Chemo Starting Sep 09

positiveme

Hello Ladies

I made it!!! Slight problem getting the IV in. Had to try 3 times. The one in my hand really hurt. No problems during tx. Alittle foggy when I left with a slight headache. Overall ok. Drinking water like there is no tomorrow. Just wanted to share. It is nice to hear the good results. taking it easy and laying on the couch. My daughter is being terrific. Well we will see what tomorrow brings but THINKING POSITIVE.

Have a great night

chat with you soon

vickilynn

Having a GREAT day today. 

The bone pain from neulasta lasted just one day... yesterday I woke up with a very intense  pain in my back which went all the way from my head to my tail bone and it came and went all day.  I did stop in at the store to pick up milk and the very intense pain went to both hips and down both legs.  When I walked out with my 1/2 gallon of milk and could barely make my legs work, my husband was watching from the car and wanted to get me a wheelchair.  But then --- within a couple hours, it was over.  Completely.  Very bizarre.  And today it's gone.  I did take Aleve for it. 

Here's the interesting thing - it actually felt like something pushing from the inside of my backbone (in an undulating sort of way) and I said, "HAH!  It's working!  Those white blood cells are just busy being made and trying to get out of my bones and get to work!" 

I didn't say it out loud in the store because I was just struggling to carry my milk to the checkout counter and everyone would have walked a wide berth around the crazy lady, but I did tell my husband when I made it to the car  : )  

So if you get that bone pain, just picture all those good white blood cells just aching to go to work!

So glad to have these "feeling good" days before next chemo treatment on Tues.  It really helps.  A lot.

And I want to know where Toni's getting her treatments!!! Sounds like all that was missing was the masseuse and the jacuzzi!!

P.S.  I still have hair today : )

VickiLynn  

BarbAnne41

Hi September Sisters-

I hope you are all well. Thank you to all of you who have let us into your day-to-day treatment-it is so helpful.

Welcome to all the new girls.

Geeky Gal I hope your treatment went well! I am also from Michigan and there is a thread under Get Togethers called Michigan Survivors that has lots of women from Michigan. Also, I don't know where you are having you treatments, but I was in radiation with a guy, (we sat in the blue-gowned holding area at the same time every morning) who had a friend going through chemo for breast cancer at the hospital in Petoskey and she was having a very good experience. I hope wherever you are getting treatment it is good.

Vicki Lynn- I am so glad you are having good days. That pain thing scares the heck out of me. I cannot take anything but Tylenol, (susceptibility to bleeding ulcer-isn't heredity great?) I miss Advil. But there is other stuff right? In any case thank you for keeping up posted. I am pretty sure my hubby would have made a run for a wheelchair too! Oh and good job on the positive thinking.

Toni I am so happy it went well. I am with Vicki Lynn I want to have treatment where you are holy cow!

ChinaBlue- Welcome and I am going to start the same treatment as you (4 AC and 12 Taxol) and I will work through treatment too. At a community college, but then people were shocked I worked through radiation too, so I think it is all in what we know we can handle.

Positiveme- I am so happy your treatment went well too! Keep us posted on how you are!

Susan-I had the same experience with my family 8 years ago when my mom was dying and then died. I think they were so use to having me be at their disposal that my being completely preoccupied by all the pain and sadness, not to mention work and hospital runs, left them feeling angry. And anger has a weird way of showing its face. I had to throw a fit about how I had been there for them and now I needed some allegiance. But things do change. Last spring after my husband and daughter walked in and I was collapsed in the kitchen- bleeding ulcers-I was trying to bleed to death and didn't know it- now they freak if I do anything. In fact my hubby and I just had a long talk about how I will not be a prisoner during chemo, if I am working through it, I can go to Target and the Mall too. Anyway, my thoughts are with you I have been there.

Well Monday is my pre chemo CT scan, which will go great, and Friday the 18^th I meet with my Onc. He really wanted to get me started before the end of September last time I met with him, so I hope that is still the case. The waiting is grating and I really don't want my date pushed to October. I like it here and I don't want to leave the September Sisters thread!

Well take care all of you-big positive hugs! And because I have lived in Ann Arbor for years and now live in a suburb of Ann Arbor, and it is a game day Saturday I have to say it, Go Blue. I swear they put that in our water here.

Love to you all

Barbara

GmaToni

Hello September Sistahs -

I do feel a little important w/ my TX and private room. Wish I could bring ya all. Its good ol' Montana I guess. Still doing ok w/ SE's. Knock on wood. Starting my period, uugghh. Body a little sore, scalp. shoulders. Constipation a little. Just keep drinking and swishing w/ mouthwash and eating little snacks thru the day. Nothing big. Resting.

Barbara - pretty sure you should just stay right here w/ us. Dont think anyone would mind. Do you ladies? You kinda started w/ us already.

Positiveme- sorry bout your veins - no port? - cant remember if you had one honey. How ya feeling?

VickiLynn- Hope your "bones" are better today. What an awesome way to see those little WBC workin and doing their job ! Nice !! Take care.

Everyone - hugs and love and nice thoughts to you all today. Last time I went back a page to see if I wanted to say someting to someone or forgot someone I deleted all I typed -- NOT AGAIN  !

((HUGS))

Toni

Anonymous

All Right all of My Favorite Ladies on the web!  You are amazing.  I love reading all that you post, and hearing that you are all fighting the good fight.  You are an inspiration to a sister.

I went to my daughter's band day, and it was okay.  I had a good time seeing her and meeting a few of her friends, but I wasn't willing to be all out fun.  I would normally be the most fun mom there, but today I went to the car during the down time and rested, and we left after the half-time show.  I had to just take care to not over do.  I have a real tendency to do that, and it would so get me in trouble right now.  I know she didn't mind, and I am sure there will be a chance to do this again next year.

I am pretty tired, and am lying in bed, so sleep isn't far away.  I am having major cramps from my period, and probably getting constipated, damn it.  Oh well, I will take care of that next.  I am sending DH to the store, I didn't think I would need the stool softener and laxative, so I didn't buy them.  Oh well, he has to prove he loves me somehow.

Seriously, I have been doing better with the family thing and I think it is all good for now.  Thank you all for your support on that front.  With out naming names, cause I just can't right now.  You are all so wonderful for being my September Sisters.  Thank you!!!!

Love and Hugs,

Susan

RonnieKay

I've missed you all over the last week   Glad to catch up on what everyones' bodies are doing!  I went in for my herceptin yesterday (a week after 1st chemo) and found out at blood draw that my white blood count was 0.02 - can't get much lower than that!  I had a port put in and as ugly as it is right now (and pretty sensitive) they used it for the herceptin and it was just a slam dunk for the delivery. Then got the Neulasta in the tummy. Taking Tylenol for the port placement and I think that must be helping to ward off body aches..but I'm prepared Vickilynn! They say to stick close to home to prevent exposure to germs until count is up..boring! So Neece, I don't think it was worth "waiting" to let the counts go to 0..but it's my dr's protocol so??? OMG..thanks for the baked potatoe tip..it saved me last Sunday. Thought I was having a heart attack...aka heartburn!  Now, I have chemo nose (drip, drip, drip), dry mouth, and took Imodium for overactive bathroom visits!  This week was a little bit of a downer for me.  It just seems like a ride at a not-so-fun amusement center...what's behind the next door!  Thanks to all for sharing the very REAL side of this journey. I have shared so much of what you've shared with my health care professionals, as well as my family, you've all made me sound very educated! The surgeon putting in the port was surprised that I wanted to know everything...so he shared everything with me and showed me the xrays afterwards!  OH!!!  Can't remember who had achy breast site from taxotere...I had it for 4-5 days, it was intense (I had lumpectomy). I thought it was radiation recall from brachytherapy 3 weeks prior but the drs/nurses said tx is difficult on areas of inflammation/arthritis, etc., and this is definitely a sign that it's going where it needs to be to kill those pesky cells. I guess much like the Neulasta...no pain no gain...YUCK!!!  I'm staying strong!  I still have hair today too!! Love to all! 

Neece

Hi Sept sisters,

I started my first TAC treatment on the 9th and admit I have been drowning in SE's so my sympathies with all of you posting similar things. The actual treatment went well, the nurse found my vein first go (a huge relief) and I did feel flushed and a bit light headed during it but that was all. Even ate a (small) Thai meal that night! Day 1, 2 and 3 the SE's kicked in - no vomiting thank goodness but sooo nauseated and a tiredness i have never ever experienced before. I knew i needed to drink water but the effort to reach down to the glass next to me was so great, I would lie there for an hour until I could do it! Wow. Day 4 the nausea retreated leaving the tiredness and pain (I am assuming from Neulasta? VickiLynn what was your pain like?)

BTW a funny story about my Neulasta shot - in Australia patients are encouraged to give it to ourselves at home the dayafter treatment, or have a family member do it. My beautiful DH did mine and cried as he did so! (he said he hated to hurt me, even though it really didn't hurt that much) Anyway he did a fine job and I am sure i would have found it hard to inject myself.

I chose to have all three drugs (TAC) at once over 6 cycles rather than AC then T, so that I can return to work next year and not have treatment dragged out. Now I am wondering at the wisdom of this choice! Anyway it was only number one, I am not sure if they get progressively harder or easier. Does anyone have any ideas on that one?

Love and best wishes to all the other gals doing this now. 

Neece

vickilynn

Neece  So sorry to hear about your SE's.  Sounds like you chose a tough way to do it with all 3, but like you said, you will be through it sooner.  I really can tell you this - hold on through the first week (do you get a week between?) because the second week is so much easier.  I still have the mouth sores but not as intensely and they sort of go from mildly irritating to rip-roaring depending on what I eat and the day.  My energy still isn't great, but I feel so good (relatively speaking) the last few days, it's almost hard to remember how icky I felt last weekend. 

The bone pains are unmistakable.  I hate to scare anyone, because like I said they were over in a day for me, but the pain was almost paralyzing.  It was very intense pain and lots of pressure (as if the inside of my bones were filling with air and there was no place for it to go), and sort of "undulating" (that's the best word I can think of - pulsating).  The pain episosdes would sort of come in waves --- very intense for 15 minutes or so and then mild or nothing.  This went on from the time I woke up (and was still lying in bed) until I went to bed.  The Alleve did give me some relief.  Movement or lack of it didn't seem to affect the pain.

Maybe your dr. can adjust the dosage of chemo for you.  I'm sure hoping they'll do that for me.  I'm overweight and I think they misjudged the amount in the first tx. 

RonnieKay   So sorry you're having a rough time.  I even have breast pain (less now) and I have no breast left!!!  The weirdest sensation to have your nipple hurt when you don't have one!  Hopefully you'll get those WBC back up and working.

I agree about the port - makes it a lot easier.  After a week, I started putting Vitamin E oil on the scar and it's healing up very nicely.  Same with my mast. scar.

To All   Some tips for mouth sores. 

Tip 1:  This came from a PA who cared for her mom with cancer.  Take a Tums (or other antacid) and sort of break it up in your mouth - moving it around in your mouth - and then spit it out... don't need to swallow it.  It temporarily relieves the pain.  (warning:  I found it also took all the moisture from my mouth, but I guess that's one reason it works).    

Tip 2:  Eat foods that go down easily: 

             Baked potato or mashed (salt lightly.  Sour cream is even recommended for soothing your mouth.  You can also mix the s. cream with cream cheese.)  After the first few days I was able to add soft steamed veggies too.

             Cottage cheese (my new best friend).  I even eat a spoonful before eating something else.  It seems to coat the tongue a bit.

             Scrambled eggs (even with a bit of diced ham and cheese - no spices)

             Ice Cream or milk shakes

             Popsicles.  Good for temporarily relief from the "burning".

             Avoid spiced foods - even garlic.  I thought I could have a soft breadstick from olive garden but the garlic really "burned".  

Tip 3:  I shared this before, but the rinse can really help you through an especially rough time.  I probably rinsed my mouth 10 times a day when it was really bad.  Just swish it around and spit it out.

             In 20 oz. water, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp salt.  My husband mixed it for me and it sits by the bathroom sink all day. 

Tip 4:  My husband brought me Activia and I balked at first, but after a couple days I noticed a reduction in the mouth sores.  Give it a try.

Tip 5:  Have close at hand (even at night) some Vaseline Lip Therapy (or Chapstick or Burt's Bees or something similar) as it was soothing on the inside of my lips.

Praying for you all.

Vicki

vickilynn

OK - just thought of something else... another SE you may want to know about.  I went to make a deposit at the bank on Friday and had several different checks, but the teller took it and said, "Um.  There's a mistake."  I had added the checks up completely wrong.  Not just a simple "oh you're off by $10"  but I was off by over $100.  I also found that I'll write an email and when someone replies and includes my note - I've used completely the wrong word in a sentence.  This has happened more than once in the last week... 

So the warning is, there is what they call "Chemo Brain" and you'll find posts and info about it on this website. It doesn't affect your intelligence - but it can do some strange things.  So I'm using the calculator (I've never trusted those things!) and having my husband read the checks I write out before I send them.

Now here's a positive SE I just discovered today:  Facial hair is getting really easy to remove.  I just went to "pluck" out a few irritating neck hairs - and there was no resistance.  They basically just slid out with no effort.  So no more embarrassing facial hairs!  That's a positive thing!!!

I still have hair today - at least on top of my head.

positiveme

Hello Ladies,

 last night wasnt a picnic. Came home drank my water but my bladder got nothing. had to call the doctor he said hot bath for 30 min. no good. my friend is a nurse and came and straight cath me with no results. went to E.R. did blood work and no treatment could be done. dr. advised blood work today at 1 pm. everything came back fine. going for my neuelesta shot tomorrow. and bloodwork on friday. overall pretty good, could have been worse. just got back from my husband's 50 bday party with over 240 people and thats whats lifes all about.On day 2 after my chemo and I got the neulesta shot this morning. It did not hurt at all. I'm feeling pretty good. I have a little dull headache and was nauseous. I took a zofran and feel good. Most of the women here have said days 3,4 or 5 are no so good so we will see. Right now feeling ok. One day at a time. I hope everyone is feeling good and hope to here from you wonderful women.

Vickilynn-Thank you so much for all the very useful info. Sorry about the bone pain it sounds awful.

Susan- I am so gald you made it to see your daughter. You are right there will be more games.

Toni- Keep doing the prevenitive things. Did you get Senekot for constipation? It really works.  I didn't get a port. Dr. thought my veins would be good enough. I'm really second guessing that one.

Neece- I am sorry too about the se's. It is so great to hear that you have such a wonderful DH to be with you at this time.

RonnieKay- Hopefully the neulesta shot will bring those WBC right back up. You still have hair but I can't remember what day it is for you.

I hope I touched base with everyone. It's getting late and the brain is going. I have to repeat what a wonderful site this is and it means a great deal to me.

THINK POSITIVE

chat with you soon

Catherine

THINK POSITIVE

chat with you soon 

GmaToni

Goodmorning All- Wanted to check in this morning and give you all some nice warm fuzzies and let you know I am thinking of you. I am not doing to well this morning but certainly doable. Never been sick in my life (hardly a cold) so I am a whiner. Lots of heartache - but we all have hard times.

I have been crying all morning long. My scalp is itchy and painful, got the dreaded poopies (nice) and I look like Rudolph (no kidding). Put some Benadyl itch spray on my scalp (helps) hem cream on my bottom (like ya needed to know that) (never had a hem before) and have been balling ever since - ok before the "ever since". I am 5 days out. Do you count the day of TX ? If ya do then Im 6 days out.

Have company coming from Wisconsin on Oct 7. Asked them to wait but..... my Aunt is 79, bless her heart and maybe feels she should visit in case one of us kicks the bucket I just dont see her much so its wierd. I just hope Ill be ok - I warned her.

positive- Hope you are better. All the H2O I tell you to drink and then wham... I feel guilty. Yes I was keeping up w/ the Miralax actually but..... pulled a fast one on me. Lots dont have ports - sure it will get better for you honey.

VickiLynn- awesome tips. Hope the bones are better. That sounds so very painful and miserable,

Neece - Hope you are feeling better. I have the most wonderful DH as well. Dont know what Id do w/o him. BTW... you are a brave woman (all 3? , thinking of you)

Ronniekay - WBC was low ! It will be up soon due to those baked potatoes:) Arent they great ?

Diva- So glad you spent time w/ your daughter. Sounds like you had and did a great time and took it easy too. Hope you are well today.

Im trying to fit in - hope I didnt forget to many of you - Im trying, Im trying

((HUGS))

Toni

vickilynn

Today is the day - I asked my husband to buzz my hair!  My pjs are getting too hairy, plus I have chemo treatment 2 tomorrow and I don't think I'll feel like doing it afterwards. 

I'm so much more relaxed about the treatment tomorrow than I was for the first.  My sister bought me a magazine to read and my husband bought me a puzzle book... and I'll bring my jazz music to listen to.  It will be just fine.

By the way- the bone pain did not come back after that one day.  One day is a good thing.

jadams1264

Hello all - I start my TCH treatments on Thursday.  Had port placement last week.  I have been to orientation and am as prepared to start as I will  ever be (not).  I hope to continue working, going to do my chemo on Thursday (I work M-F).  I have an appt on Sat. to get my haircut very short!  I bought a wig, can't do much more than pray.  Thank you so much for posting to this website, I have been reading for about a week but was waiting to find out when the chemo would start.  Thanks for being there!

vickilynn

jadams  Welcome to the September Sisters Society.  There's always room for one more.  I don't think any of us are prepared for this... but we can support each other through this.

Toni  I sent you a private message, but my internet disconnected before it got posted I think... anyway.  Just wanted to say HANG IN THERE.  Do you go every other week?  Hopefully your second week will be a good one.  If I were there I'd make you some herbal tea with honey and just let you cry... sometimes that's all we can do.   Also - my bone pain only lasted 1 day (thankfully).  Neece had asked me to describe the pain.  Sorry it was so graphic.

Anonymous

Oh my gosh, I just love you all so much!  Welcome jadams, sorry you have to join the party, but you are in fine company.  We are all at various stages and getting various treatments, but we are great moral support to one another. 

Toni, I hear you on the being weepy.  Me too, it just catches you off guard.  I'm not even sad, I just need to get a tear out now and then.  My head is really itchy too, and I think I almost have a little acne going on in the thick of it,( thick for the time being any way).  I don't know what that is all about, but I hope it stops soon.  It is so socially frowned upon to sit at ones desk and scratch like a dog with fleas.  GRRRRRR!

Vickilynn,I must say that I love all of your posts.  You have such great descriptions of things, and it feels like I know you so well and you truly are our leader, even into the realm of the gypsy .  I am sorry you have had to go through so many yucky side effects.  I hope that you are able to get them to adjust things this time.  Has it been 2 weeks since your first tx?  I can't keep track of everyone.  I can't even really keep track of me.  I've had a few of those "chemo brain" moments too.  I had some really silly computer issues at work today.  I am trying to work full time, regular hours.  I'm just not sure what my productivity is going to be like.  I felt like a total ditz today, and ended up leaving a little early.  I usually work 8.5 to 9 hours a day without a break, and I just don't think that is going to cut it.  Maybe I need to go to 8 hours with a break which is what my staff works.  We'll see.

RonnieKay, Hello dear, I hope you are feeling better, and that all is getting better for you. Those pesky white blood cells, ya really do need them though.

Neece, it is good to hear from you.  I am sorry to hear how tough your course is,  I will be thinking of you.  Next year will be here before you know it.

Positiveme, gentlest of (((Hugs))). I am so sorry about those yucky SE's  I hope all is better today.

My breasts just feel super full and I am not grooving on that feeling!  My tummy incision, from my TRAM surgery is feeling really weird too.  Plus I am a little achy, and generally whinny.  My poor family!

I love you all sisters,

Chat again soon,

 Susan

vickilynn

Just had to let you all know ---- I got my "buzz" haircut about an hour ago.  My husband cried as he started up the hair clippers... but now he thinks it's sexy!

 Somewhere I read that it's easier to get it really short before lots of it comes out all at once.  I see the wisdom in that. 

I didn't shave it yet... just got it about 1/4" all over.   I tried on my hats and scarves.  I'm having trouble making the scarves work, though I really like the look.  Husband said I just need a tambourine to go with it.

And I just started looking through my old jewelry finding pins (or earrings) to pin on the hats.   OK.  Having too much fun : )

Anonymous

Oh Vickilynn, I am just sitting here crying and it isn't a bad thing.  I don't know how it is possible to feel so close to someone you've never even met, but I just love your ability to share.  I'm sorry this all has to happen to any of us, but thank you for being there for us. 

You almost make me anxious to join this part of the party.

Much Love,

 Susan

positiveme

Good Morning Sisters

Sorry I didn't post yesterday I was at work almost all day but ran out of steam. Almost made it the whole day. As for the se's. My tongue feels alittle weird and achy alittle all over but mostly my neck and back. Not too bad. Tired but what can we do. Today is day 4 after my first tx. I am at work but pretty tired. My body still doesn't feel right. My incision from surgery seems to be burning and that is weird.

Jadams- Welcome. I am gald you posted.

Susan- The incision thing is crazy. Thanks for the hugs.

Viciklynn- You are our leader and I wait for your posts to see what's going on with you. I think this is day 14 for you so your tx's are 2 weeks apart. Mine are 3 so that's alittle different. I plan on shaving my head about day 15. I am wondering if it hurts. My head is alittle sore but not to bad.

Ronniekay, Neece, & Toni- I hope all is well and things are getting better day by day.

From the bottom of my heart Thank You all again for sharing your expierences with me.

THINK POSITIVE

chat with you soon

ciela

Hi everyone,

I am new in this thread  and I would like to join you ladies ..I am going to see my oncologist today first time I will see her I was diagnosed last May/2009 and had lumpectomy early June and surgeon told me that its not clear margin needs another surgery so I decided to do mastectomy last July and my frist oncologist left the hospital so you could just imagined my waiting period.. so only now that I am going to see my new oncologist.. I was diagnosed with stage 1 , 1.3 cm 0/6 lymph nodes, ER/PR negative and HER2 positive.. I dont know what kind of cocktail treatment they are going to give me .. keep on reading some thread here and I was reading about Herceptin for HER 2+ does anyone knows about this.. and also what about the Port? does anyone advice me port is good for me .. because of HER2+ thanks to all of you and the support you have given to all BC . hope you all can accept me to be one of Sept ladies.

amyooo

Welcome Ciela,

I am just learning about all this myself. I just started Taxol and Herceptin last Friday immediately after my port placement. I had absolutely NO discomfort with the port. I will do chis chemo regimen every week x 12 weeks then double mast. After 3 weeks I will do Adriamycin and Cytoxin every 2 weeks x4. Then I have radiation. After that I do another 12 weeks of Taxol and Herceptin (I think) then 9 months of Herceptin alone.

These boards have helped me so much! I am glad you are here,

Amy

vickilynn

• Welcome new sisters!!

I'm on my way to treatment #2 with so much less anxiety than #1. 

Woke up with a fuzzy head this morning (from yesterday's buzzed haircut).  Even dreamt about going out in public without a headcovering!!  I decided it's not so bad, but I don't want people staring at me for that reason.  If they want to stare because they want to know who the crazy lady is in the gypsy scarf, that's OK.  I just don't want parents whispering to their children not to stare at the bald lady. Just joking - sort of.

Need to get my Chemo Bag ready for today.  If you don't have one, take a look at some other topics on here about getting ready for chemo.  They have great ideas about what to put in your bag - like snacks, chapstick, hand lotion... I had taken a book last time but couldn't concentrate enough to read.  My jazz music soothed me, however, so I'm taking that again.

Someone was saying, "how can I remember all of you?".   Well last night I started an index card with your names and states (if I knew them) so I can pray for you and think about you individually.   

I think we should call ourselves S.O. S.   September Oncology Sisters,   or September Outstanding Sisters?

Thinking of you today

Anonymous

I love the S.O.S., but I vote for outstanding!!!!!  I am totally doing the index card thing, that is so smart.  I pray for you all daily, so if any one is not into that let me know.  I'm at work so I gotta go, but I am thinking of all of you S.O.S. girls.

Susan

RonnieKay

I've missed you!  I wrote a huge post Sunday night and like sister Positiveme (I think it was you ), I went back a page and lost it all!!  It's probably ok because I was just throwing a pitty party and wanted to invite you all! 

VICKILYNN: I wanted to wish you lots of love and strength for your next appointment and when I just logged on and saw you were on your way to your appointment, my heart sank...but I know YOU know we're all with you in spirit.  You truly have been our faithful guide and your words of advice and experience have helped me through.  I got neulasta legs (exactly as you described..only I was on my couch, thank heavens) on Saturday night, a little on Sunday and a teensy bit on Monday but today I caught myself running down the stairs and almost started crying for joy!  I've felt a bit like an old(er) lady the past few days and for that time, I was a sobbing mess too,

GMATONI and SUSAN. I have had the same very week moments, tears for unknown and many reasons...Now I know I'm in good company!  Oh my dear

POSITIVEME:  Oh My...I can't believe you put on a party for 240 people, 2 days out of chemo!  You are my new rock star!  I'm glad you're better now...I don't know how you're working full time. The burn may be the chemo killing cells...that's what happened in my breast. It burned like crazy and onc nurse said that's the drugs going to a point of inflammation.. doing their job! 

NEECE: My chemo nurse suggested doing neulasta at home but my onc nurse said insurance probably won't pay unless it's in the hospital.  Have to say, at first I didn't think I'd want to give it a try, but it would have been interesting!  I laughed when I saw one of your first meals after tx was Thai...mine was too  

HAIR!!!  My wig should be here any day...but 12 days out, I still have thick hair (got it cut short in late August).  VICKILYNN...I love that your husband did the buzz cut for you...I may have mine do the same. It sounds like we're all very loved!  Friends..I haven't tried scarves...I'm just so unaccustomed to anything but hair on my head!  I live in the Seattle area and you'd think I may have something for a "rainy day" but I don't even use umbrellas...just don't mind getting wet!

Welcome NEW FRIENDS!!!  CIELA...I am ER/PR and HER2+++ so I can tell you that having Herceptin for a year is what made me decide to do the port.  It's not something I looked forward to (in fact, had it put in last week, a week after my first tx) but getting Herceptin last week was so easy with it!!!  Having it put in wasn't a problem but I'll tell you, it's going to take getting used to.  Having something that you're so aware of in your body is hard to get used to...each day will be better, I'm sure!  They put the Herceptin in very slowly the first time to prevent side effects...after that, it'll go more quickly.  I'm having the 12 straight weeks and then every 3 weeks until a year is up.  My Taxol and Cytoxan are every 3 weeks...4 sessions.  I think it sounds pretty standard...if we can say anything's standard! 

I'll be thinking of you all as the days come and go.  Love to all...and VICKILYNN...have sweet dreams tonight!

jadams1264

Hey all - I like outstanding also!  Went for my consulatation with the Chemo lady today.  If I had not already been reading everyone's post she probably would have scared me to death with all the side effects!  Going to do a triple boast of Herceptin on Thursday and Taxotere and Carboplatin on Friday.  Then I will do the full TCH every 3 weeks with Herceptin rest of weeks.  I also had a port put in and while not painful you just know it is there!  Thanks for sharing and I will also pray for us all!

ciela

Hi Amyooo, 

 Thanks for giving me some information regarding this "Port", as I said I met my oncologist today

and he told me that I have two option to decide and my first chemo will be Oct.15,2009 , I ask my oncologist if they could spare me few weeks since my family will be here and we are going to Agawa Canyon for the long weekend and he said ok.. but I will have some heart test coming 1st week of October and another final see my final oncologist to ask me what treatment will I decide.. My 1st option treatment is FEC every 3 weeks  (3 cycles) then Docetaxel every 3 weeks then Herceptin for 18 every 3 weeks.. 

2nd option is  TC every 3 weeks (4 cycles) and last will be Herceptin 18 every 3 weeks..

actually , I really dont know what's the best.. all I know Herceptin is there for my case.. 

I was asking him which is the best and the worst side effects.. because I heard about this FEC (heart damage) he told yes but all chemo have a side effects.. he told me if I ask him w/c is better he told me the FEC .. I am still contemplating to get the 2nd options.. I dont know I guess before I will see him again this coming Oct 6 I will decide what options will I chose.. for now , with the help of this threads I will learn more about the drugs . Hope everybody will stay in touch with each other.. and for you take care of yourself and I will always pray for all of us.. please help me too which do you think the best cocktail (chemo drugs).. I am sooo afraid of the side effects ..

ciela

Hi Ronniekay,

thanks for the good info. regarding Port.. I will see and decide then . My 1st chemo will be Oct.15/2009 I ask my oncologist if I do it after the long weekend.. by the way, I am in Canada and our thanksgiving will be Oct 12 and my family is treating me to agawa canyon. so from there I will have my 1st chemo in Oct.15.. so I hope I am still part of you ladies .. I read all your threads and I was so happy and I learned so much .. right now I dont know what treatment will I used since my oncologist gave me 2 options. the 1st options is FEC (3 cycles) then D (3 cycles) and Herceptin for 18 every 3 weeks.. 

2nd options TC (4 cycles) and Herceptin 18 every 3 weeks.. my oncologist told me FEC is better the only thing is side effect might be he said (heart damage) what do you think... I need at least 2nd opinion.. thanks soo much and I hope I will still hear from you.. 

ciela

Hi Ronniekay,

thanks for the good info. regarding Port.. I will see and decide then . My 1st chemo will be Oct.15/2009 I ask my oncologist if I do it after the long weekend.. by the way, I am in Canada and our thanksgiving will be Oct 12 and my family is treating me to agawa canyon. so from there I will have my 1st chemo in Oct.15.. so I hope I am still part of you ladies .. I read all your threads and I was so happy and I learned so much .. right now I dont know what treatment will I used since my oncologist gave me 2 options. the 1st options is FEC (3 cycles) then D (3 cycles) and Herceptin for 18 every 3 weeks.. 

2nd options TC (4 cycles) and Herceptin 18 every 3 weeks.. my oncologist told me FEC is better the only thing is side effect might be he said (heart damage) what do you think... I need at least 2nd opinion.. thanks soo much and I hope I will still hear from you.. 

RonnieKay

Good Evening..Outstanding Sisters(love it too!),

Just wanted to share that I've been using Biotene (if I already told you this...I can blame chemo brain!).  There's a toothpaste, mouthwash and chewing gum...and it's working SOOOOO well!  I think I taste food better and my mouth is even less sensitive than with my salt rinse.  I got it at Walgreens...not a prescription, thank heavens!  I'm getting index cards...awesome VICKILYNN and SUSAN!!!  JADAMS: Nice to have another Herceptin buddy!!  Talk to you all later   XOXO

vickilynn

To my Outstanding Sisters;

Feeling good after my 2nd chemo this afternoon.  No difficulties with the port this time so it went much faster.  I put on my music and headphones and slept for an hour!  It really is much easier the 2nd time - you know what to expect and where to go to the bathroom, and how to get warm blankets and fluffy pillows.

Found out this morning from the dr. that my severe headaches were not SE of chemo but were a reaction to the Zofran... she said some people get "killer" headaches... guess I was one of them.  The Zofran was anti-nausea drug I was taking - so no more Zofran.  

Also found out I have a yeast infection in my mouth and will take some medication for that.  She said the fact Activia helped me was an indication too.  She said keep up the pro-biotics.

All my blood tests came out in the acceptable range which was great.  So things are going according to  plan. 

Just got a package from a young friend and her 3 little girls - a hat, scarves, hat pins, and a little "ty" bear who is kneeling and praying.  Very cute.  What fun to get packages in the mail!

I did wear my kerchief made by my daughter in law --- very colorful --- and I got comments from other cancer patients.  I will sleep and dreammmmmm well tonight and see what tomorrow brings. 

Praying for you all.

Neece

hi SOS girls,

Am happy to report that today (one week after 1st treatment) I finally feel like a human being again. Even had toast and tea at a cafe with DH this morning. What a thrill. This morning was also the first time I thought 'Yes I can do the next treatment', because up till then I had been feeling sick just thinking of it! So I am feeling much more optimistic.

Love the stories of buzz cuts - my DH will probably do the same for me in a little while. He is fairly bald himself and shaved everything off today - I think he is looking forward to us being a 'his and hers' pair!

Vickilynn  I was so glad your second treatment went well and you felt more confident, this is so important.

Love to all

Neece