January 2012 chemo

Lynne:   It sounds like every day has its struggles for you, on top of dealing with your fibromyalgia and arthritis.  I am so sorry for all that you're going through, and wish there was something that would make this time easier for you besides listening - but that's what we're here for, you're NEVER whining or complaining, so please keep talking!  It's so comforting to know there is a place we can let it all out to others who understand.

Are you doing the Neulasta shot?  My MO told me that my vice-like headache and neckache was probably due to the Neulasta.  I have been taking the Claritin every day (first time around for 7 days days, just to be safe) and I didn't have pain anywhere else but my neck and head.  So far, this round, I'm doing better (I think).  My MO also suggested a prescription for "magic mouthwash" that helps with dry mouth, mouth sores and thrush - have you tried that?

I send you hugs from afar (with no germs, I promise!) and much love.  I hope you feel better very soon.

Nancy

BTW - can I just say that I'm really tired of steroid-fueled 4:30 mornings?  *sigh*...

Kblack, So sorry you ended up in the hospital. I can't imagine how busy and stressful your live was -- as you say, even before cancer -- with 21-month-old twins at home AND you're working. Is FMLA a possibility for you at work? 

I hope you're feeling better soon. And your reminder about us all trying to avoid germs is a good one. I'm retired, so I don't have to worry about being around co-workers, but I avoid going even to the grocery store if I have to. (I send my DH...)

Nancy - I love the 'new you' avatar!  I might just get hubby to take a picture of my shiny head.  Most of my shave stubble is falling out and I'm getting down to the bare me.  It actually is more comfortable!  My wig feels better and I'm not rubbing my hands all over my head anymore.  Am I weird for relating to my hair challenged mail co-workers now?  I even asked a good friend/co-worker what shampoo he used and how does he keep his head in good shape.  Haha, they all think I'm really weird!  In a good way (I hope).

I got my TLC wig in the mail yesterday.  Its not too bad. Not really the right color, but a nice auburn brown.  I'm more a brown grey red.  This will be my weekend hair, for shopping and going out.  I think I might take a chance on an ebay wig.  It looks cute, close to my color without the grey and going cheap right now.  If no one bids I'll grab it.  I think I will have to limit my work wig to the one I've been wearing.  While most kids know about my hair status, they were a little upset by the change.  So, no experimentation at work.

Kblack - Hang in there! I can't imagine have toddlers around now!  You are my hero!  Just keep telling yourself that you are doing this so that you will be around to help them plan their weddings. Believe it or not, time will fly and you will watch them go through all of their major and minor milestones.  I look at mine these days and I thank God that I've had the chance to see them grow, through good and bad events.  My baby will turn 20 on Valentine's Day.  I remember the day she was born!  It seems like just a bit ago.

I had tx #3 on Friday and so far not too bad.  I hate the steroid.  I do feel jittery today.  Couldn't finish my scrambled eggs (5) this morning though.  The dog loved them!  She knows to hang around while I eat.  There is always something left for her.  Yogurt tastes good, so I'll eat lots of that.  I need to exercise more I think.  I do feel better if I get out to things.  But then I worry about being exposed to germs.  Purel is my new best friend.

Wow, chemo brain is really hitting this time around!  I left a pile of papers on the receptionist desk after my appointment on firday.  She had to track me down in the chemo suite.  I couldn't find words yesterday.  My sentences seemed to trail off and I would forget what I was talking about. Fortunately, I was mostly  talking to my daughter, who has a good sense of humor about this whole business.  I told her i had "chemo bread" ?!  She reminded me that it was called chemo brain.  We had a good laugh.  I feel like my 96 yr old dad, who is slowly losing his vocabularly.

Have a relaxing weekend everyone.  Super bowl Sunday is upon us.  Not a fan, but I do enjoy the commercials!

I'm getting dizzy trying to keep up with all the posts.  I'm sorry so many are having emotional problems.  Maybe I'm in denial or maybe I'm just tough but so far I haven't had weepy moments.  I just get grumpy a bit because I hate to waste perfectly good days of my life feeling like a slug.

Kblack I also did a hospital stint  on days 8-11 after my first infusion.  My doc. adjusted the dose and this time around (#2) I'm having pretty pretty typical symptoms.  Steroid high until a crash on day 4. Now on day 11 I feel pretty normal.  Went shopping and walked home a mile. Caught up on my ironing.  Now it is evening and I'm starting to get a bit tired.  If the rest of my treatments go like this I can handle it because I can plan ahead knowing how I will feel.

My hair is starting to come out finally.  I gave myself a really short buzz 3 weeks ago.  It didn't grow any but  didn't seem to want to leave me..  Mine is coming out a few little stubbly hairs at a time.  I figure it will be at least a week at this rate before I'm bald.

Have a great SB Sunday to those who are fans.  I like football but am not into all the hype.  I don't like much of anything about NYC but I do have a son in law who went to Brandeis U. so I guess I'll have to say GO PAT's.  LOL

Peggy 

Well it hit me this morning. Had AC#2 on Thursday and have been feeling pretty good.This morning  reality hit. I am exhausted, headachy, itchy bitchy and have ringing in the ears.

What mad eme think SE were going to pass me by?

Gayle56   Thanks  That's what I will do after a bowl of oatmeal. Maybe it is the zofran or maybe it is payback for ripping my wig off to people who didn't recognize me in it.

Hi Madeline - welcome to our January family.  I've had Neulasta shots after both of my treatments.  Claritin 24-hour has been suggested for SE's from the shot; I've used it both times now, and it has worked like a wonder for me.  Minimal side effects (sometimes a slight headache or neckacke, but otherwise nothing so far).  I hope you feel better soon!

Welcome, Madeline.

FLDreamer - I've had weird ear things - a little ringing, some swishing... I'm never sure if it's my ears, or wind outside, or my mind... I've heard that can be a SE. I spend a good part of my day with earphones glued to my head at work, so I've already had tinitis on and off for a few years. I hope yours gets better.

Jane - Good luck getting that wig from ebay. I'm waiting to pick up my second one - short and really red. 

I felt back to normal by Friday. Not much more to report, so I guess that's good. Between now and my next tx on the 16th should be close to normal. 

Still in that sweet spot, feeling good while counting down to my next A/C treatment on Wednesday. While I appreciate feeling close to normal, I think it's making me dread Wednesday even more.



Today I've been seriously contemplating skipping the wig thing entirely. I honestly can't see myself wearing one. In any event, I'm getting buzzed tomorrow. My scalps tingling and the great follicular exodus is imminent.



Tonight my partner came home from running errands with a brand new Vitamix machine for me, something she heard me talking about on the phone the other day. So sweet! And this will be a great way for me to ramp up the fruit and veg in my diet, especially in my post-treatment life.



Here's a question I'd like to poll you about. I have my first Taxol treatment on March 21. The next day is the already scheduled book launch for my new novel, where I'm supposed to stand before an audience and read for 20-30 minutes. I'm scared to death this is too close to treatment to not be a disaster. On the other hand, I hear Taxol is less intense than A/C and a lot of women function quite normally. Any thoughts?

Here we go with tx #3. I am dreading it and shaking like a leaf. Knowing what is to come for the next week makes me want to crawl back in bed and skip the whole thing. Good luck to veryone else this week....

Alajohn, yes, I've received Neulasta shots after each of my three T/C treatments. Generally the SE for me have been cherry-red cheeks and body aches, helped significantly by taking both Claritin and Tylenol. 

Annie3310, about your scheduled book reading...I have found that the day after my treatments, I am fine. The steroids are still in my system, I have energy and the anti-nausea meds are keeping that awful SE at bay. After the first treatment, I had 4 good days before the "hit-by-a-bus" feeling hit me. After the second and third treatments, that feeling hit on Day #3.

You might want to have a back-up plan, just in case, like reading while sitting instead of standing. But I have a feeling you'll be OK and can enjoy and celebrate that wonderful accomplishment.

FLDreamer, I've read on some other posts of women who have had severe ringing in their ears after treatment. What I've experienced is the sound of blood pumping in my ears, a whoosh-whoosh that is annoying. Others have mentioned their hearing being more sensitive, too.

May today be better than yesterday, tomorrow be better than today...every day gets us one day closer to being finished with treatment! 

Dianne are you having just Taxol or herceptin also.  If just Taxol do you have to have neulasta with it?

Peggy 

Gotta share my good news - my WBC is waaaayyyy up - 13.4 - it was less than 1 on Friday, so I'm thrilled! I'm actually going to go in to work tomorrow. Not sure if eating a lot of protein (egg/cheese sandwhich every day) has helped, but I'm going to keep it up.

I'm having a wierd SE - the bottoms of my feet are so sore. It hurts to walk barefoot around the house. Anyone else have that?

kblack- glad you're home from the hospital!

Madeline - welcome to the group. Sorry to hear you're having lousy S/Es...yes, one day at a time. Hard to do, I know.

Momof2inME - good luck with treatment #3.  I am thinking about you and will be right back on Thursday for mine....if I show up.  I have dreams of just driving right past the hospital and continuing all the way down to Naples where my inlaws have a house.  If only escape were that easy!  And I am kidding about the not showing up part.  Its just nice to dream.