Starting Chemo in April 2014

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  • KRISH
    KRISH Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2014

    Hi Linda 505 ! You are very strong willed and definitely you will win the battle against BC. My mother has been diagnosed with IDC on April 4 , 2014. Even though i am a medico ( interventional cardiologist ) , i was very depressed and shattered by the news when it was conveyed to me on phone that mum has been diagnosed by FNAC and mammogram. I immediately  left my hospital and i cried in car on my way back home. I met oncosurgeon and planned for modified radical mastectomy with axillary lymphnode dissection. Now , the mastectomy is over and we are awaiting the results of ER/PR /HER 2 neu /Ki 67 analysis in biopsy specimen . Luckily the nodes are negative ( 0/15 ) and she will be starting chemo in May 2014. Being diagnosed with cancer shatters a person and relatives. However , soon we realise that there are so many who are battling the disease and have been cured. I did a lot of internet search on breast cancer than what i studied in my medical school , found this wonderful site and strong people like you .... it really helped me in overcoming my depression , fears , anger. You are absolutely right that we should spread awareness about the disease through social media like FB. Good luck to you.! 

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  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,906
    edited May 2014

    What a loving daughter!  Your mom is so lucky!

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  • LovebeingNana
    LovebeingNana Member Posts: 134
    edited May 2014

    Just got caught up on all of us. Yesterday was a busy day at work which is good and I got the first day of facing everyone with no hair over with!! People were kind.

    Footballnut I hope you are feeling better!! Maybe since the SE's came on quick they will leave quick too!

    SandraDe - I called the people closest to me then announced the to the rest on Facebook. Also I had a slight red rash at my chest/neck area but it went away by itself after a few days.

    Jhodro - SO sorry for all you are going through - I hope it gets better from here. I shaved my head two days ago and honestly I am relieved to have it done. 

    Everforward - So glad the SE's were better this time. I did not have swelling anywhere after round 1.

    Wampuscat - I am so sorry for all you are going through. I can't even imagine. I hope your husband is feeling better quickly!! Glad you were feeling well at the time so you could be there for him.

    Clarn  - glad you are better 1 day earlier! I hope that trend continues for you!

    LongIsland - glad your second infusion went well.

    Jaimieh - I hope you feel better and once you get you hats & etc you can move on - I am at peace with it now because I have no other choice. This bald head looks better when I smile 

    Makelemonade - I am sorry you landed in the hospital!! I know that has to be frustrating and tiring!! Keep us posted and I hope you can get home soon!!!!

    Michele - I hope today goes great.

    Timbuktu - I had a LOT of muscle pain. I know that is frustrating. I took advil and tylenol. I also had muscle relaxers left over from BMX and my MO said I could take those. They helped a lot. They do pass after a few days. Hang in there. 

    I am Missy Gillis Kintzel on Facebook if anyone wants to be friends there. 

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  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,906
    edited May 2014

    Thanks so much Love.  It's very reassuring to know that others have this and that it will go away.

    i can't take advil because I had an ulcer.  But I just took a long hot shower and feel 1000% better, which says to me that it's a muscle thing.

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  • Longislandl8y
    Longislandl8y Member Posts: 145
    edited May 2014


    Makelemonade - prayers sent your way

    2nd infusion on Tuesday and was so optimistic about minimal side effects.  Felt pretty good all through yesterday but then the SEs hit pretty hard last night and into today.  My MO had told me the treatment is Cumulative so I guess I gotta expect it to be a little worse each time.  One of the nurses had also said that a lot of women complain most about day 3.  Blah.  Hopefully by tomorrow I'll be feeling better.  Hope everyone is doing alright today.

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  • Footballnut
    Footballnut Member Posts: 742
    edited May 2014

    hi all

    Well I threw up twice yesterday but did have a good sleep. The nausea was worse that my worst hangover and as a musician I regret to day that I've had some good ones!!  Lol

    Took my meds this morning. Feel a bit better. Then took another anti nausea med as I was starting to feel light headed. The pharmacist told me that the worst nausea is within 72 hours of infusion

    I suspected that I would have nausea issues because I gave motion sickness and am usually hit with nausea for just about anything!

    Today I get my neulasta shot and am petrified!  I hate needles!!!!!!  

    Thanks for being there for me!  You all help me greatly!!!!

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  • linda505
    linda505 Member Posts: 847
    edited May 2014

    Krish - welcome to the site - i hope these wonderful women will help you with dealing with this as they have helped me in my short time here.  It is so wonderful to have a place to come and say exactly what we feel like and not be judged and to get ideas and advice and encouragement.  I would be so lost without this place.  

    To all my sisters having SE and issues - these will pass and we will overcome!! Cause we fight like girls!

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  • Sunshine36
    Sunshine36 Member Posts: 88
    edited May 2014

    Well, I did it. Took the plunge and buzzed my hair last night! There is  bald spot on top on the sides, but the buzz itself doesn't look sk bad!!! And it felt so good to be done with it! My hubby was amazing and shaved his head too :-)

    Ill try to attach a pic!!


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  • JanetP1507
    JanetP1507 Member Posts: 46
    edited May 2014

    Footballnut, I'm so sorry you got so sick! I am going to try to stay ahead of the nausea now that I know to expect it on day 3 by taking an anti-nausea as soon as I wake up instead of waiting for it to hit me,maybe the same would work for you?

    I'm heading for infusion #2 in a bit. It's sooooo windy here in Tucson, my allergies are killing me but I'm afraid to take anything so close to chemo time! Just hoping the benedryl they will be dripping into my veins will settle the allergies! gah!! *sniffles* 

    Kazzy, I know you are getting your first treatment today, good luck and check in with us later if you feel up to it!!

    Sunshine, hoping to get my head buzzed either this afternoon or tomorrow after work!

    Thinking of all you, WE CAN DO THIS!!! :)

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  • MakeLemonade
    MakeLemonade Member Posts: 153
    edited May 2014

    My oncologist came in this morning ... looks like I will here until Saturday ... waiting for those neutraphils to come back up!  

    Will have a 20% dose reduction next time.  I am supposed to have the a/c next week, but might have to have that pushed back a week depending on what my levels are at that point.  

    He said they start everyone at the same dose, but everyone is different, and apparently I couldn't tolerate it. Yes, WBC and neutraphils go way down when in nadir, but I am below even that!  We want to kill the cancer, not me :-)  Might require some tinkering with the doseages.  

    Have resigned myself to being here ... I have my computer and I can nap.  I actually got a relatively good night sleep last night.  As much as can be expected what with nurses coming in for blood pressure/temp, change the saline bag, hang another antibiotic bag, then the IV machine starts bonging because it thinks there is air in the line ... yeah, lots of interruptions :-)

    Not a lot of people know that I am going through chemo, and even less know that I am here.  Don't need that right now. 

    I get to get up and go to the bathroom on my own, don't have to have assistance.  Just my IV pole and me ;-)  Washed up on my own as well (that always requires a rest afterwards)  Hair desparately needs a wash ... if this happens again, I won't have my hair and that will be easier.  Needs to look for the silver linings :-)

    Just going to keep my spirits up and try to rest .... and hopefully I don't end up in the hospital a week after my next treatment again!  

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  • Footballnut
    Footballnut Member Posts: 742
    edited May 2014

    janetp1507 I was actually given an anti nausea med to take before my infusion and another was included in my IV. perhaps my mistake was not understanding that the light headedness that I was getting once home was nausea kicking in do I didn't take my " just incase" pill. Now I know. Today is a bit better

    My pharmacist explained that the worst if the nausea is the first 72 hours

    Hope the best for u!!

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  • linda505
    linda505 Member Posts: 847
    edited May 2014

    You hang in there makelemonade!!  They will get this dose figured out!

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  • SharonDe
    SharonDe Member Posts: 222
    edited May 2014

    Janet and Kazzy - hope today goes well.  Anyone else getting infusions today?

    MakeLemonade - your attitude lives up to your screen name. You manage to maintain a positive outlook despite your frustrating circumstances.  Glad your MO is working with you on dosages.

    Linda - how are you feeling today?  Still wearing your hat :) ?

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  • Swissmiss
    Swissmiss Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2014

    Today I think I smiled for the first time since my hair started falling out last week :)  I was sporting one of my new hats while walking around our neighborhood pond, and a little boy yelled out to me "I like your hat ma'am!"  He was probably three years old, swinging on a swing pushed by his grandpa.  Made my day.  I came home, took that hat off my itchy head, and as is my custom, I took a tape lint roller to it to remove all those short hairs I'm shedding.  Then, I took that lint roller over my patchy head.  Looking at myself in the mirror lint-rolling my head made me laugh.  

    Still, I've been struggling with the hair loss...it's just so wrong.  I have a wig I purchased online, which probably was a mistake, but I didn't want to shop at the wig store, I just couldn't bear it.  The wig makes me feel like a bad Marilyn Monroe impersonator, so I've been avoiding wearing it out.   And with these Oklahoma winds, I feel like Marilyn (that's what I call her) is going to fly right off!  Should I bite the bullet and buy another wig fitted by a professional?  Have any of you found they prefer a scarf or hat to fake hair?  I can't imagine dealing with this for the next few months.  I have nightmares thinking that my hair will take years to grow back, and I'll be stuck with Marilyn a lot longer than I thought :(  

    A few months ago I would never imagined this day, this look, this crazy stuff that I've gone through.  Wow!  Thanks, Ladies, for sharing your experiences and advice :)  

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  • linda505
    linda505 Member Posts: 847
    edited May 2014

    Hey Sharon - I am feeling pretty good today - tingley fingers and toes but in general good.  I still have taste buds and an appetite so that is good but it is only day two lol  Oh too hot for the hat here almost 90 today - I can wear it in the air conditioned cancer center for about 1/2 hour just to get a few smiles.

    Swissmiss - love your story about the little boy - how sweet.  Before you go out and buy another wig contact the american cancer society and ask where in your area they have a center - i think they will give you a free wig.  Maybe you will find one there that you like better and free is best!!

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  • SharonDe
    SharonDe Member Posts: 222
    edited May 2014

    That's a sweet story, Swissmiss.  We are all going through some crazy stuff, aren't we?

    Linda - glad the SE's aren't getting you down.  

    Anyone else having to cancel/reschedule vacation trips?  I guess it's a small inconvenience in the big scheme, but just realized we were supposed to be at Disney World this week :(  

    Here's to better days for all of us...

    image

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  • linda505
    linda505 Member Posts: 847
    edited May 2014

    yes Sharon - we were supposed to go to Las Vegas for our one year anniversary in August - it makes me sad not to be going - but oh well - there is always next year

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  • Kite
    Kite Member Posts: 265
    edited May 2014

    swissmiss- I am sorry you are having a hard time with losing your hair. I'm getting ready to lose mine again too. The first time I went and bought wigs and hats. I felt so positive afterwards. I thought I can do this! Welp, that's not how it unfolded at all! I hate my wigs and my hats made me so hot! I ended up going to WalMart and buying 3 $10 scarfs and went on YouTube to learn how to tie them. Easy peasy. You will learn what's best for you and what's most comfortable. I'll be dragging out all of mine and maybe do some shopping this weekend. Aren't I lucky I get to be bald again... (Eyeroll) LOL! 

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  • brigadoonbenson
    brigadoonbenson Member Posts: 412
    edited May 2014

    Hi everyone,  I had my first infusion yesterday preceded by benadryl and steroids.  So far no SE's.  Slept well last night and felt great today.  Went to movie with DIL's to see "The Other Woman".  Very funny.  Waiting for the shoe to drop but I am claiming this day as a good one and resting on all your good energy to keep me positive. 

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  • Blueberry4
    Blueberry4 Member Posts: 98
    edited May 2014

    MakeLemonade - I'm sorry you're stuck in the hospital.  I had my AC infusion the same day as you and am fighting the critically low WBC at home.  My MO put me on Levofloxosomething.  My blood work report reads differently than what I have read here.  Usually people's numbers are in the thousands.  On my report my WBC is 1.3 and my neutrophil count is .1 so I don't know what it means but next to the numbers it says it is critical low.  My temp floats up to 99.6 and then back down so I haven't called yet.  I will have blood work tomorrow so I hope it is going back up by then.  Like you, I feel pretty okay.

    Sharon - My family missed our annual Disney trip due to my BMX.  I feel for you sister!  

    Swissmiss - I'm sorry about your hair.  I am more horrified of the falling out process than I am of being bald.  I'm going for the GI Jane buzz Monday night, day 13 post infusion.  

    Linda - I'm so glad your first infusion went smoothly.  Your hat was the best.  Was that a flip, flip, flippy hat?  Do y'all know what those are? 

    Football - The nausea SE is awful, but you will get through it.  I learned the hard way to start taking anti nausea meds sooner too.  If your not feeling better, see if your center will let you go in for IV fluids and IV anti nausea.  I did this on day 4 and felt immensely better in a few hours.

    Kite - So sorry you have to go through this again.  That just bites.  I too am going the scarf route.  I better learn to tie them, so thank you for the you tube hint.  I hadn't thought of that.  I learned to upholster chairs there, but didn't think to look for scarf tying.

    Brigadoon - Here's hoping you remain SE free!  

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  • linda505
    linda505 Member Posts: 847
    edited May 2014

    Blueberry - it is a flippy hat - I squeeze the little ball thing and his hands go up - so silly LOL -but I must laugh where I can.

    48 hours after and starting to feel a little stiff and achy and I have tingling in my toes and fingers - I feel like I aged about 10 years since noon today LOL

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  • JanetP1507
    JanetP1507 Member Posts: 46
    edited May 2014

    Hi ladies!

    Had infusion #2 this morning, so far so good. Made an appointment to get my head buzzed Saturday morning (last Saturday my SE hit hard so I hope I can get ahead of them now and keep this appointment). I'm seeing my oncologist next week prior to my chemo so he can exam me and see if there is any change in the tumor yet. He called today and asked. I didn't think any change would palpable so soon but I did check myself last night and it feels the same to me but I could be wrong. So, hoping next week after 2 treatments he'll find a change otherwise he'll add something to my taxol. 

    Hope you are all doing well with the SE! Soldier on ladies!!! :)

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  • Sunshine36
    Sunshine36 Member Posts: 88
    edited May 2014

    Just got home from my 2nd round.  Doing okay - mostly just tired. Hoping for an easier go around than the last round!

    Hope everyone is doing okay!

    Xoxo

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  • chinamum
    chinamum Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2014

    Brand new here and I don't know all the jargon so I apologize in advance. 

    Long story short: Found lump in December and saw DR 1/6, mammo & ultrasound 1/10, referred to Breast Surgeon 1/17. Biopsy 1/29. Left on Feb 2 on cruise (best thing ever) 2/18 got the news. Feb 2/26 bi-lateral mastectomy. 3/11 stage 1 no lymph nodes involved. Met with Oncologist and Radiation Oncologist 3/19 & 3/20. First Chemo April 1. 

    1 Chemo was a breeze, Neulasta shot was killer, pain was like bones exploding. Found Claritin helped.

    Day 6-7 Did have metal taste in mouth, a little diarrhea, nothing really bothersome 

    Day 14 my hair started falling out. Day 19 buzzed it off, started wearing a wig 

    2 Chemo was a breeze, Neulasta had Claritin and Percocet much better. HOWEVER 7 days after Chemo 2 developed a bumpy itchy rash with welts from the back of my neck going up my scalp.  Itchy eye lashes   Driving me crazy.

    I will have 4 rounds of Chemo every 3 weeks - 2 down 2 to go YEAH

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  • jhodro
    jhodro Member Posts: 240
    edited May 2014

    I went ahead and got my hair buzzed yesterday. Feels much better!! I must have shed all the tears as there were none during the cut! I went ahead and ordered a wig and picked up some cute caps. Have a work breakfast meeting tomorrow where I will have my first hair-free public experience :). My kids' reactions were funny...my 17 y/o had no idea what to say, "you can barely tell mom" so it lightened the moment because we laughed hard at that.

    Have really felt decent on my chemo week off (other than the hair loss). One round done, three to go.

    Thanks everyone for sharing...this is where I go to remind myself I am not alone.

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  • linda505
    linda505 Member Posts: 847
    edited May 2014

    Hi Chinamum and welcome although I am sure this isn't a place you want to be - but everyone here is so helpful that I am sure someone will be along some that has had the same reaction and can shed some light on it.  First of all - if you haven't yet call you MO and let them know about the rash.  One thing I was warned about from the nurses giving me the treatment that sunlight could cause a rash easily for some on chemo - to make sure to wear sunblock all the time - even when just driving.  

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  • applepop
    applepop Member Posts: 16
    edited May 2014

    Hello ladies. I head out in about a hour for my second chemo (#4 of 6).  I have felt pretty good these last few days with the exception of losing my hair and starting my monthly yesterday. I am not looking forward to chemo side effects while pms' ing. 

    Linda- I had a really bad acne like rash after my first chemo that is just now clearing up. I am hoping I do not get it again. I am usually in the sun quite a bit, but have tried to avoid it lately. I love being outside though. I go stir crazy staying in side.


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  • Sunshine36
    Sunshine36 Member Posts: 88
    edited May 2014

    Chinamum - welcome!!! I had something similar to your bumpy rash, mine was more like acne on my chest, back and back of my neck. We think likely caused by the steroid,  because after my 3 days of steroid, it cleared up tons. Hope yours does too!!!

    Jhodro - yay for taking the plunge on buzzing! I know it was scary, but we did it! And how adorably amazing is your 17yo!!! You rock girl!!

    Linda - you are always so upbeat and helpful! You're attitude and encouragement is amazing :-)

    Applepop - ugh im dreading my monthly (scheduled to arrive this week - how lovely sigh)... my onc said there's a high probability the chemo may put me in temp menopause during treatment - so ill be keeping a lookout!  Don't know if it'll be good or bad lol!

    Love you all and hope everyone is feeling good.

    I had round 2 yesterday,  feeljng ok, just tired but started my senna and colace last night to try to be proactive for the aweful constipation I had last round! Hoping it helps!

    Omg and I forgot to mention, during my MO physical exam yesterday before infusion, she confirmed my tumor is definitely shrinking!!!! It felt smaller to me, but her confirming it was amazing!!!!! She said it was a very good sign !!!!!

    Stay strong ladies :-)

    Jen

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  • MakeLemonade
    MakeLemonade Member Posts: 153
    edited May 2014

    woohoo - WBC finally kicking it into gear this morning!! The neutraphil count was't listed and I know that is the number that will decide whether I can go home :-)

    Stopped being on 24/7 saline last evening so am finally untethered from the IV pole except for when I get anti biotics.  That is another woohoo :-)

    Am using my iPhone - someone up the page was asking about the numbers - they can either give you the number in absolute terms, such WBC being 900, or they use units per 1,000 in which case the WBC would be .9.  Same thing and they are being used interchangeably here.

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  • EverForward
    EverForward Member Posts: 242
    edited May 2014

    Good luck to everyone starting round 2. Here's to lesser side effects!

    I go in this morning to have my port checked because of the mysterious neck swelling. Fingers crossed that it's all right.

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