I am new to Cancer and have some questions !
Malinda
Comments
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Hello Malinda, sorry to see
Hello Malinda, sorry to see that you have been battling the beast, but welocome to an amazing group of women and men who have also been there. I just had my surgeries last august through october as well. For whatever reasons tests showed traditional chemo would not help me, so I have no experiance there. However I have been on four different oral chemos for leukemia the past seven years, which have alot of the same side effects. My best and {limited} advice would be to focus on one day or treatment at a time...its overwhelming to try to look at the big picture, so why bother. Find a good support group if you can, most hospitals or treatment centers have access to some. Look for a 'feel good / look good' group that will also have alot of local people who can relate to your experience and offer support. And talk to your chemo nurses, I find they are truely the ones with some of the best secrets and tips to be found. God bless...Jayne0 -
I had chemo, adriamycin,serenity92 said:Hello Malinda, sorry to see
Hello Malinda, sorry to see that you have been battling the beast, but welocome to an amazing group of women and men who have also been there. I just had my surgeries last august through october as well. For whatever reasons tests showed traditional chemo would not help me, so I have no experiance there. However I have been on four different oral chemos for leukemia the past seven years, which have alot of the same side effects. My best and {limited} advice would be to focus on one day or treatment at a time...its overwhelming to try to look at the big picture, so why bother. Find a good support group if you can, most hospitals or treatment centers have access to some. Look for a 'feel good / look good' group that will also have alot of local people who can relate to your experience and offer support. And talk to your chemo nurses, I find they are truely the ones with some of the best secrets and tips to be found. God bless...Jayne
I had chemo, adriamycin, cytoxan and taxol. every body reacts differently to the drugs. Some people do very well. others (like me) not so well. but you do get through and come out the other side. A general rule of thumb is hydration, and to keep up your food intake to maintain your weight. some chew ice during infusions and swear it helps prevent mouth sores. some take claritin for the bone pain of neulasta shots. sleep when you need to. did they say you will lose your hair? I buzzed mine before it starting coming out in clumps. Be sure to take your anti nausea meds before you feel the nausea. it is harder to control if you wait. Please post and let us know how you are and if you have any questions. Someone here usually has the answer and everyone wants to help. The beauty of the pink sisters and brothers!0 -
I had the same cocktail as youcarkris said:I had chemo, adriamycin,
I had chemo, adriamycin, cytoxan and taxol. every body reacts differently to the drugs. Some people do very well. others (like me) not so well. but you do get through and come out the other side. A general rule of thumb is hydration, and to keep up your food intake to maintain your weight. some chew ice during infusions and swear it helps prevent mouth sores. some take claritin for the bone pain of neulasta shots. sleep when you need to. did they say you will lose your hair? I buzzed mine before it starting coming out in clumps. Be sure to take your anti nausea meds before you feel the nausea. it is harder to control if you wait. Please post and let us know how you are and if you have any questions. Someone here usually has the answer and everyone wants to help. The beauty of the pink sisters and brothers!
Taxotere and Cytoxin 4 infusions, 3 weeks apart. I remember distinctly thinking "this isn't so bad" - and I had about every side effect known. I never ever felt horrible. When I felt bad, it was just sort of yucky, not really bad. If I had a job, I could have worked except for the last cycle. It probably would have been good if I'd had a job because I tended to worry a lot.
You may have no side effect, mild side effects or not so mild side effects. We're all different.
My side effects: the biggie for me was skin toxicity - red arms from knuckles to sleeve line. It was like a burn. My arms would turn red, sometimes the skin would break in places, and then it would heal and peel in time for the next cycle. I had the hand and foot thing, too. Apparently this is common with Taxotere, but no one told me about it. I ran a fever every single cycle, but an infection was never identified. They always put me on antibiotics and it went away. My eyes teared like a faucet and that was very annoying. That didn't happen until the last cycle. I threw up once, but I have no idea why. I never had nausea (take your anti-nausea drugs like they tell you!), except one night I fell asleep on the sofa after cooking a large meal and the odor really bothered me, so I threw up. Felt fine after. I lost interest in food much of the time, each cycle more so, but I ate anyway. I ate gallons of ice cream. I had the horrible metallic taste the last 2 cycles. That really is horrible. Every cycle was constipation for a few days followed by about a week of diarrhea, controlled by Imodium for the most part. It didn't feel safe to leave home a lot of the time. The last cycle I really was sick for about 2 weeks. I had a fever, low blood pressure, tachycardia, shortness of breath walking upstairs, and anemia. I've never felt so weak in my life. I took very good care of myself and I recuperated. I was also being followed closely. I lost 15 lbs. on chemo. Many women gain weight.
My hair started falling out on Day 13. Had a party and shaved it. When it all went, I was as bald as a que ball. My other body hair went, too. My lashes and brows thinned, and my brows fell out at some point. My lashes didn't completely fall out until a month after chemo was over. They're back, but very puny.
Because of my infections every cycle, I was placed on Neulasta shots for the last 2, even tho my white count was always fine. I had absolutely no side effects from the Neulasta - and I still ran fevers. Go figure.
Gee, in reading over my side effects, it sounds really awful, but honestly it wasn't. Do I want to do it again? Hell, no. Would I? Yes. It is not only doable, but surprisingly very doable.
Good luck to you. Post any questions you have here. There's always someone who's been there, done that.
Best,
Suzanne0 -
ThanksDouble Whammy said:I had the same cocktail as you
Taxotere and Cytoxin 4 infusions, 3 weeks apart. I remember distinctly thinking "this isn't so bad" - and I had about every side effect known. I never ever felt horrible. When I felt bad, it was just sort of yucky, not really bad. If I had a job, I could have worked except for the last cycle. It probably would have been good if I'd had a job because I tended to worry a lot.
You may have no side effect, mild side effects or not so mild side effects. We're all different.
My side effects: the biggie for me was skin toxicity - red arms from knuckles to sleeve line. It was like a burn. My arms would turn red, sometimes the skin would break in places, and then it would heal and peel in time for the next cycle. I had the hand and foot thing, too. Apparently this is common with Taxotere, but no one told me about it. I ran a fever every single cycle, but an infection was never identified. They always put me on antibiotics and it went away. My eyes teared like a faucet and that was very annoying. That didn't happen until the last cycle. I threw up once, but I have no idea why. I never had nausea (take your anti-nausea drugs like they tell you!), except one night I fell asleep on the sofa after cooking a large meal and the odor really bothered me, so I threw up. Felt fine after. I lost interest in food much of the time, each cycle more so, but I ate anyway. I ate gallons of ice cream. I had the horrible metallic taste the last 2 cycles. That really is horrible. Every cycle was constipation for a few days followed by about a week of diarrhea, controlled by Imodium for the most part. It didn't feel safe to leave home a lot of the time. The last cycle I really was sick for about 2 weeks. I had a fever, low blood pressure, tachycardia, shortness of breath walking upstairs, and anemia. I've never felt so weak in my life. I took very good care of myself and I recuperated. I was also being followed closely. I lost 15 lbs. on chemo. Many women gain weight.
My hair started falling out on Day 13. Had a party and shaved it. When it all went, I was as bald as a que ball. My other body hair went, too. My lashes and brows thinned, and my brows fell out at some point. My lashes didn't completely fall out until a month after chemo was over. They're back, but very puny.
Because of my infections every cycle, I was placed on Neulasta shots for the last 2, even tho my white count was always fine. I had absolutely no side effects from the Neulasta - and I still ran fevers. Go figure.
Gee, in reading over my side effects, it sounds really awful, but honestly it wasn't. Do I want to do it again? Hell, no. Would I? Yes. It is not only doable, but surprisingly very doable.
Good luck to you. Post any questions you have here. There's always someone who's been there, done that.
Best,
Suzanne
I really appreciate everyones answeres and concerns. I guess my biggest concern is going to be my low immune system and I drive a school bus. I am hoping wearing masks will make it through the school year. I am shaving my head next saturday with the help of the girls on my bus ( they don't realize what a big deal it is for me)Should I take the anti-nausea meds he gave me the day of just incase ? Sorry about all the questions but Iam the only living person in my family to go through this and the only one with breast cancer. Thanks again
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ThanksDouble Whammy said:I had the same cocktail as you
Taxotere and Cytoxin 4 infusions, 3 weeks apart. I remember distinctly thinking "this isn't so bad" - and I had about every side effect known. I never ever felt horrible. When I felt bad, it was just sort of yucky, not really bad. If I had a job, I could have worked except for the last cycle. It probably would have been good if I'd had a job because I tended to worry a lot.
You may have no side effect, mild side effects or not so mild side effects. We're all different.
My side effects: the biggie for me was skin toxicity - red arms from knuckles to sleeve line. It was like a burn. My arms would turn red, sometimes the skin would break in places, and then it would heal and peel in time for the next cycle. I had the hand and foot thing, too. Apparently this is common with Taxotere, but no one told me about it. I ran a fever every single cycle, but an infection was never identified. They always put me on antibiotics and it went away. My eyes teared like a faucet and that was very annoying. That didn't happen until the last cycle. I threw up once, but I have no idea why. I never had nausea (take your anti-nausea drugs like they tell you!), except one night I fell asleep on the sofa after cooking a large meal and the odor really bothered me, so I threw up. Felt fine after. I lost interest in food much of the time, each cycle more so, but I ate anyway. I ate gallons of ice cream. I had the horrible metallic taste the last 2 cycles. That really is horrible. Every cycle was constipation for a few days followed by about a week of diarrhea, controlled by Imodium for the most part. It didn't feel safe to leave home a lot of the time. The last cycle I really was sick for about 2 weeks. I had a fever, low blood pressure, tachycardia, shortness of breath walking upstairs, and anemia. I've never felt so weak in my life. I took very good care of myself and I recuperated. I was also being followed closely. I lost 15 lbs. on chemo. Many women gain weight.
My hair started falling out on Day 13. Had a party and shaved it. When it all went, I was as bald as a que ball. My other body hair went, too. My lashes and brows thinned, and my brows fell out at some point. My lashes didn't completely fall out until a month after chemo was over. They're back, but very puny.
Because of my infections every cycle, I was placed on Neulasta shots for the last 2, even tho my white count was always fine. I had absolutely no side effects from the Neulasta - and I still ran fevers. Go figure.
Gee, in reading over my side effects, it sounds really awful, but honestly it wasn't. Do I want to do it again? Hell, no. Would I? Yes. It is not only doable, but surprisingly very doable.
Good luck to you. Post any questions you have here. There's always someone who's been there, done that.
Best,
Suzanne
I really appreciate everyones answeres and concerns. I guess my biggest concern is going to be my low immune system and I drive a school bus. I am hoping wearing masks will make it through the school year. I am shaving my head next saturday with the help of the girls on my bus ( they don't realize what a big deal it is for me)Should I take the anti-nausea meds he gave me the day of just incase ? Sorry about all the questions but Iam the only living person in my family to go through this and the only one with breast cancer. Thanks again 0 -
ThanksDouble Whammy said:I had the same cocktail as you
Taxotere and Cytoxin 4 infusions, 3 weeks apart. I remember distinctly thinking "this isn't so bad" - and I had about every side effect known. I never ever felt horrible. When I felt bad, it was just sort of yucky, not really bad. If I had a job, I could have worked except for the last cycle. It probably would have been good if I'd had a job because I tended to worry a lot.
You may have no side effect, mild side effects or not so mild side effects. We're all different.
My side effects: the biggie for me was skin toxicity - red arms from knuckles to sleeve line. It was like a burn. My arms would turn red, sometimes the skin would break in places, and then it would heal and peel in time for the next cycle. I had the hand and foot thing, too. Apparently this is common with Taxotere, but no one told me about it. I ran a fever every single cycle, but an infection was never identified. They always put me on antibiotics and it went away. My eyes teared like a faucet and that was very annoying. That didn't happen until the last cycle. I threw up once, but I have no idea why. I never had nausea (take your anti-nausea drugs like they tell you!), except one night I fell asleep on the sofa after cooking a large meal and the odor really bothered me, so I threw up. Felt fine after. I lost interest in food much of the time, each cycle more so, but I ate anyway. I ate gallons of ice cream. I had the horrible metallic taste the last 2 cycles. That really is horrible. Every cycle was constipation for a few days followed by about a week of diarrhea, controlled by Imodium for the most part. It didn't feel safe to leave home a lot of the time. The last cycle I really was sick for about 2 weeks. I had a fever, low blood pressure, tachycardia, shortness of breath walking upstairs, and anemia. I've never felt so weak in my life. I took very good care of myself and I recuperated. I was also being followed closely. I lost 15 lbs. on chemo. Many women gain weight.
My hair started falling out on Day 13. Had a party and shaved it. When it all went, I was as bald as a que ball. My other body hair went, too. My lashes and brows thinned, and my brows fell out at some point. My lashes didn't completely fall out until a month after chemo was over. They're back, but very puny.
Because of my infections every cycle, I was placed on Neulasta shots for the last 2, even tho my white count was always fine. I had absolutely no side effects from the Neulasta - and I still ran fevers. Go figure.
Gee, in reading over my side effects, it sounds really awful, but honestly it wasn't. Do I want to do it again? Hell, no. Would I? Yes. It is not only doable, but surprisingly very doable.
Good luck to you. Post any questions you have here. There's always someone who's been there, done that.
Best,
Suzanne
I really appreciate everyones answeres and concerns. I guess my biggest concern is going to be my low immune system and I drive a school bus. I am hoping wearing masks will make it through the school year. I am shaving my head next saturday with the help of the girls on my bus ( they don't realize what a big deal it is for me)Should I take the anti-nausea meds he gave me the day of just incase ? Sorry about all the questions but Iam the only living person in my family to go through this and the only one with breast cancer. Thanks again 0 -
ThanksDouble Whammy said:I had the same cocktail as you
Taxotere and Cytoxin 4 infusions, 3 weeks apart. I remember distinctly thinking "this isn't so bad" - and I had about every side effect known. I never ever felt horrible. When I felt bad, it was just sort of yucky, not really bad. If I had a job, I could have worked except for the last cycle. It probably would have been good if I'd had a job because I tended to worry a lot.
You may have no side effect, mild side effects or not so mild side effects. We're all different.
My side effects: the biggie for me was skin toxicity - red arms from knuckles to sleeve line. It was like a burn. My arms would turn red, sometimes the skin would break in places, and then it would heal and peel in time for the next cycle. I had the hand and foot thing, too. Apparently this is common with Taxotere, but no one told me about it. I ran a fever every single cycle, but an infection was never identified. They always put me on antibiotics and it went away. My eyes teared like a faucet and that was very annoying. That didn't happen until the last cycle. I threw up once, but I have no idea why. I never had nausea (take your anti-nausea drugs like they tell you!), except one night I fell asleep on the sofa after cooking a large meal and the odor really bothered me, so I threw up. Felt fine after. I lost interest in food much of the time, each cycle more so, but I ate anyway. I ate gallons of ice cream. I had the horrible metallic taste the last 2 cycles. That really is horrible. Every cycle was constipation for a few days followed by about a week of diarrhea, controlled by Imodium for the most part. It didn't feel safe to leave home a lot of the time. The last cycle I really was sick for about 2 weeks. I had a fever, low blood pressure, tachycardia, shortness of breath walking upstairs, and anemia. I've never felt so weak in my life. I took very good care of myself and I recuperated. I was also being followed closely. I lost 15 lbs. on chemo. Many women gain weight.
My hair started falling out on Day 13. Had a party and shaved it. When it all went, I was as bald as a que ball. My other body hair went, too. My lashes and brows thinned, and my brows fell out at some point. My lashes didn't completely fall out until a month after chemo was over. They're back, but very puny.
Because of my infections every cycle, I was placed on Neulasta shots for the last 2, even tho my white count was always fine. I had absolutely no side effects from the Neulasta - and I still ran fevers. Go figure.
Gee, in reading over my side effects, it sounds really awful, but honestly it wasn't. Do I want to do it again? Hell, no. Would I? Yes. It is not only doable, but surprisingly very doable.
Good luck to you. Post any questions you have here. There's always someone who's been there, done that.
Best,
Suzanne
I really appreciate everyones answeres and concerns. I guess my biggest concern is going to be my low immune system and I drive a school bus. I am hoping wearing masks will make it through the school year. I am shaving my head next saturday with the help of the girls on my bus ( they don't realize what a big deal it is for me)Should I take the anti-nausea meds he gave me the day of just incase ? Sorry about all the questions but Iam the only living person in my family to go through this and the only one with breast cancer. Thanks again 0 -
ThanksDouble Whammy said:I had the same cocktail as you
Taxotere and Cytoxin 4 infusions, 3 weeks apart. I remember distinctly thinking "this isn't so bad" - and I had about every side effect known. I never ever felt horrible. When I felt bad, it was just sort of yucky, not really bad. If I had a job, I could have worked except for the last cycle. It probably would have been good if I'd had a job because I tended to worry a lot.
You may have no side effect, mild side effects or not so mild side effects. We're all different.
My side effects: the biggie for me was skin toxicity - red arms from knuckles to sleeve line. It was like a burn. My arms would turn red, sometimes the skin would break in places, and then it would heal and peel in time for the next cycle. I had the hand and foot thing, too. Apparently this is common with Taxotere, but no one told me about it. I ran a fever every single cycle, but an infection was never identified. They always put me on antibiotics and it went away. My eyes teared like a faucet and that was very annoying. That didn't happen until the last cycle. I threw up once, but I have no idea why. I never had nausea (take your anti-nausea drugs like they tell you!), except one night I fell asleep on the sofa after cooking a large meal and the odor really bothered me, so I threw up. Felt fine after. I lost interest in food much of the time, each cycle more so, but I ate anyway. I ate gallons of ice cream. I had the horrible metallic taste the last 2 cycles. That really is horrible. Every cycle was constipation for a few days followed by about a week of diarrhea, controlled by Imodium for the most part. It didn't feel safe to leave home a lot of the time. The last cycle I really was sick for about 2 weeks. I had a fever, low blood pressure, tachycardia, shortness of breath walking upstairs, and anemia. I've never felt so weak in my life. I took very good care of myself and I recuperated. I was also being followed closely. I lost 15 lbs. on chemo. Many women gain weight.
My hair started falling out on Day 13. Had a party and shaved it. When it all went, I was as bald as a que ball. My other body hair went, too. My lashes and brows thinned, and my brows fell out at some point. My lashes didn't completely fall out until a month after chemo was over. They're back, but very puny.
Because of my infections every cycle, I was placed on Neulasta shots for the last 2, even tho my white count was always fine. I had absolutely no side effects from the Neulasta - and I still ran fevers. Go figure.
Gee, in reading over my side effects, it sounds really awful, but honestly it wasn't. Do I want to do it again? Hell, no. Would I? Yes. It is not only doable, but surprisingly very doable.
Good luck to you. Post any questions you have here. There's always someone who's been there, done that.
Best,
Suzanne
I really appreciate everyones answeres and concerns. I guess my biggest concern is going to be my low immune system and I drive a school bus. I am hoping wearing masks will make it through the school year. I am shaving my head next saturday with the help of the girls on my bus ( they don't realize what a big deal it is for me)Should I take the anti-nausea meds he gave me the day of just incase ? Sorry about all the questions but Iam the only living person in my family to go through this and the only one with breast cancer. Thanks again 0 -
sorryMalinda1 said:Thanks
I really appreciate everyones answeres and concerns. I guess my biggest concern is going to be my low immune system and I drive a school bus. I am hoping wearing masks will make it through the school year. I am shaving my head next saturday with the help of the girls on my bus ( they don't realize what a big deal it is for me)Should I take the anti-nausea meds he gave me the day of just incase ? Sorry about all the questions but Iam the only living person in my family to go through this and the only one with breast cancer. Thanks again
Toomany times hitting post..lol0 -
Anti-nausea MedsMalinda1 said:Thanks
I really appreciate everyones answeres and concerns. I guess my biggest concern is going to be my low immune system and I drive a school bus. I am hoping wearing masks will make it through the school year. I am shaving my head next saturday with the help of the girls on my bus ( they don't realize what a big deal it is for me)Should I take the anti-nausea meds he gave me the day of just incase ? Sorry about all the questions but Iam the only living person in my family to go through this and the only one with breast cancer. Thanks again
Hi Malinda1,
And welcome to the club no one wants to join. I had right mastectomy followed by 4 rounds of Adriamycin/Ctyoxan and then 12 rounds of Taxotere. No hormone therapy as I am triple negative and no radiation. Based on that I won't comment on the side effects you might experience on your particular regimen. I do want to STRONGLY recommend that you take the anti-nausea meds prescribed for you. It is unlikely to do any harm and may be a great deal of help. I was always told that it is easier to prevent nausea/vomiting but if you start up then it is more difficult to get under control. I had Compazine, Zofran and Ativan on hand before chemo began. I took each at some point during treatment. You will probably get some kind of anti-nausea meds through your IV during the chemo infusion, also.
Good luck. The Pink Ladies (and Gentlemen) are here for you.
IRENE0 -
Chemo
I don't want to discourage you but I had every bad side effect listed with taxitol my brother in law is now on it for lung cancer and he's having the same side effects. He tried to work but finally had to quit. I couldn't work because I work in health care. My WBC dropped to almost 0 the first round. They reduced my dose by 20 percent. I could not have worked anyway. It was like having the superflu joints ached neuropathy vaginitis you're driving a school bus you'll have to be careful with your meds side effect of compazine can be drowsiness soften would be ok also beware of chemo brain my worst days started about day number 3 hopefully you do better0 -
Hi Malinda! I didn't haveMalinda1 said:Thanks
I really appreciate everyones answeres and concerns. I guess my biggest concern is going to be my low immune system and I drive a school bus. I am hoping wearing masks will make it through the school year. I am shaving my head next saturday with the help of the girls on my bus ( they don't realize what a big deal it is for me)Should I take the anti-nausea meds he gave me the day of just incase ? Sorry about all the questions but Iam the only living person in my family to go through this and the only one with breast cancer. Thanks again
Hi Malinda! I didn't have chemo but wanted to welcome you and to let you know that the pink sisters are here to support and help you however we can.
Hugs, Debby0 -
We're all different!Malinda1 said:Thanks
I really appreciate everyones answeres and concerns. I guess my biggest concern is going to be my low immune system and I drive a school bus. I am hoping wearing masks will make it through the school year. I am shaving my head next saturday with the help of the girls on my bus ( they don't realize what a big deal it is for me)Should I take the anti-nausea meds he gave me the day of just incase ? Sorry about all the questions but Iam the only living person in my family to go through this and the only one with breast cancer. Thanks again
I had no problems with immune system while on Adriamycin /Cytoxan or Taxol. My blood count was never low but I did have Neulasta while on A/C. I've always been one that would catch every cold going around when schools would start nd had quite a few sinus infections but in the 2 1/2 yrs since I started Chemo I've only had one sinus infection and it was very mild and was about a month ago.
I didn't work but could easily have on A/C but not on Taxol. For some it's the other way around as to much the different ones kick our unique 'butt'. We are each so Unique.
When I clipped my head, Son did it for me. Then he and our other 'Sons' also used the horse clippers on themselves. With A/C head hair left and about 1/2 of lashes and brows, with Taxol the rest of all hair left. Head hair (lashes and brows too) came back just as it was before but 'other' hair is almost strill non-existant. Get into touch with your BC Navigator at your Center or your local ACS about the "Look Good - Feel Better" classes. They are to give you info on make-up and wig care. You will be given a bag of name brand cosmetics; my Center has a lot of wigs for those who need them and the Hairdresser who does the class here also has quite a few at her salon to give out. I got my first wig from her - she had just gotten one in (discontinued model) that she couldn't think would work for anyone - til she saw me.
The Center you are going to should have an Education class with you before you start chemo and explain all the meds/drugs that will be used and give you info on 'do's and don't's' and lots of other info.
Yes you will be told to take the anti nausea meds the day of infusion and for several days after. (Some have said they took starting the day before but I was told to take them when I got to the Center.) It is easier to keep nausea from happening than to stop it once it starts. With A/C I had Emend, and Zofran, with Taxol - Zofran. Also had a 'script for Raglan in case the others didn't do enough but I didn't have any nausea at all and the side effects of Reglan are not ones I'd have taken a chance on - there are other anti-nausea meds out there. There is thought (according to Dr. T and the chemo nurses) but no studies done on it, that how bad Morning Sickness was for you is a predictor of your probelms with it during Chemo. I had no Morning Sickness at all with either Son and no nausea with Chemo - even when I quit taking Zofran 1/2 way through Taxol.
Susan0 -
Wishing you good luck withMalinda1 said:Thanks
I really appreciate everyones answeres and concerns. I guess my biggest concern is going to be my low immune system and I drive a school bus. I am hoping wearing masks will make it through the school year. I am shaving my head next saturday with the help of the girls on my bus ( they don't realize what a big deal it is for me)Should I take the anti-nausea meds he gave me the day of just incase ? Sorry about all the questions but Iam the only living person in my family to go through this and the only one with breast cancer. Thanks again
Wishing you good luck with chemo. I pray you have zero side effects!
Hugs, Leeza0 -
Welcome
You may be asked to have ice in your mouth durring one of those types of medicine.0 -
One has to calm the mindlaughs_a_lot said:Welcome
You may be asked to have ice in your mouth durring one of those types of medicine.
I was very ill that time and 36 years of age with finally being diagnosed with stage 3 11 out of 21 positive nodes. Because of my health and stage it was recommended that I have a mastectomy though I had wanted the bi lateral. So having to think about surgery again in a year was too much I had to consentrate on treatment phase.
I found resigning myself to it and just trying not to disrupt others life too much turned out to be a job. Moving your feet one foot in front of the other sort of helps from feeling like we are going backwards all the time. Getting out of bed and showering was sometimes all I could do but I did that and made meals as I most often had done though I didn't eat many of them.
I knew everything mother a nurse and I wanted to know everything. Wished hoped and prayed like everyone else and praying as it turns out is a very important thing though I never realized it before though I did pray. The lover others is certainly spread through and with prayer.
Try to and learn how to be your own best friend treating yourself as you would your very dearest one because that is truly something most of us do not know the first thing about.
Tara0 -
A few suggestions .. just in case24242 said:One has to calm the mind
I was very ill that time and 36 years of age with finally being diagnosed with stage 3 11 out of 21 positive nodes. Because of my health and stage it was recommended that I have a mastectomy though I had wanted the bi lateral. So having to think about surgery again in a year was too much I had to consentrate on treatment phase.
I found resigning myself to it and just trying not to disrupt others life too much turned out to be a job. Moving your feet one foot in front of the other sort of helps from feeling like we are going backwards all the time. Getting out of bed and showering was sometimes all I could do but I did that and made meals as I most often had done though I didn't eat many of them.
I knew everything mother a nurse and I wanted to know everything. Wished hoped and prayed like everyone else and praying as it turns out is a very important thing though I never realized it before though I did pray. The lover others is certainly spread through and with prayer.
Try to and learn how to be your own best friend treating yourself as you would your very dearest one because that is truly something most of us do not know the first thing about.
Tara
First of all, it is okay to be anxious of the unknown -- Please don't allow this anxiety to get the best of you. Remember to alert your Onco RN of any unusual feelings etc ..
Your Oncologist office should provided you with a list of possible side efforts, which should be presented to you before your first chemo infusion. Ask if you can see/visit your infusion area -- which will alleviate some worry.
It is so important to remain and continue hydration, water - water, and more water. Splash in a little lemonade, cranberry juice -- or prepackaged crystal light, or Lipton Tea. Herbal Tea's also work for a change of pace.
If you are getting the neulasta shot -- Please ask your Oncologist about taking a benadryl --
or claritin -- which many of us === swear by -- as they help alleviate that 'just run over by a truck' aches and pains - some of us experience from the neulasta shot.
Ask for prescriptions for nausea and vomiting -- as well as diarrhea.
Plastic silverware is a must ---
biotin toothpaste and mouthwash is a daily essential
(available at most Target's or Wall-Mart's)
Food is subjective -- depending on your personal needs and taste buds .. What taste good or was tolerable 1 week -- changed for me, the very next. I could not tolerate any foods with sugar, i.e. ketchup, or cola's.
To help prevent mouth sores -- suck on ice chips during all chemo treatments.
Rest when you can, as some chemo queens have bouts of insomnia ---
Take goodies to entertain yourself during your infusions -- games, books, friend, a snack, IPOD, laptop ...
Strength, Courage and Hope.
Vicki Sam0 -
Hi Malinda,
I'm sorry you
Hi Malinda,
I'm sorry you have to be here. I had 4 cycles of taxotere and Cytoxan. Finished my last one a month ago. My first one was the worst. It has a cumulative affect so I of course expected to be in really bad shape for the next three. I always knew I was backwards. My next three weren't too bad at all, especially the last one. My blood count still isn't up to where it should be and won't be til April according to my doctor. So, I feel fatigued mostly in the afternoons. All in all, it really wasn't too bad. If it weren't for the hair loss...it would've been cake, considering it's chemo we're talking about. I've heard that T/C is called the "cadillac of chemo". You're right, it's the unknown that makes you panic. I was a total basketcase. Remember..."this too shall pass".0 -
Hi Malindamadsters1 said:Hi Malinda,
I'm sorry you
Hi Malinda,
I'm sorry you have to be here. I had 4 cycles of taxotere and Cytoxan. Finished my last one a month ago. My first one was the worst. It has a cumulative affect so I of course expected to be in really bad shape for the next three. I always knew I was backwards. My next three weren't too bad at all, especially the last one. My blood count still isn't up to where it should be and won't be til April according to my doctor. So, I feel fatigued mostly in the afternoons. All in all, it really wasn't too bad. If it weren't for the hair loss...it would've been cake, considering it's chemo we're talking about. I've heard that T/C is called the "cadillac of chemo". You're right, it's the unknown that makes you panic. I was a total basketcase. Remember..."this too shall pass".
Sorry you have to do this but so glad you found this site. I had your protocol for three cycles. I am asthmatic and this chemo bothered my lungs enough that I had to stop and switch to anastrazole and then, after my lungs healed, abraxane for 9 treatments. I was given anti-nausea meds in my iv along with steroids and antihistamine. They also gave me anti-nausea meds to take at home and 3 very expensive and very strong ones to use at night in case I felt I needed them. I actually didn't take them - I never felt any nausea and, other than not being able to breathe, didn't have any other problems. As you've heard before, everyone reacts differently or not at all. Definitely CHEW ICE - it really helps with mouth sores, which most people get. I wish you the best and hope you stay in touch on the boards.
hugs,
Pam0 -
Hi There!
I'm very new to this forum......but i love it. I would definitely recommend coming back here often because although this is my first time writing in.....i've done a lot of reading and it's helped more than anything!
In response to your post......much love to you girl. It's not fun but you can get thru it. I'm with Double Whammy as in i had the same cocktail as the two of you. TCH...TC every 3 weeks and the H will be every week for a year. Also had the Neulasta after every chemo.
Althought i agree...everyones side effects are different....but mine were much like DW's again. The consistent side effects were constipation for a few days after chemo and then diarrhea for about a week after that. The constipation i used 3 stool softeners the day before and day of chemo...depending.....which really helped alot. its a pain to have to track that but the constipation was awful without them.
i got sick one time (2nd treatment) where i threw up and had diarrhea for a few days but never had a high temp. i got thru it and it didn't happen again. also 2nd treatment i got the sores but only on my waist...it just itched a little...broke the skin and then eventually went away on their own. i didn't have to use medication or anything. I did get a little on my neck/chest but it wasn't bad. 3rd treatment was the best...no sores and no throwing up. only thing was the constipation and diarrhea....and of course a little more tired then the last couple times. 4th treatment and on.....same consistent side effects but more intense. my toes are numb and got a little worse as the treatments went on....as well as my nails...just hurting under the nail. they also turned red. and wow....really tired.
my last treatment (6th) is tomorrow morning. i'm anticipating being extremely exhausted and everything even more intensified but i know i can make it thru it.
if i can offer any advice or support it's to say that as much as you think you can't do it.....believe that you can. you have to. you have no choice. it just is what it is. my girlfriend told me that WE(women) are stronger than breast cancer now......and i have held on to that. so yes it sucks...and yes you don't wish this on yourself or anyone else....but you got this. for real. you got this.
and don't forget to write in whenever you feel you need to. i didn't have a forum to go to so going through everyone's posts have really helped me alot.
know you are loved baby girl.
ally0
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