Chemo starting in December 2010

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  • Rachel2
    Rachel2 Member Posts: 32
    edited December 2010

    Hi everyone:

    I am feeling good, no hair loss yet.  I had some bone pain from the neupogen shot starting Tuesday night, in the lower back, and had some again yesterday.  Today when I went to do another neupogen shot, I realized the box said take on days 3-10 so I actually took 1 too many.  I thought it was supposed to be for 10 days.  My husband thought so too.  So the bone pain is actually a sign it is working according to the RN  who said to call if you have bone pain.  I just went to the gym and it felt better.  Hopefully, it won't have a negative effect.  I see the onc today so I will ask her.

    Tonilee, I hope you are able to go home soon and wish you all the best.

    Rachel 

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  • sunflower71
    sunflower71 Member Posts: 130
    edited August 2013

    Damn, the shedding has started.  I am not ready for this part yet.  To make matters worse, my skin is a mess.  Pimples everywhere!  My face, my back, chest, etc.  I am using cetaphil and upped my water intake to flush.  Otherwise I feel almost normal as I get ready for my next round.  Tomorrow, I have a 12 mile run to do. This will be my longest run before the marathon. My brother called to tell me that he is now signed up for the 1/2 on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday (we were suppose to run the full together, but that damn cancer decided it had plans of its own).  He wanted to still run with me, he told me no matter what, he would get me to the finish line, even if he has to piggyback me there.  I feel very grateful to have him in my life.

    Tonlee-Honey, you are not suppose to exercise with low counts!  I was banned from running my first week due to a low count and a fever.  It killed me, especially with missing training, but it is a necessary evil.  It is a very difficult adjustment to make, to slow down and treat your body gently.  As women, we always try to do too much.  Chemo makes our bodies go into overdrive and we do burn more calories than before because of it.  Yes, I know, women sometimes gain weight while on chemo.  I see an oncology nutritionist and she explained that the reason for this is because of fluid retention and an increase in carb intake for some women.  For me, I can't seem to get enough carbs!  Her advice, water, water, water, and to monitor salt.  She also gave me some recipes for smoothies and juices that I have found very tolerable. Do you have access to a nutritionist at your treatment center? 

    Kim/Klyyn-You look beautiful!  Bravo to you for taking the leap!  That time is coming soon for me, and I am inspired by your own bravery for taking control.

    To all my other sisters, hope that you are all doing well.  I feel very blessed that I have all of you during this time. 

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  • LEisenbarth
    LEisenbarth Member Posts: 30
    edited December 2010

    Wow just made it through several post.  You ladies are wonderful...love you all.   3 days down and doing pretty good, just really tired.   Tried to work for awhile yesterday and couldn't get out of bed this morning.   So I'm laying on the couch.  Shouldn't complain the SE have been minimal.  

    TonLee-  Rest rest rest.  I know its hard but you will feel better for it.  

    Kim-  Love the hair.  your DH is a dear.    My DH is taking such good care of me he got me a Popsicles at 4:30 am because my mouth was so dry this morning.  Got to love our men.

    Lisa- Thank you so much for all your support.  Hope you are feeling well. 

    Hugs and Prayers ~Leslie

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    Ninap7 --  I didn't drink any extra water before hand - only after the chemo started.   I actually get really thirsty for water or something after the chemo anyway so it's not a struggle to down more liquids - and they say any kind of liquid is fine - just increase your liquid intake.   And it's ok to be scared now.  I know I was too.   First one was the hardest I think  - the anticipation of it at least.  It turned out to be nothing more than an IV and a headache and little upset stomach later that day.   Try to calm down and meditate if that will help.  It's gonna be ok.  Treat yourself out to dinner or a movie or  something if you can, to help get your mind off it.

    hugs,

    Lisa

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited December 2010

    Lisa,

    Excercise actually helps produce white blood cells, did you know that?  It stimulates the production. 

    You are right about the calories.  The nutritionist came to see me.  She gave me several peer reviewed journal articles which stipulate a woman on chemo needs 30-35 calories per kilogram, and about 60-80 gms of protein a day to help with the rapid cell turnover.  (If you go by pounds then you can estimate 15 calories per pound to maintain current weight).

    So a 118 pound woman needs between 1600-1800 calories a day just to maintain her current weight.

    I was getting much less than that, (between 12-1400 which is normal for me in maintenance mode) and working out on top of it (subract at least 400).  My body never stood a chance...so lesson learned on the nutrition front.  I just couldn't find any material I felt was based in science on nutrition, but now I have it! lol

    I didn't work out today, I used it as a rest day.  However, tomorrow I plan on running up and down the stairs for 30 minutes minimum, and my Dr has approved it.  He says women on chemo can "rest too much" which is NOT good for recovery at all....and exercise should still be done 5-6 times a week. 

    I read that already, but it was nice to hear it confirmed.  But, I will be eating better from now on....well, not better, just more!!  Looks like Monday is my release date if no fever tonight.....but I already am getting the pre-cursor headache....~crossing fingers~ 

    Don't worry about me....but thanks!!

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited December 2010

    I don't mean to sound obsessive...I just re-read my post...thank you all ... I mean it...I'm just a little BORED and don't have lots to think about...

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited December 2010

    Lisa, hope all goes well and your out of the hospital soon.

    Not always easy to know what to do, my onc said 30 minutes of exercise each day, no matter how I felt.

    Day 15 out of first treatment, and hubby just shaved my head.  I am handling it quite well. even after long shower, still feel like hair is everywhere....except on my head!!  tried on my wig, and it feels so weird without hair, wonder if I'll even wear it.  should I buy something to wear under the wig to make it feel more comfortable?  

    Onc might want to to 6 T/C instead of 4 because of TN, she will see what current research results say, I guess it was brought up at San Antonio Breast cancer conference.  Anyone doing 6 T/C instead of 4?

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  • meglove
    meglove Member Posts: 267
    edited August 2013

    hdangelbaby, thank you for the tip. I hear you. The nurse told me so when she waited until 9:30pm for me (went to ER for IV) to come to my home to give me the first neupogen shot. Yes the anti-nausea drug is not fun either, upset my tummy and seems like a stick was in my tummy so I have to put heat on tummy to go to sleep. But TODAY is the first day I do not vomit at all.  Felt happy for that. so we DD AC gal need a whole week to recover.

    Also felt a little neck pain from 6th neupogen shot, but nothing comparing to vomit I had.

    Wish everyone is heading well to the next tx.

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    Sorry.... I sounded harsh I guess.  It just scared me  knowing that one of us was so sick. 

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

    Hi all,  Pasofino is the breed of horse that I raise and probably owe my life to when I get over being mad as hell at them.  That is how I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was thrown, broke my back in 2 places, and from the CT scans was diagnosed with BC.  My back is much better, but still don't move as fast as I use to...

    I am 3 days after my first treatment of AC. I had been postponed for treatment for almost 3 weeks and thought I'd never would start.  I was beginning to think it was becoming life threatening, the amount of time that they delayed.  Not that I want to do this at all, but if it helps me see tomorrow, I'm all for it!  The next day after treatment I taught school.  I went to the hospital during my plan period for my neulasta shot, and returned to finish the day.  I vomited twice before school and once after school was over.  I was expecting gut wrenching pain, but my mouth got all watery and then I lost it and that was that, not so bad.  I took Claritin D 24 hours ahead of the shot and no pain so far.  I had some bad heartburn.  My daughter in-law suggest ginger tea.  It almost worked immediately!!  No BM yet...  getting worried.  I've eaten the probiotic yogart, taken laxatives for the past 2 days, think I'm going to try that heated up prune juice. Now I'm getting a headache.

    I had asked the onc for Emend but was told it was not usually given the first time?  My next treatment is 12/30.

    The best news I received was a call from my son, who just arrived in Qatar from Iraq.  I think he really may make it home for Christmas!  Just getting him home in one piece is all I want for Christmas. 

    I don't post very often but I read everything everynight!  You guys are awesome and I am so blessed to have a place to get advice, support, and a place to share!

    Thanks,  

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  • nolaa
    nolaa Member Posts: 76
    edited December 2010

    fyi, I spoke with the pharmacist and she said you can take prilosec every day throughout chemo if you need to to help with the heart burn.  If find the AC has really destroyed my digestive system from top to bottom.  In some really strange way it's almost like being pregnant -- bloody gums, heart burn, hard to digest foods, constipation/diarrhea, ...  I know AC is supposed to do that, but its been almost 2 weeks since my treatment and its still not back to normal.  I guess it won't be for another 5 months. Sigh...

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  • hdangelbaby
    hdangelbaby Member Posts: 731
    edited December 2010

    ninap 7, you have come to the right place for some venting, and finding awesom advice!! i just finished my first round about 2 weeks ago. advice on water, and a stool softener? everyone's different, remember that, some get constipation and others get diarrhea. start chugging that water hard starting day before chemo. like every time you think about water. i carried a big water bottle everywhere i went. even into the cancer center and during infusion. just all the time. you can't get too much unless you are hooked up to a water hose! it flushes all the "poison" (but we need it , right?!!!!!) plus keeps things moving...... on to the second part.....

    my chemo nurses told me to take miralax, a bottle gets about 7 days worth, starting the day of chemo and everyday for about 5-6 days. i did that and i am thankful i did, if you mix that miralax in juice, or something tasty to drink, you would never know you were drinking liquid medicine! or that's just me!!! another thing to keep handy, if your on AC, is baby wipes. oh yes, baby wipes. very soothing for when you "use the bathroom", also on AC, people get dry itchy eyes. mine get so itchy and burning, i wake up in the middle of the night scratching my lids, and feels like you got an infection!! i keep baby wipes by the bed too if i wake up scratching,, i rub the wipe all over my eyes, and it sooths it very welll. make sure and get unscented if you are going to use them for your eyes!

    hope all goes well,keep us updated, and ASK QUESTIONS! :)--ANGEL

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  • AnnetteS
    AnnetteS Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    Hello everyone. I started my first of 6 TC rounds on Thursday, and have been feeling pretty good besides a foggy head.  I've heard of chemo brain, and already have been a somewhat forgetful person, but boy I feel like I'm really out of it. However, other than that and being tired and not sleeping, I feel fine.  I had my nulesta (sp?) shot 12 hours ago and kind of feel like I am sitting here waiting to see what happens.  I took Non Drowsy Clariton 24.  But I think I just read many people saying to take Clariton D.  What does the 'D' stand for?  Should I switch?

    Has anyone else started chemo with a drain.  I had my last bmx drain in for 6 weeks, she took it out and 16 hours later I had a debridement surgery which added another drain, but this one was about half the circumference of the original three. Since I was eager to begin my chemo (afraid that that sole get away cell is multiplying somewhere), they decided to let me  start with the drain. 

    Do most of you have a doctor or nurse give you  your nuelesta shot? Mine is mailed to my house and self injected.

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  • jtbsmom
    jtbsmom Member Posts: 19
    edited December 2010

    hi- my name is Laina.  I am new to the boards but friended Klynnwaylan last week when I saw that we were doing the same chemo.  I did my first treatment of TAC on Dec 13 and so far have not had any really bad SE just a little nausea and slight constipation, feel pretty good - just a little tired( probably form boredom- was going to the gym 4 days a week).  I was diagnosed officially Nov 12 but kinda knew there was a problem in October. 

    I am going to ask on Monday when I go in for blood work if I can return to the gym and do some classes. I really miss all my workout friends.  if I am able to go- does anyone have tips on how to dress( i wear my sports bra at home and it is very comfy but looked very lopsided under the t-shirt.  I really do not want to stuff it or wear my prothesis( too hot).  I take a walk around the neighborhood with my dog everyday which keeps me moving and have been doing some light housework.  I am really wanting to go back to work  so I am going to ask about that too. 

    I really hate sitting around the house!!! 

    jtbsmom is a acronym  for  my boys Josh, Tommy and Billy.  

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  • LisaMomOfFour
    LisaMomOfFour Member Posts: 465
    edited December 2010

    Well, I'm on my way.  I'm pulling up the rear on this thread, as my chemo starts on 12/30.  I'm starting two weeks later than planned because I had some necrosis following my BMX that led to a debridement surgery, and required two more weeks of healing.  I say I'm on my way, since I had my port inserted yesterday, fortunately that went very smoothly though glad to check one more think off the treatment work plan. 

    My online name is pretty self explanatory.... I'm a mother of four ages 13, 12, and 9 year old twins.  My most emotional moments come when I look at them and worry about the future, not alone there, I know.  I stay very positive in front of them and cry in private, and so far they seem to be coping OK. 

    I have been lurking a lot, and reading up on all the tips so I'll be very well educated by the time I start in two weeks. 

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited December 2010

    Sam, you weren't harsh, you were beautiful!

    I appreciate your thoughtfulness, as I am sure other women do as well.

    I think it is important that women know current studies coming out of Harvard show that exercise during chemo not only reduces S/Es, but also helps increase survival rates and reduce risk of recurrence.

    The general rule of thumb is to cut your current workout in half, then start building up from there.  IF you don't workout already, start with walking and grow that into cardio and weight training (for bone and muscle loss).

    Lymph fluid is pushed through the lymphatic system when you use your muscles (ie exercise), so if you want the chemo to really be moving through and out of those lymph nodes, exercise, and moving around are the only way to get it there.

    The biggest benefit imo is that it keeps the S/E manageable.  Meaning I know two women who work out as hard as I do, they just received their 4th and 5th treatments and both say the S/E are just about "the same" and the same duration as the very first one. 

    I don't know if that will hold true for me....but I'm hoping....I want to come out of chemo as strong as possible...meaning I don't want to be fat and fatigued if I can help it...if I can't help it?  Fine.  But knowing I could do something and didn't, well to me it's like not I'm holding up my end of the treatment....like I'm demanding my body take the abuse but won't do anything to help it....

    ok, that was way longer than I intended.

    I am still in the hospital, fully clothed, chewing gum, bugging the nurses, waiting for my WBC to come up....

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  • DivaJMusic
    DivaJMusic Member Posts: 75
    edited December 2010

    Hi Ladies, wow this last week was busy and a blur.  Port went in on Tuesday and my first treatment was yesterday.  The treatment itself went without a hitch, but by 6 last night I felt like I was coming down with the worst flu of my life.  My whole body ached and in particular my head and my lower back were just miserable.  My body also couldn't decide which way it wanted to void, so I laid very still and did some meditation to avoid either because I loathe both.  Whew.  I feel a little more normal this morning but taking it very slowly.  I notice most people don't start out so heavy on SE?  I never spiked a fever or anything just felt like I wanted to die. 

    Lisa - good luck on the 30th, that's my second round!

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  • klynnwayman
    klynnwayman Member Posts: 23
    edited December 2010

    Divaj,

    I just had my first round of TAC, followed by Neulasta, a week ago Thrusday (the 9th). The first several days were much easier, bu seemed to get a little worse every day until, BAM, day 5 - 7.. All over body pains, which they say is from the Neulasta shot, more nausea, etc. On day 9 (today) I'm feeling more like myself. This seems to be normal, from what I read and what the nurses/ doctor tell me.

    Hang in there!

    Kim

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  • AnnetteS
    AnnetteS Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    klynnwayman,

    When did you take the Neulasta?  was it the next day?

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  • hdangelbaby
    hdangelbaby Member Posts: 731
    edited December 2010

    hi! divajmusic, i looked at your stats and you are very close in age to me! what kind of treatment are you having? wondering if it is similar to mine at all, being that we are pre-menopausal. do you have any children? i don't and boy i am wishing i spent the last 10 years having kids, than partying now, but still no regrets. got to travel and have lots of fun along the way. so, would love to chat with you somemore, good luck on those SE's , they are a kicker! (((HUGS)))-ANGEL

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  • lindaa
    lindaa Member Posts: 119
    edited December 2010

    Well TonLee,  I am like you as I am posting from hospital.  My new port was really acting up.  It never felt right since 12/3 when it was put  in.  They used it on 12/7 for first treatment and it seemed fine but area still tender.  by week 2 (this week) which was supposed to be my week to catch up on Christmas items before my 2nd treatment on tuesday (DD AC), I was in a lot of pain. I was basically walking around holding my arm under my boob so it wouldn't pull on the incision.  This is my second port, the first one gave me problems and then failed so it had to be replaced.  Anyway, I finally called my onc on Thurs and I tell  her I can tough it out until I see her on tues, and she's like, 'No, I don't want you to tough anything out.  I want you to go to a emergency near your home and tell them the problem.  She wanted the port evaluated and for them to call her and discuss next steps.  They pretty much determined the area is infected so I have been getting strong antibiotics via IV drip.  The pain is better but is still there.  I really hope this works because if it doesn't they will have to remove the port.  I need a port for treatment as i already know I don't do well in the arm.  The first week i thought, well it's sore because I just had surgery.  The second week I wondered if I had slept wrong or something.  It was really hard to pinpoint where the pain was coming from, just the general area was very sore and if I lifted my arm it really zinged it, 

    So lesson learned, they take infections very seriously when your'e on chemo.  i have gotten excellent care during my stay and the surgeon here told me a port should never hurt by week 2 so if it does there is problem.  Other than the port, I have felt fine this week. Funny how we each have a little different story to tell, ebann, et al. But we will pull through to the other side!

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited August 2013

    Linda,

    STill here...my wbc was up to 2.1 this morning.....when it hits 4.9 I can leave....ARE WE THERE YET??????  lol

    love and hugs to you....hope your infection goes away soon and your port is ok. 

    Maybe it was "just" contaminated during insertion.  They pierced my lung (and it collapsed) when they put mine in....

    If it's not one thing, it's cancer......

    Hang in there sister!!  And enjoy the food....ours is pretty darn good and I get it THREE times a day....lol.

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  • nolaa
    nolaa Member Posts: 76
    edited December 2010

    DivaJMusic - I had the same reaction by the evening of my first day - vomiting, diarrhea, and feeling utterly terrible.  Glad you felt better by this morning.  I found day 2 I still had nausea and days 3 and 4 were the worst, mostly because of the back pain from the neulasta.  Hopefully you'll avoid that!  Take lots of claratin and see if it helps.  I didn't the first time but I sure will be on Monday!

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  • hopefortomorrow
    hopefortomorrow Member Posts: 193
    edited December 2010

    I have been hibernating since my treatment on Thursday. I am forcing myself to move around today. Friday night was my worst night, it always seems like the second night is for me. This round of treatment I feel like my insides are burning. Taking prilosec, emend and the other stuff to keep the discomfort at bay.More nausea this time too.  It helps but I am not 100 %.  My hair roots hurt and the hair is just falling out. I still have alot, still deciding if I should just cut or shave it.

    Kim-You look beautiful!!! Love the supportive hubby thing!  Not sure if I will ask mine too, because he won't look so good! lol

    Lisa, you amaze me! You just seem to tackle this head on! Animal crackers aren't cuttingit this time!  Popsicles taste terrible. I just like Sierra mist and chicken. As my treatment twin you put me to shame!

    Tonlee, so sorry to hear you are stuck in the hospital.. glad to hear you are coming around. Reminds me of how serious this stuff can be. Definitely not wanting a trip to the hospital!

    Hugs to you all! You are all amazing women and are a great source of comfort to me!

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited December 2010

    TonLee, Hope your blood count is rising and you are out soon.

    Linda, I hope you are doing well with your port issue

     Hope, hope the s/e let up.  I am getting nervous for 2nd treatment on 12/23, want it over with, but so worried the s/e will be different, I did well first time, just no sleep, I'll take that!!  Ive been so positive, but its like me mind is racing, what about neuropothy, anyone having those s/e?  ANyone taking supplliments for that?  I heard b6 or l-glutamne, or IV next day with calcuim/magnesioum drip...anyone getting that?  Ok..so I was fine .now feel panicked over neuropathy...too much time to read last night I guess.

    Ya think I could have thought of  all this during onc's business hours!!!  ok..going to start decorating  the tree, jsut been putting it off!

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  • wrightgirl
    wrightgirl Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2010

    Hi,

    I took the steriods, anti-nausea and anti-heartburn drugs as they perscribed then was given antibotics starting day 5 so managed to get thru with really no side effects except taste buds shot and hair started falling out 2 weeks to the day from 1st treatment.  I was very surprised as from reading all the info they sent home before chemo, I was expecting to feel really awful.  I figure if the taste bud thing and the hair loss is the worst, I can definitely cope with that.  Next treatment on the 21st so am taking the attitude that all will be well and I can enjoy xmas.  My adult (but single) kids will be home for xmas and they are cooking, so have something positive to look forward to.

    So take the drugs whether you want to or not as it is easier to prevent the nausea than to try to control it once started. Good luck to you on next round and hopefully you will fee better. 

    I am having 4 treatments, so on the positive side, I will be half done on Tuesday.

    Merry Christmas

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  • bambi380
    bambi380 Member Posts: 44
    edited December 2010

    The rumour is the 1st TAC is the roughest. Why? I suspect they mix it based on height and body weight. Now I do not know about the rest of you but I am a light weight.

     We will see tomorrow when I recieve my first "dump". 

    bambi Smile

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  • jtbsmom
    jtbsmom Member Posts: 19
    edited December 2010

    bambi- I had my first TAC treatment Dec 13 and a neulasta shot on Dec 14- and so far have not had any bad SE.  little nausea the first couple of days but just drank ginger ale and Pepto Bismol.  I was a little constipated and took a stool softener.  I go in the morning for my blood work and hope all is good. 

     Good luck with your treatment.  Drink lots of water during the infusion and when you get home. rest for the first couple of days and let others wait on you.  I will say a prayer that all goes well for you.  

    Laina 

     

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited December 2010

    WBC is 9.1!!  I was released today!!!  HOME SWEET HOME!!!

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  • klynnwayman
    klynnwayman Member Posts: 23
    edited December 2010

    Hi,



    I got the Neulasta shot the day after my chemo- so on Dec 10th. I didn't start feeling the bad side effects until 3 or 4 days later.



    My doctor said my pain reaction was pretty severe, and not common. Also, I didn't take the Claritin ready-tabs that other people did, which is supposed to help.



    They are either going to switch me to Neupogen, or give me a half dose of the Neulasta next time.



    Also, to TonLee- so glad you're home from the hospital!!!



    Kim

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