Chemo Survival?

AC was tough, no doubt and the worst were days 2-4 - like the flu, but worse.  There wasn't much I could do, but to listen to my body and rest.  I can say that hydration is very important and does help flush your system and help you to feel a little better.  I also found that no matter how bad I felt that by taking a walk if only around the block I felt better.  Some days I only made it to the corner, but it did help.  In the beginning I found it difficult to rest because I am a a person that likes to handle eveything myself and do something when I want it done.  However, I learned to let others help and just had to learn to rest.......... 

(((Hugs))) I know it seems terrible and like you'll never get through this, but you will.  And....will notice a pattern and be able to make plans around the good and bad days and good and bad times of the day.  It will get better.

Hi Patsy , welcome to the Stage 3 board. Yes you will get thru this. My first round was kind of a learning round...let your team know the SE you are having they may be ale to help. I stayed on decadron a little longer ....seemed to help me.

There is a thread with March-2010 chemo starters on it...you will enjoy that as that group of women is all going thru chemo right now with you. here is the link.

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/747843

I still corresond with som of my chemo group from October 2005.

You can do this.

I s

Yes, the whole restless, disorientated thing is exactly how I felt, like a ADHD kid who really needed medication, like I could just crawl right out of my skin......worst the first three days, and then more managable until the next round. Like Jenn says, if you can keep moving, it helps a little. Hang in there, you'll get through it, and then it will just be a really creepy memory!!!!! Ruth

ruthbru, I'm not on AC, but have had those same SE of feeling like a hyperactive kid that couldn't hold still. I'd lay down in bed and find myself popping back up 5 minutes later to go... where? I had no clue, but I couldn't hold still. I'd tell myself to "Lay down and stay down!", but the minute I quit saying it, I'd find myself popping right back up again.

Is there anything else that might be causing this? It's not all the time. I'm on Avastin, Taxotere, Xeloda, Decadron, Zofran, Compazine, Restoril, and Prilosec. I haven't had it since I started Lexapro a few weeks ago and got my Restoril dose upped. Do any of these cause those SE? Because it seriously makes me nuts and I'd love to have a head's up about what caused it.

Yes,the nurses are great. Riley, I would call and talk to them, 'cause I imagine any one of those drugs alone or in combination could be doing weird things to you. Everyone has to find what works for them to get through this emotionally. I know several people who found journaling helpful, but I couldn't have kept a journal because it would have contained nothing but profanity , and I just had to focus on 'one day at a time', and consciously did not let myself try to process the whole experience until after it was over. Keep hanging in there! Ruth

Good suggestion, I LOVED Ambien!!! If you can sleep, it helps you to be able to deal with it all so much better.

Patsy - I wanted to check in to see how you were feeling today and send thoughts and hugs your way............

I agree....the only way I can stand all the pink stuff is because I know it does raise awareness, which then raises money for research etc. I like the "Cancer Sucks" and "F*ck Cancer" apparel better........

One lady who had a MX and reconstruction had a tee shirt that said, "OF COURSE THEY'RE FAKE, THE LAST ONES TRIED TO KILL ME!"

Patsy - I did my first chemo on March 22nd and bounced back pretty quickly after the first few days.  I totally stayed on top of the anti-nausea meds (compazine in my case) and took them faithfully every 6 hours for the first 3 days and other than being a tad queasy did pretty well.  There is a very good thread somewhere on the forum that gives tons of good advice on helping to offset any potential side effects.  I think the most important tips I picked up were staying on top of the meds and driking TONS of water.

Good-luck and you will get through this.

Patsy:

I started AC last year March 31st. I finished in June.

The first 2-3 days after each chemo was a steroid buzz. Didn't sleep much. Days 4,5,6 were the worse for me for energy. That's when I really hit the wall. I learned after round one to really listen to my body and rest lots on my low days. Patience with yourself is key because it is so easy to get frustrated with yourself for being exhausted. I started to really rebound after day 6 and then improved daily. I didn't get sick but had some nausea. Take whatever anti nausea meds they give you. I rinsed my mouth several times a day with club soda (that's what my chemo nurse told me to do) and I never got any mouth sores. Drink lots of water the day before and the day of your chemo. It really helps to stay hydrated. After round two my taste buds were off so I started adding lemon slices to my water and eating bland food like mashed potatoes, toast and for some reason I liked greasy kentucky fried chicken or a dry hamburger. All in all I would say that it was much better than I thought it was going to be.

I took ativan an hour before each chemo and I also took it at night to help me sleep.

Good Luck.

Hugs

Beth P

Hi Patsy,

A/C was definitely the hardest part for me so far.  I had to have them back off on some of the steroids because I felt like I was jumping out of my skin at times.  And I had terrible insomnia for several days each cycle.  But as most of the other ladies have already told you, it is only temporary.  I had about 4 really bad days, then started coming out the other end.  So hopefully you will be starting to feel better in the next day or so.  If not, call your doc.

Take care,

Sharon