Starting chemo November 2012

Options
1…2122242627…75

Comments

  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2012

    Macyhen - My MO did not have me take anything before chemo started.  They do give you nausea meds before the chemo.  I also got a schedule of which drug to take when at that doctor's appointment on the day I started chemo.  Sending you hugs for calming thoughts.

    Day 13 after 1st treatment ---  tingling head and lost about 30 to 50 hairs this morning. YIKES!!!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    Macyhen - relax..did you have decadron, if so you should have taken it, they gave me the zofran when I was there, also Emend when I was there.  It is not going to be bad, actually you spend most of your time waiting and if they have to do a blood test first you will wait awhile.  Yesterday was my 2nd treatment, I was tired after being there 4 hours but I came home and the steroids (decadron) took over, I had sooooo much energy and cooked all night long until 11:30 - Relax take an ipad or something that way you can keep us posted and just sit back, it's really not bad at all.  today I go get my neulasta shot and I just took a claritan to lessen the syptoms (achy, etc) . Drink more than usual today, water w/a little gatorade helps.  Let us know how you make out, we are all on your side...

    Tricia

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Thankful4mylife
    Thankful4mylife Member Posts: 56
    edited November 2012

    Sickofpink, I am soooo sorry for all your worries about everything last night :-( That is such a horrible feeling. I hope tonight is better for you.,..although it sounds that like me, you will be on Decadron tonight :-/. God I hate that stuff!



    Maychen, I agree with powermom, call your MO to get these questions answered....it's not really fair (or safe!) that it wasn't explained.



    Worst dream ever last night...I dreamt that I felt a lump under my arm and they discovered that it was indeed in my lymph nodes and everywhere else. Needless to say, I didn't sleep after that. It's examples likes this of why it makes me CRINGE when people say "one day this will all be behind you". Will it ever REALLY be behind me??!!



    For all of us Thursday people, enjoy today! I've got my arsenal ready.....Decadron, Emend, zofran, Prevacid, Mylanta, Imodium, Claritin, Motrin, Xanax, biotene, saltines, Smuckers uncrustables (this is all I wanted to eat last time), and lastly, chocolate milk...my comfort drink!! Am I missing anything?!



    Hope the Monday and Tuesday girls get thru any side effects as easily as possible!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    Junebug, your hair will be falling out like crazy for about a week = keep those lint removers handy, you'll need them on your pillows and clothes... I look like my aunt who is 96!!!!! but I'm still laughing and smiling... Kiss Get hat & scarfs, will travel!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    Sickof pink - like you I had no sleep - 6 hours in 48 hours!!!!

     all you girls I was tired when I got home from treatment but the steroids took over, I cleaned the refrigerator moved all the shelves, cooked veal cutlet parmagiana, made a pot of beef veggie soup and 2 pumpkin pies - actually I was going to call all you girls over for dinner and maybe a glass of wine and lots of laughter and hugs!!  We would have had a good time.... I'm off to get my Neulasta shot soon and maybe a little (not much) shopping before because I will be tired after...SmileHave a great day everyone

    Tricia

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    Macyhen, make sure you chemo staff or MO goes over all the chemo precautions and ask lots of questions about meds etc.  Maybe they are waiting for you to get there to go over everything = it is overwhelming but then you will have your support of husband and daughter and remember to  TAKE NOTES..

    Love ya girlWink

    Tricia

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2012

    5LuvBugs~your little quote at the end made me think of that old western " HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL." His name was Palladin. I know you & I are in the same age group. Do you remember that show? I'm 62. We grew up on westerns, didn't we? When I was 5 years old, I was madly in love with Cheyenne.



    Are any of you Girls on Adria/cytoxan? I'm starting that one next week and I want to know what to be prepared for. No one has mentioned chemo class to me yet, and I'm being treated at a breast center, so I'm surprised about that. I'm going have to call them.



    Everyone have a beautiful, no SEs day.



    Blessings

    Paula

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    Nancy - welcome to this great group, let us know how you make out today - better than you expected I bet!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2012

    Sounds like the steroids are giving you gals a lot of energy. Wink What is the purpose of those? I wondered about the red meat thing, in order to increase iron deficiency.  But, are you afraid that with SE's it will make you hate red meat - or anything else you love and eat during treatment?

    Hope you all get some rest today! If this stuff is keeping you up at night, not sure how I will survive being up and trying to go to work.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Thankful4mylife
    Thankful4mylife Member Posts: 56
    edited November 2012

    Luvbugs-I just got hungry reading about all your DELISH sounding food!!!! Yummy!!



    A very positive note about having no hair....it sure cuts down on the time it takes to "get ready"! 20 minutes for shower, make-up, getting dressed and picking out head wear! Woo hoo!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2012

    Just found out that I have the BRAC 1 gene mutation.  Explains why I have this at age 46 and it's triple negative.  Next appointment I'll find out when the ovaries will be removed and must make a decision as to whether to have a double masectomy.  Only had a lumpectomy when this started.  Feeling numb right now.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Eleni
    Eleni Member Posts: 130
    edited November 2012

    Periods: I'm having my period right now, 2 weeks after the first chemo. I assume the chemo cocktail is going to kick in soon. The previous time I had chemo, my period stopped two months after FEC started and disappeared for eight months.

    A little bit of venting...this is supposed to be my "good week" and I have a cold. I couldn't sleep at night, couldn't breath and spend the whole day at home like a zombie. It's not fair, it was supposed to be a good day. Venting over.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sickofpink
    Sickofpink Member Posts: 190
    edited November 2012

    Oh no txjunebig! I am so sorry! So much to consider! When my dr insisted i take those tests i got in a car crash--- be careful today! I turned out not to have it (her+) but i don't want you or anyone to have it either! I guess the good news is that many women do those surgeries preventatively so you will be free from worrying about bc returning...



    Thankful - Thanks for the kind wishes about my worries - and the cooking inspiraton about steroids. Brave to shop tho , i'm too paranoid to be near germs.



    5luvbugs maybe we should xmas shop online and make use if being awake?



    Eleni - and everyone Feel better!



    People talk about how brave we are but thats not right is it? We just have to deal.

    News show last night showed xrays of chemo brain - proving it. Duh! A sheriff in CA was just diagnosed and says she'll stay on the job.ha, I was in denial too...



    Time to drive dh to lax....

    Love u ladies! Tears in my eyes :/

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • politicomama
    politicomama Member Posts: 187
    edited November 2012

    Thankful... chocolate milk and frosty's from Wendy's have been my comfort too!

    Periods:  Started last Thursday, one week post first AC.  Ugh!

    The great shed started today.  Day 14.  20 pieces or so at a time.  I had past shoulder legnth hair before, had it cut into a cute short do two  weeks ago, and made the appointment to get it shaved Saturday morning.  

    Anyone else getting acne from the steroids.  I told my husband it wasn't fair, no boobs, no hair, and now pimples.  Just doesn't seem right!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2012

    Thank you sickofpink.  I'm having to really concentrate at work.  I'm so worried about how my DD is going to handle the news.  She has been somewhat panicked that she will eventually have cancer, too.  I have two sisters.  One is taking a proactive stance with her health the other seems to have her head stuck in the sand.  How can I get the reluctant one to see that this is as important for her as it is for me???

    The thought of a double masectomy is scary but the thought of going thru chemo again is much worse.  All of this today on the day my hair is starting to shed.  Undecided

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • volley44
    volley44 Member Posts: 11
    edited November 2012

    Hello Floridamomx -

    Starting Chemo tomorrow too. This is a terrific and supportive site.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2012

    Politico~I have my wig fitting at Hope's on Friday. How was it? On my 2nd visit at the Stephanie a friend took me into Hope's to introduce me to all the ladies. The one that does wigs was a bit rude to me that day, or at least I thought so.



    My friend, Holly, said, " this is Paula, she's starting treatment soon." That lady didn't bother to say hello or smile or anything. She just asked, "What kind of insurance do you have?" I told her, at this time I only have Medicare. She said, " they don't pay for wigs."

    It wasn't what she said, it was the tone she used.



    As I was leaving the shop that day, the manager, Vera, came up to me, and gave me her card. On the back she had written 100%. She's having them do my wig free.



    I was so overwhelmed by her kindness.



    Blessings

    Paula

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • macyhen111
    macyhen111 Member Posts: 754
    edited November 2012

    Thank you powermom,, I was able to get all my questions answered today by my mo. I was not able to begin chemo today because of the results from my pet scan. They found suspicious areas on my hip bone and my clivus bone so I have to have a bone scan, mri's and biopsy of my hip before they can start the chemo. I am so damned confused about all of this. I went from never being sick to this. My mind is reeling and I am trying to stay positive through all this but it is getting hard. I thank God for my family, they keep me encouraged through all the bad news I am receiving, they refuse to let me give up.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Eleni
    Eleni Member Posts: 130
    edited November 2012

    Oh Paula, that's great! How people can be so insensitive. It's a good thing the manager was around and she's offering a free wig.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • politicomama
    politicomama Member Posts: 187
    edited November 2012

    Paula, I'm glad to hear.  My insurance does cover wigs.  Cassy was very sweet.  I had the baby with me, and although he is a good kid I was worried that they would try to rush me.  They didn't, and actually said to bring him back when I go to get some bras.   That is the first time they have ever been friendly though.  I had been in a couple of other times and they didn't speak.  I hope that she is great to you when you go.  They also have a very nice selection of hats and scarves in the back with the wigs as well.  

    Are you going to the Look Good Feel Better? My local hospital does not have one for December so I signed up for the one at Riverside.  I may cancel though.  I think it is great, but I am not sure if I want to drive to Columbus during rush hour.  :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BetNY22
    BetNY22 Member Posts: 80
    edited November 2012

    Hi all, I am not new to bco but I am new to the November boards. First infusion today- I am doing four rounds of AC and then four of the T. Wasn't as bad as I thought, the anti anxiety medicine they subscribed helped- Avitan. They gave me all kinds of meds for nausea, I am also on steroids. Wishing to get that energy everyone talks about from them. So far I haven't moved off the couch in 5 hours, only to use the bathroom and eat. The only way to make me happy is think that I am 1/8 done with my treatment. Glad I found this board, very helpful!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Thankful4mylife
    Thankful4mylife Member Posts: 56
    edited November 2012

    BetNY-welcome!!!!!



    Politico-a frosty from Wendy's?!?! I didn't even think of that....sounds great!! I will have to head there this weekend. And as for the acne....yep.....tons of pimples and whiteheads for about 10 days after treatment. :-/





    I'm getting more and more anxious about tomorrow. A glass of Pinot Noir sure sounds great right about now!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • michellej1980
    michellej1980 Member Posts: 342
    edited November 2012

    Hello everyone. I'm pleased to say my cold is much better today. Back on the dreaded steroids tomorrow ready for Friday's chemo #2 - eurgh. Hair is loosening. Was getting 5 hairs a time when running my hands through it but mostly on the top where I'd thought the cold cap didn't make contact. I'd thought it'd be ok if I only lose the top because I could wear big head bands and still have some length and look normal but how stupid would it look growing back?! Especially, if like last time, it grows back in Afro mode!



    I read a lot about people having PET and bone scans to check fr mets but that's never been mentioned to me. I wonder why...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • powermom
    powermom Member Posts: 195
    edited November 2012

    Macyhen - I will be thinking and saying prayers for you as you go through the tests.  I hope so much that everything will turn out all right.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2012

    macyhen111 so sorry to hear you have this additional worry in addition to everything! Positive thoughts are being sent your way.

    txjunebug it must be so deflating to be at this point and now have to face yet another hurdle. Here I am being the person I hate most and about to tell you the BMX isn't that bad, except I have actually been there while most of those people we hate haven't. Wink I've been a 'D' since I was in my early 20's and probably pretty vain. But the surgery didn't bother me. I actually had more of a melt down over the port surgery. Think that was only because it made chemo all the more real.

    sickofpink I am so sick of people saying how brave and strong I am too! Really, what choice do we have? They don't know what else to say, so we must just accept. Good intentions are meant.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tlym
    Tlym Member Posts: 115
    edited November 2012

    Txjunebug-I am SO sorry about your BRCA diagnosis. I am 44 years old and BRCA2+. At the time of my BC dx, I was thought to be ER+ based on pathology from my community hospital. I had several meetings with genetic counselors and sought an MO at Stanford University whose specialty is in genetics. Knowing that having the mutation would put me at increased risk for a recurrence, I still chose a lumpectomy. Studies have shown that with the increased surveillance of mutation carriers, a recurrence would be detected early enough to be treatable and not affect overall survival. Following my surgery, pathology at Stanford showed my tumor to actually be triple negative and not ER+, so here I am on the chemo path. I am halfway through treatment now and reconsidering my surgery decision. I am leaning toward having the bmx because I don't ever want to have to go through chemo again. The oopherectomy will follow. I know how overwhelming all of this is. Stay strong and know you are not alone. We can't change the shitty genes that were handed down to us, but we can do all in our power to beat this!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2012

    Oh, and anyone else "Sick of Pin".  This doesn't apply to you sickofpink.  Hahaha I think we get the picutre. Wink Why does everyone insist that each and every gift they give me must be pink?!? I didn't like pink to begin with. I am well known for wearing high heels to work - it is kind of a thing at work now.  So my boss, bless her heart, game me a cute high-heel shoe tape dispenser . . . . but it's PINK.

    Rant over!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tlym
    Tlym Member Posts: 115
    edited November 2012

    Monday girl check-in: SE's so much better this time! Have been taking zofran every 12 hours and no stomach cramps or nausea. Claritin didn't work for me last time, so I was really dreading the neupogen, but so far no issues. Went out this morning to see an integrative oncologist (those who are interested can PM me) and came home and took a 3 hour nap. Friends delivering meals all week, my teenagers have dog duty, and I get to just rest and relax. Feeling great. Hope the rest of you getting tx this week are faring just as well!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2012

    Thank you TYLM -- our stats are very similar except for the BRCA gene.  I'm triple negative too.  Kids took the news much better than I thought they would.  I really want to know the numbers behind the recurrance rates.  Hubby thinks I'm being radical for thinking about the bmx but I can stand the thought of going thru chemo again.  I told him we would discuss it the the MO on the 7th but a big part of my decision would be how difficult chemo is on me.  Right now my thoughts are if I don't have to go thru this again then chop them off!!!

    Michelle - so glad to hear you're feeling better. 

    Welcome BetNY!

    Paula great news on the wig.  Some people really don't need to be in retail. 

    Thankful - sending you hugs and good wishes for tomorrow.

    It's been a long day.  Going to bed and hope that I don't have tons of hair on my pillow in the moring.Wink

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    Junebug I am praying for you and hope that everything negative turns positive.  You know we are all here in your cheering section so just call on us when you need a friend. 

    Macyhen, I'm praying for you too.  Don't get discouraged, I had a bone scan and MRI also - both proved to be degenrative joint disease - not mets, not cancer, arthritis in my bones = so try not to let this consume your thoughts, just go get the test and then you can move on.

    Paula, I'm still the oldest of the group and with that I will tell you that my husband still watches all the westerns and Palladen, Gunsmoke, Mattlock are always on, so yes - Have gun will travel did coincide with Have wig, hats and scarfs will travel...It's good to know someone understands meSmile

    About those steroids, yes they make you do things when you should be resting, I wish you could all have come for dinner and a glass of wine and whoever asked about the red meat - it's probably the best thing you could eat the night you get chemo = if your not a meat eater, fish would be the second choice..Just saying - I never ate much meat but I am finding that I feel so much better with all that protein, felt too good to be sick,and all my blood tests came back perfect - so I'll eat the meat...
    So much to say, so many of you girls I want to talk to but my eyes are tired and I'm going to try to get a good night sleep, hope all you you do as well - especially all my friends who are having issues tonite.  Praying for you and wishing everyone "sweet dreams: Nite, nite girls. Innocent

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories