Chemo May 2013

Lpc,

I looked up the anti-nausea meds they are anti-emetics, not steroids.



steroids can have an anti-nausea effect and can be prescribed for that, but anti-emetics do not have the same affects as steroids.



Not questioning you, I was wondering why I wasn't so hungry on the anti-nausea meds if they were steroids. (As hunger is a side effect for me to steroids). God forbid I miss a meal if I should THINK I should be hungry due to meds! Lol



Pat

Cherish- my second infusion is tomorrow! Looking forward to crossing another treatment off the list and hoping it goes smoothly again



I think the steroids are in case of an allergic reaction to the chemo. My onc gives them to me thru IV before treatment and then I have to take three days after as well. I think they help with nausea as well.



Good luck to everyone starting tomorrow!



Jsrose

Good luck to those going in for their first chemo!

I was a complete nervous wreck, even with my husband by my side! When the nurse called my name and asked how I was, I replied, "I don't believe I've ever had a better day!"

She asked if there was a hint of sarcasm in my statement... Haha

After getting the tour and picking out my seat we got started. I opted out of a port as I am only getting 6 treatments - 1 every 3 weeks.... She poked me once and the IV was in. No pain - no nausea - nothing but overload of new info on what to expect.

The first half hour was anti nausea meds with antihistamine in case of an allergic reaction. Then one hour of T then the last hour of C.... Pretty uneventful! Other than emotionally, which is natural! In fact, I think I'll be able to do the rest of my treatments on my own (with the company of my iPad)

Try to relax! Maybe bring a light blanket... It's chili in there! And before you know it, you're being shoo'd out

Hi everyone,

I will start chemo on Friday, May17th, with dose dense AC then 12 Taxol. Based on my Oncotype score of 31, the MO strongly recommended to do chemo first before surgery. It took a while for me to accept the fact that I needed chemo. I read up a lot on alternative treatments. I really struggled about the possible long term side effects to the brain, my heart, leukemia, etc. But, at the end of the day, I have to think of my two kids age 10 and 8, and with an Oncotype score of 31, the risk of recurrence is just too high if I don't do chemo. So here I am. I am inspired with your brave stories, and your kind words. And the tips are very helpful in lessening the anxiety. I was supposed to have my port inserted tomorrow, Wednesday, but was cancelled bec my echocardiam was moved to Thursday, and I was told it would be too painful to do echo a day after port insertion. So, on my first day of AC, I would have it through the veins. I read ItIsWhatItis's post about not doing it by port, but I couldn't see if she did adriamycin without port (it looks like she did CT?) Has anyone else done adriamycin without a port? Was it manageable?

Argynnis, thank you!!! Now I can try to sleep. I was rereading the earlier posts to see if the answer is there. I was really anxious about doing chemo without the port. I'm really very grateful for this board, and everyone who generously answers questions.

Good luck to all the ladies starting their chemo tomorrow! Please keep us posted on how it goes.

I jab my port placed yesterday and start chemo today. The placement of the port was a breeze for me. The area of the port and the front and back of shoulder shouldered sore. I look a pain pill in the afternoon and one before bed so I could rest. Feel good this morning. It is all bandaged and taped because they left the needle in to use today. The tape that runs above my collar bone/neck is the most annoying. See you all at our chemo session today.



I am wondering...do you change into one of their tops when you have chemo. Not sure what to wear so they can access the port easiest. Is this dumb question?

Good luck today to all who are starting.  By the end of the day, round one will be officially done!  I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you and so appreicate all the posts and guidance of those who are slightly ahead! Stay strong girls!!

Ukkate....hang in there they will find something that works for you.

1 out of 8 done! I wore my sparkly red sequined baseball cap which my mother-in-law bought me. It's really ugly, but it was perfect for the occasion. It makes me face that red devil with laughter.

Nurse wants me to get a port because I only have this one vein. They mentioned they could probably put the port in my arm, which made me really happy. So, I will probably get that done next week.



Sorry About the nausea, Ukkate, I hope the doctor finds something to help you, stat! Gully, go for the buzz cut with pride! We are beautiful women - hair or not!



So happy to have you all during this process!

Número UNO done. It was pretty uneventful. Met with MO. He answered questions that I had about any drug interactions, vitamins, etc. Then they took me to a small private room. Started my IV pre-meds (anti-nausea, and steroid) and then hung the adriamycin (that was the only emotional point for me - hard reminder of what you are experiencing when they hang that cherry cool aid colored bag and it starts coming down the tube towards you.....). That took 18 minutes. Then they did the Cytoxan and that was about an hour. We came home, took the dog for a good walk, and ate lunch.



They ordered two anti-nausea med prescriptions. Start taking zoo ran at first inkling of nausea, and layer on compozine if you have breakthrough nausea. So, I'm waiting to see how I am when IV pre meds wear off. When did that happen for everyone? I'm curious.



I would say my mind is slightly buzzy - almost like a caffeine buzz, but not quite. Suspect that is the steroid......



Hope everyone else is having an OK day. - Amy

Hi ladies:

I had my first chemo (AC)  on 5/6, figured it was about time to check in here. i was hospitalized for three days last week due to chemo induced side effects.    i have been home since friday evening.   

i am getting better.  Lots  of little annoyances from constipation to headaches. First time is a learning experience, now I know what to expect next time and how better to prepare. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Eleanor

I did it girls! Made it through getting my hair buzzed down to a #2 (1/4 inch) My scalp feels much better! The hairdresser worked on my wig....its not half bad..went with some red highlights to go with the freckles I have had mu whole life without the red hair. I can live with it. Another painful hurtle leaped over..Guess the next step is having the stubble fall out Not sure how long that takes. Anyone know?

You can do it IPC....but I wont lie, I was nervous.

No real hair is tooooo expensive and I think kind of creepy. I got a synthetic microfilament from wigs.com around 150 ish depending on style. The color was reddish brown so it came with the highlights. It looks pretty real. I got the "first rate petite"by gabor and the color pictured on the model. Then my hair dresser cut it a little around the face. It made thte whole process easier to deal with.