May 2010 Chemo

Options
1…89111314…91

Comments

  • Irishtess
    Irishtess Member Posts: 102
    edited May 2010

    Good luck to everyone starting this week (I join you on Friday)!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nanaof2
    nanaof2 Member Posts: 112
    edited May 2010

    Hello Friends,  I have not written because I have been sick.  I spent Saturday night (day6) in the hospital.  I picked up a virus somewhere - easy to do in education.  Had fever, severe stomach cramps, diarrehea, bleeding. uck - uck - uck.  My husband and best friend sat with me from 9:00pm to 6:00am, when they let me go home.  DX - bladder infection and virus.  Was told to see a GI, I have a call into my ONC. this morning to see what he wants me to do.  Stayed home from work for the first time today, just to regain my strength.

    On a positive note, my friend and I picked out a wig.  I am debating getting my haircut this week to look like the wig, or just letting it all fall out in 10 or so.  I agree with everyone, hair is so much a part of us.  

    Welcome to Summer 38! Sorry you have to go through this, but these women are remarkable and you will learn a lot!

    Packjen, sorry to hear about your hand.  I have a port, so I can't compare with you.  Hope the next round goes better.

    Sacphotomom, Wow - four miles that is incredible.  I made myself walk the other night, but could only do one mile.  Will try a little tonight, if my strength holds up.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CTherese
    CTherese Member Posts: 17
    edited May 2010

    Hi Gals,

    Day 5 of the first TC and I awoke with a bad bad headache and feared my day would be like yesterday. But lo and behold, I took ibuprofen, went for a 3 mile walk and now feel almost great (if a little tired)!   Could it be that yesterday was the worst of it?

    Alice, Claudette, Countryfrau- Good luck today!  I hope the sessions are without incident.  Drink drink drink water!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CTherese
    CTherese Member Posts: 17
    edited May 2010

    Nanoof2 - i just saw your post. I'm so sorry that you were so ill and had to spend the night at the hospital! I hope you are feeling some relief today.  I am thinking of you and hoping for a fast recovery.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shrek4
    Shrek4 Member Posts: 1,822
    edited May 2010

    Ok, I went in for the blood tests and I am irated. My RBC was pretty good, 4.8 but my WBC was 2.4. I asked about the Neulasta shot and they said that it's quite late for that as I have gone over the peak, but I will get "some shots" with my next treatment?!? I asked then why I didn't get my liver enzimes checked and I got the subject changed (I had hepatitis B back in 1990, I am not a carrier but my liver enzimes have to be checked whenever I take any drug that can affect the liver). Then I asked about antibiotics for the tooth infection that seems to have started, and I was told that it will be discussed with the Dr (all this time I've been talking to the nurse). On top of that, the paperwork I have left for them to complete and send to my insurance when I had the treatment, 10 days ago, wasn't done, the nurse brought it to go over it with me? Did these people ever heard of a phone? What would have happened if my WBC would have been critically low in the 7 days mark? Must have been quite low if it's now "past the peak" at 2.4.

    Some people have nothing to do with medicine. And they still are in the field and treat people.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • packjen
    packjen Member Posts: 281
    edited May 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    I have been off the board for a few days because I ended up in the hospital nights 9, 10 & 11.  Just got home a couple of hours ago and so glad to be clean and in my own bed with my dog at my side.

     It turns out that chemo worked so well that it virtually wiped out all my white blood cells (they hospitalize you if you are under 250 and I was at 52).  So they gave me the Neulasta which, according to the onc nurses, not all chemo patients need.  They also bombarded me with antibiotics, both oral and in IV to get my fever under control (sinus infection).  So starting with the next round of TC I will be taking shots home to inject myself with Neulasta.  Hey, whatever it takes to keep me out of the hospital.  I am also not planning on being out in public too much until this whole thing is over.

    Nanaof2, I don't know how you do it.  Being a teacher and going through this and not missing any work.  Are you taking Neulasta shots?  You are in a germ factory every day, so I really hope this one night is your only night in the hospital.

    To all the women who are going to work during chemo -- my hat is off to you.  I am a stay at home mom and was a full time student before diagnosis.  I cannot imagine trying to work through all this.

    Along those same lines, ClaudetteK, you probably have a harder job than most.  Especially with the 2 youngest ones it is very hard to explain why mommy can't pick them up or carry them around like she always does.  Don't be too hard on yourself about the daycare.  It's only for a few months and you do what you need to to get through.  You can find other ways to be with them.  I like to bring my girls to bed and play Black Jack (21) with them.  It's a fun way to be together, they might earn a few cents and they are doing math for 30-45 minutes and don't realize it.

     CTherese, I was told not to take Ibuprofen while on chemo.  Did your onc say it was OK?  Also, if you feel like curling up and going to sleep -- then DO it.  Cut yourself a little slack.  Naps are good!

    JulieBed, Don't run because it will follow you.  You know you are strong enough to beat this, otherwise why would you have searched and found this message board?  This is not easy.  No one said it will be easy, but it is worth the fight!  Also, don't fear the Neulasta.  I was afraid of the body aches that some say come with it, but having seen what happens to me without the shots I will take a little achiness.  I insisted that the hospital give me Clariten to help fight the aches even though none of the doctors or nurses had heard of it.  The aches are manageable with pain meds.

    GolferGirl, OK getting your period back years later -- that just sucks.  I am 47 and ready to be done with it.  I won't be getting an IUD because I tried one a couple of years back and got an infection.  So asuming I should ever feel like having sex again, we will stick to condoms.

    Countryfrau, I really don't want a port so I am hoping my veins in my upper arm hold out.  I have had enough pain in my chest area with the BiLateral MX, insertion of tissue expanders and quick inflation to full size to last me a life time.  At this point I don't even want them to make a small cut in that area.

    Fotopet -- I never thought I would be congratulating anyone on being able to start chemo, but Congratulations.  I know this is a huge relief.

    So I am on day 12 and have not lost any hair so far.  But I don't wash my hair very often.  Once every 3 days or so.  It is very short so I just wet it and finger style it.  Also, my nephew is an ER doc and he told me he just treated a woman very close to my situation (close in age, same DX, same surgeries, same chemo TX).  She had just finished her last TC and she still had her eyebrows.  I know they are the last to go, but maybe there is hope!

    Jen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited May 2010

    fotopet  glad to here your hurdles have finally been jumped...

    nanof2  So sorry to hear of your sickness ....I have not been at work because of all the stuff you can get from the kiddies...I get sick a couple of times a year when I'm healthy so I didn't want to even go there..I am lucky that I had the choice to stop for now...I hope your feeling better....

    OK  before I kept on trying to get a walk in no matter how bad I felt after surgery and the days after the first chemo, I didnt go very far.think my persistence finally paid off. so my walk on Friday wasn't a fluke...did it again on Sunday and had a short walk today...feels so good to feel good...just in time for round 2  chemo!

     I feel like I have to get so much done before the 2nd chemo round starts ..this weekend I planted all my pots that have been sitting around empty all spring..Had my DH carry them for me ...still have some weakness in the pecks...they were really sore yesterday and alittle today too...to much pulling weeds and planting..

    Today I went to try on some new bras...still don't like the feel of the bra on my incision...I really do like going without a bra ..takes me back to the 70's..

    Hav a great day everyone!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shrek4
    Shrek4 Member Posts: 1,822
    edited May 2010

    sacphotomom,

    I am not allowed to wear any bras yet, period. Yes, it's nice - except for the fact that I FEEL like I'm wearing a bra all the time, lol. At least the "Iron bra" feeling is gone now.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • packjen
    packjen Member Posts: 281
    edited May 2010

    Day,

    I am so sorry you are having such trouble with your healthcare providers.  Like you really need that extra stress right now.

    Here is what I learned from being in the hospital this weekend.  Your WBC count of 2.4 is really 2,400 and the part of that which is really important is the count of your neutropils.  Apparently there are several kinds of WBC, but the neutropils are what really matter here.  Normally your neutropils make up about 50-60% of your WBC, but in my case it was much lower.  I had a 1.4 WBC count with only something like 5% neutropils, so that's why they admitted me.

    Can you contact your onc and find out your neutropil level?  They told me that if you are under 500 they admit you to the hospital. I don't know what level you have to be at in order to get the shots.  Another thing to know is that I had my first Neulasta shot in the hospital on what was technically day 10 after my treatment (I say "technically" because it was at 3:30 in the morning).  My second shot was on day 11 -- by day 12 my counts were back to pre-chemo levels.  How many days out are you? Everyone hits their nadir at different times.

    Also, about insurance.  I have heard that depending on your coverage you may have to go in to the doctor's office for shots (billed much cheaper?) or you may be given shots to take home and administer to yourself (more expensive for some reason).  Anyway, not sure on the difference in billing reasoning, but this is supposed to be a very expensive drug.  Check with your insurance company and/or doctor's office about the coverage and which way works better before you go down a path that will cost you a lot more money.

    My final words of advice are if you get a fever of greater than 101 -- go to the ER.  I know you are taking this seriously, but with your tooth infection on top of low counts you need to be on top of this.  It is better to err on the side of caution.

    I hope this info helps and I hope this resolves to your satisfaction.

    Jen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lee27
    Lee27 Member Posts: 69
    edited May 2010

    Hi All,

    I had Taxotere and my hair grew back. I bought a baby's hair brush and enjoyed seeing hair again to brush.  SmileIt came back in like baby's hair. I've had it cut several times since. 2007 was my chemo. I did have my nail beds darken, but my Onc approved me getting my nails painted. Nice little excuse to get them done and feel good about myself as well.

     Hang in there all.

    Lee27

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DancerMel28
    DancerMel28 Member Posts: 122
    edited May 2010

    Hi CTherese, I also woke up with headaches around days 5, 6 and 7.  I found that it went away after I had something to eat and drink and just began my day.  Not a nice feeling though when you first wake up.  I am now getting ready for my second TC this Friday and for the past week have felt really good - the headaches went away as I started feeling better. Hope that's the case for you also :-)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shrek4
    Shrek4 Member Posts: 1,822
    edited May 2010

    Packjen,

    I had the copy with me but when I showed it to the chemo nurses they took it in the back and never brought it back to me. All I could remembre was the 2,4 k WBC and 4.8 RBC. My Dr.'s nurse who came to talk to me said that my counts were "low" and then said about the peak.  I am 10 days after the first treatment,it was on the 7th of May. I have already contacted mycase manager with my insurance and she gave me green light to contact another oncology center - I called and I'm waiting for their call back. I dont' know, but it seems like I'm finding the worst one after the other - first my PS then this. Only my BS is the best and I dont' have any kind of worries about that. I don't have a fever, just that I feel a slight pain when I press my cheek where the tooth root is. I've been on antibiotics for a week (I had stocked on them for chemo before I switched to this insurance, and to this dr., I have just asked my previous dr.s to give me prescriptions "just in case" and they did). It just irks me they are 1. so seemingly irresponsible, 2. so not following the standard that I see everybody gets and 3. that it's like I'm talking to the walls, nothing that I told them seems to be noted anywhere. I swear, soon I will start using all my knowledge of SEO (search engine optimization) and internet marketing to target these so called "specialists" and we'll see what becomes of their business in a year or two.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ClaudetteK
    ClaudetteK Member Posts: 7
    edited May 2010

    Hi everyone!  Thank you SO much for the notes of encouragement and advice.  I started today and really felt prepared and after a while even relaxed during the infusion.  All the advice helped today go well (water, water and more water)!  I've no idea what tomorrow will bring, but I know it will be better than not having found this site.  I do have a tip for handling chemo with little ones. If your 2yr and 3yr old are like mine, they will hang around any potty like it's a water cooler at work.

    "Leighton, look at my poopie!"  "It's blue, Ainsley!!"  "I know, we had bday cupcakes at preschool today" then crying because I don't have a spare cupcake for Leighton...  Anyway due to all the toxic pee, I was told to keep them away from that toilet if possible b/c they touch the entire thing, and to double flush with lid closed plus wipe with and antibacterial wipe.  

    Fotopet- thanks for adding me and good luck tomorrow.

    Redbarb, Drim, Country Frau-  thanks for the encouragement- keep letting us know how you are progressing.  Hope you all feel well this week.

     I go in tomorrow for IV hydration and a Neulasta shot, then hopefully rest before dinner and bedtime routine...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sunflower87
    sunflower87 Member Posts: 11
    edited May 2010

    Hi Everyone,

    So I am on Day 14 after T/C and today is my first day of noticing that I am losing hair.  I have been blessed with thick hair...just hope it comes back that way.  Normally, I tend to shed hair, but now anytime I run my hand through me hair I pull out about 5 hairs.  Good news is I bought a wig over the weekend.  It was actually a fun experience as I was able to see what different styles and colors looked like on me.  However, I have to admit I am getting scared about losing my hair and it never coming back!

    Jenny B...thanks for posting your hair updates...you really have helped me get prepared.  I hope you are feeling better.

    To Fotopet- Thanks again for starting this group and good luck to you.

    To all of you who have just started...continue to drink lots of water.  Just know that you may feel bad one day, but you will feel better soon. 

    So my one question is there anyone that did not have a Neulasta shot?  My oncologist told me me that I would only get one if I needed it.  I don't go back until my next TC infusion on 5/24.  Just curious as I see so many having the shot the day after your first infusion.

    Remember PMA (Positive Mental Attitude)!  We all can do this!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • countryfrau
    countryfrau Member Posts: 94
    edited May 2010

    Well, the anticipation of the first day of chemo was the worse thing about it..other than the hour delay in the waiting room. I really started getting worried then, but finally they called me in. My port was a little tender, but the RN accessed it without any discomfort at all. I was surprised as I expected it to hurt since I just got it on Friday. The premeds took 1 hour and were given in 2 IV bags 30 min. apart. One was Benedryl and Pepcid and the other was Decadron, Emend, and some other drug that I can't remember. The taxotere went in without any trouble and I slept through most of the Cytoxin...probably from all the pre-tx meds. The only thing I felt was a "fuzzy" feeling....sort of like not seeing clearly, but not really dizzy or anything like that. It's going away now. I go back tomorrow for the dreaded Neulasta shot...or I should say "once dreaded" since after reading the posts about being hospitalized for low WBC counts, I think I'd rather take the shot and hope for the best.

    Nanof2 and packjen: So sorry to hear you had to be in the hospital. Wishing you healthier days ahead.

    fotopet and snipinfood, and all others startiing chemo tomorrow: Good luck, and I hope your first Tx is as uneventful as mine was. Not saying chemo won't be a rough ride, but the first mile wasn't bad.

    Jan

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JennyB100104
    JennyB100104 Member Posts: 237
    edited May 2010

    Greetings from your 1st-to-be-bald sister, everyone.

    I'm two days away from TC #2. Here we go...starting the steroids tomorrow!

    nanaof2 and Jen, I'm so sorry you both had to be hospitalized. How stressful. But I'm glad your situations are under control and you're both home and posting. Hugs! Jen, my white count was completely off the charts high with the Neulasta--I hope yours will be too.

    Hair Update day 19: I still have a bunch of little blonde strands left, but my scalp is showing even more today. Today was the first day I went out and wore my wig. Talk about self-conscious! I felt like everyone was staring at me and that they knew I was wearing a wig. Not a good feeling. I figure I'll get used to it...eventually. For now, I'd just rather stay in. Sigh!

    My best to everyone starting this week!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • javahog
    javahog Member Posts: 10
    edited May 2010

    Hello everyone!

    Since my mom doesn't have a computer, she asked me to communicate for her when she is not here to use mine.

    JavaMom has IDC, not sure of the stage or grade, but she was treated for mastitis for months before anyone figured it out. Bone scan clean, no mets on scans, positive in nodes that were biopsied. She started chemo last Wednesday, ACT X8 every 2 weeks, and has been largely SE free...so far. but one thing is, she is having to go in to the hospital every day for Neupogen injections. I don't see that anyone else is doing this? Since she lives 40 miles from the hospital, the gas alone will destroy her budget, and soon she will likely not be feeling too good to do this nutty daily drive. Anyone know anything about this? do these shots go on forever? can she inject herself with these? tia.

    Good luck to you all! It is s helpful to hear your stories and especially the hair updates! Every time something has come up, I have been able to scroll and find some reassurance for her...

    Lisa 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited May 2010

    Oh my head feels like some one is up there pulling out one hair at a time....geeeze..I usually wear my hair up in a bun but it hurts to much to do so now....

    jennyb What steroids do you start with?...the nurses don't want me taking anything till I get to the office.... they do everything intravenously...except the Emend I take that when I am there and then one a day for 2 more days..

    Day ..you should ask your BS who they would suggest if you liked them ,they know who they like to deal with  so sorry you have to put up with this as well as everything else....I still feel like my bra is on to tight too...and it was to uncomfortable to wear the bra so I didn't buy any today maybe another couple of weeks....

    Javahog ...You need to look the reports of the biopsies and go over it with the ONC...that will tell you everything ...I'm surprised that the Onc didn't explain it to her before they told her what treatment they wanted to do..explaining why they are doing what they are doing!. Question everything!

     2nd treatment tomorrow....noticing more and more hair in my lap and shirt sleeves   ....so weird!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MommyTo4GreatKiddos
    MommyTo4GreatKiddos Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2010

    I'm new to this forum and yes, I am scheduled to start chemo this Thursday, May 20.  I'll be doing the TAC regimen, once every three weeks for six treatments.  I'd love the support of others going through the same thing.  I'm not excited about starting (obviously) but I will be happy to have this behind me!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Drim
    Drim Member Posts: 302
    edited May 2010

    Hi all - I figured I'd post an update. Day 8 and I'm actually feeling just fine. I had a tiny dip down yesterday. My body started to feel really heavy and I got some tingling everywhere. I realized that I probably needed to eat. I guess I've been eating often (since I was home all last week) and now I'm at work so I lost track of time. Once I ate I was fine and remained fine for the rest of the day. Note that I did have a neulasta shot the day after and I got no adverse reactions so neulasta can be your friend. Note also that I am a regular Claritin user for bad seasonal allergies.

    Javahog - that is so great of you to help your mom with the computer. Please wish her the best. You guys have come to the right place.

    packjen and nanaof2 - I'm so sorry to hear about your hospital stay. I hope you're both doing well today.

    fotopet - thinking about you today...

    MommyTo4GreatKiddos - Welcome. How old are you kids? God bless all of you moms out there.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CTherese
    CTherese Member Posts: 17
    edited May 2010

    Hi All, I am now on day 6 after the first TC and feeling pretty good. My biggest complaint so far is my "tummy" - things just not moving. My onc nurse tells me that this is due to the antinausea meds that were given to me with the chemo and that their effect will now dissipate. Crossijng my fingers!

     Packjen: I asked the nurse about ibuprofen and she said it was fine for me to use it.

    Javahog (on behalf of your mom): I also asked my nurse why someone would have to go to the hospital daily to get a neupogan shot. She said that's crazy and must have something to do with insurance - that the insurance perhaps didn't want to pay for the single neulasta shot!  Please look into this because it's outrageous!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • njbhwgirl
    njbhwgirl Member Posts: 295
    edited May 2010

    must be the season for ER rooms.. found myself there yesterday....My head face and left side were so numb along with severe headache. Spent entire day getting checked out(ct scan good) so yeah no stroke.. I think it is from infusion and stress levels

    packjen and nanof:  omg so sorry.. mine is a drop in the bucket compared to what you went through.

    Jennyb:  following your hair stories dilligently.. Know I am right around the bend. I feel for you and all of us.. Somehow if we could keep our hair it wouldn't be all so bad..So many of us already lost part or all of our breasts.. The hair is just so darn indignent

    Drim: Hurray for you.. You sound terrific.  Glad you went back to work.. Less time to feel sad for ourselves

    Mommy: Welcome...sorry you are here.. We are a good group.

    Good Luck to all who started chemo today.. Pretty soon we will all have one treatment under our belt and one less SE to think about

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • packjen
    packjen Member Posts: 281
    edited May 2010

    JavaHog -- The shot your mom gets is the same as everyone else here is getting.  It just has two names.  Neulasta and Neupogen are the same drug.  As for her getting it every day, I have only seen posts here of women getting it 2 times, but I'm sure her Onc knows what she needs.

    There are women who have been given the shots to take home.  When I was in the hospital over the weekend (due to low WBC because they did not originally give me Neupogen) my oncologist told me that I will be getting it going forward.  She said we will check my insurance coverage to see if I can get syringes to take home so I don't have to schlep to the office for shots.  Apparently it is cheaper for the doctor's office to administer it.  Check with her oncologist and her insurance carrier to see if you can change how she gets her shots going forward.

    Also, The American Cancer Society has a program called "Road to Recovery" which provides rides to and from treatments.  Another thing this program does is help by reimbursing you for mileage and/or giving you a gas card to help out.  When I start my rads I will definitely check this out because I will be driving an hour each way each day.

    Hope this helps.

    Jen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shrek4
    Shrek4 Member Posts: 1,822
    edited May 2010

    Day 11. My hair started falling - not much, about 10-20 hairs at a time whenever I run my hand through my hair and slightly pull at the end. Guess I'll be bald by the week-end. Good thing my wig is here already. To be honest I started contemplating going bald with some of those huge hoop ear-rings and very dark sun-glasses. People will just think I'm making a fashion statement. lol.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CTherese
    CTherese Member Posts: 17
    edited May 2010

    re: Neupogen and Neulasta - According to my quick research, they are not the same thing. For example, see www.breastcancer.about.com/od/lifeduringtreatment/f/neulasta_cost.htm

    According to the above, there may be legitimate reasons (such as if your mom is getting weekly infusions) for taking Neupogen rather than Neulasta. 

     I'm sure you'll find more info by googling the two drugs together. Certainly query your nurse/doc about this. Good luck!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JennyB100104
    JennyB100104 Member Posts: 237
    edited May 2010

    Good morning, everyone. I hope everyone is feeling good today.

    javahog, I've heard of many people bringing home the Neupogen shots and administering them themselves. As far as I can gather, Neulasta is one shot and Neupogen is more than one shot. I'd definitely ask about this! The drive sounds like a killer.

    sacphotomom, your hair situation sounds like mine a few days ago. Hang in there! The steroids I'm taking are Decadron/Dexamethasone. I take 16 mg the day before chemo and 16 mg the day after chemo. The day of chemo, they give it to me as part of the infusion. It makes me hyper and twitchy, and super hungry. Also, it's hard to sleep when I'm on them.

    Welcome, Mommyto4GreatKiddos. I have three great kiddos who've been taking this cancer thing in stride. My kids really keep me going....

    Drim and CTherese, glad you're both feeling well. CTherese, I felt the same way about things not moving through my system. Definitely keep on that...take the laxatives, drink lots, and keep your portions very, very small...

    njbhwgirl, so sorry you ended up in the hospital. How scary! ((big hugs))

    Day, I wish I could go completely bald. The Sinead look! The weird thing preventing that is all these strands remaining. My scalp is too sensitive to shave them off, so they just remain, making me look really terrible without a hat or wig!

    DAY 20 update: After the big loss of hair, the remaining strands are coming out a little at a time. Just three or four strands every time I tug a little. I keep wondering if they'll stay or I'll go completely bald. Tomorrow I go in for TC #2, and I'm nervous this time, knowing how I'll be feeling for the next week or so (i.e. not great!). 

     

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • packjen
    packjen Member Posts: 281
    edited May 2010

    Hey CTherese, thanks for that article link.  You are right.  Even though Neulasta and Neupogen do the same thing, they are not the same drug.  I didn't know about Neulasta being 10 times more expensive and only requiring one shot.  That is probably why Kaiser is giving me Neupogen.  But that is fine with me.  2 shots and I was back to pre-chemo WBC levels.  Thanks,

    Jen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • javahog
    javahog Member Posts: 10
    edited May 2010

    I second the thank you!

     And you might have nailed it, Jen- JavaMom is with Kaiser, too! So...when your WBC went up, did the neupogen shots stop? I guess since she is on dose-dense, every 2 weeks, they automatically started the shots, and will draw blood next week to check WBC. I am hoping the drive will stop then, she is very tired.  She will also ask about self-administering tomorrow.

    There's probably a link to this elsewhere, but I did learn that the ACS has a volunteer  transportation program. Here's the link if anyone needs it (its Florida, but it takes you to your local office:  http://www.cancer.org/docroot/COM/content/div_FL/COM_5_1x_Lifeline_Transportation_Program.asp

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nanaof2
    nanaof2 Member Posts: 112
    edited May 2010

    For anyone that hasn't found this website yet, http://www.chemotherapy.com/ is great. Lots of info and forms to help you organize your treatment.

    Ctherese - I hope you have already gone through the worse, can't believe you are walking a mile. Keep going girl!

    Day - I too have not received the neulasta shot or even spoken to a dr. about it.  I will at my next treatment.  I can't imagine dealing with what you have to be going through - the very least you expect is someone to listen.  I love your idea of the dark glasses and earrings!

    Jen- hope you are feeling better.  The drs. told me my numbers were 2400 and that if they were 500, I would have been admitted.  Happy they were high.

    DancerMel - Good luck to you this Friday!

    Sunflower - as I said above, no neulasta so far for me.  You are just a few days ahead of me.  I am on day 9 today.  My hair is okay so far, but it is the biggest thing I am concerned about.  I too have very thick hair and I finally love my haircut....

    Claudette - Keeping you in my thoughts today, hope it went well.

    Countryfrau - So glad your treatment was uneventful...that is what is best!

    JennyB - I hear what you are saying about going out in public with a wig...everyone says, don't worry, you'll look great, but I am not looking forward to it.  Hang in there, I am feeling your pain and hoping knowing others feel the same, makes it a little more tolerable.

    Sacphotomom - hope your treatment goes well tomorrow.

    Welcome to Mommyto4!  I know you will enjoy being on this blog, it has the best women in the world!!!!!

    Hi Drim, hope you are having a great day.

    Everyone have a great Wednesday!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LauraM
    LauraM Member Posts: 251
    edited May 2010

    Good evening ladies!  I just took the last hour or so reading through all the posts since mid last week.   I have been feeling better and trying to keep up with all the kids schedules so I have not had time to be any where near my computer.  I am 13 days post AC tx 1 and have been on the much better since day 6.  I did relapse a little over the weekend with a little nausea but it was short lived.  I have tx #2 on Thursday so I have been trying to drink more water preparing.  My hair is holding steady but my scalp is starting to itch so I am sure that is my first sign that things are going to change soon.  I have a wedding on Friday so I am just hoping it holds out til after that.

    I hope everyone who has chemo this week gets it through it with flying colors and I hope everyone that has been sick and in the hospital feel better and keep healthy.

     Hugs to you all!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories