February 2014 Starting Chemo Club

Hi all..this was my third day after my  first tx of AC. So far so good, just a slight headache.  No problem from the nuelasta shot, guess the clsratin is working.  I'm sorry to hear those of you eho are suffering from so many SE.  I realize I could still hit some SE, but am remaining optomistic.

NJmom - try having them run the Cytoxan at a slower rate (at least over an hour, if not 1.5). That might help with your headache. 

princessrn I did TCH x 6. Very typical for us triple positive thread. From what I can see it seems a lot easier than doing the red devil. Just keep up with fluids and try to keep moving/exercise even if it's only for 10-15 minutes. Really the exercise helps you from getting stiff. Also check out the triple positive thread. Great group of gals over there and a very active thread. PT got rid of my cording although it wasn't too bad. Ironically I got LE in the arm that didn't have the cording. I was in the gym doing elliptical and power walk on the tread mill (4.6 mph) for a total of 70 minutes the next day. I would say that Saturday might have been a "tougher" day only because I was a bit more tired. Still went wig shopping.

purpletron my PS and my Onc prescribed anti-anxiety meds. Many women need them and that's why they were on my list. Granted I'm a weird egg and only get the less common SE. So the anti-anxiety meds stayed in the drawer with the nausea meds. Never used either one. Granted I did consider doing it with the MRI. I hate small spaces. You'll get through this.

Stay out of the sun. Chemo does dry your skin. Most folks use Eucerin because it doesn't seem to bother the skin. They have all sorts of hand, body etc products. Drinking water will also help so be sure you have enough. The only thing that worked for my feet is this product from Sally Beauty Supply:

linky1  

They also have a roll-on version that is less messy but I think it's only available in stores. I still use the roll on. When on chemo they didn't have that.

Try eating citrus foods. They might taste better unless you have mouth sores. Be sure to brush after eating the citrus.

Okay, I just started my period today. I thought this was't supposed to happen? I felt like I was about to start last week, even felt crampy on Thursday the day of my chemo. I told the nurse and she said I should call the DR if I do start. Anyone else?

Feeling I belong back to the land of the living.  Bone pain lasted for 5 days.  I will be asking for an anti inflammatory for the next round.

I have gotten my appetite back...YAH....was so hungry tonight scoouted out to McDonald's for a quarter pounder combo...I know not the best choice but it tasted so damn good!

I have been pretty tired and last night slept without having those wacko dreams....not looking forward to starting the steriods again on March 3 for my next round on March 4:( I will definitely be running over that last bottle when I am done treatment.

My picc line is doing okay, still hate having it in my arm (although its been in two weeks) and the pain in the ass it is having to put the special neoprene sleeve I ordered to get a shower.

I guess I can enjoy my hair while it is still here, know too well having gone down this path before that it will be gone come sometime next week (14 days+ post treatment).

Although I have lost it before doing chemo, it still sucks the big one!

My oncologist has signed me off work until Aug 4/14 which gives me 3.5 months post chemo to recover before I head back to work.  I have been off work since my DIEP surgery on December 13/13.

Really looking forward to spring, our winter has been horrible here!

Michele

I talked to my MO's nurse earlier and she said that MO didn't want to do anything about it right now...not sure what they could do. She just said that it could effect my counts and that it will likely be a heavier and maybe more painful one. Well, the pain is true, bad cramps and really sore legs. My legs feel weak and sore, like jello.

My appettite is back, but still nothing tastes decent and my stomach is upset after I eat. Other than all that I'm doing okay. Hoping to feel good this weekend and go out to feed the ducks with dh and youngest DD.

tangandchris , I also started my period , two days after my first chemo, and some of the strongest cramping I had ever had. Did not phone it in, but thinking I might now just because it stopped then started up a couple days ago again.... Not as heavy ...but. ...is that normal..whatever normal is with chemo any more.  My hair also started to fall out today ....have it in a little ponytail for now. Hoping to make it through my son's season end soccer dinner on sat ., before  I have to shave it.

As I tell my friends, Everyday is different with chemo ... One day at a time.... 

I have always said cancer treatment is a time suck... or in some cases just a suck.

Hello Ladies,

I went to the LE PT Then yesterday at 8:30. I had an eval and measuring. only a 3% difference and she felt good that with massage I would self resolve. That makes me pleased. She did recommend a sleeve for exercise and travel. I have another appointment. MOnday for actual therapy. After that on to chemo.

I had my first chemo yesterday. TCH. I did okay. It was a long day. I was by far the youngster there for the day. Port was just a pinch but emotionally upsetting to me. But mostly I was upset to find that I have to go weekly for the Herceptin for the first 18 weeks. They told every three. I planned for every three. I was so upset. And the doctor and NP aren't there late of course. So I get to leave work every week early. My husband is not here so it is a bit harder to coordinate.

I got Benedryl, Decadron and Zantac as premeds. I had taken a Norco for the PT appointment and then after they drew my labs and I wanted to jump out of my chair, I took a Xanax. My sister was with me, she's a real peach. Then they gave the Herceptin, loading dose so double. I did ok. Then the Taxotere and Carboplatin. I drank well and had a cherry and lemon ice. But I peed like a crazy person! I mean I was tired from the up and downs in the chair and vowed next time to get a seat closer to the potties!! LOL

I did nap some but the room is large and loud. We were in the corner area but still loud. I was the last to leave. Came home with my sister. I had notable belly gurgling but I took a Zofran when I got home.

Then I had to pop off with my middle son to an English tutor. His first appointment. It went well, he liked the guy and seemed be pleased with the guidance. We drove home and then I had some toast with peanut butter. And climbed in bed.

Today I feel ok. Up did morning kid things, lunches and started laundry and such. Littlest indian still to get up and on the bus. Belly feels a little off..crampy. I took a Zofran again just to cover myself. I am supposed to go back to the office today for the Neulasta shot. I will take the Claritin. I have a big day planned for Saturday if I am able as my husband comes in from Boston tonight. We have Joffrey Ballet tickets so I really would like to go. I want to do something nice and normal and not related to sickness.

Thanks for all the support.

lgoldie... It's okay to be scared  really scared.  If you can work, you can.  You have to wait and see. 

How old is everyone on here...you all look great.   I am almost 56

I was diagnosed at age 49. My picture is from September. I was 49+3. Today I am 49+4+14 days

looks like I am the oldster on this forum....76 years....Do I win the prize?

Mor

Mor can we change the "r" to an "m"? My mom is about your age. I have a young mom.