Chemo Starting Sep 09

jezza

Hi Neece!

Good luck for your first treatment neece. Its wonderful to have such good friends....you will remember that always!

You might like to join the Aussie breast cancer forum if you are not already a member. I will send you a PM with the link.

I am in Melbourne and yes, I am enjoying Spring but dreading summer if it is as hot as our last one.

hugs

jezza

RonnieKay

Good evening, almost morning, (the last decadron-induced cleaning session for 3 weeks!),

Ryelisgma: Hope all went well with surgery today!!!  You're in my prayers!  

This may be a silly question, but do any of you print these posts out, to look back at what, and when our sisters are going through different procedures, thoughts, concerns, fears?  It sounds like many will be starting treatment next week...and I just want to hear how all of you do. My printer just went kaput so must get a new one!!! 

I've got "metal mouth" today...not bad, but I can taste it a bit.  My dr. won't be checking my blood counts until next week...do you think it's weird that I'm not getting Neulasta right away.  I'm not having any body aches but keeping up on meds.  

POSITIVEME:  My vein iv went great and I might not consider the port if it weren't for being her2+++, which means a year of pricks.  I can't see or feel where my iv was from yesterday. It does give me confidence that most of our sisters have done well with it. It's one of the very obvious, outward signs of what our insides are battling...at least until we lose our hair! 

And I must say that I admire the strength of you, my friends, who have had mastectomies. I had a lumpectomy and know that my healing process must have been much easier. KRIS, I am so sorry that your 40th year brought such a challenge.  But I am happy that you were dilligent in going in.  I had 20 straight years of mammos (and many times ultrasounds due to cystic breasts and family history..started mammos at 35), and boom!  I am perimenopausal at 55 (maybe another reason for my tumor growing quickly, along with her2) so I'll go through the change during chemo (although they say not as aggressively as our younger friends). Are any of you apprehensive about this?  My friend has said it's the worst part of the recovery period.

NEECE: I got stopped for speeding and I handed the officer my insurance card, which happened to be next to my oncologist's card.  When I finally found my insurance card and handed that and my license to him, he left for a couple of minutes and came back, without a ticket...saying his fiance had been told she had an inoperable sarcoma (at 26 years), went to my center, had surgery and is healed.  He told me to slow down, be well and have a good day!  It's amazing the love and care people show.  It makes me so much more aware of what I have not done for those suffering in illness...that will change

I have faith that we will all be healed.  Until next time....thinking of you all.

vickilynn

Dear September Sisters:

Hope you're all doing well today. 

It's Saturday  and I wish I could say I was feeling great... though I am feeling better than the last 2 days.  My main complaint is a headache - which is not one of the common SEs listed. 

I found something else I can eat (besides baked potato) is French Toast ... a simple one with a little jam on it.  Tasted great. 

Also - it was suggested for mouth sores a wash - and it really does work.  In a 20 oz water bottle, add 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp salt.  use as a rinse 3 or 4 times a day (don't swallow!).  It worked for me.

We can make it through this!

Hugs to all. 

vlday

Hello Everyone:

Well, 3rd day after chemo.  The decadron has me just a buzzing, glad to be off that for a few days until the next chemo.  I received a lovely hat from my sister from a company in Philadelphia, Just in Time.  Website is www.softhats.com  Very lovely and not too pricey.  A little artsy for some tastes, but I liked it on me.

Vickylynn:  I am using Biotene for a mouthwash.  It is very soothing and works wonderful for the dry mouth thing happening.

Hang in there ladies, it will be over sooner than we know it! - Vicki

benisse

Vickilynn,

I had 4 FAC tx, beginning in May, and am now on Taxol for 12 weekly tx.  The steroids have caused me lots of congestion and inflammation.  I have had headaches and nothing relieved them.  Then onc said to try advil cold and sinus.  I had immediate rellief of the headache...lots of drainage too which resulted in a sore throat.  But no more headaches.  My onc said if the advil cold and sinus didn't get rid of headaches she'd do an MRI in 3 weeks so I am so glad this worked.  I thought I'd mention this to you since I didn't know it was a sinus headache until the Advil cold and sinus relieved it.  I hope you find a solution too!!

amyooo

Hello All, Meeting my oncologist for the first time on Tues. Sept. 8th right after my PET scan. All I know so far is my breast is positive as well as at least one lymph node (per asperation) I have so much to learn. My port is scheduled for Sept. 11th. that is all I know. Waiting is hard! I am learning so much from this site. Thank you all!

Neece

Hi RonnieKay

I am also not having neulasta after my 1st treatment - onc will assess after first cycle when I have new blood test done - so maybe it is not an automatic thing? I hope not - the thought of sticking myself with a needle each time is a bit icky.

Great story re traffic cop guy - share the love I reckon!!

GmaToni

OMG - I have tried to post 3 times and have lost what I wrote each time. Silly me.... Just nervous, scared, ya know. I am trying to read thru all the threads to get things ready for wednesday (TX day) and today is Labor Day so family wants to stop by and see me (before the poison runs thru me?) (kidding) I am just a mess today. Feeling better after port. WOW - I opted to stay awake thru procedure so I could go home early. Did a very small amount of sedative (barely felt it) and was awake for the whole thing. Not bad until they thread the catheter in - a few seconds but that hurt. Other than that it was a piece of cake.

To all you girls- you that have welcomed me, wished me luck, given me tips and web sites and just made me feel loved ---- thank you so very much. Just cant type all your names so please forgive me. Want to let you ALL know you are on my mind and I am thinking of you and sending the love right back.

Love - Toni

vickilynn

September Sisters  I'm not enjoying the SEs of chemo, but today was a better day than the rest.  My husband reminds me of the battle going on inside... and he massages my feet and buys me posicles : )  He does what he can, but it's you Sisters that truly understand.

Don't allow yourself to get discouraged in the midst of all this.  It is a battle and you can so easily feel like "surrendering", but we know we can make it, with God's help, and encouragement from each other. 

I used to think of myself as a "strong" woman, but truth is, this enemy called cancer is an incredible foe. 

Heard something on TV this morning - some author was talking about her book - but what she said makes sense "Don't look in the rearview mirror".   I've decided that needs to be my reminder through this battle:  each day, keep focused on what's ahead and the battle plan for the day.

"Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal of the prize..."  (Phil 4:13,14)

GmaToni

vickilynn - I keep telling myself there is only one way TO look - and that IS FORWARD. Look forward ahead because we deserve too. I myself keep saying Im strong and have been thru so very much...but I have been humbled. I can do this but it is humbling. Please let us not forget - on the flip side - we are strong. I have heard of women running, ignoring, hiding from this enemy. You, and all others - right here - are fighting. Fighting for ourselves, our family and friends and w/ the strength within us - even when we think we are losing - will win.

TOGETHER.

Beautiful passage you reminded us all of. Thank you.

Goodnight,

Toni

GmaToni

Goodmorning -

Well tomorrow is the day ! Oh Im so excited. NOT. The docs office called and needs me to stop in there before I head over to the hospital for my tx and sign a consent form for chemo. Are they nuts? I told them I wasnt coming. She just laughed and said - GET IN HERE ! I can say my nurse has been thru this disease (chemo and all) and did fine. Had some constipation issues and  no other SE's can you belive it? Felt a little fatigue I guess. Worked every day, made dinner, ect. Maybe she was blowin smoke up my butt, huh?

Susan - You doing OK? How was your holiday? positiveme? All?

((Hugs))

Toni

positiveme

Hello Ladies

I go for my teaching class today ( friday is my first tx) and then shopping with the ladies in my life for some hats and scarfs. I had a great holiday weekend at the beach(last one because no sun during chemo). There seems to be a question if everyone gets the neulasta shot. I am going to ask the chemo nurse today and see what she says.

RyelisGma- Did you have to take decadron today? How are you feeling?

Vickilynn & Vicki-Thanks for the day by day info it makes it alot less scary.

Who else is starting this week besides myself and RyelisGma? I am keeping all of you in my prayers. I will post tomorrow after my class if there is any info I can share.

Love to all!

Chat with you soon

GmaToni

positiveme -  I go today. Yikes , so no decadron yet. I hear it buzzes ya out and my house really needs to be cleaned. Heres my problem. I had immediate recon and a lift and reduct so....I cant vacuum yet. DANG. I am already eating ice chips and drinking H2O. Dont have the Biotene mouthwash yet so will have to make recipe someone gave a while back.

HELP! I leave in an hour or so? Anyone out there willing to hide me? Harbor a fugitive?

Thinking of you all,

Toni

Anonymous

Oh no Toni, I just saw this and it is too late for me to come and get you so we can go "Thelma and Louise".  I go tomorrow morning, so I really sympathize with you.  I will keep a good thought for you, and all of my September Sisters.  I am having some home life problems, so I haven't been able to post too much lately.  Hopefully I will have a chance tonight so I can fill you in and get your advice.

For now I love you all!!!

Susan

positiveme

Hello All

I found out yesterday I will need the neulesta shot but because chemo is so late on Friday I have to go on Sunday morning 9am. The nurse said anyone taking TC should get the shot because it almost always lowers your blood count(I think red cells).

Toni and Susan-You guys are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm waiting for your posts because I'm right behind you. I also talked to her about taking a sleeping pill if the decadron keeps me up and she said go for it.

Has anyone heard that your hair only thins alittle on TC. My nurse told me this but EVERYONE I read about seems to lose most of it? Any input would be great.

Take care everyone & THINK POSITIVE

chat with you soon

BarbAnne41

Toni, (I have a sister-in-law with that name) Susan, (I am sorry about the family stuff, I know how that can be) and Positive me, you are all in my thoughts this week. Please take care and lets us know how you are.

Positive vibe hugs

Barbara

Anonymous

Hello all of my lovely September Sisters.  I am really tired, but had to get a post in to all of you before I crash for the night. 

Toni, I hope all went well for you today.  I go tomorrow, so I'll be right there with you sister.

Positive me, I love your positive attitude.  I try, but this week has kicked my butt on the positive front.  You are deep in my thoughts.

Barbara,thank you for being here with all of us, it is good to have the cyber good vibes.

Everyone,I love you all like sisters!  My family is having some issues around this unlike anything that has happened through diagnosis and surgery.  I think it is denial, and anger.  I know they love me, but they are tired of dealing with this too, and I can't blame them.  My kids have told me that they think my posting online is bad for me and it will make me feel worse.  They just can't understand how this works.  My husband kind of thinks side effects are for wimps, and he expects me to sail through with flying colors.  It is stressful, but I will be okay.  There is a thread for people doing T/C, and the ladies over there have offered good advice.  I am just trying to get myself back up, and ready for tomorrow.  Thanks for listening. 

My thoughts and positive vibes are headed out to all of you!

Love,

Susan

positiveme

Hello Ladies

I hope everyone is doing as well as can be expected!

Toni-How are you doing today. Please post if your not to tired. I am keeping you in my thoughts.

Susan- Today is the big day. My prayers are with you. THINK POSITIVE. I am so sorry things are not so great on the home front. Please remember this is about you and for once you have to come first. This is not easy to deal with but in time this to will past.

Barbara- Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

My day is tomorrow and my sister is going with me. Hopefully everything will be fine.

Take care--THINK POSITIVE

 Chat with you soon

chinablue

Hello Ladies,

I am new to this thread. I thought I would join in because the chatter on this thread seems positive and "real."   My mx and diep recon was performed on Aug. 6 and  I will have AC x 4, T x 12 then radiation starting Sept. 15.  My mediport will be put in on the 14th with general anaesthesia.  

Currently I work at an elementary school as a teaching asst, but I have taught K and 5.  It felt so funny watching the school buses in my neighborhood leave for school while I stayed home.  I am planning to go back to work mid-November when I will be on T.  My doctor is not happy about it, but my pay and insurance will run out. 

I give my heartfelt appreciation to those who have shared.

GeekyGal

Hello Ladies!

 My name is Theresa and I go for my first Chemo treatment tomorrow morning 8am. I am getting the Cytoxan/Adriamycin cocktail.  I just moved from Washington DC to the small town in Northern Michigan last week to be closer to family and support for the chemo treatments. I'm not sure that was such a good idea. I'm still trying to unpack and organinze my home before treatment tomorrow. ACK! so much to do. I haven't had much time to do much more reseach on what to expect either. Many of you have mentioned a 'chemo class'. I was never offered this but am thinking about droping by the infusion center of the hospital later today if I have time to check it out. My doc decided against the port, which I am releived. I do not do well with pharmacueticlas in general. Another thing I'm quite worried about with the treatments. I get severe nausea with any drug. I can barely take a Tylenol without upsetting my stomach. Wow, I just realized how cranky I sound. Sorry girls! I just wanted to say hello and join the September Sisters. I'm really apprehensive and scared about tomorrow.

 Thanks for listening.

xoxo

~t

positiveme

Hello Ladies

I just wanted to welcome chinablue & Theresa.

I start my my tx tomorrow also but not until 1pm TC X4. My chemo class was just sitting with the nurse and going over step by step what to expect when I arrive tomorrw. Also they give you a packet with info saying if this happens do this. Alot of what was said I had already read online hear. The tips for chemo thread is very similar to what they tell you. I will be sharing my expierences with everyone so maybe it can help someone else out. I took my decadron today and will take it again tomorrow mornig. Sleeping maybe a problem tonight so I think I'll take my little pill to help me get some zzzzzzz's.

Theresa-Good Luck tomorrow. I will have all of these brave woman on my mind tomorrow.

THINK POSITIVE

Chat with you soon

Catherine Mary 

vickilynn

September Sisters  Welcome to all you new ones.  It's been a bit since I sat down to post.  Those of you who are just starting chemo or starting tomorrow... our prayers are with you. 

My first chemo was Sep 1 and my next is the 15th.  (A/C followed by Neulasta 4x and then once weekly Taxol 12x)

 The good news for me was the actual process of chemo treatment was painless.  Even the Neulasta shot I had the next day was just a bee sting... I hope that's the same experience for you.

I did have some powerful SE (side effects for you newbies : ) the day after the Neulasta and finally spoke with the nurse yesterday who said they can possibly adjust the chemo next time so the SE won't be quite as hard.  I was so relieved to hear that!

Please don't be afraid to speak up to your dr. and nurses.  This website showed me that my SE weren't "normal". 

I have now had 3 (count them) 3 very good days.  Even went out to breakfast today with my husband... I was so glad to feel so much better.  

Had my 6-week release from my surgeon today (I had a single mast) and can say that the healing has really taken place there.  I even can move my arms all the way over my head (with just a little stiffness).  Those who had lymph nodes removed know what I mean.  There are days I look down and say, "Ackkkk.  I'm missing a breast!"   But because of this chemo, I hope I'll be saying that for years!

I have a great DIL who is still sewing me hats and caps and scarves... I still have my hair, but I'm ready.

Keep on keeping on.   

GmaToni

Hey Miss susan and positiveme - I posted to you to gals on the other site oops still bold. Any hoo, welcome all others, nice to have you here for support and to get supported.

Susan- ask yourself if this site has given you support when you have needed it of has it stressed you out? Just be honest with yourself and you dont have to tell us. You stay if you want and go if you think that is best too. THIS IS ABOUT YOU. PLEASE GIRL. I know our familys are important but they supoort us through it all. Your kids are old enough and your husband loves you - it can be stressful for them too yes but w/o you the world stops turning. DANGIT !! OK Ima little upset for you, sorry. Angels with you today and the days to come. The ladies over on T/C are great as well. Hell this is the only place we can really vent and people get us. BTW..there is a thread for familys and husbands whose wifes have been dx'ed w/ BC - right here on this site - would he look?

My TX went pretty well and I am doing ok so far. All of a sudden I am so pooped I need to stop posting.

Sorry and loves to you all,

Toni

vickilynn

Toni - so glad to read your tx went well!!!

Anonymous

All right my Sisters, I have made it through the first treatment.  It was okay.  Weird taste in my mouth, and I had an odd sensation in both of my breasts, (my reconstructed breasts that have very little if any sensation ever).  More on the right side, but that was the side with the IV.  I don't know what that means, but I hope it is good.  I am working hard to stay hydrated.

I hope all is well with all ya all!  I can only say that I never feel bad after being on this site.  I feel supported and loved and informed.  I have 3 really good friends that are psychologists, and I had the chance to have dinner with them last night and one of them took me to my chemo today.  They fully validate my need to post and have a support group.  I am just going to temper my time on the computer so my family doesn't feel ignored.  But damn it, I am the Diva and it is all about me just now!

I sat next to a lady at chemo who is 24, she got married last summer, and got pregnant right away, she found out she had bc in Jan and started chemo while pregnant.  The baby is fine, she is 5 mo old.  This gal has been through everything, and now she is finishing up radiation and Herceptin.  Oh my, she has a full plate, but a great attitude.  What an inspiration.

One other kinda cool thing.  One of our local news stations, channel 9, is a huge sponsor for our Race for the Cure.  They also do a ton of public service announcements about bc, and have a program called Buddy Check 9.  They encourage women to have a buddy that they talk to on the 9th day of every month and to do a BSE on that day.  Since yesterday was 9/9/09, they had a big spot filmed at the infusion center I go to, and one of the local florists donated a ton of beautiful flower arrangements, and they had left overs so I got to bring one home.  It is so pretty, all pink roses and carnations!  I wish I could send each and everyone of you one.  Consider a virtual arrangement sent to you!

Much love, and welcome to our newbies, you have found friends and supporters here!

Susan

MaryNY

Hi there. It seems there are two Sept 2009 threads. There is another one Starting Chemo September 2009

vickilynn

Yes - 2 threads, because I didn't find the other one before starting this!!!  You're welcome here or there or both!

Well - I can now tell you about the Neulasta bone pain if anyone wants to know as I experienced my first today.

Susan - I'll take a pink rose, thank you!

VickiLynn

GmaToni

Good - Early -Morning !

Thought I would wish you all a great day in case I sleep thru mine ! Couldnt sleep last nite even w/ drugs, (Hello MaryNY - nice to see you)

Vivckilynn - thanks for the support I will actually have to give a little more info on the TX. Did I say my own private room, bed, recliner for my DH, room serviced lunch before we started and our own private bathroom. It was posh. Had a one on one w/ a great nurse that stayed 10-15 before tax started to make sure I was ok. Felt a little flushed for a moment but then was gone. My first night a had some heartburn and a little weak in the legs but decided I was hungry, ate a protien bar and sat up in bed more. No pain from Neulasta shot (I do have some pn meds so..) and no other SE so far. Although 3rd day out can be a doozy I hear. Vickilynn-sorry about your bone pain, wish I could send ya some meds !

Susan - I need to apologize for my ranting about family and friends not understanding BC. I had a very best friend that passed (not fromcancer) and her family did nothing bout complain due to washing, cleaning, appoitments, and now she is gone.... I miss her every day. (so do they) (I still get little Im sorry notes). My husband - if he hears me sneeze - rushes in the room. He and my children are so supportive and they have been thru so very much as well. We sit as a family and go over plans together, things we can do to help EACH other out and I make sure I thank them each and every day. They ask me why I do that. If they only really knew and understand how much we all need family.

Positive me - you are on my mind today.Thinking of you and we are all ther.

Geeky gal - Good luck to you as well . Thinking of you.

Please forgive me if I forgot any TX gals today - Love to you all 

Hello to all the rest of my gals -

((hugs))

Toni

positiveme

Hello Chemo Sisters

I am posting here and on a thread Anyone taking cytoxan and taxotere. I thought the more info the better.

Thanks again Vicki for starting this. I'm glad you are having some good days. Hopefully they will continue. I am concerned about the bone pain from the shot. Can you do anything to help it?

Geeky Gal- How are you doing.

Toni- I hope you are getting plenty of rest. I'm gald things went well.

Susan- I loved your last post. I think you are doing and thinking the right things now. Your family is extremely important but you come first. After all you are a DIVA. Seems like the first tx wasn't too bad.

Well my first tx is in a couple of hours. I will take all of you with me in spirit. Poison here I come watch out!

Take Care-THINK POSITIVE

chat with you soon

Anonymous

Oh my positive friend, you are going to do great, and my positive thoughts are with you today!

It sounds like we are all making it through, maybe a little worse for the wear, but still upright.

I am going in to work for a few hours, and hope I can take time off on Monday if I am not feeling well then.  I hope you all have the best day possible!

Susan