Starting Chemo February 2009?

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited February 2009

    yeah whiskey.. something i NEVER drink, but it was good in a demented way.  nice to be inebriated.  I found out i am doing taxol for another 5 months.  once a week for three weeks, a week off.. 5 more times.  i'm going to be bald for soooo long,

    apple - cancer patient 

    (thank goodness i feel great).

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    Judy, huge hugs to you and yours, Lady. The unfairness of this whole thing is just compounded and twisted into too much pain for one person to bear. We're all with you and holding you close. May peace come and love prevail.

    My net connection is freaky, AGAIN, and I've been hibernating through my down phase for the last few days. Lots to catch up! Love the poetry too. Seems like I had a 100 things to say and now I can't think of one! GRRRRR! 

    I spiked a fever night before last, slept all day yesterday and am just getting up and around today. Hopefully since #3 hit sooner and harder I'll bounce sooner (can I hope for harder?) too.

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  • sue50
    sue50 Member Posts: 61
    edited February 2009

    KerryMac-  I hereby induct you to the order of the Green Hand. On my tx #2 she had to do 2 tries and the back of my hand was Green for a week. 3 tries for you--- Ouch!! Congrats on 1/2 way!

    Kat4Pink- pilgrims smoking pot!! Loved that, you are too funny!!

     On Thursday, my AC tx #3 finally put my head in the toilet as well. Failed the Not Puking 101 Class; oh well, am better now.   DH cleaned up where I missed on the way, now that's True Love. Next time I'm going to fast for at least 8 hrs prior to see if that helps. Does anyone else fast? I can't figure it out, I see the wastebaskets next to the infusion chairs full of snack wrappers. Those patients must be on something else..!

    Just walking into the infusion ward and smelling the disinfectant started the nausea....kind of like Pavlov's dog? Anybody else have this? I kind of dread going back. Maybe I should bring a balsam pillow to bury my nose in. I just couldn't wait to get outside when I was done. The exhaust fumes in the garage seemed almost refreshing.

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    Sue, I'm thinkin' I would pre-empt the nausea meds and take them the night before. I too am amazed at what smells to do me. No more puking for me tho. Just wish I would and get it over with, haha!

    I remembered ONE thing I wanted to say above:

    Headaches and SNOT FACE! I don't get headaches. Never have. Not even eyestrain from typing wiwthout my glasses will do it. But SOMETHING in my cocktail is giving me migranes. One per cycle, lasting two days. Light sensitive and the whole nine yards--right down to the fish tank filter being too loud. I also have SERIOUS sinus reactions. The post nasal drip alone could fill buckets. (EEEEWWWWW!)  Onco nurse says its the Cytoxan. She said it was so bad with one patient that she had to slow the drip by 1/2 hour. (Duh, why didn't she do that for me?) Auntie A to the rescue once again. Add Zyrtec to your pre-empt mix, Ladies. I cleared it with my Onco and he said to go for it. I cannot tell you what a difference it has made. One the day before, one the day of and one the day after. Mild headache and NO SINUS ISSUES AT ALL! What are we going to do with all the extra kleenex I bought now? ;)

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    Kat4pink, you HAVE to get started. Okay, okay, it's purely selfish on my part, but I'm dying to meet both you and Michele. Hurry up and get well already. Oh, and a little Pilgrim Pot never hurt anyone! haha!

    Has anybody NOT lost their hair by TX#3? I swear I'm still shaving--everywhere! UG! 

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009
    jrgolomb--I know exactly how you feel. ;) I had my hairdresser crop it as close as she could, then used a lint roller to get the loose stuff off. Then I shaved it with a Braun electric. I'm still using the Braun every few days. If i had hair, my head would look half scalped, but it's still not all gone. Strange. Strange. Strange. My DH does the back for me, BTW. It comes out nearly baby butt smooth. Which, in fact, is the obvious analogy since my daughter keeps telling me to put a hat on because I look like a baby! haha!
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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited February 2009

    to all who are interested, i'll let you know how my hair loss test goes.  I am not going to shave it.  I buzzed it on the 27th.  I'll let you know when it is BALD,

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  • kat4pink
    kat4pink Member Posts: 63
    edited February 2009

    *&#@&%^#@!!!!!!!!!!! The whole family, including myself, have the flu with fevers and all! I am NOT happy...grrrrr! I am telling you, if my chemo gets put off again this Wednesday, I am going to lose it big time!! All I can think of is not getting anything that might have slipped through on the positive node, or from some other way...Wed will be 7 weeks since surgery.. I already don't like the idea of waiting that long to start my treatment.wahhhhhh..Think I will just go smoke some pilgram pot! OK Thanks for letting me whine!

    BTW, Hi everyone! lol

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  • kat4pink
    kat4pink Member Posts: 63
    edited February 2009
    Webbie - got a question.... I've heard of Zyrtec, but not sure exactly what it is.. isn't it along the same lines as Claratin? (I am probably wrong about that) I am wondering it if is OK to take both before tx... I already get migranes, and I am paraniod about getting them during tx... I get horrible ones.
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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2009

    Kat, check with your Onco to be double safe, but yes, it's along the lines of both Benadryl and Claritin. However, it has a different active ingredient than both of the others. There have been times during this whole thing that I've been on all three at once. (I keep getting rash, so they added the Benedryl last time. So far, so good.) I'd never had a migrane before this. I'm thinkin' I'll skip the rest of them if at all possible. How do people LIVE through those things, YARRRRG!

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  • elizzim
    elizzim Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2009

    Hi all,

    I am crashing this party very, very late! But I've been reading along with you from the beginning. And you all have given me lots of strength and laughs and good advice.

    I had my first chemo treatment on Thursday - I'm taking part in a study, and I was randomized to 4 AC, dose dense, over 8 weeks.  Yesterday I thought I was doing OK, but today, two days after treatment, I'm very exhausted and nauseous, even on emend and decadron.  This weekend the kids are with their dad (we're divorced), but what happens if I still feel this way when theyr'e back? I'm not sure I can take care of two other people like this.

    From the last few pages of posts, it sounds like the nausea definitely gets worse as treatments progress.  Is that true?

    I'm so glad that you are all there to share this with, and to gain strength from.

    -Liz 

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  • elizzim
    elizzim Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2009
    Separate to my last post, I wanted to say to Judy how very sorry I am for the loss of your mother. She sounds like such an INCREDIBLE, IRREPLACEABLE woman.  I lost my incredible mom, too (to BC), and I understand the depth of your pain. But I can only imagine what it's like to lose your mom when you yourself are going through this.  I send you hugs, and I will be thinking of you....
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  • Gramof3
    Gramof3 Member Posts: 301
    edited February 2009

    Any Furies doing chemo on March 6th?  I report for poisoning at 9 am (Tx 2)--thought it would be nice to send/receive encouraging mental vibes from those of you plugged in at the same time.  It's cold and snowy here in SW Mo--so ready for spring.........Helen 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    *~*~*~*~*~ continued love & strength & prayers for judy & family *~*~*~*~*~

    kerry, yayyayyay for halfway!!! hope you feel better soon.

    susan13, what kind of nsal spray are you using? i'm experiencing just the opposite: dry nose syndrome. 

    welcome, liz ... glad you found us! you and i are neighbors ... i'm in westchester. i'm doing dd AC also, and have little to no nausea. (apologies to those of you having a hard time, i feel bad just typing that!). my 2nd tx was better than the first, nearly side-effect free. i like to think that my body's getting used to it.

    i got the blonde bangs from tlc and so cannot figure out how to put them in my scarves/hats, plus they're super long ... so i'm bringing them to my wig angel when i go back for my wig trim.

    apple, i'm counting the days also. day 10 & the hair's nearly gone. this morning i sent a batch flying out the window for the birds & squirrels, for their nests. i didn't even cry. what a difference compared to last weekend, when i was utterly despondent. (not that i'm jumping for joy. i HATE it. but it is what it is, afterall.)

    if anyone's interested, nioxin scalp therapy system 2 feels WONDERFUL on your hurty scalp. i massage it in gently & leave it on while i shower. of course, my showers are now under 5 minutes! my wig angel recommended it, it's really good for your scalp (if a bit pricey).

    i also must share these scarves with you gals:

    http://www.hats-for-cancer-patients.com/chemo-hats-novelty-prints.html

    i heart the "red rover" doggie one & the betty boop one ... hee! if anyone has an off-the-beaten-track scarf/hat sites, please do share. i'm so already over the 'traditional' ones i bought.

    (((everyone))) 

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  • kat4pink
    kat4pink Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2009

    Maybe it's the 102 degree fever I have with this flu, but I have come up with a new list of things to take with you to chemo: (DISCLAIMER...this is NOT a real list... This is for the "laughter is the best medicine" part of all of this)

    1) Boiled Peanuts (That's the one I couldn't remember!- It deserves #1)

    2) Whiskey

    3) Notepad to write poems.

    4) Pilgrim Pot

    5) FurbiesTongue out

    Feel free to add to it if you want!

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  • dmoore2009
    dmoore2009 Member Posts: 8
    edited March 2009

    Hi everyone I am fairly new I started my first A/C chemo treratment on February 19th!  Today is actutlly the first day I feel like my normal self since and it has been over a week.  Is that normal?

    From what I read I am looking for the hair loss next, I went and got a wig the day before I started chemo so I already have it handy. 

     I am finally getting use to having the port.  Had it put in the day before chemo.  So it made them sticking me for the chemo very painful because I was still sore from having it put in.  Next time I have the cream to put on so hopefully it wont hurt as much.

    Is the second treatment better or worse than the first.  I go March 12th for my next.  I am going every three weeks.

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  • Artemis
    Artemis Member Posts: 759
    edited March 2009

    kat4pink ~ you left off "boiled peanuts"! Tongue out

    Everyone ~ I'm feeling ratty today.  I'm trying to STAY POSITIVE though. Yell  Seriously, I'm trying to be glad that the faint yet constant nausea could be much worse.

    My poison session was Monday the 23rd, and I'm still so foggy here on the 28th.  I hope tomorrow will be better.

    webbie ~ I'm not shaving anymore, but I do still have a good bit of hair on my head. It shows no sign of going anywhere so far...it's not loose or anything! 

    dmoore ~ Welcome!  For me, the 2nd treatment was almost without side effects.  1st and 3rd left me with a metallic taste in my mouth, fogginess, nausea, and little to no appetite.  It'll be interesting to see what number 4 brings other than the HALFWAY POINT for me ~ yay!!!

    "Yikes!" to having chemo the day after port placement.  I imagine that was quite painful, bless your heart!

    Hugs to all,
    Artemis

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  • kmn0701
    kmn0701 Member Posts: 117
    edited March 2009

    lol Artemis....that's the first thing I thought of when I read Kathie's post! Wink And I was JUST eating some too....YUM!! Hope your nausea goes away soon.

    Welcome Liz & dmoore (use that EMLA cream, it's wonderful!!)

    I got a wig today from a wonderful place called "The Wig Cottage", it's owned by a lady who has Alopecia & she has worked with hair loss patients since she was 23. She was amazing. I'm going back Monday because my hair is starting to fall out & I'm going to have her cut it off & collect it (make a bunch of little pony tails all over your head before you cut) so I can send it in & have a Hair Fall made. Smile I would have had her do it today but we're taking family pictures tomorrow (long story) & I'm hoping for one last good picture while I still have MY hair.

    So far I've been fine since Herceptin yesterday. :::fingers crossed::: Hope everyone has a peaceful, non foggy, no nausea weekend!

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited March 2009

    i have a wig .. the first one i bought.  i cut it about 2 inches shorter.. it's kind of funky or punky but i love it.,, or at least i did today.

    what to do when you are snow bound.

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  • suzmarks
    suzmarks Member Posts: 83
    edited March 2009

    Kat4pink  Don't get despondent about not starting chemo yet. I imagine reading all this makes you ready to get going. I had my surgery on Dec. 3 and didn't start chemo until Feb.6. I actually went abroad between the 2 wonderful events. Also I used the time to try to really make sense of chemotherapy. Not sure that happened but I did put aside my reservations and do it.

    Everyone Has anyone tried Marinol? With all this talk of Pilgrim Pot I got a script. Not sure when is best to put it to the test. I've got Compozine but never tried it with the 1st tx. I'm 2 1/2 days out from my second treatment and now I'm feeling headachy, queasy, and a bit out of it. I guess I'll see how I feel when I wake up.

    A good night to all and of course welcome to the newest faces on the block!

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  • suzmarks
    suzmarks Member Posts: 83
    edited March 2009

    Kat4pink I'm trying to get a good visual on your cute little doggy picture. Is this a pet of yours? It kind of looks like a kangeroo. Forgot to send wishes to you and the family to feel better. 

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited March 2009

    Just checking in to say Good Morning. Brain full of Chemo, so can hardly type straight....

    Love the Chemo list Kat4pink! It made me laugh out loud. Hope you are feeling better soon.

    Nausea gone, and I am thinking I don't feel as bad as last time, but don't want to jinx it. Undecided Think Hubby and I might catch a movie this afternoon.

    So is Marinol medical marijuana?? The real stuff always made me dizzy and sleepy so was never a fan of it in my youth, wonder what it does to you on chemo?? I'm intrigued....

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited March 2009

    Suzmarks~  Let me know about the marinol... My onc wants me to try it since the nausea lasts so long for me.  Does it make you feel strange?  Does it work? 

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  • Terri42
    Terri42 Member Posts: 56
    edited March 2009

    Expecting lots of snow tonight here in PA -

    I was just noticing how the posts "Mood" has changed from before we all started chemo to now - even though we're going bald and feeling like crap we have a sense of humor about it all - I love it!  How else can you get through this?  I have enjoyed the poetry and love the revised chemo list - I would love to bring the whiskey on Tuesday - we could all get chemo flasks...Smile

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited March 2009

    I think I am going to need a flask of whisky to get me into that chemo chair again, last week was such a nightmare. BUT I am feeling better today that i was in my last round, so maybe that is my payoff!

    Hope everyone has a great day - freezing cold here, but no snow!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    TMI alert: i think i might be getting a yeast infection/vaginitis. has anyone's onc prescribed for this, or do you think it's ok just to go get some monostat?

    i'm so glad february is over! time has slowed to an absolute crawl for me. probably another effect of chemobrain. le sigh.

    (((everyone))) 

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited March 2009

    speaking of whiskey.. a woman came into the chemo lab this last Thursday.  She had a huge basket with a huge bottle of tequila, margarita mix and some umbrellas.  it was her last chemo and she was going to have a margarita when they unhooked .. which she did.  she then offered to pour margaritas for everyone else.. we all declined (i was already driving home with chemo drugs and i thought that was plenty).  she was so happy.

     I did take an umbrella.

    there was a new girl there.. so sad!  she was only 22 and she had ELEVEN friends with her for support.  that was pretty neat.  She was emotionally challenged and i'm sure very grateful for her friends..  they were plenty noisy tho.. going out to bring lunch in.  reading tributes aloud, filming for her blog..  wow.

    the things one sees.

    i hope all are well.  I have a doozy of a cold.

    Lisa  - I'd start with the monostat.  I had an infection last time that actually required antibiotics.. but it seems i took antibiotics for something or other 3 times.. and i wish it had been less.  just my opinion.

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited March 2009

    Lisa~ I asked my onc about this ahead of time 'cause I was worried about yeast... He told me that I should call the office if it happened for 2 reasons: 1. yeast inf can be harder to treat when you're on chemo because of the immune issues, and 2. he's call something in better than the OTC stuff.  So... I'd call your onc.  I don't think you'd do any harm with the OTC stuff but you may end up suffering for longer than you have to.

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited March 2009

    Judy~ Are you OK?  Been worried about you.  Please check in when you can.

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  • jancie
    jancie Member Posts: 2,631
    edited March 2009

    lisa - go ahead and get the monostat cream until you talk to your oncologist and get a prescription for something stronger.  There was a time years ago that monostat cream could only be dispensed by a doctor and then it went OTC so it is a good product and what they used to give us years ago for yeast infections.    I wouldn't not try to start treating it right away as it only gets worse as time progresses.

    MicheleS - are you still doing ok or puking your guts out?

    Apple - how did your last chemo go? Other than having a cold how are you doing?

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