April 2010 starting chemo

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  • Pickles
    Pickles Member Posts: 80
    edited April 2010
    >Hi all-



    I'm in the treatment room! Arrived at 7:30. Met with onc. Had blood work. Met with Onc nurse to discuss take home meds and then it was off to the races.

    I had told my onc i was nervous so he added Ativan to my pre med drip with Emend and another anti nausea drug I've already forgotten!

    Started the taxatere at 9:15 took about 1.5 hours, carboplatin was speedy at 40 minutes . Just started Herceptin was told it's 1.5 hours. FUN!



    My nurses have been great! Will let you know how I'm feeling in a few days!



    Hoping for NO SE's for all of us!



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  • susiesue
    susiesue Member Posts: 68
    edited April 2010

    I'm getting ready to pack my chemo bag for tomorrow.....taking suggestions for anything I absolutely must pack, or anything I might as well leave at home?....good luck to all

    I had my port put in yesterday (I was really nervous) and it was not bad at all.......

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  • Pickles
    Pickles Member Posts: 80
    edited April 2010



    Hard candy is great! If you like gatorade it helps keep your electralites.up!

    I brought crackers and breakfast bars. Which were used a ton.

    Didn't open my book but I did knit!



    Still actually at the chemo room! Reacted to Herceptin, just chills and runny nose!

    Side effect 1 really not bad!

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  • caltex_catlady
    caltex_catlady Member Posts: 136
    edited April 2010

    I took a soft shawl, but they also gave me a handmade lap quilt that a local group makes for first-timers. Also took popsicles to eat while getting the adriamycin. Didn't end up reading or listening to the iPod, but my DH was there with me this time. Maybe for future trips if I go by myself. Took a boutique box of lotion tissues but didn't need them.

    Speaking of which, have any of you driven yourselves? I asked for the ativan the first time but may not need it if I'm not as nervous for future treatments. Other than a little sleepiness from that, I didn't have any symptoms that would make driving dangerous.

    Karen

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  • KimW
    KimW Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2010

    I would like to join! I will be starting TC X 4 next week. I am terrified. I have an 11 year old son that is getting pretty clingy from my going through double mastectomy 2 weeks ago. I'm hoping this doesn't make it worse. I don't know what to say to him except that this too shall pass. I'm thinking chemo on Monday's so I'm not wiped out for him on weekends. Any thoughts on this?

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  • saralmom
    saralmom Member Posts: 329
    edited April 2010

    Hi everyone.  Just checking on on day 4.  Really hoping this is the day when I start to feel more normal.  My SE have been mostly manageable - but I have been basically out of it since Monday night - lots of napping - but of course that is disrupting my night sleep.  It's true what some of you have said - anything I ate during the treatment now sounds horrendous - for me it was grilled cheese.  And I am really having to fight to get the water down, though I know it's really important to drink alot of it.  I have added ginger ale and a little green tea for fluids too.  I haven't eaten much since Monday - soup here and there, and some toast.  I seem to be better in the am and then kind of drop off at around 11 am and then start the napping.  No Emend today, so we'll see how the nausea is.  I do think my nausea is being exacerbated by the antibiotics I'm on for my cough.  All in all, it could be worse, but I'm still kind of in the dumps about feeling so crummy all the time.  And that makes the anticipation for #2 even worse.  Hard to imagine doing this 3 more times.  

     Sorry for being a downer...

    Sara 

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  • LauraM
    LauraM Member Posts: 251
    edited April 2010

    Hi Sara,  I think I read earlier that you are having AC every other week for 4 weeks to start?  Are they having you go back to the office the next day for a shot of Nuelasta to boost your white blood counts?  I haven't started yet,  but from your posts, they are planning on giving me the same anti-nausea meds as you the day of, Aloxi, Emend and Decadron (the steroid).   I will then take Emend for 2 more days at home.

    Thank you so much for posting your Chemo experience, it is really helpful for me since I am waiting for my start date and I am curious of what the after affects are.  I plan on having mine on a Thursday so that I only feel crummy on of the weekend. My dh and in--laws will be around to help on those weekends so it will make it much easier on my 9 and 11  year old, they will get extra attention from them all! 

    I hope you feel better soon.

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  • jdootoo
    jdootoo Member Posts: 253
    edited April 2010

    Hi Sara, I am 10 days out on my first treatment of TCH, every 3 weeks. I feel really good today, but felt similar to you for the first 4-5 days. What really helped me were 2 things:

    1. Move around as much as you can. I found that I felt the same whether I was resting or mobile, but started to feel better after being up for 10 minutes or so. Of cours, rest when you need to.

    2.  Eat as often as you can. I always felt better after eating, even when I wasn't hungry.

     Hang in there, you will feel better soon!

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  • caltex_catlady
    caltex_catlady Member Posts: 136
    edited April 2010

    Saralmom, you and I are about in the same place with our AC tx. I'm on Day 4 now, so only have Zofran left to take. I had Emend and Decadron as well for Days 2-3. I get very sleepy several times a day, which is either causing or caused by not sleeping more than a few hours at a time at night. The meds have helped a lot with nausea, though. I've only had a few times where I felt slight quesy, but as jdootoo says, I've been eating just a bit every 2-3 hours, especially if I'm starting to feel either quesy or hungry, and it seems to help. I've not been good about being active because I've been so tired. Maybe today's the day.

    I'm going in tomorrow for a shot of Neupogen. I'm nervous about doing it myself, as I can't even watch when I get blood draws or IVs, but maybe I'll be more confident when they show me how it works. I'll have a pre-filled syringe, so that part will be easy. Or maybe they'll let me just come in to the injection clinic so someone else can do it. I'm hoping it won't be more often than once per cycle.

    Karen

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  • saralmom
    saralmom Member Posts: 329
    edited April 2010

    Hi gals.  Well, today is working out well after all.  No meds at all so far - I do still have Compazine and Ativan if I need them, but I haven't needed anything.  I agree wholeheartedly about being as active as possible.  I charged my 2 best friends with getting me out walking or something every day - so today I actually went with one of them to Costco - made it through all the sights and smells pretty okay.  Then went for soup and bread at Panera.  Also, I wore real clothes and not just sweats!!  Feeling pretty tired now, so I'll rest for the afternoon until my kids get home.

    Laura - I did have  a Neulasta shot on Tuesday am - and it was uneventful - no SE at all, and I had been pretty worried about the bone pain I had heard could happen.  

    Karen - how is the Neupogen different from Neulasta?  Maybe the same but with a different name?  I had the option to give it to myself and I chose to go to the clinic - couldn't imagine doing it... but we do what we have to do now, right?

    Hope everyone is doing well today.

    Sara 

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  • caltex_catlady
    caltex_catlady Member Posts: 136
    edited April 2010

    I think Neupogen and Neulasta do mostly the same thing (build up your neutrophil count), but I don't know for sure. I hope my shot is as uneventful.

    Karen

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  • tpcjkk
    tpcjkk Member Posts: 67
    edited April 2010

    Hi,

    Nice to read everyone's posts and know that I am not alone in my experience.  I am now a full week out from treatment #1 (AC) and feel pretty darn good.  I actually drove myself (yay, first time driving since before chemo!) to my appt to get my PICC line cleaned, flushed and re-dressed.  Plus I did some grocery shopping.  Feels good to be back to somewhat normal.  Will try to enjoy the next week until treatment #2 when the whole roller coaster ride begins again.

    Finished my fifth Neupogen shot yesterday.  Really minimal aching for just a day or two with that shot.  Not sure why my onc selected Neupogen over Neulasta.  Guess we'll see how well it works when I get blood drawn the day before treatment #2. 

    Other than the nausea, queasiness and fatigue during the first 5 days or so, no more SE's.  So far, have avoided any mouth issues.  Been brushing my teeth and rinsing with plain or salt water religiously.  I also use a toothbrush sanitizer called Violight, which uses ultraviolet light to sanitize.    

    Take care.  ~ Julie 

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  • kad22
    kad22 Member Posts: 191
    edited April 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    I think I need some encouragment! I am 7 days out of my first treatment - days 5 & 6 were pretty good but then it got bad again! Diarrehea really awful all last night and today - had to stay home from work. I really dont think I can do this anymore. I dont know what to eat or drink anymore - was really scared today to eat anything and now I am dizzy so up and trying some broth. Its good to read that so many are having no SEs and words of encouragement. I am just tired of feeling tired and sick 24/7. I did get out and walk this past week but then got sick again. Plus trying to work FT it is hard.  I try to stay strong around my daughter who is 14 so she doesn't see what I am going through - don't want to worry her but I feel like I am losing the battle. Thanks for listening to me even though I am not very encouraging right now - sorry. Kelli

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  • marcy4
    marcy4 Member Posts: 162
    edited April 2010

    I think Neulasta is longer lasting that Neupogen (sp?).  I will take one shot of Neulasta 24 hours after my Chemo treatment and that is it for the 3 week cycle.  I can self administer it or have a nurse come to my home and do it.

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  • Pickles
    Pickles Member Posts: 80
    edited April 2010

    Kelli-

    So sorry you are feeling ill again!  Banana's and pedialite, or a sports drink are really good for runny stool. You may also want to try immodium, get it at the drug store.  I would also call your Doc. They will probably have something that will help you faster.  They also need to know what you are going through as it may change how they administer your Chemo or the drugs they give you to deal with it.

    Hang in there! 

     I'm on day 2 after first round of TCH and am lucky to be having very little SE's.  Have kept well hydrated and eaten at least a cracker or two every two hours.  Went for a 10 block walk today with my best friend.  Just seeing all the tulips in bloom helped me feel better.  Slept for two hours when I got home.  I'm lucky enough to not work through treatment.  It's taking our Extra fun money out of our budget and the rx's are draining the rainy day fund but it will all be built up again next year.   My husband just keeps saying...it's only money, and i'd much rather have you...I melt and sniffle a little and then Thank GOD I waited fourty years to get married because I managed to wait for my perfect mate.

    Good luck to all starting soon!  Keep up your fluids and Eat a little something!  It helps!

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  • SGJ05
    SGJ05 Member Posts: 73
    edited April 2010

    Kelli-Hold on it does get better(HUGS)!! Days 3 and 4 were bad for me (nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, muscle aches, etc.), then 5 and 6 were great (very mild heartburn), then 7 and 8 bad again (diarrhea, nausea, fatigue and heartburn). I was so upset that I felt good for 2 days and then crashed again. But after day 8, it has been smooth sailing for me:) I feel fabulous and have been enjoying the side effect free days before my next chemo. next week. So hold on just a little bit longer, there is light at the end of tunnel:)

     So I am 15 days post chemo. and am still waiting for my hair to fall out. Part of me thinks, maybe it won't fall out, unfortunately my Onc. told me 100% chance of hair loss:( I wish it would just happen already so I can move on-geesh!

    Hope everyone is doing well this week:)

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  • susiesue
    susiesue Member Posts: 68
    edited April 2010

    Today I had my first chemo......AC + avastin trial......now I'm sitting here on my couch watching tv, actually feeling okay......I had a little headache earlier, but it might have been from the stress (anxiety) of waitng for this day to come, so I took a nap when I got home.  The infusion took awhile, but that's okay because everyone was great.....they provided lots of explainations, and answered all my questions. I didn't have any problems with funny tastes  of the medicines during infusion.......I took various snack bars, crackers and hard candy with me. I had a couple of Jolly Ranchers, bottle of water, peanut butter crackers and a cookie......I just finished a dinner of turkey burgers.  As to my port, it was put in on Tues., I was really nervous about this but it turned out to only be slightly tender.  I didn't put any numbing cream before chemo because it was still bandaged, so the nurse said I could put the cream on and wait, or not use the cream.......still can't believe I opted not to use the cream......but it barely hurt and should only get better as the port continues to heal. (So I might not use the cream at all.)

    So, I have meds to take starting tonight and tomorrow I go back in for Neulasta shot. I realize the worst may be this weekend but I am at least happy that I have started off okay.....

    good luck to all...... 

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  • shygal
    shygal Member Posts: 89
    edited April 2010

    Wow, day 4 knocked me off my socks.  Wasn't expecting such a dramatic change from day 3 when I was feeling just okay.  Today is my day 5 and I feel almost completely normal.  I guess the lesson here is to just take it one day at a time.  One of our mantra's should be:  "Just get through the day" since you never know what tomorrow will be like.  Hoping everyone has a SE free day. 

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  • amosonzan
    amosonzan Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2010

    It has been one week since my first A/C treatment, and I am feeling pretty darn good. I still feel a little foggy and slow at times, but no more nausea and much improved  energy. I didwake up day 2 with a flushed face, whcih was much improved from the lovely gray I had going the night prior. I am hoping to get some better anti-nausea drugs on board the next round. I am excited for a weekend of feeling good though. We can do this ladies. Take one day at a time!!! I did find that gingerale, ginger snaps and potatoes were helpful.

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  • star-light
    star-light Member Posts: 10
    edited April 2010

    Hi April Chemo group,

    I will be starting Chemo hopefully in the next week or so. Just wanted to post that I am scheduled for a bone density test to establish a base line since chemo sometimes brings on osteroporosis.  I hope to take measures to reduce the chemo effects on my bones.  This is established protocol at the Research Hospital but is not standard practice at the community hospital.  I'm also being booked with a neuro-psychiatrist to help prevent chemo-brain.  Is anyone else trying to take some preventative measure to reduce chemo side-effects?

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  • saralmom
    saralmom Member Posts: 329
    edited April 2010

    Well, day 5 is a little rocky for me.  I walked with a friend in the morning, and I was pretty nauseous the whole time.  Felt better when I got home and had some water and sat down for awhile.  I did take a short nap b/c I'm working this afternoon (first time since chemo) and I'm hoping to make it through symptom free.  I'm a therapist and sit in a chair, so it's not strenuous, but I will likely drink ginger ale through the 3 sessions I have today.  Maybe I should take some meds today, but it feels like a step backwards after yesterday going so well.

    Does anyone else have a crazy sense of smell?  Things that smell worst:  my dog, hand soap, hairspray on anyone, perfume, and now my own hands - they smell kind of toxic - like around my nails.  Hope it's not a bad sign.  It's a familiar smell and really gross.  No one else can smell it.

    Also slept really crappy last night.  Woke up every hour or so - sometimes with a dream of someone screaming at my face.  Maybe a night terror?  I may need a sleep aid...  I was so excited to sleep through the night after not napping all day yesterday...

    Hope you are all doing well...

    Sara 

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  • caltex_catlady
    caltex_catlady Member Posts: 136
    edited April 2010

    Hey star-light: I don't think I have you on the list, so let me know your start date when you get one if you want to be on there. I didn't have a bone density test but did do a bone scan, as I'd been having hip pain for a while. Turns out my various joint aches are just aging, thank goodness.

    Good luck working this afternoon, Sara. I hope it goes smoothly and without smells!

    Karen (caltex_catlady)

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  • shygal
    shygal Member Posts: 89
    edited April 2010

    Just noticed how bad my skin has gotten.  Day 5 and I'm breaking out like a teenager.   Anyone else having skin issues?  Today, my 20 yr old taught me how to do my eyebrows in anticipation of losing them.  There is a great kit from Sephora that uses a stencil to get the right shape and then a few different colours to make it idiot-proof.  I'm sure I would not be able to draw free-hand, so will be thankful for the stencils when the time comes.

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  • kad22
    kad22 Member Posts: 191
    edited April 2010

    Hi Everyone - thanks for the encouragement - it helps!

    Sara- Yes I have crazy smell issues going on - my dog stunk and I had to give him a bath which actually at first made it worse, wet dog smell not good! Smile

     Shygal - I am glad to hear that you are going through the breaking out too - so am I! I thought I was crazy and something was wrong with me!

    How is it going for those that are a week or more out from their first treatment with foods? Are you eating regular foods? I am so hungry for a hamburger but am so afraid of getting sick? The only upside of this whole process so far is that I have lost 8lbs in 7 days!Wink

    SGJ05- I hate the waiting of the hair loss. Every night I go to bed thinking my head is hurting and not sure if it's just my mind thinking this! I am only a week out but wouldn't it be great to be an expection to the rule of 100% hair loss - and not lose it at all!

    Well I will take it one day at a time and wish others to do the same with limited or no SEs!

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  • toughmom38
    toughmom38 Member Posts: 79
    edited April 2010

    Sara- Yes, I smell the toxic smell on my hands, too. I wondered if anyone around me could smell it or if it was just me...

    Shygal and kad22-my face has been breaking out since about day 3 or 4 since treatment (I'm on day 8 now). It seems to be getting better but has not gone away completely. I didn't know if it was from stuff I was eating or chemo, but since you all have it, too, I guess that explains it.

    Has anyone gone back for a check of their WBC and RBC since treatment? I go in on Monday just for a blood panel so they can see how my blood is recovering from chemo.  (I guess to see if they need to give me a Neulasta shot next time.) Has anyone else had a sore throat? I've had a terrible one for the last 4 days.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend!

    Jennifer

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  • toughmom38
    toughmom38 Member Posts: 79
    edited April 2010

    Oh, Sara, about the nightmares...yes, I have them, too.  Either I have terrible nightmares or just plain funky dreams...EVERY night.  I hope that stops soon...

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  • tpcjkk
    tpcjkk Member Posts: 67
    edited April 2010

    Hi,

    OK, knowledge is power.  I've been trying to prepare myself for treatment #2 (AC) which will be on 4/22.  So, I've come up with my game/battle plan:

    1) DRINK, drink, drink.  Doesn't have to be plain water (juice, gingerale, broth, smoothies - anything that I can get down).

    2) EAT at least every couple of hours, even if just a half cup of yogurt or a few crackers.  Eat during the night, if need be, to ward off the nausea. Rotate different tasting foods (sour, sweet, salty) to avoid developing food fatigue and food aversions.

    3) ELIMINATE - strive for high urine output and take my Sennekot-S to get rid of all that toxic waste!

    4) MEDICATE well, and don't try to tough it out.  My body will tell me when it's ready to take care of itself without the meds.

    5) MOVE around a little each day, i.e. - walking and stretching.

    6) RELAX, and don't stress about dirty dishes, piles of laundry, etc.  Let the chemo do its job and seek out and destroy those rogue cancer cells.  Know that in a few days, when the heavy warfare is over, the "real" me will be ready to re-surface.

    Thanks for listening...this whole process really helps. ~ Julie 

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  • saralmom
    saralmom Member Posts: 329
    edited April 2010

    Hi all.  I made it through work yesterday and of course, just like my family had encouraged, it felt good to be out in the world in real clothes being productive.  I pretty much drank green tea and ginger ale throughout to combat the gross taste in my mouth lately.  I was beat afterwards, and a little lightheaded, but actually came home and ate 2 small pieces of pizza.  First real food since Monday am.  (kad22 - I have also lost weight - I think about 5 pounds this week - only brightside of it all)  No issues afterward with sickness from it, etc.

    I realized what my hands smell like - sort of like how the chemistry lab smelled in high school.  That can't be good.  A little freaked out about hearing people get black nails???  Don't want that.

    Shygal and Kad - I don't have acne skin issues (yet), but yesterday every time I looked at myself in a mirror, I saw a kind of ghost - my skin is gray and my eyes are sunken.  I actually cried to my husband b/c I don't look like me for some reason.

    As for dreams - I went ahead and took an Ativan at bedtime, and it was much better.  Slept pretty well and had dreams but not nightmares.

    Have a good day everyone.

    Sara 

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  • shygal
    shygal Member Posts: 89
    edited April 2010

    TPCJKK  - Julie, I think your list is a good one and I'm going to try and remember it for my 2nd infusion on May 3.  Won't have my WBC and RBC checked until that day, so won't know if my chemo will go ahead or not until then.  Where I live (Canada), they don't automatically give you Neulasta or Neuprogen unless you have private health insurance and request it. I guess if my WBC comes back low, then I will request it each time.  I don't want to delay my whole schedule because my WBC is too low.

    Glad I'm not the only one with skin issues.  Got out for a good walk today and felt somewhat normal.  Always feel that the nausea is coming from my brain stem instead of my stomach.  It's such a weird sensation and hard to put into words for anyone not going through it.  I think Gingerale is my new best friend.

    Happy Saturday to everyone. 

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  • saralmom
    saralmom Member Posts: 329
    edited April 2010

    Julie - I must have been posting when you were and I missed your list.  It's perfect.  

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