Taxotere/Cytoxan starting February 2012.
Comments
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Joan, did you take Claritin for the bone pain? It really helped me. I don't know what to do about the insomnia. I couldn't sleep last night and I am just as wired tonight, a week after my first chemo. I slept better the first few days than now. I have resorted to Xanax but that hasn't really helped. Some people get stronger drugs, like Ambien. I also tried melatonin at my doctor's suggestion, but ended up with a massive headache, so I nixed that idea. Perhaps acupuncture?
Exercise and drinking enormous quantities of clear liquid have helped me with the fatigue and general malaise. -
Thanks Neli - I was able to take my daughter to skate practice and go out for dinner with our
Friday night group so my daughter was happy. I am still having some nausea but this will pass.
Going out of town to a competition this weekend so hoping I wake up feeling much better tomorrow.
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Gayle I hope your trip is fun and not too tiring for you!
My warm wishes for a good weekend to all of you special ladies!
You kept me going for the past couple of weeks and I don't know what I would have done without this little space of ours that I can tip toe in the wee hours and feel not so alone!
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Hi all,
My hair is gone. It is tough, but I am kind of relieved that it is over. It was so hard to look in the mirror and know that my hair is going to fall out. Like my surgery, it is somewhat of a relief just to have it behind me. I had very thick curly hair and it was so weird to see it falling out.
I donated my hair and then my hair was cut with clippers. It was VERY short . . . the G.I. Jane look! My hairdresser (the one who sold me the wig) said that it is better that way. The hair can then fall out. She suggested that if you shave totally to the head that the hairs that are not yet falling out can be very uncomfortale. I've been using a lint roller on my head to get the tiny hairs! It is rather odd, but I must admit that it works really well! The crazy surreal things that we do when we have breast cancer!
I must say that I feel like I'm wearing a costume when I have my wig on. I did begin to feel a bit more comfortable last night. I'm not wearing it at home at all. It is really cold right now (Atlanta) so I am wearing a warm, soft fleece hat around the house. That feels good!
Gayle, I'm sorry your second treatment has been more difficult. I have my second one on Wednesday. I am ready to have another one behind me. It is hard to go back, though!
Silvia . . I have a hat with hair . . . I put it in a ponytail. That's what I'm using for walking, biking, on our boat, etc. I think that will be cooler and better for activities.
Hope you are all doing well. I'm so glad to have all of you with me on this journey! My family and friends are great. . . but they just don't understand. When they keep saying, "Your hair will grow back" I just sometimes want to scream. I don't see them volunteering to do it with me. When you lose your breasts and then your hair, you begin to not feel like yourself. It is easy to cover up the surgery . . . but the hair is so much more obvious. It says, "I have cancer" and I hate that feeling that people are looking at me in a different way.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Kim
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Hi Ladies,
I hope eveyone's weekend went well!
Thursday I went and picked out eyeglasses. I wanted to have a pair just in case there is a problem with wearing contacts. My girlfriend and I also tried on Beanies. I stuffed my long hair inside. I wanted to get a sense of how I was going to look. I felt as though I looked fine, but obviously I had the opportunity to remove the beanie to return to what is my normal, for the time being. I did purchase the beanie
.Neli: I also purchased a few from www.topsyturban.com they have a coupon code as well for 40% off (JAN2012, yes, it still worked)
Friday was my Spa Day it was wonderful! My poor dear friend's treatments didn't go so well. She felt Ellen would pop out any mintue to tell her she was on the show...LOL...
Saturday/Sunday my husband and I got away. We stayed on the beach in Hutchinson Island...We had an ocean front room and listening to the waves was so peaceful! We are having high winds/cold front so not nice for laying out. We were able to to sit under a cabana yesterday with sweaters on, in the sun, and relaxed. We had a fabulous lunch (Conchy Joe's) and dinner (11 Maple Street).
On our way home today it was time for me to take my steroids
I delayed, delayed, and delayed, until after 11 am. I have since taken my pm dose without much trouble. For those of you taking steroids the day before, day of, and day after were you still given MORE steroids via the IV too?As for the Biotene - Did some of you start this before your first treatment?
Mom2JJ & JoanQuilts: Thank you for sharing your first experience and what is taking place with you post wise!
Gayle56: Thank you for letting us know how infusion #2 went for you...Are your taste buds working?
Ulightup: I plan to workout as much as possible too! Not only will this help with fatigue, but for me, mentally! I plan to do TRX and run before first treatment tomorrow
Kim48: Who did you donate your hair to? I'm planning to donate to Locks of Love. Thanks for posting the tips on the hair cutting...Lint roller, that's great! My friend is going to shave her head with me! I was just shell shocked when she told me this...I've told her I will NOT be upset when it comes down to it if she feels she doesn't want to. She also has a wedding in July to attend! How are your taste buds?
I keep asking about taste buds - Just wanted an idea as to when this may occur...Is anyone NOT having issues with taste buds?
How much liquid is everyone drinking, roughly?
I really hope I will get some sleep tonight!
Hugs,
Bonnie
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Good luck tomorrow, Bonnie! It's a relief to get the first tx behind you.
I donated to Locks of Love.
Taste buds - I did have a problem with taste buds. It happened pretty quickly, it was a weird feeling. Some things tasted good, some didn't. It did help to use plastic silverware.
I probably didn't drink enough, but I tried to keep something with me to sip on. I'm going to try to drink more this time.
I walked every day except for one. I felt too nauseous one day. I started Biotine on the first chemo day. Use it 3-4 times a day to help with dry mouth.
Hope everybody will have a nice week!
Kim -
Bonnie - Still having a lot of nausea but taking the meds and then it passes. So far no problem with eating food. I do have a lousy taste in my mouth but it isn't affecting the taste of my food so far.
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Dear Bonnie,
I will be thinking about you tomorrow! I hope it goes well, no surprises!
I am glad you had a special weekend before your treatment starts. Someone said to try and plan a special weekend every 3d weekend before each treatment.
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It is good to plan a fun weekend. We spent the weekend in the mountains with friends. In 3 weeks we're going to Florida to see my sister-in-law. It's been good to have something fun to look forward to. It also helps to do normal things. I've most enjoyed walking with different people. My friends take turns walking with me in the afternoon and I don't feel so isolated.
Let us know how tomorrow goes, Bonnie. -
Oh, yes, that metal taste. I have had it since about five days after my first treatment (I have had only one). I'm drinking tons of clear liquids -- 80 to 100 ounces a day, but they haven't really helped with the metal taste. I can still eat everything, but I tried a sip of wine for the first time in four weeks -- and it didn't taste good at all. The metallic flavor just doesn't mesh with a fine vintage, I guess.
Here's to a good week for everyone! -
Morning Ladies,
Today is the day, first TC!
I actually had no problem sleeping
I did my TRX Class and ran (listened to a GREAT song Stronger by Mendisa) this morning in VERY chilly weather for South Florida (46 degrees)!
I had my morning shake (Isagenix), Vitamin C & D, & the uugghh, Steroids! I also used the Biotene mouthwash.
My bag is packed! It's 8:42 am...My appt. is at 10:00 am.
I'm a little nervouse and I agree Kim48 it will be so much better after first one. There will be no more wondering! However, does each one basically feel the same way or can things change?
Kim48, Gayle56, Mom2JJ: Thank you for your updates w/ taste buds.
Neli & Kim48: Thank you for your well wishes for today!
I need to start planning for next getaway in three weeks
Hugs,
Bonnie
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My thoughts and prayers are with you, Bonnie! You can do this!
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mom of 3boys - thinking of you ...i start on Thursday and you ar right, the waiting is so nerve wracking!!!
((((Hugs))))
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Bonnie - good luck today!
So do those Chemo Beanies fit you good? They have FREE SHIPPING promotion for Valentine's Day! Enter Coupon Code: FREESHIP Offer good until Wednesday Feb. 15th
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http://www.baldisbeautiful.org/site.html
Do you know this website? I wish I looked this pretty and could pull if off bald headed. Maybe I will try anyway ;-)
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Bonnie, I hope your first TX went well.
I'm on day 5 post second TX, and so far the GI track SEs are a little less than first time around -- and they were mild then. I can feel a difference re taste, but I'll hope that clears up in a couple of days. Due to a fever spike I had at my nadir after the first TX, I got the dreaded Neulasta shot the day after my TX this time. I took Claritin the day of and day after, and so far so good with no pain. Although the MO said he had never heard of using Claritin, one of the nurses told me to try it. Hair loss: I'm sorry so many of our group are now dealing with this. But it does make it faster to get ready for work to just pop on the wig :-) I'm wearing scarves or beanies at home. And, speaking of hair loss, I no longer have to worry about shaving underarms or legs -- shortens a shower that much more. But very weird. I just hope I get to hang on to my eyebrows and eyelashes.
Someone asked about what to wash the scalp with. I use Dr. Bronner's unscented soap -- you can get it at places like Whole Foods or big supermarkets in the organics section. It's made with coconut and olive oil and is very soothing. I've used it for years and it's great so far for my scalp and skin.
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Silviazara, I got the chemobeanies today. They fit well. This is the 1st time I have something on that I feel I will be comfortable wearing. They are nice and light too.
Bonnie, thinking about you!
AnnTop I hope you will keep your eyebrows and eyelashes! I know ladies who did keep theirs.
MomOf3boys, how are you feeling?
Kim what you said about not having hair: It says, "I have cancer" and I hate that feeling that people are looking at me in a different way." is what I am thinking too. Thank you for sharing and helping me feel less alone!
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Neli which ones did you get? I can't choose, I like them all!
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Silviazara, I have navy blue "Betty", grey "Susan B" and brown "Janice" . They will be perfect for spring and summer.
Love the http://www.baldisbeautiful.org/ . THANK you!
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Hi Neli
I am day 5 out from my 3rd TC infusion. I feel pretty good. My worst SE has been bone pain from the Neulasta shot. I still had/have it this time, but not nearly as bad as the first tx. I am doing the Claritin and Aleve, no prescription pain meds, and it's tolerable.
Hope it's not TMI, but, we need to know everything right? To be prepared... So... My first 2 tx I had tolerable diarrhea for the first 3-4 days, this time? Constipation, which I think I have under control with milk of magnesia and colace.
I'm drinking a lot of water, and trying to eat small meals. I don't have any nausea, but I don't feel hungry either. Outside of that, I feel pretty good.
I wear most little hats that I bought online and have a wig that looks remarkably like my own hair! That was a little hard to get used to because at first it feels like I'm wearing a hat, and I'm not a hat person.
Hope you're feeling well and taking some time now to relax!
Btw...no nail issues thus far, I'll probably go for another mani/ pedi towards the end of the week. -
Hi Ladies,
It's official, first round done!
No major problems -I had my own blanket on me and changed out of flip flops to fuzzy warm socks
Haley (my wonderful nurse...I know her already from going to my friend's treatments) went to do the IV...close to my wrist...unfortunately, it didn't work...the needle was a defect...imagine that!!!
LOL... This is what I was worried about the most and look what happened! The good thing is it didn't hurt...She was able to still draw my blood from here...but then she had to move the IV up to the crease of the elbow...just below...Not an ideal spot because my arm needed to stay straight...if I creased it the ding on the machine would go off... The first bags were given at 11:45 Saline & Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)/Aloxi Palonosetron (Nausea & can cause constipation)...I started feeling funny. I thought this can't be. It's all in my head. As I thought I was only getting the saline...LOL...I didn't realize both were going at same time! I had my husband check the bags...Sure enough I wasn't imagining it, thank goodness! I did not fall sleep though.
She told me the nausea meds. will stay in my system 48-72 hours. If I start feeling nauseas after this I should start with one of the three scripts given...Start with Zofran first (this can cause constipation too)...If this didn't work go on to Compazine (causes drowsiness)...then Ativan (this is nausea, anxiety or sleep) I don't want to take the Ativan. I asked about Tylenol PM or something of the like and she said that was fine. She also said she doesn't think I will actually need the nausea meds.! We will see!As for constipation (tends to bother people who are already regular she said) I was given some things to purchase over the counter (Sennokot & Colace to take together). If no result after two days of taking the pills call the office. I plan to take my IsaFlush (Isagenix) instead if a problem arises...In case of diarrhea Immodium AD, if persists for more than 24 hours while taking the Immodium call the office.
The Steroids should be out of my system possibly by Thurs. if not before. I'm taking steroids the day before, day of, and day after chemo. No steroids are given during Infusion.
12:25 pm I started the Taxotere (She told me this could cause bone pain). I mentioned taking Claritin for this as well. She mentioned yes that it does work for this too and not just the shot. I chose not to take the Claritin to see if I actually have any problems. I was monitored well and I had no problems so she then made the drip go faster.
1:50 pm I started the Cytoxan. This is where hydration comes in...This can cause urination problems...6/8 oz of water for three days - day before, day of, day after...obviously, if working out you need more...I drink way more than this any way (by 4:30 pm today I already drank over 100 oz). Also, she stressed to not hold urine in as this can lead to irritation...So if I have to go, go, no holding it! I was done at 3:05 pmI should feel good today and tomorrow with fatigue possibly setting in Wed. - Fri. By Friday night & Saturday I should start feeling better. Then days 7-10 will have the WBC drop and being at risk. If I have a fever 100.4 or over or even chills and in bed a few days but no fever I need to call the office. Also, if I develop a cough to call as our weather here now is cold and I plan on still working out in the weather.
I plan to still attend Boot Camp and Run...I will run with a partner and/or have cell phone with me. She told me to listen to my body and do not over do it even on days I feel good as it will catch up with me.
Momof3boys: Thank you for the thoughts and prayers! I did read in material they gave me about getting manicures. It didn't mention when. Do you know? Before treatment and/or after? I went to Spa Friday and had a manicure. I just got clear put on (like usual) and it already chipped off the next day! I say ususal, but I don't get manicures done often. I usually have pedicures every 2 months.
mthrdee: I hope what I have written helps you.
silviazara:Thank you for Good Luck wishes! I haven't received my beanies yet from www.topsyturban.com. I will keep you posted! I friend sent me a cute beanie from www.hatswithheart.com (Seam Turban #310 Black - accents can be bought and added to the front for more color). I didn't know of website you sent...Thank you! I will check it out!
AnnTop: Thank you for telling us about Dr. Bronner's Unscented Soap. So you used this even before hair falliing out? I use Aubrey Organics shampoo/conditioner and was wondering if I should get something in place of that or just wait and see. Thank you for your updates for post TX second round! I really appreciate it.
Neli: Thank you for telling us about which beanies you purchased and for thinking about me. I hope I was able to help you with today's post
I'm still feeling pretty well! It's now 6:03 pm... I did notice I feel tired in the eyes and my lips seem a little dry...6:55 pm...I'm not going to drink any more water as I don't want to be up in the middle of the night...
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Hi Bonnie!
Sounds like you made it through just fine! What a long day...
My MO said it's okay to continue with the mani / pedi's if it makes me feel good, and it does. I had a BMX with TE's in, lost my hair; so the nice nail make me feel loads better! She said to tell the salon that you're on chemo, everything has to be super clean and NO cutting... I've been going to the same place for a while, so I'm comfortable there, and it us clean. I've been getting a technique on my fingernails called "shellac" and it's great. It's basically 6-7 coats of polish baked on your owns nails, and it makes them really hard. It's worked so far. I go on my "good" week, before my next treatment. Although, I'm feeling pretty good now, I may go at the end of this week.
It's funny how some of us are getting steroids to take at home and some are not. I haven't taken any (not prescribed any steroids for at home, just some at time of infusion), and I haven't had any nausea, thankfully.
Hope you have a restful night. And my thoughts are with everyone getting tx this week! Hang in there!
Joyce -
Bonnie - Will be thinking of you tonight....you sound like you came thru like a trooper, hope it continues like this!!! your timeline was so appreciated...helps me be a little less nervous.
Chemo beanies are great - I second Neli, you should definetely try them out.
Okay mani/pedi tomorrow and I think I'll get the shellac too, and then I can leave it on for two weeks until it is time for the next TX.
peaceful and SE free night wished to all. Another day closer to Thursday.
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Momof3boys,
Thanks for the sharing! Sounds like you have it under control. I am glad you do!
I calmed down and I have a plan:
1. Stock up on hats and beanies
2. Somehow show up for port placement and first chemo on Monday Feb.20th
3. Shave my head on Friday Feb.24
4. Plan a fun weekend @ week #3
5. Try not to think and read cancer reasearch
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Bonnie,
I thought of you all day!
I am relieved that you sound good and that your 1st treatment went well. Wishing you a restful night!
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Mthrdee,
Maybe there is a hope...
You may breeze though treatment on Thursday just like Bonnie.
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Bonnie - thank you for sharing so much! I know it helped me, I'm sure others too! I wish you well tonight, tomorrow and throughout this battle!
Good luck to everyone starting this week or those who are going on to their next treatment!
I feel like 2/23 is forever away and I'm feeling the anxiety already. I did go out shopping with my mom tonight and found the cutest hat. I wish I can share a pic here. It's tan and has a bow off to the side - but it's like a baseball cap. I tried it on and loved it my hair is pretty short right now and it looked nice.
Good night and take care!
Kelly -
Neli - you don't have to shave your head 4 days after 1st chemo. For me it's day 12 today and hair is not falling yet.
Bonnie I am happy you did so well during your treatment. I keep fingers crossed that next hardest 5 days will be good too!
Kelly - I know what you mean about anxiety. 2/23 is coming for us!
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Happy Valentine's Day Ladies,
momof3boys: I've had the shallac done as well. I've had it done just a few times, and it lasted two weeks! As for the steroids - Yes, it is interesting. By any chance did you ask MO why you're getting in through IV? I was just wondering as the take home steroids are the norm for the TC regimen. I found the TC protocol information online and my MO mentioned the same thing. She did say I didn't have to take it if I didn't want to. I may have the swelling in the ankles and hands. I really don't want this to be a SE as I still want to run!
Coldenmom: You are more than welcome!
silviazara & Neli: Thank you!
So last night: I took Advil PM at 8:00 pm. I went to bed at 9:00 pm. As I mentioned in above post I was feeling sleepy in the eyes and also yawning. Basically, feeling tired. Apparently, NOT so tired! I was up at 10:35 pm and was restless and debated whether to get up. I stayed in bed tossing and turning until well after 2:00 am. I was able to get a few hours sleep. My husband's alarm went off at 4:30 am. I was able to stay in bed until just after 6:30 am. I do not know if this has anything to do with yesterday as I sometimes have difficulty sleeping anyway, but I just thought I would share.
Before going to bed last night I used mouthwash again (along with brush & floss of course)
When I got up this morning I brushed, flossed and used mouthwash.
If you are on facebook (I am not...LOL...one of very few I'm sure) you can look up Maribel Bleeker as she posted a picture from yesterday. Of course, it's with us and a Starbuck's in hand!
Enjoy your day
Hugs,
Bonnie
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Bonnie- I checked out your picture... Very cute. You are a trooper!!!
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