Starting chemo January 2009?

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited January 2009

    Berkeley Kim- I know what you mean about so many people who have recuring or mets seem to be functioning , working and living life in spite of it.  I also know that some of are worry warts.  You are also right about  it's " my turn for me".  I just finished a nice dinner with my dd.  She's a teen and she has been quite the trooper through all of this. She has had her moments-she is scared like me.   I have put of taking the genetic test because I just have to get through the chemo first......If I have one of the genes, then that means I have more decisions to make.....

    CHicken curry?  That sound good too!  I have been craving salt---chemo??/ who knows!

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  • KM47
    KM47 Member Posts: 65
    edited January 2009

    Hey there Jess....interesting to hear you say you still have no hair loss...Mine started to fall out in the shower this morning - two weeks and one day on from the first FEC treatment. My head had felt a bit tender the past two days so I had a feeling something would happen soon.

    I got a bit teary eyed as I watched it fall and then told myself (yes, out loud, in the shower) to pull myself together. I told myself it's the chemo working, not the cancer doing this and that if hair loss is my biggest concern right now then that is a good thing. I'll be shaving the head completely in the next day or two and I suspect there will be some more tears then but that's okay - I'm not going to beat myself up about that. I think the toughest thing is that the lack of hair will be a reminder of what I'm going through - up until now, apart from a bit of weight loss, I look fit and healthy. I also feel pretty good.

    Anyway, less than a week go to until treatment two....then only four to go.

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  • REKoz
    REKoz Member Posts: 590
    edited January 2009

    Kim-No need at all to apologize! I have met 2 "angels" in particular in treatment who are both long time chemo champs! They happened to be in my room on the worst day I have experienced post op when I was on IV Vancomyacin for post op infection. I KNOW I was led to them in that room on that day and have seen them since. They are awesome and I TOTALLY get the inspiration emanating from such strong warriors. I think I'm just feeling fragile today. On the whole, I am getting thru this whole thing by always seeing the positive and am of course lifted by the support of those around me and on the boards here. Just one of those days for me which we're all bound to have.

    I hear you on the teen worries! I got through two daughters who are now 24 and 27. The oldest is getting married in July, 3 months after I've stopped treatment. Thank God for that timing! After all we've been through this year, I imagine it will be quite the emotional day. My younger one is finishing up her Masters but is still a teen in many ways! No matter hold old they are, it's our fate as Moms to always worry about them!

    Have a wonderful night cuddling!

    Ellen

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  • shockedat39
    shockedat39 Member Posts: 252
    edited January 2009

    I wonder if it has something to do with where we are in treatment because the last few days I've been obsessing and terrified about recurrence and mets.  It's interesting that the thread has taken this direction a bit.  It actually makes me feel a little better.  Maybe it's just part of where we are in the process.

    I will go for my first expander fill tomorrow.  While I'm a little nervous, I love the fact that it's something cosmetic...a vanity thing.  It kind of takes the medical piece out and makes me feel like just a normal woman taking care of her appearance.

    Big hugs to all.  Enjoy your evening and feel good.

    Diane

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  • rsben70
    rsben70 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2009

    plutz my next is feb 5 i usually try to do mine onfri but i have a appt with onc so we'll do it all in one day. 

    my hair started coming out so i am waiting for a friend (a beautician) to call she said if their was anything she could do well i have something for her to do!!!!!!!!i guess sat. will be the day...

    have had a good day today so hopefully i'll have more til thursday

    ladyjane i'll have 4 cycles of taxotere/gemzar, it seems my mouth on taxotere is like yours on AC,

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  • mamasarah
    mamasarah Member Posts: 23
    edited January 2009

    Hello all you wonderful warrior jewels!  I had my 2nd tx on Tuesday, saw surgeon and had eschar removed yesterday and got my Neulasta shot, then returned home to Virginia (leisurely through airports this time) today.  Even missed an ice storm and had great spring-like weather in Houston.  But, Thank God, my next three tx will be local.  

    I'm trying Claritan this time and hope is works for bone pain.  I got the same puzzled look from the staff, but they said it couldn't hurt. 

    The taste buds have gone and chewing sugar-free gum seems to help with the mouth blahs.  I'm not waiting for  the headache to take over and have been taking Darvon - remember that?  It seems to work but I feel very fuzzy.

    Does anyone else on Taxol or taxotere have skin problems?  I've got tiny blistery bumps on my back, spread to shoulders and now on head.

     Also - about the hair thing.  When do I get hairless legs?  I thought that would be part of the deal. What a joke on me if that's the only place I get to be hairy!

    Berkeley K.  my daughter brought me some Ollalieberry jam from your town after a visit this month.  Really good, but what is an Ollalieberrry? She loves Berkeley and is planning to move back when she finishes her RN next January.  

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  • Renrel
    Renrel Member Posts: 497
    edited January 2009

    Sorry but no shout outs today. I am just too tired.  I will try to so a few tomorrow.

    I got a wig today.  My secondary one.   The ACS has a program where they will give you one free wig from ones that have been donated so I went to check out what the local salon that does the distribution had.  I lucked out I think. They actually had a 100% human hair rather long wig in pretty much my color.  Not something they get very often I was told.  It was between that and a fun red wig.  I decided to go with the one in my brown color since it was "a find"  It actually looked rather a mess but they told me it will look nice when it is washed and styled.  If I change my mind I can bring it back for another one. They put my name on the box with the red one so they can find it easily if no one else has taken it.  Now I know the human hairs wigs take much more care and I am already lazy with my own hair so it may not be right for me but we will see.

    I stopped by work today but my boss was not in and I somehow did not have the form I went in to give him. But I did take care of some HR stuff and visit with a few friends.  It was very nice but I am totally worn out this evening.  

    My nurse manager from my insurance program called today to check in.  She told me that in general day 10 is the lowest  blood count day. I think that is tomorrow.   My throat is the slightest bit sore. I may try to visit my doctor tomorrow just to make sure I am OK before the weekend when it will be harder to reach someone.  I want to drop off a medical form to be filled out anyway.  

    We recieved a last minute inviation to a little dinner party tomorrow night assuming we can find a babysitter.  DH said we would attend but that if anyone had a cold we would unfortunately have to leave given my immune system at the moment.  I guess that even if we were invited to a Super Bowl party this weekend I would be best declining.  

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  • misty123
    misty123 Member Posts: 242
    edited January 2009

    Hi group,

     I am 15 days post first tx, no head hair lost yet, who in the group held on the longest. I wonder because my ong and the nurses swear it falls out before the 2nd tx. Next tx on tues and I am already worried about it instead of looking forward to a well weekend. I am going wig shopping tomorrow just in case, I have been putting it off just in case I am that 1 person who doesn't lose their hair : )) Anyway I am glad I found this group it does help to know that you are not alone in the battle and for me it keeps the "why me" away, why anyone when you look at all the women who face this each year, the numbers are scary.

    I was looking into the claritin for the bone pain but I think I will get something RX because I do not want to take a chance with that severe bone pain again, I wanted to throw myself out the window it hurt so much. One of my friends asked how did I know it was bone pain if I never had bone pain before. I told her if she ever has bone pain trust me you will know what it is and not doubt it.

    I pray that all of you have minimal SE and breeze thru your next tx, good health to all.

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  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited January 2009

    Ellen--how exciting to look forward to a wedding!! my son's graduating college in mid June. I finish chemo mid may, but will be doing rads. Don't knowif there's a break in between yet. About worriers, my 84 year old mom STILL listens for sirens when my 50 yold brother, who still lives with her, is out...crazy learned behavior!

    Mamasarah--Ollalieberry is like a milder, sweeter blackberry. They grow on the coast here and I go to the U-pick faithfully every June. Yummy. And I wonder about my pit hair and face hair...still hanging on! I've just been letting it grown, waiting for it to fall off.

    Found out today that the leg weakness and pain I get the night after treatment is from the steroids. I tried to walk it off. This is my worse time--night of treatment. Time to take another Tylenol and lie down..

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    Berkeley Kim - I HATE stories like the one you told.  But, we need to hear them and know that they can happen.  Has anyone else made the "mistake" of looking at the METS board here late I night?  well, I have.  Scary!

    Jess - I take a powder version of glutamine that I mix into a glass of juice.  maybe look into that?  i buy mine (and almost all of my supplements) at ucla.  i can get you my brand name if you'd like.

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    fyi - for anyone considering a hysterectomy, i found a new website with lots of info:

     www.hystersisters.com 

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  • shockedat39
    shockedat39 Member Posts: 252
    edited January 2009

    Misty,

    I am 21 days past first tx (7 days past 2nd) and I still have my hair.  It's a crew cut (I did it last week as I wanted to before it started falling out) but it's still there.  I've read where some ladies haven't lost in until the 3rd or 4th treatment and wonder if I'll be one of those rare gals.  I'm still glad I did it, though. 

    Keep me posted on yours.  I'll do the same :)

    Diane

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  • REKoz
    REKoz Member Posts: 590
    edited January 2009

    Kim-  Yes, having the wedding to look forward to is a blessing. It's going to be rather large at 200. We moved several times while the girls were growing up and will be seeing some of our friends that we haven't seen in years. I was diagnosed in Oct. when we were getting into the full planning mode and had to work on my sadness that my daughter was having to deal with this during such a happy time. Plus the fact that Mom could no longer be 100% focused on her. Of course, she was not struggling with that part nearly as much as I was and I learned very quickly that this was not a topic she would even consider discussing! Her Dad and I were married 25 years and he has since remarried and lives in China! We are the "Bruce and Demi" of common folk though and he has been wonderful in both emotional and financial support. Another gift coming from this BC, she will be proud that her parents respect their history and can still share her moment together!

    As far as the recur anxiety (Dianetoo), I think it might be due to where I am. As a weekly person, I just start to feel better and then it's back to BLECH. Today is #3 and then a week off so I am trying to focus on that wonderful fact instead of the fact of physically going downhill after today. As weird as it seems, for me, the biggest issue with recur is more chemo. Of course the cancer itself is not a happy thought but it's the thought of continual chemo that just does not seem doable to me. I am far from an anxious person and it does not occupy my mind, I just HATE HATE HATE feeling so gross. Haven't lost my hair yet but I think I'm as emotionally prepared as one can be, Wig appt tomorrow and also prosthesis since I won't be getting filled till after chemo due to that infection and scar revision. Believe it or not, I've come to terms with everything but this friggin chemo! Well, it's off to the shower b/4 I leave for that friggin chemo!  At least it's a great motivator to get my work done as I bring my laptop and it makes the time go super fast.

    Here's wishing  you all a great day in the midst of this battle we all face.

    Ellen 

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited January 2009

    Misty 123, I hear you.  I'm going in for my 2nd treatment in a few hours and have been dreading it (ruined my last few good days).  We're supposed to be decreasing steroids this time I'll let you know how it works.  My onc swears the second one is better.  So, I'll keep positive thoughts for both of us that this time will be better. 

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited January 2009

    Ellen - I get the chemo funk and it starts to build as I approach a treatment day.  I am one week away from #4 and starting to build anxiety.  My SO and I just had a good heart to heart this am in bed and he's been fabulously loving through this whole thing even when I turn into psycho-chemo crazy woman sometimes. 

    Jess - you mentioned exercise and I have to tell you and others on this board will too.  You have to get some form of fresh air/walk/run/hike/bike/something - it helps move the chemo through your organs along with lots of water.  I know it sounds like you have a houseful but give yourself 20 minutes a day for a quick around the block if you can.  It really helps. 

    Berkleykim - you tease with that chicken curry.  That sounds so good I think I'd take a chanceTongue out!  I too try to send my worries elsewhere.  An aquaintance gave me a great daily devotional at the beginning of this journey and I keep it next to my computer - on those really blue days it gives me a lift.  And funny, she's not a close friend but just called me again yesterday to see how I'm doing so maybe she's more than some people who seem to forget that I exist and going through anything at all.  My true friends have risen to the occasion and I love them all for that.

    I am rambling but just gearing up and grateful for all the support on these boards. Have a good day ladies.  hugs, Bobbi

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited January 2009

    Kmmd, knew zealand, berkeleyK , renrel and everyone else!  I am so going through the mets scare.  I think that is usual and as hard as it is, kmmd, you are right.  It is so important to keep positive.  My onc also said the 2nd one is better, so is the third and then he said 4th will kick in with ses of fatigue.  I will be on taxotere then and I dred the switch.  BUT , will be glad that I am half way there at that point. 

    No hair loss yet at day 15. I sort of thought it was a gradual thing, but I am guessing it will suddenly start falling.  I am off to get a really short hair cut-the 1/4 of an inch deal you have all mentioned.  At any rate, fall out-take a while to fall out- I am getting it cut short because it is one less thing I have to mess with. 

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  • ladyjane54
    ladyjane54 Member Posts: 192
    edited January 2009

    Thrush is getting better  this a.m.  Woke several times with sore throat last night.  The really exciting part of this whole adventure is never knowing what to expect next!!!  Dr. said once you get thrush will probably get it again.  Something else to look forward to.  Going to try to make it to work this afternoon.  Not feeling too horrible right now.  Don't know about head.  Guess I will just see how I feel when the time comes.

    Amyjane:  You do look beautiful in your picture.  I think the younger you are the easier you can pull bald off.  I am not lookin good bald.  I also am a teacher and I have felt the same way about my students getting a bad deal but  I keep reminding myself that I did not ask for BC and certainly did not plan it.  The kids are a joy to have in my life right now and I sometimes feel guilty that I am getting more from them than they are from me.  I do have the most supportive coworkers and that really helps. 

    Patti

      

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  • ladyjane54
    ladyjane54 Member Posts: 192
    edited January 2009

    rsben70:  I will also have four cycles of taxotere.  Not  happy to hear about your mouth thing.  I was really hoping the SE would be less severe with t he Taxotere.  Well I won't complain as the SEs haven't been too too horrible.  No nausea and vomitting and I think they are the two SEs I could not stand.

    Thrush is feeling a bit better today but still painful. As they say in the commerical "didn't see that coming"

    Seems alot of us are starting to think about reoccurence.  I try not to even let my mind go there.  I do not think I could survive this treatment if I even slightly thought that this would happen again.  I am telling myself this will soon be behind me which keeps me going. I can imagine reoccurence is terrifying to those of you who are young.  So much more life left to get it again.  I am not that old but do feel if I could get through 10 years without a reoccurrence I will have seen my first grandchild (due in April) get my 12 yr. old through highschool.  See my 14 year old become a famous artist (her dream)...My heart aches for those of you with young children at home during this time.  It has to be amazingly hard physically and mentally.

    God Bless.  Patti

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  • knotsnut
    knotsnut Member Posts: 7
    edited January 2009

    Thank you to everyone who answered me.  I went on a road trip yesterday with dh to buy a kayak and feel like I am among the living.  lol  I was tired but felt better and have more energy today. Yesterday was the 1st day no headace. lump is better in throat, gargled with salt water twice.  I find I belch alot, Anyone else?  I had bariatric surgery 5 years ago, and lost 130#  since Dec, I am down another 20#  dh said I had a small butt yesterday,  that meant sooo much to me.    I did get the neulasta shot the day after my chemo.  And my 1st AC took less than 2 hours, but maybe the oncology dept is including more things.  I had training that day and also saw the OT.

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  • BevR
    BevR Member Posts: 101
    edited January 2009
    Buzzed my hair this morning to about 1/4 in. I'm wearing a scraf at work.....everyone says I look beautifulWink (very kind co-workers!). Today is day 16, started shedding a little on day 14, yesterday was a little worse and this morning it was EVERYWHERE! I decided to have the last laugh and buzz it....
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  • rsben70
    rsben70 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2009

    hi all,  my friend is buzzing my hair tonight, it is falling everywhere i can't deal with that.

    ladyjane54 i know how you feel just want to get my 17 through jr and sr year. my 14 yr old through long years in school she wants to be a MD .

    my thrush is getting better also, onc said prob would come back but gave me refils on my rx

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  • ddlatt
    ddlatt Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2009

    REKoz - ever since i found out my biological mother and grandmother died of breast cancer (mets to the bone), i told everyone that if i got cancer, i was going to eat potato chips and drink coke every day! i was a health food advocate and vegetarian before diagnosis. well, i haven't been eating any chips or drinking any coke at all. instead, i'm renting an apt in paris for a month once this ordeal is all over. and now i tell my kids that if i met metastasis of BC in the future, i'm not going through this chemo again, that i just want to die if the mets go to my brain or bone or liver. but really who knows? maybe i'll be like the woman berkeleykim sat next to - it's so hard to predict our will to survive and what our strength will be. so do your traveling when your treatment is over! don't wait for mets. right?!

    jrgolomb - perhaps try the L-glutamine powder instead. i mix it in my smoothie every day. 

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  • babyc
    babyc Member Posts: 58
    edited January 2009

    I'm seeing "thrush" mentioned more and more...... For about the last 5 days, my tongue has had a burning sensation fairly constantly but no white spots.  Is it time for the prescription meds?  I'm to have my 2nd T/C treatment this coming Monday.  What next-- boils, locusts, etc.....??????????

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  • Renrel
    Renrel Member Posts: 497
    edited January 2009

    Hi all. I am at day 10 and I think my blood counts are probably pretty low because I am soooo tired.  Other than that I am feeling OK.  My tongue feels like I burnt it on hot coffee.  Foods taste wrong but not so much that I don't still eat.  I did my morning errands, at lunch and now I am going to take walk and then nap till I have to pick up DS. I decided not to stop by the hosptial with my LTD form today.  Why expose myself to all those germs?  I will do it on Monday.  

    DH and I received a last minute invitation to dinner at a friends house tonight and managed to scrape up a babysitter.  It may not be the smartest thing to go out tonight but these are good friends and I want DH to have a life even if I am going through this stuff and all in all I have been doing well.  We warned them that if anyone is the slightest bit sick we will have to excuse ourselves. 

    Hope everyone is doing well and has plans for a fun and/or relaxing weekend. 

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  • marlenet
    marlenet Member Posts: 345
    edited January 2009

    Hi everyone.

     I have my 2 tx 2.3.09.  I ended up on day 10 with mouth sores, and a viral infection! BOOHOO. but the office gave me a iv of  fluids, antibiotics and bang i was feeling good.  I heard biotene toothpaste and mouthwash may help with the mouth sores.  I also heard munching on ice cubes dunning tx will help. I will try anything. Other then that i have been feeling okay. going to bed early, trying to eat right and walking everyday at least 1/2 hour.  The hair is really starting to go.  Going to buzz it this weekend.  Hope all of you guys are doing well and thanks for sharing.  When i'm feeling blah or scared i read this and it truly helps!  I will keep you  all in my prayers and send you good and healing vibes. 

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  • kt57
    kt57 Member Posts: 425
    edited January 2009

    lester63:  I just got off the phone with my onc re: neulasta.  I got neutropenic with my first cycle, so got neulasta with the second on Monday -  Tuesday I was a litlle achy- discided to exercise to get some natural endorphins going... Wed I felt pretty good...except stabbing bone pain in my Lt leg and mostly my jaw and sinus area and a constant dull headache...tolerable with tylenol.  Last night I started having pain in my sternum and rib cage and spine..... stabbing intermittent pain and pain when I move.  Am taking Advil for it at my oncs recommendation -   He;s thinking this will last for a couple more days... and is thinking about switching me to daily neupogen injections for 4-5 days after the next cycle.  Seems they accomplish the same thing only more slowly, with less SE - also said he'd possibly start me on levaquin to ward off infections through my lower count days.  

    So Day 7 afte TC # 2 - basically feel like I've been run over by a truck!  Tough to be positive some days.   Haven;t worked in two days..last time I was nearly back to normal by now.   Lesson here -no matter how much I want to be strong and carry on, there are some days you just have to succomb to the way you really feel -- take care of yourself - and keep hope that tomorrow will be better. 

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited January 2009

    For those with mouth sores - there is a mouthwash product called Rincinol that coats the sores and allows them to heal.  Works even better than Biotene.  I ordered from drugstore.com as my local stores did not carry the product.  Hope this helps.

    Bobbi

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  • shockedat39
    shockedat39 Member Posts: 252
    edited January 2009

    Hi Marlenet,

    I couldn't really tell by your post what treatment you are receiving but the nurses basically force me to munch ice cubes or eat a popsicle while I they administer the Adriamycin (ok, force is a strong word, but it's pretty much "which one do you want?") In fact, they give it to me before they even start to get my mouth cold and then have me keep eating it for a little while after they're done.  I don't know if that's the reason but so far no mouth sores.  Maybe you're doing that too and I misunderstood your post.  If not, I'd say it's definitely worth a try!

    Feel good, everyone!

    Diane

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  • Renrel
    Renrel Member Posts: 497
    edited January 2009

    I think there is a theory that the chemo drug will not be absorbed into the cold surfaces or something, so some people eat cold things to avoid mouth problems, put their hand in cold packs to protect their nails, put cold compress on their forheads to protect their eyebrows and I saw some add for a headcap things that chills the head, for doctors offices.  Don't know who well any of it works but I have read of people doing all of these.  None are pushed at my center.

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited January 2009

    Well, my scalp hurts and so I am predicting my hair will start falling out very soon.  This part is harder than I thought, but I guess I will be glad when it is done. 

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