November 2014 Starting Chemo Crew

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  • cc3373
    cc3373 Member Posts: 100
    edited November 2014

    hi Erica. Thinking of you and wondering how you're making out, I'm at chemo waiting for the red devil drip, getting steroids, saline, anti nausea and Ativan to relax me. Port surgery do eat noon and Dr was funny, knew his stuff I won't recap the process just feels like I've got junk in the left trunk now. Weird feeling. Did you go yet, how are feeling

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  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 489
    edited November 2014

    Metta, I felt very tired after my first infusion and I didn't have any of the extra issues that you have. But Ifelt better after a few days. I also took walks to get some exercise, which I think helped.

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  • bonnied
    bonnied Member Posts: 74
    edited November 2014

    nitengirl1,

    Cool background you have too. Delta? When I was growing up Delta airlines was like that stepsister to my own sis and I. My dad flew for Delta for over 37 years and retired out of Portland. My sister is a pilot for American Airlines now and recently checked out on the new Dreamliner 787 which they will fly in the new year. Small world with airlines. Someone was asking if my life was like the Pan Am show that was on not too long ago. There were moments like that and it was back in an era when flying for an airline had more glamour than it does today. Even before I flew (80's) it was even fancier and more upscale than it is today. I loved that we were trained to serve 8+ courses in First class and served food with fork & spoons instead of tongs. Lots of food service in our training (in honolulu for six weeks) as well as safety related training.

    Glad you joined our group. We are here to share and support each other, maybe even shed a tear or two, share a tip or two, and go on this crazy journey together.

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  • thatcameragirl
    thatcameragirl Member Posts: 16
    edited November 2014

    Finally found the perfect wig and I love it so much! I think I like it better than my real hair so I'm kinda looking forward to wearing it. So glad I held out for 'the one'. Have chemo tomorrow at 9:30am, so I will let you all know how that goes. Thanks to you all going before me I'm really not that nervous. Just ready to get started and get it over with. ~ Shawna

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  • cc3373
    cc3373 Member Posts: 100
    edited November 2014

    long day, met with my oncologist who gave me a reassuring hug then zipped off for port surgery, lasted 1 1/2 hours, very fun doc, explained everything and very seasoned at what he does. Got to show the girls off again to all new people, I swear this is gonna turn me into a flasher!!! Caught 1/2 break to eat a southwest salad and a tiny cup of macaroni & cheese then zipped up to chemo. Anti nausea, steroids, Ativan, saline all went in then the red devil via two big syringes into the port, and finally the last drug which had to drip in, slowly...

    Fluids throughout and escorts to bathroom as dizzy and unsteady...

    finished first chemo today feeling: nausea, not hungry, the soup wihich smelled good this am is not appealing at all. My daughter said I look pale and should rest, trying to stay up and get fluid through ;)

    Feeling no energy and very wiped out...

    Sipping ginger tea

    Feeling good that round 1 is behind be, still scared of the week ahead


    How is everyone doing tonight??? Especially the first day girls..

    Love and hugs


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  • jovigal
    jovigal Member Posts: 41
    edited November 2014

    Hi everyone. My chemo got moved from 12/4 to 11/20 at my request. Can I join you here? I see a lot of people starting this week,too! I hope all goes well and side effects are minimal for your first infusions.

    I get my port placed tomorrow. Exactly 2 weeks post mastectomy. Not looking forward to another surgery but feeling good about getting the ball rolling. I have LVI so I'm very anxious to attack any stray little cells!

    A little about me...I'm a 42 year old mom to 4 boys ages ranging from 2-12. I work as an adjunct teacher but I'm on a leave of absence. My hobbies are making silver charms, traveling and going to concerts.

    I'm happy for this site and all the useful info I've been getting from these threads. I've already ordered my ginger drops, b6, biotine and gel socks. Anything else?

    Sending good vibes to those starting tomorrow.

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  • enlm20Erica
    enlm20Erica Member Posts: 216
    edited November 2014

    Well ladies all went very well today, thanks for your well wishes. I woke up with a surprising peace, wasn't nervous at all, Thanks to God. I did videos of it all I'm planning on posting a vlog on YouTube. I will keep you guys posted. I had ice in my mouth letting it melt the entire time I was being treated. I took my nausea meds 2 hours after I left chemo and I plan to take them consistently for the next maybe 5 or 7 days. I am still drinking water, I've rinsed my mouth with baking soda and salt twice so far today and will do once more before sleep and I drank a nice mug of warm mineral broth.. so we'll see how I do in the days to come.

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  • Redhead01
    Redhead01 Member Posts: 47
    edited November 2014

    Good Morning Ladies-in-Waiting (for this to be over).   I'm Day 5 since 1st T/C....and the big D is hitting this morning....waiting for the anti-D's to kick in before heading into day-2 of work. 

    Breath In....the first day is the best....get your meds set up, stock the frig, vacuum or clean if it'll make you feel better.   All the pre-prep the Ladies suggest really do help ALOT.  I wasn't having any major bowl issues...until today :(

    Silverbelle.....I had the Neulasta shot on Saturday....got it in my belly (heard that reduces site soreness....I had ZERO there).  Take Claritin a fews days longer than dr's say.  Last nite was the only time that ibuprofen wasn't helping...and you can only take 6 in 24 hrs, so I crawled into bed with a heating pad...that helped.  I think I will space out the pain killers today....would rather be able to sleep, than not be uncomfortable during the day.

    Soups and ice cream seem to feel the best.... been forcing bananas and yogurt.  Having a protein shake now with crushed ice....

    Re: Port cream...... was told to cover with a piece of Saran Wrap after you apply (usually 1 hr before chemo).  Might work better than a Band-Aid.  I didn't have the cream yet for C#1, but was given a bag of ice for the area before the stick...not bad.

    Running on Faith! Hugs to all....Ginny

     

     


     

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  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 489
    edited November 2014

    Jovigal, if you're getting taxotere, you'll want to ice your hands and feet during the infusion to prevent neuropathy. I ordered Elastagel mittens and booties from Amazon, but you can also use ice or a package of frozen peas.

    Ginny, be careful with the ice cream. I had a delicious milk shake a few days after chemo but I'm pretty sure it caused the Big D, which lasted for several days. I was so bummed because it was the only thing that tasted good

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  • emg86
    emg86 Member Posts: 5
    edited November 2014

    Hi ladies! I've been following this thread over the last couple of weeks. My mom was diagnosed with stage 2, grade 3 idc. She's had a lumpectomy and starts chemo tomorrow for 8 treatments and then 6.5wks of radiation (her margins were not clear after surgery). It's been a long few weeks for our family. She starts chemo tomorrow and we have all been incredibly anxious. I've been going to all of her appts and reading everything I can and passing it on to her. Thanks to this group and community my anxiety has come down so some and has also eased my mom's. She is very worried about work because her job is physically demanding and she would have to ride the bus (she doesn't drive) which makes me nervous this time of year

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  • thrifty1
    thrifty1 Member Posts: 67
    edited November 2014

    Hi All! Thought I would post a quick message to say I will be joining this group. I've been reading all your posts and love how we can share with each our symptoms, tips and positive words :) My 1st TC chemo round will be this Thurs 11/20/14. Yes, I am very anxious about it. Especially as the days draw nearer. I am praying for minimal side effects. Keeping my faith and trust in the Lord. I have been making my shopping list according to your tips. Thank you so much for all your advice. For me I think the hardest part is loosing my hair. I know it will grow back, but I have huge anxiety issues about people staring at me lol. I've always had anxiety issues unfortunately. Especially social anxiety. I do not like to be the center of attention and knowing people are looking at me. Weirdo I know lol. I did go last week and pick out a couple of wigs that are nice looking, so that should help. I am thankful I have a job where I can work from home. I'm in the healthcare field, so I am very familiar with a lot this medical terminology etc. I'm 43 and have the best husband and 3 of the best children (16, 15, & 6). I think the worst emotional feeling I have is "scared". I know your suppose to be positive and I am...but scared, nervous and anxious as I'm sure you all have had that feeling a time or two maybe.

    hugs and prayers to each and everyone one of you ladies on here :):):)


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  • cc3373
    cc3373 Member Posts: 100
    edited November 2014

    Hi Sheeba!

    Welcome to the group ;)

    I wish you all the best for your your first chemo round on Thursday. I had a lot of anxiety too but it went fine. The nurses and my doc were there at each step - even when I kiddingly told my nurse not come in my pod with two drip bags, then I greenlighted her as they were Antinausea and steroids ;) I did accept ativan for calming me down as I was pretty nervous. You'll be in my prayers, hang onto your faith in the Lord, and for me I have to picture Jesus face then I feel peace, just standing with Him helps :)

    You are not a weirdo, social anxiety is a real thing, I hate being a focal point and will always deflect attention away from myself as fast as I can. Hugs.

    Scared is normal and in my mind you can be scared and still be positive - not the same thing :)

    As my gyno/ oc told me now is not to be Macho, if you need the MEDS take them, and I'm here if need an ear :)

    Hugs my friend

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  • cc3373
    cc3373 Member Posts: 100
    edited November 2014

    emg86 , you, your Mom & your family are in my prayer. We'lol get through it together. I too had been incredibly freaked out all the way up to my chemo on the 17th and high sigh of relief it's done. So far not too terrible :)

    Love and hugs

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  • Tigger2
    Tigger2 Member Posts: 17
    edited November 2014

    Hey everyone! Its nice that we have new peeps joining us

    I think it was Metta that was not feeling well... totally normal! All I could do day 2-4 (post 1st chemo) was move from the bed to the couch and back again. I drank as much as I could and just slept! Day 5 is when I started to feel a bit more normal... now I am good (day 14!!) and thinking whoa boy... heading back into the cycle in a week. Hang in there... drink... swish your mouth often and get good rest!

    Today was my wig day. I had a friend here. I hope I bought the right one. I sort of feel like I will just wear hats but I think my husband and kids need to see me with hair sometimes. A little too much reality for everyone I think. We'll see. I am not a fussy girl so I hope I did not waste $$$. This cancer trip is turning out to be a little expensive huh!

    Glad to see the Nov 17th chemo girls up and typing. I agree with Erica, it is much better to get the first infusion over with! No more wondering. Are you guys keeping journals? I started one but I am horrible about keeping up with it... especially on days that I am feeling good. Too many other things to fit in!

    Thanks for the recipes Bonnied! I have the marrow soup on the boil now in prep for next week.

    Thinking of you all...Wendy

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  • Dee4C
    Dee4C Member Posts: 27
    edited November 2014

    Hi everyone, I have been reading these threads for a few weeks and now that I have my start date of Nov 24th, I'd love to join this very supportive group! It's been so helpful to read through all of the tips, advice, and experiences. I'm getting so much more real life info here than anywhere else. We WILL get through this ladies and I feel more prepared and a little less scared thanks to you!!

    Sending prayers for comfort and minimal SEs for those that just started this week and those approaching a 2nd round. Anyone else starting on Nov 24th or that week?

    Here's a little about me. I am 44 years old with a wonderful husband and 2 kids, 9 and 6 years old. I had a bi-lateral mastecomy with tissue expanders 4 weeks ago. I will be doing 4 rounds of TC and then 5 weeks of radiation, followed by Tamoxifen. Then more reconstruction whenever the skin has healed enough. I've been on disability since the surgery. Not sure when I'll go back. Feels like a very long road ahead. Taking it one day at a time.

    I had my first Tissue expander fill today. It was rough!! The top part of my breasts are beyond sensitive and putting a needle thru it just about sent me thru the roof. The dr was shocked that it felt so sensitive. I'm not looking forward to doing this during chemo. And then I was told that the left one would need to be deflated during radiation. Then, once rad is done, I would need to start over with the fills. Ugh! This road just got longer today.

    But I'm so glad that I found this site because you are the ones that truly understand what this journey is like. Hugs to you all my fellow warriors!

    Dee

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  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 489
    edited November 2014

    Dee, I'm also being expanded during chemo. They wanted to do the fills the same day as chemo, but since my chemo is in the morning, that wouldn't work. So they're going to do the fills the Friday before. I've only had one expansion so far and I didn't really feel it. My surgeon prescribed neurotin tho, so maybe that helped. It helps with nerve pain.

    My second infusion is the 24th. Guess those of us going next week might not have a great Thanksgiving this year, but it will be good to get these treatments over with!

    Tigger, were you able to get a prescription for a wig? It should be covered by insurance.

    Leslie

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  • bonnied
    bonnied Member Posts: 74
    edited November 2014


    Ok, while all you ladies were off getting your chemos, I was feeling left out so went to the mall. Macy was having a sale on (most) of their hats... Thought I'd try a few on and you can put a before bald image and put a name to a face..

    Forgive me for all the pix…but i would love to see everyone else too so didn't think you'd mind a little indulgence here in our group. Just wait till we all lose our hair!! >: )


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  • bonnied
    bonnied Member Posts: 74
    edited November 2014

    image

    Off to the races hat...

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  • bonnied
    bonnied Member Posts: 74
    edited November 2014

    image

    Silly sporty chick...

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  • bonnied
    bonnied Member Posts: 74
    edited November 2014

    imagePerfect pageboy! My sis liked this one. Me too. But with no hair!! Maybe I can Velcro some hair strips.. Whaddya think?

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  • bonnied
    bonnied Member Posts: 74
    edited November 2014

    imageThis hat with bling is mine. Found at target last week and added bling. The guys at work thought it was bad ass. That's ok with me to be badass with cancer..

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  • bonnied
    bonnied Member Posts: 74
    edited November 2014

    image

    Another bling hat

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  • bonnied
    bonnied Member Posts: 74
    edited November 2014

    image

    Classic hound dog

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  • bonnied
    bonnied Member Posts: 74
    edited November 2014

    image

    Tam a lama ding dong! With earrings and some makeup might be a good look too..

    Ok, so I didn't buy any hats but went over to Teavana and spent $$ on some tea instead. Port surgery in the morning. I gotta catch up with everyone!

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  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 489
    edited November 2014

    Bonnie--When one of my friends went through chemo, she got a cute hat that had hair attached to it with velcro. Killed two birds with one stone!

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  • Janiner
    Janiner Member Posts: 58
    edited November 2014

    I start chemo on the 20th, but had another CT scan yesterday for the tumor on the adrenal gland. Waiting for results is the worst. If cancer comes back that would put me to stage IV.

    I am happy to say the doctor just called me and said it's a benign tumor!!!! oh happy happy happy happy happy happy happy joy joy. I am so relieved and thankful! Now fully ready and charged to start chemo and kick ass!

    So happy to have all of you and this website! I spent all night relieving my nerves reading post after post.

    Take care all! YAY I'M SO HAPPY! (yes, I am shouting from the rooftops!). I can do this thing! Thursday, here I come!


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  • Dee4C
    Dee4C Member Posts: 27
    edited November 2014

    Bonnie, your hat pics are cute and you crack me up! I like the thought of being badass with cancer. You go girl!! I also have seen a "wig" that has mesh on top and hair on the bottom, designed to wear with hats. I plan to buy at least one of those.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2014

    Janier, so glad your Adrenal tumor result is benign - that is the type of news we love to see. Doing the "Happy Dance" with you.

    Now we wish you all the best with your chemo.

    Regarding wigs for under hats, google "wigs under hats" and you'll find a number of commercially available attractive options to consider.

    The Mods

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  • bonnied
    bonnied Member Posts: 74
    edited November 2014

    Janiner, I am happy for your good news! You can totally do this chemo thing. Best of luck on Thursday! Keep us all in the loop.

    Hugs!

    Bonnie

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  • Dee4C
    Dee4C Member Posts: 27
    edited November 2014

    Janiner, wonderful news about the tumor being benign!!! Best of luck on the 20th. Hope it goes very smooth with minimal SEs!

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