August 2011 chemo, anyone w/ me?!

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  • Kasi
    Kasi Member Posts: 216
    edited August 2011

    Hi everyone! Finished #2 around 3 pm today. Since I had such a rough go right after my first infusion, we decided to do the Ativan in my IV last (last time, the steroid and all the antinauseas went first). As soon as I got home I took a Zofran. Took my steroid at 6. Took a nap. Happy to report, NO NAUSEA! I just feel kind of tired and heavy. So much better than last time!

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  • koalakid39
    koalakid39 Member Posts: 42
    edited August 2011

    Evening all! Had 2nd infusion today and next week I will be off, neulasta tomorrow. I hope I handle the shot well.  So far feel like myself, other than the kind of bloated feeling. Probably lose some of my taste buds tomorrow dang it!  I had a mini-meltdown this morning. I decided I needed to put on a bra and my foob since I haven't worn them yet (last drain site still not completely healed). I didn't handle the feeling of it very well....it just felt so fake (obviously!) and it just wasn't ME! Mind you, I am a very low maintanance(sp) person, I don't wear makeup or do my nails, and it only takes a few min to do my hair (not much of that anyway, very fine and thin!) The whole messing with this silicone thing to get it to try to look right just wasn't cool...I just didn't like it....I'm sure the more I try, I will get used to it. To be honest, I will probably eventually do a prophalactic removal on the left side, I would make things easier (esp since I'm a DD cup) and don't care to do reconstruction. Ok, enough whining for one evening! Hopefully I sleep tonight..

    Kasi, glad you are feeling better this round

    Have a great evening Ladies....HUGS  Kim

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    YAY Kasi for feeling much better today than let time!!!! I hope it lasts and smooth sailing for you this round!



    Koala....I'm super low maintenance too....last time I had any makeup on my face was September 2010 when I was in a wedding.... I'm a "wash and go" hair type (well, while I still have it!) That's probably really hard for you with the foob, especially as a DD. Are you definitely deciding no reconstruction in the future? I hope the bra/foob starts to feel a little more natural with time? HUGS!!!



    YaYa ....I think your avatar looks awesome!!! When u said u went "naked" today at first I was like, "dang....she was cruising around town butt naked" than realized, oh yeah....he head!!!! :)



    Are most of you taking neulasta taking claritin or zyrtec to help with the pains? I was told zyrtec but I think I took that once and it messed me up....but I don't remember how though? I just know I couldn't take it....I wonder if I should buy claritin instead???? And than told prilosec for heart burn but I've always been on nexium???? I don't know what to do???

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    Oh, one of my "alter ego" wigs came today.....um, nothing like me. Poofy....my DD and I both tried it on and laughed and laughed.... It need a haircut in the front!!! Than I think I'll let her.

    My DH came home from work and saw me and starting singing "Proud Mary" by Tina turner.... Ha ha ha....I definitely altered myself with that one. I'm not giving up her yet though....a little trip, maybe some mouse.... Voila. I'm gonna take her to my stylist!!! :)

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  • vtellen
    vtellen Member Posts: 345
    edited August 2011

    Oh, Madismommy- sounds like you and I got the same wig! It actually looked kinda cute on my 19yrdd. The shape of mine isn't so bad, but the highlights are way too bold for "I've got to look NATURAL" me.

     I was in front of the bathroom mirror last night, trying to salvage what is left of my own hair. I stopped combing it a couple of days ago, couldn't handle seein the masses of hair coming out - figured I wear it up, anyway. Well, now there is a huge hair ball/tangle involving most of the back of my hair. It is crazy!

    Hope things continue to go well for you, Kasi. I don't take the steroid the day of treatment, but you do? I am going to try taking 2x a dayfor 4 days after next time. And I only get an ativan pill, not a drip. Wonder if it makes a difference? Just trying to figure out what works better....

    Yaya5- Ha! it does sound as though you decided to really cut loose and go all clothesless. Whatever gets you through the treatment, as long as your not hurting anyone, haha! And you do look good in the new pic!

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  • koalakid39
    koalakid39 Member Posts: 42
    edited August 2011

    Madismommy, Thanks! Def no reconstruction, my surgeon had actually told me I might need to get a reduction on the left, I'd rather just remove it.  I've had so many surgeries over the years, I don't really want anymore! I'm just glad I didn't have any complications with this one, other than having one drain for so long. When I had back surgery 3 years ago, I ended up with a nasty infection and had to have IV antibiotics for 6 weeks, talk about a pain in the butt. It's funny (kind of), I am a big girl, I don't have high blood pressure, diabetes, or take meds for anything but this stupid cancer. But I've had my share of surgery. I told my surgeon "just take my other boob, and do a complete hysterectomey and be done with it already!" He said he wished he could open up a clinic just for removing extra organs and parts that we (including men,prostates etc.)don't need anymore!

    I hope everyone has a great day!

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  • IslandGirl50
    IslandGirl50 Member Posts: 50
    edited August 2011

    Hello Everybody,

     Been a while since I have been on here.  Lots of Dr appointments this week - chemo couseling, echo cardiogram, physical therapy, port placement etc... I won't go into details but my port placement bit it was not a piece of cake like others have said, 

    First treatment is on Monday (8/22) AC(Adriamycin & Cytoxan).  I am very nervous about it. 

    I have seen people mention a checklist for stuff to have on hand for the chemo treatments.  Can anyone direct me to this list?

     Hope all of you suffering from SE feel better soon!!!!

    It is really nice to have this group to talk to.

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  • Grimbol
    Grimbol Member Posts: 326
    edited August 2011

    Chrys, how are you doing?  I am actually beginning to feel a little more normal again now.  Although having said that I've now been awake since 3 am battling the Big D!!  Immodium is on the shopping list for today.  Runny nose, presumably from the Herceptin and not a cold.  I'll make it into work again today.  Hope you are having an ok day. :)

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  • aimska
    aimska Member Posts: 68
    edited August 2011

    Hi Amelie!!!  I'm glad you are holding up well!!  For me, a big issue has been stomach problems; the first time around I had bad constipation and I didn't take a stool softener until 3 days after the 1st TCH tx.  The second time around my onc suggested I take laxatives to counter the constipation, and this left me with bad diarrhea!   I don't know what is worse, I think the constipation is worse!   Other than the stomach issues and fatigue, I am holding up ok!   :).

    As for the hair, alot of people already know what I am going through, so they knew once my hair was falling out I was going to shaave it off and wear the wig.  So the wig has bangs (my real hair didn't).  The people that knew about my condition knew it was a wig, but for the people that didn't know just figured I got my hair did. 

    Is there any way for us to post a picture?  (besides the insert/edit image button which takes me to a screen where I have to insert a URL).

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  • aimska
    aimska Member Posts: 68
    edited August 2011

    Grimbol - is herceptin known to give runny noses?   Funny because my nose is runny but only at random times, its not mucousy either, its like water!

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    VtEllen....maybe we did get the same wig??? I'm still trying to decide if I should keep it or send it back??? I bought it from wigs.com and they do allow returns....but, it's really cute if I work with it on my wig stand??? I dont know???



    Hi islandgirl! Sounds like the port wasn't very smooth sailing for you! :( I hope it is better now!! There is a list somewhere??? I'm not sure where either but I'm sure someone will....



    Aimska...did you shave your head yourself or the wig place? My alter ego wig has bangs and I think that's why it's so hard to get used to it for me??? I've had no bangs for YEARS, which is why I thought trying bangs would be fun.... I will say, the hair and style look real atleast, if you didn't know it was a wig I think I could pull it off as my own?



    Koala...I don't blame you for wanting no more surgeries, UGH!!! you've had a rough time huh? I'm starting to feel that way about getting nipples down the road.... Not sure I really need them??? I thought losing my breasts and nipples was going to be horrible and actually, I'm totally fine with it??? I'll be really happy once I get my exchange surgery but I might skip the nipples???



    Grimbol and Aimska....hope the big D goes away ASAP!!!

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  • aimska
    aimska Member Posts: 68
    edited August 2011

    Madismommy - my mother shaved it for me.. by the time we shaved it, it was shedding so heavily, I was kind of relieved to let it go.  It was all over the place and my hair was long too soo it was kind of disgusting.. I was leaving like a trail of hair all over the place :P.  I've never had bangs before either!!!   Everyone just thinks I cut bangs and it looks very chic.   You can do a little side swept bang, no one can tell, really!  

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  • Kasi
    Kasi Member Posts: 216
    edited August 2011

    Madismommy - Today is the big day for me. Going to the wig place to be shaved bald and get my wig styled. I feel ok about it for now. My mom, my hubby, and my best friend are all going with me so I will have enough comic relief there not to feel too bad about it. I'm at the point now where I know it's going to happen and I've accepted it. A couple days ago, I had the windows down in my car and was feeling the wind through my hair and I shed a few tears about that, but then I was better.

    vtEllen - My drips yesterday went in this order: Aloxi, Emend, Decadron, Adriamycin (red devin), Cytoxan, and Ativan (the Ativan was just a quick push through my port). My takehome drugs are Decadron (I have to take it the first night of chemo and then 4 more times every 12 hours, so the last time I take the steroid is Saturday night), Zofran (which I popped as soon as I got home from the infusion), and Ativan. I take two Ativan at night before I sleep. 

    Thanks for the well wishes everyone - I still feel SO MUCH better than last time. Went on an hour and 10 minute walk with my Mom and our dogs this morning and now I'm doing some work from home. And the best part is that I am not even going to need fluids this time, just the shot. Yay!! I don't want to jinx myself but I felt so crappy last time that I am so happy right now! 

    I hope you are all feeling good today and hanging in there! You're all so awesome! Laughing 

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  • Kasi
    Kasi Member Posts: 216
    edited August 2011

    aimska - your wig does look AWESOME! You can't even tell that it's a wig. I wish they made it easier to post pics on here!!!!

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  • aimska
    aimska Member Posts: 68
    edited August 2011
    Hi Kasi darling!!!!!  Kiss  so glad you are doing well and you have loads of support to go with you today for the wig fitting!!!!!!   thinking of you!!  xoxo
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  • Chrys23
    Chrys23 Member Posts: 291
    edited August 2011

    Morning everyone -- Hope everyone is doing well; Happy Friday!  Cool

    Grimbol: I have to say (knock on wood), that I actually have felt better the last two days. Minor twinges here and there, but no body aches.  My left foot under the heel still is sore (weird), and I have tingling in my hands and feet sometimes.  I also feel 'flushed' all the time. I took the dog out yesterday afternoon and sweat was pouring down my face and it wasn't hot. My temp has been waffling between 98.8 and 99.3 -- it got high on Wednesday when I got a little achy and just tired.

    I'm actually going to try to go to work on Monday after being out a week on disability after the first infusion last Wed.

    I'm sorry you're battling the big "D".  I'd rather have that then being constipated, but I know it's annoying none the less.  I also hope your runny nose subsides hon -- so glad to hear you are feeling better! Smile

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  • Leighsa
    Leighsa Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2011

    My oncotype is 15 and they are not recommending chemo. I thought I would be relieved, but now I'm anxious that the radiation, tamoxifen and Lupron shots won't be enough. sigh!

    I will be checking in on you lovely ladies!



    (((hugs)))

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  • Chrys23
    Chrys23 Member Posts: 291
    edited August 2011

    IslandGirl: Here is the thread for tips when starting Chemo; it was very helpful to me:

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/706846?page=22#idx_636

    Hope this is helpful!

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  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 667
    edited August 2011
    islandgirl, here's a link to the list for chemo.  i found it immensely helpful.  it's at the top of the page in case this link opens somewhere else on the page.  good luck on monday.  i'll be getting my 2nd tx on the same day.  you'll be in my thoughts.
     
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  • IslandGirl50
    IslandGirl50 Member Posts: 50
    edited August 2011

    Thanks so much Chrys & YaYa!

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  • michelleo13
    michelleo13 Member Posts: 342
    edited August 2011

    Home from my appointment with the ONC. All scans from last week were clear!!!!  YEAH!!!!! That is such a relief. My blood counts are good so I'm all set for round 2 of A/C on Monday.

    Kasi & Koalakid, so glad to hear you've both finished with your 2nd treatment. Kasi, I'm happy you had an easier time this time around.

    Kasi, hope the wig fitting went well for you. When I got home this afternoon, I had missed the mailman by about 20 minutes and wouldn't you know it, there was a delivery notice for the wig I ordered online. I guess I'll have to wait until Monday for it!

    Leighsa, that's good news...no chemo.  You'll miss out on all this fun!  :)

    Well, it's a beautiful day so I think I'll go out and enjoy the sunshine on my deck.

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  • summergirl1
    summergirl1 Member Posts: 182
    edited August 2011

    Day 2 post first TX, slept great last night but woke up felling very fluish, flushed/body aches, and lightheaded, had to go for appt at hospital for radioligist appt, and felt like passing out the whole time, havent been able to eat not sick but no appetite,didnt get weird taste in my mouth either,  then had nurse over to do my nuelasta shot , and my DH did it (haha) he is terrified of needles but good on him he wanted to do it and did very well I must say, then had a 2hr nap and finally had a bite to eat am feeling back to myself now TG, 

     Hoping everyone is feeling good and have a lovely weekend SE free .

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  • Grimbol
    Grimbol Member Posts: 326
    edited August 2011

    My new grandson arrived this morning, yay, something to celebrate!  I was able to be there for the delivery, so amazing!  Of course, he is gorgeous, looks just like his 2 sisters, hmm, see how long that lasts! 

    Immodium is working too, another celebration!!  Of course I haven't eaten much either but at least it's staying put.

    Hope you all have a good night

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  • Leighsa
    Leighsa Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2011

    Congratulations Grimbol!,

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  • summergirl1
    summergirl1 Member Posts: 182
    edited August 2011

    Congrats !!!!!!  Grimbol bet you must be over the moon and what a great distraction from all this :) 

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  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 667
    edited August 2011
    congrats, grimbol!!  so happy you were able to be there for your grandson's birth.  it's so aazing, isn't it??
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  • vtellen
    vtellen Member Posts: 345
    edited August 2011

    Happy news Grimbol! Congratulations!

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  • IslandGirl50
    IslandGirl50 Member Posts: 50
    edited August 2011

    Grimbol - Wonderful news on the birth of your newest grandchild!  Glad you got to be there,

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  • Grimbol
    Grimbol Member Posts: 326
    edited August 2011

    Thanks guys, very much, definitely a lift today.

    Question, are you still taking nausea meds by day 9?  I have just taken them regularly, but usually needed them by the time too.  Just wondered what you were doing and if I should be ok now without them?  Today has definitely been my best day post tx so far, (apart from D, but I think that's under control too now).

    I don't want to hear from all you who never had nausea....Smile, but thanks!

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  • michelleo13
    michelleo13 Member Posts: 342
    edited August 2011

    Congratulations Grimbol! That's wonderful news!

    I found I didn't need any nausea meds after day 3.

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