Starting Chemo March 2016

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  • NancyHB
    NancyHB Member Posts: 1,512
    edited March 2016

    BK - best service announcement ever, especially given that our meds will mess primarily with those fast-growing cells like hair and mucous membranes. Constipation from pre-meds, pain meds, and chemo are real, and unpleasant, and potentially dangerous. I can't encourage us all enough to stock up on both Immodium and Mirilax/Dulcolax/whatever stool softener you prefer. Hydration is key; I started yesterday and as of today have had almost 2 liters of fluid. I peed 4 times during my 3-hour infusion and my nurse was happy. Eat lots of fiber, too - that helps immensely.

    Jonsey, of course you're scared. There's so much unknown happening - and happening fast, and we have so very little control over it. An IV or PICC line seems to be the universal preference for 4 rounds of TC. Ports come with their own risks of infection, but are valuable for infusing medications like Adriamycin which is a dessicant (will burn flesh and veins if it isn't infused properly; the port keeps this from happening) or for 6 or more infusions (like AC-T, or TCx6, or Herceptin, etc...). If you're getting a med with an allergic property (like Taxol), you'll be watched like a hawk. True story - during my first Taxol infusion my nosed itched so I scratched it. The nurse flipped a blue light on, shut down my infusion machine completely, and suddenly my MO and another nurse were at my side. Off came my warm blanket so my MO could examine me, listening to my lungs, asking if I could breath, how was I feeling, etc. When I was finally able to admit i just had a slight itch on the side of my nose, they stepped back...but waited five minutes before starting the infusion again while they watched for signs of anaphalaxis.

    AZ - so sorry today yesterday and today have been so rough. That much pain isn't necessarily normal in general, but it might be for you, for right now. Mine took several days to stop hurting, and I did develope neck and shoulder pain from unconciously trying to protect it. I was afraid if I moved or stretched I would hurt it - even knowing from experience that it wouldn't happen. Be patient with your body and your self as you heal right now. May I suggest some gentle stretches to relax your shoulders, like yoga stretches? Do only what you are comfortable doing, but keep those muscles moving gently so they don't freeze up.

    The steroids will likely give you energy, and the Ativan will help you relax. I take absolutely no medications whatsoever (I can't even keep on top of my vitamins), and neither of these meds make me feel bad. The steroids are important to keep allergic reactions at bay, and will help you get through the first few days feeling pretty good. Ask questions of your oncology staff - they have the answers and want you to be as comfortable as possible. Good luck tomorrow; we'll be thinking about you.

    One last thing to share about my experience today, in case any of you are interested. My MO was able to get approval for the Neulasta "button" - something I had never heard of but read about on this board. Instead of having to go back to the office tomorrow for the Neulasta shot (and taking time off of work in the middle of the day, 45 miles away), they installed this little box on my belly that will deliver the Neulasta at an appointed time tomorrow. They fill it with the Neulasta, place it on my stomach, and a small needle injects itself into the skin (like those finger pokes, only less painful). The timer on the button is set to go off 27 hours later, and I will hear beeps and through a little window will see the medication being injected. When it's all done I simply remove it and throw it away. I've included a picture in case anyone else wants to pursue this with their oncologist (it's really pretty cool).

    image

    With you all today and always.

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  • phaila
    phaila Member Posts: 279
    edited March 2016

    I can't tell you how helpful this thread is. I've been in coma zombie mode...living inside my head and haven't even thought about all the chemo "stuff" but I know where to go when I'm ready. I got my schedule today and I start the 17th. Yay!

    I'm supposed to get 4 rounds of TC. They are scheduling me for a port. Is there something not as serious or involved that I should be requesting?

    Thank you,

    Vicki





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  • BKGameGirl
    BKGameGirl Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2016

    Nancy, thank you. I'll be asking about the button. That's pretty cool. I wonder why that vs self-administration of another one of those "neu" medicines (neupagen? Sp?). Are they doing proactive neuplasta or are your blood counts or other health status in a certain situation? The reason I ask is they're not starting those right away for me. They're on the table pending weekly labs I think. Just curious what other protocols are being used.

    I'm nervous about neuropathy, too. I want a good wig - there are sooooo many choices, I wish I had a couple of solidly good recommendations. My oncologist gave me a list of like 12...that's just too many and I don't know what to ask. I do know I want ALL the fun pretty stuff - if I have to do this then I want it all and I want it pretty: hats, scarves, makeup, wigs. Bring it.

    My body stopped aching yesterday/today from the port. I feel for you AZ. I think these things are each individually a huge deal, and our cups are running over. Jonsey, same -- starting to worry.

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  • isnogard
    isnogard Member Posts: 34
    edited March 2016

    NancyHB, Feeling good so far. The whole thing was four hours. Not bad. I just feel a little "heavy-headed" as if I had been drinking a little. Maybe it's all the anti-nausea meds they gave me. They gave me a lot! So, I don't know if what I feel is normal but I'm guessing it is because all my stats are normal. Drinking lots of water and sucking on ice. Went and bought Biotene mouthwash, soft toothbrushes, and disinfectant wipes. Washing my hands like crazy too. LOL! Nancy sounds like yours went like a breeze so glad!!! Like the pic too! Should I ask about these mitts? I'm on A/C right now. Anyway goodnight everyone gotta finish homework due tomorrow.

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  • Loretta_J
    Loretta_J Member Posts: 67
    edited March 2016

    AZ - I am here awake concerned for you. I am praying that you are going to have a better experience today. May God calm you and comfort you as you start your chemo. 

    This is all new to most of us and it can be overwhelming at times. Just take a deep breath and think positively when you do get overwhelmed. This treatment will save your life. My grandmother died in 1935 from breast cancer. There was no treatment for her. I am so thankful that breast cancer is not only treatable but beatable. 

    Loretta

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  • NancyHB
    NancyHB Member Posts: 1,512
    edited March 2016

    In your pocket today, AZ - hope all goes well. The first time can be the scariest, so take whatever anti-anxiety meds they offer. *hugs*

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  • NancyHB
    NancyHB Member Posts: 1,512
    edited March 2016

    isnogard - so glad to hear your first treatment went well! I get you on the heavy-headed feeling. This morning I've got a little nausea I didn't expect, and just took a dose of Mirilax. Otherwise I'm a little "not me" but feeling darned good.

    The mitts are used primarily with Taxotere because of the high neuropathy SE. My MO doesn't offer them for Taxol. But it never hurts to ask your center what their protocols are. The ice chips in the mouth helped me immensely with mouth sores from AC. I hope it helps you. And like you - Biotene, new toothbrush every cycle, hand sanitizer, lots of hand washing. Don't want to get sick NOW!

    BK, my MO said we'd start out with the Neulasta and see how my counts look in a few cycles. He liked my numbers yesterday so we'll revisit each session and make a decision then.

    *hugs* to you all on this snowy Tuesday morning!

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited March 2016

    As an alternative, I want to say that I did not ice or polish my nails and although my big toenails got a little cruddy, I lost no nails and had only transient neuropathy.

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  • Jonsey22
    Jonsey22 Member Posts: 100
    edited March 2016

    Start date set for Monday, March 7th. I asked about cold socks, mitts and they said they have never heard of it. Really?

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited March 2016

    My chemo clinic didn't permit them. (But they'd heard of them.)

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  • NancyHB
    NancyHB Member Posts: 1,512
    edited March 2016

    Jonsey, my clinic gave me the mittens to use. My MO says the footies aren't as important, but I brought my own freezy things and stuffed them into oversize socks to protect the bottoms of my feet. My clinic doesn't have an issue with that at all. They also provide ice, so I sucked on ice the entire time too.

    I bought these little freezy packets from Meijer in the camping section. They're about 4 inches wide and 6 inches long, and cost $1/each. I brought four with me, in case the first two melted (they never did). Next time I'm going to take a smaller packet and place it on top of my toes, just for extra icing protection from neuropathy. I don't particularly care what my nails look like, but I had real problems with them before on Taxol and it was painful when running, so that's what I'm really trying to avoid.

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  • Logang
    Logang Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2016

    I saw my MO today. I will be getting AC+T. I am getting a mediport placed this Friday. I will be getting 4 rounds of AC, then 4 rounds of Taxol on an every 2 week schedule. Sixteen weeks then done. Not sure if I start next Friday or not. I should find out when they call to schedule my echocardiogram in the next couple days.

    Wanted to thank Nancy for the information and picture of the on body injector for the Neulasta. I will be needing these injections and asked about this after seeing your post. I will get it as long as my insurance covers it!

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  • bsufan
    bsufan Member Posts: 19
    edited March 2016

    Hello, on 2/8/16 I was diagnosed with IDC and after PET scan (which was clear) and various other tests I thought I was going to be having a bmx. Well I met with the surgeon for pre-op and in the 3 weeks since I first met with her, the sore that I had where the tumor broke through the skin had spread and there is now also a rash on a part of the right side of my breast. So due to the changes from 2/8 until now, the BC decided she wanted me to have chemo before she would do the bmx. So today I met with the MO and she seemed to think that the tumor that broke through the skin has now started to turn to inflammatory BC. I am having mixed feelings about this as I don't seem to have IBC type symptoms. I mean yes, the sore itself has spread (the scabby looking thing) and now there is an area on my breast that is like a rash but other than the rash (and itching) I don't seem to have any of the "normal" IBC symptoms. Does this sound logical? That I could be diagnosed through biopsy, etc. with IDC and that the doctors think it is spreading as IBC?? I am having another ultrasound tomorrow so that they have a "new" baseline of the tumor before I start chemo and I have appt for port on Friday. I am going to call the plastic surgeon that I saw a few weeks ago when I thought I may do reconstruction and see if I can get in either tomorrow or Friday and see what he thinks. I understand their wanting me to do chemo first if that is the case as the BC wants to be sure and get clear margins and all that but I just have an unsettled feeling about this.....oh and the MO said my chemo treatment will consist of Cytoxen/Taxotere. I had the Cytoxen 17 years ago when first diagnosed with stage 2b IDC and also Taxol but not the Taxotere. Kind of weird to me that 17 years after my first diagnosis I'm having almost the same type of drugs for treatment, with the supposed advancement in medicine and all.....

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  • Jonsey22
    Jonsey22 Member Posts: 100
    edited March 2016

    Welcome Shannon. Sorry I don't know much about IBC, but I am receiving the same chemo regimen as you. It sounds like it has been a whirlwind 3 weeks for you. I hope you are managing. Waiting is the worst!

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  • bsufan
    bsufan Member Posts: 19
    edited March 2016

    Thank you for the welcome! Yes it has been crazy to say the least. I had been watching a lump that appeared to be quite near my original lumpectomy scar and one day about 2 months ago it broke through the skin and I immediately went to the doctor and the last 3 weeks have been chaos. I will find out on Friday when I start the chemo.

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  • HRwinter16
    HRwinter16 Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2016

    Shannonleigh, I'm sorry, this sounds really stressful and so much happening at once which can be so overwhelming and confusing!

    I've found this group really helpful, and I hope you will too. I'm starting same regimen as you in Monday, and I'm nervous!

    Nancy, I love your picture, you look great!

    Jonsey, my clinic sounded like they hadn't heard of the cooling mits either, but maybe it's because I was speaking with the receptionist? I'm having teaching/info session with the NP Friday so I hope to learn more.

    Wondering if I should buy the mits if the clinic doesn't have them? I like Nancy's idea with the little ice pack ones!

    I bought a wig today - I had planned to try something fun and different but ended up with something much like my own hair... Planning to get short haircut on Tuesday. I read in a different thread that the stubble on the scalp can be painful - has anyone experienced this?

    Sending hugs and support to allow you

    Xo

    Heidi

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  • Faith83111
    Faith83111 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2016

    Hi ladies, I haven't posted in a discussion board since I was in Grad school, and at the age of 28 this is the last place I thought I would ever have to post.I was DX with IDC Stage 3, 6 Cm tumor area, Er+, Pr+, Her2+. My treatment plan includes chemo, double mastectomy, radiation, and 1 total year of herceptin. I had a port placed a couple of weeks ago, egg retrievals last week, and yesterday I started my first round of taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin, and perjeta (TCHP) although I received the medication as H, P, T, C.

    Yesterday I was just really tired with mild stomach pains, but last night into this morning my arms, and legs have already started to tingle and go numb in certain areas, I have dry eyes, and continued stomach pains with mild loose stools (I have a 25 year history of gastric disorders so this should be fun :/).

    All of these symptoms thus far have been mild, I just wasn't expecting to feel anything so soon! I go in tomorrow to get my shot, and am very anxious about how my body will handle the treatment as we continue. I cut my hair the shortest I have ever cut it on Tuesday, and will shave it in a few weeks when it begins to fall out.

    If someone would have told me this is how I would be spending any part of my 20's a few years ago I would have said, "Yea right!", however I am holding on strong to Faith and watching God's plan for me and my life unfold.

    I do plan on working as much as possible during treatment so any advice on how to minimize symptoms would be greatly appreciated!

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  • NancyHB
    NancyHB Member Posts: 1,512
    edited March 2016

    Welcome to everyone who's joining us. I want to catch up a little before I run out the door to work, but will write more later too.


    The Neulasta button is the bomb! I highly recommend it if you can get it. Saved time, hurt less than the actual shot, never felt a thing as it was injected, never interfered with anything. When done I peeled it off; the needle is flexible so I didn't even feel it coming out. Awesome!!!

    And if you're using Neulasta, try taking 24-hour Claritin (not Claritin-D). Helps with possible bone and joint pain.

    You'll know when your hair is ready to shed; it'll feel like a thousand needles in your scalp. My first response was to shave it right then. Except that it left little stubble in my scalp which continued to hurt. So I used a lint roller to get out stubble and when that didn't work, tried duct tape (I was desperate). This time I'm going to buzz it down ultra short and get rid of as much as possible by rubbing it off for a couple of days, before doing the full shave.

    Off to work; first day without steroids so I hope I have energy to get through. 😏 I hope everyone has a good day.
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  • Mitt1
    Mitt1 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2016

    Hello. I am also starting chemo March 7. This is my second time. First was in September of 2012,her2 positive only. Now cancer in the other breast which is er & pr positive so chemo will be AC & T.

    I am just as nervous (maybe more) than last time since it is different drugs and not sure how I will react.


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  • HolaSandy
    HolaSandy Member Posts: 85
    edited March 2016

    Welcome to all those joining.

    Faith83111, I'm so sorry that you have to join this group at such a young age. I hope you will find it as comforting as I have. I'm 32 and I completely understand when you say you never expected this at this point in your life.

    I am having my bone scan, CT, and a dermatology appointment today and they are expecting to do my egg retrieval on Tuesday and my chemo start date should be soon after that. How was the egg retrieval? Did you have any cramping or anything after?

    Best wishes and prayers to all you beautiful ladies today!


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  • Faith83111
    Faith83111 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2016

    Thank you for the warm welcome ladies! Prayers to all!

    @NancyHB, thank you for the information! With the numbing and tingling I'm already experiencing I'm not looking forward to the Neulasta shot, but hope the Claritin helps! I know we are on two different types of chemo regiments, but how many days after your chemo are you able to return to work?

    @Hola Sandy, you are young as well! I plan to really use this as platform to all woman no matter what age to ensure they are doing their breast self examinations, and following up with any concerns even if the doctors seem doubtful based on "age". The first doctor I saw (I found my lump while going through a Fertility treatment, I was pregnant at the time but didn't know, was checking to see if I had any tender symptoms and found it, I had a miscarriage a few weeks later) was very certain that my mass was just a "cyst". After my second ultra sound (yes second because they wanted a second opinion after the first showed a solid mass, I was 27 at the time) they confirmed that something looked wrong and ordered a biopsy.

    My biopsy confirming the cancer was followed by a MRI (confirmed 6 cm tumor/area), Cardio Scan (came back good), and PET scan (showed one axillary node and possibly two mammary glands effected).

    Originally based on the size of my tumor and Her2+ my MO did not want to wait for the egg retrievals, but when my Fertility Doctor was able to talk with him and let him know that he could complete it within two weeks, my MO agreed. Egg retrievals weren't bad at all! I think sticking myself in the morning and evening every day was worst than the actual procedure. I experienced cramping the evening after, and next day, but was able to go to work and did not need to take any pain medication.

    Have a great day ladies!

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  • Jonsey22
    Jonsey22 Member Posts: 100
    edited March 2016

    I am curious how those of you who started this week are feeling. I know everyone is different and on different meds but it makes me feel better to hear what others are experiencing. Nancy, you are working every day??? How are you feeling and is it manageable? How are you doing Stephanie? isnogard? Faith83111?

    Best of luck tomorrow Melgirl and BKGameGirl.

    I am going for my pre-chemo blood test tomorrow and then wig shopping. I can't believe I just said that lol.

    XO

    Candy

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  • Melgirl
    Melgirl Member Posts: 165
    edited March 2016

    welcome to all the newcomers. Sux to be a member of our club but we'll get through it together.

    I have my first chemo tomorrow and I'm starting to get nervous now. I didn't have a tour of the room and don't really know what to expect. I hear some of you talking about steroids but never remember my MO mentioning it. But I was also in a bit of shock because based on my findings she didn't even feel the need to run an oncotype. Straight to 21 weeks for me.

    HolaSandy, I had egg retrieval years ago. Using a heating pad really helped me with any discomfort.

    ShannonLeigh, I don't know anything about your diagnosis. I would start googling it, but stick to well known medical sites.



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  • BKGameGirl
    BKGameGirl Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2016

    Nancy...I had to read your post a couple of times about hair. Are you saying that you wish you had left some hair length while it was still shedding instead of doing the full shave? I was planning on a buzz with a 2 or 3 guard on the razor once it starts to go. I have looked at a few videos of women who have shared their experiences and it looks like if you want to avoid matting then a short buzz is important? I think you are saying, "don't go too short with the buzz or the stubble will make you desperate." I would love your clarity on the subject.

    In other news, I came down with a heck of a head cold (pounding sinus pressure), but I have no sign of infection or respiratory distress so dr. is going ahead with tomorrow. I'm not nervous. I feel somber, prepared and resigned. I'm relieved to start killing cancer in my body. I feel like I'm packing for some kind of sleepover: blanket, pillow, snacks, cooler, Popsicles...ice mitts and booties...ok maybe not the ice mitts and booties. I know the steroid will keep me feeling pretty good for a day or so.


    I have decided that my theme for this is to stay active. Everything I am reading says it makes a difference in outcomes. I am planning on walking with my pole and doing squats and lunges down the hallways -- I hope I can continue to do that all 18 weeks. I'm also going to drop for pushups each week before they insert the needle...let's also hope I can continue to do that.

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  • Faith83111
    Faith83111 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2016

    @Jonsey today is only my first day post my first round of TCHP. I got my Neulasta shot today at 3 and immediately left afterwards to get Claritin in attempt to decrease the muscle and joint pain, per the nurses advice. I've had a low grade fever all afternoon 99.8-100.1, but won't need to do anything unless it gets to 100.5. The nurses seemed mildly concerned, but it hasn't reached 100.5 so I'm in the clear for now! Outside of the stomach/gastric pains, I went from lose bowels to constipation later this afternoon (taking 3 stool softeners at night, eating high fiber throughout the day, and ending the day with Miralax in gatorade-we'll see if this helps), I've been able to manage everything else ok. The nurse didn't want to alarm me but did tell me that starting tomorrow or Saturday for two days I would feel like I have a bad flu. I've been able to keep the nausea down with medicine (I have 8 hour pills, I took one last night, and one this morning that seem to be working quite well).

    I'm very curious to know as well how every is managing work and or side effects as they start. I am on intermittent FMLA to where I plan on just taking a few days post chemo off, and returning back to work the full 2 1/2 weeks in between treatments. I am a Store Manager at a Super Target so I have to be careful as I will come in contact with hundreds of people and kids every day, but I haven't seen a lot of people talk about their experience with getting back to work, or for how long after chemo?

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  • NancyHB
    NancyHB Member Posts: 1,512
    edited March 2016

    Good evening everyone. It's been a busy couple of days, sorry I haven't been around much.

    Welcome Mitt1 - this is my second time around too, early 2012. I had AC-T the first time. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.

    I had my first treatment on Tuesday morning, and worked (from home) in the afternoon. Took a long nap later, went to bed early, then worked (from home) yesterday, and went back to the office today. It's manageable, but today I was just really tired by the end of it. I know it gets better, I just need to make it through the first few days. I chose Tuesday for treatment hoping that by Friday, when I wanted to fall over, I'd have the weekend to recover. Last time I did treatment on Thursdays, and found that Mondays were my most difficult day.

    I am blessed to have a supportive director who offers me the chance to work remotely when I need to. I'm trying not to take advantage of it so I'm saving it for those days I simply can't put clothes on. Day 3 now, first day no steroids, and I feel like I have the flu - body aches, stuffy head, exhausted. Slightly constipated. No nausea at all. Most things taste bad. Didn't make it to yoga tonight which makes me very sad, but I needed a nap. Working on being kind and gentle with myself right now.

    Candy - good luck wig shopping!! I hope you enjoy it, and you find something you love. It's all kind of surreal, isn't it, having to say and do these things...

    Good luck tomorrow, Melgirl. Every regimen is different so some have steroids ahead of time, some not until infusion. I take steroids starting the day before, and then I also get some during the infusion. That seems to happen with the taxanes (Taxol and Taxotere) because of the risk of allergic reaction. I had steroids during infusion when I had AC, so maybe that's what'll happen for you tomorrow? My center is really great to explain exactly what I'm getting at each point, and why. Don't hesitate to ask why/why not. I always feel it's important we really know and understand what's happening to us.

    BK - sorry I was being obtuse (chemo brain!!) :-) I had a short cut, then we buzzed my hair down (maybe 1/4" or 1/2"?) But when it starts to fall out it's like it's just stuck in your scalp waiting to come out - and if you bump against it it feels like needles. I ran my hand over my head and it looked like a dead Christmas tree with all the needles falling all over the floor. I tried to put my scarf on and the hair that was left just really hurt. I think what I should have done right then was to grab the lint roller instead of the razor - use the tape to gently tug out any disconnected hair. Then maybe given it another day to loosen up. At least, that's what I'm going to try this time - I hope it works better, I'll keep you all apprised.

    Movement, exercise - anything we can do to keep going really does help, even when we think we just can't do it. My motto this time around is One Foot in Front of the Other. I had been training for my first half marathon when dx'd; I've decided I'll do the 10k instead (end of May) and set my sights on the half for next year. This year is about caring for myself, body and soul, and never doing this again.

    Love and strength and energy and healing light to all of you. xoxo

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  • ckfelix79
    ckfelix79 Member Posts: 17
    edited March 2016

    Hi all, my name is Christina, I'm 36 and just diagnosed with IDC on 2/29/16. I have a 4.9cm tumor in rt breast and 1 known positive lymphnode. I'm supposed to get chemo 1st but my her2 status is still pending. I'm ER/PR + and my MO is planning to put me on estrogen blocking shots. Just wanted to see what others with similar diagnoses are doing for treatment and how you are being monitored to ensure cancer is responding to chemo. My fear is the cancer spreading. Any feedback or guidance on how this can be monitored during treatment? I have an MRI scheduled for Monday and am praying its not spreading :) also hoping to start chemo this month (words I never thought I'd say)

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  • azrescue
    azrescue Member Posts: 116
    edited March 2016

    Hi everyone. Well my first chemo & neulesta are complete. It has been an exhausting few days to say the least. On Sunday, we travel to Kansas City. Early Monday, I had my port placement. Tuesday was a full day (0745-1600) of appointments. And then my first chemo on Wednesday. Today we drove back home & immediately went for my neulesta. So I am pretty tired. Not really sure how much of that is from chemo or just the overbooked schedule.

    My port placement has been the most uncomfortable thing I have experienced thus far. I am not sure if its due to how my body was lying but I've had quite a bit of shoulder pain. It is starting to feel a bit better today & my range of motion has improved. Struggling to find a comfortable position to sleep in. I usually sleep on my left side and that is the side they put the port in. I just know I will be very happy the day it comes out.

    As for the chemo, It was much better then I'd imagined in my head. Everything went smoothly. The only reaction I had was some facial flushing from the taxotere. The nurse just slowed the drip some and it cleared up. i cannot say enough great things about the facility at KUMed. You have a private room, with a tv & dvd player. My whole family (husband and kids) can stay with me or come & go as they need. They helped me SO much. They did let me take an Ativan so that certainly helped with the anxiety too. For anyone else out there who is pretty nervous I highly recommend it. Otherwise pretty uneventful. Even was quicker then they'd told me. They do not allow cold capping at all. They fell that it causes more harm then good. I didn't ask more of an explanation. They also didn't have strong feelings on the icing of the feet & hands. They said there hasn't been any studies to prove it actually works. I'm still not sure on that one. I didn't ice this time but I may on the next. As I REALLY do not want neuropathy. I did polish my nails. And doing a lot of mouthwash.

    As for the Neulesta, I did take the Claritin after so I guess I'll know better in a couple days how that is working. But as of right now I do not have any bone pain.

    They did tell me that I will more then likely have lost my hair by the time of my next treatment (in three weeks). So I did go wig shopping with my family while we were in KC. My 9 yr old is struggling the most. He said he doesn't want to see me at all without the wig once I lose my hair. It hurts me so deeply that I can't take away his fear and pain. Watching my family have to go through this is the hardest part.

    Good luck to you all ... We will all get through this together.


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  • phaila
    phaila Member Posts: 279
    edited March 2016

    I have a 9 year old son too, all of this,on him is the worst worst part

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  • Jonsey22
    Jonsey22 Member Posts: 100
    edited March 2016

    Thanks to all of you posting your experiences. It relieves my stress just knowing that other people are doing it and it is manageable. I forgot to welcome Faith and Christina as well. Welcome and I hope you will find this place as helpful as I do. {{Hugs}}

    Candy

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