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Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
Comments
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Hope you're feeling better today Karen and Tracy . Yesterday I had an office visit for blood work and it shows low WBC count just as expected. I really like my oncologist since she suggests not to let this "control" my life and get crazy about what I can't or can do/eat/ whatever. She said to use common sense in that if I eat something that makes my mouth feel tingly like I'm going to get a sore, to just back off of that. Or if I feel like eating nothing but carbs, go for it, or need extra naps, do it---whatever works for me right now. I feel like she is treating ME as much as this disease at the same time if I say I need something for sleep, she gives it to me (ambien).
Here's hoping everyone getting tea today is doing well!
Pat0 -
Hey Jen, I was told to eat red meat, grass fed, no hormones, organic. Yes it is expensive, I live in a city not like you so have to rely on Whole Food Stores or Mother Earth, but the red meat is good source for building red cells. But just think protein in general. Marsha
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It is so encouraging to hear each of your experiences with starting chemo. I had MUGA scans on Wednesday and the port placement yesterday (Thursday). I meet with the onc next Thursday-22nd and the plan was to start chemo either late next week or the following week. Initial thought was AC+T, just not sure of the timing. Will discuss with onc. next week with review of the MUGA scans, etc.
Like many others here the part of chemo that scares me the most (although all of it is scary) is losing my hair. I have an appt. with a salon that specializes in wig fittings for medical hair loss on Monday. It sounds like a nice place. They have private salon rooms for consultations and you work with a beautician who specializes in medical hair loss, wig fittings and stylings, and they also have fake eyebrows??? (I'll have to see those - I'm picturing catepillars stuck to my eyebrows!) I'm still hoping to not lose my eyebrows... but you never know. I'm a little behind many of you on here as I haven't started chemo yet but again it has been extremely helpful to hear your experiences and I am so encouraged by each of you and your strength. I checked my local drug store for Biotene and plan to purchase that before I start. Also plan to stock up on water as it sounds like drinking a lot of water is key.0 -
I had my mediport put in today and it was not so bad. Of course we always anticipate the worse. They gave me a pain pill before I left the hospital at 9:00am. The only thing right now is my right shoulder is tender. They had placed the mediport in right chest. Next thursday I begin chemo at 10:00am. Will drink plenty of water before and after. Will also bring crackers with me. And no I don't think I will be stopping at McDonald's on the way home. I have a very weak stomach and do not plan on eating anything greasy for a few days. I don't plan on going to work next friday but hubby was going to give me the n. shot on friday but will have to go out of town. So I guess I will have to give it to myself. Yuck!!! I am such a cry baby.
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All:
Round 2 is a repeat of the first, except you really do know what to expect, and therefore it feels much less scary. I have a "funny" story to tell, which reminds me why I keep DH around..
I did go alone, as I said I was contemplating. The center was packed, and people running around nuts, so everything ends up goign slower than usual. For the second week, they were not able to take blood out of my port, so I said screw it, just use the arm. Then she didn't start the premeds even though I know the lab called because she was busy with an other patient. The nurses seem not to share patients much, unless the drips start beeping, then anyone will come over.
Anyway, we finally get the premeds in (I only get Zofran).
Then she does the Adriamycin push. Then she hangs up the cytoxan drip. This is given over an hour's time, because the hospital did a big study and found people did better at an hour nausea-wise than 30 minutes.
DH shows up at the time I should have been done, and I say that we have another 3/4 hour, since the bag had beenup about a 1/4 hour. He starts watching the bag, and the machines. After another 1/4 hour, he says, "Leah, that bag is not moving." I said, "What do you mean?" and he said that the bubbles weren't moving, etc.
I called the nurse over, and sure enough, she forgot to turn it on. Damn! We had another hour! So I got there at 2, had to have blood from my arm, also had to have a procrit shot, and then the drip from hell. Oh well. I was the last one there, to say the least.
Had an ok night, no problem today except I really wasn't hungry at all. Neulasta shot (which I hate)is done, so NOW, I will declare, I am 50% done with this round of chemo!
My head is incredibly sore, so I think I know what that means... not giving in yet, though.
Sleep well, my friends.0 -
Oh Leah, my goodness! Did you have that cute grin on your face while all this was going on? Well at least hubbies are good for something! HAHAHA I get my Adriamycin through IV not a push. Hum....wonder why the difference? They hang both the A and C. Sorry to hear your port in not working. A malfunctioning port sucks. YIPPEE 1/2 way thru A/C!!!!!!! Marsha
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Oh, Leah, some days are definitely better than others... At the cost of all this, they could as a minimum have people who are able to pay attention.... boy, I admire your poise and distanciation from this (the only wy to stay zen, mind you, but still).
Today was day 4 (including chemo day), and I am afraid of coming down with a cold (my DH had one last week, but we were so careful...). Maybe it is just the chemo and neulasta, but after a long walk this morning I took a nap this afternoon and felt a bit under the weather... hopefully tomorrow will be better. I did not take any anti-nausea today and was never icky. Shall I resist taking another Ativan at bed time....? This stuff works great...
Wishing you all the best of week-end,
Hugs,
CatherineH0 -
Thanks for the info Marsha. I am not sure why the Neulasta didn't work that well for me, am hoping that I will rebound before my next round, I don't want to have to put if off for a week!
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Hi Linnie,
My first treatment was on Thursday the 8th. I was sick the first day, and just nauseous for the next two days. I haven't been able to sleep much at all since this all started for me in December. I am going to ask for something next time.
I'm glad to hear the neupogen is working for you, I'm wondering if I'll have to switch from Neulasta since that didn't work out for me.
Hope you're doing well.
Nancy0 -
When I mentioned the neulasta yesterday, I thought no insurance hassle. Got denial letter today after wife has had one already. The denial may be due to Dr getting the scrip for us to get at home pharmacy, not the onc clinic. Appeals are already underway to hopefully be cleared up before next round.
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Today was OK. Made it to my son's swim meet!!!! Lots of nausea but I never threw up. The water really makes me nauseous. They said if I didn't start drinking more I will have to go in an IV for a few hours this weekend. The worst is the fatigue, I am sooo tired all the time.
Karen0 -
I think it just needs to be liquids, not water. So I have been doing seltzer and sparkling water, which I like better than still water, and herbal tea. One cup of coffee. There is also a product called "True Lemon" (and "True Lime) that can be added to any bottled water to give it some taste. Ask for others' ideas? You can't go to the hospital!
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Can't sleep for the nausea. Taking all the pills, plus Ativan. Still haven' thrown up. just fill awful. I am constantly burping. Leah I have tried the flavored waters but just liquids feel bad, swishing around in my stomach-does that make any sense. . They told me little to no drinks with caffeine -but I do like diet coke and had one yesterday. I feel more dehydrated now that yesterday. The only food that sounds good is toast. Had it three times yesterday. I feel like I am pregnant. Got the neulasta yesterday and so far so good with that.
Any other ideas would be appreciated. Karen0 -
Karen --
Try decaffienated tea with honey -- that works for me. Also, I've been using filtered, cold water -- it has a less unpleasant taste. Finally, try some diluted juice -- apple or cranberry. It's really important to drink!
-- Hillary0 -
OK, now my question -- has anyone else on AC had the shakes?
-- Hillary0 -
Karen --
Some more ideas -- flat ginger ale, sorbet, low salt chicken soup. I've also found that I still like chocolate!
-- H.0 -
Day 2 went well...I needed tylenol once all day, did the Emend then late in the day needed the other nausea pill not too long after eating beanies and weenies. Felt well enough after a nap and clear headed enough to run a check to the bank then few hours later went to a biker meeting. After the bike meeting I felt the urge to eat a hamburger, fries and Sonic's sweetheart special ice cream and did so. I'm starting to wonder if hamburgers is my craving? I did find I couldn't drink a fresh sprite while at the biker meeting, few sips and my tummy was arguing about it. So will just pop open a can at home and leave it open in the frig to have something different to sip on. I have IBS but so far I'm having normal bms for a change rather than diareaha like I usually have. I have otc meds for either way just in case my body takes its to the extreme but haven't needed em yet. I fell asleep watching one of the rental DVD's but then again it was about 1am when I did so. The DVD movies help take my mind off the Big C be it cancer or chemo. Really don't feel fatigued, I usually take an afternoon nap everyday I can so don't think its the chemo.
Jan
Day 3 has just started... no shakes here Hillery, just felt restless legs last night during the movie though.0 -
Hi Nancy,
It sounds like we'll be on the same schedule with you 2 days behind me.
Insomnia seems to be my worst side effect at the moment. I need to call on Monday. They gave me a low doese of Ambien but it's only good for about 5 hrs and then I'm wide awake. I haven't been taking any anti-nausea meds for a week or so I don't know why I feel so wired. Hillary, it's not exactly the shakes but speedy. Which drug do you think is causing it?
Karen, I started drinking caffeine-free diet coke when I was queazy and it seemed to help. I'm sorry you're not feeling well but glad you made it to your son's meet. Hope today is better.
Linnie0 -
Karen -
You're probably tired due to being a bit dehydrated! I am not a big water drinker, so this is a big change for me - I do try to drink as much as I can! Most of my "liquids" used to come from beer, wine and vodka! LOL Guess it was more of a habit than I realized! But now - only the occasional glass of red or white wine and I don't miss it at all - (maybe that's why I've lost a few pounds!) But one thing I've been doing is eating popsicles. My daughter loves them, so we always have them - now - I eat like 4 or so a day! My taste buds are relatively gone, but the cold of the popsicle is very soothing! They have all kinds and sugar free too! Maybe you could try that?
Hillary -
Yes, I can honestly say that I too noticed some shaking. Only when I hold my hand out though. Doesn't bother me or anything, but I just noticed a couple of days ago when I held out my hand for something - it was shaking!
I'm on Day 12 - and my hair is still fully intact (I did get the short cut a couple of weeks ago). It seems to be a little bit more brittle or something tho. I keep hoping I can be one that doesn't lose her hair! I agree with everyone, that's the hardest part it seems!
Hope everyone has a terrific day! It's snowing here in Ohio again - but it does look beautiful!
Jen
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Hi Karen,
I found that whole wheat toast and chicken soup was tolerable.
Hillary, Drinking wise, all soda tasted like poision to me, bottled water and cafferine free tea works ok. By the way my onc said no problem drinking green tea. Every onc seems to have different ideas.
The shakes or jittery feeling could be from the steriods, according to my onc. I felt aggitated or easily irritated by stupid things after my first TC.
Hang in there, it gets better. For me I had different symptoms on and off for about 8 days, then after that I felt like myself.
Jel.0 -
Hey GI Jel
No wonder we all feel confused about what to do, not do etc. My onc says NO green tea, yours says, sure green tea if fine. Good Lord how can there be so many different opinions on things? After my mastecotomy I started my period 10 days early and my surgeon said that is normal, he sees that all the time. Body reacting differently, maybe the drugs that put you out with. Happened again, period 5 days early after port surgery. Now my 1st onc (the jackass) said in a condescending way "No, surgery didn't cause that." And immediately ordered a PET/CT scan. When I told my surgeon that he very diplomatically said "Well surgery is my specialty and cancer is his". LOL Now in this case I believe my surgeon because a) it happened twice and b) I adore the surgeon, he is like my knight in shining armour and he laughs at all my jokes! But you see my point? Geez like a dang mindfield we go through with all the differing opinions.
Have a great day everyone!!! Love, Marsha0 -
Hi Marsha,
Good to see you are still fighting fit:) LOL.
You are so right about the doc's. We need to keep in mind ALWAYS that they are just human beings like us. They have their opinions, as my DH says. "Opinions are like a**holes, everyones got one" Sorry for being so crude, but it is funny:)
As for the period, you are right. I had the same problem after my surgery and I believe that your body is shocked, getting meds it is not used to and goes off schedule.
Marsha, are you enjoying the cool weather in FLA today. Nice change.
Have a great weekend ladies.
I go for TC number 2 on Monday 2/19. All prayers welcome:)
G.I. Jel.0 -
Jen, I was told the beer didn't count as fluid intake! I've a just one the last couple of nights.
Jan, glad to hear I wasn't the only one to crave the burger and fries. Our bodies want the calories and the protein I guess.
Karen sorry to hear of the fatigue. And especially that you are having trouble the liquid because that is probably the most important thing. You may very well need a saline drip. Maybe if they get the naseau you are having under control the water will settle down in your tummy.
Linnie, definately get a stronger prescription for sleep. I have restoril which works great, is cheap and no next day drowsy feeling.
Hillary, no shakes here for me. But sounds like steroid to me, but what do I know? I agree with you, watered down juice is a good way to get that water we need down.
Catherine, you are in the throws of the 3-5 side effects. I was told during that time I may have "Flu like" symptoms.
Hey Piper, chew on ice during your chemo, helps prevent mouth sores by constricting the blood flow to the mouth so the chemo doesn't stay in there long!
Marsha0 -
Linnie,
Are you on compozine for nausea? I can not take it because it gives me a reaction as if I am on speed?
Linda0 -
Karen, drinking all day long in small sips is a new way of life: my DH got me a 32 onces plastic cup with a tube and a cap, so I know I have to drink 2 of those at least. I am not a soda/coke person (never liked those), so I fill with cold filtered water and squeeze half a lemon in it: seems easier to drink, refreshing and adds some vitamin C... I also have a 8-10 ounces of orange juice mixed with a little bit of unsweetened organic cranberry juice in the morning. Soups are another good source of fluid... puddings, too (cream of wheat not too sick, oatmeal: you get the fluid and the protein, and iron, and calcium from the milk. I add vanilla extract and almond extract and cinnamon, gives a good taste... very little brown sugar, unrefined, and a pinch of sea salt... soft to your mouth, too). I make thyme tea everyday, a big pot, and we both drink that (natural desinfectand and cleanser for lungs, etc.). Does not taste great, but feels good, though... Mint tea (natural herb tea) works great for me too, cold works better than hot... Well, I hope some of all those things will help along with all the others already posted...
Wishing you a restful week-end,
CatherineH0 -
Hi Marsha, I hope you are right and it is just the flue-like symptoms (fairly mild mind you). I watch my temperature. Did not sleep quite as soundly as previous nights since I "skipped" the Ativan, just to see... and no Kytril so far either... I felt well enough to go walk for an hour in the beautiful crisp sunny weather with my neighboor who is like a sister to me, and Toby my doggy.
5 weeks after surgery (bilat mast+node dissection on one side) I still wake up with the feeling of having been run over by a truck... the pain goes away as I move around, but what a weird feeling...
Take care and enjoy your week-end,
CatherineH0 -
Hi, I'm starting TC on Wed. How long can I expect to be at the office?
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2 new developments: this morning, and now again this evening, when I took my Zofran (dissolvable on the tongue), I promptly threw it up. What's up with that? Has this happened to anyone else? I tolerated it fine last treatment, and Thursday night/Friday this time. Today, no way. I may not need it, but I don't want to find out...
Also, the scalp is no longer sore. But the hair is definitely dead. It will come out if I tug on it. So I will have either DD (she grooms horses, so she definitely knows her way around a clipper) or DH do it. We will cry, but the wig is ready. Damn...0 -
I made a fabulous ratatouille thinking of you, and served it with quinoa. Unfortunately, due to Zofran incident (see other post), I was afraid to eat too much of it. So I will have it as leftovers next week!
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Thanks, Linda (Piper), I was taking compazine (haven't for a week) but maybe it's still in my system. I slept better the 1st week after chemo than I have the 2nd which is worrisome since I'm about to go to Chemo #2 Tuesday. I'm going to call on Monday and try to talk to someone about it. The only 2 choices they gave me to take for nausea are compazine and ativan and I thought the ativan was only for nighttime. Marsha, maybe I'll ask them about your drug. That darn ambien cost me $50 with insurance.
Has anyone taken Ativan and a sleeping pill at night? I feel like such a druggie......
Leah, sorry about the hair. That would be your Day 17? I'm not too far behind you (Day 12) but was holding out hope. Well.... here's hoping that we ALL keep our eyebrows. That would be something.
Catherine, I hope it's not the flu. You walked an hour today. I'm jealous. My SO and I walked everyday up until my 3rd surgery a month ago. Then it got really cold here in DC and we haven't been out much since. But the temps are going back up this week so I'm hoping that chemo doesn't wipe me out and we can get back to it.
Have a good night, everyone,
Linnie0
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