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Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
Comments
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post del by CommandoBarbie
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How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
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Hi everyone,
Day 2 after chemo#2 and so far everything seems about the same for me. Except I actually slept last night thanks to the Ativan in the IV and the one I took before bed.
I don't want to give anyone false hope about the hair loss; it's just that I was so surprised when the onc nurse mentioned it that I thought I'd pass it along. I'm not really holding out hope. It's Day 16 for me and no hair on my pillow this morning. But like Marsha said, 80% of the time a lump isn't cancerous yet here we all are. And my dr, who originally felt mine, INSISTED, it was a cyst. So, there you go.
Melanie, I always find it interesting how the treatments vary from person to person. Why not all three at the same time for all of us and get it over with? I don't know about everyone else, but I wasn't really given any options -- basically, "this is the treatment plan", and it seems that is what most people are doing.
Karen, glad you're finally feeling better and could go back to work.
Catherine and Hillary, how are you feeling now? I'm sorry if I've forgotten anyone. I've become so spacy these days and my spelling and grammar have left me.
On a happy note, it looks like my part-time disability is going thru so I'm excited about that.
Hope everyone is having a good day and my thoughts are with all those having procedures, treatments, etc. today.
Linnie0 -
Carynn, thanks so much for keeping up the list for us. I'm glad you're surgery went ok and you'll do great tomorrow on your first cruise.
We have so many good captains on our journey, and it'll be over with before we know it. For me, two down, six to go.
I am hoping that Taxol will be easier to tolerate. At least I won't have to deal with the 8 shots each cycle that I have with A/C.
Marsha, you are such a breath of fresh air on this board.
love to you all,
Linnie0 -
Angel; I think you are doing all the right things...especially since you are coming here for information and support. I will be happy to share my experience with my first chemo since you and I are basically getting the same tx, but remember everyone is different as I have learned from these wonderful discussions. I did have a reaction about 15 mins after they started the Tax...it was low back and leg pain. They turned it off and dosed me with a second round of benadryl, started it back up slowly and I was fine. Dozed off. I did suck on ice chips almost the entire treatment and maybe that helped me from getting mouth sores. But, I did develop thrush...yuck yuck...after I was put on an antibiotic for a sinus infection a couple of days after tx. I had very slight nausea, no need for meds though. I ate bananas, peanut butter, pudding, chicken noodle soup and bread for the first week. No liquids taste good to me except water. I only use plastic utensils, hopefully avoiding the "metallic" taste some do develop. I did feel tired for the first few days, but I had just returned from 2 weeks in Hawaii 2 days before chemo. It always takes me several days to recoup from travel anyway. I got the Neulasta shot the day after tx and I had some minor hip and thigh pain. Again, no need for meds. My hair has started falling out, but I have very thick hair and I think I might have another week or so before I shave it off. The flu is going around horribly here, so I have basically been quarantined as much as possible by my DH, but I really feel good. We are actually going out of town for the weekend to a wonderful hotel. I know sex has been brought up here...and we do still have sex, but I have to say it is definitely "different". I think maybe it's hard to feel desirable and possibly even the thought "how can he still want to have sex with me". I think most women, including myself, do not give our husbands enough credit. They are going through this with us, taking care of us and they love us and want to show us that.
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
I also want to share my very close friend's dx and tx. She was dx'd this past June and I can't figure out for the life of me how all her numbers come together. She was dx'd after her .6 cm lumpectomy as being stage 3, grade1, triple neg, no nodes, BRCA1+. She was actually given a choice of 2 chemos (I am not sure of the cocktails), 4 dd rounds and she would lose her hair or 6 rounds and she would not lose her hair. I was dumbfounded...still am. She was told by the onc that her survival rate was only diminished by 2% if she went with the less aggressive 6 rounds, which is what she chose and she kept her hair. She had a hysterectomy last month and will have a bilateral mast tomorrow because of the BRCA gene. She has 2 daughters ages 11 and 2. Has anyone ever heard of being offered a less aggressive tx???? I have always been concerned about it.
I will definitely let everyone here know what my onc's reasons were for giving me all 3 chemo drugs at once.0 -
Melanie, your friends stats sound weird to me. First off grade 1 is the less aggressive and stage III is usually agressive with lymph node involment and a large tumor. I am stage II 5cm lobular, grade 2, clear margins ER/PR Pos and her/FISH negative. Your friend being triple negative means she has no extra insurance (hormone therapy) after the chemo so they usually hit these people HARD with chemo and maybe even rads. I don't know that sounds odd to me but Of course I am not a doctor. The gene being positive too is high risk for her. I, like Linnie was not really given and option for treatment. Here you go Marsha, that's your cocktail and go on these days. I didn't really have the wherewithall that I do now to question it. I guess I have just made you more concerned but maybe there is part of the path we don't know? Hugs, Marsha
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Marsha; I had always wondered about her stage myself and after reading these boards, I really became more worried about the chemo path she chose. I just pray it works for her. I myself am grade2, stage2, IDC, 2.2cm, triple neg with 3 nodes. I wonder if maybe she got the staging and grading numbers backwards when she told me??? Even at that, it would be so strange with less than a 1cm tumor...wouldn't it? She actually went to 3 onc's before using the one she chose. When I asked my onc about her tx, he shook his head and said "he would not agree with the tx". He said our relatively younger ages warrants aggressive treatment. I need to ask her which drugs they administered. She was unfamiliar with mine.
She also literally begged me not to take the Neulasta shot as she had heard from several people she knew that I would feel like I had been hit by a truck. She was still begging the day before I took it.
I just finished ironing several pairs of my nice button up the front PJ's to take to her to wear after her surgery tomorrow. She is so scared right now. I have told her about these boards and I hope she decides to visit here for support.0 -
Hi, Iam starting chemo on Monday the 26 for the second go around wih this bc crap.First time was in march 05 at the age of 29 I had stage 2 grade 3 idc 4 nodes pos.I had a lumpectomy,6 TAC Chemo,rads and genetic testing that was pos for the braca 1 gene.I now have had a reocurrance at the age of 32 to my supraclavicular node x 2.Will start chemo monday. Its a clinical trial including taxotere/avastin or taxotere/avastin low or taxotere/placebo...Praying hard for the taxotere avastin..
Dawn(zarowny9}0 -
Hi Dawn! Welcome to the February Chemo Cruisers. We're always sorry to take new members, but we're glad you found us. I'm very sorry to hear that this is your second time around.
I wish you the best of luck this time around and hope that this time you'll slay the beast for good.
I've added your name to our "manifest." Please check in often and let us know how you are doing.
Carynn0 -
Name/User Name Loc Chemo Start
1 Karen swimmingmom Ohio 15-Feb
2 Hillary narberthmom Southeastern PA ACX4 (every 2wks), TX4 (every 2wks)
3 Marsha marshakb Florida Chemo 2/7
4 Melody maj01 Texas 2/5 port 2/9 Chemo 4xAC
5 Phyllis erinsgram Central PA 2/12 4xAC (2 weeks) 4 xP 2 Weeks
6 Cynthia cynthis1962 California 2/16 - surgery and port
7 Linnie was Linda #1 linnieva Virginia 2/6 Chemo 4xAC (2 weeks) 4xT
8 Pat wayover20 Texas Chemo 2/8 big birthday on 2/11 and need for hugs!
9 Catherine cahterineh Colorado Chemo 2/13
10 Leah leahrc Massachusetts BX on 1/29 Chemo on 2/1 Our first + thoughts for March Surgery
11 Linda lindasuzy Seattle 1/29 surgery Chemo late Feb
12 Kim nynurse NY Start 2/1 (first of the group)
13 Mary reggio113 South Jersey Port 2/5 Chemo 2/14 Happy Valentines!
14 Jen horsegal Ohio Chemo 2/6 - 4xAC (3 weeks)
15 laronson laronson Surgery the week of Feb 5th
16 LuLu (Linda #3) piper Port 2/12 - Chemo 2/22
17 SammieKay Port 2/5 Chemo 2/13 12 wks taxol - Then FAC
18 Terry talbrig13 Altoona, PA MUGA 2/7 Chemo 2/9
19 Sheryl49 Sheryl49 Chemo 2/7 4xAC (3 weeks)
20 Jan wildabouthorses Claremont, OK 4xAC (3 wks), 4 xT 3 Wks
21 Nancy Nancy053 Chemo 2/8 4xAC (2 wks) 3xT (2 wks)
22 Joey85 Boston, MA Chemo 2/9 4xAC (2 wks) - 12 Wks Taxol 1 Yr Heceptin
23 Sharon Misspell Chemo 2/19 or 2/22
24 KimberlyC KimberlyC Ventura County Chemo 2/20 ACIV dose dense x4 - Taxol x4
25 Julie for Mom (jch) jch Chemo 2/6 AC
26 Tracy madoline Texas Chemo 2/8 ACx4
27 Scott and Theresa lightphoto
28 Carynn comandobarbie Arizona Port 2/19 Chemo 2/22 AC + T
29 Jel hockeymomfl FL
30 Lynn maclean
31 Steph TampaChick
32 Angel Angel
33 LindaDK
34 FreeThought 2/13, Chemo 2/14
35 ronnee07 15-Feb
36 Tonimad9
37 Sallyann
38 Tropicmom
39 Lorilat Eastern Ontario Chemo 2/23
40 Taurie
41 Alyson Chemo 2/22
42 Angelflight- CA Chemo 2-28 6x Taxotere,Adriamiacin,Cytoxin
43 Playwriter Texas
44 Dawn zarowny9 Canada chemo start 2/260 -
Fellow cruisers I start chemo tomorrow. Anyone remember pacman? That is what I visualize when I think of these drugs killing the cancer cells. Gobbling them up. I am bringing my own blanket to the oncologist as well as some crackers, crushed ice, and a book. but I know I will not be able to concentrate on the book. Oh and the hubby.
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Tomorrow will be 14 days since my first chemo and today my hair is feeling extra dry and breaking everywhere. Very early after my first tx. I would notice alot of strands on my hair brush and it has been thinning out along the way. But this evening I was cleaning the bathroom and noticed a bunch of pieces in the sink, then again on the floor. It really is "dead" in the sense it's brittle. I don't want to pull on it to see if it will come out though.
And oh yea yesterday I noticed "the other hairs" are coming out in droves, with each wipe. Oh well, I'm ready with the headgear anyway.0 -
Hi Piper! Mine's tomorrow too. Do you think Issac will be there to serve cocktails My arthritis infusions always took betwwen 2-3 hours so I always took my Remicade bag. So, now I have a chemo bag (ok, it's really the same bag) Two magazines, an afgan and bottled water. They always had peanut butter crackers for us, and either water, coffee, or soda. Dont know if Onc's will have any ammenties. We should compare notes tomorrow nite. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.
Hey Wayover, I know you said you were all set, but I wanted to tell you I followed a link I found in a thread here somewhere to Headcovers Unlimited - http://www.headcovers.com/item.php?cat=Scarves&next=0
They specialize in products for cancer paitients and I was really pleased with my order.
Smooth sailing everyone!0 -
Marsha,
When I started coming here and reading I was paying attention to the regimins that everyone was doing and noticed that between the Taxotere and Taxol there was a big difference in the complaints. Both basically have mostly the same side effects but the Taxotere was easier for most of the women to handle than the Taxol was. The Taxol users symptoms mostly showed up more severe with the Taxol. I kept a lot of the meds listed in a notebook along with the side effects the ladies here were complaining more about. Here's what I have listed. More severe were allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, closing of throat, swelling of the lips, tongue and face, hives, decreased bone marrow function, blood problems, fatigue, bruising, fever and chills, numbness or tingling and irregular heartbeats. Now I'm not saying these were with everyone who was using it and some even had no problems with it. I just noticed that there were a lot more complaints about the Taxol. But remember also that could be because more women are using the Taxol than the Taxotere.
You know chemo kind of reminds me of the commercials you see on tv for the new meds out. This pill will cure your headache but here are the side effects, diaharrea, vomiting, heart or kidney disease or death. Makes ya wonder how bad you need that pill to cure the headache....hehe.
Angel0 -
Melanie,
I'm so glad you mentioned about the ice chips because a lot of women don't know about them. I have heard that they help keep down the mouth sores or thrush and that the Biotene Toothpaste and Mouthwash work wonders as well as lots of smoothies and popsicles. Also on the water and fluids taste I've read here that flavored waters work a bit better and don't have as bad a taste. Also the protein drinks are supposed to work wonders when the appetite isn't good. I never thought about the plastic utensils but it's a good idea and sure worth a try.
Ok now for my bad news. The rash I mentioned in an above post isn't from any of the meds I'm taking and the Surgeon hasn't a clue as to what it is. They postponed my chemo for another week until we can get it cleared up by my reg physician although he did put me back on anti-biotics again for a week. Well hubby got his results back today from his Dr. for an anurism he has in his lower stomach. He needs surgery within the next 30 days or it could burst and kill him within 45seconds. His operation is thru Kaiser Hospital almost 1 hr away. He'll have a 3-5 day stay in the hospital and a 3-4 week recovery period at home. Ok so now what do I do? That will put me in about my 2nd round of chemo and who knows how I'll be doing at that point. I made the decision that I may just put the chemo off for 2-3 more months and asked my surgeon what he thought about that today. He said he didn't think it would be a big deal but to discuss it with my onc first. This way at least I can help him thru his recovery period then he can help me again. Right now it's a life or death situation for him and not me. Then to top it all off I'm on my way home from the Surgeons office when my cell phone rings and my 15 year old son is screaming into the phone that he's broke his leg. (He spent 11 months in a body cast 3 years ago with a broken femur from a tumor). Now I'm visualizing my 2nd round of chemo, me heaving my guts out, the only driver (hubby is almost blind), can't lift a darn thing much less a 15 year old in a body cast and making a 5 day hotel stay with him and my chemo. The only fortunate thing that came out of this day was when the paramedics showed up and we did too he hadn't broken his leg but dislocated his knee. It had already gone in but they took him to the hospital just in case there was a tear or something. I feel like just renting a room at the nearest hospital at this point. Put me in one bed and let me get some damn sleep, hubby in the other and get his anurism taken care of and the son in the 3rd bed to recover. Man it's getting so darn rediclous it's starting to become funny. What else can I do but laugh at this point or I'd be tearing my own hair out......lol
Angel0 -
I start in March. Had my lumpectomy and SNB two days ago. My journey began quickly with abnormal screening mammo on Jan 22, followed by utz and then core needle biopsy next day with surgery one week later. Get histology reports about node and margins on 2/28 and then start chemo 2 weeks later...triple negative here.
I will have dose dense A/C for four weeks, one day every other week followed by T on same regime...2 weeks break and then 8 weeks of 5x weekly rads...well - at lest my dance card is filled up!!
-gentle hugs to all from Holly0 -
Oh Angel - bless your heart. Looks like you don't sleep much either! Can't offer any advice on the chemo delay but my thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs!
Phyl0 -
Good Morning Cruisers,
I start my next round of tea time on Feb 28 at 11:30.
I hope and pray that I have a easy ride with this round. I am going to try and drink lots of water during the treatment and after. I have a friend who went through this and thats what she said to do. I am also triple negtive so they are hitting me hard with the tea. But I am holding strong and beliving that each treatment the tea is eating up the ugly monsters in me. When I got my report there was no lymph nodes involved. I am going through reconstruction right now with a port that is hurting me the most with all the expanding of the muscles and skin. I will pray for each of you. Together we can win this battle and sail into victory. Stay Strong! Theresa0 -
Angel -
God Bless You! I cannot believe all that is happening to you - I honestly wish I lived around the corner from you so I could come and help you out!! Do you have any family that could help? or friends? I personally have people that NEED to do something for me, but I don't have anything for them to do!! Wish I could send their help to you!
Hang in there - Jen
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Angel - I'm so sorry to hear about what you are going thru right now. Best wishes to your DH during surgery and for a full and speedy recovery. Your son must have been just freaked! Glad to hear it wasnt as serious as it could have been. I'd run this all by my Onc and see what suggestions they have. Good luck to you and we're all thinking of you.
Theresa - you go girl! I mentioned before that I work with a guy who worked all thru chemo. He missed very very few days. Way before my dx, I told him he was my inspiration, he is now more than ever. I hope you (and all of us) sail thru as smoothly as he did.
Hi Holly! Your treamtment sounds a lot like mine. We'll have to compare notes;)
Talk to you all soon. Hugs ((((()))))0 -
Angelflight --
I agree that you need to call on friends to help, especially with driving. Do you have one close friend that you can call on to organize the others? I know that most of my friends feel helpless and just want to know what to do to help. I've got groups for help and emergency back-up for my six year old, as well as others that drive me to the hospital for my neulasta shot (dh can do chemo days).
I remember when a senior colleage of mine at work needed to drive an hour for special radiation treatments for prostate cancer. His wife was too ill too help. The drive was just too much for him, so several of us took turns. We felt it a privilege. I use that as my inspiration for asking friends when I need help.
Good luck, {{{{hugs}}}}} and know that all of us are here for you emotionally!
Lots of love,
Hillary0 -
Good morning all...I have my chemo today. Took 20 mg Decadron last eve to thwart the Taxotere reaction I had last time. So am hoping for the best. This cruise is making me quite seasick...and it is lasting until the end of June for me...hope I can make it that long. I get such an uplift from your spirits though!
I still have my hair on day 15, but since I am on Carboplatin in place of the AC I don't know if I should expect it to come out as quickly...does anyone know?? But I have my wig ready in any case.
I am fortunate by 2 older kids can drive and help run the 2 younger to dance classes, work and baseball practice. I am looking forward to sitting and watching my son's baseball games. I am trying to look forward to all these happy things. My daughter goes to a dance competition in March and I am planning on going. The onc is going to give me a week reprive so I can go. That was a releif, since we have had room reservations for 6 months already.
Well...got to go get ready. If anyone else is in the chemo room today...lets hold hands!0 -
Hi Terry - I'm there with you this morning. Today is the first tea party for me. Just had the port put in on Monday and it's just a wee bit tender, so I'd imagine this first stick will be a bit uncomfortable as opposed to those that will follow.
I'm looking forward to posting all good news tonite. Take care. 0 -
Carynn, Terry and Piper (and anyone else I missed!) smooth sailing to you today, hope the cocktail goes down smooth. I'm a little jealous I can't be hanging in the bar with you today, I wish I were on the DD schedule!!
Pat, good to see you, long time no hear! Holly welcome aboard matey, we do manage to have SOME fun here! Dawn welcome to you too, hope we can help you aboard your 2nd cruise to help make it alittle smoother sailing.
Day 15 and I still haven't lost a single hair. As a matter of fact I found 3 new chin hairs yesterday!
Went for my CBC counts Tuesday and let me tell you, I am about to vent. I tell the girl that I can only use the left arm, my vein in tiny and sitting right on t he surface. (It is MY body after all, I should know). She basically ignores me and proceeds to stick that sucker in the elbow. She's digging around and I am saying, just pull back, you went through it. She calls out "Can somebody come save this stick?" So here comes sticker #2. She digs around for awhile, I say the same thing as above. She ignores me and pulls the needle out. Now get this: she turns my hand over, puts the tourniquet around my WRIST and gets herself a new needle. I go "what the hell are you doing?" Again she ignores me and just slams that thing in my wrist! Ladies, please look at the inside of your wrist right now. Ok, so you are with me here. It immediately starts blowing. I'm going "It's blowing, it's blowing" she says I only need 1/2 cc. Well she gets her 1/2 cc and I got myself a 4 inch bruise. She puts a huge piece of gauze on it and wraps my wrist. I'm pissed and said "I look like I tried to committ suicide". She's saying Oh don't say THAT. In a big loud voice I start going SUICIDE CANCER PATIENT, SUICIDE CANCER PATIENT. hahahahahahaha the look on her face and others is priceless. This is not funny but goodness, yes it is because it is so bizarre! Also here they tell me not to shave underarms and legs with a razor cause I might get razor burn or some such crap and she pokes me in the wrist? OK vent over, hope you at least got a chuckle out of that. Sorry this was so long. Hugs all around , Marsha0 -
Marsha -- "suicide cancer patient" -- that is so priceless! I can just see you livening up the chemo room!
My cancer center/chemo phlebotemists are totally different. They are so caring and kind and gentle. I can't imagine them being rough or angry or not listening! I have to admit that sometimes their touchy-feely stuff gets a bit too much and I wish that would crack a joke!
Virtual hand-holding to everyone with treatment today ...
-- Hillary0 -
Oh Marsha - I feel for you! That's right up there with my flaming boob. Maybe next time you should sit on your hands and tell them which one they can have until they listen! 0
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Ok cruisers: got a game plan and will be starting Monday the 26! Trying a new therpy: navelbine and Herceptin WEEKLY! Says this has not so bad side effects. Hmm, don't they always say that. I might not even lose hair, too bad, I got two cute wigs yesterday.
My port is still red and swollen and itchy, but they say that's ok. Evidently the demon bartenders can't wait to give me my cocktails.
I'm now ready to go, but also experiencing the terror of the first tea party. I'm looking for the deck chairs and hoping to get some sun.0 -
Well it's been awhile since I posted. Chemo was postponed last week due to the fact that they had to open and drain my surg. site on the same day they put in the port. Arrived ready to go, with everyone's suggestions, i.e blanket, juice etc. Staff was unable to access the port. Each of the 2 nurses tried twice and then proceeded to send me to the hospital where the PA tried 3 times and the MD tried three times. All without success. So needless to say the port has to be replaced. I went back to chemo office and they tried to start a peripheral line and blew it. By this time I done. Luckily for me I was on the IV team at the hosp. (which they have since done away with), but one of my friends was working and came to the office to start my line. Received my TC okay. Long, long day. Doing okay today, just tired. No nausea. Taking my anti-emetics. Just dreading the phone call about when the port will be replaced. Say a prayer for me please, I feel like I need it today! If I didn't mention it before, I'M SCARED TO DEATH OF NEEDLES!!
Hugs to everyone!
Mary0 -
Mary; What an awful day for you. I know you are physically and emotionally drained. Everyone told me with the onc I am using that I would have no choice but to use a port. Boy was I surprised when he said we would try to get along without it. I know a lot of people love theirs...but I am hoping to avoid it.
Marsha; I giggled out loud at the "suicide cancer patient". I don't mind being stuck once, but the next one, I truly hate. The last blown IV was my mast and it took an unbelievable 5 weeks for the 3" bruise to go away! Sometimes I want to ask if they just started today or "can you please practice on the next patient".
Angel; I can't imagine what you are going through right now. I would be worried sick...but you have also got to take care of yourself. I too hope you have some help from friends or family. Hang in there...0 -
Carynn, Terry, and Piper, Good luck on your first cruise today. I find the day of chemo one of the more relaxing days. I think because I'm give my control up to others for once and know that I'm in good hands. I love my onc nurse (I've had the same one twice now) so we're developing a relationship and she now knows the exact position I have to be in to get the blood draw out of the port. I thought this wouldn't even be an issue but, apparently, I have very stubborn blood.
Marsha, I had a similar experience with the nurse when I had my port put in at the hospital. She just WOULD NOT LISTEN when I told her where she needed to stick me. Ended up with a bruise on my hand that lasted weeks. And she seemed pissed at me that my hand wasn't cooperating with her.
I feel like I have chemo brain because I can't keep up with everyone's messages to respond. But my thoughts and prayers are with each of you everyday as I read them.
I'm three days out from chemo #2 (Day 17) and I'm still going strong. SO and I went for a 3 mile walk today and I got kind of pooped. But no nausea. YEAH!!!!! I stay on top of it, though, with the meds, just to make sure.
My hair doesn't seem to falling out very quickly. Strands here and there but I'm not yanking on it either. I did notice more coming out in other places, though.
Anyway, I'm still holding out hope.
Love to you all,
Linnie0
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