Starting Chemo Aug 09
Comments
-
August Angels sounds nice!
Kristin, yes I'm having my first treatment tomorrow with you and Navy! I've got so much to do today - have a big pot of soup on the stove right now and going to do some cleaning a bit later. I'll be glad when tomorrow is over with! Glad I'm not the only one starting tomorrow though. Good luck to you guys too! I'll be thinking about you both!
YoYo, good luck with treatment #2!
-
Hi ladies, I love your sense of humor everyone!
I get my port tomorrow and first chemo on the 18th
Good luck to those who have their first treatment tomorrow.
Navy
-
Navy, That is so funny you ordered the anchor It's a Wrap, out of all the choices I too ordered the anchor in navy blue, I thought it was so cute!
Foods I miss,
I miss COFFEE!, I can only get about a half a cup in me before I want to barf, and I am a coffee addict!
Meat- I haven't been able to eat any meat, only noodles, veggies, icepops, and oh yea, Strawberry poptarts, burnt!
Water-gives me nausea, I have been drinking Sprite Zero.
I am thinking about going to Sam's Club and buying a case of Oddles of Noodles!
I did get a new prescription for nausea, I was taking Reglan, which did nothing almost made it a week but I finally called Doc. and asked for something better and was given, Promethazine and it's working, yeah!
I am amazed that when I wake up make my coffee and let the dogs out, I am ready to go back to bed. I am so glad I am not working thru chemo and salute those of you who are! I don't know how you do it.
On a funny note, I am having my port put in on the 13th, all my life I have had a mole right in the middle of my forehead which I have covered with bangs. I hate this mole. I realized the other day that when my hair goes so do my bangs, all I could pitcure was a big bald head with a bullseye in the middle of it! So I did it, I asked my surgeon who is installing my port if he would take it off at the same time, and he said YES! He really did a great job with my other scar and I would rather have a slight scar than a pertruding third eye!
Jenn- I hope you are feeling better!
Good luck to everyone starting chemo tomorrow!!!
Hugs....Donna
-
Hey y'all - checking in to see how everyone is doing today.
NavyMom/Karen/Kristen Linda and Pam -Good luck with the ports and your 1st tx - let us know how you did - I'll be thinking of you.
Donna - sounds like the fatique and nausea are hitting you - sorry to hear that, I can relate. I was also given Reglan, but had Phenergan from a previous surgery and was told I could take it also and found more relief with it than the Reglan. I was feeling better this morning, got up and decided to walk the dogs - then of course one of the small dogs walked under the big dog and got mess on it so I had to come in a bathe the dog. It was too much and I ended up in bed for two hours sleeping.
Mickey - I too love diet coke, but from past experience I knew sprite would be the way to go so I bought it and a case of ginerale and it's helped quite a bit. I tried some diet coke last night, but it didn't taste the same.
Kristen - Yes, I was sick with the meds, but something inside me is telling me that that migraine set off the nausea which quickly let to vomiting more than anything.
bythe graceabove - welcome to the August group. I read about the vitamins you mentioned and meant to ask the dr, but forgot to ask. I did remember to ask about probiotics (which is in Activia) and he said if I wanted to add them to my diet it was fine with him.
Janet - sorry to hear the fatique hit so hard on day 7 - it's a bummer when you think ohhhh.... I made it then it hits so hard.
YoYo/Kristen- I don't have to give reviews, but tend to be the problem solver - know who to call if I can't fix it myself kind of person and worry when I return how sharp my mind will be. Luckily I work with a good group that I know understands.
I had read about staying away foods we love and crave during this time, as it can taste differently and become something we don't like later. My poor husband loves junk food and it's me that's been on the health food kick and driving him nuts. Even my daughter who has been on board with me the whole way yesterday - said I'm tired of this can't I just get some Wendy's........ My mom brought her some junk, made her day and my husband managed to sneak in some Little Debbie treats for himself.
Paulding Mom - I just love your sense of humor!! We do need a new name - I'm just not to creative so I guess I'll see what the response is to your suggestions and go from there.
Gill/YoYo - how are you today- it's tx #2 right?
Karen - what soup are you making? I've been craving French Onion, which we are going to make in a little while.
Tara - how are you feeling? Dogs keeping you company? Mine won't leave my side........
Question - do y'all get the burps? I don't nomrally burp much (except after a huge diet coke), but noticed I'm burping like crazy.
Sorry for writing a lot - I can't help myself at times, I'll try for shorter messages down the road.
-
Jenn3 Thanks for the welcome!
Love the August Angels name it is exceptionally special for me but that is another story for another day.
Wrote a poem last night "Too Good To Be True"
Knock wood I'm feeling too good
this chemo's a jolly good fellow.Rub a foot of a rabbit and hope it's a habit
GI tract continues to mellow.Cross my fingers, enjoy while it lingers
before I become absent mindly.Toss salt past my shoulder before it gets bolder
this chemo is treating me kindly.copyright 2009 sandytoes creation
Sandra
-
Need some help ladies, I am trying to get together a team for Susan G. Komen race for the cure, the problem is we need a team name (that's not taken) So far we have;
1) One Bad Boob
2) Pretty in Pink ( I don't think the guys on the team would like )
3) The Left Breast Was My Best Breast
Any suggestions; these names are usualy something funny or witty!!!!! Help! Hugs...Donna
-
Donna - I tend to go for funny - The left Breast Was My Best, One bad boob or if Paulingmom doesn't mind use one of her suggestions for our group - Hotter than Hooters. Sorry I'm not too creative, but will ask my friend who seems to always have something to say and see what she come up with.
Sandra - thanks for the poem - funny and so much truth...............
-
I made chicken vegetable soup Jenn. I love this recipe - all natural ingredients - potatoes, carrots, celery, chicken, water and spices. I don't always eat very healthy but I always feel good after I eat this!
-
I am so psyched to get this party started, ladies!
I went out today and picked up my wig. Last weekend, I had my real hair cut in the same style as my wig (short and spiky) and ordered a wig that matches my .....ahem......"natural" color.
(color = a weave of light blond highlights over dark blonde) I wore it back to my office, just to see if anyone noticed. I am proud to say that my wig stylist did such a great job of matching my real hair style and color that not one person in my office even noticed it! I had to tell them all at the end of the day that I was wearing my wig and then had to take it off to prove it to them and then put it back on!And it's so comfortable and lightweight that I forgot about it when I came home and nearly jumped in the shower with it on. Working with the public and feeling like a freak - the part that I was most afraid of - suddenly got a lot less scary.
C'mon sisters......we CAN do this together!
-
MCKitty, thanks for the positive post. I am going on Monday with my hairdresser to look at wigs. I have been her client for the past 25+ years. She offered to go with me and I have taken her up on it! After the appointment at the wig place, which by the way is in the same building as my Onc. and specializes in wigs due to chemo hair loss, we are going back to her salon and she is going to cut my hair. I am going with the short shag, kind of like a Sharon Stone look. I figure, what the heck, if I don't like how it turns out, I won't have to deal with it for more than a few weeks!
I, too, believe that we can do this together.
And Buccaneer--I bet if you have guys that are willing to walk for this cause--they would do anything for you and all of the other women out there. I'm thinking they would be proud to wear a "pink" slogan for the women they love. My husband wears a pink ribbon on his hat all the time. Just a thought............
Hugs to everyone.
Navy
-
Hi Jenn,
Been thinking about you non-stop, looks like you have had a rough start. Hoping you are feeling much better. Me, doing well thank you so much for thinking about me during your tough days, so sweet. Yes, my two puppies follow me everywhere, I think they know something is up. You ladies are something else, you all are doing great, I don't know where you get your positive attitudes from. I have struggled with this from the get go. I did by the way talk to Laurie about the free scarf, boy was she nice, I thanked her and she was such a pleasure to talk with, thanks for information buccaneers !!!!!!
I have been busy with getting ready for my daughters birthday party which has been a wonderful distraction. You can't keep down too long with teenagers around
My best to you all tonight. Tara. -
Jenn3 - Sorry you have had such a rough start to with your chemo.
Kristin09- Yes, I am working during chemo. Today was my third day back and I am finding that I am starting to work longer hours than I should. My boss actually kicked me out on time today. My work has been very supportive in adapting to my needs.
Question to everybody. Has anyone else had a rash break out on their torso? It doesn't itch but it looks like chicken pox on my sides and stomach.
-
Hello August 2009,
I'm actually part of the Triple J's in th July 2009. I wish all of you the best and hope you have minimal SEs. There's lots of good information in our forum so I hope you can read some of the posts.
Kim09 - I also had a rash, but it was bright red like pimples that didn't hurt on my right shoulder, neck and head. It was caused my Dexamethosone (steroids). Actually most of my SEs from TX1 on July 6 were from the steroids and not the chemo. So my doc cut my steroids in half and now I've had hardly any SEs. He only agreed to cut the steroids if I didn't have any nausea and I didn't so he agreed to do it.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Live, Love, Laugh
Connie
-
Hey - back again, can't sleep. I think it's a mixture of the steriods and aches from the neulasta shot. Just took some sleep meds - hopefully it'll help soon. I did speak via email to Laurie with FranceLuxe today and she is sending me a wrap, she was so sweet and so fast to respond. She also asked that we continue to spread the news.....
Connie - thanks for dropping in with the positive advice and yes the triple J's has lots of wonderful advice - I sneak over there from time to time
I still haven't checked out heavenly angels yet, but plan on getting to it tomorrow.Tara - I think distraction is sometimes the best medicine, bday parties, animals, funny movies, etc.
Kim - how many days after chemo did you go back in to the office? Just curious. I think I'm going to head back my second week after my second tx. I really want to go back, but I guess I'm scared to at the same time.
Okay - I think sleep meds kicking in - I've had to retype a few things a couple of times my eyes are crossed.
Talked to ya'll tomorrow.
-
Jenn - hope you are feeling better.
How about Awesome August Angels? Awesome August ____? (fill in the blank)? Just ideas.
Today was tx2. Everything went well, just a long day.
Sleep tight.
-
Hi August 2009 Another TRIPLE J dropping by to say Hi. Wish you all the best of luck. It really does help to have this site to lean on each other. It isn't a journey any of us would have chosen but since it is now our journey try and find the positive in it. I had my first chemo July 27th and am still learning what may happen ( gas, burps, etc.) For all of those asking about food after chemo - boiled potatoes seem to be an item that several people suggested. And they were right. The first week after chemo I ate boiled potatoes and green beans everyday as it was the only thing that my stomach seemed to accept without rolling. GOOD LUCK GOD BLESS and remember to laugh laugh laugh it really is the best medicine. STAY STRONG
-
Hi ladies,
I'm at the clinic right now for my first TX. The port worked great, as did the numbing lotion - I only felt a slight poke. Received saline first and now they're putting one of the anti-nausea meds in now. Next the herceptin will follow, then the others. My husband bought a great netbook (a "mini-computer" with internet and DVD only) so that I can give live updates! I strongly recommend one. With this I can surf the net and/or watch a movie.
Didn't sleep well last night. I think it was because of the dexamethasone because I wasn't particularly anxious. I took the Simply Sleep which normally works very well for me but the steroids had me a bit wired.
I got a bit teary-eyed this morning as they were "plugging" the port in. It took me by surprise because I've been pretty stable and prepared up until this point. It passed quickly and I'm ready to go!
Jenn - I am going back to work on Monday. I considered taking the week after my first TX off but decided that I didn't want to sit around and wait for the SEs to hit. I figure that being at work and going to meetings is the best thing to keep me distracted. I won't go in if I'm not able, but I'm hoping to keep up my regular schedule as much as possible.
We're getting results of the genetic test today. I'm pretty nervous as I certainly don't want to have the gene. While it will make the mastectomy decision obvious, I don't want to have to have my ovaries removed.
I'm sitting next to a woman who is having her last treatment today - same regimen as me (TCH). She has had no problems at all. No nausea, no problems eating, very little pain from the neulasta shot. Obviously, it's good to be sitting next to her!
We'll see how it goes today. I'll keep you posted.
K
-
Kristin, I am glad you are started I know the anticipation is a killer. That is great your hubby got you a netbook, I have been looking at them alot! Does your clinic have wifi? Mine doesn't or are you using some kind of internet card? Also, what kind of numbing cream did you use, am I going to have to get a scrip from the doc for it? I'm having port put in next week, I did the first one in the hand, ouch! Hugs....Donna
-
Donna - it is a little uncomfortable getting the port "installed" but well worth it. I have had my first 2 txs with it and a blood draw. Makes it so easy. I didn't have any numbing cream used. It is just a little poke and then it's done.
Kristen - hope the rest of the day goes well.
yoyo - how are you doing?
This is day 16 from first tx and my hair started coming out day14. It is not noticable yet - but I know it's happening.
Use the port ladies!
-
Hi Donna,
I used Lidocaine and Prilocaine combo cream that was prescribed. It worked great! Make sure to put it on an hour ahead of time and cover it with plastic wrap, not a band aid as the band aid will absorb the cream.
Yes, my clinic has wifi so we're all set.
I just got the Adovan - boy did that hit fast. I was almost immediately groggy and heavy-eyed, but not tired yet. So far, no effect from the Herceptin.
K
-
I'm back from my PICC insertion and my first chemo - I'm getting FEC and then taxotere later. Have to go in for my Neulasta tomorrow. I'm tired - just a long morning. I felt a bit teary this morning but I relaxed ones things got moving. Glad the first one is over with at least!
Hope you are all doing well!
-
Good afternoon - today I'm feeling a bit achy from the neulasta shot. I thought I'd get away with it, but by this morning the aches hit. I tried taking a walk, soaking w/epsom salt, then finally hit the medicine cabinet. Called the dr. and he said don't be worried about taking meds, it's normal to feel achy after the neulast shot. Anyway, the nausea has eased up a bit - appetite still not big, but able to eat small meals thru the day no problem. My daughter made homemade French Onion Soup last night - what a treat - it tasted like it was from a restaurant. She said she may make potato soup tonight or tomorrow - glad she likes to cook.
Kim - I've been thinking about the notebooks, but I guess thinking about it and going to really buy one are two different things. It would probably help pass the time and if I go back to work I could get hooked up and work from chemo!
Gill - I cut my hair really short, my daughter keeps tugging waiting for a handful. Told her it was to soon - it'll be here before we know it. How are you doing from tx #2?
Karen - glad you got the first treatment over - the waiting is so hard. Let us know how you're doing later.
Hope everyone else is doing well and talk to y'all later.
-
Do not hesitate to take pain meds. after the Neulasta shot!! My first round I thought I could tough it out. Boy was I wrong. About the time I finally took some meds. the nausea kicked in. On my second round I took three Ibuprofen and a Claritin in the morning before the shot. 4 hours later I took 2 more Ibuprofen. The pain was much more bearable. My nurse told me that with each progressive shot the pain is less. Well that's some good news!!!
You ladies really need a name!!! We came up with about 10 names and voted by sending the original topic starter, me, a PM. It was easy and fun!!
Sending you wonderful weekend wishes!!!
-
I'm home now after the first TX and feel great. Slight fatigue, but nothing that is stopping me from doing anything. I'm itching to get on the exercise bike but don't want to overdo it. They gave me my neulasta shot today so that I don't have to come back tomorrow. I took Motrin this morning and we'll see how I feel as it wears off. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop but will enjoy feeling good for as long as possible!
Karen - congrats! It feels good to have it over, eh? I was a bit teary-eyed as it was starting this morning but it passed quickly.
One down, 5 to go! :)
K
-
Kristin - good to hear all went well and you are home. But I was shocked to hear you got the neulasta shot on tx day. With me, they have made a big deal about waiting 24 hours to get it and not before. I wonder what the deal is?
Jenn - All well from tx2 yesterday (thankyou) and I go for my neulasta shot this afternoon.
-
Hello Everyone,
Lots going on, as I read all the new posts in my in box.
My port is in. (YEA) It went very smoothly. I wanted to say hi and let you know how it went.
I only felt a couple little pricks as they numbed the area for placement. They did give me a little something that kinda made me feel like i was in lala land because while under the tent, during the procedure, i could hear them talking, and I could feel them working on me. I must have been dosing because every once and a while someone would peek in the hole and say "how you doing Linda?" And I didn't feel a thing. Next thing you know they were uncovering me, and It was like I woke up, slid myself over onto the gerneybed, and was wheeled back to the recovery room. I was wide awake then and realized that it was like an hour & half since I last saw the clock. They brought me lunch, and 2 hrs later, they let me go home. Enouth with the rambling!!
I am feeling a little sore, and movng my head very little. Gettin kinda tired again. SO, for now I think I'll take a little nap.
Thinking about you all - ((((Awsome Bunch of August Angels)))
Sending Best wishes to each of you.
-
Kristin, yes, I'm so glad it's over with! We did it! At least the first one! lol! Hope you are continuing to do well!
Gilly, glad #2 went well and Linda, glad the port went well.
I've felt pretty crappy since lunch time. I threw up about 6 times and the last time was just dry heaves. I didn't bother to try to eat since lunch and all the fluids I've been drinking have been coming back up. I did just get up from a nice nap though. I have been taking my pills but throwing up shortly after except I did take plain gravol and that seemed to stay down longer. Ugh! I think I might have eaten too much earlier and that's why this is happening. I was hoping to get the calories in before the chemo hit but the chemo was too fast. lol! I have to go to the hospital tomorrow for my neulasta anyway so if I'm still not able to keep anything down then, hopefully they can help.
Take care ladies!
-
Hi Everyone:
I went for my port placement today and it was unable to be placed. My doctor said my vein did not cross where it was supposed to so he said x-ray would have to place it under fluoroscopy like a heart cath. I am very disappointed that it was not done today. I am very sore I presumed because of how hard they tried to place it. It took about an hour before they gave up. The used conscious sedation, Dipravan, Fentanyl, and Versed to do the procedure and none of it worked. I felt everything....nothing to bad...just a little burning at first and a LOT of pressure but it was dosable and I have a high threshold for pain. Has anyone had any problems like this? I am beginning to wonder if I am the strangest person on earth. First allergic to the sentinel dye, then to the plastic of the JP drain, and now this. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you all so much. Pam
-
Today I woke up feeling better than I have the last few days. I'm still struggling with what feels like a sinus/pressure headache, but sinus medication isn't doing the trick. A little joint pain, but nothing like yesterday - hopefully I'll get the energy to run a few errands today, need to pick up some birthday presents, groceries and return a few things. We'll see what gets done.
Pam - sorry you had so much trouble. My port was put in during my surgery (bi-lat) so I don't really know much about having them installed later. The only "new" thing I seem to be having trouble with is the adhesive on the tapes - they are turning my skin a little red, which I've never had happen. Maybe the stress or shock to our systems is causing these things to happen.
Karen- I'm worried - are you staying hydrated enough? Is there something different you can take for the nausea? My first two days were tough, but the additional nausea meds did help.
Linda - Glad your port went well and ready to be used. Sounds like the procedure went well.
Hoping everyone is doing okay today - I'll check back later.
-
Good Morning to all. I got my port put in yesterday. All is well today. A bit sore but nothing to complain about. So sorry to hear that things did not go as expected Pam. Hopefully the next time will be easier for you. I am looking forward to a little party tonight. I will be with 5 of my closest gal pals and their husbands. We have been friends for the past 20+ years and have been through alot good times and alot of bad times together. They have been my angels when I have needed them the most. So tonight is to celebrate our friendship and toast our good fortune to be together!
Have a good weekend all you Awesome August Angels!
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team