February 2011 chemo pals

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  • NeyNey
    NeyNey Member Posts: 33
    edited February 2011

    Glad everyone got a smile with the "cranial prosthesis". I actually had a prescription with that prescribed for me so insurance would pay for my wig.

    I too am prepping with echo, blood work -which I have been doing anyway due to blood clots after mastectomy-and an ultrasound to determine how long I need to stay on Coumadin during chemo since A's side effects can cause clots.

    The port is doing great and I believe my earlier problems were Coumadin related. I will get mt sutures removed tomorrow.

    I also brought in the New Year boobless and recovering from mastectomy, am concerned over losing my hair but have decided I NEVER will complain again of having a bad hair day ! The no shaving, shampooing and hair styling will really save time getting ready in the mornings!



    As I tell my wonderful friends and supportive family..." I've got my big girl panties on". Sometimes they droop other times I've got them pulled up to my chin!

    Hang on ...we'll make it!!!





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  • crog234
    crog234 Member Posts: 801
    edited February 2011

    Got the medi port put in yesterday.  Wasn't bad at all.  I am a little sore and stiff in the area where they put it but just taking tylenol. 

     I start chemo this afternoon.  Will check in later and let you all know how it went. 

     Have a good day everyone.

    Cindy

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  • Judy_63
    Judy_63 Member Posts: 247
    edited February 2011

    Charlottesmama:  I am having AC every 3 wks for 4 treatments,  I just finished my 2nd treatment last Tuesday and I'm not having the Neulasta shot given to me.  My WBC was done the day of 2nd treatment and I was at a 8.4, which was higher than they expected me to be.  I think my onco will just wait to see if I need it.  I'm like you I was in good health before all this took place.  I'm hardly ever sick and I'm thinking that with me being in good health before this it will have a effect on the amount of SE's I will have.  So far SE's haven't been too bad,  if I can make it pass the first 5 days after treatment the rest of the month till the next treatment I feel pretty much normal.

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited February 2011

    HEY LADEEEZ!!!

    Just got my hair chopped off super short, and I LOVE it! I'm rockin' the short 4 sure! My hair was quite long, though since I'm a pastry cook, I usually wear it tied up and under a hat. I decided cutting it super-short would make losing it less traumatic. I hope I'm right about that one.

    It's kinda Jamie Lee Curtis, but a little more poofy on top since my hair isn't as straight. I'll give it a little "product" and spike it up.

    My mom came with a bottle of champagne and a few friends showed up. My hairdresser is a neighbor, a lovely person, and it's a pretty swanky salon. Made my hair into 4 braids, lopped those fellas off (donating to Hair that Cares) and then she gave me a massage and this awesome cute hair cut.

    So if you're freaking out about losing your hair, do something positive for yourself. Do some research--look at photos of women (celebrities) in your age group with short hair. I've always loved Jamie Lee Curtis's hair (I leave mine natural grey) and her attitude. FInd a classy salon and/or a stylist you're comfortable with. Tell them why you're cutting your hair short. Even if you don't chose to donate it (heck, it might not be long enough), I bet they'll give you a special deal.

    I intend to keep rockin' the short when it all grows back in, so Jasmine will be my hair grrrl for good.

    Peace. Out.

    Michelle 

    PS. I'll post pix later on my blog: myrightbreast.wordpress.com 

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  • crog234
    crog234 Member Posts: 801
    edited February 2011

    I had my first chemo today.  I love the port and would suggest to anyone who can't decide between that and getting the IV in the arm, I say go for the port.  They filled me full of nausea medicines first and then did the chemo drugs.  So far I feel ok.  Ate supper and everything tasted fine.  I am drinking lots of fluids.  Have nausea medicine to take before I go to bed and another one to take if I can't sleep.  We will just wait now and see how the next few days go.... 

    Take care,

    Cindy

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  • Paula66
    Paula66 Member Posts: 1,728
    edited February 2011

    Hi all.  I hear that if you have long hair getting it cut is the way to go.  Michelle I cut my hair that way about 4 years ago and I loved it so much I have kept it  that way.

    Cindy Im glad your doing good with treatment.  How long did it take.  I do mine on Fri..

    My sister did chemo and it was a nightmare for her.  Im so glad things have changed since then.  That was about ten yrs ago. 

    Well all the strom has set upon us and its not letting up. Take care all and have a good night.

    BTW all.  I have read from others who have gone thru this.  If you have to do Neulasta, take a Claratin the day before and it helps.

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  • mamaoftwo
    mamaoftwo Member Posts: 267
    edited February 2011

    Cindy:  You are probably the first of us to start - congrats for getting thru that first treatment!   Let us know how you do the next couple days.  I'm on the same protocol except E/C + T because of the Adriamycin shortage.  Are you doing your own nuelasta shot ?

    I might switch my Feb 17 start date to Feb 10 - they said it's up to me and the anticipation and fear is killing me.  Just want to get started at this point.

    Michelle - cool that you're grabbing the bull by the horns and pre-empted the hair loss.  Post some pics so we can see.   I just bought a hat that I think I can live with happily at softhats.com so other than some residual pain from surgery I feel ready.

    Laura

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited February 2011

    Hey Cindy~ You go grrrl. The port is good, I agree. It was a little weird at first, but she is my friend now. I haven't even done a chemo yet!

    What's with the Adriamycin shortage? I read about that on the December thread, but I thought it was resolved. My onc. hasn't mentioned it. 

    We're about to be snowed in with this big storm headed our way. Anticipating a snow day tomorrow. My kiddo has a cold so I kept her home today. Two days in a row will just about put me around the bend. I'll do as much as I can around my house, but I will NOT beat myself up if it's still a dump.

    I love my dump.

    **Michelle 

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  • Babyswim
    Babyswim Member Posts: 62
    edited February 2011

    Just checking in.... 1st post. Go for Muga scan tomorrow, port next Tuesday, and then Chemo to follow by end of next week. Its all a lot and fast but I am gearing up for it physically and mentally :-)

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  • emilyj67
    emilyj67 Member Posts: 21
    edited February 2011

    hi! I'm starting AC x4 @ 2 weeks, then Taxol x4 @ 2 weeks. I had a lumpectomy in Dec, then this, then mastectomy, then radiation, then reconstruction (have to wait bc of the DIEP -- can't get radiated).

    I cut off my hair yesterday and mailed it to Florida to make an underhair of my own hair! (hatswithhair.com) I *love* how it looks in front -- very short, and I had very long curly hair, so I was very anxious -- but the back, egad. It's buzzed... 

     I will also be giving myself a neulasta the day after my chemo, and am otherwise taking some supplements to help with healing/immune system/mitigating side effects.

    I read a bunch of these, but my toddler (16 months old) is hopping around, so I'll read more thoroughly later!

    Emily 

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  • Paula66
    Paula66 Member Posts: 1,728
    edited February 2011

    Hi all!!!  Well we are snowed in until who knows when.   I start my first treatment friday so I hope we can get there.  I a bundle of nerves about this but I know it has to be done. Take care all and stay warm in the next few days. 

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  • crog234
    crog234 Member Posts: 801
    edited February 2011

    Paula  I was there for 3 hours.  But the first time there is alot more involved.  Paperwork, Bloodwork,   told me about all the drugs they would be giving me and what ones I would have at home to use.  Then went into area where they do chemo and had to wait for my medicine to come down. Once they got going I think I had 5 or 6 different medicines.  They gave me nausea medicine, then after those there were 4 bags of stuff and I can't remember the names of them.  The last two are the chemo, one was red and it will make your pee the first time you go after red (just to warn you although I am sure they will tell you) and then the other one is a clear color.  One of them takes about 30 minutes and the other one I forget how long.  Most of the other ones were like 10 minutes or so.  I felt fine when it was all done.  Walked out went home made supper, ate.  A little nausea in the evening but I ate a few saltine crackers and drank water and drank and drank somemore.  Took one of my nausea pills that is suppose to help you sleep too before I went to bed and it seemed to work.  Doing well today too.  Been up and around getting things done.  I am now feeling more tired and may go lay down for a little bit.

     Laura  They gave me the nulesta shot yesterday as they were going to be closed today because of bad snow storm.  Normally I think they have me come back the next day.  I am hoping they will always give it to me as I hate needles.  When she did it I didn't feel a thing...

     I will be having my hair buzzed on this next Sat.  I have picked out a hair replacement (it is called a Cranial Prosthese)  and will have them buzz my hair and put the hair replacement right on for me.  They have me come back at some point to show me how to care for it. 

     We need a list of who is having Chemo and when they are starting and what type they are getting.  Anyone up for doing it?  Is so mine first was on 2/1/11 It is A/c 4 times everyother week for 4 weeks, to be followed by taxol 4 times everyother week for 4 weeks.  A short rest and then radiation for 5 weeks 5 days a week.  Then will go on some sort of Hormone therapy

    Cindy

    Diag 21/16/10 ILC  ER/PR+ HER2-

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited February 2011

    Hey Cindy! You sound (read?) really good. I think a list is a great idea. Let me think if I can figure something out. Maybe a spread sheet? LOL! 

    I will be starting the A/C protocol, 4X every 2 weeks. Break and then mastectomy/reconstruction. Not sure yet on Taxol after.

    Cut my hair super short yesterday and I LOVE it!

    Cheers!

    Michelle 

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited February 2011

    Hey everyone! I've just had a Julie Powell moment. If you saw "Julie & Julia" you'll remember the moment when Julie gets her first comment on her blog (from her mom). Well, I have my first subscriber! Woohoo!!!! And she found me on breastcancer.org. Are you out there Vikki??

    Now I feel responsible for updating my blog more often!

    So join Vikki and help make me feel even MORE responsible.

    myrightbreast.wordpress.com 

    Cheers, y'all.

    Michelle 

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  • Paula66
    Paula66 Member Posts: 1,728
    edited February 2011

    Its good to see you are doing so good Cindy!  Im doing the same treatment as you are.  I dont have to do radiaion.  I am going to do Tamaxifen. 

    Michelle are you having both of the girls removed or just one.  I went ahead and had both removed.  I had cancer in one last year, then the other one this year.  I tested positive for BRCA2 so that helped also.  Congrats on your blog groupie, lol.  On my way over to check it out.

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  • NJvictoria
    NJvictoria Member Posts: 119
    edited February 2011

    Hi Michelle! I'm here :) I love reading everything you write, you're so funny!!

    Tomorrow is my first appointment with the oncologist. I'm feeling really nervous! My husband is out of town until Friday night, so my daughters will be going with me. I'm so thankful that I have you wonderful ladies to vent and cry and complain and share some laughs with :)

    Vikki

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  • charlottesmama
    charlottesmama Member Posts: 250
    edited February 2011

    Hey Feb-Fab sistas!

    I have such a hard time keeping up with each post, so here goes...

    Paula-just kissing my right girl goodbye. She's my bad grrrl. Bye bye! Keeping Lefty, my good grrrl. When it comes time for surgery, I swear I'm going to draw, with a Sharpie, a smiley face on Lefty and a sad face on Righty. Kinda like those comedy and tragedy masks. Just want to make sure  they take the right one. And I do mean RIGHT!!!!!

    Hey Vikki! Get these ladies to subscribe! I will really try to write later tonight. Kiddo has been off school for 2 days now and I'm trying to get my sad ducks in some kind of order. I'm pooped already.

    Cheers, grrrls...

    Michelle 

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited February 2011

    Hello February Ladies!

    I will be joining you!  My first chemo is currently scheduled for 2/17, but not guaranteed for a start on that date.  I am waiting for the go-ahead from my PS as I have had issues, issues, issues with skin healing from BMX  with TE on 11/1/10, a subsequent complete node dissection on 12/6/10 due to what was initially a neg SNB during the mastectomy.  I was one of the 20% that develop necrotic problems with a skin-sparing, nipple-sparing surgery.  I elected to have a BMX even though my cancer was on the right because my 2 cm tumor was not detected with a mammogram.  Didn't want to wait for the other shoe to drop.  Ironically, the problems are with the non-cancerous breast! I am starting to think I pissed it off  because I have had  emergency surgery to deal with it 12/21, another excision after the incision opened 1/7/11, and finally removal of the left TE and re-excision on 1/21/11.  Sorry this is so long but I have a lot of background!

    I am having my hair cut tomorrow, also a la Jamie Lee Curtis.  Also having the hair thing made by the lady in Tampa.  I am in Tampa myself so maybe I can just take it there after my salon visit tomorrow!  I will be having TCH chemo due to my triple +, not sure about the Neulasta timing.  I am fortunate that my sub-clavian port was installed during my BMX.

    Glad I am with all of you!  

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  • NeyNey
    NeyNey Member Posts: 33
    edited February 2011

    Laura, I also will be doing the AC +T with the possibility of using E because of the shortage my onc mentioned. I'm 4xAC biweekly with Neulasta the day after and then 12x Taxol weekly.



    Paula, aim waiting BRAC results. One grandmother had breast cancer with path reports like mine and the other grandmother died if ovarian cancer. Depending on the results I may need an oopherectomy and it may change my hormone therapy to AI instead of SERM.



    Cindy, thanks for the first chemo account, it will help us all be brave!



    My college aged children will be home on the weekend after my first treatment and I am planning a "bald is beautiful" party complete with decorate your own cupcakes(m&m's as nipples for those who want to apply them to their cupcakes-mine of course will have red scar lines across them!) and a "buzzing" party where my 21 year old son will have the honor of cutting my hair! My husband says he is going to shave his and keep it that way until I grow hair back! My daughter and her beautiful, long, blonde hair will be here for support as well as some of their friends.



    The flu is going around here very badly, anyone else afraid of catching something with the immune systems down?



    Renee



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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited February 2011

    Sorry I forgot to put my name, it is Kathie! I am new to this!

    Renee - Love the cupcake deal!  My husband just retired from 28 years in the Air Force and has ASKED to shave my head!  Payback for the many times I had to clean up his hair between actual haircuts!

    I was advised to have household members get flu shots prior to my start of chemo but be careful about FLU MIST (only for those under 50)  it has live flu virus and because it is squirted up the nose it can be later spread on tissues, hands, surfaces, etc. FYI

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited February 2011

    NeyNey, I have flu concerns too (will be starting chemo later this month I figure). I work as a preschool aid, and you know, some parents send their kids to school regardless if they're running a fever, threw up at home before they caught the bus, have a runny nose, ect.  At this time I plan to continue working,  with maybe a few days off after each treatment.  My treatment is supposed to be TC x 6, once every 3 weeks.  That spans 18 weeks, do I have to guard against illness the whole time, or just the few days after each treatment?  I am sooo not familiar with much in the medical field as me & my family have enjoyed reasonably good health.  This is a crash course for me.

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  • thefuzzylemon
    thefuzzylemon Member Posts: 2,630
    edited February 2011

    My first oncology and radiology appointments are just around the corner (monday).  I am watching this thread so closely.  I am interested in every bit of information that all of you are sharing ... I hope that each of you will update how you are doing through the entire process!

    Hugs and a smile.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited February 2011

    DivineMrsM,

    I  will also be getting TC but will also have H due to Her2+, also on the same 6times/every 3 weeks.  My onc has indicated that the low point for white cells (susceptability to infection) with this drug cocktail will be about days 9-10 post chemo treatment.  He also indicated that I will feel OK for a couple of days immediately following infusion then will most likely experience nausea, flu-like symptoms, etc., on days 3-4 post.  Maybe you can arrange your infusion date so the nausea will be on the weekend?

    Kathie

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  • JeanH
    JeanH Member Posts: 281
    edited February 2011

    Hi Feb Sisters,



    Cindy thanks for the update, glas to hear you are doing so well. I go in tomorrow for my first session.



    For the list I start dd EC/T Feb 3 followed by rads and tamoxifin. Neulasta shot self injected (or by DH if I cannot, not sure he knows that yet.) the day after Chemo.



    Decided to take the MO advice and go with the shot since I am doing the dose dense schedule ( every other week) and it helps the WBC bounce back faster, hopefully less chance for all those flu bugs to get me. Did the wig shopping last Saturday had to order one so hope it is ready when I need, have scarves at the ready, hair is supposed to start going the second week of treatment. I did a first level cut added bangs and shorter layers, think the next step is short short but wanted the wig people to see my hair this way first.



    Have checked the tips threads and did a CVS run to stock up on the might needs and hoping all stay in the Chemo box. Glad the ice storm was today, it was hard enough getting out to go to office today one less stress for tomorrow.



    Welcome to our new posters sorry you had to join the sisterhood, but these threads are a wonderful place to share, rant, compare, and get what ever support is needed.



    Best to all,



    Jean

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  • Salma1971
    Salma1971 Member Posts: 42
    edited February 2011

    Hi Ladies... Just found this board...and I guess I am gonna need it. I had a Bilateral mastectomy with immediate implants two weeks ago, I was informed yesterday that I will be put on 4 X A/C followed by hormonal therapy so I should be starting by Feb 15th!!! Funny I used to associate february with Valentine's day, the day my husband proposed to me, I hope one day I can do that again.

    I am still recovering from the operation... but I was thinking I need to get out and shop for hats and scarves!!!  @Skhartley, I feel exactly the same as you do... I am 39, have two kids 3, and 6, but my husband works abroad... I have an amazing family who is there for me every step of the way...but I am not so sure how all this would affect the pace of my life... or how would my children feel about all this. I am trying to keep a positive attitude... but sometimes we cannot help but worry... I wish you all February Chemo girls the best... and I will keep you posted!

    Salma (IDC, Stage I, ER+/PR+, HER2-)

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  • Salma1971
    Salma1971 Member Posts: 42
    edited February 2011

    Dear Charlottemama/MIchelle... I so appreciate you started this blog... and your amazing spirit and attitude... It must be challenging with your daughter...but you seem to be doing a great job... and I really thank everyone who is giving us insights on the experience... as we cannot help but be apprehensive about it... But I think we need to keep the positive and fighting attitude... My borther in law was diagnosed with Lung cancer with bone metastatis last June... He had to go through an agressive operation for both his thighs... 6 rounds of two type of chemo (6 hours) followed by Avastin the second day... and he was pretty much ok... I know everyone is different, but let's keep our fingers crossed...!

    Salma

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  • NeyNey
    NeyNey Member Posts: 33
    edited February 2011

    Another source of support...I was called by a nurse navigator at the hospital/cancer center that has a support group called bosom buddies. She was very helpful and invited me to their monthly meetings. I also was invited to a"look good, feel pretty" event that makeup tips and scarf tying techniques will represented. It is over lunch so people that work can attend. I'm fortunate to be able to stay home and since children are college aged am pretty flexible, but check out any programs with your onc/hospital that are available!

    I admire those of you that are still mothering to the young children at home! My daughter wanted to lay out a semester and take care of me but Moma said no! It's a different kind of struggle with young adultchildren:). We've already been accused of "hiding" information from them when I had to
    make an ER trip last week!

    Everyone have a blessed day!

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  • crog234
    crog234 Member Posts: 801
    edited February 2011

    Hi all

    Will be thinking of you Jean as you get your first treatment. 

    Welcome Salma and SpecialK

     Laura  My Nulasta shot was givin on the day of my treatment as they were going to be closed the next day becuase of snow storm.  When I first learned of my chemo starting date is was suppose to be the middle of Feb, then they called and said they could start Feb 1st.  I said lets go for it.  Figured this way I will be done 2 weeks earlier with treatments that I would have had I waited.  I want this over with... Just my 2cents......

     Well the only thing I have noticed so far is a little nausea that was taken care of by eating a few crackers.  I have had a dry mouth so drinking lots and using a special toothpaste and mouthwash that seem to help.  I know alot of people say that around day 4 may get bad.  We will see...  Just taking it one day at a time.  I notice that I get tired in the evening and fall asleep on the couch.  Get up go to bed and fall right back to sleep.  Anything anyone wants to know that I may have forgotten to mention send me a pm if you want or ask it on here. 

    Have a good day

    Cindy

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  • Paula66
    Paula66 Member Posts: 1,728
    edited February 2011

    Hi and welcome Salma and SpecialK.  NeyNey good luck with the BRCA testing.  When I found out I was BRCA+ i went to a great site, its called www.facingourrisk.org.  I learned alot.  It really helped me in the decision making.  They have a huge message board just like here.

    Jean I hope your treatment goes well today.  Take care

    Hey fuzzylemon.  Good luck on your up coming appoitments.  Im lucky and only have to do chemo.  Im sure someone here will be able to help ya with the rad part. 

    Everyone take care and have a warm night.  I'm getting geared up for tomorrow.  Im a bundle of nerves.  I was that way on the day of surgery so I sure it'll be ok, once I do it.

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  • mamaoftwo
    mamaoftwo Member Posts: 267
    edited February 2011

    I'm hooked on reading this board daily.  So great to "meet up" remotely with women going through the same thing. 

    Cindy, No major side effects, very nice!  I want to be like you in two weeks.

    Starting earlier sounds great - early start, early finish.  But I'm leaning toward keeping Feb 17 as the start date.  I have 3 major wounds from my Jan 12th bilater mastectomy/DIEP - one on abdomen, plus each breast.  There is a one inch section on the abdomen that isn't quite closed up yet.  Plus the boobs are uncomfortably hard as rocks still.  I'm thinking one week further along in healing is a good idea before injecting toxic chemicals.  So Feb 17 it is.

    Trying to stay optimistic and  minimize stress.

    Laura

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