April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

Options
1…5960626465…170

Comments

  • Jeannie57
    Jeannie57 Member Posts: 2,144
    edited May 2012

    Welcome, Jennifer! Of course you can be here!  Everyone here is so positive and supportive. Good for you for being proactive about your hair.  I cut mine short and got a wig from ACS and hair coverings beforehand, too.  It gives a feeling of control.  My DH offered, but he is losing more and more hair naturally, so I want to enjoy it while I can!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vickilind61
    vickilind61 Member Posts: 338
    edited May 2012

    Jeannie, I also cut my hair really short.  I have had short hair my whole life.  I just started growing it out about 18 months ago and it hit its longest ever with me able to pull it back into a ponytail(!) last fall.  Going short is not that big a thing for me.  Plus, when my sister was diagnosed, I shaved my head with her; really felt empowered.  Thinking it won't feel quite the same this time around.  But, like I said, at least it's not a new thing for me. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vballmom
    vballmom Member Posts: 426
    edited May 2012

    IndigoMont - I am on the same combo of meds.  I only took one compazine at my nurse's encouragement.  She told me there is no reason to suffer. I ate better today but am still burping and nauseous.  Drinking anything makes me miserable.  Since I just started and will be taking Herceptin, I will be here until next May, so newbies don't feel like you will be alone!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jennifersomewhere
    jennifersomewhere Member Posts: 38
    edited May 2012

    Thanks for making me feel welcome! :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CjNieto
    CjNieto Member Posts: 13
    edited May 2012

    Hi all. I have tnbc so we started chemo before surgery. 2 months of dense dose a/c followed with 12 weekly treatment of taxol. Had my first treatment last week and all in all felt pretty good. Just some soreness, nausea and fatigue right after infusion. Already have my wig styled and waiting for my hair to sky dive away from my scalp.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vickilind61
    vickilind61 Member Posts: 338
    edited May 2012

    CJ, glad you have been doing so well!  Here's hoping you rock your wig!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Stacie
    Stacie Member Posts: 607
    edited May 2012

    Fierro you are one are us. The dates on the thread are just a reference to find each other. We have a couple people starting in June.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited May 2012

    Melrose - Yes - I don't know for sure when I'm starting Taxotere, but if I stay on this schedule, probably around July 12. It feels like a loooong time until October, so I usually don't think about it.  And then I'll have rads - don't know anything about the frequency or schedule for that yet - haven't had an appointment yet with the RO.  One thing at a time!!  Smile

    Dancetrancer - You are doing the right thing, trying to give yourself distractions.  I know what it's like when it really seems loud, and I do hope too for your sake, that you can get to the point that you can ignore it soon.  I've always wondered what caused it; nobody seems to know. I wasn't a hard core concert-goer back in the day, although I did go to a few in my late teens/early 20s, and I remember my ears ringing like crazy on the way home.  Before the BC, the worst times for noticing the tinnitus were when I had trouble sleeping ... these days, the sleep aids help.  

    Welcome to Jennifer and Pamelahope and anyone I might have missed!  Looks like you are ready!  I had lots of additional questions and you can ask on the forums 24/7; someone will have an answer.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited May 2012

    Melrose,

    I will be having a/c every two weeks for 8 weeks. The. Taxol every two weeks for 8 weeks.

    Hope I have that correct!! I am overwhelmed with the right way to write it.

    Pam

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wildflower2828
    wildflower2828 Member Posts: 22
    edited May 2012

    Haven't posted in a while, wanted to jump in and say hope all is going well for everyone.  I did my second treatment of a/c on 5-22, and man it was nothing like the first time, the first time I felt great afterwards, this time, I am constantly sick feeling, then if I take my nasuea meds, I get a headache, just very very tired. Very different this time. 

    I am starting to lose my hair fast, debating on buzzing it now or waiting.  My scalp is hurting, just laying on a pillow, hurts my head, did anyone else have this problem?, and does anyone have any suggestions to cure it?  

    Think I am going to lay back down for a bit, hope everyone is well.

    Kristy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited May 2012

    Welcome to all the newbies!  

    Well I made it through my 3rd night after TCH Wed with no diarrhea...might be trending towards C train...gosh, one just NEVER knows!  My 2nd round I lost 5# in one night with multiple trips to the bathroom.  Waiting for the ball to drop...maybe round 3 will be better for me?  Fingers crossed!!!!  

    I added a soundpillow (speaker device you hook up to your ipod and put under your pillow - downloaded white noise from itunes) to the fan and two other white noise machines we have in our room last night to help block the tinnitus, and it definitely was helpful (along with the sleeping pill, LOL!).  I have hope!  Between all the white noise and our sleeping masks, it's like a sleep cave in our bedroom, LOL!!!  DH loves it, thank goodness!  It even helped block out the annoying cat who meows every morning around 5 a.m. (some).   Wish it could make her stop meowing completely!  She is one spoiled cat. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Natm71
    Natm71 Member Posts: 13
    edited May 2012

    Hi wildflower2828



    I am a week out of my second AC! My hair-head was tender too! I finally buzzed it and laying on my pillow was painful! Wearing my wig was uncomfortable too. The GOOD news is that over the last few days it has felt so much better! I think it hurts while the hair is actually falling out!!! I guess with everything in this treatment.....it takes time to feel better! I can't wait until my hair starts growing back!!!Good Luck to you!!!! Hope your head feels better!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisa2012
    lisa2012 Member Posts: 652
    edited May 2012

    I am using previcid 2x day. Seems to have helped my stomach stop hurting. Eating carefully (boring) doc suggested probiotics. Has anyone used them?

    Meanwhile, just stubble up top. Now have moré muscle fatigue and watery eyes (new) had some little red skin dots on both arms. Don't itch OT hurt, they look like big bites. Bright spot ? I still have hair down south. I stopped giving a hoot about underarms or legs!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisa2012
    lisa2012 Member Posts: 652
    edited May 2012

    I am using previcid 2x day. Seems to have helped my stomach stop hurting. Eating carefully (boring) doc suggested probiotics. Has anyone used them?

    Meanwhile, just stubble up top. Now have moré muscle fatigue and watery eyes (new) had some little red skin dots on both arms. Don't itch OT hurt, they look like big bites. Bright spot ? I still have hair down south. I stopped giving a hoot about underarms or legs!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited May 2012

    Hi lisa2012!  Yes, my onc put me on probiotics (I was afraid of them...I have always had funky digestive issues)...but I am so happy I followed his advisement.  I really feel like they are helping me weather the chemo GI storm better.  I feel better regulated - not swinging as hard between constipation and diarrhea.  Chemo wipes out your bacteria in your GI tract...the balance gets off...you get GI sx.  The probiotics help restore the natural balance of bacteria, accordinging to what I have read.

    GenTeal eye GEL (not drops) keep my eyes from watering (they water b/c they are dry, actually).   Not sure what the red skin dots are - if they are big...some kind of allergic reaction?  Keep an eye on that!  If they are small, could be broken blood vessels from low platelets (watch for easy bleeding/bruising).

    I was quite glad to lose my underarm hair...leg hair is hanging on, but I keep pulling it off now and again, LOL.  It can go permanently for all I care...wouldn't that be great?  LOL 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rgina
    rgina Member Posts: 100
    edited May 2012

    Dancetrancer glad you made it through night 3, was thinking about you.  Day 3 for me too and so far so good, fingers still crossed.  No real SE's, hope to heck it stays that way.  Little tired, little achy, but nothing I can't deal with.  I'm having working in the yard withdrawals, after all it is Saturday and feel like I should be mowing, gardening or something - but not going to push it.  May get out later this afternoon and go grocery shopping etc., with daughter driving as I do have a bit of brain fog. otherwise think it will be a movie day. 

    Welcome to all the newbies, I'm pretty new too and this is a great group to answer questions and for support.

    Do you all get ALOXI (palonosetron) prior to your infusions?  I was just looking at my regimen sheet because I couldn't remember the name of the stuff they gave me first.  I guess this and the Zofran has stopped any nausea SE's, for me - thank god.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited May 2012

    Hi rgina!  Glad you are doing well so far, too - knock on wood for both of us!!!  Yes, I get Aloxi and also Emend in my premeds.  I also take Zofran every 6 hours for the first few days - tired of taking it, but I'm afraid I'll get sx if I don't!  Very subtle sense of nausea this a.m. when I woke up - all gone now after meds and food.  I think I just really needed food.  I was hungry - so glad I have an appetite still.

    Is is SO hot here - 97 degrees projected - this girl is staying in the AC today!!!!  This is way too early for it to be this hot, even here in the south.  Uggh!   Wishing minimal SE for all today and a wonderful weekend holiday! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited May 2012

    IndigoMont11- I hear you about not wanting to get too far ahead of things.... I still don't know whether I will have rads or not.  Sometime before the end of my chemo, my case will be taken before the tumor board again to help my onco and me decide what the next step is.  My onco said my case is a little complicated since the IDC was found encapsulated in a cyst.  She just wasn't sure about making a decision right now without having the input of the tumor board.  Whatever it is, I'm going to get through it just like I have with everything else. 

    Edited after reading your post on the bras/prosthesis thread--- Oh my... I haven't done the official masectomy bra shopping yet but glad I have gone shopping for sports bras that come with removable foam inserts.  I've been wearing those for a while and find them very comfortable and giving righty (the healthy breast) some support.  I also bought some yoga tops with the same removable foam insert concept that are great looking sleeveless tops to wear.  I can put whatever fake fiber boob in the left side and still have enough coverage and support.  I also bought from Target these camisoles which have a foam bra at the top.  The camis were $14.99 and are supposed to be worn to sleep but I wear them during the day and attache the fiber boob whenever I go out of the house.  Just trying to save a little money for my everyday wear. 

    Welcome to all of the new gals!!!!!  Glad you joined us!!!

    Wishing everyone a fun and safe weekend with minimal side effects!!!! Staying in the a/c today and out of the sun!!!  It's Saturday Shakes and Burger Night at my house so it will be yum times.  HUGS to all!!!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pauletta
    Pauletta Member Posts: 54
    edited May 2012

    Hi!

    I had my second chemo yesterday of Adrianmycin and Cytoxan. I am feeling so much better this time than last time. I am really tired and exhausted feeling, but there is NO queezy feeling like last time. I wasn't told the First time (3 weeks ago) when I was prescribed the Dexomethasone that you need to EAT before you take it or it can make you feel nauseated.

    This time, before I took it this morning, I ate 2 bowls of Sugar Smacks(for some reason they are my favorite cereal right now) before I took my Dexo pill, and I haven't felt any kind of nausea. Last time, the 1st day after my treatment I was real queezy, nauseated feeling, didn't want to eat anything at all. Which made me have to go buy protein shakes! Chocolate and French Vanilla. French Vanilla I mix with strawberries and bananas in the blender. Both shakes are Delicous! I really think alot of the way I was feeling is because I was taking those pills on a very empty stomach. They told me take them 2 times a day for 4 days. I remember not feeling better (as far as nausea and queezy feeling) until after the 5th day.

    My hair is all but gone now, just a little still lingering on the back and top of my head. I had it shaved down to just nubs, so that I wouldn't have much to fall out when it started to come out Big Time. VERY WISE decision!!

    Hope you are doing well.

    Take care and have a wonderful weekend!!!

    2 Hard Chemo's down and 2 more to go!!!YAY!!!

    ~Pauletta~ 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cottontail
    Cottontail Member Posts: 374
    edited February 2013

    I take probiotics, too.  I was taking one about 5 days a week pre-chemo, as years of antibiotics for recurring sinus infections had left me with some digestive issues.  (Not super serious, just bad enough to notice, really.  Drastically increasing my fiber intake- via veggies- after I went vegetarian helped a lot, too.)  At my chemo "training class" my MO said I should go ahead and take one every day during the chemo.  

    Even still, I've had thrush three times.  I also feel twitching in my intestines every time I eat now. It's a really strange feeling.  I get some minor cramping in the lower intestines before a BM, and I've still got loose stools.  May go for some Immodium today, we'll see what happens.

    I've added yogurt back into my diet.  (I even brought my yogurt maker in from the garage this morning- if I have to eat this stuff, I might as well make my own.  Cheaper and tastier than store-bought, I can use local hormone-free milk, and no yucky additives or extra sugar.)  A couple days ago I also picked up a second probiotic so now I'm taking two each day.  They each have a different mix of beneficial bacteria, so I'm hoping to get things evened out soon.

    I hope no one else is having these extreme issues!

    When I "crash"....  I get my infusions on Thursdays (every three weeks).  I seem to be super tired on Saturday and Sunday, then gradually feeling a little better every day the following week, but both times I had a dip in energy on Wednesday, day 6.  I had my second tx last week, and ended up sleeping almost all day Saturday, and had very little energy but still got my usual household chores done on Sunday.  I hated the post-meds so much the first time, I skipped the dexamethasone altogether the second time, and I think that was a mistake, too.  For tx #3 I'm going to try taking one each day for three days instead of two per day, and hopefully find a middle ground I can live with.

    I'm  a lot more tired this time around, not sure how much is from my digestive issues, and how much is just a regular SE.  I do have a to-do list for the long weekend, but I'm trying to keep it to a reasonable length, and will give myself plenty of opportunities to rest.  Whew, that was long-winded!

    Wishing everyone a nice relaxing and fun holiday weekend!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited May 2012

    Hi Kristy- not sure if you drew any conclusions but for many of us, buzzing/shaving your hair does help with the scalp tenderness. I didn't get mine shaved to the skin because I was afraid I would break out - I just got it buzzed to maybe an eighth inch. It was much better as far as tenderness and shedding didn't bother me.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chapter4
    chapter4 Member Posts: 155
    edited May 2012

    Hi ladies, last AC for me was on Wednesday, I'm very tired and queezy again. Laying in bed and feeling like I'm missing life. I start taxol next and hear its more tolerable, boy I hope so.

    Sounds like it messed with your digestive tract? I've been able to keep that under control with the AC by taking muralax every night It works

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cher56
    Cher56 Member Posts: 187
    edited May 2012

    Hi Everyone. I'm brand new. just DX with IDC Grade 3 (my report read: ER weakly positive(1/3) PR neg, HER neg (1/3) Surgeon said.. means all 3 neg. Am scheduled June 14th bi-lateral mastectomy. tumor is only 1 side, 1.5cm. such a waiting game.. grr. 

    my question (surgeon kept say 'IF' you need chemo).. do people have mastectomy's and DO NOT HAVE CHEMO? i'm not focusing on not having it. preparing the high probability. Cannot find anything pertaining to NOT having chemo after mast's.

    I cannot have radiation due to severe copd/asthma/RA.

    thanks all.. your all such strength givers with your honesty.

    Cher 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cher56
    Cher56 Member Posts: 187
    edited May 2012

    thanks DanceTrancer! good to note about the probiotics / GI tract. already have IBS.. so IF i have chemo.. great to know.

    leg hair? hip horray.. other hair? hip horray. lol 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited May 2012

    Yes, sometimes a dx doesn't mean chemo. I think in the case of early stage cancers/DCIS, it isn't always prescribed. I heard the same thing prior to my BMX - the BS said the followup would depend on the MO's analysis of the path report. Based on the MRI showing multifocal cancer, and the size of my largest tumor (5.2 cm) I was pretty sure I was headed for chemo, but I didn't find out the plan until my first appointment with the MO 2 weeks after surgery. The surgery nurses who gave me my copy of my path report told me the good things it showed but would not tell me the staging; they said only the MO does that. (I ended up figuring it out myself from breastcancer.org, and my MO basically said "you're right.")



    You may be offered some different options by your MO, and there are lots of trials out there going on, too. All the best - I recommend you join a mastectomy thread if you haven't already done so - mine was great, and some of us are still hanging out on this chemo thread togerher.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited May 2012
    Cottontail - even though I'm taking the probiotics, I've had thrush 3 times, too (going on over a week now for this 3rd trial), so I can relate!  I am just dealing with it, using Nystatin to keep it somewhat under control.  I don't want to ask for a prescription pill for it (I know it exists), b/c I'm taking so many other drugs...tired of putting so much crap in my body!  So, I just deal with it.  Fortunately, it is not painful or bleeding for me, just yucko looking.  I'm also eating yogurt as well.  Our poor immune systems just can't keep up with the chemo! 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited May 2012

    chapter4 - congrats on being done with the AC part!!!  I can relate to the feeling about missing life.  I'm seeing all these posts on facebook of people being off having fun camping or at the beach for Memorial Day weekend...and I'm soooooo jealous!  I don't feel as bad as my last two tx's, but I'm still easily fatigued and now running a fever again...uggghhhh!!!  Can't wait for this all to be over for ALL of us - so we can get back to living and enjoying life again!  

    Welcome cher56!  Yes, as indigo said, it depends on the final pathology.  After they do your MX and node biopsy, they'll look at the path and see if they find anything else.  Chemo is dependent on many things - size of tumor, any positive nodes, HER2 status, etc.  Many times an Oncotype test is run on the tumor after it is removed, too - this looks at the genetics of the tumor and gives you a distant recurrence "score"...aka, how likely it is that your tumor may have spread/will come back metastatically.  If that score is high, they will recommend chemo to wipe out any microscopic cells that might be hiding out still after surgery.  If the score is in the middle range, you've got some tough decisions to make.  If the score is low = no chemo!!  Hoping the best for you! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited May 2012
    Cher56- Just wanted to let you know that I am HER2 +1 which is considered negative.  However, I am participating in the Herceptin B-47 clinical trial which started in February 2012.  The clinical trial is still open; you may want to chat with your doctor to see if you are eligible for this one as well as any others.  I am receiving the Herceptin which under normal chemo protocal, i would not be receiving.  Be patient with the timing of everything; you have time to get ready for the surgery.  You may want to consult with an oncologist as to whether chemo is appropriate in your case. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • charleneT
    charleneT Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2012

    I moved to Raleigh from Houston.  Lived there over 20 years. we may know each other. I'm having my good week now.  It''s relatively boring because I don't like the heat of summer.  I seem more queasy in the heat.  My chemo #3 is next week.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Fierro6
    Fierro6 Member Posts: 224
    edited May 2012
    Got the hair cut SUPER short today.  I've been threatening it for a while.  It's not pixie short/boy cut...that's the next step.  I agree with what I read here, though.  It made me feel empowered.  Right now, I'M in charge of my hair.  Within a few weeks, I have to give up that control.  Today, I chose short hair.  For the first time in 5 years, I have short hair.  Smile  
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories