Starting Chemo May 2018

Thank you, Wildcolonialgal for your words of advice and encouragement. Definitely doing the extended Claritin tip and trying hard to stay really hydrated. I really appreciate it

Hang in there, BigPeaches. Let us know how it goes.

Thanks ClareCo!

Welcome Daughterfriend!

You got this BigPeaches

hi all. I did my first chemo wedneday. I had imagined that I would have a little more energy by now on Tuesday. But I am still achy and in bed. I did have a fever spiked to 100.9°. But no obvious infection source. The weirdest symptom I’ve had is excruciating back spasms in the lower back and pelvis area. Those came up and lasted for about 24 hours and we’re quite intense. ( I got in my car and shut the windows and screamed at the highest decibel possible the entire way to the acupuncturist. She was able to get the spasms to come down a little. But the Valium and Flexeril combo that I took when I got home really finally calm that down. . I wish I felt a little better! I thought maybe the only symptoms would show up The first three days. I was hoping to work this week. My best time is in the early morning. I do get up and feed and walk my dogs about 2 miles. Then that seems to be it for the day, back to bed

Hi Tulip,

My wife is also on CT and did her first infusion on 5/3.

My understanding is you feel fairly well for the first three days and then your counts start dropping and you start feeling crummy. My wife was very achy and then developed a fever, which put her in the hospital for the last five days. Her counts are finally back up, so we are hoping to go back home today. We'll see.

I've heard about the back pains, which are mainly from the Taxetere. Google that and you'll find lots of posts on topic.

Have you asked your onco about what he thinks about you continuing to have acupuncture?

mianola, I hope it went well today. The best advice I received after my DX was 'prepare for the worst, pray for the best'. This forum is very helpful!! We are all in a Club we didn't ask to join; you're not making this journey alone. You got this!!

Started my first chemo 5/10 A.C. and the next day a shot of neulasta . So far just real tired and a metal taste in mouth and the night sweats are killing me. Stomach is little queasy trying to keep moving.

ClareCo, So how did the hair cut go? I started losing my hair in clumps 2 weeks after my first chemo. I cried the whole time my hubby was shaving my head. He was telling jokes trying to lighten the mood (he is a joker-one of the reasons I married him), but nothing is funny about losing your hair when it's YOUR HAIR. An emotional side effect I wasn't ready for. But after I got used to my wig and some cute hats it isn't so bad. I feel good in some of my cute hats and my 'sassy' wig.

yes I did receive neulasta. So I was expecting achy bones. I do /am taking Claritin as well. The muscle spasms were not expected. And I have never had anything like that before! Today just back to achy bones and tiredness. I didn’t ask the doc about the acupuncturist, I will do so. But the needles are always new so I am not sure what they would object to.

I am supposed to travel to France 5 days after my 2nd chemo. My doc said it would be ‘no problem! -especilly with neulastA. It is a nonstop flight and a riverboat Cruise on the Seine for 9daya. Not too taxing. But now I am beginning to think this is nuts! I do have trip insurance and an international medical policy. If I do have a complication, then I am probably in trouble. Still not decided....

This might seem silly, but I realized after visiting a friend this week ---- NO SHOES worn in the house. So many germs from all over the place are on the soles. Maybe you do this already but it sure can cut down on bacteria in the home. Haven't started chemo yet, but practicing now :-)

Foreverfaith, I wasn't thrilled when my MO recommended a port, but was very happy I went that route. You do have to be a little more careful with movement, but I never worried about the infusions and blood draws. There is a 1" horizontal scar there, but it doesn't bother me.

As far as germs, we had a hand sanitzer pump at the front door...gel in/gel out (just like a hospital room) for everyone. I also let everyone know that because of compromised immune system during chemo, I would not be attending a lot events, family gatherings, etc. Everyone was very supportive.

Good luck today. I'll add your name to my rosary list.

@ClareCo-I am also doing neoadjuvant TCHP. I had my first infusion yesterday (5/15). Today I feel fine. I worked a few hours this morning (from home) and went out for a walk for about an hour. It was very hard to resist the temptation to jog just a little bit but the oncologist turned white when I said I wanted to run. She said walk yes, run no. For a runner walking is very unfulfilling.

I had IV Ondansetron during my infusion and I am taking 8mg Ondansetron orally every 8 hours. So far no nausea but I have heard day 3 is the worst day. I figured I would enjoy being energetic today. My son is visiting from college so I am not alone this week. I planned to be home this week and go into the office a bit next week if I feel up to it. I can work a little from home.

I am not hungry at all. I had some almonds this morning and one egg before my walk. I am very very very thirsty and have been drinking a lot of water but it does nothing for my thirst. I wouldn't mind losing a bit of weight during chemo but I don't want to lose much muscle.

I have the Neulasta box attached but it has not deployed yet.

Yesterday was a very long day. I am glad future infusions will not be as long.

Started T/C chemo on May 14th. SE's have been extreme exhaustion and nausea. I've had some hot flashes, tingling in feet and hands, but nothing too annoying. The exhaustion had been the hardest to overcome. I'm hoping I will feel better by this weekend. Outside seems to be my happy place. I'm grateful the weather in Chicago Ian finally cooperating for once :