August 2011 chemo, anyone w/ me?!

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  • Taylor777
    Taylor777 Member Posts: 141
    edited August 2011

    Thank you Jenn and Michaela!! The pain has subsided abit but if it gets bad again I will call my dr. in the morning..I'm so glad I found this thread it's nice to know that I'm not alone.

    Have a good night everyoneSmile

    Tanya xo

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  • koalakid39
    koalakid39 Member Posts: 42
    edited August 2011

    Grimbol...no hot tub, not even a bathtub, only a shower (once i could finally move around i took a nice hot shower!) I will be sure to ask the onc nurse if there is anything else I can do. I did take claritin and tylenol before the shot but it (the neulasta) didn't hit me until the steroids wore off....

    Doodlebug...I had to laugh when you mentioned "accidents"! I thought I was going to have one today! My daughter went with me to pick up something to eat after I got hubby home from the hospital..I told her they were taking too long....when we finally got home I just ran in the house and my hubby was wondering what was going on...I had to break down and take some imodium! I'd rather have D than C, except I was going every 5 minutes! I had to wait for the imodium to work before I could even go get his pain pills!  It's hard for me these days to get the water down too..I know I need to force myself but when water doesn't even taste good, it makes it difficult..

    Madismommy...Thanks!

    Taylor...I Hope you feel better!

    OK...I need to go to bed...gnight again!

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  • Flautalee
    Flautalee Member Posts: 118
    edited August 2011

    Chrys23 and others -  I believe that my situation (having another tumor after having had a mastectomy) is very rare.  I have learned  that with a mastectomy it isn't possible to be sure that every cell has been removed.  So apparently from a few cells left in 2000, I regrew approximately 3cm x 5cm of breast tissue, and inside was a marble sized new tumor, all between my skin and my saline implant.  I suggested to my oncologist that he write a paper about me. (LOL).  It was even a different subtype of Triple Neg BC.   Also it wasn't noted in my Breast MRI in 2009, but was there in 2011 (not having one in 2010 is another issue - insurance). 

    I'm nervous about the bone pain from Neulasta.  In 2000, I had daily Neupogen shots beginning with my second round of A/C sometime during each 3 week cycle (I had 4 cycles of A/C).  I do remember low back pain, but it wasn't too bad.  I wonder if the SE from Neulasta is because it's long acting?  I may ask if I can have Neupogen instead of Neulasta.  Best to all of you.  Glad to be here.

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  • Flautalee
    Flautalee Member Posts: 118
    edited August 2011

    Ashvegas--

    Back pain is a sympton and fever a sign of bladder or kidney infection.  Add to that your urinalysis= bladder or kidney infection.  Did your oncologist put you on antibiotics?  Of course, some of the back pain may have been a SE from the Neulasta.  I hope you are feeling better soon.  Let us know.  Best.

     

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  • Robyn6463
    Robyn6463 Member Posts: 167
    edited August 2011

    Wow! You ladies are so busy with these posts I'll have to start checking more frequently to keep up! It's SO awesome to know you're not alone, and that symptoms that seem really weird are happening to other people too!

    Michelle013 - I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend! I saw an old friend at my cancer center yesterday. She's just starting a new round of treatments, but she's been fighting this for about 4 years now. A real trooper!  On a happy note...my BF delivered a baby girl early this morning! I'm so excited!

    Thanks Madismoomy and Chrys23 for the links! Chrys23 - You started treatment 2 days ahead of me...do you still have your hair? I do! Still shaving my legs, etc...I have a turban, a scarf and some hats, but no wig yet. Today!! No more procrastinating! 

    Koalakid - Don't hubbies know they're supposed to be extra careful while we cope with this? Nobody around to take care of them! I hope he heels quickly! 

    Flautelee and Ashvegas - I think we're on the same regimen, T/C, but I haven't had a neulasta shot yet. Doc said at next treatment if my count doesn't come back up enough. I'm dreading it, because the bone pain was excruciating just from the taxotere - even without the neulasta. Vicodin didn't touch it. She suggested one vicodin and 2 ibuprofen for the pain next time. 

    I've still got a couple of mouth sores, really scratchy throat, but no fever. My stomach isn't normal yet, but nothing to really complain about. So - to work I go! Have a great day everybody! I hope you all are feeling well!

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  • mrfiedler
    mrfiedler Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2011

    Hi Girls,

    It's is only Day 2 from 2nd TC treatment but I've feeling good this morning.  Since I had a problem with skin rashes from the Taxotere first time around, my MO added Zantac and Benadryl to my pre-meds. She also gave me a prescription for a steriod to take the day after this treatment / day before and day after #3.

    No nausea. Fingers crossed that it keeps up!

    Back this afternoon for Neulasta shot... UGH!

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  • Chrys23
    Chrys23 Member Posts: 291
    edited August 2011

    Morning!

    Robyn: I still have my hair, but this morning, I've been combing out shreds and small balls of it, so it has definitely started. Booo!  Frown It kinda freaked me out -- I cried and called my best friend and my sister and now I'm fine; knew this was going to happen sometime. It's day 15 for me (I think), so I thought it would have started by now, but everyone is different.  I may shave it down a little more to help it along. 

    Flautalee: Thank you for answering -- your case is very interesting and you are in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with this new recurrance. Everyone is very kind here, so please feel welcome and post often Wink

    Kim: Sorry to hear about your husband's fractured ribs -- hope he is ok! 

    My Neulasta came in the mail last week and my Onc already has contacted a local home health care provider (who called me yesteday) to have a nurse come and show me how to administer my shot next Thursday. She said she would even come for my 3rd treatment if needed. My Onc is on the ball -- the home health provider said my Onc started getting this all ready in July and I wasn't even aware! It feels good not to have to chase individuals around to do what you need them to do. 

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  • Chava
    Chava Member Posts: 50
    edited August 2011

    As a preemptive strike against loosing clumps of hair I let my girls shave my head last night . We started out with a Mohawk and then stripes and finally a prickly head. We had laughs and fun. When one of my daughters was teasing me a bit before we started I told her to be careful she's might fall for a Hassidic guy whose family tradition is shave their hair and then we would be doing this to her 10 years! The process wasn't so bad and the whole family thinks I look beautiful bald. My second pre-chemo fast is going well and I hope that I continue to be side effects free. I have round two of A/C on Thursday.

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  • vtellen
    vtellen Member Posts: 345
    edited August 2011

    Well, I am 3 weeks out from first T/C. Still have hair, abeit short and thin and gettin' thinner. Shoots out a little from my baseball cap. I would normally be having 2nd infusion today, so feeling as though the days between now and monday are a gift of normalcy. Heading to the local farm stand to pick up some fresh veggies! Already walked the dogs. Loving the cool air of the last few days!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2011

    Hi ladies,

    Just popping in here to remind you all of the main Breastcancer.org site and the Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects page. It has links to common side effects of chemo, with tips on how to manage those side effects.

    Hope this helps!

    --The Mods

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  • michelleo13
    michelleo13 Member Posts: 342
    edited August 2011

    Day 3 following 2nd AC. Feeling okay today...a bit of nausea but nothing major. Not much sleep again last night. My hair is now leaving me fast and furious. I washed it this morning and there were clumps of hair everywhere. FrownWill need to start wearing my wigs and other headgear soon I think.

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  • JMULL
    JMULL Member Posts: 46
    edited August 2011

    Just got home from AC treatment #1.  Wasn't nearly as bad as I imagined.  Sure am glad I have a port, though.  The thought of them trying to try to find a vein always freaks me out.  My head feels a little heavy and I feel a little bit loopy, but other than yet, all is well.

    I forgot to bless the drugs before they administered them!  But the chaplain stopped by and we said a prayer together, so I hope that covers me for this go round.  I also got a cute little knitted cap.  My mom makes knitted hats and prayer shawls for the church to donate to either boys clubs or hospitals.  I don't think the one I picked was her handiwork though!

    Thanks for all the well wishes and good luck to everyone having treatment later today or later in the week!

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  • karebear76
    karebear76 Member Posts: 288
    edited August 2011

    Hi ladies!

    I get the privelage to join this group!!! LOL I have been thru ACT, mastectomy and rads and after the surgery they found I was HER2 + instead of neg soooooo with the herceptin they want me to do more chemo to make it more effective. I will be doing 1x week for 12 wks of Navelbine. It is suppose to be a milder chemo but I am still nervous. I will be starting tomorrow!!

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  • Kasi
    Kasi Member Posts: 216
    edited August 2011

    Hi guys - I'm so sorry I have been so MIA for the last week! I know there are a ton of new great ladies to welcome to the group and well wishes to send out to my fellow warriors going through treatment this week and "get betters" to send to the rest of us feeling the aftermath of Hurricane Chemo. LOL.

    Michelle, I'm so sorry about your friend Frown 

    So...my hair. It's gone, the hair replacement place shaved it off on Friday. I have taken it really hard. Today is the first day I dared to go to work. The wig is really difficult for me to get used to, as well as the reflection of the bald alien I see in the mirror. I'm not in love with the wig and I feel like it looks really obvious.

    Le Sigh. 

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  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited August 2011

    Hi Kasi,  so sorry to hear about your hair,  I know that is going to be the most difficult part for me too.    I will start my treatments in a few weeks and I am dreading it because of that reason.   :(    I am going wig shopping this weekend,  hopefully I can find a decent one.    My insurance pays for one up to $500.00 so I was excited to hear that.    I hope you feel better about it as the days go on.   (((hugs))) Peachy

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  • michelleo13
    michelleo13 Member Posts: 342
    edited August 2011

    Karebear76, welcome to our wonderful group. Good luck tomorrow!



    Kasi, sending you hugs on the hair front. Mine is falling out pretty quickly right now. It's very thin! Everyone who has seen my wig says it looks good but I'm still not convinced. Feels like a wig to me! :(



    Glad to hear you got the first AC out of the way Jmull.

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  • zanoza
    zanoza Member Posts: 40
    edited August 2011

    Hi girls,

    Just checking in to say that I,m back from #1AC tx. Went fine, just burning in my nose and REALLY heavy head. My DH says it's just too much brain in itFoot in mouth Even finding a vein part went well, will have my port in on Sep. 2nd so next tx should be easier. Thanks a lot for all of you for sharing the experience, the nurse in the chemo room even thought that I was a nurse myself because I easily understood everything she was talking about. I think we can do those chemo teaching classes after being on this siteSmile.

    Welcome to all new ladies and good luck to everybody!

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  • vtellen
    vtellen Member Posts: 345
    edited August 2011

    Hey Kasi, I'm sorry about your hair. I have been really sad myself. It is pretty darn strange, but at least everyone else is being great about it. My fiance isn't looking at me w/ squinting, half averted eyes or anything. And the kids think my scarves are hip and jivey looking. It is a total drag though, no way around it.  ((hug))

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  • cupcakies
    cupcakies Member Posts: 71
    edited August 2011

    Just got back from AC-T #2.. Feeling okay so far.  Had a little of the nose tingle, but wasn't as bad as last time. 

    I shaved my head yesterday.. it started falling out around the 12th day after my 1st treatment. I feel like I look like an alien.  It's so hard to look at myself in the mirror.  People also tell me that my wig looks good, but i'm not convinced either.. sigh. Frown  

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  • ukgirl
    ukgirl Member Posts: 9
    edited August 2011

    Hi everyone, I ahve a few tips that might help if you havn't heard of them. Preggie pops from Baby'sRUs really help with the nausea. Have tried them a few times and they have worked for me. I don't know if the Docs/nurses have said anything about taking clarityn. My chemo nurse mentioned taking it to help with pain from neulasta shots. I have taken it every day since starting chemo and have had a few aches and pains but nothing too severe.

    Good luck to all.

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  • summergirl1
    summergirl1 Member Posts: 182
    edited August 2011

    Hi Guys, 

    Kasi: Im sorry your feeling down about the hair I know I will be right there with you in the next few days  but I am sure you still look beautiful as you are a very pretty girl and have a beautiful face,  ((HUGS) 

    Michello , so sorry to hear about your friend ,

    I had a good day today went into the city school shopping with my son and even got out to my local for a drink tonight and got to see all my buddies who are my big supporters and cheer  me up so much.  :) I still have some bone pain but nothing too bad,  my family are coming to visit me this weekend to help me through the hair thing as Sunday is my 12th day and Im sure it will start shedding by then, back to work tommorrow so hope I still feel good. 

    HI to all the newbies in the group , I find it hard to keep up with everyone but best wishes to all :) and hope tommorrow is a good day for all of us. :)  

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  • capinva
    capinva Member Posts: 138
    edited August 2011

    Hi everyone,



    Welcome to all the newbies. Still feeling good today and went to work. Have my 2nd A/C TX tomorrow. I am sorry for those having a hard time dealing with the hair lost. I told everyone at work they would know what kind of mood I was in that morning by the wig I wore :) I have one that is shoulder length and blonde, have to wear a hat with it. Then I have a more trendy one that I will wear when I want to feel professional. It is hard but try to make it fun. For me it makes it easier that way. I lost my hair very quickly so I have had been wearing a wig for several weeks.



    Hoping everyone has a good night and can sleep well tonight.

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  • Taylor777
    Taylor777 Member Posts: 141
    edited August 2011

    Hi Everyone... I am so frustrated!! I had my port put in yesterday and I cried all night it hurt really bad even with pain killers. This morning I went back and the dr. who did it said it looked fine the nurse took some of the tape off and said I was allergic to the tape and thats why the area is all red!! It's still hurts!! Is this normal?? Is it going to get better?? Its going to be another sleepless night I can tell!!! The whole area is tender.....ughhhh!!

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  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 667
    edited August 2011
    taylor, i had the exact thing happen to me with my port.  i had to go back the next day and have the tape removed and i was so red and worried that it was infected.  my port hurt for about a week, but not really badly.  it was just extremely tender.  i promise you that it will get better and you will eventually be so happy that you have a port.  good luck.  i hope you sleep well tonight.
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  • Lowrider54
    Lowrider54 Member Posts: 2,721
    edited August 2011

    Ok, I will not be starting chemo in August - it will be September.  Granted, it will be the 2nd but I will have to put myself in the Chemo Class of September 2011.  In fact, I have my Chemo Class at my treatment center on the morning of Friday, September 2nd.  Yea...I got to keep my Friday treatments! 

    While I did get some answers, I am still absorbing what has happen.  Yes, it is time for chemo.  I am not going to qualify for the trial - the lesions or 'seedlings' are not of a measurable enough size to meet this one criteria.  It can be viewed as a good thing - small and not agressive.  But, I don't make it into the trial leaving me with what are the treatment options now that I am a triple negative. 

    We discussed xelodia but my onc felt it would not be the best option.  Normally, he would be considering Taxol or Taxetera but the side effects are pretty tough and so similar to what is already going on with my abdomen that I would likely not be able to distinquish if something was really wrong so again, not the best option.  That leaves Abraxane.  The side effects are less, will not require steriods and the se's are not similar to what is going on with the fluid retention and pain associated with eating that I presently experience so it is the best option.   In addition, the onc wants to add Avastin which has few se's and works.  The downside is in trying to get the insurance to cover it with the FDA issues going on - we shall see.  With the bone mets stable, the Xgeva will be continued. 

    Friday, September 2nd will be chemo class, labs, visit with the onc and treatment will begin.  I am also going to look into the cold cap now that I know there is a chance with the two chemos that I will not lose all my hair so, I am going to try and keep it as much as possible.

    I wish the August 2011 Chemo Group all the best!

    Hugs...LowRider

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  • lindy52
    lindy52 Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2011

    Hi ladies, this is Lindy and I would like to join this group.  I start my Chemo tomorrow.  I am getting AC every 3 wks x 4, followed by Taxol & Herceptin every 3 wks x 4.  I will also be getting a Neulasta injection the day following each treatment. The Herceptin will continue for a total of one year.  I am ER, PR and HER2 positive.  I"m not sure what lies ahead for me as far as SE, but it is comforting to know there is a group online to chat with.  Does anyone have similar treatments that I'm going to receive?  I'm open to any suggestions for handling SE.  Thanks!

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  • lorenar
    lorenar Member Posts: 141
    edited August 2011
    Hi to all you ladies. I wanted to pop in and tell you I am glad to give any advice with your chemo. I finished mine about 3 weeks ago. 4 rounds of adrimyacin/cytoxin. Than 20 weeks of taxol/herceptin. I am to go in next wed. for a dblmasectomy/reconstruction. I than will still have to do herceptin every 3 weeks until April and start the hormone pill either sept, or Oct. The hardest part of it all on me was shaving my head but believe it I have it growing back in fast. Couple more weeks I can go without a wig. I opted for no port and did get stuck every week for 8 months but I have alot of huge veins and just got used to it. I know and feel your every sickness it is not easy but trust me their is a light at the end of your tunnel. I remember when I had no appetite I ate icecream, salads and yougurt. Almost to say lived on the stuff. I as well could not sleep many nights due to being up every 10 min. peeing, They finally prescribed me ambian and ativan and worked like a charm. Don't be afraid to ask for these meds. You should not have to suffer at all. When I started the taxol I had alot of bone pain in my legs but trust me taxol  is a breeze once you get past the adrimyacin/cytoxin. You will feel much better when you get to that point. The onne piece of advice I would like to offer is to please stay positive it's very important in your total care. I will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts.Please feel free to private message me with any advice I may offer, thats why we are all here to beat this sh't together.
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  • koalakid39
    koalakid39 Member Posts: 42
    edited August 2011

    Evening all....I'm sorry for those having a hard time with the hair loss. I'm suprised that on day 14, I haven't really lost any. My hair is so fine and thin as it is, it will probably all go at once! I also wonder if it's because my chemo is spread over two weeks instead of doing it all on one day. I have it two Thursdays in a row and then off  one week....who knows, everyones treatment is so different. I still feel crappy today, no energy and I'm tired but can't sleep.  I finally went to the store this morning to do some shopping and I thought I was going to pass out!

    I hope everyone has a good evening! HUGS Kim

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    Kasi....big HUGS to you.... I really wish I could give you a real one!!!! I'll be right with you soon....we're gonna get through this!!!!!!



    Welcome lindy and karebear....glad you found us!!!! Best of luck to you tomorrow and hopefully no se's!!! I start Tuesday the 30th, TAC x6 and I'm high strung with anxiety already!!!!

    Karebear, it looks like you've already made it through your TAC, YAY!!!! That's quite the interesting curveball finding out you're really Her2 positive instead of neg....UGH!!! I had a surprise lymph node after my BMX and felt the rug was completely pulled out from under me. Glad to hear you're doing well!!!!



    Taylor....oh, I'm so sorry you're having so much pain with your port!!!! I really hope it gets better ASAP, maybe you were allergic to the tape and now it'll start healing quick! I hope so....hang in there!!! Does ice help at all?



    Thanks lorenar for popping in with your advice!!!! I love that your hair is coming back fast, YAY... Enjoy!!! :)



    Lowrider....you can stay with us you know? We would never push you out because you're now sept....heck, I'm barely squeezing in myself!!!!



    I hope everyone had a good day today.... Hugs to all of you!!!!

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  • JMULL
    JMULL Member Posts: 46
    edited August 2011

    Justina - have you tried rinsing with after you go to the bathroom by using an episiotome bottle?  I used one after pregnancy and it helped me get clean withought all the rubbing.  I also liked the Tucks medicated pads and the Prep H cooling Gel.

     Taylor - so sorry that happened but at least they know what it is.  Hopefully you will learn to love your port as I have after just one treatment.

    Zanoa - I had my first treatment today too.  I didn't have the nose thing, what's that from?  My head was really heavy as well and then I developed a wicked headache which I attribute to the C drug.  Took 2 TS Tylenol and they didn't even touch it.  Vicidin worked though so I am feeling better now.

    Welcome Lindy - my treatment is a little similar.  4 AC every 2 weeks followed by 4 Taxol every two weeks.  If you have time to read through the whole string there are lots of tips as well as looking at the tips to Chemo thread. I don't have any of my own yet to advise with.

    Here's to all you ladies starting tomorrow and the rest of the week.  Stay strong!

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