April 2010 starting chemo

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  • kad22
    kad22 Member Posts: 191
    edited April 2010

    Hello to all the new people - sorry that we are meeting like this!

    Well today is the day! I am having my head shaved. My hair is coming out everywhere I look and my head does hurt like I have a ponytail in for too long. I am on Day 15 after first round of AC.

    Eating problems have finally subsided - Yeah! I feel normal, other than the hair, and really am not looking foward to going back next week! Especially now after reading what Julie wrote about Adriamycin! Yuck!

    Good luck to those that begin this week or have gone back for another treatment - wishing none or little SE's! Happy Weekend.

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  • shygal
    shygal Member Posts: 89
    edited April 2010

    KimW, I had previously thought that ice for fingers was to prevent neuropathy in your fingers, but the onco nurse said that Taxotere can cause brown marks in your fingernails or other discolouration (some people said that their fingernails have fallen off) and the ice bath protects your fingernails from having this happen.

    And coincidentally for those that are taking vitamins/supplements, I had just asked my oncologist that exact question by email and he responded this morning:

    As a rule, "supplements" are not recommended when someone is receiving chemotherapy. The reason being that the supplement "industry" is an unregulated industry. While the contents of the supplement must be properly labeled on the package the actual amounts do not. Because the understanding of how chemotherapy really works (i.e. on a molecular/atomic level) is not completely understood there is a concern that supplements may in fact negate the benefits of chemotherapy. So you may eat whatever you like and whatever amount is healthy for you however I would avoid all supplements, except as mentioned above, vitamin D.

    Or course, he could just be more conservative that other oncologists, but I have decided I'm not taking anything except vitamin D until this is over.  (He recommended 1000 units of D)

    Good luck Kad22, I'm not far behind you. 

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  • tpcjkk
    tpcjkk Member Posts: 67
    edited April 2010

    KimW, the answer shygal gave about the supplements is what my onc told me as well.  I only take calcium+vitamin D pills.  I was also told that this is not the time to follow an anti-cancer diet, but that I should just eat what I am able to.  He did mention that the steroids increase your glucose levels, and sure enough my blood counts showed this to be true, but he again said not to worry about altering my diet and eat what I can.  So, pancakes are still in for me! Yay!  There's not a lot of "anti-cancer" type foods I can stomach at this time anyways.

    Kad22, so sorry to cause anxiety for you with my description of the Adriamycin toxicity.  I figure if it's that potent, cancer has no chance against it!!  It just reinforced for me the need to be vigilant about fluid intake.  Since the chemo is cumulative, I am at some point expecting that the drugs will affect my liver/kidneys.  I am on day 2 after TX #2, and I do notice my urine is a bit darker than it was after TX #1, although my labs indicated normal kidney function.  Again, just another sign for me to keep up with the fluids.

    Good luck to all who are starting or continuing! ~ Julie 

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  • toughmom38
    toughmom38 Member Posts: 79
    edited April 2010

    Had my blood tested again today and four days of Neupogen shots did the trick. WBC's went from 1.4 to 21.1 and neutrophils went from 0.08 to 13.28 so didn't have to have a fifth shot today.  Glad because the bone pain in my legs was getting to me.  Still losing hair for third day in a row.  Am going to have a cancer survivor hairdresser give me a shorter haircut this weekend, right now it's about shoulder length and making quite a pile of hair in the trashcan.  I figure if it's really short I can hide it under a hat if I get bald spots. I just can't do the 1/2" all over thing because I've had long hair since I was little. 

    My first treatment was on a Friday (9th) but have moved them to Thursdays so my worst days (3 and 4) fall on a weekend.  I preparing myself for starting the steroids next Wed and my toxic cocktail on Thurs (29th). I can't believe it's almost been three weeks already-I haven't had enough time of feeling human again before I turn into the nauseous zombie...

    Hope everyone has a good weekend!!!

    Jennifer

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  • fg2000
    fg2000 Member Posts: 30
    edited April 2010

    Please add me to the list. I started chemo today, AC (Dose Dense) with port - 4 cycles (8 weeks) then T - 4 cycles (8 weeks), followed by surgery, radiation and aromatase inhibitor for 5 years.

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  • kad22
    kad22 Member Posts: 191
    edited April 2010

    Oh Jennifer - Great news about your counts!! That's great! You can do it with your hair and should! I have had long hair all of my life also and took the big step today. I thought that I would freak but actually it is not so bad. I got a really cute wig and everyone likes it better even than my real hair! :-) I just couldn't do it anymore losing my hair and finding it everywhere. My hair dresser also said that we shouldn't pull out our hair because it can cause infection in your scalp but to let it fall out naturally even the 2" stuff. I am a little nervous to show my husband but he is so supportive and I know once I do it everything will be fine but it a huge deal - I know! Do what you feel is right for you but know that you can get through this loss of hair and it will grow back - that's what I keep telling myself!

    Julie - I know you didn't mean to freak me out and that it is for our own good but I just hate to think about how bad that stuff is. Yuck.

    Shygal - thanks for the support - it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I did have a great stylist and went into a back room to do it and then she fitted my wig and cut it to my face! It is really cute and I don't want to take it off!

    Have a great weekend with no SE's everyone!

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  • mtndawn
    mtndawn Member Posts: 115
    edited April 2010

    Count me in.  I started TCH on Monday, the 19th.   I'll be doing 6 cycles, three weeks apart, then surg, then rads. 

    No major side effects yet, but getting burpy today.  

    Dawn

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  • shygal
    shygal Member Posts: 89
    edited April 2010

    Kad22 so glad that it wasn't too traumatic for you.  I hope your husband was also plesantly surprised.  I think it helps to have a wig that you feel good in.

    Today is my day 12 and I have about 3 times as much hair in my hair brush while drying my hair, so I figure this is the beginning of the end.  In the next few day, I will have my husband buzz it as my hair dresser doesn't have a private room.  My sister says that this will be another bonding experience between my husband and me.  I hope she's right.

    Last night, I was able to drink a glass of wine  and I feel great again today......have a great SE-free Saturday everyone.

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  • SGJ05
    SGJ05 Member Posts: 73
    edited April 2010

    Day #3 out of round #2 and I am losing hair like crazy, but I am not upset about it:) I actually have come to like and embrace my baldness:) I bought some really cute scarves and wear them when I go out.  I plan on going out to get my wig next week and have a hair stylist friend style it for me:)

    As for side effects this round: I have chemo. brain as may be obvious by my post,lol ( I am a bit flighty), slight nausea, my body is really sore this time (all over), fatigue, beginnings of metal mouth, slight sore throat, some cha-cha action (diarrhea,lol) and lack of appetite--this suprised me since last time I was so famished and could not get enough food?! So far I haven't had much? Overall, my side effects are prettty much the same as last time. The good thing is you have a better grasped on how to handle them the second time round.

    Hope you are all having a great weekend!!

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  • Char2010
    Char2010 Member Posts: 532
    edited April 2010

    please add me to the list, I started 4/16 TCx4

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  • tpcjkk
    tpcjkk Member Posts: 67
    edited April 2010

    Hi,

    I am on day 3 of 2nd dose dense AC TX.  SE's are much less this time around (nausea, taste sensation, smell aversion, fatigue, sleep disruption.)

    However, I have developed a new symptoms of flushed cheeks.  Looks like I'm blushing.  Temp is normal.  Haven't gone out in the sun at all.  I feel a bit warmer than usual, but did feel this way after TX #1.  Anyone else have a flushed face? 

    ~Julie

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  • caltex_catlady
    caltex_catlady Member Posts: 136
    edited April 2010

    tpcjkk: Hey, Julie. I also had face flushing on my round 1 of AC. I think it's fairly common, so not to worry. I'm very fair skinned anyway, so maybe it's more obvious on me than it would be on some. I only had a mild fever on a couple of days of this first round, and it didn't always coincide with the flushing. On the upside, it did add a little color to my otherwise pale face.

    toughmom38: Jennifer, it's so good to hear that your Neupogen shots worked so well. Those sound like great numbers for heading into another treatment. I'll find out how my shots worked when I get my blood tests tomorrow. I wonder if we'll continue to need the injections each cycle. I'm not crazy about them, but if I get results like yours, it would be worth it.

    Karen (caltex_catlady)

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  • msbt1
    msbt1 Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2010

    Hi all,

     I have been looking at the posts, the information from everyone is very helpful.  I have an appt with onc on apr 27,2010. i am terrifed about recg chemo and enduring the side effects. I just pray I will get through it all.

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  • arubajan05
    arubajan05 Member Posts: 140
    edited April 2010

    Hey all,

    Had Round 1 of 4 TC yesterday... all in all, not bad.  (at least not yet).  I had a little nausea at bed time and ended up taking ativan to sleep and slept pretty good. Felt like a lead balloon laying in the bed.  Today has been pretty much what I would call a "hangover" and fortunatly no one has ever slipped a pill in my drink, but I can imagine this is what it might feel like.  I actually took a short ride today in our convertible (of course with BIG hat and shades) but the fresh air felt good.  We'll see what day 2 brings....

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  • SGJ05
    SGJ05 Member Posts: 73
    edited April 2010

    UGH!!! Just want to cry:( I have the worst and when I say the worst UTI ever, it would be an understatement! I ended up going to the ER and getting some anitbiotics--I am in agony, my bladder is killing me. I took a couple of tylenol a bit ago and am praying they work soon!!! I would take something stronger, but I get nausea from everything. Sorry to be a downer. Just feel like crud!

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  • shygal
    shygal Member Posts: 89
    edited April 2010

    Arubajan, so glad that your first TX is over with.  Hope your night and tomorrow is okay and you that you can sleep tonight. 

    SGJ05 - I am so sorry that you have a UTI.  That is awful.  I hope that your antibiotics kick in quickly and that tomorrow is a better day.   Hang in there.  Sending you gentle ((((hugs)))).

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  • toughmom38
    toughmom38 Member Posts: 79
    edited April 2010

    kad22: This morning in the shower the majority of my hair came out. I was washing it and it just kept coming out in my hands.  There were a lot of tangles and when it tried to get them out big chunks of hair came out.  Hairdresser coming to my house tomorrow, not sure if I will have anything left for her to cut.  I think I will feel better when it is short and not so noticeable that it is coming out.  I feel like this is the last traumatic event in this whole nightmare.  After this it's just a matter of handling the side effects.  I'm just trying to make it to July 22, my last chemo TX.  I keep reminding myself that after next Thurs I am 1/3 of the way through!!!Cool

    caltex_catlady: The neupogen shots apparently worked great for me, I think I probably could have gone without the 4th shot and would have been OK, because my WBC were more than double what they needed to be.  Next week I will get a Neulasta shot on the day after TX instead of the neupogen.  I'm hoping that will keep the terrible mouth sores I had last time from being so bad.

    I hope everyone has a great weekend and I feel for anyone experiencing SE.  I will be right there with you next weekend (I will be missing all of the Kentucky Derby parties here in Louisville, I believe). But I know we can all get through this!!  Sending hugs to everyone!!!!!Smile

    Jennifer

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  • shygal
    shygal Member Posts: 89
    edited April 2010

    So today's my big hair buzz day.  It's day 13 and right on schedule (so I've read for TC) my hair is coming out like crazy.  I did not have any sensation prior to this on my scalp.   I have put it into a pony tail since it's falling into everything until I get my husband to buzz it tonight.  I must admit, just thinking about it is making me weepy.  I hope that the anticipation is worse than the result.  I am not looking forward to start wearing "Raquel" (from the Raquel Welch line) on a regular basis even if it is cute.

    Hope everyone is having a better day and SGJ05, I hope that your pain has subsided.

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  • susiesue
    susiesue Member Posts: 68
    edited April 2010

    The last three days I have had throbbing back pain, right in the center of my lower back......I'm thinking it's the neulasta.......any one else have this SE?  Getting ready to lose my hair, 2nd cycle on Thurs..........

    take care all........

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  • jquesenberry
    jquesenberry Member Posts: 22
    edited April 2010

    hi all,

       had my first tx on Tuesday (4/20) and today I'm not feeling too bad except for stomach cramps that I've been having for days.(is this a SE of TC?) Days 1 and2 weren't too bad but days 3 and 4 knocked me on my butt. Feeling better now, just weak. Going back to work tomorrow, so I hope I'll be feeling better. Any idea of when my hair will start to fall out? What about lashes and brows?

    Hope everyone is doing well and feeling strong.

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  • jquesenberry
    jquesenberry Member Posts: 22
    edited April 2010

    saskabush58,

    Your story sounds a little like mine. I was diagnosed wth BC in right breast in May 2005. Had lumpectomy, 6 rounds of TAC and 33 rads. After 41/2 years, I thought I was through with this monster. Unfortunately, it returned in my left breast in November 2009. On Feb, 5, I had a bi- lat, MX with tissue expanders and have had 4 fills so far. Radiated side is very tight, but so far I've had over 200cc in. Started first of 4 rounds of TC on April 20. Can't wait to have this over with!

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  • tpcjkk
    tpcjkk Member Posts: 67
    edited April 2010

    susiesue, your SE of low back pain is what I had for a couple days on Neupogen after TX #1.  My onc told me common places for bone pain are in the jaw, ribs, and large joints.  Try gentle stretches of the back area.  It will get better, so hang in there!

    Welcome to all of the new posters.  Sorry that we have to meet this way.  Hoping that your treatments go smoothly with little to no SE's.  The first TX is usually an adjustment, just learning how your body reacts and how you need to deal with it.  I think that knowing those things made the second TX easier for me.  Hair loss for me (on dose dense AC) started around day 10 or 11.  I made the decision to buzz my head on day 13, before my second TX, in case I was confined to the bed for 4-5 days and didn't feel good enough physically or emotionally to get it cut.  Day 13 turned out to be the perfect day for me to buzz, because I felt so good physically and before my buzz, had met with a support group, so felt emotionally great, too.

    Good luck to all getting treatments this week. ~Julie 

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  • susiesue
    susiesue Member Posts: 68
    edited April 2010

    just curious.....anyone else on the Avastin trial

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  • arubajan05
    arubajan05 Member Posts: 140
    edited April 2010

    hey shygal, :)

    I am with you... the hair loss is hard to come to terms with...looks like I am about 10 days behind you and I am already weepy... my niece had a hat shower for me and i have spent the morning trying on all the hats. I have to say I've NEVER worn a hat except a few times in the early morning, I may have run out in a ball cap.  To say, I am nervous about how all this hat/wigs stuff is an understatement... We live in a big building and I can't get out the door without greeting at least the doorman.... ugh... will I ever want to even go out? 

    day 2 (TC Round 1) is okay, just feeling like the meds are "deeper" into my bones today vs. yesterday if that makes any sense..

    Hugs to all!

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  • kad22
    kad22 Member Posts: 191
    edited April 2010

    Toughmom - I am jealous that you are 1/3 way done but happy for you too! I go until Sept. - Yuck!

    Hair - The hair thing is really tough. I had my stylist shave my head on Day 15 of my first round. It was coming out a lot! Not noticable to others unless I pulled a handful out in front of them. "Kendall", my wig, is nice to have so that I don't feel too uncomfortable but wearing if for the second day it is still itchy, hot and wierd feeling - hope I get used to that. Right now sitting here bald with a hoodie on. Good luck to those who still have to go through the losing of the hair - I think it is one of the hardest to go through and one of the worst SE's!

    SGJO5 - So sorry to hear you are in pain - this sucks! I hope your meds help you soon. Just chalk this to a bad day(s) and move on to the next. Feel better soon -(( hugs))!

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  • shygal
    shygal Member Posts: 89
    edited April 2010

    So went ahead and had my DH buzz me while I had tears streaming down my face.  He's a sweetie and kept telling me how much he loved me and kissing my head and neck as he's buzzing away.  One day I hope to be able to laugh at all of this. 

    Putting on "Raquel" I realize that I need my stylist to help reduce the volume a bit....will have to get her cut so I can bring her out in public.

    One thing that the Wig guy told me...that when you're buying hats and you still have hair, make sure that they are very tight since they will be too big when your hair is gone especially if they are not specifically made for chemo paitents. 

    Hoping for a good week for everyone.  Cheers.

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  • caltex_catlady
    caltex_catlady Member Posts: 136
    edited April 2010

    msbt1: We won't kid you that it will be easy, but you can get through this. Keep coming back here to talk to those of us who are also getting through, one day at a time. Good luck with your onco appointment. Be sure to write down any questions you have and take that in with you. It's easy to forget things when you're stressed out.

    SGJ05: I'm so sorry to hear about your UTI. Those are nasty even when you're healthy, so it's just a kick in the teeth when you're not. If you can't take anything stronger than Tylenol, try using a heating pad. Maybe there's something stronger they can give you that won't affect your stomach. I hope you feel better fast.

    I feel lucky with my hair--I'm on Day 14 after Round 1 of AC, and it's still all there. It's pretty thick to begin with, so I'll either have a real mess if it comes out all at once or I'll get thinner gradually. I'm hoping for the latter. I'd gotten it cut into a short pixie just before my first treatment, so maybe that puts less stress on it than if I'd left it long. I expect it to happen any day now, though.

    toughmom38, I went in for my blood tests this morning and already got some of the results back. Wow, the Neupogen really did the job. I'm also now about twice the upper limit of the standard for white blood cells, so maybe that means I can also do with fewer shots or something this round.

    shygal and kad22, isn't it funny how they name the wigs? Mine is Codi, but I think I'll come up with another name for it/her. When I was trying wigs on, the person helping me said that one style reminded her of Dylan. So, being the age I am, I thought, "Who? Bob?" She, being considerably younger, was confused and said no, one of the other wigs was named Dylan.Thank goodness, because I've never thought much of Bob Dylan's hair Wink

    susiesue, your back pain sounds a lot like the pain I had on day 5 of my Neupogen shots. It was really bad, and it was the throbbing that made it worse. After that one day, it wasn't too bad, though, and just came and went. Supposedly, that's what it feels like when your bone marrow goes into overdrive making more white blood cells. Take what pain relievers you need, and try a heating pad. I had to take some vicodin the first day or two.

    jquesenberry: I'm on AC rather than TC, so my SEs may be different. The only stomach cramps I've had have been more digestive. It's common to get a bit constipated the first few days after treatment.

    arubajan05: I know what you mean about hat/wig anxiety. I'm still waiting for my hair to go. I've got several scarves, hats, and buffs waiting, as well as the wig, but I just feel like it will be like having a neon sign over my head when I go out in one of them. "Hey, look at the cancer patient!" (Maybe I should get over myself, huh? I bet nobody will notice unless they actually know me.)  But somewhere (maybe the Cancer Society tlc catalog) was saying you should just wear your hat like you mean it. I'm sure that works for wigs as well. I can aspire to that, anyway.

    I go in for Round 2 of AC tomorrow. I think I might ask for the ativan again to help with anxiety. I'm not as anxious as the first time, but if it helps me get through it more easily, I say OK. I may be back in my cave for a few days, but I'll check in on y'all. Good luck to ichelem and anyone else starting tx tomorrow. We're there for you in spirit.

    Karen

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  • toughmom38
    toughmom38 Member Posts: 79
    edited April 2010

    Well, my hair is really starting to be a thing of the past.  Day # 17 and got a short haircut today and already feel better not having to pull the long hairs out.  I am starting to have a bald spot on top near my hairline and I am still shedding like a dog in the springtime. (Who knew there were so many hairs in my head?)  I'm kinda cold without the long hair so I'm wearing a turban and actually feeling a little relieved to have the hair loss thing behind me.  Bring on TX #2!!!  I keep telling myself the chemo is really doing it's job and killing all the fast growing cells (because it definitely got all of the hair follicles) and this cancer doesn't stand a chance.  The lady who cut my hair today is a 7 year breast cancer survivor and she said afterwards her skin and hair looked great because the chemo kills all of the bad cells in your body and you can kind of look at it as starting over with all brand new cells. 

    Good luck to everyone this week!!!  We can do this!!!Wink

    Jennifer

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  • marcy4
    marcy4 Member Posts: 162
    edited April 2010

    Best of luck to all you ladies starting chemo this week or having round #2.  I am glad to have one week behind me.  My drugs were FEC and my SEs have been very minimal.  Other than being more tired than usual I am not feeling bad. I am trying to get back to exerising to get more energy.  I am glad to hear so many "Hair stories".  I plan to get my cut short sometime this week to help prepare for the shedding which I know will soon begin.

     I admire you ladies who are working through this period.I don't know where you get your strength!  I am lucky enough to have a great Long Term Disability package through work so I am able to get my kids off to school and have the day to myself without a lot of stress.  I know that if I had to teach and deal with this disease I would be a total basket case.

    Have a great week everyone. 

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  • sandcat
    sandcat Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2010

    Hi,

    Starting chemo tomorrow.  Any tips on how to explain hair loss to a very sensitive 7 y/o son?

    Please add me to the list!

     Sending positive thoughts to all!

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