**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

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  • chick717
    chick717 Member Posts: 58
    edited March 2009

    Mom of Boys - bwahaha!! the visually impaired - totally cracked me up. I have never felt so unattractive.  A friend of mine is bringing over dinner and I told her that I love her so much that I'm not getting out of jammies or putting on makeup.  She's gonna get achy Tracy with dark undereye circles and a buff.  And zits - anyone else's skin break out?  what the hell - are there any good side effects?  

    I should offer her some beers to soften the blow - I look and feel rough today.  

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  • Ricki13
    Ricki13 Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2009

    chick717 - without sounding too egotistical I am known for my good skin.  Right now I have a zit the size of another head on my left cheek.  Way too big to pass off as a beauty spot!  There are days I feel like a big lumpy, scar covered, bald and weird looking lump.  But I think I care more about that than any of my friends do. 

    MOB - I'm 39 and alas very single!  My girlfriend with me was married 3 weeks ago so neither of us were 'looking for love'!  Very odd....

     R xo

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  • DebbyB
    DebbyB Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2009

    After two cancelled dates to start treatments because of insurance problems, tomorrow I will finally start my chemo.  I've put on the brave face for my family but deep down I'm terrified. Even though I've read so many posts about others journey through this (which has really helped me), I don't know what I am going to face.  I've got my book, my ipod and journal ready to go with me tomorrow for the 5 hours I'm told I'll be there.  I pray every night that God will be right there helping me as well as everyone that's going through this.  I know that something positive has to come from all of this, I just don't know what it is yet. 

     I'm so glad there is a forum such as this that we can all connect, vent, talk, pray, whatever each other needs to help get through this. 

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  • WLL
    WLL Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2009

    Hello all, hope everyone is staying strong. I am a neebie, I am 40 and diagnosed wth stage 2a Invasive Ductal Carcinoma breast cancer. Estrogen receptor/Progesterone--NEG. HER2-neu/FISH--Postive. I had a lumpectomy--margin clear and no node involvement.  Started my 1st chemo-Taxotere/Carboplatin--had reaction a week and half later--thick rash, hurt and itched really bad.Other then the reaction, I felt really good. So, my oncologist said I was a having a reaction to the taxotere, so I have to start on new chemo regieme--Adriamycin/Cytoxan x4 every three weeks and Taxol/Herceptin x 12 weekly and then radiation, continuing Herceptin for a year. It was 16 days after 1st treatment--hair began to start coming out--started wearing my wig--uncomfortable but doable. Having my 2nd treatment--starting AC--this Friday. I hope I feel as good as I did on TC. Thought I would give my bio, if anyone has any helpful advice I would greatly appreciate it.

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  • NanaA
    NanaA Member Posts: 293
    edited March 2009

    Debby B-  I do a Bible study every spring and fall and just after I got my diagosis in January the spring study started and we were doing Beth Moore's study on Esther called it is tough being a woman.  It has been really good for  me to see that God is with us even in the tough times.  i am sure that there is something in my future that will show me why he let this happen.  Maybe to be support for someone else later on who goes thru this.  I know lots  of ladies at the church and bible study have offered to go to chemo with me, bring meals, sent cards, etc.  I know that I am loved and cared for by my God and fellow christians.  He will be with you as you go thru your first chemo.  Mine was just yesterday and was not near as bad as I had pictured.  Today a little nausea, but meds fixed that.  A little tired but the steroids kept me awake until after one last night and got up at 7:00 to go to work and worked until 2.  So you can get thru it.  Have confidence girl!  Annette

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  • IowaDiva
    IowaDiva Member Posts: 76
    edited March 2009

    Debby:  I relate to the abject terror you are probably feeling.  I, too, have a strong faith in God.  But even though I know He's with me through all this, there were a few very dark hours the night before my first treatment. 

    My only encouragement was that, like most of the ladies here, the 1st treatment wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  Do you have a port?  

    I will pray for you...hang in there!  Please let us know how it goes!!

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  • WLL
    WLL Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2009

    DEBBY-- I know you are nervous about starting chemo, I was so scared. It was not as I expected, it was pretty easy. My oncologist gave me some adavan ( to help me relax) through my port first and I sleep through most of it. I felt really good afterwards. What chemo meds are you going to have? Good luck

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  • deemdee
    deemdee Member Posts: 20
    edited March 2009

    Okay Ladies, I did my 1st tx today.

    It only took from 9:45AM- til- 4:30pm (actually started drips at 11AM)  All is fine feel okay so far.  AND I had a WOW moment today!  As my DH and I were driving to the appointment this am, we stopped at a light in the little suburban city, and I looked over and saw 3 doves! Two were gray and One was pure white!!!!  Now, I know that might sound silly to some , but I do not believe (as far as I can remember) ever seeing a White Dove (in the wild) not in a cage in real life! I called my daughter and she looked it up and the two meanings were

    a.) Feminine energies of peace, maternity, and prophecy.

    b.) Endings of bad , beginnings of new.

    I do not believe in coincidence so I considered this particular syncronicity astonishing!  

    THANKYOU ALL for the positive energy and prayers. They really do help!  I hope to post sometime tomorrow. 

    Pink Kisses to us ALL!

    DeniseKiss

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  • VBK1944
    VBK1944 Member Posts: 22
    edited March 2009

    Hi, I just started my chemo yesterday. dd ACx4 then taxefere X 4. I am pleased that I have had no problems with nausea or anything else. I hope this will continue. My premed inclused 3x8mg zofran and 8mg dexamethasone, then 8mg zofran and 4mg dexamethsone @5pm and just 8mg zofran and 2mg this am...and no more. Day after chemo is supposed to be the peak of nausea. How are others succeeded in preventing nausea?

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  • WLL
    WLL Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2009

    VBK1944--I take zofran twice a day--I dont miss a dose. I have had no nausea at all. I also take Emend day of chmo and two days after to prevent nausea.

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

    Hi all,

    Day three out of my second TC.  A little headache but I am not complaining. Day 4 was my bad day last round. We got rid of all my hair yesterday. The big problem I am having is that my head is real cold. Still cold here in NYC. I have to wear a wooly type hat around the house. I wore my wig for 9 hours yesterday and it felt fine. Really amazing to me.

    I will try to post a few pictures later.

    Deemdee- Nice sweet thoughts for all..

    MOB- Nothing special with my baldie yet.

    Too bad for those of you having bad SE's . These too shall come to pass.

    Thanks again Gina and MOB for keeping us all together. I see many new names today..

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

    Here I am. The new me (bald) and the new one with a wig..

    What do you think?

    Photobucket" Photobucket"

     Francine

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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2009

    Francine.....you look awesome!

    My hair is coming out faster and faster..........

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  • WLL
    WLL Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2009
    Francine---you look greatSmile  My hair started coming out this past weekend, have not been able to just shave it off yet, but I did cut it short. I have to wear my wig now, uncomfortable, but doable. Does anyones scalp hurt?
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  • nicole0714
    nicole0714 Member Posts: 48
    edited March 2009

    Francine,

    You look great! Your wig is awesome.

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  • 7timewinner
    7timewinner Member Posts: 183
    edited March 2009

    Francine, you look great! I never thought I'd consider a wig when my hair finally falls out (soon!!), but seeing yours, I may just change my mind. Very flattering!

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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited May 2009
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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2009

    These are my littles for those who are not on the FB group...Wow, I can post pictures easier on my laptop!  My bald head will be posted soon........I still have hair.  I wonder what the next 12 hours will bring though.

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited March 2009

    Francine -

    That is an absolutely STUNNING wig!  Well worth the effort -and the expense, as you have previously pointed out!  Lovely! You look so young!  And looking young, while going through such an arduous procedure, is indeed priceless!

    Xena

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited March 2009

    I just had my second round of AC today.  Is anyone else getting sick on the first day?  I had premeds for nausea, took Zofran this morning before treatment and after dinner (bread only).  I STILL got sick tonight.  It's like my digestive system shuts down as soon as the meds hit...everything just lays in there until I get sick. I have Reglen and Zofran, Ambien 3, Prilosec, stool softener and Immodium.  Anything else I need to ask for??

    Just wondering what other cocktails people are taking to prevent this. Day 3 and 4 were my worst days last time...hoping to stop it before it begins!!!

    I haven't posted in awhile, but I do read the threads.  Not much of a writer but I enjoy reading!!  You are all so funny, inspirational, supportive, and beautiful!  If anyone is on the same as me 4-AC, followed by 4-T every 2 weeks...just yell and I'll give whatever info I have...

    Good night....let the angels watch over and protect us all,

    Chris

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

    Thanks..Britt, Didle20Diane, Wll ,Nicole and 5 tIme winner for the nice complements.

    It does make me feel good. A woman at chemo said the inside of the wig is what makes it comfortable. Mine feels just great.

    Didle20Diane-What a cute picture of your children. I can imagine why you consider yourself Wonder Woman. Keep up the great job..Such adorable kids.

    Hugs to all,

    Francine

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  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2009

    Denise...  WOW!  I love your story and I love the fact you saw that image after your first tx!  So very cool.

    VBK... Days 4 and 5 are my personal worse days.  I rely on the zofran and as stated take it even if I don't feel sick.  I learned the hard way after my first tx that I should take plain old imodium if diarrhea began.  The diarrhea caused stomach cramps which I think caused me to be sick.  I also take the ativan for the nausea.

    Francine... The wig looks great!  But, I'm going to hafta tell you that I kinda like you bald as well!!!

    Diane... What absolute cuties.  I want to just reach thru my screen and squeeze their little cheeks!

    MARIA!  Always good to see you!!!  I owe you a nice long PM!!!

    Chris...  This coming from someone who prefers to suffer in silence BUT if you are getting sick your first day, definitely call your onc.  They honestly don't want you to be sick.  I've heard that emend is the wonder drug for nausea. 

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  • kellerka
    kellerka Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2009

    didle20Diane - I think we are on the same schedule (Wed 4/1) and my WBC is also 1600! And I may not get it next week barring some miracle. I'm pissed. I don't want to put it off a week. They never even offered me a shot after #1. I will insist on more pain after #2.

    JenniferK - 42 is young to a 54 yr old. I don't feel old, I just can't imagine doing this when my kids where young. Being single mom was enough. Mine are 24 and 26 and actually a help and pleasure (most of the time).

    Amy - I think you are a 4/1 girl too no? I too had 3 surgeries in 8 weeks. A bit overwhelming I must say. I have my brain focused on June 1st when this will all be over. It helps to have a focus for me. Golf, sunshine and no more chemo!

    About 1/4 of my hair came out in the shower this morning. It shouldn't have scared me since I knew it was coming but it did.

    MOB - I want to join the Complainers of the World (for tonight).

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Best of luck to Premier Gals on Thursday - DebbyB and Vangoghpro!! We will be thinking about you ALL DAY!

    And for Deemdee on her premier....

    I am just diggin that blue sky. Ahhhhh. Feel the warmth. And then to totally bust your bubble....

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009
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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    So....I have been reading all night, and I have lots to catch up on, but it will have to wait. Busy day tomorrow. Repeat chemo on Friday. Tongue out

    And I wasn't fishing for compliments today. Honestly! Seriously!  But, you gals are the best. Its why I keep coming back every day.  OK, seriously again...enough of that.  I have been taking advantage of my feel-good-week (and really is, I feel normal...first time in months!) and have been running around like a crazy woman (helping at school, planning dd 6th birthday party, buffing my noggin....blah, blah, blah). 

    I also have to say that I am both thrilled and sad that we have such an active group.  THRILLED beyond belief because this is the kind of support I (and obviously others) need and respond to. Feels good right?  But, really SAD because how is it that there are 70+ of us in this small little corner of cyberspace in the month of March (or close to it) STARTED CHEMO?! Jeeze it makes me so sad sometimes. 

    Ok, enough already.  Welcome New Gals! I am updating the roster/class list as we speak. Please review and let me know if it needs tweaking.

    hugs, hugs, hugs

    gina

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited March 2009

    Sorry I can't keep up with everyone!

    ginagina! great job keeping up with 70 of us!

    newbies! this thread is the best, someone has gone thru what you have, there is tons of support, I love to read and laugh.

    francine!  my hair goes this afternoon,and my wig looks like a wig not cute like yours.

    Diane! you are wonderwoman! 3beautiful kids,I admire you, my  dd is 14 and she keeps me hopping!  OFF TO WORK.  dawn 

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  • marshall2000
    marshall2000 Member Posts: 110
    edited March 2009

    Denise: I am so happy you saw the doves. My brother was living in Albuquerque,NM when I got my diagnosis and he found a white dove feather and (creative soul that he is) he did his magic and braided it onto a leather loop I have it hanging from my car mirror for good feminine energy and safety.

    Francine: Your wig looks great. I hope that mine looks good after my hair is gone because right now it looks like I am auditioning for a Beatles reunion. YUK!

    Brit/Maria: I was glad to see your post. How are you doing? I have been very busy,not as energetic as the rest of you, and I haven't checked the radiation site.Are you posting there? I would like to keep up with how you are doing. Miss you and hope all is progressing well for you, job,tx,stinky ex,etc.

    WLL: Yes! My scalp has been hurting for 4-5 days now. It is a strange feeling that I can't seem to describe to anyone. I go in for my #2 tx today and yesterday my hair started shedding. I am such a damn procrastinator,all I have is one butt ugly wig and some harley do rags,I guess I better get a move on and get some buffs or I will be wearind son's baseball caps,I do have a few of my own,guess I will hit wally world for some more appropriate ones for work.

    gina and MOB: You are both awesome, I don't know how you keep up with all of us. Do you all remember when Britt first started our thread there were like 15 of us,glad and sad at the same time.

    EVERYONE: Welcome to everyone that I haven't already welcomed. Good Luck today with all your endeavors, whatever they may be.

    Gotta get a shower now before tx. Here's hoping the hair just keeps shedding and doesn't start coming out in clumps. I have a busy day and that would just piss me off,but there is an old saying :better to be pissed off than pissed on" haha

    I found a cool poem/words of wisdom whatever that someone sent me, I will post later, don't let me forget.

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  • marshall2000
    marshall2000 Member Posts: 110
    edited March 2009

    WARNING  TMI POST   READ WITH CAUTION!!!

    O.K I just got my shower hair is coming out a lot. I know someone has posted the answer to my next question but I just don't have it in me this morning to go digging for the answer. How much time do I have before my hair jumps ship?

    Now for the TMI part, I quit shaving the nether region wheni first got dx because i wanted to avoid any type of infection from a possible shave bump, you all know what I mean. Well, to borrow gina's train of thought from the other day. I got undressed, took my panties off and  HOLY CHIA PET BATMAN! wtf. That definately got my attention more so than any SE so far. What a hairy reminder. Waaa Waaaa.   Sorry but thanks for letting me freak out before i go for tx. Talk to you later.Love to all, Michelle

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  • gymmom8
    gymmom8 Member Posts: 86
    edited March 2009

    Good morning to all.  I am not feeling great today due to nausea.  I have taken all the meds required and am just hoping they kick in soon.  My dear hubby shaved my head for me last night due to much hair coming out on it's own.  We will post pics later today.  I have read all the posts and they are a great source of inspiration and information.  I am so glad to be a part of this group.  I am a little down today but the posts help keep me going.  I will check in later when I am feeling better.

    Chris - I had round 2 on tuesday and it seems like we are feeling about the same way.  It makes sense because we are on the same protocol.  Hope you feel better soon.  PM me if you'd like.

    Cyndi

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