Sept 2012 chemo

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  • DonnaD08
    DonnaD08 Member Posts: 128
    edited September 2012

    @patricia Love you too and I love your attitude. You got this mama!! So happy to hear about your PET scan results. Love good news!! Please let us know how it goes tomorrow. You will be in my thoughts. Remember you are a warrior and you sound very prepared. BTW I forgot my EMLA once. Didn't really hurt at all. Just a little needle poke. It was fine once it was in.

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  • Terri07-11
    Terri07-11 Member Posts: 32
    edited September 2012

    Patriciahurtado, You are wonderful!  Could you please do a message before my next treatment, Oct. 2?  I really need your positive, go get 'em pep talk!  I was feeling kind of down today even though my treatment was on Sept. 11 and the side effects seemed to have passed.  I burst into tears a couple of times.  Oh how I hate having any self-pity.  Thank you so much for the pickme up!

    I have been thru 1 chemo but I did take snacks, chap-stick, Altoids and flush-able wipes in addition to what you had listed.  I know it sounds like overkill with supplies but I used everything.  I also had a banana in the car for when I was finished.

    You're going to be OK.  Having the hubby nearby does help too.

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited September 2012

    You sound well prepared Patricia, get in there and kick that cancers ass!....wishing you minimal SE.

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  • florbo
    florbo Member Posts: 178
    edited September 2012

    Hello Ladies,

    I am going to be starting FEC x 6 on Tuesday 9/25.  This is my second time to be going through chemo.  I found a lump on my left pectoral muscle, above my mastectomy from 3 years ago.  In 2009, I did Taxotere and Cytoxan x 4.

    I will be cheering you all on as we beat cancer. 

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  • DonnaD08
    DonnaD08 Member Posts: 128
    edited September 2012

    @shayne2u Welcome to the group. You and I share a similar diagnosis...triple negative. We also have the same regimen. I just took my third AC treatment today. Feel free to ask away. I really think the anticipation is worse than the reality. You will feel better mentally after you get through your first treatment. BTWcI still had my steristrips on my port. It wasn't a problem. Wishing you good luck and minimal SE's. And if you get them remember there are meds out there to help with most and they are temporary and you will get through it!

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  • DonnaD08
    DonnaD08 Member Posts: 128
    edited September 2012

    Bear cub and Jojo I feel we need to let chemo do it's thing...Everywhere. We will have healthy hair and nails back soon enough, but hopefully never cancer again.

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  • whenlifegivesyoulemons
    whenlifegivesyoulemons Member Posts: 184
    edited September 2012

    Dear Chemo,

    I'm resigned to losing the hair on my head, but if you take my eyebrows then you damn well better take the hair on my chin.

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  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited September 2012

    Chrioo...will i be getting it too?? if so...when do i start taking claritin??

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  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited September 2012

    Whenlife.....thats right take all the hairs!!

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited September 2012

    That's right, take all the hairs and cancer too!!...and leave us with our cute sassy short hairstyles!..



    I feel like I need combat boots and fatigues on for the next chemo session!..lol

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  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited September 2012

    Terri07-11...you can always come and cry and shout here cause we are here for each other.....im happy that most of the SE has passed by ...now get ready for next round...each healthy go for walks and most of all remember that its ok to cry.....but after one cry get 100 laughs and get ready for the next fight.....

    I have mints, crakers, thums,artificial eye drops, thermather, 500 tynenol, imodiunm, benadril,neosporing baking, soda,essie clear nail plish,...xanax...just incase..........and lots of water and specially all your support ........

    have a great night and im sooooooooo ready...and i now you guys are too!!!

    To the newbies welcome my sisters ask away....some of us have, are and will have an answer to all our question!!!

    My question is does anyone know where melrosemelrose is....we miss you!!! 

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  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited September 2012

    Donna....yes everything will be healthy!!!!!!!! 

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  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited September 2012

    Sistersssssss ...so that time has come ..time for me to put up my gloves and begin the fight....and i have something to say to my opponent....your going down bitch....its not my hair its not my nails, nor my attitude that you will bring down.....You will bring out the warrior that's in me!!!!.........Fuck you cancer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited September 2012
    patricia
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  • DonnaD08
    DonnaD08 Member Posts: 128
    edited September 2012

    @whenlifegives Hahaha!!! I love it. I just noticed that the hairs I plucked on my chin two weeks ago have not returned. I will confessedvI shaved ever hair on my body except the brows and so far no regrowth. A plus for most of it. Haven't lost one eyebrow or eyelash yet, but preparing for perhaps losing them when I start Taxol mid October.nwe will see.

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  • DonnaD08
    DonnaD08 Member Posts: 128
    edited September 2012

    @patriciahur and shanye2u Thinking about you girlies andcwishingvyou the best for your first treatments today. Give it all you got girl's. You are in the fight of your life, and Victory is your only option. Geesh... I sound like my dad...lol. Sending low SE vibes and love your way. Xoxo

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  • DonnaD08
    DonnaD08 Member Posts: 128
    edited September 2012

    I finally think I found a walk I can get a group for and do. It's the American Cancer Society's Making Strides walk for breast cancer. (makingstrideswalk.org) For those of us not in the best of shape or who have little ones who want to participate the walks are only 3-5 miles (unlike some of the others which although fantastic are 30-60 miles). There is also no minimum amount to earn, although they would like at least a $100 donation per walker if possible. Unfortunately I won't make it this year because it's on the same day as the Night of Pink Hope charity fashion show to benefit young women with breast cancer. It is hosted by my good friend Mr. Paul Wharton. You might remember him as the first Model Coach on MTV's Made or more recently the "6th" housewife on Bravo's Real Housewives of DC :-)

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

    Patriciahurtado- Easy times in the BGC today and minimal side effects!!!!  I know you asked a few questions.  Hope this helps !

    • EMLA Cream- If you don't have any EMLA cream (lidocaine cream) for the first round, ask the infusion nurse to spray on some numbing spray or ask that the area be iced.  Write yourself a little reminder to call your onco to call in a prescription for the EMLA cream. 
    • Neulasta shot- Given once-- 24 hours after you receive your chemo.  You will get that shot tomorrow.
    • Claritin- regular, 24 hour Claritin to be taken once a day starting the day that you reeive your shot.  Try to take it the morning you get the shot.  Do not buy the Claritin D.

    When you get home from the chemo, rest and make sure you continue to eat 5-6 small meals everyday and drink lots of fluids for the first days after chemo.  You need to keep something in your tummy to help keep the nausea at bay and to help with the stomach acid.  Eating is also necessary so you don't get nausea from just taking your anti-nausea drugs since those shouldn't be taken on an empty stomach.  Also, you may want to have a squirt water bottle (sports bottle works) handy when you go to the bathroom.  Sometimes, the chemo irritates the skin as it leaves the body when you go.

    I know that this is your first round so emotions are running high---- you really want to get the chemo started and then you don't.  This first round of chemo may last longer than the next ones because some time may be spent explaining things to do you as they are done and the chemo drugs may be run slower as a precaution.  If you get hungry and it's time for lunch, ask your hubby to go get some lunch for the both of you.  I can tell that you are ready to go---- your bag is packed and your hubby will be there with you!!!!  Good luck and sending you lots of HUGS and positive calming and healing thoughts and energy!!!

    To all of those having chemo this week--- Wishing each an easy time and minimal side effects!!!!!

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  • firestorm531
    firestorm531 Member Posts: 176
    edited September 2012

    First time jitters are the worst!  I was a complete wreck and even cried on the way to the cancer center...  If you can, get that EMLA cream!  The skin over my port has full feeling and the cream helped; the nurses said to be generous with it for better results and make sure you cover it or it will stain your clothes.  I also opted to stay 'accessed' since I was returning the next day for fluids/nausea meds and my neulasta shot; it worked perfectly and I didn't have any trouble sleeping with the needle still in the port (it was taped down).  Ladies, I did my first chemo by myself!  I shooed my husband off to work and told him I'd be fine; no sense in him sitting around staring at the same 4 walls for 5-6 hours - and I was fine (once my nerves calmed down a little)  I chatted a little with those around me and even got a little nap in :)  If I had my choice, I'd do all my treatments like that...but with my brother and sister arriving in time for my next round, I'll have a double escort and no say in the matter LOL  Maybe they'll get bored and I can shoo them off to the mall or something!  LOL

    My countdown has started for my next round of chemo...7 days.  This round will be different though; we're going to slow the drips down in the hopes of avoiding another 3 weeks of daily migraines.  This round will also determine if I will need to go under the knife again for a full mastectomy; if my (still pinkish breast) turns bright red and throw off heat again then its off to the surgeon I go.  Part of me very ok with losing my breast; its a small price to pay if it saves my life.

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  • Cindi74
    Cindi74 Member Posts: 363
    edited September 2012

    September Team   of the Exclusive Club No One Wants to Join

    (If anyone wants to be left off, send me a private message.  If I have accidently left you off, also let me know.  Since we are sharing so much together, I thought it would be interesting to see where we are in this trip.)

    AmylovesBubby

    Bearcub                                Prince George, British Columbia

    Firestorm531                        Texas

    Melrosemelrose (visitor from April)                    Houston, Texas

    Cherioo                                Florida

    Whenlifegivesyou lemons       Minneapolis

    Jojo2373                         Maryland                                                                                                                            

    Mycancerjourney                   Illinois

    Sheerbab                              Dallas, Texas                                          

    Foreverchanged72612            Chelsea,  Quebec

    Amy4978                              Howard City, MI

    Cindi74                                 Apopka, Florida

    Terri07-11

    Joemommy                            Portland, Oregon

    Cgesq                                    New Jersey

    SandeeAR                              Conway, AR

    Timbek2

    Laura_g

    Runnergirl71                             Fort Collins, Colorado

    Lokimax2                                  Siler City, NC

    Sparkysbrat                               East Tennessee Mountains

    Momto5children

    SugarlandlDC                              Houston

    PatriciaHurtado                            Miami, FL

    DonnaDo8

    Mariposa123                                Bay Area, Californiz

    Damiana9                                    Burleson, Texas

    Timbek2                                       Peoria, IL

    Movinonmom

    Aliasismo

    Ergirl

    Kstillie

    Damiana9           Burleson, TX

    301724                Vermont

    Nickythebean

    Butterfly14                       Clearwater, FL

    Tara88

    Neta69

    Frannygirl                   Louisiana

    Waitingforthenextstep

    KelleyB

    Internutz1                      Van Alstyne, TX USA

    RSDavid

    EvaNJ

    Twinsplus1

    Sjayne2u                       Ohio

    florbo

    Englishrose75                 Milton Keynes United Kingdom

    That's 48.  So many enduring together. 

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  • Cindi74
    Cindi74 Member Posts: 363
    edited September 2012

    Have done nothing but eat and sleep since late Sunday afternoon.  Breathing takes effort.  I finally called the cheno nurse and will go in this morning for blood test.  First A/C chemo was last Wed.  No nausea, no pain. Expected fatigue, but not to the point that eating and drinking takes too much effort.  Haven't really gotten up yet.  Will dress to go to Cancer Clinic.  Maybe this is normal.  No anxiety or depression.  Just blah.  Most of you seem to be getting along with your lives.  Do you really have the energy or is it just drive?  I have always been a get-up-and-get-dressed and go.  I worked 42 years and raised three children.  This inabiity to  move is driving me crazy.  I frequently feel on the edge of a headache, but none.  I didn't have enough energy to completely empty the dishwasher yesterday.  My hubby keeps telling me we will get through this. 

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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited September 2012

    Cindi - I have been thru 2 treatments now and it was after day 5 when I started to feel "normal" again.  I was more motivated after the first treatment however with the 2nd I pretty much just rested.  For me it feels like I come out of a long tunnel and back into the sunlight.  My better attitude returns then too!

    Excited for my Look Good Feel Better on the 24th! 

    Please click the link for the new PSA on the lookgoodfeelbetter.org site - it made me cry. 

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  • DonnaD08
    DonnaD08 Member Posts: 128
    edited September 2012

    @jojo I'm going to that class on the 24th too. You wouldn't happen to be going to Fairfax?

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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited September 2012

    Cool Donna, no going to Frederick MD. We will be learning how to be more beautiful on the same day!

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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited September 2012

    I experienced the feeling of a hot shower on my bald head for the first time today - what a wonderful sensation!

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  • butterfly14
    butterfly14 Member Posts: 253
    edited September 2012

    @melrosemelrose, thank you for the list and ideas, especially the water bottle in the bathroom, would not have thought of that. 

    @patriciahurtado, i hope your first treatment goes well, with little or no side effects.

    @Florbo, so sorry you are dealing with this again. We start chemo on the same day, my first go around, so I will be thinking of you and hoping it goes well for you. Did you do radiation after your first chemo and mastectomy? I am curious because I am being told up to me if I want to do radiation as well because tumor was so close to chest wall. surgeon had to take part of my chest muscle to get clear margins and that way I could maybe avoid a local recurrence. Since I know next to nothing I hate making the decision to or not to, but was really hoping chemo would stop it all.

    @Cindi74, I hope you are feeling better, please post and let us know you are ok.

    I hope everyone has a great day.

    Carla 

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  • Cherioo
    Cherioo Member Posts: 305
    edited September 2012

    Jojo did you shave it ? I bet you look beautiful. I am laying in bed today with the worst period . I thought I would stop getting it when the chemo started guess I was wrong

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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited September 2012

    Ty Cherioo, it all fell out on its own. I just trimmed a few spots myself that were hanging on. Hope ur feeling better soon, they will stop at some point.

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  • Amy4978
    Amy4978 Member Posts: 473
    edited September 2012

    Hey jojo... glad u r feeling better. As far as the grants the social worker in the hospital gave me a few and also the susan komen group can lead you as well. I ended up using the patient advocate foundation. Each place has different qualifications like house hold size and income ect...



    A friend of mine also told me I could apply for medicade and they will cover all the expenses that my bluecross blue shield won't cover.



    Its worth a shot to look into both since the worse they can say is no.

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  • Amy4978
    Amy4978 Member Posts: 473
    edited September 2012

    Wanted to give you all an update...amazing news my MO says by her physical exam she estimates that my tumor has shrunk by 25%! I'm beyond words but an feeling blessed. I am currently sitting in the Lacks Center getting my 2nd dose dense round of A/C, this round I am more hopeful than I have ever been!



    I will try to keep up with all of you over the next few days..



    Oh and jojo I think it was you who asked me about nodes included and my MO says 2...



    I also plan to go to my regular doc and get some lattise. Haven't. Lost my eyelashes or brows but thinking this will help that from happening.

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