Chemo in June 2015

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  • lulu2533
    lulu2533 Member Posts: 108
    edited June 2015

    Had my second A/C this past Wed. Actually feeling pretty good so far. My hair is really starting to fall out. Going to get it chopped short tomorrow morning, not ready for the buzz quite yet maybe a week or two.

    As for my port. I had it placed on a Tues with first chemo the next morning. They used a freezing spray before sticking the needle in my port. I actually didn't feel anything except for a little pressure. However, for the past few days I am getting a little pinching feeling right below my port and there is a little bump. The nurses said it might be a stitch coming through my skin. Anybody have this happen? Any suggestions?

    Stay strong sisters!

    Julie

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


    Hoptimistic, Go back and read previous pages here and on the May chemo pages. You will learn a lotvsnd get most of your questions answered.

    TheyCallMeC, the Clsriton is probably working, just not great. Take it! The bone pain could be a lot worse without it. I still had bone pain too, with Clariton, but it does help.

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  • justmaximom15
    justmaximom15 Member Posts: 264
    edited June 2015

    Happy Friday all my chemo sisters!! Man, when I said that my hair was making a "turn" yesterday did I ever call it. Last night and this morning it is falling out a lot! I can't seem to do much with it as far as styling so I'm still considering getting a short short pixie. My stylist just switched salons but she does have an area her husband renovated in their basement so she's done my hair there before. I'm going to message her and see if she can squeeze me in this weekend if they don't have too many plans.

    Cheesequake, I'm sorry your hubby isn't being supportive of your decision. I'm sure he means well but I would just sit him down, hold his hand and tell him why you made this decision and showing you those pictures and stuff isn't helpful.


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  • tamkay123
    tamkay123 Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2015

    lulu2533 - I have hard some random pains from my port as well and I've had it for 2 weeks. It's nothing bad but just a random shot of pain here or there. I assumed it was just healing. I too have a bump at the end of my incision. That kinda makes sense about the stitch.

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  • justmaximom15
    justmaximom15 Member Posts: 264
    edited June 2015

    I noticed just this week that I could actually feel my port more than I could initially. I kinda freaked and all sorts of images went through my mind of it moving around in places it shouldn't be moving. I mentioned it to the nurse yesterday and her response was so dead on and even though she didn't mean to, it made me feel a little dumb for not realizing it. She said the swelling's gone down, that's why you can feel it more now. DUH!

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  • tamkay123
    tamkay123 Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2015

    justmaximom15 - I wouldn't have been prepared for it either but my friend who just finished chemo had randomly mentioned one day "wait till the swelling goes down and you can really see it" I hadn't even considered it before that.

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  • kh04
    kh04 Member Posts: 18
    edited June 2015

    Edpanola: make sure you eat enough food to keep the nausea away. Eat every 2 hours even u dont feel hungry. Of couse drink a lot fluids. I noticed I like ti eat high protein food, like beans, chicken and fish. When I eat low protein food, I felt much easier to have the nausea(but it doesn't bother me that much).

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  • Tresjoli2
    Tresjoli2 Member Posts: 868
    edited June 2015

    i had my second taxiol and herceprin today. Despite upping my steroids from 6mg to 20 I still had a anaphylaxis reaction during the last ten minutes. It was mild enough that I was able to finish but it was there and I could feel it trying to fight with the steroids and take over. My MO almost stopped the chemo but I said no way not with ten minutes to go. Now next time I have to take a steroid the night before. My doc wants me to consider switching to abraxane. But I don't want to...the study was with taxol that I used to make my decision. It was almost like my MO was changing her mind on my chemo...sigh. but I made it through!

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  • lulu2533
    lulu2533 Member Posts: 108
    edited June 2015

    tamkay-just heard back from my surgeon. She said it is a stitch used to hold the port in place when inserted. She said if it surfaces to just snip the end off and bandaid up with antibiotic ointment. It should disolve in a couple more weeks :)

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  • tamkay123
    tamkay123 Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2015

    thanks for the update Lulu

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  • Brightsideplease
    Brightsideplease Member Posts: 34
    edited June 2015

    Hi all!

    Cheesequake- I just want to echo whats already been said-You are doing the right thing, fighting to live. You are stronger than you think. I'm sorry your hubbie is not more supportive. He is probably terrified. Your port may be super sore and angry at first, but give it 7-10 days and it should feel normal (I haaaated mine at first, hurt so much and felt so weird I even went to the ER to make them recheck it) that's 150 copay in the wind....

    I'm feeling pretty ok. Taking the morning and night zofran, eating/drinking constantly and working out every other day now...wishing everyone could feel this close to normal...cut my hair pixie short as it's sooo greasy on top and dry on bottom...weird. Wishing everyone a good nights sleep:)

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  • MariaTeresaG
    MariaTeresaG Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2015

    Hello Everyone:

    I hope you are in a good place physically, spiritually, and mentally. I've had a PET scan and 1 round of T/C 2 weeks ago. The PET scan showed 3 areas that need further study. My oncologist isn't concerned. I'm having a colonoscopy on Tuesday to check out a thickening in my rectum. After chemo is complete I'll have an MRI of the right femur and fifth vertebrae. I'm focusing on the here and now and not projecting. The here and now concern is hair loss. Yesterday was exactly two weeks since first chemo. My scalp was feeling prickly/tingly. I ran my hands through my hair, and I had several strands of hair on my palms and fingers. Not typical for me. I have 2 questions. Has anyone else had questionable PET scan results? What's your hair loss experience? Next chemo on 7/6. I was green and shaky from 6/14 - 19 after the first chemo on 6/12. I also had bone pain and blisters on my tongue and private parts.

    Any info will be greatly appreciated. Blessings to all.

    MariaTeresaG

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  • Espanola
    Espanola Member Posts: 32
    edited June 2015

    Hi my sister, day #3 of AC, had a headache ever day. Is this common?

    Maria Teresa:I am just starting but i rinse with biotene daily and have been taking claritin... So far so good.

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

    Maria Teresa - make sure you are swishing with a soda and salt water mix several times a day. Do not swallow it. I also had some private part blisters and was told to go see my GYN. I thought, no, I know it is not vaginal warts or something like that, so I decided to just use the soda and salt solution there too. I just poured a little on a washcloth and wiped it around that area after I did my mouth. I know this all sounds a little gross, but I learned that it is the same bacteria and, guess what, it worked. Stung a little st first, but not bad and it went away! I also use Balneal lotion. Look it up. It is for cleaning bottom areas. I saw it recommended on another forum. Mild. I ordered it from Amazon, but may be found at CVS or Walgreens. Anyway, I have not had any mouth issues and, since using the other things around private parts....no problems

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


    Oh, yes.......take Clariton once a day starting the day after treatment to help with bone psin. I started T/C on May 14. It is good to be able to share some tips with all of you. Go back and read posts from May to learn more about how to get through this. We are here to help each other

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  • gargengirl09
    gargengirl09 Member Posts: 46
    edited June 2015

    I start my first AC chemo on Tuesday. I'll be doing an infusion every other week, four visits over eight weeks.

    Then, I'll move on to Taxol and Herceptin every week for 12 weeks.

    Any suggestions for things to bring with on the first infusion? I know every place has a different set up. Just wondering what I can get to make things a little easier on me :-)


    Thanks!

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  • Hoptimistic
    Hoptimistic Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2015

    Well, I had my first chemo yesterday and I think it went as well as could be expected! I will dress warmer next time because I was cold in spite of some very nice blankets, but that was my only real complaint. I chewed ice chips during the chemo part and was able to go to the concert as I had hoped! (Train, The Fray & Matt Nathanson). It was great! I was glad because the tickets were a Valentine's day present to my Hubby before I was diagnosed. Life happens while you're making other plans!

    The only neg there was that it was outside and while it didn't start until 7:00 and our backs were to the sun (and I DID apply sunscreen... lots to my back and some to my face) I realize I should have done more on my face because I got a LOT of color from what I would have expected was fairly minimal exposure. Will have to be more careful with the sun!!

    Constipation has been the only annoying side effect, and I've been trying the usual remedies. The thing I find that helps the most (and I had heard this years ago) is to put your feet up on a step stool and rock back and forth on the "throne". This is a mechanical process that mimics peristalisis and helps you not to strain. It does work and is the most natural thing you can really do for the problem!

    One thing I had not heard of and did not expect was a Neulasta auto injector? Has anyone had this? It is new - (they told me only three or four months) but I did not have to go back the next day for the shot. They stuck this little unit to me which injected a very tiny needle. Then 27 hours later it injected the neulasta. Seemed to work like a charm! The hospital is a 45 minute drive, so that would have meant a big chunk out of my weekend, so I was happy for it. They put it on my belly (they can put it on your arm, but I sleep on my side) and it didn't bother me really at all. It is about the size of a pack of dental floss and here is the link if anyone wants to check it out:

    Neulasta Autoinjector

    I really appreciate this board and hope that everyone is doing well today.

    gargengirl09 - best of luck with your first infusion and I would say paint your toes and fingernails (I've heard many say that helps with keeping your nails) and bring extra blankets and an iphone/ipad and headphones for music or kindle in case they don't have TV's or you don't want to watch (mine did), and headphones are also nice to have since I was able to plug it into the TV. Also bring a wall charger for your devices and a cooler of ice chips to suck on during the infusion. mysunshine48 Had great advice to have me go look back at earlier posts in this and the May board.... lots of helpful stuff here!

    Best wishes to all and have a happy, healthy day!

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  • Scarlett152
    Scarlett152 Member Posts: 175
    edited June 2015

    Hoptimistic - red face after chemo is common. Not sure if it is the chemo or the steroids. I've had it for about 48 hours after each infusion. It is hot and bright red/pink, but goes away.

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  • gargengirl09
    gargengirl09 Member Posts: 46
    edited June 2015

    Thanks for the suggestions, Hoptimistic! I did read through the May chemo board and also got some great suggestions. Glad you were able to go to the concert. I love The Fray! Glad you are feeling well.

    Hoping everyone is having a great day! I'm feeling pretty good :-)


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  • Espanola
    Espanola Member Posts: 32
    edited June 2015

    Hi Garden girl, my first AC was last Thursday. I have to say, it went fairly quickly. I watched an episode of a TV show on my Ipad to keep my mind off what was happening. My sister brought me a jamba juice and fruit that I snacked on.

    I wish you the best, you can do this!

    Hoptomistic: I had the neulasta injector too. Pretty nifty! The constipation is the worst for me, thanks for the tip!

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  • Natejordlee
    Natejordlee Member Posts: 61
    edited June 2015

    Hello everyone ! Have been disconnected enjoying some recovery at the cottage and went off the grid which made me realize how much I depend on this board , even if I am just reading. Had my port placed Tuesday morning and round 2 of FEC that afternoon. Used Emend this time and no nausea but I am shocked at how sore my neck, back and arms are. I assume I am holding myself in a tense position or something. Anyway today was my oldest sons prom so donned the new wig and sent him off, now everyone is gone and its some down time!! I hope you are all feeling ok and sending out support to anyone who needs an extra does today. Stay strong warriors !!

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  • AGerl
    AGerl Member Posts: 16
    edited June 2015

    Hello Everyone!

    Does anyone know if the hair will continue to fall out every chemo cycle? I lost all body hair and 1/2 my head hair, but I still have my eyebrows and lashes. I have only heard of complete hair loss at one time vs. continuous hair loss throughout treatment. Around day 18, my hair was falling out so much that I was filling garbage cans in every room. I was suprised I still had hair on my head - it was thinned down significantly with bald patches. I had my DH buzz it when I was finally tired of having my scalp hurt. It still hurts when someone affectionately rubs my stubbly scalp.

    I am a week out from #2 out of 6 for Taxotere Carboplatin every 3 weeks with Herceptin weekly. I did not start having real side effect issues (other than hair loss) until the Perjeta was added to the TC on this round. If things don't improve on the next round, I will drop the P.

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  • Tresjoli2
    Tresjoli2 Member Posts: 868
    edited June 2015

    Anyone else suffering from horrible acne? It must be the decadron...but I had bad bad acne as a kid and it's back. Whiteheads all over my face in my eyebrows everywhere.

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  • AGerl
    AGerl Member Posts: 16
    edited June 2015

    I have bad acne as well. Instead of using the drugs prescribed by my dermatologist, I opted to wash my face with anti-bacterial hand soap and use sulfur masks to help. It has drastically improved over the week.

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

    I am 30 days post chemo, and my eyebrows are still falling out. Lashes seem there, but shorter like the long ones have fallen out. Hair is growing back on head, legs, pubic area, but not in armpits. I never lost all my head hair, just looked like an old balding man, newborn baby, or a dog with the mange, take your pick!

    I have seen a lot of women post that lashes and brows can go after chemo is completed.

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  • Natejordlee
    Natejordlee Member Posts: 61
    edited June 2015

    Agerl - The amazing lady where i got my wig told me eyebrows usually take about another month.. hope that helps.

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  • justmaximom15
    justmaximom15 Member Posts: 264
    edited June 2015

    Thursday which was day 15 my hair started to lightly shed. Friday when I took a shower it came out in handfuls which got worse on Saturday and when I showered Sunday morning it was everywhere. I'd had enough of it. I was going to get SO to buzz it for me and he just wasn't comfortable doing that himself. I didn't want to bother my regular hairdresser on a Sunday morning so I just went to Great Clips. They got me right it, the girl knew exactly what she was doing and seemed familiar with what I was going through. When it was done, she told me there was no charge. I was surprised and thought that was a very sweet service for them to offer - I did tip her though.

    Now, I'm practicing my scarf tying skills and even easily made one of those turbans using the bottom of a t-shirt - and I'm not talented at all. I used a red t-shirt then weaved a white headband around the twist and wore it to the Cards game last night.

    Have a great week everyone!!! oh, here's my buzzed head. In the last 24hrs it's gotten a little mangy looking though lol

    image

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  • kh04
    kh04 Member Posts: 18
    edited June 2015

    hi June chemo sisters , I am done TCH P round 2 last Wednesday and I have a question about getting period.

    I am under age 40 , when I had my first chemo 1 week later I got a full cycle of my period which is 7 days. today I felt Like cramps around in my pelvis area and the couple spots blood couple times a day when wiping off in bathroom. i think the period will come today or tomorrow.

    I am receiving Lupron shots which I request my mo give to me to prevent permanent menopause. I am her2 positive only BC. my mo said it might not work. I researched later that Lupron shots given to women who are er/ PR positive BC to protect their ovaries.

    is there anyone can help me figure it out what I should do? I don't mind getting period Every 3 weeks during treatment as long the chemo drugs don't put me on menopause. does the Lupron shots will mess up with my period? I am so confused of what's going on? should I stop the Lupron shots? my bottom line is I don't mind the lupron shots work or not, I just don't want to add unnecessary drug load to affect any future outcomes)

    any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

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  • December
    December Member Posts: 108
    edited June 2015

    tia...i hope this finds you well....i started chemo a week ago Tuesday and like you first couple of days were okay but so far except for a few blessed hours ive been fighting nausea, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, body aches, and terrible tummy/lower back cramps and bloating/gas...waiting on a call from dr to see if they can call anything else in....hope you're better...don't know why im writing. ... guess to wish yo good thoughts

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  • Tresjoli2
    Tresjoli2 Member Posts: 868
    edited June 2015

    Kh04 I started lupron shots mid cycle before I started chemo (I was undecided on if I was going to do chemo). I got a pretty painful period that lasted 10 days. I then started chemo, so my MO has cancelled my lupron shots. She says I don't need them while I am on chemo and we will discuss what to do for ovarian suppression when chemo is over. I have no clue if I will get my period this month or not. I started chemo a week after last menstrual cycle. Hugs.

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