Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

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  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited February 2009

    Caroline, I 2nd the others: your doctor is just being cautious. It's better to rule out that scenario, and have him tell you to pop a few more Advil!

    I did tx #2 of taxotere today and was told that my white blood cell count was low. Darn it all anyway. I've got 7 more treatments to go ... I don't want to have to take any breaks. It's already dragging out way too long.

    Hang in there ladies! No matter if we finish sooner or later, enjoy every second that we can! Live out loud. It's the best revenge we can have over this disease!

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  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited February 2009
    Thank you everyone for all your kind words. I'm feeling better now, went to my MIL, she cooked me a nice dinner and we hung out. I know he's being cautious and I know wording is for insurance, but it's still stressful. I didn't get any baseline scans before tx, since I had no positive nodes, it wasn't necessary. Should get the results of the x-ray tomorrow and he did advise to take tylenol until next week, if still hurts on Monday than we'll do bone scan. I don't know that it would be stress related, it doesn't feel like my typical knots or pulled muscle. And I tried a very powerful muscle relaxer and it's not working. I guess I just have to wait & see and try not to stress too much. A nice glass of wine ... Wink
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  • Romiles
    Romiles Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2009

    Hello wonderful Ladies, i had my blood checked today in preparation for chemo tomorrow, my white blood cell is below normal so i called up my doctor and informed him of my condition now,he asked a couple of questions and made some computations ans said "Bingo" u can have your chemo tomorrow... So tomorrow, i'll have my 3rd of the 4 cycles... My nails are getting dark so are my fingers, i wonder what the 3rd chemo will do to me... but i am willing to take it...

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  • LindaBusEd
    LindaBusEd Member Posts: 121
    edited February 2009

    Simvog,

    It is 6xTAC

    Chemo brain; had just gotten back from treatment #4 when I keyed this.  Sorry

    Linda

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  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited February 2009

    Caroline: wish you could come to sunny California for a visit. It has been beautiful and in the low 80's. However we are expecting some rain starting tomorrow. We sure could use it. I love the rain as long as I am not driving in it.

    I am starting to have a touch of nuropathy in my feet and fingers. Darn it. I will continue to take my B6 vitamins and pray it does not get to bad.

    So many of us are finishing this month. I am sooo jealous! Getting anxious about number 3 on Monday.

    I am going to the aquatic center today for a lane swimming. It is in Pasadena CA and is an outdoor pool. they keep the pool at 91 degrees. awwwww. I have a pool but it is about 65 degrees brrrrrrr. got to keep moving.

    Good luck to all today.

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  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited February 2009

    The x-rays came back normal. My bone scan is scheduled for next Tuesday. I just wish I could know where that pain is coming from.

    Bold, wish I could be in sunny CA ;) Enjoy your swim.

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  • colleen1960
    colleen1960 Member Posts: 226
    edited February 2009

    Caroline - I am so happy the x-ray came back normal.  And I am still praying that your bone scan will be normal also.  Just keep good thoughts!!!

    I wish I could be in sunny Ca also.  It is still freezing here. In the mid 20's with snow on the ground.  They said by the weekend we may it 50.  I hope that is just the beginning of Spring.  But I better get real, it is only the beginning of Feb. And this is NY!!!

    I saw the PS today for my fill.  I am scheduled for 3/11 for pretesting and then 3/26 for the final surgery.  He definitely has to do a breast reduction on the left side, but I am fine with that.  He said surgery would be about 2 hrs. and I would go home the same day.  It is the same thing as the mast.  for recoup time.  Has long as I know the cancer is gone, I don't care what they have to reduce.

    Well good luck to everyone with treatments this week.  Be Strong!!!!

    Colleen

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  • swest
    swest Member Posts: 680
    edited February 2009

    Caroline - Wonderful!  I hope that these X-Ray results help make the wait for the bone scan more bearable.  When I had my bone scan my onc. had the results that afternoon.  You may want to check for the results later on in the day.

    I hope you get some relief from your pain!

    Sonia

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  • Romiles
    Romiles Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2009

    Had my 3rd cycle this morning and i feel better than my second... hope it will not worsen...

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  • Brenny
    Brenny Member Posts: 116
    edited February 2009

    Good news - yesterday was tx4 (TC)--chemo is officially done and I removed my last chemo bracelet (I had bought from TLC I think, four pink crystal bracelets, remove one after each tx)!!  Feeling fine this am, slept well (obviously the steroids don't affect me!).  My WBC before chemo was 21.6! Without neulasta shots!!

    Onc wants to see me on 2/27 and my rad simulation appt is 2/27. 

    Totally in the depression mode - deciding this whole thing AND my life SUCKS!!!

    Best to the rest of you doing tx this week and next! 

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited February 2009

    Caroline, glad to hear your X-ray came back normal.  Praying the bone scan will too.  Sometimes we have so much stress related muscle tightening and we don't even know it.  Shoulders and necks are most affected.  Or it might even be a pinched nerve.  Any way, I hope you find some relief this week.

    Romiles and Bold, my third Tx was easier than the first two. 

    Brenny, Congrats on being officially done with chemo!!  It's too bad that it threw you into that dark place and you can't really enjoy it yet.  But, you'll feel better soon and know that your life doesn't suck.  Other people have said that rads is a breeze compared to chemo.  Before you know it, that will be done too.  Try to have a good day. 

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  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited February 2009

    Brenny ....congrats on your last chemo.  Mine is tomorrow and I can't wait!  I know that this is a hard time when it comes to making decisions, but listen to your heart.  Do the research and then do what is right for YOU.  My decisions won't be right for other people...but I'm sticking with what I feel is best for me.

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  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited February 2009

    Hi all,

    Had #2 taxotere treatment on Tuesday. Fingertips are a little tingly but nothing too bad so far. My biggest complaint is (and always is) with my stomach which seems to be on fire since chemo began. Thank goodness for Prilosec!

    A few ladies in the chemo room are close to finishing their taxotere treatments. Their hair started re-growing after a couple of weeks on taxotere. I keep checking my stubble but so far nothing new.  

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  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited February 2009

    Some of my hair has been growing all along, but I keep shaving it...until I see more of it start coming in.  I kind of like the Telly Savalas look! Sure makes it easier to get ready to head out! LOL

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  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited February 2009

    Same here, it's been growing all along. Actually, I can tell when I'm due for another round, it starts growing! But it's all fuzy, nothing is the same length, so I'll keep shaving until it all grows. I'd rather have a shaved head than looking like Einstein!

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited February 2009

    My last TC is tomorrow too and though I am looking forward to the end I am depressed and weepy today!  Who knows what causes all these emotions.  I am having some back and joint pain and my wrist is still troublesome.  Someone said that if a pain/SE lasts longer than 3 weeks you should definitely tell your onc.  I will mentiont he wrist tomorrow.  Like Lisa and Caroline my fuzz starts growing near each treatment and I too give it a nice smooth shave in the shower and moisturize.  The look works for me and people have been favorable about complimenting itKiss.  Lipstick and hoop earrings go a long way!  Good luck tomorrow Lisa and everyone having tx.

    Big hugs to everyone - Bobbi

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  • CindaD
    CindaD Member Posts: 120
    edited February 2009

    Hi Ladies, I've been MIA for a while, fatigued after tx#3 and then I just wanted to have a normal life and not worry about BC and all that comes with it.  My hubby and I went and picked out a german shepherd puppy last week, I was missing my Sadie who died right after Christmas, our house was a happy place until last night.  My sheltie who was 11 died unexpectantly.  We lost our 2 babies within a month of each other.  I can't say how sad we are, the bad stuff just keeps coming, even when you try to be positive.  I did make it to work today, but cried in the morning, my kids are devastated.  The puppy is helping.

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited February 2009

    Cinda - my sympathy for your loss - nothing else to be said.  It is so hard losing a beloved pet and now your second.  Glad for the puppy for your children.  Stay in touch and hope you are feeling better soon.

    Bobbi

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  • jajebr3
    jajebr3 Member Posts: 15
    edited February 2009

    Oh Cinda I am so sorry to hear of your second loss in such a short amount of time.  Prayers to you and your family. 

    I have a question for you ladies.  I woke up yesterday morning and have a sore on my lip, like it had just split open but is a large circle and looks like anouther is popping up, anyone have this problem. 

     Went for fluids and anti nausea meds yesterday and have to go again friday for the same to try to keep me out  of hospital this time.  Only one more dose dense treatment left and then on to tox. tx, I hear it is easier on your body than what I am going thru.  Anyone Know about it?

    Alyssa

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  • mombos
    mombos Member Posts: 31
    edited February 2009

    Cinda - I'm sorry to hear about your sweet dog.  I remember how hard it was for you at Christmas time when you lost your other dog.  I love shelties.  I had a beautiful one as a child.

    I had a funny thing happen to me today at Target.  The lady in front of me in line was sure she knew me from somewhere.  I did not recognize her but she started going through the list....where do you go to church?  Where do you work? etc. We couldn't make a connection.  After a minute she said... I just love your hair, who does it.  I was coming from work so I had my wig on instead of my usual scarf.  I said...Well, actually it's a wig because I'm going through chemo.  It felt natural for me to say and I wasn't embarrassed.  Then there was this awkward silence.  I finally said something like...Don't they make them look so natural these days. in an attempt to let her know it was okay.  I felt sorry for her.  Maybe I should have said something else in response to her first question but it just seemed so natural to tell the truth.  Has anyone else been in this situation?  What did you do?  I don't want to make others uncomfortable.

    Pam

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  • colleen1960
    colleen1960 Member Posts: 226
    edited February 2009

    Cinda - I am sorry for the loss of your beloved dog.  I know this must be so hard for you and your family.  I will keep you all in my prayers. 

    I also have had a sore on my lip for the past few days.  My gums are also very irritated.  They told me to keep rinsing.  But the cold sore at least that is what I think it is is definitely better.  Hopefully it will be gone soon.  Today is day 7 and I am still so darn tired.  I spent much of the day not doing anything.  Did a few loads of wash, but that was it.  Hope to have a nice weekend since the last few I spent in bed.

    Hope everyone is doing well and Congrats!!! to everyone that is finishing their treatments this week.

    Colleen 

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited February 2009

    Hi All - I have some answers and some suggestions.  The lip sores I have been using Abreva - it's expensive but seems to work instantly unlike when you have a cold sore and have to wait out the week.  It really does work on this SE for me and also use Burt's Bees constantly and everytime I wake up at night - reapply.  Sores are not our friends!!

    Pam - I went to Jos Banks today to pickup my sons suit and got all kinds of compliments on my bald head. Finally said, thanks I'm going through chemo and both men started telling me about their neice and wife that also went through chemo.  So, my take is, tell curious people right away because often they know and just want to tell about their own experience which gives us Divas/Jewels a chance to share our own brave stories.  Anyway, just my take and I love you all.  Have a good night.  My last TC is tomorrow morning so won't be back on until Sunday.

    Bobbi

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited February 2009

    oh - hydrate to all - to those in SE phase and those going for tx.

    goodnight!!

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  • lovemyfamilysomuch
    lovemyfamilysomuch Member Posts: 1,585
    edited February 2009

    Brenny---AWESOME!!!!  Congratulations on finishing your chemo!!  You did it!!

    Ellen

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  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited February 2009

    Like bobcat said....WATER, WATER AND MORE WATER!!!!!!!  It really helps!

     I get compliments on my bald head too, I tell them, "Thanks, I'll tell my oncologist you like it!" LOL  They laugh and it lightens the sometimes awkward moments.  But that is me. 

    I've got my hot pink leopard tights ready for tomorrow....the poor nurses never know what I'm going to wear!  Keeps things interesting!

    Love to all!

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  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited February 2009

    Hi divas.  I admire you ladies "embracing your bald".  I haven't been able to do it yet.  I've never liked to bring too much attention to myself so I'm just keeping it personal.  But I do plan to skip the wig tomorrow and just wear a cap to work.  My cold is still here but I was finally able to return to work today.  I felt about 50% better and I think just getting out of the house and focusing on work helped.  But it was sooo hard putting on makeup and that wig when I felt so terrible.  My nose is so red and crusty, I'm just really disgusting right now! haha  I've been taking antibiotics that my Onc prescribed for me and they have given me runny stools.  That is yuck, I know.  Sorry!  So even though I have no nausea with the Taxol and I'm eating whatever I want, I pay the price each time.  Yuck. TMI I know!

    Cinda - I'm soooo sorry about your pup.  I cannot even imagine. My heart goes out to you.  I hope your new little puppy can fill a place in your hearts. 

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  • sdavis
    sdavis Member Posts: 96
    edited February 2009

    my favorite response when people look at my head is " I am having a no hair day today"

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  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited February 2009

    Cinda, so sorry about your dog :( I can't imagine loosing both of them.

    Well, my landlord came over to pick up the rent yesterday. These days, I only wear a scarf out since it's so cold outside. Around the house, the skin on my head must be getting thick because it doesn't get cold. When the door bell rings, I just answer. So I opened the door to the poor guy who quickly asked me if I was ok, didn't know what to say other than "well, yeah, I'm ok", I am ok! So he asked if I was just sporting a new look? LOL. Told him no, cancer, I'm on chemo, but I am doing ok. He felt bad and I'm hoping to get a new dishwasher out of it since mine doesn't work too good, maybe he'll feel sorry enough to put in a new one ;) LOL. You can't feel bad for people, I know it can be akward, but quite honestly, if I was the stranger, I'd rather feel akward than be the one on chemo! Altough, sometimes when I'm having bad days and go run errands and feel like people are starring, I just want to say "quit looking, I'm bald, do you want to see?"! But that would be my french temper... oops, so I just say it in my head and keep walking quietly...

    You know, my MIL still hasn't seen me bald! She won't do it. I don't mind, even though I see her often, it's never for long visits so I'll do that for her since I love her, but.... comes spring & summer, she'll have to get over it since it will be too hot for me to wear anything.

    Well, mom & dad are here to the rescue :) Next round on Monday, until then, eating yummy food while I can enjoy it. Raclette on the menu, tomorrow night I believe. My taste buds never left again, last round they acted up a bit but didn't fully leave like the first round, altough I still can't taste vinegar, out of all things, how can one not taste vinegar!

    Well... good night!

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  • BonnieK
    BonnieK Member Posts: 655
    edited February 2009

    Hi everyone,

    My best to those of you who are finishing up chemo tomorrow.  I'm envious, but also very happy for you.

    Cinda - I'm so sorry about the loss of your dog.  It is so hard to lose pets, especially so close together.  Thank goodness your husband got that new puppy.

    I admire those of you who go bald, but I'm in the same spot as Elaine on this one.  I only go bald in the shower or tub!  Scarves, hats and the occasional wig day work for me the rest of the time. 

    This has been a long, tiring week of too much work and not enough sleep, but I'm taking tomorrow off and sleeping as long as my body wants to sleep.  The neuropathy is still bothering me at night, but I haven't called the onc yet.  My last Tx is scheduled for 2/19 and it won't happen if the neuropathy gets worse.  My thinking is that if a good night's sleep is possible tonight without all the leg writhing and cramping, then I'm good to go.  Otherwise, I'll call and tell them what's going on.  SEs have been terrible for me this time -- nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, body aches, extreme fatigue, insomnia, etc., plus the nasty taste in my mouth 24/7.  It's a drag, but it's good to know there is a sisterhood out there experiencing similar things.

    Take care.

    ~Bonnie

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  • apfuentes
    apfuentes Member Posts: 95
    edited February 2009

    Hi Ladies - Hugs to everyone with yucky SEs. 

    My hair is definitely growing and I still have one cycle left.  The other day my DH asked if I wanted him to buzz it again and I immediately told him no way, it's a precious commodity!  So I am in the group who hasn't parted with hair very easily and wear a wig or ball cap all the time out in public.  I do think a lot of it is so that other people aren't uncomfortable though and to avoid those awkward moments.  I've had compliments on my "hair" (wig) and if I'm caught off guard, I've gone along with the lie, but usually will just tell the truth.  I definitely think the other person is more uncomfortable than we are in the situation!

    TGIF ladies!  Good luck Lisa on your LAST DAY!!!!  Yeehaw!

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