Chemo in June 2015

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  • shelly4321
    shelly4321 Member Posts: 16
    edited June 2015

    hey all, I was 29 when I got diagnosed on 3/9/15. I started CT on 6/11. The first week was a cakewalk. I had no side effects. But today I get home from work and have a sore throat achy muscles and a temp of 99.5-100 I don't know if I should call my dr or not because I took a nap and it went down to 99.4. And they say call if it's over 99.5 or 100.5.

  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 1,480
    edited June 2015

    Shelly, From what I know, you are OK with a temp under 100.4, although once mine went to 100 and Instsrted to worry. But, then it went back down. Lucky you, no problems with the first week! Did you have the Neulasta shot?

    Swish and spit with soda and salt water for mouth issues. I do that ever 2 hours during the fist 8 - 10 days. Take it easy. This is strong medicine.

    Cannot believe you are working! WOW

  • cloudynight
    cloudynight Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2015

    Hi guys,

    Joining in here too. I started 12 weeks of Taxol/Herceptin on June 16. I've had crazy heartburn so far, and some annoying scalp folliculitis (likely from dexamethasone), but that's all.

    I did go to a scammy-feeling wig place on Thursday, where they tried to sell me a $6,500 human-hair wig. I was like, "Uh, no thanks?" I bought a $65 one from the TLC wigs site when I got home.

  • Italychick
    Italychick Member Posts: 2,343
    edited June 2015

    As for bike riding, do what your body can. I got slower, but was able to continue, just way slower and less hills. but your legs should come back once treatment ends. I am not all the way back, but see tremendous improvement, and it has only been three weeks since last infusion. Still doing Herceptin, but that doesn't seem to make as big of an impact

  • sacmom
    sacmom Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2015

    I had my first chemo treatment on June 15. Cannot get over the fatigue as I feel chemically restrained. Being careful about eating and exercising ....This is day 6 and I hope this feeling will subside. Anyone Have similar experience

  • zzlady
    zzlady Member Posts: 19
    edited June 2015

    hi ladies, I had my 2nd A/C last Thursday June 11th. I feel i did a bit better this time around. They gave me extra fluids after my chemo. very fatigue, and constipated. What works ladies? I go the 25th for my 3rd A/C. My hair started hurting the day of my second treatment, my MO recommend a buzz cut. So my sister and boyfriend cut my hair on day 14. I have a wig but way to hot. I live in phx it was 113 this week! I ordered hats from amazon and hatsforyou.com. They are pretty light weight and I've been doing pretty well with them. One good thing I get ready for work much quicker. So i take that extra time to sleep ; )

  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited June 2015

    Strangely enough, mild to moderate exercise helps with fatigue. Even if you can only walk for 15 minutes, it can really make a difference. (I know it's the last thing you want to do when fatigued.)

  • TheyCallMeCommodorable
    TheyCallMeCommodorable Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2015

    I had my first TC treatment on Thursday, June 18. The whole thing took about 5 1/2 hours. So far I'm doing real well and keep waiting for the side effects to kick in. I took Claritin Friday morning before my Neulasta shot and each morning since. Had achy legs last night and over night but a couple of extra strength Tylenol are enough to keep the ache at bay.

    Nausea hasn't been a problem. I've taken a Compazine a couple of times, when I thought I was starting to feel a little "off", but I'm not sure I even needed it. I've gotten my 10,000 steps in consistently and I'm drinking a minimum of 100 oz of water daily. I zap the water in my Sodastream and drink it with lemon slices. Very refreshing and easy to drink!

    The kids(daughter, 25 and son, 19) will be here this afternoon for a backyard BBQ for Father's Day. I made a big batch of baked beans last night, just in case I couldn't tolerate the smell of the frying bacon this morning! They smelled scrumptious!

    Happy Father's Day everyone. Do something special for the fathers in your life that are caring for you during this journey! We can do this!

  • DayLily15
    DayLily15 Member Posts: 144
    edited June 2015

    Beans mmmmm i love beans.

    day 20 from first infusion for me. i have a mohawk right now, haha ,

    getting lots of exercise. feeling ready for #2 on tuesday.

    Had coffee with my Dad in the garden, Perfect !


  • Proverbs35678
    Proverbs35678 Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2015

    Our June group is so upbeat and positive! I love it!

  • cloudynight
    cloudynight Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2015

    zzlady, for constipation I go with a combination of psyllium fiber (can get it in capsules at Target) and the stool softener Colace (it's sometimes behind the counter at pharmacies). That was my trusty combo for post-sugery C.

  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited June 2015

    Steph, pretty similar for me--no nausea, some bone pain, some other SEs but nothing too bad. I felt worse than you after my first TC, though--flu-y. It was better each time around.

    If this is useful information, my hair never entirely dropped on TC and it started growing out a week after my last TC. Some may drop about 3 weeks after, but it's good to see it again!

    (Visiting from the April Chemo group)

  • Rebecca54
    Rebecca54 Member Posts: 78
    edited June 2015

    I am so sorry to see so many sister on this thread but also feel some solace that I am not alone. Started Taxotere Cytoxan last Thursday 6/18/15. Those steroids are something! Off of them as of yesterday and poor hubby isn't having much of a father's day I'm sorry to say. I'm a raging maniac!

    I'm going to work on adding that DX thing yall have! Happy Father's Day. Good thing about weekends is that noone gets chemo :)).

  • Brightsideplease
    Brightsideplease Member Posts: 34
    edited June 2015

    Daylily15, you rock with a Mohawk! Haven't seen those since my young punk(ish) days...and coffee with dad sounds nice. Mine is far so coffee with hubbie was as close as I came.

    ThecallmeC, that 100 ounces is my goal, good for you! I always end up with about 55...

    I think my chemo brain is here, I almost wrote my maiden name on something, and I've been married almost 18 years.

    So far since Thursday I've been fatigued, weird tummy, and constipated...bought OTC senna, 3 pills cleared that up. I have fingers crossed I can manage the gym tomorrow. Sleep well.

  • eaglemom
    eaglemom Member Posts: 76
    edited June 2015

    Welcome Shelly. Sorry about your fever, but it sounds like it settled down for you. 100.4 F or 38 C is the number I was told to watch for and call if it hit. You definitely don't want to take any chances when your immune system is compromised.

    Hi cloudynight and welcome. I'm glad you're tolerating the treatments so well so far.

    Welcome sacmom. I had my first treatment June 3rd and my second on the 17th. I am also experiencing fatigue, but I've found that staying as active as possible and keeping well hydrated helps keep it manageable. My fatigue usually kicks in in the early evenings and short power naps have been helping me a bit as well.

    Zzlady; I'm glad your 2nd AC went better than your first. I had a worse time the evening after my second infusion, but since then I've been better. The upset and "off" stomach has not hit me so hard this weekend. And I got the constipation under control from the beginning this time. What worked for me was 2 Senokot S in the mornings and evenings while I was taking the Ondansitron (Zofran?) which is very constipating. I also had some smooth move tea in the evenings the first couple of nights. The fatigue, unfortunately, seems to be a bit cumulative.

    It sounds like your first treatment went really well too Steph ~ yay! Great job on the exercise and lemon water and I hope you had a wonderful Father's Day BBQ!

    Yay for mohawks, DayLily! Here's mine complete with red tips (thanks to my almost 16-yo dd);

    image

    Welcome Rebecca54. Sorry the steroids are hitting you so hard. If you haven't had too many other side effects, maybe you could ask them to back off on the steroids a little or give you something to counter-effect the negatives?

    I'm glad you got the constipation under control Brightsideplease. Great job on going to the gym tomorrow! I've been a bit of a slug this weekend and will have to spend hours in the car tomorrow driving home after my RO appointment. Tuesday I go back to work and will get my exercise in then.

    Good luck to all who are going in the chair tomorrow (Tia123?) and later this week!

  • tamkay123
    tamkay123 Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2015

    Great picture, Eaglemom!!!

    Today is one week since my first A/C treatment. I've still been feeling really good. I'm a bit tired this morning but I think that is just normal Monday tired with no connection to the treatment.

    I was soooo happy that I felt good all weekend and we were able to have a really nice Father's Day. My husband has been so completely amazing with everything and I just really wanted to make sure he had a great weekend. We were able to spend time on our boat which is his favorite thing.

    I'm making sure to focus on my water intake and getting at least some exercise each day. I'm hoping to keep feeling good.
  • kh04
    kh04 Member Posts: 18
    edited June 2015

    hi everyone, just checking in to see how's everyone doing, looks like we have so many new names here and seems everyone doing ok with the treatment.

    Im going my 2nd tchp this Wednesday and feel kind of overwhelmed right now. Very tired since last Thursday(dry and sore eyes) I did went out over the weekend with the kids and hubby for couple hours each day,maybe that worn me down.(school's out so the kids with me during the day, kind of stressful sometimes, but mostly they helped me)

    are those tired feelings normal? I was feeling very good on the second week and the 3rd week should even better(or the same) as expected, even after an hour nap the fatigue seems doesn't go away and feeling dont want to do anything in the house.(which is not good). Anyone has similar situation like this?

  • DayLily15
    DayLily15 Member Posts: 144
    edited June 2015

    eaglemom super - do, can your daughter come and do mine ?!!!

    hi kh04 - im on different cocktail than you , and i go for #2 tomorrow, i have had tired portions of some days, but listening to downdog and italychick for example exercise, even a good stroll, is good medicine.

    hard to rest when you want with children, hope someone comes by to be there for you :) hugs


  • Brightsideplease
    Brightsideplease Member Posts: 34
    edited June 2015

    Great pic Eaglemom! Makes you look like your game for anything, kicking cancers arse being #1!

  • TheyCallMeCommodorable
    TheyCallMeCommodorable Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2015

    eaglemom- You are rocking the Mohawk! I'm working from home and have to schedule an important client meeting soon. It would be fun to shock the socks off everyone with a Mohawk!

    The SEs hit me broadside yesterday. I have never experienced this kind of fatigue. For every hour I'm up, I'm in bed for an hour! Just rinsing with salt water was a major effort. You know it is bad when it takes too much effort to watch the"Bachelorette"! (Yes, I know it is the worst reality TV show ever, but what a guilty pleasure!) Yesterday I got up and went for my usual 2.5 mile walk. Maybe that is where I went wrong? This morning it is pouring rain, so I get a pass on a morning walk. We'll see if that keeps me a little more productive this morning. Will do a shorter walk later in the day when it stops raining.

    I've been able to ward off nausea but have found the achy-ness in my legs and back unbearable. Either the Claritin isn't working or it would be much worse without. I'm taking extra strength Tylenol religiously. I've also been flirting with a fever each evening. It will hit the dreaded 100.4 but then drop back to 99.5 15 minutes later, so hasn't been high enough long enough for me to call the dr yet. Does anyone else have this? Today is Day 6, so I am hopeful that I am moving through the worst of this cycle and that each day gets better from here!

    Sending positive thoughts your way


  • Natejordlee
    Natejordlee Member Posts: 61
    edited June 2015

    Eaglemom - Great hair style !!

    DayLily15 - we are on the same cocktail (FEC-D) and I do number 2 today too !! I have my port placement this morning and then off for round 2! Hope all goes well !

    Hope everyone is feeling as best they can today !

  • cloudynight
    cloudynight Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2015

    TheyCallMeCommodorable, wait, so your fever is nearly 100.4 WITH the extra-strenth Tylenol? It's almost certainly higher than that without. I would call your onco's office, just to be safe.

    eaglemom, your hair looks awesome.

  • justmaximom15
    justmaximom15 Member Posts: 264
    edited June 2015

    I agree with Cloudynight, you should call your doctor if you're taking tylenol and still running that fever.

    I went in last week for my bloodwork and I had been running around like crazy so when they took my vitals, my temp was 99.8 which concerned them. They took it again and it dropped to 99.5, then I saw the NP who was worried that an infection might be brewing in my port site. They drew more blood for cultures and even though before Ieft my temp was back down to normal she insisted that I should begin antibiotics. Results came back from the blood cultures, no infection but I've been on these antibiotics since Thursday and she told me to continue them. That bugs me because I'm always apprehensive about taking antibiotics and one of my pet peeves is people that don't take them correctly!

  • TheyCallMeCommodorable
    TheyCallMeCommodorable Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2015

    thank you all for the advice. I took Tylenol at 3:00 for severe pulsating lower back pain and by 4:00 I was on the phone to the MO. Had to drive myself a 1/2 hour during rush hour to the doctor for blood work. Temp was 100.5 but blood counts were still ok (but on the low end). Not sure what is causing the back pain. It is still horrible after 4.5 hours. The NP wrote me a prescription for pain. Will see if that works.

    Stay positive!

  • cloudynight
    cloudynight Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2015

    wow, TheyCallMeCommodorable, I'm glad you are getting it sorted, but I'm sorry to hear that you're still not feeling well.
  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited June 2015

    Taxotere can cause back pain.

  • Proverbs35678
    Proverbs35678 Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2015

    Hi kh04...I am on tchp and also having my 2nd treatment tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to it either, especially after a somewhat "normal" week this week. Days 3-7 were the worst for me, then they got progressively better from there. This week has been pretty decent! I drink tons of water and from everything I've read, that is key. I also try to make myself be active and do things, although I do tire much easier than before. I will be thinking of you tomorrow...I pray all goes well

  • Proverbs35678
    Proverbs35678 Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2015

    Hi kh04...I am on tchp and also having my 2nd treatment tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to it either, especially after a somewhat "normal" week this week. Days 3-7 were the worst for me, then they got progressively better from there. This week has been pretty decent! I drink tons of water and from everything I've read, that is key. I also try to make myself be active and do things, although I do tire much easier than before. I will be thinking of you tomorrow...I pray all goes well

  • gargengirl09
    gargengirl09 Member Posts: 46
    edited June 2015

    Hi,

    Newly diagnosed. I'm starting chemo on 6/30. Just squeezing in :-)

    Port is being put in on Thursday. I'm anxious and nervous. I'm just ready to get started.

  • Proverbs35678
    Proverbs35678 Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2015

    gargengirl09, I'm glad you joined us, although I'm very sorry for the reason. You will find a lot of comfort and support in this group! The port surgery is a breeze! I had more discomfort after than I expected but I started treatment the following day, so that might have been why. It is actually still a little sore 3 weeks later, but not unbearable. The surgery itself is a snap, though. Don't worry! You'll get through this!

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