Starting Chemo June 2013!?!?!

Options
1…1617192122…57

Comments

  • encyclias
    encyclias Member Posts: 302
    edited June 2013

    Val, I am so sorry you are having such an awful time.  Being one of those people who are very prone to nausea to begin with, I was apparently blessed when I went through my 4 cycles of A/C chemo late last year, Emend worked for me.  Have you considered trying to eat a few Saltine crackers, like many of us did for morning sickness during our pregnancies?  I have used Saltines all my life to help control motion sickness, post-op nausea, etc.  Maybe it will work for you.  Hope you feel better soon.

    Gingergirl, I have heard about the terrible flooding up your way.  Heard this afternoon they are evacuating downtown Calgary.  Hope the water goes down and you can make your appointments, and of course hope that any damage is minimal.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gingergirl1
    Gingergirl1 Member Posts: 36
    edited June 2013

    Thanks encycIias hope you are right!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KatiAK
    KatiAK Member Posts: 138
    edited June 2013

    The onco nurses gave Emend in my port before the infusion and I insisted they put in the whole bag of clear fluid when the influsion was complete.  Do you think that helped?  Hey - first step to flushing it back out.  Then they gave me Relgan, dexamethasone and compazine.  I also take prilosec every night (have for years) and sometimes .25 mg. xanax.  You can't really base anything on what I've done though, cuz I'm not even 1/2 thru the first round.  Today was a WAY better day than yesterday tho!  I worked, I ate and now I'm going to a baseball game.  Hope it doesn't come back to haunt me!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • OceanWarrior
    OceanWarrior Member Posts: 96
    edited June 2013

    Quick check in.  Went to the ER last night for anti-nause meds via injection as could not keep anything down and was vomiting with blood in it.  Then, spoke to my ONC today and sent me to the main hospital ER and was there most of the day in the ER (private isolation quiet room however) IV fluids for hydration and anti-nausea meds in the mix.   Home for a few hours now.  Had a few spoons of soup, a bit of dry toast and some watermelon with meds by mouth.  Staying down.    Taking it slow.  Very tired.  

    Stay safe to anyone Alberta way with all the flooding.

    Wishing a restful night for all.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dyvgrl
    Dyvgrl Member Posts: 471
    edited June 2013

    Wowee Ocean, hope you are feeling better! I'll keep you in my prayers. Take it slow and easy. ((Hugs))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlm425
    dlm425 Member Posts: 209
    edited June 2013

    Rain and ocean how are you feeling? My night was a tough one had bone pains from my nose to my toes. Feel a little better this morning but the bottom of my feet and back hurts fling to try a bike ride to the beach. Next poison session is in 5 days. I feel like this never ends with all the complications to all we have to go through

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VAL1966
    VAL1966 Member Posts: 37
    edited June 2013

    Oh ocean... I feel so bad for you! I have nausea for 4-5 days and I'm complaining!! Feel better soon! Thinking of you! And to our Alberta friends.... Please stay safe xox

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • OceanWarrior
    OceanWarrior Member Posts: 96
    edited June 2013

    Happy to be here with a morning report of feeling good.  Had a good night and am feeling pretty much myself today.  Not going to over do it activity wise or too ambitious with eating/drinking.  Slow steps.  Going for my buzz cut this AM.  This is overdue and my long straight hair is everywhere.  Excited about scarf tying and have been watching video tutorials.

    **Keeping on top of my nausea meds today even though feeling better as I so very much do not want to backslide**

    Hugs and appreciation to all.  It is great to be able to log our journey here and share with others walking the same path.

    Ms Rain - please confirm you are slowing down, resting and doing well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kmurphy
    kmurphy Member Posts: 55
    edited June 2013

    So sorry to hear of the very rough time some are having.  I am not having any nausea.  Some parts of my body feel tender probably because of the nuelasta shot, and a dull headache that seems to be hanging around for a while.  And just very weird!  I also quit smoking so I think that makes me a little more sensitive than usual.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KatiAK
    KatiAK Member Posts: 138
    edited June 2013

    Yay Ocean!  So glad you're feeling better.  kmurphy - I had that lingering headache as well.  Read somewhere to ask the nurses to slow down the A poison drip.  And the smell - drove me nuts. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • raindeer1217
    raindeer1217 Member Posts: 90
    edited June 2013

    Hello Ladies - woke in the night had some breakthrough nausea. Woke in the am felt fine. Had a blueberry pancake (yummy) even felt a little frisky this am (smiling). Had a great morning figured I'd go for a mountain bike ride. Only made 5 miles but was content with that. Light lunch came home took a nap woke up to yucky tummy throwing up since. Had to put a call in to the dr. Just took some larazapan (sp?) night night sleepy time....



    Ocean.... You said it. Hope I am slowing down. Didn't and now I am paying the price.



    Guess I can't admit i am sick. Which after today it's becoming clear. Time to slow down or pay the price.



    Reading eveyone's post and threads want to send out shouts but my brain just isn't working. Hugs and good vibes to all.



    Think of you often.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • IngridJ
    IngridJ Member Posts: 121
    edited June 2013

    Hi gals

    Hope floods in Calgary are easing..

    Rain and Ocean glad you are coming good...

    Ocean; is cold here in aus, have been glad for warmth of wig, havent tried scarves....woke up and hat had fallen off, head was feeezing!! Had wig thinned and trimmed a bit- is better.. The kids put it on the dog though which caused great hilarity..she is a black standard poodle so did look funny.

    My second round tomorrow, but a bit worried as have cold, and hurt knee rollerblading w kids last week and it is a bit infected.. Any other rollerbladers here?? Is the best- love it... Refuse to stop.. x

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tasharka
    Tasharka Member Posts: 16
    edited June 2013

    On day 8 and my back is hurting from top to bottom. Anyone else experienced this?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gingergirl1
    Gingergirl1 Member Posts: 36
    edited June 2013

    Rain - hope you are feeling better soon !



    Oceanwarrior - glad you are feeling better. Hopefully getting your buzz cut goes well



    IngridJ - things are better in Calgary area - I think the worst is over! We are staying at my brother-in-laws place. Thanks for the kind words.



    Tasharka I had lower back spasms - they eventually went away. Hopefully yours does to.



    Does anyone else find your wig uncomfortable?



    Netter - how are you doing ?



    Take Care ladies!



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited June 2013

    Ginger girl,

    I have 3 wigs.

    Two are too small....so I really do not want to wear them. (You know they come in sizes!-unfortunately I have a large noggin!)

    The third is sized correctly but is so obviously a wig I can't stand it...I suppose I could take it to be cut, but I have no interest.



    I have been living in my buffs. Www.buffusa.com But lately those seem a bit too warm for me. But I do put the on when going out.



    I had cut my own hair very short, it has thinned A LOT, but isn't all gone. Last night I slicked in hair gel and went out with no hair covering. It felt GREAT to not have something on my head. I'm the type that is always HOT, a covered head doesn't help! I guess no one liked my look because no one told me "how good I look". I really didn't care. Maybe my short hair brings them to reality that this could happen to anyone? Anyhow I was comfy.



    I have a few scarves I could use, but seem to me those would be hot too!

    I'm running out of options! But I don't see the wig being one.



    Pat

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlm425
    dlm425 Member Posts: 209
    edited June 2013

    Yes day 8 was mu lucky number my whole body hurt like fitness er has before especially myshoulders.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlm425
    dlm425 Member Posts: 209
    edited June 2013

    Day 9 and 10 ive had the poops for the last 2 days with a sore throat and s bleeding butt. From hemorrhoids just. Lovely!!!!!! Lately I feel like wtf!!!!! So let me get this straight We have cancer, they give us chemo to kill any lingering cells and we LOOSE OUR HAIR EYEBROWS EYELASHES GET SORE THROAT SORES in your Mouth NAUSEA MOST have lost their breast or parts of them VOMITTING DIARRHEA. My insides feel burnt. I have the worse stomach. And they want to do chemo again on Thursday HOW!!!!!!! Is there not a better way Really!!!!!! I'm so sick n tired of feeling like shit!!!! And its just the beginning I envy the ones who have no side effects!!! Oh and they found I have mitra valve prolasp to my heart :(:(:('''''''

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlm425
    dlm425 Member Posts: 209
    edited June 2013

    Where is Netter haven't heard from her in awhile

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited June 2013

    Have you guys shaved your heads yet?? I really struggling with it. I cannot believe its REALLY gonna happen. Sorry you guys r not feeling well. Hope the 2nd round is easier. I've heard the first is the worst!!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dyvgrl
    Dyvgrl Member Posts: 471
    edited June 2013

    Alibeths, I meet with my onc on Tues then will decide when. I'm thinking the night before first treatment. I want this to be my choice and my doing. I can't sit and watch it fall out all over my pillow. On another note, has anyone had trouble with fluid on their lungs after anesthesia? I've been up all night coughing. Ugh!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Netter
    Netter Member Posts: 107
    edited June 2013

    I am here and keeping track of all of you every day.  Just enjoying feeling good for a few days.  Really scared about my chemo Wednesday.  They are going to change some things but worried.  It took me 8 days to get through it and not looking forward to that again, plus the hospital stay.  Really hard on the hubby also.  The little bit of hair that is left is growing! This will probably take care of that also.................  It is just patchy and I definately look like a cancer victimFrown  Rain, you will just have to slow things down until the chemo is done.  Someday it will be finished.  Your body is trying hard to keep up with you and just can't do it.  Glad you are doing better Ocean.  All June bugs are in my prayers.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Annie54
    Annie54 Member Posts: 247
    edited June 2013

    Hi Ladies,

    I'm a visitor from the May board but wanted to chime in on the hair issue. I'm taking 6x of TCH. After my dx I cut my hair short and waited for the fall out to begin. Mine started a bit later than the 12th day but by day 17-20 I was definitley shedding! It was a pain finding hair everywhere, on the pillow, in the tub, in our food! Everyday I thought of shaving it but just couldn't bring myself to do it...not while I still had more hair than not.

    My hair continued to shed but really slowed down after the 2nd treatment. i just had my 3rd cocktail last Thursday and still have not shaved my head....and still have *some hair*! I'm guessing I've keep about 1/3 of it but it has thinned out and is wispy - more so on the tops and sides of my head. The back of my head is still totally covered. I don't go out without a wig or a hat but the hair I've kept pokes out of the hats around my ears and along my hairline so I do feel more normal.

    I believe the point will come where its a losing battle and I will shave it down....if only to let the new growth come in after chemo. But I have to say so far I'm glad I didn't buzz it because I like still seeing some hair on my head!

    Annie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited June 2013

    Annie--I can't believe that!!!! Wow!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited June 2013

    I'm with

    Annie,



    I cut my hair very short, all by myself! I used a number 6 on the barber clippers for the sides and back and just held up my hair on top of my head and scissored away.



    Day 12 I started to be able to "pull" my hair out. It was more like it would come out if I ran my fingers through it. Thankfully I had a strainer in the bathtub (bought in the dollar store for kitchen sinks, just out it into the bathtub). That thin inning out of my hair pretty much ended by treatment chemo #2.



    I have been wearing buffs, LOVE them. WWW.BUFFUSA.COM

    Now it is getting hot outside, so the other night I decided to go "topless" and used hair gel to slick back my thinned hair and go out. It felt freeing and my head was cool! I didn't really get any compliments on my hair, nor did I expect to., nor did I really want them! I just wanted to be cool! (As in not hot! Lol)



    So, glad I did not shave my head. The thinning of the hair has really slowed down.

    I still clean my tub drain after every shower...but the amount in the drain is very small.

    My hair HAS grown in length,no I have had to trim it (I self trimmed the other day).



    Btw, I am blond, with some grey....very white scalp. Hair gel makes my hair look wet which accentuates my white scalp!

    I WILL be wearing my buffs for the sunshine as my pearly white head should not get a sunburn and the buffs I purchased have UV protection in them.



    So while my case may not be the norm, you never know.

    Pat

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kmurphy
    kmurphy Member Posts: 55
    edited June 2013

    Any advice for headaches?  I'm out of commission just because of the headaches.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited June 2013

    Love reading these hair stories since I did the same-- cut my own pixie cut and let whatever happen, just happen.  It was my personal science experiment.  It was always comforting to feel that little bit of hair when I rubbed my head during my time in chemoland.  There no written rules about hair here such as buzz or no buzz, when to buzz, etc.  I know that I was one of the few on the chemo thread that I was on that did not shave or buzz the head.   I knew that what I did was right for me and that is all that mattered.   I look back at the pictures I took during that time and I really didn't have much hair.   I had to take a new driver's license picture about  6 weeks after my final chemo with minimal hair and without a head covering/hat on.  The comment I hear the most about that picture is that I look great bald.  The point is--- love yourselves--- love who you are.  One day, the hair follicles will wake up again and figure out that there is no more chemo coming.  Until then, always remember that you are beautiful no matter what.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lgfoster
    Lgfoster Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2013

    Haven't been on for awhile. Started chemo May 29,2013. Had second treatment June19,2013. Tolerated fairly well. More tired after the second treatment and some stomach upset this time. Might be because I forgot to take my pills after supper on 2 nd day. I won't do that again!

    Have lost my hair and have a wig and some hats to wear. Had emotionally prepared myself for that. Feels better with nothing on my head but I can't make myself go out without a hat or wig in public. I do at home some of the time though.

    Have been managing to go out for some walks. Short walks the first week then gradually increase as I am feeling. I find it helps to go out for awhile even if you do feel tired.

    Have 4 more treatments to go.

    Be strong gals! You can make it through this! Wishing everyone as few sideeffects as possible! When I first had my surgery, my arm was very sensitive to touch but now is fine and I don't have any sensation issues or discomfort. One good piece of advice I got was when it was sensitive to rub the area with the flat part of your hand to desensitize it. It was hard at first but it did help after a bit!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sweetie1972
    Sweetie1972 Member Posts: 84
    edited June 2013

    Kmurphy

    My headache was so bad on days 5-7 ( was in hospital for 102 fever) they had to give me oxycodine for them to go away

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • puppymama09
    puppymama09 Member Posts: 77
    edited June 2013

    Pattysmiles,  Thanks for the website on buffs, they look really comfortable, I just ordered 2 of them.  

    I have been following you all closely, I gotta say you all have me a little worried.  Just know that I am thinking about you all everyday.  

    So I have my first appointment with the Oncologist on Wednesday, I have been expecting to get my treatment plan and  make appointments for a port and to start chemo.  Someone just told me that at the first Onc appt they just do more tests and you still have to wait a few weeks.  Is that how it happened with you all?  I have already had bloodwork, xrays, ekgs besides biopsy and surgery,  do they need even more info?  I am ready to get started(I think)  

    It is interesting to see each of your decisions on your hair, not sure what I am going to do yet, the thought of having my head shaved is very scary, my hair is already really short.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • OceanWarrior
    OceanWarrior Member Posts: 96
    edited June 2013

    Hair - well mine is down to a buzz and a shave may be just around the corner.  Went to the salon yesterday and it was a good experience.  Stylist was super nice, made me feel good.  

    It feels way better this way.  I had lots of very straight shoulder length hair, when I would run my fingers through it literally hand-fulls would come out.  That was too weird for me and it was making a mess.  The look is okay for now, a bit cute actually however it is already patchy in the back and I think for going out I'll be sporting scarves.  Those suckers are hard to tie though...esp on a slippery head.  My arms and hands got tired trying yesterday - LOL.  

    My hair/head hurts a bit when I touch it...same feeling if you've had a ponytail in too long.  Just a bit ouchy, nothing severe and only hurts when touched.  

    It's a bit of an emotional time.  I know its going to feel strange seeing people for the first time like my Mom and my friends but I just have to suck it up.  I find that if I set the tone of how I want others to respond I usually get the same back so I will go forth with my up-beat quirky confidence and let them know I'm okay with it and they will be too.

    Thanks for being here everyone.  It helps.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories