We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Wed, 27/01/2010 - 12:29
Hi everyone, (I would say Good Morning, but that would be a complete lie as my morning has been hell!)
So I had my 4th (or is it 3rd?) Chemo treatment today, but because the lump that was removed from my breast turned out to be cancerous and has the HER2 mutation they have thrown 2 more drugs into the mix. So now I'm having Carboplatin, Taxol, Doxorubicin and Herceptin. My normal Oncologist was not there this week, so I had some fill-in guy who seemed nervous and made me uncomfortable about asking questions etc. At least my usual Chemo nurse Maureen was there, which almost made things a little easier. Oh, and now that I have breast cancer also, I get the Breast Cancer goodie bag full of all pink things - how wonderful. Why Breast Cancer gets all the good stuff while Uterine Cancer goes basically unrecognised I do not know.
Anyway, is there anyone else out there with either Uterine or Breast or both who have received this cocktail of drugs before? Because honestly, it was incredibly brutal and I really don't want to have to go back next week.
Plus, I have what I like to call 'Chemo Brain'. I can't remember if I've done things, or told people certain things, or if whatever I'm saying makes any sense. it sucks. Seriously, I'm 28 - I know that cancer has no age limit, but seriously now - I'd kind of like a break!
I'm so so so so so sorry for the 'why me' rant, but I'm having a bad day, and at least I know that you guys will understand.
So now I will return to laying down and throwing up. Thank's for listening and all the best to all of you!
Lots of love hugs and kisses,
Joanna xoxo
Wed, 27/01/2010 - 18:45
#2
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Hi Joeyanna,
This is the place to rant particularly when you are feeling so awful. There is no problem with "why me" here at all.
Chemo brain really does suck as not only do you feel physically bad but you can't think as well.
Have you been given any anti-nausea drugs?
I had bowel cancer (so no pink goodie bag either)so had different chemo drugs but I was given a plethora of anti-nausea drugs to deal with those side effects.
Take it easy and rememebr that ranting here is almost compulsory at times!
Samex
Thu, 28/01/2010 - 00:04
#3
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Hey Joanna,
I do hope your feeling better, there's nothing worse than the constant nausea and sickness that goes with chemo, as if it's not crappy enough being pumped full of junk for so many hours...! But I'm with everyone else, have you asked about anti-nausea drugs? I myself had a terrible time frist chemo, I last about 4 hours after the first one, before being rushed back to hospital, because my vomiting was constant. Even the maxolon needles didn't help. So my doc put me on these brilliant anti-nausea drugs, and hey presto! Still felt terrible, but no vomiting, so therefore no long stays in hospital after chemo!
As to the chemo brain, it's funny isn't it? I've been told it's like that when your pregnant also!! I used to get really bad straight after chemo and stutter, it's so frustrating!? Although if I forgot to do things I didn't want to do, I had a brilliant excuse... Chemo brain! 
Use it to your advantage...
I really hope everything is going well for you.... Take it easy..
Chels
Thu, 28/01/2010 - 06:31
#4
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Thanks everyone for all your support....it's great to have a place to vent where people actually understand you - the emotions you go through, and the side effects as well.
My doc tried me on maxolon, then stematil, but then onto the hard stuff: Ondansatron (?spelling). The ondansatron works when they give it to me intraveneously at chemo, but the wafter things they send home with me don't do anything. I spent my whole night throwing up. But hey- I'll have BRILLIANT tummy muscles by the end of this! It had been suggested to put a PICC? line or Centraline or something in - but when that was suggested the only image i had in my head was of my 1 year old yanking it out- VERY MESSY!
Another question I have is about bruising. I have bad veins, so usually it takes them about 3 times before finding one that will work. This morning I woke up with massive bruising and swelling on my hands and wrists, I've also got bruises all over my legs that look really nasty, but don't actually hurt.
OH! And now I have a MASSIVE bald spot right at the front of my head where I usually have a beautiful side fringe. Yeah, I really appreciated that Cancer - good on you!
All my girlie bits are going to shit - their warranty is voided and I demand a replacement!!
See... at least I still have humour!
Joanna xoxo
Thu, 28/01/2010 - 19:52
#5
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Hey Joanna,
You are having such a rough time, I hope things settle down bit soon for you. I just wanted to let you know that I had a picc line fitted for treatment and it really saved my veins and made the chemo much much easier. It wasn't the drag I thought it would be... not a great thing to have but better than the alternative and it wasn't painful or uncomfortable - really forgot it was there. My 1 year old showed very little interest in it and I don't think ever tried to pull it out. I did drop my infuser pump a few times when it was connected to the picc and although it did pull me up with a sudden jolt it didn't ever come close to pulling the line out.
Hang in there, you can do it. Take care of you.
Sharon
xxxxx
Thu, 28/01/2010 - 20:31
#6
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
hi,
I agree with Sharon about the picc line. Mine was a nuisance but apparently my chemo was so toxic there was no other choice, other than a central port.The main difference is that a picc line is put in with a local but a port needs a general anaesthetic.
My main bugbear was that I couldn't go swimming but it was very easy to receive the chemo.
I had mine in for 6 months with the only real problem being the irritation on my skin but I think that would be better than the bruising etc.
Anyway, hope that you are feeling better.
SAmex
PS I had some heavy duty anti-nausea drugs for the first 3-4 days and then went on to the maxalon. Sorry I can't remember the name(chemo brain lingers unfortunately!) but I will search out my drug box and see if I have any left so that I can let you know the name. Make sure that you let doctor and your nurses know.
Fri, 29/01/2010 - 00:02
#7
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Wow just catching up on your thread... hang in there.
Sending you strength...
Still see you have a wicked sense of humour 
Hugs,
Nicole
Fri, 29/01/2010 - 08:59
#8
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Joeyanna I really feel for you I'm having all the nasties associated with chemo too and I have vented on more than one occasion on this site. I love your humour - the pink goodies bag made me laugh. On many occasions I have bitched about the fact that breast cancer patients seem to be treated differently from the rest of us - bowel and liver cancer - what could they give me? a little brown goody bag!! Not terribly attractive prospect. When all is said and done - we all have a horrid cruel disease, no matter what part of our bodies it attacks and you are so right - chemo does suck!!!!. You said about your stomach muscles due to throwing up - I don't have that problem, I just have the worst upset stomachs imaginable - I will definitely have strong bowel muscles - now that's a pleasant thought! Hope you start feeling better meeow!!
Sat, 30/01/2010 - 19:35
#9
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Hey Joanna
I agree with everything that has been said re thhe picc line ... in that .... i have narrow veins which became more difficult the more treatment i had. Plus i was limited to having chemo and blood tests in one arm because of a previous cancer ( have had all my lymph glands removed under my right armpit and cant have blood tests or anything done on that arm now). 
I think i have had the same anti nausea which didnt work for me either. I took some and they sent me home from emergency and then i was back in that night. I am wondering if i can find out what they did for me for my next chemo because i was great with that one and they did change my medication and i didnt even take it for the full 4 days after. Will check out my bags of goodies and see if i can see it and let you know.
Hope you are still able to have a laugh occasionally.
Julie xo
Sun, 31/01/2010 - 14:14
#10
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
I am going to have a grizzle - I have spent 90% of today on the toilet, I have the most agonising cramps in both upper and lower stomach. I haven't eaten because nothing appeals to me and I just feel sick.I was dehydrated so I forced down damn fluids I didn't want - and off to the toilet again!! I was told to drink 2-3 litres of fluid a day to flush out kidneys - Most days I come close but today has been very poor. I am sick and tired of these damned side effects and I have found myself getting a little depressed - when is it going to end - I am sick of being sick.Sorry I know I am not alone and there are people suffering more than me and not only with cancer. I have taken 5 imodium for diarreah some useless anti nausea tablet, a buscopan for the cramps - great help - not! and 4 panadols. Now the damn toilet again!!
A friend of mine mentioned Lomotil for diahrrea has any one taken that and is it any good and also maxolin for nausea - not vomiting, just sick - any good. thanks Well happiness signing off for now!!
Sun, 31/01/2010 - 20:07
#11
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Good on you for having a grizzle - you deserve it. I know there's something called Imodium Advanced, also something called Bispectin - which I have been using, it works for both nausea and diarreah. IS it hasn't already been suggested, maybe you should try drinking some hydralite or gastrolyte to keep hydrated - I know one of those brands come in iceblocks - I've found that eating iceblocks and sorbet actually settles my tummy right down...so does drinking frozen drinks like frozen coke or frozen raspberry etc.
Hopefully some of these ideas are helpful?!!
Hoping that you start feeling better soon - I know it sucks big time and Cancer sucks more than anything else.
Take Care, Hang in there,
Joanna xo
Oh, and everyone ..... I SHAVED MY HAIR OFF! Yes, I got the guts up to do it - well, my boyfriend did. Maybe I already told you all this... stupid stupid chemo brain. :')
Sun, 31/01/2010 - 20:45
#12
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Hi girls,
My heart goes out to you guys dealing with all of this.
Maxolon did help me with the nausea and lomotil is similar to Immodium but I thnk Immodium is stronger.
That doesn't help much does it.
I remember sitting down one Sunday afternoon at about the 9th or 10th round(of 12) claiming that I couldn't keep going. I cried and cried and my husband sat me down and went through the whole speech of having got this far etc. I kept going.
I think the cruncher was that with my chemo brain, I lost my mobile phone and just went to pieces - not that it was so important, just that it was something else I then had to deal with.
HAng in there and maybe give yourself a treat on a day that you are feeling a little better.
S
Mon, 01/02/2010 - 09:45
#13
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Joanna and Samex thankyou both - I see the oncologist tomorrow- whooppee- so I will ask him about the lovely variety of tablets you have both suggested. What will I have now mmm - that looks nice - pretty white, no the yellow one looks nice too - decisions decisions. Thanks Joanna I love the sound of frozen raspberry - started salivating when I read that! Going to get some raspberry cordial and make ice blocks. Today I am feeling better- I get the really really horrible chemo effects up to 4 or 5 days before I start my next cycle - as though my body is crying out for more - very strange. Then after the drip I'm psycho due to the steroids then come good about Thursday or Friday then stay semi ok until I finish my oral chemo then back to the rats brain and pain and paranoid thoughts and behaviour - oh I am such a joy to be with - OH do NOT forget the worst of it DIARREAH!!!!!
Thanks again to you lovely ladies - and Joanna - good on you for being brave and shaving your head - I attacked mine 2 weeks ago then had it cut REALLY short at hairdressers- so it won't be to much of a shock when it finally falls out or I shave it. BYEE xxoo
Mon, 01/02/2010 - 23:14
#14
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Is the strong anti-nausea drug called navoban? The name springs to mind when you mention nausea as one of the drugs I had to make sure T took on his oxali days.
Alana
xxx
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 15:03
#15
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
The strongest I've heard of is Ondansetron, or Zofran. The bad part is they give you it via IV while you're having chemo, then send you home with stupid wafter type things that do NOTHiNG! (did I already say this? If so, I apologise!!)
So, tomorrow I have my 5th lot of chemo, plus a full body scan, plus an increase in the doses of Doxorubicin and Taxol. I had my blood test done yesterday to check my blood counts, to be sure chemo could go ahead, my white cell count is only borderline, but apparently my 'cancer markers' are up, while they should be down. I have no idea what this means- can anyone shed some light on the subject?
As I sit here all nervous about tomorrow, I thought to myself 'I'll just book in a pedicure while I'm getting chemo done this week - that will take my mind off it!) and then they said "No, we're putting you in isolation for this one, so NO pedicure for you this week! So now I'm trying to think of things I can do to keep my mind off things. It's so stressful as I'm sure you can all understand. I HATE the day before chemo - nothing you can do to take your mind of things seems to work!
Take Care, Stay Positive,
Joanna xo
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 17:30
#16
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Hey Joanna
I would suggest you get a pen and paper and write all these questions down and then put it in your bag to take to the doctor when you go for chemo next. You can at least ask the nurses and they will point you in the right direction if necessary.
You could always take some favourite music or mags or even a book with you when you have your chemo. Some people like to meditate when they are having chemo. I was in hospital for 3 days every time i had chemo so i used to make sure i had my chemo blanket, which was sent to me from america and was very bright and cheerful. Mind you i used to sleep mostly when i had the chemo so i suppose in hindsight it didnt really matter. lol
Good luck with everything and hoping you arent feeling too gross.
Julie
xo
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 19:00
#17
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Hi Babe,
And I call you a babe because you are one Chemo does suck- Methotrexate shots in my spine was my lot in life and when a 'non chemo nurse does it with a non chemo needle' now that sucks.
You know what I'm shaving my hair off I didnt lose it (my hair that is) - I am doing the World's Greatest Shave For Jules, for you, and for everyone here who has been on the cancer journey.
As for chemo brain, yep!! I hear you loud and clear and at 33, I already feel brain dead he he well ok not THAT bad, but I don't have the 'quick as a whip' response I used to have.
I had to have a hyster and now could have early menopause even tho my ovaries are still intact but may have PCOS (Poly cystic ovarian syndrome) so yep there too!!
Hang in there, you are a beautiful soul inspiring so many Keep on going
xxxxx
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 19:07
#18
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Well talk about brain dead ... i just spoke to a fly, does that count? lol I sprayed it and then told it "sucked in" hahahaha ohhhhh i am blaming that one on the chemo or maybe the radio or it could have been that mouse stuff they gave me.
Julie
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 19:16
#19
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Oh, oh, oh, Teach are we allowed to place requests???? Just thinking here bout my hair and losing it ... i could just get it done really short and have a daffodil dyed into it at the back ... now that might work
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 23:14
#20
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
That's an awesome idea! If I had enough hair left I'd steal your idea and do it myself!! Aah insomnia the night before treatment... at least it's entertaining!!!!
Take Care
Joanna xo
Wed, 03/02/2010 - 15:25
#21
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
He he if I walked into the classroom with a daffodil painted at the back of my head I think the Headmaster would have a fit and keel over he he
Hope you get to sleep comfortably at least Joanna - thinking of you tonight.
Teach
Thu, 04/02/2010 - 09:13
#22
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Hi guys - Joanna you tell everyone to stay positive and you seem so happy. You really are an inspiration despite what you are going through thankyou for being such a lovely person. Yep I had chemo on Tuesday - the worst I have ever had - had to stay at my sister's on Tues night because she was so worried aaaagh I hate making people
worry ANYWAY I AM FEELING GOOD TODAY thank God. I have to get it around my teensie brain that it is the chemo making me sick but also making me better yeah!!!
I'm not sure if it was you who asked about the anti-nausea tablets - think it was - the strong ones are Maxolin (had one on Tues during chemo) worked very very quickly - did not vomit. The new tabs my Oncologist prescribed are Domperidone - yes we had a laugh over that one.
Haven't tried them yet - fortunately - I'm not a vomiter, just feel incredibly nauseaus at times - he said these should settle that feeling down. I really think a bottle of Dom would make me feel better - but I am not allowed to think pleasant thoughts of alcohol damn!!! Please take care of yourself Joanna and I hope the chemo went well and scans and everything. meeow xxooxx
Mon, 08/03/2010 - 20:00
#23
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
The funniest thing about Domperidone (apart from the name), is that it's actually used to help women who have lactation problems after they have their babies - I was on it for 3 months to try and help my supply - but as it turned out I was 'Lactationally Challenged'! So my GP tried me on it, but he also mentioned that it can reduce the effects of any pain killers you may be on. So I went back to the Zofran. Honestly - it's a wonder drug. It just annoys me so much that they don't put it on the PBS and you have to get a special authority script to get it at the cheap price - how can drug companies live with themselves knowing they're making money off sick people? I honestly believe that that is why there is no cure for cancer yet - too much money is made out of it.
Totally agree with you on the alcohol thing - a frozen maragrita would be sooooo good right now. SUCKY! 
Tue, 09/02/2010 - 15:28
#24
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Hi Joanna,
My mum is currently in the middle of chemo as well and has the worlds worst veins. She got an infection from the portacath they put in and it had to be removed and she was on iv anitbiotics for 2 weeks in hospital before they finally put a picc line in and she could go home to finish the drgus.
Before the picc line every blood test was a nightmare, minimum attempts to get the blood was 5, the iv live would last only 2 days instead of 3 before the vein tried to stop - now it's much easier. They managed to get the picc line in (6 attempts) and now everything, including chemo is done through it. When not in use it's covered and basically out of the way. And no more bruises!!! Some redness from the clear dressing stuck over it but much better than the iv they had to put in her foot because of not being able to get a vein anywhere else (she also can't have anything done to one arm due to the lymph nodes being removed)
And seriously - rant away! You are allowed and entitled!
Mum has chemo brain as well I just got off the phone to her and she remembered at the end of the call she hadn't processed the pays for tomorrow... An hour late so her work will have to wait - I told her to tell anyone that dares to complain they can swap places with her!
I hope it wasn't too bad.
Kylie
Tue, 09/02/2010 - 20:23
#25
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Hi Kylie,
Sounds like your mum and I have the same problem with our dodgy veins! I HATE having to go to get blood taken - you know there are going to be problems, but when it's a new person they wont listen to you and assure you that they will have no trouble whatsoever finding a vein....then 15 minutes and 5 goes later they realise that they should have listened to you in the first place and tried the vein that you yourself suggested!
I'm seriously thinking about the PICC line now. I was afraid about the whole infection thing associated with portacaths, but I was also afraid that my 1 year old would pull out the PICC line. It sounds like it's tucked out of the way when not in use, so when I go in tomorrow for chemo and radiation (I've just been diagnosed with non hodgkins lympoma as well - geez I've got the best luck!), I'm going to see if they will put one in. From memory they just use a local for a PICC line, but a general anesthetic for a portacath, is that correct?
Well, I'm over my surgery, have my bad ovary gone, bad lymphnodes in my groin gone, but also have been told that my remaining ovary also has cancerous cells that while in early stages are extremely aggressive - hence the radiation therapy tomorrow, as well as for the lymphoma.
Hopefully tomorrow won't be too brutal - but I'm certainly preparing myself for it!
Take Care everyone, and best wishes,
Joanna xo
Wed, 10/02/2010 - 15:49
#26
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Joanna,
You have so much to deal with.
The picc line is done with a local and is no big deal. I had mine in for 6 months with no effects except a little skin irrtitation. Much easier than poking and prodding for dodgy veins.
My thoughts are with you with are you are dealing with at the moment. Lots of hugs.
S
Mon, 08/03/2010 - 20:04
#27
Re: We're already aware of it, but CHEMO SUCKS!!
Its good to hear from you Jo! xxxx
Breast Cancer goodies bag well consolation prize - uterus, well I can only think about what sort of stuff they would put in that bag he he
Teach
Hey Joanna
Hang in there!! Have you spoken to your onco bloke re the throwing up part? Hopefully you are feeling a bit better this arvo after a rest.
hugssss
Julie xo