Starting Chemo in December 2013

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  • count_it_all_joy
    count_it_all_joy Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2013

    lorreymom - keep dishing out those hugs!  finding the same thing in my house - the girls just need lots of loving and being allowed to make fun of things that aren't exactly funny…  :)   We have missed piano recitals and christmas parties and sleepovers, because of mom being sick and trying to restore health to the house before my mom gets here for Christmas.  Those are big losses for kids, but special time with mom and dad goes a long way to compensate.  

    quirkygirl - weird is the word, isn't it??  I get to working around the house and get freshly shocked each time I walk past a mirror!  At least it didn't make me cry.  Wondered if it would.  And there is nothing like sitting in a bathtub on a stool having your little girl giggle while she plays stylist.  

    a little fyi - I found a wig I actually like yesterday, and realized last night it is TOO tight.  Bad headache after wearing it for a while.  I was worried I was stuck with it, then found a youtube video that shows you how to add elastic to the wig to make it fit more comfortably.  SO excited.  That will be my project at home tonight.  just thought I'd pass it on in case anyone else runs into this.  Another headache I do not need. 

    question - has anyone else gotten/recovered from a cold while on chemo?  I was dealing with a cold virus while I was in the hospital, and still am.  Feel like I'm not making any progress, and I don't want to end up in the hospital again over Christmas.  Do I just do the normal rest and fluids and assume it will pass like a virus normally does?  I keep reading that it can progress into pneumonia, and after 5 hospital days that makes me nervous to hear…

    6 days til Christmas!  Hope you all are still feeling the joy in the midst of all "this"!  :) 

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  • count_it_all_joy
    count_it_all_joy Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2013

    RobinL - how is today for you?  

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  • KLI
    KLI Member Posts: 52
    edited December 2013

    hi everyone. Had a blood check today to see if I could go to a school event. Still very low apparently not coming back up as quickly as they would like. Now worried I will have to reschedule getting port on Monday and delay round 2. 

    You sound good lorreymom keep up the fight. 

    Everyone seems to be handling the hair loss, I have started losing body hair.

    Hope everyone feels well enough to somewhat enjoy the holiday. Hang on to those good days.

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

    Good for you, waterdog! happy dance-You did it!

    KLI,  I hope your counts come up soon. Monday is a ways out, so maybe they'll be better by then.  I have been walking when I can and trying to get some sun. I think that is supposed to help your immune system...at least it makes me feel like I am doing something anyway!

    count_it_all, I hope you get over your cold soon. Maybe your MO has something that can help.

    ((HUGS))

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  • dragonfly45
    dragonfly45 Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2013

    Happy Holidays to my December Chemo Buddies.  My hair started to fall out  yesterday 12/18 and my hairdresser was able to get me in and shave my head.  My scalp is tender and hurts.  I am wearing my wig today and think it will be doable.  I had my first infusion 12/6, next is tomorrow the 20th.  My blood work was good today so it is a go, MY major sideeffects have been no appetite, headache and fatigue.  i did have  bone pain two days after my nulasta shot but managed with ibuprofen.  The Dr told me today the SE will be more pronounced with each infusion.  good news i will be half way done after tomorrow!  Wishing you all a Wonderful Holiday.   

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  • kimie06
    kimie06 Member Posts: 215
    edited December 2013

    well ladies today I had my hair chopped off !!Bawling  not buzzed, bobbed it off.  its a start.  Round 2 goes tomorrow ...dreading, dreading...but it is what it is.  praying this one is smoother then the first., god willing

    lorreymum...you walk everyday, I am so envious..... no way in heck in the days after chemo could I that.  I wish, I was lucky to get to the bathroom and back without feeling like fainting. 

    hangin in there.....big hugs gals

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  • Goldie8469
    Goldie8469 Member Posts: 90
    edited December 2013

    Round 2 was much easier. I did acupuncture the day after and it helped with my nausea. My hair started fall out two days after like snow. I never planned on shaving it but I had to clip it short because there was hair everywhere. I cried but I am over it. I went to dinner with my girlfriends last night.  I don't live the house much.  I am dreading round 3 the day after Christmas.  Has anyone's mouth been bleeding?  Mine started today. ugh.   PS- MY LEG HAIR IS STILL THERE!  That is not fair! :)

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited December 2013

    Just got home from round 2 - In bed resting. 

    kimmie06 - I hope that they changed  some of your meds so that you have a better time with the SE's this week.  Your last two weeks sounded pretty bad, I am sorry.

    DJJ - If you decide not to take the job because of all the stuff you now have to endure, just remember when one door closes, another opens.   Whatever decision you make will be the right decision for you right now.  

    OneTexasDay - I hope your counts are good tomorrow.   Looks like you and I had our first chemos on 12/5, my count was good on the 17th. You are out of the 7-10 day window.  Did they give you a Neulasta shot with you last treatment?

    Count-it-all-Joy - I like the idea of you letting your daughter cut your hair.  I was thinking of letting my 18 year old daughter mess with mine when the time comes, or have one of my boys give me a buzz cut.  I love to have a good laugh with my kids.  Regarding your cold, I am starting to think that the chemo causes my nose to constantly run.  I take sudafed in the morning and it helps when I feel congested.  

    Lorreymom - Way to go regarding your weight loss.  Keep me posted, I need motivation. 

    Waterdog - Glad to hear that you are doing well so far with the SE's.  

    KLI - Did I just read a post that your counts are still low?  I am too tired to look for it, but was wondering if they gave you a Neulasta shot?  As you and I were both in the same situation last weekend and stuck at home.  

    Kim

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  • OneTexasDay
    OneTexasDay Member Posts: 162
    edited December 2013


    My iron is low, but my iron is always low and especially when Aunt Flo is visiting so I will just pop some of my iron pills and my hemoglobin (whih I previously referred to as my iron level and which apparently is now referred to as red blood cell count) will be fine I am guessing.  If not, doc said he'd just add some to my next infusion.

    I did get yeast infection from my steroids so my MO is going to cut the steroid in half and if I still do well with SEs then he may cut it out all together for #3.

     KJ, I did not get a Neulasta shot; I don't think my regimine usually requires one.  I am actually feeling quite guilty because my chemo seems to be much less toxic than some of the other regimines that some of you are having to go through.  I am so sorry that some of you are having such a rough go of it.  :(

    Dragonfly, I do find it odd that our docs seem to be all over the place as to what they tell us; mine told me this morning that the next one will likely be easier...  Strange that some docs say just the opposite.  I am on a 6 cycle chemo and have been told 3 and 4 are usually the toughest but who knows.

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited December 2013

    OneTexasDay - All chemo sucks, don't you feel guilty about anything.  Love the Aunt Flo comment, gotta love our aunts... I'm still afraid of some of my them.

    Goldie - I had some sores on my tongue last week, but used the salt water and biotin sp? and am ok now.  Try that, I hope it helps.

    Kim

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  • RobinLK
    RobinLK Member Posts: 840
    edited December 2013

    Wow, everyone is so active today! Hoping counts go up and SE's go down for everyone. I too have heard that the SE's can get more pronounced with each treatment. So far, I have only had a migraine last night and was unable to get to sleep until 2:30 in the morning. 2 Extra Strength Tylenol and 1.5 Ativan and that took care of it. Beginning to think the headaches are related to the steroids. Taking my nausea medicine and have been very lucky with that. Had my neulasta shot today, sticking with the claritin, but it did not seem to be very effective for me last time. Still have Percocet if needed for the bone pain.

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  • KLI
    KLI Member Posts: 52
    edited December 2013

    wishing an easy time for those of you into round 2.

    Kim I did not get neulasta last time but will have to get with round 2 because everything got too low and is not bouncing back. I have heard use plain Claritin and then I read use Claritin d does it matter which one?

    Runny nose is definately a chemo SE and I am waking up with sinus headaches.

    Robin glad you are hanging in there.

    Kimie I was feeling about how you sounded let's hope new meds improve round 2.

    I wish you all restful night.

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  • RobinLK
    RobinLK Member Posts: 840
    edited December 2013

    KLI, 

    I believe it is plain Claritin and not Claritin D.

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited December 2013

    I also had my first round of chemo this afternoon. Everything went smoothly. Port access was really quick and very little pain.  Took about 2 1/2 hours to get the premeds and chemo in. Only SE so far is a headache across the front of my forehead.   I was hungry when I  got home and had half a turkey hoagie. Already drank Two 12 oz glasses of seltzer water with a  splash of cranberry juice, the third glass is sitting here to sip on.  

    I think I will take a zofran before bed, just in  case.  The chemo nurse suggested just taking it for a few doses to prevent nausea from starting.  

    Also came home with a bag of goodies, three wigs, 2 hats,  3 scarf-turbans and 3 sleep caps.  It felt like an early Christmas.  At least I will still have my hair for Christmas but expect to start losing it after New Years. 

    Barbara

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  • momat927
    momat927 Member Posts: 173
    edited December 2013

    lorreymom, It certainly belongs here.  My daughter is much older, but I remember how she would become very angry with me when she was most afraid.  They want their mommy to continue being mommy and there seems to be a vast gap between cognition and emotions.   I was in the hospital for a month when my daughter was six and I remember it well.   If she knows she is loved unconditionally & I am sure she then she will get through it.  Forgive me if I sound "preachy."  I am a mom but also have been a therapist for kids for some years.  As a mom, it was harder to see the forest for the trees at times.  Amy

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  • momat927
    momat927 Member Posts: 173
    edited December 2013

    Hi all again.  So, last night was weird, looking in the mirror and seeing just this head without hair, but today I woke up and knew it will be fine.  I did find a wig (not one I originally bought) and it looks pretty good.  I decided I can wear it if I get a chance to go into the office at times or when out where I don't want to be noticed.  I had to return the TLC wig I purchased online and thank goodness they allow returns.  It looked ridiculous.  I bought this one in a little store in Media PA.  A bit more than I wanted, but very comfortable.  Re: tx, I listen to all of you and wonder.  My MO tested my blood a week after chemo and only again Wed. because I complained about bruising.  I won't have my count done again until Friday December 27, when I am scheduled for chemo.  That seems it for any monitoring.  I read what most of you said and I do understand the count is done on the day of chemo, but I wonder about frequency of your monitoring in between txs.    I guess I imagined being followed more closely, but perhaps not very realistic.  Take care everyone.   Amy

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  • Goldie8469
    Goldie8469 Member Posts: 90
    edited December 2013

    How many of you are having chemo Christmas week? I am going to keep praying for each of you. I hope everyone has a wonderful week in spite of the side effects. I am going to have a simple Christmas but it will be so very special. The true meaning really shines though right now. 

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  • DJJ
    DJJ Member Posts: 229
    edited December 2013

    Hi all,

    KLI, I hope your blood counts come up so you can enjoy the holidays.  I get mine checked before my second round of chemo tomorrow, fingers crossed.  I fly Saturday to visit family for Christmas.

    Kimmie, fingers crossed your next round is easier on the SE.

    Does anyone else have to give themselves the Nuelasta shot?  There was a screw up with my infusion center and my insurance.  My insurance covers the Nuelasta shot but they send it to me and I have to give it to myself.  WHAT??? I can't give myself a shot! My infusion center is trying to fix their screw up so I don't get charged $5,000 for the first shot they gave me.

    My hair started coming out in the shower tonight.  I thought I was ready for it and really didn't think it would bother me.  I was wrong and had a good cry Bawling

    I talked to the organization that offered me the position and my future boss is more than happy to wait until April to bring me on.  Yay! That will be something nice to look forward to.

    Good night ladies.

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  • oranje_mama
    oranje_mama Member Posts: 260
    edited December 2013

    waterdog & crazywabbit,

    I'm on the same schedule as you, 1st chemo was today.  6 hours from start to finish.  It should go faster in the future. Herceptin infusion was over 90 minutes to watch for allergic reaction.  Do you both get Neulasta shot tomorrow?  That is next step for me.  Everything went well, port is healing nicely, I have permission to take a shower tomorrow if I tape it closed with saran wrap (yay!).  So far feeling fine, a little foggy and sore from the port placement (gorgeous bruise on my neck :).  I am taking all the meds that I was advised to take on the schedule they gave me - Zofran, Decadron, Ativan -  for 4 days.  I also have Compazine to add in as needed.  I read that Ativan is also prescribed as an anti-anxiety med - maybe it will work as a two-fer for me:)

    Lorreymom, 

    so, your 8 year old liked being part of the hair-chopping process?  I'm thinking about bringing my girls (6 and 9) with me to the wig shop where they will shop off my hair so that they can make me a hair halo.  I'm undecided as to whether this makes it more or less traumatic for them and me!  I think I will probably just ask them if they want to come.  The wig shop is closed for the holidays, so the hair-chopping-ceremony can be earliest on Jan 2nd.  Hopefully my hair will last till then.  I'm babying it . . .

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  • oranje_mama
    oranje_mama Member Posts: 260
    edited December 2013

    DJJ,

    Just saw your latest post.  YAY!  That sounds like a job you want to take.  Great bosses are hard to come by!

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  • QuirkyGirl
    QuirkyGirl Member Posts: 383
    edited December 2013

    waterdog - you're never alone here! :). Good luck with work and I hope your SE are minimal!

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  • denise4603
    denise4603 Member Posts: 132
    edited December 2013

    DJJ - Congratulations on getting the position delayed until April.  You must have rocked that interview! One of the hardest things about this disease for me is not being able to go to my job as a preschool teacher It is a big piece of my identity and I feel I've lost that. My boss always reassures me that the children will be waiting for me when I am ready.

    I had to laugh at your $5,000 charge for the nurse to give you the shot!  I read my own bills and just shake my head at some of the inflated charges.

    To Everyone - Have any of you tried Green Shakes for your blood counts?  A friend of mine is really encouraging them and I wondered if you could give me any feedback?

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  • jackieak
    jackieak Member Posts: 169
    edited December 2013

    round two day after Xmas for me.  I guess I'm grateful it's after Xmas, just won't indulge in allot of food for Xmas dinner.

    Denise, what are green shakes?  I for one cannot do the spinach, kale, etc green drinks, I think the looks if not the smell would make me lose it....but please tell me about them.

    Hope SE are minimal for all who had chemo today and yesterday...I stayed awake all day and actually felt good today...so it seems day 7 and hopefully forward are "good" days.  Only complaint is my expander pain and flexeril has helped that allot and I can sleep better.

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  • KLI
    KLI Member Posts: 52
    edited December 2013

    DJJ that is wonderful good to know there are decent people out there.

    Jack leak my round 2 is also 12/26

    I thought about the green shakes but there is a lot of herbal stuff in there so should check it with MO first. I usually make my own with fresh spinach and kale but with counts so low I have been avoiding raw veggies.

     I think I remember an earlier post that someone maybe lorreymom had the neulasta at home.

    Those of you just out of chemo hang in there these are the harder days for some of us. 

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  • Carol99
    Carol99 Member Posts: 116
    edited December 2013

    good morning,

    I had my first A/C on Monday, today I feel sort of "normal" going to go out and finish up Christmas shopping.  The nuelasta pain was not as bad as I thought it would be extra strength Tylenol worked best. 

    I was really nauseous, tried to keep it at bay with compazine & Ativan at night.  Thurs. night was the first time I really felt like eating.

    DJJ, I'm suppose to do my own shot but I don't think I could. I have a friend who does it for me.  

    How about 2nd rounds SE's?  Anyone thing SE's are better/worse?

    I'm going to go out as soon as my apple juice/ mirilax cocktail kicks in!  This SE is no picnic!

    Carol

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  • kimie06
    kimie06 Member Posts: 215
    edited December 2013

    RUNNY NOSE !! so happy to see on a post here that it can be a SE ... mine hasn't stopped.  well my morning is going by faster then what I had hoped.  round 2 goes at 1pm.  chat soon

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  • nursemom
    nursemom Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2013

    Hello ladies,

    I got my first chemo, taxotere and cytoxen, on Dec 9. Had my first neutropenic fever Wednesday. It was really crazy because it was one of the first days I had actually been feeling back to "normal" since chemo. My husband hugged me and I was burning up. 103. On oral antibiotic now and will start neulasta after next chemo on dec 30. When I asked my dr about the Claritin to help with bone pain, he said he was fine with me taking it, but really couldn't even tell me how to take it because they have no idea why it works. I was advised by a friend who went through this to start taking the regular 24 hr Claritin on the day of chemo and for about 4 days after the shot. She had very minimal bone pain once she started taking it. I saw a few people question which one to take and when. Hopefully it will work! I still have percocet I take daily because of this darn tissue expander discomfort.

    Did anyone else get really bad "chemo head" after treatment. 3 days after my infusion I woke up and felt high, couldn't concentrate, things looked like they were moving. It was a horrible feeling. I have a nurse friend that used to work in oncology and said she has seen people go crazy from Compazine. I am wondering if the foggy head was from the chemo or Compazine. Luckily I didn't have a lot of nausea, so I just plan on not taking the Compazine at all after the next treatment.

    How long before you start to loose your hair? I got mine cut in a short bob, but I wake up everyday looking for the hair on my pillow. I know its coming, but I still know it will be traumatizing to see. I have a wig waiting that my kids help me pick out, but I dont think I want them seeing the clumps coming out.

    This is my first post,  but I want t thank all of you for posting.  I have been reading your updates and it really helps. As wonderful and supportive as my husband and family are, I don't think anyone can truly understand what the emotions feel like.  And I try to hide my exhaustion and side effects from my husband and kids as much as possible.  I will say that this has taught me how to ask for help a little more!


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  • lorreymom
    lorreymom Member Posts: 149
    edited December 2013

    well ladies, my time on here in the days before Christmas will be very limited. I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!  May your health improve & your chemo SEs be few.  For those of you going in for chemo around Christmas...I will be thinking of you & pray for minimal SEs and maximum cancer fighting effects.  See you all in 2014, if I don't make it back on here before then!  

    Fight on!! :)

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

    wow, you ladies have been busy! I have my 2nd chemo on the 26th. Thanks for the reminder to eat light Jackie! I was all ready to indulge, but my infusion is at 9am, so better take it easy, I guess.

    My hair is almost gone; most of it came out yesterday, but I think I am getting over it. Yesterday started off as a crummy day, but went to see Santa with my DD and grandsons'; then my grandson spent the night, so lifted my spirits!

    I was told to use the regular 24 hr Claritin for Neulasta pain. My pain wasn't too bad. Controlled with tylenol. I don't have a problem taking Neulasta if it is going to keep me from getting sick or hospitalized.

    nursemom, welcome!  I don't think it's the chemo giving you the high feeling. Maybe ck the RX package for SE's.

    kimie, good luck today! I  hope this one is easier on you.

    djj, congratulations on the job! something to look forward to:).

    I hope you all are able to enjoy the week-end~

    ((HUGS))

     

     


     

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  • Mollyv
    Mollyv Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2013

    Hi I was diagnosed with BC on  10/18 had a lumpectomy on 11/4, and completed my radiation treatments on 11/15.  Now I'll be starting my TC the day after Christmas.  As I sit here and read these blogs, I'm thinking I'm really going into this blindly, (or am I not really facing reality) when I met with my MO she did mention the side effects, but as I read on I was unaware of the loosing of the the finger nail, should I remove my gel nail prior to the TC treatment? I understand that I will probably be loosing my hair, (I think that I'm in total denial) I am not looking forward to seeing my hair fall out by the clumps, do I shave my head! Before my hair starts to fall out?  If so when should this take place?  

    confused!

    Molly

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