Is there a July 2011 group?

MariaGo

Hey Ladies,

 I was supposed to start my first chemo today, but got postponed until the 28th of July.  I am a bit worried.  They say that my hemoglobin levels were low and they were not comfortable with doing chemo today.  So then they say let's schedule you for a bone marrow biopsy. Ok I am not a doctor but that does sound serious.  I am trying really hard not to freak out. I was already nervous starting chemo today, but I felt it was the start of the treatment. A means to an end.  NOT!!!!!!!! UGh now I have the biopsy on Wednesday and won't know anything until next week.  Let the waiting game begin AGAIN!!!!!!

rabbit

hi Maria

I know nothing about that but wanted to say to hang in there, you will get so much support here as I'm sure you already know. We are survivors! 

kk11

Jamie - Good luck with your 2nd infusion tomorrow! I have another week before my 3rd and I'm already dreading it!

Ana - I am finding everything is drying out. My skin, my lips, my tongue! How come you're on break until the 28th? 

Rabbit - Enjoy your massage tomorrow!

Maria - Did they say what your hemoglobin actually was? I agree it sounds scary when they start talking about bone marrow biopsies. Make sure they explain everything to you so you understand what they're trying to accomplish. 

As for me, well, I'm still a bit jittery and I'm also quite bored. I've been sitting in the couch all day either on the computer or watching tv. Gets boring after a while. I just don't want to go outside until it's a bit darker because of the sun. I am also dreading the buzz/shave. I got up the nerve to ask my husband to get his clippers out today but he hasn't cut my hair yet. I am sure that's not helping with the jumpiness!

sandy115

Hi Rabbit how long after chemo do you have to go for surgery and are you having Rads as well before surgery as i still have to have the rest of my nodes taken out.Good luck with your second Fec Wed as I will have Fec 1st as well on Monday.Enjoy your massage.

sandy115

Hi J bug I did call the insurence company about the Nulasta again and I have a program called victory looking iton for me hopefully they will change there mind and pay for the shots thxs for the info.do you know why some Dr's wait for a low blood count and my Dr wants me to have a shot after each Chemo infusion.

J-Bug

sandy115: I don't know the answer to that. That is a good one for your oncologist. One of my nurses was explaining to me that before the Neulasta that so many people often ended up in the hospital for various infections and illnesses due to low blood counts and then it gets in the way of being able to do the next chemo treatment, it is just not worth skipping. If counts are too low, they will not continue treatments. I am noticing, and I just did my 2nd treatment, that when I am done with my three days of steroids, that is when the sore throat and the lack of energy and low blood counts come along. Then the Neulasta seems to kick in and do its thing around 5 days post treatment and I go back on the upswing a bit.

So this is just my observations and what I am hearing from one of the nurses. I hope that helps. Good luck with this!

FrancesC

Hi I am on neupogen here. Days 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10 post chemo.  It costs approx US$80 per shot here in Singapore.  Wondering why neulasta cost so much where you are?

Valbee

Hi all, haven't checked in for a few days. It's hard to focus on keeping up with everyone's posts, so please don't be offended if you address me and I don't respond.

The Neulasta shot kicked me hard. It's better now, but Sunday night I was miserable. I managed to do a half day of work yesterday, and I'm back in the office today, but I'm leaving early today too. Mostly because we're so slow that I can't imagine sitting around here when I could be resting at home.

No other real side effects (knock on wood), so far, other than the dry mouth. I'm counting my blessings. 

Bless0Mel

Vshowe- where are you from? Are you on a research study? You sound like the only person that is close to my regime. I am on the veronistat study through John Hopkins. I have 12 treatments once a week on Mondays of Abraxane and Carboplatin along with taking pills 3 days starting on the chemo day.



Thanks guys for being along for my pity party. So yesterday was the big day. I had a lot of nausea up until arriving at the clinic. Upon getting to the clinic then the headaches began. I had a massive headache almost the whole time being there. Although the whole experience was not all that bad. Just having to go through and not wanting to do any of it or wait on side effects just have me so stressed. I have not cried about any of this so I guess when most people would cry I would just get headaches instead. I have been getting lots of headaches since all this began. Whenever I have to do anything related to BC I get one.



One possibly good thing that came out of this but I am not going to get overly excited. The nurse stated that since I am not getting large doses but instead smaller doses closer together that my hair may not fall out. It may just start to thin.



When I received the carboplatin it felt warm to the back ofmy throat. I felt thatway in my body as well. The nurse looked a little puzzled and was like it doesn't feel like my throat is closing or itchy does it? I responded no. She said I may be a little sensitive to it. So if that is the case aim not knocking any side effects down.



As for SEs when I left the office I felt a little funny. Kinda like I had taken a diet pill or something. Not sure if it was from the steroids or what but I didnt start to feel any differently until I received the carboplatin. I got it last. Then while home last night I had the air down but I kept getting hot while sleeping. Too lazy to get upend check temp. I feel fine today though. No weird feelings at all.

Cathy_C

Sandy115: Do you know why your having all your lump nodes removed? I also had 2 removed with 1 of them being positive. However, because of studies that have been in the pass they have found that there was no beneift to taking out all the nodes. My BS said that the memo or whatever it is they call it came out at the beginning of this year and that I did not have to have them removed. If you are unsure of the reason I would talk to you BS. Some people who have all their lymph nodes suffer from lymphedema.

Cathy_C

Sandy115: Take a look at these articles it does state not everyone is eligible. But still very worth talking to your BS about it.

http://ourfightagainstcancer.com/2011/05/03/removal-not-necessary-for-all-lymph-nodes-with-breast-cancer/

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=125705

tresjure

hi all !  Had my first round of chemo,taxotere first.the nurse monitored me  closely, for 15 minutes.did fine.she then upped the dose,monitored me close another 20 minutes.did fine.My port worked great! then came the cytoxan,didnt feel anything with that one.they also gave me aloxin?(anti nausea ) and benydrl( for allergies) along with the chemo drugs.felt like i had a couple beers with the benydrl! prior to chemo took my steroids my blood pressure medicine,and a xanex for anxiety,dont feel bad about getting that prescribed.Drank alot of cold bottled water,before,during and after.took my monitors with me to pee.I was right by the bathrooms.Munched on lances sandwich crackers.Did crosswards.(bring little cooler with ice and water.) Then before i knew it i was all done! Its the  day  after i'm ok,knock on wood.

Luebbsgurl

Hello All...lots of posts to read here. I start my TCH regimen tomorrow so I would love to join this great group of ladies.

Tina

Allenan

Hello all.

 DAY 1:  Had TC yesterday.  So far, I feel no different.  Did about 20-30 mins areobic exercise and will soon be taking my Neulesta shot.  My hubby will be giving it to me.   From what I am reading, this shot seems to be the challenge.  Let's see what happens tomorrow.

I am sending much blessings to all of you and especially those of you who started yesterday, July 18th. 

Maria, I was terribly anemic up until last month.  I started really drinking a mixture of beets & spinach and trying to eat healthier and taking my iron pills.  On May 6th my hemoglobin was 7,  yesterday it was 11.4.  It is scary when procedures have to be delayed.  Mines was delayed a week, but I figure my body needs to be ready so I stopped being worried and started a positive  internal dialogue as I would eat and drink.  ISending you hugs.

Ana, I hope the pimples do not appear again.  Are you wearing any make up?  I am not and its a bit hard but I just wash with the neutrogena.

Everyone else, keep the faith and I pray for limited or No side effects.   Ann

ANA_424

I'm not very good at responding to individuals, but want you all to know I read every word. There is just something about knowing there is a community of people out there going through something similar at the same time. I didn't realize how much I would like that. Well, "like" is not the right word, but there is something to it. :-) Having said that . . .

Maria, I hope all turns out well with the new biopsy and hemoglobin levels. I don't know anything about that, but know I would be really uncomfortable just having a new piece of data being factored into everything.

kk11 - I said I was on break until the 28th, because I'm having treatments every three weeks. So I'm enjoying my energy until the next one! How about your hair? Do you still have it?

Sandy115 - Agreeing with everyone else. Make sure you understand why they want to remove more lymph nodes. Would be nice to avoid that if possible.

I think my hair is getting ready to come out. My scalp is kind of itchy and more than usual is coming out just when I run my hands through. No big clumps though. At least not on my head. Down below is another story - I think someone (rabbit?) said that's where it came out first for them, too. I've got scarves, hats, wigs - so I feel like I am prepared. But it is hard to know. When I'm actually faced with it, it might be harder than I think it is going to be.

Best wishes to all for easy treatments!

ANA_424

Allenan - thanks for asking about the pimples. They have definiitely gotten better. I did go without makeup for a few days, but just can't skip it when I go to work. I've never worn a lot, though. Now, of course, my skin is too dry. Just can't win ;-).

Glad to hear you are feeling good today. Best of luck with your Neulasta shot!

Ann (another one)

misswim

I have only had one treatment kk, but luckily work is really good and I have FMLA leave if I need it. Actually worked a 9 hour day today, exhausted, but got through it. Hoping the 3-4 days of wonkiness and then back to feeling ok is in the cards for me. Hope you are well.

Paintingmywaythru

kk11 I had a molar pregnacy too but they called it a partial and never gave me chemo. I always owndered about that but nothing I cna do...interesting though.

Paintingmywaythru

SANDY115 Yes, there seems to be lots of reasons to fid what your surgeon is thinking and why...this seems significant and so many people don't have them removed. They used to do it years ago as standard.

ANA_424...I have pimples too...yuck..I a on taxotere and cytoxin.

Still have my mouth sores and on a liquid diet but my other Se's are gone except for tiredness.

Best to all.

Jamie30

Rabbit...I will def keep you in my thoughts tomorrow!

Today went ok.  I managed to get a the same lab lady that poked the heck outta me the time before last.  Well....She went in between my knuckles and had to dig, dig, and dig some more before she finally got my blood.  My hand is SORE.  I sure home I get the one stick lady again next time.  I had a different nurse also today.  She tried to do my iv and poked a lot but couldnt get it so she called in another nurse who got it on her first try.  My had is bruised up but 3 sticks and alot of digging isnt horrible but I could live without it.  They gave me my two nausea meds (Emend and something else), more steriod (speed in a bottle/iv is my name for it, lol) and benedryl.  Then my cytoxan and then my taxotere.  My white blood counts bounced back up since last time but now they are a little high so we are taking my temp 3 times a day and watching for infection.  My mouth is already fuzzy and so is my brain.  I am really tired already, guess from all the meds and long day.  Hoping to get my energy buzz tomorrow like last time and clean this house as good as I did last time, lol. 

Good luck to everyone starting or going in for another chemo.  I wish I could respond to everyone but it has taken my 30 minutes just to get this far!  Will try and check in tomorrow!!

BTW, thanks for listening and being so supportive! 

My everyone be blessed with a good night and great day tomorrow!!

rabbit

hi all!! 

Jamie, how did your FEC go? I am right behind you tomorrow! It's a bitter sweet feeling, dreading it big time knowing what's ahead and on the other hand can't wait to get 2 under the belt!

Sandy, I don't know yet about the surgery, I think it was mentioned it would be sometime in Dec. my last treatment is the day before Thanksgiving....no clue about rads either unless of course it shrinks enough to get a lumpectomy, then of course I would need rads for sure.

The massage was awesome, saw my chiropractor a few hours after, first time in months I had been adjusted (I wouldn't let him manually adjust my neck due to the port) I feel like a new woman today LOL that will all change tomorrow!

I will listen to this chemo CD for the first time during chemo tomorrow, will let everyone know what I think of it. My fiance is taking me there, my sister is meeting me there, so I'll both them for the first few hours, then he will leave and my other sister will come for the remainder of the time.

Good luck and hugs to all!  

rabbit

Oh, I had a friend shave my head with an electric razor, got it much closer to the head, it's so much more comfortable. It was maybe 1/2 inch before.....OMG it was hurting me, when i put on a cap or turbin, my tiny hairs were poking through and painful! And even with such a short hair cut ( I mean almost a buzz) I was shedding like crazy! When I had the massage, I bet I left 100 tiny, short hairs on the pillow LOL. 

Snoopy73

Paintingmywaythru - Hope you feel better soon, sending you hugs.

To the ladies who just joined and who started chemo, we're all in this together and we will come out of this tunnel.

Jamie - I am sorry for all the poking:-(  i have a port so pheeww i escape the pokes, how i HATE needles uurrgh..

Has any of you experience headaches? I have been having regular headaches lately and they are really bothering me. Been taking tylenol only. 

Have a gnite ladies and sending you hugs! 

rabbit

hi snoopy, that has been a major SE for me, headaches! I always had problems with headaches right around my period and during stressful times. Since my first FEC and up until just a few days ago, I was waking up with headaches and getting them almost daily! I think I went about 3-4 days with no headaches until just now, I am starting to get a slight one

paulamati

hi girls i have been having headaches too, specially today .

Rabbit good luck tomorrow, i will be thinking of you..you will be good . My second one is next Wednesday ,just want to be over with it so i will only have 4 left .My hair is feeling weird today ..maybe its going to start to fall soon .

Have a good night everyone and a better day tomorrow!!

Jamie30

rabbit... I am doing cytoxan and taxotere.  I am wore out and my mouth is fuzzy already.  I am hoping that I get an energy burst tomorrow before anything really gets me out of it.

I have headaches.  I think some of it has to do with my hair.  I had it buzzed and it is still coming out like crazy.  I have quite a few bald spots but the tiny hairs left behind drive me bonkers.  I sure hope it all falls out so I can have a smooth head for a bit.

They chose not to do a port with me because I did not do the A drug and I only have to have 4 treatments.  So right now 2 pokes down 2 to go!

Kat456

Hi. I just got diagnosed on July 7th and had my first chemo treatment July 15th. I haven't read all your comments yet, but I just wanted to join in. I have an 8cm tumor. I have dose dense (?) chemo, every 2 weeks for 16 weeks. Then a mastectomy and lymph node dissection a few weeks after that, then radiation treatment. So... I'm feeling fine today! I will try to make time to read more of your posts tomorrow after work. Have a good night everybody!

ewa-swimmer

Day 10 (Sun.) after my first T/C and I ended up in the hospital with neutropenic fever. Earache started it. They let me out this evening but I have to go back tomorrow and Thurs. For IV antibiotics. My hair really started shedding today so my dh and I shaved it down to a quarter inch.

Cathy_C

I also have daily headaches and I only have taken Tylenol. I suffer from chronic migranes (2-5 a month), but thank goodness haven't had one in a month.

Jaime: you are so lucky with only 4 treatments. I have 8 and it just seems so far away. 

J-Bug

Welcome Kat456. Our diagnosis and treatment is very similar. My tumor is over 8 cm and I am doing the A/C dd, then mastectomy with lymph node dissection, then radiation.

Anyone losing eyebrows yet? I am 4 days after 2nd treatment and still have mine. I am wondering if I will lose them. The hair on my head is almost all gone. My stepmom was visiting this week and she shaved it on Monday for me. (No one is ever ready for that one!)