Starting chemo March 2013

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  • rivercottagegal
    rivercottagegal Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2013

    First TCH last Wed...Neulasta Thursday...First bummer of a day today...lots of indigestion...took Prilosec...any other recommendations? Fluid and protein count way down today...just punky. Hoping this isn't the norm. Any thoughts...ideas??

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  • washingtonwoman
    washingtonwoman Member Posts: 19
    edited March 2013

    I'm sorry! The hairloss is tough:-(. I had to finally give into the clippers on 3/9 and I feel so self-conscious in letting anyone see me.

    I'd like to join the March group too please. I had my first neoadjuvant taxol & research drug on 2/27. It is weekly(12) followed by AC. I've already missed two taxols because of bad blood work so I'm really hoping numbers will be good on Wednesday and I can get back on track in fighting this uninvited cancer!

    Do any of you know if it is common to miss treatment because of low WBC or high ALT? Has anyone out there had a blood clot (dvt) because of their port a cath?

    Thank you and good wishes to all of you

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  • Starynights
    Starynights Member Posts: 85
    edited March 2013

    ALCB it started coming out the evening of the 14th day....just a few hairs at first by the next morning it was everytime I touched it. I wear my hair short anyway but buzzed it down to 1/2 inch...which made things worse as I had "tiny little hairs" all over me then. Went down to 1/8 inch tonight. It does feel much better. Not sure how the heck Im going to wear a hat, wig or scarf in Florida this summer !!!

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  • Starynights
    Starynights Member Posts: 85
    edited March 2013

    Washington have you had the Neulasta shot to improve your immune system? I had it two and a half weeks ago and my counts are still A++ will see what happens next week. Chemo on Friday I hope I dont have to get the shot again.

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  • Keke713
    Keke713 Member Posts: 91
    edited March 2013

    Ahhhh I start my first chemo treatment tomorrow (actually today since its past midnight)..I think this is the most nervous I've been! I'm actually Chris to know how they are going to use my port since my incision and my skin is all steri stripped....do they poke through the strips?? And I realized, the sport she put my port, isn't a part of my chest that's numb from my mastectomy....soooo this needle they put in the port is going to hurtttttt!! Ugh I can't want until I'm done seeing neddles!!!!

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  • liffeybloomer
    liffeybloomer Member Posts: 72
    edited March 2013

    So sorry to hear that bestock. I peeked at your bio and see that you have really been put through the wringer with this beast, but I am sure that you will stay strong and positive. I think your perspective will be very useful here. What chemo are you on?

    rivercottage: I haven't had much indigenstion, although my MO did give me a prescription for compazine, which I have heard helps. I've also read that good old Pepto Bismal can help. I'm not sure what you mean by "fluids down" but keep drinking water even if you don't feel like it. I have also read that a daily walk everyday helps even if you don't feel like it. (Not that I have been practicing what I preach!)

    washingtonwoman: sorry you have to be here but I'm glad you found us. Does "washington" refer to the state or the district? Just curious since I am about 70 miles from DC and have two children living near and in DC. I'm interested in your chemo regimen because it is opposite from most I have read about. I am doing the standard adjuvent chemo of 4 sessions of AC followed by 12 of Taxol, but yours is opposite from mine. I have read that low WBC counts can delay a treatment and I have heard of blood clots with ports. I have a port too and have not had any problems with it.

    Keke: I have a tube of lidocaine cream that my port surgeon pooh-poohed and said I wouldn't need. I made him write me a prescription for it anyway (I can't stand him. He overbooks patients and then makes them sit for over an hour. Last time I waited an hour for a simple check of my port and then told the receptionist that's my limit of waiting and left. I was seeing my internist the next day anyway, so she looked at it and said it was fine! My mantra is "cancer may be a bitch but so I am I! Wink) Ok, back to the point: about an hour before chemo put the cream on, cover it with a square of plastic wrap - yes, I am serious - and sally forth to chemo. I have had four needle placements now for chemo and blood work and it didn't hurt a bit any time, and I am sure that even without lidocaine it would not have hurt. The nurses are expert at that and it is much easier than having an IV put in. At least I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will go ok for you!

    Starynights: I'd give anything to be in Jacksonville right now - been there twice for conferences and loved it! Besides, we are getting a late winter snow storm here! grrrrrr.

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  • raehyg
    raehyg Member Posts: 85
    edited March 2013

    Hi everyone...you can add me to the March chemo sister clan. I started my first treatment March 18th. Good luck to everyone.

    Rachel

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  • JLow
    JLow Member Posts: 22
    edited March 2013

    Well, I am just 2 days away from my second treatment.  I have been told that the first would be the worst because you don't know what to expect, but I have to say I had my own private pity party yesterday.  I am just now beginning to feel close to "normal" after the first round  Energy seems to be up; taste buds almost fully back in bloom and my port no longer seems to bother me.  (I had my port put in 2 days before my first infusion and was quite sore from it for a while).

    So yesterday the thought of going through the process all over again was a little deflating.  I was one of the lucky few with my only SEs being the taste in my mouth and having an incredibly sluggish day on day 4.  No nausea (made sure I took my Zofran as prescibed!), no bone or joint pain (took my Claritin D for day of Nuelasta & day after).  Ran a low grade fever on Sunday & slept for 19 hours - again my worst day, but I did a lot the day before, perhaps too much.  Constipation was a MAJOR issue, but have my senekot ready to start the day of chemo so that perhaps that won't be a problem.

    I just dread the way I will feel for the week following infusion.  I have 2 teenage kids, who are well aware of my situation, but I try to put on a brave face as not to scare them.  So far, it has worked, but it's a lonely feeling to try and always be upbeat so that others won't be afraid.  I keep telling myself that I need to keep my chin up because there are so many out there in a worse predicament than I.  Also, my mantra is that don't let a sign of weakness EVER convince you that you lack strength.

    No one knows what a BC person is going through mentally, emotionally or physically unless they are one too.  And I am so grateful to have this forum to hear others stories, realize that I am not alone in my fears and have a place to vent without being judged.

    In two days, I will be halfway done with my chemo treatment and that is a blessing.  I've been told by a good friend that had stage 3 (8/10 nodes+) that while she didn't want to diminish my cancer in any way, I have what she would consider Disneyland cancer.  I got a laugh out of that but there are times that I feel like I'm on the scary, unsecure carnival ride instead of at Cinderella's castle.

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  • NJ_MomofTwins
    NJ_MomofTwins Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2013

    Hello all. New chemo sister here. 41 year old New Jersey mom to 11 year old twins. Lumpectomy with bilateral reduction on February 8, 2013. Port placement on March 5, 2013. 1st chemo treatment was March 20th...will receive 4 rounds of AC followed by 12 rounds of weekly Taxol....followed by radiation. Not a group I want to join, but happy to have all of the support of you fine women! Trying to keep in mind that the best side effect of chemo is being here!

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  • liffeybloomer
    liffeybloomer Member Posts: 72
    edited March 2013

    Don't have a lot of time right now, but a friend sent me this link http://www.biggeroo.com/sample_pages2.htm ifyou need a quick laugh!

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  • dimples68
    dimples68 Member Posts: 46
    edited March 2013

    JLow -- my second AC is this Wednesday. Halfway done as well!!!. I actually can't wait to get it over with since like you I'm only doing 4 sessions. My hair has not shedded yet either. Nothing different than just a piece or two here or there as normal when I would comb it. Just waiting for the ball to drop. I took the Claritin for five days after the Neulasta shot a well as the day before and an hour before the shot.

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  • dimples68
    dimples68 Member Posts: 46
    edited March 2013

    Welcome NJMom. Too bad you're here but you will find a lot of information and advice.

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  • study411
    study411 Member Posts: 17
    edited March 2013

    2nd chemo today.. It's tough today.

    First, my hair started to fall out by chunks. It really broke my heart, I have long hair all my life.....

    Then my chemo didn't go well. It took 4 IV line to finish the Adria.

    So now they think I should get a port.

    I agree w/ jLow. It's a lonely journey. We always have to put on a brave face for the others.

    Rivercottagegal-- I also got a lot stomach upset. protonix 1st thing in am, then if needed, another one.

    that seems to help me.

    Thanks





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  • Denise51
    Denise51 Member Posts: 65
    edited March 2013

    Keke,

    I had my port implanted last Thursday. No general for me. I got an IV sedative and some locals. I found post surgical pain worse than post lumpectomy pain. Things have improved however. I hope you have healed as well.

    I am waiting for other test results before my first chemo treatment can be scheduled.

    Denise51 

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  • washingtonwoman
    washingtonwoman Member Posts: 19
    edited March 2013

    Hi Liffeybloom,

    I'm in Washington state, on the agricultural east side but I'm doing my treatments about 4 hrs from here at a big facility. Hard to go every week but I am very blessed to have great girlfriends, a daughter and a husband who are all taking turns in getting me there. I'm a little baffled too on why Im receiving the 12 weeks taxol & research drug first and then the AC. It seems silly that I haven't asked but I guess Ive been so focused on other questions and just getting the courage to face each day that I haven't asked yet. I'm crossing my fingers that Wednesday's bloodwork will give me the clearance to get both meds. That sounds awful, ha ha, at first I didn't want any chemo and now I'm to the point of "just bring it on" and get on with this. Forgive me for not remembering but how many AC have you had? Are they every other week? I noticed that our tumor size seems to be about the same, scary huh? Take Care

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  • TXSockMonkey
    TXSockMonkey Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2013

    Washington woman,

    You are probably part of a trial that is trying to determine which drug has more efficacy in shrinking the tumor. I'm in it - it's for neoadjuvant chemo only. I got the AC first, but dose dense. My tumor went from a peach pit to a walnut to an olive and now it's barely detectable. All in 22 days. Good luck to you.

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited March 2013

    Keke -I have a port and am not using anything to numb it. It was no worse than a normal injection. In my opinion an IV is much worse. 

    JLow - To prevent constipation I am taking OTC Colace as suggested by several people in one of these forums.  No problems.

    Rivercottage - For nausea I am taking Aloxi with the chemo drugs and taking Emend an hour before chemo and the next 2 days.  No nausea at all. 

    Washington - The day after treatment I am taking the Neulasta injection to rebuild the WBC count.  It appeared to work like a charm the first round.  Blood work was in normal ranges on the 10th day and hopefully will be on the 18th day so day 21 will be a go for treatment #2.

    I had my first chemo on 3/13 and am going tomorrow (day 14) with my two daughters to get my wig I ordered.  They suggested I wait until I was losing several strands every time I ran my fingers through my hair.  They will cut, style and highlight it while I am there.  Luckily, I have very thick hair as about half has fallen out today. Reality is kicking in about now.  My daughters have been so supportive, both were able to take vacation days to with me and make this a fun day and ease my nervousness.  Wig, then shop, then we have a birthday dinner to go to for my son-in-laws birthday. 

    Good luck to everyone as we journey forward.  I appear to be having a different treatment regime.  I have 6 rounds of TAC one every 21 days.

    Off to bed for me.  I wil say a prayer for all the March Chemo sisters.  God Bless everyone and positive thoughts.

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  • Denise51
    Denise51 Member Posts: 65
    edited March 2013

    Well it is finally set. After many twists and turns I am scheduled to have my first round of chemo on Thursday, the 28th.

    I hope I can cope as well as you all have. After much waiting, I am ready to go. Got my wig and packed my bag. 

    Positive thoughts to all.

    Denise51

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  • Keke713
    Keke713 Member Posts: 91
    edited March 2013

    Chemo started yesterday....felt ok up until about 8 that night and got really tired and a little nauseous...woke up today nauseous and just feeling yucky. So I went to get my shot and came home and couldn't get off the toilet...ugh! Now I'm jut twisting to see what other symptoms ill experience..ugh! I guess I could feel worse tho! Off to take a nap!

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  • rivercottagegal
    rivercottagegal Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2013

    Thanks for chiming in about nausea remedies. I think this 60 year old grandma (who should know better!!!) thought because she had an easy first four days after chemo...and that she wasn't throwing up... meant that I wasn't nauseous! That fairy tale has been debunked! Nausea meds are my new best friends and I may NEVER go off them! Actually ate boiled chicken and white potato for lunch and feel like I had a feast!



    Clueless in River City NO MORE!!

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  • raehyg
    raehyg Member Posts: 85
    edited March 2013

    Keke by day 7 you'll feel better...I did. Hoping I can work on Friday without leaving early'

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  • washingtonwoman
    washingtonwoman Member Posts: 19
    edited March 2013
    jbdayton,

    I hope your shopping was successful and that your dinner out was pleasant:-). Aren't daughters wonderful!! I hope you are weathering your most recent treatment as well as possible, take good care.

    I have treatment in the morning. Thank goodness I bought Netflix for my iPad so that when the decadron hits tonight in the hotel room I'll be able to entertain myself

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  • washingtonwoman
    washingtonwoman Member Posts: 19
    edited March 2013

    TXSockmonkey,

    22 days, that is very encouraging! Is your AC every other week? Am I reading correctly that you had surgery on lymph nodes while still undergoing chemo? Take Care

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  • sandersmomma
    sandersmomma Member Posts: 23
    edited March 2013

    First time here. I had my first chemo yesterday. Went in for fluids and my shot today. Tired a bit nauseous. But the meds are helping a lot. More scared than anything. Waiting to see if its going to get worst. It's had having a 6 year old and trying to not let it effect him.

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited March 2013

    Just wanted to give you all encouragement!  I was doing Chemo last year at this time.  It is a tough road, but you can get through the dark tunnel.  Grab every tiny bit of light that you can.  I wrote a Blog since day of my diagnosis.  I've written about every aspect of breast cancer - 123 posts.  If you have questions, I have answers.  Maybe I can help you.  I hope so.  I try to give encouragement and support to those who come my way.

    Prayers and hope to you all!!   Denise

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  • elmrush
    elmrush Member Posts: 17
    edited March 2013

    Well I am preparing for round two tomorrow.  The first round was much easier that I had it built up to be in my mind.  Makes me wonder if the next round will catch up with me.  Ordered my wig which should be here next week. My hair will likely start falling out the end of this week.  Right before I plan to travel eight hours for the holidays.. I thank God every day for mu children.  The never let me go to an appointment without them. The have a rotation set up for the treatments.  If the hear my voice sounding down on the phone the next thing I know they are at my door to take me out of the house to the park or for a ride.  I am blessed. Hope all of us taking treatment this week will experience little to no SE so they can enjoy Easter weekend.

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  • TXSockMonkey
    TXSockMonkey Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2013

    Washington, I am dose dense so it means every two weeks 4xAC followed by 4xT. There is about a 20% chance that I will go NED at the rate I'm progressing on just the AC. If that's the case, I will go in for my BMX after the AC and then if the pathology comes back clean and it's a ghost tumor, I might not have to do the 4 T's. Which would be amazing.



    To give you history, I found my lump January 3rd, did all my testing right after. I knew it was cancer though. My mom had the exact same type 16 years ago and now it's back stage IV. I did my node biopsy prior to starting chemo to see if it had spread so we could track the chemos progress in tumor killing. I also had my port put in the same day. The port hurt for 3 days and now I don't notice it. Then I froze my eggs before chemo so it delayed chemo 3 weeks.



    I've been hearing taxol shrinks better than AC. Here's hoping we both go NED from chemo! My third AC is Thursday. Bloodwork tomorrow. PM me if you want to talk more. I can give you a run down of what to expect and what you'll need.



    Damn I wish we could drink wine.



    Someone suggested starting a FB club for March starters. I would love that. I'll start one if y'all PM me your names and keep it private so it's just us ladies and whoever is supporting us through this.



    One more thing to my long post: to the ladies who come back and encourage us, thank you. It's very poignant and meaningful to me, especially having a stage IV mom. It gives me hope in black cloud days.

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  • JoelleKC
    JoelleKC Member Posts: 24
    edited March 2013

    Had my second treatment on Monday, neulasta yesterday. Thought I was doing better this time but the headache and body aches are back in full force. Leaves me looking for the truck that I know ran over me last night, lol!

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  • liffeybloomer
    liffeybloomer Member Posts: 72
    edited March 2013

    Believe it or not, I have actually had a good three days this week. I have felt almost back to normal, which amazes me. Of course, I go back in tomorrow for my third A/C, so I'll be back to feeling punky soon. I feel so bad for those of you with nausea and aches and pains. I have had fatigue, but very little nausea so I wonder what it is that makes us react so differently. I get Emend and Aloxi by IV before the chemo along with Decadron. Oddly enough, I don't take any nausea pills or steroid pills before or after chemo. I have Compazine if I need it, but I have only taken one.

    I can't believe you have to travel 4 hours for treatment, Washingtonwoman! My center is about three miles from my house! Good for you, though, to have so much support.

    TXsockmonkey, I'm the one who suggested the FB page, but I would be more than happy if you want to go ahead and set it up. I'll PM you my FB name today. Um, also, um - we can't drink wine? I don't drink a lot of it, but every now and then, oh yeah, I drink me some wine. My MO said it was ok. Is it because you are in a trial?

    Welcome to Sandersmomma, Sorry you have to be here, but hug that little one tight and tell yourself that you will be here for graduations and weddings and all the other great things about being a momma!

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  • ahdjdbcjdjdbkf
    ahdjdbcjdjdbkf Member Posts: 645
    edited March 2013

    Hang in there gang. I started my A/C April 2012 and Taxol and Herceptin in June 2012. I have now finished chemo, radiation, reconstruction, and only have less than 3 months left of Herceptin. I was an incredibly rough road and I felt like I would never feel like "me" again...but little by little sparks of me came back. I even have a really cute short hair cut right now that I actually love after a lifetime of very high maintenance long glamourous hair. I've been through hell and back 5 times since my diagnosis and I still have some really rough days getting upset about various things - especially lymphedema. But all in all I FEEL WELL and am functioning like 80% of my former self. The financial hit still lingers, but I look to the future for my karma to balance out. I truly wish all of you well. You CAN do it!! I continually re-evaluated how I was handling everything to put myself in the best position possible so I could keep my health, sanity, boyfriend, and job. All were at great risk at numerous points but in the end all hung together quite well. My best advice that I used over and over and over and over...take each day in the current day and don't project ahead. Face only what is right in front of you. Predicting various outcomes proved to be a major waste of time. "Take it easy, Baby. Take it as it comes" - The Doors.

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