Starting Chemo in December 2013

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  • momat927
    momat927 Member Posts: 173
    edited December 2013


    mercedes60, thanks so much. How funny! I know the 70's well. I think I get it today. Just keep swimming, right? Just let yourself do what need to. Your post is so encouraging for me. Amy

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  • momat927
    momat927 Member Posts: 173
    edited December 2013


    Kimie06- redonkulous is perfect word!!!


    Lorreymom- great news about blood work. Will be thinking about you on Friday


    Hoping tonight provides easy sleep. Amy

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  • OneTexasDay
    OneTexasDay Member Posts: 162
    edited December 2013


    I am 43 and have a 8 year old son.  Our dear neighbors have been taking turns getting him out to sled, making him hot cocoa, etc... over the past weekend and when school was cancelled Friday and Monday. Last night, I made a point to lay down and watch a movie with him, and I think it did us both good.  I don't remember thinking too much of the movie but the snuggle time was therapeutic for sure....

    I love this time of year and it all seems like a blur...  I had my DX on 10/9 and my BMX 10/30,... Halloween and the whole month of November just didn't even seem to exist and now its Christmas time.   I am sure that isn't helping my state of mind.   I am just going to have to make a stand... cancer will not steal this magical season with my little boy....   It is hard to believe Christmas Eve is just two week away!....  

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  • charusa
    charusa Member Posts: 107
    edited December 2013


    My first round of chemo will be Thursday 12/12/2013 (A/C). All testing is now completed...I could not do the breast MRI due to my panic/anxiety disorder and I had felt defeated before I even started. I did however get through the PET/CAT scan, had my port put in yesterday, and my MUGA scan done today. Feeling a lot of discomfort due to the tape at port site and think I may be allergic to the tape. Anxiety is on an upswing as Thursday gets nearer and wondering what the results of my scans will be and if I can take chemo...then if I can tolerate chemo that is another whole issue but as I read everyone's posts I get a little braver. I compare it to a room full of women explaining to an expectant mom how their labor and childbirth were. Some are going to say it was a nightmare and others breezed through it. I keep reminding myself that not everyone has the same SE and from what I have seen everyone gets through them...just some have a harder time than others. Wishing we all could breeze through without all the SE...we already go through so much...maybe one day they will find a way to make cancer more curable in a less painful way. I keep all of you in my prayers everyday!!!

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  • DJJ
    DJJ Member Posts: 229
    edited December 2013


    Is anyone having problems with heartburn? If so, any suggestions on what helps? My onco increased my Prilosec to 40mg but it doesn't seem to help a whole lot. It's making already difficult sleep, even more difficult. Is it April yet?

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  • momat927
    momat927 Member Posts: 173
    edited December 2013


    charusa, this is a really good time to let our anxiety meds work some magic. I wont pretend this is easy, but somehow, somehow, i will get through it as i hope you will & all the women heretogether. I learned that there are also Gilda Club's and support groups that offer free meditation & reiki & other relaxation supports. It's like rallying your posse. Strength to you, Amy

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  • momat927
    momat927 Member Posts: 173
    edited December 2013


    DJJ. Mine recommended same thing!!!

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  • mercedes60
    mercedes60 Member Posts: 171
    edited December 2013


    charusa, good luck on thursday, just tell yourself gotta get this over, bring some people magazines, make sure u have something in your stomach, a couple of bottles of water to flush the chems out.


    Mri, actually i am claustophobic, but when i saw the utube on procedure wasnt that bad, as long as my head and feet are sticking out im ok,, not pleasant, but bearable, ifu can do muga scan u can do this .


    Chemo not fun, its a long road, but u know venting and lots of support here really helps nomatter how crazy our sides are we all go thru it.


    Momat927, i turned 60 this summer, still rocking, well a little slower these days lol

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  • KLI
    KLI Member Posts: 52
    edited December 2013


    good news lorreymom lead the way to round 2. We are right behind you!

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

    charusa, I think we all felt the same way before our first TX. It is the fear of the unknown, SE's, etc. hang out here and you will get lots of encouragement and advice along the way. It is not fun by any stretch, but you can do it! Good luck on your scans and upcoming treatment:). Make sure you hydrate the day before, day of and days after TX. I think mentally, I felt better once I started treatment, knowing that I was on my way to recovering. Now, I am going to enjoy the good days I am having until the next round!

    OTD, sounds like you had some much needed therapy with your son! That's awesome. I have been journaling in an effort to feel like I am not losing every day!

     


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  • QuirkyGirl
    QuirkyGirl Member Posts: 383
    edited December 2013


    charusa - hang in there! My first time went just fine. I'm amazed at how differently we all respond to treatment.


    Djj - have you tried sleeping more upright? That and no food or drink an hour or so before bed seems to help.


    One Texas day - so glad you got that special time with him. Hope to have something similar with my son in the next day or so. So sweet.

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  • atlbraves
    atlbraves Member Posts: 50
    edited December 2013


    I have nothing substantive to add, but I hope everyone is managing ok, knowing that we'll get though this craziness, and I carry your energy with me.


    Lorrey, you go girl! I'm Round 2 on the 20th.

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  • atlbraves
    atlbraves Member Posts: 50
    edited December 2013


    Well, here's something substantive...suggested by a Stage 2 Sister:


    http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Breast-Cancer-Patients-Survivors/dp/B0036LG0F4





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  • Goldie8469
    Goldie8469 Member Posts: 90
    edited December 2013


    Round 2 tomorrow. I felt my scalp sigh. Not tingle… I know what they mean about " you will know that it is about to happen. It is ok. On my way to healing and climbing this mountain….

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited December 2013


    DJJ - Heartburn, I have been using zantac max strength and elevating my head and chest in bed. Seems to help.


    All you ladies who are paving the way this week for another round of chemo, I wish you well. May the chemo do it's job and the SE's be nonexistent or minimal.


    Charusa - I am sorry that you have bc, but am glad that you are here with our group of ladies. They are so caring and helpful. We are here for you.


    Kim

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  • denise4603
    denise4603 Member Posts: 132
    edited December 2013


    Hi Lovely Ladies,


    This is my first post here. I was on October Chemo and November Chemo boards, but due to numerous drain complications my chemo was delayed 5 times. I saw the oncologist today and it looks like it is really gonna happen this time. THURSDAY 12/12 is the day. I hope you will all be figuratively holding my hand!


    I just read all 12 pages of your posts. You are brave and strong and wonderful.


    Good luck to everyone.


    Denise

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  • QuirkyGirl
    QuirkyGirl Member Posts: 383
    edited December 2013


    so proud of you Goldie!!!!!


    Denise, Whoop!! Whoop! I totally get where you are coming from and it made my first infusion a happy happy event instead of an anxious one. I hope the same holds true for you.

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  • keets858
    keets858 Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2013


    Can anyone give some guidance on timing the SE of Neulasta? They said I can go anytime on Friday, but my son has a Xmas program that I need to attend at 7pm. I'm thinking I shoud do the Neulasta around 3pm as opposed to early in the morning...thoughts or advice?

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  • QuirkyGirl
    QuirkyGirl Member Posts: 383
    edited December 2013


    keets - I had my shot at 9 and felt tired around 2 but really think that was cumulative lack of sleeping and stressing to get home in bad weather. Took a quick nap at 3:30 and have felt fine all evening. I did take Claritin the night before. Based on my experience, I'd go for the early morning shot. I also hydrated like a fiend. Btw, my shot felt like any other shot and was in the fatty part of my upper arm. Enjoy your son's Xmas program! Mine has a band concert tomorrow night. Can't wait to go. My onc nurse said hugging people is better than shaking hands (less infection in a hug). I thought it was good advice.

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  • keets858
    keets858 Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2013


    Thanks for the feedback, Quirky! And the hugging advice makes perfect sense!

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited December 2013


    Keets858 - Take Claritin the day before, day of, and day after. I felt achy the day after. Go towards the end of the day, if that works better for you, especially since you have your son's program in the evening. The nurse told me to take tylenol right away. I was already on it from chemo the day before. Good luck.


    Kim

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  • kimie06
    kimie06 Member Posts: 215
    edited December 2013

    ugghh... still kicking .... wtf is happening to me seriously....Loopy how will I ever cope with round 2 when I am failing so terribly at round one.  Another call into oncology this morning for some guidance and hopefully a big switch for round 2, (Dec 20) and its on my birthday, is a balloon too much to ask for?... LOL...or maybe some cake?...hehe ...even though we are all only getting started we are closer to the end .. big hugs gals xo

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  • OneTexasDay
    OneTexasDay Member Posts: 162
    edited December 2013


    On your birthday....?! Now, THAT is a birthday festivity that you don't hear requested often I am sure.


    Your attitude is great.... You will rock it!

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  • Carol99
    Carol99 Member Posts: 116
    edited December 2013


    Good Morning, I'm having my bloodwork today, MUGA scan & chemo teaching appt. today. I'm nervous about the scan, not sure what to expect. I'm getting rally anxious about chemo & side effects. I'm 44, kids in college & high school, job, Christmas!


    This board helps. . . Not that I wish this on anyone but I'm glad for the honesty and insight

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  • RobinLK
    RobinLK Member Posts: 840
    edited December 2013


    Kimie, sorry you are having such a tough time. Hopefully, by finding this out early, they will be better able to match your treatment to you. It sounds like they are working in that direction.

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited December 2013


    NEskir99 - The MUGA machine was open, they do move your arm around to get a good view of your heart. It's not the most comfortable thing, but I didn't feel claustrophobic. I found that meeting the nurses and touring the infusion center prior to my first treatment, was helpful. When's your first round? We are here for you.


    Kim

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

    denise, welcome:).

    my neulasta seemed to kick in that evening within a few hours. I did take Claritin prior and ended up taking tyl pm before bed. I had back ache and head ache for a few days, but not severe. A long hot shower helped also! I seemed to feel much better once I got up and moved around, walked, etc.

    I haven't had heartburn, but have read that you should NOT lay down after eating; remain upright or sitting. Pepcid?

    neskir, the treatment is a lot easier than we all anticipate. For me not knowing how I would feel, etc was hard. I was actually pleasantly surprised how easy it was for me. I hope it is for you too! I felt pretty much back to normal after my 7th day. But we may be on different tx's. My Dr gave me an arsenal of meds and I have only used a couple, mainly to sleep.

    kimie, praying that your medical team can resolve your problems quickly.

    Enjoy your week ladies!  Happy HUMP Day:)

    Pretty soon this will all be a distant memory:)

    ((HUGS))

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  • charusa
    charusa Member Posts: 107
    edited December 2013


    NEskir99, I had my MUGA scan yesterday and it was not hard at all. I could not do the breast MRI at all but got through the PET/CAT scan ok. Out of the 3 of them the muga was the easiest. They draw some blood and mix it with the tracer. You feel nothing when they inject the tracer. You lie on your back with arms up and the camera is right above your chest but your head is out the whole time. I had 2 rounds of pics each taking about 8 minutes each and it was over. Good luck to you!!!


    Denise, I start my chemo tomorrow also. It will be my first visit so I don't know if there will be any delays or not. My port was put in Monday and had a muga scan yesterday. Good luck to you and I will be thinking about you as we start this journey together!!!


    Charlotte

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  • QuirkyGirl
    QuirkyGirl Member Posts: 383
    edited December 2013


    Charlotte, glad to hear it went well! I hear the first infusion is the longest as they run certain drugs slowly until they can rule out adverse reaction. What chemo drugs are you going to be in? I'm just four days ahead of you and can send in reports to you and Denise from the front line! As in dry hands and body ache showed up this morning, and mild achy teeth, but all manageable.

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  • lorreymom
    lorreymom Member Posts: 149
    edited December 2013


    Since my white cells were good, I snuck out early this am (when stores are quiet here) & did some shopping. Felt good to get out of the house. I picked up anti-nausea wristbands & a therapeutic gel eye mask. Hopefully these will help with my nausea & headaches for round 2.


    Also picked up some anti-slip headbands (the kind with a sticky rubbery strip on one side) to hold my scarves on my head. And some double sided fashion tape for sensitive skin...hoping this will help my wigs & hats not slip. My hair is really thin now. Baldness won't be long...I welcome it. This hair falling out business is messy!!!


    Goldie - you will absolutely kick-it tomorrow!!! Go get 'em, girl!! :)


    Kimie - so sorry for your rough time. I have heard second round is better???? I'll let you know.


    Welcome to all the new people! Denise - congrats on finally get there!! And NEskir99 - my MUGA test was one of the easier tests I have had. A little IV injection (no catheter) & just laying there with my arms above my head. I was in & out in less than 30 minutes!


    Fight On ladies!!

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