Has anyone started a Dec 2011 group?

snobordkykmom

Well ladies, time to introduce myself.  I'm 54, just diagnosed. Plan is Chemo, surgery, then radiation, then we'll see. Have started my 8x dose dense  4AC/4T every two weeks.  First was on Dec. 19th.  Number 2 coming up on Jan.3. Got my extra long hair cut the day we visited the ONCO. in prep.  Didn't want my kids at school dealing with such a radical change and figured it could go to a good cause.

  My biggest side effect so far has been nonstop energy.  The black hole of pots and pans is organized.  The pantry is organized.  All my cupboards are cleaned and lined up. Laundry is done. SAVE ME FROM MYSELF!!  Seriously. This has got to stop. 

Kelloggs

Well it was an eventful day.  Treatment #2 had a little snag.  Ten minutes into my Taxotere infusion I had a reaction....scared the begeezus out of me!  I flushed from the top of my head down, developed tight chest paid and shortness of breat and felt like I had a vice grip on my back!  I thought I was going to die, my poor husband could see the fear in my eyes.  But the nurses were great and acted quickly. They stopped the infusion and gave me additional Benadryl and Ativan.  The doctor checked on me also and after about 10 minutes the symptoms started to subside.  They restarted the infusion and it was fine.  My Carboplatin and Herceptin I breezed through!  I feel fine, just extremely tired now from all the Benadryl and Ativan.

Last night I shaved the head.  I went into the bathroom and started by running my fingers through it.  I thought if I could get the loose ones out it would feel better.  Before I knew it I had enough hair on the floor to outfit a small country of bald men (I had a lot of hair).  So I just dug out the clipppers my mom donated to me and shaved it.  I cried the entire time and although it was excrutiatingly emotional, it did feel better when I was done.  I rocked my new free red wig to chemo today.  My DH loves it, of course he'd love me no matter what I looked like.  God bless him.  

 Let's hope my scare during treatment was the worst I have to deal with this round.  I hope everyone else is doing well....minimal SE's for all of us!  I can't tell you how therapeutic it is to get on this site and post these things and receive encouragement from my sisters who are going through the same thing.  I am grateful for all of you!  BIG {{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}! 

seacretgardn

Snowbird, sorry you had to join but welcome. Wow you are doing really well on AC, hope you continue to do so.



Kellogs that had to be terrifying, I'm glad your team acted so quickly. hope you can relax tonight and feel well. My daughter shaved my head earlier today. I look like my younger brother. Even the dog was staring at me.



Had my port checked at radiology today, they said it's just fine, (thank goodness!) I guess the pressure I'm feeling can be ignored.



The one thing that was very surprising to me was how in the hospital there was more attention paid to keeping a sterile environment than I'd experienced in the infusion center, which is affiliated with the same hospital. I mentioned it to them and they were very encouraging about speaking up when not comfortable with something.

I hope everyone has a comfortable night.

keepnfaith

snowbord,

sounds like you and I are on similiar schedule. my second AC is the 4th, first was 21st. I do admire your energy, though. I get bursts but then they are gone before I really get anything accomplished. I feel lazy

kellogg,

so sorry for your scare! got a lump in my stomach just thinking about what you must have went through. glad everything turned out ok. Big Hugs! 

Mardibra

Had my 3rd AC today. sno - I wish you could bottle up some of that energy and send it down to me. I could use it. I'm on the same regime as you but I started 12/1. I hope the energy bursts continue for ya.



Kellogg - that must ave been frightening! Glad it turned out ok.



Seacret/kellogg - the lack of hair thing gets easier. I only wear Esmarelda outside. Inside I go commando!



Happy thoughts to all. Time for (another) a nap.

markat

I want some of sno's energy too. I just woke up from a 3 hour nap!



Kelly glad you are ok! Hoping for minimal se's for you.



Mardi hoping you have minimal se's too!



Whata my stomach seems worse this time, but you're right 2 down!

darlam

Kelloggs-YES....vice grip on your back. A crushing sensation. Exactly the reaction I have had both times (on TCH) and couldn't figure out how to describe. Yes, it is terrifying and painful. Benadryl, Ativan, steriods, and slower infusion all seemed to help, but scary, isn't it?

Seacretgardn-glad the port is ok. That would be a major bummer to have to think about replacing or losing it. Forgot my EMLA today...reminded me to be thankful for the port!

Welcome, Sno-If you can bottle that energy, you could make a mint selling to the highest bidder, right here, right now:) So tired of being tired............! I'm like a cranky toddler without my naps. 

Seemed like the nausea was somewhat less severe, but held on longer this time. Not sure which is worse. Just kind of hit an emotional wall the last few days as it wasn't letting up. Sometimes it is hard to think that you will ever feel anything close to normal again. Went for Herceptin this morning, which is really no big deal, but just kind of came unglued. Think the staff was not sure what to do; I've been so upbeat every other time. Doing better tonight, was just overdue, I think. 

Had to buzz my hair yesterday. Tried the cold caps, and did actually have alot of hair left, but was shedding everywhere. Woke up with hair in my mouth, found it in my food.....it was just enough and I was done. I agree, hard to do, but kind of a relief when it's over. Wig for work, hats for casual, au natural at home. 

rachelvk

Welcome, Snowbord. I'd also like to put in an order for that energy. I haven't been fatigued, but I'm already organizationally challenged and cancer has given me a big, fat excuse for letting things go. I hope the rest of your treatments go as well as the earlier ones.

Kelloggs - I'm glad the staff was able to get your reaction under control. I've been scared about the Taxotere and was so relieved when my first one went without a hitch. However, I think I'm going to ask my Mom to come with me for my 2nd tx as well. I'm not crazy about facing that alone, no matter how fast the nurses respond. Sorry to hear the hair was so emotional, but I understand. And it sounds like your DH really is a dear.

Seacretgardn - Glad there was no problem with the port. Mine took a while to settle down; hopefully you'll get more used to it over time.

Mardibra - Sending a little residual energy your way. Sorry to hear it's wiped you out so much. I know how energetic you always seem. Hang in there.

Markat - Keep checking off those days on the calendar - you can get through this.

Darlam - I'm sorry the cold caps didn't work. Hitting the occasional emotional wall is tough, but that's what happens when we try to be strong all the time. I'm glad you're feeling better now.

Nothing really new to report, other than the continued departure of strands of hair. I'm afraid to wash my hair tomorrow or Saturday because I'd like to think I might still have enough to wear to a New Years Eve dance. But I keep getting this stupid cowlick in the back whenever I sleep. Unfortunately, since I had a bmx with TEs, I'm stuck sleeping on my back this whole time. I'd so love to sleep with my face on my pillow - it was pretty painful last night.

Have a good night all. 

laurieloomis

Welcome Snobord, I'm from NH too, where are you? I had my first A/C yesterday, it went well, no prob. I'm jealous of your energy, I was so emotionally drained, I fell asleep at 5 and went to bed shortly after.  Go in for the neulasta today, not looking forward to that!

Kelly, OMG that is so scary, I'm glad the nurses were able to get things under control.  thanks for sharing about your hair shaving, I know I will be an emotional wreck too.  I get my hair cut short next week in prep for the final loss. Grrr!

Have a good day all

Laurie

dougieswife

Hi...I am Lori....I had my firstTCH tx on 12/14.  Unfortunately, it did not go very well at all but I am much better now AND now we know how I react to the tx's.  I will save all of the details for a later time.  

Next tx date is 1/4.  I look forward to going through this with all of you.  It does make it easier to go through!!!!   

dougieswife

d/p

markat

Welcome Dougieswife.



Darlam, Kelly, and Dougie how long do they run your tax? I think mine is an hour and so far so good.

Mardibra

OMG ladies....I woke up last night absolutely drenched in sweat!  I have never sweated like that before.  Had to change my clothes and bedding....it was that bad.  I hope im not being thrown into chemo-pause!  Anyone else with this issue?

Off to my Nulasta shot soon.

Pleasant thoughts to all.

Christine

Kelloggs

Thanks to all for the kinds words....it was very scary but I feel great about the way the nurses reacted.  They told me it's rare to have a reaction to the 2nd treatment and not the first but leave it to me to break the rules. 

Rachel - I would definitely have someone with you.  I was lucky that I wasn't alone at the time because I really panicked and if there was no one there I don't know whether I would have been able to yell loud enough to get a nurse!  Good luck with your 2nd but don't be scared, they say it is a rarity.

Markat - My Taxotere runs for an hour also.

Laurie - I feel much better about the hair now.  I wear hats at home and my wig at home. I got a free one from the Look Good Feel Better class and that's the one I've worn.  My purchased on needs the bangs trimmed.  The doctor asked me before my treatment yesterday how my hair was holding up.  I told her it was gone and she couldn't believe that I was wearing a wig.  Several of the nurses commented also.  My DH loves it, says he has never been with a red head!  My reply of course was that I bet he's never been with a bald woman either! He is so awesome and I am lucky to have him.

Off to get my Neulasta shot now....I dread this too cuz tonight and tomorrow I will be laid up in the chair moaning.  Claritin doesn't seem to work for me although I take it anyway.  {{HUGS}} to all!

laurieloomis

Hi Kelly,,I got my Neulasta around 1 this afternnon.....took the Claritin and so far so good,   Will it hit me tomorrow? Had my firtst A/C yesterday and It wiped me out, the nausea comes in waves so I;m taking everything I can.  Didn't expect to feel this crappy so soon   Is there something to take other than Claritin if it doesn't work?

Hope all goes well for you

Laurie 

markat

Laurie my onc prescribed Vicodin because the Claritin didn't work. My shot was yesterday and I have the worst toothache today. I have to wait 10 days to see the dentist.



Mardi hope you're cool today!



I pretty much have the usual se's for day 3 except the toothache. Anyone have any suggestions on what to use?

Peacock

Christine, I think you and I are on a similar schedule (AC X 4, 2 down, then T) and I had a similar sweaty experience today. I was in a store, wearing only jeans and a t-shirt and I was drenched! I drove home with all the windows open, the whole way. (And I'm in NJ, where it's mild, but far from warm.) It was really odd!

 Otherwise, I hope all is well with everyone. I am on the "between" Friday, with AC last week and next week. I'm trying to savor this one. However, my hair is coming out by the handful, despite a very, very short cut. This is upsetting any way you slice it.  

I have found the holidays challenging. I think that it's foolish for me (and family) to pretend that anything is normal, and just embrace the different way it's all going down this year. I am also feeling the pull of family members who don't or won't get involved, not a phone call, card, nothing. This includes my dad, sister-in-law, and a few meaningful others. I guess I'm also surprised when those who do come over just sort of sit as if it's normal. It's not, and it would be a huge help to me if they unloaded the dishwasher or made their own coffee. Or they could ask me how it's going. I'll know all of this for the future, of course. (But, boy, do I hate hearing about their travel plans!)

And a huge shout out to a neighbor I hardly know! She had BC, and when she learned about me, she didn't say a word but dropped off Tide, tp, tissues and a mntn of that stuff.  The second time she brought oj, milk, eggs, bread.  No comment; just sheer helpfulness!  

GracieG

Hello all

Thought I'd join the December group before the year ended!  I had my first TC treatment 12/16 with the 2nd one a week from today.  Kellogs, I had the same reaction you did to Taxotore during my first treatment.  Scary, isn't it?  The nurses were aall over it, called my onc who stopped the drip for 30 minutes then stated again at a slower drip, increasing every 15 minutes.  Hoping I don't have that reaction again.  I had my head shaved last week and am still surprised that I have stubbles 14 days after treatment.  My SIL, who had BC 8 years ago has been wonderful about keeping us supplied in meals.  My WBC was low last week and I had my blood work today but haven't heard the results yet.  I am such a cold blooded person that I was surprised when I had my head shaved that it gets as hot as it does.  No way I can wear a wig.  I wear nothing at home on it unless it does get cold, then I just wear a soft cotton jersey turban that I can pull off when I heat up.  When I go out I've been wearing basebal caps and they work just great.  Before my surgery I was such an active person, but I just can't get past this fatigue, and the insomnia at night isn't helping!  Today it got up to 60 here and just the thought of taking a short walk was all I could muster, a thought.  Fatigue and sweats have become a way of life.

Looking forward to posting more. 

seacretgardn

Mardibra Im older than you but night sweats prior to each period from 35 on. Period stopped last year and they stopped but sine my bmx on 11 -1 they are back with a vengeance. Not only messy and uncomfortable, but interrupt precious sleep. Hoping they calm for you.



I wanted to know if anyone else is struggling with dry eyes. I already used drops but now can't go more than an hour or two without. My right eye is very sore and now the tear duct is very red and swollen. And of course it's the weekend!



Peacock I went out today, first time with my shaved head, but kept my hat on.and you're right, it was warm here. I still felt like I was getting looks. your neighbor sounds like an angel. I took my
dog for a walk yesterday and my neighbor who is well aware of my dx kept asking about the dog. I guess some people don't know what to say.



Laurie I'm not sure if the claritin really works for me, I'm afraid to stop taking it though just in case it's giving me some relief.



Markat so sorry about the toothache, when I had nerve pain from a pulled tooth they prescribed vicodin. I may take your suggestion and try it for the Nuelasta shot.



GracieG sorry you are here but welcome. The ladies here are an amazing support.

Hoping all have a good night.

dougieswife

Markat...My Taxotere is run for 1 hour.

Now I am freaked out about the chest pain reaction.  I didn't get that with my first, however, I had EXTREME bone pain with it.  I was at my PS office today to get filled and he was asking me about my treatments.  When I told him what all had happened to me, he said that is not the "typical" side effects.  Basically, what happened to me was extreme bone pain that percocet wouldn't even touch.  I ended up in the ER due to the pain and extreme chills/shaking.  They gave me Delaudid and that finally worked for the pain.  After getting home from the ER, that is when the nausea and vomiting started.  I couldn't keep anything down at all. I went in for a check up last Thursday and I couldn't even walk into the dr's office, I had to have my husband get a wheel chair for me.  My OC is right in the same office as the infusion center so he sent me over for fluids.  Once I got the fluids, I felt so much better and was able to eat again and enjoy Christmas.

The positive to all of this is, we know for next time (Wednesday, the 4th).  I got a nausea patch that lasts for 7 days that I will be putting on and Ultram seemed to work for the bone pain.

~Lori 

Kelloggs

Wow Lori, so sorry you had that bad of a time first treatment.  I was pretty scared yesterday but it was quickly resolved.  Not feeling bad today, went to work a full day.  I'm waiting now for the Neulasta to hit, that seemed to be what got me last time.  I took Claritan for it but also Tylenol. I have some Vicodin left over from sx but all the nausea meds make me so spacey I hate to take anything else. 

On the up side showers are much more enjoyable without hair. The hot water felt so good on my bare head!  And I still have stubble falling out when I rub it.  This is gonna be a long journey.

snobordkykmom

Laurie-- Hi, I'm near Concord. 

Went today to get my chin waxed.  One thing I was hoping to not have to do for a while. The little one that cut my hair two weeks ago and knew the story was almost in tears when she saw me come in.  Random acts of kindness do make your day.  Soup and a book just appeared on my porch yesterday AM.  DH is a dear, still giving me grief to keep things normal.

 Just moving slow on picking up the SEs, other than the crazy energy.Actually slept in today til 7:30, ahhh. Though I'd have to say---Prunes are my friend.

  Hoping that when they hit I don't pay for the delay. Treatment #2 Tuesday. Plans made out for the week at school. Hoping not to have to use them, except for Tuesday.  Hope kids don't mind a bald librarian :>}   Have a book I always read to first graders called "Pig in a Wig"  That could get a little hairy, I mean scary for them, you think??

Thoughts and hugs go out to you all. It's freaky how the reactions are so widely different. Take care of yourselves. Do what works for you.

Peacock-- Let family members know you are training them now to be useful later or crash course, NOW!   Seriously, people say,"Whatever you need . . ."  Just make up a list and post it somewhere visible.  I have a whiteboard with my schedule coming up and there's a nice empty list space I'll use when I need it. 

dougieswife

Well...My hair has started falling out.  Maybe instead of watching the ball drop at midnight tomorrow, we can watch my hair drop, LOL!!!!    At this rate, I am going to have bald patches by tomorrow, so I might as well go ahead and shave it.  

~Lori 

laurieloomis

Hi Snobord, We're not too far away, I'm in Portsmouth.  I also work in an elementary school, buy my onc said no work during tx, too many germy kids.  I miss it but am thankful to have the time off, don't think I could go in there the way I'm feeling.  Exhausted, waves of nausea and starting to get achey bones.

Marcia, I'm sorry christmas was rough. I've found some people avoiding the subject because they just don't know what to say or how willing I am to talk about it.   Obviously, it's all consuming in our lives so YES we need to talk about it and get a litle help along the way!  Hopefully they'll figure it out, give them a little shove and maybe they'll come around.

GracieG, welcome, the ladies here are amazing!

snobordkykmom

Raining today. Gray and nasty.  Well, the little sniffles have turned into big sniffles and a sore throat. No fever.  Hair hanging in there for now.   

Need a funny story ladies??   For our School Staff Christmas Party we had a White Elephant/Yankee Swap.  Supposed to bring in something from home we no longer needed.  Prizes were to be given for a range of categories, plaid, heaviest, unique, etc.  So, anyway with the creative help of my 24 yr old son--I packed a Lindt Trufffle Bow box with a "Do-It-Yourself Ponytail Kit" complete with tie-dye duct tape.  I thought they were going to pee themselves laughing, when the quietest little first grade teacher picked it and opened it.

Almost won the most unique.  Now I just need to mail the monster tail into Locks of Love.  Have a great one ladies.  Three cheers for our caretakers and the juice nurses that watch over us with kindness and smiles.

Mardibra

Rainly gloomy day here too!  Northeast thing I guess.  Sweats have calmed down a bit thank God....it was bad.  Im glad Monday is a holiday because im going to need it.  Nausea and tiredness is bad this time around.  My MO had never heard of using Claritan for bone pain so she had already prescribed Vicodin.  Have not had to use it yet but im glad its there in case I do. 

Random acts of kindness have been happening to me too.  Groceries showing up at my door, constant texts asking if I need anything while they are out at the store, friends coming over tonight with Chinese and ginger ale!  Interesting thing is that I think my friends are overly concerned because im single and live alone.  I'll take it.  The other interesting thing is that my brothers are almost unconcerned.  An occasional call, but not much more than that.  A guy thing maybe?  Or an insensitive brother thing?  Who knows.

I hope everyone is doing well today and handling the SE's as best as possible.  Happy thoughts to all.

Christine

keepnfaith

mardibra,

I believe it's a guy thing. My oldest son, who use to call me daily quit calling me so much. It hurt at first. I felt rejected. I found out later it was his own fears he was dealing with and didn't want to discuss it with me because he thought it would just upset me more. Now he's back to calling me daily and has even began dropping in about once a week. My youngest son, whom I was very close to, now can't seem to find enough excuses to get out of the house. I think they just deal with it differently. 

Layla2525

I do not want a catheter port.  Isn't there oral chemo? Anyone on here that is finished with chemo? How about 8-10 yrs later? Any permanent side affects?

rachelvk

Hi ladies. Just checking in quickly. I'll respond more personally later. Though I did want to say it's great many of you are seeing those random acts of kindness. I've seen a number - several families at my synagogue made sure I had meals from the time of my late Oct surgery through Thanksgiving. Christine - I also live alone (though my BF stays over 3-4 times a week, but otherwise lives an hour away), and that's very scary. My neighbor was good enough to take me to the ER. My BF's cousin, whose mother just wrapped up radiation after surgery and chemo, strongly suggested I get a medical alert button, or at least keep my cell phone with me at all times. Scary thought, but makes sense.

I'm shedding more and more, but for once I'm happy that my hair is so thick, so I'll be fine through tonight. I'll have to break down and wash it tomorrow, though, and I have a feeling that will be the beginning of the end. Calling my hairdresser later today to see if she's around Monday. Does anyone know how to post pictures here? Seems like the only way is to have them online somewhere....?

I hope you all have a good New Years Eve. I know it's not the best of circumstances, but you all seem to have good attitudes, so I hope we can all find something to make of it.

dougieswife

Layla, Without the port, your veins will get "fried" and it will be very hard to get IV's and blood draws in the future.  I have 2 friends that have went through this and both did NOT have a port put in and both say that is their biggest regret.  While there are some oral chemo meds, I don't think there is any for BC, but I could be wrong.