Starting Chemo in April 2014

Good luck to all who are having chemo today. I hope your SE are minimal.

I go this Friday. I feel a bit like a lamb to slaughter as I start to count down the days before my next treatment. I've been feeling pretty good this week except for my energy. I get exhausted easily and everytime I push it, I pay. Hard to find that balance. When I'm feeling good, I want to be doing everything I did before I started chemo. Not possible. I'm normally quite active and am trying to continue but clearly I can't. I'm reducing my work outs to just activities outside with friends. Although I plan on swimming tomorrow morning before work like I used to 5 days a week. It will be my first swim since starting chemo and I am sooo looking forward to being in the water. I don't even care if I do 10 laps. I just want to be in the water. It's more mental than physical for me.

I had a CT guided bone biopsy last week. I have a spot on my pelvis and some on my lungs. The biopsy itself wasn't too bad. They sedated me quite a bit so I would hold still. I assume I'll hear the results at my pre chemo app't with my oncologist on Friday. If the pelvic spot comes back positive, then they assume the lung spots are also positive. The lung spots are too small to biopsy. My pelvis is still a bit achy but tolerable. I did a short hike (3 hours, zero grade) on Sunday in the Smoky Mtns this past weekend. A girls trip to a friend's cabin. Chilly but gorgeous. Had the fireplace going all weekend and just relaxed. I didn't realize how much I needed that. Can't wait to go back. I am going to take advantage of that open invitation to there and another friend's lake house. It's amazing the generosity of friends/family. I'm trying not to say "No, thank you. I'm fine." I am forcing myself to say "Yes. Thank you. I would love that." I'm realizing that I do need my people around me and it's the best advice I can give others. It takes a village to heal a cancer patient.

Thanks to everyone that contributes to this forum. You are all so inspiring. Brave. Strong. Beautiful.

golfingirl, I will be with you in the chair this Friday- AC #4 and scared out of my mind as #3 did a number on me. Plan is to take all those steroids / Meds that I so hate to take and hydrate like crazy. Will be last AC and then I move on to taxol, herceptin, perjeta weekly for 12 weeks. Good luck to all of us.

Sandra 

I am not sure if this is against the rules but in reading back I found this post.  It may help those of you who are just starting chemo.

Sep 12, 2007 03:51AM Angelflight wrote:

Hi ladies,

I'm from the chemosabe march cruisers.  Finished my chemo about 10 weeks ago. (Taxotere, Adriamyacin, Cytoxin) or TAC.  Your questions and concerns are valid ones, but don't be so terrified.  I actually breezed through chemo with little side effects.

Emend is not given too often these days although it's one of the newest of the chemo drugs for anti-nausea.  Most insurance companies will not cover the cost of it since it's the most expensive.  Decadron will do just as well and is covered in almost all cases.

We were all terrified the first time in the chair, but I had no problems whatsoever.  Made a lot of nice friends there as well and we passed out jello and munchies to all the others around us.  We always had our own little party, and took an ice chest with lunch and drinks. You can get up and walk around and to and from the bathroom as well.  You just unplug and your pumps are battery operated too.  We even went outside sometimes for an hour or so.

Take a blanket if you want to sleep although most centers have those as well.

Here are a bunch of great tips and if you start on them right away you can curb some of the problems you'll encounter after chemo starts.

Get started brushing your teeth with Biotene Toothpaste as well as using Biotene Mouthwash in place of your regular toothpaste.  It will keep you from getting the mouth sores so many before us have gotten.  If you do get mouth sores, have the onc write you a script for Magic Mouthwash.  I say prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Stock up on Senekot.  The first few days after chemo you will usually be constipated.  If you just take one every night before bed you won't have a problem.

Stock up on Emodium.  Usually after the constipation is over you will follow with diaharrea.  The Emodium will work wonders for most, but those who can't control it have your onc. give you a script for Lotrimin.  Also yogurt with active cultures is a big help. Just one a day is enough.

Be prepared for your hair loss.  Most of us never knew that when the hair would start to thin it would hurt.  That's the time you want to do a final buzz.  Besides it keeps you from shedding like a dog everywhere you go.

Most of us don't recommend wigs unless you absolutely have to have one.  They're scratchy, itchy and hot.  Scarves and cool hats are much more comfortable for going out.  Ebay is a good source for scarf lots if you need some.

Be prepared for weight gain.  Yes I said weight gain.  The steroids you'll be taking for the anti-neasua will work wonders but not without it's price.  Expect anywhere from 20-50 lbs before chemo is over.  If you're one of the few who doesn't gain that consider yourself one of the lucky few.

Expect lots and lots of sleepless nights.  Have the onc. write you a script for Ambien.  Most of you are probably already experiencing lack of sleep even before chemo; it just gets worse.

Don't be afraid of all of the medications you'll be taking.  It doesn't last forever and all of them serve their purpose.

Be prepared for metallic tasting drinks.  Some say flavored waters work well although one time it will and the next time something else will work better.  Drink at least 64oz of liquids per day if you possibly can.  It will help flush the chemo faster and you don't want to encounter bladder or kidney problems. That includes, jello and any liquids you drink, not just water.

Don't be afraid of your port hurting when they insert into it for chemo.  I never had mine sprayed or used a cream and never had it hurt once.  The nurses are experts in doing it.  Some people complain they can see theirs more than other people.  Consider yourself lucky as they say the closer they are to the surface the less problems.

Taxotere and Taxol are notorious for causing water retention or nails turning dark.  Never happened to me and some say they put their hands in ice water during chemo to prevent it.  It's your call.

I can tell you this.  When I did my chemo I was petrified the first time.  But I only had a bad bout with diaharrea once until I found out the yogurt was my cure.  Other than that I had a little fatique once in a while and that was it.  Can't say that's what will happen to you, but know it's possible if you don't dwell on it all the time.

Hope some of this will help you ladies.

Good luck,

Angel

I do have one question for anyone.  Does anyone here experience urgent need to urinate as a side-effect?  I am sure we all drink a lot of water but when I am standing (working around the house) I suddenly know that if I don't get to the bathroom right away I will not make it.  It doesn't happen when I am sitting or for some reason when I am out.  Weird I know but thought I would ask.

Thinking of you all in the chair today! One less to go!  I get my last AC tomorrow and don't wanna go...lol.  But I had a great weekend with my family hiking the hoodoos SLOWLY and digging dinosaur bones.  My mom is here this time to take care of me  Even at 30 there's nothing better than your mom when you are sick!  

rosemamma88: Welcome. Sorry to hear that the cancer is back after a BMX. I too thought that after a BMX, the chances of reoccurrence would be really low or nil. But chemo & rads should get rid of the rest. Regarding the port, my MO told me that my chemo drugs (TC) are rough on veins and didn't want to have to do an IV for me 6 times for the infusions, due to the damage chemo would inflict. That's why she had me get the port.  I don't know which chemo drugs they are recommending for you, but like Linda505 said, you'll get the Herceptin since you're HER2 +, and you'll probably be glad to have the port instead of having a new IV done each time for a year.  It looks a bit weird but it's pretty easy to cover up and is only temporary.

clarrn: I bet you're glad you're on the last AC infusion! Yay! That's great that your mom can take care of you, too. Hey, I'll be in the chair tomorrow too, and also really don't want to go! Only TC#2 for me, but like you said, I can cross another one off my "to-do" list.

Good luck to everyone!

Sitting in the chair now for A/C #3. Getting the steroids and anti nausea meds now. "Red Devil" push coming soon

Nice and quiet here today. Was a mad house 2 weeks ago! 

MO and I discussed my timeline and we decided to go with 4 treatments of Taxol every 4 weeks instead of 12 weeks weekly as I have been tolerating the A/C relatively well. I have a major event that I would still like to do mid October and this should get me done as I still have 6 weeks of radiation to do after this. So happy that he is so responsive to my needs!  There should be no difference in risk or effectiveness.  

Good luck to everyone in the chair today and those going later in the week. We can do this ladies!!

Cheering on the Easy Peasy Tuesday Ladies!

Day 6, post tx No. 2. Doing ok.  Supposed to go to dinner with friends to celebrate my birthday. Wish me luck.

Hello all! I'm in the chair as I write this. I just started the Taxol…my 6th of 12. Halfway point, yay!! I have to say I really really didn't want to come here today. Not sure why. Just want to be done with all of this!! And, I've been told the Acne is from the steroids, but I'm not sure. It's raging on my head (still) and face, chest and shoulders. I'd say that is one side SE that we should all be able to do without. Although, I know that it could be much much worse.

I have compiled list of the top ridiculous things that have been said to me (mostly co-workers who mean well, but are completely clueless)...that people should just never say to people who have cancer:

1. What are your chances? (Yes, indeed, I got this question, more than once) I had lots of responses going through my head but I refrained.

2. Wigs are all the rage in Hollywood. You'll love having a wig. (Seriously? Spoken by a girl with hair down to her butt, I am quite sure she has rarely, if ever cut that hair!)

3. My [grandmother/distant/insert relative or friend name here] had cancer. She/He died. (Really? thanks for the pep talk!)

4. Why are you still coming to work? (Well, Einstein, I still need MONEY!)

5. Are you feeling sick? (Ugh. I just can't really respond to that.)

6. How are YOU? (spoken with the inflection on YOU and with the hand on the shoulder…again, maybe someone means well with this question, but exactly what response is expected with this question - the list of meds I now take? The SE's? The "I feel awesome even though I have cancer?" 

I have to say the majority of people are amazingly supportive, but to those few, who are just so socially awkward, they don't know what to say - I suggest a quick google search - what to say to someone with a cancer diagnosis: http://www.cancer.org/treatment/understandingyour...

Or here:

http://www.thesilverpen.com/breast-cancer-informat...

Hope you've enjoyed my sarcastic little rant.

Same thing happened to me yesterday!  They had put me asleep with all of the Benedryl and Ativan and when I had to go I could not move quickly enough!  It happened twice!  Thankfully nothing like that has happened since.  Glad to hear I 'm not the only one!  I thought I might wind up in Depends indefinitely!

hi all

Had my bloodwork today. And like a baby I cried before the nurse poked my port but once she did it I was so relieved!!  I felt NOTHING!  I'm loving the port!!  I was told that I would get a call if tomorrow's chemo has to be delYed. No call several hours later so I'll be in the chair tomorrow at 9. Round 2 of FEC

I met with a genetic counsellor today and will have the testing done. 8-10 weeks for results

I met with my MO. He thankfully remains of the opinion that I will do well and move on quickly. I hope that he's right. A year of herceptin doesn't sound great but that just gives me a reason to plan a big party once it's all done!!

I'll try and text from the chair tomorrow. Hopefully I don't get too nausous this time or throw up!  

I still have thread hanging around from the stiches around the port which will be removed tomorrow as well. Truly looking forward to that she said sarcastically

Hope all are doing well. We shall get through this and move on!!!!!

mikishelley - I have heard of several people who were told to leave their ports in for awhile.  Never heard a period of time though.  I think it is really your option. 

So sorry about your insurance!  That really sucks.

ColdinCanada - You should get an eye patch to complete the look!

Clarn, So sorry about the lymphedema. That really sucks. I am sure you will find a great group of ladies for advice and support over on the other forum. 

SharonDe: Happy Birthday! I hope dinner goes well for you.

mikishelly: I didn't think employers could just end your insurance. Isn't that illegal? Discrimination? Anyone here know? Sorry I don't. As far as the port, you can leave it in as long as you want, but you have to get it flushed out every 4 weeks if you're not actually using it. I think some folks keep it in for future blood draws. I haven't decided what I'm going to do since I won't be done until August.

clarrn: Sorry to hear about the Lymphedema. I'm sure your specialist will be able to help you with steps to prevent it in the future. I read that one of the things you can do is to sleep with that arm elevated above your heart to help with the fluid drainage. Good luck.

I'm half way done as of today...yea me!  Last round of AC seemed to take all day, but glad it's behind me.  Hopefully my SE's will be milder...crossing my fingers!

Longislandl8y...yes, it is surreal when the nurses get suited up to put those toxic drugs in my IV.  This whole experience feels so unreal, doesn't it?  And I have to say I LOVE your mantra, "Die, little f*ers!"  It is most fitting, and I'll think of it often

Loved reading all your posts during my infusion today...thanks, Ladies, for the inspiration you give me!