Any May 2009 Chemo Starters?

blondie45

gmp300-It is so great that you are on day 2 and still doing well!!!!!

TexasRose

Titch- Thanks for the list! It helps to have everybody's names in one place. I started on the 26th though, not the 27th. Thanks for taking the time to do that!

Geri- Glad it's going well for you.

Today is day 4 for me. This is my first day without the Emend tri-pack and I don't have any nausea. I ate some watermelon and now I'm eating a piece of toast. I am very, very tired still. Other than being very tired and not having any appetite, I am hanging in there. This is my lowest energy day yet.

I hope everyone is doing well. Hugs and prayers for all!

AbuelaBoricua

Deb6563,congratulations on walking the Relay for Life. If it is like the Race for the Cure you are going to get an incredible boost of energy from participating. I was very excited also when I got my survivor shirt. I will be walking June 6 and will start my chemo on the 8th.  I am so happy for you!  

To everyone else be well! Diana

Stay positive even through the darkest hours!

Kelly2

Just an update on my condition. I am still in the hospital with the blood clot (hope to go home today or tomorrow) for they are  waiting for my blood level to be thin enough to go home. My arm still turns bluish when up. My WBC count went pretty low yesterday so I was placed on isolation (feel like I'm in jail) plus no raw fruits and vegs. My hairdresser came up last night and cut my long hair off so it's quite short--today is Day 11 so will be expecting my hair to start coming out soon. I missed my wig styling appt. yesterday so hope I can get it in next week before all of my hair is out.

lassie11-I love the competition you and the cat are having in who is shedding the most--I have cats too that are shedding like crazy.

hrf-are you still taking fragmin? I've not heard of it before.

blondie45-I too was only given steroids in IV prior to chemo and I had lots of nausea/vomiting plus feeling so cold. Hope to get things changed for my next treatment

deb6563-good luck on your walk--way to go!!! 

Janet22664

Hi All,

I can't address all, but please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

TITCH:  I too am doing chemo before bilateral mastectomy.  Have they told you how the Drs. will assess if the turmors are shrinking? 

DEB:  I am SOOO impressed with you doing the Relay for Life.  You go girl! 

TEXASROSE:  Glad your SE have been minimal.  Mine have been also.  Just tired at the end of the day.  Hopefully this is a good sign of things to come! 

KELLY:  I hope that you're feeling better soon. 

Janet

LRM216

Titch:  I am Linda  (LRM216) and I started 4/30/09, please add me if you will, and to

 Kelly:  I know only too well what the isolation feels like, it's horrible.  Get well and come home soon!

Linda

zuzeee

Hi Titch

Hi to all newbies, its good to have us all on the journey together.

Thanks for the list, makes it easier. I am astonished that any of you are suffering from nausea . The drugs, in tablet form for 3 days after the chemo iv, prescibed in NZ as mentioned by Titch above, work very well. The motilium (domperidone) drug has been prescibed to be taken 15 to 30  mins before a meal, to relieve stomach discomfort, vomiting & and nausea works brilliantly. I hope to drop it after Day 6. My dentist also gave me a touth mousse (a topical creme with bio-available calcium and phosphate) and a stannous flouride treatment gel. My SE to date are lack of sleep & facial cheek flushes and slight constipation. I have managed to work every day this week, had chemo on Tuesday 26th May. Am debating going to golf today altho  I see our weather forecast is for an icy polar blast. Hmm you girls are lucky to be in your  pools and warm. Your icy cold caps sound weird. What are they for? No N shot given to me and they only want a blood test the day before the next IV. Have a super weekend all and wishing you pink bubble hugs. Susie

CatKC

Geri- great to hear the start went so well, keep guzzling that water at home too! I was interested about the "Ice caps", do you really mean on your head? Why? When I had Taxatere before (and will again on Mon) they gave me ice gloves and slippers to protect the nails, but not a cap. Is it for your hair or something? Intrigued.

Deb- Way to go on the fundraiser, enjoy the experience tonight, it's an emotional rollercoaster like this whole trip.

Have a good weekend everyone else, we have sunshine (at last) forcast for central Canada, so I'm off for 10th anniversary dinner with my husband- making hay while the sun shines!

Cat

mom2twins

Thanks for putting that list together ... it really helps knowing whose initial treatment was close to mine. 

And it's good to see everyone's good updates so far.  I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Gramof3

May Chemo Starters  What an amazing group of survivors you are!!  I looked back through some of the posts that were written when you first started this thread--it's interesting to see how you've "matured" on this journey.  At first, when you didn't know each other and were still in "shock" about what was happening to you, you were introducing yourselves, giving your diagnoses, etc. and the anxiety was coming through (and rightfully so, too).  Now, the last pages are reflecting courage, strength, and determination--most of you have been through at least the first chemo tx and are sharing your experiences--holding out a hand to help a sister whose tx maybe didn't go as well, welcoming newbies, giving a tip you learned from your oncologist or NP.  You have picked up this burden and are marching on:  You all are awesome!   

The treatment list is a great idea--will help you keep track of each other.  A name would be fun, too.  Bethie and I are February Furies, I think there's a March Princess Warrior checking in from time to time, and I believe there's another survivor from another group, but I can't remember the name-- discovered the hard way that if you go back to a different page to check, you lose your unsubmitted post.  Anyway, a name gives you a group identity and a sense of belonging (sorry, I teach sociology ).  Many of you will keep in touch long after you finish your treatments.

Sorry about the rambling--just got home from a Taxol treatment and the steroids make me loopy.  Am going to take a nap.  May Starters, keep on "giving" when you can, and "taking" when you need to--Take care--Helen

glostagirl

Hi all, responding to Titch's list.  I started yesterday 5/28.  CT X 4.  Went pretty good. Started having the severe lower back ache reaction with the Taxotere, the nurse stopped the infusion and started steroids and benedryl which nipped it in the bud.  Tomorrow I go for the dreaded Neulasta. I'm taking the advice from the ladies in the CT thread to take Clairitin and Aleve beforehand, hope it helps.

I felt great today, went to a ladies luncheon and fashion show.  It was a rainy murky New England day so it was great to see the fun colorful summer fashions.  Summer comes late to coastal Massachusetts but it's worth the wait! 

blondie45

gramof3 you also sound like you have a FANTASTIC attitude, glad you are here.

glostagirl I think the Claritin worked for me with my first Neultasta shot, I have read varying doses from people on here on how much to take for how long. I think I took 1 before I went to get the shot and 1 for like the next 3 to 4 days afterwards and it seemed to work for me. I am wondering why if the claritin helps the bone pain from the Neulasta that I haven't seen it mentioned to help the bone pain from the Taxol, or maybe I just didn't find it yet, so much info to read here!

Bethie1

How bout Marvelous Madams!!??

Indomitable1

gmp300- glad to hear it went so well!

TexasRose and luvtheocean-hope you are doing well.

Titch-Please add me to the list. I started my chemo today 3/29/2009!  Just made it to the Marvelous May Crew! Do we have an official name??

No allergic or other reactions although I did take a 3 hour nap afterwards and am ready to turn in for the night 2 hours later. I understand that I'll probably wake up sometime in the middle of the night, however...

My port was placed yesterday morning and sealed with Dermabond. It appears the betadine may have wiped some of it off as the incision was somewhat opened after today's chemo. Put on abx ointment and dressed it in waterproof bandage/gauze but will call surgeon on Monday.

Couldn't sleep last night but had oral steroids. Had IV steroids today, more oral steroids tomorrow.  God Bless everyone.

Indomitable1

TITCH-isn' t it too early for chemo brain? I started my chemo-today MAY 29, 2009. not March.....

AbuelaBoricua

So far we have  Marvelous Madams, Marvelous May Crew!  Any other Suggestions?

Diana

Stay positive even through the darkest hours!

luvtheocean

Love the name suggestions!  Wish my brain was working in a bit of a fun mood right now but I have been REALLY down with this 2nd tx.  It's day 3 and felt crappy all day.  No news on the potassium level went to have my blood draw and they were barely able to get enough!  I hope they don't have to do a port for my last 2 sessions..........THAT WOULD SUCK!

I'm sorry that my Chemo brain has TOTALLY kicked in and I can't address everyone individually, I really wish I could!  Everyone has been so supportive to me and I feel like I am letting you down a bit here not offering up some individual words of encouragement. 

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!

Hugs To All!

Becky

faithandprayers

Hello Everyone,  Well I barely made it for the May crew,  I had my first treatment yesterday and just tired some today and tonight getting a sore throat.  Anyone have suggestion on sore throat, what helps?   The Nurse called this morning and checked on me and told me to rest today because tommorrow will be a differant day!!!

Titch

Hi again gmp

That is great you are feeling ok, and that the reaction was not a prolonged one or causing you with long term problems.  

I drunk heaps of ginger ale the first week, as a lady I met whilst at chemo told me that ginger was good also.  I don't know if it works, but it definitely is something that tasted nice when I had the cardboard taste buds. So for me keeping my fluids up was important.

I have got your PM, I will respond to you , but got plans to go out today so will respond later.

Have a lovely day and big huggles.

Tania

Titch

Hi all

I have updated the list.  I just realised that the forum posts are in my GMT time world, and since me and Zuzee are in your future (being in NZ).  It is currently 2.pm 30th May here. So those that added posts with "I started today" and I have used that date will have a start date in my time, not the correct date

Just let me know and we can amend it.

Tania

LRM216

Glostagirl.  Had my second A/C and day after the Neulasta.  I took the originally stated Claritan and aleve right before I went for  the shot, took the same the second day and third day and hardly noticed the shot.  This time around I am only on the second day, but still no Neulasta pain.  Good luck.

Linda

LRM216

Thanks, Titch, for adding me.  Appreciate it greatly.

Hugs,

Linda

nancypat

Hi everyone!

For those of you who haven't had terrible SE's, I'm so glad but I think they came to me instead! lol.  No need to go through them all but I think the worst is not being able to sleep.  I am so tired and my brain so fogged I put the dish detergent in the refridgerator.  Still can't find the jello!  Sorry I can't do everyone justice but know that I am thinking of all of you and one day we will have this behind us.  Titch, thank you for our " list."  It reminded me of when my former dairy farmer husband put me on the freshening dates for our expectant cows when I was pregnant.  I would love to see NZ.  I was a big footie fan when living in England and Portugal and I used to get a real kick out of watching your guys do their " thing " before their games.  It was very powerful and sure would have intimidated me.  I also thought it was beautiful!  ABRose, this brain does remember you and I am sending you and everyone good thoughts!  Together we are strong!  Now back to picking my follicles and watching my big toenails turn blue.

Nancy

gmp300

CatKC---Yes Iam still guzzling water,  sipping on ginger ale and chewing on ice, and eating popsicles.  It is the end of day 2 and I still feel good,  I have my taste buds, no nausea (Ihad pasta for dinner)  and alot of energy from the steroids.  I don't know if the water is the answer but it seems to be.  I am also eating yogurt and watermelon and trail mix. Tomorrow is a new day so we'll see.   About the Cold Caps.  I ordered them from a company (after researching them) and you are suppose to save your hair from chemo.  You wear the caps during chemo and 3 hours after at every tx.  We'll see if it works in a few weeks.  It has worked on other woman and is very common in Europe.  It is starting to catch on here.  There are a few gals on here who are using them now too.  We'll see if it works and let everybody know.  Well it's getting late and Iam anxious to see how I feel tomorrow,  You  take care too and I hope your feel well also.  Take Care ---Geri

zuzeee

More suggestions for a name -  "The May Flowers"  - "Mighty Fighty Mays" - " May Marvels - "Maybugs rule". Susie

taj72

Hi Ladies!  I've been posting in the Triple Negative section, but thought I'd add a post here.  I post for my mom because I am taking this journey with her and I am the one doing all the research and finding tips and such because she's not been handling this well so far.  Anyway, she started chemo yesterday.  She is having neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (chemo pre-surgery to shrink her tumor before her mastectomy).  She is also participating in a clinical trial so she is doing her chemo weekly and taking a new drug, Sutent, in addition to the chemo. 

Because she's triple negative, hormone therapies are not effective.  Her regimen is weekly Taxol for twelve weeks, with daily oral dosage of Sutent (the experimental drug).  This will be followed by fifteen weeks of weekly Adriomycin and daily Cytoxan and Sutent.  Then after the 27 week chemo therapy, she will have her mastectomy.

Her first dose of chemo yesterday went REALLY well.  The benadryl made her very drowsy and she slept through most of the infusion, then she slept when she got home for the rest of the evening.  We woke her up at 9 pm to eat a light meal and to take her Sutent (with some Ensure) and then we gave her a sleeping pill at 11 pm to put her back to sleep so that her body's internal clock didn't get screwed up.  She woke up Friday morning feeling great.  No side effects, no sickness, no fatigue, no pain.   She said she felt better than she's felt since she first had the cancer.  We're really hoping that this experience continues through the Taxol portion of her treatment.  It's the AC portion that tends to make you sick from what I understand.

This was really good for her because she was so scared of being in pain and the idea of chemo and now she's not as worried anymore.  Her chemo is every Thursday, so I will post next week and keep you posted on how she's doing.

DX 4/2009, 5-6 cm, Stage IIIB/Grade 3 , 1/2 nodes, ER-, PR-, HER2 - (Triple Negative)

Titch

Hey Janet.

I have no idea how they will assess my tumour.  I have already noticed that it has changed though.  Cause my lump is quite big, it is easy to feel and it was quite hard.  I have noticed that it is softer.  So fingers are crossed it is working.  I am pretty confident it is though. I will be asking the oncologist on the 4th though.

My doctors have not really told me alot about anything really.  I was only diagnosed on the 29th April, in which I saw the surgeon. At the time he gave me very confusing info.  I was told I would have the masectomy first week of June.  Then when he discovered it had been in my lymph nodes since Feb (when I first went to a doctor), he changed the masectomy to 18th May. Then when he measured my lump it was 5.5 cm - grown nearly a cm in 2 weeks.  So said I would see the Oncologist to ascertain whether, I should do chemo first.  So I was referred to the Oncologist.  Saw the onc. 5th May. Then she told me I would do Chemo first.  She also informed my surgery would be postponed.  I had CT and Bone scans on the 11th May, and I still have no idea what the results are (except a cancer support nurse informed me - she can't give the results but there is nothing I don't know about-so I think the cancer is only in my breast and lymph nodes under arms).  I started chemo on the 12th May.  Had a port put in 21st May.  I only found the specifics of this as I was going into theatre.  The surgeon was shocked as I had no pre -op done.  I don't see the oncologist until the 4th June again, where I have many questions to ask.  It is also the same day I have my next chemo. I am probably the most uninformed cancer patient undertaking treatment, all I really know is what type of cancer it is, that it is aggresive and  the size.  I have learnt alot from people going thru, or gone thru treatment and of couse surfing websites like this one.  I am frustrated about the lack of information I have about my cancer as I really would like to know what stage/grade I am in, how many nodes affected, etc.  But a positive is as I  don't know really what I am dealing with, it is easy to be positive about things. 

AbuelaBoricua

So far we have  Marvelous Madams, Marvelous May Crew, The May Flowers, Mighty Fighty Mays, May Marvels, "Maybugs rule.  Any other suggestions?

Diana

Stay positive even through the darkest hours! 

AbuelaBoricua

Ticht, stay positve!  I got all that information from my oncologist. Maybe call the dr or have someone call and see if the oncologist can talk to before the 4th.  Diana

Stay positive even through the darkest hours!

AbuelaBoricua

Pantufas, sending you best wishes and hoping you and everyone else are feeling better today!

Remember, some days you are going to feel bad but that means soon you will feel better!

Stay positive even through the darkest hours! Diana