For those starting chemo in June

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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited June 2004
    Hi All,

    First, Congrats Belinda on your new house. I know you are excited.

    I go back today to get the Nelasta shot because of my low WBC's last week. It has to be 24 hours post chemo. The handout they gave me talked about me giving myself injections so I don't know what the deal is. I thought the self - injections were called something else.

    I had a very slight reaction to the Decradon before chemo and they said they would do it slower next time. It was in the anti-nausea cocktail. Chemo went fine. I am nervous about all the side effects listed for Nelasta. I am very prone to allergic reactions, so every time they say that is a possibility I get freaked. Some of my reactions have been severe and are not fun.

    Have a good day.

    Janie
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  • Tine
    Tine Member Posts: 58
    edited June 2004
    Hye ladies,
    well so much for feeling good.
    I developped a fever Monday night and ended up in the emergency. The transferred me to the cancer clinic in the morning. Got to spend the night there, they gave me antibiotics and send me home today. My blood count was a bit low but is back to being acceptable. Glad to be back home. Hope I won't need to go back in [Frown]
    The nurses at the Cross were great. They treated me wonderfully.
    Here is hoping that I can go ahead on Tuesday with #2.
    Hugs to all of you who had their second treatment. Hope you are all doing better.

    Christine
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  • schoolmarm
    schoolmarm Member Posts: 8
    edited June 2004
    Hi, everyone.
    Got my second AC today. They had trouble getting a vein to work so lots of sticks....made me wish for a port, but doc didn't want to do a port for just four AC treatments. Other than that, everything went okay. I feel tired but fine otherwise....slight headache.
    Buzzed my hair yesterday since I couldn't stand all the hair falling everywhere. I look like one of my uncles. Bald is not beautiful for me!
    They took me off the Compazine since I had the jitters last time and just upped the frequency of the Ativan doses so hopefully no nausea and no jitters.
    Hope everyone else is doing well.
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  • MaryKB
    MaryKB Member Posts: 13
    edited June 2004
    Hi Ladies,

    I went in for my labs today-day 10 after first chemo and the nurse wasn't happy. "They are in the cellar", translation WBC 1.5, ANC 200. HCT and PLTS are ok. That kind of suprised me. Had to cancel and movie we were going to see with my kids but rented one instead. I have to be very concerned about crowds and fresh fruits and veggies and hand washing. That is the most important factor in avoiding illness. Oh, well, I guess my hubby will have to do the grocery shopping. Darn.

    Thinking and praying for everyone this weekend.
    Mary
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  • shelliks
    shelliks Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2004
    I had A/C number 2 on Tuesday. Obviously, I can't sleep. I'm on Emend and Zofran AND Decadron. They told me the Decadron was to aid the Emend for nausea and I could skip it if I wanted. Anybody NOT taking it? I hate it. I don't feel too bad. Not that I know what this would feel like, but it's kind of like being just pregnant with a hangover. I have cotton mouth and club soda and Pellegrino water both work well.

    I'm going to go in to work this morning for a couple of hours. I'm sure my bed will be calling me by 12. Hope you are all doing okay. After 9 months of treatment, I'm in the home stretch!
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  • schoolmarm
    schoolmarm Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2004
    Hi, all. Sounds like most of you are doing okay or as okay as we can expect. I got no sleep after yesterday's #2 AC. I had waves of acid reflux all evening and all night. Tried sitting up to sleep...that didn't help. The cancer center gave me protonix (?) yesterday, but it said to take in the morning so I couldn't take any until this morning. Sometimes the waves even felt like they were going up to my ears....burning at the top of my esophagus. Anybody having problems with that? Even thought I was having a heart attack at one point. Hope the new med works. Didn't have this problem with the first AC.
    Other than sleepiness and the reflux, feel okay...just tired. Plan to sleep all day if my body will let me.
    Hope you all have a good day today.
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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited July 2004

    Shelliks, I have Decradon on hand as a last resort as needed. I did not take it last time and hope not to this time. I have Emend for 3 days, then Kytril and Compazine. They did ok for me last time. I had nausea, but got through it. Decradon is mixed in my IV along with Kytril and Zofran when I have treatment. It caused a slight reaction this time (2nd treatment). I had the neulasta shot yesterday. My face is red and swollen today and I do not know which caused it, the steroid or the shot.

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  • rlswkndr
    rlswkndr Member Posts: 148
    edited July 2004
    It is day 4 after my #2 A/C. Only 2 more to go!
    No nausea this time. I am taking Anzamet for it,1 time a day for 3 days. Its costly- $70 for 1 pill, but it works. No heartburn either, but food tastes aweful already.. back to scrambled eggs,oatmeal & applesauce.
    renee
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  • Kathy58
    Kathy58 Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2004
    Hi. I got diagnosed in June. My January mammogram missed it, but I found a lump. I have at least one lymph node involved. I need to decide whether to have a single or a double mastectomy because I have a bad family history. I've just started with the genetic testing, but that won't help for a few weeks. If I wait for the results of that I'd have to go on chemo first. Daffy, why are you happy that you had a double?
    Kathy
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  • mzsandy
    mzsandy Member Posts: 22
    edited July 2004
    Hello Ladies,

    Well, day 14 thru 16 my hair just came out in strands and gobs. So, my coming off party this Saturday won't need to buzz much of it off.

    Sure feels wierd! Although I do have a nice smooth round head.

    I get my counts checked today and am hoping all are good - got some July 4th parties and swimming to do!

    Hope all of you are doing as well as can be expected while going thru this mess.

    Happy 4th of July!

    Hugs to all,

    -Sandy
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  • Daffy1962
    Daffy1962 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2004
    HI

    Well this is day 7, still have no real appetite I force food down just so my family stops asking me "what did you eat today". I get my counts checked today and can't wait to see what they are. I am scared to find out how they will change my 2nd dose of chemo, which will be next week Friday, I am on the dose dense plan.

    Arkerpe, I am happy with my decision to have both breast removed. I only want to have to go thru breast cancer once. I will have them reconstructed but after all my treatments are over. What ever decision you make will be the right one for you.

    Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!!!
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  • ncbeachlover
    ncbeachlover Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2004
    Hi June Bugs!

    I'm so glad the holiday weekend is here. I've got to start resting more. Here it is midnight, and I'm wide awake on the computer. I need to change some things. Anyway, it's day 9 for me, and I'm glad we'll be home with no big plans, in case I start the 10-14 day "slump". My mouth is so sore, like I burned it on the roof with hot pizza, and my tongue too. I think I'm starting to get a sore throat too. I'd better be more diligent with my gargling.

    My head is itchy a little, but nothing else. I think I might go a little shorter this weekend and have some fun with some gels. It'll start falling out by next weekend anyway. Then we'll buzz it.

    I just hope I can keep working for a while. I've got some donated hours, so I won't feel so bad if I have to use them. I'll keep you posted on the new house, too.

    Went to Lowe's and picked out appliances, and lights and fans...what fun. Going to do floor coverings tomorrow. I can't believe this is happening. It's so exciting and I'm so glad I can have something positive going on in my life right now, because things might get tougher down the road.

    Got some personal issues with the kids and their kids, too. (I'll write about that later when it's not so late!) I'm changing my priorities, too, and trying not to worry about things I can't change. God is working in my life in ways I'd least expect, and getting the bc, just might be part of the big plan to alter my life to a better one. Does anyone else think that way about their illness? Boy I'm starting so sound so philosophical....I'd better go to bed.

    Nitey nite,
    B :-)
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited July 2004

    Hi Girls, Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th. I am going to look at a puppy today. Always had poodles and dobermans but hard to find a poodle and I refuse to pay $600.00 for any dog.Looking at a Shih Tzu. Hope I like the personality if I get it.Belinda I too am having mouth problems. My onc gave me some meds. it has 4 meds in one elixer(I got yeast, white spots)I think my mouth suffers the most.I always get a sore throat a couple days before next treatment.Congrads on your new house.My son and sister just built and they had a lot of fun picking everything out.I am doing the family cook out and fireworks tomorrow at my daughters. We have done everything there this year and our pool has hardly been used so my husband and I are going to swim till we are wrinkled the rest of the summer. Its a pain to keep it up and not use.My youngest daughter leaves for Budapest tomorrow, shes going as an assistant to her boyfriend for the U.S.A. water polo team. My great grandparents came from Hungry but we don't have a correct spelling of our last name so we could never find relatives.Her boyfriend is a ortho Dr. for the U.S.A. teams and the San Diego Chargers.They are moving to Phx.Az. in Aug.and I am going out as soon as I am done with treatments. I love Phx. They were in Phx. for 3 years while doing res. and going to school and I went out every 3 months. I love it there. Its beautiful. No humidity like Illinois!!!Well I kinda worry about her being out of the U.S. She is going to come home the day after she gets back and stay a wk. with me.Oh good another one telling me what to and not to do. Shes a Dr. though so she will think she knows more than me. Her and I go head to head but we never stay mad cause she knows I am always right.She is hard headed. It will be good to see her.Have a wonderful 4th. summer is almost half over.Hugs and prayers, mary

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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited July 2004
    Happy 4th to Everyone!

    I had a week's worth of appointments this time. Wow! This 2nd AC was rougher -- maybe because of the Neulasta shot. I am not sure which is causing what. My face turned red and swelled (probably the steroid), my nausea was worse than before (the chemo?), and then there is the headaches and joint pain - most likely the shot. The neurologist decided my tremor is familial and surfaced because of the cancer/chemo. He said he could give me meds but we would probably have to go through several to find the right one for me and that he didn't want to put me through anything else right now. He prefers to wait until after all this is over and reassess the condition. That is fine with me. The tremor is annoying but the least of my worries.

    Belinda, I do definitely think everything happens for a reason. I don't dwell too much on things I cannot change, but do whatever I can to deal with it. I think that attitude helps. Research shows that positive thinking actually helps combat BC.

    Beautiful fireworks to all!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  • rlswkndr
    rlswkndr Member Posts: 148
    edited July 2004
    It is day 6 after #2 A/C.. and I feel achy, like I worked out with weights and over did it... Maybe mopping the floor did it! Any one else feel like this? No mouthsores, but also no taste buds. Food looks so good,just doesn't taste good.
    Renee
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  • shelliks
    shelliks Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2004
    Renee, I feel achy all over too. I wonder if it's from the swelling. I took a long bath and a Percocet this morning. Seemed to help. It's like my skin hurts and I can't stand to be touched. Today is day four of number two. I'm supposed to go to dinner with the family tonight. I've been sitting on my deck all day watching the fish and the kids. Very relaxing.

    Is it September yet?
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  • joannej
    joannej Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2004

    Dragged myself off the couch to write this, because I am ready to quit- after one treatment! How do all of you keep going, and do anything at all besides lay on the couch? What is your secret? I completely exhausted- it is taking all my strength to type this message. Need some encouragement fast, going down for the count...

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

    joannej, Please don't stop it gets better. I too said the same thing after first. It takes about 3 or 4 days and you will get good days. The the #2 will last about 5 days and its a little rougher. I actually threw up with my #2 about 6 or 8 times over 3 days but then I started getting better. It helps to eat little bits. It stopped my upset stomach the first time but not the second.The bone pain is awful but it too gets better in about 4 or 5 days. I took tylenol or Ibuprofen to help with the bone pain.It wasn't as bad with #2. The mouth well it just doesn't get much better. I give up on taste and mouth being sore.I don't know what the hell #3 will bring but I will know tue. I wasn't as tired with #2 as #1. I was tired but it got better in about 4 days. I get my bone shot once after my treatment.The day of treatment I am tired but can't sleep I think all the steroids have something to do with that.All I say after treatment is no more and I have a week of pretty good days and I drag myself back. I got a blanket from my onc. dept and I use it when I go for my treatment but I can't stand to look at it any other time because it makes me sick just like when I go for a treatment. I told my husband I will burn it when I am done because I will always get sick when I see it.Its really pretty too.I have 2 of the a/c left and after tue. it will be one. God help us all.I hope the taxol is better but I have my doubts.We have a friend with a 3 year old grandson going through this. Eye cancer they had to remove his eye and they have to hospitalize him for 4 days when they do his chemo and his grandma stays with him and she said she just cries to see him so sick and it makes me feel bad to complain but it is hard on all of us even if we are adults.If you have had one treatment you only have 3 left and 2 you are half way done just keep going we are all with you.God Bless and look for the good days they are 4 or 5 days away from treatment.Hugs Mary

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  • Tine
    Tine Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2004
    Hi all,
    so far so good. Most of the hair is gone. We shaved it down to extra nothing as it was just coming out in clumps. I looked like a moth eaten carpet.
    never realized how much heat you loose through your head. I sure gets cold. Dared to go bald in the grocery store today. A few looks but it was ok. So will see about the wig and hats. I need it to keep the sun from burning me. But if I am able to go without and not feel too bad about it, I will do that. If people don't like it they can look the other way. [Smile]
    I feel a bit tired and hope that I am not coming down with something again. Don't want to go back to the hospital. I am apprehensive about Tuesday. In one way I can't wait for the next treatment and on the otherhand just want to run away.
    Am thinking of all of you. Hope everyone is doing fine.
    Can't wait for October to be here and be done and over with it all.
    Happy fourth of July to all of you.

    Christine
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited July 2004

    Christine, Know exactly what you mean about can't wait for next treatment but want to run away.I will be sooo glad to get this a/c over with. Well we have a new dog. I probably wont be able to stand the smell of him for a week after treatment but I will try.My husband named him Keemo.I thought on the way home pretty sad my dog will no doubt out live me. Its a little black poodle.Well hope all you see some beautiful fireworks. It will be a celabration of all of us being almost half done with this nasty stuff in about 5 more treatments.We have drug ourselves this far, we can make it!!!!WE want to grow old......hugs, Mary

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  • ncbeachlover
    ncbeachlover Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2004
    Girls, I hope you enjoy your new pets. I know my little Heidi who is a 6yr old mini Dachshund, has been my constant companion through this. Just knowing when I needed cheering up and comforting. They must have a sixth sense for that. As for the ankle bitting Chris, cats are just their own bosses. They can be all lovey one minute and pernickety the next minute. Don'tcha love it!!

    Yesterday I felt awful!!! Crushing headache that I was afraid I am getting a sinus infection, yet no fever. I laid on the couch in the dark watching movies and sleeping off and on all day. My mouth had been sore for two days. Taste buds gone, and roof and tongue feeling raw like it had been burnt, with throat getting sore, and ears hurting.

    Now today I feel great! Taste is back! Mouth is not too sore at all, although throat is a little sore. (Been gargling with my salt and baking soda water that nurse suggested.) But now my fever is creeping up gradually during the day. It's a full degree up 99.6F for you Yanks, but I'm lousy at C, so Christine, you'll have to figure it out!!

    Going to watch it during the day and is how it goes. This is day 11. Is that typical, going into the 10-14 day WBC slump?? I get my bloodwork on Tues. so it will be interesting to see how things are.

    Oh well, carrying on as usual, except trying to avoid big crowds and colds, etc. Still, going to Lowes to pick out light fixtures for the new house. WHAT FUN!! having something positive to look forward to, and to discuss with David, besides BC. Told the kids to come over and grill out hotdogs and hamburgers.

    Happy 4th to Everyone!

    Hugs,
    B :-)
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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited July 2004
    Since we are skirting the issue that is on all our minds occasionally -- has anyone been given any straight talk regarding survival rates? I was given a printout increasing my chances of surviving 10 years to 47% when doing chemo instead of nothing. However, radiation and Herceptin were not included in the information, and how they may help (or not). I found it somewhat amusing that my survival rate for ten years was less than 50-50, yet the clinical trial is supposed to follow me for 15 years. I guess all we can do is be determined to beat this thing whatever the odds and smell the rosies along the way. Our furry friends help.

    Janie (stage 3A, HER2+++, 0 ER/PR)
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  • Tine
    Tine Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2004
    Mary,
    we both will see our new addition live a long and happy life with us by their side. We just got a new cat. So I know what you are thinking. [Smile]
    YOu will see, the new dog will make you so happy. For me getting the cat was so good to my soul. He makes me laugh (and angry when he bites my ankle for no apparant reason. I swear he is grinning when he does that.)
    And yes, happy fire works to all.

    Christine
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited July 2004

    janie, on page 1 my 4th. post has percentages my onc gave me which is close to your dx.My dx is my first post on page 1.I am going to get the scoop on herceptin tue.my daughters boyfriends dad is a Dr. at N.I.H.(national Instute of health in Washington)He did the studies on Herceptin and also had a hand in its developement and he e-mailed my daughter and said I should get herceptin.My onc. seems reluctant about it but I am going to find out why and tell him what Dr. Dewanjee told me.I will let you know what I find out, but I think I want the herceptin.I love my pup already he just follows me everywhere.MY husband is attached to him already too.It will give me something to think about when I am sick besides myself.Later girls hugs and prayers, Mary

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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited July 2004
    Mary,

    Early on, I read about how Herceptin had been FDA approved for those with stage 4 cancer and how it attacks HER2 cancer specifically. The research results with those whose cancer has spread appeared to be phenomenal. I figured that it stands to reason that it would also zap the bad cancer cells with those of us with stage 3 or other stages (chemo destroys both good and bad; Herceptin only the bad if you are HER2 positive). The only way someone other than those with stage 4 can get it is either off label or in a clinical trial. I felt it worth it to seek out a clinical trial and take a chance on getting the Herceptin. There is a chance of being placed in a control group where the subjects do not get it. I recently learned that I will receive the Herceptin. My regimen is 4 AC, 4 Taxol, and then six weeks of radiation and one year of Herceptin. I am not sure if the Herceptin begins with the radiation or afterwards. I do know I was randomized into the group that starts Herceptin after Taxol instead of with it. I do not blame you for wanting it. I know I did. My oncologists (one at the clinic and one locally) both sing its praises and are very upbeat about it. I will be interested in what you learn as well.

    I am told that radiation equalizes a lumpectomy to mastectomy status. I was given a personal profile printout showing that chemo increases my survival rate by 16% and hormone therapy by 0% (no receptors). I was just curious as to how much more radiation and/or Herceptin tacks onto that. I guess it is impossible to know about the Herceptin since it is just now being researched for those of us with less than stage 4 cancer. We will be a part of those statistics and hopefully they will be wonderful.

    Love to all,

    Janie
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  • Tine
    Tine Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2004
    Well, had my bloodwork today and I am ready to go for round 2 tomorrow.
    Was kind of worried because of last week. But I guess all is in order.
    Let's hope #2 will be as good as #1.
    Hope all you ladies are feeling fine and oing ok.
    Talk to you soon.

    Tine
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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited July 2004
    Tine,

    Ask them for a printout of your results. They will probably give you one. That way you don't have to be in the dark about it.
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited July 2004

    Hi Girls, Headed in for #3 this a.m.After this only one more a/c left. Haven't heard from PJB or Lee for a few days, hope you girls are doing good.Its usually a few days before I feel like sitting up long enouigh to be on the computer after I get a treatment so talk to yous later. Hugs, Mary

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  • Sevenley
    Sevenley Member Posts: 30
    edited July 2004
    Hi everyone!
    Mary, good luck on #3!!

    I'll get #3 next week. I've been in a blue funk. I've been reading the boards but not contributing much. #2 was a bit harder. I'm hoping that the next one will be easier.

    Do any of you dream about the treatments and counting the days down until we are done? Every night it's the same dreams.

    All of you who have a wonderful supportive husband or mate to live with are SO lucky. Maybe the last treatment seemed more difficult because the guy I date couldn't even come to see me once during the rough days. I'm sorry, I'm having a pity party today.

    hugs,
    Lee
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  • Tine
    Tine Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2004
    Lee,
    hope you are feeling better soon.
    It is hard to go through this all with this " I am all alone" feeling.
    Hope your guy comes around and will give you the support you need. Sometimes us woman have to be more verbal in our needs. They just don't get what we want and need at times (Not trying to make excuses for him. But for my hubby it worked as he was very distant in the beginning. That was my impression anyways. It wasn't until I spelled it out that he clued in to what I need)
    So hang in there girl. We are all here for you.

    Christine

    I can't believe some of you are already on round three. I am off for my #2.

    Take care
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