The Chemosabe March Cruise

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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited May 2007
    Terri, that is so cool! Were you going topless, or did you have something on your head? You actually do look good bald - you're one of the few. Very cool for the guy to say so, though!
    Mel
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  • rosebud1962
    rosebud1962 Member Posts: 196
    edited May 2007
    Grammy ..I would brag if I was you..she's a doll for sure!

    Taurie ...Montel huh? That would be so cool. I know that Montel also is on the ad for a program to help people who can't afford their prescription. I can't remember that ad but I think it was ACT or something of that sorts.

    Playwrite ..You sexy thing you. Flirting with men and stopping traffic! I am so proud, I too go out topless. People stare more at the head covers then they do at bald. I've gotten many complements but they think I did it on purpose cause I have a rose tattoo on my neck. I'm a rebel hahahaha..

    I'm half done now and it's made me very happy. Next TX is Taxotere for 3 times. Has anyone here gotten that yet and if so what are the se that they don't tell ya about..LOL They told me I don't have to take Emend anymore and all I'll take now is those steroids for nausea. Which helps out my pocket book quite a bit.
    One funny story..when I went today to get my neulasta shot an older gentleman was sitting in a chair getting his chemo. Now mind you, he looked rough and couldn't walk on his own. He had a wheel chair by him and honesty look like he was on his last leg. The nurse bent over in front of him to get a ban-aid for him and his eyes went directly on her butt. I'll almost broke out laughing right then and there. Devil in sheep's clothing for sure.. Hugs to everyone at the bar this week..Rosebud
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  • MisK
    MisK Member Posts: 15
    edited May 2007
    Hi, all. Just checking in to let everyone know all is well with me. Will have #4 tx on Friday. Have been back to work for 3 weeks. Hope all is well with everyone. Take care.
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  • taurie
    taurie Member Posts: 84
    edited May 2007
    Well, sorry guys this has been a day from hell. Got a call waking me up at 8 am saying come in for chemo as soon as possible. Got there at 830 and they didnt even register me till almost ten. Then the stupid port again having problems, they looked at my chest xray, it is crimping under the clavacle where the tube does a turn going down to the artery. So that was fought with all day. I have some kind of infection, on antibiotics. My blood tests are all over the place, glucose is sky high (told the decdron does that.) My wbc went from 1.5 in one week to 13.6. Low protein, low counts on the part where it holds fluids in your body. OMG its a crazy thing. I didnt get out of there till 6 tonight. Although I have to say I am feeling pretty good for all this stuff. I did the Taxotere and the Cytoxin today and so far not much in feeling anything and have been very thirsty which is good, cause i keep pouring it down. The oncology social worker talked to me today and was suprised no one told me that with cytoxin, you have to force to clear out your bladder every two hours because cytoxin can eat the lining of your bladder causing big problems, then when you go to bed you empty it before bed. but this is one of the main fluid reasons with cytoxin. My father was admited last night in the hospital with pneumonia, and its causing him hallucinations, he keeps asking for me, and my onc said stay away from him. That is hard. DH is sleeping on the couch cause he is sick and the girls are all coming down with something so i am stuck in my room with a box of masks outside the door.

    OMG Terri that is so funny.

    And the grandbaby juicy juice is something too brag about, that girl has attitude.
    Hope everyone else is doing good, and good luck to the girls tomorrow at the bar.
    Dawn
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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited May 2007
    dawn, i am so sorry for all that hassle! so exhausting for you. glad you're feeling pretty good. i'll pray for DH and everyone to get better. let us know what happens with montel -- that would be cool if u could be on TV! then all yr chemosabe sisters could watch and cheer u on! (well, we do that anyway...)
    misk -- So good to hear from you! i am proud and amazed that u are back at work -- most days i can do 2-3 hours worth of work, then i'm down for the count.

    ok, this doesn't compare with what Dawn is having to go thru, but i fell asleep watching TV last night, and woke up around 1am. needed to go get my decadron and emend, cuz i needed to take the decadron right away since my tx is in the afternoon. anyway, go to the pharmacy, pharmacist says insurance won't pay for the emend.
    why, quoth i, they paid for it last time.
    so, he calls the ins co, and the gal says they'll only pay for it once a month.
    my chemo is once every 3 weeks.
    so, the daytime pharmacist is supposed to call the ins company in the morning and see if there's anything to do.
    i really don't want to have to pay $300 for these 3 pills...
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2007
    Dawn,

    First of all I just want to give you a big hug. You have been through one thing after the other with this stupid bc stuff. I am so sorry for your rough day. You know, no one told me to continually empty out my bladder from Cytoxin, either. In fact, I have learned far more from the ladies here than anything I have been told from my cancer people! I'll be getting my final Cytoxin this morning, so I will properly flush this time. Thanks.

    Are they going to try to fix your port or can they get sround all the issues since they know whats going on?

    I am so sorry about your dad, too. That is so sad not to be able to go to him. Things have got to take a turn for you soon. Maybe Montel will make you a star. JUst remember the little people when you're signing autographs on the red carpet. We knew you first!

    Terri,
    That is not cool at all about the Emend. I hope they can either write you the RX for the number of pills that cover a month... or something! Come on!! Shine that pretty bald head at them and wink! You can do it!

    I'm off to get the last of the red devil and the bladder consuming Cytoxin. Woohoo.

    Thinking of you all!

    Miss S
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  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited May 2007
    Updated bar reservations May 3 - May 5

    Thursday: Playwriter (#3), MissShapen (#4), Sybilvox, MusicMom (#4)

    Friday: Jillrush (#1 Taxol), Maxgirl (1st Taxol),
    MissK (#4)
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  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited May 2007
    Thanks girls for the accolades for my granddaughter...we think she is pretty special!

    Dawn, so sorry to hear about what you went through yesterday..you must be exhausted. No one ever told me about the cytoxin either...good thing I drink lots of water and probably do empty every 2 hours..I will sure make sure next time. Prayers sent for your father for a speedy recovery and for your family to feel better soon.

    Playwriter....you go girl!!!! That must have made your day and warmed your heart. I agree with him....you do carry it off well. Hope you got your emend crisis taken care of....these insurance companies really don't have a clue.

    Rosebud...CONGRATULATIONS on being half way done!!!!. I do take Taxotere but it is in combination with A & C so I can't really help you with the se's specific to T alone. It takes about 1 hour to infuse the taxotere with me. You need to post a picture of your rose!

    Prayers to all of you stepping up today!

    Nancy
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  • taurie
    taurie Member Posts: 84
    edited May 2007
    Terri,
    A couple things. Ask your oncologist for an Emend 3 pack sample they get from the distributer. Tell then when your insurance gives you thiers you will give it right back. Thats what I did when emend forgot to ship me mine. Then go to the advocate at the hospital or where you get your tx. Tell them the dilema and that you want to sign up for Emends ACT program. It has to be done through an advocate there. I have no insurance at all and Emend sends me my meds every 3 weeks. They pay for it. LOL mine arrived at 815 in the morning this time right before chemo, but it did come.
    Hope this helps. You can go to Merck page online and prefill out the form, to make it faster at the advocate, but the advocate still has to put it through.
    Dawn
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  • pmarsh34
    pmarsh34 Member Posts: 108
    edited May 2007

    3 down 3 to go!!!!!!!!! Yesterday went well. The only problem was I started getting nauseaus at the end of the Cytoxin. The nurse gave me a compazine and I was better within 15 minutes. My onc started me on a prescription for Repliva which is an iron supplement. I was anemic before chemo and have not gotten any better on it. Supposedly the Repliva will have less of the constipation side effects than otc iron. I hope so. I seem to have a digestive tract that is working. Certainly don't want to ruin that! Other than that, I started sneezing as soon as I was done with chemo and my nose was running like a track star! That continued all night but at least I was well enough to take my children to their uncle's wake. Today I went and got my Neulasta shot. So far, so good. I am a little tired but so far, okay. I have to attend a play that my 6th grade daughter is in. Hopefully I won't feel too icky when I am done. But, lots of sleep is the plan for tomorrow.

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  • Angelflight
    Angelflight Member Posts: 163
    edited May 2007
    Been feeling like crap here for the past few days. Finally have the licking truck tires syndrom set in. Food tastes ok just have the tire syndrom all the rest of the time. It tastes like sh** if I don't mind saying so...lol
    I have been getting some sleep throughout the day and night off and on though so that's a plus for me. Today is day 4 and I feel better now. It seems this always happens the week after chemo.

    JacqueN
    The price of the tub included all the jacuzzi tubing and workings. The only thing I had to pay for was the plumber to replumb the bathroom as well as an electrician to put in a designated new GFI for the tub alone. But that's to be expected when putting in such a tub.

    Also you might want to check Ebay for scarves. I bought about 40 new ones for around $20 plus shipping on there.

    Nancy,
    The grand baby is a doll!! You must be so proud.

    Rosebud,
    I've been doing Taxotere along with the Cytoxin and Adriamiacyn through all my treatments. The se's are the same as the Taxol but it's a milder version and I've seen that the se's are quite a bit less with it. I had some bone pain for about 3 days with it after treatment #2 but that's was it.

    Playwriter,
    Sorry about the scrips problem. Maybe the Dr. can change it to Zofran instead of the Emend. I'm sorry but if the ins co. won't pay for it but once a month I'd tell the onc that's when I'd be back. I can guarantee you he'd find something else to prescribe that's just as effective. I hear a lot of problems with the Emend and insurance companies lately because of it being a newer drug and quite expensive.

    Angel
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  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited May 2007
    Hurray for you pmarsh...half way there!!!! Sorry about your kids uncle...I know that had to be hard. Here's hoping your daughter is the star of the show.

    Angel...sorry you have been feeling crappy. My second week is the hardest also...go figure. This time I did spend more time resting and that seemed to help. Hoping each day gets better and that the tire taste goes away!!! Thanks for your kind words about my granddaughter...she has us around her little finger.

    Prayers for smooth sailing tomorrow to Jillrush, Maxgirl and Missk.
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  • taurie
    taurie Member Posts: 84
    edited May 2007
    Test
    image
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  • taurie
    taurie Member Posts: 84
    edited May 2007
    ok it worked, now for the chemo pic
    image
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  • taurie
    taurie Member Posts: 84
    edited May 2007
    And last but not least the little man who makes me smile everyday, my grandson.
    image
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  • rosebud1962
    rosebud1962 Member Posts: 196
    edited May 2007

    Taurie...Great pics! That little man of your's would make me smile everyday too. You've got that FL tan going, I wish! I've got that MI white thing working for me right now. I couldn't sleep so I thought I check the board and now I'm glad I did! Hugs All Around..rosebud

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  • dmknanny
    dmknanny Member Posts: 60
    edited May 2007
    Taurie - thanks for the pics. You look great, and I know what you mean about the grandchildren - makes going through all this a little easier after a hug from them, doesn’t it?? Hope you Dad and family are all soon feeling better, and you can get the port thing straightened out. That long day must have been a killer....Also, we will all be tuned if the Montel thing turns out.....maybe they’ll “cruise” us all there to be your audience???

    Speaking of grandchildren-Nancy, thanks for sharing yours - I loved the clip! And the outfit is adorable! She is quite the ham - we’ll see more of her for sure!

    Playwrite - you ARE beautiful bald and every other way! So you just got out there with your bad self and show them all what it’s all about. Just don’t forget the sunscreen on your head! And the Emend issues sucks - I agree - see if your onc can “float” you some until the month is up, then arrange something different for next month. I just finished #4 AC, and was told I do not need it for the 4 Taxols, so that’s one $45 copay biweekly I can check off the list!

    MissS - is it even POSSIBLE to smoke 25 packs a day??? Over a pack an hour, with no sleep - how ridiculous is that??

    Angel - thanks for the jacuzzi tips. Your bathroom turned out beautiful, as did the remaining renovations. I think we are going with a corner unit - we have a 12 x 12 master bath that currently has a corner shower stall that we will remove and put in the tub, with the hand held shower attachment like you have. Do you use that part often? Ours will be open - no doors, but maybe one of those curtains on the curved rod?? Still working out details now...

    Am up early because I evidently licked a lot of tires last night and my mouth is like a sponge. Had my last AC Tuesday and felt ok WEds but felt like crap yesterday - probably felt the worst I have so far, which was nothing compared to some of you sistas! But I really wish I would have enjoyed the night before in order to justify feeling so hungover yesterday! I’m laying low today because tonight is a big night...going to a bc fundraiser at the home of the facilitator of my bc support group. Now, there will be 400 people there for hor d’ouvres, dinner and drinks, as well as silent auction, raffles, etc with all proceeds benefitting local bc women. Imagine the house that holds 400 people - I have been there before and it’s phenomenal! Onlygirl4, how was the Thursday event (they had to open a 2nd night because the first 400 sold out in a very short ime) We’ll talk and compare notes! It’s called “Pink Out Tonight” and you’re supposed to wear something pink (it’s female only) and belive me there’s just not that much pink ut there this year as oppesed to last year, but I found something...........maybe I’ll post a pic.

    Gonna try to catch a few more winks.....the queasiness is starting up again. Have agood day all, and good luck Jillrush & Maxgirl - will be interested to hear how taxol #1 goes as I am 1 ½ weeks behind you on that.
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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited May 2007
    i'm on TAC, and in regard to SEs, i'd heard the T can cause nerve damage to your hands and feet. so i try to hold something cold in my hands on and off during the hour it takes the T to go in.
    3rd tx down, 3 to go! woohoo, as pmarsh says!
    given my history with this onc (my tx is in the onc's ofc) it won't surprise u to learn that tho my appt was at 1:30, they didn't show me in to the tx room and hook me up unitl 2:30. so i didn't get done till after 5, and i was so tired by that time, i didn't ask her to slow down the Cytoxin, so i got a bit of a headache, not too bad.
    did have more of an appetite than before. ate 5 pierogies and then a tuna s'wch a bit later.
    got the hoohah with the Emend worked out. i'd transferred the rx to CVS from Walgreens, as CVS has a promotion right now that u get a $30 gift card with every transferred rx. so the ins co told the CVS pharmacist they'll only fill it every month, so the CVS pharmacist called the walgreens pharmacist and had him change the date he filled it or somwthing, and it went thru, so i only had to pay the $40. and got my $30 gift card, so next cost was $10. yay!
    Angel - so glad u're able to sleep more. i know that feels better than insomnia.
    taurie -- thanks for the tips about asking the onc for samples -- that's a good idea. your pics are great! i think u look good with the had and bandanna. and that little boy is precious!

    hugs to jill, max and missk -- hope everything goes well today.
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  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited May 2007
    Taurie....love the pictures...I like the bandana and hat look, going to try that one myself. Your grandson is adorable...isn't it nice to have them close so you can get those hugs and smiles.

    Rosebud...sure hope you take a nap today...up at 4 AM!!!!!

    Playwriter...glad you got your emend and for $40...I'm paying over $200!!!. Glad to hear you are doing well after this treatment and half way done...HURRAY!!!! Take care of yourself!

    Dmknanny....Hope you have a great time tonight!!!! A house that can hold 400 put truly be maginicent. Post some pictures. Here's hoping the mouth clears up so you can enjoy the goodies.

    Got to run, babysitting my 10 month old granddaughter today. I'm looking forward to a day of hugs, smiles and giggles!

    Nancy
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2007
    Patti,

    Your experience with Cytoxan is much the same as I had with Cytoxan yesterday during tx #4. I was laughing and talking until I started on the Cytoxan. They already have it dripping slower than normal for me, so I didn't want to ask them to slow it down anymore. I started getting a headache and my sinuses started going crazy. After it finished, I ended up in the bathroom heaving up mucus and phlegm. Embarrassing, as I know several folks getting chemo could hear me. My nose was running non-stop, as well. I went home and took anti-nausea meds and went to bed. Felt pretty terrible all night, but woke up fine today. Anyway, I am halfway done, as well. No more A/C - on to Taxol and Herceptin next time. The doc gave me more steroids to take to help with the Taxol.

    Angel,
    I hope you feel better soon. It sure is an up and down, ya just never know kind of situation we have going on here.

    Dawn,
    I love the pictures! Your grandbaby looks like you! You are truly blessed even in the midst of this difficult time of your life.

    Diana,
    I don't think it's possible to smoke 25 packs a day. LOL I did tell the onc I don't smoke and corrected a few other errors. She was late for our appointment and was backing out of the room while I was trying to ask a question. She is very sweet, but I just thought that was so rude. I know they are really busy, though.

    I hope your fundraiser goes well tonight and that you're feeling up to the task! This is awful close to tx day to take on something big. Sounds like a really fun night, though. I hope you have a blast.

    Terri,
    Glad you worked out the med thing. I wanted to ask if you were the one who mentioned saving your hair before shaving the head so you could use it to maker a halo with velcro? Whoever said it mentioned they learned how to do it at LGFB. Since we had no info given to use at mine that was geared toward cancer patients, that was not mentioned. I saved my hair, but now I don't know how to attach it to the velcro in such a way so it will stay put. Hints please.

    Nancy, you're babysitting a baby all day? You're so brave! That's a great age. I still haven't seen my sweet grandson who will turn 1 on May 22 in Paso Robles, CA. *huge sigh*
    My son is coming to visit ALONE tomorrow night and will be here through Mother's Day. I'm thrilled to see him, but I need some hugs and kisses from my precious grandbaby! Anyway, hope you had a day filled with baby love.

    I'm going to try to clean a bit more and pray that I'll miraculously feel good tomorrow even though it's usually my worse day. I would like to feel well enough to pick up my son at the airport and laugh and joke with him to put him somewhat at ease. It's been hard on him to be far away ever since the beginning of this illness.....

    I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend devoid of SE.

    Miss S
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  • onlygirl4
    onlygirl4 Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2007
    Diana,
    The Thursday night bash was out of this world. I'm sure you're having a great time. The house and the grounds are absolutely fabulous. What's even better is that the proceeds go towards BC. I hope you're feeling well and having a wonderful time. Don't drink too much champagne
    I hope everyone else is doing well. I don't post very much but I do read every one. I'll be ready for my next trip to the bar on May 11.

    Beth
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  • jillrush
    jillrush Member Posts: 17
    edited May 2007
    Hey everybody! I made it thru Taxol #1 without any problems. They gave me a huge dose of benadryl before the taxol and I pretty much slept the whole time. It took about 3 1/2 hrs to take. That wasn't bad the dr originally said 5 hrs. So far I'm feeling great. DH grilled steaks for supper and they were delicious. Haven't had any nausea. So far no body aches or pain. Dr. said that probably would be the worst side effect along with possible neuropathy of hands and feet. I'm suppose to let her know if I start feeling that. I have to say that right now I feel better than I've felt in along time. Not sure how long this will last. I need the energy because my son graduates from high school next Friday and we are giving him a party on Sunday. I've got alot to do between now and then.

    I hope everyone has a good weekend with little or no SE. I'll be praying for ya'll. Hang in there this cruise is still on course and we are going to make it!!

    Love ya'll,
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  • taurie
    taurie Member Posts: 84
    edited May 2007
    You know this group is sounding a bit better, are we getting used to it, or have we just helped each other through some side effects to know what to do now.
    I feel pretty good actually going into day four now. I am almost shocked. Maybe it was taking me off the Adriamyacin or maybe its just I know what to expect or what to do, or maybe i am speaking too soon lol. I had a little bit of under the rib pain when i woke up, a little lightheaded dizzy stuff but all minor. My appetite is ungodly, I think its the steroids they upped this time. But those are done now so we will see. I hope all of you are combatting the SE this time. And if your not, I am praying. Bars are over for the weekend, so now we slide and see.
    Thoughts are with you all.
    Dawn
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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited May 2007
    Miss S -- sorry, it wasn't me who knew how to do the velcro thing.

    had to wait AN HOUR for the Neulasta shot today, as the onc's ofc was out, and they had to get some from another ofc. hello? didn't anyone know i was coming in today? didn't anyone check the supplies beforehand? unbelievable.

    waiting for hour 6, so i can take another antinausea med, stomach's feeling a bit queasy....
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  • Angelflight
    Angelflight Member Posts: 163
    edited May 2007
    Well I couldn't sleep but part of the night so here I am again at 3:40am.....lol

    Dawn,
    Love the pics! That grandbaby would make me smile too. My oldest has 5 and they're only 3 hrs away but I hardly get to see them much anymore since the kids are in school and sports. I still spoil them rotton though cause everytime I leave the house it seems I buy one of them something....lol
    I saw a cute pic of a baseball cap with the scarf on the outside and over the top of the brim. It was really cute. You might want to try that with the scarfs as well.
    I know what u mean about the appetite. I have been eating everything and anything in sight since my chemo started. And with me being up at night as well guess what I do all the time. I've gained about 40lbs. I've noticed just getting some sleep this past week I've probably lost 5lbs already.

    Playwriter,
    Glad the meds got taken care of and hope you're feeling a bit better now. I had to laugh at the Neulasta being out. I swear some of these offices havn't a clue what they're doing.

    MissS,
    My onc did the same thing as I was speaking. Was backing out of the door as well. Hey it really pissed me off. The other day they called to reschedule my next appt. since he'll be gone and guess what I told them. Well I'm not having any problems and really don't need to see him anyway. Boy were they pissed. Oh well. Why pay for an appt. I don't need. If there's a problem with blood work or anything they'll let me know I'm sure.

    Angel
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  • Angelflight
    Angelflight Member Posts: 163
    edited May 2007
    Ok since everybody else is showing their pride and joys. Here's mine.

    Oldest son with his family.

    image
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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited May 2007
    cute family, angel! they look like they give you a lot of joy!
    just checking in this morning. stomach's still a little queasy. family's out at Target, spending money, so i'm here alone with the cats. hope ya'll have a great w/e. love and blessings to you all.
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  • jacqniel
    jacqniel Member Posts: 720
    edited May 2007
    Jill, glad you are feeling well, but remember it takes a few days for the se's to kick in. Don't over do.
    Dawn, great pics - and I agree - your grandson does look like you! He is a cutey!
    Angel, what a wonderful family pic! Your grandchildren are darling. That is one busy family!
    My son and his fiance are in Rochester, MN this weekend to firm up their wedding date and plans for summer '08. I am anxious to hear all about it! I figure the wedding means grandchildren will be just around the corner! They will be here, in Omaha, next weekend and we are going dress looking again - can't wait!
    I am pleasantly surprised that my side effects weren't as bad this time! I am especially thankful that my heart behaved itself and I didn't have any palpiations. Whew! I even cut back on my Kytril (anti nausea pills) and wasn't visited once by the dreaded big c (Senokot S did the trick). Yea!
    Isn't it amazing what this beast makes us thankful for? I often wish I could make other, non cancer patients, understand how precious good health is and how grateful we each should be for every new day. I try to remember this every morning when I open my eyes.
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  • musicmom3
    musicmom3 Member Posts: 31
    edited May 2007
    HI ladies: Made it through A/C treatment #4 on Thursday. Two more to go before I switch to Taxol. Finally agreed to take Emend this time and boy did it make a difference. Two weeks ago I had to lay still in bed or the nausea would overwhelm me. Today, I'm picking out flowers for baskets and repotting stuff. Went in for Neulasta yesterday and asked the nurse if I could just trade the shot for a small car instead - still can't get over the $4500 cost to the insurance company of that 1cc injection.

    It's so great to see the pictures and share the stores with you ladies. Love the grandkids, the brave bald heads, and just getting to put faces with names. I don't really have any pictures to post, but I'll put my 15 year old to work on it as she loves to use the camera.

    I'm going to visit my sister in Delaware next week. She lives at a boarding school on a beautiful lake. I plan to just sit in the sun and read by the water. All three of my daughters will be home for Mother's Day which is gift enough for me. Hugs to all!!
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  • maxgirl
    maxgirl Member Posts: 407
    edited May 2007
    Hey, cruisers!

    I've been reading and starting responses on Wordpad before I got too tired, but now they're all outdated. LOL

    Thanks for the sympathy on my mother's health and my fatigue. She ended up back at the ER this week, so my sibs are staying with her around the clock until we can get some home health for her, and then start looking for assisted living. The docs still haven't pinpointed the problem, though her heart seems fine.

    It seems the tachycardia I was having was connected to the anemia. When I got checked out last Tuesday, my HGB was 8.8 and by Thursday (after the Procrit) it had inched up to 9.2. My onc nurse couldn't believe I was working with counts that low, but I was actually feeling better. I think it was lower the previous week when I really felt wiped out.

    Also, I think the counts were on the upswing anyway, because my WBC on Tuesday was 2.5, but by Thursday it was 5.2.

    Today I had my first normal BP (112/76) and pulse (78) since before April 13. I'd been running 90-100/56-62 and pulse 90-105. Now I feel awake and not lightheaded.

    Jill and I had similar experiences with our Taxol treatments. I had brought along some work to do, but after about an hour, the benedryl kicked in, and I couldn't keep my eyes open. I didn't really sleep until the last hour, but dozed on and off before that.

    It was so weird -- even scary -- not to be taking anti-nausea meds, but wonderful, too.

    The inside of my mouth has been improving taste-wise, so DH and I decided to indulge in Mickey D's after the treatment. My fish sandwich tasted kind of salty, and then my vanilla milkshake started tasting salty, too. I couldn't finish them. The taste went away over the day, so I don't know if it was from the Decadron, the benadryl or the Taxol.

    I have a question for those of you doing the TAC protocol. What amount of steroids do you take? I took 20 mg of Decadron (5 4mg pills) both the night before and the morning of treatment. I swear I'm almost more afraid of that stuff than the Taxol. It did keep me up until about 3 am last night.

    I've already been having problems with neuropathy in my fingers, which is not supposed to happen on AC, so my onc said to start taking 15 grams of glutamine on the day of treatment and continue for a week, twice a day. (This isn't glucosamine, by the way.) There's been research that shows it cuts the amount and severity of neuropathy, which is one of the main SEs of Taxol.

    Other than that, I'm kind of waiting for the other shoe to fall, since the bone pain SEs don't kick in for a few days.

    Loved seeing all the pix of the grandchildren.

    Nancy: Your granddaughter is adorable! Quite an actress, too. That must be every kid's dream -- throwing the vegetables away. LOL

    Dawn: I can see where your little guy can bring on a big smile -- he's downright smoochable.

    Angel: Wow, a whole passel of grandkids -- that's wonderful.

    Jacque: I'm with you -- get our kids married and let's start pumping out those grandchildren. LOL Glad to hear you had an easier time of it with SEs this time. Yes, every improvement makes me extremely grateful!

    playwright: I'm surprised you didn't jump out of the car and kiss that guy who complimented you. What an ego booster!

    Are you taking more than one anti-nausea med? When I took Compazine and Ativan for break-through nausea, they were both every six hours, but I rotated so I was taking one of them every 3 hours.

    This is already long, so I think I'll do another post.

    (HA!! I knew it -- the post was "no longer valid" -- luckily I had copied it.)
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