Starting Chemo in July 2009

KarenVW

Thanks for sharing your experiences with treatment #2 versus #1.

Sally Mae - Happy Anniversary.  You are truly blessed to be able to celebrate 51 years.  Enjoy your hair buzzing party.  I think all of us will remember the day our hair really started falling out (aka The Real Bad Hair Day).

Eliz46 - Good luck with your treatment tomorrow.  I am also doing TC.  4 treatments.

Diane/Pdaw - Interesting you are commenting on vision problems.  I noticed my vision was a bit blurry when I was watching TV for a couple of days after treatment but just passed it off. 

Loving Life Today/Glassist - I would love to see your art if you are willing to share your website. 

Thanks! 

o2bhealthy

stef58 - I just had my first fill during chemo (2nd since surgery)...all went well and I got about 75cc this time, 125cc last time and about 150cc at surgery.  I take 2 Ibuprofin immediately after and again at bedtime and have had very little discomfort. 

KarenW, SallyMae, Eliz46 I am on T/C, tx #2 is next week (Wed)...I am getting Herceptin every week during chemo and then every 3 weeks until Aug 2010...

SallyMae - Congrat's on 51 years!!!

I hope everyone is have a good night!

Healing wishes to all!

glassist

AAAAGGGGHHHHH!! I lost a long one too.  I'll start over.

Shae - just thinking about your grandson - I have a similar situation with a nephew.  My heart goes out to all of you.

pdaw-diane - I can't see sh__!  My contacts aren't doing the job any more so I know my eyes have gotten much worse.  I hope it goes back to normal after all this.

Karen VW - I'm so sorry about the hair issue - we all know this is coming and we know we can deal with it just fine - but it's still pretty darn traumatic when it actually happens.  I pm'd you.

loving life - thanks for the kind words!

eliz 46 - I've got treatment #2 today as well.  Mine is this afternoon and I'll be thinking about you.  Hope all goes well.

SallyMae - congrats on #51 !!!  Mine is the 23^rd of this month and will be # 54.  I'm guessing we won't be travelling to any exotic locations to celebrate this year, huh!

Did anybody else have a path report come back saying their nodes could not be found in the tissue removed?  Very strange, indeed.

Also, is anybody doing arimidex after AC, 4/3?  Am I the only post menopausal gal here?

glassist

I forgot to ask - is anybody enjoying a glass of wine occasionally while on chemo?  Has your onc's said anything about it?

PauldingMom

Getting ready for treatment 3 on Monday. My hair came out mostly on top and sides. I was so sick of finding it EVERYWHERE that for me cutting it off was a relief. Now I'm not sure what to do with the stubble. I shaved it with a razor a couple times but am now letting it go.My Onc. said it would just keep falling out but I haven't noticed alot of it falling out, and I am afraid of cutting myself with the razor. 

Glad to see others are havaing trouble with eyesight too. I think part of it has to do with dry eyes and just being tired.

I have tried to have a tiny little glass of wine at the end of my treatment shortly before the next one and haven't enjoyed it much. The taste is off and the effects mess with my other meds. Just not worth it. But I have found a brand of ice tea that I have as a special treat. It Turkey Hill Mojito. It has lime and rum flavor and because I am avoiding caffine it is a treat.  

LindaSueH

stef58... About the TE, I am having fills, but she doesn't like to fill on chemo weeks or when I don't feel well.  So I am getting a fill the week prior to my chemo's, last time she gave me 50cc and she put 50 cc in at the time of surgery.  I am getting another fill this Friday.

On another note.....I cannot tell you how many people (including nurses) have told me to get some pot to smoke after chemo to help with the SE.  Has anyone done it....and has it helped???  My neice's boyfriend (lives in NY) has been getting chemo for colon cancer, and his oncologist suggested it to him.  Not legal here in Ohio, but if it helps, I may try it.  What do you guys think?????

Have a blessed day!!!

PS73

Hi Seyla, thanks for the information.  Unfortunately, nothing worked for the pain.  I tried tylenol and alleave for pain.  I tried valium and an anti-anxiety to help me sleep.  Im allergic to pretty much all forms of opiates and then some so I just have to deal.  I only have one more AC!  Im sooo happy to be over the AC hump.  I couldn't bear to move it was so bad and crawling up the stairs with the pounding headaches as well.  Nuf said.  Its done and I dealt and now Im ok. 

Thanks for the info on the eyebrows.  I have a wedding in the beginning of Oct and Ill be four taxols into it, (am doing 12 weeks worth of taxol/herceptin then every three weeks for one calendar year of herceptin) so Im hoping to still have eyebrows and lashes - if not, then Ill be doing stick ons.  ...should look like a hottie!  ha, not.  Ill go for the elizabeth taylor eye brows bc her eyebrows were always so beautiful.  I also have a Jackie O. wig which is synthetic so hopefully I won't catch the place on fire. can you imagine!

 Hope everyone is ok (((STRENGTH)))   ((((HUGS)))   (((NO PAIN)))

josybee

PS73, I know the Taxol causes hair loss, but I don't think the Herceptin does. Did you Dr. give you any written info on these drugs?? My onc gave me papers on each of the drugs,tells you what side affects and other info.

sheila888

Dear glassist

Don't worry be happy, You're not alone. I was 8 months post menopausal when i was diagnosed, since i

wasn't passed the year mark they weren't sure what to do with me. Chemo or no chemo. I ended up getting it.

Eye sight has nothing to do with age, its the SE of the chemo.

I am on Femara.

I am sorry you lost your post. That happened to me couple of times.

Be Well and always keep your sense of humor. Thats what helped me a lot.

I know once you turn 50 Dr's like to blame your age for your symptoms. Ha Ha Ha!!!!!!!!!!

 Sheila

sheila888

Joni2, You last post was on august 5.

WHERE ARE YOU???????

 Sheila

jewlls

well just been for my wbc check and ok for 2nd treatment 2m, hair coming out fast now got to stage where i need to shave its too upsetting to watch and very messy on a down note due to prob with pain in hand and probs trying to locate veins ive to have a Hickman line put in b4 3rd chemo:( just watched a vid of one being inserted and was scarey as will be awake.

hope everyone is doin ok and no bad se

luv to all

xxx

PS73

HI gals would anybody like to join me in giving two big virtual hugs and raised glasses to Joanne who will be completing her FINAL AC tomorrow and to Connie who will be completing her FINAL AC on Monday!!!! 

Stay strong sisters, will be thinking of you both xoxoxoxo

MaineCoonKitty

Congratulations, ladies!  Job well done.  I am just starting my chemo journey tomorrow and you give me hope that I can get through it with as much style and grace as you have.

stef58

Hey everybody, Hope all is going weill. I also will be completing A/C tomorrow. Everyone can get this done. I know that  every chemo has been different, some bad the last one very good hardly any SE's.  I am hope this TX is the same as last. Have a life that I want to live,so I have decided that it will come first then cancer. We all need to keep fighting and living life to the fullest. MaineCoon Kitty, you will do it, if I can anybody can. Hugs Dianne

PS73

Congrats Dianne!!!! 

eliz46

Hi everyone. 2nd chemo down 2 to go .feels good to be moving alone, i won't be getting the nalasta shot this round ..my bc were 20 after first chemo than 40 after nalasta shot than 20 after that .the onco said i dont need it. i was having alot of undue bone pain. in very strange places .my hip my neck, my shoulder and than my ankle got puffy, all is well so far. i didnt have many se the first time .just got tired quickly.my job is wonderful .....they can't believe i am having chemo and still working,  people just dont understand chemo is so different now. i have went and bought a whole bunch of really nice scarves. i still have hair rather thin on top but alot by my ears and the lower neck line ......i have also recieved my head scarf from laura erickson its beautiful......they even signed the card from every worker ...I am such an empowered woman now i feel wonderful to have all of you here with me, my life is changed forever....i was married for 24 years and have always been the head of household. my ex has finally sign my divorce paper . its been 3 years in the waiting and he left me for my girlfiend lol.......well good things do come from bc  you meet wonderful woman and it changes you life forever. we all are making it through this with flying color.......

mnikityger

Way to go Joanne, Connie, and Stef.  You all make the rest of us realize that we really will make it.  Thank You..      Hope everyone is doing well.  What great strong women this journey will have made us.     MGBA 

pdaw

glassist - Here to another post-menopausal woman!  I turned 54 in March.  I wondered about the wine - but can never remember to ask.

Congrats Joanne, Connie & Diane-  you girls must have been on every 2 weeks treatment.  I began July 2 and have 3rd treatment on Thursday.

hopingforacure845

Karen, like pdaw, my mom's treatment #2 was also better than #1 (AC). Cutting back on the decadron really helped her a lot; hopefully your doctor will tweak your medications based on how you felt last time, and that should help. Treatment 2 was also nice because my mom knew what to expect this time and was a little more relaxed about everything.

PS73, thanks for your response about my mom changing doctors. I completely agree with you. And btw, I love your biography on your member profile. So cute!

Joanne, Dianne, Connie, thinking of you all- congrats on the AC milestone! Let us know how it goes! Fingers are crossed for minimal SE's and I'm so proud of how far you've come.

Sally, congrats on your wedding anniversary! Hope your side effects aren't too bad when you get to see your family this week!

Thinking of everyone this week- those with treatment and those with the week off. Hope the side effects are minimal- as crummy as they are, they are evidence that the chemo is doing its job.

My mom has #3 AC tomorrow, which will be nice to get OVER with! Unfortunately she won't let me go with her, so I am a little bummed as I really don't want her to be alone. I got my wisdom teeth out today and the pain meds make me really sleepy and out of it so she prefers that I stay home and heal- ugh, I'd so much rather be with her!! After chemo, she has her genetic counseling appointment and will get tested for BRCA mutations. She's pretty nervous but my dad is going to that appointment with her. Please keep her in your prayers- you beautiful women are all in mine. Lots of hugs!

KarenVW

A BIG CONGRATS to Stef, Connie and Joanne!  And raise your glasses in a toast ladies . . .

I did ask about drinking during chemo and the nurses in my oncs office said "The doctors are not going to tell you to not drink at all because they know you need to live your life.  But if you do drink alcohol, drink lots of water before and after."  When I asked what the issue was with drinking alcohol, they said dehydration.  Obviously, if you drink, you don't want to drink alot, but it sounds like one or two once in a while won't hurt (if your stomach can handle it).

White929

Hello Triple J's!!!

Sorry I haven't visited but I've been so busy!  Started a chocolate peanut cluster business at the European Market they have in our town on Saturdays...first one this Saturday..wish me luck!

Also, have a lead on a new job....Accupunture Assistant....going from financial services......might be fun!

I have been feeling so well lately that I forget about the BC sometimes.  I am truly fortunate and am sorry to hear about all the SE's you all are having. 

I have treatment #3 this Thursday...then one more to go....woo hoo!!!!!!!!

Hope all of you have better days ahead...keep your chins up!!!

sheila888

I noticed there is an older women with BC forum. But you have to be older.I checked they are little strict about this age thing. I don't need any stress.

Glassist... pdaw... and myself we are mature women !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Be Well

 Sheila

Eph3_12

No longer MIA-after the AC decided to break during our hot spell, my mini-vacation was scheduled to begin.  My DD & her friend & I went camping to the N. Ca. coast for a few days.  Had a pretty good time, but my energy level was less than I had hoped.  The teens pretty much had the time of their lives cause I couldn't keep up.  I hung out at the campsite.  It was supposed to be cool, damp & nice; instead it was cool & damp till about 10AM & then it was HOT-I didn't take proper clothes/hats-ended up burning the bald!!!!  Home now to slow working 'puter & still no AC & temperature rising again! 

Round #2 of T/C much harder on me!  Not looking forward to Aug 20.  To top it off, we are having an exchange student @ the start of the school year (just for 10 days-PTL).  Orientation for that little exercise is - yes- Aug 20th.  & the day the students arrive-Sept 10-T/C #4!  Oh well, it is what it is!!

BTW Loved the tat your daughter got, eliz!!! and I want to see everyone's creativity-either post your site addresses for everybody or PM me plz!!!!!

Joni2

   

  

PauldingMom

Linda- I've read on here that others have tried pot, but my biggest concern besides the law is what the heck else is in there? Unless you are growing it yourself you have no idea what someone else has done with it before it got to you.

Hopingforacure-On the Braca-it's just a simple blood test so not to worry your Mom to much about the procedure. You may want to double check with insurance as the cost is between $3000 and $5000 dollars. We were blessed that our insurance picked almost all of it and the resulsts were negative which means, I can't blame my MOM!! LOL but the most important part is that my beautiful daughters can't get it for me. I was told that they have possibly located another gene and I should be retested in a couple years (Braca 3?)

Seyla-My Mom Sally Mae is "Mature" too, but you wouldn't know it by the way she acts.

My sis is coming tonight! I can count on no sleep for the next several days but I know she will keep my mind off my next Chemo on the 17th, so no sleep is fine with me. Then Mom and Dad are coming. Looking forward to the house being full again. 

DeniseM808

Linda - Pot. There is a pharmiceutical pill form that your oncologist can prescribe. Avoid street drug versions because dealers frequently sell "enhanced" pot. Additions to the mix can be anything from meth to lsd to cocaine. Risky.     PT. If at all possible get a referral to a PT specializing in assisting BC survivors. My PT is fab. Helps with range of motion, strength, scar tissue mobilization, etc. Funny, didn't even think there was that much of loss. Certainly not too noticable in most day-to-day activities.

HopingForACure - You're such a wonderful daughter. Your mom is blessed! She may be nervous about the BRCA result for additional reasons beyond the stress of yet another test. It's something you should discuss with her though. I also submitted my blood sample for the BRCA on July 20th and still awaiting results. Wishing you and your mom the best. Continue as you've done; you're a great support for her!

Update - AC + Avastin/placebo session #2 tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. continuing hair loss since Monday; shaved head on Tuesday. Time to go to sleep. 

Wishing each of you wellness and healing hugs!

DeniseM

glassist

Chemo brain is alive and well in my head!  SallyMae - I told you our anniversary # would be 54.  NOT!  That's how old I will be next March (what day in March is yours PDAW?)  My anniversary # this month is 34!  Yes, I was a baby when I married - but it stuck!  Fuzzy Fuzzy brain.

Sheila and PDAW - I like the sound of "mature" rather than "older".  Or better yet "experienced"!

I asked my onc about wine yesterday and he said it was perfectly acceptable.  Up to 1 glass per day.  Even on chemo.  I know there's lots of days when the thought of it sounds awful, but it's nice to know we can enjoy a glass when we feel like it.

Marijuana - I think there's only about 10 states that recognize (and allow) medicinal marijuana.  More research and legislation is currently being done in others.

sheila888

PauldingMom- I made a boo-boo forgetting Sally Mae

glassist- mature and experienced women it sounds very nice to me too.

Joni2-Welcome back. I feel sorry to those mosquitoes who sucked your chemo blood during your camping trip.

Sally Mae- I am glad you're doing okay. Welcome to mature and experience site. Ha Ha !!!!!!!!!

If i missed anybody just join the club.

<<<<< Hugs  >>>>> Sheila

PS73

Kim, congrats on the new business, sound yummmmmmmyyyy. Do you deliver to NJ?

Good luck Joni2, something good will come out of the exchange student's visit I am sure of it - maybe in their lives or yours.  Im a believer now.

I asked my breast surgeon about the BRCA 3/4/5 gene mutation.  I was told by a Dr. at Johns Hopkins that this is a genetic mutation which is linked to melanoma/ovarian/breast/colorectal and pancreatic.  She said that in two years it should be available for testing as it's still experimental.  I found nothing on the internet on it and my dr promises to get back to me after she speaks with the BRCA guy (she texted him yesterday in my presence).  Ill definitely share the info along when I recieve it.  My uncle died of Melanoma and there is absolutely no BC in my family so I am really wanting to find this out.  I promise to post all info I get from her. 

Be well everyone.  xo Meghan

lorijo1993

PS73, I would be very intrested in to melanoma and BC info, I had melanoma 20 years ago< first dx in my family then Mom had it, and I am the only one in my family ever with BC

Thanks, Lori

Jayne_in_UK

Hello Triple J's. I hope you are all having a good week

SallyMae congratulations on 51 years of marriage!

Glassist I am post menopausal too, another mature, experienced woman , so you are definitely not alone! I was in a clinical trial that involved taking arimidex for a week before surgery and a week after. When I finish chemo I will have rads, then some form of hormone therapy but not sure what yet. Regarding the wine, my chemo nurse told me if I feel like having a glass of wine I should go ahead and have one. Some of the time I just don't fancy it, but around week 3 of my 3 week cycle I sometimes do have a glass and enjoy it. Congratulations on your anniversary too!

Linda I had lymph nodes removed with my mastectomy and I did have reduced movement in that arm for a while. One of the nurses gave me a series of exercise leaflets, one for while I still had drains in, an intermediate and an advanced one. I did these exercises several times every day and gradually the movement returned.  None of them involved weights and I still haven't really got back to using weights, although I am moving and lifting things pretty much as normal now, 3 months post surgery. I think it is important not to do too much too soon in order to try to avoid lymphedema. I also have a tissue expander in and it hurt to sleep on that side at first, I can lie on that side for a short time now although the bit where they put the fills in digs into me after a while.

PauldingMom that Turkey Hill Mojito sounds good. I'll see if I can find some.

Congratulations Dianne, Joanne and Connie on completing your AC!

Kim glad to hear you are doing so well. Chocolate peanut clusters yummy! Hope it goes well for you on Saturday.

I had my 3^rd and final FEC this morning, next I will have 3 rounds of taxotere, then I will be done with chemo. Hooray!

Hugs to all. xoxoxo