First Treatment Friday 6/18/10
I am 50 years old and was in great health until my diagnosis on 4/10 I had a lumpectomy.
Anyway - just wondering who else out there just started chemo? Today is my 4th day. Yesterday (fathers day) and today I have been exhausted. It is all I can do to get to work. Good thing I work at a desk.
I sure would like to talk to others for advise. How can I beat this exhaustion? Will it ever go away?
Thank you
Kelly
Comments
-
I was never on chemo Kelly,
I was never on chemo Kelly, but, want to wish you good luck.
Many here have been and still are and will post for you.
Hugs0 -
3rd and 4th day after chemo is the worstsurvivorbc09 said:I was never on chemo Kelly,
I was never on chemo Kelly, but, want to wish you good luck.
Many here have been and still are and will post for you.
Hugs
I had cytoxan and taxotere so my side effects might be different but you will experience fatigue...that is probably the only side effect I had except for the hair loss. Make sure you are eating healthy foods, drink lots of water and I also drank an ensure daily during chemo week...it did give me a boost. How many treatments will you have to do and are you doing them once every 3 weeks?
Lorrie0 -
Welcome, Kelly
I had a different cocktail than yours (Taxotere/Cytoxan), but days 3 and 4 were definitely the worst for me as well. Each time, it slowly started to get better after that. My treatments were 3 weeks apart, and, by the third week, I felt much closer to normal.
The two things that helped me with the exhaustion those first few days were drinking LOTS of fluids, and making sure I got a little bit of protein several times a day -- even if I just had a stick of cheese, a carton of yogurt, or a small glass of milk, the protein really made a difference in how I felt. Other women here have recommended adding protein powder to smoothies, which is an idea I wish I'd thought of! Especially if you're not feeling much up to eating, that might help you.
Please visit here often, and let us know how you're doing.
Traci0 -
Kelly, I just wanted to
Kelly, I just wanted to welcome you. I don't have any additional advice but wanted to reiterate to make sure you drink, drink and drink. I had the same cocktail as Traci and only experienced some fatigue. By the beginning of the 2nd week after chemo I was already starting to feel better. Don't try to do too much and listen to your body....if you are fatigued, rest. Take care and continue to ask any questions you have. We'll be here to help you through your journey.0 -
Same
Kelly,
I'm on almost the same cocktail. I don't have the Herceptin. Taxotere and carboplatin put me down from day 3-6 or so. I also get a Neulasta shot. I always took off work after the shot for a few days. I just couldn't go so I stayed home and slept, slept and slept. If possible you might want to stay home. I have my 5th round Fri. and then one more round. I always dread that first week. I feel great right now but I know what next week holds but I am strong and I will get through this and so will you. Just take care of you first and formost. These boards are a wealth of info and wonder ladies who will help answer any questions. Good Luck and keep us posted.
Janie0 -
Thank you everyoneBalentine said:3rd and 4th day after chemo is the worst
I had cytoxan and taxotere so my side effects might be different but you will experience fatigue...that is probably the only side effect I had except for the hair loss. Make sure you are eating healthy foods, drink lots of water and I also drank an ensure daily during chemo week...it did give me a boost. How many treatments will you have to do and are you doing them once every 3 weeks?
Lorrie
Balentine - yes, day 3 and yesterday were hard but today is alittle easier but still have no energy. My Dr. called last night to see how I was doing and he said the fatigue is due to the steroids he gave me for Vomiting and Nausea but he said he would cut back on the steroids. I went home after work yesterday and went right to bed. I do drink a protein drink and lots and lots of water. I was told that Crystal Lite Raspberry Ice tea is ok because it is 99% caffeine free. So I drink alot of that and the Water.
You guys are all so wonderful here. I read you daily. I love all the information you share - it really does help. I have not lost my appetite and my husband has been a God to me - fixing me dinner and everything. He just lets me sleep. It just bothers me so much because this is so not me - I am usually very active, going to the gym, run in 5K's, run the dog - you name it we were very active and I am having a very hard time feeling so fatigue.
I will eat more protein like you all suggest. I haven't lost my hair yet - when should I expect that? My hair is very thick and long. I've already come to peace with losing it so I think I'll be ok.
thank you everyone who replied -
Kelly0 -
Different Chemo
With the A/C, (which I had 4 of, 2 weeks apart) I was tired (not exhausted) on days 3 & 4 - resting/napping helped. With the 12 weekly Taxol, I was EXHAUSTED on days 2 - 6 (resting did not help at all) for the first 8 doses but after that it was complete, all consuming EXHAUSTION which lasted till a week after the last dose and just kept getting better by the day even though I had started Rads a week aftr the last dose which can cause fatigue. (HER2 neg.) The Neulasta shot, which causes pain for some, only put me to sleep for a couple of hours exactly 2 hours after getting it. The oral benadryl i was given before A/C did noting that I could feel but the IV Benadryl with Taxol - I went 'nighty-night' and would wake up about 15 minutes before done.
We are all so unique that there is no way to know how differently we will react
Drink lots of water, walk - even if you have to force it. As strange as it may sound - Walking helps.
Susan0 -
Hi TraciTraciInLA said:Welcome, Kelly
I had a different cocktail than yours (Taxotere/Cytoxan), but days 3 and 4 were definitely the worst for me as well. Each time, it slowly started to get better after that. My treatments were 3 weeks apart, and, by the third week, I felt much closer to normal.
The two things that helped me with the exhaustion those first few days were drinking LOTS of fluids, and making sure I got a little bit of protein several times a day -- even if I just had a stick of cheese, a carton of yogurt, or a small glass of milk, the protein really made a difference in how I felt. Other women here have recommended adding protein powder to smoothies, which is an idea I wish I'd thought of! Especially if you're not feeling much up to eating, that might help you.
Please visit here often, and let us know how you're doing.
Traci
My treatments are every 21 days. I guess today would be my day 5 (counting the day of Chemo) I feel alittle better but not good. But I did manage to get myself to work. I am very glad I have such supportive co-workers. During breaks I just go lay down in the break room and nap - which does make me feel better.
YOu live in L.A ? I live in Bakersfield. small world
Kelly0 -
Kelly .. I too was on the very same chemoRague said:Different Chemo
With the A/C, (which I had 4 of, 2 weeks apart) I was tired (not exhausted) on days 3 & 4 - resting/napping helped. With the 12 weekly Taxol, I was EXHAUSTED on days 2 - 6 (resting did not help at all) for the first 8 doses but after that it was complete, all consuming EXHAUSTION which lasted till a week after the last dose and just kept getting better by the day even though I had started Rads a week aftr the last dose which can cause fatigue. (HER2 neg.) The Neulasta shot, which causes pain for some, only put me to sleep for a couple of hours exactly 2 hours after getting it. The oral benadryl i was given before A/C did noting that I could feel but the IV Benadryl with Taxol - I went 'nighty-night' and would wake up about 15 minutes before done.
We are all so unique that there is no way to know how differently we will react
Drink lots of water, walk - even if you have to force it. As strange as it may sound - Walking helps.
Susan
coctail as you. I think I was fatigued from chemo, but sick from the neulasta shot. Flu like systoms etc. I normally threw up for 2 days after chemo, regarless of what mediciation I was given to fight my nausea. Your Oncologist and his staff are now your new BEST friends - put them on speed dial. Call them often .. inquiring about help with fatigue and foods to keep your energy up.. I bet, they will NOT be able to provide excellent food recommendations -- as our group of FABULOUS women have .. in the above postings .. Collectively, we have a hundred years of experience, and then some.
Write down all side efforts in a journal, and take with you to your next doctors appt'mt. Most Onc will explain to you that the only side effort women get are fatigue, and hair loss.. well, sorry to say ..this not true for the majority of 'us' breast cancer Warriors!.
Kelly .. I had 18 weeks of straight chemotherapy .. each Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. My TCH treatment took about 5 to 6 1/2, whereas my Herception took about 1 to 1 1/2 hours
My treatment plan: 6 cycles
Cycle 1) 1 week TCH
2 weeks Herceptin
no breaks, of time off
I hope your treatment plan allows for a few weeks off, between treatments.
Best of Luck,
VickiSam0 -
Never had the shot that everyone talks about...VickiSam said:Kelly .. I too was on the very same chemo
coctail as you. I think I was fatigued from chemo, but sick from the neulasta shot. Flu like systoms etc. I normally threw up for 2 days after chemo, regarless of what mediciation I was given to fight my nausea. Your Oncologist and his staff are now your new BEST friends - put them on speed dial. Call them often .. inquiring about help with fatigue and foods to keep your energy up.. I bet, they will NOT be able to provide excellent food recommendations -- as our group of FABULOUS women have .. in the above postings .. Collectively, we have a hundred years of experience, and then some.
Write down all side efforts in a journal, and take with you to your next doctors appt'mt. Most Onc will explain to you that the only side effort women get are fatigue, and hair loss.. well, sorry to say ..this not true for the majority of 'us' breast cancer Warriors!.
Kelly .. I had 18 weeks of straight chemotherapy .. each Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. My TCH treatment took about 5 to 6 1/2, whereas my Herception took about 1 to 1 1/2 hours
My treatment plan: 6 cycles
Cycle 1) 1 week TCH
2 weeks Herceptin
no breaks, of time off
I hope your treatment plan allows for a few weeks off, between treatments.
Best of Luck,
VickiSam
don't think I want it either. What is this shot for anyway and why can't they give it to you in your port??
Wow, your cycles are close. mine goes like this..
My treatment plan: 6 cycles every 21 days of TCH but will continue the Herceptin to complete a year. I do have a port and so thankful for it. The Herception took 90 minutes and the other 2 also took 90 minutes but at the next treatment (7/9/10) they told me it won't take that long. I will have to see my Onc every Friday for blood work etc..
why do you not a have break in between treatments?
Another side effect that I have been trying to pin point is slight body aches,almost like little chills. Have you had this also?
Yes, I have been keeping a journal.
EVeryone here has been so wonderful. I just love this site - I hate that I have to be here but I praise the Lord for it.
thank you so much VickiSam for you advice.
Kelly0 -
Hi Kelly-welcome to thisnew2me said:Never had the shot that everyone talks about...
don't think I want it either. What is this shot for anyway and why can't they give it to you in your port??
Wow, your cycles are close. mine goes like this..
My treatment plan: 6 cycles every 21 days of TCH but will continue the Herceptin to complete a year. I do have a port and so thankful for it. The Herception took 90 minutes and the other 2 also took 90 minutes but at the next treatment (7/9/10) they told me it won't take that long. I will have to see my Onc every Friday for blood work etc..
why do you not a have break in between treatments?
Another side effect that I have been trying to pin point is slight body aches,almost like little chills. Have you had this also?
Yes, I have been keeping a journal.
EVeryone here has been so wonderful. I just love this site - I hate that I have to be here but I praise the Lord for it.
thank you so much VickiSam for you advice.
Kelly
Hi Kelly-welcome to this website. I was a runner BC (Before cancer), went to the gym daily, etc. My goal was to be able to run shorter races (5K) after treatment ended. It kept me going on the worst days (and there were some bad ones!) I kept my gym routine as long as I could, but finally had to take time off. But it is all behind me; I am back at the gym & have been in some 5Ks this spring.
Although I did not have the treatment you describe, I want to wish you the best. Before you know it, you will be back to a routine that makes you feel good!0 -
Kelly -new2me said:Never had the shot that everyone talks about...
don't think I want it either. What is this shot for anyway and why can't they give it to you in your port??
Wow, your cycles are close. mine goes like this..
My treatment plan: 6 cycles every 21 days of TCH but will continue the Herceptin to complete a year. I do have a port and so thankful for it. The Herception took 90 minutes and the other 2 also took 90 minutes but at the next treatment (7/9/10) they told me it won't take that long. I will have to see my Onc every Friday for blood work etc..
why do you not a have break in between treatments?
Another side effect that I have been trying to pin point is slight body aches,almost like little chills. Have you had this also?
Yes, I have been keeping a journal.
EVeryone here has been so wonderful. I just love this site - I hate that I have to be here but I praise the Lord for it.
thank you so much VickiSam for you advice.
Kelly
The Neulasta is a shot that they give you to keep your white blood cell counts up and to reduce the chance of getting an infection. Blood counts tend to drop arond days 7-14 after chemo. I got it every time and agree that it can make the fatigue worse. Like the others, I tended to be the worst on the 2nd and 3rd days after chemo whicg was also right after my Neulasta shot. I actually found that I felt better after each round of chemo in a way - the fatigue lessened and I didn't have to sleep as much - but at the same time, I had low grade symptoms (such as the aching, numbness and tingling in my extremities) that seemed to last longer. But I found that a whole lot easier to tolerate than the tiredness. I hope each round goes better for you, too!
Chris0 -
Kelly, I didn't need chemo,VickiSam said:Kelly .. I too was on the very same chemo
coctail as you. I think I was fatigued from chemo, but sick from the neulasta shot. Flu like systoms etc. I normally threw up for 2 days after chemo, regarless of what mediciation I was given to fight my nausea. Your Oncologist and his staff are now your new BEST friends - put them on speed dial. Call them often .. inquiring about help with fatigue and foods to keep your energy up.. I bet, they will NOT be able to provide excellent food recommendations -- as our group of FABULOUS women have .. in the above postings .. Collectively, we have a hundred years of experience, and then some.
Write down all side efforts in a journal, and take with you to your next doctors appt'mt. Most Onc will explain to you that the only side effort women get are fatigue, and hair loss.. well, sorry to say ..this not true for the majority of 'us' breast cancer Warriors!.
Kelly .. I had 18 weeks of straight chemotherapy .. each Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. My TCH treatment took about 5 to 6 1/2, whereas my Herception took about 1 to 1 1/2 hours
My treatment plan: 6 cycles
Cycle 1) 1 week TCH
2 weeks Herceptin
no breaks, of time off
I hope your treatment plan allows for a few weeks off, between treatments.
Best of Luck,
VickiSam
Kelly, I didn't need chemo, so, I don't what you are going through.
But, I wanted to offer you my best wishes and good luck!
Hugs, Diane0 -
Just welcoming you Kelly! IVickiSam said:Kelly .. I too was on the very same chemo
coctail as you. I think I was fatigued from chemo, but sick from the neulasta shot. Flu like systoms etc. I normally threw up for 2 days after chemo, regarless of what mediciation I was given to fight my nausea. Your Oncologist and his staff are now your new BEST friends - put them on speed dial. Call them often .. inquiring about help with fatigue and foods to keep your energy up.. I bet, they will NOT be able to provide excellent food recommendations -- as our group of FABULOUS women have .. in the above postings .. Collectively, we have a hundred years of experience, and then some.
Write down all side efforts in a journal, and take with you to your next doctors appt'mt. Most Onc will explain to you that the only side effort women get are fatigue, and hair loss.. well, sorry to say ..this not true for the majority of 'us' breast cancer Warriors!.
Kelly .. I had 18 weeks of straight chemotherapy .. each Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. My TCH treatment took about 5 to 6 1/2, whereas my Herception took about 1 to 1 1/2 hours
My treatment plan: 6 cycles
Cycle 1) 1 week TCH
2 weeks Herceptin
no breaks, of time off
I hope your treatment plan allows for a few weeks off, between treatments.
Best of Luck,
VickiSam
Just welcoming you Kelly! I hope your treatment gets easier for you and that you get some strength.
Hugs, Leeza0 -
Hi Kelly
I started feeling better after the 7th day. I had 6 rounds every 3 weeks, my last was in January. I'm done with lumpectomy and radiation and just waiting for my hair to grow back, one inch ain't doing it for me. Other than that I feel back to normal. (but then, whats normal?) Good luck with your treatment.0 -
Good luck on chemo! I amnew2me said:Thank you everyone
Balentine - yes, day 3 and yesterday were hard but today is alittle easier but still have no energy. My Dr. called last night to see how I was doing and he said the fatigue is due to the steroids he gave me for Vomiting and Nausea but he said he would cut back on the steroids. I went home after work yesterday and went right to bed. I do drink a protein drink and lots and lots of water. I was told that Crystal Lite Raspberry Ice tea is ok because it is 99% caffeine free. So I drink alot of that and the Water.
You guys are all so wonderful here. I read you daily. I love all the information you share - it really does help. I have not lost my appetite and my husband has been a God to me - fixing me dinner and everything. He just lets me sleep. It just bothers me so much because this is so not me - I am usually very active, going to the gym, run in 5K's, run the dog - you name it we were very active and I am having a very hard time feeling so fatigue.
I will eat more protein like you all suggest. I haven't lost my hair yet - when should I expect that? My hair is very thick and long. I've already come to peace with losing it so I think I'll be ok.
thank you everyone who replied -
Kelly
Good luck on chemo! I am sorry you even have to do it.
I hope you soon get more energy.
Big hugs,
Angie0 -
The California girls are taking over this board! :-)laurissa said:Hi Kelly
I started feeling better after the 7th day. I had 6 rounds every 3 weeks, my last was in January. I'm done with lumpectomy and radiation and just waiting for my hair to grow back, one inch ain't doing it for me. Other than that I feel back to normal. (but then, whats normal?) Good luck with your treatment.
Glad to hear you're one of "us," Kelly!
I don't know when to expect hair loss for your particular cocktail -- it's 12-16 days after starting chemo for Taxotere/Cytoxan, and I thiiiiiink it's similar for other cocktails?
You said you have long hair....This is just from my own experience, but I would really suggest you cut it shorter before it starts to fall out. I cut my hair very short before starting chemo, and it still was an unbelievable mess when it started to fall out -- hair in my food every time I ate, trailing hair behind me through the office at work....
Also, not everyone needs the Neulasta shot, so you may not. Some oncologists give it to everyone automatically, others (like mine) try you out on the first round without it, to see how you do. A co-worker of mine did the exact same chemo cocktail I did, and her white blood cell counts stayed nice and high the whole time, never needed Neulasta. Me -- my white blood cells left town as soon as they saw chemo coming, so it was Neulasta for me!
BTW, if your husband is in a cooking mood...there are several of us here who are in Southern California and would be happy to let him come cook for us, too!
:-) Traci0 -
Almost done with treatmentTraciInLA said:The California girls are taking over this board! :-)
Glad to hear you're one of "us," Kelly!
I don't know when to expect hair loss for your particular cocktail -- it's 12-16 days after starting chemo for Taxotere/Cytoxan, and I thiiiiiink it's similar for other cocktails?
You said you have long hair....This is just from my own experience, but I would really suggest you cut it shorter before it starts to fall out. I cut my hair very short before starting chemo, and it still was an unbelievable mess when it started to fall out -- hair in my food every time I ate, trailing hair behind me through the office at work....
Also, not everyone needs the Neulasta shot, so you may not. Some oncologists give it to everyone automatically, others (like mine) try you out on the first round without it, to see how you do. A co-worker of mine did the exact same chemo cocktail I did, and her white blood cell counts stayed nice and high the whole time, never needed Neulasta. Me -- my white blood cells left town as soon as they saw chemo coming, so it was Neulasta for me!
BTW, if your husband is in a cooking mood...there are several of us here who are in Southern California and would be happy to let him come cook for us, too!
:-) Traci
Hi there, my name is Cici and I read that you just started your treatment and mine was a triple negative and the meds I was on was the "red devil" cytoxin, taxol, and the study drug called evastin. I will say that it was on the 11th day into treatment that I lost all my hair and it has been gone since. I have the best supporters and I will help you with any questions you have, because I feel that no one can be told enough that will happen or what to expect enough. Keep positive thoughts and don't let anyone discourage you on anything...stay strong and you will get through this!!! My last treatment is July 15th and I so can't wait...been going through this since Jan. 7th and I'm ready to be done....0 -
Welcome Kelly! Drink LOTSMyTurnNow said:Kelly, I just wanted to
Kelly, I just wanted to welcome you. I don't have any additional advice but wanted to reiterate to make sure you drink, drink and drink. I had the same cocktail as Traci and only experienced some fatigue. By the beginning of the 2nd week after chemo I was already starting to feel better. Don't try to do too much and listen to your body....if you are fatigued, rest. Take care and continue to ask any questions you have. We'll be here to help you through your journey.
Welcome Kelly! Drink LOTS of water! If you can, try to take naps during the day as well as getting lots of sleep at night. Good luck!
Hugs, Megan0 -
Hey TraciTraciInLA said:The California girls are taking over this board! :-)
Glad to hear you're one of "us," Kelly!
I don't know when to expect hair loss for your particular cocktail -- it's 12-16 days after starting chemo for Taxotere/Cytoxan, and I thiiiiiink it's similar for other cocktails?
You said you have long hair....This is just from my own experience, but I would really suggest you cut it shorter before it starts to fall out. I cut my hair very short before starting chemo, and it still was an unbelievable mess when it started to fall out -- hair in my food every time I ate, trailing hair behind me through the office at work....
Also, not everyone needs the Neulasta shot, so you may not. Some oncologists give it to everyone automatically, others (like mine) try you out on the first round without it, to see how you do. A co-worker of mine did the exact same chemo cocktail I did, and her white blood cell counts stayed nice and high the whole time, never needed Neulasta. Me -- my white blood cells left town as soon as they saw chemo coming, so it was Neulasta for me!
BTW, if your husband is in a cooking mood...there are several of us here who are in Southern California and would be happy to let him come cook for us, too!
:-) Traci
Today is day 6 since my first treatment and I feel almost normal again. I woke up alittle weak but no fatigue and now, as the day goes on I feel great. I have had no nausea or vomiting. I think thats because of the Emend. but my Dr. called and said he gave me steroids too. (i didn't know) Anyway - I hoping to stay feeling this good until my next treatment which is July 9th. But I fear that I may not. My Dr. says that the Chemo will peak this Friday - what does that mean anyway? do you know? Will I feel awful again? That bothers me.
As for cutting my hair? Well, everyone says that - right now I just can't !!
I'm hoping I'll be like one of those that won't need that shot. Lets pray. LOL
Yea, my husband is the best. I couldn't have asked for anyone better. I'll tell you - my husband has demonstrated to me what True Love really is all about. What a wonderful example he is to my adult kids.
Tell me how you felt when your White blood cells dropped. I just wnat to know what to expect.
Thank you for your advise I so appreciate every bit of information. You guys are great !!0
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