Starting Chemo in July 2009

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  • lorijo1993
    lorijo1993 Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2009

    hair is falling out down my back and creeping me out, going to shave today!!!

    Lori

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

    Hi JJJs: I'm at work, wearing a red & white horizontal stripped shirt (I shouldn't because it makes me look REALLY wide) and my beautiful "It's a Wrap" from Laurie Erickson (it's red poppies on a black background), with really big earrings & levi capris with white thong-type sandals!  I look like a pirate!!  Just need an eyepatch.  Later Mateys, Joni2  PS-feeling good; #2 treatment coming up on Thursday-feeling apprehensive, but not scared _ _ _ _less like last time! 

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  • tougherthanithought
    tougherthanithought Member Posts: 454
    edited July 2009

    Edie, I'm in the same boat as you...After my first treatment I felt like Holy Hell for about 8-9 days.  So it looks like I'll have about 5 days of feeling well before the next one on Thursday (Which, I'm not complaining, since during both pregnancies I felt like absolute garbage for 9 months!)  At least I have some relief, and also hoping this time will be better w/ different IV anti-nausea meds.

    PauldingMom, I know the constipation thing for me is atrocious!!!  I took stool softeners, ate prunes, and tons of watermelon and cantaloup, and still had a "hard" timeTongue out.  Missed just one day of the stool softeners and OH BOY... not fun.

    Good Luck to those having Chemo today and this week!

    Sherrill

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

    Hi Joni,

    I was looking some other posts last night, this lady opened a new topic with the same idea. I invited her to join our group.

    Between you and Pauldingmom's hysterically funny post I feel everybody feels little better about everything,

    To our founder Pauldingmom I just noticed little while ago that #7777 people viewed our post.

    Smile Sheila Smile

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  • Carole01
    Carole01 Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2009

    Sherrill,

    Get some miralax, take it every day and it should help your constipation. 

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  • josybee
    josybee Member Posts: 86
    edited July 2009

    PauldingMom:

    Did you ever try Senna Leaf Tea, my onc told me to take Senekot or Ducolax.I have taken the Ducolax, but the tea works much better for me. 

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  • White929
    White929 Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2009

    PauldingMom:  You crack me up!  Always wonderful to get on here and be able to smile through this.  I too am triple negative and have been looking for a trip neg buddy.  Senocot has worked for me through both txs I have had so far.  I too had a lumpectomy.  We are very similar, I was dx on 5/11/09, IDC, >1cm, Stage 1, Grade 3 0/1 nodes.  Two down...two to go...YIPPEE!!!  Then rads.....don't think that will be so bad though.  I hopeSurprised  Some days I wonder about just the lump....but it seemed the best solution at the time...so only time will tell!

    My mouth feels like eeeewwwww....almost like fur is on it.  I keep rinsing with Biotene...but YUK!  I just tried to eat some twizzlers...and they just don't taste. 

    For those of you not familiar with the chemoangel website.....they are wonderful!  I have two assigned to me and got one package and two cards yesterday in the mail.  Very nice angels they are!  www.chemoangels.com.

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  • mnikityger
    mnikityger Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2009

    Hi all YOU BEAUTIFUL TRIPLE J'S!!!    Got my Nuelasta shot today and a little runny nose is the only real SE so far.  Did take motrin before I went maybe that helped. I have noticed some pain in my mastectomy site since the shot hope it doesn't worsen.   O2BEHEALTHY  Thank You for the info on PM - Worked great. again thank you.      Chrisct - I also have skin issues but after my 1st Tx. face seemed to look better and healthier,   or eyes aren't seeing as well Laughing I am choosing to believe my face looks better.Laughing    SallyMae   GOOD LUCK  I also was scared on Monday  my 1st. TX.  Wasn't as bad as I expected.   Drink plenty of water it seem to help me. Again good luck. You all are in my prayers.          Good Luck to all  Stay Strong and Smile as much as possible!!      

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  • eliz46
    eliz46 Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2009
    o2behealthy  you will do great......the steroids really get you going like the energizer bunny..i will be thinking of you tomorrow stop worrying everything will be fine u will see......
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  • Niknak0320
    Niknak0320 Member Posts: 138
    edited July 2009

    can someone explain the Look Good Feel Better Program to me?  Sounds like something I'd be interested in :)

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  • glassist
    glassist Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2009

    Out of curiosity - are any of my fellow JJJ's vegetarian?  And if so, are you trying to get extra protein or just doing what you've always done?  Also, has the "no dairy" thread caused any issues with any of you?

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  • LovingLifeToday
    LovingLifeToday Member Posts: 39
    edited July 2009

    Hi Niknak0320! Here's the link: http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org/women/program_finder/

    Just type in your zip code to find the nearest location.  It's free and it's from the American Cancer Society, they will give you around $200-$300 worth of makeup and teach you how to use the different makeup products. The program last for about 2 hours. I've even heard some women receiving a wig too Kiss!  I'm bringing my 17 year old daughter with me. They want you to toss all your old makeup while on chemo... as most of us are guilty of keeping it way too long Embarassed  Sign up and have some fun!!!

    Elizabeth~LovingLifeToday

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  • Niknak0320
    Niknak0320 Member Posts: 138
    edited July 2009

    Thanks Elizabeth, I'll look into it!

    Is there a way to have thread responses email notification sent?  I like that I get taken to the first unread post in the thread but I forget to check from time to time and an email would be great!

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  • LovingLifeToday
    LovingLifeToday Member Posts: 39
    edited July 2009

    Yes Niknak.... over to the right hand side of the little box where you type your comments is a box you can check to get e-mail notices :-)

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  • chrisct
    chrisct Member Posts: 2,662
    edited August 2009

    mnikityger - My skin looked really good too the first few days after treatment - I think it was the dexamethasone -  but sadly it went back to the way it was.  I have heard that other people had  luck with their skin clearing up on chemo - hope it stays cleared up for you. 

    Also - I also noticed pain in my lumpectomy site after treatment.  I had never heard of that, but a few women have mentioned they experienced pain in their surgery sites as well. Not sure if it's the chemo or Neulasta or maybe the dexamethasone. If we're retaining fluid in our tissues, maybe it's causing pain in our surgery sites.  It was kind of weird  - I hadn't really had much pain after my reexcision - had lingering pain from the biopsy and lingering pain after the first surgery, but it didn't seem to hurt as much after the second surgery until chemo started.  It has subsided though - so that's a good thing.  My next treatment is Monday - it will be interesting to see if it happens again. 

    Which brings me to a question.  I have heard that tissue "rearranges" itself after a lumpectomy and will fill in a dent to some extent.  Before chemo, my dent remained unchanged - there wasn't any tissue rearranging filling it in for me.  But I think that after this first chemo treatment, perhaps the dent I had might not be quite as big.  Or maybe it's just wishful thinking. 

    Anyone else hear of this phenomenon or experience it yourself?  Maybe the steriod does something to the scar tissue?  I very much hope that the dent is actually getting smaller.  I was really not looking forward to seeing what the dent was going to look like after radiation.

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  • NewportLori
    NewportLori Member Posts: 67
    edited July 2009

    Hi Triple J's:

    I'm on day 4 after my first of 6 scheduled TC txs and feel quite well.  Because my chemo was on Friday, I had to go back yesterday to learn how to give myself the Neulasta injection (wow, was that a painless shot!).  I took Claritin and Advil before the injection and again today and so far, no bone pain.  I feel very blessed that I am doing so well at this point. 

    My most pervasive SE is that my taste buds feel fried/numb all the time.  I see a lot of women have this SE.  Does it last all throughout chemo or does it wane a bit before the next tx?

    Because I haven't yet had surgery (I'm doing chemo first), it was great to feel like the war against this hostile invader of my body is finally on.  Get ready for shock and awe BC!!!  We've got chemical weapons and you are toast!!!

    Best wishes to all the other active warriors against BC!

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

    Lori - i agree. it is good to feel like you are finally fighting whether with chemo or surgery first. Day 6 from first tx and I'm ok.

    Lisa - sorry to hear you have also joined the TN group. Will this affect your treatment plan at all?

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  • lissak
    lissak Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2009

    I also had high hopes of no chemo post lumpectomy, but my OncoType was intermediate and I am considered "young" for cancer, so chemo was recommended.  Last Thursday, I went for my first round of Taxotere and cytoxin.  I was doing great on my premeds, but the minute the Taxotere hit my veins, I had an acute allergic reaction.  A code was called and I was taken to the ER for stabilization.  I am fine now.  My oncologist says he is perplexed that the allergic reaction was so severe at the introduction of the Taxotere.  He explained that usually allergic reactions (like penicillin or bee stings) are mild with the first exposure and progress in severity from that point.  He told me it was as if I had already been exposed to something in the Taxotere and/or chemical solvent. 

    Anyway, I am to start Abraxane in a week providing my insurance company will approve it.  It is about $5000 per treatment.  Abraxanedoes not use a chemical solvent and no premedication is required; although he wants me to have some Benedryl infused at my first session because of the prior allergic reaction. 

    I'm not trying to scare anyone who is about to receive Taxotere.  Apparently, mine was an unsual case.  Just wondered if anyone who had problems with Taxotere was placed on Abraxane and how they responded to it.

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  • PAP
    PAP Member Posts: 142
    edited July 2009

    NEWPORTLORI....My fat and hairy tongue disappears about day 10 and by day 14 my taster is back.  I have been using a mouthwash with 1/2 tsp baking soda and salt mixed in with an 8 oz glass of water.  I rinse with that then brush my tongue and it has seemed to help.  I just had my third TC tx today......only one left to go......YIPPEE SKIPPY!!!  I have been very lucky that I have been able to get by without the Neulasta shot.  I really attribute that to the supplements I am taking (approved by onc.) and acupuncture.  Also, FYI, Astralagus builds white blood cells, so I know that is helping as well.  Just thought I'd throw it out here for anyone interested.  Patti

    We are having a heat wave in Seattle and most of us do not have ac.  So between the steroids today, the heat, I don't anticipate getting much sleep.   UGHHH!!

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  • hopingforacure845
    hopingforacure845 Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2009

    Good luck to everyone who is having chemo this week! I hope the side effects are minimal and manageable. Lisa, I'm sorry that you found out about your triple negative status. You keep me laughing, and I'm so glad you're able to keep a positive attitude through all this hardship.

    My mom is scheduled to have her 2nd treatment tomorrow. My fingers are crossed that her WBC count is higher and that she can actually receive it. I'd appreciate if you all might keep her in your thoughts!

    Thinking of you all!

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

    We will be thinking of her, Hoping.

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited July 2009
    Hi all my late night chemo buddies going this evening - I am wired and tired...waiting for melatonin and  Ambeion to kick in so that I can go to sleep...sending prayers for all my crew having a treatment tomorrow...starting to get tired and hope I can Fall Asleep Undecidedzzzz,zzzzz,zzzzz,
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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited July 2009

    Triple J's....found this website. Great resource for about any side effect.

    www.chemocare.com    click on managing side effects

    Good (early) morning!!!

    Joni1

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  • TCGGal
    TCGGal Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2009

    welll Ladies, I am from th eJune bugs but have posted here before.

    I cannot remember names, but can remember topics-yes after my dbl mx, I can certainly feel cold drinking going down...it is almost startling!

    My third TC tx was on Monday last...day 3 today, jittery and shaky today, must be steroids and lack of good sleep.

    Heartburn sux- I take prilosec 20mg, but had to drink some maalox before bed too.

    hair was growing back, but is now falling out again. I did shave my head on day 14 of my 1st treatment, but alot of it was growing and I actually shaved it again, but now it is def going. They said it would when I saw them on Monday.

    Lotsa rambling, sorry, it is the shakies.

    Hope everyone has a great day!

    Laurie

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  • Jayne_in_UK
    Jayne_in_UK Member Posts: 517
    edited July 2009

    Good morning Triple J's

    Chrisct a friend of mine had a lumpectomy 20+ years ago, followed by radiation. Her dent did fill in over a period of months until it was really not noticeable. She looked good after radiaton. I hope those of us here who have radiation will look that good too.

    Glassist I am not vegetarian but I do not eat any meat, I do eat fish. Most of the time I am eating what I can face or what tastes good/OK. From time to time I do think about trying to get extra protein. I asked my onc about whether it is OK to eat tofu with being ER + and she said it would be OK. I think I have eaten it twice in the past couple of months. As far as dairy goes, I used to drink soya milk but I have stopped that and now I get organic dairy instead. I have found organic milk and yoghurt, no luck yet finding organic cottage cheese. By getting organic I am aiming to avoid the hormones that are in the non organic stuff. Apart from that I grow quite a few of my own vegetables and try to eat things as fresh as possible. How about you?

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  • Shaesallah
    Shaesallah Member Posts: 33
    edited July 2009

    Hi Ladies!

    Sorry for not posting sooner but since last Friday I have had bad flu loke like symtoms and then the bone pain started.  The bone pain was enough to make me tale pain meds and cry!  Food tasles horrible and water never mind what that tasles like.  I keep drinking it as long as it is cold, cold, cold.  Last evening the pain seemed to ease off, so I have my fingers brossed that the worst is over for now. Still have the white coat in my mouth and nothing seems to help yet!

    I am thankful that the weather has not been too hot, but of course I stay in to avod it.

    Hope everyone is doing good.  Guess  suhould close since I have so many typos to correct now

    Stay safe

    Shae

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    This morning is my mom's first chemo. treatment. I am praying that all goes great for her. I ask for your well wishes and prayers too. I wish she didn't have to go through with this but as we all know, it is what it is.

    Today is day three after second treatment for me. Doing okay, but tired and stupid Neulasta shot makes me ache but not as bad as the first time I had it. Thank goodness for small wonders.  

    WOW!! Today over 8000 views. We are one popular group. Way to go Triple JJJ's! 

    Christct: My dent is slowly but surely filling in. My scars are getting fainter too. We laugh and come up with different ideas as to how I got these scars. Pirate fights, Vietnam (no really something to laugh at but I was 4 yrs. old at the time) Ninja attack, takin' down some homies who came in my hood, ect.... Gotta laugh!

    Gillyone-on the triple Neg. No change in treatment, just looking for some new answers. Going to research PARP Inhibitors. Was also told after making it past the 5 year mark, most triple negs. have no recurrence. Also heard that most triple negs are pre-menopausal, African American, and test positive for BRACA.  I am pre-menopausal but that's it. I am trying to make sense of this. 

    Well back to bed. Pain meds. got me sleepy.

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  • glassist
    glassist Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2009

    Jayne -  I have been eating fish on rare occasion, but think I'll have to bump that up some from now on.  I'm glad you asked your onc about soy.  I've been avoiding it, but will my ask my onc at next appt and see if I can go ahead with it.  I've switched to all organic milk products also.  We too have a garden, but it's outside our warehouse on the industrial side of the city and the homeless seem to be getting to everything before we do.  That's ok.  At least it's being used for a good cause.  I've considered posting a sign asking for them to leave a few things each week but DH won't let me.  Ha!

    Pauldingmom - Your story makes me think of the funny things we have been coming up with to have tatooed  where my nipples are supposed to be.  Starfish, hershey's kisses, and it gets more R rated from there!

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  • White929
    White929 Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2009

    Crap!  I posted a whole reply...and hit a wrong key...it is gone Yell

    Okay....PauldingMom....I too am only pre-mento...not any of the other things.  They have only really come up with the TN thing in the past 3 years.  Was wondering...have you been on birth control pills?  I have since age 15 and was wondering does this have anything to do with it?  There is a TN thread but not many active posters on it.

    I wish your mom all the best with her first treatment today!  Sending her ((((HUGS)))).  Glad you got her to come on the forum to show her she definately is not alone!!!!

    My dent seems to be filling in some I think.  It is near my cleavage (what little I have) area, so I'm not sure if it matters where it is as far as how it "fills" in. 

    What pain are you having that you have to take meds?  Just wondering...sorry to hear you are having pain.  My scalp has been itchy as my little stubbles fall out, but that is about it.

    Shaesalah:  Sorry to hear you are in so much pain (((HUGS)))Cry

    I think the more water we drink, the faster the SE's move on.  Well, at least I think it has helped me lots.

    Hope you all have a good of day as you possible can today.  Keep looking at the light at the end of the tunnel....as it will be there for all of us someday!!!

    GOOD LUCK TRIPLE J's!!!!!!!!!Laughing

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  • Ladyblue68
    Ladyblue68 Member Posts: 12
    edited July 2009

    Hi ladies!

    It's been a while since I made a post on here. I'm on day 13 after my 1st round of AC. I've been doing pretty good so far. Last Thursday I went for labs and hydration. All tests came back pretty good. My doctor said my platelets were a little below normal but nothing to be too worried about. I think hydration was ok but for a few days after I was not feeling so great. Don't know why.  But overall I'm doing good. In fact, I don't know how to sit still and relax. The things I've been doing around the house have been crazy. My fiance told me I need to slow down. LOL! He's always saying, "Slown down slugger." I try, but it's not possible.

    I cut my hair on Monday in preparation for the hair loss. I went from the middle of my back to the nape of my neck. Everyone loves it. So do I. But I think I may go a little shorter. No signs of it falling out yet though. But I'm loving that I don't have to shave the legs. I did them a week and a half ago and no new growth. Yay!!!

    I have been having a lot of bone pain lately and daily headaches. It can get pretty irritating but I just go with the flow. Tomorrow I go for another hydration and then it's round 2 of AC the following Thursday. I'm nervous about that one. The first round didn't hit so bad. I did pretty good. So we'll see how it goes. Blessings to all the ladies. We are the strongest bunch of woman I know.

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