January 2016 Chemo!

Options
1…910121415…86

Comments

  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited January 2016

    I ran out of razors last week and decided I was just going to stop shaving, but then I went swimming Sunday so I had to use my husbands!

    Rockstar you are going to rock this just like you rock teaching!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Citrinetiff
    Citrinetiff Member Posts: 88
    edited January 2016

    Hi Everyone,

    I was told this morning that my Oncotype score is 51, and my hormone status (ER- PR+ HER2- suggests that I'm closer to triple negative BC. Oncologist suggests 4 cycles of AC every three weeks (3 months) and then Taxol every week for 2 months. Anyone have similar dx or treatment? Can anyone please give me some info and reassure me that the regimen is doable? I'm feeling completely overwhelmed. Chemo is to start asap--either this week or early next week.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • robyn31024
    robyn31024 Member Posts: 51
    edited January 2016

    jennscott thanks for the reply. And just wondering did you get neulasta after? Just wondering since i didn't get it if thats why I'm having such bad ulcers. My labs were extremely low. My onc called in an antiviral for mouth ulcers but said she's not 100% sure that is the problem but that it does happen sometimes with chemo. Hoping it is viral so I can get some relief. Been having lots of ice cream and shakes! And day 13 and my hair is starting to come out pretty easily, several strands at a time. Guess will get a buzz in am :( Also noticed other areas shedding too! I actually am not to bummed about it, I would rather these mouth ulcers go away instead. Hope yours stay away! It is no fun.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Char1110
    Char1110 Member Posts: 61
    edited January 2016

    hello ladies!

    I had my first round yesterday and all went well. I think we were too focused on the cold caps to worry about anything else😉 No side effects so far. I went back in for the nuelesta shot today and have started taking my Claritin. We will see how day 3 goes! I plan to workout again in the morning and am praying for no fatigue

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cathytoo
    Cathytoo Member Posts: 667
    edited January 2016

    Well, January ladies....tomorrow is my day!

    Thanks to everyone on this fabulous site, I feel calm, well prepared and ready for the journey ahead. I've read so many supportive posts, taken all the suggestions for what I might need to have on hand, and been there for you as I read about your side effects. I'm hopeful that I fall in the middle ground...not so easy, but not too bad. I surprised myself today and dropped into my hair salon. Had my hair buzzed with just some cute little bangs left on top. Looks pretty cute, if I have to say so myself. And, I bought some cute wigs for when there's no hair left. So, in a few hours...i'm on my way.

    Sending positive thoughts and big hugs to all of you.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jensgotthis
    jensgotthis Member Posts: 937
    edited January 2016

    Robyn, I did get the neulasta shot. I was not good about taking my Claritin....will not make that mistake again because I was pretty uncomfortable. I soooooo hope you can get those mouth ulcers to go away.

    Cathy, good luck tomorrow. I'll be thinking of you and hoping you have very minimal SE.

    I go tomorrow for a bone marrow biopsy. They aren't giving me any sedation.....this sounds terrible to me. There's a small chance I have bone marrow cancer. I'm focusing on the word "small" in that sentence and hoping for good results.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jensgotthis
    jensgotthis Member Posts: 937
    edited January 2016

    Oh, and I'm also day 13 post tx and noticing many strands of hair coming out of my head and lots coming off my body. Almost happy to have it all go just so it's done. I found a wig on Monday and can't wait for it to come in late this week.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cathytoo
    Cathytoo Member Posts: 667
    edited January 2016

    Robin...don't be overly concerned about the bone marrow test. My friend has one done every three months. She has lymphoma. She claims it's not so bad. Her suggestion is to close your eyes and think good thoughts. Works for her. It's so easy for us to get stressed with all these tests. Most times our expectations are worse than the reality. Good luck to you. I pray the test is not painful and the results are negative

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited January 2016

    glad all went well char!

    Good luck today Cathy!

    Today is exactly 2 weeks since my first infusion. I'm feeling almost completely normal. I had a couple mouth sores but I did get prescription gargle, and they are gone. I don't think my hair is really falling out yet, on my head or my body. Now I'm kind of regretting getting a buzz cut a couple weeks ago, I could've had my pretty hair a bit longer. Oh well!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Paulinek
    Paulinek Member Posts: 117
    edited January 2016

    jenscott, I hope everything goes well today and I will say a pray that it has not reached your bone marrow

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited January 2016

    Hi Ladies,

    I've not been posting much as chemo has "knocked me around" very badly. Thank goodness I completed my 4th and last round of Taxotere/Cytoxan last Tues. On the hair issue just wanted to say I have not lost all my body hair. Arms, legs and yes bikini line are all still there. Sigh. Still have eyebrows too, although they have thinned and my head has remained "stubbly", but not bowling ball smooth.

    Wishing minimal side effects for all. Donna.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Char1110
    Char1110 Member Posts: 61
    edited January 2016

    Good luck today Cathy!

    JillI am glad you you are feeling almost back to normal! I like the buzz cut so you should have no regrets!

    Donna so happy that you just finished your last round. Can't wait to join you!!!



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mltdd
    mltdd Member Posts: 87
    edited January 2016

    Hello

    I will be starting chemo tomorrow. Any tips about what to wear? It's 30 degrees outside. I want to stay warm while making sure the nurses have access. Thanks in advance.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited January 2016

    thank you Char!

    Good luck Jen!!

    Wtg donna. You did it!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Paulinek
    Paulinek Member Posts: 117
    edited January 2016

    mltdd I stressed about this too because I didn't want to be cold, but knew they would need access to my arms. I wore layers, but the chemo room I was in for my first treatment was warm. They did the IV about halfway up my forearm, so I just scrunched my sleeves. You can also try a throw blanket on top once the IV is in. Good luck with everything tomorrow

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MissBee123
    MissBee123 Member Posts: 186
    edited January 2016

    Thank you to everyone for the kind words. I'm feeling a bit more cheerful today. Off to see my oncologist now and hopefully be cleared for round 2 on Monday. Geeper, thank you for your thoughts and feedback; it was definitely helpful!

    For those of you who are wondering about hair, mine came out on the dot on day 15. So even if one day it's solid as can be, the next day it can all fall out. My hair never fell completely, out, though. Parts of it continued to grow. I had an old-man-balding look: no hair on top and plenty on the sides and back! This led me to regularly shave my head so don't be surprised if you find yourself not losing all of it, or losing only patches.

    Welcome Mena! Glad you joined us.

    Wendiwithani, it's hard to know what will taste good, but maybe try some calorically dense foods with good fats: avocado, greek yogurt and peanut butter. I'd suggest salmon but I'm guessing a queasy stomach does not want smelly fish... Even if you only eat a little bit of these things, it will help keep you getting the nutrients you need. Plus all three of those can be blended with other things you might find more tolerable. All three of those actually blend very well into smoothies. (And my dream was that cancer was going to give me the silver lining of being skinny and frail...but alas no! Instead my scale keeps determinedly moving in the wrong direction, dang steroids!)

    It's finally freezing cold here in NYC and we had our first snowfall of the season. I always love the snow so it gave me a little something to smile about. Have a wonderful and SE free day everyone!


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • robyn31024
    robyn31024 Member Posts: 51
    edited January 2016

    jennscott- Good luck today, will be praying for good results!

    cathy- Hope your infusion goes well with minimal SE.

    mltdd- Just take a nice cozy blanket, that's what i did and all the ladies did in the infusion center. The guys just had coats thrown over them lol. And make sure you have ice chips or smoothie to keep mouth cold through infusion. I did a smoothie and was for a few days without mouth sores. Good luck!!!

    Donna- sorry you have been feeling rough but congrats on last round!! :)

    lovestofly-your hair is cute buzzed! I am going for mine today since i am shedding (everywhere) pretty heavily and it is messy !

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EmilyJane7505
    EmilyJane7505 Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2016

    Hello,

    Just started my first of 4 AC treatments last Wednesday (every two weeks). I then have 4 more Taxol treatments afterwards.

    Has anyone had their first treatment? How did it go for you? Interested to know others experience.

    The first two days, I was definitely tireder than usual, but then the following two days I was weak and exhaused and stayed in bed most of the day. Also, even though I didn't feel any significant nausea, I really didn't want to eat much of anything those first 4 days. Also, the nausea meds made me jumpy and uneasy (steroids).

    Coming into Monday, I felt stronger but still tired very easily. Back to work on Tuesday and feeling much better.

    My scalp is itching something fierce every now and then, thinking I am going to shave my head before my second treatment.

    Take Care,

    Emily

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JEBA
    JEBA Member Posts: 15
    edited January 2016

    Hi Miss Bee

    My treatment start has been delayed primarily because of additional biopsies/ultrasound on the "healthy" breast and Kids Gasparilla (something similar to Mardi gras geared to kids) that happens on the 23rd. I am barely making the board by having my first treatment on January 26th. The plan is TCH+P every three weeks.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kiks1
    Kiks1 Member Posts: 254
    edited January 2016

    Hi everyone, I am joining the team. Just found out yesterday that I will be starting chemo next week, probably on the 26th. Do not know much yet, will be meeting with the nurse on Friday to go through details. My oncotype was a high intermediate so MO recommended chemo. I know it will 4 rounds and I think 2 months. I am so scared of both the SEs as well as the thought that my risk for recurrence is high. Sob.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jensgotthis
    jensgotthis Member Posts: 937
    edited January 2016

    My bone marrow biopsy was postponed at the last minute (on the table, pants already pulled down lol) because day 14 is apparently when our bone marrow is "empty." I have no idea what that means but I sure am glad my Onc figured fhatout before they started sticking me with the needle. So they rescheduled for Jan 27th and will do it before my chemo infusion. That will be quite a day :) thanks for the well wishes though

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • songbird72
    songbird72 Member Posts: 68
    edited January 2016

    Hello ladies. I did my first AC treatment last Tuesday and it was a rough four or five days. I was nauseous, achy and didn't sleep or eat well. Started feeling a little better and stopped taking the nausea meds on Saturday. That day and Sunday were still not much fun---I couldn't seem to get comfortable---on the couch, in the chair, in the bed. Since Monday I have been feeling a lot more regular although I made the decision to not try to work during treatment. I'm a speech pathologist in a school and know how many germs there are with those kids! I also feel like I want to conserve my energy for my kids needs.

    My appetite has increased every day this week but here's my question. Is anyone else having trouble with runny, yucky stools? It seems to happen a couple of hours after I eat. Last week I used Miralax to help with constipation but this week it seems to have gone the other way a little bit so I've stopped the Miralax. It's annoying more than anything but just wondering if it's me or a more common SE. My stomach can kind of do this on it's own anyway.

    Already dreading next Tuesday but I know each treatment checks one off the list! Good luck to everyone who has treatments this week!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jensgotthis
    jensgotthis Member Posts: 937
    edited January 2016

    songbird, I'm on a different cocktail but I've leaned more toward constipation and a generally slower constitution since starting chemo. Hope you can get back to a more solid state soon. I know how exhausting that can be

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Veronica31
    Veronica31 Member Posts: 97
    edited January 2016

    Onc said I should start losing my hair Friday, so I preemptively cut it short today to donate it before it started thinning! image

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Rockstarteach
    Rockstarteach Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2016

    Veronica31 look how adorable you are! I love it!

    Songbird I have been the same way as you. I don't even wait a couple of hours! I will say this week I am finally back to normal. I will take my week of normalcy!! I hope you feel better soon. I also took time off school (first grade) to have energy for my boys

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Veronica31
    Veronica31 Member Posts: 97
    edited January 2016

    So many educators! I'm also a teacher and using this time to take care of me.

    I also had the same issues with AC. But back to normal

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Paulinek
    Paulinek Member Posts: 117
    edited January 2016

    I work in education too..middle school counselor. I worry about the germs, but I don't have enough sicl/personal time to take off very many days. I worked after my first treatment, but I am concerned my SE will build each time and make it harder to be effective at work. Plus I agree about saving energy for being with my little one.

    I had problems with constipation 3-4 days after chemo, but I think it was the zofran. Once I stopped that, it went the other way for another 3-4 days. It was like a guessing game of what SE would show up each day.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Paulinek
    Paulinek Member Posts: 117
    edited January 2016

    Veronica your hair is super cute!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited January 2016

    Veronica you look so cute.

    I'm wearing a scarf today. First time!

    image

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zinny
    zinny Member Posts: 281
    edited January 2016

    Robyn - the neulasta is brilliant for getting you counts up, but costs a lot so they might be avoiding it? I was recommended to gargle 3+ times a day with baking soda water - 1 tsp or so for half a glass. If they are really sore there is a magic mouth wash - sometimes known as "seattle mouth wash" that has some lidocaine, a topical pain killer in it, that can help a lot.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories