November 2009-Starting Chemo

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited December 2009

    Brenda/Sharon ~ the compazine does work very well.  It is what I use, but I do get the Emend (at least so far) for the first 3 days.  But I am usually nauseous for the first week, so I take the Compazine seen to be the least "steriody"  I also have Zocor and Decadron but try to stay clear of them as it says they both cause headaches and dizziness.  I have enough of that.  Somehow you and I will get through these next 6 treatments together !!!  We have the same number left.  While it sucks ~ we will do it and BE DONE! 

    Linda ~ glad to hear from you.  I have to say I hate the wigs, hats everything.  My favorite is a pink bandana someone gave me.  AND yes, I find I get some smiles and people being nice.  The cashier gave me a coupon in Walgreens the other day and told me to be well.  :)  BUT ~ I did wear a hair halo I got from TLCdirect.com.  IT IS blazing red, with a little grey fashionable cap today and dressed up a bit!  I have to say it really made me feel better.  I ALMOST felt well.. pretty !!! 

    When and if you girls do have sex with the hubby do you feel the need to put a wig on ???  I feel like it is bad enough I have my hamburger buns under a camisole ~ he doesn't need me bald too. 

    Oh Brenda/Sharon, I have heard that chemo can make the membranes thinner down in the nether region and make sex painful.  As if we don't have enough problems.  And me too when I am in the house I love to be just BALD.  It is more comfy then anything.  I am blessed that my kids and hubby think I have a beautiful face. 

    Michele ~ enjoy your snow and baking.  I love to cook when it snows.  Unfortunately it doesn't snow all that much here anymore.  I do like a nice snowy day. 

    I was laying in the bed after I got the kids off to school, feeling crappy.  Then I took an Aleve, drank some sparkling water and forced myself up and out Christmas shopping.  Spruced myself up and I feel better that I did THAT! My goal is to be done shopping by this weekend, with Chemo on Monday.... I will feel crappy for a good 7 days.  I need to have to just wrap and bag everything.  Bah humbug.  :)

    Hugs girls.... I really appreciate you all ~

    Alicia

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  • kyasou
    kyasou Member Posts: 24
    edited December 2009


    Good Morning Warriors!  I have been feeling ok today but expect all hell to break loose this afternoon, when it normally does.  I am flushed from the steriods and a little queasy but that is it for now....I hear the theme from Jaws in the background as the SEs approach.

    Ok...have to weigh in on the sex thing.  My hubby knows I am off limits for the week of bedrest, but afterwards he is game (me not so much).  It is very painful, but lube, lube, lube and it is bearable.  My onc. told me to watch out for any body fluids (which included flushing the toilet twice) for the first 3 days after treatment only.  BUT I like the idea of using it as a pass when needed!

    As for the compazine...I'm scared to take it!! I read up on all the side effects and they freaked me out.  I know it is a little silly given all the other toxic crap I am putting into my body, but I am waiting for the really back SE's of day 2-5 before I contemplate it.  I have benedryl on hand and my onc. downplayed the SE's from compazine, but I am still on the fence. That fence will probably shrink though in the next couple of days and I will let you know what happens if/when I go on it.

    As for Amend...I am on that and the cost is killing me too.  Both my hubby and I are out of work (for 6 months now) and the bill is a shocker.  One thing you might want to try... I went in yesterday to get it before my treatment and the clerk told me that it was somewhere around $90 for one round, and $100 total for two if I bought them at the same time.  Weird!  I don't know if the price you were given was for the comulative bill for buying each time you went into treatment, or if you were allowed to get all the refills at once at that huge amount.  Might be something to try out.

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited December 2009

    Alicia,

    I just got off the phone with my nurse at my Primary Dr's office. she said that I couldn't get the "Emend" because of Ins. and they only allow me to get prescriptions refilled every 30 days. I explained this med wasn't the type you take every day for a month and then you go refill your prescription.  I explained that I only take 3 pills and they are on the day of my CHEMO TX and the following two days after TX. She said she would speak to my Primary Dr. and my Oncologist Dr. to see what can be done. If my treatments where once a month I'd be in good shape. Also, I'm not sure why, but I've been nausea all day today .Tongue out   I haven't actually thrown up or anything, just that queasy feeling all dang day. I  hope it's not a sing of things getting worse and worse as this continues to build in our systems!!!~~I do have compazine and zofran maybe i should try taking one of  those.  Do they make you sleepy??? I'm at work and if they do I'll wait till I get home.

    P.S. I appreciate you also Wink

    Thanks in advance, Brenda (((((HUGS)))))

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited December 2009

    BrendaSharon ~ take a Compazine.  They make you a little drowsy but nothing major and they do help.  Then if you are still feeling bad later take the Zofran.  Compazine is for mild nausea and Zofran moderate.  I do find with each treatment I am a bit more queasy.  I actually puked on day 4 of chemo number 3 last week.  YUCK !   I have found rice with a a bit of broth on it helps my stomach or an instant cup of soup.  Cheesecake helps too... LOL 

    Feel better ~

    :)
    Hugs !

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  • kyasou
    kyasou Member Posts: 24
    edited December 2009

    I have been experiencing vertigo too and heard compazine is good for that...so may be taking it soon too.

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited December 2009

    Good News I forgot to share!~~~~

    When all this first started back in August my surgeon told me it would be in my best interest to quit smoking.  Well, I didn't listen at that point, but when my oncologist said it would add 60% back on my recurrence rate if I continued to smoke. So at that point I thought really hard. I have smoked since I was 15 given permission. I'm now 56. Back then it was OK and approved by my parents as well. They both smoked. My mom still does. Dad quit at 55. Anyhow I couldn't see the since of taken all these TOXIC drugs to help cure and help prevent the return of cancer, just to offset my chances by 60% because of my addiction to cigarettes.

    SO I QUIT.

    I have been smoke free since the day before they put my port in.  I QUIT, October 14,  That makes me smoke free for 8 whole weeks today!!!~~~~InnocentKUDO's to me!!

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited December 2009

     kyasou,

    I was told by my onc that the vertigo was caused by the amount of "ZOFRAN" they where giving me in my drip during my "Chemo Session" so last time they cut back on the Zofran, but I am still dizzy and vertigo keeps getting worse and worse. I have to be very careful when I drive. I can't drive at all at night.  Talk about car sick OMG!!~~~~Tongue out

    Alicia, mmm'mmm good cheesecake I want some!!~~~~~for being nauseated, I sure can eat.

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  • SharaD
    SharaD Member Posts: 100
    edited December 2009

    Undecided Hello gang, noontime and I'm just starting to get a bit of energy.  I don't feel at all like a warrior today, I feel like a mess.    My second TX session went better than the first one, but that's not saying much.  This time, the first problem was that some dumb nurse ripped my port site open a tiny bit, then put TAPE over it.  You guessed it, next nurse came and without warning me TORE the tape off and ripped open the newish, healing port site all over again.  Bitches.     Finally, Einstein number 3 stops by and thank goodness she TELLS me what she's about to inject me with, because my son had to tell her that she had the WRONG STUFF again.  Carboplatin was LAST week, I was not supposed to get any this week.  As you can imagine, off they go to discuss and call the doc and see what's up, meanwhile my poor son stands there guarding me as if I was Michelle Obama, he is getting so scared to let anyone TOUCH me.   Finally after about a half hour of keystone cops antics they come back and give me my Taxol.

    (Note that I am "lucky" enough to be at one of the top 15 cancer hospitals in the entire United States, i guess that means i'd be dead now if I were at one of the bottom 4500 hospitals?)

    Next my son tells the nurse practioner that since my calcium is low already, he thinks I should take more Vitamin D.   I only take 400mg right now.  The nurse says NO!  Don't give her Vitamin D!  She Should not be taking Vitamin D!  Instead she gives him the name of a multivitamin that I should be taking, and when he goes to buy it he sees that it contains, you guessed it, 400mg of Vitamin D.  So I took two of my regular vitamin D's today just to spite her.   

    Oh, and I tried my aunt's wig on, this morning. !  It fit perfectly and looked pretty darn good .  ON MY CAT! Yell

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  • mommy2two
    mommy2two Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2009

    Brenda - I'm so proud of you for quitting!!  Wish I could say the same...yes, I know its digusting.  I did quit after my first tx but started back.  My onc said not to worry about it while I'm going through chemo because that would just add extra stress to my body but that I need to quit ASAP.  I guess I will try in between my 2 week break between the end of chemo and start of radiation.  You would think that any sensible person would be able to stop smoking when they have cancer....NOPE, not me!  I hate myself that I'm so weak to let it control me like that but its hard!  Did you quit cold turkey??

    Shara - OMG...you crack me up and I love hearing from you.  I'm sorry that you had to go through so much bullshit today during your tx but I'm thrilled that your wig looks great...on your cat  Smile

    Hope all the rest of the WARRIORS are doing well today!

    ((((HUGS)))

    Toyah

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited December 2009

    Toyah, It was never disgusting to me. There are times I wish I could still smoke. I love to smoke. Don't know if I'll ever get over it. BUT, cold turkey NOT. Almost. I went to one of those group hypnotists. I guess it worked for me because I still am not smoking. I almost snuk one and changed my mind real quick like. Don't hate yourself!!!~~~It's the people who allowed us to become so addicted so many years ago. Back when it was so fashionable to smoke. It is a shame. Smoking has caused me so much anguish and heartache and illness, bronchiole problems, pneumonia. The cigarette company's should be ashamed of themselves~~

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  • mommy2two
    mommy2two Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2009

    Well hell....I actually like smoking (I guess that is part of the problem, huh?) and I never had any health related issues with it.  I did try Chantix and I think it would have worked but I was just too stressed out with everything else that was going on and my onc said I really didn't need to throw another medicine into the mix.  Hmmm, I'm an going to check into the hypnotist thing right now!  Again, I'm SO happy for you...that is a VERY big accomplishment!!

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

    Wow , there is a lot of good stuff on this thread today.   Feel the need to weigh in.

    Melinda, loved the picture of the Alian Nation thing...I remember that show. I remember they got drunk drinking sour milk. Never got that idea out of my head...yuck.remember as well that your mother loves you hair or with out..just be yourself.

    Mabelle. Did you get to do your chemo today?  Hope your WBCs were ok.

    Philippa..loved the comment about the heebi jeebi skin, it made me laugh...

    Brenda, you must give Canada another visit.  Most times it is nice in June.  Now today might not be the best day to come.  I think all of Canada is having a storm.  And also Yah you for quitting smoking.  I know it is so hard to do.  It must have been doubly hard given the stress you are under.  Not an easy time I'm sure...Smile

    Linda, Loved the story of flashing your beautiful bald head at that guy..you go girl.

    Shara, I am so glad you are at one of the best hospitals in the country.  Like you said I am sure you would be dead by now.  Thank god for your son.

    With all this sex talk I am reminded of a Seinfeld episode where George is dating this beautiful sexy model type who is into bald guys.  She is into rubbing oil on Georges head as a form of foreplay...perhaps we should all rush out and get some oil and let out DHs go crazy.  An well, if some should drip into "No mans land" all the better....must go...I'm off to the grocery store...LOL

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  • BoxerSue
    BoxerSue Member Posts: 16
    edited December 2009

    Hello Everyone,

    Haven't been online much but just spent the last hours catching up on everyone.  These SE are just the pitts.

    I actually had my second tx (AC) on 12/1.  I on the dose dense protocol.  So next tx is 12/15, then the last AC on 12/29 (Happy New Year!!!!)  I will start Taxol on 1/12 (every week for 12 weeks) and if everything stays on schedule I will have my last Taxol on 3/30.  Then on to radiation.

    I have no idea what SE I will face with the Taxol but I want this Cytoxan over with!!!!  For both tx so far I start with a headache while the Cytoxan is being dripped and the headache lasts for about 12 days - I have 2 good days and then the next tx.  The onc doc gave me vicodan - 2 every 4 hours if I want but if I do that I just sleep.  I have to try to do a few things around the house so everything does not fall on my hubby.

    With the headaches comes noise sensitivity, my eyes are sensitive to bright lights and the smells - omg the smells.

    I was actually feeling semi-human yesterday afternoon so I decided to go to the Look Good Feel Better program at our local hospital last night.  It's a wonderful program but I should not have gone.  The lights in the room were very harsh - if I had my sunglasses I would have put them on.  The woman giving the presentation is a lovely woman but I found her voice to be very grating.  Prior to chemo I know it wouldn't have bothered me a bit.  Everyone gets a bunch a products that have been donated by various cosmetic companies - no one's bag of products are the same.  When everyone started opening various skin cleansers, moisturizers, etc the smell was overwhelming to me.  It was me, not the program.  I had to leave.  I probably looked like a real ass but I did try to quietly tell the lady that I had to leave and why .  But quiet was not in her repetoire.  I think most of the other women had not started chemo yet and I really didn't want to scare/upset anyone.  I couldn't get out of that building fast enough into the fresh air. Drove home with the car windows all the way down - about 35 degrees outside.  It took me hours to get the perfumey smells out of my nose.  And of course, the headache which had been dull came back full force.  It's a wonderful program but just wasn't for me last night. I'm going to try to do a bit of Christmas shopping this weekend.  Nobody had better come near me with a perfume spritzer or I just might do my best impression of a mad, insane woman!!! 

    I'm doing some bruising - seems to be on the same side as my port.  And for the life of me I don't remember walking into anything - they just appear!!

    I'm using the Emend.  And although my insurance is covering the whole cost of it thru the end of the year (we hit our catastrophic limit around the middle of October) I was shocked to see the cost.  Three pills should not cost that much.

    I'm not sure I really know what nausea is.  Never been pregnant.  All I know is nothing appeals to me.  I've only thrown up twice - once with each tx.  But nothing appeals to me.  My dear husband will get me anything I want to eat but I want nothing.  And when I do think something might appeal to me I take 2 or 3 bites and I'm done.   Of course, my three boxers have learned very quickly to sit by me during meals!!!!! I feel so badly for my husband because he is trying so hard.  At this point I'm just trying to stay hydrated.  Now today my mouth is on fire.  Just burning like I had some nice hot wings.  I've been rinsing with water but nothing takes the fire away.

    And my dear 84 year old mother asks me about every 2 or 3 hours if my hair is growing back!  I'm trying so hard to hold onto my patience with her.  She can't help it, she's well into dementia.

    I hate that all I do is bitch and moan when I'm here.  I just want to feel better.  I had hoped to go to Florida for some dogshows after the first of the year but I don't think that's going to be in the books.  I'll send my little boxer girl with her handler and HOPE that she gets that one last win she needs to finish her championship.  Silly, isn't it?  I'm worried about a dogshow when I'm doing this chemo thing.  Guess I have to have some diversion!!

    Hope everyone's side effects are better tomorrow!  Feel like I need to start singing that song from Annie -  Tomorrow, Tomorrow.....

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  • littlebird75
    littlebird75 Member Posts: 120
    edited December 2009

    I was let out of the hospital on Saturday Dec. 5 - 6 days in that place. They still contend I had H1N1 - I don't really care, I'm feeling better and thats all that matters. I developed a rash Sunday and had a Benedryl hangover and Dr. appointments Monday, so yesterday was my first day back. Most of my team keep up on me on Facebook so the hairless version of me wasn't a shock. I wore a warm hat and it wasn't a big deal even though I had a little trepidation about it.

     I'm changing my care to Seattle Cancer Care Allience (SCCA) from Providence - I just think it'll be a better fit for me. I'm not going to put down Providence because I think they are probably a great facility and I know others have had wonderful experiences there.  SCCA works better for me because they are open till 8 at night -which means my TX don't have to interfere with work. 

     My port was removed while I was in the hospital. It didn't work right and they feared it may have been infected. I'm not getting another one - so I'll be all IV for treatments - only 3 to go. Next TX is on the 15th of December. That should mean I'm on the upswing and feeling ok by Christmas time. 

    My house isn't decorated. I have no tree. I have no idea what we are doing, buying the kids or eating for dinner - but I'm sure I'll figure it all out before the 25th. 

    Thanks for the hat tops! I'm realizing I need different colors - my aunt made some hats for me but her color choices don't exactly go with  my wardrobe. ;) 

     I'll  check in again soon.

    Cindy

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  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited December 2009

    Chemo was Monday, so like clockwork, I bottomed out today, just like last time. Luckily, my big sister is here to pick up my slack. The kids are decorating the tree and I WILL NOT entertain the notion that I need to do the "last Christmas with Mommy" mindset. I have hardly helped at all since I think, "If I am not trying to make memories, this won't be the last one".

    I am sure I am just feeling maudlin since I feel so physically bad... I'll stop now.

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  • littlebird75
    littlebird75 Member Posts: 120
    edited December 2009

    Melinda41 - I like what you wrote about taking care of yourself and not worrying about the details of the "activities" that are the trappings of the holiday. Glad you have your sister to help out. I was also interested to know that this TX is following the same pattern as the last one - I scheduled mine next TX expecting my pattern to be the same as well - making my crappy days on Sat. and Sun.

    Thanks for sharing. 

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  • mabelle
    mabelle Member Posts: 80
    edited December 2009

    BrendaSharon - my treatment was delayed until next Wednesday because of a low white blood cell count. I'm off the hook for one week.

    I've never heard of this danger to the penis! So far it hasn't fallen off... so maybe AC isn't as toxic!

    I love my fuzzy warm wooly hat. I'm not sure I'll ever make it outside with my wig - it's nice, but it just doesn't feel like me. Courage!

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  • SharaD
    SharaD Member Posts: 100
    edited December 2009

    For the first time in years I am wishing that my ex-husband was still around, just so my toxic vagina could give him "penis pain".  Wink  Finally a side effect that I could live with!

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  • Sherri_V
    Sherri_V Member Posts: 159
    edited December 2009
    That was SOOOOO funny!  I laughed out loud and had to have my husband come into the bedroom so I could read your post to him, SharaD Kiss
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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited December 2009

    SharaD,  Love your positive attitude...must find silver lining in this bit of grey cloud...

    Melinda, take it easy and don't feel the guilt...you are still creating memories...years from now the kids will look back and remember the year mom had her loving sister to help her, and the kids helped decorate..

    Littlebird, I have a PICC line and not a port. So far I have had no problems with it...It sounds like the port is more of a hassle than a help..

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  • kayh
    kayh Member Posts: 37
    edited December 2009

    Just got back from 2nd TX went quite well but took over 4 hours. Received Emend,Zofran & Dexmethsone, for nausea. Pills for Emend & Dex to take for the next two days at home.Which sounds good for that SE. 

     BUT!! Because of low WBC at day 10 test, also got a Neulasta injection to take home.  The community nurse is coming day after tomorrow to give it.

    Does anyone not get bone pain from this injection?

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  • MeNeverMind
    MeNeverMind Member Posts: 42
    edited December 2009

    Let me just say you guys are so funny.  "penis pain".  Wink  Finally a side effect that I could live with!        Funny stuff.

     One thing I didn't mention yesterday...

    Port?  I hate it.  I mean it is nice for getting chemo but it just bugs me.  I am always bumping it.  It always iches.  I hate the scar.  And it hasn't worked right since the day they put it in.  And I am sick of getting poked. 

    Smells?  Everything bugs me.  I sit in my cubical at work with a fan blowing in my face all day and I still am overcome by smells.  I can't understand how people can not get that I want to puke with all the perfumes in the air.  And don't get me started on the chrismasy room air fresheners.  yuck!  I can't stand the smell in my own nose, and they are not making it better.

    Food?  I finally found something that wasn't to spice and tasted good.  Stove Top stuffing.  I was shocked but it was good.  I am going to try it again today, lets hope it works.

    So we had snow yesterday and now it is -11 outside.  The wind almost took my wig off.  I know I hate wearing it but I don't think I am strong enough to go with just a scarf.  Maybe in January I'll get some nervs and try it.

     I got blood taken yesterday and the gilr touched a nerv.  I have never felt such pain.  I am sick of being a pin cusion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (ok I feel better)

    Hope everyone has a great day.  Love and kisses.

     ((((((((((((((((((WARN HUGS))))))))))))))))  kimmy

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited December 2009

    Good Morning Warriors

    Kayh & iammom2four,

    #2 TX under your belt, Good Vibes sent your way for a relatively S/E free day, I do PRAY Innocent!!~~

    Toyah, and myself are all getting TX's tomorrow. I will post our smiles today because I won't be able to do it otherwise till Monday. No computer access on weekends.  Toyah and I are on #3 and I hope we have smooth s/e. I know that it seems to get a little rougher each time but I will hope for the best. I am already starting to DRINK, Drink, drink till I float my boat and eating, well no problems there for me. What a pig I am.

    Toyah, again don't feel bad about smoking, it has to be when your ready. I never thought I'd ever be and I still miss my smokes, but this was the first time a Dr. didn't actually tell me to quit, he only suggested and informed me of my survival rate and that scared the living s#%@t out of me, so I decided to give the hypnotists a shot. As I said I guess it worked.8 wks. SMOKE FREE.

    Michelboots,

    Yes, you are absolutely correct, I do need to go to Canada again sometime. I would love to take my husband with this time. I was only 21 when I went the last time. My DH has never been and I know he would just love it. He is from West Palm Beach, Florida so it would be very different for him. I grew up in Connecticut. Amazing we met in Tallahassee, Florida due to unseen circumstance. I was so lucky to have met him!! He is truly the Love of my life & my best friend.

    BoxerSue,Innocent

    Lordy girl, you better put on your "Warrior Shield"~~  You have one heck of a regimen to go thru ~~ Knowing you have to go till March 30, with all those Taxol TX's. My heart goes out to you. My regimen last till then, BUT I only get  TX's every three weeks.  I don't know if i could deal with the every week crap. I too will need the radiation for 5-6 weeks, 5 days a week after chemo as well. I'm so dreading that. EVERY frigging day, wooooooohhhhhOh yeah, New Year's Eve.

    As dreaded as it seems at least we will be wired on New Year's Eve, it may be the first time in a few years this grandmother will stay awake. Yeah, for the steroids. Do you think it is OK for me to have 1 glass of champagne at midnight?? i should ask my onc, I suppose.

    Kayh, iammom2four get their    3rd TX's on New Year's Eve 

    mommy2two/Toyah & I get our 4th  TX's on New Year's Eve.

    Littlebird,Wink

    We are so glad you are OK.

    P.S. I'm waiting on your next awesome poem for us "Warrior Princess"

    Melinda,

    Like clockwork yes it is!! Just remember it will also get better like clockwork, and that we are healing every second the clock ticks. I wish you well and I'm so happy you have a sister that can be there for you. I miss my sissy. I lost her to cancer almost 25 years ago. she had leukemia. Enjoy her and your family and the holidays. I know how far the cure for -C- has come and I give thanks everyday that people like my sissy paved the way for us sisters.Be strong~~~~~~for

                                   SomeDay,SomeWay,A-C-CURE

    Mabelle,

    Hope your WBC go back up soon!!!! And the hair thing I don't even wear the hip-hat-hair piece I ordered. I sent off  my own hair for it, I cut it all off the morning of my first chemo TX. It looks totaly like me, but I just am not comfortable so I just stick to my scarves,& caps for warmth.

    SharaD,

    I know it's hard. It seem to get harder and harder each day for me as well, but I know we have to stay positive and upbeat for ourselves and our families. Especially the family's, they are so confused with our issues and really don't get it. They don't really even know what to do or say sometimes. They mean well and try hard, but unless your one of us you just don't get it. Good job and keep the positive attitude going strong, You will need it.

    Kayh,

    I don't remember exactly, but the girls have mentioned about the nuelasta shots that you have to take I think claritan before and during. I'm sure one of the sisters that already has had this shot can help you with that issue. I'll try to go back on older posts to see what was said on this.

    Kimmy,

    OMG, yep I understand the smell thing. It's only at the beginning after my TX's though. By day 10 or so I'm good again, unless the smell is too too overpowering. If I smell it I don't want to eat it. So, if it's cooked NOT around me I can eat. My DH was sweet enough to cook for me the last time after my TX and he done it while I was at work so I didn't have to smell it cooking. He's so SWEET.  BUT, if anyone just mentions a food I want it!!~~

    Stuffing mmmm'mmm good I want some now!!~~~~~~

    ((((((((((GROUP HUG))))))))))  To each I pray a wonderful day - Brenda

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited December 2009

    Wow Brenda ~ what an amazing recap !  Kiss

    I can't take the "smells" either.  Had to runaway from my son's school bus this am.  The exhaust fumes nearly had me puking.  The dead taste buds is getting to me too.  You would think I would stop eating because nothing tastes good, but no I keep trying.  I could barely button my jeans today, hoping the tightness keeps me from eating.  Tongue out

    It is sooo cold here in NY.  BRRR ~ and windy too, thought my wig would fly off.  I have a Christmas party to go to on Saturday night with our whole family at a friends house.  I have nothing to wear !!!!!!!!!  I will see so many people that haven't seen me since I had my mx, and started chemo.  I am nervous.  Have to get something to wear. Undecided

    Well enough about ME ~ Hope everyone is feeling OK today and has a SE free day.  If not soft hugs and hang in there !!!! Smile

    Hugs ~

    Alicia

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

    The smells bug me too. I bought new floor mats for my car, but had to take them back because the rubber smell almost made me puke...have to suffer with  dirty floors.

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  • kyasou
    kyasou Member Posts: 24
    edited December 2009

    Smells bug me too and I also have a crummy taste in my mouth all the time with adds to an aversion to smells and food.  I have been swishing with Oasis several times a day, downing the tic tacs and using the Oasis mouthspray.  They also help a little. 

    Luckily, haven't experienced much bone pain with Neulasta.  They give me a shot right after chemo so that I don't have to go back for it the next day (would involve getting on a ferry).  Seems like over here in Seattle, that is beginning to be the norm and they haven't seen any impact on efficacy. 

    Seems like a bunch of us are heading towards AC #4 and then Taxol every week.  Starting to get very curious how the SEs will change...hopefully for the better?!

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  • SharaD
    SharaD Member Posts: 100
    edited December 2009

    Holy CRAP, kyasou! Aquaphor is for rubbing into your SKIN, not for shoving down your throat! I know that your tastebuds are probably shot but this is ridiculous! Wasn't the greasiness a bit of a clue? I hope you are not using preparation H for toothpaste and wiping your ass with Biotene!

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  • kyasou
    kyasou Member Posts: 24
    edited December 2009

    I know I screwed up on my post...edited it later.  Sorry to sound like a complete wacko.  Too many meds on my counter!!!

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  • mabelle
    mabelle Member Posts: 80
    edited December 2009

    does anyone know the difference between Neulasta and Neupogen? I'm going to be on neupogen, injecting myself every two days - to bring up my white blood cell count. I noticed that a lot of you are on Neulasta. I checked on the chemocare website and can't really tell the difference - but they're listed as two separate drugs. ??? just curious.

     

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  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited December 2009

    BoxerSue: Sounds like we have the exact same schedule! I'm looking forward to the last AC and wonder what Taxol/Herceptin/Zometa will do to me. Onc says it's a cake walk compared to AC. Just so I don't have the tiredness! But you go straight to rads, I detour to surgery...bmx.

    The Neulasta shots don't really bother me. I have them the day after chemo. The day after the shot, I ache...esp my jawbone, sternum, and hips. It hurts for people to hug me, so I just avoid hugs that day and make up for it the next.

    I don't take Emend...I take the generic form of Zofran & Reglan and get Zofran/Decadron/Ativan in my pre-chemo cocktail. Zof and Reg really work and they're cheap! $10 each for the whole course of tx. I never been nauseous nor thrown up once.

    Certain smells bother me too! I stepped into an elevator the other day and someone had cologne on. I used to love the smell of a good cologne. I got right out and climbed 4 sets of stairs. That was my exercize for the day.

    Alicia: Any excuse to shop is a good excuse. That is my hobby. Power shopping! Warrior Credit Rules!

    Brenda: I asked my onc if I could have wine or champagne over Thanksgiving. He said that what was my good week was all about. As long as your on no meds, I don't know why not. Ask just in case. I too love my champagne cocktails and drank a couple.

    On the bright side, I've been cleared to go back home to Florida for Christmas! Yippee. I just have to remember to start my Cipro a little earlier. I just want to sit on the beach and listen to the roar of the ocean. I'm homesick for Orlando and can't wait to hit Jimmy Buffet's! I just want one week to forget about cancer, chemo, and being cold. I want to ride the rides at Sea World and not worry about my wig coming off. I just may go Commando. Screw it. I rock!!!!!!

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