April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

Melrosemelrose

dancetrancer-- Salad--- oh yum!!!! YAY that your body is cooperating so you feel better!!!!  Dinner tonight is grilled hamburgers, homemade french fries (ok bad but oh so good), strawberry smoothies.... coming?

Stacie

Shelley-My husband has been great except it bothers him that I've never said I am going to beat this cancer (I am more a "do the works and God's will be done" person). I am not sure if I want to pretend I am 'sure' I will beat it to comfort others or let them accept that I don't know what will happen. And he trys to fix rather than listen to my fears which is normal guy thinking. But my sister has been the most difficult. My therapist thinks all my crazy relatives who aren't acting like it's really cancer are in denial and she is probably right. I have a small circle of people I can share anything with including my darkest fears who can listen and let me feel it without redirecting me by saying "well were not going to talk like that now". It is not easy dealing with cancer the way I need to and let others do the same...especially when they hurt my feelings. Which I might add are worn on my sleeves due to these steroids. Or as I like to say "Look at me and I might cry" or "Don't give me no feedback!"

Melrosemelrose

Stacie- Hugs to you, my friend.....  I appreciate your openness.

dancetrancer

I'll be on your doorstep early melrose!  

Stacie - hugs!  Yep, I've had some be in denial, especially in the beginning.  A relative said to me upon initially hearing my diagnosis..."Many women get breast cancer and do fine.  Just do what the doctor says, and you'll be fine"  and then when I tried to give him some details about my cancer, he cut me off and said "I really don't need to know the details."  I was devastated and my feelings were hurt so bad for a LONG time.   I felt like he totally minimized what I was going through.  I thought, "Wow, I thought he loved me - what is this?"   I realize now he was definitely in denial and just couldn't handle thinking something bad could happen to me.  Now that many months have passed, and he has seen all that I have been through, he has done a major turn around (along with another relative), and is very supportive.  I think he just needed time to come to grips with it and to accept that there was nothing he could do to "fix" it.  

Butterflylady2012

I'm gong to repost, because something I posted yesterday didn't post!

Here goes...

Vickilin..I wonder if I will be offered a Chemo education class?  Was that something you sought out yourself, or they offered you?  I'd like hear more about it and what you got from it.  I'm glad you daughter treated you to lunch, how sweet! I'm so happy she is going with you to these things and there for you.  My boyfriend is going with me to my Oncotype test results meeting on the 8th, he has been so wonderful, I am very lucky.

Can someone tell me what it's like to have a port put in for Chemo?  I will be having that done in a week or two.  I've looked online and found some good info, but want some personal accounts...

Misty - I'm sorry that you have been feeling poorly, but  happy that you and your pooch have been out for walks. What type of dog do you have?  I want a dog so much (especially now) but we have a backyard, with hardly any grass and a pool.  I want to doggie to be able to run and play on grass and not fall in the cholorinated water.

The broth recipe that was posted my mother is going to be making and freezing and bringing with her from Nevada.  It sounds wonderful and nutritious! I want to buy the book too...what was the name again please?  I'm sure I can find it on Amazon.  

My prayers and thoughts to all who are have SEs right now and wishing this whole Chemo thing would be over with soon for everyone.  I have my road ahead of me, but know I can come here for support and HUGS. That makes it easier.  I am scared, but know I can make it through.  

dancetrancer

buttterfly - here is the author's website.  I was able to find multiple cookbooks by her at my library!  

http://rebeccakatz.com/ 

vickilind61

Butterflylady, the class was all about the chemo drugs.  My nurse covered the Herceptin; what it is, what it does and why I need it.  Then she went through the Taxotere and Carboplatin, explaining what they do and, more importantly, what are the side effects.  What should I expect in terms of side effects, which are most common and which ones I should be especially concerned about.  She also went over the port; what should I feel and what I need to be aware of. It was especially helpful.  I recieved handouts, so we will go over it all with my hubby this weekend, since he couldn't go to the class.  (that darn work thing) 

Most of the info, well, 90% of it can be found right here on the website and here on the boards, but repetition is a good thing.  Let us know if you have a class and if it helps. 

IndigoMont11

Butterflylady, I got my power port on 5/10.  After the two prior surgeries I've had in the last 6 months (bunionectomy and neuroma removal on 12/30, and the BMX on 3/21), overall it wasn't much of anything.  The only really stress point for me was that they had to make sure my white counts were high enough the morning of the surgery, because they had been too low the day before.  I got upset thinking they might send me home and that I might have had to do one more chemo w/o the port, since my first one without it was rough.  But all good on that front. 

The surgeon put the port out of the way of bra straps; glad he thought to bring that up, since I didn't.  

The procedure itself took maybe 45 minutes, I think, from the time they wheeled me into the operating room.  I had mild sedation but was awake through the whole thing - and the sedation wasn't anything like the "twilight sleep" I had for my foot surgery - I'm not really sure it even worked, even though they gave me two doses - but I let myself relax anyway.  After the local, I didn't feel much of anything at all.  Two incisions - one above the port itself, and another one at my collarbone.  They were closed on the outside with "super glue" and steri strips.  I was able to get them wet (shower) 3 days after surgery.  Three weeks later they are pretty much entirely healed.  I can hardly tell where the tiny incision at my collarbone was.  My upper chest is on the thin side so the power port makes a noticeable bump, but I've been able to hide it with clothing when I go out.  I can feel the catheter from the top of the port over my collarbone; it was a little annoying at first but by this time I'm really not aware of it except if I touch it.  Pain/discomfort wise. I did take pain relievers for about a week after the surgery, and it was a little hard to get comfortable sleeping.  I also wasn't able to lift anything very heavy with my right arm.  But overall, it feels okay now, and in my opinion, was so worth it.  Txs#2 and #3 were so much easier on me.  

Are you a small dog or big dog person?  Honestly, there are lots of breeds that do great as indoor dogs, and even larger ones (I have two, 50-60 pounds) are really happiest inside with their peeps.  Walking your dog is great exercise for both of you, even on short walks (I've had to scale back since starting treatment).  You know your circumstances best, but my dogs are good for my humor therapy, and so I'm hoping maybe you can figure something out. 

Pauletta

I am wondering if anyone is going through the same treatment that I am. I am on 12 weeks (once every 3 weeks) of adrianmycin and cytoxan. Then I will get 12 weeks of taxol and herceptin.  I have had 2 treatments of adrianmycin and cytoxan. I have 2 left, then I will get the once a week for 12 weeks of the taxol and herceptin.

Just wondering if the taxol and herceptin is going to be much easier on my body than the adrianmycin and cytoxan are?

I'm hoping that it will be a much easier process than the A\C is.

Thank you for any information ya'll can give me. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!! 

Pauletta

I had a really rough time with my first A\C treatment. I had no appetite at all for the first 5 days, felt really queezy alot of the time. Never threw up (Thank God!) and of course really tired for the first 5 days.

The 2nd one that I just had last friday was so different. I had no queezy feeling at all, I wanted to eat anything I could get my hands on!  But the tiredness was so much worse than the first time. I had to get 2 nuprogen shots again this time. Same thing the first time. I got one yesterday and one today. 

I have been using the 1\4 tsp. salt, 1\4 tsp. baking soda and 1 cup water rinse after I eat anything. I have not had any trouble with mouth sores. I can't remember who told me that, but she deserves a HUGE COOKIE!!! 

I have talked to so many people that have had chemo in the past and have had such pain with so many mouth sores, they wish they'd have known about this solution. 

Pauletta

Sorry for the many posts. I was advised not to take multivitamins during A\C treatments. My oncologist said that it would be fine. I asked him today. Does anyone have any input on this? I told him that I was taking Centrum Ultra Women's Multivitamin/Multiminearl Supplement. Supports Breast and bone Health.

He said that it would not be a problem taking those with the chemo treatment that I'm on.

Melrosemelrose

Butterflylady-

Cookbook- The Cancer-fighting Kitchen by Rebecca Katz with Mat Edelson. 

Port- I had mine placed during my UMX so I didn't feel a thing.  I knew prior to the placement that the port area would be sore since my breast surgeon and his assistant both warned me about the possible soreness and pain.  You may want to mark where your bra strap hits so the port is not placed in that same area.  I didn't do that but my bra straps don't seem to bother the port area.    My onco prescribed EMLA cream (lidocaine ) that is put on the port area an hour before my infusion.  The prescription was generic and did not come with the special clear plastic bandages.  I purchased a box at CVS but the infusion nurse told me to just use a 4 inch square of plastic wrap or Glad Press n Seal wrap to cover the area so that none of it would get on my clothes.  If you don't receive EMLA cream, you can always ask the nurse to spray a numbing spray on the port area.

Chemo Class- I did not attend a chemo class since my onco gave me some handouts about the side effects of Taxotere and Cytoxan.  Because I'm in the Herceptin B-47 clinical trial, I was given a pile of information about Herceptin.  I also met with the research coordinator who is carefully monitoring my case and answers all of my questions I have about side effects.  The day of my 1st infusion, I met with the oncology pharmacist who discussed in more detail about my chemo and the potential side effects and answered my questions about the chemo I am receiving.   Since the dosage of chemo is determined by a person's weight, I get weighed first and then have blood lab work done to determine if my CBC is good enough for me to have chemo that day.  The blood is drawn through the port so I don't have any more arm poking.

dancetrancer

Pauletta - my onc is fine with me taking a multivitamin.  He's more holistic I think than some oncs who are very strict, by the book type of oncs - he's kind of an east meets west kind of guy.    I suspect you will find varying responses to this question.  Personally, I find it hard to believe that any beneficial effect of a basic multivitamin could come even close to diminishing the strong chemo impact, but that's just my opinion, no research to back it up.  

Stacie

I am feeling good today and it's beautiful out in N. Texas.  I LOVE WEEK #3 . 

rgina

Back from first Herceptin only - that was a breeze compared to the hours last week.  On the way home daughter and I picked up Chinese food and for the first time in 4 days I ate something that actually tasted wonderful (got an extra spicy dish) and it appears my taste buds are still alive!  Thought it was strange they didn't do labs after the TCH last week, but said not until next week when I have my next Herceptin only/see onc/labs at that appointment.  I love this little oncology branch office near my house, I was the only one there and the nurse and tech and I chatted the entire time.

Dancetrancer - printed off that broth recipe last night sounds great and so glad you got your salad fix.

Shelly - welcome and I am so sorry your husband is not supportive, but you certainly came to the right place for support without question, this group is the best. I can't give significant other advice, I've been single for 29 years, but do have my 30 year old daughter who lives with me who is also a breast cancer survivor (diagnosed at 26 with exactly the same breast cancer/same chemo/treatment regime as I am having).

Butterfly - I didn't really have a chemo education class/just a brief overview/update but that was because as I mentioned above have already been through this with my daughter and onc's office/nurses knew her and knew me.  I had my power port put in 5/15 and I love it!  Bad veins, caused endless sticking for IV's and blood draws leaving my arms looking like I just had a brawl with someone, not to count the uncomfort of numerous sticks.  The day my port was put in I checked in at the hospital at 7:30 and was home eating a grilled cheese sandwich before noon.  I did not receive general anesthesia but don't remember a thing or feel anything.  The port area was sore for a couple of days, but what bothered me more was my neck and back around my shoulder blades - they must have had me in some bizarre position when they put the port in - and that bugged me for a week or so.  Remember to talk to your surgeon about where your bra straps go (got that from this board) and my surgeon positioned my port so my bra straps don't rub.

I'm suppose to be at work, so better get back to it.

Fierro6

I did NOT have to have fluid aspirated.  I was thankful for that.  He said there is some swelling there, but nothing to worry about.  That means I got my first TE fill today.  That was no biggie.  I was just relieved that the other trip wouldn't have to be made.  Then, I put on my big girl panties and called the MO back.  I'm scheduled for an appointment with her on 6-12, followed immediately by my first chemo treatment.

Oh, and because my treatments will be every 2 weeks, no more fills until chemo is done.  PS nurse doesn't think my white cell counts can take it.  6 weeks after chemo is done, they'll start fills again.  And if I need radiation?  Even longer. 

I'm NOT ready for this!  Out of everything, the thought of chemo is what still sends me into tears.  Not the hair loss, not the SE, not the time, not the fatigue....It's a combination that all comes together in that one stupid word.  Chemo.  And I'm not ready.

Because I don't have a choice, however, I think I'll keep that appointment.  I choose to live, and that requires chemo.  Chemo, chemo, chemo.  If I say it enough, the shock will wear off and it will become normal.  That's what we did with the other "C" word.  We said "cancer" over and over and over and made sure our girls (14 and 16) did the same.  Make it a normal part of life, because now it is.

I cannot express how thankful I am that I found this place.  Even when it has NOTHING to do with me or my treatment or my situation, it's helpful to read your stories.  Misery loves company?  I don't think that's it.  It's just friends with a common bond. 

I think I'll go drink a beer and cry now.  Sorry I don't do sweets, or I'd make brownies and offer to share.  Anyone want some Sweet & Spicy Chili flavored Doritos? Grease and salt are my two favorite food groups, and I'll be hitting them hard tonight.  

Melrosemelrose

Fierro6- Tear open that Doritos!!!! I'm coming over!!!!  I understand your hesitation and fear with the chemo.  Before the chemo was something to occur in the future but now the future is here and it's scaring you.  You know you need to do it but it just seems so hard to want to do it at times.  Fortunately, all of those side effects do not occur instantaneously the moment you get that first infusion. If that were to happen, I know I'd be overwhelmed too.   Yes, the wheels are set in motion for whatever side effects that may come your way.  The hair doesn't go all at once but can since you are always in control over the hair and not the other way around!!!!  Girlfirend, you will be ready that day and once you are there, we will be with you on that day holding your hand and wrapping you with lots of support!!!!  Drink a beer for me but save me a seat next to you with those Doritos!!!  Hugs!!!!

Pauletta

Thank you for the input. 

mistym

Hi all,

Thank you again for all of the support and helpful tips you all provide.  You are all such an inspiration to me in this journey we are on together.  I cannot express my appreciaton enough.  It brings tears to my eyes each time I log on to read the stories. 

Butterflylady: I have a 10 year old shitzu who we got from a rescue in December.  His name is Lewis. He is the sweetest old guy. You don't need a lot of space to have a dog as long as you can give them exercise with daily walks.  Animals do bring so much joy and love to our lives.  They are non-judgmental and love their human companions unconditionally.

Also, I am getting my port in on June 14th just in time for my second treatment on June 19th and on June 20th another CT scan to check the lesion that was found on my liver. 

I got my second Neupogen shot today.  The home care nurse that came is awesome.  We decided to continue letting her come rather than us learning how to administer just so I can stay in the system in the future if needed.   She said to expect the side effects from the shot to start tomorrow.  I am going to try to eat some plain pasta tonight...wish me luck.  I tried an Ensure drink at lunch and it didn't go down so well.  I seem to do okay with a bit of yogurt though and crackers.  My mouth has started to get quite dry and I am following everyone's advise and rinsing alot by using warm water and salt.  I do have a cold though so am keeping an eye on my temperature....so far so good.

As for Doritos I can hardly wait to rip open a bag and be able to enjoy them!

Big hugs for everyone

Misty

Ashlyn

Hi ladies... I promised to report some of the side effects from my first Taxol... 

I just had it last Tuesday so am on Day 4 today. No allergic reaction to the drug. Dex, Benadryl and some other anti-allergy med really did a number on me in that I was so groggy and out of it during the actual treatment (which lasted 3 hours but I was there for 6 in total including the long wait and seeing the doc etc). Ativan made me forget a lot of day 1 and day 2 (as usual for me Ativan does this)... I only took Ativan cause I was anxious about the drug change. Prob wont bother with it for the last 3 rounds.

No nausea to speak of! Woohoo! Didnt even bother taking my Emend on Day 3.  

The 20 mg of Dex and other pre-med drugs really didnt help with the constipation fun I was already having though. Really cranky in that respect. The Dex as usual has also made me super emo. Lots of tears. Lots of random pity parties.

Other then that I noticed body aches started last night... sore muscles...back, neck, legs, fingernails (but the nails were sore for the last AC)... sore boobs too (even deep in the reconstructed one I ache)... sore feet and twitches here and there. My sciatic nerve has been shooting pain but I think thats from the pressure from being so bunged up. 

Although Im really low energy and pretty much lay around like a sloth all day... I do feel this is easier so far than the A/C treatment... knock on wood... because the nausea is gone for me. I still feel like it's tough to get up and do things cause Im so sore... this is the first time I got myself to the computer since Tuesday. I think that feeling so rotten and down makes it hard to feel motivated to do much though...especially when feeling sad or just overwhelmed by it all... I know you all know that feeling! But we WILL get through it!! 

I hope for those who are startin Taxol soon the nausea will be gone too. Feeling achy sucks... but feeling nauseated AND achy is no fun at all.

Hope everyone has a low SE weekend! Hugs to all!

kjiberty

Pauletta:  I had the chemo class--which was just sitting with a PA listening to the SE's for 1/2 hour; what to eat; what to stay away from.  My MO recommended a multi-vitamin.

Fierro:  I am coming over too!  We're here for you!   

Did anyone see the NBC nightly news a few minutes ago about a new cancer fighting chemo drug that fights directly at the cancer cells and doesn't cause the hair and fingernail loss?  It's called T-DMY.  The lady had Stage 4 BC.  It was very interesting. 

IndigoMont11

Yaay to Fierro for no needle aspiration!!  I know what you mean about the chemo being overwhelming.  I found that too, compared to the surgery.  But really, in large part thanks to the support I've gotten from these boards, I've been able to stay strong and power through. 

Mistym, hoping for a good outcome on the CT scan.  No matter what you find out, there are people here on the boards who have been there too. I've never owned a little dog, but if I did, shih tzus would be at the top of my list.  I really like their personalities and they don't typically seem to be yappers.  We own a chow mix and a pit bull/or maybe bull terrier/shepherd mix, both rescues.  My DS#1 literally rescued the pit mix off the street near our house and couldn't figure out after trying where she had come from.  They are our little girls - spoiled rotten but we wouldn't have it any other way.  

Melrose et.al. - To quote an old friend of mine who loved her french fries - "grease and salt - the food of the gods!"  (If only it was better for you, but that hasn't stopped me entirely).  Enjoy those Doritos!

I had a lousy evening yesterday, first time I'd ever had stomach probs on day 1.  But all day today I've been doing great.  I screwed up though when I took my 4 p.m. doses.  I ended up taking an extra decadron as well as the extra zofran!!  So... I probably will be wide awake tonight but then, maybe the crash will be timed right so that is Sunday more than Monday - and I'll feel up to working.  I'm drinking extra water and I warned my guys in case I end up in some kind of emotional meltdown.  Hopefully this evening won't be too interesting!  

I felt better enough today that I was even able to indulge in one of the tamales that DH brought home freshly made.  Got down to the last bite, set my plate down on the footstool next to my computer.  DH said "Those are good, huh?" And then we figured our chow mix thought we were talking to her - because she had walked up and scarfed down the last of my tamale!  She's going on 14 but still loves to eat.  We laughed ourselves silly at her.  Pets really are good medicine.

I also got my new pocketed bras in the mail today - so I was able to try on my new silicone foobs that I bought last week.  They feel super heavy until I have them on and then - in this bra they really are comfortable and probably no heavier than my real boobs were.   I've been afraid for what they cost that I wouldn't like them all that much - but so far, they look great under the ribbed tank I'm wearing today.  They're 2 cup sizes smaller than I was at the time of surgery (C instead of DD); I didn't want to be that big, but still enough curves for my liking.  So I'm smiling about that.  I've been saying I've been turning Borg (like Seven of Nine from Star Trek) since I got my power port, and now I have the boobs to go with it.  (Sorry y'all, I am a confessed geek).

Hugs, purple energy, and wishes for minimal SEs to all!

Melrosemelrose

IndigoMont11- Oh my.... I am with you with that Borgalicious look!!!! It's Burger and French Fries night at my house!!!  Have to have my dose of grease and salt before Tuesday's chemo--- oh yum!!!!  I guess you will be watching sci-fi movies all night tonight since you took one too many drugs this evening.  Have a good one!!!

Hoping everyone has a a great weekend and minimal side effects!!!  HUGS!!!

mary71145329

Fierro---blue corn chips and a beer for me please!? Sometimes you need to give yourself a moment. Just be by yourself and give it a good cry to indulge all those awful feelings. Not too long though. Then wipe your tears, chin up and do what you gotta do to beat this.

misty and butterflylady--as long as we're talking dogs....I have a long-haired chihuahua. He's 4 and the love of my life! He's a whopping 9 pounds and he's pad trained so he doesn't require walks or going out to pee. His best friends are our 3 cats and they play enough together for exercise each day. He doesn't leave my side much.

kjiberty--didn't see that on the news. Is it an oral chemo drug? Is it meant to replace others or be used in conjunction with the ones used now?

Stacie--glad you're enjoying week 3...me too! Actually went to lunch with a girlfriend today and was able to TASTE the food!

rgina

Yikes, after only 9 days since my first TCH I think my hair is starting to come out.  Was just sitting at my desk and the top of my head felt itchy, which it never does, was scratching and then 5-6 hairs fell on my desk and of course being my OCD self, I had to start tugging on hair all over my head and a few more strands came out - probably pulled it hard enough to pull it out (laughing at self), but if this is true, isn't that really quick?  I've been so incredibly lucky in regard to SE's and if it's falling out this quickly I still count myself as incredibly lucky as compared to what so many of you have and are going through with SE's.

dancetrancer

rgina - so glad your herceptin only went as good as mine does - it definitely is a breeze compared to chemo day!  

fierro - YAY on not needing it drained...what a nice surprise!!!  You enjoy that beer and doritos girl...and have a beer or two for me, too!  Chemo, chemo, chemo...it will happen, but you know what?  It WILL be over, too!!!  It is a temporary struggle we have to go through (even though, yes, it feels like forever) to get to the other side and give us all the BEST chance at LONG lives.  We will all have our ups and downs...what's good is when we are down, someone else is up and helps hold us through it. 

Hoping all else who are having symptoms improve quickly and for those feeling well - YAY, enjoy!  

I'm doing ok - kinda extra tired today so didn't do too much.  Heartburn still continues off and on most of the afternoon - but the intensity seems to be coming down a little more each day.   

Fierro6

OK, DH and I have had several important conversations tonight, but NONE involved cancer.  (16 year old needs picked up from 150 miles away at her grammy's house and 14 year old needs taken to her friend's house to go skating and are the bills up to date, etc) and I had to get away, so I took a shower.  It was awesome (no stupid drain!  LOL) and when I got out, he asked me a question and I snapped, "I just don't know right now.  Can we talk about it when  you get home tomorrow?" 

He said, "You seem mad, and I KNOW you're having a hard time, but I want to make sure...did I do something wrong?" It was sweet and sad and I wish I could have comforted him, but I burst into tears again and said, "I have to have friggin' CHEMO!"  He realizes that this has been a known fact since March and he knows that I'm mad at myself for being over-sensitive, so it happened.

He laughed at me.  Actually, he laughed WITH me.  As soon as I shouted that at him, I started giggling behind the tears.  He had that "confused husband" look on his face (you know the one....'One wrong move and she kills me') and then I laughed harder, so he joined in.  I cried and we both laughed and I'm showered and I think I'll get through the night without any more breakdowns.

Mary, your advice is almost identical to what I gave my BFF (no cancer) about some emotional issues earlier today.  "Go find a place to be alone, cry your eyes out for 5 minutes, wash your face, and go on about your day."  Thanks for giving me my own advice at the time I need it most.  (:

Oh, and I would recommend "dog therapy" to anyone who loves animals.  I'm thinking about taking my boys to visit others later, when I'm done with this nonsense.  Just let folks love and be loved on by loving animals who couldn't care less how much or little hair you have.   Just a thought.

mary71145329

Fierro---Just read your post twice and need kleenex. When you burst into tears, mine went rolling and when you and your dear, dear hubby laughed, so did I. These poor guys. They try so hard to figure us out and just when they think they've got it.....poof! We switch it up! lol

dancetrancer

Fierro - awwwhhhh - love it!!!  Enjoy your weekend girl and love on that hubby!  Cheers!   

nofear2012

Ashlyb - thanks for the update. I go on weds & I am so nervous. What are u taking for yur body pain?



Dancetrancer - I know u didn't take the diflucan for thrush, but what did u take or do to get rid of it? I do not want to have this pill again & would rather prevent it from happening.