March 2012 chemo

MLB- They gave me Ativan during Chemo, said it was an anti-nausea med.

Well, tomorrow is tx 2 so I am going out to enjoy today before I fall down the chemo rabbit hole.  I will try to catch up with everything this evening if I can.

MLB- Just checked my meds sheet.  It was Aloxi in IV and also Zofran.  I was given Ativan as a Rx for severe nausea and/or anxiety, insomnia.  The paper says DO NOT DRIVE.  I have taken it once and it does put you out pretty good.  I can't remember if you are driving after chemo but PLEASE check what you are getting.   

Corky

If it knocks you out, I need some. Cannot sleep at all!

Lana, I am going to ask about the Ativan when I go for my next MO visit/TX - I have heard of lots of people getting it for sleep.  I just have a harder time falling asleep than I used do unless I am taking something for pain.  And even then I wake up a lot and fall back asleep just in time to have to get up!

munnibunny - good luck with your scan...just beware the contrast dye makes you feel like you are peeing yourself -   It would have freaked me out had the tech not told me that.

Amy - you poor thing being afraid to go to sleep - hope things improve for you soon.

Productive day here - counts were good (WBC back up to 6.4).  Went and got a monofilament wig at a wig shop - SUCH a difference with the way it looks/lies down on top.  It was pricey ($250) but insurance is going to reimburse at least part of it.  It looks better than my hair!  And the lady who manages the shop is going to thin out my freebie wig I took in there with me so I will have another one.  Still shedding but it isn't coming out in clumps yet so putting off the big shave. Then I went and got oldest DD yet another birthday gift to have to give her at her friend party - a pair of sparkly Bobs by Skechers (she asked for Toms but these cost a little less and look the same).  Then bought some thank you notes to send people who are bringing all this darn food and back home.

The only thing really bothering me is something non - chemo related.  My ribs/area under my noncancer breast feel tender.  This has been going on off and on for months and I am sure if it were cancer related and something on my ribs (i.e. mets) it would've shown up on the PET/CT scan I had done after dx.  But it still bugs me.  Not pain really, just something I am aware of.  I don't know if it is posture related (I sit kind of funky in the corner of the couch), weight related, digestive system related.  Just something that makes me uncomfortable and worry.  I think I would have a scan every week if they would let me.  

Lisa - I totally agree about this board. I would be going crazy if it weren't for you ladies. It helps to vent but I've also had some great laughs! Big hugs and thank you to everyone.



Karri- I had the same thing but realized it was from sleeping on the couch. I can't sleep through the night anymore and spend quite a few hours there. I don't have the pain when I use the bed more. And I wish I would of had some warning about that dye! He told me I would heat up but not about feeling like I wet myself! First thing I did when they pulled me out was grab my crotch!! Lol!

CAYH

While there is a big price difference between the Neulasta and Neupogen, my nurse said the Neulasta costs $2700 and said the latter was $1400?  Its amazing to see the difference in cost depending on where you live it seems.  They did have to find out upfront which my insurance carrier was prepared to pay for prior to giving me my prescription.  While I was approved for Neulasta I do like the fact that you can cut back if need be. 

I know we're both in Ontario but I find it interesting that my bloodwork is only done the day before TX, that's it.  I would really have no idea other than if I was ill if anything was off kilter blood work wise.  Do you find the same out of Niagara?

Hi there - I'm joining a bit late.  I started the 1st of 6X TC on March 27th, four weeks out from BMX with immediate implant reconstruction w/Alloderm.  First treatment went very well -- some tiredness, definitely not quite as much appetite, some sensitivity to food flavors.  I've been brushing with Biotene toothpaste and have Biotene mouthwash and spray.  Drinking lots of water, and the occasional beer or glass of wine, which my MO said was "necessary."     Have Zofran, but am also wearing a Sancuso patch which definitely keeps nausea at bay.  Frankly, the continuing discomfort from my spanky new implants is bothering more than the chemo at the moment ... but I expect that to change.  Going in tomorrow for blood tests, MO will give me a shot of Neupogen if my WBC is low.  Nice to be here with everyone going through the same crap! 

Welcome to gelina99! Sorry you need to be here, but you will love these incredible ladies.

I don't know if this is going to work, trying to post a link. This is not to make light of the major hurdle we face with the hair thing, but to get me charged up for the buzz. My sweet mum sent it to me today.

http:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZH61KxA q0

http:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZH61KxA q0

trying again to attach a link to a song...

Alicethe cat:

Thanks for that encouragement. I go for #2 FEC tomorrow at 8 am, and feel pretty wired about it. On the one hand if it goes exactly like #1 then at least I know what to expect...but on the other hand, it may not be the same, more of the unknown...anyway, it's encourageing to hear you on the other side of #2.

katycb - I listened to the song - at first I thought wth, but it kinda grows on you! Could be a theme song in the making...

I think there are some ladies from the US who are also not monitored during the off weeks. I'm glad to be monitored so that if my counts were to drop dangerously low, someone would know about it sooner than a trip to the ER.

gelina - welcome to the Marchers! You'll find lots of support, encouragement and information here. I'm just sorry you had to join.

Well put Katy!

I just want to stop in say hello to everyone!! I don't get a chance to jump on much. I am starting to have anxiety of TX#2, which is on Thursday, because I finally feel "almost" normal!!! So I had 10 days of feeling such extreme fatigue, and now only get 4 days of feeling ok before it starts again?? I find it amazing how some can't sleep, while others are so tired, and how some of us are not hungry/can't eat, while others are starving and want to eat everything. 

I've already lost 12 lbs, since this whole thing began, and don't have that much to play with, so hopefully I won't lose any more. But nothing tastes good, I'm down to plain chicken, rice, bananas and strawberries. Oh, and anything creamy. Does anyone else have unbelievable heartburn and reflux? I'm going to mention it to the onc. when I get to my appointment.

 I hope everyone has a wonderful week. I wish I could get on the computer more, but I'm having to spend my energy on my home business, which is already slacking cause I don't have the energy to get things done.

Hugs,

Laura 

Laura - I'm so sorry you're having a tough time. Talk to your MO about something for the acid reflux/heartburn. There's bound to be something that will work for you. What type of tx are you getting?  (((hugs)))

Here are some of the lyrics to the song Katy shared:

"Breast cancer and chemotherapy
Took away her crown and glory
She promised God if she was to survive
She would enjoy everyday of her life
On national television her diamond eyes are sparkling
Baldheaded like a full moon shining
Singing out to the whole wide world like hey

(Chorus)
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations (no)
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am the soul that lives within"