Starting Chemo February 2009?

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  • kat4pink
    kat4pink Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2009

    LOL@ Apple and her husband!!!

    I'm thinking about calling my onco and asking to start my chemo on Thursday (chemo days are either Weds or Thurs) instead of Wednesday to give me another day to get over this to try and not have it delayed another week. My only concern are these bad coughing spells I am having... They are the bad, deep in your chest bend you over can't catch your breath kind. I am afraid when I have one (and it is not a case of IF) it will mess with the chemo IV (or whatever is it called) that will be hooked into my port.  Are you suppose to be still when it is hooked up? What do you all think??

    I am also concerned with my body not being in the best shape for my first chemo treatment after having this horrible flu with such high fevers... My fever was 102.4 Saturday night... it is now down to 99.2 and am hoping it will be completely gone by tomorrow.

    Would you move it to Thursday, or have it delayed another week again? Since you guys know how it is in the "chair" I thought I would see what you all think.

    THANKS!!

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited March 2009

    Kat, I don't think they'll even LET you do it if you're not strong enough yet. You'll have blood work before it, so they'll have it in black and white regardless of how you feel. However, for my personal comfort level, I'd do it on Thursday. The steroids will probably keep you going through it and Friday, which means you probably have the weekend to figure out how you're going to feel. Better to have the backup time? Tough call. For me, I'd want the day, but I'm the weirdo on the block who prepped her system for a month going in. Who listens to the weirdo?

    Apple! Oh dear! That defies bad hair day doesn't it? If I hadn't shaved mine, I think I'd be in similar condition. Or maybe that of my 8 year old scratching post instead. Either way...thanx for the smile! I think I'll keep shaving awhile.

    Dang it! There was something I wanted to say...stupid chemobrain! 

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009
    Lisa - great pics (great wig!) and great trick to post to your profile. thx!!
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  • calgal1943
    calgal1943 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2009

    Just wondering if side affects get worse or easier with each chemo treatment?

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

    Lisa - love the photos! I can't figure out how to post on the site, so might try there.

    calgal - the SE's change from round to round. i finished round 3 on friday, it has been different each time. Chemofog fairly constant, and I think I am getting more tired as i go through...

    Kat - good luck with a start date. I think Webbie is right - they won't let you start unless you are ready. Hope it is sooner rather than laster - the waiting must be hard. ..

    Apple - really, no pictures...!! Wink

    Has anyone gone "really" bald, or are you all still fluffy. I thought the fuzz would have gone completely, wonder if it will all fall out before the end of it..?

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited March 2009
    kat4pink -  I would definitely tell the onc. you've been sick.. see what he or she says.
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  • jancie
    jancie Member Posts: 2,631
    edited March 2009

    I have missed an entire day and tons of replies as I had to go run all my errands today before chemo tomorrow.

    Tonight is my 8  year anniversary and instead of doing something with my hubby I am going to the breast cancer support group with another member that is on here and we are meeting for dinner beforehand.

    We will celebrate our anniversary tomorrow night instead.  Luckily my hubby is very understanding.  I have chemo brain - now I am wondering if I already posted this? 

    Will catch up with ya'll later on tonight if I am awake or it maybe tomorrow.

    So I thought the hairs down south went first before your head?  What about leg hair?  I have refused to shave my legs for over 2 weeks since I figured chemo would take care of it anyways but when will that happen?  Right now my leg hairs are at least 1" long. 

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  • suzmarks
    suzmarks Member Posts: 83
    edited March 2009

    Buddy1 - I probably won't stop going in the chicken coop if you want to go in but I would wear a protective mask. I have gotten assistance from family on changing the litter box but don't like the job they do so I still do some of the clean up.

    Judy - So sorry to hear about your dad and your physical issues. We lost my mom 2 plus years ago and my dad deals daily with her loss. He says she was the love of his life and it's his family that is important to him now. It is so difficult to lose a parent but does help to have a loving family.

     It was good to hear about your chihuahuas as I have one as well and her use of the outdoors is somewhat inadequate. Not used to that from past breeds of  a collie and a norfolk terrier. I do love her pint size, she is 5 pounds. Also appreciate her little poops.  

    Denali or anyone how do you attach photos? Since we seem to be on to sharing our pets I wouldn't mind sharing my pup and 2 cats.

    So I took the generic form of Marinol (legal marijuana) this weekend. It really put me in a fog, I think. Tough to be sure what caused what as it was a couple days post treatment. Suffice to say I think it had some effect. I slept a lot which I hadn't done in the past. I totally felt odd but was happy my headache went away. I'll try it again since I got a script for 90 pills and I want to know how it works.

    Lisa810 - Just went to a "Look gGood, Feel B"etter class here today. Felt a little quilty taking off work for it as I was off on Thurs. for chemo and half a day Fri. for the Neulasta shot. But it was really good. Can't believe how much make-up they give you and some very good stuff as well. My teenage daughter was digging around in my bag telling me what she would be willing to take off my hands.I find it so amazing how much outreach and support there is for us cancer-folk. Just found out about a program here that sends you to oncology camp where you can go horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and more. My friends are starting to get jealous.

    For those who missed the eastcoast snowstorm hope you enjoyed lovely weather today!

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited March 2009

    calgal~  My SE were different for the 2 treatments I've had.   The 1st time I had a really bad 1st 24 hrs.  After that, the nausea was bad for a week-10 days.  I was afraid to get chemo again and so my onc changed my premeds.  This time, I avoided the terrible 1st day but have still had nausea that lingered.  The fatigue is worse this time but I've still been able to make it in to work some.  My 3rd AC is this thurs.  I'll let you know!  When is your 1st treatment?

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited March 2009

    Lisa~ Did the marinol help with nausea??

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

    Jancie - I have more hair on my legs that anywhere else on my body. they are refusing to budge!! Enjoy your anniversary dinner tomorrow, and your group tonight.

    Suzmarks - The Marinol sounds like it did the trick. Anything that gets you a good nights sleep, eh. I am amazed by how many people reach out to you. There is a free cottage programme here, where people will donate use of their Cottage for a week, you need to be out of treatment to apply, so maybe next year. I also have joined ChemoAngels, and my two Angels have been deluging me with things. I am astounded how total strangers will do so much for you.  

     MicheleS - my 3rd treatment has been easier so far I think that my second. It is hard to tell if I am just getting used to feeling crappy! I am definately getting more tired though, and the ChemoFog is in FULL force! Good luck on Thurs.

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  • Denali
    Denali Member Posts: 347
    edited March 2009

    I'm now shedding more hair than my dogs--which is a LOT!  It's coming out by the fingerfuls.  EEKS.  I thought I could wait until the wkend before my bald-headed son comes over to shave it.  I think it'll be before that!  We're going to have a party and invited the whole family.

    I joined ChemoAngels too.  Normally, I'd be the one sending the cards and gifts, but since I live  by myself, it'd be really nice to get a funny card once in a while!  Why not?!  Karen, you should join too!

    I stopped by the hospital today after a dr appt and they have a whole store for cancer pts.  I got a FREE wig from the American Cancer Society!  Isn't that amazing?   I'm signed up for the Feel Good class this month too.  Yes, it's unbelievable how much support there is out there!

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  • kat4pink
    kat4pink Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2009

    Called my onco nurse and she moved my date to Thursday, but told me to call Wednesday if I was still running a fever and they would move it until next week.. She said when I get there they will do the lab work and that will tell them if my body was strong enough after this to start.(which I already knew thats to you guys!) So, PRAY I am well enough to start Thursday!!

    JANCIE - you better shave them 1" hairs from your legs before you celebrate your anniversary! lol Happy Anniversary and hope your support group goes good tonight. Good luck with your chemo tommorrow!!

    I am going to look up all these groups that give you guys stuff!! Probably nothing around my little redneck town though. (So feel free to share! LOL just kidding!)

    XOXO

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited March 2009

    Kathie~ Is your appt next thurs or this thurs?  If it is next thurs... I'll come and visit you! LOL!  I need to go over there to talk to an investigator anyway next week!

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  • kmn0701
    kmn0701 Member Posts: 117
    edited March 2009
    I am bald. Cry I had to shave it off today. It was getting ridiculous how much I was shedding. I took my five year old so she wouldn't be shocked. She was great through it, kept saying it was funny & then telling me she loved me anyway. I'm ok. This sucks though.
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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited March 2009

    Kristine - sorry you had to do the big de-hair! You do get used to it, and it WILL grow back. My 5 year old was playing computer games the other day and found a bald guy to be me! The kids do end up taking it all in stride. Do you have a wig yet? It has helped me a lot just to be able to put one on and feel a bit normal (relatively speaking!!) Hope you feel better.

    Kathie - good luck and be healthy for Thursday!  I have my fingers crossed for you. ChemoAngels is great - it is available everywhere - sign up at chemoangels.com. You get a Card Angel - who sends a card every week, and a ChemoAngel, who sends gift packages. They are both being amazing to me.

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  • Artemis
    Artemis Member Posts: 759
    edited March 2009
    Hi, Furies ~
    The fog is finally lifting, and I feel like a normal human being.  Hurrah!  

    kmn0701 ~ Thanks; my nausea is pretty much gone, and I've been eating a lot more which is good, I guess.  I'm sorry you've had to shave your head, but that's cool that your little daughter was there to cheer you on.

    apple ~ That is so cool about that lady's making maragritas to celebrate her last chemo.  I think I can see myself celebrating with a Long Island Iced Tea or three, heh...

    calgal ~ Sorry you had to join us, but welcome!  



    Hugs to all,
    Artemis
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  • sue50
    sue50 Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2009

    Denali,

    I loved the shepherd pix! We have 1 shepherd now, Elsa. She definitely has the perpetual ball thing too.  My husband likes to send her out to chase imaginary squirrels...she believes him every time! She loves to chase the laser pointer, we keep saying we should put her on the funniest video show. I hear you on my own hair shedding, I said the same thing....at least it's not DOG hair again.

    Also on the pet roll call, we have 2 Oberhasli goats, and my sons flock of (ewww) racing pigeons, which are (ahem) reproducing... again...my son reports that there is mother incubating an egg....in the snowstorm...due to hatch any day now.

    Apple-  your humor is so refreshing. got any more poems for us....?

    Webbie- thanks for the idea of starting nausea meds even sooner, great thought, will do. 

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

    sue50

    i used to write alot of political satire.  i was conservative in the last election (04) and now am fairly liberal.  i wrote the following poem about Bush to appease my friends that i pissed off when i wrote about Kerry... repeatedly.. he was so much fun to make fun of.   I  irritated alot of people and I try not to do that anymore.  I'd send them in to my local paper and get hate mail so I quit doing that..  I used to write poems to Maureen Dowd, making fun of her writing..  She had me banned from a New York Times discussion forum..  She is very clever and I really admire her.  At the time she was on the wrong side from my perspective.. 

    I've written some very serious poems.. too sad for words, but the bulk of them are humorous.. Unfortunately my middle son is SUCH the class clown that he is always in trouble.. It's hard to discipline a kid when they crack you up.

    My Fellow Americans

    The sphincters that rise
    In front of our eyes
    Are awesome and mighty and few
    In the form of some guys
    Who are spouting some lies
    In a middle east country or two

    Or thoughts we will prize
    As we present a disguise,
    Our time for escuses is threw

    Families is where our hopes will surmise
    And the wings of our future take dream
    All of these things come out of our eyes
    And these things are not as they seem

    Sometimes we live in a processed world
    Just call me American cheese
    People do care not about things
    As long as we care and say please

    God loves you and I love you
    You always can count us as two
    To fight on your side
    As others deride
    The terrorists mighty though few.

    love, George

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited March 2009

    Okay, I remembered what I was going to post. Now I'm afraid to post it.

    Seems like a lot of folks are having trouble getting photos to post. I wrote out some instructions on the March thread. Britt, who started it, is a friend and she was having trouble. Anyway, now that Apple is posting poetry that can only have been inspired by the antichrist (cough, guffaw) I'm not sure I can trust you all with photos! 

    So, that sad excuse for a joke aside, here's a c/p of what I wrote over in March. Any of you are welcome to use my site for photo storage, blog space, discussion space...whatever serves your needs. It's a good space, just neglected, haha! However, there are other free photo hosting spaces if you prefer. Many like photobucket.com. If you use something else, skip my CBC instructions and substitute your own photo host instead.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Go to CBC and either create an account or login.

    (To just View, Click CBC Main Menu in the upper right toolbar. In the drop down list, click Gallery.)

     At the top of the page, you will see the logo, a toolbar and then a link line. In the line, click My Controls. This is where you set up all the stuff you can do on the site, get messages etc. However, we're posting pictures. So, to the left of the page, scroll down until you see Invision Gallery.

    Click Your Albums.

    In the right hand box, a list of your current photo albums will appear, if you have any. Below that list is a link to Create Album.  (Um, click it!)

    Follow the ensuing prompts to set up your album and upload your pictures from your computer into your album. (Drop me a line here or there if you get stuck.)

    Once your photos are loaded, you can view your album. In fact, for this next step, you must. So click My Albums in the link line at the top of the page.

    Click the Name of Your Album.

    Click the Photo You Wish to Display at BC.org.

    RIGHT click on that photo once it comes up.

    If you are using IE, In the little pop up list, click Properties.

    Select EVERYTHING in the line next to Address/URL.

    RIGHT click on what you selected.

    Click Copy

    ----------------

    Come here to the post you want. Type the post as you normally would. At the point you want to insert the photo, click the tiny picture of the tree above. In the place where the pop up box asks for Image URL, RIGHT click in the box and click Paste.

    Click Insert at the bottom of the box.

    Sounds A LOT more complicated than it is, I promise. Once you've done it a few times, it'll be as easy as cutting and pasting a link in your browser. ;)

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited March 2009
    OK, trying a photo....
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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited March 2009

    Didn't work!!!!

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

    Trying again....

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

    Well, now this is getting embarassing, Can't get it to display. oh, well.

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

    Yah, did it finally. Didn't read the instructions FULLY!! (ChemoBrain!) This is my family - kids Emily and Jack, husband Angus, before I was diagnosed last year. .

    I'm on a roll now.....

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited March 2009
    These are my kids, last Thanksgiving (October in Canada...)
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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited March 2009

    And one of our Kitty, Annie.....

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

    Last one, after my Buzz cut. I don't have any of me bald, buit i should take some to look back on.....

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited March 2009

    Kerry~ You are just beautiful!!! And your kids... wow!

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