Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

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  • kranie
    kranie Member Posts: 33
    edited December 2008

    Help please. I had my first TC TX on Wed. the 17th, along with a Neulasta shot. I am presently experiencing severe pain across my back. Is this from the Neulasta? It's about 8PM and I don't think there's a chemo nurse on call to help me.  Took some Tylenol. Its helping a little.

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited December 2008

    Move over ladies.  As of this afternoon, I've joined the bald ladies club.  I couldn't believe how fast my hair came out.  It just started yesterday and today I could take out a handful at a time.  I had bald spots!!  So, my DH shaved it off for me.  It will certainly take some getting used to.  Altho I think that by the time hair starts growing back, this will look totally normal for me.  Thank goodness I learned to tie scarves yesterday. Ha ha.  

    Lainey, I sure hope you went home early and pampered yourself a little bit.  I wouldn't have been able to be able to socialize that soon after a treatment.

    I hope everyone that had chemo today is doing well. 

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited December 2008

    Kranie, I had bad back pain from Neulasta.  I took percocet that I had left over from my surgery.  Call your onc's office.  There should be a number on the recording for emergencies.  If you can, try a warm (not hot) heating pad on your back.    If you can't get in touch with your onc or a nurse tonight, and if you don't have anything stronger to take, you can take more than the recommended dose of Tylenol ( like double) to get the pain under control.  Then keep taking the recommended dose thru the night until you can call your onc.  I know you're miserable.  I hope you feel better soon.

  • kranie
    kranie Member Posts: 33
    edited December 2008

    Thanks Firni. I still have tylenol with coedine around and will try that. It's good to know someone is out there!

  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited December 2008

    Kranie, the back pain sounds familiar.  I took Extra strength Tyleneol and it helped.  I hope you're feeling better.

    I took everyone's advice and left work early.  I felt defeated somehow because I really wanted to make it through the day but my body just wouldn't let me.  I think the holiday party was a little too much at once.  I took an Ativan around 3:30 and took a nice nap.  I'm still feeling yuck and waiting for my boyfriend to come home with some ginger ale for me. 

    Firni, welcome to the baldie club :) 

  • mimiwhite
    mimiwhite Member Posts: 60
    edited December 2008

    Lainey hope you are feeling better tonight.  Always nice to get home and put on a soft cap.

    Firni I hope you are adjusting to your new look.  It does take a bit.

    Hey, do you girls think it is ok to drink o.j and cranberry juice while on chemo. Or eat spinach and other greens?  I have been thinking about this and all the antioxidants.  I hope it is not too much, but it was helpful for my cold sx.  I only take a multi vitamin.  Any input would be great.  And was the most recent post only regarding vitamin c supplements.  Is that differnt than drinking vitamin C?

    2nd rx went well today, and my WBC was back to 10.8.  Crazy how it drops and comes back up.  I did not have to get a Neulasta today.

    Mary good luck tomorrow and good luck to the rest of you with chemo and SE this week.

    Good night,

    mimi

  • apfuentes
    apfuentes Member Posts: 95
    edited December 2008

    So much going on with the December ladies. I feel like I'm a step behind everyone so it's real helpful to hear what's up ahead.  Regarding Neulasta...I'm dealing with the bone pain too and I had my shot on Wednesday!  It took a while for the aches to hit, but the last couple of days my lower back has been giving me a heck of a time.  I thought it would feel more like muscle pain, but now I know what true BONE pain feels like.  Ugh. How long did it last for some of you?  I thought I'd be done with it by now. 

  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited December 2008

    Apfuentes, if I recall correctly, my bone pain didn't start until around the 8th and 9th day after TX.  And you're right, bone pain is nothing like muscle aches.  I really felt the pain in my collar bone and my sternum.  Yuck! Mine only lasted a day or two and then was gone.  I took Tylenol for it and that seemed to work.  I hope yours will subside quickly and you'll feel better soon.

    Mimi, glad to hear your WBC is up.  Thank you for your kind words.  You're right, my head feels nice and cozy in my little sleep cap! 

  • Brenny
    Brenny Member Posts: 116
    edited December 2008

    Well, I got my wish!  Betsy (my wig) flew home with me in my carry on bag last night -- today is day 21 (from tx 1) and I do still have hair -- but the shedding is enough to drive me crazy.  On my clothes, in my mouth, I am sure in my food...... I have not washed it since Friday (afraid to) and the brush comes out with gobs of strands of hair.  But now I am determined to hold off until after tx 2 tomorrow and then go to my hair gal and have her buzz it and give me "put-on-the-wig" classes.  I can still go out in public today without stares, so have some shopping to do and then finish wrapping tonite and off to chemo 2 tomorrow.

    Best to all....

  • CindaD
    CindaD Member Posts: 120
    edited December 2008

    kranie, I took Ibuprofen for my bone pain and it really helped, but you have to get the ok from your onc. before you take it, mine said it was ok, but they don't all agree on that.

    Lainey, I don't know how you went that soon after tx, I was laying on the sofa watching chick TV on that day!  Don't push yourself, this is just a short period in our life, we'll be looking back on this in a flash, so pamper, pamper, pamper.

    OK so I'm day 20 and my hair is shedding, I have extremely thick hair , so it still looks ok, but I want to buzz it and my dh wants me to hold off until after Christmas, he thinks I'll feel better with hair and maybe just wear a hat if I need to, but I can't stand looking at the hair in the sink in the morning after I comb it or for that matter in the tub....what do you girls think? To buzz before or after?  We're having a big party a our house tomorrow and I think that's why DH wants me to wait. I just want to stop worrying about my hair, if I don't do it before, it will be gone on Friday.

    Good luck to everyone getting tx this week, I hope you SE's are minimal so you can enjoy the holidays.

    Cinda

  • colleen1960
    colleen1960 Member Posts: 226
    edited December 2008

    Day two since my 3 tx.  I am feeling pretty good.  I was able to get about 6 hrs. of straight sleep and that was good.  I am little tired but thats about all right now.  Hoping to stay ahead of any se that might want to appear.  I am waiting for my goddaughter to come she is in from NC and we are going to go to lunch.  I have not seen her in months.  So we should have a nice visit.

    I want to wish everyone a Very Merry Chirstmas and A Very Happy, HEALTHY 2009. We all deserve it.  Enjoy spending time with your love ones.  To anyone have their tx this week, may it be easy with no SE.

    HUGS To All

    Colleen 

  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited December 2008

    Good morning ladies.  I'm back at work today and feeling better.  I am making an effort to pace myself and not exert too much energy too soon.  I figured out something new with my wig and it's not feeling so tight.  Hopefully it will help.  After today I am off for about 13 days so that will be good.  I'm planning to take it real easy. I just want to say that I appreciate you all so much.  I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season despite this journey we have to be on. 

    Brenny, yay glad you made it home!  I know you were concerned about that. 

    Cinda, if you can wait another day on buzzing, I say go for it.  I think I probably jumped the gun a little early but I was feeling anxious about it too and just wanted it to be over with.  I still have lots of stubble on my head so it's not falling out that quick.  Your dear hubby doesn't want for you to feel self conscious about it.  What a sweetheart.

    Colleen, I'm glad you're still feeling good.  I hope you enjoy your time with your God Daughter and your SE's are minimal!

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited December 2008

    Good morning ladies! I've been absent a while because Treatment #2 FEC knocked me on my butt. I get split treatments days 1 & 2, then the Neulasta shot on day 3. Well, by the evening of day 1, I was already down for the count. Emend helped tremendously with the nausea but nothing seems to help with the horrible fatigue. I could barely move! My body felt like it was made of lead.

    I've got to admit that at my lowest point, I was really wondering if I could go through with the 3rd and final FEC treatment. I've never felt so overwhelmed. I was in tears and miserable. Thankfully, that feeling passed!

    I get the last round of FEC on January 6th and 7th, then move on to 9 weekly Taxotere treatments. I wish I knew a hypnotist who could give me a subconscious suggestion to help get me through the next round.

    Although I shaved my head a couple of weeks ago when my hair started coming out in clumps, I still have about half of my hair (in stubble). Time will tell if the remaining chemo treatments will take their toll on what's left. But everyone has been very complimentary of my wig. Too bad it's annoying to wear. I'm self-conscious about the way my ears stick out or I'd just run around bald.

    The good news is that I haven't had to shave my legs or under my arms in at least a week. I'm amazed by how fast my showers are in the mornings!

  • havehope
    havehope Member Posts: 503
    edited December 2008

    Merry Christmas! 

    Eating Dark Chocolate May Be An Efficient Way To Keep Your Weight Down Over Christmas

    11 Dec 2008   

    New research at the Faculty of Life Sciences (LIFE) at the University of Copenhagen - shows that dark chocolate is far more filling than milk chocolate, lessening our craving for sweet, salty and fatty foods. In other words, eating dark chocolate may be an efficient way to keep your weight down over Christmas.

    We have known for a long time that it is healthier to eat dark chocolate, but now scientists at the Department of Human Nutrition at LIFE, University of Copenhagen, have found that dark chocolate also gives more of a feeling of satiety than milk chocolate.

    Chocolate experiment

    To compare the effects of dark and milk chocolate on both appetite and subsequent calorie intake, 16 young and healthy men of normal weight who all liked both dark and milk chocolate took part in a so-called crossover experiment. This meant that they reported for two separate sessions, the first time testing the dark chocolate, and the second time the milk chocolate.

    They had all fasted for 12 hours beforehand and were offered 100g of chocolate, which they consumed in the course of 15 minutes. The calorific content was virtually the same for the milk and dark chocolate.

    During the following 5 hours, participants were asked to register their appetite every half hour, i.e. their hunger, satiety, craving for special foods and how they liked the chocolate.

    Results

    Two and a half hours after eating the chocolate, participants were offered pizza ad lib.

    They were instructed to eat until they felt comfortably satiated. After the meal, the individuals' calorie intake was registered.

    The results were significant. The calorie intake at the subsequent meal where they could eat as much pizza as they liked was 15 per cent lower when they had eaten dark chocolate beforehand.

    The participants also stated that the plain chocolate made them feel less like eating sweet, salty or fatty foods.

    So apart from providing us with the healthier fatty acids and many antioxidants, dark chocolate can now also help us steer clear of all the sweet, salty and fattening Christmas foods.

    ----------------------------
    Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
    ----------------------------

    For more information please contact Research Assistant Lone Brinkmann Sørensen, Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences (LIFE), University of Copenhagen.

    Source: Lone Brinkmann Sørensen, LIFE
    University of Copenhagen

    original post in :« Forum: Healthy Recipes for Everyday Living>>

  • msbusdriver
    msbusdriver Member Posts: 72
    edited December 2008

    Hey Karen. I had terrible pains from the Neulasta shot with my 1st tx. It started in my back and went to my hips and legs. I used a heated massaging pad that goes on your chair. It got me through. I also slipped and took a couple of ibuprofen. I told my onc. and she said just a couple would be ok. She prescribed my some loritabs for this time just in case. I am sitting here getting TX #2 right now and will have Neulasta #2 tomorrow. Good luck and (((hugs))) to you.

    Firni, welcome to our bald ladies club. It really is a relief to me to have it over with!

    Lainey, glad you went home to take care of yourself. I hope you are feeling better today.

    Mimi, I hope it is ok to eat greens! I have been craving them like crazy and have already eaten 2 messes of them. Let us know what you find out.

    apfuentes, my bone pain lasted about 2 1/2 days and when it stopped it was like someone flipped a switch! I had so much energy and got so much accomplished. Now I sit here in my chair starting the process all over. Hope you feel better soon!

    Brenny, you will feel better with your hair cut off, or at least I did. It helps with itching and soreness of the scalp. Good luck!

    Cinda, I didn't know what I was gonna do about my hair until the mood struck. I thought I would hold out until the very end of shedding without cutting or buzzing. But when it started coming out and I was making trips to the bathroom to brush loose hair out more than peeing I decided that was IT! I caught everyone gone from our house, got my husbands beard clipper out and away the hair went. I felt really good about it. But, if I had had a party planned the next day I guess I would have toughed it out until after it. It is a hard decision but you will make the right one for you. Let us know what you do. Take care!

    Colleen, good to hear from you! I hope you have a great time with your Goddaughter. Wishing you an easy time with SE from tx 3.

    Texas, I'm so sorry you had such a tough time with #2. Sounds like they are hitting you with the hard stuff. I laughed when I read about your self-consciousness about your ears sticking out! I have the opposite problem - my ears lay close to my head. My DH says I am built for speed, low wind resistance! You talk about making me self conscious! I know he is just joking but you just wait until I find something to get him with. Lol

    Simvog, thank you for the info on dark chocolate! Now I have a legitimate reason for my candy. Hee hee. I'll just show the family your post and tell them bring it on! I hope you are doing well.

    Merry Christmas to everyone! (((hugs)))

  • kranie
    kranie Member Posts: 33
    edited December 2008

    Sorry to hear you are feeling awful. I tried acupuncture before my TX and I think it did me some good. I don't know about hypnosis. Other people I know have gone the acupuncture route as well and it did them some good. I am lucky that my GYN is certified in acupuncture. Give it a whirl, it doesn't hurt you during or after.

    Happy holidays to all!

  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited December 2008

    Firni, welcome to the club :)

    Cinda, I have no idea what to tell you. How do you feel about being bald? Do you have a hat or scarf to wear if you do decide to shave? All I can say is that I feel so much better now that it's behind me. You say you're having a party at home, be careful with the food, if you're cook anything so that it doesn't fall in the food! What ever you decide, I'm sure you'll do what's best for you.

    As far as greens goes, my onc says to not take supplement, but we still have to eat healthy. A supplement will have a high amount of concentrated vitamin C, but a glass of o.j. won't have as much. Haven't tried oj yet, typically gives me heart burns and I don't think it would agree with my taste buds, but you still need the vitamins in food.

    I went for my LGFB class today, got my goodie bag and a few hats. I ended up being alone so the lady spent a good amount of time teaching me about the make-up, so that was nice. And there's a few ladies that knits hats to donate, I got a few nice hats knitted with that fuzzy yarn, I'm so excited, they're so much fun! They'll be great when I just need to step out to the grocery. And I ordered my wig, she said it might be there tomorrow, but even if it is, I honestly don't know I'd be wearing it for Christmas. The way you're all taking about it being so uncomfortable, even the scarves I think it feel good to just remove them & go bald. My scalp is still sore & achy so the cold air feels good.

  • mmliv
    mmliv Member Posts: 128
    edited December 2008

    Cinda - I have to agree, if you're stressing about the hair falling out - then I would be tempted to buzz it now. After I cut my hair I went out and had "the new me" girls' outing. It was fun and a great way to acclimate friends on my new look! So your party could be the same way. My friends knew it was all coming and that also stopped the "when will the hair go?". 

    Thanks all for the nuelasta advice: In the belly, warm it first, make sure you have meds for pain! I take my shot tomorrow night. The nurse said to take it just before I go to bed; that way I can sleep for the first part of this experience. I was also told that some people experience much more pain..... age and fitness are factors.

    Cebula - Thanks for the additional info on Vitamin C. I too had just heard not to take supplements, but otherwise no restrictions except for when the WBC is low..... don't eat fresh food. 

    Texas357 - Glad you are back! What a grueling regimen! I try to look at our journey one day at a time - if I look too far forward it gets depressing; I only focus on the trying time.

    Cebula - how nice you also got hats! I thoroughly enjoyed our class and my daughter wants to share in the goodies. I will probably let her have some because I will not use all they gave me! 

    2nd treatment TC - day 1: Still had an allergic reaction even though they upped the Benedryl. So they also put me in Tagamet and that took care of the problem. I asked if this would a problem for the next session and was told that they can up the dose of Benedryl. So I feel good except for being sleepy from all the Benedryl. Also am drinking LOTS of water!!!!! My goal is 4 qts today. 

  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited December 2008

    mmliv, about the vitamins, that's my own assumption, not what the onc nurse said. Add the well-done meat to your list. We were so bummed last night, someone brought us what looked & smelled delicious, but it was NOT cooked enough, I wouldn't touch it, especially since it was pork tenderloin, so hubby & kids wouldn't touch it either :( Are you really drinking a gallon of water/day? I'm impressed.

  • mmliv
    mmliv Member Posts: 128
    edited December 2008

    Cebula - You are right! Avoid undercooked meat! And I love a rare steak - bummer. What you said about vitamin C does match what I was told. No supplements!

    The onc nurse said 3 qts to flush out the chemicals and not cause kidney damage. I said I was doing more and she said that is good. I only do the gallon bit for the first couple of days and then I go back to 2 -3 qts.

    Hmmm.... I need to update my picture..... Is anyone else ending up with a mohawk? All my stubble is just about gone except for a band on top of my head! Family loves it. 

  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited December 2008

    My gyno called me and suggested I take Vitamin D.  I asked my Onc about it last week and he said that it is fine.  I bought the bottle but have yet to take one.  I'm the worst when it comes to remembering to take daily pills. 

    2 hours til I can go home.  All I can think about is taking this wig off!  It doesn't hurt as bad today but I have to wear glasses for reading so they feel wedged up underneath. It feels better when I take them off but then I can't see a darn thing.  My LGFB class isn't until February.  I want to go but it's pretty far so I don't know if I'll go.  I'd hate to miss out on the goodies though!

    Cinda, if you want to keep your hair for the party, maybe you could wear a cute santa hat or something like that just in case you're worried some of it might fall out.  I wouldn't worry too much though.  If it's not falling out easily on its own yet you're probably ok.  Mine was only coming out because I was tugging on it.

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited December 2008

    mmliv, that is too funny.  I don't know if I'll end up with a mohawk or not.  It seems like the hair is coming off the back of my head first.  The top and side stubble looks ok yet.  I've never been good at staying hydrated.  Drinking so much waster is killing me.  Well actually, I'm sure it's doing me a lot of good.  It's sad that I didn't take as good of care of my self before BC.  I love rare steak too and we're having steak on Thurs.  It's not going to be the same well done.  

    Has anyone heard about taking B6?  I read somewhere here that B6 will help stop neuropathy. I'm already starting to get tingling in my fingertips if I type too much.  I'm trying to keep it to a minimum.

    Cinda, I agree with everyone else.  Do what feels comfortable for you with your hair.  Party or not.  I know I sure felt relieved and much more comfortable after my head was shaved. Like Caroline, I prefer to wear nothing on my head at home.  Not that brave in public and it's too cold.  I didn't put anything on my head tho to go out and get the mail.

    Texas, I'm so sorry you TX is so hard.  Thank goodness only one more.  The Taxotere should be a breeze after the FEC.   

  • zuffa
    zuffa Member Posts: 95
    edited December 2008

    On the Triple Negative Board, the Moderators have posted a requst for donations -- you can find it easily at the top of the page for that board.  I would happily make a donation and wanted to suggest that perhaps some of the December 2008 ladies might wish to do as well -- we could do it as a donation from the December 2008 Chemo Group..Apparently, outside donations that support this board are down, in light of the dreadful economy.  These boards are an extraordinary resource.  According to the moderators, if each registered member made a $5.00 donation, they could raise over $200,000.  Please let me know how many of you have an interest in donating and I will attempt to work out the logistics with the moderators -- unless any of you already have this information.  Of course, the amount of your donation would be private -- but I think those of us who donate should indicate that we are members of the December 2008 Chemo Group.  Comments?  Ideas?   

  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited December 2008

    I would be more than happy to make a donation.  Please count me in Zuffa.  Thanks.

  • mmliv
    mmliv Member Posts: 128
    edited December 2008

    Me too Zuffa

    Mary 

  • msbusdriver
    msbusdriver Member Posts: 72
    edited December 2008

    Hey Zuffa.  You can count me in, too.

    I got through tx #2 today.  They slowed the drip down compared to last time and it seemed to go better.  I really didn't have any big problems last time, but we tried it anyway.  I didn't get the burning feeling and runny nose this time.  I am getting a bit sleepy, but I guess that is from lack of sleep last night.  I took my 13 yr old Christmas shopping this morning at 6am before I went for tx.  Plus I couldn't rest last night anyway.  I think I will take the Dexamethasone right as I go to bed, so maybe I will be asleep before it starts hitting me.

    Any of you girls with expanders getting used to them?  I just realized today mine are starting to feel like part of my body!  I have been sleeping on my side and even slept on my stomach last night - what time I slept.  I hope this is a sign that my implants will eventually feel like part of me when I get them.

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited December 2008

    Sherry, I have gotten used to my expanders.  I really don't notice them or think about them except for a couple days after a fill.  Then I have to prop up again for a couple of nights. I have two more fills to go and I'm afraid those are going to be one in Jan. and one in Feb because of chemo and nadir and PS office hours.  I went in Friday because I thought one of mine had a slow leak.  My boob was feeling mushy instead of hard.  He said he didn't think it was leak.  Just that the skin and muscle was settling and relaxing.  Kind of a preview of how the implants will be.  Nothing has changed since Friday with it so I guess it's ok.  I'm glad TX 2 went ok for you.

    Zuffa, I made a donation about a month ago.  Money is so tight here I don't think I can again.  It's a great idea tho.  

  • havehope
    havehope Member Posts: 503
    edited December 2008

    Zuffa, I already made a donation, but this is a very good idea.

  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited December 2008

    Wow...been a busy thread today! 

    Firni welcome to the bald is beautiful club.  I've been using a lint roller (tape) to get the stubble off my head.  My husband thinks I'm nuts! LOL

    Lainey hope you are feeling better. 

    MSbusdriver....glad you made it through your second TX.  My second one is this Friday.  Had my blood work today and got the okay for the next treatment.

    Hang in there ladies......

  • mimiwhite
    mimiwhite Member Posts: 60
    edited December 2008

    CindaD the hair thing is so hard.  I could not stand the long, globs of strands coming out.  It was  everywhere.  I felt better cutting 5-6 inches off.  This helped for a bit,and maybe you could cut a few inches off for the Holidays, but not have to go all the way.

    Firni I call my wig Ruby.  ;)

    Caroline thanks for the nutrition response.

    Texas welcome back! 

    Brenny good luck today.  Minimal SE to you!

    2nd Rx went well, SE are OK.  Folliculits ( I know now is from steroid) in a few spots, but not as bad.   I am done with my 3 days of steroid, and this makes me happy.  I hope my emotions don't crash like last time coming of steroid. 

    I wish you all a Blessed Christmas, and I am thankful for this board  I will make a donation, too.  Please let me know how.

    Love, Mimi

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