Anyone Starting Chemo Jan. 2010?

mom2Bnegativex3

VegasDiva! I hope it goes as smooth for you on Thursday and atleast we all can reach a normalcy on or weeks "off"~ My onc said I can have some drinks just when I do instead of one full drink just drink 3/4 of it. When I had my first treatment I was out of it. I do think it was due to just haveing my port being put in that morning but still ate a brownie that a family memeber brought it. I am wanting to bake something for my next treatmeant if not for the patience but for the nurses. The are all wonderful~Mine to has coffee and such. I love that I can be "noraml" there and eat fastfood or what ever.  

Good luck Grace with your treatment today. I hope it is smooth saling for you!

 Good luck you you too, Paddlegirl and WELCOME~~

 So who has had their second treatment? Will our good vs. bad days be the same? Will we fell the same each time? My onc said that day 4 would be a bad day for me but it wasn't. Will it be next time? I never got fatigued or sick. I was just real jitter. Hope everyone had a great day today with out any SE!!

georgiabirdgirl

Well I'm doing well today and it's day 5.  So far the worst of it has been unquenchable cottonmouth and some serious fatigue that sets in around midday.  I just have to know to get my important stuff done early in the day when I wake up feeling good and then plan on crashing later.  My nausea has been very intermittant and not anything really to complain about.  I kept waiting to feel terrible yesterday and it just didn't happen. Still no bone pain from the Neulasta so that was a bunch of worry over nothing. Thank goodness for small favors.  I'm on AC and I've been cautious about stressing my heart at all and drinking too much caffeine and have stayed away from alcohol all together.  After my previous scare, I may give up alcohol for good- although I totally agree that a glass of wine might make a lot of this more bearable.  My next treatment is on the 29th so I'm hoping that it's uphill for me from now until then.  VegasDiva: I'm so glad that you're feeling good and that you're ready with your new cut and sassy wig.  Pagowens:  Take care of yourself and i'm sorry for your loss.  Stay strong.   GraceOkinawa:  good luck I hope it goes well for you today and that your SEs are minimal.  For all those going into round 2 - I hope it's smooth sailing.  We're just checking them off and moving on. Take care.

Issymom

Georgiabird - I too had a horrible case of cottonmouth.  I tried Biotene mouthwash and that worked temporarily.  A friend bought me Biotene gum and that worked much longer.  I am on day 7 and the cottonmouth has almost gone away (yeah).

I am glad to hear that not all Oncs are saying give up alcohol (wine) all together.  I assume since mine didn't mention it that it was not a concern.  Again, for me right now it tastes bad so I am not partaking.  I am going with my mom and sister to have my head shaved and have my wig made on Saturday and we are planning to go for brunch and have mimosas and then go see a chick flick.  Now I am not going to stress about my it.

mslrg

pagowens--so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers--really! Hangin there, Girl!

Anonymous

cammy2.

I'm on day 5 of first a/c and finally feeling ok.  The last 4 days were rough, I am used to being very active so the fatigue and naus are killing me mentally more than physically.  I went back to work today and am so grateful I have  a diversion.

youngmomof3

Both my onc and naturopathic doctor highly recommend no coffee (even decaf) or alcohol. My 2 favorite mental health tools. It's rough but I kicked the habit.

11tyBillion

nkrun -- i totally agree with you when you say that your not being used to being un-active makes this whole thing seem even harder.  I have always been such an active person, exercising, chasing my boys, yard work etc etc.  The fatigue, and it's accompanying nausea have been harder on my mind I think, than my body. 

 I keep telling myself that the heaviest, hardest part of all of this is taking place while it is crappy and cold outside, and well, I really would not be going out much anyway.  Thank goodness that the hardest part of this chemo should be tapering off right as spring is starting ...

Tomorrow is chemo #2.  Fingers crossed for an uneventful Dr. visit, and better managed nausea this time around.  HALF WAY THROUGH THE A/C!  WOOT!  WOOT!

pastapesto

Thank you dears, reading how this group is forming is beautiful to watch. I'm in. On Friday, Jan 25 I'll get my oncotype result from the oncologist, but he has already said that I'm very likely to have TC 4x, with Neulasta. I'm a recurrence, after 10 years cancer-free, so I had BMX with TE in December. There's nothing left to radiate.

I threw away my wig after last time, as a symbol of never needing it again. And I don't think I want another one. Callista Flockhart looks so good in scarves on Brothers and Sisters. Besides, I might be able to work at home. Or, maybe I'll get lucky.. does everybody's hair fall out with TC?

I'm finally feeling some energy, now, 5 weeks post-surgery. I didn't even have a nap today! But I am now the proud owner of a CPAP machine, for sleep apnea identified during surgery, and hoping that helps me in my chemo healing.

11tyBillion, please add me to the rollcall.

Blessings to all, Kit

pastapesto

Thank you dears, reading how this group is forming is beautiful to watch. I'm in. On Friday, Jan 25 I'll get my oncotype result from the oncologist, but he has already said that I'm very likely to have TC 4x, with Neulasta. I'm a recurrence, after 10 years cancer-free, so I had BMX with TE in December. There's nothing left to radiate.

I threw away my wig after last time, as a symbol of never needing it again. And I don't think I want another one. Callista Flockhart looks so good in scarves on Brothers and Sisters. Besides, I might be able to work at home. Or, maybe I'll get lucky.. does everybody's hair fall out with TC?

I'm finally feeling some energy, now, 5 weeks post-surgery. I didn't even have a nap today! But I am now the proud owner of a CPAP machine, for sleep apnea identified during surgery, and hoping that helps me in my chemo healing.

11tyBillion, please add me to the rollcall.

Blessings to all, Kit

Oksana

Hi,

I had my first FEC treatment Monday morning. I felt OK until late afternoon and then I got terible nausia, despate the all anti-nausia drugs... I feel better today, very tired, but no nausia so far...

I signed up for the quality of life for chemo patients excercise study group. Have no idea if I will be able to participate. Anyone able to excersise? Some aerobic stile moderate excersise?

youngmomof3

Thanks for the alcohol/caffeine input. I'll ask my onc on Thurs for his thoughts and if I have to give it up, I will survive. I gave it up for all 3 pregnancies but missed it terribly. After reading these boards I am certainly going to make sure that I keep myself hydrated since that seems to be the key.

issymom: thx for the advice. i will certainly keep it in mind. good luck on Sat and enjoy your day with mom & sister. I went wig shopping with my mom & sister a few weeks ago. We all agreed that it is sad that I have to have cancer for us to spend a quiet,kid-free day together:)

georgiagirlbird: so glad to hear you are doing well. you are giving me hope that my first round won't be too bad.

Vegasdiva: I am also so worried about wearing my wig and feel that everyone will be looking at me all of the time. The idea of wearing it soon is def freaking me out.

thanks to all of you & your support. This is a great board and there is nothing like connecting with people who are going through this with you. definitely makes me feel less alone and more understood. wishing you all a good week. 

deedee3835

Hey Georgiabird:

I have that same tx regiamin A/C 4x every 2wks the T 4x every 2wks I started my chemo 1/15/10.  I cut my haair down low the day before tx and now just waithing for it to start coming out to shave the rest.  My head is a little sore to the touch at the moment.  Wearing hats and scarfs for now bought a wig but have not used it yet.

Good Luck to you and everyone

pagowens

Greetings!

Thank you all so much for your comforting words.  This week continues to be hectic with my fil's viewing Thurs night (I'm not supposed to be in crowds but won't miss this) and burial on Friday. 

I have my first chemo today (finally!) and went to the doc's yesterday for a pre-visit to get my blood levels, etc. and meet with the research study nurse.  It was the first time they "accessed" the port to take blood and DARN it hurt!  So, the first thing I said was "Hey, isn't there cream you can use to numb up the skin?" and so, thanks to y'all, I was given a prescription for Emla cream which I will put on an hour before the chemo time.  I also got my prescription for my cranial prosthetic (wig) so I can get reimbursed by my insurance company (again, thanks to y'all). 

Early last week I got my hair cut into a bob - which matches my wig.  The funny thing is that I've gotten so many complements on the new do that I realized how blah my long hair was.  I should have gotten a style years ago!

And, even though I'm not exactly young (57), I too am the youngest person each time I visit the oncologist.  So, I agree - if the white haired crowd can do this - so can I!  So can all of us.

With the 3-day weekend, my one son - who is a line cook - took it off (a slow weekend in Wildwood NJ where he works) to cook 30  low salt healthy dinners for me, my husband and grandson - which he vacuumed sealed and presented yesterday for my garage freezer.  WAHOO!

Yesterday I also received two wonderful presents in the mail -- my beautiful Zebra print head wrap from Linda and that wonderful Washington-based Good Wishes program staff -- and my autographed 8x11 Wonder Woman photo which says, "To Pat - Love, Linda Carter."

Got to go and get prepared in my Wonder Woman under-roos, T-Shirt, Ball cap, gold sequened shoes and WW bracelet. 

Ciao!  Pat

wren22

Today is Day 13 for me--the horrible cottonmouth feeling is gone finally and I am feeling normal.  But last night when I was checking my hair, I was able to pull it out by the handful.  This morning in the shower was much the same.  I believe by this evening it will be completely gone.  I had a good long cry, then put my wig on and came to work.  I am doing TC x 4 and my next treatment is the 28th.  My oncologist was exactly right about when the hair would come out--anybody else losing theirs this week?

VegasDiva

Today is the second day of wearing my wig to work.  I definitely feel self conscious, but the alternative of being 50% bald is just not an option.  My coffee buddy of 12 years (a gay guy) saw me today for the first time.  He asked me if I was wearing my wig.  He said it looked really natural and they only reason he asked was that it was darker than my real hair.  That made me feel better.

I had no problem wearing it the 9 hours to work other than my head was a bit itchy.  I took it off as soon as I got home and put my soft little nightcap on.

I'm just wondering if the rest of my hair will fall out after tomorrows treatment?

mom2Bnegativex3

Georgiagirl, glad that it is getting better for you. ITA abut the wine.  I wanted one glass last night but I didn't. I am going to have a hat scarf party and I think I will break out the wine for that. My husband wnet and helped out a neighbor and they paid him in two bottles of wine, (they own a winery) The wine was for me they jsut didn't know I can't drink it. I have my 9 year olds music program on the 28th. I really hope I can keep post of my hair by then. I am getting it cut cute today. I have always had long blonde hair down to my waist but am kinda looking forward to growing it out and changing it up. YOu are sooo right, Pagowens I can't wait to do something different with my hair. right now I don't have the heart to brush it cause I don't want to see it fall out. I know it is coming I am jsut trying to conserve it. I looked in the phone book yeasterday and at my local dillards in the mall they have a wig place, well it is saling all of it's wigs 75% off. I am going to get a lot of them. I watch the real wives of oc and the other night they had a wig party that is what I am going to do at my hat party. Have all the girls wear wigs. I still havent' told my girls yet. then I am having a jewlery party (right now it is double points and my friend is doing it as a fundraiser for me. (she is jsut giveing me her income). I like to have frineds over and entertain. I sell Pampered Chef and had to cancel my shows for this month. Yeasterday I was laying in bed and on the early show they demoed one of products. Right then I thought I will make a bringsomething for my cancer center for my next treatment and then see if I get any sales that way. I love baking I loveeating. and I love to entertain. I know at my first treatment there was a wonderful family memember that brought the browines and that jsut made that chemo jsut a little bit better.

What do you ladies do during treatment? the first one I was out of it cause I jsut got my port. I got puzzles and stuff to do. I am going to bring my lap top. I do facebook so if anyone wants to be
"frineds" let me know and pm you name.

Issymom, I love he bio gum too. If I start to get a little metal taste I jsut pop it in and I love to chew gum,

 nkrun I know about the active part I think htat is the worst right now. My husband had to take my oldest to the craft store and she wanted me to take her. they kinda got into it and I finally cried.  I haven't really cried about  bc but not being able to be a mom SUCKED!!!!

Howawesome, VegasDiva. YOu know he will be honest to you!I StAYstrong wren. I am not to that point yet bet justknow, YOU CANDO THIS!!

i LOVE your spirit Pagowens!! YOur are so inspirational!!

 Welcome Kit. but I sorry you had to come back!!

 I totally agree, 11ty! I am glad it is cold and crappy outside right now. by the time we all are done our hair will be groing back jsut like spring flowers. I can't want  good luck today!! Hoping it is uneventful!!

Everett78

I'm starting T/C 4 rounds tomorrow, nelusta show the day after chemo & blood work on day 10.

 I had a bone scan friday and the Tech was really nice, he showed me my clear "good" scan.  Today I have a CT scan and of course I'm nervous.  It seems I'm nervous about things alot these days!

I anxious to hear about how everyones treatment is going.

1.4 cm Mucinous and .7 idc both stage 1, grade 2..very er+/pr+ and her2 neg.  0/3 nodes but, after surgery they found a few ITC (not big enough to be micro/mets in 1 node)  I did not have the onco type because of new research showing it's just better to treat the ITC's with chemo and be safe.  I like safe LOL

pastapesto

What's in your "chemo bag"?  I'll be packing mine soon.  Thanks, Kit

VegasDiva

mom2Bnegativex3 : I must admit my cancer center seems pretty plush.  Each patient has their own room with either a recliner or bed, TV, DVD, stereo.  I love daytime junk TV so I just sit back and watch Regis & Kelly, RR, Martha Stewart, and All My Children.  Last time I had 2 nurses so one was with me almost all the time and we were chatting.  They gave me a bagel for breakfast and I had my choice of a tuna or turkey sandwich for lunch.  I don't need to pack a single thing to bring with me!

Everett78: I am on the same regimine as you.  I go for my second treatment tomorrow.  It wasn't as bad as I had imagined.  Hope you find it to be the same.  We can compare notes in a couple of days.  Good luck.

Issymom

I am kind of freaking out right now because my hair is starting to break off and I am only day 9.  I am having my head shaved in 3 days and the hair will be used to make a wig.  I have a ton of hair so its not the end of the world to lose some.  I just didn't expect it to happen this soon.  I have a very large head and have not been able to find a wig that fits so I need this custom wig.  I was worried that I would be the 1 in a thousand person who wouldn't lose my hair and so proactively shaving would not have been necessary.  I guess I know that that is not the case.  Maybe it is Gods way of easing my mind once I shave.  I am going to be very nice to my hair for the next couple of days.

My chemo only lasts 1 1/2 hours for these first 4 treatments so I have candy (things to suck on), water bottle, and magazines (we are in an open room and I am not able to concentrate on a book, that may change).

mom2Bnegativex3

Issymom, I wanted to get mine made into a wig but didn't know who to go to. I am sorry that it is already coming out. My chemo only last that long too. The last one they gave me was suppos to last a hour but she gave it to me at a 30 minute pace. She just told me to tell her if I got a headache. I didn'tso it was quick. I guess the T one will take longer. My center has recliners but they are all in one open area. there are a few private rooms if you  want. In my bag I have biotene gum, taking my own popcicles, 3 different puzzle books, pens, planner, womens world mag, thermos, sugarfree candy, memotos gum. the center has a microwave, fridge, water bottles, coffee. The do have portable dvd players and some movies. Do any of you go alone? My hubby comes with me right now. I am looking forward to Having McD's though. lol

 So what are the SE with the T part of our treatment? ONe of my friends said just numbness in fingers and toes was her worse!! Hope you allare having a great day~~

mom2Bnegativex3

oh yeah I have a pink snuggie that my huby got me for Christmas. The one for breast Cancer. My coffee mug is one too.

 Also when I went in for my labs on Monday there was a lady there. It must of been her first time. she was so nervous. she had all of her pink bags. she looked so prepared. Her hair was so think and a beautiful red color. I watched her and felt sorry for her. I wondered if that is what I looked like, nervous, Trying to look good on the outside but when you feel like crawling in a whole. the calledher back and she was nervous, she asked if sheneeded her bags, if her husband can come back. I just wanted to reach out to her and say, YOUR NOT ALONE!! We will get through this together. I wanted to complement her on her cute bag but didn't. Right now the small little things back my day. Just a simple act of kindness. thanks for listening to me ramble. lol

paddlegirl

Hi all, I had my port placed yesterday. Dr. didn't have to replace the drain, just took out 200 cc that built up over a week. My chest was much more sore than I anticipated!! hard to get comfortable last night, but better today. Getting great ideas for my "chemo bag" for Friday, thanks for the ideas. Bought biotene gum today, sounds like I may need it. Stopping for a wig tomorrow, from a few phone calls they can be expensive, even if my insurance may reimburs me. Where is best place to get hats/scarves?

mom2Bnegativex3- I felt like that lady when I went for labs Monday, feel very small and so vulnerable.

We must stay strong, taking one day at a time

mom2Bnegativex3

paddlegirl, My onco gave me this book and in there is a place called Cancer Connection where they give you free stuff, wigs, prothesis, bras and anything you might need. I got my BEAUTIFUL scarf FREE, good wishes  it is 100% silk and would of been $75.I also got a beautiful card that the ladies signed  I kinda am looking forward to wearing it. I ave beenlooking into chemosavvy.com and tlcdirect! good luck tomorrow~ I am going to to get some free stuff and to go to the young survivors coalition tomorrow too. I LOVE FREE STUFF!! LOL

Issymom

mom2Bnegativex3 - I am wondering when you ordered your scarf from FranceLuxe.  They told me it would take 4 weeks and I am at 4 weeks and don't have it.  The company is only 10 miles from my house but you know the mail system.  I don't know if I should touch base with Laurie or just be patient.

It is sunny here in the Seattle area, yeah!  I am going to go to Nordstroms this afternoon and get a bra and prosthesis.  I had a bi-lat mastectomy (BRCA1+) with delayed reconstruction.  I have been comfortable with the flat look (surprise to me as I was a D cup before) but there are some clothes I just can't wear without some boobs.  Hopefully, this will distract me from worrying about my hair.

I also got my information pack for the 3-Day for the Cure.  It is in late September in Seattle and I am going to do it.  Great motivation to get out a walk a lot!

mom2Bnegativex3

oH my, Issymom, I got mine in less then 3 weeks. I would call! Andgood for you! I am going to get my hair cut tonight but I am going to dress up for it!~ I have been putting on perfume like crazy. And I haven't even  lost my hair yet. I hope I will be fine. As long as I can feel eihter good in clothes or hair. I am not even thinking about when I have the masectomy. OH WOW.

riverview817

Hi Ladies,

 Finally met with my onco today.  Two treatment choices:  chemo or chemo ...  I went with the second choice (hahaha).  All kidding aside, I am doing weekly doses of Taxol starting next week for 12 weeks and then 12 weeks of AC.  I'm getting a port put in next Wednesday.  I'm taking my kids with me to get my hair cut short this weekend.  I already talked to my stylist about it.  We are going to put several pigtails in my hair and let the kids take part in "restyling" mommy's hair.  Then when my hair starts to get thinner, I will cut/shave it down.  I thought this would be an easier transition for my boys (7 and almost 4). 

Hoping everyone is doing well.  6 months to go

bbd

Hi all-

I finally find a wig that somewhat fits. I am frustrated after three shops I could only find one and it still doesn't thrill me. My hair is starting to go. I am hoping I can get through the week.  I decided to test drive a scarf to work yesterday as I was nervous about the scarf falling off when I was bald. It made me more comfortable that scarves may be an alternative to the wig. It also got the "stares" taken care of before I was really bald.

Do people really lose all of the hair in one day? The shower this morning shows it is happening. I am hoping that I can get through the week before wearing the dreaded wig.

Enough complaining.....Sorry. I have been up since 2 am. Without sleep I get crabby. Be well.

Barbara 

VegasDiva

bbd my hair has been falling out for almost a week now.  I noticed last thurs (14 days out from tx) that a few hairs fell out.  Friday a few more.  Sat a few more.  I still didn't need the wig.  Sunday quite a bit fell out, more than the previous 3 days combined.  Monday and Tues it slowed a bit and now today quite a bit is falling out again. I would say at this point I have lost 50% of my hair.  My onc told me it all comes out in 24 hrs too.

I'm just wondering if this will continue until it all falls out or will it stop and leave me with super thin hair?

I'm getting anxious about tx tomorrow.  Will the se be the same? worse? less?

I was just watching Entertainment Tonight and they were talking about the Olympics starting in Feb.  When they start I will have just had my 3rd tx.  Then they talked about the Oscars being in a "mere" 43 days.  When I heard the date I realized it was the Sunday after my LAST tx.

It does make me think "wow, this will be over quicker than I thought".  I'm hoping the radiation won't be so bad and that the chemo will be the worst of it.  I have my first meeting with the radiation oncologist this Friday when I go back for my Neulasta shot.  They said expect to be there at least 1.5 hrs.

JeanneG

I had chemo A/C dose dense every 2 weeks Oct-Dec.  I had EMEND and steroids and really never had any problem.  I had the Neutropan shot after every chemo and counts never fell much.  I feel very fortunate.  However, started weekly Herceptin/Taxol in 2010 and after 3rd treatment I developed viral pneumonia so have had to skip this week. 

When they did a Chest CT for pneumonia the radiologist reported on an enlarged node by my thyroid gland and said it was bigger than the test in October.  Problem is, it was never mentioned in the October report.  So now we're trying to figure it out....could change me to stage IV.  Don't know what it means for treatment plan which was bilateral mastectomies in April and then 6 weeks of radiation.  I got 2nd opinions on EVERYTHING except the diagnostic tests!

riverview817

JeanneG- I hope that everything turns out okay with the enlarged node.