had the flu, only no fever...pretty much felt like that all day...this was the first day i took any meds...also helped me just sleep it off...by about 4pm i felt good enough to get up and watch some news with the hubs, ate a couple bites (literally) of the chili he had put in the crock pot earlier...and still hit the sack that evening by 9pm...since that one day, the only thing i'm taking is a sleep aide...haven't needed any nausea meds...well, i did have to take a stool softener...YIKES!...i walked this weekend twice for 30/40 minutes...felt great!...

     tomorrow is the start of week 2 and my first lab...i'm anxious to see what my cell counts are doing... i did have the neulasta shot on the day after my first treatment...experienced some bone pain...some severe, some just bothersome...sometimes just felt achy all over...but i'll take that over nausea any day of the week!...

     my hair is still hanging in there...my hairdresser will come over to my house when i'm ready to shave it...may do something fun with the family and friends when i do that...we'll see how i feel when the time comes...

     feeling more tired now after a week...took a nap today, just all of the sudden felt like i couldn't keep my eyes open...slept for an hour and a half...it was great...but now i'm up at 12:30am, already having taken sleep meds, and not sleeping...go figure!

     we're all in this together ladies!...keep posting all your notes and thoughts and suggestions!!

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  • Julia257
    Julia257 Member Posts: 284
    edited March 2010
    I'm so strengthened by you all, I wan't to comment on all of your posts, I don't know where to begin.  I don't know how it's possible to go to work!  Although I understand the distraction, my goodness, I give you all the credit in the world it must be so difficult to handle it all.  Ana1973, I'm in agreement with your husband on this..."it's a bump in the road".  Believe in him and be strong for each other.  Sorry it's under such circumstances Horsedoc, but it's nice to hear from you again.  I'm alone also but don't feel it so much now that you're here and we are in the presence of all this support and kindness.  ThereIsHope (I love your name)  we are true partners, going right on the same date.  We will slay the dragon together and be in the best of good health in no time.  Good luck to all, easy trip, successful journey.
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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited March 2010

    Good morning ladies. It's so very bittersweet that you have all come together. If you are anything like me and the group of ladies who joined me when we went through chemo. back in July, you will find great strength here.

    If any of you are looking for resources please check out the topic "Starting Chemo in July" The opening topic list many web sites you can visit to find information.
    Additionally I have some wraps/hats that are very softly used and some that I never wore. They kinda look like the little head wear that the Amish women wear. I found them to be the most comfortable. If anyone would like these I would be more than happy to send them to you.  They are all small in size ( I have a pin head LOL) They have long tails that can be tied and made very secure. 

    Just send me a PM.

    Know that Chemo. SUCKS!!! But is very do able. You are all going to do great and you will be AMAZED how strong you are.

    Pink Hugs!! 

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  • JLLG
    JLLG Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2010

    Well, I had my first round yesterday of TC....I was so wound up, but after settling in, getting comfortable, and talking with the nurses my nerves settled down some.....

    The infusions went well, I did feel quite wiped out....

    Evening was a little like having a bus sitting on me...tired, spent, and a bit neauseous....woke at 3:20 am with tossing and turning and just being uncomfortable.  Took an Ativan and back to sleep for about 4 hours. 

    The anticipation of not kowing really what it was going to feel like and what my reactions would be was the worst part.......

    Going back today for my injection of Neulasta......

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  • sarikasd
    sarikasd Member Posts: 31
    edited March 2010

    It is a bright sunny morning today and I indeed to enjoy a little bit of sunshine.  I got up at 4:00 am today with nausea, took Zofran (which doesnt totally eliminate the nausea for me) but was able to settle back to sleep.  Yesterday was crazy for me with the effect of Compazine taking time to wear off.  I have sworn never to take it again.  It made me so restless!  I will be collecting my prescription for Kytril today, hopefully it works better for me. Also from what I have been reading , it seems it gets better after the first week.

    I really admire all those ladies who are working through Chemo.  I dont know if I would have been able to do it.  However, I could use some distraction myself-not the usual TV and books but something real to do.

    Taty- Since I am BRCA 1positive, I too will have more surgery in the form oopherectomy after chemo.  Sucks, when will they know how to fix this geneCry

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  • alison34
    alison34 Member Posts: 138
    edited March 2010

    hi ladies

    starting my first cycle tomorrow and i am getting rather terrified at the thought of what is going to happen to me

    trying to keep myself busy today to take my mind of it, just worried how i will sleep tonight and how i am going to feel first thing in the morning.

    i know this is the worst all the waiting and wondering but i am so TERRIFIED.........................

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  • Lesinindy
    Lesinindy Member Posts: 31
    edited March 2010

    How important it the ambiance where you get your chemo treatment?  I ask because it looks like I got myself into a battle with the local hospital. The majority of the hospital has undergone extensive renovation over the last few years with the exception of the oncology area in the basement. I found it disorderly, crowded, loud and completely lacking privacy. Nurses need to basically crawl over equipment and other folks to do their job. I sent an email to the hospital yesterday and they basically blamed the oncology clinic for stalled negotiations on space requirements. I copied the clinic my email today.

     Does the place where your get your treatments have importance to you? Could I be fighting a fight that I don't need to get involved in? I just looked around the clinic last week and about was in tears for the patients in there, I really think they deserve more. BTW this is not a public supported clinic, this is a private clinic in a rural area, it is not a poor area at all and for Indiana this is a rather well to do community (Average home prices $220,000.+ )

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  • staceyt
    staceyt Member Posts: 106
    edited March 2010

    Lesinindy

    I have to tell the oncology department I go to is very bright and cheerfull and does play a hugh part on my treatments.  Dark and crowded doesn't work for me - Stacey

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  • sandiek9
    sandiek9 Member Posts: 54
    edited March 2010

    Okay, tomorrow's the beginning of chemo for me, and I'm already nauseated just thinking about it.

    I'm having AC every two weeks x 4 (plus neulasta), then Taxol every 2 weeks x 4, then radiation for 6-8 weeks, and then hormone treatment for 5 years. I'm also having Zomax IV for 3 years. Seems like life will never get back to normal.

    I had my head shaved on Sunday morning - we drank champagne during the ceremony, and then went out for brunch. Those times are good, but when the brave moments are done, I feel the total aloneness of it all. Does anyone have suggestions for getting through the reality of our mortality? Meditation worked for me before the dbl mx surgery, but seems to be difficult to achieve right now.

    Thanks to everyone who writes on this blog. This disease really is an epidemic, and we're lucky to live in a time of internet to connect us all. I thought about you all yesterday while pulling the first weeds of spring here in Seattle; a bit like ridding the garden of cancer for us all.

    Courage.

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  • 1vamom
    1vamom Member Posts: 167
    edited March 2010

    Hi all, please add me to your growing list.  I start 3/18, Ac x 4, then Taxol x4, every 2 weeks.

    Class is tomorrow morning, then back the next day for the fun.

    At least, here in VA, spring is definitely coming! 

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  • alison34
    alison34 Member Posts: 138
    edited March 2010

    hi sandiek9

    i am feeling everything with you at this very moment as i too start my chemo tomorrow

    my thoughts will be with you and many others that are going through this terrible ordeal

    good luck xxxx

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  • Julia257
    Julia257 Member Posts: 284
    edited March 2010
    Hi Sandiek9, it seems to help realizing that since the day I came into the world, my mortality has been totally in God's hands so there's no need for me to ramp up the worry and fear at this point in time more than any other.  It doesn't do any good, in fact negative energy is counter- productive.  Easier said than done, I understand, but I truly believe that when I'm hopeful, convinced that after "this bump in the road" is in the rear view mirror, I'll be in my best health ever and I look forward to it.
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