Starting Chemo Aug 09

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited October 2009

    Aw thanks Jenn -- you make me feel a little weepy (in a good way)!  It's interesting that you say you lost ALL of your hair... I did get a buzz cut about two weeks after starting chemo and about 4 days later it all started falling out (a horrible experience but thankfully quick and I'm so glad I didn't have to lose my previously very long hair in big clumps), but when all was said and done I was left with about 10% of the hair (nothing you'd want to wear out in public but not a cue ball either).  Not sure why but when I mentioned to my oncologist that I didn't actually lose 100% she said something like: "well it's not like you have hair, is it?"  And I had to laugh and admit she was right (she's a total doll and I am thinking my quote doesn't do her justice... there was a bit of a twinkle in her eye).

    Marrhea -- I've actually read all about this -- how they find the fill point with a magnet.  But it's great to read it again here.  I haven't had my uni MX yet (that is scheduled for December, about a month after I finish chemo)... but it does sound interesting!  Does the expander hurt you?  I've also read that some women find them really uncomfortable (others do not).  I'm hoping I'm in the "do not" category but I'll deal with it if I'm not (Tylenol and Ibuprofen have become my friend).  I think I'll be so glad not to be having chemo SEs that at least it will be different (if it does hurt).  I'm nervous about it all... but hopeful that in the end it will be okay.

    Cheers,

    Lilah

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

    Good morning - I'm getting ready to run out of the door for Taxol #5, but wanted to wish everyone a good Friday.

    Lilah - When I was talking about ALL of my hair, my friend was asking about "down under" - she was so curious and felt like she had never really know anyone close to ask the question, so she asked me.  I initially did a very short Jamie Lee Curtis cut which lasted two weeks, then buzz cut, then most of it fell out leaving a small amout of prickly hair scattered around around my head.  Strangely enough I am getting fuzzy hear inbetween now..................  And...... I haven't had to shave my legs in 6 weeks, they're still soft like the day after shaving.

    Well, my Mom is here so I'm off to chemo.

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  • YoYo44
    YoYo44 Member Posts: 203
    edited October 2009

    Hi ladies,

    I am finished the Taxol, YAY!!!!!  All 14.  So that means I will have surgery next and chemo round 2 probably after surgery (end of year or begining of 2010).  You know whata that means... sushi for me in a couple of weeks!  Yippee!!!

    Marrhea and Lilah, thanks for the insight and sharing.  Thanks too Kim and Jenn for your words of support.  I know a boob or 2 is coming off but it is such a tough decision, MMX or BMX, and I keep going back and forth.  Some days I am really sad and cry about it, somedays I am really pragmatic and other days I am actually thinking it might be good (my boobs were small and got smaller after breast feeding and I never considerd them any prize).  What a mess.  Not something I every thought I would be having to think about.

    After surgey I will get the details about chemo.  The bad news is radiation is a possibility too.  I so hope not.  The surgeon said he will be taking out a bunch of lymph nodes since if the SNB came out neg he would not be satisfied since he can feel something.  Disappointing news but medically necessary so I am resigned. He said that number of lymph nodes, if there is no further radiation, is unlikely to cause lymphedema.  I hope not, this is of course a big concern, but I have decided I will not worry about it since it might not ever happen!  Waiting to get a consult with the plastic surgeon to finalise my decision around all this. 

    So I am happy that phase 1 is over.  I will be dreaming about sushi for the next week now! (it might even taste good by then!)

    Have a great day everyone!

    Yo

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  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited October 2009

    Congrats Yoyo!  Getting phase on over is great!!  Enjoy the sushi when you are able to have it!  :) 

    Jenn, you had chemo today?  Same day as Kristin and I.  I think that means good luck for you!  ;)  hehe

    Kristin - I hope your treatment went smoothly today.

    My went well and now I'm just waiting for the side effects to kick in.  It was #5 but my first treatment of Taxotere.  I'm supposed to have less nausea but be more tired so we will see what happens!

    Welcome to the new ones to the group!

    I hope everyone is doing well! 

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  • Marrhea
    Marrhea Member Posts: 21
    edited October 2009

    Hi everyone,

    Just came home from my 7th reconstruction. I'm really "building up." lol 

    I haven't had any pain with my expanders. Occasionally, you have a twinge or two, but I also have a twinge on my "perky" side. My PC said that it was normal, since nerves were cut, and this may last for a year. Twinges are okay!! When I go through the "surgery" to have the expander removed, I'll keep you informed on all. That includes the "nipple." That's a story in itself. And as I said before, it's great sharing this. So many people have no idea what we're going through. It's a topic that isn't discussed unless it happens to you. People need to know that there's hope out there and survivial and life! That's what we have to give to all the women who are facing this situation. I'm not sure I mentioned this before, but a woman in my neighborhood is having a double mastectomy next week after ten years of "being a survivor." She's being brave, and we're (my neighborhood) here to help her.

     My taste buds finally came back, and boy that was great. Things are beginning to taste like "food."

    It's kind of nice to start clearing out all the stuff I bought for "preparation" for chemo. I'm sure you'll appreciate that when the time comes, AND IT WILL COME! 

    Well, ladies, keep that smile, that optimism, and let's get through this together!

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  • Marrhea
    Marrhea Member Posts: 21
    edited October 2009

    I guess I've been on the computer too long. I didn't mean to say "my PC," I meant to say my "PS" (plastic surgeon). Oh well!!

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

    Finished chemo on Tuesday - just really tired. But this will pass!! Perhaps I'll have a little hair by Xmas? I have my first radiation visit on Tuesday so sort of looking forward to finding out what it's all about.

    Hang in there girls - chemo WILL end.

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

    I'm back - chemo went well. I don't know if I've mentioned this earlier, but when I have the Taxol treatments I have terrible pain in my back and lower legs.  Tx 1 & 2 I dismissed it thinking it was me, by Tx 3 & 4 I realized it was the Taxol and took pain medication when the pain started.  This time I was smart enough to take the medication as soon as the premeds were being administered and I had NO pain.  In talking with the nurses I'm the third patient (one that was there that morning) in recent memory that is having this reaction to the Taxol.  I was glad to know it wasn't me being crazy......................   Then I was bad and stopped on the way home and had a shrimp po-boy. 

    YoYo - So glad your finished with chemo. Whoo Hoo!   I hear ya' on the sushi.  I can't wait!  We've still been ordering from our favorite place, but I have to eat the already cooked foods, which is just not the same - meanwhile my family is eating the yummy stuff.

    Karen - Yes, chemo on Fridays.  The week I was starting Taxol the dr's schedule was messed up so I ended up on Friday.  I could be wrong, but I think Taxol and Taxotere are in the same family and if that's the case I have to say I've had zero nausea since starting Taxol.  The first week I took the anti-nausea meds day of and two days after as usual, but nothing.  Dr suggested I go without the follow up meds - and he was right no nausea.

    Marreah - I would love to be able to taste things normally........... Today is a good example, the shrimp po-boy is from a place that has the best tasting seafood (always fresh, never fishy tasting) and after several bites the flavor started to get lost.  Ugh!  But....... it didn't stop me from eating :)  I've been on this site too long - I didn't even catch the typo, I still read it as PS.

    Gill - Whoo Hoo, I'm so glad you're completely done - now it will begin to work it's way out of your system.  How are those shingles? 

    I've chatted for a while, so I'll stop for now.  Talk to y'all later...........

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited October 2009

    Welcome Marrhea!   Glad to see you found a silver lining in all of this...71 and perky to boot!

    Thanks for the info on the Taxol pain during the infusion, Jenn.   Also glad to hear the nausea is less.   I start the weekly Taxol drill in two weeks and am a little nervous about it.  

    YoYo and Gill...congratulations on finishing chemo!    It is such good news to hear it DOES end!

    On the hair front...mine has never completely gone.   I've got little sprigs all over and I actually think they've grown a little bit since the head shave 10 weeks ago.   Definitely not enough to be called "hair" but not a cue ball.  My 12 year old and I have been watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy and I think if I uncovered my head and put on a body suit, I'd make a really good Golum.  

    Happy Halloween!

    Patty

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

    Happy Halloween to everyone - Hope everyone has a great time tonight with parties, family, friends, handing out candy or just hanging out in front of television. 

    Patty - Don't worry about the Taxol - although I'm having SE's from it (as it seems I seem to get them all with all of the chemo drugs) they are much much easier to tolerate than the AC.  I wanted to share the pain during infusion because I had not seen it addressed anywhere. 

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited October 2009

    Jenn, by the way, what pain med did you take for the back/leg pain during the Taxol infusion?

    Thanks,

    Patty

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

    I have the generic of vicodin - unfortunately for me the pain is past the Aleve - Advil stage. 

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  • Marrhea
    Marrhea Member Posts: 21
    edited October 2009

    Hi ladies,

    I know that it's not easy to have a "silver lining," but it really is necessary to start feeling that way. Just think of all the women before us who have gone on to lead long productive lives after going through chemo, reconstruction, pain, nausea, and all sorts of side effects. That's how we get through this - attitude, support, love and of course, laughter!

     I wish I could take you all in my arms and make the pain of BC go away. You each have such unbelivable stories filled with all sorts of emotion. The support here is amazing, and we have to keep giving it to each other. As I read each post, I send out prayers and love for each and every one of you.

    Stay strong and positive.

    Lots of love!

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

    Good morning - last night was slow with trick or treaters.  We had a lot of parties going on the neighborhood (bands playing until midnight) - which happened the last time Halloween fell on a weekend.  The trick or treaters we did get got lots of candy because I sure didn't want to keep it in the house.  Without thinking I opened the door a few times without a scarf on my head - not sure what people thought, but I got to laugh at myself a few times after I closed the door.

    My Saints aren't playing until tomorrow - I feel lost not being able to watch them today.  I guess I'll have to flip around and watch another team in our division to satisfy my need to watch football on Sunday - while I cook. 

    Marrhea  thanks for the support - you are a beautiful inside and out!

    Remember - time change - Fall back.................. Have a great day!

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited November 2009

    Jenn, thanks for info on the pain med.   I'm so sorry you are experiencing the pain and hope it improves.

    We went to our annual neighborhood Halloween celebration last night where the adults sit outside (we live in San Diego so the weather is perfect for this) and eat potluck while mobs of kids gather their candy.  I hadn't been to a party in quite a while and had a really good time.   Stayed up past 10pm...Wow!

    Patty

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  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited November 2009

    Jenn - I'm so sorry your having so much pain!  That's awful.  I hope it improves soon!  Hugs!!!!

    I'm Day #4 after my taxotere and seem to be doing pretty well so far.  I was really drowsy all weekend and napped a lot and had some pains in my toes but I can't really complain this time.

    Kristin - how are you?  Hope you are doing well on your day #4 as well!3

    Hugs everyone!

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

    Good morning - Today isn't as bad as last Monday.  I am soooooo curious to find out if I'm receiving the Avastin or Placebo because on the weeks I get it with the Taxol the muscle aches seem to be much much more intensified-along with a few other SE's.  This week I didn't get the Avastin/Placebo and while I'm sore and it's not as intensified as last week.  I walked the dogs this morning for an hour which was wonderful - it is a beautiful day today! 

    Tonight is the big Monday night game Saints v Falcons - This is the kind of day I wish I were at work because I work downtown right in the mix of activity.  A day like this my co-workers and I normally walk around, maybe go thru the French Quarter during lunch and have fun with fans from both teams - then get off early to either go to the game or get home and get ready for the game.  I miss it.............

    Hope everyone has a great day!

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited November 2009

    YoYo -- I SO hear you on the sushi -- I can't wait to have it again.  A martini would be nice too (my doctor asked me not to drink anything alcoholic during chemo -- sigh). 

    Jenn -- I so admire your positive spirit!  I feel your pain too (literally :) -- though I don't have pain while receiving the drug I do wake up two days after Taxol with leg pains (and shooting pains all over my body) that last at least a week.  It may be my imagination but the pain seems less when I drink more water (which I know I've said before).  I LOVE shrimp po'boys in NOLA!  I was there many years ago and I am pretty sure I went to Acme every day for one :)  Could not get enough.  Also, NOLA is the place where I heard the best catcall ever (directed at me)... a guy drove by in a pick up and shouted at me: "How about some fries with that shake?" 

    My LAST Taxol is November 9.  I can NOT wait.  Herceptin (which I had alone two weeks ago) does not seem to have any SEs for me; a good thing since I'll be getting it once every 3 weeks until next summer.

    Cheers,

    Lilah

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

    Good morning- Saints won - not a pretty win, not an easy win, but a win - Whoo Hoo 7-0......... Like other crazy fans, I was screaming at the television the entire game.  Today is another beautiful day outside and it's looking like it may be a good week.  So..............I may try to get some winter flowers planted while the weather is looking good.................. 

    Lilah - I'm so glad you had a great experience in NOLA.   Acme is great - they also have wonderful gumbo.  I work downtown - walking distance from Acme - we usually hit Acme several times during Lent and off an on the rest of the year. I love the cat call - and even better directed at you!!!  November 9th - last day - I'm jealous.  And.......... I'll pay attention to my water intake maybe I think I'm drinking plenty, but it's not enough.

    Hope everyone has great day with minimal SE's

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited November 2009

    Oh Jenn I am so jealous!  Walking distance from Acme! 

    And as for the water, who knows?  It can't hurt.  I pretty much drank water continuously while receiving the chemo and for the next few days after.  Probably ridiculous but I must say that when I didn't do that, I hurt more.  (Mind you, I also started taking 3 advil every four hours... at doctor's suggestion... and I'm sure that helped too).

    Also re: diarrhea -- again it may just be coincidence, but I've taken to eating a banana a day and it has definitely gotten much better (and so now I gained two pounds, lol -- I have lost 10 pounds since start of chemo in August because of the dysenterry)!

    Your last day will come soon enough Jenn... keep your eyes on the date and it will arrive in no time.  I honestly can't believe November 9 is almost here.

    Cheers,

    Lilah

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

    Good morning  - This morning is beautiful and I was able to get in a full hour walk with the dogs and.........met another neighbor. She lives in a house about 3/4 mi from me that I've admired for years, but I've never seen anyone outside before.  So......... my day has started off wonderful.

    Thanks Lilah for the support - I so need it.  I just have times when I feel like "why me".  Why am I having more pain than the next person........ Why do I have to go through this........... Why can't I do this or that..........., yesterday was that day.  Although most people around me don't see that side of me I do get frustrated, especially with the pain issues.  The pain is like nothing I've ever felt before and I have to say it hurts. I do drink water all day long and will have lemonaide w/lunch or dinner for a change, but for the most part all I drink is water.  However, I may need to pay more attention - it may be that all I drink is water, but I'm not drinking enough of it.  I haven't had diarrhea in a little over two weeks, I think because I've been very careful to take my pro-biotics daily and watched what I'm eating.  I still get angry stomach, in which it's painful one or two small episodes or grumbles, but I haven't had those horrible sit in the bathroom all day episodes. Talking about weight - I've maintained my weight.  It goes up and down by 3-5 pounds, but as of last week was back to where I started.  I of course can't believe it hasn't gone down with my extra walking, but the nurse reminded me that the steroids I'm on usually cause a lot of weight gain - with that reminder I was happy with where I am.

    Donna / Kristen - haven't heard from y'all in a while - all okay? 

    Hope everyone has a good day Laughing 

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  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited November 2009

    Hugs Jen!  I'm sorry you are having so much pain. 

    Today is my 32rd birthday.  I'm just taking it easy and then going out for supper later.  I'm really looking forward to it.  My taste was off last night but seems better today so I hope that keeps up for supper!

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

    Happy Birthday Karen. I hope the food tastes yummy!

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited November 2009

    Happy Birthday Karen!  Enjoy your dinner!

    Jenn, I am so sorry you are having this pain.   I'm impressed that you keep up with your walking despite it.   Good for you!  

    Patty

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

    Happy Birthday Karen!

    And hello to everyone.  I don't post much but I read everyday.  Gotta keep up with the August Amazons!

    Navy

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

    Good morning - haven't walked yet, but will go after my DH and daughter head out for work and school in about an hour.  Today I'm going to the office to visit and pick up some files to do some work I can't do w/o them and............ I may run to Michael's to get some stuff for a project I want to do. 

    Patty- I do walk, even with the terrible pain, because in my mind it helps to distract me from the pain, maybe help the muscles,it gets my day started and gives both me and my dogs exercise. And..... in all honesty I'm afraid to give in - I'm still fighting it, which may or may not be good - don't know yet. 

    Karen - Sorry I missed your post yesterday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  I hope you had a wonderful dinner.

    NavyMom - thanks for checking in - hope all is still going well with you.

    Happy Thursday!

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  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited November 2009

    Thanks for the bday wishes ladies!  I had a nice supper out with my family and I could actually taste the food so that was a great bday present.  I had chicken fajitas and a salad and then a piece of cheesecake for dessert.  Yum!

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

    Good morning - Heading out to chemo in a little while, but wanted to wish everyone a Happy Friday!!!

    Karen - your birthday dinner sounds like one I would have chosen - yummy!!!!

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  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited November 2009

    Good luck at chemo Jenn!   I hope this one is kinder to you. 

    Happy Friday everyone!  I hope you all have the best weekend possible!

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

    Good morning - Didn't sleep well last night, but never do on chemo day - the steroids from the day before and chemo day keep me wide awake.  Not feeling too bad - it should be an okay day.  I really don't have plans, I'll probably just pick up around the house, maybe run to the grocery and plan on the meal for tomorrow's game Saints v Panthers - I sure hope we can make it to 8-0.  The excitement around town is wonderful.  My lab nurse is a huge Saints fan, she has her walls papered in newspaper articles - needless to say everytime I get my blood drawn we cut up, laugh and have a good talk about the prior game and the next game.  I brought her some Saints pens a few weeks ago and she's managed to keep them from getting stolen - whoo hoo!!

    Hope everyone has a Happy Saturday!!

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