April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

Fierro - I was told DD A/C + Taxol is the step up treatment from T/C x 6 or A/C x 6.  They may have stepped you up because of your nodal involvement.

Hi new to this forum as of now. Had Port put in yesterday. Did you have general anesthesia or "twighlight" sleep? VERY SORE today-know what you mean about your arm! Had to practically beg for something stronger than Tylenol!

Evening all,

I'm still here and trying to catch up again.  Had a busy weekend, Monday commute to the office and last 2 days have been work crazy.  I've felt good, tastebuds came back last weekend and have eaten everything in sight.  Even worked in the yard/barn 4 hours on Sunday. This Friday will be labs for me and 2nd Herceptin only.  Hair is still coming out very lightly and I'm 2 weeks today post 1st TCH, imagine that will speed up soon - but I'm ready with misc. pre-tied scarves, caps, hats, (no wig).  My skin which is dry anyway is like the Sahara Desert but found Mary Kay Extra Emollient Night Cream has really helped.  Also, went shopping on Saturday at Kohl's and picked up some Earth Therapeutics aloe moisture socks which I am sleeping in and aloe moisture gloves that I wear for awhile in the evening - those are helping too (just an FYI).

Dancetrancer - that baby oil on a q-tip - tip last week for the inside of the nose - worked wonders.

Hope everyone is having a good week or at the very least as good as can be expected with minimal SE's.

I had versed (I think that's the correct spelling) for my port placement.  From what  I understand, you are awake the whole time but don't remember anything.

They did my port placement at the same time as my mastectomy, and never told me I had a choice about where it went.  It's in my chest, and other than being weird (it's a party trick..."wanna feel my port?") it's never bothered me.  That could be because I was distracted by the MX trauma.  Who knows?

IndigoMont11-  I didn't realize you were having chemo every 3 weeks like me.  Three weeks is the recovery time for both our chemo regimens according to this website-- chemocare.  I like having the third week when I feel good before the next round!!!  Hope you are doing well this evening.  Glad we are kicking around in our big girl boots!!!!

Hi silkuk! I had IV sedation for my port but it was pretty mild. I wouldn't call it twilight sleep - I remember the whole thing.

@Melrose - good question! haha!!  I'm starting HCTZ 25 mg now.  Just what I need..more meds!  I feel like I went from 43 to the 73 in 3 months!  uggghh! 

I have a red spot on the palm of my hand?  Kinda looks like the beginning of a blister but I can't think of anything that would have done that (plus it's off in a weird spot for a blister) and it has stayed like that for the last day or two.  It's a little tender but doesn't really hurt.  Don't know if it's something to do with the chemo or totally unrelated?

Vballmom:  I hope the nausea is very short-lived.

Roula:  I live in a very small down outside of Peoria--Dunlap.  There's about 500 people here (was 250 and we had a lot of growth due to our wonderful school district--growth in property taxes too!).  

Silkuk52:  Welcome to this board with some great, smart and beautiful ladies! 

Isharvey-I'm on the same bp med with the diurectic in it and havne't had any problems with it.  It has really helped my bp stay down.  Hope you are getting the Hand-Foot Syndrome which is a side effect of chemo.  Look at the main BCO section under chemo side effects.  It is no fun for sure!!!!

 IndigoMont11- There are so many gals on this thread now, it is hard to keep up when everyone is having her chemo but i won't forget when yours is anymore, girlfriend!!!!!

Vballmom- OH NO!!!! Hard to believe that the nausea is back..... call you onco to see if he/she can give you different meds before it gets worse.  Gentle hugs.....

Fierro6- You are too funny....  lol.  I never asked my insurance if they would pay for the Herceptin clinical trial infusion.  The infusion center just submitted the bill with the Herceptin infusion charge and the insurance paid whatever it billed, no questions asked.  Go figure.

Silk...welcome! I have my port in my arm. I had a local and I was totally awake listening to music and chatting with the surgeon and nurses...I felt nothing just a little pressure when they were pushing it in. However it was really annoying for the first couple of weeks...now I hardly notice it.

VBall...so sorry you've been having such a tough time with the nausea. Do any of the anti-nausea meds help?

Indigo...so glad your husband is doing okay. You really do have a lot on your plate.

Lisa...So sorry you're feeling crummy...hope it's short lived. Just this morning I was thinking about a trip I took right before I had my mammogram that found this cancer. It was such a great trip with my boyfriend and 2 other couples. We went wine tasting up North to the Santa Ynez Valley. I was so unaware of what was happening in my own body...just having fun and not worrying about anything...its just so amazing how life can change in a snap. Funny that you were telling your story about being in Santa Barbara...do you live in CA?

Cindy

Marcia, ask away.  I was put off for a bit and had confused some things and forgotten some others, so I finally freaked out and called the MO's office.  A VERY understanding nurse answered every question and calmed me right back down.  I wonder if any of my answers apply?  Ask!!!

I just called my husband who was with me at the education session.  He says she said to bring everything with me, but I think I will call the MO and get someone on call.  I'll let you know the results.

Okay, I called the MO and am waiting for a return call.  I have Emend, Dexamethasone, Prochlorperazine, and Lidocaine.