2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

End of 2nd week after first chemo treatment. My next one is next Friday. Feeling very very tired the last two days and just "off"; but functioning okay - good luck to those of you starting this next week!!

God Bless,
Lynn

Ravdeb... Hi... I am a June 2005 chemo chick!

I am similar to you... though 1.8 cm tumor. I had the AC - T treatment. I think it's considered to be a very good option.

Just ask your doctors why they prefer one over the other. Maybe that will help you make the choice. It's tough... and I don't really believe there is a "correct" answer as I bet they both work very well.

Good luck to you!!

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So many of you starting this week--my thoughts are with all of you. I had an iron IV last week--only takes about 45 minutes--didn't feel anything.

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Hmmmm. Had my second iron IV today and it took 2-1/2 hours. The one yesterday took 3 hours because they did a test run on me with a small amount. They drip it in real slow at my cancer center--not sure why.
Jane

With your node negative, are you also er negative? I am and am going for a third consultation as to having AC - T or CAF. My tumor is 2 cm and I'm perimenapausal. I'm in a state of huge anxiety trying to figure this out since I need to start chemo in a week's time and still no answer as to which type to do!!!!
ravdeb

Ravdeb... Yes, I am triple negative. ER/PR/HER2... all negaitve. I was also premenopausal. I just turned 36 on Sept. 9. However, the Chemo did put me into "chemopause" but I bet it won't be permanent. I'm hoping that my ovaries start working again soon! I want a gradual slide into menopause the next time!

Taxol was quite easy for me. I had muscle pain on days 3-5, but after the first treatment I told my Oncologist and he gave me Darvocet at my request. I took it preemptively starting on Day 3 and the pain was always VERY mild if I had any at all. (I think!) Believe it or not... you do forget about those bad days!

About 3 weeks after finishing chemo, I started to notice that my feet seemed tingly mostly by evening and at night. My legs are also quite achey at night. I'm thinking that it's the Taxol still doing it's thing. It's not bad, and it doesn't keep me from doing anything... just another strange thing happening to my body.

I hope it helps a little to know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! So many brave women have gone through this and are going through it right along with you. The neat thing about this site is that we actually get to "meet" those women and we gain strength through our shared journey. I'm very happy I live in a day where technology allows me so many luxuries!

Hugs to you all!

Hi all-
Had AC#2 yesterday. It went ok though I was very tired and a bit quesy all day. Woke up this morning feeling pretty good, but when I washed mt hair it started coming out in big handfuls. I guess today is the day for a buzz cut. A couple of mt friends are coming over to help me out with that. Ahhhhh!!!

I also had to give myself my Nulasta shot this morning. It's my first time with givng myself a shot and it was a little wierd but doable. There are sure a lot of "firsts" in the treatment world, aren't there?

On top of all that I got me period yesterday. From what I read this might be my last one. I guess that really wouldn't be so bad..

Antway, it's good to have this place to talk about these medical things. I sometimes worry that I sound like an old woman going on and on about my health when I share with others.

Thanks for being there.

-Ruth

Okay, it's day number 8 after my first AC treatment and I actually feel almost normal. The oncologist prescribed Prevacid for my severe heartburn and Ambien as a sleep aid. I took one Ambien before bed last night and even though I didn't sleep all through the night, I slept more than I have in a long time--so a good thing. Also, the Prevacid seems to be handling my acid stomach.

I finally went shopping for a wig yesterday. I tentatively chose a shoulder-length brunette human hair wig with some red highlights in it. It's actually a bit darker than my current shade. I will go get it styled and complete payment after I get the head-shave--which the wig salon will do if I want them to. I haven't quite decided when to do the head shave. I thought my 7 year old might want to be there when I get my head shaved, but she said no today. My husband said he would shave it if I wanted him to. I think I'll wait until it starts falling out and then make a decision (husband or salon).
Jane

Well, I made it through my first weekend of chemo (almost...it's Sunday after all). I felt queasy on day one and then completely wiped out yesterday...all of a sudden, I didn't have any energy. Now, I'm feeling tired, but okay. Actually going to go to my in-laws for dinner tonight.

Friday is the day my head is shaved...my husband and I watched GI Jane last night and we got all empwered and motivated!

I'm eating prunes and taking Colaesce...any suggestions for the chemo constipation?

Also, random question...how do our doctors know chemo is working? Is it just working? I sometimes overthink things, but I've had that on my mind.

-Amy

one more question...I was supposed to get my period this past Wed...right before my first chemo...I still haven't gotten it...is it ever going to come now that I'm in chemo?

-amy

Hi,
Just checking in. Mostly horizontal on days 3 and 4 after first chemo. Remembering to brush teeth between meals I am forcing myself to eat. Good luck to everyone else.

I met with the Naturopathic Dr. at my Cancer Center on Thursday. She told me what I should be eating to boost my Immune system in preparation for chemo and to help my blood count during chemo. First of all, she told me to eat ONLY organic meat, eggs and dairy. Vegetables would be good too, but not as important as the meat & dairy. 10 servings of fruits & vegetables a day covering all of the colors (Red, yellow, orange, Dark Green and Black). She mentioned that Greens such as spinich, collard, mustard, and kale are extremely important. She also said to take a Fish Oil supplement, Flax Seed Oil, Multi-Vitamin and 1000mg of Calcium & Magnesium daily. When eating is tough during chemo, she said to get Whey Protien Powder (GNC Nutrition stores carry it) and put it in smoothies, on my oatmeal or in my yogurt.

I bought a bunch of greens today and put them in the spaghetti sauce I made for dinner. I also plan to experiement with sauteing the kale, collard and mustard greens with olive oil & garlic and then tossing them with a bit of vinegar. Spinich and Arugula make great salads....

Hope maybe this info will help all of you.

My dentist recommended I use a fluoride rinse during chemo to protect teeth. Its called ACT.

No Surrender,
Thanks for the concern regarding the vitamins. The Dr. that told me this is part of the Cancer Center where I get my Chemo. She is associated with my Oncologist and works closely with him. We did talk about what I could not take, but she said that the multivitamin and calcium/magnesium are OK. She also said that flax seed oil and fish oil are OK. In addition, she was not concerned about the fact that I eat soy. I will double check with the Oncologist just to make sure, but since they are both associated with the cancer center and work together I am assuming that they have considered my chemo.... It is always good to double check and I will do that.

sistersister,

Hang in there and good luck with chemo on Wed. I just had my first chemo this past Thursday and besides from feeling tired and being a little sick to my stomach, it was overrated. Honestly, I was excited to get it because now I'm truly fighting back.

I still have a very hard time showing my husband my scars from my bilateral mast and reconstruction even though he keeps telling me he doesn't care and I know he's sincere. I'm shaving my head on Friday and I keep asking him if he will still find me beautiful, even though I know he will. I think it's more about how I feel about myself. So, I'm buying sassy scarves to wear with cool chandelier earrings and I have a cool wig and I'm trying to dress up and make myself feel to myself that I'm still pretty regardless of this breast cancer. I'm nervous to not have hair...its my favorite physical trait, but I don't have a choice. It still is scary, but I think it's more because it's like I finally come out to people that I'm in chemo...it makes it all real..I worry about sad looks, but you know what? I'm going to try to stay empowered and just get through this chemo stuff. I would gladly give up my hair to never worry about cancer in my life again.

Things will one day feel normal again...my oncologist told me it takes a year, psychologically, from the day you were diagnosed to feel like yourself again. But, I still try to find ways to feel like myself like going out with friends, having "non-cancer" days when I don't try to talk about it or think about it, being outside, cuddling with my husband and telling myself scars and baldness don't mean a thing as long as I get healthy.

You're getting chemo on Wed. and that is how you are going to put everything finally behind you...by kicking this diagnosis in the rear end!


Hang in there...you'll do great on Wed.!!!

-Amy

I want to thank Tracy for welcoming me to this thread. I'll be starting chemo on the same day as she, Oct. 28. I'm am learning what to anticipate from your postings. I haven't yert got an appointment to cut my 32 inches of hair. I'm going to miss the buns and twists that I am used to wearing. I want it to be short when it starts falling out so it is not such a shock. And, I plan to donate my long hair to Locks of Love. I'm hoping it will help make some kid's battle with cancer a little easier.

One thing that I'm worrying about is that now that surgery is over, my good supports are going to dry up. Right after surgery there were cards in the mail, baked goods, phone calls, etc. But now that the "crisis" is over, and the long, day-to-day journey is about to begin, I wonder who will show up to encouage me and help along the way. I even have doubts about my husband. Also, have any of you had people, who know nothing about cancer, say insensitive things to you, like "Don't worry about it, everything will be fine." How do they know? Somethimes I think this is going to a lonely, lonely time.
marymelodi