Starting Chemo May 2008

Just got home from #3...... 2 more to go 2 more to go! this one went especially smooth. One stick, everyone was in a good mood including me... and I didn't cry for the first time! I started to well up but that was it. Onc told me to take 2 aleves about 8 hours beofre I expect the pain to return and that should help alot. And that the pain lessens for most women each time they get taxol. Here's to hoping!

THE POLE DANCE!!!

CHEMOOOOOOOO!!!! I'm done!  I know I still have to go thru se's from this one, but I FEEL DONE!!!

The forest was perfectly cool, so cool I needed a blanket. 

Going for a nap, though.

Love all you guys. 

Karin, 

I didn't WEAR the heels to treatment.  I had them in my chemo bag.  I WORE my flat clark's flip flops which are muy comfortable. 

The crying is a se that happens to me, usually on day 8 counting chemo day as day 1.  I have come to the conclusion that for me, it's bettter out than in, and I just cry when I need to and talk if there's someone there to listen or journal if there isn't.  Crying is actually good for your body.  I know it feels like you are out of control and that can be scary, but I promise nothing bad will happen if you just let go and cry until you're done.  Wish I could give you a hug or a shoulder.  Just know I am thinking of you, k?

Sue 

(Karin, I have two theories: Maybe you're making up for all the times you wanted to cry over the last 4-5 months and there just wasn't a time or an opportunity to let it all hang out.  OR I wonder, too, if there is might be a side effect of withdrawal from the steroids.  Either way, I'm with Sue. I wish I could be there to pat your arm or pass you another Kleenex.)

rock,

the quilt around my waist in pic #1 is being flung thru the air in pic #2.

Love ya, hon. 

And Karin, two giant boobs could be a good thing, but we'd still have only one each! (I don't know how many you have, sorry) 

Jean - I am so sorry for what your mom, you and your family are having to endure with your mom's stroke.  Please know that my thoughts are with you.

I wish they sold Aleve here!!!!!!

Glad things went well Sable!

 Suuuue you look awesome!

Glad it is all over for you.

 karin- I wept a ton in the first weeks after chemo ended. Get the book I mentioned in the prev. post. It may explain some of it. I think it a combo of relief, fear, exhaustion and confusion. 

 Jean, what can I say? What an awful thing to happen when you need your mom.  I am so sorry.

Rock and Jean, watching a parent be ill and the fear of losing them is a horrific thing. You can and you will find your way through whatever comes!  Be sure to try and not let your own health be compromised by the lack of sleep/ not eating etc that this kind of emotional stress can bring. You need to be strong to get through your remaining treatments and to be there for your parents. 

 I carry you all with me wherever I go.

Sue, just got home from work.  You look great, and those ARE CFM shoes.  I want some.  I don't think I could walk a city block with them on but I could just stand in the kitchen cooking some bisquits and gravy in them.  Great job on the completion, and perfect pictures.....HunkyD

Jean, I am so sorry to learn what your mother - and you - are going through.  So sorry.  Please know that we're thinking about you and wishing you well, OK? 

It's just so damn unfair, at a time when we're dealing with our own cancer, to have to face our parents' illnesses (or our children's, or economic worries, etc. etc.), too. 

(I just learned that after almost a year of cardiac watchful-waiting-let's-see-if-more-symptoms-develop, my Dad is going to be having valve replacement surgery at the end of next week.)

Linda

Jean - So very sorry to hear about your mom.  Big {{{{hugs}}}} to you and your family. 

Sue - Wowee girl!!  Those are definitely CFM heels and you look fantastic in them!!  And, yes, the forest was definitely cool -  I needed a blanket, too!

Rock - Hugs to you too for whatever it was that made you cry.  Been weepy myself all day and thought of you as I was holding it back during the infusion. 

Speaking of which, it mostly went better in that I didn't blow a vein and I didn't get nauseated during the infusion this time (they added some benadryl to the pre-meds).  But, my new billing group for my insurance (which was just changed in July) will not let me take my Neupogen shots home.  So that means I have to go to the office every day (except Sunday!) for the next seven days.  Not happy about that and tomorrow some insurance person will be getting an earful!!

Otter, PTS, yes. Dancing in Limbo, yes.You have made it to the top of the mountain, but the air is thin, you're tired and you don't have the equipment to get you down. Your tent isn't that great although it is sheltering you (your body) but it would be nice to patch it up and fix the tears and other stuff. You are wandering up there and you see the beauty, but it would be more beautiful if you had proper gloves, better shoes, a softer hat and whatever else you need to survive. Slowly, things will get better and you will be able to start the slow descent back to normalcy. Meanwhile, we all love you and send you HHHHUUUUGGGGSSSS!

 Roxi, welcome home from taxol...my taxol went in smoothly as well.

Sue, congraats on last chemo. Where is the pole dance. I began thinking about mine today and will continue thinking until the final one.

Cristine, Hope chemooo was good for you. Love you daughter and new avatar.

Sable, you too on avatar and chemoo.

Kristy, phew. Get through the next few weeks...okay?

My blood counts were higher than my oncologist today. Red meat. I have now gained nearly nine pounds. OYYYY. Red meat? Naw...other treats and reading all about your baking and cooking.

Breaking news. Get what my rash is all about? Prickly heat? no

Hives? no.... Get this. I am allergic to steroids...the very ones we've been taking. Too late for this  batch as I took a bunch already but we cut the dose from 60mg to 21 so I am hoping it'll be more mellow. I am not worried about danger...just itchies. Using aloe, hydrocortisone cream, blah, blah, blah. That's it for now. By the way, I think I am beginning to do some hot flashing, but we'll have to talk about that another time. Love you all. Hoping not to "crash" on Saturday...herceptin (first one) tomorrow....talk to you soon. 

KRISTY, No one should have to stay awake just to take meds.

Has anyone had herceptin yet....any fevers, chills or thrills? Good night.

Eddie,

I've had three rounds of herceptin and haven't noticed anything yet I can put my finger on because they have both been with taxol. I'll fly solo with just hercpetin in about a month. Kristy may have more to share.

Noelle~ loving the mo'

My onc won't start me on the herceptin till after my taxol is done. Said there are too many chances for reactions and doesn't want to try and figure out what is causing them. At least I'm getting a 3-4 week brreak between the end and beginning.

my bone pain set in early this time around, so not fair. Was gonna get the house all nice and cleaned up today and have that part done. Grabbed my 2 aleve and hope that it works. :OP

Eddie~ Good luck sweetie!

chemoooOOOOoooo ladies!