Starting Chemo in Nov 2016

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  • Hanging_in_there
    Hanging_in_there Member Posts: 226
    edited November 2016

    I start chemo on Nov 28, I meet with my doctor on Nov21 to diacuss the plans and then later that day get a port installed. I will be doing AC followed by Taxol. I am considering penguin cold caps, which I must order soon. I'm not normally a gambler, but I'm thinking about gambling On my hair

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  • 2blessed2bestressed
    2blessed2bestressed Member Posts: 15
    edited November 2016

    Hello All,

    BG46TN - I am being treated with Chemo before surgery to shrink the tumor and hopefully stop the spread. Im being treated at MSK and they do not use ports in most patients. My wonderful nurse told me they start low on the arm and work their way up as needed. And I am not afraid of needles so I agreed. I start treatment on Tuesday. Nov 22nd.

    Name: Eileen

    age: 36

    location: Bronx, NY

    Occupation: Producer in home renovation television

    kids?ages: Not yet but I just spent the last 3 weeks on fertility meds and froze a few, so here's hoping to the future mini me's.

    favorite food: Pizza, olives, fries and anything involving truffle oil! And not really food, but I do love a good Pinot Grigio.

    anything else you want to share :-) : This has been a crazy rollercoaster for 3 months now. I wish I could hop on a plane and wish this away while sitting on a beach. BUT...here I am and here I go! So glad I found this thread. You are all great and I have learned so much to prepare for chemo (AHHHH) next week from reading your posts. I'm heading supply shopping now. Looking forward to traveling this journey with all of you strong amazing November Ladies! I'm not able to work (because of the travel requirements of my job) so I'm spending a lot of time praying. I'm going to start a list of all the November Ladies and keep each of you in my prayers.


    To all the gals posting pics in their fabulous wigs - You all really do look gorgeous and very natural! My 3 year old niece lives with me and to help her understand we let her pick out a wig. Let's just say she loves pink and blue. I'll post a pick when it arrives and will search some brown hair to match my God given hair in the meantime.

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  • Hopfull2
    Hopfull2 Member Posts: 418
    edited November 2016

    BG46TN, hi. I do not have a port. Using me veins. But I've only had one infusion so far. It went well. Hope the other 5 are good to my veins.

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  • Annie16
    Annie16 Member Posts: 24
    edited November 2016

    Just veins for me if they hold up. I only have 4 treatments so there is some reason to be optimistic that they can do it. Avoiding right arm to to SNLB so that reduces the options. First time was no problem, in my hand.

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  • marigoldgirl
    marigoldgirl Member Posts: 15
    edited November 2016

    Good Morning,

    BG4TN- I drink at least 2 quarts of water, I have a 2 quart container I fill up and make sure it is gone by the end of the day. I also drink tea, coffee, and sparkling water throughout the day that I don't count.

    Sorella- I was bruised terribly from my port placement. It took about 10 days to fade. I have also bruised from my treatment. It is a small purple bruise. I think I will probably just buise every time. I am pale and have always bruised easy.

    Pamela23- My MO advised me to take Clairtin 3 times a day for the bone pain that is a SE of the Nulasta injection. I start the day before it infuses and continue for 2 or 3 days. (not sure if it helps yet as I get my injection today, will keep you posted)

    Looking forward to hearing how everyone is holding up today. Sunny thoughts to you all.

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  • aterry
    aterry Member Posts: 290
    edited November 2016

    Name: Ann

    Age: 67

    Location: Queens, NY

    occupation: retired; career was in film/video production

    kids: son 29, daughter 26. My son lives nearby and my daughter sort of lives at home though she spends a lot of time in Brooklyn or the Bronx with friends.

    favorite food: Thai (and many others)

    friends: I have many friends (too many) who have already been through this. They are providing terrific support but I wish I didn't know so many women who have faced this.

    I'm being treated at the Dubin Breast Center at Mt Sinai in Manhattan. Two friends were treated there also.


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  • aterry
    aterry Member Posts: 290
    edited November 2016

    Sleepless, the steroids made my face red the first day but day 2 & 3 did not. I think it made me woozy but so many of the chemicals can do that, I'm not sure.

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  • aterry
    aterry Member Posts: 290
    edited November 2016

    Nfullblume it's great that your blood work #s were so good. You must be taking very good care of yourself.

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  • Nanpop
    Nanpop Member Posts: 75
    edited November 2016

    I am done with my first chemo. I was not as nervous as I thought I would be. Nurses were nice. Told me to take Prilosec and drink lots of water. I took two steroids and they told me to take two more tonight. I am going to do acupuncture. I was told I can do it two days after.

    Only 7 more to go. I ate too much. Those steroids make u hungry.

    Positive vibes coming to you pink sisters!!!

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  • BG46TN
    BG46TN Member Posts: 286
    edited November 2016

    I can tell I'm such a facebook addict when I am looking for the "like" button after reading everyones comments! LOL

    Becky

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  • Leslie2016
    Leslie2016 Member Posts: 316
    edited November 2016

    Port is in and they snuck me over for an ultrasound while we were waiting for my surgery time. I guess I'll find out Tuesday about this new lump. I was really nervous about the port but it went ok. I'm really sore already though up my neck, not where the port is. Glad I got it today and not monday so I have a few extra days to heal.

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  • Sorella
    Sorella Member Posts: 107
    edited November 2016

    Nfullblume, You are such a help, thank you. Maybe I will try the brian joseph after all. We can compare notes (or should I say, eyebrows? :) I will check out the Amercan Cancer Society for the class. It helps so to have you in my corner.

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  • Nfullblume
    Nfullblume Member Posts: 171
    edited November 2016

    Pamela, I take Emend for the first 3 days of tx. I'm on day 2 of my second cycle and have had zero nausea. It's crazy expensive if you don't have decent insurance, but it's magical. I took Zofran days 4-5 last cycle, every 8 hours like clockwork. The next I didn't need it anymore. I'll stick with that this time too. When I had the bad headaches last cycle, I hadn't taken the Zofran yet. My MO asked if it was that too. It was either from the chemo or the Neulasta.

    Sorella, glad we can share our tips and learn from one another!

    As for the Claritin, I took it every day in the last two weeks, since I have bad allergies anyway. We will see if headaches are back tomorrow. My Neulasta on body goes off tonight.

    Hope everyone's treatments went well today!

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  • Coupon
    Coupon Member Posts: 29
    edited November 2016

    Today is Day 3 of my 1st infusion. The infusion itself was not as bad as I anticipated apart from getting the right vein on 3rd attempt! Now leaving the bruises.

    What threw me off guard was the side effects kicked in 2.5 hours on Day 1 --> super naseauated, dizzy, tingling on both sides from thighs to the bottom of my feet & both sides of my arm for the whole night, diaherra 4 times. Had Olanzapine twice but since didn't quite help.

    Yesterday, I went back to hospital for Neulasta shot and mentioned to the nurse what I had gone through on 1st night. They gave me IV to help my dehydration. I actually slept from 7:30pm on 1st day till I had to get up at 3:00pm on Day 2. I was managed to have 2 cups of water and a bowl of soup on 1st day.

    Instead of Olanzapine, they switched me to Metonia to fight any nausea symptoms.

    I had shoulder pain & headache after Neulasta shot but managed by Tylenol. The pharmacist said Claritin might make me fast heart beat...

    I don't know if that's the worst for my 1st cycle or more to come, will see.

    Take care everyone!

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  • Coupon
    Coupon Member Posts: 29
    edited November 2016

    Today is Day 3 of my 1st infusion. The infusion itself was not as bad as I anticipated apart from getting the right vein on 3rd attempt! Now leaving the bruises.

    What threw me off guard was the side effects kicked in 2.5 hours on Day 1 --> super naseauated, dizzy, tingling on both sides from thighs to the bottom of my feet & both sides of my arm for the whole night, diaherra 4 times. Had Olanzapine twice but since didn't quite help.

    Yesterday, I went back to hospital for Neulasta shot and mentioned to the nurse what I had gone through on 1st night. They gave me IV to help my dehydration. I actually slept from 7:30pm on 1st day till I had to get up at 3:00pm on Day 2. I was managed to have 2 cups of water and a bowl of soup on 1st day.

    Instead of Olanzapine, they switched me to Metonia to fight any nausea symptoms.

    I had shoulder pain & headache after Neulasta shot but managed by Tylenol. The pharmacist said Claritin might make me fast heart beat...

    I don't know if that's the worst for my 1st cycle or more to come, will see.

    Take care everyone!

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

    Hi to all November Chemowarriors,

    Coupon,

    It is good to see you again. I am sorry about your side effects which supposedly should come out later after your first infusion. We have the same regimen, FEC/D. Our hormonal assays are different though.

    The only reason i can think of for you having such early SEs are your anxiety, pre-chemo physical condition, lack of appropriate pre-chemo drugs and lack of hydration.

    Did you stay at the hospital overnight? I did, and i was given two NSS (natural saline solution) to go with my pre-chemo and actual chemo drugs and with the 2nd nss just for adequate hydration. I started at 1:30 pm up to 3am for the nss. The morning after i went home. Everything went fine for me.

    I dont know about you but i was doing fine up until two days ago when i found out on Day 14 after chemo, that my red and white blood counts (2nd weekly CBC) reached low levels that my MO told me to get Filgrastim shots (Scilocyte brand) for 3 days (i just got my 2nd shot yesterday) to stabilize my blood. I am gonna repeat my CBC after i finished Filgrastim. My blood before chemo was already low but within normal according to my MO so we proceeded.

    I also have mouth sores from Day 14 up to now Day 17 and my MO told me to take Diflucan once a day for 7 days, She also told me to take Ciprobay antibiotic for also 7 days, and Biogesic as precautions for fever and other infections. I am also using a mix of baking soda, salt and water for mouthwash every three hours. My mistake maybe was i did not use the mouthwash immediately after the chemo which could have prevented the mouth sores.

    Suprisingly, my hair is still intact, no signs of shedding yet.

    I hope everything goes better for you in the next few days and your overall treatment.

    Nfullblume, hope you're ok. This thread is already with so many posts and i am afraid i cant catch up with them. I saw your cute wig though. You look great. I just gave Coupon an update of how i am doing for your info. You're so active on the thread!

    Leslie, sorry to read about your new lump, hoping it is B9. Also saw your wig and headscarf. You also look cute. Onward.

    Amw5, Latinmixy, pmevans, Nanpop, Pamela and all the others, I wish you all the best. This thread is really burning with posts and i will try to catch up.

    About my profile, I'm Gina, from the Philippines, 53 y/o, finance mgr, 1 kid boy, loves to eat sour salmon/veggie stew and pizza, have a long family history of cancer, no survivors yet so i am keeping my fingers crossed.

    Hugs to all,

    Gmmiph




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

    image

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  • pmevans50
    pmevans50 Member Posts: 54
    edited November 2016

    SleeplessinCO - had my 2nd chemo treatment today; was talking with the doc about nausea and he wanted to prescribe steroids for me. I said, no. I was stubborn after the 1st treatment in not taking anti-nausea meds as soon as I felt nauseated, but this time I'll do it right. That's what I told him, too. The treatment today went well, and if what I experienced after the 1st treatment doesn't get worse this go around, I'll think I'll be okay.

    What I'm suggestion to you is if you feel you don't need them; if you're able to control nausea with anti-nausea meds and that's the way you want to go..... talk with your MO. :-)

    and you in your wig? = lovely. Short hair suits you.

    Same for Leslie = beautiful!

    I saw on one post, I don't remember which, about the Neulasta patch not getting wet? It can get wet. You can shower with the patch on your arm. It stays in place very well. Just don't wash IT or rub it too hard.

    I hope everyone is doing well!!!

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  • Nanpop
    Nanpop Member Posts: 75
    edited November 2016

    I got really nauseous towards evening. I finally took s compazine with. I results. I'm dizzy too. I have two dosages of steroids left. Would that help?

    Any suggestions

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  • Nanpop
    Nanpop Member Posts: 75
    edited November 2016

    why no steroids

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  • Pink91316
    Pink91316 Member Posts: 11
    edited November 2016

    good afternoon ladies!! I hope everyone is well. Second treatment yesterday, fairly uneventful. Side effects seem to be minimal. I do have a question, my face is red and super broke out, is this normal? Or could be an allergic reaction? Any suggestions on how to relieve it?

    You guys are so awesome at sharing. I appreciate each and everyone of you. I keep saying that cancer is bestowed on the strongest and you ladies are the strongest! Warrior on!!!

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  • amw5
    amw5 Member Posts: 189
    edited November 2016

    BG46TN - I'm doing chemotherapy, then surgery and then radiation.

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  • fromtritotam
    fromtritotam Member Posts: 29
    edited November 2016

    Good evening Ladies!

    Hope everyone had a good day! Love all of the wig pics- everyone looks awesome.

    Infusion 2 is done! My MO changed my oral nausea meds to Zofran and I still had the emend with the infusion. He also said that if the nausea is as bad as last time, I can return tomorrow for fluids. Hoping I don't have to do that! I'm going to take the zofran and try some ginger tea. Pmevans- I just throw some washed and peeled ginger in a mug of warm water.

    Pink- check with your dr on the reaction. My face is very red from the steroids. You may have to change your skin care products. Parabens can be irritating to your sensitive chemo skin. I switched from alba to First Aid Beauty for face wash and moisturizer. I am using coconut oil to take my eye makeup off The products you get at the look good, feel better class are also good to use. The other thing I learned is that you should change out any makeup that has an applicator (eye shadow , blush, etc) as it may contain bacteria. Hope this helps!

    Positive vibes and prayers to all!
    Kelly
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  • Nfullblume
    Nfullblume Member Posts: 171
    edited November 2016

    Pink, I get pretty flushed from the Neulasta shot. Mine just went off about an hour ago and I look like I just sprinted around the block. It's my neck, face, and chest. As far as breaking out, I agree with Kelly on making sure it's not your makeup. My face broke out in round 1. Seems pretty normal since your pores are helping get rid of the toxins. But if the breakout is itchy or hive-y looking, I'd let your MO know. You could be having a reaction.

    Nanpop, I take my antinausea meds like clockwork on days 1-5. I just don't see the need to suffer.

    Patti, good to know about getting the Neulasta wet!!

    Coupon, I'm sorry it's been so rough. Hopefully the doctors get you some meds that manage your SEs better.

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  • LovesLoons
    LovesLoons Member Posts: 68
    edited November 2016

    I know I'm not on exactly the same chemo as really anyone here, but I did start in November. :) Just wondering what your tumor will feel like when/if it's shrinking.


    Mine is just getting harder but not really smaller ... (basically my whole breast is "replaced" with tumor per my oncologist).

    My nurse said this was probably a good sign, but I don't recall why. So I wanted to ask if anyone is having obvious shrinkage or any change to tell it's working.

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  • amyemn
    amyemn Member Posts: 25
    edited November 2016

    2nd chemo infusion is done! So far so good. My blood work, hr and bp were all good and my heart function even improved. Of course, they attributed that to the statin, but I have been working out too, so I would like to think that that helped. The hardest part of today has been dealing with a 6 year old who is very obviously having a hard time dealing with everything. She has a headache, stomach ache and made me check her temp at least 4x this morning. When she got home from school she was even more unruly. Poor girl is internalizing everything. Make my heart ache.

    Snapped a selfie during chemo today :)

    image

    Name: Amy

    age: 40

    location: Excelsior, MN

    Occupation: Digital Marketing for a local food co-op

    kids?ages: one 6 year old spit fire redheaded girl

    favorite food: favorite? that's a hard thing to pin down for someone who works for a co-op! Current favs: roasted brussels sprouts, chocolate, bacon, ice cream, huevos rancheros, chocolate mousse, cheese....just to start ;)


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  • LovesLoons
    LovesLoons Member Posts: 68
    edited November 2016

    Nice pic!

    I can't believe how tough my son has been dealing with all of this, but he's a boy and 13. He's homeschooled, and we are really close ... Sometimes they are stronger than we realize. Maybe she just wanted to be "taken care of" for a while. Or she could be coming down with something.

    I'm in MN too. :) Stay warm! It's finally going to start feeling like fall.

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  • amw5
    amw5 Member Posts: 189
    edited November 2016

    You look great amyemn. Keep on smiling dear. We will all get through this.

    I love reading everyone's post. It's part of my daily high light. I'm going to turn in early tonight. Sleep well everyone.

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  • amyemn
    amyemn Member Posts: 25
    edited November 2016

    LovesLoons I think we are going to skip fall and go straight into winter!

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  • Nfullblume
    Nfullblume Member Posts: 171
    edited November 2016

    your hair is super cute, Amy! Are you close to buzzing it? My scalp is wicked tingly tonight. I think I've made my mind up to go to salon that's a minute from my house and have them do it. Then I don't have to deal with the mess and less chance of cutting myself. Probably will go on my lunch break.

    Natalie and Kelly, are you guys close to shaving it

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