Starting Chemo April 2009

Robin, thank you for those very powerful words - they certainly give us additional hope and strength to ride this out!!  I have been trying not to think of the chemo as poison, even though it is, but as insurance to help me get to an old age and not have to deal with this disease any more!!

As I've returned full time this week and most of next week to work, I'm making sure I dress nicely, like I did before all of this started, and as I can finally wear my long, chunky neclaces again, I am, along with putting on makeup and my cute shoes.  My husband looked at me this morning and said, wow, you look terrific,  You don't look . . ." and I filled it in for him, "sick?  Like a cancer patient?" and he nodded.  "That's the plan, honey", I responded and kissed him on the cheek before I left for work.  So, we feel like crap right around our treatment times - that's what's supposed to happen, but dammit, I am not going to let this turn me into the frump monster.  I always am dressed fun and funky, have makeup on and at least jewlery, at least while I feel good, and it really does make me feel better, more "me" and more in control!

Hi Pam,

We are about the exact same in time fram and meds - I just discovered my first mouth sore also this am.  I have been using Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash since the day before my A/C - good mouth care is very important to prevent infection, and allow us to continue with nutrition without too much discomfort.  Call the onc to report the mouth sore - don't assume it's "normal" - in case they want to recommend anything in particular. 

Glad the nausea has subsided - did you take your meds as directed?  I didn't have nausea, but I had mean heartburn, which is also subsided - my first blood counts are tomorrow, so we'll see how the Neulasta worked.

Hang in there - it will pass soon.

Geri

ps - Kathy - are you back yet?  Thinking about you

Bombus,

How did it go today, let us know.

You are in my prayers.

Kathy 

Hi Geri,

Picture of my new due. Joe still think I should  have long, long hair. When I get my next hair cut I will get a picture of both of us...he is a great guy. Hope this  works... kathy

Hi Kathy,

Pictures look great - You look good in short hair!  Tell that to Joe!  You should have no trouble getting the wig.

I'll find out tomorrow about the brain scan - have to go to the onc for blood count, and will ask him then.  Have you eaten dinner since you got home?  Remember - drink, drink, drink - I swear that really helped minimize the side effects for me - just kept water and flat ginger ale next to me all weekend after tx.

Did you figure out how to PM? Hope you have a good nite tonight - one down!!!!

Have you heard from Bombus?

Geri

Hi Geri,

Sent you a PM. Did some stew(MIL made it for me), and toast.

What time do you go to onc's office?  Good luck with the blood count tomorrow. Will be thinking of you.

Kathy 

lollys,

I am on the same schedule you are: start the 20th - A/C, then T (total of 16 weeks).   I am having a MUGA scan in the morning, before they start the chemo, to be sure my heart is up for it.   Got my port put in yesterday and it is killing me!  It's like having the MS all over again!

Tammy

Hi Everyone,

It's been chilly and raining here in Maryland for days, the sun is finally out today. Yeah! I'm going to the Ocean with my husband for the wkend. Totally looking forward to it. My step-daughter has MS and every year we do the MS walk. This year I'm going to hang out and cheer the team. I will be making an appearance for the first time in front of friends and family members that haven't seen me since I got the wig. A little nervous. Hope it doesn't blow off (lol) Haven't got the scarf tieing down yet. So I'm afraid to wear a hat and scarf. My head is itching something terrible. Got my head shaved last Monday, last chemo was 4/2 so it's been two weeks. --Next dose 4/23 of TAC. I'm enjoying the days that I feel good before the next tx.

Paula

Pam, I felt the same way 4 days after my first chemo tx (TAC). Bone pain mostly in my arms and legs felt like the flu. I believe it's from the Neulasta shot. Next time I'm going to try to take tylenol or aleve prior to getting the shot. Hope you feel better soon.

Paula 

ikat- thank you for the good thoughts, you were in my thoughts as well yesterday. 

 the first time went fairly well, i tolerated everything and they were able to access my port, though it took two tries.  i never did get drousey as they said i would until i got home and then it was everything i could do to keep my eyes open.  i have been just a wee bit queesy but the pills seem to help. my niece who has gone through many medical procedures has recommended root beer so i might pick some of that up today. all in all my first day went pretty well, the nurses were really great the lunch they served was eatable and i seem to be feeling okay today. the only down side is i have to give my self shots everyday, don't know how i am going to be able to do it, but i will have to figure it out

also- could i please be added to the list, thank you 

Hi Bombus,

So glad you made it through yesterday - 1 down.   I found that ginger ale worked for me, but each of us will be different - just drink, drink, drink.

I went for my counts today - very low even with the Neulast.  My onc started me on an antibiotic today because my white count is under 1,000, and if I run a temo of 100.5 or over, I will have to be admitted for IV antibiotics - I have no intention of going back nto the hospital, so my house is now quarenteened!

Go back for repeat of counts on Monday if nothing else occurs before than.  Keep your fingers crossed for me - do not want to go to the hospital

Geri

Well girls just dropping in for a sec...Slept like a baby last night...the over the counter sleeping pills and a anxiety helped and actually slept in!  For sure going to talk to the doc about a script however.  Also going to talk to him about some protein powder or something to add to my drinks.

Hubby got me out of the house today and went to a nearby town and got stocked up on comfort foods for next week.  I am a homebody and this is the first time since I lost the hair that I have been around people really.  Had a royal blue turbine on, put eyebrow pencil on (still have the brows but always so thin), and lipstick and blush.  After the good nights sleep felt like a million bucks.  Funny seeing the reaction of people.  I kept a constant upbeat smile on my face and was extra friendly to everyone.  Some folks had the look of discomfort....others nearly broke their backs to smile a big smile at me and service was supreme.  Sure makes me wonder what my reaction was to others, and for sure opened my eyes.  Bought some scarves that may work on some hats or even tied loosely around my neck in warmer weather.  Been having daily problems with nosebleeds...bought a product I used years ago called OCEAN.  Its a saline nasal spray.  I have another nose spray for moisturizer but it didn't seem to help...so been using the old bottle of left over Ocean...sure helps make the nose feel better.  Also had problems with severe dry eyes.  I had surgery years ago and the eye doc told me not to use the kind of drops that take the red out but to use the kind that only adds moisture to the eyes...again been using an old bottle and got a new one today...helps with eye itch and dry eye. 

So hoping the next days are like today...such a breeze.  No naps yet but probably will take one a bit later just for good measure. 

So just keeping busy and counting the days for round 2. 

Hope everyone is doing good...keep the spirits up and a smile on your face. 

Take care my friends,

Nadine

Hi,

joanmac52 I am doing TC as well, but with Herceptin.  Today I had my first session.  Feel really naseous and sleepy from the antihistamines.  My stomach is quite bloated, any suggestions?.  I did tried ice on my feet during the Taxotere...we'll see. 

RETAIL THERAPY is great, Iove buying scarves and put together a "chemo style" that I shopped at Filene's Basement.

Coconut water is full of electrolytes, I drink it cold and makes me feel better.

 TBB, I am sorry to hear about your drains for 6 weeks!  After they are out it is important to stretch your arms as much as you can.  Yoga worked for me.  I hear you about the showers, I took baby baths to my waist and when I finally took a shower I stayed there for 45 mins!!!  First my PS gave me vitamin E oil to rub on my scars, now I use Bio Oil twice a day.  I also massage the scars  of the drains so they don't become stiff.

As many have said already in these forums, the body is incredibly resilient and repairs itself in amazing ways.

 P.

I found out today that I will start chemo next Friday, 4/24.  They told me that the surgeon will call me to set up the port early this next week.  I don't know what to expect about Chemo. Any helpful tips is greatly appreciated.  Thanks