Starting Chemo in July 2009

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  • tougherthanithought
    tougherthanithought Member Posts: 454
    edited July 2009

    Saskie, SallieMae and all of those starting chemo this week...I'll be thinking about you and sending good vibes all the way!  Hang in thereCool

    Patti, I think a Swedish would suffice for the time being.  It makes sense, though, about not doing a deep tissue during tx.  I just need to iron out a few kinks in my back, so I think I'll schedule something soon!

    Sherrill

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  • PAP
    PAP Member Posts: 142
    edited July 2009

    SALLYMAE.....Welcome, although I wish it was under different circumstances for you.  Right after my lumpectomy in April, one of my daughters (40) had to have a breast biopsy.  I was more scared and worried for her and it sent me over the top.  I couldn't imagine the two of us going through this together.  However, I have heard of that happening way too often.  Fortunately, the biopsy was negative for any malignancy.  You and your daughter will definitely be in my thoughts...as well as all the other sisters here.  Patti

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  • pdaw
    pdaw Member Posts: 202
    edited July 2009

    sherill - the emmend helped me a lot.  I had treatment on Thursday and did not feel any signs of nausea until Sat. night - so took compazine at that time.  Felt great on Saturday - even took a nice long walk with my Yorkie!  Hope it works as well for you.  In regards to massages - my cancer center actually offers free massages and yoga classes for patients and care givers.

    SallyMae - Welcome to our group.  Your daughter is an inspiration to us!

     Good luck to everyone starting this journey this week!

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Hey check it out, my mom is on here!!! Welcome SallyMae and you know I love ya!

    Go for my second treatment tomorrow. Know I won't sleep tonight. Shaving the head in a couple hours with the help of darling middle child, but now I am ready. Finally actually. Would have done it last night but figured I needed some help from daughter.

    Really glad, in a bittersweet way, that mom made it here. Ya all hang tough!
    Lisa 

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  • NewportLori
    NewportLori Member Posts: 67
    edited July 2009

    Thanks for the welcome o2bhealthy.  As I am catching up on the posts, I am finding so much info and encouragement.  I really feel that all of this is going to be very manageable.  I am trying the Pengin Cold Caps to see if I can keep my hair, but it not, can deal with that too.  I already have a wig and scarves just in case.

    Best wishes to all. 

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  • Jayne_in_UK
    Jayne_in_UK Member Posts: 517
    edited July 2009

    Hello Triple J's.

    Sherril I know what you mean about feeling a bit cyborg-ish, I have the buzz cut and one turbo tit, so I am part way there.

    NewportLori, Saskie and SallyMae a warm welcome to you all.

    Good luck to everyone having treatment this week, whether you are just starting or part way through. We will get through this. Hugs to all.

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

    Welcome NewportLori. Triple J'S stands for  July Jedi Jug-O-Naut.

    Welcome Sally.

    Good Luck with your treatments.

    Hugs

    Smile Sheila Smile

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  • Niknak0320
    Niknak0320 Member Posts: 138
    edited July 2009

    LindaSueH - I shaved my head down to stubble on Tuesday evening and they started to hurt my head yesterday!  They also were coming out like crazy today so I used Nair and got most of my hair off my head!

    ETA: My 2nd session is tomorrow.  My 9yo daughter is going to come with me :)

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

    so, I too, am loving the sexy, ass-kickin' cyborg analogy, as I really would like to feel that strong!  Slowly but surely getting used to the shaved head thing, but like PS, feel like a terrorist when I tie on a scarf!  there are tons of websites showing you how to tie real fancy, but I'm a klutz, so most of those don't work for me yet.  I got the "I Love Lucy" washerwoman, tie on top of head down pat, but I'm not certain that's a good enough look for work!  #2 T/C on Thursday & then I'll be 1/2 way through that portion of treatment; count me into the group that will be having radiation when chemo is over.

    Hope everyone's week goes well and welcome to all the newbies, including our thread founder's founder! 

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  • stef58
    stef58 Member Posts: 288
    edited July 2009

    Hello Everybody, Hope everyone that had chemo this week is feeling better. I am going for #3 for Wednesday. I am dreading this as I felt bad for about a week after the last treatment. He gave me a couple of extra days due to his vacation and I think this will help me. I got consipated really bad the last time , I am going to be proactive this time. It anybody taking laxative before they do a treatment. Have a great day Dianne

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  • mnikityger
    mnikityger Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2009
    Hi all Triple J's.   Welcome SallyMae.  Glad you jumped in here with us. As with all the awesome women on this site wish we could have met under different circumstances. Spent my day shopping for all the items everyone has mentioned for my  first Tx tomorrow.  Will get AC. Am ready to do this!!!  Will be thinking of you all starting tomorrow and those that are getting their 2nd treatment.  Hope and pray for all of us that our SE's are minimal.  You are all great!!!
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  • hopingforacure845
    hopingforacure845 Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2009

    Hello everyone... I am still enjoying reading all your posts, as they give me encouragement and some great advice to pass on to my mom as she goes through this difficult journey... Today was a rather tough day for her, which is why I'm posting. It is day 12 after her first AC treatment, and her hair has begun to fall out... It hit her very hard and she spent a good 10 minutes crying on my shoulder this evening. It hurts to see her so sad, and I try to be as supportive and uplifting as possible while still letting her get out all her emotions. Her hairdresser is coming over tomorrow to buzz it off, so in a way it will be a relief to have it over with even though I know it will be very difficult for her. She has a wig ready, as well as scarves and hats, but I just feel it will be a very traumatic transition for her.

    She is on AC for 8 weeks followed by Taxol for another week. She was under the impression from her onc. that Taxol was slightly easier for most people (in terms of SE's) than the AC, and it's helped her a lot knowing that after the next 3 treatments, thinks will be looking up. (AC hasn't been easy on her so far).. But today she spoke with a friend who went through BC and chemo 2 years ago, who told her that Taxol was MUCH worse in her experience and went on to terrify my mom... So she was pretty bummed after talking to her, on top of having her hair start to fall out today. Her friend also told her she shouldn't get genetic testing, which she had already decided along with her onc that she would do.... My mom's friend's reasoning: what would you do with that information??? It will just stress you out... I, on the other hand, feel she should get it done because I think it's better to know... any thoughts on this? I know my mom's friend was just calling to be supportive and helpful but she has a VERY different personality from my mom, and sometimes she ends up being more stressful than helpful to her... Sorry, just had to vent for a minute!

    My last question/concern.... My mom has a pretty bad cold and cough (which I now have too... eek.. trying to keep the germs out of the house!!!!) Her WBC's were very low last week (don't know the numbers as I couldn't make it to the appt, but she said her onc said they were on the "low side of low"). The doc seemed to think they would rebound by her next treatment. She did have the Neulasta shot the day after the first chemo... She is scheduled for her second treatment this Wednesday.... does anyone know what the deal is if she still has her cold? Will she be able to get treatment or is the whole schedule pushed back? I'm sure it depends on her WBC count, so my fingers are crossed that it goes up... Have any of you had similar problems? Do you know how low the counts have to be for the doctor to decide not to administer chemo for the day? Obviously every doctor is different but I'm just curious as to what your experiences have been. (I'm also sort of worried that Neulasta isn't working for her..)

    Sorry to be a downer tonight, ladies. I'm just a little bummed since my mom had a bad day, and I thought some of you might understand... I'm sure things will get better eventually, and I know this is not a fun journey for anyone. My thoughts are with each and every one of you, and I wish you all the best.

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

    Hello Joni2, I found your last post very funny and entertaining. I am a great fan of I love Lucy, I remember that scene about Washer woman, you comparing yourself to her came across so funny, I could just see you....Don't ever loose your sense of humor.

    To all Triple J'S Believe me when i say I know its a long road, but not loosing your sense of humor is a very positive mental therapy. Yes you cry, feel low, get angry its fine.

    I am not saying what happened to us was our choice, but all you wonderful people getting together to be there for each other is a great comfort, AND THAT WAS OUR CHOICE.

    All chemo starters this week good luck. Ask any questions you have for the chemo nurse or oncology NP. I have been told by 3 nurses they really prefer if you want to know whats happening. My nurses were very friendly and helpful.

    TRIPLE J'S WE ARE STRONG AND WILL REMAIN STRONG UNTIL WE KICK THIS NASTY CANCER IF WE DON'T THEN JONI2 WILL PUT HER TERRORIST SCARF.

    God Bless you All

    Cool Sheila Cool

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  • snowprincess007
    snowprincess007 Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2009

    Evening ladies,

    Well it happened have gone the shave - tried to wash my hair this morning and I was just pulling out handfuls so decided to move it a day earlier.  Made it through the shave without crying but was a bit teary when I got home.  My boyf says I look like a cute gumnut baby (not sure if you know about those in the States)

    Hopingforacure - So sorry that you and your Mum are going through this and she is having a rough time.  I can't offer any advice on the treatment but I am definitely going for the genetic testing - why do it?  Because information and knowledge is power and lets me get back some of the control.  Maybe PauldingMom's bracelets might be a good positive thing for you and your Mum to do?  Anyway take care and sending big cyber hugs coz it sounds like you need them.

    SallieMae - Welcome so glad to see you joined us.  Your daughter is a very funny lady and regularly cracks me up but its so unfair that you both have to go through this.  Will be thinking of you.

    Take care everyone else and have a good few days!

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  • pammyj
    pammyj Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2009

    Where's the mag 7 posse? Kathy VW..White 329..Gillyone..Shae..Denise..Kathy? Would love to know how your weekend went. What's your schedule for this week? I see onco on Wed. for labs and boy do i have a million questions for him! You  girls taking steroids for 5 days after chemo? My onco said this was new and showed better results avoiding fluid retention. Thinking of you all..all the time.

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  • tougherthanithought
    tougherthanithought Member Posts: 454
    edited July 2009

    Good Morning All!

    Stef58- I made the mistake of not taking the stool softeners yesterday, and all I can say is "OWWWW".  Not a good move on my part.  I guess I figured that I hadn't been taking the anti-nausea meds for a day or 2, so I thought I wouldn't need it yesterday.  Boy was I wrong!  I'll take those damn things everyday until chemo is done from now on.

    hopingforacure845- I'm so sorry your Mom is having a tough time right now.  But she's lucky to have a caring, supportive daughter to help her through this.  As far as genetic testing, I plan on having it done.  My thought is that I want all the information I can get, both for my daughter and myself.  Also, if you are positive for the gene, your risk of developing ovarian cancer increases substantially, so I'd want to know that.  Just my opinion.

    Welcome to everyone just joining us!  I wish we didnb't need to be here, but let's make the most of it!

    Be wellCool

    Sherrill

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  • shelclaire
    shelclaire Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2009

    HI Ladies,

     THANKS FOR THE WELCOME!! I feel great and am worried. Again TCH every 3 weeks for those that do that do you still have hair. I do. I am trying to enjoy all this, read what I should and shouldn't eat, what may interfere with chemo. I still don't have a port anyone else the same. I am so chicken and really don't want to have some other thing attached to my body. Is anyone that had a bilateral having radiation as well. No one has said anything to me about it but just curious. To the diet pepsi gal, it was my first love and am having one today but really need to cut down a lot so I am, but my throat doesn't burn today so I am enjoying it.

    I am praying for all you ladies starting this week, it really is not as bad as we think and I brought cards and peanut butter crackers, drank a ton of vitamin water (defense, and orange, drank a ton of crystal light immunity) had a chicken salad sandwich for lunch there and then it was over 5 hours and done. You will get through FAITH OVER FEAR!!! 

    Anyone else HER2 here doing TCH and does anyone have young kids on here?? Mom to 5 and 9 year olds

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  • eliz46
    eliz46 Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2009

    Morning everyone. not much energy today on day 7. i guess this could be my wbc going down, i feel like a wet noodle, so far so good not much nausea either.  its so comforting that were all here doing this together, i go for my wbc tomorrow hope all goes well, last night for the first time in 1 1/2 months i could take a bath not shower, everything has healed. it felt so good to scrub my skin, and sit in water. its all the little things that count... you know i think of all of you all the time. what a great group of supportive woman, 

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  • PS73
    PS73 Member Posts: 469
    edited July 2009

    SallieMae - warm welcomes here.  Im sorry that you had to join the group but you are at the right place for encouragement, information, laughs, tears and empowerment. 

    Hopingforacure, Im so sorry that you and your mom are going thru this right now.  I am also in favor of the genetic testing.  The BRCA test will determine if you, your children, and anybody linked by blood to your mother have an increased chance of getting BC as well as Ovarian Cancer. I think that it is important and the increase is significant.  I agree with snowangel - knowledge is power.  Im on the same regimine as your mom but day 19.  I have heard a mixed bag on the AC TH - the AC Ive heard both ways - hard/worse and not as hard as the Taxol.  And with the taxol, that the neuropathic, tingling feelings in the fingers and toes are harsh - thats all Ive heard.  Neither round is easy and none of us want to go thru it but we will because we have to.  We will all get thru it, there is no doubt in my mind.  We will get thru it because we have to.  We have our army formed here and in the end we can laugh at the fact that we are all cyborg-baldie-badasses.    ...if your mom wants a heads up on the ses, she can pm me if she likes.   tell her to drink one gallon of fluids on tx 2 (days 1-3 especially) and ice chips during the AC. 

    ..off to reike sponsored by the cancer center!

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  • Kathy16
    Kathy16 Member Posts: 135
    edited July 2009

    Hi Pammy - thanks for asking about our group of 7 who seem to be on the same 3-week schedule.  Days 4 and 5 (yesterday was 4) are my bad days.  Is that how everyone else is?  They added a Sancusco patch which did seem to help me a little over this treatment.  I found that after the Emend ends, if I take the Zofran no matter whether I feel nauseous or not, it really helps get ahead of nauseau.  Someone asked about the being constipated and then everything "breaking loose" and that's what happens with me.  I don't think for me there's a happy medium, but if I don't take the Senokot or laxatives, the alternative is worse.  Hoping everyone else in the "7" and in between treatments is doing well.  

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  • LovingLifeToday
    LovingLifeToday Member Posts: 39
    edited July 2009

    Good morning to all triple J sisters!! Many post to get caught up on :-)  

    Today is day 8... finally feeling better!!  Chemo was on July 20th... a piece of cake... came home and tried to take a nap... cake started sliding off the plate... rather quickly I might add. Thinking with the IV anti nausea med along with the Emend, this nausea feeling was just in my head... nope!!  I called the onc and I was told to get started on my Zofran and Phenergan right away. Heartburn was bad too. By 6:00pm I was also on Prilosec. I could hold nothing down... not even ice chips. I went to the onc for my Neulasta shot the next day and a good thing I did... my BP dropped to 78 over 50. Needless to say I received two bags of IV fluids along with more IV anti nausea meds. I did take the Claritin and Aleve meds for the Neulasta se. I did not have any 'bone' pain but by evening the muscles in my neck started hurting and by morning all of my body except for the legs and lower part of my arms felt like I had been beaten by a bat swinging maniac... the muscle pain only lasted a little over 24 hours. I've tried to wean myself off the anti nausea meds... no way, not yet!  I started feeling a little stronger by yesterday evening and even better today :-)    

    Joni1~ I'm with you on the potatoes!!! My mom made me some boiled potatoes that I could keep down and I lightly salted them, no butter. Potato chips... oh yes.. I ate a bag... Wavy Lays are great comfort food!! Need to get more!  

    Another comfort food is turkey legs in the crock pot with a couple of envelopes of Lipton's onion soup mix. Pretzels have helped too!  

    I'm also getting rads after chemo.  

    I have a port which I was not exactly happy to have at first... but after the severe nausea, I was glad they did not have to dig for a vein!! The port still feels tight in my chest but does not hurt in the least when it is being accessed :-)  

    (((hugs and prayers to all)))

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  • LovingLifeToday
    LovingLifeToday Member Posts: 39
    edited July 2009

    Oh... I also wanted to know if....   I know this sounds weird and I have gotten use to the 'not normal' being a part of my life, but I was wanting to know if anyone else has this happen...  

    Since my mastectomy and the removal of nodes under my arm... EVERY TIME I drink or eat something cold, as I swallow even before it hits my stomach, I feel a cold chill in my arm pit.... told you I was strange!!Embarassed

    Elizabeth~LovingLifeToday

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  • BlessedOne2
    BlessedOne2 Member Posts: 106
    edited July 2009

    Good Morning All Triple J Sisters,

    SallieMae - Welcome!

    Shelclaire - I am also ER/PR+ and HER2+.  TX is ACx4/21days, then Taxol/Herceptin x12 and then Herceptin for 1 year. After rads, possible endocrine therapy and bisphosphonate therapy. Is anyone familiar with the last two therapies mentioned? 

    Today is also my Day 12 after the first AC on Jully 15.

    We are women. We are strong.

     Pink hugs,

    Wanda  

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  • ssimmons66
    ssimmons66 Member Posts: 51
    edited July 2009

    Hey everyone

    Shelclaire-  me and you have the exact same sch and tx, I do still have hair right NOW but I am  thinking probably by the end of the week it will start coming out...I PRAY that it doesnt but I am thinking it probably will.  I getting myself mentally prepared for it!  So far SE haven't been too bad. 

    I DO have a question do the SE get worse has the TX go on??

    BLESSEDONE has your hair started coming out yet, I see you started on the same day as me and Shelclaire

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  • shelclaire
    shelclaire Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2009

    Where do you see where we all are and what treatment or do we read through all the posts. I can see everyone talks about when they started and where they are. Is there just a link for that to compare with. I too stated TCH on the 15th, still have hair but expect to to go soon. However my nurse said not to shave it since some people only get a bit of thinning. so I didn't yet. I worry then it may not be working a well on the ones with hair still. Funny how we think. Like since mu side effects were not as awful as I thought is it working. I will regret those words I am sure. Any other moms on here with kids. Any one have any tips and tricks they are doing to stop this from coming back. Pray of course but anything else you are doing??

    Kara

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  • zuzeee
    zuzeee Member Posts: 171
    edited July 2009

    Hi Julys

    It suddenly occured to me that we had not heard from some of you in the June group, jayne in uk and a couple of others and then I thought well they were starting in July so here you are.I found you. Just dropping by to say Hi . I have not read all the posts in this thread but if you want any answers to questions do drop in on May or June groups and ask. All excellent groups of ladies.It is a great support network this site as I'm sure you all know. Just think it is nearly the end of July. I now have my final it is all over date in mind and some of you will know in a months time or so.

    Stay strong, keep smiling and remember to laugh out loud often becuz lots of funny things will happen to you or be said to you. 

    Pink hugs to all Susie

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  • BlessedOne2
    BlessedOne2 Member Posts: 106
    edited July 2009

    ssimmons66 - my hair hasn't started to come out yet.  I had really long hair and I've cut it to above my shoulders.  I'm thinking its time to cut again just in case.

    Kara - If I may say this - try to stay in the moment and not think so far ahead.Smile  It will serve you well. We can make our best plans and do our best to take care of our bodies and still this beast  invades us.  For some practical tips - pray and if you belong to a church, get others to intercede for you; stay knowledgable and participate in your treatment planning;, if you have dietary concerns and your cancer center offers the services of a nutritionist - make an appointment.  Peace be with you.

    Pink hugs,    

    Wanda

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

    Happy Monday Triple J's,



    Shelclaire....Go to page 7 and you can see a great list that O2Bhealthy did with all our schedules and treatments.



    Lovinglifetoday....I had the same question about "cold" sensation several weeks ago. Found a thread about it. Go to the Surgery Forum. I bumped the thread to the top.



    hopingforacure....my onc said you can skip one treatment and that's it. Don't know if that's standard procedure or not. And I don't know if you add it to the end or truly just skip it.



    Just to chime in about the BRCA testing...I did it and was very glad to know the results. I have 4 family members with bc and yet tested negative. Now that I've been tested, and paid the $3200.00, my sisters can be tested for $400.00 because the strand of DNA has already been tracked. Good news for them.



    Also, many of us have wondered about side effects as we continue with treatments. Ran into a family friend who is a pharmacist . His wife has had bc for 7 years. He said the side effects ARE cumulative, so will get rougher as you go. I will ask onc at next appt as well.



    Going to Look Good, Feel Better a week from today. Got my letter from chemo angel, 4 hats from heavenly hats, franceluxe wrap on the way. Guess I'm ready for whatever comes. About franceluxe, I requested a fabric I didn't see and Laurie emailed and said, "No problem, we'll do it for you". What a ministry!!! Let's not forget these organizations in the future as we are able to pay back for their kindnesses to us. I know they don't expect that from us, but if we are able, let's do it!!



    Love & Hugs all,

    Joni1







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  • Twinmom77
    Twinmom77 Member Posts: 303
    edited July 2009

    Hi shelclaire - I started TCH on the 21st and also have young kids - 3 year old twins.  I keep thinking that this would be a little easier if my kids were grown or in high school at least, but I'm sure each age has its issues when dealing with a mom who's got cancer!

    I was told that I might just see some hair thining also, but I'm not holding my breath.  My scalp has been very itchy ever since my first tx and it worries me.  My SE's have been pretty manageable too which I'm incredibly thankful for.  I'm handling this much better than I thought, aside from some intestinal issues.  My body seems to delight in taking me from one elimination extreme to the other if you know what I mean!

    You might want to check out the taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin thread - lots of good info and experience over there specific to what we're experiencing.  Take care!

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  • backagain
    backagain Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2009
    Twinmom - I am about a week ahead of you on TCH and am starting to lose my hair now - Day 15.  I have had a few strands coming out for the last few days, but today it is more noticeable.  Will probably buzz it by the end of the week.  
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