Anyone starting chemo in June 08

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  • Bonnie02
    Bonnie02 Member Posts: 193
    edited July 2008

    Hi Everyone,

    I am finally back on here, just got out of hospital which I had been in for 5 days. I think I was on here telling everyone how terrible I felt well my white blood count was at 0. I had a sever case of thrush in the mouth and was severely dehydrated. Just got home yesterday and feels so good. This was the TC which I really do not like the AC for me was much better except they say it can cause heart damage. So who knows. Missed everyone on here have to go back and read some letters when I feel a bit better.

    Love you all

    Bonnie

  • joanne32
    joanne32 Member Posts: 14
    edited July 2008

    I start my chemo in a few weeks - Tact 2 Treatment B Accelerated - is anyone else staring or started this type///

    J xx

  • Elliemae32
    Elliemae32 Member Posts: 72
    edited July 2008

    Karen,

    Yes we are on very similar therapies!  I think Aloxi is the best drug ever.  Did you get that as a pre-med?  My biggest problem so far was constipation.  So once that was taken care of I felt like myself again.  I am having other symptoms but I am attributing them to being pregnant... getting hot, heart burn, constant burping YUCK.  I am a bit more tired and am going to bed around 9pm.  I also got a neulasta shot the day after chemo.  I hope that helps since I am going to try to work as long as possible.  I work in  a pharmacy and those sick people come in there all the time!! 

    I ordered a few hats yesterday.  I just can't imagine myself hairless yet.  My DH and I take turns bringing my 19 month old little boy into the shower at night.  He points to my remaining breast and says "boobie" then the mastectomy side and says "boo-boo" then down to the belly and says "baby"  It makes me laugh every time! 

    My MD and I are going to have the port discussion on July 7th.  I don't really want one, but if it will make life easier. 

    Bonnie, had you gotten a neupogen or neulasta shot before?  How scarey to not have a WBC count!  I am glad you are feeling better.

    Ellen

  • KKing
    KKing Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2008

    Elliemae,

    No I never had Aloxi.  I have been given Zofran and Kytril.    I think the getting hot might be the chemo.. I always looked flushed for about 4 days.  

    Funny how kids bring things into perspective and can make you laugh like that.

    I dont have a port but alot of ladies on here do.  It was never suggested for me.

    Glad to hear you are doing so well.

    Bonnie,   sorry to here you were in the hospital but glad they got you back to feeling yourself.

    I guess we don't realize how easy our WB can drop.   I have been getting the Neulasta shot which I assume is helping the count.

    Joanne 32.. I am not familiar with that .. I am sure you will find someone taking it.

    Glad everyone is hanging in there.     At the end of this treatment... I think we should all have a party. ....   ANYONE????

    K

  • texasmom
    texasmom Member Posts: 121
    edited July 2008

    I had my second chemo treatment and then went on vacation in Florida. A little more nausea feeling than the last time, but better in many ways. This trip was planned and tickets bought before I was diagnosed with BC so I was determined to go. Everything I did seemed to be outdoors which made it kind of rough the first couple of days. I wore a big hat and stayed out of the sun as much as possible. My son said I looked like an islander when I wore my scarves. I drank lots of water and stopped to rest when I needed to. I was worried that my port might set off the metal detector at the airport so I took my port card with me. It did not beep. However, I was singled out as a suspicious character on the return trip because I was wearing a head scarf. I thought they might search me or make me take the scarf off in the public airport but they only made me pat the scarf down, then wiped my hands with round pads which they scanned in a machine for residue of some kind. The lady was nice when I told her I was getting chemo and that was the reason for the scarf, but they did the test anyway. I had some sentinel nodes removed with my breast surgery and was concerned about whether I needed to wear a sleeve, but my doctor said no and I had no problems. Now I'm back at work and exhausted.

  • BBLady
    BBLady Member Posts: 114
    edited July 2008

    texasmom - glad you're trip went as well as it did.  Did you end up shaving your head?  I'm having my 2nd tx tomorrow, but still have some hair - not as much as yesterday!  I've been trying not to freak my kids out and they seem to be doing o.k. with it.  My Mom is having a very difficult time with the whole thing.  Now I'm wondering if I should just keep letting it fall out, or go ahead and shave it.

    Bonnie - glad you're back out of the hospital.  Must have been quite scary to have NO wbc.  Mine went to 1.4, but my onco didn't seem too upset about it.  Gave me antibiotics and said stay away from crowds and sick people.

    Hoping my treatment will go as well as my first!  Will check in afterwards.

    Kathy

  • liz19
    liz19 Member Posts: 97
    edited July 2008

    hey ladies;This liz19 i was also in the Hospital on the twenty of june and i got out on the next tuesday, my  wbc dropped down to .06 when i got to the ER , that was my first treatment , my

    DR. said my trreatment might have to be reduced down on other ones. i got bloodwork on tuesday of this week, i got to see my onc dr on thursday still , please pray for my other ones to go better than my first one. talk to you nice ladies soon.      liz19

  • texasmom
    texasmom Member Posts: 121
    edited July 2008

    I did buzz my head but didn't shave it really short. However, my hair has been coming out so fast lately that I am thinking of cutting off what remains. It looks really horrible and it is so messy.

  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited July 2008

    Bonnie, I have AC also so my doc had me get an echocardiogram(sp). Went fine, I have a great heart.

    Started to lose hair. Not a lot just when I run my hands through my hair I get strands that just come out. Went and got my wig ordered. Working wtih a gal who went to school for hair replacement and wigs. She is wonderful. Said she could make be beautiful!! THAT's good as I wasn't before.HAHAHA.

    Leaving to go to my Mom's for the weekend.

    Everyone have as good a 4th as possible. Keep thinking positive and laughing!!Smile

  • Kellke
    Kellke Member Posts: 424
    edited July 2008

         I am a June starter too.  Had my first ac June 16th, did really well with it only had one bad day. Monday the 30th I had round two. I am lucky that I took time off work but went back yesterday for one short shift and it was tiring but doable.

        I am going every two weeks for 4 times with the ac then 12 weeks of taxol weekly.  The bummer is by the time I figure out how I react to ac I will switch to taxol and have to sort it all out again.  Then the joy of radiation...   oh well, better than having no choices and treatment.

  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 439
    edited July 2008

    Bonnie......I'm so sorry that you are having such a rough time.......glad you are back at home......and hoping things get better from here!

    Cheers

    Jax

  • BBLady
    BBLady Member Posts: 114
    edited July 2008

    Hi

     I know I read about this on a post earlier but can't remember where or when, so am asking again about Neulasta shots.  Seems like I read that Neulasta shots aren't as effective or aren't effective at all if given the day of chemo.  Does anyone remember that discussion?  I'm having my 2nd tx tomorrow and just remembered (chemo brain already!) that my onco said I would be getting a Neulasta shot with my treatment.  I don't know if it's because Friday is a holiday or what.  I'd appreciate it if someone has the answer or could direct me to the right post.

     Thanks!

    Kathy

  • KKing
    KKing Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2008

    Kathy

    I know they give me the Neulasta shot the next day.  Honestly, don't know if you need to wait until the next day or not.   Maybe check in the May 2008 chemo group as they are ahead of us with treatments and they may know.

    Karen

  • BBLady
    BBLady Member Posts: 114
    edited July 2008

    Thanks Karen - I'll check in the May group.

     Kathy

  • Leahrc
    Leahrc Member Posts: 459
    edited July 2008

    Hi, I am from Feb 07 group, and we "alumni" monitor the new sites to see if we can help.

    As to the neulasta question, the manufacturer's own website says it should be adminstered 24 hours after chemo.

    "The recommended dosage of Neulasta® is a single subcutaneous injection of 6 mg administered once per chemotherapy cycle. Neulasta® should not be administered in the period between 14 days before and 24 hours after administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy." http://www.neulasta.com/professional/pi.jsp#dosage_and_administation

    It may be an exception due to the holiday, but I remember my onc being very cautious about this. I couldn't get chemo on friday cuz the center was closed on Saturdays, and i wouldn't be able to get my shot.

    Checking manufacturer's websites is usually very helpful!

    Best of luck to you all... and please reach out if we can help in any way.

  • BBLady
    BBLady Member Posts: 114
    edited July 2008

    Thanks Leahrc - Didn't even think about checking the website (duh!).  I'm going there and print out the info so I can remember to talk to my onco about it today.  Really appreciate the knowledge of those who have 'traveled this road before'.

    Kathy

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

    crap, head shave tonight.....husband did a great job but I find myself sick to my stomach.  I'm trying to medicate myself with some beers.  This was a little harder than I thought.  Once again..maybe I am a whoosie! HunkyD

  • KKing
    KKing Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2008

    Hey hunkydory

    Yes, I agree it is a hard thing.  I am sure the beers will take the edge off.   In the long run, it is the best way to go.       I went to a place with a girl from work who is undergoing treatment.  The woman shaved our heads without letting us look and then spun us around when we were ready.  What a shock, it didn't even look like me.   That was two weeks ago, now it seems so normal

    Hang in there

    Karen

  • KKing
    KKing Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2008

    Welcome Kellke,    sorry to see you had to join us.

    Happy 4th of July to all the U.S.  ladies

  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 439
    edited July 2008

    Hey HunkyD.....hang tuff......I'm sure you look great......I think I have.....5 more hair days.........what day was it for you?.....my daughter got her hair cut today......in the same bob as me......god she's gorgeous........I'm glad she gets to keep hers......looks really cute......Hope everyone has a great weekend with few SE's........

    Cheers

    Jax?

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

    Vino/vespa....1

    It was day 16 on the nose.  Clumps...couldnt stand it. It is not what I expected at all.  I just could not stand the strands coming out everywhere.  Guess everyone is different though.  All I can say on this board is CRAP.  P.S.  There is a smidge of head pain when it starts going.  Like a bad sunburn to the part in your hair.  That was my experience anyway.  Cheers! HunkyD

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

    Vinogal, that is a nice looking bike.  I wish I had one as the price of gas crunches my debit card to fill my SUV,  You take it for a fast spin in a few days sans helmet and you might find your hair a little thinner.   Have a good weekend.  I think I might have had one too many beers last night.  HunkyD

  • firebug1
    firebug1 Member Posts: 22
    edited July 2008

    Hi everyone. I had my second tx and lost my hair also on day 14. I  was just sitting there talking to my kids and wam out came gobs of hair. I cried, they cried dh grabbed me and said sorry. Now is am like I have a new beginning.

    Did anyone out there have any fissure issues? I am having a terrible time. Have one great BC friend helping but just wondering if anyone else can help?

    Thanks,

  • StaceyR
    StaceyR Member Posts: 136
    edited July 2008

    Ladies, regarding hair loss, is everyone losing ALL of their hair (on the head)?  I went for a buzz cut (and sobbed pathetically all the way through) the day it started loosening, and it's gradually been fading away, but I'm still patchy bald, or "fuzzy duckling" I've been calling it - this is even after a second treatment last week!  I wear a wig most of the time - paid probably too much for it and it's pretty nice, so I'm going to get my money's worth, dammit.

    I'm wondering if round two will knock out the rest of my hair...

  • KKing
    KKing Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2008

    Did a buzz about 18th day after first treatment... now day 9 after 2nd and still have alll  my buzzed hair.... I was told that after day 15 of 2nd treatment this should fall out..

    How do you find wearing a wig... when every I put it on,  it gives me a headache.. like it is pushing pressure points... anyone else????

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

    KKing

    I ordered a wig and it is due to be here Monday.  I don't know if I will like it or not.  Just doing scarves for now.  Guess it is just going to be a matter of comfort.  My people at work will probably do fine with me walking in with scarves.   I think I am just too over sensitive about this whole hair issue.  I am already a blubbering idiot when friends address my cancer diagnosis and tell me how sorry they are.  Now I just have a big "ya, I got cancer" stamped on me by having a bald head.  Come on over strangers and make me cry some more! I hope I can get a little more seasoned about the sympathy issues.  I hate crying in front of people.  Cheers to all....HunkyD  

  • StaceyR
    StaceyR Member Posts: 136
    edited July 2008

    I've definitely been having a lot of headaches, and silly me, I just put it together that it's likely the wig.  It doesn't *feel* that tight going on (just tight enough that I don't worry that the wind will blow it off), but after a day of wearing it, it's a huge relief to get it off.  And yeah, I have indents in my head afterwards.  I haven't reached the point where I'm brave enough to wear just scarves in public.

  • Rovergirl
    Rovergirl Member Posts: 194
    edited July 2008

    It's day #35 and I still have hair but it's going fast!  I started gradually shedding and got my hair cut shorter but on Wednesday my hair loss really increased.  I have an appointment with my hair dresser on Tuesday but I'm not sure she'll have much to cut by then.   I always knew this time would come and I should be grateful that I had my hair as long as I have but it still doesn't make it any easier.

  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 439
    edited July 2008

    HunkyD.....I think I will do just that.........thank you for the brilliant idea......I think that will feel........exhilleratiting(sp?)......I'll let you know how it goes........still holding fast.......but I'm only at day 9........pain in lower back.....probably neupogen?......achy......but manageable.......who's experiencing the bone pains.......and what is working for you?

     Happy 4th to the girls to the south!

     Cheers

    Jax

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2008

    Hi,

    I had my first TCH treatment on June 16. After feeling little shivers on my scalp for a couple days, I started shedding on Day 14. My wig has not come in at the hospital boutique yet, so I haven't gone in to have my head shaved and the wig fitted. So, I've spent all week trying to keep what's left of my hair on my head! I finally washed it today and ended up with a big rat's nest of loose hair that I had to comb out. Now I understand why lots of women avoid this ordeal and get their head shaved at the first sign of shedding.

    I'd say there's about 40% left now. It is still down to my shoulders but very thin and with lots of scalp showing at my part. I've had to wear a scarf or hat for the past 2 days when I go out. I wish I could get it shaved but I hate the idea of paying a regular salon to do it this weekend. My wig is supposed to come in Monday or Tuesday.

    -- Jo

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