2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

Options
1…34689…341

Comments

  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2005
    Quote:

    Just in case you would like to see the wig I bought today, check it out at: http://www.wigdeals.com/product.php/39088/125/

    Mine is the "Mason"



    Hi Tracy,
    That's a cute wig!
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2005
    Okay Ladies,
    Had my first Chemo cocktail yesterday. I was at the oncologists office for 4 hours! The Chemo took about 2 hours. The worst part was when they stuck me in the port to draw blood--it hurt like you-know-what. Since I was already very anxious, I started crying. The nurse seemed to feel bad about it and said they would order some cream for me for next time (can't remember the name as the pharmacy had to order it). Also, the nurse said, next time they could spray me with some kind of freezing, numbing spray. I just don't understand why she didn't use the spray this time instead of poking me to find out if it was going to hurt. I think it hurt more because I just had the port put in Tuesday, and the whole area is a little sensitive right now.

    Anyway, they also gave me a flu shot. Last night I was a bit queazy--but went out to eat and ate okay--just not alot. I got a small headache and some body aches (flu shot!)

    I got my anti-nausea meds last night and took them this morning as per Dr. directions. I have an extra one if I need it. I've been pretty good today so far--just a little queazy about 45 minutes ago.

    My only other problem right now is that I'm having a terrible time trying to get to sleep at night. I don't know if it's anxiety or what, but I get drowsy and then as soon as I turn out the light to go to sleep, I'm wide awake again. For the last few days, I haven't gotten to sleep until about 2:30am and then I wake up around 6:30am--then doze some more until around 7:00 or 7:30am. If it keep on like this I'll have to mention it to my doctor.

    That's it for now. I'll keep y'all posted.
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited October 2005
    Jane-
    Make sure you get the Lidocaine cream it really works, you put it on Port site 45 min before you go in cannot feel anything. Also I got a RX for Lunesta to sleep at night it sure helps and you do not wake up groggy. The doctor would not let me have Flu shot yet wanted to see how Chemo would react. Take your anti-naseau meds for a couple days they do help. Did they tell you about the Xeloda trial?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2005
    Jane,
    I think I will be as anxious as you were during your blood drawing (if not more anxious), so I will take a couple of tranquilizers before I go in to get my first infusion October 13. I'll remember to tell the nurse so I don't get an overdose of Ativan.
    Take care. The blood drawing and sleeplessness aside, you seem to be faring better than most first timers. Are you going to keep a journal of your reactions to the chemo? That might be useful so you know what to expect next time?
    I'll let you know what happens to me next week.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2005
    Quote:

    I have been a trooper until the last couple of days, now I just want to stay in the bed and cry all day. I hope that passes.


    I was the same way! I guess I was in denial for a little while, then it hit me very badly. I thought I would never be able to do anything again. So my therapist prescribed anti-depressants. Now I can start a conversation without crying and do the things that need to be done (like listen to my 10 year old's issues, feed my family, etc.). I don't think I'll ever be the same again, but I can still laugh (It has to be really funny, though). I read The Funny Thing Is by Ellen DeGeneres. I had no idea she was so funny.
    Hang in there and keep us posted.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited October 2005

    I am so proud of all of you that just had your first treatment!! It sounds like you are doing well and I am very encouraged as I wait for mine on 10/28. All of you October Ladies are in my prayers. WE CAN DO THIS!!! (((hugs)))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited October 2005

    I truly believe because of the support from this site my fellow "sisters" That my week has gone fairly well after first treatment, Because of you I knew exactly what was going to happen and when, Even though the doctor told me the same things basically I knew it was the ones here that really knew and understood.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2005
    Sherry,
    I am so happy to know that your first week went well. The worst is over as far as your first treatment. I pray I will be as lucky. Tomorrow I will go to get a MUGA scan. I'm not really sure what equipment they will use, but it has something to do with finding out if my heart can take the chemo!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • moondanzr
    moondanzr Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2005
    Hi everyone,

    I read thru all of your posts and want to send a hug to all that have started chemo or are waiting to start.
    I don't know if I belong here or not. I see the chemo doc on the 12th but the surgeon did not get a "clean" anterior margin on the upper most margin of my incision so I have to have another small surgery and that is on the 28th. I can't imagine the chemo doc starting treatment until after surgery and until after I have healed.
    I did have a mugga scan and will find the results of that when I see her. I am terrified of having a port but see no other way as my veins are sh*t after a long stay in ICU 5 years ago for gallstone pancreatitis.
    I will be honest and tell you all I am terified of the chemo altho some posts show me that it is doable.
    Don't know if this problem belongs here but if anyone has to deal with a spouse that is constantly complaining like mine? All I hear is I am going to give him a heart attack and why did he have to marry a "sickly" woman like me? Well, dispite it all I don't comsider myself sickly and actually complain little dispite haveing fibromyalgia and type 2 diabetes since the gallstone wrecked my pancreas.
    As scared as I am of chemo I just want to get it over with and this waiting is making me crazy.
    Hugs to all and thanks for listening,
    Nancy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Analemma
    Analemma Member Posts: 1,622
    edited October 2005
    Hi, I'm one of the June ladies, and just finished chemo three weeks ago, and start rads tomorrow. Just wanted to stop by and say good luck to all of you who are starting. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, and most of the June ladies are starting to get some hair back, too. I had fatigue, and a little queasiness, but never threw up, and kept up with everything that had to be done. My onc. said at the beginning, "you'll decide the things that are really important to do, and not waste energy on the ones that aren't." That was definitely true!

    We're gonna make it!
    Brenda F.
    4 AC + 4 Taxol, June 13 to Sept 19
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2005
    Nancy,
    Sounds to me like this is a good place for you to keep posting and venting. I have a friend who is a BC survivor and when she looks back she says the one thing she won't do if she ever went through it again was depend on her husband too much. "It's very hard on the caretaker," she told me. He wasn't a complainer, but it took a big toll on him.
    I don't know if I'm in a position to give advice, but if I were you, I'd start seeking out friends, neighbors, co-workers, family, etc.
    Take good care of yourself.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2005
    Quote:

    Jane-
    Make sure you get the Lidocaine cream it really works, you put it on Port site 45 min before you go in cannot feel anything. Also I got a RX for Lunesta to sleep at night it sure helps and you do not wake up groggy. The doctor would not let me have Flu shot yet wanted to see how Chemo would react. Take your anti-naseau meds for a couple days they do help. Did they tell you about the Xeloda trial?



    Hi Sherry,
    Will do with the Lidocaine cream. The doc has me on the anti-nausea meds thru Tuesday. I think I'm doing okay, although have had some not so good hours. Yesterday morning, I felt pretty good. My mom is here thru today so we went for a 10 minute walk yesterday morning. Later on, we met my husband and little girl for lunch at Souper Salads and I ate a good lunch and felt good. Then, we went to the mall and my mom got her hair done and I bought some boots for my daughter on sale. When we got home at around 2:30pm, I was completely exhausted and stayed that way for the rest of the day and evening. I got a little nauseous and didn't feel like eating supper. I had the body aches again, and think maybe that's from the flu shot? as I've had that reaction to the flu shot before. I eventually had a little cereal. I slept in our regular bed last night for the first time since my surgery and slept okay. My reconstructed breast hurt a little this morning, I think, due to sleeping on my side (I'm a side sleeper).

    I'm a little nauseous this morning, but am feeling better now. I'll try not to over do it today.

    Yes, I am in the Xeloda trial but was chosen to be a control person and not take the Xeloda. They will still monitor me for the trial to compare with the people who do take it.

    Take care,
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2005
    Quote:

    Jane,
    I think I will be as anxious as you were during your blood drawing (if not more anxious), so I will take a couple of tranquilizers before I go in to get my first infusion October 13. I'll remember to tell the nurse so I don't get an overdose of Ativan.
    Take care. The blood drawing and sleeplessness aside, you seem to be faring better than most first timers. Are you going to keep a journal of your reactions to the chemo? That might be useful so you know what to expect next time?
    I'll let you know what happens to me next week.



    Hi Brenda,
    I was starting to wonder if I was going to have to ask the dr. for something so I can sleep, but last night I slept a little better, so maybe I'll be okay on that. I got really exhausted yesterday afternoon and evening, and was nauseous enough that I didn't want to eat supper--nothing sounded good at all. This morning I've been kind of nauseous again but ate a little breakfast. But, I do seem to be tolerating the Chemo okay.

    The dr. suggested I keep a journal or something on how I'm feeling and share it with her when I go back next Friday for blood work--so I started doing that.

    Take care,
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited October 2005

    Jane- Glad to hear you are ok- fatigue is what is getting me the most--So I am trying to so a little at a time I am used to going 24/7 and now I think I am only going at about 2/7 Oh well I know it could be worse so I will try not to complain I hope I can go to work and stay all day tomorrow. Hang in there!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2005
    Quote:

    I am so proud of all of you that just had your first treatment!! It sounds like you are doing well and I am very encouraged as I wait for mine on 10/28. All of you October Ladies are in my prayers. WE CAN DO THIS!!! (((hugs)))



    Thanks. I do feel like it's doable--but I'm getting a little discouraged about going back to work. I don't think I have the stamina right now to work and take care of my 7 year old, and go thru all this. But, maybe my stamina will increase on the weeks I dont' get Chemo?

    Take care,
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • moondanzr
    moondanzr Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2005
    Hi all again,

    I do think I will hang out here for awhile as chemo sounds less scary reading some of your posts!
    I get alot of info from your posts.
    Thanks Brenda for your response. I am in a weird predictament as I am actually care taker for my husband due to his cognitive loss and don't vent to him. I do have to ask him to perhaps do some of the house duties when I can't but other than that I do most everything with his help and having to give him direction and reminders like to take his pills, time to eat, etc. Also, he cannot drive so I have to depend on a fellow from the senior center that will drive me into the city for my appointments for a fee.
    I do have 2 g/f that I vent to and it helps. It also helps to be able to vent to this board.
    I did see to it that my husband is going to start counceling. I also have a counselor that I go to weekly.
    I do know this has got to be terribly hard on my husband as I am sure the thought of losing the one that looks after him must be so scary but I wake up usually in a decent mood only to be confronted with tears and anger for me having cancer. It is just pushing me to the edge where I am ready to send him to one of his relatives (I don't think they would accept the responsibility LOL). But at times I feel like I am going totally nuts.
    He even went so far as to get in my face and raise a fist to me. I told him I would call the police and we haven't had that happen again.
    Sorry to go on and on about this but today I am totally emotionally drained.
    Hugs to all,
    Nancy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2005
    Quote:

    I do feel like it's doable--but I'm getting a little discouraged about going back to work.


    I believe that cancer is considered a disability under the American Disabilities Act. You might be able to go on disability while you are getting treatment. It could also be a good opportunity to spend more time with your 7 year old.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited October 2005
    for those of you who had your first chemo...is this "chemo brain" thing I keep hearing about real?

    -amy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited October 2005
    Hi Nancy,

    I am sorry to hear about your marriage problems. I pray for you that counseling will help. (your husband obviously doesn't remember his vows "in sickness and in health"....
    Just vent here often....

    God Bless
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited October 2005
    Amy,

    I think it is
    I paid bills at the end of September dating them with October (one of them was a doctors bill), I have to call Monday and apologize since it hasnt' been cashed yet....
    I feel "old"...

    God Bless
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • joannie
    joannie Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2005

    I am starting chemo next week! SCARED TO DEATH!!!I am also having 4 A/C and 4 Taxol. I had a lumpectomy on Sept 8th and had my port put in last week. I had 1.6cm lump with one positive node. grade III ( agressive).

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • joannie
    joannie Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2005

    I read your post about your Husband. I have only been married for 9 years and find myself asking my husband why he does not just get up and run, he stays and puts up with all of the crap I deal out to him. It is amazing..when the chips are down, who runs and who stays. Going through this journey with breast cancer not only shows us what love is, but also who is the couragous amounst us.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2005
    Joannie,
    Welcome to the October Club! What day are you having yours? Mine's on the 13th. 13 has always been lucky my lucky number. I wish you luck as well!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2005



    I believe that cancer is considered a disability under the American Disabilities Act. You might be able to go on disability while you are getting treatment. It could also be a good opportunity to spend more time with your 7 year old.



    Does anyone know how this works? I'm already on FMLA sick leave. How is that different from going on disability?
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2005
    Quote:

    for those of you who had your first chemo...is this "chemo brain" thing I keep hearing about real?

    -amy



    Hi Amy,
    I already started forgetting things for the last 6 years that I've blamed on "Mommy Brain". Last year at work, I was under lots of stress and started forgetting important meetings. I guess that's "Stress Brain"

    So far, for me, I don't think I'm experiencing Chemo Brain, but I've only had one cocktail, so we'll see. It's probably like most things--it depends on how severely the person reacts to the Chemo.
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2005
    http://www.ssa.gov/disability/
    Anyone who has been contributing to social security and is disabled is eligible to apply. See the above link. You have to get forms for your doctor/s to sign.
    Good luck.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited October 2005

    I checked into the Social Security Diability thing. They do not have anything that is short term. When you are accepted for it--it is basically forever is the way the guy explained it to me. Now, I wonder if they know that you plan to go back to work they might be more willing to approve you for it. I have heard that it is very hard to get accepted and I have also heard that there is a waiting period which is almost as long as our chemo treatments before you can receive benefits. It might not hurt to call and investigate and see if you get different answers than I did.....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lollipop
    Lollipop Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2005

    I will have my sixth and final chemo treatment on Wednesday (ACT) and then it's celebration time! Have already had 6 weeks of radiation. Fatigue has been my only major side effect, but I've managed to continue working FT. My best to all of you in the "October" club...it's do-able and manageable.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited October 2005
    Just peeking in....Hello Sherry! What a small world...

    Good luck to all you october ladies...I just finished 2 rounds of AC...4 to go...doing it dose dense...

    I was told that Social security disability normally does not approve BC unless you have Inflammatory or stage IV BC. There reasoning is your disability must last for 12 months and most of the normal treatment plans do not last long enough...I am no expert..but just passing along what I do know...

    I should get mine soon hopefully (wish it was NOT the case...) I have Inflammatory BC....at least stage IIIB...they wont stage it until after surgery...which is after chemo.
    Tina
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited October 2005

    Yes Tina it is a small world and know that within this world there are those of us that care and understand, you have been in my prayers for weeks now and it feels better to be able to tell you!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories