Chemo in June 2015

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  • lizannee
    lizannee Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2015

    Esmerelda50 - We are right there together and I started losing my hair yesterday and had it buzzed off. I haven't been able to look at my bald head yet. When is your second TC? Mine is the 13th of July. Nice to have someone with me.

    Shelly4321- The bone pain went away day 9 but I am going to see if I can take Claritin longer because I had no bone pain while taking it.

    Time goes pretty fast when you are my age but it has slowed down so much during chemo. wow!

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  • justmaximom15
    justmaximom15 Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2015

    I began yesterday (Day 5 of 2nd A/C) okay, feeling fine but as the day went on the headache got worse and nausea set it. I was glad to get home but SO is working weird hours this week so I was only able to spend about an hour with him before he headed to work.

    I slept most of the evening and it was difficult getting up to go to work this morning. Such a strange feeling. I felt sick to my stomach but hungry at the same time.


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  • EnigmaticFox
    EnigmaticFox Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2015

    Hello, all! Yesterday was session number 3 in the chair for my AC combo (I'm on a dose-dense regimen, every other week). Was tired yesterday and crashed hard early as per usual, but today I'm doing okay for now, so am trying to catch up here and on work tasks. :)

    One truly weird thing that I noticed...when they're administering the "C" part (blanking on the name) of the chemo, I have a very odd side effect. My nose starts feeling like I've taken two small beads of wasabi paste and shoved them up my nose (quite the burning sensation)! We started calling it "wasabi nose" and had to laugh about it, even though it did make me want to scrub my nose off. Luckily it stops once the drug is fully administered, whew! I'm going to take a pre-emptive Claritin the day before chemo next time, with hopes that it'll help alleviate that. Cause man, if I'm going to have a nose that feels like that, can't I at least enjoy some sushi with it?

    Aside from the fatigue which has still been kicking me to the curb, the second most annoying SE for me has just been indigestion/acid stomach issues. During that second session's 2 weeks, it was just awful -- bloated all the time, gassy (swollen tummy and LOUD belching -- hide the kids! run for your lives!), food burned going down as I ate it, the works. I swear, I could give college kids a run for their money, being able to burp the alphabet! So now they've put me on Zantac 150 before bed, Prilosec 30 min before eating breakfast AND 30 min before eating dinner, and Tums in between if things get out of hand. I really hope that bringing in these big guns will help!

    I will have to take some time to post some pictures of my mange -- I mean, hair--, favorite headscarves, and new wig. It's funny, I'd assumed that it would all fall out and I'd have a nice neat cueball head, but instead it _mostly_ fell out, but has left a soft fluffy fringe all over (especially in the front). The effect is rather not what I was looking for, heh. I've gotten off a bit lucky as I've always been a short-haired gal looking for low-maintenance hair. I guess this qualifies!

    I had met someone else through my freelancing that is going through the same things I am, and even taking the same type of chemo regimen. We got together for lunch (on both of our "good weeks" so eating wasn't difficult, heh) and it was like meeting an old friend you'd never met. We chatted all over the map, compared notes, and had a great time. I pointed her at these message boards, so maybe she'll sign up too (she'd probably be on the Starting in April or May boards though, as she's on I think her 6th of 8 sessions).

    It's just so great to have others who talk to who understand, whether it be in person or virtually! Hope all my June chemo buddies here are doing well and hanging in there today!

    Take care,

    --Sherri, aka EnigmaticFox

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  • rosesrx
    rosesrx Member Posts: 458
    edited July 2015

    Sherri, for the belching and bloating you may want to add Simethicone goes by name of Mylicon or Phazyme or Gas X. Of course the store brand is fine. It is over the counter and come in chewble tabs or gel caps. It shouldn't react with anything.

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  • MariaTeresaG
    MariaTeresaG Member Posts: 38
    edited July 2015

    I mentioned the bone pain after my first Neulasta shot to the chemo nurse on chemo day 2. She advised to start the Claritin 24 hours prior to my second shot. Did that. Had second shot today. Hopefully, the 24 hour in advance advice will be helpful.

    Best to all chemo sisters.

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  • LostLittle1
    LostLittle1 Member Posts: 28
    edited July 2015

    imagehere's my smiley face port placement scars. or more like :/ I think my BS did this on purpose ! lol oh well finally starting to come back to the life of theliving after AC #2 last week. fatigue has thrown me for a loop. switched me from Zofran to Phenergan for nausea. I think it has worked better for me but sleepy. tingly fingers too. mouth sores are better. I sucked on ice chips this time during infusion. will plan to do that from now on..

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  • Tresjoli2
    Tresjoli2 Member Posts: 868
    edited July 2015

    My scar is vertical on a diagonal in line with my bra strap. Interesting.

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  • eaglemom
    eaglemom Member Posts: 76
    edited July 2015

    Today is my day 8 after AC#3 and I'm feeling pretty good again. I still have fatigue and a few other side effects, but looking forward of a week of more or less new normal until my 4th ad last AC on Wednesday next week.

    I decided to turn my kiwi head into a true bald and took my husband's electric razor to my head on Sunday. It feels a little stubbly still, but better than 1/8" long spikes sticking up everywhere.

    I developed a new side effect on Sunday as well. My feet hurt. The bottoms of my feet, mostly at the heels and outside edges hurt when I walk. It's sort of a burning feeling pain. Also, the toenail on my right little toe hurts. It has a fungus in the toenail and so it's super thick and hard and misshapen. I can't cut it with anything. I trimmed all my other toenails as short as possible, but this one I have to use a nail file on. It's still longer than I'd like and it's hurting when it presses against my shoe especially when I walk downhill.

    Another thing that's happened is that my body and mind seem to be associating anything I eat or drink during the chemo infusion with the poison. As a result, just the thought of the food or drink almost makes me sick to my stomach. I learned from my first infusion and haven't been eating anything during #2 or #3. I still don't want anything to do with prunes or Brazil nuts! Unfortunately, after chemo #3, I am somewhat turned off my electrolyte drink that has been an important part of keeping me well hydrated. I can still drink it, but it's much less appealing than it was before. I think for chemo #4, I will ask for more fluids in my IV and not drink anything during the actual infusion.

    Justmaximom; I know the feeling of hungry and sick to my stomach at the same time very well! It's quite annoying! I have found an over the counter acid blocker (active ingredient ranitidine) to be helpful. Also, yogurt has been really good for me. I have been starting each day with some yogurt. The probiotics are good for the gut and also help build white blood cells.

    Sherri (EnigmaticFox); You and I are on the same chemo (dose dense AC) and I had my #3 last week on Tuesday and my #4 will be Wednesday next week. At my last chemo, the nurses were talking with the 3 of us getting the Cyclohosphomide (Cytoxan) about the `wasabi nose`. One of the other ladies also got it. I`m looking forward to photos of your head and head-gear. I`ll have to post a photo of my bald head and do-rags as well. I`ll show you mine if you show me yours. That`s great that you found a local `chemo buddy`. I have a lady near me as well who is going through chemo for the second or third time right now for breast cancer. I got to speak with her a bit today and compare notes. It really is good to share with others who understand what we`re going through.

    Littletatas; you have a smiley face port placement scars and I have a big smiley face abdomen; my 2 mastectomy scars, belly button, and c-section scar. My port scar is kind of like a sad partial eyebrow and my apendectomy scar is so well healed and faded that it hardly shows.

    Good luck to all of you going in the chair this week.

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  • justmaximom15
    justmaximom15 Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2015

    My 16 yr old said my port scar looked pretty "Bad A" as if I had been in a sword fight or something LOL. Whatever makes him feel better.

    I can tell this round (#2) it hitting me harder than the first. I am drinking as much as I possibly can but last night I woke up with the most horrible muscle cramp (charley horse) which I'm sure is from dehydration. I go back tomorrow for bloodwork and I won't be surprised if I have to get fluids. Also, my taste has officially changed. Ugh!

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  • Charlotte57
    Charlotte57 Member Posts: 35
    edited July 2015

    It's happening! Hair started falling out right on schedule - day 14! How long does it take to fall out? Going into chemo I was already not in the best of health, so I'm wondering where are those days "off" you're supposed to have between rounds? Today will be my second AC round followed up by Neulasta. For bone & muscle pain my T-Relief tablets have been a God send! I'm so glad my MO cleared me to take them! I don't know how I would have made it without them! Will be trying the yogurt several of you suggested this time. Of course the Clariton! Funny I'd tried "everything" for my allergies and the only thing that had worked was Clortrimaton - which was a pain as you have to take it every 4 hours. Started the Clariton for the Nuelasta and it turns out it works on my allergies! I knew I had tried it before & it didn't work - so here's a positive for me out of this journey

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  • justmaximom15
    justmaximom15 Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2015

    Charlotte, my hair started shedding right on time at the 14 or 15 day mark as well. Each day it came out a little more until day 18 and I couldn't take it any longer so I had it buzzed. It still continued to come out and is still coming out but now it's just short little hairs and my head's pretty much bald in most places.

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  • Charlotte57
    Charlotte57 Member Posts: 35
    edited July 2015

    Thanks justmaximom15! I know we're all different but I didn't know if it was going going gone in one day or over time! My daughter is gone on a school trip & I told her she could buzz it off on Saturday when she gets home - if she wants that is! Sounds like perfect timing!

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  • lulu2533
    lulu2533 Member Posts: 108
    edited July 2015

    Sherri, just got done with my 3rd A/C treatment today. During the cytoxan I also get the wasabi nose...blech.

    Anyway, hope you are doing well, as well as all my fellow June chemo ladies!!

    Got my pet scan results...no sign of cancer. I guess the chemo is doing its job. God is good!

    Thinking and praying for you all.

    Julie

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  • eaglemom
    eaglemom Member Posts: 76
    edited July 2015

    Yay Julie! Congrats on the clear PET scan

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  • eaglemom
    eaglemom Member Posts: 76
    edited July 2015

    Rats! I just looked it up and it appears what I have is hand foot syndrome. I have my feet on ice now. I'll have to call to let them know tomorrow. I hope it doesn't get worse.

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  • lulu2533
    lulu2533 Member Posts: 108
    edited July 2015

    Thanks eaglemom...such a hugh sigh of relief.

    That sucks with your hand foot syndrome. I really don't know too much about it. It sure doesn't sound fun that's for sure. I hope it's something that can be treated. Good luck. I hope you get it under control.

    Julie

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  • Charlotte57
    Charlotte57 Member Posts: 35
    edited July 2015

    Julie - Awesome! Good news! Doing the happy dance for you! Woohoo!

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  • lulu2533
    lulu2533 Member Posts: 108
    edited July 2015

    Thanks Charlotte!!!!

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  • MariaTeresaG
    MariaTeresaG Member Posts: 38
    edited July 2015

    Hello All:

    I had my second round of TC on 7/6. I mentioned on a previous post that a chemo nurse told me to take the first Claritin 24 hours ahead of the Neulasta shot. I experienced terrible bone pain with first shot. This time, no bone pain. My facial color is not good. I had the sweats while sleeping last night. My husband woke me at 11:45 a.m. 12 hours! Some posts indicate that the second round was far worse than first. So far, not for me.

    Hugs to all!

    MariaTeresa

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  • Charlotte57
    Charlotte57 Member Posts: 35
    edited July 2015

    MariaTeresa - Awesome! Praying it sticks to it! Had my second AC yesterday. Night sweats galore! I can relate! Chin up & may this be another "good day"! Hugs & kisses

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  • Mel2015
    Mel2015 Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2015

    Hello fellow June starters!

    I had my first chemo (TCH+P) June 29, and the targeted therapy perjeta kicked my ass. Literally. Couldn't believe the diarrhea! It's easing up now, and immodium has helped. Food tastes terrible, so it's been great to see all the suggestions on this board. Anyone know if it's safe to get a manicure? I'd like to do something to make me feel better!

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  • eaglemom
    eaglemom Member Posts: 76
    edited July 2015

    Thanks Julie. My feet feel quite a bit better today. I looked u what to do last night and then did what I could which included putting them on ice for a half hour or so at a time and putting them up as much as possible. I also put on some really good moisturizing lotion. This morning they felt much better. I called my MO and the local cancer centre nurses. The nurse stressed that keeping things moisturized with lotion was very important. My MO said it was ok to supplement with extra vitamin B6, so I'll be starting that soon. I also plan to ice my hands and feet starting at my next chemo. I want to do it for the Taxol anyway to help with possible peripheral neuropathy, so starting one treatment early at my 4th AC is no big change. I was able to ride my bike and work for 4 hours today. I'm sitting down now with my feet on ice.

    I'm so glad the Claritin worked for you MariaTeresa and that your second chemo was not worse than the first. Yay for sleep! 12 hours is good. Your body knows what it needs to recover.

    Welcome Mel2015! I'm not sure about the manicure. I was told it's probably ok, but best if you bring your own sterilized tools and make sure the technician knows to be very careful. You don't want to end u with an infection while your immune system is compromised. It may be best if you could wait until close to the end of your cycle too and give your blood cells a chance to rebuild a bit.

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  • December
    December Member Posts: 108
    edited July 2015

    Hello June Chemo/July 1st round was really tough for me - for about 10 days - Hair fell out day 14, 15. But I still have @ 20% - although it's been cut to the scalp - probably time to shave - Round two on Monday, the 13th. Hoping that the doc will give me a script for Hydro pain killers. I had some left over from surgeries - and thought to take them a week after 1st round and they were a Godd-send for me. My problem was stomach pain; not just the regular tummy problems. I don't have much to add, but I found that my blender and smoothies, milkshakes, and fruit, and yogurt were my best friends! Melons, apples. I keep different berries, pineapple, grapes, and such frozen (chia meal, flax meal) for quick smoothies. Wishing all Prayers, Blessings, and good thoughts!






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  • Espanola
    Espanola Member Posts: 32
    edited July 2015

    Charlotte57, I had my second AC yesterday so I'm one day behind you. I agree with the night sweats.... Menopause here I come. I did sleep better because I asked that my steroid dosage be cut in half. I'm interested to what today holds, no migraine so far so I'm happy.

    Have a great day warriors!

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  • justmaximom15
    justmaximom15 Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2015

    Had my weekly checkup yesterday and my blood counts are still good - thankfully! I was however a bit dehydrated so I got a liter of fluids. Also, they couldn't draw blood from my port for some reason. It sounds like it may be a common thing because the nurse didn't seem concerned but she did inject activase to get the flow going again and that worked even though it takes about 45 mins to do so.

    BTW, I got my period 2 days before A/C #2 and it was exactly on time but it has continued much longer than normal. I'm usually done in 5 days but as of yesterday which was Day 10 of my menstrual cycle, I was still spotting slightly. My MO said that my ovaries must be strong! Not what I wanted to hear, I'm ready to get that over with too.

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited July 2015

    December. My doc gave me Bentyl for stomach cramps and seems to help. Maybe that is something you could try to help.

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  • Brightsideplease
    Brightsideplease Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2015

    Hello all!

    Sorry I've been away at hubbies reunion so too tired to post. Finally home Wednesday night just in time for AC#2. This time instead of the dry nose/hard to breath feeling, I had weird aching in both legs, last time infusion stopped then proceeded slowly, this time same thing. Just weird. I was walking through Safeway like a bald old lady after that( I finally buzzed hair right after chemo, for me I felt it was just silly not to, as every time I touched my hair I got at least 25 strands falling out in my hand. But at least I was able to make it through hubbies reunion with hair:) It was bittersweet watching others dance with my hyper daughter, they played our "dance party songs" that normally she and I turn a disco ball on in her room and dance to...at 10 pm at night, waking up early going all day, I was just waaay to spent. I was grateful to the other mom dancing, and jealous too. Then we did a Disneyland day and a half, so was even more tired. It's no wonder with all that activity my neutrophil count was too low, doc says must do neutropenic injections days 3-7. I WILL remember to take Claritin or Benadryl... I'll probably need to put that on my phone, because my brain is just a wreck lately. My kids were laughing at me so hard, because I was talking about the new X-Files show, and I said I was glad it would still have "Moldy and sculler" on it! Sometimes the words are just not coming out right.

    So glad for your good news Julie!

    Justmaximom I also started my monthly friend two days before my AC2, I was like what is this? I thought my menses was supposed to stop, Just can't catch a good SE break! Sort of looking forward to having it all removed, but not the early menopause :(

    imageHave a great day my fellow warriors, I'm thinking happy Friday thoughts to you all:)image

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  • eaglemom
    eaglemom Member Posts: 76
    edited July 2015

    No chemopause for me either (yet). I got my period 5 days after AC #2; right on schedule as well. Luckily it didn't last longer than normal. I'm hoping I don't get one in July cuz everything is way too dry and tampons are just too painful.

    Feet are still doing pretty good. I again worked about 4 hours today, but can now rest most of the weekend. I've been having at least one nap in the afternoons and that's been helping also. I actually feel like I have a little energy. Maybe I'll get a few almost normal days until my 4th (and last ~ yay!) AC on Wednesday.

    Glad your hubby's reunion went well and your hair hung in there Brightsideplease. Loved the photos of you and your family. You look so happy! Sorry about the dancing and not feeling up to participating as much as you would have liked. Welcome to the bald side! I had to lol about "Moldy and Sculler" That sounds like something I would say!

    Make it a great weekend all!

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

    I don't remember if I posted it to this thread, but Premier Protein shakes (they're drinks, but call themselves "shakes") have 30 g protein, 1 g sugar, and vitamins. I found them easy to drink (bonus: counts as fluid and protein) even when my sense of taste was off. If you buy them through CostCo online, you get a good price with free shipping. Here's a link for vanilla: http://www.costco.com/Premier-Protein%C2%AE-Vanilla-Shake-2-18-packs-%2836-%E2%80%93-11oz.-Shakes%29.product.100101309.html

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  • Brightsideplease
    Brightsideplease Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2015

    Eaglemom I'm glad to hear your feet are doing better! I was looking up hand foot syndrome after reading your post... And I agree about the dryness...so not fun! Pads it is :)

    KSusan I will look into those, I love Costco so I rarely miss a chance to shop there. Some women like the mall, I like Costco;)

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