April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

kjiberty - I joined a local support group one time.  It definitely wasn't for me.  Over 40 people, and many monopolized the conversation - didn't get much out of it.  Also, I was the youngest person in the room, which made me feel isolated.  I've been to in person support groups for other issues in the past, and they really were great, so I was disappointed.  All groups have a different "feel".  A smaller, younger group would have been better, but it didn't work with my schedule.  I agree...this is the BEST support group you could ever get here!!!!

 Gemmi - best wishes for tomorrow!!! I'll be right there with ya getting my 4th TCH.  

nofear - I listened to the cancer one of the mediations listed - it was AWESOME.  I really see how this could help me.  I felt so relaxed and hopeful afterwards.  Thank you so much!

lol vickilind!  

Fierro - what a sweet story about your Dad.  Re: the headaches...could be due to the crying, stress, chemo, premeds (Zofran?), etc...I noticed those meditations have one for headaches...maybe try it?  The one I listened to really relaxed me.  

I fell asleep, after several folks told me to plan on being kept up by steroids.  Three hours in, my wonderful, loving, sweet 60 lb dog decided he wanted out and tried to join me in the recliner.  The little darling about got punched, but so would anyone waking me up.  LOL  I let him and the good dog outside, and then realized I may be done sleeping for the night.

Slight headache is back.  I started thinking that caffiene withdrawl could be to blame, although I haven't cut it completely out.  It HAS been a drastic cutback, though.  I know I'm getting PLENTY of water, so I may allow myself a bit more from the coffee/diet Coke column.  My cutback was pretty sudden.  I figure I'll bribe myself by having to drink an EXTRA water for each coffee/diet Coke I drink.  (43 years old and I'm bargaining with myself like I'm a spoiled 3 year old!)

I shall also look at the meditation information. I WILL figure this out.  I have a new appreciation for those who get headaches regularly.  I have lived most of my life headache-free, and knew that was a blessing, but didn't realize how big of a blessing it was.  As far as anti-nausea meds, I don't remember what I was given in my infusion yesterday, but I haven't had to take anything orally, yet.  I see my list of questions for my call to the MOs office growing.

Thanks to all for the advice.  I really want to go to work today, but I would need to get up 4 hours from now, and I've had 3 hours sleep so far.  We'll see if I can close this computer and get back to it.  Thanks again! 

Gemmie - isn't it amazing how badly we just want to start?  I will be thinking of you today - will you be posting from the big girl chair? 

Rgina - I will be with you the entire year. Looks like our pathologies are nearly identical.  Lucky us! But we will have each other.

I'm not liking hats or scarves, either. I travel with one and put it on in front of others. I got a really cute buff and wore it as a fat headband.  I still have stubble and don't like the feeling of anything pressing on them. Hubby has offered to shave the rest, but I kinda like the look of having a little stubble left.

Fierro - I had a similar reaction after my first treatment.  I did not get the headache and was not as fuzzy after round 2. I hope it is the same for you.  My parents recenty moved 15 hours away and I only see them via video chat.  My dad cries nearly every time he sees me.   It kills me.  They are coming today and I cannot wait, but it's going to be emotional.

Dancetrancer - I've got a little thrush, too.  Good info on the WBC - thanks. I am trying to learn more and understand my counts. Last check WBC 3.0, neutrophils 1.9.  Checking again today.  Doesn't seem to be a difference between Neulasta or Neupogen to me. I hope they switch me back to Neulasta.

KIJiberty - I have not been interested in a local support group, but I have to say I have enough survivors in my world that act as one. I like the targeted nature of this group here.  It is comforting to be at the same stage in treatment with you here, and I also visit the Her2 groups to talk with those with the same pathology.

Vicki - I didn't know ahead of time but my center only allows one visitor at a time. The first day it wouldn't have mattered because I was in a private room.  I will head over to the 2012 thread, which btw I did not start! I got me some explaining to do...

Stacie -  ugh on the aspiration. I am so queasy that any procedure makes me freak a little.  Even when they access my port or give me my neupogen shot.  I saw them bring in a bag of blood to the chemo room yesterday and my stomach flipped.  I cry during every shot now.  I'm such a wimp.

sgtgee_69 - congrats to your DD! Are you supposed to be in the sun? My dd graduates a week from today and I am praying it is outside.

Marnie - we have an ecommerce business.  My husband and girls have been running it in my absence. I have been doing customer service phone calls and emails, but it is not the same.  Hubby is especially missing my presence, as we have worked together for many years. It is a fun story - I helped my girls start their own business when the were 10 and 12. It was so successful that I ended up quitting my job and taking over the business full-time.  I am not ready to post our site publicly, as I prefer this not show up in search engines when people search for our product, but if anyone wants to know, PM and I'll send you the link. I am enjoying your website. I actually have a really cool idea for a BC related business, but have am not fully comfortable with the making money side of the disease. I'd be happy to talk business privately if you are interested. It's my passion.

Hugs to all and especially those I missed today.  

And for those who are lurking, stop in and say hello.

I am so tired of not being able to sleep!  I am officially on vacation for the summer, so I think I will bee kind to myself and veg out until my NP appointment this afternoon.  I had such big plans for the day - gym, organizing, cleaning, helping my son pack for a trip to Israel next week, but I'm still in bed, trying to get motivated.  I am 7 days since my first treatment and otherwise feel good.

Nofear. No numbness for me....they have me taking 100mg of B6 3 times a day...it's supposed to help.



I have however developed a bumpy rash on my arms and legs....I'm on vacation and have been out in the sun....with sun screen...it may be a reaction to the sun?



I also developed a cold....ugh...but otherwise feeling good.

Fierro - I just read your blog post.  Loved it!

Mistym - when I got my port last month I checked into the hospital at 7:30 and was back home eating a sandwich by noon - slept in the next morning and was back at work by noon the next day.  The port didn't bother me nearly as much as the pain in my neck/shoulder blades on my back they must have had me positioned in some odd position - that took almost a week to stop bugging me.

Fierro - take the anti-nausea meds whether you need them or not.  I was told to take my Zofran for 3-4 days, because if the nausea starts the meds really won't stop it, so take the meds to prevent it.

Vballmom - looks like we are going to be hanging out here for a long time, we even started our first TX the same week.

Is anyone taking Temazepam to sleep?  I go to sleep, then wake up and my mind doesn't shut off and then lay awake sometimes for hours, this doesn't happen every night - but I hate taking one more thing.  Not that I'm actually taking any other prescriptions other than blood pressure meds - but with all the chemo............

Stacie - take care of that arm, when my daughter had her ALND - she's still got problems 3 years later, that's nothing to mess with.

Doris - I'm with you on the water.  I have been drinking so much water, powerade, etc. I think it is a HUGE help!

rgina- I have a prescription for Temazapan, but it is not helping!  I take an over the counter sleep aid from Costco.  Usually 1/2 helps a lot, but not lately.  Last night I tried xanax.  Got a few hours, but not enough.

Sounds like everyone is doing as well as can be expected! I'm day 3 after my first Taxol and am so far SO much better than I was on A/C! No stomach issues at all, including indigestion/constipation which have been among the toughest SEs for me.



I had achiness last night (my tongue hurt back in the base of my throat!) but tylenol seemed to helped and I feel good enough to go to yoga this afternoon.



I do have a lot of muscle cramps right now, my toes keep cramping. But no numbness yet (I guess it's early for that).



I have taken Ativan before every treatment, mostly because the thought of walking into the cancer center makes me nauseous. But it definitely helps with the nerves. I also take 2 if I wake up in the middle of the night and it definitely helps.



I still have to do the Neulasta shot (tried to get out of it yesterday and my MO said no way) I guess it's just the way they do it at Sloan Kettering. Annoying but not much I can do about it.



Good luck to everyone this week!



Rose

Had a piece of toast with apple butter spread early this morning, and took my Compazine. A little while later I woke up and got a little stomach sick. Around two hours later I tried a some scrambled eggs and kept them down. Realized a little while ago that I never took my Emmend this morning, so I now have my Compazine, Zofran, and Emmend in me. I still feel on edge with my stomach, so I will wait to try some lunch. Want the meds to kick in and do there job when I try to eat again.

Ladies,

I know many of you have advocated for taking the Claridon on day of the shot, as well as 7(?) days after. I want to know the benefit of this. My nurse was rather surprised I asks a out that b/c generally they recommend only the standard stuff, like Motrin and Ibuprophin. So I am glad to follow advice here, but would like to know purpose of Claridon, which is a antihistamine, yes?

|uoG,epic,NF.


My first infusion went fine today, for all the agonizing I've done over it, this was a walk in the park. I did request, and get, Ativan , and that helped. I had no problems with the Taxotere but she did give it in very slow drip as this was my first time. So far, I feel fine, but somehow I'm expecting the bottom to drop out sometime in the next few days. Wouldn't it be marvelous if it didn't, though. Hey, I can always hope.

Vickilynn, it was really easy so relax. It was far easier than all the stress and worry about it beforehand for sure. I am now going to force myself to talk a long walk outside, as I think I recall one of you ladies mentioned that that was recommended by her MO. I slept very little last night and would rather nap, but that can come later! Good day to all.
Gemmie

Surgery 05/17/2012 Lymph Node Removal: Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (Right)Chemotherapy 06/12/2012 Cytoxan, Taxotere

Vickilind61:  I so remember what I felt like when I was anticipating my first chemotherapy session.  Meditation really helped me SO much.  In fact, I created a healing meditation for myself that I used every time I sat down in "that chair".  Here it is (hope it helps):

This treatment is my friend.

It is powerful.

It will ensure I'm never ill again.

The healing elixir entering my body contains beautiful rays

of healing energy.

I just repeated that a few times (with my eyes shut and concentrating on visualizing that nice, white light entering my veins) and it instantly put me at ease.  I hope that helps you!  You might also like to look at one of my blog pages about anxiety remedies: http://marnieclark.com/10-anxiety-busters-for-breast-cancer-patients/ .

Sending hugs!