Chemo Starting on June 7 - questions and comments
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Forum Name: Let's Talk About Chemotherapy
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Topic: Chemo Starting on June 7 - questions and comments
Posted By: tracyinva
Subject: Chemo Starting on June 7 - questions and comments
Date Posted: Jun 01 2013 at 1:32am
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Hi there, I am brca negative on both and have a 3cm tumor by now I suppose. Its been a month now since i was diagnosed biopsed, lab work, mri's and next week EKG and then medport with Chemo next Friday. I am so scared of what I can take. I got a chock full of meds I picked up today Anyways, the other fun part I picked up my meds. I guess these are standard. Hydrocodone Compazine Dexamethasone Ativan Lidcocane for my port I guess that's the normal stuff. My question is that once they start the chemo and with this type of cancer if the chemo is working will I be able tell a difference after one treatment in the size of the tumor if it's responding well. They gave me so many anti nausea meds and I just watched a you tube how a woman died from her 2nd chemo from pneumonia . This stuff scares me more and more as I get closer to me first chemo day. |
Replies:
Posted By: Natalie
Date Posted: Jun 01 2013 at 2:34am
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Tracy, Sorry you got diagnosed with this monster, but very glad you founfd us. Thisd site is so full of knowledgable people that you can come here for absolutely anything from ranting, crying to joyful things. Honey please take one step at a time for your own sanity. First off? Please please please stay away from google, it really will truely only make you nuts. ZTry to stay in the momment, I know how hard it is. So many of us here have done the very same thing at first, so take it from experience. The steroids are for I believe to keep you feeling alright & hopefully your appetite. Ativan for your nerves when you feel that anxiety that is so common. Anti nausea? Take it, it really will help, and if you find they aren'tworking speak to your Onc or the nurse practioner where you get your tratments they can change them up they do help a lot. We all wound up with what seemed a box full of meds vials. You will find that you wind up with things that didn't work and just sitting there. That youtube video you saw? No doubt if real, a very rare occurance. Still scarey I know. People have gotten both chemo before and chemo after surgery, just depends on the doctors and your wishes as a team. The Chemo is doable, do you know what chemo you will be getting? Most of us have had the standard of ACT ( Adrimyocin, Cytoxin, Taxol) or TAC ( same meds but just Taxol first) If you take care of yourself, pay attention to your own body, speak to your doctors about anything that is differrent going on with you, you can stay in front of just about anything that goes on. May I make one suggestion if you have not sone it already? Go to your dentist and get a really good cleaning and any work that might need done. I found that my dentist and many others do not want to work on us during treatment. Our bodies are going through so much and it can react to things differently. I found I was and still am more sensitive to pain and a bit slower in recovering from even novicane uggg. Your dentist can also guide you in your oral care with suggestions. Mine reccomended a gentle hydrating mouth wash to use alomng with flouride treatments. Chemo can be rough on our teeth. Some girls here used Claritan before treatments to lessen some side effects. Sorry if I am jumping around, just a bit of Chemo brain. Many women have felt a difference in tumor size after only a couple of treatments. I guess it depends on whether you or the doctors can feel it well, but don't get discouraged sometimes you might now feel like it is but it really is shrinking. Doing chemo before does have an advantage, if the tumor is not responding then they can change out chemo for one that will kick its butt. Be good to yourself, and accept help from anyone that offers or even just ask for it. I had it every 2 weeks, felt fine the day of a bit cruddy the next day worse the third and fouth day and started to bounce back after that. Everyone is differrent. Natalie ------------- 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 |
Posted By: TriplePositiveGirl
Date Posted: Jun 01 2013 at 4:03pm
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Hi Tracy, As Natalie said, chemo is very doable. It is much scarier sounding than the reality of what it is. I was fortunate that the main side effect I had was fatigue. I really didn't have any issues with nausea. One thing I would suggest (and I am sure others will agree) - the pre-meds that you will be given prior to your infusion can cause constipation. It is highly advisable to get a stool softener of some kind. My doctor gave me a prescription for ducolax (spelling?). I'm sure the gals on this forum can recommend other things that have worked for them too. Chemo also has a "cumulative" affect on the body; meaning you will probably feel fine through the first few cycles, then as time goes on, you may experience more fatigue and other side effects. This is normal. I know that by the end of my chemo treatments I was pretty fatigued and glad to be finished. It sounds like you have all your ducks in a row. Just take it a day at a time and get your rest. You will get to the other side, sooner than later. Best Wishes, Lisa ------------- Diagnosed Jan 2010; Stage IIa, grade 2, 3.2cm in rt. breast, no nodes and BRCA-. 4 cycles Carbo/Gemzar 3/10; Lump 6/10; 2 cycles carbo/gem after surgery 8/10; 35 Rads finished 12/1/10. NED. |
Posted By: Lillie
Date Posted: Jun 01 2013 at 4:23pm
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Hi Tracy,
Natalie and Lisa have just given you "so much" good advice. I can only re-iterate.... Stay away from you-tube and google, it will only drag you down. You need to approach this journey with a positive "I Can Do This" attitude. Our mental state plays a huge part in how well we handle things. ALSO:.... Constipation; Stay ahead of it. Don't wait for it to happen. Go ahead and take stool softner, warm prune juice or whatever whenever you start treatment.
You do have your ducks in a row..... One Day At a Time Sweetie and keep us posted. WE UNDERSTAND.
God Bless,
Lillie ------------- 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 |
Posted By: weekender09
Date Posted: Jun 01 2013 at 6:43pm
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I am sorry you joined our club but we are all great resources for each other so welcome. I have my last chemo in 6 days. YAY As each of us are different remember if while you are going through chemo you haven any questions that nothing is a dumb question and at least someone on here will know what you are going through. Stool Softener - Get these ASAP and take every single morning. It is part of my drug ritual and I still have been plagued with the worst bottom issues that have been my biggest side effect of chemo. Take an Ativan the night before chemo to rest as you will most likely be a bucket of nerves not knowing what to expect. use the triage nurse line as you go. They want you to contact them if any questions come up - I think "sheila's voice" and I are best friends. Order headwraps, scarves, hats or if you plan to do a wig get one before you start this. The hair will fall out usually around the second chemo. If you happen to get sick with the first one you don't want to be shopping for these things after. headwraps.com was a great site that I still use. They make some nice lightweight sleep caps because your head will be cold after hairloss. The other thing I would suggest is WATER WATER WATER. If you are not a big water drinker (I wasn't) find some of the slightly flavored ones etc to try. When you are nauseated is is really hard to drink it but trust me you want to flush the stuff out of your system ASAP. Lastly regarding your tumor size. I noticed a small difference at chemo 2 but by chemo 3 we could barely find it. halfway through my doctor did another PET scan and the results showed the cancer was already dissipated. I lied one last thing. Set up a caringbridge.org site. I post regularly and my people are thrilled to be able to hear how I am doing as everyone is concerned. It keeps you from having to be filling everyone in when you are tired. Use the board and good luck. Barb ------------- 02/12/13 DX TNBC, Grade III, Stage 3, 3.3cm tumor, IMN and 1 lymph Positive, Chemo A/C T complete 6/13 BRCA1-/BRCA2+ Variance, BIL 7/13, 33 RADS complete 10/13 Remssion :) |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 01 2013 at 7:19pm
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What is the triage nurse line? I got a wig already. I am worried about going on a 2 day vacation after my first chemo. It will be 5 days post chemo for 2 days The beach. I was mostly just going to relax at the indoor pool. I made the trip well before I found out about the TN. Should I be okay? Or just cancel? It's our family vacation every year. I will get the stool softener. Should I take it 6 days out already? I got biotine, tons of vitamin water to drink already, a portable water pik to keep my teeth cleaner. Is it okay to still tak multivitamins ? Another dumb question but if I chose to sleep during chemo will they wake every time the change bags? I am a nervous wreck just the med port in. |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 01 2013 at 7:21pm
| Since I get my chemo on Friday I have to travel to the hospital the day after for the reboost. When do I take the steroids? From what I got out of orientation class it was day 4-5 after chemo when your bones hurt? |
Posted By: bookish
Date Posted: Jun 01 2013 at 7:31pm
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I dreaded chemo with a Massive Dread....and it turned out to be not nearly as bad as I expected. Here's what helped me: I was vigilant about taking the zofran/ondancetron (anti-nausea) with the result that I had NO nausea at all. Nobody believes me about this, but it's true. I should have been more vigilant about stool softeners - as your GI tract sheds lining cells, it clogs up, so you need lots of softener and water to combat that plugged-up effect. Start the softeners 2 or 3 days ahead of the infusion and continue them until about a week after your infusion, then start up again for the next infusion....or just keep them going until your last infusion is a memory. They'll give you ativan for nausea; you likely won't need it for that, but do take it for sleep at bedtime. The steroids they use make you hyper and lack of sleep does you no good. Ativan got me some badly needed sleep and I could go off it after 4 or 5 nights, after steroids were done. On hair loss, when it starts coming out in clumps in the shower, it's time to get it shaved off. Watch some YouTube videos about tying scarves. You need a minimum of 36" square to do a good tie. Buy several and then your friends and family will give you more. Lots more. I can't promise it'll happen to you....but when my hair grew back, it was much better hair than before. Nicer color, better texture, different growth patterns, the natural part even migrated to the other side of my head. I am delighted with it. Good luck as you go through chemo. The oncologists have vastly better meds than they used to have for managing side effects, so try not to worry too much before you start. It's no fun but it's do-able. Bookish |
Posted By: bookish
Date Posted: Jun 01 2013 at 7:43pm
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You had a question about triage nurses....some oncology centers call them 'nurse navigators.' Their role is to answer questions, return phone calls, reassure you, find out things for you, go to bat for you. I finished chemo in February, but I most recently called my nurse navigator to inquire if I really needed to go for a six-month checkup with the surgeon b/c everyone and his brother has seen, or will see, the area in question and I didn't see any value in yet another exam. She got me the answer, easy peasy...and it was all via telephone tag as I'm not in the house so much now that I feel so much better. Another way she helped me (a lot) is to keep on track of my prescriptions...she is the one I'd call for refills so I wouldn't run out before a weekend. And yes, I think the infusion nurses will let you sleep while they change bags. I found I didn't care to have people accompany me to infusions as I felt an obligation to chat and entertain them, when what I really wanted to do was read magazines and catnap. Good luck!
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Posted By: weekender09
Date Posted: Jun 02 2013 at 5:01pm
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Go and sit on the beach. The unfortunate thing is that days 3-5 were the worst for me as far as feeling like I had a hangover and fuzzy head feeling. Take the meds and you will be fine. I don't know anything about steroids as my doctor doesn't use that protocol I only had decodron the day of chemo. Also just don't overdo it on vacation - find times to rest or you pay for it in the next week. Yes you can sleep through chemo but basically with A (red devil) it is put manually into your port whereas the C you can sleep during the hour. It isn't that long actually that you are there for AC. Once you get to Taxol the infusion is 3+ hours. With my oncologist you should have already told them at your first visit all the medications and vitamins etc you are on. Once you start chemo you can't add anything including over the counter cold medicine until you clear it with Doctor or Triage nurse/nurse navigator. Again it is scarier thinking about it then it is having the chemo. Stay positive. Heck tell yourself you aren't gong to get sick or feel crappy and start some mind over matter. This is how I personally have managed this entire process. I am wearing my teeshirt that says Hey Cancer You Picked the Wrong Bitch. Believe in your ability to evict the beast. Barb ------------- 02/12/13 DX TNBC, Grade III, Stage 3, 3.3cm tumor, IMN and 1 lymph Positive, Chemo A/C T complete 6/13 BRCA1-/BRCA2+ Variance, BIL 7/13, 33 RADS complete 10/13 Remssion :) |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 05 2013 at 10:42pm
| Today I had my medport put in. Wow that was a very sleep 45 minutes. They put me up some drugged cocktail . They said it was some mix of valium and something else. I listened to 80's music while I got warmed up by nice heated baffled bed. All in all it was very easy but when I came out my monitor kept going off because I think they gave me a little too much and made me breathe a bunch of deep breaths. Anyways, I cam home and half way through the day the numbing medication wore off my left side where the port is in place. I have two ports sticking out. I dont know why. It was just a single lumen. The pain was so bad I took one of the hydrocodone which seemed to make fee a lot better. I am not going to take another unless I really need it. That really helped me. It was the kind that had actimenophen in it. So I have 2 days to sleep with the needle in me until my chemo Friday which I am still very nervous about. My port is wrapped so tight in gauze nothing is getting inside that dressing. They said it would take about 10 days to heal. One step closer to catching up to this monster inside me. Part of me wishes it was Friday already but I know my nerves will be on edge because I dont know how my body is going to react. Anyways, thats the news of the day for me. |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 05 2013 at 10:57pm
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I just got back from a walk and going to try and relax and watch some tv before bed. Well they are saving the Taxo for the last part of my treatment. I wish it was first since I have heard so much bad stuff about the red devil. Oh well...I guess I gotta do it sometime. ------------- 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 |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 05 2013 at 11:00pm
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https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/601774_10151697080779274_1396697293_n.jpg" rel="nofollow - https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/601774_10151697080779274_1396697293_n.jpg
Here is me with my port today Does anyone know why I have 2 ports coming out?
------------- 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 |
Posted By: Natalie
Date Posted: Jun 05 2013 at 11:57pm
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Tracy, I have no idea what that is, I never saw anything like that. Does anyone else know?? Good luck tomorrow. You will do fine. Pump those fluids when you get home, flush that red devil right out. Natalie ------------- 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 |
Posted By: Natalie
Date Posted: Jun 06 2013 at 12:00am
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Sorry I thought you were starting tomorrow. If is perfectly normal to be nervous. Once it gets started it you will more then likely get over that anticipetory anxiety. I looked at an earlier post. I didn't know what a medport loooked like. Rest easy ------------- 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 |
Posted By: weekender09
Date Posted: Jun 06 2013 at 12:37pm
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Tracy: I found this that looks like your "port" http://breastcancer.about.com/od/chemotherapydrugs/tp/Central-Venous-Catheter.htm" rel="nofollow - http://breastcancer.about.com/od/chemotherapydrugs/tp/Central-Venous-Catheter.htm It is a different way to do the process then the ports you see here. Tomorrow I will be thinking of you as I have my last chemo and haven't forgotten that first day either. I have been very good at journaling this process at is affected me. Feel free to visit and look at the first chemo posts. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/barblau" rel="nofollow - http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/barblau Praying for you! B ------------- 02/12/13 DX TNBC, Grade III, Stage 3, 3.3cm tumor, IMN and 1 lymph Positive, Chemo A/C T complete 6/13 BRCA1-/BRCA2+ Variance, BIL 7/13, 33 RADS complete 10/13 Remssion :) |
Posted By: beck
Date Posted: Jun 06 2013 at 1:06pm
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as far as the beach check with your doctor about how much sun ------------- ER postive in 2007 10 nodes in underarm,primary unknown, right side, did chemo and rad. Dec. 2011 TN left side 1.5 CM no nodes stage 1 did cmf chemo and rads. |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 07 2013 at 7:38pm
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Chemo 1 - Over - No horrid side effects except for a semi mild migraine I have and sometimes I feel like I am sweating a bit. I know my body can tell something is off. The steroid shot felt like all pins and needles poking me all over and in the private area. The nurse gave me some Mugard also. They gave me the medicines in this order: anti-nausea (endmed) Steroid shot cytoxan ( thats not the red one right) Andrimycin (sp - that IS the red one right?) that was just shove into me with 3 really big syringes and no drip. Heprin to flush the port and keep it from clotting Then I was done. I am trying to drink as much as I can tonight and eat a light snack. Maybe try for a walk around the neighborhood to get some fresh air. I guess I'll the rest as it comes...that's all I can do..so at least one down. At least now I am feeling I am doing something The nurse also said to take a claritin `10mg something about that helping with the WBC count. Time went by fast. ------------- 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 |
Posted By: MLindaG
Date Posted: Jun 07 2013 at 9:55pm
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tracy, Glad one is down.........hope you are doing good tonight! Everyone is so different in how this all affects them. Just go with the flow and treat symptoms as they come up. Don't be afraid to call your onc's office with any questions. ------------- Dx TNBC 6/12; age 59; Stage 3, Grade 3; 3.5 cm, 3/10 nodes + chest wall nodes; A/C x4, T x 12 completed 12/12 with PCR, 2/13/13 lump; IMRT Rads x 33 completed 5/22/13 BRCA 1 negative. |
Posted By: 2 grandsons
Date Posted: Jun 07 2013 at 11:04pm
| I also had my first treatment Monday and I started out with no side effects but it seems like I am getting tired and sorness ass the days go by but least one down. |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 08 2013 at 9:04am
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I just woke up and and all I could do is toss and turn every 45 min ...wake up ...go back to sleep...ughh ------------- 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 |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 08 2013 at 9:20am
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I dont' feel so great today....the side effects slowly set in..still peeing red and am bringing my anti nausea meds with me just in case to the shot...eating some oameal for breakfast. . I don't feel tired just hugover as they said and they said it would go back up until after the 5th day ------------- 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 |
Posted By: Charlene
Date Posted: Jun 08 2013 at 10:34am
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Tracy, Hoping the worst will be over for you very soon. Take it easy and don't push yourself. Charlene ------------- 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 |
Posted By: 2 grandsons
Date Posted: Jun 08 2013 at 12:31pm
| I know exacatly what you are talking about.I really didn't started to have much side effects till the 4 th day after the chemo but I have muscule sorness,diareaha.can't sleep and very tired and my jaw is started to hurt.I guess this is all normall I think it is going to be a very rough road to travel but the out come will be worth it we just have to keep our head up and kick this cancer out |
Posted By: babymelany
Date Posted: Jun 08 2013 at 12:39pm
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Tracy, Hope your feeling a bit better or at least trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel. It will pass. I just started the 2nd phase with the Taxol a week ago. AC didn't have much effect on me other than the fatigue, a slight metallic taste in my mouth and hair loss. Although, I had one weekend where I had a lot going on and I refused to miss out. I failed to pay attention to my body and rest/nap and BAM! I was regretting it the rest of the week with a massive headache. I drank a LOT of water during treatment.Yes, I peed about 20 times in the few hours I was there, but I think it helped as I didn't even have the red urine everyone else usually experiences. The booster shot usually had no effect on other than my cheeks being flush saturday and sunday (I had treatments Friday mornings) and feeling a bit warm even though my temp was normal. I was told though that each time can be different and not to have "expectations" as that can train your mind and body to create what you expect. Rest and don't push yourself. I am halfway done and I can tell you not doing too much is probably the hardest thing for me to do (or not do) and the one thing I am constantly being told and agree is important to learn. Enjoy that mini-vacation with lots of laughter and relaxation and mark down one treatment completed!! ------------- SINGLE MOM OF 2,BRCA1+ Lump 11/12,DX 1/24/13 BC @age 36 (2 days B4 bday),3/5/13 Double Mast,Stage 2, Grade 3, 3.4 tumor 0/6 nodes AC/T 4-7/13,Rec-chest wall 9/12,Proton 10-12/13,CT NED 1/14,Rec-5/14 |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 08 2013 at 6:08pm
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I am feeling a little better after getting my neulasta shot today.She advised me to take claritin 10mg the day before , the day of and the after chemo to help with the bone aches. So I've done the today. No more red pee today which I am happy about. Some of the tumor feels like it has gone down a little but I am not getting my hopes up. Well I am off for mini vacation when my WBC are starting to back up in 4 days or so. I take my multi vitamins which the nurse said was okay and she said if the steroid continues to keep me up for the next few days they could give me medicine to help with that since I woke up every 45 min last night. Anyways, for the most I feel fine today. No bone aching.. a little yesterday. I just learn to take it one at a time. I really appreciate everyones support. I know it'll start getting worse but for right now thats all I am worried about ------------- 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 |
Posted By: Kitkat
Date Posted: Jun 08 2013 at 9:01pm
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Water.....and more water. You will get very thirsty...drink more water and stool softness. Everyone is a little different, but drink as much water the day before and the following week after. Your hair will start falling out day 13 after chemo and by the time of your next chemo...day 21 you won't have much hair left. By 2nd chemo, it really kicks in with side effects. I had a rash on the back of my head with some pipples...Yuck! Cortisone makes a stick with a cloth top, it was great to rub on my head as it itched. It was gone by the 3rd treatment. About 5-10 days after each treatment you counts will be done, stay away from crowds and other people's kids. Good luck, you will survive... Listen to your body. There's lots of research on this site, also triple negative breast cancer news is a great site with a lot of info. The 1st 2 years are the most important, then once you get to 5, you are pretty safe from reoccurrence. Kitkat ------------- Dx 6-10 stage 1, grade 3, 1.2 cm tumor w microvascular invasion, CTx4. 25 rads w 7 boost. 1-13 stage 4 w 4-1 cm tumors to lungs. Xeloda 1500x 2 a day, ct scan 3-29, 50% shrinkage! Hopin and praying |
Posted By: 2 grandsons
Date Posted: Jun 08 2013 at 9:09pm
| I call and they told me to take clariton it seem to have help with the sorness |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 08 2013 at 9:30pm
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Yeah the clariton has helped me today a lot. I started Mugar which they gave me samples of which I absolutely hate. Its like putting a big splash of novacaine in your mouth but coats it from future mouth ulcer or helps to protect them with a barrier so I started that now. I had no red pee today is that drug that kills the cancer or is that slowing one? I can't tell. The red dye they just took three big turkey plungers and shot them straight into my port sight. Then she was like your all done. I drank tons and tons water to get all that red out by the next day. I drink vitamin water , take gummies and juice also. I got a nice chemo bag from my good friend loretta from matts chemo bags. Their are sometimes when you have such good friends that just the little things that make it so much easier. I just took a walk and my medport is healing nicely but I"m not sure if I bath yet? it has the anti magic clear bandage on it. I'm know week 2 is going to kick my butt...all I can do is go in with an open mind. My next chemo is on June 21 with blood draws on the 18th and a port check on the 19th...My nurse said if I continued not to sleep after my steroid shot for the next few days to call her. I'll worry about that then I guess
------------- 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 |
Posted By: bookish
Date Posted: Jun 08 2013 at 10:51pm
| Don't wait several days to get decent sleep. If you were prescribed ativan (for nausea), take one 20 min before bed and you'll sleep a lot better. |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 08 2013 at 11:09pm
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Yeah I have a 30 day supply of Ativan right now but it could take if I couldn't get any sleep. I also got hydrocodone with acetaminophen. Do you usually take that when you get muscle pain? I just don't want to abuse the medicines that's all. I get mild to moderate headaches so I didn't know if that would be good to take the Hydrocodone for that or not ------------- 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 |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 08 2013 at 11:55pm
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So I am 40 it's pretty much a good indication that I will be going into menopause after this?.(sigh) Another thing to worry about ------------- 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 |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 09 2013 at 12:18am
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Does any else get the super Pringly feelings all over with the steroid shot? Especially in the private areas.? That was the worst part of chemo 1 for me. ------------- 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 |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 09 2013 at 1:03am
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Also, this might be a completely stupid question but if a tumor is responding good to the AC and Taxol and the tumor sometimes melts faster than others do they ever change the amount of AC and Taxol you get or is constant no matter what? I dont think they ever told me that. I do know that you have to finish chemo no matter what but I was just curious. Actually my dr whom I am not with anymore told me point blank "I don't think your tumor will shrink enough to have a lumpectomy" I thought was pretty rude to say when I haven't even been through treatment yet. That was just many of the reasons I switched to a doc that is more compassionate and not dictates from a lab report she read 5 min before she came into the room. My tumor is shrink but at what rate it will continue I dont know. I am supposed to get re-evaluated after my 2nd chemo post appt. So we will see... ------------- 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 |
Posted By: MLindaG
Date Posted: Jun 09 2013 at 8:08am
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tracy, I am not any kind of expert.......I don't think they change the dose of the chemo because as my onc said to me towards the end of taxol.......I feel something but I'm not sure if it is your lump or just some other tissue.........the cancer can be completely gone but there is residual tissue that feels like something but isn't cancer.........then there is the possibility of not feeling any lump but residual cancer cells left in the area...........I think they give you the whole enchilada no matter what because they can't tell everything by just feeling. They can tell if the lump is reducing which mine did......... Mine was in an odd place and somewhat difficult to feel - I never was able to feel it even though - I knew where they were always feeling! 3 weeks before I finished taxol was the first time they said they couldn't feel any lump - I had an MRI three weeks after I finished my last dose of taxol which showed no cancer but they don't completely say you are in remission until they do the lumpectomy and test the tissue in the area..........as well as for me removed all lymph and test all of them. Keep a positive attitude..........visualize in your mind the cancer being eaten up by the chemo! ------------- Dx TNBC 6/12; age 59; Stage 3, Grade 3; 3.5 cm, 3/10 nodes + chest wall nodes; A/C x4, T x 12 completed 12/12 with PCR, 2/13/13 lump; IMRT Rads x 33 completed 5/22/13 BRCA 1 negative. |
Posted By: Kitkat
Date Posted: Jun 09 2013 at 8:33am
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That's great your tumor is shrinking so fast. That's means you will have a better response to it Not coming back, As far as the menopause question? I was 48 and with my last treatment I ha my last period. Did have mild hot flashes, but not bad ones that I have seen others go thru. ------------- Dx 6-10 stage 1, grade 3, 1.2 cm tumor w microvascular invasion, CTx4. 25 rads w 7 boost. 1-13 stage 4 w 4-1 cm tumors to lungs. Xeloda 1500x 2 a day, ct scan 3-29, 50% shrinkage! Hopin and praying |
Posted By: 2 grandsons
Date Posted: Jun 09 2013 at 8:37am
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Tracy Sorry to heard you are having such a rough time.Maybe since you are having it so rough with the first treatment you might not have it so bad next time.I have some side effects .the muscule sorness and not being able to sleep. I am a huge woman that might be why I am not having to rough yet don't know.Just hang in there .
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Posted By: Lillie
Date Posted: Jun 09 2013 at 5:12pm
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Dear Tracy,
I am a lot older than you, but it sounds as though you and I are very curious about everything and have anxiety about out treatments. Although it has been 7 years since my diagnoses and treatments, I haven't forgotten.
The steriods caused me not to sleep well, same as you describe. I had the red pee and some aches and pains. I had a mastectomy before my chemotherapy started, so I wasn't able to feel my tumor shrink. I hope yours shrinks fast and you are able to have the lumpectomy you desire.
Take some Ativan, if you need it to sleep. You need your rest.
Enjoy your mini vacation and listen to your body about rest. Don't overdo.
I pray for you to get through your treatments with a minimum of side effects.
God Bless,
Lillie
------------- 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 |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 09 2013 at 11:51pm
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In case if i lose track of anyone during my updates you can follow my story hear... http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tracyanderson?utm_source=siteannounceLOW&utm_medium=email&utm_content=text&utm_campaign=visit" rel="nofollow - www.caringbridge.org/visit/ I try to post as often as I can I just started it tonight. Would love to have any members from this site for support over there. ------------- 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 |
Posted By: 2 grandsons
Date Posted: Jun 10 2013 at 7:50am
| I would love too . I am a little scared but determined and I think it helps to talk |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 10 2013 at 10:41am
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My bones hurt so much today. I want to cry. Its day 3 after my wbc booster shot. please tell me it get easier. i dont even want to get out of bed. ------------- 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 |
Posted By: Charlene
Date Posted: Jun 10 2013 at 12:02pm
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I'm so sorry, Tracy. Take a painkiller, if you have them. If you don't, call the doctor to get something! This will pass, but it sucks while you're there. Try to sleep. Charlene ------------- 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 |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 10 2013 at 8:57pm
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Charlene, I took a pain med it seems help 70 percent. Could the pressure just from putting on a sports bra cause my bones to ache that much? I mean the pressure because I tried to walk for thirty min on the treadmill out my house and took the top off and thats when it all started. I guess I will know for next time. I think today today is my lowest WBC and should be on its way back up tomorrow. Its rainy an wet here but I am happy just to get some fresh air for two days even if I just view the scenery. ------------- 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 |
Posted By: 2 grandsons
Date Posted: Jun 10 2013 at 9:51pm
| hi I don't know if you are having the same pain that I had or not .But it hurt me for my clothes to tough me. I call my onocoglist and he told me to take clariton you can get that over the counter it help a lot of course ask your doctor first. he told me it was my white blood cells building back up .It really did hurt now my nostills are started to hurt but I go t the doctor tomorrow so they can decide if they can give me my next dose Monday or if they need to change something |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 10 2013 at 9:56pm
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I think my sports bra might have been over top of my port wire it caused some reaction. I'm going to take another clariton before bed. Did you ever feel like yours was like a big sunburn? I guess I learned what I can wear and just start wearing loser clothing. Everyday I learn something new on how to handle this chemo process.... ------------- 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 |
Posted By: 2 grandsons
Date Posted: Jun 10 2013 at 10:03pm
| I do know what you mean.I think okay I am not going t have any more problems till next treatment then something else happens.I have also had problems sleeping.I think that so far the muscle hurting has been the worst.Yes I wake up red and burning but it easy up they told me it was the steroids |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 10 2013 at 10:12pm
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have you had any nausea at all? I have not had to worry about that all. I am pretty much symptom free except from the steroid shot (which burns beyond belief) and then the aftermath with the muscle pain ------------- 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 |
Posted By: 2 grandsons
Date Posted: Jun 10 2013 at 10:21pm
| no I felt like I might was going to get sick and took a nausea med and I didn't get sick but I think that I had just drank my water to fast and I have found out if it is cold it better.I have not gotten any sores in my mouth yet thet gave me a popscicle while I was taken the pick stuff they said it helps I also suck on ice while taken it. I do appericiated you talking to me this is all scary and it makes where you don't seem quite as along even though I know I am not it helps to be able to talk to some one that is just getting started' |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 10 2013 at 10:50pm
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They gave me muguard. Ask for that if they haven't. They gave me a free sample. It was 2 big bottles. It tastes horrible and its like Novocaine for your mouth but creates a seal all all over your tongue and whole mouth for while. You just have to wait an hour to eat after you swish it around. That is supposed to really help prevent sores ------------- 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 |
Posted By: 2 grandsons
Date Posted: Jun 11 2013 at 1:37am
| okay I will ask about it so far no sores . Not sleeping again tonight |
Posted By: 2 grandsons
Date Posted: Jun 11 2013 at 5:21am
| I am glad I go to the doctor today my tailbone hurts so bad.It throbs like a toothache .Took aother claroiton hope it helps |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 12 2013 at 11:07pm
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Hey how is you tailbone holding up? My big issue is constipation now. I fix it with ducolax overnight. That does not help fully nd if I take 2 I have horrid side effects. ------------- 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 |
Posted By: tracyinva
Date Posted: Jun 12 2013 at 11:09pm
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And sleeping still my medport site. I have a problem getting comfortable. The port is right above my heart. It just still feels really bruised. ------------- 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 |
Posted By: MLindaG
Date Posted: Jun 12 2013 at 11:45pm
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tracy, I didn't have constipation but what came out was hard and they looked like rabbit poop! LOL ........I took stool softener daily as well as Metamucil. You might try adding the stool softener and see if that helps and possibly the Metamucil or something similar. Drink lots of water as well. The biggest problem is it stirred up my one hemerroid - very painful and some slight bleeding! I also had a lot of pain and I too was uncomfortable at my port site........it lasted much longer than they said it would.........they had told me 2 weeks but for me it lasted at least a month.......then the pain finally went away! I still have my port in.........I think when I go to my next onc appt. he said we would talk about getting it out. :) Through all this I actually have learned to sleep on my back! I would take Tylenol to help me get to sleep. Good luck - You are doing great so far!! ------------- Dx TNBC 6/12; age 59; Stage 3, Grade 3; 3.5 cm, 3/10 nodes + chest wall nodes; A/C x4, T x 12 completed 12/12 with PCR, 2/13/13 lump; IMRT Rads x 33 completed 5/22/13 BRCA 1 negative. |
Posted By: Natalie
Date Posted: Jun 13 2013 at 12:51am
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Awwe you girls are going through it with the side effects. Tracy please try doing Miralax, it does take a few days to get regular if really backed up. Luckily during Chemo my issues actually went the other way. If you have been backed up already for a bit, I would stronly suggest Magnesium Citrate solution oral (at the pharmacy over the counter). My son who I care for (long story) recently had a bout of horrible constipation, his gastro had me give him 2 capfuls of Miralax in the evening and 1 bottle of the aMagnesium Citrate solution the next morning. A couple of hours after the drink he went HUGE. Was told to go to 1 capful Miralax in a.m. & p.m after that. FYI his Gastro said that things like Ducolax & Sennecot are addicting to the Colon so be careful. My port hurt for a while also after being placed, I did a cold pack over it. Feel better girls. Natalie ------------- 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 |
Posted By: kirby
Date Posted: Jun 13 2013 at 1:03am
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I used lots of dried fruit, prunes and cherries to help the constipation when I went thru tx. On this site is a recipe for what I think was called " magic pudding" that many said did the trick for them. Look it up in search, I'm sure it is archived somewhere. It has been years since it has been mentioned. ------------- kirby dx Feb. 2001. Age 44 Lumpectomy 2cm. no nodes stage 1 grade 3 4 rnds AC, 35 rads |
Posted By: 2 grandsons
Date Posted: Jun 13 2013 at 1:44am
| my tailbone finally quit hurting.I did sit on a icepack and took a pain pill last night.Doctor visit went good.Go for my next round Monday.then a shot on Tuesday.then I hope I don't have any problems my daughter is wanting to take me to the beach a couple of days .We have had this trip plan since last year hope this don't interferr. try eating sourkrat and drinking the juice. |
Posted By: Grateful for today
Date Posted: Jun 15 2013 at 12:58am
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Question if "Power Pudding" = 'Magic Pudding". Kirby referred above to "Magic Pudding". "Power Pudding" is mentioned at: http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/the-chemo-tips_topic3101.html" rel="nofollow - http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/the-chemo-tips_topic3101.html "Here's a good solution from Mainsailset. My oncologist told me that we should all be having 5 small servings of fruit a day. Years ago I discovered 'power pudding' which is the gift of the gods. ............ Simply put: buy up all your favorite dried fruits (try to get unsulfured apricots) pour them all into a kettle. Cover with distilled water. Simmer until water has evaporated. You may need to add extra water. Cool. Put into blender, again add more water if blender starts to moan. I put the fruit into the refrigerator & freezer for storage. Every day put 1-2 tablespoons on morning cereal, and then throughout the day, every day, use on meat, potatoes, ice cream. Goes with everything and is nice to find something that actually works, and is not one more chemical to add to our bodies." Grateful for today.......Judy Addendum: RE: Above link. Mention is made of various vitamins and supplements. As usual, always check with your oncologist about vitamins/supplements before taking especially when on chemo or radiation. |
Posted By: MarCat
Date Posted: Aug 09 2013 at 4:24pm
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Hi Natalie - I also am on ACT regimen. 4 cycles of AC then they will check for tumor shrinkage. Then will be on Taxol. Mary |