Sept 2012 chemo

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  • butterfly14
    butterfly14 Member Posts: 253
    edited September 2012

    what is the shot for? Is it standard? So much to learn, so little time.

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

    Butterfly14- Here is the info on Neulasta and Neupogen which should help you.  If you have more questions, please post them.  Everyone on this thread is very supportive and helpful!!!  Gentle HUGS as you continue to heal from your surgery.

    NEULASTA:  Neulasta is a shot given within 24 hours after chemo to help with the white blood counts.  When it is given depends upon your onco.  Depending upon your chemo regimen, your onco may prescribe the Neulasta shot the day after your first round of chemo or may wait until it is clear that you need the Neulasta shot.  I initially did not receive the Neulasta shot after my 1st & 2nd round of chemo since my onco does not prescribe it until a patient needs it.  Ten days after my 2nd round of chemo, I developed a high spikey fever/chills and was treated with two antibotics.  After the 3rd round of chemo, I received  the Neulasta shot and continued to receive the Neulasta injection after rounds 4-6.

    Here is the link and info on chemocare.org ( website founded by Scott Hamilton, former Olympic ice skater and cancer survivor) that describes in general what Neulasta does. http://www.chemocare.com/BIO/neulasta.asp

    Neulasta is a biologic response modifier. It is classified as a colony stimulating factor.  (For more detail, see "How this drug works" section below).
       
    What is this drug used for? 

    • This medicine is used to stimulate the growth of "healthy" white blood cells in the bone marrow, once chemotherapy is given.  White blood cells help the body to fight infection. This is not a chemotherapy drug. 
    • This medication is usually given at least 24 hours after chemotherapy to stimulate the growth of new, healthy, white blood cells (WBC).
    • Pegfilgrastim is a longer acting form of filgrastim and the manufacturer recommends that it should not be given within 14 days prior to chemotherapy.
    • Pegfilgrastim is given as a single injection.

    Note:  If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians sometimes elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it might be helpful.

    How this drug is given:

    • This medicine can be given as a shot underneath the skin (subcutaneous [SQ]), in pre-filled syringes. The dose of pegfilgrastim depends upon why you are receiving this drug.
    • The amount of this medication you will receive also depends on many other factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer you have.  Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule.

    NEUPOGEN:  As an alternative, some oncos prescribe Neupogen which is given on a daily basis as opposed to the one shot of Neulasta.  Below is the link and info from the chemocare. com website. http://www.chemocare.com/BIO/neupogen.asp

    • Neupogen is used to stimulate the production of granulocytes (a type of white blood cell) in patients undergoing therapy that will cause low white blood cell counts.  Neupogen is used to prevent infection and neutropenic (low white blood cells) fevers caused by chemotherapy.
    • Neupogen is a support medication.  It does not treat cancer.

    Note:  If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians may elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it may be helpful.

    How Neupogen Is Given:

    • Neupogen may be given by subcutaneous (the layer between the skin and muscle) injection or infused into a vein (intravenous, IV).
    • Neupogen is generally given on a daily basis.  The number of days you receive Neupogen will be prescribed by your doctor.
    • Neupogen should be refrigerated.  Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before injection.  Do not shake Neupogen.  
    • The amount of Neupogen that you will receive depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated.  Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule.
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  • Mariposa123
    Mariposa123 Member Posts: 267
    edited September 2012

    Hi everyone,

       I had a question. I had my port put in on Thursday and I seem to have more pain today than I did on Friday.  The site is super bruised- and the pain is in my chest under the skin.  Icing helps a bit.  I am also taking ibuprofen.  The area is also super itchy.  Is all of this normal?  I go and see my oncologist on Monday.  

    Thanks!

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited September 2012
    Mariposa- My breast surgeon is the doctor who did my port placement when I had my UMX surgery.  He and his medical assistant told me before I had the surgery/placement that the port area would probably hurt more than my UMX.  Both of them were right!!!!  The port area under the skin can be very sore for a while.  The itchiness is from the sutures healing.  If it is covered with a bandage/adhesive tape, you may be allergic to the adhesive and that may be causing the itchiness too.   I'm one of those people who is allergic to the adhesives on bandaids and tape and can't have those on my skin for too long.  I also found out that I am allergic to iodine surgical scrub which means I have to have that off of my skin asap.  ( I found out about the scrub allergy while recovering from my UMX in the hospital).  Hope this helps.
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  • kelleyb
    kelleyb Member Posts: 94
    edited September 2012

    Hi ladies,

    I started my TCH 9/6/12.  Glad to have this resource and friendship!

    Kelley

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  • sherbab
    sherbab Member Posts: 106
    edited September 2012

    Welcome Frannygirl!



    Cheryl, I had my symptoms like your situation exactly one week after my infusion. When I called my MO they said I will now be able to track the pattern and plan for it the night before and take Claritin and Tylenol again. Mine woke me up in the middle of the night. I see we are on different treatments and Melrose posted some great information but hopefully yours is something you can head off at the pass as well. You should ask your MO. Good luck!

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  • sherbab
    sherbab Member Posts: 106
    edited September 2012

    Welcome Kellyb!

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  • Cindi74
    Cindi74 Member Posts: 363
    edited September 2012

    Hello Kelleyb,  I think you are # 41 in the EXCLUSIVE CLUB NO ONE WANTS TO JOIN.  I have found the group warm, supportive, and helpful.  OK, I need advice.  It's 8 AM.  Sunday Morning.  I had my first Chemo A/C last Wed. and Neulasta shot on Thursday.  Had three days of nausea drugs, and no nausea.  Am taking Claridin although Chemo nurse poohooed it.  No bone pain yet.  Very washed out yesterday.  Would like to go to church at 10 this morning, but don't know if I am up to it.  It's Pot Luck Sunday and I will have to pick up stuff at Publix.  How did you all feel on day 5?  Should I be up to it?

    I keep trying to think how I feel.  I guess without bc, I would have just gotten up and gone--but now I'm concerned about germs, etc.  Am I over reacting?   Perhaps it would be good to get out.

    Am having trouble getting the gallon of water down.  Only did three pints yesterday, and that was with effort.

    Anybody up?

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

    Cindi74- Good Morning!!!  Glad you are feeling better.  If you feel up to it, you can try to go.  Just be careful and keep hugs to a minimum and handshakes to elbow bumps.  You want to avoid too much contact since you may be entering the nadir period where your white blood count are at their lowest.  You know that you can always leave church services early.  It's fine to try.  As for the Pot Luck Sunday, a little word of caution about eating buffets during chemo.  Although you are taking Neulasta shots, one can never be too careful during chemo.  If you decide to go, keep whatever you are making simple so you don't work too hard.  You just need to listen to your body whatever you decide to do.  I don't think anyone expects you to be at church or the pot luck dinner, especially after your recent chemo.  If you are feeling a little shakey and undecided as to what to do, just remember that you need to rest and take care of yourself.  It's okay to miss a church service; God hears you no matter where you are.  I know you probably want to see everyone but make sure you feel well enough to go and you are ready for the questions/conversations about how you are doing.  If you want to get out of the house, then do so and know it's okay to leave early so you can go home and rest.

    Don't think there is something wrong with you because you are concerned about germs!!!!  I've turned into a little germophobic myself because I know with a weakened immune system, it doesn't take much to get sick.  So bring on the hand sanitizer & wipes, soap & water, Clorox wipes, the  no hugging, no kisses, no handshakes, and other ways to avoid getting germs!!!

    As for the drinking a lot of water 5-6 days out, I know it is hard.  I would think that you have flushed out your system pretty well.  You can try drinking Gatorade, fruit juices, broth or eating watermelon, grapes, jello, popscicles to help with your fluid intake.

    Hope you have a wonderful day and minimal side effects!!!!

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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited September 2012

    Welcome all that are new!  We love you already.  

    Woke very queasy at 6am, but took my meds and crackers and feel better.  I know I should keep it by my bed - my bad.  

    Cindi - I agree with Melrose.  Please be careful of the contact you make.  I really feel the terrible cold I had after AC#1 came from a trip into work to say hi.  I found out once there that alot of the group had strep or bad colds.  A enclosed evironment like a office is terrible place to be.  Have fun, but be careful!

    I am taking my wigs in to get them trimmed tomorrow and getting my friend to buzz me.  Hope all of my sisters have a great day!! 

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited September 2012

    Welcome Kelley, and all the new girls!!...you will find comfort here.



    Cindy, I found if I heated the water up and drank it like cool tea or coffee it is much easier to swallow. I usually add just a touch of lemon( cleanse my liver).



    Lol I am a germophobic too, I bought Lysol wipes in bulk from Costco, all knobs, fridge, taps, everything gets a quick wipe down.



    JoJo you sound like your second chemo is similar to the first round, good luck with the buzz cut!....my hair is still hanging in there, but looks so LIFELESS!



    Well I think I am in the building phase of this chemo round, still feel normal, wondering if I got a placebo or just very lucky having no SE ....now I am hoping everything returns to normal range for my bloodwork on the 25th and hopefully #2 chemo the 26th.



    Anyway happy Sunday everyone..all those having chemo this week try not being nervous it is not as bad as you think, we all have seen too many movies!!

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  • Cherioo
    Cherioo Member Posts: 305
    edited September 2012

    Happy Sunday Everyone ,



    Welcome all new members we are glad to have you. Have a ? I am due for my second chemo Thursday and I am now starting to get itchy on my head and tingling sensation . Is anyone going through that? I am thinking it is time to shave my head

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  • aliasismo
    aliasismo Member Posts: 16
    edited September 2012

    Hi Ladies, I am learning so much from all of you. None of us wants to be in this club, but there ARE definitely positives that come out of it!

    I am on day 4 post Chemo#1 and feeling quite good! I am relieved that so far I've managed to avoid nausea. I feel so good that I haven't turned into a germophobe yet. I'm thinking I better start being more careful; I don't want to get sick!

    My side effects so far: my teeth hurt a little; my scalp has been itching a bit; I've felt a little "spacier" than normal; I'm having a little trouble falling to sleep. I'm really scared I'll have neuropathy so I've been taking glutamine powder; hopefully that'll help.

    My onc hasn't specifically mentioned Neulasta to me; I appreciate the conversations about it here so I'm prepared if he decides I need it.

    Best of luck to you all!

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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited September 2012

    Cherioo unfortunately the scalp pain/itchiness is the hair dying. Day 13 post treatment one seems to be the magic day. I am day 16 and now have bald spots. The buzz must happen!

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  • Cherioo
    Cherioo Member Posts: 305
    edited September 2012

    Thanks jojo I figured it is time . I am is ready as I can be .. I hope you are doing well today .

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  • Cindi74
    Cindi74 Member Posts: 363
    edited September 2012
    Picked up fried chicken at Publix for my contribution to potluck.  Went to church and avoided hugs and handshakes which everyone found strange since I am usually a hugger of all.  We have good cooks--not me, and I studk with hot veg dishes and a piece of the chicken.  Lots of support from my small church of mostly older people.  Came home and crashed spending the afternoon watching netflix videos.  Am going to try a little stationary bike later.  I feel like i am on the edge of nausea or headache, but have neither.  I just feel muggy.  So when does normal come back?  I always woke up ready to get up and go.  This is not me.  I am only taken Claridin.
     
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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited September 2012

    Cindi dont push it, listen to your body. You will be back to feeling well soon.

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  • sherbab
    sherbab Member Posts: 106
    edited September 2012

    Cheerio - on day 10 since first treatment and I am having the same feeling in my hair. I am guessing next weekend at this time I will have had to shave my head as well.



    Cindi - it was probably nice for you to get out for a while today but I agree....Don't push it. I have also spent most of the day watching movies which is ok. I might as well catch up while I can.



    Happy Sunday to all!

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  • Amy4978
    Amy4978 Member Posts: 473
    edited September 2012

    aliasismo...funny you say that "spacier" I too find it hard to concentrate or focus it seems I start something then wonder. I have been getting frustrated with it alot since I am a very organzied get things done kinda girl..

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited September 2012

    I am Day 12 with the hair post 1st chemo and it has been itch any yucky for a few days, no fallout of any amounts yet.....I guess that will be tomorrow. I always cut my husbands hair with the Costco cutters and as soon as mine falls it will get buzzed....I am kind of nervous as it will make me look like a cancer patient....waist to buzzed in one month!

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  • Kstillie
    Kstillie Member Posts: 22
    edited September 2012

    So had my first A/C on Friday (1 treatment down 15 to go) ...pretty non eventful - thank god for the port. Stayed with friends over Friday and Saturday, who sent me home with homemade chicken soup and cookies. Felt good up until today. Started feeling very tired, bad taste and some nausea. My legs are bothering me, kind of like I ran a some miles. Not sure if it's from the Neulasta(sp?)shot or not. I am taking all my meds and then some, no sense being too uncomfortable if needn't be. Not looking to prove anything but surviving this. Did make it to my niece's Pink Ribbon Tournament with my bright pink Mowhawk...very empowering and fun I have to say. Hope all is well out there in BC land... My thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are all awesomely strong women! XXOO

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited September 2012

    JoJo and Cheerio I am wondering are you on a every 2 week chemo cycle?

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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited September 2012

    Yes Bear i am on 2 week dose dense AC cycle

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  • Cherioo
    Cherioo Member Posts: 305
    edited September 2012

    Bear I am on a every two week cycle as well

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  • Terri07-11
    Terri07-11 Member Posts: 32
    edited September 2012

    Someone asked what my DX was & I'm afraid that I don't know what that means.  I'll look it up though & get back to you.  It may be important.

    I saw that you are from Fort Collins & I am assuming that that is where you are treated.  I go to Boulder and everyone does their best to be patient and kind but they took my blood pressure right before the chemo treatment on Tuesday & it was 184 over 70.  The nurse thought this was kind of high.  Really?  Can't imagine why.

    I made it thru the treatment with my IPad, my book, my Sudoku, my Altoids, my music, my snacks, and my husband! (who got me this delicious tea made with rose petals that is at the clinic; I drank 3 glasses and ate one banana)

    We had made camping plans for this weekend and I cried all the way to the campsite, about 20 miles away.  I was so terrified I would ruin the fun for everyone.  No one knows and my husband kept whispering, "Keep ahead of it, Keep ahead of it".  "Take the drugs, Take the drugs."  It turns out that we all had a great time and there is nothing like watching a group of 14 year old boys having fun in the creek and on their bikes.  I think it was soooo cold that it froze my body so I didn't experience any adverse reactions too badly.

    Runnergirl7, you look so young.  I'm so sorry that we are all going thru this but it seems so unfair for the young women.  I am in my middle 50's and know that I will gladly exchange this year of torment for another 20 years to see and feel life around me.

    I have ANOTHER doctor's appointment tomorrow and I am always hopeful that she will give me more insight and helpful tips.  I feel achy and I can't figure out if I get to quit taken meds in-between chemo or my body has become a local pharmaceutical lab & they want to see if I can start glowing in the dark.  I haven't lost my hair yet but the doctor said I would be right on schedule to lose it for the September 28th weekend.

    I say about 100 Hail Mary's a day.  Anytime I feel a panic attack, I say the prayer and even though it doesn't instantly calm me, it reverts my mind somewhere else.  Next week, I'm going to try water aerobics.  A clinic at the cancer center called and said that my insurance would not cover Reiko treatments (what I wanted to do) but would cover 12 acupuncture treatments.  Hello?  Do I really need to stick something else in my body?

    I wish everyone well for this week.  Stay strong.  As Lance Armstrong said, "You can give up hope or Fight like Hell!"  Let's all fight like hell together.

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  • internutz1
    internutz1 Member Posts: 33
    edited September 2012

    I start 4 X of Taxotere/Cytoxan with the Neulasta shot the next day beginning on Sept 21st. I am so scared, angry, and have such a hopeless feeling. As you can see I have a pretty good dx but something still nags me about this whole process. Going to contact my psychiatrist tomorrow as I have thoughts that I know are just not right. Don't get me wrong, I have the life of my dreams and yet I still wonder if this is all a setup for me to leave this life. I know these thoughts are not healthy nor productive.

    I do have support, and they tell me all of the standard comments "You're a fighter" "You're so strong" and half the time I just want to scream back that maybe I just don't give s sh$t. This is what I mean by inappropriate thoughts. I should be grateful, happy that I can afford treatment... cold caps, wigs, whatever I need but I'm just so "blue".

    Anyone else just plain ANGRY? I am angry that in a few days I am allowing poison into my body, I am angry at myself for this happening. I am angry that I apparently chose this as a learning experinece in my life. I don't blame anyone or anything external to me.

    Sorry, but this seems to be the only safe place to express this. I went to a sports store and beat the heck out of a rubber MMA dummy man and pretended HE was cancer. Felt good afterward.

    Thanks for listening, sisters...

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  • Waitingforthenextstep
    Waitingforthenextstep Member Posts: 251
    edited September 2012

    I feel scared, hopeless, and not in the least bit strong.....and I haven't even started treatment yet.

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  • Kstillie
    Kstillie Member Posts: 22
    edited September 2012

    Waitingforthenextstep - I know how you feel. I felt so anxious, out of control, and scared to death prior to starting my treatments. I'm a control freak so not knowing what was going to happen was torture. Well had my 1st treatment of A/C on Friday and it was pretty anticlimactic. I've been staying way ahead of my symptoms and so far so good. Don't be afraid to take the meds, we don't need to suffer through this we just need to get through it as comfortably as possible. That's one way I am in control. I also went ahead and shaved my head into a fun Mohawk and colored it pink for a breast cancer awareness event and it was great! You will do just fine...we all will...and it's okay to feel all those feelings whatever they may be, just don't get stuck in the bad ones for too long...XXOO

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  • Cindi74
    Cindi74 Member Posts: 363
    edited September 2012

    September Team   of the Exclusive Club No One Wants to Join

    (If anyone wants to be left off, send me a private message.  If I have accidently left you off, also let me know.  Since we are sharing so much together, I thought it would be interesting to see where we are in this trip.)

    AmylovesBubby

    Bearcub                                Prince George, British Columbia

    Firestorm531                        Texas

    Melrosemelrose (visitor from April)                    Houston, Texas

    Cherioo                                Florida

    Whenlifegivesyou lemons       Minneapolis

    Jojo2373                         Maryland                                                                                                                            

    Mycancerjourney                   Illinois

    Sheerbab                              Dallas, Texas                                          

    Foreverchanged72612            Chelsea,  Quebec

    Amy4978                              Howard City, MI

    Cindi74                                 Apopka, Florida

    Terri07-11

    Joemommy                            Portland, Oregon

    Cgesq                                    New Jersey

    SandeeAR                              Conway, AR

    Timbek2

    Laura_g

    Runnergirl71                             Fort Collins, Colorado

    Lokimax2                                  Siler City, NC

    Sparkysbrat                               East Tennessee Mountains

    Momto5children

    SugarlandlDC                              Houston

    PatriciaHurtado                            Miami, FL

    DonnaDo8

    Mariposa123                                Bay Area, Californiz

    Damiana9                                    Burleson, Texas

    Timbek2                                       Peoria, IL

    Movinonmom

    Aliasismo

    Ergirl

    Kstillie

    Damiana9           Burleson, TX

    301724                Vermont

    Nickythebean

    Butterfly14                       Clearwater, FL

    Tara88

    Neta69

    Frannygirl                   Louisiana

    Waitingforthenextstep

    KelleyB

    Internutz1                      Van Alstyne, TX USA

    RSDavid

    EvaNJ

    Twinsplus1

    Sjayne2u                       Ohio

          

    That's 47.  So many enduring together. 

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  • butterfly14
    butterfly14 Member Posts: 253
    edited September 2012

    internutz1- i feel the same way at times, just want to scream and hit something, especially when someone tells me that cancer could be a blessing in disguise to some great new life realization. I like my old life, wife and mother, friend.

     I am having the port put in on Sept 24 and first AC treatment on Sept 25, and I'm extremely scared.

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