CMF Question
Comments
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Ritajean, imagine that, I'm sitting here with the lap top watching the Rose Bowl myself. Even though we're on the west coast, we don't have any special alliance to either team, hate to say it but we're University of Wash. fans, (2 kids going there) and they kinda have stunk for the past few years. Hoping Illinois can get something going the second half.
I've been told my txt will be 14 orally taking "C", with a infusion of "M" and "F" on days 1 and 8 of that, then two weeks off. Boy I hope I tolerate the oral "C", that would be hard to take on my own without someone administering it. Although, I must remember its for my long term outlook and thats why we've chosen to be treated.
Glad to hear that you think a Thurs start should be okay, hate to waste a weekend day feeling icky, but we must do what we must do. Did you try to drown yourself with water? I've always been a good water drinker (almost as good as a wine drinker!), I sure hope I can keep it up. I'm seeing other ladies on other txt, discussing no coffee, heard anything on that one? As I ask you, I'm thinking I should jot this question down for tomorrow as well.
Okay, have to ask, how the "C", as in constipation is tolerated, or was it a problem at all? Never would think I'd be chatting about this!!!
Ginny, wondering what problems we're associated with oral "C"?
Sometimes I'm hoping that all the education doesn't create excess anxiety, waiting for the other shoe to drop so to speak. Once again I shall remember "its doable".
Okay, time for Illinois to make a game of it for us!!!
Carol
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Hi Carol..I had CMF chemo with stage 2B...I had it seven years ago...with all the controversy about Andriamycin..I think it is still a good choice..
Rita..I kept my secret pal a secret by mailing stuff to friends to mail for me from their addresses, I also had an email account with noname on it, for ecards...I think there is a website just for sending out anon ecards...
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Lisa, so glad you dropped in! That's a good idea for keeping the secret pal a "secret." As you can tell, I'm not very creative and had been wondering about that as the whole concept sounds neat to me.
Carol...Yes, I drank lots of water. That helps to wash the chemicals through the body and keeps the kidneys and bladder flushed out. After a while, water began tasting terrible so I made a week lemonade and drank that. Lemon was a flavor I could tolerate. As for constipation, that was indeed a problem. I used senakot and took one the night of my chemo treatment. That helped. I usually had to take more than one before the problem was solved. You will quickly learn what works best for you.
Lisa is proof that CMF works. Whenever I have any doubts, I just think of her and she's my inspiration.
I'm sure that Ginny will pop on and tell you what problems she had with the oral treatments. Keep in mind, though that everyone is different and you may breeze through the oral treatments with no problems. She might be able to tell you what to look for though.
My onc came right out and told me one cup of coffee per day and no more. I followed his directions until the end and then I cheated a little as I'm a BIG coffee drinker. LOL
And you do need to remember...it is DOABLE! I assume you are a golfer. Am I correct? Well I golf, too and I NEVER missed one day of ladies' league this summer while I was doing chemo. I had my chemo on Thursday and our league was on Wednesday. I must admit that I didn't have the strength that I had before and so I didn't hit as long a ball as in the past, but I was out there. I think it also helped my short game as I had to score near the greens to compete, and I'm not a real good golfer to begin with. See? It's doable!
It appears that poor Illinois doesn't know what to do with the ball when they get it! I think the outlook is very bleak for them! :-)
Rita
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Cool, my ladies league is on Tuesdays, should work out fine. I know the ladies in my group will strongly encourage me to get out there. No excuses, okay maybe a cart instead of walking a few times!!!
So I can add senokot to my drug store list, yeah!!!! I hated taking the pain meds after surgery due to that problem.
Lisa, thanks for popping in, I believe you gave me a little advice earlier in the week. Still trying to get this website down, with favorites, etc., its hard for me to remember where I saw something. I take it the favs only holds so many threads at a time. I've now added you to my favs, as another inspiration!
I'm thinking Illinois is playing a little "hot potato", sorry!
Carol
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Hi Carol-
Rita told me there's someone who had questions about oral Cytoxan. I just quickly glanced through the post and it seems like we have a lot in common, I'm also an ILC'er and I also did CMF day1/day8 regimen. I started out doing all three via IV, then when I switched Oncologists after my first full chemo cycle he switched the Cytoxan to pill form.
There were a few things I was told about the pill form, first being it's important, important, important to drink plenty of water, (important if given in IV form but even more so if taken in pill form). DON'T take Cytoxan at night because it will be VERY hard on your bladder, DON'T drink alcohol while doing this chemo because the Methotrexate is VERY hard on the liver AND more hair loss is noted when taking the Cytoxan in pill form versus IV.
On to the dreaded constipation question, yes constipation can be an issue especially with the day1/day8 regimen.....you need to work on it before it happens, I learned that the HARD way if you get my drift. I would take Colace starting 3 days before my IV infusion and would continue for 3 days post infusion, longer if I needed to take my anti-nausea med Compazine. I was lucky nausea was not a problem for me and I only used a few of my Compazine throughout treatment.
Fatigue & low WBC were my biggest problems which I was told is common for those doing the day1/day8 regimen for 6 months/12infusions. How long is your regimen going to be?
Good luck with your treatment, let me know if you have any more questions......I'd be happy to help.
Mary
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Carol:
Who is your onc over at SCCA? How did the first chemo go?
DianeB
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Sorry for the late response. I appreciate all your words of encouragement!!. I've been busy with family issues, doctor appointments etc. I'm so not ready to start chemo but will be so excited when it is over!!
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Carol,
I too did the oral CMF with day 1 & day 8 regimen. I finished in October. I worked through the whole 6 month treatment. Scheduled my pushes for the last appt. of the day so I could go straight home. It is very important to drink lots of water. About 4 months in I couldn't stand water any longer so I started to add some juice or gaterade to it for some flavor. I took the pill in the AM so I could drink, drink & drink to flush it out of my system. As far as weight gain, I drank so much water that I wasn't hungry which resulted in about 12 pounds I lost. However it came right back on after treatment was over. I also experienced constipation from my pushes. Took Sencot the night before and for the following two days. Seemed to work. Take water with you for your pushes as the M can cause mouth sores. Sip the water as you are getting this push.
Ginny is right this is doable. The six months will go faster than you think and it will be over.
Cathy
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Cathy and Mary, thank you so much for the info. I see the Nurse Prac in about 4 hours. I'm adding questions to my list for her throughout the day. I'm at work today, first day back since the node dis., going pretty good! I'll be pooped tonight, maybe it will help me sleep.
I have never had a problem with drinking what I considered alot of water, I guess now I will have a real test. I normally drink about 64 oz. are you saying drink alot more than that? I guess the glass of wine in the evening is out!!!
I will try to prepare myself with all the ammunition needed, I truly appreciate your comments, the chemo gals from the Jan 08 group all seem to be doing another type of txt.
DianeB, I saw Dr. Linden at SCCA, she reiterated the CMF approach to txt, as my onc in Bremerton. I don't start until next Thurs the 10th. A whole week to think about it!!!
Thanks for being there for me, Carol (back to work)
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Carol,
Hope your appointment went well and you got all your answers you were looking for.As far as water consumption I got a 20 ounce glass and drank a full glass prior to taking my pills. Then drank 6-8 more throughout the remainder of the day. I took the nausea medication after my first push because I didn't know how I would react to it. The nausea medicaiton constipated me so bad that I didn't take it after that. I won't say that there were not days that I was a little nauseous but it was not unbearable. I don't know if all the water I consumed helped eliminate most of the nausea that others have experienced but the nurses at the cancer center feel that it did. As you are flushing out any cytoxan that is unneeded from your body.
As far as the wine. This is something you should consult your doctor on. I am a beer drinker, I did not drink any alcohol during my 14 days of taking the pill. But did occasionally have a beer while mid way through my 14 days off.
When I was first diagnosed I read all the posts throughout this site and did as you are doing (taking notes). There are some wonder women on this thread that will help you throughout journey. I am more of a reader of the thread then a poster but these women on this thread never hesitated to help me or inspire me on my journey.
The best advise I can give to you is keep a positive attitude, I think this is really important. And listen to your body and find what works for you. Everyone reacts differently so what might have worked for me or others may not for you. I know you will get through this fine!!
Cathy
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Cathy, just got home from my appt. I really liked the N.P., she was very informative, and having my wits about me helped. Nothing she said was really new news!!!
Left with my prescriptions, (2) for nausea, (1) for some numbing cream for the port (I'm a wimp), and (1) for the cytoxen. I'll be taking 3 tablets (150 mg) daily x 14. What was your nausea med? She gave me Compazine, and also Zofran.
She told me that if I could do atleast a half gallon of water a day that would be good and more just helps . She did say to be careful not to drink so much water that you have no appetite and don't feel like having a little solid food on the stomach. I asked if maybe the nausea/food thing was anything like being pregnant? Although its been a few (16) yrs, I remember feeling kinda sick at times and just a cracker would help.
I did ask about having a little alcohol, she suggested no more than say a glass of wine, or beer, during the 14 days off as well. I'm having a little sipper as I type, time is running out!!!!!
She did say that this txt is tolerable. She reiterated as you did, many people do not miss work. I have my first txt scheduled for next Thurs 10th, not knowing how I'll feel I may stay home on the following Friday, already let the boss know. I work pretty close to home, and my boss thank god is being very flexible. I can take my sick leave in 1/2 hr increments (perk of a government job).
Thanks for you and all others for being an inspiration ... Carol
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Carol,
I was reading your posts and saw that you start your treatment on the 10, I start mine on the 18th. After talking with the nurse this seems to be a very doable txt. This is my second go round and the antisipation of the chemo is not fun. Last time around I had a hard time drinking all the water and went to a decaffinated tea, which was the only thing that tasted good. I have started now with trying to drink the 64 oz. every day so hopefully it won't be to much come treatment time. I plan to work through my treatments (6 total) and also have a very understanding boss.
We will get through this!!
Jill in AZ
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Just have to add my two cents about alchohol..methotrexate can be very toxic to the liver...adding anything else to the mixture was nixed by my onc...
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Jill, sorry to hear that your having to do chemo again. I truly believe that we will get through this with our spirits untarnished.
Excuse my questioning, but what was your prior txt? I'm sucking down alot of water myself, the tea idea up here in the wet/cold NW will probably be a good idea.
We will probably not take a spring break trip to AZ this year, first time in ten years. My dh and I have said we probably don't want to spend alot of money on a trip when I might not be quite up to "par", (we go to golf)!
I'm sure I'll be posting as I have txt next week. These threads are so supportive!
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Lisa, I'll take your two cents anytime you would like to share. I appreciate all ideas/views, that is definitely why I come here to air it all out and get opinions.
Thank you, and your advice (and your onc''s advice) will be strategically placed in the "front" of my head!!!!
Carol
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And so, Lisa and Carol, it appears that you are pretty much ready for the that first day! Now you've got some days to spend just on you before it all starts. Treat yourself to something special...a manicure, a good book, or whatever helps to spoil YOU. You both deserve it!
Rita
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Hi to everyone!
Sorry I did not get to my computer before your first infusion, Carol.
I hope everything went well! About your port (I had one too), if you put some "EMLA" cream (pharmacy) on about 1 1/2 hrs before your poke, it will numb your skin really well and you will hardly feel anything! You put a nice thick layer over the port area, put some saran wrap over and medical tape all around (so air doesn't get to it), then you are good to go 1-2 hrs afterwards. I really was glad I had a port for blood draws and chemo!
Are you doing pills for cytoxan? I did for the first 2 rounds, then switched to all IV's. My tummy just couldn't take the pills---wish I could have stayed on them, as they are a little more effective. There are others who tolerate them fine, hope you do. As I said earlier, everyone handles the chemo differently. However, I would caution you, like Rita did, that 4months in you will feel the culmulative effects and may be more fatigued. Rest as much as you can as it builds your body back up. The "chemo holiday" is great and you will feel back to normal mostly. I think it is the steroids (which I started using towards the end---they really helped too!!), the less activity and the weird cravings (mine was cheeseburgers) you get in between. I was so worried about gaining weight as I had just lost a lot, just before being diagnosed. Yes I gained too (10 pounds) but it was really after radiation when I was at my most tired, finally just said "to heck with it" and ate everything that pleased me (lots of good fattening stuff), had lots of fun...then went back to weight watchers, exercise... and have now lost it all again. I must say that I appreciate working out so much more now! I did try to keep working out until the end of the second round of chemo (white blood cell count dropped...) Before you know it you will be finished too---really!! I put my treatment schedule on a calendar and counted down---it was great to see the half way mark pass... You will get through this, as we here have.
Do you have lots of snow, Rita? It is a beautiful winter wonderland here now. Looks so pretty from inside the warm house. Can't believe it was a year ago that I was just preparing for my first CMF chemo (Jan. 17).
It is doable.
God bless,
Ginny
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Yes, Ginny...we have about 5 inches and were pretty snowed in on New Year's Day.
And speaking about first chemos...mine was 10 days after yours on January 26th. What a year we had, dear friend!
Hope all is well with you. I am having some joing problems with one of my feet that I imagine is from the Arimidex. I thought I had escaped the side effects......ha!
Rita
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Gosh I can't type today. I meant JOINT problems. I'm sure you already figured it out but the teacher in me is screaming...You spelled it wrong!!!
Rita
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Oopps, I missed a whole page of postings....
Hi to Jill, hope your are doing well too! Sorry that you have to go through this again. Do you mind me asking about your first diagnosis---I am er-pr-, grade 3 as well. Did you have a mastectomy then a recurrence in the scar? How did you find it? How long afterwards?... Hope you don't mind answering these questions. I just am concerned about this whole hormonal negative mysterious diagnosis (as I am sure other readers may be as well).
To Carol and Jill re: CMF tips....I have never been pregnant, but grazing (eating little bits through out the day...ie. crackers, pretzels, melon...) really helped with the nausea. I added some low acid juice to my water, which helped.
I had a glass of red wine here and there on the "chemo holiday". Also, like Kats was saying, taking something before and during chemo for constipation, is helpful. I took colace a day before treatment, and for about 4-5days (sometimes up to 2 pills in the am and 2 pills in the pm.).
I also loved what Rita said about treating yourself---massage, manicure,bath...whatever. Time to pamper yourself and take good care of you!
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Good afternoon ladies,
Ginny, I wish I had started yesterday, I feel great today!!!! Actually I don't start until next Thurs. I just had the appt with the Nurse yesterday to talk about the txt and sign on the dotted line. I did get a presc. for EMLA cream, I'll be picking that up today along with the other meds. for nausea and the cytoxan. Thanks though for the input on the EMLA.
To those of you one year out from starting your txt, you'll be my inspiration ... "its doable"!!!
Off to a first for phy therapy today. The ol' armpit area is a little tender from going to work yesterday. Hoping she's gentle.
This site is going to be my go to ... thanks to everyone of you, Carol
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Ginny, looks like I was typing when you were!!!
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We can never say it enough....just take it one step at a time, one day at a time...and drink that water!!!
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Hi, Welcome newcomers.
I am so sorry that you need to be a part of this "club" but we all thank G-d to have found each other. The moral support, emotional support ,information and friendship has been invaluable.
I am healing well from my exchange surgery. Very sore under my arms.
Harley, I have the same symptoms from the tamoxifen. The hot flashes and terrible aches. The best thing I found for the hot flashes at night...I bought a standing fan with a remote control. I just click a button in the middle of the night so I can turn it on and off as I need it (usually 3 - 4 times per night). I will also get nipples etc. in March at the same time they will be giving me a hysterectomy. They might switch me to AIs after that. It is still up for debate.
Kisses,
Melanie
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Melanie,
It's good to hear from you. It is good that you are healing well, but I am sorry you are still so sore. I am healing pretty well, but sometimes the outer part of my left breast is numb. I think it is from some mild lymphedema that I still have.
I'll be thinking about you when you have your surgery in March. I'll be having my aureolas tattoo'd and then my ps will re-attach my nipples. Gee, they took my breasts away in ONE quick surgery, but trying to have them put back seems to be taking forever!
Hey, that fan sounds pretty neat! As it is now, it is FREEZING in our bedroom, because the heat pump unit we have doesn't heat throughout our house. So, I FREEZE half the night, and the other half, I am throwing the covers off, because I am so HOT!
I think exercise helps with the aches I have been getting. When I can go out for a walk, I feel better. I think it also helps to keep the hot flashes to a minium, too.
I may be switching to an AI after a couple of years on Tamoxifen. I guess I will see how everything goes.
Good Luck with your next phase...
Hugs,
Harley
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CMF ladies, hate to beat a dead horse on the nausea subject, but curious to know who did or did not take a anti nausea drug prior to day one?
I still can't get over the fact that with about 30 ladies starting chemo from the Jan 2008 Ain't it Great thread, I see just myself and Jill doing the CMF regiment and it appears to be a more tolerable txt, I guess I'll know starting Thurs!!!
Carol
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Carol,
Good Luck with your CMF txs!! I didn't get CMF, so I can't be much help to you. I still post here on this thread, though, because all the ladies here were so friendly and very nice to me when I first posted. So, I am kind of an 'unofficial' member of the CMF thread! LOLTake care,
Harley
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Hi Carol,
I took steroids just before each treatment to help with the nausea.
It was 3 of the worst tasting tiny blue pills you could ever take. Near the end of my treatment a friend suggested that I try taking them in a spoonful of apple sauce. The apple sauce worked like a charm.
Good luck to you Thurs. Our prayer are with you.
It's Doable!!!
-melanie
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Melanie, they talk to me about a steriod in the drip on day one, or some other med in the drip without a steriod. I asked to have the one without, hope that its not a mistake. I was thinking of taking one of the oral pills for nausea that morning. I don't want to talk myself into thinking I'll be sick, but I also don't want to try to get over it if it happens. That fine line!!! Thanks for your input...Carol
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Hi Carol,
My last treatment I did have to take the steriod pills (day before and day after), but this time my onc. told me that I would just recieve something for nausea through my IV the day of my treatment and would also be given something in pill form that I could use if needed at home. Anzemet worked for me in the past. I did not to well with Compazine. I know what you mean about the thought of being sick. I just tried to stay ahead of it.
We can do this!!
Jill
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