Starting chemo Sept 05

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  • tinkermax
    tinkermax Member Posts: 269
    edited October 2005
    Hi Norine

    Thanks for the laugh, I think this thread is great for stressing, crying, venting, but most importantly laughing together.

    Maxine
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  • prettyinpink
    prettyinpink Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2005

    Hi -- how did your first chemo go? I had my first chemo on Sept 29.

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  • prettyinpink
    prettyinpink Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2005

    I just tried to look up Arimiclex on the web and got no info on it. Do you know which drrug manufacturer makes it?

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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited October 2005
    pretty,

    Welcome.... it is Armidex. you can find information at www.armidex.com.

    Hope this helps,

    *susan*
    a decadron-inspired posting
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited October 2005
    The jeopardy idea is hysterical!!!! Keep it coming.

    *susan*
    a decadron-inspired posting
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  • tinkermax
    tinkermax Member Posts: 269
    edited October 2005
    Hi Pretty

    I had my second chemo on Tuesday...so far so good.

    What chemo are you on, and whats your diagnosis.

    Welcome to our Sept chemo group.

    Maxine
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  • monkey9cats
    monkey9cats Member Posts: 47
    edited October 2005
    Good evening all! I got back from my 2nd treatment a few hours ago. I feel pretty good but I think you do the same day. I told them about my horrible pressure headache & asked if they could slow things down which they did. The nurse said the headache was probably from the zofran so she was going to give my kytril to try but they didn't have any samples there so she gave me Anzemet. Has anyone tried that? If it works you only have to take 1 pill a day verses 3 and I kinda like that. I'm going to take one of those as well as a companzine tonight when I go to bed then start the decadron tomorrow morning with the companzine and my antibiotic. If it doesn't work I still have 9 of the zofran left but I'm sure I would have to call them before I take anything else.

    My WBC count they said was excellent which shocked me after my tooth/jaw thing. Tomorrow I have an appt with my onc and to get the neulasta shot. I never had any pain from that shot the last time and hopefully it will be the same this time.

    I had my daughter take my cat clippers to my head tonite to eliminate the patchy areas. It looks much better! Although I found a small "bump" on my head that I didn't know was there. I guess we all can't have perfected shaped heads!!!!

    Well I'm going to go drink ALOT more water and eat something else & watch TV for a bit before I head to bed.

    Take care everyone....I think about you all so much during the day.....

    Cheryl
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited October 2005
    Janet,

    Well, please keep us tuned into your hair attachment! Not even loose yet? Maybe you are that elusive 1%?

    I on the other hand have stalled at about 80% gone. Cheryl and I would both answer to the name Patches at this point!

    *susan*
    a decadron-inspired posting
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited October 2005
    Quote:

    Going for PET scan tomorrow to check a spot on my lung...needless to say...I am scared!!!



    Needless to say I hope that this is nothing but an odd echo or something. Please let us know what the results are, and take care of yourself.

    *susan*
    a decadron-inspired posting
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  • chattykathy
    chattykathy Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2005

    Hi there NMHERR!!!! This is chatty KATHY HERR!!!! I started CHEMO on Sept.12th.......got the Neulasta shot the day after (have had two now), and was told to take a Clariton tablet (over the counter)the morning of the shot....then next two mornings.....helps a lot. Thought I weas getting a bad cold,then it was gone! YAHOO!! ditto ON EVERYTHING you had to say.........especially about the hair.....yukkety yuk.....me too.......my son buzzed my remaining hair off with his barber kit. SOOOOO much better now!! I ache under both arms a lot and find that kind of odd, since all the lymph nodes have been removed from under the left arm, but Nurse says this is common. Just had my second chemo on Monday this week.........been out a little with my daughter-in-law just riding to pick up grandkids from school, etc. Have NO idea how you gals who are still working are managing to do this.......very shaky and hard to stay on my feet very long.....on the TAC. Hi to everyone else, I am very new to this. But have a strong faith that tells me we will all make it through somehow. Hang in there. Saying you feel lousy is an OK thing to do.....because it's the truth. Buy lots of cute knit caps in bright colors.....so easy to wear, and it helps. Hugs to all, Kathy

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  • jlpd
    jlpd Member Posts: 54
    edited October 2005
    Welcome ChattyKathy...wasn't there a doll by that name. Seems my best friend had one of those when I was growing up! Yes this is the place to come to for support and sharing...everything from the good to the bad...we're all on this train together...and there is a light at the end of that tunnel!!!

    Susan...yes, day 14 and firmly attached. Everyone likes my short hair cut...I guess when this is all over, I'll keep it short!

    Did anyone see the Today show today...dedicated to breast cancer with all sorts of guests. I only saw part of it, but it brought tears to my eyes when the one woman talked about how supportive and wonderful her husband was...I think it brought tears to my eyes because my husband acts as if nothing has happened and expects me to do everything around this place I always have done...he just doesn't get it! This was going to be the year for some BIG changes for me...which had to be put on hold because of BC...but I think I'm convinced more than ever that life is short, you never know when the rug will be pulled out from underneath you, so you had better live each day to its fullest and live to be happy. When I am through with all of this and fully recovered, I will be making major changes and starting my life in a new direction...I know I'm saying a lot without coming right out and saying it, but I can truly say that dealing with all this makes you think deeply about your life (except when you're on decadron! lol!)..
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  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited October 2005
    Janet
    It's hard to believe now, but some people say after all is said and done that BC was the best thing to happen to them, because it really does make you look at your life and reorder your priorities. It's easy to drift some times until something major happens and you find out all sorts of new things about yourself and those closest to you.
    Best of luck to you.Stay strong.
    Peggy
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  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited October 2005
    Welcome Lynell, Kathy, Pretty,
    We look forward to hearing from you and sharing our experiences.
    I'm in the middle of my "good week", the week I don't get chemo.The weather has been beautiful and I've been well fed and entertained by the Jewish members of my family and friends for Rosh Hashanah. My house is chaos with the whole middle being gutted for a new staircase and a new kitchen, so when I'm not holed up in my bedroom, I'm out walking the dogs. My neighbors are now watching for me and my scarves and earrings.
    I hope you "this week" chemo girls are holding up.
    Peggy
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  • marg1
    marg1 Member Posts: 73
    edited October 2005
    Hi everyone, Marg here. I had my 2nd chemo on monday and other than some nausea and lots of constipation, I am okay. I also have insomnia. Just when I thought I would get some rest last night, I had gas so bad I thought I was gonna die. Took some pics of my bald head, I will post on my webpage at www.betterphoto.com (click on galleries, then view premium galleries, look for the alphabet across the screen , select the letter P and then Margaret Perez, view galleray) tomorrow. They are kinda neat and different. Hope that all is good with you all. I feel like I lost some of you -- this group has gotten big in the last week. I say we should introduce ourselves again and make page 20 and 21 introductions.





    Marg -- 38 year, mother of 8 and 5 year old girls, fab husband. Infiltrating ductal carinoma, 2.5cm, ER+, PR+, Her2 +++, 1 out of 18 lymph node +, bilateral masectomy with tissue expanders, currently at 520cc each. Central line placed. AC x 4 tx, every 3 weeks followed by Taxol and Herceptin weekly x 12 weeks and then Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year. Treated at MD Anderson in Houston, TX. Just finished round 2 of AC.



    Praying for all of us daily. Marg



    Hey Penny!! How are you?????
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited October 2005
    Cheryl,

    Glad to hear that round 2 went well, and that your WBC was good. Cat clippers.... oh my! Your daughter must have a sense of humor too!

    Is your daughter settling in well? Enjoying smoothies with you? I love how positive you are sounding these days. And I am so impressed that you are still working.

    *susan*
    a decadron-inspired posting
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited October 2005
    Welcome Chatty,

    I think you will find that the September Sister are a very supportive group of women. Over the past month we have vented, questioned, and laughed together. You couldn't join a more wonderful group of women.

    *susan*
    a decadron-inspired posting
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited October 2005
    Peg,

    Happy New Year! My friend Sandi has decided that the trick is to be the guest for Rosh Hashanah, and the host for Yom Kippur. No cooking, just cleaning. :-) She is one smart woman!

    Let us all hope that your contractors don't run into any major delays. This unseasonably weather should be helping in that regard. We haven't even had the first frost yet in Boston.

    Take care,

    *susan*
    a decadron-inspired posting
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  • prayer
    prayer Member Posts: 77
    edited October 2005
    Hey Marg I was wondering how you were doing. You and I seems to be very similar in how our boides handle the AC. Ditto what you said but add heartburn...never had that before. I am glad to here you are ok and the girls? How are they? Said prayers for you and all the other girls going through chemo on this thread. Between the two of us I am sure we are filling His ear.



    Went to the PS today. Still not sure if I have another infection or not. There is a good chance I just hurt myself somehow or my nerves are regenerating. Have to play the wait and see game. I love that game...not!



    35 year old mother of two Emma age 3 and Dylan age 7. Married 15 years to a wonderful Italian.

    7mm er/pr- her2+ with DCIS and negative nodes. Bilateral mast and recon with permanent expanders. AC x 4 and herceptin for a year. Mother age 50 and Grandma age 39 both died of BC. I assume I have inherited one two many genes.
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  • prayer
    prayer Member Posts: 77
    edited October 2005

    Great idea about the introductions....

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  • chattykathy
    chattykathy Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2005

    Hi mom2mcco......probably you will be ever so grateful that you have the port in place. Started chemo Sept. 12 and have had no problems what-so-ever with mine. The purpose being to dilute the chemicals well before they reach any of the organs......well, for those of us taking the heavy duty stuff, I mean. But still can't get a clear answer to if you can safely sleep on your side on the side the port is in.......does anyone know? Thanks. I'm tired and ready to hit the sack for the night. Sleep well. Kathy

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  • nmherr
    nmherr Member Posts: 63
    edited October 2005
    HI Kathy,
    Where are you from? In ref to the port question. I have tried sleeping on the port side but it starts to ache. I wasn't told of any restrictions. Call your surgeon and ask what they recommend. Glad you came 'on board'.
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  • nmherr
    nmherr Member Posts: 63
    edited October 2005
    Marg
    Good idea about the info but if I can suggest that we put the info in our bios. Go to "My Home" At top of page, next screen go down to "Personal Info" on the right of screen click edit. It gives you a bunch of places to fill in your info. but I put my bc info under bio. If you click on nmherr on my posts it will tell you the info about me. That way it is always handy.
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  • chattykathy
    chattykathy Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2005
    Hi Norene,
    I did ask the assisting RN and she said no problem sleeping on that same side, but I found it uncomfortable also. Born and raised in Ohio, but have been in Ca. since 1981. I wasn't told of any restrictions either, other than not lifting heavy items, etc, for 48 hrs.
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  • jlpd
    jlpd Member Posts: 54
    edited October 2005

    To Marg and Prayer...my doctor has me on an acid-reflux medicine, twice a day during the entire treatment. Said that if I didn't I would be faced with a lot of heartburn. I also found that when I had stomach gas pains that eating a couple of bites of yogurt, every few hours, helped tremendously...it puts the good bacteria back in your system to help you digest your food...Janet

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  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited October 2005
    My port experience-
    It was put in on 8/24 with some problems (they nicked my lung, which was painful and made it difficult to take a deep breath for awhile).I slept propped up "beach chair style"for a couple of weeks. I started chemo on 8/30 and it's worked fine since then. (3 tx total so far) The nurses only use it on chemo day, taking blood from my arm at other times. It doesn't bother me at all now. It's just a little bump under my collar bone.I have no trouble sleeping on either side. I like having both hands free during treatment.
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  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited October 2005
    Hair story-
    I'll review my experiences for newcomers since I'm further along in my tx. I got my shoulder length hair cut very short before starting chemo. It managed to hang on until Day 18 (4 days after tx#2)when noticable strands started coming loose in the shower, but managed to hold on one more day by skipping my shower the next day.I had dinner plans and I think the mousse I put in to make it stand up held it in place.
    Day 21-I tried to prepare, but in the shower, so much hair was flowing over me, it was disgusting. I crawled into bed and hid under the covers for a couple of hours.Then I went out on the deck and had my husband cut what was left down to the scalp.(the picture I posted in the Bald Picture was Forum was taken that day. I could smile again)
    My scalp was sensitive so didn't use any of lint roller or vacuum tricks, and I still had fuzz across the top and patches of hair around the side, which I called the "monk look" about a week ago. A couple of days ago, I absentmindedly started pulling out those tufts while watching TV. They came out very easily and now the sides of my head are very shiny. Last night my husband said he could see the light of the alarm clock reflected on my head!
    Now I'm at Day 40. I still have the fuzz at the top of my head and some at the nape of my neck that's still firmly attached, as well as my eyebrows and lashes. I'll go for tx #4 next Tuesday. We'll see if that lasts.
    Those of you going through it now, it is a tough transition, but you're better off accepting it,dealing with it and then have fun with your wigs, scarves and earrings.
    We'll all get through this.
    Peggy
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  • Taff
    Taff Member Posts: 5
    edited October 2005
    Oh Peggy, the light of the alarm clock reflected on your head! I was in need of a laugh and that had me falling of my chair!

    Thank you so much for sharing that with us. I still have a little hair left after 4 doses of Taxotere, and it seems to be growing again now, but I do have bald patches so I'll have to watch out for the alarm clock
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  • CandiMcNeal
    CandiMcNeal Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2005
    Hi everyone! My name is Candi and I am 35 yo, great husband, and a 3yr old daughter Annika and a 4 mo old son Kellen. I was diagnosed in mid-July when Kellen was 1 1/2 mos. with IDC, 3.5 cm tumor with DCIS, stage IIa, grade 3, e/r -, her2neu -. Had bil. mast. on 8/2 with tissue expanders, which I am very pleased with. I am getting 4 AC and then 4 of Taxol and just had my 3rd AC yesterday and feel pretty good today. I get Decadron with Kytril before they hang the Cytoxan and shoot the Adriamycin and then have Kytril at home for 3 days after tx. It seems that my response to the treatments have been getting better as they go along, which surprised me. THe first one had me laid up for 3-4 days and the second one was better and I have no nausea whatsoever this time.

    I had my head shaved to less than an inch around day 19 as it was really coming out and now it is almost all gone in the front and kind of hanging in there in the back. I'm looking forward to the hair coming in curly and different than normal because my hair is usually straight and real fine. One perk to all this, I guess.

    Only trouble I have had is with fatigue. I am really tired right in the middle of my treatments. I told the onc about this yesterday and he said that he could prescribe me Ritalin for more energy. I was very surprised by this. I took the prescription, but I am on the fence about filling it. Any thoughts on this? Anyone been offered this or is taking this for fatigue? I would feel like Lynnette on Desperate Housewives, taking a child's medication to get some more energy!

    I have been quietly reading along in this thread and feel very comforted when reading what is all going on with everyone. We are in for a fight and I know we can all get through this.

    Hang in there everyone, thanks.

    Candi
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  • sholroyd
    sholroyd Member Posts: 288
    edited October 2005
    Hi Leanem. I have also got great support and strength from the ladies here – particularly when it came to my hair. Good luck with your fundraising.

    Janet I just don’t know how you do a ‘long day’ at college. I thought I had been pretty lucky with side-effects then WAM, the last 2 days I have pretty much spent on the settee. I also had to visit the hospital today as I woke up with a pain in my chest and arm the side where the Hickman is. Temperature OK and no swelling so I have just got to watch these 2 things over the weekend – probably lay on it funny or something. How are you doing Maxine – I had my 2nd battering on Tuesday also.

    Perhaps I should have continued with the Dexamathosone. I talked it over with my Onc and cos I was really worried about the ‘Eating for England’ business she suggested I try leaving them off this time round – perhaps that is why I feel so yuk this time??

    Back to the settee – speak soon.

    Sandra from the UK
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  • PSA
    PSA Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2005

    Hello, ladies. I'm Pat, new to the board. Started chemo 9/20, had my 2nd on 10/3. There's hair everywhere and I dont know what to do about it. I had it cut short, but not short enough. I feel like I just can't lay this sadness on some poor unsuspecting Supercuts worker. We have hair clippers at home, but my husband is too freaked out to do it for me.

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