Starting Chemo in July 2009

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

    hopingforacure845-what a strong young woman you are.  Your mom is very fortunate to have you walking with her.  The blahs, depression & fatigue is universal; just let her cry.  That's the one thing I'm having some trouble with-when I cry for absolutely no reason at all, my 14 yr old gets concerned that something's "wrong"-she's not grasping the crying for cryings sake concept as of yet.  At 20, you do, so let her vent those tears-that's very important.

    You both will be in my thoughts.

    Joni2 

         

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  • oldstudent
    oldstudent Member Posts: 61
    edited July 2009

    Hi, all. Just started today. A/C every 3 weeks X 4, Then T/H for 12 weeks, then Herceptin only for another 9+ months. Port worked like a charm. Chemo was boring but not painful or miserable. No nausea, but some indigestion (will check out the suggestions here if I can remember the name of the over the counter thing mentioned.) Has anyone tried Gaviscon for indigention? It is 2:21 a.m. Was enjoying the cool summer night sleeping with windows open but some skunks decided to frolic in the back yard and woke me up. EEWWW.

    So now I'm drinking water, took a tums and put on the airconditioner to clear the skunk smell. Looking forward to talking with y'all as we pass through this trial together.

    Oh--maybe the indigestion was the Indian vegetarian buffet I enjoyed after chemo? Or the delicious dinner my friend brought over that I ate way too much of? Or the really long walk my dog took me on this afternoon (gotta love those pooches for getting you to exercise!)

    I wore a "F*** Cancer" T Shirt to chemo today, receiving great reviews. Maybe will wear it again but change before I go home so I don't shock the neighborhood kids when I get home. I felt like a junior high kid wearing offensive clothes in front of the Vice Principal!

    Lots of funny thoughts have wantered through my head in the process. On the mediport: I know how Captain Picard must have felt when assimilated by the Borg! (OK, I'm a total NERD) On the lumpectomy: Couldn't the scar be more like a smiley face instead of a crooked scowley face? On future mastectomy: I'm going to get a decent boob job so I won't be so pear shaped. T/H cocktail in Hawaii in November? Stay tuned, it's my 25th anniversary and damn it, I can feel sick in paradise just as easily as at  home. Just worried about germs on the airplane. . . It sure takes my mind off politics and the recession! Wow, have I got great friends and family. When all this chemo and surgery is over, I'm going to throw a rediculous PARTY. I can't spell at 2:30 a.m. G'night!

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  • oldstudent
    oldstudent Member Posts: 61
    edited July 2009

    Wow, hopingforacure, you are such a wonderful daughter! I have a 21 year old and she has been very supportive. I worry about her worrying about me! I know I'm going to be OK and that, as my grandmother would say, "this too shall pass". Please don't forget to take care of yourself. My 20 year old son, also very supportive, was very freaked out by the whole situation at first. Then one night he told me he had a big argument with one of his best friends, which was very uncharacteristic of him. His friend asked him what was going on and that was the beginning of my son building HIMSELF a support group. Please don't neglect yourself, it is hard on young adult kids of parents going through cancer treatment.

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  • KarenVW
    KarenVW Member Posts: 92
    edited July 2009

    Hi everyone!  May I become your newest member? What a pleasant surprise to find all of you! (although I know there are no accidents).  I was surfing for info to relieve my anxiety about starting chemo this week and found this incredible group of women over 2 hours ago.  Since then, of course, I had to read all the previous posts.  Thanks for all the great info, laughs and tears.  For starters, I immediately copied the 'must have' list of items to buy pre-chemo, and e-mailed for my free wrap.  And I too love the Titanic and dessert quote.   

    I am a single mom with two terrific children, aged 15 and 14, and blessed with very caring family and friends. When I was first diagnosed, I was told I would likely need chemo, then after surgery was told I might not need it, then told by my oncologist I should do it given the grade 3 diagnosis.  I was given the choice between CMF and TC, and am planning to do TC x 4.  Thankfully my lumpectomy was relatively easy, but approaching chemo makes it all SO REAL.  OK, I admit, I am scared of the chemo, and actually rescheduled my chemo start date a week later because my head & heart just weren't in the game (and I know I need to be 100% committed).  So now my start date is 7/23 and I want to thank this group for changing my view of chemo from being a harmful poision to being 'magic juice' and 'scrubbing bubbles'.  Only you could make this happen.  :)

    I look forward to a getting to know all of you better!

    Karen

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

    Hello Triple J's,

    Yesterday I had chemo (AC) #2 and felt tired, but managed to stay awake to suck on 3 cups of ice chips.  I wore the bracelets that Pauldingmom sent me today and thought of her.

    I fell asleep at 9pm forgot to take benedryl and I've been up since 3:30 am.  Must be from IV infused dexamethasone, dose was cut in 1/2 ,but caused sleeplessness.  Good thing is no bad head and neck ache.  My doc agreed that the dexamethasone was causing most of my side effects (pimples on head and neck, constipation, head ache, jitters, sleeplessness) and since I had no nausea and even forgot to take Emend the 3rd day, he cut my steroid meds in half this round.  Today is day 15 for me and still no hair loss.  I lost a few here and there, but that seems normal.  The anticipation the hair loss makes me nuts!  I find myself looking on my pillow, in the bathtub, on my comb, but no more than try to count every hair.  My husband keeps on telling me not to think about it.  Easy for him to say, he shaves his head and is bald. 

    Only 2 more AC and then 4 Taxol, 1/4 the way done, 14 weeks to go - Yipee! Oh, but then i have 5 yrs of tamoxifen - oh well!  Whatever it takes I will do and embrace.

    hopingforacure845:  I'm so happy your mom has you to look out for her and support her.  Although her diagnosis isn't the same as mine, her treatment is.  I also have a 19 year old daughter, but I'm concened because she is quieter than normal.  Your mom is very fortunate to have you and I'm sure the information you gather will help her and also probably helps you. 

    Welcome to all the new Triple J's!

    I hope everyone has a good week with minimal side effects.

    God bless you all,

    Connie from CT

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    NikNak- Welcome and I know how you feel about the hair. I am at the same stage and on the border as to when to clip it and when to wait. No big clumps coming out and it still looks semi-normal. 

    GillyOne-Are we going to start with rules??? How many post is to many??? Okay Ladies, we are now limited to 255 post per 24 hour period per person. Anyone going over that amount will have an extra day of constipation added to their routine.

    Eph3 12  If you let her color your scalp you have GOT to post pictures. Do you think my day care kids would enjoy a little "color Ms. Lisa" time??

    Hopingforacure845- What a wonderful daughter you are. I am close to the same age as your mom (46) and I also have a 20 year old daughter who has been a huge help to me. I also have a mom with stage II Breast Cancer, so I can understand your desire to help. I can also understand your mom's desire not to come to this forum. It's a very personal decision. My own mother won't step in here either. You are doing what is right for you. You will be able to pick through the negative and the positive here and just offer enlightenment to your mom. Why don't you sign her up to the Look Good Feel Better program? I went with my 20 year old and we had an blast! Order her a free It's a Wrap, perhaps it will be nice to give to her down the road when she needs a little lift. I too cry almost daily (such a wimp). I hate what I am putting my family and friends through and I am scared. Then I come here, laugh, hold virtual hands, and feel better. My hope is that you too will feel better after coming here.

    Okay that's one, 254 to go today. (wondering to self if it wouldn't be pro-active to sign up with a different name thus being able to go 500 post!  hmmmm) 

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Just sending a great big WELCOME!Cool To all you newbies. So glad you found us! I speak for us all when I say we wish you didn't need to find us, but so glad you are here and we can all share our journey together. 

    2 down, 253 to go and it's only 7:11 AM in Georgia 

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  • White929
    White929 Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2009

    Hopingforacure845:  Welcome!  Your mother is so very fortunate to have you to lean and cry on.  She will get through this with your love and guidance.  You keep reading...feed her all the postive you can and before you know it, this too will be a memory.

    oldstudent:  You may want to be careful eating at buffet type restaurants as I have heard most oncs don't recommend this as a precaution against germs, bacteria, food poisoning, etc.

    Eph_12:  I know what you mean about crying.  I had one of those days the other day and my 22 year old son kept asking me what was wrong.  I couldn't even really give him an answer except I was having a bad day and needed to be alone for a while.  I have to be careful in front of my 3 year old grandson as he gets upset when I'm upset.

    Newbies:   So many of us here!  This brings sadness to me in one way and joy in another.  What would we all be doing without the internet?  I can't believe how many of us there.  And then again, how many women don't know about us and are walking this journey alone?  The more we talk to people the more people we can invite to join us. 

    I was asked to a breakfast for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.  They are going to start one in either my town or the next one over and I'm interested in being very involved.  I chair the survivorship part of Relay for Life and had 101 survivors this year to the dinner.  It is a very moving experience.  Even more so as I was diagnosed right before the event.

    Well, today is day 19 and I still have hair.  I had cut it very short last Tuesday thinking on Thursday it would be gone (day 14).  Strands are falling each day, but not enough to make me wear something yet.  Who knows, maybe I'll just have my 3 year old draw on it with a sharpie and show the world! 

    I'm surprised I think I'm the only triple negative on this forum!  I guess since there is only 20% of us out there, chances are slim to meet someone on this site who is.  I have been to the triple negative forum, but not too many there either.

    Well, hope all is well with all of you today.  It is going to be a beautiful day here today.  Yesterday morning I took a walk along Lake Michigan and it was simple peaceful. 

    Hope everyone has a great day!Tongue out

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

    Good Morning Triple J's,

    Well, first AC yesterday and treatment went well...no surprises. I did get the gallon of water down without much problem. I had read someone gained 7 pounds over the course of the first treatment day. Well, I gained 9.5!!! But by  this morning had lost 8.5 again. Praise the kidneys are working.

    I had a  SEVERE headache about 3 hours after treatment. Took compazine, Tylenol, soaked in a tub. Finally got relief after midnite, and was able to get up at 4am and go to work. Surprised at the intensity and duration of the headache (it was accompanied by nausea). I don't have any sleep meds but wondered if I couldn't have taken a hydrocodone or lortab left over from surgery. I will ask that next appt. Feel ok now, and will be heading to get my wig styled this afternoon.

    I've had a few days myself where tears flowed freely. I think my college boys see that and wonder if I haven't been given some news that I haven't told anyone. I have assured them I will let them know of everything the Dr. says....yet I  know they are concerned....which brings more tears.Cry

    Karen~Will be thinking of you as you start treatment this week.Let us know how you do.

    Welcome all...the internet is a WONDERFUL tool.

    "Breast" wishes and soft hugs,

    Joni(1)

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  • stef58
    stef58 Member Posts: 288
    edited July 2009

    Hello Everybody, Had blood drawn yesterday, Looked good. The put me on a Wednesday schedule because even the doc needs a vacation. Finally found out what the second cocktail will be. Taxatere, Is anybody  taking this or going to take this. The worst part is that it is not DD. It is every three weeks, so will not get done till later. I have next treatment on the 29th. Having bad pain in the hips, so took some painkillers which I do not like. Ask for some sleep aid which they gave me another anti depressant. Do not need that stuff . Ended up with creepy skin , flushing and wired through the roof last night. The stuff is Trazodone hydrochloride. Anybody have this stuff? Bald is beautiful Strength and hugs Dianne

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  • LindaSueH
    LindaSueH Member Posts: 70
    edited July 2009

    KarenVW...where do you live....I m in West Chester....Welcome Ohio girl!

    oldstudent...where did you get the F#@* Cancer shirt...would LOVE to have one of those!!

    hopingforacure....I have a 27 year old daughter who has been so amazing and strong thru all of this...she is the greatest blessing and I can tell you are as well.

    I shaved my head last night (day 12) and am choosing to have a great attitude!!

    Hugs and love to all......Linda

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  • pammyj
    pammyj Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2009

    Karenvw..hi! just read your post..i will be starting same chemo same day as you..scared out of my mind but i feel i'm not alone with all these brave women..good luck..i will be thinking of you thursday..we'll be fine!!!

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Stef58, I am getting Taxatere and Cytoxin. I think there are a few of us here on that routine. The one problem I had with the Taxatere that was odd was hive type blisters on my hands. Used benedryl and benedryl liquid. Add that to anti-anxiety drugs and sleeping pills and I've sleep pretty good. Trying to get off the anti-anxiety drugs but the sleeping pills are a must for me. I hate feeling like a drugie but I need to sleep and I was really lnot getting enough for a while. 

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

    White929-I went to my Look Good, Feel Better class yesterday; 5 women total- 4 of us were breast cancer. The other 3 besides me were all triple negative.  The fifth gal was ovarian cancer.  I told them all about this place on the web (don't know if there's a similar site for other cancers, but probably)-none of them knew about it.  The class ended up being quite fun; I don't do make-up, never have, but once the hair goes, I think I might want to just for counterbalancing the look!  Got lots of make-up, quality stuff, that was fun to play with. 

    Day 13 for me-no hair loss other than self-imposed when I cut it shorter than normal last week.  I wanted to go even shorter, but my hair cutter wouldn't-she said I would be the 1 in a million who doesn't lose my hair & I would hate her if she cut it as short as I wanted and it ended up not coming out!  She said come on in if it does & she & my daughter can shave it!

    I really do like the sharpie idea.  I'm gonna do it, I'm pretty sure!

    Joni2    

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  • elisheva
    elisheva Member Posts: 80
    edited July 2009

    hopingforacure - Welcome.

    Your Mom is lucky to have such a supportive daughter. I think that it helps to learn more about your own illness. I started reading about it everywhere - books, articles, internet sites. This is a great site for all the answers - and I don't mean the community forums, but the whole site. Why don't you get your mom a book. I bought several, of which I think the best is Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book. It's not all about breast cancer. About a third of it is about the breats themselves, but the parts about the illness are very good, very informative.

    It helped me to learn as much as I could. While I was reading I learned to look on the whole experience in a detached manner, as if it happens to someone else.  Can't give you any other advice, but a lot depends on her attitude. Most women here are very optimistic (so am I). Chances are very good for, if not a complete cure then for a long life free of any symptoms.

    Good luck to you and to your Mon. Elisheva.

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  • LindaSueH
    LindaSueH Member Posts: 70
    edited July 2009

    ok.....this is really weird, but I have developed these black skin tag looking things under both armpits since my 1st chemo.  Any ideas??????????????

    Linda

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2009

    Hi ladies

    I am at day 15 after my first A/C and my hair is really coming out. Looks like by this weekend I will be needing my wig. Next treatment is July 28 hope things go a lot smoother with the gas issue this time. HUGS TO ALL.

    Edie

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  • eliz46
    eliz46 Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2009

    I have had my first round of chemo yipppeeeeee i did it.....went very well i still dont feel anything different the nurses and doctor were great tomorrow i go back for the nalausta shot .all of you woman are so great and there is nothing like sharing our experiences together i am so grateful .everyone is in my prayers.....eliz

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  • hopingforacure845
    hopingforacure845 Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2009

    Thank you, everyone, for the nice welcome. I am glad this site is here and that you all have each other for support! I am so inspired (and entertained! Pauldingmom- your new rule made me laugh!) by all of you.

    Pauldingmom- thank you for the suggestions! We actually already went to the Look Good, Feel Better class. It was WONDERFUL. I wish we could do it again- we had a blast. We met some amazing women who gave my mom support and strength the night before her first chemo session; they actually made her not dread it quite so much. I think it's something every woman should do before or during chemo- and enjoy getting pampered! :) I also ordered my mom's free It's a Wrap from franceluxe.com, thanks to your reccomendation on the first post. Laurie is so kind.

    Elisheva- thanks for the book reccomendation. I will order it (probably for myself though- I ordered my mom the B.O.O.B.S book as well as Just Get Me Through This! A Practical Guide to Breast Cancer, but she did not want them because it was too overwhelming for her.) I didn't read B.O.O.B.S yet, but I did read Just Get Me Through This, and I reccomend it for anyone who is looking for more information. It was written by a breast cancer survivor who gives some great advice. If you're looking for a more "medical" book, it's probably not the best one, but I found it very valuable and informative. Just a suggestion for those of you wanting to read!

    Hopeful-1 and oldstudent, it sounds like you both have teenage (or close to it) children who are not acting quite normal. I also have an 18 year old brother who is going through the same thing- just doesn't know how to act or what to say sometimes, and is very freaked out by everything. I think he was crying when he called me to ask about my mom's 2nd surgery, but he didn't want to be there with us waiting for her. I bet that as time goes on, your kids will start to feel a little more comfortable with everything... I am sure they are just scared, love you very much, and want the best for you. It stinks that life has handed my mom and every one of you ladies this shitty situation, but it's only temporary and will pass... at least that's what I keep telling myself...

    Thanks again for the responses and for making me feel so welcome. I will keep thinking of you all!

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  • Kathy16
    Kathy16 Member Posts: 135
    edited July 2009

    Several of us are on the Taxotere & Cytoxen schedule every three weeks.  Some of the side effects might also come from what they have to give you before the chemo in order to counteract the SE of the chemo - like the Decadron, which is a steroid.  You might need sleep aids b/c the steroids give you this artificial "energy high" and make it difficult to wind down. 

    Someone asked about stomach aches and they put me on pepcid twice a day for that.

    Thank you to everyone who let me know how quickly you were losing hair when I posed my hair question.  It is day #7 and I do still have a full head of hair, albeit a lot thinner, but it comes out every time I wash, comb, mess with my hair in any way.  I don't have a problem with shaving it - but I wanted it to last until I had my chemo week off from work coming this Thursday so I could come back to work with the wig.  For those who aren't ready to shave and want an alternative -- this week I've used some pretty rectangular scarves like headbands, not covering my whole head but with bangs in front and my hair showing in back where it's thicker and got several compliments.  People thought it was just a new "look."  It gave me a little security and self-confidence that every day people wouldnt notice it was thinner and I have one more day to work this week, so I think I've made it. 

    All the best to new members who are just starting out - thoughts and prayers are with you.   

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

    Oncologist appointment today - and clear scans!

    I have chemo education tomorrow and first round of chemo on Friday. I am so pleased to be finally starting, it seems like I've been waiting a while. I (think!) I will get 4xAC dose dense, so 2 weeks apart followed by 4xtaxol, again 2 weeks apart. Finally a plan.

    Sorry I'm not responding to everyone's posts. It's been a bit overwhelming the past couple of weeks with all the scans and the port and waiting for results. I'll be a better listener now!

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

    Hi All - I have been a bit down this week and have not been up to posting but I have been reading and just wanted to let everyone know I really appreciate all your posts...the encouragement, support and sharing of information. 

    STILL waiting on insurance to 'approve' my tx on clinical to start next Wednesday - Scans, Labs and Echo came back good and now just waiting to start...UGH!!!! 

    Welcome all Newbies!!!  I have been updating everyones stat's with start dates and tx's so check on page 7 if you are wanting to know who is on similar cocktails.  

    Best wishes and hugs to all!! 

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  • Bethie1
    Bethie1 Member Posts: 393
    edited July 2009

    Hello July girls!!!!

    I took 4 AC and 4 Taxol. I was very fortunate/blessed/lucky if you will to get through most if not all my chemo treatments. I finished chemo 5/20, and in the process of radiation now.  I have a wonderful group of doctors, and anytime you notice anything different with your body mention it to the doctor.  I was on SO many antinausea drugs with chemo that for the most part I did OK.  I had a generic vesion of Kytril if needed, but for the most part felt fatigue and queasy--nothing that soup and crackers couldn't handle. I of course lost my hair-all of it--but didn't have to shave my legs WOOHOO!!! Chemo is cumulative so as you progress in your treatment you'll feel your symptoms more.  If you ladies are able to have something to eat while doing chemo--do it!! I had a lunch provided by the hospital, and it helped me with my nausea. Also, my hydration day was the day after chemo-keep drinking water EVEN AFTER  chemo.  I became dehydrated last week after radiation because I forgot I wasn't getting the hydration I had during chemo.  Also, if any of you are taking taxol for your chemo, you may be given Benadryl intravenously. I had this therapy, and had a jittery/shakiness/shivery feeling from the benadryl. Not the reaction I was supposed to have.  Apparently it was too much for my system, if it works for you fine--if not ask if you can take OVER-THE-COUNTER Benadryl.  I took the over-the-counter type, 1 hour before  chemo, then another one right before the nurses administered chemo--and I slept like a baby!!!

    Also when you ladies go through radiation--use 100% aloe vera to start when you begin your radiations BEFORE YOU SEE RED.  My sister recommended I do this, and I haven't been feeling my sunburn; I just look burnt. Another thing, as you do your radiation treatments you MAY see black dots/freckles--I did. I asked rad onc about the one I had, and it was a radiation tattoo, so don't be alarmed,  but by all means mention anything and everything you see different on your bodies.  Hope my experience helps you!!

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

    Hello everybody,

    I just want to say how fortunate we all are to find and care for each other.

    If this is not a family what is . Good luck to all chemoers for this week.

    As i cant post more than 5 times, i can still read how everybody's doing.

    We will have lots of graduates this year.

    Let me share something . Couple of nights ago I try to reach the post, since i have reached my limit I couldn't. I went on the Internet to find coupons before i know it reached sides for free samples. so i played around i got more and more.........to cut the story short the last 48 hours i received 96 spams, 1 of them wanted to send me nude photos, find a date, all i did was ask for free samples. I will never go to those offers again.

    Finding this site was an accident i was looking for Femara and Herceptin. To this day i dont know how i ended up here but this was a happy accident so my first child.

    Wink SheilaWink

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  • Niknak0320
    Niknak0320 Member Posts: 138
    edited July 2009

    Thanks for the warm welcome ladies!  We had my head shaving party tonight :)

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  • Carole01
    Carole01 Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2009

    Have read some of you are having constipation problems.  Try MIRALAX.  It is great.  I had back surgery 18 months ago and thought I was going to die from constipation.  A friend told me about miralax a have been taking it since my 6/19 surgery and port surgery and have had no problems. Normally after a surgery I have svere constip. problems.  I hope it continues to work through chemo.

    Does claritan really help with bone aches from neulasta?

    I had a bilat with free flap reconstuction and a tummy tuck one month ago.  I am having some swelling in my tummy area.  Has anyone else had this procedure?  If so are you having any problems?

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  • KarenVW
    KarenVW Member Posts: 92
    edited July 2009

    Went to the Look Good, Feel Better class tonight.  Met some great people and had fun playing with the make-up.  How nice that all this really good make-up is donated and free for us.

    I am glad to hear some of you have had 'shaving' parties.  I too thought it would be great to have a party, but a few folks thought I was nuts.

    LindaSueH - I live in  Montgomery - not too far from you!

    Pammyj - I too will be thinking of you on Thursday.  What regimen are you doing?

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  • mnikityger
    mnikityger Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2009

    Hi all!  Hope everyone is having the best day possible.  KarenVW Hi from another Ohio Gal.  I get my power picc tomorrow.  One day closer to July 27 and the start of my ACT.  Thanks to everyone on this site I am ready to get it started and kick this bc in the butt.  I am so thankful I found this site.  Bless you all

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  • Twinmom77
    Twinmom77 Member Posts: 303
    edited July 2009

    I did it! One down, five to go!  I can tell all the other newbies who are scared to start that it's not so bad!  I don't have a port yet, so the worst part was my nurse having a little trouble sticking me, but otherwise it was a breeze.  I feel great right now, except that I didn't fill my Ativan rx and now I'm up at 1AM due to the steroids.  They didn't end up giving my benadryl because of the reaction I had six years ago, so I'm not sleepy.  I'm still a little nervous about how I'm going to feel in the next couple days, but I know I can handle it!

    Sorry, I have trouble remembering specific posts and names, but Thanks to all those further along in treatment for your support, congrats to everyone who made it through their first time, and good luck to everyone who's first is coming up.  We can do this!

    And hello to all the Ohio girls!

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

    Hello Triple J's,

    I enjoyed reading up on all the posts and my hope is that all of you are doing well.

    Had my second round of chemo done on July 20.  Now I know what they mean by chemo is cumulative.  Experienced  a lot of uncontrollable gas in every way and direction and my husband thought it was very funny Embarassedand then had acid reflux which I've never had indigestion before in my life so this was uncomfortable, burning sensation in throat and went on for several hours.  When I drank more water it helped reduce the acid reflux burping thing.

    Took less steroids this time since no nausea the last time and doc said they caused most of the side effects.  Still have sleeplessness - it's 3:30 am now.  I even took benadryl last night.

    Now that the gas problem is gone and sleeplessness and constipation are my only issues, I'm feeling pretty good after chemo #2.  I will try to drink my gallon of water today to flush the toxins and hope it helps me feel good until chemo #3 on August 3.

    Day 15 and still have almost all my hair, losing few strands here and there, but nothing significant. I heard from my friend who has BC that day 18 is usually the day.

    GIllyOne and O2BHealthy:  I'm so glad your scans and MRI  results were good.  I waited 24 hours for all my results and was so relieved when all came back fine.

    Hopingforacure845: thanks for sharing how your brother is handeling your mom's illness.  My daughter was there during my surgery and very concerned, but then became withdrawn.  My doctors want her to begin getting checked now at 19 and I think she is scared that she will also get BC one day.  We are close and talk often, but I have noticed she is less talkative lately.

    Carole01: Thanks for the miralax recommendation for constipation. I'll need to try it.  Prunes, prune juice and milk of magnesia are really icky Frownso i'll try miralax.Smile

    Hugs and Prayers to all fellow BC and especially Triple J's!

    Connie

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