Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

Firni, could it just be water retention? My rash left as quickly as it came. Didn't real bad and only lasted a day without having to do anything, I was quite surprised, and happy.

Well, off to bed...

Good morning all!  Well, that bald head being exotic is pretty funny because I swear the contractor working in my building was flirting with me the other day.  I popped off my hat and he comes over and starts chatting me up and says "I like your hair!"  I said oh thanks.  Well, everytime he sees me now, he comes over with some remark or something.  Hey, I'm 52 and he's probably early 60's.  Told my SO and he got a kick out of the whole thing. 

I have my grandaughter for the day today so heading out for a quick walk as the Y is closed with all this snow.  Stay warm everyone.  Thanks for the good thoughts all around.

Bobbi

Good morning ladies - I was just wondering if I can take regular cold medicine?  I've come down with a little cold, but with all these chemo drugs pumping through my veins, I wasn't sure what I could take.  Thanks!!!

apfuentes --- I know when I had some sinus/allergy issues a few weeks ago, my dr. said it was ok to take over the counter medicine. The only thing was to be sure to monitor my temperature to make sure I wasn't getting an infection so that the medicine wouldn't mask any other problems.

Of course, everyone and every situation is different. You could make a quick call in to the nurse at your Dr.'s office and they could probably tell you right away what you can take.

Feel better soon.

Cat

Hey Elaine,  Good luck with the first Taxol.   Let us know how it goes.  I get a blast of Benedryl before my tx too but I'm always ok to drive home.  Good to have your boyfriend go the first time tho.

I called the onc this morning about the edema.  The nurse said that this is a "normal" SE of Taxotere and the fact that I've gained over 20 lbs since my first Tx is normal too.  Guess what I'm supposed to do for the edema?  You guessed right!  Take some steroids for 4 days.  Then we'll reassess. She even asked if I had started taking the Decadron.  I guess I'm supposed to self treat?  I'd rather call before I do that.  Onc does want me to take a different steroid tho for this.  So at least something is a little different.  The rash is also normal.  Just Benadryl or benadryl cream for that.

Anyway, hope everyone had a good day today. 

Firni - Do you have a port?  The surgeon who put mine in told me that if my left arm starts to swell that it likely means that there is something wrong with the port and I needed to let him know right away.

I finally got approval to have my next chemo treatment tomorrow (1/30) I have been fighting low white blood count but have finally made it to where it needs to be.  It was my attempt to not have to take the Nulasta shot.  So much for that.  I will be taking it from now on.

I was having trouble with my wig making my head break out just where the edge of the wig sits.  A friend gave me something I think is called a comfy strip or something like that.  It is a gel filled strip that fits around your head and your wig fits on it.  It feels really cold when you first put it on which is nice.  It also keeps your wig very secure.

Pam

Mombos, I do have a port.  It's on the right side tho.  Does that make a difference?  My surgeon didn't say anything about this at all.  I just go to my onc first with anything.  I'd assume that if it's not chemo related he'll send me on to the next Dr. to see.  Of course we all know what assume breaks down into.  I'll see if the new steroids work.  Or if it gets worse, I'll call my surgeon.  Like tomorrow so I don't have to go the weekend and maybe ending up in hospital with another $500.00 co-pay.  

The gel strip for in the wig sounds great.  Way better than putting tape on my head.  With all my weird SE's, tape might damage me.   I'll bet TLC has some gel strips.  I need to get some bra fillers for my flat spots anyway.  I know they have some on sale now for $8.00 for a pair.

Try the Claritin for the Neulasta shot.  I did the Claritin D this time and I could really tell the difference.  Take one the morning of the shot and one for 3 days after. I did take some Ibuprofen a couple of times too, but it was nothing like the first two shot when I didn't take the Claritin D.  I'm glad you're finally getting your Tx.

Caroline,  I have come to the conclusion that steroids are the panacea for everything that ails us. They come in all different types and ways that they work.  At this point, if they'll keep my SE's from getting to where I have to stop Tx, I'll take them.  I'm sure that's what's also contributing to my excess weight and clothing option failure.  How did you get lymphedema in your foot?  I can't imagine having a swollen foot for 4 years.  That can't be good for wearing shoes.  Maybe your therapist can show you and DH some massage things you can do.  That would be nice anyway to have DH give you a nice foot and leg massage.  I love those.

Hello ladies,

Sorry to hear about all the SE's everyone is suffering from. I'm doing pretty good. I had my labs today and it was ok, but not great. My WBC is low... not low enough that they have to do anything, just low enough that I have to "watch it." Guess I'll be laying low this weekend and avoiding crowds, sick kids, etc.....

Lissayers -- That's good to know about your sister. I have my last of 4 AC on Feb. 5 then will move to the 12 weekly Taxol.

Hope everyone has a good afternoon.

Cat

Bonnie, i hope you feel better and can get some sleep.

It sounds like most everyone is suffering from SE"S. Has anyone been told that they are cumulative? i feel like they are as I am way more tired after tx#3 than I was after treatment #1.

We had to move to a hotel yesterday as the snow/ice storm knocked the power out at our house and the power company is saying maybe Sunday? You have got to be kidding me. So 3 of us in a small hotel room with 2 double beds. at least it is warm and there is a Cineplex next door. So far I have seen 1 movie but my dayghter is on #3. $5. matinees aren't bad and take my mind off the BC.We will be informed on academy award night.

It is supposed to snow again tonight....and I left California for this?

Love all of the wig escapades. I don't have one as my hot flashes are so bad that I would be ripping it off my head every 5 minutes. Scarves and hats are not quite so warm.



Feel better everyone and keep on laughing....

My son took me to the clinic for the Neulasta injection and I was home just a few minutes when the nurse called to tell me that yesterday's bloodwork showed that my thyroid level is way too low.  It will be an easy fix, but it's always something.  Anyway, I feel more human for the moment, just underslept.

My wig is such an uncomfortable beast that I may never wear it again.  It looks good, but hats and scarves are so much more comfortable and I am so much less vain than before BC.  Comfort comes first, but I do try to even out my chest before going out because it looks ridiculous.-- LOL.

-Bonnie

Hello all I have not posted in a few days so I am just catching up.  It seems a lot of you are experiencing a lot of bad SE.  I hope everyone is feeling a little bit better.  I will go tomorrow for Tx #7.  I have be extremely tired these days I just hope blood work is ok.  Is everyone getting rads after they finish chemo?  My onc told me that I would not need them.  But it seems everyone I speak to have done both.  Just wondering if I should approach the subject with her again.  Well I wish everyone a good night and I will check back in tomorrow.

Colleen

Carolyn, yes, I was told that the SEs from chemo would be cumulative.  I've noticed I'm more tired as each Tx goes by but that's about it.  I just get a new strange SE about a week after each Tx.  It's getting to be a game with me and the onc nurse to see what I call about each time.

bonnie, I hope you got some sleep last night and you're feeling better today.

Colleen, I'm not scheduled to have rads when chemo is done.  After things I've read on different threads here, I am NOT bringing up the subject to my Onc.  I don't know how they decide if someone needs rads.  I think it has to do with if the tumor was located in the chest vs just in the breast tissue, if you had a mast. or a lumpectomy, how wide your clear margins are and if lymph nodes were involved.  If you have questions tho, you should talk to your onc.  She won't recommend rads if you don't need it.

Pam, my onc thinks my edema is just another happy SE from the Taxetere.  So hopefully the steroids will work.

Caroline, that just sucks that the first time you give yourself a peddi treat it messes you up for life.  It is great that your therapist is the best in the area so when you are ready to go back you'll be more confident in her ability to get you recovering again.  Damn shame about the shoes tho. 

OMG!  My coffee is SOOOOOO  GOOD this morning.  It's going to be a great day!!!!!!!!!!

Glad you're all enjoying your coffee today Never liked coffee so that's one thing I'm not missing.

Yeah, stinks about the shoes. I was a shoe person 4 years ago, it's been driving me nuts seeing all those cute shoes everywhere and not being able to buy. If the shoe doesn't cover my ENTIRE foot, can't do it Anyhow, she thinks the infection that went untreated caused it. I did have surgery on that foot YEARS ago, so maybe it's like BC, as long as my arm is untouched, I won't have lymphedema but an infection could caused it. Altough I did hear that they are working on a cure for it, that would be great, I'm young enough that I might see it in my lifetime. I'll be able to go shoe shopping again in my 90's! LOL!

Yesterday was a good day I think today will be as well

Elaine, glad to hear tx went well. Hopefully you don't get too many SEs from it