Anyone starting chemo in June 08

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited June 2008

    I had my first cbc done yesterday, neturphils low so I'm on antbiotic. Feeling a little tired. Silver lining for me my BF is a RN. If I have any  questions I call her. She is great to take to the doctor.

    Libra- I have a port and talking to my nurses, after each treatment they flush my port, and I take a blook thinner to keep it working. As I go I will let you know what they do.

    Wyoming

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  • econmom
    econmom Member Posts: 73
    edited June 2008

    I had by first tx of DD A/C yesterday, 6/26 12:30-3:30.  My port worked great, hurray!  They gave me three anti-nausea meds in the IV and so far I am fine in that respect.  They prescribed emend for the next two days and ativan and compazine as needed.  I guess I just feel "weird" or "not right."  A friend is driving me to get my neulasta short later today.  Meanwhile drinking a lot of fluids and thus using the bathroom a lot!

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  • SanDeeLou
    SanDeeLou Member Posts: 96
    edited June 2008

    Sorry I haven't been around, trouble with the internet at home.  I ambackat work and started my chemo on June 19, what a trip.  Just some nuasea over the weekend.  Now I am starting with the bone pain, no mouth sores or sore throat as yet. 

     I met Go Gators at the cancer center, wish you could all met her she is really a sweet person.

     I say the NP yesterday as Onc dr is on vacation for two weeks.  I'm on Keflex as there is heat and rednesss above my surgical site.  Keeping tabs on the temps even when I wake up at night.

    I also found out last week that I will be doing 5 weeks of rads after chemo is completed at the end of October.

    Hugs and Prayers to all

     Sandy

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  • wondering7
    wondering7 Member Posts: 108
    edited June 2008

      Going in for round 3 on July 1 and neulasta July3. That is my holiday weekend!! Oh well, I can sit in a car and be driven to fireworks.!! W7

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  • kaejon
    kaejon Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2008

    hey all. i had my 1st tx on wed 23rd. was bad that night, not too good on thursday. today i had my shot for white cells. so far so good. more shots on monday and tuesday then see doc on wednesday. then next wed i go in for 2nd tx.

    sorry to hear of all not doing too good. i hope you all get to feeling better. 

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  • LibraGirl
    LibraGirl Member Posts: 160
    edited June 2008
    Thanks for your advice familyroks and wyoming. I will not fret too much about the port unless I have a further delay. I just put a call into the nurseline and they are trying to rebook me. I also talked to some of the women in my exercise study this a.m. and some have had worse problems than me with being incorrectly scheduled. It just goes to show how assertive we need to be to make sure everything is on track.

    wyoming - hope your energy level picks up soon.

    econmom - glad your port worked well for you.  I hear you on the "weird" feeling - when people ask, I tell them I feel "altered" because there is no accurate way to really describe it.

    Kaejon - hope you feel a bit better every day.  

    Hope everyone has few side effects over the long weekend/holiday (depending where you are).

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  • Elliemae32
    Elliemae32 Member Posts: 72
    edited June 2008

    Afternoon Ladies,

         I just completed my first round of FAC.  The staff was wonderful and other than the orange pee, I feel fine.  I keep waiting for something... side effect of some sort.  I get a nuelasta injection tomorrow and am going to be evaluated for a port soon.  I will be having 6 treatment of FAC and while the nurse thinks she can get a good vein the next 3-4 times, she is not sure after that.  None of the other nurses even wanted to try so I would be out of luck if the only one willing to try me was off for the day. 

    Can someone tell me what to expect the next few days... My DH just asked me how I will be feeling on Sunday, humm I've never done this before!! 

    Ellen 

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited May 2011

    OK, thought I should be feeling better every day as it is day 8 after Trt#1 and low day on my blood counts according to test yesterday, I now have severe pain down my back and can feel the pain stab intermitantly, and can feel it with pulse.  Had to get into the Darvon the onc gave me.  Anyone else had anything similar?  I remember reading StickerLady's post but I guess I am not sure if she decided it was from her Neulasta shot or what.  I am not going to call because I am hoping it is related to the Neulasta shot.  HunkyD

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  • deecsw
    deecsw Member Posts: 62
    edited June 2008

    HunkyD,

    Taking a Claritin and some Aleve really worked for me after the Neulasta shot. I took them both for 3 days afterwards and did not have any bone pain or achiness at all. I don't know if it makes sense to take the Claritin now, but how could it hurt?

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited May 2011

    deecsw,

    I will definately send DH out for some claritin.  I am waiting for the Darvon to kick in meanwhile.  I guess that is what he prescribed them for afterall.  Thanks so much for the advice.  I am such a newbie at all this crap.  HunkyD

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  • Rovergirl
    Rovergirl Member Posts: 194
    edited June 2008

    Libra Girl -

    My neturphils were also low and my oncol has me scheduled for neupogren shots 3 days after my weekly infusion of taxol.  When I switch to AC I will be taking the neupogren shots every day with the exception of infusion day.  I am participating in a clinical trial and receive weekly infusions and the order of my infusion drugs is slightly different.  I self-injection the neupogren at home.

    I am surprised your oncol. is waiting to give you the neupogren since the drug will help raise your neturphilis level.   When my neturphilis levels fell I still had my infusion but also had 3 days of neupogren and the next week my neturphilis levels as well as my other WBC components were all up within acceptable limits.  I would question your doc. about the timing of the neupogren.

    Rovergirl

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  • LeggyJ
    LeggyJ Member Posts: 726
    edited June 2008

    Today, had my 2nd chemo. and for 5 days, after chemo. I have the neupoggren shots.  I work at a four star hotel, as a gardener, and my ocologist, was worried about the flowers, having mold and meldew, which will lower my wbc, so far its working.

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited June 2008

    This is day 9 for me and as LibraGirl says I feel altered. After a couple of days on the Cipro I do feel better. I have a glob of goop at the back of throat that I can't get rid off. Doesn't really hurt but is annoying. I will be calling the doc on Monday. No pain anywhere yet!!!!!  Finally got a good night sleep that wasn't med induced. 

    I have food cravings big time. If I see something on TV I want it now. Can't get enough of junk!

    LeggyJ, keep us posted abaout the gardening because I have been spending time in my garden and am a little concerned.

    Have a good Day !

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited June 2008

    hunkydory, your back pain is probably from that Neulasta shot.  (Rovergirl, I don't think hunkydory's onco is waiting.  I think she was given a Neulasta shot after her chemo.  Some oncos give one injection of Neulasta instead of multiple injections of Neupogen.  Those treatments are considered equivalent, as far as their ability to stimulate the bone marrow.)  OTOH, sometimes a fever associated with the low wbc can make you feel really achey, too.

    That shot of Neulasta we get after the chemo infusion really doesn't "kick in" and start to work until the wbc drops a bit.  As hunkydory noted, that drop in wbc comes for some of us around day 7 or 8; in other chemo regimens, there is a drop (maybe the only one, or maybe a 2nd one) around days 10-14.

    The pain from Neulasta occurs when of lots of new wbc all try to get out of the bone marrow at the same time.  It's not the shot itself that causes the pain.  In a sense, the pain is worst when the shot is working at its best to stimulate the bone marrow to make new wbc.  So, pain from Neulasta (and Neupogen) is sort of a bad news/good news situation.  I hope you feel better soon.

    otter 

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  • LeggyJ
    LeggyJ Member Posts: 726
    edited June 2008

    Hi, to all of you, who are having tummy troubles, my oncologist prescribed Emend, for three days, after chemo, along with five days of Compazine, and Zofran.  I have five more months of this every three weeks, so I hope this was of help.  Since I don't have any nausea, just a little heartburn, after I eat, the meds. seem to be working. 

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  • KKing
    KKing Member Posts: 425
    edited June 2008

    Wow, alot has been going on with everyone.  Glad everyone is coping so well.   I am on day 4 after second treatment and I have had a bit of a rough time but am coming around.   Can't seem to not be vomitting for the first night.. they even up my meds to offset it.    Today is actually a good day.... eating and drinking as normal.      Finding sleeping weird.. wake up in the night and can hear my heart pounding in my ears... anyone know what that is from???    Otherwise glad it is done with.... 4 to go.

    Hope you all have a good long weekend.

    Karen

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  • LibraGirl
    LibraGirl Member Posts: 160
    edited June 2008

    Rovergirl - how are you finding the weekly infusions?  My onc wants me to consider doing 2 week cycles instead of 3 and I am reluctant to give up my "feeling good" time.

    I believe I am supposed to start neupogen 3 days after the infusion.  I think the mix up is a matter of miscommunication.  The nurse I went to to finish my paperwork re: costs went ahead and set up the teaching appointment without the onc's orders.  I should have called him first before proceeding I guess.  So, I think it will all get sorted out once I talk with him - just don't know when that will be with the long weekend and all.  I am trying not to obsess about it and just enjoy the weekend!

     KKing - sorry to hear abuot the n + v.  Maybe they need to try different meds rather than upping the ones you are on.  As for the pounding heart, it is probably something to mention to your onc, but the woman running the exercise study I am in says that it is normal for us to have an increased resting heart rate while we are on chemo.  Still, check it  out.

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  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 439
    edited June 2008

    Well......feel great today......have to admit......had a rough one yesterday.....not too rough......took the kids to see Wall-E.....but that was all I could manage.....haven't had to take any meds since last night.......and the fuzzy feeling is gone......looking forward to dinner out with the family......I have kept it pretty bland the past few days......but really feel back to normal today.....so the sky's the limit......haven't had any bone pain yet......hoping to avoid that too......what has been other's experience with bone pain?.......have a great weekend!

     Cheers

    Jax

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited June 2008

    Vinogal,

    I am glad you are doing well.  My down time was when my neulasta shot kicked in on about day 8 when my wbc was very low.  It was only a couple days worth of any discomfort.  I hope the best for ya....hang tight....Everyone is different I guess.  HunkyD. 

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  • KKing
    KKing Member Posts: 425
    edited June 2008

    Elliemae

    You are on FAC.. I am on FEC... similar I think??   I myself have a hard time with my stomach anyways so I am sick the first two days.  After that just a bit tired and then things pick up.  Sounds like you should be okay if you feel alright off the bat.  Hope you can stay that way for both of you.

    All the best

    Karen

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  • Rovergirl
    Rovergirl Member Posts: 194
    edited June 2008

    Libra Girl -

    I am having very little problems with the weekly infusions.  I keep waiting to "feel sick" but haven't so far.  Any SE I've experienced have been short lived and minor.  I have gone back to work part-time and I'm feeling fine.  I've only had 4 infusions so obviously things can change but so far so good.

    Is your doctor going to change your dosage as well as your infusion schedule?  I get smaller doses every week compared to the "dense" people get on the 3 week cycle.

    Rovergirl 

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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited June 2008

    Dear June 08 gals,

    I'm from the January 07 group, just popping in to see if I can lend a bit of support and tell you all it IS do-able no matter how you feel right now. I had a lumpectomy after dx of Stage 2, HER+, ER+ and had four rounds of AC every 2 weeks then four of Taxol, followed by a year of Herceptin and also 28 radiation sessions. Now I'm on Aromasin and off Herceptin for 2 months. I found it hard to believe I would ever get my strength back, let alone my hair, but both have returned. I'm walking two miles a day and feeling quite good overall. And I have to say that what got me through it, next to faith and my husband, was the love and support I found in my forum group on these boards. Treasure each other and stay close, you'll be amazed how it helps.



    On the practical side, I have another tip I discovered for queasy stomach, popcorn. (easy on the salt and butter) It's very absorbent and helped me a lot. I haven't read all your posts but I've seen so much good advice here.



    I'd also recommend a book called "Breast Cancer Husband" if you can find it on amazon. My hub, who is not a reader, did read this and it helped him...and thus me... immeasurably in his understanding of this disease and what I needed from him.



    Feel free to stop in on the Jan. 07 gals and say hi. We are getting ready for our first mass meet-up, break out the Kleenex!



    Wishing great healing to you all - Skye

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited June 2008

    Greetings all.  Hope this Monday finds everyone feeling OK. Yesterday had my husband cut my hair.  Oh, boy, needless to say I didn't tip him, but didn't complain either.  He kept saying "come back here a second, I missed a spot."  I just figured what the heck, he'll be getting the clippers out this weekend anyway.  The people at work were quite nice about my new "unclassy cut"  I think some of them might have thought it had just started falling out that way or I had accidently gotten to close to a bon fire.  Anyway, no one really said anything.  Maybe when I have the shave they will be thankful.  Hehe!  Only three day work week for me and I think I am entering my feel good time.  Later, HunkyD

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  • SuePeet
    SuePeet Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2008

    Hey Gals - I ahd joined the May group because I didn't see the June group but I will watch both! I am a Canadian from Alberta and could not find a discussion forum as extensive as this for Canada - THe process is the same - fear - strength etc - but the terminology is different. I started June 2nd - and proceeded to get every side effect mentioned - mostly from the anti nasea drugs!. (my cocktail is called FEC and I have 6 treatments every three weeks - then 5 weeks of radiation 5 days a week - then I will be free!  My last treatment - I think some of the chemo seeped out of my vein because my lower arm and hand are swollen,  It is still like this a week later.  Has anyone else experiened this!? 

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  • Donalee
    Donalee Member Posts: 160
    edited July 2008

    SuePeet,

    Hi. I started June 2nd also. I have a port so no vein problems. I think I'm one of the lucky ones thatt got a port. I've heard some hard times with veins. Sorry your having this I would call the DR about it.

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  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 439
    edited July 2008

    Happy Canada Day!!!......beautiful weather......and no SE's.......woo hoo!.....got my @$#%ing visit from aunt flow this morning.......but I'm going to assume it will be her last visit for a while.....and throw her a going away party in a few days!

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  • flyrzfan
    flyrzfan Member Posts: 557
    edited July 2008

    I sooo do not miss Aunt Flow...good riddance!!! I would live out my days quite happily if Aunt Flow, cramps moodiness, cravings, and the ghastly expense of supplies never returns. I also don't miss - shaving, hairbrushes, gel, bad hair days, razor nicks that don't stop bleeding or 10 minute showers. The first morning I showered after all my hair was gone, I got in and just kinda went...um, what the heck? There's nothing to do but wipe down with the soap Smile Now I get ready for work in 10 minutes. Sure the SE's are a little bothersome at times, like when you come home from work and have to go to bed at dinner time because you simply can not stay up ONE MORE MINUTE, but other than that ~ I'm finding some really advantageous perks to this AC stuff.

    You have at it JAX, I'll tip my glass to Aunt Flow leaving you alone too! Find your glory where you can....

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited July 2008

    I can't believe it is July 1st. My June disappeared. I have my 2nd teatment July 10, feel great so I'm going to go to my Mom's for the 4th. Taking advantage of how I feel. I'm a little nervous about next treatment but hope my doc has the meds figured out.

    Hope everyone has great plans for the 4th. Have a great week.

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  • Jo-Anne
    Jo-Anne Member Posts: 41
    edited July 2008

    Hi to all the Junies - I started out with most of you, but caught a cold and they would not infuse last week, (but the silver lining was that I was able to travel to attend my mother's funeral- airport security was great mask, gloves and medical alert card. And so I'm sorta-kinda going in with the July sisters. I start tomorrow. I have my 'chemo stash' in case this happens/or in case that happens. I'll check back with all of you from the heights or depths of whatever happens.

    I get TAC tomorrow, then go back on Thursday for the Neupogen, this should be interesting. I had a choice of chest or arm for my port and very happy that I chose my arm.

    Thank you for all the support you have shown me.

    Jo-Anne

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  • SuePeet
    SuePeet Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2008

    Hey Donalee - Here - they will pu tin a port if it is for a long-term event - not sure if that is same for you!  My big cincern is that I know they will probably have to do a pick line just becasue I think now - especially with my arm - I have run out of options! But we are going on holidays to British Columbia on July 19th and I want to be able to swim.  At the end of the day I may not have a choice but i guess I can whine a little?  My DH seems to be quite angry over the whole thing - Will see if I can get that book and then have the next big task of getting him to read it.  I rely on my boys for my laughs right now but can't keep ignoring the crankiness!

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