Starting Chemo July 2013

Options
1…1213151718…63

Comments

  • Gma04
    Gma04 Member Posts: 62
    edited July 2013

    SweetheartinTx



    Glad you still have your expander. Mine had to be removed because I got an infection.so I'm flat as a pancake lol. I'll worry about that later. However you need to be sure you rinse every time you eat anything I also bought my self a ionic toothbrush that has a light that disinfects

    The toothbrush every time you use it it works for me.My teeth have never been so clean.Wish I would have gotten one before now.

    Hugs from TEXAS

    GMA04

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hannariggs
    Hannariggs Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2013

    noncompromise-Sorry to hear about your teeth issues.  I also lost a filling and a cap fell off last week.  Like you said, its not bad enough we go through all of this and now teeth and next week hair.  When is your next infusion?  I think we are on the same schedule.  

    Did go to work several days this week and did quite well.  Only did half days but did get caught up on much needed bookwork.  Just nice to get out and be semi normal again.  

    Has anyone had any problems with heartburn?  WOW! I have always had a little acid reflux but nothing like this.   

    Stay Strong Sisters..........

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gma04
    Gma04 Member Posts: 62
    edited July 2013

    Nocompromis



    Yes that's the way it goes for me also. It's day 17 and yesterday I discovered my hair is falling out so sad, but true. It will grow back. No worry. We can do this!!!

    Gma04

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gma04
    Gma04 Member Posts: 62
    edited July 2013

    Hannarigs



    Yes heartburn like never before thought I would die. Probiotics 50million one a day. It works

    Let me know.

    Gma04

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SweetheartinTX
    SweetheartinTX Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2013

    TwoHobbies, I was having the heart pounding for 4 days in a row. My onc is sending me to a cardiologist. But after doing some research, i read that if you are anemic during chemo, that is what can cause the heart to race or pound. I was borderline anemic on the morning before my first chemo so i am assuming this is the culprit.



    LanaM- great to hear everything went well today. I hope you have minimal SE's. And it sounds like you are being proactive on all things. (such as Claritin, etc.) My only advice would be have some mouth rinse (water,salt and baking soda or Biotene) on hand. I wasn't told by my doctors about the mouth sores/sore throat until today when i experienced them and called the nurse.



    2bluestars- I am glad to hear your first chemo went good as well. Here's to minimal side effects for you! :) I know thats what i wished for!!



    Soriya123- I had my port done 8 days ago and mine is starting to feel much better. It is only sore when touched or bra strap rubs against it. (which i decided wearing a bra wasn't worth it, lol) I hope for quick healing for you.



    Gma04- I bought a probiotic today. I was going to ask my onc before taking them but i am hoping it will help some with my anemia and my digestive system.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • angelanature
    angelanature Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2013

    Hi,just had my first chemo ac,dose dense on july 9 for stage 2 idc with 9mm lymph node,1,thank God,felt really sick,no appetite and lost 8 pounds in 1 week,i didnt take the steroids for fear of moon face,big mistake,i am scheduled for next chemo on the 23,and will not be so vain this time.Being newly married,second time,my husband loved my 32G,natural breasts,and yes really long natural red hair,i cant believe that his and my favorite assets in 2 months have been taken away.I'm more scared,pissed,about that than the chance i could die from this cancer.That sounds so crazy but it's my truth. I now he loves me hair,no hair,breasts,no breasts,and he has been a prince. But I am so mad that Im going bald and my breast is messed up,everyone keeps telling me my hair will grow back,the wig is awesome,my scars arent that bad,and to fight the fight.Well,I have no choice,surgery,chemo,radiation,and menopause I have to do it all and be happy to survive.Is anyone else pissed? Ang

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peace777
    peace777 Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2013

    I'm glad to hear taking time off work is the best thing to do.  To rest so we can fight this bc.  I was feeling guilty for taking time off... thanks for the info and encourgagement

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Rambo50
    Rambo50 Member Posts: 140
    edited July 2013

    Happy Weekend Firecrackers!!!

    So glad those of you who started chemo in the last couple of days are doing well (LanaM, 2bluestars) - SheilaB330??? How are you doing?

    Day #3 was the worst for me so far - chemo fatigue and soreness ALL OVER!  I am still feeling this way, but not quite as fatigued... yet ;-)  It's strange, not quite like the flu, but the soreness is similar in that it hurts just to touch my skin!  Oh well.  Still no BM though, and I've been loading up on the Colace and Senekot :(

    Soriya - glad your port placement went ok!  

    Gma04 & Hannariggs - I, too, have some heartburn, burping, hiccups - stuff I've never experienced like this before!  Not horrible, but odd!  I've taken a couple of Pepcid and it seems to help.

    Those of you talking about heart racing and anemia, I'm in the same boat!  I've ALWAYS been anemic, and am now taking an iron supplement (likely contributing to the constipation issue!).  My onco said I may need a transfusion before my next chemo treatment :(

    About probiotics, etc., don't take my word for it, but my onco nurse said check before adding anything homeopathic/naturopathic because it can actually counteract the chemo!!!  Crazy, I know!  I had a diet lined up with flax seeds, chia seeds, herbal supplements, etc. and she said WAIT!  The last thing I want is to be working against the treatment ;-)   Just to put that out there!

    Angelanature, Hugs to you!  I'm SO sorry that you're going through this too, and being newly married has to make it even more difficult.  Yes, I'm ticked off about the whole thing, but have quickly realized that my body IS truly superficial (hard to come to grips with that in our society) and that my life and health are gifts to cherish.  Kudos to your hubby on loving you without hair and boobs :)  My philosophy is that it's okay to break down every once in a while, rant and cuss, but then put on the big girl panties and fight!  Take care of yourself <3

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lark
    lark Member Posts: 61
    edited July 2013

    Rambo50- love your attitude. This all gets so overwhelming and discouraging. It's helpful to read positive messages from you and others who've chosen to fight.



    Gma04 - did you talk to your mo about the probiotics? Curious to know his/her response. It makes sense, but mine said not to take anything without checking too. I've been having yogurt every day instead. Will see the doc on thurs for the second treatment (day after you!) so I'll ask then.



    Have been walking each day and feeling almost normal. Trying to enjoy it while it lasts! The walking does seem to help even if its short. Hope you're all able to get out and enjoy the weekend.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • angelanature
    angelanature Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2013

    Thanks Rambo,

             This second chemo for some reason is worse than the first,i know what to expect now and to willingly allow this to happen is against my natural instincts.6 months isnt forever but as you all know having these side effects everyother week makes me feel so down. Fear is the worse,this happened a few days before my first chemo and its happening again,but tenfold because i was so sick for one week after and this week im going to lose my hair. I'm still shellshocked because this was found on a scheduled mammagram,was underestimated(told it was 8mm was 1.8cm)and surgeon said nothing about chemo,just radiation. Everyone keeps saying I'm a strong woman but I just don't feel so strong anymore.

          Thanks all,

                   Angela(stage 2 idc,ac and taxon dose dense)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • momx2
    momx2 Member Posts: 109
    edited July 2013

    Day 3 for me too post chemotherapy , feeling better than expected . The fear of the unknown is a big culprit .

    Heartburn, hiccups, and belching all new.

    I felt almost normal yesterday , which was great ! Felt weird for a bit after neulasta injection but no pain yet , advil pre shot as instructed . I hope this is an indication of how this trip is going to go .

    I pray for all of you to be strong and persevere , and that we all come through this stronger and healthier than ever .

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TwoHobbies
    TwoHobbies Member Posts: 2,118
    edited July 2013

    Sweetheart, that's interesting about the anemia.  My hemoglobin is a little low every time they do labs so I wonder if that is the issue for me also.  That's good to know.  

    Angela, all those emotions you are having we've all been through.  It gets better at some point but its totally normal to go between fear and anger and sadness and then back again.  And yes, I felt like cancer was a series of good news and bad news.  The truth is you just don't know 100% until they take the thing out and do the pathology.   

    I'm about 2 weeks into the hair loss.  I had long hair my entire life.  When it started to shed more I cut it in a bob as I always wanted to see what it looked like on me.  I actually liked it.  So as traumatic as it was to lose my hair, I feel kind of free of it now.  No one at my house seems upset by it, why should I?  I'm kind of looking forward to having a short hair cut in six or eight months and probably going to do a new color, too.

    P.S. Angela the steroids don't give you moon face if you only take them for three days, and the dose is much lower than what would give you moon face.  Don't worry about that.   

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nocompromises2013
    Nocompromises2013 Member Posts: 292
    edited July 2013

    Day # 10

    The only thing giving me a lopsided moon face is my wisdom tooth !!!! 😟

    Can't even enjoy a good beef stew at present w/o chopping it up into baby bite size pieces :(

    Still swollen , still on amoxil , paracetamol and Celebrex but still here :))
    Rambo you crack me up .. Yes yes I promise I will stop whinging and pull up my big girls panties 😏

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Biamazee
    Biamazee Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2013

    My name is Ammy and am starting my chemotherapy on the 23rd of July.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 2bluestars
    2bluestars Member Posts: 89
    edited July 2013

    Afternoon Ladies!  Just back from my Neulasta shot.  Totally painless, for now anyway.   I took a Tylenol 3 and a Claritan so I hope that keeps most of the pain away.  :-)

    I'm doing fine Rambo50, thanks for asking.  I'm still feeling like a ticking time bomb, hyper-sensitve to any body changes, but will handle whatever comes my way.  How is your swelling?  Sorry you are feeling so poorly today, hope you feel better soon.

    Angela, ((hugs)), hang in there.  It's a process we all go through.  Strangley, I haven't been mad yet.  Mostly scared and in shock still, but I'm grateful it was caught early enough I have a chance to see my son grow up.  Lot's of people aren't so lucky.  I'm actually having my hair shaved next Saturday.  For me, it will be easier than watching it fall out slowly and looking so awful.  My husband is shaving his with me...we can laugh at each other.  :-)

    Biamazee/Amy, sorry to welcome you to the group...but welcome.  I hope you find as much comfort here as I have.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peace777
    peace777 Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2013

    angelnature    chemo was not in the plan for me either.  Then I found out my oncotype score was 32 (which is high)  now chemo--starting July 30...  It's all just a bump in the road. I'm sure you are strong but it's ok to not feel that way once in a while.  It's not a walk in the park.  I dont know if you are a praying women but draw strength from with in, knowing we are loved and will not be given anything that we cant handle.  Continue to talk on the forum the women here are great.  Also if possible join a breast cancer support group.,    you are in my prayers...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peace777
    peace777 Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2013

    Welcome Biamazee!!  you will like it here.

    2Bluestars,  I'm havent felt angry either, and I still feel like I'm in shock.  I dont start chemo till July 30th  and loosing my hair is a great fear I have.  I believe it will become more real for me at that time.  Sounds like a good idea to shave it before actually loosing it.  I'm going to really think on that one.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LanaM
    LanaM Member Posts: 142
    edited July 2013

    This is day 1 after first chemo & it's been way better than i thought! Mostly a normal day with the exception of tons of pills (I think 11 in the morning, 7 with dinner, 1@bed, and a couple others only as needed - whew!). The only thing I've noticed so far is a jaw pain (when eating) - has anyone had this??? Does it go away? 2nd question- I've seen several posts mentioning steroids - I don't even know if any of my scripts are steroids - is that only given with certain chemo meds??? Thanks again everyone for the wonderful support and comradery!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • angelanature
    angelanature Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2013

    Hi Ammy,

          Will have my second chemo on the 23rd,my thoughts will be with you knowing all your fears,shock,and helplessness. Talk about it,ask questions step by step,take all the post chemo meds as prescribed,unlike me. Be pissed about all this if u r,or grateful if that's where u r at. This is absolutely the pits,complain,cry,and ask me and everyone here anything.

      My <3 is with you and i'll be having the same thing going on that day too. Angela xo

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SweetheartinTX
    SweetheartinTX Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2013

    Afternoon ladies.



    Angela- Your feelings are perfectly normal, i think we all go through it. I know i was super angry for a few days. I lost my sister last year to ovarian cancer that had mets by the time she was dx. She was 41. I am only 27, so while i figured that i would someday get cancer (family history), i had never imagined it would be in my 20's.



    Lynn- Thanks for the info. I will definitely ask my onc before i start taking anything such as the probiotic :)



    Iark- I noticed that our dx are very similar. I am also Triple Negative. Did you do the genetic testing to find out if you were positive? I did and i am BRCA1 positive.



    Momx2- Glad to hear you are doing well!!



    Twohobbies- I am going to be asking my onc about the anemia on Thursday to find out for sure if thats what could be the culprit of my heart issue. I haven't been having the racing for about 2 days now.



    Sue- Sorry to hear that your tooth is still bothering you. I know those are the worst :( I will be praying that it heals for you quickly. ((Hugs))



    Welcome Ammy. I hate saying that but we are all here to listen and provide support whenever you need it!



    To anyone else, i hope you are all feeling better or are on the road to feeling better. Together we will all make this time a little easier!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SweetheartinTX
    SweetheartinTX Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2013

    Gma04 - I just saw your post to me. Sorry. Yes, i got a double mastectomy and had tissue expanders put in on both sides. So far, so good. But they will be checking me every other week. I am so sorry to hear about you getting an infection :( They told me that would be a great concern. Also some other word that started with an "n" that basically meant that my body would create scar tissue around it and if that happens they will have to take them out. I have no idea how they know if thats happening but i guess they know what they are doing, lol. (Let's hope)



    Its really strange how i feel about my chest now though... before i was very conservative and i didn't like for anybody but my husband see my chest. Now, pfft, i could care less who see's it. It's almost as though they aren't a part of 'me' anymore.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gma04
    Gma04 Member Posts: 62
    edited July 2013

    Lark,

    Yes actually that is the only thing of my list of vitamins he did not remove. Lucky me cause they keep me from being constipated as well.

    Hope you give them a try 50 million one a day.

    Hugs from TEXAS

    GMA04

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gma04
    Gma04 Member Posts: 62
    edited July 2013

    Sweetheartintex



    I hope everything goes very well for you. I know what you mean my surgeon that put my port in said can I take a peek at my mxt scar I said sure why not no problem.LOL we just don't care anymore LOL.

    LOTS OF BIG TEXAS HUGS

    GMA04

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gma04
    Gma04 Member Posts: 62
    edited July 2013

    Angelanatur.

    I will be having my 2nd round on the 24.Hope everything goes well for you. I will keep you posted.

    Hug from TEXAS

    GMA04

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hannariggs
    Hannariggs Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2013

    Gma - What probiotics are you on and what is the dosage?  I do take some but will have to check the dosage.  I also try to eat yogurt each day.  I have always been on zantac to control any acid reflux and now my dr prescribed nexium.  Helps me to be regular, but has me nauseous.  Any suggestions?  Water seems like drinking acid which isnt helping keeping hydrated.  Otherwise things not going to bad.  Definately not looking forward to the next infusion. 

    Angel-I agree, not looking forward to the next infusion because we know what to expect. If I knew for sure I would be sick one week and rebound the next, I don't think it would be too bad. Its the unknown that lets the fear creep back in, and yes, now the hair issue.  But you know if we don't keep going we won't get to the finish line.  Some days I sit and cry because the treatments seem sooo long and unattainable.  But each one of us here WILL get there.  

    Rambo-Love the big girl panties comment.....does that apply if I soil them first?  LOL?  Ya never know these days whats next.........

    Keep smiling sisters.......love and peace to all.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gma04
    Gma04 Member Posts: 62
    edited July 2013

    Biamazee,

    Sorry you have to join us but glad that you did . Because you will get lots of good and truthful info here as I have. We know what we are actually talking about. Be cause we are experiencing it. So you just read as much as you can on all the old and new posts. I will be having my 2nd infusion on the 24 th keeping you as we'll as all the other brave ladies in my prayers.

    HUGS FROM TEXAS

    GMA04

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • momx2
    momx2 Member Posts: 109
    edited July 2013

    I'm being tortured by heartburn :( Will try some yogurt.

    Ammy welcome , wishing you health and strength !

    Me fellow firecrackers health and hugs !

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JeriGrace
    JeriGrace Member Posts: 128
    edited July 2013

    Welcome, Ammy. Glad you're here with us. I'm starting chemo the day before you.



    Angela, I'm not feeling so strong right now either. I have spent the last two evenings with wonderful friends who are just trying to figure out what to do to help. I put on the brave face for them, almost feeling like I have to support them so they don't worry about me. This week I have kept busy buying every product mentioned on this board and trying to gain some control by being prepared for anything that could happen. But tonight I'm sitting here alone in my apartment, feeling sick to my stomach, just wanting to cry because I'm so scared of what the next 4 months, or even 2 weeks, will bring. This is the person I don't let anyone see except you all.



    OK, Rambo, I'm going to put on my big girl panties and get back in the fight. :)

    Thanks for listening.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Girlstrong
    Girlstrong Member Posts: 438
    edited July 2013

    Hi, I was diagnosed on July 16 and plan to start chemo on July 31. I too am preparing, both emotionally and physically. I have my ups and downs. I hope it will get easier. I actually found some nice wigs the other day and will buy soon. Any wise words of wisdom for my 1st chemo day?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SweetheartinTX
    SweetheartinTX Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2013

    Hello Girlstrong,



    Your first chemo infusion will be the same day as my second. What chemo drugs will you be getting? My first 4 are A/C and last 4 are Taxotere. I am also getting a Neulasta shot the day after each infusion. If you are getting any of these my tips for you would be

    1. Start taking Claritin the day before or morning of the Neulasta shots.

    2. Get some Biotene mouth rinse or mix salt, baking soda and warm water for a rinse.

    3. Prepare to be able to rest a lot.

    4. Get some type of heartburn relief medicine ( I took tums first then started taking Zantac 75)

    5. Possibly have something on hand in case for constipation.



    But make sure you get everything approved by your oncologist before taking anything.



    Nausea was only an issue for me for the first 4 days. Every since then I have been able to eat pretty much everything I usually do. Everyone is different though. I broke out in a rash on day 5 but it wasn't from chemo, shot or meds. ( it was either an allergy to food or Colace)



    I know I am probably forgetting something but there is some really great ladies in here that have helped me so I am sure they will give you some pointers also.



    I was dx on May 24th and I still have my ups and downs. It's perfectly normal. You will feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster that just won't stop.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories