Bonnie,
What Maryanne says (Harrie) is truefor both of us. The first two treatments are relatively easy. I received Neulasta the day after each treatment to keep my wbc count up, mainly becasue I work in a retirement community. If treatments were on Thursday and the Neulasta on Friday I used the weekend to recover from the Neulasta shot and that hit on Sunday. Other than that... I felt fine for the first two treatments. AS for hair, I wear it short and before the first treatment I got it even shorter and then right begore the 3rd... I got something close to about a 1/2" crop. (Close to a GI Jane lool) That lasted until about 10 days after the 3rd treatment and then it got so thin I opted for a wig. by the fourth one I shaved my head shiny and smooth... it made me feel like I was in control, and not only that but I looked better! Bandanas and scarves are all the rage this year so I really feel quite comfortable. AND FASHIONABLE!
I can not say enough about the importance of taking your anti nausea meds... BEFORER you need them. I usually took them at least in the AM every day for 4-5 days after. THe biggest pain inthe neck is the decadron that they have you take the day before, the day of and the day after. IT has a tendency to "wire" you and sleep does not come easy those days, especially the day of treatment. ASk for some type of sleep aid or Tylenol PM, but I found that did not help so I asked for ativan. That helped!
Drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated at all times. Consider it a flushing of sorts taking all the bad #$*& away. You will probably expereince what is called "metal mouth" and it last for about 5 days or so.
During this time you will find what foods taste good to you and what does not appeal to you. I thrived on eggs, bananas, whole wheat bread with peanut butter and sometimes lemonade, and for whatever the reason hated sweets, but no I did not lose weight, in fact I gained 15 pounds over 18 weeks! People say that once you are finsihed it will melt away but nothing has ever melted away on this body except maybe if someone put ice cream on my head in the summer. Walk whenever possible exercise and sunshine always made me feel better.
SOme peole advise using Biotene mouthwash to prevent mouth sores. I did not get any but used Prevident toothpaste that my dentist prescribed for me, after having major dental work done prior to treatment.
Its a very doable treatment, I continued to work throughout my treatment missing no days at all, and some weeks worked 6 days. I am a culinary manager, so its not like I sit at a desk all day either.
You can do this.... I know it. We will be with you every step of the way. Feel free to email me if you wish even if its just to vent
mzerweck1@verizon.net
Go and move, and have a fling before things get cumulative with your third treatment. I found that to be the toughest, and by the fourth I was back to "normal". They will keep watchful eyes on your CBC. I was unprepared for low platelet counts during my 4 and 5th treatments so they were delayed a couple of days. It took me by surprise that is why I am mentioning it to you. If you are anything like me.... I wanted all of this to be over YESTERDAY and was not happy to hear I had to wait until the platelets went up. A minor inconvenience in the scheme of things. I am happy to report it is all over except for the herceptin now.
These are my experiences, and as I said, everyone goes thru this differently to some degree..... but it is doable! I have rambled long enough
Keep the faith!
Melinda