Starting Chemo October 2009

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  • azdiva
    azdiva Member Posts: 201
    edited October 2009

    Juannelle,

    You will do great.  I packed like I was going on vacation as well.  Theory being, its better to have it than not.  I really didn't need 90% of what I brought (including the computer and lap desk), but felt better just having it. 

    Good Luck!

    Laura 

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  • lieberman1
    lieberman1 Member Posts: 42
    edited October 2009

    Today is day 15 after Mom's first treatment of TCH.  Her hair starting falling out a few days ago from the Chemo. She went to her hair dresser today and they told her the best thing would be to shave it completely. My Mom agreed and now it's done. She cried for a bit but she says she has accepted it and knows it will grow back when the chemo is done. She is so brave and I am so amazed at her strength!

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  • RaiderDee
    RaiderDee Member Posts: 150
    edited October 2009

    Hi gang, just checking in.  Got my first chemo down and feeling good so far but I know that's bound to change here soon.  I feel better just being done with the anticipation of it all.   Hope everyone is doing ok.  Good luck to all the girls who have treatment tomorrow.  Hang tough and power through the best you can.  Thanks for all of your support, it really helps.

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited October 2009

    hi its me joanne well    I DONE IT I DONE IT TX # 1 what a big brave girl i am i took all bloody day in at 10 out at 3 all im feeling is very tired like real tired and a little queezy in my tummy       

    Laura love the nail storie thought that you were going to say that they all fell of and the little nail girl ran out crying im a little like you still need the prety girly things i jumped for joy when they told me that i can still use my fake tan i was soooo happy she looked a bit shocked       

     ONE L good luck with yours tomorow its a bit scary at first but it is all good i took my dh in and he nearly passed out had to go back to the car  for around 1 hr he whent grey and freaked now he is a 6 ft samoan man looks big and strong buuuuuut no  i took a book to read but so much is going on all around and everyone talks to everyone else so it was kind a fun day!!!!!!! you WILL be fine

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited October 2009

    2new4dee

    ive had my first tx today yeh im feeling ok to but it feels like its just lerking around and soon ill be feeling like crap and then dont know if its just all in the mind the anticipating thing im just really__________________ tired and my tummy is a little sensative well ill be keeping an eye out on how your doing and i hope your fine all the best

    Joanne

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited October 2009

    lieberman1 you sound like such a beautifull daughter your mum is very lucky to have you keep on beeing there for her your mum will be fine all the best to you both

    Joanne

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  • Scoobydoo
    Scoobydoo Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2009

    lieberman you are such a sweet daughter to be there for your mom.  She is blessed to have you. 

    Joanne - glad to hear your first tx went well.  Just make sure you have all the stuff to combat any SEs you may experience. 

    It is 3:41 am and I cant sleep.  Ugh.  Was able to go to my daughters field hockey game yesterday.  It was exciting.  She almost scored.  I am feeling better overall.  Next Thursday's tx is just lurking in the shadows.  I really hate the part.  When you start feeling good it is time to do another tx.  At least this will be my last AC.  My onc seems to think taxatore will be easier on me.  I sure hope so.  I have to start doing research on experiences of taxatore.

    Hugs to all the ladies that have a tx tomorrow. 

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  • ReneeJean
    ReneeJean Member Posts: 100
    edited October 2009

    Juannelle, I will be thinking of you when I am at the Huguley Gym today...you should feel my prayers being so close!  You will be fine...honestly, the anticipation leading up to today is much much worse than the treatment.  Just take it easy and rest.  Lots of hydration and peeing....and rinse your mouth diligently with bakingsoda/salt and use Biotene...my mouth is really icky after #2, but no sores so far.  

     And after both my treatments I felt fine that day and the next...good ol' steriods.  Got a bit tired on day 3 of first and I am sure today I will be too...crashed on Sat (4th day) on first so I am anticipating that this weekend too.  So, if you feel good after your chemo, go to Olive Garden on the way home, or any of the other 30 restaurants we have on resteraunt row there in Burleson! 

    Prayers for uneventful day and no reactions!!  Hugs.

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited October 2009

    Hi ladies.......

    We have a big bunch doing their first round today........thinking of you all, right now, and will do so throughout the day.

    Those who started yesterday, I hope you wake up this morning thinking "OK...this isn't TOO bad."

    I loved the BORG comment!  Yes, we're all destined to be little bald people with things hanging off of us during this journey.  OH WELL!

    Laura.......people just don't know what to say, do they?  I STILL don't know what your nail lady was talking about.......

    I have an interesting challenge tonight.......a Halloween Party!  Anyone have ideas on what I SHOULDN'T do?  I think I'll try not to eat.  I think about other hands touching all of the food and breathing over it.  I think I'll just eat before we go.  I'm taking my own beverage and a special cool glass, but that's because I'm not drinking..........  I know, I know, not my favorite thing either.  But the one thing that has been consistently worse each time bloodwork is done is my liver enzymes.  I just have to think throwing liquor into that mix wouldn't help.  And if I DID drink and then they told me I had to "come back next week" when it was time for my next chemo I'd beat myself.  Let's just say there is a big bottle of champagne in the fridge waiting until I'm able to enjoy it.  I MAY share it with DH, and I may not!Tongue out  O, and for my costume?  I'm going as a flapper!  I thought about bald-headed characters, and decided too many people at the party wouldn't think it was funny.  And I didn't want to make the party about people whispering...don't you know, she has breast cancer?  So...flapper!  That way I can wear a cute little cap I bought that has some attitude and it goes with the rest of the outfit.  Draws a little less attention to the cancer, allows a little more "normal" fun.


    Diagnosis: 8/13/2009, IDC, ER-/PR-, HER2+

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Dear HopBird,

    Halloween Party: I am not gonna do it this year. There is high risk of getting an infection that stays on me for a few days before hitting when the WBC's are down. I feel like kicking cancer's butt and don't want it to change my lifestyle but .....

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited October 2009

    2new4dee,

      "EVERY MONTH IS BREAST CANCER AWARNESS MONTH ONCE YOU HAVE IT"  I love that...Did you make that one up or did you see it someplace....I think I will have  at-shirt made up with that on it...

    Michele

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  • azdiva
    azdiva Member Posts: 201
    edited October 2009

    Hey Ladies!

    Looks like Mexico is off.  I still have that cold hanging on and I am just worried about being 3 - 4 hours from my doctor.  Which is totally unlike me because I have been doing everything I usually do around town.  And I also feel a little weird about leaving the kids, even if they WANT to be with my niece.  They've been so sweet to me this week.  Maybe if Bob were here with the kids because he could come down and get me if there was an emergency.  Oh well.  Still planning to go in 2 weeks for Harley week down there.  If I have the same se's as last time that should be when I am at 37000 WBCs and I will beat back the plague.

    To all you ladies on your first go round - you WILL get through it, and I wish you all the best!

    Laura 

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  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited October 2009

    I am at the chemo center and I am going with the flow.  The peanut butter sandwich worked great when they were cleaning out the port.  No bad taste or smells.  Everything has gone as scheduled and I have had no problems.

    I have a movie to watch, music, books, puzzle books, food, drinks, I brought about 90% to much, but I had rather have it than not.

    Juannelle

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  • RaiderDee
    RaiderDee Member Posts: 150
    edited October 2009

    Michele, I made that up last year when one of my best friends was going through chemo.  I neve said it out loud as a mantra or anything but I remember having it flash inside my head quite a lot during October, AKA the pinkest of months.  I worry that if they don't find a cure soon, awareness will be a moot point because damn near every woman on the planet will either have it, have a mom or daughter with it or at least a close, close friend with breast cancer.  If we run out of "unaware" people can we get rid of all the pink crap?  Sorry, mini rant.  I'm probably just a little feisty cause I'm playing hooky from work today since I had my first chemo yesterday.  I feel fine but I have a long commute and don't want to get stuck far from home if the SEs get bad or I suddenly hit the wall.  One of the guys at my work has been out all week with the flu and he came back to work yesterday (we have a very small shop) so I want to stay far away til Monday just in case.  I hope everyone else's first treatment goes as well as mine did and I hope you all feel well too.  Have a great day, or what ever level of day you can muster.

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited October 2009

    Had a sad day yesterday...My best girlfriend found a lump so her dr. sent her for a mammogram.  well they found a mass in the other breast.  Her husband is away in Afganistan and can't come home right now.  She has been  avoiding her mothers calls..She doesn't want her parents to worry until she has the biopsy results.  You know how that is you don't want to tell anyone until you know.  Her husband tells her that he wants to fly her parents to be with her for whatever happens.  So when she picks up her mothers call, her mother is in tears because she has a lump in her breast that needs to be biopsied as well...WTF...(pardon my language/typing). So needless to say she can't tell her mother what is going on...

    I want so much to fly  there for her and help her through this, but it scares the crap out of me to get into one of those big flying virus tubes...Any thoughts on flying at this time...If your wear several layers of masks  will it be ok...perhaps just wearing a mask will keep everyone away from me...That tends to scare away folks...

    A question for you gals....is it ok to paint your nails?  For some reason I have it in my head I can't do that.  Perhaps I read that some place.  I would love to add a splash of hot pink to my toes.  It is the smallest thing that can purk up my day...

    Michele

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited October 2009

    One L

    Glad to hear all is going well...Keep up the good work.

    MicheleSmile

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  • arby
    arby Member Posts: 126
    edited October 2009

    Azdiva, that was such a funny story from the nail salon.....keep them rolling our way.  thanks for sharing.  It NEVER ceases to amaze me the personal questions or things others share as soon as they know you have cancer.  very seldom is it helpful!!!!!!!! funny, or pathetic, but not helpful.  ahhhhhh life is good . arby

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  • arby
    arby Member Posts: 126
    edited October 2009

    Azdiva, that was such a funny story from the nail salon.....keep them rolling our way.  thanks for sharing.  It NEVER ceases to amaze me the personal questions or things others share as soon as they know you have cancer.  very seldom is it helpful!!!!!!!! funny, or pathetic, but not helpful.  ahhhhhh life is good . arby

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Dear 2New4Dee, smart of you to avoid that flu risk!

    Dear Arby, I didn't get that nailsalon joke.....

    Dear AZDiva, hope your WBC's are better now. Please be careful until you are sure.

    Dear Hopbird, have the champagne in moderation please. The liver enzymes are important. Are you going to g for the party? You are too nice and I don't want something to happen....

    Dear JoanneAsiaTA, funny to hear of your DH nearly passing out!

    Dear 1L, good to hear things are going well at your first chemo.

    Dear Lieberman, happy for your mom that she has you.

    Dear Laura,  did not get your nail salon joke.

    Dear Michelle, it is ok to paint your nail yourself at home.

    Dear Micheleboots, I'm very sorry to hear of your friend and her mother. Please convey our best wishes to them both. Hope things turn out well for them.

    Dear ReneeJean, hope all is well.

    Dear Scoobydoo, were you able get some rest later? If this is becoming a pattern ask your doc for something to help you. I find even compazine helps me sleep.

    Dear all others, sorry being lazy and not going back previous pages to look up your
    names. Hopefully this serves as a reminder to post more often!

    Hope you all have a great weekend. My AC #3 is on Monday....

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited October 2009

    Onty....I understand what you're saying about germs...but I decided to go to the party.  I figure if I'm careful about not touching things (wearing gloves as part of the costume) not digging in the same bowl of chips others have, having a unique glass so I know which one is mine, I'm no worse off than someone who works or goes to the grocery store.  I was more nervous about taking lunch to my son's school and sitting there while he ate today...but he wanted lunch for his birthday, so lunch he got.  (And lots of hand sanitizer for me!)

    Michelle...sorry for the bad day.......I've had a few of those lately too.  About the nails, I've heard that you definitely can paint them.  The only thing I've heard you maybe should be careful about is Salons doing them because of possibility of infection.  About flying, doctor recommendations were try to do it during OFF weeks.  I'm sure there could be an argument for avoiding it altogether, but for some people that just isn't realistic. 

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited October 2009

    Hey Onty.........

    I don't often get accused of that...........Tongue outWink 

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    You mean of being nice? lol

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  • jeanl151
    jeanl151 Member Posts: 146
    edited October 2009

    Hi,   I am trying to stay strong,   getting nervous as next Wed approaches for chemo. I see the looks on my friends and family- all so worried about chemo.

        I am trying to make a list for chemo bag using all your suggestions...peanut butter is next thing in!    Good luck to all the girls who started this week. For all those on chemo-may you have a smooth weekend of SE's.  

    Val- sorry you had to deal with the hair thing this week,  this has to be the cruelest thing for us to go through.

    Jean

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited October 2009

    Yeah..of being nice....just a little Friday funny stuff! 

    Hope those of you who started today are finished and safe at home, resting. 

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited October 2009

    Jean, the hair thing was the cruelest part for me so far.........and probably will be until they scan me in a few weeks to see how things are going.  I don't handle waiting for test results very well.

    Does it help to know that when I look at the bald me I'm used to it now?  For awhile I got sad and was busy trying to see if I looked awful or what.  Now I just see me.  Even taking a girls hair is something she gets used to.............. 

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  • MeredithK02
    MeredithK02 Member Posts: 86
    edited October 2009

    Hi everyone, I'm just back from my first treatment.  Juannelle, I also overpacked!  The people in the chairs next to me were laughing at (with?) me. 

    I brought: 

    Laptop, headphones, two books, two DVDs, socks, a blanket, hand lotion, Neosporin, Cottonelle wipes, thermometer (to check ours against the "official" one at their office), two kids of lip balm, popsicles, pretzels, water, and a soda.  

    The nurse we had today was great.  She didn't seem to mind when Ken (my husband) and I were making fun of the subcutaneous injection video. She joked around a lot and made me feel a lot less nervous.  

    Right now I'm just feeling exhausted.  Hope everyone is doing ok, and that you all have relaxing weekends!

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  • snuziq
    snuziq Member Posts: 107
    edited October 2009

    ReneeJean-  Thanks for the good vibes.  I was kind of down for the count yesterday.   The allergic reaction made me sick with my asthma so I wheezed the day away.  Got smart today and worked from home - there goes the day and a half before the chemo issues kick in, darn it!   Yesterday, I made some calls and now have the allergist/pulmonologist working with my oncologist. 

    Got news today that the plan is to switch to Abraxane with the Cytoxan.  I guess that makes me a Taxol / Cytoxan person as the root drug is the same just the way the mix it is different.  The thought is the chemicals used to deliver the medication are my problem.  From what I've read, they don't choose Abraxane over Taxol because the delivery medium makes it more expensive (they use the same chemicals as a delivery medium for Taxol & Taxotere).   I guess the insurance can't really argue when my tongue swells and I start wheezing every time I take the Taxotere!    The best part is that Abraxane doesn't require the pre-treatment steroids.  Yea! Less drugs! 

     1L - I hope your treatment today went well.   If attitude is a sign then you did well!   I know how you feel about packing.  My husband and I walk in with 2 laptops and a bag with my blanket, book & snacks.  I feel like I am going for the weekend!

    Axdiva - Thank you for sharing!  How hilarious!  From now on I will think of your story any time someone mentions hypnosis or lymph nodes!   I guess you are glad she is a nail technician not a pharmacist.

     MarieK  - I am totally with you about the amount of support, spunk  and attitude making an impact on the healing process.   

    Maybe we should make the medical profession start taking that into consideration when they give a recovery rate:  Good support from frends and family ? Check.  Spunk?  Check.  Going to win attitude? Check -- that adds 80 points to your estimated recovery percentage! 

    Here's hoping everyone has a great weekend.   I'm hoping to be breathing well enough to go watch #2 childs' band perform in the area marching competition tomorrow; if not, I will probably posting to my friends here on the site!  :)

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited October 2009

    Dee, Joanne, Meredith, Juanelle: You earned your first smilies. Congratulations!

    Didn't hear from Piffken or Clarice yet. Hope all went well with them also.

    Meredith: How long did today's AC session take?

    Michele: I'm so sorry to hear about your friend and her mother. I know your first impulse is to fly out to be with her, but I'm sure she wouldn't want you to jeopardize your health. You have a wealth of knowledge that will be so helpful to her since you've gone through BC101 and beyond with the rest of us. But you don't have to be there in person to help her. Why don't you call her each day to see if she needs any advice.

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  • snuziq
    snuziq Member Posts: 107
    edited October 2009
    MarieK - I've been trying to figure out your BORG name -- 35,019 of 500,000....it just seems to be lacking something.  Wink  
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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Dear SnuziQ,

    Yes Abraxane is ~40 times more expensive than Taxol. Difficult to believe that but true! I am told insurances cover Abraxane when patients get allergic reaction to Taxol.

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