April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited June 2012

    Welcome Eileen! 

  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited June 2012

    Welcome eileenmarie -

    I am on the same chemo regime, but you are ahead of me.  I just started today.  The women on this thread have been tremendously helpful.

  • RoulaG
    RoulaG Member Posts: 239
    edited June 2012

    TCH # 3 done...I'm pooped going to bed. Sweet dreams everyone!

  • eileenmarie
    eileenmarie Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2012

    Thanks for the welcome.   It's nice to hear the Taxol part of the treatment may not be as bad as the AC.   Like many of you I'm tired of being queasy.  I'm hoping one of my best friends...M&Ms... starts tasting good again. 

    Have a good night. 

  • silkuk52
    silkuk52 Member Posts: 13
    edited June 2012

    A positive attitude was hard to come by this week so complained to onc & he increased strength of Effexor for me from 75 Mg to 150 Mg & feeling little better. Still dredding 1st A/C tx tomorrow:( Also joined Denosumab study. Placebo or the real thing? What does everyone bring for an icy drink to infusion? TGIF! Feel well everyone!

  • Hortense
    Hortense Member Posts: 982
    edited June 2012

    This time I brought ice water into which I squeezed lemon juice. Last time I drank Poweraide plus I  ate fruit popcicles during the Taxotere and I got sick. The nurses thought it was a sugar overload. 

  • FightingLikeAGirl
    FightingLikeAGirl Member Posts: 69
    edited June 2012


    Roula & Marcia...so glad you made it thru...hope you got some rest and have minimal SE's.

    Eileen...welcome...you will find amazing support from a great group of girls.

    As far as what I drink...I bring an 20 oz bottle of ice water and keep refilling it there...the problem is by the time I get my Taxotere infusion the ice has already melted...next time I'm thinking about bringing some extra ice in a small cooler so I can keep adding it to my water.  Hortense...I really like the idea of squeezing lemon in it...I love water but sometimes it is just so boring.

  • Pauletta
    Pauletta Member Posts: 54
    edited June 2012

    I hope I can get some answers from ya'll on this. I am having pain in the right side of my neck and it hurts when I swallow. My throat is fine (Dr. Checked). the right side of my neck is swallen. I had blood work done yesterday and the Dr. is sending me for a CT Scan with contrast of my neck.

    Anyone had any problems like this from A\C treatment or neupogen shots? I am praying that is not a mass that they are going to find on the CT scan 

  • chapter4
    chapter4 Member Posts: 155
    edited June 2012

    No fear.....I know what you mean with emotions...I had a tearful night last night...it mostly sweeps over me as I get ready for bed...looking in the mirror at the woman who in a lot of ways no longer looks like a woman...certaintly not the woman I once was .....no breast on the left side...an ugly scar...no hair...hollowed eyes...my right boob loooks funny now...all on its own...I either laugh or cry...and too often cry..wishing I could roll the clock back....wondering how long I had the cancer and didn't know....living my life and not knowing....I cry thinking of the burden I've become to those who love me....what has happened to me...has changed their lives forever as well....my daughter who worries about me and now wonders if it will happen to her...my mother who feels so helpless...my son who doesn't know what to say...my partner who hurts so much watching me go through this and he can't stop it...



    The only thing is....this has given me a new outlook on life....I no longer sweat the small stuff... I cherish each day...appreciate those around me so much more...and will never take each day and those I love for granted ever again.



    It's just hard sometimes....for all of us. And you know what...if he need a meltdown....then we should let it happen...it's cleansing and I think is necessary sometimes in order to move forward.....hang in there ladies.

  • Fierro6
    Fierro6 Member Posts: 224
    edited June 2012

    Chapter4, I could have written that.  Same side, same dx, same chemo (you're just two months ahead of me...I start on Tuesday.)  You used the words that were in my head, but you untangled them and made them come out in order.  One of the biggest things to me, that you mentioned, is the burden I feel I've become to my family.  

    I don't have much to add, except how eerie it was to read my thoughts, written by you.  Smile 

  • DorisMarie
    DorisMarie Member Posts: 129
    edited June 2012

    note to self..take fenegran on the second eve of treatment..got a wee bit yuck about 8 last night..took the meds..all was fine..woke up this morn..after about 10 min. nausea hit..and the worst heat flash I've ever had..so I hollered for meds..a pot ..and wet wash cloth..didn't last but about 5 min..all fine now..so I know when the meds in the drip run out..don't I? LOL..ya'll take care..

  • vballmom
    vballmom Member Posts: 426
    edited June 2012

    Oh goodness, me too!  Except the tears.  I have pretty much stopped crying.  Yes, there is deep sadness but I am determined to keep finding the silver linings.

    My wonderful oncology nurse convinced me to go to a friend's art show last night. DD#1 and I power-shopped and bought a new dress and some huge hoop earrings. Hubby shaved my head, so now I look like a cross between Annie Lennox and my dad! Honestly, I was not at traumatized as I expected to be. I thought it would be a production complete with tears, but there were none to be had. It was time and I was ready. I wore my blonde wig to the gala - I don't like it and would rather be bald.  I am sure I bought the wrong color. 

    The show was in lovely old art deco building that used to be a department store back in the day, valet parking, open bar and catered. I had a 1/4 of a glass of wine which made me feel very grown up holding it. I didn't drink it - no interest. I downed a non-alcoholic beer and ate like I haven't seen food in a year. Probably not the smartest thing but it was all so delicious.

    Of course, the most precious part was being out with hubby and the girls. I love when they are all dressed up. I am so proud of them.  We are certainly blessed.

    Pauletta, I am glad you are being checked out. Hopefully it's nothing but a swollen gland!  Prayers sent.

    Our cancer center provides drinks and ice, so as soon as I sit they ask me what I want.  I have been drinking cranberry juice. I'm still having trouble finding liquids that appeal to me.

  • kjiberty
    kjiberty Member Posts: 1,385
    edited June 2012

    Vballmom:  So glad you went to the gala; sounds like you went with grace as well. Again, as I have mentioned, I did not shed a tear when they buzzed my hair as well.  The tears came the previous day when it was coming out in clumps.  I bet you looked beautiful!

    Doris:   I hope you're feeling better today.  That happened to me on day #2, round 1.  I had just gotten out of the shower, thought I was feeling well, and then a hot flash wave hit me; I was dripping in sweat and lightheaded.  I seriously thought I was well enough to go to work the day after chemo.  That's when I learned the hard way, you have to take it easy and get the rest you need.  

    Eileen:  Welcome!

    Pauletta:   Its a good idea you are being checked out.

    I go for my neulasta shot today.  Hopefully, the side effects will be minimal.  However, I woke up w/hives AGAIN this a.m.  My MO said if I can live with it, it will eventually go away.  My hand is sore from the seven needle pokes to get an IV.  Just happy, happy, happy I only have on more treatment.  Cool 

  • mt4ever
    mt4ever Member Posts: 105
    edited June 2012

    Chapter4 you brought tears to my eyes this morning cause I have felt the same way, especially the mirror part!!  I have never felt so unwomanly in all my life!  But I like you know that there is a reason and I will get through it!! 

    Hugs to all the Fighting Like Girls out there today!!!

  • Stacie
    Stacie Member Posts: 607
    edited June 2012

    Resting before 4th TAC of 6. Just when those "crazy" steroids were all worn off and I could talk and think w/o tearing up. Here we go "basket case" Stacie...

  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited June 2012

    Pauletta - I've not had pain like that - but was wondering if you have a port, and if happens to be on that side?  It could possibly be an infection of the port, which of course would be preferable to what you are thinking.  Sending positive energy that it all turns out to be nothing of concern! 

    chapter4 - <hugs>.  I can relate so much to all that you wrote.  Looking in the mirror can be really tough sometimes.  It does get better as time goes on.  

    vball - your evening out sounds so fun!  

    kjiberty - oh no about the hives....uggghhhh!!!  

  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited June 2012
    Best wishes for your infusion Stacie! 
  • Pauletta
    Pauletta Member Posts: 54
    edited June 2012

    Yes I have a port and it is on the same side. I will mention that to the Dr, to see if that's what it could be

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited June 2012
    Stacie-Thinking of you this morning and hope your infusion goes well today and minimal side effects afterwards.  I'm right next to you sharing that Kleenex box tearing up over the most nonsensical things.  HUGS!!!! 
  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited June 2012

    kjliberty- Don't you just love those hot flashes..... Lol.   I can deal with them during the day but hate it when one just wakes me up from my sleep.  Hope you are recovering from yesterday's infusion..... I know you must have felt like a pin cushion after a while..... ouchie.  Don't forget to take that Claritin this morning for the Neulasta shot.  I've been taking mine and knock on wood..... no bone pain (yet and hopefully I won't have any!!!)

  • eileenmarie
    eileenmarie Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2012

    Paulette, I hope your pain is nothing serious.  I've had some painful swallowing the last two days... not the throat but below that.  Almost a burn type pain.  But at this point I've had so many weird SE that I'm choosing not to freak out about this one.... yet.  :) 

     Chapter 4, there is something about bedtime that can bring out those tears that we push back all day.  I hope today is a good one for you and for all of you.

  • sgtgee_69
    sgtgee_69 Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2012

    Good Morning all, I hope you are all taking it easy and recovering to the best of you abilities.  Just had my second treatment on 6/6 without any complications.  I'm just fatigue because I tried to do to much with my mom after my treatment.  All in all it was a good day, a blessed one.

    Kjiberty:  I am actually feeling alot better after the hospital stay, wow the neupogen shots really helped.  But there was a downside.  my bones were achie, but they gave me whatever drugs I wanted.  I will be taking some B12 tablets starting tomorrow to bring up my energy, I'm just hoping the body aches and muscle aches are better, they gave me neurontin for that. thanks for the good vibes, and right back at ya.

    Melrosemelrose:  I would have rather been at home but my temp was a little too high and I got scared so I had to go in and get seen.  They drew so much blood, my neutraphils were down to 45, wow that was crazy, but I made it thru.  I'm so excited about my daughters graduation on saturday and I also have one to go to this evening for my adopted daughter.   This is one of my proudest moments and I'm going to drink it all in.

    Well wishes to all have a blessed week

  • nofear2012
    nofear2012 Member Posts: 160
    edited June 2012

    Chapter4 I hear ya so much. Today I am totally drained I could stay in bed all day & sleep. No energy to do anything & really no appetite either. Legs/body sort of feel like a wet noodle & kind of having an out of body experience. I hope this doesn't last too much longer.

  • Husker123
    Husker123 Member Posts: 101
    edited June 2012

    I hear you chapter4.  The mirror is not my friend.

    Good for you vball!!! I bet you had fun.

     I saw the PS yesterday for a fill. I think we are at where I want to be. Go back in a month then do the exchange the end of Aug.

     Oh the hot flashes! I feel like somebody has me on slow roast & then turns it to High!  It's crazy.  Sometimes I stick my head in the freezer just to cool off!

     Hope everyone has a great day!

  • lisa2012
    lisa2012 Member Posts: 652
    edited June 2012

    Marcia111- funny, I am the same way- emptying and loading the dishwasher makes me feel

    More normal and productive.

    Hey, my thrush essentially disappeared after a couple days of

    Biotene rinse in addition salt water rinses! No nystatin for 2 days!I think Melrose may have suggested checking with dentist- I did and have special fluoride toothpaste and biotene too. Happy about my tongue.

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited June 2012

    Lisa2012- Yay for getting those mouth issues under control!!!! Just keep doing what you are doing so everything stays clear!!!

  • RoulaG
    RoulaG Member Posts: 239
    edited June 2012

    Chapter4, I know and feel the same way. I look at myself in the mirror znc don't even recognize the woman staring back at me. I ask myself what the hell happened, to the woman I was? Will she ever come back?



    Kjiberty, I hope you have minimal SEs, I am doing ok - so far- just very tired!



    Have a wonderful day ladies!

  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited June 2012
    lisa2012 - YAY for no thrush!!!!  I know I was super thrilled when I kicked mine to the curb!!! 
  • sandik
    sandik Member Posts: 482
    edited June 2012

    Fierro, we have been camping here for 20+ years. We have a school bus that we converted to a motorhome. Haha. We got here yesterday, I had a sandwich for lunch and I was able to taste the bread! So I kept trying other things and I could taste those too. Had coffee this morning with breakfast! Woo hoo! First time in over a month that I could taste it!

    Good luck kjiberty!

    Silkuk, welcome and good luck

    Hoping for minimal se for you fairweather!

    Chapter4 have fun at the cape!

    Melrose, grumpy humor, haha that pretty much sums me up when Im crabby!

    Sade, yay for being done with ac! My last one is Monday!

    Misty, hope you are feeling better!

    Welcome Eileen!

  • JKBuffy
    JKBuffy Member Posts: 18
    edited June 2012

    Hey y'all,

    Just letting you know that my neulasta injection went just fine last night--no pain at all this time. Thanks for all the advice!  

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