January 2016 Chemo!

Robyn, I'm sorry to say that I didn't find anything that brought relief for the sore throat. Tea with honey, warm jello, gargling with salt water - none of it helped. I'm notw10 days since tx and it's all better finally. I'll ask the chemo nurse when I go next and see if she has any ideas. Hope you can find some relief.

Hello all - gearing up for round 2 on Tuesday!

RE sore throats - some of it might be related to acid reflux? I woke up with weird dry back of the throat pain one morning and then later that day had heartburn all day long - at first it didn't feel like a heartburn thing because the sore throat was the only part that was sore. I took Zantac and it went away….plowed through almost a whole roll of TUMS before I got the Zantac in me though!!

I skipped my claritin one day during neulasta and had this weird chest pain/discomfort - that I think is the sternal pain people talk about. Got myself downstairs at 3am and took that claritin, and didn't feel it again.

I have a really weird rash today on my chest and back - kind of like little blisters, perfectly round, not really itchy. Seeing the onco tomorrow. Weird as it is day 14 post drugs...

Neulasta + Claritin update

Took Claritin the day of my Neulasta shot, and for nine days after, so 10 days total. I had very little bone pain...my legs got a bit achy late at night sometimes but nothing I couldn't manage with a little Tylenol, the worst night was day 8 post Neulasta, so I'm glad I didn't do just 7 days!

Yesterday was my first day not taking the Claritin, obviously I was a bit scared, but no problems at all (and Iworked out and swam yesterday!)

Starting AC in 3 days (4X21 days) then T (12X7 days). Neulasta also, not too crazy about that... I have palpitations already and this scares me a bit. MUGA scan in 2 days, orientation tomorrow. My calendar has never been this busy! Well, adventure awaits!

My sister who's being treated for both recurring breast cancer and colon cancer is starting her chemo this week as well. She got anti-nausea meds to take before treatment. I don't know what they're giving her, but I bet it's quite a cocktail. It's in Europe, they probably have different recommendations there too. Did any of you get meds to take before starting chemo?

buttaflydiva, we'll be thinking of you! Please keep us posted.

onehumpedcamel, there are indeed anti-nausea medications that are prescribed pre or during treatment. We hope that this is helpful to your sister!

I was just wishing there was a like button for your pic LovesToFly

Don't give up hope MissBee! My husband was diagnosed with testiclua cancer a few months after we got married, so we had to. Go through IVF. I didn't get pregnant until I was 34.

Hello warriors,

Day 7 , I woke up feeling little more energy than the last few days. Have been having a strong headchade for about 3 days now. Is this normal just before I start loosing my hair ? I took some Panadol before bed last night which help me sleep a few uninterrupted hours.

My chest pain is better after i tried some deep breathing exercises and stretching as much as my aching bones allow.

Thanks everyone here! xoxo

I had some headaches on and off, but nothing specific, also I am now 13 days past chemo and have not lost my hair though when I scratch my head there is a bit of shedding, so I guess it's coming. My scalp doesn't hurt (will it??

I'm feeling pretty well normal now, I even went to yoga today, and look at the picture my teacher took (as you can see, yoga for me is not a relaxing work out, I practice pretty intense yoga!):

Popping in from September. I had a bad headache my first round. For the second round we decided to skip the Zofran because that can cause headaches. I ended up in the hospital after round 3 and they gave me Zofran and I got another headache, so Zofran and I don't get along.

Hi MissBee- Sorry for the late response to your 01/15 and 01/16 post!

1/15/16- (my personal experience only) My 1st chemo treatment was on 01/11 and my oncologist did not order Neulasta or Neupogen for me. I had my blood work drawn on Friday (01/15) and my blood work was good. I am on Taxol and I have had no side effects with the exception of not having a menstrual cycle or so I thought. I was suppose to start on 01/12 but I was late. Well, I freaked out Friday night because I got my cycle and it was my standard heavy flow. Since, I did not get a Neulasta shot, I ate a lot of beets this weekend to help boost my immune system and for folate (cell growth). I also ate broccoli to help with my potassium levels. Drank a lot of Hot Ginger tea (cut a several quarter size chunks and boiled) to help with the heavy flow and it worked.

My labs were good today and I was able to get chemo. I also refrained from going out this weekend and when I did go out, I wore a mask for protection. I am feeling good today. Today was my 2nd chemo treatment and so far so good (knocking on wood).

Based on your post it seems like you eat lots of veggies and fruits already. Eating the veggies and greens, such as kale, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes have helped me out. This seems to be working for me. I have more energy now than I did prior to my diagnosis and this is with no caffeine. I was a coffee drinker and loved junk food. I have given all of this up and I feel fantastic. I also avoid big crowds and wear a mask if I need to go out. I also carry wipes, a little bottle of lysol, hand sanitizer for extra protection. I know it's crazy but I am taking extra precautionary steps.  

I am so sorry that you have to put pregnancy attempts for at least another year and a half. Please know that it is all going to work out for you in due time. I am sending you prayers your way.   

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Hi jenscott- Sorry for the late post! This is in response to recommendation for minor case of thrush. I would recommend the ACT dry mouth Lozenges. I take one of these during my chemo session and at night. I also do the Biotene rinse 3 times per day and I have had no problems. I've heard that apple cider vinegar (Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar) works well for thrush. I have not personally tried it.  

I unfortunately do not know of a nose soother, I am sorry! I use to do the cotton swab and lubricate my daughters nose with Vaseline, which is a big no, no. I use to do a lot of things that I no longer do. I replaced my cleaning supplies with non toxic ones (I use to sue this product called "Awesome" and it should be called "Awful") ,play candy crush and place my phone on my breast that now has cancer etc... Real eye opener this has been!

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To all my BC sisters and brothers- I wish you the best with your treatments! Sending everyone here virtual hugs, we can do this!!!! 

sarah_sunflower are you taking Zofran? It gives me a terrible headache, but it's better than nausea (I guess). I am 11 days out from my first treatment and woke up with a headache without Zofran so maybe it's has to do with upcoming hair loss?

Has anyone else getting TC experienced hair loss yet? The anticipation of when it will start is driving me crazy. I even almost convinced myself it might not happen...delusional I know

paulinek I am on a different regimen, but have the same feeling. I am now two weeks past chemo, my hair still feels pretty solid, if I scratch and a couple pieces fall out but nothing more than usual I don't think! As much as I don't want my hair to be gone, I also just want kind of want to lose it already and move on. Yes a part of me that I know was delusional keeps thinking that maybe I just won't lose it, and even though it's a nice thought I know it's not true so I'd rather just start losing it and blast that false hope away.

I am quite ready to lose my bikini line and random chin hairs though

sorry to hear that rockstarteach, but at least you can take some control now.

LovesToFly, that made me laugh. I also keep thinking "is the the last time I have to shave?