Starting Chemo May 2008

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  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 6,416
    edited August 2008

    Ok , I see. So the 4 week taxol is just in a heavier/higher dose.. if I can do it. GREAT!.. Hopefully my feet won't fall off...............................grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

    Thanx!

    Laura

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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited August 2008

    Laura DDense Taxol is still a tap dance compared to A/C. Just get the best painkillers you can get.

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  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited August 2008

    Back from onc.  Wbc 1.5, so I have to stay away from the grandkids---ugh!  But I did hug the baby last night for all of you!   Hgb is 9, doc said that if it still down next week, we'd talk about Aranesp, I'm not too sure about it.  She gave me some papers to read about it. 

    I have 2 FEC treatments to go before I start Taxotere, my nurses tell me that it will be a piece of cake compared to the FEC.

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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited August 2008

    Gracie, are you not on Neulasta or Neupagen for the WBC?

     Follow Rock and the meat eating to get the HGB up maybe??

    I had a full body chemo flashback today.... say it ain't so! I know!!!!

    I need a name for that hellish experience. It seems to be related to having heartburn, which is uberhellish at the moment 

     You guys all need to try this FRS drink I keep talking about,it has helped my energy a lot.

     Back to work

    chemoooo!?

     Noelle  

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  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited August 2008

    I get a Neulasta shot the day after each treatment.  Going to try to eat more meat-it would help if I had an appetite and taste buds!  That should be better in a couple of days.

    Hope that everyone else is doing well today!

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  • MsKarin
    MsKarin Member Posts: 647
    edited August 2008

    Have been reading posts but not posting myself. Have been in a really weird place this week. Can't really describe except to say I Cry, Cry and then Cry some more. For NO reason. I spoke about this before about after every treatment on day 4-5 I would be very emotional and gloomy. Well it is now 1 week since last treatment and this weird feeling has not left yet. Is it hanging around longer since it knows it won't get the oppurtunity to make its appearence again?

    Sue - Don't forget to take your camera tomorrow and have someone take pictures of you doing the IV pole dance.

    Enjoy the day, Karin

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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited August 2008

    Hope those WBCs and Hgb climb right back up. 

    I have a confession to make.  The only reason I'm brave enough to make it is that there's already been a no-holds-barred discussion of footwear on the "Road to Hell . . . " thread.  That's because my confession is this: I have not bought a pair of crocs. 

    I was ready to - even marched down to the local shoe store, which was having a big sale - but my daughter shamed me out of it.  She told me, in no uncertain terms, that I was NOT to buy those ridiculous shoes.  And that if I did, she would deny knowing me. 

    Can you believe it? And can you believe I gave in?  I'm not normally concerned about fashion, and have always gone for comfortable shoes over stylish ones, but something in me just couldn't do the Croc thing.  (The thing about my daughter the fashion tyrant is, most of the time, she's kind of right.)

    Thank goodness I have my Teva sandals (which my daughter also hates, but is used to seeing me in and no longer complains about).

    Linda

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited August 2008

    Ok steroids are down for the day... ick...3 more to go 3 more to go.....

    Eddit what time are you in tomorrow? I'm speared at 945am et

    I need to fine me some FM heels for my pole dance LOL

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited August 2008

    my stupidity for the day.....

    Every body Pauses and stares at me
    These hairs are gone as you can see
    I don't know just who to blame for this catastrophe!
    But my one wish on Christmas Eve is as plain as it can be!

    All I want for Christmas
    is thick flowing hair,
    thick flowing hair,
    see my thick flowing hair!

    Gee, if I could only
    have some thick flowing hair,
    then I could wish you
    "Merry Christmas."
    It seems so long since I could say,
    "Sister Susie please cut my hair"
    Gosh oh gee, how happy I'd be,
    if I could only grow some

    All I want for Christmas
    is thick flowing hair,
    thick flowing hair,
    see my thick flowing hair!

    Gee, if I could only
    have thick flowing hair,
    then I could wish you
    "Merry Christmas!"

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited August 2008

    Sable, does FM stand for what I think it does?  If it does, that is hysterical.....in my teen age years we used to wear those damn ugly zip up boots with heels and reffered to those as CFM boots.  Just struck me as funny to hear that again.  HunkyD

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  • sueper13
    sueper13 Member Posts: 1,224
    edited August 2008

    HunkyD and Sable, you are both obviously not in your fifties yet!

    I will wear my PURPLE suede FM heels and do the pole dance tomorrow.  But can somebody please post the link to tim-tams DETAILED instructions on how to post photos?  Sorry, I am very technologically challenged. I promise to read the directions and actually TRY this time.

    Adrienne, love the pacific yew....and yew!  Rock. love the poem.  Sable, love the song! 

    LAST CHEMOOOOOO!!!  9:15 central.....see you in the redwoods.  Can the temperature please be in the 60's?

    Love,

    Sue

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited August 2008

    Gracie -- You and your grandbaby -- what a wonderful photo.

    Karin -- I'm so sorry you are having trouble shaking the blues.  Is there anything we can do to help? Are there any particular thoughts that keep running through your head?  It pains me that the Original Pole Dancer, the poster of some of the funniest photos and videos is sad. I wonder, do you think it might help to pamper yourself a bit? (e.g., sleep in, treat yourself to something or take yourself on a picnic or go horseback riding or something)  I just wonder if sometimes we push ourselves too hard at the very times that we should be kinder to ourselves.  Never underestimate the power of changing all the sheets, arrange all the blankets and pillows extra nice, and then crawling into bed with a good tearjerker movie (I"m partial to Whalerider), a carrot cake, a fork, a big glass of milk, a box of Kleenex and let yourself have a good carrot cake, and a good cry if need be.

    Linda -- Crocless? Sister, we're gonna let it slide. Besides, if you had crocs then you'd be damned near perfect and how annoying would THAT be? : )

    Jen -- Call me psychic but -- perhaps you are missing your thick flowing hair?! (How silly. And heaven knows we could use some more silliness.) And when EXACTLY is your birthday? I don't want to forget it!

    HunkyD:  Have you or anybody else heard of birth control glasses? i.e., those welding/scientist glasses that were so hideous that if you wore them, they served as a form of contraception?  (What's the "C" for?)

    Sue == how are you feeling about the last infusion? I am almost afraid to make a big deal of it because I don't want to jinx it.  (What time do you have it? I want to make sure I'm thinking of you.)  Big hug.

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited August 2008

    Laura,

    I am on DD of taxol and heceptin here in Seattle then the 40 weeks after...give or take. So, four times A/C then four taxols....this second one I get taxol tomorrow to make sure I am not allergic (they say if you're allergic, it shows up first or second) then my first herceptin on Friday. If all goes well, the last two infusions together then a year (40 weeks, give or take...depending on when I go in) of herceptin only.

    Adrienne., LOVE that pacific yew. And it's my neighbor. When this is all over, I'll need directions where to go so I can hug it and I will stepover the fence to do it.

    JD Peaches, welcome. Susan gave you a nice summary of what you may expect. It's a lot to take in, but we will hold your hand. Process at your own pace. Ask questions and know we're right there to help you.

    Women, just cross your fingers that this *&^% (see, I only cuss when absolutely necessary) rash will not delay my infusion tomorrow. Heck, they're going to ply me with steroids and benedryl anyway...if that doesn't knock this rash on it's butt (is that considered cussing? No), nothing will. Okay, so to the Oregon coastal forest with all of us tomorrow. There is a lovely hike between Seaside and Cannon Beach over Tillamook Head. Let's plan on that. So, Jen, Sue, Roxi and Cristine, let's power through this and be at one with our infusions .... how zen.

    I may or may not check in later tonight, but I wish all who went to chemo today a smooth landing and to those of us going tomorrow, I will be thinking of each of you as I step up to the infusion bar. 

    Noelle, set your boundaries. Take your time. Heal at your own pace. Cheers.

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited August 2008

    Sue, I am exactly your era.  So I AM one of the older and challenged here. 

    Rock: Yes, the glasses I have seen every day on Phd's I work with in a government research lab.  The "C" in CFM boots simply stands for Come F#$*k Me boots.  Goes back to a long time ago....just struck me as funny to hear it used again.  HunkyD

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  • ranD
    ranD Member Posts: 373
    edited August 2008

    Hey all,

    Thanks for cheering me up with all your quick wits!

    Okay, something has gone wacko, I cannot stop baking.  In the last 2 days, I have made a blueberry pie, blueberry pancakes, buttermilk pancakes, veggie quiche, tamale pie, chocolate banana cake, and my newest invention, chocolate peanut butter banana cake. I cannot stop! I even went to Safway and bought another 8 pounds of blueberries to make more pie. My fridge and freezer are full and now I am loading up my bf and mil with all this stuff.  This morning, ds walked in and said that he would like to put in an order for molasses cookies while I was at it.

    The bone pain has pretty much settled in my lower back and pelvis.  The darvocet didn;t touch it, so now I have vicodin.  My son said that if I had a cane, and just tossed the pills in my mouth, I could pass for  Betty Crocker-House.  Guess I should add bitchy to my list of SEs..lol

    So, if anyone wants to come over and help me bake....... otherwise, I will be baking for my sistas in the woods this week!

    randie

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited August 2008

    Sue, here's the web address for Timtam's instructions for posting from Photobucket:

    http://tamako.milkcafe.to/luv/bco_photobucket/index.htm

    Yes, I've been feeling gloomy off and on lately.  Partly it was due to the difficulties I was having with certain family members (bless their hearts).  Mostly, though, its because of my worries that the cording in my arm (mast/SNB side) is developing into lymphedema.  As I've probably said too many times by now, I recovered nicely after my mast & SNB in Feb. '08.  I did have some mild cording 4 or 5 wks after the surgery, but by 9 wks, it was gone and I had full range of motion in that arm.  A PT/LE therapist pronounced me LE-free and fully recovered.

    Now, since that last dose of Taxotere & Cytoxan, the cording has reappeared with a vengeance.  It just will not go away, despite stretching exercises that helped last time.  There seems to be a change in the skin and soft tissue under that arm, along where the cord lies, and I don't like the way it looks.

    I have a 6-month recheck appt with my surgeon and a 3-month appt with my onco (and my first post-surgery mammogram!) on Aug. 18.  I found out I'll have to get a new referral from my surgeon to see the PT/LE therapist again, and I need a prescription/orders from my surgeon to get fitted for all the appliances I'll have to wear and use if this does turn out to be LE.  I looked at some photos of women wearing compression garments.  The "vest" reminds me of a medieval corset--it's full of elastic and pads and velcro.  One of the arm devices (I don't even know what it's called) looks like those protective sleeves dog trainers wear when they're teaching attack dogs to bite them--only it goes from the fingers all the way up to the armpit.

    So, yes, I am not too happy right now.  It was bad enough to lose a boob (Rock, I'm not always happy about my decision); and then to go through chemo and lose my hair and most recently all my eyelashes and eyebrows (BTW, my fingernails aren't looking so great right now, either); and then to go on Arimidex and have the last picograms of estrogen taken away ... but now I may be looking at a lifetime of wearing heavy, padded, elasticized "garments" on my left arm (from knuckles to cap of shoulder) and possibly on my torso as well.

    Sheesh.  Maybe I'll move to Alaska and hang around Deb C.  At least it won't be so unbearably hot under all that padding.

    (OK, I'm feeling sorry for myself, even before I know for sure there is anything to feel bad about.)  I HATE BC!  IT SUCKS!

    otter 

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited August 2008

    randie, where do you live?  I'll be right there.  Keep the light on.

    otter 

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited August 2008

    HunkyD... that's exactly what I meant by it ROFL! I was hoping that I wouldn't have to explain that one <blush>

    Rock.. it's the 13th... I'm shooting for 21 again, I deserve it right???

    Sue I'll be thinking of you as well come tomorrow... WOOOHOOOOOO! I'll considering my pole dance but haven't decided yet... I still have plenty of time.

    Linda... suck it up and go get yourself a pair! I tell ya as fugly as they are... they are priceless in the relief you get from them.

    ChemoooooOOOOOoooooOOOOoooo!

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  • ranD
    ranD Member Posts: 373
    edited August 2008

    otter, lake tahoe area of northern california, I'll leave the porch light on tonight! sorry about all the after effects.  I thought that life is all rosy the minute treatment stops. what? they lied about that as well????

    I bought a baby blue fugly mary jane style croc-off.  The clogs were too big for my feet, but i wanted them!!!!

    CHEMOOOOOOOOO

    ran 

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited August 2008

    Otter sweetie, I totally understand where you are coming from. I have padding that I wear daily under my bra and a bit more that I wear at nite. It goes under my armpit scross my chest and up towards my neck. Plus I wear an underarmour shirt for a tad bit more compression and to hold it all in place. It sucks... it ROYALLY sucks. My LE lady has been trying to make me wear a sleeve and I refused. They had me wear a temporary one at first and me made me swell up above and below it horribly and I took it off. I do take weekly measurements on 3 spots on my arm (it has gone down from the beginning and is staying down). My chest occasionally on the mast side gets puffy and I do my MLD daily in the shower and on bad days once more at nite. I am surprised they said that you were cured. I was told that it will always be there no matter what. It sucks. Maybe you just need a few more drainage massages and it will go back down.

    <squish>

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited August 2008

    Oh, good grief.  I submitted that long and sorry post about how gloomy I was feeling, and how it was mostly due to my concerns about changes in my arm (possible lymphedema) on my mast/SNB side ...

    ... and I totally forgot the other reason why I'm feeling sad lately.  I am SICK AND TIRED of having to draw prosthetic eyebrows and eyelashes on my face!   This is getting old, people!  Rock, you are so kind--I do appreciate all the helpful advice about brow powder and which shade might work best, etc.  It's just not me.  I'm not used to wearing face paint.  I cannot make it look like me.

    And I want so much to be me again.  I feel fine now, physically; and all my aches and pains are gone (and Arimidex hasn't delivered any new ones).  I've even felt optimistic and encouraged about stuff lately--my dh and I are actively planning trips for next year.  (There was a time a few months ago, when that didn't seem possible.)

    Heck, this year from hell (or the first 7 months from hell, anyway) is starting to seem like a blurry memory, or a bad dream from which I've finally awakened.  But, when I look in the mirror, I still see a cancer patient.  Maybe I need one of those Look Good, Feel Better classes after all...

    My dh and I got home today, after having been gone for 2 full weeks to visit my family.  Maybe that trip was too long.  It is nice to be home.  Aaack!  The weather lady just noted that the high today in Montgomery, AL, was 98 degrees.

    otter 

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited August 2008

    Lucy I'm home! Taxol #3 was uneventful but Seaside and Canvas beach was beautiful. Counts were good, sat in my chair from 9:00 to 3:00 watching the Brett Favre saga. That's all I've been seeing. I'm sure the movie will be out soon, or at least his book. Fell asleep a few times. Overall, pretty good day. My next taxol will be the last so I'll be referred to the radiation Onc to consider radiation. I'll do whatever they think is best, but will probably have it done close to home so I'll get a script to a local hospital for that. 

    RanD-I've been baking too! I finally found a recipe for those chocolate chip banana muffins and brought them in to the nurses today. They loved it! I told them I'm baking for my graduation ceremony as well. Betty Crocker House, LOL! 

    Sable, love the song. I'm stuck having Christmas this year so yes, hair would be a treat. My family trades off and I'll have 18 for dinner. Yeah, can't wait. 

    Sue....Yeah on last chemo. Good luck girlfriend. 

    Laura, yep DD Taxol, a cake walk compared to A/C for me too.

    Gracie, love your new avatar. You look beautiful and what a bundle of joy.

    Linda, no crocs for me either. My girls both have them and I tried them, just not me. They are cute though.

    Adrienne, love the pics. Kiss the tree for me.

    Welcome peaches, ask away. Everyone has different treatments regiments and we've been through it all.

    Karin, hang in there, school will be back in session soon. I think you're missing those darn students and that's what's adding to your frustration. Those smiling faces will definately cheer you up (I sure hope so).  

    Otter, I wish I was there to give you a big hug. Hugs for some reason seems to helps. I know this is a temporary set back for you because you've always been such a wonderful, caring person always saying the right thing. I so look up to you for inspiration. I hope you can find a way to ease your pain quickly. Hopefully the therapy will ease the cording and LE. We all love you and are here for you, I just wish I could do more. CANCER SUCKS!!!!  What can we do to ease your pain? I think RanD needs to send baked goods, Ellenoire, some of her beauty treatments and producst, and someone makes homemade soap, name escapes me, damn chemo brain. Try the Look good, feel better class, you never know.

    Jen, Christine, Sue and Eddie... good luck tomorrow. Eddie, I'm sending positive thoughts and prayers that your rash clears up. 

    P.S. Where's Kristy Anne???? You doing okay girl?

    Good night all, Mary 

      

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  • jdpeaches
    jdpeaches Member Posts: 24
    edited August 2008

    Thanks Susan for all your helpful info. I'm going to read your post several times as I learn more about what I'm going to be taking.  I did find the August 08 thread last night and we've already started getting to know eachother.  I appreciate all your suggestions.  I've learned a lot the last few days but I have a long way to go.  I will pop in occasionally to get some advise from the experts.  I'll be praying for all of you. 

    Good night

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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited August 2008

    otter, You likely know this, but I have read that the end of chemo has been likened to PTS for some people.

    I am far behind you in the apres chemo trip, but the first few days I knew I needed to know more about how I felt emotionally. I was pissed that I was not dancing in the streets. I knew my body would be slow to recover, but I expected to feel differently. I am reading a book called 'After Breast Cancer' by Hester Hill Schnipper. The first chapter 2 or 3 chapters helped a lot. The writer ( who has had BC twice) really "gets it" The rest, is really good info.

     The mirror is certainly an evil reminder that this crap is far from over.

    As for the makeup, this morning I tried a little bronzer on my face and a simple lip gloss and gave up on the eyes completely. I felt a little more human. My finger nails are a train wreck too.  

     Karen, and anyone else ready to read about the end of chemo/ beginning of the rest of your life... you should read it too.  

    RanD, I always bake to relieve stress. This week, I am making jam. 

    Sue!!!!! Chemoooooooo!!!

    Sable, Eddie- you too Chemooooo!

    Did I miss anyone??  Chemooo to anyone up tomorrow!

    I own many pairs of CFM boots, but I do not own any Crocs!  

     ;p

     Chemoooo! Noelle  

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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited August 2008

    here is a kind of useful link to all the Canadian Look Good Feel better makeup tips.

      http://www.lgfb.ca/eng/guides/guide_en.pdf#page=10
     

    Night y'all, I have a nutty day tomorrow.

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited August 2008

    Well...I just had the day from hell, and my chemo's tomorrow.  I'll be relieved to go there and not to work.  Otter and Karin - I hear you with the tears because they all came out at work today.  I think they finally got it that "Cristine might be a tad stressed.  Maybe we should help her..."  And can I just say if one more person tells me what to do or how I should feel about something, I will NOT hesitate to hit them smack on the head with my shovelpower!  Randie, I really think I need something baked and sweet - can we meet halfway??

    So I'm really looking forward to the peaceful forest tomorrow, but with waaaaay more (or different) antinausea meds than last time.  I have a feeling my dh will be bringing the laptop, so I will try to check in from the "cool-rushing-stream-side". 

    Roxi - glad yours went well.  Hope the se's stay away!!

    Rock and Jen - Love your creativity ~ wish I could find mine!  Can't remember where I put it...

    Oh, oh, here's an example as to how I'm losing it - forgot to fill out my time off request for tomorrow!  HA!  I would have been considered AWOL (yes, they really call it that) and possibly have been put on suspension...hey...there's an idea...

    Sorry I'm a bit of a downer...Chemoooooo!!!

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited August 2008

    Just woke. Insomnia was bad. I'll be functioning on 2.5 hours of sleep at work today. Thank god I slept in the chair yesterday. I'll be totally useless I'm sure. Christine, love you new avatar, I hope they get you some help at work. Mine seems to be working out, good luck to you and everyone else today. Who's afraid of the big bad wolf? Stay together....don't wander off the trail. 

    Thanks Ellenoire for the book suggestion, I'll check it out. 

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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited August 2008

    Chemooo in the woods everyone!

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  • familyroks
    familyroks Member Posts: 575
    edited August 2008

    Eddie, Jen, Sue, Roxi & Cristine - Good luck today.  Enjoy the relaxing setting of the Pacific forests!

     Chemooooooo Girls!!

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited August 2008

    Hi Everyone,

     Im still around- discovering just how much 9 days in the hospital takes out of me in terms of energy and everything else. I am doing fine with my at home IV stuff- basically I have a regular IV in my arm but it has a long tubing and then I have pre-measured syringes of stuff(saline, antibiotic and heparin) that I put in every 8 hours. Its a little routine where I clean the table and do everything in a certain order with specific cleaning techniques to be able to take the meds at home. I go back today to have the IV checked by the nurse- came home with 25 treatments and am now down to 17- YEAH!

    Im glad someone else is baking becuase I lost the energy- Im glad the freezer has food or my family would starve right now.

    Today is my Thursday off- decided not to do any herceptin or chemo today while Im dealing with the antibiotics. Last chemo should be next Thursday!!!!!

    My daughter is having jaw surgery on Monday - I know, terrible timing BUT hers has been planned for two years- its one of those orthodontist and oral surgeon work together for two years to get everything in place- so we are procceding. Shes a strong kid and I have my mom to help out with her care and her little brothers.

    This has definitely been the summer from Hades! 

    Kristy 

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