Starting chemo July 2018

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  • Fixyourdog
    Fixyourdog Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2018

    Cria- congrats on the eggs! Wonderful news for you.

    Claritan is for the bone pain from Neulasta. I started it 1 day before infusion, then continued for 5 days. I had back pain after I stopped but I was also stopping the steroid. Took 1 dose of Tylenol and pain was gone. Preventively took Advil pm to make sure it didn't come back and wake me up. It did not.

    I lost my taste for less than a week, then it came back.😀 Today was dose 2, so we'll see how it goes this round.

    Last week I had a great session with a physical therapist to work on my cording, a result of surgery. It was really getting better on its own, but she gave me some great exercises, very yoga like in many ways.

    And I had no scans, (other than breast) and am at a major breast cancer center. Maybe because of my stage and grade? I did wonder about that since my husband got scanned immediately and many times. Maybe because he was Stage III kidney cancer. He's a 17 yr survivor, thanks to interleukin 2 success.

    Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences.

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  • Ebronson19
    Ebronson19 Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2018

    Just checking in to say I got my port 'installed' yesterday; so I am one step closer to chemo! I'm a bit jealous of everyone who has started already - but only because they will get done before me. I definitely want this chapter of my life to go by quickly!


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  • Jkittle
    Jkittle Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2018

    hi guys! Hope you all are doing well with your treatment or upcoming treatment. I got good news today at my second AC chemo appt. thyroid biopsy was benign! Hoping to stay stage IIIc. Still unknowns about my arenal gland but it was below a 3 on the PET scan and no cancer cells in biopsy, but also no adrenal cells so it's not confirmed as a conclusive negative biopsy. We will see if it shrinks with chemo, if so I am at stage IV but hoping that's not the case. Feeling amped from the steroids and ok in the tummy from anti nausea meds in IV. My bald head is keeping me cool on a Sunny day and it's beautiful out here. My 18th wedding anniversary is Sunday and the kid will be away for a few days. Hoping you all have something beautiful to focus on

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  • Misha13
    Misha13 Member Posts: 240
    edited July 2018

    JKittle-congratulations on your anniversary!! And time away from the kiddo to just be a couple is the best, so enjoy! And on your benign biopsy! Woo-hoo!! Praying for those positives to continue!

    Ebronson-Yay for your port! But I’m jealous of you cause you’ve had your surgery already! I’ve got to still deal with that after the chemo. Let me know if think of any questions about it. I’ve had mine now for three weeks and used for chemo once.

    FixYourDog-Glad to hear you started your second ac, please let us know if it went any better/worse/same! I love to hear that your husband is also a survivor!

    Goodnight from Az!

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  • Fixyourdog
    Fixyourdog Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2018

    Misha13 - I am getting TC, not AC. 2 down, 2 to go. I woke up last night slightly nauseous so took compazine. Very tired this morning, more so than Day 2 last time around. Thinking of asking daughter, who's my neighbor) to feed at the barn this morning although I've been told that keeping active is the best way to beat fatigue. And being with horses is a great tonic.

    Good morning from Ohio!

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  • Nicole1966
    Nicole1966 Member Posts: 63
    edited July 2018

    Hello, I started PC Friday. I have 4 doses before my 12 weeks of Taxol. Feeling funky today. Glad I’m going in for hydration and steroids today. Tomorrow doesn’t look like fun. Bad headache 🤕 going to ask about the headache when I go in for hydro. I’m also shaky. Yesterday was ok. Maybe did to much.

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  • Nicole1966
    Nicole1966 Member Posts: 63
    edited July 2018

    Hello Misha, I finally found time to move over to this forum. I hope you are feeling better. Big hugs from Oregon

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  • Misha13
    Misha13 Member Posts: 240
    edited July 2018

    Nicole-Glad to see you again! I’m sorry you are not feeling well! We have different regimens, but my first 3-4 days after have not been fun. I feel 80% today, at 6 days out, which is a blessing!! STAY HYDRATED! I’m glad you are going in for hydration, I may do that next time...it seemed to make a big difference when I started drinking more water. It does get better though!

    Anyone actually exercised yet?? I did some very mild yoga poses today and took the trash to the curb; that was enough.

    The other thing that’s helped me feel better (doing ac regimen) is to use the stool softener! TMI anywhere else, but hopefully not here! I did not believe I would feel plugged up, but it was taking a toll.

    Goodnight from the surface of the sun, I mean AZ.

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  • JaBoo
    JaBoo Member Posts: 520
    edited July 2018

    Misha, yes, I did some walking, 4km on Thursday and 6km on Friday, in the forest terrain and up hills. It was beatiful and really did me good. Somehow I can't get myself to do joga though... I love it, but.. I don't know. It's difficult with kids around, they interrupt cpnstantly, and when they go to sleep I just feel like sleeping too

    Today I had a bloodcount with excellent results and got a profylactic filgrastim. So I'm cleared to get 2nd AC next Monday - I'm on 2-week cycle. I need to eat a lot untill then... I didn't have any apetite this past week, it's only now returning.

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  • BCSilverLining
    BCSilverLining Member Posts: 33
    edited July 2018

    Hi ladies, I couldn't find a forum for August 2018 so I came here. I'm starting chemo August 9th. I'm so nervous I feel like puking. Emotional eating and want to cry. The pharmacist said I have to have someone administer shots in my belly and I've grown a phobia of needles since this has all come about. I've had 3 surgeries since June 22 and am not looking forward to the next step. Any pointers?

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  • Jkittle
    Jkittle Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2018

    hi BC,

    I’m sorry your feeling anxious- I’ve been there!! I’ve had so many scans and biopsies. It was a relief to actually start chemo as I feel like I know the plan now.

    I’ve given myself the shots in my tummy so far, it’s so tiny I really almost don’t feel it, I’m not phobic of needles, but I’ll bet you can do it once you see how it feels the first time. Find a nice cushy place to do it and it will be ok. I’ve had two AC chemos so far and the actual IV is easy, only thing I noticed was slight sinus “pressure” during. Not nausea, just feel worn out for a few days.

    Hoping it goes ok for you and you feel less anxious soon.


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  • Dawn117
    Dawn117 Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2018

    So my port insertion went great. So far no pain, but a little uncomfortable. I couldn't believe how quickly I woke up from the twilight sleep and that I remember nothing after my husband left the room.

    I'm grateful that I have no appointments tomorrow. I'm still a little anxious about chemo but ready to get this tumor to shrink.

    Hey BC I'm phobic to needles as well. My MRI experiences was terrible because of the IV not the MRI. I still have 2 bruises from that because that I had to take the IV out and start in different location. I was crying and in pain. For the port surgery my Dr. prescribed xanax to help keep me calm. My dr's and hubby were very grateful that I took one this morning. She even wants me to take one in the morning on Wednesday as I start chemo. My MO got my insurance to approve the Neulasta® Onpro body injector. I'm not sure if this is better than the shot in the stomach but I'll let you know.

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  • JaBoo
    JaBoo Member Posts: 520
    edited July 2018

    BCSilverLining - the August group will probably emerge in august, when more and more people get their treatment plans in place... until then, I would suggest (the same suggestion I got when waiting for my treatment plan) you hang around these previous groups, July + June + maybe May... It really helps. You'll see, it's doable. Some people just breeze through working, which gives you peace... some people get various problems, which gives you an idea what to expect or prepare for... So if you feel like reading, browse through the groups... also the topic on the top of chemotherapy page (tiffany's twenty terrific tips for getting through chemotherapy) was very helpful for me. I bought some of the items and even used them already.

    your fear is understandable and I felt it too... I had a feeling of holding to the doorframe and crying "I'm not going there!"... well, they gave me an injection with some anti-anxiety med which I gratefully accepted and the treatment then went completely uneventfull and I slept for 3 hours after I came home. probably due to the injection. I had a mild nausea which was cleared with pills I got prescribed and I take a nap most days now. no other SE so far... You will get there... and as JKittle pointed out, you will start feeling better/less anxious when the treatment starts... I read it here a lot during the terrible post-diagnosis weeks, but I feel now it really is so - I now feel calmer and am able to sleep. Hang in there!

    sorry for my English

    For the tummy shots I go to my GP's office, which is within walking distance from my house - the nurse just gives me the shot and I go home. So just a way to go for a walk

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  • plasticine
    plasticine Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2018

    Hello girls! Second opinion got me really puzzled and scared. Just left the clinic and I'm still shaking. I feel like I don't understand anything anymore. Stage IIIC, infraclavicular nodes, Er/Pr 90%, her2 negative, ki67 8%, mastectomy 26 june, clear margins 4 mm. Original plan by the first opinion doctor was chemo starting asap, AC-T followed by radiation and hormone therapy. Also, very positive about outcome. The doctor I saw today recommended an asap Goserelin (Zoladex) shot to stop period, an immediate MRI, cause he said that the CT from mid-May is outdated and there might be mets(??) and to have hormonal therapy starting at the same time as the second part of Chemo (white one) or else the outcome will be sub-optimal with high risk. Also requested markers CA 125, CA 15-3, CEA (which were okay in may when diagnosed), CA-19-9, CA 72-4. I left crying. I find this excessive and if the only reason to do a new MRI is to stage it, and doesn't impact the treatment, we really don't want to know. I also never heard of the intertwinig of chemo and hormone therapy and never was told up to this moment that Zoladex should be administered before chemo. Is any of you girls familiar with basically anything I have been told today? Is this the procedure? Thank you so much...I am so down right now.

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  • JaBoo
    JaBoo Member Posts: 520
    edited July 2018

    plasticine, I really am in no position to provide an opinion, but can only say that I've got Zoladex injection already and am sheduled for second one. I started chemo only last week.


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  • ColoradoHolly
    ColoradoHolly Member Posts: 14
    edited July 2018

    Just checking in as it has been a while since I posted. Last week (my week 2) I picked up a virus of some sort and was completely out of commission for a few days which was just terrible timing!!! I felt awful, extreme nausea and diarrhea, had to go in for IV fluids and anti-nausea meds (Which helped significantly). What a disaster! I also lost my appetite completely and didn't eat anything for nearly 4 days.

    I finally kicked whatever it was and and back to feeling normal! I've been riding my bike when I can and am hoping my Week 3 is an uneventful one. I feel pretty much normal now energy-wise. Still low appetite and have developed some strong food aversions but I'm working around all of that. I'm trying to enjoy this last week before infusion number 2 next Tuesday.

    Cold Cappers - - when can I expect shedding to begin? I'm two weeks out for my first infusion of TCHP and haven't seen anythign yet as far as shedding, but i'm assuming it's too soon. Very nervous about this.....

    Positive vibes to everyone!!!!

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  • MissNomerz
    MissNomerz Member Posts: 10
    edited July 2018

    Looks like I will post here till an Aug thread appears. Port insertion tomorrow, kinda nervous about that. Chemo starts Aug 2nd. AC every 2 weeks, 4 times. Then Taxol and Herceptin. I just want this show on the road already. Tired of the waiting and dreading.


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  • RoseRed4
    RoseRed4 Member Posts: 72
    edited July 2018

    Hello, I hope everyone is having a good day. I rested up at home over the weekend, and finally felt good enough to get my 3 miles in on the treadmill Sunday! It felt so good 😋 This week I'm working full time, so probably will skip treadmill until the weekend. Buzzed my hair even shorter Sunday night..yep, I'd say it's just about GI Jane style now. After the haircut, I just had to watch that old movie again. 💪 Lol I'm feeling good, but being careful to not overdo it and drinking lots of water also. Hot flashes are not fun, especially since I can't take OTC suppplements for it anymore 👹 This too shall pass!


    Rose

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  • SunnyBear
    SunnyBear Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2018

    Hi all, add me to the July Chemo Group. I start tomorrow T&C (4 rounds). My nerves are getting the best of me but maybe just the steroid. Feel like my heart is racing. I took a valium and spent some time on the treadmill but blood pressure and pulse rate still high. I assume this is just the anxiety of starting chemo. Hope everyone is doing well this week. I know I will feel better to get this first treatment behind me.

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  • BCSilverLining
    BCSilverLining Member Posts: 33
    edited July 2018

    Hi Ladies,

    JKittle- Thanks for letting me know how the tummy shots are! The hubs will give them to me, but I'm deathly afraid of them now.

    Dawn117- I'm sorry you haven't had great experiences as well. Nothing ever used to scare me or intimidate me. Sometimes, I feel like so weak.All of our support tells me how strong I am and I don't feel like that at all. And it's such a blanket statement. I feel like I read all these success stories about what cancer gave women and all I can think about is what it has taken from me....emotionally, mentally, physically. They will use the same line they draw blood from for chemo treatments so at least I only have to be stuck once the day of treatment.


    JaBoo- Thanks so much for the input! Greatly appreciated. I will definitely be taking a diazepam prior and haven't decided if I want to ask for an anti-anxiety med for a daily dose. I am not sleeping well, which I think is contributing to the anxiety. I just want it over :(

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  • Nicole1966
    Nicole1966 Member Posts: 63
    edited July 2018

    I also had a lesion on my adrenal and my thyroid. Both Benin in findings. Ebronson it seems we are going the same path. I started July 20. AC four doses the 12 weeks of Taxol. Trying to wean off the meds so pretty dizzy today. What antinaseua works for you ladies? They give you

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  • Nicole1966
    Nicole1966 Member Posts: 63
    edited July 2018

    Welcomegood luck today Sunny Bear!

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  • Gndvll
    Gndvll Member Posts: 47
    edited July 2018

    Hey, yall.  :)

    Well, I got my port in last week. It's itching and I'm trying hard to leave it alone, but  It went well. Now I another week of scans, tests and appointments, but barring something major changing, I start AC+T on Tues. It's a relief having a start date, but I'm still not looking forward to the stress test!  LOL

    I've been losing weight and dealing with nausea recently and since I haven't started chemo yet, I'm wondering how many of you experienced the same before treatment?

    Jenny, I've been following your posts as the month has progressed.  Your warmth really blesses me.  I hope you continue to have minimal side effects

    Plasticene, I  can't imagine how it must feel having your plans yanked out from under you; especially now!  I've worked with doctors for years?  WHY do I have to retire with them? May I ask why you requested a second opinion?

    BC, I don't have a needle phobia, but I'm considering developing one!

    Sunny, I have Xanax ordered already, because I have panic attacks.  I start Tues, and my nerves are pinging, too!  

    Rose, you're an inspiration!  I read somewhere that exercise improved chemo outcomes by up to 40%!  (I get out of breath climbing stairs, so I'm starting to work out by puffing "%40%,40%). 

    Ms Nomez, I hope your port placement today goes well. I'm glad you're here until August opens. I may visit both groups, as well.  This seems like a great sisterhood, though I wish we'd never had to look for each other.

    Colorado, How is the cold capping coming?  I had my daughter cut my ponytail off, and bob my hair.  (It was waist length).  I told the girls we were taking the war to the cancer!  Chemo didn't take my hair.  I chose to sacrifice it for the battle!  The started singing the Mulan song!  LOL

    Dawn, can you get EMLA cream where you are?  You put it on 1/2 hour before they access your port and you cover it with plastic...Don't rub it in.  It numbs the skin, and they wipe it off just before they give you a shot.  You won't feel anything!

    I know I've missed some of you, but I'm following your posts and praying for each of us.  Please keep us updated.  I may be going into battle, but I'm blessed to have such loving support and such a safe place to rest in.



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  • Nicole1966
    Nicole1966 Member Posts: 63
    edited July 2018

    I’m so sorry! I know how you feel. It was crazy but I wanted to start chemo to stop it from growing. Do you have to work during treatment MissNomerz

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  • val123
    val123 Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2018

    Hi Ladies, had my port put in today. I was so afraid to get it but it wasn't that bad. I start chemo tomorrow. My surgeon put in a tube for my iv so they don't have to stick me so soon after putting the port in. That makes me feel a little better about tomorrow. Looking forward to talking to all of you once in while. It's good to have someone going through the same thing.

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  • Fixyourdog
    Fixyourdog Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2018

    Hi Sunnybear! Hope your 1st TC went well yesterday. I had TC no. 2 last Friday (7/20). Although I'm glad to have the steroid (dex) to control nausea etc., it really interferes with my sleeping. Since I'm off it now, sleeping is much better.

    I'm quite a bit more tired this time thru. I started losing hair on Day 14 and finally had my daughter shave it on Day 25. Still have stubble, but I've noticed eyebrows and lashes are thin.

    Last round I lost my taste, but got it back. Will see what happens this time. Now have minor tingling/numbness in right toes, but not ready to call it neuropathy.

    On Monday, I went to a free yoga class for cancer patients and felt energized after. I'll go every week if I can.

    Hang in there, ladies! This too shall pass.

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  • Ebronson19
    Ebronson19 Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2018

    Well, I'm here at the doctor's today waiting to get my first AC treatment, and I feel like I have rocks in my tummy - I know it's just my nerves, and reading about everyone getting through their 1st (and for some a 2nd) treatment is keeping me strong today. Best of luck to everyone, and thank you all for the support!

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  • ColoradoHolly
    ColoradoHolly Member Posts: 14
    edited July 2018

    Ebronson19.... You've got this!! Sending you positive, calming vibes. I found the anxiety leading up to everything to be so much worse than the actual infusion... Which is pretty uneventful in its own. Thinking of you today!!

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  • JaBoo
    JaBoo Member Posts: 520
    edited July 2018

    Ebronson - hang in there, the actual i. v. really is nothing to be scared of... afterwards, keep to any meds you have received to stay ahead. I was reading through the June chemo group during my first infusion. It really helps.

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  • BCSilverLining
    BCSilverLining Member Posts: 33
    edited July 2018

    Ebronson19,

    My heart is with you today and praying everything goes okay. We are all amazingly strong and we ARE going to get through this. Keep breathing and move forward 💗 I'll be looking to you for guidance when my 1st time comes around.

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