Any May 2009 Chemo Starters?

deb6563

Good Morning May Marvels,

I was without internet from Monday morning until this morning.  I have read everyone's post and wish I could address each one individually but since I had number 3 yesterday, I'm just not up to it.  There is one person I have to address though Titch you still remain my hero.  I don't know how you have the energy to do everything that you do, but CLUBBING?  You go girl.

My onc told me yesterday not to worry about the palpatations I had.  They only lasted for about 30 minutes and have not had any since.  She said if I start getting them on a regular basis to call her. She also gave me a rx for the tongue soreness.  She also told me to try the breath right strips at night so that I wouldn't sleep with my mouth open.  I tried it and it worked.  I woke a couple of time during the night and my mouth was not dry at all.

I am going back this afternoon for my neulasta shot and then will probably sleep for the next couple of days.  So, if I don't check in, just know that all of you are in my thoughts and I will be back on when I feel a little better.

Did I mention that today is mine and hubbys 18th wedding anniversary

Titch

Debs... thanks hun... big huggles.....  All you ladies inspire me too.....  I just wish none of us had to see the bad SE of this, it is bad enough having cancer, let alone being affected physically by the SE. 

18 years is so impressive......... well done, I hope you and hubby have some quality time together today.  Happy anniversary to you both........ 

To everyone else have super day.  Big huggles to u all.......

TexasRose

I've fallen too far behind to catch up again. I'm coming out of the fog of chemo #2. Actually this go round was pretty kind to me. Nausea and definite fatigue, but other than that- not too bad at all. My nose runs constantly. I hate that. Lack of nose hairs I guess. And I have a new SE today- peripheral neuropathy in my feet mostly but a little in my hands too. I thought they were just sore from walking a lot yesterday, but they tingle and are kind of numb. It hurts to walk on them. Again, the fun just never stops with this!

Happy 18th Deb!

Becky- Hope it went well today and your SE are minimal.

I had DH finish shaving most of the rest of it off last night. The burr look wasn't working so well. The little hairs were poking me in the head all night long and I couldn't sleep. Did most of you totally shave- like Mr Clean as someone said- or did you leave some hair? Mine is buzzed but not down to just scalp.

I was told alcohol in moderation, but I haven't felt much like drinking. Doing dose dense, there is hardly time to recover and have a drink before it's time to chemo again. I do tend to have a couple of beers on non chemo weekend. But not much. Just don't have the taste for it right now. And boy do I miss it!

I went shopping at Macy's yesterday in my small town and I saw FOUR different women who were obviously bald and wearing hats and scarves. I had on my wig, but I wanted to pull it off and embrace my peeps! LOL  It was very strange. I was beginning to feel like I was on Candid Camera or something. Maybe there was a support group or something that I don't know about and yet they didn't seem like they were together.  And speaking of being in my wig...I wore it out for the first time yesterday. The only person who I felt looked at me kind of funny was the lady at Starbuck's who made my drink. And my pest control guy/neighbor came today and he looked at me kind of funny too, but he knows it's not my hair because he knows what my hair looks like. The wig thing is kind of weird. I wasn't too hot or too uncomfortable, but I did rip it off the minute I got home.

I forget what else was being talked about. I'm enjoying some good days before round #3 next Tuesday. Hope all is well with everyone! 

Hugs to all getting treatment this week or recovering. Think that about covers us all! 

Mary 

benisse

Hello all,

My trip to Pittsburgh last Thursday was delayed by 3 hours and once on the plane, there was an engine problem and they canceled the flight.  The problem was that with 500+ flights canceled out of DFW due to weather in the 2 days prior, we couldn't get 4 confirmed seats on a flight until Saturday night.  That was too late for us to go when we were coming home on Sunday.  All the standby lists were 100 deep.  So we canceled it all and rebooked it for a weekend in July.  Our luggage did go to Pittsburgh and we didn't get it back until Sunday night.  Lucky I kept my medicines in my carry on.

TexasRose - thank you for your answers to my questions.  They were spot on.  At security I kept the cards for my port/TE's handy in case the sensors went off...but they didn't.  And, I wore the mask on the plane for the hour or so we were on it before it was canceled.  I got lots of looks and made one child cry, but there was lots of coughing around me and I felt safer.  So when I saw the oncologist yesterday, she said to absolutely wear the mask on planes whether in nadir or not.  The closed environment and the recirculated air make it risky to be without the mask.

Sandy - I was told that the steroids cause depression.

Deb - Happy 18th!  That's fantastic.

Glad to hear everyone else's latest.

I had my 3rd round of FAC yesterday.  I am flushed, headachy, slightly nauseous and tired.  My two boys are home with me.  I allowed them to have a squirt gun fight which resulted in a real fist/scratching/hair pulling fight.  Now they're separated into their own rooms working on a latch hook rug craft.  One son goes to a reading tutor for 4 hours every weekday while the other works in workbooks at home.  Then I have an activity planned for every afternoon.  During chemo weeks the activities are either with friends or quiet crafts, legos or baking.  We went to a puppet show, a movie, rock wall climbing and a new lego store last week.  This weekend we went to a dinosaur park, a movie and on Monday we played miniature golf and hit balls at a batting cage.  This is more activity than we usually have in the summer, but I'm trying hard to make up for the times when I am so sleepy I can't leave bed.  That will probably hit tomorrow.  My friend is taking them to lunch and to see Wizard of Oz at the Dallas Summer Musicals tomorrow afternoon....along with her kids.

Best best wishes to you all!  I think of you and pray for you daily.

benisse

Question for those who were pre-menopausal before chemo:

Have you had your period since beginning chemo?  Have you missed any?

I have had 2 since beginning chemo...right on time but unusual.  The doctor said they would end soon becuase chemo is shutting down my ovaries.  Just curious what's happened to others.

LoriR

Thanks to everyone who got back to me on the alcohol question - this weekend is not a chemo week so I may just induldge in an ice cold one.  feeling a little normal for once would be so nice.

Benisse - I am pre-meno and thru two tx and haven't had any chemopause as of yet.  Still regular.

TexasRose- I haven't gone to the smooth scalp yet and am also starting the neuropathy and runny nose UGH!  Peeps!  that is a great way to put it - It is funny if I am in a crowd I am always looking to see if anyone else is sporting the wig look and when I see someone I want to run up to them and give them a hug. They probably would think I am a freak or something but I just want to say "been there doing that" 

Deb - congrats on 18 yrs! that is awesome

 JoAnne- How are feeling after your second TC- yours was the 8th I think and mine was the 10th so we are only a couple of days apart - how many are you doing 4 or 6?

lassie11 - good luck with Tx 3 - are you doing herceptin also?

abuelaboric - hope I spelled that right - hope the lava has slowed -

zuzee- glad you were able to get #2 and SE were not too bad with out the steroids - seems like these days everything is a trade off - no sleep vs. some other SE - or sleep and throw up

faithandpray... how is the head holding up - I was glad you asked the shampoo question because I was using baby shampoo until your question was answered so thanks

anji111- hope the SE are staying away -

pcking12 - just checking to see how your doing?

 luv4my5girls - Vent away! - we certainly deserve it now and then - I know what you mean about the weight loss part - I keep thinking can't there be just ONE positive SE!

Mom2twins - Happy 40th!

Sandy - I too get the crying fits - I think too that it is the steroids - and your right We don't need to hear cancer stories that end in "oh she died"  why would they think we do?

luvfortheocean- so glad you had a good trip - we all know how far a little relaxation can go!  Good luck with day 4

 Hugs to all and hope I didn't miss anyone!

MsPig

Hi-

I just came across this web site looking for answers.  I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in Jan '09. I had a double mastectomy in March. Started Chemo May 14th. I'm the first in my family and circle of friends that has this. I could really use some advice and just to have someone to talk to.  I will be having my 3rd treatment next week. I get horrible lower back, leg and the hills of my feet hurt to thue pont that I have to walk on my tip toes for about a week+. Has anyone had these symptoms? I will also be getting 7 weeks of radiation. Yikes! feeling overwhelmed.

debbie6122

Ok, so last night i posted a long one to you all and noticed it was not there and i posted another one and tonight i dont see that either, wonder what is going on, could it be maybe chemo brain after yesterdays chemo,made me stupid or what, or did they delete it or somthing, makes me kind of ticked off at the moment neither is there, but i have been cranky all day from the steroids i suppose, since i was all wired up i decided to go to the mall today and use my 2 gift cards i got from my surprize birthday party monday, which i told you all about twice last night, to long to go into again,ha! but first i went to the store to get a lottery ticket, i was wearing my turbin, and the lady that i usually talk to says are you in cognito today? How dumb is that??? i said no, not on purpose,im bald and going thru chemo, no lets see with all the hair i had before how could i possibly tuck it all under this silly little hat,, Then i went to kohls, and had to use my gift card from kohls and a gift visa card, i walked up to the line and some lady in from of me who was also in line says go ahead of me,i have more than you do, after arguing the nice gesture i decided to, i get up there and the guy couldnt figure out the  visa gift card, i kept apologising to the lady who let me go ahead of her telling her that i had to go to the bathroom really bad and thats why i took her up on her offer, but to late for that now, we laughted then the guy says i need to see your drivers license so i give it to him and he says, this dosnt look like no, well no shit sherlock i wanted to say, but i did take off my hat and said ya think?? i walked out of there wanting to cry that i got so crabby because that is so not me, then i looked down and seen my little cotton fluffy that i use instead of hard plastic booby that if it fell on my toe it would probably break it, and there it was up above my top sticking out, so i laughed all the way home, i must of looked like a crazy lady, so im going to stay in for the next couple of days till imellow out, Ok thanks for letting me vent i feel so much better, Hope every one is healing and doing better,

angel hugs debbie6122

zuzeee

Welcome Ms Pig to the May Marvels

I am suffering an identity crisis today, 2 people did not recognise with my wig on!!  I was verbally abused  with foul language by a tenant this morning  I am a Property Manager, which sent me back to the office in tears and made me leave the office for the day. I wish now that I had ripped my wig off and yelled " If you think you have problems  look at me"!!! Feeling tired and emotional but I think it is due to lack of sleep. Not taking the dexamethasone is not improving my sleeping ability but I do feel less wired. Roll on Day 5 when life becomes normal again and the weekend so we can rest.

Hugs to all of you Susie

gmp300

Hello MsPig-- Iam sure you are feeling overwhelmed as we all do.  It seems like once your diagnosed --boom--your whole world changes.  I had bc 13 years ago, it was very early and I had a lumpectomy and radiation.   Both were pretty easy, they didn't bother me too much.  The part I hated about rads was having to go everyday but I just looked at it like having a job except I was home in an hour.  It takes longer to undress and get on the table then the rad!  I did good with it.  The last few weeks it felt like I had a bad sunburn.  My skin healed fine.  Now I had a new bc in my other breast and I had a double masectomy (by choice) and 4 rounds of chemo.  Iam on Taxatere and Cytoxin.  My 1st tx went well hardly no SE.  My 2nd tx is tomorrow, hoping for the same results.  I drink tons of water during my tx and at least 5 days after and I think that helps with the SE.

I don't know your stage or what chemo your on, and Iam not an expert.  But I can tell you that I learned ALOT about just about any question I had by coming on these threads.  You can ask anything and a ton of women will answer you and you can come to your own conclusions.  There is information on just about any topic you can think of.  You can also Private Message anyone and have a private conversation,  I met a lot of wonderful ladies on this site, learned alot and got plenty of support.  You won't feel so alone while you go thru this.  I've noticed that my best friends who I talk to everyday and even my family don't have a clue about what we are going thru.  I stay positive and have great faith in the Lord, He see's me thru everything.  I act normal so everyone thinks Iam Ok.  Back to  "normal".  Heck I can't even remeber what that felt like.  Don't get me wrong.  I feel good, but I still have alot of issues even as far back as surgery issues, reconstruction issues, chemo issues  etc.  the list goes on and on.  But I stay in peace with the Lord and I have a very positive attitude.  I want to live my life as normal as possible so I want to do this tx and get done with it and put it behind me.  I don't worry about what if's---it is such a waste of time and energy.  Everyone is different and that is all you'll hear.  Every bc is diffrent,  tx are different.  You should be able to find someone on this site who has been thru what you are going thru.  I haven't experienced the back pain but I hear it could be from the Neulasta shot.  The women take Aleve and Claritan before during and 3 days after the shot.  If it's from that?  You will learn more as you talk to the ladies.  You can PM me if you would like and Good Luck--Geri

gmp300

Debbie6122--Oh Debbie your so funny!!  I want to come and hang out with you!!!  It would be a blast.  I did the same thing in the store (not with the hat)   but my foob was sticking out of my top!!  I had a low cut V neck on.  Of course I want to look  "normal" and I do have a little itsy bitsy cleaveage from my TE.   I was at Meijers and unloading the cart and loading the bagged grocery's back in the cart.  I was having a hot flash and was sweating, getting nervous because my head was getting hot  ( I used the cold caps and am trying to save my hair and I don't want my head hot and sweaty, it opens the hair follicles)  and I didn't want my hair to start falling out, my foob was sticking up out of my shirt and the cashier was taking forever.  I started getting very irrated.In the car my dd said everyone was staring at me and I was acting crazy.   I said  "that's ok-Iam on steroids, my foob popped out of my shirt and Iam scared my hair is going to fall out.  And your not helping me, your to busy reading magazines about Twilight star Edward!!  HOW WOULD YOU FEEL?  I screamed at her, she is only almost 13.  She looked at me and and we both started laughing!!!   I usually never act like that either.  At least it passed!!  She loves me and understands!!  We would be a trip out shopping together on steroids and keno brain!!    What a riot!  Talk to you later Geri-BCFF

lassie11

Debbie and Gerri- I loved your stories about pieces of you falling off! Just to make sure - foob means fake boob? I have found that with a mastectomy bra, everything stays pretty much where it is meant to. Mine rises a bit because of the annoying not quite yet gone seroma - but it is in no danger of escaping.  My extended health care, to my surprise, pays for most of the cost of 2 mastectomy bras a year. That is about 2 more a year than I usually buy. Still, those moments of "it is all too much, don't push me" sure do happen. 

And now I am off for a day trip taking my daughter and her son to visit my father two hours drive away. It never fails to amaze me that we can have this four generation gathering.  We are doing it today because I want to stay home and rest on Sunday before chemo #3 on Monday. My father has been worrying (he's 94 and I'm 61 - parenting never ends!).  I want him to see that I really am all right.

TexasRose

benisse- Your travel story sounds like a real PITA! Sorry you weren't able to make your trip. The weather has been crazy lately. I hope the SE from treatment #3 are okay today. Sounds like you have a great plan for your kids. I can't answer your pre-menopause question. Luckily for me, I was two years post menopause when I was diagnosed.

Lori- The whole runny nose thing is driving me bonkers!!! The clinical trial nurse told me to take a Claritan. That helped for a couple of hours. I looked on the box to see when I could take another one. In 24 hours. Great. LOL 

MsPig- Welcome to our little group. You have plenty of support here. Come here anytime and talk about whatever you want. Bitch. Whine. Celebrate. We are good for all of it! You aren't alone anymore.

Debbie- That is so frustrating to write long replys and lose them. Thanks for sharing your day with us. I got such a laugh out of your story. Sorry- but I'm laughing WITH you! I have one of those soft foobs. Still haven't bought the real one yet, but I do have my Rx for it so I need to get on that. DH laughs at me when I say I need to get to the boob store. I never wear the soft one. It doesn't even remotely look like my real one and it always seems to be higher than the other no matter where I put it.

Susie- Sorry about your tenant being ugly to you. I think I have a much shorter fuse these days. I probably would have been all over them. Hugs!

Geri- I hope your second treatment goes well. How is the cold cap working out?

Leslie- Your trip with your family sounds wonderful! And your father- 94! Go Dad!!!

Pantafus- Where are you? Getting a little worried here.

Well, I have heartburn that just won't stop. My cat has a hairball and won't stop throwing up. I could truly live without that today. Cleaning up cat puke- not exactly what I need on a weakened tummy. Trying to get up the nerve to get dressed and go to the grocery store. I really need to go, but I hate the hat/wig/scarf decision. Either way, I think I look just odd. I'm not comfortable yet with the new me, and I hate that I think I'm staying home more because I don't like going out looking like I do. I'm a homebody anyway. Anyway, these are my good days before #3 on Tuesday, so I better get to enjoying them!!

Hope all is well with everybody. Becky, how did the treatment go?

Hugs, Mary   

luvtheocean

Tx #3 done!  Almost done..........as far as the actual chemo goes.  Seems as though my meds are really keeping me sleeping this time.  Napping off and on and along come the tears..........love those stupid steroids.  I never know if I am going to be a bitch on wheels or a crying baby.  K, sorry girls, I know you all know exactly what I mean but I much prefer the funny me as to this one.  Hopefully this SE won't last as long as it did after #2.

Hugs to All.........for those of you having tx this week and recovering, remember the water water water water.  I am soooooo sick of water but have found that adding in the Vitamin Water or Sobe Life Water helps!

debbie6122

lovetheocean- sorry you are having the SE from all the steroids, hopefully you will feel better sooner than your last one, you just reminded me to go fill up my water bottle, thnaks-

TexasRose-yukie on the cat puke, that must of made your appetite day ha!! hope your heartburn gets better drinking somthing cold and not acidy might help, like popsycles, and i want to share my hair story with you, dh said he wanted to take me to applebees for dinner, so i put on my wig and it gets itchy so i brought along my hat just in case, well he ended up taking me to our friends restraunt and bar called the pound, said we will just have one drink, i walked in and about 20 people were at a large table to surprize me for my birthday which was the friday before, but this is when they could all get together it was so awesome after slugging my dh i cryed ,after about 3 beers i went to the bathroom and changed my wig to my hat,and after about 3 more beers i said what the he...and flung off my hat, it felt great, i couldnt do this in town yet but i felt better knowing i was comfortable in from of my friends, hope this helps a little and remember it grows back!!!((hugs))

Lassie11- oh it is called a foob i like that much better, the american cancer society gave me the bra it just feels to big so i wear my big ugly older streatched out bra that i found tucked away it is more comfortable at the moment, may be when i heal better i will wear the other silicone foob, have a good and safe day trip, hope your dad is ok

gmp300- hey bcff hope all goes good today for your 2nd keno, you are in my thoughts and i will be pming you shortly- hope the cold caps are still working for ya girl, im so impressssssssed, and happy for you,your story on your foob was funny too, glad to see im not alone haha!

angel hugs debbie6122

TexasRose

OMG Debbie! I am cracking up here!! After 6 beers I think I could get brave and rip off whatever too!  I may try one tonight. My heartburn is gone, but my tummy is still just a little off. But dang it, my "good" days are dwindling down here and I want a beer!! I don't think one will give me the courage to flash my bare head though!! LOL  Go you!!!!!!!!!!

gmp300

To All the May Marvels--I hope all is well with everyone and pushing on thru this time in our lives!  I just got back from chemo #2 and  all went well except for that back thing from the taxatore.  They had to slow my drip again and they were busy so I didn't get done til 6 hours later!  That wore me out in itself plus changing my cold caps  every 1/2 hr and drinking and peeing.  Besides that everythign is fine.  My blood work all came back good and they told me they recovered on there own.  I still don't need the Neulasta shot.  As far as the Cold caps go--I didn't have to shave my head or wear a wig or scarf yet.  I have all my hair still.  I do shed a few strands but no clumps. and right now I feel pretty good, just tired from the long day.  So Iam going to check out and relax tonight and watch a movie.  Hopefully fall asleep early but being on steroids who knows if that will happen, if not I probably will be back here later tonight! 

Prayers for Everyone!!--Geri

I love the humor everyone can have even when

MsPig

Thank you all for the support. I have expanders and they have been filled with 400cc's. My kids wanted to go rollerskating tonight so I took them Since Chemo#3 will be next week Thurs.  Any how, I was brave enough to get into a pair of skates.  Was doing very well until I Face planted.  Ouch! My best friend told me to get off the skates because I might pop an expander. LOL.. I also have lost all of my hair. The wig is not working very well because it is so hot here in Arizona.  It itches too much.  So scarves and hats is what I use.  My kids tell me to tan my bald head and go without anything.  I just can't. I get enough staring as it is.  

I had a reaction to the TX with Chemo #2. They had to stop the dip. Then restarted a slow drip and I was there for 5 hours. I'm a bit nervous about #3. I'm sure it will be fine.  I just keep reminding myself that I'm half way done.  I have 7 days to enjoy before that.  So I will keep busy with my boys and their friends. 

Wishing everyone well. 

taj72

Hi, ladies.  Thought I'd update on my mom's status and see if you had any similar experiences or thoughts.  

 My mom was supposed to have her fourth chemo round of Taxol today but her white blood cell (WBC) count was too low.  So she now has to delay the chemo and Sutent and have neupogen shots four times a week to try to raise her WBC count!  She hates needles and shots so this was REALLY hard on her.  She also has to wear a mask and gloves and avoid public places and crowds.  She's really not handling it well.  We're hoping that the WBC count goes up by next Thursday so she can restart chemo.  In the meantime, she is trying to avoid germs/people/etc. If she gets a fever of 100.5 or higher she has to go to the ER.  Has anyone else experienced this?  What is likely to happen if her WBC doesn't get better, do you know?  If she does get a fever of 100.5 and has to be admitted to ER, do you know what the protocol for treatment is?  Thanks for all your help! 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

Dx: 4/2009, 5-6 cm, Stage III, Grade 3, ER-/PR-/HER- (Triple Negative) 

luvtheocean

Mornin All!

Just thought I would share a story from my weekend in FL after reading the posts about wigs/scarves/bald.  While I was with my BFF since 5 in Fl, she was determined to show everyone how 'beautiful' I am bald.  We were on our way to the beach and she said let me see how I look in your 'do rag' so I said sure............stupid me!  She wore it the rest of the day, I even forgot I didn't have it on because people were staring at both of us and not just me!  It was liberating, a bit scarey, and funny.  She wanted me to shave her head while I was there just to make me smile.  UHHHH NO, HELL NO.........I won't intentionally go out bald without a few drinks of liquid courage but I figure peeps are staring at me anyway.....at least in my head so what the heck!

Mary- I can't tolerate beer and I love a good cold Miller Lite on a hot summer day.  I did find however that a little vodka and cranberry tasted pretty good.  Stay away from citrus drinks though, the heartburn is killer!  My doc told me if Prilosec alone still left me with hb to add pepcid.  Maybe you should call ur onc and see if you should be taking 2.

Well, it's day 3, yesterday sucked slept off and on all day and now I just ate a granola bar so off to take my handful of meds and most likely fall back to sleep.

So, if it is a sleep all day, day again today............Here's to all of you having less anxiety, less SE's and a kick ass weekend!!

Hugs to all,

Becky

gmp300

Becky- Try mandarine Orange Absolute w/cranberry juice and a wedge of orange in it--really smooth!!--Geri

TexasRose

Good morning ladies!

Becky- Your Florida trip has inspired me. I am planning a little quick getaway to the Texas coast for my "good" week in between AC and Taxol. I think I deserve some beach walking for getting through AC!! Your friend sounds like a lot of fun. Support like that is so wonderful!! I had two of my beloved Coronas last night and they didn't really sit all that well. I don't think I'll be having any more alcohol right now. I can't stand cranberry, so don't think that's an option. I have been avoiding citrus. I only had that heartburn so bad that one night. And I will admit it was most likely due to what I ate because DH had it real bad that night also! So far my two Pepcid a day are really helping. Sorry you are in yucky phase. REST, REST, REST. WATER, WATER, WATER. You know the drill.  I hope you are feeling better soon!! Hugs!

Geri- That's all treatment time is for me- drinking and peeing!! I have been lucky both times so far that I got a room by the window and the bathroom. I considered it a major score!! LOL  Glad to hear the hair is hanging in. Just curious- did you do AC? I can't remember.

MsPig- My chemo instruction booklet says to avoid any sports where I could get injured. I would definitely put rollerskating in that category!!  For me anyway. LOL Glad you didn't hurt yourself! Sorry that you have joined the Mr. Clean club with the rest of us. That is by far my most hated part of this. But I hear ya on the wigs. The heat index here the other day was 106. Not exactly wig weather! Enjoy your 7 good days! I have 3 good days before mine. Well, 4 I guess because my chemo is on Tuesday, but I go up Monday for lab work.

taj- I can't really answer any of your questions about your mom. Just wanted to send her some hugs! Can she get the neupogen shot in her belly? That's where I get my Neulasta shot and where I ask for it. The nurse said she just has to give it in subcutaneous fat and asked where I had the most of that. Definitely the belly! LOL I hardly feel it. She does go very slowly when she is injecting because the medicine burns. I am doing dose dense, but my WBC so far has been very good. I do avoid public places and crowds anyway. I hate it, but it's temporary. Whatever I can do to avoid infection, I am willing to do. I hope your mom's count goes back up soon and she is able to avoid infection. She's in my prayers!

Good day wishes to all!

Mary

deb6563

Good Morning May Marvels,

I have chemo brain really bad, so I can't remember what to say to each of you individually.  I tried to play Bejewelled Blitz this morning on facebook and couldn't think straight enough to even make a match.  I HATE THIS!!!!  I slept all day yesterday and am really tired today. SE's this time are about the same as #1 and #2.  Thankfully only 1 more A/C to go.

Have a great day and I hope to catch up when feeling better.

Hemen

Hi May Marvels!!!
I feel like I am back in the land of the living! Neupogen bone pain has finally worn off and my WBC was in normal range so it worked! YEAH. Feeling so good in comparison.

Taj- the advice on the neupogen shot (in fat and give it really slow) is very good. My husband had to inject me for 5 days and he did a nice job (I had it in my arm). I hate needles too, so I feel for your Mom--we are like human pincushions at the moment and most of us can only have all the blood work done on one arm due to lymph node surgery, so it's no fun. Neupogen does work, although for me caused tremendous bone pain-- just have her take it really easy.

The wig/bald stories are wonderful-- after 6 beers I have NO idea what I would be willing to do! I love beer (I'm British by birth) but cannot tolerate the carbonation at the moment. Guinness is the only beer that I can tolerate as it is so creamy. I also normally dislike white wine--I love red wine. Now, red wine testes like vinegar and white wine tastes ok? Go figure. But, I rarely feel like drinking these days as the amount of water I drink just does me in! Drink and pee is my life!

Benisse, I was/ am pre menopausal heading into chemo (I'm 41) and I had 1 somewhat normal period but much lighter a week late during my first round of TC. Just had what can be described as light spotting for a few days this round-so it is not normal. No hot flashes or anything indicating menopausal symptoms. Weird.

I just started the OTC prilosec or pepcid (get them mixed up?) a couple of days ago. No improvement in brick in throat yet, but is says it takes 4 days.

Still freaking raining here in MA-so depressing. Hope everyone is doing well today!
Helen

Indomitable1

Went for TAC #2 yesterday. They changed my meds and I didn't take the lorazepam so I feel much less brain dead/much more myself today. And so far no brick in my throat-they started Protonix which also helps the queasy feeling. Actually able to eat a lite breakfast today and am looking forward to salad for lunch.

I'm premenopausal and have had "my friend" on the regular...even while neutropenic. (also had it day after double mastectomy.)

I agree with the slow push with the Neupogen and also the claritan and Aleve (or ibuprofen). It really helped me. Completely did away with the bone pain. It was some emotional/spiritual victory for me to administer the shots to myself.

And hair wise, my buzz cut is falling out--thru my wig which has  begun to shed sympathetically as well! My white coat was covered yesterday b4 I left for chemo! Would do w/o it but too paranoid about carrying germs home on my clothing.

Make sure you're taking B vitamins (esp B6 and B12) to help the peripheral neuropathy.

Welcome MsPig!

Pcking12-hope your treatment today went well and that you have minimal SEs.

BTW, May Marvels, my onc takes care of quite a few BC pts and says that only 5% of her pts are going onto BC.org-she says we tend to be the most motivated and most well informed...So here! here! to the May Marvels for being such a well-informed, motivated, beautiful balding (except Geri) group of ladies/BC butt kickers!

LRM216

Taj - your mom has become "neutropenic".  It has happened to me two out of three of my AC chemos.  Her wbc's will go back up - some of us just drop lower than others, there is little they can do about it.  I have gone neutropenic and have the Neulasta shots the day after each chemo, so who can figure?  What she does not want to do is go "febrile neutropenic."  I did that the first time, ran a fever of 101.5 and cellulitis in my surgical (still healing at the time) breast.  Was in isolation in the hospital for 4 days on iv antibiotics, released from hospital, and had to have 10 infusions of another antibiotic each a.m. prior to work.  Wasn't a happy camper.  I am now on Cipro antibiotics beginning the fourth day after each chemo, and goes for 10 days to ward off any febrile neutropenia again.  So far it is working.  My blood counts are always low one week after chemo, but with two or more days thereafter, are back to normal.  No fruits that don't come out of a peel or rind, no salads, which counts are low, and stay out of crowds and away from young kids.  Good luck to Mom and you too!

Linda

debbie6122

Hello all May Marvels=

I have  chemo brain so wont be able to address every one, just wanted to wish every one a good weekend and hopes every ones SE are better than the last, and yippee we are all getting closer to the end of our treatments,

Taq- I m sending praying and hugs to your mom, hope she gets better, and every one is right about the shot, i hate them too, but as bad as it may sound it is better in the stomach, and if they go slow she wont feel it, i didnt, i was so thrilled, about that!!

angel hugs debbie

jabl1252

Hi May Marvels, I will be going for my 3rd treatment on Monday.So far my side effect's have not been nearly as bad as some of you.I went back to work Memorial weekend and I think getting back to work and getting on with some kind of normalcy has helped me.I don't work alot of hour's but just enough to get on with my life.I'm so sorry that some of you are having a hard time,but just know that you will be alright,this will pass .Some of us are half way through this chemo journey.yippee!! I drink maybe one wine cooler a weekend,which goes down pretty good.I tried a mudslide last night and it gave me heartburn.It tasted really good but was not worth the pain it gave me.Hope everyone has a good weekend.Deb, congradulation's on your 18th.My Husband and I will be celebrating our 28th tomorrow. Take care May Marvels, Julie

taj72

Hi ladies!  Thanks so much for the support.  I will definitely pass on the advice on the slow plunge and prime stomach shot location.  My mom is actually in the ER tonight because her fever did spike.  She is waiting on some blood work to see if her WBC has dropped any lower.  I think they are considering giving her antibiotics.  Does that interfere with her chemo?  Flalady (in the Triple Negative Board) mentioned that it does and I wasn't familiar with that.  

My mom actually gets weekly chemo (every Thursday) because she is participating in a clinical trial of this new drug, Sutent (Sunitinib).  So there's not a lot of downtime for her between treatments.  The doctor will have her start her Neupogen shots on Sunday through Wednesday, with treatment on Thursday and then she has Friday and Saturday with no shot.

I had heard of the Claritan/Aleve cocktail to help with Neupogen/Neulasta-induced bone pain.  I will make sure my mom does that.  Should she take the Claritan and Aleve together on Sunday when she gets the shot?  Or should she wait until some pain actually begins and then take the Claritan and Aleve?  How often should she take it?  How many days should she take it?  

Thanks for all of your help and support.  I hope everyone out there is having a better time of it and a great weekend.

jaelsne

I posted several days ago, but this is the first time I've been back on-line.  Thanks for the warm welcome.  I know I have found a good group here.

Several people have asked me about my anemia.  (I'm having chemo taxotere/cytoxan and have had two infusions out of six).  My onc says that it's VERY rare to have such a low rbc count after only two chemos.  It's not unheard of, though.  He said that shots such as procrit or epogen, which help rbc's to be produced, also are helpful to cancer cells--so no such shots.  (I do take Neulasta shots, and my wbc count is fine).  

The good news is that I've escaped a transfusion this week.  My rbc count, which had dropped to 8.4 (8 is the threshold for transfusion) went up to 9.1 this week.  Still not good--normal is 12.0 or above.  However, I'm feeling fine and am happy that I didn't need the transfusion this week.  I do tire easily, of course.  I can't bend down to unload the dishwasher or pick stuff up off the floor (boo hoo!) so my family has to do it for me.  I get a big head rush.

Anyway, I'm feeling pretty good since my t/c on June 8th.  Next one is June 29th.

Now I'll go back and read everything I've missed.

Jo Anne