For those starting TAC in March/April 2006....

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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited April 2006
    just got home about an hour ago from treatment 3. Wow, I gotta tell ya I feel like I just got my butt kicked. I know some of you hate to hear that, but everyone is different. I'm sooo tired.. going to get my rear in bed after this.

    The port was GREAT!! I wish I had it for the first 2. Didn't feel anything but a small needle prick, and that was it the whole time. The drawback is you can actually kind of taste (?) the drugs very faintly in the back of you throat which is normal they said. I got some hard candies for next time. All my blood counts we excellent, so getting neulasta the same day is working for me. I think that site hurts more than the port site lol. I'm just really really tired, probably from worrying about it. I'll check back in tonight, and let ya know if a nap helped.

    Jeanette I wonder if hard candy would help metal mouth? Get some Jolly Ranchers or something. I might try that this time, it's a good excuse to have jolly ranchers around the house hehehe

    Paula
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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited April 2006
    OK, it's been about6 hours since I got home, and I feel like doodoo. Nausea and a headache this time. Tierd too. I'm going to take a shower and head to bed. Nurse said the Emend should kick in anytime now, and that will be such a blessing.

    Hope you all have a better night than me!

    Paula
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  • mindyk
    mindyk Member Posts: 87
    edited April 2006
    Hi everyone, It has been 8 hrs since I have been home from treatment #2. Paula, it is kicking my butt also, I don't really have any nausea, but I am very tired. Everyting is tasting crappy already. My sister came up today and spent the day and evening with me so my hubby could go to work. But he went wilth me to my treatment. He has been so supportive and has not missed a single appointment so far. Well I am going to go to bed.
    Paula, I hope that you get to feeling better!

    Take Care,

    Hugs,

    Mindy
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited April 2006
    Paula and Mindy, sorry you are having a tough time. I hope you both feel better soon. (Paula not only do I taste the chemo at times during the infusion, I smell the drugs for two days after when I pee.) Makes me feel so toxic.
    Just remember Paula you are half way there and Mindy you are 1/3 the way there.
    Ladies hope you can get some rest and put yourself first for a few days.
    Take Care
    MarciaA.
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  • svans
    svans Member Posts: 32
    edited April 2006
    Hey ladies, just a little update, I saw a diffeent oncologist on friday who actually spent alot of time with my husband and I and I went for my 2nd tac on Monday april 24,Im still a little tired, but otherwise feeling ok. Not much of an appetite or even thirsty for that matter. We shall see how things go.

    Thank you so much for everyone posts and pm to me about my decisions. I really really appreciate them. I seriously do not know where I would be without this web site,

    Thank you all again and you are all in my prayers.
    Sylvie
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  • baldeagle
    baldeagle Member Posts: 199
    edited April 2006
    Hi everyone,

    Thanks for the feedback re metal mouth. It is begining to subside a bit. The werthers are a great idea - a good excuse to have a sugar fir.

    Sylvie, so good to hear from you. Am glad that you were able to get a second consult - and quickly too. I hope the 2nd TAC is no worse - maybe better - than the first.

    My gut continues to act up and am now trying Acidopholis to stratighten out the intestinal flora. Anyone gone that route? I would be curioous to know how effecxtive it may be.
    Cheers, Jeannette
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited April 2006

    Hi Jeanette, I haven't tried Acidophilus, but I do have a 4 oz container of the Dannon "Activia" yogurt, starting a few days before tx and continuing through the 'tough' days, through day 7 or 8 at least. I did it from the start, so it's hard to know if it helps, but I definitely have less tummy trouble than some (drugs are good too!) Leigh

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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited April 2006
    My hubby and daughter both stayed home today. I think I kept them up all night going to the bathroom every hour and a half (no kidding!) The nausea went away by about 4 am or so. I ate some crackers and ginger ale and went back to sleep for.. you guessed it almost 2 hours. Today I have a teeny fever of 99 degrees. I'm going to try a half sandwich (no mayo) since i'm hungry, and just drink the rest of the day. And sleep when I can.

    Not sure why I got hit so hard this time. Think that's the "cumulative effects?" This was also the first time of not taking decaron before, jsut getting it in the drip. Maybe we need to find a balance there still. As of right now I'm depressed to the max, and I don't want to go back even though I know I will. I'm glad my whole family stayed home today. Will check in later or tomorrow.

    Paula
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited April 2006

    Paula -Definitely I think there is a cumulative effect...I was nearly normal at day 6 or 7 first time, more like day 8 or 9 for the second. Just FYI, I get decadron in the drip only, along with zofran. I take compazine before bed the first night, and then zofran "ODT" (dissolves on the tongue) for the next (at least) 2 days, morning and night, and I've taken the compazine too when I thought the tummy was a little 'funny'. Don't remember what you're on for the post-chemo nausea. I also take Zantac 75 throughout the cycle, morning and night. I may not need it by week three but I don't enjoy it when I find out the hard way, so I just take it. Leigh

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  • MollyK
    MollyK Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2006
    Paula, I am so sorry you are depressed. I am finding that this BC thing is equally a mental battle as well as a physical one. Some days I do not feel very sane myself.

    My hair is coming out in clumps today...don't think I can make it to the weekend to shave my head? I bought some scarfs today. I haven't experienced the 'metal mouth' yet. I wonder if my next round I will get some new symptoms.

    Thank you guys for all of your posts. They really help me.

    Molly
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited April 2006

    Hi Molly, We buzzed mine with an electric shaver first, when it started coming out like that, and then I waited another week to use a razor and shave cream. One fyi - we did the razor thing on the 15th and I had to do a re-shave in the shower this morning to keep comfortable in the wig. Go figure. Leigh

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  • MollyK
    MollyK Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2006
    Leigh, The electric shaver doesn't sound so bad, but using a razor sounds really scary. Have you ever cut yourself?

    Molly
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited April 2006

    Molly - That's partly why we did the electric [NOTE: This was a hair Trimmer (little teeth) not the Shaver (grill will get clogged)] first - JP was afraid to cut me when there was still some hair. He did the first shaving, using lots of shave cream and he went VERY slowly and he didn't cut me. In the shower this morning, I used shampoo (which I've always used in the shower to shave my legs) and went faster, and did fine. You have to sort of get the feel for it, and I think it helps to go in stages (short cut, buzz, and then shave). I don't think either of us came close to cutting my head, and I'm much more comfortable with no hair than with stubble! Leigh

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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited April 2006
    I have Emend for the of and 2 days after chemo, and compazine for just in case. My nausea went away today at least. But I still haven't been able to sleep more than 3 hours at a time, maybe tonight.

    I did the trimmer thing too on about day 17 after my first, now my head is like a bowling ball lol. at least it's low maintenance.

    Next time we are going to try taking decadron (the pill) 1 in the morning and 1 at night the day before (4mg) and see if it stops the effects from coming so fast on me. I will be talking to my on the week before treatment 4 about that. At least tonight I feel like I might live lol. Only thing that's being a pain (hahaha) is my cheeks hurt, and I'm sporting the decadron red face and heat. I'm going to take some of my hoarded pain killers for the cheeks and my legs, and that should help me sleep too.

    paula
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  • MollyK
    MollyK Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2006
    Paula, have you tried Adivan? I also have taken the emend and the compazine after treatment...i take the compazine in the morning and then adivan in the night since it is for both sleep and nausea. That has helped me to get the much needed rest! Especially the week after treatment. I couldn't do without that one.

    My nurse told me that my 'red face' was caused by the cytoxin on treatment day??? I thought it was from the emend...because my face seemed to get red immediately after i took those (i had it for two days afterwards...and took the pills for two days) So maybe it's the decadron??? I take the decadron two in the morning and two in the evening for three days...day before, day of, and day after. Plus they put it in the iv drip. I get the works. Doesn't seem to bother me too much when i'm on, but the day after when i'm not taking them, i feel much worse.

    I think today is the day for the hair. Hair is everywhere...seems like it has to go. Wish me luck.

    Molly
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited April 2006
    Hi Paula - Hope it continues to improve from here. I still think it's amazing how much of a range of reactions and combo's of drugs to fix them there are...good thing!
    Molly - Sending good vibes for the hair - I'll just say that both the trimmer event and the shaving were much harder in anticipation than in reality, and in particular the trimmer once the hair started going was a real relief. Let us know...Leigh
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  • kburns
    kburns Member Posts: 37
    edited April 2006
    Hi everyone. I have been reading all of your posts, but just not up to posting. Here's a little update.

    Had TAC #2 last Wed. I am on the Decadron. Symptoms have been a bit different this time. First couple of days tired and a little queasy. Dr. prescrived Prevacid for the heartburn and it helped tremendously! But, I have been experiencing lots of other strange things....

    Hair--shaved it two weeks ago and it definitely started falling out last week. After the last chemo I now have red spots all over my head. Not sure if it is acne, hives, or what, but it does not feel great. Not wearing a wig or hat around the house....just feels better with nothing.

    Pain--joint pain (ugh...from Neulasta). Bad sore throat this time (4 days so far and getting worse), but no fever. Will see what happens with the blood counts tomorrow.

    Weight--oh my gosh...I just seem to be eating and gaining! It is so depressing. I am very frustrated and trying to figure out how to handle. Went to a nutrition class for cancer patients and of course they were just encouraging the eating--especially protein. Said we need like twice our normal protein to feel good. I am looking at South Beach and wondering if that might be an idea...

    Shortness of breath--I have been having the feeling of pressure in my stomach and chest and am out of breath over nothing--so walking is even difficult. Another thing to discuss with Onc tomorrow.

    Most days this week I have felt very good emotionally. I am so blessed that my cancer in only stage 2, that I have good insurance and disability insurance (I am focusing on healing me!) My family is GREAT--very supportive husband. In many, many ways I am so blessed and deep down spiritually I feel like this is actually of gift of some time for me. Have been working for 27 years with only a couple of months off for the kids. I am trying to find time to just be and enjoy. We got some new deck furniture and early this week in NC was absolutely beautiful. I just sat on the deck praying and knitting and being thankful...Yesterday however, my emotions went a little wacko and started crying at the PS office. They were great, but emotions are weird things......and I never quite know what to expect on this ride.

    Today is rainy and dreary and I could try to do some work, but I think I am going to get a movie and knit.

    Love and best to all of you. I know this is such a different experience for each of us. All I can say is it helps me to count my blessings every day. I have a friend with stage 4 BC who is working with hospice. So sad. I expect to get the call any day that she has passed on....and I just say a silent prayer for her and a special thank you for myself.

    Karen
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited April 2006
    Karen, sounds like you have the same symptoms I have had. The red spots on the head are a puzzle. I hate the joint pain from the neulasta..My knees hurt a lot of the time. I have to take vicodin to get any relief. I hope your blood count comes back ok. Yes I am gaining weight too but the Onc office says that is normal and it will all come off quickly after chemo stops. Yes the weather here in NC has been beautiful and reminds me that life can renew itself. But I am happy for the rain...pollen is killing me!

    Paula, I can only stand to take 8mg of decadron the morning before chemo because my heart races but then I take it the day of and after chemo. I guess I feel so bad that I don't notice the effects of the devil pill.

    I hope everyone is doing ok, Remember they say that the effects are cumulative.
    Best wishes to all, We are all on this journey and at least we have each other when we come to the bumps in the road.
    Take Care
    MarciaA
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  • svans
    svans Member Posts: 32
    edited April 2006
    Hi ladies, well today I am feeling a little more normal if thats possible at this point, I get a little bit more energy with each passing day. I am sleeping like a baby, not eating much or drinking much, i cant find anything to quench my thirst and alot of liquids make my stomach turn. I just take whatever I am craving at the moment and hope it stays down.

    Well done #2 of 6, will this ever end??

    Anyways keeping all of you in my prayers
    Sylvie
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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited April 2006
    Today is much better for me. It seems that for me coming off the decadron, like when it's out of or leaving my system, it really gives me the shakes, and the rapid heartbeat. That's what I'm dealing with today, and fatigue. I expect the bone pain to settle in later, but at least that is tolerable. I have my sense of humor back at least! Just finishing up some laundry this morning, then going to lie down and try to get some precious sleep back!

    I also sat outside on my new lawn furniture reading a book, but that was this morning. THen the dog found a squirrel in the tree, and that was the end of that between the barking and the chittering!

    I'm so glad we all have each other on this journey. So many different side effects and reactions to everything becuase we are all different. At least when something pops up that I never had before I can come here and see if anyone else had it! Praying for us all everyday.

    yes Sylvie, it will end. That's what I keep telling myself, and I picture myself in my moms pool in July just relaxing and letting all the chemicals finally leave my body, hopefully for good! I was only stage 2, 1 node.

    have a good day all

    Paula
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  • baldeagle
    baldeagle Member Posts: 199
    edited April 2006
    Hi everyone,

    Those of you who are a week or two ahead of me give me so much to look forward to! I am on the upswing from TAC#1 - the intestines have settled and the head feels somewhat clear. I even have energy to do some work! That won't last.

    I started acidophylis yesterday for the intestinal upset. within 8 hrs I felt a difference, and am 100% better 24 hrs. later. It helps restore intestinal bacteria destroyed by the chemo. The metal mouth is better - but I won't challenge it with anything that doesn't appeal.
    The pain joint from the neulasta was really intense last nite - but dissipated.
    So now I just have to see if the next round is the same or different or worse.

    BTW - one other thing that I haven't read about from anyone else - random pin-prick sensations. Like little needles. Anyone had this? Anything to do with hair loss?

    jeannette
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  • svans
    svans Member Posts: 32
    edited April 2006
    Hi Paula, I am stage 2 1 node positive too. stinks that we have to do all this for one little node. Oh well this is our life for now.

    Jeannette - I had pin-pricks in my head, it actually hurt for about 4 dyas, actually even now if I rub it the wrong way it is achy. My hair started falling out on about day 18 and now I have wuite a few bald spots!!

    Feels like connect the dots...ha ha Im so funny. Oh I need to find the humor in this otherwise I will go mad!!

    Thinking of all of you
    Sylvie
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  • mindyk
    mindyk Member Posts: 87
    edited April 2006
    Hi everyone, Just an update, I started with nausea late in the ight after #2 treatment. I called the onc and they are going to have me try the Adivan to see if it helps. I have already been on the Emend, compazine and zofran, but it isn't doing the trick. So hopefully the Adivan will help. It is hard to eat when you feel so nauseated. Hope everyone else is doing ok. I will keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers!

    Take care,
    Hugs,

    Mindy
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited April 2006
    Jeanette - I start getting these weird sensations/pinpricks during treatment - husband thinks chemo is affecting central nervous system, so little 'sensations' would come from that. Subsides after a few days. More weird than painful.
    Mindy - I'm so sorry they are having trouble controlling your nausea. One thing about Zofran - try the 'quick dissolve' if you aren't already - it's quick acting and you don't have to swallow, which is good if you're already nauseous.
    Paula - Loving the pool image!
    Sylvie - 1/3rd done - YES IT WILL END!
    Marcia - Pollen in DC is bothering me much more this year than 'normal'; we had rain here Saturday and it helped. I have this weird sore place just inside my nose (I know, TMI)that should have healed before this.
    Take care all,
    Leigh
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited April 2006
    Leigh, Do you think the quick dissolve zofran works better or just faster than the pill form? I take emend and zofran for chemo and the two days following then I still have to take phenergan for about 2 to 3 additional days. I guess I must have a weak stomach. Sorry about the nose sore. I find I get sores and pains in places I never knew I had. As far as the pinpricks go, I never get them during treatment but 3 days out my feet feel like they are getting frost bite. Then my nose starts to run. Isn't it funny how we all are having different symptoms. I am not looking forward to #4 next week. I haven't slept through the night since I started chemo. I bet the weather in Florida is beautiful. I just hope that hurricane season is kind to you this year.
    Have a good weekend.
    MarciaA.
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited April 2006
    I'm not sure if it works better, probably just faster AND you don't have to swallow if you're already feeling sick. It has a citrus-y taste, not much taste really. I was a regular drinker (of alcohol!) and I don't get motion sick very easily, two predictors apparently of whether you will have problems with nausea. I WOULD be getting nauseous without the meds, because I can sense it around the edges for several days after treatment WITH the meds.
    One of the places I "feel" the chemo is in my surgical wounds; I had lumpectomies and SNB both breasts and axillary node dissection right.
    We are more in DC than FL at the moment; I fly up on day 6 and don't go back until day 21, right before the next treatment. I'll probably do radiation here too; our boat is coming here to escape the hurricane season (she was dismasted in Wilma and the fixes are just getting finished).
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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited April 2006
    I got hit with the bone pain this afternoon. It's really hurting me this time. Especially in my cheek bones! Has anyone had pain there before? Also in my back and knees. I feel like I'm about 100 years old here. This sucks so bad, I can see why people don't want to go back for #4.

    I give up on being positive and happy for today. I'm going with crying and letting my family take care of me. I know it will get better and go away. If I didn't have here to come and talk/rant with people who are going through the same thing I would go nuts. My hubby's brother's roommate went thru this all about 7 years ago for leukemia, so I've been talking to him too. He understands all about the pain.

    We will survive, and be stronger. I can feel it in my bones.. err.. bad joke

    Paula
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited April 2006
    Paula, Remember what people have said before with TAC...that #3 is hardest...I am sorry you are having such a rough time..you are like sunshine to a lot of us here and you are definitely entitled to have your down time. I hope tomorrow will be a better day. I have not had cheek pain but I can relate to the knees and back and I have had cold spots on my butt cheeks The weekend is coming and give yourself a break and take time to get better...Remember you are half way there.
    Feel better soon!
    MarciaA.
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  • MollyK
    MollyK Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2006
    Mindy, I hope the Adivan works. I know it has done wonders for me..both for the nausea and also helping me get some sleep.

    Well, I finally did it. The hair is gone. My husband shaved it off this morning. Kinda feels like a relief. I knew this day was coming for weeks and it has been so depressing having it fall out this week. I cried.
    I just want to feel like 'me' again.

    I will look forward to being a better 'me' when chemo and radiation are over.

    I also feel like I'm gaining weight and want to eat too much...anyone excercsing while doing chemo???? I used to run 5 miles on the treadmill everyday before this happened and haven't done hardly anything yet. I'm thinking on my good week I'll be able to do something.

    Molly
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited April 2006

    Molly - I know it's hard, but there's another 'milestone' behind you. Good to have these things in the rear view mirror. I can exercise moderately starting around day 8 - yoga practice, walking 40 minutes or so, last night about 7 or 8 stations at the gym with light upper body weights bracketed by 10 min brisk treadmill walking. First 7 days - NYET. Getting off the sofa, then getting to work is all I can handle. Leigh

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