First Cycle - A/C Cocktail
Comments
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I am going to answer your question from my perspective but first, what is desensitizing cream and where did you get it?????????
I have just completed the four A/C treatments and the Dr. said I was a 'tuff bird". I was told not to drink/eat citrus as that may spoil on your stomach. Be sure not to over eat but don't go hungry to your treatment Let's see: you may need to ask for a mask to cover your nose; the betadine etc. fumes may bother you. They will clean and clean the area over your cathether with that. It can make some light headed. Ask your Dr. about COQ enzyme 10 if you are at all inclined to complimentaty treatments. That has worked well for me to reduce the side effects. The other thing that you may experience is NO DIGESTION for the 2nd through the 4th or 5th day after the treatment. Ask the Doc what you should take(some of the wonderful folks on this site )will suggest milk of magnesia. By God it works. I did not get very sick overall. But I did feel somewhat out of sorts. I felt slightly like I could have thrown up after the first round but I discovered that my feeling was really due to an irritation of my esophagus rather than an upset stomach. The CoQ 10 reduced all of that for me. I am only saying what worked for me, Donna. Talk with you doc's office before you make any decisions. And read about COQ 10 on the net.
Most people I have spoken with loss their appetites for the first two to four days after the treatments THEN cravings for certain food set in. The common cavings are for pecans, ice cream yogurt, tuna, and perhaps soups.
And last but certainly not the least of all is the hair loss. I wish I had followed the advice of those who told me me to get my hair shaved once it starts to fail out. Seeing the large patches of hair leave my scalp was hurtful for me. Not everyone loses their hair. But once it was all gone , I was OK. It started to fall out after the second treatment. Most folks lose the hair immediately I loss mine after three weeks. And the hats vs wigs is really a very personal thing. I think that is all I can offer you. Some people never felt sick; others did the same day as chemo and I felt slighlty ill around day 4.I hope that helps. It did seem as thought you wanted detail.....
Now don't forget the desnz cream? Is it by RX only or can I get that easily?0 -
I had my first "cocktail" on July 10. I brought the same items overall the music helped most. It was really cold in there but blankets were provided as well as tv. My hair is only shedding right now but I do have a wig. I'm hoping I'm one of those that will not loose too much but I'm prepared. You will feel tired so pace yourself. All will go well...Keep your faith up.0
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Hello there,
I had my first AC on Good Friday of last year..March 31st. The only things I took with my was my Mother and my son that was in my belly at the time. So..you seem very prepared. I felt I really didn't need anything. They had drinks and snacks there so that was covered. I did watch tv so that was nice. I didn't get any of that cream for the port but the needle didn't hurt. Everything went very smooth for me considering I was pregnant.
I do wish you the best of luck and make sure you take your anti-nausia mediations. I think those were great!
God Bless,
Angel0 -
Hi Donna,
I finished my chemo on May 22nd (A/C and taxotere). Step by step...here it is:
1. They will call you in to draw your blood. They probably won't use your port the first time to draw blood...they usually want a nurse to be the first person to access it but after that they will and that saves you a stick.
2. You'll see the doctor for any last minute questions and to make sure your blood counts are okay.
3. The nurse calls you back to the chemo room where they will clean your port area with betadine and something else I can't remember.
4. The nurse will also go over what she's giving you in your infusion and if she doesn't, ask.
5. She will access your port with a short butterfly type needle which you won't feel cuz of your Emla cream!
6. She will flush your port with heparin which always made me light-headed but they told me it was "all in my head".
7. They will start the pre-meds which should have anti-nausea meds and an anti-anxiety drug in it. Don't bring any heavy reading cuz its too hard to concentrate with those anti-anxiety drugs floating around in you. My husband and I took Trivial Pursuit cards with us but I quit playing with him cuz he was whipping my butt! Just couldn't concentrate.
8. Some nurses run saline after each bag of meds so yours may do that. If not then they will start either the Cytoxin or Adriamycin. Adriamycin is red and cytoxin is clear. You shouldn't feel anything when they are going in.
9. When your infusions are done, you can get up and go home. You may feel a little fuzzy so don't plan on driving yourself.
10. Take your anti-nausea meds that night even if you feel fine and continue to take them on schedule.
Of course, your day might not go exactly like that but it should give you a good idea. I had my chemo on Thursdays too and I didn't start to feel icky til Saturday night or maybe even Sunday morning. I never threw up but I felt morning sickness kind of queasy.
I found that what ever I ate in the chemo room or directly after, I couldn't eat again. I had apple juice and peanut butter crackers during my first chemo and I can scarcely type the words without feeling nauseous. So be careful what you eat during or right after. I usually ate a normal breakfast and was able to eat normally the next 2 days after. But by Sunday, I was usually down to cream of wheat or soup. By Tuesday night I was ravenous and could eat whatever sounded good. My first real meal after my first chemo was a pork roast and I swear it was the best food I ever ate! I also craved cookie dough ice cream with chocolate syrup on it! The only things I avoided were citrus and things with tomato sauce because they gave me heartburn. Your body will tell you what to avoid. And if it doesn't, you'll learn soon enough!
Sorry this turned into such a book but I know how much I would have loved to know this before my chemo. Good luck on Thursday. Its not as scary as your probably imagining.
Blessings,
Karen0 -
Thanks all for replying with your personal experiences and good wishes. Every piece of information in regards to dealing with this situation is and has been invaluable to me. Here is a description of the over-the-counter desensitizing cream that my oncologist recommended: ELA-MAX Lidocaine 4% Topical Anesthetic Cream in 15 and 30g tubes.ds1 said:I am going to answer your question from my perspective but first, what is desensitizing cream and where did you get it?????????
I have just completed the four A/C treatments and the Dr. said I was a 'tuff bird". I was told not to drink/eat citrus as that may spoil on your stomach. Be sure not to over eat but don't go hungry to your treatment Let's see: you may need to ask for a mask to cover your nose; the betadine etc. fumes may bother you. They will clean and clean the area over your cathether with that. It can make some light headed. Ask your Dr. about COQ enzyme 10 if you are at all inclined to complimentaty treatments. That has worked well for me to reduce the side effects. The other thing that you may experience is NO DIGESTION for the 2nd through the 4th or 5th day after the treatment. Ask the Doc what you should take(some of the wonderful folks on this site )will suggest milk of magnesia. By God it works. I did not get very sick overall. But I did feel somewhat out of sorts. I felt slightly like I could have thrown up after the first round but I discovered that my feeling was really due to an irritation of my esophagus rather than an upset stomach. The CoQ 10 reduced all of that for me. I am only saying what worked for me, Donna. Talk with you doc's office before you make any decisions. And read about COQ 10 on the net.
Most people I have spoken with loss their appetites for the first two to four days after the treatments THEN cravings for certain food set in. The common cavings are for pecans, ice cream yogurt, tuna, and perhaps soups.
And last but certainly not the least of all is the hair loss. I wish I had followed the advice of those who told me me to get my hair shaved once it starts to fail out. Seeing the large patches of hair leave my scalp was hurtful for me. Not everyone loses their hair. But once it was all gone , I was OK. It started to fall out after the second treatment. Most folks lose the hair immediately I loss mine after three weeks. And the hats vs wigs is really a very personal thing. I think that is all I can offer you. Some people never felt sick; others did the same day as chemo and I felt slighlty ill around day 4.I hope that helps. It did seem as thought you wanted detail.....
Now don't forget the desnz cream? Is it by RX only or can I get that easily?
ELA-MAX Topical Anesthetic Cream is indicated for the temporary relief of pain associated with minor cuts and abrasions of the skin, minor burns, including sunburn, minor skin irritation and insect bites. I had to order it from my pharmacist, but he received it in the next day. It's kind of pricey, but I'll deduct it as a medical expense against this year's tax return - I've accrued that much in the way of expenses to-date.
Wishing everyone the best! You Ladies are the greatest! Donna 0 -
Thank you Karen! This level of detail is exactly what I needed! Now I'm pretty much prepared - if one can be for something like this. Return Blessings to you and to all who replied! Donnajamjar62 said:Hi Donna,
I finished my chemo on May 22nd (A/C and taxotere). Step by step...here it is:
1. They will call you in to draw your blood. They probably won't use your port the first time to draw blood...they usually want a nurse to be the first person to access it but after that they will and that saves you a stick.
2. You'll see the doctor for any last minute questions and to make sure your blood counts are okay.
3. The nurse calls you back to the chemo room where they will clean your port area with betadine and something else I can't remember.
4. The nurse will also go over what she's giving you in your infusion and if she doesn't, ask.
5. She will access your port with a short butterfly type needle which you won't feel cuz of your Emla cream!
6. She will flush your port with heparin which always made me light-headed but they told me it was "all in my head".
7. They will start the pre-meds which should have anti-nausea meds and an anti-anxiety drug in it. Don't bring any heavy reading cuz its too hard to concentrate with those anti-anxiety drugs floating around in you. My husband and I took Trivial Pursuit cards with us but I quit playing with him cuz he was whipping my butt! Just couldn't concentrate.
8. Some nurses run saline after each bag of meds so yours may do that. If not then they will start either the Cytoxin or Adriamycin. Adriamycin is red and cytoxin is clear. You shouldn't feel anything when they are going in.
9. When your infusions are done, you can get up and go home. You may feel a little fuzzy so don't plan on driving yourself.
10. Take your anti-nausea meds that night even if you feel fine and continue to take them on schedule.
Of course, your day might not go exactly like that but it should give you a good idea. I had my chemo on Thursdays too and I didn't start to feel icky til Saturday night or maybe even Sunday morning. I never threw up but I felt morning sickness kind of queasy.
I found that what ever I ate in the chemo room or directly after, I couldn't eat again. I had apple juice and peanut butter crackers during my first chemo and I can scarcely type the words without feeling nauseous. So be careful what you eat during or right after. I usually ate a normal breakfast and was able to eat normally the next 2 days after. But by Sunday, I was usually down to cream of wheat or soup. By Tuesday night I was ravenous and could eat whatever sounded good. My first real meal after my first chemo was a pork roast and I swear it was the best food I ever ate! I also craved cookie dough ice cream with chocolate syrup on it! The only things I avoided were citrus and things with tomato sauce because they gave me heartburn. Your body will tell you what to avoid. And if it doesn't, you'll learn soon enough!
Sorry this turned into such a book but I know how much I would have loved to know this before my chemo. Good luck on Thursday. Its not as scary as your probably imagining.
Blessings,
Karen0 -
Hi Donna, everyone's giving you great advise. I too found music is what I cant live without during chemo. I can close my eyes, listen to my favorite tunes and just go somewhere else. The advise I'd like to add, is drink lots and lots of water. After chemo it helps to wash the crap out of your system, it also helps with constapation. I found a/c is much tougher than taxol, but hang in there and you'll make it through. Good luck and God Bless, JudyDJC said:Thank you Karen! This level of detail is exactly what I needed! Now I'm pretty much prepared - if one can be for something like this. Return Blessings to you and to all who replied! Donna
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Karen is right about not being able to eat or drink anything that you ate/drank during chemo. I wonder why that is. I experience that same thing. The one exception to that has been a cherry pastry.jamjar62 said:Hi Donna,
I finished my chemo on May 22nd (A/C and taxotere). Step by step...here it is:
1. They will call you in to draw your blood. They probably won't use your port the first time to draw blood...they usually want a nurse to be the first person to access it but after that they will and that saves you a stick.
2. You'll see the doctor for any last minute questions and to make sure your blood counts are okay.
3. The nurse calls you back to the chemo room where they will clean your port area with betadine and something else I can't remember.
4. The nurse will also go over what she's giving you in your infusion and if she doesn't, ask.
5. She will access your port with a short butterfly type needle which you won't feel cuz of your Emla cream!
6. She will flush your port with heparin which always made me light-headed but they told me it was "all in my head".
7. They will start the pre-meds which should have anti-nausea meds and an anti-anxiety drug in it. Don't bring any heavy reading cuz its too hard to concentrate with those anti-anxiety drugs floating around in you. My husband and I took Trivial Pursuit cards with us but I quit playing with him cuz he was whipping my butt! Just couldn't concentrate.
8. Some nurses run saline after each bag of meds so yours may do that. If not then they will start either the Cytoxin or Adriamycin. Adriamycin is red and cytoxin is clear. You shouldn't feel anything when they are going in.
9. When your infusions are done, you can get up and go home. You may feel a little fuzzy so don't plan on driving yourself.
10. Take your anti-nausea meds that night even if you feel fine and continue to take them on schedule.
Of course, your day might not go exactly like that but it should give you a good idea. I had my chemo on Thursdays too and I didn't start to feel icky til Saturday night or maybe even Sunday morning. I never threw up but I felt morning sickness kind of queasy.
I found that what ever I ate in the chemo room or directly after, I couldn't eat again. I had apple juice and peanut butter crackers during my first chemo and I can scarcely type the words without feeling nauseous. So be careful what you eat during or right after. I usually ate a normal breakfast and was able to eat normally the next 2 days after. But by Sunday, I was usually down to cream of wheat or soup. By Tuesday night I was ravenous and could eat whatever sounded good. My first real meal after my first chemo was a pork roast and I swear it was the best food I ever ate! I also craved cookie dough ice cream with chocolate syrup on it! The only things I avoided were citrus and things with tomato sauce because they gave me heartburn. Your body will tell you what to avoid. And if it doesn't, you'll learn soon enough!
Sorry this turned into such a book but I know how much I would have loved to know this before my chemo. Good luck on Thursday. Its not as scary as your probably imagining.
Blessings,
Karen0 -
I finished my A/C chemo in Jan 2003. I don't remember eating anything special in the way of food other than to eat a light snack and just took my anti-nausea meds as directed. My chemotherapy oncologist has all his patients drive themselves to/from therapy, unless they prefer to have someone there for moral support. I always brought something to read, but always ended up chatting with the other person having chemo. Some people with different kinds of chemo have to sit there for several hours for lung or bone cancer--instead of the 30 minutes it took me. We always had a good time once we got to talking and it made the time go by really fast. Cable TV was available but I only watched that once when I was the only person in the room. If I had chemo with another breast cancer person, it was interesting to hear their experiences. If I was the person who had more treatment, then I would reassure the new person that it wasn't so bad.0
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My sister came with me and rubbed my feet during the infusion. It took my mind off of it. By the forth treatment I actually slept through it, because they started me out with fluids first it took almost 2 1/2 hours. The infussion is not so bad. I got sick on the ride home after every time. Good luck - we will all be thinking of you. Cammie0
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My four cycles of Adriamycin and Cytoxan were given by IV push into the mediport, so the actual treatment took less than half an hour once they got started. My lab draws are always done the day before a treatment. During the first two treatments, I ate nothing before going, but drank hot tea in the morning and water water water water during the time (1 PM) I was there. 3rd and 4th treatments, I had hot tea in the morning and immediately started on water warer water prior to leaving the house, continued in the car, continued in the waiting room, and continued during treatment. No time to read, no time for blanket, no time for music and wouldn't think of snacks honest to God. They had mints and ice pops there.... never needed either. With the taxotere cycles, I do have time for crossword puzzle, newspaper, magazine or book because the port was moved and I now have use of both arms during IV infusions that take a little longer to do. Did I say water enough? It really helps. Love, Denise0
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Sounds like you already have your comfort items. I know mine is a book. As long as I have a good book I need nothing else. I always brought one, my cycles took 2 1/2 to 3 hours. However, I didn't always get a chance to read it, the nurses and other patients were so friendly and chatty that I usually lost track of time talking to others. As witnessed by this board, cancer survivers and the people who help them are some of the nicest around.
Good luck with your infusions. Here's hoping the road rises up to meet you, the wind is at your back and your side effects are few.
Ryley0 -
Thank you all for the advice and wonderful suggestions! I could tell by the tone and content of past postings that this would be the site that would provide me with the support that I so desperately need right now - I'm a recent transplant from San Diego to the Chicago area, so I don't have much in the way of a personal network out here. You Ladies have been terrific! Thanks so much! Donnaryley said:Sounds like you already have your comfort items. I know mine is a book. As long as I have a good book I need nothing else. I always brought one, my cycles took 2 1/2 to 3 hours. However, I didn't always get a chance to read it, the nurses and other patients were so friendly and chatty that I usually lost track of time talking to others. As witnessed by this board, cancer survivers and the people who help them are some of the nicest around.
Good luck with your infusions. Here's hoping the road rises up to meet you, the wind is at your back and your side effects are few.
Ryley0
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