Starting Chemo in March 2014

NinaW

YAYAYAYAY Cancerisnotmyfriend!!!! What fantastic news!!!!!  I'm so, so, SO happy for you. Let this be the start of nothing but better and better news for you from this point forward!

Kiwilady, don't you dare blame yourself for not feeling up to working yet. Don't you dare. You're not being graded on how well you handle chemo - if your body is asking you for extra time to work through the side effects, give it all the extra time it needs. And honestly, going back to work when you're not feeling well is pretty much asking for those side effects to hang around far longer than they would have if you'd just taken care of yourself up front.

Have you been in touch with your oncologist's office recently? Maybe it would be a good idea to call and let them know you've still got the nausea and some dizzyness. I hope that even with the nausea, you're managing to keep something down, even if it's just the Boost nutrition shakes or some soup or plain rice or something. The headache could also be because you're not getting enough food into you. I hope you feel better shortly, and that you treat yourself gently in the meantime.

Nurselaura

Thanks Nina for the encouragement, you are our "cheerleader" always one to advocate for us and make the newbies feel welcome. Your detailed posts are a blessing for many of us here!

Laura

Xrayalli

I agree with Laura, Nina, you are an inspiration and your funny, witty, sweet posts are always a pick-me-up. You should be a writer or a speaker or something! Welcome to CancerJourney, sorry you have to be here but we will help you. Our FB group is March 2014 Chemotherapy Group, if you haven't found us yet. I started back to work today, almost made a whole day and my staff were amazing, I have great people rooting for me. See pics in the FB page!

jmg58

I echo the sentiments, Nina!

Alli, so glad that you have such a supportive group at work!  That's wonderful!

Kiwilady, I think someone else said they were not feeling all the way better until day 8-10, so you are not a failure!  Hang in there!  I am hoping tomorrow you will feel a lot better; and don't let work take the center stage!  Do whatever you need to do for your health and to feel better!  

Cancerisnotmyfriend!  I am also cheering wildly at your good news!

Lorbgoo

I agree. Nina you are hilarious. You make me smile when I am so sad, which is a lot of the time. 

Hugs to all. 

Lovemyboysandlabs

Nina--absolutely gorgeous! The wig is incredible! And the short hair looks good too!

I went back to work today for a half day wearing my wig. Even though my hair is still here, I figure I need to get used to it and this way it just looks like I got a hair cut vs. my hair being super short then coming in one day with chin length hair. Everyone said they thought it looked natural. I hope they weren't just saying that. 

Went to the Look Good Feel Better class after work today. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. She gave us each a bag filled with stuff. All bags were different, but to give you an idea, mine had Kiehl's lotion and eye cream, Elizabeth Arden makeup, Smashbox mascara, OPI polish, Lancome face moiturizer, and a lot of other stuff like hand creams, etc. She gave a makeup lesson (so you can go without makeup because you will wash it off anyway) and then showed different ideas with scarves and wigs. It is done through the American Cancer Society, so they are all structured pretty similar I would guess. It was also nice because there were women there at all stages, from just starting out, to well on their way. Nice to chat with others.

I am interested in the Facebook group. Friend request me at Kelly Hawks Dobrowolski and thank you for setting it up!

Hope everyone is feeling good today! I feel the best I have in days, but do have moments where I feel it wash over me, so Kiwilady don't feel bad. It was one week ago today that I had my treatment and I still don't feel 100% Good thing I worked only half day today.

Lorbgoo

wow that sounds like a pretty nice bag you got full of nice things. I plan to go to something like that too. I am going to a support group tomorrow night. 

Lovemyboysandlabs

Lori, let us know how the support group goes. I go next week and I really look forward to it.

brdrcol

Hello, group!  I am new here.  I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction done 02-12-14; I also had my fallopian tubes and ovaries removed last Thursday (03-06).  I am BRCA2 positive and my cancer was triple negative (I don't know if I'm wording that right or not!).  I will start chemo on 03-27 - 4 sessions of AC every two weeks, than the "T" every week for twelve weeks.  The oncologist said that the side effects of the weekly sessions are generally pretty minimal; I hope that holds true for me!

In prep for chemo, I have already scheduled to get my hair cut a week after my first treatment and my wig is waiting for me.  I decided I do not want to deal with waiting for my hair to fall out; I am going to be proactive about it.  I have semi-long, curly hair, but when I was looking at wigs the lady commented that I could have whatever I wanted.  I decided that all my life I have wanted long, straight hair, so that's what I'm going to have!  (Who cares if I'm a menopausal woman pushing 60?!)  I might as well make the best of it.

I am not looking forward to chemo, but it is part of the path to defeat this disease and get it behind me.  I have a strong faith; God has been with me every step of the way, plus I have the blessing of many friends supporting me and praying for me.  I am hoping these discussion boards will be a help and blessing as well.

AKJ

kiwilady, there's no such thing as a chemo failure.  I'm on day 11 after the first treatment and finally feel semi human today.  Don't worry.  Take as much time as you need.

Nina is very pretty and a good cheerleader.

Welcome brdrcol.  Sorry you have to be here but everyone's really nice.

lalala

Hello ladies.  Warm welcomes to the new ladies; it sucks but we are glad you are here   Hope that the rest of you are hanging in there and dealing with SE's if you've already started.  Had my 1st chemo today through a picc line. Two IV pushes and a 40 minute drip on the 3rd drug (after swallowing enough anti nausea drugs to kill an elephant).  Nurse was wonderful (we talked about gardening the whole time). Just home and really hungry so I'll have to test the waters to see what my stomach will take ... really craving a good lasagne with a good red wine; but thinking maybe next week or so for that.  No SE's yet; but only a few hours in so keeping my fingers crossed.  Will also join FB page later today/tomorrow.  Keep fighting the good fight.  I feel good knowing that those drugs are already at work killing C cells.

lgoldie

Well, hey, I got some good news today.  My BRCA tests were negative.    Made me feel so much better for my babes and grandbabes.   Leah

sarahsarah43

Hi all.  I am more of a lurker than a participator, but I am moved to chime in today.  I just got back from my first date with TC.  I was sooooo stressed out yesterday and last night.  But, it was totally okay.  Everyone is really nice.  It didn't hurt.  I have been home a few hours and feel normal.  I know I am just out of the gate and there is more fun to come.  But, to anyone who is sweating over their first chemo appointment, try not to drive yourself too crazy over it.  It was actually kind of boring.  And I even had a reaction to the Docetaxol! That part was exciting.  My heart started beating hard and fast and I felt my face get hot and they swooped in and stopped the iv and gave me some benedryl and steroids and that was it.  A few minutes later they started the drip again.  The reaction part lasted less than 30 seconds.  My husband said my face turned purple red.  He was trying to smile at me at look reassuring. He looked like maniac, grinning and his eyes all bugged out.  Anyway, that little episode broke up the monotony of what otherwise was a not scary, not painful experience.  

So good luck to y'all.  Hopefully the coming week is a breeze.  I hope that for all of us.  

Xrayalli

Sarahsarah-glad you decided to chime in, sounds like you are a trooper and handled your reaction like a pro! 

Our FB page is March 2014 Chemotherapy Group, I don't think group can friend request but will try to find you , Kelly!

CancerVixen

kiwilady - I felt the same way. Day 8 I was still so sick. Day 9 I finally got some energy back and then day 10 was a noticeable improvement. There is no way I could work before that. It is now day 13 for me today and yes I could have dragged myself to work but I'm lucky I have the time and finally got some personal stuff done. Everyone's drugs are different. And the drugs effect everyone differently too. Be nice to yourself! You are a cancer patient! 

Mitzro

Hi Nina, I still have my normal hearty appetite.  I guess that is one thing I was hoping might diminish, but I have always loved to eat.  I am actually kidding....just very thankful I am not really nauseous.  I went to the Look Good Feel Better class today at the Santa Cruz Katz Cancer center and that was a great experience.  They gave us some great makeup (by "great" I mean good brands, like Clarins, Estee Lauder, Lancôme).  The gal doing the makeup instruction had some really good tips about giving yourself a face while you are in the middle of chemo....considering many of us will lose all of our hair....facial, head and body.  If anyone is on the fence about taking part in this class I highly recommend it.  There were also a lot of great women there going through the same thing we are. 

One kind of upsetting thing was talking to the gal that sat across from me who is one treatment ahead of me and said that this good feeling will probably not last.  She was so sweet, but just said to be prepared.  So I will try to prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.

CancerVixen

just to let you all know that anyone that is already a member of the Facebook group can add new members in case I don't get the message timely. 

CaliKiwi

Thanks for all the kind words everyone, it really does help.  Feeling better now than I was this morning, and managed to eat some different foods that I hope will help me get some energy too!

I'll try adding myself to the facebook group.

Nurselaura

Thanks for letting us know lovemyboysandlabs, I am scheduled to attend at the end do the month. Looking forward to the look good feel better class!

Nurselaura

Glad you are OK sarahsarah43, as a nurse of many years I know how it works when they see you are in trouble. The staff is well trained to react and bring you back. I hope the next treatment they pre-med you to prevent this from happening. Make sure you tell the nurse before, just in case.  You are in good hands. Glad you decided to chime in!

Laura

1among3

Nina - your wig looks amazing on you! Absolutely beautiful! What time is your infusion on Wednesday? Mine is at 9:00 am and I'm starting to worry about it! Also, it doesn't help that I'm fighting a little cold too! Ugh! Too bad we don't have the same doctor...because I would definitely sneak in some cookies for us too!

Nurselaura - looks like you, Nina and me have a "date" for Wednesday morning!

Dawn - I just sent you a FB request. Please let me know if you don't see it or get it.

Once again, thank you ladies for your warm welcome and awesome advice! What a great group we have going! Feeling blessed to have found everyone!

Nurselaura

If anyone would like to join the Facebook page March 2014 Chemotherapy group, friend me at Laura Mayo Oka and I can add you to the group. It's just another outlet for us chemo babes!

Lovemyboysandlabs

Laura I just sent you a friend request. Thanks for setting that up! I have decided to keep off Facebook with all of this, not sure acquaintances from high school need to know my personal business. But the private group will be good.

Kiwilady, I have thought I was feeling better many times this past week, only to be knocked down again due to stomach aches, diarreah, etc. Now, I also have pain in my mouth--everything is so sensitive, my taste buds, gums. I bought some of that Biotene and it helps temporarily. My scalp has also started to hurt and feel very itchy maybe I guess a sign that the hair is about to fall out? Anyway, don't knock yourself down because you still feel bad, I am right there with you.

And to boot, I noticed a swollen lymph node on the back of my neck this morning so now I am freaking out about that. I had a scheduled follow up appt. on Thursday, but moved it to today to get this stuff under control. I did have that same node swell before years ago, and the doctor said I was fighting an infection. I can only hope. I mean, my PET scan was clear 2 weeks ago. I am trying to keep positive but it's hard when you are dealing with this. Everything now scares me a bit.

jmg58

lgoldie...great news!!!

sarahsarah and lalala...you are giving me much courage; I start Thursday.  Talked to an Imerman's angel last night....she had a lot of side effects, unfortunately, but said this is doable; I'm hoping to feel good like you all for the first two days so I can at least get home from the hotel/hospital.  Right now I'm still taking Xanax like crazy...I don't know what the heck is wrong with me..I can't get a grip on myself.

My boyfriend's supposed to fly in tomorrow to be with me...but now they predict a winter snowstorm with up to 7-9 inches of snow, so I hope he makes it in and I don't have to do it alone.  They also lost the order for my PICC line insertion early a.m. Thursday so now I may have to do it tomorrow, if they ever call me back.

Mitzro, I have heard a lot of good thinks about the Look Better/Feel Better thing...I'm going to have to check to see if there's one around me! 

Lovemyboysandlab...I bet everything turns out okay; but I know how you feel.  Let us know how it goes...I'm glad you moved the appt. up so you won't have to worry!

Hope everyone's day is good today!

Nurselaura

Lovemyboysandlabs please re sent the Facebook request, I thought I accepted it but can not find you to add to the group. Thanks, Laura

NinaW

Ladies!

I'm honored to be the designated cheerleader/mascot around here :-) You know, it's easy to complain, because OF COURSE this whole situation is miserable. I'm not saying everyone needs to be skipping around all day; we've all earned the right to feel awful and scared and angry, and this is definitely a safe place for all of that. You don't need to pretend that this is a sit-com and none of it is serious. I would just hate to see anyone get lost in dark places for too long. My mom used to say "don't waste your daylight, Nina!", and even though she said it in a really annoying, sing-song voice that made me want to punch things when I was a teenager, it's at times like this that I understand what she meant. So don't waste your daylight, people. Or at least don't waste any more of it than you absolutely must.

brdrcol and sarahsarah43, welcome to the group! Man, I hate that you have to be here, but at least you totally lucked out with the timing because March 2014 Chemo girls are the prettiest, smartest, nicest, girls around. 

Mitzro, please feel free to ignore that girl across from you during your infusion. Yogi Berra said that 90 percent of baseball is 100 percent mental. And yes, he's crazy, but that doesn't make it any less true, and it goes for the cancer game, too. Expect that no matter what happens, you can handle it. Because you absolutely can, and you absolutely will.

Ugh, lovemyboys, a swollen node?? Tell me, does it feel like a hard little knot, close to the nape of your neck? If it's any comfort to you, waaaay before I ever counted the word "cancer" in my vocabulary, I used to get that every single time I was fighting off some kind of viral infection. It'd be pretty unusual for you to have any sort of issue back there involved with the cancer, I'd think, particularly since you just had a clear PET. What's more likely is that you're fighting off an infection of some kind. It's the sort of thing you'd probably never even notice if it weren't for what you're currently dealing with, but it really isn't all that rare. Of course get it checked to ease your mind, but I'm betting it turns out to be nothing serious.

I have laundry to fold, so I'm going to scoot out of here for a while. I always have laundry to fold. If my life were a Greek myth, I'd definitely be Sisyphus, and the boulder I'd be trying to roll uphill would be shaped like a pile of dirty clothes.

DQ77

Nina I love the hair!

Sara--we're chemo twins!  I had my first TC infusion yesterday as well!  Everything went well I think, not reactions, except for I felt super woozy whenever I had to get up to go pee.  I also spent the whole day at the hospital since i'm on the cold cap clinical trial so i got home so exhausted--but I feel much better today.

Laura--just added you via fbook!  

Hope everyone is having a fantastic day

sarahsarah43

Thanks for the warm welcome! 

Nina, I was just talking with my dad about Sisyphus and how I think of him whenever I clean the house!  Laundry and dishes.  Never stops.

Diem, we will have to compare notes.  I always wanted a twin.  That's so cool (ha ha) that you are doing a cool cap trial. 

I'm at the hospital awaiting my Nuelestra shot.  Have been feeling pretty green around the gills since last night.  The anti nausea drugs are keeping it at bay, but I can tell I need them.  Reminds me of morning sickness.  

Last night I was so pumped up with steroids I had a hard time sleeping.  Racing thoughts.  Then I got obsessed with peeing and had to get up and go every 30 minutes for a while. Imagining that stuff in my bladder was really freaking me out.  Stop brain!  Enough outta you!

Wishing all of you calm and peaceful thoughts this evening.  

Lovemyboysandlabs

Well ladies, just got back from the Doctor. I went through my laundry list of ailments, and she gave me suggestions for the next go 'round. Nina, yes that is exactly what that node was, I have had that too in the past, but now when you know you have cancer it just makes you scared at every little thing. She checked it and said the same thing, that she even has one that pops up every so often. 

They told me I was dehydrated, so they plugged into my port and gave me some fluids. What was supposed to be an hour appt. turned into 3. They also checked my white cells and alas they were low, so I had one of 3 shots for that. Not Neulasta, but some other one that is similar and works faster. So I got my Claritin ready for all the bone pain. UGH.  Also got some free samples of this stuff for my sore mouth that is supposed to help ease the pain. 

Here is the "good" news if you can call it that. I lost 6 lbs. in one week. Some women would be cheering about that, but it kind of shocked me.

So about the Facebook group, Laura I just sent you a message.

DQ77

Sarah--I'm glad the anti nausea pills are working for you!  I'm haven't felt nauseous yet so I only took one pill last night but haven't taken anything today.  I'm going to leave in an hour to get my neulasta shot too--not sure if you saw from the other ladies but Claritin D is supposed to help with the bone pain if that's a side effect that you have  I was so exhausted after chemo last night I passed out early...only to wake up at 4am to pee and couldn't go back to sleep =\  But yeah the thought of all the drugs in me is scary--trying to drink 12-14 glasses of liquids a day!

Lovemyboys--I hope the medicine will help with your white blood cells--and good to hear you have the claritin D handy!  My nurse also said that if swish my mouth with baking soda/salt/warm water 3x a day, I shouldn't get any mouth sores so maybe you can try that too.  And yay on the weightloss--but don't worry I think since my diagnosis I dropped 8 lbs and that freaked me out too but then I just ate some more and felt a little more normal.  I actually gained 3 lbs in one day since my infusion!