April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited May 2012
    Linda, wow...neutropenic fever and infection...good gracious you have been THROUGH it!!!!  Thank goodness you went straight to the doc, and they caught it early!!!  Wishing you continued recovery and return to home soon.  
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  • Stacie
    Stacie Member Posts: 607
    edited May 2012

    Hail to Velutha! DONE? So glad to hear that happens.

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  • sandik
    sandik Member Posts: 482
    edited May 2012

    Yikes. I couldn't remember if MO said over 100 or over 101. Asked hubby and he said he thought 101. Oh well. Its gone, whatever it was.

    Just got back from a wedding. The first one Ive done this season. I don't know how Im going to make it through the season. I wasnt shooting. I have a photo booth that we take. My partner was at another one. I was at this one with my son. I was fine til they did the groom/mom dance. I almost lost it right there. Thinking that I hope I make it to see my son's wedding. I just decided to have a regular old pity party right there at the wedding like a dummy. Haha

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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited May 2012

    Yay Velutha! Glad the fishing trip was fun.



    And Wonder Woman - glad you're on the other side of that experience!



    I called my MO's office asking if I could/should change my next appointment to a day later since last time one day made a huge difference in my white counts this last time. I don't like the idea that I could go in the day of treatment, and just have them send me home. They said instead I could go to my local clinic the day before for labs, instead of just going for them the day of treatment. A stick in the arm, but that was never as bad as the IVs. I might.



    Those of you with ports - do you think messing with the EMLA cream is better than the numbing spray? They were out of it at the chemo pharmacy when I was there Friday so I'll have to make a special trip back there to get it before I go for my next treatment. They don't charge for it, though, so if it's worth it, I'll go get it.



    More than a week since the port placement, and the steri strips still haven't fallen off. Trying not to mess with them or all the glue they smeared on the incisions.

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  • anndh
    anndh Member Posts: 23
    edited May 2012

    Sandik, you can't have a pity party--You are so strong and so amazing.  You've been my inspiration since I first found this board a couple months ago!!

    Just kidding, I guess we all are allowed our pity parties.  But remember, I'm over here trying to copy you and your great attitude! Laughing

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

    Indigo- I have found the numbing spray to be just as effective, just cover your mouth / don't inhale.

    Surprised

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited May 2012
    Indigo - numbing spray works just fine for me, although I've never tried the EMLA cream, so I can't compare. 
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  • sandik
    sandik Member Posts: 482
    edited May 2012

    Oh ann! I needed to hear that! Thank you! I am much better attitude wise today. I entertained myself for about an hour with a roll of duct tape. Just kept sticking it to my head to see how much hair came out. Over and over for almost an hour. Haha. I went from 'I have hair but its patchy in spots' to 'Im bald but I have hair in spots' so if you are tired of hair falling on your desk if you are a head rubber, try it! Haha

    indigo,

    I never did the cream but they use the spray at the MOs and it works fine for me!

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited May 2012

    Using the EMLA cream and it works just fine.  You just have to put it on an hour before you go in for the treatment and cover it with some press N seal saran wrap so it doesn't get on your clothing or anywhere else.  I got some special bandages at the drug store since my EMLA cream didn't come with the bandages.  The bandages are a little expensive and made my Nexcare.  I got them from CVS.  The infusion nurse told me just to use the press n seal saran wrap.... just cut a 4 inch v 4 inch square of the wrap and you are good to go!!!

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited May 2012
    Sandik- The many uses of duct tape...... you are too funny..... I have a lint roller that I use to get the fallen hair off of my neck......Hair is sparse but I'm sure this 2nd treatment I just had will take whatever I have left on my head out......  Still have my eyebrows and lashes for now!!!!!
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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited May 2012

    Lol, using the duct tape on my stubble too. Still amazed that it doesn't hurt!



    Thanks for all the input on cream vs spray. Hmmm!



    Funny the things that affect my mood. I finally watched A League of Their Own the other day and loved it. It had almost everything I like - 40s style, history, female athletes (note - I'm not an athlete myself but I've always admired them) and some awesome actors.

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  • Cottontail
    Cottontail Member Posts: 374
    edited February 2013

    Feeling really awful today.  Very shaky, and my head feels like it's full of cotton.  I know I haven't been drinking enough fluids since treatment #2 on Thursday, I'm hoping if I can kick that into high gear I can shake some of this.  My stomach keeps... twitching.  It feels really strange.

    I haven't been sleeping well since I got the port, either- it's on my right side, which is the side I usually sleep on.  My neck is stiff and sore from sleeping in different postitions. 

    Today is not a good day. 

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited May 2012

    Cottontail- Sorry you are not having a good day..... :(  Starting drinking some fluids and maybe you should try taking a Tylenol if okay with your MO for the port pain.   You may want to put some bland food in that tummy.    Those ports are sore for a little while after you get one put in.  Hope you feel better!!!!!

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited May 2012
    Cottontail, sounds like you are on day 3...aka steroid crash time.  Drink that water and eat small meals, and rest!   Hope you feel better soon - hugs! 
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  • nofear2012
    nofear2012 Member Posts: 160
    edited May 2012

    Cottontail - I too am feeling awful but I am 10 days past my last treatment. I am.suppose to have my last AC on weds but I have no idea how I can if I am feeling this way. No energy, and my stomch is upset still. I have no appetite but when I force myself to.eat food tastes.good, I have a constantly full feeling. I tried the probiotics & I thought that it was working but I guess not. Anyone else having major stomch issues? I just hope that tomorrow is.a.better day for myself & everyone else too.

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  • mt4ever
    mt4ever Member Posts: 105
    edited May 2012

    Cottontail hope tomorrow brings you a better day! I can relate to the port issue!  Eventually you will be able to sleep on that right side again!  I am also a stomach sleeper and have just recently got back to doing that!  :)

    I thank everyone for the encouragement that you bring to all of us! Because one day we might be the encourager and another day we might be the ones in need!!  You ladies ROCK!!

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

    Velutha:  Congrats!  There is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Had tx2 on Thursday.  Just very, very tired.  No appetite.  Maybe tomorrow will bring a new day.  

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited May 2012
    Nofear2012, I had major heartburn and indigestion for many days post treatment...but no lack of appetite except for one day.  I did feel feel full when I was constipated.  Do you think that is what is going on?  Hope you feel better soon. 
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  • Stacie
    Stacie Member Posts: 607
    edited May 2012

    My port is healed but still gets pulled by my muscles when I lay on that side. If I hug a thin pillow sideways between my arms, it eases the pulling and is comfy.

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  • nofear2012
    nofear2012 Member Posts: 160
    edited May 2012

    Dancertracer - did u take anything for the heartburn/indigestion cause I think I have heartburn too. I am not sure about the constipation, bcuz I have gone but it is not a regular movement. The only other thing that I can think of is I was using a swish & swallow for thrush & that maybe upsetting my stomach. That ended today, so we will see tomorrow. Thanks for the well wishes.

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  • Krazycatlady37
    Krazycatlady37 Member Posts: 40
    edited May 2012

    I had the on call onco doc call in a scrip for the mouth rinse. It is nasty as he$& and no way I can use that stuff.



    I know there if a home remedy of water, salt, and baking soda. What is the recipe? I tried searching for it but never found the exact ratio.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited May 2012

    Here is the recipe--- 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda,  1 cup of water

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited May 2012

    Stacie- I know that weird port feeling.  I've had it every time after my port was used for my infusion.  I hug that pillow and also move so I get that uncomfortable feeling gone. 

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  • Krazycatlady37
    Krazycatlady37 Member Posts: 40
    edited May 2012

    Thank you meltose!

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  • SadeSurvivor25
    SadeSurvivor25 Member Posts: 119
    edited May 2012

    Does anyone know if it's ok to drink wine while going through treatment. I meant to ask my infusion nurse Friday but it slipped my mind. I'm a tad bit queasy but I have a taste for a chilled glass of Sangria!! I feel like I'm going through withdraws lol



    I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday.



    Yay Velutha!!!

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  • ellamilana
    ellamilana Member Posts: 76
    edited May 2012

    Hi there,

    Just want to share, please see below:

    Jerusalem hospital shows off vaccine that destroys cancer in 2 shots 

     http://www.yourjewishnews.com/Pages/18166.aspx

    I am recovering after my second Taxotere infusion, looks like my hair is starting to go... kinda painful to touch. Please share your experience.

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  • ellamilana
    ellamilana Member Posts: 76
    edited May 2012

    Hi there,

    Just wanted to share, see below:

    Jerusalem hospital shows off vaccine that destroys cancer in two shots!!

    http://www.yourjewishnews.com/Pages/18166.aspx

    Recovering from my second Taxotere (Thursday), and think my hair is starting to go, kind of painfull to touch. Anybody is dealing with the HAIR issue?

    SadeSurvivor, my doctor said its ok to have a drink, but red wine should be your choice.

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  • SadeSurvivor25
    SadeSurvivor25 Member Posts: 119
    edited May 2012

    Thanks Ella.



    I lost my hair 23 days after my second infusion. I still have stubbles even after my mom took the clippers to it. I'm too insecure to let anyone besides her see me without a wig. It's been a little over 3 weeks and I have yet to walk around my house bald in front of the hubby but he understands.

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited May 2012

    nofear - I had severe heartburn issues, for a full 2 weeks after chemo.  I think mine was extra nasty b/c I have pre-existing acid reflux.  Most women get relief from taking something like Pepcid to reduce acid.  Others have to get prescription meds - proton pump inhibitors - like Protonix, Nexium, etc.  Maalox can also be quite helpful.  All of these things, even if over the counter, you will need to get cleared by your onc, of course.  Beware that Maalox can cause diarrhea if taking the max daily dose.   These meds or a combo of these meds should work to control your symptoms.   If not, let me know.  I had to take other meds (by prescription) on top of this before I had some control of my symptoms.  

    FYI, my gastro doc told me you can have thrush in your esophagus...and that that could have been irritating my heartburn as well.  Yuck!  So, perhaps swallowing of the thrush meds helped or irritated...so hard to know!

    Krazycatlady - what did your onc call in?  Just curious.  I found the magic mouthwash to be nasty (but I'd use it if I had ulcers), but I don't mind the Nystatin alone mouthwash for thrush.  I too, use the baking soda wash like clockwork, but despite that I've had thrush 3 times now. 

    Sade - my papers say not to drink any alcohol.  My regimen is TCH.  

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  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited May 2012

    I am going to begin chemo in June and my onco said that I could have my port in my arm or in my chest.  I'm just wondering what your experiences/opinions are.  Thanks for any input you can share!

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