I am starting chemo in July 07. Anyone else?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2007
    rspayne
    I have very little hair left and I was wondering if I coudl use my husband's electic razor. Do you think I trim what I have left, very short, then use his electric razor. I know I'd carve up my head with my normal razor.
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  • jbw3843
    jbw3843 Member Posts: 46
    edited August 2007
    Well, I go for my 2nd AC this Thursday. Hoping for the best, but I pretty much think I'll have 3-4 crummy days to follow. I had bad nausea last time for 4 days and think that maybe the compazine didn't work very well. My hair started falling out last week and by today I looked like I had mange. My hair actually hurt. My husband shaved my head and it feels so much better!

    Sleeping right after my first dose of AC was very spotty. I've since fallen into a routine of sleeping 4-5 hrs. straight. Then I wake up wide awake. I take my book and start reading for an hour or two and then fall back asleep for another 3 hrs. I'm not complaining. I'm just glad to be logging in 7-8 hrs. Good luck to everyone getting treatment this week.
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  • gshoemate
    gshoemate Member Posts: 190
    edited August 2007
    I am the opposite with the sleeping. After my AC I take phenegran and it's either that or the chemo but last week I slept for 40 hours almost straight. Now in my off week I do have issues of waking in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I have ambien but it doesn't seem to be helping.

    Jean, I went from hair past the middle of my back to shoulder length to about 3/4 inch long and then had hubby shave it with the shaver. It felt so much better, it was falling out all over the place. I still have a lot of fuzz that seems to be hanging on.

    Ginger
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  • lthigpen143
    lthigpen143 Member Posts: 45
    edited August 2007
    I agree with Climbergirl about needing your sleep even if some aid is required. I took 1 mg Lunesta a night for a week after my first tx and I would have been a mess without it. Then I found that I could stop it after that week.
    I have tx #2 in the morning. I am a little nervous because I don't know if it will be similar to #1 or worse. Maybe easier

    I had my hairdresser shave my head but it had stubble that bothered me so I did the same as Rose's brother (electric razor). It is a Braun "Free Control" and I got it from a friend who got it for her head (BC last year - doing great!). I like it much better and it was safe and easy. It takes a little going over the same area to get it smooth but it is great. My kids like the look, too.
    Wish me luck tomorrow. Uhg!!!
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2007
    Gr8Daze
    Good luck tomorrow.
    My son be having his last chemo tomorrow (yea) so while at the infusion center I will say a little prayer for you. I hope this session goes well. I will be having my second chemo Friday.
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  • lthigpen143
    lthigpen143 Member Posts: 45
    edited August 2007
    Jean,
    What?! Do I understand you to say that you AND your son are going through chemo at the same time? Jean? I am speechless. How are you doing? I am going to pray for both of you. What kind of cancer does he have? I can't wrap my mind or heart around what you are going through. My heart, prayers and support go out to you. I hope you can feel it. I hope you have a great support system in place. Family, church, friends neighbors. I hope they are all stepping up and that you are letting them carry some of the burden. I wish we were neighbors so I could be there for you. But I am praying. And bless you for taking time out for prayers for me at this time.
    -Laura
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2007
    Yes you are correct my son has been fighting Hodgkins Lymphoma for over 2 1/2 years. He has spent months on chemo. His first treatments were every other week for 3 months. I think he had them 4 times. HIs oco believes he is now in remission and placed him on "maintaince". That consisted of 4 sessions every week for a month, (every 6 months) Tomorrow will be his third treatment and God willing....his last. The drug he's recieveing this time does not effect his hair, so he looks great.

    By the way my Mother-in-law had BC last year. A very tiny tumor but they removed her remaining breast, she had the other removed at 19 (cyst not cancer) They got all the cancer, and her oco decided on no chemo or RADS. They did want her to take Tamoxitin (spelling) but do to side effects choose to decline.

    My mom and grandmother both died from BC.
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  • LottaQuilts
    LottaQuilts Member Posts: 212
    edited August 2007
    (((Jean)))

    Seems like you are dealing with alot of stuff. My grandmother and mother both had BC as well (both in their mid 40s like me). Surprisingly, I don't have the BRAC gene mutation - go figure. Still, there just has to be SOME genetic connection. I worry about my DD (age 12). She has DH's disposition and looks, so hopefully she has more of his genetics than mine. At least she'll always be vigilant (like I was) and they'll catch it early if she does develop it.

    My Grandmother lived well into her 80s and died of Altzeimer's (spelling?). Mom is 65 and going strong. Neither had chemo or rads, but never had a recurrance.... I'm hoping I'll be as lucky, especially since I'm doing both!

    Tomorrow is AC #3 for me and I'm a little down today in anticipation of a sick weekend. But at least I'll be one treatment closer to done. I see there are a few of us "marinating" tomorrow. I'll be thinking of you all as I'm sitting in the ol' chair!
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  • TINAMAE
    TINAMAE Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2007
    Well ladies, I guess tonight is the night I have my hairdresser shave my head, its coming out quickly but I am terrified about it I know its only hair so why is it so hard at least she is coming to the house to do it. I just cant picture me bald.

    Thanks Tina
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  • lthigpen143
    lthigpen143 Member Posts: 45
    edited August 2007
    Losing the hair can be scary but a friend of mine started a list of benefits. Maybe some of you can add to the list:

    Here are some plus’s:

    You will be amazed at how good a cool shower feels on your head, and just rubbing it feels.

    You can now decide if a Brazilian bikini wax will work for you.

    No blow drying

    You can try all sorts of looks that you would not normally have the guts to try. - red head? wild scarves? Bandanna motorcycle chick, or how about bald and beautiful with huge hoop earrings and full make-up and a flowy dress.

    People get the hell out of your way.

    People are extra nice to you.

    A chance to redefine yourself and what is important.

    No shaving whatsoever for at least 4 months.

    It is temporary.

    You will forever define true beauty differently.

    Your hair and you will grow back better than ever.

    (Ok, so the disclaimer here is that I just got home from Chemo 2 and am a little loopy so I hope this makes sense.)
    -Laura
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2007
    Abbi

    My GM died of BC very young. My dad said she was in her late 20's but I think she may have been in her early 30's. My mom died around 62, but had been fighting cancer for over 15 years, so she must have first been Dx at about 45. They both died from BC. I had the gene testing done about a year ago, and it came back negative. Like you it makes me wonder if there still isn't some kind of a connection. None of my mother's sisters, or brothers for that matter, have had any form of cancer that I know of but then there is my dad's side.

    My dad's parents died from cancer and I believe my father also died from cancer. He had surgery and died about 2-3 months later. I think because he suffered so much watching both his parents and my mom die from C, that he didn't want the rest of the family to know.

    My son has cancer. In fact I am sitting next to him as I type. We are in the infusion center..his LAST chemo, yea!!!!!! I think because my grandparents, parents, me and my son all have had cancer....there has got to be some kind of link.
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  • rspayne
    rspayne Member Posts: 49
    edited August 2007
    Jean,

    I used my husband's Norelco shaver and it did get quite close, but my brother uses a Braun and says it's ultra smooth. I was going to get a braun but didn't know which model he uses and he's away on vacation.

    The cancer connection is scary. My heart goes out to you, having cancer and also your son having cancer at the same time. Keep strong.

    My mom had BC at age sixty(radical mastectomy, but no chemo or rads) She lived to the age of 83 and died of complications from pneumonia from the flu.)

    My best to all...rose
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  • rspayne
    rspayne Member Posts: 49
    edited August 2007
    Abbi,
    I wish you well with your treatment. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I know what you are feeling with the anticipatory dread of again having a few sick days. I am already dreading my next tx on the 20th.

    My daughter just arrived home after a 2 month absence. I feel so much better. We will celebrate her 21st birthday next week, and it is my fortune that it is my very good week in my cycle!!! My prayers and best to you, Rose
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  • jeffntate
    jeffntate Member Posts: 49
    edited August 2007
    Anyone had elevated (out of range) White Blood Counts at chemo dosage time? My wife Karen had a pre-chemo count of 9,000, had Taxotere 2 weeks ago and Neulasta shot the next day and yesterday on her labs her WBC was 25,000! The nurse thought that was good news but I wonder if it is normal to be that high and if this would mean her numbers would remain well above the risky level at the 7 day point where normally the Taxotere causes the lowest counts.

    Jeff
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  • LottaQuilts
    LottaQuilts Member Posts: 212
    edited August 2007
    Back from AC#3! Only one to go.... Wahoo.

    Feeling fine at the moment. Got a little lunch in anticipation of not much food over the next couple of days.

    How's everybody else doing today?
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  • LottaQuilts
    LottaQuilts Member Posts: 212
    edited August 2007
    Oh... I was asking my OC about the WBC stuff today. She said a "normal count" would be between 4 and 10. They like to see us somewhere in the 3s. At 14 days following treatment (the lowest point), I was 2.9, so they figured I was coming back up. Yesterday, I was 3.4.... just fine for treatment.

    I don't get the Neulasta shot unless she feels it's needed. So far I've been lucky and not needed it.
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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited August 2007

    Abbi,
    Congratulations!

    Remember to take care of yourself! Oh, do you get 4 tx of AC? I am getting TC, so I didn't know if it's the same...

    Hugs
    HARLEY
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  • jbw3843
    jbw3843 Member Posts: 46
    edited August 2007
    I'm back from AC #2. It went much better than last time. I think probably because I had the port put in the day before my AC #1. They switched my nausea meds from compazine to reglan. I hope for the best.

    Feeling fine so far. Had pancakes for breakfast and soup and a bagel for dinner.

    My WBC was 1.4 last week during my nadir, but was up to 4.2 today.

    Jean, glad your son had his last chemo. Hang in there.

    Rose, enjoy your daughter being home. I love when my married daughter comes home for the weekend. We talk, talk, talk...

    Abbi, glad #3 went well.

    Jane
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2007
    Jane.

    Thanks my son's chemo went find and he's doing well. You'd never know he had any. He's ahappy about it being the last one, but fears an issue with his heart form the 2 1/2 years of chemo. His onco wants another heart test.

    I am off to chemo #2 tomorrow. I hope the nurse has better luck getting that darn IV in this time. The first time they had a problem (veins roll). My arm was black and blue from elbow to wrist. I am not looking forward to all the SE...2 weeks of feeling bad.
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  • LottaQuilts
    LottaQuilts Member Posts: 212
    edited August 2007
    Hope I don't jinx myself here, but I actually feel pretty good today.

    No nausea to speak of, but I'm really kinda sleepy. Slept until almost 9:00 and I'm looking forward to another nap this afternoon. But I ate a bagel and some watermelon for breakfast easily... usually I'm forcing the food down.

    One thing I did differently was to start taking the compazine yesterday as soon as I got home from tx... usually I've waited until the next morning.

    Anyway... 3 down/1 to go of this crap. Then I'll move on to 12 Taxols (seems like a lot, doesn't it). At once-a-week, they'll probably go by fast, though!
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  • TINAMAE
    TINAMAE Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2007
    Abbi, what is taxol, I'm having 4 dd ac then surgery, no mention of taxol do most people do this .

    Thanks Tina
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2007
    Abbi
    were you taking Emand also? I left my 3 RXs at the pharmacy yesterday and was goign to pick them up around 2 (chemo at 3:30). My DH called to see if they are in adn was told, I woudl have to pay for them as my insurance has declined the RX. GREAT the Emand is over $500 and the Zofran is a little over $280. (I have no idea what the remaining RX cost will be.)

    There is no way I will pay for this and may have to cancel my TC. I wonder what will happen to me now, I am to have the chemo every 21 days. (not to mention how difficult it is to get an appointment in the infusion center, if I have to reschueduled.
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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited August 2007
    Jean,

    How are you doing? Did you check with your treatment center to see if you can get your treatment?

    I'm worried...

    HARLEY
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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited August 2007
    Abbi,

    Wow! That DOES sound like alot! And to think, I'm complaining because I have to do 4 txs of TC, one every 2 weeks, and I only had one, so THREE more to go!

    You seem to be doing well. Gosh, I don't know how you are doing it!

    Way to go! You inspire me!

    HARLEY
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  • rspayne
    rspayne Member Posts: 49
    edited August 2007
    Jean,
    Somtimes the insurance company will deny the Emend, initially. Have your Onco office check with them. Also another thought, My onco office has a special fund for people who cannot afford their meds..it is not soley based on income, more on need of the working uninsured.
    Last thought, My oncologist's office also has a stash of emend samples. I take emend for three days and have been getting along without anything else except the decadron(also for three days.

    Try exploring all avenues.... my best to you, rose
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  • rspayne
    rspayne Member Posts: 49
    edited August 2007
    Abbi,
    be strong and hang in there, sometimes you just need to pamper yourself and the nausea and lack of energy is only temporary. My best to you, Rose
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  • Gagal
    Gagal Member Posts: 42
    edited August 2007
    Jean,
    I agree with rspayne my insurance denied Emend and Zofran, but after the oncologist filled out some paper work they covered it. Hang in there and fight the Emend works great there's no reason for you to suffer needlessly.

    Abbi, sounds like you're doing great after treatment #3, I found I was extra tired, more so than the previous ones.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend.
    Pat
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  • mominpa
    mominpa Member Posts: 17
    edited August 2007
    Jean, I really hope you get your treatment issues resolved. I just got switched from Kytril/Compazine to Emend/Decadron, because I was still vomiting after treatment. These drugs are rediculously expensive, but I do think the onco office can probably help. Mine helped me get more pills for less money.

    I got my head shaved this evening (hubby did it, too). My neighbor came over and did us both. I had it done at the lowest setting, not clean-shaven. I couldn't handle dropping any more hair. I feel better now - put a scarf on my head and it's comfy.

    Karen
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  • roh50773
    roh50773 Member Posts: 52
    edited August 2007
    Hi all,
    I thought I would check in. Feel a little guilty about my inactivity on this thread, especially as I started it! but I am trying to keep to my original resolution which was to spend whatever energy I have on my job and my veggie garden and I find there's not much room for anything else.
    For those who have had a miserable couple of sessions I wanted to just say that I have just had my third session and for some amazing reason, here I am sitting at the computer not feeling too bad at all! The first two sessions were awful and there's no way I would have felt well enough to do anything. So, the message is - the sessions are not all the same and there is hope that you might feel better on some of them.
    I stil have some hair. I had previoulsy decided that I would have it all shaved off but when the time came that it started thinning it was much more even than I had expected and I found myself reluctant to shave it off. It's stopped falling out now although as I've just had another chemo I'm expecting there might be a new crop coming out. It's very thin and I have to wear a scarf when I'm out but I still have a bit of hair peeking out and when I'm in the garden it's nice to still feel the breeze lifting it!
    I'm so sorry for those of you who have to consider financial things when looking at what drugs you can afford to have. That's really something you don't need on top of everything else. I hope you can get it sorted with the advice others have given you. It makes me realise how lucky I am in Ireland. Everyone diagnosed with cancer gets all treatment free.
    I had a port fitted last week as my veins weren't holding up. At the moment he put the tube into the jugular the bed was tipped up so my head was very low and I had to hum a tune! This was apparently to prevent a rare complication where if you take a deep breath at this moment you can draw air into the vein and that's potentially fatal. Has anyone else had to do this? It was quite bizarre - the theatre staff were running a competition to see who could guess the tune but I fear that I was so groggy that it was more of a tuneless croak. Anyway the port feels fine and it was such a relief to have the chemo through it yesterday. I would recommend it if anyone is still considering having one fitted, although I know that I have been lucky and some people have suffered discomfort from them.
    I hope you all have a reasonable weekend and keep up spirits
    Asia
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  • climbergirl
    climbergirl Member Posts: 116
    edited August 2007
    Hi Jeff,

    My onc at Dana Farber considers anywhere between 5 and 11 good. After my first treament my WBC shot way up and by the 2nd treatment they went back down to a more normal range. Don't worry as this seems par for the course and it does show that the shots are working for her.

    Good for you for posting for your wife!

    ~climbergirl
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