Chemo June 2010

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  • tbyrd
    tbyrd Member Posts: 30
    edited June 2010

    I haven't been scheduled for Neulasta or Neupogen yet but I just had my first TCH yesterday.  No side effects yet - crossing my fingers.

    I'm going to a look good feel better class on Monday and will report back on that.  I'm really looking forward to it.  I'm taking a non-chemo friend with me.  She'll just get to observe but she's excited about going, too.

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  • Beanius
    Beanius Member Posts: 1,697
    edited June 2010

    DesignerMom - ooooooeeeyyy, Ginger Frost, I like that name a lot! Good idea to give it a pleasant name. Thanks for your flu remedy. I've heard so many good things about ginger lately. Ginger tea with honey sounds yummy. Yes, lets do talk about anything but BC - ha, ha!

    Hi angelwoman1 - nice to meet you. I'm so sorry to hear about something in your bronchial tubes. I know how hard waiting is, it drives you crazy. Hope you will be able to start chemo soon and I hope we all get this over very soon.

    mtf2518, Gail 48, PennStater - congratulations on getting the first one under your belt! I'm so glad to hear you are doing okay today. You give me courage, thank you!

    twinmomjackie - congratulations on your CT and bone scan. I had that and like you the worry until I got my results was hard to bear. I think for now I've gotten all the surgery done, so no I'm not having chemo first.

    Hi kittycat!!

    MelMel - Thanks for sharing about your day 3 of first tx. You give me courage. Good work, keep on moving and having a fun life even with this BC stuff going on.

    tbyrd - Congrats on your first tx, hope you continue to do well. I'm taking vit D and calcium too, thanks for the info on the B's, I'll check into that. I hate those little weekly pill boxes, but I can see they would be helpful especially with my pre-chemo brain.

    TMarina - Thanks again for sharing your experience. I think I should just try to relax and trust that the docs know what they are doing...yesterday I was wishing for some pre-tx anti-nausea pills since reading all the info on the prescriptions I have was making me feel sick, ha, ha...I love oyster crackers too, good idea.

    jenweg - hope you are doing well, I am wishing good things for you!

    algreach - bummer about coffee not tasting so good. I've often thought I could eliminate everything else but coffee, but maybe that will have to go with tx. Good idea for alternative liquids. I hope you continue to do well.

    I think my start date is getting bumped to June 15 due to needing more healing time from surgery...

    Best wishes to you all...

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  • tbyrd
    tbyrd Member Posts: 30
    edited June 2010

    I just took a brisk one mile walk with my big dog, Rebel, to keep me on pace.  14 minute mile sounds slow but for someone who has always thought exercise was a bad word, that wasn't bad.  I've been trying to do it 3 times a week and my next big hurdle will be to walk the one mile block twice.  I also cleaned the kitchen and started the laundry.  Must be the steroids!

    No side effects yet.  Hope everyone is doing well and little side effects!

    Terry

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  • RS711
    RS711 Member Posts: 105
    edited June 2010

    24 hours after my fist AC treatment... had bad nausea last night, today much better, got the neulasta shot... stings a bit going in but so far its ok.

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  • dsa-deb
    dsa-deb Member Posts: 126
    edited June 2010

    hey everyone:  haven't been on thread in a couple of days.  all the descriptions everyone is giving is very helpful to those of us who won't start the chemo treadmill until next week.

    congrats to all who have overcome the 1st round of battle.  Good going!

    tbyrd:  i'm from texas, too!  am up in the 'north' section.  walking a mile after 1st treatment is an inspiration to the rest of us!

    rs711/all others on AC/T:  i'm on AC/T as well and i see that you all are also. Since you're all a week or more ahead of me, i'll be closely monitoring your posts to see how you're doing so i can perhaps be better prepared for the fallout from my treatments, too.

    beanius:  we may be starting the treatments around the same time according to your last post.

    only have a few minutes before another committment-----just wanted all to know how great it is to see everyone ecouraging one another.  It's a great support system--- will be exciting to watch how all of us stand strong each round of treatment against this beast!    

    deb 

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  • akitalover
    akitalover Member Posts: 18
    edited June 2010

    danielaes, Please don't feel your question is ignorant...I have expanders from the immediate reconstruction. My PS injected 50cc of saline on each side yesterday..streching the muscle..preparing for the implants.Maybe I am using the wrong verbage, put heck, this is all new to me..

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  • tbyrd
    tbyrd Member Posts: 30
    edited June 2010
    Dsa-outtahere, I'm in Red Oak about 20 miles south of downtown Dallas.  I'm having my treatments at Baylor in downtown Dallas.  Where are you going?  "Big Baylor" as we all call it is pretty confusing at first but now that I'm in the system I've benn just about everywhere there and can tell you how to get to just about anywhere.  I'm really glad I chose to go there.  I think I'm getting the best care I could get anywhere.  Very reassuring.
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  • dsa-deb
    dsa-deb Member Posts: 126
    edited June 2010

    hey tbyrd:  believe it or not, even though denton might be considered 'small', we actually have an outstanding diagnostic/cancer treatment center here and my breast surgeon/onc were highly recommended so I chose to stay here and only have to drive 1/4 mile to the center for appts & treatments.  gave thought to big baylor Wink for treatments, but, after meeting w/medical team here i'm satisfied with my choice, too.  scheduled to start next friday and am ready to hit it, but somewhat apprehensive, too.  it's great reading everyone's postings because it's a boost to my outlook & frame of mind every time i read that someone has pushed thru that 1st session, even w/the SE's that seem to come along afterwards. 

    i really think part of being pro-active in my mind will come as a result of reading one another's post!  thanks for touching base w/me----i'll be your texas cheerleader while we make it to the 'other side' of this trip--afterall, texas is a big state Laughing.  

    deb

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  • jezzeetoms
    jezzeetoms Member Posts: 1
    edited June 2010

    Hey everyone!

    Alittle bit different but its my mom who was just diagnosed with cancer and will begin her first chemo on June 9th. She has 4 treatments of A/C - once every two weeks followed by Taxol/Herceptin once a week for 12 weeks. She will then continue the Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year. Then surgery, then radation. Long road ahead. 

    I am writing for her since shes not as internet savy and I am kinda her link to all the information about what she is going through. I will be there every step of the way. Hope its ok I am here instead and look forward to hearing about everyone's treatments.

    Good luck! 

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  • algreach
    algreach Member Posts: 55
    edited June 2010

    Welcome to the new folks! Jezzeetoms, we're happy to have you on the thread, and I wish your mom all the best as she goes through treatment.

    Day 3 Tx 1 was pretty uneventful except I suffered a brief bout of constipation, then the exact opposite, accompanied by a nasty burning sensation. I'm grateful for the chemo purchase list thread that suggested getting baby wipes. That's all I'm going to say about that.

    No nausea yesterday, thank goodness. I did my two daily walks with the dog, and ate fairly well. I had a slight sour taste in my mouth for most of the day, so some foods did not appeal. Fruit was fine, saltines were heavenly, and country chicken & brown rice soup really hit the spot. I'm being very diligent but gentle with my mouth care, and so far, no sores.

    Hope everyone else is doing well.

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  • PennStater
    PennStater Member Posts: 10
    edited June 2010

    Another little tid-bit as we all prepare for the hair loss part of this wonderful adventure, here is a web-site that will provide a free scarf to any chemo patient.  Haven't gotten mine yet, but apparently they are quite nice. 

      http://www.franceluxe.com/i/goodwishesscarves/GoodWishesScarves.html

    Does anyone know when the bone pain is supposed to start after a neulasta injection?  I got my shot yesterday afternoon, and so far nothing (knock on wood). 

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  • RS711
    RS711 Member Posts: 105
    edited June 2010

    dsa-outtahere- Feel free to ask me any questions, I know how tough it is right before starting... all the ???

    algreach- I'm also on day 3 and dealing with the same issue ugh keep up with extra fiber and prune juice...

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2010

    Hi everybody,

    It has been really good to read all your experiences, it starting to look doable, not fun but doable, sorry for those that had some bad experiences, I hope that it gets better with the next days and treatments.  Algreach, I'm especially encouraged to read your postings since we have the same regime,

    I'm pretty excited at the moment since I got into a research study to check the influence of different exercise programs to the chemo se's.  Taking part of the research means that I will be going to the gym 3 times a week throughout all my chemo treatment. There are three different exercise  options,1/2 hour aerobics, 1 hour aerobics, and 1/2 aerobics 1/2 weights. The different programs are assigned randomly and I have to wait for the next weeek to find out which one I will be doing. Hoping for the weights one. I heard that exercise really improves well being during chemo and I know that by myself I won't do it. I will provably just lay on the couch in front of the TV and feel sorry for myself Frown.

    Hope everybody is feeling well and have a good weekend, and welcome for all the new, I hope that I haven't made any gross mistakes in the list, if I did please let me know,

    Daniela

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  • MelMel10
    MelMel10 Member Posts: 19
    edited June 2010

    Hi All,

    Welcome jezzetoms, hope all goes well with your mom!

    PennStater - I started having some aches and pains the day after my Neulasta shot, but nothing that was unbearable. The Zyrtec helped alot. One in the am and one in the pm.

    Day 4 of my first tx was pretty busy, went to the big city of Birmingham for my 2nd opinion (family insisted). The doctor told me the EXACT same thing as my doctors here in town, which was comforting. I was super-tired when I got home yesterday afternoon, but I have still not had any nausea or vomiting. Just achy and easily tired. I am drinking water like mad, and sticking to plain food, but it seems to be working. Last night I woke up with a burning throat, so I used the magic mouthwash which numbs everything it comes in contact with. When I got up this morning I was able to eat a normal breakfast and my throat felt almost normal.

    For those of you about to get started, if your SE's are as minimal as mine have been you will be just fine. Good luck to you all!

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  • Beanius
    Beanius Member Posts: 1,697
    edited June 2010

    Thanks for all the new info!

    Mel - such encouraging words, thank you!! Keep on doing great and drinking lotta water!!!!

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  • DesignerMom
    DesignerMom Member Posts: 1,464
    edited June 2010

    I'm worried about HolliColorado.  If you are reading these posts Holli, I'm thinking and praying that you are recovering from that first nasty experience!

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  • Beanius
    Beanius Member Posts: 1,697
    edited June 2010

    DesignerMom - yes, I have been thinking about Holli too and hope she's doing okay.

    I hope all of you are doing okay!!!!

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  • grneyd5600
    grneyd5600 Member Posts: 420
    edited June 2010

    I am starting chemo June 15th.  I am doing AC & Taxol plus the clinical trial for Bevacizumb.  I will do radiation after that and then 5 years of hormone theraphy. I am getting anxious because it has taken so long to get started with the chemo.  I feel like it was "hurry up and wait".  I had my drains in for 4 1/2 weeks post surgery and it slowed things down.  I will be glad to get started finally. I would love to hear how everyone is making out that may be in the trial for Bevacizumb.  It was a hard decision for me because of the concern my husband had over particpating in a trial but in the end we decided to go with it. 

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  • CoolBreeze
    CoolBreeze Member Posts: 4,668
    edited June 2010

    Hi ladies.

    I wanted to pop in and give you a word of encouragement.  I remember how nervous I was at the beginning.  I had my last chemo March 31st - I began December 2nd.  I started with TCH - taxotere and carboplatin every three weeks, and herceptin weekly.  Halfway through I started having neuropathy and my onc switched me to weekly taxol.  I met some very nice people in the chemo room and it was almost a good place to rest and catch up on some reading. :)

    I wanted to let you know that you can get through it and it's not nearly as bad as you are imagining.  I functioned just fine until the very end, and the worst thing that happened to me was being really tired.  It does end up being progressive so you will be a lot more tired at the end - but you know, it's still not awful and it's quite manageable.   I chaperoned a field trip with hundreds of middle-schoolers and I went to a Science Olympiad contest held outside, all day,  in winter, only a day after chemo at the very end.  I never had a moments nausea or any serious side effects.

    Two months after chemo, I am 80% to normal, and have no residual side effects. Even my chemo brain is mostly gone, as is the neuropathy.   I'm still a bit tired but nothing compared to the way I was.  Some of it I attribute to tamoxifen.

    You can get through it and it already seems llike a distant memory to me.  My hair is growing back and it's as long as that chick on "V" (only grayer.)  

    I don't know if you know this tip, but you can try L-glutamine for neuropathy.  You can take it four times a day - the day of chemo and for three days after. (Dissolved in COLD water.) Some small clinical trials have been done that show it helps to prevent neuropathy.  I didn't know about it when I started but as soon as i started the taxol I started it too and my neuropathy stopped.  Of course, check with your doctors but mine said it wouldn't hurt and it may have helped. Also, don't forget to ddrink your water - it's important! 

     Stay strong you warriors!  Trust me, if I can do it, so can you!  Kick cancer's ass!  And, good luck to all of you, I hope you have it as easy as I did!  

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  • lauriez
    lauriez Member Posts: 41
    edited June 2010

    Hi Danielaes

    I will be starting chemo on Wednesday, June 9. Dose dense TAC. I had my port placed 6/2. That baby is still pretty sore, and they had originally talked about accessing it the following day! Unfortunately, I developed shingles (1st time) over the holiday weekend. Ouch....very painful. Pain is under better control with neurontin. Can you please add me to the list to join this group?

    Thanks-Laurie

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  • HolliColorado
    HolliColorado Member Posts: 15
    edited June 2010

    It's now five days after my first chemo cocktail party, and I'm finally feeling back to normal.  After I got over the vomiting and diarrhea, the Neulasta shot left my bones and body wrecked.  I slept most of Thursday and Friday morning.  I went back in for a couple bags of fluids to warn off dehydration, and they plan to adjust my anti-nausea meds for the next time.  The onco nurses couldn't believe that I was hammered with pretty much all the side effects.  "It's always the young ones, it seems, who have the harshest side effects," they said.  I just turned 40 in December, but I tell ya ... I'm aging fast.

     Keep your chins up, everyone.  It's a beautiful, though hot, day in Colorado and I'm going to take my dog for a hike. 

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  • DesignerMom
    DesignerMom Member Posts: 1,464
    edited June 2010

    Holli!  I've been thinking and praying for you.  You are a trooper!  Keep up the positive, good thoughts!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2010

    Holli,

    Happy to hear that the worst part is over, hopefully next time after they adjust the meds, it won't be so bad,

    Daniela

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  • chob
    chob Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2010

    Started chemo June 2. Adriamycin and Cytoxan every other week for 4 doses. Then 12 weekly doses of Taxol, then Herceptin every 3 weeks for 1 year with 6 wks. of radiation. Then probably Tamoxifen after that. My chemo doc referred to it as the "full court press". Had bilateral masectomies in Sept. 2005, no radiation or chemo that time around. I am a positive, very strong woman, but the nausea is really doing a number on me. I have taken emend, prochlorperazine, lorazepam, ondansetron (generic for zofran). I know I'm supposed to drink, but can barely get anything down. If I went in for fluids would they help? Will they give them to me if I'm not vomiting? Sorry, I sound like a baby, but I am really still so miserable. Thanks for any suggestions.

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  • chob
    chob Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2010

    Did the fluids help? I am feeling so lousy from the nausea. Can barely eat or drink.

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  • tbyrd
    tbyrd Member Posts: 30
    edited June 2010

    CoolBreeze, thank you for the upbeat report on your experience.  Makes me feel like the black cloud hanging in front of me can go away.  I'm three days past my first TCH and my only s/e is that everything tastes like salt.  My shoulder feels out of whack but maybe I slept on it wrong.

    Holly Colorado, I'm so sorry you're having so much trouble.  I hope your doctor fixes all that for the next time.  Mine said to report every single side effect because they have something for everything ... except the hair loss, of course.  Someone should figure that one out and they would make a bazillian dollars.

    Chob, I think the fluids really help even though they taste bad.  Of course I'm on different drugs than you.  But really it can't hurt and might do you some good.

    Listen to me.  I'm acting like I'm an old pro and I'm only three days out.  I guess I'm just so relieved to feel as good as I do.

    Have a good day everyone!

    Terry

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  • chob
    chob Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2010

    on my way to the er to get fluids.

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  • lauriez
    lauriez Member Posts: 41
    edited June 2010

    chobs-Absolutely go to the ER and get a couple of liters of fluids. I am a nurse-and trust me, I sure don't know it all and am new to the cancer scene, but I was told by a nurse that after I start chemo, if I am getting dehydrated to come in for some IV therapy. Glad you decided to go! Hope you feel better

    Laurie

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  • mimi9186
    mimi9186 Member Posts: 127
    edited June 2010

    Daniela, I wish you luck on tomorrows start.  I too have the same cocktail as you and Algreach.  Algreach, how are you doing today?  I get my port put in tomorrow and start the FEC June 11.

    Chob, the fluids are a must.  Please let us know how you are after the ER visit.

    Cool Breeze, thank you.  I needed to be reassured.

    Holli, I really hope you are feeling better after that rough start.

    Mimi

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2010

    Thank you Mimi, and good luck with the port, my veins are not too good so I may need it too.

    I'll  let you know how it went. I was told that usualy the side effects are not so bad until the third day because of the steroids, hoping it won't be too bad after that either. 

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