2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

Options
1…78101213…341

Comments

  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited October 2005
    MaryMelodi! Go to www.chemoangels.com!!! You can sign up there for your own personal angel who will help you through chemo. And, of course, all of us will be right here with you thru it all too.

    I am getting my hair cut short this Friday. I decided to try a short spikey do, since I have always been too chicken to try it. What does it matter? It will be gone in about 3 weeks anyway! I think it is so cool that you can donate your hair--mine is only shoulder length, not quite long enough.

    Hang in there with us, we will all get through this!

    (((Hugs)))
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited October 2005
    Marymelodi,

    Something people always say to me that drives me nutso is "Don't worry. This will be over soon." No matter how long treatment is or isn't, it doesn't seem like it's over soon. That bugs.

    With worrying about support drying up...I actually verbalized that to all my family and friends...that sooner or later this wouldn't be a big deal to them and they would get on with their lives while I deal with chemo, radiation, with worrying. They all said that it's never going to be no support...that people take turns throughout all this and there will never be a time when someone leaves me alone. I think that when my husband gets tired, my mom will be right behind him to pick up slack. If my parents get worn out, my best friends will step up. I think that's how people get through this. Just my thoughts. And when it does seem like you're alone, remember all of us here going through it all with you

    -AMY
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • karlahook
    karlahook Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2005
    I saw the oncologist today...looks like we have a few more tests to run but I will probably start Chemo next week. She has to talk to the breast surgeon before she decides on which treatment. I the oncologist again on Friday after CT and bone scans to iron out the details for chemo.

    Karla Hook
    Grapevine, TX
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MrsBee
    MrsBee Member Posts: 124
    edited October 2005
    I start AC on Wednesday. I went to my hairdresser last Thursday and had my shoulder-length hair cut into a short pixie to make the fall-out easier. My husband has promised to shave my head when the time comes. I have one wig that I bought a couple of years ago when I had NHL (I only lost a 3-inch-square area of hair from the back of my head from my radiation treatments). I washed the muskrat over the weekend and have it all freshened up. I'm going to try to get one or two more inexpensive wigs . . . maybe from TLC or someplace like that. My hubby also has given himself a short buzz-cut in support of me. He had long-ish brunette curls. He also shaved off most of his facial hair and only has his moustache left.

    I called today and spoke with my oncologist's triage nurse about what to expect on Wednesday. I have to take my Emend with me so that I can take the first pill right after my bloodwork so that it will be taken about an hour before they take me back to the infusion room. I also found out that my oncologist has prescribed Atavan as part of the anti-nausea meds. I had Atavan when they did my bone marrow biopsy with the NHL, and I was so loopy that I giggled through the entire procedure. So I know I'll be fine. If I have Atavan, I'll be fine. My husband is taking me, and my sister is going along as moral support. I'll warn her ahead of time that I won't be responsible for ANYTHING I say while under the influence of the Atavan. I sorta said some stuff out loud when I was coming out of the anesthesia following my mastectomies and she was sorta surprised to hear those things coming out of my mouth. Um . . . well, my hubby's horoscope said something about him being in for a night of unforgetable love-making. They told me about it - hubby, sister, and cousin. And I said - loopy on morphine, mind you, "The only love-making you'll get it with this!" and held up my right hand. Then I saw the expression on my cousin's face (she had her fist IN her mouth to keep from howling). So I said, "Did I say that out loud?" Then they all three burst out laughing. Oh, well.

    Let's git r done!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Paula15089
    Paula15089 Member Posts: 373
    edited October 2005
    Ladies,
    i am joining you in October club! (just).. my first A/C is 27 october. I am having 4 A/C in total every 3 weeks.
    A bit worried, but i think i am now pretty well prepared with all your help and feedback.
    Got the Ativan, the rest they will give me after the treatment.
    My onc said that the heart scan is not routine for someone my age (31). So i only had one blood test done in preparation to chemo. Feel like something is missing?? Also, had no other scans/tests whatsoever as nodes were clear. Should i insist?
    thanks!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nanny1215
    nanny1215 Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2005
    Hello!
    I will be posting for my Mom...I am Kathy and my Mom is Sarah..
    She is starting her chemo this Thursday, 10/20..... 4 cycles A/C followed by 4 cycles of Taxol, then Radiation and Herceptin for 6 months to a year.

    Her Oncologist is very aggresive...she is a stage 1 but he wants to make SURE this does not come back. My Mom has decided to go for it...
    She is 62 but you would NEVER know it.....
    She is very active....

    I have worked in Oncology for over 15 years (as a biller) and so I am familiar with alot of this but never thought it would hit one of us at home...

    I am sure everyone feels that way..

    We just went for the chemo teaching yesterday morning and my GOODNESS.....
    All the info is so overwhelming...

    I wish all of you the best of luck and I hope to get to know all of you...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited October 2005

    Mary Melodi-- Always know that no matter what you will always have the support here-- you are right when you say in the beginning so many pwople around I think it is easier for people to deal with Surgery issues than to deal with Chemo then it makes the cancer real. People care they just don't know what to say-- But here we are with you all teh way. I am 13 days past 1st chemo and feeling great this week my next one is Oct 27, Today I feel my scalp getting tingly so I guess the hair thing is coming soon, Hang in there

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

    Just received my hair from Hip Hats on the internet it is great it is hair you wear with a hat or scarf--Real Human hair feels great and looks great I also ordered one that is a cap with pony tail attatched. Anyone with shoulder lenght hair should check it out not as hot and uncomfortable as a full wig.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jaslin
    jaslin Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2005

    I received my 1st AC chemo this past friday. Everything went well except for the last 10 min. the nurse turned up the drip so I could get done faster and boy did it give me a whoppin headache. Even my sinuses filled up and left me with a funny taste. I'll make sure that doesn't happen again. Felt pretty good all weekend. Went to work on Monday and started to feel weird. It was like I was drugged (Ha) and very disoriented. I had a hard time concentrating and eveything irritated me. I've read about the fatiguge, nausea and heartburn, but those are manageable for me. Anyone else feel like this? In the afternoon I started to get clammy and broke out in a sweat. No temp thank goodness but I felt like crap. My job is very hands on and physical, I do activities with the elderly. One of the other girls in our office is dealing with throat cancer and doing chemo and rads now too. I feel like I need to give 100%, I just can't face going in there and asking to do paperwork. We're already short staffed with the other girl being sick. I had to call off today though-still feel clammy and sore, I didn't want to end up passing out at work. I'm sorry to ramble on, but I just feel so guilty. I know I shouldn't but I don't know how to help it. Any advice would help right now. Thanks!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • oldsambvca
    oldsambvca Member Posts: 22
    edited October 2005
    Welcome to those of you just joining us. So sorry you have to be here, but you could not be in better company! I just love these ladies!!!

    Good luck to those starting chemo this week, and to those continuing with treatments this week. For those dealing with the side effects, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    With regard to head shaving, I had a friend do mine last night as hubby couldn't bring himself to do it. She and I both cried as she started, but then tried to make it fun (which was easier for her 'cause she had a shot of whiskey before she started!). When it was over, it was not as bad as I had anticipated . . . still sucked, but not as bad as I thought it would be.

    Second treatment today - at least I know what to expect now.

    Hang in there . . . we can do this!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited October 2005

    Oh Valerie! You are so brave! I know it is coming for me in about 3 weeks..... I kind of look at the shaving of the head and baldness as the worst part--you are over that now and on your way to beating this! Good Job!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nancy-SanDiego
    Nancy-SanDiego Member Posts: 127
    edited October 2005
    I am almost in this group--start Nov 3 w/4A/C, 4 Taxol w/Herceptin, followed by rad and 40 more weeks of Herceptin and 5 years of Arimidex. I am ready to kick this cancer's butt. Love your stories--looked to see if I had Atavin on my perscription list so I can giggle through it (and make wild promises to my fella) and the great tips on wigs, hats, etc. Have an appointment for a shave the week before, Dr. OK'd eyebrow tatoo and am shopping for wig, scarves, hoops, etc. Also made lots of homemade chicken stock for the freezer.
    Melissa made me cry with her words and music. Her partner's words about effects of chemo were unsettling, but maybe it was the MJ that made her eyes glaze over. Anybody out there trying MJ?

    We are not alone.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2005
    Quote:

    I had a hard time concentrating and eveything irritated me. I've read about the fatiguge, nausea and heartburn, but those are manageable for me. Anyone else feel like this? In the afternoon I started to get clammy and broke out in a sweat. No temp thank goodness but I felt like crap.



    Hi Jaslin,
    Yes, I felt bad the Monday after my first AC treatment. I've had lots of clammy sweats too. I talked to my Oncologist about it last Friday and she said that the sweats are usually associated with the steroids given to reduce the side effects of the chemo. She seemed to think the sweats would get better over time (hope so!)

    I am still on medical leave, but am due to go back in another 2-1/2 weeks. I'm thinking I will need to take off the Fridays of Chemo treatment and the following Mondays as well. I felt too bad to go to work--my work is also quite physical. I am a special ed teacher and work with two children who are mobility impaired and need to be lifted, and other children with behavior disorders that occassionally need to be restrained. So, I'm feeling very unsure of how it's all going to work during my Chemo treatments.

    Anyway, I'm not very much help in giving you any answers but at least you will know that you're not alone. I think it's difficult for people like you and me (caregivers) to take time for ourselves, but I think we need to do it (now if I can just make myself do it!)

    Take care,
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2005
    Well, I had a horrific sinus headache starting on Saturday--no fever. Called the onlcologist yesterday and she put me on an antibiotic since she feels I have a sinus infection starting. I'm finally feeling almost headache free today.

    I'm trying to get out this week for a lunch or maybe even a "happy hour" since this is my (supposedly) good week before the next Chemo treatment.

    Hope everyone's doing okay,
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited October 2005
    Ok, for the most part... I'm doing fine on day 6 post-first AC. Doing errands, working, going out to dinner tonight with friends...

    EXCEPT...I'm exhausted. I can't find any ounce of energy at all. Is there something I should be eating to give me some energy? I'm craving steak, but I'm a vegetarian, so I don't know if I should just eat steak...is that healthy? I'm just so tired and it's driving me crazy.

    Also, I've also decided that water tastes like plastic and nothing I'm doing is helping...lime, lemon, anything...I'm a huge water drinker, so I don't know what to do.

    And my head is itching like crazy. I thought it was like 10 days from the first chemo to do that and I'm on day 6? I'm shaving my head on Friday because we're having a party, but this itchiness is driving me nutso.

    Anyone else having these effects? Sorry to complain, but I'm getting frustrated between the fatigue and the itchy scalp. Grrrr.

    -Amy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2005
    Amy,

    I'm on day six, like you, and like you, also exhausted. I do see a definite trend for the better. I have been eating a lot of dried fruit and nuts. The nurse agreed these are good for me (iron, protein) and I'm not even a vegetarian.

    I am so in denial about the hair. I have long brown hair. Parting is such sweet sorrow...

    Hey, ativan ladies... ativan is also good for going to sleep. I take two before I go to bed, not for nausea. Really works for me.

    It's my birthday! Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, etc. etc.!!! Guess the celebration needs postponing...wait till my appetite is back.

    Carry on, ladies.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited October 2005
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Brenda! Next years will be a lot better, but I hope you found a way to celebrate today!

    I will start chemo a week from Friday--everything you all are saying will be such a big help to me! Thank you so much!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • debbie444
    debbie444 Member Posts: 847
    edited October 2005
    I am day 7, apart from having wobbly legs, am feeling fine - rather worrying really!
    Gave in and went to look at wigs yesterday - came away with cool red rock chick one - if i have to wear one i am doing it big style. Hubby loves it - its the style i was aiming for before all of this kicked off!
    What have i learnt for thenext cycle? Dont leave it so ling before taking the laxatives !
    Well we live and learn
    Take care all
    Debbie xx
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited October 2005
    Well I guess no more waiting woke up took a shower washed hair and yikes!! handfuls of hair--maybe it didn't like my shampoo!?!?haha Time for a haircut hope I don't shed to much at work today I go for blood work today Sometimes I feel like a pin cushion
    Brenda HAPPY BIRTHDAY If you don't get to celebrate now pick a good day in the middle of chemo cycle and still celebrate. Your birthday is a wonderful day do not ignore it.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • scared2
    scared2 Member Posts: 9
    edited October 2005
    thanks for taking the time to answer it helps more than you will ever know
    sharon in texas
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2005
    Quote:

    Well I guess no more waiting woke up took a shower washed hair and yikes!! handfuls of hair--maybe it didn't like my shampoo!?!?haha Time for a haircut hope I don't shed to much at work today I go for blood work today Sometimes I feel like a pin cushion



    Hi Sherry,
    What day are you post your first Chemo?
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • daydream
    daydream Member Posts: 69
    edited October 2005
    I just joined the boards. R. mastectomy on 9/30. Chemo starts Oct.25. I'll be starting on 4 cycles of AC, with immune boosters. After that, I will possibly be on Herceptin. I will be my oncologist's first node negative patient on that drug, but it is not certain yet.

    Of course, I am anxious. Who wouldn't be?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited October 2005

    daydream! Welcome to our little sisterhood. You will find a lot of information and comfort here with these ladies. I love it here! My chemo starts on 10/28 (6 cycles of AC), so we will be right there together....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited October 2005
    aah...how is it that i felt fine all weekend after my first chemo and now i'm feeling awful? my head is still itchy as hell (shaving on friday!), but the new thing is my skin...red and blotchy and bumpy. any suggestions? i refuse to be bald and have bad skin....that's just not fair.

    i'm getting so frustrated

    -amy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2005
    I'm either psycho or having chemo side effects. Last night, day 6, I felt two breast muscles (left and right) involuntarily tense up and harden for about 15 minutes. After that I felt my lungs do the same thing! I feel less nauseous and generally better (less wobbly and shaky), but I looked in the mirror and saw what looked like teenage zits! I have zits. Just turned 51 and I have teenage acne!
    My appetite is coming back, you guys! That's a definite positive.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • daydream
    daydream Member Posts: 69
    edited October 2005

    Thanks! I think I will be around here quite a bit.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sally12219
    Sally12219 Member Posts: 5
    edited October 2005
    Hi girls,

    I just got home from having my hair all shaved off. It is almost a relief. I have been dreading it and it wasn't so bad. I even stopped at Goodwill on the way home!

    My hairdresser is an angel. Her Mom and sister had BC years ago. She said come in today because I will be alone in the salon. So I went in and she was nervous too. We did great, she got done and gave me the vase of a dozen red roses that was on her station and a great card that said call me anytime. Then she wouldn't let me pay her. She tied on my doo-rag and gave me a hug.

    It seems like the last big hurdle. The chemo has not been too bad for me. My second treatment is Friday do I have a chemo twin?

    Please don't feel guilty because you can't go to work or do as much as usual. This is time to take care of YOU and you know you would cut someone else in your position some slack---so cut yourself some slack!!!

    Hugs to you,

    Sally
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited October 2005
    Good Job Sally! You just did the part that I am dreading the most and you came thru it OK!

    I have been thinking about this happening for so long that I can totally understand when you say that it was a relief. I think I am going to feel that way as well.....
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited October 2005

    Today I am day 14 post 1st chemo, hair coming out all day on my way to friends was hoping to just get really shor haircut but looks like I'll need a shave instead, heart pounding right now but know it has to happen can't stand the shedding

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kapensy
    kapensy Member Posts: 21
    edited October 2005
    Two days until my 2nd treatment - shaved my hair yesterday - I tried to wash it yesterday and it was coming out in clumps; I was shedding everywhere - went to Great Clips next to our local grocery store and they did it for free! Nice, huh? I'd never even been there before. Anyway, my scalp itched and was tingly too. My adorable nieces, who are six and ten have decided my bald head will make me perfect for handing out candy at Halloween...

    I hope my next round goes as well as this one did. I expect as it goes on, things might get worse, but I'm trying to maintain...

    Lynn
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories