Anyone Starting Chemo Jan. 2010?

bubbalau-- I am on Taxotere and Cytoxan. I had an allergic reaction to the Taxotere, but that doesn't happen to everyone. It also made my finger and toenails turn black, which isn't pretty. Stopped my periods and put me into chemopause, but I guess that you aren't too worried about that. As far as the pain from neulasta shot--Taxotere causes it too. I take a pil called Butal-apap-caff (barbituate/tylenol/caffeine.) I had them for headaches but they work well for bone and muscle pain from chemo and neulasta as well. As for the scratchy head stuff, I believe that's what they call "folecular rash" and others have suggested vitamin E oil as well as triple antibiotic cream. Also--very sorry for the loss of your son.

Friscomom, I'm sure we've all had those dreaded weekends while we wait for the biospy-verdict, and can totally relate. I had two benign tumors removed over a 5-year period of time before I finally got my cancer DX, and know only too well how bad that waiting period is. My prayers and heart are with you!

VegasDiva--hang in there! Your last TC tomorrow. I don't envy you having to get chemo, but in a week or so, you'll be feeling a bit better and can start to put this episode behind you! My last one is next Friday, the 12th,and I'm dreading it, especially after last week!

Georgiabirdgirl--Know how you feel about leaving the parenting up to hubby, when he's sick too. My DH just went back to work for the first time in a week because he was sick. My girlfriend called me yesterday, when I was saying how guilty I felt, she reminded me to put it all in perspective. She said, "Girl, you had a double mastectomy and now you just had your 3rd round of chemo! He's got a cold! He's gonna have to suck up his Man Flu and get on with it!"

bubbalu - I hope my comments about age didn't come across that it's any better to get cancer when older, it sucks no matter what age! It's just a sensitive area for me personally and I know that people don't have ill intentions; I just can't help the reaction I have to it. And yes, you would think no new tumor could grow while on chemo but I suppose if chemo worked on all cancer cells nobody would ever die of cancer. I'm still holding out for B9 but I just won't know until the results come back. One thing I do know for certain is that if it comes back positive I'll be having both my girls removed pronto, that would not be a good indicator of things to come for me and I'd not want to take any further chances.

Congrats to all of you coming up on your last chemo, I know it's not pleasant to look forward to but just focus on how you'll feel in a week or two after. I'll be thinking of you all.

JustSher: loved your pirate story. Kids do say the funniest things.

stlcardsfan: also on TCH and having serious acid-reflux/heartburn. was prescribed something which I take once a day but also need to take Pepcid and even that doesn't always help. It can be very uncomfortable and very unsettling to the stomach.Mine started after my 2nd treatment and has lasted for several days afterwards.

Friscosmom--I am thinking of you and praying that you get your results before the weekend and that it is nothing to worry about.  I would be feeling the same way--the waiting is the worst part.  Wishing you good thoughts, a good day, and good news.

bubbalu - haven't heard about the gloves, but at my place they bring me ziploc bags full of ice chips when I get the Taxotere. I put a thin towel over my toes, then drap the bags over them and wrap with another towel to keep them in place. I have a bag for each hand and dig my fingernails in. I do this for the entire hour, and so far it seems to be working. Fingernails and toenails (except for my right thumbnail) all look normal. My  right thumbnail seems have developed a small ridge, but the nail is still growing. Hope this helps

Youngmomof3 - glad I am not the only one with heartburn. I was worried that there was something else going wrong. I agree is seems to get better about 8 days out. Prevacid seems to help most of it, and using Tums and liquid Mylanta as backups. 

My lower back pain from yesterday is now gone, that lasted about 2 days. Actually feel pretty good today. 

Friscomom- my thoughts and prayers are with you.  I hate waiting games!  They are the hardest.

Right now, I have a spot on my lung and two near my collar bone.  They are seeing if they shrink from the chemo.  If they shrink, then I am stage 4.  If not, biopsy and wait to see how it comes back.

Paxton- haven't heard from you in a while.  Hoping you are doing better.  How is that cute baby?

INTRODUCTION...QUESTIONS>>>

I noticed many of you, us, have had it particularly hard during the third chemo...and I recall reading somewhere about it usually being the worst of the set.  Can anyone shed some light on this?  Is the third round typically the worst? Those of you who have had recently had your fourth chemo, if it was not your last (congratulations!), can you offer any experiential knowledge? 

I am new to this group, and hope you don't mind my late introduction.  Just had my third round last week and it kicked my rear..emotionally and physically.  Just cried for three days, then a very painful period (someone mentioned something about having to deal with PMS and Chemo at the same time..blech!, and lower lower lower energy levels.  I had no idea...I could feel this way...?  Of course I am getting through it all, though.  Like all of us.  Reading other women's stories has been a great source of guidance and relief, and I am so impressed by all of you (us) out there who are going through this...

One more question: since their third chemo, has anyone noticed a particular increase in "chemo brain" activity?  It has become very difficult to drive, and my  

I am a 35 yr old single graduate student who lives in an urban area, I like thrift stores and textiles, and I am so thankful this type of support infrastructure exists.

Hello one and all!  Sending out good day vibes!

pagowens--sounds like the Am. Cancer Society in your area needs to get its act together! I would be really pissed if that happened to me twice. And chemo angels--they never even responded to me. Thank goodness I have some of my own chemo angels right here!

Nkrun--love the pictures. What a blast!

Terrijo--Ouch! The port is a pain at times, but I am the same way when they tryto start IVs on me. Sorry you had toendure all that!

Hi Everyone!

We had the first spring like day here today - sunny and about 45 degrees.  I went out on the porch and just sat in the sun for about 1/2 hour.  It's amazing what that can do for you!  I have been battling a sinus infection/cold since I started chemo...tried antibiotics to no avail...must be a virus!  So sitting with my face in the sun felt WONDERFUL and I am hoping that it will help with this cold in the long run.

All of you are so courageous and I am lucky to have you as my support.  Each of you brings a different perspective and we all seem to have great attitudes...with all of us having a "pity" day once in awhile.  Of course these are well deserved, but if you are all like me...I feel like a big baby when it happens!

Here is to hoping that you all have a wonderful evening and have a moment of peace to yourself where you fell "whole" again.

Take Care,

Tammy

Pagowens: that stinks that you went yet again to the Look Good class and it was cancelled without calling you. If it makes you feel better I also haven't heard anything from chemoangels and i did my app several weeks ago. I had also been trying for a few weeks to complete an app for the cleaing service. Finally today my co-worker went online and saw that they start taking apps at 1:00 our time and that they accept 8 apps a minute and max out at 50 apps a day. then once you complete your app they contact the cleaning agencies but that each agency only takes on 2 cancer cases at a time. My friend was able to complete my app for me and i received the email confirmation which stated that if the agency near me was full at the time I could re-aplly in a few weeks. The problem is they only clean your house 1x a month for 4 consecutive months and you have to be in treatment. I have 4 rounds of chemo left so who knows if i will even be able to use them by the time they are able to get to me. Did get my beautfil scarf though and have to say it really did make me smile. I agree that I think all of these generous non-profil agencies are overwhelmed by the need which is very sad in itself that so many people are dealing with cancer.

nkrun: you seriously work with some awesome people. Looks like everyone there is having fun and I'm sure they lift up your spirits when they need to.

issymom: I'm with you that we shouldn't have to deal with feeling crappy outside of chemo. I've had a sinus infection for almost a week now. Had blood levels checked and was releived to know WBC was fine. What a relieft b/c i have another round of chemo next week and don't want my schedule to be thrown off by low WBC. Hope you feel better soon.

GraceOkinawa: I am praying that the spots are nothing. Please keep us posted and stay focused on the positive as best you can:)

TerriJo: sounds like a rough start with your chemo. Hate having all of those needles poked it the arm. Hope your last round goes much smoother.

Alright, off to put my boys to bed and then hopefully some quiet time watching mindless tv tonight.

pagowens-sorry about the look good feel better class.  It's hard to feel better when you keep getting stood up! 

youngmomof3- i agree about the nature of all of the non-profit services.  they are there to help, but it seems there are just too many of us out there that need the help. Scary!  I signed up with chemo angels, and they have been wonderful.  my mailbox is constantly full of cards or treats.  But, the cleaning service contacted me asking for a doctor's verification that I was on chemo and then told me there was no service in my area available.  oh well.  it was worth a shot. 

gramoflexus- i'm actually terrified of starting Taxol next week.  I know it's supposed to be easier than AC, but I seem to be the exception to every rule, so I'm expecting it to be tough.  The joint pain sounds horrible.  Will the Claritin trick work for that too?  Are you getting a Neulasta shot also?  Hopefully your pain will subside quickly.  From the information I've been given about it, the joint pain should only last a few days.  I know that sounds excruciating now, but hopefully it will be over before you know it.

Graceokinawa- it's crazy that for once we're praying that a spot doesn't shrink, but you're on my prayer list for that. 

So,  I went to my son's 1st grade perfomance last night and it was tough.  I have been feeling crappy all week and have really been dragging myself around.  My husband really needed to go play soccer (his only real outlet) so I told him to go and I could handle the 3 year old and the school.  This was no small task, and it was really tough seeing all the stares.  I've laid low from all things school related (trying to avoid germs) and so there are a lot of familiar faces that looked surprised to see me.  I really do look like a cancer patient these days.  My eyes are red, my face is pale and of course I've got no hair.  I try to do a little makeup and wear cute scarves, but when you're sick it's hard to hide it.  I did make it, though.  I just really tried to avoid everyone and get out of there as soon as possible.  My son was so happy that we were there it made it all worth it.  Plus, it's a victory that I didn't have to watch it on video.  Happy Friday and hopefully you all get to enjoy a warm and spring-like weekend.

Issymom- I hear you about the "other stuff".  We should get a waver from the normal crud of life when we start treatment!!!  There's enough to worry about side effects without being sick with regular stuff.

Gramoflex - sorry about the aches.  I don't start Taxol to end of April.  I am interested to hear what the dr says.  Praying this passes for you!

Georgiabirdgirl- so glad you were able to make it to your sons school and hubby got to do something that helped him out too.  I really hurt for my family sometimes as they have to take on the things we normally would handle in addition to coping with the normal things in life and the hardship of seeing someone they love struggle.  They do need an outlet also and it was great you were well enough to watch your son!

First real time out of my bed since the treatment on Wednesday.  This time it hit me pretty rough.  The weather here in Okinawa is lovely though, and that does a lot to lift my spirits!

glamoflexus - I start Taxol next Tuesday.  I have to say I am nervous.  I am hoping that if I expect the worse it won't be so bad and it might actually seem OK.  I am curious what your Onc recommends for the pain.  Let us know.

I am tired of hiding behind the wig and stuff.  I have cancer.  I am dealing with it, you deal with it.  There are times that I am more comfortable wearing my wig but most of the time a hat is the most comfortable.  I have decided I don't have the energy to worry about what people think.  When I am done with chemo and feeling better I may wear my wig more but right now no.

I am feeling worse today, I have almost no voice and it hurts to cough.  I had no fever yesterday or last night but now that I have been up for an hour, I can feel it coming on.  Feels like someone is sitting on my upper chest and neck.  I may call the doctor and see if there is anything I can do.  I wouldn't normally but because of the chemo I may.

I'm between 3&4 AC and have had rhinitis since day one.   

I'm having red sore burning eye lids, just one really.  What is that from and what do we do to relieve it?  The onc nurse said to use Opcon-A for the watering but that doesn't help the sore swollen eyelids.

And I keep seeing references to Claritin.  What does that help? 

VegasDiva:  thanks for the reply - I will definitely use the gloves and figure out something for my toes!  And where do we find that Smooth Move tea?  I've been relying on Colace.

Glamoflexus: I bought a wig too and I will probably never wear it - too much hair and too shiny for me. I wear a cotton night cap at night (to keep warm in PA), several other caps from headcovers.com, ballcaps which I have loads of, and bandanas I got really cheap at bandanas.com.  Also Dollar Stores and Walmart sell them.  Scarves are cute too.  But if you work I can understand the issue with a wig but my husband thinks its 'a badge of courage'. 

bubbalu:  I got the Chocolate Smooth Move at Wegmans.  You can check their website at www.traditionalmedicinals.com.

I had my last Neulasta shot.  Painless and easy as usual.  Tomorrow and Sunday will be the true test.

I forget who asked about the tatoos I received at the radiation simulation, but they are so small I can hardly even see them unless I really really look.  I wouldn't worry about getting them.  I don't think it would be possible to just use the magic marker.  I had to go for the simulation a month before treatment even starts, so that would be an awfully long time to try and keep tape over something.  Besides you want the treatment to be accurate and this is how they line up the beams.  What the heck are a couple of little pinpoint tatoos condisering all we have been through?