**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009
Comments
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Michelle, I don't think we can do albums on the group page which is a bummer! That would be great if we could. Maybe we will see this in a future FB upgrade.
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MichelleinSJ - I just looked over at FB and I dont see any function to create photo Albums.It looks like it just supports photos (either new uploads or from an existing album)...but I may be missing something. The new layout still irritates me.
Your before/wig pics are great. How are trying to post them here? the key is select copy the location, and then open the tree icon above and pase into the Image URL field.
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Hello to all,
Oh my goodness gingina what a reactions. I had a reaction to Taxotere the moring after for 2 days with a Florida sunburn. I went right over and showed the Onoc I remember she told me to take the Benadryl. My #2 t is on 3/31 now I am really nervous.
MOUTHSORES- I ran to the DRs for that too. day 9- ULCERS get ULCERASE- it is over the counter and really calms thing down. The Dr said they tend to get worst before better. if more than 4 in you mouth they have a medicine to take orally because they will go right down you throat. NO spicy foods at all during chemo, no hot or cold drinks any extreme will cause them to become painful. Stick to blan foods that's what my Dr advised and I have to say it is really working warm coffee isn't great but it better than my mouth hurting. Hope it helps sorry I didn't see you psot earlier.
Hair- I did get a wig and ask my haristylist to cut me hair like my wigs so I wouldn't shock my sons. He totally did not listen and cut my hair up to my ear lobes. I cried so much that night and am totally mad at him. My family is so mad, here I didn't loose my hair but this coming week I have 2 events to be at for my son and I really wanted to look my best and now I have the shortest hair cut I have ever had. My wig we found out is too big even though she measured it, my hair is really thick, so now I will see her on Tuesday and if I can I will get a long hair wig not a short on. My sons have never seen me with short hair.
My next treatment is 3/31, I wish everyone a good night sleep.
I have a question: I have tissue expanders that are getting filled right now. but can they put the inplants during Chemo?
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So my chemo has been delayed due to my liver enzymes. They think it is reacting to the cefuroxime that i took after the mastectomy. has anyone heard of this??
i just want to get this chemo overwith - the waiting is awful!
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ginagina - please don't tone down or change a thing. Just because you're the mistress of the board doesn't mean you're not entitled to a few down days here and there! I'm a night owl too. I'll be doing taxotere after I finish with the FEC so it's interesting to hear about the different reactions to it. Are you an allergic person normally or is this unusual for you? I ask because I am a sensitive little flower to many random things (any and all surgical tape, many sunscreens, avocado....luckily not fluffy critters!) and I'm wondering if this makes someone more susceptible to a reaction to this chemo?
IowaDiva - only one tantrum so far? I have had many and always feel better afterwards! I say, this is the one time in our lives we'll probably be forgiven for most things so go for it!
In all seriousness, I know it's especially hard for those here with kids (my sister's kids were 8 and 9 when her sarcoma was really bad) because you don't want to frighten them by being too emotional in front of them. I can tell you from her experience that in the end honesty with her kids was the best policy because they pick up on EVERYTHING, even if they don't tell you. Her kids used to wait until they had me alone to ask me questions about her diagnosis and treatment. So don't be too scared to have the odd 'tanty' if it helps relieve some tension in the house.
And re the sunscreen? I use Olay Complete moisturiser on my face and neck everyday. It has an SPF and is exactly the same formula as Lancome's Bienfait Total which is much, much more expensive. I have sensitive skin and a lot of sunscreens give me a rash but this works great. Being Australian and very fair I am used to slapping it on every day.
R xo
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Oooohhh - I love the new flaming cocktails at the top of the post! Those are great!
Sorry to hear about the tax reactions ccbaby and ginagina! I hope the Abraxane works out for you, and I think the SE's are similar to the tax. The allergy is not to the actual drug, but to the chemical the drug is suspended in. Abraxane and Taxol are suspended in different reagents so do not cause the allergy. I have heard that about 10% have reactions on 1st infusion, but something like 30-50% react to the second one because the body builds antibodies to it after the initial infusion is done. I was terrified getting my 2nd one because I had the same sunburn effect malleme talked about, plus a nasty rash on both hands from the tax. I thought for sure I'd have an allergic reaction the second the drip hit, but I was relieved to see it did not happen. I still developed a rash on my hands this time, but it was much milder.Also onc said we can have foods with soy, as long as soy isn't one of the 1st 3 ingredients listed. Sugar is mainly banned because of cavities, but as long as you are maintaining oral care, this should not be much of a problem! I am not sure why the no caffeine, but in moderation I am sure it is fine!
I felt well enough this weekend (1 week from TAC #2) to clean my entire house and purge a 3rd bedroom that I had turned into a storage room. It was piled high with junk, and now is completely empty! It felt great to be able to get so much done! I like how this diagnosis has finally spawned me to get things done! It is one good thing coming out of it all. Up next - getting the backyard redone and remodeling my 2 extra bedrooms! Woohoo!
Have a great rest of the weekend all! ((hugs))
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jdeking- It is great to hear how active you were able to be.
I start my 1st tuesday. Not sure what to expect. No body seems to be on the same cocktail as mine even though some of the diagnosis are similar. Anyone else on CMF? If so, ideas on what to expect? Is day 1 the worst or does it get progressive? I have heard that mine is supposed to be one of the milder chemos but they gave me 3 different scripts for side effects. One is decradon which nobody has made sound fun!
I'm done with fill ups for expanders but I would have them on mondays so the muscle pain would subside by wed and I could teach (ballroom dancing) by thurs. Not sure how to plan chemo weeks (every 3 wks).
ginagina- your cocktails look great! Just celebrated anniversary last night and had a great espresso martini.
By the way anyone having trouble with coffee? I have heard that with some of the scripts it's suggested not to have. My morning cup is probably more of a ritual than a neccessity but I don't want to give it up. And all the problems I've been hearing with spicy food? I LOVE spicy! Gotta give that up too?
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Malleme - I too have tissue expanders. I have had 3 "fills" (during chemo) but my PS says that he wait till after radiation to do the "exchange" for the implant. He also will only do fill if I am feeling up to it. At my last appt I was so tired that he only did a partial and that has made all the difference for me. I was not uncomfortable after it.
My Onc nurse said it is okay to keep my morning caffeine. I am not a coffee drinker, but I drink diet soda instead. I am trying to limit myself to one a day. I am really going to try for more water after this weeks tx. Also, ice chips and ice pops for the mouth sores.
Ginagina - Thanks for all the fabulous cocktails. I can't seem to down a true one so yours are very tasty to me right now. Keep them coming!
Jdeking - I wish I had your energy. My kids rooms are a disaster. All I was able to get to was one closet. As the weather gets warmer, I get more energy to tackle big projects.
Reeney - I am sorry to hear of your delay. I know that waiting is the hardest part. Hang in there!
I'm off to check out facebook then to deliver bag lunches to the men's homeless shelter. My 12 yr old is doing a school project for community service and she has put together over 100 bag lunches in the past week. I am very proud of her.
Have a great Sunday everyone!
Cyndi
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Gym mom You have touched me this morning. As I lay here feeling sorry for myself, pouting. I think you must be an incredible woman. To help your child with such a kind thing for many hungry people. I dont know how you have the strength. I am touched by your giving. I think I can pick my bottom up off of the couch now and go do somthing. Thank you
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Ginagina I am scheduled to have 12 weekly treatments of Abraxane. Just Abraxane as my history limits my options. I had a bad reaction to Taxotere 6 years ago after only one treatment. So far the Abraxane has been tolerable. I have had 3 treatments and minimal side effects, other than my blood counts which are already low, especially the white. My onc said my bone marrow is compromised due to previous chemo. They told me to prepare for Leukine shots next week, ugh! My hair has started thinning this weekend. My hair is very thick so I am hoping it will last a little longer. My taste is a little off. 9 more to go, I am hoping to be finished before the end of May.
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Ohh my count me in!! That pomegranate stuff looks delicious! Gina...thank you for the keeping this thread going and keeping us connected.
Geez I feel like such a wimp. I had my firt TCH 7 days ago...and I feel like posting takes the full concentration energy of my one brain cell that seems functioning. Well I had a terrible bout of constipation the first 5 days...I strained so bad on day 5 that I actually passed out cold in the bathroom. I know there were some posts earlier about preventing constipation and those were really wise recommendations. I have never fainted in my whole life, but while I was straining I felt like I was having a stroke (broke into cold sweat) and the next thing I thought was how I felt so much better but only problem I wasn't in the same place...I was in the bathtub!! Head in water spout and shower curtains! I don't even know how long I was passed out for. Can you believe constipation could do that!! So if starting chemo...I agree with earlier posts that said take stool softners earlier rather than later. And their effects takes days so you need to take them sooner, not like me. I never thought it would get that bad for me because I was always regular like a clock. Sorry for all the graphic details...but going through this round really makes me think of what I could have done differently. Since then I have been taking the stool softeners, Metamucil, prune juice and dried prunes. I haven't had a problem with the constipation anymore so I've cut down on quantity of laxatives I'm taking....maybe I go more than I should but I'll take it over passing out after 5 days.
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Marvil! Poor you!!!! You pushed so hard you stimulated your vagal nerve and that's what caused you to pass out. I'm sorry, you had a vasal vagal reaction, do be careful a fall in the bathroom can be so dangerous. Warm prune juice works wonders and is not a med, so you really can't become dependant on it. I found after my first chemo if I just drank 64ounces of water per day I was fine, feel better! Dawn
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Hey Everyone,
I'm still here! Had the Abraxane on Monday with no allergic reaction. Tuesday-Friday had bone/joint aches, but managable, just felt slow and sort of depressed. I felt like having 1/2 tx on Friday, then the other 1/2 on Monday sorta spread the side effects, giving me a full week of feeling flu-ish. Anyway, I turned the corner yesterday and was able to do some yard work and go out for dinner and movies last night.
I prefer staying home these days because I find the wigs so uncomfortable and I am just too self-conscious to go out balding or with a scarf. I don't want the "looks" from strangers or even neighbors who don't know about the chemo. At home, if anyone else is here, I'm in a buff, THE single most comfortable thing I have found for this tender itchy head.
Hope everyone is enjoying a nice weekend.
btw, ginagina, if you would please update my tx - it was originally TCx4 but now its Abraxane/Cytoxan...2 down, 2 to go!
cichlid - how are you tolerating the Abraxane? Hope all's well
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Nicole 0714 - My wordy nature thanks you. Just when I think I've been brief, I hit "preview" and see a whole novel. Ay!
Love in Christ,
Sessna1
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nashrayne - excellent! There is a time and place for a meltdown - and THAT was it. Let them take the hit on the returned wig.
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Jdeking - That is exactly what my onco told me regarding the taxotere. I had been warned...and then fell right into the hole. And Ricky - I don't think it has anything to do with sensitivities/allergies in general. Up until that moment, I was allergic to "Nothing that I know of"...and how many times a day do they ask that question? I must hear it at least two or three. Now I will say Taxotere. My husband, on the other hand, is a walking pharmacy. He is allergic to the trees, grass, pollen, dogs, cats, nuts, you name it.
Marvil - OMG - you deserve whatever cocktail you want!! What a relief you didn't seriously hurt yourself. What would you like? Your pick! Anything at all.
Deeja6 - Ditto my dear!!! Sorry about the oversight.
Did anyone else miss their premiere cocktail?
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Kim cutting off the last ponytail
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okay tried to post a pic- didn't work. I will try something else
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can I try for you?
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Bolerodiva - on another thread on this site, I met aprilgirl1, who is on CMF right now. There might also be a CMF thread you could post question to. CMF was offered to me as a treatment option, but it was weekly for 26 weeks and the TC seemed more doable. My onco said the biggest SE with CMF is gradual/increasing fatigue, but as I didn't go down that road, I cant speak to it from personal experience.
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"="Kim cutting my ponytail off" -
I think I did it! It's HUGE but its there! more to come but first I have to share.
we had people over to celebrate the beginning of dpring, my Dh having quit smoking for 2 years and of course it was time to shave my head. A few people had arrived and were chatting - I saw a flash of a woman walk past the front window out to the backyard where some more people were-
I did a double take- was that my best friend Kim?
My best friend moved to Florida to get her PhD over two years ago and I have missed her horribly since- I still see her a few times a year- but short visits- her folks still live here- I've gone down there once- we both have gotten married in the last 9 months and of course were at out respective weddings- she was maid of honor at mine. So she knew I was having this party and flew up to MO to surprise me! Incredible. Just what I needed. Speechless. so the above pic is her cutting my last ponytail off. DH did the shaving.
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Dayla - what a wonderful surprise!
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My "mohawk"- needs some gel or something, my brother in law in the background. I was surrounded by about 20 friends, laughing and taking pictures.
My husband also shaved his head- which is just a little shorter than his normal cut.
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A public link to more photos on facebook- you do not have to be a Facebook member to view
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=66007&id=856699795&l=159b5e4c7a
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I'm starting chemo this Friday, the 27th, so I figured I would join this thread. Nervous, scared, but ready to get this over with. I'll be doing every other week for 16 weeks (4xAC, then 4 of Taxol). Anyone else on a similar treatment plan?
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BellydancerinNJ - Welcome to the group. Sorry you are here but it is a great place to let loose and have good days and bad days. I too am on the AC4/T4 schedule. My second tx is on tuesday. Best of luck to you!
Alyad - Great pics!! I haven't got up the nerve to shave yet. I've only been able to handle the short cut. Some hair started coming out in the shower this morning so I know my time is limited. I think it is awesome that your friend surprised you. We need more of good times and what a true friend to be there for you.
Chick - I'm glad you are feeling better. Please feel good about yourself and how you look. You are a beautiful woman!! Be strong!! Get out and do all that you want to do. Don't let this bc take charge of all and all you could be doing!!
I did some gardening today and it felt great!! The whole family chipped in the do some planting. My husband participated in a fundraiser at work for the american cancer society and got some daffodil bulbs. It'll be great to see them bloom year after year when this is all over.
Tomorrow is blood work day and I see my BS. I hope all goes well so tx 2 can go along as planned on tuesday.
Cyndi
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So yesterday my son buzzed it off. He had to take a break to stop laughing and take advantage of a photo op. When he was done, he gave me the clippers and had me do his. They said I looked like a 12 year old boy ! Oh to be 12 again.
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