Chemo June 2010

I'd also like to hear more about glutamine and why you take it and when?

thanks,

Latte

 P.S.  I could have sworn that i posted a thank you last night to everyone whogave me great info about getting a port - but I can't see it anywhere. So thanks to everyone you are brilliant!

Dsa-outtahere - Good Luck today.  I hope everything goes well.  I had my first treatment yesterday and everything went well.  I packed a "chemo bag" full of books but didn't read a one.  I did take my i-pod and listened to music which seemed to help quite a bit.

My day was extremely long yesterday.  I was informed by my oncologist the night before chemo that my Her2 test came back positive at the last minute so my meds had to be changed from TAC to TCH x 6 and Herceptin x 12.  Unfortunately the nurses were not aware of the change so I had to wait for the Onc to get in before my treatment could get started.  Was there for about 10 1/2 hours.  The only side effect that I have this morning is a slight sore throat and my face and chest look like I have a bad sunburn.  Has anyone else had a problem with redness? 

 Sherri K

Hi everyone. I'v e kept away from the boards because its been too overwhelming for me. But now I am starting chemo today. AC x 4 and T x 4. Am scared sh**!  So here I am. I also stopped working for the summer (work in a school) so I have time now. Anyway I've been reading all the tips. Starting drinking tons of water yesterday and again this morning. Did all my chemo shopping on Sunday. I'm planning on sucking on popsicles during the treatment, although when I called and asked the nurse about it she kind of "pooh-poohed" the benefits of the ice for mouth sores theory. I'm going to wear sea bands too. It even says on the package for chemotherapy (thought that was interesting). And I did my first acupuncture session yesterday too! I figure whatever I can do to be proactive helps me feel in control and as long as its OK with the Onc., why not?

Also going to take the Claratin for the bone pain from the shot but not sure when to start. I see some people take it the day of treatment, day of the shot, and the following day. I got the regular Claratin. Any advice on when and how often?

And a couple of people suggested taking a stool softener starting day of treatment too. I'm not so sure about that one. What if I get the opposite problem? Is it OK to wait to see what happens first?

I think I'll be on her often throughout the summer now. Don't know how to get my name added to the top list of people. Thanks to all for your suggestions! Wish me luck!!! -Donna

TMarina - Yes, I did have steroids and also had a large dose of it the day before chemo due to an allergic reaction to the dye that they gave me before my cat scans so that must be what it is from.  I am fair skinned too so it looks bad on me also.  Hopefully it will go away soon.  Thanks.

 Sherri K

Need some advice... I was having some constipation and took senekot last night, hoping to fix the problem by this morning... Now I still haven't relieved the problem and additionally I'm having the worst cramps, very painful. What should I do... I'm a little scared to try more fiber, I don't want to make the cramps worse...

Had port put in on Monday and 1st chemo right afterwards.  Felt fine till pain meds wore off.  Hurts like heck now.  Just wondering if cause I had a bilateral mastectomy and it is sitting right on a nerve or muscle.  Is anyone else having this trouble, or should I say pain....

DesignerMom - thanks for the encouragement, I think it will all be okay...thank you, thank you..I'm glad you are doing so well with it!

Jenweg - how are you doing with your treatments? I hope you're doing great!

Jenmarie9 - good luck with #1 and so glad to hear you got your wig and you like it, I think being prepared for the cosmetic stuff will be so helpful!

Kittycat - So sorry to hear you got a headache, is there anything the docs can give you for it? Hope it goes away soooooooon!!

Gin2ca - hello and welcome, I am starting 6/29 so lets get the party started!

TMarina - I'm sorry to hear of bone pain, and hope you get past that soon.

Dsa-outtahere - good luck with #1! Hurray, you will do great!

Kickazz - Good luck with # 2! We'll be thinking of you!

Isla - glad your scalp tenderness if getting better.

The hives got worse before they got better. Woke up Tuesday in much worse shape, so I went to my allergist. He gave me two epinephrine shots and one prednisone shot and put me on a stronger antihistimine. He also put me on an antibiotic for a low-grade fever/possible sinus infection. I spent all of Tuesday in a drug-induced sleep, thank goodness, so I was only aware of how miserable I was part of the day when I was awake. Today is much better. The swelling in my face has gone down a lot, and the hives are going down and not as itchy. Another couple days on prednisone and I should be okay, just in time for treatment #2 on Monday, June 28.

The following is taken from a handout on Glutamine my oncologist gave me, for the ladies that asked about the reason for taking glutamine.

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. It is found in blood and tissue, and primarily formed and stored in skeletal muscle and lungs. It also serves as an essential nutrient required by the mucosal cells of the colon. It enhances nutrient transport and facilitates the enteral absorption of electrolytes. In one study it appeared to be a simple and useful measure to increast the comfort of patients at high risk of developing mouth sores are a consequence of intensive cancer chemotherapy.

 Glutamine has recently showed evidence of helping to relieve some of the side effects associated with the following chemotherapy agents.

Taxotere, Taxol, carboplatin and Cisplatinum induced muscle and joint aches as well as the numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes.

 

Camptosar-induced diarrhea

Mouth sores associated with intensive chemotherapy regimes

High does methotrexate induced bowel irritation and inflammation

A healthy person does not require supplemental intake of this aminio acid, but certain diseases and medications as above result in a deficiency.A traditional diet contains less than 10 grams per day. During illness or stress to the body, a need for glutamine can increase to 20-40 grams per day. Supplemental intake of glutamine has been found to be very helpful in preventing or easing these symptoms.

 Glutamine comes in a powder form and is mixed with juice or water. Avoid mixing in ice-cold liquids. The recommended dosage is 10 grams three times a day, or:

4 teaspoons three times a day for 3-5 days beginning the day after chemo.

 No side effects have been reported with the intake of supplemental glutamine. It is not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver disease.

Thanks kaycee!  I will definitely ask my onc about that!  I still have neuropathy from my last chemo, and will be starting Taxol in Aug.  Not to mention the mouth sores from the ac....

Trusting- I have been exercising a little too... mainly walking and light stretching, I do it at home so I can rest when I need to... but I think it will really motivate you to be in a class.

Thank you TMarina, marilyn7, dsa-outtahere, DesignerMom, and others for your kind words and encouragement.  My mother went to her first TC chemo today.  She chewed on ice chips and chilled her finger and toe nails with frozen peas during Taxotere.  She didn't have the "metal taste" in her mouth thanks to the tips about ice chips.  She had a slight allergic reaction on her right eye lid during Taxotere, which was taken cared of by the Benedryl drip, but no other discomfort.  She and I both were relieved that we got the first treatment out of the way.  We just hope that she and others going thru chemo will have no/ mimimal se.

Now I need urgent advice from anyone losing their hair already with a small child. My hair starting coming out in clumps today (4 days after 2nd AC), and I have to shave it off. I don't know what to tell my 2 year old daughter about it (she knows mummy is not feeling well, but that's it). I don't want her to get scared or upset about it, and I also don't know how much i want to wear a wig so I don't want to freak her out when she sees me taking my wig on and off. I also don't want her to get upset about her own hair and try to cut it off.Any advice from anyone who's "been there, done that"?

Julia - my onc doesn't do any tests in between except for blood counts - i've had 2 AC so far, and will only see the onc after the third one. Maybe she'll order more tests then. I also have to do another heart echo test after the last AC.

Glad to hear about the red look from the steroids - I thought i was getting sunburnt even though i've been really careful about sunscreen and hats.

sandiddstn - I would call them about the port. Mine was annoying for the 1st week, but not really painful.  I also have had a bmx, but already had the implant exchange surgery (so I don't have expanders anymore). 

Beanius - I am really hoping your chemo date sticks and you're able to start next week!

Latte - my sister went through chemo with her 8 year old daughter last year. She had her head shaved and picked up my niece from school with her wig.  My niece freaked out at first.  My sister said it was a good learning experience about how it's not important on how you look on the outside (it's about the inside).  She also would tease my niece and pretend she was an alien.  Our family has a funny sense of humor!  My niece adjusted, though! 

So - MY HEADACHE WENT AWAY!!!!  Yeah!!!!!  I stopped taking my anti-nausea meds last night.  I honestly didn't want to wake up and take them.  I woke up early this morning with no headache.  I don't know if it was the meds or if my body just adjusted to the chemo. Or if it was the many prayers I said yesterday for the headache to go away!!!!!!  I felt way better today. I was still a little fatigued, but had tons of energy compared to the past few days. 

Well, Day three and not so hot.  Joint pain in my upper legs and some nausea.  Debating on whether to go into work or work from home.  May just take the day but afraid it will get worse and don't want to miss too much work.  Took some IB and compazine--hoping it will kick in. 

My oncotest came back 50--it could have been worse but the doc did decide to go w/ six treatments.  Ughhh--seems like 1000x more than four treatments. 

My daughter is getting very 'clingy' (she's eight) and I know she's just afraid although I assure her 'mommy' is going to be ok and that this is temp.  She goes to church camp next week and I'm trying to get her to stay w/ her 'maw-maw' but I think she is afraid to leave me.

Seeing her fears is a 1000x worse than any chemo cramps.

Probably decided against polar caps---but could be that I'm just tired.

LoveUMom--Hang in there and be strong for your mom!  I know it is tough--I saw my mom go through chemo.  My turn now and I wished I would have been around for her more.  God has an amazing way of opening your eyes. 

All --take care--my prayers are w/ you all!!