Starting Chemo Aug 09

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  • Mickey32
    Mickey32 Member Posts: 17
    edited August 2009

    I, too, am heading out in a little while for my first chemo!  I put on the Sancuso skin patch, took my steroids.  I feel really at peace today after reading through the forum and knowing that I have all of you wonderful women sticking by me in spirit.  I cannot thank you enough for your all of your words of wisdom and encouragement in getting to this day and the days to come.  Thanks, girls, and will let you know how things go--jenn3, I will be thinking of you today!

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  • tdoehne
    tdoehne Member Posts: 30
    edited August 2009

    Goodmorning Jenn and Mickey,

    Will be thinking of you today for your first day and hoping all goes well for you both. I understand completely and am having fears of my own as I am waiting for my start day next Monday. Will be checking back in later to see how it went for you both. All my best. Tara.

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  • chola2009
    chola2009 Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2009
    Good morning everyone! We are a non-profit ministry dedicated to helping people going through a crisis such as a terminal illness. Our goal is to provide support through prayers and teachings to people going through a crisis. We are inviting people to share their stories on our website on how their lives changed when they got news of a cancer diagnosis. What changes did you go through, mentally, spiritually and emotionally?   We hope these stories will help others understand the impact this disease has and how it transforms the lives of ordinary people. Please go to   http://www.awonderfultree.net/ click on the link:  "The Day I Found Out". You must be logged in to share your comment. Thank you very much and God bless all of you, Chola.   
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  • buccaneersdj
    buccaneersdj Member Posts: 241
    edited August 2009
    Jenn and Mickey, I know today will be a long day, I will be thinking about you guys and praying everything goes well!!
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  • buccaneersdj
    buccaneersdj Member Posts: 241
    edited August 2009
    I wanted to let everyone know about this program I found called "Good Wishes Scarves program", I read about this program at the TNBC foundation website. I have already been in contact with Laurie Erickson about getting one myself. You can check out the headwraps at the website, http://www.franceluxe.com/. Their It's a Wrap, head covers are real pretty and Laurie will get you one at no cost to you, check them out! Just email Laurie at laurie@franceluxe.com
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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited August 2009

    Jenn and Mickey - how was today?

    Anybody else offended/annoyed by the chola post? I didn't think we were suposed to get outside solicitations on this site?

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

    well I decided to report it anyway. It will be interesting to see if it was approved.

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  • buccaneersdj
    buccaneersdj Member Posts: 241
    edited August 2009
    Gill, Yes, I too was offended by the "terminal" post!
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  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited August 2009

    Hello again to everyone.  I am home from seeing my Navy son at Pensacola, FL.  He is doing well and awaiting orders to his next station.  This could be anywhere from Jacksonville to Japan.  I am feeling well and anticipating my port insertion for Friday.  I cannot express how grateful I am to find this site.  And a big Thank you to Jenn3 for starting this group for August chemo starters.  Gill and Buccaneersdj:  I too am not happy with the solicitation and really do not like the word "terminal"  Hopefully it was posted with good intentions. 

    A good night to all

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  • Mickey32
    Mickey32 Member Posts: 17
    edited August 2009

    Treatment # 1 complete!  I feel well right now, mainly exhausted after being so scared and anxious for the last week.  Crying like I was can also be exhausting!  Again, thank you all for your concern about me and encouraging me to get through this day.  It was not scary, I felt really at peace.  I am looking forward to hearing how jenn's day went.

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  • YoYo44
    YoYo44 Member Posts: 203
    edited August 2009

    LaughingHi ladies,

    Glad you had a nice visit Navymom.  Good to have something positive in mind getting underway.  Good luck with your port placement.  May the port be with you! (heehee-thanks for that Gilly-one)

    Jenn and Mickey-hope your day was good. Weird saying that about chemo but there is such build up to the first day and the best outcome really is-nothing-let it be uneventful and dull.  This bc is such a mental game...sigh...

    Pauldingmom-thanks for the visit.  You guys definitely have a great group.  I was torn between which group to join so have been reading both but ultimately ended up here.  Everyone on this forum is so great about sharing what they find. 

    Donna, I hope you will start to be feeling better.  My back was a little sore today but I am not convinced it is the chemo, but you know, I was eyeing the heated seat button in my car.  I bet that could do the trick nicely!  Although maybe a little odd with the air conditioning on!! LaughingI will definitely be checking out your new scoop too.  Although I have to say, I still really don't know what I am going to do about this bald head thing.  I still have a couple of weeks so we shall see.  Everyone complemented me on my nice haircut at work.  I have a hard time coming up with non-committal things that won't embarass the well intentioned person later and I am very forthright so trying to be totally honest.  The dilemmas we have...

    Glad you reported the chola solicitation Gill.  It does seem a little forward.  Probably well intentioned but a little bumbling.  I wonder how many places they posted.  That "terminal" comment is a little callous and uninformed.

    Have a good night ladies and have a good day tomorrow.  Hugs to you all!

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  • buccaneersdj
    buccaneersdj Member Posts: 241
    edited August 2009

    Day 6 after 1st tx, a new se, everything I put in my mouth comes immediately right out the other end, sorry if this is TMI is anyone else having this problem? I thought we are supposed to be constipated.

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

    oh yuk, no fun at all. Someone on the June thread is saying the same. No it is not TMI. I don't think such a thing exists for us bc girls.

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  • PamsPromise
    PamsPromise Member Posts: 97
    edited August 2009

    Hi Friends:  I start my chemo on August 18. I had a lumpectomy May 29 which resulted in a lot of complications and it  required my surgical wound to be reopened which is now healing my secondary intention.   My doc is putting in my port this Friday, the 7th for my chemo.  My youngest is leaving for college next week so I didn't want to start my chemo until after he left.  My chemo combination is CMF every 3 weeks for 4 cycles.  I am 55 and have an extensive family history of breast cancer....my mother and my grandmother.  My mom is a 18 year survivor.  My dad is 91 and a survivor of prostate cancer 15 years ago.  I am a registered nurse, however, critical care is my speciality so  I only know enough about oncology to fill a thimble which makes me like everyone else struggling to understand this mess.  My onco score is 15 which puts me in the grey area of the Taylor Study I am enrolled in and as luck would have it the computer chose me to have chemo along with hormonal therapy Arimidex  for 5 years, and then 38 radiation treatments.  I too have surprised myself at how I am handling my breast cancer diagnosis.  I just refuse to let this take over my life.  My faith is strong and I know that makes all the difference.  I am so thankful for your posts about what you all have been going through and that I can share my experiences with you.  Even though my family is very supportive it is so good to be able to correspond with others going through the same thing you are.  I am glad to meet you all even though I wish it wasn't on a breast cancer website and look forward to staying in touch as we fight this disease.  Take care and God Bless, Pam

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  • PamsPromise
    PamsPromise Member Posts: 97
    edited August 2009

    Hi Friends:  I start my chemo on August 18. I had a lumpectomy May 29 which resulted in a lot of complications and it  required my surgical wound to be reopened which is now healing my secondary intention.   My doc is putting in my port this Friday, the 7th for my chemo.  My youngest is leaving for college next week so I didn't want to start my chemo until after he left.  My chemo combination is CMF every 3 weeks for 4 cycles.  I am 55 and have an extensive family history of breast cancer....my mother and my grandmother.  My mom is a 18 year survivor.  My dad is 91 and a survivor of prostate cancer 15 years ago.  I am a registered nurse, however, critical care is my speciality so  I only know enough about oncology to fill a thimble which makes me like everyone else struggling to understand this mess.  My onco score is 15 which puts me in the grey area of the Taylor Study I am enrolled in and as luck would have it the computer chose me to have chemo along with hormonal therapy Arimidex  for 5 years, and then 38 radiation treatments.  I too have surprised myself at how I am handling my breast cancer diagnosis.  I just refuse to let this take over my life.  My faith is strong and I know that makes all the difference.  I am so thankful for your posts about what you all have been going through and that I can share my experiences with you.  Even though my family is very supportive it is so good to be able to correspond with others going through the same thing you are.  I am glad to meet you all even though I wish it wasn't on a breast cancer website and look forward to staying in touch as we fight this disease.  Take care and God Bless, Pam

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

    I see the chola post was removed - yeah! We don't need to read stuff like that.

    Welcome Pam. This is a great group of ladies. You will get lots of support.

    TX 2 tomorrow!

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  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited August 2009

    Welcome Pam.  You and I have many things in common.  I am also an RN but in the field of ophthalomology.  I chuckled when you said your knowledge of oncology could be put in a thimble.  My Onc and I already agreed that she will explain things to me just as she would any other patient and not assume that I know things ahead of time.  When I am in her care I am a patient, not a nurse. 

    I am getting my port on Friday August 7 and will have my first chemo on August 18.  How about that for similarities?

    Has any one heard how Jenn is doing?

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  • lindal52809
    lindal52809 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2009

    Hello everyone,

    I'm getting a little nervous, for this Friday. I'm getting my port put in and my mugascan done. I probably already told you that but that's ok. I see a few others going to be having theirs in too. Good luck to you all.

    I can't believe after 10 weeks of healing, since my surgery it's really going to happen.  I will be relieved, but I still feel a bit nervous.  My wound doctor told me today, I'm ready, so I can stay on schedule for my first chemo Friday August 14th. I'm going to receive TAC 6x, 3 weeks apart. At least that's the plan. 

    This past weekend, I got my haircut by my sister-n-law, and it's the shortest I've ever had it in my life. You know what?  I like it this way. So does everyone else, so they're saying. I'm stocked up on headscarfs. Some I bought and some I made out of old teeshirts.  I have my medicines filled and a mouthrinse if I'll need it from my dentist. I'm hoping for mild side effects, like I've seen some others describing in the posts here, so i'll see when the time comes. Whatever happens, I'm am trying to be strong and hopeful.

    I see so many posts I don't know for sure when or who is having what done when.  But that's ok too, I just go back and read and read.  I still don't think i've read it all.   It's just wonderful to hear about you, and helpful too.

    Best wishes to everyone, and thanks for being here.   

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  • lindal52809
    lindal52809 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2009

    PS:  No haven't seen Jenn yet since yesterday.

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited August 2009

    Pam, sorry you have to join under these circumstances, but welcome and I'm glad you found us. 

    Mickey - we're on the same schedule-how are you feeling today.

    Gill - not sure if you're back from your tx - how are you feeling?

    Navymom - glad your trip went well -keep us posted on where your son ends up.

    Donna - I've heard the stomach can react both ways or start out as constipated - then send us running during this time.  TMI - no way - who else can we ask these questions to?  Thanks for the websites - I'm going to check them out today or tomorrow.

    Linda - you'll love the port, but I understand nervous - we all seem to be facing that "unknown" and get nervous thinking about it.  Like YoYo said - bc seems to be a really big mind game/emotional roller coaster.

    Sorry I haven't written and thanks for asking.  My first day was a little rough going.  I went in with the positive attitude and did pretty good during chemo.  While the Cytoxan was going in I started getting a terrible headache and nasal burn.  I thought it was just me becasue I am a headache sufferer in general.  The nurse walked in and saw me holding me face asked what the problem was and said that what I was feeling was a side effect.  I sure didn't see that side effect in the papers I've read on the drug...... However, the headache did subide to mildly annoying after about 20 minutes.  I walked out thinking I made it through no problems. I even stopped on the way home to help my daughter pick out some glasses she needs before school starts.  Then it all went downhill.  My headache turned into a migraine and the nausea and vomiting started.  By 10p and 2 phone calls later they had me go into the ER for fluids, a Zofran drip and something to help stop the headache. It also seems I'm having a slight reaction to the adhesive on the tape they put over the port to hold the needle in place (both during chemo and ER).  I've never had that happen in the past, but it's a mild reaction - I'll just have to switch to paper tape.  I did everything they said, stayed hydrated, I think I went to the bathroom something like 10 times during chemo - drank water and ate a light supper, but my body was not happy.  I woke up today feeling much better.  I'm really tired, but I think it's from lack of sleep due to being in the ER until 2am. I just walked down the street to my neighbor's house and she cut my hair really really short - I figured it's one step closer to the no hair thing in a few weeks.  Oh..... last,but no least my port worked wonderfully at chemo and in the ER.  It was actually kind of nice having it in the ER - I didn't have to have the IV drip in my arm and didn't feel anything in the port.

    I missed the negative post, which may be a good - I won't ask what it was because that would mean repeating something negative. 

    I hope I didn't miss anything along the way, if I did I apologize and hope that everyone is having a good day.  Laughing

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  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited August 2009

    Glad to hear from you Jenn.  Sounds like you had a very rough night.  I am glad you are feeling better today. Good Luck to Linda and Pam on Friday for your port insertion.  I will be with you in spirit!  I'm hoping to stay off the computer on Friday because I am sure to be "loopy" when I get home from the hospital.  I will have IV sedation and it always makes me talk too much!  Have a good night Ladies. 

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  • buccaneersdj
    buccaneersdj Member Posts: 241
    edited August 2009

    Jenn, sorry to hear you had such a crappy day, that just stinks! I'm glad to see today is better! Take it easy, I think after chemo when I think I'm having a good day I tend to run myself down very quickly.

     Navy, Linda and Pam, Good luck with the ports, I will get mine on the 13th, just in time for tx2. Let me know how it goes.

    Everyone, I hope you all had a good day today and that tomorrow will be better! The tunnel feels real long right now but I can still see the light at the end!

    Hugs...Donna

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  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited August 2009
    I forgot to mention something on my last post.  I did send an email to Laurie@franxeluxe.com for the free head scarf /good wishes program.  I picked out an Anchor pattern in support of my Navy son.  Laurie returned my email and said she would send it right away.  She encouraged me to let all of you ladies know to feel welcome to request the free head wrap scarf.  A BIG THANK YOU to Buccaneer for sharing this info. (please see the August 4 post)
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  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited August 2009

    Jenn, I'm sorry you had such a rough time!  That sounds really tiring!  I'm glad today is better and I hope tomorrow will be too. 

    I agree - there is no such thing as TMI on here.  hehe!

    Welcome to all the new ladies!  

    I saw my surgeon today to get my results.  None of my lymph nodes showed any cancer so that's really good!  She said one had something in it and they ran the full range of tests and decided it was just a mole.  The surgeon said she shook her head when she heard and said "that would only happen to Karen!"  There were a few very very early cancer cells at my lumpectomy site so I'm really glad I had the partial done.  The margins were clear and I'm good to go for my PICC insertion and first chemo on Friday.   I found out my cancer was a Stage 3.  I was hoping it would be a 2 but I'm glad the lymph nodes are okay.  I'll be glad when Friday is over and my first treatment is in.  My friend who is a nurse said she's coming with me - I had wanted to ask but didn't want to bother her so I'm glad she said she was coming with me and didn't ask.  LOL!

    Take care ladies!

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  • Mickey32
    Mickey32 Member Posts: 17
    edited August 2009

    jenn, hope you are better.  I had a lot of trouble with hiccups and reflux all night!  Ugh!  Hope that is not TMI!  I have not been nauseous except if I try to drink my favorite drink...diet coke.  It is awful.  Ginger Ale and Sprite are much easier on the palate.  Otherwise, I feel wiped out and could sleep if I put my head down.  I have been told there is a 'mac' truck that causes the real wipeout on days 3-5.  Any insight or similar things anyone else is aware of?  Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on what is happening in your lives.  Navy, thanks for the scarf info, I am looking into it.

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  • kristin09
    kristin09 Member Posts: 56
    edited August 2009

    Jenn - I hope that you are feeling better.  Now you're starting to see how strong you can be, eh? Just curious - did the nausea come despite the anti-nausea meds?

    Mickey - my fave drink is Diet Pepsi (wild cherry) but my husband made me cut the diet soda a while back (he's turning into a health nut!) so I've already weaned myself off of it.  I am crossing my fingers that the mac truck doesn't hit you!

    Karen - great news that the nodes were negative, I'm sure it's a relief for you.  Take the time to celebrate - this is a big thing.

    I have my first treatment on Friday - Karen and Navy - you too, right?  I've started drinking lots of water and will take my first steroid dose tomorrow morning.  I have four performance reviews to give at work tomorrow; it'll be interesting if I am wired!  My husband went shopping for my "mini pharmacy" today so that we have everything that we might need on hand.  I'm sure that we've missed something.  I am feeling very positive but am also starting to get nervous - it's starting to feel real.

    Another note: I work in the food industry and have responsibility for our Sensory group (the taste panels and scientists that evaluate our food products for sensory properties like taste, texture, etc.).  I reached out to a well-known scientist in the field for her input on taste during chemo.  She said that, unfortunately, there isn't really a flavor that comes through well during chemo. However, she advised me not to eat my favorite foods right after treatment or I will run the risk of developing an aversion to them.  She said to eat foods that I don't care if I ever see again so that I won't care if an aversion develops.  She said that it's important to know that because family typically wants to present you with comfort foods and they may, unknowingly, be contributing to future aversions. This is important for me because my husband is the cook in the family and will give me cake as soon as I get home - and the last thing I want to have is an aversion to cake! Sorry if you already had this information . . . thought it might be useful.

    Hang in there everyone, we're on our way!  My last treatment is November 20 and we're already counting down to a great celebration!

    K 

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  • YoYo44
    YoYo44 Member Posts: 203
    edited August 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    Great to hear from you all despite our circumstances.

    Jenn I am sorry you had such a lousy first day. Hopefully you start to feel a little better soon. Glad the port was good at least. You will get through this (and so will we all!) and at least next time you will know what to expect so it won't be as scary. Take care.

    Good luck to you Friday starters. It will be good to get started and get it over with.  The anticipation is hard.

    Kristin, thanks for the interesting info.  I had not hear that but it makes sense.  I am not feeling too bad but have not really had any cravings for my favourite-chocolate!!- either.  But that could be a good thing...Funny, I too am doing performance reviews. It is hard to wrench myself back to the day to day.

    Karen, glad to hear you got good news-what a relief! I am still waiting for all the staging scans etc but refuse to think about them.  Not sure how I am doing it, but lets not ask too many questions, right? Good luck Friday too!

    Donna, hope you are starting to do better too. Funny how anywhere else a lot of this info would be TMI but here being that open is sharing since it makes us all feel we are not alone and can make it through this.

    OK, I am going off to bed since I am starting to ramble.  Also anxious about #2 tomorrow.

    Take care everyone and have a great night and even better Thursday! Stay strong!

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  • bygracealone
    bygracealone Member Posts: 183
    edited August 2009

    Hello all,

    Had my very first chemo of any type on Tuesday. Doing Abraxane three weeks on and one off. I also do Zometa once a month. Began Arimidex in Feb. but got a mixed result as it did zero for my liver mets. Then tried Faslodex but more progression on that. Onc wanted Taxol and I said how about a compromise as Abraxane has fewer side effects.

    It's like waiting for the other shoe to drop as I anticipate the se's. I chose not to take the compazine that I was supposed to last night and this AM. Read the se's and said no thank you. My body does better the less medication I use. So far so good on the nausea and GI tract stuff. We will see how it goes tomorrow. I am taking B complex vitamins and glutamine to ward off the peripheral neuropathy that apparently comes with the taxanes.

    Wish you all well and few side effects in the coming weeks!

    Sandra

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  • JanetH77
    JanetH77 Member Posts: 32
    edited August 2009

    Jenn, I'm sorry you had such a rough time!  Hope you are feeling better each day.

    I thought I wasn't going to get much fatigue when I got through six days without it.  But on day seven (Monday of this week), it hit and has hung on ever since.  I've been sleeping a LOT!  After six days of mouth discomfort, starting on day three, it seems to be getting better today.

    Everyone hang in there!

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited August 2009

    Good Morning Ladies-Popping in to check how everyone is doing. I feel like an old pro but I see you have GillyOne here posting too, she is one to turn to for information. 
    I must tell you that I have already received my "It's a Wrap" as have most of the July Jug-a-Nauts, and they are the BEST wraps out there. So beautiful, soft and stylish.  Also check out www.heavenlyhats.com if you are in need of some free hats. Wigs are available at most American Cancer Societies and the TLC web site has nice wigs that are inexpensive (around $40.00)

     Also be sure to sign up for the Look Good Feel Better program. Who doesn't want hundreds of dollars of free make-up, lotions, and wonderful support. My group even served lunch and gave away some free wigs. 

    Ya'all really need a name! August Angels? Hotter than Hooters? just throwing some out there.

    Pink Hugs

    Lisa 

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