January 2012 chemo

Kblack:

I bought two skull caps at Dick's Sporting Goods for working out.  I just walked in and asked for th ones the football players use.  They're kind of like a neoprene but not.  Whatever they're made of, they're made to stay on, leach out the sweat, and take a lot of abuse.  I bought one that's a solid material (in flames no less) and one with a netted top for summer use.  I'd think that would work well for your workouts.  If you get one "sporty" enough, I'd doubt anyone would give you a second look.  My netted one is white in case it works under wigs (haven't tried yet).  But the solid one is black with flames and decals and in no way screams "cancer."  They were on sale for $11.99

HTH

Faith - I had my port placed on a Wednesday and used it on the following Friday.  I guess as long as there are no complications, yours should be good to go.  I had no problem with mine being used so soon.  I am so glad I decided on the port!  Infusions have gone smoothly and with very little pain.  I even had my blood drawn through the port, so my veins were left alone.

faith - I had my port put in on 1/11 and my first tx on 1/12. They left the port "accessed" (and tube taped to me under the bandaging) after they put it in so the chemo nurses didn't have to reaccess it the next day. Definitely ask if they can do that for you...



I actually went to work on the 12th (desk job) and did a half day before my tx in the afternoon.



regards Jenn

Hi Everyone!!!

I had my second A/C treatment on Monday. Went for neulasta, more IV fluids, steroids, anti nausea meds Tuesday. Got my head shaved and my wig today. Already have a few bald spots when the very nice young wig prothesis woman shaved it. Not sure if this treamtent knocked me down a little more or I'm just depressed about the whole hair thing. Didn't cry and I acually really like the wig. Really, really, hoping to feel better in a few days. Anyone else have their second treatment just knock them off their feet???

Hi, all. I had my first chemo today - A/C - and go back tomorrow for the neulesta shot. So far, so good. I can tell that there's something a little off going on in my body, but it's not what I'd call bad. No nausea, and that's the thing I was most worried about. I have a little headache, but that's probably not even related. Keeping my fingers crossed that tomorrow will run as smoothly. And I hope that for everyone else on the board as well.

 Annie 

Judy67 - thanks for the great Raisin bran suggestion - I hadn't thought of that, and love it!  I finally broke down and bought Mirilax the other day, and it's been helpful but not as much as I'd like.  I don't know why I'm having so many problems; I suppose it could be tied to my UC; my bowels sometimes throw tantrums like a 3-year-old.  Luckily watermelon counts as both a liquid AND a source of fiber, so I'm eating it as often as possible.

CatWhispurrer - Glad things are finally moving forward for you.  I'm on day...what, 6?  Tomorrow will be one week since first AC treatment.  I've had really minimal side effects - little tired in the evening, very slight nausea in the morning that is resolved quickly with a Compazine and some oyster crackers.  Headaches sometimes.  Have been taking 24-hour Claritin every morning to counteract the Neulasta shot, so far no bone pain.  I feel like something's "off" though, particularly in my head (slight vice-like feeling, I guess.  Hair hasn't started falling out yet but my scalp is tingly).

The genetic testing thing is annoying to me.  The insurance company tells me I'm "too old" (I'm 48).  If I was 45 they would cover the test.  I'm not sure it really matters for me - it will be whatever it's going to be.  I am hoping this opens the door for my daughter to be tested, so she knows.  That's all I really care about now.

Gosh, I go away for two days and then post like mad!  Sorry - it's been a week of leaving one job, while the other job seems to be picking up speed.  I'm feeling a little outta sorts.

Has anyone with AC noticed any difference in their heartbeat?  I run and do yoga, but already have noticed my tolerance and ability is lessening slightly.  I walked across campus today and was completely out of breath - a little unusual.  I had lots of heart tests pre-chemo and everything looked great; I'm just wondering if this is one of those SE's I've been dreading.  Thanks.

ecpelkey  I had mine last Tuesday as well.  My MO also skipped the Neulasta for this round.  I have been fighting a cold all week, which I picked up from my daughter, but so far it isn't turning into anything and no fever.  SE's haven't been bad here at all so far.  Being more tired than normal is the biggest SE now.  I have been trying to lie down on the couch when I come home from work, rather on the days I am not running my daughter to some activity. 

 Gayle

kblack, CharB22 and Pat989 - I'll be thinking of you guys when I'm doing chemo too (10:30). Good luck.

kblack - Good luck in finding comfortable hats/wigs. I went to a place in E. Brunswick - I have to go back and get the wig I loved. Let me know if you want to go along, or just meet up somewhere. The Princeton Y has some great support groups if you haven't found a local resource.

Pat9889 - Thanks for the gym tip. I used a buff once, but it's just regular fabric. Guess I'll start finding out if my head sweats... my hair does get really soaked when I've fenced in the past, so we'll see.

Deb267 - Good luck in the next few days. I've been on Taxotere from the start and knock wood haven't had any really bad SEs. But I also have a weird purplish splotch on my stomach - my MO has no idea what it is, but it's not itchy, doesn't hurt, isn't warm, so we're just watching it. You might want to ice your fingers and toes during the Taxotere to protect your nails a bit (they can get brittle and often peel off on Taxotere. So far mine are okay).

Momof2inME - You kids are beautiful! I love the photo. The hair is hard. It's cliche to say, but... it will grow back. When you've been able to grieve, try finding really great hats and flashy earrings, and maybe you'll find another type of beauty even without the locks. {{Hugs}}

Annie - Wishing you minimal SEs over the next few days.

ecpelkey - Will they monitor your wbc? Do keep a close eye on the germ factor. I hope everything goes well. And do try to get extra rest. That's the hardest part for me - figuring out when I need to stop before I hit the wall. 

Hi Nancy-

I had my 2nd TC last Thursday (today is day 6)... I had a fast pulse on Sunday and Monday. But, read on someone's post that they had the same thing and their MO said the low white blood count was to blame. I didn't experience it yesterday or today.

Good luck to everyone getting infusions this week. I've been pretty fortunate this time, just general achiness and tiredness. Emotionally, I feel more drained and have to continually remind myself that it is the chemo making me feel like crap, not cancer. I felt perfectly fine before starting chemo!

NancyHB - thanks for the offer to post my treatment plan. Here it is: dd A/C x 4 with neulesta shots; dd T x 4; surgery (lumpectomy probably, but mastectomy maybe); possible rads. I'm triple negative.



I'm still awake on my first chemo day. I took an Ativan for the anxious feeling in my chest and hopefully some sleep. The steroids are keeping me up, I think.

edpelkey   Yes I am doing TC also.  My daughter is 13 and it is hard to tell her I am too tired to run around as much as I usually do but she is starting to get it. 

 rachelvk   I am the same way, not knowing when it is time to slow down before I hit the wall. 

Hope everyone has a great day.

Peggy here again.  I finished my second (finally) AC treatments today  Everything went like clockwork.   It was a 2 hour bus ride both ways but the bus is comfortable albeit crowded.  Being an "old lady" works wonders here in Israel for getting a seat. 

My dose was definitely cut back.  The bag was much smaller than the one last time.  Hopefully my WBC won't crash this time.

On the way home I was inventing a recipe for beet greens and fennel as those were on sale when we went shopping this week so no nausea. Yea! Hoping the gals starting today will have an easy time. 

Peggy 

Thanks for starting this thread. I had a BMX Dec. 8 and began my first round of chemo Jan. 17. I have 4 rounds of Cytoxen and Adrimycin and then 4 rounds of Taxol. Later radiation. I wasn't having any major side effects until yesterday when my hips started hurting and it progressed into a full on lower back ache that radiated through my hips to my knees. It was agony and kept me up all night. My MO thinks it's from Nuelastra. I am looking forward to following along with you.