Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

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  • mer1957
    mer1957 Member Posts: 534
    edited February 2007

    I started out with a cold and that's gone. But none my nose runs constantly whenever I am active. Any ideas? I am tired of kleenex! Six days after 4th dose of AC and I still feel like morning sickness. Anyone else have that feeling for so long? Next week starts Taxol. Thanks for all your support and info.

  • IowaCindy
    IowaCindy Member Posts: 341
    edited February 2007
    What a ride round three was. I had a cold. I had intestinal side effects and I spent 7 hours in the ER on Thursday because when I called the onc to report the diarrhea and they asked about other problems I opened my mouth to say that I thought my heart was beating fast. I was asked to come in for a check by the nurse practitioner and before I knew it I was whisked away from the MD's office via wheelchair to the ER at the other end of the complex.

    Seven hours later: three EKGs (all normal), two cardiac enzyme lab draws (all normal) , two hours on oxygen, 7 hours on cardiac monitoring (all normal except the rapid heart rate of 105-110), refusing to take the nitroglycerin they tried to give me, trying to convince the ER doc that I was fine (speaking of my cardiac status) - I'm an almost 50 y/o woman who's had her breast lopped off, had a difficult procedure for my port placement, lost her hair, having unwanted reactions to chemo, only able to work 1/2 time or less - so if I could have something for STRESS!! Nope, he released me with orders to have a cardiac stress test the next day.

    All I can say is it was a difficult week. But I did not have the stress test. I spent the next day speaking by phone with the MD's office. I've now got Xanax to help although I'm only using it at night to help me relax and sleep. I need to be able to function during the day and I don't want the Xanax to increase my already scattered thought processes. It is helping me get better rest. (My heart rate was 103 today at the office, the MD isn't overly concerned at this time.)

    Now my challenge is to manage the side effects of the AC this time around. Take Immodium at the first sign of loose stools, eat bland (woohoo for that, it's what I've been doing - I'm missing my old favorites!), call the doc if I can't get things moving at a more normal rate, etc. The MD and the nurses emphasized to me that I do not want to irritate the colon/rectal area and possibly provide entrance for a bacteria - cellulitis of the rectum would be awful.

    She okayed a trial of the Claritin to offset the effects of the Neulasta. (I'm glad she knows because I was doing it anyway.) She's not heard of that treatment but stated doctors often identify within their own practices the positive effects some medications have for a totally different ailment than the usual.


    So I've been reading everyone's posts and cheering y'all on. I know that it's not necessarily always strength that carries us on but that sense "What else are we going to do?" so thank you for validating my struggles with yours, for sharing your hearts so openly. It helps. It really does. When I'm here at 2AM, I know I'm not alone.

    Cindy - 4/8 chemo treatments done!
  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited February 2007
    IowaCindy, sounds like you really went through the grinder in the ER, I hear you.

    I think we're getting to the scary part now. Last week when I had my little breakdown and ended up the in ER, I felt so weak it was scary. I checked out OK, but I had nightmares and would wake up again feeling like I couldn't breathe. My WB was low, and even 5 days and 5 Nuep shots later, I knew I wasn't ready for another chemo, so I am taking a 4 day break. It's a good thing I didn't get the scheduled chemo on Thursday, because I came down with my third and worst kidney infection. Think I went to the bathroom about 42 times Thursday night.

    The break was worth it...I began to feel like I had my mind back. I actually painted two pictures yesterday and they weren't my best but they weren't bad. I felt so good I got out the vacuum and started cleaning house, but conked out in the middle of changing the sheets and DH had to finish for me. Not even enough energy to go for a short walk afterwards. Hungry but couldn't eat much supper.

    And then I wondered how am I going to finish chemo? Do I have it in me? Scary tired...I guess I over did it. I think at this point, when we're getting exhausted, we just have to pamper ourselves and get through one way or the other. Don't overdo. Keep up with exercise, but not as much as before. Sleep a lot; use those ativans to stay rested. Warm soaks in the tub.

    All said, I think we need to listen to our bodies and gut feelings and do what's best for us...you get too tired, take a little break..buck up, it can't hurt that much. Get through it somehow. Count the days to when it's OVER and soon it will be.

    Mizsissy
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,223
    edited February 2007
    Hi everyone! Just checking in after chemo #2 yesterday. What a fiasco! Because of the midwestern snow storms they had many cancellations on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week and were filtering in these people in-between those of us that were regularly scheduled for Friday. I waited 1/1/2 hours before I even got back to the chemo room so it made for a long day at the cancer center. But the good thing is that I have only 4 left. It sounds better to say that I am 1/3 of the way done.

    So far, so good. They told me to start taking the compazine six hours after my treatment and continue it for 3 days whether I needed it or not. This technique must be working. I don't feel like running a marathon, but I can do this if it doesn't get any worse.

    My WBC did drop from 5.4 to 3.5. They didn't seem to think that was too bad but I worry about what is going to happen if it drops that much every time, as some of you have unfortunately experienced. I also gained 2 pounds. That doesn't sound like much but if you multiply by that 6 treatments........that's 12 pounds I don't need to gain.

    Iowa Cindy........HUGS TO YOU! My gosh you've had a terrible week. I'm sure it was extremely frightening. Hang in there. Things will get better.

    Lynne, I've had the nosebleeds, too. My onc told me to rub some petroleum jelly into my nostrils after the bleeding had stopped and intermittently throughout the day when it was convenient. Supposedly the jelly coats the area and helps to stop infection. I also have the saline drops.

    Rebecca...hope your weekend is a good get away for you. Let us know how you handled the trip and how your daughter did in the competitions.

    Jan and Illen....how did your second chemos go?

    I'm off to see what I can find that sounds good to eat. Hopefully that will be my greatest challenge of the day.


    Hang in there everybody! Every treatment brings us closer to the end of this. Won't it be nice to get our lives back (at least as close to normal as possible before BC)?

    Rita
  • Dar1
    Dar1 Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2007

    Well January girls, we're right in the thick of it. I had #3 on Wednesday - went well, but the first IV "blew" the vein and she had to fiddle with the second, so my hand and wrist are quite bruised. One to go - they said they would use a vein higher up on my arm for the last one if they have to. I'm told I'm doing very well, but I still can't get over the fact that I have(had?) bc! And the uncertainty this entails for my life - I want my old complacent life back. Friends and family phone, send cards, visit etc. but most of them talk very fast around me - don't want to know how I really feel, I think. They want to see that I'm "doing so well". Physically I guess I am, but tireder than I've ever been, bald, eyes watering, nose running, gassy (anyone else have that one?) I'm just really ticked off that I can not longer ignore the fact that I have an expiry date - me! Every one does, but I'd rather not have to look at it. I feeling negative this morning - read too many survival stats I think, and none are 100%. Also, day 3 on the anti-nausea meds and they make me very emotional. What will the new normal be? On the brighter note, I don't mind my bald head! I don't love it - any hair will be a good hair day. But a couple of times I've just about left the house bald - the freezing weather would reminder me fast enough I'm sure! Why can't they make a wig that doesn't itch - or is it just mine?

  • Lynn12
    Lynn12 Member Posts: 1,008
    edited February 2007
    Good Morning Ladies,

    Just checking in.

    Rita and Dar, glad to hear you made it through your chemo's ok.

    Cindy, so sorry to hear of your awful time. Hope you are doing better!

    I had another nose bleed this morning, ugh!

    My dh has been involved with my losing my hair from the beginning. I told myself after my mastectomy that I need to feel totally comfortable in my own home, so I walk around with no bra under my shirt as I always did and now walk around with no hat (unless my head is cold). My 15 year old was really shocked about my hair, but is now getting used to it.

    I'm off to have a nice lunch with Mom and sister. We have a tradition that when it's someone's birthday (sis), we dress up, have a nice lunch and give our gifts. I bought a new outfit the other day and am excited about dressing up.

    Thinking about you all, hope everyone has a good day!

    Lynn
  • jonimb
    jonimb Member Posts: 900
    edited February 2007
    Does anyone else find Day #5 & #6 after chemo tough. I just feel really rotten. I was okay up until yesterday, and now I'm down for the count again. I can't sleep very well, so that is probably half the problem.

    Any suggestions would be appreciated.

    Lynn, I bought a new Jones of New York leather jacket yesterday, I'm going to a candle party tomorrow, so hope I'm up for it.

    Big Hugs to all the January girls....Joni
  • jamie33
    jamie33 Member Posts: 24
    edited February 2007
    Joni, I too get the most worn out about day 5 & 6, but of course it s progressing during 1-4. After about day 7 i start bouncing back.
    I'm on TCH, had # 3 of 6 on wed the 14th.
    Glad to be 1/2 way done.
  • Amera
    Amera Member Posts: 452
    edited February 2007
    Hi Joni, yes, days 5 and 6 are my most tired days. I also seem to have a night where I cannot sleep no matter what I do. I have even tried Atavan to no avail. That does certainly make the next day harder. I also think I spend so much time sleeping, that going to bed at night is difficult. I've tried to not sleep as much during the day although I still need a nap most days even a couple of weeks out.

    Have fun at the party.
    Amera
  • robertin
    robertin Member Posts: 78
    edited February 2007
    My worst day this time was the 3rd day. I stayed home, but was back to work on day 4. Of course, I come home and crash. Today was day 5 and it is getting a little better, although my legs are still shaking. My hair is really falling out now, and there was a nice coating in my tub. What I realy don't like are all the fine hairs in my face. I walk around without a hat at home, and when I look in the mirror I don't see myself, but I tell myself that I am in basic training, and am I learning a lot. Once the training is over, I will be a better person and my hair will grow back. Oh, and ladies, Britney Spears looks just like us now. We just have a lot more personality.
    My hubby is going to completely shave my head tonight. I'll post a new avitar pretty soon.
  • jonimb
    jonimb Member Posts: 900
    edited February 2007
    Well on Valentine's Day it was me and my darling Dan's 1st Anniversary, so I put a LOVE LINE in our local newspaper.
    Dan, rugged good looks, body of a god...deeply Loved by Joni, Happy #1.

    We won the runner up prize of $200.00 at a Hair & Spa Salon. As I don't have any hair, it just figures this would be the time I would win it. LOL

    My hubby took alot of ribbing at work, but we had a great day!!

    Cyber hugs to all my January chemo sisters.
  • viddie
    viddie Member Posts: 547
    edited February 2007
    Hi everyone,
    I had # 2 a/c on Thursday. This time they gave me Neulasta on Friday because of my low white counts last week (.8). It did go up to 4, which is still pretty low. I have been taking Aleve and so far so good. I also got a reiki treatment in Friday morning. It felt good and it is also supposed to help with Neulasta bone pain. I do not like taking the steriod decadron, but I have to take it with the Emend, which is amazing.

    So far, I am reacting the exact same way as last time: staying in bed til around noon on Saturday. I have to ask my dh to pull me out of bed so I can get something to eat besides crackers next to my bed. I feel much better after that. Last time Sunday and Monday were the pits. I am hoping it will be better this time. This time I asked for Zofran, which is finally generic now. It worked like a charm yesterday. I had compazine last time, and it did not do a thing. And of course Ativan helps me go to sleep. I am turning into a "druggie." Whatever gets us through the first 6 days.

    Sorry, but I cannot personally ask how everyone is feeling right now, too foggy. I hope everyone has a nice weekend.
    Viddie
  • t4t
    t4t Member Posts: 28
    edited February 2007
    Whew! Glad that 1st week after tx #2 is behind us. Those days 3-7 were kick ---. Tae is much improved starting yesterday (day 8). I just feel like dirt cause she was so fatigued and nothing I could do seemed to help. Now that she can concentrate, we rented a couple of movies, Open Season and Barnyard, and had a few laughs watching them. Tae has two wigs now and hates both of them. I uploaded a new avitar. We were just ready to go out at noon today when she pulled off the wig and put on her scarf saying that she just couldn't stand it. Now her stubble is coming out in patches and it is painful. Will the duct tape trick stop the pain if all the hair is gone? Also, Tae is concerned cause her nails are becoming discolored down near the cuticles. Anyone else experiencing that? This session seemed to bring more fatigue but the bone pain was less. Perhaps due to the Zyrtec this time? Friday's labs disclosed a WBC of 1.5 which is better than the 1.2 after the first session. Still, such a low count is dangerous so we are carefull where we go. Session #3 is Friday. Hoping for a good week this week. Wishing the same to all of you. be strong.

    Terry 4 Tae.
  • vgirl
    vgirl Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2007

    hi guys I am new here just thought Id say hi also started chemo in jan I have my 4th and final AC on wed then I start taxol with herceptin

  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited February 2007
    Hello Tae!!! You may hate your wig but you are beautiful in it!! What wonderful bone structure in your face.

    Not to worry, your hair will grow back soon. I hate my wigs too. The turbans are comfortable, and when I add the bangs and long earrings, I feel downright glamorous!!!!

    Check out www.chemosavvy.com

    The nail discoloration is listed in the literature as a side effect of taxotere...normal but unpleasant. Those are very low blood counts...my WBC never got that low but I've had a very scary, overwhelming feeling of fatigue, feeling sometimes like I can't breathe, that I've been told is just another side effect of chemo in gen'l.

    Welcome, Vgirl, you've come a long way, how have you been handling this?

    Good Morning All of You...this is the best time of the day for me, to log on see all your new messages. It's quite a disappointment when they're aren't many. I am still trying to get rid of this kidney infection so I can do Treatment 3 of 4 on Monday, and move into the home stretch.

    I'm not taking any chances, no church this AM. I'm just lying around, taking it easy, not overdoing, popping pills as necessary, and thinking...just two more weeks, I can be a house potato for just a couple of weeks more. It's almost feels like I'm *cheating*..

    OK, here comes DH with a handful of pills.....

    Mizsissy
  • Robbin65
    Robbin65 Member Posts: 251
    edited February 2007

    Any of you girls on 4 doses of AC, have you had your period? I am suppose to start this coming week. My period had just ended the day before my first dose last month. Just wondering if you all have been effected.

  • Amera
    Amera Member Posts: 452
    edited February 2007
    I was supposed to get mine yesterday and I still feel like I might. I got mine the day of my first dose. I've heard you can have a couple of normal cycles and then they stop. It will be interesting to see what happens.
    Amera
  • vgirl
    vgirl Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2007

    I got my period after my first and second round 2 weeks apart but i didnt get it after my 3rd so I should be due after my 4th dose on wed Its my 4th and last dose of AC yeah!! half way there Im hoping I get it cause I really dont want to go through menopause at 30

  • bdaily
    bdaily Member Posts: 4
    edited February 2007
    RobinnJayne,

    Hi I just had my 4th AC last Thursday. I had a period inbetween AC#1 and AC#2. And now after round #4 I just got a period today. I still have 4taxol to go. I am 1/2 way through! I hope my period survives taxol as I don't want to go through menapause yet.
  • Nancyab
    Nancyab Member Posts: 276
    edited February 2007
    Hi Ladies,
    I actually had my last period 2 days before my 1st dose of AC and now I am due for #4 on Thursday. It was suppose to be last Friday but my counts were to low, I left there feeling bummed because it was like prolonging agony. This was suppose to be final AC then on to 12 tx of Taxol. My nails have discolored also kind of bluish at what I call the "half moon" part of the nail right at the base. My Onc. said very normal, just not nice to all my side effects. Just not nice is soooooo true! Take care my pink ribbon sisters.
    Stage 2a E+ P+ her2- Bi-lat mastectomy
  • Dar1
    Dar1 Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2007

    I got my period between #2 and #3 - it was 2 weeks late. I'm 49, so I'm hoping for menopause through this! That way I can go on Arimidex in a couple of years. I was having perimenopausal symptoms before all this -- so, all things must come to an end right? I say, have a rest little ovaries, you've done your job. But I've read that in younger women, 4 cycles does not necessarily induce menopause.

  • vlfr
    vlfr Member Posts: 23
    edited February 2007
    I've been bald since the middle of January. It is getting easier but its slow. I never put any effort into my appearance before so now the effort to do make up and a wig seems sort of phoney, maybe artificial is a better word but Im doing in none the less.

    My husband had a hard time with the hair loss. He is getting over it I think. The first time we had sex I wanted to leave my scarf on or turn off all the lights. Im not a beautiful bald. So I look at my head as little as possible.

    Vicky
  • Lynn12
    Lynn12 Member Posts: 1,008
    edited February 2007
    Hi Vicky,

    Have you lost 'all' your hair on your head? I seem to be holding onto some and it's driving me nuts. I'm not sure if I should have dh shave it or just leave it to fall out.

    Did most of you have to end up shaving or did it 'all' fall out on it's own?

    Lynn
  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited February 2007
    Just got from my third infusion...went beautifully. They alway give me the luxury accomodations; this time we had a private curtained corner with two windows, flowers, and two comfortable chairs. Now that I know that Day 1 is just like any other day I can look forward to doing some sewing.

    Blood counts are back in the low normal range, and with neupogen shots lined up through the rest of the week, I know they'll stay that way. The kidney infection is still there and they're doing a sensitivity test to find out what new antibiotic to try...just hope I don't get another allergic reaction!!!

    Wish I could help with you gals who are worried about periods...been there, done that, it's been over for a while for me and I don't miss any of it. In fact, for me menopause initiated a little creative renaissance in my life. But just in case your worried about some of the more intimate facets of marital relations, go visit the Mojo thread. Mena started this thread and it's still going hot and heavy. There's a lot of good information there, and some of it is quite entertaining!

    I found the thread one night at about 10 pm and I was still reading it at 6 AM...and that was saving time by reading mostly just Mena's posts...she's got a terrific sense of humor and she will make you laugh and she will make you cry!..... http://community.breastcancer.org/ubbthr...part=1&vc=1

    Mizsissy
  • Lynn12
    Lynn12 Member Posts: 1,008
    edited February 2007
    Mizsissy,

    Glad to hear your 3rd chemo went fine. Just think, only one more for you!

    Also, nice avatar! You look great!

    Lynn
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,223
    edited February 2007
    TAE.......I really LIKE your wig. It's very becoming!!!

    Mizsissy....glad that #3 is out of the way for you. I'm envious because you're one up on me now! :-) And to think you got the luxury treatment, too. I just get whatever chair in the main room is open when I come in!
    :-)

    Robertin, I'm with you. My third day is my worst. I was just miserable yesterday but am doing pretty good today. I hope I feel O.K. again tomorrow because I'm going into the bowling alley in the morning if I do. I have cabin fever. Everything was cancelled around here last week due to the snow and ice and then Chemo hit on Friday and I was in most of the weekend. My social life (which usually isn't dynamite anyway) is really suffering! Poor me! :-)

    Hope you are all doing well today.

    Rita
  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited February 2007
    Rita, I hear you with your problem with cabin fever...it's been a big problem of mine all through this. I've really avoided a lot of social activity to avoid infections...but now I've decided I don't have much longer to go so I'll just stick it out being a recluse. How much longer do you go?

    Are there any other early finishers out there 'sides me? Makes me feel guity!!! But I had a dose dense regieme and from the research I've read it's just as effective as some of the other regimens.

    Anyway...posting here is one way to liven up the doldrums!!!
  • Amera
    Amera Member Posts: 452
    edited February 2007
    Mizsissy, that turban with the bangs looks terrific. Wish I'd ordered some. I am sticking to winter hats mostly as they give the illusion of hair. The scarf is a dead givaway.

    I have strep. No wonder I've been feeling so yucky. I went to my pcp and he wrote the scrip. I called the onc yesterday and she was at home and had no idea what to prescribe for strep. Funny how specialized they are. I guess she is only really concerned if I have a temp--which I do but not in the "call the dr" range.

    Sheesh! I have never had a cold/strep like this. It's been like the worst day of a cold for over a week now. Hopefully the antibiotic will get the ball rolling in the right direction, although I know it won't take care of anything but the strep.

    Such fun adventures in chemotherapy!
    Amera
  • Rebecca
    Rebecca Member Posts: 971
    edited February 2007
    Greetings everyone..I got back this evening from my trip to Ohio, and I have just now finished reading all of the posts I missed this weekend (whew!) Sounds like overall everyone is doing well…just the normal aches and pains (strange what we come to regard as “normal” when on chemo!).

    Just to address some of the outstanding questions: I got my period half way through last cycle, and started staining a few days ago (not a full menstrual cycle), I am expecting one next week for real, we will see what happens I guess.

    I DO allow my husband to see me bald, we have been very open about all of this, and we are both comfortable with these outside changes because it is what is inside that counts after all! I do not walk around the house without a headcover, however, because my children have asked me not to (and I get cold, anyway).

    I have started to get some blood out of my nose as well, and I think that the incessant running is probably from the loss of the hairs from inside the nose (strange how such a small thing can make such a difference!)

    Well, we spent 10 ½ hours on a bus to get to Columbus Ohio, and arrived safe and sound Friday evening. We stayed in a Marriot, so accommodations were quite comfortable, actually. The meet went very well, Frances won 6th place on the Balance Beam, 7th place on the Vault and 7th place overall. The meet is absolutely enormous with a total of 3000 gymnasts in a variety of age groups competing through the weekend. We were very proud of her accomplishment! I have posted some pics:

    http://picasaweb.google.com/rebecca.sheehy/BuckeyeClassic2007


    Amera- I did not ask my onc if I could go…I just went. I guess I am a rebel, I am tired of BC controlling my life, and I missed a big meet in December because of my biopsy. These things mean a lot to me, because I want to enjoy them WITH Frances, and be there to share the moment with her. I decided that I really had to go to this one.

    Well……things are never dull in BC-land…..I have had this cough for about three weeks now, and my onc knew…gave me meds for it. Since it did not seem to be getting any worse, I decided to just go on the trip as planned, and made sure I brought all my various medications. I was doing pretty well with it, but as the weekend progressed I could tell that it was going into an infection, and the OTC meds, and prescription cough syrup stopped working for me. I started getting a gooky nose, and the cough began to be less productive and more intense. On Sunday, things rapidly got worse, and as I was sitting with the family by the side of the pool, I started to feel a tightness in my chest, and my heart began to race. I got a little scared, because I was going to be getting on the bus for the return trip the next morning, so I called the onc, figuring that they would call in an antibiotic. I even went to the front desk to get the phone of a nearby 24hr pharmacy. Well, much to my surprise, I was instructed to go directly to the ER, an instruction that I was confused about until I got there and was informed that my symptoms either meant I had bronchitis (no big deal) OR I had a blood clot in my lungs (Big deal). I spent the next 5 hours being scanned, poked and prodded as they tried to rule that out. I cried in terror of the thought of being admitted to a hospital so far from home….which would probably result in me being ALONE in Ohio, since DH would have to go home to our two other children! AAAAAAACK. Well, an EKG, a chest X-ray, a CAT scan and about a pint of blood later they decided I had bronchitis, and sent me on my way with my hands full of prescriptions. I guess it is not the full chemo experience if you do not wind up in the ER 500 miles from home! I can only hope that in 5 years I will look back on this and laugh. Right now about all I can muster is a weak wheeze
    Well, that is my sordid little story…at least it ended well. The meds the ER Dr gave me worked well, and I feel much better today, although I am still coughing.

    Well, that is enough from me for now….. I hope everyone has a great night!
  • Amera
    Amera Member Posts: 452
    edited February 2007
    Rebecca, welcome back. So sorry about your ER trip. May I ask what antibiotic they gave you? I am now on these huge, horse pills--zythromycin. It's for strep but my cough is pretty bad as well. I sound like a seal. It was my pcp who prescribed it not the onc. I wonder if the pills will take care of the cough. A blood clot? Good lord! What a crazy trip this is.

    My onc was totally non-plussed about the possiblity of strep. In fact, she said it sounded just like a cold but to go ahead and get it checked out. Didn't even occur to me to mention the cough. She is really laid back which I guess is good, but it's really confusing when the literature I got says to call the onc immediately for this and that. And when I do, it's usually, "Oh do what you'd normally do."
    Amera

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