Any May 2009 Chemo Starters?

Kelly

there are so many different kinds but I had the 8 hour tylenol and I took it EVERY 8 hours.  I took it for the three days and thought I was thru the chances of the SE so I stopped and the bone pain was like nothing I every exp.  like having cement in your bones but I took the tylenol again and it went away immediately - good luck to ya - hope you do ok

The ideal way to take the Claritan and Aleve/or Tylenol, is to take both BEFORE the shot, then take the same on day 2 and day 3.  That's what worked for me and many others.  Good luck.

Linda

I'm home from my second AC today also. I am so tired. I don't remember being this tired after the first one. I came home and slept for a couple of hours. Woke up when DH came home, but I can hardly hold my head up.

Hugs to ABRose for the Neulasta shot. I never had any bone pain with mine. I go back tomorrow for my shot. I hope I don't have any trouble with this one either.

Kelly- I'm holding your cyber hand. We'll get through this!

My blood pressure was within range, so I was able to get the treatment. I was so glad. I don't want to have to delay any if at all possible. My hospital passed out scores of goodies today. I got a lot of stuff! Tote bag, several scarves, a pedometer, some Ensure and other nutritional stuff and a knitted blanket. So cute! It was fun! They said churches make and donate them. Way too cool!

And finally...my hair is coming out. I knew it was coming. My scalp hurts. Won't be long before I pick up the shaver.

I am so tired. I can't remembe what all I should be saying. Love and hugs to all who need it! Hang tough May Marvels!!

TexasRose - I am so glad you were able to have treatment!  We don't want any delays!!!  I did experience exactly what you did...anything I had the day of chemo is nauseating to even think about now.

Luvtheocean - I think you may be on to something about the antidepressant not working as it  should.  I am on lexipro and I have not cried or been down since I started it.  I was told the way I was feeling was a reaction to the steroid.  Maybe you should try a different antidepressant?  Have a blast in FL with BFF and DS.

As someone else said, as I read your posts, I can relate to so many feelings and SE.  It helps to know it's all normal.  I have been feeling great with the only side effects being trouble sleeping and eating like a linebacker.  For about 5 nights I took 1/2 an ambien to get to sleep and then felt tired the next day.  Last night I was able to get to sleep without the help of ambien.  I know I am not supposed to eat spicy foods, but I have been eating curry, thai and mexican every night.  It's the only food that appeals to me for whatever reason.

I am going with my two sons and husband to visit my inlaws in Pittsburgh.  We're taking a trip to the mountains and to see a Frank Lloyd Wright house.  It will be nice to get away before my next tx on Tuesday 6/16.

Does anyone know if I should wear a mask on the plane/in the airport?  And does anyone have experience going through security with port/TE?  I have cards but don't know when I should present them.  Any help would be appreciated!

Good Morning Marvels-

I think I'm back!  The last 2 days have sucked big time but thanks to so many awesome notes from you guys and some words from my hubby and my friends I found my inner bitchdom again. LOL!  I, am a natural worrier, I worry about everyone and everything around me first and then me last.  Skip said to me last night "This is the time for you to worry about you.  Screw everyone else!  I don't care if people don't understand when you are having an emotional day.  If they can't figure it out then we will deal with them when it is over!  My main concern and focus is you and I want it to be you for you!  So JUST STOP!!!'  He is so awesome, especially since the portion of my worry last night was about his 26 yr old daughter being well, a brat.  Whatev!  I don't have the extra energy to focus on her right now, just me.  So, my facebook page says "it's all about me" for my status and I carried that over into today.  Alex and I leave Friday morning for FL for the long weekend to see my BFF and I can't wait to see her.  Apparently, there is a new hotel in town with a roof top pool and bar and I think we are going to go spend a night there for a girls night and leave the boys with her hubby.  Not that they need sitters, but they are teenagers, need to make sure that they land in bed! 

I wish I could have gone to the look good feel better class but it was right around my first chemo and I felt like crap couldn't go.  The next one here is not until like the fall or something so I guess I miss out on the free makeup!  Sux..........especially since I was trying so hard to put on some mascara the other day only to find that I have 1/2 lashes.....I looked like a linebacker (you know the black stuff they put under their eyes).  It was quite attractive!  NOT!  Seems like I read somewhere that they will do a private one if necessary so maybe I will check into that.  did they even address eyelashes??

Someone asked about the stubble........well, I still have some too.  AND NO LIE, everyday I take duct tape and put it on my head and pull it off.  I get some of the stubble out everyday and it doesnt feel the least bit uncomfortable.  I'm about to go to my hair dresser and ask if she can wax my entire bald scalp like she does my eyebrows!  Can you imagine the look on the faces of the rest of the women in the salon?!?  That would be a trip!  There it is again my inner bitchdom.  Kind of like the other night at dinner.  Someone was totally staring at my 'do rag' while Skip was in the bathroom.  I was just about to pull it off for the dude to see my bald head when Skip came back and he wouldn't have it!  I thought it would be funny to see the guys expression since he was soooooo intrigued...........

OK that is it for me for now!

Wishing everyone less and less SE's today, more and more happy thoughts, and know that I am sending as much positive energy to each of you that I can.........after I take some for myself of course because "IT IS ALL ABOUT ME"   LOLOLOL

Good morning, ladies.

Hope you're all off to a good start this morning.  I've only posted on here once, I think, because I work full time and don't have a lot of extra time, but also because I'm kind of a private person and find it hard to share really personal stuff with people I don't know.  I've read lots of your posts, though, and they've been a big encouragement for me.  I'm to the point now where I'm feeling really alone in this, and it does help to know there are others out there.  Anybody in the Tulsa area, by chance?  Anyway, maybe I'll be able to open up a little in the future.  I almost feel guilty because my SE's have been so mild compared to some of you, but the emotional part has really been getting to me lately.  I started off my day with an e-mail from a friend that contained a quote that really hit home for me.  I spend a lot of time waiting for this "storm" to be over rather than living each day to the fullest.  Thought I'd pass it on.  Hope everyone has a good day today.

Sandy 

"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain."
 

 

Hi Girls

Well it is 3.50 am and  I  am wide awake again. I seem to have one good nights sleep followed by one bad. Hmmm. I hope my wig arrives today as my hair is falling out all over the place and it is not a great experience.  I had to come home from work early as I was feeling nauseous and tired, Day 16 after first chemo. Is that normal to feel nauseous at this stage.? I am not taking any drugs now.

Glad to see you inner bitch is back Becky. I wear my red boots and red sweater to work and say to myself I am going to have a kick arse day. I find I am less tolerant of people now and now ask people very direct questions if I think the whole truth is not being told. Is anyone else becoming less tolerant of other peoples behaviour?

Pink bubble hugs to all Susie

Sandy - I know what deb is saying - Welcome seems like the wrong word to say because none of Want to be here.  We of course would have perrfered to have never even needed to look for this site.  But we are and everyone is so wonderful.  We are here for you too and know we are all going thru many of the same things you are physically and emotional.  I just finished round 2 today and I too have not had a whole lot of SE but I certainly know the emotions and sneak up and bite you in the ass sometimes and with no warning.  Also I just wanted to tell you that I loved the quote.  It really hit home for me since I am a big time count-downer and I hate storms.

Mom2twins - glad to hear you are feeling better. 

Becky - Glad you got your Bitch back!

Deb - I agree with you - for those of you working Full time - you Go girls.  I have been able to cut back to about 25 hours a week and don't think I can do more. 

Susie -I too have been more direct with most people except one - I had what I thought was a best friend that since I was diagnosed that has shown very little support (she barely calls or visits).  For some reason my solution with her is just to not say anything and pretend that some of my crying spells haven't been becuase of her blowing me off for weeks at a time.  I know she is at a lost for words but I have told her on 2-3 occassions that I don't need any special words just treat me like I am normal.  She can't seem to do that - when she does visit she seems SOOOO uncomfortable around me and then I get uncomfortable... not sure what to do?

Becky:  Enjoy Florida.  It's probably just what you need right now.  Relax and enjoy.  I'm sure you know this but, just a reminder that you have to be extremely careful in the sun while you are in chemo.  You will burn really quickly.  I was just out a short time last weekend and you could see a difference where I was covered and where I wasn't. 

TexasRose:  I also am noticing strands coming out everywhere.  Each day there seems to be a little bit more in the sink.  Oh well, we knew this was going to happen.  It's still a yucky realization however.  I think what I hate is that the loss of hair will make me "look" sick even though I don't "feel" sick.  It will be an outward symbol of this disease for all to see. 

Sandy:  Love the quote!  Keep the uplifting and inspirational stuff coming.  It will benefit us all.

Deb:  Work, don't work...you need to do what works for you!!!   As I have been told over and over by doctors and nurses, everyone is different and reacts differently.  Enjoy your good days, and get through your not so good days.  You know where your strength comes from. 

 As far as the inability to tolerate people and circumstances, I have found on the days when I am taking the steroids, I am less tolerant.  I am a substitute teacher and can usually let things roll of my back pretty easily, so I am not enjoying this new aspect of my personality.  (My family is probably enjoying it even less than I am!  ) 

To those of you I haven't addressed personally, please know that I enjoy reading your posts and keeping up with your progress.  There are so many of us here, we have grown into quite a club! 

Janet

And a question for those of you who have already lost yours- My hairdresser who I have been going to for going on 20 years offered to shave it for me. I absolutely refused. I refuse to go sit in her salon and get my head shaved surrounded by the other stylists and customers who I have also known forever. It's such a private moment to me. It will be so emotional. Every other aspect of this disease, I have had to share and there has been precious little privacy. I won't share this. I just won't. So, my hubby and I will do it at home. I looked at Walmart the other day and they have shavers for around $30. Is that what I need? We don't own one, so I will have to buy one. I don't care about the money. I just want to do this in the privacy of my own home. But I want to make sure I am buying the right thing.

Sandy-You're not in this alone. The May Marvels are a wonderful support. There are too many of us affected by BC. Share as much or as little as you want. The main thing is to realize that this horrible thing has happened but not just to you....and you will get through this! And we'll start dancing in the rain on our good days now and forever after tx. The kids and I just finished watching Forest Gump (why didn't I ever watch it??). Anyway, we just loved the "my mama said"s. Your quote is going to be one of mine!

Hemen-I had to give myself the Neupogen shots....didn't think I could....but I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. It actually hurt less than the one in the office! I took the claritin and ibuprofen on each day I injected and had no significant bone pain (except the first day when they did it.) Hang in there! Initially my WBC didn't respond....but then it jumped to 22!! I said how do we know I don't have an infection??? Anyway, this too shall pass.

I have less tolerance for people wasting my time........wonder why......I'm limiting conversations to those that are encouraging, inspirational, life threatening matters, life/financial necessities, and everything funny or fun. And of course, when I'm on the steroids, I'm a WWF beast-at least mouth wise. I'm hoping next round I'll let go and let God vs. letting loose as I did last time. Think Mt St Helena.

I work but have taken post chemo days off...and as needed.

Yes-Love week 2!!!!!!!!

TxRose-don't know the hair thing yet but I have a buzz cut covered by a too hot wig! May just shave it bald.

Becky-you'll need a personal fan in the afternoons with a wig in Florida anytime you walk outside! The best ones are the ones with the water spray attached. Welcome to the Sunshine State! Have a blast!

Titch-feel better!  Zuzee-hope your wig arrives soon and that you love it!

ABRose-Congrats you did it! One down.

BTW, why can't there be a separate May Marvel Cruise? I've arranged group cruises before...it's not that difficult and if arranged directly thru the Cruise line, reservations/credit card payments can go directly thru the Cruise line and done on line. Just a thought......

Hugs Marvels! Peace & Healing,

Indomitable1

 Mary - I appreciate your point about your hair cut being a private moment, not a spectator sport. Instead of a buzz, I had my hair cut really short - to a little over an inch. The woman who does the wigs has a private room where she does that so I went in with my own hair and came out with a styled wig.That gave me a few extra days of actual hair and getting used to the idea of mine leaving. Now, what is left is very, very fine halo of silver (on account of that is the colour of my hair) which doesn't itch or hurt. Having had the wig for a couple of weeks, I am getting used to wearing it in public and no longer expect that every one who sees me knows it is a wig. Indeed, tonight at a movie, a woman who doesn't know what is going on complimented me on my new hair cut. I said thank you, grinned to myself and carried on.

To all you ladies who are stressing about your hair, mine really started coming out about a week and a half ago, so after dealing with it a couple of days, I went to my stylist and got it shaved.  I was so sick of it coming out in clumps that I didn't really care who watched.  I started wearing my wig to work last week, and I have to tell you, it's been a very positive experience.  My own hair was thin and fine, never great, so I rarely got compliments on it.  I have had so many people who don't know what's going on with me medically compliment me on my new "haircut".  Friends and co-workers who do know assure me that the wig looks great.  It's actually a style that I would have loved to have with my own hair but couldn't because it wasn't thick enough.  All the positive comments have me actually feeling better about my appearance than I have in weeks!   Losing my hair wasn't pleasant, but I'm past that now and moving on with life.  So ladies, hang in there.  We'll get through this!

May Marvels-

WOW!  Quite a lot of posts yesterday........I KNOW I won't be able to individually address, this whole chemo brain thing is RIDICULOUS!!!  I HATE BEING UP EVERYDAY BY 5 am!!!!!!!  Have I said that yet?

All you need to shave your head are the clippers in the men's shave aisle, if you still have some long spots, you will need to start with the longest clipper attachment first and then shave down.  I was told under no circumstances to use an actual razor on my head, thus the remaining stubble and duct tape! 

I still love the idea of a cruise.....whenever/however. 

My patience are LONG GONE and has been for about 2 weeks now.  I can't tolerate much at all, I have always been a very blunt person but now I just feel like I don't have the time to waste on hemhauling around, putzing, etc.  Just get to the point when you are talking and don't make me think you are lying coz I will call you out in a second.  The other day someone asked how I was feeling and I said "Like shit, but thanks for asking".  That really wasn't very nice, but it was the truth!

I am starting to stress about the flight to FL.....allllll those germs is such a small space.  I have never been a 'germaphobe' but seriously everytime I hear a cough or a sneeze I want to sanitize my entire body!  I'm not even taking my wig to FL with me, I got so hot in it and it still bothers my scalp a bit.  I can't imagine how itchy and hot it would be with it on in So. FL.  So, it's gonna be my do rags and caps.  Which is going to be a whole nother scene at the airport when they make me take it off in security and I cry......EVERYTHING is making me cry this week.  And since my flight is at 9 am, its not like I can have a cocktail before I go to keep me calm. LOL!

Ok Marvels that is it for now.  Hoping everyone is doing well from tx's this week and those yet to come try not to stress about it too much....it will be done before you know it!

Hugs!

Becky

I haven't been on in a while,..... I have been working hard long hours and then going to bed.  As I write this I am going to get ready for round 3 today.  That means several days coming of not feeling good.  Yuck!!!!   I hate not feeling normal, but the good news only one more after today before Rads.  I am anxious to see how my blood work and count is today as I have been a little more tired.  Last time I did not get the N shot because my white blood count was normal, I'm not sure about today.  My wigs have been doing good, still hard to get use to, but everyone says that look good.  I got one free from Cancer society and I paid a lot for the other one, but I just sent it into my insurance to see if I can get it back.   It is great reading everyone's comments and knowing that we are all going through the same things.  By the way I am a cruiser at heart, luv my cruises!!!!!   Hanging in there today!!!!