**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Good luck on round #2 to Ricky13 and Holligoog!

    Pickle141 -  Welcome (but sorry all the same that it is under these circumstances). There are several gals on the AC x 4 trip as well.  

    Sleep tight!

    gina

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited March 2009

    Hi GinaGina! Thanks for the $1000 Martini, but I can't drink iy until the 31st I am on an every 3 week schedule!! Good luck and no SE to those havinf TX this week.

    I'm back to work this week, it feels so good to be a normal person after, 2 mont

    hs of being home, that's what happens when you have 3 surgeries in 6 weeks!!

    The hair is coming out in clumps, buzz on Thurs. afterwork!!!This week I feel normal!!! Just tired after work!!! Best to all! Dawn

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  • deemdee
    deemdee Member Posts: 20
    edited March 2009

    Hi Ladies!

    Well today is my debut!  If I may be so bold to ask a moment from each of you to think of me and the others today and send a ray of sunshine ( energy/ good vibration) our way to help get through this.

     I usually embrace new things, but I had allowed myself the breakdown last night.  Somewhere in the back of my mind I remember my mom saying crying makes your eyes brighter!  lol  Guess I will go in there with my pink garb and twinkling eyes! 

    Update yall later today.  Have no Idea how long to expect.

    Sister in Pink,

    Denise

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

    I picked up my wig on Monday.  Looks better than any haircut I ever had.  I wore it home and some guy hit on me at Walmart.  Feels like a squirrel on my head though.  In the parking lot I took it off and put on my dew rag for the ride home.  Didn't realize someone was in the car next to me.... think I freaked them out!

    luv2sing - 12 steps to makeup eh?  I hope 4 of those involve, getting in my car, going to the store, buying it and bringing it home or that's way too much for me.

    gymmmom-  Hope this morning finds you feeling better.  Have fun with the mohawk.  It is so much more comfortable when it's gone.

    marshall -  my DH keeps looking at real estate in Tennessee.  Looks like a beautiful place to live and much more affordable than NY.

    buddy - sorry to hear you are having a tough time.  It's great that they are reacting so quickly to adjust your treatments.

    gina - You are incredible.  I don't know how you keep up with everyone along with your own busy life.  You must have a spreadsheet to keep up with 70 of us.

    deemdee - Best wishes to you today and everyone else that has had treatments this week.

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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2009
    deemdee Good luck to you today.  You are going to do GREAT.  The anticipation is really worse than the chemo.  Let us know how it all works out tonight.  We were diagnosed on the same day :(  Those first 5 days after diagnosis were the worst for me....made chemo a walk in the park compared.

    Everyone else hope all SE's are being managed for you all today and the rest of the week...remember, this too shall pass.

    I pulled out a BUNCH of hair this morning.  uh oh.....15 days and I guess I only have a few precious hours left.  I have an onco appt this morning for blood work...need to make sure my white counts have increased from the pathetic 1600 of last week.  Yikes.  I don't want the nuelasta shot next go round.  Question for all....when you get bloodwork do they talk it from your port or do they do a finger stick?  I assumed they would use the port and take a few viles but mine just did a finger stick, ran it through the machine and wa la....2 minutes later I had my print out.  Bringing all three littles this time....good luck to the staff in advance Smile Hope my son doesn't find any more crocidiles in the office.
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  • michele54
    michele54 Member Posts: 152
    edited March 2009

    deemdee - my thoughts and prayers will be with you today.  I know this is a tough time but  getting though the first tx is half the battle in my opinion.  Listen to what your body is telling you and don't feel badly about not being able to be Wonder Woman all the time.  Make sure you take your meds even if you don't think you need them.  Being proactive is better then trying to play catch up on the s/e. 

    vangoghpro (love the name - I actually got to visit the Van Gogh museum when we were in Amsterdam) - can you please post the website for the wrap?  The link doesn't work.

    to the rest of you having tx today - hugs and prayers for all of you.  Another one down is a good thing.

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  • IowaDiva
    IowaDiva Member Posts: 76
    edited March 2009

    Linda:  I totally get the trepidation about starting treatment.  I felt the same way.  The 1st one wasn't as bad as I thought, but I've had the garden variety of SEs.  The first couple of days were okay; I even did some spring cleaning.  Then I hit the wall for a bit.  You have to listen to your body.  It is amazing to me how my family has compensated for my shortcomings during this time.  If you expect them to step up, they will! BTW, I'm receiving AC right now, every two weeks, so I'm on Day #6 today.  

    Chick:  You totally crack me up, Girl!  I get the "waiting for the Senokot to kick in" feeling!  Today's one of those days.  MOM tablets for me.  I have been Miserable with a capital M.  Such relief this morning,I felt like celebrating.  Potty talk has replaced party talk in my vernacular! 

    I pray that everyone has a wonderful day.  I need to get to work! 

    Hugs, 

    Carol

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

    Another woman in my little town was diagnosed with BC same time as me.  She was able to do surgery, mammosite and is starting her chemo next week.  I am so jealous that she has sur/mamm all out of the way.  How SICK am I, envy someone with cancer!  We have talked a lot on the phone and she is just freaking out about the chemo.  We are going to meet for lunch today.  Hopefully I can quell some of her fears when she sees how well I am doing.

    I told her she should check out this discussion board, but I don't think she's ready.  This board has been so therapeutic for me.  Thank you all for your support.  The mentoring I have received here should be of great assistance at our lunch today.

    mmdj43 - I'm with you on the humor thing.  It makes everyone more at ease including us!!

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited March 2009

    Good luck today deemdee, we'll be thinking of you!

    NYDeb - I had to laugh at your squirrell analogy. Each of us has described it as a different animal - chick said a ferret, and I said a dead rabbit. (sorry I work at the Medical Examiner's office, of course my animal would have to be dead!). The wigs get really old after awhile. I can wear mine all day, but then I have to go without the next day. 2 days in a row is about the max I can tolerate it, but it gets ripped off as soon as I hit my garage.

    Good luck to all getting tx today, and I hope all from yesterday are doing well!

    Here's to a happy hump day! lol 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009
    jdeking - man I sure hope we are envisioning dead animals, live would be scary!
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  • JenniferK
    JenniferK Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2009

    Good morning all :-)

    I got tired of all the hair falling out so I shaved it off last night ... doesn't look too bad.

    Kellerka thanks for the offer, oh, and I'm not so young - 42 - but the kids are ;-)

    NanaA thanks for all the info, I hadn't had a chance to look into it much, but that does definitely sound like a good thing.  Hope your treatments continue to go smoothly!

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  • theredheadamy
    theredheadamy Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2009

    Hi all,

    Just a note--I've been reading the posts every morning, just haven't posted ;(

    I'm 2 weeks out from my first round of TC, and days 4 and 8 were my worst.  However, they were still quite doable.  NO V or D for me, (yay), but I did get a headache that started at the infusion and lasted about a week.  Major cramping, though---kinda like the mother of all monthlies rolling through my abdomen, which is so not fair, considering they took the innards when they took the boobies ;)   Some nights of sleeplessness, and some days of tiredness, but all in all, as they say, it is manageable.

    Oh, and the hair is on it's way out this week, I think.  Started loosing it yesterday; not sure how long it will take before I decide to shave....

    Round 2 is next Wednesday, and I am curious as to whether or not the side effects stay the same or get worse.  And, obviously, I hope I don't have a reaction.

    Like Dawn, I had 3 surgeries in 8 weeks, and I am just starting to feel like my body is mine again. It seems since the 1st of the year that I have been hit with a truck every 3 weeks.  At least with the chemo, it's more of an extended cab pickup instead of a fully loaded semi. ;0)

    Wishing everyone minimal side effects and lots of energy,

    Thanks for all the wisdom and support

    Amy 

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  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2009
    Question for everyone...  For those of us now bald, what are you putting on your head and when?  At night and in the morning, I take a wet wash cloth and wipe 'er down, but should I be doing more?  I understand at some point, I'll be using Nioxin shampoo and conditioner... but when?
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  • 7timewinner
    7timewinner Member Posts: 183
    edited March 2009

    Hi, all

    I was wondering how many of you have done this to yourself too: I keep reading stuff online....research studies, statistics, etc. about my type of cancer, grade, stage, chemo side effects, etc ...and I can really freak myself out sometimes.

    I know it's not good for my mental well-being right now, but I will do it anyway sometimes...what the heck, right???

    To pull myself out of the fear I create, I tell myself that I am not a number. That I can and will survive this. That the road may be difficult and long, but I can do it.

    I guess I'm just pep-talking myself now...I caught a nasty cold yesterday and had a pretty good fever until the antibiotics kicked in. That set me back, emotionally. I am normally pretty positive about how things are going.

    This is such an emotional rollercoaster ride we are on! Anyone have some advice about how to keep yourself positive through everything, especially chemo? Of course, I need to stop researching the heck out of my condition, for starters...lol...

    Thanks for letting me vent :)

    Nadine 

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited March 2009

    Hey Jan-

     I am still shampooing my bald head with Dove shampoo every morning. So far that is all that I have been doing, but have heard others put cream if it starts to get dry & flaky.

    I think the Nioxin or Mane & Tail shampoos start after your last chemo when regrowth can FINALLY start to occur. Don't waste your money on it now, as each chemo attacks the follicles all over again.

    Nadine- good vent. I do that to myself sometimes too, but really try to avoid it. Statistics are not always friendly! Go read the positive threads on here about survival stories, there are lots! Sometimes it is good to find a distraction that takes our brains completely away from cancer in general! For me I have had to find a hobby (remodeling my house) that takes my thoughts away from all of this. I think I may also learn a new hobby, like crocheting, that can occupy my time. Find something that works for you, or learn something you've always wanted to learn! This is a great time for that, as it is all about a time of renewal!!

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  • 7timewinner
    7timewinner Member Posts: 183
    edited March 2009

    Thanks, jdeking....a new hobby sounds like a great idea. And I will head over now to the survival story threads...I could use them right about now!!

    Cheers,

    Nadine

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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2009

    Nadine  I think we all did what you are doing now.....I did it a lot in the beginning but now that I have started chemo I feel like I can see a dim light at the end....and I mean END of the tunnel for BC.  I remind myself that there are so many women that are 20+ year suvivors and I put myself in those categories.  Please vent whenever you need to we all do......as you will see at the end of  my post.

    mom of boys Thanks for making me laugh :)  I can picture myself wiping er down too in the next few days.

    thereadheadedamy  Sounds like you are doing great!  This will pass so fast....

     Jennifer I am right there with you.  I should probably do it today.  One of our good friends has been in the "bald" club since he was 23 and he offered to come shave my head for me.  He has almost 20 years experience so I may just take him up on the offer!

    Bloodwork did not come back in my favor.....my WBC was 1600 last week and now it is 1500 so they want me on a seven day course of anitbiotics.  I feel great but was bummed because now I will need the nuelasta shot after the next 2 or 3 chemos.  I was told I shouldn't have bone pain.  My onc explained that they don't usually give the shot after the first chemo because with some patients their WBC goes back up on its own.....for me, I need the shot.  He said patients that don't really need the shot but get it anyway have the bone pain...so any of you with bone pain after that shot may want to confer with your onc  to see if you really need it. Has anyone who has had the shot had a reaction to it?

    My chemo may be delayed 1 week if my counts don't go back up enough by next Tuesday.  I left there a bit upset....first time this has gotten to me in awhile, too.  

    Time to pick myself (and my hair) up off the floor and MOVE on.

    OH, I got my buffs today!  Just in time.  I ordered them on Saturday and they got here today!  Fast service.  planetbuff.com.

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    There has been something bugging me for the past couple of days...gnawing at the back of my head (scratchy, hair stubble...I think NOT). I haven't been able to put my finger on it...UNTIL JUST NOW.

    MOB (aka Mom_of_Boys, and non-virtual-world, Jan) gracefully volunteered to help lead this thread when Britt was looking for some very large feet to fill her very large shoes (and frankly, my feet are teenie!) As we were transitioning, MOB promptly headed into round #2 and I have been flying by the seat of my pants ever since.

    The worst part is that I neglected to let you guys know that she is the silent partner here. I love her tone, her insight and I have missed her quick wit. MOB - DANG IT! Glad you are feeling better. So good to hear your voice again.

    And now for a cheesy laugh

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  • cakelady
    cakelady Member Posts: 203
    edited March 2009

    Hi.......I had my first round of TCH on Monday and so far so good, no side effects.  I got a PICC line put in my arm and that was not fun.  Then went straight over for the first chemo.  Anyone else on TCH and if so, how do you feel and when did your hair start to come out?

          Wendy

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  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2009

    Gina... I kinda abandoned you, though, the past few days.  I have been zero help to you... much less an encouragement to you during your 2nd tx fiasco.  BUT, I love the joke... it did make me laugh!

    I am allowing myself to feel sorry for myself for a day or two.  YES, I know there are others out there with worse cancer, worse SEs, etc.  BUT, right now... I'm sick and tired of this BC.  There... I said it!  I've become a complainer evidently.  Actually, after years of taking care of everyone else and sucking it up... it kinda feels good!  Complainers of the world UNITE!

    didle20diane (say that 10 times fast)... I had my first Neulasta shot ten days after my first tx.  We took a wait-and-see approach.  We waited and we saw my WBCs drop to BELOW 1,000.  After the shot, they went up to 9,000!  I also went on a 7 day course of antibiotics.  This time, I got it the day after my 2nd tx.  SEs are indeed the bone pain... in my back.  I'm taking Extra Strength Tylenol and Claritin and about to call the onc to see if I can take anything else. 

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  • nicole0714
    nicole0714 Member Posts: 48
    edited March 2009

    ginagina,

    Thanks for checking on me. I have been doing really well. Just waiting for some side effect to kick in, but so far, I've done well. I have four boys (6, 4- yr-old-twins, and a 20 month old) so I have been so busy keeping up with them, I have pushed the fatigue aside. Only big issue I had was the taste in my mouth (on TCH) and my mouth feeling really sensitive. Sorry you had a bad reaction the second time around. How scary. Hope you are feeling ok and not too bummed about the delay in chemo. I have the date at the end of June in my calender when this is all over (other then the herceptin).

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  • michele54
    michele54 Member Posts: 152
    edited March 2009

    I just talked to Laurie at franceluxe and she is the NICEST person.  She told me to tell everyone about her program.  They give one headscarf to anyone losing their hair through chemo or illness.  Click on the website below and you can get the details.  She also said to make sure to tell everyone you know about this.  I ordered mine and she is shipping it out today or tomorrow.

    http://www.franceluxe.com/i/goodwishesscarves/GoodWishesScarves.html

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited March 2009

    I also had bone pain from Neulasta, also mainly in the back and hips, though this round also in my ribs/chest, which was annoying.

    I thought I was one who wouldn't need it, so got my onc to agree to stall for 7 days after round 2. Well, my WBC dropped from 23,000 (thanks Decadron) to 1,000 in those 7 days, and I will be getting the shot after each treatment now. I think it is easier to get it after tx, the SE's just blend in with all the others. This time I was mostly over the chemo SE's and the ones from the Neulasta kinda knocked me on my a$$ on the 4th and 5th days. Claritin and Advil helped. Vicodin (hydrocodone) would also help if you have it handy.

     Gina, you are awesome! You have been doing a really wonderful job with this thread!!!!!!

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

    A shout out to ginagina for her dedication, time, energy, and kindness!

    Sessna1

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  • michele54
    michele54 Member Posts: 152
    edited March 2009

    WHOOOOO HOOOOOOOO GINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • mmdj43
    mmdj43 Member Posts: 45
    edited March 2009

    Luv2sing - If I walked out saying "Take me as I am", no one would want to unless I had a face put on.  LOL!

    kellerka - I'm glad that you enjoyed it.  It's always a pleasure entertaining you ladies.  After all, we must be able to laugh!

    NanaA - JenniferK is absolutely right.  I'm on the TCH protcol with Herceptin also being administered weekly (which I was told will probably just roll into the 3 week cycles).  But you need to fight this thing and not let it take you down.  When you feel like it is, get pissed off then move on and continue to fight.  Don't let this faceless disease overpower you.  You are much stronger than you will ever think you were.  This challenge is what will make you a much stronger person.  Please keep posting and every time you need a laugh, let me know.  I'd be more than happy to entertain!

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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2009

    momofboys.....thanks for the nuelasta info.  I just started my anitbiotics and now am washing my hands every 5 minutes and feel like I have the chills....my house is freezing.  UGH. 

    jdeking....I hope I have no bone pain....I have 3 kids to chase around.  How annoying.  Can we take Advil???? 

    I also just ordered my wrap from Laurie at FranceLuxe...she was wonderful...I just sent her a link to our thread.

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  • IowaDiva
    IowaDiva Member Posts: 76
    edited March 2009

    Nadine:  I have categorically decided to STOP researching.  I am starting to bore myself; plus I am in Jan's shoes.  I am now complaining (at least to myself) about what I am sure are minimal SEs...and feeling sorry for myself to boot!  So much for that positive attitude.  Yay!

    Jan and Gina:  You two rock, plain and simple.  I simply love you two!  You make me laugh (wiping 'er down...LOL) and are so encouraging, even in the midst of SEs and major responsibilities. 

    Can I be you when I grow up?  Tongue out 

    Nicole:  Four boys under the age of 6?  You have my awe and appreciation, Girl!  I have a 6-1/2-year-old boy, but I also have the added bonus of two teenage girls who are kind of like his 2nd and 3rd moms.  So that helps a lot.  My hair goes off to you! 

    Hugs to all,

    Carol

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  • Ricki13
    Ricki13 Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2009

    Hello all

    2nd treatment yesterday.  Felt horrendous last night but not too bad this morning.  They've added Stemetil (eek...suppositories!) to my anti nausea regime plus I took a Zantac last night and a Stillnox (aka Ambien) for sleeping.  And yes I got another foot massage from the lovely Pat!  My poor old dad came with me and he and Pat were even a little flirty with each other as she threatened to give him a massage too!  My Mum is away at a senior's golf tournament...I'd better not say to much!  it was hilarious / disturbing.

    On Tuesday I met with my Onc and she thinks I need to become more active both mentally and physically so I rang my boss and we're talking about me coming back to work 3 weeks out of 4, now I understand more about the SEs I can expect.  I'm kinda sorta looking forward to getting back in the game.  I work in advertising so it's pretty full on so the hardest part will be going home on time while everyone else is still at their desks for another couple of hours!  All being well I'll be back at work next Wednesday.

    As to hair....it's now like little projectiles falling out of my head so my sister (who slept here over night) will be taking me down to a 0 this morning.  In terms of headcovers etc. so far I am opting out of wigs but I have a handful of cute caps and hats ready to wear although it is still quite hot here in Sydney so some of them are too heavy at the moment.  I think I am doing pretty well with the scarf tying (try putting it on back to front and then sliding it around) and have had a number of compliments.  I don't like the prints / colours available on many of the websites so have been buying my own fabrics (I like Japanese prints) and then fashioning them into the right shape / size with fabric glue (no seamstress here!) before tying.  Once tied as I like it, I pull them on and off like a hat unless they need washing.  Yesterday I wore a kelly green bandana under a black sun hat...I like the contrast and the hint of something un-conventional.  I went out for dinner on Saturday night with a bunch of ex-work colleagues (home at 2am thankyu very much!) and wore this really pretty pink and gold Japanese fabric I found and wrapped it in a very 1920's style with a thick knot on one side.  Lots of compliments and even some male attention which I quickly shut down.  Who hits on sick girls? 

    Another tip is to go to www.etsy.com.  If you search using the word chemo or headscarf etc. there are lots of very crafty types selling cute, original headcovers that are possibly a more fashionable option than some of the dedicated chemo head cover sites that are obviously catering specifically for that market.

     And yes special thanks to Gina and also MOB for keeping this boat afloat.

    R xo

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  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2009

    IowaDiva... Awww shucks.  Embarassed  "My hair goes off to you."  OMG...... I am soooo claiming that line as my own.  I mean no one here in Texas knows you, so they'll think I'M the one that was that witty to come up with that line!  I LOVE IT!

    Ricki13... I can see how your foot massage lady person and your dad sorta flirting would be "hilarious/disturbing".  HA!  Male attention which you quickly shut down?  You must be younger than me... at this point in life, I would welcome male attention -- construction workers, the visionally impaired, the desperate... wouldn't matter... I would welcome it.

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