1st treatment DONE!!! |
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GinaMarie 
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Joined: Jun 19 2008 Location: New Jersey Essex cty Status: Offline Points: 137 |
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 Topic: 1st treatment DONE!!!Posted: Sep 12 2008 at 2:20pm |
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Hi Ladies
Just wanted to drop a line, first one done, and what a day, a 3 hour appt turned into almost 6 hours, i had an allergic reaction to Taxotere within first 2 min!!! Heart racing, turned all shades of red, saw spots, and got very nauseous!!! Luckily it only lasted a few min, they shut the drip waited awhile and onc came to see me, we started again slow and i was ok, then the cytoxan was all good just a slight headache with nasal congestion at the end. So im just happy to have one down.
Im very tired from all the benadryl and i the aloxi, pre-chemo. They told me to just automatically take the zofran so i dont get the nausea at all, so im listening to them!!
Im a little upset they def. want me to start neulasta tomorrow, i thought they would wait to see how i do, but onc wants me to get it, ive just heard some nightmare stories with that, feeling very achy, etc. Anyone not get side effects from it???
Im going to relax, thank you for all your support, hopefully the next few days will be uneventful!!! I PRAY!!! Have a great night and would love to hear from you
Hugs Gina
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gigi
Stage 1 Grade 3 dx may 2008 2 lumpectomies, first one wrong dx of fibroadenoma!! chemo 4 rounds ovr 3 mos Taxotere/Cytoxan BRCA 1+ Bilat mast. with Lat flap recon done 1/9/09!!! No rads!! |
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Nancy
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Joined: Jul 23 2007 Location: Altoona, PA Status: Offline Points: 3814 |
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Posted: Sep 12 2008 at 2:49pm |
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Gina,
One down!! Sorry to hear that you had a reaction to the Taxotere. They will know better the next time and will push it slowly.
Do as they say and take all the meds at the time they are prescribed. Do not miss any of them. I know you probably don't want to take the Neulasta, but Tai ended up in the emergency room because she did not have it. She passed out, and it was not a pretty scene. She could not have any fresh fruits or veggies...the whole gamut. They gave her the many shots of Neupogen then, and this chemo, which was Wednesday, she was going back yesterday for the Neulasta.
Lori injected her shot herself, every chemo, and she never had a problem with the WBC's. There was bone pain, but compared to what Tai went through, I'd say Tai would have taken the bone pain from the beginning. Tai could barely get out of bed for many days. As Caryn Rose has said, the Neulasta causes the bone marrow to stress, which causes the bone pain. Too bad they didn't have the Neulasta for my grandson, as he ended up in the hospital due to low WBC's from the chemo.
You take warm baths or use moist heat when you experience the bone pain. That's what Lori did. Drink that water Gina. As much as you can tolerate. Please eat many small meals also. Lori's first chemo was I think over 7 hours. That's just the way it goes some times. They can't mix the cocktail until you get there, as I guess some people have not shown for one reason or the other, and they then have to dispose of the meds.
We will be thinking of you. Go sleep now, and as much as you can,
Hugs,
Nancy
Edited by Nancy - Sep 12 2008 at 2:53pm |
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Terri
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Joined: Nov 12 2007 Location: FL Status: Offline Points: 578 |
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Posted: Sep 12 2008 at 8:24pm |
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Gina,
The first chemo is the scariest because you have NO IDEA what to expect. If I could give you any advice it is to think of yourself right now. Rest when you need to and really take care of yourself. Also, like Nancy said, DRINK LOT`S OF WATER!!
I had a neulasta shot the day after every chemo. The bone pain really wasn`t that bad. Mostly lower back pain and it helped me to lay on a heating pad. I was grateful for those shots. Because the chemo is cumulative (meaning it builds up in the system), the last 2 were the hardest for me. And WITH neulasta my white count was 0.2 !! So I can`t imagine if I hadn`t had it!
As far as the anti nausea meds go they work the best before you are actually nauseas. So you are right to take them as directed.
I didn`t sleep well the night of chemo because I was all hopped up on the pre chemo steroids. They gave me a warm red face for a couple of days.
 The other thing is that if you feel really dehydrated or really nauseas, call the nurses. They may bring you in and give you IV fluids which can help make you feel better. They did that for me a few times. Well you have started your journey and it seems like such a mountain to climb in front of you. But you will be strong and it will be over before you know it. Post when you feel up to it or just read and be comforted by the many women who understand how you feel.
 Terri
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IDC DX 8/17/07 (age 41)
Stage 1 Grade 1-2, 1.35 cm 2 nodes neg, Lumpectomy 10/07 Chemo: FEC 100 x 6, 35 rads BRCA 1/2 NEG PET/CT & Brain CT Nov 09 Brain MRI Aug 2012 NED |
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GinaMarie
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Joined: Jun 19 2008 Location: New Jersey Essex cty Status: Offline Points: 137 |
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Posted: Sep 13 2008 at 1:14am |
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Good Morning, believe it or not im up at 6am!!! I guess it is the steroids because i really cant sleep, so far so good, i took my zofran before bed last night, and i woke up hungry so i guess thats a good sign!! Nancy thank you for all the advice, and Terri, thank you for the neulasta advice i go today around 12:30, i could technically give to myself because im a nurse, but they have to get it approved by insurance so for now i have to go in and get it,not a problem im not far from hospital. Im drinking my water as much as i can, im going to get some ice pops today, i do feel a little sore throat and some small patches on roof of mouth, is that normal so fast??
Also Terri, i see you only posted a lumpectomy, are u BRCA+ They are really recommending bilat mast for me, but im seriously not ready for this, am i being NUTS?? I was also Stage 1 but grade 3 Sent node neg and margins clear, so im very confused right now. And also did u lose your hair from your treatments? Im doing cytoxan and taxotere, but have a tremendous amount of very thick hair!! Love to hear your input, hope all is well with u and Nancy too!!
XOXO Gina
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gigi
Stage 1 Grade 3 dx may 2008 2 lumpectomies, first one wrong dx of fibroadenoma!! chemo 4 rounds ovr 3 mos Taxotere/Cytoxan BRCA 1+ Bilat mast. with Lat flap recon done 1/9/09!!! No rads!! |
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QH RDR
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Joined: Jul 21 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 47 |
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Posted: Sep 13 2008 at 5:07am |
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Hey Gina I just posted under your first chemo treatment thread. Anyway, I am happy to see you didn't do the Linda Blair thingy! The fear of the unknown is simply the worst at the first treatment. Now that you know what to expect you can do visual imagery and relax yourself. I did not take a single ativan yesterday, but there again, I had my mom with me and had to keep my wits about me! I had Neupogen shots daily after the first chemo. The second and third days I had pretty good chest pain (sternum), but nothing a good dose of tylenol couldn't handle. Then my body seemed to accept it and the last week of shots didn't bother me at all. But again, everyone is different. The awesome news this treatment though was my white blood count was so high I don't have to have a single injection before my third treatment! It must have something to do with all the whole, organic foods and supplements I am taking, or I am just simply lucky. I am quite curious to see what my count will be next time without any Neupogen. So hang in there girlie, and DON'T GET COCKY if you are feeling good. Remember, I felt pretty good the first two days and decided to go riding. Won't make that mistake again. Take it easy for at least the first 5 days. And like Nancy said, drink drink drink. Can one get addicted to green tea???? Can't speak to the hair question. Mine is coming out in clumps right now, but I have my wigs and hats, etc. all lined up. And I am having everyone come over during the head shaving party so all my friends can see me transform into a bald wonder, then when they come over I won't feel the need to slap a wig on my head! So chin up, one treatment down! Woo hoo! xxxooo Sandy |
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Dx 6/30/08, IDC, node positive, skin-sparing mastectomy 7/21/08, A/C (4 cycles) started 8/29/08
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nosurrender
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Joined: Mar 13 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 42 |
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Posted: Sep 13 2008 at 5:09am |
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Good for You Gigi!
Make sure you keep something in your stomach at all times- graze... a little bit at a time. You should get the Neulasta- it will protect you. Unfortunately, you will lose your hair. Have you picked out a wig yet? It is best to do it now, before you lose your hair and that way you can have it cut, colored and styled to you current style. I had a lumpectomy in 2001 and was OK as far as TN went. I got a new primary last year- but it was ER/PR+ and I had a bilat after that. Hugs g |
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www.nosurrenderbreastcancerhelp.com
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GinaMarie
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Joined: Jun 19 2008 Location: New Jersey Essex cty Status: Offline Points: 137 |
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Posted: Sep 13 2008 at 5:16am |
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Hi ladies Sandy and Gina.... Im really happy no linda blair thing either!! LOL So far so good with tummy, i hope it stays that way, i can pretty much handle anything else that comes my way!! I do have my wigs G, i got them weeks ago, same highlights just a shorter style, i felt they looked better than my medium length hair in the wig. The unfortunate part about neulasta for me is im allergic to tylenol, BIG TIME so i have to see if onc will let me take advil because i know it is NOT recommended without clearance from dr, so if i need something i will be sure to call him. So Sandy how did your mom do?? Was it a show that kept you entertained? And i believe this was #2 for you, how are u feeling today? Keep me posted ladies, your words are always welcome and make me feel great!!! Thanks again for all the support XOXO Gina |
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gigi
Stage 1 Grade 3 dx may 2008 2 lumpectomies, first one wrong dx of fibroadenoma!! chemo 4 rounds ovr 3 mos Taxotere/Cytoxan BRCA 1+ Bilat mast. with Lat flap recon done 1/9/09!!! No rads!! |
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Terri
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Joined: Nov 12 2007 Location: FL Status: Offline Points: 578 |
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Posted: Sep 13 2008 at 7:23am |
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Gina,
Yes, you probably couldn`t sleep because of the steroids, I had the same problem. I used to lift weights so the joke was I should lift that night since I had steroids on board!
 Yes I lost my hair. The Dr looked at my long hair and said I should go get it cut before it started falling out. He was right on the money because he said it would take about 10-14 days after 1st chemo. I was shocked at how much starts to come out. I didn`t get it cut until it started to come out, then had a kind friend come over and shave the rest. I tried on some wigs but they weren`t me. I used scarves and cute hats. When I was at home or around family I just went topless (to steal a phrase from one of the other girls here). My husband and family & friends never looked at me like I was ugly so that REALLY helped. The hair loss was/is so difficult for me because I always had long hair. But it is a small price to pay to get rid of this monster!
I was BRCA neg so that`s why I went with a lumpectomy. I would have considered mast if I had been BRCA + . Had I realized reconstruction is covered by insurance I may have done it anyway. Although looking back I was very traumatized by my lumpectomy scars and the fact that my breasts are now 2 different sizes that who knows how bad I would have felt if they took them completely off! Now the scars really don`t bother me. Just try to get all the info you can to make the right decision for yourself. You are NOT NUTS to be afraid of mastectomy!!
 There alot of women here who have gone through it and can give you the benefit of their experience. I didn`t have mouth/throat sores until the 2nd week after chemo. But they were really painful and every swallow hurt and eating as well. You can try to prevent them by gargling with a combo pinch of baking soda/salt mixed with water several times a day. I stopped doing this because I thought I didn`t need it then it was too late. If you DO get the sores the dr can prescribe what we affectionately like to call "magic mouthwash" that the pharmacy can compound for you. It has lidocaine, benedryl and maalox and it numbs your mouth for awhile. Great stuff!! And yes, get some ice pops, my husband kept me in a steady supply of them. They are soothing.
Feel free to ask anything! I`m glad you are feeling well enough to post!
Love,
Terri
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IDC DX 8/17/07 (age 41)
Stage 1 Grade 1-2, 1.35 cm 2 nodes neg, Lumpectomy 10/07 Chemo: FEC 100 x 6, 35 rads BRCA 1/2 NEG PET/CT & Brain CT Nov 09 Brain MRI Aug 2012 NED |
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Nancy
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Joined: Jul 23 2007 Location: Altoona, PA Status: Offline Points: 3814 |
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Posted: Sep 13 2008 at 8:05am |
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GinaMarie,
Get that prescription for the "magic mouthwash" right away, and start using it!! Do not wait until you have the mouth sores, as then it will be mighty uncomfortable.
You will lose your hair. Lori's started coming out really bad, about 2 or 3 days before her second chemo. It had to go, as her head was "hurting".
Do the popsicles also. Billie's sister Betty says they helped her tremendously. Keep us posted, and the gals will tell you what to expect, and how to deal with any problems that may come up.
Many cyber hugs,
 Nancy
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GinaMarie
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Joined: Jun 19 2008 Location: New Jersey Essex cty Status: Offline Points: 137 |
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Posted: Sep 13 2008 at 12:52pm |
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Hi Terri and Nancy Its soooo weird whats in my mouth, no pain at all, just a little red and white on the roof of mouth nothing on tongue, and its sure not preventing me from eating, i have a pretty decent appetite considering. I did do the some remedy mouth rinse the dr told me to try with baking soda and salt, im just really surprised how fast this happened, i just had this treatment yesterday and they said if i got it at all, it would be 5-7 days!! Nothing ever goes smooth in my world though........ But if this is the worst thing i can deal with this and i got great popsicles with real fruit and no sugar so i dont rot my teeth in this whole process!!
Hugs and love to u both
Gina
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gigi
Stage 1 Grade 3 dx may 2008 2 lumpectomies, first one wrong dx of fibroadenoma!! chemo 4 rounds ovr 3 mos Taxotere/Cytoxan BRCA 1+ Bilat mast. with Lat flap recon done 1/9/09!!! No rads!! |
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CarynRose
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Joined: Aug 04 2007 Location: Robbinsville, NJ, USA Status: Offline Points: 960 |
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Posted: Sep 13 2008 at 1:57pm |
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Gina,
Chemo affects the fastest growing cells first and the cells in your mouth live their life cycle in a very short amount of time (that's why mouth injuries heal so quickly). So, this is why your mouth has some side effects quicker than other areas.
You're doing great so far. And with the action in your mouth now, it's pretty clear that the chemo is working...imagine what the cancer cells are feeling.
Hugs,
Caryn
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Orig dx 6/03 - St.2a, IDC
gr.3,0 nodes, TNBC/BRCA1+ 7/07 St 4 mets to nodes/lungs. PACA/Rads NED 11/07-10/08 Lepto mets 10/08 Rads for 4 brain tumors 4/10. Leptomets return 6/10 |
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GinaMarie
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Joined: Jun 19 2008 Location: New Jersey Essex cty Status: Offline Points: 137 |
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Posted: Sep 13 2008 at 4:46pm |
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Thank you soooo much Caryn, i didnt think of it that way, hopefully thats what the case is, im feeling a little more sluggish tonight, im thinking its the neulasta i received this afternoon. And i was doing zofran every 6 hours and on my last dose felt so good i skipped it, and within hours of skipping it, i got pretty nauseous!! So i took it and its gone, so from now on im taking it every 6 hours the first few days after chemo, i think thats the only way to go!!
But thank you for the input!!
Hugs Back Gina
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gigi
Stage 1 Grade 3 dx may 2008 2 lumpectomies, first one wrong dx of fibroadenoma!! chemo 4 rounds ovr 3 mos Taxotere/Cytoxan BRCA 1+ Bilat mast. with Lat flap recon done 1/9/09!!! No rads!! |
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Jessie
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Joined: Aug 07 2007 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 515 |
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Posted: Sep 14 2008 at 3:01pm |
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Gigi --- You should be so proud ---- Killing those little devils !
Hope you won't be so nervous about it next time. I have a friend who's doing chemo after BC spread to her lungs. Before her first session, I embroidered (machine embroidered) a cat on a denim shirt and gave it to her. She wears it to all her chemo sessions. I put an additional cat on it before each session. I put the 9th cat on it last week. It's a silly thing I know, but it seems to help her.
I'd love to be doing the same thing for you ! How could we handle that?
 I'm open to suggestions --- would love to do it for all the TNBCers going thru chemo.
Jessie
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IDC,Stage I,Grade 3,dx 4/06
dbl mast 5/06, systemic MRSA post surgery septic shock, heart attack triple bypass 1/07 no chemo due to infections and heart issues so far NED! |
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GinaMarie
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Joined: Jun 19 2008 Location: New Jersey Essex cty Status: Offline Points: 137 |
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Posted: Sep 14 2008 at 6:17pm |
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Thank you Jessie!!! Im feeling really crappy tonight, i had to call the Dr, its the Neulasta shot!!! What a nasty feeling, you just feel like u got hit by a bus, every bone in your body aches!!! So im taking off work tomorrow, was planning to go back but i think i need one more day!
Does anyone else know if the neulasta has this effect each time?? God i hope not!!! Have a great night, im hopefully going to sleep for once!!
I love cats Jessie, i have a little guy Niko my little black cat hes the best!!!
Please keep me posted on your progress!!
Nite
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gigi
Stage 1 Grade 3 dx may 2008 2 lumpectomies, first one wrong dx of fibroadenoma!! chemo 4 rounds ovr 3 mos Taxotere/Cytoxan BRCA 1+ Bilat mast. with Lat flap recon done 1/9/09!!! No rads!! |
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krisa
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Joined: May 21 2008 Location: Portland, OR Status: Offline Points: 1090 |
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Posted: Sep 15 2008 at 5:44am |
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my bones felt achy after every shot of neulasta-my blood levels were always good so it was a trade off.
hang in there!
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Terri
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Joined: Nov 12 2007 Location: FL Status: Offline Points: 578 |
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Posted: Sep 15 2008 at 6:00am |
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Gigi,
Neulasta gave me a fever and flu-like symptoms every chemo for about 2 days. It was a week after chemo every time and coincided with low white counts so I would just plan to stay home away from everyone for that week. By the next week (I had CBC`s every week) the neulasta had kicked in and white counts were up and I felt almost normal again
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IDC DX 8/17/07 (age 41)
Stage 1 Grade 1-2, 1.35 cm 2 nodes neg, Lumpectomy 10/07 Chemo: FEC 100 x 6, 35 rads BRCA 1/2 NEG PET/CT & Brain CT Nov 09 Brain MRI Aug 2012 NED |
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GinaMarie
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Joined: Jun 19 2008 Location: New Jersey Essex cty Status: Offline Points: 137 |
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Posted: Sep 15 2008 at 8:11am |
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Hi Terri and Krisa Thank you for your inputs,i just actually hung up with onc. I had to stay home from work today because of how severe the joint pain is and i also got a sore throat which they say shouldnt happen!! OF COURSE!!! If it can happen it will happen for me LOL I was hoping to only have to take fridays of treatments off and be back at work on mondays but i guess that cant be a guarantee. Onc thinks i should be fine by tomorrow just wants me to watch my temps, which have all been normal, so i guess its just part of the process for now. Anyone else ever get the sore throat too? Have a great day and thank u!!!
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gigi
Stage 1 Grade 3 dx may 2008 2 lumpectomies, first one wrong dx of fibroadenoma!! chemo 4 rounds ovr 3 mos Taxotere/Cytoxan BRCA 1+ Bilat mast. with Lat flap recon done 1/9/09!!! No rads!! |
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Jessie
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Posted: Sep 15 2008 at 9:23am |
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Gigi,
Truly, if you'd like for me to do a chemo shirt for you, I can do that ! Just get my address from Pam (or PM me directly) and send me the denim shirt you want to use. I'll put a cat on it and send it right back -- UPS ! You apparently live in the states so count on 2 days for it to reach me, a day for me to do the embroidery, then 2 days to get it back to you. We can do this ! How often are your sessions ?
This offer isn't just for Gigi --- you're all my sisters, it would be my pleasure -- and it doesn't have to be cats. I LOVE it !
Hugs,
Jessie
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IDC,Stage I,Grade 3,dx 4/06
dbl mast 5/06, systemic MRSA post surgery septic shock, heart attack triple bypass 1/07 no chemo due to infections and heart issues so far NED! |
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Terri
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Joined: Nov 12 2007 Location: FL Status: Offline Points: 578 |
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Posted: Sep 15 2008 at 10:38am |
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Gigi,
I did get sore throats but it was caused by the sores in my throat and mouth. Keep gargeling with the salt and baking soda just in case! I can relate when you said leave it to you to get all the stuff you`re not supposed to. I call my husband and I the Murphy`s Law couple!
Take care of yourself! Unless you absolutely HAVE to work, worry about yourself first. I wish I would have done that more myself! I was too worried about letting everyone down at work.
Hugs,
Terri
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IDC DX 8/17/07 (age 41)
Stage 1 Grade 1-2, 1.35 cm 2 nodes neg, Lumpectomy 10/07 Chemo: FEC 100 x 6, 35 rads BRCA 1/2 NEG PET/CT & Brain CT Nov 09 Brain MRI Aug 2012 NED |
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trip2
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Joined: Jun 03 2007 Location: Under Palm Tree Status: Offline Points: 8549 |
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Posted: Sep 15 2008 at 1:00pm |
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Hi Gigi,
I hope things are improving for you.
No you will sort of have to play this chemo/work thing as it happens. Sometimes you might not know for sure if you can work or not right after treatments atleast for a couple of days. We are all different. Listen to your body and if you can't make you just can't or make it a half day.
I hope your employer is flexible with you right now.
I don't know how many women have said their Oncs said one thing or another wouldn't happen with them but it did anyway so sometimes it is a struggle with these people. Call them anytime you are concerned.
Good luck and hope you are better, we always use to gargle warm salt water but it isn't the best.
Edited by trip2 - Sep 15 2008 at 1:01pm |
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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