**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

ginagina

MARCH WARRIOR PRINCESSES

Big Thanks to Britt/Warrior Princess Extraordinaire who got our group started. She is off to fry some bigger fish so this is our new thread. 

BOTTOMS UP!

2lkh538 (Linda)- 3/4/09 - AC x 4, Txl/Hcptn x12, Hcptn x40
5timewinner (Nadine) - 3/17/09 - TC x 6
Allie1075 - 3/4/09 AC x 4 dd
Alyad (Dayla)- 3/6/09 - TAC x 6
Annadou (Anna) 4/7/09 - AC x4, T x4
AnnieU - start date to be determined - TCH
Ann-Idiot - 3/9/09 - TC x4
Arnie - 3/31/09 - AC x 4, Tx4
BandanaGal - 2/12/09 AC x 4, T x 4
BellydancerinNJ - 3/27/09 - AC x 4, Txl x 4
Bethr - 3/27/09 - TAC x 6
bolerodiva (Susie) - 3/24/09 - CMF x 8
Buddy1 - 3/17/09 - AC x 4 dd, T x 4
bwbly (Bunny)- 3/24/09 - Taxl /H x 12 weekly, then AC x 4
cakelady (Wendy) 3/23/09 - TCH x 6
ccbaby - 3/20/09 - TC x 6
Chick717 (Tracy) (early arrival) - 2/20/09 - TC x 4; upgraded to Abraxane/Cytoxan x 3
ChrisC433 (Chris) 3/11/09 - AC x 4 dd, T x 4
cichlid Abraxane x 12 weekly
Cpanasci (Carol) - 3/13/08 - TC x 4
Crusader1 (Francine) - 3/2/09- TC x 4
Dawnmrn1 (Dawn) - 3/10/09 - TAC x 6
Dean (Dean's Mom Savi) 3/5/09 - Txt x 4; AC x 4
DebbyB - 3/26/09 - TCH x 6
deeja6 - 3/16/09
DeemDee (Denise) - 3/25/09 - TCH x 6
DonnaDio - 4/8/09 - TC x 4
Diamonddarter (Kim)- 3/9/09 - TC x 4
didle20Diane - 3/11/09 - TC x 4
ginagina (early arrival) - 2/27/09 - TC x 4; switched to Abraxane/Cytoxan, then CMF x 3
GTYforeveryoung - 3/17/09 - TC x 4
gymmom8 (Cyndi) - 3/10/09 - AC x 4 dd, T x 4
hazydc - 3/17/09 - X x 4 dd
holligoog (Holli) - 3/4/09 - TC x4 or 6
ipursuit (E) - 3/10/09 - TCH x
IowaDiva (Carol) - 3/20/09 - AC x 4 dd, T x 12
Janet0527 - 3/25/09 - AC x 4 dd, T x 12
JenniferB - 3/26/09 -
JenniferK - 3/3/09 - FEC x 3, T x 3
Jenns 2/17/09 AC x 4 dd, Taxl/Herce x 12 weekly
jdeking (Janine) (early arrival) -2/20/09 - TAC x 6
joanmac52 - 4/9/09 - tbd
KathyAlex1960 (early arrival) 2/26/09 - AC x 4 dd, T x 12 weekly
kduling (Karen) - end March - ACT x 4
kellerka (Kathy) - 3/11/09 - TC x 4
Kellyless - 3/06/09 - AC x 4 dd, T x 4
kim40 - 3/3/09 - FEC-T x 6
kimmom (Kim)- 3/4/09 - AC x 4 dd, Tx12
KnowledgeforPower (Cathy) - 3/3/09 - AC x 4
laurie41 - 3/3/09 - TC x 4
LindaNY - 3/18/09 -- TBD
Luv2sing - 3/5/09 AC x 4, T x 8
Maidmarion (Julie) - 3/31/09 - TC x 4
malleme - 3/10/09 - TSH x 6, H x 1 yr
marshall2000 (Michelle)- 3/12/09 - AC x 4 dd, T x 12
Marvil - 3/16/09 - TCH x 6
MaryHH (Mary) - 3/3/09 - TAC x 6
McLouLou - 3/12/09 - TC x 4
Michele54 - 3/16/09 - T x 4, AC x 4
MichelleinSJ - 3/6/09 - TC x 4
mmdj43 (Mary) - 3/2/09 - TCH x 6
moborn63 (Robin) - 3/13/09 - E5103 trial (Doxo/Cycloph, Ptaxel/Avastin/ placebo)
Momgovero - 3/25/09 - Taxol/Hercpt x 12 weekly (just finished FEC x 4)
Mom of Boys (Jan) - (early arrival) 2/25/09 - TC x 4
NanaA (Annette)- 3/24/09 - T x 12, C x 4, H 1 yr
nasharayne - 3/17/09 - TC x 6, H x 1 yr
Nicole0714 -3/12/09 - TCH x 6
NYDeb48 - 3/6/09 - TC x 6
PattiB - 3/11/09 - TC x 4
Paula3558 - 4/2/09 TAC x 4
Pickle141 (Beth) - 3/30/09 - AC x 4
reeney77 - 4/2/09 - TC x 4
Ricki13 - 3/4/09 - FEC x 3, T x 3
Rusty123 (Diane) - 3/19/09 - FEC x 3, T x 3
sakura73 (Rachel) - 3/31/09 - AC x 4, T x 12 weekly
Saja713 (Staci) 3/27/09 AC dd, + T
sessna1 - 3/9/09 -
ShondaE -3/10/09 - T x 4
SimoneJ - 3/13/09 - TCH x 6
TGF - 3/13/09 (tentative) - T x 8-12
theredheadedamy (Amy) - 3/11/09 - TC x 4
txgal (Karen)- 4/14/09. Please keep visiting!
vangoghpro (Linda) - 3/26/09 TCH x
VBK1944 - 3/24/09 - AC x 4 dd, Txt x 4
WLL - 3/27/09 - AC x 4

buddy1

Does anyone know where the clariton-nuelasta got started.  I cant believe my mouth is already sore.  Does anyone have a hard time swallowing after treatment.  I am ok with liquid   but  a little bit of trouble with food.  I was due for my for my steroids at 8  so i took them a little early.  Maybe that will check it.

crusader1

MichelleinSJ..Too bad about missing your daughter's birthday..Yes it is funny that some oncos due to regularly and others just wait to see how you do..Glad I got mine.One less thing to worry about..

Buddy. I think we on this board started th Claritin thing. LOL Did anyone have a doctor suggest it. I just took two benedryl after my shot. It did work. I tried to google any connection and all I got was these boards and other cancer boards. No real medical eveidence. But if it works why not.These drugs do affect ones mouth.Do you have sores or jsut an uncomfortable feeling?

GYMmom.Thanks for wishing me well. Also hoping for an A plus..I don't think they object to the polish but to getting your nails done in a non sterile environment ( Nail salon)while your white blood count is low.

Hugs.

Francine

didle20Diane

Michelle, I did not get the nuelasta shot....I am day 6 out of my first chemo and get bloodwork this Thursday....so far I feel OK.  I was feeling like I had a chill here and there, but no fever or fatigue.  I will let you know what my counts are on Thursday.   Sorry yours are so low  

Buddy1.....when did your mouth start getting sore?  I keep getting twinges and think to myself "OH NO"...but so far nothing.

maidmarion

Maria....many thanks for doing such a good job of starting the group....For the Greater Good... and making us all warrior princesses!  Best of Luck!

Thanks to Gina for keeping it going.

Michelleinsj...  I'm So sorry you're not feeling good...sending out healing thoughts for you!

Crusader1..Good luck with the check up tomorrow! x

I had my chemo class today and picked up my meds ready to start on the 31st, it was quite informative, not as much as on here, but the nurse was very nice, takes a special group of people I think to do oncology nursing.  

Going to have my hair cut a wee bit tomorrow , don't want to cut it really short until nearer the time, then shopping for wigs and such at the weekend with some friends that are visiting for my birthday next week.

Julie

Rusty123

Hi everyone!

Can anyone tell me how they did on FEC?  I start my treatment on Thursday the 19th and would really appreciate any feedback.  Also, home care is coming to my house the day after chemo to administer a Neulasta shot.  Apparently the nurse will show me how and I will have to give myself a shot 24 hours after each treatment.  Did you have to give yourself the shots?

Thanks!

Diane

JenniferK

Hi Rusty123,

I started FEC on March 3rd.  The nurse came the next day to give me the shot (which was not a big deal).  She is coming every Wednesday to check up on me and will give me the shot on the Wednesdays after my Tuesday treatments.  I had a bit of hip pain for a couple of days (from the shot), but that was it. 

I was taking Procholrazine as an "extra" anti-nausea medicine and it made me bounce off the walls ... we've since switched me to Gravol.  The day of the treatment and the following day I felt pretty good, then a general overall crappy feeling till around Sunday (from Tuesday) and by Tuesday I was excercising.  I've been having to continue taking the Gravol at night so I can sleep and I've been taking Claritin to ward off sinus headaches.

Oh, and the hair is still holding in there :-)

Jen

marshall2000

Maria: Thank you so much for getting us all together. I applaud you, I know that it has been very time-consuming, especially with the insane roller coaster ride you have been on. I will be checking in on you on your new posts. Good Luck and please stay in touch.

ginagina: My hair(err hat) is off to you for being the one with the courage to take this task on, i can barely keep up with reading the posts, let alone responding as much as you all do. Thank you so much!!! It really helps us all so much to have a place to come for comfort.

sakura73:  Good Luck narrowing down the wig selection. I started  out hating even the thought of a wig. I have cut my hair much shorter, got my free wig and several hats scarves etc. Now I want too many wigs and can't choose. I am getting more comfortable with the fact that i won't have any hair, mostly because of everyone's pictures on here.

MichelleinSJ: I am so sorry your not feeling well; perhaps birthday cake later will help you feel better. I had the neulasta shot on friday. I took the claritin. I really felt rough, i don't know if it was the shot or if i was coming down with something because i didn't feel that great all week long anyway. I hope next week will be better and then I will know it was just a "bug"

EVERYONE: I did not know that antiemetics would cause constipation. oh my god! This is absolutely ridiculous, I have tried everything that I and everyone I know in the surrounding 3 counties can possibly think of, no luck yet. I was wondering why I had such a friggin back ache, never been constipated in my life. TMI i am sure.  Anyone have a jackhammer,I think i'm gonna need it!

marshall2000

ginagina: I just went to the old forum and saw your new crown. great job MOB.

NanaA

I will be joining the ranks of the chemo princesses on March 24.  I will be doing taxol x 12 weekly and herceptin every 3 weeks for a year.  Dr is still talking about maybe cytoxan for 4 x every 2 weeks after taxol is done.  we agreed to talk about it later.  They showed me all the rooms you can choose from to get your treatments and the nurse answered lots of questions.  I went in a little more prepared for the doctor this time.  I had a list of questions I wanted answered.  Most of them I agreed with once I knew why he thought that. Wondered why no scans required, since so many of you have had them.  He told me that I could request a pet scan if I wanted , but he did not usually order them for a stage one with no node involvement.  I asked the nurse about sleeping caps  and she said they were a good idea to keep from losing body heat when you sleep.  i had never even considered that it might be cold with no hair at home.

Maria thanks for getting us started and gina thanks for taking over.  Annette 

Alyad

MichelleinSJ - I had my first treatment the same day as you and NYDeb- I also had the neulasta shot automatically- I went in for blood work today and my WBC was 7200- just fine- I ran a small (1degree) fever wed night and thu- had a horrible headache about the same time. I took Claritin for a few days that day and after- I'm not sure I would recognize bone pain if I had it. I felt like the healing from my TRAM recon slide back about 2 weeks- the abdominal suture area felt really sore and swollen again for about a week.

Today is the first day I can say I felt good. (Day 12 if you count the day of treatment as day 1- is that how everyone else figures it?) But I was mostly okay by day 8 too.

 today the nurse tried to explain why Day 4 is so bad for most everyone- your liver filters so much of your blood everyday and by then it has pulled out the bad stuff from the treatment- the byproducts produced after fitering all the toxic crap then makes another go round- she called the "second pass" and when that hits you get like a double whammy. sorta makes sense- anyone who understands this better pipe up.

I have been compliing a list of things to do differently on my second treatment- A drink as much water as I can possibly stand.  B  take stool softner day or two before and day of- first time I waited assuming I'd probably have diarreha, WRONG! C be more proactive on mouth preventive care- D stick more to soft foods.

 These are sorta specific to the issues I had- horrible constipation- I took some milk of magnesia and warm prune juice as well as stool softeners and Senakot and finally that jump started things too much! I had 6 BM in one day! And then had diarreha-ish for several days. I got really bad heartbrun day 8,9 - I'd had alot of crackers- rough stuff. And then I got a mouth sore day 10-12- finally went away today.

For those of you still recvering from first treatment or getting ready to start- it is rough and in the middle of it you might feel as tho you might never feel decent again- but it does finally pass and you will come out on the other side!

Thanks to ginagina for taking over!

Alyad

So now I feel like I'm just sitting here waiting for my hair to start going. I thought I'd read  day 14, maybe day 15 was sorta the norm. Nurse said it could start day 13- which for me is tomorrow. I'm shaving at a party  day 16 and I'm wondering if I will have hair left to shave or will my scalp hurt bad enough I'll want to cut it off before then?

I was planning to donate my hair- so I feel like I should cut it short to preserve it as much as possible once it starts going, but then the head shaving won't be as dramatic.

I know everyone will be different- but how fast does it go once it starts going?

 I shed hair a lot normally- long straight hairs my DH refers to as "five year olds" cause they are like an unruly 5 yo girl getting into everything, leaving stuff all over the place. So I had a few of those on my shirt and the nurse picked it off and said- see there its starting- um- I don't think so that's pretty normal for me!  

Alyad

NanaA- I had a bone scan and CT scan to start- but I had a node involvement. I'm not sure what the standard is- but it does make sense that if it had started to spread - it'd probably have been seen in your nodes and since it wasn't it probably hasn't ?

fwiw- it says I had 1/1 positive nodes- I had a false negative sentinel node Biopsy - then they found a small spot on closer look afterwards. They wanted to go in and do a full axial dissection but I refused. So maybe that led to getting scans too. I still may get radiation after chemo. I had some spots on my lungs so then I got the PET scan. don't have the results yet- even if I did, false positives are really really common so it doesn't really prove anything- they'll just do another after  a few rounds of chemo.

I read somewhere a lot of oncs don't do CT or PET scans bc there is such a high false positive rate. those spots on my CT scan could be scar tissue or mold or something else beside cancer.

kellerka

Best of luck to you Marie, you will remain in our thoughts. GinaGina, everyone needs a leader!Way to step up to the plate! I'm not yet 1/2 thru the first treatment and have a number of side effects. But my bigger problem is that I have to host a bridal shower for my daughter this weekend and need some fun ideas! I don't know the groom's family (except they have lots of money, which I don't) so HELP! Anyone have any fun ideas??

Alyad

Marshall 2000- I had really bad constipation as well- I didn't go at all day 1-3 and morning of day 4 I thought I was gonna die- I had taken stool softners day 2 and 3 , senakot day 3 as well- that morning I took some milk of magensia followed by warm prune juice and that helped things jumpstart- then I swan back the other way! Next time I will take senakot maybe the two days prior, day 1 again, day 2 if nothing start hitting it with the MOM and Prune juice whatever it takes to not let it get that backed up- I think prevention is key. I hope you find relief soon- that is really miserable.

ginagina

Buddy, hazydc and Nasharayne - our St Patty's day Chemo gals - Today was your PREMIERE!! Way to get thorough it in flyin' colors. I think you all deserve your own drinkie-poo: I am going for maximum color saturation here, OK?

   

Mouth sores - that chemo stuff is going straight for every little fast growing cell. Mine was numb for days. Try biotene (non-alcohol), or the salt/baking soda/water recipe that is also popular. Keep drinking water, even though it tastes bad (or has no taste). 

ginagina

Kellerka - OMG - first off, do you have some friends that can help? Can you tell us what you have planned so far? You home? other? afternoon? girls only? I was 33 when I got married and wanted nothing to do with fu-fu or games; so I am not going to be very helpful.  We had one dinner party that included a karoke machine (everyone got very sloppy) and another that just involved lots of wine (wine tasting). The nicest showers I have been too were just very simple -- light food, nice company, bride did her part to introduce people who didn't know each other, gifts and good bye. Ok - back to my first point - do you have someone who can help? You may feel fine right now, but throwing a little shower can be STRESSFUL! How about those side effects?

ginagina

According to our Roster, we don't have any new Premieres tomorrow 3/18. SERIOUSLY! Seems odd, but its the first business/work/chemo-drip-drip day where no one is premiering.  BUT if I am wrong about that...let me know!

MOB is going in for #2 right? Good luck my dear! We will be thinking of you!!

lindany

hi...Maybe I'm your premiere tomorrow.  ..actually by now it's today march 18th..day after my bday..day after colonoscopy...days after tests upon tests.,,was diagnosed march3rd and it's all moving quickly..  Her 2 neu is the diagnosis. Chemo starts here in NY at noon..  

Found you guys researching the cocktail i'll be getting.   I'm pretty freaked out, but ...

Should get some sleep..

Best, 

LindaNY 

jdeking

Good luck today Jan and lindany! Welcome Lindany also! Which cocktail are you getting?

Buddy - you had asked about turning red, that is pretty normal for chemo and the steroid. I look like an oompaloompa (sp?) after every tx for about 3 days, and my breast that had the lumpo gets really red & swollen too. Apparently chemo targets our healing wounds, as those are faster dividing cells, so you may notice more pain/swelling/redness in your surgical sites. As for the mouth soreness, next time try chewing on ice chips as you are getting the infusion, it helps with the general yuckiness and can preserve some tastebuds. I have much more taste after tx #2 than I did after #1!

And alyad, you are completely correct about day 4, it is when the second-pass metabolism gets underway. First pass takes out the initial chemicals and causes them to transfer into active metabolites that do a whole other number on our bodies. The first few half-lives pass, then the liver kicks into it's second pass and causes us to feel really bad again, probably worse because now the steroids are gone. Then you really should start feeling better as everything starts to leave the system between 6-10 days post tx.

kellerka - good luck with the shower! I have never participated in one, so I am afraid I have no ideas for you, other than to have good food and good drinks available! I hope someone can help!

DonnaDio

Hi !!

Looks like a great thread goin here!!  I am 8 weeks post op surgery for a bilat/reconst. and next week will be assigned my chemo protocol. My PS cleared me for chemo this week  All i do know is, it will be 4 treatments and in a 9 week period. My cancer got out of the duct and need to be sure no cancer cells went to my system etc.

Once i know my protocol i will be here!!!  just wondered , i know i was told hair loss is to happen etc, does the kind of protocol, even for preventative have the same intensity of any chemo regimen? I am getting ready with all the recommended items to have on hand, for when side affects could  occur.  Appears, side affects are all different for each of us.

Healing wishes,

Donna

gymmom8

LindaNY - Happy belated birthday and welcome to the group.  Chemo cocktails are not a fun way to celebrate.  My first treatment was two days before my birthday last week.  Best of luck today.  The anticipation is worse than the treatment itself.  It all moves so quickly and then all of a sudden you realize you can't wait and want it to go faster just to be at the end of it all. 

MOB - good luck today for number two.  I hope everything is smooth and easy!!!

Gina - nice cocktails! The thought of a true cocktail doesn't sit right with me right now so I am enjoying yours (even though they are not specifically for me, I am just sipping a little)

Marshall - I was very constipated for the first three days after treatment.  And I felt very bloated.  I took colace and senokot every day for about 5 days then I went in the other direction.  I ate a hamburger yesterday (first big meal in over a week) and it was great tasting but it didn't stay in long.  I don't know if it was all the senokot or just that my stomach can't decide which way to be.  I am hoping to find a better balance next week with round two.  Lots of water going in this girl next time.  Hang in there.  This too shall pass!

Kellerka - The shower will be great.  All you need is good food, good drinks, and good friends.  That's what makes any party. 

My mouth is starting to feel funny.  My cheeks and gums are definitely affected now.  I will try the magic mouthwash that was prescribed to me.  Hope everyone has a good day today!  I am having bagels and chit chat with friends today.  I will show off my new 'doo.  I will try again to post pics tonight. 

PattiB

Francine - At Look Good Feel Better they tell you you can polish your nails.  They suggest a light color because some health issues can be seen through your fingernails.  They warn about hang nails - don't pull if nails seem to be fragile, so keep them short and gentle filed.

I'm exactly 1 week, back to work - just a little more tired, with a little more body aches and my mouth is definitely feeling different.  A bit bumpy all over the inside and funny taste going on.

PattiB

Britt - Good Luck with the Rads

Gina - Thanks for taking over!!!!

ChrisC433

Gina: Thanks for taking over the thread.  During this time we are trying to learn to say "no" to constant requests of our time.  I appreciate you making this a priority!

I haven't posted in a while.  Haven't felt real great yet.  This is day 8 (1st Rx last Wed.)  Nausea comes and goes.  Had Reglen, switched to Zofran.  Mornings are queezy, afternoons are O.K., evenings I'm tired.  Can't seem to bounce back!  I've tried crackers before getting out of bed....nothing.  It takes hours until my stomach settles.  I honestly thought I would be violently ill for a few days and then done.  I didn't get too sick....but it seems to last a long time!  I was hoping to have good days before preparing for next round.

I take Ambien CR at bedtime, but I am up by 3:30.  Does Zofran make you hyper?  Any suggestions for sleep?

All the info is great...kepp sharing all!

Chris

Britt

Good morning -

Just a brief "thank you" to those of you who extended their good wishes for my gyno onco appt today - and also for those of you who are wishing me luck with the rads and getting my business off the ground again.  Kilos of thanks!!!! 

And Gina - I love the multicolored martinis! - delicious!

Have a wonderful day!

Maria

didle20Diane

Kathy.....I have been to my fair share of bridal showers.......I am not into game playing, etc.  Too much work   As for food, I normally cater  (if you can call it that) with a local mediterreanian restaurant or Wegman's (grocery store) super cheap...it is nothing fancy but easy peezy and cost effective/practical.  Order over the phone and have someone pick it up for you   Would love to lend a hand if you were in my area!  If you need a few quick easy appetizer recipes, let me know....I have had several birthday's for my little ones with family and friends and have it all done to a science.  I try and make things as easy as possible so I can always enjoy the occasian and not feel like I have to stay on top of everything during the party. 

didle20Diane

Gina, I started "drinking" your martini's this morning.  Why don't I feel the buzz yet?

buddy1

Thanks for the drink.  It was great.  didle my mouth started getting sore after a few hours.  I was kinda surprised.  It feels like my taste buds are rough and tender.  I go for my first shot today. (ouch)  I went to bed about 7 last night got up a few times to potty.  I feel ok today.  still a little foggy.  I know its a false sense of security.  Its coming...day 4 or 5 is what I am hearing.  I am going to attempt the yoga class that the cancer support center offers today.  Our chickens got out this morning  and the kids and me were running around trying to herd them back in their run before the bus came.  Bus came and she was honking  kinda got mad, But I couldnt do it by myself. 

Chris I am so sorry you are not feeling well.  Please hang in.  Spring is here the birds are singing and the flowers are blooming.  You are healing.

nasharayne

Lindany - Welcome and good luck today. I just started yesterday so, I don't have much advice but, I got all worked up for nothing.

Gina - Thanks for the extra cocktails especially the green one!!! Hopefully we will have the luck of the Irish.

 NanaA - I didn't have any node involement but, my Onc ordered a CT and bone scan because it can get through in the blood.  The CT was norm but, the bone scan had two "unusual" spots on the rib.  My Onc was not concerned so, we will redo in 3 months.  He thinks I just got bruised. Also, he did say he didn't like the PET scan because of the false positives. If you feel concerened just voice this to your onc.  I'm sure together you can up with what's best for you.

Kellerka -  I co-hosted a shower for 35 people a few months back and it was pretty stressful, but also distracting.  It may be that break you need to try to focus on something else.  I love shower games.  Some low maintenance ones could be don't say............... whichever words you choose...... or gift bingo.

nasharayne

Lindany - Welcome and good luck today. I just started yesterday so, I don't have much advice but, I got all worked up for nothing.

Gina - Thanks for the extra cocktails especially the green one!!! Hopefully we will have the luck of the Irish.

 NanaA - I didn't have any node involement but, my Onc ordered a CT and bone scan because it can get through in the blood.  The CT was norm but, the bone scan had two "unusual" spots on the rib.  My Onc was not concerned so, we will redo in 3 months.  He thinks I just got bruised. (he was pretty suggestive at what could have happened :-) Also, he did say he didn't like the PET scan because of the false positives. If you feel concerened just voice this to your onc.  I'm sure together you can come up with what's best for you.

Kellerka -  I co-hosted a shower for 35 people a few months back and it was pretty stressful, but also distracting.  It may be that break you need to try to focus on something else.  I love shower games.  Some low maintenance ones could be don't say............... whichever words you choose...... or gift bingo.  Because we had such a large shower we asked a few close friends and family to bring a side dish, vege, fruit and the drinks. That helped a lot. 

 I'm doing good on day 2, I just took my EMEND and decadron this morning.  I'm not looking forward to the days without these meds.