Chemo May 2013

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited June 2013

    I'm just going to put a little gel in my hair in the morning and be done with it.  Take some time off of getting ready for work in the morning.  I had a full hysterectomy three years ago and since I am ER and PR positive I can't take hormones anymore, so I have hot flashes all too often.  I'm 49 and who knows how many more years of this I have to deal with that.  So I am going to try to keep cool in the heat.  I think we hit 100 today, here in Salt Lake we don't hit 100 very often in the summer but even 80's and 90's are hot enough with hormones gone wild.  Good night everyone, pleasant dreams.

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    I wish I could embrace my stubble.... Out in public, But it's only in patches now... Haha and I look creepy with whiskers here-and-there on my head... Cant believe I would ever in my life say this but I can't wait for it to all be gone until it grows back straight (I had super thick, curly hair), my auburn color and no gray!!! Haha



    Went riding today. FOUND the Valley of the Giants, FINALLY.... We've ridden those logging roads for quite some time and explored every road.... Except the right one! Haha found it today and it was a gorgeous afternoon and the forest of giants were awesome! The hike about killed me, but felt so good to be out.



    About the drinking alcohol... My Onc also said to go forth and conquer if I so desire! So I just conquered a delish glass of merlot.... 'it was just what the Dr. ordered!'



    Have a great week, all! And to those with treatments this week.... Go kick some Cancers Ass!



    Happy thoughts,

    Lorrie

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    BTW on the 'monthly thing...'

    I should have had mine last week.. Ive only spotted a bit for a few days... None in my panties... Just when I'm done going potty.... I'm the only one of us hoping for "the change" as I'm DONE havin kids and am just enjoying the grandkids.... Hot flashes? Bring it on! I've done Chemo! Nothing can compete with that!

    Happy thoughts!

    Lorrie

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited June 2013

    Good morning ladies



    I do believe I have solved my coughing gagging lump in throat issues. It appears I have developed gastric reflux...yay for me! Did much research over the weekend as my symptoms were driving me insane. Will call doctor to confirm today and get more meds. Have had heartburn from beginning but this is way worse.



    Hope all have a good week. Number 4 and last ac on Thursday. I will be halfway there.



    Lisa

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited June 2013

    RECONSTRUCTION QUESTION--

    Not sure if anyone has even done it yet, but Im thinking @ ALLODERM?? Anyone have aexperience?

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited June 2013

    Alibeths- I had a BMX in March with TE's and also had the Alloderm placements. I did not have a choice bc the PS said I did not have enough tissue to span the distance between the pectoral muscles. Becareful, I have been having issues with insurance with the alloderm placement, saying it is cosmetic only. PS begs to differ, so they are hashing it out. Medically have had no issues and my new breasts will be an upgrade from the old ones that were trying to kill me! Good luck.

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  • ReddHeddMomma
    ReddHeddMomma Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2013

    Morning all. We were out of town last weekend, relaxing and seeing some friends. I have apparently caught some sort of ick from someone - ran a fever last night of 100.3, stuffy nose, achy, swollen lumph nodes in my neck, you name it. Feels like a cold plus sinus infection, but the aches are horrible. Have a call into oncology about this, but my next round of chemo is scheduled for Wednesday. This is the first time I have gotten sick with this, and I am not sure what to do or how they will deal with this.



    We took a little break because I needed to be normal for a couple of days, and this is what happens. Ugh. I look like a molting porcupine - my hair is almost all out except for little wispy tufts here and there. Today, I want to run away from being me. If anyone has advice on this, or thoughts on how your illness was handled, I would love to hear them. I feel rotten, and worse like this is my fault for wanting to get out for a couple of days.

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    Redheddmom, I hope you feel better soon.

    As far as hair, I was bzzed down to like 1 or 2 (literally a fraction of an inch) and I always had a little bit of stubble.  Not a heck of a lot and the top of my head is still shiny even with some growth since I did it, but it doesn't give you that "whispy" something is wrong look.  

    Glad you got away, but sorry you are now sick.  Hopefully they can fix you up before Wednesday.

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  • ReddHeddMomma
    ReddHeddMomma Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2013

    Gowiththeflow - my hairdresser buzzed my hair down to a very short height last week. We thought we might get a little more time with the short pixie do, but it started falling out by the handful the next day. We were at a hotel over the weekend, and I kept leaving an extra tip for the maid because I left hair everywhere in my wake. (She was really kind about it, although I know it was a pain to have to deal with wispy little hairs everywhere in the room.)



    I was laughing so hard, because I brought my wig with me to wear out of the room, and one day we were rushing and I said "Hold on, I have to put my hair on before we go." It just hit us all really funny, and we laughed until tears came out of our eyes. There's a sentence you don't grow up thinking you will say. LOL

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    Ha ha ha!  I know.  None of us ever thought we'd be sitting here today.  Once I cut mine, I saw little hairs on the back of my shirts, but it washed right down the drain when I showered.  

    I'm still laughing about the night I went for dinner with a friend.  I decided I wanted some normalcy, so I wore my wig and put makeup on.  After we ordered, while we were talking, I had a hot flash and just couldn't bear wearing the wig anymore.  So I whipped it off and put it in my purse.  

    The waitress never batted an eye when she came back.  She got a good tip that night.

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited June 2013

    Redheadmom: When I caught a bug after my second round with very much the same symptoms as yours expect my fever was 101.2 they gave me Augmentin for 7 days. I felt better after just one day on the meds though. I hope you feel better soon.

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  • Debwarrior
    Debwarrior Member Posts: 72
    edited June 2013

    Hi everyone,



    what a difference a week makes. Kate and Redheddmom, sorry you are suffering from SEs. I'm having a rough go this week after my fourth taxol and second carbo. Tummy just feels like crap. Zofran helps a little, but makes me so constipated and pantoprozole seems to help some too, but just kinda feel like crap, overall. Just want to get through it. Not very cheerful today. Maybe I'll watch some Downton Abbey just to distract myself. Lots of housework I could do, but not going to do. Hope I start feeling better by tomorrow so that I can have a couple of good days before the next treatment on Thursday. Good luck this week everyone.

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  • Ukkate
    Ukkate Member Posts: 292
    edited June 2013

    So I ended up back at the clinic today for some rehyrdation.  You know how I said I haven't cried since diagnosis - well, I cried today.  I started thinking about feeling normal, and all the summer things I'm missing, and just being able to do stuff with my kids etc and it all just got to me.

    Anyway - my onco said that's the end of TCH for me - we are dropping the Carboplatin.  Has anyone heard of this before??  My husband is a bit worried.  I guess I'll start another thread and see if anyone's onco has done this.

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited June 2013

    You are not alone Kate! I too am feeling overwhelmed today by all this BC shit! My husband reminds me that I am half way through treatment, but it never really ends does it! True I am halfway through chemo but not the rest. I too want to feel normal again. I have to think it will happen to get through the rest. I pray we all find the strength somewhere. I have to remind myself I am doing this to get healthy, but also to stay with my family. Some days it just hard.

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    I sobbed on the table for my CT scan today myself.  Just overwhelming.  ((HUGS)) to all that need it.

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    Looks like a few of us are having a down day..... I finally got scheduled for my picc. This is how next week looks for me:



    Monday- picc (they said to plan on 2 hrs)

    Tuesday- line care (they said to plan on 2 hrs) then blood draw and meet with Onc after the line care apt.

    Thursday- cocktail # 3



    I feel like I need a personal parking space at the hospital.



    They said I would have to go in once a week for my "line care" at 2 hrs a pop? Almost rethinking the picc thing and feel like giving another vein the abuse... Ugh! I don't know!

    Plus I'm nervous about it being a painful procedure... I'm tired of pain!



    The worse part is last treatment I was feeling good by now & I'm just not feeling as well...

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited June 2013

    Is a picc line same as a port??

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    No.... It's more like an IV that stays in the arm for the duration of my next 4 treatments... My first treatment injured, what still looks and feels like 3" ov my vein. It's unusable now. The second treatment took 2 nurses and 4 pokes to get my IV in... So they want me to get a picc... They can draw my blood and give treatment through it... And just pull it out like an IV when I'm all done in Aug. I'm not sure about it now... :(

    I work (well I use to) full time, plus do some consulting on the side & with all of the time I'm spending at apts, plus feeling lowsy, I feel like I'm only working part time... I need to be working to make the payments on my med bills (

    I make too much to get assistance... So I've been able to set up payment schedule with the plethora of doctors and facilities Ive been to since I found out about my "pesky little dweller in the boob" haha

    Wow! Wah.....Wah....Wah.... Sorry guys! Like I said, just a rough day... I hope it's all worth it!



    Have a good nite all!

    Happy thoughts

    Lorrie

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited June 2013

    Alibeths,

    It is not the same thing.

    Here is a link about Picc lines. ****warning,if you are not the type to want to know how things are done, then don't read this...it talks about the procedure too)

    http://www.nationaljewish.org/healthinfo/medications/manage/picc-line-insertion/



    Here is a link for PICC care. http://picclinenursing.com/picc_care.html



    Here is a link about ports



    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_(medical)



    I don't have either, don't know if I wish I did...I will know more on that feeling Monday when I go back for third round of chemo. If they have a problem finding a good vein I will have wished I had either of these from the start. Time will tell!



    Good luck Lorrie, I hope it makes things easier for you.

    Pat





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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    Thanks Pat! You are always full of info!



    Okay... Just watched a YouTube vid of a picc line being removed.... I immediately freaked out and started crying! Why doesn't any of my nurses or Onc explain anything to me until I get to the procedure? I ask them... "what's in tailed?"... They say, " oh it's just like an IV.....

    I will take my chances with my veins! Thank you very much! I cant imagine seeing it put in.

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  • Goldie1431
    Goldie1431 Member Posts: 29
    edited June 2013

    Just checking in. Had my 3rd of 6 treatments today. It was never discussed with me to do a port and I also am having vein issues. The RN today told me that the chemicals are just tough on the veins. I also do hydration 2 days after infusion and I am hoping they can use my hand for that.



    Got some new side effects as well. I have a ringing or buzzing sound in my ears. I already called my Dr. and I thought it might be because they infused faster today, but he said no..



    Anyone else experience this?

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited June 2013

    Oh Lorrie,

    Sorry you watched a video. I can read about things, but seeing it does me in. I can't watch them draw blood, or stick me with a needle. I was not upset about any of my procedures, not even the surgery upset me, because I didn't look up "how" they were done. I do like to know basic, but details would probably make me run and never look back!

    Please weigh your pros and cons of picc vs. veins and see which wins ...REMOVE THE EMOTION...stick with the facts. (Then ask for some good drugs to keep you calm if you decide on picc!)



    This go around, in addition to hydrating well I will be asking them to bring out the heated blankets, or even bring my own heating pad to put on my arm and see if they can find a "new" vein to work with. Last resort, I will give them my "bad arm" with the increased risk of lymphedema.....I wasn't offered port or picc for my last two treatments.



    Goldie, I have heard of people getting headaches due to infusions being too fast. I dont recall reading about ear ringing....I know after my first round my left ear was "stuffy feeling"..no ringing. Don't know why, and it didn't happen with round 2.

    In regards to headaches and too fast infusions...I'd like to know why the nurses feel the need to speed up the process. Is it because they don't know there will be side effects from that later!



    Pat

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  • Gma04
    Gma04 Member Posts: 62
    edited June 2013

    Hi there ladies, just got my port in today. You ladies are really scaring me about the chemo thing. I have never been sick a day of my life an now this. Guess ill just put my big girl panties on and deal with it. My onc is going on vacation so I will start chemo last week in June yuk!!

    You ladies are great! I hope I can hang in there like you all are doing. Thanks for the encouragement.

    Lots of hugs

    Gma from Texas Oh by the way does any one know where I can purchase a fake boob at a reasonable price? Gee they want an arm and a leg for them fake boobs. Please advice.

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited June 2013

    My insurance helped pay for a fake boob, yes they are quite pricey!  Get a prescription for a prosthesis from your surgeon or oncologist for it.  I found the place I got mine from a brochure where I am getting treatments.  The nice thing about this place was that all of the workers there have been through this whole process too.  

    The picc line sounds like a lot of maintenance.  I am glad I got the port even though I felt like they were trying to kill me when they did it.  Extremely pricey though!!!  However I am going to keep it in until I get my breast reconstruction completed.  I figure I might as well and it only has to be flushed once a month.  Of course with chemo that is happening much more frequently.  

    My next round is Friday....it has been so nice feeling like me again that I am not sleeping well knowing it is edging closer.  Ugh!  On my first treatment I had a headache when I got there so they pushed the Cytoxan and Taxotere for an hour each.  My nurse told me that the Cytoxan can cause a headache and sinus issues if pushed quick (it can go as fast as 30 minutes) but she usually starts people at 45 minutes to see how it goes.  When I told her I already had a headache, she said ok we will go slow and give you an hour.  They were really busy that day and I appreciated her for taking her time and caring about me.  I think I will ask to do the same thing this time.  My daughter and I have nothing else planned that day anyway.  

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    So.... Sorry all about my bit of a meltdown/tantrum!



    Spoke to the hubby & showed him vids of the procedure & removal of a picc. He agrees with me (because what else could he do right now) to try for a vein next week and cancel my picc for now and give a vein a shot..



    It would be different if this was done from the get go... Nobody EVER mentioned a port or picc... I learned those terms here on this forum.



    Thank you o all of tou strong and wonderful soldiers!

    Hapy thoughts

    Lorrie

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited June 2013

    A better tomorrow for those of you who've had such a rotten day.

    Was supposed to get a pic line in today but had to cancel. The red marks on the back of my hand grew bigger and spread to the side of my arm. Went to the onc's to get advice. Was told to finish my antibiotics, ice it, put my arm over my head and when the swelling is gone, make an appointment for the pic line. Other then that, I have felt good for a few days. I sure do appreciate that. At one point i had wondered if i'd ever feel good again..ever. Next treatment is on the 20th. To all of you wonderful women, a blessed tomorrow.



    Carla

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited June 2013

    Lorrie

    Dh had picc and he says it wasn't that bad. We used it to administer iv antibiotics at home. I hooked up the bags of antibiotics and flushed it myself. After a while he could do it himself. Don't let the video scare you too much.



    GMA04 I too have never been sick until this crap hit me. That being said I am set to have 4th round of chemo on Thursday and have only missed one day of work. The waiting and fear of the unknown was the hardest part for me. You can do this! Try to enjoy the time before chemo without worrying too much. Easier said than done I know.



    Hope all have a great day



    Lisa

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  • Ukkate
    Ukkate Member Posts: 292
    edited June 2013

    I'm sorry ladies that you are having such a rough time with veins and weren't offered a choice.  I asked my onco if I should get a Port (back in the early days) and he said he would send a nurse in to look at my veins and when she came in and heard that I was getting herceptin for a year, she said "Don't even think about not getting it"  The procedure was MISERABLE but my god, I'm so glad I have that stupid thing because it's already been used 4 times and I"ve only had 2 sessions of chemo so far!!!!  The woman next to me was having loads of pain in her IV yesterday and that made me glad again for the port.  I might just leave it in for ever!  Okay - that's a little drastic...

    So I was REALLY REALLY REALLY thinking I would go back to work today but I am still having wicked diharrea and I"m scared to go in as we only have one toilet which we all share - plus, I've been up most of the night pooping!  I finally caved and took a half an imodium - I hope that stops the cramps.  Still bleeding too (period).  sigh.....But mentally feeling better although nearly all the hair on my head is gone now.  I really need to sign up for that LGFB class I think.

    Hope everyone is doing a little better today.  At least it's not Monday anymore.

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  • LJaeger
    LJaeger Member Posts: 58
    edited June 2013

    Going in tomorrow for treatment #3. My port worked like a charm last time, I am glad to have it. It is scary researching all of the ports/piccs, but because I am getting adriamyacin my chemo nurse basically demanded it after treatment #1. I was scared, but the dr. turned on some music in the procedure room, and his staff were really friendly. I think it was less scary because it was in my arm as opposed to in my chest (by personal request). In the long run I think having a port is really going to be a blessing, between the blood draws and the infusions for tests and the chemo...even if it is only for a few months. I agree with Pat - try to keep your emotions out of it (impossible, I know) and stick with the facts. You'll need those veins for the many many decades we'll be here post BC. I don't think you want to blow them out now.

    Oh, and following up from a long-ago post, I called the MO office about that "something stuck in my throat" feeling. They wanted me to go to an ENT just to check it out (why do MOs have to be so specialized?! wish they could treat us for these SEs intead of sending us all over the place). The doc said my throat was just slightly irritated (which I assumed) and that it looked just fine. Told me just to gargle with salt water, suck on lozenges, have herbal tea, etc. Anyhow, the feeling is still there, but I guess I'm just getting used to it. I feel lucky that it's not worse than it is. Doc said that he's seen chemo patients come in with huge ulcers, horrible irritation, etc. Eek. Going to make sure to keep up with the heartburn so it doesn't get worse.

    Stay strong, ladies. We can do this.

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  • okiecountrygal
    okiecountrygal Member Posts: 25
    edited June 2013

    Just catching up on everyone. Kate was sure hoping it would be easier for you this time. So Sorry.



    Had my mammo and u/s on my good breast yesterday. Of course I Don't know anything yet but I think it's just fatty tissue or something. Not gonna stress about it until they give me a reason to.



    This second treatment has been totally different than the first. Thankfully. I have not been so sick, No diarrhea at all. More tired and was so weak on Sunday I couldn't walk without help. Better yesterday but still weak. Last night, despite taking Claritin, wicked bone pain kicked in. Took pain meds but keeps hurting so I'll just keep taking pain meds. I would prefer this time over last time anytime. To me that is one of the hardest things about treatments. It affects everyone differently and is even different for us from one to another. Just don't know what to expect.



    Hope everyone is doing well this week. Good luck to those of you that are going for treatments this week.

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