Starting chemo January 2009?

BerkeleyKim

Renrel--Yup, the sch. dist. benefits office just called back. I was canceled back to Nov.1, when I was still working!!! And I'd happily pay a premium if they would have let me know what I owe. They are contacting my health ins. company now.

So, I hope I can get my Emend for tomorrow. 4th and last AC. HOORAY! (and I'm trying not to think about the 12 weekly Taxols down the road).

Diane, I think you mentioned the chemo smell--I HATE it. My sense of smell seems heightened (but my taste isn't), and when I went in on Sat. to the treatment center for my neupogen shot I almost threw up. I guess I'll need to take Adivan tomorrow again before tx....I double rinse all my clothes that I wear for the 3 days after chemo and the sheets too. I wish I could soak in a hot tub and sweat the stuff out...

Well, it's good to hear from you all, and I know that a few of us are having tx tomorrow. We are SUPERWOMEN!!!

jillyG

Is anyone considering having their ovaries removed?  I think it's something I am leaning toward as I am ER positive and only 33 years old (and done having children).  I asked the oncologist about it and I think she said there isn't a whole lot of studies on whether there is any benefit to having that done over just taking the Tamoxifen alone.  She said it's definetly something to consider.  Any thoughts on this?  I haven't researched this much at this point. 

jillyG

Just found some info on ovary removal on this web site. 

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/new_research/20080111b.jsp

07rescue

Hi Everyone

Thanks for your kind comments! I'm afraid there are so many people participating in this thread that with my chemobrain I am failing to keep everyone's story straight enough to thank everyone individually.

I'm still doing poorly with the kidney failure. It recovers a bit after going to get extra IV fluids at the cancer center, but afterward it keeps recurring and my digestive tract has been hit hard enough that I have not been able to keep enough fluid intake to get through without the IV fluid support. I was too weak and wobbly to get out of the house to a doctor appointment today, not a good sign. I might be able to manage a little better with changing my diet more, but need to find something besides baked potatoes to sustain me. I'm losing too much weight.

This all goes to show that everyone is an individual when it comes to trying to predict how we will fare during chemotherapy. I wouldn't be doing this unless I genuinely believed it was necessary, so I am going to fight to stay with it. My oncologist is only a fellow, so he does not have the power to make the final decisions regarding my care, and has been doing his utmost to fight for my case with the attending doctors, so he is not to blame for this development. His recommendations are overruled by the doctors in charge. He respects my intellectual contributions to the management of my case.

Sometimes doctors have to actually see the bad results before they can be persuaded that a departure from rigid protocol is required. In many ways, doctors are trained to act like sheep. They don't want their decisions to stand out in a crowd, they see safety from liability in rigidly adhering to what everyone else does, right or wrong in the individual case. We pay the price for that.

I'm in for another round of invasive diagnostics, because my CEA (tumor marker) came back elevated, and we have to look for mets, or other cancer, now. I'm not looking forward to invasive procedures like the colonoscopy they want me to get within the next two weeks, especially while immune suppressed on chemo.  The last colonoscopy I had was excruciating, and there is always a risk of perforation, especially when your digestive tract is inflamed and fragile from the chemo.

I need to think about this all very carefully. 

rsben70

jrgolomb- i do the decradron thing before and after and the Ses aren't too bad mostly achy and tired like the flu.

i think the worst part is i have had on and off thrush since about day 5.

well after tomorrow i will be half way throough my taxotere/ gemzar tx  2 more to go the on to AC

kt57

Hi All.  TC #3 (of 6) tomorrow.   I am in steroid mania.  Might be up posting at 4AM -- no cat to blame (snoring hubbie and restless Brittany spaniel). Insomnia has been a prob for me...ativan seems to work pretty well.. plan to take some tonight.  sometimes use Ambien - works good for 4-5 hours.  Tried Ambian CR - again worked good for 4 hours - then awake for a while -- then another 4 hours (just like the commercial) -- grogginess hung on til 10AM - didn't like that. Won't mix the Ambien and ativan - seems too risky to take both.    I think my insomnia is related to chemo and anxiety and being thrown back into hot flash menopause. I miss my HRT - but never again with BC.

I get dexamethasone 4mg twice a day - the day before, day of and day after. Also get 10mg IV as a pre-med (with Zofran) the day of. 

So happy to hear from those of you who are feeling better.   i am too, for now.  hard to gear up to feel bad again..... Hearing and remembering we do feel better with time really helps me. Thanks Jewels.

today the hospital pharmacist (I work in the hospital - and this is the pharmacy that mixes my chemo) invited me to discuss my chemo.  He was awesome - went through my drugs and se's and was very reassuring about what I'm experiencing. He talked about "chemo brain" as a real phenomena.  told him I didn't really think I was having too much trouble  - then paused a second to think about it - and we both said at the same time  "but how would ya know?"   we had a good laugh over that....laughing is soooooooooo good.

Finally -- SOME TIPS ON CONSTIPATION -   After two cycles with distressing constipation and a variety of interventions -- I saw a gastroenterologist today.  He is known to be a wizard with protocols for patients with chronic GI problems.  Here is what he reccommended:  Metamucil one rounded tablespoon in eight ounces of water or juice every day (may increase to twice a day if needed). Take this at the same time every day until through with the last cycle's side effects.  Miralax powder mixed with eight ounces of water at the first inclination of constipation.  He wrote a prescription for me as it is quite expensive over the counter (OTC) - some insurances won't pay for OTC meds, but luckily, mine did.   He also said the colace twice a day that I am taking is ok to continue.   He told me the fiber tablets I was taking are inconsistent in their results depending on where in the intestinal tract they open up and join with fluids - metamucil is more consistent, passing thorugh the small intestine and retatining it's fluid/bulk to help pass through the colon intact.  the colon's job is too extract water back into the body - metamucil holds the water, giving bulk.   The Miralax is an electrolyte solution that pulls water into the intestinal tract - also helping to keep things going.   He said physician's often recomend drinking lots of fluids, which only make you pee more --- the colon wil still do it;s job and extract fluid.

he was awesone -- I told him I never in my life did I think I would keep a log of my bowel function!  he was grateful for it, as I listed my chemo meds and all my failed attempts at resolving constipation with MOM and fiber overload (FiberOne and mega amounts of fruit), etc..  Before that passed through, I felt and looked like I was 7 months pregnant.

Yes, this is one WEIRD RIDE!  

Well enough of my steroid ramblings.

Jan 2 Jewels - mimi07, AZStacy08, and eadsla --- I moved up one day to Thursdays, when my oncologist is at the infusion center.  If you are still on for Fri, I'll be thinking about you.

To all the Jewels, whose names and situations I can't keep straight anymore - stay strong.  We'll all get through this.

Renrel

07rescue - Sorry you are having such a hard time.  That really really sucks.  Can you talk to the attendings directly since they are making the decisions?  That only seems fair.  And remember it is your body, you can say no.  It is a shame that malpractice issues have encouraged doctors to be so conserative in treatment.  I do hope the tests go smoothly and do not show anything bad.  You must be feeling so scared right now.  Hugs to you dear Jewel.

 I read DS a little book I found at the cancer center the other day called Kemo Shark. It was pretty good, though DS wanted to know it the chemo really was a shark.  But he told me that he thinks when he grows up he will invent a chemo that only kills cancer cells and none of the good cells, he also however wants to invent a space ship that goes under water and a submarine that flys.  And in the book they talk about how the chemo can make mommy look funny.  I asked him if I looked funny. He said no, just cool and different.  That I would never look funny to him because I was his mom.  I think he remember the other talk we had where I said I was afraid people might laugh at me and wanted to be sure that he was not hurting my feelings.  Reading these books really does help him talk about the cancer and ask questions.  He wanted to know if daddy's ever get cancer and if breast cancer can turn in to lung cancer.  I told him once that lung cancer was a really bad one and that has stuck in his head as an important fact.  Hopefull it will keep him from every trying to smoke. 

Alo123

Jilly.....I had my ovaries out at time of Mastectomy....if yor er positive it's not a bad idea.  I'm BRCA1 positive to it reduced my BC risk by tons....and ovatian cancer really sucks!!!  It was a breeze..recovered in 3 days....I'm 45....no real menopuase signs......maybe a few minor hot flashes at night...but honestly...for me nothing!

lisalisa

Jilly,

I'm ER+, age 45, done having kids.  I plan to have my ovaries removed.  My oncologist is on board.  She gave me a name of a gyno to see. I still need more breast surgery and hope to combine the surgeries.  I'm already in chemo induced menopause so really I have nothing to lose!

Lisa

lester63

Hey everyone - sounds like most everyone is moving along and getting closer to being over all this!  I go for 2nd tx in a few hours - can't sleep because of Decadron so I'm trying to catch up on here. 

BerkleyKim - my brother had a stroke 3 months ago and is still on leave from his job.  His insurance has been cancelled twice like that since he's not getting enough in his check to pay for it.  He's been able to get it reinstated both times, but it has been a pain in the ass each time.  He went with me to get my Neulast shot last time and I ended up driving and trying to keep him from throwing his phone out the window everytime he got put on hold.  It was really scaring me how upset he was getting - not good for someone who is trying to get over a stroke.  I 'm wishing you luck getting this cleared up with little stress.  Keep us posted.

lester63

Well I posted before I read your next response Berkley Kim!  I'm glad it was not a huge ordeal for you.  I still can't believe insurance co. don't always give notice when the cancel someone insurance.

I have to mention my brother, sister and I went to the hospital on Sunday to see my mom.  I'm now wearing scarves to cover my bald head since I'm not crazy about my wigs.  Anyway, I looked at my brother who is now using a cane and has to have a sling for his arm and started laughing.  I said we were quite the pair with our obvious problems.  I guess my sister couldn't be outdone and said "Well, I'm  fat as a pig, that's a handicap too"  We were dying laughing walking in the hospital.  She is really overweight right now and its probably from the stress of being the only " healthy" one in my family right now.  She's the one in need of all the prayers the rest of us have been getting!

PLUTZ

  Hi everyone. I'm finally feeling a bit better today. A little quesy but ok. Actually slept all night.

Berkley Kim- I'm sorry to hear about your insurance being cancelled. I can not imagine having to pay all these outrageous bills. I'm already getting statements and its unreal how much chemo costs. Maybe a social worker or someone can help find some resources to figure out how these bills will get paid. You have enough going on to be worrying about it.

Renrel- I actually don't have much of a plan with the scarf thing. My daughter has some remnants and I cut one up and played around with it and just tied it around my head but it looked really dumb, so I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I may stick with hats and caps. I have a hairpiece I was thinking of cutting and making some bangs and sideburns and using velcro to stick onto the hats. Haven't tried it yet. Maybe later. I'm still debating on shaving whats left of my  hair. I have a lot of bald spots.

lester63- I'm glad we can have a sense of humor about things. I was talking to my sister the other day and her house had burnt down and she was running around trying to find her phone to call 911 and ended up running out in the street till a car was coming down. She was in her pjs and slippers  outside in freezing temperatures. We had a good laugh even when it was a serious thing, but we all stick together. A pastor and his wife took her and her son in. Shes getting lots of donations and she may have found another home. She has to wait on some details so lets all pray everything will work out. I can't be with her. She lives in W.V but she keeps me in her prayers.

Take care all of you.

Renrel

Slept well last night regardless of all the dectron stuff in my body.  I just woke up to pee.  And DH let me sleep in so my morning dose was late, as was everything else this morning.  I am feeling Ok other than that sciatica type pain in my lower back and fatique.  I took a muscle relaxant this morning for my back so that is probably adding to the fatique.  Slight queasiness but just eatting something seens to take care of that.  I did feel indegestion as I ate my lunch though.

I had my first neulasta shot today.  It was not bad.  I did it in my tummy and took an advil about 30 minutes before it.  Hopefully I will not be one of the ones hit with the massive bone pain.  The bone pain is supposed to start, if I have it, around Saturday and DH will be driving DS from boston to a half way point to NY where my parents will take him for a weeks visit.  He wants to get someone to stay or at least check in on me while he is away.

While at the hospital I checked out the boutique again and bought a padded scart that I can wear under other scarfs for fullness, as well as by itself, a velore scarf with the elastice on the back and a tie and a nice long print scarf for making turban type covers.  It will also be great as just a wrap around my shoulders.  

At DS school the director asked to see my head ( I was wearing a nice black baret today) and I had no trouble showing her.  She and others comment on my good color and how that makes the lack of hair thing work.  Of course I spend more time on make up these days.

 When I got home I found the paper work for the LTD from work in the mail so I have to move that along to the disablitiy company now.  I also got hair samples from the hip hats company,  I need to decided whether that is a good investment or not.  I love the idea, but $250 is alot of money.  

I made an appointment for tomorrow to have my stylist cut my free wig.  I may  need to change the time in order to attend a monthly group support group which is the only one I have going for me right now.  The one I really like was canceled due to the Wellness Center it was in being closed, at least temporatily.  Some of you may have heard about that on NPR. It is a real loss.  They had wonderful programs in a very nice cosy space.

Thats it for now.  To tired for any call outs. I should be napping not typing.   The internet is an addition for me. 

BerkeleyKim

Thanks for everyone's good wishes re my insurance. Just heard that the sch. dist is working with insurance mgt. to reinstate my family.

Plutz--isn't it amazing how angel people come to those in need. When our house burned down and all our neighbors were watching, one neighbor came up and asked "what do want for breakfast tomorrow because you're staying with me tonight!  I'm sending good wishes to your sister. I laughed for awhile while in shock, but then started crying as I took the kids to Target for underware, toothbrushes, stuff you don't even think about needing. If she has children that's another issue. My 14 yr old to this day wishes we got her therapy for it when she was 6. Again, good luck to her, and you're there in spirit for her. I appreciated care packages from my out of town family--can be ordered online or made. Cookies, breads, a new thermometer (had't occurred to me I'd lost ours), pictures of family if those were lost.

Well, HOORAY. My LAST AC was today. Two weeks til the first of 12 Taxols. Onc. promises it will be easier if I don't have an allergic reaction. He will just give me steroids in the drip, and says that research hasn't proven more steroids in pills to be necessary when on the 1/week schedule.

Sister in town to see me through this milestone. Another HOORAY, too bad I don't feel like dancing quite yet...

ddlatt

you should be very glad you're not getting your chemo at renown hospital in reno.  yesterday after i had the decadron and kytril drip, i had to wait an hour for them to mix the AC and bring it down. some women had waited already up to THREE HOURS for their meds, and the nurse told me that the day before someone had to wait FOUR HOURS. i asked what the reason for this is, and she said they have ONE PHARMACIST AND ONE MIXER for everyone taking chemo--not just our room, but pediatrics, etc.  she said they don't even start mixing until they know we're in the room, and they have tons of people in front of us.  WTF?  i blew a fuse and called the director of the cancer institute and my nurse navigator. most of the people taking chemo have to drive hours to get to reno - and then have to wait for their meds?  i told them i'm going straight to the newspapers and TV shows if this happens to me again. the nurse said this has been a problem for 18 YEARS!  why do people allow themselves to be treated like this and never complain?? insanity.

i had my third AC yesterday and neulasta today. no side effects at all. still feeling great. except that i hate this hospital.  i went for neulasta today and had to wait 20 minutes. i asked again what was the problem, and they said they had no chair for me. WTF? i don't need a chair. i can take a shot standing up. oh, okay, they said, come on back. really, this place is a lunatic asylum.  the cancer is nothing compared to these idiots i have to deal with!

Bev56

  Since I'm a novice at postings I'm afraid I haven't kept track of names and postings. So I will just make generalized statements re: the previous postings.

  It is a terrible shame that anyone would have to worry about insurance while going through health problems. If there is going to be a termination they should notify you and let you rectify the situation before it's cancelled.

  My heart goes out to all you who are also going through family and friend tragedies-- health issues, fires etc. Adversity certainly does make us stronger but sometimes enough is enough.

  I am on the same schedule as some of you ladies. I go for my 2nd TC treatment tomorrow- Friday the 13th- my lucky day. Only 2 more treatments then radiation. I take Decadron pills for 3 days and they give me Decadron 12 mg IV before the chemo. I haven't had any problems with the Decadron. It is used because of the possible reaction to Taxotere. I did have redness and a rash at my IV site so hopefully my veins will be okay. It sucks that we only have I arm to use now. I get a blood count and chemistry test in the morning before my chemo. My doctor's routine is a complete blood count before and 1 week after chemo and the Neulasta.

  I hope you all did well with your chemo. I was pretty lucky last time with minimal side effects. Just enough to make me miserable.

  My hair is almost all gone. I couldn't bring myself to get it cut so I'm wearing bandanas and scarfs. I borrowed scarfs from my sister in  law and aunt. I am not talented or creative so I rely on borrowed and store bought items. I tried my wig on today. I haven't worn it since I got it. It really matches my hair color great and the length is good but I still can't get used to it. Anyway my scalp still hurts especially when I try to sleep.

  I am also having problems sleeping but I am on a leave of absence so I can sleep in til 7:30. I have been staying up later than usual so I'm off my routine.

 I don't have a mother or sisters but I have alot of friends who offered to go with me for my treatments so my husband wouldn't have to take off work. I don't want to impose on them so I'm going myself. They can't come in the room with me anyway because of limited seating.

  Take care everyone and thanks for listening.

Hawaii808

Hi all,

Haven't been posting for awhile but noticed that some of you are have problmes with insurance, ill family members, other health issues.  My heart goes out to you.  Its tough enough to be battling this cancer and battling thru chemo without the added challenges,  You are all such strong women!

I just completed my 3rd tx. My first 2 tx were A/C but the Cytoxan gave me so much problems that my onc is now only going to give me only A for the last 2 treatments before 12 weekly taxol.  I'm also not going to get a Neulasta the shot after every treatment since the last time I got it I was sore for over a week and my WBC was still low.  My onc is going to see if my body can bring up my WBC by itself since she feels the Cytoxan was causing the porblem.  She said that it wasn't worth the long term effects that might result if I stay on the Cytoxan.  I asked her if my treatments would still be effective and she reassured me that it would be.  It seems that the doctors blast you with all they've got and then pull back if your body cannot tolerate it.  Makes you wonder if they aren't overdosing us unnecessarily. Well I have faith in my onc so I'm hoping she is doing the right thing.  Anyone know of anyone else only getting A?

I must say that this treatment with only the A has been a lot easier.  However, its only the first day so we'll seen. 

Berkleykim - I have 1 more treatment before I start my weekly taxol.  Please let me know how that goes.  Its supposed to be easier.  Lets keep our fingers crossed! 

When I read our earlier postings in December/January I realized what a long way we've all come from all the anxiety about starting chemo to now almost finishing up our combo tx which is the hardest part of the treatments to me. When I think that time is not going by fast enough, I read the earilier post and realize that maybe we're going to make it thru all this after all.

BevR

Question: I take the Neulasta shot after each treatment (I've had two). Both times my WBC has dropped to 1.3 and 1.5 (5 being the low end of normal). If Neulasta is supposed to support the WBC, why does it drop so low? Is it not working right for me?

I don't see my doctor for a few days and thought I might pick the brains of those here before I ask him.

At the moment, I'm confined to the house again. Hopefully, by Sunday (day 11) I'll be okay.

YearoftheHat

BevR, sorry you are not feeling well.  I too have not felt well this week. I had my third AC last Friday.  Really, I am dreading the fourth and final one.  They have been tough.  I may ask for some Xanax or something for the few days after this last one.  I am so glad I won't be alone in doing the 12 weekly Taxol.  It seems like such a long stretch, but treatment is optional and ultimately, I am glad to be having it.  I was worrying that you all would have moved on by the time I am finishng up but BerkelyKim and Hawaii808 at least will still be in the game.  I hope so much that the Tx is easier!  Have to admit, I am sick of being blad, weak and queasy so I'll let my doctor know how I feel.  We'll see what he suggests.

I was complaining about my work situation earlier and I think that's all going to be OK.  My direct sprvsr is a piece of work but the admin will offer me some leave options I am almost certain, and I just plan to take care of myself.  There's no time for nonsense.  It's such a good lesson to take from this. 

Dreaming of having lots of energy, a healthy appetite, no worries and a good, hard workout.

My thoughts are with all you ladies.    

YearoftheHat

ddlatt - just read your post.  I'll say this for being in the boondocks, I get do not get the big city blow off out here.  The girls are sweet and prompt and ask me if I've seen any good movies lately.  So sorry to hear your hospital sucks so bad that way. Go to the papers.  Go for it.  It is insane to make patients wait like that.  It's all wrong wrong wrong!   

shockedat39

Good mroning, Jewels,

I see we're having all having our ups and downs and I hope everyone is feeling ok today.

I have my first sore throat since starting tx.  It's not horrible, just a little sore and a slightly runny nose.  No fever or cough and I don't feel any lack of energy.  Am I supposed to freak out about this?  I really feel like it's just a cold resulting from our insane hot and cold weather but don't want to ignore it and make it worse.

Another reason to hate this crap!  I used be able to blow right past a pesky sore throat.  Now I'm afraid to sneeze!

Thanks and feel good everyone! 

Diane

ladyjane54

Renrel I think if I ever need chemo again I am moving back to Boston. lol  Sounds like you get the royal treatment.  I am given a chair and if I ask real nice ice chips....I do not spend a lot of time there though.  Are you there for a long time?  My treatment is only about 3 hours.... 

Daine - Your lift from the adorable guy checking you out made me smile!  And yes we do need to embrace the little things in lilfe.  My dr. checks my WBC every week because it dropped so low way too fast after the first treatment.  .04 - ended up in hospital for four days.  That has not happened again and he actually said yesterday we can skip week after next treatment and just check them before 1st taxotere in March.  Count was 2.1.  Not  great but not bad either.  Am still becoming more anemic - RBC was at its lowest, but he still does seem too worried about it.

How are those of you doing on the Taxotere?   Is it very different from the AC.  I have one more AC and then I'll switch.  Just wondering!  Not that we are all experiencing the same thing anyway. I use to find the "well everyone reacts different" answer from the dr. to be very annoying, but I guess it is true.

I have been feeling great after Tx 3.  I am actually thinking about going to the gym this a.m. before work.  My Dh is totally against it.  Thinks the place is full of germs, but I am feeling  restless.  Need the stress release.

Hope everyone has a great day!  God Bless.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY JEWELS!!!  Treat yourself to something special...

Patti

marymoir

Greetings Jewels!  Haven't posted for a while as my 2nd TC kind of left me feeling like a wrung-out dishrag!   Also had to pay a "surprise" ER visit last Fri. as I started getting very short of breath just walking around the house, & they were already worried about pneumonia and/or anemia b/c my hemoglobin count was 8 at my last infusion.  Of course, it was after 5 on a Fri., so the onc-on-call told me to go to the ER.  False alarm, as my hemo had actually gone up (though still mildly anemic), and no pneumonia.  Four hours, 1 x-ray, some IV fluids, and lots of fun later, we were sent on our merry way.  DH joked that he couldn't think of a better way to spend a Fri. night!  That was actually our 2nd "false alarm" ER visit...I had a fever on Day 7 of my 1st treatment (again, after 5 p.m. ), so the onc. nurse told me to go to the ER.  My WBCs were actually great, so it was essentially a wasted visit.  I guess I'm glad that my onc. team is being extra careful, but part of me wishes I'd waited like you did, Pam, since I've now spent more than 8 hrs. in the ER for these false alarms!   Sorry for the whining...I should be grateful that it turned out to be nothing both times, esp. in light of LadyJane's experiences!!

kt57 -- thanks so much for the constipation tips!  Really struggled with that last time -- I printed out your post so I can be prepared next time!

Re: the anemia -- my onc. nurse told me that adding extra iron to my diet won't help, b/c the chemo-induced type of anemia isn't iron-deficiency anemia (meaning you have enough RBCs, but they just need more iron), but rather a problem of the marrow not reproducing RBCs fast enough after getting slammed w/ the chemo.  Makes sense, but seems it couldn't hurt to try the diet route.  Have any of you who've tried adding iron to your diets found it to be helpful? 

Prayers up for everyone here, whether you're gutting out one of the "bad" weeks, or enjoying one of the "good" weeks!

PLUTZ

Hi everyone. Hope everyones doing well. I wrote yesterday that I was felling better, and wouldn't you know it, by afternoon I had a bad case of diarhea. I could not keep food or water in me. I just took a long nap and was feeling better by the evening.

BerkleyKim-I'm glad someone is going to try and help you with your insurance. Thanks for thinking of my sister. I'm glad yours is able to come to town to be with you. My sister had planned on coming up. She had 4 days off but with the house and everything, shes not able to right now. Hopefully next month.

Bev56-I was a little nervous about cutting the rest of my hair but yesterday, before i felt ill I took my hair shaver and shaved it off. it looks bad cuz I still have pieces of hair that  won't come out.  I wore a hat all day. My daughters wanted to see it but I was afraid it would scare them. lol. I'm going to try again today. Then I will just wear a scarf or hat cuz my head is cold.

Got chores to do and I'm baking a cake for my husband and daughters for Valentines Day. I hope everyone gets to enjoy the weekend. Take care.

sweeeeetpam

Hi nEveryone!!!!

           Well I was very worriedmy wbc was goinbg to be down but it was 15 funny the nurse said that was a problem and then the doctor walkind in and said it was fine!!!

             For the cvhemo brain, I have a llist of questionsd in a booklet that I bring everythime, I don'; think my doctor likes it very much but I write down her asnsweres and then I can look back on it, When I fist found out I bought a notebbok and some inserts each is labeled with bills, co pays, drugs, test results everything that way you have it with you always.

                My taxol went fine but the steriods would not let me sleep throught the four  hours never had that will a/c!!!!!!! and then last night not sure if I slept at all. I am alive and at work!!  I take 5 pills 12 hours ahead and then 5 pills 6 hours ahead, so far so good.,

      Neulastra shot at 200 today!!    I have been having chemo brain too no fun at all.

               there are 25 chairs in my chemo room and when I got there there was only one open!!! I said what are we having a buy one get one today......well only 6 weeks to go 3 more treatments!!!

                    Well after my horrible weekend last weekend this has to be better doing a 3 credit course at home for school.............makes me look good need to work on the first assignment and get it done, so that is my plan!! Husband is off today and having beef fahitas for dinner yum yum!!

                   Thank you to all of you that helped me throught last week glad to hear everyone is doing good.

    And remenber what I said about your wig wear it before you lose your hair...............it really helps Love Pammie!

sweeeeetpam

Marymoir,

                     Always remember that the oco docotor is always going to tell you to go the the doctors/er becusae if he does NOT and something happens....................to you he could be in big trouble, I don't know if you say my note about the 24 hour cancer hot lines, I feel they give you better advice and will walk you through everything if you want those numbers write back and I will try to caugh up on the weekend!!!

                  Does your insurance pay for the er visits???? I hope so. I have a nightmare story to tell about how insurance feels about us cancer people but I will tell it when I have more time to write it!!!  Pamela

GryffinSong

I'm so sorry for those who are worried about insurance and finances. I find they're almost scarier than the health issues themselves.

I had my first bout of vomiting last night. Nausea had been minimal, but I got cocky, and didn't take anything before bedtime. I also was fighting off a migraine, and I think the two combined did me in. I was fine a short while later. Took some Zomig for the migraine, and both my nausea meds, and I was able to sleep.

This sunday I shave my head. Wednesday is my second treatment of AC.

Hugs and good luck to all!!!

ktym

Doesn't it seem like there should be a law of nature that says you can't get colds or flu while on chemo?  Picked one up yesterday and today has been miserable.  I'm still blaming everything on the chemo.  Washing machine sprang a leak this week.  I'm blaming that on the chemo too.

Ninja

Hi all,

I'm adding on late but you all sound just like me! I have my 4th A/C next week, and after that taxol. Wish I'd found this thread during the hair cutting, head shaving, zofran and emend taking moments! Yep, getting a cold on top of it is major suckage, totally trashed my second "off" week, come to think of it my washer broke that week too....hmmmm, is that in the prescribing information for this stuff?  Does anyone else get grossed out by the hideous candy apple red color of adriamycin? Then there is the experience of a pear not tasting like a pear....good luck to all, we are going to get through this and have glorious new heads of hair later in the year. 

BerkeleyKim

Hi all: Busy times.

07Rescue--best wishes for improving your health, on top of all the bc stuff to deal with, and good luck in getting good tumor marker results. I never had a baseline, so I asked my dr. and he'll do on next test. Kinda scary, though.

KT57-Thanks for the constiptation recs. I've been taking docelax each day and senacot for a day or two after tx. They seem to work, but I think I'll get the other stuff for when I start Taxol.

Ddlatt--HOw frustrating. Go girl with your complaints. Someone needs to listen. I had to wait about 1/2 hour while they mixed up my AC, but that's nothing compared to what you went through. No excuse since they know your coming for treatment. Good luck!!!

Hawaii808 and Year of the Hat- (and anyone else starting weekly taxols after AC) Well, my onc, the nutritionist, my accupunturist, a friend and the nurses all send the 12 weekly Taxols are easier. To avoid neuropathy common with Taxol, the nutritionist told me to get L. Glutamine powder, 10grams(about 2 tsp) mixed in water or juice. Swish in mouth and swallow 3 times a day on empty stomach before meals. Also tax 600 mg. a day Alpha Lipoic Acid with food. And my accunpuncturist highly recommends continuing weekly treament through taxol for neuropathy before it begins. Too late afterward. I'm being positive and submitting my back to work papers.

GryffinSong--I hate taking too many pills, and help off from my antinauseas last treatment. Didn't vomit but had much worse heartburn. Good luck with next AC. Do you follow with Taxol?

Ninja-Welcome to the group (but sorry you have to be here, of course). Good luck with the last AC. I had to block the view of the push syringe this time. I was really queasy just being in the chair, and took an Ativan. I feel ok today after my last AC. Usually I start to tucker out from day 2-5, then start to slowly rebound. Hope it's true this time.

And to everyone else--good luck with blood counts, hair loss, and everything else we need to push through in life, and hope you find some time and energy to enjoy the day.