Starting chemo September 2014

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  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited December 2014

    Badhairday, I just thought I would mention that Ativan didn't cut it for me. I would maybe get 4 hours of sleep when I took it. I called my MO and she called in a prescription for Restoril. I take it and within about 20 minutes I can fall asleep. I wake up refreshed in the morning.... not groggy. Getting some good sleep makes a huge difference in how I feel. Restoril doesn't knock me out so much that I can't wake up in the middle of the night if one of my boys needs me. I know that would be important to you, too!

  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited December 2014

    Bad hair day, I slept last night very well till the Decadron from Mondays treatment kicked in at 4am. Got up, folded wash, peeled apples, made an apple cobbler, washed bath rugs, went to curves, out for coffee with a friend and collapsed at 12:30. Went to bed for a lonnggg delicious nap and just got up. Hope we both sleep well tonight sweet sister. God is so good. Love, Jean

  • LARock
    LARock Member Posts: 229
    edited December 2014

    Glad to know I'm not the only one who gets amped up from the Decadron. I got 2 hours of sleep last night. Yesterday was intravenous Decadron with chemo. I take Decadron pills on Day 2 & 3 so there was no napping today. Thankfully I'm starting to finally feel a little groggy tonight. I think I'll take some Advil PM so I can make it through the night. Hope everyone gets some much deserved sleep tonight

  • badhairday
    badhairday Member Posts: 178
    edited December 2014

    I am a tired, cranky girl today! Sounds like a lot of us had a rough night last night! I haven't had any Decadron since Friday, but I drank so much coffee to get through the day that I had the shakes. Little E is with his dad tonight, so I plan to take some trazadone and sleep in tomorrow. My birthday gift to myself!

    I got the nicest conpliments from the moms at cub scouts tonight on my hair and makeup. They said that if they didn't know I was bald 2 weeks ago, they would never guess it was a wig. They said I don't even look sick! I definitely feel like crap, so that was nice to hear. I caught one of the dads checking me out a few times too! Don't know if it's the giant TE boobs or the wig or what, but after feeling like a train wreck for so long, I must admit the attention was flattering.

    Here's to a restful night for all of us!

  • Nomatterwhat
    Nomatterwhat Member Posts: 587
    edited December 2014

    BHD,  Happy Birthday to you!!  Happy Birthday to you!!!!!  It is nice to know you at least look fabulous, even if you just want to go home and crawl into bed.  Maybe you should check out the dad, that could be fun, you never know.    Have a great birthday!!!!! 

    I remember the Decadron and how I would lay there and listen to my husband snore.  It was all I could do not to slap him upside his head for sleeping.  LOL!!! 

  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited December 2014

    Up at 5am again , decided to laze at home this morning. Hopefully I can get to the Christmas cantada at church tonight. Only 7 more weeks of taxol then just herceptin / perjeta every 3 weeks till next November. But who's counting! Teehee. Love, Jean

  • badhairday
    badhairday Member Posts: 178
    edited December 2014

    My day started well. 7.5 hours of sleep, and I woke to a phone call from Little E at 7:50 wishing me a happy birthday. Then it all went ass over teakettle. I spent most of the day doing the ugly cry, had a nasty encounter with he who shall not be named, cried some more after kicking him out of my apartment, and just let him ruin my whole day. After a tearful exchange with my sister, I cancelled the pity party, put on my big girl boots, and I am waiting for the bus to take me to my bc support group. I need a fix that only they can provide.

    Thanks for the birthday wishes, Nomatter. Jean, I hope you got a nap today!

  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited December 2014

    Badhairday, I'm so sorry your day included a difficult encounter with he who doesn't deserve you! Wish we lived close by... cause I'd kick his ass! I'm only 5'3", but I'm feisty! You allowed yourself a well earned chance to cry, and picked yourself up and got ready for your support group. I am so proud of you. That's difficult to do.... and you did it!

    I'm glad your little man called you first thing this morning! What a joy!

    Happy Birthday! I hope that by the end of the day, you will remember the good parts of today. You focus on your blessings, so I know today will turn out good for you!

    BTW, my middle son has announced that he has always wanted a bearded dragon and that they are the coolest pets ever.

    Big Hugs, my friend!

    Poppy

  • Nomatterwhat
    Nomatterwhat Member Posts: 587
    edited December 2014

    BHD, I'm with Poppy!!!!  If we lived closer, we would kick his ass out of your apartment for good!!  You done good, tell HIM I said, he can go ___ himself.  Just remember you have Little E that will pull you through this and anytime you get down, think of Little E and the love he has for you.  Hang in there, my friend.  Tomorrow will be better. 

  • Jmo06
    Jmo06 Member Posts: 159
    edited December 2014

    have any of you ladies had an infection? Mom was told she has i the last two visits, not based on blood work but based on temperature and color of breast. She has IBC. She was given antibiotics. Thaks for your help.

  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited December 2014

    Jmo, I had an infected port site. I never ran a fever. A course of antibiotics cleared it up. I know it's different from your mom's situation, but I thought I would respond because the antibiotics worked for me.

  • Jmo06
    Jmo06 Member Posts: 159
    edited December 2014

    thanks poppyk we thought antibiotics worked to but then on next visit told same thing and ordered more antibiotics

  • badhairday
    badhairday Member Posts: 178
    edited December 2014

    Jmo, I had an infection in my left breast/ tissue expander as a result of an accident that caused my incision to open. It was very red and painful, and I had to see the doctor every day for two weeks to monitor the situation. The first antibiotic they gave me wasn't clearing it up, so I had to switch to a stronger one that I am allergic to. It was worth the diarrhea and hives to save the TE to me. Had that not worked, they were going to admit me for IV antibiotics. I also had an infected picc line, and antibiotics cleared it right up. I also had it removed because I was done with it. I hope your mom's issues clear up with this tx.

    My night last night actually got a whole lot worse for reasons that aren't even worth complaining about, but my day ended with a call from my oldest son, and he was able to make me laugh about it all.

    This morning I found out why he who shall not be mentioned was in such a mood yesterday. Seems my lawyer won a motion to increase the amount of support he has to pay. No wonder he was foaming at the mouth! It will take a bit before I see any extra cash, but I am so relieved. The money stress on top of everything else was wearing on me. So that news took a little of the sting out of my lousy birthday.

    Poppy, I think your son would love a bearded dragon. We love ours! Although today I had to go all ninja on a rogue cricket, and I was second guessing myself! LOL! I told Ahsoka it's a good thing she's so cute! She is pretty easy to care for, and Little E does most of it.

  • Jmo06
    Jmo06 Member Posts: 159
    edited December 2014

    woe thanks badhairday.... Haha about the ex, u deserve it good for u =

  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited December 2014

    Badhairday, sounds like enduring his little snit-fit on your birthday will be worth it in the long run! Glad you found out what brought on his bad behavior. Even though my son wants a bearded dragon, I won't be getting him one. He'll be leaving for college in two years, and I'll be left caring for his dog and 5 guinea pigs.

  • Nomatterwhat
    Nomatterwhat Member Posts: 587
    edited December 2014

    BHD, You go girl!!!!!  Things are starting to look up for you. 

  • Rosebud1445
    Rosebud1445 Member Posts: 16
    edited December 2014

    Greetings ladies!

    I just wanted to share with you that last Friday was my LAST infusion! At our cancer center we get to ring the survivor's bell. The nurses all stood above me around the railing and rang their bells too. It was very moving! imageimageHoping everyone else will get to ring a bell soon!

    Now I'm waiting on the BRACCA test results. When in this whole process did the rest of y'all have yours done? I was a little upset when mu MO told me that if it came back positive that they would not only recommend an ooferectomy but also a double mastectomy! I thought all was good with just a lumpectomy! Still praying for a negative result....just wanted to hear your thoughts. I'm glad to see that y'all are staying positive and making your way on this journey!

  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited December 2014

    Rosebud, Congratulations! Beautiful pictures! So happy for you.

    I had the genetic screening before my lumpy. My results were negative. Have you spoken to a genetics counselor? My doctors and counselor recommend oophorectomy, but not mastectomy, if you carry the BCRA1 or 2 genes. Part of the counseling discussed how increased monitoring would be an option. The decision would have been mine, not the doctors.

    Hope you get negative results!

  • Nomatterwhat
    Nomatterwhat Member Posts: 587
    edited December 2014

    Way to go Rosebud, CONGRATS!!!!  What a great feeling to be done.  I had planned on having the genetic testing done after my lumpectomy, but my plans changed quickly when the doctor found my mass.  I had no choice but a BMX.  I plan to have the genetic testing next week and am very hopeful I don't carry those genes.  None of my doctors has ever mentioned an oophorectomy to me.  Maybe because I have already been through menopause?

  • badhairday
    badhairday Member Posts: 178
    edited December 2014

    Rosebud, congrats to you! You look so lovely ringing that bell! Regarding the genetic testing, my breast surgeon had me do the swab test for brca 1&2 before my surgery. I met with a genetic counselor a few days after my BMX and when we reviewed my family history, she recommended the full panel of tests. Due to a backup at the lab, I didn't get the results until after I had started chemo. Even though everything came back negative, I will probably be having a hysterectomy due to some other issues, and because of my family history and the need for Tamoxifen. I'm not willing to take the chance of developing uterine cancer. It's a very small chance, but family history and my own comfort level has me leaning towards being aggressive. I really recommend meeting with the counselor, as they're well versed in what to look for and very good at explaining all the ins and outs.

    Went and got not one, but two, Christmas trees today. Little E picked out a small potted tree that we decorated with lights and his cartoon character ornaments. He has it in his room, and in the spring, we will plant it in his Papa's yard. Unfortunately, we didn't get to decorate the big tree, because the poor kiddo is having some intestinal issues. He even had an accident. Poor baby was so upset and scared I would be mad. Now he is sleeping and I can't because I keep checking on him. Going to call him off from school tomorrow and spend the day snuggling and watching movies. We are supposed to attend a holiday party tomorrow evening, but I guess we will decide when the time comes. I am hoping it's just something he ate, and not a stomach bug.

    Poppy, 5 guinea pigs? Ugh! My daughter had 1, and that was more than I wanted. A bearded dragon is easy compared to that!

  • Rosebud1445
    Rosebud1445 Member Posts: 16
    edited December 2014

    Thanks for the info ladies! We do have a genetic counselor available. ...I'll be looking her up!

  • Jmo06
    Jmo06 Member Posts: 159
    edited December 2014

    congrats rosebud1445

  • LARock
    LARock Member Posts: 229
    edited December 2014

    Congratulations Rosebud!

    Has anyone else been running low grade temps? I had my 4th treatment on Monday and have been running temps in the 99-100 range for several days now.

  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited December 2014

    Developed a bit of an itchy rash yesterday but some otc cortizone salve seems to have taken car of it. My chemo nurse isn't available on weekend so I hope the cortezone was ok to use. I have the 6th of 12 taxol on Tues. Halfway done! Looking forward to finishing this part of the treatment. Saw my daughter and pregnant granddaughter last night at a Christmas event. She is due on the 14th. A great granddaughter for Christmas! God is amazing. Love, Jean

  • Tobycc
    Tobycc Member Posts: 789
    edited December 2014

    rosebud, thanks for sharing!!! You look beautiful and radiant!!!!!!

    Jean God is blessing you !!!!!

    Hugs

    Kath

  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited December 2014

    And you Kath. His blessings are often hidden in wrappings of adversity. Love, Jean

  • Zimastar
    Zimastar Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2014
    Just checking up on all of you. I've been a busy girl with working nights, chemo and the kids. I hope all of you are symptom free today and enjoying your day. Merry Christmas to all of you. I am hoping to forgo my last chemo (12/23) due to the severe neuropathy, we shall see. Any who....take care to all of you!!
  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited December 2014

    LARock, Hope your fever is gone. Have you called your MO? I know mine wants to know right away if I get a fever.

    Unfortunately, I'm paying the price for trying to act like a normal human and do a little Christmas shopping. I now have a sinus infection. MO gave me antibiotics and orders to call her if I don't improve or if I run a fever.

    Hope everyone else is doing well!

  • badhairday
    badhairday Member Posts: 178
    edited December 2014

    Hello all! Checking in two weeks after final chemo. I am still dealing with fatigue. I still have wonky taste buds. Also dealing with an eye issue: scaly, dry skin on my eyelid, and very dry, itchy eye, that is being blamed on my lack of lashes. But overall, every day gets a bit better, and just knowing I don't have to sit in the chemo chair again is the best feeling! It felt like it would never be over!

    Waiting for a consult and some tests on my lung function before making a final decision on rads.

    LaRock, my MO insisted I call for any fever whatsoever. I hope you are feeling better today!

    Poppy, I am so glad I did my shopping early. I'm sorry you caught the crud. Hope your meds kick it quickly!

    Jmo, how is your mom?

    Jean, any baby news yet? What a fabulous Christmas present for your family!

  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited December 2014

    Still waiting for birth of my great granddaughter who is due any day now. We are all so excited. My granddaughter is only 18 so she will need a lot of prayer and suport to get through this. My daughter says that she has a great midwife so we hope and pray the birth will go well. I will post when labor starts and when baby is born. What a wonderful Christmas gift. Love, Jean

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