First Chemo Treatment was yesterday
Comments
-
Sam726--Welcome
First welcome to this awesome site where anything can be asked.
Second-my story: First chemo treatment was 3/10 and my last one was 7/23--I am still having Herceptin treatment but it is not a chemo drug.
I never had nausea while having treatments.
Tips: Drink plenty of water. Rinse mouth with 1/4 tsp baking soda and warm water several times a day. Use plastic ware--this keeps a less metallic taste in your mouth. When you can cook in glassware--this helps also with the metallic taste. Eat and rest when you can. If you have long hair and the oncologist has told you that you will lose your hair please cut it short. When your hair starts to fall out most of us have chosen to shave our heads. Keep shaving it until you start to get new growth that is very soft and then all your hair will be the same length. I lost my hair on 3/26 and shaved my head on 3/27. Losing my hair in the shower was worse than the doctor telling me I had cancer.
If I think of anything else I will add later.
Don't worry if you forget things because we all do when we are going through chemo and we call it chemo brain.
Best of luck to you.
Hugs,
Margo0 -
SAM
Just wanted to say WELCOME and I'm glad your on your way!! I still have 7 more chemo tratments to go. I'm taking Taxol and Herceptin now. I was on Adriamycin and Cytoxan. I was fortunate that I didn't have any side effects that were too bad. Just make sure you drink plenty of water to flush out your system and keep your kidneys working. I used Synsodyne toothpaste and rinsed with 1 tsp. baking soda mixed with water to prevent mouth sores. Please keep us posted and let us know if you have any questions we can help you with. Diane0 -
Hi DebDeb1969 said:Just curious, Im gonna have
Just curious, Im gonna have my first treatment this Wednesday. What type of chemo are you taking and what reaction did you have?
Deb
I am taking Heceptin, Taxotir and Carboplatin. Being treated for HER2. The only reaction I had during treatment was to the liquid they use to mix up the Taxotir. This is common. I had some shortness of breath. They just unhooked it, gave me a steroid and some adavan and things went smooth from there. Good luck to you and let us know how things are going for you.0 -
HI Mlmjt1mlmjt1 said:Hi sam
Congratulations for starting your journey. You are 1 day closer to being done.
Can you tell us what meds you are taking? The side effects are different for each of them.
REmember to drink lots of fluids
Hugs
Linda t
Herceptin, taxotere and carboplatin..just tired and weak today with headaches. Im sure theres more to come and I'm ready!! Trying to stay positive and take it day to day.0 -
hi Margotommaseena said:Sam726--Welcome
First welcome to this awesome site where anything can be asked.
Second-my story: First chemo treatment was 3/10 and my last one was 7/23--I am still having Herceptin treatment but it is not a chemo drug.
I never had nausea while having treatments.
Tips: Drink plenty of water. Rinse mouth with 1/4 tsp baking soda and warm water several times a day. Use plastic ware--this keeps a less metallic taste in your mouth. When you can cook in glassware--this helps also with the metallic taste. Eat and rest when you can. If you have long hair and the oncologist has told you that you will lose your hair please cut it short. When your hair starts to fall out most of us have chosen to shave our heads. Keep shaving it until you start to get new growth that is very soft and then all your hair will be the same length. I lost my hair on 3/26 and shaved my head on 3/27. Losing my hair in the shower was worse than the doctor telling me I had cancer.
If I think of anything else I will add later.
Don't worry if you forget things because we all do when we are going through chemo and we call it chemo brain.
Best of luck to you.
Hugs,
Margo
Thanks for all the great advice..I will remember it if I can with my Chemo Brain!! Good luck on the rest of your journey. How are things going with the Herceptin? That is what Im taking, along with Taxotere and Carboplatin.0 -
HerceptinSam726 said:hi Margo
Thanks for all the great advice..I will remember it if I can with my Chemo Brain!! Good luck on the rest of your journey. How are things going with the Herceptin? That is what Im taking, along with Taxotere and Carboplatin.
Herceptin is a breeze by itself.
My first cocktail was A/C (Adramyacin w/Cytoxan)(spelling?)once ever two weeks for 8 treatments.
Second cocktail was Taxol w/Herceptin-once a week for 12 treatments
Third cocktail is Herceptin-once every three weeks for a year.
Keep up with the anti-nausea meds and if they don't work for you make sure you call your doctor and they can change it to something else.
Margo0 -
Hi SamSam726 said:Hi Deb
I am taking Heceptin, Taxotir and Carboplatin. Being treated for HER2. The only reaction I had during treatment was to the liquid they use to mix up the Taxotir. This is common. I had some shortness of breath. They just unhooked it, gave me a steroid and some adavan and things went smooth from there. Good luck to you and let us know how things are going for you.
I just wanted to welcome you, I don't have to have chemo, but I am starting rad's next week!
You'll find great support here and many people to talk to about all most any thing, so tell us little more about your self, what were you dx's with, and what is your over all treatment plan.
oh and which one are you in the picture?
Take care and good luck with chemo,
Aurora0 -
Sam .. going to jump in here .. VickiSam from Corona, CAtommaseena said:Herceptin
Herceptin is a breeze by itself.
My first cocktail was A/C (Adramyacin w/Cytoxan)(spelling?)once ever two weeks for 8 treatments.
Second cocktail was Taxol w/Herceptin-once a week for 12 treatments
Third cocktail is Herceptin-once every three weeks for a year.
Keep up with the anti-nausea meds and if they don't work for you make sure you call your doctor and they can change it to something else.
Margo
Started my chemo on 9/8 .. No side efforts until Wednesday, .. sunburned from spending 10 min. outside picking up doggie do ..fatigued .. hard to get back on normal sleep pattern - personally I think do to the horomone therapy a few days before .. as onc nurse stated .. legal speed. Hot flashes .. a few mouth sore ..bearable.
I have been able to eat, drink and sleep. .. only problem is consipation--miserable. stool softener given - did not work until 3:00 this morning .
I wish someone would of handed out a 'chemo cocktail' do's and don'ts for dummies - and given me the manual when I left onc office, no such luck ..
My experence so far : Her2Postitive - DCIS ..
-- 3 lites of water, liquid daily
-- No sun
-- stay out of the heat (hot here in California)
-- fatigued/dizzy
-- eat when hungry, small meals .. applesauce, toast, bananas, cottage cheese, lite soups
-- toothpaste info as stated in this string of emails
DON'T .. give up your schedule or life because you are taking chemo treatments. Scale back and live .
--0 -
Hi Auroraaurora2009 said:Hi Sam
I just wanted to welcome you, I don't have to have chemo, but I am starting rad's next week!
You'll find great support here and many people to talk to about all most any thing, so tell us little more about your self, what were you dx's with, and what is your over all treatment plan.
oh and which one are you in the picture?
Take care and good luck with chemo,
Aurora
Thanks for the welcome...everyone here has been great. Diagnosed with HER2 positive, early stages. Started Hereceptin, Taxotere and Carboplatin on the 10th. Then on to lumpectomy and radiation. Takin it one day at a time. Oh, and Im on the left! Good luck with your treatment...and stay strong!0 -
Welcome SamSam726 said:Hi Aurora
Thanks for the welcome...everyone here has been great. Diagnosed with HER2 positive, early stages. Started Hereceptin, Taxotere and Carboplatin on the 10th. Then on to lumpectomy and radiation. Takin it one day at a time. Oh, and Im on the left! Good luck with your treatment...and stay strong!
Hi Sam....welcome to the site...this has been my arm and leg over the months. I have had many complications since my diagnosis on June 19th. I have had tons of tests, doctor appts., surgeries, (double mastectomy with reconstruction) etc., and I am with you I am ready to start treatment to get rid of this beast. My latest surgery to remove a mass called a thymoma from my lung is delaying my chemo for a few weeks. But Monday I will at least get a start on radiation on the cancer that matasticized to my hip. Radiation will be 10 treatments (one each day) and then my first chemo treatment is scheduled for October 2. It sounds to me like we will be taking nearly the exact same cocktail...I am glad to hear your feedback -- and that of everyone else...it will help me when I start. I am scheduled for one treatment every three weeks for 6 treatments (18 weeks) is that the same as you? WE CAN DO THIS..........I hope everything stays "simple" for you with your chemo reaction. I was glad to get the shaved head advice because that will be the worst for me too...I will do it hard as it is...but I know it will grow back. WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!! We're in it together. Good luck. Blessings to you.0 -
We CAN do this!!GG40 said:Welcome Sam
Hi Sam....welcome to the site...this has been my arm and leg over the months. I have had many complications since my diagnosis on June 19th. I have had tons of tests, doctor appts., surgeries, (double mastectomy with reconstruction) etc., and I am with you I am ready to start treatment to get rid of this beast. My latest surgery to remove a mass called a thymoma from my lung is delaying my chemo for a few weeks. But Monday I will at least get a start on radiation on the cancer that matasticized to my hip. Radiation will be 10 treatments (one each day) and then my first chemo treatment is scheduled for October 2. It sounds to me like we will be taking nearly the exact same cocktail...I am glad to hear your feedback -- and that of everyone else...it will help me when I start. I am scheduled for one treatment every three weeks for 6 treatments (18 weeks) is that the same as you? WE CAN DO THIS..........I hope everything stays "simple" for you with your chemo reaction. I was glad to get the shaved head advice because that will be the worst for me too...I will do it hard as it is...but I know it will grow back. WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!! We're in it together. Good luck. Blessings to you.
I am sorry to hear about your delay but sounds like they are moving you along in the right direction. Yes, I will be on the chemo cocktail for 6 treatments, a lumpectomy, Heceptin for a year and then radiation. This is the plan...things can change obviously but Im staying positive. I dont want to lose my hair, I have always had very long, thick pretty hair. Not sure how I will deal with it but Im just taking one day at a time. Being 33, and a single mother makes this just that much more challening. Dont know many my age going thru this. Anyone out there young, single, like me going thru this? Would love to hear how you feel?0 -
Hi Sam!
Welcome to the Board! Your story is very similiar to mine. I too am tired of all these tests and appointments and am ready to move on! I was just diagnosed 8/11. Tuesday I meet with the surgeon to discuss putting in a port(which I am not thrilled with, but gotta do what I gotta do) to start Chemo. I will be on the same "cocktail" as yours so keep me posted on how you are doing with it. Tired is normal and glad your are not nauseated! What a blessing that they have meds now to help with that! Anyway,just think that after every chemo treatment you are one step closer to recovery & survival!
Prayers & Hugz,
Cathy0 -
HairSam726 said:We CAN do this!!
I am sorry to hear about your delay but sounds like they are moving you along in the right direction. Yes, I will be on the chemo cocktail for 6 treatments, a lumpectomy, Heceptin for a year and then radiation. This is the plan...things can change obviously but Im staying positive. I dont want to lose my hair, I have always had very long, thick pretty hair. Not sure how I will deal with it but Im just taking one day at a time. Being 33, and a single mother makes this just that much more challening. Dont know many my age going thru this. Anyone out there young, single, like me going thru this? Would love to hear how you feel?
I "had" hair almost down to my rear. I decided to get a head start on the process and had it chopped off just Wed. and sent it to Locks of Love. (paying it forward) When it starts to fall out, it'll get buzzed. It's very short now & it's an adjustment.(When I put my robe on I keep grabbing for my hair to flop it out, only it's not there!) The advantages though are less shampoo,conditioner,brushing,styling, etc...and some say I look younger so I'm good with that! I just found a website this morning called hatsoff-to-chemo.org/ that will send you a free hat or turban. Another that was recommended on here is franceluxe.com for a free scarf. You will probably get other suggestions as well. Cheap is good,free is better! It's amazing how many resources there are out there and such wonderful people willing to help with the "small" stuff! Hope this helps!
Cathy0 -
Hi deb... I justSam726 said:Hi Deb
I am taking Heceptin, Taxotir and Carboplatin. Being treated for HER2. The only reaction I had during treatment was to the liquid they use to mix up the Taxotir. This is common. I had some shortness of breath. They just unhooked it, gave me a steroid and some adavan and things went smooth from there. Good luck to you and let us know how things are going for you.
Hi deb...
I just completed my chemo treatments... I had 4 treatments of adromycin and cytoxin every 2 weeks ... then 4 treatments of taxotere every 3 weeks... the AC made me super tired with some nausea.. but the anti-nausea meds work great.. with all the drugs out there no reason you should suffer if nausea/ vomiting become an issue...
The taxotere was a lot harder on my body... I would get horrific bone pain in my back and legs, horrible mouth pain( which would start on day 3 after the treatment and last about 5 days) and my nails on my hands and feet got thick and yellow.. and 1 week after starting taxotere all my eye lashes fell out...
The chemo made me menopausal... (I'm 36), gave me terrible headaches, and insomnia...
Get your rest... The treatments do build on you... the first one is relatively easy compared to the future treatments...0 -
Hey Sam
welcome! I finished my chemo treatments just after the New Year in 2008.
Glad that your chemo treatments are going well so far!0 -
Hi, Sam. Just wanted to
Hi, Sam. Just wanted to welcome you to the boards. I am currently going through my chemo which is taxotere and cytoxan. I have completed 2 treatments and have 2 to go. Then, it's on to rads. Good luck to you as you begin your journey!0
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 6 CSN Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 121.9K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 446 Bladder Cancer
- 309 Bone Cancers
- 1.6K Brain Cancer
- 28.5K Breast Cancer
- 397 Childhood Cancers
- 27.9K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 13K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.4K Kidney Cancer
- 671 Leukemia
- 793 Liver Cancer
- 4.1K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 237 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.1K Ovarian Cancer
- 61 Pancreatic Cancer
- 487 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.5K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 539 Sarcoma
- 731 Skin Cancer
- 653 Stomach Cancer
- 191 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.8K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.3K Lifestyle Discussion Boards