Starting Chemo in December 2016
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Yeah BareClaws! I bet it felt good to sleep in your own bed last night.
I noticed a few people mention mouth irritation. I developed this too. If it turns into white patches it is probably thrush. I had this last year with antibiotics for my appendicitis. MO called in Diflucan tablets. Been taking them for two days and have had some improvement. I will be on them for 10 days.
Turns out my neutrophils are low and need to take an antibiotic to prevent infection. May also need shots daily as Neulasta isn't doing enough. I am also dehydrated (which explains the extreme fatigue). I honestly thought I was drinking enough but I wasn't eating sodium. Going in for three days of iv fluids. It seemed to help within a few hours yesterday.
I now realize how individualized our treatments will have to be. The MO explained that some people breeze through this and others need propped up the whole way. I doesn't matter as long as you come out the other side.
It will be time for round 2 (jan 5) soon enough.
PS - I figure my hair will fall out just in time for Christmas :-(
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hi all, thought it was time for an update.
I'm now day 17 from first chemo session. Hair started thinning rapidly over past 48hr. Still plenty there so not ready to shave quite yet but I'm thinking I'll probably be in a wig for Christmas Day. I'm back to normal hours at work after a big scrap with my boss. Absolutely exhausted for the last 2 hours of each day. I guess to others I look completely normal on the outside so they are unaware or forget that this chemo is still causing a battle of destruction within. My mouth healed up once I began a salt and baking soda rinse ( was using a baking soda rinse previously). Tummy is much better but my appetite isn't great. If anyone else has distended tummy and ongoing diarrhoea i highly recommend Simethicone, Electrolyte replacement and a prescription for regular Imodium and Codeine for a minimum of 48hr plus the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apple sauce, toast). Had my first full blood count a week ago and results look good. Have clinic with oncologist registrar today to discuss how things are going.
Thinking of you all as you all go through a similar journey as myself. Hope all those really struggling have a better day today and start climbing that hill to recovery.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. May it be a celebration filled with hope and apromise of better days.
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Thanks for all the encouragement, ladies. Platelets up to 129 this morning and I am tapering the steroids, for which I'm exceedingly grateful. They have their own nasty SEs, the most concerning one (to me) being blurred vision. Hair starting to shed, even with cold capping. I knew it would, but my goal is to avoid permanent hair loss.
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Chickensngoats thanks for the reply I was beginning to think I was thinking up these symptoms.
Shel72 I'm sorry that you are having issues with work. People think we should look sickly all the time, I have people actually ask me if I'm really getting chemo because I don't look sick.
Bearclaws I'm glad you are home and feeling better.
May you all have a wonderful holiday and my we be healthy and SE free!
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hi i was just wondering if you knew whether that Brian Joseph Gel was available in Australia. i chopped my hair really short and i start my first course of chemo on the 30th December but the one thing i was hoping to avoid was the loss of my eyebrows. i know it sounds silly but that's just me.
thanks so much
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Hi
I'm also new to this community . I started my first chemo treatment last week . It's all so overwhelming and I plan to spend time sifting through the comments to learn more of what to expect .
The first treatment (I'm on FEC) wasn't too bad . I'm feeling ok and mainly just suffering from heartburn and insomnia. Looking forward to this group.
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Merry Christmas to All!
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Droak - welcome to the group and glad to hear you're feeling OK so far after your first chemo treatment.
Shell72 - sorry work is being unrealistic that you should be 100% just because your outward appearance looks fine. I've been fortunate because I've been working from home since my first chemo treatment and haven't been into the office. That will change a bit after the first of the year and I am kind of dreading having to deal with the SE's while at work.
I went back into the cancer center yesterday so they could take a look at this rash that's been driving me crazy the last few days and came home with an RX steroid dose pack and some cream. So, hopefully that will help with the continual itching and discomfort. I also go back in today to have my blood work checked. I did notice an unusual bruise on the back of my left thigh. So, we'll see what they say about that latest development.
Merry Christmas everyone! I've still got a couple presents to buy and a wee bit of wrapping left to do. So, I guess I better get on that soon ... but for some reason lack my usual motivation (go figure)!
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Hi Droak! Welcome to the group! I am pretty new myself, but I have found the support to be amazing!
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Hi Droak, a few of us are newbies here. Hope you aren't suffering too badly after having your chemo so close to Christmas.
Thanks for all the support guys regarding my awful work situation.
My oncologist appointment went well yesterday. I've asked for a different nurse for the next round too - hopefully one with a little empathy!
Does anyone else suffer from continual running eyes. Looks like I'm shedding happy tears all the time and my eye lids get sore by the end of the day. Just another side effect the oncologist said.
Hair is still hanging in there but only just! I think I've already lost nearly a half of it's thickness but no bald patches yet so may make it to Boxing Day. I definitely have a sore scalp too like others who have mentioned this complaint. Especially noticeable when I'm lying on it in bed.
The oncologist also gave me another script for Dexamethasone so I can taper off the dose more gradually after each chemo round. She said some don't cope with the high dose for 3 days then sudden withdrawal so may have contributed to me feeling so exhausted on day 5 and 6. Just a thought for others who also suffer about then. Well I'd best sign off and head to work for my last full day at the pharmacy till after the New Years, 2 days till Xmas so everyone will be panicking about getting their meds- OH JOY!!
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Well, after the blood test from my follow-up visit at the cancer center today, I found out my white blood cell count is really low. The APN told me that the rash I have is a reaction to the Taxotere. So, she'll need to talk to my MO, to see how to tweak my upcoming infusions which could mean a lot more steroids. Also, she said that I'll end up getting a Neulasta shot which I did not have with my first infusion. So, I am slightly bummed that now I am supposed to avoid crowds of people and was told not to go to my gym since they consider that a germ factory. Oh well, c'est la vie.
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Gingkoleaf -- welcome to Breastcancer.org and thanks for posting! We look forward to supporting you through your chemo journey.
Please let us know if you need any help navigating the boards at all!
--The Mods
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Just got back from the big shave! I couldn't handle the shedding anymore! I'm glad for the advice to cut my hair short right after starting chemo. It had been shoulder length forever and I had it cut down to around an inch all over after my first treatment. Since my 2nd A/C I've been losing hair like crazy so I went to the salon today and told them to get rid of what little was left. It really is a lot more comfortable and I think it has helped me feel more in control. I guess if I am going to be bald at Christmas, it should be on my own terms!
On a related note, I did wear my wig for the first time out and about in public today. I don't know why, but I felt like I was doing something really secretive. I kept waiting for someone to be like hey, that lady's wearing a wig, but of course no one even noticed. ha ha! I think my hang-ups are totally internal and I just need to slowly learn to become more comfortable in my own skin.
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To CANCER and all of your Miserable Relatives,
Die!!! Eff you!!!
Have a Merry Apoptosis Xmas to You!!!
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ladies, I have been on Abraxane (taxol) for a week. Twelve treatments. I cannot eat. I have been forcing myself to eat anything I can stomach...and it hasn't been much at all. A banana, a piece of toast. My question is...since its been 6 days since infusion when does your body get rid of the drug and your body to tack to normal? Also, my nose runs for no reason..liquid just pours out. Anyone else have this? I feel pretty crappy and just trying get through the da
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gmmiph - Thanks for making me laugh with your post! I needed it today.
Hazel15 - sorry to hear you cannot each much. You may want to also try some applesauce or rice...as that is part of the BRAT diet that appears you may be able to stomach right now. I am not taking the same chemo drugs as you. I worry that you might be getting dehydrated. I think you should call your MO because you might need some IV fluids. Six days of not being able to eat much seems like a very long time. As far as your body getting back to normal....I have no idea when that happens. Good luck and I'll be thinking of you.
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hazel. Call your doctor and tell them you're not eating enough. I also have runny nose randomly throughout the day. Weird!! I also have tmj but i think it's from stress and the weird dreams i have been having since day 2. Anyone have very vividdreams?
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So yesterday I had my first treatment of Herceptin without any of the other chemo drugs. It seemed to go okay, which is good since I have to have them every week for a full year. (My cancer is HER2+) Full chemo is TCHP every three weeks.
I finally had a good day yesterday and my energy is back up. Hopefully this means the Gravix shots for the low white blood cell are working along with the 3 days of iv fluids. I did have one of those "oh no" moments when I saw my Pulmonologist for a regular asthma follow up. I was explaining that over the last few days when I take a deep breath it hurts on the left side of my chest. He immediately became concerned that there might be a blood clot from the port installation surgery and sent me for a ct scan right then. He even called me himself after the test to tell me it was fine and there is no blood clot. Just when you think you are cruising along keeping your emotions and anxiety in check you hit a speed bump. But it all turned out okay. I think there are going to be a lot of speed bumps and I need to work on controlling my reaction to them.
My mouth sores are terrible now. The inside of my bottom lip is just raw. It even woke me up in the middle of the night burning. I had been using salt water and baking soda and Biotene mouthwash but it hasn't been helping. I had to call the MO office (again sigh) and they prescribed something called magic mouthwash. Also, a friend mine recommended Biotene gel and Orajel. My vanity now looks like a pharmacy/dental office. However I am determined to get this under control. I will let you know which I find most helpful.
Stay strong and fight on girls!
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Merry Christmas to All!
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Hope it's ok to ask here.Are you ladies changing your diets? Adding supplements? And avoiding certain chemicals and toxins in body care and makeup? I have been so concerned about what caused my Cancer. Turns out I am vitamin d defiencent and probably had been for a while. My doc never took vitamin d bloodwork. Not sure why. But I am trying to see what helps fight it from coming back. I am juicing organic veggies and taking my vitamin d. Also cutting out carbs and sugars. Anyone using cannabis oil? Turmeric? All these articles are overwhelming and not sure what's worth paying attention to. My MO said vitamin d exercise and no alcohol is a good start.
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Hi scaredashell,
I can sense that you're much better now than after your initial infusion. Indeed, nutrition and supplements are very important but there should be caution in choosing these things as they may interfere with your chemo drugs' efficacy. I always ask for my MO's approval before i take anything. Some supplements that my MO recommended are phospolipids for my liver, calcium with vitamin D for my bones, iron supplement with vitamin C and B12 for my red blood cells. Fruits, Organic veggies, grass-fed beef, organic eggs and chicken for protein and other essential nutrients.
I used to take turmeric and flax seed omega 3 capsules but my MO cautioned me on this so i stopped. But since i believe these supplements will help me, i went around it using the natural food alternatives like fresh raw turmeric with ground peppercorn for better curcumin absorption. I use raw turmeric, ginger, pineapple, papaya, banana, cinnamon, peppercorns and a cup of fresh coconut milk to make a great tasting anti-inflammatory smoothie purported to fight cancer. I also eat wild oily saltwater fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel which are abundant in our country. I also try to research on certain important but scarce food products in our country like the expensive brocolli which i replaced with okra or lady finger, known to have equivalent nutrients. Cabbage for kale, stevia for sugar, etc.
You really have to be smart in your food and supplement choices. Do a lot of research, compare notes and seek professional advice.
I hope this helps.
Gina
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Scared my breast specialist told me that it didn't matter what you eat or do differently. She called Cancer a genetic mutation. I have always been very careful about what I put in my body. No caffeine, soft drinks, nicotine, or alcohol and minimal sugar in the past 20 years. I spent the 1st couple of months trying to figure out where I went wrong. It will drive you crazy if you let it. My potassium was very low but I can find anything to link that to BC.
I had my 2nd treatment Wed. My MO cut my dosage 25% and took me off the steroids that tried to kill me. So far everything is much better this time. Just tired and few body aches. My hair is just about gone. I have all my hats and my favorite doo-rag at the ready if I go out.
Everyone have a good Christmas. I am going to go help a single mom play Santa tonight by helping her put a doll house together. FUN!
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Had port put in on Thursday, just a little sore but not bad. I am itching like crazy not sure why. Finally got my 2nd drain out! Woo hoo. I started back to work on 12/19. In is nice to be back, except for that one co worker ugh!
Supposed to start chemo on 12/30. Snowing like crazy here so we will be having a White Christmas!
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scaredashell07, I have to agree with SCGirl50, that it really isn't relevant what you eat or supplement with at this point. You can't put the genie back in the bottle. I was organic before organic was a thing. I was the healthiest 64 year old you can imagine, running three marathons and several halves this last year. With bilateral breast cancer. I'm not saying that it's not environmentally triggered, because I think It may well be, but those are larger issues not within our personal control-our water supply, poisons in the air we breathe, etc. I see a lot of crazy ideas here. Our bodies need a balance of protein, fats and carbs (yes, carbs! High quality, though, I'm not talking about sugar) to repair the damage done during chemo. Cutting one of those drastically is not going to be helpful and may harm. Personally, I find that I'm eating a lot more calories and not gaining weight at all because it's being used.
Balancing all of these heavy hitting drugs is a tightrope act for the doctors. Add everyone's personal mix of OTC supplements to that and it becomes that much harder to keep everything in sync. My strategy is going be to eat well, keep exercising as much as possible, rest, and trust the doctors as much as my control freak self can
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Melinda0628 - Glad to hear your port placement went well! That's another step closer to beating this thing!
A white Christmas sounds fun! It is supposed to be 60 degrees and raining here in KY on Christmas Day. Not exactly the kind of forecast that puts you in the holiday spirit!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!
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I've also tried to figure out if there was something I should of done differently to prevent getting cancer. I always thought my diet and exercise were healthy. None of us should let these types of thoughts consume us. It's mentally unhealthy. We just need to move forward and make the best choices we can. Take care and Merry Christmas!
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thank you ladies for responding
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I am in total agreement with the feelings on diet and supplements. We will never know exactly the cause and there could be lesser known gene mutations that we will never be tested for or ever know. Balancing life and helping my body heal from the drugs will be my focus. Protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lots of water/fluids and walking as much as I can. Mentally I am staying strong the majority of the time,with the odd breakdown here and there. My family helps me a lot and are learning to read my cues as to when I feel like talking or not, when I can take a bald joke, or not! My hair started to come out yesterday and at first I was sad but then I felt relieved. The chemo is working and dealing with hair loss has been the big SE that I have been waiting for. If I can get through this I can get through a lot! But seriously, I also heard the hair on arms and legs will not fall out. Seriously?! Such a mean disease!!!
Merry Christmas everyone! By next Christmas my hope is that we are posting our cancer memories but have moved on and are living our lives without treatments or worry. Xoxo
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I believe BC comes from the environment that disrupt our endocrine system. I think that chemicals get into the water and air. - I.e., chromium 6, and cadmium. I saw a study that linked industrial park exposures with breast cancer. Argricultural farms were not linked. Do those of you that exercised and ate organic for years live less than 1 mile from garbage dumps, industrial parks or metal producingplants?
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