Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

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  • RN2teach
    RN2teach Member Posts: 312
    edited January 2008

    Hey Jewels,

    Kathy- hope you're having a good evening with your babies!

    WVGirl- love the poem.

    Diane63- I hope you have a good support system in place to help with your son when you need a recovery day from bc treatment. My SIL and a close friend work with autistic teens in the school system.

    D1- thanks for your insight on tx 1 vs. tx 2. I see my onco tomorrow afternoon and I will def. be asking him about the muscle spasms (mine AND yours). I'll let you know...

    D1 and CHJ- love the bald-in-the-car stories!!

    Vettegal- glad to hear from you. (((Hugs))) with your se. Take care of yourself.

    Jackieb and AZDonna- be thinking of you tomorrow as you have your chemo. (Jackie, hope the first one goes well for you!)

    Catch you later, Gems

    Paula

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  • KathyL
    KathyL Member Posts: 534
    edited January 2008

    Good evening ladies!  The kids are downstairs playing, so I took advantage of the time to check in here.  I've actually had my daughter with me almost all day-- her preschool called for me to get her as she had a fever and sore throat.  Great, more germs!  I was not messing around after last week's hospital visit and took her right to the pediatrician's since I'm not working and can't really do a strep test at home.  Thankfully, it's just viral.  And she seems to have had a miraculous recovery as the day's gone on.  She's had no temp for me.... hmmm!  Anyway, her doc's office was so nice, got her in quickly with the NP I know and even gave me some masks to bring home just in case.  There went my day though.  Tomorrow I have appointments, so I hope to be able to ship her back to preschool and not cart her along with me.  Don't I sound awful?-- I really DO love my kids.

    WVgirl:  like the horses poem.

    D1: so glad you were out busy, not laid up with SEs!  Love the bald story, though when I first read it I wasn't sure which version of "topless" you meant.  LOL!  We ARE BC patients after all :)  OK, 5'9" and 138 lbs. is not a fatty, honey!  But I feel your pain about the weight gain regardless. I feel like a big lump and really need to do something before I'm a candidate for the next "Biggest Loser".  Thanks for the details on round #2-- very helpful.  And constipation is way worse than gas for sure, to clear that one up!  Gas is no biggie: better to let it out and bear the shame, than hold it in and bear the pain my grandpa used to say!  hahaha!  Interesting about the hair.  I am starting to see some strands come off my head today, though no major exodus yet.  No loss on my arms or pubes yet.  Or my legs and armpits, but they are barely growing.  Weird!  I'm gonna be PO'ed if I lose all on my head, but nowhere else.  There has to be some benefit to hair loss (like no shaving)!

    Vettegal:  Hang in there.  Hope you feel better soon.  I'm waiting for chemo-pause, too.  I spotted all last week and this week have my period-- joy, 2 weeks of bleeding instead of one!  And not being able to use tampons really sucks!

    OK, back to the kids.  Only one more hour to bedtime and some peace.  See you all tomorrow!

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  • Determined1
    Determined1 Member Posts: 806
    edited January 2008

    AZDonna--you're going in for #3 tomorrow!!! Way to go!!!

    JackieB--Grab your cape and glass, your chemotini awaits you.  Only SHEROES get these special cocktails!  Bottoms up!!!

    You're in our thoughts tomorrow.

    D1

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  • Determined1
    Determined1 Member Posts: 806
    edited January 2008

    KathyL--You musta been posting while I was in compo mode.  Hey, I'd be the last one to question your love for your kids--when my girls were the same age as your two, I'd hire a babysitter to keep them busy in the house while I got stuff done in another room (with the door shut, of course!).  And mine always went to school--the rule around here was you had to be dead to miss school!  You sound like a great mom to me!

    And I'd love to be 138 again...those were the days.  Guess the good thing about these additional 7 pounds is that I'll need new clothes for spring!

    I think I love your grandpa.

    D1

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  • sista2
    sista2 Member Posts: 53
    edited January 2008

    evening jewels!

    SIS kimberly - i had a pelvic scan because something "glowed" on an ovary on my pet scan.  got the news today that the results were okay.  AND i found out yesterday that i'm negative for the BRAC gene.  finally some good testing news.  thank God for my girls!!

    wvgirl - your DH sounds like a piece of work.  i'm so sorry he just doesn't get it.  i suspect you probably know if this is generally his character or if he might be going through something.  i hope you have some other support surrounding you.  maybe a brotherly hug from your bald bro?!

    CHJ - i've gotten one neulasta and didn't have any se's.  good luck.

    vettegal - i'm one day ahead of you for first tx and i was thinking the same thing today.  what if i didn't do this stupid chemo?  i sure felt fine before.  lump removed, cancer gone.  simple.  now i feel like crap.  and i only have a week left with hair.  my stomach is in constant turmoil...stomach juices sound like waves pounding on the shore after i eat or volcanoes erupting, not sure which.  it's just a mess.  and i will be taking days off without pay too -- a lot of them.  good thing interest rates are falling for all of my debt! i know we're doing the right thing.  please keep venting, it makes me feel better. 

    did anyone's hair last longer than 2 weeks? 

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  • kris60
    kris60 Member Posts: 91
    edited January 2008

    first post  yay me.

    First chemo was yesterday, and neulasta was today, so I guess I'm a Jan 2008.  Last night kinda sucked, didn't throw up, just felt kinda motion sickness-ey.  Had my first ever hot flash...wow!

    Have a port, and chemo is going to be 3 months a/cy (every other week) and 3 months taxol (every week) then radiation.  had a 3.5cm on rt boob, mri showed something deeper in so I said take it, just turning 40  so it's not like I plan on flashing them to anyone anymore :P.  Lymphs, ct,bone all came back clean.. yay.  

    I'm a positive and psycho person, but feel like crap atm.  going to try to suck some more water even though my saliva is horrid right now.

    I'll be lurking

    take care

    Kris 

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  • camazur
    camazur Member Posts: 70
    edited January 2008

    Hi Jewels.

    Went for my bloodwork today to find my levels have improved. Its day 14 from my first tx, and the hair is coming out.



    Just for the record, my next tx is Feb. 7, off by a day because my son, 17, is coming down for a visit on the 6th. Haven't seen him since the end of Nov., just before I was diagnosed. He is in a drug rehab program 6 hours away. Its a working farm with sheep and pigs and seems to be doing him a world of good. They are transporting him down for a few hours at home and a court date. I am praying for clear weather.



    My other tx dates will be 2/27, 3/19, 4/9, and 4/30.



    D1-You are so brave to go out topless. I don't know if I have the balls. But I have lots of hats.



    Maz

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  • sheebas
    sheebas Member Posts: 19
    edited January 2008

    Hi Everyone

    Today was the big day. Had my first ever chemo this morning.  It was not so bad.  Thanks to everyone here for the encouragement. I went in fairly confident that it would be doable even for a sissy like me. and it was with the help of an ativan.  I had a few tears when I saw the nurse get out the red syringe.  She was so comforting , told me it was normal and as long as I didn't try to run away I could do whatever I wanted.  I settled down soon. My dh was with me and he did a super of alternating distracting and sympathizing.

    It was a good experience in this little hospital.  There were 2 patients and 2 nurses. I got the older one in charge. I think because it was my first time.  She stayed with me the whole time. I could not have asked for anything more. 

    They let me come in whenever I wanted. I said I don't get up till nine. "How's 10:30 they?" said "unless that's too early".so I'm very happy I can have it done here in my small town.

    D1- thanks for keeping track of everybody.  I will be having A/C every 3 weeks  for 5 more times.  Next one Feb. 20.  It looks like the last one will be May 14.  I think I'll be on here all by myself by then. Most of you will be thinking of better things and combing your new hair.

    Thanks to all for explaining se's and remedies.  It takes al lot of the fear away to know it's not as bad as I was imagining.

    Have a good restful night everyone, and take care of yourselves

    Judy

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  • Determined1
    Determined1 Member Posts: 806
    edited January 2008

    Judy--I'm so glad your first time was okay.  It's really the anticipation that's the killer, isn't it?  You keep saying you're a sissy, but I don't see any sissy behavior in your post.  You're a survivor, girl!  Not only that, you're a January Jewel!!  We're a special breed of survivor.  Don't you forget it.

    Hey Maz, good to hear from you.  Yep, Day 14, bout time for that hair to go.  My dh has taken to calling me Baldy, but I take it only in the most loving way (otherwise, I'd cry).  Dh and 16yo daughter announced to me tonight that I need another shave to rid myself of the hairs that are growing.  I like to think of them as my downy fuzz.  Not sure what to do about it.  I'm more concerned about the pimples on my neck and forehead that seemed to have popped up in the last 12 hours...  Oh, and you need to talk to SIS Kimberly about hairless balls in public (okay, you guys, you know what I mean!  God, you get a bunch of chemo-laden chicks reading into your comments and all hell breaks loose!).  She goes out for real without a topper.  I was in my car!  Oh, oh, but I did answer the door to the pizza guy the other night without a top and he did a real double-take.  I almost felt cruel.  (Again, get those minds on the right top--I only flashed the kids at Halloween as part of my Frankenboob costume!  jk.)

    Kris--Welcome to the Jewels (after my previous shout out, you're probably wondering what kind of group we are--it's okay, we're harmless).  Good news on the clean scans, lymphs.  And congrats on your first hot flash.  Get used to those.  They seem to be a work hazard around here.  Do me a favor and check your entry on the header for accuracy.  It's important we have the dates of your next infusions right so we can send good vibes your way.  Feel free to stop by to share your good, bad and ugly.  That's why we're here.

    Hmm.  It's quiet in my house.  I think everyone's gone to bed.  Maybe I should, too.  (After all, I washed the sheets today and can't let the dh break them in--not fair!)

    TTFN,

    D1

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  • SISKimberly
    SISKimberly Member Posts: 762
    edited January 2008

    Good Evening Jewels,

    You've all been very talkative today. I got a lot done today anticipating tomorrow Decadron crash. Worked out for about 20 minutes, went grocery shopping, had my Neulasta shot and saw my oncologist. Carol, he doesn't even want to discuss the hysterectomy idea until have treatment is over and we come the point where we need to decide how to proceed with the hormones. I'm OK with that...one step at a time. After that, I went shopping for a pair of sunglasses, sat on mine, and some new socks. I found a cute shirt, too. I wore a scarf out today and actually had a gal ask where I got it.

    I then met a teacher friend at Starbucks for a decaf after she got out of school for the day. I got home around 5:30pm.



    Kathy- I know that ten pounds at the top end seems like a lot, but you'll get back to normal. I have faith that when the time comes that you're ready to commit to losing that weight, you'll do it. You've kind of been busy and had lots on your plate...I mean that figuratively of course. And, you are not a bad mom wanting some alone time to just get things done. We've all been there! Hope you got some peace and quiet once the little darlings were in bed. About gas...my father in law, who passed away from cancer three years ago, used to say...Better out there in this big old world than inside little ole me!

    Your grandpa and my father in law would have gotten along great!!!!



    CHJ-Hysterical balditude story!!!!



    WVgirl- That's what friends are for, sweetie. And like Carol said, Miralax is over the counter, so you don't need a prescription.



    Vettegal- Vent away!!!!! Better here where we all know what you're talking about!!!!

    I am so sorry to hear the se's are keeping you down...and without pay has got to hurt. Is the dh able to get any extra hours in to cover the loss? Too bad you can't work from home on days you can't go in to the office. Is there no way to have your computer at home and take your calls from home? It will be a nice treat to see flowers on your desk when you do get back to work, though.



    Like my poem said, my scalp was sore by day 8, and hair starting to fall out by day 11.



    Bob Evans....must be an East Coast thing. At least you can taste that. My buds came back week three,

    but now I'm readying myself for their loss again. Whine!!!! FUSE!!!!



    sista2- What wonderful news all the way around!!!! WhooHoo!!! The se's won't last forever...just a few more days and things will be looking up! You'll be glad you did this chemo thing...it's just one more defense against recurrance...not 100% guarentee, but better than the odds without it.



    Welcome Kris. Glad you could join us...postive and psycho...you'll fit in just fine!!!! If you haven't had a chance to go back and read our posts, you might want to in order to get all the wonderful advice, support, and goofiness...and there are t-shirts for the JJ's.



    Maz- How wonderful that your son is doing well in his drug treatment program. We did a family intervention when my dad was 67. He was addicted to alcohol and marijuana. We sent him to St. Helena and he's been clean and sober for 3 years now. He thanks us for the intervention now--hated us at the time---and stated if he'd only known how good life could be without his addictions, he would have stopped sooner. Of course lots of counseling and learning about why he felt he needed to numb out wasn't easy, but we're so proud of him. I wish the same success for your boy.



    Going topless isn't so bad. I actually find it rather empowering as my poem on Balditude on the previous page mentions. I do have alternative things I wear...baseball hat, a scarf, my wig...but prefer whenever possible to just be au natural.



    Sheebas- I'm so glad you had a good experience at your cancer center the first time around. Yeah, the Red Devil is a little anxiety provoking isn't it? But just remember, these drugs are your chemotini...it's kicking your cancer's butt. Think of it as a cleansing rather than a poisoning. And you will so not be here alone at the end...this group is here for the long haul. We've got gals doing radiation after chemo and of course hormone choices to make...A year from now, we will still be talking to eachother and celebrating the success we've had...complaining about the se's of chemopause or hormone therapy...talking about breast reconstruction...No worries my dear...we're here for you.

    D1- Must have been posting when I was composing. Loved the pizza guy story. Your wit always cracks me up.

    Hope Sunshine, Deb3, and Joan did OK today. AZDonna, JackieB, and Jenn51...are up tomorrow. We're with you gals.



    Good night Jewels,

    SIS Kimberly

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  • golfer779
    golfer779 Member Posts: 1,378
    edited January 2008

    Evening Jewels, I'm sure many of you are already snug as a bug in bed by now, just getting a chance to check things out, looks like another day of lots of good stories, advice, support, who could ask for more.

    T-shirts are in the mail, should arrive in about 2 days.  Maybe three on the east coast.  I still need a few addresses.   I'm trying to decide if I'll be able to wear mine to chemo, it might be a pain accessing my port, but I thought it would be cool to get a picture of my i/v line entering my bod and the FUBC letters prominently displayed.

    After my stupidity of letting them jab my finger for blood on my "bad" side, I ordered a Lymphedema alert bracelet.  I think I will wear it atleast for the next few months while getting poked seems to be happening quite a bit these days.  Thought I'd bring it up as others with alot of nodes removed might be interested in also getting one.  There are many websites who sell them, I just googled lymphedema bracelets.

    Kimberly, my thoughts are exactly the same in regards to the hyst.  Figure I have 5 more months of chemo, 6 weeks of rads, so by summer I'll be gearing up to get the full scoop on what will be best.  By the way, went from just one sore boob, to the full meal deal with the ol' period.  God I know now why I stayed on birth control as long as I did, this is a pain!  So much for chemo and menopause, how about the opposite.  I'll be discussing this with the onc next week. 

    Havn't had a great 48 hours, daughters fiance's dad past away yesterday, and our best friends mom past away this morning, both from "FC".  They both were under hospice care and past in their homes.   FTD made a bundle on us todayFrown.

    Carol

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  • deb102307
    deb102307 Member Posts: 248
    edited January 2008

    Hey Jewels,

    Just been lurking the last couple of days.  By the time I get home from work, I am ready to crash on the couch and watch the news or debates and then off to bed.

    To those that have gotten the first cocktail under their belt.....hope the se's are minimal and you are feeling better soon.

    Welcome to all the newbies.  This group has grown alot and while that is sad in some ways, it is comforting to know that there is power in those numbers.

    Looks like AZDonna, JackieB and Jenn51 are next up.  ((((HUGS)))) to all of you that the day will go well with each time a little easier than the last.

    I'll hopefully be right behind you on Friday provided my ANC is up.

    Well, goodnight gems.  Sleep well.

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  • KathyL
    KathyL Member Posts: 534
    edited January 2008

    Good morning Jewels!  I'm always here early as I get up to help the dh get the rugrats ready for preschool.  It's nice and quiet now.  The dd seems better today, so she's off to school.  I have an appointment later with my ps to get the new boob checked out one month post-exchange.  Gotta say it looks great even nippleless!  One of my friends has her appointment right before me for her first fill post-double mastectomy.  I'm goona be there with her, then have my appointment-- we'll be the boobsie twins today!  I'll probably catch lunch beforehand with one of my other friends (a little nervous to go out after last week, but I don't want to live in a bubble for crying out loud!).  So we were chatty last night... good to see!

    Sista2: Congrats on negative BCRA!!!  So nice to get good news, huh?  I know exactly how you about the "what if we didn't do chemo?".  I think it's ok to think it-- how could we not?  I just remind myself that I want to do everything possible now so that there will be no more BC for me in the future.  I want no regrets that I could've done something and didn't.  I just look at my kids and husband-- I don't want to miss anything with them over the next 45-50 years I plan on living (remember, I'm 37).  Oh, and I'm day 15 with a full head of hair still!  Some strands came out yesterday, but nothing yet today.  And my head does not feel funny like some describe (yet?).  I know it's coming, but I feel like my little blondies are rebelling against chemo right now-- you hang in there girls as long as you can!  I refuse to shave them until they give out and come off in clumps.

    Kris60:  Welcome!  You sound like you'll fit in here perfectly.  We're lots of fun so feel free to lurk and be entertained, but chime in when you wish, too.

    Maz:  I'll bet it will be nice to see your son before #2 next week.  We're on the same schedule, so I follow your posts and SEs, too.  You'll only be a day behind me next week.  Hope everything goes well with your son.  It's good he's getting help.

    Sheebas (Judy):  One down, 5 to go!  Yay!  Your center sounds nice.  And don't worry, like SIS Kimberly said... many of us will be around.  Some of us are doing herceptin infusions (like me) for a year.  And somehow I think this group will continue on even after treatments (chemo) are done, just maybe not posting as often.

    Carol:  So sorry to hear of your losses.  What a week it's been for you.  I'm really excited the shirts are on the way!  I hope to wear mine next week to my infusion.  I'll take pics, though I am completely computer-illiterate getting things other than words on here.  We'll see if I can post pics...

    Well, off to start my day and check on my hair situation. TTFN Jewels! 

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  • CarolC
    CarolC Member Posts: 179
    edited January 2008

    Hi Jewels,

    I am so out of it - I've been missing reading at our group but I'm again having horrendous computer/virus problems - some kind of a strange trojan got into my system on my laptop; and the Spyware program tech people are even having trouble removing it. So I'm staying offline as much as I can. Just need to tell you that I'm here in spirit and can't wait to catch up on everyone's journey.

    My hair started coming out the day before yesterday - even though I expected it, it made me queasy to actually see the clumps in my brush. Foolishly I wore a black sweater to work yesterday and everyone kept brushing the hair of my shoulders and back. I have a business event tonight so probably won't have a chance to cut/shave it til Sat. And I will send pics.

    No other se's for me - hopefully that will last til my 2nd tx on 2/7 - my first combo of Cytoxin along w/the taxotere. As I mentioned, my insurance co wouldn't approve the Xeloda even after we appealed it because they consider it experimental to use in an adjuvant setting. Sigh.

    JackieB- I see you get your first cocktail today - good luck. And to all of you who've been treating this past week - know I was sending positive energy.

    I promise that I'll have the time to read everyone's posts from this past week and catch up by the weekend.  I feel so out of it and  one of the few bright lights in this journey we're on is the understanding and support we all get from each other here. What a great bunch of savvy, smart and beautiful women - I'm always quoting one or the other of you to my friends.

    Big Hugs,

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  • wvgirl
    wvgirl Member Posts: 196
    edited January 2008

    Mooring I need to vent

    I tried talking to my dh last night well the phone rang in the middle of our conversation and that  was the end of it. I swear he shows more affection to our dog than me. It was a very lonely night. Well I am at work hope this will keep my mind of things.

    I haven't  had time to read the post I hope everyone is doing well

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  • vettegal
    vettegal Member Posts: 287
    edited January 2008

    Now you all scared me with NO tampons? Really, no way!!

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  • Cathy-CA
    Cathy-CA Member Posts: 686
    edited January 2008

    KathyL--It looks like you are on the same cocktail as me.  Taxotere has an 80% likelihood of hair loss, but some people only experience thinning.  Also, unlike some of the other cocktails where hair loss starts between 10-14 days from the first treatment, Taxotere can sometimes not be until after the second treatment.  Just thought I'd pass along what I was told.  I'm picking my wig up Saturday, but unless I start having clumps fall out between now and then, I'm not having them do anything to my hair.  Who knows, I've been in the minority for several things (you know -- don't worry, this only happens to 10-15% of patients), so may be I'll be in the low loss camp.

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  • KathyL
    KathyL Member Posts: 534
    edited January 2008

    CarolC:  Sorry to hear about the computer problems.  They're great when they work, but a pain when they don't...

    Vettgal:  I was told no tampons during chemo b/c of the risk of infection ("nothing inserted anywhere").  Bummer.  I am not happy about it especially now that I'm on week 2 of bleeding.

    WVGirl:  Sorry the talk with dh did not go well.  Maybe better luck tonight-- don't answer the phone!  We're here when you need to vent regardless.

    CathyCA: Thanks for the news about hair.  I'm going to call my hairdresser and get her schedule for the next few days.  My hair is definitely coming out today but not in clumps.  I'd like to hold off on shaving to Monday if I can.  The Taxotere is a b*tch!  I'm also having facial swelling around my eyes.  Hmmm... fluid retention is a SE of Taxotere and maybe that's where my extra weight is coming from.  My ankles don't look bad, but maybe I'm just not seeing anything b/c I look at them each day-- ya know what I mean? I've put a call in to my onc about it and am waiting to hear back from them.

    Isn't chemo great???  NOT!!!  FUSE!!

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  • joteach
    joteach Member Posts: 116
    edited January 2008

    Hi Jewels,

    Well, not a virgin anymore, D1!!!!!!!

    My first chemo treatment yesterday went fine. It was longer that I thought but the nurse said the first one is longer because they infuse the chemo slower. My friend came with me and we talked a lot so it was not as bad as I thought. Talking to fellow pateients was also a big help. I had a little gas and diarhear so far. I have to go for the dreaded Newlasta shot later today. I am not looking forward to that or any other se's.

    Talk to everyone soon!

    Joan

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  • kris60
    kris60 Member Posts: 91
    edited January 2008

    good morning all.  guess this is going to be a vent kinda post for me.  Why does it feel like everything I eat, no matter how little, light, whatever, sits like a rock?  There's a slight nausea feeling but bearable. I had my port put in last thursday, and after that wouldn't you know I ended up getting sick, conjestion and in lungs too.  When it rains it pours eh?

    No fever so they went ahead and started IV on time. yay me, so now I don't know what half the crap feeling is from, the general being sick and on the antibiotics, or the chemo.  sorry for the rant

    Is there a thread somewhere that has a listing of tips and tricks, do's and don't?

    tootles for now

    Kris

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2008

    Hey, did anyone here do a lumpectomy with reconstruction and nodes removed?

    I'm trying to get an idea of how long I'll be down recovering from that. I've never had any surgery before. Any guesses how long I might miss work? I work at a computer all day (tech. writer), so it's not very strenuous, though I use both hands/arms all day mousing and typing. 

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  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 382
    edited January 2008

    Hi all,

    I made it back to work today, finally!  I'm feeling so much better than I did on Monday - guess my counts are coming back.  It's weird to say I'm happy to be back to work, but I definitely am.  And we're going out to lunch, not that I care about food.  I'm like you, Kris - it all sits like a rock in my stomach.  I've never in my life had to think about forcing myself to eat.

    LJ - you'll likely be able to do desk work within just a few days.  If you are having a bunch of nodes removed, that will be sore for a while, but you should be OK.  After surgery, you'll definitely feel tired for at least a few days while your body repairs itself.  Surgery is not terrible - the anesthesia makes it all a blur, and the drugs after keep the pain at bay.

    Kris - welcome to the madness!  If you have to go through bc, you've found the right place to hang out.

    It will be 2 weeks tomorrow since my first tx and my hair is starting to get loose!  A run of my fingers through it definitely pulls a bunch out.  I'll see how it goes, but I imagine we'll have a coming-out party & shave by Saturday (or Friday if it gets too bad).  Such is life.  The wig and hats are on standby!!

    Have a good day, everyone!

    CHJ

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  • SISKimberly
    SISKimberly Member Posts: 762
    edited January 2008

    Good Morning Jewels,

    It's 8am in Lincoln,Ca and knid of overcast. I plan to do a lot of resting today...have a Frankie Vallie concert tonight...a Christmas gift from friends(didn't know chemo schedule at the time) who we saw Jersey Boys with last summer. Hope I'll be up for it.



    Carol- I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter's fiance's father and your family friend's mom...a lot to bear in only 48 hours. 6 weeks of rads...I don't even get to meet the radiologist until April, my last chemo month. I so don't want to deal with 6 weeks every day...I wonder how it is determined? 4-6 weeks is what I've heard the range seems to be.



    HeyARDeb- Glad to hear from you. I'll bet you're whooped every day after work. No wonder you've been in cognito. Take care of you and get all the rest you need to do what you need to get done in your world. We're glad to hear from you when you can check in with us. Thinkin' of you.



    Kathy-How great to have a girls day! Your friend is lucky to have you with her.., being a head of her in the reconstruction process means she can have a confident she can ask all kinds of questions of...and of course, you can show her how beautiful her new girls will look in the future! I've got a long ways before my exchange, but that's OK. One day at a time. Have a great lunch with your other friend, too.

    No living in bubbles on a good days...that's my motto. Oh, good point about the Taxotere causing water retention...I'm so hoping that's what my gain is about.



    CarolC-Man, what a pain in the butt dealing with computer viruses. I have a mac at home, and I have never had a virus. Knock on wood. Glad to hear your se's are not bugging you this week...except for the hair...but that's just a temporary blip in this journey.



    wvgirl- Bummer that a phone call interupted your conversation. Did the dh seem receptive at all to your talking about things? Was he listening and contributing? Sometimes too much at once can be overwhelming, so that phone call came as a needed break I imagine. If you wasn't receptive, I don't know what to say...he's going to be a tough nut to crack...but keep trying. Hope work gives you a place to get some support.



    Vettegal- I wasn't told not to wear tampons. I use a product called Instead. It's like a diaphram, only disposable. I didn't have any issues at all, and I just had my period last week.



    Joan- WhooHoo! One down! Glad it wasn't too bad. Keep ahead of those se's. Hope the Neulasta shot is kind to you. I've had two and haven't had major issues at all.



    Have a good day. I'll check in later.

    SIS Kimberly

    PS Hey, Kris, LJ13, and CHJ- you all must have been posting at the same time as me. Glad to hear from you. Kris, sorry about the illness on top of chemo. That rock in your gut...chemo would be my guess. We all experience that delightful sensation. Hang in there. LJ13- I had a bilat and nodes removed, and within a few days I could type on the computer, but found my arms pretty sore after a bit. Take breaks. CHJ- Whoohoo on getting back to work. Have a good time at lunch, even if you aren't interested in the food.

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  • PAlady
    PAlady Member Posts: 176
    edited January 2008

    Wow - it is hard to stay up with everyone on here!!  It will probably take me a whole day to catch up with everyone!

    I am feeling a bit better. This round has definitely made me more tired and is affecting my stomach more. I have been on Prilosec pretty much 24/7. The bone pain from the Neulasta is starting to kick in, so I need to get out to the post office so I can get back and do nothing before it hits hard.

    I have not heard about the tampon thing either. I just started my period again - started after round 1 about 4 days later also - and have been using tampons the whole time. Figures I haven't gotten the  chemopause se?!?

    I think I grabbed the wrong biotene. I started getting a few mouth sores, so I got a biotene mouth moisturizer. You are just supposed to squirt and rinse it in your mouth. I can't even tell if you are supposed to spit it or swallow it. But going back I am thinking everone is actually using the mouthwash and rinsing with that?

    Good luck to everyone and hope we all stay strong.

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  • kris60
    kris60 Member Posts: 91
    edited January 2008

    D1  I sent you a pm with the correct header info :) thanks

    Kris

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  • Determined1
    Determined1 Member Posts: 806
    edited January 2008

    Holy mackerel!! There's a lot here today.  Let's get right down to the shout outs, shall we???

    PALady--In addition to the Biotene mouthwash (which I use morning and night), I added gargling with a baking soda/water mixture (I didn't measure, just dumped) a couple of times during the day to my regimen and it seemed to help the mouthsores.  Worth a try.

    CarolC--I hate computer issues.  I wish a speedy resolution for you.  Sounds like your shaving party will be soon.  Post pictures!

    KathyL--I'll bet you're off being the Boobsie Twins about now.  Hope you're having a good time on your good day.  I agree--no bubble living!  Oh, and the facial swelling thing has been such a boon for me (my wrinkles have all but disappeared!), that I haven't complained about that se!

    Carol--It made me so sad to read about the deaths of two people so close to you in such a short time.  I'm so sorry.

    SIS Kimberly--Man, how I LOVE that steroid high!!!  I have fingers crossed that your crash won't burn!

    WVgirl--Oh please don't give up, yet.  Maybe take the phone off the hook next time...

    Vettegal and KathyL--I was told not to use tampons to avoid tearing myself putting them in/taking them out (tear could lead to infection).  My logic was "I'm already bleeding, who would know if I tore something?"  Compound that with the fact that I had NEVER used pads before and I was bound and determined to use tampons for my last period.  So I used tampons.  As far as I can tell, there were no ill-effects.  (I was diligent about using the right size of tampon, however.  With teenaged girls in the house we have such an assortment, one doesn't really have an excuse to use too much tampon for the job--if you know what I mean.)

    Ah, Joan, I thought you had that knowing look about you!!!  Now go pop that neulasta cherry!  And minimal se's, please!!!

    Kris--thanks for the info for the header.  I made changes, so you'll have to double-check my work when you get a chance.  I'm sorry to hear you're feeling yucky.  Some ideas to try for your "rock" are:  if the rock is heartburn related, pop a Pepcid AC.  I take them preventatively Days 1-14 of my cycle.  If the rock is constipation related, try Colace or others here like Miralax.  I take the Colace on a preventative basis Days 1-5 (gives you the most horrendous gas, though, so be forewarned).  You may also want to scroll back through this thread for other ideas to combat se's.  We seem to be chock full of good ideas here.

    LJ13--I'm confused when you write you're having reconstruction with your lumpectomy.  For my lumps, they just sewed me up afterward.  If that's what you're having done, the lump recovery is really a breeze.  In 3-4 days (depending on how you handle pain), that part will be fine.  More difficult is the recovery from the node surgery.  Since my lump was at 10 o'clock on my breast, my node surgery was done with a separate incision.  If your lump is nearer to your armpit, you may just have one incision (reference Vettegal's experience).  There is more pain for the node part, so if you don't tolerate pain well, you may need to add another day to be out.  I will say use lots and lots of ice.  I do not suggest that casually--I mean it!  You may also want to bring something home from your job to work on, just in case you need a little time.  I think you'll find being on the computer isn't that hard, as long as you take breaks and use ice on your breaks.  (I have one of those gel-filled pouches that athletes use that never freeze solidly so it conformed to whatever I needed.  If you can find one, I recommend it over something that's hard and solid.)  In all honesty, based on what I know of you from here, you're gonna do just fine.

    CHJ--Don't forget to shoot us pix of your hairapy session!!!

    Carol--SO Excited to get my t-shirt.  I'll wear it proudly at my infusion next week!!!  Thanks!

    My day is good.  I still love my physical therapist and may marry her when I grow up so I can have a massage every day.  Ummmm.  I have developed several large zits on my neck, scalp and forehead that have me pissed off (I'm too old for that!).  I also notice that my pointer finger knuckles are red and burn today.  Probably neuropathy.  It will pass...

    Onward!

    D1

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  • LilWarrior
    LilWarrior Member Posts: 268
    edited January 2008

    KATHYL - you are two cute I see you were concerned about me asking others have they heard from me - thanks so damn much for being concerned.

    Well after my whirlpool of news, I finally found a Dr that will take my medical insurance until they find out if my BLUEcross denies me - so all Glory to God I will have Chemo soon.  I see the Doctor on Tuesday.  Please all keep me in your prayers because tomorrow I am getting a PET scan and I surely dont want them finding any other Cancer anywhere else.

    I was so busy since last Friday arguing with my HMO and Medical, and meanwhile getting prepared for another exam.  I dont know how I did it but I got a B on my test, being sick with a cold and Cancer and all this other stuff on my plate - God is the only way I can explain how I make it.  All Glory to him because I am telling you I am surely being tested all the time.  

    I am trying to fit yoga into the mornings now to help me relax, but hell Yoga hurts - my fatass is out of shape - he ha...

    I do have a question for you ladies WHENEVER I do start Chemo what day should I pick here is my schedule and maybe this can help you ladies figure out what day I should get it since you all have so much experience with Chemo before me. LOOK Vettegal I am the last one to get started - Its always me. Smile!

    Monday class - 9am -3pm in class sitting

    Tuesday off

    Wednedsay - 9am - 3pm in class sitting

    Thursday 2:30pm - 11pm at the hospital

    Friday off

    Saturday 2:30 - 11pm at the hospital

    Sunday  off

     Please let me know what day I should tell the dr what day I would like to start Chemo

    The originally dr (whom I am not seeing) wanted me to do cytoxan and adriamycin every 3 weeks 4 cycles. I will see what this new ONCo will recommend meanwhile I want to know your opinions again.

    What was it Ladies that you told me to tell that what I should take because at the end I am taking Herceptin for a year.  Please forgive me bothering you again with these questions but I am brain farting - he ha.   

    Thanks Ladies my lovely Jewels for all your support and love, prayers and just thinking of me - I need more people like you around me daily.  

    God child,

    Dana 

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  • deb102307
    deb102307 Member Posts: 248
    edited January 2008

    Hey Jewels,

    Glad to hear everyone so chatty today.  It is pretty miserable here weather wise today.....rainy/sleet and cold.

    I came home early from work because of a little earache and do not want to be sick.  Treatment is tomorrow and I have already been delayed once.  That leads me to my question.....if someone has a cold but no fever, do they usually still get to have their treatment on schedule?

    Hope the se's stay far far away from everyone.

    Carol - Again, thanks for the t-shirt and really looking forward to it.  I also got one of the lymphedema bracelets and wear it all the time.  My luck, something would happen and the EMT's would be all over my left arm. Yell

    AZDonna, JackieB and Jenn51 - Be thinking of you tomorrow as we all take our seats in the chemo lounge.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2008

    D1, I have such tiny tits the surgeon said that when she removes whatever is left of the tumor, it will leave me misshapen, so she recommended reconstruction while she's in there. They just take some belly fat (as if I had any left) and put it in the "hole" left by the removed tissue. Stitch, stitch, all done.

    The trick is going to be finding any fat anywhere on me to use.

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  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 382
    edited January 2008

    LJ - you need fat???  I'm right up the road!!  Gimme a call, I'll give you enough to be a D cup on both sides!!!  Sealed

    CHJ 

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