**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited April 2009

    Cyndi!

    Glad you're back and that you weathered #3 ok. Hopefully you'll be on the upswing soon!

    Gina - how are you today?

    Francine - I shampoo my hair with Dove daily. I have very little wispy hairs left, most are gone now after 3 tx's. I have heard lint rollers work good, and a lot of people shave if the stubble is annoying.

    MOB - how are you? I hope tx #3 went well and you are starting to get back on your feet.

    Thanks to all with the wig washing solutions! I have yet to wash mine, and they are starting to get ratty. Guess that will be a chore for this weekend! I am already looking forward to the day when I no longer have to wear them, I really hate them!

    bwbly - I had to laugh at your chemo poop stories! You forgot to mention how LOUD chemo diarrhea is too! I work 10 hours a day, so unfortunately there are times that going here at work is unavoidable. The noise, the stench - it is impossible to pass off what you are doing as anything but having your bowels fall out. Should anyone venture in I just come out stating "I hate chemo!". It is my way of saving face, so to speak! :)

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited April 2009

    On the subject of Nurses! I have been one for almost 32 years, I have never done anything but take care of people! I will tell you some patients I have hit it off with and others I haven't, we are people like everyone else, I am however, very professional with all my patients. I have patients come in for cataract surgery and tell me about their knee replacements, digestive problems,and childbirth, nothing to do with their cataracts.  Like everyone, we have a job to do, and time constraints so sometimes you have to brush somethings off and get on with your job,all people who work know what this is like. So don't be so hard on nurses, I will say chemo magnifies everything and we tend to feel things more than ,maybe we did before CA. Nurses who have not been thru this diagnosis may not realize this and maybe  need to be a little more patient and understanding! Sorry it just struck a nerve and I had to defend my profession!  Dawn

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  • buddy1
    buddy1 Member Posts: 750
    edited April 2009

    Girls.  I have to tell you all how much you mean to me.  I love you all.  I feel like we are a family.  It doesnt matter what I ask...someone always trys to help.  I dont know what I would do without all of you.  OK sorry I got mushy.  But I really appreciate all of your guidance.

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  • Janet0527
    Janet0527 Member Posts: 141
    edited April 2009

    I survived AC #2 today, though of course the hard part will be in the days to come.  Last night a ridiculous metallic taste settled in, and it seems to be here to stay.  Yuck.  I bought some Biotene and will add myself to the list of people who think it's awesome.  The yuck comes back, but it does work for a while.

    Note to self: Stop pulling your hair to see if it will come out.

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  • buddy1
    buddy1 Member Posts: 750
    edited April 2009

    Janet.  that backing up taste was making me sick.  Doc gave me a script for Nexium.  It takes a while to start working.  But it has helped alot. 

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited April 2009

    Crusader and Beth - I also was told to gargle 4x/day with Baking Soda & Salt.  I received my wig from a hospital the provideds one free to people with hairloss due to illness.  She said to hang it over a bottle also.  She also said to wash it in a basin of water with 1 capful of Murphy's Oil Soap, conditions it also.  Then keep swishing in plain water until clear.  My hairdresser seems to think the wig might smell like "Murphy's Oil Soap" and suggested wig shampoo.  I've only worn mine 2x in 2 weeks, so I'm hoping I won't need to wash it all that often.  Will deal with that when I need to.

    I am definitely in on the Tattoo!!!  It will be a belated 50th bday indulgence to myself.

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited April 2009

    Dawnmorn - I have loved all my nurses during this and have a lot of respect for what you do!!!!

    Janet, MomOfBoys, Gina - Hope the SE's subside and/or stay away.

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited April 2009

    Also  - my head has been itchy too, for about the last 2 days, it is 1 week after 2nd TC treatment.  I wash my head with the shampoo that I used prior.  Then gently towell dry.  I still have eyebrows, lashes and no brazilian yet.  I have also been having trouble sleeping with a head covering, so I just make sure I'm totally warm everywhere else and kind of rest a pillow above my head to keep in the heat.

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  • laurie41
    laurie41 Member Posts: 61
    edited April 2009

    Hey eveyone....

    I'm so tired but I don't sleep to well. I either have hot flashes or I have to get up to go to the bathroom. All the water I have been drinking almost makes me float away. But I would give anything just to get a whole good nights sleep.

    Chemo brain is really a bummer too. Today I had to make a grocery list. Now that was fun. I would put something on the paper and I thought I would be done...but no...go into another room and I would remember something, so off I would run to write it down so I wouldn't forget.

    Laurie

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  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited April 2009
    janet I keep pulling on my hair too! Isn't it weird? I know I still have a few days before it comes out (am only day 10 out from first AC) but can't stop tugging, just in case.
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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited April 2009

    Laurie: I know what you mean about remembering stuff....but I had that problem befor I started all of this....hope it doesn't get worse. Glad to hear you could "run" to write it down....although I'm sure that's a figure of speech...lol

     Rachel: Hair tugging...me too! It's my newest fascination......obviuosly doesn't take much to amuse me

    Nurses: My expeience so far with all the medical staff, especially nurses has been amazing. It seems like the nurses who deal with cancer patients are phenonemal. God bless them all. I used to work for a group of lawyers and I don't know where they would be without their assistants and I often think the same about doctors...how would they manage without the support and knowledge of the amazing nurses. I propose a toast to all the wonderful nurses....Cheers. Sorry I can't insert a martinin here...I'm not very computer saavy!

    Buddy: I agree with you 100%....what a wonderful group of women on here providing so much support and guidance. I propose another toast to this whole group....Cheers!

    Patti: I was told to use baking soda or club soda. Apparently they do the same thing. Even flat club soda works.

    Beth P

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  • michele54
    michele54 Member Posts: 152
    edited April 2009

    janet - OMG I totally understand the fascination with pulling your hair out.  It drove my family and friends crazy but I couldn't stop lol.

    tattoos - okay it sounds like there are enough of us that want a tat.  I will do some research and see who might be interested in doing a documentary or maybe a one time reality show - I'm thinking maybe TLC.  I will also get in touch with the people who own Miami Ink and see what they think   Questions  - since we are all on different chemo schedules, when do you think would be a good time to do this? Also are we all getting the same tat?  If so we can get someone to design one for us.  I know someone in Philly who does tats - any suggestions for a design?  Maybe he can design it for us or Miami Ink might be willing to do it.

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  • Luv2sing
    Luv2sing Member Posts: 145
    edited April 2009

    Hello All,

    Been reading all the posts, just didn't have the energy to chime in Cool.

    ginagina - You'e in my prayers.

    Tatto Talk - First, I have a terrible fear of needles as it is, second I think they're cute .... on other people (smile).  I would definitely watch the show if you guys all went on!.

    I'm still feeling 'not me' and kind of feeling this is all a dream and tomorrow I'll wake up, all my hair will be there, no port, np side effects, no steriod weight gain, no sad looks from people who think I want pity (instead of support), I'm back in the gym and my life is back to normal.  Today was one of those days where I needed to cry.  I didn't want to talk to anyone, I don't want to run for cover every time someone coughs.  I don't want to stay in the house because my immune system is low that day.  I only want my life back. 

    Just had to get that out before going to bed, so my mind would be clear.

    Everyone -  For the majority of us, we are considered strong, the backbone, the one who can handle anything ... all those titles that fit the 'wonder woman' persona.  Once we get this diagnosis, those who always depended on us, become lost and confused or even upset.  They expect us to keep up the 'wonder woman' persona and act as if everything is okay and we can still take on the world.  Don't let them put you in that situation.  I'm not saying mope around and behave as if life is over, but I am saying to those who don't allow you to be the one who needs support, the one who needs encouragement and the one who needs to hear 'What can I do for you?' 

    Let them know even 'wonder woman' had to call on her 'super friends' when things got really rough.

    I love you all for being a constant source of information, inspiration and support.  KISSESSSS!! 

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  • ShondaE
    ShondaE Member Posts: 48
    edited April 2009

    I've been away for a while.  I hope everybody's treatment is going well.  I have had 2 treatments and just have absolutly no energy.  I don't even want to get out of bed most of the time.  All in all my treatments are going well, the SE's are kicking my but but i am sure glad to be halfway done.

    It looks like I have alot of reading to catch up on.

    Hugs

    Shonda

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

    Dear nasharayne,

    You made my year.  I never try to insult anyone, it isn't my MO.  I have noticed that about nurses during my lifetime, and remember, the only one who says there is a typical woman is a typical man.  There is none around of either.  I know that nurses have to get patients to do things that we refuse to do - it is very hard to be a nurse.  Then again, you have to work with the doctors... (A little humor there.)  It's super hard to be a doctor.

    To those who think me remiss to end "Love in Christ," I tell you that if we were to treat others in the way would be treated if the situation were reversed, we would be a better humanity.  Jesus Christ was not just a man, prophet, or great person - He is/was the Son of God.

    To those who think, "It doesn't matter what others think, I don't live my life to please them."  You are missing the point.  You don't get the point.  You also cheat yourself out of closer relationships with people who know better than to trust you with their real feelings.  You'd be surprised how many people blessings the Lord would send you if you would become receptive and more humble yourself.  You'd really be surprised...

    Love in Christ, I mean it!

    Sessna1

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  • Janet0527
    Janet0527 Member Posts: 141
    edited April 2009

    Michele - I have a pretty distinct, yet half-baked, concept of what I want to do for a tattoo, but I also like the idea of having something designed that we all do the same - how cool.  The thing is even for the subset of us that want to do it, we probably all have different ideas.  If we can actually convince Miami Ink to do us as a group, heck, even if they don't put us on the show (though that would be da bomb), I would love to get their artistic input, because those guys all rock, but it's always better to go in with something as ready as possible and let them just tweak it.  As for timing, well, yeah, that might complicate things.  I suppose we start by getting the list of people interested, then find out when tx ends for each of them.  Uh-oh.  I'm a project manager - it's hard to suppress sometimes, lol.  I do have to tell you though that I've waited all these years to do one because it has to be just the right thing, so whatever we do, it's gotta be good. =) 

    Chemo brain.  When does this generally kick in?  I'm thinking right about, uh, day 15, which for me is *now*.  Ugh.  I keep misspelling stuff and using the wrong words and having to go back and edit what I typed.  I walk into a room and I don't know why I'm there.  Then again, I did that long before chemo, lol.

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited April 2009

    Hi everyone - jeeze I am behind on posts again. You gals are hard to keep up with!!  It is late here, but I am flyin' high on my steriods. A good thing too, becuase it is Spring Break here, and well, I am feeling kind of guilty that Sydney (DD) really doesn't have anything fun planned. I did over- compensate with the big birthday party two weekends ago...but well, she is still a great kid. So today I took her wig shopping and out to a Big Girl lunch at the revolving restauarant on the top of the Seattle Space Needle. We have only lived here 3 years...so I guess I dont mind playing the tourist.

    We had a blast and came home exhausted. Yes, matching Pink Bubble Gum wigs, a carosel an ferriss wheel ride. Lunch while the restaurant was moving (hmmm, maybe not so good while eating...even if chemo is not involved!). We were stopped 4 times by complete strangers asking us if they could take our picture. I guess we were a real site (maybe kind of Seattle freaky! who knows!)

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited April 2009

    Previous post deleted...by accident? Not sure that's possible. I blame it on the steriods. 

    Jeeze I am behind on posts again. You gals are hard to keep up with!!  It is late here, but I am flyin' high on my steroids. A good thing too, because it is Spring Break here, and well, I am feeling kind of guilty that Sydney (DD) really doesn't have anything fun planned. I did over- compensate with the big birthday party two weekends ago...but well, she is still a great kid. So today I took her wig shopping and out to a Big Girl lunch at the revolving restaurant on the top of the Seattle Space Needle. We have only lived here 3 years...so I guess I like to do touristy stuff every once in a while.

    We had a blast and came home exhausted. Matching Pink Bubble Gum wigs, a carousel and a Ferris Wheel ride. Lunch while the restaurant was moving (hmmm, maybe not so good while eating...even if chemo is not involved!). We were stopped 4 times by complete strangers asking us if they could take our picture. I guess we were an interesting sight (maybe kind of Seattle freaky! who knows?)

    THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for everyones kind words. My SEs are in full arrest given the steroid 6 pack I am on. My skin just looks like it is covered with brownish marks were the rash was. Very weird. Trying to get an appointment with my onco this Friday for our pow-wow about next steps (his daughter is expecting at the end of the month...first grandchild, so I have already been warned about the possibility of him being gone "any time now" when said grandchild-of-dr-awesome arrives) before he unexpectedly disappears for a couple of days. Don't want it to be when I am supposed to get another dose of WHATEVER.  Or at least, I want to have the conversation before he disappears.  

    Chemo Warrior/Princesses, your ranks have grown to 80 STRONG! It is truely amazing. Hugs, hot water bottles, cold bathroom tiles, jugs of water, gatorade, Hawaiian Punch, Diet Dr Pepper or a Classic Coke to everyone who got hooked up this week OR weathered (fair or otherwise) the SE of the moment. 

    Syd is ready for a quiet day at home tomorrow (THANK YOU!) so I plan to spend some quiet time at home recovering properly from today (um, yesterday). 

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited April 2009

    Ok, just for the record....you guys are LEADING YOURSELVES!  I am feeling fortunate to have energy right now and am fully capitalizing on it by dragging my daughter all over town before she is back at school next week. I've been MIA, but for a good reason. You gals are rockin' this!

    Cyndi - glad to see you back!  Janine - ditto!!

    Tomorrow...Syd has her craft projects and I plan to sit down and read bc.org. It's a bit like Tivo-ing my favorite tv show. Can't wait.

    hugs

    gina

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited April 2009

    ginagina!  Glad you are back,someday this whole thing will be a distant memory, and your daughter will remember those pink wigs and the Space Needle!  She will think how strong her mom was to be able to take her places, during chemo!  You Rock Girl!!!!

    tatto girls!  I give you credit, count me out!!! Not my thing, I am even put off by the radiation ones, You go girls!!!!!! Dawn

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  • moborn63
    moborn63 Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2009

    hi ladies. Boy my insomnia really kicked in tonight. Can't sleep. Which I should be doing since I have my 3 treatment in the morning at 8:30. Another round of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide followed by Paclitaxel with Avastin. Yeah !!! I have no hair left but thats okay. Have some really pretty scarves and hats to wear. May buy a real hair wig because the other just make my neck itch. LOL. Hope everything is going good with all. My only complaint right now is the back spasms I get about 5 day after my nulesta shot and the fact that I am gaining weight. Uggg.

    Blessings to all

    Robin

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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited April 2009

    Good morning.....I am headed out to NC for 3 days today to visit inlaw's!  I will miss everyone immensly. 

     gina great wigs...are you all doodlebops?  i bet my 4 year old would love a pink wig, too.  I still haven't put mine on but I know when I do she will be asking for one to wear to match her princess outfits.

    dawn I was so with you on the tattoos but BC has changed my mind.  Please come on the show with us anyway....we don't all have to get tattoos.  I am only getting a small one hidden from public view Smile at least that is my plan now.

    janet  chemo brain kicked in right away my first round but got better 2 weeks later.....as for my second round 4/1 I don't feel the chemo brain as much as I did the first.  maybe I am trying not to have to remember things as much or I am not thinking about it like I did the last go round.  i also think the steroids play into it. 

    shonda beautful picture of your family.....sorry you feel so tired.  what treatment are you on?  take each day one at a time, they get better I promise.  there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

    luv2sing that's what we are here for....no one understands us better.  i am the wonder woman in my family and have really relaxed my powers during my treatment.  i am working less and enjoying my time with my kids.  my family and both my next door neighbors have all been great.  they have always been great but it is nice to know that they are there for me.

    momofboys i hope tax season ends quickly and painlessly for you.....i know i am still waiting for our accountant to call us with our bad news.....UGH, we are an S corp and get rocked every year.  i still can't figure out where that profit is in the bank Smile 

    michelle on pulling hair out.......i loved it!  i had so much fun until mine got so painfully thin i just had to buzz it.  i am only one week into my 2nd treatment so i don't have any bald patches yet but i think this is what comes with tx 2.  my buzz was a bit painful the first week but i actually love it now and would rather go bald or buff.  please post your before and after pictures.

    laurie i know some of the gals have used tylenol sleep aid....get yourself a good night sleep if you can.  sleep so far has not been a problem for me but i think it is because i go 900 miles an hour during the day with the kids.  by 7 i usually hit the wall and just want to lie in bed most nights.

    everyone else please enjoy the holiday weekend and may it be as side effect free as possible.

    hugs to all,

    Diane

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

    ginagina...your dd is adorable!  Made me smile...   I'm 9 days out from first AC...first three days felt like a bad flu.  4-8 were pretty decent with a little heartburn.  The last two I've been dealing with "gastro" issues...  My hubby and I went to a nearby hair salon on Wednesday.  They had a wig that matches my hair color and pretty much the same style as my new short do.  So came home with the wig and "wig dummie".  Put a hat on her when I got home and my husband placed her in the front window to stare at the neighbor that called the cops on our dog for barking the other day.  We had a few laughs over it.  Anyway, my new motto is, "One day at a time".  Hope you all have a decent day.

    Arnie formerly grannyarnie

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited April 2009

    I have to send a huge THANK YOU to all you wonderful ladies today.  Why?  Well, I'm ashamed to say that as I started to venture out of my house on the way to work today with my scarf (first time outside the house with one... I couldn't stand the wig).  For some reason which I can't explain I became very self concious and almost didn't go to work.  I have no idea why it bothered me so much....  I just had to do it and get the anxiety over with....  So, I got on the site and started reading your posts...  

    You ladies carried me to work today....  thanks for the lift and have a fantastic day!!!

    Beth

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

    Gina - What an incredible view from your lunch and the wigs just rock.  Brings back so many fun memories of when the kids were young.

    cyndi- How did your daughter do at her competition?

    Michelleinsj - Have'nt heard from you in awhile.  How are you doing?

    Just had to chime in on the nurse thing.  I work with many nurses everyday.  Guess what, they put their scrubs on one leg at a time like everyone else.  Some are more personable than others.  But overall, they do a great job.  Consider they are in the middle dealing with doctors and patients.  As far as any nurses with this whole BC thing, I have dealt with nothing but warm and compassionate ones.

    Does anyone have any big plans for Easter weekend? 

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited April 2009

    Gina - the wigs are fabulous! So glad you had a good day out on the town with DD! She is super cute, btw.

     Welcome moborn! You sound just like the rest of us. Sick of it, but still plugging along!

    Bethr - glad you made it into work. I had a similar moment when I wore just a buff to work for the 1st time. It feels like everyone is looking at you, and that is not always comfortable. I am sure you looked gorgeous, and were able to work more efficiently (I know my wigs drive me to the point of distraction by the end of a long work day). Now I still have those moments occassionally when I go out shopping or to restaurants, but they pass quickly.

    Arnie - I love your wig in the window story! I hate neighbors who complain about dogs barking, my next door ones and I went 10 rounds a few years ago about mine. I haven't let them see me yet to know that I have cancer, but I just can't wait. They are going to feel so guilty! lol.

     You're right NYDeb - where is Michelle in SJ? Hope you are doing well girl, and enjoying spring!

    MOB - I bet you are super busy with the end of tax season. Hugs and good vibes headed your way!

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  • marshall2000
    marshall2000 Member Posts: 110
    edited April 2009

    sessna: I loved your song. as far as the nurse goes, i myself sometimes blow off the things my pt are saying, but not when it relates to the reason they are there or any thing that goes with it, and i repeat NOT when it comes to how they are feeling, we are TRAINED to listen to our patients and believe me you that there has been many a bad outcome when a nurse or a doctor did not LISTEN to their pt's.  there is a tombstone in the graveyard in key west that states  "I TOLD YOU I WAS SICK"  I have only had good experiences with my onc nurses and doctors,but i have experienced the shit nurses and i say a gentle reminder to them will go a long way, they know better, and if they are just having a bad day they will change, if they are always shitty it is time for them to try a different area of nursing.  love to all     michelle

    p.s.  I have a rather large tattoo on my back i need to cover up  miami ink here we come

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

    jdeking...I hear ya! ha!  It's gonna take everything I have not to call the cops on her two little yappers this summer when she leaves her house.  My poor Casey..now we go out on the back porch with her when she goes out and if she starts barking we say, "No barking".  She comes back in grumbling and crying...and i always give her sympathy by telling her that I know dogs bark, it's their job! ha!  I think these particular neighbors do know I have cancer because they go to the meat market where my son is a butcher...  I don't think they care... They'll probably call the cops now and say that I'm staring out my widow at them! ha!  Have a good day...

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited April 2009

    Tattoo's - I would definitely love to be in.  Not sure how many of us need rads when chemo is done, but I do.  The plan now is 5 weeks of rads starting 2 weeks after chemo.  That puts me at mid July. MOMofBoys had mentioned when we first started on this topic the month of October. 

    Gina and Arnie - Your posts really made me smile this morning.  Love the pictures and Arnie your wig story was soooo funny.Smile

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  • bwbly
    bwbly Member Posts: 82
    edited April 2009

    Regarding tats .... whatever design is decided on should be available for the ones of us that want one but can't make it to Miami, so we can all still be connected!

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