Starting Chemo Aug 09

yoyo - I like Amazons better than Angels. Definitely more me. Glad to hear you are doing well.

Hi all,

I'm not sure why, but I'm still feeling great today.  I took nausea meds and motrin last night and woke up fine this morning and have not yet taken any meds.  In fact, I hopped on my bike for a half hour and got in a good work out. The only SE that I notice is dry mouth, so I've been chewing gum and rinsing with Biotene although it doesn't seem to help much.  I'm a bit sleepy now and will go lay down for a bit, but other than that I'm feeling very lucky.

Karen - I hope that you're feeling better; what chemo meds are you on?  I've been drinking tons of water, maybe that's what has helped me.

Gill - I'm not sure why they gave me the neulasta shot on the same day, I didn't ask and just assumed that it was okay.  I have a blood draw next week so I suppose we'll learn more then. No bone pain so far.

Yoyo - Near the end of the treatment, I stopped sending notes to people because the Ativan was kicking in and I was a bit groggy.  So, instead, my husband and I watched "Seabiscuit" on the netbook - it was a great buy! 

I keep hearing that days 3-5 are bad, so I might be running out of good time.  BTW - how is the day count typically done, is the day of treatment day 1? or is it the next day?  Details, details!

K 

Kristin, I would consider day 1 chemo day I think?

I like August Amazons also August Assassins (killing cancer), To Sexy For Our Hair!

Hello eveyone - I agree, I do love the "Awesome August Amazons" Warriors all the way!! 

That's what we all are, fighting every battle along the way to beating this illness. I believe we'll be among those who will continue to live a normal life after we've overcome all of the obstacles.  It's not up to me, but are we gonna vote on it?  If so, you have a Yes from me.

If any of you are having a good day or a bad day. I want to read about all the details from everyone, big or small.  I know it helps me to put it in writing, but also I know , that maybe it helps someone like me who is afraid to ask.  I feel awful when I hear about one of you not feeling well, but I know you'll get better.  And if you're having a good day, that's absolutely wonderful to hear about too! 

I don't know what to expect when I get to my Day 1, next friday, but I'll be sure to share it here. So far, been doing it alone, besides my husband who has been wonderful, and a few relatives whom are trying to help, but say the most uncomfortable things), but that's ok. I'm going to get what I need when I need it. That much I believe, because it's what my mother used to say. She passed away two years ago, and I miss her very very much, as I write this. But I know I get my strength from her.  I'll take it where I can get it!  As the tears fall, I think it's time to say good nite to you all. 

Have a good nite (I hope) and better tomorrows 

Hello ladies, woooaw, a lot of new posts in a week!!! I have a lot of catching up to do. I''m so sorry to hear about all the side effects from the chemo, you ladies are so strong.

I had a really bad week. Had my first saline injection on Monday and the right side didn't feel right. Terrible back pain, hard time to breath and by wednesday I had an infection on my right expander!. I had to go for a transfusion of antibiotics (3hrs). I have small rolling veins and after pocking me 6 times the nurses were able to install an IV tap in my hand. On Thursday morning at the Hospital I went for my MUGA Scan and the nurse used the IV tap in my hand to do it. Apparently that IV tap wasn't too good because the pictures for the MUGA scan were not clear... After that I went back to my Plastic surgeon for her to look again at my right expander....Fluid had accumulated around my right implant. They did not say the filling on Monday caused the infection. Could have been there previously. I went back to the hospital for another procedure scheduled which was an ultrasound and fluid removal around the right implant right after my port consult. That took time. One has to be careful not to puncture the implant which is why they use ultrasound to guide the needle. After a quick bite to eat I went the hospital near my house for my antibiotic and the nurses there were horrified by the IV tap in my hand. The antibiotic I'm taking until Sunday are very strong and could have burn my hand! They had to do a pick line, it starts in my left biceps in one of my vein and goes all the way to my chest!!! The all procedure is done with ultrasound and x-rays (2hrs). Again, my veins are so bad it took a long time...

I was so tired and exhausted, couldn't move my arms... I'm scheduled for my port placement on Tuesday but I think I need some rest. If the infection is still there they can't do it. This was my saga for the week, Manue

Jenn3  several posts ago you asked about burping and I have that too. It was most noticable the first 48 hrs. Now just after I eat. I have a hiatal hernia, gerd, and  have had gall bladder issues in the past so figured it was related to that. Maybe not.

lindal52809 Not crazy about the Amazon fighting thing. I am more of a lover than a fighter guess it is my make love not war thing from the '60s.  You asked to hear about everyones experience with this poison called chemo. I have been reticent to say much 'cause as I said in my poem this chemo is treating me kindly. I had my first tx of Abraxane on Tuesday. Only thing I got with it was saline flush before and after. Other than the burping I have felt good and am actually hungry.
I was careful the first 48 hrs of what I put in my stomach but have begun to throw caution to the wind and eat what I crave. Today it was Alden Merrill hot fudge cheese cake. I was supposed to take compazine the first night post tx and first thing the next AM but after reading the se's I chose no. Yesterday I had my hair cut really short in a pixie like I had eons ago in college. Now I am ready for the hair loss if and when it comes. Decided not to do a wig. I am a knitter and want to knit something funky. I depend on humor a great deal to get through this. I live alone and am new to the area so have not made too many friends. Family is in NY, Va, Calif. and Vanouver BC.
Divorced ten yrs so have learned to be very independent.

So glad to have all of you cyber sisters to share with! Blessings for a positive outcome and few side effects.

Sandra who is 66

Hello everyone....

I too am starting TCH on the 18th.  I had a partial on 7/14 on my right side.  Was planned to due only radiation, but the HER2+ and my Onco score of 38 changed the plans. So far everything has been smooth sailing.  I had my MUGA on Friday, scheduled for a CAT and bone density test on Monday, port to be put in on Thursday and my first tx on the following Tuesday.  ....and I thought I had a busy schedule prior to BC.   

Buccaneersdj - I see you are from FL.  I am having my treatment through Moffitt and was wondering if you were too.  

Great to have found this group and look forward to sharing our journey!

Good Morning to everyone.  Lots to read this morning! 

I had a wonderful evening last night with my gal pals.  We had great food and lots of laughs.  They made me a special blanket to bring with me to chemo.  It is the fleece kind that has 2 sides and is held together buy tying knots all around the edges.  I guess they all passed it around and took turns tying the knots.  It also has a fabric picture of all six of us in the corner.  And the back piece is light pink with the breast cancer ribbon in a darker pink.  Beautiful.  Also gave my husband and me a Betty Crocker cook book for Cancer patients.  Addresses foods for nausea, mouth sores, constipation and diarrhea.  A very special group these friends of mine.  I couldn't sleep when I got home.  So I got up and laid on the sofa with my new blanket and fell fast asleep!  Ahhhhhh the power of love! 

I am feeling very good today.  Even getting excited about wig shopping tomorrow and getting my hair cut short. 

Navy son is still awaiting orders.  He wants to come home for a few days (yea!) before he has to report to his next assignment.  The Navy has taught me great patience.  I was more like a type A personality before he enlisted.  But now I just try to go with the flow.  This has come in handy in waiting rooms during the various Dr. appointmnets and the several days of waiting for test results. I know all of you can relate to that for sure!

Well fine ladies, I am going to fabric store to get supplies for some head scarves and hats.  I'll let ya know how/if anything I make is a keeper.

Have a great day

Navy

Welcome new ladies.

I owuld agree - it seems common practice to call tx day day1.

This is day four from tx2 DD AC for me. As with tx1 I am having little in the way of SEs. Just the burps!! Nothing from the neulasta shot either. However my hair is really starting to come out now. Began day 14 from tx1 - which seems to be about the right timeframe ladies. I am all prepared  a bunch a hats and a wig which I am not too fond of yet. Maybe when I'm bald it will seem  better.

Good luck to everyone with port procedures and tx coming up. Hoping for pain free SE free days for all.

Thanks Jenn.  I haven't throw up today so that was nice.  I'm going to have to get some different meds though.  They just put me on maxeran and zofran and I've been taking some over the counter gravol too.  I started a mouth rinse - nystatin.  Didn't I drop the rubber stopper down the bathroom sink and it got caught.  Now I can't get it out and have to call my apartment manager tomorrow and ask them to come.....and I haven't wasked my hair since Friday.  Ugh!  Fun!  Leave it to me.

Jenn3 - I had my 1st Chemo on Friday, July 31 and went back to work on Tuesday, August 4.  I had been out because of my lumpetomy, which had been on July 15.  Unfortunately after the chemo is completed I will be taking off work again for more surgery (Didn't get clear margins, so I am going for a bi-lateral mastectomy with no reconstruction).

My rash seems to be going away after I put on hydrocortisone 1% cream but now I seem to have come down with cold.  I will have to call my oncologist tomorrow to see what cold medicine I can take.  Unfortunately, this week is when my immune system is at its lowest.

Mickey - mouth sores are the pits. I had one last week. You need to rinse with salt water, or salt and baking soda and water.Approx 1/2 teaspoon of each with a pint of water. You can make it for the day, but I usually mix a little in a glass whenever I use it. I also got some Biotene mouthwash and their gentle toothpaste. I have been told to gently brush after each meal and use a rinse several times during the day.

When I had my second tx and mentioned a mouth sore the nurse immediately got me ice water. The theory being that the cold constricts your blood vessels in the mouth and so reduces the drug amount that gets there. So even though it was several days after tx I got a mouth sore she assured me that was the cause. Hope this helps. The salt/baking soda rinse came from the onc nurse. The Biotene from reading on threads.

Donna - I was under for my port installation, so don't know what it was like with a local. But it went smoothly, probably a bit longer as you have to go through recovery before they let you out. Then I was pretty wiped out the rest of the day. But no problems after. Don't know if this helps or not.

Good Morning Ladies,

This week can only get better... I hope! Meeting with my plastic surgeon this morning to see if I need more antibiotics... If the infection is still there I can't go for my Port placement tomorrow!!!

Buccaneers - I'm going local for the Port. My Nurse thought I didn't need to go under. When I think about it she didn't give me a choice but I wouldn't go under... my choice! I would like to talk to the nurse, surgeon... I agree with Seyla88.

My sister arrived from France - OUF - and she's staying until the 27! We bought Lobster and Mussels last night, miam.

Hug to everybody, Manue