Chemo in Nov 07

Hi...I'm from the Sept group.  Just wanted to pop in and say hello and wish you luck with treatment.  There's a great thread on tips I highly recommend. 

I had a port put in.  I recommend it if you have a choice and are having a lot of treatments.  The surgery wasn't too bad.  Its a little strange using it so I just don't look.  You really don't feel anything when you're hooked up.  I get a weird taste for a few seconds when they flush saline through when you first get hooked up, but it passes quickly and is no big deal.

Try not to worry about actually going in for the chemo.  I was freaked out totally.  But I don't feel anything when I'm sitting there.  Bring something to do though.

I got a short hair cut right before I started chemo.  About 13 days later is when my hair started to fall out.  I shaved it with a clipper and my scalp was sore for several days.  Someone recommended using a razor which sounded like a bad idea, but I did and it instantly felt better.

Oh, if you're going to use a wig, be careful bending over the oven (or any hot air) because it will singe synthetic hair.  I learned that the hard way.  And I was even warned and still did it. 

That's all I can think of to pass on.  Most likely you're still having your surgeries so good luck with that and good luck with your treatment.  This place is awesome and I'm sure grateful I had other ladies starting with me.

Hi Verjim and Ginnyintx,

I, too, will be starting chemo in November.  I've been posting under the Chemosabe March thread and more recently under October chemo thread as I was supposed to start this month, but keep getting pushed back.  I already had 4 rounds of chemo last March with a cocktail of Taxotere and Xeloda to shrink my tumor.  Since then I've had a lumpectomy and a mastectomy and am now awaiting my next go around of chemo with a cocktail of AC for 4 rounds which starts Nov 1.  All to be followed by radiation, tamoxifen and reconstruction (at some point).

I didn't do a wig last time and won't this time.  I'm more of a ballcap, scarf kind of girl. 

My issue right now of lymphadema.  I was hoping to be on of the 92% who don't get it, but unfortunately, I'm one of the 8% that do.  Am meeting with a lymphadema specialist to learn how to control and treat it.

Though they call this the club you never wanted to join, it's always nice to have company on the journey.

Take care,

Lisa (3boys4me)

Hi there ladies.  I am looking so forward to getting to know you (whoever you are) and sharing ups and downs with other women walking this walk with me. 

Well, I start my chemo tomorrow.  The first of 4 AC and then it will be 4 Taxol.  A little apprehensive, a little excited (to be getting it over with) and very sad.  I can pull myself around to being positive and upbeat for everyone around me, but deep inside I am just very sad.  Seems that I have lost my fun and I can't get it back.  There is a shadow over me now.  Sometimes it is big and very noticable and sometimes it is barely there or hidden, but it is never gone.  My boyfriend says about 2 weeks on the other side of bald, I should start to feel better.  We will see.  Good luck to us all and remember that God does love us.

Savor the Moment.

Lisa

Hi there ladies.  I am looking so forward to getting to know you (whoever you are) and sharing ups and downs with other women walking this walk with me. 

Well, I start my chemo tomorrow.  The first of 4 AC and then it will be 4 Taxol.  A little apprehensive, a little excited (to be getting it over with) and very sad.  I can pull myself around to being positive and upbeat for everyone around me, but deep inside I am just very sad.  Seems that I have lost my fun and I can't get it back.  There is a shadow over me now.  Sometimes it is big and very noticable and sometimes it is barely there or hidden, but it is never gone.  My boyfriend says about 2 weeks on the other side of bald, I should start to feel better.  We will see.  Good luck to us all and remember that God does love us.

Savor the Moment.

Lisa

You know what's funny - I have lunch with a group of bc.org ladies here in San Diego and there are 4 Lisa's in our group.  Coincidence?

Hi Nov ladies! 

I usually post in October, cuz that was where the action was, but I started my chemo today.  I was supposed to start a long time ago but had some trouble getting the surgeries behind me.

The onc changed me cocktail at the last moment to 6 TCH.  I was hooked up at 930 this morning in the chair and after they flushed me out, gave me my "pre meds" of aloxi and decadron, they pumped me one at a time full of "Taxotere, Carboplatin, and Herceptin".  I have to go back tomorrow for my neulasta shot.  I will get the 3 drugs every 3 weeks for 6 cycles.  The Herceptin is weekly for the next 18 weeks, then 3 wk cycles until nov 2008.  I will have radiation after the 6 cycles, and will do tamoxifen until the periods completely stop and they declare me in menopause.

I was flushed, rinsed, and unhooked at 3:30.  The day went fast.  Since i go to a cleveland clinic cancer center, they did give us lunch and there are oodles of snacks and beverages available.  A very nice volunteer came by to visit and was available for any pastoral needs.  The social worker brought me a very nice quilt for my journey.  I also received a soft tan knit cap to keep my bald head warm when the hair starts to fall out.  Other than fatigue, I feel fine.

I am drinking my water per directions.  I guess the drugs can actually burn the bladder if they sit there too long, so the nurse suggested i set an alarm the first night for every 2-3 hours.  I survived newborn babies so I know I will make it thru one night of keeping the bladder empty.  I bet i won't need the alarm, if i keep drinking!

I am off to watch some tv with the loving hubby.  He was there all day for me.

Cheryl

For those of you on Adriamycin and Cytoxin, can you tell me what to expect now.  My tx was on Thursday afternoon.  I think it was the cytoxin that made my arm sting up to the elbow while I was getting it.  The nurse gave me a warm pack but that didn't really help.  It was almost more than I could take and then the bag was empty.  By Friday night, I was on my back.  Light-headed.  Stayed that way all through Saturday and Sunday.  I am at work today, but I am pushing my way through.  I had a sore mouth on Friday and Saturday, but it is gone.  I was so bloated - like 5 months pregnant bloated - I guess that is why the onc gave me Zertec or whatever it is.  Is this what you are experiencing?  When will my energy come back and this nausea go away?  I can't take the phenegrin at work b/c it makes me sleepy and I am not so sure it worked for me anyway.  What about emotions?  I feel on the verge of tears all day today?  Is this part of it too?  Thanks.

Hello Nov ladies,

I have always been described as a "tough cookie" but this chemo is kicking the flour out of me! The prescribed meds are working well to contain the nausea, the zantac has done wonders with the heartburn, and the tylenol pm helps me to sleep at night after the steriods have spun me into a tizzy.  My problem has been the aches in my leg bones probably from the neulasta shot.    Today is only day 5 after my first tx of tch but the fatigue has be flat on my back watching cable tv.  I tried to fold some laundry, but felt dizzy.  I cannot imagine how so many of you make it to work!  I live close to work, I can dress casual, I don't even work with alot of people, but...I cannot even imagine going through the process to get there much less be productive.  My work is technical in nature, so I am probably better not there causing problems for others.  I am lucky to have good sick benefits so I can stay home and heal.

I am heading back to lay down.  I am either melting from flashes or freezing, and the weather man is using the nasty 4 letter word here.  Possible SNOW tonight.

Take care all,

Cheryl

Dear Iamgods,

I too am starting chemo tomorrow. I teach first graders and I am undecided about what to do about work. My doctor doesn't think it is the best idea because the children carry so many viruses, but ultimately it will be my decision. I am going to wait to make my decision until after my first treatment.

Hi ladies,

Just checking in.  Welcome sueps to the club you never wanted to join.  I am doing 4 rounds of AC every 3 weeks.  I've not been working since I started treatment in March.  It's a personal preference.  Some seem to work through treatment with little down time.  I prefer to concentrate on my health and my family during this time.

Lady4law - did you have neo-adjuvant chemo?  Just wondering since you said you were starting chemo for the second time - as am I.

I'm a week out from my AC and doing find.  I think I was down for about two days after the infusion.  The neulasta shot made me sore and I've been a little tired with the slightest upset tummy.  I did run a fever for a couple of days after chemo and was put on prophylatic antibiotics just in case - last thing I want to do is end up in the hospital with some kind of infection.  And my labs came out clear today.   So far, so good.  I know the effects of chemo can be cumulative, but hoping not ;-)

hugs all around,

Lisa

Hi Again.  Well, I survived that first treatment.  It was one week ago yesterday.  I had a sore tongue the first morning.  Slight mouth sores off and on since.  I have a yeast infection.  I have heartburn that feels like something is going to spontaneously combust.  The nausua gave way to queasy on day four I guess.  I still get queasy about an hour or so after I eat something.  I have learned to eat 5 small meals a day to help with that.  I loved my morning coffee and now that makes my stomach turn.  I have no desire for chocolate and most sweets. That is crazy for me.  Lemonaide hurts really bad.  So many odd taste things have changed.  Today is the first day that I don't feel like bursting into tears.  I hope the next one is easier!

Jean,

I will keep you in my prayers that your treatments will be gentler when you start up again.  I've been told so many times that drinking can make a huge difference.  I plan on trying that next time.

Cheryl,

Yeah I'm one of those supposedly tough cookie people too and I have been humbled.  I know the meaning of fatigue now.  It isn't tired or sleepy.  It is much deeper.  As far as going back to work, I really don't have a choice.  I am just about divorced, but my just about ex hasn't paid me anything since July.  Yes - legal stuff is in the works.  I do have sick leave but don't want to exhaust it in case I need more time down the road.  I say if you can stay home, DO IT!  I sure would.  Thankfully, I didn't feel any effects from my Neulasta shot.  At least not the first one.  Chin up girl!  Only one breakdown a day allowed. 

Donna,

Can you tell me what to expect from the Taxol.  I have four of those after my AC.  I wonder why you have 12.  That is so many more than me.  I get my wig tomorrow.  They ordered my color.  I really like it.  My hair would never look that good.  I just hate that laying in the bed sick with one of those stupid caps on my head.  I have a wonderful boyfriend but I still don't want him to see me like that.  He is going to shave my head for me next week.  I figure it will be easier if he sees it from the beginning than if I go do it and then have to show him.  This really sucks.  Thanks for the encouragement.

sueps and admill,

I don't want to work.  I have two weeks between treatments.  I think I could work the second week and make it ok.  As it is now, I took my treatment on Thursday afternoon, went to work Friday, rested on Saturday and Sunday (as if I had a choice) and worked my regular week this week.  I tell you Friday and Monday were not easy at all.  I may even have to cut them back to half days.  If I had a choice I just wouldn't go in at all those days.  It depends on so much though.  It really is a personal thing as well as financial and what kind of people you work for.  Good luck with your decision.

Lisa in CA,

You were only down for 2 days?!  OMG.  Makes me wonder what I am doing wrong.  I have to drink more next time.  I know it will work, right.

Jay,

Sounds like you and I have some things in common.  Take care of yourself.

Okay.  This is the start of what they call my "good week".  I am going to try to enjoy it.  Wouldn't it be nice to be able to wipe if from your thoughts completely for just a little while?  Yeah, that would be nice.

Love to you all,

Lisa in VA

Today is a good day!  I had my 2nd weekly herceptin yesterday, that puts me 8 days after full tx.  Most of the neulasta aches are gone and my bloodwork was fabulous so it is worth it. I was able to do some household chores today without taking a nap in between.  I did get a flu shot yesterday as well and think that is why my nose is dripping a little.  I usually get a bit of a reaction to the shot.  If my days continue to get better until my next tx on 11/21 I will be able to handle this without too much whining.  I am not my "normal self" but now that all my surgery healing is behind me and I can control most of my heartburn, insomnia, irritable bowel side effect issues with diet and otc drugs, I feel i can do this!  I have a few mouth sores but they are responding to rinsing my mouth with the biodent wash.  I have been drinking diluted green tea by the gallon every day.  My onc said it cant hurt, so i just say close to the potty. My tongue feels as if it was scalded.  Numb and thick at times, nothing tastes good! I could stand to lose about 60 lbs so if it works to my favor I could live with it too. I do have to make an appointment with a dr to plan a new way to deal with my diabetes.  The chemo is raising my blood glucose thru the roof and I am at the top of my meds. 

Lisa is Va I feel for your need to work to survive.  I believe that if BC was a man's disease that there would be greater benefits available to all.  It wasnt until men were being effected by women not having maternity leaves that they wrote more laws for that!  Amazing how that works.  I should get me a wig, i keep looking at them online.  I went to a local wig shop but what she wanted was more than I felt like paying at the time.  My insurance will reimburse me, but I just dont have the extra couple of hundred laying around I want to spend on my vanity.  Maybe when the locks start falling i will change my mind.

I wish you all a great weekend. All of this seems so intense as we go through it but it does seem to be temporary.  Keep the faith!

Cheryl