Is there a July 2011 group?

Hi,

I started my first infusion July 13th. Glad to have the company through this. I have Stage I, triple negative breast cancer. Had a lumpectomy last month with no llymph gland involvement. Got off lucky and was discovered at yearly mammo. I will have four infusions, once every three weeks followed by 6 weeks of radiation. The first week after chemo was not pleasant. Mostly, I reacted to the Nulasta shot they give me to help boost white blood cell growth. I was in alot of pain/discomfort from that. Kept myself hydrated so the chemo side effects were minimal. One week after chemo I feel a little tired but more like myself. I found out yesterday that they're going to have to put in a port. I had some vein irritation at the infusion site so I'll have that done before my next infusion. After having 64 really healthy years this has been somewhat of a setback. Not used to all this medical attention, drugs and procedures.

Ironically, my husband was diagnosed with throat cancer earlier this year. After 7 weeks of chemo and radiation and a three month PET scan he is clear so far. But it was a good experience and gave me a chance to see that cancer is not the end. Yeah, the treatment is pretty tortuous but the outcomes these days are pretty positive. He lived through it and so will we.

Valbee - I grew up in Rossford/Toledo. My son lives there and said it is just horrible right now. They don't have air conditioning in their house and he said my grandson is not hardly sleeping at all Hope you get some releif of this heat soon. Here in Denver we have been hot and have had humidity. YUCK to this weather!!!

Bless0Mel - I am in the same shoes. My insurance is being the same way with the Zofran. I took a compazine last night and then I sucked on some ginger which seemed to help a little. I hope you can get some relief soon. I have a friend who is an acurpucturist and she said that if I don't get approved for the Zofran and I need the help she said the acupuncture helps a lot. Just an idea and I think I read someone else mentioned it too.

Day #1 after my TCH....feeling a little bit tired and had some nausea overnight but kicked it with the comprezine and some ginger. Seem to be having problems concentrating today and just plain tired. Other than that so far so good except everything tastes bland and nasty. 

Hope everyone is doing well.

Tina

Hi All,

Day 3:  Well today the tiredness really kicked in but I tried to keep active with about 20 mins aerobic.  I find myself craving sweets.  I want ice cream and cookies and really trying to stop myself.  I finally gave in and had ice cream.  Anyone else had a sweet tooth after chemo?

J-Bug/ paintingmywaythru:  My heart really goes out to you and I have put both your names on my prayer list.  Things are going to get better.  You are both strong woman. We all are and I am sorry I cannot addressed each one individually.   Be encouraged.  Our way are being made perfect at this very moment.

Valbee:  That shot seems to be the real challenge.  It is trying to knock me down but I keep resting and getting up and staying active.  I  just feel sore all over and tired all through the day. Feeling tired so I am going back to bed.

Sending good vibes for no or minimal SE to everyone.  I was trying to read all the post but my children came in and they see me at the computer and think "Oh, mommy is back in business."  Little do they know that I am pusing myself.  Hugs to everyone.   

Are Sea Bands accupressure point things? Are you not taking any anti nausea meds? I so glad that your 1st chemo rnd went OK. You give me courage!

Hi Kristien, sounds rough having the port placed the same day as treatment, especially being dehydrated going into the treatment. Its really tender and my right arm ROM is not great but I know this too will pass. Just tired of hurting, it has put the chest discomfort on the back burner having this new device. I am glad I have a week before my 1st chemo and I appreciated your advice to be hydrated.

Ok so my mom is a nurse and was able to score me some zofran. I feel a lot better but not 100%. Not sure if it's because of the lack of food. Does anyone else find ithardto eat? When the nausea went away I was hungry and even though I ate something I still was nervous about eating as if I would get nausea again.

Has anyone ever tried acupuncture? It makes me a little nervous. What about these bands. Has anyone had any success with these? I am willing to go but band in the morning. My husband said that a couple of people have mentioned lime or lemon popsicles. Have any of you heard of this? What type of ginger do you suck on? Surely not just the root, right?



Thanks for the help guys. The nurse has submitted override for me to get zofran approved through my insurance. Icant wait. I just hate to feel sick.

Sweets....yes, I crave them pretty bad the first few days after chemo, I think it's to do with the steroids mostly. I know I bought some lemon heads a few days after my first chemo and they tasted like crap for the most part LOL but other sweets have tasted great, like certain ice creams and some dark chocolate. I have weird cravings the first week or so. 

I tried sucking on ice chips during chemo this time and I am just starting to get that metal taste in my mouth (about 36 hours after chemo) maybe it helped a bit, don't remember how soon after the first one I got that metal taste.

I am going to get some of those hard ginger candies next time I am by a candy shop, that sounds good

I have been blessed with little nausea so far, knock on wood! I think emend is a blessing! 

Bless0Mel, I did acupuncture many years ago, not nausea for cancer, but I may look into that...it  worked for other things for me in the past somewhat. 

Ybrooker1, best of luck on your first chemo, it'll be over with before you know it, the first one is the hardest but looking back, it wasn't so bad, it's the not knowing that is scary. We will all be thinking of you!

Hugs to all! 

Is everyone having Rads after Chemo I thought I would have Rads @ the same time as chemo saw the oncoligist today he said I  wont be having Rads untill 4 weeks post Chemo for 6 weeks of trea tment every day that sucks.That brings me into mid January If I start Chemo this monday what a long 6 months,Does everyone else have to wait for Radation.

Sandra - my experience - once you get through chemo, radiation will be a walk in the park. Just ensure you are well moisturized. Cannot do radiation and chemo together.

I have surgery and then radiation after chemo. I heard that radiation is nothing at all. Only downside is that you may look like you have a sunburn and you go everyday. Other than that I believe I can handle it. Just can't wait to get through this chemo. 1 down 11 more to go.

Yes, Sea-Bands are the accupressure things.  I use them in conjunction with Zofran to avoid having to take more than one Zofran a day (so far).  VTellen - where in Vt are you from?  My sister who lives in Vt just visited with me the last 3 days (in NJ).  She wants me to consider staying with her and having my next few trts at Dartmouth-Hitchcock.  Vt is so peaceful but not sure this makes sense.

Oh Jamie; hope you feel better soon. Hugs to you

Awww Jamie I hope you are feeling better im sending good vibes and best wishes to you.

Paulamati - I had severe headahces last week, but much better this week (knock on wood). I am day  16 past 1st chemo and feeling more like myself this week:-) dreading next week:-(

Sending positive vibes and hugs to you all.

Jaime: sorry your feeling so bad, hoping it passes quick.

Paulamati: For the last 14 days I have only been headache free one day. They say it is a very common SE. However prior to all this I did suffer from chronic migranes, but I haven't had one of those since starting chemo. Thank goodness.