October 2013 Chemotherapy

Day 16 and this afternoon my head started to getting tingly (sp). The hair has begun to shed. I am so full of mixed emotion. I thought I was ok with it. I knew it was going to happen. But now I am a bit upset. I think it is because this makes it more real for my son and I am worried about him. Oi'!

The countdown is on for Chemo#2.. 5 days . blech.

Hang in there Travelmom. I am right there with you -- not sure we are ever really ready for it. I had to wear a hat to work for the first time today, since every time I touch my head I come away with a dozen hairs stuck to my fingers. My scalp is sore, kind of like when you were a kid and had a tight ponytail all day and then took it out. Got lots of compliments on my hat, though, and DH is being very upbeat and supportive. He keeps telling me it will start to grow back very soon -- just temporary. So although I felt sad this morning, I ended the day feeling better. Called my stylist to have her buzz what is left on Saturday -- I think that will be hard.

2timer, I started my chemo treatment exactly like you, I cried. It felt good, I never do it. I asked for Ativan because I was too nervous and shacking. For the second treatment I didn't cry but I was shacking, for no reason, just plain nervous. I requested Ativan again and went perfect. Calmed me immediately? It is easier for my body, even though I never take any pills of any kind, now I am.

Now, about work. I know it is not my business, but I did the same thing you did too. I used my vacation days first and then I just could not function. Remember you feel ok-ish now because you are filled with steroids. But the days 3-5 I was so tired I almost stayed in bed all day, and well, in the restroom. I don't know what you do for work or how large your company is, etc., but they have intermittent leave that is for people wanting to go to work the days you feel ok and the leave for the days you need to rest, or the chemo day. There is also Family Medical Leave Act FMLA, requires a number of employees as a minimum, I think 20, and short term leave with pay. You can Google all and find the one that works for you. Good luck in whatever you decide!

Www.cancerandcareers.org is also a good source.

I saw Onc today and got the go ahead for chemo tomorrow. I also found out some confusing info. Chemo regimen stays at TCH

Apparently my breast mastectomy tumor pathology came back Her2 neg, when I had the original biopsy done there was not enough tumor to test for Her2 only ER and PR. So BS ordered test on lymph node. It came back Her2 positve at 100% by both tests. My Onc is ordering biopsy sample of breast and lymph and surgical samples to all be re tested. Have you ever heard of a neg and a pos Her2 at the same time??

Doesn't the breast tumor spread to lymph nodes? How can breast be neg and the lymph positive ? Has anyone ever heard of this? Needless to say mind is wandering, but from surgery I know I had no other tumors in breast and my PET/CAT scan were clear??

Wasn't worrying about starting chemo tomorrow enough?

Thankful that xanax works...

Vivian

Vivian, I am sure they will be very careful this time in finding out what is going on. I would say is better more than less medicine. Can it mutate?

Hopefully chemo #2 for me tomorrow. I hated that I couldn't stay on schedule, I may have to do treatments every 3 weeks instead of 2. I am still rocking my hair, although it is thin (day 21). I will probably shave it this weekend and wear my wig to work and hats at home.

Good luck to everyone who has treatments coming up, I hope I'll be 50% done tomorrow.

I had my first treatment yesterday. Easy as pie. Got home at 530 took aprecautionay dose of nausua med about 630...by 730 I was seriously ill. Threw up for a couple of hours..finally about 3 this morning I started nibbling crackers and sipping coke. So far so good. Wayy to soon after treatment for that rush of sickness to hit me

I had my first chemo treatment on 10/16 with the Neulasta shot the next days. I had a very difficult time with severe bone pain and severe flu like symptoms. I honestly was not sure how I was going to get through each day last week. I wish I had known it could have been that bad - I was not mentally prepared for what my body went through. I am convinced it was all because of the Neulasta shot as I was doing pretty well until after the shot. Has anyone refused the Neulasta shot and what were the outcomes? I certainly do not want to compromise myself with an already weak immune system, but I cringe at the thought of having that shot again. Thanks!

Hi Tipps04,

I had excatly sever bone pain as you got on my first chemo, it put me on bed almost a week, cann't stand up and walk around, I believe it caused by the Neulasta, now my second chemo been postponed because my liver undet stress. when ia your second chemo?

School counselors I'm signed up for the look good class on December 2nd.  There was a class last week, but it was too early, I hadn't lost any hair.  I'm at day 17 and the hair is falling out in clumps.  Good thing my ACS wig fitting is monday.  First treatment on Halloween, guess you won't forget that day.  Are you going in costume :-)

Relocated - definitely talk to your MO about your nausea meds.  If what they give you isn't working, don't suffer, try another med.  I have three meds at home in addition to my pre-chemo anti-nausea.  I read a quote in the chemo literature from a Dr. "He's disappointed when a patient doesn't tell him they are throwing-up, because he can do something about it, if he had known"

Tipps04

I believe the worst SEs I have are from the Neulasta shot. I have chemo on Tuesdays & feel great, usually feel fine on Wed when I get the shot. Then the next three days is horrible. Fatique big time but I expected that. But didn't expect the flu like symptoms so bad I can't function. I have taken the Claritan but still have all over body aches, skin that feels so tender & almost hurts just to touch. Just not sure if it is chemo or shot SEs.

I asked the nurses if I would continue to get the shot when I start on T&H for 12 weeks after my last A&C. They weren't sure so I need to speak to my MO. They have me down for weekly T&H & if these SEs are from Neulasta I cannot imagine having it weekly for 3 months/?!!!

Hi LiLi1964

Thanks, yes they did tell me about Claritin. It worked marginally, but could have been I only started it after the SE's started. I really thought I was going to breeze through. For anyone taking Neulasta shot for the first time, I would start the Claritin and Aleve day of the shot and continue for at least 3 days.

regarding the Neulasta, i am glad my MO is not prescribing it for my treatment. This is my second session of my TC treatment and the only change he has made this time is two days of Dexamethasone instead of one. My stomach is suffering with the chemo. Expected. Skeaky and eating every couple of hours.

relocated and lili- hope you are feeling better and find the meds that work for you to keep that at bay.

Pam- I have the mouthwash but will try the spray for next round. It seems like the dry mouth lasts for one week and then goes away.

I feel good today and will soak up these few days before my next treatment on Tuesday.