Starting chemo September 2014

Rosebud, I can't speak for everyone else, but the neulasta shot is part of my protocol. Even with the shot my WBC dropped after the first infusion, but it seems to be doing ok now.

This is day 8 and I crashed real hard. Wow, slept for three hours. Feeling better but was not expecting this kind of thing.

Hi (((Amy))),

We NEED you as much as you need us, ok? You and I are similar as to the stage, etc., and the chemo cocktails. My 1st tx was Tuesday and no problem w/ infusion as I have a port too. My daughter was w/ me and the min. the red devil started dripping she grabbed my hand and by the time it was over my fingers were numb, but that was okay, she was happy. Had no problem @ all, was even able to check the boards that night, and actually had the audacity to brag! Won't do that again...LOL b/c then along came Wed. and Neulasta shot. It has been kicking my azzzz since Thurs. morning. I slept about like you have Amy and the fatigue is doing a number. I did the Claritin also, but MO says try Aleve next time, so will; throat is still sore. No appetite, no nausea,  but tried oatmeal, nothing tastes right, but am trying to stay hydrated. Getting ready to walk some to see if bones wake up. So sweety, just know you're w/ friends and family!

Gentle (((Hugs)))

Logan

Rosebud, like others the shot is part of my protocol. Next WBC check is next Friday.

I did claritan and aleve...  No pain, bit tired. MO said he thought my down day would be tomorrow.

LA...sent you a message about work

Blessings to all

Logan. Banana?  Plain rice ? 

Hi, Ladies -

It's been several days, so I'm catching up. The side effects really haven't been that hideous, although it took a bit to get my nausea under control. My MO's PA agrees that something other than just chemo nausea is going on, since the Emend in my pre-meds didn't do much when it should have been effective for 3 days. I was diagnosed with Meniere's disease (a cousin to vertigo, so it causes dizziness and nausea) a few years back, and although haven't been symptomatic, chemo may be tickling at it.

I've been prescribed Ativan, which more knocks me out than helps the nausea. But that's ok, 4 hours of sleep at a time is good. Next time we're apparently going to try some sort of ear patch that I'll wear for a week and see if that helps my stomach.

LARock - You had asked about work advice. In a sense, I'm not a good guide, as I am a work-from-home entrepreneur who can pick it up or put it down whenever I wish. You're right that there are certain days that you'll come to predict will not be good, and that long days at the office are simply not in your best interests right now. A hard adjustment, but necessary. Hopefully you'll come through with flying colors, but don't be shocked if you have days where you simply cheer for being able to walk around the house for 10 minutes. And chemo brain is a thing.

SiStar - I forgot, are you on Taxotere/Cytoxan? I gained about 20 pounds on that last spring, because all I could stomach was easily digestible starchy stuff. The good news was that a lot of it was water weight and came off very easily once treatment was done. Not to say you shouldn't watch what you eat, but try not to get too worried about it.

Hi Everyone, 

I need to rant. I'll start by saying I don't begrudge anyone their lack of side effects, but I'm feeling like I'm a wimp in comparison to so many of you who are managing so well. I know we're all different, but it doesn't seem fair...ooh, did I just write that? 

I was told by quite a few women that they managed chemo pretty easily with very minimal side effects and they continued to work throughout their treatment. Is this like a childbirth thing where after the fact they've forgotten how bad the pain was? 

Since my first treatment on Monday, I've had nausea; fatigue; thick annoying mucous that I constantly have to spit out; heartburn; issues with smells being too strong; and loss of appetite...and subsequently I've lost 8lbs. Each day I've felt marginally better; however, now I'm experiencing sore throat. So what gives? I was so optimistic when I started. Everyone told me, "you'll be fine, because you're strong and positive". What a crock of sh*t.

I have to offset my rant with some positivity. On the upside, last night my husband made homemade chicken noodle soup and the broth was just perfect for me.  I couldn't have much, but it was pretty wonderful. AND I had mashed potatoes today and they were great! Also, except for yesterday when it was rainy and miserable all day long, I have managed to get out each day to walk the dog. 

Thanks for letting me get this off my chest. 

Pugs, you are certainly not a wimp.  We are all valiant cancer warriors.  Sides hit us differently and at different times.  I slept almost round the clock on Friday.   Today I was able to do some stuff but at a certain point I hit a wall and have to stop.  Do whatever it takes to get thru this treatment.  It is saving our lives and please tell your doc whatever you are experiencing.   Their job is to minimize sides and get us through treatment.  Love, Jean

Hey ladies! 

I'm writing from my cell phone again so I won't be able to address you directly but hopefully I'll manage to give my input lol

I am on medical leave/STD. Chemo brain is FOR REAL and I feel unsafe to my patients so I've elected to not work. Also, I'm a lot like most of you...this is kicking my AZZZZ days 2-8! And I'm lucky to get a shower in. I actually pay someone to clean my house & cook my kids dinner on the set days... And some days i had to ask for the food to not be cooked here. The smells are unreal!  

The worst for me is cigarette smoke. (As a former smoke I find it kinda comical. ) 

Hair is still falling out so it took me like 2 mins to pluck my eye brows tonight. 

My goal for next week is hydration. I'm going tomorrow for some Popsicles, may be that'll help as last time everything was yuck!! I've lost 18lbs since last chemo, not at my starting weight but I'll take it. Shame in 2 days water retention is going to take over again. Blah! 

I'm going to try the 1 thing a day goal. And the shot is part of my tx however, if my white count is higher than 10 again, I'm going to pass & hope for the best. 

Tonight I had a lady stop & yell...fight like a girl girl power & then drive off....weirdo! Weds a little girl called me a baby doll...so sweet lol

Have a great night ladies!!/

Thank you Barremom, Zimastar, PoppyK, Jean, and LARock. Thanks for responding and identifying with me. Thanks for your understanding and insight. Thanks for the suggestions and advice. You've each made me feel less like a whiner and more like fighter that's taken a beating. I really can't thank you all enough. 

Amy-Sorry you got hit harder this time. Are you taking the Claritin WITH and Aleve (2x daily)?  I start this regime day of shot and continue for one week (MO suggested). This time around I had no bone pain at all while following thta protocol. Last time I had what you described above, It knocked me off my feet.  Just a suggestion. Hope you feel better  ((hugs))

welcome Indie!  I started Friday too

Sorry ladies for not using all names this morning.  Pugs, POPPY, we are all with you.  I so admire you both....even though struggling you still manage to reach out to others. 

Day 3. Woke up like a train hit me. Got down my claritan, aleve, Prilosec, all my heart Meds ( I had quadruple bypass at age 50 ) 3 years ago, half a banana and then the weepy damn willies. On my pity pot 

DH said you ok honey ?  I said " my mom always said if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all in a trembling voice.  Then felt like an idiot.  

THAT was brilliant....  Made no sense. 

I already feel better ranting to you all brave brave sisters.  

Goal today.... Drink all my water, try and get down fruit..spinach protein drink...

Go to Publix if I can to get out 

Sorry I don't have any wise words of wisdom. In my fuzzy head I wouldn't want you to take it!

Looking forward to pulling out of the tears, back to counting my blessings, including not feeling alone due to you brave ones

Off to do my devotions and tune out DH who is trying so hard.....but his chatter, singing is making it worse!!!!  Hee hee. 

Love you all

Kath

thanks Sybil

OK..... So what's up with all these damn tears and emotions .... I can't sort them out!  I wasn't prepared for this crying stuff!  Not sure why I keep tearing up?!  I don't think I am really that scared?!  Crap!  

Indiegirl - I started  weekly chemo 9/3.  I cry at least once every day or every other day.  Crying doesn't mean you're weak , it means you're sad.  It's perfectly reasonable to be sad because this sh*t happening to us is sad.  It's ok to be scared because  chemo is scary.  Don't beat yourself up about it. Cry, scream, yell - feel however you need to feel and make no apologies.  As cliche as it sounds, take it day by day (sometimes hour by hour) and know tomorrow is another day.