Chemo May 2013
Comments
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Ipc, I hope you're doing better....
I didn't get the 2 days after treatment this time to still feel normal.... Maybe cuz the bod is already worn out from last time. Or maybe cuz I was up with a 3 week old most the night last night.... Haha...
Went with the fam to the Carousel today (my 4 year old granddaughters fav place here in Salem) and then to lunch just to come home and crawl into bed for a 3 hour nap...
My body is dragging twice as bad and sooner than last time & the aches, sore throat & taste issues alreadybstarting.... Blaght!
Wah....wah....wah....
Never thought that at 45, I would feel 65.... Especially when I use to feel 35 before BC....
Okay, done whining!
Time to hop up to my office and get some work done before my nap wears off... Wish people weren't counting on me right now!
I hope the rest of you are doing well & enjoying the weekend as well as possible!
Happy thoughts
Lorrie -
Hey good for you Lorrie, sometimes family need to experience some payback! lol
My mom had ROUND 2 on Friday. Today she was still feeling kinda wired up. I told her she was acting hyper like she had ADHD, which she thought was funny because she is in her 60s and walks with a cane. LOL! Nonetheless she is still trying to be strong. She is a bit frustrated and mad because she has finally lost all of her hair. Which makes me sad for her.
But on a brighter note.....I have tried to encourage her to help me with her teenage grandson, who will be attending his 8th grade prom. He is her only grandson and she was very excited about his special year end events and is motivated to do more today than she would normally. I hope she will be feeling better on the day of his prom.
She goes for Neulasta tomorrow. This time I have bought all kinds of medicines and foods to help make her more comfortable.
My thoughts are with you all and thank you to everyone for their continued support and encouragement, not just for those diagnosed, but for the families and caregivers who are going through this as well.
Good Night!
MzDiva
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For those losing hair, or going to be losing hair. Here is a resource for a free head covering. I signed up last week and got it today. It's beautiful and came with a personalized, hand signed card (signed by like 10 or 12 people too)
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Worry Wart - Glad to give you a laugh
Wish that I had that good of a memory. I'd be lucky to remember one myself. I get a pad and write things down first. Even when I do that, I don't respond to all that I 'd like to. My heart just wants to jump out to all of you. This crap just sucks. My 21 year old daughter lives in Brooklyn. She loves N.Y. and Brooklyn.
Lorrie. So glad you had your grandson last night and spent time with your granddaughter today. Hope the next few days treats you better.
Shimmy-I notice that you and others have the same chemo combo was I do and take steroids before treatment. The only steroids they gave me were in one of my nausea I.v.'s. Dexamethasone (Decadron). I am very glad that I don"t have to take as much, but it does make me curious. In re to the nails, I beleive next time I will ice everything just in case. They don't allow ice caps there.
Robin -What is twilight? Hope you are feeling better today.
Shannon - Glad you are posting. So sorry for what you are going through. Had my first day of chemo on Thursday, 2 days ago, and today I'm feeling the fog. Guess it's the chemo brain I've been reading about. Kind of a drugged feeling for me. Glad you have help with your kids. My kids are grown and out of the nest. Don't have to manage that. The only kid I have at home is my husband.
This is day two for me of the first chemo. Day of was fine. 1st day after I felt good except my cheecks on the inside of my mouth felt fuzzy. Strawberrys hurt so no more of those for now. Day 2 after , even w clariton my bones hurt a bit and fogged brain. So far no nausea, mouthsores or neuropathy. Have to take things slow. Went grocery shopping today. Dog on good thing I wasn't behind the wheel.ha! Normally I can barely stand it when my husband drives. He feels the same way when I am driving. But today, no problem. Didn't bother me a bit that he drove. Sure glaf they had those motorized shopping carts. A bit nervous about what days 3 on will be like. But one day at a time. And today isn't too bad. Just yucky, a little pain and weird. Also a little emotional.
My very best to all of you women who are going through this.
Carla -
I haven't posted for a long time......thought I would share about my past week. I had my first treatment on May 24th. I was just tired for the first couple of days but still did things. When I did start to feel nauseous I ate something if it had been more than two hours since I had eaten protein and that helped. No meds needed for that. Then the body aches started, muscles and joints super achy. I didn't have the neulasta so I didn't try the Claritin......wonder if I should next time? My aches are still with me now but not as bad as they were. I took Tylenol for the aches to help me get some rest. The icky metallic taste in my mouth started the first day, my tastes now are starting to come back. I mostly felt like I had a chemically induced flu, felt crappy for days. On Tuesday I had a sore throat and read my notes from chemo class to see what I was supposed to rinse my mouth with. My notes said 1 t baking soda to 8 oz water, rinse multiple times a day. My notes also said if your tongue or mouth is coated white to call the Dr. Good thing I looked at my notes, my tongue was WHITE. I called and they set me an appointment for the next day (not an emergency) told me to rinse like I was already going to and to avoid foods and drinks with lots of sugar in them. Went to the Dr and I have thrush (yeast) in my mouth, down my throat and in my chest. Oh yeah forgot to mention I was having some pain in the center of my chest. The pain in my chest and my sore throat is gone thanks to the pills. I had a moment on Tuesday when I really didn't think I could go through this three more times, now looking back I know I can. I may have a really shitty week but I will hopefully have two good weeks before my next treatment. Oh yeah my scalp started to tingle the other day, I thought that was too soon.....but I am ready.....my sister offered to come and buzz my head for me, but I am not going to do that until my hair actually starts to fall out. Should be sometime in the next week I guess. I have acne on my face now too, ugh really? My lips are super chapped, anyone have hints for that? I have tried several kinds of lip balms, vasoline and even neosporin. Sorry for not posting how I was doing sooner......I just wasn't feeling up to it.
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I'm sorry of this comes across as gross, but it's the first time I've thought about it since starting chemo....
I started my first treatment just after finishing my monthly... You know.... I've always used tampons. I just realized, that if chemo doesnt F me up.... I'm due to start again soon..... None of the nurses have talked about it and I didn't even think to ask.... Has anyone asked if it's okay to still use tampons? Sorry for the subject, but it just hit me! -
ItisWhatitis- interesting question. Just checked the internet. Mostly said not use tampns due to bacteria. One said not to use when white cell count is down.
TeresaG - You went through some yucky stuff. Glad you are feeling better. Here's to having a great 2 weeks ahead of you.
Blessings to all-Carla -
Hi All,
Hope today is better for the ones of us that had a recent treatment. I had #2 TCH last Thursday and am doing OK despite what I call "cotton brain", the ole chemo fog where I cant think in a straight line and feel woozy all day. It hit me a day earlier this time but I just laid low and took a long nap. I still feel off today but seem to have controlled some of the SE's from last time a little better with daily meds (daily anti-acid, stool softener etc).
To Teresa G and Carla53 and other ones that are going through their first treatments - have heart! The feeling weird and SE's really only last a few days to a week for most people, Although you still may be a tiny bit "off" for the remaining 2 weeks of the cycle you'll be surprized at how normal you feel. You can almost forget the first week woes - and lets you gather strength for the next go-round.
GoWith The Flow = I got a scarf from goodwishes also and it"s beautful! Loved the personal card.
TeresaG - I've heard that acne, especially on the chin is a common SE. I've escaped that one so far but I understand it goes away fairly quickly. So sorry to hear about the thrush....what a drag since the taste buds go too - now nothing will taste good!
As for hair....I'm struggling with doing the final shave. I'm shedding like crazy....hair everywhere, but still have plenty to get away with just wearing a hat to cover my thin top. Sigh....I keep thinking - just a few more days so I can feel somewhat normal looking - but in the end its one of the hurdles I must get over to head for the finish line - so will have to bite the bullet and just do it. Hopefully will be a relief .....
Enjoy a quiet, restful and happy Sunday everyone!
Annie
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Hi ladies, has anyone else experienced elevated resting heart rate? I usually get mine in the 60/min. Yesterday before hydration, it went up to 98. Today at home, I can feel my heartbeat all over, and it was 108! I don't remember any talk with doctor about heartbeats. But I remember adriamycin being bad for the heart. Is it time to call triage or should I rest this one out? Thanks, Tori
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My hair has been shedding like crazy. Falling everywhere and finally I had enough. Last night I had my DH buzz it off. Wow it's very different but kinda relieved that it's done. It was inevitable.
My next treatment is Wednesday. Hoping my SEs are fewer this time since I will be getting the neulasta shot.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day. -
Itswhatitis,
That topic was brought up on one of the discussion forums,(can't remember which, different doctors have different answers...what else is new! Lol. I read from dont use, to you can use, but be sure to change frequently....personally, I'm a user and change frequently-I also get the Neulasta shot, which seems to me to indicate that my risk of infection is less than those who do not get the shot.
Pat -
Count me into the hair shedding group. Wherever I sit, I leave a little trail of hair in my wake. Had my hairdresser cut to a very short cropped pixie this week, but it may not last long at this rate. He also cut my wig for me, so that it matches up to my face shape and head size a lot better - made a huge difference in making it look like regular hair instead of a crazy wig.
My hot pink wig came in at the end of the week - it is cut in a 20's flapper bob and is adorable, so I at least have something fun to wear on a blah day. After all the fuss my 10 year old made about me getting a pink wig, I think she is now slightly mortified at the thought that I might wear it out in public. Which just makes me want to wear it everywhere. LOL
SE's have subsided quite a bit and I am really grateful. That gives me a good week before my next infusion, and I am going to try to make the most of it in terms of catching up around the house, eating well and taking care of things that just didn't get done last week when I was feeling lousy. For those of you who have been through a 2nd or 3rd round, do they follow the same pattern or does everything change each time? I know it's impossible to predict anything, but it sure would be nice to at least have a vague idea of what to expect the next time around. -
Tori, while waiting to see my oncologist, my resting heart rate was 93. I'm usually really low. I wasn't even nervous! I am concerned about it being connected to the Adriamycin but the nurse said it was normal :-/
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Reddheddmom,
I did round two this past Tuesday. For me the side effects seem a little less in regards to mouth "pain", and ear pain...last time I felt like I had a clogged ear and also felt a pain in my throat/mouth. This time around I don't have those feelings, at least not yet.
Also last time around I crashed for almost a whole day, only getting up to bake a cake, and then later to frost (was my sons birthday)..oh and of course to eat!
Water still tastes blah! But I had flavored things on hand. Watermelon still tastes yummy! So does that delicious McDonald's shake (though I've only gotten one this time around!)
I started Prilosec on day after chemo, as last time the heartburn was immediate for me, figured I would just avoid altogether, so can't say if that side effect is being buried or even exists!
I did have some "sawing me in half at the back/waist" pain when I laid down to nap yesterday and again when I was sleeping last night, so bad it woke me. I don't know If it is related to chemo, Neulasta,or my fat arse sitting around so much....it was bad, but lasted only a few minutes and then I was back to sleep.
So overall, this time around I would say my side effects are minimal, as they were last time...as I know it could be much worse....
I had read that the effects are cumulative (get worse over time), I pray that if this is my worse that it stays similar.
Pat -
Hi Ladies,
We had the most AMAZING day yesterday. My daughter was wonderful and it was so great to have all my family around me. I wore my head scarf to Friday night services and wore my wig yesterday and people commented on how good it looked. I am not crazy about wearing the wig though - it starts to hurt my head after a while. I also got a spray tan on Friday! My daughter and I had decided to do it for the Bat Mitzvah and the lady that did it actually does free spray tans for people with cancer! So I looked really healthy and well - which was so wierd!!! I hope it's okay to do it - I didn't ask my doc, but it did look pretty awesome!!! Anyway - I was hoping that I would be able to dance one or two dances, but I ended up dancing for probably 2 straight hours - which I am paying for today! But it was worth it just to feel so normal again!!
Shelly, my next Chemo is on Tuesday so we are almost on the same schedule now. It should've been Monday but my doctor let me delay a day because of the family in town. My brother is actually going to come with me this time. I am PRAYING for an easier ride this time too.
Hope everyone else is doing well xxxxxxxxx
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Thanks, Jenna! Will see how it goes until tomorrow then will ask doctor. Patty, I'm glad to hear you have less side effects. You've been patiently answering everyone's concerns. Thank you for that too! Kate, I'm happy to hear your daughter's party went well
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Yea Kate. Sounds like you had an awesome day. Something about being able to be "normal" for a few hours helps me mentally.
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Kate - I am so glad you had a great weekend with all the festivities. Especially for the dancing. So wonderful for you!
We went to a cookout yesterday, outside in the heat, and I am having trouble bouncing back today, too. It was worth it, though, for a few hours of normal... -
ReddHeddMom - Wear that wig! I have so many different wigs in all colors and my son loves the pink one the best!
I haven't posted here yet but was checking in, I started my chemo on April 24th and I'm a late bloomer for the April Chemo topic so I thought I'd check here to compare SE
I'm having 4 rounds every 3 weeks and #3 is coming up this Tuesday. -
Annie54 and Jenna - totally know what you mean about being anxious when reading all the survival stats and stuff. I have a little one too and although caught early, I still have a large amount of worrying I do!
Hair was shedding like crazy so I let my little girl give me a haircut on Thursday night and my husband shaved the rest of it off yesterday. I was an emotional mess (not typically like me). I thought I'd handle it better but I think because I'm not feeling all that well due to the SE of my #2 AC treatment and losing all my hair, it was a lot to take in. Hope others of you are handling it better than I did! Kinda of dreading going into work tomorrow as it will be my first time without any hair! Yes, I have a wig and all, but it's not the same.
Have been forcing myself to get out an exercise the last few days as I thought that might help give me some perspective - it's only walking, but at least it's something!
I find myself trying to focus on the end (6 more Chemo to go, then 1 year of Herceptin, 6 1/2 weeks of radiation after Chemo and then tamoxifen for at least 5 years) of all this treatment, but it's really hard when you are right in the midst of the side effects! People say "hey, you're already 25% done with Chemo" and I'm like, yeah, well you aren't the one going through this and it feels like a lot more to go! Just gotta keep telling myself to stay positive and get through this. I hate being nauseated! I think I hate that more than the pain from the neulasta shots.
Hope everyone has a good start to their week
Hang in there everyone... -
I also am having milder SE's second time around. From the first round I learned what to pre-treat to minimize symptoms and also I think just knowing what to expect and not being so fearful helps. I still have 2 or 3 "yuck' days left so we'll see if anything new crops up...but I've been very lucky to only have mild fatigue and chemo fog. I so hope it doesn't build from here as treatments go on.
Kate - So glad you had great festivities with your family around. That's really what it's all about! That's the best medicine you could have.
Rockermom66 - LOVE the light pick wig...where did you get it! And please drop in on the May group anythime...a great group to hang with.
Annie
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Annie54, I ordered it from an online business I've been dealing with for years.. I do hair extensions and order from them sometimes.
It's the Sakura wig. It definitely isn't going to fool anyone into thinking it's my own hair but it's fun
http://www.plastikhaar.eu/Plastikhaar-Wig-Collection_1 -
Kate, yay! I'm so glad it was a nice celebration!
Re: second round SEs.... Mine have come on more quickly and are the same as first time making me miserable, which is now bringing my mood down.. I just don't feel like I have the energy to do anything. Mouth yucky. Aches all over. Sore throat... I did manage to hit the grocery store and bakery for our family Sunday dinner... But almost feel like canceling this week. I was just hoping it would be better after hearing some of you mention that your second one was, at least, mildly better...
Have a good week ladies!
Happy thoughts
Lorrie -
it looks adorable on you rockermom!
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Re 2nd time around. My SE's were worse, after first round I had a bad day 3, then a little fatigue day 4 but went back to the gym. Round 2, I had a really bad day 3-5, fever of 101.2, almost ended up in the hospital for low blood counts, and yes, I did get Neulasta after round 2 as well. Thank God by day 7 was on the mend. Today was my first normal feeling day since the 23rd. I am now really dreading round 3 on June 13!!!!!!!
I am glad to here others are faring better than I did!
Congrads on your wonderful party for your daugher Kate! You both deserved a normal day!
Luv all the colored wigs....so cool
Hugh Hugs to all!
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Hello Ladies
I was all set to go with my first infusion on the 30th. I sat down in the chair and the nurse took my temperature because I was flustered and ear felt funny. I had a fever. So now I'm set to go on June 7th...I think
I've been lurking for a while. You are all an inspiration to me. I hope you have very little SE's and a good day.
Mia -
Just checking in after 3rd round. Once again just really really tired and blah. Coming out of the fog now. This time I have really watery eyes. Haven't been outside so don't think it is allergies. New se maybe?
Kate glad your day was so good! How nice to have your brother go with you this time.
Lisa -
Hi pattysmiles - Monroe New York, its in Orange County, one hour from NYC, 5 minutes from woodbury commons....had a busy week after chemo tuesday, hope all is well.
hugs to all.
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Worrywart,
I drive by often...my mom is in Pennsylvania.
I'm in Yorktown heights, not known for much, except its lousy mall! Lol
Miasara, sorry to hear about the delay. Hope you are feeling better.
Lorrie, hope you were able to hold your dinner. Hang in there,this too shall pass!
Momofsam, it is a long journey. I can see how it is difficult to respond happily to those encouraging you. Mine is shorter and I am occasionally freaking myself out. It happens, pity party ends and I move on, one day this will all be a distant nightmare, right? Good luck with the wig.
Kate, I can't remember if I commented before...congrats! Sounds like you had an awesome time. Great memories!
Pat -
Thanks Pat... No nausea for me other than a twinge the day after #2 & none from #1 whatsoever! That, I guess, I can count as a blessing...
Great news! After 1st treatment, the pain was so bad that I tried left over vicodin and oxycodone left over from surgery and it didn't touch the pain.....
Tonight I was in the same whole body pain & became desperate for some kind of relief... Just for sh?!s & giggles, took an oxy and FINALLY some relief.... Not sure why it didnt help last round, but grateful for a reprieve tonight! Of course, cant take it during the day and function well, but just a few hrs is a blessing!
Today was exceptionally tough physically & emotionally... My sister (my best friend) says "yay... 2 down, only 4 to go"..... And before I knew it, I was ranting... 'easy for you to say! I haven't even made it through the second one yet... And then OH GOODIE! 5 days a week of radiation for 7 weeks!'...... I felt horrible & of course, apologized for my tantrum...
It's funny, we talk EVERY day.... About EVERYTHING! But I can't explain what I'm going through with her.
It feels to me that when I try to explain how I'm feeling, to anyone, it sounds like I'm complaining... So I just say "I'm good"...
Anyway, tonight, I'm good! Looking forward to being able to sleep...
Happy thoughts all!
Lorrie
Lorrie
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