June 2007 Chemo

Options
1…1516182021…46

Comments

  • mikeysmom
    mikeysmom Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2007
    Dawn, I didn't actually have the guts to go bald at the beach. It was really crowded and I ended up leaving my hat on. I'm freaked out by no hair too but oddly fascinated by it. My head turned out to be really nicely shaped. If I didn't have such patchy stubble I think it would look pretty good! I have 2 more days here so we'll see if I go "topless"!
    I hope everyone IS feeling great and enjoying life!
    Cyndi
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited July 2007
    So Cyndi, the 2 day countdown begins!!!

    Maybe you should ask your son what he thinks to make sure he wouldn't be embarrassed, then you have an excuse to fall back on in case you chicken out!! LOL

    Sounds good to me!!

    My parents took my grandmother and me to dinner tonight since my DH & DS17 are in Philly on a mission trip with church, my DD25 is in England visiting a friend and DS21 took his GF to dinner - there were twin baby girls at the next table - they had more hair than me!!!! whaaaaaaaah!

    Hope the rest of your vacation is awesome!

    Dawn
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sdstarfish
    sdstarfish Member Posts: 544
    edited July 2007
    Hi, Cyndi:
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts about your 9 year old. I have an 8 year old and I fear the same things. Forthe first 2 treatments she has not had to see me at my worst - camp, and then a trip to the grandparents. This really helped. Not sure what I will do for the final 2 yet.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shrink
    shrink Member Posts: 936
    edited July 2007
    My SO and I went to Long Beach Island (NJ) to visit my cousin for a few days. This was the first time I ventured more than 40 miles from my doctors which sounds rediculous since I can always reach them by phone. I feel being around the ocean healing some how. I even went in until my SO started hummimg the Jaws music.

    I have been wearing a bandana with separate bangs. No one seems to notice anything at all and it's comfortable in the heat.

    I allowed my cousin to see me without hair. Contrary to my expectations, she didn't fall off the chair she was sitting on. She thought I looked like some kind of model (probably an AARP model - not that there's anything wrong with that. I am 66 years old).

    I'm looking forward to #3 AC being over next Thursday. Right now I feel "normal". When I watch certain programs on TY, I get so absorbed that I forget I have cancer for short periods of time until my head starts sweating. We've been watching DVDs of Rescue Me, a series about the NY fire dept with Denis Leary. You think your own family is nuts until you see what these guys are up to.

    Hope everyone is able to enjoy the weekend.

    Stage III, grade 3, nodes, 6 cm, DCIS, ILC, IDC and maybe IBC
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tos
    tos Member Posts: 376
    edited July 2007
    Shrink I bet when your cousin saw you w/no hair I bet you did look good! My daughter recently visited me, she just started rads this week and has been wearing a wig. This was the first I had seen her since she had started treatments earlier this year.
    Well we convinced her to take off the wig, she does have hair growing back in, it's short but she looked very smart looking, she's 38 and looked like some kind of business woman and we all loved the look. So while visiting here she left the wig at home and she went w/o it and enjoyed the freedom. Course she wasn't afraid of running into someone she knew here but after she got home she is now leaving the wig off around hubby and her oldest boy so she is getting there.

    I saw my Onc yesterday,they are treating me for stage iv liver mets. I was supposed to have had another CAT scan but it got canceled so going to have another one in a few weeks. He did add on 2 more chemo treatments so I have 3 to go when I thought I only had 1 to go but that's ok, I want the beast gone! Not gonna be a easy ride but we'll do it.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mikeysmom
    mikeysmom Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2007
    I've been wearing just a bandana most of the time--sometimes with a hat too if I'm out in the sun. My DH is calling me his biker chick and has asked if we can borrow his brother's Harley .
    Dawn, my son said yesterday that it was okay for me to go bald so that excuse is out! He came to this conclusion after his cousins just shrugged when I said I might go bald at the beach. He's second youngest so he kind of takes their lead.
    Lisa, I don't know what you can do to protect your DD from the worst of tx. Maybe just let her know how it will be and that you will need her help. Mine wants to help so bad.
    Shrink, it's a great feeling when you can forget about BC! I had that happen in the beginning when I'd just be reading a magazine or book or something and it was actually upsetting when I'd remember but now I forget often and it doesn't bother me anymore when I do remember. I have heard that Rescue Me is a good show but never started watching it. Maybe I'll rent it since there isn't much on in the summer. My stepdaughter watched the entire Sex and the City dvds and I watched some of them with her (I've seen the whole series). That was a good distraction--till Samantha got diagnosed!
    Pam, I would have been so discouraged to find out I had to do 2 more tx's! You have a great attitude about it and that will really help you beat the beast! I hope I didn't offend anyone...I get defensive when people say stuff about attitude but I do think it helps. I just don't like to be told how to feel.
    It's so hot and humid here I will have to go "topless"! Is it possible for the humidity to be higher than 100% without rain!!! Cause I feel like I might drown when I go outside and breath. I'm a desert girl and this is tough to handle.
    Hope everyone feels absolutely GREAT today!
    Cyndi
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sdstarfish
    sdstarfish Member Posts: 544
    edited July 2007
    Hi, Pam: You are so positive about all this. I needed that today. I am 38 like your daughter. I can't wait for the day when I can take the wig off, too. As for now I am not completely bald, just a major spot on top of my head and the rest is thinning.
    Is anyone else having severe headaches as a s/e?
    Cyndi, you're right. I just hate to worry her so much. Plus, being a girl, she is at an age where she talks incessently at times That can be hard when you're in a chemo funk.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tkoski
    tkoski Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2007
    Hi Ladies,
    Per usual, I lurk almost every day to keep up on everyone's progress, trial, joys and such but never take the time to pipe in. Today however, I wanted to share my first Taxol experience with you all. I had my tx yesterday and the only weird part of the treatment was having Benydril and getting "drunk" off of it. They gave it to me through my port, and so the effect was almost immediate! I got goofey, tired, started sluring my words, (which by the way was very entertaining to my 12 and 14 year old sons whom happeded to be visiting at the time) Tongue twisters were an absolute hoot to them.
    The great part of this treatment has been no nausia... none, nadda, nix! I slept great, and have a tone of energy today. They sent me home with Compazine, and GlutaSolve powder to use the first four days to help with any neuropathy I might develope. I started taking Ibuprophen this morning every four hours, and will have my Neulasta this afternoon. I can handle physical discomfor i.e. body aches much better the the darned nausea I experienced with A/C. Girls.... There is light at the end of the Tunnel!!!!!!! God speed to all of us in our Journey to great health and wellness.

    Take care, and a great weekend, enjoy the warm breases and sunshine!
    Peace,
    Terri
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mikeysmom
    mikeysmom Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2007
    Thanks Terri! One thing that keeps me going is that Taxol is supposed to be so much easier than AC. So I'm glad that was your experience.
    I'd asked one of the members of my support group about herceptin since I will be getting that for a year and she just started. They give her Benadryl too. She said it was fairly easy but she was so tired after that she had to go to the meditation room at our cancer center and take a nap before she could drive home. Obviously that was from the benadryl and not the herceptin!
    Lisa, I've had a few headaches but not any sort of pattern that I can attribute to chemo se's. Right now I have been dealing with heartburn. I'm not sure what's okay to take for it. So far it's pretty mild. My son talks a lot too so maybe it's the age. He will get all wound up about a computer game and give me every detail. It can wear you out!
    Cyndi
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kath11
    kath11 Member Posts: 102
    edited July 2007
    Terri, thanks for the comments about Taxol. I am sitting here, nauseous from my last treatment of AC. I start Taxol on July 30 for 12 txs and I do feel I can endure aches and pains better than the nausea. But who knows. Give me the Benadryl. I'm happy to sleep. I also will be receiving the Herceptin with the Taxol and I'm so curious as to how the new regimen will affect me.

    Pam, do you know you have liver mets or are they treating you because of some symptoms? Hopefully your scans will come back clear. It's true, no matter what they tell us, no matter how hard it is to hear, we'll do whatever it takes as we want to kill the beast. You are in my prayers as always.

    xoxo
    Kathleen
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TerryNY
    TerryNY Member Posts: 603
    edited July 2007
    Hi, ladies, haven't checked in this week as this last round of AC really threw me for a loop. Still not totally comprehensive and about as far from normal as I can get...but this too shall pass..I hope.

    Don't feel up to individual shout outs but hope everyone is doing well or as well as expected.

    Will check in again soon .....not sure the upcoming 4th AC is worth it...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited July 2007
    Lisa - checked out your site - your daughter is adorable! There are books at the library that you should check out regarding what to tell kids about cancer. I'm sure the internet has info too. I think you need to look into these because your daughter will sense your stress over sharing with her but she may attribute it to the cancer and make her more fearful. Hope this made sense...........
    Also, I am having problems with headaches/migraines too. First a/c - horrible migraine a couple hours after treatment - took a relpax and went to bed. Onc nurse said it was the aloxi, nurse that did infusion said it was the Cytoxan - second tx got a migraine again, not quite as bad but took a relpax and went to bed. Third tx took the relpax as I was leaving the infusion room and didn't have any migrain or headache - needless to say I'm repeating the relpax with the fourth tx on 8/2. I also have headaches during my nadir period - low red cell counts has headaches as a symptom so I guess it's that. Taking tylenol every four hours seems to help. When are you getting headaches?

    Shrink - your SO sounds like a fun guy! I think you should have bitten him!!

    Pam - that sucks that your onc has added 2 more treatments - you have been through so much! But I know you will handle it just fine and do whatever it takes to kill the beast again! My prayers are with you!

    Cyndi - guess you're just gonna have to go "topless" and get it over with. Wonder what else the cousins have said to your son about you being sick and bald.............. little boys are such interesting creatures!! I miss my kids being little but I can easily wait a few more years for grandkids!!!

    Welcome Terri!! I'm glad you decided to add to the posts here. Please let us know about your diagnosis and thank you for sharing about Taxol. Mine w/Herceptin start 8/23 and I'm nervous about having an allergic reaction.

    Kathleen - you are done with A/C - I am so jealous!!! LOL
    Hope you feel better soon and let us know how your next treatments go.

    Terry - I'm so sorry #3 hit you harder! I had an extra day of feeling like crap with that one too but you know #4 will be worth it. Are you drinking enough? I thought I wasn't and when I started drinking more I started to feel better................... Check in soon - feeling better!!

    I'm so glad it's Friday and the weather is beautiful here in Falls Church, VA - MAYBE I'll get to those weeds yet!!

    Have a great weekend everyone!
    Dawn
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DebbieK
    DebbieK Member Posts: 116
    edited July 2007
    Terry tx 3 was very difficult for me as well. But this week I have done pretty well through tx 4. I have been tired but no other side effects to speak of. So don't be afraid; I was after #3, but it hasn't been bad.

    Debbie
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GracieM2007
    GracieM2007 Member Posts: 1,564
    edited July 2007
    I'm five days out of #3, and it has been hell this time. I'm sick, of course. NOthing is helping, and the constipation is much worse this time. I can't find anything to eat, nothing tastes good, nothing will go down. Can't drink hardly anything, it all tastes awful. I'm hoping and praying number four is easier. I hate this nausea. And I'm exhausted to boot....

    Sorry to whine.

    Gracie
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shrink
    shrink Member Posts: 936
    edited July 2007
    Hi Gracie:

    Sorry you;re having such a hard time. My #3 AC is next Thursday. Hope we'll both be feeling better quickly. The constipation stinks. I've been taking Colace and a laxative on day 2 and day 5 since I know it's going to happen. Have you taken any of the anti-nausea meds? Did they help at all?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • honeygirl
    honeygirl Member Posts: 1,718
    edited July 2007
    Gracie , I'm so sorry you are feeling so bad. My tx #3 was my worst so far also. Mine was on the 11th and the constipation is just starting to get better. But today I have something new. I was putting my deordorant on this am and it hurt. When I got home from work today , I started feeling my armpit where it was sore and I found a bee-bee size lump. So if its not better by Monday I will call my onc.
    Pam , I am so sorry to hear about maybe stage iv liver mets. I hope its not. You are in my prayers. Stay strong.
    Well , to everyone , have a good weekend. Hugs and Prayers ,Melody
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Charlie451
    Charlie451 Member Posts: 69
    edited July 2007
    Hi all. Hugs and good wishes to all who suffer through tx #3. I am approaching it next week. I wonder why that one so difficult? Is it because we are geeting lax about drinking tons of water ahead of time and other precautions? Maybe it's just too hard on what's left of our ability to bounce back.
    Honeygirl - I had a lump under my arm a while back but it was just an irritated spot or maybe an ingrown underarm hair. It could easily be nothing to worry about. Under the circumstances I understand it is wise to call onc if it doesn't fade away.
    Pam, what is going on with the tx for stage 4 liver mets? It seems like that would call for more extensive tx than just 2 more than you were previously scheduled for. Hopefully it is "onc talk" and the CT scan will be all good. I will be praying so.
    Linda
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sdstarfish
    sdstarfish Member Posts: 544
    edited July 2007
    Thanks, Dawn. She's a good kid. She's actually taking things pretty well. I just hate being part of the reason she grows up faster than normal. But I've been thinking about the book idea, too.
    Gracie: So so sorry you are not feeling so good. I totally empathize. Hang in there!!!
    Melody: Let us know how things go. Hope it's *just* an ingrown hair.

    Thanks everyone for the advice about headaches. I am really wondering if I am allergic to something...the problem is, is it the Nuelasta, the Cytoxan, or the Taxotere? Today the onc on call seemed to think it was the neulasta. I may boycott it next time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tos
    tos Member Posts: 376
    edited July 2007
    Thank you ladies for your kind comments regarding my being treated for liver mets. My first CT showed 3 lesions all over 1 centimeter so from that I am considered a lady w/a history of liver mets according to my scan results. I should know more in a couple of weeks, just more waiting and worrying but we all know what that is like.

    Looks like most of us are starting to have some se's, nasty ole chemo. For constipaton you can try a mild laxative or stool softener. I too have begun to loose
    my appetite, nothing sounds good but I do enjoy a plate full of watermelon and cereal. That's about it.
    I'm not eating much anymore except to get pills down.
    The diruretic is working ok on the swollen feet but the tummy is growing by leaps and bounds. My doc is getting concered about my swollen stomach so he wants scans of everything.
    Have a good week-end girls and maybe we can relax and enjoy some "time off".
    Hugs to you all,
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TerryNY
    TerryNY Member Posts: 603
    edited July 2007
    Pam, I'm keeping you in my thoughts. Please keep us posted on your test results.
    We must be on the same 'diet' as watermelon and cereal are about all I could handle this week too. I'm hoping the watermelon counts toward fluid intake!

    I did wake up this morning out of the fog and feeling much better, just tired and my mouth feels like sandpaper. Hopefully I'll have a couple of good days before tx #4.

    Lisa, I read on another thread that the Cytoxan can cause headaches, I think....(I hate chemo brain!) but that if they slow the drip it decreases the headache SE. Maybe ask your onc nurse if that could be a factor?

    Melody, keep us posted on your lump. You are in my thoughts as well.

    Gracie, sometimes it feels great to just whine, so feel free. I know we all are there at one time or other. I so hope #4 is better for ALL of us.

    I signed up to join the local Gilda's Club this Tuesday. They offer a lot of activities that I'm interested in, book discussions, art classes, tai chi, etc. I'm really looking forward to this so hope I feel up to attending the newcomers meeting.

    Let's keep looking forward!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mikeysmom
    mikeysmom Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2007
    Well, it's no "topless" for me on the beach! We had a storm come through last night and it's actually cool today. So I'm just hanging out reading on the balcony...
    I'm facing tx#3 week after next and I'm getting a little concerned that everyone has had a hard time with it. Tx#2 almost made me want to quit.
    Terry, I just heard of Gilda's Club a couple of days ago. I am going to find out if there is anything in my area. I understand they have things for kids of cancer patients too.
    Melody, I hope your lump is nothing. I was told not to use deodorant for 6 weeks after surgery (I just had sentinal node removed and my lumpectomy was on the inside of my breast) but I ignored it cause I felt smelly:) I was careful to keep it away from the incision as much as possible. I hope yours is just related to deodorant use or hair or whatever.
    Doesn't cancer suck!!! I'm really tired of it and just cried myself to sleep last night. It just seems like it's taken over our lives--not only mine but my family's too. Sometimes I need a little pity party and then I'm back ready to fight.
    Cyndi
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SusieSwan
    SusieSwan Member Posts: 111
    edited July 2007
    Pam, sorry to hear about the possible liver mets...your're in my thoughts and prayers.

    I'm so happy to report that tx #2 went much, much better for me but I didn't know how it could get worse. The onc gave me 2 liters of fluid with the treatment and also gave the steriods and Zofran via i.v. before the tx. Then, I'm only on Zofran every 8hours and Lorazipan every 6 hours as neeeded. I'm so happy to have had zero vomiting and the nausea comes and goes but nothing significant. They did not give me the steriods to take the three days aferwards but I'm not as shaking as and foggy as I was last time so I think that may have had something to do with it.

    Cyndi, I really get mad and frustrated at times as well but then I look at my girls and know I want to keep things as normal as possible for them and teach them how to be strong and fight. I also let them see me weak and that's okay too.

    Hugg to All,
    Susan
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mikeysmom
    mikeysmom Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2007
    Thanks Susan, I'm happy tx#2 went so much better for you. I too look at my son and know that I have to fight this and also keep his life as normal as possible. I haven't really let him see me break down (well maybe once in the beginning) but he is aware when I'm sick. I'm never sure how much I should let him see of the emotional side of this. He is sensitive and I tend to get over my anger or upset pretty quick and he (like my husband) doesn't. How old are your girls?
    Cyndi
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tos
    tos Member Posts: 376
    edited July 2007

    Terry the Gilda's Club sounds like a neat place to go. I wish I lived closed to one. Let us know what you think after you check it out.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sdstarfish
    sdstarfish Member Posts: 544
    edited July 2007
    I totally relate to you all about the kids. It is such a balancing act. How to tell them the truth without totally freaking them out. I will say this - yesterday I was definitely glad that my Gabriella was in Philly with my parents. Why? Yesterday was pure hell.

    The drugs that they gave me for my headaches (Vicoden and Tylenol w/codeine) caused a severe reaction, and I was vomiting throughout the day. I had to just lie around and wait for it to leave my system.All this while the head was pounding. I cried alot. I thought it would never end. But my doctor girlfriend helped me through it, and by the end of the day I ate applesauce

    Good news: I woke up with no headache today!

    I am going to try not getting the Neulasta shot for #3.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Charlie451
    Charlie451 Member Posts: 69
    edited July 2007
    Hi Lisa - I am glad to hear you had one headache free day. You have been through h*@# with that. Hopefully it's the neulasta shot causing it. At my onc's recommendation I don't take shots unless absolutely necessary. So far my neutrophil count has been scraping by OK and I haven't needed shots. I seems so weird when I hear of everyone else taking one. You just have to hope these oncs know what they are doing.
    Linda
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • garnetann
    garnetann Member Posts: 158
    edited July 2007
    Hi all
    Survived tx#2 last thursday. I thought the second one would be easier, but it was just as bad. And my scalp hurts. My hair started falling out yesterday and my scalp just hurts. Will it hurt forever or just until all my hair falls out? They put me on zofran instead of the compozine, I don't think it made much difference. I was thinking I should feel no nausea at all with these drugs but I guess that is just a pipe dream. I guess they just subside it. I hate to imagine what it would be like without any antinausea drugs.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • burquie
    burquie Member Posts: 129
    edited July 2007
    Good Morning Ladies,
    I feel terrible that some of you are having such problems with tx #3; makes me feel guilty, as I was feeling well enough to get away to our family cottage in Canada for the weekend. On treatment day (tuesday) I did feel like crap with a headache, extreme heartburn and feeling VERY hot, but by Thursday I was feeling pretty good.
    Anyways, my weekend was filled with doing absolutely nothing! I just sat on our patio overlooking the lake and just took in the view. I even managed to fish for an hour or so, even though my arms tired very easily.
    I am sending you ALL good thoughts and energies, that you all get through the rough patches. You are all in my thoughts everyday, and we will get through this, we are a tough group of women!

    Bonnie
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SusieSwan
    SusieSwan Member Posts: 111
    edited July 2007
    GarnetAnn, did they give you the Zofran via I.V.? They did for me and I think that made a big difference. Still no cake walk but at least I'm not vomiting. All of the sudden that gag reflex will kick in out of no where and then it passes. I did get down some mashed potatoes & gravy and fried chicken strips. Bizarre how I'm eating but I just try to eat what I think will settle okay. last night it was green beans from the garden, basted in bacon grease of course, good grief. I can't believe I'm still losing weight.

    My hair is falling out now and my scalp is very itchy. I have my wig on at work today and everyone says it looks great but seriously, who would say it looks bad?! :-)

    Bonnie, don't feel guilty, I'm so happy to hear some women can go through this and not have the nausea.

    Where is everybody?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited July 2007
    Thanks Debbie - I had #3 on the 12th, #4 will be on 8/2 and since I had more se's with #3, I am concerned with #4.

    Gracie - hope you are you feeling better.

    garnetann - my scalp hurt too when my hair started coming out and pretty much stopped after my youngest buzzed my head. I've been bald for a little over a month and am so tired of it. Makes me feel very unfeminine, ugly and I get tired of matching up scarves to my clothes. Oh well, at least it will grow back eventually and I swear I will not complain about a bad hair day ever again!! At least, that's my thought at the moment!!

    Melody - what's up with your bump?

    Pam - can't they get you in for scans more quickly than a couple weeks?

    Susan - I'm glad to hear your treatment went better this time and now they know what to do for #3!

    Lisa - I take relpax for my migraines - kicks them very quickly - ask about that drug..................

    Bonnie - so glad you had a great weekend!

    Cyndi - no "topless" huh? I would be relieved!!

    If any of you have allergies - DON'T do any big cleaning jobs!!! Last Wednesday night I decided the computer room which is where one of our cats lives since she is stressed out by the other cat etc needed a really good cleaning. Washed one of the windows, vacuumed the room, changed the box yadayadayada.........Didn't get to the other window cuz I got tired but woke up the next morning stuffy, hacking and headaches AND still have them!!! Talked to my onc nurse this am - she said she's done the same thing and to get the sudafed from behind the counter ("the good stuff") and some afrin nasal spray. Went to CVS and sure hope this knocks my allergies back down. This is supposed to be my good feeling week before treatment next week and I have things to do!! I think I'll delegate the cleaning however.................

    Dawn
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories