Chemo starting in December 2010

I'm spending New Year's Eve in the hospital.  I was diagnosed with 2 blood clots in my left arm, the port side last Tuesday and have been receiving blood thinning shots in the belly everyday since then.  The only way for the nurses can take my blood pressure is on my thigh above the knee, because they can't use the arm with the blood clots and they can't use the arm with the lymph nodes that have been removed.  Yesterday, I had my second AC treatment which was uneventful.  My labs came back great.  My WBC was higher than when I started chemo.  After the treatment I had an appointment with my GP doc.  Since tuesday my pressure has been rising to the point yesterday it was 215/120.  GP doubled my blood pressure medicine and slapped me in the hospital.  I had the worst headache I think that I have ever had and blurred vision.  I was relieved to be admitted as I didn't feel like starting the new year with a stroke.  Anyone else have blood pressure issues.  Before cancer both my blood pressure numbers were always under 100.

Paso,

My blood pressure spikes too...don't know why...headaches and blurred vision...I thought maybe its the Herceptin??

But you're not taking that.....hmmmm

the hair cut is good(very short #2 cut)- no traumatic showers.  though it was fun to "freak out" my teens (boys) by pulling out clumps of hair.

Went back to work yesterday and it was nice. 

Happy New Year to everyone!!! 

Happy New Year everyone! I am feeling blessed with few side effects and a wonderful husband. My next infusion is the 10th. *WoW* It is a long time until May 1.

 Lifting all of you up in my prayers!

I just found this board. I started chemo Dec 22nd. I am getting ready for my 2nd treatment next week. I have buzzed my head in prep for the hair to start falling out. 

Sunflower71 -- I am so sorry you are dealing with all of that on top of breast cancer.  That's a raw deal that no one deserves.    Have you considered calling the American Cancer Society for some help with insurance guidance?  They seem to have a lot of resources to help. 

I'm on day 3 from my first round of A/C.  I had my neulasta shot the same day, since the clinic was closed Friday for New Years Eve.  Kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop.  So far the SEs are minimal... but it's still early so I'm on the alert.  The nausea is under control from the meds, my appetite is way up from the steriods I'm sure. What day did most of you on A/C get hit with SEs? 

Getting myself mentally prepared to go get my hair buzzed off next Saturday... we have a salon in the area that specializes in wigs, will do the buzz in their salon (less cleanup for me!) and then trim the wig right then and there. My kids are old enough to understand the hair loss (ages 9-13) but also still be bothered by it.    I hope I can tolerate the wig, as I'll be going into my office every day that I can and would prefer to keep as low a profile as possible. 

 Thanks ladies for the support.  I am going to call the cancer center on Monday and deal with my limbo status.  Hopefully my cobra comes back quickly.

 Feeling much better now and am mentally preparing for the 1/2 marathon next weekend.  I am hoping that I can finish, my body has changed so much in such little time.  Fingers crossed.

 Pasofino- I hope that you are doing better and out of the hospital quickly.  Did they give you a reason on why you developed clots after the port?  They can be very scary.  I had one a few years back after a very minor surgery.  Turns out I have a factor V leiden mutation which caused it and now take blood thinners. 

MsJag- I had that and started to use head and shoulders and it cleared it up for me.  I read about that tip somewhere on these boards. 

Hello all. Diagnosed November 11, lumpectomy the 19th, re excision Dec 1st. Tumor was invasive ductal 1.8, E/P+ but Her2Nu-    First round of Taxotere and Cytoxan was on the 23rd. Felt worse than I expected..no nausea (how could I with all he anti nauseals they had me on!) But REALLY bad bone and muscle aches. WBC dropped this week to 1, so I am assuming Neulasta will be in the cards next time. That is what I am freaking out about. I hear that a lot of people get very achy/sore from that, but I had it without that. Anyone have similar experience?

Sorry you are all here, but glad we can be here for each other

I also got the neulasta shot. I had a little bit of achiness in my one leg/knee. It lasted a day or 2 but really wasn't bad at all. 

thanks for the great suggestions...I had some aloe here for sunburn and put some on my head! (my niece who is a haridresser said you have to treat it like razor burn!) and it felt so much better. I also used the head and shoulders on my stubblies and it stopped the itching also. not sure which did it, but its done!!! 

 I was wondering what supplements everyone is taking? I read on another forum here (not sure which one, I get so lost sometimes!) about taking acetyl l-carnatine to ward off neuropathy, besides the ice stuff, and I have been taking it..guess there is a trial going on with this being given in IV (again if I find where I read it on here I will post it).  I asked my NP and she said as long as I'm not overdosing on vitamins/supplements I could try it.  I found a multvitam for woman at walmart (their brand )that has so many things in it that I don't take extra d3 (it has it) or b complex(has alot, just iodine missing, gonna ask about that).  Geez, I feel like I need to  become a pharmacist/herbalist to get through this!!

ugh.... on my way to walgreens, to pick up my meds for next week.... going to be an expensive day today!

Hello all,

My third round is tomorrow afternoon.  Wow. It's already been a month.  

I have been feeling relatively good these last few days and the thought of going tomorrow catches in my gut.  But it is what needs to be done.  

I am slowly getting better at reaching out and asking for help and that is a good thing.  My supportive network of friends is becoming tighter and stronger and I feel the boost that they give in every cell.  All of you in this group have been a wellspring of support, information and strength and for that I am deeply grateful.    

I am glad I am not the only one who gets that feeling when approaching another infusion. My 2nd one is Thurs and I am already feeling icky about it. I know that God will get me through it but it is not something I look forward to. Or the cost of the meds either!!! Embed is horribly expensive.

Hi all,  I'm in the Nov. 2010 group and don't want to infringe, just offer advice.  I eat tea, toast with peanut butter and a banana for breakfast.  Lunch on chemo day is usually a smoothy with whey protein added to it and cocoa flavored almonds.  Dinner is light first two days after A/C, due to no appetite and I eat with plastic fork/knife because of the metal taste.  Other bit of advice, gargle with baking soda 4X per day to keep the mouth sores at bay.

Maureen

thank you maureen! I have been religious with the baking soda rinsing. I have gotten maybe a couple mouth sores, but they havent been anything that prevents me from eating.

I think i will try the smoothie idea tuesday. thanks so much!