Starting Chemo in October 2015

Tessu, please stick around, these wonderful ladies here provide always amazing support!

Dmckinley, welcome to our community! We hope you are finding the forums helpful too. Best wishes,

The Mods

BellaV , yeah they told me it's much easier to prevent the nausea than get it under.control.once it starts. Try to start taking it regularly the day before you got sick this time.on your next cycle.

Hi everyone! I was wondering if people are wearing masks when out and about to prevent infection? I see some people going through chemo wearing masks whenever they are in public, but I wasn't sure...I have an event to go to next weekend with 300 or so other people, and I don't want to be stupid about it, but I have a hard time with the feeling of a mask covering my mouth and nose.

Thanks!

Durhamgirl I haven't started chemo yet but my MO told me that I would have to wear a mask at school (I'm a teacher) days 7-10 of each treatment when my WBC would be the lowest.

I'm thinking the mask might be a good idea...

Jamigb: I had the same experience with my port- it did get better by day 4 or so, much faster than the lumpectomy. Advil helped too.

I am at day 6, and starting to feel a bit better. The bone pain from the Neulasta shot was really bad day 3 PM through day 5AM. Now just tummy issues and light-headed.

hi ladies

About the white tongue, i had it on days 3-6 after my first chemo treatment - i used saltwater 3-5 times per day, followed by a swish of Biotene mouthwash-helped cleared it up nicely, and hasnt returned.

My main goal is eating enough protein rich foods each day, i cant afford to keep losing weight!! I have an incredible appetite and a little worried if i keep this up i will be rolling into the hospital for treatments, but that would be a good problem to have.

Looking ahead to #2 chemo treatment this friday, neupogen (neulasta) shots have not given me any side effects yet, i feel really good. As i know what to expect now, my days 4&5 after chemo were the worst for me.

Since day 7 i have been out walking and feeling stronger each day, and praying for each of you facing treatments this week, for low side effects and much strength!

Kim

Hey everyone! Had my second chemo this past week. AC. I actually have felt better than the first. But wicked night sweats; up changing pjs three times and bed sheets once. Is that normal? It seems to be diminishing each night; very little last night. I've been hungry, but I don't feel like eating. I live alone and my MO has advised I limit my adventures among the public, so I'm a bit stir crazy. My MO also advised a face mask if out in public. Hair is all but gone. I haven't heard anyone mention it, but is anyone experiencing gut issues, like loose stools, diarrhea? This is going on for days after treatment.

Durham girl, I'm over here in Raleigh. Nice to see a neighbor!

Ncsue927,

I too have the night sweats. I didn't know if mine was postpartum from losing the baby last week or chemo. I know chemo throws your hormones out of whack too, so I bet it's both. I also had diarrhea starting the day after treatment and have read that both diarrhea and constipation are normal. I think the chemo causes diarrhea and zofran and other pain meds cause constipation.

Homeschool: Thank you for asking. I am disappointed that my first treatment wasn't a cure. I'm thankful that this treatment will give me additional length of life. I am angry that cancer is such a disruption to my life. I am humbled by God's plan for me. Emotional roller coaster would be the simple answer.

I notice that we have similar pathology, it is not a common pathology at all. Would you share what your oncologist has told you about it? My breast tumor in 2013 did not have this pathology. My oncologist is considering putting me on Arimidex but I am reluctant as SEs are pretty miserable and the benefit for PR+ has not been demonstrated. There is some consideration about why PR testing is done as it's not considered a reproduceable breast cancer subtype.

ncsue927: D-> is a pretty standard SE of chemo as it kills all rapidly reproducing cells indiscriminately. That's why many get mouth sores. Epithelial calls are among those rapidly reporducing and replaced cells. They cover all surfaces that have an opening to the outside of the body. That is why intercourse can painful during chemo too. D-> was probably my most significant SE during my first Chemo treatment.

Tracy, I was only like 9% positive for pr so basically they have ignored it so far. But also I was pregnant upon diagnosis (just lost the baby a few days ago at 13 weeks), so they haven't addressed everything about my cancer that they would have had I not been pregnant. Friday was my first chemo and the resident basically said I probably have stage 4 and wanted me to get all kinds of scans. This was 2 days after delivering our stillborn son and I kind of freaked out on him. I can't handle any more bad news right now. I know the scans eventually need to be done so I am shooting for after Christmas. What chemo did you have the first time?

One more question for everyone...I can't shake this headache I've had for two days. Not getting worse but not going away either. I thought it was from the Zofran, but I'm not on Zofran anymore. I've tried both Ibuprofen and Aleve, with no relief. I am trying to stay away from Tylenol. Anyone have anything that has helped with headache?

Thanks!

Hey biscuits. It's nice to see another E. WA gal. I am down in the Tri-Cities. Good luck on Tuesday. I go in for round 2 on Wednesday.

Mustlovepoodles, mind if I ask what you packed in your chemo bag?? I start this week slso, Thursday the 22nd

round 2 seemed a little better .. I did it Friday, I feel OK today .. I have a urine infection so I am on cipro..

The port Hurt for 2 weeks and I was really bruised. Now I forgot it's there . I have it in my arm as it wasn't good in my chest to close to my implant . I am tiny .

My hair is falling out, it's the only real time i have cried .. we will all be ok, look for the light ..

Cancer will not beat me..

Xxt

I start chemo October 22.

MsYelv