January 2012 chemo

Hi all, I'm just catching up on posts. 

Kite -  I had the stool softeners too.  I may try not doing that next time and see if the diarrhea and cramping is better.

Momof2 - I feel like that about my next treatment.  It's hard when you are feeling good again and you know that you are not going to feel good after tx.  It does help that I know more what to expect.  Hope your next tx is easier.  ((hugs))

I am becoming a wig expert.  I did not go and get fitted, although I probably should have, because the shop close to me charges $300 for a good wig.  Instead I've ordered mine from the Cancer society TLC site and from Paula Young.  I've spent $300 already, but I have 3 instead of just one.  If anyone out there is purchasing one soon, look for the hand-tied front.  This gives you a more natural looking part and fits closer to your head.  Also, Paula Young has some reasonable Human Hair blends.  I just got one that I love but the color does not quite look the same as it did on my computer so I am blonder than I meant to be.  You can blow dry these with moderate heat and supposedly curl them (haven't tried that).

Unfortunately the cleaning service doesn't list any in PA.  Oh well, nice idea.

Judy - thanks for the wig ideas.  I just shaved my head this morning and realised I'm not really a hat kind of person.  I have one wig I bought at a local shop that fits well.  But it is not high quality and might not last very long.  I should really get a backup. I have tlc catalog but had not checked out Paula Young.  My wig lady talked about the hand tied front type.  she referred to them as lace front I think.  They do look better but she didn't have any in the larger size.  I found that I have a big head. I'm off to check out Paula young.

I had my second tx yesterday and am pleasantly surprised how it is going.  I shouldn't jinks myself but, no SEs yet.  I'm staying on top of every little twing and doing something about it - meds, water, eating, etc.  My husband just gave me my neulasts shot.  Again no issues so far.  I did not use Claritin the first time around and had no bone pain, so I decided to try again.  MO said some don't get the pain.  So we will see.

Tina - I am on the same tx plan.  I found that the more hydrated I stayed throughout the process the better off I was.  Unfortunately that also means I get up through the night to use the bathroom.  I also found small meals and snacks helped, even when I wasn't hungry.  Most importantly, I think, stay on top of your symptoms.  If you feel a little queasy take what meds you have been given.  I take zofran if my head feels ok (headache is a se of zofran).  If I don't want to risk the headache, I go right to my other option ativan and compozine.  I also heartburn meds - tums if mild and pepcid if more persistent.

The NP at my MO's office told me that people often report that their symptoms resemble how their pregnancies felt.  I must admit that she was correct in predicting my response to tx.  I feel just like the early months of being pregnant.  Fortunately, I have been able to work so far.  In fact, going to work really helped.  It took my mind off things.

Good luck on Monday.  I'll be thinking of you and sending healing thoughts your way. Even though you had such trouble with the port, you will find that it is rather easy to use and virtually pain free.  Both hands are free to knit or read or do whatever. I brought some gingerale and saltine crackers to snack on. I was there through lunch so I didn't want to have these drugs on an empty stomach.

Kate - That is excellent!  Maybe this is how it will be for you.  Just don't put off taking something if SEs sneak up on you. 

Cat - made your change to the list.  I'm sorry you've had so many setbacks between expecting to start, and being able to start.  I found Factor X - the unknown - to be worse than the actual tx.  I think I said something in my blog about, "the next thing I know the machine is beeping and *bing* - I'm banana bread."  It was over much quicker than I expected, and I walked away pleasantly surprised.  Janet's right - the port has been a blessing, very easy to access and virtually pain-free.  I will be keeping you in my thoughts on Monday.

So far, day two post-chemo and no side effects to speak of.  I'm on top of any little twinge and have taken the Compazine twice now.  Naps in the late afternoon/evening.  One more day of steroids, so I'm waiting for the "drop" on Monday when I'm done with them.  I'm planning to go to the gym tomorrow and run/walk, and ride the recumbent bike as much as possible - hopefully.  The comments about SE's mimicking pregnancy is interesting - I never had so much as a twinge of nausea with any of my pregnancies, and except for being tired had a wonderful experience, so I'm holding out hope that that holds true now!  

Yes the pics are very nice!  My girl is an old German Shepherd who is on her last legs.  Poor pup.  I hope she hangs in there for a while.  She is 11 and suffering with some issue with her hind quarters and there is something else going on that hasn't been diagnosed.  She just isn't right.  She is my husbands heart dog.  I was so afraid that she would deteriorate while I was going through surgery and recovery.  I don't think he could handle both health crisis' at once.  She is a wonderful girl!  Who is your beautiful friend?  Looks like a Shetland Sheep Dog?

The neulasta shot  is a relatively new and very expensive drug that stimulates your bone marrow to produce blood cells.  Since chemo destroys these cells, the neulasta helps you body build more rapidly.  Some people experience bone pain, particularly the larger marrow containing bones - upper legs, sternum, hips.  Apparently claritin helps relieve this pain.  I don't know, I didn't take any claritin.  I did not have noticeable pain.  Some MO's don't prescribe with the first tx.  I guess they want to see how well you do? 

Most people have thier cancer center give them the shot.  Mine isn't open on Saturdays so we do it at home.  It really isn't difficult.  My husband (no medical training what so ever) watched a youtube video, read the instruction in the packaging, and gave me the shot.  Almost painless.

As for other medications - wow!  They gave you nothing else?  I came home with 3 anti-neausia meds, steroids to take for three days, emend for two days, and 1 pain med (Oxy) for the neulasta shot.  They also gave me a list of over the counter type meds that might help.  I also had a prescription called into my pharmacy for an antiviral med when it looked like a fever blister was going to break out. 

I take Claritin and stil get the bone and joint pain.  Feels like I have the flu for about 3 days.

Janetanned, sorry about your dog.  I lost my Jack Russell earlier this year, he had a stroke I think.  He died peacefully on the way to the vet while my daughter was holding him.  We still miss him, he was such a character.  They are family.

Deb and Laura,

Thanks so much for replying and confirming the shakiness.  Although of course, I am sad to hear that others have this SE, it is nice not to feel alone.  I guess I will gear up for it again after my 2nd treatment this Thursday.  I had made the mistake thinking that during my "down" time after my 1st treatment, I could possibly catch up on personal e-mails and write the holiday thank you cars, but 6 days of the shakes really made that impossible.  I couldn't write at all and could barely type.  If anyone hears of anything that will help this, please let me know.  I will also ask my nurse when I go in for my 2nd treatment.  Trying to go to work through this and the shakiness makes that so difficult too.  Can't really do one week on and one week off at work.  Hoping that once I finish AC and move to Taxol, this SE will go away. 

Ordered a 2nd wig and some caps and hats today.  Hoping to donate my hair next week when we cut/shave it, but not sure its long enough.  Trying to come to acceptance about the hair loss. 

My doctor had never heard of Claritin for the bone pain.  But I had terrible lower back pain after the 1st shot.  So I will try it.  Worth a shot - the shakiness and awful back pain were the worst SE's for me.

HI everyone, I am from the July 2011 chemo group and I wanted to do what someone did for our group. Pop in and wish everyone luck and tell you it's doable. I was on chemo from June 29th til Dec 7th...some of it was not bad at all, some of it gave me some horrible side effects, but I was told that I was that 1% in many cases LOL. I survived, my hair is starting to grow back and I even noticed eyelashes coming in today. 

If anyone wants to ask questions, please feel free to This forum is incredible and has helped me in so many ways.

Hugs to you all!!!  

Hi!

I am new to posting, but have been reading since my diagnosis in November.  My chemo (Taxotere/Cytoxin) started last Wednesday. I worked Thursday and Friday, but by Friday pm I felt horrible.  I could hardly stay awake.  On top of this, I got my cycle, which they said would end during chemo.  I guess the timing was off. I am expected to get 4 rounds of chemo every three weeks.

So I have felt sluggish all weekend and can't decipher whether my issues are related to the period or the chemo.  I think my iron count is probably low because of the period and that makes me really tired.I slept most of Saturday, but have been up for two hours this morning and feel like I have some stamina to stay awake another 2-3 hours.

For those of you wonderful ladies who have weathered this storm in the past, what is a typical pattern for this treatment? Will I feel sluggish for another week? Did you isolate yourselves from the world? I am almost scared to go outside. Any advise or coaching will be most appreciated!

Good morning Pink Ladies (I alwasy wanted to be a pink lady from Grease haha)

Thought I'd share my crazy haircut story with you for a good laugh.

Well yesterday was day 15 and it was evident I needed to buzz my hair. I could have pulled out every piece. It was getting messy. Anyway, I had previously cut my long hair into a Bob so I made little ponytails and let my 17 year old daughter cut them off which she seemd to almost enjoy ha. You can imagine the hideous haircut. I then tied all the hair in a pink bow and photographed it in a creative way. I then put the ribboned hair in a suet feeder cage hoping the birds would use it for their nest. Wierd I know but im odd like that.

When my husband came home from his welding class we went out to my beauty shop  to buzz the rest off. He wanted to do this. For 28 years I have been buzzing his hair off and for the first and hopefully last time he  will be buzzing mine. He was either nervous or on Speed because he was running that clipper over my head like a race car with hair falling everywhere including my face. It this point I started screaming like a banshee which led to crying like a baby. He had to stop to let me catch my breath. I instructed him to blow the hair off me like I do my customers.  Apparently I was also screaming Im gonna die which I dont remember but I do remember my heart beating like crazy and feeling faint. Needless to say I or we survived and even took a group picture. I wore my Pink survivor shirt and it wear it again on the last day of chemo. The buzzing thing was a terrifing event for me but one Im sure we will laugh about for sure. Who knew I would throw such a fit but if it counts , it was my first fit. haha

The day ended great. My sister and her husband took us out for a great dinner and I rocked my new long wavy wig but I was ready to yank the vice grip off on the way home. I came home put on my new PJ's (a gift) and sleep cap and got under clean sheets. I layed there and felt very blessed. We are all blessed. We have a place to lay our heads, we have health care and we have food. Many people dont have this luxurey. I dont know you all but I pray for you and send my love.

ps my newest side effect is a constant dripping nose and eyes. My daughter says I look high with my glazed over eyes.

Shell Seeker - I loved reading you hair story.  I had a less dramatic shave yesterday, but certainly relate to your feelings!  My husband also 'did' my hair!  For years when the boys were little, he buzzed their heads.  He cuts his own and usually does a decent enough job.  Well, he was not so sure of himself yesterday.  He blames my hair.  It was too long and too soft.  While I haven't complained to him, it looks pretty bad.  I have weird tracks, some hair a bit longer, some almost to the scalp.  I guess he was pretty nervous!  I had a moment or two, as the waste basket filled, where tears came.  But I decided to just hold back.  My 19 yr old daughter was home for the weekend and I know how much this is scaring her.  She is beginning to wonder if this will be her in 20+ years.  I don't want her remembering this time as sad.  It is sad, but I'm getting better by going thru this tx.  I want her to feel okay with everything.  I'll cry later.  I do this a lot these days.

I like your bird nest idea!  Whenever, I groom my dog I put her fur out for the birds.  They like it!  I bet your locks smell a lot nicer than dog fur!  The birds could build a luxury nest!

Glad you went out and had a great time!  And, yes, we are very lucky to be able to have this treatment and the comfort of home and family!  I try to remember this when feeling low or sorry for myself!  My nose and eyes are also runny!  No more hair in the nose!  My sinuses are annoyed as well!  Not congested, just sore.

I have 4 more treatments of taxol and then the whole chemo nightmare will be over.  ONly to be followed by the radiation and hormone therapy nighmares.  I will tell you one thing this lack of energy driving me to stay home all the time is causeiong me to go stir crazy.  I want to go back to work!

Diane - Sorry about the vomiting!  Does your MO want to know if you vomit?  Mine said to call if it becomes a problem.  Keep an eye on the crampy feeling.  I had a few short bouts of diarrhea following my first tx. They came on quick and were over quickly.  But I was just glad I was at home near my own bathroom!  This time around I'm having the opposite problem, so I've taken a mild stool softener.  These always cause a bit of a reaction, so again, I'm hanging at home today to see if the problem resolves itself.