Starting Chemo in November 2017
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Craziness this morning. Got to Susan Cheek, they accessed my port, drew my labs and then it’s off to next door for dr appt while waiting for labs to come back. Labs great, wbc 9.5 hgb 11.2 still waiting for the cmp. So I tell MO I am having a little bit of incision pain. And there’s a little lump in there. So she wants me to go down to have an ASAP U/S, so off I go. This takes an hour and a half. Finally the dr comes in and says the think it’s a seroma, explains it and now I am in the chair for chemo. At least it wasn’t anything worse, you can imagine the thought that we’re running through my head while I was waiting. A little possible good news, they may cut me from 6 chemo to 4. She said she would decide later. So now time to relax, eat and watch the Ranch! Love me some Sam Elliot.
Tina
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Hi everyone - thanks for thinking of me -
Chemo #3/ Day 2
Yesterday Chemo Day) was uneventful as usual. Though when I went in to see My MO (arg) I dragged in my Pharm MO to help translate. Each SE I mentioned - the Pharm had a suggestion and the MO would say "i didn't know that" so he seems to want to learn. They think I have hoof/foot Syndroum (called that in) and she tried to call in #90 day supply for 30 days of Compozine (doesn't make me sleepy and keeps Nausea away) but insurance won't pay for that much, so she transerfed from CVS to Walmat. We shall see. Otherwise instead of $4.00 it will be $70.00.When I got home (Senior Link picked me up (actually making it up my icy driveway - I live on a hill) and dropped me home on time. But when I got home SE's kicked in. Heavy feeling, Bloating, Very Dizzy, stumbling having to use my cane from falling.
Did trip over wire to TV Cable pulling fiber wires completely out of the socket - So NO TV/ NO internet/ NO Cell Towner/ NO phone. Walked down the hill (wearing cleets on my boots and cane to get reception to call ATT&t to make appointment - they came early this morning. Took a sleeping pill and went to bed at 8pm.
Was it bad of me of not wearing a beaning to play the Cancer Card so they wouldn't bill me? They [probably will will)
I'll get back to everyone later - I'm way to tired to concentrate. Ha I tried to tell the Att tech to get here and was saying south instead of west - so I finally told him to use his GPS and I was just to tired to concentrate and to forget everything I said. They have been here enough they should have my address on Speed dial
Talk to your all later - SOrryy SE's are kicking in for most.
Meow - I want to talk to you about the medical pot issue more.....
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rljes- so glad yesterday went well, sorry you aren’t feeling well today. I had to switch from Walgreens to cvs after they called in my first scripts because Walgreens no longer take my insurance. WTH, it’s 3 blocks from my house and now I have to drive 1.5 miles to CVS I have UHC, I have no clue why Walgreens no longer accepts it. Hopefully your problem is solve with Walmart, I don’t like using them, the wait is so stinking long there.
Tina
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Insurance can be crazy and it is dif in dif areas. I have part d and was actually recomended by walgreens pharm and was told in my county iit offered best deal. My neighbor sells insurance and he confirmed it, but dif states and plans, dif
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Rljes - you deserve a break from all this! Geez!
My MO called in Marinol - which is a pill derived from marijuana. Picked it up today. My pharmacist said to wait til I get home to try it, because it can make you high.
So, I'm going to try it tonight and report back my findings. I just want it to help with the damn nausea! The good news - my copay was only $10 - which is way cheaper than paying for real weed. lol.
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Iris...Hopefully, you'll hear something before your next appointment. You've really been though a lot!
Tina..So what do you attribute those great labs to??? Best news ever to maybe cut down on treatment.
rljes...Rest up...you deserve it!! I've been with CVS for years....love it. The pharmacist and workers are very attentive. My sister and her husband had to switch from CVS to Meijer (due to insurance) for their prescriptions....it has been the biggest nightmare ever.
Meow...Looking forward to your update on the Marinol!!
Hope
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Idk why my labs are always good. I didn’t even ache that much after the second round, not like the first one. I am younger than most, so I’m sure that plays a part in the decent count and less side effects. I don’t have any underlying medical issues except a little cardiac wonkiness. I feel guilty that I don’t feel miserable like some.
Tina
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Hi, all. Checking in after Round 3 of TCHP on Monday. Actual infusion went fine, we are down to 5.5 hours total time at this point. My port is a little bruised but other than that nothing immediate. I went in for my Neulasta shot yesterday and did errands afterwards while I was out and had the energy - Trader Joe's, Target and Ulta. Made lentils with sausage for dinner so there would be leftovers for my husband to have later this week.
My labs were also fairly good. But I'm still feeling a bit chilly and low-energy today and had some wooziness during the night. Took my generic Prilosec early and a Zofran along with it and was able to go back to sleep for a few more hours. Tomorrow and the next day are usually the most difficult for me, but even then it's been just a flu-ish thing so far.
Hang in there rljes!
Interested to hear about the Marinol.
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Meowmmy65, I'm interested in how the Marinol works for you. I'm going for Chemo #3 on Friday.
While my nausea hasn't been horrible, I learned after #1 to continue the nausea meds all the way through day 8 whether I think I need them or not. I seem to suffer even more from headaches and energy. Anyway, I'm going to visit a very well respected dispensary on Saturday. I guess I timed my cancer right since it just became legal on January 1. Ha ha.0 -
Sdk- I had to go back in the posts to find what I was looking for but I had my 3 tx today and my legs are so weak. I take the stairs at chemo (it’s on the second floor) and in the parking garage. I was exhausted by the time I got to the car. I watched tv for a bit and went to let the dog out and they are like noodles. Hope I can move them in the morning, I have to be there at 430 tomorrow am. And Friday at 500. Then I’m off until Monday. I am sitting here trying to decide if I could crawl out to my truck if I have to. Lol. I can’t be stuck in bed. Did they give you anything to do for it? I already take claritin daily.
Tina
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Goodness - not like hearing these reports of noodle legs, hoof syndromes on third treatments. Hope that goes away for you guys. I don’t want it - whatever that is.
Rljes- glad you managed to get a ride to your treatment, and sorry for all your hardships with weather, broken cable and Jeep. Now is the time to just rest yourself. Don’t be tripping. I hope Truman is taking good care of you.
Speaking of tripping - Meow - this new drug does sound interesting, but let’s hope it doesn’t make you high. Then again - that might be refreshing - but with no nausea of course.
Magari - I was cold earlier this week with chills, but nothing bad. It wasn’t cold weather causing it. My heating pad was literally glued to my body. Today I pushed myself to move, by putting stuff away. Oh I dread Friday! Actually up coming “flu days” that will follow and all next week.
You young working gals just amaze me! Wish I could be as strong as you.
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So far... marinol does not make me high. (Which is good, because I have far too much work to do for that!) Not sure it is helping with the nausea, but I'm going to take it for a few days and see what happens. Using an acid reducer with it. Right now, I'm not seeing a lot of change.
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Hi all - Chemo #3/ Day 3
I am so interested in Medical Marijuana.
Meow - this marino is this CBD? this won't get you high. If its CBD they take out the THC part. (that makes you high) Started out called Charlottes web for children. it will be a cold day in He** before My state gets it. I take CBD Oil,(in a capsule form and Oil) but does nothing for me. Smoking the real stuff helps with pain and sleep. But I don't want to go to JAIL!mjb1018 - good for you going to a dispensary. Go for it!
Magari - how come you have to go back to doctor to get Neulasta shot? My MO attaches to my belly and it goes off at home in 27 hours.
I feel like crap. Thankfully my "cancer buddy" took me to Walmart before the storm hits tonight. What Rx would have cost me at CVS would have been over $100. At Walmart all was a total of $25.00 / Fast and friendly. (small town) I'll Miss CVS. I know everyone there.
I havn't had a good day since the end of Chemo #1/ Fatigue, bloating, constipation, Hip pain, Exhaustion, dizzy, heavy footed,
Labs:
Kidney: low (0.60
WBC : ok (5.9)
RBC : low (3.26)
HGB : low (10.4)
Patelets: ok (155)Got my Knitter Knockers today - to wear under my sports bra when I want to look like I have something - Ordered a little big 32B - should have went for the 28a. Ha
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rljes - Sorry to hear you're having such a rough time of it.
I have to go in to get my Neulasta shot at my oncologist's office because my insurance won't pay for the full cost of the automatic pods and I'm unwilling to pay the out of pocket cost. I considered doing so, but decided that going to my shot appointment gets me out of the house and is an opportunity for me to do errands.
3 days post-chemo #3: Actually feeling fairly decent today. Walked a mile or so to pick up some bread and a prescription, but took the bus back home. It was good to get out and get some fresh air.
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rljes, I'm really interested in the medical marijuana, too. Interesting to hear that CBD oil does nothing for you. I've heard great things about it. That being said, the TCH definitely offers benefits that CBD can not. Honestly, I don't know a whole lot about it. I have just started to research. I think I'll get schooled when I go on Saturday. Ha ha. I just learned that the place I'm going in my town has been featured in a movie about the war on cannabis, in documentaries and interviewed for many national news stations. The owner started it when he began treating his own son with CBD. I'm guessing I will get a few tintures - CBD and one with THC. I've not smoked it recreationally, so...We shall see. I still laugh at the timing of my cancer, not having to jump through hoops for a medical card, as I probably wouldn't do it. I'm interested to try something natural opposed to synthetic/chemical drugs for the SE.
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Magari, nice to hear you are feeling good day 3 post #3. I'm off to #3 AC tomorrow.
Round 1 was tough, round 2 was so, so, so much better! Here's hoping #3 is as good, if not better...WE CAN DO THIS! 0 -
Decided to check out the Look good feel good class, but the next one isn’t until March, so that was kinda depressing. I don’t wear makeup anyway but I thought it would help. I’m just so out of the loop anymore. I don’t have the energy to go out except one weekend every 3 weeks. There’s no beach days this time of year. I feel like a fat cow all the time. I had a friend from nursing school text me this afternoon talking about how class is going (they kicked me out when they found out I was doing chemo, said I couldn’t participate I clinicals so I couldn’t graduate) so I guess I’m feeling sorry for myself a little bit. Took me 28 years to raise kids and finally go back to school and this happens and everything is put on hold. I’m usually more optimistic than I am right now, And I don’t like it. Feel like Alice going down the rabbit hole. Probably just a little chemo brain, after a really long week of work. 1 more day then the weekend off. I need more sunlight, at least it’s warmer out right now.
Just my little vent for the day, I don’t vent to anyone because people tend to pity you when you do, and I am so glad I can just say what I need to to people that get it. On a plus note one of my patients got me scrub hats from a nursing shop that are so cute, I can’t wait to wear one tomorrow.
Tina.
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Tina - you have the right to feel sorry for yourself. I think we all do in frustration of our lives being disrupted by drugs and fatique. That doesn’t seem right that you couldn’t participate in your clinical class. Was it due to your being exposed to something? I know I’m frustrated physically and mentally. I can’t do the things I normally do and I feel things are piling up around me. I feel shut in , because I don’t want to be around people that might be contagious with flu. I was going to sign up for that look good class, but I don’t even care now. Oh, and I gained all my weight back from first treatment, and gained 2 more additional pounds with second treatment. I feel like a fat moose! Our FL warm spree will get cold again this weekend, and I get to be sick and glued to my heating pad once again. So I can vent too
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Marinol is a man-made pill derived from cannabis. It is not CBD oil. It does contain THC. Both the oncologist and pharmacist warned me that it could make me feel high. It does not, thank goodness. Having a low nausea day, and I'm not sure whether to credit it to the marinol or to timing. I'm one week away from the next infusion, and this is when I should start feeling better anyway. So, the jury is still out, although I'm hopeful that it will work! Seriously - everybody ask about marinol if you don't have medical marijuana in your area. It is the next best thing, and it is a real prescription. Like I said, my copay was only $10. That is cheap!
Tina - you absolutely have the right to feel sorry for yourself - and so does everyone else on this forum. We are on a very difficult journey. I think we have the right to scream at the universe in anger or frustration, or whatever else we are feeling. Blair2 - go ahead and yell. Forget feeling like a moose. That will pass. Forget the stuff that is piling up around you. You can deal with it when you feel better. Remember that all this crap is temporary!
Rljes - I'm sorry you are having such a rough time. I hope your doctor can help ease some of those symptoms and help you get some relief. The knitted knockers are so cute! And... I picked up the Ayr gel on your recommendation. My poor nose is raw. That stuff is great!
I hope everyone finds relief from the side effects. Sending positive energy and healing vibes to each and every one of you.
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I had my 4th and final chemo on Wednesday. It took an hour to get the PICC line unblocked using two different anti coagulant drugs to break loose whatever was there. They stuck me with an IV to infuse anti nausea and steroid so we didn't run so far behind. After treatment they pulled my PICC. Yay!
My left foot tendinitis was so bad day 16 - 20 > Chemo 3. I was icing, epsom salt soaks, compression like crazy. Onc says chemo ages you, so you get more age related issues to flare up for several months. Lots of people notice arthritis flares.
Hope did you get your hemorrhoids under control? Mine flared the first round. I was taking ibuprofen for my pain and had diarrhea. I'd never had that much blood,and it scared me. Next round I cut way back on ibuprofen and proactively took Colace for constipaton and Imodium for diarrhea. Also took Align probiotic and drank a daily dose of Kefir. It all seemed to help.
Somebody mentioned bloody nose. Me too. Just when I blow, but I have to blow to clear the mucus and nasty clots combo. I put humidifiers in my bedroom and living area, but still have about a week of nastiness.
Rljes, I'm so sorry you have to do this alone. Different church and work friends took me to each round. I had more offers than rounds. Their kindness overwhelmed me. No hubby or bf in the picture to help. My 83 year old mom wanted to take me to at least one session, but I told her it was too much work and too long of sessions sitting on hard side chairs.
I've gained 7 pounds since I started.Stupid steroids and fatigue. I'm so ready to feel normal again and get back to a regular workout routine.
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Thank you to whoever mentioned wig grips! The kind without the built in cap works well over my favorite bamboo wig cap. This is my $84 QVC red wig. I’ve never been a red head, and I’m having fun with it
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Me ringing the chemo is done bell. I hope everyone in the November thread gets to celebrate soon
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Congratulations Orangedaisy! It's so wonderful to hear you finished your final treatment. You have a beautiful smile and you look great as a redhead. Wishing you much happiness and a fast recovery from chemotherapy. Feeling normal sounds like a dream to me. I hope you get to your own personal normal very soon.
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Congratulations orangedaisy!! I can’t wait for my day to come!!!
Tina
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Orangedaisy...CONGRATULATIONS!!! How wonderful you must feel ending the treatment. I love your wig. A perfect style for you.
I hate hearing all the nasty side effects some of you are having and pray they end sooner than later. Hang in there!!
Hope
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Yahoo Orangedaisy- congratulations from me too! You look awesome and I know you are feeling great relief and freedom from treatment. Your wig is somewhat similar to mine. I like the color too on you. Keep us posted on any last side effects. Hopefully being more relieved will keep it all away.
I had my third infusion today also. My friend Nancy went with me and these are the photos she took of me - she however looks great regardless of the silliness. I have had already a stomach cramp. Labs were good even though I had 8 side effects listed. My OM said my back pain is muscle inflammation, and doesn’t blame it so much on chemo drugs. I find that odd, since I never had this problem before, so don’t know what to think. She said to stay on the Aleve as needed. I try to take one only at night - as long as I move, my back isn’t as bad, so I think I have it under control
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So silly - actually probably an improvement!
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Congratulations Orangedaisey!!
I know if I have a fever of 100.4 I need to call oncology but here is my question. If my temperature is 99.1 do I take Tylenol or just let my temperature raise if it’s going to go up? I keep feeling worse and worse after the neaulasta shot I got on Monday. Last night dry heaves; palms tingling super tired. Today I have zero appetite and I’m still totally wiped out. Is this normal? It’s scary. I’m never sick and this just seems crazy to feel worse and worse. I called oncology yesterday to let them know I have a cold. At least I think that’s what it is but I keep feeling worse not better no matter how much I rest or what I do. If this is all normal to feel like this I sure would be relieved. Thanks for any thoughts you gals might have. Kate
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Tina - I am literally sitting in Chemo now getting the #4 Red Devil. I sailed though 1 & 2. #3 stopped in my tracks for 3 days. Legs would not move and when the feeling of tiredness came, I immediately sat down where ever I was. Then willed my body to move slowly eventually. They gave me nothing for this but asked me about shortness of breath and heart rate. After stairs I do breathe heavy which is not normal for me. They say the side effects are from the Chemo building up in our systems. I just take claritin, nausea pills and tylenol. They say it will be over after this treatment. I will now start Taxol weekly for 12 weeks - with less side effects they say. I am in bed at 8pm most nights and get 7-9 hours sleep with the aid of tylenol PM. Hope your legs regain some strenth soon. Just remember this is temporary and will not last. Positive vibes!
orangedaisy - CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Your wig looks sweet! Great job!I suspect I will be in bed all weekend and back to normal sometime on Monday. I have arranged to work from home Monday in anticipation of the fatigue. Will let you all know how #4 went today.
Love, Prayers with positive vibrations!
Chat soon, Sylvia
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19501952 I think the tylenol will help keep your temperature down. I would probably take it as a precaution if you can keep it down. Drink lots of fluids. Can you get some Gatoraid or Ensure to get electrolytes and some nutrician. My oncologist has a phone number I can call with questions, do you have someone to call? Hope your side effects pass. Saying prayers for you!
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Here's a pic of my two rescue kitties, I find them all over the house snuggled up together. Its so sweet. And a pic of my head with and without my wig
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