May 2010 Chemo

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  • JennyB100104
    JennyB100104 Member Posts: 237
    edited May 2010

    lorrhaw, how do you mix the salt/baking soda with the water? I'm thinking I should start this. Today is the first day I woke up with a "fuzzy" mouth--yuck!

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  • Redbarb804
    Redbarb804 Member Posts: 299
    edited May 2010

    Jenny  B,

    I am so sorry you are having such a rough time.  I hope your symptoms start to improve soon.  I will continue to pray that you feel better real soon.

    Barb

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  • Redbarb804
    Redbarb804 Member Posts: 299
    edited May 2010

    fotopet:

    My treatment is going to be just like yours.  TCx4 @3weeks. Then rads. Then Tamoxifen

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  • Drim
    Drim Member Posts: 302
    edited May 2010

    Redbarb,

    You and I are on practically the same schedule. I'm starting 5/11 withTC x 4. I'll definitely have rads and then tamoxifen too. Just waiting to hear if I will need Herceptin as well.

    Good luck to those starting this Monday and Tuesday!!!

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  • lorrhaw
    lorrhaw Member Posts: 751
    edited May 2010

    Jenny - I sent you a private message with the recipe but I will post it here in case it helps anyone else.  The recipe is in the chemo before/during/after thread - tips on getting through chemo.  I mix 1/3 cup of warm water with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon of salt and rinse it around in my mouth for as long as I can stand a few times a day.  I usually do this for about a week after treatment and it seems to help with the weird dry feeling that feels like it might turn into the dreaded mouthsores.

    Hope this helps.

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  • lorrhaw
    lorrhaw Member Posts: 751
    edited May 2010

    Hi again Jenny - I forgot to address your aches from the Nulasta shot.  My onc has me take a claritin before I go in for the treatment and for any days after when I feel achy.  Has your onc suggested anything like that?  If not ask them about it because I really haven't had many problems with the Nulasta shot so maybe it works, who knows.  Sometimes it all feels like a crap shoot - try this, try that, etc. until something works.  I am pretty much a robot on my infusion weeks since the first two went pretty well and I don't want to mess with what has worked so far.

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  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited May 2010

    njbhwgirl  I have a port have had it used twice now it is so nice since, I  have hard to find veins.  I was Freaked out the first time they were going to use it..(thinking of the pressure of a nurse pushing something into it)..It is so much easier then an arm vein.  Had the MUGA last week it was a now brainier too just took forever in the office.  time spent waiting around that is...

    Lorrhaw  thanks for the encouragement...

    JennyB  sleep will be a good thing! I will get some just in case...I really hope you fell better tomorrow. 

    I am still getting a little more nervous as tuesday gets closer to start. wondering how everything is going to affect me...

    Happy weekend everyone!

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  • Redbarb804
    Redbarb804 Member Posts: 299
    edited May 2010

    Drim, what is Herceptin?  My ono said something about another med that I might need to switch to after I am on the tamoxifen for awhile because of where I am as far a menopause.

    sacphotomom: I know what you mean about getting alittle more nervous.  I am over a week away from my start date and am already feeling alittle uneasy, can't image how I will feel the few days before. 

     Jenny B: I hope you are feeling better!!

    Sunflower and trishiab:  Good luck tomorrow!!!  I will be thinking of you and praying for you.

    Have a great Monday everyone!!

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  • Redbarb804
    Redbarb804 Member Posts: 299
    edited May 2010

    lorrhaw: do you take the claritin at home before you go in for the chemo treatment or before you go for the shot?  I have seen a lot of people are told to do that prior to going.  My ono didn't mention anything about it.  I think I am going to call them tomorrow to see it they recommend that or not.  why do they recommend claritin does anyone know?

    Barb

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  • njbhwgirl
    njbhwgirl Member Posts: 295
    edited May 2010

    JennyB:  I so hope tomorrow is a better day for you. Been thinking about you all the time

    Sacphotomom: I am def going to do the port..Thought it all over and think it is probably worth it

     Drim:  I decided it is impossible for me to do the caps.(sigh) I don't have the manpower needed. I got 5 people to help me but not each and every time.my last 4 treatments on taxol will be about a 3 hour infusion..so looks like 19 caps....and a whole day friends that would have to stay with me.  I so wanted to do it. Damn. I miss my husband so right about now...He was my pilar of strength. But I wish you well and will cheer you on each and every treatment.

    Going to try and go back to work tomorrow.. Is anyone back yet or are you still out?  My pain is still not great in my breasts...Taking muscle relaxers now and hoping it helps.

    Have good tomorrow all

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  • Redbarb804
    Redbarb804 Member Posts: 299
    edited May 2010

    njbhwgirl: I am so sorry that you are not going to be able to do the caps.  I know you really wanted to.  Good luck with going back to work tomorrow.  I hope you're pain goes away soon.   

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  • sunflower87
    sunflower87 Member Posts: 11
    edited May 2010

    Hi all,

    Hope everyone had a nice weekend.  I am definitely feeling anxious right about now.  I start tomorrow afternoon.  Hard to believe that this is really happening, but thankful that cancer was detected early and I can do something to lower the odds of it coming back.  Took my steroids today and have drank more water and gone to the restroom more times than I can count! 

    Jenny B:  Sorry to hear that you have not been feeling well.  I am thinking of you and praying that you have lots of good days ahead. 

    Lorrhaw: Thanks so much for your tip and the recipe on the mouth rinse.

    Redbarb:  Thanks so much for your prayers! 

    Fotopet:  Looks like you, me and Redbarb have the same protocol (TC, rads, tamoxifen...just different dates.

    Adb1971 and Sactophotomom and Trishiab:  Good luck this week with your start!

    Beanius:  Glad to hear that there is another worrier.  Thanks for your offer!

    To All:  Thanks so much for all of your posts.  It really helps to be part of this group..   My favorite saying...PMA....Positive Mental Attitude!  We can do this!

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  • marmalade_skies
    marmalade_skies Member Posts: 9
    edited May 2010

    I have 2 days to go and I am definitely getting nervous!

    Lorrhaw: Thanks for the tip! I got an alochol-free anti-bacteria mouthwash on standby, looks like the salt water thing works well too. I will definitely try it.

    sacphotomom: Seems like we'll be on the same course, except for the Taxol which I'll be doing weekly for 12 weeks... Keep up the good spirits!

     sunflower87: Yes, you can do this! Stay positive! :)

    I'll be checking with my onco tomorrow what medications I will need to ease all the side effects. Seems loads to take! but I'm not complaining!

    Stay upbeat, everyone Laughing

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  • lorrhaw
    lorrhaw Member Posts: 751
    edited May 2010

    Barb - I take the Claritin before I go in for the Nulasta shot.  So far I have only had to take it the first day but they have told me to take it on days after the shot if I start to feel achy.  I consider myself to be very lucky that I haven't had much pain associated with the shot.

    I leave in an hour and a half for my 3rd treatment.  Wish me luck and I will do the same for all of you starting treatment this week.

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  • Drim
    Drim Member Posts: 302
    edited May 2010

    Redbarb - Herceptin is an antibody that's given to patients that are HER2 positive. I will find out tomorrow one way or the other. If I need it I will get it infused once every 3 weeks for a year. The side effects aren't supposed to be that bad and the infusions take an hour or less (so they say).

    njbhwgirl - I'm sorry you won't be able to do the cold caps. It sure does seem like a lot of work. Since I live in Manhattan and don't have a car, my family has been running around like crazy trying to locate all of the things I need (dry ice, 2 gallon (hard to find) ziploc bags, special shampoo only sold in stores outside of Manhattan). Then my brother in law will be taking a day off from work and driving 1-1/2 each way to help me with everything. My mother will be doing the same. If it wasn't for my family there is no way I could do this.

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  • JennyB100104
    JennyB100104 Member Posts: 237
    edited May 2010

    Hi everyone!

    I'm on day five now, and every day brings a new "gift," it seems. I'm definitely not 100%...but thank goodness the Neulasta SEs are fading. Today was nausea day, but fortunately the compazine seems to hold it at bay. I also got my period today--unexpected, considering I just had one two weeks ago. Phew! Chemo really does a number on your body!

    lorrhaw, thanks so much for the mouth rinse recipe. You're probably in chemo as I'm writing this. Thinking of you! I'm also going to ask my doctor about the Claritin for the Neulasta SEs. I do NOT want to go through that again.

    sunflower87, I'm thinking of you, too. YES! PMA! We'll get through this together.

    hugs,

    Jen

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  • mcsushi
    mcsushi Member Posts: 174
    edited May 2010

    good luck to everyone starting today and tomorrow. JennyB: glad you're feeling a little better, one day at a time right?

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  • njbhwgirl
    njbhwgirl Member Posts: 295
    edited May 2010

    Hi All..my first day back to work....still here and I am dang tired.

    Jennyb:  glad your feeling better...wow you got hit bad...hoping your stronger each and every day

    Drim and redbarb:  I am so bummed about the caps. Thanks for your kind words.

    Drim:  If there is anything I can get for you here in NJ..let me know and i will ship to your house. I live in suburbs so easy to find what you need.. god bless your mother and bil..I had lots of friends to help but felt it was too burdensome to ask them..They have been by my side for over a year now since my husband passed. They all have cooked, cleaned, did my lawn etc...It is just one more thing I felt I could not ask of them.. but my daughter is trying to encourage me with getting a nice wig.. I am petrified to say the least.

    marmalade..anxious to see how you do and will be thinking of you

    I am still in massive pain. I really think I have the chronic post masectomy pain they talk about. One nurse already told me I probably had some type of nerve problem based on the way I was healing(which is extremely slow). I am going to call ps tomorrow and see what he says.

    So many tests prior to chemo. I am booked up for the week. Having cat scan, bone scan, mugha test, having port put in and hopefully my first fill.. Trying to fit all this in before the 12th is a tough one. 

    have great rest of your day

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  • fotopet
    fotopet Member Posts: 91
    edited May 2010
    Yet another delay -Woke up this morning to part of the problem area of my abdomina incision looking wide open. I left a message on the PS's answering machine saying we were coming and DH drove me to Philly. PS agreed, damn thing is open and an issue. Mild infection but already have several days of antibiotics in my system, luckily, so she can take care of it right away.

    So, I am off tomorrow at 11 to get that section (about 3 1/2 innches) of the incision debrided and re-closed. I am assuming that this is NOT going to be a fun process, as my PS told me to take double my happy pills an hour before the appointment.

    Looks like another delay for chemo start,  All I can say at this point is "Ugh."

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  • fotopet
    fotopet Member Posts: 91
    edited May 2010

    Was away this weekend but back now.  Updated the list of May starts - if I missed anyone, please PM me.

    njbwgirl - I skipped the port.  I have "bad"veins but th docs and, more importantly, chemo nurses are confident they can get 4 sticks. Plus, althouhg, as mcsuchi says, chemo drugs can be hard on your veins, they say the T/C proptocol is fairly mild on them.  So, I opted for no extra surgery and no port.  I think, though, if I was having more than 4 cycles, I would have opted for the port no matter what he docs felt.

    marmalade_skies - welcome. I don't know about cold hands and feet.Hope not, becuse mine are always cold anyway.  Brrr.

    Barb - yup, same chemo protocol. I don;t know about you, but I ust want to get this damn how on the road already!!

    Lorrhaw - thanks for all the tips and encouragement.

    JennyB - sorry you were having such a rough time - thinking of you often.

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  • GolferGirl
    GolferGirl Member Posts: 121
    edited May 2010

    GolferGirl - Hi All, Please add me to the list.  Starting 5/7 -- TCx4 then rads and tamoxifen.  I'm a little nervous but also anxious to get started and get done!  Good luck to all!

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  • JennyB100104
    JennyB100104 Member Posts: 237
    edited May 2010

    fotopet, I hope you're all healed up soon...and ugh is right about the delay. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow--sounds brutal.

    njbhwgirl, I'm so sorry about all the pain you're in. I hope it resolves...and good luck with all those appointments.

    Welcome, GolferGirl. Looks like a lot of us are on the same TCx4,rads,tamox regimen!

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  • nanaof2
    nanaof2 Member Posts: 112
    edited May 2010

    Looks like you ladies are a few days ahead of me.  I found out today my treatment will be DC x 6 @ 3 weeks.  I first need to get the port, then will have the dates.  I look forward to hearing from my new 'sisters' - I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.   

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  • poohbear21
    poohbear21 Member Posts: 26
    edited May 2010

    Hi Everyone. I was diagnosed 1 week before my wedding March 6, 2010. It has been a whirlwind ever since. I had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction started April 14. I have no family history of breast cancer and am 36yrs old. I am starting chemotherapy May 10, with radiation and Tamoxifen to follow. I'm very anxious and having a difficult time accepting all of what is to come. I have read/heard so many different things, I don't know what to believe anymore. I have been reading many of the blogs on this website and I was hoping to join your forum.

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  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited May 2010

    Lorrhaw: thanks for passing along the mouth rinse   that is going into my book of notes to keep..

    .JennyB: even your typing sounds better today.  

    I"m bouncing off the walls today for my Chemo start tomorrow ... Picked up all the meds at the pharmacy and started some new thank you cards for all the people that sent flowers when I had my surgery. 

    I am having a hard time with my mother. (She lives in Colorado) She is very upset about the Chemo ..she doesn't have Internet at home so I cant send her to a site to read about it.  Have any of you read or heard of a good book that I can send her so she can read and calm down. I need to get her some positive reading..  I realize that I am her 53 yr old baby.  She wanted to come our for the Chemo but she was here for 3 weeks after the surgery. I loved having her here for that.  But the first round of chemo I really just want it to be my husband and I .

    Has anyone cut their hair or bought a wig yet?   Or am I just procratinating?   nope just blabbling away. 

    Any way have a nice night!  Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow!

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  • Redbarb804
    Redbarb804 Member Posts: 299
    edited May 2010

    sacphotomom:  I did cut my hair shorter than what it was.   I have gotten a lot of complements on it, whether it;s because they dont' want me to be more upset than I already am or not.  I also have an appointment for a wig fitting on Saturday.  I needed to do this because they say 10-14 days after chemo my hair will start to fall out, and I have my end of the year program on the 26 and can't go to school with my 4 year olds with no hair.  I am afraid I will scare them.  Good luck tomorrow. What time is your treatment? 

    Golfergirl, Nanaof2 and Poohbear:  Welcome.  So sorry you have to join us.  This has been a wonderful place for me.  Everyone is so helpful caring and comforting.  I would not have been able to remain as "sain" as I have without these ladies.  Some people who know me well might question the sain part Laughinghaha    Golfgirl it looks like you and I are on the same protocol.  YOu start a week earlier than I do.  I will tracking your progress.

    Good night ladies!!!

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  • lorrhaw
    lorrhaw Member Posts: 751
    edited May 2010

    Poohbear21 - welcome to the forum.  I have found this site to be so helpful for both information and support and I hope that you rely on it (us) as you go through your journey.  You will find people at all stages and going through all different kinds of treatment so you are sure to find somebody in a similar situatuon.  There is never a good time to be diagnosed with BC but how awful that you found out a week before your wedding, hopefully you were still able to enjoy your special day and put cancer fears out of your mind if only for a few hours.

    Sacphotomom & Redbarb804 - I shaved my head a little on the early side, only 10 days after my first chemo but I was going out of town for a wedding and didn't want to be worried about having my hair fall out while out of town.  I also thought it would be horrible to watch huge hunks of my hair falling out everyday so I  just decided to take matters into my own hands.  My best friend was visiting from Colorado so we made a "celebration" out of it and took a bottle of champagne to my hairdresser that I have seen for 13 years.  There were a few tears but having support with me helped a lot.  Showing my husband for the first time was pretty emotional and we both cried but he told me seeing me that way made him love me more than ever because it showed my vulnerable side.  Now after wearing my wigs for over a month I am loving it.  I get so many compliments on my new hair style and it is SO nice to wake up in the morning and throw it on and not have to spend time getting ready or worrying about bad hair days.  It is also nice to not have to shave my legs, armpits and other personal areas.

    I just had my 3rd chemo yesterday  and am feeling very well today.  I am a little dizzy, probably from the anti-nausea meds, but that it very easy to deal with compared with the alternative.  They did switch me from Compazine to Ondansetron since the Compazine started making me gag after my 2nd treatment and I seem to be doing much better on the Ondansetron.

    Good luck to everybody going through chemo this week, hopefully you all will have minimal SEs.

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  • marmalade_skies
    marmalade_skies Member Posts: 9
    edited May 2010

    Thanks for adding me, fotopet!

    poohbear21: When I was diagnosed 2 months ago, I had quit my job and was back home visiting and planning to relocate to join my boyfriend in Israel. Throughout the first month since diagnosis, we were corresponding long-distance and thankfully, he will be joining me next week to be with me through chemo. I know it sucks that being diagnosed just screws up all our plans but I am thankful that I have a chance to get well and I have a man who loves me enough to give up his career to be with me. I have no family history and I am 33 years old. It's tough but I know we can get through this. I am starting chemo tomorrow and trying not to be anxious. The anticipation of pain could be much worse, you never know! All the best for your treatmentLaughing

    sacphotomom: I've read that hair falls out between 10-14th day, so I am planning to have my head shaved before that. I've got hair up to my elbows and I'm contemplating if I should cut short before I shave. A girlfriend of mine will be supporting me by shaving her head too! So brave of her. We are going to get a photographer friend to document the "shaving event" so it's a nice memory for us when we're old with no teeth left. Hopefully I won't be overwhelmed with any SEs to go through it. And I've also got a wig and headscarves ready! I was really cheered up by the retail therapy!

    njbhwgirl: you go girl! going back to work must be tough, you're doing great!

    JennyB: hang in there girl, and thanks for all the sharing. it really helps to know what are the things to expect.

    Some questions - when should i get the constipation/ diarrhoea medication ready? My onco told me that I probably don't need that and just paracetamol is sufficient for pain due to Neuslasta. Is that right? And is it ok to take sugar during chemo? (or are these questions for another thread...ooops)

    Time for good night's sleep and wake up to a new reality. Chemo - bring it on!

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  • JennyB100104
    JennyB100104 Member Posts: 237
    edited May 2010

    Good morning everyone. Welcome to Judy and Poohbear.

    Poohbear, I'm just a couple of years older than you with no family history, either. It's hard to accept, isn't it? I can't believe you were diagnosed just before your wedding...wow. :(

    Sacphotomom, I'll keep an eye out for something to send your mother to calm her about chemo. My mom lives 2000 miles away and she's itching to come to be with me, but I keep telling her to wait until the kids are out of school for the summer, because I'm going to need her most then! But, out of everyone (except maybe our spouses), I think our moms can be hit hardest by all we're going through. We are still their babies!

    Hair--I've always had long, blonde hair. I'm getting it cut short (pixie) on Thursday and will probably shave it when it starts to come out. I'm getting pretty nervous about the whole hair thing. But I figure it's probably my only chance in life to have black, short hair, so I'm going to buy a black wig and try to have some fun with it....

    marmalade_skies, it's so great that your friend is going to shave her head with you! What a great friend! And sounds like you have a fantastic boyfriend as well...

    To answer your questions, I bought colace beforehand (it was their first recommended over the counter drug to use), and I'm glad I did. I've used it almost every day! For me, the Neulasta pain has been brutal, and their recommendations weren't doing anything for it. I actually was in so much pain last night that I called in, and they said to start taking my Vicodin from surgery. And as for sugar--I've been eating it. Not in huge amounts, but...well, I had a doughnut this morning....

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  • njbhwgirl
    njbhwgirl Member Posts: 295
    edited May 2010

    Good afternoon all my new buds...

    Poohbear:  so heartbroken to read your story.. makes me stop feeling sorry for myself.

    Lorrhaw: It is encouraging to see you are doing so well.. Keep it going!!

    Curious about what type of wigs you all are buying?  My sis told me that synthetic was much easier to take care of...but was wondering if it is too hot...I am getting worried that I won't have one in time.   I better hustle my bustle and get to the shop..

    Will probably cut my hair next weekend which will be a few days after chemo.

    Have great afternoon ...Weather nice here in NJ

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