Chemo May 2013

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  • ReddHeddMomma
    ReddHeddMomma Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2013

    Gully - the nurse told me today to be certain that I remind my doc in our pre-infusion consultation that I had a reaction today. They won't see me for another 3 weeks, and will have a lot of patients between now and then - so I marked a note on our calendar to remember to do that. My reaction was really swift and scary - I could feel myself being less and less able to breathe almost instantly... Really weird. But the instant infusion of the steroid/benedryl pack was just as fast at bringing me back to normal.



    So I would bring up your rash issue with your onc, too. First thing when you go over bloodwork. The extra dose of steroids and benedryl really made all the difference for me. I would mention it before they start anything so when the dosages get set for you, they will be thinking about it front and center. Sending out lots of good thoughts and prayers that you have an easy day of it tomorrow.

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited June 2013

    I just received my first statement from where I am getting my treatments at.  OMG!  I knew this was going to be expensive, but I was still shocked!  

    Thanks everyone for the kind words on how I look.  My scalp is really showing through today.....if I lose most of it I may re-think my decision to wear scarves or hats.  So we will see.

    Sounds like a couple of you had problems with your treatments this week, I hope that means that your side effects will be less to make up for it.  Gully tomorrow will go fine for you I just know it, same for me on Friday.  Positive thought ladies.

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  • Debwarrior
    Debwarrior Member Posts: 72
    edited June 2013

    Momofsam,

    they had trouble with my port too last week so they laid me down in the chair and it worked. 

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited June 2013

    Thanks Redheadmom and Teresa for the support! My husband will be with me tomorrow to help to remind me to bring up the rash to my doc. Thanks for the good advice about maybe having them at least thinking about have more premeds available just in case.

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  • MichelleRN78
    MichelleRN78 Member Posts: 64
    edited June 2013

    Chemo in the am.  3rd treatment so half way done!  Anyone else having low WBC and neutrophil counts with neulasta?  I am borderline low, doc is a little concerned.  Might have to delay 4th treatment if numbers drop anymore than this time.

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited June 2013

    Teresa and MomofSam - Thank you.

    DebWarrior-So sorry that cancer is hitting you from so many directions. I like how you are looking at your blessings.

    ReddheddMomma-Congrats on being 1/2 way done. Scwrry stuff on the transfusion.

    Gully-Good luck tomorrow.

    MomosSam-Congrats on making it through round 3.

    Michelle RN7-Good luck with your third treatment tomorrow.



    Two of my daughters and two grandsons came over today. The girls had fun cutting my hair in different cuts and a mokawk before buzzing it.

    My 6 and eight year old grandsons were tripping out just a little. Before cutting, everyone had a turn pulling some hair out. Then joked with

    my grandsons "Don't argue boys, you make me want to pull my hair

    out." Then pulled my hair out. They laughed. We all laughed. Maybe that was morbed or maybe silly. But we all had fun with it. Gotta try and make lemonade out of lemons.



    Take care - carla

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  • Ukkate
    Ukkate Member Posts: 292
    edited June 2013

    ReddHeddmom - so sorry to hear about your reaction - I was CERTAIN I was going to have that reaction as I seem to react to everything, but I never did.  Must've been really scary....

    Gully - sorry about the rash too :(

    I was back at the doc yesterday because my throat hurt so bad I could barely swallow.  Of course, when I got there, he couldn't see anything going on with it etc....he gave me "magic mouthwash" but I was just plain miserable yesterday all day long and popping pain pills every few hours.  Today I feel marginally better, I think I'm getting a plain old cold.  I can feel stuff in my chest "breaking up" a little and I coughed up a big wad of crap this morning.  I'm going to try taking cough syrup to break it up.  Still can't go back to work as it hurts so much to talk and my job is being on the phone all day long!  

    I am really HOPING I can turn that corner they always talk about!!!!!

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited June 2013

    Oh oh we're halfway there oh oh living on a prayer

    Take my hand we'll make it I swear ...Bon Jovi



    Song came to mind as I sit receiving 4th and final ac and hit the halfway mark.



    Hope all suffering se's have a better day today.



    Lisa

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited June 2013

    IPC--Thats awesome.  How are you feeling???  I just did #1 YESTERDAY!!Cool

    My Onc says Taxol is MUCH easier!!   xoxo

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited June 2013

    My onc says same thing so looking forward to the taxol. My se's have been quite manageable and am so happy to have made it thru first half.



    How are you feeling alibeths. Day 3 and 4 expect to be very tired. Did you get neulasta today? If so start claritin for pain. I take it everyday for allergies but I think you are supposed to take for 5 days after neulasta.



    Lisa

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited June 2013

    Lisa, shot today. Will b taking Claritin. I am also taking Prilosec for heartburn. I haven't had to take any anti nauseous meds yet. In tired and didn't sleep well. Sounds like your first 2 were ok? Are u eating? My mo said to stay away from fruits n veggies!!? I can't imagine that!?!?

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  • jsrose14
    jsrose14 Member Posts: 117
    edited June 2013

    Alibeths- I think that's crazy to stay away from fruits and veggies but if your WBC counts are low they are nervous that if the food is tainted at all that you could get really sick. My onc told me that as long as I buy organic and wash it and home myself with water and vinegar she is fine. But she did say eating cooked fruits and veggies are fine anywhere. It's basically just the raw food to be careful of. I saw an integrative medicine doctor and he said the same thing although he added in some supplement to help get me thru chemo and keep my counts up. If any if you are interested in complementary modalities to healing I would highly recommend an acupuncturist and an integrative medicine doc as part of your team. They are helping me immensely get thru side effect and work closely with my onc so it will feels safe.



    Good luck. Yesterday was my half way point!!



    Jsrose

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  • littlev
    littlev Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2013

    MichelleRN78 - After having completed two rounds followed by Neulasta shots; no issues with WBC counts; my RBC are low though; even though I try to eat foods with iron - spinach, beans, etc.

    Alibeths - I also had to add Prilosec to my daily meds.  Have never had heartburn in my life so I didn't even recognize what it was!!!!! Agree also, seems crazy to stay aways from fruits and vegetables.  I am tryin to keep everything in moderation and still include the healthy stuff!!

    Best wishes to all today!

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited June 2013

    I'm thinking about acupuncture. Wanted to complete my first treatment tho!!! So cleaning veggies with water and vinoger?? Any type?? Anything else from

    Nutritionist?

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  • ReddHeddMomma
    ReddHeddMomma Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2013

    For folks struggling with nutrition issues, I have found the Rebecca Katz cookbooks "One Bite at a Time" and "The Cancer Fighting Kitchen" to be incredibly helpful at our house. Her tips on dealing with altered taste buds and doctoring a dish to make it more palatable have worked really, really well for me on tough eating days. I got her cookbooks from Amazon, on the recommendation of a friend who went through a breast cancer fight a while back, and every recipe is really healthy and incredibly good - even my 10 year old says yummy to a lot of it, and that is a miracle in and of itself.



    I also stumbled across a good website yesterday while searching for something else, and I bookmarked it because the recipes look so good: http://www.cookforyourlife.org/



    I figure this may be a long slog with radiation and tamoxifen to come, so I am trying to health up our day to day diet as much as I can now. Hope this helps some of you!

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  • jsrose14
    jsrose14 Member Posts: 117
    edited June 2013

    i ordered these same books as well as i met the ladies who wrote the book "kickingcancerinthekitchen".  it is awsome and tells you as well what is good for certain symptoms while thru treatment.  i am now eating tons of watermelon thanks to this book when I can't eat or drink anything else.  they are both cancer survivors and have been thru treamtents multiple time so they have a lot of experience.  i too found the cookforyourlife.org link and love it.  i think onc are really conservative but it's just not realistice these days to not eat any veggies or fruit while undergoing treament.  it would seem like healthy foods are even more important--you just need to be aware of what you are buying.  my family does a csa veggie share from an organic farm.  i still soak it in water with vinegar and then rinse many times but so far I have been ok.  i make sure to eat as many veggies as i can on my off week of treatment.  i did make the magic mineral broth from "the cancer fighting kitchen" and it was good but not as good as it tasted when i made it.  i have also been buying miso soups but now i wonder about msg and the quality of the tofu.

    there are so many nutritionist or health coaches these days that can help you through all of these issues.  maybe you can find one by you.

    good luck,

    jsrose

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  • argynis
    argynis Member Posts: 123
    edited June 2013

    My Onc did not tell me to stay away from fruits and veggies. I was/am eating a lot of raw fruits, veggies and also sushi and I had no problems so far.

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited June 2013

    I have unfortunately been craving meat and carbs and have to force the fruits and veggies. I take protonix for heartburn and recently had to up it to 2x a day. That has been my worst se. Alibeths I hope you continue to do so well. I have only taken anti nausea meds once or twice. Hope you are one of the lucky ones too.



    Lisa

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  • jsrose14
    jsrose14 Member Posts: 117
    edited June 2013

    here is the link for the ladies who wrote a great book and nutrition and other healing modalities to try during treatment.  it has all really helped me.  i see an acupuncturist each week before and after my treatments and she says I look like great and not like I am going thru chemo.  my blood work is fine and i hope it will stay that way!

    good luck to all! each onc is so different so it's hard to know what to do.  it has to feel right to you and if you don't feel right not eating veggies or fruit during treatment than do some research and talk to you onc.  i am also taking some mushroom supplements to help my blood counts.  my onc didn't love it but didn't have it since it supervised by and integrative medicine doc.  i was grateful that she was at least not saying " I can't treat you if you take it" which i've hear some older oncs may say.  i think being a part of your treatment and feeling like you have some control over your treatment and destiny is vital to this whole process.

    http://thekickingkitchen.com/

    best,

    jsrose

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  • jsrose14
    jsrose14 Member Posts: 117
    edited June 2013

    ipc- my intergrative medicine doc said to get at least 50 grams of protein a day since that what your body craves and needs when on chemo.  it so hard to eat certain things when the tastebuds go but that's why i try to pack in the salads and veggies when i am on my off week.  hopefully you get an offweek!

    jsrose

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited June 2013

    Jrose//you had your mastectomy n ovaries at the same time?

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited June 2013

    Well ladies made it through round 3 infusion without a problem! Thanks for the upbeat messages. My MO gave me one right before as well. He gave me extra steroids for the rash and an emergency antibiotic script just in case I spike a fever other the weekend ondreaded day 3! So hopefully I am all set.

    congrats to all that are half way through!

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  • jsrose14
    jsrose14 Member Posts: 117
    edited June 2013

    Alibeths



    Yes had all three surgeries at once. Wasn't looking forward to it but now I am glad I did it. Just trying to get thru chemo and then my exchange surgery in the fall!

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    Yay for everyone hitting the half way mark! #3 (my halfway mark) is next thurs!



    I'm super itchy! Everywhere! Skin, tonsils, mouth, inner ear... It's driving me crazy! Took a benodryl. No rash, but there's gonna be if I keep scratching! Haha



    Still feeling pretty lowsy from #2 and #3 is next week. By this time after #1, I felt practically 100%.... I hope next time goes better, but I will have the thought of it being half over to lift the spirits!



    Hope SEs are at a minimum for all!

    Happy thoughts

    Lorrie

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    Itis, are you moisturizing daily?  Chemo can be very drying to the skin and I found using a good moisturizer daily helps.  It wont help your tonsils or ears, but it might make some itching go away.

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  • momofthreeswimmers
    momofthreeswimmers Member Posts: 17
    edited June 2013

    Hi everyonje I am on T/C and for second round I got the worst stomach pain in my life! I got antiacids, tums, Mylanta, you name it nothing helps? any advice?

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    make sure you are eating a lot of small meals/snacks each day.  I foud either a empty stomach or a full stomach made me feel worse.  I just did tums, which didn't do much.  You can call your onco and ask for something or a recommendation on what to take. 

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    GWTF... I've not been great about moisturizing, other than my scalp.. I love Nivea... And will be better at doing the entire bod after shower! I think you're right! The benodryl did stop the itching if my ears and tonsils tho! Whew!



    Not sure about anyone else, but I feel like I was so positive at the beginning...."let's do this and beat it!". I'm feeling much more down and worn out... Even the issue of the picc line and my reaction (looking back) scares me about my attitude. I've had a couple people say to me..."what's going on? You were always so upbeat?"... I'm ashamed because you all are still so positive and I feel weak & I've always been the strong one around anyone who knows me... I need to jump out of this pity party and get back to fighting, but if I'm honest, I just want to throw in the towel and take my chances.. I don't want any more treatments! Of course I'll do them because I promised my family I would follow through with this.... This time!



    Maybe because I've always been a healthy feeling person, I don't know how to deal with feeling yucky all the time & it's wearing me down physically as well as mentally....



    Ah well.... Maybe next one won't be so bad!?!



    I hope everyone is having a good eve!

    Happy thoughts

    Lorrie

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    Lorrie, sometimes I think chemo makes us very emotional.  I remember feeling okay and when I got to chemo, the nurse asking me how I was and I would just break down crying.  Between the drugs in you, and the lack of sleep, it's no wonder.

    You CAN do this because you need to do whatever the hell you are aske to do, so you can beat this terrible disease.  None of us want to go through this, but at least we all know we aren't alone in this fight.

    ((HUGS)))

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    You're right GWTF... I know you're right! I'm just... Uuuugh.... Wiped out already..



    Don't worry, I'm fine! All is good and I'm gonna soldier on! ;)

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