Starting Chemo in July 2017

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  • DawnP64
    DawnP64 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2017

    Theantz - I've done my first three infusions in my right arm. Tomorrow is my 4th & final! They offered a port, but said they don't usually do ports for just 4 treatments. My veins are small and not that easy to find. The hospital that I treat at has a vein finder. It's like a flashlight that when they shine it on your arm, they can see your veins. I've had to request that they use it each time. It's apparently a very expensive piece of equipment and it sounds like they only have one for the whole infusion unit. I treat at University of Colorado Hospital and they're pretty progressive. It's worth asking if your hospital has the same.

    I've found that I bruise a little more at the site after each infusion, but I think that's just my changing blood levels causing that. I did my second infusion on the underside of my arm & didn't really like that, mostly because it was uncomfortable turning my arm up during the infusion. Those bruises also longer to disappear.

    Dawn


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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited August 2017

    JenRuns and leatherette- I want to go back the life before BC 😡😡😡

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  • theantz
    theantz Member Posts: 30
    edited August 2017

    @Dawnp64 ... I would have surely went ahead with infusion had it been three weekly for me , but with weekly paclitaxel its a pain ..with blood test each week plus infusion.

    Doc took a look at port, and gave an antibiotic. WBC count came back around 5000 mark, and he wants to go ahead with scheduled 7th dose of paclitaxel + 3rd dose of cyclophosphamide.

    Lets see how this goes....phewww....6 cycles left.

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  • LoJo100
    LoJo100 Member Posts: 123
    edited August 2017

    Went in for my infusion today and my WBC was low (2.9), so no chemo for me today. The interesting thing, is they don't make this one up, either. I'm on Abraxane, weekly and Carboplatin every three weeks. Next week is my Abraxane with Carboplatin, so I'll go straight to doing that one next week (hopefully my counts come up!). I guess this is not uncommon, and because it was just the Abraxane today, they are okay missing it. But, no more missing, I think, so if I go down again, it will be a delay situation.

    I'm okay with this, even if we have another delay somewhere, we do have some room to play with radiation dates that will still get me done by Thanksgiving. Hopeful this will stay the case!

    Hives still come and go, as expected, but nothing like it was at its worst. They aren't showing up all over my body at once, now they seem to move around.

    The big thing now is that I'm in the danger zone for infection, so no being around groups of people and those who may be sick, so I'll be working from home tomorrow and over the weekend, and won't be doing some of the things I thought I would be over Labor Day weekend, but that's okay. I also have a big event next Friday. They think I'll be able to go by then, but definitely making some contingency plans at this point.

    But... chemo doesn't seem to care much about our schedules and plans. So, I'm trying to roll with it and be happy that I'm doing pretty well, overall. Just need to hang on for this chemo ride and get through it.

    I hope everyone has minimal SE's this weekend!


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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited September 2017

    LoJo100- I'm hoping my WBC is high enough tomorrow for my infusion and I'm not going to stress over this now, whatever schedule, most important my body is strong enough and ready. I was at 2.2 WBC last week lab test I hope one week of time my body is ready.

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  • LoJo100
    LoJo100 Member Posts: 123
    edited September 2017

    Hi PauletteK - I will be sending good thoughts for high WBC tomorrow! I feel the same way you do... no help in stressing, I want my body strong for the meds (after my big allergic reaction, I believe this even more! ).


    Good luck tomorrow!

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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited September 2017

    LoJo100 - hugs ....... have a good weekend and enjoy the time pump up your WBC! 🤗🤗🤗

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  • LoJo100
    LoJo100 Member Posts: 123
    edited September 2017

    Hi PauletteK - Just checking in to see how it went today! I hope all is well, and that SE's are minimal!

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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited September 2017

    LoJo100- I got my last AC today it went well. Now I haven't felt any SE since I'm all drug up 😂😂 ask me on day 4 ...... everyone have a great weekend I know I will stay inside my house to rest up the next several days.

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  • LoJo100
    LoJo100 Member Posts: 123
    edited September 2017

    Great to hear, PauletteK!! Have a nice restful weekend. I'll be doing the same. I'm in California and it is way too hot to be out doing much of anything! Perfect timing to be told I shouldn't be out with people! :-)

    Hope everyone has a good Labor Day Weekend!

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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited September 2017

    Hi July group

    Most of us should finish our first treatment and move on to the next treatment soon, just wondering how's everyone are doing?

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  • Leatherette
    Leatherette Member Posts: 448
    edited September 2017

    Hi-I am good-this was a tough round, but I am through the worst. My next infusion is Thursday (halfway point!). Today I walked for an hour, then was able to enjoy some himalayan food and a beer at a restaurant. It was good to feel a little normal! But I am not wearing my wig-too bloody hot! So, "normal" with a cap on it!



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  • JenRuns
    JenRuns Member Posts: 350
    edited September 2017

    phew, finally starting to feel "new normal".... had last A/C treatment last Friday and finished antibiotic on Thursday. Actually enjoyed this weekend, thank goodness. (I needed it mentally!)

    Start Taxol on the 12th. Hoping to get a rad onc consult in the next few weeks so I know what to expect with that too. Chugging right along

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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited September 2017

    Tomorrow will be my day 4 bad day, I already feel it tonight. It came early, so much not looking forward for the next few days. 🙁🙁🙁

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  • Leatherette
    Leatherette Member Posts: 448
    edited September 2017

    Sorry, Paulette! Maybe it will be better than you are expecting? I hope so!



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  • pink_is_my_colour
    pink_is_my_colour Member Posts: 308
    edited September 2017

    Hang in there Paulette. At least you know it's only going to be those few bad days then it gets better. I'll be getting my next infusion this Friday. If it's anything like last time then I'll be having a week of bad days.

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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited September 2017

    Pink - we all hang in there one day at a time 🙏🙏🙏.

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  • LoJo100
    LoJo100 Member Posts: 123
    edited September 2017

    Leatherette - I love the sound of your outing. This weekend it was very hot here in California, and a cold beer sounded sooo good. I stayed away from it just in case it would have impact on rebuilding my WBC, but I'm so happy to hear that you got to enjoy good food and a good beer! :-)

    JenRuns - I had a good weekend too. I stayed around the house and took it easy, but feel really good, maybe the best I've felt since starting this chemo ride. Great to hear you had a nice "new normal" weekend!

    PauletteK - I hope the worst of the SE's will pass by quickly as you head towards your weekly Taxol. Congrats on finishing up your A/C!

    I spent the weekend mostly inside, due to the heat, and took some morning and evening walks during the coolest part of the day. Today the heat has broken and feels lovely! I had time with my DH, cooked, knit, watched some programs and listened to some of my favorite music programs all weekend. It was sooo nice. I'm realizing that for the remainder of my chemo path, I'm going to make sure my weekends and evenings are very much like this.

    I am feeling the best I have since this chemo ride started, and my hives are at bay with just a daily Zyrtec! I'm hoping that my increased energy levels mean my WBC is rising. We shall find out tomorrow when I head to my next appt. with my MO.

    I must say, I love this group and reading everybody's unique journey through this. It is so helpful during the low's and the high's. I told my DH that it is a group that already knows what's up, so there is no judgement and no explaining why something that may seem small is so big right now! I mean, having a good meal, a good beer and a nice evening walk is such a win right now, and I don't know that anyone can understand that unless they are in it!

    I start up my last round this week (big one this Thursday with two more little weekly infusions after that). Here's hoping my WBC are ready to play again! :-)

    I hope all of you are well, enjoying the holiday (for those of us in the States) and SE's are minimal!

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  • JenRuns
    JenRuns Member Posts: 350
    edited September 2017

    I just got notice from our Secretary of State that I have to go in and renew my license this year.... which means a new photo, with either a chemo cap or my wig. I cannot even articulate how upset this makes me. I know I can pay for a new license when my hair grows back... but that'll be months... I'm so damn upset by this.

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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited September 2017

    Jen - FYI my driver license expired cause I don't want to go to DMV while I'm having my chemo. Might do that after my chemo. So I have to put the damn wig on for my driver license picture. 😡😡

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  • LoJo100
    LoJo100 Member Posts: 123
    edited September 2017

    Hi All!

    Just had the start of my last three week round! Today was the big day (Abraxane and Carboplatin), then the next two weeks will be Abraxane, only! I feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

    My WBC and ANC came up enough for chemo, but I'm still to be careful about being in large groups of people (don't do it!) and food. So, I'm happy I was able to get it.

    To help my body through this final set of chemo, my MO is prescribing Neupogen, which I will take for four days after infusion day. I will need to give myself the shot each time. They are pre-filled and easy to use, according to my oncology nurse, so we will see how this goes! Seriously, this entire 'trip' has made feel like I can do just about anything if I need to! Drains... check, Chemo and SE's with major allergy... check, Give myself a shot twelve times over a few weeks... yes, I can do that!!

    JenRuns: I'm sorry to hear about the Drivers License. They should have some kind of option for this moment! Sending good thoughts.


    I hope everyone is doing well, and SE's are minimal right now! Good thoughts to everyone!


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  • Leatherette
    Leatherette Member Posts: 448
    edited September 2017

    I just renewed my driver's license online, and I was asked if I just wanted to continue using the picture that was already on my license. I know JenRuns has to go in to renew, and I don't know about CA, but it may be an option for you, Paulette.

    Also, third round of chemo today, and it took 5 hours! Then I was out and about and didn't have my dexamethosone with me, so I got that dose late, and started to get itchy all over. I'm sitting here waiting for the steroid to kick in. I'm mad at myself for doing that. I have to get up early for work tomorrow, and hope taking the steroids late won't keep me awake tonight.

    Arrrgh!



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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited September 2017

    Leatherette - what made you so itchy? I haven't start my taxol so I won't know SE.

    I have to replace my DMV picture this time （what a timing ) 😢😢😢 guess that will be a good memory picture with wig

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  • pink_is_my_colour
    pink_is_my_colour Member Posts: 308
    edited September 2017

    JenRuns: Oh gosh girl, that really sucks. Mine expires in May of 2018. Hopefully by then I'll have at least a smattering of hair in my head. Could they give you a temporary license? I guess it doesn't hurt to ask if there's anything they can do for you.

    LoJo100: I have to give myself a Neulasta shot 36 hours after my chemo just before bed. It's easy. The needle doesn't hurt at all. They suggested the stomach or the thigh area. I gave mine in the thigh. Much easier. The worst part for me was the bone pain which started 24 hours after the shot and lasted for a day. I gave my shot at night that way the majority of the pain was during the night. This time I got pain meds as Tylenol didn't really help for me.

    I went for my blood work yesterday. Not good news. RBC are decreasing fast and furious. Depending on how low they go after this round I may a blood transfusion which of course comes with it's own set of side effects on top of all the other chemo side effects.

    And I was suppose to get my chemo today but unknown to me they switched it to tomorrow without telling me. My DH noticed because I had to book an appointment for a November follow up and he wanted to know what time chemo was for today. The new appointment schedule showed the switch but no one said a thing to me yesterday. I started all my pre meds (Dexamethsone) yesterday based on getting the chemo today and now I'm short on meds by one day.

    Fun times this chemo trip!


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  • Leatherette
    Leatherette Member Posts: 448
    edited September 2017

    I think I was itchy because the steroids are supposed to suppress allergic-type reactions, which I haven't had because I never missed the dose before. But I was also anxious and panicky about it, which can also make me itchy. Luckily I had my Zofran with me- puking on top of everything else, in an art museum, would not have been fun.

    I had a crazy, long busy day at work today. Being on the steroids helped, but I was definitely foggier than usual. I can still do everything, I just have to work to focus much more than usual. And it is definitely harder to keep my food and water intake up at work. It's just non-stop fires to put out and interruptions at work. But I am so glad to have it, and hope I can keep doing it - I'm kind of nuts like that. And my colleagues have been wonderful about everything. I'm lucky to have my second family at work!

    So, I think I have another good day or two in me, then I'll be "back in the shit" days 4-7 to 4-10, depending on how lucky I am this time. Please, please, I need a break from the mouth sores this round!

    Pink, sorry about the low RBC, bone pain, and appointment mixup. I hope things are better soon, and you don't need a transfusion. "Fun times" is right!



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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited September 2017

    Pink - eat some peach and beef maybe a juicy burger. That should help your RBC. I found it hard to eat beef myself but I might give burger a try!

    Question: on my blinder talked about we should not eat any kind of raw veges, no salad outside. So when you order your burger or sandwich do you skip your lettuce and tomato?? I had my ToGo sandwich I did ask them to skip but I feel kind of stupid.

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  • JenRuns
    JenRuns Member Posts: 350
    edited September 2017

    Paulette, my MO said unless I am neutropenic, I didn't need to avoid foods. Be careful and vigilant, but my body should be able to fight the basic stuff.

    Leatherette, good luck :( the cycle of "bad days" is tiring ....

    Pink - have you tried Aleve for the bone pain? I find it works better than Motrin or Tylenol.

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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited September 2017

    JenRuns- thanks .... I love to have my lettuce and tomato on my sandwich and burger, I felt so silly to ask them hold it off.

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  • pink_is_my_colour
    pink_is_my_colour Member Posts: 308
    edited September 2017

    Jen Runs: I haven't tried Aleve. I've mostly used Tylenol to keep from getting upset stomach. The nurse also suggested Naproxen might work as well. They've given me some pain meds to take this round. I know what to expect this time so maybe the pain will be a little more tolerable. I think the anxiety of not knowing what to expect the first time round added to my pain.

    I'm home from the chemo treatment and have at least one day more of steroids to get things done then before the crash.


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  • Teese
    Teese Member Posts: 379
    edited September 2017

    Hi all,

    Been MIA while we were on the Outer Banks, it was heavenly being away and I forgot about chemo and cancer as much as possible. This 3 week break has allowed me to see that there will be a return to normalcy after chemo, I'll be honest I was worried I'd never feel back to normal. I would say I've felt as good as prechemo except for some shortness of breath that just persists. Fatigue did improve though.

    So on to Taxol on Monday. I'm ready to get going, been dreading the unknown of a different drug, but got to get through this.

    Jen, I see you start right behind me. Hoping it's easier than AC for us all. I've not had any pain from neulasta and since I have to continue it on DD, I'm hoping that continues.

    Pink. Good grief I would be so mad if they switched my appointment without telling me. I'm sure you have to steel yourself to get there and get in the right mindset for an infusion. I know I do. I don't think I'll ever be able to see that hospital without having that sickening dread fall over me that I get every time I go. Sigh. Hope your RBC's go up. Praying for you.

    LoJo - the end is in sight for you, hooray!!!!!! So glad you're back on track.

    Paulette- how are you doing, I know the GI issues have been bad for you. I feel your pain, my first 3 AC's were awful, the last one they finally figured out the meds that made it so much better, plus I went in for extra fluids the day after infusion. Made such a difference. Was this #4?

    Leatherette- I envy all you gals with jobs most days.

    Theantz - how is the port doing, did the antibiotics kick in. 6 more and your done, woot!

    Purplestargazer - how has your DD Taxol go! Love to hear!

    Dmjmom, ping pong, runnermum, emilyH, BUZBEE, sunnyjay, matryoshka, Mari, Janeway, she1212, Kim E, proudtospin and VL22, Sydsym - thinking of you gals and hoping all is well. If you have a second to post we'd love to get an update. Hoping all is well as you move towards the halfway or even end point in chemo.

    Hugs and prayers.

    Theresa





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