Starting Chemo in October 2015

Thank you all for replying to my nasal sore problems. I have been using Ayr saline nasal gel and Ocean spray. I was wondering about antibiotic cream for the nose...

My older sister just passed away from lung cancer. Wasn't much sleeping going on last night. Kind of wish I wasn't having infusion, today, but I know it's important to stay on schedule.

I'm sorry for your loss, Biscuits. For most of us, the bond with our siblings, particularly our sisters, is very strong. It's longest relationship we have, after our parents.

You're right, it's important to stay on schedule, and it's also important to get your sleep, especially when your body is being attacked by all this chemo and stuff. If you haven't asked your doctor for something to help you sleep, do so.

ETA: I feel like I'm somewhat of a cheerleader for quality sleep. I have chronic depression and anxiety, and the thing that sets me off the most is lack of sleep or disrupted sleep. As long as I get my sleep, I function very well but Lord help if I don't get a good night. Then EVERYTHING goes downhill and I just can't cope well.

So sorry for the loss of your sister Biscuits. xo

Having a wave of sadness at the moment. I have cancer. How the F$%#! did this happen? I know you all have these thoughts too.

It will pass quickly....the sadness. The cancer will too I hope, but that will take some more time. Fighting hard to stay me. So thankful for the incredible life I have regardless of cancer.

love and hugs to you all! Extra hugs to Biscuits.

Andra xo

Fourth round of AC today and two more to go! I'm feeling good today (thanks to the steroids!), the sun has FINALLY come out here in Raleigh and I was able to go to lunch with my best friend. What a day!! We do learn to appreciate the small things, don't we?

I was reading about all the mouth and nose issues.....I seem to have dry eyes. Especially at night, I wake up and my eyes seem so dry. Has anyone else experienced that?

amybeader, yes, havent shaved in at least a month now, so that is kind of nice.

Andra, sorry you are having a sad moment, me too today. We are allowed, vent away!

My 2nd AC treatment was much better than my first, however, my third just this past Friday has hit me pretty hard, mostly fatigue and some diarrhea which has been non existent until now. Just one more AC, just one more...

Kim

Thank you for all the hugs! These past few months I always say " you can never have too many hugs!" Hugs are so comforting, healing and joyful.

Having not to shave my legs and underarms is definitely a treat during this process. Even the few chin hairs that happen post menopause (LOL) don't pop up anymore. When my hair went, I joked that maybe the chin hairs would keep on growing and then I would just do a " comb over" and cover the bald head. Just have to settle for my little hats...

Second round of TC today. They said to expect basically same type of side effects as I had after the first round but now I know what, and when, to expect things to happen. She said I would be more tired this round and I actually napped for a bit this evening. My work gave me five days off for bereavement leave for the loss of my sister, so that will cover the days when I may feel at my lowest from the chemo. It's kind of comforting to know that I won't have to feel obligated to have to struggle through my work days when I'm not feeling 100%. So, for all you gals out there....hugs right back at ya!

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Smurfette26: keep us up on how you are feeling. Do you know what your chemo "cocktail" is? You will probably feel okay for a few days until it catches up with you. Take care of yourself and rest when you can. Keep a journal of your side effects, as it will be helpful for the next infusion and for your MO.

MaggieMae123, sorry to hear about your struggles with diarrhea. It is so unpleasant and humiliating. I have had a much better time this round...not sure why, but I have been trying to be more proactive about it. The nutritionist at the hospital recommended a product called Banatrol Plus--it's a prebiotic powder that you can mix with soft food specially designed for the management of diarrhea. You can find it online. I am also taking a probiotic everyday--my acupuncturist recommended the kind that needs to be refrigerated because there are many more live and active "good" bacteria in it than in the shelf stable kinds. I chose one that was very highly rated by LabDoor (you can find their site online) called RenewLife UltimateFlora Critical Care. It's NOT cheap, but I'm willing to spend a bit more now rather than end up in the hospital again. I also took 2 Imodium at the very first sign of loose stool. My MO also reduced my chemo dose by 20%, which might have helped as well. After my experience last round, I'm at the "whatever works" point. I hope you get some relief soon!

Biscuits, I am so very sorry. (((Hugs)))

Andraxo, I had a few moments like that last night. I have a hard time Fallin asleep because all I can think about is what will happen to my husband and kids if I die, what will it feel like to die, anything and everything about dying. This is a nightly thing, but last night I just started crying and wishing I could go back to my normal life that I had before. I don't feel there is much hope that I won't at some point be stage 4. The thought of either dying or dealing with treatment amd cancer for the rest of my however long life is so depressing. That being said, I am so happy and grateful for the many blessings I have during the day. It's just at night, when everyone is sleeping and it's dark and quiet.

Is anyone here on Taxol and herceptin? I'm looking ahead and wondering what I have to look forward to.

You will find HER2support.org very helpful. It has message boards just like BCO, they are just a smaller, less diverse group. I am MaineRottweilers over there too.

I have two teens, late 40s. Don't know how to do the signature line thing you all have after your posts. I work fulltime. Started chemo 10/23 right after an event for 200 the night before at work! First AC went ok and i was back to work by Monday (had chemo Friday afternoon) but second a little dicey and was sick Sun and Mon. Finishing work week today. Doing cold caps. Trying to save some hair but saving my life is #1!

andraxo - congratulations on the 8-mile run! awesome! I am hoping to put in 3 miles today (day 8 after treatment #2 with AC).

malonejen - I started AC on 10/23 also and have had 2 treatments so far. I use the Neulasta auto-injector to keep my white counts up and so far so good! I have not lost my hair yet but am not cold capping and expect to see it drop any day. I have lots of "gear" prepared! (wigs, scarves, etc)

autumn - my second treatment was better...I knew what to expect and I was more proactive about taking senna and colace and fiber to counteract the constipating side effects of the anti-nausea meds...I have been lucky and have not yet experienced bone pain from neulasta but I carry tylenol and motrin with me everywhere I go so at first sign of trouble, I can be ready. I also carry immodium and a change of clothing "just in case" but haven't needed them yet...I have worked very hard to stay active - running 3 times a week and walking when I don't feel up to running and think that helps my body and my mind. I try to fit in some mindfulness practice and have gone to the gym a couple of times when able. 

So far...I feel incredibly lucky with how this is going...so then other questions sneak in like "is the chemo working? Is it powerful enough?

Autumn - go to home page under "my profile" and if you wish to, you can enter details about your diagnosis and treatment and set it ti public or private - if you set it to public, then it will appear as your signature

I feel like I'm the only one in this group.

Thanks for the links to her2support.org! I'll check it out.

Andraxo, whoa on that low wbc! Be careful! I didn't see my numbers from yesterday, but she said they were good enough. I want to compare to last time, so I hope they put them up on the website soon.

Malonejen and Tina, welcome!!

Livingthis, I haven't really gotten bone pain from neulasta either. My facial bones seem to hurt and then my shoulder and back skin amd muscle get sore, but I don't think it's the neulasta, no deep bone pain like others have experienced.

Jclc83, I too remain bloated. I have lost a few pounds, but it could be post pregnancy weight loss as I had already gained a few from that.