April 2013 Chemo Group

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  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited April 2013

    know EXACTLY how you feel beherenow...beautifully put....just so glad there's a 'community' of us going through this together...and the great thing about a virtual community is, it's ALWAY here, don't have to worry about waking someone up if you need to talk/vent.

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  • shipsgirl
    shipsgirl Member Posts: 264
    edited April 2013

    Chemo class tomorrow.  Suddenly chemo is just over a week away and I've done nothing but research so far.  I'd better get moving.  It feels real all of a sudden and I find myself finally getting a little nervous. 

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  • hushkat
    hushkat Member Posts: 66
    edited April 2013

    I'm having four treatments of Taxotere, and then getting four treatments of A/C.  Had my port put in last Wednesday morning, and my first treatment of Taxotere that same afternoon.  No side effects from the Chemo yet, but the Neulasta shot I received on Thursday caused quite a bit of achey-ness in my bones.  Feels like it's starting to subside now (5 dyas later).   Port site still a little tender, but getting better as well.

    I went to the ACS "Look Good Feel Better" program yesterday at the hospital, it was absolutely wonderful.  If you can find one in your area I highly recommend going.  Will be going to my local ACS office sometime this week to pick out a free wig!  No sign of hair loss yet, but I expect to start seeing that next week. 

    I am also working through my treatments as much as possible.  I'm hoarding my sick days and vacation days until I really need them.  Kind of funny, we have an employee in our office who calls in "sick" or whatever at least a couple times a week for random things like "I'm tired", or "My goldfish has a rash" (I'm not kidding...).   The office chatter and water cooler betting line has me showing up to work more than her while I'm going through treatment!  It would be amazing if I could.  Right now I'm winning so we'll see, haha.

    Hope you ladies have a good day, my next appointment is Friday for a blood check up. 

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  • Speedy4
    Speedy4 Member Posts: 136
    edited April 2013

    Katie~I thought I was getting a cold on Sunday but luckily it didn't materialize. Maybe it's part of the whole process?



    Anyone dealing with weird acne? I have a few whiteheads on my chest and face?? I also got my period 2 days after my first treatment so I guess all the stars aligned for this wonderful SE?!

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  • grover
    grover Member Posts: 44
    edited April 2013

    I got a lot if info from my MO, but no mention of a "class." I did see a genetic counselor. And there's a local support group that provides just about everything else, so I think I'm in good hands.



    BeHereNow, Besides being SO true, your metaphor of the sea is so poetic! I'm an English teacher, and this would make a GREAT poem!

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  • indenial
    indenial Member Posts: 504
    edited April 2013

    Shipsgirl, I'm with you, only I'm starting tomorrow! I wasn't too nervous until the night before last... then all of a sudden it hit me, and now I'm freaking out. I didn't get done even a third of what I wanted to do to prepare... recovering from surgery has made it hard to cook/clean/stay up late to finish things. Oh well. I'm sooo hoping I have minimal side effects but also know that's unlikely, I'm so hypersensitive to everything and I'm sure I'll be super reactive to this too. I have visions of me in severe pain or passing out or having some bizarre reaction and having to rush to the hospital. I actually googled what will happen to my young son if I'm home alone with him & have to be taken away by ambulance. This is where my mind is at... not a fun place. Don't know how I'm going to get through the next 24 hours or so! 

    And I'm also panicking about my hair! I don't really mind actually losing my hair, I know it will grow back, and I've never been very fond of it anyway. I dont want to watch it falling out & plan to shave it later this week. What's worrying me is showing up in public places/around acquaintances the first time with just a scarf or something. I feel like everyone will be staring at me & no one will know what to say & it will just be so weird & awkward & anxiety-inducing. People will be like, "You look great!" when they're really thinking, "Poor woman with cancer, what a shame." Ugh!!!! I cannot in a million years imagine myself wearing a wig and even if I could, they don't make wigs to match my crazy frizzball hair. Kind of wish I hadn't kept my diagnosis so private, because it's about to become very, very public...

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited April 2013

    Speedy4-I'm talking Zicam and my symptoms are stable. I'm going to my GP today for extra caution:). No ance for me. I have a little rash on my chest today. It's so odd how these SEs come and go.



    Grover- it sounds like you've got some great support. And thanks...



    Ships girl- we all deal with this differently. It's not too late to send out an email to peope to let them know the basics of whats going on--if that relieves some of your anxiety.



    I had a few friends who were brave enough to tell me they didn't know what to say or do. I think thats very common.



    So now, when I am talking to an acquaintance who has just found out about my cancer, I say, "Some people feel awkward and don't know what to say. I feel that way to. But I'd rather you make mistakes and stay connected to me than lose our connection because of the awkwardness. You can always ask me questions. I'll let you know if I am uncomfortable answering..."



    Hope this helps. The anxiety is worst right now, but you'll get through this.

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  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited April 2013

    Love that advice BeHereNow, I told most folks at work face to face so they could see I'm OK with it, not my choice but I'll deal with whatever happens. I'm single, live alone and VERY independent so the hardest part for me is asking for help. I have no family in North Carolina, but my work place is really like family.  My biggest frear is 'chemo brain'. My job isn't very physcial but I have to be able to communicate. We call and punch our own newscasts. I went back to work 1 week after surgery and I'm planning on going in today after port was installed yesterday. We shall see....so glad this community is here to 'vent' and get ideas of what to expect!

    Next week is my birthday and just had a friend ask "how are you gonna celebrate?" So far my biggest plans are a follow up meeting with my surgeon...fun times...

    Hope everyone has a great day and I get through work today! Treatments start Friday and a friend is flying in to be with me this weekend. 

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  • heather214
    heather214 Member Posts: 142
    edited April 2013

    Grover, having the port put in was not too bad at all, and they did put me under (at my request). Don't worry about that, really. It made the chemo that much easier!

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  • shipsgirl
    shipsgirl Member Posts: 264
    edited April 2013

    BeHereNow, I've noticed you always have encouraging words for everyone.  Thank you. 

    Indenial, I think the fear is worse than the actual event.  Our minds can create some amazing scenarios.  It's good to be prepared since you have a little one to be concerned about, but I'm sure none of your worst-case thoughts will come to pass and you'll get through this like a trooper. 

    Virginger, I did the same thing in telling people.  I haven't been secretive about it. I'm okay with it (except getting nervous now) and want people to know it's okay to talk about it and ask me about it.  My coworkers were a little awkward when I returned from surgery until they realized they could ask me and now they have been flooding me with questions.  I will be cold capping to try to keep my hair and they are very interested in the process. 

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  • heather214
    heather214 Member Posts: 142
    edited April 2013

    Since I feel so naive and despite having read almost every book on breast cancer (LOL) - can someone tell me what to expect with my nails? I keep seeing posts about losing them and them darkening, is this for everyone?

    "To truly detoxify your lifestyle, think about what you can add in, not just take out".

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited April 2013

    Hi Heather, did you see this article:



    http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/hair_skin_nails/nails



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  • Skigirl72
    Skigirl72 Member Posts: 478
    edited April 2013

    Heather-The nail discoloration and falling off is with taxol or taxelore (sp). My nails were fine through 4 rounds of AC and so far s good with 2 taxol. I keep them short and just clear polish on then to keep an eye on anything weird happening. The do have some ridges on then but nothing I am too concerned about.

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited April 2013

    I went to my GP. He put me on a z-pack antibiotic. I didn't realize that if my blood count is low I may not have a fever, even though I'm sick. So glad I went to the doc!!



    Have a good night all. I'm going to watch a funny movie and go to bed :)

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  • Jen987
    Jen987 Member Posts: 145
    edited April 2013

    So I ended up in the E.R. at 3:30 am Monday due to a horrific headache for 3 days. I couldn't keep anything down and I was severely dehydrated. They did a CT scan on my head that came out negative. My white blood cell count was elevated more than double what it should be so they did a chest xray thinking an infection. But that came back negative as well. So they thought maybe meningitis and I had a lumbar puncture. Guess what negative too. So after 11 hours and few different pain killers later I was sent home with no answers. My oncologist thought maybe the Zofran was causing my headaches so she had me stop them on Sunday but it didn't help. Now I'm thinking it may have been the steroids. Who knows. So here I lay with a stiff neck and sore back from lumbar puncture. I sure hope my second treatment doesn't end this way too.

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  • jc254
    jc254 Member Posts: 439
    edited April 2013

    Virginger, I know what you mean about birthday fun.  Yesterday was my birthday and I spend it getting much needed dental work in preparation for my chemo treatments that start 4/18.  I hoping next year's birthday finds me in a much better place.

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited April 2013

    Jen978- your experience sounds almost unbearable. I'm sorry to hear you've been through so much. Be gentle with yourself. Hopefully next time will be easier.

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  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited April 2013

    Happy Belated jc254~

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  • OnaWing
    OnaWing Member Posts: 35
    edited April 2013

    Jen, I hate that you have hit a rough spot and hope things smooth out soon.

    My port was placed today and it really wasn't too bad. That's one more thing to check off the list and one step closer to recovery. I knew I would be groggy from the anesthesia and took advantage of it to catch up on my sleep as I haven't slept too well recently.

    Traveling to Tampa tomorrow for second opinions at Moffitt as I want to be sure my local oncologist is choosing the same regimen that would be selected if I were in the clinic. Thought second opinions were important because my BC is a rather rare micro papillary invasive ductal carcinoma with positive mammary and axillary nodes. My local oncologist has not treated a micro papillary and I'm hoping a larger clinic such as Moffitt will have more experience with this type. Anyone on this Board have or know of it? 

    Since Tampa is home, I will see my sister. Time with her always feels good when I'm down mostly because we talk about all kind of foolish things except why I am down. Can't wait for that.

        

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited April 2013

    Onawing- glad you had a good nap! Enjoy your time with your sis. And it's wise to be getting that second opinion! Safe travels :)

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  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited April 2013

    have a safe trip OnaWing nothing like Family time...

    my port was installed yesterday too and went back to work today...a little sore, so took 1/2 a pain pill..chemo teach tomorrow...went to a health food store on dinner break and got  some Ginger Chews to help with upset stomach...

    Chemo teach tomorrow

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  • Speedy4
    Speedy4 Member Posts: 136
    edited April 2013

    Always good to get a second opinion!

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  • dede707
    dede707 Member Posts: 48
    edited April 2013

    Speedy4- Hi  I did get a small period on my first round and yes,I got acne- related to period? Detox of caffenine , alcohol, meds? Not sure. But man, as if I don't feel, at my best already.  

    I noticed we have the same chemo cocktail, so it would nice to compare notes. I mighte pm, if that is okay. 

    It is Wed. and yesterday Tuesday was the best day- I felt so great. Was able to clean, shop and play with my children without a nap! LOL. 

    Much love and hugs- denise

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  • LKSHER
    LKSHER Member Posts: 209
    edited April 2013

    I start AC tomorrow afternoon. I keep thinking of ploys to get out of it....Anxiety is awful. Hoping that I have been so upset already and overwhelmed that I will be underwhelmed by the SE? A girl can dream right? Just seems so strange to do this to myself when I physically feel so good. I want to finish my fills, go to PT, do some running and yoga and plan a vacation or two.....I am even okay with rads for whatever reason. The chemo and the Lupron/menopause have me terrified. My brother says I will be the toughest MF in chemo history. I hope he is right.

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  • heather214
    heather214 Member Posts: 142
    edited April 2013

    LKSHER, hang in there! I was the opposite, so relieved to be starting after a delay due to insurance. But, we will be hoping it goes great with no side effects, HUGS!

                                                                                             Heather

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  • kirklandgal
    kirklandgal Member Posts: 63
    edited April 2013

    Good morning ladies!  I am one week into my first cycle and woke up with a cold this morning.  I'm due to go in today for a blood draw to check my counts and for a Herceptin infusion.  Does anyone know if they will still do the Herceptin infusion when I have a cold?  I was just starting to feel better from my chemo and now have taken several steps backwards - ugh!

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  • heather214
    heather214 Member Posts: 142
    edited April 2013

    Jen987- so sorry you had to go through that! Hang in there, hoping you are feeling better!

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  • heather214
    heather214 Member Posts: 142
    edited April 2013

    Curious how many of you are still working, or worked through chemo? I am so far, but feel like it may not be feasible. My family is pushing me to keep working - "Otherwise you will sit there focusing on the cancer and crying", but I just do not feel like I am getting enough rest. I am getting chemo before surgery right now. Looking at 4-6 cycles of pre-chemo, and was hoping to work through until the surgery.  I work in the mental health field/nursing and have scaled back my duties, but it is pretty intensive work. I am conflicted about going part-time also for financial reasons, I will only get 1/2 of my pay and will have to pay for part of my health benefits while my hours are cut. So, keep working or just try to deal with the loss of income? I am a single mother with no financial help, so this is scary for me.

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  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited April 2013

    I'm gonna TRY and work...might have to change my dosing days..I'm starting out on Friday's but in my chemo teach today they mentioned sometimes it's the 3rd and 4th day that are the hardest. I'm single and live alone...have for YEARS. I've been concerned about lack of sleep too so got a sleep pill script from my dr...hasn't really help much, since I'm having am appointments and live on the out skirts of town.

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited April 2013

    Heather, I really feel for you. Are there other things you can get support with so that all you have to do is work, kiss your kids, and sleep?



    Then, if you have a couple of hard days, take vacation/sick leave, or even leave without pay? Is your employer at all flexible?



    I work from home, so I don't face your challenges. But I have lined up a ton of help! (And I'm not usually one to do that. It shocked my friends when I asked them how they could help--not if :).



    Some people really couldn't do anything, but many could. One friend comes to walk my dog when I'm sick. One runs errands for me. One took up a collection to help make up for my lost income. One, who didn't want to cook, agreed to organizing the meal-bringers--and she enlisted her friends to cook, too, even though they don't know me. And they are donating the food, in a sense, so it saves me money.



    I have people bringing food on Sundays and Wednesdays. I gave them a list of recipes to choose from, said it needed to be organic, and asked everyone to also bring, in addition to the meal, cleaned, cut, fresh veggies for me to have on hand (I like to roast them :).



    Okay, sorry to go on and on. Writing this has made me stop and really feel the gratitude for all these angels in my life.



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