**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

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  • Cruise4life
    Cruise4life Member Posts: 394
    edited March 2009

    Hi Ladies...

    MOB...nice DH and so thoughtful to make your dinner...I think if I was married to him I would starve...as I wouldn't let him out of bed or want the bed to me made...if you know what I mean...LOL...AKA President of the Cougar Club...

     grannyarnie....as you may have heard..drink lots of water..and try to relax.. it is not all that bad the first session..I think the unknown is the most scariest.. You will feel great the same day and then each day after you may notice things happening to you...don't be afraid to let your doc know what SE's you are experiencing.  They can judge what programs/sessions are best and will work the best for you.  Take your Emends...that will help with nausea.  Don't be afraid to ask questions from your onco specialists (doctor and nurses) they are there to help you.

     Cpanasci...What is your chemo dose?  Do you not have a standing order for LABs?  If you get the Nulesta shot...they should be monitoring your WBC for sure...ask your onco specialists...

     To all the other beautiful ladies...I am going in on Thursday for #5 of 6 and it has been an experience to say the least.  I have had many different SEs and had my therapy changed midstream.  I am currently given CT (Cytoxan and Taxotere) with the Nulesta shot on the next day along with Emends for two days.  I was previously given CE5FU (Cytoxan, Epirubicin and 5FU) on sessions #1 and #2 had heart palpitations and spent the night in the hospital for observation with that said was changed to CT.    I have heard from others who are on Taxotere and they have lost fingernails and toenails.  Mine have not fallen off but have darkened somewhat and my hands peel a few days after the session.   My throat gets dry and burns, taste buds are gone until day 9 after chemo...have had constipation and diarreah at different sessions.  Got a fever and an infection with the last one..so watch and take your temperatures...anything above 100.5 call your onco doc right away. 

     Buzzing off the hair was the best thing I did...GO ALL THE WAY with it...don't try to keep the hair...HAIR DOES GROWS BACK....and you will be spoiled for not having to shave anywhere...LOL

    Just know that what they give us is to kill those "C" cells and thats what we want as the end result.  IT'S ALL GOOD and we can do this...

    Best of luck to those of you who are going in next week for the first time....We are all pulling for you....

    Hugs...

    Cindy

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  • vangoghpro
    vangoghpro Member Posts: 47
    edited March 2009

    Those Taxotere side effects are pretty vile. I haven't felt "right" since the afternoon of the infusion. Much diarrhea and general feeling of being high, but not a good high. I feel both fatigued and needing to do something at the same time. Restless and cannot focus on anything for very long. I did go to work on Friday, but if I feel like this tomorrow I will need to take a day off, possibly several. And this was only the first treatment; I understand from you all that the second treatment will probably be worse. I am not feeling much like eating but have eaten some toast.

    I did muck out the horses but felt like I was floating most of the time. Just so many strange sensations right now. However, after all that whining, I realize it could be worse. I will just keep going because the alternative isn't to be considered. Hope eveyone gets to do something pleasant this Sunday.

    Linda

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  • bwbly
    bwbly Member Posts: 82
    edited March 2009

    ann-idiot, why take another pill???? just smoke it ... i know that's what one un-named person is doing Cool

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited March 2009

    Hi All,

     Just wanted to check in.  This is day three after my first.  Friday and Saturday I felt O.K.  Today I'm feeling...  dizzy and tired..  is the best I can describe it.  I've taken the medication and that has helped a little.  Definitely helped the dizziness..  But now I'm just starting to feel blah. 

     Just wanted to thank you all for the support. 

    MOB - thanks for the marguerita!  One of my favs!  And love the pic of you DH..  nice abs.  I'm desparately single right now..  pictures like that are so nice to see...  (smile)

     Here's favorite of mine some of you might enjoy:

    Ginger Lime Cosmo

     One Lime quartered

    4 tbs. sugar divided

    1/cup citrus flavored vodka

    2 tbs fresh lime juice

    2 tsp freshly grated peeled ginger

    1 cup ice

    Makes two drinks and is very, very good!

    Pickle (Beth)  good luck tomorrow!  I'm pulling for you..  all of you...

    Have a great day! 

    Beth

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  • nasharayne
    nasharayne Member Posts: 139
    edited March 2009

    Hello Ladies,

    I must say this past week has been a doozy. So, Monday I'm feeling like hey I think I'm feeling better well tuesday I felt like crap. I had to go in for herceptin and my bp was low and I lost about 5 pounds. I got two liters of fluids and felt a little better. Wednesday I still feel like crap. I wake up from a nap feeling like I was baking. temp is 102.4 - opps. I slept through the 100.6. Of course my onc says go to the ER. I get there and my neutrophil count is 0. So, I guess I know why I felt so bad. Of course I am admitted to receive my 5 different kinds of antibiotics. Then the diarrhea starts. No biggie right, I'll just take some Immodium and get this done. WRONG! my onc said better out then in. Ugh. It was agony. Then, because I'm so weak I hadn't done the baking soda swish and I have like 4 sores my mouth. I plan to call my onc in the morning for what rx he can give to make them go away.  I finally came home yesterday. Still a lot of stomach cramping mild diarrhea and sores in my ears? I dont remember that SE.  Well today my period comes.  I was like you have got to be freaking kidding me. I did pray to perserve my fertility but, still I didn't expect it to still be hanging around. I guess it's still early.

    Hopefully next week I'll be better and can contibute.

    I think I want that cannabis pill too.

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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited March 2009

    I'm with you bwbly and Ann-idiot- I've been counteracting some of the TAC SE's with some THC myself Innocent

    Feeling pretty good this morning, haven't taken the rounds of dexamethasone, zofran, compazine, or last Emend pill yet. going for a walk soon. Sunny but, cold, bits of melting snow here and there.

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited March 2009

    Hi everyone -

    I totally agree with everyone mentioning the "cannabis pill" - whether it is chemo, rads, surgery, Tamox, AIs, and the Endless Batteries of Tests, I strongly believe that this would be far better than the usual opiates they prescribe for us, with all of the attendant s/es of physical and psychological addiction, and other not-so-pleasant side effects . . .

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  • bwbly
    bwbly Member Posts: 82
    edited March 2009

    Now that the illegal stuff has been mentioned, I'm sure there are some of our Princesses who will strongly disagree with this "treatment."

    I say .... whatever works. And, for those of us that are children of the 60's, we know this works.

    Bunny (stepping down from soapbox)

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited March 2009

    Bunny, good for you!  You can expound upon your soapbox as much as you like! 

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  • bwbly
    bwbly Member Posts: 82
    edited March 2009

    LOL Britt.

    I admit I have opinions .... strong ones .... and, of course, mine are right LOLOL

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

    Hi All,

    Day 6 out of my second TC. I am doing well. As with many others I have a number of SE's which are really doable. MY mouth feels a little pasty, my stomach is messed up, I have a little headache but as a friend of mine said "Who doesn't have these little aches and pains". Oh yes I have a continuous runny nose and some bleeding from my nose.

    I agree with what  MOB and others has said this is definitely DOABLE..MOB does your husband make housecalls? He is soooo cute..LOL

    Gina, you are doing just a great job keeping us together. I guess MOB is also assisting with those great Margaritas and those gorgeous hunks.  Gina I do love your new avatar. very chic...

    Diddle20Diane I could lend you some superglue. Your kids sound so cute. Just think of the great stories you will have to tell all a year from now. You have a great attitude and sense of humor.

    It is hard now to keep up with all these posts..

    Ladies , stay strong we are here for you....

    Hugs to all,

    Francine

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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2009
    Diane is going to get a buzz...........ladies, I have procrastinated enough.  Most of my hair fell out on its own and surprisingly it is not all over the place Smile or I would have buzzed it sooner.   I am going up to a place up the street to get er done!  I am still not patchy but boy has it thinned out. 
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  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2009

    Alyad -- I would agree that the fatigue is definitely worse the second time around.

    Sakura -- WOW on the birthday presents.  That is extremely thoughtful!!!

    Gina -- AND, how are you doing???  We need a report on you after second tx as well...

    Janet0527 -- Welcome!  Salsa dancing?  Ballroom practice?  That is absolutely and completely amazing to me.  I think I did both of those, too, after my first tx... in my dreams!

    Ann -- Good luck tomorrow! 

    Cruise4life -- Yes, I'm one lucky woman!  Cool  I'm using the Tea Tree Oil on my fingernails and toenails in hopes of keeping them.  We'll see.  Also, on the peeling hands........ what's up with that?  On Friday, the palms of my hands primarily (although a few other places) started showing what appeared to be like a burn.  Looks like a burn... feels like a burn.  I was told by a friend to start using Aquaphor and maybe a cortisone cream.  Any suggestions on your end?

    Linda -- Take some imodium if your onc recommends it.  The first go around I didn't... the second go around I definitely did and it helped.

    Beth -- Since you're single, I give you permission to use my DHs picture as your wallpaper.  Days 4 and 5 were my worst, BUT you do get better!  I promise...

    Nasharayne -- Oh, sweetie.  I am sooo very sorry.  What a week.  Please keep us updated.

    Francine -- Other than providing a picture of my DH, the credit all goes to Gina!  I mean all of it... at the first, I told her I would help out and then I had my second tx which knocked me back for several days. 

    Diane -- You go girl!  Get that buzz and join the sisterhood of baldies!

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  • NanaA
    NanaA Member Posts: 293
    edited March 2009

    I definately hit the wall yesterday.  Stomach and abdominal pains like crazy and a house full of company.  Easter dinner for family.  Fortunately husband was doing the cooking.  I had gotten baskets and eggs ready for grandkids before 1st chemo last Tuesday.  Crashed when everyone left.  I was awake at 5 this am but laid on the couch and been sleeping since then.  Pain mostly gone, but I must have been really tired.  Have not slept well all week.  I dream about chemo and SE's.  Not very condusive to good sleep.  Even tho they said my hair might not come out with the low doses taxol, it is already itching.  Im betting I only make it thru 1 more treatment.  ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?  Snow here this AM.

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  • maidmarion
    maidmarion Member Posts: 45
    edited March 2009

    Well back to reality today Ladies, been trying to catch up on all the posts, I had a great Birthday and Mothers day (UK) surprise  last week my son came to visit from the UK, all arranged in secret by my partner. We had a great time and spent four days down in Key west, was hard to say goodbye at the airport on Friday though.

    I ordered some headgear on line today from planetbuff and chemosavvy, and I managed to get a wig last weekend while my son was here, I know he wouldn't let me get anything that didn't suit.

    So now back in the real world and anxiety rules! May have to crack open the bottle of xanax, wait, did someone mention a cannabis pill? 

    NanaA I know exactly what you mean about dreaming about chemo and SE's!

    So... Tuesday looms and I keep in mind what all you brave ladies say ....it's DOABLE...

    Good luck to Sakura73 on Tuesday and all those that are having treatments next week. Hope you feel better soon Nasharayne.

    Crusader1 Thanks for being there...x

    Julie

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  • marvil
    marvil Member Posts: 19
    edited March 2009

    Thanks for the tips for the mouth sores. My sores are finally dissipating. What I also found helpful was tucking in my lips inside my mouth and gargling to make sure the Biotene covered my lips. My sores were on my lips which was the only area that wasnt really getting the Biotene mouthwash (who would think to gargle with there lips inside the mouth? but it helped me). I've been using vitamin A&D ointment on the lips too. 

    Nasharayne - so sorry for your week. You are exactly a day behind me. Hang in there. I too felt better at the start of the week then went back to all crappy.  I was ice cold all the time and felt weak. I was feeling so crappy I didnt feel like going in for a scheduled blood test on day 9, but I realized something wasnt right so did drag myself in.  I found out my WBC had dropped to 1.3 (was 8.1 pre-chemo).  Its day 14 right now for me and am finally starting to feel better...my taste buds are all messed up tho. ...I'm hoping 3rd week of the cycle will be better.  

    Cpanasci - I think the blood test are important.  I was told I am to get my blood tested around day 9 of each cycle to watch my WBC because counts lower and you need to be extra vigilant against possible infections during this time.  I think I am supposed to get blood tested before they start each cycle too. I didnt take a neulasta shot, but needed neupogen shots after my WBC count dropped too low. 

    btw I noticed there have been several posts on menstral cycle during chemo.  Well I have been so irregular these past years and thought for sure my periods would stop....but I too started my period during my chemo. I guess I should just learn to expect the unexpected.

    I'm praying that everyone on their chemo premiere or on their 2nd cycle of chemo have a restful, postive-energy-filled healing week ahead! 

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  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2009

    NanaA -- I can't believe you had Easter dinner with a house full of company AND those dreaded stomach cramps.  On my days 4 and 5 this past time, I didn't even come out of my bedroom.  Rest, rest, rest!

    maidmarion -- So glad your son came to visit!  Go ahead and break open the bottle of xanax.  At first, I felt "weak" because I started taking one every so often, BUT now I'm okay with it.  I give you permission!  lol...  Hang in there!  Tuesday will be here soon and you WILL do okay!

    marvil -- Thanks for the tip on the Biotene.  I'm still using Biotene and so far <knock on wood> so good.  At least for me, the third week is definitely better... almost felt normal last time.

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  • vangoghpro
    vangoghpro Member Posts: 47
    edited March 2009

    Maidmarion,

    Are you from the UK originally? What part? I am from Yorkshire, England, and have been in California since 1984. It made me sad when you mentioned Mother's Day (UK) as this is the first year I have not sent my mum a card. She died last June. I am glad she never knew I had to go through the trials of breast cancer. She would have worried about it so much and felt she could not do anything to help being so far away.

    Sorry your son had to go back home again. I think our own Barack Obama is going to be in London tomorrow.

    I wish you a great cuppa and a full recovery.

    Linda

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  • WLL
    WLL Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2009

    hello all,

                Day three after 1st AC treatment. Doing good except I have been very tired, I took about a 2-3 hour nap today. No nausea which is great. I did not have the neulasts shot, my onc said I would not need it, which is good. I had it after my TC treatment, and it gave me flu like aches really bad. I had to switch from TC to AC, due to a reaction to the taxotere. Hope everyone is doing Good. 

    NASHARAYNE--Hang in there. Just remember we are Kicking cancers BUTT !!!!

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited March 2009

    Hi Everyone!  So sorry for the awful SE!  Welcome to the newbies, had my head shaved on Thurs, 2 of my coworkers shaved theirs with me what a party we had, alot of fun and no tears, I think if I had gone to the hairdresser, it would have been sad. I am truly blessed, I'll try to post some pictures!!! My second chemo is Tues, and I hope I do as well as I did the first time!  I know I had the decadron, only insomnia as a SE.  I am now 8 weeks postop and I feel as if physically I am healed, looking forward to getting my breast prosthesis on Friday, I am sick of being lopsided!! This is such a busy thread, that I can't keep up with it!!!I am wearing a wig outside and I got this hair halo thing that velcros into hats that is quite comfortable!! I have people and kids in and out of my house and don't want to scare anyone! I did order some Buffs from Amazon, and a friend gave me an Underarmour beanie that I wear to bed, that is very comfortable. Tomorrow I will order the francelux scarf. How nice of you to pass along this generous gift!Good Luck to all having Tx this week, my thoughts and prayers are with you.Dawn

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  • cpanasci
    cpanasci Member Posts: 35
    edited March 2009

    sineadThanks for the advice on the WBC count. After I read these posts, I sometimes wonder what is going on with my docs... I mean, it's Dana Farber facrissakes, the Disneyland of Cancer! And I need you all to tell me what I need. Yeesh. Will bring up all this and more on Thursday, tx number two. (And nobody but y'all have mentioned possible SE for the second round.)

    In the meantime, I buzzed today, after gobs of hair in the shower. It is empowering to take control over SOMETHING. my buzz cut

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  • maidmarion
    maidmarion Member Posts: 45
    edited March 2009

    Vangoghpro, hey fellow Brit!  I'm from Nottingham so not far away, where abouts in Yorkshire? My mother was from Doncaster originally, sorry to hear about your mum passing in june. I have been out in Miami for two and half years now all my family are back in Nottingham, Son, Daughter, two grandchildren. I know its hard for them too me being so far away, I am hoping my Daughter will be able to make it out here in April/may.

    If you would like to chat more we can exchange email addy's in Private message 

    Thanks for the cuppa and good wishes...but I must be a rarity a Brit that does not like tea! Will raise a cuppa for you though and send back positive thoughts..

    Julie

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  • maidmarion
    maidmarion Member Posts: 45
    edited March 2009

    Mom_of boys Thanks for the permission..have had the bottle for a couple of weeks and know exactly what you are saying...so i may just go ahead and take one....need sleep ...ready for those lovely decadron tabs tomorrow!

    Cheers

    Julie

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

    Photobucket"

    .New wig..new look. I like this wig better..

    Hugs,

    Francine and Murphy the cat...

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  • buddy1
    buddy1 Member Posts: 750
    edited March 2009

    Francine..I like your wig and.... your cat.

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2009

    cpanasci - I lost lots today so. So my friend/hairdresser picked me up, opened her shop, buzzed me, then trimmed my wig for me.  Still feel like it's not me though.

    Diane - as mom of boys would say "My hair's off to you" too.

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  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2009

    Dawn -- I had two parties actually regarding my hair.  One, to cut it back to 1" and the other party to buzz it all off.  Come to think of it... I'll do almost anything to have a party!  Good luck (early) for Tuesday.

    Carol -- I'm one of the ones whose WBCs dropped below 1.0 and then got the Neulasta shot.  The second time around I got it immediately after.  My question is:  Why aren't they re-checking my WBC to make sure it worked.  Is the assumption that it costs $3-4,000 (Money mouth <--- been waiting to use that icon) it better work?

    maidmarion -- WOOO HOOO.... don't feel guilty at all! 

    Francine -- Honestly, I like this wig better.  Seriously.  But, it'll be nice to have some variety as well.

    PattiB -- That was very nice of your hairdresser.  I'm waiting on pics now!  Smile

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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited March 2009

    Hi gals...I am buzzed.  I am going to create a photobucket account to try and post my pictures....goodness I am so technically challenged...I blame the chemo.  I did post 2 pictures to the FB group......where are our new members?  Come on over to FB :) to check them out until I can figure out what to do with this site.

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited March 2009

    Mom of Boys - My friend/hairdresser is great, I've known her for 25 or more years (oh my God, I can't believe I've been using the same hairdresser that long) I have to come up with a great thank you gift for her!  I'm definitely getting use to the bald, not so much the wig yet.  It will debut at work tomorrow. It should be interesting to hear what the K - 4th graders have to say!!  Our computer is over 95% full, so I probably can't add many pictures and somehow we lost our photos that are in picture folders.  I will try to take a photo or two with my husband's phone, then send it to email to convert. (my phone fell in the toilet last summer and I'm using one from the archives).  We are very technically challenged at our house.  When my daughter comes home from college I will get her to upload some pictures on her laptop.

    Hi all - Diane looks great bald, you really should check out those Facebook pictures!!

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited March 2009

    Countdown is on....tomorrow's the big "first" day! This group is awesome and I feel optimistic and this is "doable" . That is my absolute new favorite word!

    Beth R-Glad to hear the first few days haven't been too bad. Hope you feel better tomorrow and you get rid of the dizziness. Cheers to you!  Thanks for the support.

    Have a wonderful night everyone.

    Beth P

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