November 2009-Starting Chemo

Good morning Warriors, just popping in to wish our MOMMY2TWO and SHEL SHEL the best the absolute best for today!! You girls will be in all our hearts and thoughts today !!(((((HUGS)))))

Kimmy so glad you have BRAGGING rights today!!! YOU EARNED all that and more!! 

ALICIA, a resurection in progress, I'm so glad you are BACK!! Let's keep it that way. 

PAM FLAMIN HOT WIGS!!! That was my favorite color when I was a youngster "FLAME" . I think all you girls look amazing in your wigs!!

MELINDA on the upswing, thank you god!! I hope today is so much better and #5 even better! Regarding plugged stuff Raspberries have more fiber than any other food on earth put them on your ice cream, in milkshakes or in your cream cheese!!

Doronet, YEAH!!! for day 4,5,6,!! Lovin your tips on MCDEs shakes and chocolate pudding glad your coming back to better days.

LVLLINDA, Hi sister you are at the front of the pack and still hanging in I'm so glad your feeling better. Are you using warm salt water rinses thru out the day? Also try strong tasting mints like Altoids, or mentos for nasty taste. Use plastic utensils too!!! hope your day goes well.

Yesterday I got my Renee of Paris, her name is Brittany, and she is just so beautiful!! I got her in ginger brown, a copper, red and brown mix!! I'm so jazzed! Also when I got home found a package from the EXPENSIVE SCARF ladies with a most lovely creation , it's my own silk scarf. Wow those girls are great!!! I called them right away to thank them!! Color me GRATEFUL!!! Still working on healing this left side of my chest, I'm praying it gets done on time cause I'm scheduled for 1st TX on Dec. 1st!! Pray for me girls that this thing heals up ok? I need to start this chemo before this BEAST crawls some where else in my lil ole body!!

BRENDASHARON, can't wait to hear from you today!!! Where are all our other sisters we miss you girls. We can't wait to hear from OMARSMOM, IAMMOM2four, LittleBird, Kayh, Susan62, Anamary, AroninMIa, Reglau, Portergirl, AnnH, Mouse, Sueinflu, Phillipa, and jkwick.  We pray you girls are doing good and that you will post soon. We also haven't heard from our Aussie sisters in a while, we miss you girls too, so drop in and post soon!! 

ALL WARRIOR PRINCESSES HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!!!   

RedHeadPam:  Darling wigs!!  So cute!!!  And, natural looking. 

ccani, I guess each city is doing it differently (which means the government is deciding).  I've contacted the head of our County Health Department,  and they are the only ones doling it out.  Doctors do not have it and they aren't releasing it to anybody.  The ONLY way that I can get it is to go to the clinic, which they cancelled due to rain.  (And, it's not raining).  Ridiculous.  The CDC sent each city their supply and the city decided what to do with it.  Being in the heart of Kalifornia, this is what happens.  No, we don't need the people who run FEMA, the IRS, and who make new mammography guidlines running our healthcare.  Our doctors should decide.

Good luck to all who start treatments!  I'm getting nervous - only 12 days to go for me!

Kimmy -- sooo glad you are feeling good!  Never feel bad about bragging a bit -- I think it gives us all hope when we are down.  Now I am craving banana bread!

 Did anyone else know that you have a 5-post limit per 24 hours until you hit 50 posts?  I found that out when I hit the limit between wig photo #1 and #2! You don't find out you're over the limit until your post is all set and you hit "submit", either.  Oh well, now I know.

 One thing I have been wondering about is the Neupogen shots.  Did everyone's onc just included those as part of the "package," or are they in response to a SE?   Mine has never mentioned them, didn't even want me come in for bloodwork between tx's this time because my wbc count was good last time.Don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not missing them, I just wondered!

 Doronet -- the other thing I like on crackers is the little Laughing Cow cheese - the soft one that comes in wedges.  It's a little less tangy than cream cheese to my taste, so sometimes that goes down easier.

 Thanks to everyone for the kind words about my wigs! I am getting used to them a bit more, but  dang, they itch! Scarves and hats are so much more comfy.I need to find the right thing to wear under them, because the little thing from the wig shop (like a "footy" for your head) squeezes too much, and a terrycloth scarf liner is too big.I'd love to see everyoneelse's pics. I will bet you are all lovely in yours .

Big hugs to all, especially those in the midst of treatment and the aftermath.....

Pam

RedHead Pam, some ONCs give neulasta, or neupogen shots as a matter of course, to ward off the possibility of crashing white blood cell counts, which sets a patient up for infections. Other ONCs don't order those shots until or unless your WBC plummets. My ONC is the kind that waits to see if the WBC will crash!! Did you read the post from our new sister BECCA S she crashed and burned on the WBC , ended up in the hospital and she is a young strong woman!! They are now giving her the shots to bring up her WBC. My ONC also doesn't schedule checks between TXs which kind of worries me I guess each doc has their own protocol. Here is hoping she's doing alot better now!! 

BRENDASHARON, what a relief to see your post and I'm thrilled  you are in GREAT FORM, as always!!! Welcome back FEARLESS LEADER!!! You are amazing!! As always right behind you sister girl!!! 

CAFELOVR you must be very sensitive to the steroids and HOORAY for XANAX!! hoping that will do the trick!! Hang in there WARRIOR SISTER!!! 

BECCA S are you with us sister? I hope you are doing better and I've been waiting to see anew post from you!! Hope they finally figured your doses right and that we will hear from you real soon!!  

Just realized that sisters Anamary and Littlebird are in the drip rooms today !! We are wrapping you up in ((((((WARM HUGS)))))) We pray for no SEs !!!

Hi everyone! Yep, my oncs don't give neupogen or neulesta until it is shown as needed. I still haven't had any --- I had IV antibiotics in the hospital and now oral antibiotics at home and my WBC levels have gone back up on their own. I meet next week (on Friday after Thanksgiving) with onc to discuss changes... and I expect that I'll get neupogen for the next cycle and maybe a lower dose of taxotere or carboplatin. We shall see.

In the meantime, as soon as my levels went up, I started feeling great. I had my second herceptin-only TX yesterday and that went OK and I feel steady today. I'm looking forward to this 3rd week of feeling good. I cut my hair really short - a first for me - and am rather enjoying it. Never figured the pubic hair would be the first to go... 

This discussion board is so important - as you all have said. Your experiences give me such valuable perspective and a place to turn. Thanks.

Hi everyone!

I have to make this brief because I'm SO tired.  Just got home from my tx.  This time I had an allergic reaction to the Taxotere.  They pushed Benadryl then tried again.  Same thing....pushed more steroids and did the Cytoxan instead.  I finally got the Taxotere on the third try.  Weird that I had an allergic reaction this time and not the first time!  So, I guess I'm tired from all the Benadryl.  I feel okay for now, I will try to post in the next few days and I apologize for any spelling errors today   I also noticed everyone talking about the neupogen/neulesta shots.  My onc doesn't give them unless needed either but I get a blood test every week while I'm going through treatment so I guess I feel comfortable with that because I prefer not to get a shot that may not be needed.  So far my counts have been right where they need to be.

Have a great weekend WARRIORS! 

My onc only gives neulasta/neupogen if necessary too.  I go in every week for a blood test and herceptin.  Some women get to take their shots home and give it to themselves. 

Ladies those of you who have a bad taste - what is it like?  I ask because I had dental treatment two months ago and they nicked my lingual nerve.  My tongue went dead and I got a metallic taste.  Ever since then I've not been able to taste.  It's slowly coming back but nerve injuries are slow to heal.  I am wondering if I'm already used to one of the chemo SEs?

Oh my!  I knew our pubes feel out, but I hadn't imagined where or when. LOL.  I gave up bikini waxes when I was dx'd with cancer  - knowing it was going anyway.  Now I'm going to have a mess to clean up!  LOL. 

Any ladies who are december gals, PM me and I'll add you to that thread too.  Maybe nobody will start in December?  I like it here better anyway.

Hi brendasharon and everyone!

No I don't post on this thread cos I don't fit the chemo Nov.2009 and didn't want to intrude. I've been a member of the forum for some years though. I am coming up 18 years NED in Jan.

Yes I do PM the Aussies just to let them know about the Aussie forum. Its easier to find the American ones on the net and sometimes they don't know about the Aussie ones. We have lots of gtgs etc and its nice to meet up. This forum is great though...so much info and friendship!

Still haven't heard from used2b either.....will def. let you know if I do.

Good luck with your treatment everyone. You are such great support to each other!

jezza

So excited, I want to call someone and tell them, but it is only six in the morning.

The poopy fairy came! Yeah!

I haven't been totally stopped up, but the system has not been up to par. Hopefully this is the end of constipation until next cycle.

I have been taking 2 colace every day. What is the next powerful thing I can try that won't give me cramps.

Something else weird I have wondered. You know how your septic tank has bacteria that "digest" the waste. I have a septic tank, not city sewer. I am thinking this chemo and toxic poo will kill all my healthy bacteria in the tank. The last thing I need is my septic system failing and having a yard full of yuck.

Anybody know a plumber and can ask if I need to be adding septic tank treatment during chemo, or am I just too worried about the ins and outs of my poo issues.

sorry i have been silent but have been reading all your updates and sending you wishes and hugs.

I realise that for me the days after the CT feels like Groundhog day - you wake up and hey it is the same all over again - aaaaaaaaaaaaah!! But, hey, we get a few good days it seems before we start again.

I think i am coming out of the groundhog fog now.

It looks as if i will be able to get back to yangon/rangoon early next week (home) so might have less onine time, but will keep in contact as much as i can and am thinking of you all.

warm hugs

philippa

PS am posting the same on october thread - just in case you all think chemo brain has got me (which it has )

November sisters, sorry I haven't posted for a couple days.  I was not at work on Friday and my home network is down.  Back up today maybe.

Yesterday was my 2nd TX.  I got poked 4 times.  The first two by my assigned onc nurse.  I could tell from the beginning she was not going to work for me.  All she talked about was how crumby my veins are and how much she wanted to go home.  So her first two pokes didn't work.  Then a sweet nurse can over and got a vein that they used for all the pre stuff.  But because they couldn't get good blood drawback, they didn't want to use it for the "red stuff".  So they called over the head nurse, Miss K.  She of course got it on the first poke and it went fairly smoothly from there.  When I left, I told that I Miss K was asking for her next time.  She said she said a prayer as she walked over to my chair to be me finally set up.  Whatever works.

They want me to get a port, but I only have six TX left.  And some people, like LittleBird, are having trouble with ports as well.  Have to think about this one -- but quick

Anyway, it's Steriod Day for me, so I am feeling pretty well.

doronet - 120 at 5'7" - I remember those days; anyway my PA says 8 glass of liquid at presumably 8 ounces.  But she stresses that it can be juice, ensure, carnation breakfast drink, herbal tea, along with the water.  She is afraid I will be water logged and not eat.  I am about an inch shorter and maybe 10 pounds heavier, so you may want to bump it up eight ounces of so.  But a gallon seems like a lot.  I would be in the bathroom constantly.

pam -- love the wigs.  My sister bought me a wig and is bringing it tomorrow.  I lint rolled my hair this AM and it's coming out.  But my hair is so thick, it may take a while to show.

Hang in there everyone and take a nap today! 

Hi. Just resting after my Saturday bike ride. Before 'this' I ran with a great gang of marathon runners- now they run and I cycle along with them.

Ccnani where is your photo ?? I have just posted mine- it was taken 2 days post mastectomy in the hospital garden. Will change to a wig photo soon. Hair well on its way out- wore my short wig for bike riding today- was delighted that it didn't blow off. I get the manuka honey from the supermarket but they sell it at the health food shop too- which is where i get the lovely almond milk from.

Melinda 41, I am curious as to whether you could pay for the neupogen shots outside your insurance? I am in the UK so our funding is different. If we go private for any aspect of our health care we have to pay for the whole lot of treatment.

Interesting to read the postings re H1N1 I will be asking my Docs about that next week- over here our family are encouraged to get the vaccination too- is it the same in the USA? Australia? Thailand?

When is Thanksgiving? Can you tell I am a Brit? If you let me know I will make sure I enter into the celebrations. Did it start by giving thanks for getting rid of the English ??? think you need to teach me about this celebration !!!

For those of you struggling with steroid induced insomnia- my info leaflet suggests taking one dose in the morning and second dose at lunch time- thought it might help.

Happy Weekend to you all 

Good Morning Warrior Princesses!!! Looks like today no sisters have TXs.?? Boy you girls are just doing so good I can't believe how BRAVE YOU ARE!!!

KAYH, sooo glad you posted and though your feeling FUZZY in the head and tummy your doing ok!!  We are so glad that you are doing good!! It's amazing that you guys are going into summer and were going into winter!! So we all are just the opposite!! Yikes, your blood pressure really spiked, I will hate to see what mine will do on that 1st TX day, cause I already have somewhat high blood pressure!! Lots of HUGS SISTER!! 

LITLEBIRD75, really happy to see your post!! but sadended by your trouble with the port!  I guess those ports can give some trouble!! Glad they got it done though so you can move on!!! Hope they had no trouble with the IV. Maybe they will have better luck next time with the port. I hope ur day goes well and that you have few SEs. You are in my thoughts and in my heart! 

Melinda, Yeah and Hooray for the Poo Fairy!!! Who knew that any princesses would be praying for a good Poo!! Your stuff about the septic tank was hilarious, but your mind is sound, cause remember one sister posted that someone peed on the grass while on chemo and it killed the grass, please post your findings that would be interesting. Does it hurt the septic bacteria? Hope you have a great day!! 

Phillipa, wow glad your back sis!! I love your groundhog fog stuff !! I guess that is a very apt description of Chemo Brain stuff!!! Well glad you came out of the ground to let us know you are doing pretty good!! So your home is in Yongon/Rangoon, is that far from Bankok? Is internet access limited in your home town? Do you have to go to an internet cafe ? I lived in Mexico for 7 years and there was limited access in small towns there!! Keep in touch when you can and we are with you sister!! HUGS 

Alicia, how are you today? I see you posted to wish our other sisters well, and I know you weren't feeling so good yesterday, so how are you and your family today?? I hope your doing ok sis. Did you finally find a wig that you like? I just got mine and I love her she is so butiful!! alota luv!! 

SHEL OMG!!! Poked 4 times!! what a bummer!!! HOORAY for MISS K!!! Make sure you request her expertise for next time!! So today will be an up day because of the steroids? How long does that last sister Shel?? That first nurse should have gone home if she didn't feel good, and not screwed up your TX day!! 2 down sister. Your a WARRIOR!!  

So it looks like no sisters in the drip room today. I won't even ask about BRENDA SHARON cause I know shell be posting soon enough! I'll just tell her what a great leader she is and that I hope today will be a good one for her and her DH. She can enjoy his company all weekend and I pray for no SEs. LUV U SIS!! 

Jeeza, thanks for your post and support. I think we were all a lot worried about used2be and the other AUSSIE sisters who dropped in here with us and then out of here after your PMs!! I'm so very happy that your 18 years out!! Amazing!! I don't know about the other sisters, but BRENDA SHARON and I are like old mother hens, watching over our chicks, and when any chicks disappear we get concerned because this is such an important, rocky road we are all on, as you well must know!!  We miss joanne ( with the pretty flower ) and all the other Aussies who were here with us. They added so much to our little group!! We have LIVELIFE from England and KAYH from AUSTRALIA and PHILLIPA from THAILAND. Anyway, when you drop in its great!! and I wish you would just post to the girls who end up here on the thread, instead of the PM thing, cause that seems a little strange!! You are so welcome here and all sisters from around the world, but please  post the sisters on our thread, you can let them know about the Aussie sites and all that and then we can see your invites to our sisters!! That way we know they are all well and all good!!! Again, thank you so much for your posts and come back anytime you want, we will be waiting to hear from you and all the other Aussie sisters. HUGS 

WARRIOR PRINCESSES, have a wonderful day today and MOMMY2TWO, BOXERSUE, BECCA S, ALICIA,  KIMMY , DORONET, MOUSE, COOLBREEZE, ANNAMARY, ANNN H, iammom2four, REDHEADPAM, CAFELOVR, LVLLINDA, DeeDee22, SLVSHERRI, SUSAN62, SHARA D, OMARSMOM, PORTERGIRL, LIVELIFE, JKWICK, REGLAU,  and ARONINMIA, Hope I didn't miss anyone, All you princesses are on our minds and in our hearts always. Have a most wonderful weekend with family and friends. I wish you minimal SEs and Goodnite sleeps!! ((((((( WARM TIGHT HUGS)))))))

Well I should have known, while my lil old boney fingers were typing you were posting BRENDA, I guess you didn't see my post cause it showed up one hour after yours, except when I started the post, you hadn't posted yet. Glad to hear your doing good sis!!! have a wonderful weekend!!  SO MUCH LUV!!!

LIVELIFE Natalie, I wanted to put up my picture and Brenda and Mommy2 gave me detailed instructions, but I'm so digitally retarded that I thought that I could just get a regular photo and then somehow magically post it!! I have to get a picture into my computer first, as I'm sure everyone else knew, but me, of course daaaaah!!! Your picture looks absolutely fabulous!!!  Can't wait to see your wig photos! So glad your able to bike and are feeling good! Thanks for the info re. honey I'm gonna look for it and the almond milk at the health food store! I finally got my Renee of Paris wig, her name is Brittany, She is gorgeous, long slightly waved able to wear half up or completely down. The young girl trimmed the bangs, so I could wear it, cuz I have a billboard forehead, not exactly cute! I love it and am so pleased with the color. It's pretty close to my own. Ginger Brown, a brown with copper and red in it!!  I also got my butiful silk scarf from those lovely ladies who send out free scarves I believe its FRANCELUX!!! I'm so jazzed!!! I also had a fancy date with my daughter and 2 cousins. We dressed up and went to see my long time love, ( 42 years ago) Vicente Fernandez, the most famous mexican singer in the world. I could barely act like a grandma at that concert!! If my daughter hadn't been there, I would have run down to the stage and thrown myself and some personal articles of clothing at him, at which point my daughter would have died of embarrasment!! My kids all think that love, sex and rocknroll die when you are 45!!! I had the most fabulous time swooning, screaming and singing to the top of my lungs, which is customary at his concerts!!! All in all it was my last hurrah!! I hope that your fancy affair was a great as mine, I know it was to see a comedian!!  BTW, Natalie, Thanksgiving isn't a celebration about getting rid of the Brits, it's a celebration of the Pilgrims First Harvest after arriving here. What they don't tell our kids is that all their pilgrim butts were starving and freezing to death in the snow and they couldn't grow squat!! The Indians, our aboriginal tribes, took pity on their sorry butts and showed them how to plant and what to plant. They basically saved them from starvation and horrible deaths!!! That meal, was compliments of the Indians and as a HUGE Thanksgiving for their lives and all the great food!! Shortly after that is when the grateful settlers started systematically stealing the Indians lands and  eliminating their hosts!! Great stuff right?? We all celebrate with our families and give so much thanks to God for the food that we are so fortunate to have, we pray that other people in the world, who are not so lucky, will also be blessed as we are!!! LUV U Sis!!!

Melinda41, I know that the drug companies will help people get those injections if they need them when their insurance wont pay for them. Just go to their website and fill out an application if you end up needing them, I hope you don't!!!  I had already gone to 2 sites, just in case I need that stuff and was told that if I need it they can help me get it for free or for a much reduced cost!!! HANG IN THERE SISTER GIRL!!!!