Starting Chemo in July 2017
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Emily - it seems to be so many of us got problem with the port, hope thing turned around fast for you.
Question : when I get this hungery spell I got really hungry. I feel like I can't even move myself. Do you have the same feeling?
My day is fine I got some of my appetite back, however I'm still can't sleep well without Ativan. Hope I can nap some this afternoon.
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Paulette, I'm similar with the hunger... it's like I go from fine to starving to death in two seconds.
Sillly question: do you consider the day of infusion "day 1"?
I don't care if it's day 2 or 3 but I feel like a bus hit me. I worked a half day, came home and have crashed. I took a one-hour nap (unheard of - I don't nap!) and at 8:30 I could go to bed for the night. My arms/shoulders are sore, and I'm just wiped out. Hopefully the weekend will go by quickly.
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Day 4, first day without steroids, is pretty similar to yesterday. Not super low energy, but resting between tasks. I'm obsessing a little over avoiding constipation. Food does not have much flavor, and my mouth and throat are a little tingly. Nausea very bad when I first woke up, but ate some saltines and took an odansetron, and haven't been nauseous the rest of the day. Noticed some red spots on my forehead. Other than that, okay. Walked 24 blocks and drove my daughter to a sleepover.
Glad to hear most everyone is doing okay.
I groomed one of my wigs today, a free one that needed some love, still looks a little off, but my other one is very good. Now I have two creepy styrofoam heads looking at me
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Happy Friday, all!
Teese, You are the best Mother Hen around... keeping tabs on everyone the way you do makes me so happy to be part of your "coop".
Since hubby was released from the hospital a couple of days ago, I didn't want him driving around so I was his chauffeur today. Good thing the nasty side effects didn't come back. However, I do have a new one to report... dry mouth! I have been using the biotene to keep the mouth sores away, which seems to be working but did not keep the dry mouth away. I've been chewing gum all day which created saliva, but the dryness seemed to get worse, like when you eat something tart and makes it dry. It's kind of a weird feeling. I am sucking on a sore throat lozenge right now which seems to be helping, and I've been drinking a lot of water.
I've also been feeling more winded when I go for my walks. We visited my father-in-law today, and took his dog for a walk around the cul-de-sac. Just glad I got out for a bit.
Like others, Aunt Flo made visited me today, so I guess "chemopause" for us pre-menopause girls hasn't hit yet. Ha! Have a good weekend!
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JenRuns- I feel much better now I know I am not weird. Sometime I was so hungry that I can't even think or get up in matter of few seconds.
Yes I count chemo infusion day as day 1 not sure what the other do. I hate to depend on Ativan but that drug really can calm me down to sleep well.
Mother Hen Tess hugs and be well.
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DodgersGirl, I didn't realize it was infected. I went in for blood work and just happen to ask the nurse to look at it and see if it was healing ok. She felt it and said it was hot and she didn't like the red around it. But the red wasn't severe so I'm just glad I asked
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Thanks to all posting, I am happy to keep up with everyone.
I started having the bone pain Thursday night and still have it now. It's not too bad, seems like the aches when you have the flu. Aleve is managing it pretty well. I'm not sleeping very well, but I'm able to rest whenever I want, so it's all fine. I've felt scalp tingling. Does this mean my hair is considering leaving me? I bought a couple chemo caps, but haven't bothered with a wig. I don't have a job, don't have young kids to worry about, so thought I'd just see how it goes.
My daughter is in town for the weekend, so plan to ignore the bone pain and go have some fun. But first...off to the dreadmill!
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dmjmom... same feelings here.... I'm sore today, but Aleve helps. The top of my head is sorest, which I think means the hair is coming out soon. I've started losing my pubes (I think the constant rubbing against panties facilitated that) and I can see thin spots where my wig rubs my head (I'm buzzed).
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tesse, thanks for being so kind to keep this group organized. yeah my mouth is better, whenever my mouth gives me a warning, i rinse with saltwater but when it was really bad I used the mouthwash the doc gave me
Hair is gone and now trying to get used to the idea of wearing a head covering when i go out. Need to get a new vacumn as mine is kuput and hair is all over this place, yikes
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Hi ladies!
Sorry for the lack of response, it has been an eventful week for me.
Teese, glad to learn that your scan went well!
Anyway, I shaved my head! I started the week being really upset about my hair. I thought I had more time with it, but it just kept falling. I couldn't comb my hair on Monday morning after washing it, because the fallen hair was so tangled up with the still attached hair, yet any tugging just pulls the attached hair off. I felt like Gollum, clutching onto my hair. Just short of screaming my precious.
I decided I don't want to keep feeling this way, waiting for it to fall and feeling upset about it, so the deed was done! Most difficult decision I ever made, because I love my hair, but a really good decision I don't regret. It feels so liberating! One less side effect to worry about!
I then had a great week! Went for a Cirque Du Soleil show that is in town, my bloodwork came back ok. Liver is fine, kidneys are fine. And I actually went for a spot of cycling with a friend today, saw some fireworks and ended up eating fries and nachos at an outdoor music festival. Not bad for a woman who started the week crying over her hair, and a day after her chemo!
I really hope taxol will go as well for the ladies on AC first, then taxol. So far the side effects has been really manageable for me. I do have some rashes here and there. But not much nausea and fatigue has been getting better. My appetite has been too good though. =P I am a little worried about AC. It seems like it really packs a punch. But that is two months later me's problem.
JenRuns, I chuckled when I read about your post about falling pubes. Mine is falling out too, and I was really hesitant telling anyone about it. But you being so open about it, makes me feel so... not alone. I actually saw mine falling while I was in the toilet. It was actually a really sad moment. I
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emily_mh- thanks for the info on your port. Mine isn't hot, just bruised so will keep an eye on it
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Matryoshka, so glad your week ended up being so good after the trauma! Sounds like you are pretty tough.
Last night was like three a.m. at a frat party for me. Woo hoo! Took turns between sitting on the toilet, throwing up, and curling up in a fetal position on the bathroom floor just to be horizontal. That lasted about 3 hours, then I slept for three more, just getting up now. Waiting for peppermint tea to cool off.
I sure hope that was a one time thing. That sucked!
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oh no, leatherette... hope it's an isolated incident
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Latherlett- that such a bad side effects even with all the drugs they put in the IV still make your first night so missable. I hope today you feel better by the zorfan.
My stomach always seems to be uncomfortable once I relaxed this is something totally weird
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Hello all,
I echo the crazy hungries, it's nuts. I used to have them when pregnant too. Also my mouth is good, but I feel like I'm just a breath away from a sore forming, so doing the rinses meticulously.
My hair is pretty much gone. Sigh! Glad to see the shedding over with.
Matryoshka - you had such a good week. Cirque and fireworks, woot! My sister is coming next weekend and I'm so excited to have her. Need to keep up with fun things to look forward too.
Proudtospin - yikes is right, no vacuum! Our darn dryer went on the fritz and we're waiting on parts, hopefully soon.
Jen - my hair just started dropping like a rock two days after infusion #2. Yes I count infusion day as #1.
Dmjmom - enjoy your time with your daughter, mine was away this week, which made me happy as she missed the worst of my SE and now she's back and I'm feeling better. She's 21 and going back next month to finish her senior year and I want her to have a good year without any worries for me. Got on the dreadmill for a bit each day. Later this week it'll be easier and more enjoyable, right now it's ugh!
Sunnyjay- I'm also more winded, just noticeably so though, when walking with my hubby, he's got to slow down just a bit. Is you're hubby doing ok? Taking things easier?
Leatherette- I still have pretty good taste, I just can't find anything to drink that appeals. I find I just gag down something to keep hydrating. I try to drink soups as they appeal and it's some fluids.
Theantz, hpoeforthefuture, sydsym, ping pong, Enia, BUZZBEE, Mari, she, purplestargazer, loveformywife, KimE, LoJo, VL22, thinking and praying for you all.
Theresa
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leatherette- I just read this, oh honey, so sorry, praying for a settling of your tummy
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Oh Leatherette, I feel for you... About 2 minutes after my last post, I had an episode of diarrhea as well but it was short-lived... for now. I was wrapping up at work so had to make a run for the public bathroom. Luckily, no one was around our office. I had some Imodium in my bag and saw that it was expired but took it anyway. That relieved me for a bit and seemed to be an isolated incident.
I was able to attend the wedding today for one of our church members, and made it through the hour-long ceremony without any incidents. We'll see what the rest of the weekend brings...
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Wow, Sunnyjay, can't believe you were at work then a wedding! Sorry your tummy is rumbling, too. I've been on the down-low today, but finally showered and walked around a little outside. I wouldn't call it a walk, though. I've had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (no crust, light on pb-j) today with no ill-effects. Thanks for the encouragement! It wasn't the best day. Tomorrow will be better
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Leatherette… - hope you are feeling better! Drink more water to hydrate! I always felt like a dried prune after a bout of throwing up. But happy to hear that you are eating! Peanut butter and jelly sounds good! Haven't had one of those in a long time!
Teese - I totally agree with keeping up with fun things. I almost did not go for Cirque Du Soleil, cos I felt so ugly without my hair. I am glad I went though. I almost did not go cycling with my friend too, because like you, I do feel more winded nowadays. I have to stop and rest after walking for long distances or navigating steps. But I know the only way to overcome this is to be active. The rinses really help, don't they? I am glad for no mouth sores thus far! I am just so grateful I am learning so much from this community, it really helps with the side effects.
sunnyjay - Hope your weekend goes well! I did get diarrhea after my third infusion last week, had to go at least three times. Almost did not made it to the toilet the first time. But I was at home, so not so bad. But seems like my side effects are not consistent. No diarrhea this week yet.
Question, do any of you ladies develop any kind of allergies to foods that you never had any reaction to before chemo? I have always been a seafood person and have no problem with shellfish, but I have been seeing some rashes form after having some shrimps. They are super itchy. Just wondering if it's something that develops with the treatment and if it will go away. I love seafood though, if it's permanent I will be so sad. It happened after my review with my Oncologist last Tuesday, so I have to wait another month before I can ask her. Guess I will have to avoid shellfish for the time being.
Anyway, I do want to share some tweaks my Oncologist introduced into my chemo regimen to help manage the side effects after my review with her. Remember I mentioned that I get a very noticeable reddening in the face which feels really warm after the infusions, and the day after the session? I really felt fine but the nurses and pharmacist seems really concerned about it, so my Oncologist introduced a higher dosage of antihistamine for my pre-meds, and also slowed down the speed of the taxol infusion. Now instead of half an hour of pre-meds and one and half hours of actual taxol infusion, it's two hours of taxol infusion. And it worked! No tomato face this week! It's a slightly longer session for me, but I am just sitting there anyway.
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Hi All:
Leatherette - Sorry to hear about your SE's, I hope things are on the upswing for you now.
I'm on Day 9 of Round #2, and OMG, I have hives, everywhere. Neck, face, ear, every joint spot (elbow, knee, ankle, hip). My scalp is really itchy too (I've lost lots more hair, so am probably going to stop cold capping altogether and will shave it soon).
Anyway, luckily I got in touch with my MO today and she prescribed a steroid because Benadryl was helping, but as soon as it would wear off, the hives would come back. I hope with the steroid I start feeling some relief by tomorrow.
Anyone else have the hive thing? I'm wondering if it is going to impact my treatment... I'm really hoping this is a one time thing! I've never had hives this bad and man do they itch. I'm doing everything I can to not itch them.
I hope everyone is having a good weekend!
-LoJo
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LoJo100- I don't have hive problem yet, hope this is not one of my SE.
I just had shrimps at lunch and I am fine.
I have sleeping problem, I hope I can sleep better tonight without Ativan. Anyone has any good suggestions for sleeping
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Day 10 - No Ativan No sleep. It's 4 am still can't sleep. I think our bodies have so much steroid that make us wide awake and hungery.
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paulette, sorry for the sleep problems, they stink big time
My cleaning person is due today but late, dang hair is all over this place so sure hope she gets here
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matryoshka-- I had a similar situation with my cytoxan. They diluted it and slowed it down the second infusion (90 minutes vs 60). I definitely could "feel" my BP go up a bit, but nothing like the last time. The food allergy is interesting... I wouldn't be surprised.
Paulette - so sorry to hear about the lack of sleep. When you say "no Ativan no sleep," are you taking anything to try to sleep?? For me, the Ativan worked so far. I tried to watch a movie last night and fell asleep. So not typical for me.
Lojo: yikes... hope the hives ease up!
Proudtospin: I had to laugh... your poor housekeeper
I got a tight buzz about 10 days ago and haven't noticed much. Now, of course, as I said that I grasped some head hair and it just fell out. Could make my shower interesting this morning! (Fortunately it's only a quarter inch long!!)I swear, I was like a pregnant lady yesterday afternoon. My family left for a graduation party, and I went to Target to get food... breakfast sandwiches, ice cream, mini-muffins.... crap I don't need but damn I wanted it. It's still early today, but so far just dealing with some back pain and muscle soreness. *fingers crossed*
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Good morning,
Rashes, Ruby red complexion and Hives. That's the worst, so sorry and hoping it all resolves quickly.
Regarding sleep, I've used the Ativan whenever it was warranted for sleep since chemo. I've never used anything in my whole life, but if I wake in the night and it becomes obvious I'm not going back, I just pop one and off I go eventually. 0.5mg is quite mild, so I usually lie there another little bit before I'm asleep. My MO is all for a restful night so I'll have more energy during the day.
Paulette- is your MO against the Ativan?
Proudtospin- I'd love a cleaning person, how nice! We've decided to engage a company during my Taxol portion, from what I've read fatigue is worse and I don't want my hubby trying to manage everything.
LoJo - I so hope your hives are subsiding. How miserable. I've only experienced it once, have you been able to find something to make it easier to deal with, like a soak or calming lotion? Hopefully the steroids kick in soon.
Matryoshka - no food allergies yet, however from reading about LoJo's hives, who knows what's up.
Hoping for calm intestines and lessening of rashes. May we all be fortunate to be near a clean bathroom when these sudden urges hit! I too have unpredictable bowels day 7-12. Fun times!
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feeling a wee bit sentimental and want to say thank you to you ladies for being here... whether it's because I feel I have a safe place to vent, or because I know someone will understand and not judge, or because of a need to feel useful and help someone else through her issues... you gals are a blessing.
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when i was first diagnosed in 08, i gave myself the treat of a cleaning person. She only comes about once a month but mano is it helpful. I have foot and balance issues so i feel safer not doing certain chores
I highly recommend one, it really is not that much money and it helps me to be able to stay in my house
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Well, had my 2nd chemo on Wednesday, and took my last steroid dose yesterday. My biggest problem is eating - I'm so hungry but most stuff just will not go down. I haven't had vomiting, but I'm still feeling that queasiness, even with the anti-nausea meds I have. I'm trying to keep on top of it and not let the nausea take over. I'm also really tired and sleeping is an issue. I may ask for some Ativan or whatever at my next infusion and see if I can get a handle on the sleep part, at least.
I am absolutely amazed at those of you who are going through this while working, caring for families and exercising! I'm retired and have no one depending on me, so I can pretty much do what I feel up to doing. I don't know how you do it - hats off to all of you!
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hi there. Haven't posted in a while! Hair is gone after 2 dd ac. SE of ac are ok. I'm down for day and a half then back to mostly myself. Pulled our boat to a lake a whipped my kids around tubing felt great. Loaded up on sunscreen floppy hat. My doc said keeping doing the stuff you love.
Got a cold sore and I think thrush so doing salt water rinse till I get the magic stuff.
I'm kind of obsessed with wigs right now. So many to choose from it's been kind of fun.
Always looking for silver linings. Love more is my goal in life!
Take care everyone!
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Last night was so much better! I got up and weeded for an hour. I was staggering around the yard like a drunk zombie, but I was doing something! I am trying to work up the desire to eat something besides saltines. I drank a little lentil soup last night,but just made it through about a quarter of a cup.
I have not been having trouble sleeping, but I am taking one Ativan at bedtime for insurance. As long as it's just one, I would not worry about having a problem with it. Sleep is so necessary for healing, and it's a time to escape the reality of what we're going through. It is exhausting to be consciously ill 24/7.
Tubing sounds like it was so much fun, she1212! When I feel like I have a sense of my SEs, I hope to take more risks and do more fun things. Right now I'm afraid to be too far from my bed or bathroom.
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