Starting Chemo January 2015

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  • cubbieblue
    cubbieblue Member Posts: 68
    edited February 2015

    Spookisgirl, when I asked my team how soon after port placement chemo could be started, they told me they can access the port that very same day if necessary, but they prefer to wait at least a day.

    Switching topic here, but is there anyone else out there who has NOT gotten the Neulasta shot?

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  • spookisgirl
    spookisgirl Member Posts: 96
    edited February 2015

    I haven't gotten the neulasta shot, and it hasn't even been brought up for me.

    The problem with my port is not how soon they can give me treatment after I get it--it's that I am due to have chemo #2 3 days before it is placed. My oncologist is concerned that on top of the chemo SEs, the surgery would make them worse.

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  • RV6gal
    RV6gal Member Posts: 331
    edited February 2015

    spookiesgirl, I get your frustration. I was only delayed one day because of low neutrophil count before my second infusion and I remember how disappointed I was. I have heard several stories of ladies who have had damages to their veins though too. Maybe your oncologist can help you weigh your options so you can make the best decision. I would be upset that you didn't get accurate information in the first place and I would let them know that too. Hopefully you will get good information now so you can believe in them again. That's very important

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  • RV6gal
    RV6gal Member Posts: 331
    edited February 2015

    I haven't had the neulasta shot either but I'm not on a dose dense regimen . My chemo schedule is every three weeks so my WBCS have time to come up

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  • mommacat4
    mommacat4 Member Posts: 215
    edited February 2015

    wow, so much to comment on. so many posts. I love it!

    Spookisgirl, I can't tell you to get a port or not to get one but I can tell you that the chemo cocktail you are on is very aggressive. The AC is rough on the heart and veins. And if you only have one arm to use even though you have good veins now, keep in mind you are still young. I am speaking from experience of watching my mom every time she would have to go to the hospital they had to use an ultrasound machine to find her veins in her left arm which was paralyzed from a stroke because they couldn't use her right arm because of bc and lymph node removal. It was hell on her. Of course she was older but you should also be thinking about when you are older as well. My mom was 75 when she passed away last June. For me personally, the port was a good option. But ultimately it is your choice. Listen to your body and be kind to yourself.

    Beachbum thank you for your information on rads. I was kind of hoping I could go back to work after chemo during rads.

    Brandi999, the henna looks great and you are a beautiful woman. My oncologist told me today, "you know why I got into this business in the first place don't you?" I said no, tell me! "He said because I think bald woman are beautiful" and we both laughed.

    Yes ladies I have noticed worsened eyesight and my eyes are bad to begin with. I asked my onc nurse and she said it's not uncommon for eyes to be effected by chemo.

    My name suggestion for the monkey was Maggie but I believe it was Brandi999 who suggested an even cuter name. I can't remember it now (chemo brain).

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  • mommacat4
    mommacat4 Member Posts: 215
    edited February 2015

    ok. I had another post here but my phone locked up and I lost it all. Maybe it's just as well. I was ranting an out my day.

    Let's just shorten it and say I had my 3rd treatment today and I have had a headache every since. Had many things going on today and I am so exhausted. I hope I can sleep. I took Valium so I could sleep. It's almost midnight here so good night and we'll wishes for everyone.

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  • TortyLass
    TortyLass Member Posts: 43
    edited February 2015

    Looks like there's a few us us starting up again this week. I have TC#2 tomorrow and am currently having day-before-tx steroid insomnia.

    Hoping to have a much better handle on the SE's this round, now that I have the proper meds (hello Claritin, Tramadol & Norco), am hydrating like crazy and have NO mid-cycle port surgery to complicate things this time! (Had my port put in last Thursday, and they used it for lab draws on Tuesday - it was awesome!! Although it did draw slowly towards the end, hrm, must remember to ask about that.). I didn't make it to work at all this round, and my boss isn't all that happy about it, but c'est la vie...

    Hang in there everyone! I'm so sorry for the nasty SE's, but stay focused on healing; we WILL get through this - together!!!

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  • Brandi999
    Brandi999 Member Posts: 143
    edited February 2015

    spookisgirl, I can understand the frustration. You just want to get on with it already. I hate limbo. It makes me a little crazy. All you can do is state your case and stand your ground. Either way, it will be done sooner or later and you won't be in limbo anymore... or at least a different kind. I guess we are all kind of in limbo with the treatments.

    Yesterday my bff took me out on an excursion so I could get a V-day present for my honey. I even went out with my bald head. It was nice and warm so no covering needed. No one said anything. I got a few looks but nothing mean. It felt a little vulnerable but I put on my brave pants and did it. I can't believe how fast I was tiring out. I had to ask my friend to slow down her pace so I didn't just fall over. LOL! She took me to get my Neulasta shot, which was her first time doing any of that stuff. You know how that shot can feel like lemon juice. I was wincing because the girl was going a bit too fast and my friend said she wanted to punch her for hurting me. Haha! She was well behaved but I thought that was cute. Pain is part of the game.

    So far my side effects after 3rd chemo are just tired tired tired. I stayed up way too long yesterday entertaining friends and was pretty incoherent when I finally did go to bed. I have to be better about setting boundaries to get what I need. *sigh* I just didn't want to miss out on anything.

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  • kbram
    kbram Member Posts: 185
    edited February 2015

    Good morning everyone! You ladies seem to be doing well, so thankful for that!

    I had my neulasta shot this morning with no complications at all.  My MO gave me a script for heartburn medicine.  It was awful for me yesterday and I knew I needed something more than tums!  It is one pill a day so I hope it works well.  I was miserable last night!

    Hugs to all, Kathy

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

    Hi kbram, Good to know you are doing well. I had terrible bone pain with the Neulasta when I was on Taxol. The last dose I only had 1/2 of the Neulasta to cut the bone pain. My MO said to take Claritin, but I needed Tylenol with codeine. I hope it goes well for you.

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  • PMR53
    PMR53 Member Posts: 452
    edited February 2015

    Brandi Bravepants! I love it. You are amazing. Glad you got to get out. I had a similar experience. Went with a friend to see her new house but ended up going to lowes with her for a quick stop. Earlier in the day had walked my daily mile. Anyways I was shaking with exhaustion by the time I got home. It made me cry because I have always been strong. Such a tough time.

    Beachbum I had my Neulasta cut in 1/2 and did not have bone pain. I am so thankful for this site and all the inciteful information. It helps to be able to prepare and plan for these treatments!!

    Patty

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

    PMR53, Nice, I am so glad that worked. I never had issues with the numbers on blood draw days, so the half dose worked for me at the end. And I had 2 weeks to bounce back before my surgery. The really scary thing was the price for the Neulasta. They billed my insurance $4,780 per injection. They sent me a letter stating that I have to have pre approval for any other injections going forward. The price is beyond ridiculous.

    It is beyond cold here, so no walking outdoors yet. It's 14 degrees and snowing, going below zero tonight. Yikes! I think the wind is blowing from Canada! And thanks to all of the ladies in Leamington for sending the cold wind across the Lake. :)

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  • thecolorpurple
    thecolorpurple Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2015

    Hi Beach Bum! Thank you so much for your kind words. No real troublesome symptoms this infusion yet. Mild nausea is all right now. Waiting for the decadron to wear off and the fatigue to hit, but maybe I will get lucky? Going for neulasta this morn so just took my Claritin thanks for this invaluable tip, ladies! Hope your skin doesn't hurt today, Beachbum! Did you get some topical spray? You are such a dear and a great help to all of us. I am grateful for you.


    I thought of a place we can meet up. Super cheap to travel there and I have heard it is a great place to meet up even for non gamblers and teetotalers. Vegas. There are beautiful hiking spots and shows we could see and lavish dining! Let me know what you think and if there are better ideas... Never been to Vegas just heard its a fun girls trip.

    Something to look forward to....

    Love, Kristin


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  • thecolorpurple
    thecolorpurple Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2015

    Kathy,

    So sorry you had a bad night! Have my neulasta shot this morn as well. Keep us posted on how you are doing so we can support and maybe help. You are strong and brave. We will get through this together

    :)

    Kristin

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  • thecolorpurple
    thecolorpurple Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2015

    Patty,

    My WBCs have been on the high, not low side... Wondering if I should have neulasta shot halved? How is your bone pain? You will have a good walk soon. I haven't gotten out in days- I know how you feel. Was a distance runner for many years, I feel your pain. We will be very active again when we get our strength back.

    Love

    Kristin

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

    Thecolorpurple, I am glad you doing well so far! Don't let the nausea get you down. We all learn together, and everyone here has something to contribute. I have rads today, not looking forward to going out it is so cold and windy. My RO wants us to use 100% Aloe Gel Clear. So far so good, I just hope it stays that way. But just a little dry skin and a sunburn feeling so far.

    Most of my chemo SE have settled down, and it's nice to have hair again. I hope to sport a short cut by summer and swimming season. Take care my friends, I hope you make it to the weekend feeling good.

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  • thecolorpurple
    thecolorpurple Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2015

    Brandi,

    You look beautiful with the henna art and I envy your pretty bald head. I am not so fortunate but I have a lot of cute hats and a nice wig for work. Glad you got out to get your sweetheart a gift for Valentines. I need to do that. I also had lots of socializing yesterday. It was wonderful. I was all hopped up on the roids so good times!

    What do you think of my Vegas idea.? Short trip from TX!

    Kristin

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  • thecolorpurple
    thecolorpurple Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2015

    TortyLass ,

    Forgive me, but I am none too happy with your boss! Do you qualify for intermittent FMLA? I am using my extended illness bank hours for all of my call ins which I expect to be few. You are protected by fed law. Keep us posted. If they deny you for FMLA, you can also fall back on the ADA clauses. Just went through this so if you need further help let me know

    Kristin

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  • thecolorpurple
    thecolorpurple Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2015

    Cat,

    Is your headache better today? Did you take anything for the Headache my OD has ok'd Tylenol and between that and my coffee or green tea it takes care of it usually. Good call on the Valium. Hope you got peaceful rest.

    Kristin

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  • PMR53
    PMR53 Member Posts: 452
    edited February 2015

    Kristin!! I bet you could!! Ask your MO. Special K told me about that I think. It made a difference. No bone pain!! I make myself walk 1 mile a day on days I am not in bed. It helps with my depression and I am so worried about losing strength.

    Patty

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  • thecolorpurple
    thecolorpurple Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2015

    Wendy,

    Hope you are feeling good today! Just happy to "see" you again.

    K

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  • thecolorpurple
    thecolorpurple Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2015

    Jenn,

    How are you feeling? SE today?

    -k

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  • thecolorpurple
    thecolorpurple Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2015

    dimclelland and patty,

    I am thinking about appt with my opthamologist as vision is worsening. At 44 yo might be time for bifocals ... Ugh.

    K

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  • PMR53
    PMR53 Member Posts: 452
    edited February 2015



    To all of us!! This really moved me when I saw it on Pinterest!! It was originally written by Elizabeth Edwards.

    image
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  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited February 2015

    Just a thought, my vision became blurry during chemo also even though I had purchased new glasses in August right before chemo. Who knew?? I finished chemo 11/25 and my vision is coming back, and not so blurry. You may want to wait a while before spending more money on glasses etc. Ask the MO first and see what they say. I am not going to do anything for a few more months and see what happens. Like maybe hit the lottery to pay for all this! :)

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  • Cindi74
    Cindi74 Member Posts: 363
    edited February 2015

    Hi all you starting chemo in 2015. A long overdue mamogram summer of 2012 found a grade 2 cancer in one breast. Surgery found it had gone through one lymph node and was in another. I began chemo September 2012. Did 4 AC 3 weeks apart, and then 12 Taxol and then 32 radiation. Latest mamogram was clear. I am 77.

    Here is what I learned. Port is wonderful. I won't let them take mine out now because I hate needles. I had no pain after port.

    The 60 girls, Members of "the Club No One Wants to Join" that I met through Breastcancer.org were my greatest emotional support. We met on a chemo Sept 2012 thread and stuck together for a year and a half until most wanted to move to Facebook. I think you lose privacy and am concerned about you young ones who may be looking for jobs, etc. I would advise staying with Breastcancer.org.

    I had no nausea. That was the fear we all had. My oncologist gave me three medicines up front and I was told they put something in the chemo. A three pill pack that I took day one, two, three worked for me. I believe they have that dragon licked so try another if the first fails.

    I bought a wig first thing so when the hair began to go, I used it. People kept telling me how much they liked my hair. Now I wear my hair close cropped like when it first began to grow again. Everyone says they like it. No permanents, no rolling, easy. I wouldn't have had the nerve to cut it all off without this experience. A plus

    Once I realized that my worst side effect from the chemo was weakness, I just watched a lot of British TV series on Netflix and spent the 5th, 6th, 7th days after AC doing mostly nothing. I am retired with no kids or job. For those of you who have them, perhaps you can get help then.

    Some of our group gained weight. I lost 30 lbs. Another plus. Nothing tasted good. I'm not much into food. Husband made milkshajkes evenings I didn't feel like eating anything. Now my weight has stabalized where I always wanted it. Another plus.

    I found that sleeping listening to music or happy books from audible.com (I do it with earphones on) kept my brain occupied with happy stuff, so I had no depression or sad or fearful days after I started. I have a supportive husband, and we have medicare so I didn't have some of the issues you are struggling with.

    Happy note here. Insurance companies can no longer charge you prohibitive rates because of "preexisting conditions." Support Obamacare.

    I'm looking at the sod from the green side now. Loving life, My prayers are with all of you. Hugs, Private message me if you have questions.

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

    Cindi74, Two words, Thank You! You are so positive, and reassuring. And to be looking at the "green side" awesome to hear. You have brought love and joy to my day! I am so grateful that you dropped by to give us all some much needed support!

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  • loriekg
    loriekg Member Posts: 263
    edited February 2015

    Brandi999…love the henna! You look mah-velous! I can't wait to see the cabbage patch wig!

    Kristin—are you feeling better after you got your husband to shave your head? Mine has been coming out since last Wednesday. I fully expected it to be GONE by last weekend but it's still here. I'll get rid of it when it's really noticeably thin. (Who am I kidding….it's so thin I can't even wear it down, I have it up in a clip.) I'll get there.

    Patty—the blurry vision is a SE from the Taxotere, I was told. Good news, it should return back to normal after the chemo is done. Using the eye drops (not Visine, but lubricating drops) might help with that.

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  • loriekg
    loriekg Member Posts: 263
    edited February 2015

    Jenn…I would be upset too! Mostly since you tried to avoid this situation and was told it would be fine!? But in the grand scheme of things, delaying treatment a few days beats running into any complications that may arise having the surgery too soon after chemo. YES, YES to your question about having trouble with the waiting. I too had a bad time for just a week, then two weeks feeling like I want to just get the show on the road. But I know I should be grateful for a relatively easy first time. Who knows what the next one will be like.

    Oh, the Aquaphor has definitely worked for me. When I stopped using it before bed one night, my nose was bleeding again the next morning. I've actually used it all over my face before going to bed to see if it helps with my dried out face. Had to laugh at your comment about the free samples, Beachbum. Ain't that the truth!

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  • loriekg
    loriekg Member Posts: 263
    edited February 2015

    Neulasta shot…has anyone given this shot to themselves? I'm having my chemo tomorrow, so instead of getting the shot the next day like last time, I'll have to wait till Monday, which makes me nervous. I was wondering if they gave me the shot, I would be able to give it to myself on Saturday. Or if I'm concerned for nothing. --Lorie

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