**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2009

    GiniGina - I like your new picture (the cap looks great).  I could really go for some decaf espresso right now!

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited March 2009

    Laurie41,

    I had my head shaved to about an inch.  It hurt worse at that length than it did long.  I had a hard time sleeping, just couldn't get my head comfy.  I had my son shave it all the way down this morning and ....OH what a relief!  It doesn't hurt at all.

    Still a little queazy today.  It is my youngest son's 8th birthday.  My mom is bringing cake and ice cream tonight and we are having the kid party next Sat.

    Have a good SE free weekend everyone,

    Chris

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  • Luv2sing
    Luv2sing Member Posts: 145
    edited March 2009

    Thank you Patti B!

    I haven't been brave enough to go outside yet and I have to figure out what to do with it tomorrow before Church.  I need something to protect my head under my head wrap, because it's a weird, irrittating feeling.

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  • bwbly
    bwbly Member Posts: 82
    edited March 2009

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    Hope this goes thru LOL ...... got my hair cut last Saturday

    Bunny

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Love the new pics NYDeb, Alayd, Luv2Sing, Bunny!!

    McLouLou - Welcome! I will add you to the class roster.  Post a pic after your trip to the Salon. We'd love to hear how it went.

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  • bwbly
    bwbly Member Posts: 82
    edited March 2009

    Just got home from shopping ..... went to the baby shop and got me some of those baby headbands with flowers attached. Summer starts here real soon and I figured these would be much cooler than hats LOL.

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2009

    Luv2Sing - I think in our LGFB Class they talked about wearing the wig liners possible under the wraps too.  But my memory may not be right.

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  • MichelleinSJ
    MichelleinSJ Member Posts: 133
    edited March 2009

    Whew, finally made it through all these posts!  I've been reading the whole day. 

    You guys look great, and happy anniversary, Laurie! 

    Hopefully we can all stay on taxotere for #3.  Well, Gina, I know you can't.  But I'm glad the new treatment is easier to handle.

    I had a mild reaction yesterday, which just extended the time.  It wasn't anything I'd ever heard of ... I suddenly started to have hip and lower back pain, and nothing helped.  I've given birth and had a kidney stone.  The pain wasn't nearly like that!  I rated it at about a 7.  So they pulled the taxotere for about a half hour and added steroids.  Then it was okay.

    I'm so tired today.  I slept about two hours between reading this board, and then I dragged myself out for my walk.  I didn't leave the hospital last night until 6, so I'm waiting another hour to do the neulasta shot.  I took Claritin this morning and yesterday morning.  I know some of you also took it at night, but I think I'd better just take my chances without the extra dose.

    I'm hoping so hard for a better experience than last time.  I took advantage of the Thursday dexamethasone and made use of all my energy to clean the house.  I walked yesterday morning, last night, and today.  I'm taking Ambien, so I'm able to sleep.  I'm already on my 4th bottle of water today.  I really need to have a better two weeks!

    Oh, forgot to ask, what is the code for the free francelux headwrap?  I think I read it 7 pages ago or something.

    Thanks!  You guys rock :)

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  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited March 2009

    Patti B.. so you know, I have three goldens. aged 10 and 11 years old. The pic of the bond golden is our Marley and is our puppy raised one. She is a true trip!!!!Yours sounds the same!!!!!

    Debby...Glad you are done with your first tx.  Mine starts April 8th and reading how it felt for you the night before was good to read as that will be me for certain. Thanks for the honesty and am glad that the peace was there for you and it went ok even in the shot part!!

    Sorry for those with the allergic reactions.. there are so many posts i cannot find the names and remember it when i find them!!! I know that is must of been a problem for Nasa.. cause this is worse than a rocket launching...lol!! Loved that comment .

    For all those lossing hair, somehow it has to be grieved and would imagine i will and then have some fun with it and red looks like the color i am goin with. Need some wild looking scavrves too!!

    Good thoughts and healing wishes,

    Donna ( newbie)

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  • NanaA
    NanaA Member Posts: 293
    edited March 2009

    MichelleinS = When  you get to the francelux homepage and pick out wrap you want and call 888-884-3653 and they will send it out.  They notified me by e-mail mine shipped Friday..  You don't need a code.  I ordered the hip geo chocolate.  A brown print design, but there were several other choices as well as different colors in the same design as mine. You might have to wait until monday for Laurie to be in.  They are probably closed on the weekend.

    I had a rough night last night leg cramps, abdominal pains, finally some diarrhea and then everything quited down a bit, but totally tired today.  Today is day 5 if you count chemo as day 1, so maybe this is is the day 4 or 5 crash.  Hope for a good night tonight and have a little more energy tomorrow.  Annette

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  • laurie41
    laurie41 Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2009

    WLL..I work nights at a hotel at the front desk..I don't work every night so I haven't missed much work at all, and the people I work with are great..they help me out whenever I need it.

    I just got up from sleeping 9 hours. I don't sleep to well because I get hot flashes while I sleep. Does anybody else get those? How do I relieve them if possible?

    Thanks everyone for wishing me a Happy Anniversary...no cooking tonight...hubby is taking me out. Just need to take something for this killer headache.

    Laurie 

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  • arnie
    arnie Member Posts: 3,050
    edited March 2009

    Hello all...I guess I'm in you're club.   I start my Chemo on the last day of March, Tuesday the 31st.  AC x 4 Tx4.  Had my chemo port placement this last Tuesday.  Now both sides hurt!  lol.  Balance, all about balance.  My head is spinning reading all the advise.  What is suggested for the first AC treatment?   I drink a lot of water anyway, but I keep seeing eat crushed ice.. eat during treatment?  Sorry to be such a newbie...but would appreciate any suggestions.  I don't know all of you yet, soooooooo Hello to everyone.  Look forward to corresponding.

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  • cpanasci
    cpanasci Member Posts: 35
    edited March 2009

    Hi again;

    I have chemo two coming up on Thursday and I have a question for those more experienced out there... many, if not all of you, seem to have the neulast (sp?) shot as a rule. At a minimum, you are tested for WBC count. My question: do you think I should be concerned that my onc has not tested me? I was advised to go to the emergency room should I spike a fever or show respiratory symptoms, but nothing else. I have no clue what my count is... 

    I found that days 8 - 14 were the toughest for me. Mouth was very funky (the maalox/benadry swish was the cure!) and my digestive track was way off. Sleeping issues arose, complicated by aching parts. Both"exit routes" burned and the pain actually kept me up. Any one else have this fun SE?

    Thanks for being there, all of you.

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2009

    MichelleinS - I'm going for my 2nd TC at Penn/Perelman on Wednesday, all went so well the 1st time I'm not expecting any reactions, but I'm reading that several have had reactions the 2nd time.  I had Decadron, Benedryl & Zofron prelim the 1st time. Did you get those and still have a reaction and need more?  I just want to be kind of prepared (a friend is taking me instead of DH and don't want her freaked out by that).  Wow 6 you were there long.  I was there at 9:15 and done by arount 3:30 the 1st time.  But then we checked out the shop after so we left around 5.

    planetbuff.com was the company mentioned that you need a code for free shipping.  I'm looking for that code now cause I'm planning on buying some buffs on-line. 

    Hope the Claritin works and you have minimal SE's this round.

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  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2009

    McLouLou -- Welcome! 

    bwbly... Great picture!  I swear we are the hottest group of bald women around.

    Congratulations on everyone who completed their 1st or 2nd round successfully! 

    I realized this week that I haven't posted a picture of my family yet.  Soooo....... I decided to go ahead and post a picture of my DH.  Here he is Mr. "Mom_of_Boys".

    One of the things I like best about him is that every night when I come home, he has a great home cooked meal waiting for me.  Life is good!  Wink

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  • cpanasci
    cpanasci Member Posts: 35
    edited March 2009

    Hey MoB;

    Does he have a brother? Preferably a twin...

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  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2009

    grannyarnie -- Believe me... there are no newbie-type questions on this board that we haven't all asked before!  Make sure, if at all possible, that someone goes with you to your first chemo.  I only say that because oftentimes they will give you ativan or something similar for the anxiety; therefore, you shouldn't be driving after.  Plan on resting the first few days.  I think ALL of us would agree that the anticipation of the first chemo is much worse than the actual chemo.  BUT, you have to go thru it yourself to see that. 

    Some say that chewing on ice helps the mouth sores later.  I have stuck with Biotene mouthwash and haven't had any mouth sores.  The end of my tongue does feel like it has been burnt (like too hot coffee), BUT it's just an inconvenience.

    You'll find that our motto here is... It's not fun, BUT IT'S DO-ABLE!

    ~Jan~

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  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2009
    Carol... Sadly, no twin brother.  We met thru a group called "Cougars".
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  • arnie
    arnie Member Posts: 3,050
    edited March 2009

    Momofboys...thanks so much!  Just looking forward to getting it started, the sooner it starts the sooner it end..right?  Absolutely, if it's one thing I've gotten from reading the posts for the last couple of weeks, it's that you gal's are STRONG!  Is your name Jan, mines Janet although a lot of people call me Jan.  My grandson said to me on the phone last night, "Get to your bedroom and rest so you can get better!"  Bless his heart, he's 3 and I haven't seen him since the port insert.  Gonna keep him overnight the night before Chemo so we can have some time together...just in case "Arnie" as he named me at fourteen months, gets sick after Chemo.  I cut my hair off after learning a month ago that I was going to be having Chemo, and he's fine with it.  Not his one year old sister though...she used to twirl my hair and she doesn't like it short! ha!  Wonder how she'll feel when it's gone...hmmmmmmmm.  Love the picture of your dh.  lol... 

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  • WLL
    WLL Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2009

    GRANNYARNIE-- I had my first treatment of A/C yesterday. I felt pretty good, just little tired. Constipation starting today. I have been trying to drink lots of water, but I have to have my tea also. They gave me Emend for three day, and also take Zofran for nasuea. This actually my 2nd chemo treatment--I have one treatment of TC but had a reaction to it, so they switched me to AC. I felt really good on TC, so I just hope I feel good on AC also. I have started losing my hair, just have not been able to shave it yet. I do have a wig I have been wearing to work and hat to wear just out. You are going to be fine, just take your nausea meds on schedule. I have been taking zofran every 12 hours, everyday. I have  had no problem with nausea. We can switch notes on SE. For me so far so good. The chemo sessions are actually relaxing, they give me something to relax me through my port and I sleep through most of it. The nurse did have me chew on ice when she was giving me the Adriamycin, she said it helped with something,  I cant remember what she said. Good-Luck it wont be as bad as you expect. If you ever need to talk you can PM me. Wendy

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  • arnie
    arnie Member Posts: 3,050
    edited March 2009
    Thank you WLL!   It's so good to hear from someone that is just starting too...  I'm such a "newbie" I'm not sure what SE stands for.  My husband went out the other day and bought me a pink MP3 player with pick headphones and uploaded all my favorite music for me to listen to during chemo.  I wore today when I took a nap, very relaxing.  Cool    Have a bunch of different hats, scarves etc. coming in next week that we ordered earlier in the week.  Never been a "hat" person so might just do the bald thing...we'll see.  I went to francelux.com after reading about it in an earlier post.  The CEO, Laurie, donates free headwraps to anyone with bc going through chemo.  Gonna order one Monday...  Thanks for the offer of PM ing , you do the same if you need to talk.  I'm on my third post so only two more left before they shut me down! ha!  Have a good night.
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  • WLL
    WLL Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2009

    I have sent many post, why would they shut you down? I am glad I could help. Wendy

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  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2009

    SE - Side Effect.  I know how you feel... it took me forever to figure out the letters.

    When you first join, I think they have a 5 post limit per day.  After some period, there is no limit.

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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited March 2009

    Gina, the Mimosa looks tasty! Thanks for the compliment on the new pic. I love the buff more than any other head cover- other head wraps sorta irritated the hairs- sent chills down my back. I did shave all the way down to skin so I wouldn't have stubble covering me for days. before that, the night I shaved I was running a lint roller over my head and I was shocked at how much stubble I pulled off- it looked like metal shavings. Since then no short stubble had pulled off- I still seem to have a lot of hair all over- no bald patches that I can ascertain.

    day after tx #2- I feel more tired than day 2 last time- went for a long walk earlier in the rain with dh- felt good.came home and took a nap. It's snowing a little here now. I'm really glad I didn't react to the Taxotere second time around. hope everyone else is doing allright.

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  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited March 2009

    Hello all,

    Commiserations to all enduring side effects/allergic reactions and congratulations to all those who are looking so gorgous in their shaved heads/buffs/wigs. I am soooooo ready to join you soon.

    Thank you to those who commiserated on my totally lame egg freezing effort. jdeking - yes, AC and some other chemo drugs can damage fertility. Women in our age group have about a 25% chance of permanent infertility according to my onco. So the odds are in our favour but I wanted to do all I could to improve my chances.

    I'm a lucky girl. My lovely lovely boyfriend gave me 36 presents for my birthday. He said it was because  he had missed the first 35!! They were all just cute little things but the care and time he had invested were so moving. I wanted to cry but he would have hated that so I kept it in. I know many of you also have wonderfully supportive partners. It makes such a difference.

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2009
    Sakura - that is so sweet!!! Happy Birthday!!
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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited March 2009

    Sakura - 36 little gifts! That gave me goose bump.

    MOB - cradle robber!

    grannyarnie - welcome! I will add you to the roster

    Dayla - oh I wish I could imbibe in a mimosa too. I actually feel pretty good right now...but somehow it just dosen't seem right.  Maybe just concentrate on all the vitamin C in the OJ. That's good stuff, right?

    JenniferK - hows the transportation thing working out for you. I just wanted to let you know something that the American Cancer Society gal at the Look Good Feel Better class mentioned. ACS can help arrange transportation for chemo treatments.  Even accommodations for a night or two if your clinic/chemo-place-worship is that far away. I forgot to mention it to you earlier...now I dont know what kind of coverage ACS has in Ontario, but if they can't help you, I bet they know of an organization that can.

    WLL, GrannyArnie - i think the magic number is 50 posts (10 days, 5 posts a day if you want to push it). Once you get there, I think it is open....but I also know they have a rule of posting in succession (within the minute). How do I know this? Well, lets just say that while high on steroids, I often mistake this discussion board for Instant Messenger and try to post simple sentences one at a time. BC.org does like it. I wonder why?

    Oh and someone was asking about what to wear on your head at bedtime. The most comfortable thing I have are my buffs, but I find they come off in the middle of the night. Around the time of my surgery, I started wearing my hoodies to bed (they have handy pockets for the tubes). About a week ago I realized those same hoodies have a hood on them. And that's what I've been wearing on my head. So far so good. 

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  • Janet0527
    Janet0527 Member Posts: 141
    edited March 2009

    Hi Ladies - I've been posting in a thread on the clinical trial that I'm in, but I'd like to get on board in here since there's quite a bit more activity.  Gina, can you add me to the roster?  I am on dose dense AC, followed by 12 weeks of Taxol.  The study component is that I might also be getting Avastin, but I won't know for some time since the trial is blind.  My first tx was Wednesday 3/25, and I felt pretty much normal for the first few days, worked Thursday and Friday, went salsa dancing Friday night, had ballroom practice today, but then came home from practice to some intense fatigue and spent most of the afternoon and evening on the couch asleep.  I have a weird taste in my mouth, but otherwise no SEs yet - I'm sure they're on their way.  I take Claratin already for allergies, so I'm hoping that will keep the Neulasta bone pain in check.  We'll see. 

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  • ann-idiot
    ann-idiot Member Posts: 128
    edited March 2009

    2nite is Saturday and i'm drinking red wine, shiraz to be exact. I'm 20 days into chemo and facing that nasty Taxotere / Cytoxan combo punch again on Monday morning. The hair thing officially chews. The lack of doo-rags that A) fit and B) don't scream "chemo patient in aisle 7" chews even harder. I am somewhat "allergic" to chemo (is there anyone who isn't) as well as to the neulasta, so the imminent Wednesday pain will be horrendous and I'm really wanting to get my hands on those pot-pills. I don't like taking a pill to prevent fluid build-up in my lungs that keeps me awake for days, causing the need for a sleeping pill. I take a nausea pill to counter-act the chemo and the combo pack causes pain, but the pain pill gives me nausea so i need another anti-nausea med? WTF? Give me one pill for nausea, pain, and sleeplessness.....the cannabis pill...please. 

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  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited March 2009

    ann-idiot, you just enjoy that red wine!! Will be thinking of you Monday afternoon my time and hoping that this time the side effects treat you more kindly.

     (and i am sure no one will dob you in if you take a sneaky little cannabis pill on the side!)

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