December 2012 chemo group

kiwikid

Hi everyone

Is anyone else starting on 30th? Sophia? Because we are a day ahead I guess it's the 29th in the rest of the world. As the day gets nearer I find I am grumpier and snappier and my sleep is broken. I guess that once I start treatment I'll start to feel better, like I'm actually doing something to improve my odds, but in the meantime the wait is no fun.

Thanks everyone for sharing your stories, it is so helpful to read through the posts and know that I'm not alone.

I wish everyone the best for their treatments this week.

Xx kk

Sandra60

Hi friend Gwen - my sister in law delivered that magic med to me this am - not ure I will need it thought but good to have as a back up . I am also sitting her in a wonderful reclining chair with warm blankets being served up as requested . Have a window sear looking at a fountain - this is a surprising light and bright and in- depressing area . They gave me anti nausea and steroid infusion now I am sorting on the cytoxan - no effect at all . Next is the taxotere and i Willie my fingers as advised by others . I am hoping all goes well

Thank u all - this is not that bad ( so far ) !!!

sophiafred78

kiwikid - Like I told you, it's confusing because we are on opposite sides of the world! I'm in Europe, it's almost 23:00 here, and in 10 hours I'll be taking my first AC (at 9 am December 28th).

You're going on Dec 30? And thats 29 for us? I wish you the same as I wish for me, the tiniest slightest micro mini SE's that we're even ashamed of complaining

Nicole503

Thanks for the good wishes today ladies.  My experiene was a lot like FriendGwen's (minus the Reece Witherspoon).  Way less stressful and uncomfortable than most dental procedures I've had!  I did develop an almost immediate stuffy/runny/pressure in my nose when they started the Cytoxan but my nurse ordered some Benadryl and it was largely resolved before I left the infusion room.

Sandra60 and Sophiafred78 ~ I hope your experience was/will be as pleasant as mine!

Soteria205 (Paula) - Thanks so much for the advice!  I'm sitting here feeling remarkably normal, just a little tired and a little headachy and wondering when the slump will start?  I even went for a neighborhood walk with my husband and daughter because I'm thinking that may not sound good tomorrow but it sounded good today.  It's kind of a weird place to be, this waiting for the badness to start.

JenJenl - When you write about the strong spirits among the women on this list I want you to look in the mirror!  You are amazing!  You have endured emotional and physical hardship that many of us have not, you have marshalled your resources, and you are proactively addressing both your mental health and your physcial health.  You are a WARRIOR!!!  Good luck with going back to work.  I hope you don't have to return to full time employment.  I am attempting to keep my 20 hr/week schedule through chemo.  It will be good to have you to compare notes with.

As always, abundant armloads of gratitude for all of you.  Today was easier than my surgery day and I was worried that it would be harder.  Treatment is not fun but it is do-able and it is sooooooo super much easier to do it with all of you.  So glad you are my virtual breast friends. 

five_cents

second treatment today and so far, so good. I hope everyone else's day was good too! Judaday - that allergic reaction is a bit nerve wracking, I'm glad it sorted out in the end and hope they fix it for next time.

Because of my nausea last time the dr. extended my steroids and changed the anti-nausea drug. I'm hoping it will work, it was pretty minimal nausea but days 5/6 were fairly extreme.  He said the delayed onset nausea is rarer but can happen, especially in younger women.  I also asked about taking sleeping pills, meaning over the counter type, but he wrote me a prescription for Ativan which should be good, especially with the longer steroids.  the pharmacist even warned me about how effective it can be. She said to take it only when you're ready to go to bed - not when you still plan on cleaning up and then going to bed because it works so quickly.  I'll see how it goes tonight but nice to have something planned if my insomnia is as bad as last time. It was lousy just lying in the dark feeling sick.

Have a good night everyone - best wishes to those who go tomorrow for a smooth day!

FriendGwen

Glad to see the infusions went well for most of us today. Judaday - glad they caught your reaction and hope it's smooth sailing from here on out.



Paula - you are adorable!!!

Dwihtd

Well, I don't know if day 1 is the chemo day or you count the next day as day1 to see how long it is before you lose your hair. I have weekly treatments of abraxane and herceptin. My 3 rd treatment is tomorrow . I keep running my fingers through my hair. A few strands came out. I mean the whole long piece. I was really hoping I would be in the 10% that kept their hair. Even though I know I will be losing it, I have held back ordering anything more for covering up my head. Does anyone know where I can get the skull cap to wear under scarfs and wigs. Like the one the girl wire in the video on how to tie scarfs with a scruncie . Sometimes I realize that I am blocking so much of this cancer stuff out. I know seeing my hair gone is the wake up call. I just tell myself another step will have gone by and I am now closer to it growing back. It's just that I will be waiting for that to happen. How are all of you who lost your hair adjusting?

IFightLikeaWoman

to all the ladies that had infusions today, I am glad to hear they went well, I hope you have an easy recovery period with no side effects.

jenjenl

Nicole503 - yes I am going back full time or if possible flex time (32 hours).  I cover the insurance and am the money maker so I really don't have much of a choice, sure I could extend the short term leave or go on long term leave but without making my salary all our bills won't get paid.  They are letting me work from home full time - they shipped me my whole office (2 monitors, laptop, docking station, printer, paper, etc).  I will have the same job title/pay but somewhat get to "cherry pick" my assignments.  We are going to go day by day and I am going to be very honest when I can't do it.  I have 30 days of PTO so I can take some sick days when needed.  I am hoping to use intermitten leave for chemo week.  So much to figure out.  My DH is a caterer and it's just too much time away from work, so he is going to be going from making a really good salary to a kitchen hourly job so we have to plan to adjust for that but having him around is what we need both mentally and physically.  I ready for changes...GOOD CHANGES.

powermom

I think the skullcaps you refer to are the "buffs."  I ordered some from kitshack.com.  They are taking some time to get here but are cheaper than the buffwear (www.buffwearUSA.com) prices.  Buffwear USA may be quicker getting them to you, though.

Dwihtd

I mean the cap she wears under the scarfs. Small and fitted.

mfml

Dwihtd - I know what you are talking about!  I spent alot of time looking for those today.  They aren't the "3 seam turbans" so many of the sites have...  I think they might be sleeping caps??  I bought one at Beth Israel in Boston when I had my surgery - I looked at the tag - here is the link to the maker - look at the night caps:

http://turbansbycamille.com/ 

It doesn't look like you can buy online.  I am going to keep looking.  I am alot more comforatble with a scarf if I wear a cap underneath - I will let you know if I find something.

Dwihtd

Thank you so much! I definitely would feel more secure with something underneath a scarf.

powermom

Oops, sorry.  I was thinking that the girl in the video I watched made a buff into a beanie, but I was wrong!  Maybe a beauty supply would have the type of undercap she wears.

five_cents

Dwithd, I think you can try using pantyhose with the legs cut off as a skull cap too.  Something cheap and fast to experiment with while you wait. 

Or a quick search using "do rag" turned up Sally Beauty supply 

http://www.sallybeauty.com/do-rags-caps/Hair15-08,default,sc.html

(I think I'm a bit looped from the steroids - anyone else need a problem solved? That I can do lying in bed?)

SherylB

Hey all, saw this info on another thread (can't remember where, chemo brain and I haven't started chemo yet. LOL).

goodwishesscarves.org they send you a free scarve/wrap. Check it out, the ladies who were posting about it said that it comes and with best wishes from all the staff, not a scam.

Sheryl

MTJulie

I had a n appt with my doctor today. Thought I was going to get my second treatment but I didn't. Will have it 1/2/13. My blood work was good but I just got done taking antibiotics a couple days ago. So the doc wants to keep on the original 3 week schedule. That means several more days of feeling good. I feel basically normal now. I felt relief after I got rid of all my hair. It was just so weird when it was falling out and oddly fascinating and I couldn't leave it alone. On Christmas day I was throwing hunks out the car window while we were traveling and I think that might be a little disturbing for my husband and daughter! And today I went wig shopping and ended up getting a really cute red one. I am blond so it's different and fun. Seems pretty comfortable and warm too. That is a bonus because it is -5 * where I live! Also am stocked up on scarves and the hoo rag /buff things so I am ready I think.

I got probiotics at a health food store and you store it in the fridge. I am eating a lot of yogurt too. I used the biotin rinse but it seemed like the baking soda salt solution kept me in good shape. Someone said her dentist didn't recommend that but I never asked.

Dwihtd

I found on head covers. Com a cotton cap that may work. Thank u all for your input.

Jud

Tammyj... my surgeons gave me a very good piece of advice when I found out that I had cancer... she said if you are going to go on the internet or your kids are going to go on... go to these sights and these sites only... this very one you are on.. breast cancer.org and Susan g komen. she said stay off of the others because you can get so many bad story's and so much bad info.. I found both to be very good... that is how I found you all....I am sure there are others that are good also, but you can find a lot of bad ones before you find good ones.... hope that helps someone out there...

kslansky

Hello all! I'm new to this thread. I started AC on the12/03. I go every other week. Will have my 3rd Treatment on the 31st.

SE s have just been fatigue and loss of appetite (mostly during the week of).

DH took the clippers to my hair on day 7 for a cropped cut. Day 13, I started shedding, day 15, my hair clogged the shower drain. DH rimmed my hair down to crew cut that evening. I'm still shedding, just shorter and just as itchy. Liking the seal and wrap idea!



My MO wrote a p script for a "cranial prosthesis", so the insurance would cover the cost of the wig. (My insurance pays up to $500)



Headcovers.com has Terry scarf pads and sleep hats. I use the pads under my scarves. covermyhead.com has a nice selection of scarves and has the nylon caps that go under wigs.



My MO gave me a list of supplements to take- one was the probiotic called Endomune. I still had the white tongue, but she assured me that it was not thrush, just the dead cells from the lining of my mouth sluffing off. The list also included prevacid. I take it the week of chemo and it really helps the uncomfortable feeling I get after I eat. I also started taking th lentil pm to help me sleep. it even helps the night after chemo (I get the steroids with the anti nausea meds prior to th chemo).



Just found this thread yesterday. I've really enjoyed getting into know you all!

IFightLikeaWoman

to all the ladies that had infusions today, I am glad to hear they went well, I hope you have an easy recovery period with no side effects.

Nanc620

Hello to all of my brave sisters,

I have finally read all of the Dec. posts and have gained so much encouragement and insight from them.  Gwen...I literally spit Coca Cola all over my laptop reading about your glasses ;-)  Those of you who have posted your new buzz cuts...BRAVA!  

I have my first infusion on Jan. 9th...and am now beginning to feel the beginnings of anxiety.  The fact that my family loves me so much but can't feel what I'm I'm feeling is disconcerting.  A "friend" on Facebook sent me a long article on how cancer lurks in all of us and it is our own fault that we get it??!!  Eat more veg, drink less coffee, tea and Coke...uh no, I'll take my chances with chemo :-)  I apologize I didn't note who said that their husband was reminding her that the surgeon got the cancer...thank you!  My surgeon keeps reminding me of that...no lymph node involvement, the tumor is gone and the surgery was pretty uneventful.  Chemo is an inusrance policy of ninja,s, Pac- men and...evil zombie killers!!  

The holidays have been...different.  I found out several months ago that I am casein allergic so I need ot avoid dairy and products with casein (a milk protein).  I have doing really well...then came Christmas.  Cheese...frosting...cheese...oh ick.   So I toddled off to Whole Foods and found some wonderful coconut and almond milk Greek yogurt.  Also got some probiotics on board and am getting ready.  There is a wonderful book called "Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen"  that I heartily recommend.  Both authors are young women who are cancer survivors and they have written a wonderful book of tips on how to eat clean.  The first half of the book is about their journeys...and they don't mince words.  The second half is recipes for everything from mouth sores, to upset tummies and beyond.  I'll admit that the last few years we have not eaten as well as we should...and I did feel awful from the dairy thing...now if only I could find us a recipe for hair!!!

I'm going to post here and in January if it is OK with all of you...I wish we could have have a weekend of girl time...

Anonymous

Dwihtd and mfml, I have been looking for something form fitting to wear under scarves and hats as well. Try looking at Headsweats.com. These are typically for cycling wear, but should work just as well under scarves. I am going to give it a try. It seems that everything else out there has too much material, like the turbans you mentioned, and not as form fitting to simply act as "traction control". LOL  Let me know if you ladies find a good solution.

Sandra60

Well the taxotere was fine as well - no reaction at all . I'm home and feeling quite normal - had dinner - took my zofran pill and Xanax ans steroid pills - ready for bed in about an hour .

Is this the calm before the storm ???

Nurses told me fatigue will be worst around days 3-7 then I should be pretty normal before round # 2.

Thinking good thoughts as u all go thru your next rounds !! We cn do this ladies !!

Tammyj

I want to thank you for the pac man reference- it helped. hahaha

I guess like all the women out there I think of the worse first. thanks for the words of encourgements girls. Got my wigs ( I picked a short one for around the house and one outside) hahahah I thought why not live alittle-- will be cutting my hair Jan 2nd or so. Wish that I could sleep all this tension building for the 1st treatment is killing me.I had breast cancer before in my other breast and this is totally different other then the lumpectumy, my nodes were clean, didn't have the port nor the herceptin. But that was 12 years ago..now I am going thru this all again and it is getting worse 1st time tumor 1 inch this time 1 inch 1/2 more aggressive. just don't know what to expect with the chemo, I barely took the drugs last time,,

IFightLikeaWoman

Good Morning All,

DH buzzed my head this morning and I do not look half bad. My head feels great and I feel like this is a big F U to the cancer! I am going to kick this cancers bootay! 

To all going through this chemo hell, we are going to make it! I feel so blessed to have found this board- I feel less alone.

Have a good day all!

Anonymous

Nancy~Please stick around with us. I started with the November thread and when I didn't start until December, I continued with them and the December thread. There are so many wonderful people on these threads, and we can still learn from those who started before us.



I'm at the Stephanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center. My appt. was for 10:40, and they just now did my Bloodwork at noon. I still have to see the onc before chemo starts. I hate this waiting. This part takes longer than chemo.



I loved the PAC-man reference as well. I used to rock that guy in the 70s/80s.



Blessings

Paula

Tinah

Having my 2nd treatment now; and so far, so good! I hope it continues to stay like that! Praying that everything goes well for all of you, as well!

FriendGwen

Keep drinking water ladies!! We will get through this!



I'm home in jammies, wearing my glasses (mine not my daughter's!) and sporting a red cap. Just had a knock at the door and saw the car belonged to a neighbor/friend who knows about the cancer. I hesitated for a second but then thought screw it and opened the door. She brought me a huge chocolate covered apple. We chatted for fifteen minutes and it was very easy! This is who I am at this moment, that's all! I will look more like Gwen again in a few months only I will have a warrior inside me too.

Anonymous

Gwen~I've decided it takes more energy to hide it all than to just be open with it. That's why I posted my new buzz cut on Facebook yesterday.



It looks like you're having a cozy day. I love it.



Martha~I'm in your pocket today. I just found out from the nurse that even though I didn't get Neulasta or neupogin my Bloodwork was good enough to go forward with today's treatment.



Blessings

Paula