March 2010 Chemo Start

Options
1…5681011…67

Comments

  • sarikasd
    sarikasd Member Posts: 31
    edited March 2010

    Hi ladies, today is my day # 6, Can I finally venture to say that the worst of the SEs are behind me?  I am feeling good since late morning today, even went for an icecream since it is bright and sunny here in NJ.  I am scared to celebrate getting a bit back to normal but I am enjoying whatever I can in the meantime.

    Sandie- I can so relate to your emotions.  After my chemo, I have the exchange surgery for permanent implants, after that the oopherectomy, and soon the nerve wrecking series of scans will start. At times, I cannot believe how I went from a busy full time working mom to being a cancer patient.  It is difficult to not feel envious of all those who are enjoying good health.  But I am trying to keep my spirits high that I will also soon be one of them.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • horsedoc
    horsedoc Member Posts: 512
    edited March 2010

    I'm so glad to have everyone here as moral support, and thanks for the personal welcome, Julia257! Smile  And PauldingMom, I'm a fellow "pinhead" lol!  (My hat size is 6 3/4 - 6 7/8) It's going to be more obvious with no hair. I'm already thinking about when I have to shave my head.  It will probably be in the barn with the horse clippers.  My doctors would be mortified, like they are with every story I tell them. (I like to keep them on their toes.)

    Although my start date isn't until next week, it's getting to be more "real" to me since I'm having to schedule my work appointments around it.  It's kind of hard because I don't know how I will be feeling, but all the posts here are really helping me get an idea.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 34,614
    edited March 2010

    Welcome new members, glad you found us here, sorry you found us here...Undecided

    Hey horsedoc, my word games buddy! 

    Sandie, I was dreading chemo.  What helped me was a gift from a March sister, a fellow trekker.  She sent me a Klingon proverb about acting vs. waiting (see below, I shamelessly co-opted it) which epitomized my feelings about treatment.  Yes, I know I'll go someday but if I have a choice it will not be soon! 

    lovemygarden, IOU big time, I have no funny or touching words like you sent me, just heartfelt compassion and the best-est of thoughts my sister!  Would it help if I promise to never burrow in your lawn, dig up your flowerbeds or steal your veggies?  :-)

    Les, the chemo clinic is in a specialty clinic wedged into a wing of the hospital.  The only patient tx area with windows is where "individual" chemo rooms are (the "party room" is windowless) and I was very glad of the light and being able to look outside.

    Best wishes all ~ prayers ~ good vibes ~ {{hugs}} as needed PRN lol.

    edit to add something that made me smile http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDZ9PN5K06Q

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • horsedoc
    horsedoc Member Posts: 512
    edited March 2010
    btw I love your Klingon proverb, groundhog!  I feel the need to come up with a clever little saying for my signature now...Wink
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lovemygarden
    lovemygarden Member Posts: 342
    edited May 2010

    Hi everyone! This has been a h*lluva day... I've been going for 13 hours nonstop. Errands that were supposed to take no more than 3 hours ended up taking SEVEN... left my house at 9:40 and didn't get home again till 6:15 pm. I won't even go into why....



    Then I had about 4 hours of stuff to take care of here at home. Normally I'm never on the computer after 9 pm because then I'll have trouble falling asleep but just wanted to check in since I'm starting my chemo tomorrow at 10 am Eastern Time!



    I got my hair buzzed off today, decided to look in the mirror afterward and get it over with. After the first few seconds of wondering who that person was in the mirror, I realized that I look exactly like my dad now (who always wore a buzzcut) ... it was actually a neat thing because he died 14 years ago and somehow it made me really feel as if he is "back". Hard to describe in words, I suppose. My third reaction (all this in the space of less than 2 minutes) was that I now look like "G.I. Jane". I was expecting trauma/drama but honestly had none. Put my kerchief back on, since I had to continue with all my errands, and that was that. No biggie. When I got home I decided that I'm more comfortable wearing nothing on my head when alone here. Another surprise to go with the discovery that I'm also more comfortable not wearing a mastectomy bra!



    I don't need any premeds because I'm getting weekly Taxol, thus my premeds are all going to be in the IV. Got my cooler ready to pack up with my frozen mitts and slippers and all the other stuff I'm bringing. When they see me they'll probably think I'm planning to stay for the weekend! LOL



    Groundhog, I have a feeling you will appreciate the craziness of this: For some reason this afternoon I got a mental image of sitting in the chair tomorrow as the chemo drip starts doing its thing seeking out any nasty cancer cells.... to the background of Data singing that immortal ditty "Little life-forms, little life-forms, where are you?" (!!!!)



    (and thanks for the Garden Giggle! :-) Now if you could somehow get the message across to the local squirrels who DO burrow in my lawn and dig up the bulbs in my flowerbeds...!) (((hugs)))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • llm822
    llm822 Member Posts: 77
    edited March 2010

    Hi everyone -

    Please add me to the list!  Just a little history:  found a lump during a self-exam back in August, had two lumpectomies in November, and was diagnosed with IDC in both breasts on December 1st.  Next step was a bilateral mastectomy on January 29th (no reconstruction).  Sentinel node biopsy came back negative at first, but upon further examination they found a few "specks" of cancer on the left.  On March 2nd, I had some more lymph nodes removed on that side - 10/10 clean as a whistle!  Things have gone well so far.  I had very little pain after each surgery and I feel 100% comfortable with my flat chest.  I am dealing with a cord on the left side, which is a little tender and incredibly frustrating.  My OncoType Dx score was 23 - too high for my liking - so I'll be starting chemo next Tuesday, March 23rd.  I'll be getting AC once every three weeks and may or may not follow up with T (oncologist said that will only decrease the risk of recurrence by 1%, so I'm still on the fence).  Chemo is scary stuff, but I'm looking forward to starting so I can get it over with and get on with my life.  And I'm actually looking forward to seeing how I look without hair - I've always wanted to cut it really short and just haven't had the guts!

    Hope you're all doing well tonight =)

    Lisa

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LillyC
    LillyC Member Posts: 64
    edited March 2010

    I, too, start chemo (TC X 4) tomorrow.  I have found these boards to be so helpful in researching side effects.  From what I've read, it truly varies from person to person.  My oncologist said that some people do have a lot of side effects while others breeze through treatment.  I hope and pray that we are with the breezes.  My treatment begins at 9AM and I just keep telling myself that tomorrow night at this time I will be 1/4 of the way through.  I know that's not exactly true, but close enough.  I'm anticipating a good day tomorrow and perhaps slow days over the weekend.  Wishing everyone the best and looking forward to discussing our first weeks together. Smile 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Julia257
    Julia257 Member Posts: 284
    edited March 2010
    Good luck ladies tomorrow! I do hope you "breeze" through.  My infusion today was without reaction.  In fact good company in the treatment room passed the time in a very positive way.  However, since returning home about 10 hours ago, per their instruction to drink a lot and in fact I've lost track of how much I have drunk, especially, water, tea, etc.,seems like gallons, I have not been able to empty my bladder except for a little dribble.  I'm not sure whether I should drink more or stop to do the least potential damage to the kidneys.  Has anyone experienced this, any advice?  I think this will be a sleepless night.  All the best to you Lovemygarden,  I have to tell you that I was all set to go with my cryoslippers and mittens and thought it might be a good idea to check with my Onc. first.  He put the kybosh on it, said definitely not for me.  So I called the company and they will allow me to return them.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited March 2010

    Welcome to our 5 new ladies!  Wow!

    I had my nadir blood draw today (low point in the chemo cycle).  My white cells came back at 762.  So not good not bad (500 is considered way too low; 1000 is where they want you).  So the nurse told me to wash more and be extra careful. 

    But a new SE maybe today.  I noticed on Sunday that my rings were tight and I had a hard time getting them off.  Today my ankles are like elephant legs.  Major swelling.  Ugh.  Looks so attractive.  They don't hurt, so that's a good thing.  I had heard taking vitamin B could be a preventative measure against the neuroplathy(?) - tingles and pain in hands and feet - and my doctor said it wouldn't hurt, so I"ve been taking that.  I'll up my water intake and see if that has any effect.

    Best to all of you starting this tomorrow ... take care of yourselves!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EZH
    EZH Member Posts: 48
    edited March 2010

    Julia257:  Just read your post, 10 hours, lots of liquid in and hardly anything out?  Think you may want to call your onc, and ask the question to the on-call nurse or onc?  I was told to drink and pee constantly throughout the night, to actually set my alarm and empty the bladder about every 2 hours, for 2 to 3 days after the chemo is given, to protect the baldder (I've had issues) and kidneys  I'm concerned for you, perhaps you should make that call?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Julia257
    Julia257 Member Posts: 284
    edited March 2010
    Thank you very much, EZH, I should have called a few hours ago.  I feel awful about calling at almost 1 am.  You really don't think I could let it go, say till 7 am?  Thanks again.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EZH
    EZH Member Posts: 48
    edited March 2010

    Julia257:  You just had your first round of chemo and you are having a weird s/e and there is someone on-call for exactly this sort of thing.  CALL!  If its nothing to worry about, then you can relax and maybe get some rest, why be up worrying?  Call, you and I will both feel better!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • barb_k
    barb_k Member Posts: 76
    edited March 2010

    Had my port put in today. Was scheduled for 10:30,So was to be there at 9:30, finally got back for preop at 10:45, and into surgery at 12:30. This is the first time I've had to wait like this . They was supposed to give me an injection of leviquin, but said this was unacceptable,( I am allergic to penicillin) So said they would give another one. Well I'm in the surgery room and the anathesioligist asks if I had a rash when I came in. said no and then got a flush anditching all over. Out comes the benadryl and steroids to counter act and then another antibiotic. I finally got out of there at 3:30. I have felt tired but am hyped from the steroids and benadryl. I just have a litttle discomfort from the procedure. Have my pet scan tomorrow so another 12 hrs. no food or drink. Wish it would make me lose the weight I've put on since I haven't been working. I am missing work. Don't miss the work but do miss my customers. I work as a cashier in a major grocery chain with a pharmacy in it. I was advise since I work directly with the public not to work.Plus it will mess up my disability and family leave. Went through that before trying to work part time while my husband was ill and they put me through  the ringer.I don't want do that again. The bill will just have to wait on me. They can'get blood out of a turnip.

    For those that are going for chemo or went in the last couple of days. You are in my thoughts and prayers. This site sure is a wealth of information, and lets you know you are not alone. 

    Good luck to all and " HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY" maybe we should all dye our hair green? if we have any or wear a green head covering. barb_k

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LillyC
    LillyC Member Posts: 64
    edited March 2010
    1. Groundhog....just wanted to let you know that I find your posts to be so helpful.  I think it's because you are a week ahead of me and it lets me know what I might expect.  Thanks for all of your entries.  Hope we both have good weeks.  I should be asleep since I start chemo in seven hours - think I'll try again.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Julia257
    Julia257 Member Posts: 284
    edited March 2010

    I'm trying one more thing, I'm sorry EZH, I know your advice is solid and exactly what I should do.  I have this imposition thing, I find it impossible to disturb anyone if I can possibly help it and pretty soon if my last ditch effort doesn't work, I could call at an almost decent hour.  I had more of my bean/quinoia concoction, a mug of warm water and a glycerin suppository, hoping one system helps the other, I don't ever have a problem in that department.  This website is invaluable to me.  I could get the answers from the true experts 24/7, those most knowledgeable out of necessity and who respond from a place of truth and support.  The sleep thing is another matter...I'm totally sleep deprived.  I was advised and prescribed Ativan but I'm just so reluctant to take something so addictive.  Probably my biggest problem is my chicken little meekness.  Thanks again, sorry to disappoint you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • staceyt
    staceyt Member Posts: 106
    edited March 2010

    Welcome to all who are just joining - you will find this board a great help and full of wisdom from the fabulous sisters here. 

     Julia57 - Hope you are feeling better and things are better for you.  Just remember that if the path were straight we would get there too quick and not enjoy the scenery of a winding path.

    I did it Ladies, I shaved the head yesterday, from what everyone said about 14 days after the first treatment you will begin to loose your hair and 14 days it was falling like rain.  The best part was that I had to take me glasses off, so I really couldn't see but when she was done I just ran my hand through it and a single tear rolled down my cheek.  She helped me put my bandanna on and then I put my glasses back on.  Her (my stylist) comment to me was "boy can you pull off a bandanna or what", that was what I needed to hear.  From there I had to go have my picc line cleaned at the hospital met my DH (whom I told I was going to shave it but didn't tell him when) and he just wrapped his arms around me gave me a hug & kiss and that was it, again a reassuring gesture.

    To all who are having a treatment today best wishes and good vibes sent your way! - Stacey

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • undecided8
    undecided8 Member Posts: 194
    edited March 2010

    Wishing everyone well who starts their chemo TODAY 3/17/09. Happy St. Patrick's day! I forgot to wear green. LOL  I hope everyone is doing  ok that's already started. I'm starting Herceptin/Taxotere/Zometa. I'm praying for NO nausea. The nauseation last time really KICKED my butt, but that was from the A/C treatments. Good Luck TODAY everyone and do NOT forget to stay hydrated after chemo and be careful what you eat NOT to over do it like I did 2 years ago after my 1st chemo. NO cornbeef & cabbage for me today. LOL

    Suzanne E.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JLLG
    JLLG Member Posts: 27
    edited March 2010

    Well, I am quite surprised at the bone aches from the Neulasta.....walking through it slowly but surely.....

    I am a bit yucky, tired, and sore, but this is doable. I was very teary yesterday..not myself what so ever...but this too has passed. 

    Lesinindy+++   I too commented on the ambiance of my "Chemo Room".  It is quite large with reclining chairs, television for each one, privacy curtains, and get this....big huge windows looking out over the mountains....BEHIND US!!!  We face the nurses station...the nurses get the view!   I think when treatment rooms such as these are designed, the architects do not consider the patient and are not brought into the full circle of WHOLEistic care.....They see things as a mechanical and functional area for the hospital.

     Today is going to be a better day than yesterday....The sun is shining brightly, and hope is still abounding......Happy Saint Pats Day to all!Cool 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EZH
    EZH Member Posts: 48
    edited March 2010

    Quick note Julia 257:  Are you feeling better this morning?  Please, no apology to me, I was only concerned about you.  I thought of you first thing this morning and would love to know that you are a-okay.

     Good day, all! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lesinindy
    Lesinindy Member Posts: 31
    edited March 2010

    An update on my objections to the chemo room. 

    Got a call from the hospital on my email about the chemo room, they blamed the practice. Got a call from the practice, they blamed Medicare and the hospital. Got a call from the patient advocate and she did not blame anyone. I asked her to walk through the room this Thursday between 9:30 and 11:00 and come to her own conclusion. 

    Noticed something  this morning in the shower, broken hair ends.....She showed me her new wig last night and the husband gene kicked in and I said it looked nice, not nice but good (you all know what I was really thinking). We go back to the "chemo room" in the morning for the Herceptin IV, hope they don't hold anything against her for my complaint. I regretted in many ways sending the email, but my heart was about broken by the sights I saw last week). There is no excuse for not providing the most pleasant environment you can to these fighters. I really don't care who is at fault, these folks deserve privacy, dignity, a cheery atmosphere and compassion.

    I really hate this cancer, I'm POed and hurt.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SuzyE
    SuzyE Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2010

    Hi girls,

    Today's my day!  In 2 hours I'll be in my infusion chair!  I'm feeling pretty good (calm) going into this.  I wanna get it going so I can get it over-with.  I've packed my sudoku, cards, and snacks for the day.  I have a huge list of questions for my Oncologist...it's funny how many things your mind wanders off to when you're lying in bed thinking of how different your life is now compared to 2 months ago.  Good luck to the other 3/17ers!  I'll wear green today.  I'll let them stick me, but I shouldn't get pinched!  I'll let you know how the SE's go for me...hopefully not many. 

    Hugs,

    Suzy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lorrhaw
    lorrhaw Member Posts: 751
    edited March 2010

    I am 49 years old and was diagnosed on January 8th and later found that I had 1 bone met.  I am ER, PR + and her2 negative.  I went for a 2nd opinion at MD Anderson and they recommend going for an agressive treatment approach so I start chemo March 22nd.  I had my port put in yesterday. 

    I'm not sure if I am supposed to add my name to the list or if you as the author of the initial e-mail will do so.

    I am grateful to be able to talk to other's in a similar situation so we can support each other through this process. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hmh23
    hmh23 Member Posts: 306
    edited March 2010

    Sandie;  It looks like we are in the SAME boat on this one.  I start my chemo on March 29th. I decided to take a vacation with our daughters before the onslaught. If I can recommend one book that has been tremendously helpful in getting through to this point, it is "There's No Place Like HOPE",  by Vicki Girard.  It has helped me put this all in perspective.  I continue to refer back to it when I do get a bit down but it truely has helped me put it into mind-sized bites. I have an almost identical diagnosis as you and I am looking at it as I have one really sick breast and a few very sick lymph nodes but the rest of me is extremely healthy.   We can get through this.  Look at this next step of chemotherapy as "what it is going to do for me not to me"!!  That's a quote from the book. I begin 4 treatments of AC on March 29th followed by 12 treatments of Taxol and then radiation.  I will have my other breast removed following my treatments.  Take good care and dream of wellness.  Heather 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marigunn
    marigunn Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2010
    I feel almost embarrassed to say this, but I am on Day 10 (Chemo started March 8), and no real side effects.  I had some drowsiness from the anti-nausea meds and a bit of constipation during those first few days when I was still on those meds, but now I feel normal!  I feel like I have dodged a bullet, although I am still waiting for the hairs to drop.  The Onc and pharmacist said with AC, everyone loses their hair!  Well, I have my wig and caps ready.  Good luck to all of you -- I hope many of you can breeze through the whole treatment cycle(s) as well as I've done this first round.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • undecided8
    undecided8 Member Posts: 194
    edited March 2010

    1st chemo down! YEAH! My experience today was AWESOME! Last time I did chemo I stayed at the Dr.'s office last time for 15 months of chemo. This time, I decided to go to my local outpatient chemo department to avoid all the high co-pays. I was AMAZED at how wonderful they were. They put me in a private room, my husband could stay with me, he's never even been able to visit me before, and they even fed me an awesome lunch. I'm SO glad today went fantastic! I hope everyone that started today had a good experience and is doing ok, so far.

    Suzanne E.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Julia257
    Julia257 Member Posts: 284
    edited March 2010
    I'm so glad when I hear that it's going well for you ladies.  I hope it will always be that way and the best of good health asap.  EZH, you are too kind, thank you so much for your concern.  I posted my problem as a topic in the middle of the night, panic mode.  The response like yours was that it was serious and to call the oncologist.  She also said that she had seen my situation before and it had something to do with an electrolyte imbalance causing the kidneys to stop functioning.  I went to ehow.com to see how I could get electrolytes.  They suggested and I took:  salt water, oj, yogurt, Power Bar and a banana.  Almost immediately, relief and since then the plumbing is working fine.  I just returned from the clinic to get my neulasta shot.  My oncology nurse called my oncologist and since the matter is resolved, he was not concerned.  Thank you Staceyt, the winding road is definitely the way to go, where all the flowers grow.  Best wishes to you all.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LillyC
    LillyC Member Posts: 64
    edited March 2010

    Had my first treatment today - one down, three to go!  All went extremely well.  

    I was worried about the access to my portacath as I just had the surgery for the port last week. The nurse iced the area and accessed it as I took a deep breath - hardly felt anything.  She did give me a prescription for Lidocaine cream to apply one hour before my next treatments.  This will numb the area.  So glad she reminded me to use a q-tip and not my finger as it would then also be numb!

    The infusions went very well with no complications!  Absolutely seamless!

    Mr. C. commented on the way home at how surprised he was at how well I felt and looked.  He thought I would be "a melted puddle" on the front seat!  So glad he was wrong!

    Hope tonight is a good one for all.  I'm taking two meds for the next three days for nausea. Neulasta shot tomorrow.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • teemee
    teemee Member Posts: 122
    edited March 2010

    Just reading the posts and feeling very, very lucky to have bumped into such a strong group of women. Not the way any of us would have chosen, but still, today you are the flowers on the path;)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LillyC
    LillyC Member Posts: 64
    edited March 2010

    Amen!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 34,614
    edited March 2010

    Agreed!!!  Just wanted to say a quick hi and post the lifeform song Cool

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88JGZDyWG5s

    Hope everyone is doing OK!  {{hugs}}

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories