Chemo May 2011

Options
1…1314161819…77

Comments

  • ---
    --- Member Posts: 197
    edited May 2011

    MamaV,

    Yeah, i will be doing Taxol after 4 treatments of A/C.  But I will only be receiving 4 treatments of Taxol every 2 weeks.

    Sounds like we respond similarly to AC.  My #1 last week put me down for 7 days.  I will see if the pattern persists this coming week as I go back for #2 on Monday.

    Laureen 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cyborg
    Cyborg Member Posts: 848
    edited May 2011

    SheriBell the first time was five hours cause they start slow to see how I responded.to the Mesa for safety. And I believe that it will take about 3 or 4 hours on Monday which will be my 2nd dose. I am scheduled For 4 doses.

    Good lick everyone getting started on there chemo. I am so glad we r together.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lifelover
    lifelover Member Posts: 553
    edited May 2011
    Lorenar - I'm sending you lots of hugs and positive thoughts and prayers for continued strength to deal with your journey.  You can do it - you are handling your challenges so well.  Good luck with your "lemon" - I hope it turns into a "peach". Laughing
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GrammyslilButtercup
    GrammyslilButtercup Member Posts: 24
    edited May 2011

    Today is my first treatment AC . had my PICC put in yesterday, its been emotional week and I am terrified. Leaving in an hour for the hospital, thanks to all you wonderful ladies for being here. I am walking in there with some great advice. Many hugs to you all today. I hope you all have a great weekend with very few SE. I will check back in soon. Love Faith Hope <3

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sunshinyday
    sunshinyday Member Posts: 13
    edited May 2011

    LEG PAIN?

    Well, it's been 72 hours since my first treatment.  I was feeling so happy that I had escaped any bad side effects. I have felt pretty good actually!  Then last night came this leg pain from nowhere.  Bone pain!  muscle pain! Like needles in addition to overall achiness.  I got up and took a Vicodin left over from my surgery. I think I got a little sleep.  I am just achy this morning.  It's just my legs from hips to feet!  I wonder why just my legs?  Anyone else with this side efeect?

    Also, I went back to work yesterday and felt a little overwhelmed by the chaos.  I had difficulty focusing on more than one task at a time.  It was especially hard when people were talking to me as I worked.  I've always been a good multi-tasker but now I need to just focus extra hard.

     My heart goes out to 38 Years Old. I am sending you my love and prayers.

    Cyborg, Ruthii and MamaV I love your wisdom.  Keep it coming! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jrh1953
    jrh1953 Member Posts: 56
    edited May 2011

    I am in Texas, a small town outside of Lubbock.  This really scared me and my family.  I have always been the "stong one".  I had been trying to work and finally said I cannot do both.  It is such a strange time, isn't it?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NanaSusie
    NanaSusie Member Posts: 15
    edited May 2011

    SheriBell, my first T/C took about 4 hours including the blood work.  The tech went slow with each of the 2 drugs given separately taking an hour each so it wouldn't be as bad on me.  She said they could be done in half an hour each if need be but I was not in any rush.

    SEs from the Nuelasta hit me like a truck last night with leg pains but its better this morning.

    Wishing all a good weekend and those starting chemo on Monday try to not worry too much.

    Susie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cyborg
    Cyborg Member Posts: 848
    edited May 2011

    Sunshiny Day - I had pain that also seemed to travel. One daynit would be in my hips and then my legs and my sternum--- it was like pain of the day is ________. I thunk that the claritin may have been helpful and the Tylenol definately was. Drink water.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txladysara
    txladysara Member Posts: 52
    edited May 2011

    Hello all, hoping everyone is doing ok. As for me, I am doing better but have a Drs appt today because I started feeling pain on the side of my neck, the port side. It started hurting more the second day after chemo, and I had swelling too. Well on day 8 or 9 I felt way better so I started sweeping, mopping, doing what I usually do and it started aching more and burning and stinging, I noticed that I have a, what I think is a hard vein on the side of my neck. Well I called the surgeon because I assume it has to do w/ the port, the nurse gave my message to him and he said for me to go see my oncologist. The next day it was better but my mom convinced me call him, so I did, he wants me to go see my family Dr. I said no I think it has to do w/ the port or w/ the chemo, so she said ok and gave me an appt. for 2 days later which is today. Wish me well, i'm hoping it's nothing but my mom thinks it might be Phlebitis. She got phlebitis 16 years ago when she was going through her chemo. I guess I will just have to wait and see what the Dr. says. Everyone have a blessed day. :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txladysara
    txladysara Member Posts: 52
    edited May 2011

    Ohh and I almost forgot, I went to the American Cancer Society yesterday and they gave me a free cap and a free turban w/ an band that is braided to accessorise it. I also saw the wigs but I couldn't get fitted for one because I still have my hair, but she said if I get it cut short I will be able to get fitted for one. The lady was so very nice. The wigs weren't bad at all, I thought they were gonna be ugly but as far as I could tell they were nice. And I consider myself a freebie fanatic, I do search for freebies online, on a daily basis, I do sweepstakes, not at much as I use to. Ohh yeah and about the wigs, well she suggested a short one, but I have always had long hair so I would prefer a long one, she also said most women in Laredo can't stand a wig and opt for a scarf or hat instead, but I would still like to have the option of having a long hair wig. So ladies check it out, I think its such an awesome program especially for us that have limited resources w/ the cost of chemo and surgery, meds ect. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sue53
    Sue53 Member Posts: 63
    edited May 2011

    How is everyone doing this morning?  Just curious...is anyone not working during treatment? Although I feel better, don't know if I could stay all day at work...not sure whether I should try or not. Lonely at home but have to think about what is best for my health.  Also concerned about going on short term disability because my daughter starts college in the fall so money is critical.

    Stay strong and positive (this is the hard part for me but am working on it).

    Sue 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 40-years-old-now
    40-years-old-now Member Posts: 309
    edited May 2011

    Sue53.

    I will not be working, as I have been uneemployed sence last Sept. I have been going to school but I will be taking the summer off.

    I only have 2 classes left but with my 6 year old and the treatment I figured I would be better off waiting.

    Sue also check out scholarships. Many you have missed the deadline for by you may be able to get some additional help.  Many you apply for as a high school senior. Contact the college and talk to there financial aid department. You will have to had applied for FAFSA first. you can do that online.

    Candice

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ---
    --- Member Posts: 197
    edited May 2011

    Sue53,

    I will not be working as well throughout the duration of chemo.  I have also withdrawn from my summer classes as I don't think I will participate successfully with how I respond to the chemo txs.  So everything should commence in September. 

    Laureen 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sue53
    Sue53 Member Posts: 63
    edited May 2011

    Thanks, guys.  I know things have a way of working out but can't help worrying about them.

    Hope everyone is doing well today.  Have a doc appt this afternoon and am anxious about my port.  Im sure they will want to use it for blood work but I'm afraid it is going to be really painful.  

    Going to get the hair cut really, really short Sunday after graduation ceremony.  One more step into the unknown on this journey... 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cyborg
    Cyborg Member Posts: 848
    edited May 2011

    I am not working. It's was hard not working but I think it's helping my healing process on all levels.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beaglesgirl
    Beaglesgirl Member Posts: 287
    edited May 2011

    I have had a similar reaction as Laureen and I'm "out" for the duration. I will enjoy any good days that come but this week was awful! Headache, so much nuelasta shot pain, working hard to want to eat and then keep it down. But it was a terrible first a/c week. :(



    Husband, 3 kids 3 beagles big house to keep up... Trying to make peace with all of this...







    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MamaV
    MamaV Member Posts: 907
    edited May 2011

    I'm at work today, but wanted to catch up and say hello to everyone.  Sounds like you are all experiencing some of the crummy SEs from your first rounds of chemo.  I had Taxol #5 yesterday and again it was much easier than A/C.  Remember to stay hydrated and take all the meds they offer - this is not the time to be a martyr and suffer needlessly.  We have to get through these tough times with any help we can get!

    Hugs to all! Take lots of naps this weekend! :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sue53
    Sue53 Member Posts: 63
    edited May 2011

    Beaglesgirl, take it easy and hope you feel better.

    Cyborg, I might being doing the same as you.  I guess we need to put ourselves first to do the best job possible.

    Also working hard to want to eat...I've lost weight and I know I need to build up strength to be able to endure the rest of the txs. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txladysara
    txladysara Member Posts: 52
    edited May 2011
    Just got back from my appt. Dr. sent me to the hospital for a sonogram. Hope it's not a clot, that's what he wants to rule out. Frown
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2011

    txlady,  I hope it's not a clot also.  I think it is a crime they way they put you off, say such and such dr should see it and then you get referred to another and then have to wait two days for an appt.  The last time I thought I had a blood clot I knew what it was from before....Dr.on call told me to use warm compresses(it was a Sunday)  ....yeh, like it was going to go away.  I waited til the end of the day, called again and told him I was going to the ER which I did.  Also, since you like freebies, Did you read about the Look Good, Feel Better classes we were talking about earlier.....get lots of nice free makeup from it. 

    Sorry some of you are having aches and feeling crappy.  This is my week off and I am feeling quite good.....tired today but that can be fixed by going to bed early this evening. Hope you all have a good weekend.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bak94
    bak94 Member Posts: 1,846
    edited May 2011

    Having chemo in the hospital kinda sucks, and is kinda nice all at the same time. I am bored, it is 4 pm and the 24 hour drip has not even started. I don't know why it takes so long! They do 2 hours of fluids first, now I'm on the anti nauseous stuff. I got here about 12, that was after my 8 am muga scan and all of my port checks, as I was having some stinging when they would flush it. Hubby is at home taking care of the animals and cleaning, yay! So I won't get to go home until after 6pm tomorrow! ACS stopped by and brought wigs for me to try on. One of them was actually kinda nice, so I now have a wig. I will probably try to get another one if I can find one. So, I felt pretty normal today, not tired, and here it starts all over again...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • neecee
    neecee Member Posts: 663
    edited May 2011

    SheriBell, I am having my first round of TC on Monday.  My MO told me they will do 4 hours this first time, to check for allergic reaction.  If I do not have an allergic reaction, the other treatments will be 3 hours.

     I got my port two days ago. I am healing nicely, but I am very aware that sucker is sticking out!Tongue out

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lorenar
    lorenar Member Posts: 141
    edited May 2011
    Ladies there is a website for you to check out if you can't afford a wig. It is http:// crickett's answer for cancer.  There are a couple of phone numbers listed for you to call and they actually buy you a wig from wigs.com. It is a sad story as well about the Mother losing her daughter Crickett to breast cancer and starting this website to help women in need get a wig to feel good about themselves. We are lucky to have such kind giving people still left in this world. No update on my lemon car yet. ha. Hope you all have a se free weekend.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txladysara
    txladysara Member Posts: 52
    edited May 2011

    Marybe and did you have a blood clot? If so how was it treated? I hope mine isn't. I know its horrible how no one wants to see me for it but I guess its just the way it is. Well have a good night marybe and sleep well, God bless. :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2011

    Txkady,   Yes, I had a clot and they treated it with a liquid blood thinner....the shot they gave me at the hospital was called Fragmen or something that sounded like that.....I have also given myself the shots at home. Lovenox or Arixtra were the brand names.  Once when I had what they thought was a Pulmonary embolism, but wasn't, they kept me in the hospital and had me on an IV with a blood thinner before graduating to the shots. I have had quite a few blood clots...both superficial and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but none a result of my port.  I am anticoagulated for life which is a bit of a bummer , but better than having a blood clot.  See, I was off the warfarin (generic coumadin) when I had my catartact done in April and that is how I ended up with this last clot

    BKJ66.  Try and enjoy the downtime, although I know it is not easy to sleep in the hospital if they are bugging you every few hrs.  That was nice of the ACS to stop by.  I have never heard of Cricket, but know there are organizations that do offer free wigs....here in Cincinnati it is Cancer Family care.....I think you can google free wigs and different organizations come up.  Neecee, sometimes the port will settle down (or in) after it is there awhile. Mine looks like a doorbell. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SheriBell
    SheriBell Member Posts: 393
    edited May 2011

    Thanks ladies who are taking Taxotere+cytoxan for the time estimates - I like to plan. Ha ha  I have my "training seminar" on Monday and my first round on Tuesday.  I am supposed to go every 3 weeks.  Do they try to stick to the same day each time or is the 3 weeks  a guideline?  I am still working full time as a retail sales manager in an electronics store so I am running around a lot and want to try to plan a little.  I don't know if Tuesday is the best day for me but they kind of TOLD me I would be coming in this Tuesday so I went with it.  Works out cuz I have Weds already off this next week.  Thank goodness for FMLA which will help me keep my job if I need days off but I am hoping to keep active as I think that is the best medicine for me.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txladysara
    txladysara Member Posts: 52
    edited May 2011

    Thank you Marybe for all your information. I guess I will have to wait till Monday for the results. I have heard of crickett, I found a blog from a young woman who was only 24 when diagnosed and she mentioned  another site that gives you a free scarf, I did order a free scarf but haven't recieved it yet. I will post the link, hopefully it is allowed. cant get it to paste :(. Just google L. Erickson good wishes, that should work. With the Crickett site you can get a wig, or other head covering or masectomy products too, haven't applied there, I'm thinking that i will get a wig from the Cancer society and one will do. I do need to get some scarfs and some hankerchiefs, hopefully tomorrow. Well everyone have a restful sleep and God bless :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cyborg
    Cyborg Member Posts: 848
    edited May 2011

    Had the first day with the raccoon hat. It was wild. Felt like a costume. Even wore it for a date tonight with the dear boyfriend / husband like figure. Girls, I am plumb bald almost. I still wear lipstick and my toenails and fingernails are painted die to fears of SEs of Taxotere. Saw a strangely mysterious movie with Will Ferrell in it called Everything Must Go.

    TaxLadySara sure hope that the clot issue is remedied. Hugs.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lifelover
    lifelover Member Posts: 553
    edited May 2011

    Cyborg - what colour are you painting your nails?  One of my mates here told me to wear a dark colour on them because it doesn't absorb the sunlight (which is apparently aggravating to the nailbed).  I'm going to try a dark brown or dark purple (almost black) nail polish.

    Anyone trying this or have any knowledge if it works or not?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • neecee
    neecee Member Posts: 663
    edited May 2011

    SheriBell,  you sound so much like me!  I work in retail as a department lead, and am planning to work as much as I can during this.  I know it will be mentally good for me - keeps me out of my head for a few hours each day.  In fact, my MO recommened that I work as much as I can.  I filled out the paperwork for FMLA, and have it on file with the store just in case.  I am scheduled to be the closing manager the two days after my first treatment, and hope and pray I will be physically able.  I figured from what these other ladies have posted, I will probably be OK on Tuesday (first treatment Monday), possibly iffy on Wednesday.  I am scheduled off on Thursday, so if I make it through I can crash and burn then!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories