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Ruth70's avatar
Ruth70
Member
14 years ago

2nd Round AC, a bit harder

I received my 2nd round of AC on Thurs 5th July, and this one has knocked me around a little. Day 1 post Chemo saw me wrestle with nausea just a little, but put in a full physical day with work and housework. Perhaps not a smart move, I have spent the better part of the weekend on the couch or in bed. 

My body is thumping, skin turned red in the cheeks and on the chest area, no lumps, just red. Feel short of breath, nothing dramatic, and generally lethargic. Around 98% of my stubble has now fallen out, and was glad to exfoliate most of my shaved head, the pain was pretty intense, just as some mentioned " like a cactus on your head".

The diarrhorea and the constipation, well, it's a pain in the A#$e!

Not wanting to eat, and forcing some Belvita fibre biscuits down just to try and stay 'regular' and get something into my body, perhaps stimulate an appetite. 

I asked the Oncologist before the 2nd treatment if things track along the same sort of path, or it gets worse, she said it generally stays the same. So I was hoping that this time around was a little like the first, but alas not. Will make every endeavour to swing things around in the next few days, to stay strong, stay focused on the nutrition and attempt to get 'bubbly' again.

I planned to be so postive after receiving this round, and feel so out of whack, I feel like I am betraying my own goals to get through this all. Tonight I questioned myself " Why go through this", and there is every reason TO go through this.

The love of my beautiful daughter, my loving and supportive Partner, My Family, Friends, and colleagues.....and well, Me.

It is important to write down these feelings. I never thought I would post negative things, but also try to emphasise the positive outcomes as well.

Have had a long shower, a great old scrub, and will put a pretty scarf on the almost completely nude nut. The tall patient one has cooked a roast chicken, and I am hiding in the den so I don't get nausea before attempting to eat his delicious cuisine. Wish me luck!

Ruth

xxxx

6 Replies

  • serenity11's avatar
    serenity11
    Member
    14 years ago

    You are not to know what is and is not usual for the many drugs they pump into us.  No one reacts the same and they dont write down every scenario, sometimes there are so many possibles that you dont know which drug is affecting you.  So you are not an idiot for not knowing.  I will put up my hand and say the first round I had no idea that my reactions were not normal as they were all mentioned as relating to some drug or the other.  I presumed I would just be having a rough time.  Then I saw the Oncologist and he told me it was unusual and we found the solution. 

    I  must say my Oncologist has all the information for all the drugs etc on his website plus the pharmacist went through everything thoroughly with me. 

    I would think your Oncologist can find a non reactive WBC stimulant medicine for you. My steroids were cut to half and then again to eliminate the symptoms I was experiencing. However shortness of breath is a "go to emergency" symptom on my Oncologists list of side effects. As is severe stomach pain and temperature.

    I too had Neulasta injections.  And the bone pain but mainly in the sternum and lower rib cage.  Nothing a warm wheat bag didnt dispel.  Mushrooms (all but shitake)  stimulate the white cells (Michelle R went to a seminar by a dietitcian re cancer) also onions (in olive oil) have a positive effect on dna repair.  From memory Michelle R has been eating mushroom risotto and has has good blood counts.  I use a hypnotherapy cd called "boost your immune system" as a support.  Also, some people believe that the sternum is a wellness point, so by rubbing it you stimulate healing.  I am sure there are many pink chicks who have had success without drugs.   I also juice everyday (vege juice) because it is supposed to assist blood health and it make me feel good.

    I think if you messaged Michelle R she could supply the name of the dietician who presented the seminar.  From memory he is professor specialising in cancer nutrition.  If  you cant ping her let me know she is one of my contacts.

    Take care.

     

  • JJoy's avatar
    JJoy
    Member
    14 years ago

    Well last night I got back on this site for the first time in ages, and yes I have completed all my treatments (diagnosed at the end of 2010) and I found it was difficult to comment, but having slept on it - I realised I can try to be of help, even thought reading these pages 'brings it all back'.  I have 'been there', and you know what? It is surprising how fast it goes by. I found that 'ginger' was fantasitc for nausea, and even ginger beer.  Tic Tacs (Intensity) are fantastic for that 'horrible mouth'.  I hope this was of some use, take care and hope all goes well, x x x Josie

  • JJoy's avatar
    JJoy
    Member
    14 years ago

    Well last night I got back on this site for the first time in ages, and yes I have completed all my treatments (diagnosed at the end of 2010) and I found it was difficult to comment, but having slept on it - I realised I can try to be of help, even thought reading these pages 'brings it all back'.  I have 'been there', and you know what? It is surprising how fast it goes by. I found that 'ginger' was fantasitc for nausea, and even ginger beer.  Tic Tacs (Intensity) are fantastic for that 'horrible mouth'.  I hope this was of some use, take care and hope all goes well, x x x Josie

  • Ruth70's avatar
    Ruth70
    Member
    14 years ago

    Thanks for the advice, I just felt so completely helpless and vulnerable, it's hard to imagine that I could have felt this way.

    I did forget to mention that on the Saturday morning after Thursday Chemo I self injected with Neulasta. My Onocologist told me just to expect some bone pain, and mentioned nothing else.

    I believe I has a serious side effect to the Neulasta injection, my pulse rate was so fast it felt it stripped my body of energy, I had pain in the stomach, breathless, and I found out on Tuesday that these are indicators to a reaction against the Neulasta! I laid in bed for days thinking it would go away the next day, and my mind was not making rational decisions. My partner said he'd call the Doctor, and I said not to worry! What an idiot I am! 

    I was not of this earth for days, and because I wasn't advised that this could happen, I ignored it. I got on to the Neulasta website for answers. http://www.neulasta.com/

    This scared the hell out of me, I had no idea just how bad the reactions could be, until I also looked at a range of forum responses globally online. There are a lot suffering with side effects of this injection, and I wonder if they were told, because I wasn't and I am more than a little angry with the Oncologist at the moment.

    Does anyone have experience with an oncology dietitian that could possibly plan a diet that stimulates WBC growth? There has got to be a better and less harsh way than this method.

    Ruth

  • Jaci's avatar
    Jaci
    Member
    14 years ago

    Ruth and Annie - good to hear your comments, especially yours Ruth about 2nd round of AC.  I had first round last Monday 2 July and felt actually really well on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Thursday the constipation set in and I did not act quickly enough so have spent a lonnnngggg weekend working it out so to say, but feeling much lighter now.  Used stewed fruit and hot water did not want to go to drugs if at all possible.  However, I am concerned that I may now go the opposite direction so eating Premium saltines, dry toast and a little fruit.  This is really a swinging sort of thing isn't it.

    Was also hoping that Round 2 would be as good (as that was) as Round 1 but will be cautious according to your comments and try to structure my work week around tiredness etc.  Fortunately can work part days and shift hours due to my lovely and loyal workmate and manager.  Worry that she will run out of steam at some stage also.

    All the wonder drugs for nausea did their job this time and I was spared that part of the process and hoping that this will continue to be the case.  Did not even need to use the ones for in case it really got me.

    Am thinking of having head shaved next Friday 20th as I already had in my ultra planning way - and as my hairdresser going off to have baby No 2 - booked for a "cut and colour".  Will see how the hair goes this week and likely get her to do a special cut on the Friday and be done with it for a little while at least.

    Thinking of both of you and hope that this does get better and not worse and that it is all worth the drama of the moment.  They tell me this about Quality of Life and that is what I am aiming for as have all family from the States coming in December for a big family Xmas.

    Jaci

  • annie2's avatar
    annie2
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi Ruth.Sorry to hear you arnt feeling the best.I had 4 ACs and like you i thought the first one was ok so the next would be.not! For me it seemed to build up after each treatment unfortunatly.I was same tired cranky and couldnt eat. I ended up with mouth ulcers that ended up going into my stomach.so be aware keep rinsing your mouth out with salt water. I know you may not have the same reactions. I lived on icecream and lollies in the end.food was just horrible and the small amounts of good foods i could manage id have to eat lying down or id feel sick.I feel for you and its ok to post the negatives. we cant be upbeat and happy all the time.There is nothing worse than feeling terrible.And not being able to control it. I was given coloxyl tabs to help with the constipation.then the next week it would be the opposite! Oh its hard to imagine what our bodies can take and adjust to.