Starting Chemo May 2008

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  • kerry_lamb
    kerry_lamb Member Posts: 778
    edited September 2008

    RanD, don't panic. They'll whack you with great antibiotics and you'll have a nice lay down. Maybe something for the pain too. Fecker of a thing. Prayers and cares from me. XX

  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited September 2008

    Oh RanD, this too shall pass!

    Crappy though! Sorry you had to go through this. 

    As for selfish old me, I am much calmer after yesterday's run in with my local political party. A sideways apology has come from the candidate of the party for his staff of volunteers seems to be out of control. I half expect my storefront to be smeared with their party colours this morning. 

     I went out for a farewell drink for friends moving to another province today. Eddie and Angels,(Cris you are "out west" too right?) If I ever come out to see them in BC I will pop in for tea to see y'all too. Some old pals and their partners/spouses( my old crowd aint big on the marrying thing) 

     It felt just like the old days... Noelle (who has more girl pals on this site than she EVER has had in real/ non BC life) hanging out with the boys while the girls sit on the sidelines jealously watching. It did not sink in until this morning, but if me with my baldy head and extra 15 lbs can make the girls jeaous still then I will take it!!!   I guess letting some of them feel my foob(including an old BF, who I have stayed friends with) in the bar might have added fuel to the fire... Surprised

    Linda, bodily function issues is actually one of the reasons I don't want to become an ultra distance runner or ironman racer. If I hear one more story of people crossing the finish line with brown stains running down their leg I will die! 

     Jean, I am sooo glad you are back.

    Karin? Hallooo? You ok? 

    Chemooo! Zaap! ( I was thinking Shazam!) and happy healing to you and yours!

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

    at my "other" job and don't have as much time as i'd like to catch up and reply. but i AM reading and noelle, will use a break to read your blog. kristy -- was your first rads yesterday? how did it go? 

    and karin.... thinking of you. respecting the break you're taking, but thinking of you. 

  • EyesOTex
    EyesOTex Member Posts: 194
    edited September 2008

    Oh, you wonderful women, I've missed you so much.  I'd love to name you all off...and I see there are some I've not even welcomed yet...but that probably isn't gonna happen before I flake out.  I love you all.  I've been feeling pretty bad for about the last month or more, but had my next-to-last cispatin/gemzar yesterday and will have the last one two weeks from today, probably. (not scheduled yet due to pet scan close to last tx).

    Rock, so VERY glad you're back.

    Cris, you're not alone in still doing tx!

    Sounds like a lot of you are going through rough times.  Karin, I hope school is cheering you up and NOT making you sick! 

    KristyAnn, did you survive Ike?  We did ok, just high winds but very little rain, even though we could have used it.  I hope it didn't mess up any of your treatment plans.  Poor Galveston and Bolivar Penninsula...

    Sable, Otter, Rock, Ellenoir, and all, cheering you on in the hair wars!

    Now I've forgotten what RanD and Adrienne and Linda and Jen and Kelly and Angels and everyone else was doing!  And even who else there was.  This is what I get for posting near the top of the page where I can't go back and check on posts.....

    Sue/Siouxie, how are you?  I'm assuming you, like us, didn't suffer any ill effects from ol' Ike.

    Jean, I am so sorry about Ruby.  I lost my dad just a year ago and he was the light and heart of the family, even though he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.  He was a wonderful, friendly, happy man and I hope he has welcomed your mother with his usual open arms.

    Now, I know this is a CHEMO thread, but I don't feel like leaving my friends here to go to the rads board unless you tell me to (are you guys over there??).  My (I've decided he's either bi-polar or he doesn't remember me from visit to visit) onc tells me yesterday that I'll probably be doing rads when the chemo is done, to posterior cervical, subclavicular, and inframammary areas.  I have no idea what to expect from this as I long ago threw away any rads info I was given.  I know some of you are doing or will do rads...what's the fatigue level?  Do I get hair back?  How long do they last?   And then probably Xeloda after that...anyone have experience with that?

    What a long, strange trip it's been...

    I will certainly try to step up here!!   My participation level has been entirely unsatisfactory, but just because I wasn't here didn't mean I wasn't thinking about you all...and I'll have to redouble that, because obviously we need HELP, dadburnit!

    love and those pesky ((((((((((()))))))))))s to all,

    dana

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

    eyesotex is back in the house!!!!! Boy, does that make me happy.  I think this is the "all purpose" thread.  Chemo, rads, shinsplints, cavities, exzema...

    I go for rads simulation (which i keep pronouncing "stimulation") tomorrow.  really not in the mood. but i wil try to learn something to share here.  (does anybody have any advice? anybody else face down??!!)

    anyway, let me focus on the positive: EYESOTEX! 

    We don't have rules here but if we did, I think one shoudl be "no feeling guilty when we don't post." 
  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited September 2008

    woo hoo! Tex! We are here... and likely always will be.

    Glad to see ya! I hope you are keeping your spirits up, I think of you often! 

    I just had an apology from that stupid political party that made yesterday hell. 

     I can has nap now? 

  • EyesOTex
    EyesOTex Member Posts: 194
    edited September 2008

    Ellenoire, you can has nap!

    Rock, thanks for the absolution...keep me posted on the stimulation (sounds better, anyway!)

    love to all!!!!

    eyesotex

  • kerry_lamb
    kerry_lamb Member Posts: 778
    edited September 2008

    Hey girls!

    Now don't forget if you want to get involved on a new Facebook page I have created (for the May 08 chemo girls) PM me and I'll give you the details. It's a strictly cancer-free zone. Like us! 

    XX 

  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited September 2008

    Wow...Take a couple of days off and you chatter up a storm.

    First off, my mastectomy was easy...Like the kerry_lamb, I was up and out very quickly. The drain was a bit of a nuisance for showering. My surgeon gave the best advice of all ----move, move, move and get your range of motion back ASAP. She sent a nurse from her office to the hospital the day after (right before we went home) and the nurse had me up against the wall stretching on day one. I have full motion and am conviced the ONLY reason was because of my surgeon. As for recon...I am glad I am waiting to decide (FOOB shopping next Monday --woo hoo) but I also respect everyone's own decision. It seems, women, that there are a lot of trade offs....I was diagnosed, operated upon and through 8 DD doses in five months but the emotional part was very rough....Noelle, will read about your experience soon. Karin, where are you? Eyesotex, welcome back. Rad people....I love radical people and you are taking radical measures to heal and that is good as we all want to HEAL. Kerry, my facebook page is under eddie westerman....look me up and I will join. Angels...hope you are doing some nice things for yourself in between when your family visits. Ike people -- hope things are drying up. randie, how you feeling? I have a sore throat for the first time since beginning, but I think it's fine as I think they blast you with herceptin no matter what. Jen -- you started taxol? Wonder if I am about to do that too? Hmmmm....herceptin for me starts Friday. Roxi, I had something very pithy to tell you, but methinks I forgot and if I go back a page to see what I wanted to say, I lose this whole thing. Ho hum. How about this? I am thinking of you fondly? Love the shart conversation and love that many of us confessed. It's not about misery loves company as much as just ---phew, that was not just me. Otter....thank God you are part of this thread. You are amazing. Gracie, hope you are well and Sue...nice to check in and Kristy, I also have a high pain tolerance which may explain some of that easy mastectomy stuff. Cris, I love rhymes. It is ridiculous. Talk to you all soon. Saw the Beach Boys last night...okay, what is left of them. They were great. Cheers. 

  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited September 2008

    They are starting me on tamoxifin and herceptin on the same day..... yay for me. Oct 2nd.... they gave me a full month break between the two. thank goodness get as much hair to grow as possible between the 2 dates.

  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited September 2008
    OH before I forget AGAIN. The other day regis and kelly were talking about the "hair" program down in central park. They mentioned how people got on stage at the end and danced. I had to smile really big, I thought of you rock and how you did that. Made my day that I knew somebody who actually did thatCool
  • ranD
    ranD Member Posts: 373
    edited September 2008

    Hey all,

    Back from my7 hour ER visit...lol..diagnosis, bronchitis and a sore throat.  The ER doc was very impressed with my immune system, which he says is working really well, almost like a regular person's.......

    he suggested that i see my onc in the am, so I am taking my zithromax now and going nighty night...love u all, randie

  • Jeano77
    Jeano77 Member Posts: 237
    edited September 2008

    Hello Ladies!  I just got caught up on all of the posts.  I have to say thanks one more time for the many beautiful stories of your parents, prayers, etc.  For all of those that have lost a parent, I do think that they have all locked arms in heaven and are watching all of us conquer this!  Chris, my sister was so moved by your prayer for Mom that she used it in the eulogy that she delivered.  Noelle, I had tears in my eyes when you described crossing the river.  Thanks to everyone on this board for the many kind words.

    Randie - congrats on the last chemooooo - nice photo!!  Tongue out

    Shart . . . hmmm . . . .  to comment or not to comment.  Here I thought it was the anucort medicine I was taking for anal fissures giving me trouble - should have known Taxol was behind (literally) it all.  Linda, LOL about runners sharing bodily function information more than chemo patients.  I have a good pal that I run marathons with.  I think that she has more shart stories associated with running than I do with chemo. 

    Kerry - Never been to Tasmania but spent a couple of weeks in Sydney for the Olympics in 2000.  I stayed with a retired nun who had done lots of mission work in Tasmania and loved it there.

    It is great to be back - missed all of you!

    Jean 

  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited September 2008

    Jean~ glad to have you back :O)

    Who is left on the chemo swim? I'm going to wait and get the last pics before I update the group photo.Cool

  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited September 2008

    Hi Everyone,

     Rads is going OK- it is very quick and there are no needles. I have done 2 of 33- I will be in the 20's by the end of the week (little victories) - I dont feel anything during treatment except a slight tingling- for a few hours afterwards I notice the treated side feels a little warm- like Ive been in the sun but not sunburned kind of feeling. I have found it more comfortable to NOT put the bra bask on after treatment at this early stage- but that might be because it seems to keep the warmth in and Im in Texas to start with anyway!

    Several of us are also on the Setp Rads board so if anyone wants more rads talk and to still find some common friends- come on over!

    Gene's Vitamin E cream (from Sam's) was recommended for my rads skin by a friend who went through it a few months ago- seems like it would be good post chemo too 

    Kristy-- going to read Noelles blog! 

  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited September 2008

    Radie,

    I am joining you ....have a bad cold but seems very "normal," Am going in for herceptin tomorrow regardless. I think my immune system can deal. I hope. I pray

  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited September 2008

    Rock,

    Had my dry run for rads today. Everything lined up from last week's stimulation so I start on Monday. I also asked the Doctor about the whole MRI thing with my expander and she informed me that I must make sure and inform them not to give me an MRI. I guess it would literally pull the thing out. Not sure if she was being honest, but regardless, it doesn't sound pleasant so I'll abide. I guess I had a CT scan last week and today was with a linear accelerator. Here I thought they were the same as MRI's. Sigh of relief. 

    Welcome back Eyes and Jean. We're trying to map out everyone's location. Where ya live? 

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

    mary, would you remind me why we had the CT scan? Is it to help them line up the radiation "beams"? Would it tell us anything about whether or not chemo worked?  I've gone from being someone who wants more more more info to someone w/ the attitude of 'just tell me where you want me and my body/breast to put in an appearance and lets get on with this..."

    Does the expander have metal in it? If so, avoiding the MRI makes heaps of sense. YIKES!

    I would love to hang out with you women in person.  even if it means I pitch a tent on someone's yard or sleep in a bathtub or share a hotel room with 9 other peole or whatever...

    (Karin? Karin.Many feelings of love and concern for you. I hope you know that.0

  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited September 2008
    Yes, first they did a CT scan which was used to image the area for radiation. The Doctor reviewed the screen to assure the positioning. Then the radiation techs did the tattoos and took another CT scan to make sure the coordinates matched up with the tattoos. At the dry run, they positioned the linear accelerator to the exact coordinates. The Doctor checked my body against the beam and that was it. I'm face up. Did you hear if anyone else is face down like you? Dod they take a mold of your positioning? 

    Yes, the expander is a royal pain, literally. Can't wait to get it out. It has titanium in the core so yep, not sure how they;ll keep me at my follow-up mammo. I thought I would be having MRI's but who knows now. I'm pretty sure they can't squeeze the expander. I'm thinking I'll have this thing until June next year. My PS wants 9 months for the skin to heal after rads. 

    It sounds like everyone really want to plan a group get-together. I'm gonna map out the locations of all of us and put it out for suggestions. I'm hoping next spring or summer we would all be up for a get-together. 

    Karin popped in a couple of times on the Sept. rad board but haven't heard from her in awhile. Hope your doing okay sweetie, we miss you.

    Mary 

  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited September 2008

     Rock, I have a yard, a bathtub and a spare bed or two. Any or all of you are welcome anytime.

      There is a room full of Fedoras and other silly hats upstairs, we can dress for dinner.  I will clear off the dining room table I swear!

    Damn you people with sore throats and such... now I have one too. 

     Rock, I wish they would scan me to see if the chemo worked... I am a bad liar and everytime someone asks me "if they got it all" "are you in remission?"blah blah I might be able to respond without a blank look on my face and a laymans version of the recurrence percentages. 

     I am too tired to write more. I hope everyone is doing ok. 

     chemooo zaaap! and all that! 

     xoN

  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited September 2008

    Randie - Glad to hear you are okay (well, with antibiotics and as okay as you can be with bronchitis), but that is vewwy, vewwy strange...because my dh also has bronchitis.  Maybe it's a California thang.  He was really sick - I had to go see my PCP (who is also his) for my weird underarm return infection and made him an appointment yesterday.  He is also taking Zithromax!  But he was at least upright and walking today - yesterday, not so much. 

    Rock - Sometimes you really get to me - all purpose thread..."shinsplints"?!!  lol...lol  How did your stimulation go?  I set mine up today and will have it and the CT scan next Friday.  I am seriously considering starting (if they will let me) before my last chemo.  I really, really want to be done before the holidays.  I have to meet with the rad guy after the stimulation, so that's probably not gonna happen.  But I'm gonna start as soon as they'll let me. 

    Jean - Thanks for sharing that about your sister.  That was very touching.  <sniff, sniff>

    Dana - Wow, girl.  Where you been?!  Hey!  I think we have our last treatments on the same day!!  Woo hoo!!!!

    Eddie - Sorry for the sore throat.

    Noelle - And you, too.  BTW, just read your blog and Jeeeeeezzzzzz.  The noive!!  Glad you got an apology - that was the least they could do!!   And yes, I am "out West" (question from about 2 pages back). 

    Although I am so thankful my mom is here and has helped, I'm really missing my house and my space.  I'm used to not seeing dh at night since he works, but I miss my house.  And I have two spare bedrooms upstairs, plus a big living room floor and an air mattress, just in case anyone's interested.  I guess I should give dh fair warning before though...

  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited September 2008

    Christine,

    My daughter had a lump under her arm this weekend. I got really scared because she also has a thyroid problem, had her period at 9, mom with bc, you see where I'm going. Well anyways, she had her sore throat last week and felt sluggish all weekend. I brought her to the dr. and she advised me to have her stop using deodorant. I personally thnik it was swollen lymphnodes because it finally went down after a few days and three days of antibiotics. I think the virus is in the midwest too. Got you down for a westerner.

    Hope You all are feeling better today. We're out for a gorgeous weekend since all the rain left us.

  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited September 2008

    let me know if you need info on natural deodorants, they have always worked for me. 

    In that dept, is anyone else post chemo noticing that they do not need to use deodorant anymore?  I read somewhere on these boards that this can happen. I am happy about the side effect, but the reality that my body chemistry has changed this much creeps the hell out of me. 

    I had a terrible time getting to sleep last night and feel cruddy. 

     I am off to retrieve the day.

     Cheers to all!

     N 

  • angelsaboveus
    angelsaboveus Member Posts: 298
    edited September 2008

    Morning ladies

    Well i made it thru my first week of rads.. well almost i have 1 more in about an hour. Yesterday seemed a bit easier my muscles didn't tense up so much when the machine turned on, whether that was from being to tired or just getting used to  it i don't know.  The days I can keep busy enough, went for a long bike ride along the waterfront park, and gone for some walks. I am really gonna have to turn into a shopper as there is a lot of nice shopping places here...could never really get into it. Always figured the money could be used better elsewhere.....but i'm figuring i will splurge on myself before i leave, i think i deserve it. The nights get a little long, rented a movie last night Baby Momma...that was cute. My rad ladies have been really nice and that makes it easier to go in every day.

    I am looking forward to a visit from my hubby and daughter tomorrow, they will stay for the  weekend , hopefully the weather holds out.

    I hope everyone can get thru ailments that are bringing them down chemo related or not  and those getting zapped enjoy your weekend off. ! Roxi i'm glad your daughters lump turned out to be something else, i guess from now on we all will be on guard for things like that.

    Ladies my thoughts are with you all, there are too many of us to go thru list, just know i think about you often. Innocent

  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited September 2008

    I just realized that it has been awhile since I last posted--I have been reading daily, though.  Been a little depressed lately, but much better now. 

    I, too, have had the BM accident.  It was reassuring to read that others have too.  It was totally uncontrollable and I am so fortunate to have a DH who didn't mind cleaning  up after me, then put me in the shower.  (Poor guy, I could hear him gagging, but he cleaned anyway)

    Had 2 knots pop up on my left arm, onc is treating them like phlebitis and has put me on Keflex, again.  I don't think it is phlebitis, but I'm not the doc.   I'll take the abt but if they are not any better by the first of the week, may go to my regular PCP and let him take a look.  Tried to tell her that I haven't had any IV's in that arm (it;s my "good" arm), they gave methe blood transfusion thru my port.  The only thing this arm has been used for is blood draws in the past several weeks.

    I live in a small rural community in southeastern KY.  Good 'ol Nancy, KY--blink as you drive thru the  "town" and you will miss it.  I'm 5 miles from "town", surrounded by large fields and lots of cows!  This is a tourist area as we are on Lake Cumberland.  (I was transplanted here-born and raised in central Indiana)

    Sore throats must be nationwide.  DD had strep throat earlier in the week.  Scared that the baby would get it, instead he has thrush and they checked him for UTI.  Luckliy he didn't have one, but they gave him a shot of antibiotics anyway.  Both are doing well.  

    Hope that everyone has a great weekend!

  • Fammy5
    Fammy5 Member Posts: 35
    edited September 2008

    i'm sorry for intruding.... seeing the bond that you ladies have created puts a sense of relief inside of me...  God bless all of u!

     I was diagnosed with breast cancer about two months ago... dcis and idc stage 2 .. it was a nightmare at first, but i've somewhat adjusted and taking it day by day. I had a mastectomy on August 26th.. wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be... went to one oncologist about a week ago and about to see a second oncologist on monday for a second opinion.. the first doctor suggested four rounds of cytoxan and something equivalent to adriamycin.. and then five years of tamoxifen... lets see what the second doctor says..

    I've been reading the posts on here for a while and to be honest with you, it's all your words that put my heart at ease to some extent.  I read the "starting chemo in september" group and the optimism i've found surprises me..  Many of the ladies are stating that it's not as bad as they thought it was going to be.. i'm hoping that's my case as well...

    I intentionally came to this group because I see that you fine ladies started a while ago.. and i'm hearing that the first chemo is the easiest, the second is harder, the third gets harder and the fourth is the hardest...  is this a common issue? and what do people mean by harder?? the nausea?? the fatigue?? what exactly?? and how bad is this neulasta shot??

    the september group is great... but they just started ... i'm wondering how you ladies are holding up after starting back in may...  

    i'm 32 and a mother of 3.. have a full time job and am praying to God that I can still be able to work while taking the chemo...

    any feedback would be greatly appreciated.. and once again, i apologize for intruding..

    thanks...

  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited September 2008

    Welcome fammy, sorry you have to be here but I am glad that you found us. Even though most of us in this group have finished or are right at the end of chemo you are more than welcome to hang out and find peace with us. These ladies have been my angels throughout this process.

    As for it getting harder, your symptoms, most generally last 3-4 days the first time around. #2 they may last 4-5 days and so on. It just seems to last a little longer each time depending on what you are taking. I was on double dense AC and the 1st one I was down for about 4 days, by the last treatment it took me a week to recoup. Don't be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. It's the hardest thing in the world to do but if they ask to help out let them.

    Best wishes to you, and I hope to keep seeing you pop in :O) Jen

    p.s. I

    ll be back to comment on everyone else... boss just called I get to go shopping! LOL

  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited September 2008

    Fammy,

    Welcome. Everyoe is different. I, too, was on DD chemo....emotionally things were more difficult than physically.....things do get harder which each dose but sometimes you don't notice. You will find a way to help yourself get through and listen to my dear friend, Jen...ask for help.....ask for others to take over. I worked 7 out of each 10 days. A/C was much foggier but no pain. Taxol was more physically difficult (and the steroids sucked) but my mind was clear. Everyone is different. Each journey is different. You WILL get through. Come by anytime, Fammy. Good luck to you. We are thinking of you.

    As for the REST of you, my cold turned into a cold with a FEVER which means herceptin got PUT off from today to Tuesday. I am hoping they will not zap me with antibiotics....if just feels like a regular bad cold with a fever. Ciao. I'll check in later. Hope you are all ready for the WEEKEND! 

  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited September 2008

    No rads today- something wrong with the computer that controls the machine- but I am bummed since it bumps my finish date!

    Kristy

  • Jeano77
    Jeano77 Member Posts: 237
    edited September 2008

    Fammy - Welcome to an amazing group of women!  As Eddie mentioned - everyone is different and would likely share a unique experience with you.  During A/C, my most difficult tx were #2 & #4 (out of 4 tx) due to excessive nausea.  I thought Taxol was easier to tolerate than A/C, the side effects compounding for each tx - making #4 (of 4) the most difficult.  Please feel free to stay here, but I highly recommend that you stay engaged with the September group.  Just when I thought I was the only one experiencing something (emotional or physical), I would read the posts and find that we were all experiencing similar symptoms at the same time.  The women on this board have been invaluable to me.  You will get through this and be stronger for it. 

    Mary - I live in St. Paul, MN.  What a scare with your daughter!!!  I am glad to hear that she is doing better. 

    I had my port removed today - yipee!!!  Although I am very happy with my decision to use a port, I am sooooooooo happy to have that thing out of my body!!!  Pause while I stick my head in the freezer!  Holy hot flash.  Has anyone noticed that when the hot flashes started that they randomly get dizzy?  My onc said it was the stress with my Mom . . . had a cousin tell me that she had bad dizzy spells with hot flashes.  Just curious.

    Sounds as though everyone needs to disinfect the keyboards to prevent this sore throat from going round.  Hope all are feeling better.  Chemoooooooooooo.

    Jean

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