March 2012 chemo

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

    Kadia, it is a little "green"  you can always add more fruit!  Berries would be good in it too!  

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  • Masserz
    Masserz Member Posts: 92
    edited March 2012

    For anyone wanting to add more nut butters during this process, Justin's makes really cool "to go" packs of both peanut and almond butters in a couple of favors. Makes it easy to take it with you all the time. I keep a couple in my purse in case I get hungry. They sell them at lots of grocery stores out here as well as REI and other places like that. There's a store finder on their website if you are interested.



    http://justinsnutbutter.elsstore.com/view/category/6001-packs/

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  • JennL
    JennL Member Posts: 78
    edited March 2012

    Hi ladies, the nutritionist got back to me and she said avoiding raw fruits and veggies is not necessary unless your WBC and platelet count is EXTREMELY low, even then you don't need to be so extreme.  She said to wash with water and a small amount of soap.  Organic is better because there are less pesticides but it will have the same bacteria content.  She did say to avoid raw fish, cook meat through and avoid deli meat.  I also like green smoothies from the vita mix and she said these are fine just discard the leftovers instead of saving for later.  Hope this helps everyone.  

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  • khintul
    khintul Member Posts: 33
    edited March 2012

    JennL - thanks for the info.

    I'm currently under "house arrest" because my WBC is indeed extremely low - I was told to stay away from practically everything, no raw fruits or veggies AT ALL, cook everything! I'm keeping this up until I go for tx #2 on Tuesday; hope I don't have to postpone because the levels are still too low. 

    My SEs have been really very minimal; have had a few times when I just thought I might be getting queasy, so immediately popped a Compazine and that took care of it. My appetite is way off whack, sometimes to the point of having to make myself eat. And what used to sound so good to me no longer does. I have a big sweet tooth, and it's totally on vacation (actually, I'd be kind of glad if it just stayed away)

    I was hungry for Chinese food today, so went to a nearby drive through and got some Kung Pao chicken to bring back home - the rice was the best part!

    Almost one full cycle under my belt now, 7 more to go. Yippee!

    Good weekend with minimal to no SEs for everyone.

    Karon

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

    Karon hope that blood count gets back up!  

    JennL thanks for the info!  Good to hear from a nutritionist! 

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited March 2012

    Okay, hate to be downer here, but I was raw vegetable juicing big time after diagnosis and before Mastectomy which was for about a month.    My Oncologist, nutritionist and other medical personnel at the University of Michigan, told me NOT TO juice during chemo as it can actually interfere with the chemo killing cancer as juicing is so powerful.  

    However, the PhD Nurse Practitioner who last talked with me about it said to definitely begin it right after chemo as she did her doctoral thesis on juicing and breast cancer.  She said it definitely helps to prevent recurrence. 

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

    That is weird Denise -I asked my MO if I could continue juicing and he said absolutely!  I guess everyone is different.  But for now, I am going to continue (assuming it will still taste good) unless my doctor tells me otherwise.  Though I do agree it is powerful!   I've been juicing for 2 years and it is the best thing I've added to my diet I think.  Maybe it is because you haven't been doing it for long?

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  • Rose12
    Rose12 Member Posts: 95
    edited March 2012

    Hello everyone,

    Going to go for Chemo even though no lymph node involvement.MyOnotype score came back 61-34% recurrance rate. I was just planning for radiation. I am a bit nervous because I see as soon as people are done with their Chemo it shows up right away. I don't think I will get a port, and I don't know if I will lose my hair. My appointment is this Thursday. I have no history of breast cancer in the family, but my mothers brother had cancer in the wrist, arm amputed. All my fathers sisters(4) had cancer including my father. So maybe that is why my score was high. Father had lung cancer, sisters one had lung cancer, others colon cancer, retcal cancer. So maybe I inheriate his genes. Anyway, the doctor told me normally they would just do radiation due to stage 1 a, but because it is Grade 3 and Progestrone negative I am going for chemo. If anyone else has similar diganosis would like to know how you did your chemo and what kind. Please spell out and explain to me as I am unfamilar with the abbreviations. Thank you all, 

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  • munnybunni
    munnybunni Member Posts: 156
    edited March 2012

    florida55....did your BS suggest a genetic dr to you so they can look at family tree, etc.

    I know i didnt expect to have chemo as i had no lymph node involvement...but, my Mammoprint came back with HER2-negative...with high risk of recurrence 22-29%...so i am chemo bound this next thursday  with 4  A/C treatments...some of these other women are alot more knowledgeable than I....so i cant add much

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  • Rose12
    Rose12 Member Posts: 95
    edited March 2012
    I really do not know what a mammoprint is. I am just going by my Onotype score. Good luck to you with your chemo, please let me know how you do. Smile
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  • Masserz
    Masserz Member Posts: 92
    edited March 2012

    Love, Lisa and Karri, thank you so much for the seroma stories and advice. I feel less stressed about it now. I will call tomorrow if for no other reason than so they can plan that work into their schedule, but maybe they will want to see me sooner. I don't think it's urgent right now, but I don't know how much bigger it will get before then. I don't think I would even have it except for all of the infusions I've had In the last week!



    Florida55 that MammaPrint test is similar to Oncotype in that it provides an estimate of risk of recurrence or metastasis. Oncotype is sometimes used more widely because it can also provide information about whether someone might benefit from Tamoxifen, but MammaPrint can be used by women who are ER negative or positive. Both are good tests if they apply to you.

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  • Amymomto5
    Amymomto5 Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2012

    Kim, I read Kris Carr's book Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips a couple weeks ago and loved it! I am going to order the DVD and her other books. She's so upbeat and inspirational.  I am going to try these smoothies that were shared.  I bought a juicer a couple months ago but have not tried it.  (Might wait on that til after chemo).  I have been trying to eat better the past several years.  Had given up red meat a couple years ago, and reduced chicken.  We eat a lot of fish and beans.  I also just cannot give up cheese. (I'm originally from Wisconsin!)  I could go vegan if it weren't for cheese! 

    Welcome Florida55 and good luck!

    On the topic of eating out, I would stay away from fast food - too risky.  Karri, that sonic in Greenbrier gave me food poisoning a few years ago.  Last December, I got sick from taco bell - but it wasn't even the beef - it was a chicken quesadillos! (That was in Clinton).  Maybe just eat at restaurants you trust.  When I go to appts I bring power bars. 

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

    Amy - Kris just put out an ebook all about juicing and smoothies - it is on her web page.

    I haven't had fast food in years.  I just remember the story on how you can leave a mcdonalds hamburger and fries out for a year and no mold - real food molds!   

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  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited March 2012

    Hi Everyone

    Thought I'd pop in here.  Although I started TCH in February I'll be continueing thru March and into April. 

    I wanted to say that I had the horrible bone pain and back spasms after TX1 but using the advice of others I used the 24 hour Clariton.  It worked for me!  It sure beat taking mega percocet for the pain.I only had about an hour of back spasms and nothing like the first go around.  All courtesy of the Nuelasta shot.

    For everyone at the earlier stages of hair loss I let mine ride until about day 24 from 1st TX.  It was really thinning and my scalp was starting to get kind of sore so I had my hair guy buzz it off. Its a bit weird being bald but it does make the wig fit better and it feels kind of awesome in the shower.  Makes that process a breeze with no hair to fuss with.  At first I had to sleep with a cap because it was chilly but you get used to it.

    Shera..Loved your pic.  I admire artists since I can't draw a stick figure to save my life.

    Cheers ladies, we will get through this.  Thankfully we have this place here where nothing is TMI!

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

    Hi there - so on the clariton what was your routine?  I've read different things, but I was going to try one the day before the shot (so day of chemo) and one 1 hour before the shot and then for 5 days following.  WHat did you do?

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  • Masserz
    Masserz Member Posts: 92
    edited March 2012

    Myleftboob- I wish the Claritin worked for me! I actually take it daily for allergies so I think maybe it doesn't have the same effect for me since I have a therapeutic dose in my system all the time. I had horrible back pain and spasms every time I sat down or stood up. I had to go in for Demerol just to get it to calm down so I could try to get ahead of it. Luckily it's gone now. I think Percocet is my only recourse. :(

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  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited March 2012

    onvacation

    I took it the day before TX then every day for a total of 7 days.  Funny enough yesterday I didn't take it and had some back spasms although nowhere near what I had with the first TX. My neulasta shot is 24 hours after chemo.  My MO was fine with but wasn't the one to recommend it though.  I met with him the day before TX and told him about the spasms and how I was trying the 24 Clariton.  All he said is that it works for some.

    Masserz

    I guess because its already in your system its not going to have the same effect.  Believe me I was taking a percocet every couple of hours it was that bad.  Walking around was the only thing that somewhat helped.  The worst was the onset of it during a bout of diarrea.  Oh what fun!!  Couldn't get up and walk around then LOL!!

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  • ladyfighter
    ladyfighter Member Posts: 184
    edited March 2012

    Hi sissydi, you can add me for march.

    Going for port surgery on wed, march 21, then begin chemo next day thurs, march 22 at hospital.

    It will be AC x 4 every 2 weeks, then taxol x 4 every 2 weeks then herceptin. Not sure about radiation I think after taxol and before herceptin ? With AC, it will be included aloxi and decadron in it. Is it good? Also neulasta injection day after AC. I read about clartins, definitely will take it! Is it with D or without? I also read about drinking lots of water before during and after?

    Oh and, my oncotype is surprisedly 67% !!?? That is why my mo wanted agressive chemo. I am already menopause since oct 2010, I'm 49.

    Also I have been taking Effexor XR for 7 years. I hope to get thru all this! It will be at the hospital because of insurance issues I have, my PCIP and Medicaid are pending at this moment but my mo ordered hosp to schedule me! I was surprised!! I was that close to get back on the plane and fly back to Argentina to do the treatments there.

    I hope to learn a lot from all of you in here.

    Love you all

    -Jeanne

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  • shera
    shera Member Posts: 184
    edited March 2012

    brax -- whoa! Thanks for the heads-up on the "at home injectable co-pays"

    I never would have thought that it could be different!  Oh --- I've had a headache (ranging from mild to bad) everyday since treatment -- and I did not take any Zofran.  I would join an exercise thread. Great idea! (I think it was yours..?. so many of us on here...can't remember)

     

    melly -- please let me know if Claritin D works for you. Sound like your experience (with regular 24) was like mine. I also had extreme bone pain. 

     

    Myleftoob --  same for me. Lived on percocet just to make my skeleton bearable during Neulasta pain! Moving helped sometimes thought NOT when it was at its worst. I started meditating while moving --- looked like Tai Chi --- felt pretty good so I've kept it up. 

    Your schedule for Claritin was different than what I did. I did not take any BEFORE treatment, took first right after treatment. I will try it this way. Though my MO plans to cut Neulasta shot in half if my counts are high enough. 

     

    AMYmomto5 -- pain after Neulasta shot -- for me, first sign was mild growing pains in my knees 4-5 hours after the shot, by 1am (Day3) I was in pain.  Days 4,5,6 were awful. Days 6-10 were not great. Day 11 was my first almost pain-free day. Very glad I'm on a 3-week cycle and not 2-week dose dense!

     

    Alicea -- Thanks for that info -- I will ask my doc about whether I really need neulasta on a 3week cycle! 

     

    khintul -- my naturopath has me taking a probiotic. Brand: Klaire Labs, name: Ther-biotic Complete Powder. She has me swishing it in my mouth before swallowing to help with mouth sores too. She also has me taking l-glutamine powder, also swishing and swallowing. My digestive symptoms were mild after 1st infusion. I also take a swig of aloe juice first thing every morning. 

     

    onvacation -- Thanks for smoothie recipe. Going to try it! I used to Zumba. So fun. My instructor's name was Felipe, authentic Latin moves.... and eye candy!  

     

    Kadia -- oh man-- thanks for the 'holy mess' warning.  My hair started mild shedding on days 15 and 16 exactly as yours. I took a shower on day 17, and things held on pretty good.. but am now on day 18 and looks like dread-locks forming. (I live in a hippy college-town, so dreads don't make me stand out). With a hat on -- everything look pretty normal... so I'm gonna wait it out a bit longer. I have a big dog and a hairy boyfriend -- so my tolerance for fallen hair might be higher than normal. 

     

    Funny thing happened today -  I went to a friends picnic -- hugged a friend -- about a minute later he pulls a long piece of hair out of his beard and says out loud "where the hell did that come from"  --- I whispered in my boyfriends ear "that would be me". 

     

    KatyCB - I bought a wig that looks ridiculous, going to return it. I can't tie a scarf, so going to rock the newsboy hat --which isn't a drastic style change for me since I wear them regularly. I purchased some new ones from headcovers.com designed soft for bald head. Also going with the beanie hats. they are so comfy. I had real long hair cut to a pixie and saved it to create a halo under my hats. I'm going for "comfort and not looking like a cancer advertisement". I do love it when you gals rock the bald -- I'm a big music festival attendee and can see going "topless" in that environment. I might even let my friends sign my head. Everything goes at a music-fest weekend. 

     

    Thanks everyone for nice words regarding artwork!

     

    My newest piece -- (below) --- inspired by this experience of community with women holding each other for strength -- it sold to a new friend who lives on the other coast :)  I spent the money on some new hats!

     

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Shera, absolutely beautiful........I love it! It's perfect for our thread! Simply gorgeous!

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  • Tvaliente
    Tvaliente Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2012

    Terri A/C x 4, T x 4, start March 2

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  • galena_79
    galena_79 Member Posts: 107
    edited March 2012

    Day 21. Today was an absolute stunner. Blue skies, 27'C / 80.6'F. I love Sundays like that.

    My temperature was back down to normal today, and my cold symptoms backed off. My neutrophils were a little low last week, so I hope my bloods are fine for tx #2 tomorrow morning. Keeping my fingers crossed.

    Hair has been an issue for a few days. About a third of my pubic hair has gone, leaving random bald areas. My head hair is starting to go now too. It comes out in the shower, and I find it on the pillow. I wonder how long before the head scarves go from being a fashion choice to a necessity?

    tc9876- I too wonder if / when my periods will stop during treatment.

    1marmalade1- Thanks for your update. Nice to hear that there's life after chemo. :D

    Sissydi- LOL about the 'period club'. Damn, another club I didn't want to be in! :D I hope your period finishes before Monday. You don't need to be dealing with even more SE's!

    Masserz- Awesome to hear that you're feeling good today. Maybe you need to keep a sipper bottle of water beside the bed so you can stay hydrated through the night?

    Florida55- I also had no lymph node involvement, with grade 3. However, I am PR+. I am doing four infusions of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide, on a three-weekly cycle. Then I switch to Paclitaxel, of which I will have twelve weekly infusions.
    People may refer to these drugs with different names. Doxorubicin goes under the trade names Adriamycin or Rubex. Cyclophosphamide goes under the trade names Cytoxan or Neosar. Paclitaxel goes under the trade names Taxol or Onxal.
    Information about Doxorubicin: http://www.chemocare.com/bio/doxorubicin.asp
    Information about Cyclophosphamide: http://www.chemocare.com/bio/cyclophosphamide.asp
    Information about Paclitaxel: http://www.chemocare.com/bio/paclitaxel.asp

    Shera- I love the painting. Thanks for sharing it with us. :)

    RE exercise thread- I'm interested in joining. When it is started, could someone PM me the link so I can make it a favourite? I am not very fit, and certainly not slim, but before BC I would do some exercise most days, and I want to get back into it.

    On the food-front- I had a terrible diet until I was diagnosed with Diabetes T2 last year. I switched to a low-GI diet. Lots of veges and water, plenty of protein, complex carbs, mainly unsaturated fats.

    I used to love drinking juices, but gave it up.  I will drink it if all the pulp and skin is retained, so that I get all the fibre and nutrition out of the fruits and veges.  Even then, I have to be careful not to drink more than I could eat fresh, due to the potentially high sugar content.

    (Having said that, while dealing with chemo SE's, I have been eating whatever I feel like and can stomach.)

    Everyone- I hope your SE's are small and your smiles are big.

    Kia kaha (be strong).

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  • KCB
    KCB Member Posts: 365
    edited March 2012

    Shera, what a stunning painting. So thankful you shared it with us. And I'm impressed with your long detailed post... I can only seem to respond to one thing at a time!

    Galena, so glad Sunday is looking good for you! Do you ladies find, at all, that the moments of good are shining brighter than before? Not to get all hokey.

    Woke up with a sore throat. Day 6 of #1. no fever though. I can wait this out, right? Not urgent?

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

    Shera you are very talented!  Love the picture!

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  • SAR843
    SAR843 Member Posts: 65
    edited March 2012

    Hi everyone! I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer on Feb 28, 2012. My friend Bon (from another thread on these boards) directed me here, so I could join in. So, I just wanted to say hi. I go for my first chemo treatment on Tues 3/27. The waiting continues to be the hardest part, especially since it's been about two months since I first noticed symptoms. 

    I also have a question - Has anyone taken supplements while on chemo? A friend suggested I take Z-Radical, Fucoidan, and Selenium. He said they'll help boost my immune system and help me through the chemo. My doctors said I should just stick with a multi-vitamin, and I'm inclined to listen to them, but I was just wondering if anyone else has heard of and taken those supplements. Thanks! 

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  • Muscles
    Muscles Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2012

    Hi Roostintoo, I'll be starting the clinical (Herceptin) trial too. I'll find out for sure if I'm accepted this week.

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  • KCB
    KCB Member Posts: 365
    edited March 2012

    Hi Sar843, welcome, and very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I bet you'll find this a very supportive place, comforting, helpful.

    There is so much info to filter through, isn't there? We hear so many things about different treatments/meds/foods/supplements, and it's natural to want ot try anything at all that will make it feel easier or less invasive.... I guess go with your gut. My instinct is to gather info (can't really help it, it's almost all I can think if these days), but to take faith in what my medical team is telling me. I've also heard a regular multivitamin is enough, and that some supplements or megadoses if vitamins can be contra indicated.

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  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited March 2012

    SR843

    Welcome to the club no one wants to join.  Re the supplements.  Double check with the MO.  I think as long as they don't have an antioxidant you're OK but best to defer to them.  I only found out about this when I was drinking a huge green tea during my 2nd TX.  Apparently it reduces the effacy of I beleive Herceptin, but don't quote me on that.  The chemo nurse did tell me which, just can't remember. 

    KatyCB

    Sorry about the sore throat.  Keep taking your temperature throughout the day.  Provided it doesn't get too high you don't have an infection.  Pretty sure the nurse said anything over 101.  If you're not sure and its after hours, you can always call Telehealth in Ontario.  I don't know if you have every had to use this service before but its very good if your unsure about having to get to the ER.  I've used it 2x in the past unrelated to BC.  Once when I burned my stomach really bad in a pasta accident,  (note to self, don't drink too much wine then pour off a huge pot of pasta).  Then another time when the DH fell and hit his head really bad.  Kept us out of the ER both times.

    Shera

    If you can rock the bald do it!  Its alot more comfortable for sure.  I don't know if I'm brave enough personally though in public but you sound like a free sprit.  Your right about music festivals, no one would really notice LOL!!  You could rename it Baldapalooza!  BTW great painting.

    I'm just hoping for decent hair growth after this is done in late April. Don't know about that though since I'll still be doing Herceptin. Turning the big 50 in October and knowing my family and friends there's a surprise party in my future.  I'm not a big fan of the wig I have either really but I'm going to a local Look Good Feel Better class on Tuesday night.  I'm hoping that they have some wigs to at least try some different looks that I wouldn't have though of earlier.  The ones I seemed to have been drawn to at 2 other salons were all too poofy like 80's big hair.  Haven't had big hair since the 80's so I don't know what's up with that.  Likely subconciously I thought I could hide behind the hair.  Need something flatter, shorter.

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  • Lumpynme
    Lumpynme Member Posts: 747
    edited March 2012

    brax: Ice; during my AC they give me a popsicle to chew on- they don't have ice there at thet center....

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  • Masserz
    Masserz Member Posts: 92
    edited March 2012

    Shera- thank you so much for sharing your painting with us. I know I'm a little more emotional than usual these days, but I literally cried. It is not just visually beautiful, but evokes very strong emotions for me. You have an amazing way of depicting feelings. Thank you!



    Katy- I hope you don't end up getting sick. I'm also in my nadir and seem to have a bit of a cold. I'm just monitoring my temperature. I actually feel much better than I have so I take that as a good sign as long as there is no fever. Good luck!



    Muscles- is your profile picture really you? Wow. I was in good shape before my diagnosis, but now I'm thinking I need to kick it up a notch. Lol.



    SAR- welcome, I too am sorry about your diagnosis, but you will find lots of help and support here. With regard to the supplements, you have to go with what feels right to you, but I would urge you to listen to your doctors. There's nothing wrong with supplements in the normal course of living, but they really can interfere with your treatment. I work in oncology clinical trials and I can attest that it is really important that you follow your course of treatment as directed and don't do things that will interfere with the metabolism of the drugs. It's unfortunate that they can cause collateral damage, but in the end, the most important thing is that we let them do their job of destroying cancer cells. You can repair your body when treatment is done. Hopefully someday there will be less damaging treatments available (or better yet a way to avoid treatment altogether!).

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