Chemo Starting Sep 09

jadams1264

Hey SOSisters....

I'm not going to try to do individual names this evening.  Glad everyone who posted is doing well and hoping those who haven't posted are having a super weekend and no side effects.  Pamelajo, you are our star comic and we are so glad you are with us!  You make us all smile no matter what we are feeling.  Missing some of our sisters, seems like we haven't heard from some of you for awhile but know you are busy and you will post when you can.

Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jane

Anonymous

Dear Everyone,

You are all great!  I laugh, I cry, I giggle out loud.  Thank you for being the best free therapy ever.  I made it through the whole day, and most of the next day too.  I finally feel pretty good.  Of course that is just in time to go back for the last tx next week.  At least it will be the last.

Catherine, I have had the stingy, weepy eye thing almost all of the time.  I have tried eye drops, and they don't seem to help much.  My eyes just have to water on their own, and after awhile they feel better  for awhile and then it starts over.  I am sure it will improve down the road.  I agree Neece, it makes driving hard.

Pamela, if you are too shy to be on stage you should right a book.  Remember how popular Erma Bombeck's books were?  It could be a combination comedy book/cookbook.  It would be a best seller.  I have the weird sock feeling too, but I have it on the side that didn't have nodes removed.  Maybe mine is for a different reason, I associated it with the reconstruction.  It totally feels like you described.  It really bugs me when I am driving.  Because of the reconstruction that I had my abdomen is numb from my hip bones up including my breasts.  I have some sensation returning, but it is fairly numb.  The joys of bc.

Vickilynn, I am sorry about your earrings.  I would have a hard time with that se.  I LOVE earrings and without hair I rely on them for a fashion statement.  Maybe, they will start doing better soon.  I hope so.

RonniKay, I laughed about your trip to Walmart after your dx, it isn't funny, it just makes me realize that we are all so much alike.  I have spent time shopping just to clear my mind, and found myself in the strangest places.  I am trying not to spend too much, but I admit to indulging in retail therapy from time to time.  My onc also told me not to take extra vitamins beyond a multivitamin, because the antioxidants protect your cells from the damaging effects of the chemo, and could protect the cancer cells too.  You are supposed to just let the stuff damage the cells so that it kills the cancer.

Neece, I love your list of positives.  That is a really good thing to focus on.  I also like how quick I can shower and get ready in the morning.  I am glad you got to visit your friends and family, sorry it wiped you out.  Rest, and feel better.

Barbara, my co-workers have been great this week.  When I got back to work on Thur. there were flowers on my desk, and they made me a loving chain.  A paper chain of love notes, and encouragement.  It is hanging on my mantel now.  Some of the older kids wrote out notes too, and they are very precious.  One little girl wrote, "I feel like crying because you have cancer."  It was all a very sweet sign that they do care about me.  My boss is a bit of another story, but she is caring in her own way.  I think she is just tired of me not being 100%, and she is ready for the old me to be back.  ME TOO.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

China, I think a dude ranch or glamping sounds like a wonderful plan.  I just think you might have more fun in Colorado.  Our mountains are bigger you know.  Sorry Toni.  Seriously, Montana is a lovely state.

To everyone, Onty, Vicki, Toni, Melinda, Mari, and everyone else that my chemotardation is keeping me from remembering right now, I love you and I hope you are feeling good, and enjoying your weekend.

Love,

Susan

BarbAnne41

China- I am so glad you are better. I hope you find something awesome for your 20th. I don't have any ideas though glamping (what a fun word sounds nice) Too bad Toni has been MIA (hope she is OK) she lives in Montana and may have had some good suggestions. Anyhoo I am glad you are better.

Neece and Pamela-That's what we need on the blog..the positives of chemo. I LOVE yours.

mine might be:

One...The ability to eat what I crave without guilt, I use to drive myself crazy with food guilt, now I am just happy to crave something, so I eat and enjoy.

Two...Napping without guilt..can you ladies see a pattern?I feel just happy to nap, and fully justified..no guilt.

Three..learning to accept help from others..I have always been the little engine that could and now I sometimes just have to say "OK will you help me get this done? And I have also learned not to worry (at least too much) about how it gets done, but just to  be thankful it is.

I don't get boobies though..jealous Pamela, oh jealous

Jane I am glad you are up to reading and posting a bit, hope it is nice in NC it is a rare warm and sunny weekend here in MI.

Well I am going to go eat something I crave without guilt woo hoo!!!

Best Weekend wishes to all the sisters

Barbara

BarbAnne41

Susan-looks like you and I were typing at the same time!

I am so glad you have such nice people around you, the chain sounds wonderful! Bosses can be that way. I also got flowers at work last week, the woman who gave them to me said I deserved something nice. It's funny I never think about this as oh pity me, I just think, Oh I need to do this.

I am glad you are doing well and I thought the same thing when I took a walk tonight. Hey I feel really good, just in time for TX next Tuesday. 

By the way you said your last one, does that mean you are on to radiation?

Take Care

Barbara

hbowser

Hi, All. I hope everyone is doing well and for those who are not, I'm praying for you. First Taxol tx went well on Thursday and woke up yesterday feeling pretty good. I felt good enough to do some shopping, take a walk and even clean out the refrigerator! Today wasn't too bad, but feeling some aches and pain in my legs this afternoon and evening. Some of the meds. the onc. prescribed was denied by my prescription plan, which I don't understand. It is to help with bone aches (I think it is used by arthritis sufferers). They will approve powerful narcs. but not this; unbelievable.

Susan, I see that you are in Golden, CO. What a beautiful area you live in. My BIL and his family live in Denver. Every Thanksgiving for the past two years, my husband's older brother and family, his mom, and we've gone out there for a visit. My onc. said cross-country travel (I am in MD) during this time of the year was not a good idea, so this year I will not be going.:( I have convinced my husband to still go out and visit and he has decided to go when he knew my sister was coming to take care of me while he is gone.

Chinablue, I am glad that your bladder infection is clearing up and planning your 20th anniversary trip sounds like fun. I hope you continue to feel better.

Neece and Barbara, your list of positives made me laugh. Thanks for sharing them.

Everyone, enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Holly

vickilynn

Other positive things about chemo...

1)  Several "age" spots have disappeared!  New skin everywhere... and very soft.

2)  Nobody expects me to do anything for Thanksgiving except come!!  (It will be at our son and DIL's place with I think about only 15 of us).

Still dealing with these "zingy" pains --- and unfortunately they've gotten quite powerful.  I think they may have to adjust the chemo again.  I think because the chemo is based on weight and I'm overweight, they just give me too much for what my body actually needs.  With the A/C they had to reduce it by 10% because of my SEs, so maybe they'll have to do the same with the Taxol.

DH is doing better each day as he gets rid of those kidney stone fragments.  We are celebrating 37 year anniversary on Wed!.  We don't have anything planned (tx is on Tues so I'm not sure I'll even feel like eating out - but we likely will).

One-sided mast. and I know the sock feeling - I think it's because it's numb under there.  No new one for me either : (  but I'm getting quite used to my fake one.  The other breast is half numb... so odd. 

have a blessed Sunday.

Vickilynn

chinablue

37 years!!!!!!  That is fantastic.  Celebrate it the best you can.

Sending love. 

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters...  I have debated whether I want to share my weekend but thought if I can't share with you.... yesterday went for my standing hair appt (every 5 wks) but since I have no unpigmented hair to color I decided on a facial.  It was wonderful, relaxing and I floated out of the salon feeling great!  On the way home, radio station played "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and there I was driving down the road bawling like a baby.  Why?  Chemoretardation is my only answer.  Today celebrating my daug. b'day we are having lunch at Outback, having a good time when nose starts running.  I'm prepared, always have the tissue, but this was a nosebleed.  Such a enjoyable event for the birthday lunch.  Needless to say I have just been bummed and tomorrow it's back to work and I'm still tired and yada yada.... sorry but I"m so tired of this mess!  Okay I've whined....

Catherine  - how are the eyes, are you rested and feeling better?  I hope so!

China Blue - glad antibiotics worked.  Your plans for your 20th sound like fun.  Maybe they would like to host all of us at the dude ranch next August/Sept?

Vickilynn - glad your txt went well!  Still feeling good?  Yes, countdowns are good and I keep telling myself only 3 more "bad" chemos!  My hubby & I will celebrate 31 years on the 22nd.  That's on Sunday after "bad" chemo on Thurs., I'm thinking I'm not going to be up for dinner out but am going to try my best to go and be fun.  

BarbAnne41 - we will rooting for you on Tuesday.  No side effects...no side effects...can you feel us all chanting?  You know we will be sending you positive vibes.  I will also be down for the count Thanksgiving week but we've made plans around it.  Yes, it has been beautiful here this weekend, sunshine and high 60's - my kind of weather.

Neece - I will gladly help pay the excess baggage charge for Pamelajo's cookies.  I have been racking my brain for positives of chemo and mine is it's killing the da*n cancer!  I'm sure that I will come up with something more lighthearted but that's it for now.

Pamelajo - okay no bandaids, see how you keep us all in line?  I agree that we definitely need a Pamelajo receipe section and I could see you writing a book.  You do have a way with the words!

Susan - isn't it great to work with wonderful people?  Sounds like you have a great team of coworkers.  Last treatment this week, I am so happy for you and so jealous!  I hope it goes very smooth with no side effects...  We will be chanting for you also.  Glad your feeling better and hope you have had a great weekend.

Holly - glad your Taxol went well.  How are you feeling now?  Aches & pains better?

Okay, I know I haven't mentioned everyone but I'm thinking of you!  Hope everyone has a good Monday, will check in later.  Back to work for me tomorrow (oh joy).  Take care and remember my thoughts & prayers are with you.

Jane

Anonymous

Hello All,

I hope that the lack of activity on this thread today is a positive indication of a great weekend for all.  I baked for a church group, banana bread, and chocolate cinnamon cake with fudge icing.  I thought there would be leftovers for my family and of course for you all, but no dice.  They ate it all up.  I came home and made my low-fat brownie recipe, haven't tried them yet, but will report back when I do.  The recipe was kind of fun to make.

Jane, I am sorry about the weepies, and the nose bleed.  Not fun at all.  I can't believe tomorrow is already Monday and a work day.  If you don't feel good can you take time off?  I have been trying to just take it as easy as possible lately.  I hope you have a great week.

Vickilynn, I love your list of positives.  I get the zingy pains too.  I get them mostly in my hands, stronger still in my fingers, but I also get them in my feet and toes.  They are worse if my shoes are tied too tight, or if I have my hands in the same position too long.  It also happens when I am typing, but I don't let that stop me.  I think it is neuropathy(sp?).  They say that it usually goes away, so I am hoping...  My nails are also changing and look kind of funky.  The thumbs are the worst, but they all seem to have a bluish/blackish cast at the base.  Congrats on your wedding anniversary, 37 years is quite an accomplishment.

Jane, you too on the anniversary front, staying married is hard work!  I've been married to my DH for 23 years, more than half my life.

Barbara, I know what you mean about the guilt thing.  I have a really hard time with that, I feel guilty about everything.  I am really trying to let go, I'm just not that powerful, and all of the things I let myself feel guilty about, just aren't all about me.  It is really hard though, it is kind of like breaking a bad habit.  I don't have to do radiation, I met with a radiation oncologist, and she said my margins were fine, and I am node negative.  The next step for me is Tamoxifen.

Holly, I am glad you have been to Colorado, it really is beautiful.  I am sorry you can't come this year, but there are many years ahead for traveling at the holidays.  I am glad you will get to spend some time with your sister, that should be very nice.  We don't have any family in Colorado so we will be having Thanksgiving with our best friends here.  They are fabulous people, and a few years back when she had a hysterectomy, I did the whole holiday by myself so now it is her turn.  Usually we cook together, but this year I am just going to be thankful for the kindness of others.

Chinablue, I hope you are feeling better, have a great week.

Pamela, Onty, Melinda, Barb, and all of you other SOSisters, I love you, I pray for you, and I hope you all have a wonderful, side-effect free week.  You are the best!!!!

Love & Hugs,

Susan

chinablue

I am so happy that your nodes are clear DenverDiva.  What good news! How did the radiation oncologist tell that they were clear?  What kind of test shows it?

positiveme

Good Morning Sisters

Day #10 after my third tx. I'm somewhat like my old self again. I have more energy and my eyes are feeling better. thanks for the info about the drops. I will get some to have if they act up again. It sounds like most of us are feeling better than last week. I had a R mx and the sock under my arm is slowly feeling smaller. I think the swelling is still alittle there and it is still numb. My boobs were never a big deal to me before this (small B cup) but after my diagnosis I said what the heck I'm going for the Full B. Thanks Horizon BCBS.

Jane- Sorry about the weeping and nose bleed. At least you were able to go to lunch and be there for you daughter. Happy Anniversary!

Vickilynn- Happy Anniversay to you also. I hope you are feeling well enough to enjoy it.

Neece and Pamelajo- Thanks for the laughs.

Susan- Cinnamon Chocolate cake sounds fantastic. No wonder there was no left. No radiation for me either. I will start tamoxifen after my last chemo also.

Hope everyone has a great day.

THINK POSITIVE

Catherine

DomeGal

Good Morning to all of you....

I wish that I could say that I was "on top of the world", but feeling low today.  Spent all day Sunday in bed recovering from having my granddaughter on Saturday....she is 11 mos. old and walking all over the house and even though I was exhausted when she left and still paying for it...she is beautiful and makes me very happy.  I am finding that the se's are finally stepping in...I was exhausted last week, but did not miss work and today I am missing work and feeling guilty because I probably wouldn't have gotten so wiped out if I hadn't seen my little missy!  Oh well....I am having some joint pain and I haven't even started Taxol yet...not until next week.  Not looking forward to it, but looking forward to being done with chemo...I hate not being in control of my mind and not being able to spell the simplest words, or typing and totally locking up because a little word will not pop out from my fingers!!

Pamelajo--I agree with the others that you should seriously consider writing a book...your "Ode to Hair Loss" as I called it was too funny.

Vickilynn and Jane-Congrats....have never been married that long, but my current relationship is at the 4 1/2 year mark even with cancer and that is longer than my first marriage!!

Vickilynn-I too have found that the age spots have disappeared and my skin looks better, less wrinkled...I guess one of the "perks" if chemo can have any perks.

I am all for a dude ranch in Montana...have been to Montana and it is absolutely breathtaking....and I have Yosemite to compare it to!  We don't have buffalo wandering around or moose in Yosemite....but we do have Half Dome and El Capitan! 

I wish you all a good week....I am heading back to bed for the second day in a row....

unklezwifeonty

Pamelajo you are funny. I love reading you posts. It makes my day.

Anonymous

Hello Everyone,

I just dissected a pomegranate, and I should wash my hands, but my boss is gone so I'm going to hurry and post with sticky hands. 

Chinablue, I had an MRI before surgery that looked clear, and a SNB with surgery.  They only took one node, but it was clear. 

Catherine, it is good to hear from you.  I must admit that the cinnamon chocolate cake is good, and really easy to make.  I have the stingy dry eye thing today.  How many more treatments do you have?

DomeGal, I know how easy it is to feel guilty about work, but really at this point in your life I would say it is okay to put your family first.  I think it is well worth the trade off of being tired, and even missing work to spend time with your grandbaby.  There, I give you permission, for what that is worth.  I hope you have a peaceful, restful day, and that your week is great!

That is all I have time for right now, so I will have to come back later to "talk" to everyone else.

Love & Hugs,

Susan 

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters...  it's Monday, I made it through work and I finally feel human again.  And it only took 11 days!

Susan - I take the week off after my "bad" chemo so I was off all of last week.  Would have been fun if it hadn't been spent on the couch, in the bed or the bathroom!  All of your receipes sound good but can I put in an order for banana bread next time you bake? I have numbness mostly in my fingers and really noticed it at work today.  I had it last txt and it went away for awhile.  I will be waiting to hear how the tamoxifin goes - I also will do that but after radiation.

Catherine - glad your feeling better and hope you had a good day at work.  My eye thing also went away.  Maybe it's just a one time thing (ha).  

DomeGal-don't feel guilty about missing work, you have to take care of you so you can go on the good days!  Chemo brain strikes us all, some of us worse than others.  It too shall pass!

Looking forward to hearing from everyone and hoping you are just feeling so good and being so busy you haven't had time to post.  BUT we miss you and worry about you so please post when you can!

For our Tuesday ladies - I will be with you in spirit tomorrow.  Good luck and no side effects!

Jane

MaryNY

Hello September ladies! I'm coming to you veterans for some advice. I just started AC treatment two weeks ago and have my second dose tomorrow. I'm suffering from sore eyes—I had two days of sore eyes, where it felt as though there was an eyelash or foreign body in one of my eyes and now today my eyes have been watering all day. Have any of you experienced similar? I'm wondering if this is something that's going to continue throughout the treatment and if there is anything to lessen this SE. I've used Genteal eyedrops a few time but they only seemed to provide relief for a few minutes.

unklezwifeonty

Mary,

Good luck with your AC journey. It shall pass and soon you WILL be on the other side. I finished my AC #4 today.

vickilynn

Mary, if you read back on this page you'll see that some women have eye problems and talked about that.  I haven't had eye problems, so can't help you.

To All:  I'm a bit upset with the Triage nurse who answers the phone for the cancer center.  I called to talk about this unusual pain I had after my first Taxol tx and she didn't get it.  She said she talked with the dr. and the dr. said just go ahead with the tx tomorrow.  But I'm not going to.  The pain I experienced wasn't even listed as a normal SE and it was much more than tingling in my hands and feet.  This was "8" on the pain scale and went on for 3 days --- more like electrical shocks in all different places on my body (legs, arms, back, sides) and it wouldn't let up.

So now I  have to figure out what to do.  DH is really angry with them but we agreed I won't take tx until the dr. actually talks with me.  Nerve damage is nothing I want to mess with.  So I guess I have to play tough about it and that is so not like me.  I did a lot of online research about it today (neurological pain) and something's not right.  They wouldn't even tell me what to take to stop the pain!! 

Not looking forward to tomorrow.

Vickilynn

BarbAnne41

Well it is TX day. My tx is scheduled for 1 o'clock today so I have a few hours to indulge in the foods I don't crave post chemo.

Mary-I haven't had the eye problems and my third AC is today. Knock on wood I won't, I have enough other issues, but several ladies in here have. Like VickiLynn said you may want to scroll back and see if they found a solution. The one piece of advice I can give you is that SOME se's seem to be contained to a tx. What I mean is my terrible headaches only happened after tx one, terrible bloating, or as my doc said yesterday, it is gastritis, may only happen during tx two, sometimes the body flips ses each tx For me each tx has been like the pull of a slot machine lever, something new every time. I hope you feel better soon.

VickiLynn- An 8-holy cow girl,  that is not right. You give them H%LL and don't take any prisoners. Please let us know what happens and how you are-I will keep praying for you.

Jane I am so glad you are feeling human-yea Jane!! 

Onty- Yea for being done with AC-yea!!! What is next for you? Congrats!!!!

Susan- congrats on the clear margins and no radiation, my SNB had a wee little cancer, so they zapped the heck out of me. You and I can be guilt sisters-I swear it is my hobby, although cancer has really made me think about how I "beat myself up" I hope it has done the same for you. Hope you have a great day.

Well I am off to eat something else for fun before I get ready for tx.

Hope all of you wonderful ladies are fabulous

Much Love

Barbara

amyooo

Vickilynn,

I also experienced something like that.... It was very hard to describe. I called it "firecrackers going off randomly all over my body" It was worse for me with the first few treatments then the "firecrackers" subsided and the neuropathy began. I can tell it is in my fingers and my feet but not bad enough to lose any type of function. I will take my 10th treatment this week and I'm glad I stuck with it. My tumor has shrunk significantly so after a 3 week break, I will have my surgery.

At the beginning of my treatment I had a problem with a low grade fever. The triage nurse and a NP told me that it was NOT related to my Taxol but my onc said it very well could be. I feel so much better every time I talk with her (which is every three weeks). Maybe she can put your fears to rest.

Please let me know how everything turms out.

Love, Amy

positiveme

Hi Everyone

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. I have a pretty bad toothache but I am not going to the dentist because they can't do anything until chemo is done and I am not postponing my last tx.

Domegal- Don't feel guilty about taking off from work. It will still be there when you are stronger. Just remember you will always have the memories with your granddaughter to cherish.

Susan- I am happy to report one more tx to go (Nov.19)

Jane- Welcome back to the land of the living.

MaryNY- My eyes were fine during my first and second tx. The third tx cause a burning in my eyes. I guess dry eye. The artifical tears worked for me. I don't know if that helped.

Onty- Congrats on finishing tx. You go girl!!

Vicki;ynn- I agree. You have to see the dr. face to face and tell him everything. Hopefully you can make the right choice on what to do next.

BarbAnne- Good luck today. Eat and enjoy while you can.

THINK POSITIVE

Catherine

chinablue

Don't you just hate it when the receptionists/nurses/doctors give you a hard time, don't answer questions, give conflicting answers, and/or most importantly show little compassion!  Cancer is hard enough to deal with!  We all deserve a break.

positiveme

MaryNY- I just heard about drops called sysyane lubricant drops that some women say work. Just wanted to past that along.

Catherine

barbt0323

Hello Everyone!

Catherine:  Sorry to hear about the toothache.  I know how painful that can be along with everything else we are going through.  I had to have a few teeth pulled before chemo.  My dentist called my doctor and had to postpone chemo which was stressful enough as it is. 

Barb:  good luck to you today.

Pamelajo:  You are a riot!  I love your sense of humor.  They say laughter is the best medicine and I believe it is true.

Jane:  Hope you are feeling better. 

Went to LGFB yesterday and really enjoyed it!  Meant some very nice ladies and got some great tips and makeup.  I have been having a lot of problems with my cuticles.  They suggested that you take a q-tip with olive oil and put it on cuticles.  Seems to really do the trick. 

Speaking of work, I have decided that I am not "super woman" and am going to do what I can.  Last time after treatment on Thursday I went back to work on Monday lasted less than a half day.  Following day worked 9 hours and was literally exhausted.  I had to have one of my friends walk me to elevator and literally drive me to my car.  Screw that!  I have been finding myself making mistakes which ends up being more stressful.

To all my September Sisters guess we have the right to feel sorry for ourselves and got to keep on remembering that better days are coming!!

Love ya all,

Barb T  

Pamelajo

Hello Sunshines!

Vicki......you must get an answer.  I've lost all feeling in my fingers and feet.  Onc said it will more than likely come back, but not all the way.  Plays havoc with my career (both in data entry and handling explosives)......but, I found a little secret I'd like to pass on hopefully it will help you in the long run if not immediately.  B12 and B6.  Not the pills......but the injectible or drinkable kind.  I get mine at the wholefoods store.  When our son was killed, I had an ischemic stroke which paralyzed my face on one side.  The doctor prescribed injectible b12.  It came back in less than a month.  The b6 is proven to help with neuropathy.  Start taking it now and perhaps it will lessen the extent of the damage.

Sooooo, life after 2 tx's is the same as life during 2 tx's so far.  No hair (well, fuzzies, but it isn't long and luscious daggum it).  My lashes have begun to come back and my eyebrows are filling in.  I no longer look like a dog with mange about the facial area.  I still scratch behind my ears though.  The gas is still horrible and I'm pretty sure if I missed a dose of stool softener I'd be bound up like a freak at the dominatrix's house.  NO CHEESE..  missin it, but I like to a least go potty a couple times a week.

Finishing my last day at work this week.  I'll try to write more later tonight.

hbowser

Good evening, all. I hope all are doing well. I went into the office for the first time this week and it felt good to be back. My co-workers had made me a blanket with pink ribbons all over it and signed a lovely card. It made me weepy (I am not the weepy type). The blanket will come in handy next time I go for tx since the room is always cold.

Barbara, I hope your tx went well.

Catherine, sorry to hear about your toothache; hopefully, it will be okay until your txs are over.

Onty, congratulations on your last tx. I am so happy for you.

All, I need your advice on some SEs I am having from the last tx. I started the first DD of Taxol last Thursday and most of the SEs are manageable. I am having some aches and pains (can't tell if it is due to Taxol or Nuelasta); but this afternoon I developed rashes (red splotches, kind of pimple like and itchy) in different areas of my body: ankles, arms and stomache. I called the cancer center and talked to the nurse practioner and she wants to prescibe steriods (I can't remember the name of the meds., but the first day you take 8, then 7 the next, and so forth).  I don't really want to take steriods, especially since I am feeling better than I have felt in a long time. Has anyone experienced this? Do you think Benadryl will be enough? Any input from you gals would be greatly appreciated.

Everyone, praying that the rest of your week will go well and that SEs will be minimal.

Love, Holly

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters... day 2 back at work and I feel good.  YEAH!

Mary - welcome to our merry band of women!  I had dry eyes with 2nd txt, then they watered like crazy.  Didn't happen with treatment 3.  Eye drops really do help!

Onty - congrats on finishing txt #4.  Do you have more or are you on to something else?

Vickilynn - I'm with everyone else.  You need to insist on seeing your dr.  Having pain on a scale of 8 is not normal!  Please hang tough and know we will all be praying for you!  Let us know what the dr. says.  My onc nurse says that the rate of drip has a lot to do with side effects.  How quick are you getting your taxol?

BarbAnne41 - how did it go?  I thought about you and hoped you were having a good day!  Good for you for having something good to eat before you went.  I'm right there with you on that.  My tastes buds have only now come back and I've been eating like there's no tomorrow for which I will pay with an even larger me and larger pants!  

Amyoo- I also have some in my fingers and can really tell at work between counting money and being on the computer.  However, I'm like you, I can still function.  I think it may be affecting my brain cells tho, got in the order I did the day after chemo and there were some odd supplies in there!

Catherine - so sorry you have a toothache.  Can you use anything for it?  I so want to go to the dentist and have my teeth cleaned.  It will be my first appt when chemo is over.  Will salt water help?  Ambesol (sp?)?  How are you feeling otherwise?

ChinaBlue - I couldn't agree more.  I know that the people at the cancer center see us all the time but that is no reason not to be considerate and compassionate.  I think they forget after while.  However having said that, most of the people I have encountered so far have been very good to me.

Barb0323 - glad you are feeling better.  I think most of us have discovered that we are not super woman no matter how bad we want to be.  I take the week after "bad chemo" off.  Not by choice but just cannot function.  Apparently I can't function to well the Fri. after chemo on Thursday.  Cannot believe how bad I screwed up our last supply order altho some of the things I ordered made me laugh anyway!  I also enjoyed LGFG, there were only 2 of us there so we had a real good time.  I have been putting oil on cuticles, does help.

Pamelajo - you just crack me up!  Dog with mange?  I bet you are absolutely beautiful just the way you are, hair or no hair!  Are you baking tomorrow since you are off?  Do we all need to go ahead and ask for a cookie?  Can you tell my taste buds are back?

Holly - you need to ask your dr. about the rash.  It is a side effect of taxotere which is a different form of taxol.  I would try the benedryl, it won't hurt anything, may make you sleepy.  If it works then you can say no to the steriods.  

Melinda - where are you girl?  We are missing you!  And Toni - I know you are there somewhere!  Neece, Mari, Susan, RonnieKay, Domegal and everyone my pea brain forgot - hope you are having great days!

And to everyone else who hasn't posted in awhile, please take a moment to let us know you are okay - you don't have to write a lot, just a short note!

Thoughts & prayers are with you!

Jane

msmpatty

I had some wierd rashes and hives during TX1.  I also have weepy eyes virtually every morning . After my doc approved a Clariton every morning I never got the rash/hives again and my eyes quit running very quickly after taking the pill.  Worth asking about maybe...

chinablue

I had my first dose of Taxol today.  No big se's so far. yeah.  I am just sooooo hungry.  I can't stop eating. ahhhhhh.

Neece

Vickilynn, I really hope the Dr can find a solution to your pain. I agree pain of 8 on the scale is not right - you are experiencing SE more severe than you should be. And you don't want to muck about with neuropathy related stuff if it might lead to long term problems. Make sure you get some answers - you are entitled to this.

Mary, welcome and good luck with your future treatments. I have also had eye problems- after tx no 2 I had very dry burning eyes (like really bad allergy) and now it alternates between dry and weepy. Have found drops help but like you, only for a short while. maybe there are other (stronger or more specific?) drops that your Dr can recommend? If the pain or discomfort is severe you should really talk to Dr anyway but it soulds more than what you would expect to experience. Good luck.

Onty, last treatment! I am pleased (and jealous!!!) I am going in for number 4 tomorrow. then only two more to go. .....

Feeling good today. Beautiful warm spring weather. Just had cold drinks, tea and cupcakes with a friend in our back garden, a cool breeze blowing, enjoying the spring flowers and  watching all the birds in the garden. I know this will end for a few days come tomorrow (sigh) but lovely while it lasts.

love to all

Neece