Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

Hi Ladies,

Back from my #2 treatment this afternoon. Total time 4.5 hours. Had the blood drawn. They do it right before the visit to the Onc and since they have their own lab, the counts are back before the chemo. Onc asked all sorts of questions, gave me an exam, checked the blood counts and then off to the chemo room. Nurses are great as usual. I told the Onc and nurse about my really bad headache last time so they switched the anti-nausea IV drug from Zofran to something else (can't remember the name, might start with a C). So far tonight my headache is there but not anything like it was last time. Got a copy of my blood counts and sis (she's a nurse) will come over tomorrow and analyze for me.

Regarding not getting the shots. I did ask the Onc about this and he said because I'm on a three week chemo schedule that most of the time the counts rebound in time for the next chemo (which mine did). I'm so sorry so many of you are having such a hard time with those shots. Hopefully I'll be able to avoid them the rest of my chemo.

2 down, 4 to go! woohoo!

Regarding hair: dh buzzed me a week ago and I still have a lot left. It's all over my pillow. I got a lint roller and try to get it off that way too, but still so much there, although it's starting to get patchy. Will probably have dh buzz it down further tomorrow. Hang in there girls, we can do this!

{{hugs to all}}

Lynn

Hi Nandy, nice to meet you. You're very welcome here, and so sophisticated. You already got your picture up (without my help) and it's nice to see your kind face...

We actually have a chart here in Google where we've mapped in everyone's schedule and if you send your email address to l82jem and she'll send you an invite and you can sign on.

We all seem to be in middle of the hair-losing stage now. Wore my wig out today, but at one point it got so itchy I could stand it. Suddenly had the urge to take it off and rub my head with my gloves, and suddenly my clothes and car were covered with thousands of small half inch lengths of silver hair...what a mess!!! The things we go through!!

Viddie, Lynn, Amera et al....just got my nurse changed. Called up oncology and asked for the most experienced nurse in charge. A woman named Chris got on the phone, told me she's been there 17 years and will take care of me from now on...whoopee!!!

In all the excitement I WAS LATE for the neupogen shot!!! Got there just as they we're closing but they told me the meds we "all locked up." Huh? What does that mean for me? They aren't sure but show up on Monday.

I forgot all about the weekend!!! I think I left my brain in the ER waiting room.

Mizsissy

hi everyone,

Tae had her 2nd session AC today. 2 more to go, then the 4 Taxols. Her session went just like Lynns, pretty smooth. This time I did not have to rub the "red devil" in my hands to warm it up, they gave me a heating pad to wrap it in. So kind.

We had a long talk with onc prior to session. Neulasta will be the next day from now on. Also, we talked about the bone pain. He wrote a script for Zyrtec 10 MG tablet. Onc nurse said although it is an antihistamine, it is in trials as relief from the bone pain. Current prescribing protocol requires that they write it for one tab per day, but they said Tae must take one morning and evening (double up). Start on day 3 and continue for 5 days. Well we'll give it a try.
Thanks to your sharing, we asked for the Magic Mouthwash and got that script also. We also switched from the L-M-X creme the onc nurse recommended (didn't work) to the EMLA cream you have discussed on this forum. I have been investigating the NIOXIN some of you discussed. There is a salon nearby that carries it. Kind of pricey. Our pharmacist uses it and recommends the Walmart salon, so I'll check that out. Of those who use Nioxin, are you planning to use the follicle booster near the end of your treatments? The salon stylist told me he has a client (chemo patient) who used Nioxin all during her treatment. I buzzed Tae again (it was a bristle) last nite and was surprised to feel how soft her scalp was. Our son reminded her to use sunblock if she is exposed outside. She is useing a moisturizer right now.
For the sleeping problem we asked about Restoril mentioned earlier on this forum, but the onc said the Ativan was best. He said it was not addictive, but Tae could develop a dependency (there's a difference???) and a dependency was easier to manage. he said that with the Ativan you get three benefits, anxiety relief, nausea relief, and sleep aid. Information overload..tilt..tilt.

This chemo stuff is weird. Tae hasn't had red meat in 10 years, but tonite she wanted a Whopper from BK. What the hey, let's go wild. We had the fries and rings, too. On a more healthy note, Tae has started drinking the Ensure High Protien drinks a couple of times a day. She was also useing a product called Airborn, which is supposed to boost the immune system. We asked a onc nurse today about that and she said it was okay. But tonite while I was at the pharmacy getting all those scripts filled, her assigned onc nurse called her and said she had been informed of that conversation and would recommend that she NOT use the Airborn product. Hmmmm, maybe they really do take each case seriously. Well, Tae is enjoying relative comfort now. We are prepping for the tough time to come. At least this time we are more prepared. Ready to meet the beast head on. Good nite to all. Stay strong.

Terry 4 Tae.

Hi ladies! Welcome nandy!

Rebecca, hang in there. Remember it's only temporary and you'll rebound back in a few days.

Jan's calendar is pretty neat, isn't it. Thanks again Jan.

I feel like such a "non-contributing member" of this group. Since I'm just getting to round #2 next week, I haven't had many of the side affects that you gals have experienced so I don't have a lot to share except "good vibes" and encouragement.

I think you're all doing just fine and it is so amazing how we are able to help each other. Hang in there gals and have a good weekend.

Rita

Good Morning--Rita, Mizsissy,Jan,Lynn,Terry and Rebecca,
Rita what tx are you on? I am also taking my second tx on 2/19. I really have nothing to complain about as for side effects so far. My wbc did drop (even after Neulasta)and here it is 6000.00 per shot My insurance will not pay for it, so thats a bummer. I am told to stay home, away from people and wash hands often, take my antibiotics and go to emergency room if my temp. goes over 100.6--CABIN FEVER.
Terry does tae have a port ? I have not had any pain when they iv through the port. She just says "take a deep breath" and I don't feel a thing.
Any of you have thrush in your mouth ?? I don't know if it's from the antibiotic or the tx, but I am eating lots of yogurt and using my biotene. Thanks to all of you for the friendship.

Hi everyone!

Nandy...I am doing 6 rounds of CMF by IV. You will certainly be in my thoughts as we journey in for our next chemo on Friday. I hope we continue to have few side affects. How many treatments do you have to have and do you have to do radiation also? I will do 6 1/2 weeks of radiation after treatment 4 and then finish the remaining 2 chemo treatments.

How are all you gals doing that had chemo this past week? Please check in frequently and let us know!!

Here's the latest chemo brain fart........I went shopping for Valentine cards last week and bought my grandson a really cute card "for baby's first Valentine Day." As I signed the card and got it ready to send, I suddenly realized that it wasn't his first Valentine Day, but his second. He was only a month old last year at this time, but he was here! I am blaming this on the onset of chemo brain......and I'm standing by that!!!! :-)

I'm off to grocery shop. I love to eat but dread the weekly trip to the grocery store.

Rita

Hi Ilene,

I have 3 kids; 2 daughters 22 and 15, and a 20 year old son. All three have taken this so differently.

My 15 year old is the only one living at home. Although my son has been my biggest lovie his whole life, he doesn't really come around and check on me much. Only thing I can think of is he can't think about his mom's boobs.

My 22 year old daughter said she'd quit her job and move home when I told her about my bc, I said absolutely not that I'd let her know if I needed her here. She has been a huge support. Always calls to check in, send flowers, chocolates and beautiful cards. She came home today (she lives about 2 hours away) to take out the 15 year old so they can both have their hair done together.

My 15 year old kind of sounds like yours. Right after the surgery she seems to be a bit more caring, but then seemed to go back to her usual teenage self. I've been trying not to have this effect her life too much anyway. Well then my dh buzzed my head and she burst into tears. Said she didn't really think it would happen and couldn't believe how fine I was with my hair so short. Guess that's partly denial on her side. I think she'd scared but doesn't want to talk about it.

Hopefully she'll have a nice day with her older sister and they can talk about the things that she is scared about.

Lynn

Hi everyone,
Had 2nd TAC on Wed and had to basically stay in bed all day yest. I was really weak and crashing from the decadron. Does anyone else have this speedy feeling from it? As far as my daughter goes, I think I need to find someone for her to talk to. She really just stays home and is on the computer after school and really doesn't do anything to contribute to the family. It is really breaking my heart.
My nose feels really dry inside too. I thought it was just maybe the start of sinus stuff. Everyone, Have a great day. ilene

Hi Nandy,

welcome to the group.

Yes Tae has a port on the right side. I wonder if it has a warranty? The promise was that all the infusions and labs could be done thru the port. Well they can infuse, and flush, but they cannot aspirate or get any blood out. We are going back to the surgeon Monday morning to try and get some answers. Tae also tries to "take a deep breath" but she has a low pain threshold and hates the needles. So, we are hoping the EMLA creme will help.

Mizsissy, you have been such a great source of reinforcement and positive energy these past weeks. Tae seems to relate to your input more than anyone else on this forum. She is 57. We have been married 36 years next month and have three grandkids. Look deep inside and find the source of that positive energy and treat yourself to a dose. We need you here. I wish your medical team was more supportive and responsive to your problems as they arise. We are asking the Lord's intervention to lift your spirits and smooth your way.

We just returned from Tae's neulasta shot. The nurse agreed that the recommended Zyrtec twice a day starting tomorrow for 5 days should help with the bone pain. We'll see. It is so good to see Tae back to normal. She is puttering around the study, rearrainging the books. We will enjoy this period and prepare to get thru the expected down times to come. Always look forward to the good times. All of your cases are statistics in the search for a cure. Maybe our grandkids or theirs will not know this devil. Cheerio for now.

Terry 4 Tae.

Hey Ritajean...NEVER discount the value of a good vibe! Have a great weekend.

Amera and Lynn,

I think I have to agree that round 2 was definately worse than #1. I crashed really hard yesterday, and was totally non-functional. For me, it is not so much the nausea as much as the general "yuck" and the fog. I can not concentrate on ANYTHING. Nothing tastes good, and my mouth is very dry no matter how much I drink. Mizsissy mentioned nosebleeds, but I have not gotten that far, although my nose is very dry, as is the skin on my face. I actually had to go get a different moisturizer because the skin around my eyes was so dry it HURT.

On the plus side, we all know that this passes...I just keep remembering how great I felt the day before tx #2 (coulda wrestled an ox, and eaten a chicken pot pie!).

HANG TOUGH ROBBINJAYE!

OK everyone, I think it is back to the couch for me. I will try and check in again later.

Amera, Lynn, Rebecca & Ilene,
Sorry you are having a rough ride. Hopefully each day will get easier, and by Tuesday, this will be just a memory. Take your anti nausea meds, and any other meds( attivan) and make yourselves as comfortable as possible, and remember, there is a blue sky at the end of the tunnel. I will be thinking about you and hoping you all feel better real soon.

Terry, I am glad Tae is feeling better today. I am going to ask my onc about Zyrtec. Hopefully the surgeon will be able to fix the port easily. He might have a trick up his sleeve.

RobbinJaye, good luck tonight. You will feel better once your hair is off. I did. I am sure you can still braid it, even after it is cut.
Mizsissy, we miss you!
Viddie (Paula)

Sirgen, that is absolutely hilarious.

Yay Robbinjaye! You look gorgeous. Feel good, and good night.

Nandy, I finished chemo in Dec. 2005, but I wanted to respond to your post when you said the worst side effect was the taste in your mouth. I also had a terrible taste in my mouth, it was absolutely the worst. I could not eat or drink, even when I was not eating I was totally aware of it, it was so awful. However, once I finished chemo, within a couple of weeks it completely returned to normal.

Also, about the hair, I think everyone should remember that it is temporary. Your hair will come back quickly, and in my case, nicer than it was before.

Good luck to everyone.

Linda