Starting Chemo January 2015

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  • TeriMP
    TeriMP Member Posts: 89
    edited February 2015

    hi ladies, just popped in to say hi!

    2nd round has zapped any energy I've had left and I've been in the "flu-symptom" phase for about 4-5 days now. Pretty much sticking to my bed :)

    In regards to the apple cider vinegar for heart burn my friends mom said she didn't dilute it with water or anything. Did an ounce as a straight up shot (her daughter tried and said it was horrible ). If you do attempt to try it, if start with a very small about (tsp). I think I will stick to tums/Zantac for now.

    I hope your all feeling well!

    Teri

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  • loriekg
    loriekg Member Posts: 263
    edited February 2015

    Hey Barbara...how are you doing? Are you having your chemo tomorrow? Do you see your MO this time? I'd suggest taking in a notepad with questions and indicating to him that you had a few things that needed clarification. That way if you felt rushed you wouldn't forget what you wanted to ask him! Did your hair make it through the weekend?? :) --Lorie

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  • PMR53
    PMR53 Member Posts: 452
    edited February 2015

    Loriekg

    I think my MO told me that I could not give myself a Neulasta shot at home because of a huge liability issue. My case manager thought maybe. MO said NO WAY.

    Patty


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  • PMR53
    PMR53 Member Posts: 452
    edited February 2015

    TeriMP

    I know the flu feeling for first 6 days at least. Be gentle on yourself and take anti nausea around the clock. Eat what you can when you can. Try to drink as much as possible. ( no thanks to the Carbo ruining tastebuds) Feel better!!

    Patty

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  • PMR53
    PMR53 Member Posts: 452
    edited February 2015

    Kristin,

    Did I reply about vision? It is SE of chemo they said. Dry eyes? Mine is worse in the morning. I am just going to hang in there and hope it gets better after Chemo.

    Patty

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  • Cherylfg
    Cherylfg Member Posts: 97
    edited February 2015

    loriekg-my MO said I could give myself the neulasta shot at home. I have chosen to do it at my clinic because I've been going on day 2 for fluids anyway. The nurses just give me the shot then.

    I've had blurry vision too. Good to know eye drops can help. It's been driving me crazy.

    My cold is almost gone and I am finally starting to feel better after last weeks chemo. I still have terrible mouth sores but the rest of my SE have been subsiding.

    Cheryl

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  • thecolorpurple
    thecolorpurple Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2015

    hi Lori, I do feel better to have had Jim shave my head. It is falling out in a rainbow pattern, as Jim calls it. Looks interesting. Pulled out all the cute hats and have been getting compliments :) day two after AC infusion and still feeling good. Taking compazine every 6 hours without fail. Ativan and magnesium at night. No big c this time! Not like last time, no fatigue yet. It may hit tomorrow. For now not looking the gift horse in the mouth!

    Guess what, though? Jim shaved his head tonight. What a love. He looks pretty sexy like this, too...

    Hope you all are well. Love to you all. Talk tomorrow,

    Kristin

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  • thecolorpurple
    thecolorpurple Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2015

    Cheryl,

    I am so glad you are feeling better. Are you using all the Biotene line of products and the prescription swish and spit? I bet you are, ugh I hope they go away soon!

    K

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  • thecolorpurple
    thecolorpurple Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2015

    Marjo and Sweethope,

    Missing you ladies! How are you feeling?

    Kristin

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  • spookisgirl
    spookisgirl Member Posts: 96
    edited February 2015

    Hi all,

    So had good talk with MO today, and we are going ahead as planned. Worse case scenario, if I feel too sick on Monday for the port placement we will reschedule. I am very glad to be moving ahead. Completely ready for round #2 AC tomorrow.

    Saw the RO today and radiation is a must--with or without lymph nodes, so no reason to remove them at all. I will do 6 weeks after my next surgery. Only question now is whether my reconstruction will be immediate or delayed, as I will need radiation on chest and lymph nodes. I should know on that next week. Looks like an immediate reconstruction will be ok, but we will see. That is what I would prefer (one surgery instead of 2!).

    So glad to be on track, and hope my SEs stay light (knock on wood).

    Jenn

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

    thecolorpurple, I never knew that your dear husband would have side effects! Shaved his "sexy" head huh?? Happy Valentine's Day!! It sounds like you have the side effects under control, a good thing. Glad you are doing well.

    Cheryl, I had the same blurry vision going on with the runny nose as well. I needed a mop to keep my face dry, that wasn't fun. But my vision is returning to normal since I finished chemo 11/25. I was thrilled because I had just got new glasses before chemo started. I used eye drops and it helped a lot. My MO suggested Systane Ultra. Have you gotten a script for the Magic Mouthwash to help with the mouth sores? I never got those, but I still fight dry mouth. I use Brach's Lemon Drops all the time to fight that one.

    Marjo and Sweethope, how are you doing??

    PMR53, have you tried the eye drops? I used Systane Ultra. It helped a lot. It is OTC and works well. Drug Mart has it here.

    Spookisgirl, what a trooper! Good luck I hope it all goes as planned. The port is much easier. I had a script for lidocaine cream to put on the port 1 hour before chemo. It numbed it, and I never felt anything. No stick, just nothing. Ask your MO, for me it was a comfort thing. Good to use if you pierce your ears too! LOL

    For the rads ladies, I will finish #15 on Friday the 13th!! So far so good. Just a little red, a little tan, and feels a little like a light sunburn. I put 100% Clear Aloe Gel on it 4 to 5 times a day. I wear soft tees, and no bra so I feel pretty good. Just a little tired, but nothing like chemo. So I can deal with this. The gel is available at Drug Mart here, and it's cheap about $5 OTC.

    Well Ladies - You got this! You have really been kicking butt! We all walk our own road to health, but we are never alone. We will join those that have passed this way before us, and we all support each on this journey to stand as one. I am so glad that you are winning this battle!


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  • greatjourney
    greatjourney Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2015


    To All January Ladies;

    I want to acknowledge the value and help that you shared which help February Group get through this scary process. I was able to prepare myself with the chemo battle. I want to hug all of you because your advise and experience were useful. This is my 6th day and I am still up and strong and I've accomplished this because of your guidance and shared experiences.

    Love and prayers and hoping the all SE become manageable for everyone.  

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  • RV6gal
    RV6gal Member Posts: 331
    edited February 2015

    Thanks Colourpurple – I am feeling better and glad to have the energy to post again.Hoping that continues for the duration of cycle #3.

    PMR53 – Love the message you posted of Elizabeth Edwards from Pinterest.I think that says it all about life and whatever challenges we face.

    Cindi74 – just wanted to add my thanks for your support and say that I agree with everything Beachbum1023 posted. It is great that you have come out of this with such positivity.

    Spookisgirl, I'm so glad you got the issue of the port and your next chemo resolved.Hopefully you will feel fine so you can get the port as planned.I don't know much really about radiation and surgery but I did read on another thread (it could have been in the radiation thread) that radiation does complicate re-construction.It is definitely something you will want to discuss with your breast surgeon.If I find that thread again, I will let you know.

    Beachbum1023, glad to hear the rads are going ok.Continued success with that!!

    I have another suggestion for eye drops which was recommended by my optometrist some time ago.They have been very good for me too.They are called Refresh Ultra – Lubricant eye drops manufactured by Allercan.

    Cherylfg, hope you get some relief for the mouth sores soon.I have avoided that but have terrible heartburn.Tums works in the short term.

    Marjo and Sweethope,hope all is well!!

    greatjourney, I'm happy to hear the January chemo ladies have been helpful for the February chemo group.That's the greatest aspect of this website.Having the knowledge learned through other's experiences is invaluable.

    A lady that I work with was diagnosed a couple of months before me.She was also instrumental in guiding me through some of this process.She reminded me just the other day of the importance of doing something physical like walking because it does offset some of the fatigue we are feeling.

    I am trying to get myself going on that again.I have had trouble with light weights and sit-ups since I had the port put in though.I found some core exercises on the web that I have yet to try.Does anyone have an aerobic and weight program that they have started or continued since dealing with BC?I'd love to hear any tips on that.

    Well I guess I would have more energy if I got myself to bed at a decent hour...ha ha ha.It is 2AM here now.So off I go and wish you all a better day tomorrow!

    Take care,

    Wendy

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  • SweetHope
    SweetHope Member Posts: 439
    edited February 2015

    Hi, everyone. I have been feeling good, but lightheaded. Chemo nurse says that's typical when WBC are lowest second week after infusion. It's beautiful here, but cold...perfect for a walk...but I just feel too lazy to push myself. Side effects have been minimal...knock on wood.

    My problem this week, which I feel guilty even mentioning it, but it does wake me up during the night, is the prickly stubble on my head that has not fallen out yet, but feels like needles piercing me if I try to wear a wig, scarf, or even my go-to-for-warmth Santa hat. Laying down on a pillow is the worst. DH has been using duct tape to remove a lot of it, which works great. And I have been applying our miracle cure, organic coconut oil to try to soften the stubble. Can't wait for a smooth, bald noggin.

    I have been keeping up with you and also scouting for my reward-for-completing-treatment retreat. Thecolorpurple's idea of Vegas sounds fun. I've never been there and want to see "Love" if it is still playing. But I've been looking at just the opposite kind of get together. A spa retreat at Glenwood Hot Springs, Colorado. Total pampering for a couple of days and quiet, conversations in the relaxing waters. Can't we do both?

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

    Hi SweetHope, the stubble is very annoying! But duct tape works, or I would use Johnson's Baby Shampoo and massage it really well in the shower. I also put Pantene Conditioner on my head to help soften it and wash it down the drain. But it will go away. And it starts to grow again before you know it. Very soft and in my case, lots of dark brown and gray! I dyed my hair for so many years that when it started to grow in dark brown and gray I was shocked! I felt worse about all of the gray than I did shaving it all off. The things we do......Cherylfg used lint rollers also. Good Luck, I am so glad you are feeling good.

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  • spookisgirl
    spookisgirl Member Posts: 96
    edited February 2015

    I can completely relate to the prickly feeling from the stubble--I am having the same problem! Lint rollers and duct tape seem to be working for me--but I have the same thing, like hundreds (well maybe dozens now) of needles poking my scalp. I am hoping today's infusion will help take care of the rest. I will say that my eyebrows and eyelashes are hanging on for dear life--hope they keep that resiliance!!


    Jenn

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  • SweetHope
    SweetHope Member Posts: 439
    edited February 2015

    Beachbum, Thanks. A friend's hair came back white and curly. That's what I'm hoping for...but mostly hoping something does grows back.

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

    Hi Spookisgirl, My eyebrows thinned on the AC, but fell out after the first Taxol. But my hair started to regrow after the first Taxol. My eyelashed fell out also on the Taxol, but they are coming back thick!! But the eyelashes are a little slow. The Look Good Feel Better program showed us how to apply make up on those eyebrows and eyelashes. If it is offered close to you, the make up is really nice. The ACS offers it.

    My hair is almost 1" long, growing back without any patches, and is super soft. I finished Taxol on 11/25. Good Luck. Oh I also take Biotin OTC for my hair and nails per the MO.

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  • SweetHope
    SweetHope Member Posts: 439
    edited February 2015

    Jenn, Hope you have a SE free time this go round. Wish my chin whiskers would give it up. I think the chin whiskers on our little monkey made me identify with her.

    Beachbum, you keep us well informed. I'm taking that class in March. The ACS has really been there for me. I love my free wig (looks very expensive) and they sent me a great file folder, the Personal Health Manager which organizes all med records, insurance and bills, etc. If anyone does not have access to them at your cancer center call 1-800-227-2345 or www.cancer.org.

    Sending cyber hugs to you all.

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  • Brandi999
    Brandi999 Member Posts: 143
    edited February 2015

    Well I'm relating to almost every post here... Since my 3rd chemo, I've had a really hard time sleeping even though I've been exhausted and having the flu like symptoms and dry eyes. My honey had to remind me that I do have Xanax to help me relax and sleep. Duh! I totally forgot. Hope everyone is having a great day.

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  • Tennisfan
    Tennisfan Member Posts: 114
    edited February 2015

    Bonjour lovely ladies! Sorry for my absence but when the going gets tough I retreat to my cave and just wait until I emerge lol... AC no 2 was similar to AC no 1, but my digestive side effect management just took most of my energy... Similar to others, I typically battle the big C for the first few days after my cocktail, but this time it was followed by the big D. I already have a slow metabolism so typically any kind of gut issue just sucks the life out of me. I did not feel particularly bad but just... Overall yucky and clammy with a little sweat all over my body for the past 5 days... From your own experience, do you get this also or do you think it's menopause-related? I think it's a side effect as I don't think it lasts for the whole three weeks but now I don't quite remember yet... and I often get chills after that so I thought it's more flu-like symptoms everyone is talking about? Please comment eith your own experience... After the big D it just kinda disappeared and I have been feeling much better. I still took the day off today just to savour a little time with myself sans SEs to conquer at work ;0)

    But let me tell you, for the past week if I could have sat, worked and even slept outside I would have. It's minus 32 Celsius outside with the windchill factor but I will be happy as a Husky when I go to tennis later on!

    As mentioned my neutrophiles and WBC count was borderline so I have to go for another blood test this week to see if I need the Neulasta shot or not (I am really praying not to get it). My onco nurse said that Vitamin C (forbidden in supplements while in chemo but not if in the food) stimulates immune system so I eat kiwis and other vitamin C filled fruit to see if it will make a difference... Fingers crossed!

    I should also share my disbelief as far as my appetite and cravings which took over me this time around. Luckily I have not gained nor shed a pound so far, but yesterday was the epithomy of gluttony: i had a grilled cheese with ham for lunch, followed by carrot cake with icing. Once at home, I had a mini swiss fondue... And Haagen Dasz to cool me off. Someone said to listen to my body so I did just that. Such a rebel lol !!!

    Work is good, going to tennis this afternoon and then... Couch surfing for the weekend!

    It's been great reading all of you - I too have been struggling with my hair - as some of you mentioned, I tried to explain to my sister how the front stubbles hurt when I wear a hat (and the hat gets too hot anyways) while the light duvet catches in the wind when I walk around my own appartment and gives me chills - ridiculous. But I smile at the thought that YOU understand me.

    I wanted to comment on so many points I now forget most of them :0(. As far as my own experience, as you know I did not want a port because of tennis. I was told that as long as the nurses can find a vein there is no issue. They have not said anything so far. if it gets difficult after the 4 AC I will revisit for Taxol. So Jenn, I would insist on the infusion now and the port placement between no 2 and 3. They never spoke to me about serious vein damage nor discouraged me to not get the port. In fact i am not sure if they offer this option first in my hospital... Another point of view...

    Also, about reconstruction - I also wanted to do one shot deal but my PS convinced me otherwise. I think they have less room to manoeuver, skinwise,so depending on if you want the same/a tiny bit smaller one shot is ok, but if you want a little fuller or definitely bigger than you have to do two-step approach. I opted for two-step and am happy with my decision - often also they need to "revise" one or the two breasts so even with one step you may have to revisit... I too will have to undergo radiation before my final PS implant surgery. i asked the PS about that a few weeks ago during follow up and he said there is typically no issue. Sometimes rads makes the skin tighter and it pulls so if we feel unconfortable they just "deflate" us a little to accomodate the skin until we are done, then inflate again before final surgery.

    I fell asleep thinking of the show LOVE as well so albeit i have been to Vegas, if a group goes for the sake of reunion I would likely join you. Vegas would indeed be more affordable (we may even get group rates/discounts) versus some place else but I will go anywhere, really. Vegas might also be a little hot but once chemo is over it shouldn't be an issue :0)))

    Ladies, did we officially acknowledge the fact that the January sisters actually SURVIVED the month of January (I might have missed). And to read that there is now a cohort of February ladies reading us just like we did with the December ladies gave me an extra boost this morning!!!

    Happy Valentine's Day to all of you - my entire family is coming over for dinner (they are cooking!). I am single but think it is important to say to your family and friends you love them, and not only on this day, but everyday!!!

    So if you are single like me take the opportunity to connect with someone in your entourage and ask them if they will be your Valentine ;0)))

    A la prochaine,

    Marjo

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

    Hi SweetHope, the ACS is a fantastic resource for help. And I love the new make up, it's all of the good stuff I can't afford right now, so very helpful! Have a sunny day!

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  • SweetHope
    SweetHope Member Posts: 439
    edited February 2015

    Tennisfan, you are such a warrior. No port for your AC and tennis today! No, I don't think we celebrated getting through January. Yeah us! I think we are just happy to be bouncing back week after week.

    Happy Valentines Day.

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  • Cherylfg
    Cherylfg Member Posts: 97
    edited February 2015

    Wendy- I was having terrible heartburn too and my MO had me switch from Zantac to Prilosec. Prilosec has worked like a champ and my heartburn is gone. What, besides Tums, are you using?

    I vote for a spa. Being pampered for a few days sounds amazing to me right now.

    On a different note, life with a 3-year-old is never dull. The other night I heard him sneeze a few times and then start crying. He was already in bed and I thought he just needed a tissue. I go in his room to hear him say, "it won't come out", repeatedly. It turns out he had stuck a Lego up his nose! A quick trip to the ER, a pair of thin tweezers, and the Lego was out. When I asked him why he put a Lego up his nose, he said: "I just did."

    Cheryl

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

    Cherylfg, I love the story, it does bring us back to normal life with a three year old!

    I am glad that the heart burn is gone, I used the same and it worked great! Have a great weekend, and Happy Valentine's Day!

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  • SweetHope
    SweetHope Member Posts: 439
    edited February 2015

    Cheryl, I Skype with my 3 yr old grandson. He is into wearing his undies backwards and changing them several times a day for no reason. I wish he could stay three for a long, long time.

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

    Hi SweetHope, I raised my stepsons from ages 8 and 9, and I wish they were still that age. It was so fun, until they became teenagers! They played army and trucks, and they were both Eagle Scouts. Now they are career Army, and career Marines and play with big trucks and helicopters. And I had a hard time teaching them to drive! They smashed more than few cars, now I cringe at the size of the vehicles! Sorry our tax dollars at work......but they are both doing well.

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  • loriekg
    loriekg Member Posts: 263
    edited February 2015

    Oh Cheryl...thank you for posting your story about your three year old! I literally cracked up laughing in my infusion chair!

    Prilosec worked well for me too.

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  • loriekg
    loriekg Member Posts: 263
    edited February 2015

    I ordered a new wig online and just got it in the mail yesterday. So I decided to wear it when I had to run the the post office. As this was the first time venturing out of the house with a wig, I was quite self conscious but hubby *assured me...nobody would notice. NATURALLY the only worker at the post office was a guy that I always talk to! Ugh ugh ug! So after giggling to myself while standing in line, I walk up and he says to me (oh yes, he did) that there was something different about me that he just couldn't put his finger on. Aaaack! I just said meekly, "oh yeah?" Then he said, I think it's your hair. Aaaack! I said I had a new color (not being able to make eye contact). I knew as I stared into my purse that he was staring at me...and my hair. My eyes were watering I was wanting to laugh and get out of there at the same time. OMG...men never notice HAIR!! After 20 years my husband has never noticed when I've dyed, cut, highlighted, restyled my hair--ever! How bad must this wig be!? LOL

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  • Tennisfan
    Tennisfan Member Posts: 114
    edited February 2015

    Cheryl, that was so FUNNY!!! My sister did that once with a raisin. I imagine on the spot it's less funny but this made my day

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