April 2012 Chemo Starters?

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  • DianeC
    DianeC Member Posts: 38
    edited April 2012

    Melrosemelrose,

    I have vasoline that I apply afterwards. So far it is manageable but very irritating. I do have some Desitin and will try it. I'm willing to try the spray bottle too! Claritin also!



    Eric95us,

    Your wife has a wonderful support in you. Thank you for being there foe her.



    Minimal SEs everyone!



    Diane

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited April 2012
    DianeC- I read somewhere on that list of chemo things to have that it is a good idea to use the squirt bottle (like one of those Ozarka flip top sports bottles) after you take a whizz so the chemo won't burn as it's making it's way out!!!!  While I was in the hospital recovering from my UMX, I asked one of the nurses for a peri-squirt bottle because I remember getting one from the hospital after I had my first child.  Just put some warm water in the squirt bottle..  Hope that helps!!!
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  • Pelicangirl
    Pelicangirl Member Posts: 50
    edited April 2012

    First I want to thank you all for your kind thoughts and condolences on my husband's passing. It was much appreciated. Also it is such a help to know that I am not alone while going thru chemo. I hate that any of us have to endure this but if we have to, it sure helps to share info, tips and give each other pep talks when needed.

    Good news...my new regimen of compazine plus zofran is keeping the nausea at bay. I got my first neulasta shot today..took the clariton beforehand. Also went to pharmacy and got vitamins A and D as instructed along with miralax and Senokot...trying to prevent problems before they happen! They also told me to take ibuprofen for next few days to help with any bone pain from the neulasta. Will check back in and let you know if that works.

    Hope you all have a feeling-good weekend.

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  • Buttons2
    Buttons2 Member Posts: 72
    edited April 2012

    Renee Tampa we had our mastectomy's on the same day and I started chemo on April 6th. Today is my Birthday 38, and I'm 16 days out from starting chemo shedding like a puppy. Haven't had the courage to shave my head, maybe today will give me the strength.

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  • Buttons2
    Buttons2 Member Posts: 72
    edited April 2012

    Pelicangirl, so sorry for your loss. Glad you stay with all of us! We can all be pink sisters.

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  • Buttons2
    Buttons2 Member Posts: 72
    edited April 2012

    I also wanted to give everyone the hint of bag balm antheseptic for rectal pain from diarrhea, it really does help, I thought people where crazy!

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited April 2012

    Hello April sisters! I am visiting from the March chemo thread to say hello! I started chemo (A/C) at the very end of Febuary, and I have my last one April 30th....then 12 weekly Taxols. My biggest complaint was the tummy issues; if your having any indigestion, make sure you ask for something for it. My bad days are about day 3 through 7, then I start feeling normal again. I am hoping, and hearing, that Taxol is a bit easier to handle.....let's hope so!

    Anyway, if there are any questions I can answer, I would like to help!

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  • jmf424
    jmf424 Member Posts: 17
    edited April 2012

    Starting chemo Monday and I am terrified!  Hvae no idea what to expect from Adriamycin and Cytoxan!  What's all this talk about fingernails???!

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  • C-squared
    C-squared Member Posts: 514
    edited April 2012

    jmf424~ from what I've seen on these boards the nails aren't affected by AC.  I had 7 rounds of Taxol before AC and did not have any nail issues with it.  I don't know anything about Taxotere other than it is in the same "family" as Taxol. 

    You will get lots of good information and support on these boards just PLEASE keep in mind that not everyone reacts the same way to the chemo drugs.  My (unsolicited) advice?  Stay hydrated, get rest and treat pro-actively to help ward off SE's.

    Good luck AC sista!

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  • jmf424
    jmf424 Member Posts: 17
    edited April 2012

    Sissydi - I am starting A/C on Monday and I am terrified!  Please tell all!  Headache? Nausea?  Hari loss?  What other horrors?  This is my second bout with breast CA, the first being 18 years ago when I was 29!  Have a general idea, but things sure have changed!  My port has been in a week and it still throbs!  Major depression!  I can't seem to get a grip on this and really need to for my 8 yo son!  Thanks!

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  • Pelicangirl
    Pelicangirl Member Posts: 50
    edited April 2012

    Thanks Buttons2for kind thoughts and encouragement.

    Two days out from first round of AC and got neulasta shot yesterday. Don't know if any of you have had Louisiana seafood but I am as red as a boiled crayfish or crab! Could this be from the neulasta shot? Still struggling with intermittent nausea though not as bad as yesterday or the first night after the infusion. But really bad malaise/fatigue today. So I just rested and slept or stared into space most of day. Didn't feel much like eating solid foods so stuck to soft foods and liquids...scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, and protein shake. This is sure no fun, but it is "doable"... I remember my husband's chemo nurses telling us the side effects mean the chemo is working....that the chemo is doing a number on our healthy cells but it is nuking those nasty cancer cells too. So we need to take comfort in that.

    Hope everyone is hanging in and managing any SEs. And If anyone knows why I look red as a boiled crab please let me know!

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  • C-squared
    C-squared Member Posts: 514
    edited April 2012

    HI Pelicangirl~ I think the red face is from the AC.  It started on me before I received the Neulasta shot.

    Also sent you a PM.

    CC

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  • Kite
    Kite Member Posts: 265
    edited April 2012

    Hi Ladies!

    I just wanted to stop by and say that I know right were you're at. I started my chemo 1/10/12 and I am 1 treatment away from being done. It wasn't that long ago I was posting the same things, curious, anxious, dreading all the SE but it feels like a lifetime ago. I will say I miss my hair like crazy but now when I look at a pic of me with hair, I think "who is that?!" I hate my wigs, never lost my nails, and never got mouth sores. My digestive system may not ever be the same but FIBER is my best friend. Sleep when you can, get ready for chemo brain (it is real) and cry when you need to. I am not an expert but this is what my experience has been.

    8) Katie

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  • Buttons2
    Buttons2 Member Posts: 72
    edited April 2012

    Jmf24 I just had my second AC yesterday, I'm shaving my head tomorrow 17 days from my first treatment, my hair has been slowly a falling out more each day this week, I keep up on my zofran & compozine so nausea doesn't get the best of me.



    Pelicangirl I asked about the lobster face and the Dr told me it was the anti nasea premeds that goes in your IV before tephe AC. It wasn't as bad this time but my neulasta shot wound me up today. I also turned 38 today, calmest bday I've ever had.

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  • C-squared
    C-squared Member Posts: 514
    edited April 2012

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUTTONS2!!!

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited April 2012

    The flush you get on your face and chest is from the steroids they give you I.v., namely Decadron. It lasts a few days after infusion. When I go in for my Nuelasta shot, the nurses always say, "aww, you have that nice Decadron flush!"

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited April 2012

    Don't be terrified, jmf424.......it's doable, just remember to be proactive with your doctor with side effects. Not everybody gets all side effects, some get hardly any, some suffer with different ones, we are alll responding individually. Take good care of yourself, rest when your body needs it, be careful what you put on your tummy, and stay ahead of your nausea with your meds. Drink a lot of fluids the week of your infusion, to flush it out of your kidneys. stay away from sick people and crowds, and when you get your Nuelasta shot, take Claritin the day before, day of, and 5 days after that to ward off any body aches it can sometimes give you. Feel free to message me anytime!

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  • SinginCyndi
    SinginCyndi Member Posts: 60
    edited April 2012

    Hi  everyone-I realize I should take the time to take notes and write everyone's names down- but I just haven't been that organized yet. I sure hope you are all dealing with the SE's OK-seems like my tummy, bowels and muscles seem to have a mind of their own and I never know what or when to expect discomfort. Pain wise a couple of tylenol or ibuprofins usually take th edge off just fine.

    I ended up going to the general MD for my earaches-ONC office said to get the checked out to rule our infections. They were clear but sinuses were inflamed, throat covered with white spots- but at least I don't have thrush.

    I spent yesterday making some jewelry-crafting will be my outletfor relaxation. Today I have the opportunity to go for a facial -which I 've never had so I thought why not? Maybe it'll spruce up my mug!

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  • twostep62
    twostep62 Member Posts: 38
    edited April 2012

    I started chemo 4/16 and will have 8 sessions (every 2 weeks) followed by the Neulasta shots.  It was terrifying.  Within 48 hours of the shot I was in the ER with breathing problems.  They are looking at my treatment to see if they need to make any adjustments.        I was so glad to find this forum because seeing others experiencing so many of the SE that I am having helps answer so many of the questions I have.    I can't sleep so I'm usually looking in the wee hours of the morning........

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  • GinaB49
    GinaB49 Member Posts: 10
    edited April 2012

    I started March 28th, not technically April.  Sencond treatment was April 18th - 4 left to go ( every three weeks , then on to 25 radiation.  I felt so alone I needed to join this forum.  Anyone else on TAC treatment?

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  • kjiberty
    kjiberty Member Posts: 1,385
    edited April 2012

    Buttons:  I started my T/C on 4/19.  I live in central Ill. too!  Do you go to Ill CC?  My next treatment is 5/10.  Should be done by 6/21.  Then on to radiation.  Went wig shopping yesterday.  Did anyone else cry besides me when trying wigs on?  I have to remember it's loss of hair, not life.  I need to make sure I put it in proper perspectie. 

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  • ckk
    ckk Member Posts: 270
    edited April 2012

    Hello Ladies, thought I'd stop in and wish all of you well, and limited SEs! I finished TC x 4 on Feb 23, and am almost done with radiation. Chemo can be very challenging, but ultimately doable, especially with the support and info of all of the BC sisters on this site. You can do it, and it will be behind you before you know it!

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  • kjiberty
    kjiberty Member Posts: 1,385
    edited April 2012

    Ckk..I totally agree.  I love this site!

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited April 2012

    Gina, I joined the forums because I felt alone too. Nobody I know has gone through this, so I have no one to talk with locally...thank god for the forums!

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  • Cottontail
    Cottontail Member Posts: 374
    edited February 2013

    I had my "chemo class" this morning.  

    I think the nurse practitioner was a little surprised that I already knew half of the stuff she was telling me.  (I've already bought the Biotin toothpaste and mouthwash; a new toothbrush; loaded up on applesauce, oatmeal, Vitamin Water, and ginger ale.....)  She hadn't heard of taking Claritin to help with the pain after Neulasta, but said "well, it can't hurt, I guess."  She also hadn't heard of anyone taking lysine pro-actively to help with mouth soreness, but then said she took lysine to reduce recurrent canker sores she got, so she expected it would help with mouth sores from chemo.   She didn't know what to tell me when she suggested eating steamed chicken when I feel nauseous and I told her I'm vegetarian.  

    Anyway.  I start Thursday.  The nurse said she expected me to feel pretty much ok on Thursday and Friday, then probably feel like crap on Saturday, we'll see what happens, I guess.  They've got free wifi there, so I'll try to get my money's worth from my streaming Netflix.  :p

    (Oh yeah, I might be "ready" for it, but I'm still terrified.) 

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  • SinginCyndi
    SinginCyndi Member Posts: 60
    edited April 2012

    I feel like it just doesn't stop. Last evening around 6 I came to realize I was running a fever of over  101 I had been laying there moaning and groaning. Call the Onc office and they called in a script for antibiotic. This morning I have to call and make an apppointment for the nurse practitioner and to have blood drawn and discuss the results. My ears still hurt and this morning the head ache is not helping at all. I'm kind of hoping that by going in today I won't have to run over there on Friday. After the horrible reaction to the Neulasta that that issue can be dealt with as well.Never did get around to those hats yesterday.

    My hair started fluttering out yesterday-I thought today it'd be coming out in clumps but it's not. Probably better that way - my brother may freak out over it. He seems kinda funny when I bring it up like I'm not going to loose it. Thank God for family and friends who can run me while hubby goes off to work. I'd drive myself but what the heck everybody wants to help so it works out for all concerned.

    Have better days ladies-or continuing good ones.

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  • DianeC
    DianeC Member Posts: 38
    edited April 2012

    Question for the group...When domyoustart losing your hair? Mine started thinning the first night, and a few strands the next few days. Now nothing. This is day 9.



    Diane

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  • eric95us
    eric95us Member Posts: 2,845
    edited April 2012

    My wife started dose dense AC on April 9. About 10 days after the first infusion, her hair started looking dry. On day 15 it started falling out. She is wearing a scarf to keep the loose hair contained. I'm guessing in the next 4 or 5 days, it will be all gone.





    Eric...hubby to slawson..

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  • DianeC
    DianeC Member Posts: 38
    edited April 2012

    Thank you, Eric. Slawson is a lucky girl!



    My hair is definitely changing.



    Diane

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  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 2,440
    edited April 2012

    DianeC,

    My hair started coming out a little over two weeks after my first infusion of T/C. At first my scalp started feeling sensitive, sore and weird - never thought that I would experience 'hair pain' in my life! Over the next few days it fell out big time. My pillow was covered every morning, and washing my hair really made it come out no matter how careful you try to be. It is what it is. My hair felt dead when I touched it, and it was quite shocking to look down and realize what was happening. I had cut my hair into a very short boys' cut even before chemo started, but it was too messy, maybe because I have enough hair for three people, and it went everywhere. Between me and the Golden Retriever we managed to clog the central vac system, so I had my hairdresser shave off the excess. Since then I have not had the sore scalp at all. I also bought cheap satin fabric and made myself two satin pllowcases. It feels so much more comfortable since there is much less friction between your head and the pillow.

     My hair was long, because I had been growing it for a while to be able to wear an updo for my only daughter's wedding in July. Then cancer decided to pay me a visit. Now the MOB will be going to the wedding with fake hair, fake boob, and probably fake eyelashes and eyebrows too - LOL. This was a very hard thing to process, but what is the choice? My hair has always been my crowning glory, but it is only a small part of me. My husband, son and friend are all telling me that my hair is already growing again, although I still have one chemo left on May 7. 

    Hope this helps a little. The hair loss was traumatic when it happened, but it is just amazing how one can adjust and get used to almost everything, even cancer! It does not bother me any more, and I know this too shall pass. 

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