Starting chemo September 2014

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  • sweetbanker
    sweetbanker Member Posts: 22
    edited September 2014

    Kappi-9/11

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  • sweetbanker
    sweetbanker Member Posts: 22
    edited September 2014

    Kappi-9/11

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  • Tobycc
    Tobycc Member Posts: 789
    edited September 2014

    Kris, thanks for keeping us updated, I really enjoy hearing from all of you!  You are all on my prayers.  And my heros!

    I did see one woman today at education class whose wig looked so normal I would have never known....except she was in the treatment room

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  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited September 2014

    Started meds, for bladder infection.   Nurse said I can still have chemo Monday.  Out to restaurant with family and friends tomorrow to celebrate hubby's birthday. 

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  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited September 2014

    Nurses looked at my port today and said it looks good. She said sometimes the placement is just uncomfortable for some people. (Lucky me again!) They told me to keep taking the pain meds and not drive. Once the glue wears off it should feel better.

    Kris- being a 5% girl really stinks sometimes. We have to catch a break at some point, right?!

    Zj- I'm glad your are getting meds for the bladder infection. Because you mentioned this problem, I specifically asked my doc about avoiding bladder infections and what I should do if it happens to me. I have had problems with UTIs in the past, and your sharing helped me prepare.

    Hope everyone else is doing well!

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  • Zimastar
    Zimastar Member Posts: 25
    edited September 2014

    I'm young as well Brandi (36); youngest in my family to be DX so early. This can be very overwhelming & scary but we're all here to support each other & push each other along. Sorry we're meeting this way but welcome!

    Forgive me for not addressing everyone individually as I really need to write down everyone's name on a paper & what their thread was about so I can keep up--mommy/tired problems lol

    So I spent 3 days in the hospital w a raging UTI..apparently dehydration will be my main SE. The struggle is real ya'll! My BFF suggested distilled water & glass cups only to decrease the metal/just weird taste; trying it tomorrow. I did get 18lbs of fluid retention & lasix is slowly helping. I look 9 months PG. Lol 

    My port hurt for 2 weeks. I felt like it was sticking into my heart not down in it. It is great now except for the occasion scratch I give it. 

    I have to check out the flu shot. I so Dont need to add getting that. I already feel like a roll over victim for 7 days after infusion!  Anyone else get information?? 

    Today is day 11(its after midnight) still regular shedding... Waiting, anticipating. Any one else on TCH experiencing hair clump/loss yet?? 

    So my major question: sex. My UTI was also made by condom use, something we never use! I've heard many suggestions but nothing concrete. What have you all been told?? 

    Have a great weekend, may you all feel like a million dollars!!! 

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  • Kris103
    Kris103 Member Posts: 57
    edited September 2014

    ZJ - Hooray on the antibiotics, chemo schedule, and especially celebrating hubby's b-day!

    Poppy - Hang in there with the port. It shouldn't be too long before it settles in. Have you asked your MO or onc nurse about getting a prescription for EMLA cream? It's topical lidocaine and prilocane you can put on the port site to numb it when your port is accessed. Some onc nurses use a topical spray that pretty much does the same thing, although not quite as well IMO. Might be worth a thought.

    Zimastar - No worries - I have to open up WordPad along side the thread and jot stuff down as I go to be vaguely coherent! Sorry to hear about your UTI, hospital stays are no fun. The one time I was in for neutropenic fever, the only infection I had was thrush which, of course, I'd never had before, but had after every CT tx. Our immune systems are just so compromised that stuff our bodies can usually deal with can bring us down hard and quick.

    Let's see ... positive things for today ... The BDR is keeping nausea under control, the Dex red-face is contrasting nicely with what salt and pepper hair I have left, the Neulasta bone pain hasn't set in yet, can't wait to quit shaving pits and legs, and it's a beautiful day to take the dogs out for a walk. Hoping everyone has a minimal/manageable SE weekend!

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  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited September 2014

    OK so what suggestions to avoid more ITI's?  I will also ask my chemo doc when I see her on Monday.  ( (we did make love on Wednesday,  tried to be careful but who knows in the "heat of the moment"!)  Teehee.   Love you all. 

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  • SiStar-TX
    SiStar-TX Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2014

    Hi Poppyk-  Everything went well with me as far as my infusion.  I had an allergic reaction to the levaquin I was given to build my immunity.  Since it is still low they have given me something else.  So far no SE.  I will be given neulasta after my infusion on Friday, I will begin my regimen of claritan the day prior.

    Today at 5 pm I will get a haircut.  It started coming out in my hands two days ago.  I will leave a tiny bit so as to avoid the terrible itching Ive been told about.

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  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited September 2014

    Port feels better today, just itchy and sore. Who knew I would proclaim it a good day just because I can turn my head? LOL

    Sometimes I feel like I'm the Queen of UTIs. I had them frequently before BC. I hope this doesn't seem like TMI, but who wants to deal with this on top of everything else?!

    Hydration and hygiene are key. Stay well hydrated. Try drinking water through a straw or with a little lemon, lime or orange wedge to take away the metallic taste. Empty your bladder immediately after sexual contact. This will flush the bacteria out before they can make themselves at home. Wash your vaginal area before sexual contact. Cut back on caffeine, which can irritate the bladder lining. Eat yogurt to help maintain a normal, healthy vaginal flora. Wear cotton underwear, breathable fabrics and loose fitting clothing (as opposed to tight jeans or wet bathing suits). Wash with mild soaps and use mild detergents to clean your underwear. If you use tampons, try switching to pads. (yeah, that one's hard for me to do.) Check with your MO to see if you can take cranberry tablets. The cranberry changes the surface of E. coli bacteria so they can't bind as easily to the bladder/urinary tract lining. You can not drink enough cranberry juice for it to be effective; use the tablets.

    I truly hope that helps you!

    Regarding the flu shot. Yesterday my MO said to see how I do with the infusions, then she decide whether I should have the flu shot. She said I could most likely have it after the first cycle.

    Kris, you make me smile! I'm so glad I'm not a furry woman because I'm to sore to reach the areas I would normally shave. Wouldn't have known about the dex red face either.

    Happy weekend everyone!

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  • Tobycc
    Tobycc Member Posts: 789
    edited September 2014

    kris, great attitude!!!!!  Seize the day :)

    Poppy glad you are a wee better.  Thinking of you!

    Z....you go GF!  I am nowhere near ready. Poor DH, but had laproscopic hysterectomy 5 weeks ago. Follow up Monday. Beginning stages of uterine cancer, but it was not in tubes, ovaries, or anywhere else they took :) 

    Gained a bloody 10 lbs for that one. Got off 8 before lumpectomy three weeks later. 

    Sista, where are you in terms of tx?  My first next Friday....shot Saturday morning.....then appointment with hairstylist and also the one to do my wig. Hope I have enough time!!!

    Hoping everyone has a SE free, peaceful weekend 

    Hugs

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  • SiStar-TX
    SiStar-TX Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2014

    Zimaster-  I have decided to get my hair cut but you might want to shop for a wig or scarf because you will go from shedding to clumps pretty quick.  I was in denial at first but each time I putthe comb through it more would come out.  A cut is less trumatic!

    As far as sex- I was told that it was fine with the exception of the first two days after chemo.  I drink plenty of fluids to flush my system and lots of cranberry juice to avoid UTI's.  

    Hope this helps

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  • SiStar-TX
    SiStar-TX Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2014

    Tobycc-  I am in west Texas (san angleo).  The weather is changing now, suprisingly!. It never gets cold here but I suppose since my immune system is down it has decided to be damp outside!.  I were a mask sometimes but once I get the neulasta I am hoping to be able to stop altogether.   

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  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited September 2014

    I told my DH that he is welcome to check out the boards anytime and see the fantastic support and read the good information that is available here...... But now with all of this talk about having sex, I'm not so sure! My new boobs hurt, my neck is glued shut, my port hurts.... I barely have enough energy to take a shower! :-)  It sure would be nice.... but I think I'm still in the "no way" phase of this.

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  • Tobycc
    Tobycc Member Posts: 789
    edited September 2014

    I hear ya!,, juicing???????  I want to start juicing with fruits, veggies, kale, etc. I saw someone on here with a great recipe. Anyone else doing this?

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  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited September 2014

    Thanks for the avoiding UTIs info.  I will certainly try to remember to void after s intercourse. (Just had a laugh remembering years ago when I was teaching sex ed., a student said on a quiz that pregnancy was caused by "intercession"!?! ) Just thought we could use a laugh.  Praying we all stay positive and blessed as we continue this fight.  Chemo is one of our weapons and the sides are just some friendly fire.  Love to you all 

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  • Rose0766
    Rose0766 Member Posts: 92
    edited September 2014

    hi everybody, day 4 post chemo and still feeling out of sorts, low back pain from neulasta persists, but is somewhat better with Tylenol, we had a trip planned to visit my stepson and daughter in law to be, may have bit off more than I wanted, but went anyways, very tired but at least got a change of scenery, gas has been a problem, relieved with gasx, taking all my other supplements as scheduled, going wig shopping next week, hopefully in time for the great fall out, hope you all are having a few side effect weekend :)

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  • Tobycc
    Tobycc Member Posts: 789
    edited September 2014

    thanks so much for checking in Rose!  Makes me less nervous for next week

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  • HockeyCat
    HockeyCat Member Posts: 222
    edited September 2014

    Yesterday was Day 17, I felt pretty good for the whole week, so I played ice hockey on Friday night. I was so bummed that I was so wiped out after the first period... :( I couldn't skate and play well, didn't have much energy to play. I burst out crying in the locker room after the game because I felt so bad to my teammates. but they are all so supportive and fine to have me on the team.... I feel so fortunate to have such good friends. 

    I felt so tired today, so motivated myself to cook dinner from our favorite Julia Child recipe (Lamb stew) and invited our dearest friends over for dinner. We had a great time with our friends. Hope everyone having a good weekend.

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  • fire-n-ice
    fire-n-ice Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2014

    Hi ladies,

    Finally found the warriors I actually fit w/...the Sept. gang. I start A/C on Tues. 09/23. Had a BMX on 08/12 w/ no reconstruction. My mom had BC as well as my daughter [lumpectomy, found early enough no treatment and it's been 7 years for her] so never hesitated here, no regrets. BRCA test hasn't come back and I pray daily it's not positive as I have another daughter and three gorgeous granddaughters!  And truthfully I don't want to lose my ovaries too.

    Poppy, I empathize w/ you! I have a power port, been in over two weeks and it didn't bother my neck, but sleeping is a bitch. I lay [normally] on my right side and it's as if a needle is sticking into my skin 24/7! I have to put a small pillow under my arm to keep that from hurting, lose it during the night~~wide awake~~lol, the BMX was easier to sleep w/ and 30 LN were taken from the left armpit. BS is excellent btw, all he does is BC surgery, released me last Wed., says it will feel better w/ time. Hope so.

    Prayers and gentle hugs for all the warriors.

    Logan

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  • fire-n-ice
    fire-n-ice Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2014

    Poppy, I dearly love you..

    lmao, thank you for the laughs, someone other than me living in a state of confusion. Truly thank you, I so needed that post!

    Logan

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  • Kris103
    Kris103 Member Posts: 57
    edited September 2014

    HockeyCat - Wow, good on you for even attempting to play on Friday! I've just hit my first day 3 post-chemo, and need a pep talk from my daughter to take the dogs out for a good walk. Since I'm doing dose dense, I won't have a day 17 until I'm all done. Just makes me look forward to it that much more.

    Hi, Logan - Sorry that you have to be here, but glad that you found us. Wrong turn somewhere? Not that there's really a wrong turn around here. In all of the threads I've read, everyone is so welcoming. Anyway, yeah, it does take time to get used to the port. Seems like as soon as you get used to a comfortable way to sleep, something makes you have to change it. *sigh*

    So, day 3 post-chemo. A bit of break-though nausea in the middle of the night, and some kick-ass fatigue. I don't usually nap, but I did this morning. Nasty bout with big C as well, despite colace and hydrating like crazy. Guess it's just the dark place for a while. On the bright side, no Neulasta pain yet. Maybe that will stay away this time.

    Gentle hugs to everyone!

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  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited September 2014

    Logan, Glad I can share the laughs! I hope your genetic screening comes back soon, with no cancer genes detected. Hang in there.

    Hockey, Try not to be too hard on yourself. I'm proud of you suiting up and getting out there. I bet your team is too!

    Rose, It's great you were able to go for your visit. Even if it was tiring, it must have been nice to have a change of scenery.

    Toby, Holy cow, you have a lot on your plate! I hope you have a great follow up appointment tomorrow.

    Kris, Hope the fatigue isn't too bad. My MO told me to nap when ever I want to, but I want to feel just a little bit normal again. I imagine you feel the same way. Watch out for the C, it turns into the D in a matter of minutes! This just seems like adding insult to injury... so to speak.

    The skin above where my port was place has small white bumps on it. No redness, fever or swelling. Anyone have anything like this? Lucky me...

    I had my hair cut into a short pixie cut. I look like my sons now. DH must like it because he can't keep his hands to himself! ;-)

    It's World Appreciation Day. While I don't like how we all met each other, I appreciate you! Your kindness, empathy and feedback have made my world so much happier!

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  • Tobycc
    Tobycc Member Posts: 789
    edited September 2014

    hockey....if we all lived closer we would come cheer you on!!!! I am so un coordinated I could not even put  on skates!

    Logan, glad you are here....I am right behind you and Poppy. Next Friday big day. No port tho

    Kris, did you take some Meds for nausea and hopefully it helped?  Hope you got a nap in!

    Poppy I bet you look adorable :). I can't wait to go to hairdresser next Saturday after first shot....could not get in sooner....for consult on hair, hopefully cut, and wig

    DH and I went shopping. Got ingredients for the toothpaste, Pepcid, cranberry tablets, probiotic, and tea tree oil.  

    Poppy I echo your sentiments. It helps so much knowing I am not alone

    Hugs and love

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  • Rose0766
    Rose0766 Member Posts: 92
    edited September 2014

    what more fitting a day for it to be -- world appreciation day--  as PoppyK says, I appreciate all of you, a group to fight with , commiserate with, and to learn with along a road that none of us chose to be riding along on, and a group whom will understand when no one else will!! Xoxo

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  • Rose0766
    Rose0766 Member Posts: 92
    edited September 2014

    PoppyK: did you have dermabond to close your skin, or sutures, or steristrips? I began itching terribly from the steristrips, I had to take them off a few days early, couldn't stand it anymore, sometime dermabond bubbles up like that.

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  • HockeyCat
    HockeyCat Member Posts: 222
    edited September 2014

    Thank you ladies. I'm still so tired from Friday.... but glad I got to play. I should take it easy but will try to play when I can.

    Kris - hope you feel better after nap. Colace didn't work for me either. Senokot did. Hope you don't get Neulasta pain. I had a terrible bone pain last time. 

    Poppy - I appreciate your support and kind words too! Glad to have each other in this forum. 

    Toby -  I would love to see you in the rink! 

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  • Lori1967
    Lori1967 Member Posts: 66
    edited September 2014

    Well it's been two weeks since my first A&C infusion and I thought maybe it wouldn't happen......my hair started falling out last night!!! OMG!

    It's weird too, because it's like my scalp hurt too....

    I love my hair brushed, always have...it's so relaxing. So my daughter sat and brushed my hair for 30 minutes tonight, since it will most likely be the last time for a long time before I get to do it again!

    Somehow, I thought perhaps it would be a slower loss, but it really does come out in handfuls!!

    Next infusion is on Tuesday, so far I seem to handle the chemo fine. I've been taking the claritin and it works. I didn't for one of my neupogen shots and I really felt the difference. So I am stocked up. I also bought some anti-constipation pills to start on the day before....I sure hope that works!!!

    My bandage for the picc line really itch. Last bandage change they tried a different type, but I think it must be the glue. It probably causes me the most grief, so burning and itchy!!! Does anyone know of anything else I can use that won't cause this??

    All in all, so far so good!

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  • fire-n-ice
    fire-n-ice Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2014

    Kris, yep, the wrong turn ended up w/ me on the Aug. chemo board, wonderful group too, got lots of pre-chemo hints from them. Nice to be w/ a group that's starting w/ me, thank you very much for the welcome.

    Poppy, bet the hubby really likes the new cut, have fun w/ it  Loopy. Thank you so much for the thoughts on the BRCA, I'm not crossing that bridge until I have too.

    Toby, Thank you for the warm welcome. We CAN do this individually, but together we're a force to be reckoned w/!  Good luck to all of us. Gentle hugs and [as w/ my kids] butterfly kisses to all.

    Logan

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  • Zimastar
    Zimastar Member Posts: 25
    edited September 2014

    Uhh on the hair loss Lori. This Tues is my day 14, TCH not AC, I may just be psyching myself out but I've only had normal shedding. I've had the sore head since about post day 3-4?? As for the tape, are tbeyt putting a skin barroert down? If not, try it. If so, delete it & see if that helps. 

    Fire n ice, I know the heaviness of waiting on that test. I'll pray it's negative! 

    Hockeycat, how jealous I am that you got to do it. I've received the horrible gift of water retention & weight gain so my skates are uncomfortable! Rest & hope you get that energy again! 

    Poppy, I've told my hubby to feel free to read, even post if he wants. He said too much reading for him lol however, although I felt it rude at the time & understand it more now, he said 2 things were really important to him: a wig as only one of us can be bald at a time & he fired his a long time ago & 2. Sex. Its how he can be close to me as he needs the closeness more than ever now.  

    Hope you all had an uneventful side effects weekend & continue it this week. I

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