Chemo May 2013

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  • kobrien
    kobrien Member Posts: 82
    edited July 2013

    Hi all-

    Just wanted to pass along some information a friend of mine gave me. 
    Apparently the Y offers this program to cancer survivors. It helps with regaining strenght back. I believe its a free program to cancer survivors.  I am posting the link below to anyone who is interested. I am going to look into this after chemo because my stamina is in the toilet.

    www.livestrong.org/What-We-Do/...

    Have a great day!

    Kerri

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  • IWKCB
    IWKCB Member Posts: 13
    edited July 2013

    Thanks for the livestrong link but I'm sad our local ymcas don't participate.



    So what are y'all up to for the 4th? I am so happy it is falling on my "good" week so I can get out and do some fun things with my kids. I also have both Thursday and Friday off work. I feel like too many of my good days (when there are so few) go to work and are lost to my family. I'm thinking a movie, visit to the beach, some shopping, with maybe a little housework catchup in there too.

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited July 2013

    I don't really have plans for the 4th.  I need to pack a few things for my road trip to CO for the weekend. We leave right after my treatment on Friday.  I might go to a movie, I want to see Heat it should be worth a few laughs anyway.  I will be sleeping in for sure tomorrow, seems like it has been a long week at work.  There will be no sleeping in on Friday, my appointment is at 8:30 and I have to take my dog to the boarders before that.  I tell her this is her vacation, she loves it there playing with all of the other dogs.

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2013

    Lorrie-Sooo happy that your party went well. Memories, memories, memories :)

    Teresa-I wish you well with your Friday chemo, blood count and traveling. A prayer for your blood count to be o.k. so that there are no complications on your trip. Also hope your s.e.'s are minimal and you enjoy the heck out of your family reunion.

    Argynnis.-Hoping your s.e.'s are minimal this week

    Lisa-Congrats on being with your son. And for the next 3 weeks. Wonderful! Hope your spasms and muscle pain are getting better.

    Michelle-Minimal s.e.'s for you too. Hope all went well for you today.

    Kerri-Clariton didn't seem to help me either after the neulasta shot. I asked for the next go around not to have the shot. Instead, 3 days after treatment, I will get my blood count if it is low, I will get a shot, but not neulasta. Then everyday or so for a few days , will repeat. Check the blood count and only if low get a shot. Thanks for the info re the Y. Hadn't heard of that one. Will check it out.

    Ukkate-Good luck on your solo driving. I agree, it is hard to keep doing things we WANT to do. I love hearing about each and everyone's stories of perseverance and good memories made in spite of it all. Enjoy your family reunion. Energy vibes to you.

    Lorrie-How cool is that?! Only one more treatment to go. A light at the end of the tunnel.

    Iwkcb-The 4th is also our eldest grandsons birthday. Double digit 10 years old. Family and friends will celebrate at New Brighton Beach in Santa Cruz, CA. Ought to be a lively day. Plastic surgeon said I shouldn't go in the ocean because of my hand. I'm thinking maybe tegaderm, or thinking maybe I better listen to my doctor.;) Have fun with all your plans.



    Last week my onc looked at my hand and was ready to set up a port and chemo this week. In my heart and head I was saying My hand still looks and feels like s##t. I don't think so. Went to my plastic surgeon Monday. I trust him. He looked at it. Still infected and said no chemo for two weeks. Thank you Dr Romans Thank you. So now the onc has set it up for the 17th. Glad this hand gets to heal before abusing my body again. The sad part is, if this chemo hand infection thing didn't happen in the first place, I would have been done with chemo the end of july or beginning of august. Instead it will be September. Oh well, ItWhatItis, GoWithTheFlow, hee hee.



    A happy and blessed 4th of July to all.



    Carla

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited July 2013

    Carla-I am glad that they are waiting until your hand is healed to start treatments again.  Not that you want chemo to be extended but I am sure it is for the best.  Take care.

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  • elkatho
    elkatho Member Posts: 159
    edited July 2013

    My husband's bday is the 4th. We are heading up north for a little relaxation and fishing.



    However I have the worst heartburn I cannot get rid off. I took to pepcids (per Dr) along with guns. Feels like something is stuck in my throat/chest. Urrrrrrr. Can you of OD on tums....I am afraid to keep taking stuff.

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  • MichelleRN78
    MichelleRN78 Member Posts: 64
    edited July 2013

    Elkatho- I would suggest trying prilosec (omeprazole) they come in 20mg tabs and you can double the dose after about a week if you think that 20 isn't doing the job.  Generic is fine.  

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited July 2013

    Elkatho.... Michelle is right about the prilosec....

    Michelle, & everyone else who had treatments this week, I hope they went well. Sorry you felt crummy, Michelle about going in. I feel the same way... We really go in voluntarily to be tortured?



    Finally pain free! .... Just tired all the time... I have 7 full days now of no pain before my next cocktail



    Carla.... I have 3 to go.... I was just wishing I was one of the few that only get 4 (then I would only have one left) :)



    Happy thoughts & I hope everyone can enjoyvthe holiday!

    Lorrie

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  • MariaNL
    MariaNL Member Posts: 118
    edited July 2013

    Had my first Taxol today I cried like a baby and had to pull myself out of the clinic bathroom.

    So far don't feel to bad. Sounds like day 3 is when things kick in.

    I still have some stubble from adriamycin, real bald in some spots. I haven't had to shave my pits in over a month, leg hair stubble but really soft like when I started puberty.

    Period has stopped it's been over a month, don't miss that much.

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  • elkatho
    elkatho Member Posts: 159
    edited July 2013

    My lips are swollen and now my hand. Seems to be some sort of allergic reaction. Only new drug I am taking is pepcid. Spoke to MO on a call last night told me to stop using pepcid. At the time my hand was not swollen.

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited July 2013

    So my white cell count was good but they still want to do the neulasta because of my fever last week. The good news is that they can give it to me today so I don't have to worry about getting it done in CO tomorrow. I will start Claritin when I get home.



    I hope everyone had a good 4th and a better weekend.

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited July 2013

    Glad that worked out Teresa, and have a wonderful trip!

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2013

    Teresa-Excellent! Enjoy your family reunion.

    Lorrie-a cheer for 7 days of no pain. :))

    MariaNL-Hoping your s.e's from taxol are minimal.

    Elatho-What a weird reaction to pepcid. Are you better now that you've stopped taking it?

    PattySmiles-Where are you?



    Carla

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited July 2013

    Hey all... Hope SEs are at a low for everyone on a nice long weekend....



    Thanks Carla for the cheer of no pain! It's good to have a few days before the next one...

    Although, I've been spending the last few days at a hospital up in Portland on 6 HR shifts for my MIL... She needs family to advocate for her so my hubby's sisters and us are taking shifts to be there.... Prayers for her for sure as she battles diverticulitis and is in so much pain she's on dilaidin and morphine .... Until she's well enough for surgery.



    Jeesh this has been a tough year for our family... Medically....



    My sweet blessings are the health of my girls and their babies!...



    I hope the lack of postings over the past couple of days is because everyone is enjoying SE free days & family fun!



    Happy thoughts!

    Lorrie

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited July 2013

    Btw...

    Anyone else have a picc line? I've had it for a few weeks now and it looks really good & all, but is starting to get itchy & tiny bit painful once in a while right at the entry point....

    I'm sure I over did my limits at last weekends party, and it hurt a bit then, but it's been a week now. There's no redness or swelling... Like I said, I think it LOOKS really good for as long as I've had a bandage on the spot... Just wondering if it's normal to be feeling it now.... Until a few days ago, I almost forgot I had it...

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited July 2013

    Carla, I'm here! Went to Rhode Island to visit my mother in law. She rents a house every July, a few blocks from the beach. I take my daughter up while the boys are at Boy Scout camp with my husband. Very happy the week was one of my good weeks. Even happier that the first day of the beach was cloudy and overcast! I still managed to get a light sunburn when making my daughters sandcastle (another tradition!). The house has no TV, no wifi, no air conditioning....just the basics and I like it (well, I'd like it more with air conditioning!). Had to come back a day early so I could get my labs done today. Just as well as the heat wave is coming!



    Elkatho, sorry about that allergic reaction, hope it works itself out.



    Maria, I hope you are feeling better after that taxol treatment. We all need a good cry now and again.



    Lorrie, is the PICC line taped on? Can it be an allergic reaction to the tape? Things seem to have been going well for you, hope this resolves quickly!



    Teresa, enjoy that reunion!



    Decided this am as driving to my lab work to make calls and have people over to BBQ. Don't know when hubby will be back with the boys but it is supposed to be hot as hades in NY today with a heat index of 105. My pool is at the ready ...though the way ER is warm! Eeeew! Too bad I can't go in to cool off. I think I will see if I can find those "frog towels" to cool off. And BBQ?! What was I thinking lol. Maybe I should order pizza!



    Last chemo is Monday. Usually I bake something for the nurses....I don't know about putting the oven on. I only have a window unit to take the heat out of my house. Time to think of plan B!



    Pat

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited July 2013

    Patty, what about a trifle?  

    Sara Lee pound cake

    frozen strawberries sliced

    bananas sliced up (and sprinkled with lemon juice to keep from browning)

    canned peaches in juice

    vanilla pudding

    cool whip.

    Cube the pound cake, put half the strawberries with some juice, half the peaches with some juice, and some bananas, cover with half the pudding, cover with cool whip, repeat.

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  • algranna
    algranna Member Posts: 61
    edited July 2013

    Well...I have not posted in a while but I read all of your posts every day and they have been a big help to me.  I finished my first 4 bad treatments, AC, and started Tyxol last week. I will have it once a week for 12 weeks.  I got up yesterday morning and my hands were so swollen that I could not bend them and a couple of blisters on them. I called my dr and he said he did not know what was going on. Told me to take Aleve and call him back if the swelling did not go down.  It did go down but have it again this morning just not as bad.  Also woke up during the night with my heels hurting and they are cracking open.  My counts were real low on Wednesday and if they are not up next week I will have to have a blood transfusion.  UUGGHH!  I have no energy at all.  Can walk across the room and my heart races. Any one lese having these side effects?  Happy weekend to all of you!

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited July 2013

    hand foot syndrome?  I got it after my 3rd AC treatment.  Mention it.  My feet were red and it hurt to walk on them, even with memory foam slippers or my teva flip flops which normally are great.

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  • elkatho
    elkatho Member Posts: 159
    edited July 2013

    Glad to here many are enjoying the weekend.



    Went to bed on the 3d with half my lips swollen and woke up to both lips and both hands swollen. And I took benadry benadryl before bed. Went to ER. So I had some allergic reaction to something. On a steroid for 5 days along with benaryl when needed. Also left with an epipen (comforting..not really). Asked if I 've used any new products. Well yes, shampoo and lotion for acne head, hand and body lotions for dry skin, nail polish to try and protect nails, sugar free candy for dry mouth, agave nectar to have some taste, pepcid, Aleve, need I go on....and chemo drugs. No one could give me a range of time to determine when I tried something new. I was told swelling should go down in 24 hours...took over 48 for hands to be almost normal. The swelling hurt and itched I am still getting red blotches of skin all over my body that comes and goes and it is extremely itchy. Called on-call MO yesterday and my MO called (at least that was nice). Odd that the chemo would cause this at the 3rd round but we may need to change my treatment:( We will discuss more when I go in for my next scheduled treatment. How will we know what caused it. I have never had an allergic reaction in my life. I haven't been taking pepcid just in case oddly it was the cause. I will try prilosec once all my allergic symptoms go away.



    Needless to say my husband's bday on the 4th was not the most enjoyable but it was memorable.



    Take care all.

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited July 2013

    elkatho, Your MO will have a good idea of what caused it.  He/she sees everything with so many patients, they usually have a good idea about what can cause a reaction, especially 3 treatments in.

    I laughed about your list of new products.  I had gone for an eye exam and part of the paperwork asked what medicines you are on.  I wrote "alot" and then told him he didn't have enough paper for me to write the lists that I was in chemo.  

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  • robin_in_SJ
    robin_in_SJ Member Posts: 46
    edited July 2013

    IWKCB: I am DD AC had my 3 dose 6/28 and with the last infusion I have been feeling unsteady for days, this last round was tough  and I still feel tired and lighteaded after a week. I am going to mention it to my MO on Friday before my next infusion. I feel lightheaded most days and I was hoping I would feel better with more energy by now.

    Maria, yes I had a good cry the day. Just tired of being sick and upset that I was fuzzy with people who are trying to help.

    Elkatho, I'm glad you went to the ER the reaction sounds scary.

    Carla, sorry about the issues with your hand but glad you're not having chemo while it is infected. I have a port and I love it, it it so easy to access. It was sore for a few days after it's placement.

    It's been a while since I posted, I'm have cording in both arms but with weeks of PT I now have full range of motion but the cording is still there. My arms ache if I'm carry things, has me a bit concerned. I think it's from the 27 nodes that were removed and the cording.

    I find the DD AC tough, I seem to have more fatique with each infussion. I'm almost looking forward to Taxol, and I hope fewer side effects ;-) We're in a heat wave and I find being outside makes me feel lightheaded quickly. I try to take my walks early in the morning.   I am anemic with my red blood count continuing to drop witheach infussion. The Neulasta is keeping the WBC up and I haven't had much bone pain with it, taking Claritin and use a heating padon my back but not to often.

    Had a nice 4th, friends and family were around and it was good to see everyone. We made blueberry pancakes and everyone pitched in and helped. After bruch my daughter cleared the table and did the dishes. It was good to sit and chat with every.

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  • angieinohio
    angieinohio Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2013

    Hello ladies.

    I feel so bad for not participating in this group like I want. Ugh. how many of us are doing the tacx6? My Onc said it is brutal and it really is.



    I had the 3rd on last Monday and I felt like I was on my death bed by day 4. I was in the hospital again this time for shortness of breath ( checking for blood clot ) on day 3. The shot is what just totally brings me down. My Onc even gave me pain pills and that didn't even help. I'm going to see about skipping the shot next treatment I doubt he will because my counts bottomed out on 2nd treatment not sure what they are on this one. He lowered my dose 15% this time because of a weight loss, it didn't seem to matter on the effects if me.

    I don't feel like I'm missing to much here because this summer so far the weather has been pretty crappy rain, rain, more rain.



    My birthday is on the 17th so I will be on a good week thank goodness.

    Half way for me thank goodness!

    hang in there ladies. I did check out our local support group on Tuesday before I went to get my shot. wonderful ladies, I got a card in the mail with email, phone to call if I need anything I'm going to contact this week after I get to feeling better.

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited July 2013

    Angie, I'm doing 6... I go in for #4 on Thursday and I'll agree with your doc! It IS brutal! I'm just glad I get a pain free week prior to the next treatments (knock on wood it continues that way). I still have no energy, but can handle it .... I just hate the almost 2 weeks of pain, thrush, neuropathy, depression, hives..... You know.....



    Pat, I don't think I'm allergic... It just started a few days ago... It's not terrible & everything looks good.... I think I'll make the nurse let the antiseptic dry a little longer next time before covering it.....

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  • argynis
    argynis Member Posts: 123
    edited July 2013

    Had my first Taxol on Monday. Got all my pre-meds via IV just before chemo and my IV arm started to really hurt as the Benadryl went in. It resolved within a few minutes - heat helped. Next time I have to take oral Zyrtec 1h befor chemo. The Taxol infusion took loooooong. I think over 3 hours as they started it as slowly as possible to check for allergic reactions. Nothing happened - pheww - no reaction.

    I felt really hyper and extremely tired at the same time the day after beacuse I could not sleep due to the steroids (took some Bandryl which helped to sleep a little). Day 3 was ok - went back to work. On day 4 I had some really annoying bone/muscle/joint pain which is gone today. My fingernails and fingertips felt strange over the last days but that is improving too.

    Today on day 6 my DH took me out rock climbing - the route name was "Stayin' Alive" - what a great name for a great climb - it was quite strenous as my red blood count is low but I could do it - yay - so proud! I figured that fighting this cancer has a lot in common with a hard rock climb!

    Wishing all of you the strength to make it on top of your "staying alive" climb!

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited July 2013

    The reunion is good. Great to see so many family members. Some I haven't seen in about six years are here. Most I get to see once or twice a year. Bad news is I've been nauseous for the first time. I don't know if it is from the heat or the neulasta shot. That is the only new thing I got this treatment. Claritin has kept the bone pain away so far. I'm not letting my not feeling well and being exhausted ruin this time for me. I look forward to our yearly reunion for months. Resting in the room now before the game playing begins.

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited July 2013

    Teresa, were you given anything for nausea?  I was given 3 meds the day of my first chemo.  Was told to take #1 and if I didn't feel better 20 minutes later, to take #2, adn again if not feeling better 20 minutes later to take #3 which would make me sleep.

    Hope you gt a little rest so you can continue enjoying your family!

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  • MariaNL
    MariaNL Member Posts: 118
    edited July 2013

    Itiswhatitis- I have a port line and it gets itchy alot. especially after treatment. I figure thats normal since we are being poked on there all the time.

    Taxol hasn't been to bad, the 4th was a bit rough crashed real early. Had some bone pain today but keeping up on the Claritin seems to be helping. I think the heat is really bothering me and making the se's worse. I'm hoping we will get relief soon.

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited July 2013

    Yay, Pat!

    Last chemo on Monday!!!! I'm so jealous! I hope it goes well!!

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited July 2013

    Maria..

    My picc is in my arm and I don't get poked at all anymore.... It's like an IV, only it stays put till I'm dine with chemo.... Kind of like a port, but they don't need to poke thru the skin to get access. I have an access point about 5 cm out from my arm. Last time I went in for my cocktail, I was pulling my blanket over me and looked and I was already getting my cocktail... The downside is that I have to go in every Tuesday for a dressing change.

    I have a friend who swore by her port while going thru chemo, but said she rubbed numbing cream on it before each poke...



    FYI... Claritin hasn't done a dang thing for me with my treatments.... Still feel the bone, joint, muscle pain....



    Elk... I hope you are doing better...



    Lisa, since you haven't been on in a couple days, I hope that means you are having a great time while your son is home!



    Love to all u ladies! Happy thoughts!

    Lorrie

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