Starting Chemo in July 2009

1…1920222425…71

Comments

  • White929
    White929 Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2009

    Hello Triple J's......WOW, Round 2 isn't as easy for me as round one was. Had my 2nd tx on Thursday last week.  Thought I'd be okay til Tuesday...but nope, today I'm very tired. I forgot to take my 3rd day of steriods...oops...probably why I'm a day early this time with SEs.  Almost as bad as day 4 first tx.  So I guess tomorrow I will feel like a mack truck hit me.  I shaved my head over a week ago down to a stuble.  I'm not putting a wig or scarf on as yet cuz it doesn't feel very good on the stuble and I hate hats!  My tongue feels like it is 3 times bigger than it is and I can't taste anything.  Trying to drink today and lay around.  Ate a banana and sandwich to keep my body nurished. 

    Sorry, too tired to address anyone specifically in my post today.  I just want to say this really sucks for all of us and we have to keep reading each other's posts and looking for the light at the end of the tunnel.  As far as kids, I have a 22 year old clueless son living with me as well as my 3 year old grandson (mother gets him 3 hrs a week).  So he is really like my own, doing it all over again, but I love him to pieces.

    I can't get my photo uploaded...can anyone help with this process?

    Going back to bed for now....hope everyone is doing better than I today.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shelclaire
    shelclaire Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2009

    Thank you for all the info and Kim I hope you are feeling better.

    Faith over Fear

    Kara

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LindaSueH
    LindaSueH Member Posts: 70
    edited July 2009

    Hi Ladies....

    I had the BRCA testing done, and mine came back in the <10% with an unknown variant, which means could be positive, could be negative....just know that that option could happen.

    I am DREADING chemo #2 on Wednesday.....but looking forward to being halfway finished with this!  And I am hoping the cumulative thing just isn't true for me...a little positive thinking goes a long way!

    Hugs.....

    Linda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Done with Chemo # 2, half way home! All went well, Good news and not so good. Found out today I am Triple Neg.Frown but I did get some good news on the mouth wash stuff. Doc. and Pharmacy put together a mixture I can make at home with prescription drugs that ARE covered by insurance. Pre mixed stuff was gonna set me back $50.00 a bottle!!! PM me if you need the recipe.  Also told me that SE may and probably would get worse as we progressed. Stay on top of them was their suggestion. 

    SHAVED IT ALL OFF!! and I feel great. No tears at all.No horns either!! Just laughed and giggled through the whole thing. 20 yr. old daughter did it, first scissors, then 2 blade guard on clippers then no guard, then electric razor and then shaving cream and a blade. ALL GONE and it feels great. Wish this was the latest craze because it does feel good. Never in a million years did I think I would feel this way about it.

    Have gas like an elephant. Between that and steroids will probably sleep on the couch. Doc. said my new B.O. is a good thing (Damn, I just keep getting sexier and sexier) said it was a sign my body is absorbing the meds.. Was also told to put this mouthwash paste all over my lips, I am gonna be a real sight tonight with my little skull cap, white clown lips, B.O. and gas! I don't even think my satin red jammies will help, but honestly don't give a rats A$$

    Hugs to all (Downwind of course)

    Lisa. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mnikityger
    mnikityger Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2009

    Hello all Triple J's.  Hope all are having the best day possible. LivingLifeToday  When I drink something cold now I also get the instant cold feeling. This has just been since my mastectomy. The insulation is gone is the only thing I can figure.Laughing     Had my first tx today, not as bad as I expected. Glad to have started.; 1down 7 to go.  Feel a little strange and have a slight headache but nothing I can't handle.  Am thankful that the treatments are available and just have to remind myself of that.  Will get a port put in on the 3rd of August as my onc nurse said they are afraid my veins wont hold up for all my Tx.  Good Luck and Best wishes to all. Am going to lay down for a nap. You are all awesome and beautiful!!!!!  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jayne_in_UK
    Jayne_in_UK Member Posts: 517
    edited July 2009

    PauldingMom I'm really glad you are feeling good with your hair gone. I know I did and most people around me were expecting me to be terribly upset. We may as well get to enjoy what we can about this. It's good that your daughter was able to help you with it too.

    LOL at gas, BO and clown lips! I have noticed some BO, not so much gas as yet, not very sexy but also not bothered. Hang in there, we can get through this.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • glassist
    glassist Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2009

    Hang in there all you ladies on #2.  You're blazing the way for the rest of us and we are watching, waiting and lifting our electrolyte water in a salute to you!  HUGS.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Carole01
    Carole01 Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2009

    Did not a great weekend, just wanted to run away but had nowhere to run to.  Went to onc today WBC was extremely low and had to be put on antiboitics plus I was dehydrated had to be given fluids.  One more week to 2nd tx and then the hair goes.  I can't wait. 

    On a brighter note, My Hubby made me virgin lemonade daiquiri's it really helped with metal mouth and hotflashes. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jewlls
    jewlls Member Posts: 15
    edited July 2009

    hi all kinda new here,had first chemo of 12 on wed and  im feeling very tired fedup,taste has gone and the arm they used for my chemo is sore, i feel as if i constatantly have the shakes:( still cant bring myself to lose hair........this is how im feeling    only after one!!!! will it ease up or worsen?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stef58
    stef58 Member Posts: 288
    edited July 2009

    Hey everybody,The people who losing hair let it go. you will be surprised how liberating you will feel. i dreaded losing mine and I felt so much better after it was done. #3 chemo is Wednesday. Anyone else going that same day. I am just ahead of most because my first was the last of June. This month is flying by. I have decided that I am going to run my life and cancer can just fit it. I am  chemo sickness and the SE. Anybody else feel the same way.

    Jewlls about the shakes, it is from the steriods. I had the same thing. Strength and attitude are all the difference in this disease. You fight it with all your might and never give up. What are you taking?

    Strength and Hugs to all Dianne

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • eliz46
    eliz46 Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2009

    Pauldingmom. my eyes are tearing im laughing so hard, you go girl !!!!!!..

    Stef58. my hair leaves on wednesday i have very long thick hair to the middle of my back. nothing is coming out yet ......im looking forword to being GI Jane ....I have been so mentally touched by breast cancer.   i tell everyone

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • backagain
    backagain Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2009

    stef58 - love the attitude!!!  I am so with you on that!  

    My hair goes tomorrow- I'm tired of cleaning it up!  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2009

    So many posts to read! Glad to hear lots of positive attitude and hope all those suffering from SEs get quick relief.

    This is day 5 from first DD A/C tx and still all is well. Perhaps a little tired?(Fortunately I don't work in the summer so it's hard to tell) but I really have the burps!!! But if that's all I have to contend with I will not complain.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mnikityger
    mnikityger Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2009
    Can anyone help me with sending a private message.  Tried to send one but couldn't type in who it was going to. Not only due we have to deal with all this but computer wants to be difficult.  Just keep smiling I tell myself over and over. I have an attitude tonight, I think that is what happens when you drink bubble-less, warm,ginger ale. I keep telling myself not to complain it could always be worse. Smile   Smile     For all of you who shaved this week or are going to shave  Remember You are BEAUTIFUL.   Good luck all with your SE. Hope and pray they are mild..You are all in my thoughts and prayers.  We are strong !!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited July 2009
    Mnikityger:  go to the Profile page of the person you want to send the PM to (you can either click on their name in a post they submitted or go to "search' at top right of the page and type in the members name, that will bring a list of recent posts, just click on their name for their profile page) and click on 'Send Private Message' on the top right of the page.  That will open the page for you to type your message and send it off.  Hope that helps!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chrisct
    chrisct Member Posts: 2,662
    edited July 2009

    Oh Pauldingmom - please don't tell me I now have to worry about BO!  I don't remember that on the list of SE's!  You are too funny tho. 

    I've been telling my daughter (15) some of the witty things I've read on these boards - she says cancer people are funny.  I said, yup - it's laugh or cry - might as well try to find the humor in it.

    After lurking on these boards since January when I had a suspicious mammogram and was hoping to be in the 80% that end up being benign (no such luck), I've finally gotten up the nerve to post.  Looks like I'm a Triple J with you ladies - finally started 4 rounds (3wk) Taxotere/Cytoxan on July 13th with a shot of Neulasta the next day.  Actually did pretty well - just some heartburn from the dexamethasone and some bloating and constipation.  Tired on day 3, but that was about it.  Did have some foreshadowing of things to come with some scalp sensitivity later in the first week, but that went away until last night.  Did have some soreness in the fingernails I didn't expect so soon though.  Thought that was weird. 

    But I think the hair is starting to go - it's day 15 for me.  Onc said 3 weeks, but I don't know - I think it's starting.  Was pretty freaked out thinking about it last week - but I've calmed myself down.  Not enough to shave it though.  I think I will remain in some state of quasi-denial until it looks so bad I don't have a choice.  It's slightly longer than shoulder length.  I don't like the way I look in short hair - I don't even like the way I look in a pony tail - so bald is definitely going to be a problem for me.  I need my hair to take some attention away from my face - I'm not terribly attractive as it is - AND I've been having problems with my skin for much of the last year - so this is going to be a challenge on many levels.

    It's so nice to be able to commiserate with you ladies.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited July 2009

    PauldingMom, You make me laugh the way you describe your experiences are priceless. I am thinking about you.

    TRIPLE J'S with HER+= Did you know that Herceptin Treatment doesn't effect your hair?.

    I need to open a new question for my BC sisters with daughters. Do you ever worry for their future with BC?. Lately its been bothering me more than it did at the beginning. I have 2 DD age 32 and 28. I'M little confuse about the stage thing. Can somebody please tell me the difference between Stage 1, 1a, and 1b. in another forum someone said she was stage1/2 ????

    Good luck and smooth recovery from your SE.

    I am thinking about you all.

    Smile Sheila Smile

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chrisct
    chrisct Member Posts: 2,662
    edited July 2009

    Hi Seyla888 - I get confused by the staging as well.  I think when people break down stage 1 into 1a, 1b, and 1c, they are referring to the AJCC staging system with TNM definitions - tumor, node, and metastases and I think they are referring to the tumor size.  For example, my tumor was 1.5cm so I was T1c.  My nodes were clean so I was N0 and I didn't have any scans for mets, so I was MX.  Technically, there is no stage 1a or 1b as far as overall staging goes.

    Here's a link on the AJCC staging system:

    http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/breast/HealthProfessional/page4

    This web page shows what TNM classifications fall within each of the overall stages. 

    Hope the link works - hope it helps clarify things. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited July 2009

    Thanks chrisct, My surgeon then took this picture out and circled stage1,he also said stage1 is your DX the next one was stage2 with a's and b's .

    My tumor was 1.2cm no lymph nodes and no mets.

    That's what i thought too about no stage1a or 1b.

    Thanks for clearing for what i believed I was all this time.

    Sheila

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

    Having my second round of AC today. Hope the SE are not as bad this time on my stomach! Been feeling normal for the past 4 days and could'nt believe how good I felt yesterday which makes today a little harder knowing I will not feel that great for the next week. But got to get this one down and two more to go of this stuff. Will have to catch up on the posts I am behind on reading them. Hugs to all when up to it I will be back to see how everyone is doing.

    Edie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SallyMae
    SallyMae Member Posts: 13
    edited July 2009

    Hi all,  Tomarrow is my first chemo treatment.  Drinking lots of water today.  My daughter had her second treatment yesterday and is not feeling to good today.  But she has such a good aditude it will not keep her down long.  Wish me luck.  I need all your prayers.  Best to all of you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pammyj
    pammyj Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2009

    Kathy 16..glad to hear you are ok..tricky with the laxs and diarrhea but i feel i'd rather have it eliminating then festering! i still have h/a despite increasing electrolyes. thrush all over my tongue and 2 bloody stools later waiting for my onco to call..hoping i can make my appt tomorrow. MAG 7 members...where you at?

    Think of you all, all the timeKiss

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LindaSueH
    LindaSueH Member Posts: 70
    edited July 2009

    Pauldingmom....You are too funny!  Thank you for making me laugh out loud this am!

    SHAVE THE HAIR!!!!  It was empowering to me to shave it off before it came out on it's own.  And I am pretty vain...If I can do it and get thru it...everyone can!!!  Beauty comes from within, and it shines thru us no matter what!!

    Hoping I can keep a good attitude for my #2 chemo tomorrow am. 

    Hugs,

    Linda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • josybee
    josybee Member Posts: 86
    edited July 2009

    Hi Steph58

    My 3rd chemo (having 4 of AC & 4 Taxol) is Wednesday also, followed Thursday with the neulasta shot. Hair is gone, started falling out on day 14 after first treatment, 3 days later had it shaved cause I couldn't stand it all over the place. The first chemo & shot were the worst for me, 3 days after neulasta shot I was in bed all day with headaches and my breast hurt the most. 2nd chemo & shot was not as bad,no headaches only a lot of pain with the breast & breast bone. Has anyone had reconstruction with tram flap??  If so, do you have a lot of pain at the site after your neaulasta shot. It seems since I started the chemo & neulasta it hurts a lot more. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pammyj
    pammyj Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2009

    You go josybee ! 3rd cycle ! Good luck..hang tough!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • eliz46
    eliz46 Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2009

     Cool Were all kicking cancers butt, Hopeing everyones treatment goes well today, there are so many of us,  went for my blood count today. things still going well.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LovingLifeToday
    LovingLifeToday Member Posts: 39
    edited July 2009

    Best wishes to all, here's hoping each gets cycle easier Smile

    I signed up for the Look Good Feel Better program.... I going on Aug. 3rd,  the day my hair should be falling out Surprised  So I know it will be good for me!! 

    Elizabeth~LovingLifeToday

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lorijo1993
    lorijo1993 Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2009

    Good morning, JJJ's. Well today is #13 since first chemo hair is going fast, hair down there started yesterday and today my hair on my hair is coming out fast, Will let  14 year old daughter shave tomorrow. My hair is very thick, so, maybe I will lose a few pounds:), .

    Hope every one is well, I plan on going back to work on Friday, have been holding off because I didn't know how I would handle 12 hour shifts, only going to work 1-2 days a week and taking a week off after chemo, next chemo is in 1 week.

    God Bless, Lori

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited July 2009

    Hi Ladies!  Just took my first pre chemo steroid pill's...I am usually very...how should I put this...vivacious, bubbly, spastic...I am really nervous that I will be almost certifiable on steroids and make a fool of myself...eeeeeeeeek!  Maybe it is already starting...wish me luck cause I do have to go out in public today for labs and groceries. #1 is tomorrow at 11am...to quote my DD favorite cartoon character "I'm Ready, I'm Ready..."

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Just finished off Neulasta shot and this time took Claritin and Ibuprofen before hand. Didn't sleep much last night but feel good other wise. I ate my prunes, drank my water and gatoraid and still having "that" problem. Gonna have some bran for lunch, oh boy! 

    Hope all you WBC ladies are doing better as well as round 2 ladies. 

    Josybee: I didn't have the reconstruction surgery, just a lumpectomy, but the Neulasta shot really made my bones ache, especially my skull. As your doc for something stronger as far as pain meds. I asked today if I should wait to take it after the pain gets bad or as soon as it starts. I was told the sooner the better.

    Well off to bed....Steriods keep me wired all night long.

    Hugs and Prayers,

    Lisa 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories