Starting Chemo January 6, 2014

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  • tekwriter
    tekwriter Member Posts: 216
    edited January 2014

    Hello all!  Lawyergirl I did have some pain.  I cannot feel a lump at all any more. Rabbit Velvet how awful. I was pretty sick but have mercy I am glad you got help. Hope everyone has a nausea free day!

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  • Mor
    Mor Member Posts: 30
    edited January 2014

    I start first chemo tomorrow.  Anxious about the unknown.   Started drinking my water.  How much is enough...in ounces?

     I will have CT,  every third Wednesday.....six cycles.  Last will be on my birthday, 5/14.

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  • Pnak
    Pnak Member Posts: 21
    edited January 2014

    It was better than expected.  Well, thanks to Ativan.  lol  (thank you, Doctor).  One and done....3 to go (for this round anyway).  We can do it, ladies!!  

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  • Sam2U
    Sam2U Member Posts: 233
    edited January 2014

    Sunshower--good luck--you got this!!

    Pnak--1 done!

    Mor-I aim for half a gallon everyday for 5-6 days after treatment.

    Rabbit--hope you are on the road to recovery.

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  • lisacm
    lisacm Member Posts: 32
    edited January 2014

    I don't like the feeling of the port either. Since I will be doing 4 rounds of A/C and 12 of taxol, my MO rec a port. It really wasn't an option for me.  It feels weird in my chest. I can feel the cannula. It's strange but Id rather have it than IV's.  I have a follow up on Thursday(one week after initial chemo). The nurse said that the bloodwork on that visit will be a good indicator of how my blood counts will be affected throughout the treatment. Have any of you heard that as well? Here's to a nausea/ SE free week for everyone!

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited January 2014

    Soteria-love the tee shirt wrap idea! The only concern I have is maybe having headaches from having something on my head like that. I don't think I'm going to do a wig either, I think it'll be hot and uncomfortable to me. The headache thing is because I have a big head lol, but as of now alot of that is thick wavy hair, so maybe when the hair goes it wont be so bad. SillyHeart

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  • Mor
    Mor Member Posts: 30
    edited January 2014

    tonight is my last dinner before tomorrow's chemo.  Should I eat light, have a regular dinner, or go out to a favorite restaurant with my husband?

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  • stephaniegee
    stephaniegee Member Posts: 81
    edited January 2014

    Does anyone have any tricks to get rid of the "furry tongue" ? 

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited January 2014

    Mor,    go out tonight and enjoy a good dinner, eat before chemo also. I had 1/2 of a cheese steak hoagie for lunch before my very first afternoon of chemo, would not recommend that to everyone but I enjoyed it especially since I did not know if I would feel like eating again for a few days.

    My smarty pants  brother said to me the night before chemo to make sure I chewed everything well. LOL in case it came up again the next day.  luckily that will not happen to any of use with all the good premeds.  

    Barbara   

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2014

    I ordered Chinese during my infusion! It was yummy! Eat whatever you feel like eating.

    Steph, I don't know if anything helps the furry tongue. Are you rinsing with baking soda/salt mixture to prevent sores?

    Paula

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  • lawyergirl
    lawyergirl Member Posts: 24
    edited January 2014

    Steph - My MO recommended a warm water/salt/baking soda rinse for furry tongue and mouth sores.  I haven't tried that yet, but have found that rinsing 2-3 times daily with Biotene helps a lot with the dry mouth (and I like the minty but not overpowering taste).  

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  • Diamond_lil
    Diamond_lil Member Posts: 76
    edited January 2014

    well, number 2 A/C down and feeling good. I reduced the dose of dex pre and post infusion and I feel much more relaxed. I took a precautionary maxalon before my meal last night and was able to eat normally. I'm not much of a breakfast eater but I've just had toast and fruit so I can take my meds. Oh and water of course. I generally have 3 litres a day on the day of infusion and for the next few days and then I cut back to about 2.5 per day. For those having treatment IV rather than via a port it is a good idea to start increasing your water intake the day before and the day of treatment so that your veins are nice and "bouncy". 

    I have my first neulasta today so I guess I will have some aches and pains later in the day, hoping paracetamol will be effective.

    Well I must go and get ready for work, wishing you al a comfortable week.

    LIL

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  • tekwriter
    tekwriter Member Posts: 216
    edited January 2014

    I use a soft toothbruss for my tongue and drink lots of club soda.  it seems to help.

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  • belleb
    belleb Member Posts: 170
    edited January 2014

    Just back from my first Neulasta shot. I took Claritin last night and will do so for the next few nights to hopefully ward off the worst of the aches. I'm 24+ hours out from my first A/C and so far I just feel groggy and like I can't concentrate on anything very well. I'm staying on top of the nausea meds and that seems to be working pretty well. I wouldn't say I have much of an appetite, but I have been able to eat a bit today. Guess we'll see what tomorrow brings!

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited January 2014

    steph- I had 2nd AC this past Thursday. No mouth sores, but Just noticed a furry tongue today. I rinse with the salt/baking soda and do biotene but I've been slacking some. I usually do if after each meal. I guess I need to be more vigilant. The furry tongue is really odd. 

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  • Sunshower
    Sunshower Member Posts: 43
    edited January 2014

    I got my first infusion this morning.... It definitely wasn't as bad as expected. I sipped on water all day and got 80 oz (10 cups) in...I took a zofran before dinner and am feeling okay so far. Thank you for all your encouragement and the suggestions to preventing furry tongue.

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  • CarpeVinum
    CarpeVinum Member Posts: 116
    edited January 2014

    I'm getting my first Neulasta shot tonight before bed. Doing it myself. Any tips from not so newbies? I didn't need the shots during my last chemo regimen so this is new for me. My onc nurse suggested bedtime so that I wouldn't feel the worst of the bone pain. I also took a Claritin yesterday and today and will supplement with a Norco to help with my back pain.

    For those with furry tongues ~ I did the same as tekwriter, used a very soft child size toothbrush and brushed a few times a day during my last chemo reg. I found that tastebud death came soon after the furry tongue but am happy to report I did get my taste back after chemo ended, probably 2 weeks later. I would strongly suggest that if you get changes in taste, try to stay away from your favorite foods and drinks or you may have a strong aversion to them when your buds get back to normal. Also I had to use plastic cutlery now and then because metal was AWFUL.


    sunshower  wow! ~ good going on the water! I barely got down 2 cups today. I better step it up right now...


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  • Asb
    Asb Member Posts: 99
    edited January 2014

    The furry tongue might be thrush. My mouth felt fine for the first few days then one day it felt like I hadn't brushed my teeth in a month. My tongue felt gross as well. I did not have a sore throat but had white spots on the back of my tongue and the roof of my mouth. I called my mo and they gave me fluconazole for thrush. It cleared up almost immediately.

    It sounds like everyone treatment has gone well so far this week. I have my second round of TCH/perjeta on Thursday. Not looking forward to the foggy feeling, but am hoping that is the worst of it. The hair is coming out in clumps now, it looked like a dead cat in my shower this morning. My daughter will be giving me a haircut tomorrow during our snow day and I will hopefully be enjoying a relaxing weekend by the fire. I am going to try the Claritin for 5-7 days this time to ward of the aches.

    I went to look good feel better yesterday and got tons of great products. 

    Here is to a nausea free week!

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  • otceb
    otceb Member Posts: 156
    edited January 2014

    Hi everyone! Glad to see that most of you are doing well! 

    I have not posted much here, I get my first tx on Jan 31st - same day as dgdm and seanibopp. We will be the rookies of the rookie bunch!

    rabbitvelvet, I wish you all the best, you have had it rough. I hope the worst is behind you. {{hugs}}

    paloverde, Warrior Woman, calmandstrong, how are you doing?

    Carpevinum, your family and you are gorgeous! They have been through a lot with this being your second time, you must feel such a strong bond.

    diamond_lil, I hope you had a great Australia Day! Next year will surely be better :)

    I'm all set, I have my wig, prescriptions, coconut oil, ginger chews, claritin, biotin and biotene, good blood work today, just need to relax now! I don't have ativan, so I'll see how this first tx goes and will ask for it if I'm too anxious.

    Take care!

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  • Asb
    Asb Member Posts: 99
    edited January 2014

    I had my nuelasta shot on a Thursday and did not have any aches until the following Wednesday. But last week my WBC were flagged because they were slightly high! It did the job. I wish they would let me give them myself, one less trip to the doctor.. Somewhere I read they hurt more if it's cold, so to let it warm up a bit first. Good luck with it. I hope it brings your counts up.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2014

    You can avoid Thrush by eating a yogurt every day or just take an acidophilus. Make sure the acidophilus says live cultures, and refrigerate after opening.

    Paula

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  • CarpeVinum
    CarpeVinum Member Posts: 116
    edited January 2014

    Hey ladies ~ when is someone else going to post pics? Sad

    I'm pretty bald today so I won't be posting more anytime soon lol

    Well, maybe when I get used to it

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  • birdlover23
    birdlover23 Member Posts: 54
    edited January 2014

    Hi Everyone,

    Had my port put in today.  It is achy and I am tired, but all went well.  My chemo is scheduled to start tomorrow, but I have an infection in my cheek.  Probably cellulitis.  I'm on Keflex.  Not sure how I got it, but I assume it is from being at hospital or dr all the time.  My MO will look at me tomorrow morning and decide if I can go ahead with chemo tomorrow.

    I wish you all a good night's sleep :)

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  • Diamond_lil
    Diamond_lil Member Posts: 76
    edited January 2014

    hi everyone, it seems we are all having a good week so far! 

    Neulasta: make sure you insert the needle at 90 degrees into a nice fleshy part of you abdomen (not hard for me) and leave the needle resting in the skin for a few extra seconds after you have injected fully. This ensures all the medication is administered and seems to make the injection hole close over quicker. And of course dispose of the needle in an appropriate container! ( nurse talking here).

    I have been told to take only ibuprofen or paracetamol for bone pain... Different countries different info I guess

    Water: is so vitally important not only for clearing the chemo, but also for clearing "the fog" and for helping skin maintain elasticity.

    Good luck to all the newbies, it truly isn't as bad as you think it will be...... Fear of the unknown and all that.

    Finally: carpevinum I tried to post a pic of my new beautiful bald head but I wasn't able to rotate it and I looked like ET. I will try to sort a more flattering way,

    Best wishes to you all

    LIL

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  • tekwriter
    tekwriter Member Posts: 216
    edited January 2014

    I was told to use the arm for the neulasta.  I have my husband push the back fleshy part of my arm forward for me and inject there. If you do use your tummy use a couple of fingers and kind of pinch of the flesh a little.  It doesn't hurt as much.  Take it from a diabetic who shoots up several times a day.  The first is the worst.  And as far as I am concerned it is a lot better than those miserable finger sticks.  You will also not want others to give you  shots again.  You will want to do it  yourself.  My chemo is Thursday.  I hope I get another nurse.  My port is still black and blue.

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  • rabbitvelvet
    rabbitvelvet Member Posts: 88
    edited January 2014

    Hi Everyone,

        Reporting in that my cold is getting better and that is wonderful:)  I've been so scared that with my crap immunity I was like a sacrificial victim waiting for the axe to fall!

        Tomorrow I get my blood panels drawn, aside from the low immunity I've been having nosebleeds  since the hospital stay.  My mo's nurse says they want to check the platelets.  Thanks so much for all the mental hugs/they are appreciated.

        My hair is falling out in clumps only 13 days post first TCH however the silver lining is that all the scalp sores are healing and when I went to pluck my chin feathers today I hardly had to pull with the tweezers:)

        I'm also facing giving myself Neupogen and for what's it is worth; as a RN I was taught when giving a subcutaneous injection to hold the needle so that the angled side of the needle is facing up....  thought to be less traumatic. 

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  • Diamond_lil
    Diamond_lil Member Posts: 76
    edited January 2014

    rabbitvelvet, I was taught the angled way you describe however newer research has shown that a 90 degree angle provides better administration and less trauma. So they say! 

    Just a warning to anyone in warmer climates, I had chemo yesterday and was out in the sun after work. So about 5 pm, for less than 15mins and I am burnt! Be careful!!!!

    LIL

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  • atlbc
    atlbc Member Posts: 14
    edited January 2014

    Warrior Woman...  I am getting 6 TCH, 3 weeks apart and Herceptin for a year.  My 1st chemo was Monday 1/27 using an IV. My hand and arm was sore, similar to a mild carpal tunnel feeling during the Taxotere and the Carboplatin.  I am hoping to make it without a port.

    I had my Neulasta yesterday.  So far no SE.  

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  • Diamond_lil
    Diamond_lil Member Posts: 76
    edited January 2014

    atlbc, I had my firsts neulasta today (1 day after 2 nd A/C). No SE's here either!

    Let's hope it stats that way

    LIL

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  • Mor
    Mor Member Posts: 30
    edited January 2014

    just had breakfast before heading out to First chemo.  I have been anxious all week.  But spoke to my cousin last night who had similar case, is my age, a nurse and told me where to get fabulous nicely-made head coverings.  

    She suggested keeping off websites because I seem to dwell on the negative.  She told me she did very well.  Not toomany side effects, kept ahead of problems with meds and colace, etc.

    I would like to post my data at bottom of my notes as do most people.  How do I go about it?  I find it interesting to see what meds, etc. are having.

    Wish me a good session, and I will report back.

    Keep a positive attitude and you will do better.

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