CMF Question
Comments
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Hi gals....
I wanted to hop on and tell you that I found lemon drops very helpful with woozy or nauseous feelings. I sucked on them alot.
As for the puffy face, I haven't heard of that but it could be from the steroids. It's probably best to get it checked out.
You three ladies pamper yourself this weekend and let those wonderful hubbies wait on you! Hey...that might just start a whole new trend! LOL
Gotta run. We're meeting another couple for dinner tonight and I need to regroup.
Catch you later gals. Hang in there. You CAN do this and it WILL be over before you know it. Just go one day at a time.
Rita
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Rita, thanks once again for the encouraging words, funny I had the dh buy some hard candies last week, lemon drops sound great and I'll have them on the grocery list!
Carol
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Heya girls:
Well, kind of a silly weekend, I ended up at the oncologists' office to get my neuprogen shot but when I told him all the side effects going on, he popped me over to the hospital for a bunch of tests to see if it was cardiac, kidney, lung, etc. Tons of tests later and one long day, nothing, except (and I hope everyone finds this as funny as I do) too much water. I had overhydrated myself when I got the chemo thinking I was doing the right thing, and the only thing wrong with me was too much water.
I still have to have a conversation with my oncologist (a very sweet man, very caring but hard to pin down as he's very busy) about what exactly where all those side effects from and how to avoid them next cycle, but I am going to see him tomorrow and get another neuprogen shot. In fact, I sent him the thread on the neuprogen side effects that is so worrisome to me on this site. He wanted to see it. The cardiac effects scare me, did anyone experience anything other than the "achies" with this shot? Lots of talk on racing hearts, palpitations, etc. and long term cardiac. Ay yi yi.....my oncologist joked that if someone gets a side effect, it will be me. Side effect Sally, I guess.
As to the hard candies, when I was really nauseaous when pregnant, old fashioned sourballs were the only thing that worked like a charm. I'm putting them on my list too, tho so far, I feel fine except for that first, awful night. It would appear that that puffy face was too much water
god, I felt like an idiot.Oh well, what's a quickie hospital stay........scarey, tho. But home now!!!
Hope everybody is doing well and feeling OK
love to all
annie
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Annie, Wow, so how much water is too much? So it sounds like you did get your shot, any se's from that to this point? I'm hoping that on Weds my counts have come back up and they won't be recommending it to me as well.
Glad that your back home and it ended up not being a serious problem!
Carol
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Oh my gosh, Annie! I didn't know that you could over-hydrate yourself. It's no wonder you were living in the bathroom! Well, at least I'm glad it's nothing more serious! Hang in there! It's a wonder that I didn't do the same because I drank lots of liquids as often as I could!
Rita
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Hi girls:
Just a quickie but an interesting aside and I am going to mention it to my onc. tomorrow when I see him...somebody on here posted that her CMF treatment (specifically she said the cytoxan) had caused a very low sodium count and she had a seizure. This is what they were keeping me in for, and they saw the count come up the next AM, so signs point to overhydration, but! just in case it was the cytoxan, I am going to mention it.
Tonight I got alot of chills, sore muscles, as tho I worked out and emailed the poor oncologist who's pretty sick of me I think...he said it was either the chemo or the neuprogen, and to take tylenol. I'll let you know what his verdict is tomorrow. He said something about a daily shot for 6 weeks or six days, I'm not sure which but I surely hope it's six days...damn shot really hurts and if these are the side effects, they are nasty. I'm also remembering RitaJean you had mentioned your third day (today) as being the worst, so maybe it;s from the chemo. Anyway I'll let you know!
They said a gallon a day was excessive, but to drink two big soda bottles full. Two of those are a gallon so who knows what is too much, but I think plenty of water and maybe not so much caffeine would do the trick. I'm just flushing it right back out with doing that, so I am sure you guys are doing the right thing.
Whew! What a weekend! Happy monday everyone. and at least i can say, I am down one chemo
love
annie
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Annie, I believe that its DianeB that had the problem with sodium levels, might want to PM her and see if she has any insight or questions you could ask your onc about.
Your aches sound like what many others are having as se's from the WBC shots. I spend alot of time on the Jan 2008 Ain't it Great thread and lots of gals there are undergoing shots for their WBC and having similar symptoms. I say fire those questions away to your onc, thats why their the doc!
Hope the tylenol helps and your feeling better by the morning. Keep us posted if your feeling up to it,
Carol
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hello girls xxx
I am having my first CMF tomorrow...please please can you tell me if it is easier than epirubicin (red devil) my body cant take anymore...and whats the shot ...will I have that too...I am so exhausted with chemo now...I feel like giving up.... it is one big nightmare...I am supposed to be haivng 2 weeks on 2weeks off...I cant take anymore ...I am close to tears at the thought ....please can anyone give guidance on the s/e .... I said ages ago I would read over this thread...but all I have done is work and sleep for three weeks .... the fatigue is unbearable ...
So sorry to go on xxx
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Oh hugs, Sue!
I hope that you will find CMF chemo easier than the AC. Around here, most get either one or the other and not both. CMF is often referred to as "the milder chemo." Although we are all different, most CMF chemo girls get some mild nausea or woozy feelings for a few days and then have a few good weeks before they get their next treatment. It usually is very DOABLE.
As for the shots.......some need them to boost their white blood count and others don't. I did have to have one between my third and fourth chemo. I didn't have any problems with the shot. I don't think anybody can predict at the beginning whether you will need the shots or not, so try not to worry too much about them and just take things one day at a time.
You are so right, Sue. This journey is indeed one big nightmare. I'm sending good vibes and prayers your way that you will handle the CMF much more easily. The girls on this thread are wonderful. We will be here for you....to help and encourage you through this next part of your journey. Please let us know how it goes tomorrow. I will be thinking about you. If you have time, read through the last six or seven pages of this thread and you will find hints about water intake, etc., and hints for avoiding mouth sores.
Thinking of you.........and wishing you the best.
Rita
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Thaks so much Rita xxx
I am despairing tonight and floundering.
I will go back and read the 7 pages...while my eyes are open .... haha .... the tiredness is unbearable xxx
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Sue,
Are you going to have 6 CMF treatments total? And did I understand you to say that you will go for two weeks and then off two weeks? Do you mean that you go one week and get one treatment and then go back the next week for a second treatment and then have a couple of weeks off before getting your third treatment?
My treatments were once every three weeks so I'm just trying to get your schedule through my chemo brain head! LOL
Rita
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Rita xxx
I am having 8 CMF in total. Over 16 weeks ...and so yes its 2 weeks on 2 weeks off ....wow I have just read back a few pages....what a wonderful support network this thread is.... you are all absoluteky great xxx
I am dreading tomorrow..but only because my body is so racked from the AC ..... I was looking forward to my hair growing back ...but hearing of Carols' hair loss ...I won't count my chickens before they hatch ... lol
I can't take anymore... you know the nausea...will I get that on week 1 and then week 2 ...I was so used to having it for a couple of days every 3 weeks ....
Also is it half a dose of CMF each of the weeks or am I in for a full does each time ...
Thankyou for giving me the time xxx
Much Love xxx
ps my veins cant take much more!!
Rita ...when you work it out..its more like 3 weeks between each 2 weeks in all reality .... oh my it hurts to use my brain lately xxx
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AC is the antibiotic chemo ...the CMF is the one that tangles the DNA up....I got told this is why some hair grows back diffently...OK will stop waffling now xxx I am digging my heels in tonight xx
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sueps, just my two cents worth, I am also doing CMF on a two week on two week off cycle. I take the cytoxan portion orally for the 14 days with an infustion on day 1 and 8 of that. As you have probably read, this is a very doable txt. Although I have nothing to compare it to, I am on my second month going for infusion #4 on Weds and I have been able to function almost like usually, working, shopping, making dinner etc. Yes I don't feel like working out or anything like that but all and all this is not bad at all. I had moments at first of some constipation, (have taken Miralax) to fix that problem and I take a Zofran each morning prior to my cytoxan and have virtually had no nausea at all. Occassionally my tummy doesn't feel quite right but nothing thats not bareable.
I'm at work now, but will check back in tonight (PST) if you have any other questions... your going to do just fine!
PS, remember to drink plenty of fluids,
Your CMF friend, Carol
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Hi Carol xx
Thankyou so much for your advice. I will let you all know how I get on tomorrow xxx
Much Love xxx
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Annie: I'm the one that had the seizure. It dropped my sodium levels too low. I wouldn't worry about it. It was very rare for me to have mine. In fact, the onc had never happen to him before. At the time I was on TC x 4 when it was infused at a higher dosage. I was taken off of the treatment plan when I had an allergic reaction to the taxatere. I now take the cytoxan orally and they are watching my sodium levels and they have been fine.
Sue: After having gone through TC x 4 (not as bad as your first treatment), CMF is better tolerated. I have my days where I don't think I can do it much any more either. Just hang in there!
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The last post on CMF users was Feb. '06. It is Feb '08 and I am a IV CMF gal. Anyone out there want to continue this discussion.
I am half way through. I go 1st and 8th day of a 28 day cycle for 6 months. I started end of Nov. '07. Today I went in for blood work and my wbc is the lowest it's been. However, still passable for next Mondays treatment. Is there any thing I can do to help raise my wbc? I am taking iron for my rbc. Any input would be great.
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Jaxmos...we are still here. I just don't think you made it to the last page of thread.
As for your white blood count....eat protein and get plenty of rest. There's not much else you can do that I know about. The chemo attacks the white blood cells so it automatically destroys them. They may give you a neulasta shot (or something very similar) to build your white blood count back up. You will not be able to fight off any infections if the WBC drops too low. Some gals get all the way through CMF chemo with no shots. I had to have only one between my third and fourth chemo.
Glad that you found our thread. Come back often and we'll help you all we can.
Rita
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I got that woozy head feeling after infusions and found if I had a nap it helped. Steroids may puff up your face and can give you problems with sleep. I hope you have sorted this out with your doc. I took ativan for sleep and it really helped.
You ladies are making it through! You will be such great support for each other.
I found it helpful to mark it off on the calendar and see the end date approaching each time, helpful.
My love to everyone! I need to take a break from the boards for a little while. I will check in to see if you are alright. Just a little mini break for my mind.
You are all in my prayers,
Ginny
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P.S. I had to miss one chemo, due to very low white blood count. I had a neulasta shot and it brought the count up so that I could finish chemo. Really not a big deal. Just felt crampy, like period cramps. So I just took it easy, lay down, took some tylenol (reg) and was pretty well gone the next day. Just remember to try and allow yourself to take it easy, rest...let others take care of you for a change. Try to forget this crazy "guilt" we get over all we have to do...right now you "have" to heal and get better--
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Good Evening CMF ladies! I was one that did all IV CMF from July to November 2006. I had it dose dense every other Monday for eight treatments. I had a Neulasta injection the day following each chemo for 7 times. I insisted on half the dose of Neulasta at 1 and a half mg instead of the normal 3mg. I am small- 5'1" and 107lbs. The half dose kept my WBC count up and was better tolerated.
My
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Good Evening CMF ladies! I was one that did all IV CMF from July to November 2006. I had it dose dense every other Monday for eight treatments. I had a Neulasta injection the day following each chemo for 7 times. I insisted on half the dose of Neulasta at 1 and a half mg instead of the normal 3mg. I am small- 5'1" and 107lbs. The half dose kept my WBC count up and was better tolerated.
My
hair0 -
Good Evening CMF ladies! I was one that did all IV CMF from July to November 2006. I had it dose dense every other Monday for eight treatments. I had a Neulasta injection the day following each chemo for 7 times. I insisted on half the dose of Neulasta at 1 and a half mg instead of the normal 3mg. I am small- 5'1" and 107lbs. The half dose kept my WBC count up and was better tolerated.
My
hair did0 -
Good Evening CMF ladies! I was one that did all IV CMF from July to November 2006. I had it dose dense every other Monday for eight treatments. I had a Neulasta injection the day following each chemo for 7 times. I insisted on half the dose of Neulasta at 1 and a half mg instead of the normal 3mg. I am small- 5'1" and 107lbs. The half dose kept my WBC count up and was better tolerated.
My
hair did not0 -
Good Evening CMF ladies! I was one that did all IV CMF from July to November 2006. I had it dose dense every other Monday for eight treatments. I had a Neulasta injection the day following each chemo for 7 times. I insisted on half the dose of Neulasta at 1 and a half mg instead of the normal 3mg. I am small- 5'1" and 107lbs. The half dose kept my WBC count up and was better tolerated.
My
hair did not faLL0 -
Good Evening CMF ladies! I was one that did all IV CMF from July to November 2006. I had it dose dense every other Monday for eight treatments. I had a Neulasta injection the day following each chemo for 7 times. I insisted on half the dose of Neulasta at 1 and a half mg instead of the normal 3mg. I am small- 5'1" and 107lbs. The half dose kept my WBC count up and was better tolerated.
My
hair did not faLL OUT0 -
Good Evening CMF ladies! I was one that did all IV CMF from July to November 2006. I had it dose dense every other Monday for eight treatments. I had a Neulasta injection the day following each chemo for 7 times. I insisted on half the dose of Neulasta at 1 and a half mg instead of the normal 3mg. I am small- 5'1" and 107lbs. The half dose kept my WBC count up and was better tolerated.
My
hair did not faLL OUT OR0 -
Good Evening CMF ladies! I was one that did all IV CMF from July to November 2006. I had it dose dense every other Monday for eight treatments. I had a Neulasta injection the day following each chemo for 7 times. I insisted on half the dose of Neulasta at 1 and a half mg instead of the normal 3mg. I am small- 5'1" and 107lbs. The half dose kept my WBC count up and was better tolerated.
My
hair did not faLL OUT OR THIN0 -
Good Evening CMF ladies! I was one that did all IV CMF from July to November 2006. I had it dose dense every other Monday for eight treatments. I had a Neulasta injection the day following each chemo for 7 times. I insisted on half the dose of Neulasta at 1 and a half mg instead of the normal 3mg. I am small- 5'1" and 107lbs. The half dose kept my WBC count up and was better tolerated.
My
hair did not faLL OUT OR THIN AS0 -
Good Evening CMF ladies! I was one that did all IV CMF from July to November 2006. I had it dose dense every other Monday for eight treatments. I had a Neulasta injection the day following each chemo for 7 times. I insisted on half the dose of Neulasta at 1 and a half mg instead of the normal 3mg. I am small- 5'1" and 107lbs. The half dose kept my WBC count up and was better tolerated.
My
hair did not faLL OUT OR THIN AS i0
