Starting Chemo May 2016

ClarkBlue- My doctor said to stop taking the anit-nausea after three days... Both Diarrea and vomit. Oh man my abs feel like I worked out for hours. I'm going to call my MO this morning; I don't think I can handle another day like that. Finally last night I ended up mixing baking soda and water together and drinking it. It seemed to help. Although I would prefer to not get to that level again. We'll see what my doctor says.

JustAgirl33: I agree with ClarkBlue, blessings to you. - I was told to take Zofran as needed for nausea and every 6 hours on the dot starting the second morning after chemo (because I got it as premed infusion before the taxol) if I never wanted to feel nauseous. why, Why WHY would they every tell you to stop taking it???? that is just so weird!! I had terrible bout of diarrha and cramps and when I called the DR. to be sure I was ok, she said as long as I wasn't vomiting or feverish and could keep fluids going in I should be ok. Dehydration is no joke, it can make you super sick, damage organs or even kill you quick if you don't stay on top of it. You are a stong, brave courageous soldier, but you gotta keep your weapons girl! This is a war of attrition, and we have to be the survivors, while the cancer cells DIE! Ok, sorry, off my soapbox. YOu take gooood care of yourself now, ya'hear? Got people that love you and need you. Will pray for blessed peaceful sleep and happier gut. blessings,A

My second infusion of TCHP was a better experience compared to the initial one. Days 3 and 4 are usually considered to be the worse days, but I had minimal pain overall. My main complaint was the absence of appetite so I subsisted on fluids and liquids on days 2-6. I have lost a lot of weight. Fatigue during this round is more pronounced but tolerable. I continue to drink lots and lots of water and eat whatever I can. I have noticed too that three of my fingernails are turning into purple. I have also discovered today that my left knee cap is swollen. I already sent a question to my oncologist's office asking whether it is a sign of fluid retention. June 30th is my third and I dread the aftermath of the infusion!!! I hope everyone is doing well.

Hi all. I started my first dose dense actually on May 27th . Just did the 3rd round yesterday . First 2 were a breeze #3 seems to be a little bit more draining. Just the exhaustion is overwhelming . I'm not used to not being able to do things . Mentally it takes a toll but keep my chin up.

OAJ2013: Yay, huzzah, you got done with A/C!! did you get a refresher on taxol? Are you gonna ice your hands and feet? Check out the June chemo thread, we got a bunch of suggestions for how to do it. Watch out for body aches, burning insides reflux and sore fingers & toes too. I will be thinking of you MOnday, my weekly taxol #6 is on Tuesday ! blessings, A

hello ladies I'm 2 weeks post my third TCH... I feel like a have a lump inmy throat constantly and when I eat I get a sore throat, I'm super bummed because I had had very fe side effects before except for some aches and pains. Anyone else having similar SEs? Happy 4th to everyone!!!!

OAJ2013: I started taking L glutamine supplement last week, and it has helped the finger /nail pain A LOT! The first week I forgot to ixe and I was shocked how mu my fingers hurt the firat night. My #7 taxol is tomorrow. Hope u had a happy 4th. Blessings, A

Had my last A/C today. Feeling nautios and tired. On to weekly Taxol/Herceptin on July 27.

OAJ2013 that is so good to hear. Just the thought of AC makes me nauseous too. Or the smell of medicine or dish soaps. I don't know why, hopefully all that will go away in time. They said on the taxol they have the freezer blocks like you put in lunchboxes. The nurse said they let you hold one and put your toes on another. She said they have made a lot of difference in the neuropathy. We shall see...

Dawn66: We have the same experience. I haven't really moved a lot since my third infusion. I went to the grocery on the third day and I thought I am going to pass out.

Has anybody had the exchange surgery after chemo, before starting radiation?

Had taxol #2 yesterday. So far seems to be way better than AC. Feel like myself today. Seem to be gaining energy back. But I'm sure it is accumulative. Hopefully the next 10 will go by as quickly. Just trying to stay busy.

OAJ2013: I had an appointment with my plastic surgeon. She said that there is a 50% chance that the implants could fail during radiation, but if they waited until after radiation I may have the expanders for up to a year. They are going to bring my case up at the next meeting and decide what is best.

Just a quick update. I finally had my 5th infusion yesterday and blood work was great in all aspects. My oncologist decided not to give me Carboplatin because it made me anemic. Her rationale was that she wanted me to finish standard chemotherapy without delay. She said the most important treatments I need to have are Herceptin, Perjeta, and Taxotere. I will have my last THP treatment on the 8th, granting my blood work is going to be alright. I will also be meeting with my plastic surgeon in October. I had been working full time and studying for graduate school this whole time though I filed for intermittent leave. The whole process is doable but you have to listen to your body.