Starting Chemo December 2015

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  • Song4Him
    Song4Him Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2015

    Thank you Kris!

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  • redrock75
    redrock75 Member Posts: 34
    edited December 2015

    Hello everyone, I've been lurking on the bc.org boards for a while, and I'm starting chemo on Monday so figured it's about time I jump in and introduce myself and start posting!

    I'm Angela, in Las Vegas. Diagnosed a month after my 40th birthday. I have two small kids, a 9 year old boy and a 6 year old girl. Getting my port placed today and have spent the last hour reading horror stories.

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  • brithael
    brithael Member Posts: 224
    edited December 2015

    Bertbon - I'm starting mine on the 28th, so we're in this together.

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  • Lemint
    Lemint Member Posts: 162
    edited December 2015

    Welcome Berbob and Song.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2015

    Welcome to the club nobody wants to join, all you brave new members.

    redrock75, stay away from the horror stories! We're all here to support you!



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  • KrisCrzala
    KrisCrzala Member Posts: 32
    edited December 2015

    Just got my first lab results after 7 days and my count is .6. Damn it!! Felt pretty good. They are putting me on antibiotics just in case. Asked how to get the neutrophils up and was told rest!! Guess I need to rest more. Don't want to end up in the hospital during Christmas. Hopefully next week labs are better!! Going to stay positive. 1 week done and 23 more to go. I can do this!! We all can do this!!

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  • proctor1725
    proctor1725 Member Posts: 33
    edited December 2015

    Sorry to hear that Kris. What kind of treatment are you on? Sending good wishes and hugs! You got this! Listen to your doctor and take it easy.

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  • KrisCrzala
    KrisCrzala Member Posts: 32
    edited December 2015

    Hey Proctor, thanks!! I'm on AC for 4 3 week cycles and then taxol for 12 weeks. Just bummed because I felt so good. Not many SEs. But my nurse told me I got an extra big dose starting out. Need to rest more. Hard when I have so much to do. But health first. Learned that from the day of diagnosis. Thanks for the pep talk. It helps!!



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  • Nebraska917
    Nebraska917 Member Posts: 64
    edited December 2015

    I'm on day 3 after my first treatment. I have had a horrible sore throat for two days. I broke down and called them today but didn't seem too concerned yet. So fingers crossed it doesn't turn into anything worse. I've had some pretty bad fatigue and headaches. And the joint pain in my lower back has begun quite badly. Oh what fun. Ready to feel normal again.

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  • Noni
    Noni Member Posts: 327
    edited December 2015

    Hi all. Had my 2nd taxol treatment today so I am bracing myself for a sleepless night. The burst of energy is nice but I wish I could turn it off at 10:00 pm.

    I asked my mo to tinker with the pre meds so I am able to drive myself next week. He lowered the benadryl today and it made a big difference. I stayed awake during treatment and have felt fine all day.

    Chemo #3 is scheduled for Christmas Eve at 8:00 am and I will be bringing my daughter with me. She and my husband went to an art therapy session for families last night and had fun. I will have to think up something neat for next week to help her feel more comfortable.

    My nausea is bad and I've got mouth sores but those are my only SE so far. I am expecting my hair to start falling out this week. I hope everyone has a peaceful holiday.

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  • PezGal
    PezGal Member Posts: 99
    edited December 2015

    Hello - redrock75, don't worry of the port. It wasn't bad at all. I think people post when they're having problems with it and not as much when it goes just fine. I was awake during the procedure, was a little sore for a few days after,but what's not sore these days? Now I'm thankful as the Infusion is a breeze.

    Had my 2nd AC today. I guess I'll be the first December person to announce it officially - my hair is falling out like gangbusters. My parents arrived today for a pre xmas visit. Trying to hold on till after they leave Monday. They're already worried about me enough, don't want to flash the face (or head) of cancer and freak them out more. I knew it was coming a few days ago as the crown of my head got super tender. Like a too tight ponytail. I found a website that wil take your own hair(if over 7") and make a hat wig. My very own creepy "Silence of the Lambs Lisa wig". I'm gonna try that. On another not often spoken of topic, the, ehh, hair around my private lady bits is falling out like crazy too. With every trip to pee out the red devil, there goes some more hair. I told my husband to not get used to it!

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  • Twirp26
    Twirp26 Member Posts: 178
    edited December 2015

    Pezgal, you just made me laugh out loud. Falling out like gdngbusters!! My hair started dropping a couple of days ago too. I am supposed to go tomorrow for a short hair cut if I don't find it lying on my pillow tomorrow morning. It is crazy how quickly it comes out. My lady parts are also going to be looking at a cold winter😉 I have been comparing that to the needles on a Christmas tree. Oh well, I guess we can celebrate the small stuff like not having to shave for awhile. Hope you have a great visit with your parents and a happy holiday!! Know that I am in your shoes as we speak! Keep your humor too! You made me laugh:

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  • LoveMyVizsla
    LoveMyVizsla Member Posts: 813
    edited December 2015

    Hi! I think my chemo will start next month, but I wanted to ask if any of you are doing cold treatments on your hands/feet for neuropathy during your infusions.

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  • LiLNutmeg
    LiLNutmeg Member Posts: 30
    edited December 2015

    Hi Ladies,

    I had my first FEC infusion on Dec 8th; SE were minimal other than being really tired about day 4.

    Currently am Day 11 post infusion and went and did the ceremonial head shave yesterday. My hair was down to my bottom so it was quite traumatic I decided to shave early as I didn't want the stress of finding my hair on my pillow. Bought a couple of wigs but decided to leave the shop just wearing a night cap. My head has been very sensitive the last couple of days as well as itchy and small little bumps appearing on the scalp .. I figure I'm getting ready for the big drop soon and have my lint roller at the ready on standby

    Good luck to all of you as we begin the chemo journey ... hopefully next summer this will all be a happy memory

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  • Opt4Life
    Opt4Life Member Posts: 191
    edited December 2015

    Hi ladies, just checking in. Sounds like everyone is managing SEs as best they can. Just had my 3rd treatment a few days ago. Again, no ill effects to speak of. Saw my oncologist for first time since starting treatment and she thinks I'm doing great. Tried to convince her I didn't need the DD AC after Taxol. Of course, she looked at me like I was crazy. It was worth a try. I got my period and was pretty pissed about that. Where is my chemopause? And my hair is still growing. Had I known I would still have hair 3 weeks after starting chemo, I wouldn't have cut it off so soon. Oh well, if Taxol doesn't take it off, I'm sure AC will.

    LoveMyVizsla, I wear some Naturopath socks I ordered from Amazon during infusion. They have little pockets for the ice packs and are very convenient. So far no neuropathy for me. I also take Lysine, Biotin, B-6, and B-12 which was recommended by my oncologist's Physician Assistant.

    Noni, agree about the burst of energy being nice but I so want to sleep the night before chemo and that Decadron makes it terribly difficult to do so.

    Redrock, I started reading horror stories too until a good friend of mine said to stop as the majority of those things won't happen to you. She was right! You will be thankful for that port and easy access. Mine itches a little around the site but other than that, I really don't realize its there most of the time.

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  • jodes001
    jodes001 Member Posts: 92
    edited December 2015

    Hi all!!

    Well, to get caught up....I had Taxol #2 last monday, (every monday for 12).During chemo, I had a bit of restless legs, does anyone know which drug causes that? My neck is still a bit sore from the port, I have to limit my head turning or it really aches.

    Otherwise, I'm feeling fairly normal, no hair loss yet. I'm not going to cut it until its really coming out....I'm told that theres a chance I won't lose it all..? Other than body aches, I feel good. I did start my period and I have cramps which I dont normally get. Ick

    I do feel very lucky that I'm only getting dense dose taxol. My Onc said there will be minimal se's, and so far he's right....I hope everyone here can enjoy this season with lots of love!!!

    Jodi

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  • Peabrain
    Peabrain Member Posts: 268
    edited December 2015


    @Nebraska and others with mouth sores - start with the salt/baking soda mouth rinse. From personal experience. thisside effect is pretty easy to stay ahead of, but miserable if it gets away from you. Also, watch for the first sign of heartburn and start taking some sort of soothing anti acid (Mylanta, Pepcid, whatever). I think it is the Cytoxan that strips your lining (mouth, tongue, throat, esophagus, stomach and all the other parts) and even water can hurt if you don't stay ahead of it.

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  • redrock75
    redrock75 Member Posts: 34
    edited December 2015

    Got my port in and all went well...now I hear from my MO's office that for some reason my insurance co still hasn't sent over an authorization for the chemo and if they don't get it today, I won't be able to start tx as planned on Monday. This infuriates me....I have a very large aggressive tumor, and IMO I have already waited too long already!!

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  • Lemint
    Lemint Member Posts: 162
    edited December 2015

    That's terrible redrock75. It's completely irresponsible of the insurance company. I hope it works out for you by Monday.

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  • memba
    memba Member Posts: 20
    edited December 2015

    Hey jodes, I also had restless legs for my first infusion. Did you have Benadryl in your pre-meds? That medicine is was caused it for me. I warned my nurse about it before it was given, but wasn't sure if I was going to get the same reaction given via IV. Since then, it was switched to a Claritin pill and it's much better, no more RLS.

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  • Twirp26
    Twirp26 Member Posts: 178
    edited December 2015

    redrock75, I don't blame you one bit for being infuriated!! Do these people not realize that you are dealing with enough without having to add to the stress and hassle????? It makes me mad!!! I just switched oncologist offices because I couldn't get a call back from his staff. When I did get someone it was never a nurse and they treated me like a number. I hope your insurance company got their butts in gear!! It's a shame but we really have to be our own advocates, I'd say call them every hour on the hour until they get so sick of you they do what they are supposed to!!! Sending positive vibes your way!

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  • Karenbo
    Karenbo Member Posts: 61
    edited December 2015

    Well, I was supposed to get my 3rd Taxol yesterday, but after the lab results came back, my MO decided I should skip it for a week. Otherwise he said I might be spending Christmas in the hospital. Thankful he is being conservative. Plan is to start Neupogen injections the 2 days before next chemo. I've heard if you take Claritin along with it the joint pain is less so I've stocked up on Claritin!

    Looks like we will be more on the same schedule now CyndiNic.

    Noni - I'll be thinking of you and your daughter on Christmas Eve...I'm scheduled for # 3 that same morning at 7:30.

    Redrock75 - sorry about the insurance stress; hope they authorize it quickly for you!

    Twirp26 - Thanks for the chuckles. Laughter is good medicine! I haven't noticed any obvious hair loss yet (on my head or "down there", but my legs are staying smoother longer between shaves so I'm anticipating it might not be too much longer for me. They said there's a chance of keeping your hair on low dose weekly taxol + H, so I'm holding out hope I might be the lucky ones. Time will tell! Hoping my "just in case" wig arrives soon either way.

    Jodi - Glad # 2 went well for you and that the SE are minimal. Hoping with you that there's no hair loss.

    Sending positive thoughts and good wishes for a happy holiday and minimal SE to all!

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  • stotamom
    stotamom Member Posts: 41
    edited December 2015

    Hi ladies! I was suppose to start chemo in January but decided I wanted to start sooner verses later. I had my first dose of AC on 12/15. I had horrible jaw pain that evening and the following morning. Other than that a bit of n&d but nothing major. I go in for my 2nd dose on the 29th.

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  • KrisCrzala
    KrisCrzala Member Posts: 32
    edited December 2015

    Thanks for the laughs Pez. Need those when we are going through this!!

    Hey Opt, got my period too and thought "what the hell"? The only good thing about chemo was no period. LOL Have to wait for next month.

    Went to the Look Good Feel Good seminar put on by the American Cancer Society yesterday and it was really nice. If there is one in your area, make sure to go. I'm not one to wear makeup very much, but it was nice to learn how my skin is going to change during chemo and what can be done. They also address eyebrows in case they fall out.

    Hang in there ladies and stay positive. Wishing everybody a good evening.

    A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug. Patricia Neal

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  • chinacat
    chinacat Member Posts: 78
    edited December 2015

    Welcome stotamom,

    I don't blame for wanting to start sooner and get this over with! I'm also getting AC + T. I started on 12/8 and get my second treatment on 12/22. My SE were minimal as well. Not looking forward to #2 and hoping for few SE's. Based on all that I've read, I'm expecting to start losing my hair after #2. Not ready for it

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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited December 2015

    Hi all, I have been posting on another thread that was specific to the chemo I have been getting but I will join all of you as a December Chemo Buddy. I had my first infusion on 12/10. I felt pretty good the day after and actually went to work, the only side effect I was feeling that day was a headache and the flushed face and chest from steroids. I have been able to work or work from home in the week since. But have felt pretty crappy a couple of days. I didn't get the Nulasta shot the day after because my insurance apparently has to see a drop in counts before they cover it. I went back 12/17 (which btw was my birthday) and found that my white cell count was way low. No surprise there, so this weekend it is nothing but rest and staying away from infection risks. I will get my next one on 12/31, Happy New Year to me, and I will get the shot the day after this time. I have heard bad things about the Nulasta shot though. How bad is it really? I still have my hair, but it is like a waiting game to see when it starts coming out. My nose has been very sore and cracked inside but so far no mouth sores. The salt water mix was making me sick so I started using Biotene mouthwash instead.

    We will all get through this eventually right?


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  • CyndiNic
    CyndiNic Member Posts: 59
    edited December 2015

    Taxol #2 was last Wednesday, ended up back at the doctors Friday due to a rash/breakout on my face and chest. They put me on steroids and antibiotics so the itchiness is gone. Happy to say beyond that and tiring more easily than usual I feel pretty good.

    My BF came over to take care of some house projects for me, brought over some home made chicken soup.....and never said a word about how awful my face looks.....I think he's a keeper!

    Karenbo - home sounds way better than the hospital for Christmas (or any day for that matter)

    Jodi - the bag o'Benadryl makes my legs restless as well. I know it serves a purpose I just don't like the feeling I get from it.

    Hope everyone had a great night.....somehow I ended up with 5 extra kids sleeping at my house tonight. It's a little louder than usual but I love hearing the laughter!

    Cyndi

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  • Twirp26
    Twirp26 Member Posts: 178
    edited December 2015

    I got my hair chopped yesterday. I have always worn my hair below shoulder length so this is huge for me. My hair is really starting to come out now. I'm scared to wash it as much because so much comes out. It's seems like it happens pretty quick once it starts. I'm hoping to at least hang onto it until Xmas. "All I want for x-mas is my hair" lol. Once it looks too thin, I will just shave it. I think what bothers me the most about losing it is that everyone will know now. It kinda puts it out there to the public like, " yes, I have cancer." I just don't want pity. I look forward to the day that I think back on this and say, "remember when I lost my hair????" Seems like eons away. Feeling sad tonight. Thinking of all my BC sisters tonight too. Stay strong!

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited December 2015

    I started my chemo last month but saw this thread and thought I'd like to follow along and get you know you all. My first infusion landed me in hospital on IV antibiotics. Neutrophils bottomed out at 0.0. I have struggled after number 2 with a constant low grade fever. I'm scheduled for number 3 on Tuesday but that will depend on tomorrows blood results which I fear could be underwhelming. Hoping they are good enough for treatment to go ahead. Wishing everyone minimal side effects. Hugs Donna.











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  • Karenbo
    Karenbo Member Posts: 61
    edited December 2015

    CyndiNic - Your BF does sound like a keeper! And you are brave to have 5 extra kids for the night! There is something wonderful about hearing lots of children's laughter though! Laughter is good medicine. And it's hard to feel down for very long when kids are around! :)

    Twirp26 - Sorry you had a rough night. You will get through this!!!!! I have to admit, I almost laughed when I saw your post about "all I want for Christmas..." because I'd been thinking and humming the same thing in my head this week. I share some of your fears about losing my hair. I hate that it immediately identifies us as having cancer or as "cancer patients"....l like the thought of Victors over cancer better :) I dislike standing out in a crowd, or being the center of attention and it seems like losing your hair does that. Pity is especially distasteful. I too think that if my hair thins too much I might just shave it off; haven't totally decided yet. Still hoping I might keep enough of my hair. Many say that if you lose it, your hair comes back thicker and often better than before, so I guess that's one thing to look forward to! Hoping you have a good day today! Hang in there! You've got this!!!

    Mvspaulding - Welcome. Glad to have you in our group. It's been really helpful for me. Yes!!! We will all get through this! Stay strong. So glad we can all learn from each other and encourage each other.

    LilNutmeg - Sorry about your hair. "Summer dreaming" with you. Just imagine how long, thick, lush and lovely your hair will be by then and how healthy and great you will be feeling by then too! We all are on a bumpy road for now, but I pray for smooth happy sailing for us in the future!

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