March 2012 chemo

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  • Masserz
    Masserz Member Posts: 92
    edited March 2012

    Kadia, my MO has prescribed Neulasta for all cycles but I know some only give it if you need it. My MO is prescription happy...I'll be receiving no less than 6 anti-nausea drugs! I'm sure if yours submits it to insurance stating that you need it, you will get it.



    Sissydi- I'm with you...I don't want to shave my head in a salon. I don't feel like being a curiousity any more than I have to be. I'm fortunate that my daughter is a hairdresser so she'll do mine at home.

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  • Amymomto5
    Amymomto5 Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2012

    Thanks for the welcome ladies.  Yes, it's not a club anyone wants to have to join, but you all are so supportive... I need that right now.  No matter how much your spouse, kids, etc love you, this is still something that makes one feel alone.  They just don't quite understand...

    Shera - My kids are a mix of ages, boys 17, 14 and 10, girls 7 and 3.  Yes I have lots of support, mostly fellow homeschoolers who are able to juggle their schedule to accomodate my younger three.  I also have several friends who are retired who will be able to drive me to appointments so my husband doesn't use up all his vacation (I'll need a vacation after this nightmare is behind me!) I will check about getting my scripts before chemo day so I don't have to wait on them. I love your name. Do you pronounce it with a long A or a long E?

    Kadia - my oncologist said neulasta is necessary because if I get a neutropenic fever I will spend 4 days in the hospital.

    Good luck to all of you already in treatment. I hope your SE/s are mild! 

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Amy, I was also a homeschooler! My boys are now in college.

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  • Alicea
    Alicea Member Posts: 36
    edited March 2012

    Hi ladies

    I can barely keep my eyes open to even read the post anymore, thats my major SE thus far....fatigue. Everything else seem to be going ok.



    Welcome to all the new ladies.



    Wishing all a wonderful weekend with minimal SEs

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  • shera
    shera Member Posts: 184
    edited March 2012

    I hope this doesn't offend anyone -- but after a few of you mentioned the Cancer Club that no ones chooses to join, I thought I'd share my visual of that. I had a bad evening dealing with some anger back in January (pre-mastectomy) and made this piece. The title in written in the work, No one wants to join your f...ing club. 

    I will edit the image out if anyone asks me too. I'm taking a risk here, thinking that maybe we've all been this angry at some point during this journey.  

    In case my 1st attempt to post an image here doesn't work -- here's link to blog entry:

    http://fleetingglances.blogspot.com/2012/01/cancer-club.html

    If any of you are blogging or using other forms of creative therapy and want to share -- I'd love to see your work.  

    Amy -- thank you.  It's pronounced like "Share-rah". Ages 3 to 17... sounds like an active home! Great that some are old enough to help too.  

    Alicea --- me too. The tired is setting in. And VERY achey -- must be from Neulasta. I'm on Claritin... so either it's not working or this would be worse without it. hmmm

     

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  • Kadia
    Kadia Member Posts: 314
    edited March 2012

    Shera, thank you for sharing that image. You are very talented. So powerful and true!

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  • Love74
    Love74 Member Posts: 175
    edited March 2012

    Hair is gone! Looks ugly but feels great! A lady who has a salon in her basement did it for me. It was definitely weird but not as devastating as I thought it would be. My wig fits great too without hair under it.

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  • Gabbi42
    Gabbi42 Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2012

    I had my first appointment with the specialist on the first of March and back to hospital on Monday for blood tests and a chance to test the chemo port out. I am not sure what treatment I am having yet I guess I will find out this week

    I think that I may actually start Chemo on Thursday.

    I feel pretty unorganised but considering I have just moved country I think I properly doing pretty well. It so cold here after living for 3 and half year in the tropics ,so I have been clothes shopping and had a look at few wigs. Nice to back with my family around me.

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  • shera
    shera Member Posts: 184
    edited March 2012

    Thanks Kadia -- I've all of sudden felt stupid for posting it and was going to delete it, and I can't! 

    Just want to report on Neulasta joint pain... ouch. I took the Claritin prior to shot, and every day since shot and I'm still in a lot of discomfort. Moving around and stretching helps, but it's after 1am and I'm getting no relief --- so just took a percocet. 

    Read some info on the boards that joint pain subsides with each shot. If this is true, then someone who takes Claritin on their second shot could attribute less pain to the Claritin when the second shot would've had less pain anyway. Who can know.

    Also read that it could be from the Taxol. One woman wrote she had no Neulasta pain until they switched her to Taxol...  then she did. Her doc says her pain is from taxane. 

    Since some of us here are starting with AC and others with TC, it'd be interesting to note if there's a divide between which group has the most bone and joint pain. I started with TC and experiencing a lot of pain. Percocet kicking in now.  Ahhhhhhh 

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  • galena_79
    galena_79 Member Posts: 107
    edited March 2012

    Ugh, I thought I was feeling good but having the trots is not really much better than being constipated.  At least day 6 is nearly over.

    Sissydi- My hairdresser is going to take me in at the end of the day, I just have to call when I'm ready.  She'll lock the doors and give me the VIP treatment.

    I might let her experiment with my hair a little before shaving it off.  She's been my hairdresser for years, so it will be hopefully kind of nice to share that with her.

    My sister-in-law wants to have some of my hair when it is shaved.  She will make some jewellery with it.

    Shera- Thanks for the image.  It definitely resonates with me.  Wish it didn't.  ((((hugs))))

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Wow shera, beautiful work! Do you art journal? I think I will start one to get me through treatment.....



    Gabbi, glad you are back surrounded by family! That is such a blessing!



    Last night I finally felt somewhat normal again! I can see where I am NOT going to be excited about tc # 2! But who is? Love you guys...........((((((hugs)))))) to all of you.

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  • QuinnCat
    QuinnCat Member Posts: 3,456
    edited March 2012

    Shera - thank you for posting your art work. I envy your talent and what away to find inspiration, hey? I do think Cancer is a defining moment and as such we need to vent, express and set goals. For me, it has reconnected me to friends and family. A year from now, I plan on teaching a Step Class again...it's been almost 10 years.



    I'm on AC, first chemo on 3/1 (though I'm going back to chemo on Wednesdays next time), so I am going into day 3. I had the Neulasta on Friday at 2:15 and took a Claritan that morning. No bone pain yet, but maybe too soon?

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  • tc9876
    tc9876 Member Posts: 136
    edited March 2012

    Shera, I like your art.  Don't take it down.

    I've had something interesting occur.  Yesterday, my period started.  I left a message with my M.O. yesterday but he didn't call me back.  Anyone else have this happen?

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  • journey4life
    journey4life Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2012

    Shera - I love the artwork. What a great way to be able to express the emotions this *&%$@!$ disease brings.

    Sissydi - don't have a start date yet but tx will be A/C x 4 and T x 4.

    So many new posts since I was here last! I hate that all of us are here but am grateful for the shared experiences and support.

    To the new Marchers - glad you're here!

    To all - I hope your SEs are minimal and you're feeling good!

    Had my PICC port put in on Thursday. Its in the inside of my upper arm. The anxiety before the procedure was worse than the procedure itself! I still have some discomfort but its not bad at all. Next TE fill will be Tuesday and chemo 101 on Thursday.

    (((((hugs))))) to all

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  • Kadia
    Kadia Member Posts: 314
    edited March 2012

    Oh my god ITCHY HEAD! Anyone else? No hair is coming out but I can't stop scratching. Might need to do the big buzz sooner than I thought.

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  • Hannahsnana
    Hannahsnana Member Posts: 9
    edited March 2012

    Hi all,  I managed to work my desk job 9 hrs Thursday and 8 hrs Friday after Chemo on Wed afternoon!  Felt right proud, but that is out the window now!   Day 3 after chemo.......just plain draggin even after 12 hrs of fairly good sleep!  Alicea, I am with you.   All is tolerable, but had to try and rid of the salty taste in my mouth w/brushing and Biotene this am!  Heard the metal aspect of taste, but not this salty stuff?  Anyone else? 

    Love74 - Sorry it finally happened and 15 days does not seem long!  Please remember our thoughts are with you.  I have shoulder length straight hair and my fear is it coming back in curly.  I hate messing with a curling iron!  Guess we take what we get!

    Shera - great job!  Expression is certainly allowed!

    galena_79 Feel better soon.

    Kam170  My girlfriends are calling fast and furious and that is nice.

    My 2 1/2 yr. old grandson just showed up at my request for a visit while Mommy, Daddy and Hannah get out to shop a bit!  Am I crazy or just needing a distraction?  Granddaddy said he would help with him, like he needs to use me as an excuse.  Grandkids.....best medicine yet!

    Hope all has a good day and an unfortunate welcome to the new girls.

    Thinking of you all.

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  • Kadia
    Kadia Member Posts: 314
    edited March 2012

    Hannahsnana...that's funny, i need to ADD salt to everything these days! I'm impressed that you worked so long!

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  • Masserz
    Masserz Member Posts: 92
    edited March 2012

    Shera-I love your painting! It is the embodiment of how I felt actually prior to my diagnosis (during the three months of waiting to know what the hell was going on). Once I had a diagnosis, I went into business mode and have been better able to cope. I envy you your outlet. You are very talented and I'm sure it helps you release your feelings.



    Tc9876 are you post menopausal or were you told you would not have periods during treatment? It's weird for me because I had endometrial ablation and have no idea when or if I have periods for sure (except for the super grumpy weeks that tell me I have PMS). Now that I can't take the pill for PMS I think menopause would almost be welcome...



    All of you ladies that have Marched in already, I am so sorry you are having SEs but it sounds like you are dealing with them bravely. If it helps at all, you are really inspiring me to be strong. I am supposed to start next week sometime (still no appt...grrr....) and am nervous, but not as much as I thought I would be.



    Heading out to the beach now to enjoy the sun while I still can...

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  • Msbelle
    Msbelle Member Posts: 235
    edited March 2012

    Kadia: yes my head has been itching like crazy!! Not lost it yet but did cut it short last night to make the loss easier. I'm at day 10 from first chemo tx. I hate the waiting and wondering when I'll be bald!

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    No itching yet, but did pick my wig up, and am kinda ready to get this part over with! The wig actually looks better; the chemo has dried out my air! I took my neighbor who is colon cancer with mets to the liver. We were both diagnosed on the same day with our cancers....Dec.23rd.

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  • tc9876
    tc9876 Member Posts: 136
    edited March 2012

    I feel crappy and constipated.  I've taken stool softeners and drinking water.  I am premenopausal but I totally did not expect a period now.  I have no appetite.  HELP!

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Was just in your spot three days ago TC! Can you walk a little? That helped get me moving.

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  • Stilts
    Stilts Member Posts: 246
    edited March 2012

    Hi from another March 2011 chemo lounger !!! I was right where you ladies are a year ago...a long year but I survived it !!! I had a BMX, AC x 4 , 12 weekly doses of Taxol (loved my port) followed by 35 radiation treatments. I am now on Arimidex and  am about ready to shed my wig !!! The AC was the hardest part for me but I learned to take the "as needed" nausea meds on a scheduled basis and as I had trouble drinking enough fluids, I went back to the ONC a few days post treatment for a liter of saline. Take care of yourselves and I'll check back to see how you're doing !!!

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited March 2012

    Thank you stilts! It helps us newbies so much while we're right smack in the middle of all this to hear from the experienced ones! I know I can lose perspective while experiencing side effects, figuring its never gonna end, and I'll never feel the way I used to......you guys give us hope, and we hang onto your words! Again, thanks!

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  • shera
    shera Member Posts: 184
    edited March 2012

    Sissydi - Thank you. yes, I started an art journal too... a friend gave me one with really nice paper for all medias. 

     

    Galena - Thanks and hugs back. I'm intrigued by the idea of making jewelry with some of your hair in it. Can't picture it. I might have to google "Hair + jewelry"  and see what comes up!!

     

    Kam - instructing a step class is a great goal. I used to be addicted to step in the 90s. Wouldn't it be great if, a year from now, all of us here going through this together, could take your step class. Talk about victory. 

     

    Masserz, TC, Hannahsnana, and Lisajcj - Thank you

     

    I'm still experiencing a good deal of bone and joint discomfort / pain. I took Claritin before and after Neulasta shot that I received on Thursday 3/1. Today is day 4 for me, and the worse so far -- though day 3 was rough too. Best description: my skeleton hurts! But on a good note -- stomach is ok. Mouth feels kinda fuzzy and things are a little less tasty. Went for a 1.5 mile walk today. Hope you're all getting some sunshine and fresh air when you can!

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  • Kadia
    Kadia Member Posts: 314
    edited March 2012

    Bumping for New Kid on the Blog

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  • Masserz
    Masserz Member Posts: 92
    edited March 2012

    Anyone up for some fun news? I just found out I'm going to be a grandma...of TWINS! At 38!!! OMG. Two more reasons to get this taken care of. I need to be around for alot of people now.. I'm kind of in shock right now.

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  • galena_79
    galena_79 Member Posts: 107
    edited March 2012

    End of Day 7: Today I felt really good. Was able to eat normally, and move around without any aches and pains. Minor SE's only - dry mouth and mouth ulcers, dry eyes, acne-prone skin. Hair still holding on strong.

    tc9876- It's a little too soon for me to expect my period to start... but I believe I shouldn't be expecting it for the next few months, at least. What did your MO say? Constipation was a major SE for me the first few days too, but it does -ahem- pass. ;-) And seriously, the stool softeners, water, and light exercise helps.

    lisajcj- Glad to hear your PICC line isn't too bothersome. I'm sure you'll be grateful for it once chemo starts.

    Kadia / MsBelle / Sissydi - How are your heads? Ready for the shave yet??? I'm still waiting for the 'itch' to hit me.

    Hannahsnana- You are a wonder woman! I am so impressed that you've been able to physically and psychologically focus on work. I hope you are allowing yourself enough rest and relaxation!

    Stilts- I am doing the same chemo regimen you had, ACx4 then Tx12. Nice to know that the AC was the harder of the two - not that I am looking forward to any of it! Will keep onto the anti-nausea meds, and water water water!

    shera- I think my sister-in-law will make something similar to horse hair jewellery. She's quite talented and quirky.

    Masserz- Wow, that's incredible. Must be so exciting. Let's kick this cancer so you can enjoy your grandkids for a long long time!

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  • journey4life
    journey4life Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2012

    Masserz - congratulations! Kick cancer to the curb so you can enjoy those grandbabies!

    tc - hang in there!

    Galena - glad to see SEs have somewhat diminished. You must be doing the right things.

    Shera - so sorry about the bone pain. On another thread, someone posted that Claritin D didn't help her but Mucinex D did. May be something you want to think about.

    Rainy, dreary day today here in Virginia. Think I'll get my taxes together (yuk!). Hope you all have a good day.

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  • Hannahsnana
    Hannahsnana Member Posts: 9
    edited March 2012

    Galena_79 Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I am really working because I have to.  My husband is small time self employed residential construction and of course this time of year combined with the economy still soft, I have to keep the wolves away.  My MO wanted to do TAC x 6 and I opted for the TC x 4 to be able to hopefully stay on the job with the lesser chance of SEs.  Hope that was not a mistake down the road.  The badly needed big POOPY is kicking my butt right now too.  I skipped the stool softners and took a laxative this am.....just waiting it out now!  Waited too late I think.  Girls, please be aware.

    Masserz  Wonderful news!  You know my Hannah is 13 w/a 2 1/2 year old brother that has been a shear joy.  I also have a 10 yr old in Germany!  Miss her terribly!  Get ready they will steal your heart, soul, time, and money and you will gladly let them!

    TC I have not had a period at age 56 in three years, but I swear the feeling in my stomach from the chemo is just like the cramps I had as a teen, so I feel for you there.  Gonna try Sissydi's suggestion to walk.

    shera please post the photos when that jewelry is made and sorry your skeleton hurts!

    Amymomto5 you have your work cut out for you, but I know with that good support you will keep on keeping on.

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