Starting Chemo on Friday 10/5
I start chemo on Friday, I have purchased my wig. I need to buy a thermometer yet (I hear you need to check your temp all the time).
My shots have been called in to the pharmacy (I believe I will be trained on giving myself my own injections - can't wait for that one) (it's the Neulasta or whatever it is)
Food: not sure about this one. Afraid to even go there....
Do I have it all covered?
Tonia
Comments
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Tonia
Want to wish you good luck on starting chemo on Friday.
Make sure you have a hot/cold pack they will help with the bone pain and stomach cramps.
As for food rice, broth, ices anything light will do go. Also make sure you drink as lot of fluids.
You will go great, how many rounds do you need? What is your chemo cocktail ?
It's great that they are letting you give yourself the injections, my doctors makes me go into the office what a pain.
If there is anything else I can help you with let me know, I just finished my second round on Thursday
Hugs Christine0 -
Chemo needs
Definitely drink fluids. I always brought a bottle of water for my ride home. Buy some plastic silverware for eating, it helped me sometimes with the funny taste. Keep in mind just because you like the way something tastes today, it may make you sick tomorrow. Your taste will change constantly. Be easy on yourself. You must give in and rest, don't fight fatigue but try to walk each day a little. Let friends and family help if they offer, they need too feel like they are helping.
Positive thoughts and prayers! Remember every chemo you get through puts you one step closer to the end!
Sandy0 -
Hang in there....
I know it's a scary time....but I've always said, the scariest part, for me was walking in the door for the first one....thought my husband was going to have to drag me in.....I'm back on chemo, again....it's kind of old hat for me now...do you have a port? If so wear something that makes it easy for the nurse to access it...button down or loose pull over...get a digital thermometer, takes the guess work out....I would take it if you have reason to believe to might have a fever but not all the time...report anything to your onco over 100.2.....as for the Neulasta injection....it has to be kept in the frig...do you live to far from your treatment center to go back and have them give it to you? Especially the first one, never know if you might have a reaction to it....and it has to be given slowly or it really burns..and given 24 hours after your infusion.....also many take Claratin ......NOT Clatitan D! the morning of the shot to ward off the bone pain that can come with it....check and make sure your doc okays it....
I always start my Zofran (anti nausea meds) the day before and take them for the next 3 days as prescribed....better to keep it at bay than get it under control if it starts......if you don't already have an Rx for them get it! .....they will give it to you in your IV before the chemo drugs,and probably Decadron and Benadryl also....the Decadron may cause sleep problems...it did me....
I ALWAYS eat before each infusion....if it's early, I eat oatmeal....something that sticks to your ribs..my cancer center also feeds us....if you want something... Also, have some extra strength Immodium and Miralax (stool softener) on hand....if you get diarrhea don't let it get out of control, sets you up for dehydration....drink plenty of water or what ever suits you after each infusion....what is your chemo cocktail? Remember we're all different and react differently to the same things..eat what ever you can....your taste buds will probably be way off for a week or so...
If you have any other questions, there's always one of us, ready with an answer and help....
Wishing you the best,
Hugs, Nancy0 -
Hi ToniaCtine70 said:Tonia
Want to wish you good luck on starting chemo on Friday.
Make sure you have a hot/cold pack they will help with the bone pain and stomach cramps.
As for food rice, broth, ices anything light will do go. Also make sure you drink as lot of fluids.
You will go great, how many rounds do you need? What is your chemo cocktail ?
It's great that they are letting you give yourself the injections, my doctors makes me go into the office what a pain.
If there is anything else I can help you with let me know, I just finished my second round on Thursday
Hugs Christine
Just walking in that door for the first time can be really scary. But, it was nowhere near as bad as I imagined. I had six rounds of TAC 3 weeks apart. The first few were a breeze, but 4th got a little harder then 5 and 6 were the toughest but doable. I went to the doc's for the Neulasta the day after--caused me a little bone pain a day or two after for which I used Ibuprophen.
For me, the worst thing was that most of my food tasted downright lousy. It was really trial and error as to what I could tolerate. Everyone is different and will tell you different things to eat. Do drink lots of fluids and if you have any of the side effects, most likely your onc. will have a good remedy--make sure to call.
Try to rest as much as possible and one piece of advice that I would definitely give you is to let people help you. Whether it's neighbors wanting to send meals, watch your kids, do your shopping, etc.--let them. Makes them feel like they're helping and it will help you so much too.
Take good care and check in often. There are so many of us who can help to answer questions, alleviate your fears or just be a good, non-judgemental ear to listen to you complain should you so desire.
Hugs, Renee0 -
You'll do great!!!
I had 6
You'll do great!!!
I had 6 rounds of TCH. My husband gave me my Neulasta shot 24 hours after my treatment -- well, it was closer to 18 hours, because he'd give it to me on the evening the day after my treatment. I have a huge fear of needles, so my oncologist kept me on the single higher dose rather than a series of mini ones to regulate my WBC.
If you haven't already, ask for a PORT -- it'll make it oh so much easier for those trips.
Ask for numbing cream, too. It gets old getting pricked.
Take a blanket with you, it gets cold in the chemo rooms.
Take a book and/or someone with you to keep you company.
Temperature: I took mine about once a day and whenever I felt like I was warm.
Food: I found that nothing hot worked for me - so I had lots of iced lattes, milkshakes, ice cold water. Soups worked well, too. I found the more I had to chew my food the worst it tasted. The only thing I could figure was that the chemo was expelled through the salvia and when that mixed with my food, it tasted bad and burned going down my throat. So soup worked in that there was no chewing involved. Wine - Red wine burned going down, so I went to white wine. I chuckled towards the end of my treatments . . . my iron levels got low, so they told me to eat more red meat and to drink wine to help my body absorb the iron.
Be prepared for hot flashes/night sweats. They come and go -- just uncomfortable for a short bit.
My hair started to come out exactly at the 14 day mark. I held on to it for about a week and half afterwards and then finally shaved it off. I was massively emotional about it -- even posted on here before hand. We made it a family event, each of our kids got to clip and shave it. Afterwards, when I looked in the mirror and saw myself with no hair, I was ok with it - no more tears. Also, I haven't worn the wigs I purchased once! I have preferred to wear scarves and hats --- I have nothing to hide.
Do your make-up EVERYDAY! This will help you feel better about yourself and help you keep your spirits up.
The only other advice I can give it to do your best to stay positive. BC is a horrible thing, but it does not have to change your daily routine . . .do what you can and forget the rest. Enlist people to help you out and LET THEM.0 -
post0
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I'll be on that pink busCtine70 said:Tonia
Want to wish you good luck on starting chemo on Friday.
Make sure you have a hot/cold pack they will help with the bone pain and stomach cramps.
As for food rice, broth, ices anything light will do go. Also make sure you drink as lot of fluids.
You will go great, how many rounds do you need? What is your chemo cocktail ?
It's great that they are letting you give yourself the injections, my doctors makes me go into the office what a pain.
If there is anything else I can help you with let me know, I just finished my second round on Thursday
Hugs Christine
I'll be on that pink bus Friday!
Good luck Tonia,
Leeza0 -
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 Lynn0 -
Fight2survive, that isfight2survive said:You'll do great!!!
I had 6
You'll do great!!!
I had 6 rounds of TCH. My husband gave me my Neulasta shot 24 hours after my treatment -- well, it was closer to 18 hours, because he'd give it to me on the evening the day after my treatment. I have a huge fear of needles, so my oncologist kept me on the single higher dose rather than a series of mini ones to regulate my WBC.
If you haven't already, ask for a PORT -- it'll make it oh so much easier for those trips.
Ask for numbing cream, too. It gets old getting pricked.
Take a blanket with you, it gets cold in the chemo rooms.
Take a book and/or someone with you to keep you company.
Temperature: I took mine about once a day and whenever I felt like I was warm.
Food: I found that nothing hot worked for me - so I had lots of iced lattes, milkshakes, ice cold water. Soups worked well, too. I found the more I had to chew my food the worst it tasted. The only thing I could figure was that the chemo was expelled through the salvia and when that mixed with my food, it tasted bad and burned going down my throat. So soup worked in that there was no chewing involved. Wine - Red wine burned going down, so I went to white wine. I chuckled towards the end of my treatments . . . my iron levels got low, so they told me to eat more red meat and to drink wine to help my body absorb the iron.
Be prepared for hot flashes/night sweats. They come and go -- just uncomfortable for a short bit.
My hair started to come out exactly at the 14 day mark. I held on to it for about a week and half afterwards and then finally shaved it off. I was massively emotional about it -- even posted on here before hand. We made it a family event, each of our kids got to clip and shave it. Afterwards, when I looked in the mirror and saw myself with no hair, I was ok with it - no more tears. Also, I haven't worn the wigs I purchased once! I have preferred to wear scarves and hats --- I have nothing to hide.
Do your make-up EVERYDAY! This will help you feel better about yourself and help you keep your spirits up.
The only other advice I can give it to do your best to stay positive. BC is a horrible thing, but it does not have to change your daily routine . . .do what you can and forget the rest. Enlist people to help you out and LET THEM.
Fight2survive, that is fantastic advice! I've never had chemo, but, I am going to copy your post to have incase someone else might ask about what to do. Excellent tips!
Leeza0 -
0
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The reason...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
The reason food doesn't taste the same or bad is because chemo attacks rapidly dividing cells, and your taste buds are just that....the same with our hair.... My first go round with chemo, my taste buds disappeared for about 6-7 days and then I was fine with food....I have been told no alcohol while on chemo....chemo can also cause Thrush....if your tongue starts to look whitish or you develop little white blisters contact your doc....
Hugs, Nancy0 -
Wellsalls41 said:Chemo needs
Definitely drink fluids. I always brought a bottle of water for my ride home. Buy some plastic silverware for eating, it helped me sometimes with the funny taste. Keep in mind just because you like the way something tastes today, it may make you sick tomorrow. Your taste will change constantly. Be easy on yourself. You must give in and rest, don't fight fatigue but try to walk each day a little. Let friends and family help if they offer, they need too feel like they are helping.
Positive thoughts and prayers! Remember every chemo you get through puts you one step closer to the end!
Sandy
I've got flashlights, batteries, food, booze and bail money. That's right, bail money. Sorry to say a couple, no names mentioned, got a little too rowdy on the last pink bus and got arrested. So this time, I am prepared! hehe
Praying that you will have zero side effects with chemo!
Sue
0 -
Well if VickiSam...Ritzy said:Well
I've got flashlights, batteries, food, booze and bail money. That's right, bail money. Sorry to say a couple, no names mentioned, got a little too rowdy on the last pink bus and got arrested. So this time, I am prepared! hehe
Praying that you will have zero side effects with chemo!
Sue
had not put that dollar down the handsome dancer's thongy thing and it turned out to be a sting.....0 -
Looks like the pink sistersdebsweb18 said:I didn't have chemo
So can't give you advice. But hope you get through it ok.
Deb
Looks like the pink sisters have given you exceptional advice as they always do. Just going to say good luck to you and post how you are doing when you can.
Hugs, Noel0 -
ToniaMAJW said:Hang in there....
I know it's a scary time....but I've always said, the scariest part, for me was walking in the door for the first one....thought my husband was going to have to drag me in.....I'm back on chemo, again....it's kind of old hat for me now...do you have a port? If so wear something that makes it easy for the nurse to access it...button down or loose pull over...get a digital thermometer, takes the guess work out....I would take it if you have reason to believe to might have a fever but not all the time...report anything to your onco over 100.2.....as for the Neulasta injection....it has to be kept in the frig...do you live to far from your treatment center to go back and have them give it to you? Especially the first one, never know if you might have a reaction to it....and it has to be given slowly or it really burns..and given 24 hours after your infusion.....also many take Claratin ......NOT Clatitan D! the morning of the shot to ward off the bone pain that can come with it....check and make sure your doc okays it....
I always start my Zofran (anti nausea meds) the day before and take them for the next 3 days as prescribed....better to keep it at bay than get it under control if it starts......if you don't already have an Rx for them get it! .....they will give it to you in your IV before the chemo drugs,and probably Decadron and Benadryl also....the Decadron may cause sleep problems...it did me....
I ALWAYS eat before each infusion....if it's early, I eat oatmeal....something that sticks to your ribs..my cancer center also feeds us....if you want something... Also, have some extra strength Immodium and Miralax (stool softener) on hand....if you get diarrhea don't let it get out of control, sets you up for dehydration....drink plenty of water or what ever suits you after each infusion....what is your chemo cocktail? Remember we're all different and react differently to the same things..eat what ever you can....your taste buds will probably be way off for a week or so...
If you have any other questions, there's always one of us, ready with an answer and help....
Wishing you the best,
Hugs, Nancy
Good luck! Praying for no side effects for you and please update us how your 1st chemo treatment goes.0 -
You deserve retail therapylynn1950 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
You deserve retail therapy like Lynn used to do! I hope you feel like it!0 -
My chemo cocktail isjnl said:You deserve retail therapy
You deserve retail therapy like Lynn used to do! I hope you feel like it!
My chemo cocktail is probably Sunday School compared to what you ladies are probably used to. Since my nodes were clean but my oncotype score fell in the middle, we were just gambling on doing chemo so we can ward off the evil cell dividing monkeys that may be lurking. I don't have the names in front of me - only the "medical names" of the drugs. The brand names are not coming to my mind off hand: "Doxorubicin" and "Cyclophosphamide" every 2 weeks (4 doses), then 12 weeks once a week of "paclitaxel".
Steroids: I have had them before but when my asthma got bad. If it is the same steroids everyone around me is in trouble. That stuff makes me bend metal in half.
Port: I do have one - we are good to go. I got it last week - my chest is bruised to hell.
Immodium AD, Miralax, Claritin: CHECK
Thermometer: Digital - CHECK
Plastic Silverware: - FORGOT - will be sending Tim (my hubbie) out to shop along with any food. I get the feeling it's going to change all the time anyway.
Thank you all for helping me with my list. I am scared to death. Not only am I just scared, I am afraid because I worked so hard to lose weight on Weight Watchers. I lost 20 lbs. and I understand that a lot of times people gain weight while going through this.
I'm sure it'll be fine, lol - "what could possibly go wrong?"0 -
I never had to do chemo,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
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,
Diane0 -
Between what you haverallendorfer said:Well if VickiSam...
had not put that dollar down the handsome dancer's thongy thing and it turned out to be a sting.....
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,
Megan0
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