First Treatment Down |
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puakai 
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Joined: Mar 23 2013 Location: Colorado Status: Offline Points: 53 |
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 Topic: First Treatment DownPosted: Jun 08 2013 at 3:21pm |
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Well, I have had my first treatment! Yippee! Luckily since my cancer had not spread, I don't have to have radiation and only 4 "light cycles" (tc) of chemo. NO adreomycin. The first 3 days I felt pretty good, like a mild hangover, I'm getting all cocky thinking, "this is gonna be a breeze!", but today is day four and I am flat on my back. I feel like I have the flu. My body aches all over,I have a headache, aches everywhere, especially my legs and my neck, I have a low grade fever, only 99, dtrs told me to go to emergency room the minute it went over 100, soar throat, really tired, but can't sleep. Not supposed to take aspirin or ibuprofin, so can I take acedoyminicin? I feel like crap right not and don't even want to move!! Eating, and fluids don't seem to help. . .any suggestions!? I just want to know what you guys do to feel better! Thanks!
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Charlene
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Joined: Aug 14 2010 Location: Atlanta, GA Status: Offline Points: 613 |
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Posted: Jun 08 2013 at 3:50pm |
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Frankly, I never considered T/C chemo "light" when I was going through it. To answer your question, no one told me not to take Advil, so I took it every 4-6 hours on the days I wasn't feeling well. Absolutely drink as much liquid as possible. If you start to get constipated, deal with it right away--don't wait. Don't hesitate to call the doctor's office to ask for help. Try to eat what you can. My bad days on T/C were spent just lying on the couch, reading, and napping. By day 7, you should start feeling better.
Charlene
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DX 3/10 @59 ILC/TNBC
Stage 1, Grade 2, Multifocal; Lumpectomy/re-excision SNB 0/4 nodes, BRCA-; Taxotere/Cytoxan X4, 30 rads 3/14:NED |
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Natalie
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Joined: Nov 11 2011 Location: Bay Shore NY Status: Offline Points: 473 |
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Posted: Jun 08 2013 at 4:33pm |
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If you had the Neulasta injection, that might be the culprit for the extra pain in the legs. Some think it might be the Taxol, the jury is still out on that one. I felt it to be the injection myself.
Did the doctor give you anything for pain?? I would strongly suggest you call them if they didn't, and if they did then take it. If the doc gave you a script to help ytou sleep take that too. Believe it or not walking helps, I know I know ya can't even think of that right now but I would strongly suggest it. Iam so sorry you are feeling sh*tty right now. Have to eat and drink a lot. Gya nectars and coconut water is what I did, plain water just didn't do it for me. I tried warm baths, and cold packs to my lower back some times it helped. I hope someone will be along soon to add info for ya. Find what ever food you can tolerate. My taste buds seemed to take a vacation on me after a while by the way. Feel better, keep us posted on how you are. Natalie
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TNBC stage1 size 1.8, grade3 no nodes 4/11 Lumpectomy 5/11 4cycles DD A/C 4cycles DD Taxol. Double Mastectomy 12/11 BRCA all neg
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miz
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Joined: Jun 27 2013 Location: california Status: Offline Points: 11 |
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Posted: Jul 09 2013 at 2:27pm |
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I had my first A/C chemo on July 2nd. Chemo went really well. Day 2 I had a lot of energy, felt really well. Day three I started feeling tired. It's the craziest thing. As long as I was talking or busy, I felt ok. If things start to get quiet, I crash and pass out. Today is day 7 and it is a very good day. I eat pretty good and make sure between meals , I rence my mouth with baking soda and salt. That cleans my pallat and settles my stomach. I usually like sweets but I cannot eat them now. I'm eating small portions and eat as healthy as I can. So far so good. A friend recommended I get a individual trampoline to jump around on to get my blood flowing.
Today is day two on the trampoline, just bouncing very easy as long as I can tolerate it. All n all I feel really good...Nothing like I thought I would!!!My family is really scared and they all moved in with me for the first week to take care of me and to make sure I was ok. Nothing like the love of your family...... Priceless! 
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Noodlegirl
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Joined: Apr 05 2013 Status: Offline Points: 4 |
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Posted: Jul 09 2013 at 6:05pm |
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I love Day 1 after chemo. I call it Power Day because you are still jacked up on steroids. (I ask what they are giving meDay 2 & 3 totally crash out. I plan for this. The anti-nausea meds knock me out too. Don't be afraid to ask for anti-nausea meds. If you can't stomach anything, at least drink the "Miracle broth". Call your DR about what pain medication you can take.
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Rocklady
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Joined: Apr 04 2013 Location: NYC Status: Offline Points: 15 |
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Posted: Jul 09 2013 at 6:56pm |
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Had my first t/c treatment on 6/27, no reactions at all except a bit tired days 3 & 4. Did get the Neulasta shot on 7/1. Thought I was going to breeze thru it and on July 4 I went to get out of bed and almost fell on the floor. My spine & left leg were throbbing with every heartbeat. Took tylenol and it didn't help so I "celebrated" the rest of the 4th of July with percocet.......I am no martyr lol. Have to have my mediport replaced on thursday since this one failed. So, my question to the experienced is how come I don't have any symtoms yet? No hair loss, bad taste, etc? Is this normal? Thanks ladies.
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sweetpickle
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Joined: Nov 28 2012 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 91 |
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Posted: Jul 09 2013 at 7:18pm |
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Rocklady- My hair didnt start to fall out until second treatment. Everyone is different though.
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11/13/12 DX TNBC, BRCA 1+ Grade 3, 4.3cm tumor, susp. node under arm, 4 A/C biweekly & 4 Taxol biweekly
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Lillie
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Joined: Jul 10 2009 Location: Eastern NC Status: Offline Points: 3616 |
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Posted: Jul 09 2013 at 10:08pm |
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Dear Rocklady,
My hair started to fall out on about the 15th day after treatments began. Sorry about the bad 4th of July.
God Bless,
Lillie
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Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC
Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA- 6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+ 6/06 Axl. 9 nodes- 8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4 No Rads. No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED |
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tracyinva
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Joined: May 23 2013 Location: Alexandra, VA Status: Offline Points: 219 |
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Posted: Jul 09 2013 at 11:03pm |
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I've never heard of "light chemo" I wish I could get that. I was only 1A or 11A and that wasn't even offered :( i have to have surgery and radiation. I am going on my fourth chemo next week. I feel beat and worn and down and wish this was already over.
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Diagnosed 4/29
Lymph nodes clear on MRI on 5/20 2x2 statge 1 or 11A AC and T 6/9 - 9/13 final mri- no lymph 4mm or less residual Lump right side on 10/16 7 nodes taken - all clear - clean margins |
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Lillie
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Joined: Jul 10 2009 Location: Eastern NC Status: Offline Points: 3616 |
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Posted: Jul 10 2013 at 9:00am |
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Hello All,
I must confess that I have used the terminology "chemo light". It was in the context of "what was given vs what should have been given" for my sister-in-law. She was diagnosed Stage IIIc with 13 cancerous lymph nodes removed.
In her specific case I felt that cytoxan and taxatere, plus radiation were not enough. My oncologist agrees with me, but her oncologist was more interested in getting credit for having a person in a clinical trial than saving her life. She qualified to participate in an Avastin trial, but was placed on the weakest arm. Any ethical oncologist should have pulled her from the trial and given her (standard of care TAC, plus radiation).
No chemo is light. It is all heavy duty treatment.
Love all of you.
God Bless,
Lillie Edited by Lillie - Jul 10 2013 at 9:03am |
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Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC
Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA- 6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+ 6/06 Axl. 9 nodes- 8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4 No Rads. No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED |
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puakai
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Joined: Mar 23 2013 Location: Colorado Status: Offline Points: 53 |
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Posted: Jul 10 2013 at 5:20pm |
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I know, that's just how my oncologist referred to it since I am only having 4 cycles and NO AC. He did emphasize that no chemo is "LIGHT" it is all heavy duty stuff. Go in for 3rd cycle on Monday, so far can't complain. Will be done August 5th and NO RADIATION! Whoo Hoo!
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Charlene
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Joined: Aug 14 2010 Location: Atlanta, GA Status: Offline Points: 613 |
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Posted: Jul 10 2013 at 8:22pm |
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From what I have learned over the past 3+ years, I believe that T/C chemo seems to be prescribed more often for stage I or II. Lillie, your SIL is the ONLY person I have ever heard of who had it for a stage IIIc, so I absolutely understand your feelings about her treatment. I have read of reasons to not use Adriamycin; age is one factor, I think. Anyway, it was still nothing I would ever want to do again. It was bad while I was there, but I am grateful to be where I am today. Hope time goes quickly for those of you currently in treatment. There is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Charlene Edited by Charlene - Jul 11 2013 at 7:06am |
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DX 3/10 @59 ILC/TNBC
Stage 1, Grade 2, Multifocal; Lumpectomy/re-excision SNB 0/4 nodes, BRCA-; Taxotere/Cytoxan X4, 30 rads 3/14:NED |
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tracyinva
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Joined: May 23 2013 Location: Alexandra, VA Status: Offline Points: 219 |
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Posted: Jul 10 2013 at 9:08pm |
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Yeah , I am grateful you have the easy or light chemo road. I would not wish chemo on anyone. I am waiting on dose 4 of my AC then Taxol for 4 more. The only reason I can see they did a dd chemo on me is b/cause when I had my contrast mri even though I was diagnosed at 1 or11a they saw a 7cm or my breast light up I am assuming that cancer was trying to spread there. GL with your treatment. I am going to back to Johns Hopkins to work with them since they are close. I hope we all live long and healthy lives
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Diagnosed 4/29
Lymph nodes clear on MRI on 5/20 2x2 statge 1 or 11A AC and T 6/9 - 9/13 final mri- no lymph 4mm or less residual Lump right side on 10/16 7 nodes taken - all clear - clean margins |
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ctlindah
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Joined: Nov 06 2012 Location: Connecticut Status: Offline Points: 71 |
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Posted: Jul 11 2013 at 10:11am |
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Hi Rocklady,
My hair didn't fall out until the third A/C treatment. I think I'm a bit of an anomaly though. I did have the metallic taste and mouth sores much earlier. Linda
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DX IDC TNBC 10/12 age 48, Stage 1, Grade 3, 1.5cm
Lumpectomy DD AC & Taxol BRCA- rads X30 finished 5/13 |
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arabella
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Joined: Jan 28 2013 Location: Alabama Status: Offline Points: 288 |
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Posted: Jul 11 2013 at 11:26am |
Can anyone tell me what the "Miracle Broth" consists of???? TIA Kaye
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Dx TNBC 1/2013; age 63; 1.1 cm; Stage 1, Grade 1(?); lumpectomy clear margins; ALND -; severe SEs to first TC and treatment stopped; radsX25; BRCA -
Recur 6/2015 Mastectomy |
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Rocklady
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Joined: Apr 04 2013 Location: NYC Status: Offline Points: 15 |
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Posted: Jul 12 2013 at 1:24am |
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Charlene, I am stage 1 grade 3, when my tumor was removed it was a little bigger than 1cm and my oncologist said that the size is usually the determining factor when advising use of Adriamycin. I did alot of research and decided that it was not for me, way too many side effects,risks. I have a history of heart disease in my family, although I am ok. Didn't want to risk it, so I will have 6rds of c/t instead of 4 and then 30 sessions of radiation. I agree with you about Lilies SIL, docs should have been more agressive with Stage 3. Had my mediport replaced this morning, next chemo is next thursday, so I pray this port works. You ladies are all so sweet to help & answer us newbies questions. Love & prayers to all my "sisters".
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calamityjane90
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Joined: Jul 06 2013 Location: PA Status: Offline Points: 26 |
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Posted: Jul 14 2013 at 10:45pm |
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I already have had Adriamycin in 1998 as part of ABVD for a Hodgkins Lymphoma recurrence at age 31. Now I am 47, & am on Toprol XL for a rapid heartrate which may or may not have been related to that Adriamycin - I remember them testing my heart function before, during, & after. So I think I am NOT a candidate for more of it. I'm Stage 0 on one side, & Stage 1 on the other - Grade 3 TNBC. What are the other chemo protocols out there currently?
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Dx Hodgkins Lymphoma 1990 Age 24; Rec 1998 Age 31; Chemo 6 mos./Rads 3 mos. both times.
Dx TNBC Age 47 06-18-13 Rt: 1.6 cm. Stage 1 Grade 3 IDC / Left: 1.5 cm. Stage 0 Grade 3 DCIS BRCA- BMX 08-14 |
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123Donna
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Joined: Aug 24 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Status: Offline Points: 13510 |
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Posted: Jul 15 2013 at 8:23am |
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Calamityjane,
There are lots of options for you. When do you meet with your oncologist? Have you had Cytoxan before? If not, they might prescribe Cytoxan/Taxotere or even a Platinum, like Carboplatin or Cisplatin. Wishing you the best. Donna
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
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miz
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Joined: Jun 27 2013 Location: california Status: Offline Points: 11 |
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Posted: Jul 15 2013 at 3:02pm |
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I had chemo on July 2nd and so far so good. A little tired for a couple of days, timid stomach but doable, My head started to burn and itch around day 12 of chemo and I found myself scratching it. By the next day I could not stand it so I cut it all off. Bald look was not that bad and the burning and itching has stopped. I just get tired and when I do I rest. My mouth and taste are not normal. My tongue and lips hurt. I gargle with baking soda and salt 3 or four times a day and that has helped a lot. Not much of an appetite so I eat what I can. Taste buds are totally off. Everything taste different. I normally like sweets, but now I don't.All n all I am very please that the port is ok and chemo has been easy on me so far. Taking one day at a time! Hang in there...
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