Anyone starting Chemo July 2016?

Meow0369 - Yes, I'm cold capping! I'm using Penguin Cold Caps. I'm on Taxotere, Carbo, Herceptin and Perjeta, and my MO said people on my regimen lose head hair between days 14-17. I'm on day 21 and am shedding some, but not a lot. Started my free brazilian this week though and leg hair is starting to loosen - but the cold caps seem to be doing their job! Uncomfortable and a pain in the ass, but worth it if you want to save hair or have it grow back more quickly.

nbarkach - which chemo regimen are you on? I was down for the count for the entire first week after infusion (also the week after, but that was due to complications from an infection - definitely not standard!!). Side effects just depend on the chemos used and your own body. You'll figure it out in the first couple rounds. I think taking first week off the first time is a safe bet just to see how it goes. Some ladies in the June group go back to work just a couple days after, it all depends.

My tips for ladies on Taxotere/Carbo (and herceptin/perjeta)....(and actually for any chemo, but I can really only legit speak to my TCHP experience)

- Ask your MO what your pre-meds are - they give you these for an hour before infusion. Benadryl is good to have to help prevent a reaction from the Taxotere, and they usually give Dexamethasone (a steroid) to help with that too. Plus any number of anti-nausea meds - you'll prob need it with this mix. Also ask about which anti-nausea meds they'll prescribe for you to take from home. I find it best to take round the clock the first 3 days at least to prevent bad nausea (but I'm prone to nausea and hate it...)

- Let me know if you're interested in what kind of supplements to take on TCHP - I'm not a doctor so won't officially recommend anything but can share what my Naturopath Doctor and MO agreed I should take (highly recommend seeing a naturopath!!!) to help manage side effects and protect my heart while on Herceptin

- Check out the chemo checklist that's on these discussion boards - I found it super useful in preparing what things to get while on chemo!!

- Try to ice hands/feet during chemo (with taxanes - Taxotere and Taxol) - I swear that's helped me prevent neuropathy. And I take L-glutamine which helps a TON and helps with tummy too. I don't know of a good reason not to ice in infusion room, I'd push back on Onc about that!

- Watch out for constipation - be proactive about it (Colace helps a lot!!). and if you're on Perjeta, diarrhea is likely to come somewhere between days 3-7. Stay hydrated and go in for fluids if you need to!!

- Be gentle with mouth - soft toothbrushes, easy foods especially first week. If you get terrible mucositis, ask for a Magic Mouthwash prescription

- KEEP MOVING - even if it's only laps around your bedroom or upstairs. i get muscle aches and burns and I didn't want to move, but while moving hurts at first it helps with everything so much (as much as I hate it in the moment sometimes...). Maybe a 5 mile hike isn't feasible - know your limits, but moving around the house, walking around the block, gentle exercises, etc. for 15 mins a day at least is important. Get a family member or friend to hold you accountable if needed!

I'll be having my second infusion tomorrow and am very out of it for several days - will check back later this week! Best of luck to everyone!

Hi to all of you! I have been lurking here since my first biopsy in May. Today is my first day posting. That may have something to do with it being 2am and not being able to sleep. Before chemo I always dropped off about as soon as my head touched the pillow. The last two nights I just stay wide awake. I plan to go back to work next week, so I need to find some magic remedy to get back to sleeping!

In June I had bilateral mastectomy with beginning reconstruction. On July 15 I had my first T&C chemo. Every three weeks for 12 weeks. It wasn't nearly as bad as I had expected! The second day was better but the third day I hit rock bottom and wanted to quit. I felt so bad. But the next day was better again. Yesterday I started getting itchy sores on my scalp. I have read that can happen when it gets close to your hair starting to fall, but it's only been one week! My mouth is all white and yucky. I started using Biotine in hopes of helping that. I have blood work done Friday so maybe I will find out something to help me then.

I have read that smaller doses of Chemo done more frequently can lower the side effects. Has anyone else heard anything about that? I am also looking into the gloves and slippers that aresupposed to help prevent neuropathy.

DistrictGirl - I am interested in what supplements your naturopath recommended. I will have to check and see if my insurance covers naturopaths.

Hi JenniGirl - at 2 days after port insertion I was still taking parecetamol for a general bruised feeling but didn't feel any jostling or pulling. I started my chemo 2 days after insertion. It was A few days later that I had a really sore neck like a strained muscle that went away after a few days and then had a really sore shoulder joint right next to where the port was put in that also lasted a few days.I thought it was my body not liking the port upsetting it's normal equilibrium but it could have been after effects of the chemo as well. I'm 2 weeks later and the port just feels like part of me now.

I had my first round 7/18. I'm scheduled for 1 every 2 weeks for the combo then 1 every 2 weeks for single dose. Will have to look at my Rx sheet to see what the names are again. So far so good. Still working and only minor side effects.

Thanks for setting up July chemo warriors thread. It will be nice to chat with y'all, since we'll all be pretty much in the same boat.

I would like to join this group but I can not find it:(

Anyone have suggestions for consuming more fluids? I'm struggling with just about everything, but especially water. I've tried it ice cold and room temp with no luck. Makes me naseuos either way. I had to suck on ice chips during chemo treatment and the thought of ice makes me gag. Apple juice has been ok in moderation. I'm not a tea drinker, couldn't stand the smell or taste even before chemo. I'm willing to try just about anything!

Thanks Dee! I'm going to try some ginger ale and will have my hubby grab a watermelon. I'm willing to try just about anything at this point! If I find something I will let you know!

I have my echo on Wednesday 7/27, Port placed on 7/28 and start chemotherapy 7/29, AC for 4 rounds every two weeks and 12 weeks of Taxol then hopefully tumor which is on my chest wall will have shrunk enough for surgery. Not sure if it will be a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Should know in a couple of weeks if the chemo is working. If not, off to surgery, trying to take it one day at a time. The whole TNBC freaks me out a bit but trying to be positive that the chemo will do its job. My oncologist chose to not do any scans because I am not having any symptoms and from the US and from touch it doesn't seem that my nodes have been impacted not sure if that is normal to not do the scans.

Just curious are you given anything for pain after the port is placed

HI HelenWNZ, what is children's cordial?

My onc switched me from zofran to Phenergan yesterday which seems to be helping much better. Nausea seems better when I'm laying down than sitting or standing.

thank you! I think you are talking about Kool aid and crystal light. I'll give those a try. I tried grape crystal light and that wasn't to good. I will try the other flavors too. I received an IV of Emmend before chemo, plus I have zofran and comazine, which r barely helping. Tried some plain baked potato earlier and the results were not good. So, going to try focusing more on drinking fluids right now over eating. Trying to get Boost protein drinks down, so far so good.

I have one of those infuser water bottles. I throw a couple strawberries, raspberries or for a refresher try mint and cucumbers. The food stays in the infused thing. I changed the constant water water water thing. Hope this helps.

Ladies,

I had my third Taxol + Herceptin today. I am icing my hands and feet during Taxol. I haven't lost any hair yet. Anyone on the (T+H) regimen ahead of me? I have experieced stomach cramps, dry skin, eyes, and nose (bloody noses), fatigue, a little diarrhea, insomnia, minor muscle and bone aches and pains. I get out and exercise 3-4 times a week and am trying to get accupuncture weekly. Saturday, I hope to hike 5 miles for a local cancer house fundraiser to a hidden peak. At the top, there will be food, a band, and the youngest girl with breast cancer is speaking. She was 8 years old when she was diagnosed. I plan to be inspired!

My side effects are manageable, so I hope for those on the same chemo I am, my experience gives you hope. I am afraid of how I will feel about losing my hair, but taking it one day at a time.

District Girl, thanks for sharing your list of supplements! I'll hit the health food store tomorrow.

Be good to yourselves! Hugs.

Bird

Marlenelin -That is really disappointing that the oncologist office is unhelpful. Can you see your normal doctor for assistance. I was told to get ondansetron 8mg if the maxalon and Ativan weren't good enough. After my 1st AC I only needed the maxalon for the first 6 days and was fine after that. My oncologist was quite clear that there was no need to be vomiting or nauseas with so many options available.

Was taking zolfan as well for the first 6 days. Didn't help much. Yes, very discouraged without support from the onco office. Thinking of switching doctors.