Starting Chemo in July 2009

Options
1…1415171920…71

Comments

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

    Michelle~Yay!! Great news on the tests and scans. So sorry you've been down this week. I know I felt a little overwhelmed the week leading up to chemo. Hope all is well. Sending prayers and hugs to  you today.

    Joni(1)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pammyj
    pammyj Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2009

    Karenvw..i start taxotere & cytoxen..took my first decadron this am. i guess i'm on my way! really nervous about tomorrow but thank goodness this site is here for wisdom and HOPE..good luck tomorrow!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Such great news GillyOne!

    O2behealthy: Google Patient Access Network Foundatin if you need help paying for Chemo. drugs.

    Thanks for the info Bethie. Many of us have read June and May Chemo. post just to see what to expect. It is much easier to have it posted here.  

    Seyla888-Sorry sweetie I do not understand "reach my post limit"

    NikNak-You go Girl! What time should we be there? Have a blast and we want details.

    HopefulOne-I was told to drink other things besides water for haearburn as it can sometimes make it worse. Try ginger ale, gatoraid or even cola. Stir out the bubbles first.

    All is well here. I actually feel normal, if that is a good thing or not.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stef58
    stef58 Member Posts: 288
    edited July 2009

    Happy birthday to me today. Feeling like normal today, going through bills and insurance stuff. Am going to quilt this afternoon and supper with the daughter tonight.  I am goig to get some miralax. Hope Try prilosc bofre next chemo. Take it everyday it helps. The taxotere I am taking alone the second half. Anyone else. Hugs Dianne

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • glassist
    glassist Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2009

    Is this thread still active?  I had my first chemo treatment yesterday (july 21, 2009).  I've not figured out all the abbreviations you guys use, but I'm sure I will.  Just curious if anyone else got zapped with me yesterday.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited July 2009

    Hi Pauldingmom,

    What i meant was that, That warning sign that says " You cant post more than 5 times in 24 hour period". I really hate it. Someone in the group mentioned once that if you reach 25 postings, there are no limits. I have over 45.

    I know its no big deal but i really needed to write.

    Hugs

    Yell Sheila Yell

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherry2007
    sherry2007 Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2009

    Good luck to each and everyone of you starting chemo!

    I was diganosed in October 2007. I started chemo in March 2008 and I finished chemo one year ago this month. They say I'm a year and a half survivor!

    When I started my hair started falling out one week after my first treatment. The private area lost it maybe a few weeks later. That part has not grown back in completely but I'm not complaining. About a week after I stopped treatment my head starting getting peach fuzz, by December my head  was covered with hair but it looked like a militery cut. LOL I was blond with a little gray. It came back in black but went to all gray after a few months. I now have wavey, curly hair almost shoulder length. It was always wavey but now I have curls in the back that I never had. I did the hat and scarf thing all the time, the only time I felt comfitable showing my bald head was at the cancer center. But thats just me. Take a friend it makes the time fly when you're sitting waiting for the meds to go through. I always had my bag ready to go, a book, lunch, eye glasses, water bottle, MP3 player, cell phone and cross stitch.

    You will make it though all the treatments, sometimes you think you won't but I'm proof that you will. :) I just celebrated my 50th bithday on July 9th.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2009

    Sheila I used to get that warning too. Now if I try to post quickly, it won't let me. Like if I edit and then re-post, it tells me I can't post in quick succession. I just wait a few seconds and it goes through. I don't know why it is still restricting you after you have done so many posts. Perhaps check with the moderator?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited July 2009

    Thank you, Gill

    Iwill try that. I tried something different,   I PM glassist and it worked.

    Glassist 2 messages are waiting for you in private Messages section.

    Thanks Gill

    Sheila

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    CoolLaughingHappy Birthday STEP58CoolSmile

    And welcome glassist!  Welcome Sherry 2008 and congrads. on your success!

    I have never received a warning. I guess they just love me more than you guys. LOLInnocent But they still won't let me copy and paste and a bunch of other things that would be helpful. Wouldn't color text be nice and the ability to post links. 

    Today my daughter and I glued hair to hats. I took some inexpensive, 2 for $5.00, ladies baseball caps and some of those pony tail hair wraps. we took the wraps apart and hot glued them to the side of the hats where my ears will be. We also found some cute sparkles on the clearance rack and dazzeled them up.

    For those of you needing help with abbreviations go to: Search on the top right hand side of this page and put in abbreviations. It will show you a link with most of them.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • joani
    joani Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2009

    Hi Everyone. This is my first post. My name is Joan, I live in California. I had bilateral masectomy on June 16, 2009 and had my first A/C Chemo on July 13. Today was my Nadir and my WBC count was very low. The Chemo pharmacist was shocked at my low counts since I am feeling so good. He suggested I stay away from crowds and stores (I have finally been grounded to my room!) and take my temp 3xs daily and if it raises to go to the ER. So my question to everyone is. any one else had this happen? Anything else I can do to raise the count? Should I be worried that this has happened after just my first treatment? I did take the Neulasta shot, once daily for 5 days after my Chemo. I am so disappointed as I had thought I was doing so good!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited July 2009

    SmileWSmileESmileLSmileCSmileOSmileMSmileESmile     

    SmileJSmileOSmileASmileNSmile

    Before my second treatment (Years back) My WBC was also low but I was feeling fine.

    Are you sure it is Neulasta not Neutregon (cant spell the name right) Thats the one you get once daily for 4-5 times. I was on it, then Iwas upgraded to Neulasta but you get that only once.

    Good Luck,

    SheilaWink

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hopingforacure845
    hopingforacure845 Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2009

    Hi joani, my mom is having a similar situation.... Her wbcs were very low today (day 8 after first treatment). She has a cold too, though so she needs antibiotics now. The nurses were very surprised at how low they were considering that she had the Neulasta shot the day after treatment. They did say that the counts will most likely rise greatly today, tomorrow, and the next day... days 8-10 after treatment. I hope the same is true for you! Also hoping they are high enough that she will be on schedule for chemo next week! Just be sure to take extra precautions to stay healthy, like washing your hands a lot and closely monitoring how you feel- I'm sure you already knew that though! The good news... low counts are evidence that the chemo is doing its job! That's what I keep telling myself..trying to stay positive.

    Also- my mom just told me the doctor prescribed her a special mouthwash... My response- oh is it Magic Mouthwash with lidocaine and 2 other things? She was floored-- "how did you know that?!?" I was like, oh I learn so much from the women on this forum I've been visiting.. Wink Thanks, ladies!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • joani
    joani Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2009

    Sorry, you are right. It was the neutrogen shot for 5 times. I just talked to the Chemo nurse and she said something about making it for 7 days next time. I don't go back for Chemo til Aug 3 so I have time to build my WBC count back up. Thanks for the replys Ladies. I feel better now and not so worried.

    Also, I think I have decided to get a PICC line instead of a PORT. By the time my surgeon is ready to put in a PORT, I will have finished 3 Chemos. I have a large Hematoma on my left breast, well, where it used to be! And he won't put in a PORT for another month at least til the hematoma is gone. By that time I could have the PICC line in and used. If I don't like it,they will pull it out and wait for the PORT. I really don't want another surgery and anything else put into my chest. Does anyone have any ideas about this? Thanks Ladies. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hopeful-1
    Hopeful-1 Member Posts: 72
    edited July 2009

    Hello Triple-J's,

    Today is my day 16  and I started losing many strands of hair.  Not so much in the shower, but after when combing or just working on my computer, it just keeps on dropping.  I still have a full head of short hair, but my sister saw it thought I trimmed it.  I'm going to hold off on the shaving head to see if I follow my mom who only lost on top and not along her hairline around her face and head.  Other than some sleeplessness, loss of hari, constipation and heartburn, I'm feeling really good.

    Oh well as Meghan would say Hair today, Gone tomorrow, will be back later!  Now I can be a blond, brunette, redhead, or even purple and pink punk with wigs.  Might as well have fun with it!Wink

    Joani:  Welcome! Hope you feel better soon.  Neulasta shot typically is give once the day after chemo and Neupogen is typically given each day for 5 days after chemo.

    Stef58 (Dianne):  Happy Birthday to you!  Hope you have a wonderful day full of joy, love and laughterSmile

    Pauldingmom:  Thanks for the tips for the heartburn thing.  This didn't happen during my first chemo so it sort of concerned me.  Otherwise I'm feeling very good.

    Lots of hugs and well wishes to all!

    Connie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2009

    My chemo has been moved from Friday to Thursday - so I'll be joining the group of several other ladies all starting tomorrow.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Carole01
    Carole01 Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2009

    Day 3 after 1st treatment.  Very tired and have a horriblr metal taste in my mouth.  Any suggestions on how to get rid if it?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mnikityger
    mnikityger Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2009

    Hi All.  Hope everyone had the best day possible.  I went to have the PICC line put in but after the hospital went over the risks I opted out of that choice.  Originally did not want to have another cut on my chest but after learning of all the risks with the picc especially the risk of infection (complicated because of my COPD) I am going to go ahead and have the port put in.  I will have my first chemo without picc or port. Tomorrow ct scans and an echo gram.   Some days I feel so overwhelmed with all the decisions to be made does anyone else feel that way. I know all the decisions are personal choices but with so many I sometimes wonder if I am making the right ones like picc verses port.  Hopefully all will calm down when I start my chemo.  Bless each and everyone of you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • eliz46
    eliz46 Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2009

    Im on day 2 here, everything tastes like salt .i have been drinking alot of water with electrolites, your a day ahead of me carole1  what chemo are you having

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    Day 14 & it's starting to look like Hair Loss time, everywhere I go (add music here to the tune of "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas)!

    I'm headed to my sister's tomorrow for a short visit.  She has lots of wigs, not for medicinal purposes, just because she likes them, so I'm going to go thru the supply & grab a few.  I already know I grabbing the hot pink one!

    I'm sorry to read of some of your side effects-the tasting thing is a real bummer.  I was glad I didn't get that initially, but lately I've had that metallic-y taste in my mouth at random times. Yuck!

    Try to have a decent day tomorrow fellow Triple J's-we shall survive (insert Gloria Gaynor's music-"I will Survive" here!)

    Joni2 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Carole01
    Carole01 Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2009

    Eliz 46:  I am on adriamycin and cytoxin

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kathy16
    Kathy16 Member Posts: 135
    edited July 2009

    Saying a prayer for all of us Thursday girls - I counted KarenVW, White 929, pammyj, gillyone and probably some others I missed - and, of course, for everyone in-between who are courageously dealing with the side effects and pushing on.  Not as afraid as my first - just still a little scared about the allergy part and hoping and praying I'm not allergic - sometimes 2nd treatment is the one to which you react.  Just took my decadron so I'm thinking of you all tonight getting ready for tomorrow.  God bless.  K

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lorijo1993
    lorijo1993 Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2009

    Joani, a PICC is OK but is not long lasting, and sometimes I have noticed that as they get older it is harder to draw blood from.

    I learned a big lesson today, I am again very weak today could barely dress for my MD.s appointment much less drive the hour to and from , it was my 7 day appointment after T/C and my WBC's were very low.  My ONC was asking me what I have been drinking, I was so proud to tell him that I was drinking lots of juice as he instructed and that the only juice that taste good is ruby red grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice has properties that can increase the chemo in your body, that during his fellowship they would use grapefruit juice to do just that.

    Happy Birthday Step58!!!!!!!Cool

    welcome to all that are new, God Bless everyone

    Ode to be strong again,

    Lori

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KarenVW
    KarenVW Member Posts: 92
    edited July 2009

    A BIG thanks to o2bhealthy for putting together the list of everyone on page 7!!

    I am also praying for all of us starting tomorrow (7/23).  It looks like there are seven of us!  Kathy, White329, gillyone, Shae, Denise, Pammyj and myself.  THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN.  Here are a couple of brief descriptions of the movie.  See any connections or analogies??  :)

    ** Manhunt - Townspeople form a posse to go after an Indian who abducted a missionary`s daughter.

    **An oppressed Mexican peasant village assembles seven gunfighters to help defend their homes.

    **A group of hired gunmen protecting a Mexican village from bandits.

    I suppose you could think of the 'hired gunmen' as our chemo drugs.  We will not be oppressed!  We will be saved from the bandits!!

    Please let us know how you are doing tomorrow!  The steroids have definitely kicked in and I'm not sure I will sleep tonight.  I'm a late night owl anyway and the steriods are only feeding my it. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • balsie
    balsie Member Posts: 391
    edited July 2009

    Hi ladies,

    Oh today my hair is coming out by a lot.  Even though I was prepared for this with a wig and scarfs and hats.....I am having a hard time with this, I am actually very sad and cried about it to my husband today. I didn't think I would feel this way.  Other than this issue I felt good today ...I even did hip hop abs....loved it! 

    Good luck to all of you having Chemo tomorrow.....I wish you a good day with few side effects.

    Thanks for listening to my....oh you are wonderful ladies

    Healing wishes,

    Balsie~

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • joani
    joani Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2009

    I will be seeing my surgeon next week and ask him about the odds of infections with the PICC. I will probably get one for at least a while, as I can't get a PORT for another 1-2 months due to lots of clotting from my surgery. I have very bad veins. They had trouble drawing blood today for my labs. I feel calmer tonight that my low counts are pretty common, thanks to all your comments. Thanks.

     My grandkids all think it is funny I have been grounded to my room for 3 days. My daughter in law is jealous. Not really, due to the reason for it! My 13 years old grandson stopped by my house for a second tonight and brought me a bracelet he had bought for rme. So sweet.

     When I started this journey my very thick hair was past my waist. Right now it is very short. I also keep thinking maybe, just maybe, I might be the 1 who doesn't loose her hair? Naw, my luck is not that good!

     I will keep all you Thursday Chemos in prayers tonight. I pray everything goes good for you all. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BlessedOne2
    BlessedOne2 Member Posts: 106
    edited July 2009

    Joani,  I started A/C on July 15th and have been feeling good all except for one day when I had minor body aches.  I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one to have had 7 good days since treatment #1.Smile  I've wondered about my wbc also and looking for signs that it is lowering.  I think I will start taking my temp daily to  check for any slight rise. My next tx is August 5th.  I'm hoping to take a trip to AL next week to see some family.

    junebug40 - I believe our initial tx plan is the same, A/Cx4/21days.  Let me know how you are doing.  When did you start?

    Also, a dear friend found the Biotene Gum for me.  Oh what a 'sweet' taste.  It has spearmint in it. 

    stef58:  hope you had a wonderful Happy birthday

    If I remember correctly, Patient Access Network told me earlier today that they will start taking application on Aug. 3 at 11:00.(Apps are taken first of each month and awarded on first come/first servce basis.)  You can call or apply online.  Also, Cancare Copay is another assistance org.   It's great just to know about the resources even if when believe that we don't need them at the moment.  ---Wanda---

      

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shaesallah
    Shaesallah Member Posts: 33
    edited July 2009

    Hi Ladies-

    Well here it is the night before my first round of  chemo......and of course I cannot sleep.  LOL

    After letting ky BFF cuit my hair and and trimming all my fingernails waaaaay back, I let my partner trim off the hair on top of my head so now I looked completely buzzed.  I have readc nad reread the list of things to take to chemo.  I know I will be vervous so reading is not an option I do not listen to much music and for now I want to hear all that is happening.  The Doc said it should take 3 hours, but I will believe that when it is over.

    Praying for all

    stay safe

    Sahe

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hopeful-1
    Hopeful-1 Member Posts: 72
    edited July 2009

    Hello Triple J -

    Well I have insomnia again. Took one benadryl last night and woke up at 3:30 am because my husband was snoring and the TV was left on. 

    To help avoid mouth issues (sores, white tongue, reduce metallic taste) suck on ice chips during  chemos.  It really helps to control the mouth and taste issues.  Use plastic ware to eat food.  Rinse frequently with biotene and brush with biotene toothpaste.  Drink lots of fluid (1/2 gallon to 1 gallon per day) to flush your system of the toxins because that helps too.

    My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as we travel this road together.

    Connie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nowaynotnow
    nowaynotnow Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2009

    Well here I sit it's 5:30 AM been up since 3:00 AM, must be the steroids. Round two of TAC today, four more to go, each day is one more day behind us. I'm actually looking forward to getting round 2 over with, followed by Neulasta tomorrow. I just hope it goes as well as round one. 

    For all of you starting to lose the hair, BUZZ IT OFF!!!! The more I get used to it the better it feels, especially in this Florida heat and humidity. It also helps to have a wig that I love!

    Off to New Hampshire tomorrow to pick up my kids, 10 and 12, from camp. I can't wait to see them, it's been almost three weeks!! I hope I don't shock them too much with my new look, I don't think I will, they're prepared. They are very cool kids, I'm so lucky to have them!! Plus my 10 yr old son promised to dye his hair pink when I lost mine, I will hold him to that!!

    Good luck to everyone today and drink LOTS!!!!!!!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories