Anyone starting Chemo in August 07?

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited September 2007

    Hi Everybody,

    I'm fine - thanks for asking, Jackie. I feel great, so I get busy and I go to work, then make dinner, and then realize I'm tired so I get in bed then look at the clock and it's 7:45. (party ON, kaye!)

    I'm so grateful I have the freedom to do that, Stacey - with no little ones depending on me...though I've paid those dues! All I hear these days is my 21 year old playing some shoot-em-up computer game with his on-line buddies, talking and laughing at 35 decibles above brain-damage level until I want to storm up those stairs and .... well, nevermind.) But I will say, it is easier to deal with that than little boys who aren't feeling well, that's for sure! I hope you don't catch whatever he's got, and I hope you have someone who can help you out if you need it.

    Wow, Mom42 - I didn't realize there was such pain from ports! I don't have one...but vomiting from the pain like childbirth? Sounds awful!! Hopefully the worst is over, and they're ironed the "bugs" out, and all will go very well this week.

    Ggma - A Feeling Fat and Ugly Pity Party? And you didn't invite me? What were you thinking?!?! The two of us could have ROCKED THAT PLACE. It takes me about half the time to shower in the morning than it did before, but about twice the time to FIND SOME CLOTHES THAT FIT. Then FIND SOMETHING TO PUT ON THIS FUZZBALL OF A HEAD I'M GROWING. I'm halfway through my tx's, and at this rate I'll have expanded two sizes. My hair is growing, too.(!?!)All the black ones came out, the grey never did, but we buzzed it all, so I just ignored it. And now it's PRICKLY, FUZZY, POKEY and WHITE.  A little like a tennis ball covered in velcro. I don't even get to be smooth! My kids (21, 25yo) can't resist rubbing my head everytime they pass me. As I stand motionless in front of the open refrigerator, waiting for the Oracle from the Pit of Frozen Meat Packages to either instruct or paralyze me.

    Anyhow. Enough nonsense. Jackie, I just saw that we're both on tomorrow, and both for tx #3. I'll be praying for you, I'm on SoCal time, and mine's at 4:30. yes. pm. I'm less concerned about that than I am about an ultra sound I'll be having on Friday while I'm still in there. (My cancer center is 2 hours away, and my daughter & I will be staying over.) My last MRI as this was all starting with my LEFT breast, showed a "thickening" of the RIGHT breast at the 6:00 position. (Don't we love that term?) So I've been examining it pretty regularly, and I've found a lump (maybe 2) and I told them, so now they want to ultrasound it. I asked for an MRI instead, but they said this is the "first step".

    So. I went over to peruse the second and third diagnosis board, and scared myself right into catatonia. Not really, I think I'm ok. It's just not where I would CHOOSE to be right now. I'd rather gear up for almost being finished. Not starting over. In reality, I'm not going to let my mind go there until I know something concrete. And Concrete is Friday afternoon.

    The good news is that m-m-m-my Seroma has gone from being a double D cup to a Kalamata Olive sized cup. Ooooohhh YeaaaaaaH! 

    Arrgh. I've done it again. Once I start typing, I can't stop my fingers. (Could be the Decadron.) Somebody send me some duct tape. (Lots. My son and I will share.)

    Take care everybody, be at peace. And no pity parties without inviting everybody. It's just proper etiquette.

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  • wackyjackie
    wackyjackie Member Posts: 669
    edited September 2007

    hi girls,

    i went to Target today w/my daughter and we found the cutest hats. they look like..for lack of a better word..."newspaper boy" caps and they cover the whole head.  they are a sweatshirt material and have a lining.  they were $9.99 each.  i can't tell you how comfortable they are and i went out tonite w/my girlfriends and they thought it looked very stylish.  they had grey, black, and ultrasuede material too.  just wanted to let you know.  i'm just trying different things to get comfortable with this baldness.  i just hate it.  to me it's horrible.  i tried scarves-they're pretty nice.  i HATE my wig.  oh well, have a great day everyone.

     hugs, jackie

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited September 2007

    Hey Girls, (PixieDust, because you asked!)

    Here are the instructions provided by someone on the board on how to post pictures here.

    http://tamako.milkcafe.to/luv/photobucket/index.htm  
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  • emg326
    emg326 Member Posts: 102
    edited September 2007

    Jackie, I bought the same hats. They're great. Haven't used them yet as I'm still waiting for the hair to come out. My daughter told me tonight she just can't wait to tattoo my head. My 2nd tx is Mon. as long as the wbc's are up which I'm sure they will be. I'm more anxious about this treatment than I was the first. I just keep thinking the se's will be worse. It's still the fear of the unknown, but at least I'll be half way through. Had the genetic test today but won't know the results for a while. Just hoping I'm negative for my daughter's sake. Good luck to those having tx's tomorrow.

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  • carol_kelley
    carol_kelley Member Posts: 20
    edited September 2007

    Wow, I have been gone a long time and I come back and the forum is gone and community is here and I can't find you guys!!!! I was scared you all were gone for a while there.  I hope you are still writing here.  I  have had a sad time of it.  My son and daughter-in-law lost their twin babie girls.  They were born too soon and were too tiny for OU Med to save.  It was a very sad time and I found something worse than chemo and that is watching your kids in that kind of pain and not being able to do anything about it. 

    Anyway, I have my 4th treatment tommorrow so hopefully will get back on here and talk to you all this weekend!!!!  I have missed that!!!

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  • PixieDust
    PixieDust Member Posts: 28
    edited September 2007

    Kaye - Thanks so much for the link, however for some reason when I click on it the page says not found?  Am I doing something wrong?  I tried a couple different browsers. 

    Good luck at #3 tomorrow and I'm praying for you that everything will be just fine on your MRI and Ultrasound. 

    Here's some pixie dust ********Smile

    Stacey
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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited September 2007

    Stacey, I fixed the link (had copied it wrong). Try it again!

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited September 2007

    Carol--I'm so sorry to hear about your twin grandbabies. My condolences to you and your family.

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited September 2007

    Kaye--good luck on Friday, I'll be thinking about you.

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited September 2007

    CAROL!!! It is SO GOOD to see your post, welcome back. I'm so sorry for your loss. How are your son and daughter doing? Do they live far away?

    It's good to have you back. I'd sent you a pm because I was so worried about you.

    Looks like you're joining Jackie and me tomorrow for #3 tx. Had you postponed it because of what you were going through, or was it that far apart by design?

    Nash & Stacey, thanks for the support! Oh, btw, my dh fixed the link - i guess i wrote it in wrong. Carry on through the confusion!  

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited September 2007

    Eve--I know what you mean about being more anxious about the 2nd tx. I'm getting nauseous just thinking about tomorrow. I did go for acupuncture yesterday, and I'll go again today and next Monday, to help control my stomach. Am also going to try Emend this round. I think the acupuncture helped yesterday. I figure it can't hurt if nothing else.

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited September 2007

    Carol

    So Sorry to hear about your twin grand-babies!!  How sad!!  I pray that time will heal these very deep wounds...  it hurts so bad!  All the angels will surround these two little babes, and will take care of them, the two newest angels!

    Good Luck with your treatment tomorrow! 

    Hugs

    Harley

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited September 2007

    Jackie, Carol, Kaye:

    Good Luck tomorrow with your treatments!  Here's hoping that they go smoothly, without too many se's!!

    My next, and THIRD tx will be on Sept 18th... The last will be Oct 9th...  I can't wait to be finished with all these txs!!

    Hugs

    Harley 

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  • wackyjackie
    wackyjackie Member Posts: 669
    edited September 2007

    hi everyone,

    just back from tx #3-i still get nervous going. i'm not feeling so hot today. very queasy. 

    kaye, i'm so sorry to hear about your other breast.  try to wait until friday. think positive(i know...that's an annoying phrase!) but it does help. i will pray for you. i hope your treatment goes well.  i have five more treatments after this.  i love the hair description.  you ALWAYS make me laugh. i have to shave my legs still..does anybody else? that's a pain.  hang in there, kaye. i'll be thinking of you.

    eve...the hats are great, right? i think each treatment is like starting over again.  very scary. i didn't get any se's from tx#2..think positive.  i know this might sound stupid, but you got a test to see if your daughter has gene? what test? i have a 20 year old daughter, please let me know because i'm worried about her. thanks

    harley, i'm so glad you're at your halfway, that is great.  stay strong!!!!

    i'm so excited because we're going away this weekend to the jersey shore. my husband is a volunteer firefighter and it's a big convention with all the firefighters from all over the state.  not that i'm looking...because i am a married woman...but there are some really cute guys!!!! of course, my hubby is the best looking one(LOL!!) kaye, help. it must be the decadron, i can't stop typing. anyway, i have to go pack. we are leaving tomm. a.m. after i get my neulasta shot.  i insist that i will have no se's from tx #3 and i will have a great time. we'll see.

    everyone, stay strong and feel great.

    lots of hugs, jackie

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited September 2007

    Jackie


    Glad to hear that your #3 tx went well...so far, that is.

    Have a great weekend at the Jersey Shore!


    Hugs

    Harley

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  • emg326
    emg326 Member Posts: 102
    edited September 2007

    Jackie,

    I had the BRCA test myself. I want to see if I have the gene first and then we'll deal with my daughter's situation when she's older. She's only 10 now. Years ago, my ob/gyn had recommended a prophylactic mastectomy because of my mom's history, and everyone thought she was crazy. When my daughter's older, it'll be something to consider should she have the gene. Hope you're feeling better.

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  • liven42day
    liven42day Member Posts: 76
    edited September 2007

    Hi Ladies,

    I made it through tx #4 Monday........A/C is done for me. I think my body is rejecting this port also, they gave me my premeds and cytoxan thru it but had to give me the red crap (adrimycin) thru an IV in my hand, it still burns today. Someone mentioned about their scars burning and hurting after chemo, so do mine, is this normal or just weird?

    Good Luck to all doing tx's this week!

    Everyone says Taxol will be easier..........I hope so!

    Take care all Charlene

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited September 2007

    Charlene,


    Congratulations on finishing the AC!!!! 

    Sorry you are having trouble with your port.  I didn't get one, I was supposed to , but my surgeon was not in when I got my 1st tx, so I have gone without...  It has gone well so far, I have had 2 txs of TC and only 2 more to go!!!  Tuesday is my 3rd tx... 

    Good Luck with the Taxol!

    Harley

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  • emg326
    emg326 Member Posts: 102
    edited September 2007

    Well, the hair has started to come out. I knew it was going to happen, but in the back of my mind, I thought I'd be one of the "lucky" ones. I also thought I had myself geared up for this, but it's starting to hit me now, and I'm bummed. I'm sitting here in my little cap that I'll wear to bed so I don't get hair everywhere. I think I'll have to buzz it this weekend. My 10 year old daughter wants to give me a haircut. I guess this is the time to let her do it. I was supposed to get "expanded" today for the first time, but the ps didn't want to do it because of my low wbc last week. Hopefully, the count will be up tomorrow for my pre-chemo bloodwork. Hope you're all doing well.

    Eve

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  • chemomom
    chemomom Member Posts: 171
    edited September 2007

    Hi everyone.  I just had tx 3 yesterday and I am feeling OK so far.  Although that is probably the decadron at this point.  I got some really good news- my onc  said at my exam that she couldn't even feel a lump anmore. Mind you, I have giant boobs, but I also had a tumor the size of a large orange.  So I am quite happy.  I will have 1 more tx of TCH and the a bilateral mastectomy & sentinel node biopsy probably around the end of October. I joked that I could go out for Halloween dressed as my brother.  Of course, my brother is not short, plump, or bald, but somehow I thought I could make it work.   

    Well, I am sure that surgery will be a HUGE step.  And I will get all nervous and worked up about that as the time approaches.  But at least now I am happy to know I am 3/4 done with chemo!! And aside from a year's worth of Herceptin, I may not need more chemo after surgery-- it will all depend on if they still find any cancer at that time.  And something I didn't hear before is that my onc said that it is the pathology at the time of surgery that really affects prognosis, so the fact I didn't have any nodes checked yet should not bother me as much as it has.  I don't know if that concept applies only to those on neoadjuvant therapy, since we have already had the "benefit" of chemo prior to surgery.  But at least I can just hope for no nodes positive when I have surgery and go from there. 

      Kaye and Katie-- how did your tx 3's go?  You gals are a day ahead of me.  I hope things are OK for you. 

      And Carol-- so sorry for your loss.  I can not even begin to imagine such heartbreak.  Try to stay as strong as you can so you can be well and keep you immune system functioning as well as it can.  I know that will be hard.  I hope tx 4 went well, so at least you can have a bit less of a burden. 

     And again to Kaye-- i will be thinking of you today.  Good luck with your ultrasound.  I have my fingers & toes crossed that it will be something as simple as cysts!  Good thoughts are coming your way, baby!!

    Well... that darn decadron seems to do it to all of us... another long post!  Feel well everyone.  And when you can't feel well-- cry hard.  We're entitled!  Thnaks for being there to share these experiences.  It is such a help!!!  Angie

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  • Monkeygirl61
    Monkeygirl61 Member Posts: 49
    edited September 2007

    Hi everyone! 

    I have 2 questions.  My oily skin is now dry and flakey, what should I use?

    My teeth seem whiter, am I crazy or has anyone else noticed that?  I guess that's technically 3 questions.

    Eve, the buzz isn't so bad.  I was actually relieved it was over.  All the anxiety and tension about losing my hair just went bye bye.  I actually went to my first social function tonight as a baldie.  I wore a cute little hat with a scarf.  What's left of the little stubblies hurt right now, so the wig was out of the question.  Anyway, tonight I was the Queen of Sheba.  The only thing missing was my ruby.

    I sure hope we hear from Kaye soon.  I'm starting to get nervous and I need a good laugh that I've become accustomed to from her.

    Here's hoping everyone has a nausea free week!

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited September 2007

    My skin is totally dry, also. My mom, who has been on chemo for five years now, says this just comes with the territory. She uses something called "Rescue Cream" that comes in a yellow tube and that we got at the health food store. It comes up on google if you want to check it out.

    I agree, the thought of hair falling out is actually worse than the reality of it. Mine has been falling out for 13 days now, and I actually have a small amount left. Didn't buzz it, just have let it go. Haven't dealt with my wigs yet--just have been slapping a scarf on. Maybe I should care more, but I'm so drugged out from the Emend that nothing seems to matter much.

    I hope Kaye is OK, too!!! Probably away from her computer for the weekend. Hope the U/S went OK, Kaye! We're all thinking of you.

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited September 2007

    Oh my gosh...you guys. I don't know what I'd do without you. Thank you so much for being here. My dh keeps telling me to get on here and tell you guys everything is ok, because people are worrying! I'm so sorry - the brain is Total Toast.(4 days post TX #3) NUTSHELL VERSION: My onc, the radiologist, the tech during the ultrasound AND my bs all said the lump was a fat globule. (I've never been so happy to be called fat in my life!) They could each feel it, and each summarily dismissed it as nothing. (Thanks for your concern!)

    I'd wanted to write more when my brain comes back...and the dog bite stops hurting.  But here I am, so you're stuck with me.

    EXTENDED TIMED RELEASE VERSION:My daughter and I got a hotel room as usual, but this time we also stayed one extra evening at my dh's cousin's nearby to see their new German Shepherd Dog and then go to the ultrasound appt the next day. I am the consumate GSD lover, and I did want to meet him. We spent an uneventful evening together, then the morning of my ultrasound, which happened to be 2 days after TX#3, the cousin left the house to go pick up her mom, leaving me and the dog alone. I walked by the crate, and he came out and sank his teeth into me. I understood the psychology behind it all, but now I had a 1/2" gaping hole in a post-chemo body, that was going to be significantly  immuno-supressed in 5 days. My daughter was packed and ready to go, so we went back to my cancer center, who sent me to the emergency room of a nearby hospital where we waited for 4 hours. They finally put some neosporin on it (!) and gave me a paper rx of Amoxicillin. (no shot????) and sent me away. Whatever. The good news is: It was not in the affected arm. It missed my veins (gonna need them in 3 weeks!). It didn't break any bones. It had just had it's shots. I'd already had my Neulasta shot. So, that plus the news that the fat globule is a fat globule is ALL GOOD NEWS! 

    My bs was concerned at the fact that it was in my HAND. Apparently, there is a lot going on in our hands, and he was concerned enough to tell me if I see ANY sign of infection, and he specified HOURS, not DAYS, to go to the emergency room at home and insist on a HAND SURGEON, not just an ER doc. But, so far, so good. no redness at all, hardly any swelling. It looks the same as it did before.

    However, the stress has taken it's toll. I REALLY feel spacey. And now I'm on yet MORE drugs going through my system. Oh well. It will be done soon.

    Angie - I am so happy for you - That's a huge relief!

    And I have a question:

    "And something I didn't hear before is that my onc said that it is the pathology at the time of surgery that really affects prognosis, so the fact I didn't have any nodes checked yet should not bother me as much as it has." I don't understand. Why didn't they check the nodes then? Why shouldn't it bother you?...sorry. my brain is not comprehending simple commands yet.

    Hey, Jackie - how's your queezyness? Is it better? I hope so.

    Carol? How are you holding up...? And how did the TX go? 

    CONGRATULATIONS CHARLENE!! AC done...that's an accomplishment! And how is the port thing going? Do you still need that to give you anything else, or can you get it removed? The burning and scar I experienced was when they "squeezed" the bag (don't ever let them do that!) to get me out of there a few minutes early after TX#2. It must have pushed the chemo beyond the vein, and yes, one week later it became red, itchy, blistery and now it's a scar the size of a nickle with no elasticity to the skin where the infusion went in. When I brought it up to the nurse this time, she was appalled that it happened. (She wasn't the one who did it.)

    Cindy? How did the Wedding go, Saturday? Have any pix to post? 

    Keep up the good fight, girls. More later. 

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited September 2007

    Good heavens, Kaye, a dog bite?! You poor thing! Sort of comical that the ER came up with neosporin. Fingers crossed that the doggie germs get kicked down by the amoxicillin.

    So glad to hear about the fat globule! That's great news. 

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  • chemomom
    chemomom Member Posts: 171
    edited September 2007

    Thank goodness, Kaye!  I am so glad the US cam back OK!.  I can ony imagine your nerves before that! 

    And I haven't had any surgery yet, which is why I didn't have the nodes checked. My tumor was so big it had to be shrunk prior to surgery.  So the only invasive procedure I have had (besides the port) was the initial biopsy-- when NO ONE expected cancer.  So I am trying not to be concerned about nodes until I can actually do something other than speculate. My under-arm did start to hurt in July before I started chemo.   As the onc explained, or at least how my brain wanted to hear it... if the nodes had been positive at all, but responded so well to the Herceptin and other stuff that they would be completely clean at surgery, then in her words, "I am golden."  Basically-- the difference between 3a & 3b prognosis is a big one... so for now, i am throwing myself into 3a unless someone tells me different!!  :)  

    Gotta go help my hubby give the kids their Sunday baths.  take care ladies.  I am always so glad to hear everyone's posts.  xo,  Angie

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  • kidsmom
    kidsmom Member Posts: 55
    edited September 2007

    Kaye,

    I don't write often, but I always read about everyone.  I am very received for you that the lump turned out OK.  So sorry to hear about the dogbite.  What bad luck.

    I just finished by 4th (and final) AC on Friday.  My worst days will probably be Tuesday and Wednesday comingup.  It seems that Neulasta takes a lot out of me after I get it Monday afternoon.

    I am glad to hear everyone is handing in there.  Harley, I'm jealous that your almost finsihed with all your treatments, but so happy for you.  I have four taxol treatments to follow and then the radiation.  I've reached the halfway point for chemo though and feel relieved about that.

    Keep fighting everyone!!

    Kidsmom

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  • Monkeygirl61
    Monkeygirl61 Member Posts: 49
    edited September 2007

    Thanks Kaye now that we know you are okay I'm going to try something different....sleep.

    A dog bite?  I just can't believe it.  Let's add new dogs to the list of things to avoid!

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited September 2007

    Kidsmom,

    Thanks!  I am halfway thru my tx, but on Tuesday, I'll have my 3rd of 4 TC txs...  I am so glad to be almost finished!  I have been getting so tired!  Even this last week, when I should be feeling better, I am SO TIRED!!  

    It looks like my hair has stopped falling out.  It came in ALL WHITE, but now it seems to be getting darker!  So that is a good thing!

    Hang in there!  You'll be finished soon!!  Only 4 more txs for you!!

    Good luck!

    Harley

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  • CTLMom
    CTLMom Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2007

    Morning all,

    I have my third treatment on 9/20. Since last Thursday I have developed a cold. No fever just head congestion. Has anyone else gotton sick during treatment. I am afraid they will cancel my treatment. Should I call my onc? I really do not want to delay this whole thing. Just paranoid I guess.Foot in mouth

    Lorene

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  • carol_kelley
    carol_kelley Member Posts: 20
    edited September 2007

    Hi all,

    4th tx left me very drained. Scheduled for heart test on 24th.  Hope things are fine.  Onc thinks I just overdid after last treatment with the deaths and funeral and all.  Have bad staph infection running rampant at the school where I work so I called in today.  My blood counts were on the low side of normal and I don't want to take any chances.  Only 2 tx left to go and radiation woo hooo!!!!

    Thanks for all of the kind words.  My son lives in Oklahoma City, he is in the Air Force, and the twins were buried at Ft. Sill National Cemetery, very nice service.  They were beautiful little girls named Aurora Dawn and Sierra Jade and will always be loved and remembered.

    So glad the lumps were okay, and all is well on that scare.  Sorry about the dog bite.  You know, I always worry about that stuff because I have noticed that chemo makes me smell different.  Have you all noticed that?  Maybe it is what I am on, but I do not smell the same to myself, of course my smeller is off like my taste buds are, so that could be it.

    Well,  girls, love you all and think about you all but I am super tired so am leaving for now to go lie down.  I will try to get better at this as I feel better.

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