Anyone Starting Chemo Jan. 2010?

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  • KAJDerby
    KAJDerby Member Posts: 310
    edited February 2010

    nkrun- I am on ac 3 weeks and my  doctor does not do the neulesta shot.  I was doing some reading on this and day 7-14 is when your wbc is low.  The ladies on every two weeks have their next chemo during that time, maybe that is why they must have the shot.

    Justsher - I grew up in Minnesota -coooooooooold.  Winter is a bad time there when you are trying to stay healthy.  In Okinawa the weather is mild and we even have windows open on some days. 

    Wow you ladies pay alot for Emend!!  With my Japanese insurance, I pay a $30 copay and that is 30% of the cost.  Someone in America sure has the price inflated!!!

    Nursemary - hope you get to feeling better soon.  I had my meltdown on Sunday.  I felt a lot better afterwards!

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  • cinrae123
    cinrae123 Member Posts: 419
    edited February 2010

    Just thought I would pass this on to anyone going thru chemo.  What a wonderful service.

    I checked this out on Snopes, and it is true.

    http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/charity/cleaning.asp

    Cleaning for a Reason

    If you know any woman currently undergoing Chemo, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

    This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. Itâ€TMs our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along.

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  • 1marmalade1
    1marmalade1 Member Posts: 308
    edited February 2010

    I had my first Neulasta shot last Thurs. - seemed to go pretty quickly, about as uncomfortable as a flu shot, I guess.  No problems afterwards.  Oh, wait...that BAD-ASSED BONE PAIN 2 DAYS LATER - WAS THAT THE NEULASTA OR THE TAXOTERE??????!!!!!!   LOL  Oxycodone can be a good friend with the bone pain - did the trick fast with me

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  • mslrg
    mslrg Member Posts: 293
    edited February 2010
    Cammy--the hair thing is really tough! My 9 year oldis having a tough time of it too. I also prefer hats and scarves for everyday, but I will wear my wig if I go to my kids' schools so their friends don't start asking difficult questions. Just makes it easier on them. One of the thngs Ihate the most about having canvcer is the syress it puts on my family.
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2010

    Thanks for the Neulasta comments.  I have an onc appointment before my second AC treatment tomorrow and will definitely talk with my doc about the risk and benefits.

    Just-Sher-Sorry about house arrest.  I briefly lived in  Minneapolis and I know the winters can be brutal. I hope it does not come to that because I've been enjoying my "normal" life in between treatments. (With the exception of the crappy 4 days post chemo)

     Cammy2 sounds like we are almost on the same schedule. My second of 4 AC's is tomorrow. I will also be getting Taxol 12x weekly.  I live in PB and am being treated at UCSD.

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  • 1marmalade1
    1marmalade1 Member Posts: 308
    edited February 2010

    I have my Taxotere every 3 weeks for 6 treatments  - with Neulasta day after chemo.  This is the protocol with the oncs at my hospital here in Ontario, Canada

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  • mom2Bnegativex3
    mom2Bnegativex3 Member Posts: 221
    edited February 2010

    I hope eveyone is having a great day. So far not so bad. Got felt up again, (sorry my sick humor for hainvg my breast examined again). Saw the breast surgeon today. She said the tumor is hardly palpable that she suggest my two more AC treatments then in 3 weeks after that have surgery. She want me to go see a radiologist to see what they think if I will have radiation or not. If I have to have radiation no reconstruction at the time of surgery. I have brain overload. Why is everyday so complicated and there is always so big hurdle to cross. I thinking I am getting sick but on the bright side my results of me mri of my head came back and it was negative. Sorry to be such a negative NanceyFrown

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  • michelle_nj
    michelle_nj Member Posts: 50
    edited February 2010

    Georgiabirdgirl - I had also the experience of false-negative SLN. Story short, 3 weeks after I got the pathology report from right breast mastectomy, I had prophylactic left mastectomy and right axillary dissection. 20 extra nodes, all negative. I got the piece of mind in exchange for much less arm mobility, a pinched nerve that is affecting my elbow and possible lymphoma anytime in the future. Here is an article about false-negative SLN. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1359077/  With your small tumor size and very strong chemotherapy regimen you might have a better chance to keep your lymph nodes.

    pagowens - I love your choice of wig from tlc, do you recommend it? Is it comfortable to wear to work?

    Today, day 6, is my first day after #2 A/C with less nausea and upset stomach. Yesterday I had a terrible headache and so many things to do. And this hair is not falling and my head is itchy and almost hurts. My DH cut it ¼" 2 weeks ago, wasn't it supposed to fall already? Sorry for the rant.
    Wish you all an easy evening.

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  • stlcardsfan
    stlcardsfan Member Posts: 466
    edited February 2010

    Hi all

    #2 was today for the TCH that I am on.

    Dr examined me before Chemo and noted that the mass has shrunk. By at least 1 cm!

    That made me feel really good. I also pointed out what appeared to be a new mass, but after they checked by mammograms and breast MRI - it was indeed a cyst. It just filled up after my last period, and was noted on the Breast MRI. 

    All the premeds went in well, although the liquid benedryl made me really sleepy really fast.  

    I do get the Neulasta shot - and my blood counts were good, but one or two were on the low side.WBC's was 4.2 and range is 3.8 to 9.0. Still within range, but on the low side.

    I will continue to take the Neulasta shot.  Waiting in St Louis for the SE's to start! 

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  • mslrg
    mslrg Member Posts: 293
    edited February 2010

    I have been on the phone all day back and forth with insurance, etc. I have good medical insurance, and disability and cancer insurance, but they keep asking me for lots of forms. Everytime I submit a form, it's not enough and they kick it back to ask for yet another form. I'm too sick to be dealing with this!

    FYI There are organizations that provide financial assistance to cancer patients if they need it. I don't qualify for most of it because of income limits, but I thought I'd share incase any of you are interested. Here goes:

    Cancer Care Copay: http://www.cancercarecopay.org/eligibility.html

    Chronic Disease Fund: http://www.cdfund.org/

    HealthWell Foundation: http://www.healthwellfoundation.org/eligibility.html

    Patient Access Network Foundation: https://www.panfoundation.org/

    I also registered online about a week ago with the American Cancer Society for Look Good/Feel Better. The guy called me today and gave me info about a lot of resources. They are sending me a $25.00 gas card to help offset the cost of driving to appointments, as well as claims forms so I can log miles and get gas cards every month. It's not a lot, but it all helps. They have programs that are local, so you would have to contact your local chapter. My kids will get to go to Sacramento Kings games, parties, day trips, etc because their mom is a cancer patient, but every region has their own thing. They also gave me patient advocacy contacts to help me with my insurance forms.

    As for me I feel like $hit today! I've been in bed for 2 days and have no energy! My tummy is all out of sorts,  my body hurts, and I have a nasty taste in my mouth.

    stlcardsfan--glad to hear your tumor shrank. that's very good news!

    Michellenj. hope you feel better

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  • pagowens
    pagowens Member Posts: 194
    edited February 2010

    Hi All,

    RE Neulasta:  My onc told me that the reason for the Neulasta is to shorten the Nadir period when the white blood counts go real low.  The Neulasta makes your white blood count tank faster and recover faster.  Hence a smaller window for potential infections. 

    I just got finished my second AC plus Avastin this afternoon.  It went well - I used the Lidocaine ointment 1-1/2 hour before and the stick didn't pinch the whole time - so that was an improvement.over last time.  After the Adriamycin the frontal heache came back and so did the queezy stomach so I'm convinced the pinkish stuff is the worse stuff in the cocktail.  But, no complaining here - I'm very lucky that my SE are so minimal. 

    My hair is still in and working it.  I'm worried that I will go to bed and wake up bald with all my hair on the pillow. I guess the second round will give my hair its death blow.  The wig, hair scarfs, night caps are ready.

    Merck developed an iphone app for chemo tracking.  I'm using it and it's cool!  Showed the onc, who also has an iphone and she thought it was pretty cool too.  I also told her about my extraordinary gas...apparently that's not a usual SE.  So we would up telling fart stories and laughing pretty hard.  Isn't it amazing that farts are still funny when you're all grown up?

    Ciao all - hugs!

    Pat

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  • gramoflexus
    gramoflexus Member Posts: 52
    edited February 2010

    Hi Gals , Well finished my 3 treatment of AC yippee one more to go then on to Taxol , This time they told me not to take that steroid pill for 3 days .Really did a number on me last treatment . So glad about that . Today I drank and drank and had a sandwich right before treatment . Hoping these will help me again like the first time .I also go back the next day for the Neulasta shot . My reaction to that is ususally 4 days or so after recieving it  back ache for a while .

    I have been using ledocaine ointment since day one , Did'nt want to take any chances .As for my hair 2 weeks to the date from the first treatment just combing my hair it would fall out . So that was on a Tuesday and that Saturday we buzzed it . Cried a little but family said I looked like GI Jane haha Its funny because my hair use to take me about 30+ minutes in the morning now 3 mins . Love the extra time . Wishing everyone well and praying that tomorrow (day after treatment 3 will be a good day ) Fondly Linda

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  • mslrg
    mslrg Member Posts: 293
    edited February 2010
    Pagowens--yes,I understand about chemo gas Surprised
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2010

    Some of the guys at work shaved their heads in support of my treatment.

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  • gramoflexus
    gramoflexus Member Posts: 52
    edited February 2010

    What a radiant smile and great friends  The one in the yellow shirt did they cut it different it looks so cool Keep up the smiles . Curious how do you post a picture like that I hav several that I would like to share as well . Where are you on the treatment scheme of things .

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  • friscosmom
    friscosmom Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2010

    nkrun - great picture and how sweet of your co-workers to support you that way!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2010

    gramoflexus-I post the pics to photobucket. Return to bc.org, click the picture icon  and then copy and paste the link.

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  • gramoflexus
    gramoflexus Member Posts: 52
    edited February 2010

    testing , If this works it is my new scarf sent from this wonderful company

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  • chasinghope
    chasinghope Member Posts: 126
    edited July 2010

    NKrun,

    Great picture, great group of guys! WOW, It makes a world of difference to be supported by co workers through this difficult time.  Let's all keep moving forward! CH

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  • leta17
    leta17 Member Posts: 120
    edited February 2010

    camm2 - I am with you on the HAIR!!!  Today was 13 and my scalp feels bruised and tender, strands coming out, so I know these next couple of days more will come out....I

     picked up a much nicer wig in NY today and it didn't break the bank, LOL, I feel good in it, unlike what my salon put me in (they did take it back and were really great about it), I am going to be wearing it going forward, what is on my head looks terrible!

    ACNE!!  Wow, still can't get over this one, I had to buy Clerasil!!  I look like I am in High School again, well almost:)

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2010

    gramoflexus-love the scarf and what a great smile!

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  • gramoflexus
    gramoflexus Member Posts: 52
    edited February 2010

    Leta , check with your insurance , I was lucky mine paid for my wig . As far as you scalp try using Vitmine E oil Pure and rub it on at night then place a little cap on I was surprised how better my scalp felt .  Best WishesLinda

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  • leta17
    leta17 Member Posts: 120
    edited February 2010

    gramoflexus -  Yes, my insurance is picking up a portion of it, every little bit helps!!  Thanks for the scalp suggestion, I will be picking it up tomorrow!!

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  • chasinghope
    chasinghope Member Posts: 126
    edited October 2010
    It works Gramo, I love the scarf and the smile!!!!
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  • Issymom
    Issymom Member Posts: 264
    edited February 2010

    Nkrun - Great picture.  What a great group of guys.

    I have a question for any of you who shaved your head a couple of weeks ago.  I am about 23 days out from my first treatment.  My hair started really falling out around day 16.  I had A LOT of hair.  It is still falling out but it is slowing and I still have quite a bit fuzz.  Will it all fall out eventually?  Do I just need to be patient or is there a chance that some of it won't fall out.  I can shave it down to the skin but will there then be some small amount stuck in there that will hurt or interfere with the new growth.  Any thoughts?

    It's been a busy week trying to get stuff done as I know next week (#3) will be bad.  Unfortunately, I have not returned to "normal" this week like I did the first time around.  It is discouraging.

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  • VegasDiva
    VegasDiva Member Posts: 109
    edited February 2010

    Issymom: I am with you.  I did not quite bounce back like I did after my first treatment.  Not that I have been feeling horrible, but just not right.  My stomach is a bit queezy but not full blown nausea.  My 3rd treatment is 2/11.

    I did not shave my head at all.  I cut my shoulder length hair to be ear length and then just let the chemo do it's thing.  My hair started falling out 2 weeks to the day from my first treatment.  It continued to fall out for about a week.  I would say about 85% of my hair has fallen out and now it seems to have stopped.  I just keep wondering if it will all be gone after 4 treatments.  My thinking was to hang on to as much of it as possible for when it starts growing back.  I wonder how long after the last treatment it takes to start growing back?

    nkrun: Kashi must be a great place to work!  What??  No female co-workers wanted to shave their heads in solidarity? LOL

    I work with 9 women, who have all been great, but when I suggested they all wear wigs in support of me, they all declined.  Undecided

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  • gramoflexus
    gramoflexus Member Posts: 52
    edited February 2010

    Issymom,  I choice to buzz my hair . I noticed 2 weeks to the date of my second treatment that it was really falling out , especially in the frt . Personally to me I looked like a sick person and did'nt like that at all , spots of thinning hair all over my head . I'm so glad that my husband buzzed it . Having fun with scarfs and the funniest thing I get moree compliments on the wig than my own hair " oh my gosh I love your hair cut " I belong to a group called "Womens Journey " and when I walked into the class everyone was amazed . Even someone of the gals coming over to feel it haha to make sure Laughing. Keep your chin up had 3 treatment yeaterday and knock on word or as I do I knock on my daily devotional book Innocent(silly i know ) I feel really good . 2nd treatment  was not so good for me .This afternoon I go for the Nelusta shot .

    Nkrun , I am 30 days out and I buzzed my hair after 2nd treatment just had 3rd treatment yesterday . I have this fuzz that is still there and of course ALL WHITESurprised  where did that come from . I use vitamine E oil on it at night and it stays pretty soft , no pickys when I lay down .Personally speaking I don't think shaving will interfer with the new growth , we are still early on and I was told that hair will start to grow back after my last treatment of Taxol  

    The sun is out and shining strong enjoy and tell yourself that your special

    Fondly Linda

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  • georgiabirdgirl
    georgiabirdgirl Member Posts: 143
    edited February 2010

    Hi Ladies -

    Nkrun- I love the photoLaughing.  I finally saw your commercial yesterday while I was in bed ALL DAY!  Very cool. Now that I've gone through this two times, I have officially declared day 6 "Mack Truck Day".  I slept all day and felt pretty miserable for about 36 hours.  My biggest complaint is my shoulder.  The pain has moved a little bit to my underarm and it hurts like hell!  So, I spent a lot of time with advil, heating pads, and warm showers/baths over the last couple of days.

    Also, the hair is killing me.  This stubble falling-out phase stinks. It hurts so bad every time I touch it or move on the pillow.  Last night I had my husband try the duct tape trick and it worked.  But, I broke down once I saw myself completely bald because I looked so darned sick.  I know it's temporary but it's so startling.  With stubble I at least looked a little bit like GI Jane.   Now that I'm almost completely Yul Brinner, what in the world do I do with this bald head?  It's dry and already has a rash.   I just conditioned it this morning out of habit.  I'll try the Vit E and see if that helps.

    issymom- I guess your hair is just determined to stay in!  Lucky you.  I don't think it will matter to new growth if you shave it or leave it.  I shaved mine on day 16 because it was coming out in clumps and it was very messy.  Plus- I had a lot of anxiety about how it would fall out.  Would I be walking around the store and a huge pile would just fall on the floor?  I know it's probably irrational, but that's what I kept imagining.  I'm going to get my wig "LINDA" tomorrow and see how she looks on me.  I also got a halo that I'm looking forward to wearing so that I can reduce the stares.

    mom2bneg- I am SO happy for you about your negative head MRI.  That must be a huge relief.  It seems that good news is so infrequent these days that it's really a cause for great celebration!!

    Just-Sher- congratulations on getting yourself "sprung" from house arrest.  I guess it just goes to show you how persistence and insistence can really affect your treatment. 

    Michelle-nj- thanks for the article on false negative SLN.  It really stinks to be in that tiny percentage (yet again).  Did you mean possible chance of lymphedema or lymphoma?  I know there are lots of future risks and lymphedema is one that sounds VERY unpleasant. 

    I am praying that I'm on the upswing until next Friday for #3.  Fingers crossed!  Take care of yourselves. 

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  • mslrg
    mslrg Member Posts: 293
    edited February 2010

    Nkrun--great picture, and great co-workers. I wish I had that kind of support at my job.

    georgiabird girl: I'm with you, day six is definitely "mack truck" day, or "run over by a steam roller twice day". I spent the past two days in bed and it was awful. I am a little better today, but still weak.

    Issymom: I think the stubble will come out eventually. I am in that same stage and it looks awful, I know. But I was told that to shave it off would hurt more and make the new growth come back in stubbly instead of soft.

    I hope we all have a better day today!

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  • Just-Sher
    Just-Sher Member Posts: 68
    edited February 2010

    I have to tell you a wonderful story about my son's 3rd grade class... yesterday, the oncology - socialworker, went to my kids school and gave a talk to the class about CANCER!  I knew the teacher was interested in using my breast cancer as a teaching moment.  I wasn't there, as I didn't want my son to feel singled out.  But I talked to a mom who helped get the whole thing set up.  It was amazing!  I guess the kids were just riveted listening to what the social worker had to say.  When the talk was over, the class received information on the raffle basket (the school does a huge fundraiser in March).  The class is going to put together a Breast Cancer Awareness Basket in my honor!!  I was so touched when they told me that.  I still want to cry when I think about it!

    As far as the baldness goes - once you shave your head, the pain leaves too!  I think of it as each little hair cell/folicle screaming to be released!  My kids are okay with it, we've talked about it bunches.  They know that I will wear a wig or halo and hat, if their friends are around.  But if its just us... then mom get's to be bald!  I keep forgetting when I'm cooking that I have to remove my "free" TLC wig from the cancer society b/c they are synthetic and will frizz or worse melt.  So there I am in the kitchen cooking - bald with just stubble.

    My 5 yo daughter loves to sit and rub it when I am reading stories to her, or she will tape my head!  My 8yo son, rubs my head now for good luck before his hockey game!  One of his buddies saw my shaved head on caring bridge and thinks now that my son has the coolest mom EVER!

    The thought of losing your hair is way worse than the actual loss.  I thought I would have shed many more tears then I shed hair. But truly I didn't.  I did watch Robin Roberts from Good Morning America (online - just google about her battle with breast cancer).  I watched the clip when she shaved her head and somehow grieved and cried with her, so that when it came to mine it really wasn't all that bad.  Be strong.  And remember - cancer can take your breasts, cancer can take your hair, but cancer CAN"T TAKE YOU!

    Hugs to yas~

    Sher

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