Starting Chemo June 2014
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Cceandme, thank you it's hard but harder was to look at her and not know how bad it was at the time of the diagnosis ..,
Now that I know what is happening I fell that I'm up for these fight
The only problem is that she is careless, of course it is not on purpose because she has a tot of energy and loves to jump on mommy
I do live in Boca I have being living here since 2010 before I was in CA. But I love the beach here.
I was reading something about a trial with a survival rate of 80 to 90 percent it is call CARBON DEPLECTION anyone know something about this?
Buy the way my chemo starts next week you girls think that the cold cap works or is like a lottery?
I know guys lots of doubts ...,but I am grateful to find these group thanks girls ... Just reading the ropics I had a lot of information much more than my MO gave me. Thanks also for the support I don't feel alone anymore having to deal with this cancer for a second time is not that easy!
Be well everybody
XOXO
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I'm not worrying about the caps. It just seems like a whole lot of hassle to me for a temporary side effect. My daughter is looking forward to drawing pictures on my bald head. We are trying to talk about the hair loss as a funny side effect of the medicine that is making me better, so she won't be frightened by it.
I do get to actually watch the river during chemo. I'm in New Orleans, and the chemo lab is on the fifth floor of a hospital right next to the river. Seeing the ships going by is really soothing. There are tv's too, of course. I spent the time alternating between napping, reading, and fiddling with my phone. I couldn't concentrate on anything for more than a few minutes at a time though.
I'm glad the eye drop idea was useful. I've been using mine, too. I'm 24 hours post-infusion now and still feel pretty good, just a mild headache and a little lethargy. I actually made it to the gym for the first time since surgery today and spent 40 minutes on the elliptical, at a gentle pace of course. I figure the longer I can keep moving the better I will do.
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Cammy, scroll up and read mg overly detailed play-by-play of AC.
Today (day 5?) Was my worst day. I did also get my period today so I'm not sure how many of my issues were chemo related and how many were period related...
I did have a sore throat most of the day but never a fever...throat seems better. I was a bit dizzy most of the day and pretty tired. All in all...I just wasn't a ton of fun. I'm hoping tomorrow picks up a bit!
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I've had my PICC line for 3 days. It doesn't really bother me but taking a shower is a bit of a pain. Looking for tips!
I went to my pharmacy and they had a drypro sleeve but it didn't fit properly.
I completed my first round of A/C yesterday. Feeling pretty good. I had the A split over 2 days. I know, pretty unconventional to split the dose over 2 days but we discussed at length and there are less side effects, like heart issues and chemo brain.
Anyways, I've been wrapping with plastic wrap and tape but the tape is wrecking my skin. Help!
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Islandmama, can you get some tagaderm sheets instead of regular bandages? It's what they used on my daughter's skin when she was a newborn in NICU, and I had it over my mastectomy bandages too. It's a lot more gentle than regular medical tape. It's more expensive, of course. I think you can get it at Walgreens.
My stupid port is the most uncomfortable part of chemo, so far. They gave it to me two days before starting chemo, so the incision hadn't really healed, and the port is right under the incision. It's also further out towards my shoulder rather than right under my clavicle, so it's uncomfortable when I wear a bra or sleep on that side. Putting the needle in for chemo hurt like a bitch, but it shouldn't be so bad next time.
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Nola, you can ask your MO for a prescription of EMLA cream. It numbs the port area so you won't feel it. Thickly apply the creme at least an hour before.
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Canuckmom my case is exactly the same as yours. I'm a triple negative with 3% of strogen receptors. My Chemo will be dolce taxol and carboplatin how about you? I'm a little worried about the delay on my chemo treatment I had surgery on 5/6 and my chemo will start on the 26 it's like 50 days after not like you that is not even 30 days.,.. Maybe is because I had a double mastectomy ... I don't know and I'm a bit confuse ...
Anyone in south Florida that could give me a tip about a good MO or a good clinic to have the chemo done???
Thanks be well:)
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Mommymel,
I am having 4 DD of AC every 3 weeks followed bye 12 x weekly doses of paclitaxel every week, followed bye radiation. I honestly don't know what's better for me...just going with the oncologists recommendations. I am in canada though...sometimes I think that the states has more current treatments than we do. I would think that the mastectomy would need more time to heal ...you wouldn't want to risk an infection from the low white blood cell counts chemo gives you. However, it doesn't hurt to get a 2nd opinion.
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My oncologist wanted me 6 weeks out from BMX.
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To anyone following my fasting...day 1 (infusion day) was the worst...slept the whole day and did have nausea.
Day 2: woke up feeling great! Took anti nausea immediately...I'm on emend days 12&3 and dex day 1&2. Cleaned my bathroom yesterday morning & gave daughter a bath, the had major burnout around 1 got headache. Was in sun with SPF 30 and burnt in 10 minutes...yikes. just tired & headache rest of day. Couldn't sleep even though super tired...took an Ativan to go to bed.
Day 3: slightly nauseated in am. Took emend (last one), no dex today & I'm glad cuz I think it's causing my headaches. Feel pretty good just weak & tired. Gonna attempt a walk later. Overall the SE's have been tolerable. No puking, diahrrea only once on day 1, no mouth sores, etc. Planning to fast again next cycle!
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Nice to know about the fasting I will give it a try ...
Best wishes
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tomorrow is my second AC. Felt great all this week, the SE wore off by last Saturday, but the mouth sores started about 3 days ago which would be about day 10. It was pretty bad woke up with a swollen mouth. Rinsing with warm water, baking soda and salt helped a lot.
So far no hair loss, scalp feels very tingly and some hairs came out in the shower this morning, but nothing too bad yet. I expect this week to be bad for the hair.
Hope everyone is feeling well!
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I think today was the crappiest as far as SE's for me. Pretty much my entire trunk (neck to waist) is sore. Boobs, ribs, back, etc. you name it, just hurts. I'm not sure if it's b/c I've been relegated to sleeping on my back for the past week, and I'm a stomach or side sleeper, or if it's the meds or what. Regardless, before I even had coffee this morning, I was in the shower hoping the hot water would help relax my muscles. My onc told me to take it light on the Aleve (only once or twice a week), but that's really the only thing that works for me, so I'm going to have to call in the am and see if there is anything else that's allowed that will help.
Vent: I'm starting to get angry. Angry as in I FELT FINE before I was told I had breast cancer. Now I feel like I'm being tortured. I'm missing my blissful ignorance days and being pain free. Anyone else feel like this?
Other than that, just the general feeling of tiredness is pretty much been my biggie. I've got my fingers crossed that I can get some work done tomorrow. I own my own business, so I've got to keep some sense of normalcy. On the bright side, I don't have to argue with the boss about time off. She's pretty cool when it comes to mid-day naps.
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Canuck, I hear you on the sun! I keep getting burned just walking through parking lots! It's no joke!
Kimmy, I feel your anger. Since bc, my bf has moved out, I've suffered through surgery and took 3 mos for my skin to heal, now chemo and I feel like I'm always hung-over even on a good day! I felt fine before all of this.
On the other hand...the ONLY thing I've had to worry about is bc. I no longer have to worry about cooking dinner for anyone or when I'll be home. I've been doing things I enjoy...more so than I have in the last 10 years. As I'll as I feel, I'm living lime I should have in my 20's and I feel pretty good about it. There is a part of me that has to see this as a wake-up call...something to tell me not to waste my life.
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Second AC and so far so good. I made sure to eat before going this morning, so already I feel better than the first one.
I understand the whole feeling fine before BC thing. Before being dx again, I was loving life! And telling everyone how great I feel. Once dx'd everything fell apart, I stopped working out, didn't care what I ate and now I feel like a lazy blimp. I am looking forward to having the kids home, they keep me moving
and make me feel like everything is ok.My oncologist did something unheard of today! I go to see him on the off week for blood work and a checkup. I asked if I could skip next week so that I can go away with my kids like I usually do for 4th of july week. The nurses were taking bets to see what he would say and he said, sure but make sure you call me if there are any problems. I also reassured him there is an urgent care center within a half hour of the house in the Poconos and if I need anything I can go there and they can do blood work if he insists on seeing it. But he was cool with it! YAY!
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Basia, I am so sorry you are going thru this again...my heart goes out to you.
Since last night I have been experiencing horrible stomachs pains. It comes in waves. I also had terrible nightmares last night about throwing up and was very close to vomiting in my sleep! Anyone else with these stomach pains?
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Basia, I'm also sorry you have to go through this again. My kiddos also keep me going and my mind off all of this (most of the time).
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canuck, did your oncologist give you something for the nausea? If so, take it! I have compazine and I take it whenever my stomach feels off, better to be safe than sorry. Also, mention this to him/her, could be acid reflux and they should give you something for that as well. I have prolosec for that, but that's because I had issues last time so I told them I need it just in case, I've been taking it every day, it helps.
Thanks
this too shall pass, right? This time around my MO is not taking any chances, he is being very aggressive in his treatment plan for me, so hopefully I never have to go thru this again. 0 -
Basia,
I have something called Metonia which does help but not that much. I combine it with OTC gravol...maybe I will ask about your stuff. For the first 3 days I got emend, zofran & dexamethazone. Now on day 4 I can only take the Metonia & gravol. I called the nurse line about the stomach problems and they said its from the dexamethasone & take Zantac! Starting to feel better this evening...hate that pukey feeling in the night! I did take an Ativan which actually seems to help the nausea.
Looks like you have the same treatment protocol I have. Hope you are getting through it ok. Hugs!
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hi everyone,
I don't post a lot but I read every word. You have all helped me through this ordeal I just wanted to share some advice I didn't take to heart and should have. Wash your hands and use the germ killer! I have picked up the worst cold I have had in all my 51 years! And on top of my first chemo with all of its se was something I could have done without! Wash those hands! Spare your selfs!
How is everyone hanging on to their hair so far? My head started tingling for real today 11 days after first chemo
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I woke up this morning to my head being sore on top. I started to rub my head with a towel after a shower and noticed about 10 hairs on it. tomorrow will be 14 days since my first treatment. I'm guessing it will be gone in a few days.
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Canuck, thanks for keeping us updated on the fast. I did read the info you linked to and it sounds very interesting. Am trying to work up the resolve to try it!
Kimmy and Radical, part of me is angry too that I am having to put my body thru all of this when I felt great and was about the healthiest I've ever been before this stupid diagnosis.
Couple of updates from week one. I did have one day of body aches and general sluggishness (day 4 if day 1 is infusion day). Then on day 6 I had a white tongue, thrush, I think. I am also pretty sure I was getting a yeast infection I ate a lot of plain Greek yogurt (and will now have some every day) and removed all sugar including fruit from my diet. Huge bummer but it really worked. I didn't need to call for a prescription. Just thought I'd pass that along in case someone else has that or wants to try to avoid it. Hoping to start eating fruit again in a couple of days.
Oh and since it's 3am on day 9 maybe a little insomnia
Overall my SEs have been pretty manageable.
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Infusion nurse was surprised my hair loss isn't more pronounced by the 2nd infusion. It is thinning but very slightly. Last night I slept with a cap on to catch all the hairs I was expecting to lose, there were about 5 in there and maybe a few more on my pillow after I took it off at 4am.
Chemo session AC # so far SE have been ok. Day 1 all I wanted to do was sleep. Felt nauseous but between the acid reflux meds, compazine and ativan it all settled itself. Feelling very bloated, but I assume its from all the expra fluids. Been waking up every hour or so to go potty. I was telling husband that even though I was very sleepy yesterday I still felt better than after the first treatment.
Got to get up and get kids ready for school, they have school till Thurs. Thankfully my in-laws have been driving them there and picking them up for me during this time. One less thing to stress about. After that I go in for my nuelasta shot and then run home for acupuncture. By the time I am done with all this, the kids will be home and its off to gymnastics. not much of a rest day
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I haven't started my chemo yet but have found this forum very reassuring. I am really scared about losing my sisterlocks after years of grooming
;-). Just wondering did you use the cooling xap
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hi all
My wife is getting her second chemo treatment right now
She has really good-looking head covering that she got from Sherls in New York
She also was able to get a natural hair wig and natural hair had home for her scarf and hats
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Thanks homehelp x x. Wishing your wife all the best and hoping she gets the minimum side efects . X x.
Have already bought a wig... just in case. If hair starts shedding might shave for charity.
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mom and daughter at second cycle of chemo. She has a natural hair fall with a pre-tied bandana that she got at sherels hats in New York. There are stores in queens, Long Island, and brooklyn. She bought a custom made natural full hair wig and a fall that look great with these soft comfortable bandanas and with hats from sherels.
http://www.sherels.com/mobile/default.aspx
This hat store also has really soft silky head coverings that are great to sleep in. The wigs are great and from Quarum on central avenue in cedarhurst, NY on Long Island (Anthony is the wig specialist there) . My mom looked into having the ice caps for during chemo, but the nurses did not recommend it as it is a lot of work and is not always effective. This has been working for her and she looks quite stylish! I hope this helps others and if you have any other questions we are here to help!
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I had my first chemo yesterday - TCH. Port went in first thing followed by chemo. My day started at 7am in the IR room and ended at 4:30pm in the chemo room. Everything went swimmingly and each drug went in just fine. I was loaded up with steroids, antibiotics and anti nausea stuff first. We were given a private room for the first one so my army could come with me (parents, daughter). Had my own bathroom, tv, reclining chair and served lunch. I was drowsy from the meds for the port so, when I got home, every time I sat down, I slept. Every time I got up, I was up and wide awake. It was weird. Anyway, had just a little "I need to eat" signal this morning (took my meds too) and my port is sore but other than that, I'm getting stuff done and have taken the dog for a walk. Life's good! I wish this feeling on all new chemo starters!! I'm a humor girl too and we got lots of laughs while hanging together during this. The funny moments define everything! For example, one of the caution notes on the Taxotere (I think that's it) is an allergic reaction to Chinese Hamster Ovarian cell proteins!?! First of all, I'm a vegamatic (sod eater as my family calls me), I knew many drugs have an animal protein base to them...it never occurred to me that Chinese Hamsters would be used. The pharmacist was on site mixing up drugs while we were there and we imagined seeing a stampede of Chinese Hamsters running down the hall to avoid harvesting their ovaries. You have to see the humor in all of this! Good luck everyone!
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Love the pictures Homehelp!! Looking forward to my daughter helping me with this too!
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A couple of things I want to add which has helped me: 1.) There are "helping hands" websites that you can modify for yourself so friends and neighbors can stay in contact with you and help you with whatever you need - rides, meals, a shoulder, etc. They're happy they're not bugging you....they just look on the calendar for "work" and pick what they want to do.
2.) There are all kinds of financial resources out there. The hospital will have a financial coordinator who knows how to ferret out resources including offers from the hospital. You'll need to submit your financial records etc but it's worth it. Drug companies also offer assistance. Tap into this resource! It's like looking for college grants!
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