Starting Chemo June 2013!?!?!
Comments
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Anyone on here have animals?? I have horses and was told to stay away from them for the duration of chemo!!!! After talking the my doc again he said I can see them when my blood counts are up but with a face mask !! How many here does iceing of nails and how?? In water or does frozen bags work?
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Dvygirl, wishing you all the best with your oncologist. It IS nice to take control of the hair thing. The doctor will go over the drugs to take, listen to what they say. Have them and USE them, especially nausea meds, at the FIRST HINT of nausea. (To me my hint was any feeling in the tummy, throat or mouth that wasn't "right or normal"). Definitely needed heartburn med, and it seems a lot of people here do, Prilosec was recommended by my onc nurses, I needed it by the second day (day after chemo) of my first round and second round of chemo and on the first day of chemo for round 3. Also supplemented with some Tums (though not many)
Dim, did they recommend Emend (anti nausea med) prior? Sometimes there might be a steroid prior to chemo and they usually put anti nausea meds in the IV treatment prior to your chemo drugs. Call and see if it is ok to do.
No pool, because of "risks"...she never specifically said which risks! I even pushed on her that my pool is salt (which she has never heard of...btw, I think she needs to get out more! Lol). And I told her it is "clean"...I'm sure some people let their pools go whacky and might look clean but testing shows otherwise. Maybe it is immersion into algae (if unclean pool) and open wounds etc, or dirty water entering body via nose, eyes, mouth etc? Who knows.
Dim funny you mentioned going in the Ocean?! I just went to Jones Beach yesterday and went in knee deep while my kids played (ages10,12,14). We live in Northern Westchester....anytime (which isn't many times) I go into Queens for something I try and bring along the swimsuits. Yesterday we went to the NY Science Center in Queens. We hit it perfectly. 5:30 at night got to the beach, perfect breeze, crowds all gone, lifeguards on duy. I had just given my kids the 2 minutes to get out warning when the lifeguards blew the whistle, so it worked really well for me. I'm not one to spend too much time at the beach....though usually it is the oppressive heat that makes me want to leave, yesterday I was just plain exhausted. Maybe next visit we will go to Rockaway, I haven't been there since I was in my teens.
Pat -
Took my steroids and ready to get my blood work done. 2nd infusion tomorrow. I am hoping they will change up some things and it will go better than the 1st! If I have to go to the hospital again, I will look like I am on death watch, (being bald), lol. Take care all getting ready for another infusion!!!! You are in my prayers.
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Netter, prayers for a better time of it!
Pat -
annika and anyone else interested in icing: I posted these tips earlier on this thread but here they are again so you can find out what you need to know about icing. Hope this helps. If you have questions or don't quite understand, please post your questions.
FOR THOSE ICING NAILS : Always clear anything you want to do with your oncos. You will need to clear it with your onco about icing since not all oncos will allow icing during the infusions. The Taxotere icing time period is 1 1/2 hours ( 15 minutes before the infusion, 1 hour during the infusion and 15 minutes after the infusion. For Taxol, the icing period is 3 1/2 hours ( 15 minutes before the infusion, 3 hours during the infusion and 15 minutes after the infusion). At the suggestion of my onco, I am using clear nail polish on my nails to help keep them strong and also icing the nails to help prevent nail damage which is a side effect of Taxotere. She suggested that use Sally Hansen Strong As Nails Clear Polish but I switched to Essie polish since it doesn't chip as much as the Sally Hansen brand. Essie polish costs more but for someone like me who never used nail polish before chemo, the fewer times I have to apply polish the better. I don't mani/pedis but some do. I'd rather avoid the germ issue at nail salons and taking of a chance of getting nicked.
ICING :
- Time period for icing- You will for 1/1/2 hours in total= 15 minutes before the Taxotere infusion + 1 hour during the infusion + 15 minutes after the infusion. For Taxol, the icing period is 3 1/2 hours ( 15 minutes before the infusion, 3 hours during the infusion and 15 minutes after the infusion).
- Ice- You can use frozen peas in quart size ziploc bags marked "Do no eat!!!" and reuse those bags of peas. Some have used small reusable/refreezable ice bags you can get at the drugstore in the first aid department. I opted to use ice. I have an ice tray that makes small rounded bottom circular ice. I tried the peas and decided I liked the ice better because I thought it stayed colder longer. My infusion center has ice available for me to use if I want to use it. I always bring an extra bag of ice just in case I need it.
- Transporting ice to infusion center- I use a cooler with a freezer pack plus take extra infusion ice bags.
- What to put the ice bags in- That is a personal preference. Some just put the ice bags on their feet and wrap a blanket around them so the bags don't fall off. Some use insulated lunch bags and put the ice bags in those. My hands and feet are small so I'm using some neoprene wine cooler bags that I bought at Target for $6.99 each. I figured I could use the wine bags later on. I'm still able to hold an insulated mug so I can drink really cold water and eat ice during the infusion. I have pretty small hands/feet which explains how I am able to use those Neoprene wine bags.
- Hand & Feet Protection- I wear thin sports socks on my feet when I ice the toes. The socks keep the rest of my feet warm during the icing. On my hands, I wear a pair of knitted wristlets/fingerless gloves to keep the rest of my hands warm. If you don't have knitted wristlets, you can make some from men's socks by cutting holes in the toe area. Some people take their feet/hands out of the ice periodically; however, I don't do that.
- Process- I let the infusion nurse know that i'm icing so we can coordinate when I should start the icing. Once I know when I'm going to start the infusion, I put the ice bags in the bottom of the Neoprene bags. I put the ones on my feet first and adjust the ice bags so my toes nails are covered. I then put the ones on my hands on and adjust the ice to cover my fingernails. My husband helped me with this process.
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Hey Annika, I have two labs!! I wash and wash and wash my hands if I have to handle them at all.. I don't pick up their poop.. Let hubby and son do that one.. They make me smile... And keep me company ... Just he extra careful around animals and wash your hands .. Should all be good 😉
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We have two cats in our house. Hubs has always taken care of their feeding, brushing and litter box care so don't have to worry about that. They are very cuddly and a source of comfort for me. I don't play rough with them as to not get any scratches and I do wash my hands afterwards. They do sleep at the foot of our bed at night. Nice little foot warmers. I was not advised any precautions re: pets....just being careful on my own.
I won't go to a public pool (hooray another excuse why not to says procrastinator who needs to go to aqua-fit) but we do have an outdoor hot tub. I go in when I'm out of the day 3-7 low white counts and as long as I don't have any nicks or cuts. We keep it well monitored and its only used by us so I'm feeling okay with it. Maybe should ask my Onc.
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Thx dlm, yes the waiting is always the worst part. I did hear from the nurse that I am eligible for some studies so expect the oncologist to talk to me about that. Anyone here participating in any studies?? Not sure what that will entail. Curious...
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a friend gave me a marijuana confection - it was very good, and I felt better than I have since the treatment. A feeling of well-being - helped with sleep and appetite.
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Pat, I'm not a wig person either. I bought 2 wigs online and returned both of them, they just looked dumb. I still have my hair day 12.......
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Praying things are better for you this round netter. My next round is on July 5. I am not looking forward to it!!
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Marijuana made me feel the best too:)
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Feel like a human the past 3 days since first chemo
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Just got back from the onco. 4 months of AC every 2 weeks with Neulasta shot on day 2. THEN 12 weeks of Taxol. After that fun and excitement with rads. Anyone else on this regimen?
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I still have my hair on day 12 too...anyday now, I keep telling myself. The first week was he!! for me. I had a mirgaine for two days straight. I really hope it won't get progressively worse. I like that feeling fine and dandy.
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Dvygrl, I don't have your regiment but wanted to wish you well.
Raysnbucs, I have heard you can get a headache if the drip is too fast. I can't see your first treatment being too fast. BUT you should be sure to tell the oncologists / nurses at next treatment that you had a bad migraine, they might be able to do something to prevent it next time around.
Pat -
Patty, they already know, I ended up in the ER they were that bad. Perks help for about 2 hours then they were bad.
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I had my first infusion today:
It was a 'snap' totally-- the day was long but uneventful.. much longer for DH wating in the car, then for me who was busy
So glad I have this port and STILL hearing glowing reports about my Dr. and what an excellent surgeon he is, very comforting -my oncology nurse, is AMAZING as well-- They have pink leather recliners.. blankets, pillows water, juice, books and magazines.. some people just come for an hour some two some more depending on why they are coming-- my next infusions should only last 3 hours-- so the only thing left is the sick part and we are hoping to stave that off too-- we have lots of anti nausea ammo-so we will take one day at a time and hydrate,hydrate,hydrate before and after and during(if you can-pee factor).
I was really worried about the port-and there was nothing to it--so I was thanking my surgeon all day for that-- I go back next Tuesday to see the doctor and to have blood drawn to check the white blood count, I think they said.. Anyway, in my case today was a good day-Blessing to you all of you...
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Sarajeneeva,
Glad your first chemo went well! Wishing you no side effects.
Pee factory is soooo true...keep a clear path to the bathroom for the middle of the night!
Pat -
Annika, I haven't ridden since I started chemo but I hope to! Nobody said I couldn't. I didn't ask. I saw on another thread a lady was at the barn as much as she could be. I have 2 cats and 2 dogs. Nobody's said no. DYVGRL I'm on that regimen. 8 weeks AC, 8 weeks Taxol, then on to rads. Maybe Alaska oncs work together or maybe it's what Dr Bleicher likes.
Went in today for bood work. My body's tolerating it fairly well. Hm. I have felt pretty decent except for the one day. Round 2 on July 2nd. Nervous that it will be much worse. If it follows the same pattern as round 1, I'll be out of commission for the 4th but I've heard round 2 is harder?
Hang in there ladies, we got this! Praying for no or low SE's all around! -
Dyvgrl I'm on the same regimen and live in Long Island. Tomorrow is round2 oh yippy my hair is still intact The worst part is losing my hair imagine that....Makes me so sad....Everyone said maybe you wont lose it. I know its a given...Hope everyone feels good today....
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Headache finally gone!! Alternated between ibuprofen and Vicodin to kick it out. Vicodin has never helped me for pain above the neck (ie. tooth aches, etc) so hopefully we can find something else for next time or slowing down the drip will help.
So what day has everyone started to notice hair loss. I'm on day 7 and wondering how much longer I have. My hair is slightly shorter that shoulder length now, so I think I will start trimming on my own as it gets closer.
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I'm also taking the Clariton 24 and believed it has helped me. When I brought it up to my Onc she said I was the second one to mention it and said, let's do it..it can't hurt.
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Can anyone help me find the thread that had links for free or low cost head wraps, scarves, etc.? I seen it once and now I can't find it again. Also, I can't aford to buy a wig but know that they can be gotten for free. Any recommendations?
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Saw this website on cancer it might give you some ideas.
May god be with you.
Get well soon ya
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Find your local acs and call them n tell them you want to sign up fir the wig closet.
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My onc also said I could swim, in fact I read several places that swimming, walking, and yoga are some of the best forms of exercise you can do while on chemo. You would probably need to have good blood counts and stuff. And no open wounds or healing scars- no ways for pool critters to get inside you. Then just keep your mouth closed!
I have not started swimming yet. Day 12 after first TCH and still have a healing up nipple from my NSM7 weeks ago. And my port scars have not completely closed. But supposedly when that all heals up, if I have some energy, I am going to try to swim a little.
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Hi Ladies- just checking in- haven't written in awhile.
Today is day 12 after chemo #1. I did pretty well, I guess. First three days were terrible- in bed the whole time, then started feeling a bit better and getting up and around. Day 8 I noticed a tiny little white spot in the corner of my eye. Called doc on call for antibiotics and eye drops. Day 9 felt a little worse but still went out on the boat with some friends. (Me just sitting in a chair watching everyone) By 1:30 pm I started crashing and by the time I got home, I was shivering uncontrollably and alternately sweating. I had a 102.7 fever and I never get fevers! I don't think I've ever had one that bad. On call doc told me to go to the ER. I couldn't imagine going there when I felt so bad! Finally got my onc on the phone- it was a Sunday so I'm sure he had better things to do , but oh well. He gave me stronger antiBs told me NOT to go to the ER, take naproxen AND tylenol and drink tons of liquids. Sure enough, it came down and was 99 by the next morning. So now I'm starting to feel better again. What a roller coaster! And with no immunity the littlest thing can do you in! I have been washing my hands like a madman, but I guess I touched my eye at some point and that was it. Ugh.
I still have my hair but I know I only have a couple more days... So scary. I know I am going to be so sad when it happens. I have an appt. for a shave and to get my wig put on and styled... I think I'll feel like an imposter wearing a wig but I don't want to get stared at.
There was an older post that scared me about taxotere and permanent hair loss. Can anyone who used taxotere and had their hair come back please let us all know!
I started freaking out and between heart damage and permanent hair loss I felt like I'd rather take my chances with cancer sometimes. It's almost like you need a mathmetician to tell you what to do: you have a 12% chance of cancer recurrence with chemo and a 20% chance without, plus factor in up to 10% risk of heart failure and 6% permanent hair loss, then factor in your quality of life coefficient... you need to do THIS.
Anyone ever think of giving up? Not to be flippant about it. I know I am lucky compared to many- I had no lymph nodes and clear margins so chemo is just to get any sneaky little cells which may be lurking somewhere. But there may not be ANY. And I guess there's' no way to tell unless it gets to be a tumor. If someone could just invent a way to see if someone had any of those shed cancer cells. Imagine how great it would be if you didn't have to take chemo unless and until you really needed it. So much progress has been made, but so much still to be done.
Further info on my fam history, so you know where I'm coming from: mother, father, brother, and uncle all died of different types of cancer. All had mets before they caught it so chemo was a last effort. Definitely needed, but I saw the toll it took. It's a scary place we are all traveling through.
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KatiAK, I actually have to do 12 weeks of Taxol. My onc said because of my age (43) and my tumor size (6cm) and 1 lymph node she considered it a somewhat aggressive type of cancer so maybe that's why the extra doses. I'm doing the 2 week rounds of AC followed by Neulasta day 2 for 8 rounds tho. After all that, Tamoxifen then something else. Just wondering how the SE's are. I bawled last night in bed with my hubby. Not sure why chemo bothers me so much more than the surgery. Maybe because the sheet she gave me that listed survival rates without recurrence were pretty sobering. I think she was trying to make me feel good, but it just showed me 53 women that didn't make it and that's all I could think of. This really sucks!
Kmurphy- I got a free wrap from Good Wishes, if you google it I'm sure the link will be easy to find. They even sent a hand signed card from all the volunteers with encouraging words. It was all wrapped in pretty paper too. I thought it was really sweet. Check them out. -
Actually just looked at my sheet, 4 rounds of AC, 12 of Taxol...
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