Starting chemo November 2012

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  • Sfrey
    Sfrey Member Posts: 7
    edited November 2012

    So much has happened in the last week while I've been hibernating :-) I can't possibly catch up with all of the wonderful stories and comments... You all help me to feel normal and oh so inspired!!!



    I found my tumor by accident when I placed my right hand on my left breast while laying in bed. It was the first day of a 7 day vacation in Hawaii (visiting my Dad) in August 2012. I knew instantly that it was Cancer. Ive spent the last 12 years of my career as an Oncology Social Worker.. Can't believe I'm now on the other side!!! The only benefit is that I know the medical system and my MO has known me for 12 years and personally cares about me.



    I had my first mammogram at 35 because my PCP wanted a baseline. I had routine exams every year and my last Mammogram was Oct 2011.. Nothing unusual and no family history.



    My MO advised that a lumpectomy with Radiation was clinically as effective as a Masectomy but I didn't want to take a chance and chose BMX. I had expanders put in immediately but have thought that recovery and treatment might have been a tad better if I would have waited... My expanders are uneven, anyone else have this experience??? Will they look better once the exchange is done? The PS says they look great...



    I was offered the ACT study versus CT. I am 44 with a grade 3 triple negative tumor and I wanted to be as aggressive as possible while I am young enough to handle it... It was a very difficult personal decision.



    Had A/C dose #2 last Monday and everything was better with the addition of Ativan and I went in for fluids on Tue and Wed. Besides the nausea the headache from the Cytoxan sucks!! The nurses ran extra fluids and drip it slower because they say it helps with the headache. I am now half way through the A/C cycle, I hope Taxol is easier to tolerate!



    Started loosing my hair Thanksgiving day and now I look like "a bald baby duck" according to my 20 year old daughter. I have platinum blonde hair and when I look in the mirror I see an 80 year old man with thin gray hair :-)



    Although I've had the Neulasta shot the day after each treatment when I have returned for lab work my WBC have been critically low and I've had to take antibiotics and place myself inside of a bubble :-)



    I'm still struggling with a raw stomach and lots of acid, my mouth is raw and nothing tastes good.



    Good luck to all the ladies getting treatment this week and hope you feel we'll enough to enjoy the day!!



    It's a beautiful day to be alive!!!!





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  • ALLYSONPTL
    ALLYSONPTL Member Posts: 7
    edited November 2012

    I start chemo Friday, so I'm not sure if I'd fit into the Nov. or Dec. group, but I'll try both for now.  I'll be getting TCH through my port.  I am nervous about how tired I'll feel and the joint pain and mouth sores.  I also go on Saturday for a shot of Neulesta?  My doctor's office has not said anything about a chemo class, but I know I have to be there at 9am and chemo does not start until 11am, so maybe they just didn't mention the scheduled activities.  Since people seem to have different responses to the same chemo drugs, it's hard to prepare.  I need to continue working, but am concerned I won't be able to keep up or do as well as my normal quality of work.  Anyone else working during chemo?  I was told I'd have six cycles, then we'll see how the tumor responded. I pray for everyone who is struggling with this cancer and I'm glad we have a place to talk, vent, and gain support. :)

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  • keetmom
    keetmom Member Posts: 432
    edited November 2012

    I started today on the same drugs! Went well...the best news I got was I was her2-..my Dr really expected it to be her+...so I don't have to do herceptin...just TC....4 treatments...meeting with the RO tomorrow..but don't really think I will consider that due to other health issues...So now I am drinking my water and going to try to eat some dinner....the steroid made me hungry and I didn't eat much today.....

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  • Traii
    Traii Member Posts: 1,138
    edited November 2012

    Michelle...gee no wonder you depressed with steriods...im on 8mg x 3 days and feel crap afterwards!

    Ive a sinus like cold..more nasaly then anything. Balls of my feet sore. Severe bone pain yesterday day 6 post 2nd chemo but todays a new day feeling much better. Stayed home from work today with my son....its raining thundering and lightening so good day to stay home to play with my son :)



    Hope all is well and you're having a good sleep :)



    Tylm..good luck for 2nd chemo.

    Good you still sleep with the steriods...I guess I have always beenan insomniac...lol so that combination doesnt mix well :) have been for 3years almost since my son was born. Lol



    Hope everyone has a great day :)

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  • JeniferMiya
    JeniferMiya Member Posts: 44
    edited November 2012

    Michelle- I hope you're feel better tomorrow.  Please know you're posts bring me a smile, as I read them in your accent!

    Floridamom- Maryah930 is right.. I think there are 3 of us starting tomorrow.. I'm anxious about it but I'm sure it will be fine.  I was quite shocked to see how many recliners were in the room. I was first told that I would be in a private room. So much for that!

    I've noticed that we apologize for "venting".... If you ask me, apologies are not needed..

    Hugs to everyone, may tomorrow be better than today.

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  • ltmguy
    ltmguy Member Posts: 49
    edited November 2012

    sorry for posting so late with the travel and getting kids sorted and putting up the tree I got behind.  I think I have all info for this week.  If I missed adding you I am sorry.

    Tlym Today Hope it went great and you r resting

    Maryhall 1st dose hope it went great and you r resting

    Wendy Tuesday 1st does

    Jenifer  Tuesday 1st dose

    Florida Tuesday 1st dose

    Ltmguy  Tuesday 2nd dose

    Lovebug Tuesday 2nd dose

    Mariane Tuseday 4th dose (does it get wose as you go on????)

    Bren 1st dose Thursday

    Sinkofpink Thursday 2nd dose

    Thankful Thursday 2nd dose

    Politic Thursday  2nd dose

    Michelle Friday 2nd dose

    Powermom Maybe

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  • ltmguy
    ltmguy Member Posts: 49
    edited November 2012

    Wendy I am Juicing and loving it.....

    Trial thanks for the info

    lovebug thank u

    marian thank I have felt good also

    welcome to all the new gals

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  • keetmom
    keetmom Member Posts: 432
    edited November 2012

    ITmguy...missed me...i started today~flying high from the dex....eating a ton~

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

    cindi, don't know whether you want this to be all American or some Canadians? As for my baldness, for some reaon it hasn't bothered me much. I go to yoga several times a week and off comes my cap or scarf and I feel just fine and everyone else seems fine with it too. At home I never wear anything on my head - I have never liked hats or caps too. In the car I often get hot and again off comes scarf or cap. We are all so different and wonderfully so.

    adagio, saw the MO today and good to go tomorrow for #4 A/C. Neutrophils were such that I go back to 5 injections every other day. So it was, 7, then 5, then 6 and this next cycle 5 again. I asked about hemoglobin today. Even though I am still keeping up with my walking etc. I wondered if my feeling that I have had to back off a bit on uphills etc. was heart or oxygenation, thinking more about the latter. Sure enough my Hg has been sliding and MO says chemo. Diet is good and chemo is culprit. It was 92 today and if it goes below 80, then blood transfusion. This triggered lots of emotion (though really transfusion if necessary is fine with me) as my father in 1994 had lung cancer and both first and second chemos had to have blood transfusions. Second one, minutes after, he went into respiratory arrest and died 4 days later. So yeah lots of thoughts today even though our situations and health are very different. 8 weeks for him from diagnosis to death.

    As for which chemo thread for newcomers, I confess to reading all the fall ones as there is so much to be learned from everyone!

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  • Megan2
    Megan2 Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2012

    Marian, so sorry to hear about the sliding RBCs. I can see where all your emotions would come from around this, I can understand how hard it is. I had a sister die of cancer, and it adds this layer over everything, espcially the parts that are similar enough like a transfusion. I will be thinking of you and hoping that your RBCs hang in there.

    I did 4 X neopgen this round, and after 3 shots my neutrophils were critically low (0.07) and then I got a fever. The antibiotics worked, but I have to talk to the MO about increasing the shots or doing something differently, because it was stressful living in a room alone (kids were all sick) for three days worring about getting sick and having to go to hospital here. He said some people only need 2 shots - Marian has done anywhere from 5 to 7, someone else on here did 4 like me. Seems like another thing where every person is different.

    Someone asked about work. Aside from the immune system issues, I have been well enough to work from home and in the office when the WBC count was high enough almost every work day since the day after chemo. I am being given a lighter load, but it is manageable so far. That may change if things get harder with each chemo. But again, everyone is different and you probably can't bank on being able to work, nor assume you won't be able to. Just another thing to take as it comes...


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

    I start chemo on Friday Dec. 7. I was all set to start this Friday, but onc pointed out that my 2nd treatment would be the week of Christmas, so I'm waiting until next week.



    That puts me into the December group, but since I've been hanging here learning from you Girls all this month, if you don't mind, I think I'll continue to hang out here as well as the December thread.



    I see the surgeon again Wed. I've no idea why. I think he just has a crush on me. Lol

    I also have a wig fitting that day. MRI on Thursday to rule out mets on my shoulder. I'm certain it's arthritis. Hospital will call to set up port placement. Then ON WITH THE SHOW!!!



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • Traii
    Traii Member Posts: 1,138
    edited November 2012

     Soteria205 I too had shoulder pain after Axillary Lymph Node Dissection so praying your's is from the dissection also.

    My surgeon told me that it's very common to have a sore shoulder on the same side as dissection took place.

    Good Luck to all of you starting chemo on today....praying for minimal side effects and all goes well. make sure you drink drink drink plenty of water after chemo.

    Take care all.

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  • adagio
    adagio Member Posts: 982
    edited November 2012

    marian - so sorry to hear about the sliding hemoglobin. What number did you start with? 92 seems kind of low to me. Yikes!! Have you ever tried molasses - I got some because I heard they were good for low blood counts, but don't really know how to take it - I guess I could just take it on a spoon. Does the Taxol have the same effect on the blood counts I wonder? Or is the AC the hardest?

    Also sorry to hear about your father - that must have been a tough time. 

    My thoughts and prayers are with you already for tomorrow. Hope it goes well.

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

    Traii~I don't really have any pain in the shoulder. I had a bone scan last week, and the shoulder showed up brighter than the other places where there is arthritis or degeneration. So, they're doing MRI to rule out mets.



    I have had bursitis in that shoulder but its been over 10 years. Plus one day last week I was very fatigued and hadn't taken any arthritis meds all day, I had kind of a dull ache in that shoulder, but 10 minutes after taking Tylenol all discomfort was gone.



    Adagio~taxol doesn't have the same affect on white blood cells. That's why we don't have to take Neulasta with taxol.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    FloridaMom, stay here - soon we will all be December chemo's.   I have my 2nd chemo tomorrow, we are on the same meds.  Don't forget to take your pre/post meds,bring your Emend with you if you have it, drink plenty of liquid all day and night for a few days (but don't over do it like one of the girls she was overbloated and got sick)  Rinse your mouth with this solution at least 4xa day for a week so you won't get mouth sores or if you do, this will relieve them:  2tbsp. baking soda to 1 quart of water (some use 1 baking soda 1 salt)= it adjusts your ph. Don't use regular toothpaste.   If your getting the Neulasta shot the next day, other's here have advised to use Claratin before you go - eases the bone pain and other SE's. Relax and rest and post when you need too.  Good luck.  Please note, it is 3:15 am, and I have not gone to bed yet (up since 4 am, almost 24 hours- I never sleep anyway but these steroids make me a walking zombie, I just breaded some veal cutlet for tomorrow night- how pathetic is that _ my treatment is at 8:30...

    Sweet dream everyone....

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    Marian, I am wishing you the best = hope those numbers improve because you have a lot of uphills ahead but give yourself a break and relax, go slow =

    Paula, stick with us - we're all going to be in December soon!  I also get that shoulder pain but it was there before so I'm paying no attention.

    Megan, your right, just play it by ear and if you find you can't work so much - just tell them I have to take care of me first!!

    ltmguy, I nominate you our record keeper - do you teach or something?

    I'm tired now, it's 330 and I'm tired...nite everyone - am I nuts, there's no one here but me..!!! The Insomniac!!!!  Maybe I'll change my name again = wait, I just scrolled up and found that Traii is an insomniac as well = I've been awake for 15 years, since menopause  how about you!!!!!!

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  • Tlym
    Tlym Member Posts: 115
    edited November 2012

    Chemo #2 finished-I'm halfway there! My infusion center is undergoing a remodel, so they had us packed in tight and with everyone bringing a buddy, it was a challenging day. Did my cold caps again, so I was at the hospital for 9 hours! Everything went well and have been eating lots since getting home (could barely open jaw wide enough with cold cap on, so only drank soup and tea throughout day). Since I had bad stomach cramps for two days from last tx, MO suggested I take both zofran and ativan tonight to help me sleep and try to get ahead of the pain. Took 12 mg steroids last night and this morning and 8 mg tonight, probiotics to prevent yeast infection and GI issues, and docusate sodium and eating prunes for constipation.  Will hold off on senna for now. Taking Claritin in the morning and neupogen in the afternoon. Hoping SEs will be better this time, but if not, at least it's only 7 days of discomfort. I'm just thrilled to have another session done!

    Marian-Sorry to hear of your low blood counts. I did 4 neupogen shots last round and, despite taking daily Claritin, had chills, sweats, and body aches for the week. My WBC was borderline normal range today, so I have to do 4 shots again this round to make sure it stays up. We lost my MOL to lung cancer last year and my dad unexpectedly to heart failure 5 months after. I have a storage closet full of his things that I couldn't bear to part with. Walked in there yesterday to look for something and just broke down crying, wishing he was physically here to support me through all of this. I so miss my daily chats with him, but I know spiritually he will always walk alongside of me.

    Michelle-Hoping you get over your cold soon and hooray for minimal shedding!

    Welcome to all the new ladies. As you've seen from our posts, we all experience different side effects. I started chemo expecting the worst and hoping for the best. Prior to chemo, I put together a box of OTC meds and approved supplements as well as bath oils and salts for soaking. That way I wouldn't have to send my DH out in a panic looking for remedies when a symptom occurred. My friend set up meals from neighborhood moms for one week after every treatment and it was truly a Godsend when I wasn't feeling well. Days 2-7 were the hardest-stomach cramps, body aches, yeast infection, mild thrush-but all were manageable. By day 8, I was completely back to normal (aside from the lingering yeast infection) and had two great weeks cooking, eating, spoiling my family, and going out everyday. You can do this, ladies, and we are all here to support you!

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  • Tlym
    Tlym Member Posts: 115
    edited November 2012

    5Luvbugs-I'm here! Good luck tomorrow and wishing you a week of minimal SE's!

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  • macyhen111
    macyhen111 Member Posts: 754
    edited November 2012

    Hi everyone, I was dx on September 24, I had my surgery, a modified radical mastectomy on the left side and a simple mast on the right, on October 18, all this is so new and foreign to me. I've never known anyone with Bc. I got my port put in on the 21st and I begin my chemo tomorrow. My onc prescribed zofran and phen for nausea. I don't know what to expect with chemo and I am scared. I don't mind losing my hair, I just don't want to feel sick. Should I take the nausea meds before I go for the chemo, or should I wait until I start feeling nauseated. I have seen a lot of post mentioning Claritin, what is it for and does it help. I have also seen that some of you request ativan, does it help. I am so confused, any and all advise will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance !!

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  • powermom
    powermom Member Posts: 195
    edited November 2012

    Hello everybody!  Please don't kick me off!Innocent  PS says I can start chemo in ten days.  That would make it December 6, but haven't spoken with the MO's office yet to actually schedule.  I am not really happy about having to be 7 weeks out from surgery to start, but can't do anything about it.  The good thing about that is that I should feel pretty good at Christmas if things go well.

    All the best to all of you -- what a wonderful bunch of ladies.

    Martha

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  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2012

    Wow I take one night off and there's so much to catch up on!

    TYLM - glad to hear #2 went well.  Hope you continue with minimal SEs today.

    Marian - sorry to hear about your RBC.  Sending you hugs.  Hoping for no transfusion. 

    5Luvbugs and anyone else getting treatment today - hugs to you too!!

    Michelle - hope you're feeling better!

    Today is Round #1 day 12.  Busy day at work but I will be thinking of you all and praying for a good day for us!

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  • keetmom
    keetmom Member Posts: 432
    edited November 2012

    Not feeling to bad today except I didn't sleep at all....mouth is a bit dry....Or cottony feeling (almost like a hang over!) but I got stuff to do...

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  • ltmguy
    ltmguy Member Posts: 49
    edited November 2012

    Keetmom went on monday and I left u off so you Earned the top of the list!!!!! I hope you sleep to night.

    Tlym 2nd dose Monday Hope it went great and you r resting

    Maryhall 1st dose Monday hope it went great and you r resting

    Wendy Tuesday 1st dose Thinking of u

    Jenifer  Tuesday 1st dose Thinking of u

    Florida Tuesday 1st dose thinking of u

    Ltmguy  Tuesday 2nd dose me waiting for my fill.... then off to chemo

    Lovebug Tuesday 2nd dose thinking of u

    Mariane Tuseday 4th dose thinking of u

    Bren 1st dose Thursday

    Sinkofpink Thursday 2nd dose

    Thankful Thursday 2nd dose

    Politic Thursday  2nd dose

    Michelle Friday 2nd dose

    Powermom Maybe Was told she had to wait but still one of us....

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

    Powermom~No one wants to kick you off! We are all in this together. I too am starting chemo in December. On the 7th, but I've been with these girls all month long, learning from all of them, so even though I'll be checking with the December thread from time to time, these gals are my POSSE!



    5Luvbugs~You have so much info, you could just about become a chemo educator!

    I'm storing away all of this priceless information.



    Questions...

    1. Are there any supplements that you've been told not to take during treatment?

    2. Are herbal teas ok? Peppermint tea is great for calming the tummy.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • powermom
    powermom Member Posts: 195
    edited November 2012

    Soteria - Thanks.  I'm saddled up!

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  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2012

    Soteria - ask your MO about the supplements.  In chemo class, they didn't give specifics but said you should not take anything without clearing it with doc first.  Some chemo drugs work in the liver and others don't so you even need to see if they prefer you to take Tylenol vs. Advil.

    Those who are loosing hair -- did you head tingle before hand?  My scalp is all tingly today!

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  • Sickofpink
    Sickofpink Member Posts: 190
    edited November 2012

    Oh gosh good luck Tuesday gals! And to those of you bummed out today! Getting closer to being done...

    I had my first real date out with hubby last night in what seems like forever and all i could think of was you gals and the countdown to Thursday and organizing help while he leaves town for work again and and doing my own work and trying to help with the usual family drama without getting caught up in it too much.

    i have my biggest hike today, started walking after a few days longer and longer then finally braved a yoga class on Saturday and another yesterday. It helps my digestion and mood and im not as strong as i used to be but feel more like myself -- and more energetic for a few hours after. I find i can do one big thing a day tho and tomorrow it will be teaching my 3 hour night class in my wig counting fown the hours until thursday am chemo.



    I found scarves to be the most comfy and will order another from headcovers.com.

    But now that my head is buzzed my hair is still there, not bald yet . Is it because it isnt heavy enough? Or will it? Also the Bullet is great for smoothies but i heard juicing later helps hsir growth.

    Also anyone notice their hot flashes lessen?



    Ok time to get out of bed and face the mirror....

    Have a decent day everybody, michelle and txjunebig feel better!

    Let's try to appreciate the small gifts of each moment. Xo

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  • Sickofpink
    Sickofpink Member Posts: 190
    edited November 2012

    Yes txjunebugs - very tingly.

    And my doc said NO supplements aside from real food. Ginger cookies and peppemint tea!

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  • maryah930
    maryah930 Member Posts: 322
    edited November 2012

    txjunebugs - my scalp is so very tingly for the past two days and it feels like someone roughly brushed my hair, not hurting though. 

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  • ltmguy
    ltmguy Member Posts: 49
    edited November 2012

    My scalp I would say doesn't hurt but is sore.... It has been tingling for a week or so but is has also been sore as he has fallen out more and more I have areas that are bald. 

    I hope everyones chemo is going well.  I ran 3 miles before I can in so my legs hurt a little today as I went up 1/2 a mile this week.  But i want my strenght back.  I love the gals that work here.

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