Any May 2009 Chemo Starters?

cs34

Good morning everyone!

mspig: thank you for the recommendation!

lorir: great story!

jaelsne: so sorry to hear about your emergency surgery debacle. wow. how are you feeling now?

debbie6122: OMG--i teared up for you. horrible. depending on the day/mood/moment, i would either crawl into a ball or i would have followed them home and smacked their mothers! (sorry...i'm an angry girl sometimes!)

i have a quick question. i have patches of hair remaining. did you guys shave or cut them off? i have finally been able to look at myself in the mirror (slow doses) so i'm going to ask my friend to remove the patches this weekend but i'm not sure how to do it. did anyone else hear that shaving it can effect regrowth?

cs34

oh ya, i wanted to mention that there's a thread that someone had mentioned (i forgot who it was, sorry) called "let's conduct our own study of how we got breast cancer" and if you need to laugh--please go there. it is HYSTERICAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! start from the beginning.

Janet22664

DEBBIE6122:  What kind of reconstruction did your daughter have which used her tissue from her stomach - TRAM or DIEP?  One they use a muscle (TRAM), and the other they do not.  I am considering a DIEP, so I am interested in all of the information I can get.

 Janet

deb6563

Hi May Marvels,

My throat sores are gone and I am feeling better.  I am headed off to Alabama in about an hour to see my parents then to Georgia tomorrow to go to the Braves game with hubby, hubby's brother, and hubby's brother's wife.  Will check in with everyone on Sunday night or Monday.

Have a great weekend.

Deb

taj72

Mom had chemo again yesterday.  Her white blood cell counts were up (17,000 - wow, guess that neupogen really works!) so she was good to go.  Her one month check up revealed that the tumor has shrunk by 28% since starting chemo (and this was after only 3 rounds, because week 4 she had to skip chemo due to the low blood count).  So the treatment is definitely being successful.   She is feeling very good and positive today.  The onc says that she will have to have surgery at the conclusion of chemo regardless, but she may only need a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy.  So it's been a good round this week.

Debbie6122- I am so sorry that you had to encounter such rude and obnoxious behavior.  One would like to think that their youth is to blame, but I really think that a teenager is old enough to know the difference between kindness and cruelty.  I believe that these girls probably did not realize that a bald head on a woman is usually indicative of chemotherapy and cancer treatment.  Nevertheless, they had to realize that laughing at someone else is simply rude and cruel.  I'm sorry you had to experience that, but life and karma have a funny way of teaching people lessons.  Whether you are around to witness it or not, I think that life will teach them the error of their ways.  

JoAnne-Sorry to hear about your implant difficulties.  Don't give up on reconstruction though.

LoriR-UPS story...you have to laugh, so you don't cry!  I doubt a bald head is the worst thing the UPS guy has seen is his history of deliveries.  Our cable guy was telling me the other day that he's had people come to the door nude!

Ms.Pig-Hope you get some rest and feel better soon!

Everyone-Have a great weekend! 

Kelly2

Hi May Marvels!!! I've not been on in a while--probably almost 2 weeks so had a lot of reading to do. While reading some of the stories, I had to laugh at some (like the UPS story) and yet cry at some (like the rude girls laughing). I have teens too and can relate to all the stories about teens. My teens each react differently to my bald head. My oldest(19 and a girl)  doesn't mind if I am bald wheras the boys, ages 15 & 16 prefer not to see my baldness and they are more sensitive to what I wear in public. I finally got a wig that I like and hopefully will feel more comfortable in public. I was getting used to my other one but I always feel that people are staring at me as if they know I am wearing a wig. I didn't like the color of the other wig but the new one is a nice blonde color--lighter than my natural hair. I wore it to church when working with kids ages 6-12. They knew I was bald so some came right up and asked if I was wearing a wig and some others commented that they liked that I dyed my hair!!! One wanted me to take off the wig but I didn't. They all accept me as I am which is nice--no one laughed nor snickered.

I have been feeling pretty well and normal until I see myself in the mirror (the bald head). I've been so busy with my teens activities and getting house back to normal. I have my 3rd treatment next week and I dread feeling yuckky again. I've also worried about gaining weight since I was trying to lose before starting chemo. I've gone up and down. But I am happy that I can eat raw vegs. and fruits again as they had taken me off when my wbc's had gone way too low. I had the neulast shot last treatment--and this time my wbcs were okay. I don't really diet but I try to eat healthy and I've been walking 3o minutes every day this past week since I'm not tired. But I know that I will be back to laying around next week. I hate the ups and downs but I am glad that I have good weeks and not down the whole time. Well, ladies, lets all just keep hanging in there. We will get through this soon.  

mom2twins

Hi all -- Had my third treatment today.  So far, so good.  I am very happy to have reached the half way mark.  I did great on my last treatment and am hoping for the same on this one, but I think I'm starting to experience a little neuropathy (oh, is that right? sp?)  They've got me taking vitamin B morning and night.  Anyone else have problem with this?  What have your docs done?

 I am off to bed so I can try to stay ahead of the fatigue (is that possible?)  I hope you all are doing well.  Take care.

TexasRose

Good morning May Marvels!

I had my third AC on Tuesday and I have basically been asleep since Wednesday night! I can't believe how tired I have been after this one. I had my usual bad sore throat on Thursday. I hate that and it makes eating so hard. Luckily it only lasted one day. I haven't really had any nausea this time. Just minor off and on- mostly off. But so, so tired. I'm hoping to get some strength back and be a little more alive today. Only one more of these blasted AC's!!!

I am way too far behind to try and catch up. Hugs and prayers to all!!

zuzeee

Wow Mary, that is amazing to sleep for so long. Do you feel better? Can you please send me the sleep remedy. I have a nasty cold this weekend and have been awake since 1 am, now 4.45am. I am bored of having a cold with a low immune system  and have been quiet and resting since Friday lunch time with very little sleep. Hopefully it is not raining today so I can get out of the house. All my friends are asleep so I can't talk to them. Do any of you have problems sleeping and what do you do when you are awake in the middle of the night? I used to read but now find my attention span is very short .

Wishing you all a fabulous Sunday with lots of fun and laughter.

Hugs Susie

AbuelaBoricua

 As I learn to accept my new beauty, I get comfort that my true inner beauty never changes and will always be there no matter how I look on the outside.

 To all I wish lots of sleep and inner strength to continue to get better everyday. Remember, that with every treatment we get closer to full recovery.

 Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart. ~Kahlil Gibran 

Lots of hugs and prayers!  Diana

jaelsne

Hi,

  Regarding sleep: I bought a bunch of guided imagery cd's from amazon.com or itunes and have them on my ipod.  I have a speaker under my pillow (bought on amazon), and I listen to the cd's when I go to sleep or if I wake up at night.  My most recent favorite is "sleep solutions" by Roberta Shapiro.  It consists of 3 sessions--one about a half hour long to get you to sleep, and a 5 minute or 10 minute session to help you go back to sleep if you wake up in the middle of the night.

  Hope that helps,

Jo Anne 

jaelsne

Hi,

  I'm doing okay post-surgery.  (I had my implant removed on an emergency basis).  For some reason, my body is reacting the same way as it does post-chemo.  Nights are sleepless and I get a lot of night sweats.  Also, my hemoglobin is now dangerously low.  It had been low from the chemo, but the blood loss from surgery brought me to the level where I may need a transfusion.  My chemo was supposed to be this Monday, but has been postponed a week to let me heal up and to check on my hemoglobin situation.  I'm very lightheaded, so I can't really leave the house to walk or anything.  It's depressing being home-bound.

  I had to postpone chemo #2 due to a bad infection/cough.  Now I'm postponing #3.  Wish I was having fun during the "extra" week!  Seems like my six chemos are going to take an endless amount of time, and it's hard to see the end in sight.  

  Ah well, this stuff happens.  We will pull through this difficult period!

Jo Anne 

debbie6122

OK let me do this again, i posted to every one last night at 1;00 am and it was yet another long one that dissapeared, it takes alot out of you to write this stuff and go back and rememeber every ones names and what they said, i love doing it, i just dont like doing it twice, wonder why this happens, uuugghhhh!!  cant do them all again but some i wanted to answer-

Janet22664- My daughter had the tram flap, the one where they take the muscle, it was like having a tummy tuck too, took about 3 inches i think she said from her tummy, i have heard of the diep but dont know to much about it, i have heard good and bad about both, and infection was the most common i heard, but as i told you daughter did recover and is happy she did it,her nipple looks real hope this helps if you want more info i will ask her for you

Jaeslne- Sorry about your implant, hope your feeling better now and not in any pain

taj72- im so glad to hear your mom is doing so mcuh better, she really has gone thru so much and shes lucky to have you as her daughter- your right about the girls, today im not so angry and i forgive them because i believe in what goes around comes around and there just kids and i dont wish this on anyone!!!

Lassie11-Sounds like you have a really good onc im on cytoxin and taxotere but at the same time, it looks like we have almost the same dx but a different tx, but like every one here we are all different and onc put us on different regimeins, now what i wanna know is where in the heck do i get those ice mittens and ice booties??/ sounds cool ha!

kelly2- sounds like the kids at home and church are supported. I try not to look at my self in the mirror to much i get depressed to, i like my hats better than the wig, just feels more comfortable

Mom2twins- i have been having that tingly numbess in hands and feet and my finger nails have been breaking and cracking wish my onc would of recommend vitamin b for me, im going to get some to day i heard alot about it here on this site- glad your feeling better

Texasrose-So sorry you havnt felt good with this last chemo, i heard the third one is harder, have your blood counts been ok? My wbc was low till i got the shot 3 times this week then yesterday blood count showed it went way up but rbc was way to low. said they would keep an eye on it, surprised they didnt have me take vitamins or another shot, but i was soo tired and that was from my blood counts being out of wack, so make sure if you get to tired to get checkd hopefully today you are better

Zusee- Seems like all the May Marvels are resting more and less chatter than when we first started and more tired we can do this girls, we are strong and resiliant, and some of us are almost done or half way there,  so hang in there and get plenty of rest and drinks lots of water

lassie11

Debbie - the clinic at the hospital provides the ice booties and mittens. I have no idea where they get them - the nurse who visits me seems to think that they are the key to avoiding all that tingling, nail damage and suchlike. Seems like an easy fix - I wonder why it isn't done everywhere?

Chemo #3, day 6 and I am starting to feel like people again. And, I remind myself, half way done the chemo. Yay!

Burkiworks

I haven't been on much as I've been really under the weather. I wonder if anyone else has experienced my problem.

I have blown up in the tummy area again with ascites (fluid). Back in October, my oncologist drained 11 1/2 pounds of fluid off and it took this long to fill up again. I had hoped it wouldn't fill up again, but here it is again. I think this time there may be about the same amount as I am so miserable. Symptoms include, of course, swollen, hard stomach; shortness of breath; weakness; tiredness, etc.

My oncologist wants me to try to wait for my next chemo and appointment, which both are on Wednesday, July 1. He hopes it will bring the swelling down. This would be my fourth and last in this series, then the scans and figure out all over again what's next

It's getting harder and harder to urinate or have a BM, so that in itself is scary. Of course, if I totally stop elimating, I'll get myself to the doctor. But, I want to give the chemo a chance, but ???

This is so miserable, I just wondered if anyone has gone through it and if there's any advice out there.

I'm sorry to sound so self-centered, but it's painful to sit and use the computer, as I also have hemorrhoids, to boot!!

TexasRose

Hey all!

Susie- The sleep remedy? CHEMO! LOL  At least for me. I have two days at least where I do nothing but sleep after getting the AC. I also take a Tylenol PM and half a Xanax at night. That helps too. Have you mentioned to your onc that you are having trouble sleeping? Maybe he can give you something.

Diana- I will have to keep reminding myself of the beauty quote. Hard to feel beautiful when I'm missing a boob and totally bald.  I did feel better today because I put on makeup, got dressed, wore my wig and we went out to dinner. Felt much better since I looked better!

Jo Anne- I am glad you are doing well from the surgery, but sorry that your blood levels are low. And sorry that you have to keep postponing your chemo. You are in my prayers. Yes, somehow, we will get through this...all of us! (((hugs))) to you!

Debbie- The third one was rough, but on the other hand, if tired is my only side effect, I can deal with that. I haven't had much nausea at all this round. My blood counts are good. I get the Neulasta shot routinely after each chemo since I am doing dose dense, so my WBC is good. I am feeling much more normal today. Like a real human being finally! Today is day 5 and I feel very good. My next (and last!!) AC is July 7th. Then I will get 12 Taxol.

Joanne- That sounds miserable. Sorry you are having so much trouble. I hope that you are feeling better soon.

Well, my kitty wants some attention. Love, hugs, and prayers for all!

Mary  

zuzeee

Hi

Onc says Melatonin is the answer and that is all she will prescribe for me. I am becoming increasingly aggresive, bitchy and worked up about life and the things it keeps throwing at me. Our receptionist has the day off today to go to the dentist, a whole day???? so I have been asked if I am going to be there today. I am going in but only to do a couple of things, man the dentist vesus chemo?? Give me the dentist any day, ha  ha.

Have a great day all

Love and hugs Susie

debbie6122

Lassie11- thank you for the info i will check into it

Texasrose- you will be doing your last the same day im doing my 3rd one, yay for yoi i will be thinking of you on that day

Burkiworks- i looked up what you had because i had never heard of it before, im sorry you have to go thru this,, i look like im 5 months prego and heard that other woman here have bigger tummies right now, not sure its the same, what i would suggest is post a new thread with that topic and see how many woman respong to that you may find a lot here with the same dx as you, hope you stay on this thread as well and keep us posted i hope you feel better (((huggss)))

Susie- i know only to well about the bitchy cranky moody feelings, my husband says louise is that you?? thats my middle name and when i get like that he calls me louise LOL! I would go to a general practiner and ask for some ambien or somthing it comes in 10mg but if i take the whole thing i start seeing little blue men running around but if i cut it in half im just fine and sleep like a baby

have a great day every one- debbie

benisse

Texas Rose - I am doing my last of 4 FAC on July 7 and then 12 weekly Taxol...beginning on July 28.  When do you start Taxol?  Will you have them weekly?  I have my last tx on Oct 13 if all goes as planned.  When will you finish?

I had my 3rd FAC on 6/16 and slept a lot for 3 days but from there it was my best round yet.  Minimal side effects.  I'm cooking a lot and doing lots of stuff with my sons.  Feel pretty good really.

Warmest wishes for a good Monday to everyone!!!

Madge24

LoriR - Yet another hilarious circumstance and posting.  Oh my, you should write a book.  I too have been caught like a deer in the headlights with the bald head, in the kitchen, hi-tailing it upstairs to find my hair!  One of my sons tried on my hair today!

Debbie6122 -- Never mind the hateful people in the world.  Some children just don't respect others, but what goes around comes around.  Remember we're all in this together and we are all experiencing similar things.  Consider yourself hugged from miles and miles away.

I can't give any good advice on tamoxifen as I won't get that for awhile yet.

Girls, hang in there and take care of yourselves.

Sukiann

Morning Marvels.  Today is my LAST chemo!!!! but.......I DON'T WANNA GO!!!!!!!!!  I'm leaving in 1/2 hour and I'm hoping that the steriod the onc gave me to take yesterday does the trick and I don't have another allergic reaction to the taxtotere.  Wish my luck!

Zuzzeee - you have to get your insomia under control.  Make sure you doc knows it is making this all so much worse for you.  I know that when I can't sleep it I can't function.  She doesn't believe it sleeping pills right (if I remember from previous posts)?  I think you need to try the melatonin but if if doesn't work you need something - if you can't get help from here I think you should go somewhere else.  I think you are suffering needlesly (((hugs))) to you!

Sukiann

P.S.  My np told me that I would gain 10 - 12 lbs and I rose to the occasion. I've gained 10 already and I'll be working on the other 2 in the next couple of weeks.  Boo,hoo!

Gotta run, my cousin is coming to pick me up.  Let the games begin!!! 

AbuelaBoricua

Sukiann: good luck today! I hope everything goes well! 

I am going for #2 in about two hours and like you I DON'T want to go.  The only thing that keeps me going is that after today I only have 2 more!! I have to remember that the 2 weeks after the treatment you feel normal and I did enjoy that feeling! 

To everyone lots of sleep and great days! Diana

TexasRose

Good  morning!

Susie, you need some sleep! They have stressed to me over and over again how important sleep is. You are healing and you need good rest. Sit that woman down and tell her firmly this isn't working for you! If she won't give you something, go to your PCP. Sleep is so important to our healing right now!! (((hugs)))

Debbie- I'll be thinking of you on the 7th also. I so want to get this over with, but boy am I dreading that last one! If I was going to be done, I'd be thrilled, but then I start the weekly Taxol. It seems like I have so far to go.

benisse- Yes, I will do weekly Taxol. I start on 7/21 and, if all goes as planned, will have my last treatment on 10/6. I am really looking forward to being done! Are you having rads? Once I'm done with chemo, I am done. Except for deciding on reconstruction. I can't make up my mind on that. Oh well, I have plenty of time. I'm thinking if I do reconstruction, I will shoot for next winter so I will be healed hopefully by pool time again next summer. Or I'll wait and see how life as a unaboober is for awhile.

Madge- I've been caught bald too! My oldest brother walked in on me the other day. It was kinda funny. I just looked at him (with that deer in the headlights look!) and said, "Soooooo...this is me bald." He just looked at me like "whatever". It didn't seem to affect him at all! LOL

Sukiann- Thinking of you today!!! Hope all goes well and CONGRATULATIONS on being done with the chemo!!! So far, my weight hasn't changed much. I've lost a couple of pounds, but not enough to matter. I only get steroids in my IV though. None before or after.

Well, this is my "good" week so I am hoping to enjoy it. It's been hotter than blazes here- triple digit temps for several days and I'm sick of it. Too hot to swim and that's bad!! We did spend some time in the pool yesterday but finally went in when it was just so hot. Whatever I'm doing today, I'm doing it inside. I need to clean some, but I hate wasting "good" week on cleaning! I want to have some fun!!

Hope everybody has a great day!

Hugs, Mary

TexasRose

Diana- Oops, you snuck in on me while I was writing. Thinking of you today too!! (((hugs)))

AbuelaBoricua

Mary- Enjoy your good weeks, they are the best part of the treatment!!  Thanks for the good wishes!! Diana

zuzeee

Hi Marvels 

To all having chemo this week, I  do hope it all goes well for you, will be thinking of you. I finally slept well so feel good now, hope it lasts.

We have a very controversial ad campaign running in NZ at the moment. Huge biilboards stating

" Breast Cancer its no big deal". The next byeline goes up tomorrow, so I will keep you posted. The campaign has been funded by the NZ breast cancer research trust.!!!. Cetainly causing lots of comments in the media.

Have a wonderful Tuesday, I wish we could have some of your sunshine and you can have our rain. It has rained for 48 hours where I am.!!!!

Pink Hugs Susie

deb6563

Hello May Marvels,

I am back from Atlanta and had a good time.  The Braves game was super hot 97 degrees, but I had my umbrella with me to keep the sun off of me.  I tried to eat a hotdog at the stadium, but it just would not go down.  I have turned into a pastatarian and vegetarian.

I broke down last night and cried and cried,  I begged hubby to not make me go for A/C # 4 tomorrow, but of course I know that I have to go.  # 3 was so horrible that I felt as though I was going to die.

I have been researching all the medicines I am taking tryng to figure out why the side effects are getting so bad and the only thing I can figure out is that besides the A/C, I must be getting the Adrimiacin (spelling?) instead of the placebo,  otherwise I don't think I would have the horrible mouth sores that go down my throat.  I guess I will find out when I start the Taxol and see if I get the sores every 3rd week when I get the trial drug.

My chemo brain is so bad that I can't remember who said what, but just know that I am reading everyone's posts.  Someone asked how long between A/C and Taxol.  My onc told me this morning  when  I went for bloodwork that I will have 2 weeks which means I will start Taxol the week of July 13th for 12 weeks.  Then go for 6 weeks of radiation.

For everyone doing chemo this week, good luck, not sure how much I will be on this week, just depends on whether this treatment tries to kill me or not.  I may be hiding in the house all week, staying away from the vultures :-)

LoriR

I will call this one - "Thank God for small favors - one that you have to say the glass is half full and one that I debated on whether or not to share but what the heck  

On Saturday I went to my brothers to hang out by the pool.  BY the pool, is where I should have stayed...

When we got there, there were about 15 people there - including his neighbors (and their kids) and my 20 year old nephew and four of his college friends visiting for the weekend.  I have been to my brothers pool probably 20 times and I NEVER get in.  I always sit by the pool.  I had decided days before that I was going to get in the pool on Saturday so I prepared.  I went and bought a swim cap to wear.  Can't wear a wig while swiming or a hat -  So I was ready!  Didn't care who saw me in a bathing suit or bald in a swim cap I was gonna go swimming and enjoy.   Shortly after we arrived I went and changed into my suit and took the wig off and put the swim cap on.  I go to get in to the pool.  I take one step into the water and then boom it happens - the top of my suit falls down.  This is when I say it could have been soooooo much worse.  My nephew and all his friends were inside at the time- I think everyone else were all too busy talking and not looking my way.  I am pretty sure the only "lucky" ones to see were my daughter and sister-in-law and maybe the 12 year old neighbor boy - We were not sure if he did or not and I certainly wasn't going to ask Him!  If so I may have burned his retna's.   So here I am all worried about my head and it's "nakedness" and just like that I had a whole other thing to worry about and could have cared less about my head.  See it is all about prespective.  

 to everyone having treatment this week best of luck to you - I go Wednesday for 3 of 4 so I am actually looking forward to it just to get it over with!

Gekko

I have only posted once but I have been keeping up with all the posts.  It just seemed to require too much energy to sit and type.

I started my DD A/C on 5-8 and had my #2 on 5-22. I then had some spikes in some liver enzymes so #3 was pushed to 6-10.  I just had #4 on 6-24.  I've had Neulasta after each Tx so my WB count has been OK.  The first 2 Tx went OK but 3 & 4 the fatigue really hit me hard.  I start 12 weekly Taxol on 7-8 then  RADs after that.

I was moved to post today because I wanted to catch Deb6563 before Tx tomorrow to suggest that if you haven't been sucking/chewing on ice chips during your Adriamycin,the A of A/C,then please give  it a try tomorrow to help stave off the mouth sores.  I actually made myself ice popsicles and sucked on them during both A and C.  This last time I didn't do it consistently and my mouth hurt by the next day.  When I did do it throughout my SEs in the mouth were minimal.  I hope you give it a try.

Kelly2

Sukiann-how nice that you took your last chemo!!! Congrats!! How did it go? Hope SE's won't be too bad for you.

benisse-our treatments are a little different but I think my last chemo will also be on Oct. 13 if all goes as planned. We'll hang in there together!! I will be taking Taxol too but not as many as you--only 4 every 3 weeks.

Diana-Hope all went well for you. I am like you--I have chemo in am and I don't want to go either. I also try to remember that I will feel better soon and can enjoy 2 great weeks. It's so hard to go back....

Susie-I agree with the others that you need sleep. Glad you got some last night. Have you tried over the counter medds like Tylenol PM or something like that? How terrible to hear about the ad campaign saying Breast cancer is no big deal. Have they ever had it? Keep us in touch on what happens with that campaign.

TexasRose-enjoy your good week. I understand about the heat since I live in Texas too. I think the heat wears me out. I feel so tired lately.

Deb6563-Will be thinking of you as you have tx #4. Maybe this time you won't get the mouth sores. Are you taking anything for the mouth sores? I use biotene toothpaste and biotene mouth rinse. Gekko's suggestion on the ice chips sounds good.

LoriR-good luck on your tx this week. As I read your story, my heart just wanted to reach out and hug you.

Good luck to everyone who is having treatments. I go in the am and not looking forward to it but I know that someday, it will all be behind me.