Chemo Starting Sep 09
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Hi All:
The port placement went very well. They gave me propofol to knock me out, you know, the Michael Jackson drug. That is all I could think, you're giving me the drug that killed Michael Jackson. Ha.. Anyway, I'll be starting my first treatment tomorrow. Yes, it's fast, but they said they could give me a treatment the day they put my port in. I said, no way! I'm in enough pain already. Really, just a soreness on my neck. Really bruised though.
Vickilynn - 4 to 5 hours? Wow. They said about maybe 3 for me. It will feel like 4-5 hours. I hope it went well for you today. I'm thinking of ya. Isn't it great we spell our names correctly - not "Vikki" nor "Vicky" but VICKI. Yay!!
Wigs: Ugh, another journey to look for. (I don't want to scare my kiddies at school when I get back) I have been searching on Paula Young. They are cheaper than other sites. My hair dresser told me to go on there, get about a shoulder length wig and then she can style it and cut it for me. I bought some do rags from the interent as well, kind of bikerish with skull and bones, snake skin and a tie dye one for around the house. They're comfy when I wore it this weekend, but then I got really hot because I still have my hair! lol.
My school started today without me, such a bummer. I am an elementary principal and chose to take a medical leave and in the interim, my friend and former colleague came out of retirement to take over the helm for me while I beat this thing. Such a dear man to me! I'm blessed that I have the sick time to do this because I know I would be sicker if I didn't - the stress is too much.
A slogan. Hmm Super Sensuous September Scorpions? I was thinking "succubus" but that is really deamonic. (Too much Charmed on TNT) Oh, come on, laugh. You're laughing, I know it!!
Later - Vicki
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Okay Vicki, your right I am laughing! I am glad your port placement went well, and I will be thinking of you tomorrow. I am so glad you have a trusted person to leave your school to. I am the assistant director of an early childhood education program for homeless and low income kids, and I know how hard it is to trust someone with your kiddos. I have a lot of time available, but I just took 6 weeks off for surgery, and I have no one I can trust to do my job so I am going to try and tough it out and work through as much as possible. I am going to look at wigs from ACS, and try to use those when there isn't another option. I am not a wig girl, but I have the same concern about not wanting to freak the kids out. I don't know I guess I will figure it out as I go.
I had a call today and they changed my start date to the 10th, so I won't be having my own personal 9/11. My husband can't go with me that day and he is really bummed. I have a good friend going though, and it will be fine. I also found out that my insurance has a 20% deductible that I wasn't aware of, YIKES!
Vickilynn- I hope all is well with you, you were in my thoughts all day today!
BarbAnne- Thank you for the connection to franceluxe. Oh my goodness, what a nice company! I spoke to the lady, who I assume is the founder, and she was so sweet. I actually cried on the phone with her, (blush). It was just so nice to have somebody who doesn't even know me want to be nice and help take care of me in such a personal way. I picked a head wrap that I think is lovely, and it was really the highlight of what otherwise could have been a crappy day.
All right my September Sisters, I hope you are all well, and I will look forward to hearing from you soon.
Love,
Susan
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Dear Sisters of September After a glitch with the port (evidently a small clot) and some extra time flushing it out) the actual process started. First they withdrew blood through the port, then i waited, then there was the anti-nausea stuff, followed by the A (red) for about 15 minutes, then the C.
I was really surprised that I did not feel badly during the treatment at all. The time was longer than most and I didn't get out for over 6 hours because of the glitch above. They also must have mixed up my blood results becuase they said my protein and calcium and potassium levels were way too low - like someone just ending chemo. The one nurse thought to go ahead and re-rest at the end, and they couldn't get enough blood, so did it through the vein. the test came out just fine.
Just a reminder for you - if something they say doesn't sound right, have them check again ---- otherwise, they would have orderd a push of potassium for me which would have made me quite sick since my potassium is fine! Be Proactive
All that said, the nurses were great. I had it done in a hospital and it wasn't an ideal set up --- 2 rooms and too crowded. 4 recliners in 1 and 2 in the other. I was in the one with 2 and met a woman with ovarian cancer and not in good shape. We chatted off and on and when I tired of chatting or she was having injections going, I put on my headphones and listened to Kenny G or watched a movie. A friend sent us money to buy a 7" DVD/CD player. If you can afford it - it was well worth it.
You can get up and walk around during the treatment - like to the bathroom - or the hall. There was a chair where my husband could sit but people waiting for treatments took priority. He was very nervous when the port wasn't working right and they were talking about sending in a doctor or taking me to radiology .... but none of that happened. So he relaxed and was able to leave and then return off and on to check on me.
OH! and all the "pink ladies: are great. You get as many pillows as you want, and nice warm blankets (and I ended up with 2), there's a basket of chocolates and hard candies in the room, they come around with a cart of snacks (V-8, apple juice, peanuts, oreos), and if you bring something to drink, they'll supply you with ice.
I was a bit light-headed and was wheel-chaired out at the end. Got a bit nauseous at night, but took Ativan at 8 pm and again at 12 and woke up feeling good at 8 am. Supposed to take some Zofran or Compazine today.
And don't forget that your urine will be quite orange for a couple days....
All in all, I can say I survived my first chemo treatment, and am working on surviving the next couple days.
I do go back for a Neulasta shot this afternoon (in the back of the arm with a small beesting type needle).
Blessings on you all. I pray that your treatment goes as well as mine first one. It sure helped me to read before going. "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear. Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.... Be still and know that I am God... The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." Psalm 46
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starting chemo next week probably th 10th. TC X4 every 3 weeks. anyone out there startin on the same stuff? i love this site. september sisters if a TERRIFIC name
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Hi All:
I am back home from my first treatment. Great people up here in the Northern NY in Ogdensburg at the Winter Cancer Treatment Center. It was my first time. Went in at 10:00, started my infusion at 11:00, got all the anti-nausea meds. prior to chemo. The nurses were great and my port worked wonderfully. Vickilynn, so sorry to hear about your port. After 20 minutes of pre-meds, I had cytoxan first. That took about 20 minutes to go in. Then they had to push in the adriamycin through my i.v. That took about 10 minutes to push that into the hose. Looked nasty. Then they flushed my port and I was ready to go. I advise that you drink liquids, water, throughout. You want to flush your system. I am a little light headed and very tired. I too go back tomorrow to get my shot for white blood counts, what is it neulasta? It's very expensive and they were asking me since my husband is a doctor if I wanted to check with my insurance, sign it out, and have him give me the shot. I declined and will have them do it and not go through all that stuff insurance. Plus, that shot is like over 4k. Forget about it.
My nurses were great. They are a great bunch of ladies, very caring. I already told my sis in Egypt to get a bunch of beautiful textiled scarves for them for presents. I am blessed with this center. It's awesome. I am wishing that you all have wonderful people to care for you. It's important to have someone with you. My husband was with me, stepped out to the store to get the groceries and was back and I was finished. It's nerve wracking at first, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 1 down, 7 to go for me. Hang in there sistas and fight the good fight!
Here is a quote from Christopher Robin to Pooh that one of my early childhood teachers sent me today:
"Promise me you'll always remember... You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
Keep the promise!
Vicki
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Hey Susan- I am so glad the franceluxe worked out so well. Yes they are very nice, and I was really touched by her generosity and care. Getting the package in the mail is also fun to. I don't blame you for crying-I think I could use one, but I have spent too much time being "just fine" to let down.
Vicki-you crack me up-I love the Scorpions part it makes us sound like fighters.
VickiLynn I am so happy your first round went well, and I really hope the rest go as well. Thank you for the play-by-play it is comforting to hear someone else's story. You are right about being proactive, and I am glad you weren't given potassium. I had to have a couple bags back in March when I was hospitalized for anemia and it hurts like crazy going in. They always lace it with Lidocaine to ease the pain but it is still there. None of the nurses could explain why it hurts going it it just does.
Hope all you September sisters are well.
Barbara
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Barbara: I liked the Scorpion part too because of fighting. Thought "succubus" was a little risque?
OMG, I got on that France Luxe website, clicked on the Good Wishes link on the right and wrote my email. Laurie emailed me back in 2 minutes, walked me through what to do, and wants to spread the word. So ladies - Go on the France Luxe website and do the Good Wishes email to Laurie Erickson. She's AWESOME!! Thanks for the tip Barbara. I am going to take her info. to my center and share. Have a good night all. Thinking of yas,
Vicki
BTW, Laurie just emailed me back and is sending me the scarf. How Awesome is that!?
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Hi BarbAnne, The other thread is Starting Chemo Sept 09. A lovely bunch of gals on that one too!
Neece
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I am sitting here crying...you ALL share my inner, and outer thoughts. Can you believe something so awful can bring out such loving help for each other!! I have to say that I laughed over pre-chemo SEs! I was going through exactly the same thing!! Vickilynn...you have been in my thoughts and prayers ALL DAY today, as well as with my family, who has come to know all of you quite well! I'll be in your chair tomorrow a.m....doing the tc w/herceptin. They told me at the get go it would be 7:30 - 2:30..taking into account the blood test, xray, and then chemo. Thank goodness there is room for visitors..it makes me sad there was none for you Vickilynn, although seriously, I would probably choose to just nap (while hubby will listen to ipod or read). I did get a wig through my treatment center (although it needs to be styled) but I went to a wig shop and tried on about 15 styles (with my 33 yr. old daughter). I put one on that seriously looked exactly like my hairstyle (before the chemo cut!). They were about $250 and my insurance will cover it (they think). However, I looked on the website of the wig company and that particular one was $80!! It wouldn't need to be styled. I may get it just to have on hand. I've never worn anything on my head (and I live in Seattle..rain doesn't bother me!), so I'm a bit uncomfortable with anything covering my head...aside from hair, that is! You all sound so adventuresome with hats (my daughter got me the same newsboy hat from Target!), and scarves that I just may do it! Anyway...my love and support to all of you...even from afar. I'll let you know how tomorrow goes. My dr. didn't think I'd need a port...I started getting really nervous about not having it...so tomorrow is all in the veins, but next week on herceptin day, they will put a port in. I'll then have a week to heal before the next infusion. SO MUCH TO LEARN
LOVE TO ALL & SWEET DREAMS! -
OMG...I totally missed your last postings VLDAY and VICKILYNN!!!! YOU ARE ROCK STARS!!! I went directly to the bottom. I can't believe you posted right after treatments. You were so strong. Thank you, and I'm praying that you continue to feel well...your spirits lift me up!
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vicki
I am so glad your first treatment was ok, i think mine will be next thursday. Is the cytoxan a pill or is it in the IV? I am hooked on reading about all the the wonderful woman on this site. It is so comforting reading everyone's stories. It makes me feel less alone. Thank you to everyone for telling your expierences!
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Hello to all of my September Sisters! I am so proud of all of you brave ladies. Your postings are delightful to me, and make going through all of this so much less lonely.
Vicki, and Vickilynn you are ROCK STARS!!!!! Thank you for sharing your experiences. It makes it so much more real, but in a good way. To know that your experiences, while not perfect, are successful.
RonnieKay, you go girl! I will be thinking of you today, and sending warm hugs to Seattle.
Positiveme, I start T/C next Thursday too, so we will sort of be treatment twins. I think the Cytoxin goes in the IV. I take it you don't have a port. I don't have one, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. What type of surgery have you had? I hope all is well with you!
Take care ladies!
Susan
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Denverdiva
On 7/27 i had R masec with recon and doing really well. The results are Great. I don't have a port but will talk to the dr. today i have an appt. this afternoon. My veins are not great but would prefer to use them instead of a port due to the chance of infection. I'm pretty nervous about the reactions to the chemo when it is going in. I am hoping to start Thrus. if there is time available. I'm trying for Thrus. afternoons because I only work 3 hours on Friday's so i would only use a small amout of sick time. I used 4 weeks after surgery and then went back full time. I am a finance account clerk and sit at a desk most of the time. I have all the September sisters in my prayers and will be checking in with everyone as often as I can. I'm going shopping with my Mom, sister and daughter(15) Tues. for some scarfs. I'm not really intrested in wigs. So I hope the scarfs look ok. One day at a time and before we blink hopefully Nov will be here. Take care!
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Susan and positiveme = May I please be your other sistah? I start T/C x 4 next week as well - wednesday. I am having a port put in tomorrow. Not happy bout it but onc says the T drug (sorry, at a blank for name) is tough on the veins. Dont let that scare you if you dont have a port - we and our docs are all different. Thanks again, Susan for sending me here. You ladies are a hoot !! I am actually laughing - been balling all morning. Where do we go to look for scarves ? Anywhere? Walmart, Dillards? Have to be specifically for our heads? OK Im a bit ding dongy but I just took a Xanax. Just got my oncodx score on tuesday (24) and already doing port friday - so Im a little outta it. LOL !! All of you sound so caring and strong and sweet. I am hoping to join this club.
Oh BTW, positiveme, yes both drugs are IV and they take about 3 hours to do everything I was told. Again, things could be different.
Yes, you gals that have posted after TX - you go girl - and thanks for the play by play. Very heartfelt and helpful. I am so very scared. Very scared. Thought the worst was over. I had R MX w/ recon and L lift and reduct July 28th. All of you have helped me since DX - June - and I just want to say thanks.
Lets tackle this together ? Hope ya let me in !
((hugs))
Gma - Toni
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RyelisGMA
WOW we have alot incommon. My R masec with recon was done on the 28th also. I will ask about the the taxotere hurting my veins and see what the dr. says this afternoon. I am going to a boutique that is in a medical center in NJ. Ask your onc dr. or plastic surgeon where to go they have alot of info. I would be proud to have you as a sistah. Sharing this info means the would to me. Mentally I am still with it but next week will be a different story. I have to think everything will be fine and hope for the best possible. Chemo sucks but alittle poison to hopefully save my life I take my chances. Keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers.
Chat with everyone soon! Keep on Keepin on
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RyelisGMA
WOW we have alot incommon. My R masec with recon was done on the 28th also. I will ask about the the taxotere hurting my veins and see what the dr. says this afternoon. I am going to a boutique that is in a medical center in NJ. Ask your onc dr. or plastic surgeon where to go they have alot of info. I would be proud to have you as a sistah. Sharing this info means the would to me. Mentally I am still with it but next week will be a different story. I have to think everything will be fine and hope for the best possible. Chemo sucks but alittle poison to hopefully save my life I"ll take my chances. Keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers.
Chat with everyone soon! Keep on Keepin on
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Hello Ladies:
Well, made it through the first night. Was awake most of it because the have me on decadron which is a steroid, so I was just a buzzing. I had a good morning ate, too all of my cocktail anti-nausea meds and drove myself to get my neulasta shot. (That is to boost your white blood cell counts) Fast, in and out in 5 minutes.
Postiveme: Cytoxan is through the i.v. I know you may be leary with a port, but it is so much easier having on. They flush it out all the time, and it's easy for them to take blood out for all those blood tests. Talk seriously with your dr. because if your veins are bad, it's not fun.
Toni: I know how you feel. I was scared to to go through this part. Just started yesterday. The operation for me was so easy compared to this. Hang in there and your family and friends will get ya through it.
Ciao to you all.
Vicki
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Hello Sisters,
Toni, I am so glad you have joined us! You should try going to www.franceluxe.com and clicking on the good wishes link. They are so nice and they have beautiful head wraps, and they will send you one free. You, I and Positiveme are treatment triplets. But it sounds like you are the identical two, and I am fraternal. I had bilat mast, and TRAM reconstruction on 7/14, and I have ILC instead of IDC. We are all so different and yet we have this one scary thing in common.
Vicki, I am so glad you are up and around today. That is encouraging. I hope all will be good for me without the port. It does seem easier to have one in a way, but I don't think they do them as readily here. I guess we will see how the first treatment goes. I have also heard that Taxotere is hard on the veins. We shall see.
Have a happy day!
Susan
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Dear Sisters,
Yesterday (day after chemo) went pretty well... I took all the suggested meds, ate small meals, got my Neulasta shot (bee sting in the arm) and drank lots of fluids. This morning was a little different. I took one bite of my usual unflavored, unsweetened applesauce and couldn't spit it out fast enough!!! you know how they tell you the taste of food may change??? Well it sure did this morning! So breakfast was gingerale and graham crackers for me. It worked. I'm a bit achey today - probably from the neulasta (which makes your bones produce more white cells) but I am upright and glad to be reading all about all of you.
I found scarves at Target and a friend brought me some in a Victoria Secret bag but I don't know if she got them there. Online there are some GREAT sites. I did contact the Francelux one yesterday - www.tzinius is a good one too. Plus they show you how to tie them.
Not looking forward to losing my hair, but it's less stressful when you're prepared I think... play around with the scarves and hats... My husband really likes the looks of the silky scarves and so do I. Find a friend who is good with scarves and have them help you : )
Back to bed for me today!
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Thank you Neece-wow that is a long thread!
Kudos to you Vicki and VickiLynn you guys are amazing and an inspiration!
Toni-make sure to try franceluxe for your free "head hug" that company is really nice! And welcome to the group-that no one "wants" to join, but the advice and support is really amazing and priceless OK I tried to avoid sounding like a master card commercial but I couldn't help myself. Oh and good luck with your port tomorrow my good vibes are headed your way.
Listening to all your stories makes me want to get my chemo show on the road, but I have my forced break after radiation. The anticipation and pre-chemo tests are driving me crazy!
Positive Me and Ronnie Kay, welcome to this really nice group of people-at least we are all in this together.
Take care September Sisters-you are in my thoughts!!
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To all you sweet gals-
Thanks for your welcome and tips and well wishes. I send them straight back to you w/ the gentlest of hugs.
I will most definetely look into francelux but tried the other tzinius web site and it wasnt recognized. I probably spelled it wrong.
Found out if I do the chemo at my docs I will have a $1000 co-pay (medicare only) OUCH ! So I will go to the hospital and have the infusion. Heck, I guess Im just ready to start and get it over with. Scared drawers and all (if ya know what I mean, LOL)
The sweetest of dreams, the restfulness nights possible and all the thoughts and hugs to you all. I will check in this weekend after my port.
Always - Toni
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Try www.Tzinius.com with a capital T... I had to use the hospital chemo center and am glad I did. The nurses are great... the "pink ladies" friendly and helpful, and the hospital is right there if needed : ) There are advantages!
Still feeling pretty icky this evening but was able to eat a red baked potato --- with just butter and salt. It settled well.
Prayers for you all.
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All of my dear September Sisters, I appreciate you so much. I don't have any real sisters, so having all of you is like a silver lining in this whole mess.
Toni, I hear you about the costs. I got a call yesterday to tell me that my deductible for chemo is 20%. Each treatment costs almost $4500.00. I nearly passed out. The only good thing is that the deductible has a maximum of $2000.00 per year, and I will finish in December, so it won't start over next year. I know I shouldn't complain, at least I have insurance that will take care of most of my treatments. It just comes as a shock. My oldest daughter just started college, and my younger daughter is in her senior year of high school. We are doing senior pictures, and ordering the cap and gown and announcements as well as applying to colleges. You all know how that goes. My son is just 13, but he has his needs too. This just wasn't planned and budgeted for. Like anyone would plan to have cancer! I would rather be spending the money on my kids. It would really help buy my college girl a car, or help towards all of the other expenses.
Okay, okay, thanks for listening to my whinny rant. I appreciate it.
Now let me just say, you are all in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope you all have a restful night and a beautiful tomorrow.
Hugs,
Susan
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Susan - Cant believe it ! I also have no real sisters - or brothers for that matter. I am an only child and I am adopted. We just keep getting closer and closer to twins. Even if you are a little fraternal
VLynn- So glad you are keepin your tater down. Your So Strong ! Thanks for updtae on website. I will try that tomorrow.
Night Night and off to surg in the morning !
Thanks girls, I promise Ill stop buggin you now. Oh,Susan, know exactly what you mean about budgeting for cancer ! We are still paying for our daughters med bills (w/ her help but...) you sound like an awesome mom. Im sure your fam appreciates you to the fullest.
Goodnight,
Toni
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To All of My Dear September Sisters:
I DID IT! Went in at 7:30 - was out at 4:30 today...finally, first treatment's over! Everything about it was positive...I feel the sun was shining on me (even though it rained and I was 15 minutes late due to people in Seattle having trouble with the 1st rain of the season!). Had my blood test, chest xray, meeting with my radiation oncologist (just to check the brachytherapy sites), ekg, meeting with oncologist and her nurse and patient manager...then off to my room for drugs! Had Herceptin first, over 90 min, because since it has a tendency to have SEs they send it slowly. From now on, it should take about 30 minutes. Then came taxotere, about 90 min, and the funny thing is that I felt tingling in my lumpectomy site. The nurse said it's very common and takes it as a sign that it's working! Then the cytoxan...felt absolutely nothing. I, as well, am on decadron (so I vacuumed until 1:48 a.m. Wed. night!--where has this been all my life), and before chemo started, had tylenol and zofran (iv) for nausea. I drank H20 like a fish!! It was a good thing..the nurse said my veins were very springy! I didn't have a port, as my dr. didn't think necessary. She isn't worried about any of the 3 drugs in my veins. However, I was. After taking to all the nurses, they convinced me and dr. said it was my choice. I'm schedule for it next Friday before herceptin. Now, after having absolutely no problem with the veins, I'm rethinking. So, thanks for reconfirming what I think is probably the best idea. If I'm doing herceptin for the year...probably best to have it. But I hate the thought of the scar on the chest. My husband says it will be a badge of courage...and you all know that's the truth. The courageous women I've come to meet here...I thank God everyday for your heartfelt messages. Funny, my husband asked about the payments today at the patient resource center. I guess all patients are assigned a financial counselor. We have great insurance but at the rate this thing is going...I knew it would be a big chunk of change. I think our yearly out of pocket is $4000....but I try not to get involved in family finances (other than spending!). Tom's retired government (36 years) so it's a bit different than while he was working but our insurance stayed the same, thankfully! Being a high school secretary (and mother of 3 college grads), I so commiserate with the costs of having younger children. It's overwhelming! And I laughed when you said this cancer thing wasn't in the budget! However, my guess is that mom is the highest priority in this budget dilema
I'm feeling great, about ready to get back to bed. Got home at 5 p.m., (Tylenol, Aleve, Prilosec, Decadron) took a nap until 7:30, ate a big dinner. Now took Tylenol and Compazine. I know tomorrow may hold new trials for me, and I have a friend who went through this in February who said potatoes were her best friend! Excited to get the ginger ale....and visit the other sites listed. Thank you all! Vickilynn and Vicki, you were such an inspiration to me, writing on "The Day"...you really helped me enter this with less fear. And all of you who are coming to the next adventure...know that these wonderful people are there to help save your life. I'm overcome with the pure tenderness and care the drs., nurses and all others have shown to us. I had a room to myself, with a chair for hubby, access to a well stocked kitchen, the bathroom across the hall ( I went 4 times during chemo...they also gave me saline, which helped even more to hydrate and cause potty trips!). Off to bed...Love to All of You! (ps...I'm embarrassed that this is all about me, me, me...please know I'm thinking of you, you, you while going through all of this!). -
Hi Friends,
This is my very first post. I wish I had thought to join this a few weeks ago as I've been a psychotic mess lately and it's hard to find someone at 2:00am when my anxieties keep me awake who understands what I am going through.
I'd love to be a part of the "September Sisters" group (well I wish I didn't HAVE to be). I had a bilateral mastectomy 4 weeks ago (my 40th birthday "gift" after my very first routine mammogram..what a shock that was!)
My chemo will start next week (either 9/10 or 9/11 depending on whether I get into a research trial). Hmmm....I just realized next Friday is 9/11...hopefully that's not an omen!
Got my IV port installed last week (on my chest). Is it just me? or is that sucker pretty painful? I thought the pain was worse than the mastectomy! I guess it's because I have no more nerves left in my chest! I'll be on TCH 6x every 3 weeks. If I get into this trial I'll have another drug (Avastin) on top of the TCH. But they have to confirm some of my path tests and then I'll have to see if I'm randomized into the investigational group or the control group.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to making some cyber-friends who can help me through this. It's so very fortunate and unfortunate at the same time that there are so many strong women out there to go through this with.
Much love to all of you!
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Oh my goodness, you ladies rock!!!! I love you all my September Sisters!
Toni- I can't believe you are adopted too! I have one brother who is 11 years older than me, and when he left home, he LEFT home. I haven't seen him in 25 years. I was for all intents and purposes an only child, and my parents both passed away long ago. That's okay, I'll be your sister.
Vicky and Vickylynn- I hope all is well with both of you as you go through the first days post treatment. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
RonnieKay- It is absolutely fine that it is all about you. I may be a Diva, but I understand your need to get it all out! Sister, I am so proud of you!!!! It sounds like you made it through like a pro. I was encouraged to hear what you had to say about having the infusion directly into the vein. I will be there next week, and hope I have as good of an experience as you. And, yes you are right my kids could care less about not having things as long as mom is okay.
Kris- Welcome to the September Sisters. Wish we had met under different circumstances, but we are ready to be your cyber-hand-holding-friends. Take care of yourself!
I hope you are all well and happy and good.
Hugs,
Susan
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RonniKay- Congratulations on making it through your first treatment-you are amazing and brave.
Kris-I read somewhere in these threads that holding a bag of frozen corn, or peas helps ease the pain after port placement-can you use something cold? Oh and welcome.
I had trouble with The tzinus link too is this it though? www.tznius.com
That is the sight I have saved and it has several head wraps and scarves.
Take care all you September sisters
Barbara
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Hi Everyone
Just getting caught up. Went to the dr's yesterday and will have to start Sept. 11 at 1pm due to the Mon. holiday everyone is pushed back one day. My future dates are on Thrus. The next one being Oct 1st and so on. talk to him about a port and he said due to the fact that I only need 4 treatments my veins can handle it. I am glad everyone is doing ok. I am afraid of the decadron side effects but if you all can do it so can I. I value this site more than almost anything right now. I gives me comfort and some understanding when the unknown is scary. Once I have my first treatment alittle of the aniexty will go away. I never really thought about insurance because my husbands insurance covered everthing after 200.00. No one should have to even think about money at a time like this.
Welcome Kris, glad you are with us.
I will keep checking in to see what I'm in for following my first trteatment. I will share my experiences with everyone so I can help if possible with anything for anyone.
Thank you again for helping me through this
Chat with you soon
-
Toni - try www.headcovers.com for more caps hats and lovely wraps. I have ordered a few from them and they are very prompt with delivery.
My first treatment date looms closer - next Wednesday the 10th - so I am feeling more nervous now. It is wonderful to read all the posts from women with such detail about their treatment experiences. I find it really helpful to have some sort of picture in my mind of what to expect.
A friend of mine who has recently gone thru chemo suggested doing a 'chemo ritual' before each treatment - something fun or special just for you - my hubby and I are hoping to go to the movies the night before (something I love to do) . In this way the dreaded date might become a little less of a dark spot on the calendar, I hope.
Must tell you about the generosity of people - my son last week held his 21st birthday party and because I was in no state to do much (actually, anything!) having had my mastectomy just 3 weeks earlier, and my husband is flat out trying to get work done that was neglected while i was on hospital, his girlfriend's family just stepped in and organised the lot of us!Marquee for the backyard, BBQ's , cooked the food, organised the cake... wow. What a wonderful bunch of people. Just goes to show there are some beautiful supportive folks in the world and having bc means you get to know that in very real ways.
Its Sat morning here, a beautiful spring morning in Australia, so am enjoying the sunshine, spring blossoms, birds and gentle breeze. Love and warm hugs to all my Sept sister.
Neece
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