Starting Chemotherapy March 2018
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I haven't posted in a while and I'm definitely following this thread. Actually, I don't know how folks have time to post and I'm glad you all do.
I had my port put in on 3/9 and it hurts like an SOB! There is some redness descending down my chest from one of the port incisions that I am keeping an eye on. And, the wound from my lumpectomy/mammoplasty is still not fully healed. AC chemo is supposed to start 3/16, but the wound specialists I will see on 3/15 has to give the go ahead. I want to get on with it already as I have a high oncotype score and believe the longer I go without the chemo, the higher my chances of mets. I'm alternately impatient, sad and afraid and trying to make sure I'm "ready".
I have some dental issues that were being treated prior to the start of chemo and last week, the oncodentist told me I didn't really need that tooth anyway! Can you imagine? If someone tells me I don't need my breasts either, heaven help them!
Thanks for everyone's post and courage.
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Hello all! I'm on Day 10 of my first AC treatement and I have been doing fairly good. This weekend is a huge change from last weekend - no headaches, very little nausea, energy is back up. Thank goodness. The whole process was less traumatic than I feared - I overpacked, like hobbyhorse mentioned
My taste buds have changed a bit and my beloved Coke Zero doesn't taste right, so on top of everything else I've had withdrawal symptoms from the sharp decrease in caffeine intake. That should be temporary, though. Meanwhile I'm craving cream of chicken soup and savory homemade rice - sweets are not appealing and toast every morning has been a lifesaver. I got a kind with extra fiber to help with any possible constipation side effects from the anti-nausea meds. Cran-apple juice has been amazing.
Steph74 - welcome! I know what you mean about being used to long hair. Mine was a source of pride and then I got it all chopped off. I will post a pic in a bit
. I'm enjoying my two weeks or so of short hair before it starts to fall out, then I'll get it buzzed fully.Sidalee - how did your scans come out? We'd love to hear!
2Infinity__ - thinking of you this weekend! Hope the treatment went okay and you are able to rest and recuperate!
sillyoldrabbit - sorry to hear that you are having to consider so many changes to your food habits. I too hate to be cold, and my doctor said the cold caps weren't going to help with hair loss anyway if you get the Adriamycin ("red devil"), so I'm not bothering with trying them. Shave it all, wear snuggly caps when needed, stylish scarves or bald head when the weather gets nicer!
RVS - welcome! I too am getting a chemo treatement on the 16th. I'll be thinking about you! Bummer about having to cancel your cruise. I hope you can reschedule for the future!!
anyone else I missed, I'm still reading and thinking about all of y'all!!!
love, paisley
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Here is my before and after!
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I love your short hair
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Hi, everyone. My first post here, actually first post anywhere. :-)
Great website and the easiest to navigate, many wonderful tips and advices. Thanks everyone.
Just finished first round chemo this Thursday March 8th. Chemo went smooth, some mild headache during first drug (30min) not much on the 2nd drug (60-75min). Hospital gave me ice gloves to protect finger nails. I plan bringing ice gel packs next round for my toes as well. Started Grastofil yesterday for WBC boost. Not too much bad reaction to chemo yet, but the Grastofil has brought on the pain in joints, bones, muscles and everything including teeth. LOL. Not bad though. After reading the posts here, I will go get some Claritin. My onco or nurse didn't mentioned this, just said take pain meds if needed. So thanks for the tips on Claritin.
Feelingmostly normal for the first 2 days after chemo, still did my 5-8 km walk each day. Last night was the first night couldn't sleep well because of pain from Grastofil. Still got 4 k walk this morning with my dog children.
Starting to feel dry mouth today, so drinking water as everyone suggested.
Spring is finally here and sunny all over. Best luck to everyone.
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Welcome, NVDobie! We're so glad you've joined our community, and hope you find this to be a place of support as you continue with your treatment.
The Mods
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Hi there, I'm also starting in March,
im just wondering why you will have sentinel node biopsy now after surgery ?
I did have it done before my surgery.
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@Paisley love your hair...how do you feel about it?
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I agree your hair looks fab Paisley. I was loving mine short too but it has just started to come out
. I figure it's good to get a taste of short cause that's how it will be when it grows back. I am wondering how long it will take. Holding off on the buzz until it must be done. We have a wedding Friday so that will be an opportunity to wear the new wig! It is still quite warm over here even though we are now in Autumn. I am glad it is cooling off, will make wearing headgear practical as well as cosmetic .
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Thanks all, for the kind comments! I do not like the way the short hair looks, so I'm focusing on practical advantages (there are many!). After all, it's only a week or so until I get it buzzed all the way down.
Calee65 and NVDobie, welcome!
yvonnasf, I haven't had a mastectomy or lumpectomy yet. I'm doing chemo first, and the sentinel node biopsy was done at the same time as my port placement. So my surgery so far is the sentinel node removal, and later this summer I'll have another surgery to remove the tumor.
NVDobie, glad to hear the Claritin idea is useful. My resource nurse suggested a mouth rinse for the sores, and someone on one of these forums suggested mixing up the dry parts ahead of time in a bunch of Dixie cups so it would be ready to go. 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then a few ounces of warm water when you're ready to rinse. Rinse after eating, brushing teeth, before bed. It really helped my mouth sores go away quickly.
helenlouise, that's exactly how I felt about "getting a taste" of the short hair. I hope the wedding goes wonderfully!
Hope to hear from everyone as to how they are doing!!
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Hi,
I’m new to the community. I was dx’ed in November. I started chemo (TC) on March 5th. So far my biggest symptoms are from the Neulasta and not the chemo. I’m waiting for my hair to fall out. I am glad I found this forum
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Welcome, Seriously-Cali! We're glad you've joined our community, and hope it can be a source of support and information as you continue with your treatment plan.
The Mods
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Hi Ladies,
I'm starting my chemo tomorrow. I was DX on Feb. 21 and will start chemo prior to surgery. I had my port put in 3/8. Boy is it annoying. I want to rip it out! I hope over time I will forget it is there. I'm happy I found this forum too!
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Good Morning,
Checking in, I had my first round of TCHP yesterday and so far I am pleasantly surprised by how I feel, but I realize I am still propped up on steroids lol. I had some flushing and aches last night, but a little Tylenol took care of it. My Neulasta patch is supposed to activate about 2pm today so we'll see how that goes--I have been taking Claritin as recommended.
I used the Dignicap for the first time yesterday and it was tougher than I expected. I wore it for 4 1/2 hours and I cannot express the feeling of deep down cold. I thought I would be able to work, text, etc. all day, but even wrapped in heated blankets my hands were shaking so bad I could hardly use them. When they took the cap off there were ice crystals in my hair! COLD, I tell you! Hope it's going to be worth it.
I did have my PET/CT last week and it showed no signs of metastasis so that was a huge relief. Still waiting on genetics results which should be any day now.
Tomorrow is my first day without steroid support, fingers crossed that I don't get a smackdown from the SE's. Hope you all are hanging in okay.
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Thanks, Paisley
Your are rocking the short hair.
Have been doing the mouth rinse after reading posts here. Good idea to do a batch, going to do it now.
Everyone
Claritin seem not stopping the pain maybe because I took it late, 2 days after Grastofil.
I know a little a bit traditional Chinese medicine, so did some Moxa treatment last night, It seems to help. Feeling completely normal no pain during moxibustion, pain came back a bit after stopping the treatment. But did have a better night of sleep. Bones and muscles pains have gotten better today as well. So will do Moxa today as well.
You cangoogle Moxibustion and chemotherapy online. Or message me I will send over some articles I found. It’s easy to learn, but you do need to get the Moxa sticks from traditional Chinese pharmacies.
Will continue to try and share if I find anything else that helps.
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Heartburn issue anyone?
Does anyone have any suggestions for heartburn? It started few days after first chemo, comes and goes, but really bad when it hits. Like cooking acid in the stomach.
chewing on tums but not helping much.
Thanks in advance
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Hello Everyone,
I have been using this community to help me get through some of my experiences since diagnosis and I decided to post now that I've started treatment.
I was diagnosed in January and had my first AC treatment yesterday. I am scheduled for 3 more followed by 12 weekly Taxol infusions. The infusion went well considering the staff was GREAT.
Just wanted to say hi and share my experience as it may be helpful to someone as so many other peoples experiences have been helpful to me.
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Hi vball10 and Styles, and welcome to the Community. Sorry it has to be for this reason, but we're glad you decided to join us here. Wishing you well with your treatment and sending you both good vibes!
The Mods
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Hi everyone!
NVDobie - I also had some heartburn, and have had pretty good success with Zantac Maximum Strength.
Blander foods and having something in your stomach all the time also has seemed to help. But give the Zantac a try.
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Hi, wildcolonialgirl
Thanks for the tip.
Going for radiation consult today so will ask for prescription just In case. I have been googling all day yesterday. And grab some Zantac. Stoped Tums and Gavsicon after realizing they cause acid rebound. Cutting all acid food, only had quinoa bread for last two meals.
Newest reading says try almond milk. Almond is low alkaline, should have made the connection myself.
Will let everyone know if Almond milk does it’s thing.
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Just had first Taxotere, cytoxan and herceptin infusion today. Within 30 seconds of starting taxotere, I had terrible chest pressure and it was hard to breathe. They stopped the infusion immediately and flushed with saline, then gave me 50 of solumedrol (i am already taking 8 of decadron the day before, the day of, and the day after) as well as benadryl. Fortunately able to resume infusion without recurrence of symptoms. No nausea so far, but they had me take Varubi prior to chemo. Sounds like it would be better to just take the zofran rather than waiting to see if I get nauseated. They ice packed my hands and feet during taxotere - I don't think I could have managed a cold cap as well! I already chopped my hair, and it is fine and thin anyway - no great loss. Got the neulasta on body injector - hoping that keeps me from getting sick. Hang in there ladies! one down!
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I had my first round of chemo Thursday and Friday (tchp) and today I've been slammed the ground. Those of you a few days ahead of me... It gets better right? It's so strange to feel like we have to survive the cure..
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I start chemo March 22nd. I have four rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxan. I had my unilateral mastectomy with tissue expander placement Feb. 1st and had some healing issues but it is looking up!
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I agree luxill, only disease I know where you have to get (when you are feeling ok) to get better. My head has hurt today top and back. Oncologist said it would hurt when the hair starts to fall.
I found the worst for feeling off were the first few days after infusion. I am due again Monday, so it will be interesting to see how round 2 goes.0 -
Persnickety, that is so scary! I'm sorry you had a reaction, but glad you were able to finish your treatment.
Yesterday was Day 3 for me and it was rough. The exhaustion completely wiped me out and I had to go to bed. I had some tummy issues for the first time yesterday also. Today I am sitting at my desk at work feeling like I'm peering through a fog. I'm not sure if I will make it all day or not, but I'm going to try. After this round, the rest of my treatments will be on Thursdays which will give me a better recovery period I think.
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Just wanted to check in.. and thank you everyone for the welcome! I had my "chemo class" yesterday with my oncologist's nurse and it was both very helpful and overwhelming at the same time! She called in all the prescriptions I'll need and now I officially feel like an old lady with all my pill bottles lined up in the kitchen.
I have my port placement scheduled for next Weds. and my first chemo treatment will be on the 26th. Still struggling with what to do with my hair. The nurse told me about another option in my area.. there is a hair stylist who specializes in "real hair" weaves for chemo patients. He uses your own hair mixed with extensions and some kind of super strong adhesive to glue the weave onto your head. Apparently you can still swim, wash your hair, etc. He has gotten excellent reviews and the photos online look amazing. It's expensive though (about $1600) and I'm not sure how I feel about having something stuck on my head like that.. lol. Not to mention I wonder how the hair grows back with that glue on your head? At least with a wig I can take it off if I want to. Anyway, I am going to try on wigs this weekend and then maybe go for a free consultation with this stylist if I'm still undecided. Sometimes I feel like this should be the least of my worries, but it's actually the thing I have been struggling with the most!
Paisley, I think your hair looks super cute short! I debated doing that too, but if I get a wig everyone will wonder how my hair went from that short to long again overnight.. lol. I'm really trying to keep this on the down low at work as many of the kids I work with in therapy have parents going through cancer treatments, so I just wouldn't be comfortable.
I enjoy reading all the posts from those that have already started treatment, it is reassuring on a lot of different levels and makes me feel better to know what to expect to some degree. We got this!!!!
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Hi!
I’m now day 10 post my first TC infusion. I too have heartburn. Still have all my hair but I’ve noticed my skin is really dry. I’ve been drinking a ton of water and cut out coffee
. I did 5 neulasta shots instead of 7. The oncologist said I may be able to do that as long as my WBC count stays up. She did prescribe Tramadol which worked awesome for the 5th shot. I also took Claritin. Bone pain went from an eight to zero. I had a lymphedema check and so far so good. They took all (?) 28 lymph nodes on the right. Another issue I’m struggling with is not working. I’m a microbiologist and my job puts me in contact with nasty clinical pathogens. A normal immune system requires protective gear, my now compromised one makes working out of the question. Most days I feel good and I'm definitely not used to being home. My kids are 11 and 14, pretty independent.
Hope everyone else is doing ok
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So much support here, amazing.
I go for my first treatment tomorrow and was considering what to take. Based on recommendations here I've decided I will take a loaded kindle and my phone for playing games/reading and a charger for both. I am going to start a journal too.My protocol will be TCHP + neulasta (may bring up putting it on my stomach instead of my arm, any personal experience with either?). I am also a T2 diabetic and took my first dose of Dex this morning, just tested and am very high, high enough to scare me. So I called the pharmacy and they said it was a possible side effect. I took the evening dose and my evening diabetic med, will give it 30 minutes then retest. If my numbers are high again in the morning, I will be calling the PCP to see if he wants me to do something else. Any other type 2s here?
I had my port put in a week ago, it was a piece of cake for me, just itching at the incision site as it healed but very minor pain. I'm sorry for those of you who had trouble with your ports.
Also, a week ago I had a phone conference with a nutritionist from my cancer center. He said that if I develop diarrhea to drastically increase my fluid intake and not just water as you lose electrolytes so drink something like gatorade, or vitamin water. I hate gatorade (tastes salty to me) but Vitamin Water is pretty good. Being T2, I have to be care of the sugar tho, so I will drink that watered down and/or 2 plain waters per 1 VW.0 -
hi, serious-Cali
Congrats. I am day 8 after first round of TC/DC. Heart burn last few days. The almond milk did the trick for me. I also cut all white bread/rice out and acidic foods. Acid lasted 3-4 days and today has been good. I also took Zantac when feeling discomfort. But have been drinking alomond milk and ginger tea and honey no suga in the morning.
Claritin didn’t work for me. So I am on Tylenol and Moxa heat treatment to manage pain, can’t wait for last two shots to be over.
Time to find new hobby that is good for our recovery but not related to work work. I am learning chinese medicine while my day job is supply chain.
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Welcome Seriously-Cali, vball10, StylesT, persnickety70, ToughCookie101! Join our merry band!
It's neat to see so many people with similarities - a lot of us doing the same AC then T regimen, for example.
Sidalee, great news about the clean scans! I like the phrase "propped up on steroids," they really do help on Days 2-4 for me. And OMG, ice crystals in your hair! I'm so sorry you're dealing with that with everything else.
Thanks for the heartburn discussion, NVDobie and WildColonialGirl! I had a few bouts of that myself, just like when I was pregnant. I will try changing what I'm eating, because that seems like it should be avoidable.
luxiii, YES it does get better. After a few days of napping and laying around, by day 5 or 6 I was feeling better, and a few days after that it was almost like my normal self again!
Steph74, good luck with the hair options! I sort of wish I hadn't cut mine because EVERYONE at my school has been shocked about it, commenting on it, etc. Very hard to be under the radar.
As for me, I'm going back in today for treatment number 2. My 12-year-old is coming with me to hang out today (she's off school). I'm at the 2-week mark from the first treatment, which is when my oncologist said my hair would start coming out, but I haven't really seen that yet. Or, I saw three hairs come out at the same time yesterday and I'm totally in denial. But three hairs isn't very much, is it? When I had long hair I would lose a dozen every time I brushed.
Oh well, we'll see what happens! Love to all!
paisley0
