March 2012 chemo

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  • journey4life
    journey4life Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2012

    Neutrophils are up - not normal but enough that I'll see the PS tomorrow! Forgot to ask MO if I'm out of quarantine yet... :)

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  • journey4life
    journey4life Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2012

    amy - be sure to share what you found out today.

    welcome to all new Marchers!

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  • shera
    shera Member Posts: 184
    edited March 2012

    Today is day 6 after tx #2 for me. The past two days are a blur of sleep. Just feeling very weak and tired. Getting the upper-hand on the blues today. Like many of you, I am generally upbeat -- so I believe this depression is a SE of all this crap. My recent blog update explains where I am in this -- and I'm guessing you can relate and might even get a laugh out of it. 

    http://fleetingglances.blogspot.com/2012/03/im-not-gonna-lie-this-sucks.html

     

    good luck slak, tripleM, and all who have treatments today!

    Nice to meet you sandrav, westwoodmom, caravanmom and new Marchers. 

     

    Amymomto5 - hope you resolve the hive situation. So far the only itching I have is on my buzzed skull. Which is getting a little bit pimply. 

     

    Q: What's sexier than a bald chick? 

    Ans: A bald chick with pimples on her skull!

     

    Brax - I'm using Biotene toothpaste.  I was using the baking soda/salt mouthwash - but my tongue began forming a crack. MO had no suggestions for me, so I opted to stop the baking soda / salt. 

     

    onvacation - yes to having white tongue and bland taste buds. happened last treatment too. I'm guessing the white coating is the toxins coming out. I've been gently brushing my tongue to help remove toxins. It might be thrush too... if thrush doesn't hurt. 

     

    And yes to taking supplements. Once I decided to go ahead with chemo, I invested in a naturopath for the first time ever. Our main goal right now, is to help minimize chemo side-effects. I'm taking vit D, liquid B6, probiotics, l-glutamine, a multi-vitamin specifically for chemo patients, and an immunity booster tincture. 

     

    I'm also swigging aloe juice first thing every morning for intestinal support. 

     

    My digestive side-effects have been minimal -- but my energy level has also been minimal the last few days.   Those of you back to work are doing better than me! I will be going back to work later this week, or next week at half-time. Taking it one day at a time.

     

    (((Hugs))) to all Marchers 

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  • Lumpynme
    Lumpynme Member Posts: 747
    edited March 2012

    i'm using the biotene toothpaste too- not really thrilled iwth it but no mouth sores

    tx #4 done today !!!YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

    now for the bummer- MO said today that after my lumpectomy i will have to have MORE CHEMO-- my thought-and nurse's -is taxol--will be every three weeks --then rads.....logic is the lymph node involvement--need to be sure that is dead before radiation which is only to breast area...

    so- i see my BS on april 12th to decide which surgery- so far we have only ever talked lumpectomy so -- then get that scheduled ---go back to MO on may 7th

    PICC line removed today- there was discomfort around the site due to bandaging etc and i can get another put in before next chemo....

    i'm ok now but i was truly truly bummed this morning...gotta be honest!!!!!

    one of the huge problems is that i NEED to get a job and the one that wants me wants me mon thru fri 8-5! doc suggested chemo on  friday so only miss that day- not sure how late in the day they schedule those so will have to ask when i go for shot tomorrow....once i get hired i don't think time off for medical stuff is going to be that awful of a problem so long as i show them i can do the job! it's getting the job!

     so......life goes on and i am durned glad it does!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    hugs to all!

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Shera, what's the name of your multi?



    This morning, went for labs, all is good but neutrophils, which is expected, so now in lockdown, however, told them about my unrelenting nausea and severe bloating, and they took me right backs and infused I.V. zofran and fluids. My b.p. was low too, which is really weird, since I have high b.p.! Anyway, I'm getting to the point where mentally, every time I go in the infusion room, I am getting nauseated ; I guess I'm associating the smells now! Well, meds worked, I became hungry enough for chicken nuggets! Now I'm just exhausted! But, wanted to share what the nurses recommended for my particular nausea, as it's associated with acid indigestion. Now I am taking Zofran ( before it was just Ativan and compazine) along with Prilosec everyday. The Prilosec I will just continue all through treatment. So it's a two-fold attack that hopefully gets this under control! Just wanted to share, in case anybody else on A/C has the same issues!

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  • Cucho
    Cucho Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2012

    I totally agree with Masserz regarding the bad times and the good times, very well said. One thing that is good for balancing emotions during treatment is Yoga. If you can fit it in to your life, the positive impacts are both mental and physical. For those who are not usually into Yoga and dont feel like nows the time to learn a new thing, I would highly recommend Restorative Yoga- this is a resting gentle relaxing healing style of yoga which creates a flood of wellbeing in you..you just lie in comfotable positions supported by props and breathe in and out. Its important to find a Yoga teacher you are comfortable talking to re your treatment and SEs..

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    ((Margo)))... I can totally understand you feeling bummed! Nothing worse than being told their is MORE treatment you weren't counting on! When will you know about your job?



    By the way, the wreath on your front door is so cute! I'm assuming it's your door?

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

    Hi everyone.



    What has everyone's white count been when they go for labs? I was really disappointed that mine was only 3.6 (the normal range onthe sheet I have is 4.1 to 10 something) the nurse didn't seem overly concerned and said it would come back up next week. I just thought with the Nuelasta it would have been higher. :(



    Horrible new problem since I got home. TMI so get ready Constipation has hit and when I did go to the bathroom it was not pretty. I guess I strained and there was bleeding. Don't know if it is hemmoroids or what. I am miserable. I had already felt nauseous and gotten a headache on the way home.



    Hope y'all are having a better day than I am.

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Right with ya Karri. I know your on A/C too. This is a tough chemo.

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

    Sissy I am going to try the Prilosec too. Worth a shot.

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  • Love74
    Love74 Member Posts: 175
    edited March 2012

    I started prilosec on the day of my second treatment...one word..relief. I highly recommend it. OTC's weren't cutting it for me!



    Shera...I have the same pimply head!!! Almost at tx # 3 and I still have lots of stubble hanging on...about the same density as my leg hair would be. Anybody else?

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  • Lumpynme
    Lumpynme Member Posts: 747
    edited March 2012

    sissy-- the job has been all but offered to me- well the company wants me- they have several places they want to put me- in detail oriented type things-glorified data entry etc--which at my age is ok! starting pay is very good and would be full time and is only 7 miles from home- they want me when i can be available mon thru fri 8-5....sooooooooooooooooooo not sure what is going to happen--i need to call teh HR gal--since i have an appt on 4/12 with surgeon and then will have surgery they may say wait til after that--if i tell them i need fridays off every 3 weeks they may not go with it--but then they do allow creativity with employees going in early leaving early etc--it' the getting in the door part that has to come first!!!!

    the wreath--ha! wish it was on my door- maybe i should make one! actually i borrowed the pic from pinterest--a bunch of us on the february 2012 chemo board  were in a lil umbrella phase about our chemo "cocktails" !!!! i just haven't changed the pic out again yet!

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  • Lumpynme
    Lumpynme Member Posts: 747
    edited March 2012

    karri----my WBC were 4.9 (at pre anything draw 1/26);started chemo 2/13; 14.1 high(2/27);11.1 high (3/12);10.2 (today3/26)------- did they still let you have your tx?

    i found that if i eat some prunes it helps on the constipation issue- also i make oatmeal with raisins or put raisins in my greek yogurt....and drinking lots of fluids -not caffienated...once you get to the point where it bleeds it can be so painful! sorry that you had to go thru that!

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  • galena_79
    galena_79 Member Posts: 107
    edited March 2012

    Tx2 Day 9. Hello to everybody, and a -wave- to the newcomers. I hope you're feeling happy and healthy today. We've nearly made it through our first month!  (I presume we will still be the Marchers, once April starts?)

    It's a beautiful sunny Autumn Tuesday morning here in Christchurch. I woke up with plenty of energy, feeling pretty good. The harsh side effects have definitely backed off now, just feeling a teensy weensy bit nauseous, and I have a sore throat. I did some laundry earlier, and I think I might go out for lunch later.

    Corky- I hope crying helped you feel better. (Sometimes I think of crying like a release valve that I need after building up too much pressure.)

    Karri- I lol'd about the hummus! I think I cried about chocolate a couple weeks back.

    Masserz- Word.

    Brax- I am using a high concentrate sodium fluoride toothpaste that my dentist recommended. Colgate NeutraFluor 5000 Plus. Have been regularly rinsing my mouth with salt water too.

    onvacation- The only supplement I am taking is a Berocca every morning.  Probably don't even really need to take that.

    Amy- I really hope that you can get those SE's under control soon! They sound scary.

    Karri- (((hugs))) Oh, I remember that pain from my first tx! Felt like I would never heal! But I did. I recommend buying some wet wipes and some barrier cream to help with the healing. This time around I have avoided it by monitoring my BM's religiously; I take stool softeners most of the time, unless I have diarrhoea.

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

    Thanks Galena and Margo. Oh and no it wasn't tx day. It was just one week post tx and 6 days post Nuelasta. I was at 6.8 last week pre chemo. I just thought the shot would have boosted it up more.



    However I was just reading about antibiotics. They can actually lower your white counts. Today is my last day of a 2 week Doxycycline treatment so maybe that played a part. Regardless I will lie low this week. Not like I have anything to do anyway. It's good that I am a homebody. :)

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  • brax
    brax Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2012

    Thanks for the toothpaste feedback everyone.  I take prilosec too and it really helps.  Did not realize it could still be gotten by prescription mine is OTC.

    Shera Are your multi-vitamins by prescription?

    Galena Glad you are getting some relief.  Hope you enjoyed lunch today.

    Good luck to all undergoing treatment this week, minimal SE's to all.

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

    Well I made it all day at work today, not too bad since I was so busy, didn't have time to be that tired.  Home now plopped on the couch.  I thought about taking a nap, but I want to make sure I sleep through the night, so will try and stay upright till at least 9pm tonight!  

    I am not constipated for sure, not the other either just going a lot!  I must have been storing it up for a while!  But I guess it is good to get all of that out of me!  Even though I have no taste, I am still trying to drink my green drink every day and make sure I get some protein, so hopefully that is helping!  

    As far as supplements I already take a priobiotic every morning, but had backed off my multi vit, fish oil and vit D.  I have been taking magnesium at night to help keep everything moving.

    Hope everyone had a good day with minimial side effects! 

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  • shera
    shera Member Posts: 184
    edited March 2012

    Lumpynme - Your positive attitude amazes me. I am so sad that you need more chemo. Good luck with job and I hope everything works out so that you can easily complete additional treatment. 

     

    Sissydi - The name of the multi is Supportive Care ll: Nutritional Support for Oncology Patients,  made by THORNE Research, Inc. 

    I see you're having problems with nausea -- my naturopath told me that the L-Glutamine would be my best friend during chemo... to help alleviate nausea and constipation/diarrhea.

     

    Brax - no, the supplements I'm taking are not by prescription. But I have communicated with my MO what my naturopath has me taking... and he hasn't told me to stop. And a few of the chemo-nurses have even encouraged me. I think this is because the supplements are meant to help avoid and/or treat chemo side-effects, they are not meant to treat the cancer or interfere with the chemo. 

    When I'm done with chemo -- I will switch to an anti-cancer regiment. 

     

    Cucho - thanks for the yoga reminder. I haven't been motivating myself enough. Been wallowing in a "sleep - treat symptoms - sleep" rut. 

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  • Masserz
    Masserz Member Posts: 92
    edited March 2012

    Good luck to those being treated today! And welcome to our newcomers!



    Brax, like Shera and LumpyNme, I am using Biotene toothpaste. It tastes a whole lot like baking soda to me, but regular mint was too strong when my tongue was sensitive. It's not great, but it works...



    LumpyNme, I am so sorry about your news. That is rough. I do wish you luck with the job situation. This is for sure not a great time to have to deal with that too!



    Sissydi, I had low BP too, but mine is normally somewhat low. It was really low after my first treatment. Thought DHs eyes were going to bug out, but the nurse didn't seem concerned.



    Cucho, I'm goin got start yoga soon. Not so much for the emotional aspect, though that might be a bonus, but because I think it's a form of exercise I can handle through out this process. I'm starting to feel like a mushy lump.



    Karri, my WBC was just below the low end of the range on Day 8 as well Andy Day 15 it was just above the high range. I am interested to see what happens this time.



    Love74, I haven't had any breakouts yet, but I am extremely close to being completely bald. Just some light blonde chicken fuzz left now. I went to Look Good Feel Good today (thanks again!) and they used me as the model, so I pulled of my scarf and the lady next to said, "didn't you say you hadn't had your second treatment yet?". She was so shocked. I was by far the most bald person in the room! I'm going to bic off the fuzz tonight so I can go commando when I want.



    My next treatment is this Thursday. I feel like a deer in the headlights. I get butterflies in my stomach everytime I think about it!

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  • Love74
    Love74 Member Posts: 175
    edited March 2012

    Something positive for today...I can only see one grey hair instead of 50!!

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  • Masserz
    Masserz Member Posts: 92
    edited March 2012

    Love74 -woo hoo! : D

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

    Kim - impressive.



    Love, I almost forgot about the good thing. Mine is totally non BC related. I was able to save 35% off a Vera Bradley bag for DD's birthday with a coupon at the Halmark store. Those things aren't cheap

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  • Amymomto5
    Amymomto5 Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2012

    Hi girls - saw the dermatologist, and get this - it was 2 hours past time to take my Benadryl, and no rash!  Isn't that always how it goes when you go to the doctor? (And this morning it was so bad it was even on my face!)  Anyway, she switched me from Beanadryl to something similar that's prescription (hydroxyzine, which is Atarax).  Also she said I can take 1 Claritin in the morning and 1 at night.  I will see my oncologist tomorrow afternoon to talk about how to proceed with chemo.  The dermatologist seemed to think that I will need lots of pre-meds beforehand.  She thinks the hives are from the chemo drugs.  I wonder too about stress, because the day it started I was frantically cleaning house, getting ready for out of town company.  Anyway, no sign of the rash today, and I only took a half-dose of the new medicine.  I'm hoping that means it's gone for now!

    Karri - so sorry about how your afternoon turned out!  Hope you are feeling better.  And the white count, I don't know where my brain was that I was thinking 3 is normal.  Anyway, I am going to the Look Good Feel Better program tomorrow at St. V's, but I'm sure you need to lie low with your count being down.  I'll let ya know how it goes. I'll probably be in a hat tomorrow, my hair is falling out so fast! 

    Hugs to everyone!

    Amy 

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  • slak
    slak Member Posts: 179
    edited March 2012

    Thanks to everyone who wished good luck to me and the others starting chemo today.  I'm home and feeling good.  It was pretty uneventful, thankfully, though I was incredibly nervous going in.  It really helps to hear your experiences.  My doc told me to take an Ativan tonight so I could sleep with the Decadron on board.  I haven't been sleeping well lately, so I will follow her instructions.  Have a great night everyone! 

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  • FightingforA
    FightingforA Member Posts: 62
    edited March 2012

    Well, it has started. I just pulled a small dog from my head. I don't know why I'm having such a hard time with the hair loss thing. I knew it would be rough, But I thought I was prepared. I have a wig, a hat, and a couple of scarves. So I'm not sure why I'm finding myself bawling like a baby about it right now.

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  • MichelleMassey
    MichelleMassey Member Posts: 213
    edited March 2012

    Thanks for all the support for tx 1 AC today. Didn't have any problems bit he sent me home with a pump to infuse the AC over 24 hours. He said it might make the SE easier or less. I guess we will see. About to go sit down and eat dinner. Have a blessed night all!

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  • journey4life
    journey4life Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2012

    nsmolen - cry as much as you need to. Your hair is just one more friggin' sacrifice made to this disease and you have every right to be emotional.

    I HATE BREAST CANCER!

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

    nsmolen - (((HUGS)))  yea weird about the hair isn't it, it is one side effect that we KNOW we will get, yet it is usually the hardest to deal with.  LOL with a small dog pulled from your head!  Mine hasn't started coming out yet, but I can see a change, my hair is very dry and won't do anything and my scalp is tender.  I know I will be crying buckets when it happens!

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  • ladyfighter
    ladyfighter Member Posts: 184
    edited March 2012

    Hi everyone :) so many messages passed since I last posted ! Sad so many of you in here but happy I feel warmth with so many of you, as if we embrace together and understand each other !



    AC Tx1 Day4, (and 2nd of 5 injections of neupogen). I'm so-so little better than yesterday when I was down in dumps! Today after neupogen drove to spend time with my mom thenhome my son and his gf took me out to buy some foods and when it was done I felt so exhausted and yucky feeling as if I worked hard or ran marathon??? Unlike me !! Ugh! Not sure if it's from neupogen? Anyone ? I skipped clartin last night to see if I get no pains today so far slightly pains in my collarbone, again not sure if from port surgery not healing ???



    I loved coffee, 2 cups a day but , since chemo, I have been down to half cup a day!? it didn't taste good :( and my appetite is so-so, I'm Italian and pasta was my big thing but haven't had one yet cause I didn't have good appetite, boo. I eat bland foods ever since. But drank lots of water though.



    I hope everyone else is doing okay, so many of you, i can't keep track who is who but I have read every one of your comments faithfully.



    Stay well! Xoxoxox





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  • ladyfighter
    ladyfighter Member Posts: 184
    edited March 2012

    ((((nsmolen))))) I said to myself I can deal with upcoming hair loss but now i wonder??? I already got wig, hat and scarfs..



    Hang on in there.



    Yes CANCER s u c k s !!!!!!

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