Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

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  • carolinin
    carolinin Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2007
    About weight gain...I have seen mentions of weight gain with chemo. So far I just go up and down a few pounds thru each cycle (and I can easily gain weight!) Despite what the oncol. says I wouldn't mind dropping 10# in the process.
    I have had similiar changes in eating patterns. I normally love sweets but generally far less interest, been easy to eat good for me foods and skip the junk. Some blessings!

    Carol
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  • carolinin
    carolinin Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2007
    Hi RobbinJae

    Two weeks after my first chemo my neu.anc count was .4. Everyone looked all concerned, gave me masks and told me to hide til it came back up. Next day, it was up so I spent the weekend in the hospital-my daughter was having a baby. I wore the mask to be safe and nothing happened (tho i have some funny stories on peoples reaction to the mask!)
    Last round, on day 7 my neu/anc was .2! And this was after a neulasta shot 7 days before....which i thought took care of the problem-wrong! Again, the tech's seemed concerned and i got a neupogen shot and more masks, had to cancel working a trade show the next day...after visit with onc this week, the bottom line is I am just one of those whose sbc/neu/anc level falls thru the floor from day 7-10 and then neulasta will kick in. Funny thing, is despite working, being around two grandbabies, the hospital (son had biopsy yesterday) I haven't gotten sick! Of course I am super careful with wearing gloves, mask, not touching door knobs, toilets etc so, bottom line, its doesn't mean you will get sick, just have to be careful.
    I read that we shouldn't exercise when counts are low but i am disregarding that and continueing on the treadmill.
    Let me know how this goes for you, we can compare notes.
    Carol
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  • Robbin65
    Robbin65 Member Posts: 251
    edited February 2007
    Quote:

    Robbin,

    I am a little shocked that your medical team let this happen to you. Weren't they taking blood counts before each infusion? Also...I think most of us got Neulasta or Neupogen shots as a matter of course BEFORE out counts dropped becuase this is an expected and predictable side effect of the chemo. Hmmmm...



    mizsissy, they did give me a shot of Pegfilgrastim the next day after my first round of AC, (to boost my white cell count), but it just didn't work.

    The shot they gave me yesterday (and today & tomorrow) It really messed me up last night. (I think it was something else) My lower back and head was in pain all night. I have to go in an hour in a half to go get the other shot and I really don't want it. It is doing something allful to my bones...pain.


    Carolyn, I will keep you all posted. I have had no problems with the chemo, just the other stuff they give for the white blood count. I feel fine, except for that dang shot.

    Other than that I will keep you all posted.

    They have also perscribed an anti-biotic I have to go pick up to prevent infection.

    Can't wait till this is all over.
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  • irelandmb
    irelandmb Member Posts: 33
    edited February 2007
    Hi Ladies, Hope you are all well?
    Just an fyi and not sure if it is true, but I read on another link that people who have had Neulasta and still have issues with their counts have taken "Juice Plus" and this has helped them.
    I started taking juice plus about a month ago, a friend of mine suggested it to me as a booster before starting chemo.
    I don't know if it is a help or not as I just got my first TC on Monday and Neulasta Tuesday. Will be at the doctors office next Tuesday, so will be interested to see how my levels are.
    As I said I don't know much about this stuff, only that this is all nataural and my ONC office had no issue with me taking it during treatment.
    I am not trying to treat anyone or push a particular product, but thought I would just share this info.
    Cheers for now.....
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited February 2007
    Robbin,

    I am glad to know they are taking proper care of you. Those bone aches are good!!! I talked to my onc nurse when I got them and she said it's the Neulasta starting white blood colonies in your bones...so be happy you've got those aches. Now you know the shot is working. Maybe there was something bogus about that first shot.

    Mizsissy
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  • carolinin
    carolinin Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2007
    Thanks for the reminder on Juice Plus. Did major research between surgery and 1st chemo to decide what supplements to take. Heard of Juice plus, will check it out. My oncol is against everything except one centrum a day! lol. She approved cal/mag and Vit c (Shaklee). I am taking "green miracle" daily (Ultimate Living) among other things. Will see whats in Juice Plus. thanks for the tip!

    just added my pic (I think) taken yesteday at hospital (son's biopsy) my wig doesn't look reddish in person. I have discovered headbands to be a blessing to keep hair out of eyes, never worn one since i was 10!
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  • mer1957
    mer1957 Member Posts: 534
    edited February 2007

    Count me in as one having treatment next week Thursday. The 4th AC then onto Taxol or Taxotere. I felt pretty good after the first two (aside from being out most of Sat and Sun) but the 3rd one kicked me in the behind. I got a cold virus Sunday. Can't believe you can blow your nose that much! So I am fearing the 4th tx but glad AC will be over and hope Taxol or Taxotere (whichever the T stands for) won't have the nausea with it. The Neulasta shots don't bother me much, just a little achy. But usually I am back to the gym on Monday. So keep a good thought for another one in Michigan in treatment.

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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited February 2007

    What is Juice Plus? Never heard of it!

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  • Robbin65
    Robbin65 Member Posts: 251
    edited February 2007
    Well, just went and got my other shot. I was right, this shot is a different one called, Neupogen. I'll be in pain is a few more hours. Weeeee....

    Ya, what is Juice Plus. I have been buying all kinds of natural foods and juices lately. (Boy is it exspensive to eat healthy) There are always the health food stores, but even today in your regular Safeway, etc... There are sections of healthy juices and etc... You can even request the store to carry what brands you want.
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  • Ihopeg
    Ihopeg Member Posts: 399
    edited February 2007
    Hi!
    Well today is Day 17 and my hair is really falling out. My dh is away until Monday night and then he will buzz it. I go for my 2nd treatment on Wed. Feb 7th, same day as Amera. Good luck to everyone. ilene
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  • Amera
    Amera Member Posts: 452
    edited February 2007
    Robbin, I sure hope the pain is tolerable. Too bad this is the one side effect you get. I was hoping you'd breeze right through. At least they will be prepared the next time. AND, you should be up and running for your next infusion so no delay.

    I've been trying to limit processed foods these days too. You are right, it's a lot more expensive to buy organic but I do feel better doing it.

    Hair is now coming out in clumps. I still have a lot left though. I am just not ready to buzz it yet. This is really stressing me out. I will probably be better once it's gone and I can get over myself. ;9)
    Amera
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  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,223
    edited February 2007
    Robbin,

    So sorry that you're having such a hard time. Hang in there. Just keep telling yourself that is only temporary. :-) Hugs to you.

    Rita
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  • meliaanne
    meliaanne Member Posts: 682
    edited February 2007
    The hair loss is really unnerving, and in my case, terribly itchy. It's nearly gone now which is a relief from a comfort level (started coming out Wed, nearly gone by Sat). But it is a shock everytime I see myself in the mirror. I am glad this is not a permanent side effect ...I need to get over myself too!
    Melia
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2007
    Amera - thanks, I'm glad I'm not the only one having problems reading online. My laptop is new with a great screen so I know it's me not the computer. This is day 9 and it's still bugging me, but not as much.

    Re Juice Plus - I'm curious to hear what those of you researching it think. I started taking it after my diagnosis because my neighbor (who sells it) is convinced it will cure my cancer. OK - I'm exaggerating, but she really does think it will make a difference. She's been a tremendous support to me cooking meals after my surgeries and driving my daughter to school that basically I started taking it just to make her feel better. I know that sounds crazy. (Here's the web site: http://www.juiceplus.com/nsa/pages/Home.soa). Several times she's sent me info on how juice plus is supposed to improve blood counts, etc. Funny thing is I haven't taken it since my first chemo treatment on 1/26 just because I couldn't stomach swallowing the pills. Sorry I'm rambling now - but I am very interested in what others think.

    On a happy note we are taking my 2 and 5 year old girls to the circus tomorrow. They both have birthdays this month and its part of our tradition to go each year. They are incredibly excited. My 2 year old can't stop talking about the "ladies on the elephants."
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  • talbrig13
    talbrig13 Member Posts: 488
    edited February 2007
    Hi, Sandra,
    I am starting chemo on 2/8. Carboplatin, taxotere and herceptin.(Dose Dense...every other week for 4 1/2 months, then Herceptin for a year) I can't find much info on carboplatin and wondered...are the side effects bad? will I lose my hair? If I have chemo Thurs, can I work on Fri...doc says my "down days" will be Sat, Sun and Mon....The unknown is so scary. Hope you are doing well...thanks for answering my questions....
    Love,
    Terry
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  • robertin
    robertin Member Posts: 78
    edited February 2007

    Hello ladies, just checking in. Still no joint or bone pain, even though I got Neulasta last Wednesday afternoon. I don't have much of an appetite, however, today I craved raw carrots. Forget about chocolates or sweets; I just couldn't get enough of the carrots. I do have a funny taste in my mouth, which makes even water seem to have a funny after taste. The other main side effect is fatigue. I am so tired - I fall asleep during tv all the time. Thank goodness for TIVO. However, yesterday I had to attend this space physics lecture and I kept falling asleep. And there is no TIVO there. Luckily I'm not in it for a grade. I haven't gone exercising yet, but going to work takes a lot of energy, and it's sooo cold outside (15 degrees, not including the wind chill). Talk to you tomorrow.

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  • Rebecca
    Rebecca Member Posts: 971
    edited February 2007

    I had my first chemo session on Jan 18, and I am almost all the way through the first cycle now. It was not as dreadful as I had imagined, but it was no walk in the park either. Thank goodness for modern medicine, I did not throw up even once. My hair started to fall out on Day 15, and I think I took it pretty well, all things considered. When it started to fall, I took a buzzer to it. It made a dreadful mess, but I felt so much better when it was over. I think the scariest thing is doing this alone....I am glad I do not have to. Keep the faith ladies...together we can do anything

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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited February 2007
    Good Morning,

    The dreaded Day 4 of Cycle 2 has arrived. Without the Neulasta I'm doing better this time, no aches, but the mental fog and apathy hit yesterday. Also, hair was shedding in a big way, anything I wore on my head hurt because it flattened or pulled my hair in some way. So last night Erik did the buzz cut with his moustache trimmers. They worked OK on the sides and back but the top was so sensitive he had to use scissors. I held a towel to my face so he couldn't see me. This is the first time I've felt like I really have cancer.

    I haven't even looked at my bald head. I'm afraid to.

    I thought winters were over up here but we are having a beautiful winter. The ground is covered with a thick layer of lovely, pristine, white, 5 inch layer of snow. We can ski right from our house over to the golfcourse with wetlands, woods, trails, streams, bridges. But today it is even to cold to ski, a high of 1 today with windchills of -15.

    Last night around 3 am it was really beautiful outside, a full moon on a beautiful, pristine, snow-covered landscape. Almost as bright as day.

    Can't wait 'til this chemo is over!!!!

    Mizsissy
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  • Rebecca
    Rebecca Member Posts: 971
    edited February 2007

    Hang in there...do not fret the hair. For me it is more the reminder that this is REAL that the bald head represents. There is no denying that you have cancer when your hair is coming out in your hands, and you have bald spots creeping up the back of your neck. In contrast to your experience, I find that I need to look at it so that I can remind myself of my fight and keep my focus. I view it as a sacrifice so that I can enjoy the years ahead with my wonderful husband and children (I have three...4,7, and 9). I gave up my breast, I gave up my hair. I can not look back because I will cry...but I can always look forward with hope. Be well, my sister...this will pass.

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  • Amera
    Amera Member Posts: 452
    edited February 2007
    Mizsissy, have you looked at your head yet? I am foolishly trying to hang on to every last strand. I feel like one of those old men with the combover. I think I'm fooling no one but I just cannot get the clippers out.

    Sorry you are feeling so foggy. Glad there's no bone pain though. Feel better.
    Amera
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited February 2007
    No, I haven't looked at my head and I don't plan to. The hair got cut off in stages yesterday. First a rough looking pixie cut, then a crew cut...I was surprised to see how human I looked even with it that short...but bald...I'm not ready for that!!

    I'm looking forward to growing a thick layer of baby curls and getting rid of the gray!!! Then I'll look!!

    Thanks for the kind words RSheehey. When I found out what the treatments were for this disease, I cried out to my husband that they were going to turn me into a hairless, breastless, sexless, fat hippopotamus...I half-heartedly joked that I might as well have a sex-change operation because I'd look like more of man than a woman!!! (Then he joked that we'd finally gain more acceptance at a church where we've been going where lots of gay couples have been joining.)

    I guess that was my low point. The one thing I keep focused on is our trip to Monhegan Island in Maine next summer, where we can hike, paint, Erik can play guitar, and I'll have some hair back.

    Mizsissy
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  • Rebecca
    Rebecca Member Posts: 971
    edited February 2007

    I know it is hard...and I think the most important thing is to do what is best for you! I did my hair in stages too. I had very long hair before my diagnosis, and two days after my surgery I got a very short haircut. (I saved my hair, and plan to donate it to Locks of Love at then end). I left it that way as it started to thin, but when it really started to fall I found it so upsetting that I just buzzed it off. I still have hair, but it is more stubble than anything right now...and I have big bald spots now. I did not think I would be able to look at myself with no (or shaved) hair, but I found it was not as bad as I anticipated. Stay strong....I think that it is a true act of bravery to cut off you hair, regardless of whether you look. Always remember that you are beautiful, particularly to those who love you.

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  • Amera
    Amera Member Posts: 452
    edited February 2007
    Mizsissy, I looooove Monhegan Island. It's one of my favorite places on earth. Nothing to do but hike and relax. Love it! What a great thing to look forward to.
    Amera
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited February 2007
    Maybe we could have a little celebratory, healing gathering there next summer. We have a cottage rented 3rd week in August at the North End of the island, close to the lighthouse and trails to Calf Cove. We've also stayed at Monhegan House...what a delightful place!!!

    Mizissy
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  • Susan1120
    Susan1120 Member Posts: 156
    edited February 2007
    Hi Ladies,
    I have been visiting you all since you started this link. I started A/C in December. I have my final A/C on Feb 7th YAYYYYY!! I have done well with this one. Just the nausea blahhhh! I get Nuelasta the day after chemo. I take 2 tylenol right after I get my shot and I do 2 Tylenol every 6 hrs for 2 days. The 3rd day I go by how I feel. If I need them I take them. So far doing that has helped with no or minimal bone pain! Thank you GOD!!
    The main reason I am posting today is because I am reading where some of you are doing supplements. My Onc here in North Carolina says absolutely NO extra C or E. SO ladies PLEASE be careful with what you add during chemo, check in with Oncologist on everything you take THEY do know what they are talking about. C and E interfere with the chemo. And to the lady doing salads LOLL ( I promise I am not crazy) please be careful of bacteria. Even washed lettuce isn't good right now, seems washing lettuce can't remove all bacteria. Ok I feel better letting you all know what I have learned. I am a HUGE salad lover, but I am waiting until after I get done with chemo to enjoy a BIG ONE! LOL =o)
    I haven't done the organic thing yet, I am gonna meet with a nutritionist after chemo, I think that will be about April. Then I will set up my post chemo diet. I get to see a nutritionist for free thru my cancer hospital here and will be glad to share what I learn! Heck I can go get a FREE 15 min massage at the hospital, but I am avoiding that place until I am done with the worry of the blood counts. Luckly my Onc is in a private office,so I get to avoid the germs in a hospital! Don't want to invite trouble right now! Anyone else agree with me? or am I nutso?? hehe
    Anywayyyyyy! Glad I posted and nice to meet you all!
    Have a great day and I WILL BE BACK!! MUHAHAHAHA!!
    Susan *<}:o)
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  • Susan1120
    Susan1120 Member Posts: 156
    edited February 2007

    OH Mizsissy I love your wig!!! =o)

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  • Ihopeg
    Ihopeg Member Posts: 399
    edited February 2007
    Amera,
    I am doing the same thing with the hair. I have to wear a hat because it is just coming out all over. I know I have to get it buzzed, but there aren't any bald spots yet and then when there are, I know I will have to wear a wig or hat.I guess I am in denial. I think everyone is right about thinking that this is when cancer is finally out in the open. I don't want to be known as the "cancer patient".
    Mizsissy,
    I said almost the same thing to my husband about the boobless and sexless thing. I said I felt like I was turning into a man! We laughed about it later. I hope you fell better!
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  • Lynn12
    Lynn12 Member Posts: 1,008
    edited February 2007
    Hi Mizsissy,

    I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time. My 15 year old daughter was having a real hard time after dh buzzed my head Friday night. I told her that I have been anticipating this part of it and it is certainly most visible to everyone else. Losing my breast was much more tramatic for me and my hair will grow back. With or without your hair, you are still you! Remember, we are warriors! We can and ARE doing it!

    Hope you feel better real soon! {{{{hugs to you}}}}

    Lynn
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  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,223
    edited February 2007
    Mizsissy,

    I know I will be the same as you when the hair starts to go. The loss of our hair is probably the worst part of the chemo. For years we've spent hours on our hair and now...poof. There's no way we can ignore this disease once the hair loss begins because it smacks us right in the face! When that happens, we just have to fight harder and we can do it...all of us on this January chemo thread. I wish I was closer so I could give you a hug and tell you how much I understand. Hang in there. Your wig is beautiful and very flattering. It and your turbans will get you through these next emotional months and we'll all be here to listen to you vent and we'll send encouragement when you need it, as you have already done for so many of us.

    Rita
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  • t4t
    t4t Member Posts: 28
    edited February 2007
    last nite was the worst yet. Tae's fever hit 102.2 and the chills were scarey. The onc nurse sent a script for Levaquin, antibiotic, which I picked up last nite at the pharmacy. Tae's fever broke around 5 a.m. and dropped like a rock. Was normal by 7 a.m. The bone aches were there also. Advil first then Tylenol about 3 hrs later. Seemed to help. Nurse told us to come to the emerg room if fever hit 102, but Tae would not go cause too many sick people in the emerg room. Does this happen every time? Any way to build up the white cells? I thought neulasta would ease this somewhat. Hate to see this without the neulasta shot.

    Tae was pretty good all day, but now her fever is back at 100.5 Hope we don't have a repeat of last nite.
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