Starting Chemo Feb 2010?

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  • me2u
    me2u Member Posts: 52
    edited March 2010

    hi marina, sorry to hear about your cold. call up on ONC to check if they can give you something for your cold and if you can continue if your tx. drink lots and lots of rest, wise to work from home this week. take care!

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  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 631
    edited March 2010

    Jessica-how cute you are with your bald head!  You make a very pretty bald lady.

    I've been told the same, but I'm still not brave enough to walk around completely "naked."  Plus my head gets really cold-this is Arizona, and there are ceiling fans everywhere, every room, every building-so the moving air makes it a lot worse.  OK, maybe I'm just chicken..bock, bock

    Party went well last night-of course, the topic turned to me and all my "stuff."  I tried to keep changing the subject, but for some reason, there was a serious lapse in conversation between everyone-SO the topic kept coming around to me.   Ah, well...

    Went to a restaurant beforehand with the husband and got quite a few stares...I seriously can't recall ever seeing a bald lady in public except at my PS office, so I don't blame people for being surprised.  But it would be easier if they just asked me a question so I could explain what I've been through, and "hey!  You should do a self breast exam."  My self esteem was seriously lacking last night, so I let the husband do the stare downs...LOL

    I hope everyone has a great day with few SE's!

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  • ginadmc
    ginadmc Member Posts: 263
    edited March 2010

    Colleen - I'm with you when it comes to using this as a permanent excuse to get out of any obligations! Have you read Crazy, Sexy Cancer? The author calls it using your Cancer Card. Not just for getting out of things but also getting special treatment. There are some very funny stories in the book.

    Verene - I went out for breakfast with my husband this morning and I kind of forgot that I had no hair (I was wearing a hat) until we sat at the table and just started to cry. Not a meltdown, just a mini-melt over the hair loss. I think these things will hit us unexpectedly. It's a reaction to everything little thing that is happening to us right now. Hang in there!

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  • Leah58
    Leah58 Member Posts: 159
    edited March 2010

    We sure share many different but similar paths on our bc journey.   I am so grateful for medicines that help us "handle" our chemo SEs.  I had my husband shave my head this morning because my buzz cut stubble made my chemo scalp very sore.  It really hurt!  I had my mini-meltdown this morning over scalp pain....  I am developing folliculitis (sp?) too.  Has anyone else dealt with it?  My scalp feels so much better this evening.  My on-call oncologist prescribed some antibiotic (penicillin) pills for me to start taking today.  I tried to take good care of my sensitive scalp to prevent this but my low resistance allowed an infection to get started.

    Also, one of my dearest friends was diagnosed with breast cancer yesterday.  It is just heartbreaking to know that someone you love has to face this journey too.   I am happy that I can help her with all I have learned from my sisters here on bc.org  Thanks to all of you for sharing your stories, advice, and support.  Smile

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  • CinD
    CinD Member Posts: 163
    edited March 2010

    Hi all!  I hope everyone is feeling well and having a great weekend.  

    It's been over two weeks since my second chemo treatment, and things have gone really well. Except for a little more fatigue than after my first treatment, this time has been very easy.  No period this time, I'm two days late, so maybe it won't show up. The best part has been no strange taste like after my first treatment, so I don't want to eat everything in sight just to try to get rid of that taste. Not that I haven't had more than my share of cookies, the big indulgence of the week.

    I can't believe how time has flown! It seems as if we just started, and already this Friday I'll be getting my third treatment. I'm fortunate to only be doing four in total, so I should be done with chemo in just under four weeks. Well, except for side effects after that. It just seems unreal that my main treatment part of this whole cancer thing may finally be ending soon. Today I was remembering setting the clocks back last fall after I was diagnosed, scared out of my wits, and today I set the clocks forward, thinking about all that has happened during the months in between. One of the good things was finding all of you going through the same challenges, although I would much rather have met you under better circumstances.

    I love reading all of the updates, and I wonder how some who haven't posted in awhile are doing. Have a good week and take care of yourselves!

    Cindy 

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  • me2u
    me2u Member Posts: 52
    edited March 2010

    hi leah58, so very sorry to hear about your dear friend's condition and send my wishes to her. she will get fully recovered and back to normal life in no time, and of course, you and us are here to support one another.

    hi cindy, wow, times really flies ya and soon your tx will be over soon, woohoo!!!

    seeing more of my posts lately? hehe, that's cos i am feeling slightly better to post (for updates/read/gives encouragement and etc) otherwise i will go MIA (missing in action :) and i dont want that...updated my pic in my profile, well, since i cant join in philly, might as well let you girls see how i look like :p

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  • Teel
    Teel Member Posts: 41
    edited March 2010

    May I hop back in and join you? 

     After several failed starts and stops, I finally started on Feb 25.  And then ended up in the hospital the next day, for a week, with pancreatitis.  At least we figured out why I was having all the unexplained stomach pain that kept delaying chemo. 

    And Dr. Oncologist - thanks so much for the suggestion, but looks like I don't need that therapist after all.  Yes the mind is indeed powerful, but the G.I. folks say anxiety over chemo wouldn't cause pancreatitis.  I'm actually quite fond of my onco and don't blame her for suggesting a therapist given that I kept showing up for chemo "not feeling right" with severe stomach pains.  We're laughing about it now that it's all figured out.

    So my treatment has been changed and I'm now on Taxol and Herceptin weekly x 12 then Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year. 

    I've had two treatments.  Still have all my hair.  Hope I didn't cut it all off for nothing!

    Looking forward to sharing the journey with you all.

    Best,

    T

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  • ariesrottie
    ariesrottie Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2010

    Morning Ladies... Well its official my hair is coming out..... I am sick over it. I do have a wig.. BUT we can hope can't we... I had a 24 hr stomach virus that was not nice... Last week stomach pain from my period.. This weekend stomach pains from VIRUS.... What the  hell... I am so depressed....Things aren't getting better they are getting worse... Don't know if I'll be able to have mt treatment with this painnnnnnnnnn.......Sorry i'm rambling...

    I wish everyone well with little SE.....

    Talk to you later... Need a nap since I was up all night..

    HUGS,

    Donna

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  • makmak
    makmak Member Posts: 632
    edited March 2010

    Good morning..Not happy about my cold not going away either.. Freaking that I won't be able to get my tx on Wed.. and I can't afford to skip.. I guess since no fever I'll remain encouraged for now.. This was my week off.. was supposed to feel better.. Yeah.. Oh.. hair.. it's almost gone too..so sad.. but oh well.. small price to pay I guess... Have to reschedule my Look Good session which is today.. because of the darn cold.. my nose is runny and congested.. would HATE to get someone else sick...

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  • lbreedl
    lbreedl Member Posts: 59
    edited March 2010

    Teel: Im glad to hear you're back on track & have not gone MENTAL! I want to encourage you about TH. I am waiting for my 7th treatment, still have hair (it has thinned quite a bit) and have not had that many bad SE's. There are a Lot of little bothers but it hasn't put me in bed or made my lifestyle change too much. You can handle it! Herceptin is a wonderful drug , we her2's are so fortunate to have this weapon in our arsenal.

    Michele: I love your spunky spirit! The potato chip feed bag cracked me up! I have been just grazing from salty to sweet this whole time! That medicinal ice cream sooths the harball throat too! I guess I'll be dieting when this is over, unless I wind up with the diarreah SE!

    Looking on the bright side.....those few annoying man hairs I used to have to pluck every week or so are GONE! Ha!

    Laura

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  • lbreedl
    lbreedl Member Posts: 59
    edited March 2010

    One more blessing... No labs before chemo! One less poke for me : )

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  • CAL30
    CAL30 Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2010

    Its been awhile since I've posted, I had my 3rd T/C last wednesday- things didn't go as smoothly as the first 2.. And just having a rougher time this time too :( 

    I'm sorry some of you are having a hard time/not feeling well.. hang in there, as hard as it is sometimes. it will be over soon!!

    Laura- where does one get that kind of ice cream?   :)

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  • faithfulc
    faithfulc Member Posts: 284
    edited March 2010

    CAL30, sorry the 3rd one is not as smooth, but you have only one more to go!  I have my third this week but then I'll only be at half time...  I wish my onc would let me do 4 but he said that would not be enough for me.  Not enough?  I feel I've already had enough already despite only few SEs.

    Hope you feel better soon.

    And Teel, wonderful to hear from you again.  Hang in there.

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  • faithfulc
    faithfulc Member Posts: 284
    edited March 2010
    me2u, just noticed that your birthday was last week (same as mine - last Thursday for me).  Happy belated birthday!
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  • Ezscriiibe
    Ezscriiibe Member Posts: 598
    edited March 2010
    Teel, hugs to you on the pancreatitis !! I have an irrational fear of getting that! I don't know why, but I do!
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  • lbreedl
    lbreedl Member Posts: 59
    edited March 2010

    Cal30: it's a health food - medicinal ice cream is brown, as it comes from the earth. It can have added bonuses like mashmallows (like clouds, therefore very few calories) and chunks of chocolate made from cocoa tree (so it's in veg & fruit group). I like it especially with nuts for nuts like me! You can get it at any grocery, I like bluebell best : )

    Did I mention I am on steroids right now ? LOL!!!!!

    Those man hairs were on my chin & I don 't miss plucking them .

    I guess I'm only doing labs when I see Dr. From now on. Cool.

    Having first chemo with port, lidocaine cream really helped.

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  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 631
    edited March 2010

    Oh Donna-I'm so sorry about the hair!  You'll feel better once it's finally all shaved off-at least I did.  Watching it come out made me sick and I couldn't stop whining about it.  I'm sorry about your virus too-sending you a big hug from AZ!

    Still fighting this head cold-I hope I'm better by next week for my treatment...I should be.  The cough is nasty...

    I hope everyone has a great day!

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  • swiftbird
    swiftbird Member Posts: 177
    edited March 2010
    lbreedl, thanks for the laugh. I have been telling my friends that since I got the port, I am going all Matrix on this cancer... just hook me in and we're going to kick some a$s!  Too much sci-fi, but hey, it keeps me going. Cool
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  • retrievermom
    retrievermom Member Posts: 522
    edited March 2010

    Catching up on posts this evening.  Hope everyone is doing well today.  It's comforting to know all these experiences are shared, tho none wants to be in this boat.  The fatigue is hitting me harder now.  Sat morning, did some dog training, then lay on the couch.  Heard the Barefoot Contessa start her dinner, but never caught the rest.  She has such a soothing voice :) 

    Weird stomach pains last night.  Nothing tastes right, either.  Fortunately, have been able to keep to a fairly normal work schedule. 

    Preparing for tx number 3 on Thurs.  

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  • mofend
    mofend Member Posts: 140
    edited March 2010

    Hi - well, looks like I have to get a transfusion tomorrow - my hemoglobin dropped big time from all this bleeding and we're off to the hospital in the am.  They are going to have a gynecological consult/exam done there, as well, to try to figure out why I'm still bleeding - not nearly as bad as last week, but still bleeding.  Might have to have an emergency D&C or ablation or cauterization or hysterectomy!  Should be a great day.  Well, actually it will be a great day because hopefully they'll figure this out and fix it and I can move on from this.  I feel fine from the chemo - it's just all this other stuff caused by the chemo that sucks.  So, I'm very nervous about the transfusion - just what is in the blood I'm getting scares me.  Everyone is telling me it's all checked, bla bla bla, but I'm still scared.  This isn't supposed to be happening - of course I keep hearing from all the docs, wow, we've never seen this before!  Great, I just love being a freaking guinea pig for this crap.  Anyway, had to vent - ready to pull out my hair - oh, that's right don't have any!  This sucks - Mo

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  • Ezscriiibe
    Ezscriiibe Member Posts: 598
    edited March 2010
    All warm hugs and best of luck to you tomorrow, mo! I know you will be glad to just get it taken care of!
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  • teemee
    teemee Member Posts: 122
    edited March 2010
    mo, I'm rooting for you! Please let us know how you are as soon as you can.
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  • Leah58
    Leah58 Member Posts: 159
    edited March 2010

    To all who are suffering SEs, small or big or in between, you are in my prayers.  What a journey!   Fatigue, blood transfusions, coughing, etc, oh my!!   We are some group but when you share, I kind of "understand" what you are feeling even if I am not sharing your personal SEs.

    I would like some of that earthy and healthy ice cream.  It might feel good on my sore scalp.  The penicillin pills seem to be working.  I keep looking at everyone's hair now wondering if they know how precious it is.  Life's perspective sure changes!  

     When I get my taste buds back after chemo is over and I get near a Cheesecake Factory, I want a piece of Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake and some amazing nachos.    Then I will take my Biotin and Vitamin D pills and AI pills and whatever else I need to take to get a healthy body and some new hair. 

    I must admit my tweezer and razor are gathering dust and that I do not mind.  It is nice not to have to check the chin every day!!

    Take care, everyone! 

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  • Iamstronger
    Iamstronger Member Posts: 378
    edited March 2010

    Mo-you are in my thoughts and prayers. 

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  • lbreedl
    lbreedl Member Posts: 59
    edited March 2010

    Mo: My mom was a blood bank specialist for 30 something years. She retired in Sept. from Parkland in Dallas. She said to tell you that the blood supply these days is safer than its ever been, she trusts it. She said they do so much testing & screening that its not a problem anymore. Mom is not one to play things down either. She knows her blood.

    We are praying for your speedy recovery and the Drs to know exactly what you need to get you back in the fight. Wish i could bring you some medicinal ice cream : ) Better yet score some medical MJ from Coleen!

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  • writer
    writer Member Posts: 208
    edited March 2010

    Mo, I thought about you all day and would gladly get you some of my medical MJ (which I have not touched since my first week of round one because I've been coughing for a month!). We're all sending you a virtual high. You will get through this.

    And you will get to have that I'm-finally-better high soon. I had it today-- my cough is finally diminishing, and a good friend took me to a spa yesterday and we spent forever in a great steam room, which helped further get rid of the cough. It's gorgeous here in L.A., and this is my "good" week, and finally I can walk again, and eat a proper meal (ribs tonight-- ate them all!), and have lots of energy to work. I felt like a million bucks, despite my sore throat and sore head and diminished taste buds. When you've felt lousy for a long time, or been scared about your health, and you suddenly feel better, you feel like a new person, and the little SEs don't even matter. 

    You will get there! Get some fresh blood in there, and take care of yourself, and before long you'll feel good.... I guess until the next round. But we'll all be there with you.

    Colleen 

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  • sea_of_luck
    sea_of_luck Member Posts: 24
    edited March 2010

    To Everyone- As the 22nd comes near i don't want to do chemo more and more especially since i live by myself and have little family that would be decent enough to take care of me. I'm the independant kind, I don't like asking for help. Falling apart is the worst thing for someone in my situation. I'm a emotional wreck. I act glad but really i'm tore up inside. I know you all arn't therapist or my therapist in general and don't need to be dealing with my drama/problems cause you all have your own drama/problems, but I am tired of hiding my fears, and emotions from everyone i see. I'm tired of acting like nothing is wrong when everything is wrong. My coping mechanism with Humor only works when people is aound cause of my need to please others... I'm not as resilient as some may think. I feel like a clown with a painted smile on my face.

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  • ariesrottie
    ariesrottie Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2010

    Morning Girls...!! The Sun is OUt... Maybe it will put me into a better mood...

    Burley- I am going to shave my head either today or tomorrow...Can't seem to get enough courage to do it even though it is killing me... I hope your cold is getting better... You are in my thoughts and prayers....

    Makmak3030-I hope you are feeling better too... We don't need delays in our treatment we need to move ahead... Hope things are going better.

    CAL30-I'm really sorry things are not going right with your SE.. We should not have any... Feel well. Going for my second tx on Thursday.... Keeping my fingers cross for little SE or none..... I can wish can't I ???

    retrievermo- Good luck with you treatment on Thurs. I will be praying for you while I am sitting getting my own tx. Hugs.....

    MO----- Hugs go out to you.... Hang in there.....Take it easy and take care of yourself..

    For all others that are going this week for chemo or who are in their off weeks... Hang in there... Tomorrow is another day closer to being better and beautiful.....

    {HUG}

    Donna

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  • ariesrottie
    ariesrottie Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2010

    Sea_of_luck-   I know how you feel... I too have a way of trying to please everyone all the time... Keep my feelings to myself and when I am alone I just break... We need to stop this and pick ourselves up and do what we need to do to become better... I wish I lived closer to help you . I get my second tx on Thurs... Also not looking forward to it... Hair is falling out in clumps....Thanks to my DH I seem to get through the day...The kids are worried but into themselves and friends... Its expected....

    Please keep opened to this board... We are all in this together... We help each other.... It works... Hang in there with Courage and Strength,

    Donna

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  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 631
    edited March 2010

    MO!  I'm so sorry for what you're going through!  On top of everything else, right?  I'm glad they're going to get it under control, though. Enough is enough

    I'll be thinking about you, and sending gigantic hugs from Arizona-get better soon, and we'll be looking forward to hearing from you.

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