Starting Chemo in April 2014
Comments
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Golfingirl, -- I think we all would wear the same shirt. Don't take the picture down. It's all good. Where do you get your treatment? I go to Kennestone.
Here's to Easy SE's.
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Thanks everyone. I'm glad the shirt is okay with y'all. I'm glad to have a good luck charm with such great heritage.
merg - I go to Northside. I see Dr. Bowen & Diane. I really like their office so friendly and efficient. I feel like I'm in really good hands and don't have to fight them for anything. It's a total team effort.
Swissmiss - sorry you're in that dark place. Please keep trying to remember this too is temporary and I know you're strong and will get thru it. We are all here cheering you on.
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Ladies,
I didn't start my chemo in April but on March 28th so I read this thread. Am sharing on of my tee shirts. I have a few to wear to treatment that make me smile.
This is how short my hair was before treatment. Still have some left but very thin.
Love your shirt Golfingirl.
Dee
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Swissmiss- bone pain kicked in for me last night. I'm only on weekly so I can't imagine the dose dense pain
Hot bath at 2 am helped a little... Then I took my ativan and drifted off for a bit. I hear days 3-5 are the worst of it. Hope you feel better soon! -
Oh boy did I have it! It was so bad I thought I was ready for hospice! But it left after 3 horrible days and nights and then I felt great. It's good for you to take pain killers. I didn't and it was dumb.
The first time is the worst so it's all downhill from here.
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Swissmiss, I'm so sorry you are hurting. (((((((Hugs)))))))
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wow, what a busy few days! So sorry a few of you aren't feeling well.. Hope you have a better week. happy dancing for others like Mikishelley!
Love the collage, Sharon. We are an amaZing bunch!
Blueberry, we still on for Tuesday? Wow, the extra week off felt great for me! I have felt great the past several days. Did the grad party circuit and ate and drank too much...like a normal person! I went over the top and drank more than my share of wine this weekend, too. Back on the wagon. Final AC on Tuesday and then on to weekly taxol.
Footballnut, haven't heard from you in awhile. Hoping you are doing ok. Love how Sharon's collage had your face on the super hero body!
Wishing all of you a great week!
Ann
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Mmtagirl, we are on! I'm in the chair for AC number three as long as the counts are up. I'll have one more in three weeks and then on to taxol for me too. So, I guess I will meet you there. Good for you having a normal time at a party. I'm not there yet, but sometimes I can pretend everything is normal, and it's almost the same. Was it you daughter that graduated? Congratulations!
I saw Edge of Tomorrow this afternoon. It was a great escape. I have seen most of the big movies this spring with my kids, and have taken to binge watching Netflix. What do you all do to escape from reality when you need to?
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I'm thinking of going to the movies after the infusion tomorrow if I can. I watch a lot of tv but reading, which used to be my love, is hard to do. No concentration. Walking seems to help even though I never have the energy. If I force myself I feel better. The best escape is sleep.
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Even though I haven't left my apartment since coming home from work on Friday, I'm taking today off, too. The pain dementors are finally slipping away, so I may force myself to go outside for a bit. I don't know what I would do without Netlix streaming. I can't wait to be on the other side of this.
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Good Morning to my April sisters. Just had my fill at my PS - I am now past puberty and seem to have a little cleavage lol. I am so not looking forward to tx 3 tomorrow. This last cycle I never really got back my energy in the last week like I did with the first one - so I am fearing how much fatigue I will have with #3. I wish I had a life remote control and I could fast forward to August.
In the meantime - I think I do a good gypsy impression
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checking in from the chair this AM. Ready to get today do e and kill and stray little f***ers. I am also wearing the same shirt I wore to my last chemo last time. I am going to start wearing it more. Maybe this will help with the pity looks and stares.
Timbuktu- what movie are you seeing. ??
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Thanks so much for the well wishes, girls...I think I might be coming out of the Dark Place this morning, and your kind words certainly helped! I kept hearing how Taxol would be so "easy" compared to AC, and I think I let my guard down. Wow, Taxol is definitely not easy! I've never been in so much pain...I seriously would have been up for an epidural if one was offered to me. I hate to speak to soon, but thankfully the worst seems to be over. I'm going to talk to my MO about getting some sort of pain relief for next time. I have a handful of Percocet leftover from my surgeries, but it just didn't work. Tylenol and Aleve didn't work either...I had a bit of relief after taking Ibuprofen, but not much. The nurse had specifically said to take only Tylenol unless I had Percocet, so hopefully it was ok I took the Ibu.
clarrn...how are you faring?
I LOVE all your tshirts....I think I need to get me a sassy shirt to wear too!
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Linda and Jamie, Great photos!! Its so fun to see you guys in the room we all hang out in. Its such an unknown to people who aren,t in chemo, at least it was for me. I used to freak that I was going in the office marked Oncology, but I thought, " At least I don't have to do chemo!" I used to avoid looking in the chemo area, as if I would catch it, somehow, if I really connected with what was going on in there. Silly me.
Taxol is only markedly easier in the weekly dosing, from what I understand. And that is only for some people. I am so sorry for anyone getting leveled by the treatments. Its barbaric. May recovery from infusions go quickly for you, SwissMiss.
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Good morning ladies! Love to see your pics and smiles!
Jaimieh - I can't quite make out what your shirt says, but it looks cute!!
Linda you look great!
Swissmiss, hang in there - I'm sorry for your pain. I know exactly what you are going through and dread my next treatment because of it.
It's a sad day for me, I'm really trying to keep it together, but my hair is starting to leave me.
I'm prepared (scarves, wigs, etc) but not as emotionally prepared as I thought I would be. I know it's temporary, but as you all know it just sucks. My privacy is about to be out of my control, and I will soon be a neon sign. -d
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Ddkath70...I'm so sorry!!! That was the one time in all this I have truly "Lost My Shit!" I likened it to labor, you know it's coming and once it starts there is no going back!!! Hang in there... Mine started coming out all over and it just started to feel gross! That us when I knew, it had to go. I never thought I would say, "let's shave it", but I did. I couldn't handle watching the strands, the clumps fall out. I don't know if you noticed, but it is very tender. When you are ready...it helps to not hurt so much to get it gone. Big hugs, this just sucks...just one of the things we can't control. If you plan to get a wig, find one of those nice salons, some wig places are just scary!!! You will thank me in the end!! Also, don't forget sunscreen, I've been using the same for my head that I use for my face.
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Ddkath - Happening soon for me too. Every time I touch my hair its like petting the dog. It is even but thinning more every day. My hair was my shield. I look totally different and certainly not quite as attractive (at 70 I should worry?) I think that may be the underlying fear. I have to see who I really am without the dressing. It is a psychological challenge for sure and may be responsible for some of the attitude changes that cancer patients talk about.
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my shirt says we deserve a lifetime
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Lakegirl - Couldn't agree with you more about just getting it buzzed. It's one of the most empowering things I've done through this whole thing. I was told I'd lose the hair about 2 weeks after beginning the AC. So one day before the 2 weeks, I went to the wig place where I'd purchased it and left for styling. Most wig places will give you a free buzz. I had support with me and felt great about getting it buzzed. That hair didn't start coming out for another week or so, but it wasn't so bad as I'd gotten used to it by then. I couldn't stand the idea of my thick hair coming out in clumps in the shower. Ugh. Bonus, I had no head pain whatsoever.
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I see what you mean about the tender spots. It's not my whole head, but in some places it feels like I've head a pony tail in too tight and too long. UGH! This sucks.
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Swissmiss - better today! Still sore but not near what it was
Going SUV shopping so we can haul a trailer and get to the lake more... tenting is so not my husbands cup of tea. And being by the water is so soothing. Maybe I could just head to the lake after Taxol in a few weeks. -
Had my infusion and it was a breeze. I slept through most of it and my husband stayed with me and helped me when I needed anything.
The BIG news! the onco thinks 3 infusions are enough!!!! She says I'm DONE! What a surprise!
She said that's the norm at her hospital. I asked about the data of 3 infusions vs 6 and she said there was none. That makes me nervous. OTH, after my near fainting episode, I had come to the conclusion myself that enough is enough. She said I should deal with that with my internist. She said anything is possible with chemo but she was doubtful that the chemo caused it. If not for you girls on here I would think it never happened to anyone before!
We went out to celebrate with a dinner and then I came home and quickly went to sleep. Just woke up after 2 hours. I can't believe I'm done!
What do you guys think? I feel I'm between a rock and a hard place really. If it recurrs I'll really kick myself for not having done all 6 infusions. OTH, this is my second go round with chemo and it seems to be hurting me, what good is getting rid of the cancer if the rest of you is demolished?
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Girls, you are rocking the scarves. Makes me want to surf the net for more cute ones like yours!
Dd and Brigadoon, once you take the plunge to the bald side you will feel better. Really! The first few days are the hardest. I find it more difficult to wear a wig. I feel like an imposter even if people that know me say they can't tell. As time goes by I find myself getting bolder and being bald with more than immediately family, especially at home. Today, I went to the fitness center where I work to take a step class. Usually, wait until no one is around and whip off the wig to put a scarf and hat on before I exercise. Not today. I took it off when other women were around and put on a do rag. No ball cap and proceeded to the class. I felt empowered. I still change in the bathroom stall. Not ready to change into a sports bra and have strangers or coworkers see the scars and TEs as I change yet. Baby steps.
Tomorrow is my last AC infusion and then I move on to taxol. I am seriously more anxious about the taxol given my first round with Taxotere. Having learned from you gals, I will not let my guard down.
Timbuktu, congratulations on finishing up early. I have heard of others that stopped early because of SEs. My doc told me he wants me to do a minimum of 9 taxol if I don't handle it well, ideally 12 infusions so there is definitely a range they work within.
Good luck to all this week!
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hi everybody!
Just returned from a few days in Niagara Falls and trying to catch up on the thread.
Sharon tx for the great photo collage. Love it!
We had a nice time away but unfortunately I couldn't forget about my cancer. Whenever we went out and I saw older couples id cry thinking that we will never get to spend our retirement years together
Then I remember the advances that have been made with herceptin and think why can't I live into my 70s or 80s? I know many 20+ year survivors with NED . So we shall all be there too!!
Despite the tears we had a nice time away. Saw a play in Niagara on the lake at the shaw festival called we are married - very funny about three couples celebrating 25 years of marriage who are told that their marriages might not be real. We saw stomp last night - awesome. We rented and rode bicycles 15 miles along the Niagara river. We threw money away in the casino. We ate too much. It was great!!
Lol
Tomorrow reality hits. Bloodwork and meet with my MO. Then wed my 3 rd and final round of FEC. Halfway done chemo!!!!
Little bumps have been forming on my head and I have a bump on my earlobe. What the heck !!!!
Is taxol the samething as taxotere? I start taxotere with herceptin the first week of July and after reading about the aches and pains that some of you have experienced I am terrified !!
As far as neulasta is concerned I've never had any pain and have always had the shot in my stomach
Hubby goes back to work tomorrow and I try to stay positive. The hardest thing for me is to be alone. I try to stay out of the dark places and I sometimes find it easy - at other times it is so hard!
I thank you all for belong me through the tough times and laughing with me through the good
You are all awesome!!!!
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Mmtagirl - I am sure you are right about the hair. Thanks for the encouragement.
Footballnut. I am glad you had such a nice trip. As for your old age, you never know. I was at a family gathering this weekend and both my brother-in-law and I were two people who had Stage IV cancer. He was suppose to be dead 3 years ago. He is 74 and has been in this cancer battle for a decade. My sister-in-law had just come from a memorial service for the husband of a friend of theirs who had flipped his car. Perfectly healthy, 58 years old. We can fight a long time. Life is unpredictable.
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You are never alone. We are always here for you footballnut.
The trip sounds fabulous...I WANT TO GO!!!!
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Mmtagirl...I absolutely get what you are saying about the wig...except, I'm not an imposter...as my girls would say...I am Spy Girl...undercover when I put my shades on!!! It's my alter ego....everyone says, mine looks just like my short hair, but blonder....but I'm still not convinced. So, Spy Girl it is!!!
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I've also been struggling with wig vs. hat/scarf. It's getting warm, and I think I'm having serious hot flashes, so often the wig is just uncomfortable, especially for long periods of time. I feel like I can be more private with the wig - no questions, no looks. But with the scarf/hat and no hair, I get looks, questions and comments. Or, I feel like I have to justify why I have no hair with an explanation.
Brigadoon: You're so right about not knowing how much time anyone has. It's all we can do is fight.
Footballnut: Glad you had a great trip! Hang in there. This is a marathon, that's for sure.
Ddkath: The hair is definitely traumatic. I felt like it was one of the worst parts, in some ways. But, believe me, you'll feel better after it's out, just not having to worry about losing it. I've even shaved it again to get rid of the peach fuzz that was growing in. It was growing in like a horseshoe, old man hair. And when my hubs shaved it, it looked like the hair you get off a cat or dog when you brush them. Completely not normal hair.
I'm back to the chair tomorrow, #8 of 12 taxol, could the end be in sight? I have some mouth sores forming. I don't think I drank enough water the last few days. Will not make that mistake again!!
Let's kick cancer's A$$!!
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Good morning April sisters! Today is round three for me and of course the dang steroids have kicked in and so here I am wide awake at 2:45 am lol. Appt is at 9:15 am. I hate starting off exhausted.
MMTAgirl - I got alot of scarves at Goodwill and also quite a few at walmart - they were on clearance for 2 bucks a piece. They also have bandana's there for a buck a piece - many colors. I wear my wig now and then - always bald at home but mostly scarves or hats when I am just out and about. I have gotten stopped and asked what kind of cancer and how am I and may I pray for you - it doesn't bother me - it is a part of me now - it isn't who I am but it is changing me. I have had some small children look at me a laugh - I laugh back - haven't flipped the wig to show them what is under it yet - afraid to traumatize them lol.
Football nut - taxol is a cousin to taxotere - I believe they basically work the same and may have similar side effects. I am doing taxotere and herceptin with my carboplatin right now. I am not sure what SE come from what - but I really haven't had any serious pain - mostly some muscle aches the first few days and this dull back pain. I think you will do fine with SE because I believe the taxotere isn't as bad as the FEC and you have done great on that. From what I have read - the SE are very minimal from the Herceptin - the biggest being heart concerns but we will be monitored for those issues.
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Looks like several of us are in the chair today. Good luck to all.
Lakegirl, I love Spy Girl. You are a super hero to your kids! I have names for my wigs. The one I posted the pic on is named Veronica. It is my DH favorite and the style/color everyone tells me I need to consider PFC. My other wig is Sporty Rachel. She is lighter and more comfortable and can handle the wind better if I am outside more. I was given some long hair wigs from my hairdresser. One is Ginger ands she comes out for fun with friends and family when I really want to rock an alternate personality.
Taxol vs Taxotere....they are both in the taxane family. My MO is telling me that low dose taxol will be much easier on my with fewer side effects than Taxotere. I am banking on that. I found AC much easier than TC. Or, I say that as I ready myself for 3rd and final AC in a few hours. Then on to taxol.
Linda, thanks for the tip on goodwill. Mi will check them out.
Wishing all a good day!
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