Starting Chemo in JAN 2007
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Hello Shorti, nice to meet somewhere here with some common interests. You must be about two weeks into chemo. I've been trying out my wig today; I can't believe I'm really going to lose my hair!!
I'm not having too much in the way of physical discomfort with chemo; the biggest problem is not having a LIFE. Everything I do is self-directed, but now it's hard to get going on anything. What is your job? I'd love to have a job right now.
What do you sew? I mainly got inspired by Project Runway and most of my creations are a little too avante garde for rural Michigan..nice to hear from you!
Mizsissy -
Boy, this post I started is growing pretty quickly and I haven't even started yet.
Thursday is my big day... 25th. Just now got home from my port surgery. Man, trying to get any pain meds other than vicoden is like tring to pull teeth out at the hospital. What do you have to be, dying???
Doing okay so far, just a little sore. See ya on Thursday when I get my first chemo dose... -
I need a reality check. I've had three chemo treatments A/C. Today is the 5th day after chemo and I am so tired. I napped at leasts 5 times. Just going to the pharmacy wore me out. What are others experiencing?
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Most of my hair fell out in about 4 days after the 2nd chemo so have your hats and wigs ready. My head really hurt for a few days. Brushing my hair did make it hurt less. Those lint rollers with the tape are great for the shedding hair.
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I also am in day 6 of TAC. I feel ok, am going to work, but napping. I do have a short temper though. Last night my head really started itching. My question is- With each chemo treatment, are the side effects worse? Are the treatments cumulative? So if I have a few side effects, will they get worse each time? I am really obsessing about this, because it doesn't seem as bad as I thought it was going to be.
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Hi All:
Just got home from a short ovrnight business trip, and checking in, I hope all is well with everyone. RobbinJaye, good luck on Thursday!
My hair started going last week, and now I'm doing the wig thing, but it's a pain! The lint roller works great...Day 3 was the bad one for me on AC #2, but I'm feeling much better now.
Good luck to all you starting soon!
tlc -
I am currently off work on unemployment and then my long term benefits click in . The gov pays about 1/2 what i usually make long term will be 85% . Work for me is just too stressful to go back to , plus its a big factory lots of germs that I do not want to catch .
I have been trying to get some drawing done , but like you say the inspration is not there ..... This gol darn "BC" consumes you . Just as you are starting to feel better another treatment comes along . Or your hair starts falling out . I sleep alot ...... I love to sleep and I can do it in my situation . So I think its true take one day at a time and do whatever you can each day to feel better. The good days outweigh the bad , I say 3 days after my treatment if I am not still puking then thats good . Time will tell , but with all of us here we will see spring come ............ its not that long off .....
At least we do not have to do chemo every day -
My sister-in-law's mother is going through chemo. However, she has a brain tumor and there is no hope for a cure. So the chemo is merely prolonging her life. She is such an example to me, because during chemo she visits other patients and tries to make their treatment easier. Anyway, she sent me this book, called "I'd rather do chemo than clean out the garage," by Fran di Giacomo. Fran has gone through numerous chemo treatments (she even has a guestbook that she takes with her to all her surgeries - doctors, nurses, everyone signs it). The book is funny and very informational. She tells you how to survive chemo, how to get out of bed in the morning, and she talks about her painting, which she does a lot during chemo. So for you artists among us, this is a book to read. You'll love the story of how she got pulled over by the police and how her wig ended up falling on his shoes.
I feel so fortunate with my team. The radiologist, pharmacist, surgeon and oncologists all meet on Monday evening to discuss all their patients. They keep each other informed about the patients. My oncologist prescribed antibiotics to fight a potential pneumonia, and doubled the dosage. My pharmacist caught it, but it made me wonder about the chemo. What if she doubles that dosage? Who checks the oncologist? So I asked my surgeon, who explained in detail the quadruple check. However, the next day I got a call from the head pharmacist of the hospital, who explained it too, and he told me he had arranged a tour of the oncology pharmacy for me, which I got yesterday. It is interesting to see the garb the pharmacists wear when they are preparing the mix, but it's not to protect the medication, but to protect them. Wow!
Anyway, port goes in on Friday and chemo is next Tuesday. I know what to expect, because I've been reading all your comments. Thanks for keeping us informed. -
About the garb the pharmacists wear: when my once nurse was doing the blood work and saline, she had normal nurse gear on. When she did the A/C infusion, she was wearing a bright blue hazmat-type dress thing and purple gloves. She said they have to change into this stuff before doing the actual chemo. Anyone else find this?
Amera -
I bought my wig today. I had to order it in the color I want, so hopefully it will be here in time for my hair appointment tomorrow afternoon. The whole wig shopping experience wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and I actually like the wig. My husband went with me which was kind of amusing - but I can depend on him for an honest answer.
Also - found out that I'll get FEC in the clinical trial. Is anyone else on FEC? I think it might be just me. -
Starting chemo tomorrow!! A little anxious, but feel prepared, thanks to all of you. Good luck tomorrow, RobbinJaye. I have my hard sugarless candies packed, and I plan to ask for chipped ice. thanks for the ideas. I went grocery shopping today and bought a lot of comfort food. My mom used to give us a bowl of mashed potatoes when we were growing up whenever we were sick. I really liked it. I wonder if it will taste as good as I remember. I also bought weight watchers sundae cups ice cream ( pretty good) and key lime pie non- fat yogurt. If you mix the yogurt with non-fat cool whip, it is a real treat- if you like key lime pie- a weight watcher's trick. I lost 5 pounds to prepare me for the possible weight gain. I work for Weight Watchers- what can I say! Concerns about gaining weight and losing my hair is my way of not thinking about the chemotherapy and the long road ahead. Wierd, I know, but it works for me. I will let you know how tomorrow goes. Hopefully smoothly. One step at a time.
Viddie -
Hi everyone, I'm Susan. I've posted a few times in other sections but this is my first time posting here.
A little background.
I'm 34, married with an 18 month old son, live in Victoria BC, Canada and was diagnosed Dec. 12, 2006. I had a partial mast. and axillary node biopsy on Dec. 27. (All nodes neg, hooray! ER-, PR? HER2? still waiting for results) I started chemo on Monday, Jan 22.
I have a VERY strong family history of BC, I'm the 5th in 4 generations including one male relative. I've started on the genetic testing to see if I carry any of the BRCA 1 or 2 mutations.
Last week I cut my hair really short and donated it to a group that makes wigs for kids with cancer. (Not Locks of Love but a Canadian version)
I was originally worried about gaining weight but right now my problem has been not eating at all because of nausea.
I know I'm babbling now so will post this before you ladies think I am a raving lunatic!
Anyways, 1 down, 5 to go.
Oh, and there was someone who was asking about FEC...that is the chemo I'm on up here in Canada, FEC 100 I think it's called. -
Welcome Aladora! Wow dealing with all this and an 18 month old to chase! Good luck to you. Do you have some childcare help?
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For those of you with kids, how have they taken it? I think having kids around helps. You have to be as positive and upbeat as you can for their sake. I have a 13 year old son that was very upset with the original diagnosis. I have given him as much information as appropriate about the disease and treatment and he is better. He asks questions about the treatment and what comes next. I have decided when the hair starts to go (my first AC is tomorrow) I would go ahead and buzz it. He asked if I would buzz it down to a mohawk first, I said "sure we can!" He is going to be the photographer.
He is such a funny kid, he keeps me laughing all the time. I am so lucky. He is 13 and still likes to be around me, is not embarrassed by me (yet) and still likes to snuggle up while watching TV.
Laugh as much as you can, it really takes the stress off! -
Good Morning Ladies!!! This is Day 8 for TC for me, first round and I'm feeling pretty good and downright cheerful. Another week until my next infusion, so I figure I'm recovered from the first round and have a good week to look forward to before the next round.
There are a number of other women here who should just be ending their first week: Amera, Lynn12, ihoPeg...who else? It would be interesting to compare notes on what we took and how we did.
I took TC and have had very little discomfort, except for Day 4. Woke up feeling awful--physically and mentally--Day 5 but felt good by the end of the day. Now I am feeling pretty close to normal physically, and it feels like I have my brain back as well. I am "regular" again, eating well, and I have gained one (1) pound.
How about the rest of you?
I thought it might be interesting to start another thread on *Chemo Cravings & Weight Gain* I was told I'd crave things like cold fruits and popsicles, but I actually avoided anything sweet. Sometimes I didn't feel like eating anything for lunch but peanut butter on a cracker, but I had huge surges of hunger for HEALTHY food...raw vegetables, salad and salad, salmon, pork chops, squash, lettuce, tacos, celery, more salad, turkey stir fry. NO interest at all in the usual temptations like cookies or chocolate. Craved salt. Day 4 (my worst day) I had a very serious potato chip emergency. Was in a shopping mall and the only thing I could buy was 6 packs of Pringles. Ate four of them and wanted to eat the rest!
Geez..too bad I wasn't near a place where I could have found some gourmet kettle chips!!!
How about y'all?!!
Welcome Aladora!
Mizsissy -
Hi Mizsissy! I am feeling great today. Yesterday was a good day too. I went to the gym and did a step class. Didn't go all out but it felt great. I am now on day 8. Day 5 was a bi-ch but after that, no problems really. I still feel a bit fuzzy, but nothing too much.
As far as eating, I too have been craving salty. My onc nurse said I would. Sweets hold no real interest but did find that ice cream settled my stomach a bit at first. I have been eating pretty normally since day 5. Until then, soup and crackers mostly. Not terribly nauseous ever, but very "stomach aware," if that makes sense.
I posted to the Dec/06 board to see if the effects were cumulative. Mostly have heard that it takes a bit longer to bounce back each time. I hope the second one goes as well as the first.
Good luck to those getting #1 or 2 today. Sending strength and no nausea vibes your way.
Amera -
Hey yanno, this is a pretty anonymous thread. No pix, no idea who were talking to....how about some avatars and/or photos?
OK you shy things...put a face to the name! -
Mizsissy,
Hi. I am doing fine. I have been taking compazine every am, eating crackers, then a small turkey and cheese sandwich for lunch. Then compazine again, before dinner, I have been trying to eat lots of veggies, but it seem like every night I have diarrhea.I take an ativan every night before bed. I am really trying to keep up with fluids. My hair already seems to be thinning. (It was realy fine to begin with.) I go for a free wig consult today at a nearby hospital. Yesterday, I sat at the computer working for a few hours and really felt fatigued.Also, at night my legs and hips are alittle sore and restless. Today is another day!!! Hope everyone else is feeling good after week 1. ilene -
I have 2 teenage daughters and one older son . The girls have been with me all the way , they came to my chemo orientation and the oldest will be with me Monday when I get my 2nd round . Tonight I am going to look good feel better session and the youngest will be there with me . You see i was diagnosed with BC stage III then found out i had colon cancer after the BC operation. Right now the chemo is only for the BC . Its a long haul .....
The regiment I am taking is 3 sessions of FEC and then 3 sessions of taxotere .
I am losing my hair now , but still have more left to go , cut my hair short , not going to buzz cut it combing it out is ok ..... I'm wearing a baseball cap for now ..... we shall see ....... -
Hi Ladies,
It'll be one week for me tomorrow sicne my first TC. Last night my hips and knees were hurting when I was in bed, I think that's the first time. It's so weird because every little ache and pain I say 'is is because of the chemo?'. Did I have that pain last week? who knows.
I worked almost 8 hours yesterday and paid for it. Although I do have a desk job and work at home with my hours cut down to 20 per week, I was really fatigued last evening and felt more 'chemo-y' last night. I still feel chemoy this morning and wonder if I'm just overtired. Day 4 was the worst for me.
Never had nausea, took compazine for 1 day after chemo and none since. Hope that continues. Appetite seeems to be fine as well!
Best of luck to everyone starting this week! We're here with you!
Lynn -
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Welcome Aladora! Wow dealing with all this and an 18 month old to chase! Good luck to you. Do you have some childcare help?
My husband owns his own business so is able to take some time off to help out. He has booked off every third Monday-Wednesday. Today is Thursday so it's my first day alone with the little monkey since chemo. So far it's been a quiet morning with Dora and Little Einsteins! Thank heavens for tv sometimes!
I think I could cope way better with all of this if I could get some sleep. My right arm still hurts from my surgery so that combined with chemo side effects makes for a lousy night's sleep.
Wow, I feel like a whiny bugger today! -
Hey, no faces YET?!! Where are you guys?
ihoPeg, what flavor of chemo are you doing? I know Amera is doing AC. This might be helpful to others who have a choice. I DID have a choice between AC and TC.
Shorti, what is FEC? Are you doing FEC or taxotere now and how is it affecting what you eat? Aladora...sorry you have to join us..where are you in your therapy?
Mizsissy -
Mizsissy, I did my first of 6 FEC treatments this past Monday, Jan 22. FEC stands for:
Fluorouracil
Epirubicin
Cyclophosphamide
After my 18 weeks of chemo, depending on what the genetic testing says, I might have radiation afterwards. However, if it turns out that I do carry one of the mutated BRCA genes, I will be going ahead with bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Ovary removal is also a probability. With my family history (5 people in 4 generations)and background (Ashkenazi Jew) I would be pretty much floored to find out that I don't carry one of the mutations. And I'm actually okay with the surgery. Not looking forward to it, but I was done having kids after my son so it's not like I am mourning the loss of future children. And if this will reduce my 60-95% chance of a recurrence, I am all for it!
Anyways, off to have a nap while the little monkey is doing the same. I can't get over how poorly I am sleeping and how low my energy is even now on day 4. Ugh.
Oh, and just for you, a picture!
First, the story. My downstairs neighbour is a very sweet woman who wants to help as much as possible. She is an amazing babysitter who happens to have the worst taste in the world! She gave me a hideous hat to keep my head warm when I lose my hair.
I am part of another online community of around 50 woman who all have kids the same age as my son. Well, one of them thought that it would be fun to take a picture of me wearing the hat then send the hat to one of them and so on. The hat is going to make the rounds from Canada to Norway to the USA then back to me in Canada.
My picture is titled:
Shhhh, don't tell J that I sent the ugly hat away!
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Aladora,
What a great story about the hat! Welcome to our wonderful group of sisters!
Lynn -
Good afternoon,
Just got back from picking up my wig. It occurred to me that this is the first time I went out of the house since my first chemo last Friday!
Anyway, I decided not to buy my exact color and style as I wanted something 'fun' and why not do something different instead of my old usual hairstyle. So my wig is strawberry blonde with blonde highlights, I LOVE IT! The shop I got the wig at is a specialty mastectomy shop. I also bought a few hand made head coverings.
Everyone is just so nice. The woman that owns the mastectomy shop called 'The Pink Petal' has a relationship with the hair stylist down the street. She helped me put the wig on and I drove down the street to the hairstylist. She trimmed the bangs and thinned the sides a bit. Told me she would buzz my head when it's time and even said she'd come in on a Sunday for privacy. Then wouldn't allow me to pay or tip her.
Everyone is just so nice!!!!
Lynn -
fec is the same regime as aladora nice hat there !
though i have had the surgery already so this chemo is to catch all the little nasties hanging around , 3 times fec then 3 times taxotere every 3 weeks . I 'll be here til april ..... today is a good day I feel almost normal though I had a shower this am and the hair almost plugged the drain I have my hair in a hairnet and a scarf over top of that
No cool hats yet -
Aladora, you look so sweet in your hat! You have a beautiful face and losing hair won't hurt your looks a bit. I just have a feeling you're going to sail through this with flying colors!
It's so nice that you've had your children already, and have them around now to keep you company. I hope you'll have some help with them in coming months.
For me breast surgery wasn't very painful and I don't think it is for most people; the lymph nodes under the arm can be sensitive. My suggestion to you is that if you plan major surgery and will be spending nights in the hospital, that you have a family member spend at least the first night with you. Hospitals and poorly staffed and you'll need someone there to adjust pillows, get you meds, and things like that.
Lynn, I'm so glad you like your wig!!! When do we get to SEE IT?!!!! My hair is already looking bad enough that I'm looking forward to losing it.
Shorti, did you say you're going wigless?
Mizsissy -
Mizsissy,
I could use help figuring our how to put a picture on. The chemo cocktail I had was TAC. All three together. ilene -
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ihoPeg, what flavor of chemo are you doing? I know Amera is doing AC. This might be helpful to others who have a choice. I DID have a choice between AC and TC.
Mizsissy,
Youe were given a choice as AC or TC not all at once?
ilene -
RobbinJaye...how did your chemo go today?
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