Starting Chemo October 2014

Dear speedcat88,

Can you explain more about this: Well, the sponges stayed frozen and were a lot less messy than just straight ice.

I tried to keep my finger and toes in bags of ice during the taxotere portion of my first infusion on Wednesday. Felt like I was auditioning for a survival reality show. If there's an easier way to keep my fingernails and toenails intact, I'd love to hear more!

Thanks, as always, for everyone's tips.

My last visit to the chemo palace!!!!! Love those ladies!!!!!! Not a bad look for a fat old broad after a BMX and chemo.  WOO HOO TO ALL OF US SURVIVORS and those almost done.  It has been a journey.

Good Morning Sunshines! I'm on the other side of Chemo/Nuerlasta round 2 and doing much better than Round One in SE management thank in large part to your good and wise suggestions in being proactive about our care. 

Kerensa75 - thanks for your advice in caring for my "new" baby scalp. How are you doing?

Ilovecoasters - no regrets, I hope! You have earned the time off and the good will you have built on your career. No help on the weight. I lost some pounds from anxiety before this all started, small bonus?  Walking daily with my sweet Abby Airedale - we are more into ambling - and adding healthy where I can. Be kind to yourself.

Nancy6540 - what a horrible thing for you to go though with the port! I have never been happy about how this port was sprung on me. Really just glossed over and I was NOT prepared. I'm ok with it now, but boy will I remain vigilant thanks to you. Enough, already!

Becca - I'm with you on the water. Yuck! I can handle some of the flavored no-cal no sodium sugar free  sparkling waters -generic, even. Good luck my sister in hydration.

Nomatterwhat - what a great way to begin today with that photo of yours!😘 Hooray!

I'm glad to know we are moving through the chemo countdown together and that we don't get all the SE's at he same time.

Congrats Nomatterwhat, you look great, so happy you are on the other side of chemo.

I am day 3 after my first Chemo infusion, had my neulesta shot yesterday. So far just some tummy rumbling and strange taste in my mouth. I have been drinking lots of water and taking anti-nausea meds as instructed. Was able to work as usual yesterday and planning on relaxing this weekend.  Wishing a good day to all.

Cherice

Had infusion#2 this past Thursday, and Neulasta on Friday.  

Been rinsing with baking soda and salt water whenever my mouth feels sore, and so far so good.  I drink 2oz of coffee every Saturday and my mouth seemed worse directly after.  As soon as I drink my green juice, all better. 

My neulasta pain last time had already started by now.  Here's hoping the 5 days of claritin did the trick.  

About 2/3 of my hair is gone.  Just enough whispy pieces so that when I wear my knitted hat, I look ok.

Been reading about efficacy of fasting pre and post infusion.   Interesting. 

Still keeping up with training.   6x week.  Pulled a PR on rack pulls this past Friday of 315# for 2, while weighing 125.  But, stadiums were difficult today.  Finished them all, but slower. Couldn't do abs because the pressure made me nauseous.    Tomorrow is walking. Haven't missed any work either.

Blessings to all!  2 down, 2 to go!  I'm happy,  I'm healthy, and I'm 100% cured! (One of my affirmations)

Ilovecoasters - my Zofran says every 10 hours and my Compazine says every 6 hours.  If your meds aren't really helping, call your doctor.  They can help you, at least that's what my MO says!

Mandy - never feel shy about calling after hours. The glue had really hardened on my site and parts hung on, poking me, for a while. Don't know if that's the same as you - call the dr. if you want! I felt the port issues were not explained and really rushed over. It's my best friend now, but in the beginning, much worse than the lumpectomy. Be well, linda

Ilovecoasters, compare prices for the Zofran, my understanding is that they can vary greatly.  Try Walmart if your insurance won't cover.  

Had my Neulasta injection yesterday afternoon, I took Tylenol right away, but no bone pain yet.  When might that kick in?  I am taking so many pills, I don't even want to take Tylenol if I don't have to.  So far feeling good.  Having some heartburn, glass of milk seems to help.  Don't know if the heartburn is from the steroids or the compazine.  Any thoughts?  I will call tomorrow to ask about it anyway.  

sjacobs - I did okay with Neurlasta - maybe you'll squeak by, too! Round 2 is behind me, and I had some hip pain round one that may have been from over walking the dog! Ibuprofen and a warm bath was all I needed. This time, nothing! I did substitute generic Claritin for my OTC generic Zyrtek for seasonal allergies throughout chemo. Also, I was already prescribed generic Prilosec from my GP to give my eshopagus a break. Compazine and steroids caused gut problems with me  - kept steroids lost Compazine per my MO.

Ilovecoasters- I've heard its a good idea to have something light in your tummy but I know I was too nervous beforehand to eat. I took some light snacks along with splurging on a Starbucks tea and cookie as a treat. Be kind to yourself and get through this 1st round. We are all with you. Linda

Ilovecoasters, I'd eat if you want to.  I ate breakfast befor and had lunch during the infusion.  The steroids make you hungry.

Good evening, ladies,

I'm planning to go back to work tomorrow for the 1st time after first infusion last Wednesday, and Neulasta on Thursday. I'm a little nervous about feeling sick, but today I feel quite good, and I'll take a Zofran in the morning, I guess, to stave off any nausea. All in all, looking forward to being at work. I'll just need to get up and move a lot - my job is very chair-bound!

I wanted to let you know about a couple of cookbooks I've used and distributed to friends who've expressed an interest in cooking for me during chemo. They are both by Rebecca Katz: The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen, and One Bite at a Time. Both have yummy, healthy recipes. I've identified recipes that my family and I would enjoy, and it has been a nice way to work with friends and family who want to support us. 

Llovecoasters, I took in a bag of dried fruit and nuts and munched on it during chemo, along with chocolate, cause everybody knows I love that. My nurse said a light meal before was OK. I hope everything goes well tomorrow. I think the infusions have gone well for most of us. We'll be waiting for you on the other side!

sjacobs 146, I've been told that heartburn is part for the chemo course. I've been taking 1 CVS-brand omprazole every day - so far so good. I've had minor bone pain since my injection on Thursday, and I guess the claritin 24 and ibuprofen are helping, but I find that brief yoga and walking sessions (10 min each) are really helpful. 

wendeeB, you are amazing and inspiring! All I can say is, "wow!" 

cbooklvr, I spent a lot of years in Berkeley and still miss it. Hope you are doing well.

Wishing you all a good week. 

My hair.... I knew it would happen. Still such a shock. 

Oh Becca, (((hugs)))!  Now that I have had my first infusion, I am wondering how I will feel that day.

@nottoday , thank you for your kind words. I know that getting up and getting moving seems really difficult, but its the only thing that honestly makes me feel better.

@becca, hugs sweetie!  it is still kind of bizarre. Even though you know it's coming. I chose not to shave my head. And I still have about 1/8 of my hair left. I read one person describing it as a thin veil of hair. If you're going to go the beanie or knitted cap route, it leaves a little bit of hair to hang out at the bottom so its not so noticeable.

only five patients to see today! I'm glad. I'm feeling somewhat fatigued today.everything taste like, well, nothing. All except for my hot cinnamon green tea. But that doesn't matter, because I know I have to keep the good food to get a good results. So I'm going to persevere

blessing to everyone! Remember, we are happy, we are healthy, and we are 100% cured!