Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

Amera

Okay, me again. Are any of you using sick time or short term disability? I am using my accrued sick time which is great because I teach and I have enough to get me through the end of the year. I forwarded a letter from my oncologist stating that I was under her care and would return to work when my treatment was finished. Not good enough apparently. They need an exact date before they will let me use my sick days. Sheesh! If all goes as planned I will be done with chemo/radiation mid-June. But as we know, things happen and sometimes you get off schedule. Mid-June would be fine however as school will have already ended. But, I will be going to a different place for my radiation and will have a different dr. So that's another hassle letter I have to get.

I guess I am just peeved that it appears they are garding against sick leave fraud. As if I would go through this just to take some time off. Not happy right now.
Amera

Lynn12

Hi Amera,

My company only allows 12 sick days per year and you cannot roll them over. I used my 12 sick days then went on short term disability for 90 days, then will be on long term disability. They still allow me to work half time and I get paid std for the 20 hours I don't work. Is there a reason you don't use std instead of sick time? The only thing I had to do was get my surgeon (in the beginning) to fill out the fmla form, then when I started chemo, my Onc wrote a script that said I will be working 20 hours per week. Once I go on ltd, I'll need an update 'note from the Dr'. All has been very smooth for me.

That's great that you can use your sick time however. Can you have the Onc give you an exact date you'll be done with chemo and then have the radiation onc give you that date when you start?

So sorry it's a hassle, why does is seem that nothing is easy?

Lynn

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

Amera..1st, the wig issue. Wigs are uncomfortable, but some are better than others, and if you are going to be a year or so without hair, it might be worthwhile to invest in one. The best kind are these monafilament wigs where the end of the hair strand is attached right in without small loose tie stand knots at the scalp making things bunchy and thick (like in the cheap wigs). Monafiliament wigs also are built with this open web construction that shows your own scalp, so you can part them anywhere. Maybe you already have a good wig. Take it to a hairdresser you trust and have her thin it out and make it look good on you. It will make a big difference!!!

There is also a gel-sticky clear plastic band thing that they give you to tie around your head when its bald. It will keep your wig on, even with your head upside down.

If a wig is too uncomfortable, another possibility is hats. I just ordered some turbans from www.chemosavvy.com and some bangs to go with them. I think they are very suave and sexy, and give you a chance to play around with big earrings..



You can also get hairpieces that fit comfortably under hats like this



or this:



These are very reasonably priced at the Chemosavvy website. I put in my order a couple days ago and can't wait to try these things on (shipping was free)!!

On your employer: That is such nonsense. There is no way you can possibly know what date you will be done with therapy. Either this is some wierd rule that some misguided committee wrote or someone is trying to be difficult. Ask them if you can make a provisional date and change it.

Good luck!!!

Mizissy

Amera

We don't have short term disability. We actually have a sick leave bank we can apply to once our actual sick leave is used up. They are the ones asking for the return date. I certainly get why they need it but it's a huge hassle to get yet another letter from the oncologist. I will also need one from the radiation oncologist but won't see him for at least another couple of months.

I guess I just don't like the feeling that I'm being second guessed--know what I mean? I get that there are rules and I am also sure that some people milk whatever illness they have, but I am truly not trying to do this. I teach high school and there's no way I could be in and out for partial days or weeks without any predictability. It would be impossible to plan or hire a sub and the kids would suffer with the inconsistency. As we all know, it's impossible to predict when we will feel good or able to work or whatever. You have to be "on" when you teach. I cannot even use the bathroom unless it's scheduled into my day. I know it's not impossible, but chemo and teaching don't mesh very well.

Yeah, it's one more problem I don't need. But I will ask the onc for yet another letter when I see her next week. What at PIA this whole cancer business is.
Amera

ritajean

Mizsissy........we want to see you in some of your new hats or scarfs when you get them! They look so cool! Thanks for sharing with us.

Hope everyone is doing well today. I think I'm on the mend until next time now. No nausea for 2 whole days. YEAH!!!!

Amera, what subject do you teach? I taught middle school and jh for 33 years before retiring. I ended my career in jh science and loved it. In fact, I still miss the kids.
Anyway, I can sure understand how chemo and teaching wouldn't mesh well. How well I remember those days when you rushed into the bathroom at the last minute! :-)

Take care everyone! Be kind to yourself today.

Rita

Amera

Hi Rita, I teach high school special education. I have kids with learning disabilities and although most of them are very bright (I teach the regular English curriculum at a slower, modified pace), they do not do well with change. I cannot imagine showing up with a month left of school and picking up where the sub left off.

I just got another email from the sick leave rep and she said to just have the dr write that I will be finished with treatment mid-June and can return to work at that time. That way if I'm up to it I can come back earlier but will be covered if I'm not. I will probably go back part-time and see if I can do some evaluations and/or write grants. Something not in the classroom.

Hope everyone is well and thanks for indulging my current drama. It's always something.
Amera

meliaanne

Good Morning all!
Well, yesterday was two weeks to the day since first a/c and my hair starting falling out in clumps. I thought our son had left his hair clippers here, but I guess he took them back to school with him after Christmas. So tonight I will try just shaving with a disposable. I am hoping that the wig will be less itchy with a bald head. No contest, losing my hair is much harder than the mastectomy, axillary, and the first chemo. How weird is that?

Everyone have a good day ... off to work.
Melia

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

Hi Gals,

We need a fashion show!!! Befores, Afters, Wigs, Buzzcuts, Hats, Bangs, earrings, noserings, whatever. You know, there are some women who actually look more attractive bald than do any other way. Maybe a different thread. People can send me their pictures--OR I'll put them up on my web site and we can either link there. I could just set it up an organized page with a row of photos for each person, along with chemo flavors, etc.

What about it? If you want to do it I'll set up a special email address where you can send photos, something like bcphotos@lindaswift.com??

Let's show the world we can be the most upbeat, glamorous graduating class of chemo babies ever!!

Howabout it?

Mizsissy

Rodie

Hi Ladies and Tae: Tae I think you are awsome! What a support you are to your wife. I had AC #2 yesterday and did have 4mg of a steroid to help this time around. I also took a Procrit shot and need another one next week because of anemia. Any one other there needing Procrit. I do have to admit that the little bit of steriod helped greatly, yesterday a few hours after treatment was over I walked close to a mile. Getting ready to take another short one. Still nausea but not like the last time. We'll see. I need a buzz cut badly--this weekend. Hair falling all over and i had it cut to within an inch.

Hope you all are doing well too. If I had a stronger memory I would address each of you and issues in particular. Oh, i met Boo at the infusion center yesterday--it is so nice to meet someone you've been e-mailing for months. She is so sweet and brought me a goodie bag. Such a sweet thought. If any of you close to Boston want to get together, I will be up your way the first week of April visiting my daughter and helping her move in to the new house she and fiance purchased in Somerville.

Hugs to all

Amera

Hi Gilda, sounds like this round isn't as bad so far. That's great that you're getting out to walk. I swear exercise is the key. I have been running almost daily since my big crash and although I'm not going full speed, I think it has helped tremendously.

I would love to get together with all the New England ladies in April. I think we have a lot of women from Mass alone. I used to live in Somerville while in grad school. Loved it there!
Amera

irelandmb

Hi Ladies,
Glad to hear from everyone today. I think that compazine yesterday actually made me feel worse - believe it or not?
I took Zofran late yesterday and feel so much better today. Aches still there, even with extra strength tylenol.
The compazine made my mouth very dry, lips dry, made me restless and still nauseous. I think I may be allergic to it.
But glad today is much better. Just wondering how long I should take the Zofran? Nearly afraid to stop? Any suggestions on how to know when you don't need it?
Keep all of those positive attitudes going..... It really helps all of us.
I was doubting myself yesterday, wondering if I made the right decision with chemo? Seeing that my oncotype of 19 puts me in the grey area for benefit from this. But today I am feeling better about it.
Cheers for now.....

robertin

I got my neulasta shot yesterday, and the nurse took a whole minute to give it to me. She told me it tends to burn, so she was very gentle. She also told me that she attended a seminar about the new neulasta, that now comes in a pen. The "shot" is administered in just a few seconds and every one in the audience gasped. "Did you try this out on a patient yet," the audience asked. Then they asked if they could try it out on the presenter. Ha, that would be fun.
Well, someone brought me some delicious cake last night and I had some. Nausea! I don't know if it was the cake or just chemo side effects. I had a couple of teaspoons of oatmeal this morning, and a little more spaghetti for lunch. Milk is hard. Any suggestions? Oh, and this lovely pharmaceutical professor down the hall brought me candied ginger. She's from Korea and she says it's good for nausea. Sure tasts good. This is day three and still at work.

Amera

Ack! Hair falling out on day 15. I swear it just this minute started. I've been tugging on it for days. Even this morning it wouldn't budge. Now I can grab a bunch. Guess the chemo *is* working.

Mizsissy, have you started to lose any yet? I think we're on the same schedule. Robertin, are you sporting the buzz at work? I think Lawrence is evolved enough to not even notice.

Okay, off to get the hats and scarves ready. Darn!
Amera

carolinin

Sick leave-I cut my hours back to 4 days a week. Sick days are long gone. Have enough vac time for each treatment day (8)
You are blessed to have accumlated sick time, sorry for the hassle tho. silly rules.

Carol (in Indiana)

carolinin

Hair

I agree on getting a good wig. Monofilament was out of my price range but i really like the look of my wig on its stand, its a great looking wig, even if I don't like wearing it. Bought the gel band, seems to feel the same with out without, haven't turned my head upside down tho!

I also bought "hat hair" thought it would be great for summer-tried it fri. and it was miserable! like wearing wood or steel wool, even with a band under it. Bought bangs too, hope they aren't that way!

Carol (in Indiana)

carolinin

For me, short term dis. is something we can add on, but never did (who knew?) 6 sick days a year, 3 weeks vac and 2 holidays.
Still, better than no benefits. While I have to work (single-no bankroll) I find it actually helps me got out of chemo mode. Am fortunate to have mostly computer based job, mostly mental.

Carol

carolinin

Meds- I took Zofran on Day 3, 2 pills round one, 3 pills round two (to be safe) Just see how you feel, if you aren't naus. when its time for another, wait.

BTW if anyone was unable to pay for Zofran, it just went generic about 2 wks ago in pill form, only $15. Someone mentioned $1000 a few days ago. My insur. only paid 60% so this was good news to me!
Carol

carolinin

Hair loss stories-i noticed I was shedding on my coat collar on day 14, end of day. Had new grandbaby on day 16, thinning became more exciting on day 17, let friend buzz on day 19. Still looked good to most people, just thinner. Kept most of the stubble until well past the one month mark, haven't shaved it yet. The day 14 does seem to be the start for most. No loss elsewhere, nose, eyes,legs etc

Carol

irelandmb

Hi Carolin,
Yes, The Zofran was (I think) $1038 for 15 tablets.
What happened was my onc did not get preapproved with insurance company for me, so Walgreens would not dispense it to my husband. When he asked how much it would be they said around the price above. I can't believe how any small yellow pill could cost that much. It's crazy. After approval and getting the generic version, it cost us $10.
Now that's more like it.

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

Hooray, back from my second chemo. Went like a charm. I got the nurses to put me in the deluxe private room with bed and the window on the excuse that I had an allergic reaction last week (not to the chemo).

Did some sketches again. All the nurses came into see. Maybe they'll improve.

No neupogen or neulasta for me this week; my white counts were so high it's not necessary. Yeah!! No aches, no fluey feeling, and forget those 6 trips to hospital.

Feels like nothing. I could really go for a shot of Wild Turkey on the rocks right now, but not a good idea. Maybe in a month.

Turbans & bangs arrived today and I love 'em. Will upload some pix soon....hair is still hanging in there!

Mizsissy

irelandmb

Good for you. I was just wondering how you were doing.....
Congrats... Stay healthy...Good news about your white counts being so high. What's your secret?:)
I would like a glass of champagne, but don't think it's such a good idea....I can wait...:)
Cheers for now....

irelandmb

Hi Robertin,
How are you feeling after the Neulasta shot?
I am not sure if the aches I have are from it or the Taxotere, very interested to hear how you are doing.
Cheers for now....

Sandra7inCA

Hi Ladies,
Today had my 2nd. chemo/4th.Herceptin treatment,it went very well. I took my lunch with me and ate it while I was getting the infusions. No side effects whatsoever, 2/3 of the chemo finished!! My hair was buzzed on Sunday and it doesn't look bad. Started falling out on the 15th. day.
Can any of you ladies apply for long-term state disability, you wait 8 days, then the payments kick in. I would think if you had used your sick time up at work, that might be the way to go. I hate to think of you using all your vacation time up. That's something you need to look forward to for when treatment is over, a nice trip. It would be a bummer to use up vacation time when you are sick!! I have to say my insurance company has been wonderful, it has approved everything the onc. recommended, even the Neulasta shots. They have denied me nothing. And I have an HMO, BTW.
Mizsissy, I can't figure out how to put a photo on my computer. I tried scanning it, but saw no way to save it. If I could at least save it somewhere, I could hopefully send you an e-mail with an attachment and you could put it on my avatar for me. If I can figure it out, would you please help me?
Hope all you ladies are doing well and staying healthy.
Many hugs and kind thoughts being sent to each of you.
Love,
Sandra

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

You do need to find a way to use your scanner to save your picture. A cheap digital camera works best; how about your cell phone? The avatar picture is very low resolution.

Once you saved a picture, if you can back and find my directions and follow them I think you'll be OK. The only way I could upload your avatar is to be signed as you.

See what you can do & get back to me.

Mizsissy

Ihopeg

Mizsissy,
I am glad you had an easy time at your treatment. May they all be like this one. Is your hair falling out? It is day 15 and mine isn't yet, just itchy. ilene

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

OK, Folks, I guess I mispoke a little earlier about my hair. Today is My Day 15 and I was entertaining hopes of maybe even keeping my hair through chemo. However, after trying on my new turbans I needed to brush my hair and
the hair brush was suddenly loaded and hair all over the counter. It's not coming out in clumps, it's just shedding like cat hair.

I'll sleep with a turban tonite and it will probably all disappear tomorrow. Sob!

Mizsissy

t4t

Congrats to all finishing the second go. Tae is feeling so well now that she told our son to bring the twins over when there is time. Mizsissy, you asked about Tae's menu. It is Cytoxin then Adriamycin for 3 more tx, then Taxol? for 4 more tx. This is dense dose every two weeks. Check the counts tomorrow and tx 2 is next Friday. Hope she can do without the Neulasta also. Tae got hers in the stomach.
Good to hear about the generic zofran, I gotta get a new script. What would we do without this board?
best to all.

Terry 4 Tae

Anonymous

Day 7 post FEC and starting to feel human again. For some reason the computer gives me a huge headache (which I've been getting a lot anyway). Since I run my own business and do everything on the computer this is causing some real problems. I've only gotten one hour of work done all week which was not what I expected. I admire those of you who are working. I've been so miserable this week that my husband hasn't even made it in to work yet! The nausea stopped a couple of days ago, but I still have terrible stomach aches. It snowed here today bringing everything here in the South to a stop so the girls were home from school and I was awake enough to spend some time with them. That was really nice - we all needed it. They have been very short on mommy time lately. Hoping tomorrow will be better.

Ovrtrainbo

I started chemo last Wednesday and will go for my second this coming Wednesday. I have a questions, has anyone taken Neulasta and if so any joint pain? I have some terrible joint pain please PM and let me know of your suggestions.

robertin

Well, the day is over. It's been more than 24 hours since the Neulasta shot, and no effects yet. I had to go by the oncology department because my bloodpressure was high yesterday (150/102). Well, the same today. The onc thinks that it's because of the steroids I got during the chemo. That could be. So, instead of giving me bloodpressure medication, she told me to get a bloodpressure kit and take my bloodpressure at home. Well, I like gadgets, so I got this cool one that self-inflates and that goes around the wrist. I measured my bloodpressure at home, and it was 125/79. Ha! Of course today the bloodpressure was high, because I was worried about it. My daughter told me to take my kit with me when I see the doctor next week and to measure the bloodpressure both ways, theirs and mine. Good idea. So, my stomach has been funny today. But I'm glad I worked. The problem is I do research for a professor, who is swamped in teaching and administrative stuff. If I don't do it, nothing gets done. So, I try to do as much as possible. And it does take my mind away from my breasts Oh, I got to tell you. Today I went to the bathroom for the so-manieth time and there were a lot of male students in the hallway. As I went in my stall, a person came in with a camera, and she looked like a guy: short hair, no makeup, pants etc. So, I said, "this is a woman's bathroom." And a high-pitched voice said, "I know." I had to laugh. Her hair was longer than mine. I guess I'd be mistaken for a guy, if it wasn't for the makeup. And no, I don't go au natural with the hair, except for at home. It's kind of cold out here, and I like my hats. They're so warm. Well good night, dear friends. Talk to you tomorrow.