Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

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  • lktracey
    lktracey Member Posts: 110
    edited December 2008

    Hey Andrea,

    I had my steroid high today too.  I just bottomed out a half hour ago, took my nausea med and Ambien.  II was able to complete 7 market totes for embroidery and three compact mirrors.Gotta bring in some money!!! WEll,  bye ladies, I am off to the land of dreams and hoping my lovely shot  won't put me in the land of jacked up pain!

    Lauren

  • 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 

    cindyrellacleans      2-Dec        4xTC 

    Brenny                    3-Dec        4xTC

    zuffa                        3-Dec        6xTAC

    Lindy58                    3-Dec      4xTC  

    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

    berrypatch               9-Dec        6xTC 

    ptjen                       9- Dec           4xTC     

    ShondaE           #2  9-Dec              AC 

    Meg511                   10-Dec            6xTCH

    Firni                         10-Dec           6xTC 

    Lindy58                     10-Dec       1xTC+3xAC 

    Colleen1960             #2 12-Dec        CMF  

    ddlatt                       15-Dec            4xTC                              

    horsercn                   16-Dec          4xAC+12 Taxol+Herceptin 

    apfuentes                 16 Dec             4xTC 

    busqueen                 16- Dec           4xAC+4xTaxol 

    iktracey                    16-Dec                 4xTC 

    chiquita                   16-Dec                  FEC 

    Texas357                #2 16/17-Dec        FEC+Taxotere 

    Kranie                      17- Dec                6xTC 

    Bkokie                     17- Dec                  4xTC  

    LisainVA                 #2-17 Dec              4xTCH 

    Lainey64                  #2 18-Dec          4xAC+4xTaxol 

    momof4stars             18-Dec?           FEC+Taxotere

    ENFENETEE            19-Dec             4xTC 

    mimiwhite              #2- 22 Dec            4xTC

    colleen1960            #3 22-Dec             CMF 

    LindaBusEd           #2 23-Dec              TAC  

    mmliv                     #2 23-Dec              4xTC 

    msbusdriver           #2 23-Dec               4xTC 

    cindyrellacleans      #2- 23Dec               4xTC  

    Brenny                 #2 - 24-Dec               4xTC 

    lisasayers             #2 26-Dec                 4xTC

    simvog                  #2 -29 Dec          4xFAC+4xTaxol  

    cebula                   #2 - 29 Dec               6xTC 

    CindaD                  #2 - 29 Dec               4xTC

    Bold                        29- Dec                  6xTCH

    DrDecker                 29 Dec                   4xTC

    Firni                       #2 -30-Dec              6xTC 

    berrypatch              #2 30-Dec               6xTC  

    sdavis                    #2-30-Dec               6xTC

    ptjen                      #2-31-Dec               4xTC

    Lindy58                  #2 -31-Dec               4xTC   

  • lktracey
    lktracey Member Posts: 110
    edited December 2008

    Ambien is my new best friend.  I had the most incredible sleep of my last 3 months!!! I woke up at 6 am ready to take on the world! Cleaned the kitchen, cleaned out the junk drawer, folded laundry and started another 2 loads. Got my daughter and hubby off to school and work.  My husband snidely commented that I should have started taking it 14 years ago if it was gonna get me motivated to do that much housework - MEN! He knew when he married me I was NOT a domestic diva!

    So, what is the timeline for the Neulasta SE's?  I got the shot yesterday around noon and I was prepared to feel like crap today, so I am scrambling to get stuff done before it hits!

    I hope everyone has a great day today.  Will be off and on depending on how this day goes and what kind of trouble I can get into - hee hee!

    Lauren

  • mmliv
    mmliv Member Posts: 128
    edited December 2008

    Good morning Lauren. I don't know about Ambien.... but I do know that when I feel good I try to catch up because I don't know what I will be feeling in the future.

    Day 17, TC regimen.  Feeling good today! My cold is almost gone and I feel pretty normal. Will be heading out today to pick up groceries for Christmas dinner. I'm loving the cold weather because I don't have to wear my wig..... have I mentioned how uncomfortable my wig is?Tongue out

    Good luck to those are in chemo today.

    Mary 

  • Catrenae
    Catrenae Member Posts: 733
    edited December 2008

    Good morning ladies,

     Just got back from getting my 2 week lab work. Last week's results were great – this week not as good. My WBC is low. It's at 600 and 500 is considered  "moderate" on the chart. Just have to monitor my temp, wash my hands a lot, no undercooked meat, etc.....

    The bad news is my hair started coming out in the shower this morning... Going to get it shaved tonight after work. It's strange to have clumps of your hair come out and not feel a thing. I've already warned my coworkers that I will be bald tomorrow,..Oh and tomorrow is our big Christmas Luncheon so everyone will see me! : (  Guess I'll just have to wear my Santa hat...

    Hope everyone has a great Thursday!

    Cat

  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited December 2008

    Hello sisters:

    I will be starting chemo on the 29th of this month. TCH X 6. I have had my orientation and am anxious to get this going and behind me. I have a medical background that can be good and bad. I know to much and yet I feel as though I know nothing. I hope that all goes well. I am proud of all the strong woman that are in the beginning of this journey to health.

  • havehope
    havehope Member Posts: 503
    edited December 2008

    Bold,

    Sorry you have to join us, but welcome to December Divas Club. Good luck and be strong!

  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited December 2008

    Hey ladies, maybe you have seen this, but though I would post in case not.

    Pepperidge Farm is a sponsor of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, and is committed to joining with women everywhere in pursuing an end to breast cancer forever. Visit the site to learn more, get inspired and get involved!

    You can help make a difference by playing the Circles of Inspiration Game.

    Click the link below, or paste the URL into your browser window.

    www.pepperidgefarm.com/pink

  • CindaD
    CindaD Member Posts: 120
    edited December 2008

    Lauren, My Nuelasta SE's came 2 days after the injection. I took Claritin to help with the body aches ( I read about it on another thread), that may help you.  Keep a positive outlook, maybe you won't experience any SE

  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited December 2008

    Some thing of interest I do not have a port. My onc. said I did not need it. Also I will be going in for my nuelasta shot the day after chemo and while I am there they will give me an IV hydrating Saline. This is suppose to help with S/E. I should also say that I am 54 years old my picture is from my birthday. I live in Glendale CA.

    Lisa you know that it is interesting all the money that has been put into breast cancer research it seems the the Genetech people have been the only big breakthrough people and the are priviatly owned and do not receive contributions. I hope some of the money that is collected goes to the people that need treatment that have no insurance.

  • dpstarr
    dpstarr Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2008

    HI, Im new to this topic. Had my post-op appt. with the surgeon on Tuesday. My daughter, Jen, went with me. She is eighteen, strong and very funny. I thought it would be nice to have her with me for the drive. It is usually an hour but with the weather it now takes almost three. Well, I'm glad she was with me for more than the just the drive now. The cancer is in my lymph nodes, so now I have to to chemo. I just wasn't expecting it. After surgery the surgeon said that everything looked really good and he was very optimistic! When he gave me the news he looked just as upset as I was. My daughter just looked at me with tears in her eyes. I didn't cry, just started to ask questions. Then Jen looked at me again and said, " It's okay to cry, you have to let it out". Then a started to cry.

    I am supposed to see the oncologist tomorrow and then we will get started after that. I'm scared, but I know everything will be okay and that by summer I'll be on the other side of all this

  • lktracey
    lktracey Member Posts: 110
    edited December 2008

    Mary, glad the cold is getting better.  It will be almost 80 here in Louisiana today, so no real winter wonderland feelings down southYell

    Cat, so sorry about the hair.  The santa hat should be a hit though! Good luck!

    Lisa, I am all about Pepperidge Farms Bordeaux cookies - haven't had since the chemo, scared they won't taste right. The last package I bought had the Komen info on it.

    Bold, welcome to the group.  You certainly don't look 54!  Wow.  Good luck in your journey.  This site is invaluable!  The women here are amazing.  You will feel uplifted everytime you log on.

    dpstarr, I am sorry you received that news.  Take your time to digest, mourn, get depressed and angry, then start gearing up to kick cancer's butt!!! I was scared to death to start chemo, with the hair loss being my biggest hangup. Now, it's all gravy.  Once the hair goes, I am home free. Your tx will go so quickly and I pray effortlessly for you! Welcome!!

    Lauren

  • dpstarr
    dpstarr Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2008

    Iktracey, Thanks. Lucky for me I like hats and it is supposed to be cold this weekend 0 degrees. I'm already pissed at the whole thing. So I should do fantastic! Thanks for the support

  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited December 2008

    dpstarr:

    I now that this is hard time for you. I wanted to tell you that you would of most likely had to have Chemo anyway regardless  of node status. But the Best news is that you ware still early stage and you can be cured. Now that is a big deal. Did they get clear margins. That is good too. You can do this. I start Chemo on the 29th. I know that I am concerned of all the Side effect but I am lucky to have Caught mine when I did. We can and Will do this with grace.

  • horsercn
    horsercn Member Posts: 32
    edited December 2008

    Hey everyone....had the first tx on Tuesday and the Neulasta shot on Wednesday.  So far no side effects.  Is there a time line for them and is the second tx different from the first with the side effects.  It does sound like everyone is loosing their hair around day 14.....I am not looking forward to that day at all.  That puts me on the 29th which will be my 2nd tx.

    Wish everyone well for this weeks txs...We are a strong bunch and together we can help each other every day.  God Bless

    Tricia

  • mimiwhite
    mimiwhite Member Posts: 60
    edited December 2008

    Cat,

    I admire you getting your hair shaved tonight.  I should have done that the first day, but I just couldn't do it.  Sending you a hug. 

    Mary, glad to hear your cold is better.  Keep up the good work!

    Hi Bold and welcome.  :)

    Bye,

    Mimi

  • LindaBusEd
    LindaBusEd Member Posts: 121
    edited December 2008

    Hi ladies,

    Finished my shopping today (groceries and gifts). Now that my hair is starting to fall out, my real real good friend cut my hair short. I am just not ready for the shave. Since we are doing Christmas Saturday, guess I will be wearing the wig.  I just have to go to the local grocery store and get my cubed pork for Saturday.

    It's been a great week except for the hair thing, but it will be cut short, come Tuesday. 

    Thinking of all of the December divas, Linda

  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited December 2008

    Hi everyone.  This morning I had A/C #2.  My labwork came back and my Onc said my WBC count was good.  I told him about my nausea problems last round and he prescribed me some Emend.  I took one immediately after TX and so far no nausea.  He also prescribed me some Ativan. 

    My hair is starting to come out now too.  I already have a nice wig I bought for work but I went out to a friend's wig shop and got another one to wear on the weekends and stuff.  I'm starting to get tired now and think I'll try and relax a bit.  The steroid had me full of energy but I'm tuckering out now

    Cat, I read your post and see we both started the same day.  I guess we're right on track.  Mine isn't coming out in clumps yet, but I barely have to pull on it and it comes right out.  I'm going to ask my boyfriend to buzz it off tonight. :)

    Mary, I hope the wig gets better for you!

  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited December 2008

    Lauren, the Nuelasta shot didn't really hit me until a few days later.  I had some strange bone aches but nothing too bad. I can only take Tylenol because I'm taking Koumadin but that seemed to do the trick.

  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited December 2008

    lainey64

    Are you having 6 or 4 treatments. if you are getting 6 you only have 4 to go. You sure seem to be doing great. congrats. I hope that I am as lucky

  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited December 2008

    just read that you are 4 you are half way done WOW! you go girl

  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited December 2008

    Bold, yes, I am halfway through the A/C then I have 4x of Taxol to do.  People told me it would go by fast and I have to say that the past 2 weeks have gone by pretty quick.  I'm already feeling better this time around because I'm not so darn nauseous. I'm going to take an Ativan and try and relax. 

  • dpstarr
    dpstarr Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2008

    Bold: Yes the margins are clear. Thank god.

    I have long hair and next week I am going to go and get it cut very short. I figured if I can't have it, I might as will donate it to someone that can. I am donating it to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. They make wigs for people who need them and they are also free. Unlike some other programs.

  • BreastCancerDiva
    BreastCancerDiva Member Posts: 62
    edited December 2008

    Good evening, December Divas!   Just a quick note.   I had my 2nd chemo today, so I'm certain my hair will be gone by Saturday.    I think it will be a relief!   I bought 2 really cute wigs and have been wearing them even though my hair isn't gone yet.   They look much better than my own.   

    I was thrilled when I got a copy of CBC today.   My WBC was at 10.2!    Wonder what I did that kept it up there?   I should do it again! 

    Did a llittle shopping after tx today --  I need to buy a recliner, I think, as I plan ahead for bi-lat mast in the spring.   Then Mom and I had dinner at one of our favorite places - Bob Evans!   Now I'm a little tired and happy to lounge on the couch with the cats and sip grape juice from my wine glass.  

    Remember, if you can laugh at it, you can live through it.   

  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited December 2008

    Hey Divas...today is day 14 (including TX day as day 1) and my hair is starting to come out.  It's ironic, since today I was supposed to be getting my 5 week hair cut, as I keep mine very short.  But I cancelled my appointment as I'll be shaving it all off this weekend. 

    My next treatment is the day after Christmas.

    BreastCancerDiva, I've always said, you gotta laugh so it keeps you from crying! 

  • ptjen
    ptjen Member Posts: 52
    edited December 2008

    Lauren and Tricia: About the Neulasta side effects - I had my first Tx on Tuesday and had the "bone pain" start on Saturday night. Tylenol did nothing. It has never worked very well for me anyway. Things got better on Sunday when I got up and around but on Sunday afternoon it started up again so I called my oncologist. Anyway, she was great and said I could take ibuprofen or, if I needed something stronger,  the Vicodin leftover from my surgery. The ibuprofen took care of the problem. But you should check with your own onco and see what he/she suggests.

  • ENFENETEE
    ENFENETEE Member Posts: 13
    edited December 2008

    Hi Everyone,

    Just up late because I get my port put in tomorrow. I am averaging one surgery a month since October, lol. I am ready for chemo on Monday. They told me I should be prepared to be there 5-6 hours. I will be getting TC and H. Then on Tuesday I will get my Neulasta shot. I want to thank all of you because I 'm so prepared for this journey from your informative posts. I promise I will give the details of my port placement also. Smile

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

    Hello Divas!  Welcome Bold.  

    Cat, is this day 14 for you with your hair coming out?  

    Enfenetee, I don't remember much about getting my port in.  I remember the nurse telling me to scoot over to the operating table and then I remember sitting up and talking to the nurse in the recovery room.  I was glad to have it when I did have my first chemo.  I never felt the needle go into it and never felt any liquid run in.  They can also run the tx in faster with a port so you don't have to stay so long.  Altho I am starting to feel more like Frankenstein with all scars on my chest.  A total of 9 now. 

    Bold, I'm really surprised that you won't have a port with 6 TX and IV hydration the following day. That's a lot of poking.  You must have great veins!! 

    I'm day 9  TX1 and I'm feeling normal again.  Food is tasting more normal too.  I'm glad I'll have two weeks of feeling good before doing it all over again.  Now just waiting for the hair to fall.  I should have about 5 days left. 

  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited December 2008

    Firni:

    Yeah I was surprised too. I will leave the IV from the previous day of tx in for nuelastra and hydration. That way I will only be stuck one every three weeks.  And my veins are very juicy. However 5 hours for the first treatment is a long time. I will watch Mama Mia and read. I could fly to Hawaii for the same amount of time. ALOHA

    I must say in unison with the Dec.Divas that the hair thing is really harsh. I have been an actress and model. I did a lot of hair care commercials and print ads when I was young. It seems a bit of an challange to lose your hair. BUT what the heck change is good. I will enjoy all the new cool wigs that I have bought. I will give them names and a back story. Have some fun with it.

    And then I will go real blond and do the Annie Lenox thing for next sumer.

     Most important I want to live. I hope that we all have great success in beating this.

    The chemo is a seek and destroy mission!!!!!!

  • horsercn
    horsercn Member Posts: 32
    edited December 2008

    Thanks ptjen....so I guess since the shot was Wednesday I should be looking for pain by Sunday.  Wish everyone luck toady...and keep smiling we will beat this!!!!!!

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