The Chemosabe March Cruise

Marshabel,
I start mine on 3-14 as well but will be doing all 3 in one day and for 6 rounds. I guess from what Nancy said its called TAC. I'm curious if there's a reaction after chemo how the heck do they know which one it's from. I guess it doesn't matter because from what I hear if anyone here has a reaction they don't just switch meds anyway, just treat the symptoms instead.

Jill I just want to know did you feel better because you threw up or because you finally got payback on the hubby...hehe. I can't wait to say I have that 1st one behind me too.

Nancy,
Sure hope I can see a post from you when you get home on Tuesday if it's possible. I'd love to hear how it goes if you're able to post before I go in the next morning. If not don't worry just take care of you. I'm really curious how long it's going to take. My nurse said about 7 hours.

I'm really dreading the headaches and hope to God I don't start getting the migraines again. Havn't had them for years now and sure don't want to start that all over again too.

I'm curious how you all did during your infusions? Were you sleepy? Wide awake? Let us know.

Holly,
Glad you sailed right through your first treatment (not including the picc line of course) Tell me about these heavy duty nausea meds. Names please!!!! They gave me a script already for Decadron and Zolfran. Supposed to start the Dec the night before chemo. GOD I HOPE THEY WORK!!

Barb,
Good luck tomorrow hun and we'll be thinking about you.

Angel

Marshabel: My onc nurse gave me something right before chemo started and then gave me scrips for 3 anti-nausea drugs. I finish chemo around 1:30 and was feeling a little queasy by 3:30. For me, it cleared up quite a bit when I took Ativan (lorazepan -sp?). Mine never got to the getting sick stage.

Angel -- I was worried about migraines, too, but even though I did get a headache, it was different. More on the top of my head and not as severe. It went away in a few hours.

I felt fine during the infusions (A/C). No symptoms kicked in for a couple of hours.

lindaDK -- Thanks for keeping the running list of cruise members. Another board I'm on keeps the names in a post on the first page so we always know where to look for it. I noticed you have a post on the first page, so maybe you could edit the list into it and just update as necessary. Aren't you glad I have all these tasks for you? Just trying to keep your mind on other things.

BarbKirk -- Good luck to both of you tomorrow. Hope it's much smoother sailing this time around.

Symptom of the day -- Slightly sore throat. No fever, not on the list of symptoms to call the doctor about. "Chemo can affect the delicate tissues of the throat..."

Thanks for the info about nausea meds, everyone! Right now I am drinking the delightful barium cocktail in preparation for my CT scan tomorrow. I'm also scheduled for a bone scan, then I have Tuesday free before starting treatment on Wednesday. Trying not to be so nervous about it, but I can't seem to get my mind on anything else. It makes my brain tired......

Marshabel

Marshabel,
I have a prescription my onc gave me for Decadron and Zofran. I'm supposed to start the Decadron the evening before then the Zofran I have to take with me and will start it there. I would definitely call the onc and find out about your meds. And make sure ladies wether or not you're feeling nauseaus take the meds because that's what they're for. Supposedly they won't work after you're already sick. You can bet your life I'm not gonna miss a one of mine. Just hope they do what they're supposed to.
Angel

well, i go in to the hospital in a few hours for my SNB, my port, and to have the teeny 4mm something on my right breast excised. i hate fasting. i'm already hungry.

Hey Everyone,
Good luck Playwright...I'm sending hugs and prayers your way.

Tomorrow is the big day for me and needless to say I'm a bit nervous. Today my plan is to drink lots of water and try not to think about it (right!!!!). On another thread I read someone said they took 3 tylenol as soon as they sat down in the chair and that it really helped with the headaches. I'm planning on taking them with me and hope they will let me take them. I'll let you know.
For those of you who have started this already, thank you so much for your post...it sure has helped me. Angel, I'll do my best to post on how things went. My appt is at 11 and the nurse told me it should take about 2 hours (that seems short to me but I'll see....the unknown is so hard)

HUGS!!!!
NANCY

OK - trying to go in to work today...I'm already 3 hours late....haven't even showered yet -can't figure out how to protect my damn PICC from getting wet - and don't suggest that my dh help - don't have one! Live alone...yes, I am angry now - suddenly and hugely...feeling queasy still but have been eating regular food throughout. Had chemo on Fri now it's Mon can I stop worrying about throwing up??

Can I please stay home with my covers over my head? Can anyone train my dog to do the grocery shopping and cooking?

Welcome, steph! I think you are our lead-off Cruiser! Good to hear that your first was survivable, even if it has been rather a challenge.
Playwriter, Cynthia and Marsha - Good luck on your procedures and scans today.:)
Holly, Linda, maxgirl, Jill - thank you for adding your treatment reports to those of refugee and Marsha. Every testimony helps the rest of us to prepare for what is to come - in my case, in less than 24 hours!
Angel - than you for your "chemo collage" It cracked me up!

Those of you who have ports and use the Emla cream (or any other) for topical anesthesia - what do you use for an "occlusive dressing"? It has to be non-permeable, so a basic gauze bandage is out. Hmmm - maybe a square of saran wrap bordered with adhesive tape?

Lisa

I haven't been around much to thank so many of you for your input wrt my Kaiser challenges. My oncologist did take my case to the tumour board, and they came back with a 2nd Generation recommendation. Which is cool - adding a taxane was a no-brainer. But in the last 5 years, there has been a lot of study to improve even those - known as 3rd Generation chemo treatments. With my aggressive cancer, I needed one of these. I've spent umpteen hours doing research so that I could make this decision. This morning, I wrote my onc. the following:
***************
Good morning, Dr. D--

I appreciate your taking my case to the tumor board last week and calling me
afterward. I did feel relieved that a taxane was added to my
chemotherapeutic plan. However, I am not satisfied that the proposed schedule is optimal for my treatment. Among others, I rely on the NCCN 2006 Guidelines that "no longer recommend different types of chemotherapy for node negative and node positive breast cancer", especially in high-risk node-negative cancer (high grade + estr. receptor neg. being one of the high-risk determinants).

Rather than the current proposal, I would be satisfied with:

1 - Dose Dense ACx4q2weeks --> Tx4q2weeks, with filgrastim support (CALGB Trial 9741)

2 - FEC100x3q3weeks --> Docetaxelx3q3weeks, with filgrastim support (PACS 01 trial)

3 - TACx6q3weeks, with filgrastim support (BCIRG 01)

4 - FEC90x4 --> Tx8q1week (GEICAM)

Personally, I prefer the less severe cardiotoxicity of epirubicin relative to doxorubicin, but I will bow to your expertise in choosing from amongst the four regimens I have presented.

Understandably, I am concerned because my current schedule has me receiving my first infusion tomorrow afternoon. I feel a consensus between us needs to be reached as soon as possible in order to keep that appointment. I will be having my labs done at Z-- this afternoon in anticipation of a satisfactory outcome.

My impression following our visit was that we could work together quite well throughout my treatment. I appreciate your flexibility in considering my input, as I know you understand the critical importance these decisions have in my life

Thank you for your help.
*****************
She actually got back to me within the hour!
So - finally, at nearly the last moment, I have a chemo plan in place that satisfies both me and my oncologist.
Tomorrow 3/13, I begin Taxotere+Adriamycin+Cytoxan for six cycles, 21 days apart. I'll be giving myself Neupogen injections daily for 7-10 days following each infusion (which really means I'll have a chemo needle of some sort for 11 days out of every 22). On the plus side, I will be having a kick-ass 'cocktail' that will give notice to the cancer that it has just been served with a non-negotiable EVICTION NOTICE! Also, rather than finshing up around Labor Day, I should be done by the end of June! (Lord willing) So, I'll still have some summertime left!I think Angel and Gr.Nancy are also going to be having the same TACx6 treatment.

I need to run out and get my lab work done and buy some Biotene mouthrinse. My daughter is bringing ginger ale and I have saltines and a couple of fruit popsicles. Don't know what else might be missing. Unfortunately, I'm sure I'll get proficient in no time.

{{{Hugs}}} to all my March Chemo Sistahs!
Lisa

Angel - that cracked me up, and I SO needed a good laugh! I had my CT and bone scans today, and my MUGA was last Thursday. Everything went well, except that during the MUGA I had to put my arms above my head. It was uncomfortable then, but starting last night my left arm and shoulder (breast surgery side) are causing a lot of pain. Can hardly move my left arm at all. I don't remember who was talking about it earlier, but I can certainly relate to that person who said she couldn't use either arm due to breast surgery and port surgery. Oh, my gosh - talk about helpless......I feel like that dinosaur on the commercial for the new children's animated movie that says.." I have a big head and little arms!" With both elbows tucked to my body, my little hands just sort of flap out there! I made my husband tie long strings to all of the fan and light pulls so I could be sure to relieve my hot flashes at least. OK, I will stop whining now.....The good news is that I have nothing scheduled for tomorrow, so I can go to the store and stock up on Biotene, soups, mashed taters, etc.
Lisa - good luck on your treatment tomorrow, keep us posted.
Holly - hang in there, girl. Go ahead and get angy - throw something if you need to. Just watch out for the dog in case you need him to do the shopping!

Marsha

Hello March Chemosabes --

I'm checking in from the February cruise with advice for any AC girls. I'm about to have AC#3 tomorrow, so I feel like an old pro. Well, at least old!

You need to drink lots and lots of fluids, starting with the day before chemo. If you were prescribed zofran for nausea and are prone to constipation, you need to keep on top of taking senokot-S. I found that ativan (orally and in my IV) the day of chemo really helped keep my anxiety levels down, and ativan also has some mild anti-nausea properties.
I don't have a port and have a great chemo nurse. She soaks my whole arm in very warm water prior to starting the IV. It really helps!

Hair loss seems to occur anywhere after 14 days from the first treatment. Some of us buzzed at first sign of hair loss; others waited until hair looked visibly thin and loss was getting annoying. It seems to be a personal thing. We also seem to be split on wigs vs. hats vs. "going commando"!

You should feel free to check our thread or post-questions or even pm any of us.

{{{{Hugs}}}} to all!

-- Hillary

Playwriter,
Hope your SNB and surgery went well for you. We'll be waiting to hear your results.

Nancy,
I'll be there holding your hand tomorrow so make sure it's a good day ok? Don't want to hear anything negative or I may just have to run for the hills on Wed ok....hehe No truly I want the honesty. I havn't been told anything about creams on my port either but then nobody said anything about drinking lots of water the day before either and I'll make sure I do that too.

Linda,
I could just spank you. Never think you're over anything I say especially while you're doing this darn chemo. Keep on those meds and don't try to be a Martyr. Why do we always do that....because we're women I guess.

Holly,
You have me laughing so hard about your shower with your picc line. Isn't it funny how the Dr's give us stuff like that then tell us don't shower for a week or 3 days or whatever it is. Do they really think they could stand to smell us 3 days later at our next appt. if we actually did that....lol I'm so glad that you're getting to eat regular and havn't actually thrown up yet. I envy you and hope mine is half as easy. Keep up the good work.

Steph,
Sorry you're one of the elite March Cruisers but welcome aboard. Looks like you had a rough 1st week. Hang in there sweetie because I'm right behind ya and will need a couple of pity parties out of the group soon I just know it.

Lisa,
You're going to do the TAC x 6 that GrammyNancy and I will be doing as well. Nancy starts hers tomorrow and mine will be this Wed. I cracked up at your Eviction Notice. Good one!

Marshabel,
Isn't it amazing all the things you reach for and just never paid any attention to? My hardest thing I do most often is try to reach for the car door to shut it. I almost fell out 1 time if I hadn't had ahold of the steering wheel with the other hand. My hubby carried my purse around for me all the time and he's starting to look a little too comfy with it if ya ask me....lol BTW I love the days there are no appts. scheduled.

1stlite,
Nice to see you aboard but not happy you have to join us. I'd rather be sailing to the Bahamas if ya know what I mean.

NarberthMom,
Thanks for posting for us. I'm sure glad you mentioned about the Zofran and constipation which I definitely am prone to. Is the senokot-s over the counter? If so I'll have it by tomorrow morning. I thought I had everything I needed so I wouldn't have to leave the house for the next month...lol It's always like that isn't it. My God I'm stocked up on popsicles, flavored waters, Biotene, soups, crackers and tons of other stuff. Pretty soon I'm gonna need another room to store all the cancer junk. (NOT!)

Angel

wow, lisa, good for you in being so proactive and giving your doctor informed choices!

angel, thanx for the funy. sorry to hear about yr new dilemma. do u have a patient advocate at yr onc's ofc?

prodcure went ok today. eben tho i went in friday to take care of all paperwork, they forgot to ask me for my copay, and keyed my ph# in wrong, so they couldn't call me. so, had to wait 45 min to get all that cleared up. then the surgeon hadn't given any orders to the o/p part, so had to wait for those to arrive.
got injected with the radioactive dye ~ 9am, and DH and i chatted and napped until 12:00 when they came in to take a pic of the sentinal node.
SNB and port stuff started at 1; left the hosp ~4, and promptly hurled once we got home. a total of 3x so far -- i can't keep anything down.

Playwriter,
Oh forgot to ask you what you found out about the nodes?

Hello everyone.

One chemo treatment down!

We arrived at the Cancer Center, and we immediately were directed to the Infusion Center for Barb’s pre-chemo blood work. It was like a flash back to 1992 today when we walked in to the room. The chemo nurse handling Barb’s treatment today was a nurse that took care of Barb in the hospital when she had her second mastectomy. They looked at each other and they both immediately knew. Barb remembered her as being a very caring person, as she gave her a backrub late one night to help her sleep.

We met with Barb's Doc and his nurse to once again go over everything that was going to happen today. You know you are dealing with serious treatments, and a good doctor, when he gives you his personal cell phone number and pager number too. We very much like our Doc!!

We were disappointed to learn that he was going to be on vacation for 10 days, overlapping Barb’s second treatment timeframe. He is going back to India to visit his family. We will be having a fill in Oncologist for the next treatment. He does want Barb to call him this Wednesday and we will be seeing him next week too.

The afternoon was spent in a chair getting infused.

Saline
Decadron
Aloxi
Emend
Ativan
Adriamycin and Cytoxan
We spent the afternoon visiting with each other, talking with other patients, and Barb worked on Sudoku games. She even managed to get a short nap in.

She was feeling OK when we got home. She was very tired and went straight to bed. Her little princess, Bella, is keeping watch. She awoke after two hours and had a light supper. We watched TV for a couple of hours and she took a Valium and went back to bed.

We return to the Clinic on Tuesday to get Neulasta, on Wednesday to see her surgeon to drain excess lymph fluid, and to see the lymphydema specialist.

She is still sleeping this morning. Overall it was a homerun yesterday! She felt slightly ill/tired but not bad at all. Compared to 1991 when she had AC and only made it 5 hours till she got sick and 10 hours before the ER. The new antiemetics seem to be working.

I hope everyone is doing well and I do enjoy reading the posts.

BarbKirk