Starting Chemo December 2015

Hi everyone, just checking in. I did my 1st treatment on 12/9, so this makes me around day 12 or so (I'm on a 3 week cycle). My experience was that days 5-9 were where I felt the crummiest. Not horrible per se, just not myself and not very hungry, etc. I definitely had the diarrhea side effect, but my doctor says that is the perjeta.

My skin is pretty dry. Also, my nose! One thing I am going to add is to get some saline spray for my nose - its so sore right now and the doctor said that is normal too.

I really hope everyone is feeling OK for Christmas - thinking of you all

twirl, I got my hair cut short couple weeks before I started my treatment so it wouldn't be so hard. I hope you keep yours for Christmas. I can tell mine has thinned some but so far not losing it. I think at this point the anxiety of waiting for it to happen is probably worse than it actually happening. Who am I kidding I will probably be a blubbering baby.

I know exactly what you all mean though about being identified as a a cancer patient now. Until the hair comes out you can kind of fake it with breast pads and look almost normal. Now the game changes and you will get the pity look from everyone.

I had a bad day yesterday with no energy and bad headache all day. Hoping today will be better. They say days 7-10 are rock bottom as far as when your counts drop and then they will start to come back up. So I'm day 10 today and hoping to feel decent for holidays next week.

Sammy3. I have the bad nose sores as well and the saline drops help. There is also a saline gel that has aloe in it called AYR. It has helped a lot to use that at night.

Hugs to all!

Lyra10, your wig looks amazing!! I would have never guessed it was a wig. I wish I cut my hair sooner. It is a cute short cut now but falling out quick. I move my head and it just drops. I'm trying to stay calm but it is really bothering me:( I think I'm going to just shave it and be done with it. I know this is temporary, just SUCKS!!! I do have a wig, just need to get used to it;) thank you girls for your support!!! On a positive note, my head does not hurt or tingle while it is happening;) smiles sent to everyone!!!

My first round of chemo was 3 days ago. Just feeling crummy. Different aches and pains. My eyes are horribly dry and I can't stand smells! My scalp is also tingly and sore already. Do these side effects continue the entire time or just last a few days after each treatment? Will they get worse each time? I don't know how I am going to get through 5 more rounds of this

My oncologist told me something about the rounds. He said that often people think it is cumulative, but its really not. He said that it may seem that way as your counts could be lower each time, so you are starting from a little bit lower place. But he said that there is no way to tell if each session will be the same. I think that is the hardest part for me - the not knowing what to expect.

demarie,

Did they give you the Neulasta shot after your first treatment? They didn't for me because they said my insurance required to see that my counts would drop, and they did. So I will get one after the next treatment.

myspaulding, yes I was given the shot after the first treatment. Not sure if it is that my treatment plan is different, or what, as it wasn't even questioned to my knowledge. I am greatful for it, as low wbc would be way worse

Stotamom sorry to hear things smell so awful. I had that problem with the smell of citrus, couldn't even be in the room with it. Mine seemed to fade after taking my nausea pills. I have not skipped a beat taking them, as I am afraid of it getting out of control

I spent the evening at the ER yesterday. I was doing some house chores and as I was almost done I started feeling sharp pain on the same side where my port is placed. The pain would come with each air inhalation. When I tried deeper inhalation, the pain was worse. My voice was also changing between hoarse and normal.

I had the hoarseness right after port surgery as well, so maybe it could be something with my anatomy that will cause issues with the port. Went thru the usual procedures for chest pain symptoms and they didn't find anything serious. But the discomfort remains. I was given a prescription for pain killer/anti inflammatory and discharged. Next chemo and nurse followup appointment is tomorrow so I'll discuss it further then, unless the symptoms really worsen. I'm going to see if resting and increasing fluids will help.

Also, my hair is starting to fall out. Thankfully, my scalp doesn't tingle or feel sensitive. I already have some head coverings and one wig. Unfortunately, although the wig has a cute style, the cap material is low quality and makes my scalp itchy. The wig was a donation from a local hair salon. Because of that I'm not sure that I could use it for long while I'm out. My teen kids have told me that they are scared to see me bald. Hopefully, I'll find another comfortable wig. One of my friends has already offered to help with that.

Before the hospital trip, we were planning to meet with my husband's friends to walk at a beautiful holiday lights display. Hoping we can do this before holidays are over because I feel fine otherwise.

Hi my December chemo sisters,

Lyra, your wig does indeed look great. Looks like the hair is growing out your head. I cut off my hair pre-chemo as well and Lordy, Lordy its growing. But I still wear my wig with my beret and bangs out and get lots of compliments on the look.

Bemba, sorry you are having issues. The port I think affects everone differently and it certainly depends on placement. Although my port area is mostly just itchy, I did have some sharp shoulder pain after carrying my heavy purse on that side for hours. Hopefully things get better for you as time moves forward. The crap we have to deal with definitely ain't for the faint of heart.

Nebraska, I'm eating up a storm too and my daily workouts aren't keeping pace with my caloric intake

Stotamom and Lou, sorry your smells are off. I don't have that chemo SE but certainly did through 2 pregnancies and it ain't fun

I'm doing my weekly Taxol right through the holidays with #4 coming up Wednesday. Hoping to continue with no Taxol problem. In fact, God bless us all with minimal SEs.

That is great news Nebraska! Did you get the Neulasta shot?

I did get the neulasta shot the first round. The bone pain was pretty achy the first 5 days even with tylenol and clariton, but worth it so that the counts would stay up!

Sammy, that was me on the nose gel, and it sure helped me! Glad it helped you too!

Bemba, I agree, I think you should try one of the wig caps and maybe it would make it more comfortable for you. I ordered a couple to either wear under my wig or if I am wearing a hat or scarf.

I got my first treatment of AC last Tuesday. (4 rounds AC, 12 Taxol) I was tired and nauseous over the weekend, but the SE that surprised me was arm pain in my inner elbow. It hurts to straighten and feels really bruised (it's not). Will this SE wax and wane like others or will it stick around?

Ugh. I've been off here for a few days having a pity party for myself. Second chemo was last Thursday, and overall I feel fine. Better than the first time, so far. My problem is the stupid hair. Woke up Saturday and ran my fingers through it and found that it wasn't shedding but rather coming out in huge clumps. Fist fulls. I knew if I wanted to do the wig out of my own hair thing I had to cut it right then, no way it was making it 4 more days. So, I chopped it all off. What a mess. I thought I looked like Carol from Walking Dead. Husband thought I looked like Tank Girl. Parents thought it "looked nice", they were lying to make me feel better. My 3 yr old son does not like my hair cut, but likes my hat. Went to PF Chang's that night and for the first time in a while I found myself bitter, sad and envious of all these people with their stupid intact hair, stupid real breasts, stupid good health, and stupid mundane conversations. If they only knew how much I wish I had what they have. Sigh... Anyway. My head is really irritated. I have big bald chunks now. I can "pet" it out of the shafts but am still holding out... for some reason. The remaining hair feels like 1000 needles poking my head every time I rub it. This sucks. It's not the end of the world, and my husband is being awesome, but like a lot of you have said, now I look the part. I don't like it. I know it's only temporary, but its a long ass temporary! Two weeks down, 18 to go....

mom4272

That is so very, very sweet!!! Awesome boys you have!