HER2 3+ and new to this s#*tshow called cancer

Options
el7277
el7277 Member Posts: 64
edited December 2018 in Just Diagnosed

Hi all...this forum rocks.

I was diagnosed end of Nov. and began TCH treatment on 12/19. Holy crap...my symptoms after were horrendous and I felt so unprepared. My GI system caused me unbearable issues straight through Christmas and it was awful. Doc said we will be proactive for next round. It was not nausea or vomiting as I had a shot for that, but just unbearable gas and pain coupled with exhaustion and sleep loss, Had Herceptin on the 27th and that was a breeze in comparison.

I am trying the cooling cap which is loads of fun but none of us can peek into the future. I am ok with the the diagnosis as I have the ability to fight and be healed and will deal with the effects as they present themselves. Anyone have similar issues? Any diet tips? I am vegetarian so really needing to keep protein up.

Best to you all...let's kisck ass.


· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Newfromny
    Newfromny Member Posts: 139
    edited December 2018

    el7277 I’m also on TCHP and my SEs have been tough also, especially diarrhea and gas pains, also that heavy feeling that makes moving tough. I have loss of appetite too for about 2 weeks, last week things got better. This regimen is a hard one but we’ll manage through it

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • santabarbarian
    santabarbarian Member Posts: 3,085
    edited December 2018

    A safe source of protein, if you do milk, is organic whey protein isolate. If not, pea protein. I did one smoothie a day with my whey protein and other supplements.

    Oddly enough fasting or fasting mimicking (google it, developed by Dr Valter Longo) can really help with SEs. People may not think of chemo as a time to fast... but having a brief fast before and through chemo day can really help, as when the SEs hit the digestive tract is empty-ish. My SEs were consitpation and fatigue. The first time, non fasting, I has abdominal pain due to the constipation. Subsequently I did fasting mimicking beginning 2 days prior to chemo day for 5 days. Significantly better. Plus brief fast stimulates immune system and protects healthy cells.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • el7277
    el7277 Member Posts: 64
    edited December 2018

    we will get through it for sure. Feeling like crap just makes me question as my chemo continues what that will look like in terms of working full time. This time of year is tough because my company pretty much shuts down until after the new year and I need to talk to HR about leave policies. So daunting right now but forward is the way to go. Good luck to you.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • el7277
    el7277 Member Posts: 64
    edited December 2018

    I will definitely check out these suggestions. I am already feeling like I crave healthier things so hopefully I can implement some changes. Fasting g sounds difficult but I will look into it. My do said we should just focus on keeping regular and be mindful of it always. Thanks for the info.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sjacobs146
    Sjacobs146 Member Posts: 770
    edited December 2018

    I had terrible diarrhea during my TC treatment, and I was unprepared for that as well. For most of these drugs possible SEs include constipation and diarrhea, so you never know what you're going to get. Second round went better for me. I was prepared with Prilosec and Imodium. I made sure I ate lightly for a few days around the treatment. Find some food that you can tolerate. For me it was chicken soup. I also purchased a hand held bidet to help with cleanup.

    I was able to work FT during treatment. The first week after an infusion is the worst, it gradually gets better after that. I was on what they called intermittent family leave. I took time when I needed it, I didn't take 12 full weeks off. Hang in there

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • el7277
    el7277 Member Posts: 64
    edited December 2018

    Sjacobs146 ..I was told about intermittent leave and I think that may go that route. Like you said, especially so early on, we never know what we are going to get. I am glad your first was the worst and seems better now. One day at a time seems to be the name of the game.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BellasMomToo
    BellasMomToo Member Posts: 305
    edited December 2018

    I had TCHP and had gas pain and explosive "D" . "Gas X ULTRA Strength" worked well for me -- it helped with the gas pain and made the "D" much less explosive. (I recommend ULTRA strength cause that last for 12 hours whereas Gas X Extra strength only last for about 6 hours.) The Ultra strength one helped me sleep through the night -- I didn't realize that gas pain was one big cause of my restless sleep.

    I also had pain that was apparently caused by acid reflux. My MO recommended Prilosec OTC and Pepcid AC.

    Hang it there.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories