March 2012 chemo

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

    Has anyone else noticed this pattern?  Chemo on Day 1.....worst days Day 4 and Day 5? That is what the MO asst told me and honest to betsey, that is what happenned.  Ofcourse this is only week 1, but I'm on Day 6 and had a great day today.  Went back to work!  If I wasn't haven't trouble sleeping, I think I might have felt 100%.

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Kam, yes! My worst days were 4-6, started feeling better day 7.



    As far as what to take to chemo, I took Gatorade, hard sugarless candies, a few crackers, tissues, hand sanitizer ( I had to keep going pee!) and my cell phone and IPad to keep occupied. Hubby accompanied me, and I was glad, because I felt a bit dizzy and drowsy afterward....wouldn't have been much good for driving. Next time hubby will have to work, but I'm bringing a friend to drive.

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Brax, for jaw pain, which is basically caused by tension, I took ibuprofen , and if it gets real bad, I have a muscle relaxer to take. I didn't realize it, but I was clenching a lot during my first chemo; definitely from stress.

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  • Alicea
    Alicea Member Posts: 36
    edited March 2012

    Kam

    That was my exact pattern too. 4-6 worst days and after that just stray headaches, took Tylenol and rest.



    Galena

    Glad to know you are feeling better.



    Welcome to all newcomers, we will " march" onwards together.



    Lots of hugs and minimal SEs to all!!!

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  • Masserz
    Masserz Member Posts: 92
    edited March 2012

    Galena, I ditto the others...you should definitely call your doctor. Most really do not want you to just suffer through it. It makes it too hard to keep healthy and on track with your cycles. I really hope you feel better soon! My heart goes out to you!



    Sissydi, I'm sorry you took a step back. I hope it doesn't get too bad!



    Brax- keep an eye on your hydration! Did your eggs taste gross or just the butter you cooked them in? You have me nervous now...I'm a low-carb girl and was planning on relying on eggs to get me through. I can't eat wheat (gluten issues) so all the usuals are out of the question for me.



    Lisajcj, the folds should go away at the upper end of your expansion depending on how much you are filling. I actually had a "knuckle" on the outside of one of mine. It was crazy looking. My PS had to manually unfold it, which really didn't hurt much since I have so little feeling now. I can tell you that I'm a stomach sleeper and was always able to sleep just fine with my implants. You sometimes forget you even have them. Actually the time I noticed them the most was doing the breastroke or frog swim because you use your chest muscles so much. Otherwise, you just don't really feel them.



    Welcome to kltb04 and katyCB! It pains me that you've had to join us but I hope we can be of some help to you as I'm sure you will be to us!



    Hugs to everyone suffering tonight. I will be praying you find some relief very soon!

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  • galena_79
    galena_79 Member Posts: 107
    edited March 2012

    End of Day 10. Back on solid foods now, and feeling good again. Scary how quickly I went from feeling great to feeling blah. I'll keep taking the anti-nausea meds now, even when I'm feeling fine. Thankfully I didn't get dehydrated or have a fever. I'll definitely bring this up with my MO next time I see him.

    Hair still hanging on strong.  Thinking of seeing my hairdresser on Saturday evening.  Meanwhile, I've noticed that the skin on my hands is starting to feel really dry. Not a rash, just a general dryness. Anybody else getting this?

    I want to get an early night tonight because my mother and brother fly into town early tomorrow morning. I understand why my mother is coming, she has been really supportive over the last few months. But I'm confused about my brother visiting. When I saw him two months ago he didn't even ask what was going on with me or how I was doing, and I haven't heard from him since then. I suspect he's just coming for a holiday rather than to support me. But I'm not planning on treating him like a special guest or taking him sightseeing.

    re my photo- I already posted how to attach pics. I hope to see some of yours soon. :) My cat doesn't usually snuggle up on me, she's such a daddy's girl, but she got herself very very comfy last night. We don't have a litter tray for her, she has to take herself outside to do her business. But now I have a good excuse not to do any gardening for the next few months, lol!

    tc9876- OMG, I so understand your relief! Hahaha.

    cmcclean- I love your idea of cutting and dyeing your hair before chemo steals it away! 10cm sounds like a large mass, which I suppose is why you are having chemo before surgery? I hope it's not causing you any pain.

    Kam170- My worst days were 2, 3, 4, and then 9. Maybe I felt a bit too good by Day 9, got too confident and complacent, and then pushed myself too hard!?

    kltb04- I have a bag pre-packed to take with me to chemo treatments. It has a thermometer, some pain killers and emla patches, some snacks, a neck pillow, eye mask and ear plugs in case I want to sleep, a couple of magazines, moisturiser and hand sanitiser, headphones and MP3 player. Basically way more than I'll ever actually want to use, lol. :D

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  • brax
    brax Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2012

    Galena:  Glad your feeling better and back on solid foods!  Maybe your brother doesn't know how to show his support.  He may be fearful of saying the wrong thing.

    Masserz:  I just put a tiny bit of butter in the pan so I don't know why I tasted it. Even when I have ordered eggs out, I have never tasted the butter they cooked them in.  So far I have not lost taste, it seems I gained some.  That is the only food that tasted differenet so far for me.  I have pretty much been eating the same as I had, but I know that needs to change because I am finding my self in the bathroom too often.  It catches up with me at night.  Which is why I am up right now-normally I would not be up this early.  

    Nose bleeds I see are beginning to become a problem.  Definitely going to be more aware of fluid intake today.  It's okay to still put lemon in water isn't it?  Has anyone seen Woman's World...Dr. Oz talks about Safflower Oil and shrinking belly fat, he tells how much a person should take a day to benefit from it.  I am not thinking of taking it, but I am confused because I thought Safflower Oil was not so healthy (even if it does have this benefit).  I had thought it had been linked to cancer and when I looked it up it seems like it is but I think why would he endorse it (so to speak)?  I don't know... just had me puzzled at 4:40 this morning!

     Hoping everyone had a good day today!!!

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  • fedfan
    fedfan Member Posts: 44
    edited March 2012

    My first infusion was on Mon. Mar.5th around 5:00 PM. I hated it. I felt terrible during the infusion. I could feel the stuff running through my veins. My arms and legs felt like numb wood. I felt mentally not with it. The rest of the evening I felt the same way. I was thinking, "If this is what the next 16 weeks are going to be like, I can't do it." However, to my surprise, I woke up the next day feeling pretty good, and as the day went on, actually normal feeling. I'm taking my meds as directed. I did get something that felt like acid reflux last night after taking my meds, but drank a glass of milk and it went away. Also had my Neulasta shot at the hospital last night. Boy, was that easy! No pain either. Now whether that was because I took Claritin as precaution, I don't know. But after all the horror stories I read about Neulasta, I am glad it's going so well. Did anyone else have bad feelings during the infusion and directly after?

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Fed fan, yes, I felt woozy-headed and dizzy and generally out if it about halfway through the infusion and thereafter for a few days. What meds are you being infused with?

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  • fedfan
    fedfan Member Posts: 44
    edited March 2012

    First four rounds are Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide. I took Emend one hour before infusion. According to the chemo. nurses, they don't use the Benadryl in the mix until the last four rounds when I'll be getting Taxol. Luckily I felt normal on day 2, but now on Day 3, I feel shaky, a little light-headed. I feel feverish, but I keep taking my temp. and it reads normal. Just another day in chemoland I guess. Expect the unexpected!

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  • fedfan
    fedfan Member Posts: 44
    edited March 2012

    I would definitely recommend a port. It is sooo easy for them to access  a good vein for blood draws, infusion, tests, injections. No pain for you and spares your arm veins for after all of this is over. I had my port installed on January 24th when they did my 2nd surgery (axillary lymph node dissection on left side) I had a double mastectomy in December. The port was a little sore for awhile, but now that I've started the chemo process, I'm seeing just how beneficai it is. If you haven't gotten one, ask for a power port. They can be used for access during Ct scans and PET scans. Good to know for the future. Good luck. I hope you get the port.

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  • Amymomto5
    Amymomto5 Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2012

    Hello to the new girls. I'm relatively new too. I start TC on March 13, I think the same as or close to kltb04 and KatyCb.  Katy, you asked about young kids... mine are 17, 14, 10, 7 and 3.  They all know I have cancer. My daughters (7 and 3) don't really understand.  

    Karri, are you also in Arkansas? My doctors are all in Little Rock.  I am about 80 miles north.

    Ladies, thanks for sharing what to bring to chemo treatments.  I will assemble my bag. My oncologist doesn't have room for company, unfortunately, but I insisted on DH being there for first treatment, even if he has to stand next to me! She said that's fine. I just worry about having a reaction and the nurse not catching it right away. (I think there's only 1 nurse to 5 patients, is what they told me).

    Those who haven't started yet... anyone else as nervous about it as I am...? I just want it over with! Saw my PS yesterday, scheduled reconstruction (lap flap w/implants) for June 14 - Yay, a light at the end of the tunnel!!! 

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  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited March 2012

    Yes I am! Heading to Little Rock for my PET scan right now. I will PM you. I am so excited to find someone around here and around my age.

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  • Masserz
    Masserz Member Posts: 92
    edited March 2012

    Amymom and Karri, I'm starting tomorrow morning and am pretty nervous as well. Mostly just not excited about the prospect of feeling sick and wanting to be sure I've thought of everything I might need to have or do. I tend to cope by preparing. I'm becoming a familiar face at my local Target. : ). I'm also doing TCx4. Karri, sorry if I missed it in your posts, but what's your cocktail?



    Galena, I'm relieved to hear today is looking up!



    Fedfan, I'm glad the port is working out well for you. I also opted for that even though I only have 4 cycles and am hoping it saves me my usual hematomas and other fun IV related issues I had with my surgeries.



    For those of you have started, do you have any advice for me for today or tomorrow? I have my kit packed, easy to eat foods on hand, the day off from work, I've taken my steroids and am pounding water like it's going out of style. I'm not kidding...I actually have my clothes for tomorrow laid out. LOL. I'm a total dork. Am I forgetting anything?

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  • Kadia
    Kadia Member Posts: 314
    edited March 2012

    Galena, I hope the visit goes well and that your brother figures out how to act! I'm also glad you are feeling better. As for dry skin, I'm right there with you.



    Brax, Im kinda dubious about the safflower oil. If that's all it took to get rid of belly flab, i think there'd be a lot less flubber around (including my own)! I notice that Dr. Oz tends to endorse some questionable "remedies." wonder if there's $$ involved?



    Fedfan, glad the first round is over with!



    I'm still battling the mystery rash, but it doesn't seem to be spreading any more. My taste buds also appear to be healing. Food is yummy again! I know I'm supposed to be right in the midst of the nadir point, but I feel pretty good.

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  • Lumpynme
    Lumpynme Member Posts: 747
    edited March 2012

    masserz....BREATHE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Masserz, your all good! Rest when you get home, even if you feel good. Do your laundry catchup, dishes, etc. beforehand. And your pounding the water, good for you! You'll do fine! The first time is always nerve racking........and on another note:



    I did it! I shaved my head! I hadn't colored it for 8 weeks, and all the grey was coming in; it looked so bad, plus chemo has really dried it out! My wig looks so much better! It's itchy, but better than looking 90 yrs old when I'm only 48!

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    It's weird Kadia, I felt okay during nadir, just really hungry, which I think is my body wanting extra nutrients to form the new white blood cells ;)

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  • Love74
    Love74 Member Posts: 175
    edited March 2012

    Sissydi - yay on the head shave!  I still get a shock when I look in the mirror.  I hate how it looks but I'm ok with my wig.  Mine is itchy too but you sort of get used to it.

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  • Kadia
    Kadia Member Posts: 314
    edited March 2012

    Woohoo, Sissydi! Good for you for the big buzz!

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  • QuinnCat
    QuinnCat Member Posts: 3,456
    edited March 2012
    Masserz - you will be a week behind me.  Honestly, I had no idea what to expect except for what a coworker had told me.  Gads....was it going to be as bad as she said? NO WAY. (I think she was particularly susceptible to the nausea, maybe).  I had 2 funky days (Sunday, Monday and I started Thursday) but even walked both of those days.  I honestly feel great today (and yesterday)....like what chemo?  Drink lots of water and take your anti-nausea medication!  Make sure your friends and family are there to give you what you need.
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  • tc9876
    tc9876 Member Posts: 136
    edited March 2012

    My heart hurts.  Well, at least it feels funny.  I don't know if it is the herceptin or what.  I have a dull pain in the middle of my back and it kinda feels like my chest is weighted.  I'm torn about calling the Dr.  First, he never called me back when I mentioned my period coming on Friday.  Second, I don't want to go through Emergency for nothing.  Has anyone else had this feeling after first Herceptin injection?  I'm going to go checked the Her2Neu thread.

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

    tc - I'm so sorry...could it be the Neulasta?? Are you taking the Claritan every day?? Sorry too I was just having a positive moment - we all don't get off so easy.

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  • GeorgiaMom
    GeorgiaMom Member Posts: 66
    edited March 2012

    Got my port today and am good to start on Friday, March 9th.  Have an appt. tomorrow to find a wig.  I hope it is ready in time.  I feel like I just dived head first into this chemo thing and haven't had a chance to absorb it all.  Ever since my surgery with clear margins and negative nodes I've been hoping to avoid chemo.  I've already completed radiation (did the 5 day Mammosite) and was so confident that I would be moving on to Tamoxifen and bypassing the chemo.  Onca score of 20 changed all that! I literally decided over the phone on Monday that I would not only do chemo, but start on Friday.  How did this happen?  I'm ready though - BRING IT ON!

    Will be doing TC X4.  The sooner I start, the sooner I finish!

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  • Love74
    Love74 Member Posts: 175
    edited March 2012

    Hey GeorgiaMom - I have my tx on Friday as well (my 2nd TCH).  I will be thinking of you as I sit in the chair all afternoon!  Let us know how it goes!   

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  • zillamom2
    zillamom2 Member Posts: 28
    edited March 2012

    GeorgiaMom - I am in the same situation as you. My onc didnt think I would have to do chemo based on all the path but then my onco score came back at 27. It really surprised me because I had a grade 1. I get my port in tomorrow and start chemo next thursday. I ordered a wig yesterday. It is all moving really fast. This is my 2nd time with bc. I had it 11 yrs ago and just got dx again 2/6/12. Hope your 1st chemo goes as well as can be for chemo.

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  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited March 2012

    MasserZ - I am not sure which ones I am getting because I don't remember what she told me at the first oncology visit, lol, that one was a blur.  My oncologist wasn't nearly as easy to talk to as my surgeon and she kind of made me a little nervous so I didn't take any notes that day.  I guess I will find out Monday.

    Sissydi - :) on the head shaving!  This may sound awful but I truly hate my hair and while I would never CHOOSE to lose it this way, I think I like the way the wig looks much better than my real hair! I got my wig, some bandanas, some sleeping caps, etc...through a program at one of the hospitals today and I really like mine.  I am going to go ahead and get my hair cut shorter just to make it easier to manage the next couple weeks and then when it starts going, I will probably just get rid of it all at once too. 

    BTW, re: kids - I used the "C" word at last today with my youngest.  I figured it was inevitable with all of us talking about it all the time and my parents being here.  What triggered it was watchinga sitcom last night and one of the characters thought they had cancer and the whole show was like "cancer=death" (and of course at the end, he didn't and everyone was happy).  I just didn't want her thinking that or overhearing anything confusing so I feel better that she knows the truth.  She wasn't upset, she is just very curious about the hair loss aspect :)

    tc- let us know what happens with your chest hurting - I will have Herceptin too and I am kind of worried about that aspect of it...

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  • GeorgiaMom
    GeorgiaMom Member Posts: 66
    edited March 2012

    @Love74- thanks! I'll be thinking of you as well! Will probably switch treatment dates to Wednesdays after this one. I'll have to see how this first one goes. Hope yours goes well.



    @zillamom - it's a real let down isn't it? I'm surprised your score was a 27 with a grade 1. Mine is grade 2 but micropapillary which is usually a grade 3 very aggressive cancer. I shouldn't have been surprised by my results but wishful thinking can make you somewhat delusional I guess. I'm sorry you're going through this a second time. That is just so unfair!



    Silly question, but can someone tell me what "nadir" is?

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Yes, nadir is the period of time after treatment when your white cells are lowest. Here's a great explanation:





    The nadir time is usually about 10 days after treatment, although this may vary depending on the drugs given.  The concern during the nadir time is that the body's first line of defense against infection, white blood cells (WBC) and the platelets, which help to clot the blood, are low leaving a person more susceptible to infection and bleeding.  The next dose of chemotherapy is given only after a person's blood counts have left the nadir and recovered to a safe level.

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  • GeorgiaMom
    GeorgiaMom Member Posts: 66
    edited March 2012

    Thanks Sissydi.  I figured it had something to do with blood counts.  Good to know that it is about 10 days after treatment.  Still have so much to learn....

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