February 2011 chemo pals

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  • Lawteach
    Lawteach Member Posts: 18
    edited February 2011

    Hi, Golfergradma and all,

    I have a really basic newbie question.  My ONC warned me against getting near crowds or sick people.  Does that mean no trips to the mall?  No movies?  She also doesn't want me to fly for 4 months, and DH and I have been hoping to get to FLA. since this whole BC and LC stuff began Oct. 1st.

     Any directions here?

    Lynne

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  • christine47
    christine47 Member Posts: 1,454
    edited February 2011

    I am new to this site, but lurking for a while.  I am flying tomorrow, my last chemo was last friday (TAC) chemo number 2 of 6, my counts are low, onc put me on Levaquin and told me to wear a mask, I will wiping down everthing and try to avoid people, maybe with the mask they will avoid me, LOL.  Heading to Utah on ski trip with husband and boys (12 and 14 years), won't be skiing, but will enjoy change of pace and blue skies.  Stomach is better so hopefully some great food too.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited February 2011

    Lynne,

    Avoiding crowds is most critical when your white counts are at their lowest which would probably be about day 9-10 post TX. Do you know yet how often they will be drawing blood for a CBC? Depending on how far apart your TX are and your counts maybe you can fit a trip inbetween. You might inquire about an antibiotic like christine47 to use as extra insurance.

    Kathie

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited February 2011

    Hi to the new peeps,

    Golfergrandma - where is Forest, VA?  My son lives in Sterling and we lived in Springfield for about 9 years when my husband was stationed at the Pentagon, 2 years in Newport News when he was at Langley AFB.  I miss is up there - we came to Tampa 4 years ago for his last assignment at MacDill AFB.

    Kathie

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  • Lawteach
    Lawteach Member Posts: 18
    edited February 2011

    Thanks for the input, y'all.  No, Kathie, I don't know anything yet.  And let me ask her about the antibiotic that Christine47 mentioned.  And skiing trip to Utah--outrageous fun edven to be a snow bunnuie and stay indoors!  Enjoy, enjoy!

    Do you wear a mask at the mall or to the movies during the low white count time, but not otherwise?

    Lynne

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  • M1nn1e
    M1nn1e Member Posts: 33
    edited February 2011

    Hi Ladies;

    Have been reading many of your posts and I have to say they have been very helpful. I'm getting ready to start TC Feb 28th.  Thinking about what to bring with me the first time in my 'Chemo Bag' any suggestions? Thanks! 

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited February 2011

    Good modning everyone! Welcome Golfergrandma, Christine and M1nn1e!

    Wow. Day 5 and am still feeling ok. I didn't take the full dose of Decadron last night since I know that's what had me so wired yesterday. I'll take the other half this morning and call it quits until next TX. No aches or pains, other than some mild achy pressure around my port. Anyone else feel that? 

    I think wearing a mask during those nadir days sounds like a good idea if you MUST be in crowds. I wuld just avoid the mall alltogether (which I do anyway! LOL!).

    M1nn1e~ Here's what I took with me to my first chemo date: laptop, something to read, light snacks (crackers, cheese, yogurt cup, celery with peanutbutter), and my mom. Snacks were especially handy since my first date dragged on WAY longer than it should have. I also brought a huge (44 oz.) soda cup with me and refilled it numerous times with ice and water. That was about it. Oh, lip balm was handy too, and hand cream since I washed/sanitized my hands constantly.

    Off to make pancakes for my kiddo. I've missed her! 

    Michelle 

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  • golfergrandma
    golfergrandma Member Posts: 176
    edited February 2011

    I imagine it depends on the intensity of your treatments.  Since I've just had one treatment, I don't hesitate to do whatever I want.  However, it may also depend on your blood counts.  10 years ago when I was on AC, I also didn't curb my activities unless I was not feeling well.  The cmf I'm on is every 3 weeks for 6 months and the treatment are for 30 minutes.

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  • golfergrandma
    golfergrandma Member Posts: 176
    edited February 2011

    Forest is a suburb of Lynchburg, about 70 miles south of Charlottesville.  Am thankful for our mild winters.  We've had hardly any snow this winter.  Am playing golf Sunday 'cause it's supposed to be in the 60's.  Am an avid golfer!

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  • JeanH
    JeanH Member Posts: 281
    edited February 2011

    Hi Feb Buddies,

    Welcome to our new friends.



    I have my bloods tested every 2 weeks the morning of my chemo day, only other time would be if I hit 100.5 temp.



    My onc gave no restrictions on food, just safe food handling and said he did not expect me to live in a bubbly. He did say he would prefer no long flights, since I do not have any trips on the schedule have not had the discussion as to what is a long flight. major advice was stay away from sick people and washands a lot. the nadir for the wbc is day 7-10 with the nuelasta. i have gone to bookstores but avoided big crowds.

    golfer, we are exited because we are getting to the 40"s this weekend. enjoy the warmth for all of us northern girls!



    jean

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  • JeanH
    JeanH Member Posts: 281
    edited February 2011

    forgot to update signature!

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  • Paula66
    Paula66 Member Posts: 1,728
    edited February 2011

    Hi girls!  Hows it going today?  All is well here.  Kinda disapointed I cant help my sisters deliver the Valentines we made for the nursing home.  I thought it would be better if I didnt go.  Too many germs so I thought it best to avoid it.  There will be more times ahead when I can help. 

    Not doing to bad.  I have had some mild hip pain, but its nothing I cant handle.  Over all its nice to feel this way. 

    JeanH you are lucky that you do blood testing every other week.  I have to do weekly testing.  I will ask MO why.  It may have to do with the fact I have to wait 2 days for Nuelasta shot.  Its kinda a pain in the butt to go in and wait around to get a 5 second test.

    Have a fun filled day all and enjoy the heatwave, lol.

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited February 2011

    Wow! I am supposed to take Charlotte to a birthday party this afternoon. It's at one of those party/playground places in a mall. It just dawned on me: crowds, kids, probably not especially well-cleaned. Probably shouldn't go. Ugh. I asked my mom to take Charlotte, but she doesn't want to do it alone. I feel bad not taking my kiddo to play with her friends because I shouldn't be there.

    Having a sudden white-out snow storm here. It's been a puttering-around-the-house day. 

    Michelle 

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  • M1nn1e
    M1nn1e Member Posts: 33
    edited February 2011

    Charlottesmoma; Thanks for the Chemo Bag tips!  Also, I have a 16 year old and a 10 year old and I'm sure you feel worse about not going to the party than your daughter will. Kids have short memories. BTW we also adopted our kids and as an adoptive mom I used to feel more guilt if I didn't do everything with them, but I've learned to overcome that with time. 

     Golfergramma;  My daughter,who is a junior in high school, is looking into Lynchburg College for their BS in Nursing program, and will be visiting the campus in March with her dad (my DH). Do you know anything about the school?

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  • crog234
    crog234 Member Posts: 801
    edited February 2011

    Just checking in.  Sounds like everyone is doing good.  I have had 3 days now where I actually feel human.  The chemo brain thing was freaky.  Glad that feeling has gone for now.  Hoping my blood counts will be good on Monday and I can get my 2nd chemo over with.  I had no pain from the nuelasta shot but I did use the claratin. 

     Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

    Cindy

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  • M1nn1e
    M1nn1e Member Posts: 33
    edited February 2011

    Hi Ladies;

    Should I get a port or not for 4 treatments? Any thoughts? I don't mind needles, not a problem for me, but do the nurses have problems finding veins when ur doing Chemo? 

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  • Lawteach
    Lawteach Member Posts: 18
    edited February 2011

    M1nn1e,

    My ONC told me that b/c I am "only" having TX 8 times over 4 mos, she didn't think a port was necessary.  After 3 major cancer surgeries in 2 mos, tho, I have feel like a pin cushion. They also will do blood tests before TX, every other week.

    Lynne

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  • EmilyInOntario
    EmilyInOntario Member Posts: 626
    edited February 2011

    FED-D Start: Jan 28/2010 Cycle1/6 Day 15

    M1nn1e...I don't have a port, however I did have a nurse who was called the "expert" who found a vein in the back of my forearm which they think will work for the FEC cycles. I found that quite comfortable and had no problems with it for my first treatment.

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited February 2011

    Uhoh... is that the air horn I hear? The air horn of the truck that's about to hit me? I'm feeling a little more achy around my port and left shoulder. I'll take some Tylenol and hope for the best.

    Mom took my kiddo to the birthday party, but not really. The snowy roads freaked mom out, so she returned home. Charlotte's SO happy to spend time at my mom's and have a sleep over. I try not to take personally the fact that my kid wants to be with my mom more than she wants to be with me.

    I think I made the right decision to NOT to enter a cesspool of kid germs, etc. Just wish my mother understood. As long as I feel and look OK, then, as far as she is concerned, I am OK! 

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited February 2011

    Get the port!

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited February 2011

    Good morning ladies! How is everyone today? I've been thinking of those of us who are starting chemo this week. I was so scared in the days leading up to my first session. I can't do anything to alleviate your worries, but if it helps at all, please know that my experience wasn't nearly as scary as I expected.

    I've been lucky so far with the SEs, but I understand it could be worse next time. *sigh* Hang in there, give yourself plenty of room to breathe and relax, listen to the nurses, follow their instructions, ask questions, get them to make you a dosing chart. Above all, call them if you have ANY discomfort! And drink lots of water.

    I'll be thinking of you and hoping for the best. We'll all be done with this soon.

    Cheers,

    Michelle 

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  • golfergrandma
    golfergrandma Member Posts: 176
    edited February 2011

    Minnie - I don't have a port and don't want one.  Would think it would not be necessary with just 4 tx.  I'll be having 7 more tx and hope I can get by without a port.  If the nurse says it'll be okay, I would listen to her.  Good luck!

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  • Lee7
    Lee7 Member Posts: 657
    edited February 2011

    I don't want to be negative but I am one who got a port and I absolutely can't wait to get it out. Its been 2 months now and it still bothers me.  I am thin and don't have any padding in that area so I think that's why the port bothers my skin & nerves there more causing me pain.  I couldn't use it when I had to have CT and bone scans so I still get stuck in my arm. 

    If you're getting a chemo that can go in theveins without a port...I think I'd do that. I wish I had.

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  • Paula66
    Paula66 Member Posts: 1,728
    edited February 2011

    Afternoon all!  Its a balmy 45 here and its like summer.  Yahoo!!!!  I cant wait for tshirt weather. 

    I have had my port in for 3 weeks now and I hardly notice it.  I was hoping that was going to be the case.  I can run my fingers around the area now and its fine.  Everyone is different.  My sister couldnt stand hers.  She couldnt wait to get it out.  I would talk to the nurse and see what she says.  If I had only 4 treatments to do I dont know if I woulda got a port. 

    Good luck to all my Feb Sisters who are getting treatment this week.  I hope all goes well.

    BTW I wasnt gonna post but I changed my mind.  I was gonna have my nuelasta shot sent to my house so I didnt have to drive to the doctors to do it.  Its a 40min drive so I just wanted to save some hastle.  Well I got the drug store info all set up.  Mind you this is the drug store that my insurance says I had to use for this shot.  Well they delivery lady calls me to make the arrangments, we get that settled.  Well she goes on to tell me my copay was hold on to your hats $750.00 a shot.  OMG I cant afford that.  I was floored. I canceled the delivery.  Mind you this is the insurance prefered pharmecy. Well I call the MO nurse and she was floored also.  Well need less to say I do the 40 min drive to the docs to have it done instead.  I just wanted to post my issues in case someone comes along with the same problem  Call your doctor and see of they can help like mine did.

    Well all Im off to soak up some of these warming rays of sun.  Have a blessed day all!!!!!!! 

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited February 2011

    Paula, thanks for the heads up; I was supposed to be getting the neulasta at home, too, and haven't heard from the company about a copay, I will call the nurse tomorrow.

    My chemo treatments begin Wed., so thanks charsmomma for thinking of someone like me.  I am starting to get on and off jitters. 

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited February 2011

    What happened to my tastebuds? It seems odd that on day 6 things would start to taste totally bland. I just made a Thai-style beef salad and I just keep adding more garlic! More Sriracha! More soy sauce and fish sauce! More onions! LOL!

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  • Lee7
    Lee7 Member Posts: 657
    edited March 2013

    Divine..Me too.  I can't barely concentrate today and I'm starting on Wed too!.  I'm trying to assemble my 'chemo bag' supplies. what chemo are you doing? Do you have to pre-medicate the day before with steroids? I'm afraid if I'm nervous now by the time I take steroids I'll be bouncing off the walls.

    On another thread I was asking about L-glutamine. Does anyone here know what to buy and how much to take..... 

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited February 2011

    Yes, lee, I will be taking the steroids, also; my chemo is taxotere and cytoxan, 1x every 3 weeks for 6 x.  Altho nervous, I want to begin treatment to get rid of the disease.

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  • Paula66
    Paula66 Member Posts: 1,728
    edited February 2011

    Hi girls.  I was the same way as my first chemo date got closer and closer.  Its something about the unknown I think that gets to me sometimes.  It was like that when I had my surgery.  I was blessed to have a nurse who could just tell I was terrified just by looking at me.  She took the time and came over and talked with me.  I was so much more relaxed by the time she left. 

    MrsM I would check and see how much your copay is because I'm on the 3rd tier of our insurance so I pay more for certain meds.  You may be luckey and yours could be way better then mine.  I even had to pay 40.00 for my Emend.  But Im glad this helped you.  My friend and I were talking and shes the one who suggested I let you all know as well.  I did find an old fourm here that does talk about how high it is.Thank goodness I only have to do this 4 times.

    Good luck Cindy on your treatment Mon.  Also to the new gals who have it this week  Together we can do this and get threw this.

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  • grayeyes
    grayeyes Member Posts: 664
    edited February 2011

    My onc wants me to start chemo this month.  First, I'll have blood tests, PET scan, etc., and a port placed in my chest over the next week or two.  Then it will be a 20-week regimen beginning with A/C every two weeks, followed by Taxol every week.  (Does that sound extreme?)  Then I'll be given radiation and Tamoxifen.

    I was so hoping to avoid an extreme treatment, but it looks like they're throwing everything at me.  After the unilateral mastectomy, the margin against my chest wall tested positive, thus the radiation.  All of the nodes under my arm were negative, but there were two positive intramammary nodes that they count as axillary nodes, hence Stage 2.

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