Starting chemo August 2014
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justamy and Angie - I am hoping this treatment will be manageable like the second. Yes definitely stinks and can't wait for this to be over. I am not doing the same chemo cocktail as either of you, and haven't heard anything about one treatment being worse then another. I am losing sleep over the placement of the needle of all things. I know the nurse is more comfortable with placing in hand, but I'm not. I will have to be insistent I guess. Otherwise, let's approach this next treatment as any other and use our past knowledge to manage any SEs that come our way. Good luck with your infusions, and one step closer to being done.
We can do this! Cancer is our enemy and chemo is cancers enemy.
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hi justamy, i have tx#3 on Friday, and dread the SE's too, you are not alone there! I try to break it down mentally, but it is difficult with so much looming. I have 3 more chemos, then 6 more of the perjeta and herceptin alone, ugh, surgery, radiation, tamoxifen.....My SE last time were dreadful D and nausea. Smells sent me reeling and nothing smelled edible. Hope it is better this time, it really depressed me. I am doing gatorade, broths and BRAT diet this round. HATE the Neplasta shot too!
I will be thinking of you Friday--heres to Minimal SE's!
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Mornin' All: I went to the LGFB class yesterday afternoon. It was perfect timing because I had my husband buzz my head Sunday afternoon. I felt like a complete zombie. How on earth can you feel feminine and good about yourself when you're bald??? Well that class was a pick-me-up. I'm amazed at the amount of donated cosmetics we got. We ended up trading among the women there. I got eye shadow that was just way too dark for me so I gave it to the girl next to me and she gave me an awesome powder brush. I would never pay for a Channel makeup brush!!!! It did hit me when I got home that I'll be bald for the next 6 months so I better face it. I have a wig which I'm not thrilled about so I'm hoping my hairdresser can assist with that. Last night I ordered a few hats from tlcdirect.org. With the cooler weather coming I need to keep my head warm to keep my body warm.
I watched my older sister go through metastatic BRCA and how she suffered with mouth sores. That was my fear!! I read where coconut oil is an anti-fugal so I made my own toothpaste using baking soda, coconut oil, stevia for sweetener and pepperment oil. Knock on wood....I have not had a problem with mouth sores, sore throat or even the "cardboard mouth". Coconut oil is also great for your skin.
I'm trying to exercise a bit more when I feel stronger. Studies have been done that exercise during chemo treatment helps to reduce SE. Isn't that the name of the game?
As others have reported about sadness...I find I'm more weepy. I'm hoping getting back into exercising will help with that. Let's face it, girls...our bodies are being turned up-side-down!!!!
Love to all,
CJB:)
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I have #2 Thursday and am nervous and anxious. 4 more after that, and then surgery. It feels like such a long road.
I was reading about Tamoxifen and fibroids last night. I have a history of fibroids and currently have a fairly large one. From what I can read anecdotally, Tamoxifen can make fibroids grow. Another thing to look forward to.
Two new SEs for me - spotting/light bleeding (sorry if TMI) and my feet feel hot at night. I'm calling the doctor's office today about both.
My hair is still shedding but for now I'm glad to be blessed with really thick hair. Once the clumps happen, then I'll probably buzz it. I have a friend (mom of one of my students) who's ready to help me with that.
Just feeling a little down overall. Sometimes it really hits me that I have cancer and that I really am going through all of this, and that it's not a short or easy fix.
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After a two week delay in treatment for antibiotics to work, I'm actually looking forward to tx #2 on Friday. I just can't help stressing out about cancer cells floating in my body and looking for a place to root. I hate the SE's but really do feel that chemo is my friend. Sadly, even my buzzed hair is falling out pretty good now but on the plus side, apparently my wig must look pretty good. I ran into a business acquaintance who I had not seen since before my surgery in July and who does not know I am in treatment for BC. She remarked how good my hair looked. Then I went to a wig store to buy a hat, and the clerk asked if I would be interested in looking at a wig since I mentioned chemo - she was surprised when I told her that I was wearing one! Ah, the small victories are so sweet these days
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hi all...
Gatomal , 2nd-5th day post chemo I go to sleep at 7-8pm and will be awake at 2-4am. Lol. When I work I go to sleep at 9-10 pm and no insomnia. I tried to get a nice pair of eye covering pads for sleeping , they seem to help too. Hope your babies are doing OK.
Bippy, I'm hoping to get the bmx after Christmas. I talked to the surgeon, he said if everything is ok, I will be in the hospital for 23 hours and go home with the drains. Since you have been through this chemo, dealing with the drains will be nothing. Lol. Restrictions will be around 4 weeks following the surgery. I and my husband decided bmx. Don't want to deal with boobies anymore. I don't plan for reconstruction for now but I may change my mind later.
Strongenough thank you for the link, love your wig!!!!
I wear my wig when I go out only. Winter is coming, I will just wear my beanies or sock heads. I like to be bald at home, more comfortable. My head will be so itchy with the wig or hat on.
Yes misdiagnosed sucks. Well what's done is done . We have to do what we have to do now.
Diet and rest do really help with the SE so far. Oh thank you so much for that coconut oil advice. No mouth sore so far, knock on wood.
Wizard50, I feel down when I'm alone and do nothing. I try to keep myself busy or even playing stupid video game . Lol. I do get emotionally unstable on the second week. Just so sensitive or irritated over the small things.
Justamy I'm glad you have some good days !!!
Welcome baremom.
Hope you guys have great time with your LGFB class.
Hugs to you all....
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Thanks everyone for your responses. It helps to know I'm not the only one getting the "post chemo blues". I'll continue to stay active and busy which not only helps with the SE but also keeps me from focusing on feeling down.
Catie - 6 years ago I had blood and iron transfusions and they would place the needle in my hand or arm. I have horrible veins and it always took multiple sticks before they got the needle in. I would try to get the nurses to place the needle in my elbow but that was a no go. One reason they don't like the elbow is you can't bend or use that arm without risk of bending the needle. This happened to me once and the needle had to come out and we had to go through the insertion process all over again. If the needle is in the hand you still have your mobility. Definitely go with what makes you most comfortable though.
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I may have a uni because I just realized the other day how important my breasts are to my sex life. I have to talk to surgeon because I had calcifications (but no cancer) in my other breast. I don't know if that means anything. I have considered every option and still am not sure of what I will do. I guess that's an advantage of having Chemo first....you have time before surgery to think about it all.
I'm feeling a bit more positive today. I've just been down in general. May be hormones as I am premenopausal. I also take meds for depression, anxiety etc. so I just get a bit down at times. Hugs to everyone and praying for minimal SEs for all.
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I have had problems with anemia for a few years...iron infusions a few times. I've had 2 AC treatments and so far my iron is good...it's stayed basically the same since the beginning.
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Hi friends, sorry I haven't been around to check on everyone, but I've been praying for all of us constantly....
I had my second chemo treatment last Thursday, and it seems as if it's been a little easier than the first. I had a little heartburn last night, and 3 Rolaids handled that. This morning, I had a little D, but I haven't taken any Immodium or anything just yet. My taste buds are in between no taste and bad taste, and soups taste pretty good - I had gumbo yesterday and cream of broccoli today. Ice cream remains quite tasty as well.
I'm in full swing with the wigs, but also went to Goodwill and picked up some cute scarfs for the "don't want to wear a wig" days. Also, I got some cute scarfs and kerchiefs (summer colors) to wear with my sun hats on my upcoming December cruise to Mexico, Belize, and Honduras! I think I will still be basically bald-ish at that time.
Today, I'm dragging - lifeless with no energy - but I'm thankful for minimal SEs and am determined to keep on keeping on.
Stay encouraged!
One love,
tp4ever
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ladyb, Cathy, and Amy good luck tomorrow and Friday! I've heard the third and fourth are no tea party with AC. My third is Monday so I hope to see you all do well. Fingers crossed and my hugs will be with you tomorrow and Friday! Have you heard we feel yuck for the few days and then have a good week! That's what I'm hoping still.
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I had a nice day. Went back to wig store and had her help me with putting my wig on. Just took too much time it seemed to get it sitting right. Now I know a couple tricks. Then went to visit and have lunch with my golf friends. Then went and bought some fall plants and got them into the containers. My dyeing flowers said thank you! Lol! Then my son and grandson stopped by, our grandson is cutting his first tooth, such a cutie! What a fun day. Tomorrow my mom and I are having lunch at a cute little place which also has seasonal decorations, always fun to shop for that! I will take her to a pumpkin farm then and we can get pumpkins and some fancy gourds. I'll try to take a photo, they are pretty unique looking gourds! Hope you are all having a good night!
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I had the worst day for crying that I think I've had since this whole things started. I think it's all catching up with me and sinking in. Hoping for a better day emotionally tomorrow! My best friend is coming with me Thursday for infusion #2, and I'm looking forward to seeing her. We will laugh, for sure.
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hi everyone,just wanted to check in quickly and wish everyone well with #3 the next few days. leading the pack : ). Also, hope everyone is managing SEs ok and hanging in there.
MamaRay, I got very dehydrated after my first infusion from vomiting and not being able to eat (AC). I had a bad reaction to zofran too (horrible headaches that also made me more nauseous). The 6th day I called MO who had me come in for IV fluids and steroids to help with nausea. After that I was superwoman! So if you are really dehydrated, do call your MO and see if you need fluids. if you're just unable to drink and eat, you may be.
I'm doing ok..but like many of you, this is already getting 'old'...and most of us are just getting started. I have 2 more AC then 4 Taxotere...so chemo til early January (if I stay on schedule). Already sick of the scarves and hats...and the wig is hard for me to deal with. But I'm trying to stay positive. Thankfully, on this discussion board, you can just BE in whatever mood you need to be in. So I think we are entitled for a bit of blues as we navigate this tricky time.
Stay strong! jess
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ladyB, just saw uour post about chemopause. Like Wizard, I also went through early menopause (also at 44...now 49). I noticed about a week about first infusion that I was having hot flashes again I had already asked my MO if I would have them since I was postmenopausal, and he said that it was common due to all the hormone fluctuations/chemo influence on hormones, etc.
Yay, I get to do that AGAIN???!!!??? Oh boy. DH is really thrilled about that one
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cathie57 the veins on the hand are thinner and more superficial than the one on the crease of your arm (ac: antecubital). Some nurses aren't comfortable putting the IV at ac because it's all about 'feel it but could not see it'. Some nurses always want to see the hand's IV options first and go up further from there if they couldn't find any. Anyway, the nurses who work at the infusion center are better IV starters than the other nurses. Did it hurt/burn on the Hand site?
IV on ac/crease of your arm is really positional. If you could be awake and keep your arm straight during the infusion, it should be fine. Prop up your elbow on a pillow/blanket or ask the nurse if they have the arm board to keep your arm straight. If you do feel that you are not comfortable with the IV on the hand site, you should tell the nurse before she starts the IV next time. Hope your next round will be better :-)
Kellya glad you had good time!!!! I write down the list and plan 'great things to do and eat on my next great week' on my worst days to keep me going.:-)
Cassiecat, you are not alone. I had my 'hysterical crying moment' about a week after my first chemo. I felt a lot better after that one came out.
Good luck to everyone who are going for the next round of chemo.
Hope everyone has minimal SE. Stay strong!!!
Hugs to you all
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CassieCat: If we understand that we are going through the grieving process, similar to that of losing a loved one, crying is probably the healthiest thing to do! You are not alone, as you see from how many others going through this along side you. We got your back if you need to vent some more. Normally I am very strong emotionally but I've been toppled and will probably get toppled more as I travel through this journey. We feel your pain and we're here for you.
xoxoxo
CJB:)
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hi mamaray, i did get dehydrated from diarhea and required an infusion. It took a few hours and no big deal, went home right after. Felt human again right after and wish i had let them know sooner. DUH!
Just dont let it go too long if you get diarhea, as i pounded gatorade for days but it made no difference. Immodium did not work and i was nauseated too. They can fix it, so call your doc!
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Why are my eyes always watery and my nose constantly drippy? I don't have allergies, I am taking a Claritin for the Neulasta bone pain. Is it because the nasal hairs are gone and I'm losing eyelashes? It's so difficult to try to makeup my eyes when they water so much. Any advice/suggestions? Thanks
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not sure about the eyes, but you are right about the nose hairs. I just start with that a couple days ago.
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Today is my half way point, Chemo #3 today! Best of luck to all ladies always!
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Best of luck to those facing #3 this week! I have mine next Wednesday (9/24).
This is supposed to be my good week, and so far it is. Still having burnt mouth but at least no thrush. But I too have drippy nose and watery eyes. I assumed that it was due to a combo of chemo, change in weather and temps, and just having some lingering cold issues. I don't know...it would be nice to be rid of it before next chemo.
Vein drips - I had my 2 tx so far in my left wrist. I now have a red line at the spot - parallel to the arm bone. Its at the spot where you'd wear a watch band. Still feeling bruised there, and wondering if they will use that spot again next week or if that means go somewhere else. I'll let you know what they do next week...
Drinks and food that are working for me (I try really hard to eat and drink everything I can, so this may not work for everyone) - cider, chocolate almond milk, water with lemon, a little pedialyte mixed with water or ginger ale. Foods: almost any soup, oatmeal packet, chicken, most veggies (esp spinach, broccoli, cauliflower), yogurt, pudding, pasta/ rice with cheese. Freeze watermelon chunks! I hear you can freeze grapes too. Next I will make a soup that I can whip up in a minute - frozen ravioli, chicken broth and spinach together. I still want to make some other soup as my healthy back up.
Staying away from spicy foods, some breads (taste/ texture issue), sausage (any kind). I've been lucky to not have any nausea...and minimal digestive issues. Tried one vanilla Boost and didn't like it too much but I got some Carnation instant breakfast packets to mix with milk.
I do have some down days but its getting easier especially if I stay busy. I've gone out in public a few times, wearing my buff and so far no one seems to make a big deal out of it. I may get a wig next week when I go in for next blood test, but tomorrow I have a business meeting and it'll be my first time having to explain since I have to lead the meeting. Not too worried, but would rather attention not be on me.
One more thing - genetic testing - insurance won't cover BRCA testing (I'm ok with that, don't think I have it) but I am getting tested for Lynch Syndrome. I have lots of colon and bladder type cancer on my mom's side, and there may be a link to breast cancer, so I'm approved for that. Anyone else get that test?
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Just Amy,
I followed you to this post after seeing that your dx is very similar to mine (I'm not Her2+ tho). My journey began last summer so I am 1 year ahead of you. I did the 4 rounds of A/C, then 12 rounds of Taxol because I had cancer in a lymph node already (saw that on the U/S). Anyway, I wanted to reach out and let you know you I am here praying for you and your family.
I have a 6 yr old daughter. I see your son is 12, so he may understand more about what's happening to you that mine needed to know last year. Which could be good or bad, depending. We dressed in wigs and laughed about "mommy's hair is all gonna fall out". I didn't work during chemo - the whole bc diagnosis threw me for a loop and I wanted to focus on treatment and spending time with my family. Fortunately I could do that. Hope you can make time to recover between treatments as well.
So how are you doing? How much hair has come off and how do you feel about it? I remember that my southernmost short and curlies came out first...lol...and when that happened I had my husband shave my head. I just didn't want to see anymore. . .
Just Amy, I remember so well how everything was just spinning last year this time. Please know that we at bc.org are here and lean on us. I was not a poster until a short time ago - I private messaged a lot. Now I see just how helpful it is to others.
I'm here if you have any questions or just need cyber hugs....Merrellgirl
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Terri and LadyB - thinking of you today as you go thru treatment.
Wishing Good luck and smooth infusions for all going thru next round this week and next.
We are kicking Cancers ass! Stay strong and positive ladies, we got this.
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Good job Terri! Keep going!!!
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my nose hair is MIA so I always have a runny sort of bloody nose too. I have number three on Friday and so far I still have eyebrows and eyelashes.
Is it true that numbers three and four are really bad for side effects? I guess it's probably different for everyone. Wishing us all the very minimum!
I have plenty of soup and soft foods ready this time, won't make the mistake of trying to eat spicy food this round!
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Bippy - I have my 3rd infusion tomorrow and I've also heard the third is harder than the first two infusions. Keeping my fingers crossed that the SE won't be to bad for any of us going into # 3.
I still have my eyebrows and lashes. I waxed my brows the day before my first chemo and there hasn't been any new growth. That's a positive because my eyebrows grow like weeds! I also have the constant runny bloody nose and the watery eyes.
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I started Aug. 18 and well it was tough that red dragon medicine that they called it kicked my butt to say the least. Was in bed for 3 days felt awful. I have my 2nd treatment tom and well hoping to have a better experience.
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Thank you for the commiseration. {{hugs}} for everyone here. I'm feeling much better today. I stocked up on various things to drink, as I got dehydrated (just a little) after my first round and don't want to make that mistake again. I'm also going to drink a ton today, in anticipation of tomorrow. I think it might help them find a good vein on the first try, and I think it's just good to go in well hydrated, too.
Took a nice long walk at the beach today and am feeling much more centered and peaceful today. I hope we all have the very best day possible.
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Terri75 good luck! Hope you have minimal SEs.
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