April 2015 Chemo Crew... Starting in April? Please join us!

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited April 2015

    counting down the hours until chemo bar time! You'd think they'd mix in some fun stuff in our cocktails along with the misery...then at least the illusion of a space age bar and horrid hangovers would be complete! Oh, AC 2, why do you weigh so heavily on my mind? Hope everyone is getting a restorative nights sleep! I wish 8 blissful hours to everyone!

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  • ThePrincess
    ThePrincess Member Posts: 424
    edited April 2015

    Good morning! I think the pain I had yesterday was bone pain? It was day 9, which I know is late, but my long thigh bones and back were killing me?? Today seems ok, tho I did take a claritin after 6 pm?

    Anyway, ladies that already got meds this week, hope you're feeling well!!!

    Ladies getting meds today - drink your water and good luck!!

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited April 2015

    Dove extra moisture liquid soap works Very Well on tender scalp.Baby shampoo is the wrong pH. It's designed to not sting eyes, not necessarily best for scalp.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited April 2015

    Will try to catch up on posts later today. For now, just posting something that came across my news feed from Joan Lunden's blog. Some of you may know, Joan had triple negative BC and completed chemo a few months ago. This blog entry is about a young lady who lost her hair due to alopecia and later had even more difficult medical issues. I appreciated the perspective. Sometimes I need a good dose of perspective, so I thought I would share it. It really, really hit home to me. Good luck to all hitting the chemo lounge for your cocktail today. Another one behind you!

    http://www.joanlunden.com/category/33-joan-s-blog/...


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  • Positive_spirit
    Positive_spirit Member Posts: 218
    edited April 2015

    Hi All,

    So my energy is back except that I have bone pain. Had an echocardiogram yesterday and then with the whole family, walked into downtown Boston. We saw the BigApple circus, bought tickets and watched the show. I am glad for the kids...something for school vacation week. I have to stay I was worried about getting infected by all the million kids there and then I thought - heck, I was just at the hospital with hundreds of sick people, why should this be different. I will be back in for my second AC chemo on Monday, with my husband - loyal chemo buddy and health proxy (given I had an severe reaction two wks ago). Sigh...talent circus people though. :)

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  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited April 2015

    Thinking of everyone at the chemo bar today, I had a peek in there and boy it's crowded!

    Minimal SE for everyone with an extra slice of cancer kicking lime!

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited April 2015

    OK, Thursday chemo-sabes,

    Everyone ready to ride? I'd like my AC with a twist of lime please! Hope everyone has a good spa day.....and I'll be raising my gallon jug of water to toast every lady here today weather you are bellying up to the bar or not!

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited April 2015

    mine is tomorrow!!!!! WAH. I'm exhausted and sore from port surgery yesterday. I hated the port more then the chemo last time. 😥

    Is there anyone who gets shot same day as chemo?! I'm wondering if they t going to make me wait until Monday

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited April 2015

    Okay, womeb, let's rock it today! I'm at 50 oz of fluid and about to apply the EMLA.

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  • lovlilynne
    lovlilynne Member Posts: 405
    edited April 2015

    Ugh, just wrote long post and lost it. I hate when I accidentally close a tab instead of going to it.

    Sorry for not getting back on last night to wish today's chemo bar patrons well: first time for ajbenefield12, and round #2 for Jenn and Fran.

    I had a good day yesterday - I worked, took a walk, went to get my Neulasta shot and get port checked/bandage removed, went to my daughter's counselor appointment, came home, fixed and ate dinner (fixed as in warmed up M&C brought to us and some steamed broccoli), and then hit a wall. I was in bed by 7, asleep by 7:30, and then had to get up and p a couple times, it took me a while to get back to sleep after the 12:30 AM p, but eventually did and woke up with alarm. I don't know what made me so tired - the Neulasta? Or just done? Whatever it was, I was ok with how it went generally, not too bad.

    Jenn - I was prescribed Dexamethasone (also called Decadron) to take, but they gave me two tablets before chemo drugs on infusion day. I didn't have to take anything day before chemo. It's supposed to help with nausea, and I could take it if I need it for the nausea, but after taking the Zofran, and/or Compazine. I have read that they use it more during the Taxol/Taxere chemo due to the allergic reactions most people have, I guess it helps with that.

    Lorraine, are you taking Claritin for the bone pain? I took one yesterday morning before shot, and I took one this morning. I think it's making me feel mediciny - new word. I feel tired and jittery at the same time! Yesterday must have been really nice in Boston, weather was perfect, maybe a little breezy. My youngest is going to the circus tomorrow with daycare. I don't think it's Big Apple though - some other small one.

    I think this post came out better than the other one :-)

    Lynne

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  • lovlilynne
    lovlilynne Member Posts: 405
    edited April 2015

    ksusan, sorry I missed you. I have that you started on 4/1, are you every week? Or do I have date/day/schedule wrong :-)

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited April 2015

    Lynne, I'm every 3 weeks and began on the 2nd. Thanks.

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  • ankledolphin
    ankledolphin Member Posts: 99
    edited April 2015

    thanks for the shampoo heads up. Will try the dove going forward and I got the ok for the Claritin for the Nuelasta shot so hopefully that works!

    Was also told I could eat and drink what ever works for me go for it but I need to increase the fluids! And use more lotion on my really dry hands.

    Just waiting for numbing cream to do its work then cocktail time!

    😀

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited April 2015

    imagesixty four ounces of freedom! My goal is to put down two of these or more during infusion...

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited April 2015

    MO happy with my numbers. Infusion begun. She says the amount of antioxidant in green tea is negligible and they'd like me to drink it moderately. She says no to cold caps, nails, mouth for reasons others have already stated in this thread. She says keep nails short.

    The nurses loved my "Hi My Name Is" sticker on which I wrote "No chloraprep!" I had a skin reaction to it and they told me to remind them over and over since it's in their kit and they might use it automatically if not warned several times even in the same visit.

    I was told baby shampoo because it doesn't strip oils. Good info about the pH, thank you.

    I hope you're all doing well.Edit: littleblue, that's an awesome container! Eat a banana or something with potassium with that!


    image

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited April 2015

    imagehahaha! Roids make me crazy!

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited April 2015

    little blue -you look awesome w a shaved head !

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited April 2015

    If you'll post with no head covering, I will, too. Note highly attractive balding spots.

    image


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  • Supernannymom
    Supernannymom Member Posts: 50
    edited April 2015

    I love the pics!!! Lynn...a group of moms gave me a large bag full of hats and that one was in there! I am on disability at the moment- as the pukefest from AC kept me from working!!!

    So ladies - what is wrong with me...just the thought of infusion makes me nauseous...seriously...and I am nauseous for about 10 days post infusion...I think my body really hates AC!!!

    I am up to the bar next week, and feeling sick thinking about it....ugh...time for some zofran and ginger ale!!!

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited April 2015

    Might be good to break the association by taking a Xanax or whatever you've got before the infusion, talking with your MO about the nausea now if you haven't already, and taking some calming music with you?

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  • starrgirl
    starrgirl Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2015

    Enjoying the pictures ladies.  Wish I was a little more confident in posting one of myself.  Started losing my hair on Day 12 and had my hubby shave it for me last night.  Had a good cry, climbed in the shower and then carried on with my night.  I'm on day 3 post A/C #2.  I was religious about taking my Compazine every 4-6 hours for day 1 and 2 and that helped me a lot this time around.  I seem to be a lot fuzzier, spacey and TIRED this time around and I'm wondering if it's because I'm not drinking enough fluids. Wish I could "feed off" those of you that are enjoying your walks!  I give all of you that are still working huge KUDOS.  I've been off work since my lumpectomy surgery March 2nd and will have to be taking long term disability.  I'm a teacher for students with severe disabilities and because of their weakened immune systems they have a tendency to get sick easier which would then get me sick.  Miss my students like crazy though!!

    Good luck to those visiting the bar today and tomorrow and hoping everyone has a great weekend.  I'm looking forward to moving my daughter back home from college!! :)

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited April 2015

    chemo number 2...down! Loose the dogs of war on any stray cells! Feeling pretty funky, despite hydrating like mad. I think the double dose of nausea meds is what's putting down. Hoping for a barf free afternoon! Neck hurts, vision is weird. Definitely peeing red...how are the rest of Thursdays children doing?

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited April 2015

    starrgirl, everyone is different. You do what you need to do to be healthy!

    littleblue, looks like 15-30 minutes in the taxotere bag. I had facial flushing so we're taking a little break while the MO and pharmacist duke it out because pharmacy reduced my steroid today. #2 made my scalp ache more. I hope this means a lot of hair falls out in tonight's shower.

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  • georgie61
    georgie61 Member Posts: 95
    edited April 2015

    I am now 7 days post my first AC treatment. The fatigue is overwhelming. The first day I was very nauseous that night. I have to keep up on the meds and seems like all I do is sleep. I am scheduled every 2 weeks. Am I likely to get energy in between AC treatments? I made a large pitcher of water with lemon juice, orange juice, orange slices and mint - I pour about half a glass of that chilled and top it with Club Soda. It has been a life saver for keeping me hydrated. I haven't noticed hair loss yet. Coming soon, I'm sure. My next trip to the chemo bar in SLC is May 1st , Friday.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited April 2015

    georgie61, I hope you get some energy in the next week. Your drink sounds tasty.

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  • Fran2014
    Fran2014 Member Posts: 140
    edited April 2015


    LOVE ALL THE PICTURES!! You go girls!! I have been getting freakin headaches like crazy-figuring the "hair shedding" process should begin any day now (they said b/w 2 to 2 1/2 wks and I'm 15 days out). My schedule was moved from every 2 to every 3 weeks due to change in chemo drugs. Beginning to dread the thought of next Thursday. Very, very lethargic today.

    Georgie61- I know the fatigue totally sucks! However, as I read your "large pitcher" concoction, I thought to myself, heck, in the summer when all this crap is over and done-I think adding a little vodka to that drink mix you got there would taste pretty darn good (and don't forget to add a cute tiny umbrella in the glass!!! :) Here's to better days ahead!

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited April 2015

    Ugh,after enough anti nausea meds to choke a horse, still flat on my back unable to move post infusion. Also my head and face and neck ache. Can't wait for the dissolvein zofran!

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  • sheshe3
    sheshe3 Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2015

    Tx #2 DONE! Sorry I couldn't see your posts while at the bar. The wifi at my place stinks! I haven't completed one post from there that didn't buffer and die intransit Love the pix you ladies posted.My chemo went smooth today. 4 1/2 hours of smooth... l am starting to feel tired and have a very dry mouth despite the gallons I drank!

    Littleblue sorry to hear you are not doing well.

    Ksusan, I get taxotere too. My !st tx I got these weird flutters in my heart. They listened and then the flutters stopped so they didn't take any action. Very happy to say it didn't happen today!

    Take ladies and my best to those in tomorrow's chairs.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited April 2015

    Hope the nausea fades and energy returns soon for everyone who's been at the chemo bar this week. I have loved, loved, loved all of the pictures.

    Neulasta has to be given 24 hours after chemo. It should not be given the same day per the manufacturer's instructions.

    1 more day of crazy garage sale. Day 1 was very successful and I did manage to get in a 3 mile walk before dinner. One of my neighbors asked to borrow a 9x13 pan today. I gave her one. She brought it back an hour later with a casserole for dinner!!!! I am surrounded by suc awesome people! Now to crash on the couch and do NOTHING all night!

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  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited April 2015

    Ladies your doing great! I know it's not easy but think of all those cancer cells dying! We are stronger and I must say more beautiful ladies! I remember when my hair fell out the first time I got sick of leaving a trail of hair everywhere and the itching and sensitivity of my snap was so annoying. Ok don't laugh, but I started vacuuming my scalp and it felt so good! The gentle setting with a washed upholstery brush did wonders- did this a few times a day and no more shedding everywhere! I'm not sure if I'll be loosing hair with this chemo- I've been told I may loose it all or it may just thin. I don't care, I've lost it before and embraced my bald self! I just want yo rid me of this damn cancer! This was me yesterday.

    image

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