**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

saja713

Hi all,

I just started chemo on the 27th, so far so good, I'm doing dd ac +t. My next is on the 9th, so far the SE haven't been that bad, Nausea for the first 3 days, and bone pain with the Neulasta shot. How many have tried Claritin for the bone pain? Does it really work, I took Vicodin as little as I could to take care of the pain, but not knock me out, I seem really sesitive to those kind of medications.

Staci

Anonymous

A big shout out, again, to ginagina for all her hard work, dedication, kindness, and time on this board.

Love in Christ,

Sessna1

Anonymous

Dear Luv2Sing,

Work that franceluxe wrap, pretty lady.  Very classy on you.

Love in Christ,

Sessna1

Luv2sing

Good Morning All!!!

I'm getting ready to head off to PT and I wanted to thank all for making me for so wonderful!

Hopefully, I'll be able to go to work after therapy.  I had my 2nd tx on Friday and was light-headed and tired.  Then all of a sudden I got this burst of energy and decided to drive around the corner, that lasted all of 10 mins. I came back home and collasped in the recliner.  Saturday I woke up early with energy and decided to tackle some things and after that wore off I was exhausted again!!  Went to Church on Sunday and couldn't wait to get home and fall into the recliner.  Slept there until almost 9p!!!!!  My port is still sore and I've kept a bandage over it so nothing (dust, pollen, anything) will get in.  I noticed the hole seemed to be bigger than after the first tx, so thank goodness I only have two more to go and then start the Taxol. 

A friend told me your SE could change each time, so you never know what to expect.  I've been a little nauseous and having a ton of muscle cramps.  Then I reached back too far with my right arm and it reminded my I had lymph nodes removed .  My hubby had to finish drying me off.

If I'm up to it I'm supposed to host a pageant tomorrow.  If I do I'll try to post a picture.  Haven't decided if I'm wearing hair or a wrap yet.  Will cross that bridge when I get to it.

Everyone try to have a great day!!!!

PattiB

Sakura - I too believe in the positive thinking and have been doing everything to be proactive about keeping SE's away.  Have not had many SE's, other than sleep and taste mainly.  Staying stress free was definitely mentioned at my 1st chemo training (haha) visit. 

Mom of Boys - You always make me laugh!!!  Your night routine's were definitely close to mine, although I am a morning showerer.  It wakes me up!!!  - sometimes

7timewinner

Sakura73,

 I have been working with a naturopath as well, and she has a very similar approach toward chemo/positivity. I believe it strongly...that chemo is a co-warrior...even though I am still working through a painful bout of pneumonia that was clearly caused by a drop in WBCs from the chemo.

I think chemo has a way of bringing to the surface our body's weakest areas. Mine is my lungs. Any cold I get will always go straight there. So I try to see it as chemo's way of telling me where to focus my healing energy as I progress through treatments. And I could surely use some more focus on stress management, as well

And for what it's worth...when I was waiting for the fifth hour in the ER to be admitted for the pneumonia, I was in such agonizing, excruciating pain. A friend of mine did some Reiki on my chest/lungs and for about an hour, I was completely pain free.

It's not easy to see chemo as a friend, and I feel deeply for those who suffer with bad SEs. But we can get through this, all of this.

Hugs,

Nadine

BTW...since I can't seem to get a pic into a post...my t-shirt says (slightly censored) F*CK CANCER...I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED.

kim40

Nadine

I love the T-shirt - I'll have to try to find one!!

buddy1

Good morning.  I am reaching out to others who  are on AC dd.  I had my second tx on Tue.  Over the last few days, I am overwhelmed with a salty toxic taste.  I cant get rid of it.  I didnt have this the first time.  I'm still down this round.

crusader1

Hi ladies,

Just came home from my local Gilda's club meeting of the BC networking group. Good group all so optimistic and upbeat. A lot of laughs.

I just got this email and thought others would be moved by it. Nothing to do with BC but still inspiriring.I hope this link works

Hugs,

Francine

Click Here To View The Movie

crusader1

I don't think the link works..]

sorry.

ginagina

Hola amigas!

Today is the first day of Spring Break (poor DD, nothing exciting for her this year) and it looks like my rash may actually be hives or shingles. Or so the over-the-phone diagoniss is. I am going into see my onco tonight - but his last appointment is at 5:30...so I am the new last appointmet as soon as he is free. EVERYTHING is firey red and ITCHY and nothing over the counter works. It is threatening to take over my face! This is a major PAIN IN THE ASS!

Sorry - just needed a distraction from the ITCH!

Janet0527

Wow, after being away from these boards for just a weekend it took me quite a while to catch up on just this one thread.  This is one active bunch.

Carol - I turn 46 in May, too.   What day is your birthday?  Mine is the 27th.

Regarding tattoos, I don't have one, but have always wanted one.  I plan to get one as soon as I'm done with the chemo, as I'm assuming that would be an infection risk to do it before treatment wraps up.  I plan to get two butterflies, maybe more - one will be white, sitting on the back of my hand, very simple and small, symbolizing my brother who died in 2003.  nother will be larger, and pink in all sorts of beautiful shades, with lots of elaborate detail, symbolizing breast cancer - it will be somewhere on the inside of my arm.  I may have a tiny one in deep red, symbolizing love lost (I'm separated after 12 happy years), but I don't want to get carried away.  The idea is that moving through these life-changing events has helped me evolve into the person I am today, which is why the symbolism of something horrible is something beautiful - I'm not focusing on the negative; I'm focusing on the good that came out of it - me, as I am today - smarter, wiser, more compassionate, blah blah blah, okay you get the idea, lol.  I *love* the idea of going to Miami Ink, because those artists are seriously bad ass, and I think if a bunch of us band together and contact them to do a show about a bunch of breast cancer survivors wanting tattoos, maybe they'll put together a show for us!  And, Miami has some kick ass salsa clubs, too.

Regarding caffeine, nobody told me to cut it out and it's a good thing.  Thankfully, though much of what I try to eat these days tastes like dust, or rocks, and the Cinnamon Dolce Latte from Starbucks tastes like crap (all thanks to my very f-ed up taste buds),  plain old coffee still tastes yummy and I am *not* giving it up.

Regarding blood work, I get mine done right before treatment, and then the same day of the week in between (day 8).  Before treatement if everything isn't where it should be, they won't let me get treatment.  I get a Neulasta shot on day 2, and last week on day 8 when my white count was way low, I got a Neupogen boost.  We'll see how it looks on Wednesday when I go in for tx 2.

My weekend of ballroom dancing was fabulous.  The crazy bone pain from the Neulasta + Neupogen actually went away completely by Friday afternoon, which was when I started dancing.  Yay!  I felt really good all weekend - almost normal.  Then Sunday when I checked out of the hotel to come home, it was sunny and in the 60s, so we put the top down and had a terrific Spring day ride home, we being me and my dog - he came with me to the competition and made all sorts of friends.  He loves riding with the top down - sticks his nose up in the air and smells everything that goes by. 

Bravado aside though, I'm way nervous about tx 2 coming up this Wednesday, just expecting to get hit harder this time around, and I'm expecting my hair to start coming out by this weekend.  Oh well, that's just going to mean an extra 20 minutes of sleep in the morning.

Anonymous

Dear 5timewinner and reeney77,

Neulasta is never "offered."  Your health care company will fight your onco for it if they don't know what's good for them.  Usually your doc has to prove that you need it with a record of your low WBC count.  If you need it, please accept it.  We need to give our bodies an advantage.

Love in Christ,

Sessna1

reeney77

I posted at a weak moment- i will definitely keep accepting the Neulasta - it's just surprising there's more they can't do for the aches. I finally got Vicodin today and it's doing the trick though.

Anonymous

Reeney77 - bless your heart.

Ladies, there are no "simple" real truths to life, Truth is, whether you agree with it, like it, or accept it.  That's the point of real Truth, move beyond and above your own self.

http://www.simpletruths.tv/store/movies.php?movie=FJOY 

I liked the quotes, though.

Love in Christ,

Sessna1

PattiB

Janet 0527 - My birthday is 5/27 also, I will be 51.  I like your sentiments about the tattoos symobolizm and how your experiences have shaped you.  Most food tastes like dull to me too,  and I am not wasting calories on something that just won't taste good.  I gave up caffiene for the new year, but do love the taste of coffee, so I will have decaf when I am out, never really asked about caffeine.  I have a convertible too and really enjoy it (it was my midlife crises car).  I have an 18 month golden retriever (too big for the front seat) he is a handfull so I do have a pet seatbelt for the back seat when he rides with me (afraid he will jump ship).  He does seem to enjoy it and sniffs the air too.  Hoping one day I can just open the door, have him jump in and go, but he is a bit of a Marley!!

Gina - I'm so sorry you are not feeling well and hope you do not have shingles. 

crusader1

Gina..Sorry you aren't feeling good. What did the doctor say? These side effects can be real annoying.

Buddy.. Many get bad tastes in their mouth.It is often described as Metallic...

Kim- love your avatar..

Francine

didle20Diane

Buddy I am now on something for thrush....It looked like thrush and sure felt like it but maybe it isn't.  2 days after getting the meds for that (2 weeks worth)  I actually feel better.  I have never had the metallic taste but almost like a cotton mouth feeling.  Ask you onc the next time you go in to see what they say.   My next appt is Wed so if they give me more information about this I will certainly pass it on.

gina sorry about the annoying rash....gosh that would get to me, too.

rachel great post and great wisdom from the naturopath.  I am a nurse by training so most of what I have gone through I was already prepared for.  I plan on making an appt with a homepath in my area after my chemo is over to see what is out there to keep this beast from coming back.

much luck to anyone getting chemo today or tomorrow.......may you all be SE free. 

hugs,

Diane.

crusader1

Just a little something to make us baldies laugh. Each day I say isn't it great I don't have bad hair days anymore..Showers are also so quick..No hair to wash. Getting dressed is also good as I don't have to fuss with my hair not looking so good. These wigs at least are so consistent..

Think YOU'RE Having a Bad Hair Day?

arnie

Sounds like good advice to me Sakura 73.  My family keeps telling me they can't believe how I keep my spirits high... a lot of it is choice.  I get up in the a.m. thankful for another day and I always realize there are people out there worse off then me.  So far after my first Chemo on the 31st I've only felt like I had the flu for the first 3 days.  Since my 4th day I've only found that I get fatigued a lot easier than before.  Some heartburn..but zantac takes care of that.  I don't think you sounded preachy at all and I enjoyed reading you're post.  Hope everyone  that's not feeling well feels better soon. 

sakura73

Buddy I have PMed you.

Gina I hope the onco finds a speedy and complete cure for the itching. By the way, I have not yet mentioned that your wig looks fabulous!

Staci hope the Claritin worked for your bone pain

Francine  I love that picture! Thank you!

luv2sing how did the pageant go?

I am wearing a head wrap today because my hair, sensing it is not long for this world, is sticking straight up and looking completely ridiculous. I know next week I will wish I still had it, but right now it is just bugging me. 

I took my 8 different supplements this morning. I should say it was not all great news at the naturopath. She told me no caffeine (in coffee or tea) no fish oils, no fish that is heavy in mercury (alas! no more tuna! I love tuna), no soy of course, no flaxseed (she said  not for ever, just not for now). This morning my lovely BF did not know what to do when I said no to coffee. It is one of our rituals.

Strength to those having treatments today.

pickle

I haven't been on here all weekend and it took me most of the day to catch up. This is a busy group.

I am feeling almost back to normal today (day 7 after first tx).

Gina- I'm glad you're going to the onco to get checked....an itch is so darn annoying...can never get your mind off it. I broke out in hives from an antibiotic allergy last year and the itching drove me crazy. I feel for you and I hope they can give you something for it that's fast acting. So sorry this is happening to you.

To all- Great posts. Good luck to everyone having tx this week

sakura73

5timewinner, Diane, grannyarnie - thank you for feedback about naturopath things.

Anonymous

Dear ginagina,

I am the self-proclaimed cynic of the boards, and I'm also detail oriented.  Please, ladies, start using bottled water for your cleansing needs.  I mean your face, your hair, anywhere you can afford to without breaking the bank.  I have an ailment called an Adis Pupil, and the ophthalmologists aren't sure what causes it.  I saw a specialist in So. Cal. about it.  The pupil fails to contract and expand with light the way it is supposed to. 

I began treating my eye like it is contagious - which it is not.  I get up in the the a.m., take a new bath towel (or cotton ball), put bottled water on it, and clean any matter left over from the night's sleep.  Then, the hand towel goes in for a washing.  One use - one washing.  End of story.  I also use Cheer Free, free of perfumes and dyes, to wash my towels.  I used bottled water to cleanse my face.  I drink only bottled water.  Where do you think all the chemicals from other people's chemo treatments are going, people?  I'm sorry.  I'm sorry to be so blunt, but we've poisoned the planet dreadfully.  Now, we have to be more careful how we use it.

Love in Christ,

Sessna1

Luv2sing

sakura73 - The pageant isn't until Wednesday,but my body is already telling me I'm not going to be able to do it.   I have been exhausted all day and I plan to sing this weekend, so I have to make a choice ... either I'm going to save my strength to sing or I'm going to push myself to a pageant rehearsal tomorrow and then the pageant the next day and still have to sing on the weekend .... Although I love doing the pageant, I don't think I have the patience right now to sit thru the rehearsal  and then I would have to drive myself to and from the darn thing cause my hubby has to work!  That means no door-to-door service and I have to park with the masses and walk (in heels and a gown), mind you ... I still cannot walk thru Wal-mart without resting .  At least when I sing this weekend I can sit down between songs and I don't have to wear heels and a gown (hee hee).

I just submitted my final class assignment and I'm getting ready to take as many pills as I can to take away some of the pain I'm having and go to sleep.  For some reason I really want a piece of chocolate cake ... don't know where that craving came from????

 Good night all ... HUGGGSSSS & KISSSSESSSS

sakura73

luv2sing eat that chocolate cake if you want it! Be kind to your body.

marvil

Hi all.  Well today I got through my 2nd TCH infusions.  Thank God it was uneventful with no reactions.  What was most surprising is that my chemo was not delayed.  I found out before my appoinment that my liver enzymes were elevated (double the normal range for ALT and AST).  My onc told me she did not think the levels were serious enough to delay chemo becasue my billirubin was normal. I guess the bilirubin are the counts they are most conerned with when monitoring the liver functions.  Well I'm still scared as heck because I'm not sure how my liver is gonna filter all this out from my 2nd round.  I am drinking lots of water and doing the anti-constipation routine...prune juice, prunes, stool softners, papaya.  No fainting again haha!!

MOB - you must have awesome skin!  I need to get with your moiturizing routine becasue I only cover areas I remember (face and hands).  I may end up looking like the prunes I'm eating if I dont cover the other areas.

Crusader1 - I love the picture. I haven't buzzed my hair as planned.  So every day is a bad hair day for me.  I cut my hair short at the start of chemo and now what remains is super thin and anyway I part it there is a wide liner bald spot.  I need to buzz it before the next shampoo.

Gina - So sorry to hear about the irritating rashes...I hope they give you something good to alleviate it quickly.

Luv2Sing - You deserve that chocolate cake!  You are so inspiring for even thinking about hosting the pageant during treatment.  Whether or not you are able to host, I'm sure you would have made a beautiful host...headwrap or hair. 

Hugs and  Prayers for all!  Heal all week!

ginagina

Hi Yall. Thanks everyone for your kind words!  Buddy was right - I am having an allergic reaction to the Abraxane. Unbelievable really.  All the nurses were so kind, but clearly a bit unnerved to see the extent of this rash-hives-shingle thing. Gals, it is everywhere, except my face (though that wasn't far off) AND my MX scars. Go figure. Every other inch of me is red and puffy.  I've got a 6pack of steroids and more antihistamines to take AND some research to do as it looks like a cocktail change is in my future.

Originally I was not into the tats but I might reconsider. 

As for caffeine : I was told to avoid, just because it is a diuretic.   No other reason. Is there another reason?

sakura73

Oh Gina you poor thing! For what it is worth, I was told the taxanes (Taxol, taxotere, Abraxane) are most often  necessary where there are positive nodes. As you didn't have them, I am sure there will be other cocktails you can sample which will be just as effective for you with vastly reduced side effects.

May the steriods kick in fast.

marshall2000

bubbly bunny and everyone else: i love rabbits, i have been collecting them since i was a teenager, i only like the ones that are a bit different. I absolutely think the idea of a bunch of us getting tats at miami ink would be awesome, they would get a large amount of business, possibly give us a group discount, especially if they could incorporate it into a show, good publicity. i know a few doctors in miami and i also know several people in the tat business, i am gonna put the word out and see how i can get something like this going. i would let them tat me on national tv and not even wear my bandana i would "rock the bald" for the entire world to see. Maybe we could get sponsors and all proceeds could go to breast cancer support groups that take care of those of us in need, financially, emotionally and otherwise. The reason i like bunnies so much it that they are such a symbol of renewal and innocence for me, they are always so abundant in the springtime and the earth is renewing itself after a long dreary winter, i would never want one as a pet thought too much work and poop.