**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

PattiB

My hair is starting to "go off to everyone today" (sorry MoB couldn't resist using your line)  Lot's of individual strands came off in the shower and when styling.  I'm at day 16.

Ricki - Hope getting back to work goes well for you.  And enjoy that male attention!!!

Anonymous

Francine - WOW, your wig is awesome, takes 10 years off.

Didle20Diane -  Your kids are absolutely adorable.  Keep em young !

Marshall- The hair goes pretty quick when it starts to go.  Day 15, mine started to really come out.  By day 16, I couldn't handle the hair everywhere and buzzed it.  I thought it would be more of an emotional event, but it was a relief. 

MOB -  You are like a new standup comedy act.  CPA's  -  Unleashed!!

knowledgeforpower

ChrisSC433  I am also on AC.  After my first infsuion on Tuesday 3/3 I went home and threw up all evening.  I then proceeded to have nausea and vomiting the entire weekend, and dropped 3 pounds.  I went this past Tuesday for my second round and told the oncolgoist what happend.  She was not happy with me for not calling and asking for help.  This time around I got the regualr 8mg of Decadrom, Zorfan, and Emend by mouth before the infusion.  Just before it was time for me to leave I got 1 mg  of Ativan.  Once I got home I had no nausea or vomiting.  I took .5 mg Ativan before bed.  I am also to take phengran 12.5 mg every six hours instead of an as need basis.  I wll take Decadron for two days post chemo and she extended the Emend from 2 days post chemo to 4 days post chemo I can also put half a Ativan under my tongue if I start feeling nauseated.  I also have a new drug, it's called Sancuso and it's a patch you apply to our arm for 7 days I use it instead of Zofran.  It's not cheap.  It I use it for the next two cycles I will apply it the day before chemo.  So far, so good no nausea and not vomiting.

Last Wednesday my neutrophil count was .4 and my WBC was 3000.  I am happy to say that when I went in for my chemo on Tuesday my counts were high enough.  The nurse did tell me that walking is a good way to raise your white count, so I took an hour walk each day.  Because of the previous demise of my white cells and neutrophils I went in yesterday for a Neulasta shot.  Sof far, not bone pain, the Claritan seems to be working!

 GOOD LUCK TO ALL.................

Britt

Gina, those drinks always look SO tempting!  Too early to imbibe at the moment!

Anyway, starting my 33 weeks of rads (or, I prefer to call them, "zaps") on Monday, 3/30.  Had the "simulation" last Tuesday, where one is scanned in a CT scan and mapped and tattooed (didn't hurt at all - just a quick pinch - looks like little freckles) so they can be sure where they are exactly going to "zap" you.  Each session - Monday through Friday for 33 weeks - lasts about 15-20 minutes.  If all goes well, I should complete the zap course on May 13.  I wrote something very funny about this recently and if any of you are interested let me know and I will PM it to you.

Then I have an endometrial biopsy scheduled for April Fool's Day (how appropriate) with my new gyno onco. So we shall see.

Otherwise, doing ok.  Feeling physically great - staying busy.  No assignments yet, but I am continuing to try each day.

The best to ALL of you - my admiration for what you are all going through is enormous!

Big hugs,

Maria

P.S. - in answer to Marshall, I have joined the April 2009 rads group!

IowaDiva

Michelle:  I get the feeling that there's NEVER TMI for this group!  It's nice to know that no subject is verboten here.  I am halfway repulsed and halfway relieved by the idea of losing ALL my hair.  I have Mediterranean blood.  Nuff said.  I have also ordered two buffs that I hope will be here before the hair starts a-fallin'. 

Cyndi:  I'm sorry you're feeling punk today.  The nausea is a pain.  I woke up this morning feeling like barfage would rear its ugly head.  Very thankful for my arsenal of anti-nausea medications.  God Bless the oncologists! 

Maria:  It sounds like you have your ducks in a row, Girl!  Congrats on finally seeing the road ahead of you.  There has to be some comfort in that.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who misses you around here.  I'm also not the only one who will follow your Xena Zapping for the following weeks.  After chemo is over, I, too, will be subjected to the Zap!  Have an honorary cocktail on me!

Hugs to all,

Carol

Mom_of_boys

kellerka -- I submitted your name to the Complainer Committee.  They said you could be a junior member for one night.

marshall2000 -- Thanks for the compliment.  My hair just kept shedding... never in clumps.  And... well, it looks as though the Pube Fairy visited you and left a coupon for a FREE Brazilian wax.  You have been blessed!

Cyndi... Rest!

jdeking

Funny story for this morning:

I got a new wig at my look good class Monday morning and decided I would debut it today with a quick trip to the gas station and grocery store. I got gas first, then went in and walked around the store getting a few items at the store. When I was checking out, I dropped an item, and when I bent to pick it up, something flopped over my shoulder and caught my peripheral vision! It was the giant tag STILL ATTACHED to my wig!! I had completely forgotten to take it off before leaving the house!!!! I was so busy laughing at myself that I walked out without one of the bags of groceries. I had to drive back to the store and get it, humiliating myself all over again.

Aaahh, chemo brain moments, aren't they priceless?

Mom_of_boys

Janine -- Isn't there a MasterCard commercial in there somewhere???

IowaDiva

Jan:  That is HILARIOUS!!  You have definitely brightened my day!! 

theredheadamy

Yes, kellerka, I'ma 4/1 girl.  I'm feeling physically pretty good right now, so I am choosing not to look at next week yet.  It is SOO nice to actually feel like I can do a little bit of physical stuff--it seems like the last three months were just a cycle of getting up then kicked back down.

My hair started to go yesterday, Day 14, and I haven't yet put my hands to it today.  I may shave it today or tomorrow---we'll see.  I think the buffs are going to be my favorite head covering---I am so glad someone shared that here (Gina??) And the Pube Fairy came to visit.  The Brazilian will be admittedly nice, but the getting there---HOLY CHIA BATMAN is right!!! (Marshall, you crack me me up!!)

How are the second round TC girls feeling? 

everyone take care,

Amy 

didle20Diane

Janine......thanks for that laugh.  I needed it today.

One of my daughters has something going on that I think she passed on to me.  I am taking the antibiotics but still feeling crappy.  I have tried to make every day as normal as possible just in case I run into a bad day and I think today may just be that day darnit.  Not good timing either because like Amy and Patti....the hair is on its way to the floor.  I am fascinated that I can pull so many strands out...maybe I can pull it all out myself.

Oh, and the RAIN isn't helping.  It is supposed to be spring...what happened?

Hope everyone else is doing well.

buddy1

Good morning!  Does anyone know if tehy are replacing carboplatin with the the old adrymician.  A friend told me her Onc whont use adrymician any more because it has too many side effects. He now uses carboplatin.  Thanks

knowledgeforpower

I am on adriamycin and cytoxan.  4 cycles 3 weeks apart.  I could have done a study and been randomly assigned to taxotate or taxol.  I felt the side effects from those drugs would cause me problems with my existing arthritis, tendontis, and allergies.  I had a MUGA scan prior to beginning therapy and my heart was is good shape.....

PattiB

Well I am wearing my buff around my neck as a scarf today at work and got many compliments.  I wonder if they will like it as much when I have to wear it on my head!!! LOL Practiced making different head coverings during lunch which caused several sheddings on the table.

IowaDiva

PattiB:  Received my buffs in the mail today.  I'm definitely going to practice for a while.  I love the softness of the fabric and the colors (I got the Afghan Purple UV and the Tungi UV).  Looking forward to the comfort!

Carol

theredheadamy

Buddy,

I was told that they have proven that TC is just as effective as TAC, without the potential for congestive heart failure down the road (20-30 years), but they need larger numbers of women on TC for the FDA to consider it as standard of care.  The study is in its 3rd phase; I'm not sure how many years it has been going.

My only option to potentially have this protocol was to join the study---I'm very happy that I ended up in the TC arm.  I think that they will limit the use of adriamycin in the future.

Anyway, that's what I understand,

Take care,

Amy 

laurie41

Hey all..

I had my second TC on Tuesday and it was not fun. I was doing great until they started the Taxotere. I was talking to my family and all of a sudden I got sick to my stomach and hot all over. Then I saw all these little lights in my eyes and the back of my throat had this nasty chemical taste. I started to cough and my chest hurt. The next thing i remember is me laying flat on my back with a nurse on each side of me. I was having such bad back spasms that I had to sit up. They put some Benadryl in my IV to stop the spasms. That's some good stuff. After the spasms went away I got the chills. Those spasms were awful. I asked my family what happened and they told me that I passed out and wasn't breathing to well, but the nurses were great. Holding my hands and rubbing my legs. They let me rest for about 20 min. before they started the Taxotere again and they started it out real slow. I was so nervous that I was going to have a bad reaction again but everything was cool. They kept turning it up and I finally got out of there. I was there for 5 hours. Long day.

The next day I slept most of the day because i had a temp and a massive headache. I was suppose to go to a Look Good Feel Better class but I just didn't have the energy. So now I'll have to reschedule it. I was looking forward to it too.

Today I feel a little better but I'm still tired and I hurt all over in my muscles. I also get hot flashes at times. My head feels like a tiki torch.

Laurie

crusader1

Wow,

Today is day four out of my second TC and I am feeling rather blah. But it is the same feeling I had the last time so I  guess I am getting used to it.

I can not believe how many new friends are here now. ..70 Wow. It is so hard to keep up with all of you.

Gina - Love your new avatar and your cartoon was so cute.

Dawn- I think my wig looks better in the photo than in person. It definitely looks like a wig.

MOB- Thanks for the compliment on my bald head. It is annoying..prickly, cold, hot etc

Janine- A little humor is great for all of us..How is the wig?

Ladies what do you wear to bed on your head?. I bought a small sleep cap but am not happy with it.

Oh yes the Pube Fairy has not come to my house yet. I guess they came to my attic first to clean it.

Hope everyone is doing fine..

Hugs ...

Francine

Cruise4life

Hello Ladies...Just cruising through the site and came upon this thread for Starting Chemo in March.  I want to wish all of you good luck through your chemo process...

I started chemo in January and now have only 2 more sessions to go.  I am on CT Cytoxan and Taxotere...3 weeks apart with the following day Nulesta shots ($3k each) and take emends pills for two days after chemo.  My therapy changed after I was on Epirubicin and 5FU...(chemo sessions 1 and 2)and experienced heart palpitations and spent the night in the hospital.  I am so glad that my onco doc realized the effects of Epirubicin and 5FU.  After a month off I will have 5 to 6 weeks of radiation after my last chemo on April 23rd.

 Of course everyone has different regimens and chemo therapy...but most are familiar when looking at the postings. You ladies are doing well and your spirit is effident..Keep up with your postive attitudes.

As for the HAIR situation...I had my hairdresser come to my home about 21 days after my first chemo and she buzzed off my hair and my hubbies hair.  It was the best thing...I am now completely bald and wear a really cool wig that I get many questions...like...."where do you get your hair done?" or "who does your hair?, I am looking for a great hairdresser!"  I have no hair anywhere on my body...including my vjay jay...little bit of brow and lashes...what gets me is that I still have NOSE hair...it's nice not having to shave my legs or underarms...LOL

At home I wear a hat that I got at Target...its comfortable and easy to slip on when answering the door.  LOL

 The best advice anyone has given me and I will pass it on to those of you who are interested....Drink lots of water before and after chemo....eat lots of protein..and don't overdo it and rest.  There are days where you will feel crappy and days where you will think you can run a marathon...be true to yourself and listen to your bodies reactions.

Best of luck to all of you....stay strong and keep your positive spirit....

Cindy

Cruise4life

Francine...Just saw your post as I was posting....I tried wearing a cap to bed and it always ended off and under the covers....Your head does get cool at night but hopefully with warmer weather coming it will help.   After my TC session it takes about 7 days to get my taste buds back and feeling better...it does get worse as your sessions increase...but know there is light at the end of the tunnel....and we can beat this "C" for good.

jdeking

Francine - the wig is not too bad for a freebie! It is Raquel Welch Elusive, strawberry blonde with highlights. Not really my style, but not bad.

To all: anyone having menstrual problems? Sorry if this verges again on TMI, but I thought we would not get periods during chemo. I had one right before tx #2 that lasted about 8 days. Now here comes another one (about 11 days later). WTF?

Anonymous

jdeking- Well the period thing sucks to hear.  Mine coincided with my first tx and strung along for about 8 days....grrrr.  I am in hopes that it would be my last. Suppose time will tell.

bwbly

Hi all. Been out of touch for a few days since my mom was here for my 1st chemo .... Taxol/Herceptin. Still catching up on posts, but thought I'd give an accounting.

Took 5-1/2 hours for this tx. Port worked wonderfully, so good to be able to get up and around while stuff running in. Onco believes in lots of hydration  during tx, so started with Heparin followed by pint of saline. Then steroids and Zantac. Then Benadryl. More saline. Taxol took 2-1/2 hours, then 1/2 pint saline. Herceptin took 1-1/2 hours, followed by 1/2 pint saline. Then on my way out the door.

The time for the Taxol and Herceptin will be decreased next time, and again for tx #3. Then I should be down to about 3 hours for the whole thing.

So the only SE's I've had are minor itching of head and upper torso for 1st night only and dry mouth for 2 days. Didn't sleep well at all Tuesday night, but slept like the dead last night. Regular diet. Actually, I feel really good (surprised even me LOL).

Mom decided Im ok and went home today. I'm on vacation all this week, but will return to work on Monday. Chemo is on Tuesday mornings for 11 more weeks of Taxol/Herceptin.

Had my hair buzzed last Saturday. No wigs, just hats. I find I'm perfectly comfortable in public with no head covering at all, but it does scare the little kids LOL. My 2-yr old great-nephew flatly told me he DOES NOT like my haircut LOLOL.

Ok, back to catching up on posts.

Bunny

Mom_of_boys

Laurie --- All I can say is WOW and I am so very sorry your experience was obviously less than desired.  How scary that must've been not only for you but for your family!  Thank God for the good onc personnel.  Will you still go forward with TC or will you change now? 

pickle

Wow...what a great group of gals! I am starting chemo on March 31 and have been feeling quite uneasy about it but.... after reading numerous posts from all you Warriors, the message is clear...it won't be fun but it's definitely doable! This whole forum seems like a huge extended family full of support, advice, a dose of reality and a ton of humor (I think I'm actually looking forward to the visit from the Pube Fairy!. LOL) 

Thanks for sharing all your thoughts.... It really helps...we are not in this alone.

 "Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow."

bethr

Hi All,

 My first treatment is tomorrow and I have been a little anxious all week.  Part of me says 'Bring it on! and part of me says 'Hell no, I won't go'......  

I just wanted to say I've spent the last couple of days reading all the posts here and it's been a great help to me.

 Thank you all so much! 

Have a great day!!

Beth

pickle

Hi Beth,

Well my name is Beth too and I will be right behind (I start on Monday). I  also found the posts to be extremely helpful. Good luck tomorrow and remember that there is a whole team of 70 or more wonderful gals cheering you on!   "It's Doable"

Beth

bethr

Thanks Pickle (Beth)! 

 I hope all goes well with your 1rst treatment too.  Yes, there's a huge team and right now I wouldn't trade any of them for the world!!

Take care,

 Beth

Mom_of_boys

pickle141 and Beth... Yes, you have picked up on our motto... It's Doable!  Since you found our hidden slogan/motto... I offer to you Texas' finest frozen margarita...

Here in Texas, we serve 'em frozen with a lime and plenty of salt on the rim  YUMMY!  

deemdee

Hi everyone!

Thought I would check in, 1st day after first treatment and feeling pretty good. Actually feeling ADHD!  Busy organizing, after a appointment reminder for tomorrow, I decided I better get smart and sync my palm to computer and put alarms on it!  My short term memory seems to be impaired, can't keep train of thought. But otherwise I feel good.

Good luck to those of you with debuts today, tomorrow and Monday, I will thinking and hoping for your best.

GinaGina Thankyou so much for the bubbly! 

marshall2000  LMAO at your tmi post!

nappy-pooh time for me now.

Pink kisses to us all!

Denise