Starting Chemo in April 2014

what a beautiful thread of women.  Just gorgeous!

So far so good after Tuesday infusion.  Worked all day today and didn't feel too bad.  Kept up on anti- nauseau meds.  I get decadron IV at infusion, emend pill at infusion, decadron for three days after, zofran, emend for day 2 and 3 and supplement with Tigran as needed.  I sometimes wonder if these meds vs the chemo bring on the fog but it is working.  Round 3 so far is easier than round 2.  Where is the wood I should be knocking?

As for the rest of my routine, I get bloodwork done the day before and it takes 5-60 minutes depending on what time I get to the lab and number of people.

I see my MO before every infusion and he has his own private infusion area at his office.  Usually see him within 45 min of scheduled time on infusion day.  Then approx 3 hours in the chair.  I plan for 4-5 hours total.

Thanks for the great advice on taxol, mommom.  That is the latest addition to my protocol that I will start at the end of June.  

So funny, the other thread I am active on is January surgery girls and we have adopted tiaras as the theme sprouting from one of the gals on that thread.  We have our pirate theme in full force here!  Love, the camaraderie!

Ann 

SharonDe....thanks for the Aveeno info.  I have a rash that would make a 14 year old boy look good. They say from decadron or Taxotere or both!!!  I'm adding steroid med dose pak to the mix!!!  Aloxi, decadron, Pepcid and Benadryl before Taxotere infusion. Zofran and Ativan to take at home with addl Benadryl for itching if necessary.  I am knocking on wood, only had to use 1 zofran for the roid headache. Then, I am just drinking tons of water to dilute and very careful what I eat!!!  I seem to have minimal lower GI issues, mild D...some cramping, but hard to tell if that isn't just from putting so little in the system and then asking it to work again...

Hears to minimal SE's to all over the long weekend...this Lake Girl is getting some lake time!!!  

Boy, do I hear you!  Can't sleep even though I took Tylenol with codeine.  Still have pains throughout my body.  I went out for the first time in my wig today and felt so weird.  Could barely walk.  Went home for the rest of the day.  This is ROUGH!  Bladder control?  What's that?  Can't think or read.

Can't watch tv.  Just existing.  And the look on my husband's face says it all.  He's scared.  He stays away.  Just as well, I have nothing to give anyone.  Hopefully things will turn around tomorrow.  Last time it was 3 days of Hell and tomorrow is the third day.  Hard to believe this will pass.  

I mentioned to my husband that I had 102 days to go.  He was shocked, thought I'd only go through 3 infusions not 6.  I need my CT scan next week to determine why my tumor markers went up.  They say it could be from diabetes, my sugar is very high from the steroids.  WHAT a mess!

Merg, congrats on taking the plunge to the bald side.  I know it's hard, but, hopefully, you will feel better about it soon and your scalp should be happier.  I have found a lint roller to be my best friend the past few weeks to keep those short hairs after the shave to stay off my face.

On your aches and swollen glands I think the aches are normal with no fever.  However, with your swollen glands and unease I would recommend calling the doc office.  That's what they are there for and will provide you peace of mind or a recommendation on how to handle.

Timbuktu, I wholehearedly understand your husband's reactions.  I am facing similar.  I think the chemo phase is harder for them because there is no hiding from it.  It is very visible 24/7 and there is very little they can do to help us.  They are scared and my husband finally admitted recently how anxious he had become trying to get through this.  This disease impacts our entire family.  One day at a time.  Ps. I also found my first outings with the wig more difficult than wearing a scarf. I got wonderful compliments on my new hairstyle, however, I felt like such an imposter.  I need to stop qualifying with every person I see that mentions they like my hair that I am wearing a wig. The world does not need to know, but, I can't help myself!

Clarrn, probably a good thing you can't remember the name of the person you saw at the store.  What kind of person asks that kind of question???  You look beautiful bald.  Your eyes pop!

Clarrn, you look beautiful! My buzz cut is too long and I really need to bite the bullet and get rid of what's left. I guess I need to buy an electric razor this weekend.

Walking to work this morning a woman came up to me and said, "I love your hair, it's the perfect color." Instead of hemming and hawing or explaining that it's a wig, I just said, "thank you." It gets easier to "lie" with time, I guess.

Ok - clarm - you rock the bald look!!  but...I am sure I am not the only one noticing the placement in the picture of the house decor - I think you are sporting one really cool spike do!!! 

Random acts of kindness still exists,

Just got back from the grocery store with my daughter.  We both had our carts.  She for her camping trip this weekend and me to get my groceries so I can be like Lakegirl and spend a few days at our lake.  Had on a short bandana. A young guy in his 30's walked by me, turned around and came back to tell me I was beautiful.    I said thank you and told him he made my day.  Felt good for this 51 year old! 

Then waves of nausea took hold, grabbed a water bottle, got home with the goods as soon as I could, swallowed a Tigran and going to lay down.

In case I am not back on line before I hit the lake house with no wifi and sporadic cell phone connection I wish all of you  Americans a wonderful holiday weekend in honor of the brave men and women who have served.  For our neighboring friends in canada I wish you a sunny and pleasant weekend with no SE's!

Yesterday I was talking with my boss about the chemo and all.  And in the midst of our conversation I said, "You know what? I'm really proud of myself for the way I've been handling all this!" And later I thought about it.  Nobody has said that to me as of yet.  So I'd just like to say that to everyone here.  I am really proud of all of you (us) for the way we're coping and handling this shitty situation.  People should say that more, instead of saying sorry, how are you feeling, think positive, or asking crappy questions.  Just sayin'.  Day three since third infusion and it's going better than last time.  It's probably the addition of drugs.  I have my moments, but they are not constant as they were before.  Have a great Friday, friends!

all of ur comments are do inspirational!!  So what have I done so far?  Cleaned the bathrooms. My hubby text me and asked why. I never did it before the cancer !  Lol I said  because I can!!  Lol

To my us friends - have a great Memorial Day weekend!  Always thinking of all of the men and women who sacrificed their lives in the last present and those who will do in the future.  My father served in the royal Canadian engineers in ww2 and was just about to be shipped off to war from Halifax when d day came

We all face unknowns in our lives and I am blessed to know all of you so that we can share cry laugh and love!

Keep sharing your stories and pictures! It makes it do much easier!!!

:-)

Good morning and happy Friday, ladies! Starting Day 3 and feeling pretty good although starting to feel a little tired. Vision is a little blurred like last time, but without the white-ish filter like last time. Food starting to taste a bit wonky.

clarrn: You rock the bald! I love the placement of the background spikes, even if it was accidental.  And that coworker of yours? How inappropriate. Sheesh. I guess people just don't know what to say to us, eh?

Timbuk2: Rest and you'll feel better. When I couldn't sleep, I'd just lay down. It helps. And drink fluids. Flush this crap out!

merg: Call the doc. It'll ease your mind.

mmtagirl & EverForward: I had a neighbor compliment my wig ("nice haircut!") on a walk the other day and I simply said "Thank you." I didn't want to explain the whole cancer/chemo/wig story. I figured it's ok to keep it simple & just accept a compliment. She might be confused next time I walk by with a different wig though!

SharonDe: I too have some hair left and thought it was ALL supposed to fall out after the 1st treatment! What's up with that? My MO said it was all going to fall out on day 14. Oh well. Maybe day 14 after this 2nd treatment the rest will go...

Have a great day!

Hi, i also started Chemotherapy on April 29, i'm coming up on my 3rd treatment May 27, n when i say i have been up n down with feelings dealing with so many side affects, i just lost all my hair n wanted to scream so greatful that i have people to talk to about what I'm goin through n feeling i have 5 more treatments n I'm just trusting in GOD FRIENDS,  FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS TO HELP ME THROUGH THIS.......

welcome!!!

I too have my up and down days!  This past weekend I cried a lot but my 91 year old mother says don't worry until you have to and that day might never come

 A mother knows!!!!

:-)

Hi all!

Clarrn - You are so beautiful!  Who needs hair? Lol

Mikishelley - Thanks for the inspiring post!  I needed to hear that today.

Welcome Latisecannon!  I know you will find support on these boards.  But family support means a lot.  So glad you have that!

Had a bit of a scare last night.  I found a lump in my breast while I was showering.  Needless to say, I had a mini meltdown.  I was actually gad for once, that my DH wasn't home.  I called my BS this am, and he said he would fit me in this morning.  He felt it too and did an ultrasound.  It is a small fat necrosis.  Phew!  Total relief.  He assured me that I have nothing to worry about.  He also told me whenever I have a concern - to call him and he will see me.  I am so grateful to have him in my corner.  Now maybe I will sleep tonight!  I am dragging more than usual today because I was up most of the night imagining the worst.  Got a phone call from DH today and he is coming home a few days early!  More good news!

Feeling a little teary today thinking of my son who is currently deployed.  Wishing a safe return for all who are serving in our military.  

Wishing a safe Memorial Day weekend to all!  Hugs,  lilyrose

clarrn - you look fabulous, darling.

Mikishelley - thanks for your words. I so need them today.

I had my third treatment today. Found out I have a bone met and a lung met. Rough day. Very tearful.

lilyrose - another thank you to your son.  Glad you got your concerns answered by your BS so quickly.

latisecannon - you'll find lots of support here.

Golfingirl - more hugs and support.