Starting Chemo in Nov. 2011...anyone else?
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I still cry and I have given myself permission to do it. I was diagnosed on August 23, had bilateral mastectomies on September 19 and have now entered the chemo world. I didn't cry very much with the first bilateral DCIS diagnosis in 2008. This second time is really affecting me and making me really think about my life and how I want to live for me now. I am sorry that we have to be in this group but thankful to each of you at the same time.
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Just surfacing to say that this has not been my best day. Had chemo Monday and seemed to really hit me today...nausea and stomach issues. Hope I am drinking enough, but it is hard to do that when you feel icky. I read somewhere that the 4th day is when it can hit you...anyone else? Sorry to be negative, but I had to say it somewhere! Didn't have neulasta, but took a claritin this morning and it seemed to help for awhile. Not sure if liminted to one a day? Am going to keep up with the Zofran and it's xanax for me tonight. Hope you are all OK...don't go down my path!
Linda 0 -
Lynmichel-
I started chemo (TC) on Nov 2nd. I have some hair coming out- started yesterday. Can I expect to see the large clumps of hair in the next day or so? How long before it started until the big clumps for you? I am debating on shaving my head this weekend but don't want to be premature....
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linnyhopp, I think my downhill day was day 5, but many have said 4. Days 5-9 were my most difficult. Started with Big D and no appetite. Took imodium, got a little better, got on brat diet (banana, rice, apple and toast) day 6 I couldn't stand cold drinks, so tried warm drinks and did ok with that for a couple days, by day 8 I couldn't stand warm or cold, could only eat very little of the brat and had a slimy film in my mouth, I couldn't get rid of (tried baking soda/salt rinse, biotene) until I drank ginger ale. had gas and cramping along with Big D. Day 9 I began to improve and have improved ever since. Now I'm back to normal. I'm thinking that's going to be a pattern with me on the TCH so I plan on eating very bland and taking imodium until Day 10 on my next round. It's miserable, I know. Just try to find what works well for you, and take note of it for your next round. But remember, it's temporary and you will get better. There will be more good days than bad.
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Sueshane, I'm on TC and just had my second treatment today. My hair started falling out in little bits, about 10 hairs at a time on day 16 by day 19 it was coming out in handfuls. I got it cut short a few weeks ago and I'm glad I did. Up to yesterday I could get away with a comb over but today it's pretty obvious that I'm losing my hair - big time, it's very thin on top. I know everyone is different and some people hate all the hair falling out as it's very messy. I hoping to let mine fall out on it's own as I'm afraid it my head will itch if I shave it. Also it's nice to still have a few strands at the front and back. I went out to the store this evening for the first time wearing one of my hats and I felt having that little bit of hair eased me in! Good luck0
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Linda, sorry to hear you're having a hard time. Hang in there and just try to eat what feels good and try to keep up the fluids, I also found the ginger ale good when I felt nauseus. Like GrandmaV says it will get better. In a few more days life will be good again and you will really appreciate all the little things!
My second treatment went well and seemed to pass quicker than the first one, almost 4 hours. I tried to convince myself it was a really good Sauvignion blanc flowing into my veins, but I just feel bloated and tired tonight. I'm also really craving carbs and sweets, has anyone else exerienced this? No nausea though, so I'm not complaining. I kept a journal so if my SEs follow a pattern I'll know what to expect. I go for my Neulasta shot tomorrow. My WCC went from 0.7 to 11.0 so that stuff really works! I hope all the ladies having treatments today are doing well, especially the first timers. Have a good night ladies! xoxo
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Linda,
My doctor warned me about Days 4-7 plus or minus. I don't want to think negatively, but tomorrow will be my Day 4. So far, I've been doing better than expected, but that "other shoe drop" we've been talking about is right around the corner.
Hang in there, girl, and follow the advice of the more experienced gals on here. They have already helped me so much. We might be crying together on here this weekend!
On another note, I just got my Herceptin package in the mail today. I think I ordered it from the Herceptin website (really can't remember where I found it on the website). Anyway, it included a great calender and tracker that I wish I had gotten weeks ago. It has stickers to track your moods, SEs, etc. Here's the main website address, and the offer may appear when you register, I think: http://www.herceptin.com/breast/. Check it out.
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Congratulations again Terry. That must be a really great feeling that you are all done with chemo.
GrandmaV it was my DH's baby brother that killed himself. It is so hard to understand. But his brother seemed to be never happy. And he was always angry.
Sueshane my hair was coming out a couple of strands the beginning of this week. By yesterday it was coming out in handfuls. So that was why today I had DH buzz cut it. I'm slowly getting used to it, I think.
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Naan1004-glad to have a chemo buddy.......I laugh and say it sucks to be me but we will get through this and do well! What day do you start? seeing my Oncologist today to confirm my start date. Still on IV antibiotics.. Had TE removed....hate being patient-Want to move forward! There are a lot of good hints on this forum and so glad to all be able to share...hoping 11/25 start date!
My son is into sports and finishes soccer (don't mind being in fresh air) but on to basketball in a crowded gym....I am paranoid of germs....we all know the people that go out in public spreading germs....my husband takes a train to NYC every day and will move far away from anyone remotely ill. Any ideas? I bought masks but feel like a freak...not liking that option0 -
Well, I survived my first dose of A/C yesterday. It took about 4 hours and everything went fine. When I got home I had a terrible headache. Couldn't stand to look at the computer screen or tv, so the only thing left to do was sleep it off. The headache alone was enough to cause some moderate nausea so I began taking my Zofran & compazine....just in case! today when I woke up the headache was gone. Anyone else with this headache pain? I'm also tomato red today! I'll be going in this afternoon for the Neulasta injection. Anyone else doing these?
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I had my LAST treatment yesterday ALL done now, herceptin for 1 yr, and rads.... I get headache too after my docitaxil and Yes I go for my Last neulasta today at 1:30 PM... Call them NOW to let them know to take it out of the fridge NOW or its gonna cause you grief.... If its cold its Horrible and burns really bad.........
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Hi Kim, glad to hear your treatment went well. I got the headache the last time but it passed off pretty quickly. My onc said some people get it from the steroids. I'm also bright red this mormning like I was sitting out in the sun. I had it last time too. Someone called it chemo flush and it lasts a day or too. I get my Neulasta shot this morning and reading your post just reminded me to take my Claritin, thank you! My shot stung a but, but not too bad. I had minimal bone time last time, so fingers crossed for no pain this time. Good luck and I hope you have minimal SEs.
Bonsye, welcome you've joined a great group here and will get lots of advice, support and encouragement. Days 7 to 11 are when our wcc seem to drop and hopefully you'll be getting a Neulasta or some other shot to counter that. My Onc said that is the crucial time for being extra vigilant about germs. I would discuss your concerns with your oncologist today. Hope you get a definite start date.
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Thanks to alll who have encouraged me. Today is better than yesterday for sure. I seriously felt that my body was a toxic waste dump with all that was going on. I am going to chart the days so I can compare if day 4 is going to be my worst one each cycle. I know it can vary. I definitely was drinking ginger ale...seemed the best. And Grandma V I kow what you mean...really cold drinks were not good. Trying to eat today, but NOTHING tastes or sounds good to me. As many of you have added, this will pass and I will certainly enjoy the little things in the latter part of the cycle.
I was told by my Onc about the germ thing and he warned me to NOT touch my face, which is easier said than done. But I am going to try and be vigilant. One thing is for sure...I am eternally grateful for the Zofran...it saved me yesterday, so my advice is don't be afraid to use it when you need it!
Bonseye ~ Hope you can move forward with your November 25 date...in spite of everything, moving on does give us a purpose and helps us know there's an end in site!
Take care to all...Linda
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My port is not by my collarbone but in the area by my arm/shoulder joint. I am having some pain in this area. I think it is because of the location of the port. Does anyone else have their ports in this area?
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hey kim, i'm glad you survived your first treatment! i also turn tomato red. I'm still, on day 5, taking the comp and zofran. I thought I'd feel better by now, but I have massive chemo fog and still can't eat real well. I don't get the neulasta, i get the daily neupogen. fortunately though, I don't have any bone pain from it.
Someone promise me the chemo fog will lift. I'm having a hard time not thinking!
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Beth, we are port mates!! I have mine in the same place and everyone looks at me like I'm a walking experiment! So good to find someone else on these posts with their port in the same place. My port was placed last Tuesday and i had some discomfort, nothing too major though. Its a part of me now. I had my first treatment yesterday and have faired well.
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Kim, good to know someone else is like me. I have pain today and it was placed 11/7. It hurts when I use my arm. I have expanders in and I finally got to sleep on my side and now I have pain in that area. I really hope it goes away. How did it feel when they put the meds in the port? I am very scared of this. I don't know when it will get easier...
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bethu, i can't feel a thing when they put meds in my port. we were discussing the numbing cream on here somewhere yesterday and i highly recommend it. with the numbing cream i couldn't feel the needle going in either. my port is annoying and i'm not fond of it at all, but i'm so grateful for it on infusion day.0
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I know it will be better. I am going to get the cream before my treatment on Tuesday. I am still so freaked out by this whole chemo thing. And needles, uggghhh, I really don't like needles. I will be closing my eyes big time!
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Well, as predicted, the other shoe dropped for me earlier today. I woke up fine and then started getting some serious stomach cramps. I immediately took the prescription meds for stomach problems, drank some ginger ale and laid flat on my back for about two hours. I'm sitting up and feeling much better now.
I don't know how long it will last, but I'm so thankful for my arsenal of weapons to handle the SEs.
I'm glad you're doing better today, linnyhopp, because I seem to be following your path since your x1 was a day ahead of mine!
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The ginger ale is a wonder drug. I am so thankful for that tip! Take care and get some rest.
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I agree, bethu77. Tks.0
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Ok sorry ladies, Cotton head here grrr darn chemo lol Gingerale for what???? it works Woohooo, tell me please please LOL
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Linnyhopp-I am excited I get to move forward on the 25th. The doctor said I shouldn't have too many side effects...I am ready to move on!
I was excited today to get a genius bra that everyone swears by...the Breast Navigator was given a truck load and hooked me up with one equipped with a small light pad for the side I lost my TE from. I am happy to not be lopsided anymore. I have a ways to go until I can get the new TE so at least I won't be flat.0 -
gamergirl, I'm not on the same regimen you are, but from what I've read it's all temporary. Your potassium levels may be down and other electrolytes. Have you tried drinking a sport's drink? It may help.
Terry, gingerale is good for nausea, loss of appetite, icky feeling in the stomach, and slimy mouth. When I can drink or eat nothing else, I can gingerale. Sometimes I have to water it down a little.
I had my 3rd tx of herceptin today and a blood draw. It's day 14 past first chemo. Now they tell me I'm neutropenic. My neutrophils are 18%. They discussed having me go to the hospital and into isolation, but in the end, Onc said to have Leukine shots for 5 days and antibiotic, and re-evaluate me Monday. My platelets were really low too. It's so strange, because I feel so good. I thought I was doing ok and went to the store yesterday and to the park, enjoying food again. My Onc doesn't give the neulasta shot unless you have a problem. The shot they gave me, I had never heard of, so have been doing research on it, since I got home. It's basically yeast that stimulates the bone marrow to make white blood cells. Hope it does it's job. I don't want to go to the hospital. They're full of sick people.
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i'm so glad you didn't have to go in the hospital, grandmaV. it's strange how all these things can happen to us and we have no idea it's going on. i hope you're back to normal on monday. let us know how you're doing.0
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Thanks YaYa, I don't want to either. I'll just stay home away from everyone. Hard to do when you feel so good.
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grandmaV, I went neutorpenic back in sept and was in there for 8 days in isolation..... Had last treatment yesterday, and my Hemoblobin was a bit low..... just text messaged my onco nurse Louise as I have peeling skin on my right hand and 3 of my toes... YIKE what the heck is that??????
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Terry, You're the first one I've read to have peeling skin, except for people undergoing radiation. I can't remember your regimen, but on taxotere it can affect nails, so maybe it can affect skin too. Does it itch? I asked that, because I had a athletes foot years ago, that itched and peeled.
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I just finished Docitaxil and Im on herceptin too.... My nails are good a bit tender once in a while but no biggie..... Its not itchy or anything just down the side of my right hand..... Louise says it may be Hand and foot......
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