Anyone Starting Chemo Jan. 2010?

momofb2neg what a great pic and what a great idea to boost your spirits! Good for you!

Tamatar and Beads--welcome

I have been feeling dreadful since Tuesday. My mom was sick yesterday so I had to get the kids to school,  get myself to 2 medical appointments and get to a school meeting for my son. Thought I would keel over! Had the runs for 4 days and am dehydrated. Then my brother's friend in London emailed me--he has lymphoma and has just done the first of 3 years of chemo!!! I guess I don't have it so bad. Hope you all feel better.

Thanks, all, for the welcomes! Yes, it's truly an unexpected and scary journey to be on, and a club no one ever wants to join, but I'm also glad you're all here and I'm not on this journey alone.

GraceOkinawa--I remember Farrell's, but out here in CA! That was my favorite ice cream place!

georgiabirdgirl--Thanks for the words of encouragement with my daughter not being able to snuggle right now. The port does still hurt, and I'm hoping it gets better soon. I see there are several of us with little ones.

I'm only on day 12 since my first AC, so I still have my hair. I guess from what everyone's saying, I should start to lose it around day 14? I'd like to be prepared for the big "mess" and also want my 3 year old to be part of the shaving/cutting process, so she's prepared and not freaked out by big clumps falling out one morning. Did everyone buzz their heads before the hair loss?

Hi Everyone...Happy SuperBowl Sunday!  I am felling a bit better today and am actually moving around the house.  It's not like me to be "in bed"...so this is a new one.  I hope you all are felling fine and wish you all a great day...Remember - cancer is not who we are, it is just an event in our life that we must face.

Stay strong!

Happy SuperBowl - even though I am totally bummed that Brett Favre didn't take our Minnesota Vikings to the Bowl this year!!

Say, looking ahead here... WHEN exactly do we get to call ourselves SURVIVORS?  Is it from the  date of diagnosis?  Surgery?  Final treatment - which would be confusing since I will be done with chemo in 4-6 treatments but am on herceptin for one year?  Heck there are days that I thinking just surviving the chemo and steriods should count as being a survivor!!

Just trying to figure out when people say they are a survivor or its their anniversary - from WHAT DATE?!

Does anyone know!!

Thanks Ladies-

Just-Sher

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!!

I am waiting for my husband to finish some work so we can head off to the first of 2 parties (1st half at one then 2nd half at the other).  The second round of chemo was harder than first but I had a good weekend (yeah!!!).  We went out for dinner and then went to the Elton John and Billy Joel concert.  3 1/2 hours of amazing music and no cancer!

I have my 3rd round of AC on Tuesday.  I feel nauseous just thinking about going in there.  We don't have a choice but to endure this. I know I can do it, just wish I didn't have to .

Just-Sher - No sure when you can call yourself a survivor.  I am not sure when I will feel like one.  I have started thinking about what it will be like when I finish chemo.  I don't need rads as I had a bi-lat.  I am so looking forward to the being done with chemo but I am afraid of NOT doing any treatment.  I am Triple Negative so when chemo is done, I am done.  Then I get to wait and hope chemo worked.  I hope reconstruction and the hysterectomy and the 3 day walk will keep me occupied for the rest of the year.

Sorry for the late response but everytime I type something it gets erased and I forget my train of thought. Welcome to all of the new ladies. It stinks that you had to come here but it is for a reason and we all can do this. I hope everyone is doing well. I hope the time flies by and one day we will all be seating on a beach and this will all be a distant past.

 I have my third treatment tomorrow. Yay Thank you for all who loves my party. It was so much fun. I ended up taking off my wig and tried on all of my hats. I am sure it was hard for some of my friends to see it but they were tremedous!! I hope all have sweet dreams and have a great nights rest!!

Greetings All,

After the snow hit on Friday night (we got over 2 ft) our internet was out for 2 days.  Just as well, I mostly couldn't get out of bed anyway - severe fatigue and nausea.  My second AC SE's were worse than the first.  I had to leave work Friday (Day 3 post chemo #2) at 2 PM because of waves of nausea - like seasickness.  Sunday afternoon to help make myself feel better I got in the shower.  Then was quickly covered by huge clumps of hair - all over me, couldn't get it off fast enough.  Started crying - husband came to the rescue, cleaned everything up, including me.  Meltdown.

 Tamatar - my post-AC day 3-5 seem to be the time when the huge exhaustion hits.  But, I've had "truck hit" days as well.  I think it's our body trying to cope and shutting down to conserve energy.  Keep track of the fever.  I didn't have that this time, but I did have a low-grade 99.5 for a couple days post-chemo cycle 1.  I'm also dose dense.

Even though doing AC - no dark nailbeds - fingernail and toenails are still okay.  I'm keeping them crossed now that doesn't happen.

School's closed today because we're still cleaning up here in Southern New Jersey from the Snowy Noreaster - I'm home with my 3 year old grandson.  I have a 3 PM appointment to get the head shaved.  It's annoying to have strands of hair all over you!  Have kept a small wastebasket next to me to keep putting the hair strands into.  Looks like a new furry animal has taken up residence here.

Welcome Pumpkinsoup and Beads - Sorry you're having to join, but glad you found such a great group of women to take this journey with.

I LOVE THE WIGGIN' PARTY.  I recognize that big pink wig -- it's Marge Simpson!  What a hoot!  What great friends.  You gave me a much needed laugh - thanks!

I did get one of those old people's pill reminder weekly things - am/pm.  This way I put in my pills and don't forget to take them.  Yes, I feel like the neighborhood pharmacy and thank god I have good insurance because I can't believe the cost of these things!  My heart goes out to everyone struggling to pay for their care.  I can understand why some, like the survivor woman, postpone help.  As a wealthy nation we shouldn't have people make those kinds of life/death decisions.

Hugs to everyone,

Pat

I got my wig this weekend and I really don't like it at all.  It's so uncomfortable and "wiggy".  I will keep it and wear it occasionally, but I don't think I was ever cut out to be a wig girl.  I did go to the Look Good Feel Better class today.  The woman there showed me how to tie my scarf a couple of cute ways and they gave me a bag full of free makeup.  That was an unexpected surprise.  This is good stuff- MAC, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Elizabeth Arden, etc.  I don't wear a lot of makeup, so it's all nice.  It also included some good moisturizer and cleanser.  I met a couple of other women there who are in treatment also and that was comforting.  They have them all over the country and the class is free.  I have felt good all weekend and hope to keep it up until #3 on Friday.  I have to say that I'm so excited that this time is going by so quickly.  It seems painfully slow on my bad days, but once I start feeling good- it flies by.

Hi Jan Chemo Gals, I just finished 3 treatment of AC last Wed and have felt dreadful the last 3 days . I have several questions . trying to figure this whole thing out . Is it as important to drink drink after chemo treatment as it is right before . I thnink this might be what happen this time , Not enought fluids in . I have no energy no appetite ( even thought I force myself to eat)  Also has anyone notice a change in color in their nail beds ? Some on mind look like there black and blue

wish I could write more and address everyone but tired and going to have calgon take me away

Fondly Linda

momofb2neg--glad your infusion went well. one more down!

Gramoflexus--drinking water helps you feel much better. My nail haven't changed color-Ihave acryllics, but I'm letting them grow out b/c I was told to stay out of nail shops while I am going through chemo--too many opportunities topick up infections.

georgiabirfgirl--know how you feel about the wig. I only wearmine for "special" occasions because it's uncomfortable and looks like a wig to me. I mostly wear headwraps when i go out, or nothing at home.

Bikerchick--sorry about the infections. That just makes an uncomfortable situation feel even worse. Losing hair is tough. I still mourn for my hair!

I went to the gym today and had shortness of breath, tingling in feet and hands. Saw my onco and found out I am anemic, but the ticker's good--my echocardiogram from last Friday came back and all is good with my heart. I was sent back home to bed and told I should not forget that I am a chemo patient and that I cannot get away with overdoing it.

Hello everyone,

Again I've been reading but hadn't posted in a few days. Doing pretty well; face finally cleared up but now is extremely dry from all of the stuff I put on it to make the pimples go away. Guess i can't win with this face right now. My poor mouth is full of cold sores and damn they hurt. I can hardly eat or smile and I feel like a chipmunk with swollen cheeks. I have been using the biotene toothpaste and mouthwash but guess that wasn't enough to keep the Taxotere away from my mouth. I finally called the onc today for a prescription for Magic Mouthwash but can't get it until tomorrow. Until then I will continue to suffer. Tried on my wig again tonight and had the bangs trimmed. When I bought it, I really felt like it looked good on me and nautural looking but now I am not feeling the same. I also think it looks fake(yes, I know that it is:). I guess that since my hair probably only has a few days left on my head I am stressing about having to wear the wig. I am also startingto have anxiety b/c my next round of chemo will be next Thurs and since this is the first time all meds will be given together I am terrified about the SE's. 

I wanted to give you all a few websites that offer free stuff: www.hatsoff-to-chemo.org and www.heavenlyhats.com both give you free hats. I haven't received them yet so I have no idea if they are cute or not but thought free was good so worth a shot. Also a friend of mine met a BC survivor who makes these "Hug Wraps" and gives them to women with BC. You email her at hugwraps@verizon.net to request one. They are like a hospital gown(opens in the front with a tie at waist) and are good for post surgery, radiation, etc. The prints are all bright and bold(mine is leopard-print) and she says it is because when you have BC you have to be bold. I did register for chemoangels.com but haven't heard anything from them yet. Still trying to get on the list for Cleaning for a Reason but they only take 50 applications across the country a day so that is kind of a pain in the butt. I too want to the Look Good Feel Better workshop but haven't registered yet.

Wanted to say thx to everyone who posted about getting it about sometimes being sick of seeing, hearing and talking about all of the cancer stuff. I have since heard the Race for the Cure commercial several times and now i am singing along with the song so I guess that is moving in the right direction. And that so many of you related to the Peoplemagazine article helped me feel better as well. Also thx for sharing what your oncs are doing regarding scanning during chemo when you haven't had surgery yet. I now have lots of questions for him next week so he can make sure what I am doing now is working. I spoke with a woman today who had the FLAP surgery done 8 weeks ago b/c i'm not sure which reconstructive route I am going to take. Would love to hear from those of you that have already had surgery tohear your thoughts on implants or own tissue reconstruction.

Issymom: I can only imagine how difficult your sisters decision must be. it is good that your dr. gave you some insight so hopefully your sister will thoroughly look at her options.

Mslrg: Thx for reminding me that my hubby & I are not alone in our feelings. I am reminded of this often on this board and it does make me feel so much better. And i too worry that people won't think i can do my job well. I deal with it everyday b/c I am out so oftent hat i am always playing catch-up and never feel like i am getting enough done with the students. Most of the time I just want my colleagues to treat me as they normally do but then on crappy days I sometimes wish they would leave me alone and cut me some slack b/c i am dealing with more important crap in my personal life. today I spent forever on the phone trying to figure out a test/insurenace issues and was not in the mood to deal with stupid stuff at work. Can't have it both ways though:(

Graceokinawa: Thx for sharing your story about your students. i worry about how mine will react when they see me with my wig and eventually(hopefully) with a scarf on my head. Hopefully my students will handle it as well as yours did. Hope you enjoy your visit with your sister.

Georgiabirdgirl: Thx for reassuring me about my nodes but I am so sorry to hear about your experience.That must have been very hard to hear after the initial good news. Good news will be right around the corner for you again:)

stlcardfan: I am so happy to hear about your shrinking tumor. do you think it is from the Herceptin? I am also going to be testedfor the BRCA gene. these surgical options are overwhelming to me right now so I am going to get info in doses b/c right now I can onlyhandle so much on my plate and chemo is it for me.

Mom2Bnegative: absolutely LOVE the wiggin out party. awesome idea. awesome friends.

Just-Sher:Thx for the aspirin tip for the port. I had to reschedule my port study(snow coming, insurance issues) but will definitely mention it to my onc next week.

Welcome to all the new ladies. This board is a godsend! I hope everyone is feeling okay and remember that today you are one step closer to kicking some cancer butt!!! 

Just popped in to say hello before my 2nd ac chemo tomorrow.  I am already dreading it and kind of grouchy!  My sister made it from Florida on Sunday night and I am loving having her around.  Sometimes living so far away from the States, I feel very alone in this.  The Japanese just don't know much about support and they are very private people. 

It really helps me to have this particular post to come to.  All of you going through this and sharing your experiences is so helpful.  You are my support group!!  Thanks for all the posting and sharing some of your personal thoughts that help me through this process.

Paxton- just wondering how you are doing? 

11tybillion - wondering how you are also?

paddlegirl- so sorry about your port!!!!!!!!!!!!  Not sure I would want another chemo after all of that!  Keep hanging in there!  What a great family and BF you have!!

Paddlegirl--you have been through the ringer! Like you needed to get an infected port on top of everything else you're going through--so sorry you had to go through that. A lovley story about your family support, especially your daughter. You must feel very proud and loved!

GraceOkinawa--it will be a big help to have your sis w/you. I undestand about being far from home. I'm from England, parents live in Barbados, and I live in CA. My mom has been here taking care of me since I got ill, but will have to go back soon. Other than her I have no family here, except husband & kids. It can be lonely when you're not well and so far from home. I also understand about feeling grouchy before an infusion b/c you know what comes after it. Remember to drinks lots of H2O and remind yourself that you're one step closer to being cancer-free. The only way out of it is through it.

So, yes, thank you ladies for all of your support. It truly helps to communicate with people going through the same thing at the same time. When we all have this BC treatment behind us, we should get together some time. Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Pagowens--sorry about the loss of your co-worker, that is just so sad. I know what you mean about having a pemanent brand as a patient, rather than a survivor--I often wonder if people will think I can't do my job anymore. nd since I was only on my job 2 months when I got my dx, I wonderif people think I knew about it befoire I got hired--I didn't, but I bet some people are wondering about it. But we all have to know that we must try not to worry about those things right now. Our "jobs" are to get healthy, and that includes time to recuperate after chemo. I spoke to someone on Friday who is a year out from chemo and still not back to her former self regarding energy reserves. My job is grueling and I worry that I won't be strong enough to do it even after my onc releases me, but I can't worry about that now, there's nothing I can do about others might think anyway. Anyway, prayers to al of you!