October 2013 Chemotherapy

You got this, KittyKate.  You throw any and every flippin word at that tumor you want and kick it's ass!  We'll all help you out by sending the same thru the internet waves - we got your back!!!!

AC is tough but some breeze thru and some do not.  But it is effective!  And don't you get yourself worked up about those headaches, please!  Nobody at this point knows why they are there (I'm a 10 year excruciating headache sufferer who has had every flippin test done - no tumor! - so I know of what I speak).  You just get whatever tests done that your MO suggests and move forward from there.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers - keep us updated as things progress!

Vivian -- when my hair started to shed, I was only able to dry and style it for 2 more days, then every time I ran a brush through it would just pull off all the hair it touched. I couldn't get in to have it buzzed until the weekend, so just wore hats over it for a couple days to work. After it was buzzed to half inch, it was about 3 more days before the shedding ended. I still am not shiny bald (nearly 3 weeks later) but the stragglers which are left are no longer falling... For the time being. Still have eyebrows and eyelashes 10 days after tx 2 -- haven't had to shave legs or underarms in several days.

KittyKate -- hang in there -- you can do it!

SC -- you have inspired me to so some dancing.. So much more fun than just walking all the time!

Fever update -- last night my fever spiked again (so tired of this) to 101.5. Called MO on call and he told me to take two Motrin and call him in 3 hours. By then temp was back to normal, so he told me to call again in the morning, but not to take anymore Motrin. Morning temp normal too, so he decided to do nothing. But this afternoon it is creeping up -- 99.9.... Guess I will take some Motrin again..... Really ready to feel normal again, but this Neulasta has kicked my butt. Wonder how long this is going to continue.....sigh....

I think they go by my blood cell counts, which they took on Thursday when I saw my MO. I got the impression from the on call MO (not my doctor) that it might be a small infection, but the fact that my fever stayed down all night and my counts were good meant that my body fought it off on its own. Also, I don't have any localized symtoms that would indicate the location of an infection. It is amazing how much better it feel after I take Motrin and fever comes down a bit.

I'm glad they are on top of it Teamkim and it is good to know that they can tell the difference. Having had two infections and cellulitis I am a bit paranoid and I have been worried about yoou since the fever started.

Naviv sorry you are delayed. It is frustrating to have to wait. I hope everyone has a peaceul sleep.

Hi gals,

I am soo tired and lazy right now. When I walk short distances I notice the shortness of breath and feel my heart pounding. My contipation is driving me crazy but I feel better this time around as far as that goes. I stop taking mik of magnesia which I believe was causing my major stomach cramps.

I am getting super anxious about treatment #4 and was thinking of taking my script for Ativan. Does this help and does it help the nausea as well ? I had two severe headaches this past week & noticed I am not alone with this. I take Tylenol as MO said no aspirin/IB.

Thank you and have a pleasant days ladies. (((HUGS)))

Lgk- I have stomach cramps after every tx, not really related to constipation. I would love to know what it is. Not feeling great today after tx #3 but hopefully it will get better. I take Prilosec which helps some. I also take Tums. I am just really tired this go round, will rest today and hopefully feel better tomorrow. Hope everyone is doing well, off to get my Neupogen injection then home for a nap:)

I also got cramps after my infusion. God awful pangs that would wake me up. I am 11 days post infusion too and did not feel good until day 8. For me, it was nausea and vomiting and extreme fatigue. I didn't want to eat at all and when I did, Cheerios saved the day. The nurse changed my meds on day 6 but it didn't help much. No fever but plenty of HOT flashes and chills. The steroids made me feel anxious. I was having the craziest dreams when I did sleep. I didn't have any reaction to the nueroplast shot but did take the Claritin so maybe that helped. I also had trouble holding my saliva. I was producing so much of it and just couldn't swallow it. The only time that has ever happened to me was during my first trimester of pregnancy. I get a port on tmrw. The nurses had the hardest time trying to find my veins. I am hoping that the port placement won't hold up my second infusion which is scheduled for Thursday. I don't want to delay these god awful AC infusions. I just want them done and pray that the Taxole portion is easy breezy like most have said.

We got this ladies. Have a blessed week all.

I was just saying to my DH that my stomach cramps ate driving me nuts. I have to talk to my MO about this next trip.

Yes. We got this!

headeast - I never lost my eyebrows, they just thinned.

Those with stomach pains or cramping - your digestive tract is lined with soft tissue, dividing cells, and much of your immune system - chemo attacks all that - so your discomfort can be from that. Be sure to advise your docs though.

Hi ladies, hope everyone is holding up well. I am on day 5 of round 3 AC and just wanted to share that while this round has had some challenges, it is 50x better than round 2 and I am pretty sure it is because my steroids (and benedryl) were cut by half. Round 2 I had ridiculous insomnia, felt drugged out of my mind, heart palpitations, terrible bone pain, threw up, etc. This round just headaches, lack of appetite, and abdominal pain. I have no doubt in my mind that cutting back on the steroids helped me in a huge way. Hang in there ladies...

Furfriend- I just did A/C #3 day 3 almost over, I have had 2 Neupogen injections and all my muscles are so sore. 1 more A/C in 2 weeks then on to Taxol also. I hope it is easier as people have said. Anyone know if that is true? I would love to hear also. Well I hope I feel better tomorrow. I am cheering on my Saints! Who DAT!!!!

itchy dry eyes... Suggestions?

Headeast - for dry eyes, my infusion nurse said to use Refresh Plus.  I've not yet had that issue so I've not used them but she was adamant on that brand and said it worked the best.

Hope that helps!

@Kittykate, sorry to hear about your headaches. I had kind of a similar experience with my MO ordering a scan because of the dizziness I was having. I understand your apprehension! Have you been drinking a lot of liquids? Dehydration can cause headaches, which is exacerbated by all those chemo drugs they have running through us. (((hugs)))

lgk - have you tried 2 Colace a day (one in morning and one at night) AND Miralax mid-day?  That's what the infusion nurse had on my "at home plan" and worked great.