Any May 2009 Chemo Starters?

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  • nancypat
    nancypat Member Posts: 511
    edited May 2009

    Hi Ladies!

    Wishing everyone a good weekend.  Thank you for the best wishes,ABRose.  I sort of had a major meltdown when I lost my hair.  All of this finally jumped up and smacked me in the face and I realized it was real.  Don't know where I was living until then.  It was also the week prior to my second round and I found myself crying for nothing.  I have managed to pull myself together and just taking it as it comes now.  Can't tell you what a support this thread has been while I was lurking.  How are things going for you? 

    taj72, so glad to hear your mom is doing well and her fears have been lessened.  Titch, I hope you get your results from your scans soon.  Make sure you ask for copies.  Good luck!

    Going to try to find my jello.  My best to all!

    Nancy

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  • zuzeee
    zuzeee Member Posts: 171
    edited May 2009

    Have to report in to let you know I feel human again! First good nights sleep last night, Day 5 , off the corticosteroids. I did play 18 holes of golf yesterday, which was great but obviously finally exhausted the body. Just goes to show the power of a good nights sleep. May you all have lots of good sleeps.

     Welcome Taj 72,you are a great daughter. Pink hugs to all Susie 

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  • Gramof3
    Gramof3 Member Posts: 301
    edited May 2009
    ABRose--Just sent you a PM.  Helen
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  • Kelly2
    Kelly2 Member Posts: 32
    edited May 2009

    An update on my condition--I got to go home from the hospital yesterday (Friday) and am feeling  great however, the blood clot  is still in my arm and if I get too active, my arm and hand start to swell, turn slightly bluish, and hurt. It is hard for me to stop and rest  for I am so energetic and need to do so many things since I feel I've been out for 2 weeks (one from chemo and one from being in the hospital).But I do rest...... I am wondering about taking Clariton and Aleve before the Neulasta shot. Has anyone taken just Clariton? I am not able to take Aleve due to taking the blood thinner, Coumadin. I am thinking that my onc. will be giving me neulasta for the nurse mentioned it to me when I called to let her know my WBC's were  very low. I was not under the care of my onc. when in the hospital.

    I am so glad that many of you are doing so well with the SE and attitudes. We will make it through all of these treatments even when going through the tough days. Hang in there ladies.    

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  • TexasRose
    TexasRose Member Posts: 740
    edited May 2009

    Hi ladies. Just a quick update. Today (day 5) was definitely my worst day. I was nauseated and did have to take some of the anti-nausea pills. I slept most of the day. Still no fever. I had minor body aches. Felt like I had a mild case of the flu. It was such a beautiful, warm and sunny day here, but I missed most of it. I'm hoping I have more energy tomorrow. Hopefully the nausea will be gone as well.

    Kelly- I'm glad you got out of the hospital.

    Sorry I am too far behind to catch up with everybody individually, but know that I am thinking of everybody. Hugs to all!

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  • Titch
    Titch Member Posts: 141
    edited May 2009

    BIg Hugs to you all, I really feel for those of you that are having the SE.  It is the horrid thing about the chemo drugs.  We will all react differently.  Even when the oncologist give us all the drugs to try and not cause the SE.     

    Kelly...I am also glad you are finally home.  Do take it easy and try and do what the doctors say, even when it is hard.  You will have plenty of time to be energetic....... 

    TexasRose.. I hope you are feeling better after the anti nausea tablets.  If the body is saying sleep, rest gal.  I hope tomorrow is a much better day for you.  

    Zuzee.... I am glad to hear things are going well, out there golfing ( in the cold weather ), you go gal....  take care.

    Well for me.... I am on Day 19, and I have come down with the flu, even though I had the flu shot earlier this year.  Thankfully it is not that bad.  But still horrid being clogged up, and I been sleeping lots to try and beat it.  We have a really cold snap here at the mo, and having no hair I am really noticing it.  I had the district health nurse come and see me, at home today to check my port and she said it lucky my general health is all good.  

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  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited May 2009

    Welcome home Kelly - glad to hear you are out.  Yes, many gals just take the claritan - some just plain claritan and others ues Motrin, Tylenol, aleve - or nothing at all with it.  Keep on keeping on, Kelly , we are rooting for you.

    Linda

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  • nancypat
    nancypat Member Posts: 511
    edited May 2009

    Hi ladies!

    Is anyone getting really cold in the warmer temperature?  I've had to drag my sweats and fleece hats back out.  My temperature is 96.8.  I'm wondering if this is a new SE or I'm just weird.

    Thanks,

    Nancy

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  • blondie45
    blondie45 Member Posts: 580
    edited May 2009

    kelly2-I think I only took the Aleve with the Claritin before the shot but after I only took  the Claritin for 3 to 4 days, so possibly the Claritin alone might help you, as I didn't really experience any bone pains.

    TexasRose-Sorry about your bad day but sounds like your days before that were good, I felt like the flu from days 2 through 5, hope you feel better soon.

    Titch-So sorry you are battling the flu, hope you get better soon.

    pantufus-Yes I had a day about day 8 that I had to get under the covers with all 3 blankets for a few hours because I got so cold and it is spring and almost summer here.

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  • EllenFitz
    EllenFitz Member Posts: 20
    edited May 2009

    Just a quick "hello" from a May, 2004 Chemo starter!

     These boards were so helpful to me when I was going through chemo - I learned much more "practical" information here than I learned anywhere else.   My thoughts are with all of you - and, trest me, you will get through this!!

    Take care of each other!

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  • glostagirl
    glostagirl Member Posts: 388
    edited May 2009

    I like May Marvels and May Mavericks.

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  • AbuelaBoricua
    AbuelaBoricua Member Posts: 62
    edited May 2009

    I think it is between these two!  

    May Marvels 

    May Mavericks

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  • TexasRose
    TexasRose Member Posts: 740
    edited May 2009

    I like May Marvels best. Or May Mavericks. I'm so indecisive...Wink

    Titch- Yuck! The flu on top of chemo? That sucks! I hope you are feeling better soon!

    Nancy- It's hotter than heck here in Texas and I was wrapped up in a blanket all day yesterday. I kept taking my temperature thinking I must have a fever, but I didn't. Just cold I guess.

    blondie45- Yes, my previous days were not bad at all. If I only have two bad days per cycle, I can deal! Sounds like yours was much worse. I'm sorry.

    EllenFitz- Thanks for stopping by! It helps so much to hear from others who got through it.

    Hugs to all.

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  • Gramof3
    Gramof3 Member Posts: 301
    edited May 2009

    Texas Rose  My onc would say you are the "classic" chemo patient and are going through the "Second Pass"--that days 3-5 are usually when the liver and kindneys are working in overdrive to flush the remaining chemo out of the system and thus, the SEs may hit us harder those days.  Just keep drinking lots of water--you'll feel better soon.

    AbuelaBoricua  You've compiled quite a ballot--any of those name will "do the group proud!"

    Linda  Good to see that things are better for you this tx.

    Pantufus  You definitely are not weird.  It's been warm and muggy here, and I'm freezing!  Oh well....

    May ladies, you are doing great...just keep helping each other get over this bump in the road!

    Take care, Helen

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  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited May 2009

    Thanks, Gram - I am doing pretty darn good - all things considered.  True test will be Friday when the labs get done.  But so far so good.  Glad to hear everyone's doing pretty well too, except for poor Titch and Kelly.  Get better soon girls!

    Linda

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  • lassie11
    lassie11 Member Posts: 1,500
    edited May 2009
    Nancy -  I am with you on the hair loss making this nonsense seem all the more real. It seems sort of surreal. If there were no mirrors, I wouldn't feel any different - but there are - and where there aren't mirrors, there are reflections - and my hair really really is almost all gone. Now to go out and look like me, I add the fake boob, the fake hair, some make up (unusual for me) and the long sleeved shirt to cover up the PICC line. And when people who don't know what is going on say "how are you?" I answer "very well, thank you" - and they believe me!!
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  • nancypat
    nancypat Member Posts: 511
    edited May 2009

    Thanks blondie45, TexasRose, and Gramof3 for letting me know that I'm not the only one freezing.  I put on warm jammies, cap and bundled myself in blankets last night and was able to sleep solidly for four hours.  It must have brought my temperature up because I feel normal (normal on chemo? lol) today.

    lassie11, I don't have a wig but I do wrap my head, wear make up and try to minimize the fact that I have a usetoboob.  I yearn for the days I can be me again.  I fear the reflection in other people's eyes more than anything.  Then I'll get a wild hair and check my mail (box on main street) going commando.  So far no car accidents! lol.  They say this will pass so we will just have to keep on  keeping on trusting that it will.  When I was younger, my hair used to be my signature.  Now I don't have anything to sign with.

    Thinking of all of you!

    Nancy

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  • CatKC
    CatKC Member Posts: 12
    edited May 2009

    I like May Mavericks best, it has a bit of a reckless feel to it.

    I am gearing up to start chemo in the morning, took my dexamethesone this am and kicked some butt walking around the park this aft in the sunshine. I am going out tonight for my 10th wedding anniv with my husband to have a last "flavoursome" meal before the mouthsores come to haunt me. I'm trying to enter this in an upbeat tone, however part of me is scared this is the beginning of the rest of my life on chemo. Is anyone doing complementary therapies alongside their chemo?

    Thank you all for your stories, I check in every day to see how you are all doing, you inspire me to remember that I am strong and can descend into this place again, and still be me, to retain humour and compassion for others as you all do so well.

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  • zuzeee
    zuzeee Member Posts: 171
    edited May 2009

    Hello girls

    You have to laugh, our that is NewZealands icy polar blast came through last night and all I could think about was the cold caps some of you wear.!!!?  I had one, a cold head, all night and I still have my hair.!! That will go next weekend. No more icy blasts please. Pantufus I hope you are warmer now, Titch, wrap up warmly and have lots of lemon drinks and I am thinking about all of you. Did anyone else get the munchies on Day 6? I was ravenous all day and ate all sorts of goodies that I would normally not eat e.g choccies, pizza, cheese, raisain toast and jam etc.... What day does food start to taste off? and what day/s does the mouth start to dry up? So far I am good but it is only Day 7 today.

    Pink bubble hugs to all. Susie.

    I like May Mavericks.

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  • zuzeee
    zuzeee Member Posts: 171
    edited May 2009

    Hi Cat Kc

    Forgot to mention that I have friend who is giving me refloxology treatements and is also going to give me Indian head massages when I am bald!!!  Both are very relaxing and let the brain have a rest. I strongly recomend learning some relaxation exercises. I went to see a physiotherapist, whom is a trained pink pilates trainer and she gave me a couple of breathing exercises and one for calming and refocusing the brain. If anyone is interested just let me know and I will send them to you. They are not copyrighted and she did say to share them.Smile

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  • luvtheocean
    luvtheocean Member Posts: 87
    edited May 2009

    HI Ladies-

    Trying to start feeling a little more human today....day 5.  Still a little bit nauseaous....but nothing like day 4.  So, day 4 has been my worst day both tx's.  But, I am half way done!!  Hoping all is good with each of you.  It is a beautiful day here in Ohio and on Friday evening my new husband's daughter had his first grandchild!!  So, I got married in April, and by the end of May,  I am Grammie B?!  I love it!!  Suri Lynn, beautiful little one............

    I never heard anything back on Friday after rushing in to have my Potassium retested....they like to never got the blood outta me.  Guess I just don't want to share much more!  Hoping that my veins hold out for 2 more, it would really suck if I had to get a port at this point!

    That's it for now.  Enjoy what's left of the weekend All!

    Becky

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  • Kelly2
    Kelly2 Member Posts: 32
    edited May 2009

    TexasRose-Hope you are feeling better today

    Titch-what a bummer to now have the flu on top of everything else. Get well quickly

    Pantufus-I was so cold too on days 1-3. I had chills and thought I must have a fever but I didn't. It was practically summer too where I live in Texas.

    CatKC-good luck with chemo in the am. Remember that chemo is only a temporary stage in our lives--sorta of an interruption. This will pass.....

    thanks to all for the Claritin advice--I will try taking Tylenol with the Claritin since I can't have Aleve. Will let you know how it works.

    I like May Marvels and Mighty fighty mays (maybe just Mighty Mays).   

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  • anji111
    anji111 Member Posts: 65
    edited May 2009

    Hi Ladies, I haven't been on in a while.  I've been sick?!!  FrownI had my first treatment 11 days ago and was good for the first couple of days.  I was sick from Monday (day 5) to Thursday and finally couldn't take it and went to the hospital.  My doctor filled me with fluids and zofran and a couple of other different things.  Have you all had the same 'tummy' trouble?  Diarhhea sp cramps nausea etc.  And of all things, I started my period on day 5 too... wth!  I really thought I'd seen the last of those?!  And I've had a severe headache and body aches.  I've been laying on the couch a lot and feeling GUILTY.  I'm not sick, sick, but I just can't seem to function.  I feel like such a damn baby right now.  How do the ladies manage to work through this?  They must be awesome!  I have an appt on the 4th for an examination I guess.  I'll have a lot of questions for the Doctor!  My mom told me to pretend I was pregnant (I guess she was doubled over with sickness when she was pregnant - for the whole 9 months - eewwww).  On June 22nd I have a court thing with my ex (examinations for discovery).  It's a whole day thing, and I'm scared to death I'm going to be too sick to make it.  It will be 11 days after my second treatment.  Do the SEs get worse or better as the treatments go on?

    Congratulations Becky, for your wedding (I wanted to tell you that before) and the new grandbaby.  That's such a nice name.  You look too young to be a grama thoughSmile  What do they check the potassium for? (I hope that question is not too stupid....)  You must have good veins.  The nurse had a bit of trouble with mine the first time (small veins).  So I get a Picc line next time I go.  Looks like I've run out of room again....

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  • deb6563
    deb6563 Member Posts: 179
    edited May 2009

    Hi Ladies

    Just checking in.  Sorry I don't have the strength to address individuals but I am having a really BAD day.  Yesterday, we gave our baby girl a surprise 16th birthday party and it went great.  I overdid it though.  I went from sun-up until about 11:00 last night without stopping and boy, am I paying for it now.  All day, my body kept telling me to rest, and I kept telling my body that I didn't have time.  Today, I could hardly get out of bed.  Had no idea it would effect me like this.  I'm just not used to having to stop and rest.  But, all said and done, it was worth it and I would do it again for the look on my daughter's face.

    I am on day 12 and have started shedding.  Some clumps of hair are coming out, so will probably end up shaving my head in the next couple of days.  Was not looking forward to this day. I guess this is going to be the most emotional part of the whole thing.

    I hear everyone talking about diarrhea and I have not experienced that at all, in fact I am still constipated from the chemo treatment.  Have tried everything I can think of and still can't "go" like I should.  Anyone else having that problem?

    Blondie, I know you and I have been having pretty much the same SE which sound worse than everyone elses.  I hate being the minority that this hits so much harder. 

    I will check back in tomorrow when hopefully I am feeling better.  Going for round 2 on Tuesday.

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  • anji111
    anji111 Member Posts: 65
    edited May 2009

    Lassie11 - I got asked how I was yesterday and I said sick.  Right away I thought I should have just said 'oh fine thanks'.  I think I would have gotten the same response either way - oh well.  We get it, right?!

    Nancy (and all the cold ones) hope you've warmed up.  I think I have seen you on the other thread and just wanted to let you know I quit smoking the day before my treatment.  I don't miss it a bit and wish I had done it sooner.  I quit for 5 years and smoked for another 5 years.  I watched a show that said the cancer is growing in our bodies for 8 to 10 years before it shows up.  And if that's the case mine started when I wasn't smoking - go figure.  I still have my hair.  I don't know what's up with that.  My scalp's been 'crawling' and feeling weird sometimes though.  Is that how it starts?  The nurse I had said I could lose it as early as 5 days after treatment.

    I'm sorry I'm not feeling very mighty, maverick or merry so you all can choose the name.  Then it can become my new mantra - I am mighty, I am mighty...... it sounds good.  Fake it till I make it.

    I don't mean to feel sorry for myself.  A lady that lives here in town has just been diagnosed with mets, she started out with back trouble and never got treated for BC right away.  I have a lot to be thankful for I know (especially all of you).

    Has anyone heard from luv4my5girls?  I haven't seen a post for a while.  Maybe I've just missed it not being on here much myself.

    Big, very soft hugs to everyone.  Love Anji

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  • jabl1252
    jabl1252 Member Posts: 40
    edited May 2009
    Anji  ,Yes your head feels like you have goosebumps on it and feel kind of tingly.Mine started coming out day 15 which was Memorial day. After last night not being able to lay the back of my head on my pilow cause it hurt so bad,I asked my husband to shave it.Glad he did because it feels so much better.My wig should be in by Wednesday,so I am wearing scarves until then.My second dose is tommorow,not looking forward to it.It sounds like the second dose is really giving alot of you ladies more severe side effects.Is that what happens? Do our side effects get worse with each dose? I hope not,because my side effects were not that bad.Diarrhea,bad taste in my mouth heartburn, stomache pain,Leg ached.Sure would like to know.I like May Marvels.  Hugs to you all, Julie
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  • AbuelaBoricua
    AbuelaBoricua Member Posts: 62
    edited June 2009

    Since it was very close between May Marvels and May Mavericks I used a very scientific method to determine the outcome. A flip of a coin and the winner is May Marvels.  I hope nobody objects.

    I wanted to thank all of you for helping me prepare for what is ahead.  I am trying to think of it as just another challenge, something that will make me a better person at the end.  I know that with the support and  love from family and friends even though it is going to be hard, it can be done.

    I wish everyone restful nights and bright and sunny days! DianaInnocent

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  • luvtheocean
    luvtheocean Member Posts: 87
    edited June 2009

    A couple of things to some similar questions above.....from what I have heard from ladies already through the chemo part is that yes, it compounds.  So, each tx is a little bit worse.  I don't think my SE's were necessarily worse this time, I just think I was more aware of what exactly was happening.

    anji111-  No, my veins SUCK!  That is why I am worried about my last 2........as for feeling guilty, I AM RIGHT THERE WITH YA SISTA!!    For those of you working through all of this, you are amazing SUPERWOMEN!!  I can't even to begin to think about working.  If I am not laying around, I'm feeling so sad, angry, and whatever the emotion of the day seems to be that I CANNOT focus on anything.  I am not a self centered 'poor me' kinda person so this is driving me nuts!!  I'm not feeling very marvelous or mavericky either so I am glad that Diana chose...Thanks for that! 

    Mary- I am glad you got some time by the pool and are starting to feel human again.....I totally understand that feeling! 

    It is the end of day 5 from tx 2 and only 8:30 and I am thinking of going to bed already, thus is my life these days!

    Girls, keep leaning on each other and your friends and family, that is my plan and so far, it is helping so much!

    Hugs!
    Becky

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  • Indomitable1
    Indomitable1 Member Posts: 253
    edited June 2009

    Hi May Marvels! It's Day 3 for me....took the kids to church and made it home just in time. Down for a nap x several hours. Ready to turn in again. Yucky nausea feeling-the gingerale and promethazine doesn't settle it. No actual vomiting just feel yuck. OK and of course, I thought I always feel fatigued....but this is like having all the energy sucked out of your body and being filled with a black hole. I pray that the nausea doesn't worsen nor the fatigue. I'm supposed to go back to work on Day 6-praying that I can try to keep some semblance of a normal life.

    And Zuzee-nothing tastes the same to me...no metallic taste but nothing tastes right.

    ABRose-thanks for giving us our own moniker! In just a few short (???) months we will be marveling about having made it thru. I know we will, I know we will.

    Tx Rose, Titch, Kelly, Anji111, Becky-Thanks for sharing. It helps to know that I'm not alone.

    Did anybody else have 'roid rage? Lost it with the kids yesterday. Really felt pretty puny but had to do some things for them.....and just didn't have anything left to give.  

    Deb6563-will take the hint. we have a small graduation party planned for our baby girl next Saturday. Will accept the help from her older sis and friends.

    Good night everyone.

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  • lassie11
    lassie11 Member Posts: 1,500
    edited June 2009

    Nancy - I think you are seeing this thing quite a lot like I am. "Usetoboob" is the best term ever!

    I'm off for round two tomorrow. Hope it isn't too much different from round one.

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