Who is starting chemo in September 2016?
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I admit this hair thing sucks. I wasn't sure how I'd react but I'm really not happy and just plain annoyed. The pixie cut was getting pretty shaggy after 2.5 weeks and I was thinking I needed to do something but knew days were numbered. Started shedding late day 14 but tried to ignore it. Hair on the pillow, in my hand, all over the shower the next morning -can't ignore that. Been wearing scarfs and kerchiefs just to keep the strands off me. I think I'm ready for a buzz. Inlaws are coming over tomorrow though and rather not scare them just yet, that side of the family is very much into appearance. I'll at least wash it before they come but can't be sure what that will do. Need to pick up the wig and have mixed emotions about that. Plus it's still in the 90s down here.
I agree completely with the med folks needing to be more forthcoming about what is next. And not just when you ask. I'm pretty good about asking questions but it seems every time I see my MO he gives me some shocking news and I just can't recover in time. Tuesday was supposed to be #2 but my labs weren't where they needed to be so he said to come back Friday and try again. If that didn't work he would make "modifications". What modification I didn't/couldn't ask. Turns out labs were within range but I would get neulasta this time. Wasn't told and hadn't taken Claritin. Joy. And scheduled myself to be somewhere public when it will be going off flashing and beeping. That won't attract attention. While I leave a trail of hair behind me. Really hoping my neulasta SE are as light as chemo 1, hopefully.
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Yesterday, my doctor's office called and said the Neulasta was approved, so I went in and got the shot. Yay. I don't want to throw anything off schedule and get delayed by anything that I can help.
Afterwards, I went to Walmart and bought Claritin and strolled thru the Halloween section. I ended up with a dark purple Halloween wig for $8. I figured that even though I don't want a "real" wig, I might want a crazy wig to wear. I should be able to wear it for a couple of weeks around the end of the month. So are my thoughts, anyway. I tried it on, and... wow.... not so sure now. But maybe then, when other people start wearing costumes. I don't know....
I've already warned my husband that I will be a mess when my hair comes out. He offered to shave it for me when the time comes, but my answer was that I'm sure it will be a spur of the moment thing, and it will depend on how I feel at the moment and if he's around. I shocked him yesterday--I told him I lost my eyebrows. I meant my eyebrow tatoos, but he thought my actual eyebrows had fallen out already. He felt so bad for me, and for the fact that he hadn't even noticed, that he shed a few tears. Signs of things to come, I guess. If I have to lose all my hair, I just better lose the mustache and chin hair, too. And it doesn't even need to ever come back!
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Hi all!
Mbella I can't keep up with all the convos either lady...lol...but its good that everyone is posting...I just read the post and see how everyone is doing...and that's enough for me...but I haven't seen you lately post either..i thought you were fine and having your visit with your best friend....so How are You doing Lady? I am sure we all want to know:)
VLH...wow that sounds like an overwhelming day lady and frustrating day..when it rains it pours..don't it....hope everything gets better lady:)
All the ladies that are posting pics of their hair journey...I think you all are brave! I too am too shy to post my pics...I made some for myself to look at when all this is over..lol
I had infusion number 3 yesterday....the new port worked...yay...during my labs..the ladies there were like they wanted ask me a question and i don't have to answer..but am i going to pay for 2 ports..i told them ladies No I am not...that i already got it in motion..i called billing and they are going to "research this matter" then they will get back with me this week..well they never called this week..so i will be calling them again next week....and ask the status of my claim....the ladies were like that i shouldn't have to pay for two ports and to stay on it...after infusion it was like I was craving and had to have Mayfield ice cream pops..and Chinese food...so after infusion we went to the grocery store got the Mayfield pops and Chinese...I got home ate 3 pops...a little Chinese food..and 30 minutes aftward....I started feeling real bad....I felt like crap...I got the chills...I started feeling very weak and nasausous ...I immediately took the Zofran with the Ativan...and went to bed...had my husband check my temp to see if it was high and it wasn't...just having what they called "chemo flu"....like I did on my first infusion....I went to sleep at 6 last night and I woke up this morning at 5 feeling better than yesterday...been takin my Zofran like clockwork..lol..still feeling nausaus.
But it isn't over yet...my neulasta is set to go off at 3 today..that means 2 days of bone pain..i get it every time...even though I take that Claritin....my nurse told me to take advil or the left over Norco I have from my port surgery.
Hope everyone has a great weekend and do something to turn off the "cancer radio" we all have on sometimes..lol
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I forgot to tell about my nails and hands...my nails are turning black in the bottom oval that's suppose to be white...I wash my hands all day and they still look wrinkly and dirty..i told my nurse yesterday...and should them my hands...they said that is a s/e of chemo and that my color in my nails and hand will return back to the way they were before chemo...that was freaking my out..lol
anyone else experiencing this with their hands and nails???
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Happy Saturday Morning Everyone!
At least I hope it is for everyone. I am at day 11/21 of my first chemo session. I went into chemo scared of the unknown, how bad are my SE's going to be, how long will it all last, etc. The first 8 days brought me to my knees. The nausea and pain....and I really don't think overall that it was that bad. It was just feeling like I'm operating at 60% and worrying that this was it for the rest of the time that I get my chemo. Thankfully, at day 9 I turned a corner and was feeling so much better, and it was such a physical and mental and emotional relief. It didn't last long as I'm getting thrush in my mouth, despite the rinsing and seem to be getting a sore in my nose and my tongue has gone numb. Last night I had to go to ER due to several of my sutures becoming infected. Why is it always at night on the weekend? This is my second time doing this, but this was the worst that my sutures have been. Probably due to the chemo. Cuts/pimples do not heal at this time. Luckily, I didn't have to spend the night but was given Duraceft for 2 weeks. Some of the sutures are abscessed and others just infected with a possible fat necrosis. Today I am in pain from having my "foobs" (fake boobs:)) poked and prodded so much yesterday. Having said all that, I know it could be so different and/or worse so I am still grateful. A friend who is a cancer survivor told me the SE's a are a way of telling us that the chemo is working. Small consolation...lol.
I want to share some of the stuff that my MO has told me. She is great and really wants things to be done prophylactically. I take Claritin/generic antihistamine Loratidine every day, not just around the days that my chemo is happening. This is to deal with potential problems with rashes, dry eyes, drippy noses as well as the pain of the Neulasta. She only recommends the Neulasta shot, even thought it's a pain to do the following day, due to the other method not working, leaking, etc. I also take Fomatidine every day which is for the heartburn. She also suggests Zofran 2 times a day to stay ahead of the nausea, for about a week from the chemo. Then stop taking it to see if the nausea is persisting. Another suggestion is daily dose vit. B6, 50 mg, to try and prevent Neuropathy. I also take 2000mg of vit D, and up to 3000mg of Calcium to help with the possible bone loss. I only put this out there so that we can see all the different ways our MO's are treating us which I have found invaluable.
The reason I say the above is because I had never heard of Perjeta as part of the chemo cocktail. I only learned of it from you all. There seems to be about 6 women on here who have similar stats as me as well as being on the same chemo cocktail, TCH, plus Perjeta. I did the research. Threw out the question to my MO as to why am I not on the drug as it increases our survival rate of at least 4% which I will take gladly. My MO took the bull by the horns and threw it back to my insurance company. They fought for a couple of weeks but eventually approved it!!!! My MO's office is ecstatic, because they have never been able to prescribe Perjeta for someone who is in adjuvant therapy. It's ground breaking for them. I would never have know if I hadn't been on this blog. I am so grateful!!!!
I also found out this week that due to all my stats, I am going to be doing radiation after chemo. I had strongly suspected so it was no surprise. After dealing with chemo, I think radiation is going to be small potatoes!!!!
The last thing I want to say is that it is hard to keep track of everyone who posts so I cannot address everyone individually. I think of everyone on here everyday, going through what I'm going through and am glad for the camaraderie. I do think that we post most when we are feeling down and just needing to vent and to get the support that we need from each other. I truly hope we keep this going for along time as this journey is not a short one.
Feeling Blessed.
PEACE!
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Makeiki3, CONGRATULATIONS on getting the Perjeta approved! It will be comforting to know that you're getting everything possible to destroy the cancer.
Nayda, Are you currently taking the Taxol portion of your treatment? I think I read nail changes are a possible side effect with Cytoxan, but it's usually Taxol and Taxotere that impact nails. Good news on the port working. I was concerned reading about the ports flipping. My surgeon yesterday said he sutures the port in place to avoid that problem.
Lyn
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Ok, I have been reading but not posting. I kinda felt like a voyeur!!!! But between Dr's, being sick, games of hide and seek and working it was just too hard to post. Sorry I know everyone is busy. But I'm so thankful to be able to read what you guys are up to and how things are going, so THANKS!!
A/C #3 is coming up and I'm not sure I'm ready!!!???
My hair held in till day 16! Ya it was a short lived dream. I cut it short (like Carol season #4). Then a few days later even shorter (like Carol season #1), as the longer pieces really hurt when they came out. Now I look like a cartoon that got blown up it's all patchy and half gone. No wig just been wearing beanies. Will do a scarf if I go anywhere fancy. lol
I also have my port on the left side. Dr. said it was up to me and I wanted a strong side and it helps to have on left for work. It gets bruised during the infusion and stays bruised for almost the whole 2 weeks. That happening to anyone else????? Lord I don't know what's going to happen when I have to do this every week???
Read about over watering and you guys not being able to drink a lot of water. Don't know but this may help I mix it up and drink other things in-between my water..... I do an A&W Cream Soda first thing in the morning (it helps my tummy) then a bottle of water, bottle of Gatorade, bottle of water, bottle of Vitaminwater, bottle of water, 32oz Ice Tea, and so on. For me drinking the Gatorade is the hardest part.
Gods speed everyone!!!
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VLH...i am doing A/Cytoxan....so wow...okay learned something new today...so its the cytoxan disrupting my hands and nails..lol
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Ok, so day 4 after the second infusion for Emily and she is doing really good. No real SEs thus far, but if it follows the same pattern as last time, she'll get hit with the fatigue and the D within the next couple of days. The steroids have given her some insomnia, but she is tolerating it pretty well. Her hair is so thin now that she says she wants to shave it tomorrow. She is so brave. You all are. You'll all be ok at the end if this though. You have to believe that. I know I do. I cannot imagine my life without Emily. All of you have people around you that feel the same way. You must stay positive and fight for them, but more importantly for yourselves. The odds are very much in your favor. Focus on that when you are feeling down. It will give you strength. This is only one short chapter in your/our lives. There will be many, many more.
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I am sorry that I have been MIA, I had a couple of very busy, crazy and frustrating days. I just finished reading everyone's posts and cannot begin to address everyone.
I was supposed to have infusion #2 on Thursday, however my port has never really worked well and although my blood work was great, I had to wait hours and hours to get a fancy xray of my port. Well, it has a fibrous tissue covering the end of the catheter so they said that they can go in through my groin and strip it, but then the dr asked how long I need to have it and since I need it for 12 months, he gave me the choice of just getting a new port. I opted for a new port since he said that I would likely have to have the procedure done several times over the next year. No thanks. Then this awesome dr surprised me by insisting that they schedule me when he can do it. They left the port accessed since he said it was a good access and so I came home with it like that. I went back Friday morning for my second infusion and when I was reclined in the chair, it seemed to work pretty well and she even got blood return twice which has only happened once before at my pet scan.
I showed my chemo nurse my peeling hands and she said that is for sure a se of chemo. She never said anything about it delaying chemo.
I got the Neulasta pod again and it injected a couple of hours ago. I have not had any issues with leaking or anything which is good since my clinic is about an hour away and now I am on a Friday schedule, that could be an issue.
Sadly, I had a terrible reaction to the Perjeta, which I did not the first time. All of a sudden I could not breathe and then later started shaking and she said that was a delayed reaction. She gave me oxygen since my O2 was at 89, I don't think it was that low even when I was in the hospital in March with blood clots in my lungs! Then they gave me Benadryl and then some steroids (I don't usually get them) and then I felt sick and so they gave me Pepcid and then they gave me Demoral for the shaking. Ugh! All that extra medication! It was awful. We waited a while and then they restarted the Perjeta at a slower drip and I was fine. She said that it is basically a crap shoot, it can happen one time and not the next but then can happen again so they will give me meds each time to try to prevent it.
My wonderful friend took me both days and I am so grateful.
I have taken Phenagren and I am feeling pretty good other than being super tired. We had to drive over an hour this morning after getting up at 0530 for our son's football game. It was rainy but they won 6-0 and it was clearing up by the time we started home so the drive was much better. We so enjoy watching him play football, I hope he sticks with it but he is saying he may not play next year.
Hair - well as I mentioned, I buzzed it some so it is uneven and now I have bald spots. It is super thin and I had very thick hair. I have been wearing scarves and when at home, usually a beanie that I got at my clinic. I have a few scarves but since I have no style as my teenage daughter tells me, they don't always match what I am wearing lol
I hope you are all having a great weekend!
xoxo
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Well, yesterday was my first chemo day. 7 hours & 9 bags of poison! Drank lots of water the day before,chemo day and today. Hoping that will help with SE.'s. Also drinking ginger/green tea with lemon to keep tummy calm. And started the tongue scraping, mouth rinsing routine. Salt & bk soda , switching up with a Mellaluca alcholfree mouth rinse for the minty freshness!
Was very tired after yesterday but still haven't gotten a good nights sleep in days.
My Neulasta patch went off at 7 pm tonight with out a hitch or a leak! Was so worried I was gonna bang that sucker off on a doorway or something. I'm clumsy like that. Phew! Btw, my chemo nurse recommended Aleeve for Bone pain. Anyone have good response with that? (I'm already doing Clairitin
Still feeling ok tonight(day2). Hope to get a better nights sleep, but had to take the last of the steroids today, so who knows! Been so stressed about the days ahead and what SE's are going to get me. Really don't want to miss work , but I realize I probably will at some point.
Thanks to everyone sharing thier brave hair photos! You all look strong & beautiful!
Nottheboss -- I say the same thing about the moustache & chin hairs! Lol
Nayda-- I read that tea tree oil mixed with some coconut oil is used for that nail SE. Please check dilution rate and how often though.
Angelaks--- how scary ! It was my first chemo today and they gave me benedryl, 2 nausea bags , Pepcid, and steroid before the Perjeta and HTC. Now I'm not sure if I will always get all that or just first time. Hmmmm
Have a great rest of your weekend everyone! I think we may see the sun here in Jersey. Yay!~☀️
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So many posts which I try to read through but couldn't possibly respond to all.
Anyone have shingles? Found it Thursday, doc on Friday., now on meds. Fortunately it's mild and I had the vaccine too so that has likely saved me. I'm putting cider vinegar with heating pad on it which relieves the pain of it..any other remedies or experiences?
I see my MO on Tuesday..don't know what this will mean for next round on the 11th. I'm now seeing an acupuncturist for SEs help for the next round.
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makeiki3, I'm so sorry you're having such bad SEs. Congrats on getting Perjeta covered. What stats/criteria made them decide you needed radiation? I'm negative for all the things listed on this website for needing radiation. I also heard radiation is easy compared to chemo, but it screws up my December surgery schedule and another expense I wasn't planning for.
BoondockD, welcome and sorry you have to be here. It's a great group though. Congrats on completing A/C #1 and #2! My port never gets bruised and rarely hurts or bothers me. I don't bruise easily though so that might be why. Hope it gets acclimated and stops bruising for you.
HopefulYogi, Congrats on completing your first infusion! I was so scared for my first infusion. My MO recommends either Aleve or Advil for the bone pain. I've tried them both, and they seem to help equally for my bone pain. My MO recommends either one.
Sam/Emily, thanks for the pep talk, it helps. So happy Emily is doing so well. Your support of her is so heart warming to read about.
Nayda985, Congrats on completing infusion #3 and your new working port, yay! But sorry about your SEs, ugh that sounds awful, i've never heard it called chemo flu but that sure is a good description of how I felt. That must be so scary with your fingernails. Glad they said it would change back after chemo.
NotTheBoss, I laughed about you losing your eyebrow tattoos and your husband thinking you had lost your real ones. I'm going to a Look Good, Feel Good class on Monday. I hope they give out eyebrow tattoos because I know I will never be able to draw them on symmetrically. The purple wig sounds awesome!
CC2016, what a drag about the neulasta pod and being in public when it goes off. I've only had the shot so I don't know how loud the pod sound is, maybe you could pretend the noise is your phone going off or something. It's still hot here too (AZ) so I can't seem to keep my wig on for more than a half hour. Can't wait for cooler weather.
ACS74, BagSharon, GonnaBePoz, you all look so beautiful. Thanks for sharing pictures. You guys are awesome!! It's really inspiring for me to see your pictures.
VLH, I was thinking of covering the mirrors for Halloween but maybe I'll keep them that way, hahaha. Then I can forget I'm bald but my poor family won't.
Smilethrupain, I want to go out bald, but I chicken out every time. I know what you mean about the hair being harder than the mastectomy. It totally baffles me as my hair was awful but I loved my breasts so you'd think it would be the other way around.
Leyda, congrats on completing round three, yay!
Seq24, I'm glad I'm not the only one that has steroid meltdowns. Although my last infusion with 1 pill a day instead of 4 pills a day, sure kept the meltdowns away (or maybe my chemo brain just forgot, hehehe). This time it gave me some much needed energy, but no sleep still.
AngelaS, I am so sorry you had a reaction to the Perjeta. That must be so scary. Glad they were able to control the reaction so you could get the rest of the Perjeta. I've never heard of peeling hands delaying chemo either unless it was a symptom of Hand-foot syndrome.
I'm attaching info about hand-foot syndrome from Mayo Clinic so everyone can know what I am talking about. I wasn't saying if you have peeling fingers, your chemo may be delayed.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/expert-blog/hand-foot-syndrome/bgp-20056309
How to manage hand-foot syndrome from chemotherapy, By Sheryl M. Ness, R.N. April 20, 2013
Hand-foot syndrome is a side effect that may occur with specific types of chemotherapy treatments. It's a skin reaction that occurs on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
Mild symptoms may include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tingling or burning
- Sensitivity to touch
Severe symptoms include:
- Skin tightness and callus formation
- Cracked and peeling skin
- Blisters and sores
- Pain — which can be so severe that may cause difficulty walking or using the hands
Certain types of chemotherapy are more likely to cause hand-foot syndrome. The cause stems from exposure of the chemotherapy medication which leaks into the cells from the small blood vessels called capillaries.
This causes damage to the skin cells in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Heat, friction and pressure from daily activities on your hands and feet can contribute to the formation of the skin reaction.
…
If you notice your hands and feet are getting red and tender, notify your provider. Many times your chemotherapy dosage can be held or reduced to prevent additional or severe symptoms. Your provider may also suggest mild pain relievers and other strategies to manage your symptoms.
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Beebs2704, I'm so sorry you have shingles. I haven't had them but my husband has and I can tell you that he, like you, saw the doctor the next day and got on the two meds right away and that made all the difference. Lasted less than week I think, with very minimal pain that lasted even less time, just a few days. They said it was because he got on the meds so quickly. Hoping yours will continue to be minimal too.
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beebs2704--- so sorry you have to deal with shingles along with everything else. The vaccine should hopefully help not let it get too severe. Definitely get on meds for it right away. When my mom got them, first time at age 79, they got on it quick and it never got as bad as I've seen in others. Good luck!
I used Accupuncture in past years for back,hip,foot pain and had good relief. I was also considering it for any side effects if needed. I would love to hear if you or any one else on here has had good SE relief from Accupuncture. If nothing else , it a nice peaceful relaxing time out for yourself. I loved going before!
LisbethS-- thanks! And I never heard about hand,foot,mouth as a chemo side effect before! So weird because my daughter is student teaching in middle school and said one of the students in the school had it. We thought that was odd , I thought that was something onlyyoung,young children got. Learn something new everyday, thanks.
No ☀️,
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I had my 1st TCHP treatment on Thurs so this is day 4 for me. When do SE's usually start? I am feeling pretty good so far but a little tired. I have a good appetite and am drinking tons of water. Im not complaining at all just wondering when they usually get worse. Ive been taking all of the meds that Ive been given and the last steroid in later today. Should I expect worse in the next few days??? I hope everyone is having a good weekend!!
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hi everyone,
Hope it's a relaxing weekend. I'm day 2 out of 2nd infusion. Am feeling pretty good but I really hate both of my anti nausea meds- Zofran makes me completely stoned (and I do live in Colorado so can get legally stoned if I want but haven't jumped on that yet
) so they switched me to compasine and I hate that too. Anyone else tried something different?Hopefulyogi I've done acupuncture twice now for chemo. The first one I did after my first infusion and I think it was a little late to help. This time I did it 2xs before my infusion and am feeling better this time than the same time the last time. (Does that make sense? I'm stoned on compasine!). My acupuncturist said to do it 2-3 xs the week before then at least 1x the week after. My chemo was Friday so I'm hoping to go Monday or Tuesday. Please let me know if you do it and it works!
ALso the hair stuff
I hate it. I want it all out and the peach fuzz is just hanging on. I've shaved it 2xs, shorter each time but it just looks awful. I'm wearing beanies and hats but I know deep down how awful it looks. Has anyone's hair fallen completely out yet?Thinking of everyone and hoping for a restful and peaceful weekend..
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Smile, seq24, VLH- The hair loss is terrible, but I promise it does get easier. I, too, took the hair loss harder than the mastectomy and have had crying spells. At this point I feel like I've come to terms with it, but then I am not completely bald yet either. I bought a bunch of scarves on clearance at Target and have been playing around with them. Seq24, you are stronger than you realize, you will get through this. Hang in there! Believe me, I am not a confident person at all, very far from it. What drives me is helping someone else that is going through this. By my sharing, if I can make it easier on even one of you ladies then I am happy. I wish that none of us had to endure this, but we are all in this together and none of us are alone. As much as our family loves us, they can not truly understand what it is that we are going through like the ladies on this board. You all give me strength, courage, and hope. My hope is that I do the same for all of you.
Lyn-you have certainly had a rough time of it. I hope that things let up for you soon. To answer your question, yesterday was my day 3, for second infusion. I felt generally unwell, but nothing specific. I had a low-grade fever from the neulasta and some skin blotches. Pushed the fluids and fever broke, bone pain began-thankfully much milder than the last time and I have not had to take any medications for it-YET.
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I asked this once before on one of the boards, but only got a single response so trying again with this forum being so active. I talked to a friend who had her port surgery yesterday & she mentioned being told not to lift more than 15 pounds for two weeks. My surgeon didn't say anything at Friday's initial consultation and I stupidly didn't think to ask. I live alone and with two surgeries, the seromas and the PICC line in the opposite arm, my ability to lift has been limited for all but 9 days since mid-July. More restrictions with this week being my last before chemo starts would be very unwelcome news. :-(
What limitations were imposed after your port surgery? Was your procedure done by an interventional radiologist or a surgeon?
Thanks,
Lyn
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hi ladies. Just want to check in. Unlike many of you, I started with a protocol of 12 treatments of Taxol/Herceptin, no other chemotherapy first.
I started hair loss just after my third weekly infusion, basically 16 days after the first infusion. It started to "release" fairly slowly and14 days later 90% was gone. I decided not to shave my head. For now, I am most comfortable in a sport cap and am retired so don't have to worry about office dress codes. I have worn a wig a time or two when the cap is not appropriate. I have the usual side effects from this protocol and think I am doing OK.
I have developed a SE I don't read much about. Seems the taxol has caused a breakout or rash on my legs and arms, from my knees and elbows down. Sores don't itch but are tender to the touch. I was advised to use hydrocortisone cream. I am told by MO that the Taxol is basically attacking any place that likely had previous sun damage. My infusions are on Tuesday, the rash/break out is very bad on Thursday Friday Saturday. By Sunday it starts to fade a bit. And then I get ready to start again. Basically my arms, legs and face, are all tender to the touch and feel like I've got a bad sunburn. So far I don't have any rash on my face, but I do have two spots on my upper chest. Does this sound familiar to anyone?
I admire each and every one of you and marvel of how you are all handling what has been thrown your way!
I don't post often but have gained knowledge and most importantly strength from all of you. thank you!
M
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VLH, I was told to 'take it easy' after my port surgery for the weekend (surgery was Friday), and then could resume 'normal' activities the following week. In general, I was surprised how few instructions they gave me leaving the port surgery vs. detailed instructions / handouts to take home for what felt like much more minor surgeries/procedures like my biopsy a couple of weeks before. The port surgery was at a different surgery center, with same surgeon who did the biopsy. Maybe the nursing staff has different protocols, idk. I decided on my own to avoid lifting anything too heavy.. Just seemed sensible, and I had big dramatic bruising to remind me I had this new artificial thing in my body.
LynnC1968, with TCHP I've found the more annoying SEs like D, nausea/queasiness, bad/metallic taste, loss of appetite starting day 4/5 and recurring intermittently after that for a week (first round) or close to 2 weeks (second round). Not counting the mild aches from Neulasta the first couple of days, or fatigue which has come and gone. Or SEs possibly from the steroids (?) like face flushing and breaking out.
Round 3 starts Thursday for me. Will be trying to be more proactive with the anti-nausea pills to see if I can stave off that issue which took a lot out of me this past time.
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Thanks, Misslil. I had wanted the port surgery on Thursday so I could have a few more productive days without worry about babying my dominant arm, but Monday was his only opening.
Best of luck with #3. I hope maximizing your anti-nausea meds proves helpful.
Lyn
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Lynn1968-SE's for each person is different. I'm day 4 right now, second infusion and am experiencing the bone pain from nuelasta. I did have the big D, but I took my imodium and it was controlled. Feeling much better at this point in comparison to round one. Sorry I can't give specifics.
Bchrode-I've only had to take my Zofran twice in two treatments. I've been lucky to not have much nausea. The bands mentioned earlier in this thread may be beneficial to you. I'm sorry I don't recall who mentioned them.
Beebs-wow shingles, too?!? I'm so sorry, I hope it passes quickly for you.
HopefulYogi-hope your SE's are minimal. Hang in there it will pass soon.
CC2016-speaking of the nuelasta pod going off. When mine went off, my daughter and I had just left Target and were driving home. We heard this beeping and we were freaking out thinking something was wrong with my car. Then my daughter remembered my pod, lol. It gave me a good laugh. I hope yours wasn't too bad.
AngelaKS-that sounds scary. I'm glad everything worked out for you.
Makeiki3-Good for you fighting to get a drug you needed!
Sam-Thank you. It's wonderful to see things from another perspective. Emily is very lucky to have you in her corner. I hope that she is doing well. You're absolutely right, we must all remain positive and know that we can beat this. I'm blessed that when I'm feeling down, my husband is there to pick me up.
LisbethS-thanks for the information. I have had some slight neuropathy, but I think that's expected.
Boondock-I alternate drinks, too. I can't stomach much of anything for long. I have to mix it up.
Nayda985-My chemo nurse told me that the younger you are the worse the bone pain seems to be. Mine is much more manageable this time I hope yours is too! I'd heard about the damage to your nails from Cytoxan but have not experienced it personally. That would be scary!
Have a wonderful weekend ladies! Keep smiling!
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MLMCS-yes, I experienced a similar rash from the knees down and elbows down. I called my MO and she said it was a reaction to the Taxotere. Mine faded within a few hours, was never painful and did not itch. She advised me to take a picture, but it wouldn't show up. I think I'm one of the few who is not on a take home steroid and plan to address that at my next infusion.
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Hopefulyogi, I have hand-foot syndrome caused by chemo. The outbreak that is in the news is different--it is Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease which is caused by a contagious virus. They should have come up with a different name for the SE because I thought the same thing you did when they told me what I had. Mine is a chemo SE caused by the chemotherapy medication leaking into the cells from the small blood vessels. Just another bothersome SE.
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Emily took the plunge today. This is a shot of her after the first shave, but she decided she wanted it even shorter because of the bald patches, so I ended up taking more off. She's taking it all in stride, but I have to say, it was a totally surreal experience for me. Having said that, I think I may have missed my calling as a barber.
She is still feeling pretty good after infusion 2/day 5. We spent the morning working in the garden and I think I was more tired afterwards than she was.
Hope you all have a great evening and an even better week ahead!
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Sam--once again, Emily is beautiful and she is so lucky to have you! Tell her she is a brave girl to post her picture. We all are inspired by both of you. Your words of wisdom, advice and support mean so much.
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Sam - I'd really like to say that it is more than refreshing to have a partner's perspective on the Boards! You are so supportive of not only Emily but all of us and it is greatly appreciated! I know both from my Hubby, kids, and friends' partners that they often express feeling helpless as there is not always a lot that they can do to directly help us as we go through the treatment. Just reading your words is very uplifting! Thank you for walking along this journey not only with Emily, but with all of us!
When I was originally diagnosed, the Dr mentioned radiation as one of the steps, but that was also because he was recommending a lumpectomy. How many of you ladies that have had a BMX have needed radiation? Also, has anyone been advised/considered having their ovaries out too (mainly for the Her+ ladies, I guess)? I really want to be pro-active in my treatment and do whatever I can to deter any type of future re-occurrence. I do know a couple of ladies that also had hysterectomies a couple of years after having breast cancer, but each was for a different reason (BRCA positive & something else). Also, I've been told that chemo can bring on menopause...anyone heard/experienced that? At this point n my life, I'd actually consider that a blessing, but for a younger gal, that would be horrible!
I know I am in for the long haul with the Herceptin chemo for an entire year, but the idea of being done with the more difficult parts sooner as opposed to later is so appealing. I figure that chemo with last through 2016 and hopefully lead to surgery in Jan 2017. Trying to look forward
Hope all of your SE's are manageable and each day is better than the last!
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Wow..missed alot..my son's 12th Birthday so was off grid.
So I am currently only wearing wig to work..it's annoying!..my family think I look better with my 'boy impression' or kd may be familiar ...my Newsies look..haha. I can't believe I have become comfortable with short hair..good news for when I grow it back in..bad news as I now won't wash it...trying to keep as long as possible!!!
Family says I look like Linda Belcher from Bob's burgers with the wig....thank Fam...but I laughed.
Ware..Sooooo true how foods I loved make me sick....I thought that was weird!!! I constantly have to change my snacks..although jello is always a good one..cold things on my burning tongue! Sorry you couldn't get your 3rd round..hope your levels get better soon!!!
Seq24...I was braver than I thought when I finally got it cut..I thought I'd have to close my eyes but the short hair shed is better for me now..the long tails coming out was more depressing.
Leydi...Glad your latest round went well..a moms work is never done!!!
ACS74..never heard of chemo sobby...good to know! Also I was told taxotere is the hair loss biggie.
Sharon...I am doing a look good feel good class in 2weeks..you were like show and tell for yours!!! You are helping so many people and inspiring us with your attitude! I think you look fabulous. Love your wig but glad you are in a good place to go without also! Your co-workers rock too!!!
Lisbeth...thanks for the mouth recommendation..my mouth was horrible for 2 weeks after..finally let up recently but I was constantly putting things in my mouth for relief! My appetite was good also..too good..haha! And I am too often tired to work out so probably going to be only chemo patient to gain weight!!!
With wig.....
My boy cut....
My paperboy/ Newsies look into use most often now
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Emily you look beautiful! I also took the plunge and buzzed my hair off so I'm in a similar place.
. My sister is traveling in Europe and says it's all the trend to have really short hair. Go figure.0
