For those starting chemo in June

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  • meezermom
    meezermom Member Posts: 1
    edited June 2004
    How wierd....lots of you guys menton constipation from chemo (AC). I had my first Taxotere/AC treatment on May 20 (second treatment tomorrow, Thursday - oh goody), and I had BLASTING diahrrea for about 7-10 days! Is that the Taxotere doing that? Immodium didn't touch it - basically onc said that nothing will really help. Good thing that I run my business at my home location and could let it rip without too much embarrassment (i.e. not having to use a public/employee restroom and share my experience with whoever is present). I lost about 4-5 lbs and onc told me to eat eat eat! Also kept up on sports drinks to help with electrolytes, etc.

    Anybody know why I had the "trots" - anybody else have them? Just curious.

    Pat

    P.S. Never thought I would be sharing info like this on the internet!! Amazing what BC does to us (besides making us look like Uncle Fester - got my head shaved yesterday!).
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  • schoolmarm
    schoolmarm Member Posts: 8
    edited June 2004

    PJB, the actual infusion took about 2 1/2 hours. I was told to suck on ice during the time she pumped the A into the IV. The rest of the time I drank water.My headache seems to be getting worse....not bad, though. I don't have any appetite and may have drunk too much water since getting home. If I burp, I get acid reflux which then makes me think about getting sick but haven't succumed yet! Good luck tomorrow.

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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited June 2004

    Thanks. Good thoughts going out to you all for all the aches, pains and other problems to get better.

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  • mzsandy
    mzsandy Member Posts: 22
    edited June 2004
    Hello June ladies,

    I am 44 and was diagnosed with 1.4 cm IDC grade 3 tumor. Lumpectomy done on April 27. I will be doing my first of 4 A/C next Tuesday (June 15).

    These posts and your sharing of information has been a tremendous help to me.

    I hope and pray for strength for all of us going through this.

    Hugs!
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  • Sevenley
    Sevenley Member Posts: 30
    edited June 2004
    Hi girls!
    Welcome to all the new June girls!

    I just ordered my new Elite 7800 toothbrush. My hygenist strongly recommended that I get it. She also wrote a script for extra flouride toothpaste.
    Geez. I miss the simple days.

    I've been feeling good. Still not much of an appetite though. I think that I've lost a few pounds.

    I'm at work now and I'd sure love to take a nap <yawn>.

    hugs,
    Lee
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  • MES
    MES Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2004
    June girls- I have been following your posts! I do not have bc but my dearest friend does. She starts chemo 17th. I have been reading and passing it all on to her. (Computers aren't her thing. Although this might change her mind.) she had lump removed 2 wks ago. I'm working on the lingo...invasive ductual and it is hormone sensitive. Her chemo will be every two weeks 2 drugs for 4 treatment then taxol for 4 treatment then radiation. she'll also be doing the growth hormone injections. Whew!

    I had to post to let you all know how helpful you have been to her and me as well. I'm keeping track of meds what's helpful, what to expect etc. You all are great women! I'm praying for you and cheering you on!!

    Margie & bf
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  • Dawnt
    Dawnt Member Posts: 55
    edited June 2004

    hi everyone,its been 10 days since my 1st chemo & I had a blood count done today.The dr said the results were good & the muga scan came back good.I'm back walking 4 miles everyday & feeling really good.Should be losing my hair in the next week & I'm ready for that.Good luck everyone.

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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited June 2004
    Just back from my first chemo, so I know the worst could be yet to come. But I thought I'd pass on something the onc nurse said, for what it's worth. She said when you shave your head, don't shave it completely. That it seems like if you do, it takes longer for it to grow back. Completely counterintuitive to me, but as I said, take it for what you will...

    Didn't get much sleep last night, but not because of anxiety, but some roaring thunderstorms. And even tho she said I didn't have to take the Compazine unless I thought I needed it, I think I'm gonna wolf it down every 4 hours to keep things at bay.

    Start Neupogen shots Saturday.
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  • sdrayton
    sdrayton Member Posts: 15
    edited June 2004
    Hello to the June Ladies!

    I think I qualify to join your club as I'll be starting Taxotere in about a week. I find out for sure this afternoon.

    Shelliks, I wanted to avail my resources to you especially, since you and I are doing the same things in reverse. I finished five rounds of CAF in April, had my lumpectomy and now start with the dreaded Taxotere. I'll help you out with AC if you'll help me out with Tax. I'm pretty scared of it.

    I had a fairly easy time with the CAF -- constipation was my worst complaint, along with that "toxinated" feeling. I took Colace the day before and the day of the infusions, then Milk of Magnesia at bedtime after the infusions, which seemed to counteract the Zofran (and Kytril). And it didn't cramp me like Senna and Peri-Colace.

    I guess my biggest fear with Taxotere is the bloating -- and weight gain -- as well as the nails lifting and being painful. I heard the ice-water soak will keep the nail beds from getting damaged, and drinking tons of water will help with the bloating. Did you employ either of these, and did they work?

    Here's a hug for each and every one of you,
    shelby
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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited June 2004
    Thursday,

    Had lst treatment Monday. Got along really well while I was still on Emend. Today was my worse nausea day yet, although not terrible. Appetite is going. Does this usually get worse or better as time goes by? I am on the 21 day treatment regimen. Thanks.

    Janie
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  • ValerieD
    ValerieD Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2004
    Hi everyone,
    I had my first chemo on June 1st and have had an awful time since then! Really bad nausea, head to toe body ache, non-stop headaches, constipation and feeling lethargic! Can't believe it's lasted this long for me. My nurse calls me everyday to check up on me. She said the doctor ordered the max for my height/weight and maybe next treatment she'll consider adjusting the amount of chemo. I can't do this for 6 months!
    I was diagnosed on Apr 20 with IDC, 5cm with lymph node involvement. First doctor wanted to do surgery right away. Went for a 2nd and 3rd opinion they both suggested chemo first, then mastec. So I'm doing FEC which is 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide for 4 treatments @ 3 weeks ... then taxotere for 4 @ 3 weeks.
    Has anyone else had this combo?
    Has anyone else had the same affects as me?
    I've been feeling so weak and helpless ... out of control of my body. It's affecting me emotionally.
    Thanks for everyone's honesty and caring.
    Valerie
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  • esperanza5902
    esperanza5902 Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2004
    Hi all...
    I have read everything posted and am happy to read so many postive comments and good advice. I am 58 years old and was dx'd in March after seeing that my right nipple had inverted. I had mastectomy and immediate reconstruction on April 19. For those of you with surgical drains..I sympathize..I had one for a month but it is gone and the holes close quickly.
    I had 3 types of tumors..dcis, idc and infiltrating lobular..it was the lobular which got to the lymph nodes and there were 13/13 positive.
    I started chemo A/C x4 on June 3. Despite the best attempts I was nauseous on days 3 & 4 and have been assured that the meds will be adjusted for the next session. I believe it. I also developed a cold on day 6 so am on an antibiotic for that. I am in a clinical trial and waiting to hear which arm I will get. The trial includes herceptin as a preventative. There was no metatastic activity on the bone scan. My fish was her2nu 3+ / hormone neg.
    I have read all your comments on how you are all coping...You sound like a great bunch of women and I am sure that the light at the end of the tunnel is bright.
    Any advice on getting enough fluid? This is my greatest concern. I have never been a drinker and water is my least favorite beverage but I know the importance of hydration here. I simply cannot seem to put enough fluid in my stomach without feeling like I am floating away. It doesn't help any queasiness either.
    I would appreciate any advice...thanks
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  • mzsandy
    mzsandy Member Posts: 22
    edited June 2004
    Hello all,

    I have my chemo training session this afternoon. I am already anxious about my first session on Tuesday.

    Lee - I too am working full time and am curious to see how it goes. I am trying to keep a positive attitude. I work with a great bunch of ladies who are very supportive. Even my boss! I am very lucky.

    What is the Neupogen shot for? Is this something we will get with A/C?

    Any advice on doing Senokot or prune juice prior or after each treatment?

    I am looking for wigs this weekend. Might be kind of fun not to have to worry about 'fixing my hair'.

    Best wishes to all of you . . .
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited June 2004

    hi girls, well my 4th. day after first chemo.My worst days were Mon. day of chemo.and Wed. Wed. had decided I was not going back, too sick. today Fri. I am enjoying my first cup of coffee since Mon.I am going back. Tired a lot. Bones hurt often especially calves and shoulders. Hair looks cottony and dull. Smells are bothering me. Had to throw my husband out of house yesterday he works at a plastic plant and reeked of plastic smell. I never noticed before. I can smell faint b.o. from a 2 mile distance. Esperanza, I too do not like water but I drink a lot of tea. I however could not stand tea after treatment and found coke and sprite went down.I got icees also. I drank so much it was making me feel seasick! I wanted that stuff out of my body.I have not taken any lax. as yet but... I will make a trip to Walmart today to purchase something. Do they sell TNT??? I wondered also if this gets worse with every treatment or if this is as bad as it gets. I have heard it gets a little worse. Some have not much trouble. If I have good days as I do now I can handle this. I have been working mornings except for Wed. I plan to work full time as much as possible. One of my pre. meds made me see spiders for a night. Not too much fun I kept swatting at them. It only lasted a night then stopped. I was ready to sell my house, spider infested thing.My husband and I were tearing up the couch looking for them until he realized they were not there.It was a little scary. I will have to tell onc. to leave the spiders out next time. Well looks as though we are all making it through the first round,Lets keep up the good work. Got to run to Wally before I need a nap. Good Luck to all, Mary

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  • shelliks
    shelliks Member Posts: 54
    edited June 2004
    A/C was on Tuesday and I felt a bit queasy this morning, but I'm at work, muddling through, listening to clients b#tch about insurance benefits they don't know how lucky are to have. My mouth has been soooo dry and nothing squelches it.

    Shelby, the Taxotere is rough, but doable. I had it weekly for twelve weeks and worked throught it, albeit sometimes only half a day. For me, the hardest part was losing my taste buds and my fingernails. Chew ice chips during infusions. I didn't try putting my fingers in ice nor did I use tea tree oil. I wish I had because I lost every finger nail, but no toe nails (weird). I had diarrhea, but Imodium helped. Towards the end, my eyes teared constantly and I gave up makeup. The final thing I want to mention that nobody told me about was bone pain. My back really hurt between my should blades and I was certain I had bone mets. Had an MRI...nothing. The pain stopped, literally overnight, about a month after my last treatment. I used one of those moist heat bean bag things you put in the microwave and I lived on Vicodin. Now the good news. I had my surgery after the Taxotere. We knew I had lymph nodes involved because of the ct scan and I had a lymph node excision under my arm. I also had a small supraclav node that was swollen. They removed 13 lymph nodes and they were all NEGATIVE! The only remaining cancer in the breast was 5mm. This stuff kicks butt. I'd do it again in a heart beat. Take it on, Shelby. You can do it.
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  • esperanza5902
    esperanza5902 Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2004

    Mary, I have found that 2 soflax pills each morning keep the constipation at bay. It's not a laxative , just a softener and fruit juice and I've been okay so far...it was just awful after the surgery. Thanks for the coke and sprite..I think gatorade and ginger ale are doing well by me if I stir out the gas but I do drink that juice every day. I also go to a shiatsu practitioner for reiki treatments once a week and she told me that canned peaches in fruit juice were really good to the sore stomach. That helped and I guess the fruit juice there didn't hurt either. I just thought my posture was getting worse..I didn't know the pain between the shoulder blades was related. I just got off the phone with a friend finishing her third round of chemo for unrelated cancers and her comment was...honey, everything is a side effect. I guess we just go with the flow.

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  • Sevenley
    Sevenley Member Posts: 30
    edited June 2004
    Hi Girls!
    Valerie, I'm sorry you are having such a hard time of this. Hopefully they can make it more bearable for you soon. Hang in there. Hugs.

    It's been one week for me. I feel pretty good but am working full-time and feel tired by afternoon.

    Last night I cleaned the downstairs like there was no tomorrow. I can't stand the smell of my house, the perfumes, even my beloved coffee with chocolate. The air outside smells burnt. This is so strange.

    I crave mac and cheese and sip tea.

    Monday will be my 10th day and I get my blood work done again.

    Does anyone just feel generally fuzzy like you can't concentrate?

    If I don't write again today, everyone have a peaceful, relaxing weekend.

    Hugs,
    Lee
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  • Dawnt
    Dawnt Member Posts: 55
    edited June 2004

    Valerie.I was nauseas for 3 to 4 days on my 1st time.I go again on the 22nd & he said he would double the nausea medicine.I spent more time in the bathroom & lost 4 lbs in those days.By day 6 I felt fine & havent had any problems since

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  • ncbeachlover
    ncbeachlover Member Posts: 11
    edited June 2004
    Hi Gals,

    Looks like I might make it...just under the wire for June!....the 24, just in time for my 23 anniverary on the 26th... and my grandson's birthday on the 28th....oh boy. It's a good thing my hubby's such a good guy. Poor Chris, I'll just have to explain "Grammy's a bit under the weather".

    Val and anyone getting CEF or FEC or whatever you want to call it:

    Val, see the post I started "Question about my chemo".(IPM'd you, because I didn't want you to miss this) We are discussing that combo of drugs, CEF, as that is what I am about to start...at least for the moment until I check in with the doc on Wed.

    From what I am gathering from what everyone says is that Ellence is easier on the heart long term, but harder on the WBC, which can be temporary.

    Anyway, join the thread, and we can all share. I was due to start on the 3rd, but then there was a question about my other breast and my liver, so my plan may change, but I'm on go for the 24th now, I think!

    Good luck and thanks for sharing.
    Belinda :-)
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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited June 2004
    Well, I'd heard day 3 was the worst, and I'm a believer. I had my first AC on Thursday. Just a little nauseous overnight, and I'm not sure that wasn't because I'd drunk SO much water. Worked all day Friday. Slight fever, but the onc nurse said 99 didn't worry her. Then, bam, today got my first Neupogen shot and. I've felt like I have the flu all day. Same slight fever and my skin hurts, just like the flu. I read in my many pamphlets that this isn't unusual, so I guess unless my fever gets to 100 as it says in the literature, I won't worry.

    Anyone else having trouble sleeping?
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited June 2004

    PJB, I sleep an hour at a time. Don't now why I can't sleep through the night. Maybe its the harmones gone, they took me off at dx.I am up off and on all night.I have blamed it on menapause. My hot flashes seem to be better. I had them bad before and after first treatment but after a few days they are gone. Thats a plus.I went to get dynomite at wally and at the check out began to have stomach cramps well I barley made it home and I don't need the softners. WOW!Gas pain has been terrible.I feel a little drained today from the diarreha.My hair is slowly falling out a few strands at a time.My bones still hurt but not as bad.I get pains in my head once in a while that just come and go.Boy I can't spare any brain cells so hope they don't all get zapped.So glad to hear everyone is getting through this. Mary

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  • ValerieD
    ValerieD Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2004
    Hi all,
    For those sleepless nights, try taking 5HTP (from a health store). I take 3 capsules at night and it helps.
    Also wanted to pass on something my homeopath told me will help me with nausea next round of chemo. He said no proteins whatsoever 3 days prior and including the day of chemo. Day after chemo go back on proteins. He said the liver works extra hard to break down proteins and since its being hit hard with the chemo and feeling "beat up" so to speak, giving it a break from proteins for those 4 days will enable it to work at releasing the toxins better and therefore reduce the nausea. Also, drink lots of water ... at the very least 3 litres. I'm also starting a protocol of other remedies he's given me.
    Anyway, I'm definitely trying it out the no protein kick for those 4 days 'cause if there is a chance it will reduce the nausea ... I'm there!
    Good luck & Hugs for all!
    Valerie
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  • Sevenley
    Sevenley Member Posts: 30
    edited June 2004
    Hi Everyone,
    Today is my 10th day so I had my bloodwork done. I wonder if I hear the results or only if they're really low. Our regional hospital has a poor system for labwork. I had to sit in this small waiting room with 15 or so other people and wait 1 hour. I wanted to hold my breath the whole time and not touch anything.

    The inside of my mouth feels kind of rough and sore. Switched to rinsing with salt water.

    I've had some bouts with heartburn but mainly stick to mac and cheese. I'm still craving that. I have to go to the bathroom 3 times a night now [Frown] and noticed some pink on the toilet paper. I should probably call the dr. about that.

    Otherwise I feel pretty good and feel tired but it's pretty manageable.

    Oh, and my skin is breaking out big time. [Frown]

    I went to my daughter's this weekend and we rode quads. I ride with her and we sandwich her 6 month old choc.lab inbetween us. I had so much fun.

    I hope everyone is doing well.

    hugs,
    Lee
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  • schoolmarm
    schoolmarm Member Posts: 8
    edited June 2004

    Anyone else have the jitters? Day 1 and 2 weren't too bad...just a feeling of nausea, dislike of smells, and no appetite. Days 3 and 4 have been awful...totally jittery, can't focus on anything more than four or five minutes, so lethargic, can't read, watch tv, or even carry on a conversation of any length. If this is what hyperactivity feels like, no wonder kids can't study!

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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited June 2004
    Schoolmarm, I'm with you on the inability to have much of a conversation with anyone. I'm very spaced out. I almost hate to drive.

    I'm on Day 5 (3rd day going in for neupogen shot). Day started out fine, I even went walking. But here it is noon and I'm really already wiped out. I think part of it is not getting enough of the right foods. I think I'm gonna head home soon and lie down for awhile and try it all again tomorrow. Luckily, I have a very understanding boss and coworkers up here at the office.
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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited June 2004

    Sorry, I meant to add this to previous post. Sevenley, will you let us know how the blood count went? And, hey, I can't wait until my skin starts breaking out. I hadn't heard about that lovely side effect ...

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  • Sevenley
    Sevenley Member Posts: 30
    edited June 2004
    Hi PJB, I haven't heard from the doctor's office about my bloodwork that I had done this morning so it must be within limits.

    hugs everyone,
    Lee
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  • Dawnt
    Dawnt Member Posts: 55
    edited June 2004

    Lee,they told me right away about my count.The have a nurse in the onco dept that just does blood work & then you see the dr & he told me right away about the results.I'm sure if you havent heard you should be okay.Good luck!!

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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited June 2004

    Well day 7 and mouth and throat sores. using salt water. Sevenly hows the cannas? mine are about 14 inches high already.I think they call our brain trouble chemo brain. I tell you I scare myself sometimes. I wake up after a 10 min. or half hour nap and I have no idea where I am for a few seconds. I haven't slept this much in my life and some times I want to go to sleep so bad cause I feel so bad and I can't go to sleep.the bad days are really bad.

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  • schoolmarm
    schoolmarm Member Posts: 8
    edited June 2004

    I could do without this chemo brain, if that's what it is. I slept for 20 out of 24 hours for two days...although the sleep was sporadic and full of wild dreams....mostly my mind just can't focus...couldn't remember my best friend's last name....feel like I have Alzheimer's. Reading is my number one pleasure and can't read more than a page or two at a time. They gave me Ativan to help, and it has helped some but not a lot. How long does this phase of misery last?

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