Chemo May 2013
Comments
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Thank you all for the kind words and support. My husband and I had a nice evening and I slept well. In fact, I got to fall asleep on my stomach, it was wonderful. I have been waiting almost 5 weeks to be able to do that. Anyway, thanks to all of you, I am well prepared for any and all side effects. I even broke down and asked for Ativan. My overall plan is to stay in front of the nausea, take something at the first sign of any SE and try to keep my routine, as close to normal, as possible. I am a little OCD, so comfort for me comes with the familiar.
So...today started like every other weekday: Up at 7:30am, breakfast and coffee while I watch about an hour of the Today show. I will shower, get dressed and then be off to the oncology center.
Not one doctor has said anything to me about diet restrictions, other than any fruits and vegetables I eat have to be cooked. I like Sweet 'n Low in my coffee. I remember those studies from way back when. I am allergic to Truvia and hate, hate, Splenda. I only use one packet in my coffee, once in the morning. I am not worried about it.
My husband's brother and his wife are having a vow renewal ceremony on Saturday. I won't be going, but it will be nice to see his family if they come by to see me. I am doing my best to avoid germs and crowd during the week of chemo, they all understand.
Again, thank you all for your support, I will be strong and ready to take on this next phase of ridding any cancer from my body.
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Thanks for your support in my decision-making regarding Mom and her chemo. I was mentally ready to start it, felt I could (as her caregiver) deal with the side effects, picked up the prescriptions and Claritin, left a message for the doctor with a dozen final questions (making sure he knew she couldn't feel cold on her leg -in case of neuropathy, asking about B vitamins for it, asking if she should sleep in recliner in case she throws up at night because she can't sit up herself, etc.)
Half an hour later, mom woke up. She looked really tired. I reminded her we were going to hospital in a few hrs, re-explained the whole situation, she said no, was visibly irritated. I talked to my brother. We cancelled it. Talked to the doctor. He said either choice would have been a good one. So, we are hoping for the best.
And, yes, I am still thinking about those rampant cancer cells, wondering if they will multiple "too fast", and sort of wishing poison was attacking them. Hopefully, those thoughts will pass. Off to schedule radiation.
Good luck to everyone on this forum. Your ability to manage counteracted my worry each time I found some horror story elsewhere. Thanks again!
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Sounds like the decision was made for you. Just pick up and move on (like it sounds like you are doing). It's so difficult to have to make these decisions for someone else. ((HUGS))
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Hi Ladies,
I have been lurking for a couple of weeks trying to be as normal as possible (haha) and not concentrating on C! I finished my second round of chemo on Thursday and did well, no nausea but was extremely tired Sunday and Monday which I expected.
I was wondering if any of you had been told not to have massages and if so why? My doc was not real encouraging but didn't say no.
Also I am a little confused on fresh fruit and vegetables. I have eaten them all along but reading some of the posts not sure if I should be!!!
Hope you all are having a great day,
Thanks
Rose
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I forgot did everybody loose all their hair I still have stubble!!!!
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I shaved my head the night of my 2nd chemo. I've had a little stubble all along. I've noticed that the sides are starting to really fuzz out (more than the top of my head). I finished chemo 3 weeks ago.
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Back from round two.
My nice arm vein is shot. Apparently I'm not a "veiny" girl in my arm so they had to go to the hand. The onc nurses said the vein would bounce back, the oncologist wouldn't commit to that idea. REALLY, then why didn't you just do a port. If this stuff knocks out my hand vein too I'm screwed, they don't do leg veins, I asked. (Well, my place doesn't)
Sigh.
I asked about the alcohol, she said she doesn't encourage it. Ha! BUT if I wanted a half a glass it should be fine. So. does it count if I fill it half, then go back and fill it half again?
She is concerned about alcohol causing ulcers during treatment.
Asked about pool use- she doesn't recommend going into a pool. Kept mentioning public pool and over chlorinated water....so I said I have my own pool with salt water, apparently she's never heard of that. She finally relented and said fine as long as I don't go underwater?! Which I wouldn't be because that would mean removing my buff headcover! I never did think to ask why I can't go under or why no chlorine...maybe the chemicals are too harsh on the skin And the membranes in the nose?
Asked about exercise, she said whenever I feel like it. Can go but not to push it too hard and gave some example that I wouldn't do on one of my GREAT days pre-cancer.
She asked if I had bone pain with the Claritan and I told her no. I need to find that study and send it to her. No one should have to suffer.
now back to the holding pattern and the "ward off evil" drugs. 2 down, 2 to go.
Pat -
Hi Rose57,
Massages are great during chemo - so much so, our cancer center provides 2 free full massages for each patient and also have chair massages in the lobby on a regular basis. So go for it!
As for fresh fruits and veges.....I juice in the mornings (mainly veges with a little fruit). I specifically asked the nutritionist about fresh produce and she said as long as I wash them to have as much as I like. Unfortunately, my taste buds have rebelled against my morning green juices so its been a struggle to get it down (I usually love the taste). I keep drinking it though because it gives me so much more energy and endurance than when I'm not juicing.
Good luck!
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Hi Rose57,
I started to lose lots of hair on day 14 after my first infusion, so I shaved it all off. I am now day 9 past 2nd infusion and still have most of the stubble. It is actually pulling the strands of hair of my wig through to the wrong side! I also wondered if anyone else had their hair this long. what chemotherapy mix are you on? -
Started having trouble swallowing last night, and it feels like my throat is on fire. Called my onc. today, and I now am the proud owner of two mouth and throat treatments. Apparently, I got the full Monty of throat and mouth SE's, but the good news is that if this works then I'll be set for round 2.
Have done one shake in our blender with some butter pecan flavored Ensure and some ice, to make a sort of milkshake texture. It was cold and absolute heaven going down. Think that may be my go to meal for the next couple days, because broth and popsicles aren't cutting it any longer. Thought I would throw out the suggestion, in case anyone else is having similar issues. I figure at least I am getting some protein, right? Maybe I will throw in some fruit if I get really daring, but am trying to get my belly issues to subside, too, so I will not be rushing this. If anyone else has good suggestions, I am absolutely all ears. Thanks in advance!
Regbeach - have been thinking a lot about you and your mom. Thanks for updating. Wishing you both all the best in the days ahead. -
Hi Ladies
Round 2 starts tomorrow...just starting to notice my hair is coming out (when I run my fingers through my hair) - today is day 14 after my 1st treatment.
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Massages...was referred to an OT to discuss taking care of my arm because of the lymph node removal. She told me massages are fine but does not recommend a deep tissue massage in the right "region". My lymph node was removed on the right side so my region is the right arm, right side of back and chest above the lower back and below shoulders. With one lymph node removed I have only about a 1% chance of lymphodema but to me why risk the 1%. Then again I do not plan on giving up alcohol 100% so we all make our own personal decisions.
Patty....I do not understand the NO going under water thing either. Nothing is black and white. -
Hello ladies,
Looks like the round 2 side effects are running their course! Still battling that fever today, day 4, last time I felt good by day 4, well the short of it, off to the MO, to get you guessed it, more pills. Big time anitbiotics, I have never seen a pill this big in my life! Well got one down, another appointment day after tomorrow, if I am not better and pass the ANC test its off to the hospital! Please body make more neutrophils....I hate hospitals.
Got a warning about veggies, and pools today. Pools and especially hot tubs contain a high bacteria count and possible fungi from other people bodies.....Chlorine lowers the levels but does not eliminate, especially if pool owners do not moniter closley the amount of chlorine. When ANC goes up, MO said I could be less cautious.
I hope everyone else is doing better!
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Gully, I feel your pain with the pills. At one point I was given a prescription for potasium. They were so big I decided I'd rather eat a banana a day. Fast forward to my surgery and my potassium is low again, I get sick and the surgeon tells me I need to take potassium pills. I'm literally cutting them in 1/4s because they are horse pills.
Hope you are feeling better soon.
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Day 8 after first treatment.
Still getting nauseous, started a phenergrine suppository, still getting stomach cramping.
I guess I'm waiting for the feeling better and then they hit you again. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm just going to have it like this all through the treatments. My husband and I did say we are calling Onc in the morning, there has to be something for this nausea and keep it at bay.
Hope everyone is having a good evening and day tomorrow. -
what else have you tried Angie. I found that the zofran worked pretty well for me.
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about my hair loss.... I started really shedding about day 11/12, and buzzed it to a zero. Not shiny bald, but with stubble. I'm at day 19 and still have the stubble but with little bald spots. MAN my dome is white!
about the wine..... Had my blood draw and chat with the Onc today and he says that some suggest no alcohol, but he hasn't ever seen a problem with it... Usually it's that it doesn't taste right from our mouth issues. I told him we were having a dinner party tomorrow (first time taking steroids before treatment) and he said wine/beer was fine.
Pat... I feel your "pain about your vein"
I've killed one vein already and talked to the Onc about port/pick.... We decided I'm gonna try Thursday's chemo with an IV and if it does the same thing, I'm going with a pick... Inconvenient, but less invasive as a port with the same infection risks... ? Ugh! Super SUCKY, for sure!
Regbeach..... Best of luck with your mom and your family! A hard decision to make, but a decision has to be made! I'm glad you listen to your mom (wether you think she understands it all or not). It's a personal decision wether or not to do this! I can tell from your posts how much you want the best for her... My thoughts and prayers will be with
Angie... Please call your doc... They say that they can help with most symptoms! I'm sorry you are suffering so bad!
Ljaeger.... Omg about the exploding squerril.... I'm gonna wait for just the right moment to say to my husband...... "you know your in chemo when......." I LOVE IT! Gotta keep the humor!
For those fighting symptoms or anxiety about treatment tomorrow... Stay strong!
Gnight all!
Happy thoughts!
Lorrie -
Hi,
Had my 2nd chemo last week. Most areas of my head is bald. My kids said that I may still have 100 strands of hair left.
Compared to the 1st chemo, I felt more severe side effects.
At day 7 of the 2nd round, still feel that food does not taste good. And I felt tired very easily during the day and had to take more than 3 hours of nap today. Walked for like 10 minutes, then felt tired again. For the 1st round of chemo, I used to take at least 60 minutes of walk on day 5 and after the chemo day.
Still 4 more to go with TC.
Cheers.
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Ugh... Feeling fine other than the anxiety for Thursday for #2....
Starting to get tired of peeps telling me how strong and wonderful and beautiful I am! I know Im Being cranky, but still! I don't feel strong or wonderful or beautiful!!
Why am I more nervous about #2 than #1?
I just started feeling good..... Why does this have to be so yucky?
Sorry, all.... I'm venting! I just wish this was done! Just to move on to radiation? 5 days a week for 7 weeks?.....Oh boy... I am having a pity party! Sorry! -
Regbeach - My heart goes out to you, your mom and your brother. That's an extra tough situation.
It is what it is- thank you.. My thoughts will be with you while I do my first round of chemo ont the morning of the 30th.
LJaeger-Thank you. Hope your chemo cocktail #2 goes well tomorrow. "You know you're a cancer patient when you use a restroom and notice a squirrel has exploded in your undergarments. " That's funny,
I've read about a study in which cancer patients fast before, during and after chemo and have had good results in lessening the side effects of the chemo. Besides lessening the side effects, it claims that the fasting helps protect the normal cells and doesn't protect cancer cells. I'm going to give it a try. Started fasting this afternoon. Just liquids for me until after chemo.
Love -peace - joy --Carla -
ItisWhatitis2013 - I find that I go in streaks of high anxioty. How could we not? Our bodys are being filled with poisons. And our bodys don't like it. And our bodys tell us it doesn't like it. We're allowed to get cranky once in awhile. Maybe your more nervous now because you know now from experience what's ahead of you. But from what I've read, each time can be different and maybe it won't be so hard on you this time. One can hope. I certainly have been anxious. This evening I took a half of an anxiety pill. It mostly cut the edge.
Love - joy - peace --Carla -
Angie - the nausea didn't leave me either until 2 weeks post treatment! It sucked! I was reading about another nausea drug (I think it was called emend) or something like that, and I emailed my Onco and he said I can have that for my next round so I'm hoping it does more good.
Do you ladies wake in the night to take your nausea meds? I wonder if I just got "behind" on the medication on day 3 when I basically slept for 24 hours.
I'm dreading the next chemo too - because now we know what to expect! Plus, we just get to feeling good again.
I'm day 16 today and noticing that I"m shedding pretty bad so debating the big shave tonight. Our first guest arrives today also!!
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Kate,
I did not wake up to take nausea meds, but I don't think I had it the tiniest as bad as you did. Yes, sometimes waking to take meds is a good thing. I don't know if it would have helped you.
I have heard great things about Emend...pays to read the boards and tell your doctor what you think would be better!
As for the head shave..I went to a number 6 on my clippers (I own)...it's a choppy job as I had hand cut the top with scissors and a comb., and had a hard time clipping the back myself...I could probably go out like this, but won't. I have three small kids, this was one more baby step to them getting adjusted to going bald. I get a "shock" each timei see me in the mirror, soi guess I am getting adjusted too! Lol -
Lorrie,
I came home and was looking up alternatives to iv...I am really unhappy.
The onc seemed nonchalant about the veins.
"They've had a lot of use lately". Really, I wouldn't call them a lot of use.
I have another surgery coming up in the fall....this is my "only" arm to use. If this is a lifetime loss of the vein what the heck! ("It could come back" )
You know every time I tossed and woke myself last night I had veins on my mind.
I'm more worried about a lifetime of vein issues now than a recurrence of cancer! How sick is that!
What is the pic? Where would it go! Is it done by the onc nurses? I need to write down my concerns and get an appointment with the onc or call her or something. I will be hashing this in my head for the next three weeks driving myself nuts.
Oh, and the back of the hand vein bothered me during the pre-meds, I'm not a complainer (well, here I am, but not generally speaking!) so I finally told the nurse it was "throbbing a bit and burning a bit". She said that can happen and they pushed some saline, which seemed to do the trick...she also made a point to flush with saline when the toxins were done. I honestly don't know if they did that last time, I had no problems in my "good arm vein".
Pat -
Kate, I think the emend will really help you. It's pricey but worth it. As sick as I got, nausea was never an issue for me thankfully. Don't know how I could have worked in vomiting with everything else. Lol
And for those of you concerned about fruits and vegetables, it is my understanding that you really Only have to worry when you are neutropenic. When I was neutropenic last week they told me to take those precautions. And it's not all fruits and veggies, just ones that you eat the skin or don't Peel.
I'm feeling fairly good now though the diarrhea is still hitting me about six times a day But that's nothing compared to what it was. Not looking forward to starting it all again next Wednesday.
My hair is falling out more. I have thick hair and you really can't tell by looking at it yet tho but the anxiety of it is bothersome.
Good luck to everyone starting this week. -
Shelly, good to hear from you. Sorry bout the diharea - you must be losing tons of weight.
I hope insurance pays for that nausea drug, but I guess I'm not too hopeful.
I miss being able to really enjoy food. And I have some annoying pimples on my face too
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Pat,
He says the pic would go in the bend of the elbow where they've been drawing blood. It's like an IV for the next couple months. I asked about that vein reacting and he says it's a bigger vein than the ones they are hitting with the IVs right now.
He says the inconvenience of it is that you always know it's there. Ughg... I don't know....
Prior to this I never gave my veins a thought. This all affects so much of our body, I hate cancer!
Try to have a good day all!
Treatment #2 for me tomorrow
Happy thoughts
Lorrie -
Lorrie - ouch!!!
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A picc is a central line just like a port. The difference is that it is always ready to be used. Unlike the port which needs to be accessed. The picc will have a "dressing" that will need to be changed by a nurse.
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Morning ladies,
I'am taking the zofran every 8 hours, I also did have the emend during treatment and after the 3 day pills.
Called the doc waiting to see what he says. I'm so afraid of eating anything because of the nausea and cramps. I'am drinking plenty of fluids.
I haven't loss any weight which I'm shocked because of how little I have been eating it must be fluid retention.
My head is very itchy so I'm sure it won't make it till Sunday for my sons graduation. I'm just gonna shave it and wear a scarf.
2 weeks out before the nausea subsides? That will give me a week of feeling good I will take it!
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