I was interviewed for a future breast cancer section on Health.com before treatment started. This was my reply to a follow up question on how I am doing with the BIG GUN treatment:
I am happy to report that the treatment so far isn't as bad as it could be. With the multitude of side effects offered by A&C I have been lucky.
The nausea has been controlled to tolerable with Compazine.
Ativan helps with anxiety and sleeping and a bit with nausea.
I get headaches but Advil helps with that.
I use special toothpaste and mouthwash for the dry mouth.
Prilosec is the best for Mucositis and discomfort in the throat.
Two weeks after my first treatment my hair started falling out so I shaved it. I had bought tons of hats and 1 wig but never wear the wig and only occasionally wear a hat. It is most comfortable with nothing on my head. I don't care how it looks to others. Right now it's about my comfort.
The fatigue comes and goes. Some days are worse but tolerable.
Periods stopped and just have occasional spotting.
Some days are like an emotional roller coaster. I cry or rant. I think it's from my hormones going into forced menopause. Plus fighting this cancer doesn't help.
Food tastes abnormal and mouth tastes metal-like. That is one of the toughest things: Food & drink. Trying to find food that is tolerable to eat. And scents can be offensive as well. Smells are more profound.
To alleviate anxiety I have IV 1 mg. Ativan before the chemo. It helps and I highly recommend it.
The worst days are the first 4-6 days after treatment. Then you start to gradually come out of the fog.
It's only in the last 2-3 days before the next treatment that food tastes good then you start all over again. It's a vicious up/down cycle. You have to keep reminding yourself why you are doing it. To survive. To live. To kick cancer's sorry butt.
But it's all workable. Of course I say that now because I am going into my
third week off . Ask me in the
first week on and I'll tell ya it's hell.
But it doesn't last. The hell. It eases each day. And you appreciate each small relief.
Next week is my last A/C dose-dense treatment. HALLELUJAH! I almost cancelled it but that was during the hell week. I am in the better week and can't wait to have the final BIG GUNS treatment behind me.
Then I start on weekly Taxol/Herceptin for 3 months!
L
I am happy to report that the treatment so far isn't as bad as it could be. With the multitude of side effects offered by A&C I have been lucky.
The nausea has been controlled to tolerable with Compazine.
Ativan helps with anxiety and sleeping and a bit with nausea.
I get headaches but Advil helps with that.
I use special toothpaste and mouthwash for the dry mouth.
Prilosec is the best for Mucositis and discomfort in the throat.
Two weeks after my first treatment my hair started falling out so I shaved it. I had bought tons of hats and 1 wig but never wear the wig and only occasionally wear a hat. It is most comfortable with nothing on my head. I don't care how it looks to others. Right now it's about my comfort.
The fatigue comes and goes. Some days are worse but tolerable.
Periods stopped and just have occasional spotting.
Some days are like an emotional roller coaster. I cry or rant. I think it's from my hormones going into forced menopause. Plus fighting this cancer doesn't help.
Food tastes abnormal and mouth tastes metal-like. That is one of the toughest things: Food & drink. Trying to find food that is tolerable to eat. And scents can be offensive as well. Smells are more profound.
To alleviate anxiety I have IV 1 mg. Ativan before the chemo. It helps and I highly recommend it.
The worst days are the first 4-6 days after treatment. Then you start to gradually come out of the fog.
It's only in the last 2-3 days before the next treatment that food tastes good then you start all over again. It's a vicious up/down cycle. You have to keep reminding yourself why you are doing it. To survive. To live. To kick cancer's sorry butt.
But it's all workable. Of course I say that now because I am going into my third week off . Ask me in the first week on and I'll tell ya it's hell.
But it doesn't last. The hell. It eases each day. And you appreciate each small relief.
Next week is my last A/C dose-dense treatment. HALLELUJAH! I almost cancelled it but that was during the hell week. I am in the better week and can't wait to have the final BIG GUNS treatment behind me.
Then I start on weekly Taxol/Herceptin for 3 months!
L