Starting Chemo on Friday 10/5

2

Comments

  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    Megan M said:

    Between what you have
    Between what you have already and what the sisters have told you about, you've got it covered!

    Lots and lots of good luck and hugs,


    Megan

    Good luck!
    I'm in! Always ready to support a pink sister! What should I bring for the bus ride?


    Hugs, Kylez
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    DianeBC said:

    I never had to do chemo,
    I never had to do chemo, and, I know you must be scared, but, all of us will be with you in spirit, cheering you on and holding your hand.


    See you Friday,

    Diane

    Just my 2 cents ...
    Please don't allow the anxiety to get the best of you. Remember to alert your Onco RN of any unusual feelings etc .. a list of possible side efforts, which should be presented to
    you before your first chemo infusion

    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, which is given 24 hours after chemo infusion.

    Ask for prescriptions for nausea and vomiting -- as well as diarrhea.

    Plastic silverware is a must ---
    biotin toothpaste and mouthwash is a daily essential, and biotin
    mouth wash is helpful in preventing mount sores
    (both are available at most Target's or Walmart)
    Tom's natural toothpaste also works

    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.

    Johnson's baby shampoo, or Neutrogena T-Gel are 2 good sources of shampoo --
    gentle on our new hairless scalps.

    Don't be surprised if your face, neck and back break out in acme. My acme reminded
    me of a '15 year old' school girl. Yikes!

    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 Sam
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member

    Well if VickiSam...
    had not put that dollar down the handsome dancer's thongy thing and it turned out to be a sting.....

    ...not to worry ladies .. I have retained an attorney
    for occasions such of this -- I am good to go! No need to take up a
    collection for bail this bus ride...


    Vicki Sam
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member

    Well if VickiSam...
    had not put that dollar down the handsome dancer's thongy thing and it turned out to be a sting.....

    I know! Can you try and I
    I know! Can you try and I mean try really hard to keep Vicki Sam under control please? LOL


    Sue :)
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    Tonia,
    You have already

    Tonia,
    You have already gotten wonderful advise. I will only add that once you are through this first one, you will get your groove. You will know what foods you can stomach, what days you can get stuff done and what days you should just be a couch potato. If they are giving you the injections, pick up a sharps container at the pharmacy to so you can dispose of the needles safely. I had to do mine as my husband has issues with needles!
    Like everyone says, drinks lots of fluids. I added an extra serving of protein and that seemed to help. The steroids really helped me eat.
    This will be over before you know it.
    Cindy
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    Tonia,
    You have already

    Tonia,
    You have already gotten wonderful advise. I will only add that once you are through this first one, you will get your groove. You will know what foods you can stomach, what days you can get stuff done and what days you should just be a couch potato. If they are giving you the injections, pick up a sharps container at the pharmacy to so you can dispose of the needles safely. I had to do mine as my husband has issues with needles!
    Like everyone says, drinks lots of fluids. I added an extra serving of protein and that seemed to help. The steroids really helped me eat.
    This will be over before you know it.
    Cindy
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    VickiSam said:

    Just my 2 cents ...
    Please don't allow the anxiety to get the best of you. Remember to alert your Onco RN of any unusual feelings etc .. a list of possible side efforts, which should be presented to
    you before your first chemo infusion

    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, which is given 24 hours after chemo infusion.

    Ask for prescriptions for nausea and vomiting -- as well as diarrhea.

    Plastic silverware is a must ---
    biotin toothpaste and mouthwash is a daily essential, and biotin
    mouth wash is helpful in preventing mount sores
    (both are available at most Target's or Walmart)
    Tom's natural toothpaste also works

    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.

    Johnson's baby shampoo, or Neutrogena T-Gel are 2 good sources of shampoo --
    gentle on our new hairless scalps.

    Don't be surprised if your face, neck and back break out in acme. My acme reminded
    me of a '15 year old' school girl. Yikes!

    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 Sam

    Positive thoughts!
    Hoping everything goes well for you and I will be watching for an update.


    Hugs, Lex
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    DianeBC said:

    I never had to do chemo,
    I never had to do chemo, and, I know you must be scared, but, all of us will be with you in spirit, cheering you on and holding your hand.


    See you Friday,

    Diane

    Be sure and let us know how
    Be sure and let us know how today goes for you Tonia. Positive thoughts and prayers!
  • Ctine70
    Ctine70 Member Posts: 150
    Just checking in
    Wanted to see how you are after your first chemo
    Thinking of you
    Hugs Christine
  • Wendy Joy
    Wendy Joy Member Posts: 51
    lynn1950 said:

    Noone warned me about the
    Noone warned me about the steroids that are given along with the chemo - I was very up and wakeful following chemo. Immediately after chemo I always felt fine. I usually allowed myself some retail therapy, since where I live is rural, but where I received treatment is not. The evening of chemo I had a hard time getting to sleep and sleeping. So if you are sensitive, you may want some medication to help you to sleep that first night. At least, you may want to ask about it.

    Also, do you have a port? If you do, EMLA cream, applied an hour before port access makes the whole shebang painless. If they haven't offered you EMLA, you may want to request that.

    You will do fine... I just know it. xoxoxox Lynn

    Oh yes, the steroids, lol, I
    Oh yes, the steroids, lol, I almost forgot. I was so hyped up after my first chemo and wanted to go shopping. I couldn't believe how good I felt. My friend said my face was RED from the steroids. I over did it! Just b/c you have energy, you should still rest. The steroids may play tricks on you. REST whey you can. Chemo really takes a toll on our bodies!
  • Wendy Joy
    Wendy Joy Member Posts: 51
    Ctine70 said:

    Just checking in
    Wanted to see how you are after your first chemo
    Thinking of you
    Hugs Christine

    The Claritin the night
    The Claritin the night before the Nuelast shot and a few days after helped with any body aches. I don't know why, but it works! Also, I had heard if you chew on ice during your chemo injection you will not get mouth sores. I don't know if it worked, but every injection I got an ice tea from McDonalds and kept having the nurses fill it up with ice. it was so cold in the room, but I did not stop having ice in my mouth the entire time and no mouth sores. Again, maybe a myth but either way worked for me. Also you will figure out what food you can eat and what you can't. I though all I would want was ice cream and then found out I wanted chicken broth and nothing milk based. 4 or 5 days after the injection I would start doing the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) and it would keep me from getting diarrhea. Keep benadryl on hand. I broke out in a rash on my chest and had to take it. You will learn so much after your first round and by the time it is over (yah) you will be an expert on how it is going to effect your body. We are all different. Just stay calm, rest and let people help you. Good luck!!!!!
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    Wendy Joy said:

    Oh yes, the steroids, lol, I
    Oh yes, the steroids, lol, I almost forgot. I was so hyped up after my first chemo and wanted to go shopping. I couldn't believe how good I felt. My friend said my face was RED from the steroids. I over did it! Just b/c you have energy, you should still rest. The steroids may play tricks on you. REST whey you can. Chemo really takes a toll on our bodies!

    Sorry I missed going with
    Sorry I missed going with you today Tonia, but, you are in my thoughts and prayers.


    Hugs, Jan
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    mamolady said:

    Tonia,
    You have already

    Tonia,
    You have already gotten wonderful advise. I will only add that once you are through this first one, you will get your groove. You will know what foods you can stomach, what days you can get stuff done and what days you should just be a couch potato. If they are giving you the injections, pick up a sharps container at the pharmacy to so you can dispose of the needles safely. I had to do mine as my husband has issues with needles!
    Like everyone says, drinks lots of fluids. I added an extra serving of protein and that seemed to help. The steroids really helped me eat.
    This will be over before you know it.
    Cindy

    I couldn't be there on the
    I couldn't be there on the pink bus with you today, but, you were in my thoughts! Praying all went well.


    Hugs, Angie
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    lynn1950 said:

    Noone warned me about the
    Noone warned me about the steroids that are given along with the chemo - I was very up and wakeful following chemo. Immediately after chemo I always felt fine. I usually allowed myself some retail therapy, since where I live is rural, but where I received treatment is not. The evening of chemo I had a hard time getting to sleep and sleeping. So if you are sensitive, you may want some medication to help you to sleep that first night. At least, you may want to ask about it.

    Also, do you have a port? If you do, EMLA cream, applied an hour before port access makes the whole shebang painless. If they haven't offered you EMLA, you may want to request that.

    You will do fine... I just know it. xoxoxox Lynn

    How are you doing?Hugs,
    How are you doing?


    Hugs, Megan
  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    Wendy Joy said:

    The Claritin the night
    The Claritin the night before the Nuelast shot and a few days after helped with any body aches. I don't know why, but it works! Also, I had heard if you chew on ice during your chemo injection you will not get mouth sores. I don't know if it worked, but every injection I got an ice tea from McDonalds and kept having the nurses fill it up with ice. it was so cold in the room, but I did not stop having ice in my mouth the entire time and no mouth sores. Again, maybe a myth but either way worked for me. Also you will figure out what food you can eat and what you can't. I though all I would want was ice cream and then found out I wanted chicken broth and nothing milk based. 4 or 5 days after the injection I would start doing the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) and it would keep me from getting diarrhea. Keep benadryl on hand. I broke out in a rash on my chest and had to take it. You will learn so much after your first round and by the time it is over (yah) you will be an expert on how it is going to effect your body. We are all different. Just stay calm, rest and let people help you. Good luck!!!!!

    how'd it go?
    Round 1 is over (well, sort of). Hope the infusion went without a glitch and you have few or no side effects.

    Suzanne
  • Pink_Swagga
    Pink_Swagga Member Posts: 2
    Seems that all our sisters
    Seems that all our sisters have given you all you will need to prepare. I must say that everyone is differet so don't dwell on expecting the worse. Keep a positive attitude, take one day at a time and give yourself a break.

    Remember that we made a decision to fight this so, bring your body, mind and spirit!

    Any questions please feel free to contact me. I finished my chemo 2 months ago and I am currently on Tamoxifen. Memory is my current frustration. ugh

    God Bless you
    Hope yesterday went well for you and that you keep an attitude of gratitude.
  • Pink_Swagga
    Pink_Swagga Member Posts: 2
    Seems that all our sisters
    Seems that all our sisters have given you all you will need to prepare. I must say that everyone is differet so don't dwell on expecting the worse. Keep a positive attitude, take one day at a time and give yourself a break.

    Remember that we made a decision to fight this so, bring your body, mind and spirit!

    Any questions please feel free to contact me. I finished my chemo 2 months ago and I am currently on Tamoxifen. Memory is my current frustration. ugh

    God Bless you
    Hope yesterday went well for you and that you keep an attitude of gratitude.
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    lynn1950 said:

    Noone warned me about the
    Noone warned me about the steroids that are given along with the chemo - I was very up and wakeful following chemo. Immediately after chemo I always felt fine. I usually allowed myself some retail therapy, since where I live is rural, but where I received treatment is not. The evening of chemo I had a hard time getting to sleep and sleeping. So if you are sensitive, you may want some medication to help you to sleep that first night. At least, you may want to ask about it.

    Also, do you have a port? If you do, EMLA cream, applied an hour before port access makes the whole shebang painless. If they haven't offered you EMLA, you may want to request that.

    You will do fine... I just know it. xoxoxox Lynn

    Tonia, how did Friday go?
    Tonia, how did Friday go? Praying for you!


    Kylez
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    Kylez said:

    Tonia, how did Friday go?
    Tonia, how did Friday go? Praying for you!


    Kylez

    Hoping to see an update from
    Hoping to see an update from you.


    Hugs, Jan
  • mom62
    mom62 Member Posts: 604 Member
    On the Bus
    Hi,

    I'd be happy to be on the bus when you go to chemo. I hope you have a symptom free treatment. We will be here if you have any questions. Good job getting the wig early. I found shaving my head when my hair started to fall out empowering. This was just my experience. It was like the only think I had control of. I'll be here you for you if you need me.

    Terry