Chemo starting in December 2010

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited December 2010

    Kim, hope is what its all about!!  Wishing you no side effects from the shot, others have stated claritin before the shot and a few days later, I haven't had the shot yet. Ehy's lemonbars tasted so good the frist few days after chemo!

    Ebann, thanks for the info.  I too am triple negative and can't take anything, chemo is our best friend right now!! 

    Well, ativan is my new best friend, three nights of 6 hours sleep, yahoo!!!.  I just wanted everyone to know that we are being prayed for each morning from a friends mom in texas.  When I told my friend about this site and how it has helped, supported and got me through 1st tx of chemo, she told her mom, and now we are in her prayers.

    popsicles and prayers...ladies we are armed!

    JoAnn

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  • lindaa
    lindaa Member Posts: 119
    edited December 2010

    ebann and msjag - when you say 'can't take anything', what do you mean?  I am triple neg too. 

    For me, just really tired. i can't believe how much i am sleeping.  I took the claritin before the shot and have not had any pain.  I had to have my port replaced just before this chemo and that area is bothering me more than anything.  My last rounds of chemo included avastin and that causes slow wound healing.  I am off of it now so hopefully this thing will seal up right.   

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  • ninap7
    ninap7 Member Posts: 50
    edited December 2010

    Thanks so much for ALL your support - how long does the first infusion take - i really do not want steroids- do i have to take them - should i take a stool softner the night before i start - cant u guys ALL come with me on December 20th

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    ninap7,    awwwwwwwwww!  well where do you live!?!?!   I'm in Nashville.   And I didn't take a stool softener before - only after and only once.  Then I added prunes to my diet within about 5 days and I seem to be fine since.   And the first infusion is usually longer they told me because they talk you through the whole thing and teach you about what is happening and stuff  - at least my onc did - next time he said it would be a little shorter because I know it all now lol.   So my first appt was at 8:30am and I was done by 1pm.

    hugs to all!

    Lisa

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  • Lawleigh
    Lawleigh Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2010

    Hi to all...sorry for being a bit quiet.  Just trying to process through all of this and trying to keep straight all of you on this site.  I feel I know you all so well and then have to back up and make sure I have the right person in my head...can't be chemo brain yet...can it? 

    Ninaap7...where are you at...i know that any of us would be there is possible.

    I agree that I wish I could postpone my chemo for the 23rd but I guess it is what it is.  As far as how things are on this end I can't complain.  Yesterday was day 2 and  really probably could have worked.  I did work from home some on my computer.  I was able to sleep last night which was a result of my husband doping me with everything they have prescribed that said may make you drowsy.  He has been amazing trying to keep ahead of the nausea and succeeding all day yesterday.

    Woke up today with my stomach feeling fine until Larry started on all the drugs...lol.  They switched me onto a new anti dep of effexsor which I started today which may not have been the swiftest move.  I had to get off of Celexa as it was making me nauseaus and that is the only change we made so may lay off that for a bit.

    Got my Neulasta shot yesterday and did take the claritin yesterday and today and no pain.  So fingers crossed ladies that it works.  Tough to get comfortable laying around but I think that is just from so much laying around.

    Meg  I am so sorry you have had to struggle with your son.  My thoughts are with you as I know that it makes eveything that you are going through secondary in your mind when it comes to your baby suffering.

    All of you that are new here...I am sorry you are here but you are in great company and don't be afrarid to ask anything, vent or cry.

    Best wishes and warmest thoughts to all.

    Leigh

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  • gradetchr
    gradetchr Member Posts: 7
    edited December 2010

    ebann: Thanks for the info about nausea. My oncologist did prescribe Emend. I taught for several years -- 1st-3rd as classroom teacher, K-5 as collab reading specialist and now I'm an assistant principal. :-)

    sammolisa: thank you for the welcome! I will have to get some animal crackers! I also noticed the multiple Lisas!

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    thinking of you Kim and Leigh.  How are you guys coping?

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  • nolaa
    nolaa Member Posts: 76
    edited December 2010

    Hi All -

       I've been off for a few days.  The SE really really knocked up up side the head.  I was in bed barely moving for 2 days.  I didn't take the Claritin until after the neulasta shot and I think that was a mistake.  My back is still hurting.  2 days I couldn't move or sleep, now it's just sore and I have to move gingerly.  

       So I need to ask how everyone is taking their anti-nausea meds because apparently I didn't take enough, or at the right time, or something because I was rotten miserable.  I have emend, compazine, atavin, and zofran.  Since I woke up on day 2 feeling sort of okay I only took the emend but none of the others.  Then, by the time I started feeling sick none of them worked.  So did you guys just keep taking them non-stop?  I know they say you have to be pro-active and not let the nausea get ahead of you.  I was also worried about being constipated so I think that's also why I took less.

       Anyway, chemo was on Tuesday so this is day 5 and I can finally get out of bed and move and be somewhat normal.  Still weak, took lots of naps today, and can only stand for 5 or 10 minutes before I get weak and shaky, but I had some decent meals and kept everything down.

        So if anyone came through with very few side effects please tell me how you did it! 

    - Nola 

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  • klynnwayman
    klynnwayman Member Posts: 23
    edited December 2010

    Hi,



    Hanging in there. Been laying low today- got some bone pain going on from the Neulasta shot. Pain meds are the only thing that helps.



    Otherwise, I'm not feeling as bad as I thought I would, thank goodness.



    I've been able to get some food in me, I just have to eat small amounts, and only certain things are stomach-friendly.



    I have a 7-year old son that I have to remain present for, so that keeps me focused. I'm lucky he's a really good boy.



    Thanks for asking...hope you all are doing okay.



    Much love,



    Kim

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  • ShelMel
    ShelMel Member Posts: 207
    edited December 2010
    Hi everyone -

    Cathy - I'm so glad your son is doing better now. Those tonsilectomys are tough. I hope he's doing even better now. It hurts so much when our kids are hurting...

    My double chin is EXACTLY what's bothering me about losing my hair, too!! And where am I going to stop when putting makeup on my forehead? LOL And I'm totally convinced that I'm not as pretty as a bald Demi Moore - she had a pretty bald head. I'm sure I'll look like Gollom (however you spell his name) from Lord of the Rings.... *sigh*

    msjag - Are they keeping an eye on your numbers pretty frequently now?? It wouldn't hurt to ask to postpone your treatment. I didn't think they would, but I asked anyway. I think being Stage 1 helped though.

    How sweet that your friend's mom is praying for us all!! That's wonderful!

    By the way - popscicles are my best friend right now, too. LOL

    And - is your scalp all itchy and sore, too? Mine is - BAD! I think I even have some "sores" on my scalp. I guess this is the effects of our hair getting ready to fall out, huh? YUCK!

    Leigh - I wish all of us could put off our treatment until after Christmas. I will definitely be thinking of you and saying some prayers for no SE's for you during that time.

    sammolisa - I love your hair!! It's too cute!!! I need to post a picture of me with my short hair up for you guys, too. I've had quite a few people ask me if I'm sure I'll lose my hair, too. I don't worry about it, because honestly, until I've had my front-row seat to cancer, I had no idea about any of this stuff either.

    whisper2010 - I'm so sorry that you're here, but I hope that you stick around. These boards and these women have been my lifesaver. Please call your oncologist office and tell them how much blood you're losing. I think we can expect abnormal periods and even the loss of periods, but if you're having something that abnormal and feeling dizzy and weak as a result, that warrants a call to your oncologist. Please keep us posted. Sending you big hugs and prayers, sweetie. I just started my period earlier in the week and it seemed pretty normal although I had some pretty serious cramping - but I couldn't tell whether it was from the Nuelasta shot or from my hormones kicking in.

    sunflower71 - Have you made up your mind about getting your hair cut short yet?? I did it and I'm really glad I did. I'm jealous of you and Lisa having a Gilda's place to go to. I checked them out on the net and they look fabulous!

    ninap7 - Hi. I'm sorry you're about to start this journey with us. It IS a very scary place to be. Please stick around and join us - we can be scared together. :) This board is full of great women and awesome advice. I agree with what Cathy said, Knowledge is power. I didn't want the steriods either but my oncologist told me that if I didn't have it I'd throw up my toenails.... Where do you live, girlfriend? I'll be there if I can! :)

    gradetchr - I'm sorry you're here, too. I'll be keeping you in my prayers next week as you start your treatments. What kind of chemo are you having?? There are a couple of threads on the boards that are specific to the type of chemo drugs you may be taking. Those threads may give you some insight into what to expect.

    Elizabeth - How are you doing this weekend?? I hope you're getting your strength up. HUGS!

    Kim - I'm glad you're doing ok. Those pain meds are miracles. Take them all the time - on time. I went through day 2-5 without pain meds and wanted to die. Just rest and eat what you can.

    lindaa - You had to have your port completely redone? Ouch!! I hope it's healing fine and that you're not having any SE's from the Neulasta shot.

    nolaa - I'm so sorry you're having a hard time with the SE's.. I know days 2 - 5 were the worst for me. Having pain meds were all that got me through it. My heart breaks for you hun. I think it does get better - it's just getting through it that sucks.

    I'm doing much better. Still get tired a lot, weak... but I had a good day today. I just wanted to stop in and say HI to everyone. Sending you all big soft hugs and much love!!

    Shelle

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2010

    The medical group that my onco doc works for said that my insurance had sent them conformation for me to participate in the clinical trial for reoccurring cancer.  I asked for them to forward the conformation to me for my records.  The so called conformation said to go ahead and participate in the clinical trial.  In small print, it said that they (the insurance) are not responsible for any of my treatment costs if I do participate in the trial.  What kind of conformation is that?  Doesn't this seem wrong?  Wrong that the insurance company won't pay?  Wrong that the medical group lied?

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited December 2010

    Shellie, my head is so darn itchy today...I know the time is near!!  Onc will look at my wbc on thurs..they expected them to go down..now they should go up..hopefully!!

    Nola, the best advice was from our sisters here..stay ahead of everything, take nausea med before it starts, eat, it really does help, take the claritan before seems to be helping many(I didn't have the shot....yet..) and stay moving...I'm not sure, only had one treatment but the nurses believe me coming in hydrated and having to get up many times to use the ladies room, and drinking non stop for two days helped so much. I wasn't sleeping, so getting up every two hours to flush this stuff out the first two days was easy.  I actually had my husband ready to wake me up, if I didn't get up to drink and flush!!!! Saltines and lemon ice pops!!  I ate oatmeal, peanutbutter and bagels and soup, throughout the day, constantly..and still lost ten pounds (steriods

    IReality is, it wasn't for all of you, I probably would have had every s/e known.  I stumbled on to this website, it should be given to eveery woman when they are diagnosed.  I am going to look good/feel better  on Monday and I'm going to suggest they give this life changing forum to every women diagnosed with breast cancer. (maybe some doc's do)   People really try to understand, but they can't,  and I hope they never have to,  Sorry, for going on, just feeling lucky and grateful today...doesn't happen often with b/c, so ya have to take it when ya can!!!  I may actually go x-mas shopping!!  

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  • ninap7
    ninap7 Member Posts: 50
    edited December 2010

    I live in New York - i am SO PHOBIC - i hate needles - i am afraid of the neulasta shot - where do you think its hurts the least - in the stomach or the arm - should i start eating some prunes all this week since i am doing my first infusion on December 20th - i really need ALL your support

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  • imatthew
    imatthew Member Posts: 206
    edited December 2010
    msjag - my wife had her first neulasta on friday, she was fine until yesterday afternoon then got very tired, she woke up this morning with pain in her neck but she's up and about today (first TCH was Thursday).
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  • Lawleigh
    Lawleigh Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2010

    Well day 4 is here and am feeling pretty good.  Some upper body ing mpain from the Neulasta but nothing major at all..  Had another night of just dozing (the steroids I think).  Just like yesterday though I feel fine and was wonderding whether I should take anything or not but after reading your posts from above I think that you are right and staying ahead of it is the key.  I have been taking my anti nausea in the time intervals they say and that has helped.  The compazine is the only one that occassionally gets taken more because I will start feeling cruddy.

    @pasofino I am also in the clinical trial and the ins does not pay for the trial portion but the drug company that is doing the trial does so there have been no additional charges and the treatment seems to be the best of the best because they can't mess with things.  The one advantage (maybe) was with the drug shortage they have had I was given priority to the drugs because they can't exchange out drugs or it messes with their trial.  I was given a 24 page piece of literature with releases and SE's to read and sign off on. Do you know which drug they are trialing?

    Best to all...now I have to go decide if I want to drug my stomach and make it feel crappy or wait it out.

    Have a wonderful day

    Leigh

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  • sunflower71
    sunflower71 Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2010

    I just spent the last 30 minutes typing out indiviual responses to all of you as well as updating and sharing, when my computer froze and I lost it all.  I am too foggy to do it all again!!!!!

    So, I will just say: I am so happy that I have all of you with me on this journey!

    To all of you in the first few days after chemo: It gets better!  I am on Day 10 and yesterday I was able to run 8 miles (24 more days till my marathon).  I am very thankful for my good days now.  I will come back later and re-type my original post. 

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  • wrightgirl
    wrightgirl Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2010

    hi all, this is first time I have written anything. Was diagnosed in July, Lumpectomy in Aug but had to have 2nd surgery to take larger margins in oct., so have now had 1st round of chemo (CT) Nov 30 - 3 more to go, 3 weeks apart.  Chemo was not as terrifiying as my mind had built it up to be.  Really had no side effects at all except can't taste anything properly.  have not lost hair yet, but think I am prepared for that.  People mention having port put in - they just used IV in a vein on my hand.  Why port for most.  By the way, I am in Canada, so don't know if they do things differently in the US or not.. Hang in everyone and have the best Xmas possible.

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  • sunflower71
    sunflower71 Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2010

    Ninap- I just read your post and wanted to respond right away.  Do you have a port or are they doing an IV in your arm?  I close my eyes and go to my happy place for the needles.  I had my shot in the arm and it stung a little.  I did read somewhere on these boards that a shot in the stomach produces less aches in the upper body, but honestly I think everyone is different.  Definitely try the Claritin for the shot and it would not hurt to do the stool softners 2-3 prior to chemo.  My onc nurse told me to take miralax for the 3 days prior for the next one since I had such bad constipation.  I have that under control now.  I take senekot very night, drink tons of water, and exercise (even if it is a short walk).  I also try to eat activa yogurt and green grapes very day ( I hate dried fruit). 

     You can do this.  Chemo is scary because it is the unknown.  Once you have your first one done it will be different.  We are going thru this to kick cancer's ass.  We are all here for you and know how scared you are. 

    Where in NY are you? 

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  • LEisenbarth
    LEisenbarth Member Posts: 30
    edited December 2010

    Hello December Ladies,

    Just knowing I can come to this sight and read and talk to you all is a great help. 

    Made it back from Vegas and had a great time with my DH.  Didn't want to come home because I know what Tuesday will bring.  

    KIM-  Sorry I didn't get your post before I left.   I would have tried to get to that wig shop.  We could have used your hometown info for food we stayed at the MGM and food was only fair and on the expensive side.  (I'm a pretty cheap country girl). 

    So here's a ? Last night my food would not digest.  I am not on meds at the moment, by 2 am I was ralphing in the can.   I don't feel like I have the flu, do you guys think it could be nerves?  I rarely get the flu.     I start the steroids tomorrow and chemo on Tuesday.   Getting pretty nervous, but I have my popsicles, and animal crackers.   Hope they help me as much as they helped many of you. 

    Hugs and Prayers ~Leslie

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  • prayersareanswered
    prayersareanswered Member Posts: 40
    edited December 2010

    Hello December sisters,

    well, I was supposed to start chemo tomorrow (TAC x6 every three weeks) but I am now home sick with a bad cold (cough, headache, congestion and no voice). My Oncologist recommends we delay by one week so now first chemo will be December 21.

     This gives me time to get ready with my chemo bag. Did all of you go the dentist to have a cleaning before chemo ?

    Hope everyone is doing well and praying for minimal/no SE for all of us

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  • ninap7
    ninap7 Member Posts: 50
    edited December 2010

    hi - i do not think i will be getting a port - tell me why activa yogurt and green grapes are good (i love them both) does it help to fight infection?  do i need a perscription for claritin - if i drink 8 glasses of water a day, is that good enough or should i drink more - do they give u nauseau meds in the infusion or do u go home with them - i live in long island - can u recommend anything else i should be eating or avoiding? Thanks SO much

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  • Rachel2
    Rachel2 Member Posts: 32
    edited December 2010

    Hi everyone:

    I also had a headache the first two days but somehow forgot about it.  I hated the drugged out feeling but now feel better. My husband has to give me nupogen shots everyday for ten days to get my white blood cell count up.  I don't feel any effects from it at this point.  I managed to get to the gym on Friday and Saturday and had a great workout.  I went looking for a wig and the saleslady at the Bay was very helpful but kept telling me to relax.  I didn't find anything and this is going to be a big hurdle. I really appreciates the posts on this message board and makes me feel less isolated.  Thank-you!!

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  • lindaa
    lindaa Member Posts: 119
    edited December 2010

    Just checking in.  I apologize for not putting everyones names in on topics - but I scanned through posts.  After sleeping for first 2 days (DD AC) I finally had the body aches by day 3 and 4.  I had only taken the claritin the day of the shot, and I won't do that again.  My next treatment(21st)  I will take claritin (over the counter) the day of and right through Christmas. My muscles were so stiff and sore.   For the shot, its a small needle.  My neighbor , a nurse, did it for me and it was over before I knew she had even started.  I did not even feel a pinch.  For the water, no need to get up in middle of night, unless you really have to go.  Good sleep is important too.  As for IV or port, it depends on your veins, needle tolerance, and length of treatment.  Many can get by without, if you only have a few treatments spaced weeks apart.  My first treatments were weekly thus a port.  The AC treatment is also strong so they don't always like to put it in the arm.  It depends on your body.  My first chemo was done IV and I had bruises up and down because they couldn't get a good vein.  I am happy to have a port - but it truly sucks that my old one failed and had to be replaced.  Just another area of healing on my body and with this AC it looks like things are going to be achey enough.  I'm ok other than tired and aches.  I have no tastebuds but am craving lobster rolls fruit, and carbs.  I think its the steroids.  My onc says its for nasua so I guess I'll have to stay on them.  If it weren't for Christmas looming I would be fine, got cards done today, and I'm almost done with shopping/wrapping. whew!

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    Day 12...... Just checking in too.   Felt pretty good today.  Tired this afternoon as I am trying over the last few days to get some stuff done while I am feeling good.     Went to the bathroom just  now and I'm starting to lose my pubic hair.  (I saw one on my toilet paper and pulled on some and a handful came out)  Hair on my head is fine tho.  Wouldn't be surprised  if this was the beginning of losing all of it over the next couple days.   I think I am one of the first one to have gotten my chemo  done in this group so look out for day 12 ladies!    Didn't notice any  tingling - it's just coming out.  Hope all are well today.   For the ladies in the throws of the first week hang in there!  the coming week for you will be much better and you will forget all the pain from the week before!

    Hugs to all,

    Lisa

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited December 2010

    I posted this in the TCH section as well....but wanted to get feedback if possible...

    I'm 6 days out of 1st TCH, and so far except for one day of a numb mouth and ick-taste, no down time.

    I've continued to exercise 60 minutes a day, except one day I could only get to 30 minutes and today I was off because I have lost a lot of blood this week on my cycle.  And I am dizzy with it, blurred vision, headache, etc.  In fact, I'm pretty sure they will have to give me some blood when I check in on Tuesday for my Herceptin....I get anemic anyway during heavy cycles and this one, WHOA!  Bad.

    I do have a couple questions tho.  I'm not having diarrhea or constipation (Metamucil in green tea), but my intestines/guts hurt.  They wake me up at night aching, cramping, and just being overly too "acidic."  At least it feels acidic.  I hesitate to take anything because everything is moving along the way it should, better than usual even, but the pain is enough to keep me up most nights.  Is that normal?  I took Pepto Bismol, but it really didn't do much.

    And the second question, I guess I never realized the symptoms happen in waves.  I just thought they came, and moved in for 6 treatments.  I do realize they're cumulative, but what I want to know is are there days that are almost "normal?"  While I don't have debilitating SE yet, I can't get excited over food so usually just eat a piece of fruit, drink milk, or eat cereal. 

    I've lost the 7 fluid pounds from the steroids plus 3 additional pounds.  But I as my taste is getting better, will likely make that up in no time.

    Ok, that was kind of a ramble....sorry, lots going on here today....

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  • ShelMel
    ShelMel Member Posts: 207
    edited August 2013

    Hi my sweet December sisters -

    I'm just checking in. I really want to respond to ALL of you and acknowledge you, but it just takes so long. . . It hurts my heart to NOT respond to all of you. 

    Lisa - you're already losing your pubes? Wow! There first? Has your head been itchy and sore? 

    TonLee - you might want to call your onc office tomorrow and ask about the acidic stomach. That can't be good and it may be a SE that they can manage. I can't help you with the 2nd question... I think (but not sure) that every treatment is different for every one. Some people have little to no SE's through chemo - some have full SE's that are debilitating. I think we all just find our way... ?? 

    lindaa - Congrats on getting your cards done. I'm almost done with mine. Finally. I've got a little more shopping to do and ALL of my wrapping to do - and a TON of christmas presents to make. 

    rachel2 - I hope you find a wig. I'm going shopping for one with my mom tomorrow and I'm worried about it. I think I'm going to hate it. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude. Good luck! 

    ninap - the grapes and activia are to keep your digestion flowing so you won't get constipated. I did get constipated and the activia yogurt really helped. I got anti-nausea meds (steriods and pepcid) in my pre-treatment IV just before they started the chemo. I also got anti-nausea meds at home - not steriods. Your oncologist should give you what you need at home - but if you have questions, please call his office and get the answers. Don't wait until the last minute and have to wait while you're in pain or suffering. 

    prayersareanswered - Ahhh - man. I hope you feel better soon. Sorry you had to put off your first treatment, but hopefully it'll give you time to get settled. I didn't go get my teeth cleaned - were we supposed to??

    Leslie - your first treatment is Tuesday? It could be nerves, but it wouldn't hurt to call your onc office and let them know that you're throwing up. Could be a stomach bug and they may want to put off treatment. How are you feeling now??

    wrightgirl - Welcome to the december sister board. It sounds like you're keeping a positive attitude. I'm so glad that you didn't have very many SE's your first round. Please stick around and keep posting so we can get to know you better. This place ROCKS!!! Looking forward to walking through this journey with you sweetie. 

    sunflower - you are my hero for being able to run so far! I can't even do that when I'm healthy. :) 

    imatthew - I hope your wife is still going strong. That neulasta kicked my butt. I think everyone is different. 

    msjag - My scalp is doing the same dang thing. It's weird. LOL 

    leigh - I'm glad you're doing good and not having too many SE's. :) 

    I'm doing good. Had my hat/scarf party yesterday and went out to eat with some family yesterday, too. I was exhausted by the time I got home. Slept like a rock. Woke up today tired but took my daughter (4) to go see Tangled. Then knocked out most of the rest of my Christmas cards and now I'm worn out. My sweet hubby cooked supper tonight. I ate as much as I could but my taste buds are freaked out. The only thing that tastes good is nuts and bland foods (crackers, noodles, rice, potatoes). 

    I wish we could all have weekly meeting so we could lay eyes on each other and hug and cry together. :) 

    Saying prayers for those of you having treatments this week. Blessings!!

    Shelle

    PS - I changed my profile pix - - it's of my sister (left) and me - the girl with the short hair. :) 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2010

    ninap7  My doc told me to drink a gallon of water a day starting a couple of days before the treatment day.

    Activa yogurt helps with the constipation.  Not sure what the green grapes are for but I have a large bottle of prune juice and a bag of dried prunes too.  

    You don't need a prescription for Claritin D,  In Illinois Claritin D is kept behind the pharmacist's counter.  You have to provide a photo ID and signature to purchase it.

    My school just called school off for Monday because of the blizzard!  Woohoo!  My first treatment is Wednesday, 12/15.  The thought of puking bothers me most.  Needles, IVs, don't bother me but I HATE having a stomachaches.  

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  • gradetchr
    gradetchr Member Posts: 7
    edited December 2010

    Tomorrow I have my first chemo treatment.  Please pray for me!  Thank you so much!

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  • hopefortomorrow
    hopefortomorrow Member Posts: 193
    edited December 2010

    Dear December Sisters-

     I am checking in tonight too. I am so glad to have all of you here on this thread! I wish we could have a weekly meeting too! We can't get enough support and prayers!

    I am weary tonight, so I don't think I can address everyone even though I want to!

    Gradetchr- I am praying for you too! I hope your first treatment goes well.

    I agree with lindaa about the port. I don't have a port, but I believe it is good for some considering  the treatment, the veins, etc. I decided to start, and if I needed one i would get one. I am on AC and I heard that it is strong and sometimes can cause burns under the flesh. So far, no problems here.

    Leigh- so glad you are doing well on day 4!

    Lisa, you crack me up! We are twins in treatment I think?-Dec 2nd. I am not loosing much hair..yet. I noticed a little more in my hairbrush than usual, but not a major bunch yet. Today I looked and thought I wonder if I REALLY will loose the hair on my legs and chin,,, That would be a positive! lol

    Tonlee- I have had pain through the middle...I tried taking mylanta and it didn't really help..I asked my nurse and she said to take prilosec. I only took it once and it helped emmensely. There were several brands and I wasn't sure at the pharmacy so I asked-there is a difference between prilosec versus Zantac and one or two others. When the pharmacist heard I was on chemo she said I should go with the prilosec. She said it has longterm capabilities which might be better for me down the line with the chemo. I guess it generally isn't a one at a time pill... it builds in the system. I did only take one and it helped and haven't taken anymore, but felt it will be good to have onhand.

    My son is really having a hard time with his tonsilectomy. He is in so much pain girls! Please pray for him. It breaks my heart. I hope he is somewhat better before my chemo on the 16th. I hear up to day seven he can still be in alot of pain. I have told him we will have to help each other at that point. (I know my husband will help too)

    Right now I am up alone. Sometimes I think about this cancer thing and I get scared. I can't believe this has happened. I don't feel sorry for myself, and i feel strong-but I do get scared. Crazy I know. My biggest fear is it coming back and being in a non treatable place. OK I need to stop thinking about it. I will take my ativan and hit the bed. Poor Lucas will need me about 4:30 for pain meds.

    Hugs to all!

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  • hopefortomorrow
    hopefortomorrow Member Posts: 193
    edited December 2010

    BTW- part of my being scared thing...people hear that I have been diagnosed with cancer and they treat me like I am dying! My mother-in-law, bless her, chokes up when we first see each other (greet). Acckkkk!

    It is so strange, I get annoyed with-oh you will be fine, they have improved things so much since back then... concern is nice,  but I don't want to be put in the box yet!

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