Starting Chemo May 2017

DodgersGirl · May 2017

msrobin58 - you are on the same treatment plan that I am on. Just finished AC3 yesterday.

The encouraging news for me is that after 2 cycles of AC, my tumor is about 40% smaller!!! Sure made me ready to get AC3 and hope for similar decreases!

Being queasy is my most prevalent SE so I do take my prescribed anti nausea mess on the dot even in middle of night for 3 days (that seems to be what I need) and when I first feel queasy, I eat something. For me the SE kicks in on the 3rd day of a treatment. (Also for me SE is fatigue and not wanting my eyes open. Listening is fine don't don't really want the light) days 4&5 are my worst with queasiness so I drink hot ginger tea and eat every 2-3 hours. Sometimes a banana or crackers or soup. And sometimes when I feel like I could eat I have protein as in eggs or meat

I wish you the best.

Oh, and I do wear the Sea Bands on days 4&5 and then as needed and that same company makes ginger gum which I have but haven't tried.

jenkovo · May 2017

I'll be at first chemo ppt on 5/15! Prepping by taking care of the important stuff....getting a pixie haircut this weekend:)

jenkovo · May 2017

lovepugs77...I'm thinking I may skip the wig altogether b/c I'll be bald for the summer monthes(and I live at the beach) and from what I've read these wigs are hot and itchy. That being said I have an appt to try some on today. Other posts I've read talk about how wearing a wig is the only way to feel anonymous when you go out in public...no stares or well wishes. So I'm torn between just being who I am and rocking the bald head or succumbing to not wanting to look like I have cancer. I'm hoping when I try the wigs on I'll get a strong gut feeling one way or the other. In the meantime I'm getting my hair cut into a pixie on Saturday so my kids get used to seeing me with less hai

lovepugs77 · May 2017

jenkovo, that anonymity is the reason I want to have a wig just in case. I can stay positive most of the time, but as soon as some one expresses sympathy, I start crying. I think it will be so much easier on me to not have strangers coming up and wishing me well. I know they mean well, but it is hard for me.

msrobin58 · May 2017

Does anyone know if Biotene mouth spray is just as effective at keeping the mouth sores away as the baking soda in water?

Moderators · May 2017

msrobin58, people swear by Biotene, so may be worth a try.

jenkovo, wigs are really a personal decision. Worth having one for those instances that you would like the anonymity?

msrobin58 · May 2017

lovepugs77, funny you should say that about anonymity. I don't care who knows about my diagnosis, but I just don't want it on Facebook. I have a lot of garden followers who really don't know me in person, and it's nice to have one little corner my life without this disease. I also joke that I wish people wouldn't be so nice to me, because it makes me cry! I especially don't like being given the puppy dog eyes. Just treat me the same as ever people!

ParakeetsRule · May 2017

Jenkovo, if you change your mind later about wigs, buying cheap ones online might be an option. That's my plan! I'm currently anti-wig because of the summer heat and itchiness, but I didn't think about the anonymity thing. I don't care now but I might after a few months of being bald. I figure if I change my mind later I'll buy a $14.99 one off Amazon that looks passably real.

Is anybody else getting their port installed the same day as the first chemo? For some reason I'm dreading having a port (ew!!) more than the chemo itself so I postponed it from earlier this week until the 15th, one hour before I start chemo. I'm going to be out of town next week and I REALLY didn't want to haul that thing around with me on my last pre-cancer trip. But now I'm wondering if that was a bad idea because it seems like a lot of people have a longer recovery from getting the port than I realized. But everybody seems to feel okay the few days after the first chemo so maybe it will be okay.

Limonia · May 2017

Hello everyone,

Feeling encouraged and inspired by all of you here. This is such a strange time for me. Because of the healing issues with my wound post op, I'm waiting for it to heal more before starting chemo, but they've put a deadline for starting in the next 3 weeks (which will be 10 weeks post op). I can't imagine how I'm going to heal if it's still a problem wound when I start chemo. So worried about that...and of course like many of you noted, this is like a full time job! I'm ensuring I'm getting physio and physical assessments pre chemo so that I can follow up as needed post...(have cording on one of my arms, mobility issue, wanting to ensure I don't lose any more muscle, etc)....also signed up as member at gilda's club where they have classess (yoga, etc) that I can attend if I can make it. I'm seriously 'hats off' to you ladies who are still working, and working out...I'm not working right now, and I've heard so much different feedback about the chemo. My hope is that I will be able to keep up some level of activity...and some level of energy...

Also - we're going to try the veins first (instead of a pic line), so hoping my vein in my arm (that didn't have nodes removed) can handle it...

limonia

lovepugs77 · May 2017

Parakeetsrule, I think it may depend on what type of port you get. My surgeon and oncologist both said they don't do same-day. The surgeon says to wait a week after placement to start chemo, and the oncologist says 5 days. I scheduled my first chemo for 8 days after port surgery so I would have time for a follow up with the surgeon to make sure everything was healing well. I have had two surgeries in the last 5 weeks though, and have developed an allergy to steri-strips and tegaderm. I will just feel better about it if I have that follow up and his okay to start before chemo.

ParakeetsRule · May 2017

Thanks! That's good to know. I was going to call them again tomorrow anyway so I better double-check that. I'd hate to delay chemo another week because I messed up the scheduling. But I think I remember my oncologist saying it could be done the same day and the port people said, "Oh yeah, we'll just wheel you over to chemo afterwards! (gee, thanks!)

Radmonkey · May 2017

Hi. Joining the May 2017 Chemo. Starting the week of May 22. Don't know which day. I will be AC x 4 and T x 4. I'm still in a bit of shock. I get an echocardiogram on Monday. I scheduled my port for this Tuesday. I'm worried about the SE, especially the nausea and vomiting. I throw up with most antibiotics. I'm hoping the port will be healed when I puke my guts out.

Sorry, I'm really sad today. I tried on wigs yesterday and they were very "wiggy" on me. Plus, just having it on for 5 minutes, it was really hot. I don't think I will be able to go to my kid activities with one on. Privacy is so important to me. I got that "sad look" from another mother and just started bawling.

I am glad that we have this forum. I don't feel so alone in all of this.

Is Biotene mouth spray over the counter? Getting Ginger tea today.

*HUGS*

L

lovepugs77 · May 2017

Hi Radmonkey,

It looks like we are on the same plan for chemo. I'm starting the week before you, so we'll have to compare notes. From what the nurse navigator told me (and from what I've seen on these boards), the nausea is manageable if you keep on top of the meds. I'm pretty sure the nurse told me I will get some anti-nausea meds just before the infusion, and they've already called in a prescription for me to take at home, too. I'm pretty sure I saw Biotene at Walmart last week.

I don't do well with the sad looks, either. I'm okay most of the time, but the sad looks & I'm so sorries upset me.

msrobin58 · May 2017

I see we've had some more May ladies joining us here, and it's getting harder to keep track of who's who. I wish it was easier to reply individually like on Facebook!

I had my first treatment on Wednesday, and it went smoothly. I slept through most of it. As soon as she hooked up the bag that said antihistamine, I was out for two hours, hubby said. I'm still feeling quite well, but eating cautiously anyway, toast with peanut butter, soup, mashed potatoes, roast chicken, eggs, fruits and veggies. I guess all the pre meds are holding on, but I have pills here for when they give out. This is day three, so I'm on guard for the next couple days when many women say they start to get a bit queasy. I'm ready with sea bands and various ginger products.

The Neulasta pod thing was quite interesting. It was stuck to my belly, and timed to inject 27 hours after my infusion was complete. Didn't hurt a bit, but was strange nonetheless. For the few hours leading up to then, I could feel myself getting weaker, just at the time the oncologist said your white blood cells drop.

The first night I slept well, last night the steroids hit me. My face turned hot and beet red, and I was awake for a few hours in the middle of the night. But if it's keeping the nausea at bay, so what!

I counted yesterday as a gift, same thing today. A little tired, but hanging in there!

lovepugs77 · May 2017

Robin, I'm so glad to hear it went well! Yay for sleeping through so much of the infusion! I'm glad to hear the Neulasta pod didn't hurt when it injected. I've been a little anxious about that.

msrobin58 · May 2017

I see we've had some more May ladies joining us here, and it's getting harder to keep track of who's who. I wish it was easier to reply individually like on Facebook!

I had my first treatment on Wednesday, and it went smoothly. I slept through most of it. As soon as she hooked up the bag that said antihistamine, I was out for two hours, hubby said. I'm still feeling quite well, but eating cautiously anyway, toast with peanut butter, soup, mashed potatoes, roast chicken, eggs, fruits and veggies. I guess all the pre meds are holding on, but I have pills here for when they give out. This is day three, so I'm on guard for the next couple days when many women say they start to get a bit queasy. I'm ready with sea bands and various ginger products.

The Neulasta pod thing was quite interesting. It was stuck to my belly, and timed to inject 27 hours after my infusion was complete. Didn't hurt a bit, but was strange nonetheless. For the few hours leading up to then, I could feel myself getting weaker, just at the time the oncologist said your white blood cells drop.

The first night I slept well, last night the steroids hit me. My face turned hot and beet red, and I was awake for a few hours in the middle of the night. But if it's keeping the nausea at bay, so what!

I counted yesterday as a gift, same thing today. A little tired, but hanging in there!

DodgersGirl · May 2017

msrobin58 -- I had my treatment Wednesday, too. Thursday was fine. I worked 9 hours Woke up this morning around 3 am (steroids). No queasy feeling yet. I am taking my mess and eating regularly. I am tired right now. And face is flushed.

msrobin58 · May 2017

Radmonkey, I certainly feel your apprehension, and I've been there. My nerves always go my stomach, and I've often been queasy since my diagnosis in January. Antibiotics make me nervous every time, but I'm on my third round so far this year, once after my lumpectomy as a matter of course, once again shortly after that for a touch of cellulitis around the incision, and now for just a smidge of redness near the upper port incision. That being said, the pre meds are holding tough and I can honestly say I haven't had any nausea yet. You might want to see if you can get an anxiety med so you don't go in already queasy. And tell them you need all the help you can get with nausea! I was given three different types before my infusion, that hit different receptors in your brain. I don't know if that's the normal protocol, but it worked for me.

msrobin58 · May 2017

Radmonkey, I certainly feel your apprehension, and I've been there. My nerves always go to my stomach, and I've often been queasy since my diagnosis in January. Antibiotics make me nervous every time, but I'm on my third round so far this year, once after my lumpectomy as a matter of course, once again shortly after that for a touch of cellulitis around the incision, and now for just a smidge of redness near the upper port incision. That being said, the pre meds are holding tough and I can honestly say I haven't had any nausea yet. You might want to see if you can get an anxiety med like Atavin so you don't go in already queasy. And tell them you need all the help you can get with nausea! I was given three different types before my infusion, that hit different receptors in your brain. I don't know if that's the normal protocol, but it worked for me so far. And I have compazine pills to use when it comes. My daughter in law is a physician, and she bought me sea-bands, usually used for motion sickness but noted for use in morning sickness and chemotherapy. She says there is credible research for their use, and I trust her.

msrobin58 · May 2017

Radmonkey, I also wanted to say that I have compazine pills here for when the pre meds given before infusion wear off. My daughter in law is a physician, and she brought me sea-bands, normally used for motion sickness but also listed for morning sickness and chemotherapy. She says there is strong research as to their effectiveness, and I trust her.

Radmonkey · May 2017

Thank you, msrobin58! Great advice. I'm picking up my compazine today. I'm going to need a pill organizer with all the scripts she gave me! What is the Neulasta pod? I'll be getting that shot. She told me I needed Zyrtec and Zantac but did not tell me about a "pod".

Lovepugs77 - Please let me know how it goes. I'll be right behind you.

BCFighter2017 · May 2017

So Yesterday i had my first AC treatment. The whole process was smooth but once the treatment finished , i could feel i am going into the 'fatigue' mode.

By the time i came home i was very tired , it was like whole energy drained out of me . i also felt my BP going low but i kept my water intake up

Today when i woke up i felt better than yesterday. I worked for 4 hours and now taking it easy for rest of day.

My nurse suggested me to intake at least 2000 calories and advised to get Ensure , Boost to get that.

Now i am waiting for nuelesta on body injector to inject in 2 hours. I will have tylenol before 30 minutes of it.

I haven't felt nauseous till now but took the medicine in the morning anyways.

One treatment gone , 7 more to go.

msrobin58 · May 2017

Radmonkey, traditionally, Neulasta has been given as an injection the day after treatment, requiring a return visit to the office. There is a pod type thing that is attached to your skin, on your belly or behind your arm, and it's timed to automatically inject you at the right time without having to go back in. Didn't hurt a bit. I don't know if there are insurance issues around its use, but maybe some doctors don't prefer it.

msrobin58 · May 2017

BCFighter2017, I'm glad your first infusion went smoothly. Fatigue is normal, our bodies are being put through wringers! Plus I'm sure you had some sedation. Just go with it. I'm eating and drinking healthy, but I'm not sure I could manage 2000 calories right now.

Nurseinboots · May 2017

soooo I was doing pretty well with the antiemetics, but getting constipated... overcorrected with a bowel regimen... spent a day peeing out of my butt, while I was tapering back on the antiemetics per the regimen... and now I just feel like hot garbage, and very discouraged. 🙁

I'm on a "well tolerated" regimen with the liposomal Doxil, and carboplatin, once every 28 days. I don't know how I would manage standard chemo. This sucks.

Radmonkey · May 2017

BCfighter- I'm glad your first went ok. this gives me hope! Thank you for your post.

Msrobin - I will ask about that.

lovepugs77 · May 2017

I'm thinking about buying a few of these in different colors to use. They look comfy, are washable, and got good reviews.

https://www.headcovers.com/three-seam-cotton-sleep-caps/

One of my best friends bought me a beautiful scarf to wear, and I know I will use it, but I need something simple to wear, too.

msrobin58 · May 2017

lovepugs77, They do look comfy. I've been wondering if I'll want something on my head at night, but it will mostly be summer for my treatments. Silly as it seems, I don't want my head coverings to say "chemo patient". Some of the turban types seem to scream that. I have many colorful scarves that I've been wearing for years, and I know I can tie them up around my head. I've been practicing! And I picked up a couple of new extra colorful scarves just for a treat. Still, I wonder if I shouldn't have a few of the pre-tied scarves or slip on caps for a quick fix.

lovepugs77 · May 2017

msrobin, I get it. I don't want my headcoverings to scream cancer patient either, but since I never wear anything on my head (not even the occasional baseball cap), I feel like anything will. I also have the luxury of working from home, so I have a great deal of control over how much time I spend out in public. Plus, I'm all about making things as easy as possible.

My treatments will all be in the summer, too. I've read that it is good to have a headcovering to sleep in, because sometimes the scalp will become very sensitive - to where even a pillowcase can be irritating. I also like to keep the a/c cranked up to keep the house cold and cut the humidity, so I imagine my head will get cold at night.

I've spent the entire morning looking at wigs online. I'm going to stick with something short, since I've read that short wigs are easier to maintain. Here are the ones I like the best. I really like the short, kind of messy cuts. #6 is different from the others, but very similar to a cut I had years ago. Any opinions?

eilolr1 · May 2017

I am scheduled for my first treatment May 12. Four rounds of AC; 12 weeks Taxol; followed by radiation.

Starting Chemo May 2017

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