**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2009

    Francine - At Look Good Feel Better they tell you you can polish your nails.  They suggest a light color because some health issues can be seen through your fingernails.  They warn about hang nails - don't pull if nails seem to be fragile, so keep them short and gentle filed.

    I'm exactly 1 week, back to work - just a little more tired, with a little more body aches and my mouth is definitely feeling different.  A bit bumpy all over the inside and funny taste going on.

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2009

    Britt - Good Luck with the Rads

    Gina - Thanks for taking over!!!!

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited March 2009

    Gina: Thanks for taking over the thread.  During this time we are trying to learn to say "no" to constant requests of our time.  I appreciate you making this a priority!

    I haven't posted in a while.  Haven't felt real great yet.  This is day 8 (1st Rx last Wed.)  Nausea comes and goes.  Had Reglen, switched to Zofran.  Mornings are queezy, afternoons are O.K., evenings I'm tired.  Can't seem to bounce back!  I've tried crackers before getting out of bed....nothing.  It takes hours until my stomach settles.  I honestly thought I would be violently ill for a few days and then done.  I didn't get too sick....but it seems to last a long time!  I was hoping to have good days before preparing for next round.

    I take Ambien CR at bedtime, but I am up by 3:30.  Does Zofran make you hyper?  Any suggestions for sleep?

    All the info is great...kepp sharing all!

    Chris

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited March 2009

    Good morning -

    Just a brief "thank you" to those of you who extended their good wishes for my gyno onco appt today - and also for those of you who are wishing me luck with the rads and getting my business off the ground again.  Kilos of thanks!!!! 

    And Gina - I love the multicolored martinis! - delicious!

    Have a wonderful day!

    Maria

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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2009

    Kathy.....I have been to my fair share of bridal showers.......I am not into game playing, etc.  Too much work :)  As for food, I normally cater  (if you can call it that) with a local mediterreanian restaurant or Wegman's (grocery store) super cheap...it is nothing fancy but easy peezy and cost effective/practical.  Order over the phone and have someone pick it up for you :)  Would love to lend a hand if you were in my area!  If you need a few quick easy appetizer recipes, let me know....I have had several birthday's for my little ones with family and friends and have it all done to a science.  I try and make things as easy as possible so I can always enjoy the occasian and not feel like I have to stay on top of everything during the party. 

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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2009

    Gina, I started "drinking" your martini's this morning.  Why don't I feel the buzz yet?

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  • buddy1
    buddy1 Member Posts: 750
    edited March 2009

    Thanks for the drink.  It was great.  didle my mouth started getting sore after a few hours.  I was kinda surprised.  It feels like my taste buds are rough and tender.  I go for my first shot today. (ouch)  I went to bed about 7 last night got up a few times to potty.  I feel ok today.  still a little foggy.  I know its a false sense of security.  Its coming...day 4 or 5 is what I am hearing.  I am going to attempt the yoga class that the cancer support center offers today.  Our chickens got out this morning  and the kids and me were running around trying to herd them back in their run before the bus came.  Bus came and she was honking  kinda got mad, But I couldnt do it by myself. 

    Chris I am so sorry you are not feeling well.  Please hang in.  Spring is here the birds are singing and the flowers are blooming.  You are healing.

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  • nasharayne
    nasharayne Member Posts: 139
    edited March 2009

    Lindany - Welcome and good luck today. I just started yesterday so, I don't have much advice but, I got all worked up for nothing.

    Gina - Thanks for the extra cocktails especially the green one!!! Hopefully we will have the luck of the Irish.

     NanaA - I didn't have any node involement but, my Onc ordered a CT and bone scan because it can get through in the blood.  The CT was norm but, the bone scan had two "unusual" spots on the rib.  My Onc was not concerned so, we will redo in 3 months.  He thinks I just got bruised. Also, he did say he didn't like the PET scan because of the false positives. If you feel concerened just voice this to your onc.  I'm sure together you can up with what's best for you.

    Kellerka -  I co-hosted a shower for 35 people a few months back and it was pretty stressful, but also distracting.  It may be that break you need to try to focus on something else.  I love shower games.  Some low maintenance ones could be don't say............... whichever words you choose...... or gift bingo.

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  • nasharayne
    nasharayne Member Posts: 139
    edited March 2009

    Lindany - Welcome and good luck today. I just started yesterday so, I don't have much advice but, I got all worked up for nothing.

    Gina - Thanks for the extra cocktails especially the green one!!! Hopefully we will have the luck of the Irish.

     NanaA - I didn't have any node involement but, my Onc ordered a CT and bone scan because it can get through in the blood.  The CT was norm but, the bone scan had two "unusual" spots on the rib.  My Onc was not concerned so, we will redo in 3 months.  He thinks I just got bruised. (he was pretty suggestive at what could have happened :-) Also, he did say he didn't like the PET scan because of the false positives. If you feel concerened just voice this to your onc.  I'm sure together you can come up with what's best for you.

    Kellerka -  I co-hosted a shower for 35 people a few months back and it was pretty stressful, but also distracting.  It may be that break you need to try to focus on something else.  I love shower games.  Some low maintenance ones could be don't say............... whichever words you choose...... or gift bingo.  Because we had such a large shower we asked a few close friends and family to bring a side dish, vege, fruit and the drinks. That helped a lot. 

     I'm doing good on day 2, I just took my EMEND and decadron this morning.  I'm not looking forward to the days without these meds.

     
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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

    Hi All,

    Ginagina- Boy I really think you have out did yourself with those great looking cocktails. My each day this board gets better and better..Keep it up. We do thank you so much for all your hard work and for your dedication to all of us...

    Nana- I also did not get any type of scan. My ocno also said that she normally did not give them if you were node negative. She said if I wanted them I could have them but at my age 61 I would probably have many false positives.

    Ladies after all  my breast surgeries ( four of them due to complications since this past Novemeber  ) I entered the world of stool softeners and senekot. I take two of each kind each night to avoid extra complications with the chemo. Not a bad idea for all. The onco nurse thought this was a fine idea.

    LindaNY where are you from in NY?

    I am now going to have my blood checked at the onco.

    Hugs to all.

    Francine

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited March 2009

    Oh I forgot I was going to comment on constipation also... from another thread it is highly recommened to try Miralax. Several women swear by it!

    I have had the other direction, so Immodium has been my friend. I honestly don't know which is worse at this point, I would really love going back to being regular!!

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  • michele54
    michele54 Member Posts: 152
    edited March 2009

    Just checking in to see how everyone is doing.  Had my first Taxol treatment Monday and Neulasta shot yesterday afternoon.  So far so good - just having some minor aches and pains, a little heartburn, and that yucky taste in my mouth.  At work and hoping to be able to keep working. Did have a question though and I think jdeking kinda touched on it.  I haven't had surgery yet and even with only one treatment, I've noticed a change in my breast. It seems a lot lumpier almost like a cellulite feel. I have ILC which doesn't show as a solid lump but more of a mass.  Is this normal or maybe a good thing?  The other thing that's bothering me is a "full" feeling maybe in the uterus.  It feels like 9 months pregnant when the head is pressing on the cervix.  Anyone else had that?

    Michele

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  • Rusty123
    Rusty123 Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2009

    Hi Jen,

    Thanks for your reply.  I'm glad you're feeling OK and that you still have your hair!  I hope the chemo is not as bad as I think it's going to be.  I met with my chemo oncologist today and I'm going to be on Zofren and Decadron.  I am also going to be on Stematril (sp?)as required after day 3. Are you on these meds as well?  Where are you in Ontario? 

     Diane

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  • bolerodiva
    bolerodiva Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2009

    Hi everyone,

    This is only my 2nd post and I'm finding all the info overwhelming! I'll get used to it. I can see that I'm going to have to learn quite a few terms. I start my chemo 3/24. According to my doctors I'll probably have hair thinning but if I do loose it then I think I'd like to try wigs nothing like my hair. I'm a ballroom dancer and love the different rolls.

    Kallerka - good luck on the shower.I agree with gymmom8. I'm hoping to have a successful anniversary this weekend. That's why I didn't want to start chemo until next week. I will say that through my 2 surgeries and various appts. having something distracting was good. My next endeavor is to plan a "memorial service" for my breasts; the closest friends to my heart and the only part of my body that wanted to be fat! Hope to make it very entertaining and fun! After that, I'm putting together a dance benefit for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Got lots of ideas for that. Lots of things already in the works and I WILL dance by then! Radiation won't start until after.

    Now I realize I'm quite new to this group but for all the mouth sore stuff, I've read that 10-15 drops of chamomile in 1/2 C warm water 3 x's a day helps. Has anyone tried it?

    Susie

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  • laurie41
    laurie41 Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2009

    I woke up Tuesday morning and there was alot of hair on my pillow. Since I was losing so much I grabbed one of my stocking caps to put on. I wore that all day yesterday. But before my hubby and I went to bed I decided to have hubby give be a buzz. I thought I was prepared but when I saw myself in the mirror it was such a shock. I wasn't as fine with it as I thought I would be. I was crying and rubbing my head while looking in the mirror. Not a good time. Even though it's cut, my hair is still coming out. I think I'll have to shave it some more. The nurse was so right about day 14 after first treatment. I believe I'm rambling a bit, sorry about that.

    I'm feeling great physically and next week is my second treatment. I hope the side effects that i had with the first won't come back 10 times worse. i keep reading that some times they do. Yikers!!!

    Laurie

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2009

    Mom of Boys - They did go over making a brow.  Find a pencil that is the right color. Line up inside corner diag toward middle of forehead - make a dot.  Then same from outside of eye toward side of head - make a dot.  Then center point - looking ahead line pencil with your pupil to make a dot for the arch.  Walla - fill it in.  Use little strokes then go over with a brow brush to fill in.   Easier said than done.   On lunch hour - gotta go.

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    LindaNY - So glad you found us! but so sorry you have to be here. Sending you some good ju-ju to get you through today. When you feel up to it, do tell us about your cocktail. Hugs!

    DonnaDio - ditto on the Welcome. I will add you to our roll call list too. Do you know what your chemo cocktail will be? Most of the regimes involve hair loss (CMF is the only one I have heard of where it depends on the individual - my onco said about 50% of those on it loose their hair, the other 50% is just thinning). 4 tx every 3 weeks is very common (especially for TC - Taxotere and Cytoxan) which is what many of us are on; and unfortunately hair loss is a given. And as far as I know, TCx4 the dosage is the same regardless of your cancer stage/grade etc, unless you are going "Dose Dense" which i think means more frequently (every 2 weeks instead of every 3 weeks) ... Make sense? Anyone have any more (and reliable) Smile info on dosage?

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited March 2009

    Hey michele54 - I have heard that often neoadjuvant chemo causes the affected breast to feel harder and lumpier.. the chemo is doing its work on those nasty cancer cells! I would say what you are feeling is normal. I am not sure about your uterine pressure, I would bring that up with the onc. Are you premenopausal?

    laurie - sorry about you mourning your hair loss! It is a huge shock to see the new, hairless you. I promise it does get easier though. I thought I would cry all the way through getting it chopped, but I was actually ok (surprised myself!). Now I am already wearing just buffs and scarves out, and ignoring the looks from others. The wig just drives me crazy!

    bolerodiva - that is really cool that you do ballroom dancing! Do you tour and compete? What is your favorite dance?

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Gymmom and diddle - Cocktails not tasty? no buzz? Geeze I may need to tweak the recipe. Smile

    Diddle - I like the idea of a venue for pics as this site is really giving everyone picture grief!!

    Photos - In the meantime, if you have your pics posted somewhere else (flicker, picasa, snapfish, facebook, a blog, yahoo...) perhaps just post a link to it. 

    ChrisC433 - grrr, so sorry your not feeling well and getting over the hump. I took zofran as well, but didn't notice a buzz like I did on the decadron. I was ativan for a couple of days to help with that. And benadryl is a sure fire way to knock me out. Call your onco and talk to a nurse about adding something to your pills to help. 

    Buddy1 - I am soooo hunting for a picture of running chickens! Got your work out this am, eh?

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  • michele54
    michele54 Member Posts: 152
    edited March 2009

    jdeking - thanks for the info.  It's bad enough to have cellulite in my butt and now to have to have it in my boob too.  I know it's only been a couple days but I can definitely feel a difference.  Hoping it's my pink ninja chemo warriors kicking cancers behind.  As for the pressure, yes I am pre or peri menopausal.  I just started skipping periods right before I was diagnosed.  Maybe it's just a period coming on - great huh??? 

    laurie - how do you like the buffs?  I just ordered several of them.

    Michele

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009
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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited March 2009

     I like the idea of a yahoo group or our own private group on Facebook. I am on FB- anyone else? It's pretty easy.  I belonged to a yahoo group once but never really participated- i remember having to set up a yahoo acct to do it. For anyone not familar with facebook- its a social networking site- a way to stay connected with your friends- you can put up photos and videos (easily- the process is not complicated at all). I will warn everyone that facebook is addicting- it's really easy to lose a lot of time ,but its also really cool and I've reconnected with a lot of people.

    Everyone chime in with your opinion- anyone with yahoo group experience vs facebook let us know if you think one is better. I'll start a facebook group tonight if everyone wants. I can't get on FB at all from work- they have it blocked!

    one drawback to FB to be aware of - there is a loss of privacy/anonimity (sp) - you have to use your real name- but the group and everything on it is private- we'd set up a closed group where you have to be cleared to join. 

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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2009

    Gina....you rock!  Great picture....I wish I didn't have to work right now or I would look for more :)

    Hair loss.....I have 7 days or so left with hair....I wonder if I should shave in stages.....I am not sure I want it all to go at once.  I may shave underneath tonight or tomorrow to get used to the idea of baldness.

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Laurie41 - isn't it a surprise to feel that way about your hair, even when you think you are prepared? I am totally feeling it for you Laurie.  I couldn't believe how devestated I felt too. Its a very physical reflection of what is going on inside right now. BIG HUG. 

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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2009

    I am on FB and can set up either or both....any suggestions on names for the groups?  Once we are all through this mess it will be nice to keep in touch and talk about what is going on great in our lives ....because WE ARE ALL GOING TO GET THROUGH THIS!  Yippee! 

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Side note about the hair thing: You may remember that I mentioned that my mom went through this in 2007-2008. She, is by the way, doing AWESOME and has been my guru for lots of "did this happen to you?" questions. OK, despite her awesomeness and that her youthfulness (she just turned 65) she still has a little bit of chemofog and can't remember all the details.

    Oops, I digress. So she and I were talking about the hair loss thing...about how I totally cried hysterically in the salon when I was getting my hair cut 2 weeks ago. I really embarrassed myself...not sure I can show my face in there again (oh wait, they probably wouldn't even recognize me now...ha ha). Anyway, in contrast, I was quite stable and OK when we buzzed my head this weekend (again, a total surprise to myself). I asked my mom how she handled it (she lives in TX, I live in WA) I knew she was a wreck the day it started to fall out, but I was interested in how she did with the bald head day-to-day.  She said that she would slip on her wig in the morning before she got out of bed so she wouldn't have to look at herself in the mirror!!!  My dad doesn't even realize this because he thought she was ABSOLUTELY beautiful as a baldie. My mom isn't crazy or weird or even senile. She is a normal gal and that is what she wanted to do. Her hair has grown back now a very beautiful silver with the lower edge around her neck line dark (her original pre-coloring-pre-cancer days) and it looks very HIP. And she wears it super short.  Like "Please cut it again, it isn't short enough". She continues to surprise herself all the time.

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  • kellerka
    kellerka Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2009

    Thanks for the shower ideas. I realize it's a trivial thing compared to our other 'issues'. I think the catering and no games might just do it for me. Maid of honor (younger dd) is actually hosting. At my house though. A good distraction I hope.The wedding between my 3rd and 4th tc has me more concerned! Ah well...

    Chris - we had our first tx the same day I think and I feel kind of like you. Not real good yet. Nothing horrible but quesy a lot, tired. I have been doing Zofran and haven't noticed the hyperness but saw today the bottle says can cause headaches. I've had a low grade one for days. Might try something else.

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  • knowledgeforpower
    knowledgeforpower Member Posts: 184
    edited March 2009

    Thought I would chime in with a shower game.  Divide the attendees into groups and give each group 4 rolls of toliet paper and a lot of tape.  Their job is to design a wedding dress for one member of their group.  The TP is wrapped an drapped around the person.  I started loosing my hair on Monday exactly 13 days from my first AC treatment.  Guess I will have it buzzed off over the week-end......

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  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited March 2009

    Shower idea from me - a quiz on who knows the bride to be best. Questions about her most embarrassing high school moment, her first kiss, her favorite actor, the colour of her prom dress, etc. The bride to be does the quiz too and her answers are the correct ones - person closest to her answers wins the prize. This can be good if people are from different parts of bride's life and don't all know each other - form them into small quiz groups so they can pool knowledge.

     I am a fan of facebook so would vote for a FB group. 

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited March 2009

    Kellerka and Gina,

    Thanks for the encouragement.  I can see how depression can set in on a person.  You just get tired of feeling like crap!

    I will be fine.  I am going to take a Zofran and Ambien tonight.  It's just like morning sickness...I already had 4 children and thought I was done with that!  MIL is coming for dinner tonight.  Dinner usually sounds so good!

    I had my hair cut shorter yesterday.  I hate it!!  The only good thing is I'm ready for it to fall out or get it shaved just to get rid of this cut....

    My son is getting married October 3rd.  Chemo...done, surgery...done, radiation...done!  I am looking forward to helping out more over the summer.  Life can be so grand!!!

    Hugs to all...

    Chris

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