Starting Chemo December 2015

Twirp26

thanks girls!! Stay tuned for the next shirts;) lol. They are funny. Trying to keep my humor and lose the tumor;)

KrisCrzala

Twirp - love the shirt!!! Going online to find one. You must have a great sense of humor. It helps.

Sammy - I'm having major skin dryness on my cheeks and chest. The Lindi products worked really well for you? I'm using Aquafor (I think that's how you spell it} but my face is still really dry. Do you have to order those products online??

Lou - hope SEs get better. I had major constipation and didn't keep up with it so I had some stomach issues. Will stay ahead of it on my 2nd treatment. Try to stay positive. Hopefully things will get better for you.

Smurfette - you look awesome and beautiful!!

My levels got down to .6 so they put me on antibiotics so hopefully tomorrow they go back up. I'm scheduled for my 2nd treatment next Thursday and I don't want it delayed for any reason. I want to get this done!! I get so fatigued every day around 1:00 pm and have to lay down to rest for about a 1/2 hour or I am beat by the end of the day. I wasn't doing that before so I'm not sure if that's why my levels got so low?? Not sure. Thank God I work for my Mom so I can take that break!!

Got my prosthesis and wig yesterday. Love my new fake boob!! Makes me feel whole again. Sometimes I forget I have breast cancer and had mastectomy because I feel so good, then the fatigue sets in and I undress for the day. My hair hasn't starting falling out yet but I know it's around the corner. Tomorrow is day 14 so it's creeping up. Everytime I feel tightness in my head I think "Oh my God, it's happening." LOL I'm not as scared as I was before because I got a really nice wig and it looks just like my current style. Hopefully it's comfortable and not very hot. I heard so many negative things about wigs so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Maybe I'll like rocking the baldness?!

This is such a positive group. It's so nice to see everyone supporting each other and sharing the funny stuff. It brings a smile to my face everytime I read the posts. Even on the bad days!!

I have 2 weeks done already and only 22 more to go!! Yipee!! Stay positive and keep smiling.

Smurfette26

Thanks Queen_Celeste. Love your funky blue wig.

Sorry you have been feeling so awful Lou53. Chemo hasn't treated me kindly either and some days I wonder how I will get through it. I just had treatment number 3 on Tuesday. I didn't get a Neulasta shot with chemo 1 and ended up in hospital on IV antibiotics. My temperature got high again after infusion 2 and I am still taking oral antibiotics. Are you closely monitoring your temp? Febrile Neutropenia can be a very serious condition. The middle week seems to be the worst for me, when I'm "down" off the steroids. My Oncologist has kept me on them a little longer than day before, day of and day after infusion and I am "coming down" more slowly off them. Seems to help me a little though they have their own side effects. I find my breast nurse more helpful than my Oncologist to be honest and she's far more accessible. Hope you find some relief and are feeling more comfortable soon. Look after yourself. Hugs, Donna.

Your shirt is so cool Twirp26.

Sammy3

I have never seen the Lindi stuff in stores, but I am not sure if maybe it would be in higher end stores? I just looked online, and it looks like the kit my friend sent me was a $30 sample pack. I don't think it will last too long, but its at least enough to know if I want to buy any of it.

Freakedout4sure

hi there just jumping in for encouragement! I just had my 3 rd chemo on Monday dec 21 my last one will be January 11! Cytoxan snd taxorene 4 treatments started on November 4.

So happy to have one left! Hang in there everyone! We don't like it, but we can do it!

Sandy,

CyndiNic

I just had Taxol #3 today......and my 10 year old comes home from school with a temp of 101.5 and a sore throat. I am divorced with my ex living nearby - seriously considering sending her to her fathers after the doctors tonight but feel guilty doing that. Am I over reacting?

Sammy3

oh CindiNic Iam sorry to hear that!!! Do you have a good relationship with your ex? I almost would ask. Other than that - just wash your hands like crazy!

Lyra10

that's fantastic!!!

Lyra10

I shaved my head so that I wouldn't have to go through the "fall-out" phase. Thanks for the compliments on my wig. I submitted to insurance also because they will cover 80% & it's called a prosthesis, I also got a boob prosthetic that is really good! If your insurance covers it do it! My 1st round the smells were bad too!

Have a Merry Christmas everyone, we can get through this.

Lyr

Anonymous

Just wanted to share, maybe help ease some minds...

1st Chemo Dec. 22, 2015

Sequence of events: Access port, no problem or pain. I did use the lidocaine cream 2 hours before my appointment, slathered it on and covered it with saran wrap. 1st they hung saline, then tarteted drug Perjeta for 1 hour. Then 1 hour of observation for any reactions. All good. Then they hung taregeted drug Herceptin, took an hour. By this time, though, I'm full of extra liquid and had to unplug myself and lug my stuff to the potty twice, lol! This I would repeat many times during the long day. I'm 59 and when I got to go I got to go! I made sure that I wore a poise pad just in case and I'm glad I did. So then comes the bad boy, Taxotere. Before I could have this major drug, the hair stealer, I had to have two separate bags of anti nausea medicine and steroids. I did not get the name of them but I will next time. That took probably 30-45 minutes to drain those then the nurse hung the Taxotere which took a full hour and a half + bathroom breaks. After the Taxotere came Carboplatin for another hour. Then flush port, add a Herceptin block so it does not clot, remove needle, and off we went. After another potty trip! This was an 8 hour in the chair day. The rest will be at least 2 hours shorter because they can drip faster since I tolerated it well. The next two weeks will be short 30 minute appointments of Herceptin only drips, then another long 4 drug infusion. And so on for the next four and a half months. Make sure to bring snacks and drinks with you, my little pillow was a blessing. They have wifi and blankets, comfy reclining chairs, and room for a friend.

This morning I feel...not too bad! A bit shaky, no nausea. Hungry from all the steroids I think. So glad to have the first one behind me I'm extremely comfortable with the chemo nurses, my Dr., and his treatment plan. What a relief! Hang in there ladies I'm with you in spirit!

chinacat

cyndinic - you're not overreacting and you shouldn't feel guilty. It would be worse if you ended up in the hospital. The best thing you can do for your child (children) is take care of you! As mothers, it's hard to think this way, it's notinstinctive, but this winter is different! Stay strong!

Twirp - great shirt and great attitude✌🏼️&❤️

demarie

Plain Claritin started 2 days before infusion and ended up taking it 3 days afterward

mvspaulding

twirp, love the shirt and your attitude

Cyndi, I don't think that's an overreaction. you can't take care of your child if you get sick.

Birdie, you sound like you will have quite an ordeal each treatment. Hope you keep that great attitude and have minimal side effects.

Kris, sounds like we are on the same schedule. My second will be next Thursday too. I also saw my levels drop after ine week follow up. I think they are coming back because I was able to work a full day yesterday and today. I finished my z pack they gave me but still have a nagging cough. Hope my counts recover fully before next infusion. Still have my hair and hoping to at least get through Christmas with it.

Twirp26

cyndinic, I agree with Chinacat! She put it best! No guilt! Take care of you. My 9 year old daughter is coughing and she loves to sleep with me. I told her I'm sending her away if she is coughing all night😷😷😷😷😷. I did the deed tonight. Shaved the head. It was hard but in a strange way I feel powerful. I spent 45 minutes in the bathroom, checking my wig and scarf options. 🤔 Involved the kids and it kept me strong! I feel like I jumped a hurdle tonight:) thanks for the shirt compliments you have all been so supportive!!! Sending positive vibes your way!!

Smurfette26

OMG Birdie56 What a very long day for you. Must have been draining. Will never complain about my 3 hours in the chair.

So lucky at my infusion centre here in Aus. Don't really need to take anything much in the way of snacks. They supply lovely sandwiches for lunch. Yoghurts, Ice Creams, Biscuits, Fruit, Cakes, Cold Drinks, Tea, Coffee. Just help yourself. No charge.

chinacat

some inspiration for my chemo sisters💪🏻

Noni

70 degrees in Philly today. Perfect temp for early morning chemo.

Merry Christmas Eve ladies.

Twirp26

Noni,I heard you have some warm weather up that way!! We have family in Johnstown, Pa and Rochester, NY!! Good luck today!!! Knock another one out!!!

Twirp26

and Chinacat, LIVE THAT ONE!!! I took a screen shot😉 KEEPER!

Lyra10

Twirp26 didn't it help when you took control. We have so little control during this journey. Looks great!!!

Ladies I've been using the Lindi soothing balm on my head and it's super soft and the lady that helped with my wig suggested Acure Organic lotions. I have been using some samples and it's really good. A little less expensive than Lindi.

Merry Christmas Eve

mvspaulding

Anyone get their period while on chemo? I was hoping that would be the one benefit I would get from this but it showed up two days ago and I feel crummy. Called my MO nurse to see if I could use tampons because it's pretty heavy and they say no. They were also a little concerned about my bleeding during chemo taking down my RBC and platelet count. Ugh! Christmas Eve and I have a lot to do and don't feel like doing anything.

Anonymous

So I had my Neulasta injection 24 hours after my first 4 drug, 8 hour chemo session. Injection yesterday st 4 PM. Today, since morning, not feeling good. Arms and legs very achey. Cannot eat or stand the smell of food or much else. Not even my beloved dogs! I am on the Claritin morning/ Benedry evening recommended by my nurse. However, I have had severe Fibromyalgia for almost 5 years so you'd think a new pain wouldn't be so bad. A different sort of pain I suppose. I hoped my fibro meds would help with this, and maybe it is. Thanks ladies, and have, a lovely Christmas!

Twirp26

Lyra10, YES!!! It is so crazy because while emotional it really did make me feel powerful. I am trying to grasp my new look and reality;) I also got the Lindi sample pack. I Just started using it yesterday so I'll let you know my review soon.

Mvdpaulding, don't over do it. Christmas will still go on. Take it easy!! My view is, " I am getting better for next Christmas." We are still incorporating our traditions but taking it back a notch;) using tubed cookie dough not home made, got the star sparkle for our door lights instead of stringing them up;) ( that might just be lazy) lol!!!! Only do what you feel up to doing. That's my opinion;) enjoy hearing from you all! I look forward to these posts everyday!! Keeps me motivated!!

Lyra10

Darn that period for coming mvsoaulding, I'm hoping for the same thing we shall see. You know what I'm doing today nothing! Al done with shopping and luckily my husband is the cook and it's just the three of us so tonight is taco night! Tomorrow is also my hubbys birthday so I will be taking him out to dinner, seriously I can't cook anything, and already have a sitter lined up!

Sammy3

Yep I got my period also. It came about 1 week after my 1st chemo, what fun. I heard we wouldn't get periods, but apparently my body (and yours) decided to do 1 last hurrah, lol.

Noni

I got my period days after my bilateral mastectomy in 2008. It wasn't due but my doctor mentioned that it's common. Our bodies go into shock and strange things happen.

I haven't had my period in over a year, so I am curious if I will see her again. I got the lecture from my MO about being careful not to get pregnant. We haven't used b/c in forever!

Sammy3

From what I was told, and also from a couple friends who have been down this path - it comes back if you are pre-menopausal. So most of all of these things our bodies are going through are temporary. My one friend told me not to throw away the feminine product stash. I had to laugh about your pregnancy comment - we kinda heard the same thing. But after all the poking prodding, surgeries, chemo, etc etc....um I really don't feel like having sex. Maybe that will change?!?

Noni

I have found myself buying pads again, thanks to coughing-so-hard-I-pee-myself. I carry a change of clothes with me wherever I go.

Karenbo

My labs were back up today! Woot Woot! (Thanks to a week off and the Neupogen injections). I was able to have chemo # 3 today and it went well. 9 more to go!

Twirp26 - Love the new look and your awesome shirts! Great idea to do a mohawk first. You are beautiful in all the pictures. I appreciate your humor and wit. Laughter is great! Loved your comment about the "bluewomen"!

Lyra10- Your wig looks great. You are beautiful! And good for you for taking it easy for Christmas!

CyndiNic - I agree with the others. Take care of yourself; staying healthy is the best thing for both you and your daughter. Hope she gets better soon and that you stay healthy. Sorry she's sick over Christmas.

Lou53 - Sorry you've had a rough time. Hope your SE get better soon! Keep sharing your concerns with your MO. There are things to help reduce the SE and maybe even other chemo/treatment options for you.

Chinacat- Love your short hair cut! And I love the quote. Thanks for sharing!

Smurfette - Keep rocking the bald in your hot summer weather. You are beautiful. And sounds like you are blessed with a supportive husband. I know that makes a world of difference!

Rbylake - Sorry about the neuropathy; hope the other type works like a charm for you!

To all my December Chemo Buddies - I received a great text from a good friend. It's applicable to ALL of us, so decided to share.... "Stupid cancer cannot mess you up. You are beautiful with blonde, brunette, bald, curly, straight, short, long, thin, or even comb-over hair ...Any which way! This will only make you stronger and MORE beautiful!"

Wishing all of my beautiful chemo buddies a very Merry Christmas!!!!! God bless!

NewDay123

Hahaha Twirp26, keeping the humor and losing the tumor! Love it!!