Starting Chemo in December 2013

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  • kimie06
    kimie06 Member Posts: 215
    edited December 2013

    Holy !! I attended the look good feel good program this past Monday and was very pleased !!!! I missed the makeup side of it because of an appointment but I don't feel challenged with make up, so I wanted to see the hair side of it, scarves etc.. I CANNOT get over the box of product, everything from mac to Clinique and in between .. easily 200 dollars worth of product.   As for donating my hair like some of you mentioned I cannot as its processed and has been for a very long time, I am a hairstylist so I know my hair is not suited for donation :( 

    I am nervous for tomorrow as I start the first treatment.  8:30 bright and early.  The stomach flu has hit the 5 year old, but I am going Lysol wipes crazy, I cannot get sick. !!

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

    kimie - seriously consider an underhair from www.hatswithhair.com - I loved mine and they can make it with treated hair.  If you cut the hair off in 8" ponytails you just send them in to her in the mail and she makes the hairpiece.  I ended up with a cute pixie after the hair was cut so when my hair fell out it was already pretty short. 

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  • lorreymom
    lorreymom Member Posts: 149
    edited December 2013


    kimie - I know, right!!! Wow, I was so impressed with the makeup. High end stuff like Vichy, Clinique, Mac & more. Not to look a gift-horse in the mouth...I was curious...I stopped adding up when I reached $300...still had 1/2 box left to go. The Vichy & Mac stuff alone was just shy of $100 (2 full sized products...all of it is full sized...no samples) Guessamating about $400 ??? Amazing!! Thank you to all the companies that donate product and all the volunteers that donate time. Sure puts a bright light on a dark disease! :)

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited December 2013

    kjfromca, good luck today! Let us know how it goes.

    Welcome Becky-sorry you found yourself here. It is very over-whelming. Breathe, cry, vent, take one day at a time. So glad you have a wonderful hubby to lean on. My kids are grown, but they are my support, as I am single. I think you will find this forum to be most helpful.

    SpecialK, yes, on the Big D or Big C-my body hasn't made up it's mind and it's driving me crazy! Don't want to over-do with fiber, but don't want to be stopped up..! Avacados have too much fat or something-my system can't take them.

    Had a slight back-ache and head-ache last night, took tyl pm, but still didn't sleep very well. Done with my steroids, so hoping I can rest tonight. No nausea, a bit of dry mouth, but otherwise feeling fine on Day 3.

    The next LGFB class is on Monday-not sure if I will be feeling well to go, but am going to try.

    When I went to chemo on Tuesday, someone had made fleece caps for the patients, so I got one. Very cute!

    One patient there was going to use the cold caps also. I will be anxious to see how she does.

    Good luck to all of you starting this week!

    ((HUGS))

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  • joanmj58
    joanmj58 Member Posts: 68
    edited December 2013


    OK--that's done. Had my chemo class with the nurse. Picked up meds for the infusion before and after. It happens Monday my 1st TC chemo. Should lose my hair around Xmas day! Cut it short and may buzz it closer to when it falls out. I get the Neulasta shot on Tuesday. Hoping for mild SE's! Anyone on here that the SE was manageable? Any tips will be welcome!


    Joan

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited December 2013

    joan, I am one step ahead of you. I started on Tuesday, so we'll be about a wk apart. Did you ask your Dr about taking Claritin with your shot? It may help with the pain that may come later with the shot, due to the swelling in your bone marrow. PM me if you want to. 

    Terri

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  • joanmj58
    joanmj58 Member Posts: 68
    edited December 2013


    Hi, Terri:


    I mentioned this to the nurse. She is calling in my clairitan, tyenol and motrin to the pharmacy as my insurance may cover it. Have you experienced any SE's? Anyway, been reading the posts to learn more. Hope your day is going smoothly.


    Joan

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  • dragonfly45
    dragonfly45 Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2013


    I have my first infusion tomorrow 12/6. Adriamycin/Cytoxzn every two weeks for four treatments, with Nevlasta within 72 hours. I will have radiation after this is done. My wonderful daughters took me wig shopping and family members have been sending me hats and scarfs. I would love to keep my eyelashes and eyebrows, but I have been told by everyone the hair will go sometime after the 2nd treatment. We all can do this. I had Metaplastic, triple negative

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited December 2013

    welcome dragonfly-good luck on your treatment tomorrow! You might want to ck out the Look Good Feel Better program sponsored by ACS. I haven't been yet, but hope to go soon. They offer tips, make-up etc. Heard great things about it.

    Joan, no real SE's yet, except a little back pain and slight head-ache so far. Nothing tylenol hasn't fixed. I am told that may change in a day or two, though!:)

    Going to pick up my wig....another dose of reality!

    Good luck~keep us posted.

    Terri

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  • lorreymom
    lorreymom Member Posts: 149
    edited December 2013


    joan - I had FEC, but my SEs were very managable & temporary. Chemo is do-able. You can do it!! :)


    Dragonfly - good luck with your chemo! And yes, do check out the LGFB program!! It will put a smile on your face! :)

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited December 2013


    Lorreymom - I just finished my first AC treatment. I had a lady in the chair next to mine who highly recommends the port, she has had one for 2 years with no problems, she was very encouraging. My nurse wants me to get one, as I too have small veins. So, looks like I will be getting one before my next chemo. Also, I discussed pic lines with the nurse, she recommended the port, for more mobility. Like you, I was originally going to have the Taxol treatments weekly, but that has changed to double dose every 2 weeks. That should kick my butt, I hear it takes about 4 hours. Right now I am on AC treatments every 2 weeks. My stomach already isn't 100%... sipping 7up, and will take my zofran in an hour. I do have ginger just in case. Back to the IV - I think that once you get to the weekly treatment, that could get rough, especially adding all the labs and tests. I hope your CT goes well, I had to have a PET Scan prior to chemo... These tests are so stressful. Keep me posted.


    Kim

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  • RobinLK
    RobinLK Member Posts: 840
    edited December 2013


    started chemo yesterday, neulasta shot today. Got different anti-nausea med. Zofran headache was not manageable with Tylenol and got progressively worse with each dose. Took my Claritin this morning and will continue for 7 days. About to nap and then get tree decorated with lots of family help!

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited December 2013


    Keepthefaith - The actual AC treatment wasn't bad, great nurses. I will be getting a port before my next treatment. My stomach isn't 100%, I will take my first dose of Zofran pretty soon. I do feel tired, I am waiting for the steriods to give me energy, so far this isn't happening. They will probably kick in when I need to sleep.


    I feel a little anxious while I am waiting for side effects.


    I too am interested in hearing how those cold caps are working out.


    Wishing you all the best.


    Kim

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  • atlbraves
    atlbraves Member Posts: 50
    edited December 2013


    Hi All,


    I read that cold caps don't work with Adriamycin. I think that info came from the informational articles on breastcancer.org.


    Also, for what it's worth, my MO said that AC folks usually keep most of their lashes and brows, since that hair is not generated by fast-growing cells. I hope that's how it goes! Every other body hair will go...silver lining is no upper lip waxing for a few months for me - nice! And leg shaving won't be an issue...what a paradigm shift that will be!


    Wow, all I've heard about is the horrible constipation - thanks for sharing the other side, SpecialK.


    Also, my MO said constipation (if you are amongst the unfortunate afflicted) can increase the nausea SE.


    Argh, I wish there was a LGFB class near me...I love me some product! :) Glad some of you are able to partake!

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited December 2013


    My infusion nurse said that I will lose all my hair with the Taxol. It's good to know that I might be able to hang onto the brows and lashes for awhile. I have awful heartburn right now. Just took a Zantac. I am not normally one who complains, but I feel like a baby, for some reason I wasn't expecting the side effects to hit so fast. You ladies are really helping me, it is comforting to know that you are here.


    Kim

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  • emq2
    emq2 Member Posts: 60
    edited December 2013


    Kim:


    So sorry to hear about SE. Hopefully they will stay minimal. I will pray for you.


    I am wide awake - cannot sleep...anticipation of my first in AM.


    Keep us posted.

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  • Goldie8469
    Goldie8469 Member Posts: 90
    edited December 2013


    Has anyone tried the Sancuso patch to help with the nausea? I did not get much relief from Zofran. I am curious if anyone else is using it. I go for my second chemo on Dec 12. My port is still achy. I have started reconstruction. I have 400cc in each. These expanders hurt. On the bright side, I feel like I know what to expect.

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  • OneTexasDay
    OneTexasDay Member Posts: 162
    edited December 2013


    kj,


    I too have heartburn after my first infusion today. I am thinking it really kicked in after taking some of my first day meds but guess it could be the Tch. Funny how I just assumed it was the pills as I have a ometimes capsule fillers and coatings seem to burn all the way down way before DX.


    Kj? Did the nurse tell you about cold caps w A today ? Keeping up with the caps is lots of work and they are expensive. . Bet that was frustrating!!!! Are you considering changing your mind about trying them moving forward?

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  • keets858
    keets858 Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2013


    Hello, ladies!


    I will be starting my first chemo treatment next week, on 12/12. So far I'm scheduled to receive 4 treatments of TC every 3 weeks. My Oncotype was 32 so my MO might add 2 rounds OR Adriamycin. He's mulling it over :) I'll go to the Chemo Ed class on Tuesday and my port will be inserted on Wed. I'm excited to get this chapter started; I know it's going to suck, but it's the only way to get to the other side! I just turned 36 last month and have 2 adorable toddler boys that I need to watch grow into men!

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  • emq2
    emq2 Member Posts: 60
    edited December 2013


    Does anyone know where to buy cold caps? What is the cost? How many do I need? How do I use it and for how long?


    Any guidance would be helpful!!!

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  • OneTexasDay
    OneTexasDay Member Posts: 162
    edited December 2013


    There is a board here dedicated to cold caps you can get lots of info there.


    Also google and contact rapunzel project. They are a great source of info and are prompt to respond and give info on the subject.


    Also search cold cap chemo on line for options, I am using the penguin cold cap line. Honestly, decided to not try them when I thought I'd be on TAC due to lower success rates with those drugs but when I found our I was on a TCH ( see below for my sig since there seems to several TCs out there). I flip flopped again and tried them yesterday. Fingers are crossed for good results!


    IMHO, They are expensive and require helpers, but those 7 hours yesterday sure did seem to fly with our little 3 man cold cap circus going on yesterday.


    I was actually a bit disappointed not to get to order that beautiful wig I was checking out , but was delighted at the possibility that I might be able to avoid the starting over with nothing on top. But I realize nothing is guaranteed on cold caps which is difficult for me. Cancer in General is not good for control freaks like me who when they can't control the outcome they can adjust to it begrudgingly as long as they can know the outcome upfront. :)


    You can send me a PM if you have more questions as well. I will do my best to give you good answers.

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  • Leealice
    Leealice Member Posts: 87
    edited December 2013


    I'm starting TAC chemo on 12/16. 6 treatments every 3 weeks. Anyone starting/ doing TAC?

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  • RobinLK
    RobinLK Member Posts: 840
    edited December 2013


    I just started with the A/C for 4 cycles every 2 weeks. Then I will start Taxol and Herceptin for 4 cycles every 2 weeks.

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  • OneTexasDay
    OneTexasDay Member Posts: 162
    edited December 2013


    My apologies to all the other Dallas-Ft Worth area commuters, God and Mother Nature have apparently ordered me stay home from work the first day after my first chemo.... They are also saying I need to spend some much needed time with my kiddo.... School is closed due weather! :)

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  • KLI
    KLI Member Posts: 52
    edited December 2013


    first chemo was yesterday managed the cold caps but was ready to get that last one off at 6:30 pm. I have thinning hair think I got a patch of frostbite. Felt ok until an evening med called Mesna which left me up all night with terrible stomach cramps. Still moving slowly hope I am through with that!


    If you are interested in the penguin caps call the number and talk to geralyn she is really helpful.


    My picc line was not ideal so after chemo we removed it. I will go get an arm port before next time which they can do with local.


    Stay tough all

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited December 2013


    Wishing all of you starting your treatment today the best. Feeling better this morning. Eating plan oatmeal and drinking a cup of coffee. Yesterday was rough. Took all my meds right away, didn't seem like it was helping until about 2 AM, but feel somewhat human now.


    RobinK - What medicine did they change you to from the Zofran? I am not really liking it either, I had a headache all night, tylenol doesn't get rid of it. The compazine works better for me, but I don't want to not take both at this point.


    Are any of you getting swelling in your hands? I need to watch this, as I worry about lymphedema, and notice that both of my hands are little swollen.


    Regarding the Claritin and nuelasta inject. I took one yesterday, and the nurse told me to take it for 3 days, my shot is scheduled for today.


    Kim

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited December 2013


    KLI - I used a heating pad on my stomach last night, it really helped.


    Kim

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  • RobinLK
    RobinLK Member Posts: 840
    edited December 2013


    They changed me to the compazine. I only have 1 anti-nausea med. they said the Ativan also has anti nausea properties.

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited December 2013


    Emq2 - I will be praying for you today. I called the onc. once yesterday, because when the side effects started, I had a hard time swallowing... just a dry throat, could swallow with water, but wasn't sure if I was having an allergic reaction. What I am getting at, is don't hesitate to call the doctor's office.


    OneTexasDay - Zantac took care of the heartburn. Come to think of it, I had heartburn with my pain meds after surgery. I am not going to do cold caps, as I am stage III and I need chemo drugs everywhere, and the info. that I read still is in the trial stages. Although if I was stage I or maybe II, I might have tried it.


    I am blowing up the board today, lol, must be the coffee and steroids.


    Kim

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  • lorreymom
    lorreymom Member Posts: 149
    edited December 2013


    you ladies are all warriors!! Keep fighting.


    No sign of hairloss yet, but today my scalp is very tender. Soon??


    I also have a 2" itchy rash on my stomach area, looks yeasty. I started topical canestin cream & polysporin. It is the weekend, so if it gets worse, I will have to go to emerg. No fever. Will monitor closely.


    Phoned the pharmacy to order my emend, aloxi & neulasta for next week. They gave me full script on my other meds...so good to go on those. Round 2 for me next Friday if bloodwork is good on Tuesday.


    Have a good weekend!

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