Starting Chemo in November 2017
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rljes...For some reason Taxatere was not listed. Mmmm....as for the hair, mine grew back, plus I have 3 friends who were on the exact treatment of Taxatere and Cytoxin and all of their hair came back. One of them, still has very thin hair, after 11 years, but not so thin that she can't work with it. Just not as thick as it used to be.
Love Truman's winter coat!!Magari...Do all that you can to keep those mouth sores away. I am lucky...I've never had one.
Meowmmy...What beautiful dogs. I don't have a dog, but my daughter has two Goldens -- the sweetest dogs ever.
Hope99...We will all be with you in spirit at your first chemo session. I bet you will do just fine!!
Emalyn...You came to the right place for lots of support. Hang in here with us.
Hope
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Hope-hang in there, girl!
Someone mentioned essential oils and I don't know who but what do you use? My cousin gave me one called "sacred mountain" and another called "valor"-broke that one out for both chemos. Would love to know others' experiences.
I LOVE THE DOG PICS!! Keep those coming, they make me smile.
I am on day 5 of my second round of chemo and it is NOT AS BAD as the first time I'm happy to report. Not sure if the "fear of the unknown" is removed or if I am just tolerating this round better but last time on day 5, I felt like I'd been hit by a truck.
NonaHope-thanks for the info on the drugs and what we should have and should avoid with regards to food. I keep hearing about needing magnesium, glad you mentioned that from your book.
Have a good night Ladies!
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it’s been awhile since I’ve checked. I had my first round on Nov 28th.
First couple days weee ok and then I felt like I got hit my a truck. Cramping and so much muscle and bone pain. On day 7 I spiked a fever and had to be in the hospital for 2 days on antibiotics since my blood count was almost nothing. Since I’ve been home i have felt almost normal then I try and do normal things and feel so so tired. At this rate I should feel like myself just in time for chemo next week.
My hair still hasn’t fallen out but it’s super sensitive sometimes- wonder when it’s going to happen. Tomorrow is day 14 so I’m guessing anytime now I’m going to run my head and it’s just going to come out in my hand.
Tomorrow is my first day since my dmx and chemo that I have no help- fingers crossed I’m able to take care of little kidlets ok.
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oh also- I’ve lost no weight. I didn’t really eat for a week between just feeling so cramped answer full and the horrible taste in my mouth. Has any one else statesman steady on their weight?
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Mermaidmom - I’m right behind you in treatments and same drugs. My hair has not come out yet, but like you I’m just wondering when. I lost 6 lbs., but I’ve gained 3 back. My worst days were 4-6. Even by 7, I felt better but was very tired to a point I couldn’t do anything but sit around mostly. My counts were all normal last Thursday when I had my lab. The neulasta made my wbc go way above average. I don’t know if that means they will give me less or what in my next round. I never had any funny tastes in my mouth and food tasted pretty good unless I didn’t have an appetite. Hope you can carry on with the youngsters.
Now my back has been bothering me mostly in the morning and then it works itself out as I get moving. Not sure if it’s related to chemo or not. The lack of exercising is not helping me at all.
LizabethM- hope I’ll feel like you after my 2nd round. Everyone is different, but it’s interesting to hear how we are getting familiar side effects.
I too love the dog photos. I only had a little harry beast - not so hairy dachshund that I lost last year. She was a little wash and wear dog. She thought she was as big as all the bigger dogs and did a great job keeping Diesel (neighbors black lab) at bay. She and their boxer got along, but not the lab. It was quite comical to watch them fuss between the fence. They would then settle down and sniff at each other, but it was like they had this daily argument between them that never stopped. The boxer would sometimes casually walk between them and then the argument stopped. It was asif she were saying - “shut up!”
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I fenish my first round before 2 hours, the side effects which I feel numbness in my hands. no idea if its neuropathy or not, is that common? how can I manage that please?
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Mermaidmom....Your hair should start falling out right about now. I hope it's not too traumatic for you. I had mine buzzed when I got to that point. I also had that horrible metallic taste in my mouth when I was on the same cocktail. Now, that I'm only on Taxol, my hair is practically all gone, but no bad taste in my mouth and minimal side effects. I am able to eat whatever and "taste" it...!! If I remember correctly, while I was on this cocktail, I lost a total of 20 pounds by the time I was finished.
LizabethM...So happy to hear this round of chemo is being much kinder to you...may it continue!!
Blair...Such a cute dog story! My granddaughter has a little Chihuahua and "Ayda" thinks she a big dog too. She is so cute to watch when she's "guarding" everyone.
Wishing everyone with appointments this week a very good outcome.
Hope
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Hope99...Are you finished with your first round of chemo at this time, or have 2 hours to go? I never had neuropathy, but others have and I'm sure someone will hop on board to help you. Hang in there!!
Hope
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Meowmmy65
Thanks for your reply. With my chemo-immuno (my term) treatment starting tomorrow I feel like I am closing my eyes, holding my nose and jumping into the deep end of a swimming pool, hoping for the best.
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Hope99 - I iced my hands and had my feet on ice pacs with socks, but I haven't had neuropathy problems either. Some people do and some don't.
Emalyn - welcome to this group - best of luck to you tomorrow. That pre treatment time has driven all of us crazy here because it's that fear of the unknown. Don't feel alone. We are all surviving, taking it one day at a time.
Nonahope - glad you're hanging in there. I will post a two year old picture of me and Tahnee, I miss her so much. She was 13.5 years old in this photo. I get tearful thinking about her. Her toe nails were usually not this long. Never noticed that before in this photo. At least you see who Blair is, but not my name
Meowmmy65 - hope you're doing ok - this may be your hardest time, it will pass soon! I bet your beautiful dogs are being snuggle bugs taking care of you. I wish I had mine.
Soon I get my stitches out of my mouth. Yea! Then I'm going to the grocery store to stock up on things.
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Good morning all! 1st appt today post chemo, get to see where my numbers are at. Nothing really significant has been going on, those of us close to the same schedule are kind of in a holding pattern until round 2. The only symptom I still have is being achy and this damn runny nose! Back to work tomorrow, I have been out since November 5th. So excited to get back to my patients.
Definitely starting to shed today. I have a ton of hair and I lose a lot all the time anyway, but it seemed to be more when I showered so I cleaned my hair brush before I brushed my hair and sure enough, filled the whole hairbrush when I was done. 😩. It won’t be noticeable for a little bit because I have so much but it won’t be long. On a good note I barely had to shave anywhere else and I haven’t done it in over a week so that is a plus!
Love all the pictures of the puppies. I have a 10 1/2 year old golden and he is my baby. Sweetest thing I have ever known. I also have a 2 year old snowshoe cat who weights about 15 lbs and a new kitten who keeps us all entertained. He’s a little ass most of the time, into everything!!
Hope99- hope you are doing okay and thinking about you today!
These are all my babies.
Tina
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I finish my chemo before 3 hours, I feel numbness and palpitations when I went to bathroom. is palpitations a common side effect. my heart reach 120 . now is around 100 . I'm feeling bad, no taste
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Emalyn...We've all been where you are and know how you feel. At this point, I feel like I'm on a merry-go-round that won't stop!
Blair...She's adorable!! And, so are you. It's nice to see a picture with a face of our support group!
Hope all goes well with removing the stitches! I stocked up on groceries yesterday. I bought a lot of organic stuff. Plus, trying out the new Tropicana Probiotics juice. Had the peach/passion fruit this morning...I like it!!Tina...How adorable! I love Goldens. I had a cat, but had to have him put down a few years ago. I haven't replaced him. It was so difficult to say "good-bye" and not sure I want to go through that again. I do enjoy my family's dogs and tend to them when they are away on vacations etc. So, I get my fix that way.
Hope99...I hope you are relaying these side effects to your oncology nurse??? Keep us posted!
Hope
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Blair2 - your doxy is adorable! My dear friend has two, and her Bruno is black and tan, like Tahnee.
And I am a big lover of goldies and kitties.... Nothing like an old golden to love you.
I am loving all the dog and cat pics. I can't imagine life without them. They love us, and comfort us, no matter what. And they don't talk back, unlike spouses and children.
Overall, I'm still good - migraine today, and bad nausea, but I think it is more from the migraine than the chemo. Food tastes flat. And that stinks. But so far - this is doable. Glad I am able to work from home! I'm very lucky that way.
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nonahope- I cut my hair short soon after I found out I would need chemo and then I buzzed it a couple days before chemo so hopefully it won’t be too bad.
Blair2- I was also on the shot and it didn’t work at all! Not sure what the plan is for next chemo. There is talk of either a lower does of taxotere or of increase the amount is the shot.
I just got the kids ready for school and my energy is gone. It’s going to be a long day.
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Okay, haven't read any comments about this, so here goes. Anybody experience itching down below? I wonder if my delicate skin is reacting to the toxic waste that is passing through my system. This is for the birds!
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Oh my goodness what cute babies you have Mom4gma3. I may not have my Doxie anymore, but now I have a grand kitty named Violet, and she’s a little ass too! She’s in Austin, so I don’t get to enjoy her only when I go visit. I love all animals!
Hope99 - I hope you are ok after the first treatment, just listen to your body. Usually you’re fine for at least a couple of days. I hope they gave you an emergency number that you can call after hours to ask any questions or body concerns. Don’t be afraid to use it.
Meowmmy65 - My sister in LA also takes Botox for her migraines. I think she has treatments every 4 months regularly. It must work pretty well. Can you still have those treatments during chemo? It’s good you aren’t feeling too bad other than the headaches - which are bad enough.
Nonahope - I did get those awful stitches out. It sort of hurt. My primary was funny about it. He kept asking if I needed a break in between each stitch as I grimaced. Tomorrow I get to hear dollars signs ring at the dentist office - probably in the tune of jingle bells -oh! I’m hoping she can patch it up.
Mermaidmom - blood counts must vary with people. I have had it go down many years ago when I took a drug called accutane for acne. My immunity has always been strong (not sure if that has anything to do with it). On the other hand, my daughter has a low immunity situation that makes her prone to infections. Primary immunodeficiency is what she has. I hope she never has to face chemo.
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Botox is quarterly, and yes, I can continue. I checked with both the neurologist and oncologist to make sure. No problem.
I love that you guys are calling your cats "little asses." Because they definitely can be! And they are awesome.
Side note.... follow up to my "itching." Antihistamines for that - as I'm probably reacting to the drugs exiting my body, but the onco nurse said it could be from steroids, too. Never be afraid to ask about weirdo side effects. You never know what it could be!
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Meowmmy...Hope the headaches and nausea have subsided. Glad you asked about the itching. I've never had that, but if I do I will know why thanks to you.
Mermaidmom...You are on top of things. You should be fine where your hair is concerned.
Blair...I can hear those dollar bells going off at your dentist office! I am past due for my 6 month check up and I have a tooth that needs attention. I know I have to be careful because of the X-Geva injection. I will ask what a good time frame would be when I'm ready for the next one.
Hope99...Let us know how you're feeling.
Off to fix some dinner.
Hope
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Hi, all; just checking in.
This is Day 14 for me following chemo # 1. I've been feeling fairly good in general since about Day 7. Though I have had several headaches and am part of the endless runny nose club.
I also made the mistake of eating (homemade) chili for lunch yesterday, which was *not* a good choice. I started feeling very bloated and uncomfortable by early evening, and the Big D kicked in at about 9pm and continued until morning. Fortunately resolved with 3 Immodium in tme for me to get to my 10am PT session, but I am still feeling weaker than usual. Lesson learned: ease up on the fiber!
I swung by the post office to get an Xmas gift in the mail to my sister-in-law, returned books/videos to the library and picked up a few things we needed from our local market. Got in a 2 mile walk in the process but am now pretty tired.
I've always been at a healthy weight but it's been a goal to drop about 10 pounds to get to where I'd be a bit more slender. I've lost about 6-7 pounds since my diagnosis which I think is due mostly to decreased appetite and the fact that what I've been craving most are juicy fruits such as melon, pears, pineapple, etc. I love to cook and make dinner from scratch nightly. My tastebuds are more or less intact so far except that wine tastes acidic and unappealing. Which makes me a little sad but is saving me from dehydration and calories that I don't need right now.
For those who don't like water: I do, but also make hot tea and chill the leftovers to drink iced. It's nice to be able to mix it up with different types/flavors.
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Crap Crap Crap - I just posted and it disappeared. Shall try again later. Think of you ALL!
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- Today I did my #1 chemo, FEC protocol, I feel numbness in my both hands, I feel my head is heavy, also I feel a little numbness in my right feet, I think it will start to spread in all legs! I'm scar and feel so bad. also I can not taste well . did the numbness need to call emergency to find out solution?also I feel plapitation for a while, I used home pressure meter and I found it 170/100, heart pulses is 120 . the pulses low to 100, but blood pressure is fluctuation. no idea how to do in these side effects sister.now I feel a little pain in my stomach, I will discussed everything with you, I need to sleep, hope I can do that .
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HOPE 99 - Call your Contact Person from Chemo.
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Ok, I'm going to try this again! Day #14/ Chemo #1
Today I'm tired, but pushed thru it - went shopping for a new Washer, Stopped at CVS, and walked Truman for 2 miles back in the woods. Had Migraines 2 days in a row, Fingers/Toes have calcium deposits in overdrive, Constipated, but rather than Big D because I have Mom's Christmas Party Wednesday at her facility. Scalp/hair ok. since I cut it 1/4" no more sensitivity. Other than that - I'm OK today. Include me in the 'running nose club'Mom4Gma- You had answered me about wbc - and you were told days 7/8 were the lowest and they climb from there. My MO told me not to go into public without a mask days 7-14. But I wasn't tested, and I felt pretty good & went out anyway (no mask, lots of hand santitizer) Love your Pictures!!!!!!
Meowmmy- Took Trazadone and got a migraine, took it next nite to test, and got another migraine. bummer. but that's normal for me. so No more Trazadone. No Itching down under. Yet!
Nonahope - Did your wellness guide mention Herceptin?
LizabethM - I was the one that mentioned essential oils, I'm not sure if its helping because I'm taking so much other things. I have nothing to compare it to. I have no bone pain, No nausea, is it because of the oils or is it because Claritin and Compazine? I just take the oils as an 'insurance'
Mermaidmom- We both started chemo 11/28. My hair was super sensitive (Day 12) so I cut it down to 1/4" - really helped. I lost 20lbs since dx. No metallic tastes. Yesterday I was on an eating binge. I ate Anything and Everything, Prob gained 5lbs. Ugh.
Blair what a cute Dog!
Emalyn - We will be with you tomorrow as you start your first Chemo. Did they give you pre- steroids and tell you to take Claritin? (for the Neulasta shot) I was 'energized' the day before chemo (from the steroids) getting a lot of things done. They dosed me with Zofran & More Steriods during chemo, I had no issues. When I got home I felt a little bloated, heavy footed and clumsy. I think the Big question we all have is whether we will have the BIG C or the BIG D! Its a balancing act. Everyone is Different. Remember to swish swish swish with Baking Soda & Salt and Biotine!
Magari - we have the same chemo and started almost together. I had the BIG D for a few days. Ugh. But its less uncomfortable than the BIG C -(i guess its according where you are at the time) I like your idea of freezing your fruit to put in your water. Inspired me to add frozen strawberries for ice cubes.
Everyone take care!
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rljes...The mention of Herceptin is that it's used for first-line (first treatment after diagnosis) use in combination with Taxol. And, as a single agent (used alone)in second and third-line treatment after the breast cancer has recurred. No mention in the drug-specific nutritional advice.
Hope
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mom4gma3 those are lovely photos of your pets
posting to send love and strength to everyone today and those who have recently had infusions and have upcoming infusions. hydrate, rest, and eat healthy.
one day at a time. Hope99, hydrate. and tell your oncologist about what you're feeling throughout your chemo. it will help your MO help you. I keep notes (in a personal journal). short notes on what day which side effect occured and update my MO in subsequebt infusions. some of these side effects are manageable on your own and will show up at around the same time as the next infusion and this helps you prepare for it. But still important that you tell your doctor so they can monitor. especially when you don't feel good. your MO will also give you a timeline which days after each infusion you expect a specific side effect. it's how the ladies here also keep track of how they're feeling after each infusion. the timeline will help you plan out what to do during days when you have energy when to go out and when it is required to wear a mask when meeting up with friends. try to find distractions too (tv series, funny videos, coloring books, deep breathing for 5 minutes in the morning, if you're luckier than most maybe you'll still have the taste for coffee). so that you don't focus on the side effects and it doesn't get magnified ten times over. you can do this. we're here. but you need to keep your MO well informed.
Oh and give yourself a little treat for completing your first infusion... like a foot massage
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Mkn86 - Thanks for your kind thoughts. I agree with everyone on Hope99 recommendations. I hope her worries are answered. She needs to call her oncologist for some answers to her perticular side effects.
Hope99 - wishing you a more calm day!
Got back from my dental appointment. (In reference to a bad fall last week). She ex rayed my front teeth. Roots looked ok, but there's a slight chance that trauma to this area could make the teeth die in future, but hopefully not. Time will tell on this. She only sanded my tooth. She felt the tooth didn't need filling. The filling above it was still intact, but she said the next time I needed it filled, she would extend the filling down to the chipped corner. So I got out of there for $20! Thank goodness. I just hope they stay alive!
One thing I did learn before I left this morning. I called my oncologist’s nurse to ask her if taking the amoxicillin prior to my dental appointment was ok. (Because I’m a heart patient, this is a requirement by some dentists to avoid bacteria going to the heart as they clean or work in your teeth). She said yes, the drugs were ok to take, but if I needed extensive work done that I would be required to have blood work done first. I told her I hoped she would only need to sand my tooth, but I would keep that in mind. So I was very lucky. Other than the small threat of the teeth dying, I’m good for now. Whew - was dreading this dental outcome.
Seems most of here are in our good days - hope everyone is doing good today
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Blair...Great news from your dental visit. What a sigh of relief!!
Hope
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@meowmmy about the itching below. I did have this. It was caused by the antibiotics they gave me after my white blood cell count bottomed out. The antibiotics were to fight any infections that my body could not. It was a yeast infection and easily cured with Monostat 1 day. I have had no troubles since.
I am 10 days post 1st Red Devil chemo treatment. Bones will not stop aching, to the point they feel like they are breaking one by one. I can smell so many more scents than normal. I still love my morning coffee, and miss my sushi so much
I have my second round this friday and my port in in, and it feels good. Just can't sleep on that shoulder. Claritin doesn't work for my bone pain. I use a heating ad for my back and tylenol PM to sleep - it gives me a good 5 hours sleep. I have a numb spot in my thigh that I think is caused by nerve damage. I am asking my Dr. about it this fri.Love and positive energies to all my fellow warriors. I pray for you all every day. Hugs.
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Hey all!
Glad to see all the stories that are bouncing around, and all the pictures!!I've been feeling totally back to normal since about day 7 - back to work and living life as much as possible. Got together with friends yesterday and made about 12 dozen different kinds of sweet treats to make cookie platters for teachers in our childrens' schools. It was a lot of fun! We will be delivering them tomorrow. My hubs and I are going to have our annual Christmas date this weekend, and then infusion #3 will happen for me on Monday the 18th. That is the first week of winter break for my kids so I have a different friend every day who will come over and take my kids to do something fun. The zoo, the aquarium, and a few other things. I'm so grateful for the help so that the kids can still have fun! I should be feeling back to normal by Christmas
The cold cap seems to be working! I had a lot of shedding right around thanksgiving, but that has subsided now and I still have lots of hair. Hopeful that it will hang on through all this and I will get back to my big full head of hair soon enough!
I included a few pictures of my loves and my silly self
enjoy!Lots of love to you all!
Amy
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