March 2012 chemo

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  • Betsie
    Betsie Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2012

    Hi girls! Gearing up to start March 30th TCx4. I wish we were all meeting under different circumstances but we can't change that :) Let's make the most of it. Is anyone doing cold caps? I don't think I will but it is still in the back of my mind.

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  • journey4life
    journey4life Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2012

    Welcome to the Marchers, Betsie!

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  • kokonut
    kokonut Member Posts: 9
    edited March 2012

    Hi everyone!! Can I join the club?   I start chemo 3/8 ..  Get my port tomorrow, chemo 101 Tuesday and a breast/spine MRI Wednesday.  

    I'm not sure of the treatment plan yet. When I saw the oncologist this week, he did the blood work to see excatly what chemo I will be needing.

    I'm sort of an unusual person. My mammo was normal. Cancer (thought it was just infection) was found in my breast lymph nodes. PET scan also showed cancer in nodes in my neck and chest. and suspected bone mets.   CT Scan and Bone Scan normal.   

    I've been reading the boards and this thread. I feel as if I already know you guys.

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  • Kadia
    Kadia Member Posts: 314
    edited March 2012

    Welcome Betsie and Kokonut. Sorry you have to be here....

    Masserz, congratulations! What exciting news!

    Galena, glad you are feeling a bit better. I hear you about the acne. Yeesh. I am too old for this!

    I am really tired, but in such a strange way. Not sleepy (though I sleep a lot), just drained of all energy. Also very achy, and this sore throat won't go away. No fever, so I'm not worried, but just feeling ... bleh. 

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  • shera
    shera Member Posts: 184
    edited March 2012
    Just a heads-up --- for Neulasta pain ---  from what I'm reading , it sounds like Claritin D is what works... unfortunately I had followed directions that specified NOT to use D.  I will try Claritin D next time and hope it works. Bone pain seems to be easing off now. Yesterday (day 4 for me) and this morning were bad. Hurt to stand, sit, lay down, move, ...  percocet helped. Its worth trying to avoid it if you can! https://www.inspire.com/suncity/journal/claritin-for-bone-pain-from-neulasta/ 
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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Kadia,I know what you mean...it's a fatigue that sleep doesn't cure. I vacuumed half my house today, and had to sit down! And I slept 12 hrs last night. BUT, we will feel better when this is all over! Temporary, I keep telling myself ;)



    Masserz, wow! How awesome! How far along is she?

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  • QuinnCat
    QuinnCat Member Posts: 3,456
    edited March 2012

    On day Day 4 and I feel pretty good.  No bone pain yet.  I was told I would start feeling tired on Day 4 by the PA, but hasn't happenned yet.  (On AC).  Mouth is a bit gritty and haven't slept from the steroids, but I'm done with those for now.  Took a Compazine just in case nausea would attack, but so far no nausea, just and overall "off" feeling.  Wish I felt hungrier.

    Mazeerz  - how exciting is that news!

    Hannah - I have to work too...it's just me. I'm just wondering how to fit it in as I'm always out of town trying to see doctors, get treatments, or find a wig that fits, let alone finding a day where I want to show up.....I did manage 2 hours the day after chemo, but had to be home for my Neulasta shot.

    Shera - How fun would that be!  A year might be too soon for me, but I'm thinking about it. 

    Stilts - your message really cheered me up. I have 21.5 more weeks of this and if I didn't think there was a reason, I'd give up now.  I was really having some dark moments on Friday and Saturday thinking about the slog ahead.

    Sissy, Galena, Alecia and a few others here, we are on AC.  I do look at your posts intently for what's ahead.

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  • Alicethecat
    Alicethecat Member Posts: 535
    edited March 2012

    Hello Chemo Marchers 2012

    Thank you for making me feel so welcome.

    It is so helpful to read about other people's experiences and from the lovely lady who started chemo at the same time last year and encouraged us.

    Thank you

    AlicetheCat

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    I think I'm in what they call "nadir" .....lowest blood counts after chemo days! Tried to do my usual walk, and pooped myself out! Resting now, but feeling down :(

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  • galena_79
    galena_79 Member Posts: 107
    edited March 2012

    Day 8. Weather here is cold and dreary, but I'm feeling really good. My appetite has returned with a vengeance! This afternoon I will start planning up a photo album. :D Still no hair change.

    Hannahsnana- I'm sorry to hear that you have the added pressure of money / work on you during this time. I hope your friends and family are being super supportive. Have you looked into what benefits might be available to you? I didn't qualify for the NZ Sickness benefit because my husband works, but I will have a chat with a social worker in the next couple of weeks.

    Betsie- Welcome. You have quite a wait before chemo starts. This group might give you some pointers about what's coming up.

    Kokonut- Your story does sound unique. Do you not have a primary tumour? Just lymph nodes? Have you had any surgery yet? Good luck with your port and MRI.

    Sissydi- Did you have a Neulasta shot after your chemo treatment? Some of the people on the forum have talked about it, but I personally haven't had it. I think it's supposed to increase your WBC count. Might take you out of that nadir period sooner.

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  • Msbelle
    Msbelle Member Posts: 235
    edited March 2012

    Thanks Shera! Will make sure I have claritin D on hand. Day 10 post chemo and I finally feel normal again except for these things (TE) in my chest. I sure hope the real things feel better than this. Hope everyone has a better week!

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  • Stilts
    Stilts Member Posts: 246
    edited March 2012

    Well, just thought I'd share some of my lighter moments of 2011 with you...once you start chemo, you'll understand...with the 4 AC treatments, I hardly ate for the week following...Week 2 = starving...made the mistake of shopping at Costco where all the samples they give you tasted ABSOLUTELY delicious...bought all kinds of stuff that we have yet to consume !!! I also had cravings...PICKLES...I could put away a whole jar of dill pickles in the car on the way home from the store. Also definitely suffered from chemo brain when it came to driving..almost hit a lady at a stop sign and I could tell she was "cussing" me out....my DD told me to take off my wig and wave it at her !!!Surprised

    Hope you are all taking care of yourselves...you will get through it...it's amazing how your body recovers...proud of myself this week...I have graduated from tolerating only 10 minutes on the exercise bike (during chemo) to 30 minutes and now the elliptical...have some weight to lose but I'll get there !!!

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  • journey4life
    journey4life Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2012

    Msbelle - I know how you feel about the TEs. If the implants feel like this, I'm not sure I want them!  How "full" are your TEs?

    Sissydi - hang in there. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a much better day for you.

    Stilts - your stories gave me a chuckle. Thanks!

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited March 2012

    Hola to all March 2012 chemo babes....I am a lounge lizard from March 2011 chemo.

    shera:  your art piece on the previous page is incredibly powerful, stunning really; very moving.

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited March 2012

    So much has happened to me (mostly lots of good stuff) since I went through chemo last year, it's almost hard for me to go back to that time and remember what it was like.  I guess what I'm saying is:  chemo has its difficult times, but you can come out on the other end of it and move forward with your life.

    I was one who never had a port, and never had any problems with chemo ivs in my hand or arm.

    Our March 2011 gals called our thread a "lounge", and occasionally one of us would "put a song on the jukebox", so I'm going to put one on now for you ladies:

    Rodney Atkins:  "If You're Going Thru Hell" 

    If you're going through hell
    Keep on going, don't slow down
    If you're scared, don't show it
    You might get out
    Before the devil even knows you're there

    Well I been deep down in that darkness
    I been down to my last match
    Felt a hundred different demons
    Breathing fire down my back
    And I knew that if I stumbled
    I'd fall right into the trap that they were laying, yeah

    But the good news
    Is there's angels everywhere out on the street
    Holding out a hand to pull you back up on your feet
    The one's that you've been dragging for so long
    You're on your knees
    You might as well be praying
    Guess what I'm saying

    If your going through hell
    Keep on going, don't slow down
    If you're scared don't show it
    You might get out
    Before the devil even knows you're there

    Yeah, If you're going through hell
    Keep on moving, face that fire
    Walk right through it
    You might get out
    Before the devil even knows you're there
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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Galena, yes I had Nuelasta the day after chemo....I think I just pushed myself too hard.



    Stilts, oh my gosh, now that the nausea is gone, I can't stop eating! I feel pregnant! I crave pasta big time; not a good weight loss choice, lol!

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  • Kadia
    Kadia Member Posts: 314
    edited March 2012

    Anyone feel like their taste buds are kind of...broken? Nothing has as much taste, and it's really odd. I feel like I have to salt the heck out of dishes, or only eat really cold foods (smoothies) to get any flavor. Still hungry, just not really enjoying eating (which is not a problem I usually have! Embarassed)

     Thanks to the veterans for the stories and inspiration!

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  • Msbelle
    Msbelle Member Posts: 235
    edited March 2012

    Nothing has flavor. Never eaten a thin mint girl scout cookie and not enjoy it. I couldn't taste the mint.

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  • Amymomto5
    Amymomto5 Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2012

    Hi ladies!  I have a couple questions. Did any of you have a test on your heart before chemo (I think it's a muga scan)? Maybe it's just for those on Adriamycin, since that is hard on the heart. Now here's a dumb question... Is chemo day considered Day 1, or do you call the day after day 1? I plan to keep track of my SE's so I know what to expect the next treatments.

    Shera, I loved your artwork. I think all of us went through some anger issues after diagnosis. I think I still have a "deer-in-the-headlights" look... Can't believe it.  Most days I wish someone would pinch me and wake me up from this horrible nightmare.  

    TheDivineMrsM - I like the lyrics from that song. Will have to look it up on itunes.

    Ladies, thank you all for sharing everything you're going through.  I feel like it helps me know what to expect.  Oh, and my oncologist seemed a little surprised with the questions I asked, and knowledge I had about what to expect. Told her I have a great source of information! Thanks again ladies.  I hope everyone's doing well.

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  • Msbelle
    Msbelle Member Posts: 235
    edited March 2012

    Amymomto5-I had the cardiac workup. It's a baseline to make sure everything ok before you begin. I think they check you throughout tx as well. Not sure when my next one is. I think maybe a few months. I'm getting TCH. I counted the day after as day one. That may not be right but it's how I have journaled.

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  • Msbelle
    Msbelle Member Posts: 235
    edited March 2012

    Lisajcj: I had 300cc put in each at surgery. Went for my first fill last week but couldn't do it. Too stiff and sore. I have therapy tomorrow to loosen me up, I hope.

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Yes, Amy, I had an echocardiogram done the week before. MsBelle is correct; it's to establish a baseline for you; they will monitor your heart closely. I'm not sure when my next one is either. So don't let it scare you.

    I also didn't know how to counts days either; I guess you do start with the day after.

    Tomorrow is my first onc checkup after chemo last week. Still horsing around with a bit of dizziness....anyone else?

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Kadia, my problem now jumped from nothing has flavor to EVERYTHING has flavor, lol!

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  • brax
    brax Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2012

    Hi everyone, I started my first of 6 rounds of TCH  this past Friday, March 2.  I got the neulasta shot yesterday and I also am doing the cold caps.

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  • Love74
    Love74 Member Posts: 175
    edited March 2012

    Hey there...just checking in. My shaved head is still ugly. I think it will be better once all the stubble falls out. I am finding it really itchy. Baby oil with aloe makes it feel so much better.



    My taste buds came back after about 7 days...popsicles definitely helped up to that point.



    I have had crazy heartburn every day. Maalox has worked the best for me so far.



    I had a muga scan before I started too. I thought it was for the herceptin because I have to have the scan done every three months for a year.



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  • galena_79
    galena_79 Member Posts: 107
    edited March 2012

    A friend of mine had a Fine Needle Aspiration the other day, on a breast lump. She's still waiting on results. I still remember how nerve-wracking that time was! Hopefully she'll get the all-clear.

    I laughed reading about your appetites lately. My food choices have been a little weird the last couple of days - lots of processed carbs, white bread and white pasta... with added salt. :-/ Need to start exercising more!

    TheDivineMrsM- Thanks for the song!  I'll try to think of some myself.  :D 

    Amymomto5- Yes, I had a heart scan, but it was an echocardiogram. Was kinda cool seeing and hearing my heart pumping. I called my treatment day 'Day 1', and I recorded my SE's from that day.

    Brax- Hi there. I hope you're doing okay today. :)

    Everyone else- You're doing awesome.  So nice to share this journey with you all.  I hope you had a  good weekend.

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  • Kitsune
    Kitsune Member Posts: 1
    edited March 2012

    May i join?  I was prescribed ACTH and started the "AC" in January, but won't start the "T" until April.  I just discovered this site!  My name is Sami.  I have great friends, but it would be so nice to share & relate to women who are going thru it, too!

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  • journey4life
    journey4life Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2012

    Amymomto5 - I also had an echocardiogram to use as a baseline before getting Adriamycin.

    Hi Sami and Brax - you'll find some great information here as we all take this journey.

    MsBelle - I had 200cc put in each during surgery and have added 150cc in each since then. The first fill of 50cc was more uncomfortable than the second one (100) was. I think I was still sore and stiff from the surgery. I have another fill tomorrow; I'll let you know how it feels. I plan to ask my PS if the "real" ones will feel as foreign as the TE. If so, I may change my mind about implants!

    Galena - hope your friend's results are negative. Let us know.

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  • tc9876
    tc9876 Member Posts: 136
    edited March 2012

    Hi Ladies, I am day 4 after TCH #1 (of 6) and I am at work today but I soooo don't want to be here.   Kadia:  I feel exactly the same as you...BLEH!   I received the Neulasta shot and I haven't had any joint pain (taking Claritin) nor have I felt any nausea.  I've pretty much gotten past the constipation.  I just feel bleh.  All I want to do is lie down.  I'm trying to eat as I can not afford to lose a pound.

     Betsie/Brax:  I am doing cold caps.  I'm a little nervous that it won't work but I'm sticking with it. I already feel terrible.  I don't want to look terrible too.

     Also, has anyone had heartburn?  That seems to be a constant with me right now.  At least food still tasted the same but I don't have much of an appetite. 

    Also, I had an ecchocardiogram before this started and I think I get them every 3 months.

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  • Amymomto5
    Amymomto5 Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2012

    lisajcj - a note on the TE's and what the real thing will feel like... I had implants before my BMX (because of size A's and a lumpectomy/partial mastectomy 7 years ago due to massive mastitis).  I loved my saline implants.  They felt completely natural to me.  I have heard that TE's feel hard.  That is not at all how my implants felt. I hope to have a lat flap with implants when I do reconstruction, so hoping to avoid the whole TE process. I hope you don't have to wait too long for the "switch".

    I think I will call my oncologist regarding the echo. I had a stress test last year due to palpitations and all was fine, so maybe that's why my onc didn't order any tests... 

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