Starting chemo September 2014

ilovepug, so sorry for the reason you are joining our FAMILY, BUT a FAMILY we are, so no matter how dysfunctional we may act  sometimes    we stick together! Welcome to the best gang of warriors any where. Zima, so far so good, but you and I both know it ain't gonna last, but that's ok as long as you guys are here. HockeyCat, "Bombshel,"  came out w/ a song titled something similar to that a couple yrs. ago and I loved it so thank you very much. YOU are elected top fighter after your escapade at the rink LOL Daniella, I have listened to these girls and have drunk more water today than in 2 years, gotta get this crap [red devil] out of my system, GL to you. Hey GFs I've been good can I drink something else...LOL

Gentle hugs and butterfly kisses to you all!

Logan

ilovepugs, I'm up since 4am too. Today is my 2nd infusion day. I took decadron (steroid) last night , which caused insomnia. I took Ativan to sleep but it works for only 4 hours or so, I usually wake up around 3 - 4am. Good to hear you found this group helpful. Everyone on the board is very supportive. I'm reading the forums everyday to get information and inspiration. I also joined the support group, meeting once a week. I have a great group of friends to support me too, but they cannot provide emotional support I need, like BC sisters here and in the support group who understand me and the whole situation. 

Thank you barremom64! I'm a bit nervous, but hoping the infusion go smoothly just like last time. SE didn't start until Day3 after my first infusion. But I heard every time is different. I'm also hoping that hair shedding subsides after capping. I lost so much hair in the last 3 days!

Had 2nd round of A/C on Monday.  So far, so good.  Worst se was heartburn..  Otherwise just tired.  I wanted to go to the gym today but opted to rest and just do some Tai chi later.  Hope you are all doing ok.  Wishing everyone a blessed day.  Love,  Jean

Fire     09/23

Changed my diagnosis.  I found I actually have 3 nodes out of 3 involved.   I don't think this changes anything beyond a bit more aggressive radiation.  Do what you have to do, save my life is my mantra!  

Rose I pray your counts are good to go for the next chemo.  

Kris, praying for the nausea to end.  

Love,  Jean

so my wbc took a tank, in spite of neulasta, platelets a little low as well, so avoid crowds, and don't fall or cut myself, temp was ok, so now I'll be checking that more often, 

Jean, sorry about the extra lymph node, hopefully that means they did their job and caught all the cells trying to spread, 

Kris103, hope your nausea gets better, I bought some candied ginger, tried it but also used my compazine when I was nauseous last week, so I don't know which helped 

Nurse said MO will recheck cbc at next chemo on Tuesday and we shall see if I get to have my scheduled dise

Oh, Poppy, so sorry your treatment went so badly. I hope you have better luck next time.

I'm not typically the mushy type either, but if I'd had a husband like yours I'd probably still be married. He is most definitely a keeper.

I'm starting chemo tomorrow 9/25/14.  This is my second go-around.  Last time it was 12 weeks of Taxol.  This time it is 4 treatments of AC every 2 weeks. Last infusion should be 11/9/14.  I want to check in on this thread now and again - but I also post on the Stage IV board.  Not looking forward to this again, but I do know that it is doable and can be gotten through!

Poppy, sorry to hear that your first treatment didn't go well. Your husband is so sweet, definitely a keeper. for your heartburn, have you tried Prilosec (Omeprazole)? My onc prescribed Omeprazole and I am taking daily. I haven't had any heartburn. For dry mouth, I'm using biotene mouth wash and spray which work well. Of course drinking a lot of water helps too. When I feel like drowning in water, I eat some watermelon. This helps too.

I'm still on the chair, one more hour to finish up cold caps. It took longer today because the nurse couldn't get my blood. She picked a wrong spot, on top of my wrist, hit my bone 3 times in the process. Oh that was painful. She struggled to drow my blood, tried twice in vain. Finally she asked for help and brought more experienced nurse who got it right. She was nice and very apologetic, but I'll ask for someone else next time! No major side effect yet, only dry mouth. 

Amy, Daniella, how did your treatment go today? Hope it went well.

Sending positive thoughts and hugs to BC sisters. 

fire-n-ice--I have been wondering that very thing.  Does anyone know if alcohol and chemo mix?  I would love to have an occasional glass of wine.

ilovepug.--  Welcome to the family!  WE GOT THIS!!! 

My chemo doc prescribed Reglan and it seems to work for the heartburn.   I was drinking some ginger ale and I think that made it worse.  I also need to sit up after eating and move around a bit.  

Rose I pray your counts improve so you can get the chemo as scheduled. 

Poppy and others who are having problems with IV placement, be well hydrated, try warming hands (ask for a heat pack) , pumping fist, hanging arm down and if the nurse starts poking around, insist she take it out and get another nurse.  You can do it kindly ("please don't take it personally but I am just not comfortable."), for example.  Ladies these are our bodies and we are fighting for our lives.  We need to learn to take charge.  Praying for courage for all of us.  Love, Jean

Good evening friends..I sit here this evening trying to get prepared for Friday.

I still have so many questions that can only be answered with time.  I want to know if I will experience side effects...what extent...how long.  Each of you sharing in a way is preparing me. Thank you. 

Tobycc...I am also wondering about the water. We have chemo education that morning but I'm thinking I would be better served by doing it a few days before!   Take care y'all♡

Poppy, I was so hoping yours' went like mine, I am so sorry. 28 hrs. post here still no SE. Went back this afternoon and got the Neulasta shot and that too was a breeze.  I said no SE, do have a little indigestion sporadically and didn't sleep over an hr. at a time. Thanked GOD for giving me just that. Have a feeling that I'm going to crash and burn in the next couple hours, if so will remember all of your hints, have a list; in a prior e I mentioned I was like Santa....making a list, etc. So sorry your port couldn't  be used. After the torture you endured I may have just walked out. No, this journey we're on can't be avoided, but look at the pain we all have on the road to beating this beast! BUT BEAT IT WE WILL.

We absolutely need to toast ourselves from all corners of the globe when we each ring that survivor's bell! LOL Poppy, when I asked for something other than water to drink I meant tea, Pepsi, ginger ale, etc. ANYTHING but water as I was totally drowning, even my kidneys were trying to find a way out.

Hockeycat, I am so sorry, that was a really rude awakening, the bone geesh as much as we have to endure. She wouldn't come anywhere near me again!

ilovepugs, you are family! As far as the 4AM blues, most nights you'll find me here as I have always been a night owl. Never apologize and vent all you wish, we understand!

Reader, so sorry you have to come back, but welcome to this group; they are a wonderful group of warriors. Will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending prayers too! Good luck!

Kris, So sorry the nausea won't give up!

Rose,  I hope your counts take a skyward tour, praying they will. Take care.

Jean, You and I are on the same protocol. How's it working for you?

Zima, SueB, Toby, Barre, Sista, Sybil, You are such beautiful women, I am so glad to finally made a right turn...lol Kris.

My brain is finally yelling for sleep, so take care, and sending

Gentle {{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}} and butterfly kisses to each of you, sleep well

Logan

Logan, No harm. I was just responding to SiStar's comment about wondering if alcohol and chemo mix. I just didn't want anyone's system to suffer added stress.

Kris, I hope your MO and you have come up with a solution for your nausea. It's a horrible SE! My MO started me off on some stronger anti-nausea meds for chemo because I had so many problems with nausea after my surgery. The world is such a better place when you can breathe and look around without the urge to throw up. I truly hope you have some relief.

My MO prescribed Ativan to help with the sleep, nausea too. It allowed me to sleep for about 4 hours at a stretch.... good thing because I had hydrated so well that I had to get up 3 times to pee last night.

For chemo day, I brought water, lemonade, iced tea, juice. I wanted a variety in case something didn't appeal to me. I also had humus, fruit, pumpkin bread, lemon sorbet. I didn't eat a lot of it, but am glad I brought options.

The center where I am treated will bring you sandwiches, chips, juice or you can have a friend bring you something. They also had a collection of books, magazines and movies. I went exploring around while waiting for my labs and to see the MO. I don't sit still well.

Magazines were easier to browse through than books. I was quite distracted and towards the end not concentrating well due to the meds. I watched part of a movie and asked my nurse a lot of questions. I kicked off my shoes and put on some soothing socks.

I was told to eat something before you arrive for chemo. They want something in your stomach, but they don't want you to be stuffed. It will help you avoid nausea. I would drink water in the morning to help with hydration, but not go to extreme.... I didn't want to keep getting up to go pee due to having the bothersome iv.

For the heartburn, I was also advised to eat 6 smaller meals, and not lay down for 30 minutes after eating. I think next time I will take some reflux meds before the infusion.

Today was a good day as far as SE go. I hope tomorrow is good, too.

Thinking about and praying for you all!