Sept 2012 chemo

patriciahurtado

love dr Seuss.....

patriciahurtado

love dr Seuss.....

butterfly14

Patricia, 

I had the bilateral mastectomy with tissue expander placement at the same time. It really is not as bad as I expected, but the first look was a shock. I have a scar across both breast areas and a scar under my right arm.  If you are doing the mastectomy and tissue expander placement at the same time, the surgery takes about 6 hours.

The tissue expander's felt like a board stuck to my chest, but it does get a little better with each fill. So far I've had three and need about eight more. The fills don't hurt at all, just a stinging with the needle placement and a little pressure as the saline is being out in. I'm in the Tampa area of Florida, since your in Miami, you'll have access to some great plastic surgeons as well. The best advice I got for doing both the mastectomy and reconstruction at once is to make sure that both of your surgeons have worked together before and have a good working relationship.

I am more afraid of the chemo and the side effects there than I was for the surgery.

Best of luck,

Carla 

patriciahurtado

Oh carla thank you so much.....i will defently get the best out of this...quick questions did you keep you nipples...or your gonna tattoo them??? i feel that its not that bad right its not that painful correct??

butterfly14

Patricia, i am getting them tattooed after the reconstruction is finished. It really is not that painful. The first couple of days after surgery, you get like a fire sensation and a muscle tightening. My plastic surgeon prescribed a muscle relaxant and that helped. I only needed the prescription pain medicine for about a week, then switched to tylenol. Now I only need to take the tylenol every once in awhile. i usually take two right before I get a fill. 

You so have this, nothing you can't handle!!

Carla 

Cherioo

Hi Patricia, I am looking at having my head shaved today. Nervous but it has to be done. I had my double mastectomy first then chemo , I chose go get it both done so that in feb I can get my reconstruction after three weeks of radiation after chemo

jojo2373

Patricia I look at you as our cheerleader! What part of Miami do you live in? I lived there for 3 years, during hurricane Andrew!



I love reading about everyone's surgery. I will get to choose after chemo is done. Since chemo was so overwhelming, I am just starting to read about the options.



Anyone got the ongoing nose drip now? Ugh.

wendy49

Good afternoon all my sisters:

Everyone is out of the house for the moment.  So, I have taken this opportunity to cry and post where everyone understands. 

I have not posted on here since starting TC chemo on September 4th.  Round #2 on September 25th.  Not looking forward to it at all.  My first round, I had a UTI infection (I guess due to the Cytoxin) which irritates the bladder, extreme fatigue, the type of fatigue that makes you feel like you are covered in cement, went for hydration 6 days after tx, which really did not do much, had my blood drawn 9 days after 1st round and my WBC was 1.2 (I did take the Nuelasta) and day 10 two lymph nodes popped out under my ear.  I went back to work day 10.  I cannot believe this knocked me down so hard.  I did not leave my bedroom for 3 days.  The anxiety from being so fatigued has left me feeling anxious and scared for round #2 on Tuesday.  Anyone else have similar fatigue as I described?  First, I don't know what my MO is going to say about those nodes under my ear -- maybe antibotics?  The other SEs I had were the popular ones, but not too bad.  My fingernails also have grooves on them already.  I have them short, polish and hard as nails on them as well.  This is harder than I anticipated.  I am going to ask my MO to cut down the dose -- I felt like I was drugged like a dog.

Also, at work or going out in public, I feel so exposed with my wig.  I had long higlighted hair, full and thick and there is just no way to duplicate that look with a wig.  I just want to crawl under my covers and hide for a few months under my treatment is over.  Unfortunately, I can't.  However, it does sound appealing at this point.

Cindi, thanks  for keeping a running list.  I am 49, have two sons, 26 and 19 and I am married.  I found my lump.  Had a mammogram in the end of January -- all clear and found the lump exactly 4 months later.  

Okay, done sobbing -- have to pick myself back up before my husband gets home from my mother-in-law's old folks home.  She is 92 and in decent health for her age.  All she does is bitch that she is ((BORED)) and none of her friends come to visit her.  The truth is no one visits her because she has outlived everyone!  Trying to be so strong and keep it together. 

Here is my song that gives me strength, yet makes me cry (Four Tops - I guess I also love this song because I'm from Motown)

 Now if you feel that you can't go on (can't go on),

Because all of your hope is gone (all your hope is gone),
And your life is filled with much confusion (much confusion),
Until happiness is just an illusion (happiness is just an illusion),
And your world around is crumbling down, darlin',
(Reach out) Come on girl reach on out for me,
(Reach out) Reach out for me,
I'll be there with a love that will shelter you,
I'll be there with a love that will see you through,

When you feel lost and about to give up (to give up),
Cause your life just ain't good enough (just ain't good enough),
And your feel the world has grown cold (has grown cold),
And your drifting out all on your own (drifting out on your own),
And you need a hand to hold, darlin'
(Reach out) Come on girl reach out for me,
(Reach out) Reach out for me,
Hah, I'll be there to love and comfort you,
And I'll be there to cherish and care for you,

(I'll be there to always see you through,
I'll be there to love and comfort you),
I can tell the way you hang your head (hang your head),
Your not in love now, now your afraid (you're afraid),
And through the tears you look around (look around),
But there's no piece of mind to be found (no piece of mind to be found),
I know what your thinking,
You're alone now, no love of your own, but darling,
(Reach out) Come on girl reach out for me,
Reach out (Reach out).......... just look over your shoulder,
I'll be there to give you all the love you need,
And I'll be there you can always depend on me,
I'll be there to always see you through,
I'll be there to love and comfort you 

Wishing all my sisters an easy time with treatment this week and all recovering with minimal SEs. 

twinsplus1

Well, I made it through Homecoming with the Twins. Very long day for me. Five hours of hair, makeup, nails, photos, etc. prooved to be too much for me.

The only SE I seem to have right now is a pounding/racing heartbeat, God-awful headache, bit of a sore throat and achy all over. Anyone know if I'm over the hump for the nausea/vomiting, mouth sores, metal mouth, etc? I think the anticipation is the worst of all!

 Happy Sunday!

Waitingforthenextstep

Wendy49

Looks like we have some similarities. My first chemo is Tues, so hoping it is not that bad. I am very worried about the UTI symptoms.  I have had a history ot UTI's.  Just finished one year without one, but it is precarious. I know I am susceptible. I am also worried about the wig.  I bought one, a fairly good match, but to me if you look twice you can tell it's a wig.  It's much more puffed out than my hair.  I bought a hooded sweatshirt, and I've been looking at hats too.  I mean how long can you wear a wig without it getting annoying?  oh well, cross that bridge when I come to it.  Hope you feel better...

mom2now

Hi all, So glad for this site. I too started TC x 4 and had my first the 6th of Sept. Had the decadron and anti nausea meds and did ok till day 4 .No nausea, but no appetite since everything taste like metal.  I broke out in a "poison ivy like" rash, terribly  itchy on neck, armpits and groin. After the first Solumedrol(steroid) dose pk, I wasn't ripping skin, but then it came back the next day on arms, legs,back, and the worsrt the firey itch on  my hand-you can't even put warm water on them- it feels lkie a chemical burn !. I am on day 3 of my 2nd Solumedrol pk with no relief as yet .I have also tried (without relief)- Caladryl, Cortisone cream, Benadryl cream, Allegra, Benadryl and AloVera.  My next chemo is this Friday and I am going to try the old Taxol, hopefully no more rash issues and i can get some sleep !Only 3 tretments left. Praise God !

mom2now

Hi all, So glad for this site. I too started TC x 4 and had my first the 6th of Sept. Had the decadron and anti nausea meds and did ok till day 4 .No nausea, but no appetite since everything taste like metal.  I broke out in a "poison ivy like" rash, terribly  itchy on neck, armpits and groin. After the first Solumedrol(steroid) dose pk, I wasn't ripping skin, but then it came back the next day on arms, legs,back, and the worsrt the firey itch on  my hand-you can't even put warm water on them- it feels lkie a chemical burn !. I am on day 3 of my 2nd Solumedrol pk with no relief as yet .I have also tried (without relief)- Caladryl, Cortisone cream, Benadryl cream, Allegra, Benadryl and AloVera.  My next chemo is this Friday and I am going to try the old Taxol, hopefully no more rash issues and i can get some sleep !Only 3 treatments left. Praise God !

mom2now

Hi all, So glad for this site. I too started TC x 4 and had my first the 6th of Sept. Had the decadron and anti nausea meds and did ok till day 4 .No nausea, but no appetite since everything taste like metal.  I broke out in a "poison ivy like" rash, terribly  itchy on neck, armpits and groin. After the first Solumedrol(steroid) dose pk, I wasn't ripping skin, but then it came back the next day on arms, legs,back, and the worsrt the firey itch on  my hand-you can't even put warm water on them- it feels lkie a chemical burn !. I am on day 3 of my 2nd Solumedrol pk with no relief as yet .I have also tried (without relief)- Caladryl, Cortisone cream, Benadryl cream, Allegra, Benadryl and AloVera.  My next chemo is this Friday and I am going to try the old Taxol, hopefully no more rash issues and i can get some sleep !Only 3 treatments left. Praise God !

mom2now

Hi all, So glad for this site. I too started TC x 4 and had my first the 6th of Sept. Had the decadron and anti nausea meds and did ok till day 4 .No nausea, but no appetite since everything taste like metal.  I broke out in a "poison ivy like" rash, terribly  itchy on neck, armpits and groin. After the first Solumedrol(steroid) dose pk, I wasn't ripping skin, but then it came back the next day on arms, legs,back, and the worsrt the firey itch on  my hand-you can't even put warm water on them- it feels lkie a chemical burn !. I am on day 3 of my 2nd Solumedrol pk with no relief as yet .I have also tried (without relief)- Caladryl, Cortisone cream, Benadryl cream, Allegra, Benadryl and AloVera.  My next chemo is this Friday and I am going to try the old Taxol, hopefully no more rash issues and i can get some sleep !Only 3 treatments left. Praise God !

mom2now

Hi all, So glad for this site. I too started TC x 4 and had my first the 6th of Sept. Had the decadron and anti nausea meds and did ok till day 4 .No nausea, but no appetite since everything taste like metal.  I broke out in a "poison ivy like" rash, terribly  itchy on neck, armpits and groin. After the first Solumedrol(steroid) dose pk, I wasn't ripping skin, but then it came back the next day on arms, legs,back, and the worst the firey itch on  my hand-you can't even put warm water on them- it feels lkie a chemical burn !. I am on day 3 of my 2nd Solumedrol pk with no relief as yet .I have also tried (without relief)- Caladryl, Cortisone cream, Benadryl cream, Allegra, Benadryl and AloVera.  My next chemo is this Friday and I am going to try the old Taxol, hopefully no more rash issues and i can get some sleep !Only 3 treatments left. Praise God !

Cherioo

Jojo you look great with no hair . I am getting mine done tonight ...

Cherioo

Patricia when I had my double I did not have a lot of pain at all. I have a scare across both breast that does not look bad I will start again with the salaine injections until I like the size then after radiation I will have reconstruction . I chose to have implants put in after .

wendy49

Hi waitingforthenex:

The treatment itself is not a bad, the anticipation, as you have read in these posts is worse than the actual event.  I wish you luck on Tueday -- I'll be thinking of you!  You may want to mentioned to your doctor about your UTI issues.  Maybe he/she will put you on something to prevent one from occurring.  Since it has been cool over the weekend in Michigan, I have been able to put on a light weight hat, which makes me more comfortable out in public.  To answer your question "how long can you wear a wig without it getting annoying?"  Since last week was the first week I wore it to work, I had to take several breaks and went in the bathroom to take it off.  I hate it!  At work, I would put my hair up in a pony tail.  With a wig, I can't do that and its annoying.  

You will do fine with your first treatment on Tuesday. I know you are anxious, but you will have one down and the time does go by fast.   

Timbek2

Hi all!  3 days post treatment main symptom of nausea.  I feel like I'm in my first trimester of pregnancy all over again!  What are you all taking for the nausea.  I take the ativan pretty religiously which does take the edge off.  I really just want to eat a bland diet which does not really help with the constipation.  It seems as the day goes on I feel slightly better but the mornings are rough.  Not sure how I am going to get my three kids off to school in the morning.....this is the toughest battle I've ever had.  Also, I was supposed to start my period and nothing. Should I be worried?  I have always been like clockwork.  I sure do miss the old me very much!  Anyone else doing weekly Taxol?  I don't know how that is going to be so I will have no break in between treatments.   I am really looking forward to having a week of feeling good soon.  Keep fighting.  Not meaning to complain.  Love you all!

Becki 

aliasismo

I had my 5th of 5 neupogen shots today; let's hope they did their job! I had my blood tested Friday and the white blood cell count was still really low. I did have heavy duty low back pain that day so hopefully that was a sign the cells are back in business. I'll get my blood tested again on Wednesday.

I just read that you shouldn't eat feta cheese with a weak immune system. So much for my original dinner plans! Looking on the bright side, I may not be able to eat some of my favorite foods, but so far I haven't lost my sense of taste.

Tomorrow I'm going to a Look Good Feel Better session. I haven't started losing my hair yet, but I have it cut really short and I have a wig, so maybe I can gain some confidence about actually wearing the wig at the session. Right now I feel so terribly conspicuous!

Best of luck to everyone; you're all amazing women!

patriciahurtado

My Jojo.....i live in miami ...miami.....omg today i have my wig on and i look the sameeeeeeeee......so exited my paraents are with me and cooking some ceviche!!!!!! ummmm i hope one day meet everyone thats going through this journey and have a few beers and ceviche and laugh at all this side effects... and crazy times remember everyone this is just temporary!!!!!!!!! TEMPORARY!!!!!!!!.....we are gonna be our best again!!!!!! EVEN BETTER !!!!!

jojo2373

See Patricia - our cheerleader! Wink.



Becki - thats how i feel too, like the first trimester of pregnancy.



I think many of us are doing the Look Good Feel Better tomorrow. Looking forward to sharing notes.

patriciahurtado

Jojo ...i was there on friday...i would of liked that there was more people on my group and younger not did i didnt enjoy everyone there....it was great....you'll love it!!!!!....get those beautiful faces ready......im having a glass a wine for you my ladies.....it taste wierd though lol....

ill always a cheer for you my sisters!!!!! wooooohooooooo......yes we can!!!!!!!!! 

whenlifegivesyoulemons

Becki,

I'm doing weekly Taxol too, my 3rd infusion was last Friday.  So far so good, but I've still got A/C ahead of me, and that, based everyone's posts, seems like a bugger.  I also skipped a period and I'm sure that was due to extreme stress.  I'm told this treatment will smash me right into menopause and since I'm 46 that's probably the end of that.  I get that menopause is inevitable, but I'm really not looking forward to being introduced to the topic in such a harsh and chemically induced manner.

Liz 

patriciahurtado

Jojo ...i was there on friday...i would of liked that there was more people on my group and younger not did i didnt enjoy everyone there....it was great....you'll love it!!!!!....get those beautiful faces ready......im having a glass a wine for you my ladies.....it taste wierd though lol....

ill always a cheer for you my sisters!!!!! wooooohooooooo......yes we can!!!!!!!!! 

patriciahurtado

Cheriooo...go girl......i wanna see pictures im sure you look awsome.....welcome to our beauty baldy months!!!!!!!

patriciahurtado

Cheriooo...go girl......i wanna see pictures im sure you look awsome.....welcome to our beauty baldy months!!!!!!!

Cindi74

Patricia,  they tried to take blood out of my veins last wed, and I drew up my arm and insisted "that was what the port is for."  Then I had to wait a little while longer while they got a nurse trained for the port.  That makes it a little hard injudging when to put the numing cream on before going because it is supposed to be on an hour before hand.

Anyway, they got the nurse.  Cream worked.  No pain.

I am a big baby.

Cindi74

aliasismo,   I had my 5th of 5 neupogen shots today too.  Same low white cell problem even after Neulasta.  I have been taking the Claridin and have had no bone pain yet.  Blood work and decision tomorrow on whether to continue the neupogen.  It has taken from two to three hours every morning to go to hospital or Cancer Center for the shots.  I am going to ask tomorrow if there is some way my husband can do it.  Would save lots of time and gas, and the waiting makes me nervous.

I am beginning to feel much better.  Not great, but human.

I have the lookbetterfeelbetter class tomorrow too.  Looking forward.  I watched the hour and a half video on the American Cancer Society Website (I think it was), and  got some good ideas.

Haven't had much eyebrows for several years and have been putting them on with brown mascara and stiff brush, but my hand isn't that steady.  They show some techniques.

Normally, I would have had a permanent a few weeks ago and had my hair cut.  Two weeks ago it was looking very uchhy and I had one daughter in law trim it very short.  There was a little permanent left and this morning, I tried to cut that and made a bad gap which my husband tried to fix.  Ok, I'm cheap.  If my hair is going to start falling out Wed.,  (day 14), I'm not going to pay the beauty shop.  Then my brother told me that his significant other never lost her hair.  She had lung cancer, and he wasn't too clear on what treatments she had.

Actually, I'm looking forward to wearing my two wigs.  I look very glamorus in them, and they look quite natural.  It's just going to be that the few people who have seen me will see a terrific transformation.  From hair that looks like it was cut by a lawnmower, to the NEW me.

Hugs

patriciahurtado

Cindy74 ....we are big babies here!!!! who saids they not....shut i put that cream 20 times make sure i dont miss a spot!!!!!lol