Starting chemo August 2014
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purplegurll you look beautiful!!
Had 2nd infusion today. Pre meds kept me up almost all night last night. Blood count good. Had bad IV pain this time. Vein did not like drugs today. Extremely tired. Have slight headache. Going to get neupogen shot tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday since white count bottomed out last time and high fever.
Going to be getting fluids if needed as well. They sure seem to treat you quite well and want to help all they can to make you feel the best you can.
My head was so very tender as well. I ended up sleeping on soft gel ice packs. Got better after I shaved it. I'm adjusting to that. It's been hard, not denying that. Made reality really set in.
Everyday is a good day because there is always something good in everyday!!
Thinking about everyone going through second rounds and all the ones just finishing up their first.
Good days ahead! Keep believing!!
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StrongEnough, purple gurl, and jet gal...you all look amazing and strong and beautiful! So impressed with all of you!
Finished AC#2 today switched from zofran to aloxi/emend and seem to be handling the nausea much better. Hoping that's the case! And I'm halfway done with the 4 AC TREATMENTS (to be followed by Taxotere).
Hoping my 2nd round buddies are faring well today as well! Hugs
Good luck to Kellogg, purple gurl, JustAmy, with yr treatments I tomorrow! Thinking of y!
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LNMay, so glad that yr first infusion went well! Keep drinking fluids!
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Good luck tomorrow, kellogg! I am sure the train ride will be fine, and people will be thinking, "Hey, it's you! Haven't see you in a while!" and will be glad to see your face again.
Robyn, you look gorgeous, and your husband is right there by your side. What a beautiful picture!
I am feeling the best today that I've felt since my infusion 8 days ago. I've had two migraines this week, but that's gone today. My face seems to be getting sensitive - dry and stinging, and almost like cold sores might break out. My throat is a little sore now and then. But all in all, I feel so much better today, and I am so grateful for it. I will take every good day I can get!
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Hi gals, i've been out of the picture feeling awful last few days. Went to get labs done today and the nurse took one look at me and said yeah I'm calling your doctor cause it looks like you need IV rehydration... I'm so glad she did because I had such unrelenting nausea and diarrhea it's been horrible. I learned a good lesson though that I don't have to suffer and I just wish I'd let the doctor know what was going on with me sooner. What a dumbass I am! Well I won't make that mistake again....
Hope you are all doing great everyone had a lovely weekend!
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And I don't know if it's my imagination, wishful thinking or what, but I could swear that the lump I initially felt seems smaller already. It just isn't quite as easy to find now! Is that possible? Wouldn't that be something...
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I'm glad you're doing better now bippy! Chalk it up to experience - next time around will be better. Sorry it got so bad for you.
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cassiecat, my tumors are also shrinking! Not imagination.
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Hi gals,
I'm a bit discouraged. This was supposed to be infusion # 2.of 8. My right breast swelled up like a cantaloupe a week ago today. I thought I over-did the house cleaning but it got progressively worse this week. Turns out I have cellulitis (infection of skin/tissues). The PS put me on oral antibiotics Thursday. The MO took one look today and said no way to chemo. He feels there could be a bacterial infection in the tissue expander and the chemo two weeks ago suppressed my immune system and allowed the bacteria to grow. I see the PS on Monday and she may refer me to the infectious disease doc. Unclear right now whether they will try to manage this with antibiotics to keep the bacteria under control or if they will remove the tissue expander now. I am supposed to now have chemo this coming Thursday with the neulasta shot on Friday. I'm then heading out of town on business next Sunday. I planned this business trip thinking week of the 15th would be my "good" week. Hopefully I don't heave over my breakfast or lunch meetings:)) Hope all who had their second tx today are resting peacefully with minimal SE's.
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Done with #2...I had a reaction I didn't have the first time. I got really hot all over for like an hour. Anyone else have this happen after AC?
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thanks Jess and everyone! Round 2 is done. Started my morning with a large handful of hair coming out In The shower. The bloodwork showed high liver levels. So got a lower does of chemo this time and blood draw for hepatitis, which they really don't think I have. And I have to have a liver ultrasound next week. Anyone have this happen?
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Kellogg, my 2nd treatment is coming up on Thursday and my hair is starting to shed. It has not come out in large quantities yet. Hope you get the liver issue straightened out...
justamy, did your reaction happen while you were getting the infusion or afterwards? Hope you're able to find out what caused it...
Cassie, I surely hope that your lump is smaller!
Bippy, my diarrhea returned with a vengeance yesterday and I was absolutely miserable. I didn't have my meds with me at work, but when I got home, I took two of the prescribed Diphen, and they worked like magic. Glad you got the attention you needed and I hope you're feeling better real soon!
jess, glad you found something better for the nausea! That's a blessing...
Hope50, I'm not far behind you with infusion #2 of CT. Sorry about the IV pain. Do you have a port?
Everyone is in my thoughts and prayers. Stay encouraged!!!!
One love,
tp4ever
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Hope everyone with SE feels better soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Thinkpink: my reaction started during the infusion and I immediately asked if it was normal and the nurse seemed unconcerned and said it could happen. It then kept up for over an hour. I was sweating and everything. It may be because she infused the red devil last...last time it was first. I don't know but I'm OK now. She kinda irritated me a bit anyway by telling me in graphic detail what the red devil would do to me if it leaked inside me....she was pushing it as she told me...not my favorite nurse....
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sorry you had a poor nurse this time round just Amy! How poor to be giving horror stories as you are receiving it! I get the red devil after the Cytoxan, and it is pushed as well, they regulate the speed that way. Be sure to tell your MO about your reaction.
Kellogg I sure hope your liver is ok!
Purple, hope you are ok!
Sorry about all the SE's, glad to hear tumors are shrinking!!
Well I got my hair shaved to about a half inch I'd say. Wow!
Before
After
With my halo and a baseball hat
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Dropping in to say Hey August Warriors!
I am on the up swing from my chemo a week ago. I have completed 2 of 4 ACs. I also found out last chemo I am getting a pretty heavy dose of the Adriamycin since I am positive in 8 nodes. My dosage is 111. I believe it is mg. Is anyone else have a dose that high?
I stayed ahead of most of the SEs with the exception of two which were new this round. The big "C" which I combated with Senna or Smooth Move tea after trying quite a few things. I also ended up with serious heartburn this time round. Taking Zanatac and which relieves the heartburn for a while but it comes back. So watching what I eat while trying to get "fatty" foods to keep weight on. I have to say i have never had this level of heartburn or can't even really remember having heartburn..ugggh. Seems to set in really bad around 3:00/4:00ish. Any natural suggestions? All these meds and my bedroom looks like pharmacy.
Well the good thing I started to loose my hair on my head and cut it short and then buzzed it. Did I already give that update? :-). I now don't have to fret about my hair. Haven't really lost any hair any where else that I have noticed. I wish the hair on my legs and underarms would disappear that would make me really happy :-).
Fatigue was a beast this time around even stopped me from walking a few days, posting and stayed home from work for 2 days.
I noticed today that my tongue has black spots on it. I will call the MO or Onc Nurse tomorrow. Anyone else experience this? I read it can happen with thrush which I have had both rounds.
Will catch-up on post tomorrow and always thinking about our group.
Hugs as Always,
-Angie
Please forgive grammar and typos, chemo brain is on the rampage right now.:-).
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Welcome to all that are new to this thread. If you are new and I haven't added you, please PM me and I will add you to the list. This will ensure I don't miss anyone when I go back and read the thread tomorrow.
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kellya - the halo looks vey similar in color and texture to your own hair. Great pics...
Justamy - sorry you got nurse Crotchit today. I hope you are feeling better tonight.
Bipsy - scary, even when ur drinking tons of water, the body needs more. Glad they gave u IV fluids and u r feeling better.
Cassiecat - glad each day is getting better.
Kellogg - good luck on Liver ultrasound, will be thinking about you.
My scalp is breaking out and irritated. I put aloe on tonight which actually gave me some relief. Anyone else having this problem? If so, any other suggestions?
Hope everyone is managing SEs this time around. Wishing you all a good weekend.
Cathie
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So today is day 16 since my 1st infusion and my hair is starting to fall out. I'm going to have my husband buzz it tomorrow- as short as the clippers will go(about 1/8 of an inch). It's going to be weird but it's inevitable and I should feel semi-decent tomorrow as my weakness really hit day 3 last time and tomorrow is day 2. I don't work or have to go out unless I want to for a week so it wouldn't matter if I waited in that way. I will post a pic afterwards. I'm thinking about even posting one on Facebook. I'd rather everyone know before they see me...maybe less shock...sorry so long..thinking out loud I guess. Hugs to everyone...Amy
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ladyb...I had 100 mg last time for my first AC. I haven't had any nodes dissected or imaging because of the babies, so maybe they are treating my like I'm stage 3? we did feel a big node close to the tumor. I am kinda scared to get such a high dose. Had fatigue til day 10, still feeling a bit nauseous (could be the pregnancy)? Briefly every day, I just take a zofran. Also, no mouth problems for me, but for the first 8 days, I used biotine like six times per day. Hang in there and rest up. Sorry about the hair. One more bridge crossed though. One step closer. Hugs.
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Kellya your hair looks great! Good job!
Had round 2 on Thursday. Fatigue has got a big grip on me. Went to work for half a day on Friday and 6 more guys at worked had me shave their heads in support of me. I wore a hat to work instead of a wig. Trying to,get comfortable in everything.
Went for my neupogen shot and also got fluids. So far the only thing is the fatigue. So far no big headache like last time. Just the fatigue seems much stronger than first round. Hope to have some energy today. Mouth is dry but using the biotene mouthwash to help. Trying to drink lots of fluids. Can't remember what day it was when everything starts tasting like cardboard. Trying to eat good. Not always easy.
Hang in there everyone. Let us know how you are doing. I go back and get another shot on Monday. Blessings to all this weekend!
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kellogg, i too had scalp itchy and breaking ouy. Aloe is awesome idea, i use conditioner only in shower now and that helps. I resist the urge to pick and scratch!
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Justamy Next time you go for a treatment ask for a different nurse. No need for added stress at this time in your life. If she ask why just say " I don't like you and you scare me" Believe me she will stay away from you. Honesty is the best policy. Good luck!!!! and feel better soon.
I am getting ready for my next treatment on Monday. Lighting a healing candle someone gave me at work. We are positive it raises WBC count. I will do anything to get through this as quickly as possible.
My best to all!!!
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Hi all August ladies.....
Thank you so much for the pictures!!! I do really enjoy them, all of you look gorgeous!!!! Day 18 post 1st chemo, my hair still looks ok, has been falling big in the shower since 2 days ago. Want to see how many days more To go before shaving the hair. The pictures really mean a lot to me. I am not alone and bald women do look gorgeous!!!
Amy, talk to that nurse next time how you feel. Many nurses sometimes have been desensitized, if she doesn't respond well, ask for the charge nurse to give you another nurse. If she is the charge nurse, talk to the supervisor or the administration.
Hang on ladies and be strong ...... Hope everybody has minimal side effects.
Hugs to you all...
Shirley
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lady, I'm not sure if I'm reading it right, but my Cytoxan is 1000 and my adriamiacin is 100. Try generic version of Pepcid AC. I chew up one tablet in morning and 12 hours later. It is the miracle pill!! I also could not believe the pain I was having! Hope it gives you relief too! Stay away from acids, so tomatoes, mustard, try to eat in the white bread, white rice style. Eat soft, blander foods. Stay away from rough, dry, spicy foods. It has worked for me and hopefully will for you too. I am also taking the BMX mouthwash they prescribed because they said the mouthsores are probably in my throat and in my gastric system.
Catie, I also have a few sores on my scalp, didn't know if that was a sign of beginning hairless, so that was also why I shaved it yesterday.
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My 2nd dose of A/C chemo is on Tuesday. My husband has been on the Care Giver Boards here and he read a post where someone says "wait until the 2nd dose". Soooo...now I'm a bit anxious. Can you tell me how your 2nd round differed from your 1st? Was it worse or better? Was it better because perhaps you now knew what to expect? Or was it worse and caught you off guard? I have to say (knock on wood) my 1st round was not that bad. My worse SE was the bone pain from the Neulasta but I'm armed with Claritin for Tuesday!!! God bless these tips you are all sharing with us newbies!!
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Good morning everyone,
I hope those of you going through your second round are feeling OK! My next one isn't until the 18th. Yesterday and today (so far) I have felt really good. I've got some really dry skin happening around my mouth and nose. Not sure if that is normal? I'm finding CeraVe lotion is helping a lot. My throat's a bit sore too, but manageable (and no fevers or anything). Hopefully round two will be similar. I can get through 7-8 days of not so great if the next two weeks are going to feel relatively normal! Things I know to get ahead of for next time are the bone pain (taking Claritin the day of the Neulasta shot) and the constipation. I really had no idea that was going to be such a problem when things tried to get moving again. Still have all my hair - but it's only been 9 days since my first infusion. Been thinking about what I'll do once it starts to go.
Here's to a weekend with minimal SEs and lots of fun.
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Organic Shea butter is great for dry skin. It comes in a small jar from a stores likes Fresh market or Whole foods. May find on Amazon. Just use a little bit. It is expensive for a small jar. Great for all over dry skin.
Warm prune juice for 45 seconds and miralax also do the trick.
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Day 3 post tx #2 for me. So far, so good. My teeth are starting to feel funny, same as last time, and things are starting to taste kinda off, but water still tastes ok, and milk as always. Trying to stay on top of the big C this time, had grape nuts for breakfast, and hubby made some pepper bacon, which sadly tasted more like pepper than bacon
Bacon is one of my favorite things! Also eating a Metamucil cracker a couple times a day, which seems to work well. The apple cinnamon flavor is pretty good, & they come 2 to a packet , but I usually only need 1 at a time. I'm chewing a Pepcid complete 2x a day and so far no bad gastric SE, but maybe they just haven't kicked in yet. Can't remember when that happened last time. I'm trying to keep track better this time.
(TMI alert!) Ladyb, my armpit hair is pretty much gone, most of my brown hair on top of my head (although the greys seem to be hanging on longer for some reason), and the sides of my head are getting pretty smooth, but still have a tuft of brown at the base of my skull. Also, most of my "down under" hair is gone, but still some frontal bikini area hanging on as well. Kinda weird. And the leg hair seems to be slowing down, don't need to shave nearly as often. Thankfully, still have my brows and lashes, though the nurse told me to plan on losing them as well. I think I'm on a different cocktail than you are, though. I did have the scalp sensitivity and itching, but that was several days before it started falling out & hasn't returned.
Still haven't managed to get out wig shopping, maybe today. It's slim pickings around here, but there is a new shop I might check out. The couple free programs in town, the ACS shop in the onco clinic is kinda self serve and not a great selection, mostly looks like stuff for older ladies; and the Butterfly Club is having a fundraising event this weekend, so not sure I want to go there today. Maybe a wig is not meant to be for me.
Hope everyone is doing well this weekend!
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just checking in between naps! The emend nd lorezapam have really helped me manage nausea and ll. Hoorah! I do hope that everyone figures out what works bets for you. Speak up!get fluids and take care of yourselves!
Mama jess
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