Had my 1st chemo yesterday

cahjah75
cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
and thankfully I'm still doing well. It was however a very long day. When DH & I got to the brand new cancer center (it moved across the street from the hospital) it was a buzz! I had to have blood work first then checked in with copay. I met with my oncologist and asked several questions. He agreed that to be cautious I will have a PET scan done August 23rd. So, I get to the chemo room and waited for a nurse to get me going. She checked out my Purple Power Port which I had placed on Friday. It was a bit bruised and swollen and I had put Emla cream on covered with saran wrap. So, she sprayed it to numb it some more and the needle insertion was no more than a prick. First I had saline, then anti nausea, then Benadryl (had a mild ache in the forehead afterwards), then Cytoxan and finally the Taxotere. We arrived at 10:30am and left at 3:30pm. Whew, one down and 3 or 5 left to go. My oncologist said after the 4 he'll decide if I need 2 more. So far I've only been mildly constipated (all taken care of now), a bit bloated and some acid reflux.

The real bummer is that today as I was getting my pills in order I realized that on Monday I only took half of the Dexa script. Instead of 2 pills 2x (breakfast & dinner) I only took 1. I called the nurse and when I went in for my Neulasta shot she had spoken to him and he said ok as long as it's only this one time. I took 2 this morning and I take 2 tomorrow morning. I also take Emend. So far no nausea or diarrhea. Sleep is ok - waking up to pee........

The Neulasta shot didn't hurt like I thought it would. To me it was no different than a regular injection. Tomorrow may be another day and another pain, who knows.

I met a woman while getting my chemo who had bc in 2002. In 2004 after a PET scan a tumor was found in her bone and she's been getting monthly Zometa infusion ever since with no end in sight.

How are you doing Lauren?????

Taking it one day at a time, Char
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Comments

  • Mama G
    Mama G Member Posts: 762
    #2
    Congrats on the completion of #1
    That's the toughest one, I think, because you have no idea what to expect. I think the rest will not be as time consuming. Mine usually only took 2 hrs to administer. Good luck and don't forget to PUSH THE FLUIDS!!! and if you feel well, eat light meals/snacks several times A DAY.
  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
    #3
    Glad it went ok for you. I'm
    Glad it went ok for you. I'm counting down right along with you, my 2nd is next week. Good also that you have no nausea or diarrhea, i was expecting both & got neither!
    Hang in there :)
    *hugs*
    Heather
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    #4
    Heatherbelle said:

    Glad it went ok for you. I'm
    Glad it went ok for you. I'm counting down right along with you, my 2nd is next week. Good also that you have no nausea or diarrhea, i was expecting both & got neither!
    Hang in there :)
    *hugs*
    Heather

    Good Going, Char
    Sounds like you have the right attitude to do just fine. I'm no gladiator, but I got through six with minimal problems. We're all behind you--all the way.

    Good luck, prayers and hugs,

    Renee
  • Jean 0609
    Jean 0609 Member Posts: 2,462
    #5
    Hey Char,
    Yay! One down. Glad you aren't feeling bad. Hope it continues. Just remember to keep drinking your water! Hugs, Jean
  • jackiejhm
    jackiejhm Member Posts: 169
    #6
    So glad
    to hear you are holding up! The next one won't be as much of a "surprise". Take care- I am pulling for you!!xoxo, Jackie
  • Emilyfimily
    Emilyfimily Member Posts: 141
    #7
    Way to go, Char!
    Yeah, the
    Way to go, Char!
    Yeah, the first one's the most nerve wracking, just because it's new. Next one won't be so bad. I'm glad you're not feeling too bad from it - that's great! Hope that keeps up! And, let me jump on the band wagon here, haha - hydrate hydrate hydrate :) Take care!
  • Pinkpower
    Pinkpower Member Posts: 437
    #8
    Emilyfimily said:

    Way to go, Char!
    Yeah, the
    Way to go, Char!
    Yeah, the first one's the most nerve wracking, just because it's new. Next one won't be so bad. I'm glad you're not feeling too bad from it - that's great! Hope that keeps up! And, let me jump on the band wagon here, haha - hydrate hydrate hydrate :) Take care!

    Sending positive vibes and
    Sending positive vibes and strenght to all my sisters that are starting chemo.
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #9
    Pinkpower said:

    Sending positive vibes and
    Sending positive vibes and strenght to all my sisters that are starting chemo.

    Proud of you Char! You got
    Proud of you Char! You got that first one under your belt! Praying that the others go smoothly for you!

    Good luck on your scan! Let us know the results!


    Sue :)
  • jo jo
    jo jo Member Posts: 1,175 Member
    #10
    Char glad to hear its going
    Char glad to hear its going smooth for ya...the first one is the hardest cuz just dont know what to expect...but your getting thru it ....YEAH!
  • cookie97
    cookie97 Member Posts: 200
    #11
    I agree
    I agree with the others ladies here; the first one is the worst. The anxiety alone is enough to drive one round the bend. Sounds like you handled it all pretty well. Hopefully the next ones will be even easier.
    I'm doing my 5th one tomorrow in hopes that that will be my last. But as we like to say around here "It is what it is"

    Keep up the great spirits and God Bless you!
    Edie
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    #12
    Sleeping has been
    interrupted for pee breaks and this morning I did have some diarrhea issues. Took Immodium and seem to be all right now. My ankles are slightly swollen, stomach is bloated and I feel a bit lithargic but no complaints. I'm still waiting for the crash?? I'm a former WW member so I always drink a lot of water, green tea, etc. I think the plastic ware has helped too. My tastebuds haven't changed and I've had no nausea. Yeah! I'm sure the 2nd infusion will be much easier now that I know the routine. I was quite anxious prior to the 1st one. Whew! I'm sure that's why I misread my script )-:
    Char
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159 Member
    #13
    Hooray to you on getting one
    Hooray to you on getting one down! It was indeed a long day, wasn't it?

    I just wanted to say that the Neulasta shot doesn't hurt when we get it~ if you do get the flu-like symptoms and horrid bone aches, as marrow production is being sped up to keep your white cells where they should be~ those pains usually start for 36 or so hours after the shot. And they may take up to 4 days to subside. You can take pain meds for this~ ask your Dr what he suggests.

    And...drink water! it is imperative that you flush the chemo from your system, and keep well hydrated!

    Hugs,
    Chen♥
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    #14
    chenheart said:

    Hooray to you on getting one
    Hooray to you on getting one down! It was indeed a long day, wasn't it?

    I just wanted to say that the Neulasta shot doesn't hurt when we get it~ if you do get the flu-like symptoms and horrid bone aches, as marrow production is being sped up to keep your white cells where they should be~ those pains usually start for 36 or so hours after the shot. And they may take up to 4 days to subside. You can take pain meds for this~ ask your Dr what he suggests.

    And...drink water! it is imperative that you flush the chemo from your system, and keep well hydrated!

    Hugs,
    Chen♥

    Thanks, I've been
    drinking lots of water. My dr told me I could take Tylenol when needed and I have a script from rheumatologist for Flexeril that he ok'd.
    Char
  • BlownAway60
    BlownAway60 Member Posts: 851
    #15
    cahjah75 said:

    Thanks, I've been
    drinking lots of water. My dr told me I could take Tylenol when needed and I have a script from rheumatologist for Flexeril that he ok'd.
    Char

    I was told to take, I think
    I was told to take, I think it was Prilosec OTC for the acid reflux. You might want to ask your onc about it if it becomes bothersome.

    Congrats on finishing round one.

    Hugs

    Donna.
  • GrandmaMir
    GrandmaMir Member Posts: 21 Member
    #16
    Yesterday
    My first round was yesterday. I had a little hives from the Taxotere so they had to stop it for a while and give my more Benedryl and another thing. Today I had a red face and some rash on my arms. Little nausea but constipated!

    I didn't get Nuelasta. Maybe because my blood work was very good.

    I'm hoping I don't have diarrhea this weekend as I'm to play organ for a wedding on Saturday and church service on Sunday.

    Miriam
  • Snowkitty
    Snowkitty Member Posts: 295
    #17
    GrandmaMir said:

    Yesterday
    My first round was yesterday. I had a little hives from the Taxotere so they had to stop it for a while and give my more Benedryl and another thing. Today I had a red face and some rash on my arms. Little nausea but constipated!

    I didn't get Nuelasta. Maybe because my blood work was very good.

    I'm hoping I don't have diarrhea this weekend as I'm to play organ for a wedding on Saturday and church service on Sunday.

    Miriam

    Miriam, make doubly sure you
    Miriam, make doubly sure you drink alot and take your nausea meds even if you don't think you need them. My chemos are Thursdays also and Sunday would be my "feel like puking" day.

    Take care, cindy
  • smalldoggroomer
    smalldoggroomer Member Posts: 1,184
    #18
    Morning
    Congratulations on your first Chemo, so glad it went well for you. It does make a long day. Glad you are feeling well. sounds like you are going to do great. I also get the acid reflux. Try eating smaller meals. And drink allot of water. I try to drink 4 or 5 20oz bottles a day. Take care Kay
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    #19
    Miriam glad
    to hear your first chemo went well. I'm still feeling better than expected. I do drink lots so I've been waking during the night to pee. I find that I need to eat smaller than normal meals because I get that awful bloated feeling. I've been having mild gas too.

    For years I was on Prilosec OTC for acid reflux. I've been off it for about a year. Today it seems to be gone but I do have some in my cabinet if needed. So far, no aches from the Neulasta. It could be that I'm so used to arthritic pain I don't notice the other???

    DH & I are hoping to be able to visit son and his family at the campgrounds tomorrow. I'm still waiting for the crash but hoping it doesn't happen......
    Char
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #20
    Emilyfimily said:

    Way to go, Char!
    Yeah, the
    Way to go, Char!
    Yeah, the first one's the most nerve wracking, just because it's new. Next one won't be so bad. I'm glad you're not feeling too bad from it - that's great! Hope that keeps up! And, let me jump on the band wagon here, haha - hydrate hydrate hydrate :) Take care!

    Drink LOTS of water!
    Proud of you Char! Congrats on getting that first chemo done!


    Hugs, Jan
  • GrandmaMir
    GrandmaMir Member Posts: 21 Member
    #21
    Snowkitty said:

    Miriam, make doubly sure you
    Miriam, make doubly sure you drink alot and take your nausea meds even if you don't think you need them. My chemos are Thursdays also and Sunday would be my "feel like puking" day.

    Take care, cindy

    How long do you think nausea
    How long do you think nausea meds should be taken? I thought nausea would pass after 3rd day of chemo.

    Miriam

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