first chemo done

Options
1…1920222425…40

Comments

  • Bethie1
    Bethie1 Member Posts: 393
    edited April 2009

    Happy Easter to all my "sisters" We are not only good eggs we're rare eggs!!!  We're gonna beat this Big C and tell it to go find another trail to hop down! RIGHT LADIES?!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2009

    bump

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cruise4life
    Cruise4life Member Posts: 394
    edited April 2009

    Hi chelev...good to see you over here on my other favorite post....

    These gals are great too and have helped me through some really tough times.

    Happy Easter...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kristifromsandiego
    kristifromsandiego Member Posts: 271
    edited April 2009

    Happy Easter everyone.  Sounds like nearly everyone is doing great...keep your spirits UP  Kristi

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2009

    Hi, everyone.  Well, I had some weird, I think SE from the Neulasta shot (I don't know what else it could be) over the weekend.  Besides the driving nails into my hips pain, which I managed, I became short of breath - having problems getting a deep breath and coughing when I tried.  By Sat. night, I was only able to do shallow breathing, and it was becoming annoying.  I waited until Sunday afternoon to call my onc, and spoke with the doc on call who recommended I go to the ER to have it checked out, just in case there might be an issue with a blood clot.  After spending the lovely day and some of the night there, they were able to rule out heart issues or clots, and sent me home.  I follow up with my onc tomorrow.  I'm thinking it was a severe allergic reaction form the shot.  Anyone else have this happen?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cruise4life
    Cruise4life Member Posts: 394
    edited April 2009

    Hi Ladies...

    Chelev...I usually get my Neulasta shot the next day after chemo...and the only reactions I get are those along with most of my SEs...I am however short of breath - I can't walk 10 feet without breathing heavy...but it is from the fatigue that comes with the chemo. 

    According to the information sheet on Neulasta - one of the side effects states.

    ....In rare cases, serious allergic reactions can occur, causing a rash, shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness (a drop in blood pressure), swelling around the mouth or eyes, fast pulse, or sweating.  Sometimes these symptoms could come back within days after stopping treatment for the allergic reaction.  If you get these symtoms at any time, stop using Neulasta and call a doctor or get emergency care right away.

    Your doc will be able to help with this...good luck and please let us know what they say.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2009

    That's exactly what I read and why I called them!!  I'll discuss with my regular onc tomorrow - they may not be aware of this side effect.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mommy2dex
    mommy2dex Member Posts: 75
    edited April 2009

    Good evening ladies,

         Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend (though I see chelev is having a rough go of things right now, I am sorry).  Question of the night.....As I posted a couple of weeks ago, mom is having a breakout on her scalp.  It is becoming blistery and a little painful.  At last weeks appointment she was put on prednisone which has not helped a great deal.  I know that several of you have experienced this type of reaction on  the hands, but we wondered if anyone has had this on the scalp.  She goes to the dermatologist in the morning, but it is always helpful to have some input from you all going into things.  Anyway, have an easy night everyone.         Shannon

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cruise4life
    Cruise4life Member Posts: 394
    edited April 2009

    Shannon...I have shown my onco the blisters and he just said it is a SE..and to keep putting on lotion everytime I wash my hands.  I have also had these blisters in my private areas so I have used neosporin with pain relief and try to keep the areas dry.  I have a couple of itchy areas on my scalp but know not to pick or scratch them.  I have shampoo'd my head and used conditioner as if I have a head of hair...that may keep it moist too..

    Let us know what the derm says....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jill323
    jill323 Member Posts: 412
    edited April 2009

    Good Evening, Ladies !

    Shannon - I had a similar issue when I was losing my hair.  There was a part on my scalp that itched and burned like mad and turned very red and kind of blistery.    What worked for me was Neosporin, although no doc told me to use that (like Cindy's doc they said to use lotion or cortisone cream - which did nothing).   I think I read somewhere on this board to use Neosporin, and I was fairly desperate at the time because the itching was making me crazy.   I used the really tacky gel stuff so it would stay in place.  That really did the trick.  It started feeling better within the day and by late the next day it was gone.   Let us know what the dermatologist says. 

    As far as "scalp care" (after losing the rash), I went to a Beauty Supply shop and told the lady there about my predicament.  Believe it or not, she directed me to this lotion that is usually marketed for African American hair - it is used to treat dry scalp for tightly braided hair.  That stuff worked like a dream.  I would put it on in the shower, which could cause the water to bead.   But, after drying off, it would leave my scalp really hydrated and feeling great.   Got me through a lot of bald days.   Anyway, I think I still have some upstairs.  If you are interested, I can get you the name.

    Chelev - Nice hearing from you again !   I had wondered what happened to you.  I'll tell you, a lot of women did not have much trouble with the Neulasta shot, but I was not one of them.  I hated that thing almost as bad as the chemo.  I can relate entirely to the nails in the hips thing.  Also got pulsating pains around my lower back.  But, can't say I got the shortness of breath thing overtly.   I was exhausted going up stairs, but I just attributed that to fatigue.  Let us know what the doc says on this. 

    Bethie - Great attitude !   Thanks for all the warm thoughts.  

    Cindy - Hope you had a great Easter with the grand kids - but are taking it EASY (remember ?).

    Everyone have a good night... I am running late as usual for yet another committment.  

    Jill

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cruise4life
    Cruise4life Member Posts: 394
    edited April 2009

    Hi Ladies...

    Jill...yes, had a great time with the grandkids...How about you?

    I have remembered to slow down and rest.  This last session has been much better for me. Although I am extremelt tired and out of breath most of the time.  I can start to taste some foods which always makes me feel better.  Although I read on another thread that women with BC can gain up to 30 pounds after chemo.  YIKES...I needed to lose 40 before I started.

    I am driving to the Cancer center today to sign my disability form that my doc completed.  I better get use to the drive...this is the drive I will be doing every day when I start Rads.  Its about 1 hour round trip.  I saw where some women drive 1 1/2 hours just one way...this is crazy...

    Have a great and SE free day...ladies...

    Hugs..

    Cindy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jill323
    jill323 Member Posts: 412
    edited April 2009

    Hello everyone!

    I got time for a quick post before heading off to a business dinner.   I got three different business dinners this week with three different suppliers.  If the chemo did not put on weight, then going back full force at work will

    Cindy - In all seriousness, my weight fluctuated up and down like crazy during chemo.  I seemed to gain and lose, gain and lose.....  When all was said and done, I managed to stay pretty much right where I was when I started.   (Won't be there much longer if I keep having business dinners though).    I asked my doc about this when I was going through it, and she said... just eat what you can... we want your weight to be maintained or up during this time.  That said, I have seen women all over the place on this.  I have seen women gain up to 30 (damn steroids) or lose 30.  No kidding.   I think I lived on comfort food during chemo - soup and grilled cheese.   Good thing it was winter.

    As for driving to rads... yuck.  That will be a BIG drag.   Sucks that the place isn't much closer.   Hope you have some good stuff for the car stereo.   Might as well get something out of all the drive time. 

    Take care everyone.  Off to my dinner.

    Jill  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cruise4life
    Cruise4life Member Posts: 394
    edited April 2009

    Hi Ladies....

    Happy HUMP day...

    Hope everyone is SE free and feeling better....I am and you know its that way...right before the next zapping...

    How was your business dinner Jill?  Productive I hope...

    I have XM/Serius in my car so I have plenty to listen to...mostly like smooth jazz or talk shows to keep me interested.  I timed it yesterday and it took me 25 minutes and it was about 25 miles ONE WAY...so it won't be too bad...just the everyday thing will get to me.  YUCK....

    Cleaning house today...getting back into the spirit....and that dreadful laundry...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cruise4life
    Cruise4life Member Posts: 394
    edited April 2009

    Is everyone gone for the weekend?  Sure been quiet lately....hmmmm

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Deb-from-Ohio
    Deb-from-Ohio Member Posts: 1,140
    edited April 2009

    nah I'm here, I don't have a life! LOL..............worrying bout Surgery, it's this coming Tuesday.....wonderful....so you doing babe?

    Deb

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mommy2dex
    mommy2dex Member Posts: 75
    edited April 2009

    Still here, I was wondering the same thing.Just got in from the big relay for life event in my hometown.  What a great turnout and a beautiful day. I am estimating around 100 survivors who participated in the opening ceremony which is pretty good for this small town.  Such a heart warming event,  really fantastic!

    Hope everyone is doing well.....Mom still has no answers for the terrible rash on the head.  Dermatologist did cultures which came back negative for anything they were testing for.  I imagine mabye they were thinking staph or something of that nature.  So....I guess its going to be one of the mystery SE's of the chemo.  Still hanging in there with her head high.  Round 3 this Wednesday.

    I will be thinking of you on Tuesday Deb.  Please keep us posted as soon as you are up to it.

    Cindy, what a BEAUTIFUL lady you are.  I love the new photo.

    Everyone have an easy weekend and update, update, update. I am missing everyone.

    Til next time,     Shannon

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2009

    I'm here too!  Actually had a busy week at work, but it was great to do things other than "chemo" stuff.  Shaved my head last night, after a shower disaster where I tried to shampoo yesterday and had clumps everywhere, filling the drain.  Feels great without the achy scalp and headache - now I just have to get used to the look, and how to work the wigs and detachable bangs and stuff.  My DH shaved his head too, in solidarity, but I think he looks silly. 

    Deb, good luck onTuesday.  Please know we are thinking of you.

    Jill - I agree with you, my weight has been going up and down - every time they weigh me at the Onc's office, it's up or down by a few pounds. I needed to lose about 25 lbs, and I think I lost 5-7 after the initial diagnosis, and I'm keeping steady at where I am, fluctuating.  My brother is a nurse and he worked for 10 years at a cancer hospital and he said the most important thing we need to do is keep our caloric intake high, especially during chemo week.  Complex carbs, whatever you can stomach, really help with the energy level and stuff.  Usually I am low-fat, fruits and veggie with some meat girl, although I do love starchy stuff.  I craved and ate mac and cheese, grilled cheese, chicken, crackers with a little peanut butter and jelly on them, plain bagels, during the chemo week.  Day 6 or 7, I actually started craving more flavorful stuff and started eating more of those foods, and then my fruit and veg cravings kicked back in, along with a nice juicy steak.  I fully anticipate my weight to be somewhat even, because I don't eat as much during chemo week, and then get my appetite back.  Hopefully I'll end up around the same size as before!

    Cindy, how quickly are you starting radiation following your last chemo?  I'll be doing radiation too, so it would be a great guideline for me to go by.  I'm planning on scheduling it in the afternoon, there is a branch of our cancer center on my way home from work that my rad. onc. works out of, so I can stop in on the way home and then go straight home for that.  5 weeks, I think they said.

    Ladies, have a wonderful Saturday, free from SEs!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cruise4life
    Cruise4life Member Posts: 394
    edited April 2009

    Hi Ladies...

    Happy Saturday...

    Deb...we will be with you on Tuesday....and will be anxiously waiting to hear from you and how you are doing.  I had surgery before chemo and the worse part was the darn sticky tape they use now to glue us back together...man that stuff is hard to get off your skin...I tried to wait until they fell off...but I am a picker...so when my wound started itching ...I began the hunt for removal of tape....LOL

    Shannon...great turnout for the relay...and glad your mom's scalp is not a serious condition...it must be the chemo..SE....thanks for the comment on the photo...I will change it as my hair starts to come in....and can't wait...

    Chelev...way to go with the head shave...it is only temporary....and it will come back.  In fact I had to shave my legs this morning...and I still have one more treatment coming...hmmmm.  And as for the weight...thats my excuse to eat what I want...keep the calories intake as pleasant as possible...once I am on Rads...the Jenny Craig and Lean Cuisine are coming out of the freezer in full force.  As to your question regarding when I am going in for Rads...my onco doc mentioned that I needed to wait about 3 weeks before I can start them...which will give my body time to recoup from the last chemo.  I am figuring around May 21st or so.  I am not sure if we have a choice in scheduling our time at Rads...I think its based on whats available...and I believe it will be the same time everyday...I am not good at timekeeping since I have been off of work since January...LOL   This will be a challenge for me...getting there on time and driving the distance every day...I need to make it fun...and stop somewhere to shop for shoes or something that will put a smile on my face...Kiss

    My granddauger Meah is coming to visit me today...her mother decided to bring her for the day...it will be interesting.  We raised Meah after her father (my son) was killed in a single car accident.  She was 3 when we got guardianship and raised her until she was almost 6 years old... Meah is now 7 and living with her mother (who thankfully did not marry my son) - Long story....we are hesitant about the mothers intentions...anyway...the best part is that we have our granddaughter to love and she is the spitting image of her father...and acts just like him...it's weird but a blessing for sure.

    Will catch up with you all later....the weather is going to be in the 80's...a nice day for playing outside. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jill323
    jill323 Member Posts: 412
    edited April 2009

    Hello Everyone !

    Happy Saturday to you too !

    Deb - Best of luck wtih your surgery.  I will be thinking about you.  Let us know how you are doing when you are able. 

    Shannon - Sorry to hear your Mom still has that rash.  That is odd that they can't identify it.  But, at least you know it is NOT one of those really bad infections.  I am glad at least they could rule that out.  I hope she is doing better tonight.

    Chelev - We sound a lot alike.  I got so exasperated with the hair shedding that I also got the clippers out at one point and just got rid of what was left.  Found the shedding worse than it just being gone.  And guess what?  I am now living proof that it DOES come back.  What is strange is that I think I like my hair better now than I did before I lost it (really need to update the picture here).    It is very soft and shiny.  A little grayer than I would like, but people are telling me I should wear it this way on purpose.  Still a little short for my taste though.   But, talk about low maintenance - and NO HATS.  That is the best part.   I could go the rest of my life without wearing a hat again.

    I also laughed at your food routine because it sounded very familiar.  I would go entirely comfort food - forcing down what I could - during chemo week.  At one point, however, I would get the strangest craving for meat.  It was almost like pregnancy cravings.  I remember sitting watching TV one night during chemo week and all of a sudden saying to my husband "I must have a steak... NOW".   He ran out to Chili's got me a steak and I think I practically inhaled it.  Chemo does strange things.

    As for rads - they waited about 3 weeks in between chemo and rads for me.  I had the six week rads regimen.   Some of that three weeks they are getting you mapped out and stuff, though.  But, it was nice to get a break.  For me, rads was a walk in the park after chemo, but it had its own issues I could have done without.   Let us know when you get to that point.

    Cindy - Hi again.  I knew from our private conversations about your son, but continue to admire your strength and devotion to that little girl.  Meah sounds like a pip and a blessing.   I hope you have a wonderful time with her this week end.  The weather here is beautiful today.  I hope it is as nice where you are.  I will send you a PM with what little more I found out about disability stuff.

    As for me.... made it through all three business dinners.   They all went pretty well.  I had to do a little speech at one of them.  Could have done without that, but our suppliers seemed to have enjoyed it and our business relationships are "sound" - so I guess I did my job.   We do what we must.   In this economy, I am just glad I have a job.  No one will hear any complaining from me. 

    Anyway, I am going out of town tomorrow - taking hubby for a romantic evening to a concert in which one of his favorite singers is performing.  We will be driving about 4 hours tomorrow.   This is for his birthday.  My Mom is staying over to watch the kids and I took off on Monday to allow us to have a leisurely time coming back.   Wink

    As for the old boring cancer stuff... got a heart scan on Wednesday this week.   I get those like every six weeks now due to the herceptin.  I have been feeling a little weak lately, so I do want to see what this one says.  But, I have been running around like a chicken, so the fatigue and weakness is likely due to that.   I will say I don't think I rebound as well as I used to.  Guess it happens to the best of us.

    Anyway, everyone have a great night and a wonderful Sunday !

    Jill

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cruise4life
    Cruise4life Member Posts: 394
    edited April 2009

    Morning Ladies....

    Deb....we are anxiously waiting along with you....Good Luck tomorrow...we will be holding your hands...

    I was just watching Monica Seles on GMA and she wrote a book...she mentioned that she lost 35 pounds by walking 30 minutes a day...well that sounds like a plan...I want to get enough energy so that I can...

    Tomorrow I go to get my nails done and then I will get my LABs done for Thursday's LAST BLAST...and I can hardly stand it...I am so excited.  I feel really good today and the weather is going to be in the 90's here in Northern CA...really unusual for this time of year...also hate to say it...but it feels like EARTHQUAKE weather.....

    Have a great week Ladies....and I look forward to hearing from you all...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mommy2dex
    mommy2dex Member Posts: 75
    edited April 2009

    Do good tomorrow Deb..........Thinking of you.             Shannon

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Deb-from-Ohio
    Deb-from-Ohio Member Posts: 1,140
    edited April 2009

    LOL Shannon I hope I do good tomorrow! Not looking forward to the pain afterwards though! Thanks to all for thinking of me!

    Deb

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cruise4life
    Cruise4life Member Posts: 394
    edited April 2009

    Morning Ladies...

    DEB we are with you today.........Prayers and Love sent!!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sewbutton
    sewbutton Member Posts: 41
    edited April 2009

    I'm sending you lots of prayers too Deb!

    It's been a while since I posted anything on here. I went for my oncology appointment today and was told to "get that port outta there!" So, I go for a consultation about that with my surgeon Apr. 29th. I was told to get a mammogram in a month then Aug. 19th I see the oncologist again. So...WHEW! My hair is coming along...sounds a lot like what Jill's is doing. I am still wearing a wig when I go out...shoot, my husband is the only one to see my head without a scarf or wig...until yesterday. He comes home everyday for lunch and in he walks with the neighbor guy. Okay, so now my husband and the neighbor guy knows what my head looks like. I don't know why I am like this...I should just go out and show the world! I joined Weight Watchers the day after my last rad appointment (March 4th) and have lost 20 pounds. 30 more and my doctor will be happy..so will I! 

    Take care everyone and I wish all of you the best!Cool 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Deb-from-Ohio
    Deb-from-Ohio Member Posts: 1,140
    edited April 2009
    Well Ladies, I made it thru it...and they did numb me for the wire localization...she did the lumpectomy, said she removed like a spot around the size of a quarter to a half dollar, but she did it under my breast and said I would only have a slight dent...(Course they said after Chemo when I got my catscan that I had a 100% response and there was no cancer showing) took my port out, and removed 5 nodes...one of them they froze and said it was clean, whatever freezing does...sent the others and the tissue from lumpectomy out to a lab, should know in 2-3 days. Breast doesn't hurt at all, underarm hurts a bit, but man where they took the port out is killing me...Vicodeine helps. And of course I have a drain, ugh! She tried to give me percocet, but they make me sick. SO GLAD THIS IS DONE...now to wait for radiation. Ya all behave, don't know how often I can get in here drugged like this! LOL

    Luv and hugs
    Deb

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2009
    Deb, so glad the surgery was successful.  WOO HOO about the cancer being gone!!!!  Here's sending you a hug and warm wishes on a speedy recovery!!!!  You did it!!!!!Innocent
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cruise4life
    Cruise4life Member Posts: 394
    edited April 2009

    Hi Ladies...

    Deb...So great to hear from you....Great news on the test results...you are on your way to recovery...Keep taking drugs or whatever helps you heal fast...You need a break and we wish you the best rest and recovery now.  I am concerned about the port removal hurting...and where is the drain?  is it for the port or boob?

    sewbutton...congrats on your recovery and weight loss.....you give us all hope!!!!  As for the hair on the head...doesn't if feel good to let it be FREE.....and not have anything on your head....don't worry what others think...its natural...

    Ladies...I am ready for tomorrow...MY LAST CHEMO SESSION...and we are going to PAR..>TAY.....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2009

    Cruise4Life - Congrats for tomorrow - you are where I can't wait to be!!!!!   #2 down tomorrow.  We are doing it!!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mommy2dex
    mommy2dex Member Posts: 75
    edited April 2009

    DEB, that is some fantastic news......I couldnt wait to log on and see if you posted.  Just take it easy and wishing you a speedy recovery from surgery.

    CINDY, ahhhhh, last session for you.  Dance like there is nobody watching tomorrow.  So happy for you too.

    Mom had #3 today.  She is having some swelling and is short of breath tonight.  I am a little worried this evening about it.  She is a nurse and tells us that she will put a call in if she feels like she needs to.  I know that many of you have experienced the shortness of breath, I am just a little concerned about the swelling (though she tends to have bouts with swelling even before the cancer). She is having her normal flushing in the face without any fever (knock on wood). Neulasta shot tomorrow.  It really did the trick for her on #2 as far as keeping the counts in check.  One more to go now.  Cant wait......

    Hope everyone is having an easy night.  I will check back in tomorrow. As always I am thinking of you all.               Shannon

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2009

    Had #2 today - my onc lowered the dosage to try and keep my WBC from plummeting like it did on #1.  We'll see.  Go for the Nuelasta shot tomorrow instead of waiting a week.  Blood work next week.  At least I'll have all of the SEs at once - and they are thinking with the lower dosages that by the time Saturday night/Sunday rolls around I won't be as horribly ill as the first time.  I hope so!!  Getting tired now, got home a little while ago, after having a wonderful lunch out with my DH who picked me up, and a great breakfast with my best friend who drove me in. we never get a chance to do these things, so we took advantage of the situation.  Treatment itself was fine - uneventful, though a little sore at the port.  Sipped a lot of water, listened to my CD player and read a book.  Nibbled saltines and some Craisins, and when I felt a weird taste in my mouth from the Taxotere, I sucked on an orange candy, like one of you suggested.  Big help!  Took a compazine when I got home, was a little nauseous.  Will go to work for half day tomorrow and then head down for the shot. 

    I got my scarf from FranceLuxe.com and it is beautiful, with a wonderful card signed by everyone in the company.  Definitely a high-class, caring company!!

    Hope everyone is doing well and feeling okay - and have a peaceful night!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories