Chemo June 2010

Options
1…1718202223…129

Comments

  • mimi9186
    mimi9186 Member Posts: 127
    edited June 2010

    Sherry, we haven't heard from you lately.  Are you feeling better?

    Lauriez, thank you for the information.  I didn't know that bits of brain come out with each hair.  That explains why I can't seem to concentrate and do crazy things these days!  I had such a good laugh.

    Kaycee, I appreciated the information on the glutamine.  I wasn't aware of any of this.

    Julia2, we have all felt scared and depressed.  For some reason it always seems worse in the eveing for me.  I find late at night the toughest time to cope with this horrible disease. One test that my onc does is a CA 15 3.  It monitors the progression or regression of the cancer cells.  Some don't use it as it is not always accurate.

    14 days out from first treatment.  My scalp was itching and hurting so my stylist buzzed all my hair off. It felt so good and freeing. My hats off to Moms with young children for going through this.

    Djoellp, I am sorry they found those lymph nodes.  Between chemo and radiation, they don't have a hope of surviving. Good luck to you.

    Mimi

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TMarina
    TMarina Member Posts: 692
    edited June 2010

    oh man--just lost my whole post!  I'll try again!

    djoellp-->so sorry to hear about the nodes!  I'm sure you are getting the best tx possible!

    kittycat-->I've heard some nausea meds cause headaches.  I've had some headaches too.

    Sandiddstn-->I'm wondering if your port doesn't hurt more because it had to be accessed right away?  I've always thought that would hurt alot.  I didn't have to use mine for a week after I got it.

    rs711--> wondering how you are doing.  I think you had a lot of fatigue for a few days after chemo, like me.  I didn't come out of the fog for 6 or 7 days.  I'm feeling pretty good now--2nd tx is Monday!

    Trusting-->  there have been studies that have shown that exercise helps with the chemo fatigue.  I gave my onc a "yeah right" look when he told me.  There's fatigue, and then there's "taking a shower nearly kills me" fatigue!  When I have the former, I try to take walks or do the Wii fit.  Good for you for keeping  up the exercise while going through this.  I think those that are fit before cancer do a lot better (unlike me, unfortunately!).

    Julia2--> I see my onc before each tx.  He mostly does cbc, and I think liver function too.  Because I get AC I know I'll have to have another MUGA scan sometime.

    Latte-->  this must be so difficult to go through with a young child!  I pray that your daughter has a good support system around her so you can focus on taking care of yourself.  My suggestion for the hair is that you let her see you shave it and put on a wig (maybe she could have a play wig?).  Tell her the medicine you have to take makes the hair come out, but soon it will grow back.  My husband once shaved his beard without telling our 3 young daughters, and they freaked out when he showed them!  They didn't think he was their daddy!  If he had let them watch, they wouldn't have been so surprised.

    Well, I'm feeling pretty good, so I should go get some stuff done!!

    Take care everyone!

    T 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cheyenna
    cheyenna Member Posts: 379
    edited June 2010

    djoellp,im sorry to hear that!! dam nodes!! well yes of coarse the chemo and Rads will take care of them!!! not to worry about it. that is their  job!  ive been having my shot as well the day after and still no bone pain but i am waiting,lol

    yes its just a bump in our road and we will get over it just takes a bit longer, i figure we are on the top now and are working our way down,lets keep updated. About the class it  was fun and i met other women, not to mention all the make up, you will be glad you went!!!

    love and NO SE's

    Chey

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DesignerMom
    DesignerMom Member Posts: 1,464
    edited June 2010

    RS711-  I was the constipation queen after my first chemo (4-5 days).  Ask your Onc what they allow, and then experiement.  I ended up taking 2 Senokot at night, Colace (stool softener) 3 X day.  I ate tons of fruit, veggies, stewed prunes.  I finally asked if I could take good oldfashioned Milk of Mag (a lot of chemo nurses swear by this).  That finally gave me the hallelujah moment.  Good luck!

    Trusting-I don't know where you live, but here, they offer special exercise classes (yoga, swim etc..) JUST for cancer patients and survivors at the Y  and other places.  They are great because you never feel pushed to "keep up".  Some days you feel like pushing it, some days, you feel like staying in the relaxed child pose for the whole class.

    Okay, now I'm starting to really worry about Sherry.  Sherry, if you are out there, we're rooting for you.  I hope you finally got some relief from nausea and some IV fluids too.  See you when you feel better!

    All you chemo virgins starting your adventure today, I hope your "first" is gentle and kind to you.

    Kaycee-  thanks for the Glutamine info.  How wonderful that your Onc works on a complementary as well as medical aproach. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RS711
    RS711 Member Posts: 105
    edited June 2010

    Tmarina- Thanks, I'm MUCH better, it's day 7 and my energy is back up finally. I had a checkup with my onc this morning, blood counts are good. He wants me to have another muga after AC #4, before I start TH.

    DesignerMom- I remembered your idea about the stewed fruit over cereal, I used apricots, and ate very plain food until my cramps calmed down... it worked... but wow how annoying is that!..

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Latte
    Latte Member Posts: 1,072
    edited June 2010

    tmarina - thanks for the support. I bit the bullet and talked to my daughter today - told her that mummy was going to cut all her hair off because she isn't feeling well, and that sometimes i will wear a scarf and sometimes I will wear some different hair (I don't think she knows what a wig is, and I am only getting one next week). I also bought her a cute bandana today so she and I both wore scarves. All she said was "Mummy no more black hair", which is about the level she is comprehending this all :-)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sherry9316
    Sherry9316 Member Posts: 294
    edited June 2010

    Okay - Sherry here finally checking in.  I went to my onc's office today and got IV fluids and Zofran/Decadron IV as well.  Just got home a little bit ago.  I feel so much better.  I actually ate my first solid food in several days - a junior burger from Sonic!  My onc wants me to come back tomorrow for the same regimen to get me through the weekend.  He also talked to me about doing a different treatment regimen other than the AC/T since I've had such an extreme nausea reaction to it.  I've talked it over with my DH and I think I would like to try a different treatment.  I told onc today that the thought of coming back next week for treatment no. 2 was more than I could bear. My white blood count was very low today as well, despite the Neulasta shot so he gave me a prescription for an antibiotic.  Here's hoping these two days of IV's will get me over the hump and I can continue treatment without so much sickness.

    DSA - you just ignore all the problems I've had with AC/T and I'm sending you hugs and good wishes that you will do well with only minimal SEs.

    Mimi, Designer Mom, DSA and others who have been so sweet to care about me - thanks a million.  Your good wishes and caring mean alot.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TMarina
    TMarina Member Posts: 692
    edited June 2010

    good to hear from you Sherry!  Wow, what a bummer!  I know there are other good regimens, and I would def. be looking at switching if I were in your shoes!  Hope you have a good weekend, and the nausea is all gone!

    T

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NorthernGirl
    NorthernGirl Member Posts: 67
    edited June 2010

    Hey gals

    I am so sorry for the girls experiencing bad side effects. I really appreciate learning all the techniques that others have used... and I really hope not to need them.

     I am due for 2nd chemo tomorrow, FEC 100. First time went well, just fatigue, breathlessness and chest pain. Fingers crossed for No. 2.

     Where are you girls ordering headscarves and caps from?  I am in Canada... haven't found a decent selection in any store and I am about ready to start sewing.  But if there's a good source out there, I would love to check it out. My wig is just too hot.

    I am surprised to be saying this, but after a while the scalp tenderness and the clumps of hair are so annoying, I am ready to be completely bald.

    Cheers girls

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jenweg
    jenweg Member Posts: 195
    edited June 2010
    Wow Sherry you have been through the ringer! Glad you are doing better now.  Northerngirl, I ordered some scarves from www.4women.com.  They have some really nice ones, however they are expensive! 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TMarina
    TMarina Member Posts: 692
    edited June 2010

    Northerngirl-->I have ordered from tlcdirect.org (the american cancer society's catalog), and headcovers.com.  My sweet sis sent me a gift cert from headcovers!  Good gift idea--you sign up and they e-mail out the gift cert.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beanius
    Beanius Member Posts: 1,697
    edited June 2010

    Okay, so as of today...I will start CMF Tuesday 6/29 unless the infection isn't cleared up. Now I'm worried if it gets pushed to 7/6 can I still stay here with you ladies or do I get kicked outta the June start thread? :-)

    Still a "chemo virgin" DesignerMom, love that tag!

    Beans

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kaycee
    kaycee Member Posts: 39
    edited June 2010

    Have you tried eBay for pre-tied scarves? I bought one from a seller called English Traditions, it was well made and cute. Also I had neglected to tell her till the last minute that I have a George Lopez-sized head, and she rushed to sew me a custom larger size. I think this was around $12 w/free shipping -- pretty good price and it has some dimension around the face. There are a few other sellers with similar products on eBay, too, but I haven't tried them yet. I was so happy with my purchase from this lady that I'm going to buy more.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jenweg
    jenweg Member Posts: 195
    edited June 2010

    Beans we wouldn't want you to leave us now!!!!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DesignerMom
    DesignerMom Member Posts: 1,464
    edited June 2010

    Beanius-Don't you dare leave us.  We found you first!

    Latte- I design for kids.  Over the years it has been my greatest pleasure to find that kids like the craziest, wildest things that I could come up with (mothers are a different matter!).  I bet your little one is going to love your new looks, have some fun with it.  Guess what, she doesn't know moms aren't bald.  Her mom is going to be SO special.  I agree with one of the moms about trying include her so she doesn't get too surprised.  I remember years ago my husband, an actor, was in a play.  He was dressed up in a white powdered wig and breeches.  When I brought my son to meet him for dinner between shows, my son cried like we had never seen him cry.  I think he could hear my husband's voice, but thought someone or something had posessed or taken over his dad's body!

    Sherry-thank goodness your Onc is rethinking your treatment.  There are many alternatives.  Like my Onc said, there isn't a better, stronger chemo.  They all work in different ways.  You will accomplish what you need with a different regimen.  I pray you will be SE free!  You have earned it.  Now that you are feeling a bit better, try to boost your fluids if you can.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cheyenna
    cheyenna Member Posts: 379
    edited June 2010

    Designermom, you always make me smile thank you for being there for everyone!!!

    Sherry, im so glad they r changing your meds, you poor thing, its bad enough what we r dealing with but to be so sick on top of it... i pray all goes well with your new tx..

    latte, ill bet you will look absolutely gorgeous in a scarf!!!   as for me, HA!!! no way lol im gonna have to glue the wig to my head..lol.... i told my lil ones that mommy had cancer and the DR took it out and now i will take medicine to make sure it stays gone, so far they have been good with that, i told them the medicine might make my hair fall out but, thats a good thing cause i have really strong medicine's to make sure its all gone.. mine r a bit older 12 and 9 but they r doing great.

    RS711 I wonder if i will get another muga scan, im very worried about my heart on this AC, my Dr said no and that bothers me, my heart was at 74% they said and i dont know if that is good or not? does anyone know? i would think 100% is good? as most know im not thrilled with my ONC

    love to all

    Chey

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SKD
    SKD Member Posts: 140
    edited June 2010

    Hi everyone

    had treatment #2 last Friday and finally getting my energy back. Thought I didn't need to take my anti nausea pills after a couple day but turns out they were doing a great job preventing it! I am going to try and go for a walk tonight, seems to give me more energy to get out and get fresh air, and what better way to sweat all that bad stuff out!

    I never in a million years thought I would ever say this but I feels great to have NO hair in this weather, it gets hot and I take off my wig and I am instantly cooled down!

    Northerngirl: Where in Canada are you from?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mybails
    Mybails Member Posts: 29
    edited June 2010

    Just got home from my 1st TC.  Feeling a little light headed and took a gravol for the queasy feeling stomach, but other than that - not bad.   I guess time will tell.  So far today I've drank 21/2 liters of water, and I put clear green tea and bamboo nail polish on my nails. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beanius
    Beanius Member Posts: 1,697
    edited June 2010

    jenweg, DesignerMom - thanks so much for lettin me stay!! YIPPEEE!! You gals are the greatest!

    Love and hugs to you all!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TMarina
    TMarina Member Posts: 692
    edited June 2010

    Beanius-->

    Girl, you don't dare leave this group!  We need you!  Laughing

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mimi9186
    mimi9186 Member Posts: 127
    edited June 2010

    Cheyenna,  MUGA scan normals are 50% and above.  Mine was 67%.  The pharmacist reassured me that they VERY carefully calculate the dosage of adria so that it does not cause heart damage. I too was very worried but I am not after talking to the onc and Pharmacist.

    Sherry, so glad you are back.  Hoping for easier sailing from now on for you.

    Mybails, good job getting the first one done.  Greetings from Brandon. I will be in the PEG on Monday to see radiologist.

     Mimi

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sherry9316
    Sherry9316 Member Posts: 294
    edited June 2010

    Hi everyone!  I've MISSED you!

     NorthernGirl:  I decided I didn't want to deal with the clumps of hair, so I went last week and had my hairdresser give me a buzz.  She had already ordered my wig, so it was time.  It has been very hot in OK in June, so the buzz cut is very cool.  I've only worn my wig once.  I wore a ball cap to the onc office today.

    Beanuis: It's probably not "legal" for you to stay with us if your treatment gets pushed to June, but I have a clandestine solution.  Change your name and give us the password so we'll know it's really you and then you can keep posting.  Only make the password very short and very easy because we will have a hard time remembering it.  LOL!

    I asked my onc today if he would just put me in a coma until my treatment was over (this was before I had finished my IV therapy).  He said no coma.  Pooh!  Seemed like a good solution to me.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jenweg
    jenweg Member Posts: 195
    edited June 2010

    Haha Sherry, I have often wondered the same thing, why can't we just be knocked out for a few days after treatment and wake up when we are feeling better lol.  If only it were that easy!!  Glad you are gonna stay at the "cool table" Bean!!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Isla
    Isla Member Posts: 82
    edited June 2010

    OK .. hair loss report from the queen of too much information!
     
    Everytime I go to the loo ... how to phrase this .. I leave more than just the paper in the pan!!  Must say I was a bit surprised to be loosing 'that' hair so quickly and before my scalp hair  haha 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • meliss
    meliss Member Posts: 31
    edited June 2010

    Only have a couple minutes as I have a HUGE research project due tomorrow and I am way behind after losing 3 days this week to that stupid allergic reaction. But, wanted to say I am doing much better now.

     Sherry9316: I am hopeful for you that with the new anti-nausea meds round 2 will go much better. If you stay ahead of the nausea with the Zofran and Phenergan, whichever regimen you decide to go with, I bet you will not have as much trouble. 

    Okay, back to studying.....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RS711
    RS711 Member Posts: 105
    edited June 2010

    Isla- I agree, but apparently this is totally normal....... but yes so very odd

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kittycat
    kittycat Member Posts: 2,144
    edited June 2010

    kaycee - thanks for the ebay seller info. Cute scarves. I haven't bought one yet, but I'm eyeing the cat one - of course!

    Chey - have you picked out a wig yet? My sister gave me her very expensive human hair one, but I'm also getting at least one synthetic one, too.  I have to call my insurance again to see what all they will cover for my wig (they said 90%, but I don't know of what?)

    Sherry - I am glad you are doing okay now.  We were all so worried about you! 

    Beanius - you have to stay with us!!!  :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Trusting
    Trusting Member Posts: 43
    edited June 2010

    Hi RS711,

    Keep it up. I have gone twice now and the exercise makes me feel somewhat normal. They say it helps with depression and it is good to stay strong and healthy. Glad to see you are getting out and about. I have 2 more treatments of FEC and 3 of Docetaxol. I feel it is good to stay strong.

    Take care,

    Trusting

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cheyenna
    cheyenna Member Posts: 379
    edited June 2010

    Mimi thank you, i feel better, i was  freaked about it, i hope they give me another one after the AC..

    kittycat, yes i have, it looks like my real hair, i wore it when hubby and kids came home and the never knew, haha when i told them i had to take it off so they would believe me, same response with friends so it makes a lil easier i guess!! i still want a real hair one so i can do things to it, AC x4 then T x 12 is a lot of months with no hair playing, ya know? Smile

    Isla, i love reading your reports, you make me laughSmile  OH i love your qoate about doing the job properly!!! im so sorry but it made me laugh, you brighten my day,

    ok i swear i smell the AC on my body?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • emmalou
    emmalou Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2010

    Hope it's not too late to join this group. I'm having my first chemo this morning (TC x4 +neulasta) and am nervous about all the side effects I've been reading about. Sounds crazy, but I live in a small town and don't know anyone else going through this, so these boards have been a real godsend. Thanks to all of you for being so generous and sharing your experiences. Hoping to return the favor soon!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories