October 2013 Chemotherapy

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  • Pam358
    Pam358 Member Posts: 294
    edited October 2013


    TeamKim - we'll be with you in spirit, good luck with #2 !!


    SpiritBlessing - hope your tests go well !!

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  • Pam358
    Pam358 Member Posts: 294
    edited October 2013


    Furfriend - it was my understanding that there was a Neulasta shot for each Dose Dense treatment (8). I have an appt with my MO Thursday, I'll double check for sure.

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  • SchoolCounselor
    SchoolCounselor Member Posts: 452
    edited October 2013


    today isn't he first day of chemo for me. Took Xanax so I am surprisingly calm. Started my premeds yesterday. In 5 hours I will be in the chair...... Thanks ladies for all your support. Teamkim, we can so this. I am one infusion behind you. Although I am going to ask the MO why 4 and not 6? I just want this point of my life to pass and to do all I need to do.


    We can and are doing this ladies.

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  • flowergirl1
    flowergirl1 Member Posts: 54
    edited October 2013

    Will be thinking of you today TeamKim and SchoolCounselor.  Today is my 2nd treatment too!  We got this!

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  • mfm48
    mfm48 Member Posts: 110
    edited October 2013


    Special prayers for Teamkim, Flowergirl and schoolcounselor today and for the next 10 days. May you have minimal side effects, days of ordinariness, and something to make you laugh every day! I am almost through my 10 day SE from tx #3. You are in this race right behind me. Take good care of yourselves.

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  • travlmom
    travlmom Member Posts: 90
    edited October 2013


    Flowergirl, Team Kim and Schoolcounselor - I am thinking of you today. My 2nd tx went well yesterday and I am off to get my neulasta later today. Hair is coming out big time now. Last night I thin I started the warm flashed of chemopause - if only my period would have stopped and not have come on early.


    My only issue yesterday is my blood pressure. When I first got there and had it taken it was 172/88 YIKES! They took it again after being in the chair for a while and it was 132. Still higher than before f'in BC. Off to call the cardiologist this morning for recommendations.

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  • Tipps04
    Tipps04 Member Posts: 16
    edited October 2013


    Good morning everyone! It has been a few days since I have been on the board. I actually had a few days where I felt great - compared to two weeks ago! I have actually been able to manage daily function ok - however I do get tired quite easily. At exactly the 2 week mark, my hair started to fall out quite excessively(yesterday). While I do still have some hair, it is a hot mess so I made my debut with my wig today. I have been struggling with a massive headache all morning - not sure if the wig it too tight or the mental stress of going out in public causing it! My co workers have been amazing and tell me it looks like my real hair. Going to have my husband buzz me tonight as the hair falling out has just become downright annoying! Gearing up for my second treatment on Wed, so mentally preparing for the wave - thankfully I know there is light on the other side!


    As for hydration, MO indicated at least a liter every day which is not too bad(approx 33 ounces). I am averaging 48-60 ounces a day. Other than apple juice I cant taste anything and cold water is very satisfying. I have a big cup, holds 24 ounces, and I use a straw. I am able to drink more water with the straw - not sure why, but it works!


    TeamKim, FlowerGirl & Schoolcounselor - all the best today with your treatments! One more closer to being done!!!


    VintageGal1111 - fortunately I have not gotten the mouth sores, so the apple juice has been great for me. MO said if it was going to happen it would have happened this week, so hoping tomorrow does not bring me any surprises. SO HAPPY you don't have to have the Neulasta shot!


    Thanks to everyone on this board for the continued support and great information and sharing. So much easier to go through all this with people who totally get what you are going through.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited October 2013


    spirit - taxanes can cause the runny nose (Taxol and Taxotere) but often it comes because you have no nose hairs! Never thought I would miss them. Also, those getting Herceptin get runny noses more frequently. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell. Blood cells are rapidly dividing cells and are affected by chemo - white cells are your infection fighters. If they are too damaged by one infusion, and have not bounced back by the next one - either naturally or because you have been given Neulasta/Neupogen injections - they may delay the next infusion. You become subject to an opportunistic infection to it is dangerous to damage them more. Glutamine (L-Glutamine) is an amino acid that helps repair muscle tissue and is thought to help with neuropathy from the taxane drugs. As far as juicing, some oncologists are ok with eating raw fruits and veggies - especially if you are getting Neulasta/Neupogen. Others want everything cooked, so you will have to ask your doc. One thing to consider is how your digestive system responds to chemo - if you are experiencing the Big D you probably don't want to introduce too much fiber, the BRAT (banana, rice, apple, toast) diet works well to get you through.

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  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 619
    edited October 2013


    SpiritBlessing, here is the information I found about L-Glutamine at the WebMd site:


    Glutamine is an amino acid (a building block for proteins), found naturally in the body.



    Glutamine is used to counter some of the side effects of medical treatments. For example, it is used for side effects of cancer chemotherapy including diarrhea, pain and swelling inside the mouth (mucositis), nerve pain (neuropathy), and muscle and joint pains caused by the cancer drug Taxol. Glutamine is also used to protect the immune system and digestive system in people undergoing radiochemotherapy for cancer of the esophagus. Additionally, glutamine is used for improving recovery after bone marrow transplant or bowel surgery, increasing well-being in people who have suffered traumatic injuries, and preventing infections in critically ill people.



    Some people use glutamine for digestive system conditions such as stomach ulcers,ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. It is also used for depression, moodiness, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and enhancing exercise performance.


    It does say not to take more than 40 grams a day and is you are allergic to MSG not to take it.


    Ask your MO before taking any supplements. My MO said no to juicing unless I was doing it before the chemo. He doesn't want to replace a meal with juicing. The other reason is because raw fruits or vegetables may carry bacteria. A safe way to clean your fruit is by using Vinegar and water. I have changed the way I disinfect things at my house and now I use vinegar and water for all. I am trying to be chemical free and not to use bleach.


    FlowerGirl, TeamKim and SchoolCounselor, good luck to you today! One less to go!

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  • Dewey13
    Dewey13 Member Posts: 13
    edited October 2013


    Good luck to everyone receiving chemo today, and minimal side effects for all of us! Spiritblessing, the nosedrips are from losing nose hair, so you can get them with any chemo. And glutamine is a helpful supplement to prevent the neuropathy (nerve damage) which you can get from taxol. Take care everyone!

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  • lgkgde13
    lgkgde13 Member Posts: 164
    edited October 2013


    Thinking about everyone hoping all is well!!


    Pam- that's my wig with my hat. I haven't quite figured out the front of the wig yet so it doesn't look do wiggy. I still have some spots on my head of stubble but I think next few days it will be gone.

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited October 2013


    Hope it goes smoothly for the chemo girls today and I hope everyone else is doing ok too. I am officially no longer an October chemo person and will find out tomorrow if I fit in the November group.


    big hugs to everyone.

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  • lgkgde13
    lgkgde13 Member Posts: 164
    edited October 2013


    hugs to you wrenn!!

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  • Pam358
    Pam358 Member Posts: 294
    edited October 2013


    School Counselor/Flower Girl/ Team Kim - Best of luck today - you got this!! And we've got your back on this side!!


    TravlMom - Glad 2nd treatment went well. My blood pressure has been running higher throughout this process too.


    Tipps - happy to hear you are feeling well. I agree that it's easier to get the water down with a straw. Maybe because it's part way down before our brains figure out we are drinking water :-)


    OK….so I may be jinxing things by mentioning this but I haven't had any mouth sores to deal with even though I have had some tender spots. My MO's office told me to swish with a baking soda/salt solution. I have 1.8 quart bottle that I put 6 tsps of baking soda and 2 tsps of salt in and shake it up until mixed. I keep it in the bathroom and brush my teeth after eating and swish and spit the solution. I end up doing it about 4 times a day. I shake up the bottle each time I use it so it stays mixed.

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  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 619
    edited October 2013


    lgk, love the hat! That wig looks great too !

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  • Pam358
    Pam358 Member Posts: 294
    edited October 2013


    Wrenn - you are most certainly an October Chemo Girl even without treatment this month, you have been a huge support on this board. Good Luck with your appointment tomorrow.

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  • Tipps04
    Tipps04 Member Posts: 16
    edited October 2013


    Pam 358 - Thanks! Yes I have been doing the salt/baking soda solution and it had really helped. I did it mostly the first week after treatment as my mouth just felt pasty - the mixture helped clear that up!


    wrenn - have to say I agree with Pam358, you are an October lady no matter what! Hope you stay with us and good luck tomorrow!

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  • TeamKim
    TeamKim Member Posts: 568
    edited October 2013


    Wrenn -- we will miss you too much if you migrate to November!!! Good luck at your appointment today...


    Schoolcounselor & Flowergirl, we are one step closer to the finish line....in this together brave warriors!


    Pulling on my big girl panties and heading for the chair in 2.5 hours. Been drinking lots, took my Claritin starting this morning, taking a scoop of L-Glutamine powder 3 times a day, and hunkering down for the bumpy weekend ahead. At least I know what to expect this time. One more class to teach, then buzz home to pick up the chemo supplies bag. Students in my morning class gave me a flash drive full of music to see me through (love those kids!). Infusion is only 10 minutes from my house, and I did so well at first tx that I decided to drive myself today.


    Thanks everyone for the prayers, hugs and support -- I really feel you with me on this. Thank you God for leading me to these board for information, sanity and sisterhood!

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited October 2013


    Thanks. I will definitely be sticking with you wonderful women (alliteration).


    Love your attitude Kim. Enjoy your music and hopefully the weekend will be a little easier. Fingers crossed

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  • lgkgde13
    lgkgde13 Member Posts: 164
    edited October 2013


    thanks headeast!! I have now become obsessed with hats :)

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  • lonnie713
    lonnie713 Member Posts: 236
    edited October 2013


    I had my first Chemo infusion today! So far, I feel good. So far, the only SE is a headache. I drank water thru the entire infusion and also ate the ice which is supposed to be good in preventing the mouth sores. I get the neulasta shot on tmrw. I am a bit nervous about the SE of that shot. Wish me luck.

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  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 619
    edited October 2013


    Lonnie, I am so glad you are doing fine! I also got a headache and I think it was expected. The nurse told me to breath four seconds in, hold the breath from three seconds and exhale in 8 seconds from the mouth. It helped me a lot.


    I see you have also a 2b but different chemo cocktail. I had a lymph node dissection (all of them) instead of just a few. I guess that might be the difference...


    Lgk, I love hats and already have a bunch, but not like yours!

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  • SchoolCounselor
    SchoolCounselor Member Posts: 452
    edited October 2013


    Chemo went well today....no SE so far, been drinking like a fish...will take the Zofram to stay ahead of the side effects. Decided not to ice my nails, I

    want the chemo to hit every point of my body. Will get the neulasta shot tomorrow, I alredy take Zyrtec every night so the DR does not think I will need claritin, I'm taking it anyway :-). Infusion center nurses were wonderful, warm blankets, juice, lots of humor, it was great. Just going to keep the fluids going to flush out the chemo. I am also keeping a bathroom in my house just for me because of the toxins. Now i just wait for my hair to fall out.

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  • flowergirl1
    flowergirl1 Member Posts: 54
    edited October 2013

    TeamKim and SchoolCounselor  I hope you both had a good day.  I had a good day.  They sped mine up this time and I was only there for 4 hours as oppossed to 6 the first time.  I came home and ate a little something and took a 3 hour nap.  I feel real good right now. Neulasta shot tomorrow.

    Lovewins and Travlmom...how are y'all feeling?

    Wren...we definitely want you to stay with us!  :)

    Glad you are doing well, Lonnie!



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  • flowergirl1
    flowergirl1 Member Posts: 54
    edited October 2013

    SchoolCouselor...I dreaded my hair falling out sooo much.  It started last Thursday coming out a little and by Sunday it was such a mess.  It was actually a relief to have it shaved.  Now I am already used to it.  Like another person told me on here it is all about accetance and it is moving one step closer to the finish line.  I will be praying for you!

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  • travlmom
    travlmom Member Posts: 90
    edited November 2013


    Flowergirl - I was ok most of the day but this evening I have pain in my back so I have started pain meds - I refuse to go through the pain from last time. Biggest pain in the butt is the heartburn i have. I have taken zantec and I am sucking on antacid.... My hair started to fall out on Monday just a little and now today was a big shed in the shower. I cried as I rinsed my hair. I am thinking I will be shaving it by Saturday.


    Ladies get ready to push through this week. #kickcancer

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  • flowergirl1
    flowergirl1 Member Posts: 54
    edited November 2013

    Travlmom I have the heartburn too and was taking Zantac but it just was not lasting long enough.  I swiched to Prilosec OTC and it is better.  Plus I eat Tums too.

    I shed those tears for my hair too but now I am thankful that it is gone and I don't have to dread that part anymore.  I will pray for peace for you while you are dealing with it.

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  • Gramof2boys
    Gramof2boys Member Posts: 194
    edited November 2013


    Happy Halloween everyone! Glad to see everyone doing well with SEs. I was able to go to my niece's house tonight with my hubby, daughter, SIL and grandsons to trick or treat. Made my day. Lots of little ones, kept my distance,lol. I told them I could have not worn my wig and put black around my eyes and would be Uncle Fester from the Addams family


    Tomorrow is day 8 post chemo, CBC then hopefully no more Neupogen. I never had pain this time and have done 6 days of injections. I think if your count is low the pain is worse, maybe not, does anyone know?


    I hope everyone has a great weekend, I hope I get 1 week of nothing to do medically!!!!!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited November 2013


    The pain from Neulasta/Neupogen is usually worse the first time the drug is given. The marrow is expanding for the first time to produce excess white cells. On subsequent injections the marrow is less tight - kind of like a new pair of shoes is not as tight as the first time you wore them - or a pair of jeans that is now broken in.

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  • Gramof2boys
    Gramof2boys Member Posts: 194
    edited November 2013


    Thanks Special K, I was wondering why I really haven't had pain this round.

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