Starting Chemo October 2009

Valerie, I do have good co-workers.  More people are coming by to see how I am doing, some I haven't seen in years. I have worked there 23 years, so just about everyone knows me. 

Congrats on finishing tx #2.  I will be there with you next week.  I don't know whether I want it to hurry by to get it done, or enjoy all the good days in between.   What a fickled person I am.

Hope you have gentle ses.

Juannelle

Joanne, I went through some pretty emotional days about 5 or 6 days post tx.  I cried over everthing.  Other  women have said they do the same thing.  I haven't been emotional this week and I hope it stays that way.  But if it happens it happens.

Eat a piece of cake for me.

Juannelle

Shelby - take the Claritin one hour before the shot.  If you are doing the 12 hour Claritin, you don't have to be diligent to the hour, but make sure you take one both morning and evening.  I did this for 1 week and have had zero pain this time around.  

And Good Morning to you All - I am really, truly headed to MEXICO this morning!  Should have internet, so I may even be able to send some pics!  When I cracked the henna paste off of my head, the stain was light.  It is darkening up now, so you will be able to see the tattoo.

I bought a bathing suit yesterday because  I realized I didn't have any that fit the "no boob" me.  Almost started crying right there in Nordstrom.  My chest area just looked horrible.  Thankfully, my shopping gal helped me find something that didn't suck the air right out of the room.  Unfortunately, it still looks like I'm giving birth to the alien baby, but that is really fat and I can't blame that on cancer.  OK, I'm blaming it on the steroids.

The reason I say this is so that you all can be prepared if you go shopping.  I think if I had just mentally prepared myself for the sight, I would have done better.  Yes, I've seen myself with the shirt off a hundred times since surgery, but there was something about the bathing suit that just hit me.  I'm supposed to have cleavage - lots of it from the perky DD here - and to have nothing was jolting.  And worse than nothing since left foob (cancer girl or Venus) is in my armpit and right foob (necrosis side or Serena) is pointing toward my neck.  And my skin is right down to the sternum, making it look like I'm anorexic from the boob area up.  (Not below, because that is the domain of the alien baby, and will be fixed at implant exchange, as assured by my wonderful PS)

I think I recovered ok with the help of my shopping gal and my friend who was with me.  I got a suit with a bandeau (kind of tube) top, that ties in the back.  Fully covers the underarm area and the other weird area.  It was just an unexpected jolt of cancer fear in what was otherwise a really nice day.  

I need this vacation!  I am sending big, warm, ocean scented hugs and love to you all.  Minimal s/e's to everyone, uneventful stressfree tx's, and lots of moments where you can just remember the person you are and the people who mean the most to you!

Laura 

Laura, hope you have a fabulous trip!  Sitting on a beach (minus the bathing suit...I don't mean wearing NOTHING, but minus the anxiety of a bathing suit!) that sounds fabulous.

 My port infection is looking a bit better and is a lot less painful.  Thank goodness for antibiotics!

 I wanted to chime in another voice about franceluxe.com.  I used the e-mail address Brenda posted on page 32, and Laurie replied today!  It almost seemed to good to be true, you know?  I picked out this one: http://www.franceluxe.com/pc/L3083X/headwraps/index.html

Laurie (laurie@franceluxe.com) said it would take about four weeks.  I can't wait...I have some basic cotton ones already from softhats.com, but this one looks just gorgeous!

HI ladies

MICHELE

i know the fear feeling , just try to turn this negative into a positive if your S/Es weren't that bad last time and your onco said it should be the same ,keep that in your mind take some one who will be positive and fun with you and make the most of the few hrs that you will be there do some nice fun things while your there YOU WILL BE OK

LAURA

 Can i come to please please please  , Mexico wow over here in aus Mexico is such a long way away and thats what i want now ha ha have a fab time girl, from what i get from you i have no doubt you will have a ball you sound like such a bubbly fun  person ,good to have around. 

JOANNE

Joanne...we're da@ned if we do, and da#ned if we don't!!

Laura, have fun in Mexico.....glad you made it through the suit horrors.

Mechelle, I get that way, but then I talk myself down.  If I try not to touch, use hand sanitizer, and move away from anyone with a cough, I figure I'm doing what I can and I just can't quarantine myself for 4+ months.  Plus, white cells should be up and ready for next time, right?  Hope your SEs are as mild or milder than before. 

Sido, if it's any comfort, my second treatment yesterday has been worlds better than the first.  I hope that yours will turn out as well!  I'm sorry about the hair issues, I'm still in that stubbly phase which is really annoying - I just attacked my head again with the electric razor.  It can be very frustrating!  Gentle hugs...

Michele, your WBC should be pretty good considering the timing - I went to a college football game last Saturday and had no problems, just made sure to keep to myself as much as possible.

Take care everyone... 

HI Jean

hope your feeling better soon, you will once the antibiotics kick In. I got an infection as well a few days after my firstTX ,it does knock you around even more so so hold on tight a better day is just around the corner

Joanne

Hey everyone,  I'm realizing just how long my week has been with the 4+ pages of posts I had to read to catch up!  This has been a good week.   I've been feeling well and have been very busy this week - too many work projects, too little time.

In the posts, I saw several people mention hot flashes.   Keep in mind that steriods can also cause hot flashes; although, I belive the documentation calls it being flushed.

Mary - I had issues with my steri-stips as well, but I think it was mainly because I am sensitive to adhesives.  I just trimed off the edges as they started peeling. 

All - has anyone tried hand lotion that has anti-bacterial "beads" in it?  I saw some at the store the other day and wondered how well it works.

Here's wishing everyone health and happiness.

Suzi

Good Morning from Mexico!

Snuziq - "Flushed" my A$$!!  That description was made up by a man.  Maybe it is the steroids.  I never thought about that.  Although I'm kinda hoping it is chemo/menopause and that I will never go through this again!!  If it is steroids, can I blame my anger on 'roid rage?

All is good here.  Having fun, but a little hesitant about drinking (increased risk for bc, blah, blah, blah).  Can ONE WEEKEND of getting my drink on be that bad?  Damn, I never thought I would be the responsible one. 

Will check in later.  Have a good one, Gals!

L 

Hi Ladies. 

Feeling much better than days before.  Finally. 

Mary- I also get those flushed cheeks.  Bright pink.  Looks like I have on blush.  After a few hours they dissappear.  I have also had hot flashes.  I am on chemopause.  That is the only thing I am happy about as I just hate periods.  My onc told me I may never get them again.  That would be just fine with me.

Dee- Happy Birthday!!!!  Enjoy this day with your DH. 

AZDiva - can we have liquor while on chemo?  I heard that is a no no.  I dont drink so that did not bother me.  But hey if your onc says its okay....a small drink wont do any harm.

Jean - sorry you are sick. Thats is a bummer.  Hope you are feeling well real soon.

I am looking forward to a feel good weekend.  My SEs seem to be abating and I am done with my neupogen shots.  My onc said I may not have to do shots anymore depending on my WBC on T.  I am nervous about starting T next week.  My mom is flying in from FL to be with me for my first T tx. 

Anita

Hi everyone, it's been a busy day!

 Second treatment was this morning.  Even though the port area is still infected, it looked a lot better than Wednesday and they were able to use it.  Turns out I also have a reaction to Tagaderm and the lido cream, so I'll just be getting the freeze spray.

While I was getting saline to start, I started running my hand through my hair, and out some came!  I tried again, same thing.  I saved a little pile for DH on his magazine (he'd gone to get a head start on the pharmacy).  Now I'm home and it's buzzed.  I had a lot of hair, so even after seeing a big pile gone, you couldn't tell, but I knew I'd always be playing with and losing more.  This'll give me some time to get used to it before going back to work on Thursday! 

MEREDETH

You are such a pretty women you can so easily get away with the bald look ,your very lucky .

 Ive been surfing some other forums  lately and I'm a bit upset, and a bit put of some of them really turn into a boxing ring its very sad ,so I'm trying now to shake all the yukies of and come  here and have a nice chat to my Oct sisters  .

I  went to work today only 4 hrs thats all they would let me do there very concerned i might pick up germs (I'm a hairdresser) or get to tired ,my husband Sam was against it as well  but i really wanted to go in Ive been feeling really good all week and just wanted to  get back doing normal things.

 So Sam unwrapped the cotton wool he had put around me and off i went and i had such a lovely time catching up with my special clients they bought me flowers coffee,cake  i got very spoilt.

My boss rang twice to make sure i was OK and Sam gave my co worker his mobile number just in case, now thats a little to much for 4 hrs but least i know he cares  .

My hair is coming away a lot more now but i wont do a buzz for a little while yet  ,but ill wear some of my scarfs  got some real pretty ones ill try to do some photos , not good at all with technology.

SIDO i hope your SEs arnt to bad for you and i think i will try to walk every day to if it helps

 Well 1 week of feeling normal till next TX so ill make the most of it .

LOTS OF LOVE YOUR AUSSIE MATE

JO JO

Hi girls,  I think this is my week to be having issues. First I got an awful cough and fever, onc put me on an antibiotic Thursday. 

 Now (6 a.m.) Saturday, I have found I have a toothache and my lower jaw is so swollen, I just left a message for my onc.  I don't know what will happen now.  I am hoping I won't end up in the hospital for this infection.  Anyone have this issue while doing chemo?  I just don't believe it!! I am worried?

 Jean

I'm glad people are able to visit with family - it makes such a difference to be surrounded by loved ones!  Meredith, I love the message on  your head!  laura, hope you're having a blast down in MX.  

Those who are feeling sick - take it easy and take care of yourselves!  Follow the doc's orders and don't end up in the hospital!  Here's to a quick recovery for all of you!

I've done much better this second time around, just a LOT of fatigue - but I'll take it!

Peace...