Chemo starting in December 2010

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  • meglove
    meglove Member Posts: 267
    edited December 2010

    finished my first dd AC this afternoon/ already felt headache by 6pm. put hot pad on forehead. nurse did that when i am on chemo. do not expect this fast though. will go to bed soon. hope all doing fine.

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  • klynnwayman
    klynnwayman Member Posts: 23
    edited December 2010

    Hi all,

     Well, they went ahead and allowed the chemo today. My first round of TAC.

    All I have now is a slight headache, a funny taste in my mouth, and feeling of just not being myself. Drinking lots of water, going to get some rest and hope that the SE's aren't so bad tomorrow. 

    It really wasn't as bad as I expected. I mean, I know I'm in for some stuff, but I thought I would be a lot more apprehensive when the chemo actually happened. I'm sure the Ativan they put in my line helped with that.

     I hope all went well for everyone today.

     Kim

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  • Rachel2
    Rachel2 Member Posts: 32
    edited August 2013

    Hi:

    I am new to this message board.  I just started chemo Dec 6th, first round of AC, 3 more to go then 4 of taxol every two weeks, dense dose.  Feeling not myself, but other than that, a big of nausea and yucky taste in my mouth, not too bad.  I hope I feel good enough to go to the gym tomorrow.  I walked for an hour the first and second day, but it was really rainy out yesterday so couldn't get out.

      

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  • meglove
    meglove Member Posts: 267
    edited December 2010

    I think C in the dose dense AC might have given me a huge headache so on day one, I already vomit a few times because of that headache. Tried warm pad, in fact, not sure if cold would work better. Can not imagine what is ahead of me.

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  • Lawleigh
    Lawleigh Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2010

    Finished my first dose ddAC about 2:00 today so not as long as they though.   Got a headache when they were putting the C part in but not horrible.  It left as soon as they quit and began putting in the trial drug.  i felt normal when i left so came home and picked up dog poo (figured I better do it while I felt ok) then had to go take some house photos (I am a Realtor) then went to Kohls as they were having a big toy sale so thought I better look for stuff for the grandbaby.  Got 50.00 worth for 13.00...score.  Home now slight headache so took 3 tylenol. 

    @meglove....I would think that cold would work better as thats what they use for migraines as it compresses the veins.  I would think hot would be the opposite.  Not sure why the heating pad but they know more than us...but if it were me I would try the cold. 

    Getting a bit tired so going to catch up on email and then relax.  Hoping the steroids wont keep me up all night

    Leigh

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  • meglove
    meglove Member Posts: 267
    edited December 2010

    Leigh, did you take tylenol 3, or 3 pills of tylenol? i will try that too. thanks

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    Rachel2 -  welcome to our little humble chat room !  Sorry you have to be here with the rest of us but know we are all here for one another at anytime of the day. 

    Leigh & Meglove-  glad you made it through your first one.     yay!!!

    I am feeling good.   8 days into first AC and only a bit of nausea here and there that is ever so slight.   Still get tired easily if I do too much tho.  My DH took me to get my hair cut short last night in anticipation of next week.   So now I have  a Meg Ryan look for a little while.    Today was a good day - it's my birthday - couldn't have asked for it to have fallen better between chemo treatments.   Went to Gilda's and did some holiday cookie decorating with my dh and friend

    Love to all this beautiful blessed day.   Hope everyone will come through 8 days in as well as I feel right now. 

    Lisa

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  • Lawleigh
    Lawleigh Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2010

    Meglove- i took 3 regular tylenol and it barely hurts.   My stomach was quesy...cant say nauseaus so had some applesauce and then Larry (my amazing husband) actually had me try some pizza which sounded aweful - anything solid sounded bad.  But it actually tasted good...took about 45 min to get one piece down but I did it and my stomach feels better.  Thinking since I didnt eat anything inc the lunch they brought me that all the meds may have been playing havoc and the crust will absorb some of that.

    Lisa- Happy bday I am so glad that it was a good day for you.  I am hoping that tomorrow I am feeling as decent as I am now.  I almost feel like I could go to work.

    Am getting a bit sleepy have not slept all day but trying to stay up a bit longer so that I dont wake up at 3 in the morning.

    Leigh

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  • ShelMel
    ShelMel Member Posts: 207
    edited December 2010

    Hello my sweet chemo friends!

    Lisa - Happy birthday!!! So wonderful that it was a good day for you!! You'll have to post pic of your new haircut. :)

    Leigh - Glad you're not experiencing too many SEs. I hope it stays that way. Keeping you in my prayers.

    Elizabeth - How are you doing, hun??

    Rachel2 - So glad you're doing well. The funny tastes are weird, aren't they? Welcome to the boards and please keep posting. :)

    Kim - Glad you got it over with. keeping you in my prayers for no SE's, too. Hang tuff girl!

    meglove -  Keeping you in my prayers, too. Sorry about the bad headache... these SE's suck. Sending you big soft hugs!

    If I've missed anyone, I'm sorry. Just trying to catch up and it's been a few days... I've got all of you in my throughts and prayers though.

    To all the wonderful "old timers" who take the time to come in and cheer us on, bless you!!!

    I'm at 7 days post my first TC round. I felt like complete utter crap and am just now on the upswing.

    Dr. told me I could take pain meds for the pain, and that helped soooo much.

    Then, I had to go to the Dr. on Tuesday - - found out I have an infection (red throat) and gave me antibiotic.

    Went to the onco yesterday and my numbers are great. YAY!! They wound up giving me a script for Celexa (happy pills). I tried one yesterday and besides making me extremely tired and dizzy, I was amazed at how quickly they altered my mood. I had NO idea I was depressed. Seriously. I've never been on "happy pills" in my entire life. I'm going to take one tonight before I go to bed and see how I do.  

    Still having to take the pain meds the bone pain is unbelievable!! But, I was able to go to my oldest sons (14) Christmas Choir Concert tonight. He was part of a singing trio and sounded sooooo good!! It made my whole week fade away. :) It was so wonderful to be there and listen to him sing.

    Found out my PET scans are clear except for some "noise" in the right breast (which is where my tumor was). YAY!

    AND - I got to put off my next chemo treatment for after Christmas, instead of taking it on the 23rd. God is good and I am blessed.

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  • hopefortomorrow
    hopefortomorrow Member Posts: 193
    edited December 2010

    Hi everyone,

    Today was my lab day- I was sent home with a good report. They said my numbers were great.

    I too had a terrible experience with headache last week after my first A/C treatment. The nurses told me it is the anti-nausea medication they gave me in the iv (I forget the name) I told the nurse today that it is the one reason I am dreading my next treatment-my head felt like it was going to pop off! I asked if there is something else they can give me, and she wasn't sure, so she is going to check with my oncologist.

    My next treatment is the 16th, so I am hoping I will have the SE's behind me by Christmas Eve. Right now I feel pretty much back to normal except for an occasional wave of nausea and occasional fatigue. I am wondering if the SE's last longer with each treatment? Or will I still have some good days left in the cycle?

    Shel, I am glad you got to put off your chemo treatment. I would have asked to put it off if I was scheduled the week of Christmas.

    My son (13 yr old) had his tonsils and adenoids out Wednesday, so I have been distracted taking care of him. I felt so bad tonight (and helpless) when the tears were coming down his cheeks because it hurt to swallow. He has actually done pretty well, and managed to eat scrambled eggs, maltomeal, popsicles-all soft foods-but like all of us, he has his moments and gets discouraged.

    Wishing everyone a good night, Cathy

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited December 2010

    Shel, so glad things are going better for you!! It's amazing the meds that can be given for the different side effects!!   Glad your blood levels were good, mine were not so good , so hoping this week is better, or else the N shot next week.

    I almost asked onc about waiting for next chemo after x-mas,we had an atlantic city family trip for  planned before chemo was in our vocabualry! I would be  two days after chemo, and I know I won't be able to go, expecially if my wbc goes low a week after.  I'm sure sure if they would let me wait that long. 

    Cathy, hope your son is doing better,

    Here's to ativan, another 6 hour night sleep!!!  Just hard being up at 3 a.m!

    Hugs and wishes for a peaceful day,

    JoAnn

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  • Lawleigh
    Lawleigh Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2010

    Good morning to all...

    Cathy,  I hope that your son is doing better today, that is such a touch thing to go through for anyone.   I feel your pain as nothing can hurt you more than seeing your children in pain.

    Shel- I am so sorry for your infection but jealous that you got your treatment on the 23rd postponed.  I am so bummed that I have AC on the 23rd and Neulasta on the 24th.  But it will be what I make it and time will tell.

    I feel pretty good this morning.  Not 100% but no more off then I have been since surgeries.  Managed to get down the asst of pills and some yogurt.  Larry made me coffee but it still sits here.  Just a bit skeptical to try that one.  I did have trouble sleeping...did pretty well for about 3 hours than no more to be had, so I would imagine I will try to work a bit this morning from home and then a nap may be in order.

    Good luck to all today and may the sunshine on you whereever you are.

    Leigh

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    Hugs to all this beautiful day!   Know that each and everyone of you are always in my thoughts and prayers!

    Feeling tired today.  Slept well last night - first time in a long time - finally rolled out of bed at 10 this morning.  I musta needed it.   I didn't nap yesterday must be why.

    Went down to Gilda's club last night for part of my birthday celebration and decorated christmas cookies for the local police departments.   That was fun.  Thinking of asking them to let me do a cake decorating class  when I am up to running one.

    I changed my profile look so you could see the new haircut! 

     I haven't had hair this short since I was 6 lol.   I have finally wrapped my head (so to speak) around the fact I won't be having hair soon.   Several of my friends are still in denial and say I  "might"   lose my hair.   uh huh. ok friends lol.    At least with it short when it does fall out it won't be as messy.

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  • meglove
    meglove Member Posts: 267
    edited December 2010

    For gals had dose dense AC, how long did you have red pee? I only had two or three times, now I did not see red at all in the urine. Is it normal. I am just so tired. neusea is the worst part. Hug. Meg

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  • whisper2010
    whisper2010 Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2010

    Dec. 1 was my second treatment with TC.  I am 35 with stage II breast cancer. Had a double mastectomy.

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  • whisper2010
    whisper2010 Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    I am new to your Board. A little about myself here and then I have question that i need help with.

    I am 35 with three kids, 3, 6 and 9. I have stage II breastcancer and have had my 2nd treatment of TC on Dec. 1.

     Over all I felt great with the first treatment...tired for a few days, hungover on the 3rd and increasingly better each day until next treatment 3 weeks later. Lost most hair on second week. Second treatment more tired and more sick to my stomach, then started my period.  It was a normal time for me to start and am loosing more of my hair...it is now shaved.  Much better then the falling out process!

    So here is my BIG question.  I am 35 and still having periods.  My blood flow is very heavy and that is not normal for me.  I mosly can not leave the house and it is now been 5 days of this.  I am getting more tired and feeling dizzy as well.  I am looking for anyone else experiencing abnormal heavy blood clots during menstrual cycle.

    thanks for any insight or help on this subject.  I live in small town and feel that the staff gave me the roll your eyes we don't have time for this...go to your OBGYN!

    a little lost here

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  • Lawleigh
    Lawleigh Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2010

    Lisa...the hair is way cute and hopefully will make the transition easier.  I have not done anything but buy the wigs...but I am very scared of the transition and ever having anyone see me bald...must be a vanity issue.  lol

    Meg...I am on your same schedule started dd AC yesterday and only peed red once while I was actually still at the treatment center.  So no worries.  I am sorry that you are nauseaus did they give you anything in addition to the Emend to take at home?  Did you get your Neulasta shot today?

    Leigh

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  • sunflower71
    sunflower71 Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2010
    Lisa- I love the short hair!  I admire you for going to get it cut, I am still chicken. I think you may have inspired me to go ahead and do it already.  I go to the Gilda's here, I really enjoy it there.  It is one of the few places I feel "normal".Wink
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  • hopefortomorrow
    hopefortomorrow Member Posts: 193
    edited December 2010

    It has been a long day for me-- lately everything is so up and down! My son woke me last night at 4:00 am. He was feeling nauseas (Tonsilectomy) and wanted some ice water. Within minutes he was spitting up bright red blood. In my heart right away I knew I had to the hospital with him. Ironically I could not sleep for anything and had finally fallen asleep at 2:00 a.m.! In a way we were lucky it happened when it did, it was about 5:00 and the doctors were all starting to come in, so Luc basically was the first one in surgery. They just had to recauterize an area, and there was a clot that was right over an artery, so the doctor felt we were lucky to have come in, that way he could close that up too. I feel so bad for Luc- it is his first surgery, the anesthesia doesn't agree with him- he will prob hate hospitals. Thank goodness this anesthiologist did a marvelous job, this time around he has had minimal nausea. Of course every chair in each waiting room had no back-I mean not a high back...Making it very difficult to snooze! Ugh, my neck muscles are so sore! I really fantasized about sprawling out on the cold tile floor! OK I will stop whinning. We are home, and he is resting peaceful now. amen.

    Lisa-  cute hair! I also don't get the friends and family that keep insisting I might not loose my hair. I told them the onc said I would not have hair in three weeks.  I am hating my hair anyways- it has no shine to it anymore. I haven't colored it so I have massive 'root' outgrowth.

    Meg- I didn't have alot of red either- you must be doing really well with your fluids. I was told the red would be more translucent looking, like a tinge. I only saw a little bit too. I agree I think the nausea and fatigue are the worst!

    Whisper- welcome... I wish I knew what to tell you. I don't have any good advice. Maybe someone else will here. I still get my periods and they are heavy, but it didn't cross over my first treatment. My nurses always tell me not to hesitate to call. I would let them know at your oncologists office. They might have an attitude, but it is their job to take care of you. You have three precious kids to care for and you need to make sure you get the care you need hon! I do think the dizzy and tired could all be related to the treatment, and your period just isn't helping. Be safe.

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    meglove  - I only had red pee one time - doc said to call if it lasted longer than 48 hours.  I was surprised it only happened once but they said that was fine it only happened once.   Hang in there Meg.  I was extremely tired too at first.  Rest whenever you can - the doc said to me the body is under stress and it makes the metabolism work overtime hence the tiredness and the weight loss.  So rest, rest, rest.   Try some animal crackers.  My doc gave me compazine after along with the EMEND and I take it still from time to time.  Call him today and tell him you're not managing the nausea if he hasn't already given you some drugs to compensate it.  BIG hugs!!

    whisper2010... I am 48 oops 49!  and still having periods, altho I haven't had one since the chemo started on December 1st.  It's coming up tho - it's due on or around the 16th so we will see.  Hopefully some of the other girls have some insight on it.

    Lawleigh - how you doin sweetie?

    To all afraid of losing their hair..... I was there.  I am no longer afraid.  My husband set me straight.   My hair is not who I am.  I am still going to feel just like me.  And he was looking forward to making love to his bald wife!   So I am going to wear my bald head proud without wigs.  I may have to wear scarves tho - it's damn cold up here in Nash!  

    Love to all.

    Lisa

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    Hope -  hugs to you and your son.  I had my tonsils out about 5 years ago and I feel for him, and you during his  need.   I found out the quicker I ate something solid the better I felt.  I lived on popsicles tho for the first week.  I pray he recovers quick.  

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited August 2013

    Lisa, thanks for the inspiring words, my head has been tingling and itchy all day...1 week out of 1st chemo..so I know the days are numbered!! I have a short cut, and I love it...but its about to get much shorter, I'm sure.  ALso cold here in MA!!  ponds are starting to freeze already!!

     I had a question, did anyone end up with menopausal symptoms? my onc said I was almost through menopause, I never had any hot flashes/night sweats, she said I would be getting "terrible ones" with chemo.  nothing yet, but do you think this is something that will be happening as I have more treatments? If so, any suggestions as to what to take?

    Wishing I could skip chemo on the 23, postpone til the 28th. is there that much harm to waiting a week?

     Have a good weekend everyone.

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  • hopefortomorrow
    hopefortomorrow Member Posts: 193
    edited December 2010

    Thanks Lisa!

    I smiled about your advice to Meg about animal crackers- they helped me too! I think that was all I ate day 1&2!

    Ok, huge confession. What really bothers me about loosing my hair? My double chin! UGHHHH! I am 'fluffy' and always struggling with my weight. I know you can't hide the real you anyways-but I felt like I always have had great hair and it was a distraction from my DOUBLE CHIN! I know I will beable to do a great budda imitation for my husband!!!

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  • ninap7
    ninap7 Member Posts: 50
    edited December 2010

    Hi - i am starting chemo on December 20th - i am very scared and nervous

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  • hopefortomorrow
    hopefortomorrow Member Posts: 193
    edited December 2010

    Hi ninap,  This is a great thread for support and advice.

    I was very scared and nervous too. I still get scared about the whole Cancer thing. Nights are hard for me.

    I think knowledge is power, and you can pretty much learn what to expect from the awesome ladies here, and on the whole site.

    I think the hardest thing about Chemo is not knowing how your will feel after receiving the treatment. Treatment itself isn't bad.

    Hugs to you!

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  • gradetchr
    gradetchr Member Posts: 7
    edited December 2010

    Thank you so much Amy!

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  • gradetchr
    gradetchr Member Posts: 7
    edited December 2010

    Hello Ladies!

    I'm new to the board so I thought I'd start by introducing myself! I'm Lisa - and in many ways i've grown accustomed to being all things to all people. Well, on November 5th, my life changed forever. (As I'm sure you all know all to well!)  I never had an irregular mammogram or felt any lumps.  I had a lymph node which felt a little large to me but was still within 'normal' limits. However, the doctor decided to remove since I was uncomfortable with it.  Well, the lab work showed cancer cells on it.  Then we went on a seek and find mission -- MRI, surgical MRI, biopsy, more lymph nodes removed and finally a PET scan.  The orginal site was never found.  So, my oncologist is treating it as breast cancer.  So, today I had my port put in and I have my first chemo treatment on Monday. I'm glad to have found you all.  I will pray for you and ask you to do the same for me. I'm a little anxious about it.  I'm really nervous about possible nausea.

    But - I guess I will know soon.  Nice to meet you all! God bless!

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  • ebann
    ebann Member Posts: 3,026
    edited December 2010

    ShelMel; I am doing alright. The day of chemo I slept the rest of the day from being pre-medicated from Wednesday. Thursday evening I got the chills, lightheaded and weak. It continued thoughout today. I slept all day today till about 3pm. I am feeling better. Still weak though. Thanks for asking about me. :0)

    Hopefortomorrow: I am so sorry to hear about your son and so glad to know he is doing better. That must of been scary for all of you. How are you feeling now with your SE's? Didn't think about the double chin now that you brought it up. Oh my!

    meglove: I had red pee for a few days and then it was gone. There is nothing to worry about. :0) Like Sammolisa says rest is the important key here. It is draining and sleep it what is going to get you through. I hated sleeping so much cause I felt like time was passing me by. But it made such a difference.

    nipnap7: It is understandable to be anxious and nervous at the same time. We are here to support you. Chemo is doable and you just do not know how everyone is going to react to it. I hope you have miminal SE's.

    gradetchr: you must be a teacher. I taught Kindergarten for 20 years. Loved it. Are you still teaching? As far as the nausea goes they have great meds for that. Emend is the best I think. Welcome and look forward to getting to know you.

    msjag: Talk to your onc about skipping. I know when I was traveling my Dr let me be off a few days. This was a while back. As far a menopause. I went though it. I did go through the night sweats/ hot flashes but not bad. My periods stopped and I was in remission for a year and a half and still no period. I cannot take anything cause I am triple negative. So sorry I cannot advice on that.

    I wish everyone the best and have a good weekend. Check in with you all later.

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    gradetchr & ninap7  welcome to our little home away from home.  :)  Don't be scared.  I know it's easier said than done.  I started chemo on December 1st.  I was scared too.  I didn't know how I would react.   But the forums here were so helpful!  It was not much more than an IV really.   Had a headache and a little nausea within a few hours.  Not bad tho.  ANIMAL CRACKERS, ANIMAL CRACKERS, ANIMAL CRACKERS!!!   lol and POPSICLES!  And take all the meds they are willing to give you!  My onc is great.  He hooked me up with pills for sleeping, nausea, pain, and the tips here on the boards got me thru.   My second tx is next wednesday.  Doc says the neulasta shot shouldn't be as bad from now on either - thank god!  the shot and the SE's from it were worse than the SE's from the chemo.   I never threw up,  and the second I felt any nausea - I popped a compazine and ate animal crackers.   I made up a bag with all the essentials in it and it was attached to my hip lol (Not literally!)    Animal crackers, lip balm, all my pills, kleenex, hand lotion, etc etc etc.  I look back now at each event and say "wow I can't believe I just went through that"!    Hang in there.   hugs!

     And wow do we have alot of Lisa's here!

    Lisa 

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  • klynnwayman
    klynnwayman Member Posts: 23
    edited December 2010

    Hi friends,

    Well, my first day after my 1st chemo treatment (TAC) was really not so bad. I had a little vomiting/ shakiness last night, but took a sleeping pill that was prescribed to me, and got good sleep. I woke up feeling pretty weak, but not at all as sick as I thought I might.The biggest problem I had today, besides fatigue, was a lack of appetite. Nothing tasted right, and I could only eat small portions at a time. 

     I did get the Neulasta shot today, so I am expecting I will get some bone pain by tomorrow. After hearing some of the things you all were dealing with, I asked my doc to prescribe me something for pain just in case. I am hoping that since I did fairly well today, that the SE from the Neulasta won't be horrible...it doesn't hurt to hope, right?

    Take care, everybody,

     Kim

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