Starting chemo January 2018
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Daelle, First, everyone was late and the surgeon looked hungover. Then, they couldn't get an IV started for anything. After 5 tries, I told the nurse I needed someone else to try. She was very pissy and stomped off. The second nurse was as useless as the first then they decided they'd do something via my neck and I'd just “have to hold really still". That was the point I said F this, got up and left. My hands were black and blue and I was completely freaked out. On my way out the nurse said i’d Be back because there was no way they could do chemo without a port because my veins were too difficult. Turns out, they could, my veins are normal and that nurse was a useless See You Next Tuesday
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Love it too!
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Hi, I had my second chemo Monday of TC. Everything went well. I seem to be super sleepy exhausted Day 2 and 3. I usually feel fine other than that. Once I start giving myself the daily injections to increase by WBC’s, I have a lot of back and leg pain. Do any of you get this? I’ve tried heating pads but not a lot of relief. Any tips? I had left over Percocet from my mastectomy 7 wks ago and that seemed to let me sleep last night. 2 chemistry down 2 to g
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Krose, my MO suggested I start taking Claritin (not the Claritin-D) a day or two before my chemo (which reminds me I need to take it tonight for tomorrow!) and keep taking it, 1 daily, for a total of 7 days to help with the Neulasta, which is what they're giving me for the WBC. There's supposed to be something in the antihistamine properties that's supposed to help with the discomfort.
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Thanks Shlomit. I have been doing this. I’m guessing it is helping but I’m still having difficulty sleeping with it. Are you getting any pain or is the Claritin totally helping you?
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Hi from round three! We got this!
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Krose, I only have the 1st round of chemo to go by, so I believe the Claritin helped. I also took, occasionally, some extra strength Tylenol (over the counter). What also may have helped is that I've been taking generic Celebrex on a regular basis (long before the BC diagnosis) for general joint arthritis, and it's something that my MO hasn't indicated is counter to any of the other medications I'm taking for the chemo-related issues. Had chemo #2 today, and the Neulasta is set to go off Saturday afternoon, so we'll see how it goes. However, seeing as how my WBC counts dramatically improved in weeks 2 and 3 following the 1st round, it's a little discomfort I can accept.
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Wow! This chemo fatigue is a wicked stuff!
Day 4 post chemo #2. Had my 1st nap 10am-1pm. Had to drag myself out of bed as I had a clinic appointment for port dressing change and some other errands.
Came home, had something to eat. Laid down at 6pm and slept trough till 10pm. Would probably keep sleeping, but got hungry. Now, supper and back to bed.
I don't know how you ladies go to work with during chemo! You are my heroes.
P.s went to the bank and got complimented on my "new hip haircut"(the brown wig with pixie cut) LOL
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Good afternoon ladies,
Haven't posted in awhile but doesn't mean I havent been around reading everything. I am wondering if anyone has experienced burns from chemo. I called and spoke to nurse about seeing dr. but she said I didn't need to come in that they would reduce taxotere next treatment (round 3 is Tues.) My fingers and hands burned as if I had stuck them in an oven and have peeled off at least 5-6 times. Also have several spots on arms and legs although not as bad. My oh my, what we ALL have to go through but look at how STRONG we truly are. Blessngs for everyone. We got this ya'll....
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Becky, have you been icing your fingers, hands and toes during your TC treatment, or at least during the "T" part? I've been using small frozen gel packs stuck inside a pair of socks and keep my hands in between the packs, 2/sock, switching out the gel packs when they get too soft. The nurse at my treatment facility suggested I keep them icing for an additional 15 minutes after the "T" part is complete. I also have a pair of special slipper/socks for my feet that have frozen gel inserts, and I wear them during the "T" part of the treatment as well. I had treatment #2 of 4 yesterday, and haven't had any issues with my hands or feet.
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my wife had her second round of chemo last week. We are really concerned about her getting sick. They delayed the 2nd treatment because her white blood cells were too low. Do you all go out ? Dinner movies etc while on chemo
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Schlomit- I’ll be starting TC next week. Can you tell me more about the gel packs? Where can I get those? Also, do you bring the replacement gel packs to treatin a small cooler?
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Hopeful_Husband - first 2 weeks post treatment i try to stay away from crowds as much as possible. if i need to go into a hospital, i wear a face mask. the 3rd week i am sort of back to the society but very limited.
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Okkate75- Love the picture.Hope all is well.
Olesya- Wishing you the best, Rest is good and it's great you are eating.
Beckyt23- Sorry to hear about your discomfort. I am not familiar with this SE, but hope your SE get better and the adjustment works.
Hopefull_Husband- I will be going to the movies tomorrow. (Week 2 in between treatments) My MO's nurse said it was okay, but once I go in Do not touch any part of my face. My WBC has been good each week. I am doing this for my family, but I am very nervous. I am able to limit contact with others at work and can sanitze my office. Others may be able to give better feedback.
Faithwalker22- search Amazon for socks for chemo
Take care everyone.
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FaithWalker, the items I referenced are on Amazon (and Prime, if you have it).
The gel packs for the hands, I started with one pack of 6, but just recently got a 2d pack; I ordered: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZVI485Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The cold therapy socks I ordered were: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003L4WOKG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Yes, I bring these with me in a little cooler bag w/an extra ice pack (like the kind you might use in the summer to keep food cold).0 -
Krose53 - My MO said I could take the steroid (at half dose) for a few more days after to keep the bone pain at bay. I normally take this drug the day before, day of, and day after treatment, so this would be the 2nd (and possibly 3rd) day after treatment. I give myself the Neulasta injection the night of the day after treatment - so will be doing this shortly, as I had my second treatment yesterday. Last time the bone pain was severe so this will be an experiment to see if this helps. Can you try this?
FaithWalker - I used the same ice booties that Shlomit used - first time yesterday with my second treatment. They were way easier to manage that the ice bags the chemo room provided. I bought 3 pairs and rotated them as they warmed up. There is a freezer at the hospital so we just kept them in there and my husband would switch them for me as needed. For my hands, I had some gel packs that had a little sleeve over them, so I put on surgical gloves for an extra layer and then just shoved my hands into the sleeve. I find doing this all is really uncomfortable, but still worth the effort.
Okkate75 - fantastic pic!
Hopeful Husband - I went out much of the time after treatment (when I wasn't feeling wiped our or sick of course!), and just carried some sanitary wipes with me. But frankly, I didn't use them much - just don't touch things. Is your wife getting a White blood cell booster? I think that really makes a difference.
I'm day 1 after treatment 2: Massive stomach trouble last night and really tired today, but otherwise managing. Nervous about heading into the bone pain again, so I sure hope the extra steroid use will help somewhat - and not give me a big fat face!
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Deaelle, if Claritan (not Claritan-D) is available where you are, that's what was recommended for the discomfort following the Neulasta injection. I start it a day before treatment and take one a day for 7 days. Doesn't take it all away, but it helps. Something about the antihistamine in it that works with/in the bone marrow where the WBCs are made. It's OTC.
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Chemo 3# kicked me hard with a general malaise and fatigue. Thankfully, no other SE to speak of. I am just dragging myself from one part of the house to another, even though I was up for a workout session two days post infusion (must have been those steroids).
I have a sore throat and this time I'm doing the Zarzio injections (three days in a row starting day 4 post infusion). I do not want to get sick! My wbc were low and MO was going to postpone infusion, but I insisted to go ahead.
I'm keeping myself at home -- haven't been outside for a week tomorrow (save one lunch date that I can't help thinking a partially clean spoon passed on some bug....).
My bestie is arriving from overseas this Wednesday. I really don't want her seeing me this way. And I can't muster the energy to make plans to do fun things
I'm just really sick of feeling like dirt, having my head feel fuzzy and the constant body pain from TE and port. Hitting a psychologically low these days.
And no one is cooking for me and I haven't the energy to make food so resort mainly to things I probably shouldn't be eating. Sure wish there were pre-made healthy foods here in the third world - everything on offer is either pasta or meat....
Rant over --- think about you all and hope you are fairing better than me.
xx
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hello chemo sisters. I had a visit with a dietitian and thought I would share what I learned.
The dietician basically told me EVERYTHING a chemo patient eats (esp if you have GI issues) should be at least steamed or cooked. This is to make it easier for you to digest. That includes both fruits and veggies. She recommended to bake an apple, and for berries to put them in a small pot just for few minutes and add cinammon. She said she would avoid absolutely anything that is raw-including greens. I asked her about juices. I was drinking beet, carrot, celery, ginger juice every other day to have better WBC counts but she said she would avoid juicing as well.
Other than that sugar-as I am sure we all know (but I love it!)- she said every time you eat something sugary you shut down your immune system for 18h-something to consider especially in our situation. I’ve read a lot that sugar is fuel for cancer and whatnot but never heard the immune system thing.
She said at least 2 cups of green veggies and 1cup of orange veggies a day.
I never had GI issues but I’ve had a very nasty case of diarhea/vomiting on Wednesday (12 incidents over night-sorry for TMI) and had to go to dr after to get fluids via IV. I was never as sick as I was then. I never even had a case or stomach flu so it was terrifying. Anyways, they are not sure if it was something I ate or some bug. I also developped a fever while having IV. They dont think it’s from chemo as it was all too sudden and violent...anyways, I know I need to take a better look at what i am eating and i think I will implement “nothing raw” rule.
I will have my 3rd round of AC on Wednesday. If not for my incident I would say it is totally manageable but now I am afraid it’s not gonna be as easy...the things we have to get thru to be well
Have a great Sunday!
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Hopeful- I don't go anywhere unless I need to. My husband does all of the grocery shopping and errands, and I'm on leave from work. During my first round of chemo, I accompanied my husband to one of his appointments, and then ended up in the ED that weekend with a fever and some kind of virus. I've been told that that was unusual, but from now on am not taking chances. Some drugs have more of a risk (of compromising the immune system) than others.
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DxAt37 I feel for you. I had the same thing after my AC #1. Couldn't keep anything down, including water, so ended up on an IV (saline and Zofran) in the ER. Came home and was STARVING. I don't ever want that to happen again. The next time I ate small bites continually through chemo and every hour afterwards, which helped a lot. Bread and peanutbutter crackers and spanakopita (that my Meal Train brought), Activia yogurt, and so on. Second round I also did some cannabis (vape or smoke- not the edibles as the smell made me gape) as my radiologist friend with stomach cancer reaffirmed that cannabis is a very good anti-nauseal and sent me some gorgeous homegrown buds (he lives in Colorado).
So interesting what your dietician said.... I concur on the sugar for sure. The raw food I am mixed- I don't do much during the 4 days just after AC (my most sensitive times), but I make a green drink with the juicer usually on Monday after a Thursday infusion, and it seems to be the main thing that gets my bowels back on track. Carrots, celery, kale, an apple, and a scoop of protein powder. My body craves it. At our cancer center the nurse said to eat what we crave, protein is best but anything is better than eating nothing. But drinking lots of water is the single best indicator of who is going to do well with chemotherapy.
I've been fixated on getting exercise and getting outside. Happier mind in happier body... Some days it is SO hard, but I make myself. The Neulasta makes me feel like crap (Claritin helps), but my white blood counts have rebounded well. I am not anal about staying out of public places, but when I go to the gym I pre-wipe all the machines and the floor mat.
My 3rd round of AC is this coming Thursday, so I am on a similar schedule to you, DXAt37. I hope you have a GREAT week and can be accepting and calm for Wednesday. (I am talking to myself as well, not trying to be condescending as SO many people have been giving me quite the array of useful to useless advice).
Amelia I am so glad your bestie is coming. That will make a world of difference. Don't worry about being upbeat or planning stuff to do- she is coming to help you and it is your turn to accept her help. I am the most stubborn and do-it-myself person I know, and it has been a journey through humility to learn to accept help and meals and gifts, and to say thank you. It's our turn to take.
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hello, ladies!
DxAt37-it us interesting about sugar! I new it might fuel the cancer but didn't know about immune system.have to revise it, as I like chocolate and cookies ( like many of us; ))
Amelia, hopefully shots help you a bit with blood count. And I wish I could share some food with you! This week my fridge and freezer happen to over flow with food that friends brought over....
I'm struggling with constipation thus time round. Always been regular. But started on a bad note this time : before my 2nd treatment I got the post installed. It hurt that night so I took codeine pill -and that was it. I was going but very slowly and was not experiencing any relief. Today us the 2nd day without BM:( I'm taking Senokot pills....lots if fluid and fibre..I want MG bowels to work again!
Had a great day yesterday. Today I'm in a slump with a headache...
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oleysa, if you drink coffee add a tbl of coconut oil and that should jump start the body.
And don’t forget everyone PROBIOTICS!!! They are essential to getting the GI track healthy.
X
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Hi, I'm a Feb girl popping in to ask a question. Are you AC ladies finding your treatments more or less the same? My first AC wiped me out on Day 1 but I was almost back to normal on Day 2, but I'm wondering if I can count on that for every cycle or if it really changes each time?
About the probiotics, some people say if you're on chemo you should avoid. From the breastcancer.org page: "However, people with weakened immune systems — such as those who are taking chemotherapy for cancer — could be vulnerable to infection by the bacteria. It is generally recommended that these people avoid probiotics.“0 -
Greetings to my enlightening, courageous, beautiful lady friends! It is amazing how individualized our responses are to our respective chemos. So, Moth, I would offer up to drink lots of water, mindful eating what your body craves, rest when you can, and listen to the many tips the ladies here recommend from their own experiences with AC.
My second chemo with TC went well, aside from gastritis and sleeping issues. Recovered from those and gearing up tomorrow for my 3rd round and first dose-dense (week 2 vs waiting 3 weeks). No idea what to expect, but MO is impressed with how well I've handled chemo thus far. I do self-quarantine and wear a mask when I have to go to clinic.
I find I crave yogurt and eat Activa sugarless whenever I want. Also drank Kombucha with ginger when had my stomach issues. I eat LOTS of pickled ginger! Many interesting and new articles showing that healthy gut immune system required for maximum chemo efficacy. So, I have become an even bigger believer in probiotics. But, everything in moderation...
Good luck everyone!
Laura
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Moth, I found that days 3-5 were the worst for me in terms of pain, nausea, and exhaustion. When I keep the Tylenol in my system, I feel better. But mostly I just have to lay low and not do anything. My big event of the day is a shower, if I even get to it. (Edited to add that my treatments have been TC, so maybe your SE will be different.)
All- I'm finding that certain foods just don't taste right or will trigger nausea. I'm mostly eating like a person would when they have the flu-- roast chicken, mild soups, well-cooked vegetables, nothing exotic, raw, or fancy. No tomato sauce or unusual spices, and nothing pickled. Tapioca pudding seems to agree with me when my stomach is upset.0 -
Hello Everyone,
I am preparing for my FAC round 2 tomorrow. My outing with the family today went okay. Everyone had a good time, but I am exhausted.
Prepping my bag and home rest spot now. This will be my first to understand not going in everyday for chemo, only day 1 and 4. I am expecting my SE to be different since I will not go in everyday.
Once it's started I can mark this one off. Wishing everyone the best.
Take care.
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Insideout2 Wishing you strength and no side effects! xx
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Dxat87-I heard that about sugar but it has been very hard for me cutting sugar. I almost crave it more now that I can’t have it. My son got a lot of chocolate for Valentine’s Day and I seem to keep eating it. I wish I could stop my cravings or at least have better will power.
I’m getting ready for my second treatment tomorrow and of course my anxiety is going up. I went to the cannibus shop for the first time and I’m going to attempt to use the vapor. I don’t even know if I’m saying it right. I asked the kid working there ( who didn’t even look as old as my oldest son),which kind to use and he set me up with a variety of types and tried to explain them to me. Of course I got home and forgot everything he said and which ones were for what. I guess I’m just going to guess which one to use tonight and hope it’s the one for anxiety and insomnia
Also going to do cold capping for the second time. Tomorrow is day 21 and I haven’t shed really. I only wash my hair once a week and I have been doing everything by the book so we will see how it goes. Did think it was odd that the other hair on my body is magically going away these last few days. I didn’t think that happened this soon. Well at least it isn’t my hair on my head yet.
Thank u everyone for all your support and good luck to u all this next week
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