Anyone else Starting 4 rounds TC chemo November 2015

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  • Guavaberry75
    Guavaberry75 Member Posts: 20
    edited November 2015

    I suppose physically I'm ok. Been walking daily. My Bowels have been all over the place and I think I have thrush. So I have a prescription rinse. I am still taking oral steroids because of the allergic reaction (think this contributed to the thrush). Today is my last day of that and I hope the rash/acne doesn't flare up.

    I could not get full yesterday! Ravishingly hungry. It was insane. I've been juicing and trying to eat lots of protein.

    My struggle right now is just thinking every weird poop, pain, blemish, sniffle etc is the start of some terrible or dangerous side effect. How do you not freak out when your body is freaky out and trying to make adjustments? I don't want to fret over things that are 'normal' but I don't quite know how to monitor things because I've not been through it before. I'm day 7 and don't go for blood work until day 14 so then I'm nervous that my counts could be dangerously low and I won't know it. I did not automatically get the Nuelesta shot. Aahhhhh!! Just want to rest well (haven't slept through the night yet) and my mind to calm.

    Tux pads (brand name)are just medicated wipe pads used for hemorrhoids I believe.

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    smurfette, yes tux pads used for hemorrhoids help help the skin from elimating all that chemo and acids, maybe you have similar products there. I've been using vitamin e on my lips snd wow has that helped!

    Guava berry I get this - it's is no picnic - one minute okay next what the hell is happening now, good u eating - it's the steroids they make u hungry 😃

    I try to think as long as I'm moving snd doing snd not over exerting then I'm getting through it - I had no fever no nausea no diarrhea and praise Zgid gir every day I'm getting thru!

    Staying on top of things as I can, doing house chores like laundry cooking and dishes then resting these days did to Los count not going to crowded places snd my school has flu 😜

    I had my white count on day 11 - eek it was 1.7 - normal range is 3.5 - 10.5 - no fever I had no idea - I actually raked leaves the day before! So I was shocked. I was told that the whites don't always dip low in the first round, but for some folks they do. Now that they know this, I will automatically get the shot after each following chemo. The shot will stabilize everything. Hanging at home today on Tylenol 500 mg q 6 hours / so far it's holding bone pain / I have Claiton at the ready they say it really helps block this type of pain if I need it.

    Write down on a calendar symptoms of the day - as you move forward to next round we will know what to expect. My deal is awful gastritis, early snd for the first whole week, constipation, and exhaustion by day 8. I started feeling better day 10 even tho my shores were so low! Who knew?!

    3 more ladies! We can do this!!! Hugs!

    Sandy


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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    Thanks for the info Guava and Sandy.

    I read on here somewhere that Virgin Organic Coconut Oil is good for our vaginas. Twice a day after showering I have been using it and I am very comfortable "down there". Sorry if that's too much info but thought it may benefit some who are experiencing some discomfort. It has anti-bacterial qualities.

    Has WaterStreet posted lately? Concerned about her.

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    thanks smurfette! I'll give it a go!

    Shedding hair like crazy - not sure how I'll handle that - the great shave off isn't on my list - 68 or so days to go! I'm looking into an all natural vitaminproduct that helps skin hair and nails grow healthy and faster - I will share soon - getting ingredient list to run by my doctor - I hope to start taking it in Mid January -

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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited November 2015

    Hi Freakedout,

    I have read your whole thread because it looks like I will be having the same 4 rounds of chemo as you. I was just wondering if you had a port placed or if this is doable without that? How are you doing now?

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    hi myspaulding,

    Sorry you are jointing this club, and for all you are going through. I hope you find some peace here, knowing you do not walk this walk alone.

    Today is day 19 into my chemo. I'm better. Feeling most like me but tired.On the 16 th day my hair was shedding so much when I brushed it nearly all the top came off. My son took his beard trimmer and took off all the rest of my hair, and you know, this was it. We all didn't want the surgeries we have endured. Those were losses and we were all scared, to get through it, to see ourselves. Then to wait for pathology, then to learn we need chemo, then to start chemo, then to worry about chemonsideveffects, and then, to loose our hair. Honestly, I feel relieved now. Yes, I am one ugly woman with no hair. But, I have a nice wig and a couple hats, and I have worn the wig out and no one knows. It's actually kinda funny because I know. I think Gods graces are not to be missed in our walk. We are doing this!

    As far as other symptoms - my first two weeks were worst gastritis problems 1st week severe not vomiting at all no diarrhea, no nausea - yes constipation miralex takes care of it in 12 hours - 8 th day exhaustion and sore throat - whites dropped to 1.7 got booster shot 12 th day and antibx - throat healed in 4 days - day 17 I actually starting to feel like myself a little bit, just tired, day 18 feeling better, better 19 today no other symptoms plague me just tired. Joy to the world and praise God! This last week before chemo is supposed to be the best week as whites are up you have more energy !! But in 7 days I will hit it all over again. I know what to expect now and preparing as I can for it.

    I hope this helps!! Everyone is different! Please know this: whatever your bodies weaknesses are they will be highlighted by the chemo / heartburn issues? They will one out! If you are a diarrhea person you will most likely get that - I'm not so I got constipated - know your body - iffeekslikeyou have 2 really bad flus at the same time - and a hangover if it two migraines during the last two weeks - nothing helped but ice on my head.

    Keep a handy calendar each day write your side effect - as you go to next round you will know what to expect on each day - those who go before us say next rounds get better because we are ready for it!

    I pray a lot!!!! It helps me.

    Wishing you all the best ask me anything I have no veil anymore, and wish only to help,

    Hugs,sandy

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    ps no port for me

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  • jonep
    jonep Member Posts: 8
    edited November 2015

    Hi, everybody!

    I'm on Day 12 after my first (out of 4) round of TC. So far, so good. I took the Neulasta shot on Day 2 and I had very minimal bone pain, just an uncomfortable feeling in the spine and lower back area. It made it a little difficult to find a good position to sit or sleep, and even walk, at times, but it was all very manageable. The fatigue kicked in around Days 3-5 and with the bone pain and the gloomy weather, I was a little miserable but keeping busy with my wedding next month helped a lot :) The doctor put me on steroids for anti- allergies so I've been gaining a lot of weight. My appetite is still great and food tastes the same to me, too. Praise God for minimal side effects! :) My hair is still here, no sensitivity in the scalp at all, so I'm hoping that it might not have to fall out? I know this is a long shot but I really don't wanna get married in a wig haha

    Stay strong, ladies!





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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    Hi jonep! Glad to hear your side effects are minimal! Praise God! You are adorable in your picture!! Wishing you all the best with your wedding! Be prepared for head coverage as once my hair started to shed it got worse everyday. I thought the same on day 12 but shortly after that I was mistaken. It's ok, the wigs are really not that bad after all. And, just think, your hair will come back, and the cancer will be killed! Yay!!

    Hugs!!

    Sandy,

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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited November 2015

    hi, thanks for updating. I just found out today that I will need the 4 rounds of chemo. I have cried more today than I have since I got diagnosed. I was just really hoping with Stage 1 I would be able to avoid it but my Oncotype score came back today at 37. 😥

    I guess I will be with the Dec chemo group. Good luck and God bless to all of you.

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    First day I have felt "well" since my first chemo on the 10th. So glad to be past the hurdles I have had.

    Ready to do it all again next Tuesday. Blah.

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    myspaulding, I have been there, I'm sorry! I know I had zero lymph nodes in stage 2 and my mamaprint score barely crossed the line into the high risk zone - but it is all treated the same - we don't want a recurrence! Remember why we need this. Get it out and cry but I am here to tell you we all hate this - no one wants to do it- but we are all getting through it and you will too. Message me anytime! I will go round 2 nov 30. I will still be ilon chemo when you start and will be happy to walk with you! I thought I would die over hair loss - I didn't - you won't either. It will grow back. And we will be cancer free!!! God bless and stay on this board if you wish! Sandy

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    yay!!! I missed you Smurfette!!! Glad u are well again! I'm on nov 30 / round 2! I'm 19 days post treatment and feel like my normal self! Yay!!!

    We can do this!!!!!!

    Sandy

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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited November 2015

    Thanks Sandy, you are so sweet. It definitely helps to talk to ladies on these forums that are all going through the same thing.

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    Sandy our second treatments are close. Mine's on the 1st Dec. Just a day after yours.

    My hair if falling and my head is so sore. Trying to hold off "buzzing" it until the weekend as hubby is taking me out for dinner.

    It was our 32nd Wedding Anniversary last Thursday but I was in hospital so having a belated celebration.

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    miss you Donna! Good luck holding on to your hair - DO NOT BRUSH IT OR TOUCH IT - you might just hold it through the dinner. I never thought in my wildest dreams I would end up buzzing it but I did - my son did it - the wig isn't that bad after all - no one knows and it's quite funny / you will actually feel better after the hair is gone - too much anxiety trying to figure out if it's coming out and when and how - just think once it's out we are on the road to past that And even closer to growing it back in! Happy anniversary!!! Enjoy !!! See how my holiday delay brought us closer together? I'm praying the 2 no round is better for me! Private message me your address I want to send you something. Hope you are doing well otherwise! Hugs!! God bless!!!

    Sandy,

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  • Guavaberry75
    Guavaberry75 Member Posts: 20
    edited November 2015

    Oh, i've been wondering about you smurfette....you seemed to be struggling and I have felt so badly for you. Did you end up needing to be hospitalized for some side effects?

    It took until day 12 for me to feel 'normal'. I will get round 2 on Dec. 2 (wednesday) and I'm really hoping for less steroids because I really believe so many of my problems came from those. But, at least I know that I won't feel that crappy for 3 months without a break. I was beginning to wonder if I was going to feel better before the next round. I had blood drawn and my counts were fantastic, so no extra boost was needed to get them up. My hair started to shed on Sunday (day 12) so I just had my husband buzz it. I agree with Sandy you will feel so much better. So much anxiety in the 'when is it going to fall out' game. Doc said today he would still recommend 6 rounds, but we'll get to 4 and see how we feel.


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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    guava Berry so glad you got some relief!

    I find that the closer I get to the 20th day the better and better I feel! Thank God! Thanksgiving is delaying me 4 days but still reaping benefits as scheduled. Do looks like we are now thee ducks in a row - I'm Monday, Donna's Tuesday snd your Wednesday - round 2 - just think, we will be 50 % done!!! I pray 4 is enough for you! Our diagnosis are very close! I originally was told I only needed 3! But, sadly that changed! I washed my wig for the first time tonight... Let's hope it looks good tomorrow - looks like a rat tonight LOL!!

    Wishing everyone a happy thanksgiving! We have much to be thankful for this holiday despite everything!! We can do this!!!!

    Hugs!!

    Sandy,

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited November 2015

    Hi Ladies..

    I start my first of 4 treatments Monday the 30th.

    This is my second Primary diagnosis.....

    First time around everything was thrown at me...

    Wishing the best outcome for all of us..

    Sheila

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    hi Sheila, sorry for your second primary! My chemo is Monday as well - 2nd round, did you have chemo in 2005? Welcome to our group, unfortunately, none of us want to be here, but we are trying to make the most of it!

    Hugs, sandy,

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited November 2015

    Hi Sandy....Thanks for the welcome.

    First time I only had a lumpectomy.....And port was placed because the amount of treatments i needed

    Yes i had 4DD AC every 2 weeks

    4DD Taxol every 2 weeks.

    Herceptin was just approved for early stage cancer so I also got Herceptin for 1 year once a week.

    Radiation....and 5 years of Femara

    Are they still giving Benadryl before infusion ? that used to make me so sleepy

    How about steroids ?

    To be honest i just started getting little uneasy about Monday....

    Sheila

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    oh Sheika, sorry doesn't seem to say enough,

    Don't fret about Monday, your battle has already made you ready; you will be great - they do give steroids the day before, day of and day after - it helps immensely - no Benadryl unless you have reaction in infusion - they also give IV anti nausea Meds mind worked for 5 days and I Never got nausea after that. My issues was horrible gastritis.

    TC much better than AC less side effects

    Message me anytime if you need!

    Sandy,

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited November 2015

    AC was horror...Lost almost 8 pounds in 2 weeks.

    My mouth was covered with sores..I couldn't eat.....

    Thanks Sandy...I will definitely PM you if i have any stupid question.....

    10 years ago things were different......I need to update myself so i know exactly what's coming.....

    Good Night

    Sheila

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    Happy Thanksgiving to all my American mates.

    Hope you all enjoy a very special day surrounded by those you hold dear.

    Will drop you a Private Message tomorrow Sandy. Hope your wig dried nicely.

    Guavaberry75 Yes unfortunately my first chemo landed me in hospital. Was admitted last Thursday and discharged on Monday. Febrile Neutropenia. I was feeling very unwell. My neutrophils bottomed out at 0.0 and my temperature and inflammatory markers were rising but a few days of IV antibiotics have them up enough for my 2nd treatment to go ahead next Tuesday. I had a reaction to the antibiotics I was prescribed when I left hospital so was back at the Dr's on Tuesday to get them changed. The new ones seem to be agreeing with me and I have felt good the last couple of days. Is such a relief to feel well and to be able to taste food.

    Nice to meet you sheila888. Sorry it's not under better circumstances.

    Hope your treatment goes smoothly and that you experience minimal side effects.

    Hugs all, Donna.


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  • Guavaberry75
    Guavaberry75 Member Posts: 20
    edited November 2015

    Oh dear, Donna! I hate that for you. so amazing to me how everyone reacts so differently.

    Sheila, I take steroids and Benadryl and Zantac day before infusion. Then I get more steroids and Benadryl and Pepcid in the IV. Then I take more steroids and Benadryl day after. No port for me.

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  • JenP42
    JenP42 Member Posts: 11
    edited November 2015

    Hello All,

    I would like to introduce myself. I'm 42 years old, married and have 2 sons. We live in Minnesota.My cancer was small and found on a routine mammogram. In September I had a lumpectomy, and November 9th started chemo to reduce the chance of reoccurance. Monday will be round 2 for me. As I read this thread it brought me great comfort as I'm right in the same timing as a few of you. Round 1 I had fatigue and alot of body and joint pain. I was terrified of chemo so I was actually relieved that it was not worse. I'm hoping that round 2 is no worse than round 1.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  • biscuits
    biscuits Member Posts: 3,304
    edited November 2015

    Happy Thanksgiving Ladies! I just found this thread and wanted to jump in and say hello. I am on four rounds of TC. Halfway through treatments and third infusion coming up on December 3rd. Last one is scheduled for December 22nd...what a great Christmas gift that will be! I have tolerated the TC regimen fairly well. Some constipation, taste changes, mouth sores and nasal sores, but these were all mostly after the first treatment. I kept a daily journal of SE's, so I was better prepared the second time around and have hardly noticed any changes other than fatigue. I've read that the third infusion will be rougher, so we'll see...everyone is different. I am given the Neulasta shot each time and I prepare for that by starting Tylenol the day before and I don't have much problem with it. I am lucky to be able, so far, to work full time through all of this. The hair loss is sometimes more devastating for the women to handle than even losing a breast. Before my treatments, I sat on my hair. Day 10 my hair started falling and by day 15, it was falling out in clumps. My hubby buzzed it and it was a "freeing" experience. So, best wishes to all you ladies on this day that we will all give thanks for the many things we have to be grateful for

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    Nice to meet you JenP42.

    Welcome to the thread biscuits. My 3rd infusion is on Dec 22nd. We have cancelled our planned Christmas at my daughters and hubby and I will have a quiet day at home. Just the 2 of us. Disappointing as being with our children and grandchildren is what Christmas is all about. I had such a reaction to the first treatment I'm not sure I would be up to the travel and know I will be more comfortable in my own home, own bed. Will make up for it in 2016.

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    welcome JenP42!

    My 2nd infusion is Monday as well! I'll be thinking of you. I'm in Illinois NW of Chicago in the suburbs. I'm glad they found your cancer early and lumpectomy worked for you! Sorry about the chemo - in here to reduce recurrence rates as well.

    Smurfette26! Omg! I had no idea! Sorry you went they all that! I'm praying in you! We need to doll pray we can tolerate the infusions with minimal side effects! I'm praying my heartburn will be okay! I'm on Prevacid and carafate and I pray that's enough ! Eek!

    Thanksgiving was good - I'm exhausted . Off to bed- good night!

    Sandy

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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited November 2015

    I will be thinking of all of you getting treatments on Monday. I will be getting a PET scan on Monday and appointment with plastic surgeon. Officially first treatment will be 12/10 for me. Guess it's time to start thinking about getting a shorter haircut and finding a wig so I'll be prepared. Just praying nothing shows up onmy PET scan.

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