April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

My port is on the right side because I have TE on the left side.

PKATE: I only took 1 steroid instead of 2 (by mistake) and didn't see any noticeable difference.

SADE: I had someone ask me when did my hair come out since they'd just seen me a week ago. I told them it didn't come out. I cut if off. It's my new spring fashion statement.

VELUTHA: My ONC gave me a big book with all the side effects and what to do for each of them, including when to call her. She specifically told me NOT to read it. If I experienced any side effects, to look it up in the index and read the info related to that specific side effect. Guess she didn't want me panicking.

Went in today to get TE fill #2 only to learn that we're stopping expansion because my skin isn't expanding (I thought it felt pretty tight, but didn't know if that was normal or not).  Apparently, this is happening because 3 years ago (during the first cancer diagnosis) I had 7 weeks of RADS.

So we move on to plan B which is to take skin and muscle from my back and use it for the reconstruction. I'm totally bummed. PS says to just put it out of my mind for now and focus on chemo. We'll talk about it in 6 wks when chemo's all done. Kinda hard to do. But I did like hearing someone say out loud that in less than 6 wks the chemo would be all done.

IndigoMont1... My cocktail is TC x4.

Tomorrow I get my port at 9am and my chemo appt is at 10am. Seems to be a bit short on time between the two appointments but I was told that the cancer clinic will work around this.,

I got my port when I had my UMX.  It had well healed when I had my first infusion over week ago.  It was a little sore for a few days after the infusion but now it doesn't hurt.  Just glad I have it because my poor little arm veins can't take any more pokes!!!!

Thanks Melrose, I'm feeling much much better. I had some vomiting today but it wasnt intolerable. I didnt feel good enough to return to the gym...but I will try again tomorrow.

 Lynn, congrats on your 6 weeks!!! It's right around the corner. I'll be glad when I get to that point. I have a year to go.I have 2 rounds of a/c left, then 12 weeks of taxol/herceptin (weekly), then 7-9 months of herceptin (every 3 weeks). Oh, and I love the "It's my new spring fashion statement" comeback!!

I commend all of you who are Embracing the Bald....I have yet to get that confident!

 I have food on my tummy, Melrose, I promise. I took your advice and I've been eating small meals throughout the day. I'm not sure why the SE's are lingering this time around. Napping has been my friend during the day but I have the hardest time staying asleep at night.

I hope all is well on your end.

Wildflower, I had the same doses you're getting. I got it on Wed. Thurs I was ok. Fri I was tired. Sat I could barely open my eyes all day. Kids kept waking me to drink. Sun I was better but tired, thrn better each day since. I am noticing dry cuticles lips and eyes. But runny nose. I feel fine.



Petagae, thwt sucks about the port. Mine was sore fore a while after.

I'm with you guys Sandik and Wildflower - same dose schedule.  Start 5/7 right before my anniversary 5/13.  Sandik - that was your first round?

Isharvey, last week was my first. 5/9 will be my second.

Melrose, I totally understand the burping. Lol before I can get mine completely out my daughter goes "Say excuse me, mommy" with her sassy behind and my DH just shakes his head.



Thanks, Sandik. I'm glad you're doing well.

MAY THE BEST "BURPER" WIN!!! lol

Thanks Sandik!!  I'm hoping I'm well enough for him to take me out to a really nice restaurant!! We have one we went to a couple years back for a special anniversary and I think this one counts as a good time for a redo!

I'm hoping!!  just want to look forward to something good.

Melrose... Any of the lipbalms from Burts Bees... They are soooo soothing!



Wildflower... I am starting tomorrow too so I don't know for sure but I've heard that the nausea first starts after the Neulasta shot. I am a little less nervous tonight then I thought I would be... I think in a way I'm looking forward to getting on with it and finally knowing what my SE's are going to be.



Petagea... OMG... Sounds like you are telling my story... I'm not going in til tomorrow for my 1st treatment... But I can see bruising coming out from the bandage...I know when they take this bandage off its going to look awful as well! I salso am allergic to the clear bandage and asked them not to put it on... They didn't but apparently I'm also allergic to the one they did put on cause I have a horrible rash as well.



Indigo... My nurse told me to go on and stay on prilosec for the entire time I'm on Chemo.



I also want to say something regarding the port... I had it put in on Tuesday and since I'm starting chemo Thursday the Dr. Asked if I wanted him to put the needle in so I wouldn't have to deal with it for chemo... Well... Let me tell you... Not a good idea! It sticks out so far and bumbs into my body and moves the portaround in my arm... Yikes... Big mistake!

fairweather- Wow- rads and chemo plus working plus back problems all at the same time!!!  You are Wonder Woman!!!  I don't know how you do it!!!! 

Sorry the SE's have hit.   It's a good thing to voice all of the SE's so you can tell your onco what's happening.  As for the "C", I have managed to keep that under control by eating a bowl of oatmeal with wheat bran cereal sprinkled on top with some fruit (banana/blueberries) on top every morning plus eating a few Sunsweet Ones prunes (they are really sweet and moist) during the day and drink lots of water.   Drinking prune juice/apple juice will also help.  As for drinking water, yep that is so boring and I get tired of that too.  I have some 32 ounce Nalgene water bottles (Target) and I fill up 2 every morning with ice/water.  I make sure by the time I go to bed, those two bottles are emply.  It's a mind over matter thing---2 containers seems a whole lot less than 8 glasses of water. 

Hope you feel better!!!!!!! HUGS and lots of them, Marlene!!!!!    

Stacie-- Sure wish we lived a little closer so we could get together...... I am 10 days out from my #1 chemo and hair is still with me.  But I do know it could go at any time.  I'm glad you are here and have such a great new look attitude.  I'm hoping that once I get to that new look, I will feel as confident and sassy as you!!!!