Sept 2012 chemo

Cindi74 · October 2012

Sep 25, 2012 08:54 AM, edited Sep 28, 2012 07:56 PM by Cindi74

These are the Members of the Exclusive September Club No One Wants to JOIN.
If I've left you off, please let me know.

7312012-------       M   47
301724-------    Vermont
Aic-------       1 C. 35
Aliasismo-------      radiologist 56
Allurbaddayswillend-------      M, 1 C. 48
Amy4978-------       Howard City, MI     34
AmylovesBubby
Bearcub-------      Prince George, British Columbia M., 3 C. 8 G radiologist    55
Butterfly14-------      Self Clearwater, FL 3 C. 44
Cgesq-------      New Jersey radiologist 2 C, 50
Cherioo-------      Florida 4 C. 46
Cindi74-------      Apopka, Florida radiologist 3 C 6 SC. 21GC M 75
Damiana9-------      Burleson, Texas
DonnaDo8-------      Self 2 C. 42
Englishrose75-------      Self Diagnosed Milton Keynes United Kingdom 2 C. 37
Ergirl
EvaNJ
Firestorm531-------      1 C. Texas 41
florbo-------     Dallas, Texas
Foreverchanged-------     72612 Self Chelsea, Quebec 3 C. 38
Frannygirl-------      Louisiana
Internutz1-------      Van Alstyne, TX USA
JodiRocksthePink-------      M, 2 C. 39
Joemommy-------      Portland, Oregon 1 C. 46
Jojo2373------- Maryland Self.....5C.     50
Justegan------- Wolcott/Kingston Dr. Diagnose, 23
Kathec----------Los Angeles, CA

KelleyB

Kidsandlabs
Kstillie
Laura_g

Linn65 Indiana
Lokimax2------- Siler City, NC
Mariposa123------- Bay Area, Californiz 2 C. 44
Melrosemelrose------- (visitor from April) Houston, Texas
Mindy703------- M, 3 C 41
Momto5children
Movinonmom
Mycancerjourney------- Illinois
Neta69
Nickythebean
PatriciaHurtado------- Miami, FL

QueenKong
RSDavid------- 3 C. 4G. 58
Runnergirl71------- Fort Collins, Colorado
SandeeAR------- Conway, ARm, M, 2DD, 53
Sheerbab Dallas------- , Texas Self Diagnosed M, NO C, 43

Shock2bhere--------------RI--M. radiologist 48
Sjayne2u Ohio
Sparkysbrat------- East Tennessee Mountains
SugarlandlDC------- Houston 3 C. 43
Tara88
Terri07-11
Timbek2-------Peoria, IL., radiologist, 3 C. 40
Toastiecat
Twinsplus1        3 C. 44
Usmcblondie     25
Waitingforthenextstep
Whenlifegivesyou lemons------- Minneapolis M radiologist 46
Wendy49-------      Michigan   2C M self 49

That's 59. So many enduring together.
Appointment now for reunion on this website in five years!
Code: M=Married, C=children, GC= grandchildren, SC= Step Children "self" =self-diagnosed, radiologist=how diagnosed

shockd · October 2012

Hey Cindy74, don't forget me! Shockd2bhere - 48, M, radiologist. Off to 3rd A/C chemo in half hour. Hugs to all.

Cindi74 · October 2012

I want to walk, get out, drink more water, but barely have energy to take a bath or go to kitchen and back. I am not fighting it this time. Should get most of my brain back by Sat., and some of my body back by Sunday. It's just the SE for me--total fatigue. Am taking 500 mg American Ginseng a day, but haven't seen any real change. WBCs are OK. Just need to get energy back TV and movies are becoming a drag.

You go you young ones handling grad school, jobs, kids. I don't know how you do it. I admire you so much. Hugs

Waitingforthenextstep · October 2012

Hey all,

Hope everyone is feeling well. I hope you guys can share with me. I had my first chemo 2 wks ago. MY WBC counts were low so instead of 2nd chemo today, I will get it next Tuesday. I did get a neupogen shot yesterday afternoon. Went home, felt fine the rest of the night, slept pretty good. The minute I woke up my lower back was aching, had a headache, and pain in my hips. I am in pretty good shape, never take pain meds. I had to take my son to a Dr appt. this morning, I felt I was slogging in quicksand. I dont want to bother the MO, I bought some tylenol caps and took two. I feel much better. Did anyone get similar SE's coming on that soon? How did you deal? Thanks.

EnglishRose75 · October 2012

Whenlife: Some kind of human-sized hamster wheel hooked up to the national grid would be perfect! I think this idea has some entrepreneurial promise!

Amyloves: I'm triple negative too (slightly PR+). I met with my oncologist last week and we were discussing clinical trials and he said there's a massive triple negative trial over here at the moment to look more closely at Taxotere versus Taxol. Apparently the current thinking is that Taxotere is better for TNBC, according to him. I'd be interested to learn what you find out about this. My MO has said that because I'm triple negative and quite young, he wants me on the absolute most aggressive treatments that my body can tolerate.

Cindi74 · October 2012

Waiting,

The neupogen is pretty much the same as the neulasta. Take a claridin every day for about 8 days to avoid bone pain.. My oncologist oked it. About 25% get very bad bone pain. There is a trial studying it. After the first A/C I had the neulasta, but still a week later had .9 WBC. Then one a day for 5 days of the neupogen. Then WBCs high. Expected the same this time, but CBC on Monday after 2A/C on Wed.. showed WBC within normal range. Go figure.

Am still taking Claridin.

Walked with husband down to lake in back yard. I have had some Peripheral Neuropathyfor years. No pain or loss of functuon--just tingling. Very bad now in legs and arms. No pain. I was almost in tears from the weaknesd by the time I got back to bed. It was good to be out for a while. It's still quite warm and muggy here. I still have that elephant on my chest that makes breathing hard. But I know I will begin feeling better tomorrow--and then only two more of these weeks.

cgesq · October 2012

Hi All,

Tonight, I'm going to my hairdresser's house and she is going to buzz my head, and, (I can't believe I'm saying this) I am actually welcoming it. My hair has gotten so thin and disgusting that I can't wait to get the rest of it off me. I guess its a process. If you would have told me even last week that I would be wanting to cut of all my hair, I would have said you were crazy. But here I am, after enduring this molting feeling for days now, ready to get rid of the rest of it.

The only positive I can take away from this is that at least this demonstrates that this chemo shit is working. I hope it is destroying all the cancer as effectively as it ruined my hair!!

Cindi, Thank you for compiling the list nobody wants to be on! Just as an aside, I'm not a radioloigist...I'm a lawyer.

Wishing everybody a great week!

shockd · October 2012

Still getting my chemo as we speak ... Cindy74, Hope you feel better soon. Thanks for adding me to the list. Hugs.

Cherioo · October 2012

shockd2behere wishing you the best during treatment no SE .

Cherioo · October 2012

cgseq I felt the same way when I had my DH shave mine . I could not take the hair falling out . It was such a awesome feeling once he shaved it never thought I would like having my hair off. You will feel so much better once it is off. Good luck

aic · October 2012

EnglishRose, your post made me laugh so thank you for that...had a visual of you carrying your car!

bearcub · October 2012

Waitingfor, slogging in quicksand is exactly right, that explains my main SE. Like Cindi I get that it is only for a while and knowing we bounce back certainly helps....the 1st round it was about 5 days , 2nd round 9 days so I am anticipating adding a few more days to round 3....GGGrrr....

Shock2bhere, hope you have minimal SE.

Cgseq, you will feel much better after the buzz, it is almost a relief to move forward in the treatment and get that hurdle over with.

Cindi I hope you bounce back soon....

sherbab · October 2012

Cindi I am totally with you - I think we had #3 on the same day. I sit here at my desk wondering how I am going to make it to tonight's Look Good class and I just want to go home and go to bed. Zombie walking since Wednesday #3 was a butt kicker for sure!

EnglishRose, I would love to borrow some of that energy, your posts about your energy crack me up! Good for you for checking into all of the alternatives you can!

Watched the Long Island Medium the other night, I swear I can't get away from the BC stories, as much as I like her show, I really didn't want to see the two BC stories that were in there. Can't wait until October is over for many reasons but the flood of pink ever where you go is a little in your face for me right now. I am sure it is just the circumstance but as someone else said in a post a couple of days ago - I am just sick of the cancer reminder in places like the grocery store!

Wishing everyone minimal SE's. For those who are getting the buzz cut this week, it definitely is a relief not to have to deal with the emotional baggage that comes with your hair falling out like a blizzard! Not saying it will make it better just different!

kidsandlabs · October 2012

MO Appt today, chemo #2 next week. No neuslasta shot for my next treatment, so excited! The other issue.. Hair, it is gone- shaved and so glad about it. I wish I did it a few days ago.

aic · October 2012

Kidsandlabs, i think we are close to on the same schedule except I am on Mondays....shedding today and wondering when to buzz it...your post made me more brave...planning on doing it before Monday

Cocobean · October 2012

Agree about the hair getting buzzed, once you get over the shock of losing it all, there is kind of a sense of relief and freedom.

Also, I think I remember someone posting a few days ago about using a lint roller to catch all the mini hairs as they come out, thought it was a great idea, thanks.

Good luck to everyone as they get through their next round, sending out postive thoughts, prayers, strength, and engery!

aic · October 2012

Not to sound silly, but did the tingly/ itchy feeling stop or improve after you guys shaved it?

Mariposa123 · October 2012

I have funny story:-) Left chemo today and was feeling so tired - so I asked my little sister to drive us home. She isn't accustomed to driving my prius. She pulled out of the parking lot and was having a hard time taking off the parking break. This man in a sportscar came speeding around the corner and started honking like crazy. He then pulled up right on our bumper. (We had pulled out of the parking space maybe thirty seconds ago- so it was really not a long wait at all - and there was no one there when we first pulled out). I think the steroids took over! Our maybe I was visualizing myself a bit too much like Ridley. I got out of the car. Head scarf secured and started yelling at him and asking him what his problem was. He just stared at me smiling. When we got to the gate to pay for the parking, I told the guard what a jackass that guy was. I think he told him that he needed to chill out in the parking lot- and that a lot of people are going through difficult things here. The guy zoomed out of the parking lot, passed us, and ran through two stop signs. Don't know what his deal was- but I was kind of surprised by my reaction!!!! Yikes!!! Don't mess with me. I just had chemo. I am fighting cancer. I guess I totally embraced my inner warrior. But I probably should be more careful!

Toastiecat · October 2012

Mariposa, I LOVE that you did that. That guy totally sucks and deserved to be yelled at...especially since he acted that way in the parking lot of the hospital!

Confession: I have been walking around just waiting for someone to cross me so I can unload all my anger on a random jerk.

butterfly14 · October 2012

Shockd, mariposa, whenlife, waiting. I hope you all had a positive chemo today.Mriposa, love the story, but please be careful.

Mine went well, my white counts went up, so done with AC #2. Mainly extremely tried, slept most of the day, nauseous, and my water tastes funny, but still trying to drink it.

Sorry if I missed anyone that he chemo today, not thinking all that clear....to all having chemo later in the week, praying for no SE's for you.

Carla

aliasismo · October 2012

Add me to the chemo-today list. . After a 6-day delay because of a low WBC count, all went well. I am so relieved! Who would have thought I'd be happy to get chemo?? I am so pleased - it looks like I should be able to travel to my nephew's wedding this weekend. The timing works out better with the treatment delay since my blood count won't start dropping again until I'm back in town.

Tomorrow I have my first Neulasta shot - last cycle I had 5 days of Neupogen. I am following the group's advice and taking Claritin. I had about 1 hour of excruciating back pain and I'd like to avoid that!
Carla, glad to hear yours went well also; I hope everyone else in the chair today had smooth sailing.

Best wishes to all!

shockd · October 2012

Good evening all. Carla, aliasismo, glad you're doing well, and aliasismo, have fun at your nephew's wedding. That sounds awesome. Isn't it nice when something finally goes right? Mariposa you sound formidable! Good for you! (but be careful too!) Toastiecat - I agree, I too would welcome the chance to unload on the random jerk. Look out!

As for me, we decreased my steroids in the IV from 10 mg to 6, I am certainly noticing the difference - no urge to leap over tall buildings, and slightly nauseous (took compazine), Neulasta shot tomorrow for me too. Good luck to all, I am wishing good things for everyone, sending you all positive energy.

Oh, aic - mine stopped hurting/tingling immediately upon losing the hair. I wonder if it was the weight of the hair pulling on our scalps?

Kidsandlabs - awesome picture. Is that a lab sticking his nose through a knothole?

Lastly - whenlife, I wrote on my mirror just now in big black eyeliner letters "YOU LOOK FINE" with a smiley. And it made me smile. Thank you so very much! and thanks to all the well wishes, cherioo (did I spell that right?), bearcub and everybody else in this marvelous forum. They help tremendously.

cgesq · October 2012

Aic,

Just had my hair buzzed and it actually tingles now, where it didn't tingle before. My hair cut person used the buzzer without any attachments, so it was on the shortest setting. I now have tiny little stubble that feels very strange when I touch my head! I guess the stubble will fall out shortly also.

I'm glad I had it done. The thinning was really bothering me.

I guess you will know when the time is right. When you can no longer stand the prolonged hair loss process, you will take matters into your own hands and just have it done.

Good luck!

kidsandlabs · October 2012

Hi AIC, I never had tingly, only itchiness and then it started hurting/sorness. It stopped pretty much after I shaved it. My hair was starting to fall out in chunks so it had to go. My chemo is next Wednesday the 17th - every 3 weeks.

twinsplus1 · October 2012

Starting the steroids tomorrow morning. #2 scheduled for Thursday at 9am. Neulasta on Friday and hubby leaving for business trip on Monday.

I totally freaked out on him when he told me (very much NOT me). Even tho' #1 wasn't as bad as anticipated, I know that there is no guarantee that #2 will be the same. If he were leaving the following week, I'd be fine because I'd have one week post-chemo under my belt. I'm so afraid of being solely responsible for the twins and plus1. I know there are single moms on chemo out there doing it, but I just can't fathom the SE and making sure everyone is awake, fed and driven to school, rehearsals, practices, physical therapy, etc.

Fortunately for me, my mom agreed to come stay with me until hubby comes back. She and my dad will drive from St. Louis to Dayton - all because I'm a big, giant cry baby who is afraid of the steroids, chemo, Neulasta and SE. I ***HATE*** feeling like this! I am usually such a freaking Pollyanna that it makes others want to puke...now, I want to puke when I think about him leaving while I'm going through the SE.

Will somebody ***PLEASE*** tell me that this is normal? That it's normal to be reduced to a tear-filled ball of goo at this stage of the game.

Thanks for listening, girls. Hugs to you all!!! {{{HUGS}}}

Cindi74 · October 2012

Gosh this is a strong group of Wonderwomen. I love how all of you are taking on this journey.

Once I cut the top and sides with scissors, my husband cut the back with his shaver. Then I would go out on the deck to the dogs delight, and lean over and rub my head with both hands and watch the blizzard of hair stubs fall. Took about 5 days until bald head. No more tingling, Ichiness or hurting scalp.

I wonder if the addition of some steriods would give me enough energy to at least enjoy walking around the house and yard without so much effort.

Good news, day 7 post 2A/C and I am beginning to feel my brain come back and to feel a little human. Tomorrow should be even better.

Mariposa, good for you. I hate it when the jerks can't wait 5 seconds for me to do something. Uhoh, my husband can be one of those jerks. The year he spent driving in Argentina ruined him for life. I tell him he drives like a German--which he doesn't like. He's much better now then when we wed 25 years ago, but he's still pretty bad. And yes, once a lady got out of the car, came up to us and told him off--and he deserved it.

Toastiecat, be careful. There are some nuts out there.

Englishrose, I loved English gardens when visiting there. The gate seemed always to be open. Even small countryside houses had the most delicate beautiful gardens. Understand your government's attempt to get garderners to quit using peat is creating a stir.

Hang in there all. We will get through this. Hugs and no SE

shockd · October 2012

Twinsplus1 - My mother-in-law went with me to chemo today, and told me (while I was sitting there crying) "You are a totally different person right now", she being unaccustomed to seeing me cry, and cry in public; so yes, yes yes how you are feeling is normal! I cannot even imagine having to be responsible for three children right now, you are doing a magnificent job just getting through this. Lucky you that your Mom and Dad can come be with you! You are entitled to be afraid of all those things (and for the record, I am afraid all the time too!)

p.s. Cindy74 - not for nothin', but if those posts are "you at diminished capacity", you are one magnificent woman, you do such a good job of mentioning everybody and making us all feel connected. I aspire to be as good as you.

Cindi74 · October 2012

twinsplus and shocked, Your bodies have been insulted by first sugery and now poisons designed to kill the cancer before killing you. Sensible people do cry in such situations. It's scary. You want to live for your famiies. You want a future, but the cost is high. Temporary misery physically and mentally. You need and deserve all the help you can muster.

Raising twins requires organization skills and a lot of physical and mental effort.

My chemo nurse said that the chemicals themselves can make the tears come.

At this point, use all the help you can get and try to get through one day at a time. Look at some pictures of a happy time, and imagine that those days will come again. They will. The odds are in your favor. Hugs and no SE

shockd · October 2012

Cindi74 - thanks. I wish this page had a "like" button. Smile

cgesq · October 2012

Twins,

What you are feeling is completely normal. None of us are used to accepting help--we all are probably used to being the caregivers, not takers. However, for the sake of your sanity, don't be afraid to accept help!!!

Its very hard to do, believe me...I don't always practice what I preach (I'm still getting used to the notion of allowing friends/relatives help me out) However, dealing with 3 kids and chemo, with potential SEs is enough to make even wonderwoman keel over. Please don't beat yourself up over this.

My husband is travelling this week, and I'm thilled that my 19 year old son is around. So, allow your parents to help you during this brief period in your life. I'm sure they are glad to do it, and that if the situation were reversed, you would be there for them.

Good luck!

Cheryl

Sept 2012 chemo

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