December 2012 chemo group

powermom

FriendGwen -- Pretty funny!!

Sandra60

Welcome ScarYola !



I am also posting on the January chemo group page so u can follow me there too - I am starting later with the chemo that most of these other nice ladies - starting tomorrow 12/27 .

As far as ct's and pet scan's - I did ask about those too and was told they are not useful for early stage bc like ours . They just pick up a lot of hot spots that ate false positives etc . Chemo is the best plan to get any of those rouge cells that are lurking in your blood & other parts . I do think react MRI 's AF superior though,for women like me win dense breast tissue . I demanded and got both of mine done - only after apply a lot of pressure though because they also turn of false positives a lot . I know this is not fun but your getting some good advice -you just maybe have to request ( strongly ). That they go over your pathology report with you more thoroughly ! I would just suggest a 2nd opinion from a system that specializes in breast cancer - if u are going to do that - I did ! My thoughts and prayers are with u ! Sandy

Sandra60

Kiwi kid- I took 2 steroid pills today and not feeling many side effects - just a little more hyped up is all . I am taking Xanax pill to help me sleep tonight - start TC chemo 12/27 .

momto7

Hi ladies i hope evry one had a great Christmas! We had Christmas eve at my house then dinner at my dd's house we had a real good time !

My hair is falling out i am about ready to cut it off every time I comb or brush it it comes out in hand fulls ugh!! I knew it would happen but was hoping not so fast  I need to do my nails and put the hardner back on them. I have been staying in and finally went out tonight for dinner we had a good time now waiting to see if we get more snow i hate winter!!  Hang in there every one !!

Runnergirl2013

Hi all - i am making it through after my chemo yesterday!  I took my claritin at night as it made me feel so foggy before.  I think it helped me sleep too....so I will continue with that.  I go for my neulasta shot today and am hoping for minimal SE's.

mom to 7- hang in there the best you can with the hair loss. It was really tough on me to see the hair falling out and then getting it shaved completely.  But after four days, I am getting used to it and having fun with hats and trying to play up the makeup more.  I have even gotten some compliments from strangeers whic boosted my confidence. Hope that helps.

dcsandpiper - good for you on the great attitude on the hair loss - you inspire me - thanks!

elimar - i am curious about your lack of hair loss...if you don't mind me asking - what type of chemo are you doing and when did you start? i am glad that your hair is hanging in there!

powermom - love the Glad Press and Seal idea - too funny and toocute!

friendgwen - keep up that great attitude!  i know you are strong and I know you will get through the hairloss.  I shaved mine on Saturday and took it hard but am feeling better now.  I know you can do it too!  You have a great spirit - keep it going!

jenjenl - hope your cold isn't too bad and that you can fight it strong!

steiner - hope you did good with your chemo yesterday - let me know how you are feeling!

nicole503 - good luck on your treatment today - let us know how you are doing.  I will pray for you!

Jud

As of today, I have only taken anti nausea meds, after the chemo.and what ever they give you with the chemo... NO shots, No steroids, No other meds..(except what I was on before I got cancer).. so when I see you all talk about going in for shots and taking steroids, I'm wondering "why am I not doing this, or why don't I have too"? Is that a good thing?We will see if that changes today after my second dose...

WE GOT THIS TODAY GWEN AND NICOLE!!!! WILL BE THINKING ABOUT YOU ALL TODAY....GOOD LUCK MY NEW FRIENDS.Forever Strong, Judy

Jud

good morning runnergirl, I hope you have little or no SE, take care of yourself and have a good day.

Runnergirl2013

good luck judajay, gwen and nicole!  I will be thinking of you!

Judajay - that is interesting about no shots or no steroids or no other meds.  I am taking the steroids and am having the neulasta shot.  Besides that I am taking a claritin to help with the bone pain from the shot.  I am also taking a probiotic (to help prevent thrush and yeast infection), I am taking my multi-vitamin, and am taking a stool softener.  The anti-nausea medicine made me so foggy and out of it last time that I am not going to take it this time and see how I do.

Have a good day and write back judajay, gwen and nicole and let us know how you did!  Positive vibes your way!

FriendGwen

Thanks Runnergirl! Wearing the wig over a buzzed head today! Packing up my bag of entertainment for chemo. Looking forward to reading a yoga mag I got from Santa.



Judaday - I take steroid pills the day before, of, and day after. I have not gotten the neulasta shot and don't expect to unless I have a problem with the blood counts. I took an anti nausea pill twice firing the first round. Last night I took the Ativan for the first time and it was fine. I was afraid it would wipe me out but all it did was let me sleep like I normally do when not on steroids. I take a weekly vitamin D that the MO prescribed. And tonight I'll have Miralax in my tea to help with the constipation that all this tends to bring on. Good luck today! You too Nicole!

powermom

Judaday - I didn't get a Neulasta shot after my first treatment, but the NP told me that I will get one after my session on Friday.  Said they didn't do it the first time in order to see how my bloodwork looked without it.  Maybe they gave you steroids with your chemo?

Good luck ladies headed to chemo today.  Right behind you tomorrow.

elimar86861

FriendGwen,  Too funny about the glasses!

IFightLikeaWoman

It's official hair is coming out. Took a shower and it was horrid. But tonight I take charge and buzz it off. My mil and my husband will be with me. I am going to celebrate this somehow.

Nicole503

Dear Sandra60, Runnergirl2, Gwen, Judaday and anyone else receiving tx today,

I woke up feeling sassy and posted the following on FB:

"To: Any remaining breast cancer cells floating around in the sea of me,

You are on notice.

I'm coming to get ya'!

Sorry, but it's you or me and I choose me!"

Wishing all of us super successful treatments today!  Thanks for sharing your stories so I go today knowing that I am not alone.  

beachlovingmom

Good morning ladies!  I wanted to update you on my sore lymph node in my neck.  The nurse said it could be my body reacting to the neulasta shot or I may be fighting an infection.  I see my oncologist tomorrow before chemo, so she will check it.  No fever or other symptoms so I am hoping it is fine.  I have developed some neuropathy in my feet and hands but going for acupunture today. 

I have chemo #2 tomorrow (AC) and I'm curious if everyone takes steriods at home.  I hate how they make they make my head feel "buzzy".  Does anyone else have that buzzy feeling? 

Also, what kind of probiotic is everyone taking?  I've never taken one but developed thrush with my first chemo.  I used a nasty medication that I had to swish in my mouth and would like to avoid it next time around.  I had not been eating yogurt, as it did not sound appealing to me but I will eat some every day to help. 

Good luck with anyone getting chemo with me tomorrow (12/28)!  Hoping my second one is as relatively easy as my first one. 

sophiafred78

Good luck today, Nicole503!

So I'm going tomorrow for my first one (AC) and my "chemo buddies" are powermom and beachloving. Anyone else? Good luck to us!

Finally I'm going to get mine, I was starting to feel an outsider here, amongst all the experienced ones

Sandra60

Yes to all having treatment chemo today - best of luck and I am saying a prayer for all ( and for me ) that our se's will be minimal ! The steroids really kept me up last night so I had to take an extra Xanax - oh well I feel great now and will go out for my Pre-Chemo walk- run!

Judaday - I was told the steroids were for the possible allergic reaction to the taxotere - but I am sure they will watch u closely during this first infusion and rhey may give sterids prio to the infusion - so u should be fine .



my sister in law just dropped off N anti nausea med that is legal for medical purposes in ca - not sure if I will need it but I'm prepared !



Not sure if they will give me that nuelasta shot - hope not .



Thank u all for the wonderful helpful suggestions ! Yoga is so important - so please all give it a try if you've not - it helps u focus and stay calm ! We can do this sisters !!!

Anonymous

Girls~I get my 2nd AC tomorrow the 28th. Mine are every third week.



I found that taking acidophilus each day, and eating a yogurt kept all mouth problems at bay. I also used 5LuvBugs (November chemo thread) recipe of rinsing my mouth several times a day with baking soda/salt mixture.



I start taking stool softeners the day before chemo. One 2X today, then tomorrow I start taking 1 three X daily. No problems with constipation that way. Be sure to drink lots of fluids. My taste buds didn't leave until Days 6, 7, & 8. They were back by Day 9. I found other things that I could taste a little better during that time.



Get plenty of protein, red meat, peanut butter, dairy, etc to keep your red blood cell count up.



You may have a day or two of depression. Just ride it out. It won't last. You may have a couple of days of non-stop peeing. That and depression are the steroids leaving your system. I was also very cold on Days 7 & 8.



If you're taking steroids, don't be afraid to take the Ativan at night to sleep. Steroids ruin your sleep, but the Ativan really helps.



Don't be afraid to ask your onc any questions you have, and if your have problems the meds don't help, by all means, call them. That's what they're there for. They want you to call if you need anything.



Beachloving~you can any probiotic in the vitamin section of any pharmacy, Walmart, etc. also get Kefir (spelling) in the dairy section. It's like a tasty yogurt smoothy. It's a good source of probiotic.



Ok Girls, I'm off to buzz my hair.



Blessings

Paula

jenjenl

I am sorry I don't call all you ladies out one my one but I kinda use this as an outlet for me and gain encouragement from you.

Today I saw my head shrink and it felt good to talk to someone about my anger and negativity and hopes to take a day at a time and not worry about dying every single day I look at my kids...as a control freak/planner cancer does not mix well with my personality.  She did agree that going back to work will be a good thing for me and that I will need to create normal expectations for myself as I go through this process.  She was really good and nice.  I used every single Kleenex in the office....I'm so emotional about all this and I want to stop crying all the time and as a control freak it pisses me off that I can't stop I can't control myself/emotions.  She talked a lot about outlets and processing decisions.  I don't have outlets or hobbies - my hobbies are paying off my debt and saving money (clearly hard to do when you have cancer). Damn it.

To those asking ? about meds:  I take steroids the day before, day of and day after treatment.  I get the Neulasta shot the day after infusion. I take clariton the day before the shot and 4 days after to help with bone pain (however it didn't help me only percocet did). I get fluids the 3 days following my infusion because I could not fight dehydration.  I had a terrible 1st infusion but I feel like the changes they are going to make will make a difference for round 2.   I also second Kefir - I don't like yogurt at all but I do like the fact that it's thinner/smoother.

The one thing that I did notice was that my 'cording' pain came back after my chemo so I am going back to PT to work it out.

Today I woke up happy and ok.  So to treat myself tomorrow I am going for a 30 minute facial and then getting a pixie hair cut (probably a waste of money but it will be nice).  I am really going to make a conscious effort to round this negative corner...for myself, for my family and for faith and hope in my treatment. I pray everyday that I find the courage and strength I need to beat this and live a long healthy life with my DH and children.

Everyday I get on here and am amazed and admire you ladies that have such strong spirits.

Tammyj

I am very new to this talking on the computer, I just had a lumpectomy in nov on left breast cancer and 13/nodes just had medi port put in and man is that very uncomfortable to sleep with. will start chemo 2nd week in Jan (Docetaxel-Carboplatin) and (Trastuzubab--Herceptin) the doctor said 1 year with radation to follow, 33 treatments. I am so scared I can't stop crying...there are so many side effects I have read about those drugs especially the last one..does anyone have any insight personally on that one? please someone talk to me about this.

sophiafred78

Tammyj - I'm so sorry that you're going through this, but welcome! You came to the right place, this forum is an amazing source of information and confort. I'm not on the same medication as you, but I'm sure you will find someone with more experience to help you with your questions in no time. We were all very scared (we still are sometimes) but it gets better. Come here to talk to us anytime you need. You're going to find you're much stronger than you think

FriendGwen

Paula - you give great advice! I agree with all of it!



Sandra - I have had several offers for the magic anti nausea treatment too! So far I haven't taken anyone up on it but should I feel so inclined I will! I haven't indulged since the 80s!



Jenjenl - I hear you about control. In many ways that is what has helped me the most. I read these boards and prepare myself and then sit back and let it all go knowing whatever comes my way I can handle it. Get the pixie cut! I had mine for ten days and loved it. Will have it again next Xmas!



Tammyj - Sophia is right. You've come to the right place. Remember all the side effects are a list of any effect anyone has ever had. The vast majority of us will just have a few minor ones. And hair loss but even that is not nearly as bad as we all first think. Hang in there. You got this!



I'm here having my second infusion and thoroughly enjoying myself. Seriously there is nothing scary or uncomfortable about sitting in a comfy recliner with a warm blanket, watching a Reese Witherspoon movie, eating snacks and playing with my iPhone! No laundry to do! No dishes to clean!

LeeA

Re: probiotics - I've been taking Natren's Healthy Trinity.  They're kind of expensive but surprisingly enough, they were priced 2 for 1 at Vitamin Shoppe a few weeks ago.  I'm taking this brand because I've been on heavy-duty antibiotics (10 days of intravenous Vancomycin followed by 3-4 x daily Clindamycin).  

jenjenl - glad to read that you've seen someone about what you're going through.  I have been tempted to go see my longtime psychiatrist throughout this (haven't seen his since being diagnosed on October 9 - used to go to him once a month for about 10 years or so).  The best part of your post (for me) were these words "today I woke up happy and ok."  This is great news!  I'm a first-born/only child control freak and I think those aspects of my personality have played a part in the disbelief factor in all this as well as the OCD urge to figure out why it happened and how I can keep it from recurring.  Anyway, best wishes to you!  

Tammyj, welcome to the place no one wants to find themselves - but since it has happened - you are in the best place possible for support and information, and moreover, camaraderie.  Re: the meds - I just had my first Herceptin infusion a few weeks ago with very few side effects, in fact, I'm not certain that I had any side effects since I was fighting an infection in my right tissue expander concurrently and the tiredness I felt afterwards may have been due to that.  I have read that some find it helpful to have the Herceptin infused slowly, i.e. over a period of an hour and a half or so versus quickly (i.e. 30 minutes).  Ten years ago those of us who are HER2 positive didn't have Herceptin to add to our treatment cocktail.  Thanks to Dr. Dennis Slamon (UCLA) we have this medication as part of our arsenal and that's how I think of it - an arsenal to fight off this disease.  One more thing that I'll pass along - my husband keeps reminding me that my known cancer was removed back in November.  I had clean margins and I had one .5 micromet in one node.  Those bad places have been erradicated from my body and likewise, your "bad places" have been taken from your body as well.  Now, it's a matter of clean-up or as someone has described it to me (as an analogy/visual) - letting the PacMen do the clean-up on whatever might be floating around elsewhere.  I use a lot of visualization in this process - i.e. my tumor was 2.5 cm but I am 5'4" tall and a lot bigger than it was.  I visualize it being several miles away in a lab while I'm still comfortable ensconced in my chair here at home.  I do anything I can to try to minimize "it" and maximize me - as in me over it.  

FriendGwen

LeeA - I LOVE the PacMan image! I rocked that game back in the 80s! Now I know why!

bcoct

Hi SJessie,

I went Mon CHristmas EVe and just still so darn tired.  I slept a lot two days but stil so tired I dont know how some ladies go to work after?  I can barely stay awake this time.  2nd more tired than first for me.  Appetitie ok but not starving just eating.  I feel weak and getting my period again..so weird.  The ice was great brought the cooler hope the sores stay away also gargling each day with biotene too..in case.  I have taxotere/cytoxan...drinking lot of water.  How did yours go yesterday?

Bren58

Nicole -  love your Facebook post, and your sense of humor!

Gwen - Glad you can enjoy your infusion day, free of household chores. I guess there is a bright spot in everything

bcoct - sorry you are still so tired. You should start to feel better in the next day or so.

Tammy - Welcome! I am doing the whole TCH routine. I have had 2 tx so far. Yes there are side effects, and some serious ones, but the likelyhood of you getting all of them is slim. Before I started I read through the whole list too and thought to myself "And why am I doing this to my body?" We do it because we want to get rid of the cancer and live long, healthy, productive lives. Herceptin does have some heart risks, but your MO should monitor you every 3-4 months with an echo or MUGA. There is a separate thread just for Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin. You might want to check that one out as well.

Lee - love the pacman analogy!

Hoping all of you that had tx today had an easy infusion day.

Jud

meds... yes I forgot about the anti nausea meds... yes I did take those... sorry.. but no extra shots or steroids at home... did have steroids with chemo though.. today I had an allergic reaction to the chemo, so I am just starting after sitting here since ten this morning waiting for BP to go down and doc to say it is okay to start... should have seen the nurses running.... poor things... weird since I was fine with my first treatment.. anyway we will start again..

Anonymous

I've been home for a couple hours from buzzing my hair. I even got up the nerve to share the pic on Facebook.



It is so liberating!



Blessings

Paula

LeeA

I decided to Google "pacman" and breastcancer.org because I wanted to figure out who used that analogy (I blame pre-Chemo brain for not remembering this).

Anyway, one of the first entries is from the section of this website entitled Guided Imagery: 

You'll be asked to imagine something, such as a warm healing light on the area where the cancer was or images of your immune system attacking cancer cells. One popular exercise involves picturing tiny Pac-Man characters chasing and eating cancer cells.

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/comp_med/types/imagery

I really wish I could give credit where credit is due - it's probably someone from the Triple Positive thread or perhaps someone has emailed it to me (Relda - a BCO member) or PMd it to me here.  In any case, whatever works!

Also, FriendGwen, I read your glasses story to DH last night during dinner and we laughed so hard because I have such a time with my own glasses/vision.  

LeeA

Paula, you look GREAT!  Healthy and happy and beautiful! 

duckiedee

So it's day 14 past chemo for me, and this morning my hair started falling out in big handfuls. Ugh... Good thing I have an appointment tomorrow to get it all buzzed and pick up my wig! I have really been dreading the buzz cut, but now that I'm seeing these big gobs of hair, maybe it will be a relief just to get rid of it all.

I went to the oncologist on Wed. for my checkup after my first chemo treatment, and they said I was doing great. My platelets were a little low, they said, but still in the normal range. And I had the neulasta shot to boost my white blood cells. So - all in all - they were pleased and so was I.

I feel pretty good except for having my taste buds all out of whack. I was sort of hoping it might improve by now so that maybe I'd have at least a week of getting my taste back before I started the next treatment. So far, I'm not sure that will happen. But if that's the worst SE I have, then I guess I can't complain, huh? Fortunately, dairy foods still taste good and I'm drinking lots of lowfat milk. (Although chocolate milk and the occasional milkshake - while maybe not too healthy - are really the best!) And I've been able to do better with drinking water the last few days. For a couple days there I could barely even get water down without it tasting horrible. So maybe there is hope...

I hope all you ladies are doing well out there. Dreading losing all of my hair tomorrow - cause now it is really, really REAL. You know? But, I keep telling myself, "It's only hair. It's only hair. It's only hair...." Hang in there, sisters!