Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

Options
1…457910…118

Comments

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited December 2008

    I will ask for something for nausea when I get my port put in.  I went to chemo teach today and heard all the stuff I already knew because of these boards.  I did get an Rx for some nausea stuff and I got that filled today.  So if I need some Monday, I'll have it.  My nurse at chemo teach was so nice and so supportive.  She took me back to the chemo room and it was pretty lively back there.  There is food and beverages always available.  There were two ladies playing a board game and others chatting and some reading.  Busy room.  Anyway, I feel ready to start next week thanks to everyone who started this week and posted.  

    I'll get IV steroids before my treatment, but I don't have any to take at home before or after treatment.   I do go back for the Neulasta shot on Thurs.  My nurse said that if it causes muscle or bone aching or pain to take Clariton.  Just once a day for about 3 days.  For some reason it works.  

    Colleen, I'm really sorry that you didn't have any fun at all getting your hangover.  I hope you're feeling better.

    Texas, that is so bizzare to get a callous from your bra!  My left expander is sitting on my rib and I keep wanting to pull the bra down or something.  Alas, it won't go.  It is getting harder to lay flat again.  Spent most of last night almost sitting up.

    Deva, look at you go, making blankets.  I can barely mend much less make something.

     horsercn, it is so hard to wait.  I'm so glad you aren't reading a bunch of horror stories about peoples reactions.  It does make it easier to get on with it when so many are doing quite well.

    Everyone else, I'm glad things are going ok.

     Kick Cancer Butt tomorrow!!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited December 2008

    I started feeling bad around 2:00 pm. today.  I've had mild nausea since around 2pm and I took a nausea med at 4.  My nurse said this morning to take it tonight but I figured it wouldn't hurt to take it early.  It has helped some but not much.  I'm eating saltines and drinkings a ton of water.  I'm so tired but the steroid isn't letting me sleep.  They gave me the steroid in my IV this morning.  The nurse said I can take a Benadryl to help me sleep tonight and I definitely will.  I doubt I'll be going to work tomorrow if I still feel like this.  I have to get my shot of Nuelasta tomorrow morning at 9:15.  Ugh.. the thought of having to leave the house sounds terrible.  My short haircut isn't so cute anymore either... I know look like a rooster on a bad hair day!

    Colleen:  Yes, I know the feeling.... it's a bad hangover!  But at least I don't have the guilt of spending too much money or doing something to embarrass myself! :)

    Hugs to all,

    Elaine

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmliv
    mmliv Member Posts: 128
    edited December 2008

    9:00 pm - Day 3 after chemo -

    Msbusdriver/sherry - I am like you, getting more achy and am tensing. I took a Tylenol and it has helped and next I am going to take a warm bath. My taster is off as well, but I am just eating small portions and have had no nausea so far.

    I think the resting idea is right on spot! You have been really busy with your Dad and then fixed dinner! I don't think you are whining - just sharing; we we can learn from each other. 

    Mary 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BreastCancerDiva
    BreastCancerDiva Member Posts: 62
    edited December 2008

    Msbusdriver -- no, you didn't scare me about the Neulasta shot.   I'm just a wimp about needles!    I'm thinking about putting the lidocaine cream on my arm and hope I guess right about where they're going to stick me!   

    Ferni -- I think my blanket making (mind you these are no-sew fleece blankets) is the result of the steroids they gave me with the chemo.    I had kinda hoped to nap during the chemo but after the steroids I was bordering on jittery, so THAT didn't happen.    Today was my most productive day in weeks!

    I've taken my Zofran for the night and am now sipping a cup of ginger tea.    You know what?   I don't like ginger tea!!!!    I'm only slightly queasy, and have a little bit of a headache.    Otherwise, today was pretty easy.   

    9 hours post chemo.....   We can do this!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BreastCancerDiva
    BreastCancerDiva Member Posts: 62
    edited December 2008

    Hey Simvog!   Thanks for keeping our list of December Chemo Divas up to date.    I wanted to add that my treatment will be 4x FEC, 4x Taxotere, then a bilateral mastectomy. 

    Good luck tomorrow to you and lisasayers.   You'll do great.   

    Robyn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Catrenae
    Catrenae Member Posts: 733
    edited December 2008

    Good Morning Ladies,

     I hope everyone is feeling as well as possible.

    I had my first of 4 AC treatments yesterday. (4 tx every 3 weeks) After I finish those I will do 12 rounds of Taxol weekly. Then a bilateral masctetomy followed by radiation.

    I have to say I felt  pretty good after the first round.(Better than I has expected.) Later yesterday I was pretty tired and had some nausea. The pills helped the nausea and I managed to take a long nap,but then I was up and down all last night. I think the headache was the worst part.

    Woke up this morning feeling pretty tired and still have some nausea. I can feel a headache coming on... took my pills so hope they kick in pretty soon.

    Well just wanted to check in with all the "Dec. Divas" Good Luck to everyone with their treatments.

    Take care,

    Cat

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • havehope
    havehope Member Posts: 503
    edited December 2008

    Updated list:

    Texas357                1-Dec        FEC+Taxotere

    mimiwhite                1-Dec         4xTC

    gts                          1- Dec 

    meb                        1-Dec         4xAC+4XTaxol 

    Colleen1960             2-Dec        CMF

    mmliv                      2-Dec        4xTC

    msbusdriver             2-Dec        4xTC

    LindaBusEd             2-Dec        TAC 

    vtmama                   2- Dec       4xTaxol+C 

    shan1171                2-Dec        6xTAC 

    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                              

    apfuentes                 16 Dec       4xTC 

    busqueen                 16- Dec      4xAC+4Taxol 

    momof4stars             18-Dec?    FEC-D 

    mimiwhite              #2- 22 Dec  4xTC

    simvog                  #2 -29 Dec  4xFAC+4xTaxol  

    DrDecker

     
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,595
    edited December 2008

    Diva and any other ladies taking the Nuelasta shot. I am done with my treatments but just thought I would share. My nurses always asked me if I wanted my shot in my tummy. That just DID NOT sound like a good idea to me. But finally on my last chemo, I decided to try it. It was a breeze, wish I had taken it there all along.

    My best wishes to all of you

    KICK BUTT

    Lori

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited December 2008

    Good morning ladies.  Well, it's almost 24 hrs since my 1st A/C and I'm feeling better this morning.  I took one of the heavy duty  nausea meds last night and I slept like a baby.  I'm feeling fine so far this morning.  Just having some toast.  I used the bathroom all night though!  Is that from all the water I drank yesterday or from the drugs?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmliv
    mmliv Member Posts: 128
    edited December 2008

    Lainey - could be both. I have still been drinking a lot of water (in fact the same amount each day) and last night I was only up once.

    Day 4: 9:00 am - Still twitchy, feeling OK, but resting (only getting up to fetch for myself), physical lassitude. Not hungry at all and taster is still off - though I am not nauseous. 

    Lisa, Simvog - good luck today!  

    Mary 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited December 2008

    Well have my chemo bag and snack bag packed and will be heading out soon.  Ready to get this started so I can get it over with.  Thanks for all the great tips!  I'll post when I get home tonight.

    In the midst of all of this and running two businesses, I'm also starting a Team Survivor group in our area.  If you aren't familiar with it, you may want to see if there is a team in your area!  www.teamsurvivor.org

     Good luck Simvog...will be thinking of you today....as well as all my other December Diva sisters!

    Hugs

    Lisa

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Brenny
    Brenny Member Posts: 116
    edited December 2008

    Good morning ladies -- first TC on Wed - it is now Friday and I am feeling fine.  Took my Lorazapin (?) for nausea and slept like a baby for the last two nights.  Eating is fine, no side effects yet....waiting for he shoe to fall!  Smile  No Neulasta shot after this first tx.  May be heading to the office on Monday (only 1 1/2 hour fligt)....stay tuned. 

    Hope you are all doing as well. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CindaD
    CindaD Member Posts: 120
    edited December 2008

    Goodmornig Ladies!  Day #1 after chemo, all is well except for the lack of sleep!  Why would any one take drugs on purpose is beyond me! 

    Firni, I think your surgeon was just trying to cover his butt, he has to with the whole disclosure thing.  I think I would have made the same choice as you have, so don't look back just push through. 

    Brenny, you are a baaaaad girl for driving home after twilight anesth.  I used to work in a surgery center and I would have kicked your little butt if you were my pt!

    Lainey, I just moved my hair appt up to next Tues to get a spunky cut and then read your rooster post!  I almost spit my drink all over my desk!  I hope you make friends with your hair before it comes out, the upside is that if we don't like our haircuts it's going to fall out anyway and then we start from scratch!

    I was disapointed in some of my chemo nurses, they all rotate around hanging the meds so you never know who you'll get.  I mentioned eating ice chips to nurse who hung my first chemo bag, she said it wasn't necessary, that TC doesn't have that bad of SE. Ha! I guess she never had chemo.  She also poo-pood the Biotene mouthwash.  My friend who is also a nurse was visiting at the time of this conversation and knew all of the research I've done, I thought she was going to pee her pants when I brought out my massive cup of chipped ice and a water bottle!  I never got into the Claritin, Hard as nails, the Senokot or the brush I've been using on my skin in the shower every morning as preventive measures!  I was the youngest person in the room, it was not lively in there, everyone was much older and sleeping, I counted my blessings, there is always someone worse than me. I thought if these people can do this it should be a piece of cake for me.  I might fit in better next time because I'll be bald! I took my artbox along and made Christmas ornaments so the time just flew.

    Good Luck to all of the 12/5 ladies today, the anticipation is actually worse than the tx!  I'm going to take my claritin now and drink a bottle of water!

    Cinda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited December 2008

    The effects of Neulasta started wearing off for me after about 5 days. I hadn't thought to use Claritin but Advil seemed to manage my aches well.

    Also for those who develop a bad taste in your mouths, that seems to be wearing off too.

    I like the description of the hangover without the party because that pretty much describes my experience as well. I've also likened it to severe seasickness without actually vomiting.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited December 2008

    Cinda, you sound just like me!  When I was in there yesterday, I had my huge Sonic cup full of crushed ice and my gym bag loaded with everything under the sun.  When my nurse was giving me the Adriamycin push, I was crunching on the ice.  She was making conversation with me and I could barely respond because my mouth was full.  I know she thought I was nuts! But you know what, I didn't care!  As for the Biotine, when I was getting my teeth cleaned last week, I told my hygeinist about my chemo coming up and she gave me all kinds of samples of Biotene to use and said it will help.  I've started using it already and it tastes weird but I will use it. 

    As for my hair, it looks cute again and I still love it.  It's just that after laying down for a long period of time it starts sticking straight up.  But I just stick a wool cap on my head when I have to go outside. 

    I got my Neulasta shot this morning.  She did it in my arm.  It hurt when the medicine was going in.  I already took some Tylenol as early prevention against any bone aches. 

    Good luck Lisa and Simvog on your treatment today! 

    Love, Elaine

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • apfuentes
    apfuentes Member Posts: 95
    edited December 2008

    Hi ladies -  I am reluctantly joining this group. I start my 4 cycles of TC on December 16th.  I am going to catch up on everyone's experience so I know what to expect and how to prepare myself.  I feel fortunate to have found this site.  You all seem like such wonderful and helpful ladies.  Good luck to those of you beginning today!

     -Angela

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited December 2008

    Cinda - Sorry you didn't have such a great experience. But I hear you, whenever I step in my cancer center, I'm ALWAYS the youngest patient in the building. I saw the chemo room, while I didn't step in it yet, it didn't seem to wild either. Hubby is coming with me on Monday, I guess for the first time, it might help, and it will keep me company. I should start looking into things to keep us entertained for 3 hours!

    For the ones that have done it this week. Can you walk around & move a little? or are you stucked in that chair? I thought it was funny when they gave me my appointment sheet, I'll be on chair 12!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmliv
    mmliv Member Posts: 128
    edited December 2008

    Apfuentes - welcome to our group.... we are all learning from each other. I too am on the 4 cycles of TC and just started mine the 2nd. What I've learned by reading the different boards has helped me prepare for and be more knowledgeable in discussing my treatments.

    Cebula - I was pretty much stuck to the IV machine, if I would have gone anywhere it would have been my dance partner. The three hours really didn't seem all that long - I just worked on a lesson plan. There was one couple in there who wanted to chat, but most people dozed. I'll probably be one of the dozers the next time. LOL

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msbusdriver
    msbusdriver Member Posts: 72
    edited December 2008

    Cebula- my IV machine had battery back up and could be unplugged from the wall.  I could get up to go to the bathroom and walk around.  Our chemo room is pretty small, though, so there wasn't anywhere to go but to the bathroom!

    Tex- Thanks for the info about the effects of the Neulasta wearing off pretty quick.  Did you get a sore mouth??  Mine is a little sore around the edges of my tongue, but not too bad after a rinse.

    Angela- Welcome to our group.  We're sorry you have to go through this, but glad you found us.

    I have rested a bunch today.  We have a Christmas dinner to go to in a little while, so I have been conserving energy!  It's a little early for the Christmas dinner, but at least we'll have one down.  Kind of like our treatments, but lots more fun!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited December 2008

    I'm home and my first TX was uneventful!  Yea!!!!  Like so many of you have said, the anticipation is much worse than the actual treatment.  We (my hubby was with me) got there at 10:30 for labs and I was supposed to start at 11:15, but they were backed up due to the Thanksgiving holiday.  I never started my IV until noon and I was finished at 4:15.  I just had them disconnect the IV each time the started a new bag and went to the bathroom then.  There isn't a lot of room for walking around.  I too was also the youngest one there today.  I most snacked, read and chatted with my hubby...it actually went by pretty fast.  I just got a little stuffy from the cytoxan, but that has already gone away.

    The lack of sleep has been the worst for me.  The decadron kept me awake last night and I'm guessing it may be the same again tonight. 

    I normally drink at least 64 ounces of water a day....but today I have already had over 125 ounces! 

     I get my Neulasta shot Monday morning.  So far...so good!

    Best wishes to all my December Diva Sisters!  Going to go sit in the chair and see if I can fall asleep!

    Lisa

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lovemyfamilysomuch
    lovemyfamilysomuch Member Posts: 1,585
    edited December 2008

    HI everyone.  Another reluctant group member.  Do not know when I will start chemo, just had oncologist visit and will get 2nd opinion monday, but expect to start ACT very soon and I am scared to death. Thank you already, just reading has been helpful

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • havehope
    havehope Member Posts: 503
    edited December 2008

    Hello everybody!

    I had my first FAC today. I arrived at the onc's office at 9:45 AM. She checked my vitals and by 10:15 AM, I had the decadron going to my body. It took about 15 minutes. Then the Zofran went in for another 15 minutes. After that, she injected 11 syringes of C(4) then A(3) then F(4). I didn't see the dosage but they looked like 50 ml to me. It took about 5 minutes to finish with the process. I received a prescription for Zofran just in case, I have no diet restrictions, and she even told me I could drink wine except 3 to 4 days before and after the day of treatment. On 19 I go for blood test and my next session is Dec 29. Before I left the office, I went to the restroom and my urine was already red from the A. I could not believe that these meds work so fast. I drank water all day (still am) and going to the bathroom often and by 5 PM my urine was back to normal color, not even pink.

    I have no side effects so far except for very light dry month. After the shots, my husband drove home (1 hrs) went to pick up my prescription, did some dog shopping and food shopping and got home at 5 PM. I am a little tired but I don't think is has to do with SEs. I took the day off today, but if everything goes well I will be back to work on Monday.

    Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

    Lisasayer:

    I was thinking of you today and wonder if you will post today. I am glad everything went well.

    Thank you all for your support and yes, first day is doable.

    Good luck and keep your spirits up!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BreastCancerDiva
    BreastCancerDiva Member Posts: 62
    edited December 2008

    Good evening December Divas!   Hope all is well.    Just wanted to say that I took goldie0827's advice and took the Neulasta shot in the tummy.    Tolerable, but next time I'm going to put my lidocaine cream on an hour before (just like I did putting over my port before chemo) and see if that makes it easier.  

    I am a ballroom dancer (not a good one, but I really enjoy it) so I took a nap this afternoon and then cleaned up my act and went to our regular Friday night dance party.   I did pretty well, sat out a few more dances than usual. but I can deal with that.    Hoping to make it to my Latin Aerobics class tomorrow.   Might not make it through it, but I'll at least get there!  

    I took a Claritin today, and also had an Aleve before the Neulasta, and so far haven't had any pain.   The anti-nausea drugs are working well and haven't had any serious tummy problems.   So far, so good.   Only 7 more to go!   

    Thanks, all for being there.   Good luck to all.       

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LindaBusEd
    LindaBusEd Member Posts: 121
    edited December 2008

    Well December ladies,

    It has been 3 and 1/2 days since treatment 1 (Tuesday); it is 12:30 am EST(Saturday) time here and I have only slept an hour. Been sleeping well the previous nights. I only took a short nap this morning and rested a little; even was up to do a little shopping (grocery) today. I have not had any vomiting; took my last 2 nausea pills tonight but do have backup in case. I developed metal mouth tonight. UGH!!!!!!! Still having a little nagging headache but I think it is caffeine withdrawal--love coffee but not at this point!!!! I am kinda filling the joint pains but not bad; looks like I will be up awhile; maybe I can sleep off and on in the chair; do not want to disturb hubby tossing back and forth. Hope to put up some decorations this weekend.  Wish all the December divas a great weekend. This site has been such an inspiration for me.  Thanks for everything. Linda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mimiwhite
    mimiwhite Member Posts: 60
    edited December 2008

    Hi girls I am sorry I have not been keeping up on the board.  I worked Thursday and Friday.  My rash seems better this AM.  I was so teary on Thursday and was told it was the steroid.  Friday I felt way better.  Lisasayer you sound so sweet and I am happy to hear how well you are doing.  Welcome to the new girls and simvog thank you for keeping our schedule.  Sherry I hope you had a nice dinner last evening.

    Mary,Firni,Tex, Caroline, and Carol hope all is well. 

    I wish the rest of you girls a restful, peaceful day.

    Hugs to each of you,

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited December 2008

    Msbusdriver: My tongue and the roof of my mouth are a little rough. Almost like I burned them on something hot and they are not healing. It's more a minor annoyance than anything. I'm not using any special rinses. The funny taste is a greater aggravation but I've only got two more treatments with FEC so I figure that's tolerable too.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,595
    edited December 2008

    Hi again Ladies, Just offering up another 2 cents worth of advice. For mouth sores, we were given a rinse to use. It is called Prevention. Not sure if it is prescription or not. Doesn't look like it. I never had to use it as I didn't get any mouth sores. It is an oncology mouth rinse, alcohol free, glycerine/menthol formula. Helps control sore gums & ulcerated tissue and helps thrush. There is a website on the bottle and an 800 number, not sure I should post that, so if anyone interested, PM me and I will gladly give that info. I was also told to use good ole fashion "salt water".

    God Bless Us ALL

    Lori

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • colleen1960
    colleen1960 Member Posts: 226
    edited December 2008

    The 3rd day after treatment and I spent it in bed all day.  I was very naseous and very tired.  Feel much better today, but still very tired.  I just have to much going on.  My mom saw the onc and she definitely has lung cancer stage IIIb.  She is 87 so we are not sure how she is going to proceed.  It really S.....Ks!!!!! At her age she be able to just close her eyes.  So I have had a bad time.  I don't know if it is all the chemo or both the news and chemo.  But I am not looking forward to the tx on Friday.  Now I am not sure if I should of done the dose densage tx or if I should of done it every 21 days.  My kids know what is going on and my son is trying so hard to put up christmas decorations etc.  I am just not in the mood.  I don't even have one gift purchased yet.  Sorry I feel like I am going on and on.  My husband has been great, but I think all the bad news is taking its toll on him also.  He is very close with my mom.  I just hope that if I start feeling better I can get a better outlook. 

    Thanks for listening

    Colleen 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited December 2008

    Hi Colleen.  What awful news for you!!  Especially at Christmas.  It sounds like your son is trying to do everything he can to help out.  That is great.  

    How often are you having treatments and how many?  It looks like you're the only one doing CMF.

    I don't think that you or any of us should beat ourselves up about Christmas and if we'll be able to shop, decorate or even celebrate too much.  It can only be what our treatment will allow it to be.  Quality time spent with family and friends mean so much more than the  hustle and bustle of the holidays.  Does your mom live close to you so you can spend time with her?  It has to be hard on you DH.  He has as much on his plate as you do.  It sounds like you are a strong family.  My prayers for you all.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmliv
    mmliv Member Posts: 128
    edited December 2008

    Colleen - how horrible, will your siblings be able to help? From your past entries it seems you have a close family. Your husband (who you said was a good sport by being in the play) and your children now can put up decorations their way! 

    Day 5 of CT (Saturday) - Wow, am I weary! I went to a meeting this morning and it totally wiped me out. Glad my DH drove me there and then picked me up..... we were going to drop some packages at a sister's but I only wanted to get to bed. I've had intimation of nausea since being off Zofran, but no problems. So I think today is going to be a "Mom's in bed today". Nothing tastes normal but baked spaghetti still has appeal.

    No actual pain, but there is muscle twitching - Tylenol seems to help. Well, back to sleep for this chemozina.

    Mary 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories