Starting Chemo June 2013!?!?!

I had same heartburn problem. Try to eat white bread. Don't eat many slice. Just one at time. Also I can't drink water, somehow My stomach feel sick after I drink water. So I drink coconut water instead. Works well for me. First round AC was pretty hard for me. I'm going to have #2 this Friday. So scared..

I am using Brian Joseph's on my brows and eyelashes.  Have had 2 infusions.  So far so good.

I cant eat white bread very sensitive to gluten. I also have a hard time with water to much always given me nausea. Will try the ginger gum too.

DLM- stay strong girl...being positive will help you get through this.  Although, everyone does need a few moments here and there to let yourself fall apart temporarily and then gather yourself back together.  

I'm the one at work who is now stunning, shocking and making people laugh with some of the things I say about having cancer and/or treatment.  Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.  I whole heartedly believe that.

Just as predicted, I started shedding yesterday.  I just needed to get through the work day so I didn't dare touch my head.

KMurphy - I wholeheartedly agree with your 10/90% rule.  I took a friend to my 2nd infusion and at times we were cutting up and laughing.  The nurses injoyed seeing the laughter I think.  We really have no choice but to embrace where we are and get through this and humor is the best medicine!

I've been sticking to my nausea medication regime pretty close and getting through the days.  I worked yesterday after taking Decadron.  Was a little manic from the steroid when I got home but it gave me a little energy to clean up my house.  It's a small house and there's five of us.  Slept pretty good on the Compazine but taking Decadron again this morning cuz I can already feel the nausea creeping back in.  I'd like to see my oldest son's game today.  I've missed 3 in a row. 

I'm feeling blessed by the people who bring food and help me out.  It really does help.  I've never been one to ask for anything but these people just show up.  I love it and totally value it's meaning now.  Can't wait to be healthy enough to pay it forward!

Well we have rain for the 4th of July.  Not too bad tho.  Will send my little ones to the parade anyway.  Hope everyone has a chance to enjoy a little bit of the holiday.

I am definitely shedding now. 

I am wondering if anyone has had bad stomache pains and diarrhea on day 8 or 9?  Also I am experiencing tingling in my 4th and 5th fingers?  I will never go through chemo again.  Just hope I get through 2 more treatments.

Ocean,

Valium kills my nausea almost immediately and Ativan is from the same family of meds. I'd take it in a hurry, I'd imagine it really helps. Valium is my first go to for Nausea anymore. Onco nurse said they'd rather me take the Ativan as its a lower dose so during the day I'll take that and keep the Valium for bed.

Dvygrl., Alaska You remind me of me. I always hated when people would pencil in eyebrows And now im one of them. I shaved my head wish I would of waited still have hair on top of my head. And a lot of it. I have a white tongue with red dots on it and a sore throat. Forth of July was very nice. Cant wait till next year. Ughhh

Ocean; Gatorade worked well for me.. Hope you have a better time this round. I know what you mean re the docs and meds etc, its the patronising tone/way the docs and nurses can have about them...I had never taken much at all before bc, and suddenly am on a few..

Netter- you have had a rough time, at least there's only four of them to endure...

Sherry- you have great spirit, hope mine grows back better too as it was fine, prob too fine to have as long as I did I think..

I have caught a cold from one of my kids, staying in bed trying to fight it off, no idea what my WBC is/was w last infusion, but imagine it must be pretty low now.. Kids are taken care of so all I have to do is rest but its the mental torture of it all.... Roll on the next month...

Take care everyone..

Hi Everyone Good News report continues for this Ocean Warrior!

Did cycle 3 yesterday morning with new meds and it worked.  Have not been sick at all last night or into this morning not even threats of nausea coming on.  I'm so happy about that.  Was even able to have "normal" light meals.  I've added Emend, Gatorade and Ativan to the mix this time and and if a combo of any or all of them are doing the trick - works for me.  

Feeling a bit woozy and tired but nothing more on my plate today other than resting, hydrating and taking my meds on schedule so hopefully will continue as a symptom free day.

Anyone out there struggling or nervous about starting remember that first of all it is different for everyone and that even if you have some side effects at the start the DO get better.  Also, be sure to be in touch quickly with your Oncologist if you are suffering so they can advise next steps.

Good energy being sent to you all as I look out across the water.  

Now, what color scarf goes good with today's outfit (new but fun daily, sometimes serveral times a day task)

Saw all the Gatorade references, just wanted to share, my onc and nurse suggested G2 instead of regular Gatorade. Regular has a lot of sugar which can aggravate and worsen the diarrhea.

I am wrapping up the 'rough week' after my 2nd chemo (Taxotere/Cytoxan) and I have to say it hasn't been all that bad. I'm more fatigued this time, but it's also been a murderously hot week, so that may have something to do with it.

Hair came out in clumps on day 14, so I shaved and haven't looked back. Have worn a ball cap once or twice running errands, but otherwise go bare to work and everywhere else. I've had more people comment on how nice it looks and wish me the best. 

Be Strong Ladies!!

I had chemo 4 years ago and the medicines they give you for nausea work great.  I only experienced nausea a few times.  My main problem with chemo was constipation and fatigue.  I'm back on chemo again, Taxol.  Unfortunately, my stage IIb cancer has returned and I have a tumor on a lower lumbar disc.  So I'm stage IV..lucky me.  I say be aggressive in fighting this awful disease because if it returns it is a forever fight.  I know there is no guarantee that it won't return even if you take chemo but at least you won't look back and wonder if you should have done more.  As a stage IV fighter, I still wonder if I might have prevented it by losing weight, watching what I ate, etc.   I definitely don't need to regret my choice in doing chemo.  I also got a port implant because I hate IVs.  It made my life, and still does, so much easier.  Of course, these are just my opinions based on my experience.  However, people have to look at what would be best for them.

I cut my hair short after the first treament and then after the second when everyone said I'd really start to lose my hair I buzz cut it and bought a wig.  I hated my wig-and it was outrageously expensive because I took my daughter with me who of course picked out the MOST expensive wig in the place.  While it really is pretty, it hurt to wear-my hair follicles were very sensitive.  I only wore it 3 times- what a crime.  What I did was to wear pretty scarves that I wrapped around my head like turbans.  People thought I looked exotic and that it was a "fashion statement."  Little did they know!!!  Maybe some of you should try that too!!!!!! 

Trm - hope all works out well for you. Keep your head up.



Aaoaao - sorry you are back here again but keep on fighting!



Hope everyone is well and managing side effects. Round 2 was easier for me because they adjusted my nausea meds and so I didn't have the headache and foggyness. Just really tired for several days but day 5 I'm starting to feel normal again and have more energy.



Started losing my hair big time two days ago. It was falling out every time I touched my head. So my hubby shaved it tonight! Felt good! I'm happy to have taken a little control over the whole thing. Time to rock some scarfs and wigs.



Hope you're all doing well!!

Aaoaao sorry to hear its back. Thank you for your opinion. What regimen did you do four years ago. Hope and prayers for all. I'm feeling human again. Round three Thursday. These weeks go by so fast.