Any May 2009 Chemo Starters?

This is my first post...started chemo on April 29 4 x AC, then 4 x Taxol....freaked out about the first time but it wasn't horrible....do not have a port...IV...but that RED STUFF is scary! 

 Started losing hair 2 weeks after first chemo...I think that was the worse thing..now trying to get used to wearing a wig...I really like the wig but can't wait until I can grow my own hair back.

Chemo sucks..I try to have a good attitude but I can't do it all the time.

 Just a little down right now. 

Hi Titan, I'm sorry you are down.  It is hard to stay up all of the time.  We all need time to lick our wounds and then come back strong.  I agree about losing the hair thing.  I was never anything to write home about but I did love my hair.  At least it will be a new discovery to see how it comes back.  Hope you are doing okay without a Port.  My veins just couldn't take it.  Sending good thoughts your way and a big (((((((((((hug))))))))))))!

Nancy

Hi everyone -  one week after first chemo I am waiting "for the other shoe to drop". The first few days I was tired and - note to self - take Metamucil or some such thing Day 1 no matter what. Otherwise, each day is better than the last. Today I mowed the lawn in the back yard, played with my grandson and enjoyed the sunshine. My daughter has knitted two excellent hats (with little flowers to attach), the Good Wishes scarf arrived and my wig is ordered. When my hair falls out - I figure a week today or so- I will call the wig lady to have my hair cut and wig styled.  That will be the next hurdle. Meantime, I have two weeks before the next infusion. Expecting a cumulative effect and hoping to stay well.

sherrilynne, I know it's hard losing your hair.  My bald son coached me Saturday night on shaving my head without hurting myself.  I just couldn't stand having tufts of it coming out.  Dry your tears dear one.  Tomorrow will be better.  Just don't forget a soft little hat to sleep in if it's still cold where you are.  I'm just a few days behind you and I will have you in my thoughts.

Nancy

i am a chemo grad (finished in Jan) but wanted to drop by to tell you lovely ladies that you are string and YOU CAN DO IT. You will bond with the others here as you share your life and experiences. My advice is to be your own advocate, learn what meds you are on, be proactive in taking your nausea meds...can we say EMEND!!! I was fortunate to not have too much nausea and was able to return to work in a few days after each TX. My counts stayed good but i did avaid crowded places as i was going through chemo during cold and flu season.

I just wanted to wish you ladies the best of luck and to let you know that while there are both good and bad days you will survive chemo and it will one day be a distant memory.

Bettysgirl

I am about to leave to go get my first chemo treatment and it's the first time through all I've been through that I am feeling some anxiety. I know it's going to be okay but I guess it's finally setting in that this is really about to happen--that it is all real. I'll let you know how it goes.....  

Just got home from my first hair removal treatment, I mean chemo treatment.  Wasn't nearly as bad as I had in my mind that it would be.  The nurse told me what everyone else has said about munching on ice while they push the A part of A/C  did not get a metallic taste at all.  I sat through nearly an hour of pre-meds, then 20 mins of A  then an hour of C and rounded that off with an hour and a half of either Avastin or its placebo.  I have a slight headache, and am tired but I can handle that. Came home  with lots of rx's and will start taking those as soon as I go back to the pharmacy and pick them up. 

Kelly-hope yours went as smoothly as mine did.

Yes, I'm a newbie, I got my first treatment today. Adriamycin and Cytoxan. So far so good, of course its only been 5 hrs. Dr. gave me Zofran and Prochlorperazine for nausea. I do feel a little light headed. One of these made my sinus feel clogged but its getting better. Gosh!!! I'm scared to death of these SE. I feel like I'm wating for the nest shoe to drop  and I'm  second guessing every thing--CRAZY I know. But the unknown scares me to death--- I want to be ready for it (what ever "it" is. I go for a "shot" tomorrow, I guess its the shot that everyone says causes bone pain. Dread this, do they put it into your port or in your muscles? I'm grateful for all the help and encourgement that I've had on these post, it means alot to just know that someone else has "been there,done that" and has had a great outcome--thanks

I feel the same way!!! Middle age, balding, 1 and half boob, pooping one day or throwing up the next. But " a girl gotta do what a girl gotta do"  Can you imgaine how your husband would handle this if it were him and not you? God help us all!!!!

Hi everyone ,

Saw the new Onc today, could barely understand him.  He told me that I have a strong/hard treatment?! Really made me feel good......not.  He told me that I am going to need the Neulasta or Neupogen sp? He told me I might not be covered for the shot but I'd forgotten to give them my blue cross info.  The thought of having to take more pills (or whatever) is kinda scary for me because I forget to take my anti-depressant and I don't need to be forgetting really important meds!  I'm not sure what the difference is between Neulasta and Neupogen or exactly what it's for.  I know I've read about it here, quite a few times...  Is the Claritan, aleve, tylenol etc. what they recommend to take for SE's?

I balled when I was there (haven't been sleeping and forgetting the AD) felt like an idiot.  I'm trying to be 'positive' and all this emotional crap is coming out of it's own accord.  (This is NOT my life!!)

Ok Ladies.........I posted yesterday and it disappeared!!  So...........my hair is coming out in clumps now!  Damn it!  We are going to the lake this weekend and I can't stand the thought of being on the boat and instead of having the wind in my hair my hair will be in the wind!  LOL  So, I spent about 45-an hour total crying about it yesterday, it is really emotional for me to see the clumps, ya know?  Everyone that knows me says I should wait to shave it when I actually have true bald spots.......not sure I can.  Of course, none of them have been through this.  My husband, who happens to be well 'the bomb digity' says whenever you decide we will do it!  He is going to buzz mine and then I am going to buzz what is left of his!  We will see if that is tonight or tomorrow night.  My son doesn't want to be here when we do it, said it freaks him out....he is 16 and may just be one more thing that a teenage boy doesnt need.......so may have to be tomorrow night when he goes to his dads.  OR, if as much comes out in the shower today as yesterday, he may just have to 'man up'.

anji11- As for the Bounce, I haven't tried it yet.  Going this w/e.  I am right there with you on the emotional BS!!  This isn't my life either..I am in the happieset time of my life for crying out loud (PUN INTENDED..)  I just got married on April 4!!!!  I'm tired of crying and I NEVER forget my AD so it is all about BC............stupid disease!!!

Kelly-How ya doin?  SE's?

Katherine- LOVE LOVE LOVEd your last post.............made me smile!!  TY

Ok, there went my inner bitch again, so I will sign off for now.  Hopefully this one makes the post, I don't wanna type it again!

HUGS TO ALL!

Hope everyone who had treatment in the last couple of days is doing okay.  After treatment yesterday, I went to bed at 10:00 pm and didn't get up until 10:15 am.  I feel really tired and still have to go back this afternoon for my nulasta shot.

The bounce dryer sheets really do work, also if you have any avon skin so soft, that works even better at keeping bugs off of you.

princessofpower -- my first treament was 5/1 and it started shedding middle of last week, and over the weekend it got really bad falling out in clumps, I cut it down to almost the root and left about 1/2 inch.  That part is now coming out not much left.   My scalp was sore not sure if anyone else is experiencing this or not.  Today it feels better.  The wig starts to bother me in the afternoon and I can't wait to get home to take it off and put on some kind of cap or scarf.   It hit me hard over a few days ago but now it is better.   I'm sorry you are feeling sick, it will get better.  I just kept taking the pills they gave me which really helped until I didn't need it.  I also had bone pain too.  It only lasted a few days after treatment about a week and now feel good.   Next treatment is 5/22 this Friday. 

I don't know about everyone else but I cannot wait to take a vacation after treatment is over.   I keep dreaming about it!!! 

Hey friends what is the Neulasta shot for?  Several of you have mentioned it, but not sure what it's for.  

Well girls.....I did it.  My Husband shaved my head tonight and I shaved his!  Had to have a little "liquid courage" to get it done but it is done!  My head was killing me, I guess from the hair like pulling to fall out.  I am so glad that I won't see any hair in the shower.  My son gave me big hugs when I was done but did not want to watch or be a part of the actual process at all.  I am worried about him with all this. 

Princess-  my first tx was on May 6....so I am on day 14 and couldn't take the huge clumps any more.  My hubby told me when he shaved it, that it was a good thing because there were lots of bald spots that we couldn't see.  It was soooooooo thin.  I knew it wouldn't be long and just wanted to get it over with, get my scarves on, wig, etc.

Kelly- You may want to give your onc a call.  You shouldn't be having any nausea or vomiting at all.  You should be able to take meds that completely take care of all that.

Big Hugs to everyone!!

Hello all

Can I please join you as I have just been told my first chemo 4 x AC starts on the 26th May. I have read with interest all your posts and also the April posts. I have to admit the hair loss is the part I am concerned about as I am going into winter but I have ordered some hats an scarves from headwrap. My oncologist is an American from Alabama and her advice is to avoid ice cream and dairy products as well as sugar. Has anyone else been told this?

Hugs from New Zealand. Susie