Has anyone started a Dec 2011 group?

Murmist

Stephanie33: Sorry for being slow to respond, I have been on travel sans computer.  I remember that cocktail (Taxol/Carboplatin) as being an all day event.  I never had a port, so my veins got burned out pretty quickly. They started with 50MG/ML of Benedryl to avoid allergic reaction and then did the chemo. I had trouble with it, low blood counts both white and red, two shots of Procrit and one blood transfusion. I agree with Tammie of the forgetfullness and the bowel crap...no pun intended! I had some nueropathy in my toes and two of them are still numb, 7 years later. The first day was fine, the 2-5th days were pretty crummy.  I lived on Jamba Juice and McDonlads chocolate milkshakes. about a week after the first treatment my hair started falling out.

Friday is my surgery and right now...it can't get here soon enough...

3girls

susanella,  Iam a nurse in an ICU-I work 3 12 hour nights and plan on working- my nurse manager said she would be flexible and I could take some time off if I am not feeling well.  I am optimistic that the s/e will be manageable:)  I saw a list of things to get on one of the chemo threads I remember it seemed helpful.  Good Luck Wed.  people on the boards say that the anticipation is worse than the actual infusion- will be thinking of you!

Mardibra

Hey Susanella - I'm terrified too. I guess we can take comfort in numbers. I also plan to work throughout. I'm told it is doable and I'm determined. We shall see. My first tx is 12/1. You can let me know what I'm in for!



3girls- hope you get your appointments ASAP. Waiting sucks.

Mardibra

Whatashocker - love the name, sorry about the sister.

tammie

K ladies sorry havnt been on in a couple days computers not been cooperative..I had a beautiful dy yesterdayn with ll the kids and grankids..We took pictures and cooked out which never hppens in upstte Ny at the end of November..Loved your post Dar as it was very ironic that we both had the same day lol..I too have been feeling very emotional this week not sure if its the holidays or what..I soo remember 9yrs ago Dar when i too realised my life had been forever altered and would never be the same..Hope you come to veiw that very profound moment as a blessing as thats wht it eventully became to me

So as for chemo week pardon the potty mouth but it tastes like shit lol.. the nausea and chemo mouth i must admit has had me a bit down..but im keepin the positive and had a beautiful weekend and holidy with the family..So whos next to join the chemo line up i lose track with so many of us posting..Sorry not sure if chemo brain or sometimers but cant keep it straight..big hugs and much love to you all..Tammie

tammie

Also i appologize for spelling my comp. will not type right cursor dances everywheres..Glad at least somthings dancing round here i spose..very frustrating!!!

Whatashocker3

Thanks Mardibra so am I.

Gator65

Hey ladies!

The DH has a stress test on 12/9 so we shall soon find out what the deal is.

Maybe I am just crazy, but I have been queazy all weekend through today. I guess my tummy is preparing to be sick. LOL!  Jeeze I am scared!! I just want to get this over with!! 

I think once we get the first dose and know what to expect, it will be okay, right?? God I hope so...... 

tammie

HUGs Gator!! the anxiety is the worst i swear!! I hope the hubbys tests come back awesome will be keeping my fingers crossed!! I hope your not getting sick on top of it all..Try to keep yourself as busy as possible it can help with the anxiety..Wish i had more to offer on that..Big hugs to you..Tammie

Gator65

Thank you Tammie & a hug back at cha,

My oncologists office just called to confirm my appt on Thursday at 1:15 and now I am really freaking out.  I know this is stupid but I cannot seem to help myself. 

darlam

Sounds like we are all getting freaked out. I went for a Reiki treatment today, and wound up just bawling through it. Not the relaxing experience I was planning...hmmm.

I do think that just getting started has to help emotionally. We may be physically miserable, but that fear of the unknown is pretty rotten also. 

Welcome to those just joining in. Glad to have you here, but sorry you have to be....you know what I mean:) 

3girls, I am so sorry that things got held up due to miscommunication. That is so frustrating and has happened to me more than once already. I am quickly getting over the need to be a model patient, and I get on the phone and make noise alot more quickly now if I don't hear from people when I should. It is especially disappointing when you are also a medical professional (I'm an advanced practice nurse), and start to see the faults in the system firsthand. Kind of makes you aggravated with your own profession, which is not a good feeling. You get to a point where you don't care what anyone thinks, you just have to be your own advocate, and everyone else can just deal with it!

Gator; keeping you and the hubby in my thoughts and prayers. One at a time is enough, thank you very much! My hubby also sees his surgeon (same as mine) about the gallbladder issues on the 9th. He is insistent that he is not having surgery till the 6 "bad rounds" of chemo are done. I don't think that's gonna work out well, but he is stubborn. 

Any of you have words of wisdom about helping your families? We were cuddling in bed this morning and my husband just broke down sobbing and said how afraid he is of losing me, and how he just doesn't know how to cope with watching me be miserable through chemo and feeling helpless to help me. It's the man thing of feeling he should protect me....but he can't. I feel very loved, but it just broke my heart to watch him. He's been all tough and strong for me, but he is hurting too. Suggested counseling....yeah, I didn't think so. Any thoughts or similar experiences? Deep sigh....:(

Time4life

To all of you who will be having treatment or are having it. I am sorry you have to be here. However, this is a great way to chat with others in the same situation. I had my journey last year this time. Mastectomy, chemo (AC Taxol), radiation. I had hair down to my low back. I cut it to the chin level, then a bit of a longer pixie when I started treatment. As it fell out to almost bald, I shaved it all. Got a wig. Now have a full head of brown wavy hair that is about 2 inches!  No fancy drugs or caps.  I lived in my scarves. They were comfortable. At home, my two young teen boys got used to the bald head. My son used to rub it like a Genie Lamp. Said he was making wishes for recovery! ha ha.....You will get through it. It is a tiring journey, but with friends or family...or both...you will get through it.  My only comment with AC Taxol (and everyone is different)...the vomiting was terrible. So I got an RX for " Emend".   No vomiting after that first week without it!  Wonder drug.   The constipation is brutal!  Benefibre, prunes, water water water.   Keep moving. Go for walks. Learn to paint. And only take it one cycle at a time.   Good luck, and I pray everyday for every woman that is diagnosed, that her journey will be a smooth one.

bc50

My chemo starts Dec 5th.  I have been posting in the November group for the last few days and it has helped alot.  I'll join this one also if you will have me.  The more groups the merrier! 

tammie

Welcome Bc50 we will al get each other through one way or another im sure.. And Lady bug ty for droppin in to share your wisdom and concern, this isnt my first rodeo but i dont think this crap gets easier with time or at least most days it dont seem any easier anyways..I spent today with the crappy throat n mouth taste thinkin after a week the tummy should be better but what ever..I still went out for one on one dinner with my 22yr old and cozying up for movie time with my 15yr old son which never happens so mayb these sick chemo days have their benefits after all...

Dar i wish i could share words of wisdom but all i can confirm is that this disease is hell on our whole family and the stress and fears it creates knows no boundaries..But the one thing i can tell you is that the closeness and strength that our family grows during it is priceless..I try everyday to remind my family just how strong they make me and what they mean to me..I also made it a rule that we all agreed that my cancer isnt just happening to me but to all of us as they often felt as though they needed to protect me and shelter me from how tore up they were over it and it made it a bit easier for them to share their feelings..Much love and hugs ..Tammie

stephanie33

Murmist

Yeah I will be at dr office 5.5 hrs on Thursday the 4.5 every treatment after that.  I have my port from my last time going through chemo so I am all set on that.  I am really nervous about the nausea I didn't have a lot of problems last time so I am worried I will this time.  Plus, I was a stay at home mom last time and didn't have to go anywhere if I wasn't feeling well, I am working now and I definitely worry about the white blood cell count dropping.  My insurance won't pay for Neulasta shot until they drop so I am really worried.  Thanks for the info at least I have some idea going into it, even though I know we are all different.  My boys ages 6 and 8 are really worried about a bald momma, but that is the least of my worries.  HAHA.  

I ahve been busy trying to spend as much good time with my husband and boys before the "big" day so I ahven't been on much.  I wish all the ladies luck this week I know there is a lot of us starting Thursday.

bc50

Gator, I'm in the same boat as you.  Just waiting for that first dose.  I think we will both be fine after that.  I keep telling myself to remember what my goal is and I can get through all this nasty stuff to get to that goal.  Hang in there! 

darham, my husband is a very outgoing, talkative person until it comes to the sad stuff.  I was diagnosed Oct. 17th, had a BMX on the 31st and now starting chemo next week.  I know he is totally wrecked by it, but hasn't broken down yet.  I just keep hugging him and try to stay as positive as I can; that way, it helps us both. 

bc50

Thanks for the welcome Tammie!  I hate that any of us have to be here, but look forward to sharing our experiences together.

rachelvk

Add me to the freak-out list, but I've still got 2 weeks to brace myself. Dar, sometimes it is so hard to watch our families deal with this. So far my BF gets high marks, but I worry that he's keeping a lot inside. I guess just let your husband know that it's okay that he feels that way, and that the two of you are doing this together. I wish you both the best as you go through this.

Gator - I hope the stress test goes well. And hang in there.

ladybug - thanks for the pep talk. It's always good to hear from those who have been there and made it through fine. Good luck on your own journey.

Stephanie - How many crazy policies can insurance companies come up with! Enjoy the time with your husband and family - I'm sure the boys will get used to your new look. Just keep letting them know that it means you're getting better.

Thinking of everyone who's starting this week. Had my muga today and it went fine. I'm not looking forward to drinking the contrast before my CT scan on Thursday... 

3girls

I finally got my date!! Dec 5th and it's so weird but a little bit of me is excited.  It's been a long road.  Initially told I had DCIS and would need lumpectomy and radiation.  After lumpectomy had positive sentinel node and would need chemo, 2 additional surgeries to clear margins and then a surprise of them finding an additional population of cells that were her2+.  Now I am getting everything but the kitchen sink!  The sooner it starts the sooner it ends.  It's going to be a long year but we will get through it!  Good Luck to everyone

rachelvk

3girls - Getting a date must be a huge relief. Sounds like you've been through an even loopier roller coaster than some of us. Keep your eye on that finish line!

bc50

3girls, we are starting on the same day.  Good luck to both of us! 

3girls

bc50-  Yes here's to minimal S/E!  You will have to let me know how you do:)

bc50

3 girls,

Sounds weird to say it, but I'm excited to get started.  I'll be posting Monday night on how my day went.  Hope you do too!

kimdy

I was diagnosed on October 28th.  ER+ PR+  HER-   Stage 11A.  BMX and Left Axillary surgery 11/10/11 Am awaiting my oncologist appt. 

Did any of you have the oncotype test?  I got my results today 18- the low end of intermediate risk for reoccurrence.  My surgeon says he thinks the oncologist will recommend no chemotherapy.

 Don't particularly want chemo, but do want to do whatever I can to not experience this again. 

 Any insight? 

tammie

Soo ladies im feeling like crap and went n got my blood work done today..Well i barely made it home before they were calling askin if i could come back in for nuelasta shot as my white count is really low apparently..Well at least now i know why i been feeling soo crappy..This sucks

susangermany

Hello everyone, I am new here. I live in Germany without speaking German. I really look forward to having some company here. I don't have surgery yet and had my first of the 6 TAC secions (3 weeks between each section) 1 week ago (Nov. 23rd). During the first 3 days, I felt really weak and tired. But didn't have nausea, vomiting or mouth sore. I don't sleep very well and wake up every a few hours. In general, it is better than I expected. Today, I had nose bleeding twice. But it stopped within 10 minutes. I tried to walk 1 hour per day when there is the sun or do a little streching at home. I am curious when my hair is going to fall.      

tammie

Welcome Susan..I'm not of much help as ive only done taxol and am currently doin Ac as i was just dx'ed stage IV in sept...As for exercise do what you can tolerate when you can dont push yourself as chemo wreaks havoc on our bodies and if you push you will find you can crash as i just discovered this week...The hair thing is the worst and it varies with each different chemo you do.. With taxol i kept mine for almost 2mo. but the nurse said with my Ac it will probly start falling out about after 3weeks..Big hugs to you looking forward to gettin to know you better as we travel this crappy chemo road. Wish i couldv answered more of your questions..Hope to hear from you soon..Tammie

rachelvk

Welcome Susan and kimd. Sorry you have to be here, but we'll get each other through this. You both have really great attitudes!

Tammie - Hope the neulasta shot helps turn things around. Take it easy!

I got my port today, and as the anesthesia wears off, my neck is hurting so badly. I'm usually pretty good with pain, but I can't turn my head much and even swallowing hurts. I took some Tylenol when I came home. If it still bothers me, I'm heading for the left-over Percocet. I guess I didn't realize how extensive the port was. Nothing like more tubes and hardware inside...! 

darlam

kimdy-I did not have oncotype as I was HER2 positive with a large lump, chemo was a given. That was actually a fear of mine, that I would fall into some midrange risk category and have to make yet another choice...to which no one knows the right answer. That is a difficult part of all this, for sure. Do your research, then talk with the oncologist before you decide anything. We each have to find what feels best and go with your gut.

Tammie-sorry you are feeling crummy. I was told I get the Neulasta automatically. I wonder why some do it that way and some do not. I hope that when you have it, you do feel better soon. 

Rachel-my port didn't hurt at all the day of surgery, but then got really sore for a few days after. I had it done 1 week ago. There is kind of a heavy, or mild stinging sensation there now...in other words, I know it's there, but not terribly bothersome. My 3 yr old grandson was climbing on me this evening and it really didn't hurt. It does get better and will hopefully save us future angst!

I know several of us start tomorrow. I am as ready as I'm ever going to be. Best wishes to all. Here's to effective treatment, minimal SE's, and sailing as smooth as possible. Will be thinking of all of you and waiting to hear from all of you as to how things are going. Blessings!

seacretgardn

To all you amazing ladies who begin tomorrow I wish you strength, and blessings. I was scheduled to join you as well, AC followed by taxol but my visit to the ps yesterday found the incision in my left breast had reopened. BMX with expanders on Nov 1st and stitches out but steri strips still covered. kinda sorry I went with the expanders. One more thing for the body to get used to. Anyway new stitches and some reduction in the fill and hope to be ready next Thursday. Anxious to start! Anxious to hear how you do!

Thinking of you and Thank you all for your sharing. Laura