**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

Options
1…34689…182

Comments

  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2009

    Cyndi....what a gorgeous family you have!  You look great!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gymmom8
    gymmom8 Member Posts: 86
    edited March 2009

    My husband helped me post the pics just sent.  He has been so wonderful about everything.  I would not be able to handle all of this without him.  There is a book he read called Breast Cancer Husband by Marc Silver.  It really gave him a good understanding of what I am going thru and things I am feeling.  We've always had a strong relationship but I am still amazed at how much closer we are now.

    Just thought I'd share...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cpanasci
    cpanasci Member Posts: 35
    edited March 2009

    How do you upload photos?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • deemdee
    deemdee Member Posts: 20
    edited March 2009

    I don't want to be left out!  I begin next Wednesday 25th  TCH x 6 (herceptin for a year) every 3 week regimen.  I will try to keep posting my progress as I experience it.  I have had a few emotional down days lately, I believe it is stress with upcoming events My expanders are up to 550cc each only 3 weeks out of surgery, so I am stretched and achy! Oh and did I mention raising 2 girls 24, and 21 and a 13 yr old boy OH WHAT DRAMA I LIVE WITH !!!! 

    Try to keep my chin up (above foobs anyway!)

    Denise

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2009

    Welcome Denise!!!

    Also, absolutely LOVING the pictures that are getting posted.  Thanks gymmom8.  Very... and I mean VERY... nice looking family!  And... WOW... your husband sounds great as well.  Sounds like you have the whole package going on!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2009

    Good luck tomorrow (I think I'm right on my dates) on your second tx Gina!

    And... good luck tomorrow on your first tx IowaDiva and ccbaby!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2009

    Go Gina.......you will be 50% done after tomorrow!  Feel good.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

     Cpanasci

    How do I add an image to my message?

    To add an image to a Topic or a Post, click the image icon in the Post/Topic toolbar. A popup will appear where you can enter the image's URL (see note below), description, and dimensions. Click "Insert" to add the image.

    Note: The image you wish to insert must be saved online somewhere, such as http://www.photobucket.com/ or http://www.flickr.com/. Each of these sites explains how to share your images. You should select the HTML code option for the image you want, and paste it into the "Image URL" box.

    ↑ Back to top

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

    gymmom..

    Your husband sounds like a real keeper..Your family is really great looking. 

    My husband has also been quite supportive thru all that I have been thru..He is a little squeamish looking at my scars etc..I have had four BC surgeries so my chest is quite a mess. Eventually I will get a new breast. Probably after my chemo is finished I will have a lapflap surgery ...For now I have a prothesis. Looks pretty good.

    Go Gina Girl. - Have one of your Martinis tonight. At least you can dream about them...

    Hugs ,

    Francine

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

    I went on facebook. but someone must let me into the group...

    Francine

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gymmom8
    gymmom8 Member Posts: 86
    edited March 2009

    Gina - best of luck tomorrow on tx 2

    IowaDive & ccbaby - best of luck tomorrow on tx 1.  you'll both do great!

    MOB - I'm glad you are doing well after tx 2. 

    Deemdee - I also have expanders.  I was so tired and the TE's were bothering me so much that my PS just did a small fill for #3.  I do not know how many cc's I have.  He was so great though.  He really looked at me and talked to me and let me know it is okay to move slowly.  He really wants this to be a good experience.   I was really achy after #1 & #2.  It's so wild to watch the expanders get bigger.  When I grew them the first time, I don't remember it being so painful! LOL.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited March 2009

    gina!  good luck tomorrow!

    gymmom!  the expanders are a pain, the implants are much more comfortable, hang in there it is worth it.  I had it with my first mastectomy! I'm glad I at least have one done, maybe someday I'll have the other one reconstructed.  Good luck, Dawn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009
    Gymmom -   So, did that pic go in the x-mas cards.  It is wonderful.  Amazing how well these men can step up to the plate and suprise us.  Just when we think they can't get any better.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2009

    Good luck to all our princesses on their chemo treatments tomorrow.....I am going to research how I can increase my WBC counts in my sleep tonight!  I don't want to get behind in my treatments. 
    A big welcome to our Facebook group members!  Anyone needing help getting into the group or on Facebook please let me know.

    Diane

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gymmom8
    gymmom8 Member Posts: 86
    edited March 2009

    I let my husband out for the night.  I think he really needed it and he deserves it!!

    Dawn - thanks for the info on the expanders.  I do look forward to an implant but it won't be until after rads.  Probably the end of the summer beginning of the fall.  It seems like a long time but I know it's what I want to do so that helps.  I'm thinking of just enhancing the other one so they are more evenly matched.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gymmom8
    gymmom8 Member Posts: 86
    edited March 2009

    It sounds like I let him out like one of the dogs.  I certainly didn't mean it that way.  I actually pushed him to go out with friends since he has been so awesome with everything. 

    NYDeb - I've never send pics as x-mas cards but every year I say I am going to.  I'll have to keep that one for next year since I don't know what my hair will look like by then.

    My head is not achey or painful but it sure is starting to itch more.  Is that a sign?

    Cyndi

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cpanasci
    cpanasci Member Posts: 35
    edited March 2009

    Thanks for the advice. I saw the add image icon, but have yet to post any to a url, so I was trying to upload from my hard drive. One more thing to distract me!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmdj43
    mmdj43 Member Posts: 45
    edited March 2009

    Hello Ladies,

    Once again I fell behind schedule on reading and posting.  So I'm going to sum up with this one, then hopefully I can stay on top of it to post to others going forward.

    ginagina:  Congrats on taking on the responsibility of leading the pack of Warrior Princesses!  Btw, not sure if it makes a difference, but can you change my cocktail to say TCH/6 instead of CTH/6?  Again, not sure if there is a CTH but mine is definitely TCH/6.

    Okay, my first treatment was on 3/2.  Fine the day after but then for 2 days I developed a nasty cold that kicked the crap out of me.  Then afterwards I was fine.  Aside from Herceptin with the TCH cycle, I'm also getting Herceptin every week.  So far the SEs were minimal with the exception of stomach upsets and diarrhea for one night and huge acne on my face, my breast (that has the cancer) and my back.  I was told by another doctor over at Duke that taking Herceptin every 3 weeks is just as effective as taking it weekly.  Anyone know whether this is true or if there really is a difference?  Cycle 2 is on 3/24.  On 3/14 I chopped my hair off and made it extremely short.  When I post my before and after pics you'll see how long my hair was.  I thought I was going to be a mess but I was completely fine.  My husband and daughter (6 yrs old) were there.  My hairstylist pulled my hair into a tight ponytail then snipped it off which I will be donating to Locks of Love.  I had my wigs ready and started wearing one to work on Monday (3/16).  Amazingly, no one noticed the difference.  That's the beauty of a human hair wig.  Go figure!  Now, about 2 1/2 wks after my first treatment, my short hair is finally thinning out.  We'll see how I will react to having 'No' hair.  I just need to remind myself that it's temporary and my health is more of a priority.

    As I mentioned, I have a husband and a daughter, and a cat named 'Ice'.  I swear he has ADD and an Italian gene in him (I can say that b/c I'm Italian myself and I know I can't stop talking.  LOL).  Ice starves for attention and affection despite all of it that he's getting from us. 

    For those who haven't attended a 'Look Good, Feel Great' class, I highly recommend you go to one.  If nothing else, for the free products they give.  For me, it was worth the 2 hours of my time to be there and I walked out of there with a bag full of products, some inexpensive but most appeared to be b/c of the famous name brands.  Plus it gives you the chance to try new products without having to pay for them and have them sit in the cabinet for years like I used to do in the past.

    Another btw, I keep forgetting to ask my Onco, but why are we restricted from being in the sun?  Is it that we can but need to be covered from head to toe or we shouldn't at all? 

    And a big welcome to all the new princesses.  Sorry that you've had to join us, but this forum is filled with wonderful tips and tricks that your Onco or the nurses don't tell you.  And most of all, you are not alone and there are so many wonderful warriors here to help you get through this crazy curveball!

    Whew, now hopefully i'm all caught up. 

    Mary

    Smile

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited March 2009

    gymmom your  pixie cut is so cute!! I hope I look half as nice when I get mine done on Monday.

    ginagina - hope treatment goes well.

    mmdj43 - I have been told to be careful in the  sun while on chemo - hats, sunscreen etc. But we do need some sunlight for our Vitamin D quota! That's great news about your  wig. Pictures please!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 985
    edited March 2009

    Thanks Mom of Boys and  Gym Mom.

    I am a little nervous about my first treatment tomorrow. I am more nervous about it then I was when I had my surgery. Maybe it is because I don't know exactly what side effects will affect me. My doctor changed me to carboplatin, he said it causes less nausea. And of course I will still take herceptin for a year.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NanaA
    NanaA Member Posts: 293
    edited March 2009

    mmdj43  - I am set to start 12 weekly doses of the T in you cocktail (taxol) along with herceptin on 3/24

    and my onc told me this week I might as well do the herceptin only every 3 weeks as it would save me time the other two weeks and would be just as effective, so it sounds like what your doctor told you. Hope you stay healthy thru this time.

    Since I am just a stage 1, I may get by with only the taxol and herceptin for chemo, he is considering 4 doses of the cytoxan (the C in your cocktail)  every other week after the taxol is finished.  It is still up for discussion, since I am also doing radiation and and herceptin for a year   and femara after everything else is done. 

    Ginagina - You left the H for a year out of my cocktail description , if you change mmdj43's you can fix mine too.  Not that is that big a deal but that way we know who is in the same boat having the her2+ and having to take the herceptin. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    NanaA & mmdj43 - You got it! Changes on the way.

    Deemdee - welcome aboard!

    Luv2Sing - I am updating your stats as well

    Everyone else - feel free to paruse the roster and let me know if there are any changes you would like me to make. It is YOUR list!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Hey Didle20Diane (I feel like singing  "Hey Didle Didle") I like what you did with your diagnosis/signature. I am copying YOU!

    Thx for the well wishes. Have a great Friday (and possibly a great weekend). We will be chatting soon!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    This Post Moved from Previous March Boards to Here 

    10 hours ago Sessna1 wrote:

    Hello Ladieeees,

    I received a shot of Neulasta for low white blood cell count on Monday, and now I know what "bone pain" is in your hips.  Whoaaaa.  I haven't dropped off the boards, I'm just resting a whole lot.

    DebbyB, welcome, and I'm sorry that you have to join our club, but you will like the members.  Super ladies they are.  That insurance company!  Grrrrr.  Don't they know that you have to steel yourself to fight this and take the toxic meds, making a person wait is this side of cruel.  In my opinion, it is, yes, it is.  Do you have your nausea, tummy upset, etc. meds readied?  I haven't had to touch my laxative, but all the others have been tried out.

    I drink plenty of water to try to plump those veins - I don't have a shunt.  Drink water until you could make a baby camel cry and say "Uncle," okay?

    Britt - Your welcomes are so needed, and I thank you for them.  Bless your heart.

    susan13 - I can't let anyone I know see your icon, but it made me burst out laughing.  I intend to get into remission and then wear that pink backpack.  That's MY way of saying what I want to get across.

    Dawnmrn1 - Decadron.  Dexamethasone.  Yes, yes.  I read the side effects of that bad boy and semi-freaked out.  Steroids?  Cortecosteroids?  What?!!!  My Oncologist gave me 8 mg over three days, so, 24mg total, and I think I'm reading that there's some in the IV drip, too (10mg).  Tis a necessary evil, but I don't like anything messing with my sleep.  I know when I have super weird dreams that something isn't right - I usually don't recall my dreams at all.  I suffered the first night, stayed wide awake, ended up watching the end of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" till about 2:00 a.m. on cable. Yell  Oh, how cruel that Decadron can be.

    This is almost like a game here - figure out what the pain is.  Look at my notepad to see what medicine I took last and when.  Take medicine accordingly.  Do 15 minute chore.  Lie back down.  How do people go to work and do chemo at the same time?  I'm too concerned about the options, i.e., uh oh, is that burp?  Hmm, maybe a tummy cramp.  Nausea?  Dizziness?  Do I need to get to the bathroom and sit?  Headache?  Are my glasses dirty or is my vision blurry... no... sun sensitivity?  My favorite side effect of being woozed is waking up believing that the doorbell has been rung.  Praise God that the sound is pretty distinct, and I can tell when I've just imagined that I heard the doorbell.  (smile with me, please.  It is kind of funny... just a little bit.)

    Next round, Cycle II, March 30th.

    Love in Christ,

    Sessna1

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    This Post Moved from Previous March Boards to Here 

    9 hours ago Sessna1 wrote: cpanasci - ???  Your nurse wore a haz mat suit?  My techs only wear haz mat gloves for PT Scan/Bone Scan.  That metal incased needle in the metal encased box is a real stunner, I tell you what.  Blew up your vein... I apologize.  What does that mean?  I have rolling, collapsible veins, but I can't say that anyone has ever "blown one up."  We are kindred spirits, I was doing well 10 a day mi. on my exercise bike, then, chemo took my energy.  Day 4, napped on the nice, cool, bathroom tile floor.  Had no energy to make it to the bedroom.  Glad that I keep that floor clean.  Trying to put more red meat in diet (Oncologist said to!) and get back on that stationary bike.  Yes, khant dog, ... what am I saying?  Thank God, I shall not deny Him.  He means too much to me.  I am experimenting on myself.  My hair does not see the sun.  I am gently using a daily leave-in conditioner, and I have an every day wig and a just out of the salon wig.  I'll let you know on days 14-28 what happens.cakelady - I love your name.  I love lemon Bundt cakes.  Hey, Long Beach, California, people - try Creative Cakery.  I have been a satisfied customer since 1987, yes,  1987!  They have moved, enlarged, and franchised.  They know my face by sight.  I am THAT regular of a customer.  I no longer cook cakes for friends/family.  Much easier to not stress the oven and take the glory for knowing where to get delicious Bundt cakes decorated to order.nasharayne -  We ladies should be able to shame that place of business into doing business right.  What nerve!  They didn't just send you home with the wig on a foam head - they boxed it and you couldn't see it!!!  Wrong wrong ... so wrong!!!  Ladies, check with your NP and see if she (he?) has recommendations for reputable merchants who cater to alopecia/chemo hair loss patients.  Can you get your current hairdresser on- board?  Don't shop at the last minute.  Don't shop in the rain.  Don't go alone to shop - don't go sad to shop - if you get a bad vibe - LEAVE.  That's for any place of business.  Take your money elsewhere.  Learn if you have good gut instinct, and if you do, use it, please, please!  There are so many merchants willing to sell you the right wig, show you how to care for it, fit it on your head - and you leave that store wearing your wig, ladies.  Once the one you choose comes off your head, that proprietor should hand it to you on a head form with a pink bag over it from the store.  It's yours.  You'll pay good money for the darn thing.  Britt, Gina - okay,  now I'm confused about the Chemo Start March Boarders 2009.  If you right click on the "**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009" at the top of this post and choose "Open in New Window," option you get to go to the new board.  I think migrating data is a minor pain, so, I'll just keep checking this board first and then bouncing over to the other one.Okay.  My pain meds are up and kicking in.  Time for the daily errand.  Let's all be careful out there, and I will learn to write shorter posts.Sessna1
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    This Post Moved from Previous March Boards to Here 

    9 hours ago Sessna1 wrote:

    SurprisedHere's a great link for wig info related to chemo induced hair loss:

    http://www.cancerandcareers.org/women/appearances/5018/?gclid=CMjWssC7_pgCFRxNagodVX7DnA 

    And!  Here is some gold to pass along.

    Do NOT ask your medical provider if wigs are covered under your plan.

    They will all say, "No."

    IF wigs for chemo/alopecia are under your plan, here are the magic words on a doctor's prescription that must be used to get them to pay.

    RX: Full Cranial Prosthesis for Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

    Diagnosis:  (Example:  Breast Cancer 174.9)

    The RX MUST be written on the receipt, the sales receipt, for the wig, er, Full Cranial Prosthesis. Surprised

    Blue Shield of CA pays up to $500 I'm told by the wig store owner.  Don't quote me, call your specific provider!!  Every year changes medical benefits, but in our favor, they KNOW wigs are getting more expensive AND better tailored to our needs.

    I have to educate my hairstylist.  When I told her that I thought the Beverly Johnson wig was $80, she said that a handmade, tailored, real hair wig would be a "little bit more."  Then, she told me $350.  My dears, that is MORE than a little bit more.  I wish she would have been honest and freaked me out from the get go.  However, her price rivals the non-custom made, synthetic wig - and I appreciate her discounting my wig.  She is a gem. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ricki13
    Ricki13 Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2009

    Hello ladies

    Day 17 - 5 days since I got a buzz cut and my hair is finally coming out and leaving patches.  Up until now it just seemed to be getting thinner and thinner.  Sooo weird!  I am practising my head scarf tying skills.  It takes some effort to get it right and not look like a pirate or a fortune teller!

    Hope everyone on cycle 2 is doing well (mine is on Wed) and also any newbies who have come on board, welcome!

    R xo

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ricki13
    Ricki13 Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2009

    Hey Cyndi...my head has been super itchy for about a week or more. I think it's definitely one of the first signs.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ricki13
    Ricki13 Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2009

    mmdj43 - My understanding is that we need to keep out of the sun as we have less ability to heal and increased sensitivity while on chemo and an ordinary sunburn could turn bad; get infected etc if we're not careful.  I'm as white as Caspar so this is business as usual for me!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    Gymmmom -  Yeah, the itchy head thing is the start.  You're 4 days behind me.  Yesterday at dinner the hair thing came up in discussion.  My husband and son didn't believe me that it was starting to come out.  I reached up and took a gentle tug and came away with a wad.  We all said " holy crap" in unison.  This morning I filled a brush.  Tomorrow it goes.

    mmdj43-  Hard to stay out of the sun eh?  I have a nice tan on my face from the first week of northeast sunshine.  My lilly white scalp is going to be a sharp contrast.

    buddy - Our chickens are all leghorns.

    Gina -  Good luck today.  Thanks so much for taking over this board.  It is such such a great place to keep in touch with other in the same situation. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories