Starting Chemo May 2008

Jeano77

Happy Birthday Linda!!!  Hope you are having a wonderful day!!  I had my first post chemo haircut a week ago and she sheered me like a sheep.  She is a retired stylist who had done my hair (pre chemo) - no mirror to "watch as I go".  I was shocked and bummed.  My hair is generally not a big deal to me, but it had just started to grow baaaaaaack.  (har har).

Robin & Jen - You both look fantastic!  I also look forward to the day that we are all able to meet.

Otter - Thanks for the postcard!  It was a wonderful surprise.

Rock - Glad the CD arrived okay.  We are going to make the trip and will be there with you on the 14th - we are with ya sista. 

Speaking of CD . . . I was in the dentist office getting a crown on Wednesday and heard (3) songs from the CD.  It made me smile!!!  You gals sure get around - your everywhere (yeah)!

It was a beautiful day here and I spent the day doing household tasks that I could not do last year at this time.  It felt awesome.  Chemo fells like such a distant thing . . .but lately as I approach 1 year chemoversary, I have been having food aversions again, sick to my stomach, etc - like chemo flashbacks.  Anyone else having that same experience?   

(((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Jean

familyroks

Rock - James ....  Every time I read your writings on James, I am moved.  I was surprised to read of his accident today. Shocked, in truth.  I am sad at what he has to deal with.  It pisses me off, really.  I'm hoping he can have his fingers fixed but, in reality, I'm thinking he won't or can't.  I hope he can fulfill his dreams.  I really do.  My only thought..."but you've lost two fingers"... damn it all.

Jean - If I put too much thought into the "anniversary", I get a little nauseous (sp?).  So I just don't think about it.  I don't read other threads, I don't read my journal...I just don't.  Its too much for me.

Time for happy thoughts...going for a day trip in the morning with my "guys".  Think we're heading for the mountains but that could change.  It will be a beautiful Mother's Day here in Washington state. Wherever the car takes us..................................

rock

Some birthday scat for Linda and Adrienne. 

Happity-birthity do-day!

Happity-clappity-no-more-crappity day!

Happity-buh-birthity to you guys!

Happity-bip-bop-bap birthity to you!

rock

And for Randie...

(Rand -- imagine this to a bluesy funkadelic beat)

I got a tube in my chest

And I got to get it out.

I got a tube in my chest

And it makes me wanna shout.

Yeah I got them lung draining blues

And my spirits its depressing

I got them lung draining blues

Cuz I need some convalescing

Yeah I got them lung draining blues...

Don't want them, never no mind no how no way

Please looooord...

Take the g*d d*mned fluid in my lungs AWAYYYYYYYYYYY.

rock

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

HAPPY WOMEN ARE GREAT DAY!

drcrisc

Jean - I thought it might just be me.  Yeah, been having some weird bouts of nausea and I swear it looks like more hair coming out in the shower (not really, I know). 

Rock - So sorry for you friend.  As a tribute to him, let's say it together - "That sucks!"  BTW, loved you poems.  You're on a roll!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

ewesterman

Linda,

Happy belated.

Happy Mom's Day to all of you whether you are a Mom or you ever had a Mom. Oh, wait, that means all of us. Am having a wonderful time with all three of my boys. Starting to cloud up here, but it is just the weather...not our mood. Love you all.

Rock, so sorry to hear about James. Sigh.

Noelle, time to can the assistant...really. Love to each of you. Randie, special hugs to you.

Jeano77

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Today was the Race / Walk for the Cure in Minneapolis.  There were roughly 8000 for the run, 50,000 for the walk.  Last year I walked with my broomball team, just 10 days after surgery.  This year I ran the 5k and was the 2nd finishing survivor.  I was hoping to be first, but I am happy with simply running.  We also walked as a team again this year, then headed to a friends for brunch. 

Cool doctor story.  I saw my Pulmonary doctor about a month ago for bronchitis.  I told her that I needed to get fixed up quick - I wanted to be the first finishing survivor for the Race 4 the Cure.  She (also a runner) called and left a message to see how I was doing and wish me good luck in the race!  Very cool! 

First Mother's day without Mom and it feels lonely.  I had Dad over for dinner - he just left.  We both are tired from the day.

Wishing everyone a wonderful day!

Jean

familyroks

WTG on your race Jean!! I think that is totally awesome.  I'm glad that you and your dad live close enough to each other so that you were able to spend this time together.  You are both in my thoughts.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable day.  We had a beautiful drive that took us over two mountain passes on a beautiful sunny day with our destination Leavenworth, Washington.  Its a beautiful little town in eastern Washington that is completely Bavarian themed.  Every business has to have Bavarian themes on the outside.  This includes stores like Safeway, McDonalds, Subway......etc.  Anyway, it was a great day and I'm happy to be home.

Hugs to everyone.

ellenoire

I am having funny chemo flashbacks too.

Linda, happy birthday! I was nuts yesterday but thought about u a lot. 

The assistant firing was slotted for LAST January when I was diagnosed... and we all know why i had to keep him. We have a HUGE event in a few weeks, and after that is over we will be working toward a change in the store. 

 Rock, that story about James really sucks!

RanD! for some reason u were with me collecting morning glory seeds this afternoon. 

 Love to all. Bed now. 

 xoN

drcrisc

Adrienne - That sounds like great fun!  There is a small town near us with a similar idea (Solvang), although I think their theme is Holland, lots of windmills, very cute.

Jean - Very cool to run and finish second!

We also had a great day.  I got a painting from my mom that has a rainbow - some of you know I try to include a rainbow at the end of all my emails, so that was very cool and made me tear up.  I hope it's quiet because everyone's had a full day!

kerry_lamb

Hey seeeesters! Just swinging in for a moment to say,"Yooooooooo  Hooooooooo!" and that I love y'all. The little boy with the brain tumor died (mercifully) last week. I asked his teacher what I could do for her and she said she needed the elements. So we climbed Mt.Arthur, which is a 5 hr return hike. After 50m, I was thinking...WTF!!!..I can't do this! Anyway, we DID do it and despite cursing femara for the last hour, it was amazing. Even two days later I am feeling almost euphoric..it's the nature thing: far away from technology and no evidence of human life..even voices! I must do more of this. I have my left mastectomy/double re-con on May 28th and I tell you, it can't come quickly enough. The days are DRAGGING!   Is anyone having a bit of latent word-mixing or blank spots, like with names? Should I worry? Is this just chemo celebrating it's anniversary with me?  Rock, I'm loving your tunes..maybe this is a new career! Much, much lamby-love to y'all. XXX

Roxi65229

Congrtas Jean. That's awesome. I'm sure it was a very difficult day for you and your Dad. So glad you had each other for support.

Rock, so sorry about your friend James. 

Kerry, it just breaks my heart to hear about little ones not having enough time to spend with loved ones. So sorry... Yeah for recon. Mine maybe scheduled for the day after, the 29th. Hoping to hear today. 

JulieC

Happy Beautiful Monday!

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, my husband is doing yardwork.  All is right in the world.  His schedule gives him 7 days off in a row every 4 weeks.  I just remember last year we were cleaning the house from top to bottom to prepare for the first chemo treatment.  It's nice to have the windows open and get to the cleaning as we feel like it.

I hope everyone had a nice mother's day.  We had brunch with my parents and visited dh's parents.  My girls got me two more Pandora beads for my necklace and I had to get a new printer on Friday.

Jean - I'm so proud of you for completing the race.  You are an inspiration as are all of you who are able to make running a regular part of your lives.

Rock - sorry to hear about the troubles of James.  He sounds truly amazing and Kerry - the story of your young friend brought me to tears.  I'm so sorry.

Kerry - yes, I have completely blank moments when trying to compose thoughts.  Sometimes it just takes a little longer to get a thought out and sometimes the thought is gone (or was just never there) when I'm trying to talk.  Kind of frustrating and I think my family is getting a little tired of it.  Katie is still good about translating what I'm thinking.

I need just a little of your time tomorrow.  I have a mammogram and bloodwork tomorrow morning.  Not expecting anything, but ... you all know the feeling.  I see the onc on Thursday.  This will be the 2nd mammo since finishing rads.  I can't believe it's been six months already since the first one.

But we have a lot going on this week so can't dwell on it for too long: one band concert, one dentist appointment, one after school party and on and on.

Thinking brave thoughts for Kerry and Roxi for upcoming procedures.  I just had a lumpectomy, but don't know if I could venture back into surgery. 

RanD - how are you today?  Did you get your nachos and were they all that you were hoping for? 

Word for the week "despunkify" - what cancer does to a mom.  I was told I'm not as spunky as I was before I had cancer.  Yes, cancer did despunkify me.  Sorry to say. 

Talk to you all later - Julie

KristyAnn

Hi Everyone and a belated Happy Mothers Day to all,

We have a fun and busy day and also celebrated my oldest 22nd birthday (BD was last Tuesday but he is involved in a theatre production and finals at school)- dd and I are now accountability partners on exercise and we went 2 miles last night- felt great to get back to the 2 mile mark that i did all through chemo!

Softball (high school ball) is over- sorry they lost but thankful we are done with this coach for a while! Summer ball is a lot more fun (and travel but only on weekends)

Kristy

Gracie713

Hope that everyone had a great Mother's Day!

Life here has taken a big turn--now have oldest DD and granddaughter here-don't know for how long--tomorrow granddaughter gets enrolled in school here.  Been a long hectic day--started with a "come get us" phone call at 2:45am.  

Love you all!

otter

Hi to all my May '08 sisters!  I listened to our CD again yesterday, and really needed to wrap my arms around all of you for a group hug.  Did you feel it?  Julie, we'll all be crowded in there with you tomorrow, to make sure they treat you gently and nothing bad happens.

Jean, I'm so glad to hear about your race result.  I know that was important to you--sort of an affirmation that you have your life under control again.  It sounds like we need to bring our shovels for a visit to the person who cuts your hair. I had mine trimmed again, but it still has more wave and body than it ever had pre-chemo.

Sue, I know you're incommunicado for awhile. You did get to see the shuttle lauch, though, right? It's good they didn't postpone it like they often do. You'll have to tell us all about it (and about the rest of your trip).

Sounds like everybody had a satisfying Mother's Day.  I didn't get to see either my mom or my mother-in-law, but we talked to both of them. We're headed west to see my MIL later this week, along with celebrating our granddaughter's 3rd birthday.

Gracie...oh, my gosh. Life does take some sudden turns. It's a good thing you can be there for your DD and grandchild at times like this.

I did have a bit of a surprise as I was driving in the driveway this afternoon. This is what I found at the edge of the road:

Yep. Live rattlesnake, and dead baby rabbit.

The snake got really upset when I tried to move the dead rabbit off the road. So, I got an even bigger stick, and lifted the snake up and flipped it off into the grass; and then I flipped its dinner over there, too. The snake was still all coiled up and buzzing at me when I drove by in the car a few minutes later. Honestly, I don't think there's any way that 3-foot snake could eat a rabbit that size, but it was gonna try.

(I know what you're thinking. I just couldn't run over it or hit it with the stick. It was near the end of the driveway, almost half a mile from our house.)

otter 

sueper13

Otter, I did see the shuttle launch, but I'm thinking maybe I should have been with you in your driveway for the snake-flipping!  Seriously, we did see the launch and it was amazing.  We found a good spot across the river about 4 miles away...and you were right, no delays, it was perfect.  My husband had a little ham radio on which we could hear both sides of the communications.  He was so excited, and so in his element. It was a great day.  More tomorrow!!!

JulieC

Wow, the photography on this site is amazing.  Otter, are rattlesnakes a normal part of the scenery in your area?  That seems scary.  Sue - that photo is awesome.  Glad you got to see that.

Gracie - I'm so glad you are able to be there for your family.  I hope all is well.  Of course it is, now that everyone is with grandma.

I just got back from the mammogram.  Everything looked good.  I meed with the onc on Thursday to go over the results of bloodwork.

Our day is beautiful here again.  Not real warm, but sunny.  DH is back out in the yard cleaning things up and we have middle school band concert this evening.  Just a lovely day.

Thanks for all of your good thoughts today.  I really appreciate them.

Hugs to all (not real hard, I'm a little sore) - Julie

otter

Julie, I'm glad we could be of some service.  (It must have been the shovel I was holding behind my back, that kept things under control.) Oh, and of course--so glad the results were good!

Sue, dh is jealous. I told him you had posted a pic of the shuttle launch and your dh had listened to the transmissions. We might not ever get to watch one in-person, now that they're discontinuing the shuttle program (as well as maintenance of Hubble). I don't know how many launches they have left.

I hesitate to say this, but rattlesnakes are a normal part of life around here. (I hesitate because y'all might not want to come visit me, now that you know about the snakes.) My poisonous snake tally (in Alabama) is well up over 30 by now, compared with zero for the supposedly snake-ridden Mississippi River valley where I grew up. Mostly we see timber rattlesnakes--that's what is in the picture I posted. Some people here call timber rattlers "canebrake rattlesnakes":  (http://www.uga.edu/srelherp/snakes/crohor.htm). But, we occasionally see water moccasins (cottonmouths) if we're messing around in a creek bottom or at the edge of one of our ponds. There are also copperheads, but they're better camouflaged I guess. The only copperhead I've seen was stretched across the concrete floor of a dog kennel, warming itself in the morning sun.

Not to worry, though... If you watch where you are putting your hands and feet, you will see them well before there is any danger. They will see (or smell, or feel) you well before that. The odd thing is, the rattlesnakes here hardly ever rattle unless they get very upset (like when you threaten to steal their dead bunny rabbit, or poke them with a stick). They will lie there quietly and watch you walk by, or they will slowly get out of the way, rather than attract your attention by rattling. Some people say that's because all the ones that rattle right away get killed. 

Oh, and another thing:  rattlesnakes here apparently do not make a "rattling" sound. (Here's an audio recording of a Yankee timber rattlesnake "rattling". I've never heard one of ours do this: http://www.timberrattlesnake.net/photos/rattle.wav )

Ours make more of a "buzz", like the sound of a large bug--maybe a cicada. (Here's an audio clip of a cicada:  http://www.mechaworx.com/Cicada/images2006/Tmarginalis.mp3)

The problem is, when you hear that buzz, it's tempting to look up (into a tree), when the snake is actually on the ground and close enough to you to feel threatened.

It's all part of life, and I love it!

Hugs...

otter 

Sable

*shutters* ewww snake

otter

Aw, snakes aren't so bad. I think I'd have chosen a snakebite over a BC diagnosis, if given the option.  I'm not planning on having either one anymore, though.

otter 

angelsaboveus

Otter just got your postcard today..thank-you, it's so nice to get a hint of where everyone lives, snakes and all.  To put it into perspective though your snakes are our bears that we get in our yard every year, I guess every place has its special little creatures that cohabitate with us.  Just don't put me in a place with big ugly spiders and i'm ok, I'll take a snake, mouse or anything else !

Sue that is so cool that you got to see the launch, being a part of history is soooo coool.

Gracie, what a good Grandma and mom you are to be there for them in there time of need, I guess that all part of the job description as a mom and I'm sure you will cherish the time with them.

Randie I'm glad you are home , how are you ?

Cris I hope you had a great birthday, How was Star Trek?

We are heading out on another road trip down to the coast , Abbotsford for the jump rope Nationals for our daughter. Leave on thursday and will be back on Tuesday. 

Hope everyone has a great weekend !

Cheers,

rock

Gracie -- I'm with everyone else:  They are lucky to have you.  There may well be some bumps in the road before everything is "sorted" as they say here in SA.  Know you can turn to us as much as you want, okay?

Sue + Otter:  Okay, is there any other chemo group that is posting pics of snakes and rocket launches?!!  I think that the rocket might need to bump the scooter as our official mode of transport, btw.

Sorry for not posting much.  Things are pretty busy over here.  I went to two women's prisons on Monday. Am trying to get our research up and running but this will be a short week because I'm having the colpo and the hysteroscopy tomorrow... and a LLETZ (or LEEP) procedure which basically scrapes out my cervix, aka my "transformation zone."  Isn't that rich?

I start the fast at 7 am, report to the hospital at noon, and have been told I might be free to go home between 6 and 8 pm.  I will def be de-spunkified by the end of the day!  

Randie: On Sunday night I went to a movie with my crush. On the way home, we detoured so that we could walk through the Gardens, under the stars.  Still, nothing more than a kiss on the cheek and a quick hug hello and goodbye.  I'm having my transformation zone "excised" -- I think the next time we go for a walk, I will ask him to  -- hold onto your hats, women, because it is going to get hot in here --  hold my hand.

KristyAnn

Hi Everyone,

Rock- I had ot have  LEEP years ago- not too terrible but a little uncomfortable- be on th elookout for infection afterwards though- I got one and fortunately knew to call for antibiotics quickly!

Randies home- YEAH!!!!!

DD got District 1st team catcher honors despite the coach LOL!

Kristy

otter

Sheesh. I have to bump our thread, to keep it from falling off the page!  Lots going on in the chemo forum lately....

Hugs to all...

otter 

drcrisc

Well, now, here I thought I was gonna be waaaay behind and you're all quiet this week!

Rock - Whoa, sister!  Don't get going too fast there (kidding, I'm kidding...).  Actually, I think you should just lean in and plant a big one on him!!     I missed your post last night about the procedure today, so I'm sending "quick recovery" thoughts.

Angels - My birthday was lovely.  And Star Trek was awesome!!  I am a die-hard fan, especially of the original series and I thought it was great.  Great cast, great acting, funny - they will need to fix the storyline they left at though, however, I imagine that's already being worked on.  Dh was amazed I could talk about it for so long afterwards - and he was also amazed as all the birthday wishes on FB!  Thanks, girls!

Sue - Niiiice picture!  Hope you're having a great vacation!

Otter - Our creature of choice here is black widows (Sorry, Angels!).  In the summertime, my dh will stay out after he gets home at 11:30 PMish and go "spider hunting" because that's when they like to come out.  Fortunately, we've never found one in the house and the girls know exactly what one looks like.  They also know to never touch a spider. 

Gracie - I hope things have settled down for you, your dd and granddaughter.  Being at grandma's always helps.

Julie - Glad to hear the mammo was okay!  How was the band concert?  My Katie had one (again!) on Monday that was fun - the high school's jazz band played and they were pretty darn good!  It made her want to be in band again next year. 

Randie - How goes it?  I guess I'll have to check FB...

g'night...

Roxi65229

I don't like spiders and snakes...(sing along)

Where's RanD...? I know Kristy saids she's home. Must be laying low.

We really don't run across snakes too often and when we do, they're usually the gardner snakes (grass snakes).Regardless, they give me the willies.

Angels, enjot the competition. Good luck to your daughter.

Julie, big sigh of relief. So glad everything checked out okay.

Gracie, you are amazing. My daughter just moved back home from college and I'm loving it.

Rock, I agree with Christine, be seaky though. Turn your cheeck for the kiss and snap around real quick for that big one on the lips. He won't know what hit him. P.S. I'll be thinking of you all day. Hope everything checks out a okay!

Have me recon scheduled for May 29th. Wahoo! Can't wait. Took a leave from work for at least a month so I maybe a little chatty here. Not use to being at home. Now for the big news....

Linda and I are meeting on Sunday! She's here visting from Detroit. Can't wait to finally meet up in person.

Hi to everyone else....

Gracie713

Roxi--I am singing with you--don't like them either!!  I am sooooo jealous that you & Linda are getting together!  Have a great time and don't forget pics!!!!

Rock--Hope that you are doing okay!  I am thinking of you.  And I agree with the others--plant a big one on him--you never know--he may be waiting for you to make a move!!!!

Julie--I am glad that everything turned out okay!

All's okay here.  Kelli is enrolled in school, so it is quiet during the day!  (This is the 3rd post I've tried to write, but have decided not to rant, just yet--DD was always our "problem" child and can get on your nerves really quick.)  It has been a big adjustment.  If they are still here in a few weeks, Karli will be here too.

Strawberries are ready for picking!  Our friend has a couple of acres planted and we have already eaten a gallon of them--may go today and pick some more.  DH is going to make some jam for the kids!  He was feeding them to the baby the other day.   These are the best strawberries I have ever eaten and I'm not a strawberry person!

I am sooooooo ready to go back to work on Monday!!!!!!

Love you all!   (Just 2 more posts here and we hit 6000!!)

Anonymous

Hi drcrisc...I finished my four rounds of T/C Feb 18, 2009 and finished 6 weeks of rads Apr 29.  Since everyone seems to experience different SE's, thought I would let you know my experience and what I learned. 

First I will tell you that my experience with chemo was not all that bad...I truly believe I may be one of the fortunate few in that regard. 

Here are the side effects I experienced: 

I most definitely lost all my hair (head, underarms, legs, pubis) after the first round of chemo - it all went around day 17.  My eyebrows and eyelashes held on and held on and held on until the last round of chemo and then I pretty much lost them as well...a little bit of my eyebrows and eyelashes stayed around but very little.  I had my head shaved to a GI Jane cut just before chemo started, also bought a wig and a bunch of head covers.  Hindsight is a great thing...LOL...but (not from my lips to God's ears) if I had to do this again I would forgo the wig.  My bald head didn't bother me and I found that because my chemo was through the winter the head covers were warmer.  I only ended up using the wig about 3 months. Even though I only had peach fuzz on my head, I pretty much stopped using the wig the beginning of April.   Just gave away my head covers and wig this week to our local Cancer office.  My hair is pretty much back to the GI Jane look.

Had a Neulasta shot 24 hours after each chemo and not sure if it was the Neulasta or the chemo or both but I did end up with bone pain which lasted about 2-3 days.  After the first chemo/neulasta the pain was the worst.  I had read that Claritin could help with keeping the pain away...weird... but I checked with my onc and with the onc pharmacist and they both said it wouldn't hurt if I wanted to try it.  So I would take one Claritin about 2 hours before I had my Neulasta shot (conisder this day 1), then one tab day 2, day 3 and day 4.  Not sure if it was all in my mind but it really did seem to help. 

My finger nails started to turn a funny colour - turns out it was some bleeding under the nail and the nails lifted somewhat from the nail bed.  My toe nails also did the same thing.  If your hospital has cooling mits/booties, then definitely ask for them for each chemo treatment.  They will place your hands in cooling mits and feet in cooling booties while you are having chemo. The idea is that the cold slows/keeps the chemo from getting down to your fingers and toes and can help you avoid this problem.

After my first treatment found that for about a week, really didn't have much of an appetite and had no taste buds.  Never got sick at all.

My bosses are the two most wonderful guys in the world and I was able to decide after each treatment if I wanted to come back to work and when.  I would be off treatment day which for me was a Wed, then off Thurs and Fri and back at work either Mon or Tues depending on how tired I was feeling.  Now...keep in mind I do not have any kids, my se's were pretty mild as far as I was concerned and I was in very good shape prior to this whole journey.  Trust me if I needed to stop working to go through this whole shabang I would not hesitate.

The other thing I would say is be vocal...you are the only person living in your body and you are the only one who knows how you feel.  The doctor..no matter how could he/she is does not have a clue as to how you are feeling.  My medical oncologist and my oncology nurse are fabulous and are very responsive, listen to what I am saying/asking and have never dismissed my concerns.  If you are lucky enough to have such a team, count your blessings and if not, then be vocal..stand up for yourself or have a friend or family member come with you to each and every treatment to be your voice.

Sorry for the long post...hope some of this info helps.

PurpleMe (Carol)