Anyone Starting Chemo Jan. 2010?

KAJDerby

mslrg - thank you so much for the offer.  Actually, my homemade thingy worked great.  The problem is that my real one is big and heavy and anything stuffed is not weighted properly to keep the left side down! 

pagowens

Hi All,

Michelle-NJ - The Sancuso patch goes on your arm at least 24 hours prior to treatment.  When I did that Tuesday morning, I got a little sick to my stomach about 30 min later but then it passed.  I supposed the medication was emptying into my stomach.  It stays on for up to 5 days.  Last AC treatment (the one before this).  I had the Emend IV plus something else anti-nausea IV prior to the start of the chemo, then took the Emend pill on day 2 and 3.  The afternoon of day 3 I felt totally seasick nauseous.  They sent me to CVS to pick up the Zofran and another pill that I only have the generic name.  The Zofran twice a day and the other every 4 hours.  They helped me get through days 3-5 pretty well.  The Sancuso is supposed to help you avoid that.  Today is day 3 and I already took my Emend when I woke up (very early thanks to the steroids they also put in the IV).  I'll know by tomorrow whether it helped.  The manufacturer's website is http://www.sancuso.com/?gclid=CKG86OOZ_p8CFYNo5Qodw0Qdmw  I'm only going to take the Zofran and other pill if I need them, not proactively so I have a better idea if this Sancuso helps.

Grace - I did read the article re aspirin - it has been all over the news here too.  Essentially it states tha the anti-inflammatory aspects of aspirin MAY help non-recurrance of breast cancer.  What I'm unsure about is - what type of breast cancer?  There is inflammatory breast cancer - mine is not.  I already was taking one Advil a day for the arthritic inflammation in my right knee (it really helps as an anti-inflammatory) but I still have breast cancer that's spreading.  Before that I was taking a couple aspirin a week for several years because of my high blood pressure/arteries.  So, I'd like to read more factual information on the study itself and less of the media hype.  Right now I am supposed to NOT take aspirin or advil because of the bleeding problems.  So, I haven't taken any since November 2009.  Next week when I meet with the doc again, I'm planning to ask her what she knows about it.  Here's an aricle worth reading http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/blog.showIndex/kathylatour/2010/2/16/Aspirin-and-breast-cancer-recurrence

I'm thankful that my port has been no problem at all.  When I was told by my onc to get the port, I asked if my breast surgeon could do it.  She said that was not the best person- she specializes in breasts, not ports.  She referred me to a surgeon that "does it every day" and from whom she had very few patient problems.  I was very pleased with that surgeon who not only did a good job but squeezed me in that Friday so I would have two weeks to heal before chemo started.  Although the onc's phlebotomist does draw blood from the port on chemo days (prior to), when I go for my alt week (the Tues between chemo days), she draws from my left arm vein.  I'm glad because the arm vein hurts less than the stabbing of the port skin.  On chemo days I put the Lidocaine on my port skin 1.5 hours prior to stab and then I don't feel anything. Otherwise the port skin stings and pinches when stabbed.  The port does stick out a bit on my chest and my grandson and I call it the alien.  He likes to feel my alien every now and then and says, "wow, nonna, it's still there - when is it coming out?"  Not soon enough, unfortunately.

My grandson also has now gotten into the habit of rubbing my bald head when we're laying down together.  He's a crib-blanket person who carries around his "nite nite" still even though he is in a big bed and rubs that blanket when he's going to sleep.  I think my smooth head has become his new nite nite.  Too funny!  I think he'll be sad when my hair starts to grow back.

Hugs to everyone - keep as healthy and balanced as possible.

Pat

agbmom

Pagowens:

The anti-inflammatory aspects of aspirin may help eliminate a recurrence in primary breast cancer in women diagnosed with stages 1-3  breast cancer.  Inflammatory breast cancer has nothing to do with it. After I'm done with treatment, I'm going to start taking one baby aspirin a day. Though of course I'll stop if I fear bleeding before a surgical procedure or the like.

Here's a clinical link and then a print media link that I found helful:  http://jco.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/abstract/JCO.2009.22.7918v1 and http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2010/02/17/aspirin_may_combat_cancer_study_suggests/

Big Thank You to all of you who shared your shaving versus not-shaving with me.  I've decided not to shave. I only have whispies left, but they're soft and I like them, for as long as they linger.

Just took my Day 2 Amend. So far so good. 

mslrg

Good Morning, Ladies. I'm off to get my TC #3 this morning. I will be 3/4 down, but dreadthe side-effects comeing to me next week. All of you, have a lovely day!

friscosmom

mslrg - sending positive thoughts out to you for an uneventful treatmentment and a peaceful weekend. Take it easy and get lots of rest.

pumpkinsoup

friscosmom--Have a fantastic ride on your horse this weekened! I have horses, too, but haven't ridden since the weekened before my diagnosis in November. One of my horses is going to be a wild one when I get back to riding!

Well all, I have developed shingles on top of all of this lovely cancer stuff. Apparently, chemo can make that old chickenpox virus rear its ugly head again. So in addition to all the other meds, I get to add Valtrex to my list throughout the rest of chemo. UGH! : ( ( 

Take care, and I hope everyone feels good for the weekend!

pumpkinsoup

mslrg--just saw your post. I wish you the best on your day, and hope the SEs aren't too bad. Take care.

youngmomof3

Thanks to those of you who posted links re: the whole aspirin discussion. I will look into all of it.

Grace: who is that cutie in your pic with you?

Pagowens: Sounds like your grandson is such a little love. Probably helps keep your spirits up  seeing all of this crap from his perspective. Kids really can brighten up even the drearest day. love the alien port comment. My boys just want to know when my hair is coming out and also like to wear my scarves and pretend to be ninjas. Guess when i am wearing one i will feel like a ninja fighting the bad cancer cells.

Went for my 2nd round of TCH yesterday and for the most part it went off without any issues. We were finally able to use my port except for my WBC check which was just a finger stick. it was so nice not to have a needle in my arm for all of those hours. Actually my port worked better than it had the first 2 times so instead of only getting in 250cc of fluid they were able to get in 400cc of medication per hour so that made me very happy. My onc told me he doesn't see any reason to have the 1st port removed and replaced since the port study shows that it is safe to use so i think that for now i will stick with the original port. only annoying part about yesterday is that my body gets crazy(well very restless legs) when i get the benedryl to ward off any reactions to the chemo meds. i can't sit still and want to climb out of my skin. i took a zinc tablet which is supposed to help with restless leg syndrome and also an ativan to help me stay calm but unfortunately neither seemed to do the trick. Anyone else experience this? My onc nurse said she would speak to onc to see about giving ativan throught the port as well. just want to be relaxed and able to sit still for treatment. Went today for my 1st Neulasta shot this morning and am totally dreading the SE's from that. I got a half dose b/c my wbc was good yesterday. took my claritan and am crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.

Hair is really shedding but right now it just looks like my hair is thinner nothing anyone other than me would notice(oh and my bathroom floor which must be cleaned up several times a  day). Not sure when i will shave it off my anticipate it will be sometime this weekend.

Good luck to all of you going for another round and to those of you feeling well...yeah!!!

paxton

I got to skip my chemo tx this week because of being in the hospital last week.  I feel absolutely horrible.  I should be feeling pretty good w/o the tx and am confused because I almost feel worse than I have the whole time with the tx's.  I too am hitting that emotional wall.  It reminds me of labor when you hit that point that you think, "there's no way in hell I can do this.  I cannot do this."  I cried half the day yesterday.  Calmed down some and watched the Olympics.  I took some xanax at bedtime because for some reason I'm feeling like I'm going to have a heart attack or there's something F'd up with my port.  I'm sure its in my mind because there's nothing physically really going on that I can explain. 

There's going to be a lot of people coming to the farm this weekend for my benefit.  I'm not sure which way things will go with that.  I'll either feel refreshed visiting with people I don't see often or want to run for the hills and bury my head in my pillow.  Or maybe some of each. 

It really makes me angry that I can't take care of my baby.  Bf and grandma do most of the work and he's starting to get attached to them and not me anymore and that really hurts.

In another month or so, they'll repeat the PET scan and it will be like flipping a coin to see if I'm terminal or not. 

I hope spring brings some positive energy here.  Keep plugging away I guess.  It sucks for all of us going through this.   

paxton

I just have to post some more pics of my little guy.

paxton

VegasDiva

paxton: your baby is just too too cute!  He will never forget his mommy, this is only temporary. Sorry to hear you are having a bad time.  Know there are many out here thinking and praying for you.  hugs

KAJDerby

youngmomof3-That very lovely doll is a toddler named Gracie!  Her parents are members in our church.  All the ladies of the church met at a restaurant on one of the bases the night before my 2nd chemo.  I have not been able to hold the babies with surgery, chemo, and being ill.  That night was the last night I would be able to see Gracie, her sister, and her mom as the family just transferred back to the states.  Anyway, Gracie crawled up on my lap and just started kissing my face, nose, forehead and just kept hugging me.  So sweet, made me cry.  These little ones look at me like a grandma, which I love.  I will miss them. 

Paxton - so sorry about the very difficult time you are having.  No words to really say to help.  Wish I could somehow take your pain and suffering away.Your son is beautiful!  What a blessing and miracle he must be to you!!!!!  Praying for your chemo to work and your scan to come back clean.

I too will face a scan in April.  They will be checking to see if the spot in my lungs and the ones in my neck have shrunk.  If they have, I move from stage 1 to stage 4.  Anyone else in this situation? 

pumpkinsoup-SHINGLES??!!!!!!!!!!  That's like adding insult to injury!!!  Ugggggggggg!

pagowens - thank you for all of the information.  Enjoy your grandson!

Some days there won't be a song in your heart.  Sing anyway.  ~Emory Austin

jrlegal

Had my second round of chem on Friday 2/12/10 and it hit me harder this time. My naseous and a very bad taste in the mouth and cannot stop spitting. Feel like a truck driver(sorry)  Just keep spitting up saliva constantly, ugh!  Haven't felt like eating much either. Well thankfully yesterday and today feeling a little better on the stomach end of things, but still spitting. I need a spitoon!! Anyone else w/this experience.  Today went in for Herceptin only so hopefully no bad side effects.  Yeah, the hair is pretty much gone too. Found a great web site w/lots of really cute wraps, check it out -  sewinj.com   she is very responsive to email questions too.  Well all keep an upper chin and keep thinking we will get through this CRAP!!!

wren22

Had my third tx on Thursday and am already feeling the SE's tonight.  I have heard that the third one is a rough one and I am not looking forward to the rest of the weekend.  Going to bed now, hoping for a good night's sleep and an ok weekend.

KAJDerby

wren22-  praying for a good  nights sleep!

mslrg

Paxton--your baby boy is just about the cutest kid I've ever seen. Ever thought about getting him to model for baby products? Sorry you've had complications. Prayers coming your way. My port s tender, but workable.

Friscomom--glad you're getting to ride your horse. Enjoy!

Pumpkinsoup--shingles! Oy gevalt! See what this $hit does to our immune systems? Prayers coming your way.

I had my 3rd TC yestersay. chemo daysare still as terrifying to me as they were on the first day. Even though I have a good idea of what to expect, the unexpected can happen at any time during the process because these are really toxic, heavy-duty drugs that are so dangerous that my nurses, who just wear their regular nurses' uniforms to administer all the rest of my care, don surgical gowns, extra long and thick gloves, and masks when they touch the drip bags with my chemo drugs in them. That's saying a lot in and of itself! Also, it is clear the fact that this huge operation has severely compromised any effective communication system they may have had in the past. I have been affected mostly by them not getting my essential medications called in on time to the correct pharmacies as well as them mixing up apointment times, not getting messages to my oncologist, and so forth. Yesterday had its communication hiccups too. I'll go into that later.

As if G-d knew this would be a difficult day for me, s/he decided to hold back on the sun and instead send grey clouds to cover the Sacramento skies to match the solemnity of my day. There was a strong threat of rain, but it never followed-through. Going to the oncology clinic is always a downer, even when I'm not there for an infusion. This is because I always see so many patients who are so much sicker than I, or who appear to have very little or no real support at home. Some look as though it will only be a matter of time before they are dead. I've seen one woman several times who has to check her teenage daughter out of school to come with her to her infusions because it would appear she has no one else to hold her hand during the infusion or drive her home afterwards. An elderly man who was in there longer than I yesterday, but in the cubicle next to me, was all alone. Since we were two of the last to leave, the valet came up with our car keys because he was clocking out and starting his weekend. It was only then, when the valet handed the man his car keys that I realized he would be driving himself home. Even if the chemo doesn't knock you out on the first day, the heavy dose of benadryl does, and driving is just not a good idea, especially for a frail man in his 70's or 80's, sick with cancer, and just having had chemotherapy. Where is his family? Or is he one of these stoic, John Wayne types I keep hearing about, who deal with their cancer (especially if it's testicular or prostate cancer) by refusing to discuss it with the people closest to them and refusing to have anyone accompany them for medical appointments?

Like I mentioned before, communication is an issue at this clinic and it would appear that too many people scheduled too many patients today without looking at their master calendars first. As a result there was standing room only in the waiting room, and some patients were actually getting their infusions in rigged up chairs in the reception area, almost out in the hallway. The rest of us waited--an hour past my appointment time, for me. While I waited, I surveyed the room and saw some very sick people. One woman looked so utterly ill and frail, pale, weak, and defeated. I overheard her tell her husband that the blood test she's just had showed that she was  deathly anemic, and she would not be allowed to get an infusion today. They had rigged her up to a platelet drip bag and had sent her back into the waiting room to receive her transfusion there--in the waiting room because the infusion room was jam-packed and she needed her transfusion immediately! Afterwards, it was determined that she was so ill that she would have to be admitted into the hospital next door. She told her husband to go online and look up alternative methods of treating breast cancer because she had just been told that her cancer has now gone so far that there really isn't anything modern medicine can do for her. Like I said, this is not the kind of thing that makes me feel positive as I am about to go in for my infusion, I wish she had thought about alternative methods before her cancer got this bad. Another very eldely man had the most sickening tumor on his ear and neck. Although most of it, (I'm guessing the really bad part) was bandaged, enough was exposed to turn my stomach--flesh turned black, red and yellow, with crusty, thick, yellow pus oozing out and over-soaking the bandage. This man also looked very ill, and I wondered how long he has to live.

One thing that seeing folks like this does for me, (after I get past the shock of seeing them) is that I can be thankful that I at least have an excellent prognosis for a compete recovery, and although life  as I knew it will never be the same again, I will have a long and full life to look forward to after all of this is behind me. I will see my youngest become a Bar Mitzvah, and will have as much fun as we all did at my oldest son's 2 years ago,  and I will see both of my children graduate from high school, maybe college or university too, maybe they'll get married, and if there are grandchilden in my future, I will get to enjoy them as well. I sat in a room yesterday with people who cannot look that far into the future, perhaps not even as far as this summer, and that is depressing.

I did not get into a chemo chair until noon, and had been at the clinic for 2 hours already--all that over-scheduling of patients. My nurse, Chris, never cracked smile once.  They fed me lunch--a chicken caesar salad, with a side of clam chowder and a cookie, and even offered my DH a plate, which he declined because he had his mind set on getting a sandwich later at the hospital's cafeteria. After I ate, I took out my arsenal of vitamins and supplements as I always do after a meal. Chris had a hissy fit and wanted an explanation of everything I was taking. My oncologist has a list of EVERYTHING I take. I see no reason in hiding from her what I take, and she has given me her "seal of approval". Furthermore, all my supplements are listed in the computer and anyone in that clinic can pull up my records and see what I take and also see that it's OK with Dr. Williams. Nonetheless, Chris decided to make a big fuss about it all and called Dr. WIlliams to make sure I could take my Cimetidine (sold over the counter as an antacid, but taken by me because of a overwheming body of research that shows that it and modified citrus pectin prevent stray cancer cells from latching on to another organ and metastisizing). By the time Chris got off the phone with Dr. Williams, with the OK, I had taken all my pills and thrown the bag away. So there! Chris then went on to say, "I hope you're not taking anti-oxidants because they can counter the effects of chemo, you know that, don't you?" "Yes," I replied, "I suppose if I follow that logic, I should eat fast food, junk, drink sodas, alcohol, and take up smoking throughout treatment then?" Chris gave me a strange look. "Well," I continued "those are all things that either have no anti-oxidants in them, or would deplete any anti-oxidants in my body right? I eat berries, fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, raw cacao powder, etc--all high in anti-oxidants. Should I quit eating healthy foods in favor of unhealthy ones then, so as not to interfere with chemo, or should I eat healthily to try to support my body's immune system while I'm enduring this level of treatment?" I know I'm a bit naughty, but it's fun to wind up a grouchy 'know-it-all', who clearly knows bugger-all about nutrition. "Oh, er, well, um, no, you should eat healthy foods, just don't take anti-oxidants." Am I supposed to carve out the anti-oxidants mixed into my food,then? Should I have picked out the anti-oxidant rich chocolate chips from the cookie they gave me and just eat the remainng sugar, white flour and fat? "Right then," I mumbled to myself, "I'm stopping by McDonalds for a super-size something and a large coke for dinner tonight!" NOT!!!!

They were so busy dealing with an overload of aptients that I was neglected a few times and my drugs were administered by 3 different people who weren't communicating well. I was finally discharged at 5:20. It was a long day!

nursemary66

Had number 3 on Wed. and its hit really hard.Even my first day was bad.Started those nasty Neupogen shots last night. Seem to be crying all of the time too. Its the old hit with a baseball bat feeling. On top of it my cousin's wife died of lung cancer Tues. She had an awful time for many years. The terrible taste in my mouth is back sooner too.Lets all hope that #3 is the worst!! Only one more to go for me...Still haven't lost any body hair!!!??? Having a glorious sunny weekend but its too cold for me to go out much. Hang in there all of you lovelies!!

mslrg

Maryanne--sorry to hear of your loss. And sorry you had a rough time with your last chemo treatment. I have ben resting today--tik a long nap, and woke up with a rash on mt arms and chest. More benadryl, more sleepiness! Hang in there!

georgiabirdgirl

Hi Ladies,

Mslrg- what a challenging day for you!  I am sorry that the infusion suite was so difficult. You should copy and paste your description into an email to your oncologist just so they have a sense of what it's like to go through it.  They definitely need to make some changes there.  I would be livid if they overscheduled and I waited 2 hours and ended up in a hallway.  UGH! 

Because of my blood clot I have to avoid leafy greens, broccoli and other veggies that I love. I have been told not to take my vitamins and any other supplements for the time being.  And, I have to avoid any anti-oxidant rich foods.  Sometimes I think they are suggesting a McDiet for me during chemo.  Just makes no sense! 

My cancer center is brand new and the main focus is making it unlike a hospital environment.  I hadn't realized what a good idea that was until I read your description.  I can see how scary it would seem for anyone in treatment to be faced with so many reminders of how devastating cancer can be.

Paxton- hang in there.  you are certainly facing some additional challenges right now, but stay strong.  I'm praying that your scan results are clear.  And I hope your weekend with your benefit goes well.  It sounds like there are a lot of people around you that are supporting you and your family through this. What a wonderful thing!  It's tough to think your baby is bonding more with your bf and your mom, but that's a totally different kind of bond than he has with you.  It's a great thing, because it means that he's got really loving dad and grandma to rely on.  I know it's tough on you, but you will soon be strong enough to make all of this worth it.

So- yesterday was a beautiful sunny day (for a change) and I was feeling great.  We went on a little road trip with the kiddos and then spend the evening bowling with another family and their kids.  We are going to the beach on Spring Break with them in April.  My rambunctious 3 year old daughter spent the evening running around and bouncing off the walls.  When I finally go hold of her and told her to calm down her response was to pull of my hat and yell.  So, not only do I have a screaming 3 year old, but I'm standing there totally bald in a bowling alley packed on a Saturday night.  All I could do was smile and try to stay calm.  The kids from the other family we were bowling with looked like cartoon characers with their mouths falling to the floor.  I grabbed my hat back from my daughter and nonchalantly put it back on my head.  

The good news is that it gave me a chance to talk to the the kids about my hair loss and what it would look like or be like when we're at the beach.  So, they won't be weirded out then.  Also- I realized that I don't really care that everyone is staring at me. I've got bigger issues to deal with than if others are uncomfortable with how I look.

VegasDiva

mslrg  wow, where in the world do you go for your treatments?  Do you belong to an HMO?

I don't know what I would do if I were to encounter treatment like that.  Where I go they always run on time, patients privacy is well protected and it is such a calm healing environment.  I'm sorry it can't be like that for everyone.

I remember when I had a chemo pump attached to me for 1 month while I received radiation during my colon cancer.  they gave me this haz-mat suit and heavy duty gloves and masks and told me if there was a problem with the pump, if it leaked or anything to be sure to put on the coat, gloves and mask before attempting to clean it up.  I just started laughing and looked at them and said "are you for real?"  You are pumping this stuff directly into my veins and now you're telling me to put on a mask if some spills?? I might as well just lick it up so I don't waste any.

jrlegal

Well, mslrg: You should write a book, I can see the people you mention very vividly. Doesn't sound like a great place you are going to. I go to a wonderful place where there are maybe 6-10 people at a time. I would say 10 pushing it. The girls are wonderful as well as my doctor. Someone is always baking goodies and brings them for all to munch!  Are you on a TCH treatment?  I hope things get better for you.  I like all the goodies you are eating very healthy. You do what is good for you!!!!

jrlegal

mslrg

Thank you, Ladies, for all your encouraging comments. The more I think about the "care" I'm receiving, the less impressed I get! In all fairness, however, I need to mention that two of the nurses, (the ones who were so mean to me the last time and said that it was not my oncologists's responsibility to be 'bothered' by my chemo side-effects) got me enough Emend on Friday, from the pharmeceutical rep to cover me through this and my next infusion. My insurance won't cover it, so that saved me $520.00. Now, the fact that I filed a complaint against them and they were probably trying to make a peace-offering is besides the point. That's a lot of dough saved, and for that I am grateful---and maybe a little too forgiving.

Believe it or not, my oncolgy clinic is supposed to be one of Sacramento's best and brightest. I think they grew too big too fast; they're enjoying the hundreds of thousands of dollars they're raking in at our expense, and forgetting about the human element, the frail, cancer-suffering human element involved! We are their bread and butter. Let's face it, if all the $$ going to cancer research was really being used for sound cancer research, many of us wouldn't even have a need for this forum.

In addition to taking up the entire 6th floor of the building I was in, they have 1/2 of the 5th floor, the 2nd floor of the Cancer Center two doors down, and huge spaces in two suburban towns in Sac County. They rotate nurses and doctors through all the sites, and fail to communicate with each other and the patients properly. That leaves most of us in the dark, mixed messages, and noone on the same page. I am outspoken, ask quesions, and try to stay on top of my care. But many people do not speak up for themselves, and don't have anyone to advocate for them. I can't imagine how bad it must be for them.I am glad that many of you have better, consistent care. At least I know that there are some places around our nation that are making an attempt at getting it right.

So that's my rant for the night. I am exhausted, but got up for my yoga class this morning. And yes, the fact that I spilled almost an entire cup of coffee in my bed this morning had a lot to do with why I got up in the first place, but I know some activity is better than laying in bed all day. I have napped most of the day, and my stomach is really not happy. Hot flashes hit me with reckless abandon! I have come real close to ripping my wig off in public places on a few recent occasions. Oh the joys! Hope you're all well!

wren22

Wow, I too feel very fortunate to have a great doctor and office too.  I have never waited longer than 15 minutes for anything.  I also like the fact that I have a private little cubicle where my hubby and friends can hang out with me during treatment.   All the nurses know the patients by name and are so incredibly nice.  Maybe living here in cold, snowy, little Canton Ohio is not so bad after all.

pumpkinsoup

mslrg--My cancer center is also quite large and can be very impersonal. I haven't experienced what you have, thank goodness, but at my last infusion, they didn't even have me on the schedule. They did, however, get me in for my infusion without any wait. However, that never should have happened, since I had an appointment. For as good as some of these big cancer centers can be, there are some serious drawbacks as well. I hope your feeling better after resting today!

paxton--I hope that your benefit yesterday brought your spirits up some! Thanks for posting the pictures of your baby. What an adorable little guy. Please do remember that even though you're not been able to spend as much time with him right now, nothing and no one can change the bond he has with his mommy. You'll see. : )

georgiabirdgirl--I could totally see my three year old doing that in the bowling alley, so I had to laugh! You handled it beautifully!

My shingles are getting better, and I have my next AC on Tuesday. Also, I'm hoping my three year old doesn't end up with the chickenpox, since I never gave her the chickenpox vaccine and she can get it from my having shingles. If she doesn't get the chickenpox this time around, I think I'll be getting her that vaccine pretty soon...  

Tamatar

Hi Everyone,

Snowy day here in Illinois....but it's really pretty!  I am getting the kids off to school and then heading to work...I actually work for the Medical Group that has done my surgery and my chemo.  I am on an HMO, but have the best doctors ever.  They are caring and compassionate and put the patient's needs first.  I am sorry for all of you that have experienced the "bad" that medicine has to offer and only hope that you will keep standing up for what you need.

Hang in there everyone!

georgiabirdgirl

mslrg- that's a score on the Emend.  that stuff is so expensive, but worth every penny.  It has kept my nausea at bay throughout this whole ordeal.  I'm glad the nurses are trying to make it up to you.  They should.  I think you probably got it exactly right when you said they grew too fast and lost focus along the way.  If they are that big, they probably have a patient representative or customer service rep that needs to hear your description.  Maybe you can effect some change for patients who come after you. 

Also, I did literally have to rip my wig off this weekend too.  I wore it when I went to have lunch with my sister.  She lives in a college town and I was trying to make her and any of her friends we might run into more comfortable so I wore it with a hat on (the only way it looks natural on me).  After an hour I thought I was going to die it just drove me bonkers.  I had to buy a different hat and duck behind a building to rip it off.  Oh the relief! 

pumpkinsoup- I hope your shingles aren't too painful.  That can be such a yucky virus to deal with.  I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and your little one that it all passes quickly and uneventfully through your house.

vegasdiva- I had to laugh about your "licking it up" comment.  It's hard to argue to protect yourself from the drug that you're currently pumping into your body.

I'm on my "good week" so I'm praying that I stay feeling good all week until Friday when I have my LAST AC TREATMENT!!!!! Yeah.  My heart rate has been way too high since I started that set of drugs, so I'm eager to get off of it.  I can't believe I'm almost halfway through.  Take care everyone and have a good week.

pagowens

GeorgiaBird - Made me laugh re the bowling alley.  My 3 year old grandson did the same thing to me at daycare.  I was dropping him off and only has a hat on.  As I bent down to give him a kiss goodbye, he snatched the hat off.  That was the first time anyone at the daycare (including the teachers) saw my bald head.  Yes, a couple jaws dropped to the ground, but I laughed, scratched my head and said I really liked my new haircut.  The kids laughed, I stuck the hat back on and that was that.  Little buggers.

Vegas Diva - too funny re the lick it up....however, I am still struck that you've been dealing with cancer in so many forms!  God grant me your patience and fortitude!

My third AC weeks are going much better than the second, but I didn't realize how really exhausted I have become until yesterday.  I thought i was feeling great and proposed to my husband that the 3 of us go to the mall - my mom's birthday is coming up.  We walked in, husband and grandson went to the indoor playground, I shopped for 20 minutes.  That was it!  I was too tired to even climb the steps to the second floor.  We rested, had some food court pizza (yulk) and then went home.  I took a 3 hour nap!   I feel like an old lady. I'm going to have to do heavy duty body building after this treatment is over!  Can't wait to feel like me again!

Pat

mom2Bnegativex3

Agbmom, Ihaven't shaved my head yet. I look like an man with a bald spot on top. It is shoulder length. I can wear all my cut hats and stuff. It is really thin but still I am glad I didnt' shave yet.

O my word, Pagowens I had a jewelry party fundraiser for me and I had some little girls that wanted me to pick them up and they kept pulling my wig off. Pat nothing better then feeling like our old selves (()) I hope you do soon.

lol Georgiabirdgirl. I get like that too. Woo hoo on the last treatment of A/C. I am getting it right now. Congrats

Yikes, pumpkin! I hope she doesn't! Do they itch like the chicken pox? What do they think caused it?

MsLrg, (()) I hope it gets better for you!

Vegas Diva, lol that was funny, lick it up... hugs to you hun!

I am so sorry, Maryanne! Too bad it isn't your hair on your head staying and you body hari going!

 Last A/C treamtment then we go to surgery. they are saying I won't need rads unless somehting comes up on the path report after surgery.
Any of you ladies didn't do rads. Have a great day every one. Hope it is SE free

wren22

mom2Bnegativex3:  I am also not having radiation.  Initially I had a lumpectomy and sentinal node biopsy--three nodes negative and unclear margins.  I then had the mastectomy and my surgeon was very confident that he had at least 1" clean margins all the way across.  The standard here is to have radiation after lumpectomy or if it is in 4 or more lymph nodes.  After going through the chemo, I am comfortable not doing the radiation.  My doctor has also said that it can make reconstructive surgery more difficult and I haven't yet decided on that.