February 2014 Starting Chemo Club

lago · February 2014

h0pe Prilosuc didn't work for me. Never has. By the time I was on my last 2 tx I was on Nexium and Carafate for acid reflux. Was on Protonics for the first 4 but then my new insurance wouldn't cover it.

h0pe · February 2014

tangandchris - my MO told me if I had nausea on day 1 of chemo to make sure I tell them so they can change their "cocktail" for round 2. They have other regimens they can use to help battle the SE's.

h0pe · February 2014

lago - do you know if we are supposed to rinse with water after the swish of biotene? Or just swish with biotene and that's it? Thanks!

h0pe · February 2014

Think my RN infused the Cytoxan too fast - mild headache. Any one else have this feeling? thinking about taking an ibuprofen now.

tangandchris · February 2014

thanks for the tips

I'm already experiencing some achey joints tonight, knees and elbows. Going try some tylenol and hope it works.

Gardengirl66 · February 2014

sahars and tangandchris ,so sorry to hear you have suffered with nausea. I also was on Emend like dancetrancer . For the first three days ,I was on a medication /pill regime ,am, noon, dinner time ,five different pills . My oncologist discussed with me if I ever suffered from motion sickness, and I also have had vertigo in the past. so I think I was loaded up, this is the list /prescriptions I took Kytril , Maxeran ,decadron, ranihdine and Emend. Some of the side effects and warnings with this stuff is a little scarey, but I did the schedule for three days ...now I am finishing with the Claritin , taking Tylenol when needed and antacids . I was scared I was going to be nauseated the whole time , but I have been good so far.

I have had similar feelings as dancetrancer , achey,like I am coming down with something and tired feeling all the time. Lago also gives great advice , eating small , often meals ,snacks. Before chemo , thanks to advice from here, I made a big breakfast for myself , treating myself I thought at the time for a new adventure. During the infusion, volunteers offered arrowroot cookies, crackers , juice, every time I said yes please, thinking I am treating myself. My little table next to me had water , ice to suck on, tea .

Thanks to all the great advice on here , to make the best of a horrible situation, I am making the best of it asking for extra blankets(get cold easy) etc setting myself to be as comfortable as possible....because like all of us the unknown is scarey and living day to day can be hard.

I am living one day at a time , happy I am functioning ok,wishing I could offer more help to the women on here having a difficult time.

Hoping everyone is feeling a little better, been in contact with their support / cancer clinic to get the help they need. We will get through this !

Sending big hugs and love to everyone on valentines day !

Brwneyedgirl · February 2014

I started drinking a Gatorade a day and that seemed to help with some of the aches. Might be my imagination 😉 but I am going to try it again next time.

lago · February 2014

some people do get headaches. It could be from many things like dehydration, lack of food, steroids or the chemo.

Hope I don't believe I rinsed after biotiene.

I too had the pill regiment of Emmend. Started an hour before chemo. Again that evening and once again the morning of next day.

Sicilian · February 2014

My head hurts. Not a headache, I guess it's because my hair is falling out? I couldn't even sleep last night because it hurt to even lay down on the pillow. If I touch my scalp, it's sore to the touch. I am shocked that I still have hair because I can't believe how much I'm shedding, as short as it is.

My doctor prescribed me Toradol for the Neulasta pain. That's what they gave me in the ER, and it worked very well.

When can I expect my hair will start to grow back? My last treatment is April 3rd.

lago · February 2014

Your scalp will get tender when the hair starts to fall out.That's normal.

Hair growing back is different for everyone. I think mine started to grow back before chemo ended. I wasn't really looking. At 12 weeks I had a pixie and went topless. Got my hair colored the next day. My hair always grows fast although a little slower on Herceptin. I think I posted this before but here it is again. Notice the dates in the lower corner. Last Chemo 1.18.2011: Hair transition linky

tangandchris · February 2014

Checking in..still having a rough time. Quesiness isn't as bad today, I'm on Zofran now. I did have some wretching this morning, but nothing since. I just feel wiped out, head aches and body is sore. I feel out of it....like a really bad hangover. My appetite is shot, but I know I need to eat so I've just been eating lightly today. I just pray this eases up, I don't want to feel like this for 6 rounds!!

Cici566 · February 2014

Oh tangandchris I am so sorry you are having such a hard time. The meds that I was given were really helpful. I had emend zofran and decodron with my chemo and then I was given zofran and decodron for the days following. The downside to the decodron is that it is a steroid so it hinders sleeping. I was also given compazine and ativan for breakthrough nausea. Maybe you can ask your doctor about those combinations. I keep eating little meals and it helps as well. I am on day five and feeling pretty tired.

I hope you feel better soon. Hang in there.

Lettinggo · February 2014

Lago, thank you for your kind and caring response! MOs say that research show that chemo first or chemo after surgery does not make any difference in killing stray cancer cells that may remain in the body, so you are safe and sound:-). the relationship issues are tough especially when we are down. but with your encouragment and resources, i feel better already. You are right. I do not need that loser and should celebrate that he showed his true colors. Thank you and many hugs...

Lettinggo · February 2014

Melrose, thanks for the book recommendation. I will check into it. the prunes worked for me too on some days. Thank you and take care.

h0pe · February 2014

Hi, Everyone. I'm on day 2. Side effects haven't been so bad, some nausea and fatigue. They told me days 3-5 will be the worst for me. I found that eating small meals go a long way! especially when we are taking so many oral pills to help with the side effects. Lago is very correct when she says being dehydrated, tired, etc will also exasperate symptoms. I've been trying to drink and eat every couple of hours, nothing big - a few crackers, and def at least a few sips of water. Good luck every one!

FYI - had ddAC and Cytoxan

lago · February 2014

Lettinggo your welcome. BTW I'm not worried about the chemo working/not working. I'm 3.5 years NED. To be honest I felt I was cured after surgery. Problem was that only 40% of the women at my age with my states were. Didn't like those odds so with chemo & anastrozole that brought me up to 84% (2% die of other causes). And the Herceptin probably pushes that even higher. My point though is you will really know for sure getting it first. Glad you are dealing a bit better about the loser.

h0pe I know that Adrymicin from what I've been told can really knock you for a loop... But only 3 more of that red devil. Many say the Taxol (I assume that's next) is easier than the Adrymicin. Not sure how tough the Cytoxan can be. That too might also wipe you out a bit. hand in there.

tangandchris yes this sucks. You can say it. Hope they can get that nausea thing under control next time. Good that you are at least trying to eat a little.

Per my chemo binder:

-----------------------------------
FOODS FOR NAUSEA
-----------------------------------

Soups: clear broth (Chicken, vegetable or beef)
Mail meals/other: Chicken(baked, broiled no skin) Cream of rice, Instant oatmeal, Noodles, Potato (boiled no skin), pretzels, Saltine crackers, white rice, white toast
Sweets: Angel food cake, Canned fruit (applesauce, peaches pears), gelatin, Popsicles, sherbert or sorbet, plain or vanilla yogurt
Drinks: clear carbonated beverages with NO fizz, Cranberry or grape juice, Fruit flavored drinks, Fruit Punch, Sports Drinks, Water, Herb tea

Sicilian · February 2014

I found that brown rice with lots of soy sauce hit the spot for me. I also carried Fiber One bars around in my purse. Even if I could only eat a half at a time, it helped.

kjiberty · February 2014

Sicilian: My head hurt as my hair was falling out. My hair starting coming out in clumps on day 15 and had it shaved on day 16. I used a lint brush to get the rest of the hair off a week or two later instead of finding it all over my pillow. I did not rinse after Biotene.

If any of you are having problems w/mouth sores, talk to your MO about MUGARD. That stuff is the best (expensive, but good). It coats your mouth to protect you from those nasty sores.

My hair started coming back about a week after my last chemo It was very fuzzy, like duck fuzz and white. I was a little nervous about that, but it started coming in "normally" about a month later. I got it "trimmed" at 5 weeks, and colored at 9 weeks. Broke up with my wig, who I named "Giselle" at 9 weeks. Hair started getting curly at about 12 weeks, and 20 months later, it's still curly in the back and I love it. I am keeping it short. I would never had gone this short had it not been for chemo.

Hang in there, ladies!

anickellsworth · February 2014

Hello February 2014ers,

I started reading your entries last night and couldn't stop. So good to find people going through similar experiences at the same time. I had my first chemo Feb. 5. I was tired and achy but each day gets a bit better. One thing that seems to be hanging on is wacky taste buds. My mouth feels and tastes like a dirty wool sweater. Any suggestions? I am doing Biotiene rinses, they help texture of my mouth but not the after taste of food. My hair has not started to fall out yet. Everyone seems to be waiting anxiously -including me! Have an appointment with my stylist the 19th to shave my head, but so far I don't think I have lost a strand! I am on TC 4 treatments one every thee weeks. Next chemo is Feb. 26th. What day did your hair start to fall out ?

GOMOM421 · February 2014

Hello Everyone,

I will be starting chemo tomorrow (2/17/2014) and am feeling very anxious about the unknown. If there is ANY advise that you can give me it would be greatly appreciated. I have read through all the post and they have been very helpful. I just popped by first (2) dexamethasone to get ready for the taxotere.

Thanks so much, Jamie

dancetrancer · February 2014

I had mouth sores after my first TCH. I chewed on ice during the taxotere infusion (and 15 min before and after Tax as well) and did not have any mouth sores after that. I never had any taste changes. I am not sure if that is just lucky on my part or if the ice helped keep the chemo from my tastebuds, too - thereby sparing my sense of taste as well as preventing mouth sores. That's my theory but that is all it is...YMMV.

FYI, if you are having trouble getting food down (I did b/c of terrible GERD and GI issues), ask someone to make magic mineral broth for you. Someone made it for me during chemo (fyi takethemameal.com is a great website for someone to use if others want to bring you meals during chemo). This broth was the only thing I could eat during my worst days. It is so nourishing and actually felt healing as I was sipping it. I don't know how to explain it, but it did indeed feel "magic" to me.

http://rebeccakatz.com/soups-broths/magic-mineral-...

I also really liked Ensure Protein Plus drinks.

lago · February 2014

anickellsworth call your onc about the furry mouth. It sounds like you might be getting Thrush (yeast infection in mouth). I think there is a magic mouth wash that is prescription only. You don't want this to get into your throat. It isn't super serious but it can be a real paint to get rid of.

Like dance says the ice chips really helps. I too did it after my 1st TX and never had another mouth sore. Taste changes were minimal.

Sicilian · February 2014

I had thrush after my treatment, and a couple of days of Greek yogurt plus an acidophilus at bedtime fixed me right up, but please check with your onc first before taking it. The yogurt should help, though.

My first treatment was on the 30th of January and I first noticed the extra hair in my hairbrush on the 9th. By last Wednesday it was REALLY going. I had a friend call a hairdresser friend of hers and she buzzed the sides of my hair at the house so I didn't have to go to the salon. She left me a little on top, so it looked like Pink's haircut. So far, I'm still shedding like a collie in April, but I still have hair, albeit super short. The hairdresser said that anyone else would have been bald 16 times over already. I just have a lot of hair!

anickellsworth · February 2014

thanks for the advice! During my chemo orientation no one mentioned the ice chips.

Melrosemelrose · February 2014

anickelllsworth- I didn't see any hair fall out until 14 days after my first round of chemo. I could tell something was happening because of the dryness of my hair. At first, it was just a little hair and then the hair fall out increased. It was more noticeable when I took a shower and ran my hand through my hair. when I saw the strands of hair in hand, I knew my hair was beginning its departure. I knew I had a choice; I could either break down and cry or I could just acknowledge that it was going , and this was going to happen. The weekend before my second round, I divided my short bob hair into little ponytails and snipped them off. After that I had a short short boy hair cut and have not cut my hair since then. That was May 2012. Some women buzz/shave their heads and some do not. Just know that each person here handles the hair situation differently and there is no right way or wrong way. You have to be comfortable with yourself no matter what. When you look in the mirror, remember that you are looking at a very beautiful woman----- You!!!!

Are you planning to ice your nails ( finger nails/toe nails)? If you have any questions about your chemo regimen, please feel free to private message me.

BTW: Please come visit the Cytoxan/Taxotere February/March 2013 chemo thread which is still going and open to anyone. http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/800978?page=92#idx_2747

Macintx · February 2014

I will be starting AC-T in about 10 days. My MO's asst told me that I could just eat anything I normally would during chemo, although with taste changes and possible nausea, I am aware that it might not be my normal diet. Dancetrancer- that broth recipe looks delicious! Any other good suggestions for easy to tolerate light meals?

lago · February 2014

I will be making this today. I found it does fairly freeze well if you keep the veggies separate and don't freeze the leafy stuff. The broth by itself is very tasty.

Lago's Chicken Vegetable Soup

Ingredients
• 1 chicken (or chicken parts. Dark meat more flavor but white meat less a calories)
• 1 large onion
• 1” chunk cut carrots
• 1 inch parsnip
• lots of white mushrooms (adds lots of flavor…very important)
• a few red potatoes cut up(already cooked)
• bok choy (not the baby kind)
• a little tomato powder to taste (optional purchase at Spice House)
• leeks chopped
• broccoli, bit size pieces
• salt & pepper to taste

Directions
1. Cook the chicken in water for about 10 minutes skimming off the crap that floats to the top.
2. Simmer for about 30 minutes or till chicken is cooked.
3. Removed chicken and de-bone while veggies are cooking
4. Put the veggies in based on how long they would take to cook. So the carrots would go in first. The potatoes and green part of the bok choy are last in the pot. Put the dark part of the Bok Choy in last
5. Put de-boned, skinless chicken back in pot.
* Taste better the next day. Be sure to skim off the fat the next day once it has been chilled.
** When storing separate the veggies/chicken form stock or they will get mushy. Don’t freeze the carrots or potatoes.
*** I don’t use exact measurements so use your judgement.

Macintx · February 2014

That sounds delicious too! And you answered the question of whether it was Lago with a lowercase l, or Iago with a capital I. They look the same!

dancetrancer · February 2014

macintx - I craved white starchy foods - I now realize it was probably because of the steroids making my blood sugar spike way up (I became prediabetic after chemo, unfortunately). But the easiest thing for me to eat (aside from the broth and Ensure protein drinks) was mac and cheese. Terrible for you, but easy going down. I bought the kind in a microwavable cup that you just add water to and nuke. I also had hubby get me lots of frozen Lean Cuisines b/c they were easy to make when I was on my own during the day. I was really sick almost the entire time during chemo, so I had to keep life simple. Most are not that sick, though, so you may not need those easy to make meals.

Oh and puddings went down easy for me, too.

princessrn · February 2014

I don't really like plain water and never chew ice. I asked if I could eat pop-ices or lemon frozen ice for chemo and they said yes. I am not sure if it will work but I plan to do it from the first chemo since you all have said helped...thank you.

February 2014 Starting Chemo Club

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