Starting Chemo in Nov 2016

Hi everyone! I'm Pauline and this is my first post.

I received my IDC DX on 10/6/16. I qualified for neoadjuvant chemo which I started on 11/2/16. I'm getting TCH + Perjeta, every 3 weeks for 6 cycles. Then after one month, I'll have surgery. I'll continue on Herceptin for a full year. I'm scheduled to have my port installed on 11/8/16.

It took almost 7 hours for my first treatment! I was told it would take "a little longer", but I didn't expect twice as long. And everything went smoothly too – I had no negative reactions to any of the drugs. They started each medication/drug off slowly, then after 15 minutes they sped it up. I received double doses of Herceptin and Perjeta so that added to the time. I can't imagine how long it would have taken if I had negative reactions. Yesterday I went in for my Neulasta shot – I took Claritin beforehand.

So far, I'm managing fine. I haven't had any nausea (yet), but I am occasionally taking anti-nausea meds (Compazine) as a preventative. I took a lorazepam before bed on the night of my chemo (to help unwind me), but didn't take anything last night. So far, no constipation or diarrhea.

I'm a little tired, but I'm still able to take my dogs on our daily one mile walks. As required, I took dexamethasone the day before and the day after chemo (they gave me IV dexamethasone before the meds), so I was told that I may be start to get a little ache starting two days after chemo. I did get a little flush (from the dexamethasone?) but that's fading.

I'm eating my normal meals, but I'm afraid to eat out in case the diarrhea or nausea kicks in.

Hello everyone,

This thread has gotten to be very active. I've been offline for just a day and there's already a long line of posts here. I dont know where to start.

Hi to sorella, nfullblume, leslie, pmevans, javamama, amw, fromtritotam, shadowcat, and all new posters here, all November Chemoladies.

I will try to catch up on all the wonderful posts here as much as i can.

So, two days after my first chemo (initially FEC), i feel great. No side effects yet, still have my taste buds and appetite, although last nite, i feel like my stomach is a bit full. I have taken all my post-chemo medicines, all oral, like placil for nausea, dexamethasone for aches, and iberet-active for iron/vit c supplement. i missed one med though, nexium which is for controlling stomach acid to avoid reflux. it should be taken before breakfast, and i already ate mine before i reviewed the prescription.

All went well during my actual chemo, which took about five hours, inclusive of preparations and pauses between each drugs. they gave me premeds aloxi for nausea and dexamethasone for pain, both thru iv. My MO said it is better for me to stay overnight at the hospital for monitoring against possible allergic reactions (none was found) and for hydration with saline solution (which started from the actual chemo 11am to 3am the following day). I left the hospital around 7:30am.

I think i saw a post here (or was it in another thread?) asking whether or not to continue taking vitamins and supplements during chemo. My advice is to ask your onco doctor about it. Tell them everything you are taking before and after chemo, and wait for their reaction. My MO told me to stop taking my supplements but she added iberet-active for iron/vit c supplementation, (i think it has vit B12 which is important) 20 days after chemo. If my stomach cant accept it, as i have previous problem with iberet, then find natural foods that contain the needed vitamins like in this case, i can change iberet with a cup of moringa leaf veggie which is also rich in iron. i am also planning to continue taking raw turmeric everday thru meals and smoothies. i've been taking it even before surgery and chemo, and i find it helpful against my rheumatic knees. The main thing is to EAT HEALTHY, more fruits and veggies, less meat and sugar.

Ok, this will be all for me today ladies and gents. Congratulations to all succesful chemo firstimers and for those about to take it, Do Not Fear, worrying is not worth it.

Happy Thoughts,

gmmiph (Gina)

hi amw5.

hi Stef! I am healing pretty well. A little sore but manageable.

port goes in the 14th and my first round is the 17th.

Still trying to figure out what to tell my 5 yo! Does anyone have young children and can help?

Hopfull2 I got a script for anxiety that my MO said would help with sleep. I don't feel I need it for anxiety but It does help with sleep. I say ask for it if you think it will help you. I have not started my chemo yet as it is set for 11/16, so I don't have any advice yet on that.

Welcome to all ladies. It is so helpful to hear others stories. To know you are not alone.

Those in their first few days, how are doing? Kelly, Leslie, Momandwife, Stef? Neulasta pain kicked in for me last night, pretty bad headache, shoulders, spine, jaw. I started on the Zofran early this morning and will stay on that every 8 hours. So far, no nausea or belly troubles. Diet and mouth are still good too.

Thinking about you guys this morning

Today is the first day I'm off of Zofran and Dexamethasone. I STILL haven't had much of a real bowel movement, and that's probably been my biggest complaint. Neulasta didn't cause any problems for me. I've slept pretty good, but have night sweats. I had my period when I started AC, so that sucked too. My energy feels better too. Hanging in there!!! Thinking of all and thanks for this thread.

Natster, think about taking a laxative or stool softener now! I know Senokot was marked as ok on my paperwork. From talking to my mom and others that have been through this in the past, letting yourself get to the point of absolute pain from not going for a few days and then needing a few more days on meds to work it out is the worse part of all of this. Painful and uncomfortable. I hope today is a "go" day for you.

Leslie2016 Thanks! I've taken Miralax the last 3 days and Senikot. Fingers crossed!!! Nfullblume I think the baking soda/salt rinses are really helpful. They help keep a weird sweet taste out of my mouth. Going for a walk & enjoying this great day!

Hi November Chemoladies.

I have read some of the most recent posts here of those who have recently gone thru chemo and everybody seems to be fine except for some minor discomforts. As for me, day 3 after my chemo, no SE except a little loss of appetite. I try to get around it by eating less but more frequent and drinking liquids. I dont know if it is ok but i am gonna try to drink SILK organic soya milk today. Been taking my anti nausea Placil, nexium for acid reflux, iberet for iron, vit c and B12 and this is my last day for dexamethasone. Trying to get as much sleep as i can too.

I will continue to pray for all of you.

gmmiph

Good evening all!

Aterry, welcome! Adriamycin can be very tough on the veins, it's pretty toxic stuff. I'm also on AC/T. I have very small veins, so it wasn't even an option for me. I have a port. As you get through the first treatment, the nurses can see how you'll do through the veins.

Gmmiph, I'm 98% ER positive, so I can't do the soy products, but I do like almond milk. Glad you're faring well!

Pink91316, I may private message you on the brachytherapy. I'm interested in that. I'll need radiation after chemo. 25 treatments doesn't sound appealing. Lol. I had a positive lymph node though, so not sure I qualify. My port was a bit sore for about a week, but once they accessed it on 11/2, no more pain for me. I think it just needs a bit to heal. The body can't be happy about having something foreign implanted in us! The diagnosis to treatment phase seems to gain momentum quickly. A lot of us feel like we are caught up in a crazy whirlwind. Occasionally, in weird moments, it'll sink in. Pick yourself up, dust off, and then in Leslie2016's words...Onward!! We do the best we can in those moments;for this, too, shall pass!

That was same exact pain places for me Leslie. I'm feeling much better today though. A bit of pressure left, but not the tingly headache. Hopefully, yours will be short lived too! I think I will venture out today for lunch.

How's everyone else feeling today

Anyone have neulasta pain taking claritin as well? Just wondering if it's worth it for me to go get some.

Also, anyone taking CoQ10 to help protect against heart damage?

amyemn- so sorry you aren't getting the support you need at home. Does your hubby go with you to the oncologist appts or your chemo appts? Have you thought about getting a therapist involved to explain shit to him? It could be he's in denial. My hubby has been super supportive, but I don't have small kids at home either. Plus, both of our moms died from cancer so this isn't his first rodeo and he knows how deadly cancer can be. (Different cancers BTW)

The rest of you, keep up the good work and keep posting. I swear reading that y'all aren't having horrible, horrible, side effects has given me heart.

I'm not taking Claritin because it wasn't suggested to me. I won't take anything at the moment without consent. I'm doing ok with the tylenol.

Amy, I'm sorry you are feeling unsupported. Is it normal for him to act this way with the kids? Or is this new since he figures you are right there so you can deal with it? Whichever, I hope you can find the answer to get him on board. I'm divorced, so I don't have a husband to deal with. Well, I have to deal with the X as far as getting him to get my daughter around town while I can't, but I'm trying to let them do it themselves as much as possible and keep me out of the middle.