Starting Chemo December 2021
Comments
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Kayce - I am sorry to hear your COVID test was positive. Hope it is mild for you and it will not influence your next treatment. Stay strong.
Inthesage - I am in the middle of my second treatment. My eyebrows and lashes are holding strong. Did not notice so much shedding of them.
Goldergirl1 - Hope you have recovered from the cold and your hospital will reschedule your treatment soon. My scalp has mix feelings, mostly feels itches, sometimes feels sore and tender.
I read in the internet that Omicron would reach to its peak in the next few weeks. Hopefully, the virus would go down after that. For us, this period is critical.
Stay safe!
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Hi all,
Kayce, how are you doing? I hope it’s mild and you’re getting through it fast.
Had 2nd AC treatment last Thursday. I was so much less anxious this time! The port has healed more. Seems like the side effects have been less this time. I’m keeping ahead on the anti nausea pills. Taking Claritin everyday, the Nuelasta shot had me in excruciating back pain about 5 days in last time. The Claritin is working so far.
My hair was starting to come out in clumps yesterday. Hubby and I cut then shaved my head. I’m trying to remember this is temporary. Buying more scarves/wraps to try out.
I hope everyone is staying safe.
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How is everybody doing?
This last infusion has kicked my butt with fatigue.
Sending healing thoughts to you all!
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Sorry to hear that Bonnie. Hope you get your energy back soon.
My 2nd infusion is on the 18th. I've been keeping busy this past week with work and a few appointments. My world has been so small ever since Covid started, that I don't mind going in for labs or other tests. It gets me out and driving through different areas.
My delivery of Fulphila (a Neulasta biosimilar) wasn't in time for me to take it. They've been keeping a close watch on my labs, and the numbers are atrocious (but I don't feel any different). One thing I did notice is that one morning I took Compazine for nausea, and had my BP checked along with the labs. Initially it was something like 85/60! They took it again and it was over 100. Thing is, I take a BP med every morning. Low BP can be a side effect of Compazine. I'm meeting with my MO on the 18th -- I'll ask her how I should manage the meds together.
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Hi all,
Hope everyone is doing good!
Blinx, keep an eye out for your blood pressure. I take BP meds too. Wishing you a good treatment this week.
My hubby returned from work out of town Friday. He took a test that evening and it came back negative. He’s been feeling off and took another test today, came back positive. He slept in our room Friday night, but last night went upstairs to the guest room. He said he was sweating all night, so I believe that’s a sign of the Omicron. He is quarantining there. I’ve done all the Lysol, ventilation, etc. Hoping I don’t get this.
My 4 year grandaughter also tested positive 😩 this morning. She has a cough.
Sending good healing vibes and stay safe!
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hi Blinx,
It sounds like the diagnosis that I just received is similar to yours. I’m also 60 and I’m not sure that I completely understand my canceryet.
My diagnosis is IDC grade 3 about 8cm, ER and PR negative HERS2 positive.
I’ve gone through the preliminary screening like MRI and CT scan, met my surgeon and will meet the oncologist this week. It’s been recommended that I have chemo before surgery to reduce the size of the tumour so that I might be able to have a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy.
I’m hoping that your treatments are going as well as can be expected.
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Hi Yoma -- Welcome! Yes, we ARE very similar, even to tumor size. They are treating me based on the HER2+. For me that means AC before surgery. It will be followed by weekly taxol treatments, I think. Since I've already had a lumpectomy on that side, I will be getting a mastectomy (and also one on the other side). I was diagnosed toward the end of November, went through MANY tests and appointments, as I'm sure you've been experiencing. What a whirlwind! Tomorrow I'll get my 2nd chemo treatment, so I am still at the very beginning of my treatment. So far, so good. Hope you get a clear plan from your oncologist and start your treatment soon.
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Hi everyone, well I'm starting down the road. Got my port last week and it's day 6 and it's still tender. Tomorrow is my first chemo so I'm a bit anxious as to how I'll respond. Interestingly, my doctor gave me 8mg. of Dexamethasone for tonight, they'll give me some in the infusion, but none after that. I've been reading that a lot of people here take it for several days after the infusion. They said they'll just see how I do with the first chemo. The nurse also told me tonight that I should take the nausea pills if I feel nauseous. She said that its mostly the pre-menopausal women who have trouble with nausea. I guess it will all come out in the wash for me in a few days. Also my town is only 40% vaccinated and few people wear masks so Omnicron is on my mind and definitely not something I want.
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Hello everyone! Hope everyone is doing good. It seems like the covid virus is hitting home for many.
Kayce - how are you doing? Hope the virus didn't hit you hard.
I was able to get my 2nd treatment Friday. One week late because of a snow storm. My SE were pretty much the same. Headache was a little milder but nausea has been a little worse. Sleeping a lot the past few days. Wintertime blues has always been difficult for me. Now add to it cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy, and covid. So looking forward to spring!
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inthesage - Welcome! Hope your port starts feeling better. Mine took a few weeks to stop hurting, but it eventually did. I hear you about the Omicron! I wasn't able to get Fulphila (Neulasta) after my first AC treatment, so I had to wait an extra week before the next one. I was under strict orders to avoid crowds and make sure to hand wash, etc. My numbers tanked the first 2 weeks, but by my 2nd treatment they were all back to normal! I was so surprised. I avoided going in stores and did curbside pickup, so I guess that worked!
My 2nd treatment went SO smoothly, like night and day. The treatment room was practically empty! Everything went like clock work and it took much less time. I gave myself the Fulphila injection today (hope I did it right - so far haven't felt side effects... but I'm waiting). Had the usual nausea but kept on top of the nausea meds and didn't throw up this time. Managed a full day's work, even though I was tired (but that's nothing new). My next 2 treatments will be 2 weeks apart. Then 12 weeks of Taxol and Herceptin, with Projeta every 3rd week. That brings me to mid-May. Can't wait for spring!! I just keep thinking about sitting out on the patio listening to birds. But I will enjoy watching the snow tomorrow... from inside!
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Blinx, where are you? I live in WY so yes to the snow. Had my infusion yesterday and happily had no reactions to the TC. The Dexamethasone I took by pill the night before gave me stomach upset, and when they gave it to me via IV I got restless leg for a bit, then later felt like my head was under tremendous pressure, plus jacking me up so I cannot sleep and more stomach upset. But as every one says, day 2 seems like you will go through it all seamlessly until the pre-meds wear off, so I'm wondering how day 3,4,5 will be.
My son gave me a xmas present of acupuncture treatments during this time so had one today. I'm hoping it will help with any nausea to come (non yet), plus I'm wearing motion sickness bands. So appreciate all the tips on this site. I am hoping to stay as active as I can as I live in a beautiful remote place and like to do outdoorsy activities. Even just walking everyday would be great. Day by day is the mantra right now. Thankful for all the support.
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inthesage -- I'm in SE Pennsylvania. Most if the time I'm right in-between the areas that gets snow or rain. Only several big snow storms a year. I can't take the freezing cold, but if it's 30°F and sunny out I can walk my dog. It's been too cold lately.
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Day 3, 4, 5 have been really difficult. Splitting headache for 2 days, constipation and today, day 5, I can barely get myself off the couch. The headaches are mild today, esp. lying down. I'm 67 and didn't expect chemo but had a high oncotype so they recommended it. Today it feels like all my reserves are completely gone. I'm used to being very active, hiking a lot, and staying in shape.I'm hoping this fatigue lets up. I also have little appetite. I wonder how I'll weather three more treatments. Trying to walk an hour everyday. The fact that you ladies can do this gives me some hope. You all are amazing.
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Hi All - checking in. My Covid was not too bad, lots of fatigue and felt like a bad head cold. 2nd treatment was postponed a week because of diagnosis but went well. I was required to be escorted from car to a private room, but it wasn't as bad as expected. Room was nice and it had a private bathroom which was huge - I had expected a "commode" to be rolled in based on information I had been given. This round has hit me a bit more than first. Had treatment Tuesday and worked Wednesday all day then Thursday and Friday until 11am both days but ended up sleeping the rest of the time - including all day yesterday. I feel more awake today and think I might actually make the whole day with my eyes open. Headache isn't as bad this time around as I was prepared and started ibuprohen/tylenol as soon as it started. Thrush is back but again started treating early so it's ok. I do feel loopier than first time around, can't quite get my brain to work.
Hope everyone is doing well - sending hugs and good vibes!
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Hi all,
I have been following your posts for the past few weeks (as in daily!) since prior to beginning my journey with chemotherapy on January 10th. I have been scouring breastcancer.org since my original diagnosis back in October. Sorry to have just lurked and not contributed for a while, but your honest and sharing has been soooooo helpful.
Chemo was unexpected, but indicated after a high oncotype score in addition to being grade 3 and being pleomorphic (the surgical pathology and further tests tests just keep revealing way more than what the original needle biopsy suggested or how I imagined this would go). I am taking cytoxan and taxotere in 3 week cycles for 4 cycles. I am deeply grateful for my family and for my insightful and aggressive medical team, for sure, but also really overwhelmed. It just feels good to hear from and about people who get this in a very intimate way. Hearing your experiences makes it less daunting even if all side effects and particulars do not exactly match up. Hoping I can join your group and contribute too, even though I am a "January."
- My takeaways:
- the compazine at home anti-nausea meds really help
- the Claritin for the Neulasta induced back pain helped A LOT and I will take that right away after my upcoming January 31/Feb 1 chemo infusion and shot (actually my insurance did not cover Neulasta so I go back to the infusion center the next day for a physical shot in the arm version)
- the steroids (dexamethasone) were very unpleasant and made me antsy and unable to sleep. I know they are helpful in combatting side effects of the chemo, but, ugh. Really not looking forward to that again next week...
- constipation was pretty bad, but Miralax, tons of fluids (see below), dried apricots, and prune juice worked
- plain water tastes off, so I swap in selzter water with a splash of cranberry juice and LOTS of ice and that is wonderful. Also, lots of herbal tea. Just cannot tolerate plain water now - weird.
- headaches were mild so far.
- chemo week was rough for the entire week - I did not feel good day 2 at all, which surprised me based upon other's reports. Had a short window of a few hours on the morning of day 3 of feeling good and then back to achy, tired, yet unable to sleep for a few days (thank you dexamethasone
- gradually felt better and better after days 4-5 and back to work (luckily remotely) the following week
- Thrilled to be taking long walks on these good days to "bank" the fitness for next week's treatment
Well, that is a lot, but wanted to share with YOU as you have all been so open. Hoping you are all doing ok today.
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Kayce234,
So glad to hear the Covid was manageable
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Hi Everyone and welcome to the newcomers. I hope everyone is doing okay in their treatments and Kayce I'm glad COVID was mild for you.
I finished round 3 last Tues, 18th and it was a completely different experience than round two. The only thing I think I did differently was drinking tons of water. I didn't drink as much this time and had significantly worse side effects. I started to get more nausea after round two and it is increasing after round 3. A couple of times I was woken up in the middle of the night due to nausea. I have to remember to take the prochlorperazine before I need it, lol. I ended up losing nearly 10lbs between appts 10 days apart because of the nausea making me not want to eat. I am experiencing increasing fatigue, especially in the week after the treatment. Days 3-4 were especially hard due to bone pain from the Neulasta. I spent those two days in bed in pain. I am taking Claritin and a NSAID that was oked by my MO but it did nothing for me this time. Epsom salt baths helped temporarily but I plan on discussing with my MO to see if there is anything else that can be done for my next round. I did have the start of thrush again, quickly cleared up by the mouthwash. Surprisingly my hair is growing! It's a lil fuzzy, a lil patchy but it's definitely growing and growing in greyer than before, but that's cool. Eyebrows and eyelashes are still there too so I think they'll stay.
I'm in W PA and we have a few inches of snow on the ground with more adding up today- I have been able to get bundled up a few times and get out with the dogs in the snow which has been a nice little "adventure" out of the house for a change. It's the little things!
Take care everyone!0 -
Hi ladies,
Hope everyone is doing ok. It's so nice to be able to read through here and get insight to all these crazy side effects. I had my first treatment of TCHP ( not sure if that's how to state it, but that's what my treatment sheet says) on January 18th. It seems the headaches are normal in the first few days. I also hate how the dexamethasone makes me feel. Trouble sleeping too. I did have some back pain from Neulasta and I've been taking the Claritin as well. I've been taking the anti-nausea meds since day 1 and haven't had too much nausea.
Here are the things that seem a little different from what I'm reading. If anyone has any advice I appreciate it:
Day 6,7 severe stomach cramps with diarrhea. Imodium seems to help. I've gone to a completely bland diet. Cramps seem to be getting better. I have IBS so I'm not sure if this is a chemo thing?
Since Day 2 my mouth and throat have been sore and scratchy. I don't have sores, but everything burns my mouth. How do you know if you have thrush?
Thanks in advance for any input!
My positive thought on winter chemotherapy: I don't mind being stuck in bed while there's lots of snow on the ground here in Michigan
Sending healthy thoughts to all.
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Hi everyone,
At 15 days after first chemo treatment, my hair is now shedding - a lot. We have had a few laughs about it I because the hair is everywhere. I had cut several inches off just as chemo started to make it less messy, but it is so thin and droopy now. Walked outside tonight (Massachusetts) and could feel the cold on my head right away! Considering cutting further and buzzing in the next few days. This is hard. Otherwise feeling ok and mentally preparing for another round of chemo next week.
Hoping you are doing ok. Thinking of you all.
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I'm on day 8 of my 1st infusion. Those intense migraine-like headaches on day 3,4 subsided to more mild headaches but did not go away. Today was a busy town day of picking up groceries, etc. Blood draw, no fever during the day, and my WBC count is high. My Oncologist says next time for the headaches (he seems to have no idea what is causing them) he will try cutting out the oral 8mg. of Dexamethasone night before and just give me 12mg in the infusion. Had a massage and an acupuncture treatment which seemed to really help the head, but tonight I have a temp of 100.4. Since I live an hour from the hospital, the ER suggested I just watch it as I don't have other symptoms except fatigue. Anyone had experience with a fever 8 days out?
Also wondering if anyone else had these headaches and what they might attribute them to.
Ratched I have IBS-C as well and I've been fluctuating. Started out C, now more D. I have to wonder since Chemo kills the lining of the stomach what my IBS will look like at the very end of all this.
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inthesage I've had headaches after every treatment. I do tylenol/ibuprophen switch day after chemo. I also do hot showers a few times a day and middle of the night if they get bad enough. Drink lots of water and use nasal saline - I think the headaches are caused by everything drying out
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DG2021 - my hair started "shedding" on almost the exact same day after 1st treatment. I decided to take charge and ended up shaving the next day. We did a family thing and everyone took a turn, I also had pictures taken. It was wonderful empowering experience. If you do it be sure you use a 2 blade - don't want to buzz fully as hair will still be in follicle and will need to fall out and if shaved to close you can have issues- I use a lint roller on my head a few times a day. I'm in Massachusetts too! I'm in Millis
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Hi all, hope everyone is doing well and staying strong!
My husband tested positive for Covid 10-11 days ago. He just took an at home test and it came back positive. 😩 He still has infrequent cough, but feels fine.
I’m supposed to have chemo this Friday. We already postponed chemo one week because he got Covid. He has been isolating upstairs, but he can be a little careless sometimes. My onco doesn’t seem very concerned about Covid, but I am. I have HBP, overweight, I really don’t want to end up in the hospital. If I have chemo Friday, doesn’t that make my immune system really fragile afterwards?
We were planning to take a vacation early Feb. I don’t want to get sick with Covid in another state on top of it.
I go nowhere for fear of this Omicron.
Anyway, sorry for rambling.just so frustrated with this.
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Hi everyone!
Inthesage- I had really bad headaches after my first treatment. I couldn't even wear my glasses let alone try to read anything. Like Kayce, I alternated ibuprofen and Tylenol, which only took the edge off. I called the cancer center and my doctor said he thought it was probably stress. Which I don't think so but..... I did have headaches after the second treatment but they didn't seem to be as bad. My nausea was a little worse. And the mouth issues. The doctor called in a prescription for " Magic Mouthwash". Any one used this? I've just been using baking soda rinses. Might try it next time. The first week after both treatments was difficult, but by second week doing good. I'm just hoping the 3rd and 4th will have no surprises.
Has anyone experienced nose bleeds after treatment? After 1st treatment I had a few mild nose bleeds about 10-14 days after. I thought it was winter time and dry heat. Now I have been getting them again. About the same time frame after. I do use a humidifier beside my bed at night.
I'm with you Bonniebleu- I go nowhere for fear of this Omicron. It scares me to death. I had lung cancer in 2017 and had my right lung removed. I've not had any lung issues so i don't want to take any chances.
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Hello!!
I have been MIA for quite awhile lately. Life and these treatments are kicking my booty. I have a couple of questions for the group
Has anyone experienced chest pains with the TCH (no P, my insurance said no) regimen. I've had anxiety and panic attacks before so I know what those feel like, this was different. Sharp squeeze and burning just left of the sternum with my whole rib cage squeezing something fierce. It was enough to take my breath away, making me quite light headed. Didn't start happening until day 7 after my 3rd treatment and lasted about three days. Only occured when I exerted myself (getting up from sitting, bending over, going up stairs - no matter how slowly I went) I know it wasn't indigestion. I've been blessed with that pert near my whole life. Especially when I was pregnant with my kids. If the old wives' tail was true about heart burn and hair then all of my children should have been mini wookies when they were born for the amount of indigestion I had. I went to urgent care/ emergency room and all they could tell me is that my T-waves were abnormal, but they were able to rule out the big things like heart attacks and blood clots. I've been able to reschedule my check in appointment with my onco cardiologist and am feeling much better now. I've crossed my T's and dotted my I's but wanted to check into see if anyone else has experienced the same thing and what ended up happening or coming from it. Second question... about five days after my trip to the emergency room, I tested positive for Covid. My oncologist is pushing back my treatment a week to give me more time to get over it. Everyone in my family got over it in less than 72 hours, I'm still working on it though and we are on day 7 and luckily it is has been very mild. We are vaccinated and boosted if eligible(my oldest has a heart condition, we took no chances from the beginning). My question is for anyone who has had to delay their schedule, how did your body react. I had finally gotten a system worked out where I was able to manage everything successfully except the fatigue. I'm afraid the delay will set me back to day one and I'll react differently again.
Last question, tinnitus and hearing loss. Anyone experiencing this? My ringing has progressively getting louder with each treatment. It has been calming down in time for the next treatment, but I'm now starting to notice my hearing has been impacted. Again it seems like it is clearing up in time for the next treatment. I didn't know if anyone has this too.
I've searched through the forums, but haven't had the best of success and google isn't the most optimistic place. I've reported all of these symptoms to my oncologist, we are keeping up on them. I'm just seeing if anyone else has had this happen and what their team did.
For everyone going into treatment soon... I wish you the easiest of IV starts and the most comfortable and snuggliest of treatment chairs.
For everyone coming out of treatment.... I wish you the mildest of symptoms and renewed energy.
For everyone in between.... I wish you the best of days full of smiles, laughter, and joy!
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Hi Goldengirl1,
I have had the same thing with the nose since day one. As soon as it started running, there has been a pink tinge to it. Mine has progressed from pink, to red but very mild, to mild nose bleeds with bloody boogers (sorry if this is too gross). I've started using a nasal saline solution and will periodically spray it up there through out the day to keep it moist and that seems like it has been helping.
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Hello everyone,
Goldengirl - I have also had a bloody nose since day 2 or 3. Not actual bleeding, but the tissue is always bloody. I always have a runny nose, but since my first treatment it’s constant. My nose is very sore. I’ve been putting auqaphor in and around it, and it seems to help a bit. I was considering trying Flonase, but I think I’ll start with a nasal rinse instead. I got a prescription for Magic Mouthwash because the roof of my mouth and throat were really burning, but it’s improved on it’s own so I haven’t used it yet.
Everyone with headaches - I had them as well on days 1-3. I attributed them to the steroids. I guess that’s better than having a reaction.
Mammatoo- I did have some chest pains with my TCHP, but I attributed that to gas pains because I was having so many stomach issues. Now that my stomach is improving, so are the pains. I know you said it’s not indigestion, but if you’re having lots of gas and bloating maybe that’s it. Hope that wasn’t too personal!
On a lighter note, my wig fitting got canceled yesterday due to Covid. I’m going to cut my hair very short tomorrow so I’m ready for the fall out. I’m at day 9, and nothing has happened yet. I know this isn’t the wig thread, but does $2600 seem ridiculous for wig?! Think I might shop around.
Take care ladies.
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Hi all,
I can definitely relate the the bloody "boogers" and really dry nostrils in general. Thinking of using vaseline next round. So glad it came up here as I was wondering about it and no one at chemo mentioned that as a thing to expect.
Yes, the prospect of COVID is another layer of bummer - for the possible effects and treatment delays. I am very glad to hear it has been mostly mild for those of you who had to deal with that!
Thanks for the tips, Kayce234. I am just getting by with enough hair to finish the work week without no one being able to really tell over zoom. Going to have to buzz it tomorrow night. I will follow your advice - do not want any more scalp soreness, for sure! And, I am in Attleboro - not too far from you!
Goldengirl1, I will also keep the Magic Mouthwash in mind - I had been doing salt water or baking soda rinses as well as Biotene, but this mouthwash sounds good to have on hand.
Ratched28, I found wigs in the $200 range, but they are synthetic so maybe that is why. Godiva's Secret Wigs had lots of helpful videos too.
Bloodwork tomorrow for chemo on Monday. Hoping for a decent week - oh boy! Wishing you all strength, comfort, and healing.
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Ratched My oncologist says next round he'll reduce my dexamethasone so he probably suspects the headaches have to do with the steroids. If so, then it must be a rebound because they arrive for me when the steroids wear off. Regardless, I'm grateful. The steroids were the worst
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Hi all. Hope everyone in the area of the bug blizzard is safe and prepared. Is anyone gaining weight from their chemo?? Drs told me not to worry but I've gained quite a bit. I had gastric sleeve in 2019 and lost 60 lbs. Im up atleast 15!!!
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