first chemo done

barbjdiehl

Well I am getting done with my first daylight day, 12 hrs today.  It wasnt bad getting up this morning but Ive been off work since Tues. when I had port put in.  I was really sore for a couple of days from that, it still feels funny and it itches and I cant itch it without it hurting, but the deep bruised feeling is gone.  I work tomorrow and then I go to my parents on Tues, so I wont be posting til I come back because my parents computer is still dial up and very out of date.

So wish me well, I will be back on Sat. after Thanksgiving and back to work that Sunday, just for that one day and then the chemo.

My boss is a woman.

kristifromsandiego

Hello,

It was a beautiful day in San Diego.  Warm in the day and a bit of a chill this evening.  We had a dinner party last night, 2 other couples.  We hosted which was fun because everyone always takes care of us.  We had a great time, barbecued chicken, salad, cherry pie!  We were so normal.  The men did the dishes and then went out to drink brandy and smoke cigars.  We ragged on them that it was bad for them.  We stayed warm inside and tried to realize how luck we were.

I have a group of women that I have run with for years, (I stopped running about 4 years ago -because of  a neurological order which gives me weakness on my left limbs).  One of these women has a husband which is about to loose his job, her job is barely enough to keep their family a float, they have 3 children in college and she is depressed and is trying to find her meaning for life. She mentioned that she felt bad that she was feeling depressed when I had breast cancer.  Know one knows that she is going through this very hard stage of life and everyone knows I have cancer.  I receive flowers, gifts, messages of encouragement and she receives nothing.  My heart just goes out to her, I wish there were a group of women like us out there for her.  So, in a way we are lucky.  It seems so strange for me to say that with chemo looking at us in a few days, oh how I hate it, but at least we are together.  I will drop off flowers to my friend tomorrow.

It sounds like quite a few of us will be doing chemo on the 1st.  It will be a busy day.  I will start decedron, Sunday morning (1 pill) and Sunday evening (1 pill) and then one Monday before chemo.  So I will be flying but that is half the amount I took the first time.  I anticipating hitting the wall on Wednesday night like last time. I will get everything else in place for the big day.  Then I do not take chemo again till the 19th (Friday).  It will be a tough Christmas.  I will be half way done after that!!!!!!!

Sounds like everyone will be having a good Thanksgiving.  What fun for you Jill to have everyone at your home, don't get to tired. Watch out cats like turkey.  We are getting a new dog this summer, we had to put our 14 year old golden retriever down in October, a week before surgery.  Thanks for your advise regarding Christmas Parties, I will be cautious.  It is not worth it to get sick.  I think I will go early and leave early.

Debbie, You will do OK I am sure, just keep us informed, we can help.  I bought a wig through the mail, at the American Caner Society Web site www.tlcdirect.org .  It was about $48.00 and I really like it.  I don't know if I will wear it but I have it if I need it.  My hair is suppose to come out on Monday (2 weeks since first chemo) but it is still hanging in there.  It doesn't itch or anything, I hope the chemo drugs are working. It is odd having it not do what it is suppose to do, however I like having it.

Cristl, I have a question regarding sleeping.  I am taking this time release pill that has worked great, but I was concerned that I was getting depended on it.  So last night I decided to not take it and instead to an advil PM. I did not sleep well at all, so tonight I will be back on the prescription.  I am worried for the future that I will need more and more of this pill to get to sleep.  What has been your regime?  I am going to talk to my oncologist about it.

Also, I have little head aches? anyone else? and minor mouth sores, but I can handle them.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone.  I will probably check this before then but if I do not I hope for great dinners with friends and family for all.  We are barbecuing the turkey and bringing it to a friends house where they will have the rest of the fixings.  All our family is out of town.

Happy Thanksgiving  Kristi

jill323

Kristi -

Hi.  Quick one today because I am running around like a chicken, but wanted to give you an answer on the mouth sores question.   The ladies at my support group recommended something called "Prevention" - it is a mouthwash made especially for oncology patients and from what I can tell is only found at Walgreens.   I bought some and it has been wonderful at keeping away the mouth sores - big differnece from first to second treatment.    I just swish it several times a day. 

As for headaches, yes I have had some too.  If I have it in the day, I take and Advil which sometimes works and sometimes does not.   At night I pull out the big guns (Vicoden) - which knocks me on my butt... then I don't care about the headache any more! 

Hope that helps.

Jill

Mocity

Kristie,

With regard to sleeping...... I also hate to depend on the sleeping medications.  However, I tend to think it is worse for us not to get some sleep especially while we are going through this.  I would take what you need to in order to get the much needed sleep.  At this point I can take things and stay up right through them.  All the worrying I am doing it keeping my mind racing.

I really started shedding over the weekend and it is pretty bad today.  I am guessing I will go get it shaved at some point this week.  It is such a depressing side effect to deal with while dealing with the rest of this..

I hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving!

barbjdiehl

Hi all,

What is decedron, is that one of the medicines to keep you from getting sick from the chemo?  Im not at home so i cant look at my scripts.  So is that a medicine that keeps you from sleeping?

There seems to be so many people starting on Dec. 1st.

I dont know how Im going to be away at my parents and be away from the computer.

I like talking here.

Ive been sitting here at work crying, til I started reading about everyone else too.

well the boss is coming soon, a little work to do.  It hasnt been bad switching to daylight yet, but today I had to drive in snow, it seemed too soon, but it is almost the end of Nov.  So I guess I should just be glad it wont be like last year.  Last year, we topped 100 inches!

I will keep all of you in my prayers. 

jill323

Barb -

Hi.  Decadron is a type of steroid that they give to folks prior to chemo (in pill form) and in the IV as a pre-med.  As you can see, it affects some people differently than others.   I don't get too hyper on it, but some people are very sensitive to the point they have trouble sleeping.   This is why, for example, they are reducing the amount they give Cristl because she appears very sensitive to it.    They usually give this to ward off potential allergic side effects that can be common with chemo.  So, it is very important.  

As for the first chemo - the antipation is the worst.   Once you get one under your belt, it gets easier.   I am also sad you won't be near your computer.   I will send you a phone number via the private message.  If things get too much for you, just call.    Always helps to talk with someone who has been there. 

Sorry to hear about the snow.  Yikes !  Over 100 inches last year.  Don't think I could handle that. 

Jill  

Mocity

Hi Barb,

This is kind of a reiteration of what Jill just said but.....

It is the steriod they give to ward off any reactions from the chemo.  I don't take the pill form since I go weekly and they don't expect a big reaction because it is a smaller dose.  I just get it in IV form prior to the taxol (chemo).  It makes me really hyped-up.  I got them to reduce it last time and they said they will continue to try to reduce it as long as I don't have any reactions during the chemo dose.  BUT as Jill said some people do just fine with it.  I had sleep problems prior to this so that probably makes me more sensitive to it.

As Jill said... once you get the first one done you should be much more comfortable with the "idea" of it.  I was terrified and now those appts don't scare me each week.  Now I am too stressed about the hair loss ..... but once that milestone is over it too will be over.

You will do fine.  Sending positive thoughts your way..........

Cristl

Anna381

Hello,

This is my first post to this site.

I read often and feel much better after listening to all the support everyone provides. Jill and Kristi I gotta say your posts make me laugh (much needed). Had surgery on Nov. 7th, Bi-lat mast (sorry don't know all the shorts) 23 lymph nodes and have expanders. It's been two weeks now and I am still feeling constant pressure from the expanders. I am taking vicodin but want to start leaning more towards the motrin. I will take all the information I can get. Your positive fun attitudes inspired me to join this forum.

Anna

Michigan

Deb-from-Ohio

Hey Jill

   Am gonna miss seeing your smiling face Wednesday when I go for chemo, along with the fact, that just one drunken hilarious story would have been great to post! LOL.......and don't worry, I have my course plotted out.......LOL.....gonna drown in water starting tomorrow, (Tuesday) and everyday after that, hopefully will flush that crud outta my system quickly..........and best of all, Rick will be off for the holidays with me this time.I did get my haircut, so far only a few strands have come out, wondering what superglue in the hair would look like? <Big grin>..........I really hope you, along with the others are doing ok.

  Well off to do some housework while I still can!!!!!!!!!

Hugs and prayers and much love to all

Deb

jill323

Everyone -

Deb was the lady I was telling you about.  She had the misfortune of having to put up with me in person at the treatment center, even though we met on this board.    We had chemo the same day last week and burned up the private message board throughout the next week.  

Hey Deb - Sorry I will miss you this time - I am on a three week cycle and go back the week of Dec. 1.   Not sure how much of a fun drunk I am anyway... I seem to just fall asleep when they start pumping all the taxol and alcohol in (nothing quite like a benadryl chaser to boot).   Glad you are gettting so hydrated up front this time !   I am hoping you can avoid the dehydration scenario you had last time.   Also, let me know how it goes with the onc. this time.   You know where I am if you need me.  

Jill

P.S. I am officially as bald as a cue ball now.   The couple of wisps I had where irritating my scalp (believe it or not).  So,... out came the clippers.  I look like Yoda, and  I never knew my ears were so big ! 

PinkLaddy

Hi All,

I'm new to this Post but have kept up with your readings and you All sound like a Great Bunch of Wonderful Friends!!

I have my first Chemo tom. and freaking out. Take the decadron tonight and again tom. morning but I think they will give more per the IV. I had the Power Port placed in on Thursday. I guess the more I read about everyone's different side effects is where I get more scared.

I hope you All are doing Okay! I'm in Arizona so No Snow in Phoenix.

Jerri

Mocity

Hi Jerri,

I was terrified before my first too.  I felt like a death row prisoner walking to the electric chair.  I have done three now and I promise the anticipation of the treatment is worse than sitting in that chair.  They have so many medications now to help with the side effects.  I watched my mom in the early 80's completely suffer from side effects.  They have come a long way.  You will do ok and get the first one behind you.  That is a milestone in itself I think.  One more step to getting this over with.  I will be sending positive vides your way. 

 Cristl

jill323

Anna -

Welcome !   I am a little biased, but I think you chose the best thread on the board to post into.  Very supportive group of ladies here dealing with things much the same way.    And yes, we can get a little goofy once in a while (my onc. always says attitude is about 90% of what you need - and we have attitude in spades on this thread!).    Actually, I think that it is mainly Kristi and Cristl who get goofy and philosophical - gotta watch those two every minute you know.  (Kidding Critl and Kristi).   

Anyway, tell us a little about yourself.   You had the bilat and evidently they put the expanders in at the same time.   What are you facing next ?   Have you visited your oncologist yet ?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Jill

jill323

Jerri -

Welcome to you too !  Cristl got that one exactly right.   While chemo is not at all fun, the anticipation I think can be worse.    Take it one step at a time.  Get yourself good and hydrated (and drink lots of water during treatment too).    Like Cristl said, the meds they have these days can make it more manageable.  And then when you do "hit that wall", remember we will be here.  You can complain, ask questions, get tips, etc. all you want.   The only "requirement" is that you have to put up with us too. 

What regimen will you be doing ?    Look forward to hearing from you.  Take care. 

Jill

Mocity

Hi Anna,

I had my bi-lateral on 9/16/08 and started chemo 11/7/08.  I can tell you the pressure fromn the expanders will get better.  I couldn't believe I was expected to feel that way after the surgery.  I have my expanders in and have only had 2 fills.  My IDC came as a shock after going in to the Bi-lateral with DCIS.  So I had to decide on Chemo and get that started.  I can't have the exchange surgery (to take out the expanders) until 2 months after my last chemo so I haven't been rushing the "fills".  No need to.  The expanders are uncomfortable but everyone says once the implants are in it is alot better.  So with time we will get there.  AND you will feel much better as some time passes and you get use to them.  When will you be starting chemo?  Do you have the drains in?

Take care, Cristl

Deb-from-Ohio

Jill,

Sure will let ya know how it goes with the "witch doctor".....LOL, course Rick will be with me as he was last time and she isn't quite so brave when he's with me.....he will also be off till Sunday!!!! Woooo hooooooo.........even tho I will feel like crap, much better to be that way with someone you love instead of alone on the couch!

I am trying hard to keep drinking alot of water, well it's Vitamin Water but hey that counts. Still water......course the other day I had like 40 ounces of this stuff and my bladder actually started hurting....felt like I was gettin a infection (even though they have me on cipro and have had for like 4 days now). It went away Thank the Lord.....but that along with the pop, coffee, milk, water in food should be enough shouldn't it? How much are we supposed to drink anyway?

And Jill  you're a pretty and very intelligent woman, you're much more then  your hair darlin........You have a great heart and that's what makes you beautiful!

prayers hugs and love

Deb

PinkLaddy

Thank You Jill and Cristl and NO Problem about putting up with anyone!

I'm doing Cytoxan and Taxotere every 3 weeks. I just keep reading horror stories about your nails and that you need to keep ice on them. Also I will get the shot the next day. I will try to go in there with my BIG bottle of water and try to relax! Wish I could sleep through the whole thing.

Anyway Ladies Thank You,

Jerri

Deb-from-Ohio

Pinkladdy

  Just make sure you drink as much water as you can tonite, tomorrow and the following days to flush the chemo out of your system. As much as you can possibly drink....I didn't know this before my first......and like you, I was terrified, let me tell you, I don't like pain....I have the smart port too and it was nothing, just like a small pinch....the anticipation and worry beforehand was worse then the actual process. Believe me, having that port is one heckuva lot better then them pokin needles in veins (I have rolling veins) and moving the needle around trying to grab one.......The only reason I don't like the port is because it just feels funny and it aggravates me to death. I go for my second one on Weds..........

Feel free to private message me if you want.....they only allow you 5 posts per day here.....so not sure how many I've made so far! LOL

Hugs and prayers

Deb

jill323

Jerri -

Hi again.  One quick note before I run off to my support group this evening.  Don't pay too much attention to the side effect sheets they give you or what is happening to everyone else.   Everyone reacts a little differently.  You might get some, all or none of the side effects.  And to make it even more maddening, you might even react differently to subsequent treatments vs. the first one.   So... play it by ear a bit, and seek out advice when you do experience a certain side effect because it is likely someone will have had the side effect you are dealing with and found a way to manage it.  However, there are some side effects that warrant talking to your doc, and usually the treatment centers point out what those particular side effects are and you should be on the look out for them.  

Also, there is a topic at the top of the chemo forum with a little "pin" in it that talks about things to buy at the store before chemo.  I found that one helpful.  There are a few "relatively" common things - fatigue, mouth soreness, hair thinning/loss, and the need to stay hydrated are the ones I have seen.

Also, for the Neulasta shot (the one the next day), that increases white cell count.   That one can cause some bone aches and pain.  A couple of ladies on another forum recommended a three day regimen of Aleve and Claritin and that seemed to help a lot the second time around when getting that shot (for me).   Of course, I am hoping you don't have that issue !

In my case, I am a drug wimp and do fall asleep - between the benardryl and alcohol I couldn't keep my eyes open anyway.  But, people react differently to those too.   Sorry to be so wishy washy.  But, the upside is that perhaps you will weather this differently (and better) than others !

Jill  

jill323

Good morning ladies !

I was running around last night.  I do love my support group, even if I do not love the reason I ended up there.   Also, got all my Thanksgiving shopping done !  I am ready... Bring 'em on !  (If you can't tell, I am like a little kid with this holiday.  Can't wait.   And believe it or not, I am a huge sports fan.  So, I like that football is on that day, on top of the great eats !  What a great holiday).  

Deb - Sorry I did not answer sooner.  As you can see, I got side tracked by Thanksgiving !  As far as drinking stuff... I am not sure there is a "correct" amount.   Don't make yourself sick, though.    The rule of thumb is make sure that you get about eight glasses a day (not sure where they got that though).    And yes, all the other "liquids" count.  Unforutnately, alcohol does not (that sucks, doesn't it?).     What are you on the Cipro for ?  This last time they gave that to me prophylactically because the chemo has a tendency to cause my diverticulitis to flare up.   Better safe than sorry.    Also, thanks for the kind words.   I think you are "beautiful" too.   (Although I really do look like Yoda now!). 

Jerri - I am thinking about you this morning.   I hope all is going well for you.  I suspect we might not hear from you for a while.   But, we are here if you need us.  Sending lots of positive thoughts your way !

Debbie - Where are you ?!!!  I miss you.   Hope things are going well for you.

Barb - I know you are traveling.  Also sending positive thoughts your way.  

Take care everyone !  

Jill

jill323

Cristl -

Forgot to ask.  How is the hair thing going for you ?

Jill

Deb-from-Ohio

yooo hooooooo JILL!!!!!!!!!! They have me on cipro because when I had my oh so fun ride to the hospital in the life squad, and got to the hospital, they said my WBC was way too low.....so that doc talked to the "Witch doctor" and they decided to put me on it so I wouldn't get sick....... Kinda preventative measures.......I attempted to get my chemo rescheduled till Friday , but the doc won't be in that day, so Thanksgiving is gonna stink.......but there will be others and I can cook us a turkey dinner when I feel up to it..........Ok on the water, think am gonna switch from the Vitamin Water to regular water today, for some reason, the vitamin water is really irritating the old bladder.....

Well if ya don't hear from me, chemo's tomorrow.........and I pray to God that it doesn't affect me like it did last time............sooooo if ya don't hear from me, you know I'm on the couch so don't worry!

Love, hugs and prayers

Deb

Mocity

Deb,

I read somewhere someone said they put those new little packs of True Lemon or True Lime in their water and it helped.  I haven't tried it.  I drink alot of Crystal Light here at work and try to mix in some plain water.

http://www.truelemon.com/facts2.html

Who knows.. but thought it might help.

Cristl

Mocity

Hi Jill,

Thanks for asking... not too good.  It started shedding over the weekend and then this morning it was coming out in handfulls in the shower.  Now am am constantly shedding.  My cousins have arranged with my hairdresser today at 5pm to cut it short, shave it, or whatever I get the courage to do.  Such a big deal for me for some reason.  I think I am freaking out with this more than my bi-lateral mastectomy for some reason.  My poor hair is not that great to begin wtih.  :-)

Anyway, with the holiday and people being out of town I guess I need to just get it over with.  My hairdresser bought me a human hair wig as a gift and has cut and styled it pretty darn close to my own.  But I just don't want to be bald.... (insert 5 year old temper tamtrum here!).  I know no one does.

So I guess it will be another step I can count as over with.

Tomorrow is my fourth treatment and my Dad is going with me.  Then Thursday we will drive a couple of hours out of town to my brothers.  So maybe with the long weekend and family I will have a little time to adjust.

Thanks for thinking of me.  HOpe you are doing well!

Cristl

jill323

Cristl -

You know, even though we only know each other throught this board, I had a feeling this was going on with you.   And.. by the way, I took a look at the care page you sent me and I think that was your picture there.  You don't give yourself enough credit.  

Only you know how you are feeling and what is right for you.  Everyone is different.  I can only tell you what my thought process was with the hair.  For me personally, the hair thing went beyond just the aesthetic thing about hair.   I can hide the other scars under my shirt, but when I lost my hair it announced to the world that I was "deficient" in some way.   So, I think that is why it was harder.   That said, if I had to do it over again, I think I would have gotten it over an done with.  The shedding was way more traumatic than just having it gone (for me).   Hoping it would stop "thinning" only delayed the inevitable and made me feel worse when it kept coming out.  Plus all the hair all over the damn place made me CRAZY.  It was really embarrassing when I sat in meetings at work and had hair float down in front of my eyes !

Anyway, hang in there and let us know what you decided to do.  There is no right answer, and it looks like you have a great group of people surrounding you.    And like Deb said, you are much more than your hair !

Take care.

Jill   

PinkLaddy

Hi All,

I've been off the Boards today and really suppose to have my 1st Chemo but got delayed until tom. so tom. it is. I think what happened was the doctor wrote the order for TC so everyone got it approved for Taxal and the Cyt. but then they questiond him about the dosage and he said NO he wanted Taxotere so then had to get it approved so now tom. I go. I'm a bit wired with the Decadron but that is okay since I am getting things done.

Cristl-I am so sorry about you feeling so down about your hair. I wish I could HUG you through the computer.

I already called my Wonderful Hair Guy and getting ALL cut down like Mia Farrow had it in Rose Mary's Baby. I have Blonde Long Thick Hair to my waist. It will be traumatic for me but ready to do it.

Cristl just keep talking to us okay???

Jill-I'm NOT reading anymore about what could happen about SE and I think your Postivie Thoughts have Finally Slapped me in the Face. Just what I needed. Thank You!

Anyway Thank You All and hope, NO I know I will be GREAT and talk at you soon,

Jerri

jill323

Jerri -

Hi !  Well.. that sucks doesn't it ?   You know, the exact same thing happened to me on my first chemo.  Was all ready to go, and then the Doctor ran behind and by the time they got me into the treatment center, it was too late - because I DO get taxol, and that takes forever to give.    So.. had to do the darn steroid the next night too and go in the next day. 

What a pain !   But, you do sound a whole lot better today.   I am very happy about that.  I know a number of ladies on the TC regimen, and they do very well.   I hope you are one of those ! 

Jill

P.S. Does this mean that you will have to go in for your Neulasta shot on Thanksgiving ?!  Ugh.

PinkLaddy

Hi Jill,

No, I go in on Black Friday to get the Neulasta Shot. It sucked but I think I am in a better mood and better mind state for it tom. than I was today. It is strange that the same thing happened to you. I don't take as much Decadron at one time but smaller doses several days. Bummer but hey anything to kick this Cancer's Butt!!!

Anyway hopefully Opps sorry No Everything will be Dandy tom. so I will give you all a Report!!! Otherwise I hope you are doing Good as well!!

Thank You Again,

Jerri

Debbie1218

Hi there! And hello and welcome to Jerri, Deb and Anna!  Barb, hoping you are doing ok- I know you are traveling. Hi jill- I'm here..and Hi Kristi and Cristl. My daughter and her family (hubby, 4 kids 2,4,7,9 and 2 dogs) got here yesterday- she surprised me- as they were supposed to be here this evening. Didn't even get the house totally babyproofed, but all is well. There's chocolate, Lucky Charms, Cheerios, and ice cream, so no one will starve until Thanksgiving dinner is ready

Am going for my cardiac echo and brain mri tomorrow. all I know is I got 2 valium to take before the test (for clostrophobia) at 6 bucks each, ridiculous since I could have received 30 for 5 bucks at WalMart. Little do they know it isn't the fear of small spaces, it's those dang velcro straps for my arms, and holding my head still that i need the drugs for. My family knows I am terrified of heights, but my husband knows if I get pinned down, or even get my arms held down I panic BIG time. So- will start with 1/2, and if I see straps, the other 1 1/2 are going right down.

Then its on for more bloodwork, and hopefully scheduling my big day- first chemo. Am really nervous, and am glad the kids are here to take my mind off of it. I actually took them all to the park today, and oh my gosh am I tired. I even more surprised anyone let me do it alone, and drive. Geez, I drove the LA freeways for 14 years, and all of a sudden everyone is worried about me driving 2 miles to the park with the kids.

I called my Mom-in-law about the hairloss thing- she went thru it just a year ago. When it got wispy she shaved it, and never got a wig. She is wonderful, and I feel lucky to have her to call on. For some reason, that first chemo is like starting the final countdown to hairloss. The first thing the fleetingly entered my head when chemo was mentioned, was oh geez, I'm going to lose my bangs. I can't lose my bangs!!  So- have informed hubby- if the bangs fall out- all the hair goes. He of course thinks I'm nuts, but thats the way it is, unless I chicken out, and try and hang in there with it as long as possible. Hmmm, maybe fake bangs with a hat to keep the rest of my hair in place..Jill, I cannot believe you look like Yoda. I'm sure you look beautiful! Now me, I'm wondering if it's ok to have a few botox injections for the frowny wrinkles in my forehead (reason for bangs).

Anyway- Cristl, please let us know how you are doing, I wish we could all be there in person to support you, but sounds like you have a lot of family support, which is great. I'll be sending positive thoughts your way! 

Kristi, I cannot believe how upbeat you sound! I'm glad- and hope you have a great Thanksgving Day!

So- Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I'll be mildly medicated tomorrow, so likely will sleep all day...and hoping will be awake enough to check this tomorrow night just to see if everyone is doing ok.

Take care,

Debbie

kristifromsandiego

Hi guys,

It feels like weeks have gone by since I last posted, but only a few days and things seem to be really changing for people.  Cristl, I am so sorry about the hair.  I don't quite know what you're going through but I will be right behind you.  I had my 1st chemo 2 weeks and a day ago and my hair has hardly done anything, so I was worried that the chemo wasn't working.  The oncologist assured me that everything was OK and that some peoples hairs grows and falls out at different stages.  I do not think I will ever be prepared for it. 

I went to a therapist this evening.  Something I have never done before in my life, I am not the therapist type, but I didn't like the way I felt mentally after the first chemo so I went hunting for ways to feel better.  Well, she was nice and everything but she didn't give me my cure all that I was looking for.  She tells me that I need to be able to be vulnerable and allow other people to take care of me when I need it.  Very unlike me but I will see how I can do.

Jerri, welcome on board, don't be to concerned with the Neulasta, I had it the first day I got chemo (TAC), and it hardly effected me.   Try not to worry about things that are beyond your control. I know that this is so much easier said than done.  Good luck tomorrow I will be thinking of you! 

Decadron:  They also are planning on taking me completely off Decadron for my next chemo.  I am not sure what that will do to me, but I know that I won't be as hyped up.  I am a little concerned because I don't know how my body will react to all the drugs, without the Decadron. 

I hope everyone will have a good Thanksgiving. Jeri hang in there, so sorry that you have to have chemo a few days before a holiday.

Deb and Jill how lucky you are to have met at chemo, wish we could all be there with you. However isn't it a bit cold there.  We are getting rain!!! Yeah  San Diego needs it so much.

How's Debbie?

Gotta go, I think my husband is a bit jealous that I have found other people to talk to about cancer.  He asked me if these "women" i talked to were positive or were they pulling me down.  Oh my gosh, I told him, they are the most inspirational group of women I could imagine. Thank you everyone.  Kristi