December 2012 chemo group
Comments
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Port placement No Fun!!!!!! She hit the nerve in my arm and had to try all three veins till they found one that worked. I have very thin veins dilating them was tough. They gave me some pain meds, it still hurt. Very sore they placed the line for tomorrow so they wouldn't have to in the morning for chemo. Hope tomorrow is better. Found a fun shirt to wear, its pink and says Attitude Downloading...... Think positive . Now I know I must be sedated or twilight for anything to do with my skinny veins. Hope all is bearable in your world....
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Hi Runner girl! Hope you are doing OK.
About nausea meds after chemo-
My Dr has me taking compazine every 6 hours days 2 and 3 after chemo, then zofran every 8 hrs days 4 and 5 and then again for "breakthrough nausea" after that. She said I can take ativan at night if none of the above covers me. So far - I guess the compazine and the Aloxi premeds (I think that is what is keeping me from being neaseus) is working. Had chem oyesterday.. Just now getting a bit of reflux/heartburn. But I have a headache on and off - not too bad - that I haven't heard many people mention. I'm cautiously happy at my outcome with SE so far - though my doctor tells me the true side effects may not kick in til tomorrow night through the weekend... we will see. I am scheduled for a "prcautionary" IV fluids tomorrow. Debating wether to go or not - husband says go!!!! I think my doctors are very pro active about the nausea - and I think I am very prone to nausea at the best of times.
Shaved head today - anticlamctic. Here we go...
M
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Good for you shaving your head... I have mentioned to my family I just want to get it over with. Here is a happy, my doc gave me a script for a handicap parking for five years. Shopping today was strange getting prime parking spots.
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M - I had the headache too for about 5 days. I am with your husband on this one. GO! If they are offering the extra fluids and Anti nausea's, take them. The nausea was one my biggest concerns with chemo, because I too tend to be very prone to nausea. They gave me 2 antiemetics with my treatment and I had no nausea. The do make you constipated though, so make sure you take stool softeners and drink tons of water! When I talked to the MO nurse today and told her about my indigestion, she said take Prilosec OTC, but that the Compazine was also suppose to help with the heartburn. Many have said it before, make sure you stay ahead of the SE's, rather than letting them get bad before you do anything.
I am on day 7 post tx and finally feel the best I have felt since tx. Not perfect or normal by any means, but not too bad.
Best of luck to all those who start(ed) tx this week.
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Am home after my first day of chemo and feel pretty normal so far. Since starting steroids I've had some fleeting headaches and a bit of heartburn. I managed to have the chemo without a port today but two nurses strongly suggested I get the port. They convinced me so I'll set that up the week before Xmas. Thank you Runnergirl for asking the question I had about when to take the anti nausea meds. I'll wait til tomorrow provided it doesn't rear its ugly head first!
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Hello Sisters!
I need to thank all of you for being so forthright with your SEs, your questions and sharing what your docs and nurses are saying. I'm still waiting for my onc appointment next Tuesday to get chemo schedule. Selfishly I'm hoping for the week between Christmas and New Year. My husband has time off and it woul be nice to have him close by...
Steiner, your new 'do is terrific!!! You wear it well.
I got my poer during the lumpectony surgery...no big deal for me. The tape was the biggest problem. THe lumpectomy incision and port incision were anticlimactic...the incsion for the sentinal node biopsy...a literal pain! I think due to where it is...but now 6 weeks out they are all fine. I have been massaging the node scar with Bio-Oil and most of the lumpiness is gone. I did have a scare with my port site...we were out for supper last Saturday and I was walking back from the bathroom when a woman hit me flat on the site! She was horrified and I was scared. She had been trying to punch her date's arm and connected with me instead. Ouch...I expected a bruise but nothing showed up, whew!
I have you all in my prayers and am sending light and love your way.
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I got my port Tuesday. Got 12 inches of hair cut off tonight to donate to LOCKS OF LOVE. I start chemo (red devil) tomorrow.
Ive got my Fighting Boots on!
Look out cancer!
There's a New Sheriff in Town!!!! -
Hello bc sisters....can't sleep. Chemo class tomorrow. 3wks out of surgery. I feel pretty good definetly nervous about chemo but right now i wish i could get some quality sleep!! My emotions are all over the place :0( I leaked seroma fluid yesterday morning, and had leakage again tonite. I have a good support system....but its hard for me to feel so vulnerable. I'm use to being the care giver and source of strength..how have you all come so far??? Did i say this leaking is making me
crazy!!!!!!????? -
I have been following this site, but havent posted before. I had first round of Chemo last thursday. Wasnt horrible. Went to work in the afternoon and haven't missed a day since. Work as a school nurse in an inner city school district so the kids better be pretty sick if they want to go home, since I am here. Have gone to the gym everymoring except the weekend. I do have constant nausea but can deal. I am getting different chemo than what seems most of you are getting so that may be the difference. I think the nausea is less severe but, from what I have read, it will be continuous thruout the entire treatment. Wanted to post for those of you who haven't started. I was nervous too and didn't think would start until this week, but my MO schedules an appointment and doesn't tell you that you will be starting treatment that day. Freaked me out when I found out, but looking back am glad it went that way. Good luck to those of you just starting (may not be as bad as you expect) and to the rest of you who are having a rough time hope gets better soon. By the way, I don't have a port and just get stuck for bloodwork and treatment each time. Not bad because veins are good.
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I'm Day 4 now (TCH combo). Feeling decent, just very tired and sluggish. No major nausea. Heartburn subsided after yesterday. I was restless all night last night and tossing and turning, had a hard time sleeping. I feel very anxious, not sure why or if it's a SE but I just can't seem to relax. I was prescribed Ativan or Xanax (I can't remember), but don't want to take during the day in case it makes me too sleepy. I did stay home from work today. Just moving around the house this morning makes me know I made the right decision there, I get tired and dizzy just walking from one room to the next. I plan to lay low and rest today.
Best wishes for everyone! I know some just started like myself and others preparing. I recommend staying on top of the meds, I believe that's why my SE have been minimal so far!!
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Hi All - What I am learning is that each treatment is not necessarily the same. My first round of chemo - I had terrible vomiting the first night (not the right meds for my body). The MO gave me a different regime for 2nd round which was yesterday, and true enough no vomiting (yeah!!). I even slept quite well. I am on Zofran every 8 hours for 3 days and I have Stemetil which I can take in between if I feel any slight nausea - so far so good. I just ate oat bran and apple sauce for breakfast - tasted yummy!
Wishing all of you minimal side effects.
My hair is now starting to come out (16 days after 1st treatment) - not quite prepared emotionally for this shock - but I then read about all you amazing women and I am inspired to go with it - only a year without hair. It will grow back.
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Welcome Laurreg - Thanks for sharing how your first week went. Very encouraging.
I had my first chemo yesterday and am in work today, although I took my time coming in. Wow on these steroids! I weighed myself this morning and am four pounds heavier than yesterday morning! I'm pretty sure the small salad and hot cocoa I had for dinner wouldn't have done that! Ugh. Last day for steroids thank goodness!
Happy Friday ladies!
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Glad to read most of us are having experiences that are better than we imagined they would be.
To give the details would be TMI, but I KNOW my chemo is starting to work already. Go, chemo, go!
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Well, I was suppose to start chemo next Thursday. Been spending days and nights reading posts, reading books, looking at nutritional guides and researching what to expect. Then out of nowhere I breakout in chickenpox. WTF?!?!? I would have been prepared for and expected this to happen during chemo maybe, but NOW?? Now not only am I having to use more leave time from work that I don't have and will need for chemo, but my chemo will be delayed a few weeks. Life is really trying to tell me something this year - and I am standing up and taking notice. Ok, maybe lying here taking notice becuase I have no energy. Just itch all over.
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Skimommi - Boo!!! I'm so sorry to hear you're dealing with chicken pox! Yeah, not having control over things in many ways is the hardest part of this journey. Hang in there and remember this too shall pass!
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Day 5 out of chemo - eyes are irritating me! Someone mentioned to get eye drops so I will have hubby get some.....everything close up is blurry (I normally wear reading glasses but even with those on everything is a mess) ..other than that the foggy brain has lifted - just really really irritatingly tired still.....never had to take Zofran or anything!
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Skimommi
Chicken pox! That is just not fair! I remember when my kids were little with chickenpox, I put them in a bath of colloidal oatmeal. Not sure if you can still get it at the pharmacy. They thought it was gross, but it really helped with the itch.Connie, my eyes are dry too. I tried to put my contacts in this morning but couldn't handle it more than 10 minutes. At another BCO sisters suggestion I tried Similisan eye drops and they seem to help.
Gwen - I wish I could take some of your added weight for you. I have lost 5 lbs since tx #1 (17 since DX) and I can't afford to lose any more. I am trying to eat everything I can but it is just going thru me too fast to do much good.
Adagio, glad your 2nd tx went better for you!
Steiner - Love your new do and so glad you are still feeling decent. Here's hoping you stay that way!
Day 8 did not start out very good. I wish I could get this gut thing figured out. At least I did not have to go into work today. After a few hours I felt better and DH took me out to get poinsettas and do a little Christmas shopping.
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Good morning ladies! Happy to report those four pounds of steroid weight have left! Gotta really watch salt during chemo.
It's wig shopping day. I'm picking up my 20-year old daughter from her college apartment to come with me. I hope to make a fun day out of it with lunch and some shopping. I feel great so far but am expecting a possible crash later today. As long as I get a wig today my goal for the weekend will have been accomplished. Hope everyone is feeling well and cherished today! -
Happy wig shopping Gwen!
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Have fun Gwen wig shopping!
Skimommy, wow I'm sorry!! Chicken pox?? Ugh, how frustrating. I hear you about missing work too. I've got it down to the day on how much I plan to be missing with treatments so if some little SE or other condition shows up I will be screwed! Just can't afford too much unpaid time
Bren, what do you mean day 8 didn't start out so good...did you backslide? I'm on Day 5 and hoping to start feeling better each day now. In any case, I hope you're doing better now and getting some energy.
Soteria, I hope your first treatment went well and you are resting up okay! Let us know how you're doing when you get a chance ((hugs))
Thanks everyone for the nice words about the new haircut. It does look cute styled, but after bed or a shower I feel like either a) 12 year old boy, or b) Julia Roberts Tinkerbell. HA!! Oh well, having fun with it until it's all gone in another week or so.
I'm very tired and restless at the same time. I'm not used to sitting around so much and it's driving me crazy. I've taken 3 hour naps the last couple days, and slept in the last two mornings as well. Still getting heartburn and occasional queasiness but am able to eat okay for the most part. I am missing my daily morning coffee though, had to quit that one due to heartburn!
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Hi girls! I started chemo in October (A/C+T) and thought I'd share my experience with hair loss. I had shoulder-length hair. Prior to starting chemo my hairdresser gave me a cute short cut, much like Jami Lee Curtis. Two weeks after A/C I noticed that when I washed my hair in the shower it would get stuck in my hands, then when blow drying I could feel little whispers of my hair going down my back. For me, that was creepy. I never found clumps of hair on my pillow but the handsful of hair when I washed it was quite bothersome. At that point I decided to shave my head. You'll know when you're ready to shave it off and I for one enjoy not having that hair falling out in my hands. I have a wig to wear for work but I mostly just wear a bandana on my head. Good luck to all of you and remember, it's just temporary!
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Steiner, it has been a week of ups and downs, mostly because of the gut issues. Everything from my stomach to the exit point just does not feel good. No C or D, but food seems to be going through me very quickly and I keep losing weight. I keep trying to eat as much as I can, but when nothing really tastes very good it is not as easy to eat a lot. I do get tired easily, but not too bad. But today is a better day and we all continue to persevere! I know it could be a lot worse and am thankful for the relatively mild SE's.
Hope everyone has a good weekend!
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Hi December GirlFriends~ thanks for thinking of me and wishing me well.
This is day 1 after AC. I haven't had any SEs at all except I got a little bit jittery late last night, mostly in my legs, so I took an Ativan along with my Unisom. I went to sleep quickly, and slept very well. I take the steroids once today, then twice on Sunday & Monday. I hope I still sleep well.
At the Breast Center they put you in a private or semi-private room for your infusion. Very Nice!
Skimommi~I can't believe you have those awful chicken pox as an adult. Had you been around anyone with shingles? That will give chicken pox to anyone who hasn't had them before.
I had them in 2nd grade. I hope you're over it soon.
N8tureGrl~Than you for checking in and encouraging us newbies. I started chemo yesterday, so Thursday evening I got my long hair cut off to donate to Locks of Love. I have a wig ( short auburn bob ), hats & scarves. When it starts to fall, my DH will do the deed.
Blessings
Paula -
N8ture - my hair is at exactly that stage where it comes out in handfuls in the shower and every time I look in a mirror there hairs on my shoulders!!! I just had my 2nd A/C two days ago - so it looks like the shaver will have to come out today. Yikes!! Physically ready - but not emotionally ready for the complete loss of hair on my head. I ordered some hats from headcovers.com, but they have not arrived yet - so will look around my collection of hats here and hopefully find one that will do the job until I get the cute ones. I will not have my wig for another 12 days - sigh!! I just couldn't get motivated to get out there and go for the consult any sooner.
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Hi ladies. Very happy to report the wig shopping was a success. My daughter and I chose about five and the owners brought a few more. Some were quite ridiculous! I had to explain to DD who the Bay City Rollers were after trying on one of them. DD did use the word mullet on a couple others. But alas we found one quite cute that is just a bit shorter than my current style but with fabulous expensive looking highlights! Will have my friend trim it a bit. I also got a baseball hat with wig connected on the bottom to exercise with. Feeling good having the wig challenge done.
Still no real SEs since Thursdays treatment other than constipation so I'm drinking something for that now. -
Gwen so glad your wig shopping was a success. I took my DD on my wig shopping excursions too and she was a big help.
I wrote down this tip from another chemo thread a couple weeks ago and it has been a big help with the mouth sores on the inside of my lips. 2 tsp liquid maalox mixed with 2 tsp liquid benedryl (I used the dye free childrens one). Swish, hold in your mouth for 60 seconds and spit out.
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Bren58, I got an Rx for somethig similar. It is an Rx because it is those same two ingredients plus lidocaine. They call it "Magic Mouthwash." I don't know if it is the lidocaine, but this mixture stings a little before the lidocaine numbs it up. Tastes nasty, too, but my mouth is so messed up already I really need this to be able to eat. I am on pureed foods and liquids. It's terrible.
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I was symptom free till today 5 days later and my mouth getting sore. I too have been using Biotene highly recommend and will try the maalox mixture tomorrow. I have blistex for mouth sore on outside also. I can say yay that it means it is working (the chemo) and have almost 3 weeks to have it all heal too. Got my period the other day too which thought wouldnt happen but oh well. Eating cottage cheese, ice cream and water like crazy. Keep going!
I too go wig shopping next week too. -
Hi there glad i found this thread I get my port put in Monday and start chemo Wednesday the MO gave me steroids to take the day before and the day after she said a lot of women gain weight on chemo i don't see how they can i will be getting it for 12 weeks I will be getting Taxotere and cytoxan and I think something else not sure
Then the next day i have to go back for a shot i think for the immune system I wish i had wrote it all down. My DD is sleeping so i can't ask her lol the nurse said the American cancer society will give 1 free wig and a cap and a free hat I will see the lady Wednesday too about that . Just when i am starting to ffeel better they want to zap me again with something else hope everyone gets feeling better -
Momto7 - Welcome and glad you found our thread! The other drug you may be getting is Adriamycin. The 3 often are given together. Hopefully they are going to give you anti emetics (for nausea) too.
bcoct - the mouth sores are no fun! Hope you find a great wig. Make sure you take someone who will be supportive but also honest.
elimar - I am sorry you are dealing with the mouth sores on such a severe level
I have heard of magic mouthwash, and the lidocaine would certainly help. It was also suggested to rinse my mouth after everything I ate with 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt and 12 oz water.Hope everyone has a blessed Sunday!
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