Starting Chemo June 2013!?!?!

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  • Letselina
    Letselina Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2013

    I am starting my chemo the same day so we can compare notes after

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  • Sweetie1972
    Sweetie1972 Member Posts: 84
    edited June 2013

    Hoping everyone is feeling better this morning

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  • Jojogal123
    Jojogal123 Member Posts: 11
    edited June 2013

    Hi Ladies - Had first treatment yesterday (that's what they call it and it sounds so much better than "chemo"). CMF. Felt a little funny last night - nothing easy to decribe just not quite right. This morning slight headache but that's pretty much it. Trying to drink lots of water. Doing Neulasten booster today so plan to take the Claritin. I really liked the MO's nurse who gave me my education. She was totally down to earth and not an alarmist. The only thing I really didn't like is the papers said, "No sushi" and she said, "Oh, it's fine - no one's WBC's drop that low" so that was good (I eat sushi 2/week). Although I find I don't have much of an appetite - but that didn't stop me from eating two bowls of delicious matzo ball soup a dear friend brought over. Not working today, but probably could. Just wasn't sure how I was going to feel and really want to take the NEXT Friday after my treatment off, so thought I'd set a precedent...is that horrible?

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited June 2013

    Netter- Is your arm swelling on the SNB side?  If it is, call your BS to get a referral to an LE specialist.  The LE specialist can measure your arm to see if you have LE and also fit you for a sleeve and hand glove/gauntlet.  Yes, if you get a compression sleeve, you also need to have a glove or hand gauntlet since just having the sleeve only may make the LE worse and cause your hand to swell.  You can go the LE discussion forum here and find info.  There are some very active and good gals on there.  You can also go to the Step Up-Speak Out website which is an site that is dedicated to LE information.  Here is the link:  http://www.stepup-speakout.org/.

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  • PegC01
    PegC01 Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2013

    I start my Chemo June 19th, somewhat scared....I heard all kinds of  horror stories, but then again I heard some ok stories.  I bought a wig, because my Oncologist said chances are I WILL lose my hair.  I know I will be going through 4 rounds of Chemo 3 weeks apart, then 5 weeks of Rad......Ladies, we can do this.....we caught it early, God is on our side, just humble yourself to him and He will heal us and help us get through this.   All Chemo and Rad is just a stepping stone in our lives.   We all have so much living left to do. 

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  • PegC01
    PegC01 Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2013

    I start my Chemo June 19th, somewhat scared....I heard all kinds of  horror stories, but then again I heard some ok stories.  I bought a wig, because my Oncologist said chances are I WILL lose my hair.  I know I will be going through 4 rounds of Chemo 3 weeks apart, then 5 weeks of Rad......Ladies, we can do this.....we caught it early, God is on our side, just humble yourself to him and He will heal us and help us get through this.   All Chemo and Rad is just a stepping stone in our lives.   We all have so much living left to do. 

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  • fab1
    fab1 Member Posts: 70
    edited June 2013

    Hi PegC01

    I should also be starting chemo on tge 19 , we can keep in touch to compare notes and remind each other of all the good advice that has been shared on thus thread. Hope you are coping well. X 

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  • Netter
    Netter Member Posts: 107
    edited June 2013

    Thanks for the info Melrose.  Don't feel very well today. Taking Claritin, can't imagine how bad it would be without it.  Even my teeth hurt.  Maybe more later.  Good luck all.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited June 2013

    Netter- Sorry you aren't feeling well.  This is about the time that I usually started to feel the decline.  Keep drinking and try to eat some bland foods.  Those anti-nausea drugs will help; take them at a regular time and eat a little before you take them.  I know I drank lots of ice cold ginger ale around this time.  It seemed to help a little.  If you can, get some rest and let others wait on you.  Keep us posted on how you are feeling.

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited June 2013

    Feel better netter!!!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2013

    din425~~I've had the nuclear dye twice. No problems at all. Mine were at OSU Medical Center. They are awesome there. They never mentioned avoiding children or pets. They just tell you to drink plenty of fluids over the next 24 hours so that you pee it out.



    If I remember right, you're getting AC. They need a baseline picture of your heart muscle to compare to after chemo. AC can do irreversible weakening of the heart muscle.

    If you aren't comfortable with a MUGA, ask for an electrocardiogram. No meds involved. It's an ultrasound of the heart.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • PegC01
    PegC01 Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2013

    We are going to do fine....Lets keep in touch....

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  • dlm425
    dlm425 Member Posts: 209
    edited June 2013

    Paula exactly what they are doing. You're so educated thank you so much.

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  • raindeer1217
    raindeer1217 Member Posts: 90
    edited June 2013

    Sick sick sick :-(

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited June 2013

    Rain- Call your onco tonight if you think you are feeling worse.  He/she is there to help you.  Don't worry that it is after hours.  You just need to let him/her know that your anti-nausea meds are not working so a new prescription can be called in for you.  So very sorry this first round has hit you so hard.

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  • IngridJ
    IngridJ Member Posts: 121
    edited June 2013

    Hi

    Poor you Rain...

    Take anti nausea pill, I have been having maybe one a day- Pramin..

    Still resting up at home, but not feeling like throwing up.. Hope you come good soon.

    Melrose is right- can you call your onc or nurse and get some help..?

    Hope others are bearing up..

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited June 2013

    Feel better rain💜❤

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  • raindeer1217
    raindeer1217 Member Posts: 90
    edited June 2013

    Thank you Ingrid and melrose. Not sure what's going on. I had a port problem the day of chemo my port was placed a week prior, however the cathedore was an inch too deep into my heart which had caused terrible pain in my head and neck, in the end the issue caused my heart to dfib, which isn't terrible short term but it could of caused a stroke. Dr's had no choice but to pull and cut the line and reinstall without anesthesia. I figured chemo would be

    postponed. Nope Ongogist said no waiting bring her up. Needless to say throwing up while getting chemo as I was coming off of painmeds phentenal or something. So I am thinking this is the cause of tummy issues.



    Exhausted and sick, blah. Not that I am trying to play the poor me card. But holy crap was yesterday hard. Last night was the 1st time I cried, like really cried and felt what was and had happend to me the last 3 months. I've been in total deniel.



    I do hope with all my heart that all the other June bugs are doing we and finding happiness in the weekend even for all the crap we are enduring, keep smiling.. We are all one day closer to the end of treatment.



    Nothing last forever in this life.



    Rain











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  • dlm425
    dlm425 Member Posts: 209
    edited June 2013

    Paula how do u feel now that chemo is over? Does the treatments get easier or does it get.hard and you get.sicker before you get better

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited June 2013

    Rain--- Wowsers!!!!  So very sorry that you really had a difficult 24 hours.  With that being said, have you been able to eat anything today and have you been able to take any anti-nausea drugs today?  Hope you are drinking enough fluids.  Ginger ale may help with the nausea.  Again, if you are still feeling bad, call your onco tonight. 

    As for the emotional side of things, the tears come with the territory in chemoland.  When the tears flow, let them.  I can tell you that there were times I felt like I could hear the train whistle blowing and I knew I needed to be on that train but everything seemed to moving too fast for me.  I felt like I wasn't ready to comprehend and accept everything.  Somehow, that scheduled pace that one is on during treatment does move one along and keeps things moving forward.  Hang in there and try to stay positive and keep moving forward.  There are good days and not so good days in chemoland.  Just remember that you are not alone here.  You ride the train through chemoland with those who have travelled before you and support and help is only a click away here. 

    HUGS to you and hope you feel much better tomorrow.  Keep drinking fluids, try a cracker or two and get some good sleep.

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  • dlm425
    dlm425 Member Posts: 209
    edited June 2013

    Rain I cried for you and feel.nausea just thinking about chemo. I start Thursday June 13 Saint Anthony's Birthday Hes always been kind to me:). Why cant there.be a better way?

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited June 2013

    Rain- Ask your onco if you can have some Emend to help with the nausea.  I've been told that works well along with the Zofran.  Before your next chemo, it may be good to have a game plan to help prevent the nausea.    Port problems do occur but thank goodness your situation was handled quickly.  I'm assuming and hoping that you won't have the port problem with the next round.  Again, hope you feel better very very soon. 

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  • dlm425
    dlm425 Member Posts: 209
    edited June 2013

    We are all so brave because chemo makes the illness real. Hang tough. Does anyone know about getting medical marijuana I really think that would help with nausea and appetites

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited June 2013

    I think you have to live in state where medical marijuana is legal if you are wanting medical marijuana.

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  • OceanWarrior
    OceanWarrior Member Posts: 96
    edited June 2013

    Hi Junebugs,

    Rain - you and me Babe, still on the sick train and you had some additional trauma with the port. Yikes!  I'm convinced we will feel better tomorrow.  I've been in touch with the Oncology Nurses and gave them my update (nausea and thrown up twice yesterday AND today) they told be to supplement with Gravol which since I've done I've been better.  They also said they will add/change my anti-nausea meds for next round.  Bet they do that for you too.  Some people get hit hard with that part I guess.  

    I'm staying hydrated and eating tiny bits of food.  Guess I should add a couple of prunes for good measure?  

    How are you doing Netter and Jojogal?

    Gravol is making me sleepy and my tummy is settled so I'll take my pain meds (for RA) and head to bed.  

    Here's to a good day tomorrow.

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  • VAL1966
    VAL1966 Member Posts: 37
    edited June 2013

    Rain so sorry you are going through this! Sending you hugs.. Ocean, same as well for you. I have not thrown up but have been extremely nauseated since chemo on Thursday. Gravol doesn't seem to help.. I was up in the middle of the night last night from 3 to 5 with the dry heeves .. Not fun.. Can't eat much... And the fatigue ... I never thought I could sleep so much.. Trying to stay positive, and keep telling myself that this too shall pass !! Hope everyone is feeling better today :)

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  • raysnbucs
    raysnbucs Member Posts: 74
    edited June 2013

    With luck, I start my chemo on the 13th. That is at least when they have me scheduled. But I had some complications that may or may not push it back a week. Not looking forward to the hair loss, or the other side effects, but as long as it helps me, I suppose I am all for it. 

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  • IngridJ
    IngridJ Member Posts: 121
    edited June 2013

    Hi all,

    Hope Rain, Ocean and Val that the worst is over.... It def is temporary..BTW I cried too the day after... And I don't cry much...

    Sleep and drink lots, then you'll wake up feeling ok, and the worst will be over.

    Hope Netter and Jojogal that you are doing ok.

    Welcome Raysnbucs!!

    Day 6 post first chemo for me, think that's the nadir..? Do have a cold so taking it easy. Long weekend here in Aus..

    Best wishes to all

    Ingrid x

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  • dlm425
    dlm425 Member Posts: 209
    edited June 2013

    How is rain val and ocean haven't seen them on here. Are they to sick to post. I so hope they are ok. I'm praying g to Saint Anthony for he is the Saint of Miracles. My first chemo treatment is onhis birthday. I'm looking so forward to 2014....

    Dx 3/22/2013, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 1/15 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-Surgery 04/26/2013 Mastectomy (Both); Lymph Node Removal: Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (Both); Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (both) so uncomfortable
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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited June 2013

    And netter??!!! Hope they are all ok!!! Good luck to us starting this week.

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