Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

KathyL

Hi Girls!  Well, I did it.  The dh and dd and I shaved my head this afternoon.  It was really coming out and I couldn't stand it.  Plus I think dh really wanted to do it for me.  Now that the hair's gone, I can really see the patches-- eeeewww!  I have no clue how to post pics, but I'll try to figure it out sometime.  I hate my wigs now-- they looked good in the store and not so good now.  Well, I'm gonna go see if the dh's Pats can pull this off.  They're behind right now

golfer779

KathyL, reading your post, no wonder your pale, a two week period, I say this chemopause thing doesn't seem to be happening to many of us.  I'm sure having your hair falling out in clumps is not helping your spirits in any way.  Sorry to hear the dh is not being supportive today, maybe he is feeling a little anemic himself!  Hopefully he'll come back around tomorrow.  You just vent away right here, although we havn't all had the same se's, we're still sympathetic to the "whole" situation.  Hang in there gal, you shall get through this!

DianeB, havn't heard from you in a while, are you doing okay?  Send a note if you can, been thinking of you.

wvgirl, glad you could get a little support from the bro.  He is the one who shaved his head isn't he?  I say lean on him as much as possible and get those hugs from him.  Enjoy your class tomorrow, maybe they will have some suggestions for dealing with your "dh" as well.

Paula, hopefully you'll have a little more energy tomorrow, laying low sounds like the best thing to do.  I don't know about you but the no arm/leg hair works for me.  What a trade off for being bald!  I was noticing as well the legs hairs that aren't there, yeah!!

Kimberly, getting any energy back today?  Looking forward to the new pics!

We'll watching the last 2 min of the Superbowl, need to remake the bed, sheets were full of hair, (wonder who's?),

Gotta love the wireless laptop!

Carol

golfer779

D1 - looks like your the woman til March Madness!!!  What a great finish ... enjoy the rest of your evening, oh I guess its bedtime on the east coast!

Hitting the hay myself, work tomorrow,

Carol

camazur

Well, Jewels, count me into the baldy club. Yesterday a bunch of my hair came out in the shower and toweling off made it worse. I couldn't stand how it was getting all over the place so out came the clippers. My dh was a great sport, he did the best he could with them and was very gentle. The stubble is very sensitive. Sure was glad I picked up a soft cap to sleep in cuz its chilly being hairless. I'll post a pic if I can figure out how.



Gotta run to New Jersey today to take mom to the doctor and it just started snowing. Wish me luck.



Maz

KathyL

Hey Maz!  Welcome to the club.  It feels weird, huh?  Funny we started chemo the same day and shaved the same day, too.

chj127

Maz & KathyL - welcome to the club!!  A lot of hair has been falling in the last 2 days.  Maz, I know exactly what you mean about the stubble being sensitive, but mostly I like the way it feels when I'm home with a soft cap.  I got what they call a "Lovie" on the tlcdirect site, and it is wonderful to wear around the house.  I'm at work today with the wig, and people tell me it looks good, but I think they are just being nice.   Whatever, it's not terrible.  I thought that in an hour I'd be ready to rip it off, but I've had it on for 3 hours already and it's doing OK.  I did bring a hat with me, and I'm going to stop in the ladies room on my way out the door & make the switch.  With an hour+ commute, I'm not about to travel home with it on...

Have a good day, everyone!

CHJ

CarolC

Oh gosh Jewels - here I am dragging back to you. What a horrible weekend. I had plans to get my hair cut off Saturday morning because it was coming out in clumps. Friday night a couple of gfriends and I went to the Mediterrean Cafe that we've gone to lots of times - the last supper w/hair. They were going to go to the salon with me the next morning and take pics of my buzz cut so we ate well and I drank a couple of glasses of wine.

At about 3:30 am I woke up w/horrible gastro pains and began to throw up on and off til morning. I was convinced I must have food poisening since it had been 2 1/2 weeks since my tx. Anyway, I insisted on trying to drag myself to my car to go to my 9am appt. on Sat...my friend Eva who thank God is a nurse, told me I should reschedule but I was determined to just get the hair off. Next thing you know I felt faint, sat down on a step to the driveway of my condo and began to throw up outside. OMG - how humiliating. Eva insisted on walking me back inside and all I could do was lay in bed - well, that is between getting up to throw up more and then the diarrea. I spent most of yesterday feeling like a truck hit me and couldn't eat anything other than a little cereal in the morning and some chicken soup last night. I stayed home from work today because I still feel pukey and have a slight case of the runs. My friend is convinced that I had some kind of virus; but I'm still not convinced it couldn't have been food poisening - I did eat some things they didn't. This couldn't possibly be from chemo this far out, could it?

I felt so awful that I didn't even feel like checking email - that's not like me.

I did drag myself out yesterday to one of those quick hair cutting places and got my buzz cut and dragged myself back home to bed. I couldn't stand the handfuls of hair and my scalp being so sore. I'll take pics today or tomorrow. Kathy L....you and Maz are probably at the same place.

Tonight is my Look Good Feel Better class - I hope my tshirt comes in time for me to wear it! It's exciting to read that you're all getting them.

PaLady - you look gorgeous bald, with scarf and wig.

I'm reading everyone's post but still trying to get my energy back.

I'm sorry it seems like it was a tough week for se's for our jewelbox.

It will be interesting to see how much different my reaction is to my 2nd tx - this Thurs on the 7th. Since I couldn't get the Xeloda approved - we'll be adding Cytoxan to the Taxotere. Last time I drove home myself afterwards - do you think I'll be able to do that this time? I was told the TC is about 3 hours - is that about right for the rest of you on that cocktail?

Well, I think I've worn myself out typing (how pathetic) - I'm going to take a nap and will check in later. Anyone having tx today - I wish you well. And I wish us all a gentle week of few se's.

chj127

CarolC - sorry to hear about your lousy day!  I hope you feel better soon.  And welcome to the no-hair club...

I'm getting TC, and there is no way I could have driven myself home after the first tx, but that was mostly from the Benedryl drip.  Did you not get that with the Taxotere the first time?  Or did you not get drowsy from it?

I'll be doing the tx with you on the 7th.   Hope you have a few better days between now & then. 

CHJ

SISKimberly

Good Morning Jewels-



OMG, what a difference a day makes. I feel so much better today than yesterday. So, day 7 is hump day for me. WhooHoo. OK, I know, I have to take it easy and not go wild trying to do all sorts of things...but I do have to get my TB shot for work-it expired- and try to get to the wig shop for a wig trim...it's still just too heavy for me...I'm not used to so much hair. Hopefully, they can get me in today or early this week...and the sun is shining!!!!!!



Man has the hair been falling out this past few days or what? Congrats fellow baldacious babes!!!! Welcome to the club.



Kathy- Glad your dh got over his pms and helped you with the shave...I agree with D1 get those nurses on the line and get that anemia taken care of immediately. Aren't you taking the NastyLasta? My numbers were actually a bit higher before my 2nd tx than before my 1st. It must be doing its job.



D1- I love egg sandwiches...but need to put goat cheddar as I'm allergic to milk. I am so doing that for lunch. You know, I've wanted salt, too. I think you're right...it's because I can taste it... and normally, I hate salty things. The dh bought some 'healthy' potatoe chips (mix of sweet potatoes and regular) and they really had no flavor except the little bit of salt...to my taste bud challenged mouth anyway. I found some great small ginger snaps in the organic section that are pretty good. I can taste them, and they are good for the tummy.



All you Jewels on the se train...I'm at the top of the hill rooting for you. Hang in there!!!!



wvgirl-I am so glad that your bro was able to be there for you. Like I said yesterday, you may have to get your support and hugs from him since the DH is so darn clueless...but, like D1 said, he may need time to just process what you've said to him.



Vettegal and Kathy-My period wasn't any different as far as time or heaviness...crampier, but not too bad. I am so sorry you both experienced such horrid periods...no wonder you're both wiped out. Hope chemopause sets in before the next one has a chance to even think about it.



CHJ- Your cat is so cute!!!!! And as I said earlier, welcome to the baldacious babes club.



OK, I've got to hit the shower and get to my doctor's office. I'll check in later.



SIS Kimberly

kris60

ok I now that the plumbing is working, I can't stop eating, well, not really.  Went to subway for lunch, and had to switch up my normal for something a bit more bland.  I forced myself to try a pepsi this morning, and honestly it wasn't too too bad.   YAY there's hope.  So 5-6 days seems to be a good thing for me.  Sinus pressure is still killing me, but the nurse said I can take a decongestant for it..yay!!!!!  Here's to starting the week off feeling semi human.

I go get my blood tests tomorrow.

Go get them Jewels

Kris 

sharont68

Hello ladies, it's been a long time since I've posted on this thread, sorry! Was looking through the thread and had realized I was posting on a different thread, chemo brain!!! I'm on my way to my last a/c tx on the 15th and can't wait to be over with this part! I've only had one really bad week of se's from tx number 2. I'm hoping that this last one won't be so bad either. I haven't been exercising like I should, have gained 15 pounds. My onc hasn't said anything so I guess I'm ok. I have to wear a little knit hat 24 hours a day to keep the heat from escaping my bald head. Other than the occasional mouth sores and bad bouts with nausea, I've done pretty good. I can't wait to stop smelling like chemo! I'm a little afraid of the next step though.My onc has changed my taxol from once every three weeks to weekly with the herceptin. Supposely, it's better for cutting down the se's. We'll see.

It's really good to see that this thread has really taken off. My siblings aren't good at showing their feelings on the subject so I don't get to really talk about what's going on with me to anyone except my poor husband. It's nice that this websie is here and to be able to discuss and read what everyone else is going through and that you're not alone in this.  One thing I've learned is that attitude gets you everywhere! If you know you'll be ok, you'll be ok. I hope everyone well, and I'll be posting often.

Determined1

Oh yeah, doing the happy dance.  I was the only one to pick the Giants in my pool!  Took some trash talk all the way up to those last two minutes and little Manning shut that DOWN!  What a little cutie he is.

The numbers of the Baldilicious Babes is rapidly growing!  Can't wait to see the pix!

KathyL--You sound better and better every day.  Just in the nick!  I hear you on the hating the wig thing--can't stand mine.  I only wear it to my 16yo's basketball games because she wants/needs me to look normal in front of her peers.  The rest of the time I just wear scarves.  I prefer the cotton ones as they stay put better, but I'm wearing pretty much whatever is in my drawer that matches my clothes.  Around the house, I go topless.

Maz, you mentioned your sensitive stubble.  Yes, I recall mine was sensitive and got even more so about 10 days after my 2nd tx (I'd been bald for almost 2 weeks at that point).  But everyday I aggressively towel my head and find the stubble in the towel (so it's still falling out).  In fact, now all I have left is the stuff that must not be coming out as it's even grown a teeny tiny amount.  You can really only see it when I'm backlit as it's gray hair (yikes!).  My 16yo thinks I should buzz it off again, but I'm thinking it may be the beginning of my new hair and I don't want to prolong the wait for hair any more than I have to by re-buzzing it.  I'm also curious to see if it gets sensitive again after my tx on Wednesday...

CarolC--Goodness girl, you went through it, didn't you?  Sure sounds like it coulda been food poisoning.  Particularly since it seems to be passing so quickly.  Stay outta that restaurant!  You know, if you don't have problems with the Taxotere (they give you the Benedryl for that and it makes you drowsy), I don't think adding the Cytoxan to your cocktail will prevent you from driving.  I surely could have driven myself after my first tx, but at the second tx I had a reaction to the Taxotere and had to have Benedryl and Ativan--both things that make you sleepy, so I couldn't drive after that one.  I'm guessing they're going to give me Benedryl prophylactically this time (they don't want a repeat of my bad reaction), so I'm going to have a designated driver.  Why don't you call your infusion center and ask them if they anticipate administering anything to you that will prevent you from driving (or maybe its your onc you should call).  Might help you prepare.

Oh man, SIS Kimberly, you sound better and better.  That week after chemo just sucks, doesn't it?  Now that you're a week out, you can be a human again!  YAY!

Kris, I'm glad to hear you're able to eat, now that you've got your pooper under control.  Enjoy it while it lasts.

Finally, SharonT--we've missed you!  I know what you mean about the smell--my dh says I smell like a dry cleaners!  Overall, though, you sound like you're doing okay.  Stop by more often.

Oh, and welcome to a new Jewel, Peg1212, who pm'd her tx info to me.  I've added her to the header (please check it for accuracy, Peg).  Chime in any time, someone's always here.

Later, ladies.

D1

deb102307

Day 2 and 3 have really sucked.  No nausea except a little this morning but so tired and achy.  Could be the Neupogen and isn't severe pain but so annoying it wears you out.  Missed work to day and I don't like doing that either.  This time seems to be worse than last time.  I guess I should be grateful.  I know there are Jewels that have had way worse symptoms than me.  I just feel like a whiny baby today.  Sorry.

Sorry not many shout outs, think I am going back to bed.  But please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

JulieK_11_30_07

Hi Jewels --

Well, it's been a week since I've checked in and I obviously have LOTS of reading and catching up to do! I'll try to catch up on everything soon.

After my post last Monday, things got worse for me in the "se" department (2nd tx was 1/24). I AGAIN ended up with three straight days of vomiting and not being able to keep anything down -- and that was WITH anti-nausea and anti-vomiting meds! I lived on ice chips and freezer pops. Yesterday was the first day I was able to actually eat real food and drink liquid. I see my onc next Monday and I have LOTS of questions for him since he told me last time these are not typical se's of my treatment!

Since this last bout, my dh and I have decided I will need to take the rest of the year off from teaching and try to focus on my healing. I'm extremely stressed about that b/c I'm now out of sick days and they will all be "dock" days (about 35% of my annual salary). I know many of you are also dealing with financial issues and I was hoping to be able to avoid that. I hope you all will share your great ideas with me on how to get through it.

I've certainly been thinking about all of you over the last week and hope you have had a better week than I have. I did get my FUBC shirt and it REALLY brightened a very dreary day for me!!! My son, who gets angry when people "cuss" has decided that FUBC stands for "Females United (against) Breast Cancer." He so makes me smile.

I'll check back in later once I catch up on all of the posts --- that actually may take me a couple days as chatty as the Jewels are!!!

HUGS to everyone!!

Julie

CarolC

The FUBC shirt came!!! I love it! Carol, thank you so much! I'm wearing it tonight to my Look Good class...

I'm still feeling a little weak but much better than I was. Maybe it was food poisening...

Julie and all who are dealing with the financial impact of this due to co-pays, deductibles, work loss etc...I've been calling alot of my creditors, explaining my situation and asking if I can make reduced payments for now. I am shocked that most of them are being so supportive. My Target Visa was up to $4,000 and when I called; they told me they have a hardship program whereby they are putting me on $50.00 payments til August!!  I told them that I didn't need that long but they insisted...if I want to pay it off earlier fine; but just in case. A couple of other creditors also put me on a reduced payment plan with no penalty for the next 3 months. I would suggest doing this - I spoke with some very sympathetic people when I called. The customer service rep I had from Target Visa told me she had had Hodgkins disease when she was younger and all about her chemo. There are some decent and caring people out there.

Well, I'm off to class... I sat around topless all day and it actually felt great;  but I'm putting my wig on now..

Anonymous

Julie, I don't know what your doc is thinking. The "A" in CAF is for Adriamycin which is classified as moderately emitogenic. Meaning it makes an awful lot of people sick/feel sick. What antiemetics/antinausea drugs did he put you on? If Aloxi or Emend is not one of them, then you need to bonk him on the head and tell him to get into the 21st century.

At my Oncology office, they say, "We don't let our patients get sick from chemotherapy." 

Donna1955

Hello Jan. Jewels

I AM ALIVE YEAHHHHHHH.....today is the first day I finally feel like moving boy did that last chemo knocked me on my ass....I think it was from my tooth abscessing then root canel then chemo three days later.....I was down with vomiting and aching like you can't believe I got out of bed maybe 3 times since Jan 24 chemo, 10 days of feeling awful but today is a new day YEAHHHHHHH my husband hired a housekeeper for me friday which was wonderful she cleaned all day including laundry etc.....so now I have today, tuesday, wed and part of thursday to feel human again....Off to get Chemo this week Thursday so I got a little off my dose dense schedule because of my tooth abscess so I am thrown off by one week.....anyway got alot of catching up to do, just very glad to be back among the living....Hope everyone else is doing well and I send my well wishes and lots of positive vibes to all......

AZDonna

p.s. got my tshirt I love it.......

vettegal

Hello Jewels..

   First thing..Way to go New York Giants and D1 for winning!! I hate those darn Patriots!!

    Second thing..Love my shirt..Oh my god!! I can't wait to wear this....It is soooomo cool!

   Third thing..Lets hear it for my dear hubby who saw the shirt and when he saw the sisters in survival...This is a "quote"

    You don't have to be blood relatives to be sisters..you are all going through the same thing at the same time

     He really amazes me with this stuff!!!

He knows how much "the girls" on the boards mean to me...

  I went back to work today..I am tired had 2 good days yesterday and today..got rid of the thrush..(yuk) have a few taste buds back..not enough yet..i am on day 10 and haven't had any foliacle pain yet on the hair...stomach has been pretty good...Bought that crest "health" mouthwash which they said its good because no alcohol..the rinse really makes your mouth feel good.

Anything to get the BLAH taste from your mouth!!

Haven't got constipated only the one day...had pretty much a lil loosy ..but tolerable bowels.. 

My shout outs tonight go to EVERY SINGLE SISTER ON THIS BOARD!!! I have learned something from everyone of you..My shirt makes me proud!! 

               Hugs    xxooo

KathyL

Hi Jewels!  Good to hear from so many of you today.  I was off getting my wigs trimmed-- they look pretty good.  I wore my "alter ego" one to lunch with my friend.  She said it looked great. And then I was off shopping and enjoying a pretty "normal" day.  Tomorrow I start all the pre-meds. and get my check/bloodwork at my onc's.  Woohoo!  I'm ready for #2 Wednesday and I'm wearing my Jewels shirt then!

CarolC: So sounds like food poisoning to me.  Replenish those fluids, girl!  About driving... I did not get Benadryl with my Taxotere so I probably could've driven myself, I just didn't.  I agree to call and ask what they'll be giving you so you know if you can drive or not.  If you don't have to drive though, maybe you shouldn't just in case (remember D1 and her reaction).  So happy to hear you got some good financial breakthroughs.  Whew!

SIS Kimberly:  Glad to hear you sounding much better!  Yes, I'm getting Neulasta the day after this round for my WBC/ANC.  I think if my RBC, H/H counts are low tomorrow they give Procrit and iron; the low RBCs make you tired and pale.  Anyway, glad to see you pulled through OK. 

Kris60: Good luck with your bloodwork tomorrow.  I'm going to ask my onc why they don't do a check the week after.  Seems to me it'd head off a lot of problems...

Sharon68: Welcome back.  Glad things have been going well for you.  I can totally sympathize with the weight gain, and I've only done one round so far...

Deb102307:  Feel better soon... rest!

Julie:  So sorry #2 sucked for you still!  I agree to ask about Emend or Aloxi. If you aren't getting them, you should.  I hear Emend is used a lot with the AC.  Also ask for Zofran or Compazine on top of that-- you should be getting multiple antiemetics!  Maybe you also need them to give you a fluid bolus the day after, too.  And there's lots of financial talk on this thread.  We did a home equity loan and got a great deal.  The rates right now on that and refinancing a mortgage are super! 

AZDonna: Hope your next round goes better.  I know much it sucks to have a setback in the middle of stuff.  Let me and D1 know your new dates when you have them.

Vettegal:  What a sweet dh you have.  He's a keeper!

Good night fellow Jewels!

peg1212

Hello everyone  Its kinda funny that this is the only place i ever been to being new and still have so much in common.  I'll be here for a while draining your support and giving some back as well.  Im going to recieve my next tx on the 15th of Feb which is coming faster then i like.  If it's anything like the last tx i'll be out for about a week i guess, had a rough time with my first tx.  Im here waiting on the hair deal i still have it all, but i know im going to have to part with it soon.  Peg

golfer779

Glad to see so much chat has happened throughout the day, looks like the sisters are once again supporting each other in an awesome way...

Maz, looking forward to seeing your pics, and hope you had a safe trip in the snow.

CHJ, I'll have to check out the tlc site.  I'm still hoping to have a bit of hair left but so far its looking like hats will be in my near future.

CarolC, oh my god, I'd say if you had no fever, it sounded like food poisoning to me.  Not a good weight loss plan ... hope that your back feeling as decent as possible, enjoy your class tonight, and I'm glad your shirt arrived!

Kimberly, your baaaaaacccckkk!!!  Boy that last go around really threw you a curve ball.  Take it easy gal, and hopefully the TB shot doesn't provoke any se's.  I too have had more eggs over the last month than I probably had in the past year.  We'll probably all be on a lowering cholesteral board when were old and gray!

Kris, glad to hear the plumbing is working, its amazing how your whole being feels better when the plumbing is not clogged!

Deb, time to rest up, listen to your body and hopefully you'll be feeling better soon.

Julie, looks like you have a few suggestions for the nausea problem.  I can only talk about Zofran, I take it everyday during my 14 day regimen need it or not.  It is a non drowsy drug so you can still function to some extent.   Glad CarolC gave you some insight with the financial institutions, hope that things work out for you. 

Donna, looks like the "FUSE's" have been hitting a few of you pretty hard this past week.  Hopefully you hit the worst and maybe when your not dealing with teeth, as well as your txt things will go a little smoother.  How nice of the dh to get a housekeeper to help things out around the house.

Vettegal, nice to see that your doing pretty good.  Your dh sounds like a "gem"!  I find that I spend quite a bit of time talking about my new sister friends to my dh and typically he's pretty interested. 

Peg, heres to much better luck with much fewer se's on round two.

KathyL, I'll be sporting my tee as well on Weds.  I'll have the dh take a pic to post.

D1 - I think almost daily what it would be like if this post did not exist.  The last 5 weeks or so have been an unbelievable ride and I again have to thank you and all the others on this post for sharing on a daily basis.  My dh, dad, brother, best friends, co-workers are all there for me, but you gals are the glue that holds it all together for me.

Thanks for being the Jewels you are, Carol

SISKimberly

Good evening Jewels,

Hey Kris-I’m so glad the plumbing is working well, and that you wanted Subway for lunch. I wanted a burger, so I stupidly went to Wendy’s-I never eat fast food, but it sounded good for whatever reason. OK, huge disappointment.

I ordered a burger, small fries, and a root beer. I haven’t had root beer since I was a kid…the burger and fried were practically tasteless and the root beer was awful! I’m sure it was my tastebuds as it’s normally too sweet for me…this was bitter. So, lesson learned. My body knows best…don’t eat the fast food!



Sharon- Welcome back. You’re almost done all ready? Wow, time does fly doesn’t it? Congrats on that part. I’m glad we can be here for you when the sibs aren’t able to relate.

Keep us posted.



D1- I was so rooting for the Giants…I always vote for the underdog. Congrats on the bragging rights!!!! My stubble was sensitive, too. Like I said earlier though, I’m looking more like Uncle Fester than GI Jane.



ARDeb-I’m so sorry that you’ve had a sucky few days. I hear you on that one. No way you’re a whiney baby…you feel like c%*p…you have a right to whine a little. Get some rest, sweetie…it really helps.



Julie-You poor thing… I agree that you need to talk to your onc about the meds he’s giving you because obviously they aren’t working. I’m Taxotere, Adriamycin, and Cytoxin, and I get Aloxi and other anti-nausea drugs with my cocktail. I haven’t felt really nauseous or like I needed to vomit at all. I also agree that you need to take time off to just take care of yourself. I know taking a 30% hit will be hard, but your health is so much more important. Cathy gave you some good advice about calling your creditors if you can’t make your budget work on 70% of your salary.

(((HUGS)))



AZDonna- Man, we’ve had a lot of se casualties this time around. I’m glad you’re out of bed and heading towards semi-human. What a wonderful gift from our dh to have a maid come in and do all the housework including the laundry. He’s earned the Gold Star Award for this week for sure.



Vettegal- How proud I feel to have coined the phrase your husband feels so relates to us, Jewels!!! And glad you’re feeling able to work…a SHERO…(along with all of you who are working and being moms to kids at home) I can’t even imagine having to work through this or take care of little ones or teenagers right now.



Kathy- I’m so glad you had a ‘normal’ day. I got my TB shot and then took myself to the mall to find some pretty scarves…couldn’t get in to see the gal for my wig until tomorrow. Hope your pre-chemo blood work comes out well tomorrow.



Welcome Peggy-Make sure you provide your info to D1, so she can add you to our list of Jewels. So, it sounds like you started in Jan. and go for round #2 soon. You’ve come to the right place. PM Carol(golfer) if you want a t-shirt. She needs 6 people to start another run…and I think she’s getting close.



Speaking of which, my Large is too big even after washing it, so I’ll order a Medium, Carol. Can you PM me your address again, and I’ll send another check. If anyone wants a Large, I’m willing to donate it to you as my gift.



Sleep well Jewels,

SIS Kimberly

golfer779

T-Shirt Roll Call ...

Kimberly - Medium

D1 - Large

Me - Medium

PALady - what size would you like?  You can send your address via a PM to me.   Cost is $15 incl shipping.

Kris - what size would you like?  PM me as well with your address.

Any other takers?    I'll go ahead and get the order in later this week, I think I'll add a couple extras again for any late orders.

Thanks gals,

Carol Salo

17851 9th Ave Ne

Poulsbo, WA 98370

    

CAS

Hello all from San Francisco.  I just came over from the February 08 thread and had some questions.  I just started my first chemo on Friday, February 1 and today is Monday, Februray 4.  I did OK with the chemo, I did take my meds.  Just some stomach aches and tired.  I go back to work tomorrow.  This is a recurrence for me and it is on the chest wall, so I get to go through 8 chemo visits and then an operation.  First time around it was lumpectomy and then radiation (four years ago).  They need to shrink this one first before operating.  My question regarding chem is how is the second time around?  I go every two weeks so need to take shots to build up my white blood cells.  Husband has started giving me the shots last night.  Is the chemo about the same each time.  I take AC 4 times and then Taxol.  And when does my hair go (since I am going every two weeks). Thanks for advice.  Hugs....carol

joteach

Good evening Jewels,

I am looking forward to going back to work tomorrow to see my students. I have been out due to some se's but mostly because of placing my mom in the nursing home over the weekend. All her grandkids came up so that helped her a lot.

I've ordered my wigs  - 2 from tlc and  another from the boutique at the cancer center. I also have some hats and scarves. I am looking forward to the t-shirt!

GO GIANTS!

Joan

SISKimberly

Good Morning Jewels,

Thanks for doing another order, Carol. I'm putting my check in the mail this morning.



CAS- I'm so sorry you're having a recurrance. I wish you all the best with your chemo treatment and eventual surgery. If you read through our thread, you'll get lots of information about how those of us who have been through round #2 have faired.



Personally, I'm taking all three at once every 21 days. I started Jan 8, 2008 and just had my second round 1/29/08. Round two kicked my butt pretty good compared to round #1...although I wasn't prepared for the digestive acrobats of round#1...no nausea, and I knew there would be possible constipation or diareah, but I wasn't prepared for the rock in my gut 24/7 , the heartburn or the gas. Round #2 I was ready...just felt a lot more tired and weak than the first round. Don't know it that's a cummulative thing or what. Going every two weeks is going to be tough...I go every 21 days. You won't have lots of time to recoup. Just listen to your body...rest...drink lots of water...eat small meals... Your hair will start to come out within the first 14-16 days...mine came out sooner, but I have baby fine hair, so maybe that is what the difference was for me.



Good luck, CAS. Drop by anytime for support if you need it.



Joan- I'm glad that you've gotten to the point of feeling up to going back to work. As far as placing your, Mom...hard stuff...but a relief to know she's in a safe place where she can't accidently hurt herself.

Are you all close enough to take turns with other family members visiting her? I know that in itself can be exhausting if you're the only one doing the visiting because everyone else is so far away.



Hope your first day back to class is a good one...gets lots of rest when you can...and steer clear of those germs. ;-)



So, today I go get the wig trimmed. I might even think about getting another for fun...maybe red!



I'll check in later,

SIS Kimberly

DianeB

LJ13: I know what you mean about the misshappen boob. They said the same thing about mine. One onc said my breasts weren't "very generous."

Dealing with the cancer is enough. I don't care if I have boobs or not. I only had one removed, but am thinking that the second one should go too. Does anyone know what the chances are of having cancer in the second boob after having cancer in the first is?

SISKimberly

DianeB- There is always a chance for recurrance...but everyone is so different. There are many women who have only one breast and have not had a recurrance...and then many have. I chose to have a bilateral right up front because my Dad had breast cancer, and I didn't want to have to go through all of this again down the line because I chose to save one breast. I'm glad I did as the path report showed atypical cells...precancerous in the other breast. I'm thinking it was only a matter of time, so I was so glad I made the decision I did. It's a very personal choice and one you need to discuss with your oncologist and surgeon.



SIS Kimberly

PAlady

Hi Ladies!

CarolC, JulieK, Donna & anyone else who has been having it rough - Glad you are feeling better!

Speaking of misshapen boobs - for anyone who has had a lumpectomy, how far out past your surgery are you noticing a change in the shape?

For the t-shirts, are you all noticing how they run? I am torn between getting a medium or a large. Sounds like they are a lower cut t-shirt?

golfer - I will send you my info a little later today once I decide on the size and will get a check out to you.

D1 - I got my 3rd tx date switched back (yeah!) so 3rd should be on 2/15.

If anyone is having tx today or tomorrow good luck!

Cathy-CA

DianeB -- have you had BRCA testing?  If you are positive for one or both of those genes, your chances of recurrence in the other breast are quite a bit higher.  I don't have the numbers in front of me, but they are high enough that some women who test positive, elect to have double masectomy even before they get cancer.  If you haven't had testing, see if your insurance will cover it.  It's expensive, but a simple blood test.   If you have a family history of close relatives (sister, mother, aunt) with breast cancer, are pre-menopausal when first diagnosed or of eastern European background, you are more likely to have the gene.  That said, I met all three criteria and was negative.  Your surgeon and/or oncologist should have computer programs that can determine what your likelihood of recurrence is based on various factors and help you make a more informed decision.