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Tips for getting through chemotherapy

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Comments

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited August 2009

    Bumpity!

  • AnnNYC
    AnnNYC Member Posts: 236
    edited August 2009

    Bumping this thread up for those who are new!

  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 30
    edited August 2009

    I wish they would legalize medical marijuana in US, at least in New Jersey!

  • London-Virginia
    London-Virginia Member Posts: 109
    edited September 2009

    bump

  • newtonville
    newtonville Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2009

    great ideas.

  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2009

    Having a really hard time - mouth sores.  HELP  I'm rinsing with baking soda and salt water.  Just miserable.

  • LISAA401
    LISAA401 Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2009

    NEW TO THE SITE GETTING MY PORT THURS THEN STARTING CHEMO SEPT 15. AT PEACE WITH MY DECISION, BUT WORRIED ABOUT THE UNKNOWN OF THE WORLD OF SIDE EFFECTS I AM A NURSE WHO AT FIRST KNEW LITTLE ABOUT THIS DARN BC. I APPRECIATE ALL THE TIPS ON CHEMO I WILL BE GETTING TAXOTERE AND CYTOXAN Q21 DAYS X4 TREATMENTS. WHEN WILL I START TO LOSE MY HAIR AND HOW ABOUT WORKING?  I REALLY NEED TO WORK TO KEEP MY HEALTH INSURANCE. IS IT TRUE USUALLY DAY 3-5 IS BAD???? ANY OTHER TIPS WOULD BE GREAT TY LISA

  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2009

    Hi Lisa!  I too am an RN.  Went thru TACX6 starting in March ending in June.  Not too bad I had minor SE. Started loosing hair 14 days after 1st chemo, then just shaved it.  Better than watching it come out in clumps. the SE I experienced were insomnia from the decadron, but worth it, they dosed me so high, I had no nausea. I had some constipation, took colace twice a day. Advil pm worked for the insomnia! I could work the week of chemo, but not the week after, because my blood counts dropped and the onc thought I could pick up an infection. the the week before I worked again!It is doable, if I can do it anyone can.  I just finished rads and that was nothing.  Just rest eat right annd try to at least walk as much as possible to keep up your strength. Good luck and you will get thru this! Dawn

  • LISAA401
    LISAA401 Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2009

    Dawn thanks for the reply so many what if's I really wish the first round was done as then i will have alot of my what if's answered. congrats on finishing rad. Oh how i wish I too was at that stage. I need to work to keep my health insurace. I will have my port this thurs (funny how these things become a highlight. then 1st chemo tue/wed. I already have really short  hair so losing it does not bother me just preparing for what if. Hope you have an relaxing day I worked last night I guess someone forgot to tell me Labor day is a day of rest hahhhaaahh. tyvm Lisa

  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2009

    Lisa!  The port insertion is nothing, I was in and out like a breeze, I loved it, they just plug you into the chemo and away you go, so many people struggle with the IV's. I am keeping my port as an insurance policy against more chemo, my second go around was a duzzie!!!I had 24 out of 24 positive nodes, so I hope and pray the aggresive Tx I got was enough! I am older 52 at Dx but I have a 14 yo daughter and supportive husband! Take it as it comes I think being in healthcare helps, because we are not afraid of the physical plant and know the med. jargon.  Some people are just paralyzed by the whole thing. I know it is easy to say, but keep up a good attitude, and take eash step as it comes and before you know it it will be done.  Lots of Luck and a Big Hug!  Dawn

  • LISAA401
    LISAA401 Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2009

    Dawn thanks for the input. The waiting is a nuisance. Like I told my onc. she was thrilled at my characteristics. Wow this is great. no node involvement. 1,8 cm hr er + her2- braca -. so I said if it's so great then why am i sitting here on this exam table talking about chemo. But today after being on this site I do realize how lucky I am and I just need to be annoyed a little bit longer. I too have a dgt she will be 13 this thurs.  I see you are listed as NH. I am from RI now in fl for 6 yrs. my brother was a district attorney for Portsmouth Nh. What type of nsg do you do. I hope you are feeling good today. Lisa

  • LISAA401
    LISAA401 Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2009

    Dawn thanks for the input. The waiting is a nuisance. Like I told my onc. she was thrilled at my characteristics. Wow this is great. no node involvement. 1,8 cm hr er + her2- braca -. so I said if it's so great then why am i sitting here on this exam table talking about chemo. But today after being on this site I do realize how lucky I am and I just need to be annoyed a little bit longer. I too have a dgt she will be 13 this thurs.  I see you are listed as NH. I am from RI now in fl for 6 yrs. my brother was a district attorney for Portsmouth Nh. What type of nsg do you do. I hope you are feeling good today. Lisa

  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2009

    I live in the Nashua area. I worked in an OR in Boston for 20 years and am now in amb SX doing eye surgery. I love it ,work 3-4 days, no call or weekends, I've done my share. The waiting is the worst part. I am glad they caught you early, you are young and will do well, I can tell. I have done fine too. My first cancer Dx 7/08 was Stage I IDC node neg onctype 18 no chemo or rads, had a mastectomy because I had seen so much, and did not want to walk the rd again. Then I had a reduction on my healthy breast to match the reconstructed one and they found the Stage 3, neg scans and mamos, go figure!  Nurses and DR.'s wives get the worst!So here I am 13 months since the journey began. I am fine besides being burnt, having one foob, one flat chest, being fat and bald. Beats the alternative!  I want to see my freshman graduate!  I am just taking it as it come!  My PS want to reconstruct me in 3 sessions starting in Nov. I will talk to my onc and BS to see if they think it is worthwhile. Enough about me!  What type of nurse are you?  what brought you to Fla? What grade is your daughter in? What is she into? I love RI. I am sick of the NE winters and would love to be in a warmer climate. I am feeling well and hope you are too, keep the faith and this too shall pass!  Dawn

  • JanetH77
    JanetH77 Member Posts: 10
    edited September 2009

    VickiLynn, I had a terrible time with mouth sores and burning after my first chemo.  At the time when it was worst, I got some UlcerEase, which anesthetizes the mouth.  You can swish it in your mouth 20 minutes before eating and also can dab it on sore spots with a Q-Tip.

    My oncologist told me to keep ice chips in my mouth the entire time the two chemo drugs were going into my system.  I think the ice causes blood vessels in the mouth area to constrict so you get less of the chemo drug in the mouth.  I took two insulated cups filled with ice chips, then the cancer center has a kitchenette with ice chips to keep me supplied.  Volunteers get the ice, or I can ask the friend who goes to chemo with me to get more ice.  I kept up with the ice chips once I got home, continued for about 4-5 days.  On day 4, I could feel the burning that told me the chemo drug was trying to burn my mouth.  With all that ice, I fended off the mouth pain.  Third chemo coming up Tuesday, will see if the same approach works. 

    Additionally, I started using the Biotene mouthwash ahead of the chemo and kept using it after each meal and at bedtime, still doing that.  And Oragel mouthwash for mouth sores is very soothing.  I used it last thing at night.  Don't wait until you already have the soreness to start using ice and mouth products.  I also use Biotene toothpaste and a soft toothbruch.

    Hope this helps.  I know how miserable that mouth pain is!

  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2009

    Janet  Thank you so much for the tips.  I will try them.  Popsicles have been my best friend.

  • LISAA401
    LISAA401 Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2009

    Dawn i read your post and I smiled. I am going to conquer this i just have to be annoyed for a little while longer. re your post I ama cardiovascular icu stepdown nurse we take care of open heart post op day 2. I was a lpn for 7 yr and went back and fast tracked my rn while working 2 jobs. I took the boards 3/09 and have been living a high wave until this medical issue my dgt is in 8th grade she is in an accerated program she has 2 classes this yr that will go for college credit towards a AA here in florida seniors can graduate witha AA at the time of grduation if they take the right classes and do well. How has you dgt held up over this. I worry about mine as i am not sure she understands all the details. She knows i will be having chemo and hairl loss,but i have never in my life been one to be sick in bed,ugh. My mom and dad live less than 1 mile away I am lucky for that. any other tips you have for prep for chemo would be apprec. i am a planner and this cancer is trying to take it away from me but i am kicking and screaming back. I hope you enjoy your Nh day. i am working a double today so i will check in later only good thoughts to you Lisa

  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2009

    Lisa!  I did not spend one day sick in bed!  My daughter is afraid of cancer!  My mother died of colon ca 2 years ago, she was very close to her. My husband had prostate ca 6 years ago, and is doing well. She thinks it is a matter of time before it hits her!  I tell her when and if it hits her she will be able to take a pill and be cured!  I hope and pray I am right! We have been very honest with her throughout my TX.  She knows that my second cancer was bad and hopefully my TX have worked. She has seen me cry and fight, I don't know if it is good or bad, but it is honest!  She has many friends who have been there for her during the past year and have supported her.

    My advice to you is to take it as it comes and put some faith in your Docs.  My onc told me to relinquish control, I am very controlling, and to let him get me thru the chemo, he swears he doesn't remember saying that, but he did, and he got me thru, without to much trouble. Take one TX at a time . In the words of my husband chemo is like eating an elephant and you must eat it one bite at a time.When you go to chemo bring a blanket, a book, and some food and drink. I used to eat my way thru, my stomach did not get empty and I did not get sick! I drove myself and I could not bear having someone waste a day going with me! I talked to other patients and the nurses, and read a ton! The hair loss is sad. get some eyebrow pencils and got get a good wig, your insurance will pay if you get a RX from the doc. I got one that is lightweight and you can see my scalp I wear it 16 hours per day, with kids you never know who is going to be in your house!People say it looks very natural.  I have worn hats with halos of hair too, but I prefer the wig! Go to the wig place before you start chemo. They can help match your style and color! Good Luck my friend!  You can do this!  Keep being positive and it will be behind you!  Dawn

  • LISAA401
    LISAA401 Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2009

    I am glad to hear from you I was hoping you would post. Today i went to the infusion center for a tour to release some of my fear of the unknown. it was good and bad. Here I am working a double (really more like 20 hrs strong as a bull and then I cry because I have to be there next week. What is that about? 1 day closer getting my port in. got my preop orders today. Disappointed today as the scarves i ordered came in the mail not wjhat I really wanted. So I will go this weekend and look. I am not into the wig thing but figure bald fat and beautiful can be my new motto. haahhha. What is you dgt name. Here is a little quote that I like sucess lies in the hands of those that want it. IIIIIIII WWWWAAAANNNNTTTTT IIITTTT>  I liked your comment about not bearing to have someone waste their  day to be with you at chemo. That has been a sore spot for me I have never once asked for help not even a penny from my parents and my mom says  that all I have to do is ask. little does she know but i probaly won't ask. she wanted to take some ease of my mind when she heard the braca test was like 4,000 and my insurance [pays 80 % she wanted to pay the rest. absolutely not. I pictured you talking( the nurse) talking to the other pt while having your tx. I am going to one up you and adminster the oral meds for my chemo group on tuesday. how about that.  lollloololloooo hoping and praying for that magic pill to give our lovely dght and others. until we talk again rest your self. and thanks again Lisa 

  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2009

    Hi Lisa!  You are doing the right thing familiarizing yourself with your facility!  Kudos to you for giving the meds. lol:) I think that is great!!!! I agree I try not to ask for too much help as well, although I have had people help me drive Kelly around.  She plays soccer, track and skis. Unfortunately my TX has hit all seasons! My husband and I are very independant and have been primary caretakers for all 4 parents, 2 are gone now. My mother-in-law is in an Assisted Living and loves it and my Dad is back in SC, where he retired. I talk to him at least twice a day.  He is 80 and does okay, very lonesome, since my mom died! Let people support you, I am sure your parents want to help you anyway they can you are lucky to have them! I like your quote!   IIIIIIIIWAAAAAANNNNTTTTTTIIIITTTT!!!!!!!TOOOOOO!!!!! I too have scarves I never wore, you got to find what is best for you. I bought some of those buffs and they are comfortable. buffs.com is a website, check it out! My hair is about 1/2 inch long.!  11 weeks PFC!Hopefully by Christmas I will be topless, I hate looking like a cancer victim!!! People look at you with such pity!  Can't take that!!!!! Hang in there!  Rest up you have the fight of your life ahead of you!!!  Dawn

  • LISAA401
    LISAA401 Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2009

    Hello Dawn what a busy lady you are kudos to you. Sorry no rest for the wicked here. Get a call they have bumped my surgery to 0830 tom just another curveball thrown at me. when will this bc realize I mean business and to take a hike. It annoys me to have to change my plans and re vamp  but then I chuckle and think you suckers cannot win and keep throwing me those curveballs and I will keep knocking it out of the park. Off now until sunday fabulous news about your hair.just in time for the cold Nh weather. thanks for the website infor. So what is next for your tx ? you mentioned nov poss some reconstruction?   Gotta go off to Oncology appt for prep next week. I feel old now that I have all these md appt. Ari's bday tomorrow oh I wish she was 4 yrs old and i could pick her up. Hello to Kelly that busy young lady. Hey pretty soon our girls will be driving am i really that old? hhahahahhhh

  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2009

    Lisa!  My thoughts and prayers are with you today, I know you will fly thru this!  Happy Birthday to Ari!!!! You have a teenager now!! What fun!!!!!:) Going to the onc today and will be starting tamoxifen again!!! Glad you are being done early, you don't have to wait around all day!!! Good Luck!  Dawn

  • LISAA401
    LISAA401 Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2009

    Dawn your an early bird this am. Ari is up getting ready for school we were talking and just about this time 13 yrs ago I was getting ready for a elective csect as I was 40 weeks 6 days. She was not born until 726 pm I should have know then what a stubborn cookie she was back then...... She was a little upset I picked today for my port but in my mind I did it for luck sept 10 was one of the best days of my life even though she is stubborn indepedent (guess where she gets that lol) Hope you get news that you want from the Onc. and your right i will be home earlier to relax this afternoon. Gotta go get my warrior gear on. Only good news today for all of us. Lisa

  • LISAA401
    LISAA401 Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2009

    Dawn I'm home i really must put more faith in other people's hands. As you said port placement was a breeze. I don't know why i work myself into tears. It is a dull ache and nothing more and no fog. Going to relax and take care of some paperwork I hop your appt went well and Ari says thanks for the bday wish. i knew sept 10 th was a good day.lisa

  • LISAA401
    LISAA401 Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2009

    Just had my port placed. whata breeze starting chemo tues if any newbies have questions i would be glad to share my experience thus far I see many of you are ahead of me but anyone behind me I would like to give back and return the favor. Thanks LisaA401

  • Morgan513
    Morgan513 Member Posts: 303
    edited September 2009

    Hi Lisa,

    I had TC x 4 last year and here is how it went and what I did:

     I had no problems with it at all.  I was allergic when they started the infusion the first time and a little the second time.  They just infused me slower and all was well. 

    I always brought my laptop and movies to watch while sitting in the chair.  It can be quite boring.  I'd also just chat if someone was around. 

    I always ate lunch while in the room.  I bought myself a special lunchbox and always packed food.  It was great!

    Drink 3 liters of water a day for the first week at least after treatment.  It flushes cytoxan out of the kidneys where it can accumulate. 

    I always ate well balanced meals.  What I mean is, protein is your friend now.  So, I always had some form of protein with my meals.  Eggs for breakfast, chicken cutlets with lunch/dinner.  I balanced the protein with a starch.  Bland food always tasted better to me when I was going through chemo.  Sweet stuff made me want to hurl.  Tasted bad, really bad.  Remember your vegetables and fruit too.  But eat what tastes good, but is also good for you.  Your body needs the extra nutrition to heal.

     Run your "soft" toothbrush under warm water.  It will further soften the bristles which should keep you from damaging your gums.

     I lost my beautiful long blonde hair about 10 days after the first treatment.  It was the worst.  I was devastated.  I had hoped that I would be one of those who didn't lose it.  Oh well...But, I got a great wig that I wore most of the time.  It helped me feel confident when facing the world.

     Oh yes.  Exercise.  Exercise when you can but please exercise.  Walking for thirty minutes a day (after the first few days after treatment) made such a difference for me.  I had energy and bounced back very quickly.

     That's all that I can think of at the moment.  If I think of something else, I'll let you know.

    Lorrie

  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2009

    Hi Lisa!  Great pointers from Lorrie. I also drank a ton of water, but I always do! Glad your port placement went well!!!! I knew you'd do fine, the fear of the unknown is the worst!  Ari will love being a teenager, they are so grown up!  At least that is what Kelly thinks!  My appt went well and I ased my onc what he thought about reconstruction in Nov.???? He said his opinion is to take a break and revisit it in 6 months, I have been on a merry-go-round of MD appts for the past 14 months and he asked me if I wanted a break and I guess I do. I came home and my husband said it is the best advice he'd heard in a long time. So I'll go to the BS next week and ask his opinion, but I think I'll waint until next spring and see how I feel.the radio onc thought that Nov. seemed too soon after rads for reconstruction, as well so I think I'll chill and heal mentally and physically for awhile. I think I just made my decision!  It's funny how typing something helps you figure things out!  I am so glad you are doing well, keep up that attitude and this will all be a memory soon!  Cheers to you and yours!  Dawn

  • LISAA401
    LISAA401 Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2009

    LORRIE (MORGAN 513.) OK MY DOG IS NAMED MORGAN HOW COINCIDENTAL IS THAT. WE WERE MEANT TO TALK I GUESS. THANKS FOR THE GREAT TIPS. SEEMS LIKE YOUR TX WAS NOT UTTERLY MISERABLE..... I AM GLAD FOR YOU. I APPRECIATE ALL THE TIPS FROM THE WONDERFUL WOMEN WHO HAVE BEEN THERE DONE THAT. FEEL FREE TO SEND ANY INFO MY WAY AND MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS.

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited September 2009

    Bumping this up for the October chemo starters!

  • newtonville
    newtonville Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2009

    bump

  • newtonville
    newtonville Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2009

    i started my first chemo on sept 24, im taking AC 4x, my next one is oct 8. hopefully can meet up with October sisters.

     so far so good, but side effects are definitely there, sleeping probs and constipation.lack of energy....hopefully it ll get better.  hangin everyone.

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