two weeks following first tx..fever and exhausted

rinaina · 06-09-2006, 02:39 PM

This week has been eventful in the fact that it is the first time I can actually say I haven't felt well and it has definitely gotten worse with each day. First let me assure you that I have been in constant contact with my onc nurse so I am okay, however, it started Monday with headaches and continued burning in my tongue. By Tuesday, the ulcers on the tongue the nurse asked if I had on Monday and didn't, appeared. She prescribed a compound to rinse with 15 min prior to eating just so I could eat without pain. I also felt more tired then usual. By Wednesday I felt like everything had been sucked out of me and couldn't keep my head up. I had a fever of 100.3. I was instructed to call if my fever reached 100.5 but I called anyway after taking 2 tylenol. The onc nurse called back and said continue with tylenol and if fever reached 101.6 then go to emergency room. She also said that since this is exactly 2 weeks following my first chemo tx that she would expect me to feel my worst because my white count was probably at it's lowest but that it would get better each day in time to start my next tx which is next Thursday the 15th. Today I am exhausted. I can do one thing in the morning when I get up, I choose to do the health club so I feel like I am doing something healthy for my body and then I am exhausted the rest of the day. I haven't been over doing it at the club either. Anyone else experience all of this after just one tx? I also started to lose my hair, yuck, on the 12th day following tx....kind of early to me. I was told on or about the 18th day. If I comb it, it comes out in bunches so only putting a comb through in morning once when I wake up and then I just gently pull it back with a loose scrunchy. Getting it cut on Monday when I go see my wigs guys. Don't mean to complain but I really feel pretty yucky and losing my hair early like this isn't helping my mood any. Thanks for letting me vent.

Mgarr · 06-09-2006, 02:47 PM

Rinaina,

You can complain its a S*#&%+ time but just remember it does get better. By next treatment you will know which days will be your worst and adjust your schedule accordingly. The hair, I just shaved off it was so much easier than waking up to it all over the pillow. I too had the mouth sores and the baking soda rinse works great I hope thats what the nurse prescribed.

Hang in there.

Mary

Lisa · 06-09-2006, 04:35 PM

Taxol is tough on some, not on others. I was told that the hair would last until Day 14. And that's exactly what happened. So I called my hairstylist, got a friend to come photograph the "de-hairing" (he took pictures I'll always cherish), popped a Xanax, took a swig of Champagne and gave the command to shave.

I got used to no hair really fast. Now I've been through it 3 times and since it's not growing back much this time, I'm keeping it shaved short.

Ask you doc about supplements you can take to keep up your strength. Start a supplement program, get lots of rest and smile at the money you'll be saving on shampoo, conditioner, styling gel, etc.

Love and light,

Lisa

rinaina · 06-09-2006, 07:04 PM

Lisa, I am not taking taxol, I am on adriamycin and cytoxen. I will not be getting taxol at all but I will be getting herceptin and radiation following my next 3 chemo tx(treatments). Maybe you thought tx was short for taxol, sorry, that is how we use to abbreciate treatment in the dental world. Hope you are hanging in there.

LovingDaughter · 06-09-2006, 07:09 PM

Rinaina:

I am sorry that you have had a rough time, but I am sure that it will get better.

Stay strong and take care,
Jayne

Marlys · 06-10-2006, 08:06 AM

Rinaina,
I, too, was absolutely miserable following my first rx with A/C. I took phenergan and ativan and got really crazy. I do not remember which med they gave me for pre treatment but it did not work. However, before the next treatment I got Emend. I never experienced any of the crap I did the first time. However I did experience tremendous fatigue, lost hair at 2 week, had to be hospitalized for 4 days after treatment 3 - NO White Cells and very low hemoglobin. Procrit for that! I ran a fever throughout chemo but it fluctuated tremendously. So I tended to ignore it since I really had no other symptoms. About the hair loss. I found that being bald did not bother me or for that matter anyone else. I was not interested in a wig and I couldn't find a hat that fit so I just "shined on". My hair came back curly and I love it! I am now almost 1 year post chemo, finished rads on 9/29. Started Herceptin 7/19. Last dose is to be July 11. MUGA actually improved inspite of Herceptin. Am currently NED and enjoying life to the fullest. Hoping and praying things go well for you through out this ordeal.
Marlys