Starting Chemo January 2015

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  • Tennisfan
    Tennisfan Member Posts: 114
    edited January 2015

    loriekg, I too, bought Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste to prevent mouth sores. That's pretty much it for pharmacy.

    Rest of shopping was all about bland food: apple sauce, cottage cheeze, prune juice, saltines, greek yogourt, gatorade, english muffins, etc. I made the mistake to eat a beautiful mexican salad with cumin dressing on Day 1. Was yummy but I was still burping it 24 hours later so as predicted by some I am off cumin now lol. So I will really follow the advice not to eat anything I love to avoid having to put it on the blacklist forever...

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  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited January 2015

    Hi Ladies, I have a digital thermometer, Tums, Tylenol, Lemon Drops and Peppermints, Saline Nasal Spray, Kleenex, Baby Wipes, Q Tips, Claritin, Vitamin D3, Biotin, Vitamin B6, Flaxseed Oil, Lip gloss, and eye drops. Popsicles, jello, and pears. I stayed away from all the foods I love, just because it does bring back the infusion days. I even tossed all the shirts I wore to chemo. Weird how the mind reminds you of the worst days of your life!

    My nails never came off, just turned dark colors so I sparkled them. And I had a wig made from real hair, I just can't go topless! But it matched my hair perfect, and I love it. A little expensive but at the end of the day, was the same amount I had to spend on my real hair for the year anyway. I wash it once a week, flat iron and out we go. Her name is McKenzie. LOL

    And for a little extra motivation for all the treatments, I bought a new car with lots of payments! So back to work I am going, and I can't wait, new normal or not. I'm still the same old me. The good news, I have eyebrows again, and my eyelashes are growing out also. My hair is all gray and dark. It's about a half inch long! Funny I never knew how much gray I had until it started to grow back. Maybe too many years of hair dye!??

    Have a great evening!

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  • goldenpawsKim
    goldenpawsKim Member Posts: 165
    edited January 2015

    PMR53 YES, great idea on second treatment on Thursday. I had my 1st treatment on Thursday, 1/8. By Monday, I felt pretty good. Day 3 and 4 I was totally exhausted but that was it for my SE. best of luck

    To everyone asking about icing nails. My MO told me not to bother. I'm doing 4 T/C treatments. She said the SE will be minimal. ... not worth the trouble. Plus, I'm cold capping so I have enough to do. Hoping she's right. ♡ Kim

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  • Cherylfg
    Cherylfg Member Posts: 97
    edited January 2015

    After my first infusion, I ate a lot of cottage cheese, plain, dry cereal, applesauce, and mac and cheese. Getting my fluids in was a little harder and I just tried to find something that didn't make my nausea worse. I'm planning on doing something similar for my second infusion this Thursday.

    I have developed mouth sores. I knew I would because I'm prone to canker sores anyway. My MO said they normally prescribe Magic Mouthwash but it has lidocaine in it so I can't use it. Anybody have any suggestions? They are really painful and it is difficult to eat.

    I also have some heart burn that comes and goes. I'm taking Ratidine already and I'm going to call tomorrow and see if I can up my dose. It isn't working very well.

    Other than that, I feel great. I haven't had any other SE since day 7. I have my second infusion this Thursday and I'm nervous about it. I felt pretty crappy for the four days after it and I'm not lookin forward to feeling like that again.

    Cheryl

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  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited January 2015

    Hi Cheryl, have you tried Tums for the heart burn? My MO suggested Prilosec but I never used it, Tums worked for me. Have you tried chicken noodle soup? And my other go to was baked potatoes. Weird menu for me, but I had to eat something. I did well with mac and cheese also. I ate boxes of popsicles, yogurt, pudding, and brussel sprouts.

    Try mixing salt and baking soda to wash your mouth, that may help with the mouth sores. And drink cold water when they do the push for the Adriamycin, that worked for me. Anything else going on? Do you have nausea meds?

    Well the good news, I did feel better after each infusion. But the fatigue did compound as time went on. But I could sleep so that helped. How many AC?

    Rest up, and I hope you feel better soon. I'm trying to charge up my super powers for rads!



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  • Tennisfan
    Tennisfan Member Posts: 114
    edited January 2015

    Bonsoir!

    Cherylfg, I asked about heartburn as I am prone to them and the onco pharmacist allowed OT Zantac. Maybe ask your MO as it is very efficient for me?

    If baking soda, salt and water doesn't stop your mouth sores, I read on this forum somewhere to mix equal parts liquid Benadryl and Maalox and swish around the mouth (do not swallow).

    Hope you get better soon! Remember that after the second infusion you are 50% done the nasty part!!!

    Marjorie


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  • Cherylfg
    Cherylfg Member Posts: 97
    edited January 2015

    Thanks, Beachbum. I'll try some Tums. I actually had a baked white sweet potato for dinner and it did help a little. Chicken soup is always a great choice. I've been eating a lot of Thai coconut soup and it's been helping. I think the thick coconut milk is really soothing.

    Fortunately, my nausea pretty much disappeared on day 7! I'm sure it will be back on Thursday but I feel like I know how to stop it before it can really get going.

    I have 4 rounds of AC. This week will be round 2.

    How are you doing??

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  • Cherylfg
    Cherylfg Member Posts: 97
    edited January 2015

    Thanks, Marjorie. I'm taking Zantac now but I think I need a different one. Or a stronger dose. I feel like I have a small fire in the back of mouth and throat. Ugh.

    I'll try the mouth rinses and see how it goes. I'll let everybody know.

    Cheryl

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  • Lillp07
    Lillp07 Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2015

    Hi Wendy,

    Yes my treatments are every 2 weeks. I have read most are every 3 weeks. I wonder why mine are 2 weekly?

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  • Cherylfg
    Cherylfg Member Posts: 97
    edited January 2015

    Mine are also every 2 weeks. They are dose dense.

    Cheryl

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  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited January 2015

    Hi everyone, I was supposed to start chemo again on 1/20, but I am off to rads instead. The Tumor Board reviewed my case and changed the treatment plan. I like this group :) so I'm going to tag along for the ride.

    Have a great Monday!

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  • mommacat4
    mommacat4 Member Posts: 215
    edited January 2015

    ladies, it is so great to read all your posts. I admire the courage you all have.

    Today I ventured to church, that wore me out. By the time I got home I was exhausted. I tried to nap but my sister and her family came over. They didn't stay long but when she left she gave me a hug and we both cried in each other's shoulders. Nothing sparked it. It was totally unexpected and weirdly emotional.

    This is day 4 and SE's are still fatigue, nausea a little heavier, metal mouth, can't taste foods, The big C. And still have the heavy heart beats. Feel dehydrated but feel like I drank a ton of water. I haven't been running a fever or anything so that's good. I feel like I have cotton mouth. No mouth sores to speak of but bottom lip is sore. I think that's dehydration.

    Tennisfan, I think you missed understood about the laundry thing... my 21 year old daughter made me stop doing my 13 year old son's laundry. My son was not home at the time but he normally does do his laundry.

    I have no desire to freeze my nails either. I think I will do the color thing. I spoke to my chemo nurse about the cold cap thing and she said chemotherapy drugs are in your system for a long time so only freezing your hair during treatments will only prolong not provent your hair from falling out. She said with Adriamiacin and Cytoxin the hair will come out. It will thin first then probably clump out. This I am not looking forward to.

    Have a great night ladies


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  • PMR53
    PMR53 Member Posts: 452
    edited January 2015

    mommacat

    I ventured out Saturday to grocery store and it completely wore me out. The water works are a daily occurrence too. Today has been 1 week since infusion. Still exp nausea and fatigue. Chapped lips, metal taste in mouth too. My days with my hair are numbered I feel it. I am trying to wrap my mind around it but it will be hard. I ordered a ball cap with pony tail hooked to it and a sleep cap. Waiting for my wig to get here

    Beachbum how do you feel about change of plan? Please stay on this thread you are a BC sister!

    Hoping to start feeling better!

    PMR53

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  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited January 2015

    Good Morning mommacat4, I hope you feel better today! I had AC and the fatigue was pretty constant. Try a little walking, it should help you. I kept a list of what I ate and drank so I knew I was hydrated, and I knew what foods worked for me. The foods stayed the same but I didn't drop weight. Not a good thing in my opinion, but the MO and the nurses were happy. Drinking will help also, try cold water, popsicles, Jell-o, 100% grape juice, or apple juice. You need the liquids to keep hydrated and flush your kidneys. Your liver and kidneys are working very hard to clear your system from all the drugs, so help them work for you.

    Do you have anti nausea meds to take? I took them as directed when I needed them. My nurses told me that we are fighting for our future, we do not need to suffer or be a hero! We suffer enough to figure out the SE's and stay well. Try eating with plastic forks and spoons, nothing metal. I used paper plates and bowls also, no dishes to wash! My MO suggested using a stool softener the night before chemo, and for the next 4 - 5 days to keep the Big C away. We have enough to worry about let alone that. But it worked for me, and I kept doing that every chemo infusion. I added lemon pepper to my veggies, and chicken to get a little extra flavor.

    Cotton mouth can be helped by sucking lemon drops, brushing your teeth a lot, using Biotene mouth wash, and slush drinks seemed to help. I had my wig made to match my hair, so no change there but everybody loved my "new" color! I had it ready to go when the chemo started, and I went to my hairdresser before week 2 and had her shave my head. I was so relieved that I didn't wait for it fall out, I got the first punch in before that. So for me it was very empowering and uplifting to control such an emotional SE. And no fussing, no blow drying etc, I need that time to rest. So wash it once a week, flat iron and go. And my hair started to grow after the first Taxol!! I now have hair 1/2" long, new eyebrows and eye lashes. And sadly I have to shave my legs again!

    You can do this, the next infusion you will have 50% of the AC in the bag!

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  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited January 2015

    PMR53, I just want to get something going since surgery was 12/15. The rads are a bit scary, they have their own Se's and not looking forward to the fatigue hitting again. I'm starting to feel good again. I will probably be back to chemo again after that. So I pick the battles one at a time, and off to win the war I go! Keep up with lip gloss, the sparkly ones are nice, and match it with a clear sparkly nail polish. A little "normal" goes a long way for me!

    Do you have someone to drive you to do errands etc? That may help you if you don't over do it. And I made small stops on the way home and bought a few things at a time but I live on the 10th floor of a high rise, so easier in small amounts. I live alone, but it's nice when I want to lay around in my robe, and pop off the hair!

    Have a great day, you will do this!


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  • cubbieblue
    cubbieblue Member Posts: 68
    edited January 2015

    Hi everyone,

    Day 14 and I’m feeling pretty darned good!  The aches and pains are gone and the dreaded headache never returned. Nausea was very mild and has been gone for over a week. My sense of taste is almost back to normal. But I think I look like hell!  My lifeless hair is now falling out in clumps. Washing it in the shower this morning, I kept having to remove loose strands that were plastered to my face.  I think it’s time to get the chemo cut.  I have wrinkles and bags under my eyes that I never had before.  I feel like I’m battling a cold, and my nose is actually bleeding a little from blowing it so much.  And my rings feel too small.  A small price to pay for sure, but dang! Seriously all of that is really of no concern to me.  What I am a little worried about is that I have a couple swollen lymph nodes along my chin and under my right jawbone.  One is actually a little tender to the touch.  Do you think I should call the MO?  I don’t have a fever.  I feel ready for Round 2.  Do you think they will proceed if I have a cold and swollen lymph nodes?




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  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited January 2015

    Hi cubbieblue if it causes concern, I would call them. Better safe than sorry. And you don't want to push back the chemo. I really said that? LOL

    Glad to hear you feel better! It helps to be light hearted and feeling well to get by. Have you selected a wig yet? I went same cut, but blonde. And it looks pretty hot, and makes me feel better, so a good thing. Try some nasal saline spray, it may be just dry without the nose hairs to protect it. Take care, I hope you feel better, but let us know how it goes!

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  • JustKeepSwimming44
    JustKeepSwimming44 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2015

    Hi ladies, haven't checked in for awhile. 2nd round of AC behind me. Just starting to develop mouth sores. Trying to rinse with salt water which seems to help in the short term. Hair has been shaved off. Now i feel and look ill. I'm doing my best to stay upbeat and positive but failed miserably as I cried off and on all day. Already experiencing anxiety for 3rd AC next week.

    Sarah

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  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited January 2015

    JustKeepSwimming44, I did the AC, not fun for sure. But you are 50% and looking at 75% done fast. I know for me it seemed a very long time. But I made it. Ask the MO for the script for the Magic Mouthwash. I did not need it, but others said it works great. I feel like an alien without hair, nobody sees me. I even wore it to surgery with a cap on! But I make the effort to get up, shower, make up, and do hair every day. It makes me feel so good to appear normal, and do the routine every day. I can lapse to the dark side really quick if I don't. And we all have the days we collapse, and let the stress go. I hope your next round goes smooth, and peaceful.

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  • Cherylfg
    Cherylfg Member Posts: 97
    edited January 2015

    Justkeepswimmimg44- I tried the Biotene mouth rinse for my mouth sores and it helped a lot. I'm not sure if it's intended for mouth sores but it said it was soothing. It made my mouth feel pleasantly numb and my sores actually stopped hurting for a while. I bought it at a drugstore.

    Cheryl

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  • goldenpawsKim
    goldenpawsKim Member Posts: 165
    edited January 2015

    I agree w Cheryl. Have been using Biotene and it def works. My dental hygienist who is also my best friend said I should continue to use the Biotene rinse a few times a day until done w treatments. Chemo is BRUTAL on teeth and she said the biotene will help protect them. My MO said rinsing w salt water is better for mouth sores but I think the biotene works well plus gives you FRESH breath :)

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  • JustKeepSwimming44
    JustKeepSwimming44 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2015

    Thank you Beachbum. The time between AC seems to drag. But you're right I'm more than 1/2 way. My 6 yr old son saw my bald head for the first time today and he says he would rather not see it again because I look super weird! I haven't made friends with my wig yet but I have lots of pretty scarfs and head coverings. Trying to adjust to this new normal just not always successful. I appreciate your insight and sharing.

    Cheryl, I actually have the biotene but for some reason haven't used it. I will try it tonight. Glad it helps your sores and hoping for the same relief.

    Sarah

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  • JustKeepSwimming44
    JustKeepSwimming44 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2015

    Thanks goldenpaws. That's two endorsements for biotene. Definitely going to give it a try. Besides...who doesn't like fresh breath!

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  • LynnM
    LynnM Member Posts: 7
    edited January 2015

    Sorry to hear you are having a tough time Sarah.  I'm hoping the SE's ease up for you. 

    I'm returning to work tomorrow for the first time this year.  I was off most of December with pent up vacation I couldn't take earlier in the year and then I was out on sick leave after my surgery on 01/02.  A/C starts two days later on Thursday, 01/22.  I know others have mentioned concerns about working while on chemo, I wasn't given a choice.  My MO didn't put me out and I'm nervous about the cumulative effects of fatigue. Going in with a postive attitude that I can do this. My daughter came home for a surprise visit from college this weekend and I took the opportunity to have her help me choose a wig.  I was grateful to have her help but I too am not friends with this new addition.

    I'm so thankful to read all of the advice everyone has offered.  I'm hoping for the best and planning for the worst.  I'm just ready to get started so I'm one step closer to the end.

    Lynn

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  • dstar
    dstar Member Posts: 72
    edited January 2015

    Hello Friends,

    Went for a visit with family this weekend. My father cut my hair off very carefully yesterday, left about 1/4 of an inch. Now I have a bag full of long brown hair. I couldn't bear to throw it out; it's funny I can't let go of it yet. I cried while washing my dishes today for the first time in a while; it just overtook me in the moment. Last week I had a couple of really good days, felt like myself, had energy, put on some makeup and went to work-forgot I had cancer for a little while. Blush and concealer are my best friends these days. I look forward to more days like that. I am walking 2 to 4 miles a day. PT tomorrow, I will report if she has good exercises to get all the mobility and strength back after a MX. Did a big chemo shopping last night but after reading all the recent posts, I realize I forgot some things: prune juice, thermometer, tums, courage. Do you all know what aisle that is in? AC starts on Thursday. Stay strong and eat your veggies ladies.

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  • spookisgirl
    spookisgirl Member Posts: 96
    edited January 2015

    Hi Ladies!

    It's been a while since I have posted, but wanted to check in--I have been reading daily and thank you all so much for sharing!

    Welcome to the new ladies, sorry you are hear, but glad to meet you! I turned 36 last weeks, so I can relate to those who are younger and finding it difficult. First time I met my surgeon, the first thing she said to me was "you are only 35, why are you going through this??". If only I knew! lol Seriously though, I don't think there is a rhyme or reason to any of it, I am just grateful that when I found my lump I had the sense of mind to get it checked out--I almost didn't!

    Since my last post I have had a CT Scan and a PET Scan, still waiting for the results of both. I had my chemo class today, so much information about side effects! I see my oncologist again on Wednesday for a 'last minute check' to make sure my incision is healed enough, and if all is well, then I start on Friday, 23 Jan. On the one hand I am nervous, on the other, I just want to get started so I can get finished!

    I see the surgeon for a consult about my port placement on Thursday, so I won't have the port for my first infusion, but probably will for the rest. I am slowly getting prepared. Got my hair cut into a short 'pixie' cut today and bought some comfy pyjamas, senokot, and a thermometer. Going to get some more stuff tomorrow. I really am not quite sure about what to eat, but I am supposed to meet with a nutritionist soon, so I hope that helps.

    My competition went really great, and I am so very glad I chose to do it between my surgery and chemo to help me stay motivated. I am still trying to wrap my head around stuff, but I am sure it will come.

    Stay strong ladies!

    Jenn

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  • RV6gal
    RV6gal Member Posts: 331
    edited January 2015

    Hey Dana, glad to hear your Dad was able to help you with your hair. I also left about a 1/4 inch which is continuing to come out but isn't quite as bad as long strands of hair everywhere. Getting it done takes a lot of courage! Getting out and walking is fantastic too. I confess I don't do it everyday but feel much better when I do!

    I was able to get a slightly better sleep last night. I did take a Tylenol though to help me out with the port pain. I think if I could get decent night sleep I would not feel so tired and could work through this. Wishing you a good day tomorrow LynnM!

    Got my blood work done again today and my WBC more then doubled over the weekend so I'm good to go for chemo #2. They told me today sometimes that happens with the first round as my system was a bit slow to realize that I needed the stem cells to start producing the neutrophils. Hopefully, it smartens up for round #3!

    Wishing everyone starting chemo this week an easy time of it and hope everyone is doing well. One day at a time...

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  • rskellie
    rskellie Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2015

    This is my first post and today will be my first chemo. Its 3:15 AM and I might add that I'm very nervous. I had my port put in three days ago and its still very sore. I can't imagine that they will use it today. Could not sleep at all Just hope it all works out well.

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  • Brandi999
    Brandi999 Member Posts: 143
    edited January 2015

    Later today I have my first blood test after chemo to see how my counts are doing. I'm crossing my fingers it's good. Even though it's only been a week, we went ahead and shaved my head. My scalp has been pretty sensitive so might as well get rid of it. I'm just glad I have an actual round head so I can pull it off. LOL! A friend of mine made me a bunch of really cool hats so I'm wearing one tonight to keep warm. I'll probably get a few scarves to get that feminine long hair look too. I even took a pic of myself with no hair and no make up and posted it as my profile pic just to say I could. I'm feeling a little tender under my earlobes so I hope nothing is amiss there. Last night was my worst day of nausea and stomach lurches. It may have been related to the pound of chicken livers I ate throughout the day to build up my blood. If it works, it's worth it. Those things were good! So far this experience isn't as horrible as I imagined it would be. Mostly I've been dealing with indigestion and the feeling like a pointy fist is in my stomach at all times. Other than that, the steriods were making it hard for me to sleep but that is getting remedied since it's only a few days.

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  • SweetHope
    SweetHope Member Posts: 439
    edited January 2015

    Goldenpaws, your hair is beautiful. I am glad you are cold capping. My hair is gray and thin won't hold a style and I can't wait for it to fall out! (I'm hoping to come back as a redhead with some curls.)

    Frye, you have a head shaped for chemo. If mine looks half as good, I'm going hatless.

    Well, I am 6 hours and 53 minutes away from my first chemo. It is 6 am and I am on my second cup of coffee. I kept waking up every hour or so all night wanting the cup of coffee I missed yesterday because I was having my port placed. I sure do hope it will taste the same in two months.

    Thanks for sharing your lives. Becky

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