CMF Question
Comments
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jrose,
my experience with CMF was, a little nausea ( not enough to need my nausea meds though) I found that nibbling on some saltine biscuits took away that 'nausea' feeling you get.
I had already lost my hair with the Taxotere treatment I had before the CMF HOWEVER my hair did grow back on CMF. My eyebrows thinned, (not enough to need to fill them in
) My last CMF was on the 12th March (last pill as I had the C bit pill form for 14 days from first IV treatment of the M & F bit) and I'm happy to say my head is fully covered and growing nicely and my eyebrows are 'almost' back to the way they were before.I didn't require the Neulastra shot as my counts were always good throughout. My liver counts were a little out of whack but they say that CMF can do that and they will monitor it. I'm yet to be told to have reviewed blood counts yet to see if they have elevated and gone back to 'normal'.
Other than that, CMF was quite a 'cruisy' regime. I did feel fatigued a bit ( but that is with working 3 days a week, looking after my 3 year old son and chemo combined) !
Not sure if you've brought this up before however did any oncologist say that because you've had ovary and breast removal you may only require to benefit from tamoxifen as you are ER/PR positive?
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Jsrose I also got the nulasta shot but could not tolerate it. I get a series of nupogeon shots that I do NOT give myself. I started out with three and now am up to four. I have a friend who is a nurse who givesit to me at home or my husband. Depends on the day. they are no fun but are necessary and are doable. I can feel down or tired during chemo. That's when i let everone help me. I got mine this wed. I'm tired. I feel ok the day after in addition to working full time (of which I have barely missed any work) I'm a Zumba fitness instructor and i teach on thursday nights after chemo. Sometimes I feel a little nauesous so i suck on peppermint or a lemon drop. But by sunday I will be teaching my other zumba class and will be on "chemo holiday" until the next treatment. I stopped my other classes and keep up the 2 a week to keep in shape. Makes me sleep better too. No one can tell any of my hair has thinned out. But I have a lot of hair. I have no bald spots or patches. Mine is also totally iv through my port. No pills. It's really a doable chemo and much easier to tolerate than i see on the act boards. no mouth sores, ( I drink a lot of water) Hopefully all of us are helping to put your mind at ease. Its scary but not nearly as scary as ACT.
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jrose:
I think waiting for the first chemo, and not knowing how you will feel afterwards, is harder than actually having the chemo. There is no way to be sure that any of our decisions are right but you have gotten opinions from outstanding cancer centers and are making the best decision you can with the information that you have. As for your questions:
1. Hair: I have fairly fine hair to begin with. It thinned during CMF but it was not obvious and I never needed a hat or scarf or hair cover. I did use a special gentle shampoo that Ritajean suggested and only washed every third day rather than daily as I usually do. Ritajean, if you are reading this, can you post the name of that shampoo--I don't remember it.
2. Nausea: I did not have continuous nausea through my tx. I did have alot of heart burn for some reason and my onc had me on a prescription medication for heart burn. It made all the difference in how I felt. I think one of the main things is to let your onc know of any side effects and there likely will be some way to relieve them. I did have cravings for creamy foods such as mac and cheese during my chemo and I just gave into them.
3. Neulasta: I had my tx every three weeks for 8 doses. How often will you be getting your chemo? My onc did blood tests and did not just give neulasta shots automatically--since my counts remained fairly good, I was never given a neulasta shot.
4. Port: I did not need a port. It never was a problem finding a vein and it was one less procedure to go through. My onc had originally suggested a port (it was an automatic thing) and I said I wanted to try without a port--that a port could always be put in if I needed it. She went along with me and I did not need a port.
5. Acupuncture; One of the woman on this thread had suggested acupuncture as helping with side effects. I went to an acupuncturist recommended by my internist once a week during chemo. I did not start until after my second tx and I am glad I did. It helped with energy and side effects. For example, I had dry mouth as many do with chemo but I never had mouth sores. It was something my onc noticed and when I told her I was going for acupuncture, she said that there were studies showing that acupuncture could help with side effects.
6. Chemo supplies: My onc's nurse had gone over a variety of things that I might want to have--pills for heartburn; etc. I bought all of these things and put them in a basket in my bathroom. That way when I had a problem, I never needed to run out to buy something, it was right there.
Anyway, I hope that helps with your questions. Feel free to email if you want more information.
We'll be thinking of you on Wednesday.
All the best and hope everyone here has a good weekend.
Mandy
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Robin: Congrats on number 6. You're almost there.
Softness: You are on the downhill slide now. Before you know it, you'll be finished.
Hugs to my sisters here.
Mandy
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water, drink tons of water
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Jsrose- I had some nausea, but crackers and the meds really worked. I never once had to have a neulesta shot. Before each infusion my blood was drawn and if my counts were ok we continued with the chemo. If your numbers are fine, why would you want the shot. My MO said only if I needed it. Everyone is different. I personally would not agree to the shot unless it was needed, and I would not be able to give it to myself. I hate needles. Not everyone loses their hair. Some lose none, some get thinning, and some lose it all. Again everyone is different. I lost about 80% of my hair and wore a wig for months. It started falling out week #3. It has grown back quickly. I will be 6 months PFC 5/4 and my hair is thicker than before chemo. It is extremely curly, but learning how to manage it. I was terrified of chemo and I can honestly say it was not anywheres near as bad as I had anticipated. My biggest issues were constipation and not being able to sleep. I did gain 12 dam pounds too. You will be fine. We are all here for you. Hugs.... Diana Rose
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So true, anticipation was the worst part.
It wasn't as bad as the flu. Don't worry.
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Jsrose - thx for bring out the concern n question.
Mandy1313 - you are totally right!! Waiting for the first chemo and not knowing what will happens are the most awful thing...:( I'm getting my 1st on the 5/8 or 5/10. ( what a great mother's gift!!) and I'm very anxious!!! Thx for the info.0 -
Cherish, we are here if you have any questions!
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Try to think of it as a Mother's day gift. It is hopefully, life giving.
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I had CMF chemo in Centtal Illinois and they are still giving it here. I think it is still a very effective chemo for early stage cancers with little or no node involvement. Several oncs around here use it to avoid "over-kill" from a more stingent chemo when the harsher dosage is not warranted or needed. I think that the best formula for decision-making is anytime you are unsure...go for another opinion. Several gals have gotten three or four opinions before they've made their decision. Once I finally made my decision, I didn't look back and second-guess myself.
softness...glad to hear that you are doing well on the CMF.
Robin, you just keep knocking off those chemo treatments! It won't be long and you'll be moving on to the rads! You go, gal!
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I am with you Rita..I had three different opinions...I didn't want the andriamycin because it can be toxic to the heart...with CMF, you have to carefully watch the liver..tough choices..but like Rita says, once you make the decision, don't try to second guess yourself...actually once I decided my anxiety level went way down..
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Ritajean: what was the shampoo you recommend for when on chemo. I don't remember the name but I did use it faithfully and think it helped my hair. Mandy
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hi ladies!
my first post! i love reading all your words and experiences. Everyone is so incredibly supportive!
I had my first treatment (CMF) on April 12. I've felt really good so far. Sure, a little more sleepy than usual, and if i dont get a good night's sleep i am pretty useless the next day, so I try not to let that happen. I did read that this combo increases melatonin, so - that makes sense. My next treatment is this Friday. Treatments are administered via IV, every three weeks, for 8 treatments. almost 25% done!
My question, for those who have (or had) a prescribed 8 treatments of CMF (apples to apples): are the effects cumulative? or did you pretty much feel the same after and in between each treatment?
Yes, the anxiety of not knowing what I dont know, and no idea what to expect, is a bit much, at times. But then I usually just distract myself with thoughts of something that makes me happy, ie Key West, biking, my friends and family; and i forget about the unknown, going back to taking one-day-at-a-time.
Lots of rambling thoughts in here!
Appreciate any insight anyone can offer!
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Mandy, that shampoo was Nioxin. I used both the shampoo (I think they call it cleanser) and also used the scalp therapy toward the last half of my treatments. Like you, I really did think it helped. I never lost much of my hair and I even colored my hair during treatments. The Nioxin products are a little cashy but it was worth it to me. Also, I didn't really like the smell but the smell went away once your hair was dry.
Lisa..Thanks for brightening up our thread with your lovely flowers! Your pictures always make me feel so good!
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Hi afn17, welcome to the club. :-) Sorry to have to be here but it's a nice group of ladies to be with. :-)
I have to say I had my 6th treatment this past wednesday and I actually felt better than some of the other treatments. I get tired 2 days later but nothing scary . Not any worse than before. I looked into the nioxin shampoo but all the hairdressers around here scared me out of using it. I use an over the counter shampoo, i found it at both stop and shop and shop rite. It's purple with a gold cap. Called Biotin & Collegen. I swear people tell me my hair looks fuller. But I had a lot of hair to begin with. The only thing I have really noticed is weight gain. I hope it is temporary. Please tell me it's the meds and this will come off. I'm uncomfortable in my own skin. :-(
BUT 2 more treatments to go! It's almost may! That's my goal! May 22nd is last chemo! :-)
Robin
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with me the effects were culmulative...but everyone is different...hugs to everyone
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Thanks Robin! By the way: It's totally the meds and it will come off once you stop and get back into your normal routine! I've seen it happen...
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Robin...The meds do make some of us gain weight. I didn't get mine off right after the chemo because I went on Arimidex, which also makes it hard to get weight off. However, even on the Arimidex it is possible and it will come off. Right now is not the time to worry about it. Your body needs food for a proper metabolism. Worry about it when the treatments are all over and maybe keep walking or exercising some during treatments. Hugs!
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Rita... I stress about my weight because I'm a zumba instructor! :-) I still am teaching two classes a week. (In addition to working full time) I don't want to be up in the front of the room with a muffin top! :-) I'm trying not to stress...and if the choice is the extra weight gain or my hair. I'd take my hair ANY day. But I'm uncomfortable in my skin. But you know what, I'm almost done so I'll live. :-)
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afn17,
My first two treatments were not that great. We had to figure out my meds. I was a little nauseous and after my Onco added compazine to the zofran that I take that helped that tremendously. I also had issues with my legs hurting. My nurse suggested B6 vitamins and that helped as well. I can say the last 2 treatments were noneventful. A little fatigue, slight background feeling of wooziness, but it was manageable. I don't want to even speak on how easy it has gotten because I'm afraid to jinx myself.
Each time I comb my hair, there is a lot of strands in the comb or brush, but my hair has gotten longer. I've had to get it trimmed a few times. It's so weird. You can't tell that it's thinning. My coworkers are looking at me like "are you sure you're doing chemo?" The first month I couldn't really eat because I was afraid of vomitting ( I did the 2nd treatment and I think mentally I was afraid) But let's just say now, that stage is over with. I can't stop eating.. The days after treatment I'm the mac & cheese queen. Kraft has profitted generously off me during this time...lol.
Anyway I hope everyone is doing great!!!
Ann
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Hi, I am new here:) I am doing classic CMF and start my second treatment next Thursday. I wondered how many of you had a port. My doctor said I didn't need one, the nurses said I did and am having it put in tomorrow. I did ACT 7 years ago and did have a port-wasn't an option not to have one.
So, I want to see if I am making the right decision with CMF. I really am not a fan of this regiment. At least with ACT, after my one day infusion I could move on and recover and somewhat forget about it. This classic CMF I feel like is my life for 14 days and I hate going into chemo on day 8 after I already feel like yuck. Blah Blah Blah.Thanks!
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I didn't need a port. I had an infusion once every 3 weeks.
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I did not have a port, nor did I need one...
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@suebele, I got through about the first four out of six months of CMF with weekly infusions going into the veins in my forearm. Then over the next two weeks it took seven tries to get two successful sticks, and I didn't like being a human pincushion so I had a port put in. I wanted to have it removed once I finished the CMF, but I have since been dx stage IV so I guess it will never be removed now.
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I have a port. I get my cmf every 2 weeks. Tell your doctor about your blah feeling. I get my infusion on wed. I feel ok we'd. Thurs through Saturday is blah. Then back to myself til next infusion.
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Curveball. I didn't realize you had your diagnose changed. I'm really sorry to hear this. Good luck. Xo
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Curveball
So sorry to see that your diagnosis has changed. (((hugs)))....Sending positive vibes your way!!!!
Well, my WBC was low and I had to finally get a Neulasta shot. Uurrgghh..
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Finally I got my ct schedule - 5/9 for 1ct n 5/31 for 2nd ct.( it suppose to start on march however life is always fullyof the surprises ,at least it down to the final) My treatment will be give three medicines at same time one after another for total of 3 shots. Mentaly is ready but In the really don't know what will be happened..........
Wish me luck n wishing everyone good lucks !!!!0 -
Cherish, are you afraid of the SEs? If so, there are so many people who have minimal SE s (I was not one of them -and used to look at their posts in envy). I am sending you wishes to have minimal SE s and maximum cancer kill.
Peggy0
