Starting Chemo February 2009?

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  • ipursuit
    ipursuit Member Posts: 45
    edited February 2009

    Webwriter, you seem to be somewhat of an MC here!  (BTW your baldness is Gorgeous!  what a beautiful head you have!).

    I will be starting chemo (TC x 6 with Herceptin weekly for year) this coming Thurs/Fri or at lastest, next Monday.  Since I am thus coming in at the end of Feb / begin of March, I am wondering which group to connect with primarily.  I just discovered this Msg Board a day or so ago, so have been quite busy cking so many valuable things out here.

    Any suggestions?

    E

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    gcpommom, I'm glad you checked in. I've been thinking about you so much! I'll be with you all tomorrow too. Check with your Onco first. It could be anemia. If not, I know this sounds odd, and I'm not sure it works for AC like it has for me with my TC, but I added Zyrtec to my Claritin (Neulasta pain prevention) and Benadryl (rash from who knows what in the cocktail) when my Chemo Nurse suggested it. Auntie A said she was right, that it wouldn't harm me to take it on top of everything else. Amazingly, it steadied my head and dried up my snot face (mostly) in short order. You might also try a Vitamin B complex. I've had tingly limbs for 20 years (long story!) and that seems to help with that--although you might mention it to your Onco. I didn't think you were supposed to get neuropathy on anything but the Taxanes (T). Hmmmm...

    csbsk123- I think it was MicheleS (pleading chemobrain if I'm wrong,) that tried the NOT D version of Claritin with good results. I was advised, and took, the one with D the first time. MISERABLE hip pain, but nothing else. (Might've been the PMS I had on the first round tho that usally hits me in the back. Grrrr!) However, to make a long and rambling story short, I took the NOT D version for round two and had only a minor and quite tolerable achy reminder of what it was like the first time. Give it a shot. We'llclean out our systems later! I'm glad too that you're having fun with different do's while you can. I had SUCH a blast with it! I hope you do too. I didn't start to lose much until about day 18, so you might have a little longer with your TC regimen than those on AC. I had to shave my head again today tho--so it's STILL not all gone. (If it weren't shaved, it'd be RATHER bald in patches tho!) Also, thanx for the Green Tea oil tip. My nail beds and tips started getting sore about my third week. (I'm dose dense tho, so that may not apply to you if you're doing 3 weeks apart.) I cut my LONG nails and started with a cuticle cream because I'd noticed how thin my skin had become. Will add that tea tree oil now. I'm not convinced on the dark polishes tho. Seems like the only benefit that would give you, specifying the dark especially, would be sun block. My toes ain't seen daylight since my first Cytoxan! (BRRRRRR!)

    kmmd -- I'll have to write up some of Little Monkey's Antics for you. She's been in rare form of late, but I'm on my up days, so I've been running like crazy. Doesn't that just suck! You're either too down to do what you want, or too up and making up for it! AKKKK!  Thanx for asking about the little minx tho. I'm glad you like my stories so much. There might be a few laying around in my blog if you're starved. (Photos are there too, but you have to sign up for membership to view them. If you care to have a glance.) I miss writing about things besides cancer. You're a good reminder of that kmmd. So double thanx! :)

    I have learned not to try to go back more than a page or two, Furies. I'm sorry I'm missing so many. I'm just finding that when I catch up with all I want to say, in four pages of notes, you all are already onto something else and I'm always days behind. I HATE missing comments I want to make. Guess I never shut up in real life either tho. Is it my age? Are you all really young and energetic or something -- or is the chemobrain affecting me more than even Auntie A will admit?

    Hope you all are having a great weekend! Hubster calls. Shoulda known. I shaved my head with a new electric razor before I came out here to the computer! 

    Love,

    Web

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited February 2009

    ipursuit

    you should pick usSmile.. get a handle on it early.. Everyone in this thread is sooo darn nice.

     - and yes Webwriter is a great emcee...  such a pleasure to be under her governance.

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    Hi ipursuit! You will teach me to refresh before I post! YIKES! Sorry I missed you!

    I'm just the frustrated twit who started the thread, not even qualified for MC--and since I'm so behind in catching up the names and dates, I'm proving it! haha! 

    So, welcome to the group. I too am doing TCx6, but escaped the Herceptin. I have a friend who did ACx4 and Herceptin for a year. She says the Herceptin was a breeze comparatively and that she barely remembers it--so, bests wishes with it!

    As for which group? Your choice, or both!  Here you will find a lot of great folks who are ahead of you in the process. Great for advice and an idea what to expect. With the March group, you will have some simultaneous sisters to go through it with side by side. HOWEVER, why choose at all unless you particularly like or fit with one group over another? You'll be having chemo in both time frames. We already have several who post on both or have moved to March--there really don't seem to be any rules about it, even unspoken niche board rules. You're welcome here, and I know you will be welcome there too. 

    --ETA: Refresh, Webbie, Refresh! I have to agree with Apple! This has turned out to be a great group! That stroke of luck had nothing to do with me, however. Some really great people just turned out to be starting chemo in January, February and March!

    It's a great site all the way through. I'm glad you found it before you got any farther in this. The people here are amazing. They've TOTALLY gotten me through this and I will be forever grateful for the friends I have made here.

    Let us know what we can do to help!

    BTW, EVERYONE!!!! If I haven't got your name, date and regimen listed, or corrections are needed, PLEASE drop me a PM (Private Message). I want to get you up to date and correct so you can connect with folks on your same regimen and/or start time. 

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  • xpectmiracles
    xpectmiracles Member Posts: 439
    edited February 2009

    Hi Denali! I started Tx on the 12th, too. I have had nose bleeds laterly as well. I guess our plateletes are low. You have a good attitude about the hair loss thing. I am feeling better about it now. But, if you read back you will see I had a point of grief regarding it.

    Judy, I am praying for you and your mom today.

     Ipursuit, I 'm glad you found this message board. I can't tell you how much it is my lifeline. I hope it is as helpful for you.

    I am so glad I'm feeling well the latter part of this week. I have been able to do some tai chi and walk on the treadmill

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  • knotsnut
    knotsnut Member Posts: 7
    edited February 2009

    ...Cheryl,   I got my Bangs Only wig on Friday and I just love it. It was $12 at Paula Young.  It is the same color as my full wig. It is on an adjustable band.  I know this summer my head will be hot under a wig and this will be a good alternative under a hat.  But around the house I wear it under a soft turban, and I feel better. 

    Tomorrow is treatment #3 of AC, and know I will feel bad for 7-8 days.  I have been light headed/ dizzy the last couple of days, hope my blood counts are ok.  The homeopathy nurse took me off my vitamins and had me purchase $165 worth of stuff that was supposed to help me sleep better, have regular bowels etc.  Well, i'm not doing better with anything.  And 2 weeks of no multi vitamin with iron, could mean I'm anemic.  My feet are always cold, so she had me soak my feet in hot water, put on cold wet cotton socks and then wool socks then go to bed!!   I did it one night, laid in bed, couldn't sleep and after 3 hour removed the wet socks, I could not stand it any more.  It was supposed to help with circulation,  but I need my sleep.  I am lucky to sleep 5-6 hours a night. I am always tired.   I know so is everyone else. 

     Luckily my AFLAC money has been coming in. Chin up all   we will all get thru this.  Have a great week all!!    Smile

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    kmn0701: By the way. Your tongue is numb from eating boiled peanuts too hot! Now seriously, I haven't had the reported "metal" taste, so much as off, and yeah, weird feeling in a numb sorta way. *Web is shrugging.* This stuff is SO unpredictable!

    Terri42, been meaning to ask you about your hair! How goes it? (Stays it? Something!)

    Okay, okay, off to do some list updates. Thanx for sending the notes!

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  • KathyAlex1960
    KathyAlex1960 Member Posts: 38
    edited February 2009

    Well, I see I am going to be in big trouble food wise - I hate vegetables and fruit!  Meat and potatoes here!  Also, not sure if I said, I am also in the clinical trial/study for avastin.  Another question.........steroids?  No one has said anything to me about steroids.  All I know is the A/C x4 over 2 months, then 12 weeks of taxol.  Now I am starting to freak out......I am working 3 days a week........disability ends at the end of March, I carry the insurance, so then I am going back to 5 days a week, 5 hours a day.  Still will have one more A/C in April.  God, I hope I make it through this!!  UGH

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  • KathyAlex1960
    KathyAlex1960 Member Posts: 38
    edited February 2009

    Also, allergic to nuts!!!

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  • suzmarks
    suzmarks Member Posts: 83
    edited February 2009
    Judy, best of luck to you and your family, hope everything goes well for your mom tomorrow.
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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited February 2009

    btw...

    i happened to see boiled peanuts in a can at my local Kansas City grocer today.  i was too chicken to buy them.

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  • BCPrego2008
    BCPrego2008 Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2009

    Hello everyone...I am new on here...I start my chemo Tuesday Feb 24th....I had a lumpectomy when I was 7 mths pregnant on 12/17/08...along with 28 lymphnodes removed...I had my surgery first due to my pregnancy....then I delivered my little angel Haley on 1/29/09...They were hoping I would have her naturally so I could start chemo on Feb 9th....but that didn't work out so I had a C-Section...which put my chemo off till this week so I could heal...to keep infection down....I am starting 6 sessions of TAC and will be every 21 days....I will be taking steriods (which I am scared about) I am worried I will gain alot of weight along with all the other side effects....I was lucky when I was pregnant I had only gained out 5 pds...and I am now back to my normal size...I know it sounds wierd but I would love to keep my weight down because losing my hair and all my scares from my different surgeries are enough of a change....

    Anyone have any words of wisdom for me to take with me on my first day of Chemo I would appreciate it...I have already been thru alot but am scared of that first chemo session....which I am sure is normal....

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    BCPrego2008, I have now heard it all. I have enough trouble with my three year old. And I have plenty of help. I read that wrong. I know I did. You did NOT just go through all the beginning stages of this pregnant! You are NOT contemplating chemo with a brand new baby in the house! Okay, I was scared starting this, but you must be well, too tired to even be scared anymore! My hat is off to you, Lady. The good news is, chemo is doable. I'm up for #3 on Wednesday and I'm making it. I won't lie, it's not a picnic. But you're already quite familiar with that sensation. This is different, but I can't say it's worse. I really can't.

    The first one is the hardest. Honest. The head game takes a lot out of you. Once you get started you will feel much, much better on the emotional side. The physical side, well, that's what your Onco is for. All the rest, this fantastic bunch will be here to help with. Oh! And don't worry. If you are at a healthy weight going in, and maintain reasonable eating habits, note I did NOT say perfect, tee hee, any weight you put on will be short lived. I've lost a few pounds. Nothing major, and I was on a downward trend already with dietary changes--but I'm now at ideal weight and hanging in there. My (hospice nurse of 15 years) SIL, "Auntie A" who has camped out for the duration tells me most steroid weight is water and comes off quick afterward. Anything left is bad habit hanging on. (Yes, she is relentless with me like that all time, but I love her!)

    Apple, yet again your instincts serve you well. If you get a wild craving, I'll send some via FedX, but never, never, never eat boiled peanuts from a CAN! *Webbie is Shivering**

    That goes for you too KathyAlex! Except that any peanuts I ship you will be of the styrofoam variety. Yikes! You're my husband's pallete in female friend form! Eating is interesting around here to say the least. Here's my best chemo diet advice tho: Eat what you crave, when you crave it, while you crave it-- as often as you crave it. If you're going to change your diet around, now is just not the time. You can make an effort to get a salad in there once in awhile, or slice a banana onto some cereal or something--but for the next couple of months, big changes are just not going to be easy on your body. Make an effort to add variety when you're stronger and your body has had a chance to settle out from all the chemical interference.

    So you're doing AC dose dense then? (Every two weeks?) We've got several here who are learning how to manage chemo and work at the same time. One of them will be along pretty quick to give you some advice on scheduling, I'm sure. For me, tho I'm on TCx6 (dose dense), I think I could pull off reduced hours and days for this most of the time. I have 3-5 days where I really feel stomped, and then spend the rest either ascending or descending around it. It's different for everyone, but once you get that first one out of the way, you will be able to plan better.

    As for the steroids, you'll probably have Decadron along with an anti-nausea med, like Aloxi or Emend along with your chemo cocktail. Some folks get them in pill form to take before and after. Mine comes in the IV just before the "good" stuff. Steroids are used to prevent many of the reactions your body could have to chemo, some along allergy and nausea lines, others more or less serious. If you've had your final meet up with your Onco, call back and get a list of the drugs you'll be given. If you haven't, you can ask for it. They should explain everything they're doing pretty easily. Be sure you get an RX for nausea meds to take at home regardless. You do NOT want to be running to the drugstore after it has already started. Stay ahead of the Nausea Monster! (And read back over the thread too. These women have really put a lot of good advice out there!)

    Oh, and freak outs are totally welcome and allowed. We wouldn't get through this with our sanity if we didn't "wig out" once in awhile. Really. ;)

    You'll make it. We all will. That's why we're here!

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  • kmn0701
    kmn0701 Member Posts: 117
    edited February 2009

    webwriter....ha ha!!! I haven't gotten them yet! Dangit! Mom said maybe tomorrow. Yum! But you know she only can send the ones in the cans! We like them though!!! lol My youngest daughter was asking her for them the other day on the phone. Too cute. No metal taste for me either, just the weird sort of numb sensation. :::shrugs:::

    apple....You should try them! Expand your "international" cuisine! Wink

    BCPrego2008....welcome, though I'm sorry you had to join us. The only thing I can say about your first day is TAKE THE SEDATIVE! It helps.

    I just had my first Herceptin only txtment on Friday & it's really been ok this weekend. Thank goodness. Hopefully it'll only get me every three weeks. Except I have had a bad headache, not sure if that's chemo related though?? I've only been taking Tylenol though, no Advil/Ibuprofen because I don't think I can take that? Is that right???

    I've had a couple "mortality" moments today while hanging out with my girls. I hate that. I hate this disease. I hate that it makes me think these things. I wish I had some Ativan right about now.

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    Oh, the time needed for the lecture I'm giving you! However, I have to take my Lunesta RIGHT NOW. Orders. So suffice to say I will ship you FedX peanutes with my leftover Ativan buried inside. Tongue out

    Night all. May tomorrow be SE free for everyone! 

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  • Gramof3
    Gramof3 Member Posts: 301
    edited February 2009

    I'm not sure as to procedure for joining this group.  I began chemo 2-13-09 and will be having ACx4 then Taxol x4, then rads 5 1/2 weeks/5 days per week.  Am in Avastin clinical.  Had head shaved yesterday and am wearing a chemo "bonnet" around the house--will wear a wig when I meet my classes this week.  I'm sorry we have to meet like this, but am so thankful you are all out there.  Thanks so much for your contributions to this discussion.

    Helen

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited February 2009

    Webwriter: hit your blog.  "I said it for the first time" made me cry, you said everything I've been thinking and feeling but couldn't get the words right.  It was right on

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2009

    Kristine - it must have been the weekend for "mortality" moments, i was having a few myself. It stinks. It started with us watching "Rachel Getting Married" and I get floods of tears about not being here when my Daughter gets married. Things I just used to take for granted are no longer guaranteed (although as we all know, they aren't for anyone else either...) After that i have had a knot of fera in my stomach all weekend. I am usually very positive, and I don't like feeling like this. It stinks, and I hate it. Maybe I am just not eating enough Boiled Peanuts.....

    knots - I get round #3 on Friday, I am already dreading it!! Anyone else get "Imaginary" aymptoms when they think of the Chemo Clinic?? Everytime I think of going in, I get that horrid taste back in my mouth, it is weird! The first go round I felt nauseous everytime I think of it. 

    BCPrego2008 - I am so sorry you have had to join us at this stage in your life. Hope having a new baby can distract your mind a bit from what you are going through. Chemo is not that bed, really. It is just like getting an IV. It is more boring that anything actually. I have felt "off" for a good week after each treatment, but I have 2 little kids too, and have been totally able to look aftewr them. I think I have put on a couple of pounds probably from the steroids, but I had lost about 6lbs after diagnosis so it is all good. Remember you can get all nice and healthy again in the summer!!

     

    Webbie - just read your blog and it made me cry too. I hate all that "you're so brave" crap too. I'm not brave, I didn't choose this, I just have no option.  Love the photos!!

    Have a great day everyone. Positive thoughts....Laughing

    My Mother is arriving today from New Zealand to help me with the kids for 5 weeks. She will be great to have around, just hope she doesn't drive me too crazy. 

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited February 2009

    My fellow furies~

    A quick update on AC2.  I did pretty well with the nausea initially... got better IV drugs... have my Kytril patch and took my Emend at 24 and 48 hrs. Yesterday was 72 hrs and was not good.  I should have taken the zofran when the Emend ended.  Next time... I'll know better.  Let's just crown me the nausea/vomiting queen right now, OK?  I double dog dare anyone to try to get my title!

    Kristine~  Hate those "mortality moments". I have them frequently... especially when watching my youngest sleep...

    Helen~ So are you getting Avastin?  Or are you on the arm not getting it.  I'm not on the study (long story) but my onc is giving it to me anyway 'cause I wanted EVERYTHING.  The Avastin has been tolerable.  I think it has given me headaches and I have had a nosebleed or 2.  The "A" of "AC" is what has kicked my butt...

     BCPrego2008~  I can't even begin to imagime what you are going through.  Please feel free to post here anytime and vent away.  Do you have help?  I'm doing AC X4 dose dense (DD) plus T X4 DD + avastin.  The 1st was WAY worse than the 2nd so I'm heere to tell ya... if you have really bad SE's the 1st time, tell your onc.  He/she can adjust your premeds to help.

    KathyAlex19 (or Helen?? I can't remember who asked bout working)~  I'm still working.  I Take off Thurs for infusion and the Fri after (I feel OK that day but chemobrain is bad, bad, bad that day).  Sat and Sun just suck.  Mon & Tues I tend to work 1/2 days and then fulltime (almost) til the next infusion.  I can't say that my productivity is great but I'm managing to do the essentials.  

    knots~ The sock thing just sounds strange... that was supposed to help with what??

    Webbie~  My MD wants to give me Lunesta or Sonata, the thing is that my DD still wakes up at night and will pitch a royal hissy if I don't get her...  That's a deal-breaker for those pills, right??  Let's not address the spoiled diva issue right now...

    Judy~ Praying for your mom  today.  Please *try* to take care of yourself...

    KerryMac~  My mom is here... couldn't do it without her!  

    Hope everyone has a non-nauseated day!!

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited February 2009

    Kerry Mac---I totally know what you mean about "imagining" the chemo taste in my mouth .  I tasted it this morning as I went to work! Of course tx is heavy on my mind cause it happens this Thursday.  After that, I start the dreded taxotere.  I Just have to get in the mind set that I am going to breeze thru the taxotere!  At least I am halfway done on Thursday!!!!!  April 20th I am good to go!!!!!

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2009
    Jess - Yep, I think I am thinking about tx #3 too as it is on Friday. This is my last FEC (yah!!), after that I too start the Taxatore.....I know some people say the T is much much easier, I have my fingers crossed! I'm counting down to May 1st....OF course I only get a month off and am on to 25 rads....
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  • Denali
    Denali Member Posts: 347
    edited February 2009

    Well, I had a crumby wkend too!  Had nosebleeds for 3 days, but went to church anyway.  Everyone asks how you are and silly me told them!  After going through the nosebleed saga a couple times, I went into the service and broke down crying in the middle of the first song.  Had to leave as once I start crying, there's no turning off the faucet.  My friend walked me out. 

    Lesson learned:  When people ask how I am, my answer should not exceed ONE word:  fine, ok, good, crumby.  Going through the details over and over is like setting the table for a Pity Party.

    Happy to report there were no more nosebleeds after the meltdown!  Maybe I was just overdue.

    Pass the boiled peanuts, please. 

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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited February 2009

    My hair is falling out for the second time too.  It s*cks!!!!!!!!!   Didn't bother me at all the first time, but I'm taking it harder this time I guess cause it was growing back so nicely.  Crap! 

    This weekend I had a horrible headache or 2 days, I think it's my sinus'.  They get pretty dried up from chemo.  Took me a good 7 days to get back to normal after last treatment.  Just to have another one this Thursday and get knocked down again.  Then just 1 more to go and I will be done!  March 12th my last poison infusion, and it can't come soon enough! 

    Jess... don't be so worrid about the Taxotere.  It has been much easier on me then AC.  My bloodcounts have been great and I have a pretty good appetite from day one.  AC really knocked down my counts and I had no appetite for a good 5 days after each treatment.

    Kerry-I still get nervous and nauseas when I'm driving to my chemo day, and you think I'd be a pro at it, I'm going for my 7th treatment already!  It's never easy. Until it's done!

    Hope everyone is feeling ok!

    Sue

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited February 2009
    I'm sorry Susan and Apple... The whole hairloss thing just adds insult to injury, doesn't it? Denali, I've also learned to just say "fine" when people ask how I am... If I talk too much about it, I cry.  Plus, I'm not sure that they really want to know, YKWIM?
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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited February 2009

    Michele, on the sleeping pills.  I'm the same way with my daughter waking up in the middle of the night, so I won't take the Ambien anymore cause if she wakes up I won't hear her!  Now I take an Ativan and it helps me fall asleep, but I still wake up in the middle of the night at least once and I will hear her cry if she wakes up.

    Sue

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  • lexie4040
    lexie4040 Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2009
    So glad to hear from people going through this.  I started chemo Feb. 5th second one on Feb. 26.  Felt good for two days then developed a sore throat, aching mouth, cough, mucus, nasal drainage, chills, and temp. 101 to 102.  Called onc and she perscribed levaquin.  I started feeling better but the cough and flem I still have.  I thought I got a cold or something but have read chemo can cause these symptoms.  Anyone else felt like this.  For two weeks salty food tasted bitter. My hair has started to fall out, so my husband shaved my head....he said " I have a cute head"!  Well....no fuss in the a.m. my curling iron is on vacation!  Hope I don't get these cold symptoms after each chemo!!  Great web site, its nice to have support!!!   Take Care Everyone!!!
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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited February 2009

    Lexie,

    I get cold symptoms too. Sore throat, coughing, phlemy and stuffy nose most likely from being so dried out from the chemo. It will do that.  My onc. from day 1 told me to use daily saline nose spray during treatment weeks... but I just keep forgetting.

    Sue

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  • jancie
    jancie Member Posts: 2,631
    edited February 2009

    I am so far behind on this thread that I am just going to pick up from Page 19 - so please forgive me if I don't respond to the last couple of pages.

    My problem is that I have no capability to focus at all for more than 30 minutes at a time IF I am lucky.  I have been reading but can't even formulate a response most of the time so I have been really quiet.

    Webbie - you are adorable - with hair - without hair - you are just too damm cute and I am jealous!

    Ipursuit - welcome to the group.  Would love to have you join our group.  I didn't start chemo until a week ago so I am behind most people myself but this is a fun group!

    Webbie and others - I guess I am lucky I didn't get any pain at all from the Neulasta shot.  I had thought about getting Claritan but then looked at the price and thought "what if I don't need it?" and so I put it back on the shelf.  I know stupid of me - I will spend money on wigs and my horse before I spend money on meds for myself even though it is my hubby's money.

    Denali - Don't think I have welcomed you yet, sorry about that - just that I am PAGES behind in this thread. 

    Xpectmiracles - love your name!  Hope you are doing better with the nose bleeds.

    Knots - I am going to head over to Paula Young website after this to check out the bangs only wig.  I had heard about them before but wondered if they were comfortable or not.  I am exhausted from not sleeping also.  I am lucky to get 5 hours a night of sleep even when I take cocktails of drugs to help me sleep.  Do you normally feel bad right after AC treatment or a couple of days later?

    KathyA - I can relate to the diet issue.  I spent 22  years in Texas so all we ate was meat and potatoes and I still have to eat that big juicy steak on a regular basis.  I hate the steroids, mainly because I can't sleep and I do get irritated very easily.  I can't remember why I have to take them for 4 days straight.  I know it has been explained to me several times but I have chemo brain.  Even taking 4 mg a day is more than I want.  (Note to self - save them for Apple!)

    BCPrego - Talk about starting it off rough!  I can't imagine how you are doing this.  First surgery, then a baby, and now chemo?  My hat is off to you!  The weight thing is driving me nuts also.  I am going to be bald here shortly, last thing I want is to gain weight and really look like crap!

    Gramof3 - We are on the same regimen!  I won't have rads until after surgery though sometime in August.  Welcome to the group!  How are you doing with the AC?

    KerryMac - Great to always hear from you - I enjoy reading your comments.  Glad to hear your mom is coming to help you out!  That is awesome!

    MicheleS - I think of you often because I know you are really having a rough time with the nausea.  I have been taking the nausea drugs whether I need them or not - nobody told me differently and I figured what the hell....if it makes a difference then I will.  And no.....I won't steal your title away - it is all yours for the taking!  I love that you have maintained a sense of humor even though you have had such a bad time with the puking!

    Denali  - going to church for the first time after starting chemo was the hardest.  People want to show they care and ask you how you are doing and you want to say "I feel like total crap!" but you can't because you are in church!  I cried through an entire service one Sunday, I was sitting up towards the front so only the speakers could see I was crying other than my hubby but I was too embarrassed to walk all the way to the back of the church to leave with my eyes so red from crying.  Pity parties are ok - I have had my share of them!  Ok, have to ask what is up with nosebleeds?  I haven't had one - why do you get them? If you are going to get them is it after you lose your nose hair?

    Lexie - Welcome to the group -sounds like you have had your fair share of symptoms.  My problem is more dry mouth, no drainage, no saliva.  Love your comment "curling iron is on vacation!"  What a great attitude you have!  I thought I would have my hubby shave my head but I am too embarrassed to have him do this, I don't want him to see me as ugly.  I know he wouldn't - by any means at all but I can't feel sexy with a bald head - just me personally.

    So my chemo on 'Wed went ok, felt good Thurs and Fri - even rode a horse on Friday.  By Saturday I was nauseated so bad and fell asleep at a friend's house.  Yesterday didn't feel so great but doing better.   My major complaint is the lack of focus and I seem to be in permanent chemo fog and it is driving me nuts!  I can't sleep at night thanks to the steriods.  I am off of them and still can't sleep!    I go back and read what I have typed at times and realize that I have totally left out words, not making sense and really don't care enough to go back and edit my responses. 

    Janzin linked up some pictures to post so I will get to that next.  Wanted to share the pictures from the Snow Ball - our formal event prior to starting chemo, my hair that I cut off and one of my wigs.  I LOVE my wigs!  I don't know if I am going to like them so much once I lose my hair because I have heard my head will itch.  What do you do about that?  Oh and I have Parent/Teacher conference tomorrow night and not sure which wig I will wear.  I guess I will have my stepson chose for me! 

    If I can figure out this picture thing I will be posting them in a minute - Janzin gave me very specific instructions but I am very technically challenged!  Total blonde to the roots!

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  • jancie
    jancie Member Posts: 2,631
    edited February 2009

    If this works - here are pictures from the Snow Ball - the only pictures I have were taken in our home because my hubby forgot to bring the camera. 

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  • jancie
    jancie Member Posts: 2,631
    edited February 2009

    Here is one with my hubby!

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