Starting Chemo in July 2017
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Paulette- 3rd infusion done today. Woot!!! 75% done with AC! Hugs!
Pink - I like the sound of that med, I've switched to 40 mg Nexium for heartburn and it's worked way better than the Prilosec after complaining to MO about this awful heartburn this time around.
Leatherette and Paulette - thanks on tree oil advice. My sense of smell is so sensitive and my tummy so sick of smells that I haven't even removed the top to just see what it's like. I sure hope Taxol lets my sense of smell calm down. My poor hubby has to take a gasex before bed each night because I just couldn't stand it. (I know TMI) haha
Dmjmom - I think your right on the ferritin and I'm so glad your able to walk and exercise with comfort. I'ddefinitely follow up with your PC and get to the bottom of this so it never comes back. Yay!! A position SE for once. Hope you had a good night last night.
Dodgersgirl- yes, your righty surgery was easier than chemo by far, even with an AND. My BS injected my entire area with some kind of long acting numbing agent and I had practically no pain for 5 days. I was able to use Tylenol only those days. Then day six I started adding in a pain pill at bedtime.
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Paulette,
Hope your infusion is going/has gone well. I do take a .5 mg ativan before bed every night-I sometimes did before I was even diagnosed due to anxiety. I can't risk re-triggering mental health issues by not sleeping enough, so I don't have any qualms about the one nightly ativan.
L
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Hi Everyone!
Great to see all of your updates.
Paulette - I also take an Ativan at night, and if I feel like nausea might be coming, I'll take one during the day, but it does make me feel a bit sleepy (which is fine, because if I feel any nausea it is usually alongside fatigue).
I had my first infusion on the new cocktail yesterday. What a difference!! There were definitely some side effects with the TC cocktail that I was ignoring because I thought it was from the cold caps, or from other things. The infusion yesterday was peaceful and good, and no cold caps was so great (definitely the right decision to stop them!!).
I felt good enough after the infusion to go out to dinner with my DH on the way home (we drive a little over 2 hours to go to the infusion center). Dinner was awesome, and I came home feeling good. was still a bit amped from the little amount of steroid in my pre-meds, but slept off and on through the night.
I went to work this morning, came home around noon, and now I'm laying on the couch, keeping my stomach full with small snacks throughout the day, and feeling the usual fatigue, little bit of GI issues, and took an Ativan because it felt like nausea may be coming. So, all-in-all, it has been pretty good. Even took a walk last night when I got home, walked a bit this morning and will try for another walk this evening. It really does help!
The one thing that has become painfully (literally!) obvious is that I need a port. So, I'm scheduled to get it on Tuesday morning so I'll have it for the remaining 5 infusions. After talking to my Oncology Nurse about it yesterday, I was sold. She told me about the entire procedure, how they use it, and how it won't get in the way of my activities (hiking, yoga, etc.). She even said the one they are ordering can be used for the contrast when I do the scan at the end of all this. So, we'll see, but I may keep it in until radiation is over.
I see my MO on Tuesday afternoon, after the port install, and then next infusion is next Thursday!
The hives are sooooo much better. They are barely around, and if they show up, there are only a few and they don't really itch. They usually appear when I'm having a hot flash!
So, I'm hopeful that this new cocktail will be much better as far as allergic reactions go!
Oh, I guess I need to update my profile, but the cocktail I'm on now is Abraxane weekly, and paired with Carboplatin every three weeks (so yesterday was Abraxane and Carboplatin, and in three weeks this will be done again).
Sending good thoughts to all of you. Here's to a light SE weekend!
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LoJo100- so glad to know you are doing better 🙌🙌🙌🙌
Leatherette and LoJo100- I don't know why I always worry about OD on Ativan and I should just go ahead to take it at peace. Now they prescribed 1 mg if I want I can cut to .5 mg. I should not let myself worry too much about my sleep one of my nurse friend told me just think this is a short term temporary, life will go back to normal soon.
I hope everyone remember this is only a passageway for us to get stronger.
My 3rd infusion went well no surprise and I have energy also.
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PauletteK - I was worried about taking it and the possibility of becoming dependent on it. My MO said it is non-addictive, and it is meant for times like these. I must say it has been great for the night before and the 3-5 days after. It seems to really help any nausea, too. So, I'm grateful for it. In fact, during my hive outbreak, I became a little anxious and worried, and so she told me to take it then, too. It really did help my stress and anxiety levels go down during this time.
I stop it when I want to with no problem, and find it helps when I need it. So I'm no longer afraid of it, and in fact, am grateful for it.
Also, I'm on .5mg (usually I just take one at night).
Hope this is helpful.
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LoJo100 - so glad that Ativan is not addicted drug once I thought it is. It really helps to have good night sleep when we are fighting for chemo side effects. My MO changed my dosage to 1 mg now if I want I can cut in half.
Just want everyone know my third round of infusion went well and I hope tomorrow I am not going to stay in bed all day. I will try to do my walk as much as I can.
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Paulette keep moving. I found those days I stayed in bed were the worst. I allow myself a couple of days post infusion to lay about but then have to kick my self in the butt to get up. Even if I only got up to take a slow walk on the treadmill it really helped with the fatigue and it helps get all those nasty drugs out faster. I found I had to force myself to get up and go colour or watch YouTube videos.
Hang in there, you can do it.
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Pink - you aren't mentor. I usually do my small walk outside my house I will try my best to be more active
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Moving really helps me a lot, too. In fact, I slept in until about noon today, woke up with some hives on my hips and armpit area. Went for a walk (almost a mile), came back, felt way better, less fatigue and the hives had gone down, significantly. I usually have some hives in the morning, so, nothing new, but they were a little more pronounced this morning. Nice to see that a walk helps not only fatigue, but the hive situation, as well.
Feeling pretty good today (day 3), just fatigued. Keep eating small meals to help keep nausea away, and it seems to be helping. Hoping day 4 shows a bit less fatigue and that I go into a bit of an upswing before the weekly Abraxane on Thursday.
Good Saturday wishes to everyone!
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LoJo100 - you are right moving helps. I'm on day 2 so I went for a short walk today then went to run a few errands and took a 30 minutes nap and I feel fine.
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Wow-I am doing well right now! I'm finding the side effects less than the first round so far. Things taste dull, but better than last time. My digestion isn't perfect, but better than last time. Walking does seem to help a lot-once I sit down, I start to feel queasy.
I'm not taking it for granted, though. Things can change so quickly. But I had a real meal and a half-glass of wine, and I'm not suffering yet....we'll see what tomorrow brings
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Everyone sounds great! Yay!!
Tomorrow is AC # 4!! Woot!
Now into the unknown of Taxol? Ugh!
Anyone else doing DD Taxol next?
Theresa
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Tess - I follow you to the taxol train, I will be there in middle of September. I have been lurking in weekly taxol hope it is not as hard as some of the threats I read,
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I had my first Docetaxel (Taxotere) infusion on Friday, similar to Taxol but a weaker version. Am doing okay so far. No reactions during the infusion. No numbness or nueropathy. A bit of tingling which went away. Gave myself the Nuelasta shot last night. Was a bit achy and some bone pain during the night but manageable. I think it's better to take the shot during the day then you're more active. Seems to help more being active.
If you did okay on AC you should do fine on the Taxol. The first fifteen minutes they infuse slower to make sure you won't have any reactions. If you do then they give you something like Benedryl to counteract.
It's all good! You'll do great.
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Of course, I spoke too soon. Slept well, but woke up at 5:30 and was off and on the toilet until 800. Now I am still in bed, but may be okay after a shower. Not as bad as my "bad night" the first round. And I think the sense of taste is gone. Bah. At least I get to lay here and listen to my daughter and her friend (13 year olds) listen to music, talk and giggle-that helps!
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Tesse-- woot woot AC 4 tomorrow and then done with AC!! That's an accomplishment
Hope Taxol is a walk in the park for all of this group. I felt more "normal" on Taxol than AC for sure. And little nausea with Taxol (which was awesome). I had bone/joint pain with Taxol which I wasn't expecting since I didn't have any from Neulasta. Aleve twice a day on days 5&6 helped as did walking more when pain appeared. I had to actively rinse after eating anything else I would get a mouth sore. (Had 2 over 12 weeks Taxol). I was given Benadryl with premeds for Taxol which made me sleepy during infusion but that wore off the same day and steroids then kept me awake infusion night Developed painful nail beds after Taxol 11. I did ice hands and feet with Taxol but had to change up icing process after DH landed in hospital so couldn't be my icing partner.
Worked thru Taxol only missing a day here and there due to SE or lack of slee
Glad it's over but it is doable.
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DodgersGirl- I'm hoping Taxol would not be too bad I have to trust my MO he told me it will be a mild chemo compared to AC. I guess we will learn different SE for each drug. I'm so grateful that you share your experiences with us so we can prepare. Thank you so much
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I have my last AC tomorrow and then start DD Taxol in two weeks.
I'm also really nervous about it - particularly the potential for neuropathy. I'll be icing during treatments and hoping for the best.
My side effects on AC have been manageable. I had mouth sores for the first time this past week and the fatigue/nausea combo, of course.
I've also put on about 10 pounds from not moving enough and eating poorly (dull taste buds so I crave junk). Sigh.
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purplestargazer- there are some supplements that could help you fight neuropathy from Taxol. I took B6, B12, and l-glutamine before and during Taxol treatments. I did have a slight bit of neuropathy in my left hand fingers but feet escaped neuropathy thus far.
There is another supplement that some people take, I just don't recall the name.
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Many of us are starting to worry about taxol DodgersGirl- thank you for the info and we really want to prepare for this battle. I hate to lose any of my nails or toenails 😥
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Pink: You're giving yourself the Neulasta shot? I would be tobscared to poke myself. My infusion nurse said Neulasta has to be done no less than 24 hours after the end of your infusion. But just double check that. I usually don't feel the side effects of Neulasta until day 4.
I had my 2nd taxotwre infusion last week and had a couple of "new" side effects that came up. I may have had the onset of thrush. My tongue was white and my mouth was dry for about 3 days. I had stopped the Biotene a week before my 2nd infusion since I didn't have any incidents of mouth sores. I started Biotene back on the day before my 2nd infusion but I probably should not have stopped. It did go away eventually. But I'm not stopping Biotene this time.
Another SE I got this 2nd round was in the genital area. I had a large pimple that hurt like crazy especially when my underwear would rub against it. I was not about to go commando so I just moved slow. LOL. I haven't seen anyone else post about this so I didn't think it was chemo-related. Then I remembered getting it after my 1st infusion. At the time I thought it was due to having my period, and was irritation from tampons and/or maxi pads. I did a bit of searching in past threads and did see a few discussions about this SE so I guess it happens but it's not common.
I'm also having some pain starting in my fingers when I type. I'm not sure if its from having short nails, or neuropathy is starting. I normally get manicures, but decided to cut my own nails this time and I cut them shorter than I'm used to. I didn't ice during past treatments since space at my infusion center is pretty tight, and knowing my clumsy self I would probably spill the ice (or whatever melts) all over the floor and cause someone to trip and fall... If it gets worse, I'll try to ice at the next cycle. Hopefully it's not too late then.
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Sunnyjay- sorry to hear all these SE you got, sounds like you got neuropathy starting which I haven't have experienced yet. Just wish you recovery soon.
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Thanks Paulette! I wish I knew what caused the SEs. Since I get 2 types of drugs at each infusion, I don't know which one causes which side effects.
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Hi everyone...so happy to see most have been doing good. Have been missing for a while. At times I just need a break...I keep myself busy getting ready to go back to work and getting out youngest ready for school and have been continuing to run, walk and exercise since I started chemo on July 28th. To date I have ran 28 miles total, plus have walked bunch too. Also continuing to do yoga and strength stuff. I feel really good. My 2nd infusion went better than first. I have my 3rd AC tomorrow. I go back to work next week and am a little nervous how that will go but have been feeling fine besides the usual fatigue and mild nausea the first 4 days following chemo and my work schedule has been adjusted accordingly. I really just want to plow thru this and continue my normal activities as much as I can. Think about you awesome ladies often...what a strong group of women we are. Hugs, prayers and love to all...
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Hey all ... getting ready for my last A/C on Wednesday before heading to the Taxol train (12 weeks). Am a little worried though -- Came down with a cold/virus last week and spiked a small temp on Saturday (100.3). The office called in a z-pack for me, which I've been taking, but today I went for my last fill and my right breast is all red. Plastics guy wrote for another antibiotic to take when I'm done with the Z-pack. And i see the MO this afternoon. Just praying she lets me do the last A/C infusion on Wednesday... I've got stuff planned based on all this timing, not to mention it would put my "bad" weekend over the Labor Day holiday
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JenRuns - that something I always worry is catch a cold or flu, hope things work out find for you, keep my fingers crossed for you.
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In the chair, premeds are in waiting for the nasty stuff, my final AC. Thank the good Lord it's done as this has caused me more than enough GI SE.
Mo feels Taxol is usually easier, but some have muscle aches that can be hard to deal with. I haven't had a single issue with the neulasta and never took the Claritin.
So this is a whole new beast!
Jen - it's always something, hoping all is well today and a go on your last AC this week.
Runnermom- woot, you keep on going, your just strolling through chemo and I'm so glad for you.
Sunny - hope your lady parts are feeling better soon, :-(
Dodgersgirl-thank you for the taxol info. Praying for an easier time as you describe. I won't be icing as I'm doing DD and it would be impossible to do it for a 3 hour infusion, at least for me. I actually got everything together to do it intil I found out how DD is delivered. So it's up to God.
Have a good day, we just saw peak eclipse, we were not in the zone so it was a little underwhelming.
Theresa
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Congrats on final TC, Teese!
Had another rough night after Wednesday 's infusion, and pretty busted up today with fatigue. Tomorrow should be the day that my upward trajectory starts. I did get to see the eclipse in my backyard, and that was a good diversion. I didn't need totality-it was cool as is, and about as far as I could drag myself today.
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well, that sucked. 102 temp at the MO office. She thinks the redness is cellulitis. With the cold I have, no chemo on Wednesday. She said to start the stronger antibiotic now, and if the fever/redness is gone 24 hours, they can do chemo Wednesday.
Just throws off my "plans".... I always used the weekend to recover... now that'll be Monday/Tuesday. I'm starting to worry my boss is going to look to replace me at my 12 weeks... *sigh*
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Sorry, JenRuns! I hope the antibiotics work quickly! It is so hard to make plans-I was going to talk to my supervisor about returning to work, and felt to cruddy to even talk today. I hope your work can be flexible with you
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