Starting Chemo in October 2015

Hello Everyone,

I had my port put in yesterday. Only problem was in recovery. I was ask if I was in pain. I said " Yes, it feels like tree just hit me in the chest." They gave me morphine and ask if I was still in pain. I said "YES". More morphine. This happened three times before I remembered to tell them it takes awhile for morphine to work on me. I was a MESS until the stuff wore off this morning.

I had my chemo teaching this AM. and was given a beautiful comfort package. it has a soft cuddle blanket, warm fuzzy sock, various toiletries, tee shirt, turban and lots more. I hope every one with BC gets one or something similar.

First chemo tomorrow. I will check in after. Luv to you all.

Andraxo, glad to hear it went well. Makes me more confident for tomorrow :0) MamaBexar good luck!

Amy, are you running a temp? I have quite a bit of bruising but I bruise very easily. Hope your ok.

MamaBexar, Thanks-I am not, and the office called today and said the redness was common and probably bruising. I do bruise easily too. It's just so hard to not stress out about every little thing! Hope your chemo goes well today.

I just got home from having port in today. It wasn't bad. I wasn't knocked out all the way but he made it so toward the end I'd become awake enough to get over anesthesia quicker. So for the finishing touches I was awake talking sports with the guys so it made it kinda fun. Just got rid of a slight dull headache only because from 11 am on the stretcher until 4 pm I've either been on my back or in a recliner chair waiting for my free ride from drivers for survivors. So think this not sitting up for hours is the reason for the dull headache. So just popped a couple tylenol.

Tomorrow I have labs drawn that my MO wants at the infusion center. The picc line from my infection is still in and they'll pull it out tomorrow. I"m glad I had my picc for this procedure. IVs are always painful for me cuz I have tiny veins and a few got blown while trying to set up the IV when I was admitted to the hospital a couple weeks ago.

So it sounds like the discomfort with the port comes the next day? Anyone need narcotics or was Tylenol fine?

By the way, what types of beanies/caps are you all going to be wearing? I plan to wear a wig to work, but at home would like to wear something comfy, and something for nighttime. What's good? I've heard ones with seams can be sensitive on the scalp.

Kim

my first chemo yesterday : 21 year old daughter came with me / long day as had to squeeze in ECHO before beginning so a little behind schedule 7:30 am labs and iv in / 8:30 am MO appointment which was delayed as sent for ECHO / back to visit with MO then 12:30 finally in infusion room / very different experience / I loved how another member came up with different word instead of poison / picked out a wig because I will be losing my hair / then daughter drove me home / in bed by 9:30 and feelong sick to my stomach he but so far keeping food down. Skipped work but did 15 mins on treadmill puts me to shame with the woman who ran 4 miles but I am happy with my 15 minutes! Time for bed i am tired.

I am pleased to report that my first day of chemo & Herceptin was very routine. No SE of any sort. I am aware this stage doesn't last long. Thanks to everyone that sent me good wishes.

I brought a blanket, books, knitting, snacks, and my phone charger. And then made DH bring me DVDs when I realized there was a DVD player. They had some snacks and drinks there.

For me, I had labs at 9:15, meeting with oncologist at 10:15, and was supposed to start infusion, which takes 6 hours at 10:30. However, my blood work came back high for calcium, which meant I had to have a liter of fluids before getting the anti-nausea IV meds prior to the 4 drugs. So I didn't end up leaving until 6:20 that night. The next time should be faster because the two targeted drugs can be given over 30 minutes each instead of the 60 and 90 minutes it took the first time.

Today I had my follow up labs and appointment. Labs were good. One liver enzyme level was high, but it is not uncommon. I also have thrush, so I have a prescription solution to swish and swallow for that.

Tomorrow I go and get my hair buzzed. I stocked up on hats and scarves while we were at the cancer center today.

Anyone have a spot smaller than a dime, like 1/2 it's size under the white bandage after port sx?? Frick, Can't tell if blood or not.

Artisa, My port incision was covered with clear surgical glue, and it looked pretty bad the second day-lots of reddening of the skin around it. Today it looks much better. If the spot is not spreading I would not worry about it, but you could ask when they call you for follow-up.

I noticed that one of my liver enzymes from my bloodwork last week was high, and I was worried that it was because of the glass of wine I usually have with dinner. But then I realized it was probably from all of the Tylenol I'd been taking after my lump SX-I usually don't take it but they wouldn't let me have Advil. Thank goodness they let me have it after the port SX!

I ordered 4 Elasto-gel mitts from Amazon for my hands during the Taxotere. They have slippers too, and of course the cap, but I'm most worried about my hands as I make glass beads. I looked at their web site and saw that the company had the single therapy mitt (which I bought 4 of on amazon) and the hypothermia gloves for Cancer treatment. I called them to see if there was a difference, and there is not, only single glove vs. pair. So if you want them here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H6G55G?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

They are cheaper that way! I have thin hair anyway, and figure it will be easier to just lose it and wear a wig or a cap. But I need my hands.

MO = medical oncologist

Thanksgiving should be good since my infusion dates are Nov. 11th and Dec. 2nd. Christmas will probably not be so good. I was scheduled for infusion on the 23rd, but it's my oldest's birthday, so they moved it to the 22nd, which probably isn't much better. But it also helps them as they try to schedule infusions on a short week.

Got lab work done at infusion center. Let me do it there even though haven't started chemo so I pay $0. MO approved a nice discount for me since I am cash with her (she doesn't take my insurance). So yay! Got picc line out but tape did a # and created a hole so have this thick abx bandage on with the white mesh netting over it. So doesn't feel different, still achy and feels like line is still in. Then there's the port starting to be uncomfortable on my chest from yesterday's insertion. Can't wait until is all settles down so I can have a break before all the great SEs ahead! :S

Hey!

Just got home from my first chemo session. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, nurses are super friendly, it's a really nice atmosphere at my cancer center. Don't have a port, so they are just using a vein, but it took them 3 tries before they got it on the 4th. Ouch. Overall, good experience, it took a bit longer today as they were teaching me as they went, going through all the anti-nausea meds, etc. etc. etc.

Only 7 more to go and I am peeing red already!!!

artista i go 7 more times

I think they jinxed themselves when they saw me saying i have really great veins, juicy in fact. Each nurse gets only 2 kicks at the can, then they have to let another nurse try.

I am ok today, my head feels thick probably from all the anti nausea drugs but i slept pretty well considering what i've read about the steroids keeping you up.

If you have more questions feel free to ask!

Kim