Starting Chemo February 2015

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  • live_deliciously
    live_deliciously Member Posts: 346
    edited February 2015

    Pjfive. it is so important to me to feel comfortable with my medical team. As I said earlier I'm a control freak and I apologize to all of the dr's up front because of that. I just need as much information as possible to feel like I'm in some sense of control of this BC. I wouldn't feel bad at all for going with who you want to care for you.

    Carolynanne. I'm sorry for your hair loss. I'm a week behind you and trying to figure the timing of my GI Jane cut. It brings tears to my eyes. Always had long hair.

    Darumama. Welcome. You and I are on the same cocktail. Yesterday was a few bad hours for me. Took a 2nd nausea pill to push thru it. But then did much better. I hope that was my bad day!

    Bikerbabe17. I'm a wino. I'm jealous. if you can drink a glass think of me and enjoy the taste. Maybe 2nd week for me but since the surgery it took about 3 weeks to get back into enjoying the flavor and get beyond the alcohol taste. Now everything on my taste and smell is off.

    I started taking anti nausea that night of the infusion. I needed them!

    Thanks again to all of you for sharing. I don't feel so far out there alone.

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

    Good morning! I hope everyone is feeling ok. I just wanted to pop in before going to rads to see how its going.

    I had a runny nose throughout chemo. Once the nose hairs go there is nothing to protect the inside of your nose so it will run, and not stop. But it does go away after you finish chemo. I also had issues with bloody nose in the evening. I added a humidifier and it seemed to help.

    If you are not feeling well, take the nausea meds. I would start them the morning after chemo and kept taking them as prescribed for the next 4 days. You can't heal if you feel sick. And once it starts it is hard to control so get ahead of it.

    Drink lots of water, and keep drinking it everyday, I still drink about 4 to 5 bottles of water a day. It helps with rads also.

    Good news - My hair started to grow back after the first Taxol infusion!! I lost the eyebrows and eyelashes but they are now back and are thicker than before. I take Biotin for my hair and nails and seems to work for me. Ask the MO.

    For the Bic "C" I always had a big dinner the night before chemo, and I took Sennokot the morning of chemo, again stay ahead of it. The descriptions of cement and rocks, very true and not so pleasant. Pain meds will cause it also. Eat lots of fresh fruit, drink water, and stay ahead of it. Once I figured it out, it was fine,

    For all the AC Ladies, watch the side effects - shortness of breath and cough can be from the chemo/heart damage. A small percent of women have heart problems from it. Tell the MO or nurses of anything different. I won the heart damage from the side effect contest!

    I hope you all have a great weekend, no appointments and time to relax and get well. Take Care, I am off to rads. But I think of all of you often! You got this!

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  • PJfive
    PJfive Member Posts: 14
    edited February 2015

    Good Morning Ladies. I didn't mean to be dismissive of anyone yesterday but this problem with the MO on my first infusion day really upset me.

    CarolynAnne and Live Deliciously looks like we are on the same regiment with Carolyn leading the way. Thanks for the support about the MO but I have already given him too much attention. So now I say the hell with him. When this whole thing started I went from something that was going to be a simple lumpectomy and 33 treatments of rads. Instead I end up with multiple complications and stage 3 breast cancer. The treatment is now basically throwing the kitchen sink at it. I agree fully to this plan but I am not going to sit idly by because of some bruised egos.

    Bikerbabe looks like you work with a great bunch of people and they will be a great support system for you. I have't had to take any extra meds yet because I haven't had any SE's. Not sure what you got but the aloxi, emend and decadron I got is suppose to cover for a few days. I am taking dexamethasone for 3 days and claritin for 7 but they want me to wait on the other stuff til it is actually needed. This way they can make adjustments by narrowing down what may be causing the problem. Hope everything goes well and you should save a lock of that pink hair for a good luck charm.

    Mecsmama, Cubieblue and Sugarcakes:  Have the drink. What's the worst that can happen? Hell you already have cancer. Sugarcakes I fell in love with a drink in London last summer that sounds similiar to what you talking about. It was Grey Goose infused with cucumber, lime and elderberry flower. It was fantastic. Haven't found it in the states but I am willing to work my way through every bar once I get this mess out of the way to find it. All are welcome to join me on my quest.

    CarolynAnne and Choelsmom sounds like your allergies are reacting to the fact you are losing all your nose hairs. I dread that SE most of all because here in Atlanta the Spring is basically a coat of yellow pollen. You might want to get an air filter or wear masks around pets and the outdoors.

    SweetHope I am sorry your having some problems with nausea and Malimoh hope your back pain eases up so you can get back up and around soon.

    Jaejk5 and Darumama welcome to the club. I hope your first session was unevental and your SE's are minimal.

    We all have a long road to go that may seem daunting now but I am sure we are definately stronger than we thought we were before we began this journey. I am honored to make this journey with you and I wish you all nothing but the best.

    Damselfly the sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar there'll be sun Happy

     

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  • SugarCakes
    SugarCakes Member Posts: 353
    edited February 2015


    PJ5, I forget where I first ran across the cucumber infused vodka.  I started making my own drinks with grey goose, cucumbers, a little ginger ale, and agave nector.  Then I stumbled upon a cucumber infused vodka by Rain.  It's a pretty bottle with green tint, shaped like a rain drop.  Drinks are now cheaper and faster to make :)  The Rain cucumber infused vodka is in some ABC stores, but not all.  I have turned several folks on it.

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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited February 2015

    Nausea not so bad with infusion 2 last Tuesday. They have me doing Zofran every 12 hours for 3 days and alternating Ativan and Compazine at the same time. Eating light - lots of snacks like yogurt and applesauce instead of a heavy meal. DH brought me to gentle yoga class today - that was a days work Am in recliner with doggie on lap for the rest of the day. Time for another nap :)

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  • Damselfly
    Damselfly Member Posts: 62
    edited February 2015

    PJfive you get rid of anyone or anything that is stressing you out and not helping you in your journey -- including your MO! Hope you find one that you can work with.

    I'm feeling pretty good today, the bone pain is mostly gone. But I may be coming down with a yeast infection :p Anyone else dealt with this yet? Are OTC meds OK to take? (I will probably talk to my MO before I do, but wondering about others' experiences).

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  • SugarCakes
    SugarCakes Member Posts: 353
    edited February 2015

    Is anyone else always hungry? My tastebuds are shot. Still I'm hungry and keep wanting to eat. Not exactly thrilled about this, considering I'm being a couch potato.

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  • Paddymom
    Paddymom Member Posts: 29
    edited February 2015

    Have been following the posts here for several days as I am also in this group. Had my first chemo yesterday and thought I was to have neulasta injection today but MO did not order. So far no adverse reactions. Day 3 tomorrow I assume the energy may really drop but am thinking positively. So far no nausea or achiness. One day at a time, ladies!

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  • Jaejk5
    Jaejk5 Member Posts: 29
    edited February 2015

    Well, I am one day past my first Chemo. I had to go for my Nuelesta shot this morning. They are all so nice there. I have a headache, a bit of nausea now, but not to bad. I have three different nausea pills so I'm sure I'm set. I plan on an early evening and hope to sleep all night. I'm glad I only have three more to go. Actuallyusing the cold caps were the worst part. Looking forward to May, then this will be a memory. Have a great weekend, ladies

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  • MaryJC
    MaryJC Member Posts: 350
    edited February 2015

    hello, I was belching a lot. I envisioned the flora in my gut was disrupted. It made eating painful!!! I was already doing probiotics but with sour krout. I started taking in pill form after researching that chemo indeed does this to our intestinal lining. That with a bland diet, plain rice w/lentils, toast, etc seems to either have it managed and/or the issue is passing. Hope that helps!

    Now anyone spotting?!

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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited February 2015

    Am doing bland and yogurt with added probiotic powder. Good plan!

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  • vr423
    vr423 Member Posts: 29
    edited February 2015

    my first chemo was Thursday, nausea hit me within four hours of getting home. Felt so weak and beaten down, couldn't get comfortable, cried like a baby, (as much from the reality of the cancer hitting me in the face as from the chemo effects I think,) felt a lot better during the day yesterday (Friday) had my neulasta, came home and rested. Then the nausea returned last night. Constantly burping! I am restless, irritable, can't focus on anything. So far I've eaten toast and noodles

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  • SugarCakes
    SugarCakes Member Posts: 353
    edited February 2015

    MaryJC, I thought I was spotting on Thursday, but it has turned into a full blown cycle, it seems! I thought those had stopped.

    Well, after 4 days of nearly no BM's, the big C has arrived this Saturday morning with a vengeance. I don't know whether to celebrate or cuss.

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  • live_deliciously
    live_deliciously Member Posts: 346
    edited February 2015

    vr423. my dr said to call if any issues. They don't want you to be sick. We are all on different cocktails and not everyone will respond the same anyway. Don't suffer pls! Let them know what's going on so they can help you.

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  • Bikerbabe17
    Bikerbabe17 Member Posts: 116
    edited February 2015

    3rd day past 1st chemo, and I am still feeling rather good. Had some diarrhea this morning, lots of burping and yes, it seems my period is here...what the heck! The anxiety of waiting for the bad stuff to hit me is driving me crazy. The temps have finally warmed up a bit, 25 and sunny, so I will take my grumpy dog for his walk now, we go out every morning, first thing, and he's been staring at me all morning.

    Hang in there everyone, for those of us just starting, I'm guessing our posts will soon start to be about our hair lose, woo hoo

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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited February 2015

    day 4 for me after CT#2. Am doing alternating Compazine and Ativan and so sleep and hour am awake an hour but it prevents nausea from getting a foot hold. My dog is happy. Gets to spend time on my lap.

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  • live_deliciously
    live_deliciously Member Posts: 346
    edited February 2015

    heres something funny. A friend told me she is on a cleanse diet right now and couldn't drink. I gitt to thinking nobody knows what a real cleanse diet is until they've been on chemo!

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

    Good afternoon ladies, I hope you are feeling better! If not try popsicles, they would soothe my stomach when I did chemo. Drink cold water it will help flush the chemo out and chill your mouth and stomach. I did well with Jello-O and toast, baked potatoes, and fresh fruit. I also used Sennokot-S for the big C, and it helped. If the side effects are hitting right after chemo, tell your MO before the next one, they should be able to adjust your pre meds to help you. You can do this, just try to get after the side effects. I made it through AC/T, you will too!

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  • Damselfly
    Damselfly Member Posts: 62
    edited February 2015

    Thanks for the encouragement and advice Beachbum! I'm loving the sound of icicles falling off the roof. :)

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

    live deliciously, oh it is a cleanse alright, inside and out. My hair fell off!

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  • Paddymom
    Paddymom Member Posts: 29
    edited March 2015

    Day 3 of first chemo and only side effect bothering me is a sore throat that feels like it makes swallowing difficult. Other than that, feeling pretty good. Has anyone else had this SE

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  • Damselfly
    Damselfly Member Posts: 62
    edited March 2015

    Paddymom I had what felt like tightness and a little soreness way at the back of my throat. I'm not sure why but it's better now (week 2), maybe I'm keeping my throat more moist, or maybe it just went away. I didn't do anything in particular for it, tho my MO suggested gargling with water and baking soda to help.

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

    Paddymom, I never had that happen. What chemo are you on? Have you been vomiting or have a lot of heartburn maybe?

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  • Paddymom
    Paddymom Member Posts: 29
    edited March 2015

    Beachbum1023, I am on TCHP. No problems so far with diarrhea or vomiting and have kept the indigestion at bay with prilosec.

    Damselfly, your symptom sounds exactly like mine. I have watered, watered, and more watered the throat trying to soothe it. That does seem to help. Ate some cucumbers and then read that was not a good choice as raw veggies should be avoided. So much to learn about all of this in so little time

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

    Hi Paddymom, A lot of us use the Biotene products to soothe our mouth sores. And there is a Magic Mouthwash that requires a script from the MO, but I would ask the nurses or MO. I never heard that raw veggies are a problem either. The nurses told me to stay away from lettuce, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and over easy eggs. Those items cannot be washed really well so they wanted me to avoid them, and anything undercooked. I never had a problem.

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  • Cher22
    Cher22 Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2015

    hi ladies. Today is day 6 for me from my first Tx of TC. The day after I had it they had me start on zofran and I had to had Zantac because of the gas pains. I ended up w diarreah instead of C and on Friday theybhad me start taking immodiu every 4 hrs and eat light. Felt tons better today. And didn't take the immodium. Had a small amount of homage Mac and cheese I made and it made me so sick! Woops ! Back to immodium and light eating for me .

    Hope everyone is doing well

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  • MaryJC
    MaryJC Member Posts: 350
    edited March 2015

    Sugar Cakes lol! I can't figure out what u mean by Big C tho. Sorry I'm not up to date with the short cuts.

    Biker Babe and Sugar Cakes, is it a true period or bleeding? I noticed that it wasntlike regular period. Our periods have a lot of gunk in it bec it's tissue, mucous, etc. mine look like blood if scraped a knee, paper cut, etc. when I reseatched it, said chemo/targeted hormonal tx can cause vaginal bleeding in 2 ways. First bec its treating the expression of estrogen or progesterone which would trigger ovaries n then a period. The other reason is bec it affects fast growing cells, causes the tissue to break down and cause bleeding. I think I have the latter bec of how it looks n is not consistent flow. Maybe a touch 3 days a week.

    I'll try find link n post.

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  • SugarCakes
    SugarCakes Member Posts: 353
    edited March 2015

    Big C is constipation, lol. Took me a while to figure that and the Big D out as well.

    Mine was like a regular period, except it started out light at first. And it came on as regularly scheduled, unlike the last one that was 13 days late in the midst of my diagnosis.

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  • Bikerbabe17
    Bikerbabe17 Member Posts: 116
    edited March 2015

    M

    What I thought was my period didn't turn out to be, just a lot of spotting and an occasional larger amount. But cramping and gas, so am trying to eat light. Mild diarrhea, and heartburn, but that's it. Still feel like I'm not sleeping good, but DH said I was snoring last night. I told him it wasn't snoring, but me trying to sound like a motorcycle, LOL, a recent joke on FB. He said I better get my muffler checked. We may hit 40's this first week of March, although the it's starting to snow again❄️

    Will these SE sneak up and get me anytime? I just keep waiting for it to happen

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  • Mardea15
    Mardea15 Member Posts: 65
    edited March 2015

    Hi paddymom, I had a sore throat after my first chemo. I took a tsp of honey whenever I needed to (it's what I usually use) & it worked great. Honey is also good with tea & lemon, but for me it works best to take it straight for sore throat, hoarse voice or cough, all of which I got with my 1st TCHP. Fortunately i haven't had those particular SE with my 2nd chemo, at least not yet.

    I have a Rx for Miracle Mouthwash (swish & spit type) which is great for mouth sores, but doesn't get to my throat.

    I had more of the big C, big D, heartburn, & bone pain this 2nd time around. Today, day 6, I'm doing pretty well & was able to get through bunches of paperwork that I needed to take care of.

    Always thankful for those good days / moments that come along my way. Hoping for minimal or no SEs for all you ladies out there today!

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