Chemo May 2013

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  • tori39
    tori39 Member Posts: 26
    edited May 2013

    Lorrie I will be doing Ativan tonight too, as suggested by onco, night before infusion, to help with nausea.

    Gowiththefow, thanks for that funny cartoon! Made me laugh :)

    Lisa, I will definitely ask the onc for emla. Did the side effects of chemo get better for you as you do more AC or does the body get worn down? My husband's childhood friend and his wife came over, and she showed me a picture of her mom who's been doing chemo for the past two months. The mom looked sick :( She told me she's surprised to see me looking the same, and said maybe it gets worse as I take more chemo. I felt bad I didn't know what to say.

    Mcgis, the steroid is the dexamethasone. I take it on days 2,3 and 4, but others take it a day before chemo. I think everyone gets it through IV on day of infusion.

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    Mcgis I take dexamethasone night before (5-4mg pills) and 5 again the morning of chemo. I don't take any after that. I do get infusion of emendation for nausea during chemo.

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    I got more tired the longer chemo went on, but I don't think I looked any worse, unless you consider being bald and gaining a few pounds.  

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    Tori I just finished third and nothing seems worse than the first. I am more tired but as I said sleep has never been good for me. Hopefully ambien will solve that

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    So, there is a new non-profit in my area.  They are going around the country and doing makeovers for cancer survivors.  Hair, makeup, new outfit, and professional photography.  I wasn't able to get in on my local event this time, but am on the list for next time (and they asked me to join their survivor's council).

    I don't know where to post this because "resources" is for admin's to post only.  So I'll do it here and in the chemo may 2013 threads because those are the ones I'm most active in.  Pass the info along to anyone you want.  Here is their website to see if they're coming anywhere near you.  

    Their facebook page has pictures from recent events.  :D

    www.bigcnewme.org/

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    Kate



    June 1 will be a sleeping day for me so want to take this opportunity to say Mazel Tov on the occasion of your daughters Bat Mitzvah. I know it will be beautiful and will rid you of any se's for a day. Hopefully you can post a picture for us to see.



    Lisa

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  • tori39
    tori39 Member Posts: 26
    edited May 2013

    I don't consider being bald and gaining weight as looking bad. Her mom lost a lot of weight and had wisps of hair still sticking out, no haircut or buzzing done. And since I lost 6lbs during first five days of chemo, I got concerned that I'd end up looking sick like that as I go through more chemo and more nausea. My hair was buzzed to 1cm over the weekend but I won't consider myself looking sick. Several people at the grocery store did ask if I needed help :) Maybe the scarf on bald head automatically evokes sympathy.

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    I had a big head of curly blonde hair just below my shoulders.  Can I say how much fun it is to go out somewhere, see someone I know, but they don't know it's me?  Now if it was someone I like well enough, I'll go over and say hi.  But there are some people who I know through my volunteering that I'm not really friends with, but ordinarily we'd say hi to eachother.  One actually rang out stuff up at a store one afternoon and had no idea who I was.

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  • robin_in_SJ
    robin_in_SJ Member Posts: 46
    edited May 2013

    Hi Ladies,

    Tori39, I had my port put in yesterday as well and it really hurts.  It has gotten better today but when I went to buckle up I just brushed the port and the pain shot through and it was a deep pain.  I get my first infusion tomorrow and I called and talked with the triage nurse, she called in a script for emla.  I hope it helps but since it's a deep pain I am worried.

    I noticed a lot of us May ladies are doing the AC + T treatment.  I'm doing a dose dense and like everyone worried about side effects.  I have gastroparesis and already have lots of stomach issues and a limited diet  but I'm used to modifying my diet and keeping meals light and frequent.  

    GoWithTheFlow...thanks for the link, I'm going to one of the Look Good Feel Better sessions next week then I'll go wig shopping.  All my grey was growing out so last week I colored by hair at home red just to for fun knowing if I don't like it it will all fallout in a few weeks anyway.  

    lpc...so glad everything is going well so far, thats good news :-)

    Since I'm late to the party, I really appreciate everyone posting and sharing.  It is through the posts that I knew to call and ask for the emla and what to get to reduce SE.

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  • kobrien
    kobrien Member Posts: 82
    edited May 2013

    Hi all!

    I'm starting Cytoxan & taxotere tomorrow. I've been following the April boards because I was supposed to start 4/15.. But my breast wound very slow to heal. I've still got a pin hole size opening left- but my docs think we shouldn't delay the chemo anymore.

    I'm scared- as I'm sure most everyone is. I've started my steroids and have already drank close to a gallon of fluids today. Planning on taking some Ativan before bed tonight so I can get some sleep..

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    Good luck tomorrow Kobrien.  You can do it!  The first day is the worst because i was bombarded with info.  Between the info about prescriptions for nausea and side effects, the nutritionist and her info, the nurse navigator and her info, the social worker and her info, shall I go on?  Most of them gave me handouts that I could refer to later (and did) because you won't retain everything you are being told tomorrow.

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited May 2013

    Well the first chemo session is complete. Yay. Now to see how the old body reacts to it. There were no cold caps allowed. The concern from their point of view is that chemo may not get the cancer cells in that region. I was prepared to ice my hands and feet but the nurse said docetaxel seldom gives any neuropathy. Since the I.v. ended up on my left wrist, I choice ice my right hand only and will see if there is a difference. Didn't do my feet. She swore by the nausea trio they give. It's supposed to keep the nausea away for a good 24 hours. The combo is Emend, AloxI and Decadron. Drank 130 ounces of water yesterday and a whole bucnch today. Fasted 40 hours before chemo and will do so tell either tonight or tomorrow morning. Have the clariton out for tonight. It isn't clariton D so I'm hoping that is sufficient. A little nervous about that. Hope those who had their chemo today went well and with little or no side effects.





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  • sebaroni
    sebaroni Member Posts: 59
    edited May 2013

    Thanks, Gals for the support. Yes, Claritin is part of my OC regimen, although only for day of and 2 days after. Maybe I will add a couple of days, because I have no bone pain at all. Thankfully, the hiccups are gone today. Yes, they gave me Emend in the IV and then I took Zofran that day. It is a side effect of that one, too. I am now just taking Promenthazine and it has been working just fine today.

    I have to thank all you for all the comments about the steroids and sleeplessness. I told my OC that no sleep was a deal breaker. So, at least with the A/C cycle I have refused the steroids. Not sure if I will be able to with the T cycle. I think they are needed for a reason with that drug. But if I can I will. The chemo nurse told me the steroids bond with the anti-nausea drugs or something like that. If I can control my nausea, then I will do fine without the steriods.

    I am better today. But not clear, what are you all counting as day 1? The day of the shot? I hopse so, because then I am almost through day 3.

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited May 2013

    I've heard a lot of people take ambien to help sleep.

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited May 2013

    I'm starting in 2 weeks😞does the blood get taken right before chemo?? Or do you go the day before??? Also, nustela shot day after?? How about fluids like 2 days after?? Does everyone do that?? Sorry about all the questions.

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    My blood was taken just before chemo started.  They also weigh you.  The shot is the day after.  Fluid?  you mean like drinking water?  I get thirsty and drink water/lemonade/juice constantly.

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  • tori39
    tori39 Member Posts: 26
    edited May 2013

    Robin, thanks for the tip! I will call the triage nurse now and see if they could call in the emla to the closest Walgreens. Good luck to us and kobrien tomorrow.

    Alibeth, in my experience, blood is taken first then meet with onco to get go signal if blood is ok, then chemo, all in one day. Thats Day 1. Then hydration and neulasta shot the next day.

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  • Lily28
    Lily28 Member Posts: 10
    edited May 2013

    I'm now 8 days post my first round of chemo. For the first 3 days I took for nausea: decadron, Emend Zofran and also gravol at night. Yesterday I had my first nausea and heartburn free day! Was thinking the worst was over.

    Neulasta shot was one week ago and I took Claritin daily for 5 days.

    Today I suddenly developed wicked pain in my left thigh and hip and upper back. Is this the dreaded Neulasra bone pain? I've been reading that it can sometimes start 1-2 weeks after the shot. I took some ibuprofen and if helped a bit.



    And I have a couple of sores in my mouth.



    The good news is that I spent all afternoon on the couch picking out hair stuff on Headcovers.com. I found some bangs that

    Velcro into hats/scarves that I quite liked!

    I'm going to go take some Claritin, maybe it will help

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited May 2013

    Alibeths - My blood was drawn 2 days before the chemo.



    Carla

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited May 2013

    Greetings!



    As we head to the last day of May I thought I would post the "helpful items to have on hand" one last time.



    Please keepin mind this is not a complete list, and be sure to check with your doctor prior to ""self prescribing". These tips were picked up from reading posts on the BCO website.



    What to bring to the "chemo room"



    I've heard some people say to bring a light blanket or sweater as the chemo rooms can be cold. (Me personally, I am always warm, so I had no complaints, and my location offered warmed blankets!)



    Pack a snack, sandwich or other food as you might be there for a long time. Mine started at 10:00 and lasted to 2:30.



    Bring lots of water to drink or other liquids-purpose is to flush out those toxins. Also hydrate earlier in the morning prior to chemo as it makes finding those veins eaiser..



    Bring a book, laptop, DVD player, iPod or those types of things to keep busy. My stack of unread magazines at home could get me through 20 chemo sessions!



    I brought my own cooler bag, filled it with frozen veggies and baggies of ice cubes to ice my fingers and toes to ward off neuropathy. But, keep in mind that some recommend against doing that!



    See if your location has ice chips, or bring ice/icee. If you are getting taxotere you will want frozen stuff in your mouth to ward off mouth sores. My taxotere drip is about one hour, I sucked once and froze my toes and fingers for most of that time (when I wasn't running to the bathroom to relieve myself from all the liquid I drank in the am!)



    I think that was it on what to bring, checkbook for the co-pay? Lol



    As for home I had on hand:

    Prescribed steroids

    Claritan 24 hour -for day of Neulasta shot and 7 days following (ward off bone pain)

    Prilosec for heartburn (and I needed it on the day after chemo!)

    Nausea meds as was prescribed and filled prior to chemo (and I did need them)

    Stool softener-took one am and pm

    Miralax- took recommended dose in the am just for a few days til off nausea meds

    Biotene mouth rinse, used after every meal to rinse out mouth for first 3 or 4 days

    Biotene gum, used to remoisturize my mouth not used too often

    Baking soda- used with salt and water as a mouth rinse when felt strange

    Benadryl-did not need

    Acidophilus -did not need

    Eye moisture drops-did not need

    Water or other liquids...drink , drink, drink, flush out those toxins! I had one of those giant Poland spring waters next to my armchair when I got home and just kept refilling my glass of water....later the day 2 or 3 added some iced tea mix to my water or tried other things with flavor

    Baby wipes ultra sensitive (or personal wipes) to wipe with after toilet use...clean off those toxins, used for first 4-5 days

    Bottle to cleanse self (did not have, but read about) similar to like after giving birth, to squirt on yourself as you urinate to help rinse off those toxins as you go.

    Plastic utensils as things get a metalic taste.

    Thermometer- to check your temp,they will tell you what temp they consider high and to call them (listen!)

    Tissues (preferably lotion ones). For runny nose that is bound to happen

    Hand sanitizer...keep in car or handbag, use when out and about



    I put the meds I would use daily on the kitchen table in a bowl.

    The other "back up meds" were in a shoebox type container on my living room table.

    Was very convenient to have like that so I could put away for next time! (Or if had people in!)



    Also used a check off list to make sure I didn't forget to take am/pm meds.

    And my husband could see what I needed in the am by looking at the list (was too tired to get out of bed one morning, so mumbled for him to being me my meds and he knew exactly which ones.)



    To keep track of side effects from chemo check out this link

    http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@nho/documents/document/acsq-009502.pdf



    For a free headscarf check out this site

    http://www.goodwishesscarves.org/



    I think that is most everything.

    Pat









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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited May 2013

    Alibeths,



    Sme people do their blood the day of, I do mine two days prior (as I am a Monday appointment, so I have to go Saturday to lab)



    Neulasta, for me, I was told must be given a minimum wait of 24 hours after your chemo is done.

    My first chemo, it ended at 12:30, so the next day I was back at 1:00 for Nuelasta.



    For my second chemo the doctor wasn't going to bein, so I had to wait til the second day to go back.

    Some people are not given Nuelasta...and depending on how that goes they may or might not get it next chemo round.



    Fluids...there are some people that go back for IV fluids (I'm not one of them). I do drink A LOT of fluid the day of chemo (before, during and after) and for the next few days to flush out the toxins....



    Lily, sorry about the bone pain, I had read to take Claritan for 7-9 days after the shot, maybe next go around try for a few days longer. Glad the Tylenol has taken off the edge.



    Kobrien, good luck on your first round.

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  • Debwarrior
    Debwarrior Member Posts: 72
    edited May 2013

    They cancelled my chemo today. It would have been my 4th taxol. Very disappointing. Apparently my liver tests were very elevated with alt at 200. They are sending me for a pet scan on Monday to see what's going on with my liver. I don't get the impression that they are worried about mets as much as my liver being damaged. They mentioned checking for hepatitis too. Will get through this but I'm disappointed and a little worried about my liver. Hope it went better for others getting chemo today.



    Kate, mazeltov on your daughter's bat mitzvah and hope it's a beautiful day for you.



    Deb

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  • MzDiva
    MzDiva Member Posts: 9
    edited May 2013

    Thanks Pat, I have heard other say Claritin or Zyrtec is good. I have talked with my mom and she is willing to try it. We will try almost anything to prevent her from having such a hard time. My mom has been the rock of my life and now it is my turn to be strong for her.

    I thank everyone for their encouragement and help.

    MzDiva

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited May 2013

    Treatment 2 done! No picnic this time! My veins went under cover.. I could hear the veins yelling out "NO WAY Beeeeotch!" and it took 2 nurses and 4 pokes to get one in. Ouch!

    Scheduled a picc prior to my last 4 treatments!!



    Claritin users... My nurse was all over it when I asked her today and I will try it this round even tho I don't get that N shot some of you do!



    Deb, I'm sorry! I hope tests turn out well & boo to delaying what you want to get behind you! I'll be thinking of you!



    Pat, you are a pluthera of info for all of us & I love you for it! Hope you're doing well!



    Lily.... I don't get the shot after, but my pain was from the bottom of my feet to the top of my head.... I'm hoping clarion will help me this time...



    Well troopers, soldier on! I'm gonna go make dinner for my sweetie while I still feel good! Have my new grandson 24 days old overnight tomorrow night, then I'm afraid I'm out for the count for a few days! I hope the claritin and the intro to steroids helps this time!



    Good luck to everyone's treatments tomorrow and the rest with battling thru it all!



    Happy thoughts,

    Lorrie



    Oh!!!!! The nurses today got a kick out of the "pole dancing in the chemo ward" pic!! Haha

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  • JennaJMU
    JennaJMU Member Posts: 97
    edited May 2013

    Lily, my neulasta bone pain always happens exactly 6 days after the shot. It feels like knives in my bones and it lasts for one day👎

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited May 2013

    A moment of tears.... Happy ones.....



    My sister, who I talk to everyday (hated each other as kids, but are BEST friends now).... Said to me when I showed her my new buzzed head...as she teared up.... "I was afraid you would look different, but you look like you!"

    I said "I'm still me" and we cried for a few secs then I asked if she wanted to try shaving her head... I WAS TOTALLY KIDDING! Te look on her face was...... Uh... Sure... If u want me to! Hahahaha love my sis! I messed with her for a few minutes and then said I was just kidding! Gotta have some fun! Haha



    Happy thoughts

    Lorrie

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    LMAO Lorrie.  You are mean to your sister.  I can't stop laughing!

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited May 2013

    GWTF.... I know, right! Believe me... Shoes gotten me over the years.. That was just pay back in a fun way! Haha



    Mzdiva.... My (and I'm sure all of us) are thinking about you today! I wish nothing but good results!





    Sooo... Wired beyond! Took the atavan. Still feel like talking to people... Calling people, but can't cuz it's late! This make me more amped. Think I'll tak a half of one now... And just make myself crawl into bed (but I don't want to) hahah .. I'm like a child right now!

    Well, I guess I'll just enjoy the good feelings for now....



    Gnit all

    Happy thoughts

    Lorrie

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited May 2013

    goodnight lorrie!

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  • Ukkate
    Ukkate Member Posts: 292
    edited May 2013

    Lorrie - loved that comment about your sister - my husband said the same exact thing!!  I wonder who they thought we were going to look like???

    Someone asked about unisom and I've been taking that - my Doc said it was okay too.

    I'm wide awake at 5:30am with all the excitement of the next couple of days!  I can't help but wish I was not missing a breast and my hair and feeling somewhat crappy a good portion of the day :(

    I hope all you ladies that are post 2nd treatment aren't feeling too many SE

    x

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