Anyone starting Chemo in August 07?

PixieDust

Kaye - Thanks for the tips. I'm constantly using the Purell and the Lysol around the house. I'm hoping it helps.

Chemomom- Sounds like we have a lot in common. The good thing is we are young and strong enough to handle the toughest and best treatment we can get now to kick the crap out of this. We don't want to worry about not being around for our kids. I just know we are going to win this battle and we are in more control then we think. Treatment is getting better every year and there is so much more today then even a year ago. I'm doing a clinical trial right now and hoping it's the next medical breakthrough helping her2neu positive. We are in a great time right now where we can trust that we will get through this. In fact, I have two boys and was planning on trying for the girl in a couple years and now that all has changed. I'm hoping after I'm off the tomoxofin then maybe they'll be a chance, but I'll be nearing 40 then. Of course my number one priority is getting well and being around to raise my kids.

Thanks Harley! I actually thought of the name from my sister who told me I'll look like a Pixie with my new hair cut when I shave it. Now I have this thing where I will sprinkle some PixieDust to those who need some good luck. Kind of like the babydust thing when I was once a new mom on the baby boards. In the past couple years, I was on message boards for new moms and would never think I would be posting on here. Life really throws us a curve ball when we least expect it. I just never thought this time in my life I would need to go through something like this.

PixieDust

Harley - Good luck with your MIL mammo. It's really nice that you have a support team. I actually went alone for my mammo thinking at the time I wouldn't have anything to worry about. My OBGYN sent me for the mammo after I found the lump myself. He told me not to worry it's probably just benign so I didn't think I needed support at the time. Turns out they found two more lumps on the mammo and ultrasound and I was freaking out and crying and didn't have anyone there at the time. After that appointment my husband was with me at every one since. It was nerve racking not knowing what they were looking at. My MIL was diagnosed with DCIS in Dec 06 and it didn't show up on the mammogram or ultrasound. She insisted her doctor send her for an MRI and they found it on there. That was pretty scary for her that she had to tell them to check again. She just felt something was wrong and trusted her instinct. Turns out she was Her2 neu pos and needed the mastectomy, however she caught it very early and didn't need the chemo. Luck was by her side and she has really helped me stay positive through this. I have the attitude now that miracles do happen and everything is possible and our bodies tell us when something is wrong. We are a lot stronger then we think.

Harley44

Pixiedust,

That is true... MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!!

Well, I found my bc also, but previously, since I don't know HOW long it was there before I found it, my surgeon says it may have been there for YEARS!, none of the mammos I had showed anything... So I really don't trust mammos

I had dense breasts, and even though I felt a lump I also didn't think I needed to worry... but my MIL went with me, and as soon as we got home I knew something was wrong. My gyn had left a message to get back to her office ASAP! So we went back and waited in the office til everyone else left.. Then she told me... it is bc and it is 2.5cm!!! Well, it turns out she was wrong... it was only .8cm, but that made not too much difference when it came to the treatment options... I was in the gray area for chemo, and I could not make up my mind about it... but here I am, and it isn't really so bad, after all..

So after all the support I have gotten from her, I want to go with my MIL, since she is nervous at every mammo, and has had a couple of abnormal ones, too... she is 78 y.o.!

Thanks for being a part of my support group!

Good Luck!

HARLEY

nash

OK, I am pleased to announce that my 5 year old has the stomach flu. Not pleased because I am a Mean Mommy, but because this would partially explain the extreme nausea I'm having two weeks after my FAC. Although I still think my onc is out to kill me.....

Am still sitting here molting. I wonder if birds find it this stressful. I'm afraid to cut off my hair at this point in case I am one of the rare minority who just gets thinning from adriamyacin (one can dream, right?)

Ggma

Hey Kaye, thanks for the happy anniversary wish!  My husband had to work that day and night so we haven't been able to celebrate properly yet, but it will happen!  He's a truck driver so sometimes things work out that way.  He came in yesterday morning at 4:30, took a shower and came to bed at 5:00 a.m. only to have me wake him up at 7:20 a.m. so that he could go with me to my second tx.  I tried to convince him that I could go alone or find someone else to take me, but he insisted on going with me.  As always though, I was fine, tx went fine and we went shopping and ate Burger King on the way home so he could go back to bed!  He went with me to a dinner for work last night and came home and shaved the rest of my hair off.  The wig feels soooo much better now without the hair follicles hurting like they were.  I was able to work 8 hours today.  How is work doing for you this week?  My SIL sent me 4 hand knitted hats today and they are so soft and feel sooooo good on my head.  I may never take them off!

 Monkeygirl ~ I was the same way, didn't cut my hair off until it started falling out.  Then cut it to 1/3 inch, and shaved last night, about a week apart.  I was glad to take control and do it my way instead of letting it fall out on it's own.  We all handle that in different ways though.  You have to do what is right for you.

 SMT ~ How was MIL's mammo?  I hope that all went fine for both of you.

Pixidust ~ I know what you mean about going from the baby message boards to this one...I went from the MarineParents.com boards (my oldest son just returned from his second trip to Iraq as a Marine in April) to this one.  It's quite a jolt to go from trying to help someone else to worrying about yourself and what your illness is doing to those you love.

Nash ~ I loved the Nordstrum's Rack your friend has!  How funny!

 Take care everyone and try to stay healthy this week-end.

Debbi

Harley44

Ggma-

Glad to hear that your second tx went well.  How many more do you have?  I had my second on 8/28, and am halfway through!  My next will be Sept. 18th.  I can't wait for this to be finished!!

Thanks!  My MIL's mammogram went well.  She gets these calcifications or calcium deposits and they need to get her last mammo to compare it with, so she will not hear anything right away.  But, I think it will be fine.

Thanks for asking...  I'll let you know when I hear something.

 Hope you continue to feel great!

HARLEY

PixieDust

Hi Everyone,

I just went out to get my wig today.  We drove over an hour to a wig place that was in network with my insurance company.  I was fortuate that I found a place that covered it. It was well worth the drive.  I have to say I am very pleased with how it looks and actually like it much better than my own hair.  Just don't know how comfortable it will be wearing it all day.  I wore it out today to get used to it. I also bought some scarves and a fall which I will probably be wearing mostly around the house.   Funny thing is my hair has been all different colors in my life and most of the wigs that I tried on the ligher ones looked best.  People have made commented that the chemo has made my skin look very pasty and pale and I think the lighter hair suits me better.  I don't know if that's a side affect. Others have commented the same thing. My natural hair is dark brown, but I always seem to like the ones with blond highlights.  

If any one has any other hair sites that they know where to get accessories please share.  I also went to www.tlcdirect.com to get some stuff which will be arriving tomorrow.

PixieDust

By the way, my 2nd chemo is on Monday and I'm planning on cutting or shaving my head this weekend.  I actually want to do it before it falls out so it will be less tramatic.

nash

Went in for blood work yesterday, two weeks into the first round of FAC. My counts completely tanked in one week--I have the dubious distinction of being the worst drop my onc has ever seen from a 400 cc push of 5FU a week ago. I knew I felt sicker than I was suppossed to. It looks like I will need a platlet transfusion next week--they will check again on Monday. I also am getting 3 days of Neupogen. My WBC ratio went from 3.0 to 0.3 in one week--it appears that my blood is now dyslexic. Anyhow, I'm a bit discouraged in that if things went this way after round #1, what are the other 5 rounds going to be like?

yellowtownhouse

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to quickly comment if I could.  Diagnosed in early June ( stage 2 B left tumor with involvement of 2 nodes. Did every scan known to man and started chemo on Aug. 3rd.  My schedule is for 4 A/C then 4 Taxol, a lumpectomoy and then radiation.  I have had such a difficult time.  Have had 3 A/C and each time has been worst than before.  I'm 8 days since last tx (q 2 wks.) and feel like a prisoner in my own home.  I am too weak to get up and down the stairs so pretty much have to stay upstairs.  Just can't seem to eat anything much but am managing fluids.  I normally work 4 days a week but have not worked for the past 10 days.  I can handle the headaches, the bone pain from the Neulista, the baldness, really almost all of it except for this fatigue and lack of appetite.  I have been in bed almost exclusively for the past 8 days.  Anyone have any thoughts?  Sorry to go on y'all, I'm just so discouraged and sick.                       Thanks

Harley44

HI Yellotownhouse,

So sorry you are having such a tough time!  I just wanted to welcome you!  I know no one really wants to join this club, but welcome! 

I wish I could give you some advice, but I am not sure what to say.  My chemo nurse told me to take Claritin Once a day for 3 or 4 days after getting a Neulasta shot to help with the bone pain.  Hope this helps.  It has helped me.  I have had 2 tx of Taxotere and Cytoxan, and the 1st tx, I got Neupogen shots for 4 days, a week after my tx.  The bone pain, in the lower back was UNBEARABLE.  But after the Neulasta, it wasn't as bad.  I DID take the Claritin, though, so maybe that helped.

Good Luck!

HARLEY 

PixieDust

Welcome Yellowtownhouse,

Sorry to hear that you're not doing well.  It sounds very similar to what I have to go through 4 (AC) 12 weekly TX.  I also had 2 nodes pos, but I had a left mast.  I was kind of glad it was under 3 nodes if there was a bright side anyway.  It has really helped me to look at the half glass full, in other words we could be in worse situations.  Even though breast cancer really sucks! We are in this together and will beat this thing!  I have my second AC on Monday.  I didn't do that bad the first time.  Had the fatigue and dizziness, but could handle things okay.  I'm hoping next time around will be the same. However, I'm hearing sometimes it gets worse.  Just wondering how did you handle the first round.  Does it seem consistant?  I drank plenty of water before, during and after and that seems to really help. Make sure to take plenty a fluids.  Also, sometimes taking anti-nausea meds before can help to.  Hope you are feeling better real soon.

Good luck,

Stacey 

katoMato

Hi Everybody,

Good Grief! This site looks like I've been catapulted to a different dimension!

Welcome Yellowtownhouse...sorry to hear you're having such a hard time...wow. I'm not that familiar with AC, so I can't offer any suggestions, but it sounds a little extreme. What does your onc say about it? Have you had your red blood counts checked? I remember someone saying they really felt fatigued when their Red blood cells were low. Any of you girls on AC have that? (I'm remembering in my foggy vacancy of what used to be brain that SOMEBODY here, Nash...or was it Jackie? was really fatigued. 

Oh Great. Now I see that a lot of you have different NAMES. It's not NICE to play head games with those who have no head.

Hey Nash - I'm so sorry about your platlets. Hopefully the next five rounds will be better because they will know what to expect and can treat it before a problem arises? (That's what happened to me anyway.) I hope the transfusion makes a big difference. Will they have to do that every time? Please take care of yourself!!! You are priceless! How is your 5 year old (son? daughter?) Could your platlets be so low because of the stomach flu you were exposed to?

Ok, Ggma (Debbi) - yeah those pesky hair follicles are better when there is no actual HAIR attached to them. And good for you for working 8 hours. I always PLAN to work 8 hours, then end up delirous after about 5. Work has been kinda fun for me actually. It's our company, so everybody is super nice to me. (They have to be, duh.) The secretary gave me a kind of fun project to do where I could pretend to work, while not actually being responsible for anything important.

And I conducted a little personal (read:WIG) experiment this week at work. My conclusions are as follows: Blondes do NOT have more fun. Redheads don't either. It's just as I suspected - GREYSTUBBLE heads are party central. (read it and weep, youngsters) Yes, it is true.

Pixiedust - Thanks for the tcldirect.com site. I'm going to try to get a scarf or two. I, too, have pasty skin tone recently, and the dark red wig makes me look like ...why, I don't actually KNOW what I look like other than a cancer patient. The grey stubble makes me look like I have color in my cheeks. (Ok, maybe it's the pink baseball cap. whatever.)

Have a good weekend ladies! I need to go spend some time re-exploring this site.

emg326

Hi Everyone,

Well, Nash, I'm with you. I had a fever Thurs., called the onc. and he told me to go to urgent care. My count was .7 and I've been in the hospital for the last 2 days. They're up to 1.6, but I still have to be very careful. This sucks!!! I will get a shot the next time around, thank goodness. Neutropenic diet and lifestyle is not fun at all. I was doing okay until this. Now I just wait for my hair to start coming out. My next tx is 9/17. At least I'll be half way through. Hang in there everybody!

Eve

nash

Hey, Kaye. Thanks for asking about my little one. He's past the tummy issues/fever thing, and now has an odd rash on his torso. That's OK, it gives me something to worry about besides cancer and the fact that I'm rapidly going bald.

I always knew blondes were overrated--grey stubble rocks!

I feel better after my Neupogen shot. Seperately, I hope my platlets resolve so I don't need the transfusion--the doc says it's from the extra 5-FU, so that extra day 8 push is being eliminated from my cycle. Hopfelly that will take care of things next round, which is Thursday.

Can't say I'm loving the new board format. It feels like the first day at a new school or something. Very strange.

Yellowtownhouse--sorry to hear about your fatigue. It sounds very extreme. I'm tired after my first round of FAC, but I can get out of bed and function. The nausea and general strain on my system have been more of a problem--it feels like the pregnancy from hell. What does your onc say about it? 

Hope everyone is having a good weekend! 

nash

Eve--you were posting at the same time I was. Holy moly! I'm so sorry you ended up in the hospital. That's been my fear. Good grief. I hope you improve soon. <<<HUGS>>>

yellowtownhouse

Thanks so much to everyone who responded.....you all are my heros. I'm feeling a little bit better today but not much.  My red counts are down but nothing they seem concerned about.  I did get some time released (less constipation) iron tablets and have started on them.  Also started taking Prilosec OTC, although it says 1-4 days to begin helping.  The reflux has been horrid.  One thing I didn't mention my last post was a very strange reaction?? the last time I gave myself the Newlista injection.  Within 10 minutes I started with the most god-awful lower back pain....it truly was a 9 out of 10.  It got so bad and scared my husband so much that he called the EMT's. They came and stayed for over 40 minutes and of course wanted to transport me to the hospital.  I really DID not want to go and within 30 minutes the pain began to ebb and finally went away.  Have never experienced anything like this, has anyone else had this kind of reaction, if that was what it was?  I was to the onc on Friday and saw the nurse practionier....she just shook her head and said she had never heard of anything like it....that fast and that intense after the injection.  Well, who knows?  As we're all figuring out, each of us is journeying a communal yet seperate road with this thing we call breast cancer.  Someone (forgive me, I'm not retaining names right now) asked me if my chemo has been cumlative.  Yes, very much so...each time I have been sicker and sicker.  Seeing as I'm normally a very high energy type A personality this has been devasting to me.  As I said I can handle the pain pretty well but the almost inability to walk has really gotten me down.  Well, here I go again with a 'pity party'.  Sorry to all, I know so many of you are struggling and coping with bigger issues than I have and I admire each and every one of you for your perservance and courage.  Someone said that Taxol was easier than A/C...did anyone find that to be true? I have one more of the 4 A/C txs and then will begin 4 Taxol txs 2 weeks apart.  Wishing you all a blessed and peaceful weekend.

June

Monkeygirl61

I've had trouble logging on to this "new" site but I'm finally here.  I just ordered from headcovers.com, also on ebay there is a store Indian Trails Trading.  I have one of their scarves and just love it!

I did shave my hair on Thurs.

Mom42July2007

Good morning ladies!  It's been a while since I've posted and now this new site..it's hard to pick-up where I left off!  Welcome to all new...Yellow...welcome and hope you're feeling better...I have my 2nd AC on Monday (hopefully)..first was "bearable", so I have my figures crossed!

Kaye...I shaved the hair yesterday!  It started falling out real bad on Thursday (day 15 from T#1)My stubble is a mix of grey in the front and on the sides and then dark brown in the back!!

My brother had a cookout and my sister-in-law shaved my head!  My husband, son, brother, nephew and great nephew all had their heads shaved too!!!  I actually had a mohawk for about an hour...that was fun....my daughter and neice helped with the cutting of the mohawk...so everyone shared in the day.  I'll add a picture once I can find the cord to download them to the computer!!!

Update on treatment side...I was scheduled for T#2 on Thurs. Sept 6th....but port is infected so no treatment...rescheduled for Monday...I'm hoping they'll do it...antibitocs are working but not completely, site is still a little red and sore! I have no idea of my what my blood counts are since I had blood drawn on weds, saw doctor for port immediately after and they then made decision to cancel treatment until Monday! All in all I feel good...if the port site wasn't sore I would be 99%!

Hang in there all!!!

katoMato

Hi Ladies,

Eve - I'm so sorry to hear you're in the hospital. I can't figure out why doctors don't give us the Neulasta right off the bat. I know it's expensive, I know sometimes they want to see "how we do" (that's what mine said) but it just seems strange, doesn't it? If it's expense, would the insurance companies rather pay for 3 days in the hospital? I want to believe they know what they're doing, and maybe the vast majority of us do well without the shot. It's just scairy. Oh well. There is no way of knowing for sure what the reasoning is. It's just bizzare because a cursory reading of these boards reveals that it's a large issue. I wish I understood the onc's reasoning. Arrrgggh.

 Nash - keep us posted on the transfusion... and yes, good analogy. Going to this board is like going to a new school. Where the instructions are in Swahili. (I'll get it eventually, and it'll be fine.)

 Yellowtownhouse (June) - You asked if Taxol was easier than AC,  (Taxol and Taxotere are similar:Docetaxel and Paxitaxel or something), but I do know that for me TAXOTERE has been much easier for me than what I hear people on AC experience. My onc put me on Taxotere because of the A heart issue, apparently Taxotere doesn't have that known risk. (that they know of YET, anyway.) And it's not nausea inducing. Andriamycin is KNOWN for inducing nausea. I can vouch for that for sure - I just hope it's as effective in killing the cancer. Andriamycin has been the known drug for about 30 years, Taxotere more recently has been used. There are a few good threads here re Taxotere, and a search in the research section yielded a study that was helpful to me. (I also googled it and found the difference between Taxol & Taxotere.)

Monkeygirl - Congratulations on The Shaving! (How are you doing with that?) That scarf looks really cute! Thanks for the site. I find life a lot easier (getting ready to go anywhere is reeeeeal quick.)

 Mom42 - Good to hear from you!! Way to go with the shaving party! Didn't it feel good to take the bull by the horns (Hmmn...the head by the hair?...) and make a celebration? Ja-HUH!

 If my calendar is right, two of you have tx's tomorrow - Pixiedust (Stacey) & Mom42? I'll be praying for you - keep us posted. 

Have a good week, girls. One foot in front of the other, that's all it takes.

Monkeygirl61

It sure is alot quicker to go anywhere.  I just went to the drive-in at the pharmacy and the young girl asked "How may I help you, sir".  Oh well what's a baldie to do?  I have 1 scarf with 3 more on the way.  I really like them for ease and comfort.  Tomorrow is back to work for me and 8 hours with the wig.  I'm not sure I'll last that long.  Hope everyone had a great weekend.

liven42day

Hi Ladies,

Good Luck to everyone doing chemo this week, I have my last (#4) A/C tomorrow, I hope Taxol (x4) is easier than A/C. A/C for me has been cumulative for the fatigue. I find that I have to eat (even crackers) and drink juices (for the calories) just to get some strength to move the first few days. If you ladies are not on Emend I would ask your Onc for it, anti nausea drug. I take it and have read on the July 07 board it is helping alot of us. With all the drugs we are on already, how do you handle the headaches right after chemo? 

Drink Drink Drink your fluids before, during and after chemo! We will all get thru this together!

Take care all Charlene

nash

Thanks for the Emend plug, Charlene. I'm going to be getting it for my second round on Thursday, as Zofran/Compazine/Ativan did absolutely zippo for me. I'm also going to try acupuncture this week before treatment and see if that helps.

My counts came back up today--no platelet transfusion--whoo hoo!

 Tami--that scarf from Indian Trails Trading is darling! I'm going to check their stuff out. Right now I have a do-rag on that makes me look like a pirate. 

Hope everyone is feeling OK today!

Mom42July2007

Morning Ladies...quick update treamant#2 is over, and so far so good!  They did not use the port for treamant instead through normal IV in the hand...need to continue on antiboitics and hope infection clears completely.  I was little more refined from movement with IV in my hand but it was ok!!  Pre treatment discussion with NP about last time SE, she mentioned headaches were probably from the Aloxi (5 day anti nausea shot) and that probably the vomiting could have come from the pain.  Which is probably true since I do vomit with extreme pain (vomited during childbirth with both children).  So, I had tylenol right before treament and staying on them every 4 hours to control the pain and so far so good, also taking the ativan every eight hours instead of the compazine.  Hoping not to have to take the Vicoden again.  If this doesn't work, they'll stop the Axoli shot and start on anti nausa pills next time....which I'll ask about the Emend (thanks for the suggestion Charlene).  Back to infusion center at 1:00pm today for my Nuelastic shot and then just rest for next few days.  Hoping to get back to work on Friday!  Also, they agreed to move my schedule back to Thursday's so I'll have another Treatment on Thursday September 27th....this gives me an extra few days of felling good (hopefully!) since it will be day 18 versus 15!

Hope eveyone is well...the scarf's look nice, I think I'll look to purchase a few for later, but for right now I'm sticking with wearing my many PINK Boston Red Sox's hats....I think it's giving them luck....I'd love to see them make the World Series again!!!! And maybe even be World Series Champs!!!!

PixieDust

Quick update..........I had #2 chemo yesterday.  While I was waiting for my chemo which is usually an all day event for us, I decided to go to a hair cut place since I had the time.  I told her to give me a pixie style cut really short since it was going to fall out in a few days.  I actually felt very empowered and didn't even flinch.  My husband asked the hair sweeper to save my hair on the floor and he looked at him like he had four heads!  He wanted to save it in my little memorbilia box I started.  To remember what I had to go through to fight the big battle.  Anyway, it wasn't as bad as I thought and I no longer felt like a victim of the cancer.  In fact, I'm planning on just buzzing it as soon as I see the first shed.  When my kids saw my hair they were in shock at first, but then started cracking up laughing!  They actually had me in tears in laughter.  They thought it was funny when mommy could change her hair and put on the new wig and scarves.  They are getting used to it already which made me feel real good.  I was a little worried in how they would react being only 2 y/o and going on 4 y/o.  My husband actually liked the french look with the short hair style.  I think he likes the change.  And get this, my husband was cracking up jokes in our chemo room and had the nurses laughing.  When he saw the NED on my paperwork he said " Yeah you look like a NED!  Of course he was kidding, but he had me in tears!  Afterall, getting through this tough time laughter is the best medicine.  It's how my family copes and keeps me positive through this all.  My sister-n-law told me she was going to make a boob cake and have a party after I'm done with the reconstruction! Sometimes I think we have the choice to laugh and be positive or be down.  Think of it this way....being down doesn't help us get better so I choose the other option as much as I can.  Of course we have our breakdowns, but life is way to short to stop laughing and living life to the fullest!  Enjoy every moment with your family and friends which counts the most. That's what I say!  I took my Neulasta shot today and my meds and hoping this week won't hit me too hard.  Last time it hit me the most late day 3 and 4 and then felt yucky day 5 and 6.  I'm hoping the fatigue doesn't hit me like a brick, but I look forward to next week when I'm feeling better.  Keep it going everyone!

I can't figure out how to insert my pics.  Can someone please send me directions?  Do I need to have a URL address or can I just copy my images. I was going to show you my new hair style.

Thanks,
Stacey

PixieDust

Why does it always seem that my week of chemo my kids get sick.  My 2 year old was sick after my first chemo for about 3 or 4 days, therefore I didn't get much rest when I felt my worst.  Now my 4 year old is home from daycare today with a fever and I can't get much rest today.  Luckily I'm not bad today the day after chemo just tired, but I hope he's feeling better by tomorrow when it starts to hit me like a truck.  My husband has been taking off work for every appointment, therefore he can't take a day off when the kids are sick.  So here I am hoping I don't catch what's been going around.  Washing hands and disinfecting every chance I get!  Also, why is it when kids are home sick with a fever and you give them some motrin and all of a sudden they are bouncing off the walls and full of energy.  I'm trying to give him a nap and he just won't lay down for a second!  I love my little boys soooo much, it's just sometimes I wish I got a little rest on my bad weeks.

Thanks for letting me vent,

Stacey 

wackyjackie

hi girls,

sorry i haven't been on in a while. i've been reading all posts and enjoying them, but my "brain" just didn't feel like responding.  i'm headed for tx #3 tomm.  I must tell you that #2 was great fo r me.  after reading some of you problems i feel a little guilty. the day i go for tx i take EMEND one hour before.  then at nite i take KYTRIL. next 2 days in a.m. i take EMEND, DECADRON  and KYTRIL and in the p.m. i take KYTRIL AND DECADRON. also, every a.m. a take prevacid.  it seems to be working.  i wish you all well and hope everyone stays strong.

 stacey--i wish you luck.  i cut my hair short and then when it started to come out i had it shaved.  it's so much better then seeing it come out all over the place.  it must be so hard for you with your little children, but your great attitude is refreshing.  i too, try to see the humor in everything.  it really helps. kaye, harley...how are you guys????

 have a great weekend..i will be away.

 hugs, jackie

Harley44

Jackie,

Hi... My next tx is Sept. 18th... next week!  I am doing great! I am not having too much trouble with my tx, but I hear it's cumulative, and last time, I was more tired, so I expect I'll have more fatigue next time.... But the good thing is that after next week, I'll only have ONE more!!!  The last tx will be Oct. 9th... I can't wait for this to be over!! 

I got a new wig today, because I just can't stand to go out with out hair, or with just a bandanda.  I may get some scarves, if I can find some pretty ones. 

Good Luck to you tomorrow!  I'll be thinking of you!

Stay Strong!

Harley

Hugs,

HARLEY

Ggma

Stacey - It's good to hear your sense of humor is what's getting you through this.  I'm like you and try to choose to feel well and laugh about things to make it all go better.  Some days are more successful than others.  Yesterday I was having a little pity party for myself and just felt fat and ugly...but I'd been sick all week-end and it was getting hard to see the bright side of anything!  Today, I'm back to my old self and feeling MUCH better.  I worked all day long, went to supper with some good friends of mine and have been busy sending cards out to some sick friends.  It's amazing how much better you feel when the dogs of nausea are kept at bay!!!

Jackie ~ Good luck with your treatment tomorrow!  With all those drugs, it's bound to be nausea free, right????  You know what they say...drink, drink, drink!

Kaye ~ Haven't heard much from you...are you doing okay? 

 Charlene ~ How did your last tx go for you?  I'm happy that you are done with this round!  Congratulations!

Harley ~ Sounds like you're screaming into the home stretch with your treatments!  How do you like your new wig?  Some nights I can't hardly wait to get home from work to yank mine off and put on a turban or scarf...it just depends on my mood.

Nash ~ I put my scarves on and my oldest son (28 y/o) says that they make me look like a pirate!  He actually likes my wig better than he did my real hair!!!!

Keep your chins up ladies and we'll get through this together!

 Debbi

Harley44

Hi there everyone,

I am so looking forward to being finished with these tx!! 

Stacey,

I agree... I think we  will get through anything that life throws at us a lot easier if we can laugh and have a sense of humor about everything, and be positive!  Sometimes, it's harder than others.   I believe that may be why I am doing so well with my txs.  Sure, I have some se's, and sometimes, I feel kind of draggy, and I have my 'low wbc' days, about a week after my tx. But, I think that overall, I am doing ok. 

Get lots of rest, and drink LOTS and LOTS of water, and other juices!!  Good luck!

Debbi,

I am so ready to be finished with these txs!  I seem to be doing pretty well, if a little more tired each time... 
Yes, I love the new wig!  They are both RED, but the 1st one is shorter, just brushes the shoulder, and curly (I had straight hair), and the new one is just past my shoulder and straight. 
I don't mind the wigs as much as the bandanas and other head covers, which really don't cover very well, and everyone can tell that you don't have any hair.    I don't want people feeling sorry for me, or staring at me, which I get most of the time, when I just have a scarf or bandana on.

It is awful being sick!  Glad to hear that you are feeling MUCH better!

Hugs,

Harley