Starting Chemo in July 2009

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2009

    July Jets?

    July Jewels?

    Get those chemo brains working!

    Welcome back nowaynotnow.

  • stef58
    stef58 Member Posts: 288
    edited July 2009

    Thanks everryone on the replies toposts. Has blood work today. It is low 2.4 which I need to research. He said just wssh hands and do not shake people hands. That is the worst thing that you can do. He seemed upbeat, and will continue with DD on Monday. Thanks and hugs Dianne

  • PS73
    PS73 Member Posts: 469
    edited July 2009

    Hi ladies,

    Just wanted to drop in.  Ive been busy (got hitched last week!) and now the honeymoon awaits.  Im a July gal as well.  Before going into anything I just want to wish you all well.  Ive read each and every story and just think you are amazing and Im lucky to have you ladies by my side as we travel this together.

    I had my port put in yesterday and tomorrow I go for my first treatment.  I will be getting lots of vitamin water and gatorade.  Wondering why not just drink mineral water for the isolectric balance thing w/o the sugar or is it a taste preference???

     I have the same regimine as Jaccee, Dianne and Hopeful.  I am AC 2/4 and TH 1/12 and then finish the h to 12mos.   No clue about the neulastin and when I get the shot, freaking out over my broken back injury three years ago and refusing surgery (now Im a pro at it go figure).  I admit, I am scared shite-less.  The hair was number one and now its more the organs Im fearful of.  I still have hot flashes from the fertility treatments. 

    I think I need biotine and claritin.  This is a must, right?  

    Ok, peace ladies.  ...how about July Jezebels (or is that offensive to some?) 

  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited July 2009

    PS73~ How's the port feeling today? I still have quite a bit of pain, but some better than yesterday. Slept in the recliner. Will be thinking of  you tomorrow as you start this journey.

    Dianne~hope your blood count comes up. This is all new..what is the 2.4 measurement??

    Joni(1)

  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Congrads!!! Lori  So happy for you and your family on the new little one.

    Thanks for the info Gramof3: We do need a name!!!

    Okay Ladies, help me think of a good name. July Jug-A-Nauts?? Help me out here. I started this thread and need help.
    And where in the heck is spell check. Put me a bunch of drugs and don't give me a spell check??? 

  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    PS73 Congrads to you!!!  How awesome, must be a really great guy. 
    The Biotene is awesome. Love the taste too. And another little tip from my nurse. avoid drinking just water, it can contribute to nausea. Keep up the great names, we will have to have a vote later this week.

  • PS73
    PS73 Member Posts: 469
    edited July 2009

    Thanks, hes so wonderful.  He won't let me go at this alone, forbids it actually.  Woke me up in the middle of the night to give me advil for the port pain.  Such a sweetie. 

     I have a question that Im hopeful you can help.  Tomorrow is the chemo christening.  Im drinking lots of water.  I will go out shortly to purchase a few needful things for tomorrow (they really should feed us don't you think?).  Im getting ginger to infuse in some mineral water to help w/ my stomache and prob some honey or is this a no no since its sugar?  Also, is there anything anybody can think of for me to do to prepare for tomorrow pre-during-post chemo.  Im guessing the neulastia will be the next day and read that claritin works for this so Ill pick this up as well. 

     I really appreciate the posts.

    what about...

    Jedi

    To see a jedi knight in your dream represents protection and security. You may be looking for someone to rescue you from current problems. Or, maybe you are looking for your "knight in shining armor". If you dream of being a jedi yourself, this signifies your inner strengths and weaknesses.. You are bravely facing your own personal challenges.


  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited July 2009

    Hummmm...July Jedi's...love them meaning behind the name. 

  • Hopeful-1
    Hopeful-1 Member Posts: 72
    edited July 2009

    Hello All,

    I went for my 1st chemo yesterday, July 6th,and sucked on ice chips while receiving Adriamycin and Cytoxin.  Several oncology doctors walked by and said I was doing the right thing by sucking on ice chips.  It constricts blood flow to the mouth which limits the amount of chemo going there and reduces chances of mouth sores.  I then drank plenty of water and vitamin waters after the ice chips and all throughout the day.  My only side effect was being very sleepy from the benadryl and other medications I received during my chemo.  I also had a headache and neckache.  I took tylenol which relieved the pain.  I slept on and off when throughout the afternoon and through the night.  I made sure I kept drinking water to flush my system which led to frequent trips to the bathroom.

    Today I felt great and worked from home 9 hours on my computer, but I heard the 3rd and/or 4th day might not be so good.

    I received my neulasta shot at 3:30 today. My mom said that shot hurt going in when she got it over 12 yrs ago, but I'm hoping that it doesn't.  My Onocologist told me my blood counts will be the lowest 11 to 12 days after chemo. 

    While I'm embracing the chemo and excercising to make sure it goes to all parts of my body and seeks and destroys any stray cancer cells, I am counting down 3 more AC, 3 more Neulasta, 4 Taxol and 5 years of hormonal treatment.

    Sending all fellow BC patients and survivors lots of hugs and prayers!

     Connie

  • Carole01
    Carole01 Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2009

    Thanks Kathy for the info.  I have no idea yet what kind of chemo I will get.  I only know I will get 8 doses over 16 weeks.  I will get my hubby check into it though he loves to researchg stuff.  I just found out yesterday that I will get chemo, i really thought I would not have to have it.  Worst part right now is I have long thick hair and just found out I will be bald in a few weeks.  Onc even made a comment that it would take 2 years to grow it back.

  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    Well, I like the meaning behind the Jedi also, but July Jug-A-Nauts made me smile & then I tweaked it to July Jug-A-Nuts! Ha!

    Congrats to the newlywed & the newly grandma!  Just empathsizes that life continues to roll even when we feel like we are walking in sludge!!!!

    I went in today for a nurse assessment of my port site.  She said it's looking pretty good even though there is still quite a lot of swelling & bruising.  She explained a few more things that I had already been told but forgot already (can't blame chemobrain yet unfortunately)

    Have a good night.

    Joni (2) 

       

  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited July 2009

    Connie - Thank you for the tip about the ice chips...I keep cutting and pasting tips to refer to for my future infusions...

    Carole - welcome to the July... group. 

    Joni2 - sorry you are still having to deal with swelling and brusing of your port site...sending healing hugs your way :)

  • backagain
    backagain Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2009

    Jugless July Jedi's?  (JJJ's)

  • Gramof3
    Gramof3 Member Posts: 301
    edited July 2009

    You women are positively awesome--off to a good start, ready for the challenges.  Keep it up!

    You go girls, you rock! Helen

  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited July 2009

    backagain - I love your suggestion...Jugless July Jedi's?  AKA Triple J :)

  • lorijo1993
    lorijo1993 Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2009

    I love the triple J also,good night and God Bless

    Lori

  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Good Morning Lovelies!! I like the triple J's too, except not everyone here had a masectomy. I am very lucky and have one and 3/4 breast still intact. Lumpectomy left a kinda flat indent. But I love the Jedi concept. 
    Wonder if we can post a poll on this site.?

    Had Neulasta shot yesterday and was told my big bones might ache. This AM my hips ache and my skull aches. Hubby said he knew I was thick skulled but not that bad!!! Nice guy!

    Eph3 12   My port isn't healing as quickly as I thought either. Still a big ole ugly bruise, tender, and the incesion isn't 100% healed. It doesn't help that it lies directly in line with every bra or tank strap lies. Figures a man to put it right there. I though I would be over more towards my arm pit. 

  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited July 2009

    Good Morning Ladies,

    Since I was also a july Chemo patient at 2005, can i join you as a retired member of the club???

    Hugs

    SheilaWink

  • backagain
    backagain Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2009

    True, Paulding - I forgot that! - maybe we could be Jug-Healing Jedi or Jug-Fighting Jedi.  

  • stef58
    stef58 Member Posts: 288
    edited July 2009

    How about the July Jetters. Maybe time will fly as we all get through this stuff. i did find that my count was 2400 with >5000 being normal. About half ,I am being careful today as he said to watch it for aleast  3 days. Go back for chemo 2 on Monday. The second week is much better. I have some strength and not so tired. So keep going everyone. Hugs and strength everyone. Drink up Dianne

  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Seyla888  Gee I don't know???? Oh what the heck, sure join in. But you have to promise to be sweet!!! 

    Hang in there Dianne. It's good to hear that the second week is much better. I am 3 days out today and am starting to feel it.

    I'm in one of my moods right now like I would really enjoy lashing out at someone or finding someone to blame. Did I sit to close to the T.V. as a child?? Eat to many red M & M's. Maybe my high school lunch lady was secretly sneaking B.C. cells into the cole slaw.

    I'm loving all the great tips here. Gonna go search to find out some more info. on hair or lack there of.  

  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    I too liked the Triple J, but like PauldingMom I'm not completely jugless!  I think you should be able to list 3 or 4 suggestions & those of us who are looking here regularly can vote for our fav. 

    Tomorrow is 1st chemo treatment-must admit, I'd scared!  It's the unknown factor.  I just want to know how it's going to affect me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Because of course, it's all about me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Joni (2) 

  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2009

    I am not jugless either, but I like the implications from Jedi - we are fighting this! Perhaps PauldingMom, as our team leader, can organize a list for us to vote on?

    Joni(2) - will be thinking of you tomorrow with your first treatment.

    Dianne - glad you are feeling better this week.

    PauldingMon -  you should post those suggestions on the how I got cancer thread. Have you all read that thread? Very funny.

  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    I love funny-where is that thread, Gill?

    PS-I hope everyone realizes that I was being sarcastic & trying to be funny when I said it was all about me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • lorijo1993
    lorijo1993 Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2009

    I just got my pre-chemo hair cut (just a very short style) I also got all the stuff for my chemo pack, medications, baking powder tooth paste,non alcohol mouthwash, hand sanitizer, imodium and stool softener.....I know I still have a week, but I want to be ready. Eph3_12, I know how you feel about being scared.

    God Bless everyone, Lori

  • Jayne_in_UK
    Jayne_in_UK Member Posts: 517
    edited July 2009

    Hello Ladies, lovely to see so many have joined this thread. Well not lovely that you have to be here of course, but we can fight this together.

    I also like the triple Js, even though I am not completely jugless.

    Joni (2) I'll be thinking of you tomorrow having your first treatment. I was a bit scared having my first one but it wasn't as bad as I thought. So I hope yours goes as well as mine did.

    ((((((Hugs to everyone))))))

  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited July 2009

    To PauldingMom,

    I cant be any different than sweet

    The only difference between me and all the ladies, that i already experienced all the fears and tests, the port, I remember how nervous I was, even tough it happened 4 years ago, I was there I understand the fears.

    Eph3-12. Good luck with the first chemo. Make sure you have a ride home because the Benadryl

    will make you very sleepy ( If you are getting one )

    Stay away from sick people, malls where there is a large crowd gathering,

    The most difficult for me was not to be able hug my friends, but everybody understood.

    I also use to do something crazy everytime i came home back from treatment I took a Qtips  i dipped it in rubbing alcohol and clean my nostrils, Germs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Hugs

    SheilaWink

  • Gramof3
    Gramof3 Member Posts: 301
    edited July 2009

    Eph3_12

    The Forum is Moving Beyond Cancer, thread is Let's Conduct our Own Study on How We All Got Breast Cancer.    Don't read it unless you are ready to have a belly laugh or two!

  • Hopeful-1
    Hopeful-1 Member Posts: 72
    edited July 2009

    Hello,

    This is my day 3 after chemo.  I worked all day and during a teleconference I was told that I sounded like I was on speed.  It was the steroid medication that I'm taking - I hope.  I talked fast, talked alot and the participants had a hard time following talking so fast.  I told them just tell me to slow down, repeat or okay to tell me to be quiet.

    All in all my coworkers were glad that I felt well and didn't mind. 

    Then around 5 or 6 pm tonight, I feel tired and slightly week.  I'm still drinking tons of fluids and plan to go to sleep soon. 

    P.S.

    I'd love to help prevent BC for the sake of my 19 yr. old daughter, my 6 sisters (1 died from cancer) and my 6 nieces.  I don't dwell on why me, but saving this pain and heartache so my girlfriends and love ones is really important to me. 

    I hope prevention of BC can progress like treatment can!!

    Best Wishes to All,

    Connie

  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited July 2009

    Joni(2)....thinking of you as you begin tomorrow. I'll be right behind you a week or so.

    Hope all of you have Look Good, Feel Better classes near you. This is something you definitely will want to do. I got invited a few weeks ago to come to the next one in Aug. The director told me I'd get $300 of high end makeup with all kinds of tips for makeup during and after chemo.  Also, ordered my free "It's A Wrap" scarf from Laurie Erickson.

    Appreciate all the tips and survival hints. Keep 'em coming. I feel so much better knowing you all are with me.

    How is everyone planning to work through chemo? My ONC said day 3-5 would be my worst on AC. So does that mean, stay home and don't work or plan to try and work? I drive a bus for developmentally disabled preschoolers am & pm and I'm off in the middle of the day. Is that sufficient to rest and recuperate?? Just curious what everyone else knows or has heard.

    Welcome to all ......July Jugs-or-nots???? haha

    Joni(1)

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