Starting Chemo January 2015

Thank you DStar and Beachbum.

I appreciate your support. What a lifeline. I am trying to look on the bright side and will ward off BIg C. Starting today. I have Smooth Move tea and something called Caspars my ND gave me. Also only supposed to get 1/2 dose Nuelasta. Day after tomorrow. I definitely need stress reduction management. My daughter played some Zen music for me and it really calmed me. I will do that again. DStar your right about Ativan. It really helps with anxiety and nausea. My hair is hanging on for dear life. Can't believe it. I cut it shorter and it has thinned but is still here. Tomorrow is 3 weeks since first tx. Don'tknow what to expect clumps coming or strand by strand. My wig "Linda" is waiting and ready.

Have a good Super Bowl Day. I am here in Northwest so a Seahawkers Fan.

Thank you and hugs to all!

Patt

Good morning Sweethope, great tips to keep the germs away. I have been off work since 11/25 and I hide in my apartment. I only go out when I have to because of all of the germs. I shop late, use the drive through when I can, and rely on others to run errands. I did have my flu shot when I was in the hospital for my mastectomy, and I just had my pneumonia shot two weeks ago. Cleveland has been reporting numerous deaths from the flu. Most of them had been older, but with BC already, I am not taking any chance. I carry hand sanitizer and kleenex in my purse along with bottled water. I will be glad when Spring arrives!

Bonjour ladies! Medium weekend for me as I had a bout of big C without warning - not sure if I am just anticipating cocktail no 2 but I have been couch surfing most of the weekend. I did however still play tennis on Friday and met all the objectives- albeit small- that I had set for myself for the weekend (simple things as grocery shopping, bringing used clothing to a charity, etc. I typically try to achieve just one thing a day to make me feel like I still accomplished something, even if smaller than my normal pace lol.

As I don't have pets, let me introduce... Maxi-Me.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Marjo

Kristin--I also had a bout of night sweats--I wasn't sure if it was the chemo, my hormones or both (in my case probably a combination). They cleared up after a couple days thankfully, but it was pretty awful until they did. I did similar things to you--changing nightshirts frequently, good sheets--the worst for me was if I had to get up in the middle of the night--it was either find the energy to change sheets or crawl back in a clammy bed . Sounds like you and I have had similar side effects in general--I had nausea which because very mild after day 5, but no digestive problems so far (knock on wood!) Everything is regular, although a couple days a tad big more difficult than I would like. I also have a headache every morning--but I find caffeine in coffee helps clear that out--I was told not to take tylenol unless absolutely necessary, so glad to find an 'easy' remedy.

Marjo--such a beautiful picture! thanks for sharing! Glad to hear you got out for some tennis I will be heading to my first major dance practice since my infusion and hope it goes fairly ok (not expecting an easy time, but to get through everything would be nice).

My hair is still falling out slowly, but my scalp as gotten so sensitive I can't use any styling products anymore, so I decided to start wearing my scarves today to cover up the 'fuzzy mess'. I will see my hairstylist this week to get the rest shaved off before my scalp gets too sensitive to do it. I am finding dealing with the hair loss harder than I expected--not because I am losing my hair, but because it really is the first visual sign that says all of this is real, and I get to see it when I look in the mirror. I think wearing the caps just when I go out now and then will help me get used to them and make me feel less self-conscious about it.

I don't know if anyone else is on the 3-week cycle for AC, but I am getting to a point where I just want to get going again to get it over. Not that I want to go through the side effects, but it almost feels like I am just waiting to get sick. That said, I am going to take every opportunity to get out and enjoy the 'free time' I have, while I have it

Jenn

Kristin,

I am glad you are keeping a journal. I wish I had started one because chemo brain has really been tricking my memory. DH was talking about his trip to Norfolk. When I asked him when he was going, he looked so shocked and said "I went two weeks ago". That was before I even started chemo.

I have vivid dreams but no night sweats. And, No you are not over the top by being careful with licking dogs. Since chemo started I won't let my husband kiss me! I don't know what's on my lips or coming out my pores; but I don't want anyone else exposed to this.

I was never a germaphobe...I raised 4 filthy dirty boys along with one clean daughter. But right now, I won't get within one foot of anyone. And DH and two of those dirty boys scrubbed our home top to bottom in preparing for my chemo.

I'm not so concerned about some devastating infection as I am about some simple sniffles keeping my from staying on course with chemo schedule. I want this over ASAP.

SweetHope, I am not a germ freak, but I take nothing to chance. I clean the bathroom and kitchen 24/7. Just in case! My big question was concerning my fish tanks. I have to get my hands in there to clean them, and I don't want to worry about the "yuk" I am cleaning out. My nurses told me to do as little as possible, and wash my hands, wash my hands, wash my hands after cleaning it. So far no problems!

Ask the nurses if you could disinfect your hubby, hugs only go so far!! LOL But snuggle time, that's good medicine!

Just chiming in to say that I would opt for surgery first as well. I was originally diagnosed with a small lump and they thought that lumpectomy would be sufficient. Although my margins were clear, they were close and one of my lymph nodes was affected, contrary to what they first believed. Then I was told about BRACA2 defective gene and decided to go for double mastectomy. They found pre-cancer cells in my right breast also. I can't imagine my reaction if, after just a lumpectomy, I was told that I would need surgery again. I'd much rather know about it all now and tackle this beast head on. The chemo and rads treatment course actually makes me feel better, simply because the defective gene made my chances of reoccurence so high (something like 80%). So I am glad they opened me as it did change my course of treatment too because of the one lymph node affected versus none originally.

BTW I saw on TV that this year's flu vaccine is quasi totally inefficient. Therefore I wear a mask in public places, including subway, buses, and even elevators. I have a bottle of Purell on my conference table and whomever comes into my office to chat has to wash their hands before they are allowed to sit lol. Same thing in my house. I have to use hand cream all the time because I wash my hands so often during the day it's scary. And I now notice some of the people not washing their hands when they leave the washroom so I hold the door with a piece of paper to return to my office. I also bring a little Lysol lingette to any meeting I go to, and wipe the table in front of me as well as the chair's armrests. A new lady came in the other day for a meeting, sat down next to me and watched me do this in disbelief. She was about the only person who did not know on my floor so we laughed a lot when I explained that I am not crazy but doing chemo. I'd rather be paranoïd til spring comes then be told that we would postpone my chemo one week because of something I caught. I am not as careful with food and still go to restaurants etc. But I try to ask for isolated tables and will not touch the salt and pepper shakers lol.

Finally, thanks Beachbum for reminding me about the grocery cart - I'll keep my gloves on or sanitize my hands with Purell the minute I get out of there!!!

Jen, you'll be so excited to be dancing you will forget everything BUT do remember not to push yourself to the max and to rest a lot afterwards. Tennis was good but the first time I exhausted myself completely so now I just give 80%, not 200!!!

For those who are wondering how going back to work is just rememberr to bring lots of small snacks. I eat almost every hour and that's what truly kept me going eithout the nausea the first week around. I'd say also have a plan B and don't push it! On day 6 all of a sudden I really felt like taking a nap. i worked another hour. Then I still elt I needed to take a nap. By 3 pm I thought to myself "just go home and rest". I fell asleep the minute my head rested on the pillow. So the morale of the story is I did listen to my body very closely and missed only 3 hours of work. Maybe if I had pushed too much I would have had to take the next day off? Maybe two? So I also asked for a smaller laptop model, switched from my chic workbag to a super light backpack, and take my laptop eith me every night during the first week of a cycle, so that I can either work from home if I don't feel like taking the subway, or not period if I cannot handle it. Plan C is to go on short trm disability gut so far, so good - only time can tell. But it makes me feel good to know I have tons of options - by now you know that staying home wouldnkill me, but everyone's experience is different and it's super important to listen to YOU.

I also feel it's important to eat what feels right so I am all with you guys on forgetting about what's healthy or not - I eat what my stomach tells me it will tolerate, period. The other day my stomach was so upset I bought a bottle of Coca Cola (it makes me burp and I always feel better, even when I get stomach flu. Needless to say I thougt it was very funny to see the cashier trying to hide her thoughts while eyeing all my organic produce...and the can of coke lol. Whatever eorks for you,nreally!

Time for a nap, I think. Have a good beginning of the week tomorrow, sans SEs if I could relieve all of you from that :0)

Marjorie

P.s. Thanks for all the comments on my picture - I really do feel comfortable in this wig - but I started "practicing" way before I felt my hair was going to start falling off.

Too funny!!! Thanks for the tip on work clothes - did not think of that!!

Hello lady warriors,

it is nice to read all the posts again. I haven't been on here in a few days. My 2nd treatment was Wednesday and of course the Neulasta shot after. One thing I use to control my big "C" is a walmart brand Natural Vegetable Laxative. Sennosides, 8.6 mg. Standardized Senna concentrate. I take this once or twice a day as needed. It works well to get me moving and does not cause the big "D". That's one thing I hate is going from the big C to the big D.

I have jaw pain usually the 2nd day after treatment which is the day I got the Neulasta shot. I still have jaw pain. It does make it difficult to eat some things.

I started feeling better by the Sunday before my 2nd treatment but that's also when my hair started loosening. By Wednesday on my 2nd treatment my hair was coming out pretty easily. By Thursday night all I had to do was shake my head and strands would just fall out. I called a head shaving party with my best friend, sister and cousin. My sister, cousin, son, and daughters boyfriend all shaved their heads in support for me. I was very happy they felt compelled to do this. My best friend supported us by offering her services to shave us. As did my sisters husband. I was the first to shave. It was very emotional but necessary.

Other side effects I have are great amounts of fatigue but I don't get to rest the way I should. I don't sleep well at night. I kind of sleep in 2 hour spurts. It's weird. I think I will try taking my anxiety meds tonight to see if I sleep any better

I also bloat a lot and I have no idea what causes that. I don't even know how to control that. any ideas from anyone?

Someone asked about heightened sense of smell, yes, definitely. It can be overwhelming at times. I even smell the chemo drugs in my own skin. I shower a lot because I can't stand the smell of my own skin sometimes.

I find myself brushing my teeth multiple times a day because I don't like the feel in my mouth.

I hope as treatment goes on I can get a better way to manage all the side effects. It seems they don't all come at once. I do have nausea but I do take those meds for that.

Take care ladies, thank you all for your support.

Ps.. Beachbum, thank you for recommending look good feel better. I will call them tomorrow.

Morning to all!

Missed the big game! We had gone to the store and visited and played with grandkids, prepared snacks for the game and after the dishes I was just going to rest for a "bit". Ended up sleeping for 3 hours. Guess I needed it. Organized and packed for 2nd chemo this morning. I am following Special K's advice and icing toes, fingernails and mouth with ice during Taxotere portion. I did not get mouth sores. The biotene mouthwash and lemon drops help with the bad taste in my mouth I got the first time.

Mommacat4. My hair is like yours! Starting to hurt and coming out fast. Can't get anyone to shave theirs too. Bless you and the support you received!! I will call my daughter to bring her shaver and shave it down tomorrow. I guess. I agree it, when the hair goes its very emotional. not sure on the bloating, but maybe from the steroids? Has it gone away yet? Jaw pain is a new one too. I am so sorry Mommacat. Problems with nausea, smells, tastes I have after 1st tx. Hopefully that will resolve!

Tennisfan. Your new hair is marvelous. Looks very real!! Is it comfortable?? I am very concerned about germs and clean with Lysol continually. Don't go out unless I need too. Wipe all grocery carts. People have died from the flu where I live. Scary!

Spookisgirl I wake up with night sweats a couple times a night too. I keep my summer fan on all night and that helps so much. I am either cold or hot. I had a full hyster in 2011 and WAS getting estrogen shots. Which was probably a big mistake!! Went off that cold turkey when this Estrogen positive Cancer was diagnosed!! so I attribute this to menopause.

Beachbum. Keep us posted on your hair growth. It makes me happy and gives me hope!! Happy for you! I had rads in 2006 for the other boob that tried to kill me. It wasn't badcompared to chemo Just prepare for a sunburn like feeling in that side after about 2 weeks. I sprayed some kind of OTC relief on it. It really helped itching and burning. Can't remember the name now. Maybe ask other Rad ladies.

Good day all.

#2 in 3 hours.........

Patty

Ilovepugs, Thanks for the good suggestion. I love an easy fix.

For those of us on AC, my MO says the Big C is caused by Zofran. So as long as we are on Zofran we need to keep up with our C relief meds. And she said the Big D (diarrhea) is not a AC side effect...yeah! And she kept stressing to drink plenty of water.

Wednesday will be my second chemo. I'm getting a little antsy. I didn't shave my head yet. Funny thing...my hair seems to be shedding LESS than normal. In fact, it's not shedding at all. I'd be happy except I want it to fall out. I want the Hair Fairy to give me curly locks this time.

Hope you all are SE free and having a great Monday.

Has anyone else had horrid troubles trying to post through a phone? I wrestled with it last night and when I was almost done it suddenly backed out on its own and turned everything into Spanish! UGH! Not doing that again. I'll just wait until I can get on my actual computer.

Thecolorpurple, I just woke up after doing my 3 12-hour night shifts. I'm not going to lie. It was pretty horrid. One thing I noticed is that this chemo week had totally different side effects than my first chemo week, meaning the first days right after any given chemo treatment. This week my major side effects at work were exhaustion, of course, and lots of achiness, like skin and muscles mainly. Sort of like when you have a fever. My job is actually pretty easy in that there's no hard labor and it's one patient. The hard part is just sitting there reading and not falling asleep because there's really nothing to keep me awake. It's totally worth a try. I am contemplating cutting back another day just during chemo weeks or making my shifts shorter. If I had an actual patient load and had to be exposed to a bunch of people, I probably wouldn't do it. That's just me personally. As far as brain fog, that was a big fear but so far I've only had the fog the very first week. It's interesting how different some of our symptoms can be.

Today I had a consultation with a radiologist, which to me was kind of weird since it's so far off, but she told me that there's a new study out where they are wondering if people who have a really great response to chemo, meaning that the tumor is undetectable at the end of it, really need radiation. So far I'm responding very well to chemo and may be a candidate so there's something for me to ponder for a while.

Hey Cat,

The bloating is from the steroid, according to my side effects informational sheet, drinking more water helps you release the excess, seems contradictory but I have been told that by some medical somebody sometime in the past. Chemo brain anyone? Many food and spice smells became strong and overwhelming to me last week. I tried to smell just the nice smells like BeachBum said, fruit juice, lavender, vanilla, anything soft.

Good luck to all this week going in for the next infusion; I am due on Thursday. My hair is not falling out. At all. Anywhere. Chemo is weird.

Anyhow, here's to a full night's restful sleep for all of us. Stay strong, ladies.

Dana

Brandi, Buenos dias! Como esta usted?

(I can't believe the auto-correct on this thing let me type that!)

And to the rest of you all...Good morning! Hope everyone has a great day.