Anyone starting chemo in Aug. 08?
Comments
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deanna, what exactly are the guided imagery CD's? That sounds interesting.
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Hi, Peaches ~ You can find them at http://www.healthjourneys.com. It's a combination of relaxation music, affirmations and positive imagery. For example, the surgery one has you envision, among other things, the operating room with competent professionals preparing for your surgery, and angels hovering above, watching over you. The chemo one talks about a spring of healing liquid. Their website has little audio clips you can listen to, and you can download directly to an MP3 player. I think they've been a huge help to me. Deanna
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Deanna - THANKS for the info on the guided imagery CD's. You are so fortunate to get your tx at UCLA. They are realy cutting edge under the guidance of Dr. Slamon and as an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center you will know every treatment available is there for you as well as clinical trials. It would have been my first choice for tx but finally convinced my onc that Adriamycin was not on the menu for me due to Dr. Slamon's studies and my long family hx of cardiomyopathy. I also have HTN and take multiple meds to control it. Thankfully we finally agreed on Taxol/Cytoxin x6 and the care at my NCI center is outstanding.
Teresa-Annette - Delays in tx are always a little disappointing. Sorry you had to go through it. Steroids are usually given the day before tx and three days following tx as well as during the pre-med IV infusion for the Taxanes (except Abraxane). A call to your onc's office would be a good idea since the SE's are NO FUN and you might be taking them unnecessarily. Wishing you an SE free tx!
Alibug05 - SO SORRY about the nausea you've been experiencing. Did you use Emend for anti nausea? I SWEAR by it! NO nausea, vomiting or even quesiness and no other anti nausea meds. Wishing you and all my sisters here an SE free week!
Nico.
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Emend didn't even touch my nausea! How funny! I had three different meds and none of them worked. I'm going to ask for Kytril as a friend swears by it.
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MamaShift - we were diagnosed same day. What chemo are you taking again? If I recall we are both on all 3, Taxotere, Adriamycin, and Cytoxan? Keep me posted on how it's going as I am only 1 week behind you. Today is the first day in 3 I haven't felt like i was in a fog. Going to follow up with surgeon today on SNB and mediport placement surgery which was done on the 24th. No breast surgery yet as the goal is to shrink the tumor site and then do a smaller lumpectomy. Fingers crossed!!
Stacy
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Not so much nausea now so hopefully that is over - I was given the Compazine for it but it made me like a freaking zombie!!!!! I already don't feel like myself so the zombie feeling wasn't good either!!!!!! Feeling ok today - came in to work for a while so we will see how it goes - hubby thinks I should have stayed home but I was home ALL weekend and was ready to get out!!!!!! I know I am starting out early by asking but has anyone had anything with their hair yet - I swear I just want to shave it so I don't have to worry about it every little second!!!!!!!!!!!
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Nico ~ Yes, going to UCLA was the BEST thing I've ever done. We have excellent docs and medical facilities locally, so it took a lot of convincing to get me to go for a second opinion, but I am so grateful I did. I would encourage anyone who is not completely satisfied with their doctors or tx, or anyone newly-dx'd, to check the list of NCI-designated cancer hospitals. UCLA, for example, does a multidisciplinary clinic at their Revlon Breast Center for women who have already have some treatment. All the doctors (surgeon, onc, rad onc, psychologist) rotate to see you in one afternoon, thoroughly review your current treatment, and give you a written report that you can take back to your current doctors. I ended up having a much better MRI (bigger equipment) than I'd had earlier, and even an MRI-guided biopsy, which found 2 additional malignant lesions in the same breast I'd already had the lumpectomy. They take the team approach to a level that's hard to explain until you experience it first hand. And they never rushed me into doing anything.
If anyone needs it, here is a link to NCI designated cancer centers:
https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/factsheet/FactsheetSearch.aspx?FSType=1.2
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MamaShift, you mentioned that your mom lives in Portland, Oregon. About 4 hours drive or 1/2 hr flight from Portland is the Harmony Hill Retreat near Seattle, Wa. This would also be of interest to anyone living in the Northwest. Harmony Hill Retreat hosts free of charge 3 day weekends for people with cancer and they have a special retreat spceifically for women with breast cancer which is held several times a year. They have a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. There is absolutely no charge for these 3 days. They are located on several acres of woodland. There is good natural food and various activities such as yoga & meditation, walks, etc.
I pasted a paragraph here: http://www.harmonyhill.org
Welcome to Harmony Hill Harmony Hill offers a range of programs open to the public emphasizing individual wellness, stress reduction and sustainable living. Revenue from our wellness and rental programs goes to support our cancer programs, which are offered at no cost to the participants. The heart of Harmony Hill's mission is to serve those with a cancer diagnosis and those who love them.
Harmony Hill's cancer retreats are weekend residential programs that help those facing cancer, and their loved ones, cope with the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of cancer.
Through stress reduction skills, guided imagery, daily support groups for learning and sharing, yoga, and massage, participants facilitate their own healing and restore quality of life.
Participants are treated to delicious, whole-foods meals, and opportunities for relaxation and renewal in a tranquil retreat environment of gardens, nature trails, beach access, and spectacular mountain and water views. All Harmony Hill cancer programs are offered at no cost to participants.----------------------------------------------------------
Anyway just something I thought you might tell your mom about if you think that she would be interested. It is not far from Portland.
As for me, still queasy with nausea. I am getting suppositories today for that. So far nausea is my only S/E from chemo.
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Alibug ~ Thank you so much for pointing out the possible link between Compazine and that awful zombie-like feeling, which I had really bad on Day 3 & 4. I'd just assumed it was from the chemo, so was happy to learn from you that it might have been the Compazine, which can possibly be changed. On the positive side, Aloxi (IV) + Zofran (oral) + Compazine (oral) = almost no nausea for me.
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Nico
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GOOD NEWS! Just back from follow up with breast surgeon and he confirmed what I suspected...significant shrinkage (upon palpation) of the tumor site in less than one week from first chemo! Apparently it is doing what it is suppossed too! Must be why my nipples got sooo huge the end of last week.
Alibug - I too am becoming obsessed with the hair thing. I am shaving it off as soon as I feel the first twinge or see the first clump. Bought sevearal matching bandannas for my DH, 3 kids and I when I do it. DH is shaving his head too as soon as he returns from being in a wedding end of next week. Don't think the bride would appreciate it if he did it before - even though my hair should be gone by the time he gets back! My 8 yr old son wants too also, but I just cant bring my self to let him do it with less than 2 weeks until the first day of school. It will be hard enough to take a bald mommy to school much less look bald yourself. Great kid though! 2 Daughters wouldn't be caught dead considering shaving it off, not that I would bring it up or ask them too. But, they have made their thoughts known...You don't want to be bald too? Yeah, well neither does Mommy! Older daughter said, You do get to wear lots of cute hats and bandannas though, can I have them when you're done? 5 year old said - Just get a WIG!! Not in this sticky Texas heat! I am lucky to have 3 great kids and an awesome hubby! He doesn't even want me to do dishes or laundry. Funny, just a few weeks ago he acted like he didn't know where the laundry room was or what dishwashing soap was for!
Stacy
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It is AMAZING how hubbies can come through for us!!!! Mine has been a god-send and as much as I want to complain about stuff - I can't - I KNOW it has to be hard on him to see me going through so much - I have always been the tough one - never sick - always taking care of everyone else. I can't imagine having to watch him go through this - BUT I WOULD!!!! Mommy3abm my kids are pretty funny too!!!! My 9 year old wouldn't be caught dead shaving HIS head - he really takes A LOT of pride in what he looks like and I LOVE that about him and my 13 year old daughter - OMG she would just die. They don't seem overly concerned about me losing mine other than I KNOW I will look sick and I am pretty sure my 9 year old will fall apart for a spilt second. But they are prepared as they can be and I guess I am too. My hubby too wants to shave his head and my brother-in-law - Gotta love em for it but I told hubby I like his hair!!!! LOL Stuck it out at work all day but didn't do much!!!! This taste change stuff SUCKS!!!!!! Hope that goes away sometime SOOOOOOON!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AMEN on the taste change SUCKING!!!! Grandy's chicken fried steak and brown gravy, mashed potatoes and green beans...STILL GOOD!! May become my meal of choice!
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Hey Girls,
I took a little break from posting these past two days, but I have been reading everyone's posts.
I am at the end of day 12 and feel good-still having the drink and food taste changes. I hope my WBCs are cranking after that Neulasta shot last Thursday. I go again this Thursday to check the #-if they are good, I can go for another expander fill. I can only do three more of those to reach the max amount of 300 cc's. I don't want to be any bigger than a small B. I have been mourning the upcoming loss of my hair-just some strands coming out. Sometimes I think-what decision have I made? This is something I thought I would never have to deal with-but reality is setting in. tomorrow, I go for the wig fitting/trim with my two girlfriends. I am thinking about wearing it out to dinner afterwards to get used to the feel. I have to start work-school next Monday, and I am definitely planning on wearing it from Day 1.
Welcome to all the new friends. I think I will have trouble keeping up with everyone's schedule now, so just post when you are going, what type, and what # you are on.
Alibug-you are following right behind me!! I am suppose to go again on the 21st for round 2/4.
Deanna-can't believe you are in Bermuda Dunes. My DH and I go to Palm Desert every year around Easter-too funny! Maybe we could meet up at that time. I love it out there. I am a big sun worshipper!!
~Misty
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Thought I just as well join you instead of just reading everyone's posts. I am married with three sons, 19, 17, and 8. Just moved the 19 y/o back to college, he's a health science major. My first treatment was July 31st. T/C every three weeks x's six, then radiation. Not much side effect other than tired and achey all over. Waiting on the hair loss. I have LOTS of long dark hair. Day 14 to 17 they say? Best wishes to all.
Kim
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Hi, Kim! Welcome aboard! Glad you took the plunge and joined in. I'm also a newbie here, but we all have so much in common, you can't help but feel at home quickly.
Misty ~ What a riot that you've heard of Bermuda Dunes. Yes, I would love to meet up with you the next time you're in the area. We can celebrate the end to all this tx stuff!
No doubt the hair loss will be very rough on us all, but, as a friend said a few days ago, the peace of mind you're gaining for the few weeks of discomfort is so worth it.
Deanna
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Good evening ladies,
Welcome Kim, I'm glad you joined us. It's good to know that your se's haven't been too bad.
Meet with the surgeon today to get ready for the port placement this Wed. I have appt. with wig lady on Friday morning. It's all just getting too real.
Nico, your story about your hair took my breath away, then I must admit I chuckled a little bit. I guess we have to laugh right. It's so cool of your DH shaved his head. I don't think my hubby would ever even consider that. Ironic that my dear friends husband said he was going to shave his head. Funny how different people show their support. Not that my DH isn't supporting me...he's been fantastic.
The pain from the expander finally let up a lot yesterday and today. I've had a really normal day. What a blessing. The surgeon said that I was healing really well, that's God answering all the prayers that have been lifted for me.
Have a great night all......your in my prayers.
peaches
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Oh Roya! My mom would hate that but I would love it, as I am Buddhist and used to such retreats. I wonder how I could get rid of my 2 year-old for 3 days? I would go in a heartbeat! Thank you!
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Hi everyone,
Well I'm FINALLY going to start my TX this week! (Friday 8/15) Yea...got my call from my Onc. office. They told me the pharmacy that delivers my chemo had been trying to confirm w/me but couldn't. I thought they were bill collectors!
I meet w/my Dr. on Wed. to also get scan results (ugh) and exact TX details. I've got so much to do and not enough time. I never thought I'd be excited to start this. Nervous too. Glad to see mostly everyone is doing well.
Stacy, it must be exciting to see your tumor shrinking! My TX is chemo 1st then surgery.
I'll touchbase soon.
Jeannine
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Glad to hear that your first chemo went well...mine is planned for 8/21 and I am very nervous; I have a 23 month old and 9 year old at home to care for and I am hoping to continue to work full time? Are you working? I am enrolled in the clinical trial on the standard Adriomycin +Cytoxin + taxol +/- Avastin....the trial just opened last november...I was wondering if anyone else is already in this trial and could tell me about their personal side effect experiences? Also I am very scared about being Triple Negative (ER, PR and HER2) and my Oncotype score is 68! I am only 34 years old and I am scared about how my treatment is going to impact their childhood and my finances if I am unable to work.
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trodiecal - sorry you have to go through this with us but this site is a wonderful tool. I also have 2 kids - VERY ACTIVE 13 year old in volleyball and a 9 year old in fall baseball. I also am going to work full-time during this. My husband has a great job but can't swing all of our stuff on his salary, so I know how scared you must feel. I scheduled my treatments on Fridays - I took Friday off and tried to rest over the weekend. Needless to say my 1st day back was yesterday and it was exhusting. I made it though but it took ALOT out of me!!!!! Today I am here at work again but just fighting through it. I am tired but not like falling asleep on the couch tired - not yet anyways. Just wanted to say this is doable!!!! Keep your chin up!!!! BTW - I will be 34 in October!!!!!!
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I am starting EC on Thursday August 14, 2008 for 4 cycles before moving to 4 cycles of either Taxotere or Taxol (depends on how the tumor is reacting). I am having neo-adjuvant chemo for bilateral breastcancer that's cT2cN1M0grade3tripleneg on the left side and cT2N0M0grade3tripleneg on the other breast.
My DH shaved my head down to 1mm yesterday. It looks like a 5-o-clock-shadow but I have to say it was not traumatic at all. DH actually finds it quite cute and I am feeling very bad-ass-hot with my new do. I have not looked into wigs but are staying "free" at home and wear hats and scarves when going out. I wanted the hair issue out of the way before the first chemo appointment. Today I went out for the first time in public with my scarf-turban and it wasn't bad at all
I even dare to say I looked quite stylish. -
I admire your courage hanami. I'm am totally dreading losing the hair thing. I'm also going to have DH shave me but I 've got such a big head : 0... I've also had bangs since grade school because I have such a big forehead. Yikes. Looking for a really good wig.
I know. The hair will grow back. Small sacrifice nope HUGE sacrifice that'll be worth it in the end.
Good luck all.
Jeannine
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Hello ladies. Sorry I have not been on in a few days. I have had some stomach issues. I have had really bad stomach spasms and cramps since Saturday night. Went back to onc yesterday and after xrays and urine sample it was determined that the chemo has really aggravated my irritable bowel syndrome. I was given some anti-spasmodic meds. Today has been some better. I actually ate a baked potato and drank some water. For two days I couldn't even do that for the bloating and spasms. I have not felt too good and really haven't done anything. I did do dishes and some laundry today and even went for a walk. As long as I take the pills every 4 hrs then its tolerable. Hopefully it will get it under control before tx next week.
I am glad to see that everyone else seems to be doing pretty good. I have thought of you all often. I am sorry to see there are some new people on here but WELCOME. I have learned alot from this site and I am glad we can all be here for each other. Talk to you soon.
God Bless,
Tonya
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Hello ladies,
I think I would like to butt in our your Aug party here.. had my first AC July 30th (is that close enough?)
Just thought I would jump in ... read up on everyone and make some quick hairless friends
Apple
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Apple, Welcome to the group. I think you'll find these messages very helpful, I sure have. I look forward to reading everybodys thoughts every evening.
Hey gang, can someone help me out with the lingo?? tx, t/c etc.
going in for port in am....talk to ya'll tomorrow evening.
peaches,
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Joyce!
I find you again... I lost you for a bit! Hello again!
Sounds like you are hanging in there! It is good to see again!
Apple
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Hey everyone!
I got a brand new boob today and I adore it! I feel so good and so normal! And I've even had to feel twice to remember which is the fake one. I got an Amoena breast form. It feels so incredible to wear a bra again!
Tonya I've had the spasms and diarrhea for over a week now. I had some this morning again. Have you lost weight? I lost 6 lbs. the week after chemo, but now I'm just putting it right back on. I am ravenous all the time.
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Apple - So great to hear from you again! I was worried! All us ladies here worry when we don't hear from our friends! How did your first tx (treatment) go???
Peaches - Good luck with your port tomorrow. It will hurt a little but it's not too bad. The thing that freaks me a little is the other end - the catherter end - it's in my right ventricle! Scary to me...being there in my heart. t/c or T-C = Taxotere & Cytoxan chemo regimen.
Mamashift- tell us all about your new Amoena boob. I was cheap and went with the MyPals version for now.
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Nico
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