June 2007 Chemo

Joanne Elizabeth, my oncologist says different doctors have a preference for one or the other treatments although both are thought to be about equal if their effectiveness.

Terry, I am so sorry to hear about your trouble today. I sure hope the antibiotics work quickly on the infection! This disease seems to have more than normal roadblocks in the treatment. So frustrating....

We had a wonderful weekend, I hated to come back for treatment today, but I will be glad to get another one under my belt. I noticed by hair is starting to leave my body. Oh well, the sooner gone, the sooner it can grow back.

Take care everyone! Debbi

Terry, I think you have the right attitude considering what you are dealing with. It's got to be horribly frustrating and to be worrying about your son at the same time is just the worst. Hopefully you son's MRI will have good results and the antibiotics will get you back on track shortly. Best of luck this week. My prayers are with you.

xoxo
Kathleen

Thanks everyone for your sympathetic ears. My son's MRI results were negative, woohoo!! They said it was a contusion and nothing needed to be removed, best news we've had in a long time.
As for me, they drained 40 cc out yesterday and while I feel some better, still not 100%. I need to be fever-free for 48 hours before the onc will administer my second tx. So far, so good. Still a lot of tenderness so quite sore yet.
I'm supposed to hear from the surgeon's office this morning as to the next step. He's got to figure out why I'm still draining....or not draining as the case may be.
I don't want to get too behind on my chemo schedule but my onc nurse said the dr likes to take a very conservative approach when dealing with infections. I certainly understand his concerns and am thankful. I just want to get the whole process over with though so it is frustrating to say the least.
Hope everyone is doing well today!

Terry, am so glad they were able to drain that for you, and thrilled that your son's MRI was good. Now just take it easy, and never apologize for how you feel, even if it's grumpy. I think we all have such ups and downs going through this, and it's normal to have days where you don't fell well and simply need to vent, and what better place than here, where everyone else has been where you are.

I did my first chemo yesterday. It went pretty well...my port got kind of kinked up during the A, so they had to stop it and get the port working again, get blood, then started the C...they had to stop about half way through as I had that headache, sinuses, then the whole back of my head. They gave me three tylenol, and waited a bit, then started it again. I got it finished, but was already having some mild nausea. Was really nauseas last night, all night, the Zofran just isn't working well. I go back today for IV fluids, more anti-nausea meds and a Neulasta shot. My nurse said I could take two motrin at bedtime tonight if I need it and two in the morning when I get up if I need it. I started the Decodron by mouth this morning, with Ativan, 1/2 to 1 every 6 to 8 hours, as well as the Zofran, and Lortab for pain...I thinking...gosh...I hope I don't overdose from all of this Scary thought I'm very nervous about taking alot of drugs anyway, and drug interactions, becuase I'm VERY sensitive to drugs of any kind....so hopefully this will all be ok.

Still nauseuas this morning, nagging headache. BUT if this is all there is, I can do this. It won't be fun, but I can do it. I'm right UNDER the line where I start throwing up, but at least I'm not throwing up. No appetite at all...I tried everything last night, crackers, applesauce, toast, chicken nooodle soup....YUCK...couldn't take more than two bites of anything. Even popsickles....they were WAY WAY WAY too sweet. Sigh.


One down, seven to go. Let go and let God.

I think I'm going to get proactive and cut my hair off before it even STARTS falling out. That way it's in my nands, NOT the chemo's.

Talk to you all soon.

Blessings,
Gracie
IDC, Grade 3, Stage 2, er/pr + her2-, 1.7 cm, 1 node

Good Morning Ladies,

I just read the last few days postings. Wow what a busy bunch we are! I haven't been spending much time lurking because I have been feeling GREAT!!!!!! I go in for tx 3 this Thursday. I spend the first three days feeling a little queazy, and then get progressively better each day following. I went to Look good feel better yesterday and had a wonderful time. The women took such good care of us, and talk about good products! Mostly, it was just nice spending time with others that are in the same boat.

Terry, I'm thinking that it is your turn to start feeling better! My good positive thoughts are going out to you! What a relief knowing that your son is ok.
Dawn, did you also razor your scalp? I have been shaving my head every couple of days as I still have hair growing. I like the smooth feel vs. the cats tongue feel. My girls were very emotional when they clippered my hair. I can't help but think that my boys would have had a much better time "de-hairing" me. I know that every day that passes, I become more comfortable with my looks. Actually, wearing a cap has allowed me to meet some very nice people.
Gracie, I know what you mean about the overdose worry. I find that using a pill keeper works really well. I fill it, then double and triple check each day. After that, no more worries. It sounds as though you had a rough indoctrination into this chemo trip. I am sorry to hear that. Dawn was right, talk to your onc or the infusion nurses. They want to make you comfortable! My first treatment went well however, I didn't take my compazine often enough to thwart off the nausea. Now I take it every six hours the first week! What a difference that makes. Well, time to get back to work! Have a great day everyone!
Peace,
Terri

I'm so bald, but I'm loving the scarves and have not worn my wig one single time. I even just go bald at home in front of my 17 year old son's friends--heck, they sure as heck don't care as long as there are cokes in the fridge!

---I just wanted to remind everyone who is just starting their chemo and about to lose their hair that:

Hair loss is not a sign of our illess, but rather a sign of our RECOVERY!!!!

I hope everyone is having a good week!
Kathy

Bummer! I have to put my chemo on hold for at least two weeks, it'll be three by the time this is all over. Not happy about this turn of events!
The surgeon finally worked me in today and he had to reopen part of the incision, drain some more out, pack it up and sent me home. For the next two weeks a nurse will come and change the packing and bandages and hopefully this will clear it up so I CAN continue chemo. Still on antibiotics so that should help too. This is certainly a double-edged sword, good that the infection will soon be gone but blasted on the chemo front. :-(
Am I still considered a Junie? LOL
Gracie, I'm sorry that food doesn't appeal to you right now. The only thing I felt like eating that first couple of days was chicken broth with saltines. It tasted SO good to me. I also drank a lot of fluids. If I think of anything that might appeal to you, I'll post it. Hang in there!
Pam, sorry to hear you're having a tough time on the taxotere. And to all the ladies who've shaved their heads in anticipation of hair loss, you're my heroes! I haven't had the courage to do so yet. Now I'm thinking it'll be awhile before I lose my hair anyway.
Ah, this too shall pass.

Terry - that is a bummer! You had your first a/c on 6/4 right? All the comments I've read said they started losing their hair at about two weeks - I sure did and that would put you at 2 weeks yesterday - got any coming out yet?

Of course you are still a Junie!! Little bumps in the road can't change that you still started treatment in June!

Bonnie - that "new" anxiety sure hits hard doesn't it? Not knowing how something is going to go is almost as bad as waiting for results. UGH. Glad you are done with the first and feeling well so far!

Hope everyone has a good evening!

Dawn

Oh, one more thing. The hair thing. I am also avoiding the head shave. I'm not sure why. I had it all arranged with my hairdresser and then I cancelled. At exactly day 13 my hair started coming out everytime I touched it. But there is still enough there for now. I hope I get the courage up in the next few days. I want to be more like Kathy and remember the sooner the hair is gone the closer I am to recovery. Thanks Kathy for your positive encouragement!

xoxo
Kathleen

After I had tx 1 of AC, says 4 and 5 were my worst. Then, after tx #2, days 5 and 6 were the worst. I have tx 3 on Tuesday the 26th, so we'll see what happens. After the second tx my mouth has stayed sore--no thrush--but little, what my granma called--liebumps and stuff. I've started rinsing my mouth with a half benadryl-half maylox concontion. My sense of taste is still shot--I got it back during the 3rd week after tx 1....so now I'm either eating everything in sight to try to 'taste' something, or I'm not eating anything becasue I think 'what's the point?'. I will be very curious how I react to tx 3 next week.
I haven't have the nerve to update my caringbridge page with a new pic of me in a scarf, but I guess I'll try to do that before next week.
My boyfriend is bring over some of the best pizza in town tonight and I have planned him an impromptu party of sorts for his birthday on Friday after work. His birthday is Sun, he'll be 40!! I figure and fun night out with friends is exactly what I need going to next week. I have a really great boyfriend!

You women keep having a good week and Bonnie I hope you get to feeling better. I've not thrown up at all so far (knock on wood).

Hi everyone,

Sorry I seemed to drop off for a bit but.....
Friday past I got a fever. It ended up being 102.6F. Off to the hospital we went, and I didn't see the light of day till Monday. White count was .7, by the time I was discharged it went up to 1.3, but because I didn't have a fever for 48hrs, he said he would release me if I promised to take my antibiotics and come back if it reach 101. It was a great deal considering I didn't want to be there. As for the garage sale it didn't happen, but my neighbour is great she kept all the signs and is going to help me this Saturday. Got my head shaved yesterday and have my wig on now. I wish I had taped my son's reaction when I took my wig off... it was priceless, he was so excited and I told him it was our little secret, so he asked me if I was going to show my friends my short hair. I told him no and he said good only me and daddy. I am so glad he is 5 he gets so excited about things, and makes me see the good in it.

TerryNY - GREAT news about your son, and I am sorry your teatments are being delayed. It will work out in the end!!
I am heading to the family doctor today again. Yesterday, everytime I ate or swallowed something it was like a huge lump going down and then I would get the worst pain in my side. It even got to the point I couldn't drink. This morning I had a cup of tea and it was fine. I went to eat some toast and the pain came back. I have not ate since Monday night I am SOOOOO HUNGRY!!

Anyway, hope everyone else is doing well, and I will chat later
Keep Smiling

Tomorrow morning I go in for my first AC treatment. I am bit nervous since last weeks reaction to Taxomere. The nurse really looked at my veins. I hope I am ok without a port. The only thing I have to do is take Emend one hour before and I am trying to drink a bunch of water today. Anything I am missing? Oh I just can't think.. This weekend I was very tired and felt nausea I wonder if it was from the 6 drops of taxomere I got last week. I slept all day on Sunday. How is everyone else doing with there chemo?

HI, all,
A quick update, the home health nurse came yesterday and changed my packing and bandages, whoa, this is going to be a fun time...NOT. She told me to take some Advil or Tylenol before she comes back today. I wish I had thought of that yesterday. My boob is sooo sore this morning.
On the hair front, I did start losing it Tuesday night, that wasn't a banner day for me! Went yesterday to a salon and they took me to a private room and cut it really short. Not as short as I wanted but I figure I can shave it easier at this length, maybe this weekend. I am finding hair everywhere and keep blaming the dog, poor girl.

Allgone, I'm so sorry to hear of your infection. Hope it's smooth sailing for you here on out. Too cute about your son! He's mommy's co-conspirator in this fight!

Litig8or, I'm sorry I can't remember your name, but I wanted to wish your BF a Happy Birthday! Enjoy that pizza.

Gracie, have you tried Emend for the nausea? It really worked for me.

Linda, too funny about the mosquitos and chiggers Hey, they don't want this poison in their system either! LOL I don't think it would find a market though.....
I'm glad you were able to attend a class. The ones in my area are booked up for the summer and I"m on a cancellation list.

Susan, Good luck next Wed. I'll be thinking of you. I know the xanax works for me, just takes the edge off. Take the valium, it will help. Hugs to you. And cute drs make the whole process somewhat easier to handle, no? LOL

Kiddlegirl. good luck today with your first a/c treatment. Just make sure you take the Emend on each successive day, it worked fine for me. Check in and let us know how you're doing.

Hi girls,
Still feeling a little pukey, can't seem to keep much down, If it doesn't let up soon I'm gonna call and get something else for the nausea. I'm trying to keep the fluids going tho. Went for my nuelesta shot yesterday.Have any of you heard that this shot costs around $4 thousand dollars???? Just the price of meds is enough to make a person sick! What do people without health insurance do!!!??
Hope everyone has a good day!

Bonnie

I am back from my second attempt at my first treatment. I took Emend before and they gave me some other stuff and I have eaten and feel fine. I do feel a little doppy and went back to work today. I think I will leave at 3:30 and go home for a nap.
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