Starting chemo August 2014
Comments
-
Hi ladies,
Do you know if there are any restrictions to exercising during chemo? I can't imagine jogging (i was never good at it), but now that i'm in my good days, i was thinking of hitting the gym until the next infusion and doing some elliptical/bike and weight training. I probably would stay away from too much chest stuff with the port, but i am hoping to work the legs back and arms, as my muscles have taken the form of jello lately. I plan to ask this to the nurse next week when i see her but would love it if you have any input from your experience/consults. Thanks!
0 -
Windgirl, I was given the OK by my MO to exercise and weight train but to not over due it with weight training due the ALND surgery and ensure I took it easy with the weight training. She actually advocated putting exercise in my daily routine be it walking, jogging, etc. I would check with your MO on the weight training to ensure there are no restrictions.
0 -
ladyB - good luck with third infusion on Wednesday.
SueBe - I have third infusion on Friday also.
I don't have a port, so I have a question for those that are also in same situation. Did nurse place needle in your crease of arm or hand? I had in both places now. The hand seemed to hurt a lot more. I don't know if there is a reason for one place over the other. I am losing sleep over it. Going to insist on crease of arm this time. My husband always tells me, I worry about the little stuff. I just rather not make the experience anymore terrible then necessary.
0 -
I don't believe the day of chemo you are to do anything although might be the Adriamycin since more taxing on heart. I will be doing walking, squats, step ups, lunges, planks with arms in close, good mornings, biceps and triceps and a few other arms and yoga. Staying away from push ups from the counter til thes bands in my side heal. Once they do...if they do, ugh, I will do easy ones because of port. I will be doing 3 lb weights to start and see how that feels on day two.
Let us know what your MO says.
0 -
Catie57, I don't have a port either, and both times so far my infusion has gone in the same spot, the crease of my elbow. I believe there is a small concern that there will be damage to the vein, which may be why they look for other sites and use a different one if there is an option. I had contrast go in my hand during one of my MRIs, not sure why my nurse never wants to try there for chemo. Might just be a comfort thing for the nurse. I always say, "you're the professional..."
Off to my LGFB class this morning!
Hope everyone has a great day!
0 -
My last chemo they used a vein in my forearm, actually. They had to try twice, but the second time was perfect. I was still able to use my hand and move my arm around easily. I'm going to make sure I'm very well-hydrated, as I think it will help with my veins. I think between various scans with contrasts and the chemo, my right arm was poked 6 times in a week, and two of those times didn't work. But when you have to fast before a test, it just makes it that much harder, I think. So I'm on a mission these last fews days to make sure I'm drinking plenty of water.
As for exercise, I don't have a port, and I wasn't given any restrictions to speak of. They encouraged me to stay active and try to at least go for walks, even through the fatigue when possible.
0 -
Hello to all! . I've been a member on the boards since 2012. Had BM, her2neu with 3 invasions too small to meet protocol for chemo. Told 95% healed forever.....fast forward past reconstruction during 2013-2014. Aug. 8, 2014....had a red, yucky looking area on rt breast. Wonderful PS immediately put me in hospital for iv antibiotics...ct scan to look for pocket infection and instead found 40-50 lung nodules that were proved the next day by lung biopsy to be mets from breast. No symptoms at all. Hard to believe.
So, I joined the chemo ranks on August 27 with taxotere, perjeta and herceptin. Followed by Nuelasta the next day. Wed. Is number 2. Dreading the steroids tomorrow. I read through and saw lots posted when they lost their hair. My onco said without question it would. I cut it twice, each time shorter and then on day 17 it was coming out in tufts. Shaved down and had my wig trimmed on the same day.
By the way, saw lots of people mentioning the drippy nose. ....I read that it is worse because we also lose our nose hairs!
Hoping that this second round isn't too much worse than the first. I am going to medicate more this time.
What is in the magic mouth wash? My onco had me use baking soda,salt and water. Still mouth very sore and most food burned my mouth...and nothing tasted right for a week.
I'm interested to hear how the LGFB class worked out forStrong
Thanks for the group! I've read up lots of the posts and sounds like a great group.
0 -
Beatmon - welcome to the August group. So sorry you have to be here. Glad you were able to read up and get some useful info. Great group of women here. The magic mouthwash is prescription. You have to ask ur MO to order it. If ur that uncomfortable, you should call.
Thanks for input on needle in arm. I hope to request the crease of arm, but understand why theye would go for hand.
Hoping everyone minimal SEs and more good days then bad.
0 -
Beatmon - welcome to the August group. So sorry you have to be here but you have joined an awesome group of women! I have added you too our list. Thinking of you as you go into infusions #2.
Strong hope your LGFB class is as awesome as mine.
Question #1: anyone have backaches and did you just take regular pain pills? Also feels like I am more fatigue today and a little nauseated not sure why. Has anyone else's fatigued and nausea went away and then came back during the upswing week. I also might be getting a cold as my throat is sore.
Question #2: I forgot who was having hit flashes. I think they are starting for me they indicated chemo my force me into menopause? I get clam seating bullets and just can't cool down. Is there anything that can be done or is this just something to just handle.
Hugs all.
-Angie
0 -
Welcome newcomers to the group. I haven't posted in awhile but I have stayed up to date on the posts and it sounds like everyone is doing well and managing their SE.
LadyB - I had nausea last night and thought it was strange since I'm on the upswing as well. I had a very busy weekend so maybe I just overdid it. I'm feeling much better today.
This Wednesday I have my LGFB class and Thursday is infusion # 3. I'm hoping they show us how to ties scarves. I haven't decided on whether or not I want a wig so I've been wearing hats but would really like to incorporate scarves into the mix.
I was wondering if anyone has experienced feeling sad or down as a SE. I've noticed after my first two infusions that I've felt sad and down for almost two weeks and then it goes away just like the other SE and I feel like myself again. I try to stay active and busy to avoid focusing on feeling down but as we all know, there's a couple of days post chemo that just getting out of bed feels impossible. I'm normally a positive and upbeat person who loves to laugh so this has really thrown me for a loop. I had mild postpartum baby blues after my firstborn and what I've been feeling feels very similar. It's feels more like a SE because it comes and goes just like the other SE. It's very strange.
I've been thinking of everyone and remember to stay strong.
Hugs to all.
Cathy
0 -
LadyB - I just saw your 2nd question regarding hot flashes. I'm 50 and went through menopause early. I started at 44 and was done at 46 and the hot flashes would occasionally come and go but lately they've been bad again. I'm assuming the hot flashes are from the chemo and I'm just trying to deal with them as best as I can. It doesn't help that Southern California is in the middle of a heat wave! As far as I know there's not much we can do but if anyone has suggestions I would love to hear them.
0 -
yes Cathy, wizard50,
Last round I did feel very depressed, teary, pessimistic on day 4-8...it did lift a bit. This time, however, I'm really feeling okay. I have been drinking between 4-5 liters of water a day with chicken broth, jello, herbal teas too, and I think it has made a big difference in all SE.
I can't attitubute the "blues" to a menstrual cycle, since I am pregnant. I definitely think the chemo interacts with everything in your body, maybe briefly dampening serotonin uptake cells or something? Guessing here of course.
0 -
Gatomal - thanks for responding. I went through menopause early and no longer have periods so I know it's not related to a menstrual cycle. I try to drink tons of fluids as well. I like your theory regarding serotonin though and I was kind of thinking the same thing. I'll see the nurse practitioner on Thursday before chemo so I'll mention then.
0 -
I definitely felt that way when the steroids were working their way out of my system, but not so much as the last week and a half have passed. I was down this weekend, but I think it was in response to my hair starting to shed.
0 -
I saw the cutest thing at the Women's Health Boutique .....also available on line for the girls having hot flashes....only problem, pretty pricey. Start at $100. Hot Girl Pearls. You put them in the freezer and then you can wear them for 5 hours before re freezing. I swear I would have paid a million for them. LOL. They are avail on amazon to if anyone wants to look.
0 -
Strongenough= Thanks for the info on the cap. I ordered one.
Went to LGFB class today. It is wonderful. They give you lots of super makeup. Sign up on website or call American Cancer Society.
SueBe= My second treatment was WAY easier than the first. Yes, fatique but nothing horrible. Good luck!!!!!
0 -
beaton, so sorry to hear you have to be going through this again! Great group here! Yes, call about BMX which is the mouthwash, it is great in numbing the pain (litacane) and has malox and Benadryl. I've got the drippy nose too. Love the idea of the beads, wish I'd found those years ago!
For those using veins, I also heard to warm the area of the vein like with a heating pad or warm wash cloth to help plump it up.
Angie, did you get the nuelasta shot? I had no bone pain the first week last time but did the second. This time nothing yet. I did take Tylenol extra strength and it worked. Was told to take Norco if it didn't.
Cathy, I'm sure the sadness is chemo related, sure I've read that. Can you take a walk outside, listen to music, or something else you enjoy? May help.
Wizard, I'm through menopause too, I'm 57, and do short warm bursts, I have noticed it is because I'm really thirsty or need to eat something. Any correlation?
0 -
Wizard50
I also have a few down days and then fully recover. I heard somewhere that it could be from having lower red blood cells, and that protein can help. I get hot flashes and I have been using a cool towel. It stays cold for hours and I even sleep with it. I have the Enduracool and it's 20.00 but I have seen others for less.
0 -
Thank you for the warm welcome to the club! It is nice to have others to talk with who are experiencing the same thing. I love looking at the great pictures that you guys are posting. It makes me smile!
Does anyone have ideas on what to drink that tastes good? I can't do any white soda, milk, juice and even water gives me a bad taste. It is getting hard to keep hydrated when everything gives you a bad taste. Has anyone also experienced headaches? Is it something that I need to call my MO with? I am trying not to be over cautious but also don't want to put off things that they need to know about.
This round has been a little better then the first. I haven't been as sick but have had the leg pains and flu like symptoms. I am hoping that they go away soon.
0 -
it's so great and helpful to hear from others. I sure battled a down time on this go around. Physically the worse part was the fatigue. About 7-9 days after felt really low. Today much better.
Jello I've tried drinking everything. It changes all the time what tastes good. For me cherry limeades have helped or lemonade. Just keep trying because you've got to stay hydrated.
I go to the LGFB class next Tuesday. I'm excited after hearing from some of you that's been. Very encouraging.
Sweet dreams my friends!
0 -
Hi Jello!!
Welcome to the club. Sorry you are here and for that matter sorry any of us are here. For fluids I drink one bottle of gatorade and one bottle of cranberry juice a day. Lots of water too..Hydration is super important. Flush your system
Also, I only have chemo in crease of elbow. No SE so far
For those who are depressed. I try to stay positive and I am now working on my stand up comedian act. BREAST CANCER COMEDY. It seems to be working. I laugh a lot. Try this as a ice breaker for someone new. So.whats your WBC count? Or lets talk about you. How are your platelets?
These are the tricks that have kept me going.
Gotomal= I have you in my prayers. My friend was pregnant and diagnosed with breast cancer. She has a fantastic healthy 5 year old now. All good for her now.
Everyone good luck and minimal SE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
0 -
eileenpg,
You just made me laugh out loud !! Thank you for that! I will remember those comments when I talk to others. You are right laughter is good! Thanks for the reminder.
We will get through this.
0 -
Hope50 Thanks. Also someone approached me last week and told me that my cousin told them what I was going through . They were sorry I had cancer. I said. CANCER what are you talking about? I have chosen this look. I did it with a straight face. That was fun!!! Then I told them the truth.
0 -
Jello: I drink Powerade the week after Chemo and bottled water (it tastes better than my tap water). After that usually my taste buds are OK and I drink whatever. I have had terrible headaches both times for 5 or 6 days post Chemo. I told my MO and she thinks it is one of my nausea meds and is having me take the other one she prescribed me this next go around. We will see. I hope it works. I take IB, Tylenol and Aleve and none of them put much of a dent in the headache. I would call or talk to MO if I were you.
0 -
Beatmon, welcome to the group, sorry you have to be here. I have a pharmacy tech friend who says different docs have different recipes for magic mouthwash. Mine says nystatin, doxycyc mono, UP Allergy Child (which I think is children's benedryl liquid), dexamethason, lidocaine. The other important thing to note is that this is custom compounded at the pharmacy, so it takes extra time and it might not be covered by your insurance.
Cathy, I haven't noticed sadness, but I have been quite irritable and easily frustrated for a couple days the first week, both times so far.
Ladyb, I have horrible back pain around day 3-5 or 6, I think from the Neulasta. I just take 2 extra strength Tylenol. I tried Norco, but the Tylenol seems to work just as well and doesn't make me loopy. I also have hot flashes, but I just ride them out. They seem extra sweaty for about a week & a half after treatment. I'll have to look for that enduracool thing.
Jello, have you tried Gatorade or crystal light mixes in your water? You might have to experiment until you find a flavor that tastes good. Or maybe sweet tea? I don't like the clear sodas or plain water during the bad taste days either.
My LGFB class was great, learned how to fill in my brows, apply false lashes, do understated eye shadow and natural sheer looking foundation by mixing it with water and dabbing with a sponge. There were only 4 ladies in the class, and we all went to the wig room after and got free wigs. The cosmetologist trimmed them for us right there and I wore mine the rest of the day. Went shopping at REI and had lunch. Turns out to be a human hair wig from the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program. It might need a bit more adjustment, but I think I will wear it some, especially if I fly anywhere. I'm afraid TSA will make me remove any hat or scarf, but not a wig. We didn't do any scarf tying, but they give you a booklet that illustrates several ways. I highly recommend doing the LGFB class. I really do feel more "normal" now.
All in all, I had a pretty nice Me-Day. And I'm worn out.
0 -
Alright Strongenough you look great! My class didn't have the cosmetologist maybe they made up for that with the scarves tying portion. I learned so many styles and have recieved complainments when wearing a few of the styles. Wasn't it great to learn about the eyebrows, putting on eyelashes and most of all how to go with the natural look!
Jello I ditto the others stay hydrated and experiment to see what fits your taste. I drink bottled water and try and have fun with it by adding lemon, lime, crystal light, juices and what works depends on the day as my taste is off.
0 -
Thanks eileenpg!!
StrongEnough looking good!!
0 -
strong enough - love the wig, really looks great.
Neulasta shot, Claritin + Aleve definitely helped with bone pain last time. I took the Claritin before shot and Aleve right after.
I suffered with menopause for too many years, but occasionally now getting a hot flash. I guess it's definitely a SE of chemo. Bummer! Not getting them that often to ask MO but even when going thru menopause, no Drs recommendations helped me that much. Other then no drinking alcohol or caffeine. I'm not drinking alcohol at all right now and occasional caffeine, so there goes that theory. Ha!
My biggest issue right now is eyes constantly tearing and runny nose. Didn't sleep last night, so came home after work and slept for 3 hours. My hope is to build myself up for round 3 on Friday.
Good luck to ladies starting next treatment this week. Wishing minimal SEs to all.
0 -
Am with you Cathy preparing myeslf for 3rd round of AC on Wednesday. Had blood work done today and praying all is Ok to move forward with treatment on Wednesday. I have heard #3 is one of the hardest for AC.
Good luck to all going through chemo this week. As always wishing minimal side effects and big ((((HUGS)))).
-Angie
0 -
I am not prepared for Friday... Dreading it more each treatment...and I have 6 more to go. I can't wait till this is all over and I don't have to plan things according to whether it's my "good week" or not. I really have been blessed with few SE's and I'm thankful but this definitely stinks...OK..I guess my rant is over...lol
0
