Starting Chemo in Nov 2016

yes Sorella, right now its "closed" so we can add people...it will become secret. We can also pick a name for the group that has nothing to do with cancer!

right now its Nov Chemo, but that is so everyone can find it etc...

Becky

Ladies,

I am not a huge facebooker so I would probably forget to check it. I will continue to monitor and post here though.

Thinking of all of you.

Becky, I think most of us have a port for chemo. I wonder why your MO didn't suggest it? After the initial discomfort, it has been fine. I never feel anything in my veins the day of or after. Hope you feel better soon.

Gai

Hope88, I totally thought I would be getting a port, but when I first met with my MO he said he didn't think I needed one, my veins were good...and I could start chemo sooner..

I did put some heat on it last night and it feels much better today, I"m going to have them use my other arm for my next treatment just to give this arm a longer break LOL

Becky, my infusions are through my veins. I had my third infusion yesterday and so far no problems. During the second infusion I felt a little heat sensation during the pushing for the A and my nurse slowed down the push which corrected it. I hope you see improvement, soon. Before the start of your next infusion I would tell the nurse of your experience.

Also, I learned something interesting that others might want to explore if you are having issues with nausea. I was told that one of the medications I am receiving on my infusion day (Emend or Aloxi, not sure which one) works on the same receptors as Zofran. The infusion med is effective foe 48 hours. As a result, compazine might be more effective than Zofran for the first 48 hours. After that, apparently, Zofran is your first choice, with compazine along side it as needed. Obviously, go over this with your doctor, but for those of you dealing with nausea, I hope this help.

Also, for me, going on Senekot (bills itself a a 'gentle, natural vegetable laxative") the same day I start the steroid, seems to be helping and does, in fact, seem gentle.

Aterry and Annie, Thanks!

I did not have surgery yet, so they can use either arm...as of now the first 2 they used the same arm, same vein...so maybe that is the issue. I told my nurse last time that it was hurting and she checked it and said it wasn't swollen or anything and looked good. I'm going to make sure that they use my other arm next time to give this one a break.

Anyone who is wearing a wig have tips on the itching? I ordered a cap to wear under it but it hasn't arrived yet. All my hair isn't out yet, but its patchy, and soooo itchy! this morning after my shower I dried whats left of my hair...then put on some gold bond powder..

at work today (I'm a teacher so I really want to keep wearing a wig everyday since my students don't know) I went into the bathroom on my lunch and had to just take my wig off and scratch like crazy LOL I"m hoping when all the hair is gone it will get better?

And also what do you guys sleep on or put on your head at bedtime? I haven't bought new pillowcases yet but I've been looking into satin ones...and I wear a beanie cap to bed, but end up taking it off when I get hot...

Hope you are doing ok, Pamela. These first 6-7 seem to require some patience while my body settles back down. Take care!

I hope everyone is doing well. (((hugs)))

My next (third) A/C chemotherapy is on Tuesday, December 13.

Nfullblume - How many ACs are you doing? How many Taxols are you doing? I have four each (not sure what the 'standard' is).

Annie, I had my husband buzz it again last night and in the shower I put a ton of conditioner and rubbed like crazy so it would come out LOL it did feel much better!

Leslie I hear ya on wanting the next treatment to come faster! I have to wait until next Fri for #3 and I"m so ready to get it done! I can't imagine how hard it will be when I start the Taxotere and go every 3 weeks!! ugh!

Nfullblume, Congratulations on completing the last AC! I'll be interested to see how your transition to Taxol goes.

Marie, in the same as you. 4 AC and then 4 Taxol. 2 week intervals.

Terry, come on last one. I wonder if I can ring the bell for being half done!? 😜

Grannemama, congrats on being close too.

I've been doing pretty well this go round. I had my doctor prescribe some meds for these blasted hemmrhoids. It's crazy how much havoc those things can cause. Today is day 10, so it's first day I was allowed to take prescribed meds for them. This shit needs to get cleared up before I go back in on Wednesday. I'm definitely doing Miralax 2x a day this go round. I can't keep fighting this battle. It's a huge pain in the rear!!!!! 😂😜

Becky - I haven't had any itching on my head and I've always had very sensitive skin, so I'm actually surprised. I had my husband buzz it last weekend, but I still have a little hair. I've honestly just been shampooing/conditioning with my regular shampoo (Pantene) to help the remainder fall out, and that seems to keep the itching away. I wonder if the powder you're using might make it dry out more. Wishing you the best!

Fellow warriors,

Mysunshine, thanks for the words of encouragement. I am so happy you are doing well.

Nfullblume, sorry to hear about your hemorrhoids. I have had them since my first pregnancy. Are you experiencing blood problems as well? Hope you feel better soon.

I can't remember who asked about foot pain or numbness on AC, but I am experiencing that as well. My right foot is the worse, but that might also be because I have arthritis in that foot. The pain and numbness was pretty bad all day yesterday, but got a little better today. I am kind of worried what will happen with Taxol.

Well, now with the shredding of my hair, I have the tingling and sensitivity of my scalp. My hair is in a sad state.

Ok, I am depressing myself...lol.

Have a great day ladies!😍🤓