April 2011 chemo

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  • artiecat
    artiecat Member Posts: 257
    edited April 2011

    K really liked the chemo class - the nurse educator was great.  I had questions going in, but as she talked I had more.  It really helped me feel more grounded about this whole thing.  Hope you find it helpful too, pawprintgirl24!

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  • soon2bsurvivor
    soon2bsurvivor Member Posts: 22
    edited April 2011

    Hi P, thanks, I feel braver by the day. I had very long hair my entire life, and I have to say, losing it was the least of my worries, isn't that strange?  Although when I did shave I felt sick for about a day.  I'm sure some child in Locks for Love needs it more than me.   That is so cool the firefighters are having a shaving your head day! Gotta love them!

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  • scc218
    scc218 Member Posts: 163
    edited April 2011

    Hi everybody -- Just want to wish you all the best of luck with your chemo and ports and side effects, etc.  I'm just joining this forum/thread.  Had a bilateral mastectomy on 2/25 (a week after my 57th birthday).  Port put in on 3/25 -- under general anesthesia -- couldn't imagine doing it under local.  Port site still very sore, hurts to touch it, hurts to sleep on that side; I guess it will get better with time?  Maybe?.  Chemo starts next Friday (4/8) with A/C every 3 weeks x 4 followed by Taxotere once a week x 12.  I think I will be having 6 weeks of rads along with the Taxotere.  Dreading it all.  But here we go....... 

    Wondering about some of the abbreviations, too.  I'm guessing DH is something like Darling or Dear Husband?  SE must be side effects.  Not sure of some of the others.

     Pawprintgirl -- I'm curious to know about what things you went shopping for that you will need the week after chemo.  I'm feeling a little clueless, and might need to do something about that.  I've been doing a little "retail therapy" over the past couple of weeks -- but that's just "fun" stuff --  a few new outfits cuz I lost 22 pounds since I went on a health kick after receiving the bad news.  Any practical advice would be great.

     Okay, I must get outside and enjoy some Florida sunshine with my DH (if I have that abbreviation correct....LOL).  Best of luck to everybody.  And thank you all for being here, although I'm sorry we're here at all.  But we're all in the same boat so to speak and can definitely cheer each other on.  --Suzy

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  • pawprintgirl24
    pawprintgirl24 Member Posts: 173
    edited April 2011

    i went shopping for some of the thing on here that people say you will need like the claritin, kleenex,tummy meds for both problems just in case, soft tooth brush, didn't by the mouthwash...i might have to get that though umm can't think of anything else that i bought...

    for those of you that started last week i hope you are doing well!!! for the rest of us here comes the rollercoster ride we are going up right now waiting to get to the top......

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  • soon2besurvivor2
    soon2besurvivor2 Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2011

    Hi Everyone: I have my first round of TC chemo on April 8th, the first of four rounds every 3 weeks.I was dignosed with IDC last December after a routine mamogram. I had a single mastectomy with expander on Feb 18th. Even though my oncotype was 11, the oncologist is still recommending chemo because I have "on the younger side" age and I had 1 lymph node positive. I have to admit that I'm scared, I don't know how my body is going to react to the treatment. I have 2 children (12 and 10) and I'm a bit afraid I won't be able to take care of them. I'm also anxious to start so I can begin the count down. I'm looking forward to connecting to other ladies who are starting chemo also in April. We can support each other through this journey to health and promising long lives. 

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  • KiwiMum
    KiwiMum Member Posts: 704
    edited May 2012

    I went shopping too!

    In order to give myself the best possible chance I'm aiming to reduce toxins and chemicals from other sources.

    Today I bought all new skincare, paraben free! It's a lovely NZ made range called Antipodes. Here's hoping it's good as I love my Clarins!

    Next step makeup. Anyone use natural makeup and have any suggestions? Usually I'm a MAC girl!

    Thirdly diet. Off to the vegetarian, organic food place for lunch. I've just enjoyed a yellow lentil curry with a mixture of salads. Was all very yummy and I felt quite virtuous.

    Fourth supplements. I've a good friend who is a trained naturopath. I have told her - "go forth and buy, tell me what to do/take and I'll take it".  Oh ... and give me the bill - eeeek!

    My port surgery is booked for next week. Chemo booked to start one week later.

    Physio for cording in arm later today - life is currently a merry go round of appointments.

    Anyway, enough from me.

    Welcome to scc218 and soontobesurvivor2.  Scc218 - we are having the same cocktail except I start 4/19. I will follow your progress to see how you get on.

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  • Teckler2
    Teckler2 Member Posts: 71
    edited April 2011

    Hi Sudzinvermont- I was sup posed to start my chemo on the 1st, but it's now rescheduled. My husband has been giving me a really hard time over my cancer, not supportive, and I had to move out of the house 2 nights before chemo to live with my in-laws. So, I forgot to take my pre-meds and my chemo had to be changed to April 8th. Yell

    I was so upset over it. I want to get started, and I could kick my self for not remembering to take my drugs!

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  • Teckler2
    Teckler2 Member Posts: 71
    edited April 2011

    SloGeek- I am getting the same cocktail..i'll keep checking to see how you are doing :)

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  • artiecat
    artiecat Member Posts: 257
    edited April 2011

    Hang tight Teckler2.  That's really hard.  Are the inlaws supportive?  We are all here for you!

     I found a really terrific book - "The Cancer Fighting Kitchen."  Author Rebecca Katz

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  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 858
    edited April 2011

    Artiecat--my gynecologist recommended that book.  She said Katz is awesome.  She has another book "One Bite at a Time" that's earlier, but supposed to be good too.  

    I was warned off all supplements for now, but maybe that's because I'm in a drug trial.  I don't know.  I start this Thursday, and honestly, today I'm a bit of a wreck.  ugh.  I'm at work though, so no time to be a wreck.  :)  My chemo is every week, and I'm totally nervous wondering if I'll be really thin or gain 60 lbs...will I be dead tired or will I be fine to go to work...will I be able to put on a brave face for my little boy or will he be scared.  

    Teckler, I'm so sorry.  You take care of YOU now...I really think once it's all part of our routine we'll be able to see how to manage the other stuff in our lives.  You'll get through it.  So will I.  We all have to.   

    Back to work! 

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  • scc218
    scc218 Member Posts: 163
    edited April 2011

    Teckler2 -- I just wanted to say I'm so sorry that you had the husband woes dumped on you at such an inopportune time.  As if you didn't have enough on your plate!  Don't be too hard on yourself -- don't kick yourself too hard about forgetting the meds.  I'm usually a very organized, focused, unscatterbrained person, but life is SO different now.  My head is spinning, and I'm forgetting things that I've never forgotten before.  Just stay focused and move forward.  I'll be thinking of you on the 8th -- same day I start chemo.  And I hope you get all the love and support you need from your in-laws.  Hang in there!  We're all thinking of you.

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  • pawprintgirl24
    pawprintgirl24 Member Posts: 173
    edited April 2011

    we are here for you teckler2!!we can be your cheerleaders!!!

    chemo class done! on to next monday!!!

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  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 858
    edited April 2011

    So, I just found out that I'll be on Taxol and Lapatinib in this trial I'm a part of.  Is there anyone else on that?  :)  I just have to get through today at work, then I have off tomorrow (dentist, then throwing a little happy hour shindig for my hubby who just defended his dissertation and is now Dr--too bad not a medical doctor), and then Thursday the rollercoaster takes off! 

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  • Sudzinvermont
    Sudzinvermont Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2011

    Looks like I'm going to have to update the list! It's not the list you want to be on, but at least we are all on it together.  

    I'm still doing pretty well today is one week since my treatment. I'm not sleeping as well as I'd like, and i've had a little bit of the big "D".(which I think is worse than constipation) A new se as of  last night lots of body pain. It felt like my organs were moving around inside me, and my hips and legs hurt like crazy. I took a couple of motrin and was finally able to sleep. Today.........so far I feel pretty damn good! Hey.........I can do this! We all can.

    Hang in there Teckler, just take care of yourslef for a wile...everthing else is what it is and you can sort it out later.

    Kiwimum I use Tarte cosmetics...they are light on the bad stuff and give you a really high end result. I love them. http://tartecosmetics.com/?gclid=COLFhpe6hagCFQI3gwodGmiDsA

    You can get them at Sephora or on line. I just started using their amazon clay line...the foundation is fantastic.

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  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 858
    edited April 2011

    I'm sure I won't do this, and I'll show up to chemo in yoga pants, but I have totally been tossing around the idea of getting ridiculously dressed up--like GOWN dressed up.  :)

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  • kg1234
    kg1234 Member Posts: 95
    edited April 2011

    Hi

    So getting a schwack of tests over the next week or so.  Okay, so I went off to CT scan today...drank something gross and they injected contrast.  Not my favorite test.  By comparison, I'm looking forward to the Echocardiogram tomorrow.  A least I know that one is a breeze.

    My mouth tastes gross and I feel "off".  So off to drink more water.

    Kg.

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  • artiecat
    artiecat Member Posts: 257
    edited April 2011

    Profbee, I took a black Tshirt, cut a hole in it exactly over my port and sewed a bright floral flap over the hole along with a jazzy piece of grosgrain ribbon!  Now I have to get up the nerve to wear it next week!  We habe to take out pleasures where we find them!

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  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 858
    edited April 2011

    Kg...funny, the echocardiogram was the test that sent me crying!  It's so silly because it's a nothing test, but it just reminded me so of ultrasounds...lost pregnancies, cancer...ultrasounds have not been friends of mine.  Anyway, I pretty much lost it crying in there in the darkness.  So, don't do that!  That's definitely an easy one!  :)  

    Artiecat, good for you!  I love it!  I don't have a port, so I'm just heading in as is!  :)  Wear it with pride, sister! 

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  • SLOGeek02
    SLOGeek02 Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2011

    Hi Ladies! Well, 1 of 6 TCH treatments done, 5 to go. It went so much better than I was thinking it would. Feeling pretty good now, but we'll see how that holds in the next few days.



    Really happy that I got the port, but I also need herceptin every week for the next year.



    Take care everyone and (((hugs))) and (((smoochies))).



    ~Deb

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  • pawprintgirl24
    pawprintgirl24 Member Posts: 173
    edited April 2011

    so the lady from the brac testing called today to schdule my appointment for the results of their test...i am more worried about that than starting chemo.. how strange!!!

    slogeek02 did it take you like 6 hours?? i was told that it would take that long the first time 90 min for the herceptin and whatever for the others..what do you do for that long????

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  • SLOGeek02
    SLOGeek02 Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2011

    Hi Pawprintgirl24, it took a long time today, yes. My apointment was at 9:45 and I got out of there at about 4:30. Thank goodness for wi-fi and my xoom tablet!! :)

    ~Deb

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  • soon2bsurvivor
    soon2bsurvivor Member Posts: 22
    edited April 2011

    I am Super Happy, you are doing well Deb!

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  • Teckler2
    Teckler2 Member Posts: 71
    edited April 2011

    SSc218- I feel the same. I am usually organized and not a scatterbrain. Now, I feel like I need to put an ad in the paper that says- "Brain lost, reward if found and returned to owner".

    ArtieCat The in-laws are semi-supportive. They were great at first, but my mother in law is in an odd position since it is her son. She'll be with me for my chemo on Friday, so I will see how that goes. I am lucky though that I have a great group of friends that are all offering help. It's just hard because I would love to be at home in my own bed!

    Thanks everyone for being my cheerleaders!! 

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  • Teckler2
    Teckler2 Member Posts: 71
    edited April 2011

    Slogeek- how are you feeling?

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  • Teckler2
    Teckler2 Member Posts: 71
    edited April 2011

    Artiecat- I love the idea of the floral flap- I think I might steal that for my outfit on Friday if that's ok!

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  • Sudzinvermont
    Sudzinvermont Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2011

    It sounds like everyone is doing ok.......that is a beautiful thing.

    Sue

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  • SLOGeek02
    SLOGeek02 Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2011

    Hi Teckler, I am still feeling pretty good today.  I have a slight headache and my cheeks are a little pink, not much appetite yet.  I did get a few hours sleep last night, which made me happy. All in all though, I am still feeling pretty much like normal.  

    Going to get out and about today for awhile & do some wig shopping.  It's too nice a day here in SLO not too!   

    (((hugs))) and (((smoochies))) everyone!! Laughing

    ~Deb


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  • kg1234
    kg1234 Member Posts: 95
    edited April 2011

    Oh Profbee --  I get it....feeling overwhelmed by yet another test!  But, echo was SO easy compared with the CT scan.  Gotta get through 2 more (bone and MRI)...then I can put it behind me.  I have a feeling I'll be saying that alot.

    Had chemo class today --was informative.

    Tomorrow --Nothing!!  Meeting a friend at a spa, having lunch, and letting go of my worries and cares!  

    Unfortunately one of my sons is sick from school, DH took him to walk in clinic and he's on antibiotics with tonsilitis.  He has a fever, swollen nodes, sore throat....poor little guy.  It's never "sick free" at my house...someone always has something.

    Anyone else getting a PICC line?  

    Cheers, Kg.

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  • shoema
    shoema Member Posts: 27
    edited April 2011

    Today I had my hair cut short, to avoid the trauma. The reality is beginning to take a hold of me. 

    I decided to go with TC, Taxotere/Cytoxin, x6. I am getting my port on Friday and start chemo on 4/14. I am not getting any type of class, so I don't really know what to expect that first day. My onc said the treatment will take about 4 hours. Should I expect the first day to take longer? I wish I had a better idea what to expect. I am worried that my port will be sore the first time.

    I use Clarins skin care, what is paraben and what is the problem with it?

    artiecat, Thanks for the book suggestion,  I have been looking for food suggestions and haven't had a lot of success.

    Hope those of you who are in the thick of it are doing well. I'm following close behind and will be glued to your progress. There is an end. 

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  • KiwiMum
    KiwiMum Member Posts: 704
    edited April 2011

    Kg124 - I feel your sons pain! I've had a sore throat and fevers for the past 2 days. I finally got around to going to the doctor today and found I have tonsillitis. Can't believe it. As if having BC and losing a breast isn't enough. I've now got tonsillitis. I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself.



    Hardy - I'm not a preachy all natural kind of person but am looking at ways I can reduce chemicals / toxins. Parabens are preservatives used in skin care and makeup. They are increasingly controversial and they have been found in low levels in some breast cancers as they get absorbed into the body, especially from underarm deodorants. Apparently they also mimic estrogen in the body. As I am ER+ that's not good for me as my onc wants to eliminate estrogen. Google paraben and see what you find. As it's early days and I've been "freaking out", I've been looking for any thing I can do to help or reduce my risk.

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