April 2011 chemo

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  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 858
    edited April 2011

    Windlass, oh dear, welcome to the "it just keeps dumping on me" club.  I'm so sorry, but boy am I glad that they even thought to test you for that!  Now you have some answers at least.  Hang in there, friend.   

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  • determined3
    determined3 Member Posts: 128
    edited April 2011

    okay,  i just got my wig today and it does not fit/feel right. i got it from ACS.  do i need to wear something under it? also, someone once mentioned about body glue. i live in the chicago area and it was windy as hell yesterday. i could barely keep my cap on and i still have hair. i will start chemo tomorrow. so,.................trying not to panic......trying to breathe, but HELP. OMG what the hell am i going to do! thought i was proactive by getting started now, but man. okay, help please...seriously.

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  • calamtykel
    calamtykel Member Posts: 1,187
    edited April 2011

    I just happened to see this post about Lyme -

    I have had lyme on and off for four years now.  It's epidemic in our area.  I will tell you though, that I had absolutely no problem with it on chemo.  I am being treated alternatively for Lyme since the particular strain I have (and there are four different lyme bacteria) didn't respond to antbiotics--  it has been extremely effective and I had no flare ups at all on chemo.  I almost wondered if the chemo was strong enough to knock the lyme out in a way. 

    I haven't had any issues with it at all ( I stopped chemo at the end of November) until I got bit by another tick in February and am back on the supplements and feeling a ton better.

    Anyway, sorry for the ramblings -- my point being, that chemo isn't impossible with lyme.  After suffering through several lyme flare ups over the past four years, I had no problem with it and chemo -- I was so scared it would flare up during chemo, but it didn't.  And I always know when it's "back" because my legs and hip joints become excruciatingly sore, and I get the "shakes".  Hang in there!  Lyme is a sneaky little bugger - so many people don't even know they have it. 

     Be thankful you tested positive since the lyme tests only catch it about 60% of the time (it tests for antibodies to the bacteria and not the actual bacteria itself.)   It's a good thing! Best wishes - you can do it!: )

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2011

    Calamtykel: Thanks for the encouraging post!

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  • artiecat
    artiecat Member Posts: 257
    edited April 2011

    determined - hang in there.  I imagine every one of us felt panicky before the first chemo.  You can do it!!!  I am sending you all good and loving thoughts and prayers.

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  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 858
    edited April 2011

    Totally--hell, I took a nice anti-anxiety pill.  I highly recommend.  I've only taken it a handful of times, but knowing it's there and it isn't major (like doesn't knock me out or make me loopy) is a huge relief.  Hang in there.

    There's this site "The Breast Cancer Site" or something--I ordered some fake Uggs for $15--and a portion funds mammograms.  Anyway, I totally make fun of (in good spirit) students for wearing those ugly shoes (and paying that ridiculous price for basically outdoor slippers), and they are so comfy!  LOL!  I'm SO wearing them to chemo tomorrow.  Someone on another thread on these boards said they bought all new clothes they hated just to wear to chemo and then tossed them all when they were done.  I don't have that kind of cash, but I can do $15 ugly yet comfy boots and maybe even some comfy leggings.  Who CARES?!  Watch, in 3 months I'll be wearing my jammies!  I DO have to leave at 5 am!!

    G'nite friends! 

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  • kg1234
    kg1234 Member Posts: 95
    edited April 2011

    Hey everyone,

    My blood counts are up and so off I go to chemo tomorrow.  It's one day off schedule, but no biggie.  Looking forward to getting tomorrow done, so that I can say officially I am 25% done chemo! 

    Windlass...wow...what a wirlwind of a rollercoaster ride for you...

    Determined...I am doing chemo tomorrow too (my 2nd treatment)...I remember vividly how my first one went, it really wasn't worth the emotional energy I wasted on it.  Of course, easier said than done. 

    Staying strong, Kg.

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  • determined3
    determined3 Member Posts: 128
    edited April 2011

    thank kg. i am thinking that  i need to relax, but my mind is racing. it MIGHT be time to pop a pill baby. i am trying to hold off til needed.

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  • axtella
    axtella Member Posts: 88
    edited April 2011

    determined -- your wig won't fit right until the hair is gone or you wear a wig cap under the wig to smash your hair down. Speaking of hair I lost more in the shower tonight then I ever have. I'm thinking this round will do some damage in the hair dept. I hoping I don't wake up tomorrow with bald spots! That would be a lot of hair loss over night. My right colored wigs will be here tomorrow!

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  • BernieEllen
    BernieEllen Member Posts: 2,445
    edited April 2011

    Morning to all.  Thinking of you Windlass. 

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  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 3,047
    edited April 2011

    Morning all, hope everyone is well. I have an appointment this morning to talk to my doc about better management of side effects for round #2 which will be may 11th. Seems like a common theme  here of when it rains it pours.

    I am so grateful for this thread, and to not be going through this alone.

    Hugs

     Merilee

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  • CarlaB76
    CarlaB76 Member Posts: 74
    edited April 2011

    Quick drive by good morning to everyone.

    Windlass: I was so relieved to read that Lymes can be managed alongside chemo, because I started to panic for you.  Even though your head must be spinning, I hope it is uneventful managment for you.

    Determined:  Big day for you!  I considered it the day I start filling my life bank account. Here's to an uneventful infusion for you...good luck.

    Just one giant TGIF.

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  • axtella
    axtella Member Posts: 88
    edited April 2011

    I second TGIF!!!! Good morning all!

    I'm already at work and want to go back to bed Im sleepy this morning. I have an allergy pressure headache today ugh!! 

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  • artiecat
    artiecat Member Posts: 257
    edited April 2011

    I finally got back to work yesterday!  Yay!  I was the talk of the morning since my daughter buzzed the shedding hair the night before!  Looking forward to a few more days at work until treatment #2 next Wednesday!

    Sounds like everyone is "up" this morning!  

    Carla - love your phrase "flling my life bank account!"

    Hugs and cheers to all!

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  • christine47
    christine47 Member Posts: 1,454
    edited April 2011

    artiecat,

    Glad you are back to work, I know this will make you feel better, just take it easy.  Remember household chores are always there, so let things go that do not matter.  As you know I am your Jan TAC friend.  I had my last treatment yesterday (20 days instead of 21 so I could watch the royal wedding).  My chemo nurse brought us tiaras, and we had scones, tea, and all kinds of special treats, what a way to end.  I am off until after mothers day, then plan to work part time the rest of the year, maybe until kids go off to college (now 6th and 8th grade). 

    Just think after next week you are 1/3 done, best wishes to you.

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  • kg1234
    kg1234 Member Posts: 95
    edited April 2011

    determined: pop a pill!!  This is no time to put on a brave face.  I'll be taking one soon!  Take whatever you can to get through this.

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  • geocachelinda
    geocachelinda Member Posts: 223
    edited April 2011

    Windlass I am sorry about your Lyme disease, they really sucks.  Praying for you!

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  • geocachelinda
    geocachelinda Member Posts: 223
    edited April 2011

    Feeling bowely today if that makes any sense, constipated, bloating and gas.  I have been "going" but am making frequent trips sometimes with little result.  Sigh...  Copy and paste to see my shaved head!   www.adirondackcountrygal.blogspot.com

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  • jackifp
    jackifp Member Posts: 185
    edited April 2011

    Had to giggle this morn: Been reading all of us mid-April starters, and the hair's all coming out and thinking it's my turn, too...sure 'nuf, this morn it's coming out lots. So we're off to the kids' house for a buzzing party. Take it down to, what? 1/4"?



    Off to Herceptin, end of my first cycle. 1 down, 5 to go. Y'all are part of my smile today.

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  • determined3
    determined3 Member Posts: 128
    edited April 2011

    had my first ac today. my appt was supposed to be at 9:15 and did not see the onc til 11:30. they screwed up my appt and i was pissed. whewwwwww. my husband and bro had to calm me down.

    so, i just got home around 3:30 ish and I made it! i am down with round 1 and i am keeping confident. thank you all! and thank God!

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  • artiecat
    artiecat Member Posts: 257
    edited April 2011

    Christine47 - how cool of the nurses!  High tea and chemo - hmmmm...now there's a concept!  Thanks for the good words!

    See my buzz cut!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2011

    Determined: I was told to get to my appt at 11:00 the first day and didn't start the chemo til 4:00. Waiting around a lot on chemo day is par for the course, it seems. And now my next appt on Wednesday at is at freaking 7 AM - and it's two hours away.

    For what it's worth, since we're in general agony mode, I think I am having the worst day since this whole mess started. There's nothing like fighting with your husband to drag your spirits down to the depths. No need to write back with sympathy, since I think everyone else (or at least many of us) are in a similar rough place. 

    Sending hope and perseverance to us all.

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  • pawprintgirl24
    pawprintgirl24 Member Posts: 173
    edited April 2011

    hello all

    i am going for treatment # 2 monday..not really worried about ..yet!!! i have this head cold i am going to try to get over befoer monday!! i can't beleive i get sick days before my next treatment. i am hoping to stay on shudule until i get back from the beach this summer. its only a month away really!!  i hope all are well this weekend!! 

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  • determined3
    determined3 Member Posts: 128
    edited April 2011

    hugs to you windlass.

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  • geocachelinda
    geocachelinda Member Posts: 223
    edited April 2011

    Awwww Windlass Hugs...

    I had a strange soreness over my shoulders and next. The skin itself is sore like I've been sunburnt almost.  Wondering if it is a Nuelasta thing.  I have been getting plenty of compliments on my "bald look" off course from people who haven't seen me in real life but it sure boosts my confidence.  Funny how alot of us starting loosing our hair the same week!  Keep up the spirits sisters!

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  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 858
    edited April 2011

    Determined...so sorry about the delay, but glad that you made it through treatment #1.  I was feeling very anxioius last night--Jack had another seizure the other day, went to the doc yesterday, they want to start him on meds (we're waiting for our 2nd opinion appt in Boston in another week).  Anyway, it all piled up and I just couldn't stop my mind from reeling.  I took a pill and finally got to sleep.  I've never been one to take pills, but honestly, if you're feeling that way, then take it.  My doc was like, "Seriously, it's perfectly normal that you should need a little something right now--this is one of life's MOST major stresses."  From everything I've read on these boards, managing our symptoms requires acting on them right away.  From diarrhea to anxiety to rashes and nausea, treating it right away is the way to go before things get out of hand. 

    Geochache--speaking of, I hope your tummy is better.  Gosh, I hate that feeling.  I've been having some mild heartburn--they said I could take tums.  Thank goodness because I couldn't even lay down!

     Have a great day everyone.

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  • axtella
    axtella Member Posts: 88
    edited April 2011

    No heartburn for me this time around. I am taking prilosec...I am having bone pain. It just feels like a backache, nothing real bad. I came home from work yesterday and went to bed I was pretty tired. I was upset too because my grand daughter was visiting and she had to go home because she had a terrible cold. I feel like the big party pooper!

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  • kg1234
    kg1234 Member Posts: 95
    edited April 2011

    Hi everyone,

    it's my day 2...typically I feel good on this day (compared with last cycle)...i feel okay, a bit off...I remember last time I kept waiting for something really bad to happen.  Ate raisin bran  this morning, and I just want to keep on my fibre.  Drinking lots of water.

    Trying a coffee, not sure how it's going to taste.

    axtella, glas to hear no heartburn!

    Determined how are you today??

    profebee....yes, the stress is overwhelming...I say, be good to ourselves right now...you have so much to worry about ...i feel for you

    pawprint: enjoy your cancer free weekend!! I always try NOT to think too far ahead, then I can enjoy the good days

    geocache - the bone pain is tough...do you have pain meds?

    Alright, I'm off to go meet some friends and "try to feel normal"...day 2 is like the calm before the storm...I know a little what's ahead for the next week at least.

    Kg.

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  • klg49
    klg49 Member Posts: 21
    edited April 2011

    Hi ladies,

    Had my first treatment t/c on thursday the 28th. It went ok, the cocktail sure knocked me out! I was not to nervous. just want to get it over with. I have 3 more to go. I am getting a series of shots called Leukine for 5 days. Not supposed to be as severe as the neulasta. My face and chest got really red and very hot. Some tenderness in the ribs. So far my teeth hurt, but no bone pain. I have been able to get up and do things, dishes, laundry but not much. I start feeling drunk. I dont feel really bad just weird. The nurse said my worst day may be day 3. So we shall see tomorrow. I hope I can go back to work on Monday, tried to go Friday but by the time I got the first dose of steroid and anti nausea, forget it!!! Just went back to bed. Tongue out

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  • determined3
    determined3 Member Posts: 128
    edited April 2011

    profbee and kg1234, and everyone else who cares, thank you for checking on me. profbee, i hope that your son feels better real soon.  i have a 2.5 yr old and i know the stress of feeling helpless when your child has to go the er.  my prayers are with you.

     man, after i provided my update, i was well...until had spent a few hours en el bano. grrrrrrr

    nausea 1 me 0. i lost that and i lost that BAD. my husband finally called the onc. my reg was not there so i finally spoke with someone 1.5hours later and after i had to call again. what the hell happened to 15 min return call? so, i finally settled down and found a way to sleep. i was just disappointed to feel that way. i just thought it would not be that bad. i am STILL not in control. 

    thanks for listening and letting me vent. 

    hello everyone! hope your sat is fab!

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