Chemo Starting Sep 09

Melinda-Tma3

Hi all...I'm a newcomer to your post.  I've been reading for a week and just love the spirit of all of you!  

My first A/C Chemo was Monday.  I had my port put in the week before and sentinal node biopsy (2). My node arm is still numb and tingle/pain with a small swollen area. Hasn't gotten any worse so I'm stretching etc hoping it will subside soon.  I hated the port at first.  It gave me the worst muscle pain behind it,  but by my first chemo it doesn't bother me at all. I highly recommend it, it was so easy and worked great!  

Chemo day was one of the best days I've had since diagnosed.  I've been so afraid of this day. I am lucky to have no terrible SE''s.  A fuzzy brain til yesterday afternoon and the steroids make me chatter like there's no tomorrow.  My father-in-law walked away from me Mon nite laughing. Said I was chattering just like my 11 yr old son.  It seems once I start, I can't stop talking!  I take my last Decadron today, but was told that tomorrow my high will end and will probably have a down day or two.  

The women I met at the Chemo were so terrific...and after spending 3 hours with them, I don't have the worry about my hair loss as I did...they were so pretty and after a minute of meeting them, it was just who they are! One girl told me that everytime she goes to the grocery store, so many people stop her and mention they are survivors or a relative/friend is a survivor.  Give her words of support and that it always takes her a half hour longer than before.  I have been so afraid of people staring and avoiding me, that I never looked on the other side of it. I have more courage after talking to them.  I'm sure there will be those that don't know how to deal with my bald head, but there will be so many who understand and will be supportive.  It's ok, I can't say I always knew how to handle it either.

Yesterday I recieved my Neulasta shot.  After much researching on this site, it was recommended to take a Clariton 1 hour before and for the next two days.  It has been helping so many with the bone pain.  So I'm 16 hours into it and still no pain...2 days to go.  It was also mentioned that if you have pain you can take the Clariton and it will help relieve it.  Not Clariton D,,,I took Clariton 24hr.  

I am also using Biotene mouthwash so far so good.  Drinking tons of water and a little green tea/decaf.  Food so far has been good...tomatoes and vinegars yuck...  

Thanks to you all for your candid conversation! I'm looking forward to getting to know you all better and wishing you all a beautiful day...stay strong! 

Melinda  

45, Mother of 11yr son and 16/18 yr daughters & wonderful husband 

positiveme

Hello SOS- Outstanding we are!

I love reading every morning how everyone is doing and also how we are helping each other with our stories. Today is day 5 after my tx. I'm at work and feeling ok. Still have alitte burning in my back but if it is the chemo killing any BAD cells I will deal with (like I have a choice).

Vickilynn- I'm happy #2 went well. I hope you had a peaceful night and wake up feeling pretty close to normal.

RonnieKay-  I have to agree 100% biotene is great. My tongue and mouth were sore and it did the trick.

Welcome Melinda & Ciela- You are both one of us and together we will get through this.

Ciela- Did you consider getting a second opinion from another dr. about the course of tx.? I did because of my isolated tumor cells in me lymph node. Both dr. suggested to same tx which gave me peace of mind. Just a thought.

Neece- Glad to hear you are feeling better.

Susan, Toni, jadams and amyoo- Hoping things are going well with all of you.

Better get back to work.

THINK POSITIVE

chat with you soon

Catheirne

ciela

Hello everyone,

I am ciela and I just talked to my oncologist for the 1st time yesterday and we are looking for my 1st treatment in October 15 w/c will be my1st chemo (it seems that I dont belong to Sept chemo) hope you still all consider me Thank you again.) and by the way, I have 2 options to decide and here it is options one will be FEC (3 cycles) 3 weeks apart and D (3 cycles) 3 weeks apart and Herceptin 18 cycles -3 weeks apart. and my 2nd option will be TC (4cycles) and Herceptin 18 cycles ) 3 weeks apart.. I dont know which one is the best for my case.. and I dont want to be confused regarding my treatment.. Can anybody help me find a good solution to what really good for my case ,, I know chemo treatment has a lots of side effects but I dont know which one to take.. Am I still ok to be with you guys since my chemo start in Oct.. Thanks sooo much to all of you... 

amyooo

My treatment plan is very different from your so I can't offer any help with your decision

I do know, however, that Hercepin changes everything! Statistics for one! Just wait til you get your heart studies done. That will help you narrow it down or maybe if your tests are good......it will increase your options!

ciela

Hi amyooo,

thanks again, I know it's quite hard to decide which one is good for me .. anyways, I will let you know which one I will take.. for now let me search, search regarding this drug treatment.. I know the worst side effect of this is Leukemia and heart damage... but I know too that is rare.. so let me do the searching.. we are almost the same .. I am IDC 1.3 cm grade 3 6/0 negative and HER2 POSITIVE..its really hard to think about our treatment.. but I thank God for the trials she's giving me.. I have faith and I know soon I will decide for the best of my body and soul..

hope you are always in good spirit.. thanks sooo much for your info.. best regards to everybody.and I will get in touch with you as soon as I will rec'd my 1st chemo .. even though I will start in Oct. .. thanks again I will pray for all of us 

chinablue

Hi Ladies,

I had my port put in on Monday.  I had general anaesthesia so it went fine.  I was sore, but I took a half percacet and was on my way.   

Yesterday, was my first AC treatment.  I got a bit teary when the nurse had a question and answer session, but not too bad.  My husband and I watched "Weeds" season 4 on his computer throughout the chemo.  I went home and felt actually pretty good.  Until about 6 pm, I got hit hard with fatigue and nausea.  Luckily, my doctor prescribed some just in case medicine for nausea.  I took that and slept for 10 hours.  I feel good this morning, finished the laundry and am going for a walk.

I wish the best to all of you.

vickilynn

Morning has hit the west coast --- you all seem to have been up for hours!  I am feeling really good this morning so far.  The nurse reminded me yesterday - "You're halfway through the hard stuff".  I guess the AC treatments are the hardest with the most SE.  After 2 more AC I will go to once-a-week with Taxol for 12 weeks.  I know with some of you,  your treatments go on for  a lot longer than that.  There are some positives to being a Triple Negative!

I'll praying for you all.   I have this verse on a shelf, next to my new praying bear, and when I'm feeling weak, it's great reminder:    "My grace is sufficient for you."  II Cor. 12:9

BarbAnne41

Hello September's Outstanding Sisters (SOS) It is perfect Vicki!

Welcome all newcomers.

Vicki I am so glad your SE's and treatments are going better-you have been in my thoughts. The name and the index card is an awesome idea thank you for everything.

Toni- thank you for saying I should stay, I think Ceila should stay with us too, the more positive energy we have the better right? I am really sorry about the weepys and the itchiness. Hope you are doing well.

Neece you are a brave one to do all the treatments at once, I am so glad you are feeling better.

Melinda-Tma3- welcome and a big thank you for the advice I will start AC some time in the next few weeks and the Nuelesta shot was scaring me since there are so many pain killers I am not allowed to take, Claritin sounds like a big help. Thank you for sharing.

RonnieKay, Susan and Positiveme I am thinking of you and hope you are well.

I had my CT scan on Monday; wow does contrast taste worse than I remember, so Friday afternoon I see my Onc, hopefully with good news so I can get my chemo train rolling.

  

A great big positive hug and thank you to all of you for sharing!

Hugs

Barbara

jadams1264

Hello everyone...well tomorrow is my first chemo session - 3 hrs of Herceptin followed on Friday by taxotere & carboplatin.  I have read all the posts, know it isn't as bad as I imagine but still will be glad to get the first ones behind me!  I am having my hair cut on Sat. leaning towards having it all shaved off.  Hoping I will feel like keeping the appointment.

 Thanks for all of your encouragement.  I by the way am 57, truly blessed to have been married 31 years.   1 daughter, 2 grandkids and they live close by.  I'm in North Carolina and I hope to keep working my full time job as long as I can.  I have a wonderful group of friends who keep me laughing and positive.

 Keeping you in my prayers!

vlday

Hello Sistas:

Sorry, I haven't logged on like in FOREVER!   I am hooked on Sudoku and Charmed, go figure.  Had my second treatment today, not as scary as the first.  (A/C cocktail with all the anti-nausea meds)  I go for my neulasta 4K shot tomorrow, bring that white blood count up.

My hair is shorty short and starting to fall out.  I am prepared and got all my hats and caps in. 

Barbara:  Just an fyi, I am a Vicki and VickiLynn is going by.  I know I haven't written and so sorry.  I echo your choice of Sept. Outstanding Sisters or Sistas  SOS good one!!  Better than Succubus'.  Hope all is well and that your treatment schedules gets up and rolling!

VickyLynn:  We have the same treatment schedule: A/C then Taxol.  My Onc said Taxol is less hard on the system.  I say all of it is hard on the system. 

jadams1264  We're all thinking and praying for ya.  Go in positive, that is 85% of going through this, attitude!  Keep the appointment and go shorty short first.  You never know.  I working with my hair dresser, and if need be, will be ordering a few wigs just so I don't "wig out" some folks if I do shave my hair off. 

Stay postive all and have a good night.

Vicki

Melinda-Tma3

Hi everyone! It's 3pm been up since 1....still wide awake....I've actually been sleeping well until tonite..tomorrow nite, I'll take a sleep aid.  The Clariton is still warding off bone pain.  I'll take one more in the morning for all day Thurs and then should be over the hump.  

Today was day 3 after my 1st A/C chemo.  Needed a nap this morning and felt kind of dreamy/foggy all day.  Got lots accomplished, just kind of a fog.  Still eating well and tomatoes tasted good today! The steriods haven't given me any cravings and have stopped making me so hyper. Little pots of applesauce have been really good in between meals as well as some of the probiotic yogurts.  Just need to watch the flavors.... also baked potatoes are terrific.

1st time chemo goers....drink lot's of fluids the day before you go, throughout the day and the next day.  Add gatorade/flat ginger ale as you like afterwards. The fluids make a huge difference in ridding your body of the chems and will def make you feel better throughout.  

Gonna try to get some sleep....Wishing you all a bright day tomorrow.  

Melinda 

RonnieKay

Dearest SOS! 

Here I am...right back at ya MELINDA  1 a.m. and I'm just getting started on my "awakening!"  I usually I go to bed later in the evening but my DIL and 20 month old grandaughter arrived from Long Beach, CA yesterday afternoon so when she was ready for bed at 8:30, she and I crawled in our bed and we went to sleep cuddling!  She and hubby are snoozing away!  I cooked a wonderful dinner for the whole family (minus son in CA), but had daugthers, sons-in-law & 2 grandbabies and I felt terrific!  The only thing that bugs me is the port and I know I need to give that time to heal!  It's  just other than that...I forget I have cancer...always a good thing!

MELINDA:  # 1 in out of the way...YEAH!!!!

VICKI: My girlfriend called one day and the first thing I said is, "You saved me from the Suite Life of Zach and Cody"...she went through chemo in February and said she remembered how bad tv is on the weekend!! Congrats on # 2 being done!  You and VICKILYNN are my guinea pigs!  I'm interested in seeing how different this will be from #1.  I don't go for #2 until the 25th.  You both must be on 2 week cycles. My chemo is every 3rd week but I have herceptin every week (which really didn't seem to bother me). 

JADAMS: VICKI"S right..we're all sending our prayers for strength in treatment today!! 

14 days and I still have hair. Had it cut very short in August, in prep, but it's been growing like crazing and my gray roots look awful...you can't color during chemo so, I'm still thinking about having hubby shave it down like VICKILYNN.  My wig came in yesterday...just in case     

CHINABLUE: It sounds like you're doing great!  I hope you stay side-effect free!

VICKILYNN: Do you think you'll do claritin for the neulasta legs next time?  Just curious.

POSITIVE:  You're staying positive...awesome!

BARBARA: Hope the oncologist says it's time to get started...then you can think about being finished

CIELA:  I don't know anything about FEC...I'm on the Taxotere/Cytoxan w/Herceptin. 

 Thinking of you all...praying for rest and renewing

RonnieKay

Apologies for so many typing errors...I was the proof reading wizard at work. Guess  I retired at the right time

Anonymous

Hi all of you wonderful SOS ladies.  I have been off the thread for a bit, and there is so much to get caught up with.  Vickilynn, I am glad that you are through number 2!  Welcome to all who have joined our party.  You have found a fun group for sure.  vlday, I've been wondering how you are, I'm glad you posted.  Ronniekay and Melinda, I should have joined your middle of the night soiree, I was tossing and turning.  Next time I'll come here and see who's up.  Everyone else, I haven't made my index card yet, so I'm not being rude, I care about you all, I just can't remember what all is going on with everyone.

I have gone crazy.  Denver's Race for the Cure is a huge deal.  If local media is to be believed it is the nations largest, and it really is just amazing.  One of my best friend's who is also a co-worker's mom died about 2 years ago from IBC, and so my friend is the team captain of our Race team.  We decided that we need to do more than just have a team, and so we wanted to raise some money. This is the part where I prove that I am crazy.  I baked almost 100 cupcakes, and I am selling them at my work and my husbands work.  I call it "Cupcake for the Cure".  I made $26.00 yesterday!  My friend also put together a prize drawing for some cool stuff from "The Body Shop".  I don't think we will make it into the top fund-raisers, but we are having fun, and every little bit helps.  Okay, so that's what I've been up to.  Oh BTW, the cupcakes are of course pink, and very adorable.

Hope you all have a great day.  I think I have thrush in my mouth, so I am going to go call the Drs office now and see what to do about that.

Love Ya,

Susan

GmaToni

SOS Sistahs - I love that !! (oops Sisters)

Sorry I havent posted for a bit but my 85yo mama I thought I was gonna lose a few nights ago. Terrible nose bleed that would not stop ! Blood clots the shape and size of a butter knife. Never seen anything like it, ever. I was so scared. So was she ! Went to ER w/ the ambulance and they cauterized her (L) nostril and packed it.

All I could think of this D###N cancer. Why did LifeLine have to call me,.... why didnt I see this coming,.... she had a small one a few days ago,..... shes looked a little pale...., my mind has been playing so many tricks....

Thanks to all of you asking how I am. Theres nothing quite like seeing your name mentioned and a fellow sister thinking and praying for you. I do the same for each and everyone of you !! My blood counts are good, next TX is Oct 6 and that will be my 2nd and I will be 50% done!! I am 8 days out today and feel pretty good. (my bottom is better) Enough about me......

Ciela, ChinaBlue, Melinda, Jadams, amyooo - Welcome !! amyooo, I agree w/ you about the Herceptin and heart tests for Ciela first. Jadams there are nothing like friends to get us through and good luck w/ your Hercertin today. Ciela this is so difficult the decision you are having to make - I hope the tests give you a better idea and your research-Best wishes ! Melinda hoping your TX is still treating you well and are you still chattering ? Wow I did the same thing ! Look for a "Look good, feel good" program by the Cancer Society in your area - great place to get together w/ others and talk about makeup, hair, ect and there are cosmetologists there ! ChinaBlue the ports are AWESOME, hope you are doing well after TX and I and my DH watched a movie as well !

VickiLynn- sorry to say I never did receive your PM. Herbal tea sounded great and thanks for the weepy talk - Im a little better. I have my TX every 21 days except for my 2nd (going to a football game so am a few days late for that one) My 2nd will be on Oct 6. How is yours treating you? As always thank you for the tips and step by steps. Did you do the index cards ? I think Id like too. Zofran? Did you take that yet did you say? Headaches gone? Your bloods were good and you are 50% done w/ this round !!!! Party !!!! I cut my hair very short as well. How is yours? Still 1/4 in?

Susan- Using Benadryl itch spray (ok'ed by doc) is working great on my scalp - no kidding - feels sooo good. I also sprayed on my fingers and rubbed it on problem acne areas - dried them up. How is your weepiness ?

Neece -Hope you are feeling well !

positiveme- Hope you are well and the whole party thing ? You go girl ! Ive got relatives coming the day after my 2nd TX. Yikes !

RonnieKay- Biotene is worth every penny - and its not expensive ! Great stuff ! Hope you are doing well !

BarbAnne - When I was an X-ray tech I had this sweet little 90yo lady say to me...."Honey, that IV stuff (contrast) you put in me made my vagina all warm" I laughed and told her she was so precious ! Hope your bottom didnt get to warm !! Good results for Friday, I know they will be !

Vicki- Your 2nd TX, how are you feeling ? Thinking of you.

Please forgive me if I have forgotten a TX for someone or plain forgot to mention someone.

I pray and think of you all everyday.

((Gentle Hugs))

Toni

BarbAnne41

First off

Vicki and VickiLynn- I am super sorry for getting that mixed up. Vicki I was wondering how you are and am really happy it was Sudoku and TV and not something horrible. I like how you have nicknamed your shot with the price tag. My treatment is suppose to be AC then Taxol too, and I was told Taxol is much easier and less draining too.

jadams1264- I wish you much luck today and hope it all goes really well for you.

Melinda- I am glad you are doing well and thank you for the tip on fluids, I found that water really helped me through radiation too. It really helps. Hope you got some rest!

RonnieKay- glad you are having good fun company. I also hope I get the all clear tomorrow, I am nervous as all get out about the results but I am trying not to let on to the family.

Susan- Bravo to you for all your work, and I have a serous thing for cake, especially cupcakes; my mouth started watering the second I read your post. I really hope you get your thrush worked out.

Toni- Do not beat your self up-you can't see everything coming! I couldn't see everything around my mom, and battling cancer doesn't help! Go easy on yourself. I really hope your mom, and you, are doing much better.

Your story about the lady and her warm bottom gave me a good laugh. I actually didn't mind that part, I am not warm often and that was fun, but the part that was yucky was the two enormous jugs of white stuff I had to drink beforehand. I called it contrast but it might be something else. Thank you for thinking positive with me-I am trying. I can't tell you how happy I will be to get tomorrow's appointment over. I feel like I am on pins and needles waiting for the test results and I am really ready to get my chemo treatment started.

Thanks to all of you-big fat positive hugs.

Barbara

jadams1264

Hello all - well here I am no worse for wear after my first Herceptin treatment.  Port was wonderful, did not hurt at all.  Benadryl made me sleepy.  I now just have to get through the Taxotere & Carboplatin tomorrow. Yes, I am about to float away drinking water!  In reading all the posts, I'm rethinking the head shaving thing and may just go with really short.  I can always go back and hubby has clippers.  I love reading all your posts and what you are doing.  I will never remember all the names but since I have 49 treatments to go I suspect I will come to know all of you really well.  Take care everyone and thank you so much for all your encouraging words!  I'll be praying for you!

positiveme

Hello Outstanding Ladies

I am sharing this so if it happens to anyone else they have heard it before. I woke up Thrus. at 3am. I was dreaming that I was in the ER having a heart attack. The pain in my chest woke me up. I remembered that some women have heartburn so I thought that was it. I took prilosec and tums. No relief. The pain in my chest, spine and lower back were worse than any contraction I had during labor. That's when it hit me it could be bone pain from the neulesta shot.I took advil but it didn't touch the pain. I had a dr's appt. at 9:30 so took more advil and toughed it out until then. As soon as I got in the office they gave me a narcotic right there. They said the WBC are started in the sternum, plevis and the long bones in your legs. That was why my pain was in those spots and so strong. She said no more neulesta shot for me. We will try neupagen shots on day 2,4,6 and so on until day 10. My next tx is 10/1 so we will see what happen. I remember Vickilynn taking about bone pain but you really don't know how bad it feels until it happens to you. I am posting this so if it happens to you call the dr. and ask for pain meds. They really do work. I am at work today and feeling alittle better. These darn se's from the shot are worst than the chemo. I am keeping up on everyone's stories but my brain is too tired to single anyone out. Sharing our stories is just like getting a dose of medicine. It really makes me feel better.

THINK POSITIVE

chat with you soon

Catherine

Melinda-Tma3

Hi SOS Sisters..I've been a little slow here the last few days...I'm now on day five after 1st A/C chemo..I feel like my head is full of cobwebs...I hate this feeling,...can't concentrate very well. Still not sleeping so good...not excercising either...I'm going for a walk today to get some fresh air...hope it helps my head.  I'm eating well, just have a constant reminder in my stomach that all is not normal. I've lost 3 pounds even with the Decadron, but am eating tons of food...guess my metablism finally kicked in. Where has it been for the last 5 years???   Anyone having this foggy cobweb feeling? Any thoughts how to relieve it? Think the electrolytes have anything to do with it? Drinking lots of water, but nothing else seem to taste very good (ie gingerale, sprite etc)

Ramen noodles seem to hit the spot late morning...even though it's not the most nutritious...but tastes good and makes me content til lunch.  

No reaction from Neulasta w/Clariton for me...Catherine...sounds scary the pain you endured....hope the Neupagen shots work out for you.   

Thanks everyone for the kind words...can't keep it all straight so...I'll just keep chiming as I can. We've made it to the weekend.  In a couple of days we can scratch off another week on our healing calendar.   Keep your chins up & sending you all a big burst of energy!  

Melinda  

RonnieKay

Well Gals...the hair is on its way out...I was waiting for the 14-16th day and voila   Funny thing is, it doesn't bother me.  Just like getting started on tx, let's just get this done   To think of how this was the one thing that I thought would bother me most.  I'm sure you all helped me sort through it in my mind!

POSITIVE:  When I talked to my nurse about the pelvic and leg pains she said she thought it was the Taxotere.  However, I was inclined to think it was the 4k (I love that!) shot, since Taxotere was the week prior, had just had the Neulasta, and I was experiencing exactly what VICKILYNN had described.  It makes sense then, if the wbc start their duties in those spots!  I'm sorry it was so harsh.  I had nothing as severe, but enough to cry in hubby's arms.  Thankfully, Tylenol worked for me.

JADAMS: Hopefully your chemo went well yesterday.  I think staying on top of what could happen (nausea meds, etc) is a great way to ward off feeling yucky.  The info from all the SOS will help you tremedously!

Getting ready for Herceptin...piece of cake (in fact, I think I'll make hubby take me to a cake place we like after treatment).  SUSAN'S cupcakes make me drool too!!  God Bless You for your hard work at fundraising. I always do the annual Race for the Cure and  I did the first 3 Day Walk in Seattle (about 8 years ago)....in honor of all my family members and a few friends who had both battled, and lost, this fight.  We are so blessed (can I really say that???) to be diagnosed at a time when so much $$, Love, Hope and Energy is going into ending this disease.  God Bless Us All, Everyone!!!

jadams1264

Hello all.  Well I got through the taxotere and carboplatin without any of the side effects.  However I can relate to the cobweb brain.  Went to the drug store with the wrong prescription and nothing seems quite right.  I'm sure it will be better tomorrow.  Yes, I have to go get my shot tomorrow and the doctor already gave me a prescription for a narcotic.  I will take tylenol first if necessary, I hate taking all of these drugs.  Anyone else going through the hot flash thing?  I am going to make a list so I can start commenting to individual comments.  Keep up the positive thoughts - I only have 48 more treatments to go!

 Keep you in my prayers.

Jane

BarbAnne41

Hi Ladies-

Well for the most part my CT was fine. However my onc wants to run a few more tests before I get the chemo green light. He says I am so young (41) to have breast cancer that he really likes to be extra careful. Which don't get me wrong I am very happy to have someone be careful with me, but the hurry up and wait is making me crazy.

So this coming week I have a PET scan, EKG, and a CT that will be focused on my adrenal gland. Somehow it all got scheduled for this coming Wednesday and Friday. Then I have my chemo care class for Oct 1^st and my follow up with my onc Oct 2^nd. So I will be an October chemo, but I would love to stay here with you ladies if you don't mind. It is such a positive group and I think that is what we all need is some positivity.

My onc said he would either schedule my port placement the same day as my first infusion or a week a head-what do you guys think is same day too difficult?

It also sounded as if he could schedule it very quickly, so I am hoping by that first full week of October I will be getting my first infusion.

Also I asked about the Nuelesta and he said that many times the pain can lessen with each shot because the body recognizes the drug and does what it is suppose to and doesn't "overproduce" like the body will during that first shot. He also said the Claritin is an excellent idea and that he has seen patients do well with taking a Benedryl, although it makes people sleepier, but because it blocks the histamines it really help prevent the bone pain.

I really hope you all are doing well. You are all in my thoughts and prayers

Barbara

Melinda-Tma3

Barbara...I would get the port the week before...Give yourself a little heal time...It bugged me for a week! Now it's fine though. Don't think  I would be happy with same day idea...Good Luck..

Melinda  

vickilynn

Sisters - had my 2nd tx on Tuesday... I think the worst day was yesterday.  Several have told me the 3rd day is the hardest.   Doing better today.  I also hate all the "drugs" that are supposed to help. 

I'd also recommend doing your port a week ahead if you can Barbara.  I was sore for a week also.

Some of those drugs they give you really mess with your head... like Compazine.  Anyone else taking that?  i think the side effect drugs really contribute to the "cobweb" head that Melinda mentioned.

I took fewer anti-nausea drugs after this treatment and though I had the nausea/vomitting it was better than the space-y head I was having before.  Also not taking Zofran seemed to help my head - a mild headache only. .. nothing like the first treatment.

Remember - don't assume that what you're feeling is "normal" side effects.  Go ahead and call - let them know what's happening.  It may be a reaction to something different. 

Treat yourselves well...  

amyooo

Catherine (positiveme)

Thank you for the information. Very helpful. I'm glad it wasn't a heart attack and you are doing well

Amy

amyooo

Jane,

I finished my second chemo without problems today (I had an allergic reaction to taxol the first time)

I was feeling so proud of myself and then I discovered....I had had my pants on backwards ALL DAY!!   Don't know what I can blame that on.

BTW, I had my port and chemo on the same day and had NO PAIN or problems. Some things go smoothly and some things don't (allergic reaction)

I hope you pick the best plan for you. Its a crap shoot.

Amy

Anonymous

Okay my dears, this may be kind of a long post because I finally sorted you all out and put you in my day timer.  I have had a good week with bouts of yuckiness.  I did the cupcake thing, sorry if anyone gains weight because of me ; ).  Between the two work places we raised about $80, which is pretty good.  A co-worker is baking again next week, so we will get some more money for our team.  I just really want to do my part.  I agree with you RonnieKay, we are blest to be living at this time if we have to have this in our lives.  I always say, "at least I have a high profile cancer, and it gets lots of research $$$".  My daughter and I are talking and I showed her my new hats, and the new wig, and she is feeling better.  I don't remember if I told you guys, but I exchanged the free wig I got from the American Cancer Society for one that is more like my natural grey.  I thought it would be fun to try something new so I got brown, but the more I thought about it the more I decided that it would freak my kids out too much.  All of that was great.  Then I had 2 really stressful days at work with budget issues, and having to lay people off, and I popped with thrush in my mouth and a vaginal yeast infection.  YUCK!!!!!  I got my Rx filled today and I am sure I will be on the mend soon.  Okay, enough about me.

Toni, I hope your mama is better today, and I really love your new picture.  You seem to be the only other Rocky Mountain girl who is an SOS.  I love Montana, but Colorado's mountains are bigger! Just Kidding.

Vickilynn, I am glad your 2nd Tx is out of the way!  I have thought about you lots and sent you as much good energy as I could spare.  I hope your weekend is peaceful and SE free.

Melinda, we have a lot in common.  I am also 45 and I have a 13 year old son and daughters that are 17 and 18.  What year in school are your girls?  My oldest is a freshman in college and the other is a Senior in HS.  I hope all is going well for you.

Catherine, I love your positive attitude!  I am so sorry you had such a scare.  I hope today has been better.  I haven't been told anything about the Nuelesta shot, and I am kind of hoping I don't ever have to have one.  Do you know what the protocol is for who has to take that? 

Ciela, I hope all is well with you.  Have you made a treatment decision yet?

Amyooo, I hope you are well too. I laughed out loud when I read about your pants.  I went all evening and slept through the night with my jammies inside out one day this week.  Not nearly as cute as the pants though.

Chinablue, I hope you are healing well from the port.  I didn't have to have one, but I think they sound very convienent.  Good luck!

Neece, I have been sending you long distance good vibes.  I hope you are feeling better.  I admire you for doing so much right now so you have a good year next year.

RonniKay, I hope the cake was excellent.  You have such a good attitude.  I think you will breeze through treatment.

BarbAnne, of course you belong with us!!! Don't you dare skip out, we need your great attitude, and we understand you sister!

Jane, I think you and I are the only ILC girls on this thread.  There are a lot fewer of us.  I looked up the Carboplatin and it had information about a new study.  It mentioned BRACA testing, and I was wondering if you had the test and that is why they were using the Carboplatin, or if there was another reason.  The site I was on didn't indicate it was used very often for BC, does your onc think that there might be advantages because of the ILC?  Just wondering.

Okay, if I forgot anyone I am very sorry.  I don't have any real sisters, so I am glad I have my cyber sisters to share with.  Thank you all for your good thoughts and kind words.  You are all truely OUTSTANSING!!!!!!

Susan

Anonymous

Oh see, I fogot vlday, sorry dear.  I hope your Sudoku and Charmed are keeping you entertained, and that your second tx went a-okay!

Susan

dogsaver

hi ladies thanks so much for sharing all the stories. had chemo 8 days ago, have been back at work since tuesday and i must say i rocked! definately felt really good today, just some fatigue setting in now and a lovely case of radiation recall. still have the hair but my sweet husband said to me last night "i want you to get a wig so you have it just in case you do lose it, youll be prepared." i had been putting it off. he is not an extrovert and i am definately the planner so it was nice to hear him say that. luckily it is almost halloween season so we went to get a fun auburn with there and then went to a nice wig shop and i got a natural one in my color that my hair stylist will trim and style for free. my doctor wrote a prescription for a cranial prosthesis so insurance would cover it. i have good insurance but the co pays are so unfair and of course the extra money we spend on bras and healthy food and supplements. sending love to all the september crew and other months past and future

flacracker

Hi ladies. I been reading the stories all are so very helpful. I found out tin my that I have breast cancer in May of this year. I had a bilateral mas Aug 3. I started my chemo TC thursay the 17 of September. The day went good the nigh time I got a little heartburn. I am still sore from my port which they put in the day before. But other that that not bad.  I woke up with a little redness around my chest area and where the port was put in. Like someone said one down and 3 more to go!