Chemo May 2013
Comments
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How do I get those cleanings??? : ))
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Go to www.cleaningforareason.org then look for the tab to apply. It was a simple process, however I did mine through www.cancer.org then put in your zip code for your local organization. Here in Utah they help with yard work and house cleaning and was very simple to get. I was approved in a day. Each area will have their own things available but certainly worth looking into.
Pat, I forgot to mention about the ice chips. I haven't used any and I haven't had mouth sores with my two treatments so far. Hopefully it works out ok for you as well this time.
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Hi everyone - I wanted to check in and see if anyone has indigestion. The past couple days it has been so annoying! Today I broke out in hives on my head and arm. This could be a lingering affect from the chemo I had on June 5th. If you had indigestion, I'd love to hear your remedies!! Thanks!!
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Prolocec!!
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Lorrie, Gully, ReddheddedMomma, Patty and Teresa- Thank you for the thoughts, hugs, positive vibes. Just what this girl heals on.
ReddheddedMomma - Good for you. May the power be with you.
Lorrie - Yes, I believe what you felt is heartburn. Love that pepcid.
Patty - It is easy to try and plan ahead re treatments and how it will affect our lives. It can certainly set us up for disappointment. Love your picc line names. You are so clever. In re to your onc, it doesn't sound like there is much to feel confident about him/her. Maybe you can google oncs in your city. Then checkeach one out individually via the internet. I love seeing comments made and scores given. Let your fingers do the walking.
Lorrie - I love this forum or cancer fb. It's really the only place I can be as pathetic as I feel. How fun getting your stubbs colored.
LJaegar-Sorry you had a bad week of chemo s.e.'s That sucks. The bone pain is something else again.You were at emergency from 12 a.m. to 3 p.m.? ughh! We already spendenough time in medical facilitys. Glad your MO stopped by and rescued you.
Teresa-So great you don't have to have a neulasta shot. Really good news for you. Glad your clipping session went well. good luck on getting all the procedures done by the end of the year. that would be a nice savings for you if you don't have to start your co pay again.
Debbiema- For me it's like having a lump in my throat, as if food or a pill got stuck and it doesn't go away unless I do pepcid. Then the belching commences and relief happens.
Here comes my crying time - the hand surgery was supposed to happen at 6 p.m.. So I kept putting off pain meds thinking I would soon go under. Big mistake. By 7:30 the tears of pain were rolling. Finally took care of that. Around 8:30 went under for surgery. It was short. About an hour. got settled into my new room about 10:30 and went to sleep about 12:30. i woke up about 2 a.m. in so much pain. took about an hour toget it under control. I HATE PAIN! Haven't talked to my plastic surgeon today, but it sounds like he found an infected vein or veins and a blood clot. Guess he cleaned it all up. Will find out more when I talk to him. Spoke to one of my onc's partners today. He said that it is rare, butthe vein(s) can get infected by chemo treatment. Looks like my Thursday treatment will bepostponed until this heals. Fine by me.My pity party has offically ended. Back to positive vibes.
Blessings to all - Carla
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Carla - sorry that was so rough for you
That sucks a whole lot I qualified for "Cleaning for a reason" - just 3 sessions though but I'm not complaining. The lady came yesterday and did an awesome job - it was so nice to come home to a clean house.
Yes - I went back to work yesterday and worked a full day and today also. AND I went to see my plastic surgeon today for my very last saline fill. My FOOB is huge now!!! So I do nothing til I'm ready for the exchange surgery - I can actually see a finish line in sight which is exciting to me...
I suffer terribly from heartburn after chemo - it's one of my worst side effects. My Onco prescribed me meds this last time, you were supposed to take one a day and he told me to take two - and it still was rough...Ask for a prescription medication...
So much going on with you ladies and I've been stuck at work and unable to write....
xx
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I take two 40mg prilosec and two 150mg zantac daily and I still have a little break through indigestion - but nothing like what I was having. My mo said if this doesn't keep it under control we will switch prilosec out for something else - prontix?? maybe.
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Carla,
Sorry for the pain. I didn't mind my surgery, but I don't like pain! I hope it all clears up soon and you can get out.
Gully,
Thank you for the advice. Mi went in for my Neulasta shot today and mentioned to the nurse my concerns over my low red blood cell counts, myoglobin and hemocrit.(sp.?). She said it was from the chemo, and if needed they would do an infusion. She did not recommend anything to get the red blood cell count up.which again,I find strange as there are foods at least that can be added to the diet to possibly help? (Unless I am mislead). I know there are supplements too, but I'm not going to mess with that.
The nurse said I am her only patient that can handle the full dose of Nuelasta. When I asked what she meant she said all the patients complain of incredible bone pain...I responded with crediting the Claritan for avoiding the bone pain (and that it doesn't work for everyone).
I think I will look for a new oncologist....like Carla said...let my fingers do the walking..I will have to see who is out there.
Debbiema, I take Prilosec for my heartburn. I supplement with Tums. Today I had a diet soda and could feel the burn...so I will be avoiding that!
Teresa, glad to hear you had no mouth sores, i hope I am like you!
Today I bought the oncology nurses flowers to apologize for getting so upset over e taxotere yesterday. I had to get last myself and realize I was to blame...how could I expect them to remember from 3 weeks ago that I use ice. No one in their center uses ice during taxotere. I am the "oddball". They were very forgiving. You can bet for my final chemo we will ALL remember for me to ice!
Pat -
I've had headache and ringing in my ears since my 1st treatment 5 days ago. The good news is that the nexium helped the stomach burning, and I went to acupuncture which was really wonderful. After the treatment I felt more normal, more energy, a ray of hope of a way to get through this.
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I tried nexium which helped. The oncologist office said I should use prilosec, which I will try tomorrow.
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Oweee.... Had to go in for my bandage change from getting the picc yesterday... I'm thinking, okay change it in a sterile environment....
Then they wanted to take my BP on my cancer side & I protested. So they did it on my leg... Hahahaha 200/120, yeah right... yesterday it was fine!
Then they asked if I wanted somethin to drink, or if I wanted to lay down to relax. That's when I said "wait a minute! You're making me nervous. What's involved here with the dressing change?" lol.... Well, it burns when they clean the site where the cath comes out. I actually had tears running down my face! She assured me it would get better with each change... I hope so because I was thinking, hmmmm... pain once a week with the picc or once every three weeks with IV.... But I'm also saving my veins for the many years to come.
Also met with the Onc today after the dressing change. About the itching.. 'keep up the good work with the benodryl' just like I thought he'd say & when I told him about taking my BP, he said I probably wouldn't be at risk for lymphoma if we wanted to take it on my left arm (node removal side)... That's when I said "I don't care! I'm not going to take the risk. My BP yesterday was 140ish/80ish, I think so I'm skipping you taking it today!" LOL he just looked at me for a minute and said... Oki doki!
I gotta say... It was nice not to get poked today for my blood draw... It was a rough
afternoon....
Carla... Speedy recovery!
& hugs to those who need them today!!
Happy thoughts,
Lorrie -
Pat.... What a sweetie you are to give the nurses flowers... Well.... Either a sweetie... Or you know they will be looking for your vein next treatment & want to stay in their good graces! Haha
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Flaviarose,
While I am on a different treatment, on my 3rd chemotherapy I developed tinnitus in both ears. Was referred to an ENT and while he prescribed a steroid for 5 days there has been no change. I have heard that it should resolve after treatment ends. Did the acupuncture help with the ringing in your ears? Please let me know what happens with yours. -
Lorrie, you saw right through me!
One more vein to go and I will be done!
Sorry to hear about the picc pain. Shot glass will hopefully feel better soon and be worth it all. Yes, you NEED those veins for years to come. I just hope I'm not cursing that I never got the picc. Smart move not letting them touch the lymph node arm! I was checking out pictures of lymphedema the other day, I am NOT interested in acquiring that side effect!
Pat -
BTW... I meant lymphodema in my previous post! Stupid iPad auto correct!
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Okay... A little irritated at my sweetie right now. He comes home and asks how the appointments went today...
I start to tell him about the dressing change and he wonders off to play with the puppy. So I stopped and went and made his dinner..... After dinner he says to me.. "you seem like you're in a mood tonight"
I just felt like screaming " I had a roughy afternoon & if you don't want to hear it, DON'T ASK!"
So, me and my MOOD will play on my iPad for a bit and hit the hay! I'm exhausted from this afternoon.
I get tomorrow with no doctors, then Thursday for #3.... I'm just gonna try to chill out till then. The pain from the picc dressing change has finally gone. Yay!
Have a good night all!
Happy thoughts!
Lorrie -
Glad the picc site feels better.
Next time stomp on his toes, ask him how it felt, then walk away while he's complaining.
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Lorrie, enjoy your day with no doctors. Hurrah for the few of those we have. GoWithTheFlow - you made me laugh with the stomping on his toes! I think we've all had moments where we want to do that!
I'm definitely going to check with my MO about taking Prilosec or something like that. I feel that all these SEs aren't as I expect - nothing is clear cut to me. I still have that "stuck in my throat" feeling - the thought that some stronger heartburn meds might help makes me giddy with joy! Regular maalox-generic doesn't seem to touch it.
I haven't thought about acupuncture to relieve some of these SEs. Anyone else have experiences with it? Seems like whoever tries it has had some relief. Have your MOs confirmed this is a good and healthy way to help? (not that we always need their approval...)
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Ljaeger, I have that stuck in my throat feeling too and a terrible cough but the prescription meds helped a lot with the heartburn this last time. SE sucks!!!
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Hi Goldie,
Ringing in ears comes and goes. Acupuncture helped with everything, although I didn't pinpoint the ear ringing specifically, I just felt good. I"ll keep you posted after the next acupuncture treatment when I pay specific attention to the ringing.
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I am heading to the store to pick up meds for thrush again. Anyone else get this? The tongue &/or mouth completely coated in white? I guess at least this time it isn't hurting my throat and into my chest too. They said that me taking the one steroid for two extra days could have contributed to getting thrush again. Whatever, I know it could be worse. I guess at least since they didn't have me go in to see them I am saving a $35 co pay so that is good right. Really tired today. My daughters dance recital went really well last night and I am really looking forward to tonights. The 2nd night is always the best. However I was pretty exhausted by the time it was over, but I made it and will do it again. Tomorrow I can sleep all day right? Hopefully have a nap before today too. We will see.
Have a good day everyone!
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Teresa - I have gotten thrush both times, so far. Badly the first round. It sucks, but the meds help a lot. I started taking them at the first sign of mouth issues this cycle and it has made things a little easier, but my mouth and throat are still having serious taste and soreness issues this week.
It seems like a sore mouth and heartburn are my SEs each and every time - but I can live with this for the 2 remaining cycles if this is as bad as it gets. (Who knows, though, right?). Saw my surgeon yesterday for my follow up; everything is healing well, so that was a relief. I am at the point where I cannot get enough sleep - so I have been trying to nap where I can.
It is amazing how we get used to symptoms, I think. I am not going to know what to do when my taste buds finally start working properly again. LOL -
I am so sorry to hear about all of the side effects you are each going thru, the surgeries and pic lines...I will keep sending positive thoughts to all of you and hope that things get better.
I had infusion number 3 yesterday, they found a vein, yay!! One more to go.....I'm hoping to have minimal side effects. I landed in the hospital first time for 2.5 days for low white blood count, second time almost in the hospital for impacted constipation - YIKES!! but luckily the meds worked and I'm praying this time is better.
I get that white stuff on my tongue, I've been swishing with salt, baking soda and warm water and it helps.
I also take my steroids, 2 day before chemo, then the nurses put it in my steroid cocktail and i take one night of chemo and then 2 day after chemo. My nurse told me if I'm not nauseus, do not take one the evening after chemo. So far I have been able to do that.
You ladies that have the lump in your throat, that can be from the reflux, it could be silent reflux and could be damaging your throat, and if thats the case, you need a prescription like nexium. I had the lump in my throat before chemo and it was resolved with medication.
Good luck to everyone...We will get through this, one day at a time!!!!!!!!!!!! SEnding hugs and positive thoughts.
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Thankfully made it to my sons middle school graduation.
It was a very trying day.
Not one picture taken. 400 graduates? Very crowded, not an easy evening.. Maybe tomorrow we can regroup for photos.
Or in a few more days when I'm not tired and cranky!
Pat -
I also had thrush my first round. The prescription mouthwash helped. Second round I started using it day one of treatment...definitely made a difference. Still had a dry mouth but nothing like first round. I also feel like I have a piece of hair in the back of throat that I can't get ride of. Weird.
Hoping things turn positive for everyone. -
Pat... I'm so glad you were able to go, but sorry... It sounds like you were a bit miserable.... BTW... Don't be jealous of my picc! I'm jealous that you only have 1 more infusion, but extremely happy for you!
You too, WorryWort... But sorry about the mouth issues!
ReddHedd... I was just thinking last night that when I'm done with chemo and all the SEs ware off.... What will I complain about? I'll have to go back to complaining about our Oregon weather. Lol
My itchy rash comes and goes depending on when I take the benodryl... But it's really irritating! Mostly on my feet and wrists and hands with a few patches here and there. My Onc says it's the taxotere... Neuropathy....And if the numbness in my feet stay the same, we'll stay on course. But if it worsens, he will adjust my chemo.,.. I didn't think to ask at the time if we would change chemo because it may be permanent. I'll ask the nurse
tomorrow when my shot glass gets filled..... I'm staring at my steroids that I'm suppose to take tonight and procrastinating.... I've got my Ativan on hand just in case, but I hate taking all these pills!
Hope the lot of you are feeling well (well, as good as you can)! Not looking forward to this treatment as I'm still sluggish.... I had a good week and a half prior to #2... this time I don't feel like I had any really good days, but that may be due to the picc. We shall see!
Hugs to all that need them today!
Happy thoughts!
Lorrie -
Patty -400 student!! Wow! That would be exhausting for anyone. Glad to hear you were able to attend the event.
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Lorrie,
You are right behind me in treatment ...hope shot glass works well for you and isn't irritating you as much.
For those taking their meds, read the labels! This is my third round of chemo and I guess I thought I remembered what the label said for my steroids. I didn't and instead of taking two pills in the am and two at night I only took one each time....DUH! I figured it out when I went to put my steroids away after my third night....I figured let me count to make sure there was enough for my final treatment. Well, I had too many in there! Then I read the label and realized my mistake. I didn't even bother to call and ask what that means , I figured I'm too late!
Lesson learned!
Pat -
My label says to take 2 the eve before chemo..... Thats it... I think I get some at infusion.... But being that this is # 3, I'm not sure theybwill give me the benodryl for possible reaction. I'm planning on taking the Ben pills in the am anyway for my itchiness... I hope things aren't worse this time! Really! Can they getbany worse? OMG.. I hate treatment! I was gonna say I hate cancer, but treatment is what I hate!
Talked to my sis tonight... (like every night)
Love her for being my shrink without sending me a bill! Of course.... I don't tell her every detail! Then she just might bill me! Lol -
Hey.... After tomorrow I only have 3 more! I'll be half way done! Whoot!
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