Starting Chemo May 2015

So I officially started taxol and carbo friday so 1 down, 11 to go! I was so scared about having a reaction but luckily nothing happened. Crappy part was that they came back after my blood test and told me my hemoglobins were 7.9 which is insanely low. Only option for a quick fix was a blood transfusion and they wouldn't do chemo unless I agreed to getting the transfusion within the next few days. I asked about getting it the same day right after chemo and they were hesitant but then my onc called back and said that as long as I had no reaction to chemo then to go ahead with everything. Who the heck knew a blood transfusion takes so damn long? Two bags took 4.5 hours and then they made me sit there for 30 mins after to make sure I didn't have a reaction!

Glad it's over though and I'm looking forward to feeling better. The nurse was amazed I didn't feel crappier bc of my hemoglobins. She kept asking "you're ok walking? Breathing?? You're not gasping for air???" Ummmm no? I'm tired as crap but you all said that was from chemo!! Lol

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Congratulations Iman!!!

Oh, just checked.....Thread is Breast Implant Sizing. Whippet mom is amazing and can be a lot of help. The forum is Reconstruction, I think. Good luck

tjh, You must be superwoman. I was a teacher of young Special Needs children up until my surgery. I decided to retire as I was thinking about it anyway. You must be young! I could not imagine going back to school. Do you not have side effects and fatigue from chemo? I have been told and have read a lot about the tiredness and fatigue lasting for months. I hope you can do it, but, again, you are amazing to consider going back into the classroom

I am 66, so it is time anyway! Good luck

I had almost 100 and then when Walker passed Act 10 in Wisconsin the districts wrote handbooks instead of contracts and 1 of the things they did was limit sick days to 65. Anyone over lost them and in the 4 years since I lost 10 each year up until last year. I was out 1/3 of last year. Luckily I had a good sub who likes "my kids". So going into this year I only have 11 1/2 sick days and lots of appointments.

I wish the same for you lizannee. I have my 2nd treatment tomorrow too. This past week has not been good. This next week will be, though. Right?

dunesleeper - here's hoping this week goes better for you...sending positive healing thoughts your way

Yeah TJH!!

We are thinking of all of you and wishing you much luck. Please continue to keep us posted!

I'm done chemo! Neutrophils were way down but my MO agreed to let me go ahead. Hopefully that won't mean infections this week.

Fantastic! How are you feeling? I am very foggy and achy. Looking forward to bed and bathrooM trips and neulasta tomorrow.

Is anyone else making plans for "when this is done"?. I have all of October off but I'm not sure if that will be too soon.

I think it's good to set goals to motivate us but right now, my goal is to get off the couch. We generally have cool summers here (72-75 degrees) but it's warming up in the next couple of days. I'm 4 days out from TC#3 but I swear I'm going to get my sand chair out and head to the beach this week even if I have to be completely covered up and I only end up 10 feet from the parking lot!

I'm not as completely wiped out this round as the last. I think the bronchitis after round 2 really did me in!

I this posted on Facebook, and I thought of you all, and wanted to share it.

Good morning!

You never know how blessed you are until you see how cancer affects others.

I experienced the bare minimal of aches, pains, nausea from chemo nd burning sensations from radiation.

I thank God my mother in law was a survival and she told me what NOT to do.

Her 1st words to mean in November 2011:

1. Don't be mad, crap happens
2. Stay positive
3. Speak life filled words to your body
4. Drink wheatgrass
5. Drink ginger tea
6. Drink a gallon of water
7. In spite of your pain, don't stay in that bed. Move and let your body know you ain't quitting
8. Pray
9. Live, tomorrow ain't promised
10. I am here

I have been doing this since that day!

In my world. The bilateral mastectomy cut it out. Chemotherapy cleaned me out. Radiation was the prevention. My way of thinking is my BOXING GLOVES!!!

My joints ache, but I keep moving (slowly) and I get there.
I cannot sleep, so I take mini naps.
I don't remember well, so I take notes.

But I AM STILL ALIVE!!!!!

No pity party here, just a GIGGLING WIGGLING RASPBERRY freckled face diva giving life ALL she got.

Praying for all of you, name by name, need by need.

Hugs
Giggles

Congratulations to all those who've finished chemo. I'm on Taxol/Herceptin/Perjeta for at least another two cycles, then either A/C or surgery. Waiting for the surgeon to get back from his vacation (what? how can they go on vacation?).

Have the MO's okay to go camping for a few days later in the month. We stick to state parks with showers--I've never been much for seriously roughing it. But we have a teenage son, and DH is a former boy scout, so camping we will go. Glad to be feeling well enough to do it, and I have no problem sitting around the campsite with a book if I'm not energetic enough for heavy-duty hiking.