March 2012 chemo

Options
13567…132

Comments

  • journey4life
    journey4life Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2012

    Hi "Marchers" - it looks like I'll be starting chemo next month also so I'd like to join this thread. I'm having a PICC port put in on 3/1 and my learning session is 3/7. I imagine chemo will start soon thereafter.

    Kadia - I am scheduled for weekly fills and no one has mentioned postponing for chemo. I go in for fill #2 on Tuesday and I'll be sure to ask my PS.

    Good luck to all who begin chemo this week. Please let us know how you do!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • QuinnCat
    QuinnCat Member Posts: 3,456
    edited February 2012

    My first infusion is 2/29, but seems fitting I should join the March group if you'll have me? Dose Dense AC 4X, then DD Taxol 4X, then 6X weekly Carboplatin just for my BRCA2 status. 22 weeks of chemo--my reward for having a high Oncotype Score of 39!



    Port went in Friday and I actually think these incisions hurt more than my BMX! Ouch! (Still not bad and could be I am just blocking that other experience out of my memory banks--surgery was 1/20). I have TEs and after initial and one fill, up to 300 cc's in each. I see my (faraway) PS tomorrow to decide what I will do during chemo vis a vis tge fills....considering I'll be going into July with these infusions, I need to time everything so the PS surgery is completed before the insurance year ends (and also an oopherectomy).



    I so don't have my logistical act together as I live 85 miles away from my MO and infusions, but have to make it home that day as my Neulesta medication is delivered to my house the next day, and besides crossing a high elevation pass to get home, with snow in the forecast, I currently don't have anyone to give me the shot! Wish me luck :(

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kadia
    Kadia Member Posts: 314
    edited February 2012

    Kam170, sounds tough to coordinate all that. Here's hoping it all comes together as smoothly as possible.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • journey4life
    journey4life Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2012

    Kam170 - keeping my fingers crossed for you that it all comes together without a hitch. BTW, I'm BRCA 1+ and my MO hasn't mentioned Carboplatin. What has your MO said about it?

    Does anyone know the connection between Vitamin D and chemo or BC? 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited February 2012

    Tomorrows the big day...or I should say "today", as it's 12:14 am! I will post maybe while I'm in the infusion chair; well see how busy things are tomorrow! Wish me luck! Prayers up!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • galena_79
    galena_79 Member Posts: 107
    edited February 2012

    Chemo #1 - mission complete!

    The worst part about getting chemo administered was all the needles! I can deal with them, but I'm not a big fan. The nurse tried to use my port first, but it is still swollen (only installed 4 days ago) so after two tries she gave up. Then it took her a couple of tries to get an arm vein to cooperate. :(

    Once the IV line was in, it was quite easy.
    First she gave me an infusion of steroids (Dexamethasone) and saline solution.
    Then she slowly injected three big syringes of Doxorubicin - which is bright red - while saline solution was infusing. That felt cold (the drugs come out of a fridge), but not painful.
    Next she gave me an infusion of Cyclophosphamide, which took about 20 minutes.
    Lastly she gave me some more saline solution, and then disconnected me and sent me home. :D

    I've been home for over an hour now. Feeling a little nauseous and headachy, and I have a constant weird taste/smell. Otherwise I feel okay.

    I hope everybody else is doing okay today.

    ((((hugs))))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited February 2012

    About TE fills during chemo - my ps preferred to wait until active treatment was done before doing any fills.  Chemo delays healing and of course impairs your immune system, and she preferred to wait so as to not add another stress on the body, and also in case there were any unexpected issues with the fills.  But other women on BCO have reported getting fills during chemo, so I guess it's one of those things where different ps have different procedures.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • journey4life
    journey4life Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2012

    Mary - did you have TEs when you started tx or were they put in later? I have 250cc in each of mine and am scheduled for weekly fills until...? I'll ask my PS tomorrow if we're going to take a break when chemo starts. Thanks for the info.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • journey4life
    journey4life Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2012

    galena - Congrats on getting through chemo #1! Sorry about the needles :(  Hopefully, your port will be usable when you have your next tx. Keep us posted on how you get along.  (((hugs)))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited February 2012

    So far my ps has said to come get my fills as I feel like it during chemo. His concern is the rads I will need and what it might do to my te, but well see. So I should be totally filled before my rads start. Sitting n the infusion recliner now, waiting on a "clot buster" to de-clot my port.....eerrrrggggg!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited February 2012
    My TEs were placed with 275ccs when I had my BMX on 1/31, and my chemo started 3/4.  My ps wanted to get in at least one fill just before chemo.  But I had a stitch spit out and she didn't want to fill until that healed, and by that time I'd started chemo.  So we just waited till afterwards.  I had skin-sparing mx and wanted to go smaller anyway, so I only had 3 fills before my DIEP - in my case waiting till after chemo really didn't delay anything.  I was rather glad for the break - I was taking enough days off of work with chemo, and was seeing enough of my med onc - I really didn't feel like scheduling trips to see yet another doctor during that time.  Undecided
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • QuinnCat
    QuinnCat Member Posts: 3,456
    edited February 2012

    Lisajcj - My MO is "going off the reservation" when he Rx'd the Platinum Therapy at the end of the regularly scheduled program. In other words, it is not standard protocol for BRCA, and for sure not standard for non-BRCA BC, but he feels there is enough evidence that Platinum Therapy works tremendously well with BRCA cancers over "wild-type" breast cancers. My MO is at a University teaching hospital, so he is either being cutting edge or experimenting with my life (lol). My MO particularly was interested in a small (emphasis on small) Polish Study of 25 BRCA women whose large tumors totally disappeared with neoadjuvant Platinum chemotherapy. Hope this helps!



    Still working on those Neulesta logistics, but I have got someone to give me the shot once I get home. Now to control the weather so I can get home after my chemo!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • journey4life
    journey4life Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2012

    Mary - I totally agree with you about limiting doctors' appointments while undergoing tx. I plan to work as much as I can during tx and take as little time off as possible. I'll ask my PS about it tomorrow and see what he thinks.

    On average, how much time did you miss from work once you began tx? I know everyone is different but if I can get a general idea, it'll help me prepare.

    Sissydi - yuk! Hope you're de-clotted now!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited February 2012

    Yes....I'm declotted! Still infusing as we speak. Drinking a lot while I'm sitting here, and trying to have a snack......drugs are starting to make me sleepy. They had me take Emend before we started, and gave me lots of other goodies for nausea. Make sure you all wear super comfy clothes and dress warm....some of the meds make you cold!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Alicea
    Alicea Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2012

    Sissydi - Sending warm (((((HUGS)))) for you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mdg
    mdg Member Posts: 3,571
    edited February 2012

    Hi Gals! I am popping back in from last March's chemo lounge group.  A year ago I was in your shoes and I feel like you are all my "little sisters"!  I just want to offer support.  I know this stinks completely, but you will get through it.   A year later life is great!

    For who ever is doing cold caps -I did them and if you have any questions, PM.  I have photos in my blog if you want to see my results.  Also pop on the Cold Cap thread for questions/support.  It was invaluable to me at this time last year!

    About fills - I kept filling during chemo but I did it about 10 days or so after chemo.  I just didn't want any more body aches in the days following chemo.  I do suggest doing your post OP stretches (I am assuming your PS's gave you some to do...mine did.  If you don't have any, PM me - I can share the booklet from my breast center and email it to you).  I found I got super tight after each fill and the stretches were hard again.  In a few days the tightness was much less.  I did take a break from fills at some point in chemo as I was getting a lot of upper back pain from it - once that was gone, I finished my fills.

    As far as supplies for chemo - here is my personal list:

    Senakot S/Docolex - I had constipation horrible!  I would take it on chemo day and for a few days post chemo

    Claritin/Aleve -for neulasta bone pain.  I took it the morning of neulasta shot and for a few days after.

    Lotion - my skin got super dry!

    Vitamins/supplements:  My vitamin D was low and I was left anemic after chemo so my onc put me on these during chemo.  YOu may ask your med onc to check your vitamin D and iron and then check it post chemo.

    Water - I CHUGGED tons of water in the days following chemo.  It started to taste kind of sour, but I just forced myself to chug huge glasses of water at a time.  Flush the chemo out of your body....drink TONS Of water!

    Soup -I always made a huge pot of veggie soup and froze it so I could quickly thaw it and reheat it.  I put lots of veggies in there to help with constipation too. 

    Bland foods - I liked pastina cooked in chicken broth with a little parmesan, mashed potatoes, graham crackers, popcorn, whole grain banana muffins, toast.  My taste buds went so bland foods were more tolerable. 

    Sweets - I know sweets are not the best for us, but when my taste buds went, the only things that tasted good were icecream and orange sherbert!  A girl has to do what a girl has to do!

    Sleeping pills or anti anxiety meds - chemo stressed me out more than BMX.  I started taking xanax before bed so I could sleep.  This worked for me. Ambien did not work for me.  YOu need to make sure you get rest.

    MOST IMPORTANT:  Exercise, exercise, exercise!  I did it EVERY day (5 days a week) regardless of how I felt.  It really helped me keep my sanity, keep stress level down and not feel so bad.  Do whatever you can - even if it's just walking or a yoga DVD.  I believe it really helped me physically and emotionally through chemo.

    Hugs to all my little sisters!!!!  Good luck!  You CAN do this :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited February 2012

    Alicea, thank you for your sweet hug :)



    Mdg, thank you so much for your input! My first infusion is now over, and I'm home in my recliner! I'm already fatigued from it, like a cheap drunk! Just took a compazine, as my tummy is starting to talk to me! I was done pretty quickly, the nurses were so nice. Read some on my iPad, but mostly was watching what was going on. Hubby made friends already with a man who had pancreatic cancer...they hit it off! Me, I was too nervous to do much talking ;)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • journey4life
    journey4life Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2012

    Sissydi - yay you made it through the first one!! I'm sure you're mentally and emotionally wiped out. Pamper yourself and get some rest.

    mdg - thanks for the support and helpful info. Since most of us are just getting started, it seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Please visit us often to remind us that there is!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PennyCookson
    PennyCookson Member Posts: 366
    edited February 2012

    Hi Ladies - I am from mdg's March 2012 forum and wanted to offer my support.  Her list is pretty complete , so just a couple of comments

    For constipation do not wait too long ,take Senna/Coloxyl at the first sign.

    She is right about the exercise, it does help.

    Be prepared to rest if you need to - I was exhausted days 4-5. You are less likely to feel nauseous lying down.

    There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel, take this one day at a time, remember to laugh as much as possible at the little things, and you WILL feel well again.  1 year out we are all moving on withour lives.

     Big hugs Penny

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Love74
    Love74 Member Posts: 175
    edited February 2012

    Hi there!  I have had my first tx of TCH...Feb 17th.  Can I join March?  2nd tx coming March 9th.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DeeDee2
    DeeDee2 Member Posts: 82
    edited February 2012

    Hey ladies, I too am from the March 2011 forum. Exactly one year ago I was where you are now. I started chemo March 17, I was terrified. I remember like it was y'day. The nurses assured me that the time would go by really fast. That didn't seem possible..but the time went by quickly. Like someone said earlier the hardest part is waiting to see how your body will react to the treatments. Just remember to take your anti-nausea meds as directed. To my surprise the treatments wasn't nearly as bad as i thought they would be.

    I took 4 rounds of Taxotere, Cytoxan and one year of herceptin. I didn't have a port put in. To my surprise they were able to use the same vein each time to administered my treatments and it held up. I don't know that i would recommend not getting a port, especially if you have a year's worth of treatments ahead of you. The only reason I didn't get the port is because they didn't put it in when i had my MX prior to that i had already had two surgeries in less than a month...i just didn't want another surgery so I chose to take my chances.

    I had my last herceptin tratment last week....

    Good luck ladies.

    (((HUGS)))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited February 2012

    Thank you lisajcj! I am.....feeling a bit queasy and headaches right now...eating my chicken noodle soup!



    Thank you Penny! Did you have issues day 1? I just feel gross!



    Welcome love74 ! We are all here for each other...we are "the Marchers!"



    Thanks DeeDee. It really helps to hear from the old timers! I don't blame you about your port decision....surgeries take a lot out of you mentally and physically....who would want another one!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kadia
    Kadia Member Posts: 314
    edited February 2012

    Thanks for the encouraging words from the veterans! It really helps to hear.



    Infusion #1 is tomorrow afternoon for me. I will post and share my experience.



    Good luck to everyone!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Rosie24355
    Rosie24355 Member Posts: 71
    edited February 2012

    Lisajcj, glad to see you here. You were on the January MX forum & I wondered how all went since you were right at the end of the month. 22 nodes? Yikes! That's a lot of nodes!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited February 2012

    Thanks kadia, we are praying for you...keep us posted...you'll do fine!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Love74
    Love74 Member Posts: 175
    edited February 2012

    I am on Day 11.  I haven't had any nausea....just bad heartburn and weird 'acid' burps!  I was achey on Day 3 and 4 and my skin hurt for a few days.  I lost my taste buds for a few days as well but they are back!  My only SE right now is a bit of a bleeding nose.  Overall way better than I had imagined! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited February 2012

    Hi, everyone I'm from the oct 11 chemo group.my last chemo is this wed. Nothing much more to add except hugs. I also recently started walking everyday (I do skip some) & really wish I had started making myself get out much earlier in this process. It has really helped.I also started taking a antidepressant.thats helped too. Never had issue with depression until this BC crap.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • galena_79
    galena_79 Member Posts: 107
    edited February 2012

    My first evening was okay-ish. I had mild nausea and a headache right after treatment, then after a couple of hours I started aching all over, my muscles and joints were so tired! Had a chicken salad for dinner, which tasted a little funny but not too bad.

    I didn't have a great sleep last night. I woke up at about 11.30pm with strong nausea and body aches. Didn't vomit, but lay awake for a few hours.

    Today I'm feeling mildly nauseous and mildly achy all over. I'm not digging the weird taste/smell in my mouth, and food tastes a little weird, but I can't really complain. Just glad I don't have to be anywhere for a few days.

    I've had nearly 2L of water so far (3:20pm now), and will keep up the fluids. This may be TMI, but my pee is back to yellow now, after 24 hours of red. :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Alicea
    Alicea Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2012

    Kadia-BEST WISHES For Tomorrow



    Sissdi & Galena....yay!!!! 1 down, hoping minimal SEs



    Love74 - welcome



    Thanks to the old timers invaluable knowledge sharing.



    Hugs for all!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shera
    shera Member Posts: 184
    edited February 2012
    Hi Marchers, My 1st infusion is Wednesday Feb 29.

    kadia are you same day or one ahead of me? your regiment sounds aggressive - more power to you! I agree with Natsfan , you can fill TE during chemo or choose not to. Im actually scheduled for 2nd fill a week after 1st infusion... but plan to cancel and finish fills after chemo. Im not having rads, so don't have to worry about any timeline. You'll need to consider that.

    galena thanks for sharing your list and SE. Bright red drug? So that's why some call it the "red devil!"
    sissydi - you're the first (I've read) to mention the meds are cold and can make you cold..
    good to know!

    Thank you for prepping info, etc... mdg, penny, and dee dee!

    Another thread mentioned Rozerem works great for sleep. I plan to ask MO about it.

    Alicea... I'm guessing that once I'm at the "Baldy locks" stage, that I too will worry that its permanent. My MO did say that there's a 100% chance it will grow back. (funny guy, ha.)

    Tomorrow is filled with doc appts and a friend cutting my long hair to shoulder/pixie style. Plan on trying to make a "halo" with hair cut off, to use with hats. Will prob get a wig too. Wednesday is supposed to be a 7 hour day... My boyfriend is coming with me, he downloaded entire season 2 of Modern Family... so
    hoping it will be the perfect distraction.

    Been having disturbing dreams with death being one of the themes. This kind of stress has a way of seaping in. Your posts are a comfort!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories