Starting Chemo December 2015

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  • lawyer180
    lawyer180 Member Posts: 36
    edited January 2016

    How do they test to see if your bc has spread to your bones? The day I was diagnosed, I vaguely recall having blood drawn and the Dr. saying that it was to see if there were elevated levels (of something ) that could indicate that it spread to bones/liver. The results were that the levels were good. But now that I've had time to digest all of this, I'm wondering if they should do a bond scan, is it standard to have one done?

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  • Nebraska917
    Nebraska917 Member Posts: 64
    edited January 2016

    I have TC #3 as well on Monday. And I also just had a fill on my tissue expanders on Friday and I was sore for 5 days. I was taking muscle relaxers and oxy. I think it hurt worse than the original surgery. But they're back to being tolerable again. I'm ready for the implants already for sure.

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  • Lyra10
    Lyra10 Member Posts: 59
    edited January 2016

    I like your soap box mvspaulding! My bosses are actually really great but when a 3 man team is down to 1 & 1/2 it's hard. I'm a Director of Revenue at a casino so $$$$ talks. Here's to little to no SE, tomorrow

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  • Twirp26
    Twirp26 Member Posts: 178
    edited January 2016

    Pezgal, you cracked me up;) tamed down chemo person naughty;) LOVE THAT!! How I wish I could get some medical marijuana;) lol!!! I have my appointment with plastic surgeon on Tuesday. I have decided to arm myself with information and take it from there. I guess there is no sense staying pissed off at my first oncologist. It is counter productive and a waste of time. Thanks for all the input you all have given. Can't stress enough how happy I am to have you all!!! Hope everyone that had treatment and are going in the next few days have an easy go of it!! Thinking of you all!

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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited January 2016

    Nebraska, I had a fill on Friday and I'm still sore with them! It's crazy. My first couple fills weren't bad at all. But I guess the more fluid they put in the more they will ache.

    Having my 3rd infusion right now. Only took them 2 times to get IV going instead of 3. My WBC count was below normal even with the Neulasta shot, but it wasn't low enough not to get treatment.

    Lyra, hoping you feel well enough to get through this. You are a very strong woman!

    Twirp, you have the right attitude. Keep up the fight!

    Hope everyone has a good SE- free day

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  • KrisCrzala
    KrisCrzala Member Posts: 32
    edited January 2016

    Twirp - arm yourself with facts. I also went online and looked at what a lumpectomy would look like. Remember they have to cut away the lump as well as a clear margin. My PS finally told me he would more than likely have to cut away about a third of my breast but I had 3 tumors. After getting all the facts and seeing pics, I finally made a decision an found some peace. I hear about the fear of picking the wrong choice!! But you will pick the right for you!!

    Went for #3 Ac and had to delay it a week because of a stomach infection with no fever but so painful. When I looked at my blood levels they were off the charts. Took an antibiotic and I'm already feeling so much better.

    Hope everyone has a good day!

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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited January 2016

    image

    Got my new long hair wig from TLC today. Kind of like it.



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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2016

    Seriously?! Girl, it looks so "you!" Totally natural! Yes you should love it! and not even come close to feeling self conscious in it. I'm going on a wig hunt Saturday. Right now I look "moth eaten." :)

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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited January 2016

    Thanks Birdie! It's fun and I might as well switch it up every oncein a while. I got two cute hats and the wig for like $115. Can't beat that.

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  • Twirp26
    Twirp26 Member Posts: 178
    edited January 2016

    mvspaulding, LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! I think I should try ordering a wig. I went to a local shop for mine but they are so expensive!! Is it also the monofilament? You look great!!!

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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited January 2016

    Thanks Twirp. It is the Caitlin wig in the TLC catalog. It doesn't give a description of what it's made of. It was a lot cheaper than the one I got from the salon so I took a chance.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2016

    I only chime in once in a while, but I'd like you to know that you ladies, here in this forum, have my respect, love, and deep gratitude. I had a very bad time with my first chemo and we are still trying to come up with an alternate treatment plan to hopefully help me survive this thing. But just reading everything that you ladies share has really really helped me along. Bless you all :)

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  • Lemint
    Lemint Member Posts: 162
    edited January 2016

    I'm having a hard time as well. Bless you Birdie56.

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  • Twirp26
    Twirp26 Member Posts: 178
    edited January 2016

    Birdie and lemint, I'm sorry you girls are having a rough go of it. I know it isn't easy and it is so crazy how chemo effects everyone so differently. I am keeping happy thoughts for you and anyone else that might be having a rough time. We all need to stay as strong as we can, bitch when we need to and keep on fighting!! Don't let this stupid disease beat us!! Take care of yourselves. Only do what you can and take one day as it comes. It is totally not fair, sucks beyond belief but I believe we are all strong and able to kick cancers butt!! I am so pissed at this disease. If cancer were a person I would throat punch them! Hugs to all!!

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  • Lemint
    Lemint Member Posts: 162
    edited January 2016

    Thanks Twirp, you made me feel better and bless you for always being there for us all with all you've been through. I tend to isolate myself but this site has helped so much.

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  • Lyra10
    Lyra10 Member Posts: 59
    edited January 2016

    All of you are doing great, and fighters! MVspaulding I love it and totally want to go look too (is it TLC.com?) I did see a ton after reading Redrocks' post on Ebay...why not try one of those cheapy china wigs? I read the posts about the rough run then I feel guilty for not having a tough time. I had my #3 T&C yesterday and went to work this morning, made it a short morning just 6 hours but I feel good, no nausea and just tired. I am even trying to combat he constipation from the nausea drugs with a laxative & stool softeners but still nothing. If that's my only complaint then guess I should shut up. Love this forum and send positive healthy vibes to you all.

    Have a great weekend. PS. last night I had naughty chemo night with ice cream!

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  • Sammy3
    Sammy3 Member Posts: 136
    edited January 2016

    So just a few days past chemo #3 and another period arrived. I had one after chemo #1 also. What the heck???

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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited January 2016

    Yes Lyra, TLC.com. All of their wigs are reasonably priced.

    Sammy, sorry to hear about your period. I had chemo #3 on Thursday and yesterday I had a little bleeding. Was starting to get pissed but it seems to have stopped now.

    Not feeling great these last couple days. Took a pain pill today because I ache all over. Normally I feel pretty good day after infusion but not this time. I guess it is because my counts were kind of low going into this one. Has anyone else had to have their dosage lowered due to counts? Just hoping it won't change my treatment plan any.

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  • Lou53
    Lou53 Member Posts: 81
    edited January 2016

    mvspaulding, my dosage was lowered after my first infusion. I got really sick and had a high fever for days. My wbc count was almost nothing. Now I get the shot afterwards and it seemed to help. I go for number 3 next week. I always get nervous because I never know how I am going to be. I am sorry you are not feeling well. This sucks so bad!!!!

    To those who have attended the "look good feel better" thing- what do I bring? Do I wear make up? I go Monday and am not sure what to expect.

    I have had no luck with wigs. They look horrid on me. Just sent 2 back to TLC. Are you guys getting them cut? You all look great! Getting very frustrated here. :

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  • brithael
    brithael Member Posts: 224
    edited January 2016

    My MO dialed back my chemo for my 2nd infusion because I wound up in the hospital after the first with almost non-existant neutrophils. I had the Neulasta shot afterward this time. So far, two days of feeling like crap (Days 4&5) and today is not so bad. Hoping I get through "low count week" next week OK.


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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited January 2016

    Lou, I went to my session after work so I had makeup on. They had some Biore makeup remover towelettes for me to remove it. Mine was real casual. Have fun!

    I haven't cut my wigs but I'm thinking the one I just got could use some trimming in the back. And my other could probably use a trim in the bangs. Just haven't found a time to get to my hairdresser for that.

    Brithael, hope it continues to go well for you.

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  • chinookmom
    chinookmom Member Posts: 45
    edited January 2016

    Hello all~ This is my first posting, I've been following along intermittently and have been grateful for the tips, encouragement & camaraderie of this forum. I've had 2 Chemo Infusions so far with my 3rd due 1/28. I thought i'd share a couple of tips of what has worked and what hasn't for various side effects I've had. The first being pimply chest and face rash after chemo 1 and then scalp red patches and follicultis after electric shaving my head as my stubble has continued to fall out.

    RESEARCH

    Folliculitis Treatment & Management

    PESRSONAL EXPERIENCE

    • My Dermatoligist Recommendation- Hibiclens (skin cleanser and antiseptic) to wash scalp. (be very careful to not get in eyes). Helped clear up mild folliculitis I had once before starting chemo.
    • Topical Antibiotics
    • Oncolgist prescribed and backed up by dermatologist-
    • Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel 1% - I used this on face, chest and neck for pimply rash after Chemo 1 along with oral antibiotics. Used it after Chemo 2 on electric clipper buzzed scalp to deal with red patches and pimply bumps. Worked.
    • Systemic Antibiotics (Pills)
    • minocycline or tetracycline. Oncologist prescribed minocycline 100mg (once a day) which very quickly helped clear up pimply rash in areas I wasn't applying the Clindamycin. However I developed a yeast infection so I discontinued the oral antibiotics and continued with the Clindamycin.
    • My research has said to stay away from benzoyl peroxide while on chemo as it can be very drying to your delicate chemo skin.

    Hopefully very few of you are dealing with this side effect, but if its of help to anyone i wanted to share. :)

    -Jennifer



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  • chinookmom
    chinookmom Member Posts: 45
    edited January 2016

    RESEARCH

    Folliculitis Treatment & Management

    PESRSONAL EXPERIENCE

    • Dermatoligist Recommendation- Hibiclens (skin cleanser and antiseptic) to wash scalp. (be very careful to not get in eyes). Helped clear up mild folliculitis I had once before starting chemo.
    • Topical Antibiotics
    • Oncolgist prescribed and backed up by dermatologist-
    • Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel 1% - I used this on face, chest and neck for pimply rash after Chemo 1 along with oral antibiotics. Used it after Chemo 2 on electric clipper buzzed scalp to deal with red patches and pimply bumps. Worked well, the bumps are almost gone
    • Systemic Antibiotics (Pills)
    • Minocycline or Tetracycline. Oncologist prescribed minocycline 100mg (once a day) which very quickly helped clear up pimply rash in areas I wasn't applying the Clindamycin. However I developed a yeast infection so I discontinued the oral antibiotics and continued with the Clindamycin.

    My research has said to stay away from benzoyl peroxide while on chemo as it can be very drying to your delicate chemo skin.

    I have found that in the area my hair has come out are much less painful now.

    I hope that this is helpful if not too late of a post on this subject. :)

    image

    image

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  • chinookmom
    chinookmom Member Posts: 45
    edited January 2016

    Hello all~ This is my first posting, but i have been following along intermittently and am grateful for the tips, encouragement and camaraderie of this forum. I've had Chemo 1 12/17, Chemo 2 1/7 and Chemo 3 due 1/28. In catching up on some postings tonight i saw some previous ones about scalp rash and bumps and thought i would share some research and personal experience. Hope this is still of some help.

    RESEARCH

    Folliculitis Treatment & Management

    PESRSONAL EXPERIENCE

    • Dermatoligist Recommendation- Hibiclens (skin cleanser and antiseptic) to wash scalp. (be very careful to not get in eyes). Helped clear up mild folliculitis I had once before starting chemo.
    • Topical Antibiotics
    • Oncolgist prescribed and backed up by dermatologist-
    • Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel 1% - I used this on face, chest and neck for pimply rash after Chemo 1 along with oral antibiotics. Used it after Chemo 2 on electric clipper buzzed scalp to deal with red patches and pimply bumps. Worked well, the bumps are almost gone
    • Systemic Antibiotics (Pills)
    • Minocycline or Tetracycline. Oncologist prescribed minocycline 100mg (once a day) which very quickly helped clear up pimply rash in areas I wasn't applying the Clindamycin. However I developed a yeast infection so I discontinued the oral antibiotics and continued with the Clindamycin.

    My research has said to stay away from benzoyl peroxide while on chemo as it can be very drying to your delicate chemo skin.

    I have found that in the areas in which my hair has come out are much less painful now.

    I hope that this is helpful if not too late of a post on this subject. :)

    image

    image

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  • Karenbo
    Karenbo Member Posts: 61
    edited January 2016

    Here's to you all! My strong beautiful friends who encourage me on this journey of kicking cancers butt! Wishing you all a good day.imageimage

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  • proctor1725
    proctor1725 Member Posts: 33
    edited January 2016

    All - I thought I would share an update on myself. A week ago, I posted I was running a fever. They thought my expanders were infected. 5 days later, they finally figured out that I had an abscess near my surgical spot where my lymphoids were removed. Emergency procedure to drain the abscess happened on Friday. I went home with a wonderful drain accessory and a bag dangling capturing the fluid. I am suppose to visit my surgeon tomorrow. So.....if you are running fever and have severe pain near your surgical site, consider it MIGHT be an abcess. Not sure if they will cancel my chemo scheduled for Tuesday - my guess is probably yes. Hugs to everyone! The crazy things everyone has gone thru! Such a wild ride. Just thankful not one of us have experienced ALL of the crazy things that each of us have endured individually. stay tough!


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  • Karenbo
    Karenbo Member Posts: 61
    edited January 2016

    Thanks for the update Proctor. So sorry for all you've been through! Glad it was an abscess instead of the expanders; guessing it will heal faster than having to change out the expanders. Wishing you a very speedy recovery and that you can get the drains out soon! Stay tough!

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  • NewDay123
    NewDay123 Member Posts: 71
    edited March 2021

    Hi chinookmom, welcome. Thank you for the informative post!

    Great to read everyone's post here. Sorry to hear that some of you have having a tough time.

    I'll be starting my #4 cycle this week. I've been pretty down and depressed and haven't found too much to kick myself out of it. To find something cheerful... well, then I'll be halfway after this #4. So, that is something.

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  • redrock75
    redrock75 Member Posts: 34
    edited January 2016

    mvspaulding, my dosage has been reduced twice. After AC #1, my WBC were basically none and I had 0.1 neutrophils in day 7 (that was with neulasta). She dropped my dosage for AC #2 and then on day 7 after that I had 0.4 neutrophils which was still critically low, so she again reduced my dosage for AC #3. I have expressed concern but with my MO and the nurses assure me I'm still getting enough to be effective, and my tumor has all but disappeared so I believe them. Blood work tomorrow on day 7 again, we will see if I end up on antibiotics yet again

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  • Twirp26
    Twirp26 Member Posts: 178
    edited January 2016

    Newday123 I get like that too sometimes. I feel like I have pms and cry out of the blue. I swear I am Jekyll and Hyde sometimes. Hang in there!! Half way there is something to celebrate!!!

    Proctor, sorry you are having to deal with that crap!! I haven't had my surgery yet but hear those drains are a pain in the ass! I will keep happy thoughts that you are able to have your treatment on Tuesday but if not I guess it's for the best to mend a bit first.

    Karenbo, thanks for the inspiration!!

    Welcome chinookmom!!! Thanks for the tips. I have no idea why my stubble won't come out. I sometimes think it's growing but I'm not planning on seeing Repunzel hair when I wake up😉

    I hope you all have great week! We will all be one week closer to a cure! GO TO HELL CANCER!!!

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