March 2012 chemo

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  • GeorgiaMom
    GeorgiaMom Member Posts: 66
    edited March 2012

    Munnybunni and Onvacation- yes, you can go to the bathroom during infusion. You just wheel the IV with you. I went MULTIPLE times. It got to be somewhat of a joke .



    Sissydi and Masserz- the nurse told me that I might feel a sinus type headache during cytoxan infusion but to let her know and she could slow it down. Once she slowed it down the headache stopped and never came back. Worth a try next time.



    To everyone starting treatment today- good luck! Praying for minimal SE for everyone!



    Have a great day!



    Jeannie

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  • FightingforA
    FightingforA Member Posts: 62
    edited March 2012

    Today is C-day! I wish I could say that I got some sleep last night! Even with the Ativan that I finally took, I just tossed and turned. I'm nauseated already and they didn't even give me the chemo yet! This is one marathon I never thought I would have to run. I'm anxious to just get things started so that I can start moving on from this cancer crap! I go in at 10, so I'm hoping to at least enjoy a cup of coffee this morning and spend some time with my baby girl. She turned 6 months old yesterday! :)

    To those of us starting today, good luck and I'm hoping that we go through this with minimal SE's! For everyone else- I hope you are all feeling well today! Sending everone (((BIG HUGS)))

    Nicole

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  • brax
    brax Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2012

    Karri...ask your doctor or nurse to prescribe bandages.  They will be delivered to your home.  I had some wound healing issues and I was sent super absorbent bandages-they cost an arm and a leg but my insurance covered the cost.  I could not believe how well they worked - it made a huge difference. 

    Sissy..When I called my onc, I spoke to the nurse about the headaches.  She did not provide much info as to the cause.  I had read that the headaches are a side effect from herceptin and not listed for my chemo, but she said that was not necessarily true.  The sites differ with their info on side effects.  Another nurse called me and told me to get Excedrine and if that didn't work to take the percoset I had been avoiding.  I went looking for the Excedrine and apparently it was recalled, I could not get it.  I did take the percoset which just upset my stomach, even after eating.  But the next two days they were faint and ibuprofen did help.  After that headache free.

    Sending warm vibes to everyone starting today and wishing everyone minimal SE's :D

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  • brax
    brax Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2012

    Nicole, good luck today!  I had trouble sleeping the day before too.  My infusion went well it was much easier than I anticipated it would be.  The anxiety leading up to it can make it so much worse.  You can always ask the nurse or doc for ativan and it helps with nausea.  Ooohs and Aaahs to your baby girl!!!  Wishing you good luck today with minimal SE's :D 

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

    Good luck to all today - believe it or not, I wish I was there with you.

    Thanks brax - I have to go in to see my BS again today - I will ask her.  Picture this - two maxi pads (and I told him to get thin, did he get thin? NO!) taped on with two other ones on the sides held in place by bandaids because I don't have any medical tape.  For this, I am paying how many thousands of dollars of medical bills???

    They scheduled my us on my gallbladder for Thursday.  I really hope that it is nothing.  I can't decide if the nurse is just trying to make me feel better or it truly is no big thing that they are following up it.  I still just wish wish wish I didn't have that ovary issue on my PET as well but I guess if they AREN'T following up on that and they are on the gallbladder then the MO isn't concerned.

    Hope everyone else has a good day.

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  • brax
    brax Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2012

    Karri, you have me cracking up over here...picturing you with all these pads taped to you!!!  I just checked and the bandages I got were Mepilex and the other was Alleyvn I was also prescribed Mesalt which is a sodium chloride dressing,  If you have trouble getting the bandages or if your insurance doesn't cover it, pm me I can help, I have leftovers--we can't have you walking around with Maxi Pads taped to you lol.

    The waiting is the hardest part.  We are all waiting with you and praying that things go well for you Thursday.  Maybe you should ask your MO about the ovary issue you talk about.  It sounds like you did, but your definitely not convinced or at ease with the decision.  Maybe if he or she explains better why they are not concerned, you will be more at ease. 

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  • Alicethecat
    Alicethecat Member Posts: 535
    edited March 2012

    Hello LisaJCJ and the Chemo Marchers

    Very nice of Lisa to think of us in our week of need! This is a scary time!

    However, I am pleased to report that my first chemo session with FEC was relatively uneventful (headache with Cyclophosphamide, a bit of asthma and tingling afterwards but that stopped with Salbutamol and a paracetamol.)

    It was the dexamethasone (steroids) that wiped me out. Felt like I was in a fog today. 

    Hope everyone has coped OK too.

    AlicetheCat

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  • onvacation
    onvacation Member Posts: 1,344
    edited March 2012

    So I have everything set up for next week.  Monday is the port and Thursday is the first treatment.  Tonight I'm wig shopping with a friend.  Man this is real now I guess!  Can't be queen of de'nile!

    Karri - I have a visual of your pad situation!  LOL

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  • Leveled
    Leveled Member Posts: 77
    edited March 2012

    Hi munnybunny, I rented what is called penguin cold caps to try and save my hair. It is a cap at very low temperatures to actually freeze your hair follicles. Google penguin cold caps and listen to frank Fronda. I have spoken with a lot of woman who have used them with great success. I have a ton of info on it, you can also visit in this site cold caps past and present, someone else here referred me to that site.

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  • KCB
    KCB Member Posts: 365
    edited March 2012

    Hi all! Home safe and sound from #1, with a large headache (chemo or just stress/tension release), and so many pills to take! Thankfully I also have a printed schedule of when to take what. Wondering what my SEs will be but for now glad the first step has been taken. Cheers, to life.

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  • Love74
    Love74 Member Posts: 175
    edited March 2012

    I just discovered that Lindt chocolate easter eggs make me feel better!

    Hope everyone is doing okay this week.  I'm on day 5 of second treatment.  Pretty much the same same SE's as the first but a little more tired...and grouchy. 

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  • Lumpynme
    Lumpynme Member Posts: 747
    edited March 2012

    katy you are on your way!!!!!!

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Hugs to all of you beautiful girls starting treatment this week! For those of you on A/C, this is my week 3 since first tx, my next is 3/19, but I feel totally normal. Hopefully tx 2 will be the same, although I am told the fatigue is cumulative.....thinking of all you starters this week!

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Love, oh my gosh, chocolate Easter eggs would make me feel better too! Now I have a craving for them!

    Katy, take care of yourself and rest!

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Ahhhh! Hair is officially falling out now! Did a rub of my stubble, and it sprinkled like a Christmas tree! Arrrrgggghhhhh! Okay, rant and whine over ;)

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  • Love74
    Love74 Member Posts: 175
    edited March 2012

    Stupid cravings!  I also read another post about someone saying perogies were good...now I have to stop and get some on the way home!  My butt is going to get so big that nobody will notice my ugly hair!

    Is anybody getting implants after chemo?   

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  • Love74
    Love74 Member Posts: 175
    edited March 2012

    Sissydi...I have two nice bald patches in my stubble...near my forehead...not flattering!

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  • Msbelle
    Msbelle Member Posts: 235
    edited March 2012

    Love74: I am getting implants after chemo. Can't wait to get these TE out and the perm implant. They say it feels so much better.

    My head looks awful!!!! I look like I have a skin disease or something. Patches everywhere. It looks gross, I have been using a lint brush to try and get the rest off. It works good.

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  • FightingforA
    FightingforA Member Posts: 62
    edited March 2012

    Round 1 is done. I think it went well. I went through the Andriamycin fine, but the Cytoxen gave me some minor issues. My nose, eyes, and scalp felt like they see on fire, I got really congested, and started sneezing like crazy. The nurse said that they see that a lot in the "younger patients". I was started at 10 and was done by 1. Now I'm at home resting. I have a dull headache (probably stress), and I am actually quite nauseous. I'm thinking that I might have to break open the prescription of Compazine. They had given me 2 bags of anti nausea/anti emetic meds in the IV, but I guess I need a booster!

    Today was my first day on the defensive against these ugly cells growing in me. I'm ready to kick some cancer A$$!!!

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  • Love74
    Love74 Member Posts: 175
    edited March 2012

    Msbelle - I didn't get TE during UMX...so I'm half flat for a few months!  I can either get the TE put in this summer or wait until I have had a baby for tram flap...my PS won't do flaps until babies are done.  I'd prefer the flap in the long run but don't want to wait that long to be semi-normal.  What does the TE feel like?  Painful or just uncomfortable?

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  • Likeachickadee
    Likeachickadee Member Posts: 116
    edited March 2012

    Hi everyone,

    Looks like I'm joing the Marchers chemo parade.  I'm scheduled for my first infusion of T/C x4 on Monday the 19th.

    I've been reading the wonderful posts and have purchased the over the counter meds that were suggested.  Also have the steriods to take day before, day of and day after and the anti-nausea and antibiotic perscriptions filled.

    I know everyone handles SE differently and not everyone experiences the same SE, but I'm wondering for those on the T/C path, what your SE experiences were after the first infusion and when they started after the infusion.  I live alone and have sisters who have offered to come stay with me, but I hate to disrupt everyone's schedule if it's doable by myself.

    Thanks for any input! 

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  • Kadia
    Kadia Member Posts: 314
    edited March 2012

    Hi, chickadee, I had TC and only a mild headache during infusion. I could have driven myself home but arranged for transport because I wasn't sure how I would feel. Also, I wasn't sure if they were going to put Ativan in the infusion, impacting my ability to drive safely. You might want to have some help until you know how you will react. If no SEs, you can arrange to drive yourself to future infusions (which is what I am doing).



    Sissydi, day 15 and my hair started to shed, too. I wear it very short so no buzz yet. Wonder how long it will take to really thin out....

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

    Hope everyone did ok today. Just popped on to say I have another dang surgery tomorrow. BS feels it would be the quickest route to chemo to go and and reopen my incision from the SNB and clean and drain it and then put in a drain. Surgery at 7 in the morning. Cannot believe I am having my third surgery in the last three weeks. The best case scenario would be this would be a complete success and we could start chemo Monday. Here's hoping.

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  • KCB
    KCB Member Posts: 365
    edited March 2012

    Welcome to Chickadee! Hope you feel the good support and love coming from all these ladies!

    Karri: holy €£*^%#%!!! better to get it taken care if though, but what a roller coaster! Hang in.

    Re: my first chemo today: not much to report except still a headache and only very mild nausea... Have been keeping food in stomach, and managed a little wee dinner. For some reason I worry about going to sleep tonight in case some scary side effect happens...so looking forward to every new day, for it to go in a predictable not overly exciting way...

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  • onvacation
    onvacation Member Posts: 1,344
    edited March 2012

    Kari - you trying to break a record or something?  LOL good luck tomorrow!  Glad everyone's first day went fairly well!

    I had a great day at the wig shop today.  I am amazed at how far wigs have come!  They were so nice and helpful.  I go back next Tuesday to pick them up! 

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

    Now that I have a minute on my computer (and am postponing the going to bed that will lead to the getting up at 4 a.m. to go to the hospital)....

    Kim - how many did you get?  Did you get different styles or stay close to your style/color.

    Katy - glad things are going ok.  Try and rest if you can and hope you have a noneventful day tomorrow.

    Chickadee - welcome and good luck...God willing, I will start on the 19th as well with my first chemo.

    nsmolen - if you have the antinausea, I would definitely take it - they have given me Compzine, Zofran and Phenegran (just to have one hand to see if one works better than another)...I get nauseous so easily, I know I will be using it.

    Sissydi and msbelle - sorry about the head/hair issues...the rest of us will join you soon :)

    Love74 - those chocolate Easter eggs sound good about now...

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  • onvacation
    onvacation Member Posts: 1,344
    edited March 2012

    They told me to take the nausea pills the next day even if I felt ok - so I plan on taking mine!

    The shop had buy 2 get one free - so I got 2 right now - same length as mine now, one is straight and one has some curl and they recommended getting my 3rd one the same as my favorite one.  It is similar length as mine but a lot more hair than I have!  Figure if I am going to wear a wig why not have nice full hair! I will go in next week to pick up and she will also show me how to wear some scarfs and turbans and I will probably get some halo hair to wear with hats!

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  • Amymomto5
    Amymomto5 Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2012

    Done with chemo #1! My premeds were steroids and benadryl first, then Kytril and Emmend for nausea.  Then the Taxotere, which I was glad did not cause problems. Toward the end of the Cytoxan my sinuses started to burn.  They added a saline drip to help, it quit 15 minutes later. Mild nausea on the drive home (which is 1 1/2 hours, half of it very curvy) Got home, took a walk, felt better.  Now I am buzzing from the steroids, and anxious to be done on this computer so I can get up and maybe clean/organize! Thanks sooo much to everyone for well-wishes for those of us starting today!!

    Yes fedfan - I am "one of you" now, part of the club none of us want to be in. But you ladies are all so nice.  (Don't you love it when people say "You're doing chemo? I thought you didn't WANT to do chemo?!"  Who WANTS to do chemo??! We want to liiiive! People can be so dense, guess they don't know what to say.  Sorry, had to vent. I like it when people just tell me they're praying for me, and offer to bring food!) 

    KatyCB - so glad your only side effect seems to be a headache.  I too fear sleep - but probably won't with the steroids. I think I'll worry more when they wear off, silly I know.

    Love74 - Yes to implants, can't wait. You can PM me and I'll tell you more about what I'm doing, if you are interested.

    Karri... I saw that I have 2 PM's, haven't checked them yet (should've done that first) Don't know if one is from you but I'll check in a minute.  

    I scanned messages quick and frankly am totally foggy, but I think nsmolen and lisajcj started today, oh why didn't I take better notes tonight?? Anyway I hope all was smooth sailing for you two.  And hello to the newbies who've shown up since I was on the board! You're in good hands here! My nurse today said "you really have done your research" I said, "No, I have a great online support group!" Love you guys!

    In case anyone wants to know... Meds I came home with: Protonix for heartburn, Zofran and Ativan for nausea, oxycodone (which I thought was percoset, but it is straight up narcotic, no aceteminephan), for the obvious, Augmentin for later should I develop an infection on a weekend, and "magic mouthwash" - swish AND swallow... hmmm.  (Only if I develop sores) 

    Good luck to the rest who are "marching" in the middle, and those starting tomorrow or next week.  You'll do fine!

    Amy 

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

    Amy - Yes, I PMd you but I don't remember the last update it was - the latest is above - bleh.

    But for you - YAY!  Done with #1  And apparantly bouncing off the walls..lol!

    I know that drive and yeah, it is curvy!  I only have about 18 miles of curvy once we get off the interstate but that is no fun if you are nauseous and tired.

    Is the magic mouthwash different from the benadryl/mylanta concoction - it must be if you swallow it.  My mom gets something rX for her Sjogren's and I bet it is similar to that.

    Have a good night and a noneventful tomorrow.

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  • Amymomto5
    Amymomto5 Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2012

    Karri, I PM'd you.  My mixture is a prescription, it is benadry, lidocaine to numb, and Nystatin, which is antifungal.  The nurse said if I get sores, to use it before meals because the lidocaine numbs and it's more comfortable to eat.  Also, swallow, because your throat and esophagus get irritated and can get thrush too.  She said safe every 2-3 hours as needed. Literature says 4 times a day, though.

    I feel like I won't be "done" til the next 2 weeks are passed, but I am so glad to have a tx completed!! Now I absolutely have to get up and moooove, so hyper. Legs a little weak, though, which is weird.

    Amy 

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