start chemo tomorrow 12-17

good luck tomorrow -- do NOT be afraid to ask questions -- If you don't hear/get the answer to your satisfaction- ask again -- sometimes staff members are busy running in several directions at once.

vicki Sam 

Are you getting the neulasta shot after your chemo to keep your blood counts up? My onc uses it with all her cytoxin/taxotere patients and my insurance covered it (it's expensive), you come back and get it 24 hours after the chemo. It stimulates the bone marrow to make white blood cells. It can cause bone aching as side effect. I was told by other ladies to take regular claritin the day of chemo and several days after the shot and had very little aching.

Did you have a chemo class to prepare you for the side effects and what to do to prevent them, like the mouth rinse with baking soda and water to prevent mouth sores? Also precautions to prevent infection, like washing all fresh veggies with the commercial veggie soap, wiping down commonly touched areas in house every day with Lysol wipes, staying away from crowds as much as possible. Be vigilant with handwashing and using hand sanitizer after handling money, touching handrails in stores, etc. I've continued my procedure of wiping down light switches, faucet handles, toilet handle, phone, remotes - Lew works with students at university and always brings germs home. So far we haven't gotten sick this winter.

Also, talk to Dr or dietician about getting more protein during chemo to help body heal. My dietician calculated that I should have 70 gm protein/day during chemo. That's hard to do without using a protein powder supplement. Many of the powders have soy in them which she didn't want me to have on a daily basis, did find a brand by Rob Roy at GMC that was OK. Also, drink, drink drink to flush the chemo out of your system.

They'll be sending pills for nausea home with you, if they don't work for you call onc- there are many drugs to choose from and if one doesn't work another one will. I didn't need mine but I know others who did.

I had my first chemo on Thursday, felt OK Friday, and by Saturday started feeling different. The first session felt tired, foggy headed for about 4 days, then felt pretty normal until the next chemo.

Let us know how you're doing, and ask if you have any questions.

Just read your Home Page and you have a wonderful attitude and that will help you as you go thru the chemo for sure.   Sending you Thoughts and Prayers for all good things.   There are so many girlsl here who can help you with whatever your reactions are.  We are all unique and none of us reacted the same way.

I think you may be the youngest woman I've talked with to have BC but it sounds like you have caught it in time and that you are doing all the right things.   Keep us posted.  Hugs.

taysho said:

I did go in today and had my

I did go in today and had my nulasta shot, I am taking claritin so hopefully it will help with the aches and pains others have reported I did have a chemo class and I feel that I have the best team of doctors and nurses, they have made all of  the difference in the last few  months!  I have not spoken with a dietitian, but I started a diet this summer that's high protein so I have been trying to keep that up because I know how important protein is! 

 

The only real side effect I have so far is a red face, chest, and upper arms, but I did see the doctor today while getting my nulastA shot to make sure it wasn't anything serious, and she just thought it was a mix of the steroids and chemo drugs and it should go away in a few days, and next time I may start steroids earlier to see if it helps! 

I have stayed away from crowds or when I'm out I have masks I keep in my car, just in case, the flu is running  rampid in my neck of the woods, I will be going to my mothers house in a few days to spend the holidays and then back to the Oncologist the 29th. Thanks everyone for the support and encouragement! Merry Christmas and happy holidays!! 

So glad to hear they provided a chemo class for you, that makes such a difference when you can be an educated part of your team.

Yes, I had that "steroid glow" too with each chemo session. Also be prepared for the steroid insomnia. It goes away after the steroid is out of your system. Take naps when you need them.