Starting Chemo October 2012

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  • Toots
    Toots Member Posts: 104
    edited November 2012

    Celine - that is absolutely fantastic news.........and just perfectly timed!

    ........hope you continue to improve.........thank you for sharing!

    Hugs x

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  • halfcan
    halfcan Member Posts: 253
    edited November 2012

    Hi ladies!   Wow, it has been a busy weekend here with so many posts!  I had lots of catching up to do. I spent the last three days at Whistler with my sweets getting in some hiking and R&R too.  It even snowed on Sunday like crazy and made the village so fun to walk around and act like a tourist.  Now though it is back to reality... :-(   Labs and fill scripts today and chemo #3 tomorrow.   I know in my head it is a good thing but, it still is depressing to think tomorrow I get to go back to feeling like crap and sick again for 10 days or so.   Oh, a question for you all.... I feel like a cold may be coming on.... Would that delay chemo tomorrow do you think????   I hope not.   This is the last FEC treatment and then it is on to Taxotere.  From what I understand it doesn't make you have soooo much nausea?  

    I know some of you ladies are having a tough time with the SE's right now.  My heart goes out to you and hoping today is a better day!  {{{Gentle hugs}}}

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  • LouBar
    LouBar Member Posts: 84
    edited November 2012

    Hi Halfcan - I had the beginnings of a cold for treatment #2 and also thought they would delay me.  They didn't seem too concerned as no fever and WBC were okay.  What's weird is that the cold seemed to then disappear post chemo, I figured the drugs killed it, but then it came back so I'm still sniffly....but least of my worries :)  So you should be okay - good luck, last FEC, you will be my guide to #4 when we get there as you are 2 weeks ahead of me.  

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  • sonson
    sonson Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2012

    So that makes three of us getting our chemo tomorrow.  Makes for a fun weekend ahead for us!  I always dread chemo week and then the 10 days that follow.  But I guess that gets us one more treatment closer to the end.  I had a slight cold last week and for some reason it never really fully developed into a full fledge cold.  I'm not sure what that's about either.  I'm still sniffly too, but not what I consider a real cold.  I was thinking it was the Claritin I was then taking for the Nuelesta shot, but I have stopped taking it now. 

    Celine that is wonderful news.  The due date is my birthday as well!

    Toots-my eyes aren't really irritated they just tear up all the time, but thanks for the suggestion.

    Has anyone heard from MsTori?  I haven't heard anything from her in a while...just wondering if she's alright or maybe she moved to a different board.

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  • Toots
    Toots Member Posts: 104
    edited November 2012

    halfcan - a bit in front of me too, have another FEC before the T............

    ...any advice ladies, no cold or sniffles but keep losing my voice - mid conversation and it just gets quieter and quieter and I have to strain to talk...........no fever, no cold, no sniffles, no sore throat......just no voice.......my hubby away on a flight back to work today - guess we will have to text each other if I can't talk on the phone!

    ........had difficulty talking to receptionist at doc's this afternoon............

    .....any help really appreciated.....hugs to all x

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2012

    Sonson - I spoke with MsTori by private message this week.  I think she is still "here" but maybe posting more on some other boards.  

    I had my 3rd chemo & doctor's visit today.  I got more nauseus today during treatment even though I ate the same thing as last time, but at least, it is staying better in control than in cycle 1 so far.  We are doing petscans after this treatment, and then again after #6.  It isn't for another 13 days, but I'm already feeling nervous for it.  I just hope that it shows that the liver spots have at least decreased. Also, thankfully, my MO referred me to a physical therapist who specializes in lymphedema as my plastic surgeon had still not done so. I don't think I'm having any problems with it yet, but I'd rather go ahead and get the education, get fitted for a sleeve,e tc. so that I can stop it before it starts.  Anyway, good luck to all who have chemo tomorrow!

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  • schoolmom
    schoolmom Member Posts: 458
    edited November 2012

    day 9 and finally feeling normal again.  the taste thing is still bad but the body is up and running.  going to try and go to a luncheon at work tomorrow.  i was lucky with what i see as mild se from the taxotere and cytoxan.  stomach upset, some fatigue, some diahrrea for a few days......next one after Thanksgiving.  hope all are well .  good luck with those going in tomorrow.  one more step....one more step...i have 3 to go.

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  • sonson
    sonson Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2012

    Thanks nbnotes for letting me know.  I pray that all goes well with your petscan.

    Toots-I don't know what to tell you.  I've not had that problem.  Maybe some honey and tea?  Isn't that what works for singers and their voice? 

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  • fight4two
    fight4two Member Posts: 146
    edited November 2012

    Had a bit of a scare last night with a 101 fever and a terrible terrible headache. Called my mo but since my wbc count was up and I had no other symptoms he said I didn't have to go to er. Today headache is gone and fever down to 99.7. And the best part is I didn't have to delay my chemo! So today marks my halfway point! Just finished #4 AC!! Nervous to move onto the unknown of taxotere but happy to be moving forward!



    Oh, and the happiest news is that my tumor was measured at 2cm this visit, down from 3 when I started!! It must be working! I'm very happy right now, plus the se's from #4 are still a few hours away so I still feel good!!



    Minimal se's for the three of you getting treatment tomorrow. I'm hoping we can taste Thanksgiving dinner!

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  • Jennie93
    Jennie93 Member Posts: 1,018
    edited November 2012

    One week post chemo #2 and I'm feeling pretty sorry for myself.  I had the same headache, body aches, muscle and joint pain, even teeth ache, just everything not horrible but hurting all over, the first round and I know it will fade in a few days.  Sore mouth bothersome but no actual open sores or thrush, it just feels like when you drink something too hot and burn your tongue, but all over.  The most bothersome SE for me is the sore hands.  Wow they really hurt, it started much sooner and was much worse than after round 1.  Maybe because they only just stopped peeling after that round.  It really hurts and interferes with everything you do all day.  It's like the skin is burned.  Anyone else get that?  I reckon it's the taxotere.  I wonder if icing them would help prevent it next time.

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  • Toots
    Toots Member Posts: 104
    edited November 2012

    thank you.....can't do the tea but will certainly try the honey............know that my mother lost her voice as well during chemo but only when she got to the second of the third lot so a lot further ahead, finished all three of her surgeries, chemos, and rads - got the all clear 6 months ago after the 3 rounds - praying she stays that way - she still loses her voice even now........maybe its hereditary - chemo and loss of voice............

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  • CelineFlower
    CelineFlower Member Posts: 875
    edited November 2012

    i was told no honey... because its not pasturized

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  • halfcan
    halfcan Member Posts: 253
    edited November 2012

    Toots - I haven't had the voice problem on the FEC.  I think you are not far behind me on treatments?   I get #3 tomorrow.

    fight4two - Great news on shrinking the tumor!!!  You are going to be about a week ahead of me on the Taxotere and I will be anxious to hear how it goes for you and any advice going forward.  Keep that fever down!  Yikes...that is scary shit!

    sonson - Good luck to you tomorrow too in the BGC.   We will get through it together.   Sorry....who else is tomorrow?   So hard to keep up!

    LouBar - Yes, you are two weeks behind me so you get double the info.  Smile

    Jennie - I got the super sore gums on #1...then for #2 the nurse had me suck on ice chips during chemo.  It really seems to have made a difference this time.   I will be chomping on ice tomorrow again when I sit in the BGC! 

    nbnotes - I hope you are feeling better this evening after sitting in the BGC today!

    Celine - Congratulations!!!  Love to hear happy news!  Cool

    Just got back from donating a bit of blood for testing and picking up the scripts.  I'm working on getting extra fluids today and going to have steak and potatoes for dinner while the taste buds are in fine working order!  Smile

    Tomorrow I finally have my FGLB class for 2 hours in the morning before the BGC later.   It will be my last FEC and then on to Taxotere and learning the SE's all over again.  Uggg.  Looks to be a fun morning and a suckie afternoon.  Laughing

    I hope you all have an SE free evening and a restful sleep. {{{Hugs}}}

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  • KRCornett
    KRCornett Member Posts: 16
    edited November 2012

    I'm posting this under the October thread thinking that some of you are a few weeks ahead of me in chemo -- which I hope is going as easy as possible for all of you.  I begin November 27th after having a masectomy on 10/17.

    My doctor has prescribed the steriod dexamethasone to be taken the day before, the day of and day after chemo.  One of the symptoms is weight gain.  This may sound crazy given that I have *cancer* but I'm terrified of gaining weight and don't want to take it.  I had terrible eating issues when I was younger and am obsessive about my weight.  With all the craziness in my head with all this, the thought of weight gain could send me over the edge.

    Can anyone tell me how they have tolerated dex?  If I don't take it, will anything worse than nausea happen to me?  I'm sure this sounds crazy but we all have our issues and this one is mine.  Thanks for listening.

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  • 301724
    301724 Member Posts: 478
    edited November 2012

    Hi KRCornett,

    I'm having my third round of taxotere/cytoxan tomorrow. After the first round, I had some core swelling (reconstructed breasts and belly). My MO prescribed a half dose of dexamethasone for me for the second round (twice daily for three days). I had less swelling and certainly have not gained any weight. I get IV dexamethasone as part of my premeds. Again, no weight gain. Even if it causes you to gain a bit, that will disappear as soon as you finish your chemo.

    Best of luck to you!

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  • Toots
    Toots Member Posts: 104
    edited November 2012

    ......tried the honey last night in some hot sugar free lemon - woke up this morning ill at both ends! .....but at least managed to talk to hubby on the phone.............now stopped shaking enough to try and get something to eat.........have to with this damned diabetes, never know whether it is the lack of insulin or the chemo that is making my ill..............tested and blood sugar levels far too low........last thing I want is to eat!

    Sorry Celine didn't read your bit about honey til I got up this morning.......

    ...........hope everybody has not too many SEs this morning and fighting fit

    hugs x

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  • marianelizabeth
    marianelizabeth Member Posts: 1,735
    edited November 2012

    Lots of posts here and good to hear how you are all doing. 

    I had A/C #3 today and neutrophils were good. 6 Neupogens this cycle and no S/E first 2 cycles so hoping for the same. Leonard Cohen age 78 and some exceptionally talented musicians and singers from around the world put put on an amazing concert last night. He sang for almost 3.5 hours not counting the intermisson and it was midnight before we got out of Rogers Arena yet I felt good today with an early start for bw and MO appt. then chemo at 2 PM. I honestly think Leonard Cohen energized me. We spent the first 5 min. at MO Appt. talking about him as MO has seen his 3 times.

    His tour began here last night and he is crossing Canada but also going to the US, Texas for sure. 

    Silver lining of course for me that it was last night not tonight post chemo!

    SmileMarian

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  • BethBV
    BethBV Member Posts: 49
    edited November 2012

    I'm on Cytoxan/Taxotere and had the running, painful eyes the first round.  The chemo nurse said I'm having an allergic reaction to the Cytoxan so the second time they ran the Cytoxan in over 90 minutes instead of 45 minutes like they did the first time.  I still had some running eyes and sinus heachache but it resolved quickly this time.  Next time they are going to run the Cytoxan for an additional 15-30 minutes and they are considering putting Benedryl into the port with the pre-med cocktail.  She said that would probably knock me out for the rest of the day and night, though, so might not be a great idea!

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  • Toots
    Toots Member Posts: 104
    edited November 2012

    .....concert sounds superb - so glad you had a great time pre-chemo!  It is so good to hear about the silver linings to our clouds............ x

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  • schoolmom
    schoolmom Member Posts: 458
    edited November 2012

    KR:  I had the steroid dex.... 5 the day before chemo, 2 each day after for 3 days.  I also had benedryl in my pre med and another steroid.  I lost 3 pound that week due to taste/eating issues.  I would take the meds and not worry about gaining weight.  Everyone reacts different but the nausea and taste thing seems to hit everyone.

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  • sonson
    sonson Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2012

    Sorry Toot didn't know about the the pasturized thing in the honey.

    KR-I do the steroids and I was also very concerned about the weight gain because I had just lost 15 pounds prior to starting all of this mess, but like schoolmom said everyone reacts differently.  I have since lost 8 more pounds due to no taste and nausea like she said.  Some people say they eat like crazy when they are on steroids, but when they give you the chemo the nausea hits so the eating kind of wanes a bit.  Then you get to a point where eating becomes like the last thing you want to do.  If you are going to be doing this every three weeks like most of us it only last for may 7 to 10 days and then it gets better but your taste buds may never be the same.  It may not be as bad as you think.

    Jeannie-I wonder if that's an allergic reaction with the hands.  The mouth thing could be mouth sores.  I have found that eating ice chips while you are getting the taxotere helps with the mouth problems.  It makes you cold but it's well worth it in the end.

    I hope everyone who is getting a treatment today has an easy time with it.  And I hope the next 10 days go by fast with minimal SE's.  Take care everyone!

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  • momto5children
    momto5children Member Posts: 16
    edited November 2012

    Glad to see everyone is tolerating the chemo well.  I'm 6 days post 2nd round and feel pretty much normal except for being tired and a little nauseous.  I'm getting labs done today and getting some extra fluids while I'm there, my pulse a little high so I figured I'm a little dehydrated, am hoping my nausea will subside as well.  Little bone pain from the Neulasta this round, but I religiously took the claritin 2 days before and ibuprofen 400 around the clock.  Does anyone else feel downright sleepy all of the time??  I went to bed at 7:30 last night.  I now got to be when my body tells me :)  Have a great day ladies and hope SE are minimal!!

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  • Toots
    Toots Member Posts: 104
    edited November 2012

    Sonson - hey it is fine at least I have my voice back today - quite funny I was talking to mom on the phone and both our voices were coming and going - hers has never returned 100%

    KR - I too have been getting my steroids with my treatent - gained a couple of lbs and lost 4 - don't worry about weight gain......can't get away from cravings and upset tummies anyway they seem to counteract each other........

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  • Toots
    Toots Member Posts: 104
    edited November 2012

    mom-permanently tired but no sleeping for more than 3-4 hours a time - if I go to bed at 9pm up again by midnight - 3am - 5am - sleep after lunch from 2-4........only day get a good sleep all the way through is day of treatment but I think that is only because of the levommepromazine - knocks me out but awful dry, dry, dry from it when you wake!

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  • CelineFlower
    CelineFlower Member Posts: 875
    edited November 2012

    i am over weight.... my fat, produces estrogen... i am ER positive...

    i will never be fat again...

    but...

    eating is an ESSENTIAL part of fighting nausea..

    i take dex on day 1-2-3 on each treatment... i have only thrown up once

    I do have horrible heartburn... but feel a need to kep food in my stomach

    choosing the right foods is essential

    lots of talk about what we shouldnt eat... not much about what we should

    I eat duck eggs for protein... chicken soup... crackers... popcorn..

    lots of confort food

    weight is not my concern now...

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  • Toots
    Toots Member Posts: 104
    edited November 2012

    Celine - yeah diet is real important, have to be so careful of the cravings keep fancying chocolate cake and sweet things I haven't eaten in years! Been diabetic for the last 7 1/2 of them...........

    .....guess we are all having food and weight issues..........

    ........found a recipe for a chocolate cake with no sugar and only 1 calorie a slice - just need to find the energy to start baking......maybe next week should be better week before next treatment.........

    ....looking for all our silver linings hugs everyone x

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  • halfcan
    halfcan Member Posts: 253
    edited November 2012

    Another half hour or so to go in the BGC and #3 will be history. I enjoyed the FGLB class today...so much stuff they give away! Our class was full to the max. It was nice to chat with some of the ladies too. Sometimes we feel so all alone but really.....sadly we are many. Hugs to all.

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  • halfcan
    halfcan Member Posts: 253
    edited November 2012

    Toots- did you say weight issues? I am one of those that steroids make me non stop hungry and I am less nauseas if I nibble. Also quit smoking when I had surgery at the end of July so yes...I have gained weight. Hoping it will level off after this round of chemo passes. I just want to get through this and will worry about it later. :-)

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  • Toots
    Toots Member Posts: 104
    edited November 2012

    Halfcan - know that feeling - not supposed to nibble at all - three meals a day - don't go more than 4 hours without eating or the blood sugar drops rapidly and I get more sick than I do with the chemo..........steroids make you hungry...........have tried to work my meals out to six a day in small, small amounts so that I can nibble but not raise sugar level too far....................I have only been sick a couple of times.........felt it more than it has happens.......glad to say!

    ..........steroids also screw with my insulin production so diabetes totally up the creek!

    ..........however like any weight issues, diabetes or anything else - sort the cancer first and try and get everything else back on track only when that is done with..........

    ...sweet dreams and lots of silver linings...........hugs x

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  • BethBV
    BethBV Member Posts: 49
    edited November 2012

    I'm diabetic, too.  Chemo has my sugar totally out of control . . . I'm hardly even trying anymore.  This is Chemo #2 Day #7 and I'm still nauseus, no taste, etc.  I feel like I'm pregnant.  Hunger makes me feel sick, so I eat but can't stand the taste of things that looks so good, food in my stomach makes me feel sick and chases me into the bathroom.  I think I've lost about 10 lbs this week and my blood sugars are a wreck.  Whine, whine, whine.

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