April 2015 Chemo Crew... Starting in April? Please join us!
Comments
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gkodad, Crazy that they make you give the shot yourself. It is a very, very easy one. I set my phone alarm to go off for each dose of Zofran for the first 5 days. So far, it has worked. I hope you keep feeling good. Glad #1 is behind you.
Andrea, I hope you are feeling better. It looks like you are doing things right with nice small meals.
Littleblue, looking forward to that hike already! Love, love, love your powerful words. Thank you for sharing.
Fran, Good words of advice from your friend. We are all very strong, even on days we do not feel strong...we will find the strength to power through.
Allicat, Hope TC goes well with maximum cancer killing and minimum side effects...and no hospital visits.
RPayton, Are you on TC? I had that with TC; felt like back labor. I have it a little less from Neulasta. Ibuprofen alleviates it for me. Not sure what you MO allows. Wishing you relief.
Anewbeginning, carry case for meds is a good idea. My Zofran goes everywhere with me!
Alibeths, Amazing how dogs just know and hang out with us...
Lynn, Thanks for all of your work on the list!
ajbenefield, how horrible that they messed up your anti-nausea meds. That'd better never happen again. Don't be afraid to be anal. I have a list of what I am supposed to get and I ask every time they hang something...what am I getting and how much.
Stephmoen, Soooooooooooo glad to hear you are home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope those counts keep on rising!
fmmbw, Hoping you are still feeling good after TC#1. Glad it is done.
The Princess, Glad your labs looked so good. Mine took a free fall this time!
The day before I got my port (weeks ago), the lab tech drawing blood said something to me that I will share. She said, "Make sure you know exactly what type of port you get and whether or not it takes Heparin or saline. Then tell every nurse and lab tech, and anyone who ever accesses it which kind it is and make sure you get the right thing." I heeded her advice, and yesterday was the third time I had to specifically say that my port takes Heparin...and then the nurse got it. I am so thankful for that caring lab tech, but am surprised that the nurses do not routinely always ask. The port can clot nad not work if you are not given the proper drugs. I wanted to pass that along so everyone else can do the same.
I got fluids yesterday which has kept my BP up a bit more so far. Last night was pretty much my first "yuk" feeling night so far. For some reason, evenings are worse than days for me (probably more tired). Thankfully, I have felt much better today, have had a "normal" day (if there is such a thing) and am hopeful it will continue.
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KBee - glad you're feeling better today - I felt pretty yucky last night and was SO TIRED - much better today.
Let's hope for continued improvement over a new spring weekend!!!
ThePrincess
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Yes, Jen, I liked what you shared with us. It was very honest and thoughtful. Thank you. I think we all pick up little gems from each other, and that was a treasure chest full of them.
Lynne
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Hoping for low side effects, energy, smiles and laughter for all of us this weekend. All the shares, tips here are so helpful. Actually had a good day and felt like myself despite some hair falling out. One week to go until I visit the spa for round 2.
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Hi gals,
I had my second treatment on Tuesday. Today which is Friday I feel weird. I feel hyper but no energy. I am thinking it might be coming off the dexamethasone. Don't know. Anyone else have a weird feeling when they come off the dexamethasone?
Linda
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Hi Everyone, didn't check in yesterday, was out on my usual Thur. escape. I felt great, still on steroid high I guess, ran errands and shopped all day. I've been taking the sleeping pill as suggested by my oncologist and have been sleeping like a baby. Woke up this morning with a slight Headache, which I never have normally, but advil made it go away. The steroids are gone so I sure miss that energy... got all kinds of put off projects done around the house! I almost hate to say it, (don't want to jinx myself) but so far I have had no side effects...thank you Jesus! I am going to just take one day at a time and make the best of what it brings. I have been staying hydrated, thank goodness I Iove water, and I'm trying to stick to my normal routine. Praying that tomorrow will be another good day. I go Monday and get my port, a little anxious, any input on this?
Littleblueflowers l am loving your photos!
Rocker wife your pics are great!
fmmbw I too get my strength from God, and I thank him every day for blessing me with a positive attitude. He deserves all the praise and glory!
Hoping everyone has a feel good, beautiful weekend!
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Dear chemo, you have taken my strength and my ability to eat normally. Will you please finish the job and take my leg hair? Been waiting a month now.....this is the slowest spa treatment ever. Although.....analogous to a chemical peel for your face, except for your delicate innards....
Do we suppose the doctors all sat down and said....we know exfoliation works to reverse the signs of aging on the face....now how can we replicate that effect in women's cells and organs?......
if I rub adriamiacyn on my face, will it give me a glowing complexion? How about cytoxan?
barf...now I feel sick..
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Chemo went well on Thursday no real SE. Had nelasta injection today, she did back of arm, nothing so far, but it's only been a couple of hours. Thank goodness I like water, staying hydrated, taking meds and just resting. Hope to have a SE free week-end with the rest of you. Blue skies and great temps here in FW. Will check back in if the tides turn with questions. Bless you all.
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Home AC 2 done- hair gone and wig made- looks just like it did before it was shaved , - my kids couldn't even tell the difference amazing what they can do !!! My liver functions were elevated so I'm going to be watching everything- no emergen C , no Tylenol etc they will re check on Friday- halfway done with AC yay now I just have to get through the next week without to many SEs!!!!!
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haha littleblueflowers your posts crack me up!!
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Some minor cruddy SES yesterday and today, but popped a Zofran and an Imodium, and managed to do my part in a presentation at a professional conference this afternoon.
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yay! Steph is feeling better!
Karen30, your MO let's you have emergenC? Mine said avoid all anti oxidants except from food....oh why are they so inconsistant?
ksusan, and everyone who is working....you guys are my heros! I'm just hoping I will be strong enough to go back on the 18th....right befor my 4th AC..Do you guys have any tips and tricks for making it through the day?
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littleblueflower- he didn't want any anti oxidants day before , day of or day after chemo but otherwise it was fine - but now with LFTs being abnormal I'm not having anything like that at all
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Littleblue, hydration and rests. That said, I'm having very little nausea, and that makes a great difference.
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hi everyone,
I went away with the family for a cancer retreat and began to panic. Felt so far from home (3.5 hr) and scared to be away from all things familiar. My DH had to work wonders to calm me down and I finally got some sleep. Did not know how scared I would be to be away from home.
so we are cutting it short and going home today instead of tomorrow. I will get my hair buzzed tomorrow, as it is falling out like nobody's business. I am wearing a cap to hold it all together for one more day. So glad it is morning and the anxiety has diminished. -
Man life gets going and next thing you know, you're 5 whole pages behind on the DB!!
KB: How awesome to have a "chemo buddy" to go through treatment with you! Well, I mean we don't want anyone to have to go through this, but good that we aren't alone in it.
LilBlue: Count me in for that hike!!! I grew up in Alaska and that fantastically gorgeous pic makes me miss "home" very very much!
pegsurri, cherish, SueH, & fmmbw: Welcome! Sorry you're here under the circumstances but glad you're in our crew! Pegsurri, I LOVE the hair hat! Did you order it or find it in a store? And Sue, that is the best shirt EVER!!
Positive Spirit: The fundraising sounds like an excellent and fun way to take on such a hard (for me) transition! Can't wait to hear how it turns out! Sorry to hear your trip cut short but glad you were able to get away for at least a little bit.
Rockerwife: Awesome pics, chica! My girls and I took silly pics with festive wigs (which they have forbidden me from ever posting anywhere).
Wrmbrownie: Hope you're feeling better soon!
Lynne: That sounds like the bone pain I had with neulasta, but add in hips and ortho hardware in my leg. Very no bueno!
Princess: Halfway through!!!! YAY!!!!!!
Steph: So glad you're finally back home!! Praying you feel better and better each day!
aj: Sorry to hear about the all-day vomit-fest. I'm glad they got your meds right finally! It's hard with active kids, especially small ones. You are a mega rockstar to be handling all that! Praying for generous energy for you - you got this, amiga!
Karen: That's so great that they can make a wig from your own hair! It's amazing the things they can do now!
Alibeths: Is that not just the sweetest ever!! My brother's dog (my dephew) has stayed with me off and on while he's gone for military and whenever I'm around or he's at my house he is never but a few steps away from my side (if not trying to fit in my lap - he's a pit/shepherd mix)!
Days 4-8 after first round of TC were miserable! But about halfway through day 8 it started turning around and I've had some good energy - as long as I keep moving. Once I sit down though, fatigue hits like a mack truck! Hair started falling out a little on Day 11 so my hairdresser friend buzzed me and helped to style my new wig. It's such an odd sight to me still and I'm getting used to it, but it still makes me a little self-conscious. Much like getting used to my new chest after BMX a month ago - just takes some time. My daughters and I had a wig party put on some crazy wigs. Seemed to help them with the transition (and me too). Hoping for minimal SEs for those going to the spa this week. We are some tough gals - we got this!!!
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Good morning all! Well, to be quite honest-not such a great morning on my end. SE's are hitting hard & fast this time around.Treatment went fine on Thursday & I was able to run errands & walk yesterday-now this morning-the "yuck" has set in. I'm trying some diluted apple juice b/c water just tastes nasty right now. Your posts keep me laughing and remind me to keep my mind "in check" as this too shall pass!
ksusan- Wow- assisting with a professional presentation after chemo. You totally rock- I'm just excited by the fact that I can walk around the block with my dog!
I was chuckling by all the dog comments-my dog "Sassy" is a little Yorkie who truly does not leave my side-in fact, she is snoring away right next to me (at 9:30 am). Gotta love it!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
Fran
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Alibeths- LOVED the idea of a wig party to help you and your girls acclimate to yet another change. I have to say, that I'm still very self-conscious when I wear the wig "out and about"-but then again wearing a scarf/hat with no hair makes me just, if not more, uncomfortable. It's funny, you try so hard not to worry about this kind of crap yet your mind still goes there. If you don't mind me asking, how old are your girls?
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Good morning, guys...sounds like we're all on a learning curve with SEs. I way overslept this morning - I was so tired after two nights of little sleep, and my husband thought me sleeping in was a good thing. But in the process I was over an hour late with the nausea meds...or maybe it's just Day 3 yuck. Finally feeling better and I'll now be setting the morning alarm as long as I need the Zofran. Which is exactly how long?? Any suggestions on when to try to get along without it...my oncology nurse said maybe 4-5 days, but be prepared for constipation. My intestines are already deciding to be uncooperative, so I don't want to take it longer than necessary.
Personally, I'm learning way too much about the balance between poop and vomit! Last week I was mostly worried about my hair!
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Hi, thsizit7 - on your port install. I found it surprisingly painful but only for about 24 hours. Mine is on the same side as my mx and I'm still sore from that, so that could be a factor. The port is stitched to a muscle, so now it is just a question of getting used to it being there. I was glad to have it when I watched people getting multiple sticks at the infusion site last Thursday. The port area is sore but not painful after the first infusion and the nurse says it will "toughen up" with time.
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on the subject of zofran- I think once again each MO has his own recipe- my only has me take it night of chemo and next day and then stop unless needed- last time he had me take decadron the same way but because of my strange reaction he has removed that this time. They load me up with emend, kytril, decadron and zofran pre treatment as well - so far I'm ok - no nausea after yesterday's #
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so this is a picture of me in my wig made from my own hair- this idea fly how it usually looks when I just wash and wear- I can now use product on it and straighten or curl if I want - but I usually just wear it like this because at work I have an OR hat on and off all day so my hair is usually tied up
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gkodad, you Crack me up! It is a weird Thing to maintain our bodies with drugs. Honestly, I take the ZCA...zofran, compazine, ativan, for about 8 days. My MO said that is too long, and nausea after 3 or 4 days is due to acid stomach. I'm not even kidding, your GI tract is sloughing off. He said prilosec twice a day and sucracalfate 4x a day should help. What do you know, it works! And yes, it constipates. For that I drink a cup of strong sennalax tea at night, and add a cup of magnesium calm at some point during the day if I need it. I've also been trying to eat oily foods to coat my mouth and throat. By that I mean, marrow bone broth, bread dipped in olive oil, and a spoon of coconut oil every day. I'm having trouble eating and keeping weight on I've been so sick, so I'm hoping this will hwlp.
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karen, you look beautiful!
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Finally gave up and shaved. #chemoblows
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Karen, beautiful! Had no idea they can make wigs from your own hair. That has to be a great feeling and looks so natural. Amazing what we all learn from each other.
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This is me and my mom today after my neulasta shot a day after TC #2 -- halfway done!
I'm wearing a $45 dollar wig "Erica" model from Paula Young . com . It looks very natural and shipped pretty quickly. I have a "big" head and based on measurements had to order a large which reduces styles available, but liked this one. I'm not working at the moment, but I have several special events coming up in the next few months where I wouldn't feel comfortable in just a hat or scarf. The price is normally higher but it's on sale now....
I'm being more vigilent on staying hydrated this time as I believe that is what caused my fever to spike and an ER trip/hospital stay days 4-6 after the first round.
I wanted to share two things that my nurse said yesterday that I wasn't aware of:
There's a new drug out for nausea that is MUCH cheaper than Emend and works longer. It's a transdermal patch and it works for 7 days. I didn't catch the name when she told me but a quick Google search led me to Sancuso (Granistron) here: http://www.sancuso.com/patient/index.php . She said they just had a presentation training on it and it's been pretty successful.
The other thing she told me that I wasn't told first time or even in chemo class....for those taking Cytoxan not only is it important to hydrate but it's just as important NOT to hold in your urine. She said the Cytoxan can cause bleeding inside the bladder and then you pee blood! She said you want to drink a lot and pee it out so it can flush out of your system. She didn't say that for the taxotere but specifically for the cytoxan.
I just thought I would share these tidbits with all you! Hope you all enjoy a great weekend with minimal SEs!
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Karen and Allicat, as I scrolled down I thought you were posting "before" pictures...before you shaved. Impressed when I read they were both wigs. The look fabulous! I wear my wig to kids' events, the store, day shits and calls at work, etc...basically anywhere I want to just blend in. Hoping I look as good in mine as you ladies. Mine is my profile pic.
I am 44. I was first diagnosed at 43... recurrence at 44.
My MO told me to take Zofran for at least 5 days and then try to wean from it. He said premeds from chemo last through day 3. He also said I may need it for longer each round. He is very aggressive on nausea control and was very clear that he wanted me to stay ahead of nausea and call right away if something is not working. He also was clear about the need for heartburn meds and laxatives with AC and Zofran. With TC, often antinausea meds are just needed for a day or 2..then the muscle and bone pain start.
So Wednesday I was at training at work and we had a dinner. I took a teeny scoop of sloppy joe and the. filled my whole roll with dill pickle slices. Thursday I stopped at McDonalds. I hate McDonalds; I go there about once per year. I had to have an egg and cheese biscuit. Yesterday I ate a package of sweet potato fries. Who knows what I will crave today???!!! It always amazes me, the similarities between chemo and pregnancy!!!!! So far today, I just want applesauce
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I'm behind on reading posts...I hope everyone is having a low SE Saturday!!! This is day 4 post AC#2! Half way done with this cycle, YAY! This round has been a little easier than the 1st.
I haven't had that horrible headache, and the body aches from Nuelasta weren't as bad this time either. I did the on-body injector for my Nuelasta dose this time, it worked fine. Saved me a trip to the MO's office! My MO told me to take Zofran the night of, and the next day after my treatment. She did tell me I could up my dose from 1 pill to 1.5 pills...and that worked better. I haven't thrown up, just had a gnawing nauseated feeling a couple of hours before dose time. I ate Raisin Bran cereal after the Zofran and that got things moving, but I've been lucky in that I've been more sluggish than clogged. lol
Karen, its so awesome you have a wig of your own hair, it looks great!! It must feel wonderful to look and feel so normal!!
Allison, your wig looks very nice too! It is really becoming! Love the picture of you and your mom!!
PositiveSpirit, sorry your weekend trip ended early, but hope the change of scene helped a little. Some friends want me to take a trip but I'm a little leary of being away too, so I get where youre coming from!!
Welcome to pegsurri, cherish, SueH, fmmbw!! Sorry we are all here, but glad we can support each other!!!
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