August 2011 chemo, anyone w/ me?!

Options
1…2526283031…85

Comments

  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 667
    edited August 2011
    grimbol, i took my nausea meds (phenergen gel on the inside wrist) for one day only.  
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Grimbol
    Grimbol Member Posts: 326
    edited August 2011

    ok Chrys how about you?  I am still needing mine?!?!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • my4pumpkins
    my4pumpkins Member Posts: 17
    edited August 2011

    Grimbol,



    Congratulations on your new grandson!I



    I have had lingering nausea, too. It helps to eat small meals several times a day, even though nothing tastes like I hope it will! My onc prescribed ativan for nausea/sleep/anxiety. It helps. I also have zofran but only use that in the first few post chemo days because of the side effects of constipation. What are you taking for the nausea?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chrys23
    Chrys23 Member Posts: 291
    edited August 2011

    Hi Grimbol! Congratulations on the arrival of your new grandbaby! :o)

    I did not take my nausea meds past day 3. I wasn't nauseated at all, just a teeny bit queasie at times, but nothing major.  If you still need them; take them. Everyone is so different in how their body reacts.  If you feel it's unusual to still need them, check with your Onc if you are worried.

    Now..if you want to talk about those muscle pains again, we can go there! Tongue out  LOL   

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Taylor777
    Taylor777 Member Posts: 141
    edited August 2011

    Hi Everyone... I start chemo Aug.30th and I get my port in on the 23th...I am so scared about having this port put in. Does it hurt and can you feel it when it's in??? 

    I'm getting 4 A/C and 4 Taxol every 2 weeks until Dec.6 ..I cannot wait til this part is done. The thought of the port, chemo and losing my hair is freaking me out!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Grimbol
    Grimbol Member Posts: 326
    edited August 2011

    Oh, I only have Zofran.  hmm I will have to check again with the onc on this one then.  They said to keep taking them while I needed them but to try to lengthen the time inbetween until I could go without,  Thanks for the input though.

    Wecome Taylor. Sorry you are joining us.  I have my port in my arm, it wasn't too bad going in but ached a fair bit that day.  My veins would be awful so I am appreciating having it already, only 1 tx but they've used it several times.  It really doesn't bother me much 2 weeks later, but I'm careful not to rub/catch it on things still.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    Hi ladies!!! Hope everyone is feeling well this evening!! My daughter had a friend spend the night so they've been keeping me BUSY....two 8 year old girls running around....oh the energy!!!



    Grimbol....congrats on the new arrival, I'm so happy you were able to be there for it....YAY for great timing!!!!



    You know, I didn't really receive much at home nausea medicine....only compazine??? (I think that's what it's called?). Here I go again with the nausea fear.....



    My first treatment is most likely pushed back, I never heard from the scheduling nurse regarding a confirmation of my start date???? And she's not there on Monday's I don't think? Which stinks because I wanted to be done atleast a couple weeks before Christmas....AND I'll have to push my wig appointment back, I refuse to give up my hair a whole week earlier than I have to??? Boo...



    YAY Leigh that you don't need chemo....I can see where you are leary about it though....trust your doctors, I would hope they will suggest the absolute best course of action needed....



    Summergirl.....YAY for your DH being able to do the neulasta shot....there's hope for mine?!? I hope your aches and pains are gone tomorrow!!!



    Michelle....awesome on the clean scans and good blood count!



    Kasi....I hope everything went smooth with the wig today and you are doing ok!!! I wish I could give you a big hug!!!



    Aimska... Did you post a pic somewhere, your wig sounds cute.... Why is it difficult to post pics on here? Although, I probably should get on that pic forum but I forget who we have to contact?



    Taylor....welcome. Sorry you have to embark on this chemo coaster with all of but glad you found the thread!!!! My port placement was easy peasy....but I do notice it from time to time. It's "creeped" me out since day one but it's really not too bad. Mines a "low profile" so it doesn't stick out too badly....my daughter never noticed it until I actually showed her....she's 8 and it's been in since July 13th. Good luck!!!



    Soooo, we watched Soul Surfer AGAIN tonight, LOL....kids are funny how they can watch the same movies over and over again....favorite line of the movie "sometimes being normal is SO over-rated". Thats my new saying for my upcoming bald phase.... :)



    I'm off to bed, these little girls have worn me out!!!! Off to bed!!!



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Amelie_Rose
    Amelie_Rose Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2011

    Congratulations, Grimbol!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sagita
    Sagita Member Posts: 30
    edited August 2011

    Hello!

    Joining you guys for the August chemo. I will have my port placement on the 23th Aug then same day start my first chemo with taxol. I'm worried, as i am thinking about the side effects. I'm praying & wishing that all is going to be ok. I will be on 6 months treatment and top the 7 1/2 weeks radiation. I never expected i will end up like this. This is not what we all expected. My luck!!!

    Preparing myself  and all the stuff i am going to need. My medications for emergency are all set... now, i am reading all your food suggestions! :)

    But regards with my hair... not doing anything yet. I always have my hair long in many years, i'm still debating to shave it or cut it slowly. It's not that easy than what i thought ...

    When will i expect to loose all my hair in chemo?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • aimska
    aimska Member Posts: 68
    edited August 2011

    Taylor - the port placement was a small surgery, I actually remember waking up in the middle of it.  Afterwards, I couldnt really turn my neck for a few days, felt like someone was strangling me.  I see a slight tube where your collarbone is near your neckline, there's a small tube there and then the port is about 2 inches under the collarbone.  I can see mine, its about the size of a nickel, maybe smaller.. but it looks grayish under my skin.  Its been great with getting chemo and such, but it sticks out a lil.  I don't think anyone can really see it unless you wear spaghetti straps everyday.  And as far as feeling it.. I can't really feel it anymore either.

    Sagita - I'm not sure when you'll lose all the hair.. but it will def start coming out heavily within 10-15 days of your first treatment.  The 15th day after my first treatment, I shaved mines off and wore a wig.  Just wondering since you were diagnosed in Feb, how come you're just starting chemo now?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • aimska
    aimska Member Posts: 68
    edited August 2011
    IMG-20110818-00201" mce_src="IMG-20110818-00201" alt="aimska's wig" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="500" height="375" align="" />
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • summergirl1
    summergirl1 Member Posts: 182
    edited August 2011

    Amiska, wow you look fantastic , Im going today to have my wig trimmed and fixed to look more like me I hope it looks as great as yours , !!!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • summergirl1
    summergirl1 Member Posts: 182
    edited August 2011

    Happy to report Feeling great today , NO SE's today at all TG, 

    Kasi: hope you got on well yesterday and your loving your new hair do..

    Madismom: Im sure ur hubbie wont have a problem giving you the shot either its very easy ,needle is tiny the nurse said they use them on premature babys. sorry to hear they delayed your chemo, and hope it starts soon as the anticipation can be even worse , well it was for me I feel so much more relaxed now round 1 is over. 

     Sagita: WELCOME, you will be fine and this group has been a life saviour for me, I got some great tips on here that have really helped me through my first TX, The hair thing of course is a very difficult  thing for all of us too. I have always had mine long so I didnt cut mine will wait till it starts falling out then will transition in my wig which is also long, I am counting down the days now tillmine falls out :( and 1 piece of advice I will give you is , if you decide to wear a wig do not just buy one over the internet as they look completly different when you try them on, your best bet is to go to a wig shop now while you have your hair and have them try on styles that will suit you , hope this helps !!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • IslandGirl50
    IslandGirl50 Member Posts: 50
    edited August 2011

    Taylor - it appears we have the same chemo treatments - I have 4 AC treatments every two weeks and then 4 Taxol treatments every two weeks. I will be getting the neulasta shot the day after I receive chemo.  Chemo starts on Monday and I am so nervous!  I have a list of foods and things I need to get before Monday like watermelon, claritin, constipation meds, biotene mouth rinse and Zantac etc.

    I had a port placed last Tuesday.  So many people tell me that it was a breeze.  It was not for me. I won't go into details unless you want me to.  Ask for all of the feel good drugs they can give you!  It has been 4 days since the placement and it really doesn't feel too bad now. It annoys me when I swallow because i can feel a little something on the side on my neck.  I asked the oncologist if anyone else had complained about that and she said no,  Now I have a new worry that they didn't place it correctly in me.  They took and x-ray after the port placement and said it was in the correct place. One more thing for me to worry about!!  Seems like I worry about things that other people don't.  I can barely see it on my chest. But I can't get it wet for 2 weeks so I have to take a sponge bath from my waist up and use the hand help shower from my waist down.  What a pain!!  Best of luck to you getting your port placement!  I am sure it will be fine.

    I asked the oncologist about my daughter in law giving me the Nuelasta shot here at home.  She is an RN. She said insurance may not pay for it or pay less because it falls into a different category if you give the shot yourself so I am stuck driving 30 miles back to the cancer center for the shot the day after getting chemo.  My in laws will take me if I don't feel like driving. Really wish I could get the shot here at home.

    Aimska - you look great!  I have not gone to see about a wig yet.  Right now I am thinking I will wear buffs and hats,  I may change my mind once my hair falls out,   Although seeing your wig makes me rethink the wig thing.  Looks good!

    Madismommy - sounds like you have a fun time at your house!  The sounds of little girls laughing and having fun is so sweet,  Enjoy! 

    Have a great day everybody!  Mine is starting out good- no pain anywhere unless I move the wrong way or do too much.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • michelleo13
    michelleo13 Member Posts: 342
    edited August 2011

    Taylor777 & Sagita, welcome to our club! Sorry you have to be here but it's a great group!

    Aimska, nice pic - you look great!

    Have a great Saturday everyone!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    Aimska...I LOVE it...you look great! I would never know at all that's a wig unless you told me!! :) and I like the side swept bangs. I bought my alter ego wig purposely with bangs so that they might hide my non eyebrows down the road. Your wig is very nice, and looks great on you!!!



    Welcome sagita.... Glad you found us! So much help and support here in so many different ways!!!! Regarding hair, I cut about 6 inches off my head so far and might go another 3-4 before it starts coming out....I'm still waiting to start treatment but I was told to expect the 12-15 day after the first infusion date. My insurance is paying for one of my wigs and than I have bought two others online, one from wigs.com and one from tlc. My two other wigs look nothing like me normally, so I call them my alter ego wigs..... I also ordered a sleep cap and couple scarves from headcovers.com. I'm in full hairl loss prep because I know I won't be much of a "topless" girl. My main hope is to love my wigs so much I want to wear them sometimes even after my real hair returns.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Robyn6463
    Robyn6463 Member Posts: 167
    edited August 2011

    Wow, I try to check in here at least once a day, sometimes twice and SO much happens!

    Grimbol - CONGRATULATIONS on the birth of your new grandson.

    Kasi - How are you doing with your new wig? And S/Es after your second treatment? 

    Aimska -GREAT WIG! I didn't initially realize it was a picture of a wig, and thought, wow, I'd be upset at the idea of losing all that beautiful hair too! It looks awesome on you! 

    Madismommy-I had benadryl during my first infusion, and keep some on hand for emergencies all the time. (My son is allergic to everything). No claritin though. Probably because I've taken zyrtec every day for years for my own allergies. I think it made me REALLY sleepy the first week or so that I took it, but it's been so long....

    Leighsa - Oncotype 15 isn't bad. Mine was 21, and I spent a long time thinking about chemo. Still having second thoughts, but the docs support it, and that makes me more confident that I've made the right choice. While all my test results have been good, they've had these little caveats attached...my excision did not have clear margins the first time, so she scraped more tissue...my lymph node was initially positive, then negative at final pathology. They found a second, apparently unrelated tumor in the additional tissue excision. I just worried that one stupid cell would be floating around in my lymphatic system and come back and kill me 7 years from now. Just like it did to my aunt. This is my second cancer. So chemo it is. Here I am. 

    Welcome Taylor. I'm worried about my port placement also. I had my first treatment, and they had trouble with my veins, so the nurses asked for it. I see the surgeon on Monday, placement on 8/30, next treatment on 9/2. Wish I could have skipped this step with only 3 treatments to go. 

    Chrys - I agree. The aches are horrible! My husband says I'm still moaning in my sleep! My nauseau hasn't been too bad. Very irregular digestive tract though. From D to constipated then back to D...wish it would make up it's mind! 

    Koalakid - That must have been a tough surgery decision. I'll go through the genetic testing and counseling in October. I can easily decide to do a prophylcatic hysterectomy, (wanted it done when they took the lump) but I'll have a harder time giving up my breasts. The docs have done such a nice job so far, not perfect, but I'm not going to change another thing cosmetically. Unless I've got the stupid gene. Then it's decision time.  

    Okay - wig decision. There's no place local for me to go try one on, so I've been putting it off. (I sympathize with those of you who live a long way from your treatment centers). All your comments about the ones you've bought on-line aren't very reassuring! I've got another week+ before I need it, cut my hair really short already. I really can't decide. Maybe I'll do some on-line searching for providers...

    It's another beautiful day in Southern Vermont. Baby shower for my best friend this afternoon. Her c-section is scheduled for 9/2, the same time as my next treatment. I need to go shopping! Hope everyone feels well today! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • koalakid39
    koalakid39 Member Posts: 42
    edited August 2011

    Congrats on the new grandbaby Grimbol!

    Aimska, you look great! It looks so natural!

    I had my neulasta yesterday, I need to go buy some zantac or something! Woke up with awful heartburn, but other than that, no other problems. We will see what today brings.

    Those of you who are new, welcome! This site has been a godsend to me, I don't feel so alone in this battle.

    I hope everyone has a great SE free day! HUGS

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vtellen
    vtellen Member Posts: 345
    edited August 2011

    Aimska - thanks for sharing the pic, you look fantastic! I am down to a few. sad last strands of hair. It is agonizing and a mess, but I guess I have been in denial that it would really all fall out! I can't feel right in a wig, so now am attempting various scarf styles. Big floppy hat is the winner so far.

    Grimbol- I am on Taxotere, my experience was that the first days on the steroid, I felt pretty good. Then day 4-6, achy and headaches. I took the ativan at night, and occasionally zofran for the first week. It will have to be all zofran from now on though, as I think I am reacting to the ativan. It made me very restless and kept me from sleeping.

    Carol- I am soo glad that you are still feeling well! Yea for no SEs!

    Kasi- I hope it went Ok at your hair appt. I never thought I would be as emotional as I have been about losing my hair. Def cried more about it than the surgery, strange.

    Island Girl- Worrying is one of my greatest skills! I can find all sorts of possible problems to fret about. Working on reining it in a bit. Sometimes, though worrying can be helpful - as in " I think this thing in my breast feels like it could be a bad thing....." My onco actually commended me for getting on it as soon as I did.So, I hear you on the port. I don't have one, but I'll tell you my left arm is getting a little irritated w/ the blood draws, so a port seems like a really good idea.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • eekwine
    eekwine Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2011

    Congrats on the new grandbaby, Grimbol!! It's nice to have such a great big positive in the middle of all of this.

     Welcome to all of the new ladies -- I have been away for a day or so trying to get caught up on farm work while I have some energy before the next treatment!

     I do have a question for those of you further along in treatment: for those of you with a port in/on your chest how do you deal with the bra strap issue?  My surgeon was kind enouh to place mine DIRECTLY in my tan line -- none of the bras I have don't catch on it -- sports bras or otherwise!!  Trying to stay active on the days where I feel OK............. And the skin over the port is still very sensitive to clothing, etc -- does that go away over time?

    Also, I'm on AC-T like a number of you but I'm getting 6 T over 12 weeks(DD) and it seems like everyone else is getting 4T -- are all T's the same? The AC seems to match everyone else -- 4 treatments over 8 weeks(DD).

     Hope everyone has a SE free weekend :o)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vtellen
    vtellen Member Posts: 345
    edited August 2011

    Oh, and Robyn- what genetic testing? My docs haven't mentioned anything to me. What are you testing for? Is it the BRCA thing?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Robyn6463
    Robyn6463 Member Posts: 167
    edited August 2011

    Ellen...I'll send a PM - there's a Vermont program if there are any other Vermonters out there!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • aimska
    aimska Member Posts: 68
    edited August 2011

    Thanks for the compliments everyone!!   I just styled my wig.. who knew I would be blowdrying/flat ironing a wig saturday morning :T.  I would definitely suggest a wig shop, if anyone lives in the city, wigs plus is great.. there's one on 14th street, and one on 34th street, I think??   they have hundreds of styles for you to try on..

    I hope everyone is hanging strong today .. have a good weekend pretty ladies :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • aimska
    aimska Member Posts: 68
    edited August 2011

    eekwine - mines not really in the line of the bra strap.. its kind of more towards the center of my chest which is annoying because when I wear v-necks its visible!  I know this is horrible, but I cannnot wear the seat belt properly because it presses on the port and I dont like how that feels, so I take the top strap and bring it down to my belly.  hahaha  I wonder if an officer will take that excuse if I ever get pulled over.. I'm still wearing it technically????????

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Justina
    Justina Member Posts: 53
    edited August 2011

    I hope everyone is having a good day today. You are all such a comfort to me and I wanted to say thanks. Second AC will be this Thursday. My biggest complaint is fatigue, found it hard to make it thru a full day at work. On day 7, my counts dropped so low I had to spend the day home in bed. Today I feel fine -go figure. It amazes me how things change from one day to the next. 2012 can't come soon enough!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • eekwine
    eekwine Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2011

    @aimska -- I do that in the passengers seat or the belt runs right over the port.  I'm just hoping hubby does a fine job driving :o) I also wonder what the police would do.  I did get a camera speeding ticket on the way home from my first chemo session..............

    @justina -- Sounds like we are on a similar schedule -- I get my second AC on Wednesday.  Fatigue was my worst symtom too, my 5 minute 'rest on the couch' turned into a 2 hour nap!!!  You're lucky you know your counts -- I go 2 weeks between treatments with nothing unless I call with a problem.  I guess I'll find out what my counts have done Wed b4 treament#2.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • justme1
    justme1 Member Posts: 223
    edited August 2011

    Congratulations Grimbol!, Its Great to have such a blessing during these times .My grandbabies are my life they mean the world to meeeeeeeeeee.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • capinva
    capinva Member Posts: 138
    edited August 2011

    Congrats Grimbol on the new grand baby.



    Justina looks like we are on the same schedule too. My next treatment is Thursday. Today I am feeling so good, helped my daughter move into her apartment.



    Taking ativan makes me sleep all day and that is at .5mg. Gonna talk to the doctor about that. Thursday have lab work, dr appt and then TX. Have no idea what my counts are like. Couple of you mentioned taking Claritin for the neulasta shot. Does that help? Do you take it before the TX? I started getting aches day 6-7. Not much before that. Luckily heartburn wasn't bad, drank milk and it went away. Hoping this next treatment goes well and I don't puke this time.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • michelleo13
    michelleo13 Member Posts: 342
    edited August 2011

    Hope everyone is having a wonderful SE free weekend. I feel like my old self today!

    Day 12 and my hair is definitely starting to thin and my scalp feels weird the last day or two. I finally received the wig I ordered online. I really like the style but the colour is quite different than it looked online - more brown than red. It's so hard to tell when you look at the colours online. Oh well, at this stage of the game, I guess I'll keep it. I'll probably alternate between it and the short red wig my friend's mom gave me.

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

    Hello Everyone!

    I start chemo on Monday. I'm schedule to do TCH every 3 weeks for 6 rounds. I'm very nervous, but so ready to get it started. I'm glad to find this group. Sucks to be here, but atleast I am not alone.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories