November 2009-Starting Chemo

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  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited April 2010

    Melinda, I am nervous. I am not eager to see myself. I have issues seeing myself hurt. If Libby or my hubby get injured, I jump into action. But if I see myself hurt, I shut down...like my body goes into shock. I'll just be glad to have it done. One less spot for cancer to invade!

    I started crying when I learned I couldn't donate blood anymore. I am not a rich woman, and I can't jet set to states to help in recovery. The least I could do is donate blood, since I have a popular blood type. I started donating at the Red Cross after Katrina hit. Can't do that anymore :(

    Alicia, thanks for the Miralax/Colase heads up!

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited April 2010

    Didn't know about the organ donor thing...make sense I guess.

    Melinda, we con't celebrate cinqo da mayo( sorry for the spelling), but since we lived in the sates for four years we do celebrate at our house...any excuse to have a margareta....ole.

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  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited April 2010

    Linda: How are you doing today?? I am thinking about you.

    Michele: Drink a big one for me if I get to finish chemo on schedule.

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  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited April 2010

    Mmmmm. Margaritas...Yummy!

    I'm doing pretty good. Getting things tidied up at work and ready for my absence. I just need to stay busy!

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  • doronet
    doronet Member Posts: 342
    edited April 2010

    Linda:  Good luck and a speedy healing!!!!!

     I'm down to single digits for rad:  9 times remaining.  Get "measured" on Weds. for the boost week, which is next week.  Meetings with the rad onc each Tuesday and measuring-days make me so nervous, so will be taking my ol' Ativan tomorrow and Weds.

    BrendaSharon:  this should be your last week of rad, right?

    So, none of us can be organ donors any more?  (sigh)  I didn't know that.  I haven't been able to  give blood for years because I was in Europe after 1990 (Requirements say that because of the HIV thing.)

    Have been feeling major depressed and weepy the past week:  Feeling major sorry for myself but don't know why when I'm so close to the finish line.  Guess it's the radiation, or knowing that the treatments will be over but the scars will never go away, or that I still won't have my hair back yet, or that none of my bras fit right or are comfortable, or just that I'm so damn tired of the whole ordeal.  I know the feeling will pass, but I can bitch anyway. 

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  • Sherri_V
    Sherri_V Member Posts: 159
    edited April 2010

    My side effects this time weren't quite as bad as last time, thankfully!  Still not a walk in the park but there's only one more chemo to go. I had my weekly blood draw today so I'll know in the morning if my wbc count dropped and whether or not I'll need a shot and isolation.  I'm hoping for an uneventful week Wink

    The nasty taste in my mouth is almost unbearable.  Even the magic mouthwash doesn't seem to help much...I think my favorite thing about ending chemo will be getting away from that horrible taste! 

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited April 2010

    Linda ~ tomorrow is your day???  I am hoping and praying all goes well for you. 

    Nette ~ bitch away.......  But you will get to the finish line and hopefully every day will get better.  I am I think 8 weeks post my last chemo and my hair is looking like Sinead O'Connor back in the day.  I drove in the car without my head covered the other day.  People probably just thought I was a man. (an old man) LOL

    Sherri ~ another chemo DONE ~ 1 more for YOU!! woo HOO.  I hope you don't feel too bad.  Also hoping your wbc is good.

    Melinda, Michele, Brenda, everyone else ~ HOPE you are all doing good !!

    :)
    Alicia

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  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited April 2010

    reagrding organ donation: there seems to be an acceptable amount of time that if it passes, disease free, they will still take your stuff...maybe. Here is a little more info : http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_1_4x_Donation_by_Cancer_Survivors.asp?sitearea=ETO

    So don't give up hope that no one wants our parts.

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited April 2010

    I'm going for my first radiation treatment today - wish me luck. For some reason, I'm nervous. I'm sure it will be fine and luckily it's not too far - only a 10 to 15 minute drive.

    Sherri - wow only one more. The end is in sight.

    Alicia - 4 weeks post chemo and not much change in my hair except it is longer. It might be a bit thicker but hard to tell as most of it seems to be silvery white. I ordered some Nioxin scalp treatment and hopefully it will arrive soon. It's worth trying.

    Brenda - hope you're not too worn out from all the rads travel, you'll need a big rest after that.

    Nette - Hugs to you - hope you can cheer up. I know exactly how you feel, I'm feeling the same a lot of the time. We're supposed to be happy after chemo but maybe when my legs don't ache so much I'll be happier.

    (((((HUGS))))) to all who are still  having chemo.

    Sue

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited April 2010

    Sherri, glad it isn't to bad this time.

    Linda, good luck

    Melinda, I think I drank one for all of us this weekend...yah me.

    Sue, rads are so much easier than chemo...it will go by fast.

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited April 2010

    Sue ~ good luck with your first radiation treatment.  and hey what no hugs for those done with chemo.  :(   LOL  !

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited April 2010

    ((((HUGS)))) for everyone especially Alicia - don't know what I'd do if you girls weren't there. I sure needed them today, I got all teary when I went there. Boy do I miss those steroids!!! It was fine but a bit scary at first.

    Sue

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  • mabelle
    mabelle Member Posts: 80
    edited April 2010

    Linda - good luck tomorrow. Pillows, sippy straws, pain meds, and lots of good movies - these all made my post bmx surgery bearable. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. 

    I'm just so exhausted from working FT again - bravo to all you ladies who worked right through all your chemo. I can't imagine having done that.

    I can't believe you gals only have to wait 2 weeks to get your BCRA test results back! I still have to wait another 6 months for my results.

    cinqo de mayo will be a special day for me this year! - Canadians don't generally celebrate the day, but I've got a good excuse this time around! yipee and pass me the tequila!

    Hope everyone had a great Easter. Take care and talk to you all soon. 

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  • feistybluegecko
    feistybluegecko Member Posts: 133
    edited April 2010

    I can't believe my chemo has finally finished - I had number 8 on Sunday, after some uncertainty following the pneumonia after chemo 7.  But I had recovered and blood counts ok so it went ahead.  Strangely, I cried like a baby  when the needle finally came out - it was quite overwhelming emotionally and I am still not quite convinced it is finished.

    Things move on though and this afternoon I have my radiation consultation - they don't hang around!!

    Love and hugs to you all 

    Philippa

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  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited April 2010

    Philippa; yeah, another monkey over the wall!!

    Sherri: Yeah, one more to go!!

    Mabelle: are you and I the last monkeys? Is there anyone finishing after us?

    Linda: I hope this doesn't sound inappropriate, but I hope you got "felt up" good, one last time. Good Luck today, cut the beast out!

    Hugs to everyone, I get #8 today, working towards the finish line.

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited April 2010

    Nette,

    I thought I was done this week too, but found out I have one more week of rads. I won't be done till the 16th. It was a little depressing as I'm already (burnt) enough! BUT, I will deal with this as it is the last step other than my 5 year med I will be taking.

    Cafelovr,

    Good Luck with today's surgery. I am paying for you. I believe all will be fine for you as you have been through enough already. Keep your spirits high. Fight like a warrior!

    Phillipa,

    Congrats on being done. I know you have to be excited. Getting over the chemo wall is such a great achievement for all of us ladies. I understand the overwhelming feeling of tears rushing in.

    Just to be done with this part of our journey is the greatest feeling.

    Suepen,

    I have been worn out from rads. Sorry I haven't posted much. I'm just too tired these days. I was soooo disappointed to find out one more week of rads. I will end up with 34 total, 9 of them being boosts. Weird too, that i feel a little depressed now that the chemo is over. Rads are so impersonal, I can't explain the feeling. Yet, really everyone on staff is so kind. I don't know what the hell is up with my attitude???? Confused myself.

    SherriV,

    You are going to love being able to taste normally again. WOW, what a treat it is to enjoy your food! Just two more weeks and you will be FINISHED!!! Ya-Whoooooo!!!

    To all warriors still dealing with Tx's today, Seems to be quite a few today!!  (((((HUGS)))))

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited April 2010

    Melinda, way to go, having #8 done...

    Phillippa, You are done too...celebrate.  Does this mean less traveling for you.  Can you get rads done close to home?

    Nette and Brenda. Before you know it you will be done...almost there...hang in.

    Linda, thinking of you and hoping all is ok with you.  (((( soft big hugs))))

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited April 2010

    Melinda,

    Besides you and Mabelle who still has 4 more Tx's after today's. Also, as you said Sherrihas one more and then we have Asterix, she has one more, then there is Cat60,because of surgery after her (AC) she is still to get 3 more (Tt) Taxatore before she is done.  BUT, most of us "Warrior Monkeys" are over the wall. so good to see us all at the end of the journey, isn't it?

    Coming to a glorious end of a journey we will not ever want to take again!!!!!

    michel,

    How are you doing? I am excited as heck~~Thanks for the soft hug, the boob is so sore.

    Oh and I drank two for everyone this weekend. Won't do that for a while again!!!!!

    Had to do an (edit)

    Mousse also has to have 6 more Herceptin (spelling??)

    Gramma Mickey is over the wall and so is Kayh!!!!!! Both done Yippie-Congrats

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  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited April 2010

    Brenda Sharon:  Thanks for the recap, can we all share a cyber Margarita when Mabelle crosses the finish line??

    For you ladies who are on Herceptin only, how is it going? I will have H every three weeks until I get a year of H behind me. Does it have chemo-ish side effects when you are getting H by itself?

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  • Sherri_V
    Sherri_V Member Posts: 159
    edited April 2010

    I've been working throughout my treatment.  That has been made a little easier since I am self-employed (I own a scrapbook store, both physical store and online store).  Thankfully, today I feel well enough to go back in on my regular post-chemo week schedule.

    I sure hope to never have to do this again!  I have a business event in early June so I'm "planning" on radiation at 7 weeks PFC so it doesn't interefere.  I guess I need to communicate this to my oncologist next time.  So weird to think the next one is the last one...

    Have a great day, everybody Wink

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited April 2010

    I love that idea,

    Sharing a  Cyber Margarita! Can't wait for the celebration,

    We all deserve to celebrate to say the least!!!~~~~~

    We should all decide on a day and get on line all at once to celebrate!!~~

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited April 2010

    Melinda: I've only had 1 herceptin by itself so far and thought the aches were from that, but the onc assures me they are from the taxotere.

    Sue

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited April 2010

    Sign me up for a cyber margarita...ole.

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  • Mouse6694
    Mouse6694 Member Posts: 88
    edited April 2010

    Melinda I have had 2 herceptin triple dose. The next day I have always had the runs and general fatigue and body aches, other than that food tastes normal and things are good. There is a blog on herceptin side effects and there is a lot of info there. 

    Suepen The body aches I think are from herceptin because I had Taxol and it has been almost 2 months since last tx and my body is like a 90 yr old first thing in the mornin and at the end of the day.  Check out the herceptin side effects blog we are not alone.

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited April 2010
    Mouse: Can't wait  until I start the Arimidex - then I really won't be able to walk!!!!
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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited April 2010

    I am on week 2 of tamoxifen........  I still haven't gotten a period.  Onc said we will wait and see what happens with that.  I am 42 and had it regular before chemo.  Good news for now is one of the tamox side effects can be distaste for food and loss of appetite.  I HAVE it !  I have lost 6 lbs already.  It is good I have it to lose but if this doesn't subside at all may be a problem once I drop 20.  I will enjoy it for now.  Hot flashes and some headaches.  I hate that I have to take this freaking pill but if it saves my life ~ well I'll keep swallowing it !!!!  I don't drink ~ but I'll clink a virgin Margarita !  :)

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  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited April 2010

    Alicia: I don't know anything about the Tamox (I am ER-/PR-) but I am also curious about the periods. I stopped after 2nd AC and I want menopause credit for this. I do not want to start back up only to deal with another round of hot flashes and crap in a few years.

    How are the new boobs doing? Is it OK to ask a woman with reconstruction "how's it hanging?"

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited April 2010

    New foobies are alright.   Feeling a bit better ~ it really hurt more than I anticipated.  I won't be a topless dancer anytime soon but I look ok in clothing !  Thanks for asking ~

    :)

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  • GrandmaMickey
    GrandmaMickey Member Posts: 41
    edited April 2010

    Unfortunately, not over the hill yet.  They stopped Taxol due to SE's -  Surgery is planned but I don't have a date.  then I will have to finish the Taxol (4 more treatments)

    CAFELOVR - Hope your surgery went well - Our prayers are there for you.

    Magaritas on 5-5, count me in !

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  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited April 2010

    Surgery went great! I'm already home. The dr. came in at 8 this morning to check me and asked if I felt like going home. Hell yes, I want to go home. How does anyone sleep in a hospital? They came in at 1 to do vitals, 3 to empty drains, 5 to do vitals, and the stupid compression leggings drove me nuts. I'm kinda sore...not painful...but a little discomfort.

    Melinda, DH and I had a nice "going away" party for the girls. Embarassed That's when they will be missed...LOL

    Mickey, you're having surgery and then you have to finish the Taxol? How many total have you had? I had 9/12, and said I had received 75%, so that was good. I didn't have to finish it. I now do my Herceptin every 3 weeks and Zometa every 6 weeks.

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