Starting Chemo January 6, 2014

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  • Diamond_lil
    Diamond_lil Member Posts: 76
    edited February 2014

    Hi baby duck, I am working throughout  treatment. I usually work 36 hour week, but ATM I'm working about 25 hours. 

    I'm a nursing unit manager so any time I don't feel up to being on the ward I don't go, my bosses are very flexible.

    It is all dependent on how you tolerate the treatment, I didn't work for my first cycle so I had an idea how I would go.

    LIL

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  • birdlover23
    birdlover23 Member Posts: 54
    edited February 2014

    Thanks for all of the food suggestions.  Eggs, fruit, bagels with cream cheese, peanut butter, chicken, pasta and sauce are all good.  I have resorted to eating chips - potato, tortilla - yum.  I am going to be bad and enjoy it.  Water still tastes horrible unless ice cold.  What a pain...

    Went back to work today (on A/C).  Working on on my good days.  I am lucky, they are good to me.  Working all from home, at least for now.  Want to keep the germs away, also to avoid feeling sick or tired at work and needing someone to drive me home.

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  • SZQ69
    SZQ69 Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2014

    Hi Everyone-

    I've been reading since this thread started, but haven't posted yet, but finally decided to do so! As a quick introduction, I am 44 with no family history of breast cancer. Diagnosed at routine mammo with 3cm tumor, which went unnoticed by myself and gyne due to super dense breasts (and super small beasts on top of that!!) :)  Shock of a lifetime. Doing chemo first as one lymph node had cancer cells. Had my 2nd (of 6) chemo yesterday. Went to work today and did pretty well, but will stay home tomorrow as the dreaded neulasta shot today will put me on the couch tomorrow! Fortunately my work has been very flexible and understanding through all this - I work about 32-34 hrs/week and for the most part, have been able to do so. Thanks everyone for sharing as it has really helped me and hope I can offer support to you all as well!

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  • myra104
    myra104 Member Posts: 102
    edited February 2014

    Welcome!

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  • desimone
    desimone Member Posts: 40
    edited February 2014

    )

    Completed my 3rd AC treatment on Monday.  My neutrophils were low so I worry about my next one.  I have 1 AC left and hopefully my neutophils will be ok but my chemo nurse said that if that did happen they would probably delay till the following week.  I am very nervous about my next chemo ( 12 weeks of Paclitaxel).  I have not had a bad time on this chemo except for the low WBC and wondering if the next one will be hard on me.

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  • Mor
    Mor Member Posts: 30
    edited February 2014

    just returned from my 2nd Neulasta shot.  The first was 6 mg.  this one was reduced to 4 mg.  latest blood testing showed my white counts were high, higher than necessary.  This reduced dosage should result in less bone pain....hopefully not any pains at all, as they were minimal the first go-round.

    Wish you all well.

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  • tekwriter
    tekwriter Member Posts: 216
    edited February 2014

    Rough chemo today.  had hard time getting a blood draw and port didn't want to work.  found out i will be having taxol in weekly installments.  I asked my dr about the itching and burning and she said to call them if I experienced that.  They did not want me having those symptoms so to call right away.  Only normal chemo symptoms.  sick, tired achy.

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited February 2014

    tekwriter

    Just had 2/12 taxol today.  Tolerating it much better then the AC even though I did not have severe SEs to that it is just better on the taxol. Clear head, little pain but nothing Advil does not help. I actually feel like I have saliva in my mouth again!  I am taking B6 and L glutamine to try to lessen neuropathy risk also. 

    Hope your port works better next time. Did they get it working for the infusion finally?

    Desimone

    My WBC went low on on AC  reaching a low of about 1,000 (ANC 300-400 each time) one week after chemo but the neulasta brought it back to 8-10 the second week. On taxol weekly my WBC did not drop after the first dose. It was stable at 8.1 today, Hg stable at 10.5 so far. With time I expect the counts to drift down but my MO does not feel it will go as low as with the AC. 

    Barbara

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  • katiegrey
    katiegrey Member Posts: 79
    edited February 2014

    Hi all - 

    I have my 4th and last AC next Thursday and then on to Taxol the following week. I was originally going to do Taxol weekly for 12 weeks, but last week asked my oncologist for the dose dense Taxol treatments to get all of this crap over with a few weeks faster. Now I'm nervous about worse side effects. Is anyone else planning to do dose dense Taxol after AC?

    babyduck - I can get up to 26 weeks of short term disability where I work, so I decided to stay home completely for my 8 weeks of AC, but will probably go back part-time after it's over. 

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited February 2014

    katiegrey- I just had my last AC today. I'm also doing DD Taxol and am so excited that it will only be 4 infusions instead of 12. I go the first week in March so I will let you know how it goes although I usually post on the Dec 2013 chemo forum since I started on Dec 30th. There is another lady on that board that is also found DD. 

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  • rabbitvelvet
    rabbitvelvet Member Posts: 88
    edited February 2014

    Hi,

         remember the cartoon of the little boy with a chronic cloud over his head?...that's me:( 

     First chemo threw me in the hospital with neutropenia.  Second chemo caused my hands to blister and turn bright red.  It's called hand foot syndrome and is a SE of Taxotere.  Saw my mo's partner this last Wed and he told me he was canceling the Taxo permanently and postponing my third chemo till my hands heal.  However I am seeing My MO next Tuesday and with him, ;anything goes?!  He isn't warm but dispassionate with the raw science trumping feelings everytime.  As a retired nurse I truly understand his mindset but he better be ready for my warrior persona if he decides on same/ old , same/old! 

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  • katiegrey
    katiegrey Member Posts: 79
    edited February 2014

    RHGSR - yes, please let me know, and good luck!

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  • Asb
    Asb Member Posts: 99
    edited February 2014

    I am halfway through my 6 cycles of tch. So far no se, my mo said the chemo brain would get better and the fatigue would get worse. Hoping it's not too rough. I need to go prom dress shopping with my daughter. 

    Baby duck- I am also working. I teach and have to be out every thrust for chemo, on the weeks I get all 4 drugs I usually take Friday and Monday off. I could probably work on Friday but I have to get my neulasta shot and try to schedule my drs appts that day. I am usually feeling better by Tuesday and can go back to work if I take it easy.

    Rabbit velvet, so sorry you feel like you have a cloud following you. Are they able to treat your feet and hands or do you just have to deal with it until they heal.

    Tekwriter, I hope your se are minimal. I am expecting the head in a vice feeling to hit tomorrow.

    Has anyone experienced any vision changes?  Most of the time mine is normal but there are some times my vision seems very blurry or I have trouble transition with a distance change.

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  • birdlover23
    birdlover23 Member Posts: 54
    edited February 2014

    rabbitvelvet - I was scheduled to get Taxol after my four doses of A/C, but due to some bad reactions to another drug, I cannot get it.  Anyway, I will be getting Abraxane.  My family and I did a ton of research and I have talked to multiple MO's and an oncology pharmacist, and for me, this is the right drug.  I wanted to bring it to your attention in case they mention it for you.  It is a very good drug, very effective and luckily, not as toxic.  You can read about Taxol, Taxotere and Abraxane here http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/chemotherapy/medicines.

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  • myra104
    myra104 Member Posts: 102
    edited February 2014

    Awe Rabbit Velvet that is just crappy!  It just seems like one thing after another with these side effects.  Its hard to feel so limited after being such a competent self starter...many people suggest I journal but im lucky if I can remember my name some days.  We ARE getting through this, hang on ladies!

    Steph

    Just last AC yesterday, woohoo!!

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  • atlbc
    atlbc Member Posts: 14
    edited February 2014

    Asb  I just had my second TCH and I am also having minimal side effects.  My eyes are watery and sometimes my vision seems like it takes a little longer to focus.  I wear glasses.  I haven't worn my contacts since starting chemo.

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  • Brwneyedgirl
    Brwneyedgirl Member Posts: 113
    edited February 2014

    TCH number two day.  Getting ready for a long day, but at the end of the day I will be 1/3 of the way done with the TC.  Yay!  Have a great day everyone.

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  • Carren-LB-at-2-0-clock
    Carren-LB-at-2-0-clock Member Posts: 116
    edited February 2014

    If you get metallic taste in your mouth or to enhance your water; I have found that Lime Cordial works great. My grandmother gave it to us kids (before tang, soda pop, kool-aid days) for a summer drink. Drink LOTS OF WATER.

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  • tekwriter
    tekwriter Member Posts: 216
    edited February 2014

    I have had vision problems but I am a diabetic so I never thought to mention it.  I just  chalked it up to diabetes,  but it could be part of chemo.  I have not put a contact in since this started I am afraid it will stick to my eye or water out or some other dreadful thing.  I don't wear my partial except to church either for fear of mouth sores and so far so good.  not problems.  I have only had to use the soda/salt solution once.  MY port did finally work.  It really slowed my chemo down though.  They put in a medication and let is sit for 1/2 to 1 hour, they kept checking.  It was to help dissolve a blockage and they finally were able to draw blood back.

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  • Marren
    Marren Member Posts: 59
    edited February 2014

    hello,

    So I had my second tch+p on Tuesday. Since I felt so nauseous last time I asked for fluids and anti nausea meds next day. They also added emend to my chemo. I felt better the day after than I did last time but I still have been  pretty nauseous. I've been very fatigued, but good with the nuelasta shot. Hey that's something. I don't know how you guys go to work. I'm so dizzy and nauseous most of the time. I haven't been up for much, my poor kids. Maybe I should push it more. Maybe tomorrow day 3 and 4 aren't my beat post chemo. 

    My vision isn't great but it does seem blurrier than normal. 

    We also found out my mom has breast cancer a couple of days ago. And my dad had been diagnosed with head and neck cancer in September. That makes my dad, my mom and I in six months being diagnosed with cancer! I mean what are the odds! My dad's is viral, I was braca neg. We haven't lived under the same roof in about 20 years I just don't understand. Has anyone heard of such a thing? I'm scared for my whole family now. 

    It's just so crazy

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  • Asb
    Asb Member Posts: 99
    edited February 2014

    Marren, I get aloxi and emend with my chemo and take Prilosec OTC daily. I have not had any nausea to speak of. I am pretty fatigued on day 4 and 5 but then the energy level picks up.

    I just had another ultrasound today because I felt like the tumor was getting bigger and my mo felt the same. The overall size is not bigger, the shape has changed and it is not getting any smaller. I am feeling pretty bummed. I am not sure if I will continue with the neojuctive or if they will want to do surgery now and more chemo later. I hate being in limbo.

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  • rabbitvelvet
    rabbitvelvet Member Posts: 88
    edited February 2014

    birdlover23 - thanks for the link....I need all the info I can get:)

    myra104 - congrats on finishing your A/C!!  Plus thanks for the giggle on journaling...I'm lucky to write down how much liquid I drink/eat each day

    Carmen - LB - Where do your purchase the Lime Cordial or is it homemade?

    Asb - sorry that you got such a dispiriting ultrasound report :(:(..Keep us all informed.

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  • Warrior_Woman
    Warrior_Woman Member Posts: 1,274
    edited February 2014

    I noticed my vision worsened after my BMX.  I suspect it was all the medications.  Chemo hasn't helped.  

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  • Marren
    Marren Member Posts: 59
    edited February 2014

    asb- I'm so sorry, I hate that limbo feeling. Especially when you think your on track with your treatment and well expect it to work. I felt like mine was changing shape but I think it's smaller. What did the dr say? 

    They have me on kytril, zofran and now emend. I got Prilosec. I tried it last time but maybe I need to take it more often. I'm also taking zofran at home too. I do feel acid refluxie. 

    I wish you guys all well

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  • Carren-LB-at-2-0-clock
    Carren-LB-at-2-0-clock Member Posts: 116
    edited February 2014

    I bought my Lime Cordial at the local Safeway Store (Canada). Just ask the grocer, it is usually with juices or they may have it near the soda pop?

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  • rabbitvelvet
    rabbitvelvet Member Posts: 88
    edited February 2014

    Thanks Carren for the info.

     I had a phone visit with the Kaiser nutritionist today and she had a good suggestion for when you don't feel like eating.  She suggested vanilla Boost (or Ensure) protein drink mixed with any canned or frozen fruit to make a smoothie

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  • Diamond_lil
    Diamond_lil Member Posts: 76
    edited February 2014

    I have been struggling to eat this week (I'm on antibiotics). I just bought a " magic bullet" blender and find that fruit, ice, water and ice cream is easy to stomach! 

    Those high protein drinks are too heavy for me.

    LIL

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  • paloverde
    paloverde Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2014

    Hey everyone.  Paloverde decides to crawl out of her hole after however many weeks it's been.  

    I was VERY depressed for 3-4 weeks and only just snapped out of it yesterday.  Sadly, being on the forums made me feel a LOT worse, so I'm glad that was temporary because I missed you guys.  I now have no less than 2 dozen get-well cards and a dozen e-mails that all need a response.

    More later about what ugliness we can create in our psyches.  I have my 4th and last AC this Thursday - yea! - and wow!  Talk about being 90% tolerable for the first 3 doses.  That is not what I expected.  Lil and others have been an inspiration that it's possible!  Of course that will mean that weekly Taxol kicks my butt!  The second Taxol dose will be on my birthday.

    I was going in to work most days, just not on treatment or Neulasta days (I think one Neulasta day I went in for 1/2 day), but mostly hid in my office and wasn't very effective.  So that will change this coming week. Just got my performance review (for 2013) and it happened to be
    excellent, so my boss and I had a long talk about this stuff.  On the plus side, everyone at work loves the wig, even those who think it's my hair, so maybe I'll shave my head for the long term and keep wearing it (and saving the 20 minutes every morning).  Certainly beats the heck out of my real hair, which is a pain in the butt.

    Later I will catch up on all your posts.  Hope everyone has been as SE-free as possible.  Best to all.

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  • Carren-LB-at-2-0-clock
    Carren-LB-at-2-0-clock Member Posts: 116
    edited February 2014

    Paloverde, I am glad that your are back and no longer depressed. That is such a bummer and hard to get out of - from personal experience. I find also that isolation is bad - I was talking to my brother-in-law today who has Leukemia - he has the same problem with isolation, fatigue, paranoia of catching something when immune is low. I like this forum because no one is contagious! LOL Really, the only thing that keeps me going daily is humour. So, stick with us and I concur with your hair style choice, my husband is getting really nervous because I like having no hair better than my long hair from before. I'm going to let him sweat for a while about it! ha ha  I am heading out to see about a new wig next week, yippee, one of my own instead of the Cancer Society ones; which are lovely but not mine.

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  • myra104
    myra104 Member Posts: 102
    edited February 2014

    AC is kicking my butt again but it was the last one, woohoo!  Scared for taxol but what the heck can I do....then radiation, and my plastic surgeon said I had to keep my expander in for a year because of it!  Any other ladies here that?  Seems a bit much I am new to this thing;)

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