Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

CindaD

Thanks to everyone for your kind words about Sadie.  It is a very difficult time for us, I look like hell today because of all of the crying I've been doing.  Time and love heals all things, our other girl Maddie is getting double the attention now and double the treats, we'll have to cut back on the treats.

Good luck to everyone going to chemo today, I'm going there right now.  I almost hate to go because I feel so normal and my DH keeps reminding me that I have some down days ahead.  I sorta forgot about that.

Love to all

Cinda

zuffa

Cinda - my family is so sorry for the loss of your beloved Sadie.  We lost our two dear doggies six months apart about a year ago -- they were sisters and had never been separated for the entire 16 1/2 years of their lives.  Remember all of the love and happiness they shared with you.  I dream of our dear doggies all the time.  My user name is the name of one of them, and my password is the name of the other.    

Good luck to all of this week's chemo ladies.  Except for the fatigue, my SEs were even fewer after the last treatment -- the fatigue seemed to last a bit longer -- but I am back to work today.  My hair is gone -- has been for a while -- truly a relief to get it over with.  I've been wearing my wig to work -- bald is a bit shocking for some clients -- although my colleagues probably wouldn't have a problem -- but at home and doing errands, I've been sticking to caps, berets and a wonderful Christmas present -- a Cashmere watch cap!  

  

Lainey64

Mmliv, I am getting the Nuelasta shot and haven't heard anything from my Onc about what foods to eat or avoid.  All he told me was not to make any radical changes to my diet.  My day of TX favorite food is Taco Bell.  I have no idea why.  I go again on Friday for TX #3 and plan to ask about the food thing. But honestly, I haven't had a taste for fresh fruit or veggies.  I eat an occasional green salad but that's it.  I hope I'm not being too bad.

I have noticed that the SE's from TX #2 have not been worse than #1 but I have been a bit more fatigued.  Just kind of lazy and not wanting to do too much.  I'm on vacation this week so enjoying the time around the house.  TX #3 is on Friday and as much as I want to get it over with, I'm not looking forward to it.

Zuffa, your cap sounds so nice!  Something soft on my head sounds good.  I braved it out yesterday and went out with just a basball cap on.  My BF said it looked fine so he gave me the courage I needed and it went great.  I noticed one lady at the burger place kind of looking at me more than usual but I guess that could have been for any number of reasons.  I wasn't too self conscious so that gave me more confidence to deal with this for the next several months.

kranie

Cinda, I am so sad to hear about Sadie. A close friend lost her dog a few months ago and I know how sad the loss was for her. (Her DH went out and got a rescue dog the next week. It helps her, but she doesn't replace Jasmine).

I know what you mean about feeling normal and not being real excited about your next TX. It sounds like your DH is supportive and wise.

Hang in there,

Karen in Pittsburgh

lisasayers

Hello Everybody!

First off good luck to all those having treatment this week!  I'm on day four after TX2.  The only thing I noticed different this time was the fatigue set in quicker, as well as the nasty taste in my mouth.  Like Lainey...I just want spicy and mexican food.  But I'm also loving my fresh veggies. 

Had my Neulasta shot this morning...I get in the arm and don't feel a thing.  I have had no restrictions on food...like I said, been eating fresh veggies and anything that tastes good! LOL  I still want nothing to do with any sweets!

Heading out to do some shopping now.  Last night was at a Christmas party for a while and then came home and crashed. 

Hang in there ladies!

Hugs

Lisa

havehope

Not a good day today. I went for my TX2 and my WBC was too low. They took the blood Tu, it was only 3400, and the onc wanted at least 3500. She said that most likely today I have the right number but she wants to make sure. So they took blood again and then tomorrow I go for TX2 and Wednesday for Neupogen. I am also feeling sad today, one of those days when BC just hits you and you cannot shake it off. My hair is coming off, too and that is just adding to the aggravation. Not a good day.

Lainey64

Simvog - Darn, I'm sorry to hear you couldn't get your TX today.  I'm sure that by tomorrow you'll be good to go.  I know that as much as we dread these things, knowing we're one step closer to being done is all that matters.  You're allowed to have a day like today.  Don't beat yourself up about it - I am "trying" to teach myself the same thing.  Vanilla ice cream always makes me feel better.  I hope you get to feeling better too.

Lisa, I keep getting a nasty taste in my mouth too.  It's not metal, just yuck.  My breath is pretty atrocious these days as well! 

My boyfriend took a bald pic of me yesterday and I posted it as my avatar but it's kind of dark.  Better off that way I guess!! 

EleanorJ

simvog - sorry you had to wait for tx.

bold - how's your first day? It was today right? I know what you mean about knowing all this stuff, my MIL says hubby & I sound like doctors when we talk!

Lainey - you're beautiful, you shouldn't be ashamed of your head

tx #2 Day 1, it was A LOT easier than the first time, no panicked and it went a lot quicker. Since my parents are in town visiting, hubby came and stayed with me again. And while we had 2 hours to kill, he helped me practice for my citizenship test I have in a week. I should pass So far so good, getting my pain killer prescription filled for my joint pain. Mouth is already tasting somewhat funny, but I did enjoy a great meal last night, ham & asparagus crepes smothered in a white sauce covered in cheese All homemade by me! Yumm, and even enjoyed some wine (my onc nurse says no alcohol on chemo only otherwise up to 2 drinks per day is ok) And still no Neulasta.. Yeah! What is the WBC limit for them to order the shot? First tx is was 9.6, now 8.6, I'm wondering if it will keep dropping with each tx.

Good luck to tomorrow ladies, second time around is a lot easier

Oh, is there a lot of bald people in your chemo rooms, or most people cover their heads? I see lots of hair (that really looks natural), few scarves & caps but no bald. Took my scarf off today for a bit but I was the only one. Just curious.

Texas357

Cinda, I am so sorry to learn of your dog's passing. Are you familiar with the Rainbow Bridge? If not, please look it up online. I hope that it will help you deal with your loss. I am heavily involved with Golden Retriever rescue. My belief is that each dog we love takes a piece of our heart when it leaves us, but it also makes our heart grow that much more. We lost a Golden last year at Thanksgiving. This year, we adopted our foster dog (coincidentally named Cinda). How unusual is that?

I had a nice but exhausting visit with my family over Christmas (they stayed with us). My throat is sore, and I think I might be coming down with a cold. One last FEC next Tuesday and Wednesday. I'm still not fully recovered from the 2nd one. I wish I could say I'm feeling positive but I'm almost in tears just thinking about how I'll feel.

Hopefully the weekly treatments will be much easier on this old bod!  

Firni

Simvog, how disappointing to miss a TX due to WBC.  Hope it's ok for tomorrow.

Texas, I've had a sore throat since the first TX.  No cold.  No infection.  Don't know what that's about.  I'm so glad you only have one more FEC.  The weekly Tx have to be easier. That's just Taxol correct?  TC that most of the rest of us are getting sounds like a breeze compared to some of the other cocktails. 

Caroline,  those asparagus and ham crepes sound fabulous!  You must have some kitchen talent.  Crepes are not easy to get right.  I did not see bald heads at TX 1.  Don't know what will be there tomorrow.  Last time tho, a lady that was there had a cute hat on.  She said she usually goes bald except for at the cancer center.  She said it seems to upset the new patients too much so she wears a hat there.  You'd think the cancer center would be the easiest place to be bald. 

lovemyfamilysomuch

Dear friends,

I just got home from my first treatment and it is so great to have it over with.  It went very smoothly, my 2 daughters and boyfriend came with me and provided me with much love and support.  The nurses were awesome.  I hope side effects never come!  only 3 more to go!

Firni

DrDecker, I'm glad it went so well for you.  It's good you have a strong support system at home.

mmliv,  I get the neulasta shot and I don't have any food restrictions.  Well, my little booklet said not to eat any raw meat or fish.  But that was it.  Otherwise I can eat what I want.  Or more importantly, whatever tastes good when taste buds are off. 

mimiwhite

CindaD I too am very sorry for your recent loss of Sadie.  Just darn sad.  Hope things get better.

Love,

Mimi

colleen1960

I am way behind in reading all of the posts.  I had a rough two days after my 3rd tx, which happened to be Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.  But by mid day on Christmas I started to feel a little bit better and was able to go to my sil for dinner.  It was a strange day though I felt like I was not really there like I was watching everything that was happending around me.  I guess my heart was not really in it.  But by Sat. I felt a lot better and was able to see my whole family in NJ.  I also got to see my Mom.  She looks really good and she was so happy to see everyone, it really made her happy.  Which in turn made all of us happy.  I saw the PS today and got another fill.  I have not been there for a few wks. so it felt funny again.  He said I need at least 1 more possibly 2 and has scheduled the final (hopefully) surgery for March 23rd.  I will have my 4th tx this Friday.  This every ten days is getting a little bit harder, but I will be half way there.  I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays and I wish everyone good luck this week with little to no SE.

Cinda -  I was so sorry to hear about your Sadie.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  I know how much a pet means to a family. 

Hugs to All

Colleen

EleanorJ

Firni, thanks, yeah I do like to cook and since I was finally able to taste some, I wanted to spoil myself Figured out I got some of my taste back for about 5 days! Still can't taste all though, opened a jar of pickles a couple of days ago and the kids made the funniest faces, so I had to ask hubby if they had a strong vinegar taste, which I like, and he said yes and great pickles. Well, they were so bland and I couldn't taste the vinegar at all, can you believe that!

I didn't think about the newbies and the bald head in chemo room. At one point I was just so uncomfortable that I had to take it out. The way I wear it makes I big bun in the back so trying to rest is very difficult for the head. Oops, I hope I didn't freak anyone out!

Colleen, every 10 days must be very hard on your body, but you're almost there. 40 days is a lot quicker than 18 weeks Hope you feel better for your last tx on Friday.

Bold

Thank you so much for caring about the 1st treatment. I when very well. I however drank toooo much water before treatment. The hydrated me to so I feel a litttle like the stay puff marshmallow man. I will go back tomorrow for the nurlasta shot and more hydration. I am taking my Claritin tonight to try and thwart the bone pain.

I was so sorry to hear about a Christmas less than great for colleen. But it did seem to have some redeeming moments.Just seeing people that love you make a big difference.

cebula: were the asparagus fresh?

I am glad to have one behind me but I can not help to think that it really does not even begine till day three. OHHH BOYYY. If you can do it so can I.

Fear knocked on the door courage opened it and there was no one there.

My hands are shaking so much it is hard to type. I think I will go pretend I can sleep.

Brenny

Bold -  You are doing just great - and you may be pleasantly surprised to find you have very few side effects.  Some of us have almost none - others are hit with them all.  Not sure the rhyme or reason (I think there is none) -- but I have been blessed with few. I also have not had to have the Neulasta shot either (knock on wood) - have 2tx down and 2 to go.  A little tired, a little metal mouth, a whole lot hairless, but overall, not bad.  I pray that you experience the same!

Good luck!

Bren

mary5454

Has everyone one TC lost their hair on the 14th day? I am coming up on it and want to be prepared. When you buy a scarf (I have to learn how tot ie one!) what size do you get?

 Thanks for any help you can give me.

 Bold- it gets better after the 1st 3-4 days. I never thought I could do this but I  can and you can and we will be done before spring!

horsercn

Cinda I'm soo sorry for your loss...my vet gave me the Rainbow Bridge poem and it really did help out alot...if you can't find it let me know and I will email it to you.

My 2tx was also yesterday and today is the nuelasta shot seem to be doing ok other than not being able to sleep last night.  Yesterday was also day 14....still have all of my hair but sorta wishing that whole thing will hurry up and be over with...one less traumatic experience.  I have bouth a raquel welch wigg that is beautiful..hope to be able to wear it comfortably.

Fini - I just had one of those same days..where you look in the mirror and feel mutilated and fat and deformed...it sucks....I don't let myself saty down too long but I do let myself feel those feelings because I think that is one of the processes that heals us.

I want to also thank everyone for joing this forum....when I started it I had know idea there would be so many of us going through the same thing.  This site has really helped me in so many ways. God Bless you all!!!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful, safe, and happy new year .

Tricia

EleanorJ

bold, yes fresh asparagus. Didn't even think about that. When I ask the onc nurse about eating, she said to keep eating like I do and not change a thing. She wasn't very helpful!

mary 5454, mine started shedding on day 12, buzzed on 13. I was driving hubby nuts by sitting in from of a trash can and pulling, he was a little freak out. Wonder why? LOL! Then tyhe shower was crazy so they went and I felt so much better after. You need at least 35" if you'll be working with a square scarf, I find them easier then rectangle.

horsercn, while the hair loss is very traumatic, when it's starts shedding, it's easier to just buzz and get it behind than to keep pulling and wonder how long this will last. My first shedding day, I thought maybe, just maybe it was just shedding. Then second I realized, no way, they'll all be falling so I cut. Good luck

lisasayers

Good Morning Ladies

So much going on!  Bold glad you made it through your first TX.  Colleen, sorry to hear about your rough time of it!  Cinda, I sent you the Rainbow Bridge poem yesterday...I hope it helps in some small way. 

Brenny...the asparagus crepes sound fabulous!  Now I want some asparagus.  Yesterday we were out shoppping and I NEEDED a taco like NOW! LOL  So we went to Taco Bell, something I NEVER do and I got two crunchy tacos.  Then I came home and made tacos for dinner! LOL  I just want spicy!  Making hot wings for New Year's Eve! 

Finally was able to "move things out" this morning.  That has been the worst part for me.  I had to double up on my fiber shake for the last couple days and started taking two of my herbal colon cleanse pills instead of one. 

Having some aches and pains from the darn Neulasta...but nothing I can't work through.

I just keep thinking, two down and two to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs

Lisa

zuffa

Regarding donations - I finally got a message back from the moderators with thanks for support regarding donations from the December 2008 chemo ladies.  When you make a donation (click on the donate button at the top of the screen) - just add the name of our group.

Everyone seems to be doing well and handling chemo with grace, dignity and good humor.  Best wishes for 2009. 

Bold

Good Morning Beautiful December Divas:

I am so proud to be part of such a wonderful group of women.

I will take my Nurlasta shot and hydration this am. Taking Claritin, Fish oil, Flaxseed, Vit B6, Vit.D. Steroids, Aspirin 82mg. (for blood clots) Prilosec. Calcium. Anti Nausea pill. COQ10.

This is from someone who would not take a Advil for a headache. Oh how we change.

Still feel great. Still a little shaky. Still Flushing Twice.

I am glad you mention the donation again. I had forgot and it is good to bump that.

Hope all have a good day.

By the way those that are getting acid reflux don't forget to raise your bed about 6 inch. at the head. It will keep the acid from pooling in the Esophagus and mouth, hence stopping the potential of mouth sores etc...

MY Dr. and herbalist said eat as much fresh veggies as I can especially dark green and orange. I am getting juicer. I want to come out of this the best I can. But the nurse said just eat what ever you can. Wierd uh? Maybe a bit of both.

I guess tomorrow will be a telling day for S/E for me. I hope that I am lucky and that they are minimal.

God bless you all today.

Lainey64

Lisa, Taco Bell is my friend!  It's so funny, before this whole whirlwhind started I hadn't eaten fast food in over 2 yrs.  Now I crave the stuff. I am making spicy slowcooker spareribs for New Years.  Mmm can't get enough of the savory spicy stuff either.

Bold - you made it through #1.  I'm glad you're still doing ok. 

I hope everyone is having a good day.  Sending good thoughts to those that might be having TX today. 

havehope

Thank you all for the kind words.

The results from yesterday's blood work: WBC=6,500 so the TX2 is in. I don't need to have the Neulasta either which is good news since I don't have to go in tomorrow. I feel already the fatigue settling in. So far no nausea, but that hits me around day 3-5.

I hope everybody today had a smooth tx.

havehope

Updated List

Texas357                24/25 -Nov        3xFEC+9xTaxotere

mimiwhite                1-Dec         4xTC

gts                          1- Dec 

meb                        1-Dec         4xAC+4XTaxol 

Colleen1960             2-Dec        CMF

mmliv                      2-Dec        4xTC

msbusdriver             2-Dec        4xTC

LindaBusEd             2-Dec        6xTAC 

vtmama                   2- Dec       4xTaxol+C 

shan1171                2-Dec        6xTAC 

cindyrellacleans      2-Dec        4xTC 

Brenny                    3-Dec        4xTC

zuffa                        3-Dec        6xTAC

Lindy58                    #2 -3-Dec      4xTC  

Catrenae                  4-Dec        4xAC+12xTaxol

Lainey64                  4-Dec        4xAC+4xTaxol

CindaD                     4-Dec        4xTC

BreastCancerDiva      4-Dec        4xFEC+4xTaxotere

lisasayers                 5-Dec        4xTC

simvog                      5-Dec        4xFAC+4xTaxol

cebula                      8 Dec        6xTC

sdavis                      9-Dec        6xTC

berrypatch               9-Dec        6xTC 

ptjen                       9- Dec           4xTC     

ShondaE           #2  9-Dec              AC 

Meg511                   10-Dec            6xTCH

Firni                         10-Dec           6xTC 

Lindy58                     10-Dec       1xTC+3xAC 

Colleen1960             #2 12-Dec        CMF  

ddlatt                       15-Dec            4xTC                              

horsercn                   16-Dec          4xAC+12 Taxol+Herceptin 

apfuentes                 16 Dec             4xTC 

iktracey                    16-Dec                 4xTC 

chiquita                   16-Dec                  FEC 

Texas357                #2 16/17-Dec        3xFEC+9xTaxotere 

Kranie                      17- Dec                6xTC 

Bkokie                     17- Dec                  4xTC  

LisainVA                 #2-17 Dec              4xTCH 

rayhope                    18-Dec                6xTCH   

Lainey64                  #2 18-Dec          4xAC+4xTaxol 

momof4stars             18-Dec?           FEC+Taxotere

mattscot                  19- Dec             4xTCH 

busqueen                 19- Dec           4xAC+12xTaxol 

mary5454                 19-Dec            4xTC 

ENFENETEE            22-Dec             4xTC 

Grancy11                  22-Dec              6xTC

mimiwhite              #2- 22 Dec            4xTC

colleen1960            #3 22-Dec             CMF 

LindaBusEd           #2 23-Dec              6xTAC  

zuffa                       #2-23-Dec        6xTAC

mmliv                     #2 23-Dec              4xTC 

msbusdriver           #2 23-Dec               4xTC 

cindyrellacleans      #2- 23Dec               4xTC  

Brenny                 #2 - 24-Dec               4xTC 

lisasayers             #2 26-Dec                 4xTC

cebula                   #2 - 29 Dec               6xTC 

CindaD                  #2 - 29 Dec               4xTC

Bold                        29- Dec                  6xTCH

DrDecker                 29 Dec                   4xTC

sdavis                    #2-29-Dec               6xTC

jajebr3                     30 Dec                   4xAC+4xTaxol

simvog                  #2 -30 Dec          4xFAC+4xTaxol   

Firni                       #2 -30-Dec              6xTC 

berrypatch              #2 30-Dec               6xTC  

ptjen                      #2-31-Dec               4xTC

Lindy58                  #3 -31-Dec               4xTC   

colleen1960            #4 - 2 Jan 09             CMF  

Texas357                #3 6/7 Jan 09        3xFEC+9xTaxotere 

Kranie                     #2 7-Jan 09              6xTC  

mary5454                #2 - 19-Dec            4xTC  

busqueen                #2-9 Jan 09           4xAC+12xTaxol 

mimiwhite              #3-12 Jan 09            4xTC 

LindaBusEd            #3- 13-Jan 09            6xTAC 

zuffa                       #3- 13-Jan0 9            6xTAC

lisasayers               #3-16-Jan 09                 4xTC 

simvog                    #3  19- Jan 09           4xFAC+4xTaxol

Firni                       #3   21-Jan 09              6xTC 

Firni

Hi all.  Back from TX2 a little while ago.  I'm really tired.  May be the Benadryl.  I went grocery shopping for two weeks and the majority of it is for spicy stuff.  I know I'll be able to eat that.  Not hamburger tho.  That was real bad last time.  

Bold, did your onc prescribe all that stuff?   All I have for at home is the Compazine.  I did ask about B6 today coz my fingertips are starting to tingle.  B6 is supposed to help that and I got the go ahead for it.  My nurse told me to eat healthy when I can and when I can't, eat what tastes good.  As long as I eat.  Luckily, healthier food goes down better than the junk.  Apparently I'm doing a good job eating.  Every time they weigh me I've gained at least 5 lbs.!  I don't know what that's about but it has to stop.  The nurse also gave me a sample of some bath salts called Muscle Ease Soothing Bath by Moon Dance Botanicals.  Website is moondancebotanicals.com.  I'll let you all know if it helps with the Neulasta pain.  

For the ladies just now shedding hair... I lasted 1/2 day of pulling it out.  It started in the shower in the morning and by late afternoon, DH had shaved it off.  It was a relief.  That was day 12 for me.

As far as bald people at chemo.  There were none.  Everyone had knit hats on.  Except this one guy who was getting his last treatment.  He had the nicest head of hair and a full beard.  I wonder what chemo he was getting? 

Neulasta shot tomorrow and next chemo on 1-21-09. 

lisasayers

My TX#3 is January 16......two down and two to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mimiwhite

Simvog wag to go with your WBC.  Awesome! 

 My 3rd TC will be 1/12.

Does anyone have throat or chest irritation/congestion from TC?  I had a mild cough before 2nd TC and since 2nd Rx cough is worse.  No fever.

Firni

I have had a sore throat, no fever, since my first TX.  When I told the nurse today she didn't think it was anything to be concerned about.  She looked and the PA looked at my mouth and throat. Just another annoyance.  Tea and throat lozenges seem to work.