Starting Chemo June 2013!?!?!

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  • dlm425
    dlm425 Member Posts: 209
    edited July 2013

    Good morning all zofran is definitely the cause of your headaches. Its a brain drug to tell your body not to be nauseous. I told my Dr it gave me a headache and he said never heard of that. The dr sometimes doesn't want to tell all the se not really sure why. This. 3rd round if ac was do awful but I feel like I'm coming back to earth. I work in the schools so I'm off for the summer you ladies who work are amazing I could not get up and go to work no way. I love the summer so much but looks like this one is going to be the worse one ive had in my life. Its just going to be the one I will never forget yet the one I don't want to remember. I wake up everyday and look at my 2 daughters and say I will get through this I want to see my grandchildren someday. Hope everyone had an easy time and peaceful day. Xoxo

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  • annika12
    annika12 Member Posts: 433
    edited July 2013

    I cut my hair super super short. I have some left and it feels good under a scarf or wig. The shedding is yucki....didn't like that part!!!

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  • annika12
    annika12 Member Posts: 433
    edited July 2013

    Dml425- Im with ya on the kid thing, mine are (16,18,22) but looking at them and being around them is what makes me strong and get a I CAN do this attitude. I love love love summer and this was suppose to be our "last" hang out and do fun things as my middle one moves 8 hrs away to collage in aug.....well that had to change a bit. But then loving and supporting each other is what family is all about. You also have a great day and enjoy it the best you can :)

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  • Robin-Lynn
    Robin-Lynn Member Posts: 32
    edited July 2013

    Kmurphy,

    I know with the AC I get Emend and Decadron (steroid) in IV. Ive had to take Zofran at home and that did cause headache. It could be one of the things in the IV, ask the nurse. I take Advil before and drink a lot. Good luck.

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  • Dyvgrl
    Dyvgrl Member Posts: 471
    edited July 2013

    Yesterday I quit taking the Claritin 24 thinking it wasn't doing much. Oh man am I sorry! It's 3 am here and I'm pacing the floor because my pelvis hurts so bad I can't lie down in any position. I've taken some Ibuprofen and my Claritin so just waiting for some relief. For anyone out there with bone pain, I definitely recommend the Claritin 24!! Ugh this sucks!! I'm just moving into Day 8 of round 1 so thought I'd be ok. Worked out today too so not sure if that had anything to do with it...

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  • Miasara
    Miasara Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2013

    Dyvgrl, that pelvis pain happened to me first round even though I took claritin. Someone suggested starting it day before and hasnt happened since for the next two rounds. Anyway, Tylenol extra strength helped me through and it only lasted 1 day. It was very uncomfortable. Hope it gets better for you. I was ready to take vicodin left over from my surgery but Tylenol helped.

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  • encyclias
    encyclias Member Posts: 302
    edited July 2013

    Dyvgrl, I may have missed it, but which chemo drugs are you taking?

    Carol

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  • Dyvgrl
    Dyvgrl Member Posts: 471
    edited July 2013

    I am currently on AC. Have 3 rounds then switch to Taxol for 12 weekly rounds. I took my Claritin and Ibuprofen but am still really hurting. I plan on continuing to take it throughout treatment cuz last night was unbearable! Ugh!

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  • kayezzy66
    kayezzy66 Member Posts: 116
    edited July 2013

    I take emend i hour before chemo,and i have zofran,for nausea on the tongue,and one is a tablet.Im on my second chemo,and have 2 more to go,every 14 days.I get a shot on the second day,of chemo.I am half way thru,and sooo glad.yes i get headaches ,but i take 2 tylenols,and that helps.Better than nausea.O will be so glad when i can say 4!!!!!!

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited July 2013

    Dlm425...maybe your doctor should read up on side effects of drugs....here is a link, Zofran CAN cause headaches, as a lot of the people on these boards have said!

    http://www.drugs.com/sfx/zofran-side-effects.html



    Oh well, just goes to show that doctors do NOT know everything!



    Pat

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  • IngridJ
    IngridJ Member Posts: 121
    edited July 2013

    Hi everyone,

    Been suffering with third round TC.. Itching all night, thought UTI also.. Luckily managed to stave that off.. And I think the itching is an allergic reaction to the taxotere. Probably caused by me; because last week do busy with all my kids, forgot to take the steroids after treatment.. Won't be doing that again, after two sleepless nights, took one yesterday, now it has all settled down.. So the drugs are there for a reason!! Duhhhh me.

    What is in that stuff??? The chemo.... The taxotere is made from the pacific yew tree bark I think, or some such thing... Whatever it is- is not to be messed with.. Don't know if I'll fess up to the onc when I see him.. Resting in bed- thankfully...

    Hope you girls are all getting through it... Soooo looking forward to it being over.....

    Take care all x

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  • Dyvgrl
    Dyvgrl Member Posts: 471
    edited July 2013

    Patty, mine says right on the bright red label, "May cause headaches!" I can tell my onc was surprised by it judging from the look on her face. I don't care, no Zofran for me!

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  • KatiAK
    KatiAK Member Posts: 138
    edited July 2013

    I have found myself being angry the last couple of days.  Kinda wondered when that would happen.  I'm tired of looking like a hairless freak - only because of the neon sign it projects that says CANCER!  Guess I should have gone with a wig.  Yesterday I went to Costco and it felt like everybody was staring.  Yes I ignore them, but it bothers me anyway.  And well meaning people I don't know ask how I'm doing - which is kind, I understand but this week it just causes me to more pissed about the whole situation.

    Today was a good day.  Drove into town to take my kids to the zoo (more people staring), then watched my oldest play baseball.  Four more good days til the final AC round.  Ugh!  Then on to Taxol.  Pretty nervous about a whole new set of SE's, one of which can be severe pain. 

    Luckily I've still been able to work part time.  I've been told with Taxol I may not be so lucky which REALLY bums me out.  I need the money AND the normalcy.  "sigh . . . one day at a time, take it as it comes.

    Had to vent tho . . . thanks.

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  • dlm425
    dlm425 Member Posts: 209
    edited July 2013

    Ok so yesterday I called my onc and of course he doesn't call back but the Np does. I'm now day 9 after round 3 and still feel like shit. I cried most of the day yesterday because I feel so bad. Nausea has taken over my life and mouth sores and fatigued. I had a conversation with her about skipping the last ac and moving on to taxol. My body just cant take another round of this poison. She said she would ask the onc and get back to me. I asked for a informative answer as to what would I be doing. Waiting.g for a reply. I was also told by her that as of this year hormonal therapy has been changed to 10 years no longer 5 and hormonal therapy is more important than chemo. When does this nauseated feeling go away. She said I will definitely feel worse with round 4 and was sorry I had such.a difficult time. I so sick of feeling sick. I know many of woman have walked this path before me know my body better than any doctor out there. I look at myself in the mirror and I don't who that person is staring back at me!!!

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  • annika12
    annika12 Member Posts: 433
    edited July 2013

    KatiAK and dlm425 Im there with you. I have always been able to trust my strong healthy body.... now I look in the mirror and wonder who it is looking back! Pisses me off and makes me sad. A NP told me last week not to be surprised at my emotions " we are messing with your body and hormones BIG time" I used to be a very social person...loving to be out meeting new people, talking, playing sports meeting with friends volunteering. Now not so much....grocery store is a huge production for me. Today Im taking my kids two hours away to a beach....hoping to avoid anyone I know!!! Hang in there ladies, we are all in it and not alone on here....

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  • Robin-Lynn
    Robin-Lynn Member Posts: 32
    edited July 2013

    Ladies I am right there with you. Had my last AC 4days ago and told my husband if I had another I wouldn't do it! Nausea is awful and now horrible headache from Zofran. We just have to keep telling ourselves "this too shall pass" and hang on. I was hoping my head would be smooth but stubble feels like sandpaper and hurts on the pillow.

    Prayers for all of you.

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  • Dyvgrl
    Dyvgrl Member Posts: 471
    edited July 2013

    Ladies,

    Feeling so much better today. Have 2 Claritin 24's under my belt and the bone pain is gone again. I can promise you I won't miss a dose of that stuff anymore! It amazes me the difference between hobbling around like an old woman with severe arthritis yesterday and feeling no pain today. Phew! For anyone starting Taxol I highly recommend taking the Claritin. I hear its supposed to be worse on the pain and fatigue but less nausea. We'll see. I have round 2 on Aug 1st and I can already feel mouth sores coming on. Been gargling with baking soda hoping to ward them off. I also take my Prilosec daily. Hoping everyone can hang in through this poison.

    Kati, I totally feel your anger. I was apprehensive about walking around with my shaved head and the looks I get at work or at the store. Most people at work are super supportive so that helps. When people in public look at me I stare back til they look away. They should be the one ashamed, not me!! Keep your chin up because you are a warrior! To hell with them!! Be proud because you have made it through Hell and have more to go. Show them how fierce you are with your head held high!

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  • dlm425
    dlm425 Member Posts: 209
    edited July 2013

    Good morning ladies well. 10 days since ac#3 and I still feel a little nauseated and my belly hurts cant believe I have to do again on Thursday and its such tug a pull feeling I don't want to feel so awful again and than again I want to do it to get this over with. My fatigue is better but still don't feel or look like me especially in my eyes... Enjoy your day and Ill tty in the morning PRAYERS everyday Xoxo Has everyone stopped giving hugs and kisses I'm so afraid of germs.....

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  • kmurphy
    kmurphy Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2013

    I asked the nurse what was in the IV's.  It is also Emend and Decadron.  When I described the headache to the Dr. she thinks it actually sounded like a migraine.  She prescribed Imitrex to try and see if that helps.  I sure hope so!

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  • kmurphy
    kmurphy Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2013

    I have to see many new people each day.  At the beginning I felt like I just wanted to wear a shirt that said CANCER in large letters so I didn't have the weird looks.  Maybe because I'm too busy or just getting used to it, I don't notice them so much anymore.  Plus, I think many want to say something but don't want to say the wrong thing.  Probably one of the best reponses in that case, I think is when someone says, "Good luck to you" with a nod and look in their eye and you can feel they genuienly mean it.  They know you are going through a struggle but don't want to get to personal.

    I don't let the looks bother me.  I think people just wonder what your struggle is.  When I'm done with this I will probably see someone who is bald and wonder what they are going through.  Unfortunately probably everyone has either gone through this on a personal level or someone close to them.  I think they want to extend a good wish in some way but just don't always know how or if they should.  

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  • kayezzy66
    kayezzy66 Member Posts: 116
    edited July 2013

    I know the feeling Dlm,i have nausea every day,and upset stomach,my first chemo was the 9th of July,im on my second chemo,and will be soo glad when this journey is over.Hope your days will be better..Kay

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  • kayezzy66
    kayezzy66 Member Posts: 116
    edited July 2013

    I have to buy my emend,and take it 1 hour before chemo,3 pills ,for 3 days..i sure will take them ,dont want to get any sicker than i am.

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  • Maziel58
    Maziel58 Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2013

    I'm new here. I am 70 active years old with no past history of cancer. I had a lumpectomy nearly 2 weeks ago w/removal of 16 lymph nodes.  Metastatic and non-metastatic cells found in the margins complicated by HER2.

    I will be going to the oncologist for the first time on the 8th.  My port is not yet in place, and I wish my surgeon would have put it in then; seems like a waste of "out" time.

    I don't know the plan yet for chemo, but I will also get radiation and the dreaded Herceptin.  That scares the living crap out of me (pardon me), because of my age and also because of the cardiotoxic side effects.  I know that in younger women of 50, the therapy is well-accepted, but the number stands.  I am 70.

    I know I will ace all my trials and tribulations as a cancer patient, and this is my first entry.  My attitude is great.  I am pretty fearless, but nevertheless, I am here because this is my new world; my new reality.

    What questions do I ask the oncologist?  When you have a lumpectomy my surgeon said chemo goes with it.

    Yeah, and what flavor is the eggroll?

    Is it tailored to my particular cancer or is it 1 stop shopping?

    If you want to contact me off here, find me at inkslinger at bellsouth dot net.  Thank  you all.

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  • Maziel58
    Maziel58 Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2013

    I asked my friend to shave my head BEFORE chemo.  I have enrolled in the Look Good, Feel Better program that another friend hosts for the American Cancer Soc. locally.  Apparently, Mary Kay cosmetics is very generous to the women who partake.  She is a double mastectomy survivor - different times.  I have some knockout earrings - and intend to get trashy, cheap bigger ones and even wear false eyelashes. 

    Bald is beautiful.  Brazen is beautiful.  Color is smashing and I'm going to shine all through my chemo!

    Please hold my hand and be fierce, too.

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  • OceanWarrior
    OceanWarrior Member Posts: 96
    edited July 2013

    Hi Maizie,

    Welcome to our group of fierce and fighting warriors.  Your attitude is awesome, best way to approach all this.  

    I had a lumpectomy as well and am half way through my chemo which will be followed by radiation and hormone therapy.   it's a long journey I have my down days but always manage to pull myself back up and get ready for the next round and you will too.  A good attitude and strong spirit will take you far, sounds like your that type of lady!

    Good luck with your Oncologist appointment on the 8th.  Will be good to know what your treatment plan will be, there are so many different options based on our individual cases and 50 different types of chemo so you will learn a lot more at your first appointment.  Lots of info here as well to be gained from others.

    Have a terrific day.

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  • KatiAK
    KatiAK Member Posts: 138
    edited July 2013

    Welcome Matzie! I'm on the same schedule as Ocean and I'll be halfway thru on Tuesday. Somedays it takes every ounce of your strength to get thru the day. Other days are almost normal. Like this weekend for me. I was able to do some baking yesterday and attend my sons baseball game. Today I plowed thru some paperwork and cleaned my house. Nesting . . . cuz Tuesday they hit me again and I'm down for the count. Dreading it but the good news is I'll be done with AC and halfway thru. Yipee! Went to bed with pinkeye last night. Using some Tobradex drops left over from whoever had it ladt in my house. Hope the onc doesn't get mad. It seems to be helping. Dyvgrl, Ak Regional is having a Look Good Feel Better class on Aug 9 at 11:00 am. I'm gonna try to go. Gotta register and get time off. Hope everybody had a decent weekend.

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  • annika12
    annika12 Member Posts: 433
    edited July 2013

    Going for AC 3 tomorrow!!! Does anyone have burning eyes??? My eyes are dry and feel so tired!!

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  • kmurphy
    kmurphy Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2013

    AC #3 was on Thursday.  The Imitrex helped with the migraine, lucky me.  The exhaustion hit me a little quicker this time but then I also got over it a little quicker.  Work today and I already feel a little tired, but I'll get through it.  Undecided

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited July 2013

    Anyone start TAXOL yet?

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  • dlm425
    dlm425 Member Posts: 209
    edited July 2013

    I finally feel better today and having chemo on Thursday. I might be skipping last ac and moving on to taxol. Had a quiet weekend and will try to excerise and get stronger for round 4. Welcome Matzie sorry you have to join us but its a great board with lots of us very.educated in this crappy situation...Kay ask your onc about Emend iv you don't have to buy it anymore...

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