Starting Chemo Thursday
I would also appreciate advice on coping with side effects. I'm hoping they will be minor, but I know it can't be predicted. I eat a basically vegan diet, with almost no processed foods (I'm allergic to soy so can't eat most junk food!) and hope I can continue eating healthy.
I would also like to know, from those of you who were fit and on a good exercise program when you were diagnosed, whether you were able to keep up your exercise during chemo. I walk briskly for an hour or more 5 or 6 times a week and I hope I can keep up at least some of that. I've been told that exercise helps to alleviate the fatigue. Has that been true for you?
Have all of you had total hair loss with chemo? Does anyone keep a little hair?
I'm pretty nervous about starting this, but it would be worse not to start treatment. Just wish I knew what to expect. Thanks for your help!
Comments
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hi!
Hi & welcome - although I'm sorry you have to be here, you came to the right place. Everyone here is so helpful & it's so nice to be able to talk about things on here with other people who have been through it before, or are going through it along with you. I'm having my 2nd round of AC this Friday. I was also not given any medications to take beforehand, they gave me regular fluids & anti nausea meds in the IV before my chemo actually started, and that worked just fine for keeping the nausea at bay. They did send me home with a prescription of anti nausea to take as needed, which worked really well, but honestly I did not need it much, I think I've taken 3 or 4 since my 1st treatment 2 weeks ago. I would take a snack with you - they will probably have some there also. I didn't bring any with me because I thought I would feel too crappy to eat, but I had a few granola bars during my infusion. So far my side effects have been pretty minimal. I did have really bad constipation for the first couple days after - I would recommend maybe taking a stool softener starting the day of chemo if you tend to have those problems. I've heard others get diarrhea from chemo, though. I was taking painkillers though, when I had my 1st one, which added to the constipation problem. Other than that the main side effect I've had has been fatigue. Like, sometimes I have to stop whatever I'm doing to sit or lay down fatigue. I also found the first few days after chemo I had a really hard time falling asleep. I was tired, but couldn't fall asleep, I'm sure from the steroids. They can give you sleep meds if you have that problem. I think they gan pretty much give you meds for any side effect, except for the hair loss
I think the majority of women who undergo chemo for breast cancer experience hair loss. I'm having 4 rounds of AC, and 2 rounds of T, and my onc told me hair loss is a given with these drugs. Mine started shedding last night, just smaller clumps when I run my hands through my hair. I'm expecting to lose it over the weekend, and yes, I'm freaking out about it. I had waist length hair when I was diagnosed, and I've been cutting it progressively shorter since, to help get used to it. A few weeks ago I got it cut super short (think Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby) and I really don't like it, but I have to get used to having next to nothing so that when I have nothing, it won't be such a shock. I know of a couple web sites that will send you free hats/caps, and another one that will send you a free headscarf, I'd be happy to send you that information if you'd like 
I did yoga & 1/2 hour on my treadmill every day before I was diagnosed - I had a baby who will be 2 in November so trying to lose the last 15 lbs of baby weight. I've recently started getting back on the treadmill but I don't push myself. Any time or energy I have during the day, though, goes to taking care of my kids, but I'm trying to work the yoga back into my days!
Hang in there, we're right here with you. The first chemo is kinda scary, just because you don't know what to expect. It's not so bad, and once you get in there & get started you'll be just fine. Best of luck to you
*hugs*
Heather0 -
Finished chemo last week
The best advice I can give you is to keep a positive attitude. I started chemo telling my body that I would have minimal side effects. Not sure I listened to myself, though. My side effects, both with a/c and taxol, started two days after treatment. With a/c I felt nauseous and didn't have much appetite for a few days. You will get a high powered anti-emetic drip before getting your a/c. I also got a prescription for compazine, which didn't seem to work very well for me so I got some Ativan which did. The docs don't want you to suffer so if you have problems at home be sure to call them. Keep up the healthy eating - although you may find that what you normally eat doesn't appeal to you. I had cravings for protein - eggs, peanut butter and Frosty's from Wendy's.
I'm a water drinker, too, but it started tasting very metallic so I started buying Gatorade (Glacier Frost Freeze was my flavor of choice) and adding it to my water, just enough for a little flavor. Fatigue was a big factor for me. I learned to take power naps 2-3 times a day if needed.
To eat or not to eat during a treatment depends on if you can handle food at the time. I get motion sickness pretty easily and it helps me to keep food in my stomach when feeling queasy. Not everyone is like that. You'll just have to see what you feel like. The hospital where I had my treatments always brought around lunch trays and I always tried to eat something, whether it tasted good or not.
I did get mouth sores and did the salt water rinses several times a day and that helped. Had to stay away from all things acidic - salad dressing, vinegar, pickles, etc. That went away after I started Taxol. And I can now eat the tomatoes from my garden, yeah!
Before chemo I planned on keeping up with my exercise but with a/c I could only manage one week out of the two. With taxol it was even less than that because of the muscle pains I had plus the bottoms of my feet got super sensitive. I didn't get the numbness but walking too long will bring on blisters. I feel so out of shape and with surgery looming in a few weeks it's going to be a while before I can get back to it.
Don't have complete hair loss. There is still a bit of fuzz on my scalp even after shaving it. I still have the majority of my eyebrows and eyelashes, but not much hair in my nose which makes it really dry. I haven't shaved under my arms for about two months but still have a tiny bit of hair growing on my legs - mostly my knees for some reason. But it grows very slowly.
One advantage I got from chemo is that it dried up my oily skin and shrunk my large pores. This is the first summer ever that I haven't had to blot the oil from my forehead and nose. My dil commented just last night how good my skin looked. Sure wish I could keep this one side effect. If you already have dry skin moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
I hope this helps a little. I had a strong support system from friends and family which helped tremendously. Just knowing so many were praying for me was rather humbling but I know it's what got me through the last four months.
You can do it, too!0 -
I never took chemo, but,Heatherbelle said:hi!
Hi & welcome - although I'm sorry you have to be here, you came to the right place. Everyone here is so helpful & it's so nice to be able to talk about things on here with other people who have been through it before, or are going through it along with you. I'm having my 2nd round of AC this Friday. I was also not given any medications to take beforehand, they gave me regular fluids & anti nausea meds in the IV before my chemo actually started, and that worked just fine for keeping the nausea at bay. They did send me home with a prescription of anti nausea to take as needed, which worked really well, but honestly I did not need it much, I think I've taken 3 or 4 since my 1st treatment 2 weeks ago. I would take a snack with you - they will probably have some there also. I didn't bring any with me because I thought I would feel too crappy to eat, but I had a few granola bars during my infusion. So far my side effects have been pretty minimal. I did have really bad constipation for the first couple days after - I would recommend maybe taking a stool softener starting the day of chemo if you tend to have those problems. I've heard others get diarrhea from chemo, though. I was taking painkillers though, when I had my 1st one, which added to the constipation problem. Other than that the main side effect I've had has been fatigue. Like, sometimes I have to stop whatever I'm doing to sit or lay down fatigue. I also found the first few days after chemo I had a really hard time falling asleep. I was tired, but couldn't fall asleep, I'm sure from the steroids. They can give you sleep meds if you have that problem. I think they gan pretty much give you meds for any side effect, except for the hair loss I think the majority of women who undergo chemo for breast cancer experience hair loss. I'm having 4 rounds of AC, and 2 rounds of T, and my onc told me hair loss is a given with these drugs. Mine started shedding last night, just smaller clumps when I run my hands through my hair. I'm expecting to lose it over the weekend, and yes, I'm freaking out about it. I had waist length hair when I was diagnosed, and I've been cutting it progressively shorter since, to help get used to it. A few weeks ago I got it cut super short (think Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby) and I really don't like it, but I have to get used to having next to nothing so that when I have nothing, it won't be such a shock. I know of a couple web sites that will send you free hats/caps, and another one that will send you a free headscarf, I'd be happy to send you that information if you'd like
I did yoga & 1/2 hour on my treadmill every day before I was diagnosed - I had a baby who will be 2 in November so trying to lose the last 15 lbs of baby weight. I've recently started getting back on the treadmill but I don't push myself. Any time or energy I have during the day, though, goes to taking care of my kids, but I'm trying to work the yoga back into my days!
Hang in there, we're right here with you. The first chemo is kinda scary, just because you don't know what to expect. It's not so bad, and once you get in there & get started you'll be just fine. Best of luck to you
*hugs*
Heather
I never took chemo, but, wanted to wish you good luck. So many here have and will post info for you.
Hugs, Jan0 -
Wishing you the best. I am 5carolu200 said:Finished chemo last week
The best advice I can give you is to keep a positive attitude. I started chemo telling my body that I would have minimal side effects. Not sure I listened to myself, though. My side effects, both with a/c and taxol, started two days after treatment. With a/c I felt nauseous and didn't have much appetite for a few days. You will get a high powered anti-emetic drip before getting your a/c. I also got a prescription for compazine, which didn't seem to work very well for me so I got some Ativan which did. The docs don't want you to suffer so if you have problems at home be sure to call them. Keep up the healthy eating - although you may find that what you normally eat doesn't appeal to you. I had cravings for protein - eggs, peanut butter and Frosty's from Wendy's.
I'm a water drinker, too, but it started tasting very metallic so I started buying Gatorade (Glacier Frost Freeze was my flavor of choice) and adding it to my water, just enough for a little flavor. Fatigue was a big factor for me. I learned to take power naps 2-3 times a day if needed.
To eat or not to eat during a treatment depends on if you can handle food at the time. I get motion sickness pretty easily and it helps me to keep food in my stomach when feeling queasy. Not everyone is like that. You'll just have to see what you feel like. The hospital where I had my treatments always brought around lunch trays and I always tried to eat something, whether it tasted good or not.
I did get mouth sores and did the salt water rinses several times a day and that helped. Had to stay away from all things acidic - salad dressing, vinegar, pickles, etc. That went away after I started Taxol. And I can now eat the tomatoes from my garden, yeah!
Before chemo I planned on keeping up with my exercise but with a/c I could only manage one week out of the two. With taxol it was even less than that because of the muscle pains I had plus the bottoms of my feet got super sensitive. I didn't get the numbness but walking too long will bring on blisters. I feel so out of shape and with surgery looming in a few weeks it's going to be a while before I can get back to it.
Don't have complete hair loss. There is still a bit of fuzz on my scalp even after shaving it. I still have the majority of my eyebrows and eyelashes, but not much hair in my nose which makes it really dry. I haven't shaved under my arms for about two months but still have a tiny bit of hair growing on my legs - mostly my knees for some reason. But it grows very slowly.
One advantage I got from chemo is that it dried up my oily skin and shrunk my large pores. This is the first summer ever that I haven't had to blot the oil from my forehead and nose. My dil commented just last night how good my skin looked. Sure wish I could keep this one side effect. If you already have dry skin moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
I hope this helps a little. I had a strong support system from friends and family which helped tremendously. Just knowing so many were praying for me was rather humbling but I know it's what got me through the last four months.
You can do it, too!
Wishing you the best. I am 5 wks. out of chemo. I had TC but did very well during treatments. Like they say a positive attitude is a must I think, I went in saying I am going to do this and I am going to be fine! I was never sick, the worst was being tired and constipation yuck. Like you said water, water, water. I can't add to much. I do tend to have dry skin so a good moisturizing lotion is important. I always took a snack, a sandwich one time when it was right at lunch. Just wanted to send you best wishes, keep us posted. God Bless (((Hugs))) Janice0 -
You can do this, FLDolphin GirlBoppy_of_6 said:Wishing you the best. I am 5
Wishing you the best. I am 5 wks. out of chemo. I had TC but did very well during treatments. Like they say a positive attitude is a must I think, I went in saying I am going to do this and I am going to be fine! I was never sick, the worst was being tired and constipation yuck. Like you said water, water, water. I can't add to much. I do tend to have dry skin so a good moisturizing lotion is important. I always took a snack, a sandwich one time when it was right at lunch. Just wanted to send you best wishes, keep us posted. God Bless (((Hugs))) Janice
I think the girls covered it all. We all experience it differently. I did TAC for 6 rounds and had minimal side effects. I kept a positive attitude (when I could) and a sense of humor (again, when I could). Had a crappy taste in my mouth week one and two after treatment, some constipation the first couple of days (which subsided) but never vomited. If you're getting a Neulasta shot the day after (to build your white cells back up), it can cause body aches and pains (sort of flu-like) but those go away in a couple of days.
All in all, eat what tastes good, drink that water, move around if you can, rest when you need to, take all the support that is offered to you and let yourself be pampered!
Good luck--you'll do great.
Hugs, Renee0 -
Hey!
Welcome. Yes, make sure you keep yourself hydrated before & after chemo. I was told to eat light before my first chemo treatment. You may want to take snacks and/or lunch with you. Where I go for chemo they actually have all kinds of snacks, drinks, slushees, etc. Plus at lunch time they bring sandwiches around. They are all different, so plan ahead for your first one.
I have continued to exercise through all of this. The only time I didn't was for a few weeks after my mastectomy. I don't do what I used to, but anything is better than nothing.
I have the last of my 4 treatments next Wednesday, 8/25/10. My profile picture was taken recently. Yes, I still have hair. I got it cut really short and usually spike it. Everyone is different though. My onc told me that I would lose my hair in the beginning and said that I still might.
Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.
Hugs, Jean0 -
Hello!
Sorry you are here
Hello!
Sorry you are here but glad that you found the boards. The girls have pretty much said it all. I am in the same boat with you. I start 6 rounds of TCH tomorrow and I feel under prepared. I have been reading so much about everything so I have some ideas, but overall, I feel like I am going into blind. I have been doing water, water, water today and I also took steroids today. Originally they said no to me having steroids before, but I did indicate that I tend to have weird reactions to medications every once in a while so not sure if they were prescribed for that reason. What time does you treatment start tomorrow? I will be thinking about you. Feel free to contact me!
Michelle0 -
Welcome, you've come to the
Welcome, you've come to the right place. Sorry though you have to be here at all.
Take something to read with you, you might doze off also because they will probably give you benadryl first. I found that drinking alot of water day before, day of and day after was doable. After that almost anything tasted like crap. If they give you anti-nausea meds, take them for a couple days at least, so it doesn't creep up on you.
My chemos are on a Thursday also, so here is my schedule, although we are all a bit different:
Thursday after chemo, feel peppy, was able to do shopping, regular dinner, etc. Sleeping pill, cause steroids keep me awake.
Friday, went to work as usual, did tire out in the afternoon. Everything ok, feel good. Need sleeping pill to get to sleep.
Saturday, feeling ok, bit tired. Able to shop, clean, take "awake naps" Pill to sleep
Sunday, a bit nauseaus, no puking except for after first chemo, when I didn't take nausea pills on Saturday.
Monday, Kinda nauseaus at work, just didn't really feel up to usual perky self.
Tuesday, Feel really good stomach wise, just kinda tired
Wednesday, Back to normal, feeling fine. Though a little bit**y. But that's me.
Take care, Cindy0 -
Sorry you're here
Sorry you are here, but you found a good place.
I think the worst chemo is the first; particularly because of the anxiety. Ask onc. if you can take something for anxiety if that's how you are feeling. Water is definetly a must as is trying to eat very small meals for the first day or so. I am not a big breakfast person, so I made sure to at least drink an instant breakfast if nothing else. Then I packed a lunch to bring along. Most chemo areas have refrigerators and microwaves available as well.
Try to relax and be positive, I believe that is a big key on how well we can tolerate the drugs.
God Bless and keep us posted on how things go,
((((Hugs)))),
Edie0 -
Well Wishes and Prayerscookie97 said:Florida
I'm from Florida too. I'm on the east coast which coast arfe you?
Hello,
I wish I would of known about this board when I was going through my treatments.
Your in the right place and there is so much support here and a whole lot of Love.
Take care and Good Luck sweetie....Karie0 -
Exercise on chemo
Hello Dolphingirl,
I am so glad you are taking us along on your journey, we are great company.
My chemo was Taxotere/Carbo and still doing Herceptin. My biggest complaint
is the fatigue and the weight gain. I had a lot of problems with the steroids, like
weight gain after my first treatment, when I got back I had gained already 10 pounds.
Also I had issues sleeping. Not to push drugs on you but I would recommend to take
the sleeping, the nausea pills and the pain pills. I resisted at first but that was foolish.
Also 1-2 days prior to your chemo start taking stool softeners the pre-meds and the
painkillers can cause you constipation of the worst kind - trust me on that, you don't
want to go through that.
I tried to keep up with exercise but I was waaaaay below my usual level. I mean WAAAAY
below! My mind and body were at war. One time it took me all of Saturday just to clean
up my living room - dusting, putting things away, vacuuming and mopping the floor.
I was so frustrated!! I took my daily 20 min walks but that's all I could do. So be gentle
to yourself and don't push yourself too hard. Try to make it enjoyable, read, write - I
watched a lot of documentaries enough to keep me interested but not too complicated.
My biggest advice to you is drink water, drink it often and drink a lot. It also helps with
constipation. I always felt my intestines crunching up and it was painful. I also started
drinking Coconut water, it is very beneficial during chemo you can look it up my thread
MUST READ - for all the chemo babes.
I lost all my hair, and I was very glad that I cut it real short before hand. I remember
driving with my windows open and thinking my head hurts and sure enough my hair
was being blown away. Get a really soft hat or scarf, my head was very sensitive when
I lost my hair.
Make sure you have good support system, a few good friends make a huge difference.
Sadly you will see some people pulling away but that can't be helped. Also for me
my cats were a great source of consolation. They were always there, made me get up
to let them out and fee them, no matter what.
Pheeewww... I wrote a novel, sorrry.
Hugs,
Ayse0 -
Thanks for good adviceaysemari said:Exercise on chemo
Hello Dolphingirl,
I am so glad you are taking us along on your journey, we are great company.
My chemo was Taxotere/Carbo and still doing Herceptin. My biggest complaint
is the fatigue and the weight gain. I had a lot of problems with the steroids, like
weight gain after my first treatment, when I got back I had gained already 10 pounds.
Also I had issues sleeping. Not to push drugs on you but I would recommend to take
the sleeping, the nausea pills and the pain pills. I resisted at first but that was foolish.
Also 1-2 days prior to your chemo start taking stool softeners the pre-meds and the
painkillers can cause you constipation of the worst kind - trust me on that, you don't
want to go through that.
I tried to keep up with exercise but I was waaaaay below my usual level. I mean WAAAAY
below! My mind and body were at war. One time it took me all of Saturday just to clean
up my living room - dusting, putting things away, vacuuming and mopping the floor.
I was so frustrated!! I took my daily 20 min walks but that's all I could do. So be gentle
to yourself and don't push yourself too hard. Try to make it enjoyable, read, write - I
watched a lot of documentaries enough to keep me interested but not too complicated.
My biggest advice to you is drink water, drink it often and drink a lot. It also helps with
constipation. I always felt my intestines crunching up and it was painful. I also started
drinking Coconut water, it is very beneficial during chemo you can look it up my thread
MUST READ - for all the chemo babes.
I lost all my hair, and I was very glad that I cut it real short before hand. I remember
driving with my windows open and thinking my head hurts and sure enough my hair
was being blown away. Get a really soft hat or scarf, my head was very sensitive when
I lost my hair.
Make sure you have good support system, a few good friends make a huge difference.
Sadly you will see some people pulling away but that can't be helped. Also for me
my cats were a great source of consolation. They were always there, made me get up
to let them out and fee them, no matter what.
Pheeewww... I wrote a novel, sorrry.
Hugs,
Ayse
All you guys are great!
Heather, I think we have close to the same schedule, except you're a week ahead of me and I will be taking 4 rounds of Taxol after the A/C. What nausea med are you using? What is the website that gives free hats/caps? I think I will be freaking out, too, when my hair goes. I'm hoping to cut it short about day 10 and glue the long hair onto a wig cap so I can wear it under a ball cap. Good luck with your 2nd treatment on Friday!
MomMichelle, my treatment starts around 12 or 12:30 I think. When is yours?
Cookie, I'm from Port Orange, below Daytona, but at the moment I'm residing in TN.
EVERYONE, THANK YOU for being so kind and supportive and sharing your experiences and advice. I read through all of the comments a couple times and took notes. Some of you mentioned being out in public--working, shopping, etc. I thought I would be confined to home, so I'm glad to know maybe I can get out sometimes.
I feel better prepared and more positive now. Prayers and well wishes to all of you! And thanks for yours. I'll take 'em! Will plan to post again soon. Take care!0 -
Glad you got all kinds ofFLDolphinGirl said:Thanks for good advice
All you guys are great!
Heather, I think we have close to the same schedule, except you're a week ahead of me and I will be taking 4 rounds of Taxol after the A/C. What nausea med are you using? What is the website that gives free hats/caps? I think I will be freaking out, too, when my hair goes. I'm hoping to cut it short about day 10 and glue the long hair onto a wig cap so I can wear it under a ball cap. Good luck with your 2nd treatment on Friday!
MomMichelle, my treatment starts around 12 or 12:30 I think. When is yours?
Cookie, I'm from Port Orange, below Daytona, but at the moment I'm residing in TN.
EVERYONE, THANK YOU for being so kind and supportive and sharing your experiences and advice. I read through all of the comments a couple times and took notes. Some of you mentioned being out in public--working, shopping, etc. I thought I would be confined to home, so I'm glad to know maybe I can get out sometimes.
I feel better prepared and more positive now. Prayers and well wishes to all of you! And thanks for yours. I'll take 'em! Will plan to post again soon. Take care!
Glad you got all kinds of answers! It really does help to talk with others who have been through it. The anti nausea that I have a prescription for is Reglan, they give me something in an IV when i get chemo but i'm not sure what it is!! Heavenlyhats.com is a site where you can request a package, and they'll send you an assortment of hats/caps/bandanas, you can tell them what your kinda style is and they will try to put together a nice selection for you. The other site is for a company called France Luxe, it's called the Good Wishes program. I don't have the link offhand but you can google either France Luxe or the good wishes program & it will pull it right up. THOSE are just gorgeous headscarves -when I received mine they send a card along with it, and the staff there all signed it & left notes of encouragement. I still have it on my shelf I noticed small clumps coming out last night & bigger ones today. I already have really short hair now, I may just leave it be, unless it starts becoming really noticeable with bald spots, then I'll have my husband shave it. I'm really freaking out about that. I figure I need to let myself have a day or 2 of freaking out & being upset about it, then I'll be ok. I went & had a facial today, also, and am planning on going every 2 weeks for that - if i gotta be bald dammit, i want my skin positively radiant!! I've been spoling myself with getting new makeup, too
You seem to have a really good attitude - that's half the battle right there. You're gonna do just fine, and I'll be right here with you for the ride!
Also -do give the coconut water a try - i bought a few bottles the other day to try out & i really liked the taste, I'll be picking up a few more for friday & the days after. Tasted just like coconut flavored water!
*take care*
Heather0 -
Thanks, HeatherHeatherbelle said:Glad you got all kinds of
Glad you got all kinds of answers! It really does help to talk with others who have been through it. The anti nausea that I have a prescription for is Reglan, they give me something in an IV when i get chemo but i'm not sure what it is!! Heavenlyhats.com is a site where you can request a package, and they'll send you an assortment of hats/caps/bandanas, you can tell them what your kinda style is and they will try to put together a nice selection for you. The other site is for a company called France Luxe, it's called the Good Wishes program. I don't have the link offhand but you can google either France Luxe or the good wishes program & it will pull it right up. THOSE are just gorgeous headscarves -when I received mine they send a card along with it, and the staff there all signed it & left notes of encouragement. I still have it on my shelf I noticed small clumps coming out last night & bigger ones today. I already have really short hair now, I may just leave it be, unless it starts becoming really noticeable with bald spots, then I'll have my husband shave it. I'm really freaking out about that. I figure I need to let myself have a day or 2 of freaking out & being upset about it, then I'll be ok. I went & had a facial today, also, and am planning on going every 2 weeks for that - if i gotta be bald dammit, i want my skin positively radiant!! I've been spoling myself with getting new makeup, too
You seem to have a really good attitude - that's half the battle right there. You're gonna do just fine, and I'll be right here with you for the ride!
Also -do give the coconut water a try - i bought a few bottles the other day to try out & i really liked the taste, I'll be picking up a few more for friday & the days after. Tasted just like coconut flavored water!
*take care*
Heather
I appreciate the hat/scarf info. I looked at the France Luxe site; those really are nice scarves! If I go completely bald, I guess I will accept it eventually but I'll try not to look at myself in the mirror without something on my head. I figure I've been frightened enough. And I really don't want to know what my scalp looks like.
That's good that you're doing the facials to make you feel better and make your skin glow. Spoiling yourself is good.
I was intrigued by the idea of coconut water. Sounds good. Where do you buy yours? Is it easy to find in grocery stores?0 -
Welcome to the bc network
although I'm sorry for the circumstances. You've been given a lot of suggestions for getting through chemo. I had my 1st Taxotere/Cytoxan last week. I was given Dexa to take the day before and the 2 days after. Before chemo I was given fluids/antinausea/benadryl and then both chemos. This took 3 1/2 hours. My sister went with me and we both brought our lunch. There are snacks and drinks available. My oncologist gave me a script for Compazine & Zofran but I didn't need either. I haven't had any nausea or constipation. I've had mild diarrhea taken care of with Immodium. I too drink lots of water but water doesn't taste so good now so I add 1/2 glass cranberry juice or True Lemon. I get the Neulasta shot the day after chemo which for me was last Wednesday. By Friday evening I started to feel like someone had beaten me up. I took extra strength Tylenol to go to bed Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Yesterday I felt ok. I had my follow up blood work and all was good.
As for exercise, I ride a recumbent bike for 30 min /day. I try to take short walks when my arthritis isn't bothering me too much. Your body will let you know.
As for the hair.... I usually have short hair. I had my hairdresser cut it super short before surgery. I expect it to fall out early next week. I bought soft hats & hairbands.
Sending you cyber {{hugs}}, Char0 -
Hi Fl Dolphin girl
Welcome to the site and our family!! sorry for the reason. I see you have got allot of great advise already. Just wanted to say Hi and let you know we will all be here for you all the way through your journey. Anything you need to know just ask. The ladies here are the best of the best. And there are allot of us.You will be fine. Your new sister in pink Kay, P.S. I also live in Fl Spring hill ( West central fl )0 -
It's hard not knowing what to expect
I felt those same apprehensive feelings before I went to my first Chemo. I took snacks and my water. I was usually there for about 4-6 hours so I had to eat. For most everyone, about the 2nd to 3rd day AFTER Chemo, you may feel very tired so it's pretty unlikely you'll want to work out during that time. But once you feel better, you should be able to walk or exercise. Ask your doctor.
As far as nausea, in ADDITION to the I.V. bag of anti-nausea meds, I took Emend (pill) before my treatments.
I experienced total hair loss about 21 days after my first treatment, however there are a few who didn't lose all of their hair. Once I could tell that I was more than likely going to lose it, I just shaved it, as did many of our sisters here.
Biotene is good for the mouth and tea tree oil is good for the hand and toe nails.
Hugs and prayers sent your way! Let us know how it's going
Sylvia0 -
I found it at a groceryFLDolphinGirl said:Thanks, Heather
I appreciate the hat/scarf info. I looked at the France Luxe site; those really are nice scarves! If I go completely bald, I guess I will accept it eventually but I'll try not to look at myself in the mirror without something on my head. I figure I've been frightened enough. And I really don't want to know what my scalp looks like.
That's good that you're doing the facials to make you feel better and make your skin glow. Spoiling yourself is good.
I was intrigued by the idea of coconut water. Sounds good. Where do you buy yours? Is it easy to find in grocery stores?
I found it at a grocery store, in the "health food" section - not by the regular water or by the regular juices. I'm sure you can find it at most major grocery stores though!0 -
I'm from Florida, too ~ Sebastiansea60 said:It's hard not knowing what to expect
I felt those same apprehensive feelings before I went to my first Chemo. I took snacks and my water. I was usually there for about 4-6 hours so I had to eat. For most everyone, about the 2nd to 3rd day AFTER Chemo, you may feel very tired so it's pretty unlikely you'll want to work out during that time. But once you feel better, you should be able to walk or exercise. Ask your doctor.
As far as nausea, in ADDITION to the I.V. bag of anti-nausea meds, I took Emend (pill) before my treatments.
I experienced total hair loss about 21 days after my first treatment, however there are a few who didn't lose all of their hair. Once I could tell that I was more than likely going to lose it, I just shaved it, as did many of our sisters here.
Biotene is good for the mouth and tea tree oil is good for the hand and toe nails.
Hugs and prayers sent your way! Let us know how it's going
Sylvia
I'm so sorry every time I read about a new young woman facing this disease. Just not fair.
Everyone handles the Chemo differently, so just think about foods that you'd like to eat if you had the flu and have them around. I was able to eat hardboiled eggs, crackers, apples, bananas, and ginger ale. The only time I puked was when I drank some herbal tea. Go figure.... Good luck to you and hopefully you'll feel our prayers with you the whole time.0
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