Any May 2009 Chemo Starters?

Susie- Welcome! I start AC x 4 on the 26th also. I went to the clinic today to get my chemo training and pick up my Rx's. I just need to get them filled and I will be ready to go. I toured the chemo infusion rooms today. They are pretty private, have a recliner, a chair and a flat screen TV in them. I'm a big reader, so I can always pass the time with a book.

deb- (((hugs))) We will get through this, won't we? Glad you got the Zofran and are feeling better.

Kelly- Get plenty of rest. If nothing else, this is our time to take care of ourselves. Do you mind my asking where in Texas you live? I am in the Temple area. Not looking forward to wigs and the Texas heat!!

Becky- Your photos on Facebook are great!! You and your hubby are adorable together!! I'm going to need the drink in one hand to do that too!!

Nothing left for me to do but fill my Rx's and enjoy the long holiday weekend while preparing to start on Tuesday. Hope everybody is hanging in there! Hugs and prayers for all!

2nd Chemo treatment tomorrow at 9:00 a.m!!!!  After this two more to go!!!!!   We will all make it through!!!!!!!!!!!!   Not looking forward to those symptoms again after treatment. 

I'm in Texas also, San Antonio, TX. 

Hi TexasRose,

I will be thinking of you on the 26th.  I'll be having my 2nd round.  I kind of had a meltdown after I lost my hair.  I'm over it now but I cried for two days.  Hadn't cried until then.  I guess it finally hit home that all of this is real. 

I used to live in Ajo, Arizona.  I think it took us four days to drive through Texas to get back to the Blue Ridge Mountains. lol.  I do miss the beautful weather and scenery.  My asthma was a lot better out West too. 

Wishing us all strength and courage to do what we have to do.

Nancy

Hello.

I hope that it's okay if I hop on this thread so late in the month.  I'll be starting AC Chemo May 26.  I know that I'm a late starter, but I have been reading some of your posts from the last few weeks, so it has helped me know what to expect. Not looking forward to the side effects, I'm a pretty active person so the thought of being sick and tired all of the time is not very appealing.  I am having chemo before surgery (bilateral mastectomy) It doesn't look as if too many of you went this route.

DEB:  Good to see you here.

LUVTHEOCEAN:  I also have a 16 year old (mine's a daughter) her first question when I told her about the cancer was, "Will you lose your hair?"  Guess things like that matter to teenagers.  I can't imagine having her around when I shave my hair.  I already went out to have the wig ready for when I need it.  How does one even have their own head?

ZUZEE:  Did your Dr. give you a reason to avoid dairy products? 

KATHERINE H:  Seems like we have similar DX, Stage IIa;triple negative our treatment will also be similar. 

Janet

Hi TexasRose,  you aren't vain.  We have been "fixing" our hair since we were little girls.  It's just a great shock to see all of it gone.  I am getting used to it now.  What surprised me was how cold my head was.  I'm having to sleep in a fleece cap.  Hopefully, you won't have that problem in Texas.  Glad you steered clear of the accidents!  The best time to see the mountains is in the Fall when the trees are in color.  They are gorgeous!  Holler if you get a chance to come this way.  I'll take you to Luray Caverns.  They are breathtaking! 

I was really anxious before my first tx and to beat all, I fell asleep!  I had some pretty aggravating SE's and I won't say it's "doable" because I think that negates what some of us go through.  They are pretty much a pain in the bottom but I survived and really want to get this second one under my belt so I'll only have two more to go.

Good luck to all of you ladies and remember.  "YES I CAN!!!!!!!!"

Janet- Welcome! Sorry you have to join us and all that, but glad you found us. Our DX is similar also- stage IIa and triple neg. I am also starting AC on 5/26. Are you doing dose dense?

Becky- Mr & Mrs Clean...  That's funny! Keep your wonderful sense of humor girl!!! It will get you (and us!) through this!!

Nancy- I thought about it more last night after I signed off and I realized for me it isn't vanity about my hair. It's more about not wanting the attention. I'm the kind of person that does not like to be the center of attention. I am somewhat shy and I like to kind of fade into a room. You will never see me in the spotlight because I don't want to be there. So, the very obvious sign of cancer- losing our hair- will be hard for me because it will bring me unwanted attention. I don't think I will need to worry about a cold head! I hope I can sleep through treatment. She told me I could take a Xanax, so maybe that will help me be more relaxed.

blondie45-  I hope the no nausea continues for you. And I hope that you are able to avoid the mouth sores. We are here for you!!

I have to get my Rx filled today and then I guess I will be ready. I also need to go to the grocery store and stock up a little. I am going to start working out again today too. I haven't since the surgery and I really need to get back into my routine. The nurse told me yesterday how important it is to work out even though we are so tired. Even just a short walk helps so much. So it is time for me to get back into that.

Hugs for all who need it and I hope everybody has a super day!

Texas Rose-I am in the San Angleo area--out west--one of my college roomates lives in Temple and works and Scott and White. I am like you about the hair, I don't want the attention. I've had long hair for years so even with a wig, it will cause some attention and I do dread wearing it when it's so hot!!!

Sherrilyn-my sister lives in San Antonio. Nice place.

Anjii-glad you got to do the Look Good Feel Better session. I have an appt. for mine next week--they do it all private here. And she said she would style my wigs for me.

I am feeling better today--weak but appetite is some better and was able to get up and do some things around the house. Started getting the metallic taste today (day4).

Kelly- Scott & White is my hospital. That is where I had my surgery and where I am going through chemo. Small world.

I have been told to wear warm gloves and to drink lots of water prior to chemo on the 26th May so  they can find a blood vessel. It is winter down here!!!! Not having a port as that requires going on a waiting list for surgery. Told that I won't be given the nuestala (?) shot unless required. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly as I am self employed and want / need to carry on working. Saw my dentist on Friday and they are going to give me a foam to put on my teeth to prevent an acid attack and demineralisation of the tooth enamel.  Is anyone else doing this?

Hugs from down under Susie

Hello all,

My partner started chemo yesterday 9 hours. She did all the pre drugs, nausea med, aloxy(sp) thru iv, benadryl, decatron, tagament. Then Taxol,Carboplatin,Avastin. It went well. So far this morning all she has is bone pain in hip and middle back that she hasn't had before. The last 2 months she's had back pain in left shoulder blade. We found out a month ago she had cancer . She has tumor under left arm, and between left upper ribs pushing on her left lung. After a month now they aren't sure if it's breast or lung cancer. They are sending tissue samples out to university of michigan, to see if they can help. This was her first chemo, the oncologist said these chemo drugs were good for both breast or lung cancer. She does have mets to bone, ribs,hip, and a couple spots middle back. This is the first pain in back,other than shoulder blade area. She is triple negative.

My questions were, what is dose dense, I hear people talk of this. What is A/C?

Thanks,

Cyn

Hi Ladies,

I had my second chemo on monday the 18th.  I'm still out of it.  I would love to respond to all of you individually but I can barely muster up the strength to write this post.  I hate missing out on life even if it's only for a few days.  Can't go to my daughter's regatta (rowing competition) today and am very sad about that but there will be others.  Nurse practitioner told me that I would gain 10 to 12 lbs over the course of chemo WHAT!!!!!!  I guess it's a small price to pay for staying alive.  Please pray I don't have to get the neulasta shot on tuesday when I go for my counts.  I'm scared of that because I have plans for next week and I don't want to be back on the couch again.  Love to all, welcome to the new ladies.  I wish I could be more interactive but I'm just too darn tired.

xoxo Sukiann

Hi cindoe,

I just wanted to give you and your partner a big hug.  I don't know about dose dense or A/C because I'm on T/C 1x3x4.  Did she get a Neulasta shot?  That is what caused my bone pain but it went away after a few days.  I took Aleve and it really helped.  I was told by my onc's office to call if I had any questions no matter how trivial I thought they were because that was their job and it's what they get paid for.  Be sure your partner calls about any se's because they can help her.  Also, these ladies give some great tips.  Good luck to both of you!

Nancy

 blondie45 - regarding mouth sores. One of the booklets I was given at the oncology clinic suggested rinsing my mouth with soda water. The inside of my mouth felt  . . . ummm . . . just a bit different - tried the soda water, continue to use it a couple of times a day and find that my mouth is (touch wood) OK.

Day 12 or so after first chemo treatment I am still feeling well, notice what might be a few extra strands of hair coming out. We will see when that really happens.

blondie  my first treatment was Tuesday and today is the first day I have felt okay. still tired, but nothing like the past few days.  Hopefully by tonight you will be feeling better.

Anyone experience a rash? I had 2nd treatment yesterday.   If so, what were you able to take?