Chemo group starting December 2014
Comments
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Cjfishergal -- Yep, you are far, far north of me! My nephew and brother-in-law were just up at Lake Louise (my sister was supposed to go, but she stayed here to take care of me, which was too bad--I wanted her to go but she said she wouldn't have been able to enjoy herself because she'd worry too much). They go nearly every year and say it's beautiful. I've been to Calgary once, but not to Lake Louise, sadly.
I didn't cry at my first chemo. I was so wrung out by getting diagnosed and trying to sort out tests and treatment and getting a port placed that I just hadn't had a moment to even think! I was just happy to be sitting down in one place for the chemo. So it was kind of relaxing, save for the nurse coming by with a pile of pamphlets and information that I could barely absorb, because I never had any "intro to chemo" session. I'd already lost over 10lbs. by then, so it has been pretty crazy. But... I do feel a bit teary at a lot of times-- mostly thinking of sad things, or even nice things!
Hope you're feeling better!
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Cjfishergirl thank you for the warm welcome. jensmart I know what you mean, you think you have mentally prepared yourself and then wham, you get overwhelmed with emotion and cry. It happens and just let it out, you need to feel these emotions. Most of the time I think I have it under control, it's ok to cry. And yes you do start to feel better after about a week.
april25 I like your outlook on loosing hair and eyebrows and lashes. I will also just pencil in my brows and am going to try your suggestion of eyeliner on eyelid and under eyes too. Thanks!
Mamamule good luck tomorrow on your next chemo treatment!
Just spent the day at Cleveland Clinic getting my second treatment today. My blood test numbers were all in the normal range, (Yea!). My sister came up from Cincinnatti and drove me an hour to Clinic and stayed with me all day and my other sister picked me up and drove me home another hour home. Have been able to have private room so far for both treatments which was very nice and felt relaxed. All in all went pretty smooth . However, I woke at 4 am this morning and had what I believe was a panic attack, my heart was pounding and racing and it was scary. I took phenergan and it stopped it. Don't know why this happened, I thought I was prepared for this second one, so this took me by surprise. I have Ativan too and take one only at bedtime becuause my mind won't let me sleep without it! Will get the Neulasta shot tomorrow morning at our local hospital. Tomorrow night the steroids will start wearing off, and that's when the side effects will kick in. Just praying they aren't as bad as the first treatment. I feel good that I experienced no real problems with the chemo drugs that I received today.
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I did the head shave yesterday. The shedding was driving me crazy to the point that the actual shave was a relief. So strange how we can never really know how we'll react to anything! The wig specialist at the Cancer Agency did my shave. She did tell me to let the stubble fall out on it's own and not try to shave right to the skin. Apparently this can cause ingrown hairs which can lead to infection.
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I probably should shave... I just cut off everything longer than a few inches. I guess I figured I could use some hair to keep my wig from sliding around!
I went in for chemo today but the doctor said he wanted to delay it until Friday because I was still having diarrhea (tho it is a bit improved now). Also the needle price from my first chemo was slightly inflamed and the nurse didn't want to risk getting the port infected...so they had a radiologist look at it ... but he said it should be fine for Friday. .. I hope so! They were all ready to use a vein instead today!
MO said he might have to reduce the amount of Taxotere since it wasn't good that I had to be hospitalized after my first cycle...
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Ok... in getting my 2nd cycle now!
MO did reduce my taxotere. Also has me taking prescription glutamine powder mixed with water 3 day. BioK probiotic sold by Whole Foods and other places.
Hopefully all that will help me avoid the ER for this round!
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I have been reading a lot about messaging our heads with an oil like olive oil. Has anyone been doing this and does it seem to help with the dryness and itching of the scalp?
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Wheelygirl, I also felt like my scalp was kind of itchy. I put some Eucerin with Calming Itch Relief on it, and it feels much better. If I were to use oil, I'd probably use Moroccan Oil instead of Olive Oil. I don't want my head to smell like an Italian deli...
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I didn't really think about the smell, lol. I have also read about tea tree oil so might check that out too.
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I have the Look Good Feel Better Class with the American Cancer Society tomorrow, my daughter was going to go with me but they said that was not allowed due to confidentiality laws. That makes no sense to me what so ever but I guess it is what it is. I am gearing up for round 3 of Taxotere/Cytoxin on Wednesday. I feel really good other than being pretty tired a lot it will be very hard to make myself go...I just keep telling myself that it is worth it to not hear the BC words again. I have been walking on the treadmill for about 20 minutes whenever I can with my messed up back and that helps a lot with the fatigue I think.
Praying for mild side effects for all of those having chemo tomorrow.
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I have my scheduled Look Good Feel Good class on the 23rd. Having my third round on the 14th. Hope its doing what it is supposed to be doing.. So far not really bad side effects. The worse thing that I seem to having is issues with the tissue expander and how swollen it feels and uncomfortable under the arm area.. Just makes me tired. Just worried how it will be affected if I need radiation. Heard that its not really good to have radiation then surgery for an implant. Radiation does not do really good things to the tissue and expander... anyone know anything about that? Also not sure if the swelling in the tissue expander area is due to lymphodema..saw a lymphodema specialist and she didn't think so, but thought I needed some PT for the slight cording that I have. Does that go away with PT? They will also do some massage therapy to the chest area just in case..for soft tissue that she says exists.
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wheely - probably to protect the privacy (hipaa) of others in the class. I went by myself - my class was a mixed bag - and is usually as good as the person leading it - mine was obsessed with showing us how to make a turban out of an old t-shirt and taught us nothing about drawing on eyebrows or disguising the lack of lashes, lol!
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Well I am interested in learning to tie a turban but I don't know that I want to use an old t-shirt. I understand the confidentiallity laws as I own my a record storage facility and store medical and legal records. What I don't understand is what is the difference between me going and mine or anyone else daughter or friend for that matter. Do they make you sign a confidentiality agreement? I'm thinking it may be more because individuals are a little less comfortable with their baldness in front of individuals who are not going through chemo and that makes sense to me but not the confidentiality thing. Or maybe the lady who phoned to confirm that I was attending did not explain it very well. I am still going as I am hoping to learn about the eyebrows and such but I was disappointed about my daughter not being able to come along with.
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wheely - it may be the particular group running your meeting - I have seen others take friends or family members. Not everyone will be bald, or if they are, they may not remove their wig or scarf. - I had a mixture in my group. Some people attend before they start chemo, so wouldn't yet be bald. You could use a new t-shirt for the turban, the idea is that it was something soft and comfortable, and most of us have extra t-shirts at home. You might be able to do this with an infinity scarf made out of stretchy material.
Here is a video:
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2 down and 6 to go! Chemo is hitting me hard. The first 2 were without a port and my veins hurt. Second time, I got neutropenic fever and wound up in the hospital. Got home Monday which was when my port procedure was scheduled. It's rescheduled for tomorrow. I'm hoping and praying all will go well. My veins are sore after a week in the hospital.
Thinking of you all.
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Momaich -- sorry to hear you had to be hospitalized. That really is hard on veins! I'm still full of bruises and needle-pricks from that -- but at least I have a port for the chemo. I hope your port placement goes well. I'm sure it will help for your next round.
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First day after my second chemo was good. I went in for a Neulasta shot yesterday and was tired all day. Then the stupid D came back last night! Earlier than during my first round! Along with foot cramps and hands "falling asleep"--which are signs of neuropathy. And this is with a lower dose of taxotere. .. and taking prescription l-glutamine... this is not a good sign...
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Hey ladies!
Just popping in to say - WE ARE FIGHTERS!!!
I'm feeling kinda sad and thought maybe someone out there is too...cabin fever and the fatigue have been so bad I have to convince myself to get out of bed. Being a woman...we just pull up our socks and get through it. I have to admit, it's not like that every day...but today and yesterday...sheesh! Pity party for me. My next chemo is on Jan 22 as long as blood work comes in okay.
I too am going to a Look Good Feel Great session at the Cancer Institute here. I am looking forward to that. If I learn anything new I will share with you all. I sure hope they can show me how to properly put on eyelashes. I started loosing mine :-(
Just to post a SE or two and see if anyone else is experiencing this too...sore finger nails. Kinda like when you accidentally close a drawer on them...but not that intense. The base of the nail is a darker pink/purple hue. I sure hope I won't loose them. Another one - runny nose and watery eyes...it happens out of no where! So bad it looks like I am crying. And I wonder what people would say if they saw me walking around with tissues in my nostrils. So yucky!
I sure hope your big D gets under control April25...drink lots, eat Popsicle and eat loads of jello...at least that is what someone told me to do. I've have a couple of bouts of it...but no where near what you have experienced.
Momaich - I am so sorry to hear about your hospital stay. I sure hope that next few will be better.
Not sure if you all are religous at all...but I pray for all the ladies in our group every night.
Take Care
Connie
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Thanks, Connie! It can be discouraging having set - backs and side effects. .. but I'm sure I will get through it somehow. Thanks so much for your encouragement!
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Cjfishergal - I really enjoyed the Look Good Feel Better class yesterday even though I was not able to bring my daughter with me. The lady who taught us to tie scarves and wear them with a turbin was a cancer survivor and also related to alot of the ladies who attended's side effects. There were six of us and all bald except one who had just had her first chemo. They showed us the proper way to feather our eyebrows so they do not look drawn on and different ways to make it look like you have lashes when you don't. The cosmetics were all donated by different companies so you really didn't know which brands of what you were going to get but they all seem like good products. They also taught us how to avoid infections of the face and eyes due to bacteria on makeup tubes etc during chemo. At the end we were allowed to select a turbon and scarf from the American Cancer Society's store and they said you can go to the American Cancer Society in your city and get free turbons, wigs, scarves and more if you need them. I had a wonderful time and am very glad I went.
I am sorry for those who are having not so good side effects hope all goes better with next round. We are a very strong group of ladies and will get through this tough stage in our life to move on to wonderful things. He has a plan we may never know what it is, we just have to have faith in that. "All things happen for a reason". Praying for everyone here and looking forward to reading those wonderful "last treatment" words from all.
To our friend who was brave enough to quit her job, Good for you for standing up for yourself and doing what many women do not have the courage to do (I'm assuming your employer was not very supportive). Good luck to you and hope this opens a wonderful new door of opportunity for you!
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Cfishergal
Special K gave me some tips for start of my first chemo so as not to lose fingernail/ toenails and get mouth sores. I did it faithfully during Taxotere portion of my infusion. Frozen bags of peas placed on a towel on your lap. Dig your fingernails in like claws. Place frozen bags over toes also. Keep chewing ice chips during that part too. It wasn't hard. We brought it in cooler. I hope it works for me. It has worked for others. Maybe you can save from further damage? Good luck.
Patty
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Wheelygirl - I'm looking forward to going...I sure hope I can choose a cap or scarf. They are quite expensive...well at least to me they are. $35+ My amazing sister has already crocheted me three caps...I love them!
PMR53 - I read about that...I will bring some frozen peas with me on the 22nd. I just went back and read it. I remember reading that post...but honestly, I thought...that won't happen to me. Then again I didn't think breast cancer would either...
I don't remember reading about the lady who quit her job. Oh MY! Maybe that is on FB. I am not on FB...from what you said it appears her employer was not very supportive. I'm glad she stuck up for herself - I'd check into the labor laws and ensure the employer didn't infringe on any of her employee rights.
A friend sent me this link...I thought I would share.
On the days that you need to be reminded to be awesome, listen to a pep talk from this kid.
On the days you might need a reminder that today is a gift, watch this one.
Keep on keeping on!
Connie
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Getting ready to head out for TC round 3. I can't believe I feel so good right now. Only one more after this.
Blueflowers- I think this is your 3rd round as well, good luck for few side effects!
Good luck to everyone else having chemo today as well.
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Wishing you all an uneventful round 3! Shot of the Edmonton winter skyline...my home town!
Have a great day today!!
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Beautiful.
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Wishing you an uneventful round . Hopefully you don't have much SE's.
Mine 3rd round is on 28th,and then the last on Feb 18th - 35 days more to get out of this vicious cycle. I am into counting days now, each morning I wake up and remind myself these many days to go
I am sure most of you do the same. Take care all of you .
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Blueflowers - I know what you mean about counting the days, I know I really am now my last treatment is on Feb 4th and I can't wait.
Have really bad lower back pain after this round. I have lower back pain a lot of time anyway, I have sciatica, but never quite like this. Kind of worried about the neulasta shot tomorrow. Onc said it was my choice but if I were to run a fever or get an infection it could postpone my final treatment so I have decided to have the shot. He did give me a script for naproxen in case that bone pain is like last time. For some reason the naproxen has always helped when my back starts hurting. I know it too is hard on the liver so I don't take unless I really need. I am having a little nausea this round that I have not really had in the past. Not wanting to take the scripts they gave for that as they come with more side effects than the chemo. I am drinking Canada Dry ginger ale and taking ginger capsules and that seems to be making it bearable but I'm sure the Kytrill I got in my IV prior to the chemo drugs has not wore off yet. I did have a lot of energy right after chemo and came home and cleaned out pool house that definitely needed cleaning, spent about 3 hours doing that last night and another 2 this afternoon. Energy running low now so I'm just Chatty Cathy and I think my husband is tired of talking so I am just rambling (I know this is the steroids).
Hoping everyone else who had chemo today is doing well with no side effects.
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Neulasta shot... I did Neupogen shots the first time--a series of 5, and didn't notice any SEs... but after my Neulasta shot this time I was knocked out and felt like I had stomach cramps and was generally aching all day. I felt better the next day. Do you think that was the Neulasta shot? And would Tylenol and Clairitin have helped? I did take some Tylenol and Zyrtec... but not the full amount of Tylenol.
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It's Friday late afternoon. .. and I'm waiting in the ER. Oncologist sent me because of fast heartbeats and possible need of an IV. ..and he couldn't do it in office because they were shutting down. Gah.
I don't feel as bad as last month... but I threw up yesterday and still have the diarrhea so I probably am a bit dehydrated... I just hope it's only an IV needed this time and not something more...
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2 hours and still waiting to be seen.... probably getting dehydrated as I sit here. Geesh. I really hate the ER. ..
Oh... finally got a bay... and they used my port!!! Yaay. Big city ER. .. totally full...
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Gahh. Got admitted ... dehydrated. And then my white blood count went up suddenly so they want to see if I've got an infection!
At least this hospital is totally using my powerport! It's much more comfortable than having to keep my stiff because of the iv and getting poked a ton in the other arm. Plus they let me go to the bathroom myself and aren't poking me with painful bruising heparin shots!!!!
Still sucky to be in the hospital again...
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I was just reading through these posts to catch up! Wheely, it seems odd that you weren't allowed to bring someone with you to the class. When I registered, they recommended that I do so.
April25 and Momaich, sorry to hear you've been in the hospital! Hopefully you'll feel better soon!!
I think Claritin or Zyrtec does help with the Neulasta. I've taken a Claritin every morning since I began treatment, and haven't had too many SE from Neulasta. None the first 2 rounds, and this last time just a little general soreness.
I've noticed the SE seem a little stronger after each AC treatment, and am wondering if others have noticed the same thing. I haven't been hit with fatigue too much, but the last two rounds I've had tons of acid. Even with a daily Prilosec I've been eating Rolaids by the handful the past two days. I swear I even felt acid in my eyes! Can't wait for this to be over, but then I just move on to Taxol and the problems it brings. My MO seems to think frozen peas won't help at all, but I may bring them anyway.
Still, I feel very lucky that I haven't had more problems as I read about some of the experiences you poor ladies have endured. Hang in there and be strong! When I'm having my bad days I just try to tell myself that the other side (cancer cells) are taking an even bigger hit!
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Mamamule - I have also noticed the side effects are worse with each treatment, mostly the digestive tract. I seem to be a little more emotional this time around as well. Someone posted either on here or facebook about finding out who your true friends are during something like this. I have been giving that a lot of thought the past couple of days as my best friends have truly hurt my feelings after my third treatment on the 14th but I don't think it is the level of friendship but rather the fact that their lives continue to go on as always and our lives the way we knew it just stops and this nightmare of a roller coaster begins. They have no clue what we are up against and I for one don't really discuss it a lot because I don't want it to consume my every thought. When I do spend time with them I don't want it to be wrapped around cancer and side effects and blah blah blah, I want it to be as much like before as possible, although I am beginning to believe that before life is gone forever and we will have to find our way to a new normal and happy life. This seems to be the only place I can go these days to vent or risk the chance of alienating the people I care most about. Although my husband has been absolutely wonderful throughout this ordeal even he does not quite understand although I do realize that his life has been turned up side down as well. We had this nice happy comfortable life that really worked and it's gone and I really miss it.
Okay, I am done feeling sorry for myself...I do know that there are a LOT of people who have it far more difficult than me and it is very selfish to feel sorry for myself, especially when I know there are others with far worse problems. Sometimes it just gets to be more than I can handle and it sort of explodes in side my mind and I have to let it out.
Hope everyone is doing well today and can forgive me for my momentary emotional breakdown.
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WheelyGirl:
I was catching up on posts as I have been indisposed. Lol. I agree with everything you said! Bravo! I would type more but ipad frozen.
Pmr53
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Good to hear that not everyone is having bad SEs and can keep up, to some degree, with ordinary life.
I'm still sitting in the hospital. Good side is that I got an echocardiogram and cardiologist said it didn't look like chemo was causing any damage. I have a friend whose heart as damaged by Herceptin. .. so that worried me.
Also good is that I'm single and my crazy cancer trip down the rabbit hole hasn't affected a SO. My poor sister's life is now wrapped up in my problems. .. but I'm trying not to suck her entirely in ( tho she seems to have jumped in anyway)..
I tend to keep to myself a lot so I haven't been disappointed by friends. I've had some volunteer to help but haven't needed them so far.
But yeah... being a cancer patient is my entire world right now. I just hope that it won't always be that way... that some aspects of non-cancer-related life will creep back in...
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April... While you are free of other issues ( husbands, kids, dogs, etc), consider starting a blog!!!! Soooo sorry for what you have gone through with the er visit... But seriously, before those non-cancer-related life aspects take over...you have a wonderful sense of cancer related humor to share with all of us!!! Only the best wishes... Maggie
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