**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

Mom of Boys:  When I go for chemo I get finger prick 1st, then NP checks the results then comes in and meets for ?'s etc. I did not see onc first Treatment, saw her 2nd treatment after NP, they also decided I won't see onc next time but will for the last (I can always ask to see her if I feel I need to though).  I do IV each treatment and the chemo nurse takes a tube at some point before or after chemo, they had trouble 2nd treatment getting blood from my hand, so she stuck me with a small needle highter on my arm to get that tube of blood.  I don't see anyone in between treatments, I am told call about anything irregular, check temp 2x/day if over 100.4 I am to call immediately.  I have stayed in the 97.7 - 98.4 range all the way through.

Diane:  My NP said you may not loose leg hair (sorry).  Mine is still there but not growing, same with the pits, and no brazilian for me yet.

Mom of Boys - My onc said an occasional drink is ok.  I really don't drink much anyway just if I go out the dinner, maybe one, usually the big cosmo/margarita style that probably count as 2 or 3. Studies are saying the Alc does contribute to BC, I heard this but didn't really read up so I wouldn't want to quote that.

I haven't had any drinks since the weekend before the 1st chemo.  The first week I wouldn't waste the calories since nothing seems to taste right anyway.  Same with Chocolate and candy and junk food - they are my main vices!!  Edy's grape flavored fruit popsicle have become my new friend, I limit to 1/night because I can tend to binge, I might sneak a 2nd if I'm not satified with one. 

My onc only checks my wbc on the day of my chemo. If it's ok then I get the treatment but not ok, I have to wait a couple of days of the next week. I hope that doesn't happen. The sooner the chemo is done the happier I'll be. I don't like feeling run down.

Vangoghpro, didle20diane and Mom of Boys, this week has been different with the having to monitor the blood sugar (glucose)  4 times a days but i have not had to give myself a shot yet. It has been under 150 which is what they want every time since Wednesday.  Tuesdays when I am pumped full of steroids I may have to give myself one.  I just have to watch no eating between meals or that makes blood sugar spike.  In the past I have had one blood work come back as borderline diabetes at my annual physical, but it was done right after lunch not a fasting one, so did not put much weight on those results.  Everyone says this will be temporary and maybe I"lll lose some weight at the same time.  That sure would be a plus.  Just remember you can get thru it!!!

My supervisor at work is a big tattoo guy ( ex- military) .  He kept telling me he wanted to take me out to get my first "tat" before I started chemo.  I told him my first   "tat' would probably be a nipple after reconstruction!!

Deb, I love that you are up......thanks for another laugh....yeah we get to pick out great tats for our former t*ts...................lol

Nana, thanks. I will let you know what the onco says on Wednesday........re blood glucose level.

Gina....glad the benadryl did the trick....gosh these SE's stink.  UGH.  I am glad I got the meds for the mouth, now if they had something for the fatigue my life would be normal....

didle20Diane - I think you've created a monster .  Here are some more pics of my family.

My daugther Sharon (this is when I still had hair and no steriod weight gain).

My son Kevin and his crew

My daughter with her crew preparing for Easter.

Just wanted you all to know that I survived a birthday party for my son (8) today.  I had 16 boys here today playing basketball, football, and Rock Band!  We grilled hot dogs and made smores!  It is now 11:30 and I am heading to bed.  I am going to Atlantic City at 6am with my son, DS, and 2 nephews for a few days.  Coming back in time for third TX.

I have felt great since Thurs.  Onc. nurse told me that I may take a week to bounce back.  Yucky on day 3-4.  Tired and no appetite for days 5-8.  Great day 9...go figure!  

I got an insurance bill yesterday.  My neulasta shot is listed at $17,500!!!  From what I am reading that is double what it should be....calling billing office on Monday to check.  Thank God for insurance!

 I get bl checked day of treatment.  Then I see Doc and he has results.  I then go straight to oncology suite for treatment.  I get neulasta shot next day.  Then I don't see anyone or have any bl done until next TX.

 Tired, tired, tired!!  Good night...have a great SE free weekend!

Chris

Mom of Boys - We should all have a design contest for our After BC Tats.  Then go the Miami and be on TLC's Miami Ink!!!!  That would be a hoot!!!

I can't keep up,sorry for all of the SE  girls!! They suck in plain English, this whole thing sucks, I wish no one had to go through this, Thank God We have one another, I know I don't feel alone!Luv to Sing and gina gina, you look fabulous!  I have to tell you, I was in a fashion show yesterday, with my wig and fake boobs, and I felt wonderful, everyone including my 14 yo daughter, said I looked great!  What a confidence booster!  I was so self conscience, after my second mastectomy, no reconstruction, maybe after this is all over, my prosthesis came in on Friday, and it made all of the difference. I even wore a low cut dress, and felt fine, day 5 after Tx #2 and feeling good, I am blessed!  Have a great Sunday. DAWN

I knew Decadron was the drug of destruction!  Darn stuff.  My oncologist is a fine doctor, but I got the distinct cologne from his suit that his priority is, "Kill the cancer, everything else is secondary."  I told him otherwise, but he has his own priorities about me.  Yes, I took a few things into my own hands, but, once you break 100% trust, the game is played differently.

I do not like Neulasta's bone pain.  It is just ratty.  I already have glaucoma - don't make it or any other condition worse.  Do you know what irony is?  A doctor who has undergone chemotherapy.  Have I met one?  Yes, I have.  Where is a Cannes Film Festival movie on chemo?  What is holding it up?

marshall2000 - Hooray!  Welcome, puppies!  Welcome to planet earth from Heaven.  Good job, mama beagle.  You got Snoopy here safely.

Love in Christ,

Sessna1

Morning All...just catching up on all posts...been laid low for a couple of days after first Tx, I did manage a few hours at work though on days 3 and 4, but day 4 was when the truck really hit me! really ached in my shoulders and Hips, felt like someone had hit me between my shoulder blades with a spade.

2lkh538 Hotflashes...yes big time, but really sweaty too, I have already experienced menopause as well. I know It's hot where I am (Miami) but phew the sweating is bad, just suddenly comes on.

GinaGina I had some itching on my hands day three in the morning but no rash and even now I get a little itching on my hands and wrists but it doesn't last. My face and chest was red the day before Chemo day of and day after I Looked like I had been in the sun, I figured it was the Steroids, Glad to hear you have it under control now.

Tattoos...when my son visited, just last week, he showed me his latest tattoo, one he had not told me about, seems he has a whole mural thing in progress on his upper right arm. I know he had an Angel there, now he has two cherubs and was going back on his return home (UK) to have the background finished. Didn't like the thought of him getting Tattoos at first, he has a few now, but he's old enough and daft enough as my grandma would say, and they are in good taste I have to say. He did suggest we get one after together after all this is done ....I love you son but ...Not with you on this one.....Yet!  My daughter visited Miami ink last year when she was here, apparently it's a popular show over in the UK as well.

I go the Onc on Tuesday one week after tx bloodwork and chk up. I get finger prick and chk up by Doc day before tx then Neulasta shot day after, then I am to have blood check each week.

Well I'm going to try get a few errands done this morn while I'm feeling ok, afternoons seem to go downhill a bit. am sleeping somewhat better though, save for the trips to the bathroom..all that water...Oh and on the alc drink front I was advised not to...but I won't give up me morning cup of coffee!

You girls keep me afloat thank you....I'm doing the DOABLE...keep it going

Sending out healing thoughts as always

Julie

I have 4 tattoos across my back. Got my first one at age 55. Will definitely have another when all this is over.

Bunny