Chemo in July 2015

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  • Peabrain
    Peabrain Member Posts: 268
    edited July 2015

    adarkadapt - what did you use to shave your head, both times? Electric razor? Bic disposable? It occurs to me that I don't really know how to get a clean to the skull look.

    But I promise a photo when I'm there. I always wear my hair short so my current summer cut doesn't count.

    : )

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  • JillyB
    JillyB Member Posts: 18
    edited July 2015

    Five days post 2nd treatment. I feel better than the first treatment but can't shake this terrible stomach ache for the past 3 days. Don't feel like eating or drinking anything. I'm making myself though. My PA said to use Prilosec. Started that today. Anyone have any other suggestions?

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  • mdoc524
    mdoc524 Member Posts: 336
    edited July 2015

    JillyB - is the stomach ache from Constipation or something else - not sure why they said Prilosec as that is a Heartburn medicine unless your pain is from that ??

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited July 2015

    baking soda and salt recipe: 1 tsp baking soda plus 3/4 tsp salt in 1 quart of water. I bought two quart containers and put them in my two bathrooms so every time I use the bathroom I also rinse my mouth.

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited July 2015

    jellyb: my oncgave me Bentyl for stomach cramps. Maybe something you can ask for.

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  • Yoxter123
    Yoxter123 Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2015

    peabrain ..... Head shaving - I'm here in Australia and don't know if you have them in the US but I used Venus for women disposable razor....they have aloe vera strips either side of the blades that helps it glide over your scalp and moisturise/ calm the skin ...was very comfortable to use ...good luck

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  • RuthElizabeth
    RuthElizabeth Member Posts: 103
    edited July 2015

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  • RuthElizabeth
    RuthElizabeth Member Posts: 103
    edited July 2015

    hi everyone, I went for my second chemo today, and didn't get it. I had lost 8 lbs in two weeks, and since I was in three times for fluids, the doctor wanted me to get my health back a bit before the next chemo. He sent me home. I'm suppose to gain 3 lbs till next Monday. So, I have a week off. I worked in the shop today for four hours. It felt great. Almost normal. Kids came over tonite and I let them clipper my hair. They had a blast and it made me smile. Thanks, Ruth

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  • inkster
    inkster Member Posts: 93
    edited July 2015

    Well, that got exciting. Today was treatment #2. It started off well - sailed through the pre-meds and chilled through the Cytoxan. We switched to the Taxotere, chatted with the nurse for a bit before she went off to check on someone else, and then WHAM! Suddenly I was incredibly flushed, hot, and having a hard time breathing. Luckily, my fabulous brother was there and he went to get the nurse. A bunch showed up and they turned off the Taxotere drip, which made me feel better almost immediately. One nurse went to get the MO while the others were readying various meds, checking my blood pressure and oxygen levels, and being awesome. I got a whole bunch of new meds, including a big dose of Benadryl, and after a while we started the drip again. This time it went smoothly and I finished the bag. I have to take Benadryl every 6 hours for the rest of the night, but it should be fine. Point of the story? While it was scary, the nurses knew exactly what to do to get me back up to normal and the oncologist had an arsenal of options to help make sure it doesn't happen again. Gotta keep reminding myself that I'm the only newbie in the group. Oh, and having someone sit with you can be a lifesaver. :)

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  • melinda531
    melinda531 Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2015

    Good evening,

    Thank you all for your kind comments on my wig......today was my big day of wearing it to work and I actually got compliments on my hair from folks who don't know what I'm going through right now so that helped my confidence. I'm with everyone else who is having a rough time with the hair falling out part of this! My scalp hurts today so I'm guessing I'm heading for the shaved look in the next couple days as well.....wish me luck and no tears! :-)

    For those of you mentioning that you're a little sore where your port was put in....I was as well but it went away after about 2 days. I did get a numbing cream from my oncologist that I put on an hour before my treatment and wrap with some saran wrap to keep it in place and I didn't feel anything when the nurse put the needle in for my first treatment so anyone who's scared of needles like me might want to ask about that.

    Mdoc524......I had a sore throat for a couple of days after my port surgery as well. Never did figure out why as I wasn't intubated (sp?) or anything so not sure what caused it but hope it's comforting to hear that someone else experienced it :-)

    chefryancallahan.......thanks for the great tips! I, like some others, think the loss of taste is going to be with me during my entire cheo treatment cycle and so far has been the worst part for me so I appreciate the helpful advice!

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  • Cheesequake
    Cheesequake Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2015

    inkster, that would scare the crap out of me! Glad they got it handled though! I'm a bit concerned about something similar at my second infusion and even started a thread asking for insight - I'm seriously considering asking them to keep my infusions as slow as the first one. If it ain't broke why fix it?

    Today is day 10 out from my first infusion. My acne has almost completely calmed down. My stomach isn't constantly upset anymore, but most of the time I still don't feel like eating much and still having diarrhea at least once a day - I'm 8lbs down. I guess I better try to gain some of that back before my next one on Aug 7!!

    New SEs in the last few days include really dry, tight lips and a mild yeast infection. I'm just slathering on the lip balm for the first, which works great, and I bought a one day treatment for the second. It seems to have helped some when I used it day before yesterday, but the infection still lingers a bit.

    So diarrhea, acne, yeast infection... I guess I'm getting all the niggly, annoying SEs!! Could be a lot worse!! :D

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  • Bliss58
    Bliss58 Member Posts: 1,154
    edited July 2015

    @hartrish, thanks for re-posting the soda/salt rinse recipe. I couldn't remember who gave the tip about keeping a bottle in the bathroom, but now I remember! Thanks again.

    Best wishes and hugs for everyone starting or continuing on the journey this week. We've got this!

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  • powerthruit
    powerthruit Member Posts: 59
    edited July 2015
    Inkster - glad it ended ok. 💪
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  • powerthruit
    powerthruit Member Posts: 59
    edited July 2015
    Inkster/cheesequake - I hit submit to fast on my last reply. At my infusion today, I sorta had to bug the nurse to keep it slooow, just like the first time on Taxotere.

    FWIW - both times it has been T first, for about an hour.
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  • 6feetover
    6feetover Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2015

    Peabrain: what Yoxter123 said (though my DH said that he'd have done it for me with a men's facial disposable, due to the coarse texture of my head hair)!

    I started off with a Wahl clipper with no attachment to get the hair as close to the scalp as possible, initially...

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  • 6feetover
    6feetover Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2015

    inkster: glad your doc/nurse team were on the ball! I'd have freaked!

    And yes, you're absolutely right–doing this alone is just bad news. Though I'm the type who loathes asking for help from anyone, I've come to really appreciate having someone sitting with me while I endure each chemo round!

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


    Hello all, I am not quite sure how this board popped up, but it did, so I thought I would write a few words. I am two weeks out from my last T/C trestment. These are cumulstive, so it is taking me longer to get to feeling better. However, I want you to know thst you CAN do this. Yes, we are all different.....you have probably heard this many times. But, most of us do experience SE. My advice to you is be prepared. Have your salt and soda and glass and spoon by your bathroom sink. Gargle and swish every time you use the bathroom to keep mouth sores and sore throat away. Make sure you start Claritin (not Claritin D) a couple days before the Neulasta shot and for a week after. Drink a lot of water! I had to go in for fluids and you can ask for this. Light headedness or feeling dizzy is a sign of dehydration. REST! Someone told me that some days you just have to breath and keep telling yourself that you can do this! Positive thoughts to all of you.

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  • Yoxter123
    Yoxter123 Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2015

    Day started ok...due to have AC number 3 ......bloods good ....... Got there new nurse poking around to access portacath........problem......... No free flow ........off to xray for contrast injection to see what's wrong ( I have a power port so contrast no problem)

    ...dr in xray freaked me out with lots of mumbling then question....where was my tumour ?...answer in my now absent right breast ..... (Port is in left side) more mumbling..... Where were the tumours in your chest? Now freaking out completely ......didn't have tumours in my chest ....so asked him what he was looking at .....oh nothing I don't think he answered.. WTH !!

    Questioned him with very clear small words and finally got the answer my portacath is sitting in my left brachiocephalic vein instead of where it should be! I so wish that they got that every silly little misspeak can send us straight into a massive tailspin!!

    Saw Onc again... More tests tomorrow... Won't give me chemo via vein as veins are rubbish after 3 surgeries in six weeks and can only use left arm because of node clearance ...... BS thinks might have to have port out and resited..... Delaying chemo....


    So stressed ..haven't shared before but feel now is the time....my beautiful DIL aged 27 diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in January has deteriorated really fast ...has started on palliative care last week and I am desperate to support both her and my son....they live 8 hours drive away ...my daughter was diagnosed with cervical ACIS one week before my Dx and is due for her three month check tonight to see if there is any reoccurrence.......just wanted today to be straightforward ....... Best laid plans...... Bc why do you keep messing things up.....the plan had been to finish chemo two weeks before daughters wedding in sydney in Nov now not sure I can do that ..... Back to chanting...just one day at a time one step at a time !!

    Sorry for the rant just had to let off steam to somebody !!

    gentle hugs to everyone


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  • theearthlaughsinflowers
    theearthlaughsinflowers Member Posts: 23
    edited July 2015

    yoxter- I'm so sorry, that is a lot to handle all at once. I am sending big hugs your way and reminding you to yes- take it one day at a time. This is challenging for us on so many levels and when we add in caring about our loved ones who are going through so much it feels almost unbearable. You will be there for your daughter and your daughter in law in the best way you can- it might be different than you would like but you will do it. I believe you will make the wedding. Make sure the drs know that is your number one goal. And your DIL and son will have your love and support- you'll find the way.


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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited July 2015

    Ruth: you look beautiful. Nice to share the experience with your family. I am actually loving my buzzed head and the amount of time it takes me to get ready.

    Inkster: I will have my second taxotere infusion this Thursday. The nurse did warn me that reactions can occur with the second infusion. Makes me a little nervous but will be paying attention to any signs of reaction. Glad you had someone with you and the team acted quickly.

    Cheesequake: I got a yeast infection after my first dose and was put on diflucan for seven days. Have a refill in case it occurs during round 2.

    Mysunshine: thanks for the tips and encouragement that we can get through this. I try and keep my sights on the end of the chemo journey. Planning a trip with my family some where in October to celebrate the chemo finish line.

    Yoxter123: wow, you have so much on your plate. I am sending hugs and encouragement your way.

    Hope everyone has a peaceful week. Round 2 TC is on Thursday for me.

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  • Gretagirl
    Gretagirl Member Posts: 182
    edited July 2015
    JillyB very encouraging to hear that you feel better the second round than the first! I use Nexium I have major heartburn with chemo.

    Hartish I used the salt/soda rinse faithfully but still developed white patches in my mouth. Not really painful but using magic mouthwash has helped. I am very hoarse right now.

    RuthElizabeth I hope you can gain some weight!

    Inkster oh my!!! I just called my friend who went with me to my first treatment and told her she was in it for good I was not letting her leave me!! I was going to try to go alone but I don't think so! Glad you are ok!

    Yoxter123 sorry about all the issues you are facing. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Mysunshine48 thank you for all the tips!

    I drink non stop during the day constantly have a big cup with me but I am sooooo tired of water! Tea gives me heartburn as wellas gaorade. What are yall drinking???
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  • Peabrain
    Peabrain Member Posts: 268
    edited July 2015

    Is anyone else's heart racing on AC? They clocked mine at 102 yesterday even though I was cold and subdued otherwise.They didn't seem to think it was out of the ordinary, but it sure isn't normal for me.

    Just walking around the block feels like I've sprinted, heart pounding, almost panting. Am I just horribly out of shape after 6 weeks of post-surgery? Or is it something more nefarious and chemo related?


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  • chefryancallahan
    chefryancallahan Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2015

    You are welcome everyone! If you any of you have any specific questions or want me to help you adjust the seasoning in a specific recipe, feel free to send me a message in this forum or email me at cookingforchemo@gmail.com. I will also try to start posting some of the recipes from my book for you to try too. :)

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  • JustLikeSamantha
    JustLikeSamantha Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2015

    Drinking 64 ounces of fluid a day has been a big challenge. My chemo nurse advised, "anything that becomes liquid at room temp counts", so popsicles have become a favorite. Thankfully many are made with fruit and vegie juice so they are fairly healthy. Also made some infused water with cucumber and lime which was quite tasty.

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  • melinda531
    melinda531 Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2015

    JillyB - have you been taking your temperature? Did you use any stool softeners? My nurse said those can definitely cause stomach cramping, along with Taxotere being rough on your stomach. Don't know if you read my earlier post but you and I are on the same regimen (TCH) and I ended up with colitis after first treatment.....I had terrible stomach cramping and nothing was relieving it but I think I waited too long to take it seriously, figuring it was a normal side effect. If you have a fever, call your doc right away but if you're taking stool softeners that could be making your stomach worse. Good luck and I hope it stops soon!

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  • 6feetover
    6feetover Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2015

    Peabrain: Are you on Decadron with your chemo? The steroid makes my heart race (among many other unpleasantries) until day 5, when I can stop taking it (thank goodness!) and can finally start "coming down" off of it. HATE IT.

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  • FreeandFlying
    FreeandFlying Member Posts: 47
    edited July 2015

    Peabrain- yes my heart rate is high. Usually I run at 55-60 bpm but since starting chemo my resting rate is between 80-100. First round I took decadron which was awful and I was around 100 while taking it. Second round decadron was omitted but my my heart rate still doesn't go much below 80. Even when I'm exhausted this makes it hard to sleep.

    I'm starting meditation yoga tomorrow and hoping to learn techniques to relax my body. I CANT WAIT to be done with chemo

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  • FreeandFlying
    FreeandFlying Member Posts: 47
    edited July 2015

    adarkadaptedi- the decadron was intolerable for me for numerous reasons so I didn't take for my second round and in general have faired much better. No difference in nausea levels with and without.

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  • ThePrincess
    ThePrincess Member Posts: 424
    edited July 2015

    Hi Ladies - I am an avid exerciser and wear a MIO fuse which tracks heart rate - after my first AC I noticed my resting heart rate was much higher (like 80 instead of 55) and exercising I was consistently 10-20 bpm higher than the usual for amount of exertion - the MO said because we have so much less red blood cells, your heart senses this and in order to move the needed amt of oxygen, raises your heartrate. It will come back down as you get farther out from chemo and your counts go up.

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  • courtleboo
    courtleboo Member Posts: 72
    edited July 2015

    Gretagirl I've just started adding lemon to my water. The last few days water has been disgusting. Lemon has helped. Otherwise I've been drinking fruit punch gatorade. Only flavor I find tolerable. Also tropical punch kool aid. The red flavored drinks seem to do ok for me.

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