April 2011 chemo

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  • CarylC
    CarylC Member Posts: 230
    edited May 2011

    Teckler, I am so sorry you had to deal with an unsupportive caregiver.  Fortunately, or unfortunately, I only have my 25-year old daughter to come shop for me and drive me to chemo, so I don't have to deal with any of that.  

    My blood cell counts were up thank goodness so I had round 2 yesterday.  1/3 of the way done!

    Bernie Ellen, did your doctor tell you not to work?  I worked today after chemo and also the day after round 1 as well.  No one has ever suggested I not work for any reason.  I can't afford any time off, so I wouldn't listen anyway, LOL but I'm curious as to the reasons why? 

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  • ginger_mea
    ginger_mea Member Posts: 264
    edited May 2011

    I have an unusual salty taste in my mouth, its like my saliva is salted? it makes everything taste wierd, or bitter.  Anyone else have this?  Saw my onc today, blood is a little lower than it was, but all good for round 2 a week from today...

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  • 3sonscrazychaos
    3sonscrazychaos Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2011

    Hi Everyone, I'm new here. Although I was diagnosed and started my chemo just about the same time as everyone here. I'm a single mom of three and sometimes it takes all the energy I have just to get through a single day, much less take time to reach out and talk with others going through this. But here I sit, just a few hours after my third AC treatment, feeling pretty lousy and trying to distract myself from what I know is coming.

    But rather than go on about how hard it is, I did want to pass on a nice little jewel my oncologist's PA gave me at my last visit, just before my second treatment. Over the ounter Claritin helps BIG TIME with the bone aching and skin tenderness cause by the nuelasta shot!!! The fist time I thought I was gonna die, the second time I took the Claritin just before and stayed on a 12 hour dose for three days and felt much better. Still a little discomfort but not as bad. It's all relative, right?

    I have a call into my doc to ask about probiotics and Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements for neural regeneration/degeneration. Does anyone know anything about either of those two things? 

    Thanks for help! 

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  • lorenar
    lorenar Member Posts: 141
    edited May 2011
    Teckler2: I hope I spelled that right . First I would like you to know your job can not fire you due to cancer. Allyou have to do is call the american cancer society they will send you a form for your doctor to fill out the nurse can do it. You have up to 12 weeks a year. My husband did it just for safety reasons. Any of you ladies your spouse can also do it. I am also sorry to hear your husband is being a ass. I could not tolerate that at all and he does not deserve you. I also  remeber with the adrimyacin/cytoxin, my eyes watered alot as well. I am now getting ready to do #4 of taxol/herceptin next week. The side effects are so much easier, I do experience leg and feet pain about 3 days after. blood in the nose. Dr. said if blood ever starts running out go to emergency room, something about they have to plug a hole in nose. so far not yet. I never got the nuelesta shot so I dont know much about it. It is hard to drive the 3 hours for treatment every week. But they do put me in a hotel free on tues. and get reatment on Wed. My sister usually ogoes along. They treat me very good where I go. Best of luck My hair is getting more stubbles but noticed my eyebrows and lashes thinning. Ordered this etebrow makeup from qvc from mally beauty, very goood. Take caRE LADIES.
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  • pawprintgirl24
    pawprintgirl24 Member Posts: 173
    edited May 2011

    OMG teckler!!!! how dare him!!! i am so sorry that you are having to deal with him!just remember karma!!! it does come around although right now you might not feel it but he will in due time.

    today i found out that my boss might change our ins co!!!! i about fell out! i have already met my max out of pocket  and if she changes well... lets just say i am praying she stays with the same plan and co!!! 

    i really need to get some eyebrow make up that matches my color.. i guess i was hoping they would stay so far so good... 

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  • artiecat
    artiecat Member Posts: 257
    edited May 2011

    I am taking the Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements because my onc suggested it...

    Well, at least I know why I am not  feeling good and so tired - onc called today and my white blood count is .4 . . .I did go to work yesterday and today for a few hours, a few more tomorrow.

    It is amazing how people think they know what this process is about - unless they have been here they CANT know!  Hang tight Teckler!

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  • Teckler2
    Teckler2 Member Posts: 71
    edited May 2011

    Artiecat- I hope you are feeling better soon.  Thanks for the support. I am so grateful to have a place like this where I can vent and people really understand.

    Pawprint- Karma is a you know what, thanks for reminding me :) I hope your boss doesnt change your insurance. Starting over would be a pain.f you do have to start over thought, there are many sites and foundations that will help with copays. Some are grants, others rebates, others cash. PM me if you need any of the sites, and I'd be happy to help out. There's even one that will send you money back for over the counter drugs that you buy, like a rebate program. 

    As far as your eyebrows, have you heard of a seminar that the American Cancer Society gives called Look Good, Feel Better? It's on their website, and it a fun little class. They give you free goodies, makeup, lotion, makeup brushes and stuff and teach you how to put on makeup. Some of the class was stuff that is common knowledge, and then there was other things like how to "put" eyebrows back on your face if you lose them, and how to replace your eyelashes if they go too.

    I am one week away from my third round, and my eyebrows are starting to thin out, but yet I still have to shave my legs! Not fair~ lol

    Lorenar- thanks for the info. Take care

    3sons- Welcome. Just try to take one thing at a time, that's all we can do, right?

    CarlyIC-  great to hear you are 1/3 done! 

    Thanks for the comments. I wish my husband would be more supportive, but even when I try to explain things he just doesnt get it.Embarassed

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  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 3,047
    edited May 2011

    Teckler

    Do you have a mom sister or girlfriend that could take over as  your support for a few days after each treatment? Also I use Imodium and Phazime which seems to be helping this round. Had a similar problem on round #1 and I just did #2 on Wed. Also I would recommend calling your doc and asking for a fluid infusion today if you have been in the bathroom that much. I had an infusion yesterday as a preventative. Hugs to you girl and don't be afraid to tell that husband of yours that the ladies here would kick his ass if we were there!

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  • axtella
    axtella Member Posts: 88
    edited May 2011

    Teckler2 -- maybe his fear is coming out in anger and stupidity? I dunno...I would kick that to the curb real fast...I dunno Im not tolerant to that kind of stuff.

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  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 3,047
    edited May 2011

    Axtella

    I did exactly that last year when I was going through a different chemo and I do not regret or miss that crap. Good advise.

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  • kg1234
    kg1234 Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2011

    Heya, just checking in...chemo#3 is DONE.  Whooo HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

     Kg.

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  • Teckler2
    Teckler2 Member Posts: 71
    edited May 2011

    good for you kg!! How are you feeling?

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  • Teckler2
    Teckler2 Member Posts: 71
    edited May 2011

    Thanks Axtella and Merilee. Merilee I do have my mother in law that is local. My friends work during the day and are unable to come over and help, and the ones that aren't don't want to deal with my husband if he's in a bad mood. I'll call tomorrow and ask for the infusion. i had the same issue today, back and forth to the bathroom.

    Merilee, how are you feeling after #2?

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  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 3,047
    edited May 2011

    Teckler

    Thanks for asking. So far not to bad just a bit of the big D this morning but the Imodium seems to have nipped it, I am staying on a schedule of preventative meds so I hope it continues to make this one a mild one. I had a massage last night so we shall see shat effect that may have. It sure felt good! Also they are keeping me on steroids a few extra days until my side effects finish peeking.

    My chemo was wed and last time it was days 5-7 that were the roughest for me so we shall see.

    I no longer take any day that I feel good for granted. Just a little perk of appreciation for wellness that comes out of an experience like this.

    My son has prom today so it should be a fun day.

    Here wishing all a very feel good day

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  • artiecat
    artiecat Member Posts: 257
    edited May 2011

    Merilee - I really like what you said about taking feel good days for granted,  I guess one lesson in all this is living each day and and gratitude for the good things we do have.  THank you for saying it.

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  • kg1234
    kg1234 Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2011

    Merilee, Artiecat,

    I write in a book day by day what meds I took, bowel movements, how I feel...what I ate etc...was in bed all day or up and about...I still use it , it helps....

    But the visual person in me decided to printed off a free monthly calendar (8X12 page), and visually I write good day, bad day (and why) and so-so day ...it gives me a great visual easy to look at perspective of how many good days I am really getting in between cycles. That way I don't have to flip pages it's right there..and it reminds me how many good days I've had and makes it easier for me to face the next treatment.

    Teckler- I am feeling okay this morning.  This is day 2, and I'm on emend for the first time.  How are you hanging in there??

    Welcome 3 crazy SONS!!  I have three crazy boys - all aged 7.!! hahahaha  ...does anyone know if the over the counter claritin is good for neupogen too?  I'm thinking the neupogen and neulasta are the same...I just take mine over the course of 7 days.  Does anyone know??   Also, I am on day 2 of my 3rd A/C treatment, knowing what's coming too..yikes!! I am determined to have a better attitude, not sure why I think it;s going to make a difference, but here goes....

    Kg.

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  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 3,047
    edited May 2011

    :)

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  • luckygmrabbi
    luckygmrabbi Member Posts: 11
    edited May 2011

    Tecklar2, you are the first person I've seen with the same lab results that I have.  Mine was stage 1, but grade 3.  I started TCH on April 15.  2 treatments down adn 4 to go.  I seem to be handling the chemo ok, but the SE of the neulasta are REALLY  tough.  Not sure why, but will check with onc. next treatment to see if I really need to get THAT much neulasta that it causes me 2 days of total bed rest.  Wondering if you fight the horrible metallic tastes also?  LOVE this website as it is so very helpful.

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  • jackifp
    jackifp Member Posts: 185
    edited May 2011

    Luckygmrabbi: we're poison twins, oh, boy! Started same day, same cocktail. I might be off a week here now, tho, since the clinic and hospital blew a transformer and they cancelled poisons due to lack of power. Frustrating when you're psyched up for it. I'm hoping they'll just say to stay on the regular schedule, since it was just an Herceptin day, and it'll still be 3 weeks between TCHs. I've had Neulasta twice now, taking Claritin the day before and 4 days after, and so far, only se was a fever after the first shot, easily controlled by Tylenol. The 2nd TCH went fine except for heartburn until day 4, and then I got hit with my first bout of nausea. Such a ride this is...

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  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 858
    edited May 2011

    Hey women!

    So...I'm cooking a fever--100 so far.  Doc says to call if it's 100.5.  NOT feeling well today.  Anyone else had this?  BLERG.  Feel like hell. 

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  • luckygmrabbi
    luckygmrabbi Member Posts: 11
    edited May 2011

    jackifp, does the claritin help with the neulasta shot?  I think that it was hits me the hardest.  I get the neulasta shop directly following my TCH and both times, the following Friday I get the bigD and stomach cramps something horrible!  PLUS that awful metallic taste hits really hard.  I think because water tasted so awful this past go around, it might have hit harder as well.  I have got some water flavor stuff that I'm going to try in order to keep myself hydrated as much as possible.  Thanks for the post.  Keep up the fight!!

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  • amylynn1108
    amylynn1108 Member Posts: 19
    edited May 2011

    Has anyone done treatment 3 of TCH? I am going next Thursday and am very frightened. Round 2 seemed to be a lot harder on me side effect wise. With the first treatment I took steriods the day before and 2 days after, with round 2, I just took them the day before. Maybe this is why I had more side effects that lasted longer. I too get Neulasta the day after and the bone pain and flu like symptoms are horrible. I wish I did not have to get the shot. Next week I will be half way done with chemo :). Then I will get surgery, does anybody have an opinion on lumpectomy vs mastectomy? I am on the fence and would really like other people's opinion that have been through this. Thanks everyone.

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  • kg1234
    kg1234 Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2011

    Hey, anyone else have cramps and hot flashes!!  Whowsa!!!

    Kg.

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  • BernieEllen
    BernieEllen Member Posts: 2,445
    edited May 2011

    Hi CaryIC, sorry not been here for a few days, Onc nurse said i shouldn't use the shared toilet facilities at work the day after chemo - toxic urine.  Toilets in the hospital are shared!!!!!  I think they make it up as they go along.  Head too woozy to work the next day but was back on friday - no work no pay.   

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  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 3,047
    edited May 2011

    KG ya to the hot flashes and a bit of cramping, me too.

    Seems like day 5-6 are the hardest for me. A bit woozie, but much better than treatment #1

    Woke up with a little of the big D again this morning so it was: Imodium, zofran, phaziyme naproxen prilosec one steroid and clairiton first thing this morning. I think I am starting to understand the phrase " better living through chemistry" LOL.

    Marching forward here, marching forward.

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  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 3,047
    edited May 2011

    Anylynn

    Please make yourself a preventative symptom management chart, it really saved me this time.Since this crap makes our heads swim, I just looked at my chart and said ok it is time for.... really helped alot.

    It is very frightening when things get bad and you  are also confused. Hugs to you dear.

    As for your decision about a bilateral or a lumpectomy. It is a very personal thing but I had the bilateral because I was afraid of  not feeling things that may come up. I have ILC which is notorious for being sneaky.  I do not regret my decision. One nice perk...No bra! Yippy, I love that.

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  • PSU222
    PSU222 Member Posts: 127
    edited May 2011

    Merilee -  Your hair thoughts are so right on.... (T/C thread)

    kg1234 -  I had terrible stomach pains 3rd day post chemo.  It felt as though my abdomen was having contractions.  I have another treatment Monday and I hope that is something that does not happen again.  I also have hot flashes but I have had them for years....

    I hope all you ladies that had treatments last week are starting to feel better and the side effects are starting to subside.  Good luck to those of us that are scheduled for this week and remember to start drinking that water...

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  • louis13
    louis13 Member Posts: 333
    edited May 2011

    morning ladies, good point about keeping a journal of how we feel every day..am about to have #2 and all a bit of haze remembering clearly the sequence of events and what to expect. also good point merrilee about writing up a chart of OTC drugs, i do remember feeling overwhelmed with all those OTC cos normally i dont take a thing..

    speaking of which,  can someone please remind me about the claritin dosage and when to start??? lol

    but i do remember how constipation and stomach cramps figured strongly in first days, with constipation and fatigue/feeling like crap enduring as biggest problem...and just as a suggestion- i read somewhere someone's tip from a nurse to eat prunes soaked in lemon juice, slightly heated..it has worked a treat for me, better than milk of magnesium..anyway, this time i am going to take at least a stool softener day prior, think this is good idea for me....and re hydration/chemo taste issues, am going to plug coconut water again...great hydration and other goodies as well and temp relieves chemo taste for me..rosemary

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  • artiecat
    artiecat Member Posts: 257
    edited May 2011

    I have an itchy red rash on my upper chest - anyone else experience this?  I dont know what to put on it to help!

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  • jackifp
    jackifp Member Posts: 185
    edited May 2011

    Claritin: I take one of the 24-hr pills each morning, day before until 4th day after the Neulasta. I heard about Claritin helping bone pain, and take it anyway for allergies, so I just started taking it with the the Neulasta without waiting to see if I was one to get pain from it. I've .tried to find what about loratadine - the active ingredient in Claritin - might mitigate bone pain, but no luck - only the many people who swear by it, apparently including some oncs.



    May 15 and it's snowing here in the hills of coastal northern California - very bizarre. All the little lettuces in the garden are bewildered, and the tulips are lying down in defeat.

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