Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?
Comments
-
Cindy,
I go Friday to get my hair cut.. It is my biggest fear right now, the only "normal" thing I have left of the old me. My hair is halfway down my back, thick, and curly. It took me so long to grow out, I am devastated. I have decided to cut it though before chemo takes it. I guess it's my way of taking control of something in this whole process. I will start chemo this Tuesday. Scared as hell, but ready to forge ahead and get the 4 treats over with!
I have read everyones posts in the last few days and feel I am so lucky to have all your feedback and stories to prepare myself for this.
Thank you all!
Lauren
-
Day 9 TC treatment - Feeling normal (my new chemo normal
) just find that I need to eat frequently to control the burping, heartburn, and weariness. Walked 3 miles and find that it helps with keeping energized! So way to go you Curves and Zumba ladies. I do have aches and I too was told to only take Tylenol; my blood work was OK so they haven't given me the shot to boost WBC production. Dec 19th I go for more blood work and then 2nd treatment on the 23rd.Went to the LookGoodFeelBetter class today and what a bag of goodies and good scarves recipes we received. I took my daughter out of school and made it into an "Extreme Mom Makeover" - we had a lot of fun!!!!!!! Tomorrow she goes with me for the cutting session and then we both are inviting friends to a celebration of my new look at a local restaurant.
So even though BC stinks!!!!!!!! And doctors appointments seem to be taking control!!!!!! I'm working hard to keep a healthy outlook with my DH and daughter. DH and I are going out on luncheon dates to relax from work and stress; topics of conversation are anything but BC!
Mary
-
mmliv, we both will be having our 2nd tx on the same day. Linda
-
Mmliv - Isn't great that we get such good support. How old is your daughter? Boy have times changed so much. I was in my early twenties when my mom was diagnosed with bc, and she was very quiet about it. I wish that I could of shared her experience with her, but I think back then almost 23 yrs. ago people did not talk about bc. My kids know pretty much everything so they can understand when I can't do things with them or why I am so cranky. Also I can't picture my dad doing all the things my dh does for me. LOL!!! I have my 2nd tx tomorrow and believe it or not, even though I know what to expect, I am still a little bit anxious about it.
Have A Great Day!!!
Colleen
-
I go for round #2 TEC next Tuesday and Wednesday. In the throes of misery during those 5 days after the first round, I wondered how I would ever force myself back into that chemo chair. Now I feel like, "Bring it on!" Short term pain for long term gain, right?
-
Firni, your nurses rock! giving you all of those tips, that's how it should be, I didn't try the tea tree oil because of the smell, that's on my list for tonight, I did use hard as nails, I read that somewhere on one of these boards.
Tracey, I wish I could go with you for your haircut to cheer you on, I was the same way, but Lainey is right, it's very liberating and it's sort of fun to try something that I would have NEVER EVER tried if it wasn't for the BC. My cut is so short in the back that it feels like a teddy bear, less to fall out! I really think it was the best thing I ever did. Let us know how you make out. I will tell you it's weird when you move your head and your hair doesn't swing around, I sort of feel like I'm wearing a hat.
Mary, isn't fun to include our daughters? Mine is having fun taking pictures and giving me pointers on fashion. My kids are really do well and the upside is that I get lots of extra kisses.
Lisa, I was thinking about your daughter, my wig is very modern and has highlights, it's a light brunette, do you think she would like it after I'm done with it? It's cut short, really cute.
Colleen, good luck tomorrow, kick some a**!
Well, back to work, have a good day Divas.
Cinda
-
Well, well... I think I'll be needing a short cut soon
I was hoping I'd be one of the few to keep my hair, but Day 4 and my head is already itching & burning... oh well... better start shopping for scarves! -
Day 10 TC - Have a slight fever this morning, so thinking I should not exercise
!Colleen - my daughter just turned 18 and is a senior in high school. She likes getting a chance to improve my casual approach to style - and then laugh at the results. Her biggest challenge is the attitude of her friends' parents, more gloom there than anywhere else! My DH thinks I am doing too much around the house, but he has picked up much of my role in our business - so he is busy.For those preparing for the next round.... what a fighting group!!! We know what to expect but still go forward..... kick those cancer cells!!!! On the other December thread there is a woman who said she had no SEs (other than hair loss). I would like to meet that masked woman and ask what she did??? Today I get my hair cut and I am glad - the hair is yucky feeling and the scalp is beginning to be itchy. -
I came to work today with my new short hair, feeling pretty spunky.....the first comment came from my Guidance Councelor " So Cinda, are you just going to keep cutting your hair shorter hoping no one notices when it's not there any more?" He's sooooo lucky he can still walk! A preschool teacher witnessed this exchange and she followed me into my office and told me how cute I look. AGHHHHHHH! Back to work I go, just needed to vent. I still like my hair.
-
Good morning Divas! Today is one week post TX for me and I am feeling great. It's weird, but I feel almost normal again. Since I am on dose dense, I will get my next TX on the 18th. Hopefully I'll have a full good week before then. I am going to continue working out until then but it's so darn cold here right now. When I get home from work all I want to do is put on PJ's and call it a night!
I read someone mention "burping". I have been burping alot too! Also, the day of TX I had some gas. So strange!
Cinda: A guidance counselor said that?! Keep your spunky lil chin up!! I get some strange comments too but I am just letting it go in one ear and out the other.
Collen, my mother is gone now but she also had BC about 25 yrs ago. I was much younger at the time and you're right, we just didn't talk about it too much. I wish I would have learned more from her or had her here now to talk about it. Luckily I have all of you wonderful ladies!
Love, Elaine
-
Msbusdriver, I lost my mom five years ago, i'm 55 years old and I called out for her when they pulled out my drains because it hurt so bad. Of course you still miss your mom. Had 2nd opinion and will go 4 X TC starting on Des 29th. I hate this so much. I have alot of anxiety and fear. Thank you all for wonderful support
-
Lauren - I felt the same way about the hair -- and I was trying to explain it to a writer who is doing a piece for the Look Good Feel Better program - that perhaps this "right of passage" was something that I could control at this point when everything else was spinning out of control. And I do actually like my new short hair - too bad it will be going! Last nite at a little company outing, one of the gals at my table said how much she liked my new hair and I said something back, to which she replied she didnt like her hair, but it was better than being bald...which she had been. I am thinking that she and I will have another conversation - not sure what she had, but I hope that someday I can be that forthcoming in a public situation.
mmliv - I have been one of the blessed ones with basically no SEs after the first tx (knock on wood?). This is day 9 and other than really sleeping hard on day 3 or 4 -- got nothing to report. I know that each tx is different and I am sure I will "pay" for this easy one....but.....I just consider every good day one blessing at a time!!
Look Good Feel Better - if you haven't, call the ACS and find out where/when it is in your neighborhood - it is wonderful. It is free - you do get a generous new makeup kit (germ free) and lots and lots of good tips on scarves and wigs and hats. They encourage you to bring a friend with you (they do not get a kit) - make it an outing.
CindaD - I think I might go back into the Guidance counselor's office and shut the door and educate this guy on either the fact that he's an insensitive moron or an uneducated doofus -- explain to him what hair means to those of us on this forum and our identity...in the hopes that he will never make a comment like that to anyone again.
Hang in there, all!!
-
Please add me to the December 2008 chemo list. I tried to post questions before my first chemo - I started on Tuesday, 12/9 - but had technical problems that are finally fixed. I had alot of difficulty deciding which treatment to go with - I was offered the choice of dose-dense AC/T or TC (four times, every three weeks). I really wanted that extra 2% benefit the more aggressive treatment gave, but it was at too high a cost (cardiotoxicity). So I started the TC and two days later, so far so good. The tips for starting chemo have been incredibly helpful and I highly recommend anyone about to start to check those two discussions out. I do have a question though - I am very tired but sleep is NOT coming. I lay in bed tired as anything, but I am not sleeping. I went into this with almost no sleep the two nights before chemo but I understood that - I was still researching and preparing and stressing for chemo since I didn't have to decide which I would have until the day of. Now that the stress of the decision and the unknown of the first treatment is over, I don't understand why sleep is so hard to come by. I know I can call my doctor and get something for it, but there is already so much stuff in my body, I hate to add another. Any thoughts?
-
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
Lindy58
Catrenae 4-Dec 4xAC+12xTaxol
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 6xTC
berrypathc 9-Dec 6xTC
ptjen 9- Dec 4xTC
ShondaE #2 9-Dec AC
Meg511 10-Dec 6xTCH
Firni 10-Dec 6xTC
ddlatt 15-Dec 4xTC
apfuentes 16 Dec 4xTC
busqueen 16- Dec 4xAC+4Taxol
Texas357 #2 16/17-Dec FEC+Taxotere
Kranie 17- Dec 6xTC
momof4stars 18-Dec? FEC+Taxotere
mimiwhite #2- 22 Dec 4xTC
LindaBusEd #2 23-Dec TAC
mmliv #2 23-Dec 4xTC
msbusdriver #2 23-Dec 4xTC
Brenny #2 - 24-Dec 4xTC
simvog #2 -29 Dec 4xFAC+4xTaxol
cebula #2 - 29 Dec 6xTC
CindaD #2 - 29 Dec 4xTC
DrDecker 29 Dec TC
Firni #2 -30-Dec 6xTC
Bkokie 4xTC
-
btw...I've always had long hair. The couple times I cut it, I hated it and grew it back right away. So I decided I needed to get used to the shorter (i.e. no hair) feel and had my hair cut short. I have received so many compliments and find I really like it alot. Not sure how I'll react to losing it all but I I may keep the it short after it all grows back! I'm going to a wig consult in a few minutes. I wasn't going to get one but decided that I want one just in case I change my mind. I've been very gray since my 30's and white for years (I'm 58) and gave up on coloring early on. I am NOT getting a gray wig. I might as well have some fun with color!
-
Pat, sleep will come, are you taking Decadron? That can wire you, I had the same experience, I tried to take a Benadryl while still taking Decadron and it didn't do a darn thing. After my last dose of decadron, I took a benadryl and slept like a baby, the next night I slept without any help and have been doing fine since. It's a terrible feeling to want to sleep and you can't, thankfully it's only temporary. Hang in there.
-
After 4 days with the wig, I have noticed that it gets uncomfortable after wearing it all day. I'm not a scart or turban person, but I am thinking of trying a cap to see how it looks/feels. My wig lady has a cute one that is bright red and has rhinestones on it.
My first 'debut' among friends with the wig will be this Saturday. I'm actually looking forward to hearing their comments.
-
Wow! Thanks CindaD - you got it! I only started taking it (in the generic form) today and it's actually the only day I take it for this treatment. But I'd been taking a way bigger dose of prednisone (they are both steroids) for bronchitis/asthma. The dexamethasone is a much smaller dose so the sleep problem should improve soon. I now realize that the sleep I wasn't getting pre-chemo was likely the prednisone. Yesterday was my last day for the prednisone.Thank you so much!
-
Had first TCH yesterday. Other than the length of time it took (appt at 9:15 but didn't get out until 4:30), all went well. The facility I go to can not accommodate visitors in the chemo room, however I believe divine intervention allowed them to let my sister back with me the whole time. They kept saying that it was a huge privilege and not to expect it again. I'm cool with that because now I know what to expect so it's not scary. No side effects yet but I hear that will come later. I'm just drinking tons of water to try to get it out as quickly as possible. One thing I'm reading - a lot of you guys are talking about eating fresh fruits and veggies. I was told that was a huge no-no because of the bacteria on the skin - regardless of how well it's washed. Anyone else hear this???
-
I just got the date when I will start chemo. It's next Wed. 12-17. I'm hoping to have acupuncture in the AM or the day before. I am traveling out of town to visit friends for the weekend. Don't know if I'll be up for it later down the road.
How were your first nights? I'm not sure I have someone to stay with me that night and am alittle anxious. When I had chemo 17 years ago, I just threw up all night. It was hellish! I will be getting TC this time, not AC like last time. I've heard its not as bad. What was everyone else's experience.
I've heard this a thousand times, but it still rings true; The anticipation is the hardest part!
Hope everyone is feeling well tonight.
Karen in Pittsburgh
-
Today is day 10 and I feel like my old self. I want to cook, eat, clean and whatever else I can find to get into. I am trying to get my office cleaned up and organized. It is about time to get our tax stuff together for our trucking business.
Cinda - I can't believe a Counselor said that to you! People can be so rude.
DrDecker - Isn't it amazing that no matter how old (or young) we are we still need our Mommy? Looks like you are having the same treatment as me. I hope you do well with it. The anxiety leading up to "the day" is worse than the actual chemo, I think. Once I had my first one I felt like I had done something powerful to get rid of those stinking cancer cells.
Brenny - It is wonderful that you have had so few SEs. I hope all of your treatments go as well.
ptjen - Welcome. I had a hard time getting sleep at first too. I think it was the steroid I was taking. The sleeplessness has passed and I am doing good now. Hopefully yours will pass too. My first TC was Dec. 2 and I finally got to sleep around night 3. I will have my next round of TC Dec. 23 so I hope I can get some sleep before Christmas.
Texas37 - I am afraid I will get tired or uncomfortable wearing a wig all day. I think I'll do better in caps or hats. Who knows? Good luck with your debut.
Meg - Congratulations on getting Treatment 1 behind you. I had heard we shouldn't eat fresh fruits and veggies also, but my Onc. didn't tell me not to. She said there were no restrictions on my diet and to eat what I could. She just doesn't want me to NOT eat.
Karen - The first few nights were not too bad except for not being able to sleep because of the steroids. Things are much better now as far as meds to help with nausea. My worst days were around 5 and 6 after chemo. My bones ached really bad, but I think it was more the Neulasta shot than the chemo. I hope this time around is better for you than your last time around.
Mary and Linda - I will be sitting in my chair right there with you on Dec. 23 getting tx 2. I will be wondering how you are doing that day and thinking about you.
-
Meg511 - I too was told to stay away from fresh fruit and vegetables. But given the changes in my taster I probably wouldn't enjoy them anyway. SDavis - I too had a fever (99.8) but by mid afternoon I was OK and went on and got my hair cut and then celebrated my new look with a couple of friends. I had the wig on for maybe 2 hours and it was uncomfortable; definitely not going to wear it around the house. Day 10 TC - Definitely weary and easily chilled. So am taking it easy - I'm letting my body dictate what it needs...... if it says rest...... I sleep! Thought I was thru with warding off constipation but no....
-
Linda, I see you are from GA. What part? You can PM me if you don't want to make your location public knowledge. I am in North GA.
Are there any other GA ladies in our group?
-
msbusdriver, I live in Lincolnton, GA--about 30 minutes from Augusta. Did live in Martinez, but I retired in May from 30 years of teaching and we decided to move to the lake. Lake is real low not like Lake Oconee. Except for this hacking cough, I am slowly but surely on the uphill. I called the nurse and they prescribed me the Z pack and some cough pills. I had bronchitis and pneumonia last year and I don't want to go down that road again. Hopefully, this will be the weekend to put up Christmas decorations. We will probably do Christmas the weekend before Christmas since my next treatment is the 23rd.
It's amazing how so many people tell you how you are going to feel because they had someone 10+ years ago go thru it. Only we know how we are going to feel. Just the anti-nausea medicine today has been awesome. I remember when my twin sister was going thru chemo in the 80s she was constantly hugging the toilet. However, I don't know which is worse, hugging the toilet or the butt issue, but I have me some butt paste now!!!!!
As many, I am getting antsy about the hair loss. I try not to think about it. When I do, the tears start flowing.
Will be thinking of all of you tomorrow! Linda
-
Hello Divas! Great to see all the posts!
Brenny -- I've had a similar experience with not much SE's! I was a little tired on Sat (Day 3 post tx), but otherwise have felt very "normal".
I too have cut my hair into a very short style I would never have done otherwise. One of my co-workers called it "B*tchin' hot". I think he was exaggerating, but that's what friends are for! Everyone has been very supportive and when they say they like me in short hair I say "wait until NEXT week!" I have a Carmen Miranda hat that I wore to a Halloween party..... I'm thinking about wearing it to my next chemo!
My mother, sister and I are going wig shopping on Saturday.
Hang in there, Divas. Remember, if you can laugh at it, you can live through it.
-
Linda, I laughed out loud when I read your comments about the "butt" issues
. I have had some issues there too, but not bad enough for "paste" LOL. I live in Ellijay - The Apple Capitol of GA. I had bad Bronchitis and Pneumonia over the past couple of years during winter time, but I have a new primary doc now and she is on top of my asthma & lung issues. I got the Flu and Pnemonia shot this year. I never had the shots before so I hope they help. Time to go "nite nite". I'll see ya'll tomorrow. -
I am going for my 2nd tx. in a few hrs. Still anxious, but a friend of mine (since we were 5 yrs.old) is taking me. I have not seen her in a couple of mths. so we have a lot to catch up on. So hopefully the time will go by fast. I hope everyone is doing ok today, and I will update you later and let you know how it went.
Have a good day & be well,
Colleen
-
I've always worn my hair very short....Sassy as my husband calls it. In fact, it is long right now and I need a cut, but why bother! Got my wig yesterday...need to trim it up...way too much hair for me! LOL My husband has always said I look like a younger version of Jaime Lee Curtis...well if my hair comes in white...I'll really look like her!
As far as wig comfort, I know my daughter can't wear one all day...gives her headaches. She wips the thing off as soon as she gets in the car or home! LOL In fact, she hasn't worn a wig in months...just been sporting the hats and scarves!
Today is one week from my first treatment and other than the metal taste in my mouth...I'm feeling normal. Well, as normal as I'll ever be! I really wish we could know if each treatmet will be the same as far as side effects. My next treatment is the day after Christmas!
Good luck on your second treatment Colleen and enjoy your time with your friend!
-
Happy Friday everybody!:-) Even for those of us who don't really even remember what day it is, I figure it's good to be happy about something!LOL {I even went and bought some Clinique 'Happy" perfume so I could be happy every day on this silly cancer cruise.}
I found out yesterday I'll be starting chemo on Friday the 19th, instead of Tuesday the 16th. I decided to be part of the clinical trial involving Avastin so they need a few extra days to get the additional drug {or placebo}. Anybody else here on that trial? I had my first acupunture treatment yesterday, hoping it will help.
Lisa, you are an inspiration.:-) Just thinking about Zumba classes wears me out and I haven't even started chemo yet!
Colleen, I hope you have a good day with no unexpected SEs or glitches.
-
Happy Friday Divas. I got up feeling a bit tired this morning. I think I'm just worn out from working all week. I've felt good the past few days and think I've overdone it. This morning has been fun at work - exhanging gifts and stuff and I really wore myself out. I felt exhausted and out of breath for a few minutes. It made me so emotional and I started crying. I don't know what happened to me. I'm fine now but it really bothered me. Has this happened to anyone? It's 9 days post my first A/C and I'm just surprised that it kind of hit me out of the blue. I'm worried too about my next TX next Thursday. I hope my SE's aren't going to get worse. I have noticed some mouth sores popping up on my tongue and inside of my cheeks. I've been using Biotene mouthwash and it seems to help.
I hope everyone is having a good day. Love to all! Elaine
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team