Starting Chemo July 2012

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  • Madelyn
    Madelyn Member Posts: 93
    edited July 2012

    Day 1 is over!

    Melrosemelrose- Thank you for the snack reminder....I did get hungry!

    CityFi- Thanks for the great info in your post!

    Lisa614- I hope you are doing better and are up and around soon.  

    Ann- You go girl-- I know you rocked it.  I pray your day was okay.

    Lee-I'm so glad you are filling your days with great stuff.  I love the operation party idea...but I must admit "Magic Mike" almost made forget I had chemo.....whew that man can dance!

    teeballmom-You hit the nail on the head when you said the anticipation of today was the worse part.  I couldn't have said it better!

    My AC treatment started at 9:00am and I was out by 12:15.   I didn't really sleep too well last night, kept tossing and turning.  

    I woke up and just started drinking water and more water.  When I got to the infusion room, the nurses were great.  They had me look over the orders...simple stuff making sure my name was on all the meds.  Lidocaine with saran wrap worked like a champ--I didn't feel a thing.  Saline first...then steroids...then nausea meds.  I didn't realize adriamycin was injected into IV.  This took 15 minutes to get it through-super fast! Nurse whispered to me and said it would make my urine pink.  She was right.  Cytoxan was fine also.  I had the ice chips and before I knew it it was over.  I go back tomorrow for a neulasta shot--I'll make sure to take my claritin an hour before I go.  So, so far so good.  I realize the steroids are helping me get through and will wear off by tomorrow...but until then I hope to be SE free and wish the same for all of you.

    All my respect and love,

    Madelyn 

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  • dventi
    dventi Member Posts: 171
    edited July 2012

    thanks melrosemelrose for the sanity check on the nosebleeds

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  • Lisa614
    Lisa614 Member Posts: 42
    edited July 2012

    It's ok Moonwillow, i still don't believe i have/had cancer.



    Best of luck on Friday! I'll be thinking of you...

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  • Lisa614
    Lisa614 Member Posts: 42
    edited July 2012

    Way to go teeballmom....just keep hydrating and don't overdo no matter how good you feel.



    You're right, it's feels good to get it started and feel like you are doing something.

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  • Lisa614
    Lisa614 Member Posts: 42
    edited July 2012

    I made it through my first day back to work but ran out of energy at lunch time. Came home and ate some soup (which tasted really good). Had to take more Tylenol and then another Alleve because the aches were getting to be too much.

    I work with patients in an outpatient physical therapy practice and I swear Iwas so paranoid about them breathing on me today. I said i was going to wear a mask but find myself apprehensive (don't know why), but I'm wearing gloves when contacting patients' skin.



    Have my 1 week bloodwork tomorrow and I'm hoping they will tell me how mu immune system is functioning as well as how long I can expect to feel yucky.



    Wishing everyone well

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  • virginiab
    virginiab Member Posts: 205
    edited July 2012

    I have an appointment with my MO tomorrow to nail down a chemo plan. We already had a first meeting where she said chemo was a something I had to decide about and gave me the statisticql numbers for the theoretical benefit of chemo for me -- which was about a 4% difference in the 10-year recurrence possibility. I've decided to do it. She also offered a trial (AC/T vs TC x 6). We met with someone from the study who walked us through the whole informed consent document.

    The TC sounds better to me than the AC/T, so I don't want to allow some random number generator to make the decision. After reading articles on this site, I do want to talk to the doc about doing the T in weekly doses,  and also about the possibility of simultaneous radiation, as this seems to produce better results.

    It will be good to have a definite plan, and to get going. I expect that I will be a July chemo girl. 

    I'm wishing all of us relatively easy -- and delightfully effective -- treatment!

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  • _Ann_
    _Ann_ Member Posts: 769
    edited July 2012

    First AC infusion went swimmingly.  I had a great nurse, and really like the treatment room.  There are curtains between the chairs and they have wiews of trees and fog rolling in off the ocean.  Can't beat that!  Afterward we walked a bit over a half mile on the track and came home.   Absolutely no problems or ill effects during the infusion.  The nurse walked me though all the after care and gave me lots of tips.

    A bit of nausea this afternoon, so far managed pretty well by the meds.  I think steadily eating saltines and other bland foods has been a help.

     I also had good meetings with both my MO and my BS.   Plus, I did the big haircut, went from over three feet of hair to one inch!

     I'm slowing down on my fluid intake due to the nausea, gotta get back on that.

    Today, this feels very do-able!   Wishing strength to you, sisters!

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  • mssunshine71
    mssunshine71 Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2012

    Lifeonitsside - looks like we will be chemo buddies.  I had my port in yesterday and honestly felt quite well most of the day.  Because of that I think I over did it so I was in quite a bit of discomfort by bedtime.  If you are going right into chemo after your port placement it should be fine since the freezing didnt wear off till late evening and it was placed in the morning.  (Tylenol did help the discomfort)

    I am so greatful for the many helpful hints everyone has provided.

    Hoping everyone is tolerating treatment so far

    It's been a full-time job just getting all the appointments out of the way leading up to chemo lol.

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  • Madelyn
    Madelyn Member Posts: 93
    edited July 2012

    mssunshine71

    I went for my first chemo tx yesterday...putting the lidocaine cream over the port (an hour before)and putting saran wrap over it made a huge difference!  You'll do great.   

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  • Madelyn
    Madelyn Member Posts: 93
    edited July 2012

    Ann...

    You make me proud, I'm glad your day was good!  I can't believe you took three feet off your hair...way to take control!  I'm sure you look beautiful!  

    Now for the Stupid Question:  I'm on the AC-t chemo, my first treatment was yesterday (7/11) they told me days 2-3 will be my "not so great" days. So is today day one or day 2?  Does the day of treatment count as your day one?   Sorry...guess chemo brain has started already!   

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  • boobzilla
    boobzilla Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2012

    Hey guys-I am confirmed to start TAC on 7/19, but 2 small things are getting removed Tuesday 7/17. Have been so grateful for all of the tips in these forums, and my partner and I are getting ready for treatment # 1. Chemo Edu yesterday with fantastic Nurse. A little worried about the 'flu' symptoms and bone pain, although I know worse can happen. Finally went to wig/accessories shop yesterday after chemo edu. Crazy how fast this all happens, but I am getting used to having to let my dark mane go, so that's one step closer.....hoping I get through ok. We have lots of support and great tips,including all of you. Still sometimes in shock.....Sounds like many of you are weathering the storm relatively well...considering!

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  • virginiab
    virginiab Member Posts: 205
    edited July 2012

    Hi, boobzilla--

    It sounds like it's getting easier to settle into the idea of doing this. It's good to have a partner at your side as you go through it; I can't imagine what I would be doing without my partner of 24 years being here to support me at each step.

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  • boobzilla
    boobzilla Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2012

    Hi Virginia-thank you so much for the warm welcome! Yes, we are definitely a team in this in every way. I am hoping for the best where side effects are concerned,  and remaining optimistic-working with our team of doctors etc. I'll chime in once I've been through it the first time. Thanks for your kind words:) Looking forward to getting rid of this 'Godzilla'....

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  • mssunshine71
    mssunshine71 Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2012

    Thank you Madelyn for the great tip :)  

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  • fishinurse
    fishinurse Member Posts: 50
    edited July 2012

    I mean I start chemo on monday

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  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited July 2012

    I just found out I will be starting chemo next week. I was waiting for Oncotype test results for a clinical trial I signed up for. They finally came back today--28--so I'm out of the trial and into the infusion room starting next Wednesday. I'm really nervous about it.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited July 2012
    soltantio- Lidocaine cream aka EMLA cream is to put over the port area to numb the area before the chemo infusion.  The Saran wrap is to cover the area with the EMLA cream so it doesn't get on your clothes.  You can't use a regular bandaid to cover the area once you put the EMLA cream on because bandaid's gauze pad absorbs the EMLA cream.  The EMLA cream needs to be on the skin area to numb it.  As for the port, I was told by my breast surgeon that I was getting a port.  I had also met with my oncologist prior to my meeting with the breast surgeon.  I had a lumpectomy aka chunkectomy prior to my UMX and switched breast surgeons once the lumpectomy pathology came in.   My oncologist works closely with my current breast surgeon and told him that I would need chemotherapy.   Sometimes when the lumpectomy is performed, the doctors don't know for sure that one needs chemotherapy.  That may be the reason why ports are not automatically placed when one gets a lumpectomy.
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  • teeballmom
    teeballmom Member Posts: 322
    edited July 2012

    Hi Everyone.

    So yesterday I had my first AC x 4 treatment.  Went well, although the 1 1/2 hour drive home was awful.  I was so tired.  Will probably make several stops on the way home the next time for something to drink that will keep me more alert.  Maybe a chocolate milkshake (small of course , LOL).

    I have such a fuzzy brain today.  Can't type worth anything and sometimes what comes out of my mouth is weird so I really have to be careful when speaking.

    So Day 2 today and I started the regin of nausea meds my doctor scheduled for me.  She was very strict how I take them.  I can feel the wooziness, but I'll wooziness over queazy any time.

    I take Decadron and something call Lopra.... something or other (1 each) with breakfast, and (1 each) at 3:00 pm with a snack and then (2) of the Lopra.... before I go to bed.  So I do this Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4 (she wrote the dates down for me).  Then this Sunday I have a 3rd bottle of nausea meds that I am only to take if I get nausea, since some people do get it and some people dont.  She was very amadant that I take the meds exactly as she said for the most benefit.  No problem.  

    I went in for the Neulasta shot today.  Nobody wants me to take the Claritin since it may blanket other symptoms I may be having.  The ONC said that the bone pain will more than likely be in my lower back and my sternum but 800 mg of ibuprofen will take care of the pain, and I shouldn't be in pain longer than a few days.  Pain would start approximately in 7 days.  If my pain lasts longer, I need to call her office immediately.  Next week I have a meeting with the ONC to go over all of my symptoms or body changes that I'm writing down in a little journal so she can see if there are some changes she may make to my treatment.

    Best of luck to everyone going into the Big Girl Chair tomorrow.  

    Take care.

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  • Sarassister
    Sarassister Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2012

    Hello Everyone,

    I am writing regarding my sister who was diagnosed May 01, 2012 and started chemo on July 4th. She is Stage IV 4IDC, with many DCIS ER+, PR+, Her2+, 5/11 nodes, Bone Mets Spine  & Ribs, 2.7 cm Grade 3 and is 33 years of age (bilateral Mas.). She is on Herceptin and has been given taxol and carboplatin. I guess she is day 8 of her treatment and is experiencing no side effects except for slight numbness in her fingertips and toes. I understand that Chemo side effects can be accumulative, but is it really normal to feel mainly ok? (Honestly, I think I am just seeking reassurance that the treatment is working).

    Her name is mcmanus33 if anyone can relate with her age, treatment and diagnosis.

    Thank you! <3

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

    Soltantio- EMLA cream is by prescription only.  You can ask your onco for a prescription.  If you don't get one, you can ask the infusion nurse for some numbing spray.  If you can't get that, ask the nurse to numb the area with ice. 

    Sarassister- Not everyone gets all of the side effects that are known.  The severity/degree of side effects vary from person to person.  That is one good thing about the chemo-- the amount of chemo is specific to each person-- dosage is determined by a person's weight.  The fact that your wonderful sister is not experiencing minimal side effects is great.  It does not mean that the chemo is not working.    The side effect that she is experiencing is neuropathy and hopefully is temporary.  She may become more tired with each round of treatment.  Prior to each treatment, she probably has blood work to determine if her white blood count is high enough for that round of chemo and to check her red blood count to see if she is anemic.  Chemo does affect the blood cells so that would be an indicator that the chemo is doing its job.  Wishing your sister and everyone in your family the best.  Thanks for being there for your sister.  I'm sure she knows how important your love and support is!!!  HUGS to you and yours.

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  • Sarassister
    Sarassister Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2012

    Melrosemelrose,

    A big thank you for your kind words and for explaining the process so thoroughly. I think perhaps I may be able to exhale just a bit. Her physicians have decided not to treat it as aggressively as if it was stage 3, so they are giving her only 4 to 6 rounds of chemo and treatment after that is uncertain... which is why I am so anxious. I am hoping that the 'smart bomb' or something equivalent crosses the boarder to the north soon!

    Thanks again,

    I will pass along this discussion thread to her.

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

    Sarassister- Glad that little bit of info helped.  If you are in need of more info, always go to the main page of this website, BCO and read up on the different sections about breast cancer, treatments, etc.  It is a great source of information and easy to understand plus you can do searches for what you are looking for.  I also use another website called chemocare.com which was created by Scott Hamilton, the former Olympic ice skater who had cancer.  I've used that website to look up more info about my chemotherapy regimen. 

    I also understand the uncertain feeling after the chemo is over.  That feeling exists in all of us on this journey.  It has yet to be determined if I will have radiation because of the unusual nature of my own cancer since when it was removed, it was found in a cystic structure.  So I share that feeling of what comes next as far as treatment within the immediate future once the chemo is done.  Until that is determined, I focus as to what is right in front of me and move forward making each day a good one.

    Wishing and praying for the best for your sister.  Sending lots of healing (((HUGS))) and positive, healing and calming prayers, thoughts and energy!!!      

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  • RobbG
    RobbG Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2012

    Hey ladies,

    Quick question. Since the BMX, wife has been using fresh lemon water to keep hydration. Is this a bad idea during chemo? Too acidic and produces mouth sores? We started TC yesterday and getting some habits changed is tough.

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  • Madelyn
    Madelyn Member Posts: 93
    edited July 2012

    teeballmom-I am so sorry this first time is rough.  I'm so sorry you had to drive yourself!  I wish I lived closer to you!  I hope you find quick comfort and are feeling better soon.

    Soltantio- I'm so sorry I didn't get back with the Lidocaine/saran wrap question sooner.  I was told during my Chemo Class, that certain drugs were called in for me already and the Lidocaine was one of them.  The nurse discussed the saran wrap in the class--saying don't rub it in--you fingers will feel numb!  I just make a bunch of dots and let the saran wrap gently cover the port area.  

    Sarasister- I started my first AC tx on July 11, so far thank God I feel good.  Today is day 3.  I find myself wanting to go to bed earlier but for the most part I'm okay.  I am walking 2 miles a day and I'm drinking water.  I credit my feeling okay to the steroids I was given at the infusion.  I went for my neulasta shot and I'm scheduled to come back Tuesday for routine blood work.  I was told in my chemo clas  that my "day 2 and day 3"  would be my worst.  So far I'm grateful I feel good.  

    I am a school teacher so I have the summer's off and don't have to be at work--so that helps a lot.  But basically I am feeling badly about feeling okay and wish I could take some of my July Chemo sister's side effects and help lighten the load.  Please everyone take care of yourselves and feel better quickly...hugs and love to all

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited July 2012
    RobbG- If your lovely wife is not experiencing any mouth/tummy problems as a result of the chemo, it is probably fine to keep drinking lemon water.  It does help to flavor the water when the taste buds go on vacation with chemo--- lemon, orange, other fruit flavors are fine.  The mouth sores are a result of the chemo.  If she feels a sore coming up, she should rinse her mouth several times a day with baking soda, salt and warm water.  The recipe for each rinsing is 1/4 teaspoon baking soda + 1/4 teaspoon salt + 1 cup of warm water.  Wishing both of you the best of luck with her chemo.  Thank you for supporting and helping your wife through this journey.  Hugs to both of you!!!
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  • Lisa614
    Lisa614 Member Posts: 42
    edited July 2012

    Hi again.   Well, last time I wrote I had just gone back to work for a day and was doing ok.   However, the body aches and pains returned that evening along with a fever which started at 100.7 and ran up to 101.   I got real scared.   I called the on-call and he said i might have an infection and it could be viral or bacterial.   He prescribed generic Cipro and so I went out at 10:00 at night to pick it up.   I gotta say that was an emotional low point for me.   Here I thought the worst was behind me with the pain and feeling lousy, then BAM, the fever...and I started feeling sorry for myself that I had to go pick up the prescription.  (My son is out of town till Sunday and quite honestly, I had a hard time calling a friend at that time of night).    Anyway,  had my follow up appt. with doctor yesterday and found out my WBC is very low so I'm neutropenic.   Very suspectible to infection.   She had me take some IV fluids while I was there and I have to say, it made me feel so much better.

    Lessons learned:   I have to force myself to drink even though I do not feel like it.   Take Alleve a couple of days prior to Neulasta shot to ward off body and bone pain so as not to sleep all day and night.    Go in for IV fluids as soon as I start feeling yucky.  They hydrate the body so much efficiently than just drinking water.   Continue taking Zofran even though the nausea is gone.  It also helps the overall digestive tract.  (Having some loose stools, which only makes the dehydration worse).  

    I'm on day 8 now...dr. said days 7-10 would be the worst...no, days 3-7 were the worst (for me).   I think with better planning the next round, I won't feel quite as much pain.   

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

    lisa614- Sorry you had a rough time after the 1st round.  I had a high spiking fever 12 days after my 2nd round.  Fortunately, I called my onco asap as soon as I realized the fever wasn't going down and got two antibotics which knocked out that infection.  I did not have to go in to the ER which was a great relief to me since ER's are like a petri dish for germs to me.  My WBC was good for my 3rd round; however, after the 3d round I've had to have a Neulasta shot after each of my chemo rounds.  Glad you learned what you have to do after the chemo treatment.  I take those anti-nausea drugs are prescribed like clockwork since once you get in the nausea cycle, it isn't easy to get out of it.  As for drinking water, I have two Nalgene 32  ounce bottles that I fill and drink to make sure I get in enough water.  For some reason, the drinking out of one large bottle doesn't seem to bug me as much as drinking a bunch of individual glasses of water.  You can also drink gatorade, juice if you can tolerate it besides the water.  I also put orange slices in my water when I want to change up the taste.  Hope you are feeling better!!!! 

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  • virginiab
    virginiab Member Posts: 205
    edited July 2012

    It's official that I will start chemo this month. I have the orientation to chemo on Tuesday the 17th and my first chemo on the 19th. I think there are several of us starting on that date. I'm doing TC x 6, every 3 weeks. I feel like I'm in very good hands with my oncologist.

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  • boobzilla
    boobzilla Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2012

    Hey Virginia-welcome to the '19th' warrior force. I, too have my 1st one on the 19th. I wish you the best with the Chemo Orientation (we had ours this week),and your 1st round!

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited July 2012
    virginiab- Just checking to see if you know about icing the nails during the Taxotere part of your chemo round.  I'm having round #5 of Cytoxan/Taxotere next Tuesday and have been icing my nails since my first chemo.  So far, so good but one never really knows until after the chemo is over if the icing helps prevent damage to the nails.  If you want to do that, make sure you ask your onco to make sure it's okay.  I also paint my nails with clear nail polish to help keep them strong.  As for the fingernails, you will learn to not use them the way you have in the past to open things.  I use rubber gloves when I wash dishes and clean up around the house to protect my fingernails as much as possible.  I had posted earlier some info about icing the nails on page 1 of this thread (think that is the right page....)  Wishing you the best with the TC next week. 
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