Starting Chemo, November 2013 Group

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  • AlishaCatherine
    AlishaCatherine Member Posts: 56
    edited November 2013


    Can you delay a weekly taxol infusion by one day in order to avoid Christmas chemo?

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  • Palameda
    Palameda Member Posts: 259
    edited November 2013


    I heard my dec 25th would be on the 24th for t/c.

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  • QuirkyGirl
    QuirkyGirl Member Posts: 383
    edited November 2013


    Hang in there ladies! Sending chemo love your way!


    image

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  • Palameda
    Palameda Member Posts: 259
    edited November 2013


    love it! Thanks for the giggle.

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  • AlishaCatherine
    AlishaCatherine Member Posts: 56
    edited November 2013


    I usually post on behalf of my mom who was diagnosed with TNBC. A new update in official recommendations now changes that and she is considered HER2+. This just happened last month and we just found out she will start Herceptin on Wednesday when she begins the Taxol portion of her chemo.


    This is a lesson, to be your own advocate. We researched, set up google alerts, requested all reports, read articles, and brought the question to her oncologist as soon as it appeared that FISH ratio score threshold for POSITIVE was lowered. She seemed surprised and turns out, we were right.


    I am feeling really relieved and also a bit shaky that this could be lifesaving and I just happened upon it.

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  • Paulette23
    Paulette23 Member Posts: 499
    edited November 2013


    hi everyone! I'm trying to catch up with what's going on w yall! like yall we seem to have started pretty close! my chemo was last wednesday then the nulasta chaser 24 later. still healing from the port placed same day the 13th of November. I'm right there in the thick of things with y'all! All considering it could be so much worse! I am thankful that I got a port placed ......the first oncologist wouldn't even think about putting one in! My husband and I totally disagreed got a second opinion and the first thing my new doctor said was port! I think we're all in the up and down mood category right now! We need to remind ourselves that its ok to have times like that! My most difficult times is either during the day when my husband is at work or at night when there's no one to talk to! Well goodness what am I saying! I still feel like that when he's here doing his school work! It is actually very overcast and drizzly here in Florida the past few days which is fine with me! From what I've read most of us are experiencing the same type of symptoms. I had diarrhea the first 24 hours which is bizarre for me because I have gastroparesis! One that stopped I did not go until I finally had to take ducalex and enema last night before I exploded. It is not that I've eaten very much its just that my abdomen was very bloated and painful! All those drugs in addition to my normal medications we're just sitting in my gut! The cramps and the muscle and bone pain are the worst! My doctor placed me on IV fluids which seems to have helped a lot! I spoke with them today about continuing fluids! It helps to dilute the medications. I agree with you all that it feels like having a case of the flu. I keep going between having a little bout of energy an absolute exhaustion. I know it's the decadron that gave me the energy! But it was short lived... Love the hat ellen! Virginia and Audra sorry you're having a rough time, you're in my prayers! Will the doctor write a prescription for a port? Pat I am right alongside you those cramps are worse than menstrual cramps! I feel like I have acid in my gut....ill keep reading to see how yall are! huggs!!!

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  • Paulette23
    Paulette23 Member Posts: 499
    edited November 2013


    question everyone? What date did you start chemo and when did you lose your hair? I'm okay with it as I've already resigned myself to the fact that I'm going to have no hair! I will get awake at some point but I think for the holidays I'm going to make my bald head into a Christmas ornament! And make it all bling bling!

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  • Paulette23
    Paulette23 Member Posts: 499
    edited November 2013


    I found a neat website its called goodwishesscarves.org thank you will give you a very pretty scarf with your choice of patterns! I was surprised when someone gave me a personal phone call to tell me they had even more fabric.... lol! Also don't forget the American Cancer Society looks good feels great program! They have a makeup class where they will show all the tricks and assist you with wigs, and other needs! If you need help with your house work there is an organization that is great called cleaning for a reason. They will come out once a month for 4 months at no charge to help you clean your house!

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  • QuirkyGirl
    QuirkyGirl Member Posts: 383
    edited November 2013


    paulette23 - sounds like a great idea! I'm thinking of drawing a Christnas tree on one side and writing "Merry Christmas" on the front. I also bought a black bowler hat at Target and plan to hot glue tiny Christmas trees to it.

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  • Paulette23
    Paulette23 Member Posts: 499
    edited November 2013


    Quirky! why not have fun! the bizarreness will be contagious! Am I the only one here who has ever had a secret fantasy. ...hmmm wonder what it would like to b bald!!??? (only a little while though!) I've had times due to autoimmune conditions when my hair kept falling out and gotten MUCH thinner and was impossible to style but never all the way! Ill save ton of money on hair supplies!!!!! and getting ready to go anywhere will b a schince! !!

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  • QuirkyGirl
    QuirkyGirl Member Posts: 383
    edited November 2013


    Paulette23 - I agree! My indulgence is having a wig with thick longish hair. The complete opposite of my naturally curly look. I'm thinking of shaving it off the day before Thanksgiving instead of waiting for it to fall out over the long weekend and dealing with clumpy straggly bits. My daughter buzzed off her hair this summer and she'll be home for Thanksgiving break. Think it's Mama's turn now. I like the idea of being in control of when my hair disappears. Plus, I think it needs to be more socially acceptable for women to be bald. If I can help that cause in my little town even a bit, it will be worth it. You should have seen me trying out long brown hair with a "tiara" from my sister. My nephew loved it.

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  • Paulette23
    Paulette23 Member Posts: 499
    edited November 2013


    quirky! I'm going to have fun with the two there will be times when I will go naked, times with a wig......then, times when I'll try out being a blonde or redhead! Why not have fun with it!

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  • Paulette23
    Paulette23 Member Posts: 499
    edited November 2013


    this program or maybe my phone Wakked! it duplicates w words especially w When I start nodes paragraph. Anyways. ..I too am gonna shave mine off .....I'm not gonna wait to look like some balding middle age mean who tries to kid himself that he's not losing his hair and does an atrocious COMBOVER!!!! I just hope I have results like I did? 2005....I got bad sick. ... don't 74 days in hospital. ... a free massive doses of antibiotics an 8 transfusions. ... my hair went from iron board straight to multiple abilities!!!! I can curl or blow out!!!!

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  • smrlvr
    smrlvr Member Posts: 422
    edited November 2013


    did anyone out there get a headache with AC? I had my first treatment today and I have a terrible headache!

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  • Paulette23
    Paulette23 Member Posts: 499
    edited November 2013


    smrlvr.....yes all week...nagging......

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  • Paulette23
    Paulette23 Member Posts: 499
    edited November 2013


    I was dehydrated. ..with all my other meds I just couldn't drink enough to flush my system. my MO gave Rx for home IV fluids...we did three days and it helped in alot of ways for my situation. She said I can have em daily if I need. the pharm delivered more tonite at 6:30...yahhhhh! . had pbm friday where the home health agency screwed up and cancelled service.thankfully my hubby is an RN and could do it. otherwise it would have meant going to the ER.....so we are just gonna let him continue to do mine. for those who need someone insurance will generally pay for the RN to come out. Fluids ....fluids ...fluids....is the trick! most people are ok just drinking a lot. more H20 helped w energy and the nulasta pain to.so drink up1!

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  • Paulette23
    Paulette23 Member Posts: 499
    edited November 2013


    smrlvr....hang in there! ill b praying for u!!!

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  • Paulette23
    Paulette23 Member Posts: 499
    edited November 2013


    if yall have a port...as your MO FOR RX to numb before insertion. mine hurt when we access it...the cream put on ahead of time is much better! anyone getting profalatic antibiotics? as always I end up w a yeast infection and thrush. got more diflucan to take care of it! plus some magic mouthwash to bhelp with my raw mouth. thrush seems to make mouth pbms worse. gee....sounds like I'm getting meds for my babies again! ill b naked as a baby w no hair and battling thrush! lol!!!! at 51 (52 in a few days!) at least I won't be plucking goat hairs off my chin for awhile!!!

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  • BeanBean
    BeanBean Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2013


    Hi everyone,


    Been reading/lurking for a while now. Going for my first chemo treatment tomorrow. Was emotional earlier today, doing okay now. I feel somewhat prepared and somewhat confused. Have had my teeth cleaned, got my flu shot, had port placed (that's still a little sore, but not bad), had chemo teaching, got my emla cream and my Compazine, hats and scarves (not sure about a wig yet), DH will be there with me, will bring iPad and magazines, bland soup made for dinner. That's all good.


    Now for the questions. I don't remember anyone at the cancer center telling me about steroids. Is that standard? Is is part of the infusion? Also, I have never used Claritin before is that over the counter? Are there different strengths? Do you take it the morning of the Neulasta shot? Also, I haven't had to use anything for constipation before? What's working for you? Should I already be taking something? I guess I can run out and get something in the morning if I should take it before infusion (scheduled for 2:30) and I'm only 20 minutes from the cancer center.


    Geez, just when you think you're prepared you start freaking out about not being prepared!!


    Any information/advice is greatly appreciated!


    Kathy

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  • audra67
    audra67 Member Posts: 521
    edited November 2013


    VirginiaNJ-


    Thanks I do feel better now- the sadness seems to come and go...hoping I do NOT get my period next week when it is due..I want the hormones gone!...


    went to Dr for my swelling...my arm is infected!! They gave me antibiotics and if no better in 2 days to go back in...great. They also said I might want to get a port so this doesn't happen again...I am just so tired of procedures and pokes and pain...weary...


    I told the infusion nurse it hurt and the nurse said today it shouldn't hurt, but when I told him he said it's the taxotere =hard on veins...anyhow not sure if it should or shouldn't hurt but still does and swollen and icing and annoyed...


    HOping this will clear up in 2 days.!!! Also getting labs that day so will be interesting to see..

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  • QuirkyGirl
    QuirkyGirl Member Posts: 383
    edited November 2013


    Welcome Kathy! I think that "standard" can really vary. I started steroids this morning but my MO never even mentioned a port. I'm taking Colace once a day once the anti nausea meds start and plan to take Clartin (24 hour dose) to ward off any Neulasta pain. My MO also suggested Prilosec if the steroids bother me. All is well so far but just having taken my second dose of the day. It feels like my temple is compressed in a vice. Strange sensation. Glad you are close to home for treatment. I'll be spending the night since distance is an issue. I'm drinking like a maniac since dehydration was an issue after surgery and I need plump veins for tomorrow. Still on pins and needles about being cleared - or not - to have chemo tomorrow.


    Audra- so sorry that's happening. Hope you feel better soon and the labs help diagnose the problem.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited November 2013

    LateNightReader

    To help answer your questions...

     I don't remember anyone at the cancer center telling me about steroids. Is that standard? Is is part of the infusion?  Decadron is a steroid which is to help prevent the nausea.  Some oncos give their patients a written prescription of this particular drug to take prior to coming in for the first infusion.  Other oncologists give their patients Decadron in with the pre-chemo IV drugs that are administered prior to receiving the chemo round and may give their patients a written prescription if the patients and onco have an appointment on the same day as the infusion but prior to the round.

    Also, I have never used Claritin before is that over the counter? Are there different strengths? Do you take it the morning of the Neulasta shot?   The Neulasta shot is typically administered 24 hours after the infusion.  There is an on going clinical trial investigating the use of the Claritin to help prevent the bone marrow pain that may result from the Neulasta shot.  According to the drug protocal of that study, one takes one 24 hour regular Claritin ( NOT Claritin D) for 7 days starting the day that the shot is administered.  If you have the shot in the afternoon, then you want to take the Claritin in the morning.

    Also, I haven't had to use anything for constipation before? What's working for you? Should I already be taking something? I guess I can run out and get something in the morning if I should take it before infusion (scheduled for 2:30) and I'm only 20 minutes from the cancer center.  There are over the counter medications that one can take for the constipation.  I opted to eat 1-2 Sunsweet Ones individually wrapped prunes with my breakfast, lunch and dinner and made an effort to eat a bowl of oatmeal with banana, blue berries, low fat milk and wheat bran for breakfast everyday and was able to eat fruit and vegetables to help keep things moving.  If you increase your fiber intake or decide to take an OTC constipation med, make sure you drink plenty of water. 

    Make sure you ask you onco if it is okay to take any over the counter medications/drugs before you take anything.  The other thing that I can suggest to you is this book.... Eating Well Through Cancer by Holly Clegg and Gerald Miletello .  This book is divided into sections on how to handle certain side effects ( constipation, diarrhea, sore mouth, nausea, etc) and has recipes, shopping lists and helpful tips.  I know that one can find the same information on the BCO.org main website but sometimes having a book in hand is helpful. 

    Hope this helps.... you are ready.....


     

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  • encyclias
    encyclias Member Posts: 302
    edited November 2013


    Kathy, steroids are not generally given with A/C chemo. And I did not receive my first Neulastra shot until the 3rd of my 4 infusions when my wbc started to go down although still in the normal range; and a second after the 4th as a precaution. Never had any pain from them. I have never heard of A/C chemo causing pain either. Mostly you deal with nausea (your onc should be able to control that) and fatigue towards the end of your A/C treatments.


    Not all chemo drugs or their side effects are the same. Some have pain as a side effect, Taxotere especially, so it is hard to tell if it is the Neulastra shot or the chemo causing the pain in those cases.


    Carol

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  • Gina-B
    Gina-B Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2013


    I have my first chemo treatment Thursday, I am doing 4 treatments of Taxotere and Cytoxan. I have my steroids, numbing cream, claritin for the Neulasta shot, and 2 anti naseau meds (zofran and phenergen) I have s bag with a blanket, yarn and crochet hook for something to do and will have the Ipad and some trashy magazines to pass the time. My appointment is at 745 am. What else do I need to get ahead of time? I have Gatorade, water, sprite, ginger ale, made chicken noodle soup. I am trying to become prepared but dont know what else i need to do. My port was placed last Monday, I have a numbing cream for it. I have a cold now and hope that this doesn't delay my treatment. Did anyone else have a cold at a treatment? Please let me know of any advice to get through this as easily as possible. Thanks!


    Gina

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  • FairyDogMother
    FairyDogMother Member Posts: 253
    edited November 2013


    I start Chemo Wednesday. I’m schedule from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. I’m taking TCTaxotere® (docetaxel)/Cytoxan® ( cyclophosphamide). What should I eat for breakfast? Should I take something for lunch?

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  • inks
    inks Member Posts: 746
    edited November 2013


    Gina-B - looks like you've got it all covered. Just try to get a good nights sleep.


    Fairy Dog Mother - eat your regular light breakfast. And if the infusion place is a big place they will have sandwiches at lunchtime. They will provide snacks and drinks also. Don't take anything smelly with you, sometimes people on chemo can't tolerate strong smells.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited November 2013

    I had the Cytoxan/Taxotere regimen and always ate breakfast the day of chemo.  I usally had an egg, toast and a very small bowl of oatmeal plus several glasses of water.  The infusion nurses told me that they would not administer any of my pre-chemo IV drugs (Decadron, Zofran and Ativan) if I had not eaten since those drugs can cause nausea on their own.  As for lunch, my husband would go to a deli in the medical office/hosptial complex and bring back lunch.  He usually got me a turkey sandwich, fruit salad, chips, a garden salad to eat.  I used to bring snacks such as Ritz crackers, peanut butter, apple sauce, fruit, Cheez Its and cheese sticks.  The infusion center was also very well equipped with cereal, soup, crackers, ice cream, fruit juices, coffee, water, chips, etc so there was always food for the patients to eat.  You probably want to take a sandwich with you to eat since you will be there through lunch time.  My infusion nurses always made sure to remind me to eat lunch which was the signal to my husband to go get us lunch!!!!  Hope this helps.  You are all ready for tomorrow.  Just keep breathing and remember that you are not alone.  Tomorrow is chemo day and no reason to rush through anything.  The infusion nurses that I spoke with always told me that it was good that I was never in a hurry and that I told them to take their time.  If you have questions about what they are doing, ask.  You can turn your head and not look when they poke you.  It's okay.  Wishing each of you easy times in the Big Girl Chair tomorrow and minimal side effects.

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  • BeanBean
    BeanBean Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2013


    Thanks Quirky, Carol and Melrose. Very emotional right now. Think I just need to try to sleep.

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  • Paulette23
    Paulette23 Member Posts: 499
    edited November 2013


    hi kathy! welcome! sounds like u got the basics down. u are more prepared than I was....I only had about 5 days to get ready....which is continually frustrating . audra....sorry you're having a rough time...hey Gina...I hope all will go well! the worst is WAITING for the "day".....sounds like youve done what u can! I'm not sure about the cold...I hope it doesn't delay stuff! I had to get my port the same day as starting which made for a LONG DAY! CAROL HI....ya its nuts cause just like no cancer is the same....even with the same drugs everyone is a bit different. would b nice to have a guaranteed checklist of "the whatevers!" walmart has a generic for claritin...I did not know about how it could help nulasta...I generally take it for mny allergies! cool! melrose thanks for the wisdom! querky ...ya I had 2 tabs decadron the day before...given again w chemo then 2 day after....phenergan for nausea (allergic to other anti barfs) thankfully I only had queezies...but made sure I kept phenergan going along w/zantac (generic)...my major pbms is this horrid bloating/PAINFUL TUMMY...sore to even touch w cramps.....now the stupid yeast/thrush.....and of course i get the neulasta pain BAD. it hits the areas already damaged the worst.....argh....thanks all for letting me babble......hi fairydogmother!!! luv ur name! our dx about the same...except I was stage ll grade lll....fast growing monster.2.1cm...they took about 3cm out because we found DCIS after the first surgery.....ok....ill shut up!! :)

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  • BeanBean
    BeanBean Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2013


    QuirkyGirl - hoping that you are cleared for treatment and that everything goes well. Nothing like being on the runway and having to turn around : (


    I'm going to run out this morning to pick up Claritin, prunes, and extra toothbrushes thanks to the suggestions I got last night.


    -Kathy

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