March 2010 Chemo Start

EZH · March 2010

Hello everyone...hope all are okay today.

StaceyT: I checked my PM's, nothing there? I'm not that techno-saavy, but I think I checked it correctly. If you sent something, please re-send. BTW, the hair thing...not good. Lost the ovaries, lost the breasts, but somehow, the hair (the only thing that will be coming back!) has me teary eyed.Looking like this just makes it sooo much more in your face, sort of speak. "Here we go again", the chemo #2 coming tomorrow. My heart is already pounding away, started the Decadron this a.m. I hope that you avoid another bout of chemo headache, do you have meds on hand incase that returns?

Frosty and Taty and Sarikasd: you must be going for round #2 Wednesday/Thursday? Good thoughts and prayers for an easy time.

I can't keep track of everyone! But I do wish all new friends loving thoughts and strength to all that are starting this week.

Anyone else, insomnia? I'll check in around midnight!

staceyt · March 2010

EZH - Check again I believe it went this time.

My heart is pounding also, and I am truly hoping that they were right and that my potassium was down because of the intake of water before my 1st treatment. They advised me not to drink as much until after my treatment, they will have the good drugs on hand this time just in case.

Wishing everyone the best.

MNLinda · March 2010

Quick tip - if you are having problems with food tasting off, and you are taking dexamethasone (Decadron) as part of the regimen, you could try putting the dexamethasone tabs inside an empty gelcap to swallow them. They can leave a powerful aftertaste on the back of your tongue.

Helped for me. Still had some taste issues, but not as much.

LillyC · March 2010

Sandiek9: It's either my "chem-brain" or the software, but am having trouble responding. Did you get a reply from me? If not, will try and try again.

Wanted to let all know that my aching bones are feeling much, much better today. Hopefully a one-day SE!!!!

Sending best wishes for all.

.

horsedoc · March 2010

I've been lurking the past few days.... just wanted to say hi to everyone, and I hope you are all feeling ok. I went to the onc office today and have a "teaching" session with the nurses where they went over the treatment protocols, showed me the infusion rooms, and talked about the medications and SE and everything. I felt so much more comfortable hearing about everything (and I feel I am more prepared!) because of all the ladies here who have shared their experiences. First infusion is on Friday/Neulasta on Saturday. Start the Decadron Thursday.

I am trying to be prepared for when my hair comes out in a few weeks. I am trying to think it won't bother me but I know it will. I'm actually getting it trimmed a little shorter this week so there will be less to fall out. What do most people wear on their heads right away when it comes out? Are regular scarves and/or bandanas ok by themselves or do they itch/hurt? I am thinking I should invest in some headcovers that are specially made. Anyone have any suggestions on specific kinds that are comfortable? I wear ball caps a lot anyway so I'll do that some too. Would I need a bandana or scarf against my skin so it's not irritating? I hope these don't sound like dumb questions I just like to be prepared.

badger · March 2010

Hey everybody - finally remembered something I wanted to share with you for nausea: seasickness bracelets! They work on acupressure points in the wrist. I bought a set on a cruise some years back and they worked for me for seasickness so why not try them after tx #2!

Google "seasick bracelet" and you'll find like three hundred thousand results lol.

Also wanted to share a video "100 Years" by Five for Fighting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJN9YIOl1xE&NR=1

Reminds me what I'm fighting for...{{hugs}}

Dublin4 · March 2010

Hello girls....well starting chemo this week....any advice.

badger · March 2010

horsedoc, I bought some buffs (you can google them too) to wear on my bald head, it's a seamless stretchy fabric tube you can wear lots of different ways, including a skullcap or kerchief. Apparently they wear them on Survivor, I wouldn't know about that. To sleep in I bought some $5 fleece caps from Lands End (overstocks).

horsedoc · March 2010

thanks GH I will look them up!

frosty1 · March 2010

Head: wig shops also have these little caps to wear under wigs. They are like t-shirts. They work under scarves as well. Go to the American Cancer Society website, look at the "Look Good Feel Better" section and they have a whole area that talks about scarves and head coverings, including making your own knit hat out of a t-shirt. I'm crafty, so I bought some old really soft sweaters and sewed up some hats. But your scalp will hurt -- I've had a sore head for over a week, but still haven't lost hair there. Pulling it out by the handfuls below! Laughing

Sandie - the group is actually here on breastcancer.org. Look for 'crazy sexy seattle' on the site discussion groups. They try to get together in person once a quarter. A great group of ladies! And a great resource. They named themselves after the book "Crazy Sexy Cancer."

I agree -- we just start feeling normal and then have to go through this again. BUT ... not as much fear this time as we know more what to expect. I won't be taking as much stuff with me this time. Started drinking my water. Swollen ankles went down over the weekend, but back today, so I'm convinced it has to do with my working again and not moving as much. Back up to 3Qts a day today, so did take a few more walks to the bathroom.

Best to all of you starting this week. It really is a relief to get through that first treatment and know what to expect and how you will react.

BTW -- if you have heartburn, call your onc! My nurse said don't go through the pain and told me to get Prilosec. Nice to know they have our backs!

MNLinda · March 2010

frosty1, has your oncologist looked at the swollen ankles?

I had the same problem through 6 treatments, and my onc sent me to have an ultrasound of my legs to make sure there were no blood clots. It's important to rule that out.

I was seeing a PT about lymphedema prevention, and happened to mention the swollen ankles to her. She gave me some compression bandages and taught me how to wrap my lower legs. It was kind of pain to do, but I got pretty fast at it after awhile, and it really helps. Insurance paid for everything in my case.

I also talked to my onc and got the OK to cut my dexamethasone (Decadron) dose in half. It's supposed to help with side effects from the Taxotere - one of which is fluid retention - but a listed side effect of dexamethasone is fluid retention. So it's hard to say what's causing the problem. I had some improvement after cutting back the dexamethsone dose, and also slept much better as a bonus.

The chemotherapy drugs are non-negotiable, but you might get some leeway on the others. I steadily cut back on anti-nausea meds during my 6 treatments and had fewer side effects each time. Never had any nausea.

EZH · March 2010

I went to the "Look Good Feel Better" class this evening. Loved the products and some good advice. However, I got, in my goody bag, the greenest eye shadow ever and had to use that for the makeover. I looked like I was wearing stage makeup. Lol. Got home, washed my face, had husband buzz off what pitiful and scary hair was left and wow...I feel much better. Ready to go back to the chemo chair tomorrow a.m. Decadron at work here, wide awake.

HorseDoc: I had my long hair cut short and waited for the inevitable hair fall out day. Didn't think it would bother me...but, whoa, it really did. I was literally pulling it out over the garbage pail, in the shower, over the sink. All that we've been through, and this was the thing that was so hard? If I could give you advice...when your head gets sore and a few pieces come out when you run your hands through your hair, get it buzzed. Save yourself the grief! I'm starting with soft caps and baseball caps and will be in the wig in a day or two. Soft is the thing. Good luck...it grows back, lucky for that!

StaceyT: got the PM will try to respond, so check yours! Praying for easy time in chair, round #2, here we go.

Ana1973 · March 2010

Ugh...not happy this morning! Went to bed at 11pm and woke up at 2:30AM. No longer on the steroids, so that can't be it. I have been achy the last 2 days, but damn I need some rest! I don't want to have to ask for sleep aids, but I may have to buckle.

You ladies are more then welcome to use my terminology (potty). I'm happy I could contribute in even the smallest way...lol.

I have to admit, I forgot how nice it is to have my coffee in peace in the morning, Hubby goes to work at 4:45am, so a little alone time is wonderful. I have a wonderful step-sister that likes to hover...and stay the night...and stomp around the house in the morning like she's wearing concert shoes. Maybe I'll even be able to take a nap a little later.

I hope all of you have a wonderful morning, or as wonderful as possible. We all deserve it.

Dublin4 · March 2010

Question....I have my tissue expanders in and want to know can you still get fills while you are getting chemo. I think I can. I know that I can not have the replacement surgery until I am at least one month past chemo. I would like to keep the fill process going during chemo so that once I am done the next step won't be so far away and I really don't want to keep the metal bra on any longer then needed. HELP!

Thanks

staceyt · March 2010

6:30 in the morning getting ready for round 2 @ 8:30. Hoping today will go much easier than the 1st- I have my picc line in so they won't be poking me to try to find the right vein. I am a little more at ease this time - still have the butterflies in my stomach.

Horsedoc - I bought some bandannas at Headcovers.com they are much larger than the normal bandannas so it covers your whole head. They have a great selection of scarves, hats, bandannas and wigs you should check it out, and there turn around time is about 5 days.

Best to all this week - off to put something lite in the stomach and prepare for cocktail #2- Stacey

badger · March 2010

Hi Dublin4 - looks like we posted at the same time last night...there's a lot of good advice on the board for starting chemo so all I will add is best wishes for you and the others having tx this week. I have #2 on Friday.

I didn't have recon so no advice on TE's and chemo - can anyone else help? {{hugs}}

hereandnow · March 2010

Good luck you guys starting round #2.

I don't know alot about the TE but I know I'm getting additions during chemo. I'd guess you'd want to have every chance for the recon surgery to go without a hitch, so they'd wait at least 1 month maybe more for the immune system and nutrition to be optimum. Mine is feeling very uncomfortable today (3.5 weeks post op) - probably because I got in a steroid zone, and completely vacuumed and mopped the whole house, and cleaned the bathroom. I've just taken a nurofen, hoping it's going to settle down soon.

at least the house is clean for the "nadir"

Julia257 · March 2010

Great to see Dr. Weiss on the the Dr. Oz Show yesterday! I wanted to mention that my onc nurse said Aloxi works for 5 days to prevent nausea. Also, hopefully to prevent what happened to me, I would suggest cutting back on the caffeine as much as possible so that you can go without on the day of infusion and not get the caffeine withdrawal headache on top of everything else. I made that mistake and I'm pretty sure it was the coffee that had a lot to do with my kidneys going on strike for 12 hours.

mary1996 · March 2010

So many of us out there for March 2010 Chemo, please add me to the list I am on TC 4x Started March 16. So far so good! I am on Neuprgen shots that my husband inject me once a day for 5 days but the Doc just told me I needed 2 more cause my Low white blood count. Anyone on neuprogen? any side effect?

EZH · March 2010

Good morning or is it afternoon? Coming to you from the chemo chair, was just lurking around, waiting for Cytoxin to finish going in and then, home for a nice long nap...if the Decadron will allow it.

Dublin4: I, too, am stuck in the expanders for the duration of chemo + 1 month. Yes, it feels like an iron bra and I hope that "real" ones will feel so much better than these temporaries. Though I am totally expanded, my breast recon dr. told me that expansions can continue during chemo, as long as you feel well enough to get to the office and deal with the process. Chemo doesn't necessarily hold you back from getting expanded. So that's good!

Hope all are having a decent day.

Dublin4 · March 2010

EZH, went to the PS today. No problem will getting fills during chemo. I will be starting chemo on Friday and done at the end of May! 4 rounds 3 weeks apart. June 1st never looked so good. Just got back from wig shopping found a human hair wig that look GREAT almost the exact same as my current hair...no better really. a couple of quite hats and I am good to go. Hope you are doing well!

hugs

teemee · March 2010

Hi everyone,

I just have to tell you how wonderful it is to log on and see so many sisters fighting. This board is a lifesaver!

I just got back from a "Look Good Feel Better" class too EZH and HIGHLY recommend it, especially to people who aren't in some sort of support group. It's the first time I've been 'in the flesh' with women going through the about the same things in about the same time frames as me. And they are so brave. We had a blast too, lots of laughs from the women who had to draw in their eyebrows for the first time! The goodie bag of cosmetics is amazing too. Aveda, Clinique, Chanel, etc. I've never had such nice stuff! EZH, I got green too but luckily olive green, perfect for my hazel eyes

Tomorrow it finally starts for me--Decadron crazies, and then Thursday at 11am I'm in the chair. Thanks to all of you I am much less anxious and have a good idea of what to expect. Still not sleeping from anxiety, but when I told the nurse director at my onc's office, she basically said she didn't care if I slept now, her concern was sleep during my treatment. Don't really like her and feel like some sort of drug addict calling to AGAIN ask for ativan. Ah well, only a couple more nights.

hereandnow, I'm praying for a steroid-induced cleaning frenzy!

True, big hugs to all of you, you are in my thoughts!

T

badger · March 2010

Just a quick hi, got DH to walk with me tonight, very nice and now it's suppertime! Smile

sandiek9 · March 2010

LillyC/Linda : Didn't get a pm! try again!

frosty1 · March 2010

MNLinda - my onc nurse also said it could be the chemo or decadron. She said she would be more concerned about blood clots if only one leg was swollen. But I will talk with the doctor tomorrow and ask about the half dose of Dec. Ugh. The old-lady hose aren't helping. But I did get in 4qts of water at work today, which had me walking every hour!

My hair is starting to drop out. Just bit by bit. Starting to look like I may have a male pattern baldness style starting. I'll wait til this weekend and buzz it. I've heard that using a lint roller when your head hurts and there is little hair left really helps -- getting that hair out of the follicle reduces the pain. So I'll be getting a new lint roller.

Welcome to our new ladies! Couple of things to check out: there is a great list of what to take for chemo on the chemo board; the Look Good Feel Better class is AWESOME and is offered through the American Cancer Society. They give you a free wig and it is nice to try on some different styles. And check out http://www.franceluxe.com/. They give a free scarf to all those working through chemo and hairloss. ANd they are absolutely beautiful! So that's my commercial message of the day.

Off to pack a much smaller pack for my round 2.

Best to all this week!

llm822 · March 2010

Hi everyone -

Had my first infusion late yeterday afternoon (AC) and felt great until about 10pm when the nausea kicked in. Feeling nauseous is probably my least favorite feeling in the world, but it's not as intense as I had envisioned - haven't had to actually vomit yet, so I guess the meds are doing their job. Just took the "big guns" (Emend, Decadron, Zofran) about a half hour ago and hopefully they'll take the edge off a bit more effectively than the Compazine. Going to try to find something to eat now. Hope you're all doing well today!

Lisa

carolsue63 · March 2010

Hi all,

Day 6 and I feel like crap. Frown

I've had mild nausea for the past few days -- no vomiting, and I'm able to eat -- it's just enough to make nothing seem appealing. A couple of people recommended Ensure for those times when nothing sounds good, so I gave it a try this morning, and it was delicious! Fifteen minutes later, I was absolutely miserable with gas pains and cramping. I think it's the high fructose corn syrup. Why do they have to put that stuff in everything? And when will this nausea end?

staceyt · March 2010

Good Morning Sister,

Just reporting in, had my 2nd treatment yesterday and it was uneventful unlike the first. This picc line was a god send, the only hold up was waiting for my blood counts for 2 hours. After that it was a piece of cake, no headache this time, feeling a little run down and nauseated, go in for the lovely "hit by a truck" shot at 2.

Frosty1 - I heard about the lint roller also they said to make sure to get the felt kind it doesn't hurt as much, I to am losing my stubble slowly.

Stay strong Sisters and remember we can beat this. Hugs and kisses to all - Stacey

momto3 · March 2010

Please add me to the march list.

TC x4 start 3/9/10

hereandnow · March 2010

I too am day 6 now. My head continues to clear although still vagueish, but still have an underlying mild nausea -settles with maxalon, and I'm also taking ranitadine. Yesterday I got dressd in my new boots (retail therapy), and my new short haircut and went down to the local shopping strip, bought some fresh juice, the newspaper, some dressings for my foob scar, family over for lunch, then fell into a deep sleep for 2.5 hours.

I remind myself that the way the chemo is knocking me around, means it's getting down to business, and I've just got to cop a little collateral damage. Go chemo!

March 2010 Chemo Start

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