Starting chemo Dec 2007

KMK

Hi Everyone,

I am so happy for you that are half-way-me too. I have been good-busy which is great to feel good enough to be busy. I found out yesterday at my daughter's highschool basketball game that another mom was just diagnosed with BC (that makes 2 out of 12 in 4 months). We hooked up and she received her biopsy results that she has a 6 cm+ tumor and is in her lymphnodes. She is to begin dose dense AC+T immediately before surgery. She is just reeling of course. She is to go to chemo class next week. So for those of you taking this regiment could you let me know what worked as far as nausea for you and how long it took after TX to get energy back. She works full time and I am not sure she can afford not to. She has been told she is stage 3-I feel so bad for her family but I told her there are so many great victory stories. I am so glad Lori your tumor has shrunk! And Sal we have had some crazy windy days and my new fear that I will be somewhere very public and lose my hat/wig. Got to keep laughing. I hope Laura has a beautiful and warm weekend in every way. I would love to be toasted by some delicious cuban rum.

Have a great weekend,

KMK

wishiwere

Laura~  Enjoy your weekend for us too, but do watch that sun!

Lori! YEAH!  So happy you are through the A/C!  I hate this stuff also!  Good luck with the next rounds dear!

Sal?Are you going to share the 'to-die-for-cake' as well as the story that went with it!  Hoping your wbc are up to snuff as needed!

Amy!!-Congrats on your 1/2 way mark too!  Enjoy your time with dad.  Mines been gone 19 years and I still miss him

Kate?  Can you maybe try some xanax or something to relax you before you go in for tx?  I know when I'm nervous my veins don't want to cooperate.  They seem to have more problems too when I've just come in and my hands are still freezing.  Not sure where you are, but here it's 9 degrees and the blood just dosen't flow as well in teh hands after coming inside!  Brrrrr

Hope everyone has a great weekend ladies!

BTW....Laura, my head has pretty much cleared up after the bactroban and oral antibiotic too.  Thank heavens!  I can bald with being embarrassed finally in my own home!

Side effects were less than either of the last 2 times.  Only problem I had was I couldn't go pee for the first 24 hours (just teeny bits) and was just starting to really worry, b/c I had been drinking the gallon a day since the day before tx (so 2 and 1/2 days) when all of a sudden things started working toooooooo well!  OH MY.  The 40 day flood has come!  Now I can't stop!  But, I can handle this.  Very little n, no v, and the dizziness is minimal. 

Amy?  Was it you that asked about a/c?  I've gone through kytril/compazine and finally have stumbled onto zophran (dissolvable type) and a combination of ABH (atavan/benedryl/halodol that has worked wonders! That and she (the nurse) infused it slower and went back to A/C rather then C/A as she was doing.  combo of all above and the major SE has been sleepiness.  I can deal with that too! WHEW!  But, feeling great today after 2 days!

suz45

Evening Ladies,

Hope all is well as we head into another weekend. I will be joining Sal and Cindy on the 23rd for tx#4. Whoo Who, Cindy does that mean your done chemo! And I guess Lori will be our trail blazer on the taxol tx.

Have been fighting minor se's, headache and achy bones. It could be worse. I'm more moody and emotional than anything else. Wondering if Chemopause is the reason for it.

Laura, I have just one favor to ask of you & dh. Need you guys to roast "FUBC" on the beach for all of us wishing we could be there. Otherwise take it easy and dance like there's nobody watching.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend, warm hugs sent to all of you.

Much Love

Suz

loriann

Hi all!  Feeling pretty good today.  Just had to have a short nap but eating normal and working on the water as anything else has already lost it's taste.  It's funny that with my first tx finding anything to eat was the problem and ever since then the food has been fine (too fine, I've gained 7 pounds!!) but all liquids taste the same..bad!  Except water..oh, and my chai and milk is still good and helps settle the tummy!

Ok, was it Sal that asked about blisters on the feet.  Just about 3-4 days ago when I got out of the shower my feet were kind of hurting and when I looked at them there were about 2 spots on each foot that looked red and tender, but no actual blister.  They have gotten better now but I wanted to suggest to anyone having that problem is that there is a product sold in most sporting good stores called Body Glide.  It looks like a small deodorant and you just rub it anywhere you feel friction.  I learned about it from my Disney board and used it for the first time in August and did not get one blister after 8 days of LOTS of walking!!  I've also used it on my bra straps!  Just an idea!

Laura, I hope you enjoy your trip and have lots of fun!! Have a safe trip also!

Everyone, thanks for the congrats on my ever shrinking tumor!  It really was great news!!  Yeah to all of us!  We are reaching our half way points!

KMK, Sorry to hear about your friend!  My case is a little similar so I will put in my 2 cents!  My tumor is not as large as hers, my MRI measurment was 2.7 cm, but my lymph nodes are involved per biopsy.  We are not sure how many but looks like more than the one that was biopsyed per the MRI.  We won't know until surgery.  My cells were also grade 3 which are the worst kind but also the ones that respond best to chemo.  That is part of the reason my Dr. started me on chemo first also, that and if we were able to shrink the tumor, even a bit, I could go with a lumpectomy!  And as I have posted the tumor is definently shrinking!  She really need to be assured that this is not a death sentence.  It is very scary but you do get thru it!  I have not really had any issues with nausea, thank goodness!  So here was my meds with the AC...When I got there, the plugged in my port, took blood and if that was OK I took one of my Emend caplets.  That is an anti-nausea med.  Then they gave me Aloxi (also anti-nausea) and a steroid (Decradon-sp?) thru the IV.  They waited about 15 minutes and started hand pushing the A and then hung the bag of C.  That's all I did on tx day.  Then the next morning, I took another Emend and 2 dexamethasone (steroid), next day I took last Emend (so a total of only 3 pills over 3 days) and 2 more steroid.  The next day was 1 steroid, and the day after that was one more steroid.  I am doing dose dense (every 2 weeks) and all my tx's have been on Fridays so I do go back in on Mondays and get a Neulasta shot that has not bothered me at all and my blood counts have always been good.  My red count has dropped a small amount each time but not to the point of holding me up at all or needing procrit or anything.  When I saw the oncologist on Friday we went over the Taxol and I will get Benedryl, steroid and Aloxi in thru the port, then the Taxol and then nothing else to take at home!  I liked the sound of that.  She said she would prescribe probably Compazine (anti-nausea) to have on hand at home just in case.  She said to take Tylenol and/or motrin for any tingling in the fingers and feet.  She said I should not feel numbness in the whole hand to the point where I would be dropping anything.  I don't even remember what she said we would have to do if that happened because I'm not even thinking that is an option.  I've handled the AC pretty darn good and will handle the Taxol the same!  Positive thinking is all I will allow!  Tell her about the site and if she wants more info I'll answer all I can.

WishIWere, thanks and I hope you are keeping warm here.  I had to venture out for cat food this morning and have not budged since!  Too cold!

OK, getting tired eyes getting dry...that's something new this past week...anyone else?  Dr. said that is the Cytoxin.

Hope you all are well!  Lori

KMK

Lori,

that's just what I wanted to know. I will forward it to her. I did let her know of this wonderful site.

TX # 4-unbelievably great! Got a new wig today-having fun with new look.

G'night, KMK

M.

bibliowarrior

KMK- Sorry for your friend. For me, the 1st tx was the worst but really had nothing to do with the tx itself... stress/nerves over the tx plus bad food choices (I ate nuts) did me in... tell her as far as nausea, that on chemo days I stick to the bare minimums... dry toast, crackers, pretzels, hard candy and lots of fluids.  At this point I could probably risk other choices, but I definitely don't want to repeat the 1st chemo day nausea, so I limit myself. Oh, and if she has Internet access, definitely recommend finding a "starting chemo in Feb" (or whenever) group like ours (but that's probably the first thing you told her). What I'd do without this forum, I don't know (probably sit in a corner and feel sorry for myself).

wishiwere - cake? what cake? *burp*

Laura & Lori- thanks for ideas about pumice stone and Body Glide... I will definitely try those if it re-occurs. I tried Motrin yesterday... supposidly helps with inflamation, kept my feet propped up as much as possible, soaked them in epsom salts, and they seem a bit better today. Of course, if they are a SE then it probably has just run its course for now and I'll be moving on to the next exciting SE. 

Which leads me to my personal vocabulary gripe of the day: "SIDE effects"... I pondered this one the other day. I think "side" is too wimpy a word for these things. I mean, let's look at it... a "side" salad is a tiny salad, quite insignificant. A "side"kick isn't the important hero, he's only the lesser hero. You can run a motorcyle forever and not need a "side"car. One can easily go through life without noticing "side" things. So let's re-examine "side effects"... would I really call having to walk on the balls of my feet with a certain level of discomfort and quite a bit of self-consciousness a "side" effect? How about having to cancel plans because I'm too fatigued to lift myself off the couch? Deciding to eat dry pretzels and toast instead of a roasted chciken dinner with all the trimmings because I don't want to become best buddies with my bathroom toilet?? Hell no!! It's a full-out,full-blown annoying effect!

Rant over.

Hoping that Laura is having a SUPER time!! Big hugs to everyone else.

-Sal 

Laurita60091

I have just one thing to say.....

and Suz....I will definitely roast one for all of us in a beach ceremony!

joyh

Hi Everyone   Tomorrow is #3 for me (halfway also)  I stayed tired this time, but think part of it is emotional.  Treatment just seems so long.  I still have 3 chemos, surgery (mast) then 8 weeks of radiation, then possibly more chemo.  Makes me tired just to think of it.  On the positive side, I saw onc. this past week and he said tumor has shrunk 50%.  yeah!  Congratulations to you too Lori.  It is working.  To KMK, your friend sounds very much like me.  My tumor was diagnosed at 5.3 cm, and the surgeon said he could feel at least one lymph node.  I am receiving 6 tax first, before surgery.  Tell her that it might be true that the more aggressive tumors respond best to chemotheraphy.  I have read that (don't know if it is true) but seems to be case with me so far.  Hope everyone has a good week.  I dread tomorrow but am happy with halfway mark.  My MIL is coming in Sat. for a week and I will be happy to see her.  It has been cold here also, (Tn.) but we have had a fire in the fireplace.  and I have been enjoying my new recliner and new heating pad.  Our only excitement has been our 8 mo. old chihuahua went into heat with no warning and our two males have been crazy.  We will have her fixed before this can every hapen again.  Joy    

bapnkat

Lori- I am so happy for you!  I will be half through the AC stuff on Wednesday.  I can't wait for this part to be over.  I keep thinking of it as a good sick but wish it wasn't so icky. 

Right now I have a horrible headcold.  Hoping it will be a lot better by Wednesday morning.  Not fun.

Sal, Do the pretzels stay down ok?  So far I just eat saltine crackers.  I'm so sick of saltines.  I practically live on them the first three days after chemo.

Any ideas on what to eat to help keep the nausea down to a minimum?  I could use any advice you all can give.  I've tried the ginger chips...no help. 

Joy-Congrats on your halfway point.  I still have five to go after this next one coming, but I'll be halfway next time.  Is the taxol really rough?  I've heard the pain is pretty bad with it.  How is the nausea as compared with the AC?

Kate

loriann

Hi all!  Thinking of Sal, Amy and Suz with treatment coming up this week!  Hope it goes easy and it's another one down!! 

Thanks for the congrats about my tumor shrinking!  I am happy.  I will be going in next Tuesday for a heart Echo (anyone else having this after finishing AC) and then seeing the surgeon right after for another ultrasound!  Can't wait to see what it shows!!  I also made my appointment with my radiation oncologist for March 28th, 2 weeks after I finish my final Taxol.  I also should have surgery scheduled for right about that time!  I'm still trying very much to stick to the schedule that allows me to still go to Vegas on June 23rd!

I feel bad for you that are having continued nausea!  I have to say I have not had a problem with that other than my very first AC and even then it was queasy tummy and no actual upchucking!  The bad side of that is that since food has tasted fine and the steroids turn me into an eating machine I have gained 12 pounds!  I'm not, can't, won't even worry about it right now but I know it will be a bit** to take off!  Now I get to worry about the water retention with the Taxol!  More joy!!  Whatever, I gotta just keep going and deal with whatever's left when I'm done with treatment! 

Kate, when my tummy is queasy chocolate milk (Nesquick powder) tastes good and the chai with milk works for me too!  And that first week when it was at it's worst I lived on baked potatoes and bananas.  I hope you find something that helps soon!

Talk soon friends, stay warm!  Lori

KMK

Hi,

Joy and Lori your cases do sound similar to my friends-thanks again for info. I forwarded your posts and she was encouraged.I am so glad your tumors are shrinking-it makes it all worthwhile. She is meeting with oncologist Wed.day. I think taxotere is in the taxol family. If so the side (bad word choice right Sal)effects were not so bad. I did have the one allergic reaction but I didn't first time when the drip went slower. It takes longer to administer the AC I've heard. I have to take the steroids 3 days and I also take the Emend. This time I took no other anti-nausea once I was through with the Emend 3-pack. I also am ravenous and can eat anything. I get a little flushed/feverish the first 2 days though the 2nd time not as much. Just feel out of it/ low energy for 3 days. I really didn't notice any water weight gain-maybe my knuckles are a little swollen especially when I walk a lot. But my energy is good as I am still power-walking with friends. So hopefully Taxol will be go okay. Joy was chihuahua puppies the plan?

KMK

joyh

Tx went well today. Nulasta  tomorrow.  No, KMK, puppies were not the plan althought I admit to considering it for one day until DH got home from business trip.  He said four were enough and I know he is right.  I always said when I retired I wanted to have a chihuahua ranch and this could have been the beginning.  I have a question and hope one of you knows something about the subect.  When first examined by surgeon, he said unfortunately I can feel at least one lymph node enlarged.  When I asked onc. for best case scenario he said no disease evident at time of surgery (20% chance). If my tumor has already shrunk 50% after 2 tx, 4 to go, it seems possible or maybe even plausible to think the lymph nodes could possible get back to normal.  So want happens during surgery to lymph nodes.  Does he just take out a bunch or what?  I am more worried about lymph nodes than mast.     Thanks, Joy

bibliowarrior

Joy- congrats on your incredible shrinking tumor!!! 50% is AWESOME!!!

Kate, Suz, Cindy, Laura, Amy and anyone else having tx this week... big hugs. One for me too... I have tx #4-outta-8 tomorrow. Woot woot!

Kate- good luck with the head cold. Stupid germs. / And yes, the pretzels have worked for me so far. But I echo you on the saltines... I am SOO tired of eating the things that have "worked." They almost make me gag just thinking about eating them. Blah. / As for nausea, all I can say is what seems to work for me... on chemo day I limit myself to hard candy, dry cinnamon raisin toast, soup crackers, pretzel rods, graham crackers, ginger ale, water, fruit juice (in form of crushed ice cubes), oatmeal, and a protein drink (for a protein boost, before I head in for chemo). The next day I let myself branch out to other foods. I generally feel semi-queasy for 3 or 4 days... have to force myself to eat... but never slip into nausea. I take the anti-nausea meds regularly for those days at the slightest hint of queasiness. Make sure I drink 2 liters/quarts of fluids on chemo day and for 3 days after chemo. Except for my 1st tx, I haven't had problems with nausea (knock on wood). I'm sure you're already doing these things, so maybe ask your onc if there is another anti-nausea med she/he can give you... supposidly there are like 10 of them and sometimes it just takes a while for them to find the right match for you. Good luck buddy.

Had my biopsy yesterday. Breezed thru that like a pro (how sad is that statement... it was my 3rd biopsy in as-many months). Won't know what the cyst was for a couple days, but they think it might be a swollen lymph node. I'm thinking if it is, it's now a useless one since they took 4 samples out of it; and wondering if I'm now at greater risk for lymphedema. *sigh* But keeping perspective: "it's not more cancer" would be the diagnosis of choice.

Rewarded my biopsy adventure by having a 75-minute, full-body massage today. The therapist deals only with cancer patients and does a wonderful job. It was pricey (for my modest income) but worth every penny. He said next time I go he can show me something to help with the "pins and needles" effect that Taxol causes, so I'm glad to know there is already something I can do to combat one of the side effects of the next drug I'll be getting.

Gotta get to bed early, so off I go. Hugs, ladies.

-Sal 

bibliowarrior

Joy-

I'd ask your surgeon, but my guess is that even if your lymph nodes were able to shrink back to normal that isn't the real reason they are removed at surgery... they remove and check lymph nodes to see if the cancer might have spread through the lymphatic system. But I'm no doctor, so I'd definitely check with your surgeon and ask him to explain it clearly.

As for removing the lymph nodes, my general surgeon explained it to me  this way (and if I'm incorrect, please correct me folks)... she planned to do a "sentinel lymph node biopsy". When your lymph nodes move fluids around, there are one or several lymph nodes in the breast area that is/are the first node(s) that fluids go through before entering the rest of your body... they are called the sentinel lymph node(s). So what they do, is before surgery they inject a blue, radioactive dye into your breast which travels through your lymph nodes and out of your breast, into the rest of your body. During surgery, the surgeon takes what sounds to me like a sort of giegercounter and she figures out where the sentinel lymph node(s) is/are. The more they can narrow down the lymph nodes that specifically deal with the breast, the better chance of not removing nodes un-necessarily. If they can't tell which one(s) is/are the sentinel, then they take a sampling I think... but I'm not completely sure since I lucked out and only had to have the one sentinal node removed... so that question I would definitely ask.

I had to have my surgeon explain this procedure to me several times because I didn't really understand what lymph nodes were or what they did. But she was patient and I finally got the jist of it. I'd certainly choose to have lymphedema over cancer if I had to, but I still don't take it lightly since it is something to deal with for the rest of your life.

Hope I helped and didn't make it muddier. Definitely ask someone "in the know" to explain it correctly to you and ask your surgeon about "sentinel lymph node biopsy"... that's definitely the way to go... less is more approach.

-Sal 

joyh

Sal, congratulations on half-way mark tomorrow!  Seems such a short time ago we were  concerned about hair loss and now look where we are.  Thanks for all your uplifting posts. I always look forward to them.       Joy

KMK

Hi Joy,

My MRI showed some enlarged lymph nodes under the armpit; my surgeon said it could be the stress of the biopsy. When I had my lumpectomy they identified the sentinel lymph nodes(for me 4) and they were taken out. Then during surgery a pathologist did a "dirty read"-quick read to see if there is any trace of cancer- if so surgeon would haven taken them all out. For me they did not find any cancer in the sentinel nodes so they stopped there but then did further/longer testing (like the biopsy) on the sentinel nodes for cancer. If it was found I would have gone back for a total lymph node dissection. Luckily I was clear on both tests but one friend had microscopic traces during her sentinel node mapping and they took them all out immediately and another had to have a 2nd surgery to have them all taken out. I hope that helps and your nodes are swollen due to stress. I like the idea of a chihuahua ranch..one day...

Sal glad biopsy is over and good luck to you and you others having tx this week. One more down has to feel good.

KMK

clsd

Sisters!!!

Helllloooo! I was thinking about you all last night, each one of you, while I lay wide awake, just me and my decadron.......the support  and strength I pull from you ladies is impossible to describe. I don't post too much, but I love to check on you ladies as much as I can.

Sal, sooooooooooooo glad that biopsy is in the rear view mirror! I will be praying for some 'negative' results from your pathologist. We gotta believe, right! I feel good about this one. Big day for us today!!!!! Chemo tx!!! We got those little bc doggies on the run for sure!

I razor shaved my head last night in the shower. Today is my final chemo, and I wanted a fresh start with my hair, so I got rid of my nasty, patchy, scraggley,grey chemo hair. I missed a bunch of spots in the back, so my dh will finish me off before tx. 

Sending love and prayers for a good day to all of you beautiful ladies. xoxoxox  cindy

joyh

Thanks Sal and KMK,   I too have had difficulty understanding the lymph system.  When the onc told me he thought the chemo would shrink the tumor signigicantly, I asked if it might then be possible to have lumpectomy instead of mast.  He very emphatically said NO.  That is what made my mind start wondering if they would remove any lymphnodes that could have possibly had cancer even if no symptoms remain at time of surgery. (I don't see surgeon again for  three months until after chemo.)  Maybe the sentinel node would tell the tale after all.  I'll be hoping.  On a different note, I started colace four days ago before this tx.  I'll let you know.          Joy

wishiwere

{{{Cindy and Sally }}} Hope your treatments were uneventful today and you're doing well this evening!

Cindy, do you think shaving it helps?  I thought about doing that now that my scalp has cleared up but wasn't sure if it would better or not. 

Joy, not sure why they wouldn't remove them, if they were cancerous once, I personally would want them OUT.  Just me, but what if there were one teeny bad cell left.  Will they do SLNbx with your surgery, do you know?

clsd

WIW,

Not really sure if it helps??? Jury still out with razor stubble, etc.... I was just wanting a fresh new Uncle Fester/Kojak look, and wanted to get rid of that chemo patient sickly look. Now I look like a psycho biker chick ! I wanted a new start, and wanted to take charge I guess, since I don't seem to be able to be in charge of many things as of late..... Today was my last treatment, WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!! As I pulled out of the driveway onto my road, there were twenty or so girlfriends with signs, balloons, megaphones, music.............what a great send-off. There was even a FUBC poster !!!!!!!!! I am so fortunate to have so many people supporting me and my family, you ladies included. With this team, we are destined to WIN !!!

Sending big cyber hugs. xo  cindy

wishiwere

Great to hear you made it through the last one!  WWwhoooohoooo is right!  What great friends you have to support you that way!   and a fun group too!  All we need in this fight to FBC!

I guess that was my question, whether it was easier to sleep without stubble or not.  I still have enough stubble on the top and sides of the back that sleeping can be a uncomfortable at times.  Just not sure I trust myself with a razor near my brain (little use though it is these days)

loriann

Evening all! 

Sal & Cindy, hope tx went well today!  Cindy, that has to be the greatest feeling....to be done with chemo!  I can't wait till I'm there!  Last tx for me is March 14th!  Better days are coming!  I've been having a bit of pain which I'm assuming is from the Neulasta, which has not really bothered me in the past.  I envy you whose SE's have become predictable as mine follow no pattern other than the first one was the worst and that my nausea has been kept under great control.  All the other stuff comes and goes with no rhyme or reason! 

OK, Is anyone else starting to see the bills coming in from tx?  Trying not to let it get me down but OMG...thank goodness there is a limit to my co-insurance.  Just when my tx was starting I thought I read that the Neulasta shot was $1000.00 per shot....and I thought OMG, so imagine my surprise when on my EOB (explaination of benefits) the shot is $3000.00 of which $2000.00 something is allowed and my portion is like $400.00 per shot!!  I see a long line of monthly payments in my future!!  I have some questions I need to get answered from the insurance company as well!  It's always something and a bit depressing!!  Actually, alot depressing!!  Looks like it's turned into a pity day for me!  And to top it off I got a flat tire in my driveway as I came from the grocery store and had to haul all the bags up the icy drive!  Looking on the brightside, I slept soundly from 1 am til 6 am last night!  At least the steroids are wearing off and hopefully I sleep good tonight!

Like I said, better days are coming!!  Have a good evening, Lori

wishiwere

{{{Lori}}}  Man, yes, when it rains it seems to pour!  Or snow!  Are you getting that too I suppose?  We've missed the last 2-5 they called for last night, but have another foot on the ground from a couple nights ago!  Pretty, but 'nuff is enough!

Be careful on that ice!  Bruises are big time when you fall on your arse, I can attest to that from a few weeks ago when I hit the drivway pavement with mine!  OUCHY!

Hope you get that good nights sleep tonight you are hoping for!  And don't even think @ those bills dear, they'll be there after treatment and we can worry about then.  Today is about you and your treatments, tomorrow for bills

bibliowarrior

Joy- I didn't think of it until later, but the good news about your doing chemo before surgery-- regardless of what happens lymph node wise-- is that whether the cancer has spread or not you've already started zapping the nasty little vermin. You're a step ahead of anyone who had surgery first... you're already stoppin them darn cancer cells dead in their tracks!

Cindy-- your send-off for your last tx sounds EXCELLENT! And congrats on being done! *cue the Pomp and Circumstance music* *break out the champagne* YOU WORKED HARD FOR THIS DIPLOMA!!!!  Way to go... you are an inspiration to us all!!!

                                               

Thanks everyone for the well-wishes. Things went well today. Only got the semi-queasies, as usual. No sinus head funkiness this time, which I am SO grateful for *knock on wood*. 4 down, only 4 to go. I'll admit I'm scared after getting the "There is an allergic reaction to Taxol (my next drug) in 2% of people, and this is what we'll do if it happens to you..." speech (reminds me of KMK's experience with Taxotere-- eek!). But that's two weeks away so I'm gonna try to live in the moment.

Also got the results of my biopsy. More great news. It's only a hematoma. Not cancer. Not a lymph node gone funky. Awesome.

And I just got back from my "Look good, feel better" session. I need to work on my makeup techniques (LOL), but it's a start and I got a HUGE pile of free makeup. I'd recommend it to anyone who either needs to learn how to do makeup or simply wants a fun night out with all the free stuff that comes with it.

Good luck Suz tomorrow, and Amy on Friday. And anyone I missed. *thumbs up* 

Gonna hit the bed early. Been a long day. Warm hug to you all.

-Sal 

wishiwere

 Great report!  And fantastic you are doing well with the tx so far!

Man, tis' great to share in good reports with others!  Just funtastic!   Thanks for sharing the good news!

KMK

So happy for you Cindy-what a way to end! i know what you mean about the sickly head thing. I had my hair stylist clean up my neck with razor and just trim all patches with scissors. It is not uncomfortable to sleep on but if feels cleaned up-It looks intentional if you know what I mean. Hope every one is home safe and sound after tx. Sal even though I had that reaction, I was able to complete treatment with help of more steroids and benadryl. So just have them give it to you slowly and you'll be fine. That is GREAT news about your biopsy! My bills are piling on as well Lori-I file them and every other week I look up on-line what my insurance company paid and then pay the rest. It is staggering how much everything is, I am so thankful to have insurance. I think of the women who go through this without and my heart just bleeds for them. It is so stressful as is.

Sleep well everyone,

KMK

clsd

wishiwere

My question is!  Could that beautiful smile get any LARGER!!!  You look so danged happy woman! 

Big Congrats and even bigger {{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}!

suz45

GO CINDY....

 

A well deserved congratulations and a huge {{{{hug}}} from me. Your done and you are stronger. Tears of joy and good luck.

Love & Hugs

Suz

beasgirl

Cindy--WAAAAA-HOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! You did it!!!!! Congratulations! And what a wonderful bunch of friends you must have, to send you off like that. Way to go, lady.

Haven't been writing, I keep pooping out, but I've been keeping up with all of you... 

Sal, I'm with you about the whole "side effect"/new-speak problem. Effects are effects, eh!? The only thing that makes them "side" is that they aren't helping anything! Which makes them MORE annoying, not less! Gah.

It's interesting that a couple of you mentioned milky stuff as helpful with nausea--it's the last thing I'd expect, but I've also found that milk settles my stomach when I'm feeling queasy. I just kinda follow my appetite, and I seem to be ok. I've definitely been wanting lots of milk. Isn't that strange!? And juicy fruits and veggies, like you-all said--cucumbers in particular! The weirdest thing is, that I think I eat MORE when I'm feel queasy--like I want to fix it by putting something in there--I've definitely gained a few pounds, too.

So, for those of you getting ready for Taxol, here's how it's been for me so far, on a low weekly dose:

--I've felt like I'm coming down with a cold most of the time. ach-ey throat, drippy nose, (bloody at night), low energy (but I don't think the low energy is as bad as the AC).

--NO reaction (and I tend to react, at least to antibiotics), but they've given me dexadron and benadryl every time, rather than waiting to see if I react.

--bone pain, esp. jaw and hips. apparently this is relatively rare (like 10-20%?), but it happens. tylenol/advil usually helps... I took a leftover percoset on Christmas .

--NO problem with neuropathy (tingling hands and feet). My onc said (at my dosage anyway) that it doesn't tend to happen in otherwise healthy young people, at least not in a severe way that might be chronic. She said as things accumulate in the following weeks, I may get a little that will then go away, but so far, no.

--my wbc has been around 3 the whole time, even with a nasty virus.

--a little bit queasy--some yucky taste in my mouth, some loss of taste  (the lower half of my tongue!?), little waves of ick, but nothing too bad. my $60 pills work great for this. except the taste.

--some lower gi discomfort, constipation; hemorrhoids (god save us all).  pretty much manageable with over the counter stuff.

--a general weak, shaky feeling that never seems to go away.  That, and the bone pain, is the strangest and most obviously "chemo-y" feeling.

So all in all, I'd say it's not FUN, but it's very tolerable. I have a feeling that those of you who have been through the AC will think it's a breeze, and wonder afresh what all my whining has been about.  Also, keep in mind that I'm a terrible chemo patient: I DON'T drink all the water I'm supposed to, don't take supplements, eat whatever I feel like, regardless of fiber/nutritional content, haven't even TRIED to exercise. I know, I know. For me, whining is its own medicine.

Kate--you've gotten a good description of the lymph stuff from these awesome ladies. And you know, not everyone who has them removed gets lymphedema. Hope your doc can explain it all to you. And I hope your friend is getting squared away with her diagnosis--what a terrible lucky thing that you can help each other through...

OK, that's enough for now. Another treatment tomorrow (sigh). I feel like there's a little two-year old in me going NO NO NO! I DON'T WAAAANNNAAAAA! But the reasonable grown-up in me will go. Five more. I can do that... sigh...

A