Chemo June 2010
Comments
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grneyd-->not you too! Jeez! What's up with the intestinal stuff? Well, I'll give you the same advice--get some probiotics! Those antibiotics can really mess you up. And of course, push the fluids :P
Hope you ALL start feeling better! And hope everyone sleeps well tonight (that's been a real challenge for me lately!)
Love
Tina
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My mom's PICC line procedure failed yesterday. The line would not go past the guide wire. The PA tried for over an hour and had to stop. My mom will do AC w/o the PICC line. Anyone ever have this happen? The PA seemed pretty experienced.
TMarina & mari-12 -- Thank you for the tips on self-administering Neupogen shots.
dsa-deb & cheyenna -- Thanks again for sharing your experience w/ AC in detail. They will be much helpful for my mom.
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lizzyanne, mimi. grneyed- What's up with all this?? So sorry to hear about your troubles. Definitely, get yourselves some good acidopholus from the health food store. Take dose in between your doses of antibiotics to re-establish the good flora in your gut. It really makes a huge difference. It should also help with the diarrhea. Hoping this all "passes" quickly...sorry this is no time to joke.
LuvUmom- So sorry for your mom's complication. I can't help, I don't even know what a PICC line is. I bet there is a thread on here dealing with them. You might put it into the search box. I do know your mom is lucky to have you for a daughter to stand by her side. I know you are a great comfort to her. Bless you. You and your mom are in my prayers.
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I just came across this post on another thread. I am going to try to post the link. It is a microscopic view of real breast cancer cells being killed by chemo over a three day period (sped up for Youtube). I found it fascinating to actually be able to see this, know it is happening inside me. I agree with the person who posted it. It gives me a great visualization picture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm03rCUODqg&NR=1&feature=fvwp
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Elaine - thank you for jumping in here and telling us your story about AC/T. I've completed 3 rounds of AC. I'm waiting to see how Taxol affects my body. My sister had neuropathy with it (still does over a year later).
I am still experiencing this nausea feeling. I am going to ask about changing my anti nausea meds again. I take Emend and Protonix every round. For round #1 I took Compazine and didn't have nausea, but felt very fatigued and had this weird pressure in my head. Round #2 I took Zofran. It did nothing for the nausea, so I changed over to Compazine on an as needed basis. It helped, but I still had some nausea feeling. Not much headache, but I only took the Compazine when I needed it. Round #3 I took Compazine and had that weird pressure headache thing and some nausea. My onco said the AC has a cumalitive effect, so my SE's would probably be worse. I drink gingerale and Diet Sprite/Sierra Mist. It seems to help. I am drinking lots of fluids. I can only stand water when it's really ice cold. I got the G2 Gatorade. Only 45 calories per bottle. I like that on ice, too. I wonder what other kind of anti nausea med I can take????
So, my sister is getting married in NYC 3 days after my last chemo treatment. They won't switch my dates because I'm on dose dense ACT. However, my onco said I could travel and go there. I will probably be the chemo zombie at the wedding. I'm hoping I'll be so excited for chemo to be over that I'll feel better. Plus, who knows how I'll react to the Taxol.
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Kitty I have found I can't tolerate straight water because of the metalic taste in my mouth. I have found success with the Crystal light Green Tea honey lemon packets in though. Gives me just enough flavor and they are only 5 calories a packet. The G2 is good though becuase there is some electrolyte stuff in that help.
As for your trip to NYC - we had a vacation scheduled to Sturgis SD the first two weeks of Aug. We are Harley riders and it is the 70th anniversary of the biggest biker rally in the country. I have been looking forward to it for a year. Onc says I can go because it is the break between AC & T. My husband has the bags packed but I am like you hoping I am not a total zombie. Honestly, I am really worried about whether I can handle it. Of course this how intestinal thing I have going on may change the game anyway because if my labs aren't right I won't get #4 tx on time. Grrrrrr. Anyway, I do hope you get to enjoy the wedding!
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I do get the Neulasta shot but that is for the wbc not the platelets. My wbc was fine - the platelets were 88 and need to be 100 for the chemo. Apparently there is nothng I can do to speed up the platelet production - body has to do it on its own. If the count is not up by nxt week then they will probably give me some. The nurse said not to worry about the extra week - apparently the A/C used to be given every 3 weeks instead of 2. It does screw up some of my upcoming plans. My sister is coming in from Munich for a visit and I purchased some NYC theatre tickets for what I thought would be my good weekend....hopefully I will still feel OK to go. My onc wasn't there yesterday - I will call and see if he wants me to come in a day early for a blood test.
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Kittycat
I get Aloxi and Decadron infused before each treatment. The Aloxi has been fantastic for keeping the nausea at bay. But it is known to cause headaches...as is dehydration. I think that was my problem on the first of my treatments. I wasn't and didn't get hydrated fast enough and BAM!
I've started drinking a minimum of 64oz of liquid a day and I'm giving that credit for keeping my SE's down this last time. I can't do water anymore. IT causes nausea for me. So I drink flat gingerale (remember, ginger is a powerful anti-nausea med), decaf iced green tea, SoBe flavored waters, and I've been diluting cranberry juice with toinc water. I even had a low sodium V8 the other day to get some veggies in.
I don't know if any of this helps you but sure hope so. I'm so sorry you've had such a rough time of it.
My wish is for you, and everyone out there, to be well. Bon
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Hi Ladies, I am also having issues with digestive tract. I had a bout of horrible constipation on day 3 after chemo that I had to use a glycerine suppository and a fleets enema to get things moving. After that I have had a tendency to diarrhea so oh well. Last night I awoke at 4am with swollen node under chin and painful to swallow that is deep past tonsil. I feel pretty crappy today but am trying to push on. I have to see ONC today at 2pm for swelling and slight fluid at shoulder and around axilla that happened after last Neulasta and chemo IV in that arm. Hope he can do something to get me back on track. I refuse to get discouraged because I want to feel good again.
About the nausea thing, I take Emend capsule about 1 hr before tx starts and get IV zofran. I was also getting IV decadron at first tx but onc thought blinding headache was caused by that so I did not have it the last time. I did have a little more nausea for first two days but it hasn't been intolerable since then. He also gave me zofran and emend meds for 2 days after chemo that seem to help. I also have phenergan prn but have not taken that yet. I am having a lot of trouble getting decent sleep but hate to add another pill to the mix but may have to. Just needed to vent and throw in my 2 cents worth. Here's hoping and praying for better days for us all. LOL and hugs all around,gin2ca
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Hi Ladies! I am sooo sorry to hear of everyone's set backs. You are all so brave!
I had my last AC yesterday and today am woozy. I expect to gradually feel worse, and peek about Monday or Tuesday with feeling ill.
Like gin2ca I take Emend just before infusion and IV zofran I get two decadron by mouth. Days 2,3 I take another emend.
Days 2,3,4 I take decadron 3 time a day and then I think it's zofran days 5,6,7. I also take alot of acid reflux meds, carafate and protonix and may add Zegrid. Acid reflux has always been a problem for me. Thanks to you ladies I bought some high quality probiotics to help my tummy.
Constipation is a new friend and I find senna is a little rough. The nurses suggested Miralax. I am also adding fiber pills because fruits and veggies bother my mouth and stomach. Speaking of tummies. I am taking two ginger pills a day as eating or drinking ginger has not helped. I also take something for sleep and I have Xanax on hand. But I don't like it so I only take a half pill before my infusion or any proceedure, as it calms me down but makes me a Zombie. I feel like the pill queen. But I think generally it helps me.
I drink water like a fish and have begun to add cranberry and grape juice for taste variety.
Brought a friend to the infusion who had had chemo a year ago. We discussed how you can get through this and get your life back. She helped me visualize the end of the road. Talked to her and the infusion nurse about Taxol. They reassured me that Taxol is easier in some ways. Nausea but less, less fatigue. May lose the rest of my hair plus lashes and eyebrows but not definite. Talked about fingernails, getting dry or "weird". Suggested tea tree oil for the nails. Nurse said I should report neuropathy right away. I had ask onco about taking B6 prior to taxol for neuropathy and she said no.
Oh I was also told I can take an Aleve for help with pain from Neulasta. Will be doing that later today.
Once again hugs to everyone and prayers for blessings and health and strength. Probably wont hear from me for a few days as I turn into the couch Zombie!
Joan
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Ok just realized I am not sure what is in my IV prior to infusion. But, I know it makes me constipated! WHOO HOO! NOT
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If you don't already take Ativan, ask your onc about adding that to your "arsenal" of anti-nausea meds. It really helps with sleeping at night too.
My onc once mentioned using a patch that goes behind the ear (scopalamine??). Its something you can buy otc, and helps with nausea. I never tried it, because that's when he added Emend to my routine, and that helped alot.
gin2ca-->glad you are getting in to see your onc! Sounds like you have a lot going on! Keep us posted
Kittycat-->bummer you are still having trouble! Hope you get all the meds figured out. Did your sister have Taxol on a weekly schedule? My onc told me that's worse for the neuropathy. Is she taking anything for the neuropathy? I'm wondering because I still have neuropathy from my last chemo, and am worried about the Taxol. I might have to take it every 2 wks (or was it 3?), instead of weekly. My onc said I could take B6, but hasn't offered anything else to help with it.
Well, ladies, I'll let you in on a secret---its my 46th birthday! I told my family (and God!!) that next year I plan on being cancer free, so we will be REALLY celebrating! I'm thinking maybe a trip to Duluth for the whole family (one of our favorite places). This is 2 birthdays in a row that I have been too sick to celebrate, and it better be the last!! The only thing I want today is a DQ log cake! And, of course, a visit from my grandson
Hugs to all!
Tina
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Happy Birthday Tina! I hope you have a great day and get that DQ log cake! Enjoy the visit from grandson.
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Happy Birthday TMarina! May there be special, unexpected joys to this day!
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OOPs I said I would be off the baords for awhile but remembers 2 more Taxol pieces of advice from chemo nurse. Drink quinine water and eat pineapple. Supposed to be good for Neuropathy!
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Happy Birthday Tina!!!
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Happy Birthday Tina, i hope its a great day for you!!!
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tmarina-Happy Birthday, many happy, healthy returns! I've been meaning to tell you that my mom and grandparents were from Minnesota. WHAM! They were from Duluth! No one knows Duluth! My grandparents are buried there. I have a photo of my beautiful mom circa 1939 as Duluth Peony Queen. If that isn't a "God wink" nothing is!
kittycat- I have a feeling you are going to figure out this nausea thing....just in time to finish chemo! Have you tried Kytril? I get it as premed before infusion. I think I read that the Society of Oncologists think Emend and Kytril should be the standard for anti nausea. It's worth asking about. You know I'm here in NYC if you need anything! Does your sis live here?
grneyed- I am SO hoping you feel up to your biker vacation. You are living out all our "bad girl" fantasies! If you aren't up to it, don't they have those cool sidecar thingies? Let DH do the driving and go along for the ride?
Hoping all of you battling the SE demons are doing better. Stay strong, the misery won't last!
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Well, I did it, I will be completing TCs 3 and 4 at a different infusion center with a different onc. No more Mrs. Nice Guy, i am asserting my rights as a customer. My old onc is on vacation this week, I will call him next week to explain my reasons for switching, I may go back to him for my follow-up after chemo, I am reserving judgement on that one until chemo is over. I am really happy with my decision,
Julia
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Happy Birthday Tina! Is it me, or are we overall a very young group? I think average age at diagnosisis supposed to be 64. I am 50, most of my self-pity around diagnosis was centered on 'Now? At 50? That's so unfair', but lots of you guys are younger than me! Which really makes me even more dubious of the new US mammogram guidelines.
Julia
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Okay, I've got steam coming out of my ears!!! I just got a call from my hopital's billing office saying that my Onc would not be seeing me tomorrow for my chemo, I would see a different doctor and I needed to get a referral from my primary to see this other doctor. So I am now in administrative, beaurocratic BS panic, trying to get things lined up for my 9 am chemo! Of course everyone I talk to says "this isn't my fault". WHO'S FAULT IS IT! It sure isn't MINE! I am spending my last afternoon before chemo anxious about a stupid insurance matter. When I ws blowing about this, all they could offer was to reschedule my chemo for next week with my regular doctor.NOT! I have verified that both the administrator of the hospital employees and the Oncologist who is Division Chief of Oncology are both there tomorrow. After my 3 hour delay last time and now this nonsense, I am going in there loaded for Bear! Poor DH refers to me as the Pitbull with lipstick when I get like this. What was that about stress and chemo???
julia- Good for you changing chemo facilities. I might be right behind you!! By the way, I am 54 which I hear is the new 39!
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Arrgghh, just came from the oncs. My labs are good but chemo cancelled for tomorrow because of the gut infection. I understand their reasoning for not doing it, it could make me so much sicker. I am disappointed, it will be a whole month beween chemos now instead of three weeks. time for the little buggers to start growing again. Sigh.......
Happy Birthday Tina. I am just a youngster at 59.
Julia, good for you being assertive. I hope all goes well for you.
DMom, we call this the "gong show" in medicine. Good luck tomorrow. Try not to blow a fuse, as we don't have many left after chemo. Your wit and humor keeps the rest of us going.
Love and hugs, Mimi
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Happy Birthday Tina!!!
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Well, I'm turning 29 in september... so, yes a young group!
DesignerMom- I'm proud of you being your own advocate with this... Don't let anyone push you around or ignore you. Reschedule for next week??! No way. They need to do their job, you're job is just to get better.
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Hi everyone - so here's the scoop! Went for tx #3 yesterday and talked with onc before hand. He actually took my paper and wrote down my instructions for taking meds. First, he suggested I take an Ativan the morning of my tx. Then he wants me to take Zofran and Decadron twice a day for three days starting the day after tx (which is today). I have not taken the Decadron in tablet form. Just what they give me in my pre-tx bag. I asked him if taking the Decadron would make me chubby! He said it shouldn't since I will only be taking it three days. Then, if the nausea sets in I can take either Compazine or Phenergan WITH the Zofran for extra relief. I know the Compazine and Phenergan will make me sleepy - but at this point I don't care. I would rather sleep than be sick. I am supposed to call in Friday morning and report how I'm feeling and depending on how I'm feeling I may come in and get IV fluids to help since I can't get more than an ounce or two of fluids a day in me when I'm so sick. So, I'm hopeful this will help me. Today is first day after tx and I am feeling pretty good, eating a little, drinking a little, some energy. Tomorrow will be the test because that's when I start getting really sick.
Thanks, guys, for all your suggestions and support.
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TINA....
Happy Birthday to Yooooou....
Happy Birthday to Youuuuu...
Happy Birthday Dear TINAAAAAA....
Happy Birthday to YOOOOUUUU...and MANY MORE!
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Grneyed: husband and I are avid Harley bikers too and had planned to go to Sturgis with our friends this summer. We would like to go to Daytona sometime too! However my diagnosis in April changed all that. I hope you guys have a great time!
DesignerMom: I too am the new 39! I knew we had more in common.
For you guys asking about Taxol SE's. I haven't noticed any neuropathy yet. Of course I've only had 3 tx. Nausea has been my biggest problem.
Praying for a good week for everyone!
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Ladies, I fear that I may be your senior member...I've been 39 twenty-five time!
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DesignerMom - you go in loaded for bear and anything else you need! Don't let them push you around. I swear what a bunch of crock. Hang in there! As for the "bad girl" fantasies you never know what I am going to end up in the middle of, lol but I am happy to bring you along in spirit anyway.
Sherry, we have ridden bikes for years but it was about 2 years ago I got a wild hair and decided to get my license and ride my own. Of course the wild hair fell out with chemo but I sure love to ride! Because of the Bilat MX I can't ride my own this year but I go out and it on her (yes, I call her yellow beauty) and talk to her weekly. We haven't been to Daytona but we did Myrtle Beach several years in a row. I don't know yet at the Strugis run. We will see what next week TX brings. It's my last AC. Great Balls of fire!!!!
Anyway girls hang in there and keep up the spirits.
Hugs all around!!!!
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Sherry - What your onc said is pretty much what mine told me - except that I take an Ativan every evening and another one if I wake up in the middle of the night - it helps with nausea and anxiety. Two other things that have helped - Vitamin Water (mixed with water) has been a godsend. And - when my stomach gets better the second week, I eat a little bit of red meat, and I think it has helped. My white blood cell count is great.
I am in the same place as Latte - just finished my last AC and wil be starting Taxol in two weeks. Interested in knowing more about side effects. With AC, I took off from work on Friday and Monday. Should I plan to do that with Taxol?
Tina - Happy birthday and hoping you have many, many more.
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