Chemo June 2010

Algreach- Thank you so much for that link! I laughed until I cried. It is so funny and inspirational.

algreach - Wow! That packs a punch! Yes, laughed and cried, great show - Many thanks for sharing...

I can say that things definitely don't bother me like they used to before all of this crap.  My son just got his permit last week and I am not a nervous, stressed out wreck with him driving.  Now when my two daugthers had their permits, i was a freak about them driving and nervous as can be.  I definitely think that after enduring all that we do it makes us take a step back and see that most things in life really don't matter!!!!

Algreach - it seems you made the day of many people.  I too loved the video.

Today I am feeling better on 2 day of 1st treatment.  I'm going in a little while to get my neulasta injection.  Any tips for that?  I feel tired and out of energy today, but nothing else significant.  Don't have much of an appetite.  

My wig is in and I'm going by to pick up it on my way to get shot.  My hairdresser wants me to wear it a couple of days and then see how much of it I want her to cut (if any).  I choose a longer style becuase my hair is long.  But the temps have been so hot here lately I might want to trim it up quite a bit.  We will talk about when to shave my head.  Probably this weekend.  I'm hoping I feel well enough my week off to go with granddaughters to Big Splash.  I bought season tickets last year.

Sherry-->I suggest you take some Aleve or ibuprofen right before you get your shot.  Many people are also recommending Claritin.  I took that just in case, and my nurse said it wouldn't hurt to take it. I have not had any pain!  I had terrible pain in the past with neupogen shots (similar to Neulasta, but shorter acting), so my nurse and I were really worried about the Neulasta.  When I had pain with Neupogen, I alternated ibuprofen and Tylenol throughout the day and that really helped.  Only take ibuprofen if your platelet counts are ok. 

I'm sure the nurse that does your shot can give you advice too!  God luck!!

T

Thanks, TMarina, for the med tips.  The nurse did tell me today to take Tylenol and a Claritn, which I have done.  So, here's hoping.  Now if anyone can help me post a pic I MIGHT post my shaved head one.  Or maybe not  It's not like anyone here hasn't seen a bald head - LOL!

kittycat: I am on FEC x 3 followed by Docetaxel x 3.

algreachL that video is hilarious, thanks so much for posting that. 

I went to the doctor today to make sure my blood count etc.. was good for tomorrow, and it was! So round 2 tomorrow...

Question about Claritin and the Neulasta shot - do you take the Claritin the day of the shot only or do you take it for a day or two.  I'm a bit conused.

Had 2nd A/C treatment today.....was pretty uneventful, just like the first one (knock on wood).

My hair is starting to fall out, right on schedule (day 14).  Not coming out in chunks or anything yet, but way more hair in the drain than normal when I showered this morning.  I'll probably go ahead and buzz it tomorrow night; I have a wig, some scarves and a few baseball caps ready to go. 

Hi All,

My hair has also started to come out (I'm at day 17 on first tx of TCH). My head started getting sore yesterday and today my hair has been coming out in handfuls. It seems to be thinning rather than coming out in clumps. I have really thick hair and can afford to lose quite a bit (as long as I don't lose it in clumps), so I think that I'm going to wait about shaving it until I see the clumps coming out. I already have my wig ready, so I'm prepared for it when it does happen. This is my "good" week, and I have felt pretty much normal, yeah!! My 2nd tx is scheduled for next Wednesday, and so it will begin again, but now I have some idea of what to expect. It's not nearly as scary this time.

To all you ladies who are waiting for your first tx - I hope that you all are as lucky as I have been with SE's. I have had very mild SE's, no nausea whatsoever, and have been able to work every day. I am saying prayers for you all and sending hugs and well wishes your way. It was not nearly as bad as I had made it out to be in my imagination. Hang in there everyone! 

sherry- to add your photo:  There are tabs above ( favorite topics, private messages, active topics).There is one that says "My home".  Just click on that and you will see in the upper left corner "add photo". You should be able to upload from your computer.

Maybe someone can tell me how you guys add quotes and things down under your diagnosis?  I can't figure that out.

Cheyenna-  Hurray!  You nailed it down.  You are going to do just fine, you'll see.  I'm glad you are getting your chemo at the hospital.  I didn't have a confident feeling about your Onc as they DIDN'T EVEN GET THE DRUGS IN TIME!  Another thing about getting chemo at the hospital is that they are set up for allergic reactions or problems.  NOTHING is going to happen, but it is nice to know they have oxygen, crash carts and everything there in case.  By the way, I am so paranoid, I quizzed my lovely nurse.  She told me she chose a particular chair for my first time and pointed out the oxygen mask, crash meds everything all laid out behind me.  It is their procedure that they follow.  Take it from someone who knows, you want to head constpation off at the pass.  The anti-nausea meds can cause holocaustic constipation.  I would suggest lots of extra fruit and fiber today.  Be sure to hydrate and drink lots of water too.   I'll be thinking about you tomorrow!

kittycat-you just are having no luck with the waiting game!  I'm so sorry you have to worry about the dermatologist's report.  I am hoping it will be good news for you!

tmarina- I like your new photo!

skd-  you will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow.  Won't it feel good to have two under your belt!

meliss-  Like you, I have tons of fabric (not that I am motivated to do anything with it) as I am a designer.  I googled "free chemo scarf pattern"   found a pattern that I printed right off my computer.  It is fitted with ties and tails.  Unfortunately,  it does not have a reference other than Sewers Forum.  I'm sure you can probably make something yourself, but this sure would make it easy and looked like it would not slip around on your head. You will find loads of free chemo scarf patterns as many folks make and give them for charity projects.  It's got me thinking that might be a way to use all my leftover fabrics! 

alsu-Hooray!  I hope you have few SE.  Drink your fluids!

alsu - welcome to the dd AC/T club!  Hope everything goes well for you and little to no SE's! 

designermom- theres an edit button under your post, you can add text that will be a signature...

If you don't want to have to retype your signature each time, go to "My Home" (third tab over at the top of the page), click on my profile, then scroll all the way down to find edit signature.  You can add quotes, or additional info about you diagnosis, surgery etc.