Starting Chemo February 2009?

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  • Gramof3
    Gramof3 Member Posts: 301
    edited April 2009

    I like the idea of a reunion...it would be great to meet in person after "talking" and finding we have so much in common even though many of us live so far apart.  Count me in.  Helen

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  • kmn0701
    kmn0701 Member Posts: 117
    edited April 2009

    Bethie, I had that same reaction from the Benedryl....I felt all creepy crawly like I couldn't stop moving. I imagined it was what someone with Restless Leg Syndrome feels like. It was awful. I actually had a friend there that day who gave me a massage to help me through it. Luckily it didn't happen on my last big chemo so I think they must have lowered the dose for me as well. 

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited April 2009

    Reunion is a must!

    Kristine, my eyes run constanly. It's crazy. Many, many hours a day are spent dabbing kleenex or wiping them off it the skin can still stand it. My eyes are as raw as a week of runny nose. Zyrtec dried up the nose. No luck with the eyes.

    Michelle, Congratulations on the promotion. I understand the necessity for a bit of a break from the boards. Do talk to someone professional if you can. My heart aches for you and I will be in touch by other means. We'll be here if you need us. Always.

    I had my last chemo today, ya'll. Amazing. I've sort of put it to music and put a simple slide show on top in my blog. I'll try to post the links here, but I don't know if I can do it. It takes two links too, but it'll do for now. It works. The music will continue while the slideshow plays. When I get back on my game, I'll integrate the whole deal into mpeg or flash and add captions and such. Not while I can't see, am on too many drugs to count and know the chemfog will make it require inordinate amounts of time.

    Anyway, I wanted to include you in the celebration. So here goes:

    Music

    SlideShow

    Needless to say, we had quite the celebration. I wish I could give credit for the idea, but all I can give you is the chain of "stumble upon" that gave it to me. Yes, I did it in my usual style.However, I started reading Otter when I first got here. She lead me to Rock (formerly known as Rock the Bald.) Reading them both, I found the May 2008 Chemo thread, which I read from top to bottom and still keep up with once in awhile. I'm pretty sure it was somewhere in that thread where the Pole Dance started. Might've been another offshoot. 

    But they started it. I loved it. Between that, the cupcakes, trailmix and sparkling grape juice I brought, I hope the entire staff at my center had a better day too. I think they might've. ;)

    May all of you reach the end of this phase soon. 

    (((Hugs)))

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited April 2009

    OMG Webbie - you Rock! I loved the photos and the outfit. AND your Chemo Clinic is very posh...! I will have to remember to take photos on my last round. (not sure I am brave enough for a pole dance though.... So, BIG BIG HUGE congrats for getting through this. The day did come. And it will for all of us. My Onc was telling me that she has had two patients refuse to continue with the Taxotere as it was so hard, and I was thinking what troopers we all were, just for getting through what we have to do.

    Off for Tx #5 in about an hour. Will let you know how I am doing. In case I am "In the Hole" over the weekend, I hope you all have a fabulous Easter or Passover, and I will  check in as often as I can.

    If anyone else wants Michelle's email address to send a little note of encouragement, just PM me. 

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited April 2009

    Webbie . . . . it's OVER.

    Finally.  OVER.

    You did it.  You fought like hell to get the chemo cocktail you wanted . . .

    And now it's OVER.

    Onwards!  Now to rads . . . .

    Xena 

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited April 2009

    Webwriter: awesome, so happy for you, and sending my best throughts that the next couple of weeks prove to be your easiest round yet. Today is your last chemo day #2

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited April 2009

    webwriter

    you are like a movie star!  I can't access the slideshow but i see a few pics.  congrats on the last chemo.

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  • xpectmiracles
    xpectmiracles Member Posts: 439
    edited April 2009

    My son Eric and I had fun with sharpies yesterday. Happy Easter!

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  • Denali
    Denali Member Posts: 347
    edited April 2009

    Webbie!!!  You DID it!  HURRAH!!

    In leiu of a ticket tape parade downtown, I'm wishing you a week free of SEs, beautiful weather and taste buds that have return to life!

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  • buddy1
    buddy1 Member Posts: 750
    edited April 2009

    Xpect miracles  You should consider being a model.  You are beautiful.

    Webbie  Congrats...You crack me up.

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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited April 2009

    Web-BIG CONTRATS! YOU DID IT!

    Cheryl-I love it!  If I didn't have "fuzz" I would do that too.

    Well my tumor markers are still going up, so off I go for ct scans, pet scans, bone scans.  We're hoping it's just the chemo drugs, the # my onc. gave me this morning was taken only 2 weeks after my last treatment. He repeated it again today. Next week is going to busy busy busy. I hate scans!  On top of all that I have to go for my radiation mappling next week too. Maybe I should take the entire week off.....hmmmm.   But... I won't worry about it until I have to. And I WILL have a good long 3 day weekend with my family!!

    Happy easter egg everyone!

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited April 2009

    Susan~ Thinking of you sweetie (bighugs)  have a great weekend with your family.

    Webbie~  WHOOO for having the chemo. under your belt.  I tried to see your pictures but I couldn't so I registered and will try again tonight. 

     Cheryl~ Love the head :) 

    I am in the chemo. hole :(  Booo Hiss!  This round's SE if gagging.  My PA that I saw today offered NOTHING else to stop it.  Dropped more weight and she offered steriods (HELL NO) and then began to tell me how more aware we are of our body after cancer (NO SHIT).  All in all a decent appt. but the steriods make me a little crazy these days. 

    I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.  I am hoping the chemo hole isn't too deep this time.  39 more days until my last treatment BUT who is counting..hehe...

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  • Bethie1
    Bethie1 Member Posts: 393
    edited April 2009

    Thanks Gram!!!  I see you're in Springfield, MO; 1 hr from Branson.  I follow the Osmond family and they've had a theatre there for years and perform there from Sept- Dec. Other times of the year they're on the road!! My sisters and I plan to take a tip there in Sept., maybe we can met up if time permits

    Webbie--Congrats!!!!!  Now for "Celebration tiime c'mon!!! There's a party going on right here a celebration to last throughout the year, so bring your good times and your laughter too, c'mon let's celebrate and party with you!!! YAHOO!! YOU DID IT!! Last night when I was all jittery; I must've been doing the Jitter Bug dance for you with my boogie woogie dancing shoes on!!!! :)


    Dx 12/18/2008, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIIa, Grade 3, 5/24 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+

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  • Bethie1
    Bethie1 Member Posts: 393
    edited April 2009

    Hey Gang!! Where and when would this reunion be, as well as what cost is involved??  I'd have to check my schedule, but it sounds like fun!

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited April 2009

    I'm headed to the hole ya'll. Can't stay awake. Always the first sign. UG. But it's the last hole! WOOOT!

    I'm sorry you all are havng a hard time with the pics. It was a rush job, so it's my fault not yours. Here's a few just to tease you worse, haha!

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited April 2009

    (Please note the fuzzy crocks off to the side of the first one.) The disclaimer in all of this SHOULD say this is TOTALLY staged. So don't be marveling at the energy. Trust me. That pole is locked in place and it wasn't actually a dance. More like a series of pose and rest, pose and rest, haha!

    However, there was still a ton of laughter and fun. It's good to be done!

    May the rest of you join me SOON!

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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited April 2009

    Web!! You sure must give the chemo nurses a good laugh, and I'm so sure they appreciate it!!  YOU ARE A RIOT!  LOVE IT! 

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  • Bethie1
    Bethie1 Member Posts: 393
    edited April 2009

    Webbie nice pics!!  is poledancing gonna be your new career at Hooters? :) Glad you had fun on your last one !!!!! YOU GO GIRL!! I'm done May 20, then begin rads June 15

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  • Gramof3
    Gramof3 Member Posts: 301
    edited April 2009

    Webbie:  Fantastic!  I was just thinking about what would have happened if you presented your pole dance at my infusion center--first, the red outfit would have lifted the roof!  Then, I can only guess what would have happened to the two (frail) elderly gentlemen who are there the same days I am hee, hee!!  I can just see their walkers being pushed aside as they stomp and whistle...

    Bethie:  I'm even on the south side of Springfield, so Branson isn't far--it would be fun to meet, so let's see how it works out!

    Cheryl:  You and Webbie have been an inspiration in the head marking department.  I won't be going to see my grandkids decorate their Easter eggs.  Instead, I'll be going up there in two weeks and have promised them they can decorate my (egg)head instead.  They want to draw a line down the middle of my scalp so they have equal space.

    Jaimieh: We'll help you count down....

    Susan13:  I say go for the week off! Take it as easy as you can.

    Chooks--Hope you have a good evening, as SE-free as possible.  Helen

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  • Bethie1
    Bethie1 Member Posts: 393
    edited April 2009

    Yes, I'm back in business!! The feeling lasted an hour and a half.  I was afraid I was having heart palpatations at first cause my family on both sides has heart and diabetes, but thankfully no palpatations.  I was fine at work today!!! Now let's get this party started of a get together!! Whose all going to Pinkstock 2009 as well?  I am

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  • datadrudge
    datadrudge Member Posts: 28
    edited April 2009

    My hands (palms) and feet (soles) have been horribly itchy with no rash the past 3 days. I'm also experiencing numbness and burning sensations --all that fun neuropathy stuff. I called it in today and the doc prescribed gabapentin --anyone else taking that? I asked if B6 would be ok and they said yes. I just started with the eye watering this week -I thought maybe it was new spring allergies, but you all have me wondering if its just another SE.

    Webbie you are a wild and wonderful woman! Congratulations...

    I do my last round of TC on Wednesday. Yay....

    I think I've learned more from this board than from my oncologist and nurses...couldn't have done it without you ladies!

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  • Beverly11
    Beverly11 Member Posts: 443
    edited April 2009

    Bethie - glad that you are feeling better.

    Kerry - How did chemo #5 (taxol) go?  One more only!!!

    Webbie - Congratulations!!!!!  You are hilarious.

    Happy Easter Everyone.

    Bev

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  • datadrudge
    datadrudge Member Posts: 28
    edited April 2009

    Oh yeah, chemo fog had me for a moment....

    Wanted to tell you all that a referral to a psychologist with experience working with cancer patients was one of the first things I asked for when I met the social worker on my cancer center's team. Surprisingly, she did not have any to offer.  So I went looking for one on my own. I remembered meeting a psychologist I liked a lot personally through a master gardener class I took and called her out of the blue. She agreed to work with me and as it turns out, has had special training and experience in working with cancer patients. Talking to her has helped a lot through all this. (and has probably taken a lot of burden off of my family members!)

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited April 2009

    Hey guys - well, I am still buzzing on my Steroid high. No nasty side effects so far from yesterdays infusion, but if it is like last time, they should kick in in a couple of days. So, I'm trying to enjoy what I can!

    datadrudge - soooo sorry you are having the nasty SE's. It sounds like no fun. So far I have avoided any numbness/tingling or rashy stuff. Hope it clears up soon. And Yah! for you being done next week - three weeks and counting now for me!!! I am hoping the Psychiatrist will be helpful, I think having as much support as necessary to get through this can only be a good thing. and, as you say, take the burden a bit off my husband!

    Bev - how are you doing? Sorry you had a nasty time with your last FEC, but at least you aren't going to experience that particular type of nasty again! 

    Bethie - glad you are doing better.  Glad the Chest pains were nothing serious.

    Susan - try and not to worry. I am sure everything is going to come back clear, think of all the great cancer zapping drugs you have just had. Nothing will have stood a chance! Try and put those thoughts you are having on the back burner (easier said that done, I know) and enjoy the Easter weekend. Scans suck I know.

    Well, it looks like a sunny weekend here. At last. Planning on a quiet family weekend with LOTS of chocolate. Should be fun! 

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  • Denali
    Denali Member Posts: 347
    edited April 2009

    Webbie:  you are a riot!!  I'll bet the nurses (and pts) love to see you coming.

    Ok.  You've convinced me that at the very least for my last chemo I should wear a couple boas and a big gaudy hat!

    Hope you don't mind, but I shared your photos with some friends.  Trying to warn them of what's to come.

    Thank you! 

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited April 2009

    Okay Webbie~ LOVE. LOVE  the pictures  I am going for a much tamer last chemo. day BUT I have to do something.  So I am making a shirt that says "I deserve a lifetime" in crystal's.  Now I just gotta get my fanny working on the shirt.  Now that I am typing it I may wear all Pink that day.  :)  Maybe I'll add a pink boa in honor of Webbie :)

    I am doing okay so far in the hole except I am still nauseas.  I talked to the PA and she said it is antisipatory (however you spell it) nausea but come on it's past that.  She then told me that I needed to handle it like I did when I was pregnant...which I had the world's best pregnancies.  I tried calling my oncologist last night 2x and he never called back.  Do I have a right to be pissed ??  Sorry steriods makes me angry all the time. 

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited April 2009

    Yep, be pissed. They should be helping you out more. Just keep calling. I don't know, my onc always says "call, call, call" I don't understand why they are not replying. Sorry you are still feeling crappy. It is no fun.

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited April 2009

    Okay now I am getting more mad. No one there will answer the phone! It's a good thing they are almost an hour each way. I keep feeling fine then horrible and it keeps coming in waves. Luckily no throwing up yet but the one thing my doctor said at the beginning was we will not have you throwing up or feeling like you are going to.

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  • xpectmiracles
    xpectmiracles Member Posts: 439
    edited April 2009

    Jaimieh, does your doc have an answering service? I would try to check to make sure you're pager number is correct. During business hours you could call the office and check who is on call for your practice this week after office hours. If your doc was not on call he/she may have had the pager off. I know how frustrating it is to have a page not returned. These are the tips I have from my experience trying to get ahold of doctors when I am working at the hospital. Good luck!

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited April 2009

    Thanks Cheryl the office phone isn't being anwered so I can't get answers from anyone.  I even hit one if you are a doctor and want to talk to a doctor and  no one is answering. 

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