Starting Chemo July 2013

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  • candi07
    candi07 Member Posts: 188
    edited August 2013

    momx2 sorry for the loss of your mom.

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  • jnprsn
    jnprsn Member Posts: 151
    edited August 2013

    Sarajan

    I have 2 wigs: one human hair and one artificial halo. My hair dresser did not guess the difference!

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  • jnprsn
    jnprsn Member Posts: 151
    edited August 2013

    Hi firecrackers

    I now have a rash on my stomach and down the backs of my thighs.

    Its not terribly itchy.

    What can I expect my Oncologist to prescribe when I see him Monday?

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  • sarajaneevans
    sarajaneevans Member Posts: 187
    edited August 2013

    My first treatment I had a terrible headache too. My onc nurse said it was from the zofran- the next treatment they gave a new nausea med, Kytril- no headache at all. She also advised me to take 2 tylenol and 1 benadryl to help me sleep- she said it would help, and it sure did. 

    I have my 3rd of 6 infusions next Tuesday. I am feeling pretty good this time around, actually. I am nervous about this one b/c I have read the treatments are cumulative and that three is a bad one.  The one really bad thig for me is that everything tastes like I took a big swig out of a bottle of alcohol and I don't mean liquor- rubbing. The taste never goes away- the only things I have found that taste like they should are 'drum roll' Chocolate and Chocolate Milk.  I have been very blessed not to experience many of the SE I read about on this site-the last one I had a general feeling of just not being well from the get go- that lasted about a week -longer than the first time but not as brutal and to be pefectly honest I can't remember too much about either of them now. 

    My prayers and good thoughts are with all of you as your fight continues (((huggs)))

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  • angelanature
    angelanature Member Posts: 179
    edited August 2013

    Hi All us warriors, Momx2,i'm so sorry you lost your Mom,it must be awful to have to go on through this as well. It seems so unfair,now i'm crying for your loss thinking how i would feel instead of stupid hair,hang in there we all reaaly care for you.Twohobbies,steroids definetly can increase sugar levels,even as a pediatric nurse i do know this,what does your doc say?Lynn,I cant imagine going back to work,though i do miss my little patients and the routine,i was taking care of a kindergarden boy with a g/t at the end of school,in june,everyone knew i was diagnosised with breast ca,in schools news travels fast but only got positive and loving reactions. Daisy,take whatever helps u,dont worry im on ativan for anxiety and it helps with nausia.Hang in there Soriya and everyone else in fear of round 2,you will get though! Went out and bought a cheap,long,reddish-blond-brown curly wig,looks ridiculous but i have it in a side ponytail and thats how i used to wear my hair and i feel myself again,so it was worth it. Love u all! Angela

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  • SheilaB330
    SheilaB330 Member Posts: 73
    edited August 2013

    Mom 2-- so sorry you have lost your Mom but your Mom willfind a waytp be close.

    My Mom died June 21, 2004 but Sunday I was sitting on the couch looking at hats from headcovers.com and couldn't make up my mind so said out loud, "please, Mom help me pick out the best hats." My Mom was born in the 20s and wore gorgeous hats. I felt intuitive strong sense and that she guided me with a couple of tough calls. She will be there every strep of the way. Hugs Sheila

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  • LanaM
    LanaM Member Posts: 142
    edited August 2013

    Momx2 sorry for your loss! I lost both my parents to cancer - mom in 1998 and dad in 2009. They both had stage IV lung cancer & died within 3 weeks of being diagnosed. Sheila is right though they are still with us in some fashion. Many times I see a monarch butterfly "hanging around" and I swear its my mom! I try to go to the cemetery & talk to mom on my chemo days! Round 2 of AC today (2 more AC left then 4 T). I think my mom is helping me through all of this. (ok - meds too!) Feeling good & hope everyone else is too! Take care of yourself, stay strong, keep a positive attitude, and KICK CANCER TO THE CURB!!!!

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  • JeriGrace
    JeriGrace Member Posts: 128
    edited August 2013

    Firecrackers, my heart is so heavy as I sit here reading your posts of the last 2 days. So much pain, both physical and emotional. No doubt, we got a raw deal here. None of us asked for this. People tell us we're brave - I don't feel brave at all. I'm scared and crabby and jealous and a lot of other things besides brave. But what choice do we have? We have to soldier on. We have people who love us, who rely on us, who can't imagine their lives without us. We have to fight even when we don't feel like fighting. I have 4 fabulous children and 6 gorgeous grandchildren. I want to be here for them - weddings, birthdays, graduations, first steps. So what do we do? We fill the prescriptions for antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds, we load our shopping cart with Claritin and Benadryl and Biotene and health food, we search for wigs and scarves and hats, we put one foot in front of the other. We get on "BreastBook" and find that some can't get out of bed while others feel good today. Some of us are crying while others are smiling today. We support each other through those tough days and celebrate each other when there's good news. I know I can't do this without all of you because you're the only ones who really understand. We may not be Superwomen but we are strong women. And tomorrow we'll all get up, put on our big girl panties, and take one more step toward healing. Love to all of you.

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  • soriya123
    soriya123 Member Posts: 662
    edited August 2013

    I had headache all day today. So far my headache ben pretty bad almost everyday .



    Jerigrace, I am fighting this beast everyday....I want see my 2 kids finished high school, college n wedding.



    None of us ask this, so of course there were time that we scared, we can't be brave all the time. But we have to stay strong and fighting this beast together.



    Diagnosed last June at 38, n just turned 39 yrs old last July. Found out the results today BRCA1 & BRCA2 are negative. So don't kno what cause me this cancer. Healthy all my life, hardly get sick and all of the sudden boom...Cancer.



    Love talking with you all lovely ladies! (((Hugs to all)))

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  • daisy72
    daisy72 Member Posts: 24
    edited August 2013

    Jerigrace.....VERY WELL SAID HONEY!!! Love ya girly!

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  • puppymama09
    puppymama09 Member Posts: 77
    edited August 2013

    Jerigrace, beautifully said!



    Daisy and Hanna, thank you for your words of encouragement, and helping me see 2nd round may not be as bad, yes yesterday was a bad day, but I got up this morning feeling much better. My bff came over and took me out to lunch, then on a few errands, it was so nice to feel somewhat normal again.

    Momx2 I am truly sorry for your loss.

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  • Hannariggs
    Hannariggs Member Posts: 137
    edited August 2013

    Jerigrace-so beautifully said and so true.  Thank you!

    Puppymama-Good to see you are out and about!  Its been 9 days and I have only left the house for my drs appt.  Still fighting the sinus/throat infection.  Hard to get out from behind the eight ball when your down and out.  Hoping for a better day tomorrow. Afraid for wednesday infusion 3.  I guess it depends on how my bloods look.  Hoping yes and hoping no.  Try to have a great weekend all.  Will be praying for us all

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  • 2bluestars
    2bluestars Member Posts: 89
    edited August 2013

    Momx2...so sorry for your loss.   (((hugs)))

    Woohoo!  Good news for me finally!  The doctor confirmed my tumor has gotten smaller and "squishy" which he says is great, it means it's breaking apart/dying off!!!  Happy day!  I felt like it had because I realized night before last that by boob didn't hurt, got to feeling around and was like whoa, but didn't want to get too excited in case it was just wishful thinking.

    Here's his "cure" for constipation, Miralax everyday and senokot-s twice a day, lots of water.  Problem solved (his words), we shall see, I hope he's right.  He said again, he can fix every problem but the hair loss.  He said se's should be about the same as last time, but slightly more acid reflux and to take pepcid everyday.

    This 2nd infusion was a lot faster.  The nurse said she dripped it faster since it wasn't my first time, which scared because I think I read somewhere on these boards, slower drips, less troubles.  I asked her that and she said no it doesn't matter how fast or slow....hope she's right too.

    Well said Jerigrace. 

    Lana, I wore a scarf today because like I said before, the wigs I got looked to perfect and I felt silly.  I got a few strange stares but didn't care, when I got home my new wig from TLC was here, I really like it.  It looks good, not  "perfect", it was cheap ($54), I feel confident in it, so I guess that makes it perfect too, but in a better way.  :-)  It will be nice to have something that doesn't scream, wig.

    I hope everyone is doing great with no/min se's!

    Hugs to all!

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  • bikergirl
    bikergirl Member Posts: 112
    edited August 2013

    Look at the Website for TLC-this was recommeded by ACS.  They have wigs, sleep caps, hats, etc.

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  • bikergirl
    bikergirl Member Posts: 112
    edited August 2013

    Love you all, too. ((Hugs))

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  • 2bluestars
    2bluestars Member Posts: 89
    edited August 2013

    Lana, I fogort to ask, since you and I close in our diagnosis, I'm wondering why your doctor chose surgery first?  My BS said chemo had to be first, when I really wanted them to cut that thing right out of me.  Just curious.

    I see you had you 2nd infusion today too, I hope you're doing well...no se's!  :-)

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  • SheilaB330
    SheilaB330 Member Posts: 73
    edited August 2013

    I got my head shaved today. Tuesday evening it started to hurt s though sunburned. I had a headache but my headache is - IT'S GONE! To do 2 Tylenol and my Zofram and feel good. Around day 14 if you haven't already, shave your he'd it will feel better. I couldn't even brush my cow licks down today so I looked like Dennis the Menace going for my shot.I had cut my hair short Sunday. Cut your hair short as an interim step.



    Good luck to all with taming side effects. I am taking 2 steroids Friday through Monday then 1 on Tuesday and Wednesday to try to stave off nausea.

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  • Karkar06
    Karkar06 Member Posts: 21
    edited August 2013

    momx2, I am deeply sorry to hear about your mom, hope you will feel better soon.



    sarajaneevans, thank you for sharing the website. It does ship international, yay



    Angela, love the term "breast book" lol



    JeriGrace, beautifully said! In my case, I am still young (35) and unmarried. I want to have my own family some day.



    I got my wig trimmed yesterday and it looks more natural, it does grow on me! I am getting my second round on Monday. Hope it will go ok.

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  • sarajaneevans
    sarajaneevans Member Posts: 187
    edited August 2013

    Karkar06: You are so welcome! Follow the instructions and measure your head before you place your order just to be on the safe side; less chance of having to exchange it....Good luck.. I love mine...Laughing 

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  • sarajaneevans
    sarajaneevans Member Posts: 187
    edited August 2013

    jnprsn: both of my wigs are synthetic I beleive.. the pricey one is all hand tied, whatever difference that is supposed to make I am not sure. it sure ain't anymore special that is for sure....

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  • Nocompromises2013
    Nocompromises2013 Member Posts: 292
    edited August 2013

    Woohoo. Just self injected my neulasta - never done an injection on anyone or myself b4. 😄💉💉



    Momx2 - poor poor timing re your mum - so sad for you :(



    Karkar - did they harvest some eggs from you b4 chemo ? Or do they think ovary function will return



    2bluestars. That us awesome - so pleased for you. Squishy sound great.



    JeriGrace - absolutely - I don't feel brave at all - you work with what you have - it can be very scary. - we gave to BE strong - sometimes we need extra support be that thru family, friends, or wise and careful use of medication - we do what we need to get us they our individual journeys.

    NC x







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  • SheilaB330
    SheilaB330 Member Posts: 73
    edited August 2013

    2bluestars,



    Read about chemo treatment on this website. You can do chemo first to shrink tumor. I had surgery first Local now chemo Systemic then will have radiation Local then hormone suppressant because my tumor has positive receptors for estrogen. We are the same broadly but very different sometimes based on how our cancer was behaving. It still surprises me to have had such a relatively small cancer but one that was extensively in lymphatic and vascular system and into lymph nodes 5/11 already spilling out 4 nodes. Did lung, liver, bone scan and wasn't there. Relief. Now chemo is my divine elixir. I could even feel it burning my breast where the cancer was on about day 14. That's what my oncology nurse said the pain meant the chemo was swirling around in there getting rid of whatever left. Swirl away and save my life. A little nausea and constipation and diarrhea is such a cheap price for a cure. Sleep well and we can stand ANYTHING for a few minutes living this cancer treatment phase one day a time.

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  • SheilaB330
    SheilaB330 Member Posts: 73
    edited August 2013

    Jnprsn - as to rash - that is allergic reaction. Take some Benedryl (typical stength is 25 mg) When I have any allergic reaction I take 2. That is the OTC strength for using it for sleep, so it is not overdosing but you will fall asleep most likely. Benedryl is something to have on hand. Clear Anti-Itch Lotion - sold OTC is very good. When I went through allergy testing they used it after they read my allergic reactions then whiped it on the area and the itchy bumps went right away. So another great thing to try. If you can email your Nurse Navigator it would help or call your oncologist Saturday. Good luck.

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  • Karkar06
    Karkar06 Member Posts: 21
    edited August 2013

    NC, I want to learn to inject mine too! Nice!

    No, I didn't have my eggs harvested since there is no solid plan on having kids yet. My relationship is still kinda new... Oh well, too much information ;P since I am not close to menopause they are not too worried =)

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  • Nocompromises2013
    Nocompromises2013 Member Posts: 292
    edited August 2013

    Karkar.

    The neulasta was easy/ pain free

    It comes with a step by step instruction sheet. Make sure you have some alcohol swabs on hand

    I just did it in the gut the leaflet tells you the areas you can use and clearly how to do it. Just make you you commit to jabbing and then push plunger slowly and steadily all the way in ( helps if you have a nice pinch of stomach fat :). )



    Can anyone remind he when the bk e pain mag start. I know Rambo dmsaud she was later with day 8. Any other suggestions i thought it was about day 3. ??



    TIA. NC x

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  • LanaM
    LanaM Member Posts: 142
    edited August 2013

    2bluestars - my BS never mentioned this option 2 me and I didn't meet with my onco until after surgery. I read about this after my surgery. A friend recommended a book which I highly recommend to all: DR SUSAN LOVE'S BREAST BOOK. It's 600+pgs and very informative. She discusses this course (neoadjuvant) and that some thought that since chemo is the most important treatment in dealing with the life threatening element of cancer, that giving it first might make a difference in survival. Studies so far haven't shown that to be true, but they have found two other important advantages. First they can see if the chemo is working and if not they can turn to different chemo. An NSABP study found an 80% reduction in tumor size and in 36% of women the tumor completely disappeared! That allows dr's to do lumpectomies in some women who would have otherwise had mx. She says in rumors over 3cm many dr's will do chemo 1st.in smaller rumors that would allow lumpectomy anyway, many will do surgery first but no reason neoadjuvant couldn't also be done. I'm @ peace with my trtmt plan - I have large breasts and I think I would have been more worried about recurrence with lumpectomy vs mx - but we're all different. I was basically told that due to the size of my tumor (they thought 6cm at first), the size of my breast, location of tumor & aggressive nature of my cancer (TN with Ki-67 score 96%) that mx was recommended followed by chemo then rads. Sending healing thoughts to all firecrackers! (Or should I say Breastbook friends - I love that!)

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  • lark
    lark Member Posts: 61
    edited August 2013

    Hi everyone - You're so awesome. Wish we could all meet someday.



    Momx2 - so sorry for the loss of your mom.



    Angelanature- I almost cried when I read your hair dream. Glad you feel better with the side pony tail fakeout. Great idea. Keep your fiery red spirit!



    Twohobbies - thanks for all the info/advice on sinus headaches. It does feel a little better when I press on the bone above my eyes. I'll talk to the mo about sinus meds.



    Nocompromises- I just did a web search on clarinase. Looks like it might be the same thing as Claritin D. Do you know? So impressed that you can give yourself that shot!



    Bluestars - so excited that you get to see this nasty chemo stuff having a positive effect! Excellent news.



    LanaM- my name is Lana too! I keep going by lark to avoid confusion or you can call me the "the other Lana"



    Fyi all - I just heard on the news that the stomach bug that's going around in several states has been linked to a bagged lettuce. Be careful. We don't need that right now!



    Wig stuff - I look like Moe from the 3 Stooges. ok, maybe not that bad, but theres too much hair in the front and I hate it. My hairdresser is on vacation so I'm trying to wait until she gets back to see if she can help. Or I might try the tlc site. Definitely self conscious when I wear it. Someone said to me on a rainy day "oh your new hairdo looks so perfect! Mine is so frizzy in the rain." Uugh. Can't wait for my frizzy, not so perfect hair to grow back. People like to remind me that it may grow back with more grey and curly. Not sure why they think I need to hear that right now!



    Hope everyone can enjoy the weekend. Hugs to everyone.

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  • bikergirl
    bikergirl Member Posts: 112
    edited August 2013

    Hi Firecrackers!

    Momx2-sorry for the loss of your mom. Something I know you don't need to go through at this time.

    I am feeling sorry for myself today. This is unlike me, just so you know. My husband left for Sturgis this morning, a trip I was supposed to be on also until this damn cancer popped up.  Didn't want to take a chance that something would go wrong as I have only had one treatment so far-so I am staying home.

    Sorry for my pity party-but I think I am entitled today.

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  • Nocompromises2013
    Nocompromises2013 Member Posts: 292
    edited August 2013

    Lark

    Yes Clarinase in AUS is same as Claritin-D. In USA

    Also be aware those suffering from blurred vision. This can be a side effect of both Claritin and Claritin-D

    Just a thought :)



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  • Rambo50
    Rambo50 Member Posts: 140
    edited August 2013

    Momx2 - I'm sorry I'm late telling you how very sorry I am for the loss of your mom.  You are certainly in my thoughts and prayers!!!

    Sue - I'm doubling up on Claratin (sort of) to hopefully stave off the bone pain I suffered LATE in my first cycle - yes, days 3-5 are supposed to be the painful ones ;-)

    Congrats, 2bluestars!!!  and I'm going to try your remedy for constipation!

    Yesterday, day #3 post round #2 (A/C) was a bummer - achiness to the touch all over and major fatigue.  So far no nausea or mouth sores - just a "full" throat???  A little better today, but feeling sort of poopy and down.  It's a gorgeous Saturday morning here in GA, and I want to go PLAY!!!  But my body's telling me to lay down and rest...  Gotta listen!

    Hugs to you all!!!

    Lynn

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