**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009
Comments
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Go pickle.....good luck on your premiere tomorrow....come back to the boards ASAP. Hydration, walking, anti nausea meds......stick to it. You can do this! It is doable. We are here for you! Just think, this time tomorrow you will have one down! Enjoy the steroid high while you have it. I got so much work/housework done in those first 72 hours
Diane
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Hi my fellow warriors,
Wow I've missed a lot - I guess that's what happens when you have over 70 warrior sisters. Been busy doing house stuff this weekend and haven't had a chance to post. I will get caught up eventually. Just wanted to wish every a good treatment and/or s/e free week. Having my second Taxol treatment tomorrow - I'm on dose dense so I'm not sure who is having tx with me.
This was a bit of a traumatic weekend though. Got a lot accomplished in our never ending remodeling saga (gotta love steroids) but also started shedding big time. Went to the hairdressers Friday to get a pixie cut figuring I had a little bit of hair time left and would get used to really short before I had to buzz. Well what a surprise when I woke up this morning and ran my fingers though my hair - it came out in bunches UGH. Even though I knew it was going to happen, I really wasn't prepared for the reality of it. I did lose it a little but then my dh reminded me that this was just temporary and I used to say I would love to be able to shave my head and start new. Yes, be careful what thoughts you put in the universe lol.
For those of you that have been though more than one treatment - I remember reading that the first tx is usually the longest. Mine lasted about 4 hours. How long do you think the second will take. I'm on Taxol only. Don't want dh there the whole time - he means well but he does make me crazy at times. Besides I love the Benedryl nap.
Okay off to catch up on the posts.
Sleep well my sisters....................................
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Hello princesses all. (I wonder what the proper collective noun for princesses is? A coronet of princesses? A tiara of princesses? A carriage of princesses? A glass slipper of princesses?)
I start tomorrow Australian time (right now it is 3pm Monday afternoon here) with my first cocktail which, alas, will not be the gin and tonic or champagne cocktail I might prefer. I'll be in overnight so won't be back on the boards until Wednesday.
Commiserations to those who are losing their hair, but I can say from the pictures you are posting here and on FB that you all look fabulous bald!
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Diane-Thanks for the support but I do have one question just to make sure I understand it all.....I have to go for my first round tomorrow...get poked and prodded.... injected with toxins.....fill up on meds....and then I'm going to feel like doing housework for 3 days???? Oh NO...anything but damn housework! Besides I have spent the last 6 weeks cleaning like a crazy woman just to get my mind off this stuff. My underwear drawer looks like it belongs in high fashion...so neatly organized...and color coded for God's sake....My bra drawer...well.. why bother with that one right now......Ok here's my plan....If I have good energy and I feel the sickening urge to do housework, I will finally pull the old "I have Cancer" card on my husband so he can do the friggin housework and I'll find something......anything more fun to do.......I must stay away from the broom as long as I can....LOL. I am kidding of course...I would be ecstsic to have the energy to do housework, cook, shovel (yes I'm in Canada and we still have snow)....hell... I'll even do the pooper scooping which is primarily one of hubby's duties
Thanks for the good tips on hydration, walking and meds and if you have any handy housecleaning hints, please send them my way...just in case! LOL
Sakura- All the best for tomorrow and I look forward to seeing you back on Wednesday
Best of luck to all tomorrow
Your angels are with you Cheers
Beth P
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Hello Sunday night everyone! Premier Monday is just hours away. Pickle and Maidmarion - our thoughts are with you. Pickle - you've totally picked up the lingo/jargon...it really dosn't take long. And the mantra's are great.
Ann-idiot, Diamonddarter, Sessna, Michele54...I think you gals are up for your next treatment. Go kick some C bootie!
So far, here in WA, all is OK. Friday infusion went fine and I have been just riding on the steroid wave. We had a busy weekend with birthday party ~ OMG...count them..."25" 6year olds! Some folks don't know how to RSVP -- but it all worked out and everyone, including myself had fun. Feeling a little fuzzy headed now, I think the steroids are starting to wear off. NOTE: while typing this I polished off a bag of potato sticks (the potato-chippy kind) and a jug of Gatorade. I think I am craving salt. I am going to take it easy tomorrow.
night-night
gina
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ginagina - what we we do without you?? I tried to figure out who was doing what tomorrow and the steroids have my head spinning so facts are kinda hard to figure out. Plus I have that "need a buzz cut" hair going on and I'm obsessed with pulling it out - sick huh? It's almost like when you get a sunburn and you have to peel the dead skin off.
ann-idiot, diamonddarter, and sessna - one more down and that's a good thing. Hopefully tx and s/e are uneventful.
pickle and maidmarion - good luck with your premiere. The anticipation and fear is worse than tx.
I think I will have my laptop with me - have to design a gown and I'm wayyyyy behind. Tx time gives me an opportunity - where can I go lol.
Sweet dreams..............
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Quick note: I am reading everyone posts. I see there are some newbies! Hi ya, I will review and update the class list. Just drop me a PM if you have an update or more info you'd like me to include and/or fix. Welcome!
Hair Today...Gone Tomorrow Chronicles : : : Go Bald Girls, Go! I love all the buzz pics; everyone looks awesom! Go grab yourself a sticky-tape lint roller though as those remaining stubble (while cute) wont want to hang on for much longer. The lint roller was my best friend for 5 days! Dayla, I think you described it as metal shavings? Pretty good! And it can feel like it too!
With that comment, all I could think of was this!
See gals, much better to loose the hair...doncha think?
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Michele54 - sheesh, I should have refreshed before posting. I know the feeling - morbid fascination (thank you Chick717)! We can't help ourselves. How much can you pull out? Buzzing didn't help me unfortunately. My buzz was a #0 (or so I thought), but still long enough for me to grab and pull. So sick. So sad. Hang in there. This too will pass and just think...in a couple of weeks we will be obsessing about our eyebrows and finger nails!
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Hi ladies,
Well another cocktail done and along with another haircut!
Had my 2nd chemo on 3/25. Very bad nausea set in a few hours after and persisted for about 3 days despite all the meds. The stemetil helped. No vomiting this time which is progress I guess! I find it hard to eat anything when I'm like that but starving only makes nausea worse so I force myself to eat things like cottage cheese and rice pudding. My worst SE of all however has been heartburn so my doctor has prescribed Nexium which seems to be doing a better job.
My 3mm hair was just shedding all over the place so the morning after, my sister and I shaved it down. I'm told I look thinner bald. If I had known I would have shaved it off years ago!
5 days and lots of sleep later and I feel pretty good! A bit tired...but I was able to get out and do some basic errands today. My doctor changed my sleeping meds and I'm adopting a new strategy i.e. try to be more active during the day to get really tired. Seems to be working because I had a fantastic 9 hours last night! Seem to be recovering more quickly the 2nd time around although of course I'm not going to over do anything!
For anyone yet to start or starting, no it's not fun, but as we like to say...'it's doable'. I can't believe now that I only have 1 x FEC to go and then I move on to the 'lovely' Taxotere! Time flies...
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I haven't posted in a few days because I've been feeling well, like crap... I have been extremely exhausted and I kept falling asleep. Of course this was during the day. My mouth has had this horrible taste and I am feeling so guilty because I haven't really been there for my family this past week. The kids are home from school today (teachers professional day) and I am hoping to try to do something fun with them.
Ice chips are helping my mouth but now I feel like I'm coming down with a cold/sore throat. I guess I'm feeling down in the dumps right now.
Thanks for listening.
Cyndi
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gymmom8: I'm with you, i had my #2 dd AC on thursday and i feel like a plate of warmed up shit. Back to work today, hope i can handle it. Sorry all, I usually try to be more upbeat, just not feeling it right now. i did cut my hair really really short looks good but i know it won't last but a few days. Hope everyone is doing the Doable today. MIchelle
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Gals.....we all have some bad days
BUT remember most of them are doable. Rest and feel better all. Cyndi......this too shall pass. I hope you feel better as the day goes on. You are doing great! Treatments for Monday/Tuesday (Austrailia) thinking of you all and sending good vibes to you all.
Pickle.....great results on the MUGA scan. I almost had to have AC Taxol and when I inquired about the heart issue they told me that there is a 1 % chance that it affects your heart muscle, not the arteries, etc. You scored a 70! That is awesome. They want you above about 50-55 I believe. I am sure you will do fine.
Off to the office to show off another buff.
Talk to you all tonight.
hugs,
Diane
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Hi everone! Tomorrow is my second AC dd. I am getting nervous. I am still on antibiotics, my blood count was down to 600. I hope I can get my treatment. I hate to postpone it any longer than I have to. My thoughts are with all of you having SE.
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O.K. Coffee, shpwer.and a lortab later: Feeling a little better. Her is that story, poem, words of wisdom, whatever that someone sent me in my e-mail, i liked it and thought i would share.
2 WOLVES
One evening and old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside
people. He said "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all.
One is Evil and Ugly. It is anger,envy,jealousy,sorrow,regret,greed,arrogance,
self-pity,guilt,resentment,inferiority,lies,false pride,superiority,and ego.
The other is beautiful and good. It is joy,peace,love,hope,serenity,humility,
kindness,benevolence,empathy,generosity,truth,compassion,and faith.
The grandson thought about it for aminute and then asked his grandfather.
"Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied.......
"The one that you feed."
Off to work have a good day. Michelle
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Morning everyone, Well, I just took my first of the energy boosters! Am off to see the onc this morning, thanks for the well wishes for today, treatment is set for tomorrow though, nerves have even set in for the onc appointment. Its funny I was thinking about all the Dogs that come into our Hospital (I work In an animal Hosp) that are shaking and scared and I say it's a shame that because they are mostly ill when they come to see the Doc they cannot reason that they are there to make them feel better....don't think I'm going to be saying that anymore......hell, I have the ability to reason, know what I'm saying!
Good Luck for today Pickle ..love the Mantras.
Healing thoughts to you all
Julie
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Good morning ladies.
Second TX down...6 to go! Felt crappy Friday and Sat. Really tired Sunday. Didn't sleep much last night, but actually feel better.
Hugs to all those have TX's today. I know we keep saying this is doable and somethings we just don't want to do...but this will reap such benefits that it is a no brainer! Keep it up ladies..you can do this and in 10-15 years from now we will look back on it like labor and say it really wasn't that bad!
Has anyone actually shaved their head bald (like with a razor)? I had mine shaved to 1 inch. Then without any guard on the clippers. The stubbles keep getting caught in my scarf and hat and would give me chills down my back. I'd like to actually shave it bald and didn't know if anyone has taken this route. Can't believe I actually want to get rid of what is left!
We had a terrible weekend here. I went to Walmart to buy 4 sympathy cards in one day! My husband's cousin past away Sat. and then friends of our lost their fathers. When it rains, it pours. It puts my situation into perspective though...things can always be worse!
Take care...hugs to all,
Chris
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Chris - Thanks for putting things in perspective. Sorry you had such a rough weekend. You're right, things could always be worse. I'll pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again. My 12 yr old is helping 7 yr old cook breakfast. They are being so good. Now it's my turn to do something good for them!
Marchall - I think I'll feed the good wolf today.
Diane - thanks for the pick me up
Buddy & Maidmarion - good luck tomorrow. I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything works out okay.
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Good Morning Sisters!
It has been a while since I last posted - I guess I can say that I have been feeling a little sorry for myself and asking all of the "Why me" questions over and over again. I have lost my hair, which for me, was a bigger issue than I thought it was going to be. I thought I was prepared - had the wig and some scarves, but I guess I wasn't mentally prepared. Losing my hair to me made all what is happening more real I guess. I had my second treatment on the 24th which went well, except my arm is swollen and sore. I called the onco over the weekend and they suspect that part of the chemo escaped through the IV and went into my arm. They told me to watch it over the weekend and if my skin started to blister then I get my arse to the ER asap to see a plastic surgeon. LOVELY!! I didn't have to make a trip to the ER, but I am waiting now for my onco to call and hopefully I can get in there this afternoon and see him. I hope they can give me something as my arm is sore when I stretch it out and my hand is starting to swell. Has anyone else experienced this? Maybe now, they will put a push on getting the port put in!
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PattiB... I feel the same. I've known my hairdresser longer than I've known my husband!
BethP... You WILL do great! Report back to let us know how everything went for you.
michele54... My second go around (TC) was somewhat shorter... probably an hour shorter. Hang in there on the hair...
sakura73... Good luck tomorrow!
pickle... Believe me... on steriods/off steroids... I didn't feel like cleaning the whole house. I didn't feel like even dusting off an end table. I didn't get the burst of energy like others describe. Have you seen the buttons/t-shirts that say F*CK CANCER -- the * is a pink ribbon! I had all the tests you described except for the MUGA. I, too, felt that if I yawned... there would be a glow coming out of my mouth.
Gina... 25 6 year olds?????? 'Enuff said! WOW...
Ricki13... Love the hair! Hadn't even thought we'd look thinner bald. That's a great slant on the hair loss!
Cyndi and marshall2000... I felt exactly this time last week. I didn't post for several days. I was tired and had a bit of a pity party for myself. BUT, today I'm feeling tons better. Hope the same holds true for the two of you.
buddy1... Good luck!
Chris... I wonder the same about the rayzor. Is it okay to use a razyor on the remaining stragglers?
kim40... So sorry you're feeling low. This past Friday and this weekend, I developed "burns" on the palms on my hands primarily. My hands were somewhat swollen as well. The onc said to go to the ER it it got worse. Evidently, the burns is the toxicity of the chemo. I am using Aquaphor on my palms and it seems to help. Hope you find some relief as well!!!
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Wow...we are an active group! Miss a day, you miss a year!
I SHOULD be working, so I'll just say that after I read the cannabis comments, everytime one of you said you had been buzzed, I was thinking...well, you know what I was thinking...
I would be all for the Wonder Weed at our house, except for the teenaged girls in attendance (not to mention my 6-year-old, very observant boy).
Sigh...took it so for granted in my 20s.
More later...have a great day!
Carol
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I used a razor to shave my stubble down to skin. I did sorta give myself some razor burn I think, but it eliminated that stubble down the nexk fresh from the barber feeling. After that I didn't have any shedding until about a week later- regrowing some stubble, had another treatment so I'm shedding a little again. I just keep the buff on and go over it with a lint roller. Not nearly the amount coming off like there was the night I shaved (metal shavings), but there's a fair amount on the roller. I'm ready for it all to go- the stubble catches on my head cover- sends little chills up my spine, annoying. I'd rather just be totally bald. I haven't really seen any patchiness- makes me wonder how long I could have pulled off keeping a semblance of a head of hair, but that would have been a mess and I'm all about taking control.
Day 4 tx2 so far is not as bad as it was tx1. tired, heart burnish- kinda constipated. I go in for my neulasta shot in a couple hours. Tomorrow afternoon I will attempt to go to work for awhile. Good to luck to everyone dealing with tx and Se's today. My hat and hair are off to those of you with kids. I'm not sure I could deal with that- I just have me to watch after and I have my dh to do a lot of that for me. Going to go shop for some hoop earrrings after the shot.
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This is the email I got from my bald friend.....
Did you take any pictures? I bet you look beautiful. Seriously, there are people (guys and girls) that can pull it off. I think you probably fall into that category. (I like to throw myself into that category as well, but that is just because I am naturally vain).
FYI - I still like to use shampoo for a couple of reasons:
1) It is just something I still cling to.
2) I do believe that it doesn't dry my scalp out as much as soap.
I don't use conditioner because, as a real guy, I never did.
Did you cut it yourself or did your friend do it?
On a serious note, I have been thinking of you and Scott, and we have you in our prayers every night. I know you will kick this thing soon.
I look forward to seeing you soon. We will have to take a picture together with our Chrome Domes!Sweet, huh?
Diane
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Hey there, I need everyone to cross their fingers for me....I need to get my bloodwork today. Hopefully my WBC's are high enough for chemo on Wednesday. Did I really say that?
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Diane: Crossing fingers, toes, and other assorted body parts; also throwing in a prayer or two. I know what you mean, though. I dread my 2nd dose, but I want it over with and want to have no delays!
Let us know how it goes!
Hugs,
Carol
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Diane... Fingers, toes, legs, arms all crossed! It's going to make it difficult to do taxes, but I'll do it for you! At least for me, my WBCs came up enough to go ahead and have chemo as planned.
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Pickle 141 - My onc says no pooper scooper duty (to much bacteria) I guess that would count for bathrooms to. My DH cleaned ours yesterday!! (I did pull the cancer card!). Good Luck with your Premier. To all today's Premier Princeses!!!
Ricki - Thank God for Nexium!!! I've been on it for several years and that has been my mantra.
Didle Diane - You do fall into the look beautiful bald category!! And, I did use shampoo today - one little drop was all I needed - no conditioner - done. Good luck with the blook work
Good luck everyone having chemo this week and take it easy all with SE's, hope you feel better soon - my lunch 45 minutes is over!!!
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Diane....consider them Crossed...even my eyes are crossed which is making it hard to hit the right keys on the computer.
Gina ....25- Six year olds....wow. Right after 2nd treatment....I am inspired....although I think my prefernce would be for 6- 25 year olds.(The tall dark and well built kind ( actually...that's sooooo wrong of me....my son's 25 for god's sake!) Although I did tell my husband that when he turns 50 that I get to trade in for two 25 year old! LOL Truthfully I wouldn't trade him for the world.
On Friday I got my anti-naseau drugs prescription. The onco nurse said to start them the day before chemo (Sunday). Then she called 1 1/2 hours later and said no...take them 2 hours before my chemo on Monday. My chemo is at 3:45 this afternoon.....then the directions on the prescription bottles said take the day after chemo. Three different instructions so I was a little stressed and couldn't reach anyone until this morning. Today the nurse said start taking them today with breakfast and then again after my treatment today(suppertime) God I hope that's right because I know alot of you mentioned nausea, diarrhea etc and that it's so important to take the meds as planned. Here's hoping they got it right!
Cheers
Beth P
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4.5 baby! I am on for Wednesday! Thanks all
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