Starting Chemo Aug 09

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

    Good morning - My throat is getting better - finally.  It's still sore, but I was able to to eat soft solid food for dinner last night and again this morning only using the numbing medication.  This morning I didn't have to stop and wait a few minutes between bites, I was able to eat normally!!!  Just in time for my next chemo blast on Wednesday. 

    Weety911 / Victoriasecret - Welcome to the group, you'll find a lot of support here.

    Tara - I'm so glad to hear from you and glad you're feeling better.  Your friend is wonderful and you are so lucky to have her.  I have a lifelong friend that has been with me through it all, good and bad.  I know I couldn't get through this without her. 

    Manue - I know what you mean about the situation feeling surreal.  There are times I think to myself "am I really going through this". 

    Kim - Good to hear from you and thanks for the book information. I'll have to check it out.

    jennsdogs - It's hard to rest with little ones, they want to go go go.............. Did getting out give you a boost of energy?

    Londonvirginia - My neulasta SE's only lasted a few days after tx, but I've read other post where people do suffer more long term affects from it.  Have you talked to the doctor?

    Karen - it sounds like this tx went better than the last - thank goodness. 

    Gill - how are you doing today with the boot?

    Have a great Sunday and talk to y'all later.

  • lindal52809
    lindal52809 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2009

    Hello All,

    well, it's happening day 15, and the hair is starting to come out.  I woke up this morning and it felt like I was wearing a tight hat, all like pins & needles, and when I went thru my hair with my fingers there it was.  It's kind of a weird feeling on my head, also kinda funny to just pull a piece and it just comes out.  Hubby says it's a good thing I'm laughing about it.  

    Other than that, I'm feeling pretty normal. Like I said, i've been lucky so far. I go for #2 this coming friday.  Just hoping for the best, knowing how & when I had certain SE's, I'll try to be a bit more prepared. That's all we can do. 

    Well, take care all.  Wishin you the best!  Have a good week.  

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

    Hi everyone

    Jenn - thanks for asking about my boot! I hate having to wear it, but it certainly helps my foot which is pretty bruised but the swelling has gone down. I have to admit I cheat at night and don't wear it in bed. It is just too much 24/7.

    Did I mention I have an infection? On antibiotics now and feel tons better this weekend. I have a blood draw tomorrow. It was really low on Wednesday and the onc nurse was concerned that it would not be good enough for tx4 AC on Tuesday. But I'm keeping my finger crossed. Does anyone know how important it is to keep on track? Has anyone been late with a tx? As I have done well so far it never occurred to me that I might not be well enough to manage a tx.

    I'm sorry for all those with yukky SEs. It's all an education learning to minimize them and manage them as best we can.

    Have a great day.

  • smore
    smore Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2009

    Linda52809, I am right here shedding with you. Saturday, I didn't want to deal with it so I just started wearing my wig. I guess next weekend since I will be home due to chemo on Thursday, I will bite the bullet and shave it.

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

    Welcome to all the new August Amazons. 

    LondonV:  I had neulasta too, I had back pain and sternal pain on day 7 and 8. I took Advill and it would go away. Only lasted the 2 days and the pain has not returned. 

    Thank you to everyone for sharing about your hair loss.  I am on day 13 and at least I know what to expect.

    Navy

  • Kim09
    Kim09 Member Posts: 100
    edited August 2009

    Weety911 - Your onco would make the decision about when to give the shot.  I believe that they only give it if they are worried about your WBC's going to low.

  • PamsPromise
    PamsPromise Member Posts: 97
    edited August 2009

    Manue you should be able to flush your PICC yourself if you so wish. Home Health will even come to your house and show you how if you are interested. My doc tried to put in a port and I have a congenitial abnoramlity that my veins don't cross over as they should and they could not thread the line. I am trying to do my 6 treatments of CMF without a port or a PICC. I have horrible veins so I may have to have a PICC eventually. How is your PICC working for you? Also if anyone else has one how are you doing with it?

    Jenn3 I am so sorry you are having such a horrible time right now and I truly hope things get better for you. I know that has to be miserable not being able to swallow without pain.

    I am in day 12 and still with no SE. I am older (55) though and have no small children to keep up with nor do I work right now so for all of you that do my prayers are with you. I do have older parents, mom is 85 with Alzheimers and dad is 91 with dementia and they are still trying to live alone, It takes a village to keep them in their home. However we do what we can and if we don't get it all done you try again the next day. The best to all of you and even though I dont' post much I read everything on the thread. My heart breaks for those of you having a hard time right now. Take care and God bless, Pam

  • Titch
    Titch Member Posts: 141
    edited August 2009

    Hi all

    I hope you are all doing well.  I am feeling very shattered today, first day back at work after a month off (I did pop in last week, but was cruisy as I wasn't officially at work), so very hectic.  Also after a busy weekend with kids party on Friday and friends 40th on Saturday.  I really needed another day to recover.

    My hair is growing back very fast, I got a small layer of fuzzy hair all over now.  So fingers crossed, this chemo doesn't affect my regrowth

    Take care everyone.... and will touch base properly when I am not so tired.

  • London-Virginia
    London-Virginia Member Posts: 851
    edited August 2009

    Many thanks for the neaulasta info - I can now let everyone know on my September thread.

    Have a grand week ladies -

  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited August 2009

    Jenn - I'm so sorry you've had such a rough go through this whole thing!  I hope it gets easier for you. 

  • kristin09
    kristin09 Member Posts: 56
    edited August 2009

    Titch - I hope that your work week gets better.  Hopefully you're able to keep busy and think about something else for a while.

    I'm at work after tx #2 on Friday and am definitely feeling more nauseous than the previous Monday after tx.  This weekend was harder than last time but still not as bad as it could be, I suppose.  Feeling light-headed and foggy but hoping to improve throughout the morning.  If not, I'll head home.  Had a bit of a pity party for myself last night but then I realized that I will probably feel like this with every tx.  Like last time, I'm sure that this time next week will be much better but I just wish I could get there now.  Still exercising though . . . my saving grace!  Hope everyone is well today.  :)

    K

  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited August 2009

    I had a pity party for myself too today Kristin.  I felt a lot better this treatment than last one but just feeling a little cooped up with the low energy.  I called a friend before they even had their coffee this morning (felt bad about that) and that helped and then went to the hospital for my bloodwork and saw a good friend there and that lifted my spirits.  I just can't wait for the treatments to be over and hopefully we all have good health afterwards.   I'm feeling better emotionally than I was - a friend from work emailed today and asked if there was anything she could do for me this week so I spoke up and said I would love a visit later in the week.  Looking forward to it!

  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited August 2009

    You ladies that are exercising and working or doing both through treatments are truly the Amazons!!  I can't imagine although I'm going to get out for some walks when I'm not so tired in a day or two hopefully. 

    Take care everyone!

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

    Good afternoon - my throat is finally feeling better.  I was able to eat breakfast and lunch w/o numbing medication.  My neighbor brought over a dozen boiled crabs, which I will attempt to eat tonight.   I love boiled seafood, crabs, shrimp, crawfish - I eat it all!!! I am so excited to have crabs for tonight.  I am only hoping they didn't use too much cayenne or.......... my mouth won't be happy.  Today I went to the office to get myself set up to work from home and had a wonderful day visiting with friends and catching up with everyone.  I never thought I'd say I miss work, but I do........ At least working from home will give me some interaction and I will also be going in from time to time.

    Karen/Kristen - I think we all need those self pity parties every now and then, but I also think it has something to do with the chemo drugs.  Besides after the self pity party you feel better and can move forward.

    Titch - I find getting back into the swing of things can be really hard, sorry your first day back was hectic.

    Pam - Thank you - it is hard to have a never ending sore throat, but it is better today and I will enjoy it as much as possible.

    Gill - I asked about the boot because I had to wear one recently.  I was actually recovering from a torn achilles when I found my lump and had worn a boot for 4 months before surgery and 2 months after the cast was removed.  It's better than a cast, but can still be uncomfortable, bulky and just be a pain in the a$$.  Getting used to it yet?

    Well - I have an errand to run then get to eat crabs - talk to y'all later.

  • manue
    manue Member Posts: 34
    edited September 2009

    Jenn3 - I'm so glad you're feeling better, you were able to eat! Yeah!!! I love seafood - we cooked some steam mussels with wine and garlic over the weekend. 

    Gill - I hope the boot thing is not to exhausting to wear - one more thing to manage!  

    Jenn3/Karen/Krisren - My self pity party was on Sunday night. I think Jenn is right that the chemo has something to do with it. I was fine and then I felt like a big wave coming over me and I didn't see it coming!!! Even my husband was surprised by my mood swing!

    Reading  "Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips" by Kris Carr - fun book! Day 4 after treatment, I'm feeling tired but was able to get my kids to their swimming lessons! Having a SMALL glass of wine, the French in me can't help it!

  • weety
    weety Member Posts: 1,163
    edited September 2009

    Manue,

    I only have to have my PICC flushed once a week.  Daily would be terrible!

  • manue
    manue Member Posts: 34
    edited September 2009
    Weety911 - I'm concerned, my nurse was very adamant about having my PICC line flushed every day!!! Like Pam said (couple comments above) I remembered the nurse saying that she could teach how to flush my PICC line... You should ask her! Have a good day, Manue
  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited September 2009

    I have a PICC too and I only have to have it flushed once a week as well.  Odd.  Maybe yours is a different kind of PICC. 

  • jennsdogs
    jennsdogs Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2009

    Jenn3: I am so glad you are feeling better.  Eating good food is one of my favorite things! Seafood is high on my list. My husband even made grilled salmon for me last night!  I hope your throat just keeps getting better every day.

    Kristen:  I had a pity party night before last and I am not even as far along as you!  I decided I needed it??  Yesterday was the only day I haven't exercised yet so thinking if I get a walk in today after work, it might help!  Love the bald head, but not sure if I can do it yet.  Probably getting the wig this week-end? 

    Today was my son's first day of kindergarten! Can't believe it!  He was so ready to go. I didn't even cry until my best friend had to leave this morning and then I had to head to work. I can't wait to see how his day went when I get home.

      I am feeling pretty crappy due to diarrhea and a small sore throat - I really hope things dont' go down hill!  Things could be MUCH worse though!!  I know.  The oncs office called this morning - told me to try Immodium AD for the stomach burning and churning.  Don't want the oppostite effect though!!  Hoping my mom will fly in to help out for a little bit.  It would do my soul well! 

    I guess I should be on the up swing after today?  Trying to stay positive but just not used to being so down and out.  Hope everyone is having a good week! 

  • yasminv1
    yasminv1 Member Posts: 238
    edited September 2009

    Good Afternoon All,

    DH kept me really busy all last week after work. I had no time to log in and check in on you guys. I have missed so much in a week! I hope all of you are well and having little SE's. I have been doing good. My Mom came in this weekend from Florida to be with me for my second tx this Thursday. I don't care if I am 31 yrs. old...there's nothing like having your Mom around. She's an Angel.  :) It has been so nice to have her here to help with some errands and cooking. Last week my hair started to fall and I had a little tough time with it at first but was ready for it to be shaved by Sat. It was falling out like crazy and my head was super sore. I look kind of funny right now because I am not completely bald yet. I have scattered bald spots and short fuzz hair but I am afraid to shave the rest off with a razor so I will look silly until it all falls off. I have felt pretty normal since mid last week. If it hadn't been for my hair falling I would have felt 100% back to normal. I have been wearing my wig to work this week but thinking about coming in with a hat on Friday. Being in the wig for 8-9 hours a day is super uncomfortable for me right now. I have a soft wig cap and the comfy grip and I still can't wait to get home to take this thing off. I am hoping I can get use to it. I learned to tie a scarf on Sunday but DH thinks it makes me look frail when I have a scarf on so I think I am going to try to wear hats most of the time. I am going to try to find a nice sports hat tonight. I need something snug to wear to the gym so I hope I can find something that fits right. I am very petite and have a very small head without all my thick hair.

    Take Care Everyone. Hoping everyone has a good week.

    Yasmin

    Jenn3 -  You poor thing. I am glad your throat is feeling better. My throat ached first tx I am not looking forward to having the same after second tx this week. Hang in there!

    kristin09 - I LOVE your new pic!! 

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

    Day 15 after tx #1-TAC.  And just like most of the others that have posted....my hair is going. 

    Big Sigh...............nothing elso to say, but Thanks for being here.

    Navy

  • Reni
    Reni Member Posts: 81
    edited September 2009

    Just checking in as its been ages.

    Day 2 of Tx #2 (carboplatin/taxotere) and i'm soo tired. The nurse just left after giving me my nuelasta shot.

    It took an hour and 4 sticks to get the IV in a good vein so its the passport in the arm for me.

    Has anyone gotten this done. Whats the procedure like? Its going in on Thu at noon. Bit nervous. But with my 16hr BiMx and DIEP is anyone suprised.

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

    Well - I was able to eat crabs last night, the seasoning hurt my mouth so I was only able to eat a few, but it was enough to make me feel good.  I am finally feeling better and tomorrow is round #3 - I am just hoping my WBC is up enough to go through with it, as I would rather get it over with than have delays.  I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but wanted to share how wonderful my doctor has been. He's been wonderful from the beginning, but after seeing him last Thursday for a nice long visit in which he didn't rush or head to the door at any time, he called me the following day to check up on me and give me reassurances that my throat will feel better.  Then he called me again today to check on me.  Since I've never been through this, oncologist in general may all have better bedside manners than most, but I have been so impressed with him and just felt the need to share.

    Manue - I loved "Crazy Sexy Cancer".

    jennsdogs - Sorry your day started off bad, I'm hoping it's gotten better by now.  How was your son's 1st day of school?

    Yasmin - I am so glad you have your Mom to help, we're never too old to need Mom. I decided against the wigs and have been using pretty scarves and even find that when I've worn one all day I can't wait to take it off.  However, at home I use regular bandanas or nothing.  I normally don't wear hoop earrings, but have found that with the scarves hoop earrings help with "the look". 

    Reni - So sorry you had trouble with the veins-ouch!.  I have a port, so I'm not familiar with the PICC lines, but I'm sure they'll give you something to put you at ease before the procedure.

    Hope everyone has a wonderful evening.................Laughing 

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

    Jenn - glad you were able to eat normally, at least a little.

    Yasmin - that's great to visit with Mom. My "Mum" is in England so only hears about what's going on by phone.

    Navy - I'm sorry the hair thing is bothering you. I have to admit that I got sick of  my hair coming out, and cleaning the shower drain etc so when it was time I was glad to get rid of it. Although my bald self in the mirror was a bit of a shock at first, now everyone in the house is used to seeing me bald. I never would have expected to be so comfortable being bald - at least at home. I hope all you ladies about to experience hair loss can somehow be ready to let go when it is time.

    I had my fourth and final AC today and as always the infusion went smoothly. I am half way through chemo!!! Taxol to follow in a couple of weeks.

  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited September 2009

    Navy - sorry about the hair!  It's too bad we couldn't all get together in person.  We would be one cute group of bald/balding ladies I'm sure!  Hugs to you!

    Jenn - your oncologist sounds really great!  I'm glad you were able to eat a couple of the crabs last night. 

    I'm doing good so far.  Today is Day #6 of treatment number 2.  I had some diarrhea yesterday but my energy was back.   Got some laundry and dishes done around my not feeling well.  Feels good to do a little work.

    How is everyone doing with going out in public??  I'm a bit nervous about it but I feel like I'm cooped up in here sometimes.  All the nurses told me was to avoid crowds and malls/grocery stores on the weekends when they are the busiest.  Anyone else get some good advice?

    Hang in there everyone!   xoxo  

  • kristin09
    kristin09 Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2009

    Hi girls,

    As with Karen, day #6 tx #2 and am on the mend.  Tx 2 hit me a bit harder than the first and the recovery has been longer.  I got on the bike last night for the first time (not happy with myself for the delay but I suppose that it can't be helped) and, like I mentioned before, the transformation is amazing.  I felt pretty bad before getting on, great while riding and bad again as soon as I was done.  The kids and I spent the rest of the night watching a movie in bed - great kid time and it gave DH a bit of a break.  SEs are basically the same as last time (no taste, achy, slight nausea) but the nausea has lasted longer - still no meds though, doesn't seem to be bad enough.  While I've been at work every day since, I've turned off the alarm and arrived a bit late so that I could get extra rest.  I hope that those of you that are working are able to do the same.  I think that it would be much harder if I had to cut my sleep short to come to work.  I'm lucky to work at a supportive place.

    Jennsdogs- I know what you mean about trying to stay positive but feeling down and out.  I was not nearly as strong, emotionally, after tx 2 but I'm already feeling better.  Having an endpoint to look forward to really helps (Nov. 20 for me!).  I hope that your son's first day of school went well.  I meet with my kids' teachers tomorrow to make sure that they're aware of our situation and can look out for changes in behavior.

    Yasmin - you'll find out what you're the most comfortable with when it comes to having no hair.  I thought that I would wear more hats but find that I do scarves more.  Maybe that will change with the Michigan weather.  I can't imagine that you look frail in a scarf . . . to me, it's a sign of defiance - I bet you look beautiful!

    NavyMom - it's amazing how d15 seems to be the day, eh?  You're in good company (if I do say so, myself!).

    Jenn - my DH would be very jealous of the crab!  He's from Baltimore and misses his fresh crab terribly!

    Gillyone - congratulations on being half-way through!  I have 6 tracker bracelets and I move one from one wrist to the other with each treatment.  Can't wait 'til I have 3 on each side!

    Karen - d6 for me, too and it sounds like we're both improving.  Hope you're continuing to gain energy.

    Hope everyone is doing well!

    K

  • jennsdogs
    jennsdogs Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2009

    My son was great at school!  He loved it and thankfully for me - he was asleep - out cold by 8:03 pm last night! Just had to deal with the 1 year old for another 1/2 hour. I sent my DH to Walmart to get some Immodium AD for my diarrhea (that has lasted 3 days now) and churning stomach.  Anyone get that churning? I think that is what makes me nauseaous??  What do you guys think?  My energy is back and doing fine at work (school) but my stomach is the biggest issue.  All my life I have worked so hard to keep toxins out of my body - eat right, don't smoke, exercise, etc.  (although the alcohol thing is natural -right? HA!)  and now I just have poison put into my body. It really hit me the day I had the MUGA scan - pulling my blood out putting radioactive junk into it and then injecting it in me.  Are they kidding?? 

      Yasmin: I am 40 years old and want my mom to come be with me!  Don't feel bad, there's "nothing like your momma!!"  I wonder when my hair falls out how I will look?  I am petite with thick curly hair. They don't make nice wigs like that - too 80's style.  HA!  So, I choose two wigs that are straight and long. I am not sure I can go to work without wigs.  We will see - everything changes when you are put into a situation. 

    Kristin:  Funny, I had a dream about meeting with my son's teachers last night.  I really need to talk to them - I will put a call into her this week.  Keep up the exercising - I got on the bike last night with my daughter for about 40 min.  I used to go for over an hour but just didn't want to over do it.  I plan on walking tonight with a friend who keeps me motivated to stay healthy.  Thought about getting into yoga at the gym - getting my own mat - staying to myself and working out.  Yoga has been a saving grace this summer after the reconstruction! 

    Keep up the good vibes everyone! 

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

    Good afternoon - Today is #3 for AC, one to go, then onto Taxol.  The doctor seems to think my SE's will be much better on the Taxol - I sure hope he's right.  I had the same nurse as last time and he pushed the drugs slower, which helped with the headaches and nasal burn.  I still have that queasy feeling off and on, but no nausea.  My WBC count was up to 6.4, within normal range. Whoo Hoo!!!  However, my RBC and hemoglobins are way under the normal range, which explains the exhaustion.  The doctor said my throat still looked pretty bad so he took some cultures to make sure there isn't an infection still lurking around.  He expects that I'll have throat pain again based on the past - I hope not, but will enjoy the next few days. Now that I can eat I've been trying to get food in me to bring up the RBC, but it hasn't worked so far.  I guess it's time to eat some red meat, which I haven't done in a while and add more spinach to my diet before my mouth starts hurting again.

    Kristen - sounds like your office is really working with you - that's wonderful!!! My office has been great and the fact that they are going to let me work from home and also come into the office on good days has bee a huge relief to me.  I do love fresh seafood and don't know if I could go more than a week or two without it. However, the boiled stuff is a little hard to eat right now because of the spicy seasonings used in the boil so I guess I'm going to have to eat it another way.  The upside, I'll be finished with chemo for crawfish season - which I'm really looking forward to..........

    jennsdogs - I hear ya' on the poison.  I just told the nurse today, when I"m feeling better you poison me some more............ I do get that rumbling feeling a few days out of chemo.  I read that applesauce helps with diarrhea and tried it.  I did feel better, but not sure if it was the applesauce or all of the immodium I had taken that day as well -maybe both.

    Karen - I am going out, but trying to avoid large crowds like weekend shopping and going to the show first thing in the morning rather than later in the day.  If I do get around a lot of people I just use a lot of Purell and/or wash my hands frequently. I am also careful to not touch my eyes, nose or mouth. 

    Gill - you're one AC ahead of me and now officially halfway through treatment - Yipeeeee

    I'm a little tired, so I think I am going to go lay down and rest. 

  • Kayel
    Kayel Member Posts: 28
    edited September 2009

    Hi Ladies~

    I had TX #2 today.  It went pretty good.  They pushed slower to alleviate the nasal pain but I still had it.  I feel tired and a little nauseated.  Not too bad.

    For everyone experiencing mouthsores.  My nurse today told me to stay about from hot beverages and soups for 24 hours.  She said lukewarm or cool foods are best.  I am going to give it a try.

    My hair started coming out yesterday and today it is really starting to come out.  The nurse said tomorrow big hunks would probably be coming.  I know many of you opted to shave.  I guess that is where I am headed but I think I am still a little in denial that it is really all coming out.  I will keep you posted.

    I read a wonderful book that I would love to recommend.  It is called "No Place Like Hope" by Vicki Gerard.

    Have a great evening!  Thanks for the cyber support!!

  • Titch
    Titch Member Posts: 141
    edited September 2009

    Hi all

    Just a very quick message from me.

    I too had my second tx today.  All good.  I have had no side effects yet from the CMF, yay.....  I was tired Monday and Tuesday, but I think that was more of having a hectic weekend and returning to work after a month off.  I did see my oncologist today, as I have some minor infection in my surgery wound, but they didn't seem too worried, needed no Antibiotics and was able to do chemo, bloods etc were all good.

    Just on the side - before I leave.... for years (since a teenager), I have dyed my hair  I always wondered what colour my own hair would be, but off course there is always dye on hair, so would never have known my natural colour heheh.  Now I have discovered my hair colour is salt and pepper colour, I didn't even contemplate that colouring........... my fuzzy soft regrowth, is definitely gonna get a makeover (dye) when it long enough to be covered.  Thankfully at the mo, it feels so nice to touch it, and I just don't look at it heheh.

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