March 2010 Chemo Start

I keep reading about  the Look Good Feel Good Program thet differnt ones of you are going to and theought boy that sounds like fun, but it problbly isn't abailable here in the sticks where I live. Well my girlfriend was over this morming and answered the phone, and first thing out of her mouth was we aren't interested.Then she realised they had said cancer support and tried to stop them before they hung up but was to late. I;m kink of bumed, but can't really complain as she is always there when I need her. although sometimes  she is real self centered, until I remind her she is not the only one around. Well maybe they will call back. Have no way of getting back to them as everything is blocked from my phone except local calls.

Well this is day 13 after my first chemo, and I still have my hair, no wierd feeling and I feel almost normal, except I tire real easy. I really feel kind of guilty, Every one seems to be having such bad side affects, which I was really prepared for. I always prepare for the worst then if it isn't that bad I feel better about it. So far every thing has been better than what I expected. so no surprises yet.

My Fmla will end on 4/27, but will get general medical leave. and my job is secure so far. I've been with them for 15 yrs., and sure would hate to have to look for anothe job at 60 yrs old. Especially since there is nothing except fast food available here. I would end up moving somewhere else, or taking SSI which i do not want to do, unless it becomes necessary.

Started my Lymphodema Therapy on Monday, It went well, caught it early enough I may not have to be wrapped.Thankfully.

Wishing everyone who received treatment today Lots of luck with minical side affects. I just got home after radiation and a 6 hour chemo treatment. I usually feel really good until days 4-6 then I hit the wall for a while. Good Luck today chemo goers! Hang in there, it will fly by.

Suzanne E.

Oh Frosty we seem to be at about the same place with the hair. I've just had a shower, and rubbing my head, showers of hair around me - all I could keep saying to myself was "oh my god". I'm off to get my blood tests ready for tomorrow and my appointment with the "red devil" (epirubicin).  Keep Marching onward girls...... we can do it!!

TC TREATMENT #2 TODAY - HALFWAY HOORAY!!!!!

All went well with the treatment today with one exception - I gained 15 pounds in two weeks!!!  The nurse said that was almost impossible (she doesn't know me).  She checked my legs and convinced herself that it was fluid retention. I think it was probably the constant snacking, the craving of salty foods, the MacDonald's sundaes and milkshakes, etc. The doctor ordered a fluid pill and the nurse weighed me at the end of my "visit".  I had lost three pounds. She was pleased considering she had been pumping fluids into me all day.

Tonight I am tired and have restless legs.  Actually I think the left one is just plain mad for being blamed for the weight gain! 

Oh well, my counts were good today.  The nurse did say to eat more protein as my red count was getting a little close to being low. I guess if they had a carb count or a chocolate count they would be dangerously high!    

Neulasta shot tomorrow...

Count me in for smoothies on the deck, Sandie.  

I am exactly seven days out from round one and am now having nausea.  Anyone else?  I stopped taking my meds a few days ago and have been fine and now this...hmm.  And the joints in my hand hurt, whatever.  Just another day in Chemoland.  xoxo Angi

mamaof3bugs-The nausea usually doesn't hit me either until several days into it. After the Emend and Aloxi have worn off. I've found GREAT results with Zofran. Call your Onc.  because they're are MANY anti-nausea meds. Also, Ginger works wonders for nausea. There's a little candy called Gin-Gins that you can purchase at most health food stores and it is Onc. approved. good luck with that nausea, it can be VERY debilitating. Hang in there!

llm882-day 14 is EXACTLY the day I started losing my hair the both times doing chemo. I found great wigs that I became VERY comfortable in. You will find what works best for you, and keep in mind, it's ONLY temperorary. It will grow back!

LillyC- So glad your treatment #2 went well, eat protein to raise that red blood count. I somehow lost 9 lbs. and Onc is freaking out. I was VERY well nourished going into this so I'm NOT freaking out. I just haven't had much of an appetite since my 1st treatment. Losing quite a bit of hair and getting ready to shave it this weekend and start wearing the wigs again. I'm glad our treatments went good today, my #2 was today also. Wishing you VERY minimal side affects. Remember to drink plenty of water, get plenty of rest and watch for the constipation, that can be aweful! I take Miralax daily because I'm on so much pain meds for bone mets. Hang in there, time will fly by!

Charley-glad to hear you're already done with #3. It will fly by I promise. As far as the headaches and sleeplessness, has the Onc. suggested a low dose of Xanax? It works wonders for my headaches and especially the jitteryness and sleeplessness of the steroids. Otherise I don't sleep for days. Good luck and hang in there!

Suzanne E.

Dear Ana1973, 

Glad to hear your blood counts are so strong.  Wishing you good nights and relaxing SE free days.  Heather

Hi Marchers, first I want to say thank you, I posted last week about how badly I hated my wig, and so many of you replied and were so understanding, it helps so much to just vent and have support.  So thank you!  I have been wearing scarves and hats more and I like those so much better, however I have the wig back on today, I had it trimmed a little, it's a little better.

I had my 2nd treatment last week, it was a little more difficult than the first, I was mostly just more tired and couldn't get off the couch for a few days.  But I'm finally feeling more like myself (day 8).

My onco told me last week at my appt that a spot appeared on my PET scan on my pelvis, now I have to have a bone biopsy next week.  That news threw me for a loop, here I was adjusting to having stage II cancer, now it may be stage IV.  Of course I am scared to death.  He said it might not be anything, and he did warn me before the PET scan that it sometimes picks up things that aren't cancer, but now....oh boy.  I am scared.

Thanks for listening!

Melanie B

Hello Ladies,

JJLG & baileyjm39- I was in the same boat as you.  Clear margins (but very close) and the chemo was determined by my tumor size not my Oncotype score.  I questioned my decision (in the very beginning) to go this route of chemo, re-incision, rads, tam-ox.  I stick by my decision and if by chance this route dosen't work I can only blame myself and no one else.

LillyC - I'm right there with you on McDonald's milkshakes - it's about the only thing I can taste.

MelanieB - You hang in there only positive thoughts.

llm82- I've had 2 treatments (21 days apart) and weeks 1,2 - I'm in a fog. sluggish and then week 3 I feel great almost normal and then it's time for treatment again - know exactly how you feel.  Same with the pity part - I work for a municipality so I see a lot of people throughout the day and at first I got the stares ( I wear bandannas) and now I don't worry about it anymore because I know it is TEMPORARY.

My question today is - Is anyone having any nerve twitches?  I've been having that annoying twitch in my right eye for about a week now.

Stay strong and Hugs to all. Stacey

A bloody nose?? Really?  I haven't had a bloody nose since I broke my nose in the 4th grade!  I am assuming that this is just another lovely SE from chemo...any thoughts? Angi

hi all,  just wanted to let everyone know that I've been lurking lately; checking in to see how everyone is doing, and feeling a kinship with everyone here.  

I'm day 14 post-first TC treatment and my hair started coming out today.  Right now it's only coming out if I pull on it (I know, "then don't pull on it!") so we'll see how long it lasts.  I'm happy to be feeling normal finally; I'll try to enjoy it for the next 7 days before round 2.

staceyt -- I've been having some nerve twitches in one of my eyelids.  Luckily it hasn't been constant, but I have read on this site of some people who have had constant eye twitching from the chemo.

MelB-good luck with your biopsy.  Hope you get good news. 

and MelB, hugs and best thoughts are heading your way.

xxx