Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

Hello Everyone:  Well it has been a full 24hrs after my 1st tx.  Besides not sleeping at all last night I feel pretty good just tired.  I feel like I did when I was pregnant always hungry.  The nurse told me to eat small meals throughout the day.  And of course drink all that water.  Which makes me get up about every 2 hrs for the bathroom.  But I am not complaining I know it could be worse.  I am waiting for my neupogen to be delivered.  I have to get the shot for 5 days starting today. 

I want to wish Good Luck to all the girls going today and I hope everyone else is well.  Going to try and catch some sleep if possible.

Colleen

Updated list:

Texas357                1-Dec        FEC+Taxotere

mimiwhite                1-Dec         4xTC

gts                          1- Dec 

Colleen1960             2-Dec        CMF

mmliv                      2-Dec        4xTC

msbusdriver             2-Dec        4xTC

LindaBusEd             2-Dec        TAC 

vtmama                   2- Dec       4xTaxol+C 

Brenny                    3-Dec        4xTC

zuffa                        3-Dec        6xTAC

Catrenae                  4-Dec       

Lainey64                  4-Dec        4xAC+4xTaxol

CindaD                     4-Dec        4xTC

BreastCancerDiva      4-Dec        4xFEC+4xTaxotere

lisasayers                 5-Dec        4xTC

simvog                      5-Dec        4xFAC+4xTaxol

cebula                      8 Dec        6xTC

sdavis                      9-Dec        4xTC

berrypathc               9-Dec        6xTC 

ShondaE           #2  9-Dec         AC 

Meg511                   10-Dec      6xTC

Firni                         10-Dec     6xTC 

Bkokie                     12-Dec      4xTC

ddlatt                       15-Dec      4xTC                              

momof4stars             18-Dec?    FEC-D 

busqueen

mimiwhite              #2- 22 Dec  4xTC

As to the hair growing back its different for everyone but most its about 6 weeks. post chemo. keep in mind that usually any that you have retained will fall out as the new stuff starts to grow so your a little splotchy for a week or two.

CindaD,

 Thanks so much for the words of encouragement. I think this forum is going to be a great support system for all of us. I am so very fortunate to have a great group of friends, and of course my family, to help me get through this. But with that said, t's great to be able to chat with women that are going through this at the same time as me.

 Good luck to each and everyone one of us "Dec. Chemo Babes!"

Cat

Mimi, thank you for your update.  I hope it doesn't start itching you!  I have to be sure to ask my nurse lots of questions tomorrow about meds I need.  Thank you for your well wishes.  I'm feeling a little more relaxed about tomorrow. 

Welll, I just returned from my hairdresser!  I love my cut.  I told her to do whatever she wanted because I totally trust her.  It's really short in the back but a bit longer around the front.  I wish I had gotten this haircut a long time ago!  I am going to take a pic and save it for after my hair comes back!

Howdy.  Checking in for day 2.  I have done great so far.  I have had a little redness/flushing on my face and chest, but they said that was normal.  It really isn't that bad.  Just looks like I've been out in some wind.  I got my Neulasta shot today.  I went ahead and took something for pain a litlle bit ago.  My nurse said it would be a good idea to go ahead this evening and take it before I started aching.  I am glad my last dose of the Decadron is this evening.  I will be so glad to get some good sleep.  3 nights on little sleep is all I can take!  This will be night 3.  I guess I will nap tomorrow while my Dad gets his Colonoscopy.  I have to take him for that if I am able. I think all will be fine.  So far no nausea and I have some meds for that if it starts.  I think the Aloxi they gave before chemo is doing it's job.  They said it should last a few days.

I hope everyone else is doing as good as I am or better!

Good luck to tomorrow's girls.

WOW! You gals were chatty today! I went in to get my port installed today. I wasn't sure what to expect but it's pretty painfull and I've been nauseous all day. Everytime I eat, I'm nauseous for a few hours so I've been laying on the couch all day drinking water. Took a nap while the kids were watching a new movie this afternoon. Seems like most of you are handling the chemo well so far, I find it encouraging.

Hair question.. aren't you scared you're getting a real short haircut and you'll end up not loosing your hair? I already chopped half of mine and I'm scared to get any shorter just in case. Am I in denial? My onc says that my chances to keep my hair are higher with TC. Altough I've always like hats, so now I have a good reasons to buy them. I got a new black winter coat so I can dress it up with all the different hats I'm buying, probably have 10+ and still buying.. oops! Now, I need to start looking into scarves. Really unsure about the wig, I'll probably get the free one from the wig bank, but my insurance only covers 70% and I'm not sure I'm willing to pay $100 for a nice wig, but I did see that gorgeous one, red hair with soft curls that goes mid-back... hummm..

Good luck to our Dec. 4 ladies, going for the chemo teaching tomorrow...

Hi all!  I went to my onc today and we FINALLY have a plan.  Tomorrow I go to chemo class.  Monday, 12-8 I get my port and Wed. 12-10 I get my first chemo round.  My onc decided to give me TC 6 rounds.  He asked me quite a few times if I was comfortable not doing the full axillary dissection.  I kept saying yes.  Then he told me that recommending the full axilla is the standard of care, whether it does any good or not, coz there aren't enough studies on it.  He said the dissection is not a treatment.  It's another diagnostic.  If cancer is found in any of the cells taken out, he would not change my treatment.  DAH  Why would anyone risk the SE of full axillary dissection if it doesn't change a thing?  What do people who don't really understand what is being said to them do?  To me and my DH, it sounded like he was trying to talk me into it until I almost shouted to him that I don't want to do it.  He said he had to make sure I understood my decision.

I went to the ACS Cancer Resource Center yesterday and got a free wig and a few head cover things.  DH thinks the wig looks nice, just needs some styling.  I think it looks like something died up on my head.  I really don't like my own hair.  It's never been cooperative or thick or anything but a lot of work.  But I'm finding I'm not real happy with any of my other options either.  Ugh.   I do like the idea of getting a real sassy cut that I never would otherwise.  

What kinds of prescriptions is everyone having to get before treatment.  No one said anything to me about Rx.

I wasn't real concerned about getting the port put in, but now I don't know.  It looks like you didn't fair very well with it, Caroline.  I guess it doesn't matter.  Have to get it done.   You know, you'll probably be without hair long enough to make getting that red, soft, curly, long wig worth it.  And then, when you're feeling all good again, it will be even more fun!

 Good luck tomorrow ladies.  Kick cancer butt. 

Dec 3 survivor reporting in -- first of 4 TC -- was not a problem, just a very long day.  Started at 9:45 with port setup and labwork, oncologist visit and then the chemo.  Got done at 4pm.  Can honestly say that I had no problem with any of it today....now I guess I just lay back and wait for the SEs?!   No metal mouth, no flushing, nothing. 

Firni - my port placement was no problem -- no pain under the twilight drug, just a little stiff neck for a day.  Actually drove myself home after a two hour wait in recovery (nope, they didn't know that and you didn't hear it from me!!).  My only discomfort was that the twilight drug caused me to be nauseous and I wish I would have asked them for a precription ahead of time. I will certainly do so when they remove it!

Hey everyone.    I'm gearing up to start my chemo tomorrow.   I'm not sure what drugs. but I THINK it's going to be the FEC (5-Fu, Epirubin, Cytoxin) combo.    I had my port put in last Wednesday and haven't had any problem with it.    Good luck fellow 12/4 girls!!!

Robyn

Firni, they put something in my pre-surgical IV for nausea. Just ask!

My first FEC treatment was a week ago Monday and Tuesday, and I can honestly say that I've been feeling almost completely normal the past couple of days even though I had a rough time last week.

The port is annoying but I'm getting to the point where I forget it's there. The only problem I'm having has more to do with the expander -- it's pushing up tissue in places where I don't usually have it and that is rubbing my bra/clothing and creating a callous. Now THAT was unexpected!

It's do-able everyone!!!!!

Hi Mary.  I am right here with you.  Seems we are having some of the same tx and symptoms!  I went ahead and took a little Tylenol this morning for achy legs, I guess from the Neulasta.  Not too bad though.  I really can't complain.  I slept a little more last night from being tired from the steroid high.  6 hours total!  Felt like a whole night's sleep.  I bet we both rest good tonight.  I am at the Endoscopy center with my Dad.  He is gone now for the procedure, so I guess I will sit here and catch up on all the posts!

I hope today's girls do great.  I'll be thinking about you.  Love and ((((Hugs))))

Hi ladies.  #1 done and 7 to go!  I had my A/C this morning and it went really fast.  I was in and out of there in about 90 min.  So far I'm fine, just feeling a bit tired.  The nurse said I should feel good because of the steroid so maybe I'm just tired from everything - surgery, stress.. etc.  I ate a Subway sandwich for lunch and was told to 'graze' and eat whenever I wanted and not to wait too long for meals.  If I feel ok tomorrow I plan on going to work.  I hope everyone else is doing ok.

I forgot to ask about the shot tomorrow.  They mentioned it but I forgot to see what time I need to go in.  I guess I'll call! 

Love,

Elaine

Today I didn't feel that great.  The nausea set in and I am extremely tired.  I took pill earlier and it seemed to work a little bit.  I feel like I am extremely hung over but didn't get to have any of the fun.  I hope tomorrow is better. 

 I want to wish lisasayers and simvog all the best tomorrow.  

Colleen

Ok.  1st tx was 12/2.  Today 12/4 was not too bad.  I have gradually gotten a few more aches throughout the day, and I am kind of tired.  I had a busy day with Dad's procedure and all.  I fixed spaghetti and the fixin's to go with it for supper.  It didn't taste just right, but the family said it was good.  I guess my taste is getting a little off and my mouth is just a little sore.  I need to rinse more, I guess.  At least I am still not sick at my stomach.  I am eating smaller portions more frequently and drinking lots of water, so maybe that is helping to keep things calm.  I think the "shot" was worse than the chemo, but it could just be that I have been so busy and haven't rested enough.  Who knows????  We just have to do the best we can.  I sound like I am starting to whine a little, so I better go.  Let's hang in here together!  Thanks for all the support!

BC Diva- I hope I didn't sound too depressing about the shot.......I just read your post after typing all that in-----I think I just need some rest from the day.  Sorry.....  (((smiles)))

Thinking about you girls tomorrow--- good luck.