Starting Chemo in September?? where are you ladies

Hi Paxton,

Sorry to hear the lasagna didn't set well with you-- give it a few days and try it again!  Hope you had a fun lunch today!

I am so happy to hear that you are hunters-- I think in a previous post, you told me about the moose draw.  I do hope you get to go!!  And bowfishing-- WOW!!! I am dying to try it!!  I have a Parker Challenger compound that is a sweet little bow, but would like to get another one to set up for bowfishing.  I just came in a while ago from shooting into my Block target-- first time since my surgeries and I really surprised myself- a little weakness but did great!  (my hair usually gets in my way of my knocking point-- won't have to worry about that soon!) Hubby says he is going to put me in a ground blind, since he doesn't feel good about me being in my treestand yet, especially with all the medicines I'm taking, so there may be hope for my hunting season yet!!  And I do plan to do some rifle hunting in November.  I tagged along during dove season this year which was 2 weeks after my last surgery, cried the first day because I couldn't use my shotgun, but got some good video footage of my husband and his brother shooting, but still had a great time (even in 90 degree weather).  We met the game warden in the area and he suggested I use a crossbow during bow season and I almost cried-- that hurt my pride but he was just being nice and helpful.

Glad you got to sight in your rifle and I hope you all have a great scouting and camping trip!  Take care of yourself but hang in there and do as much as you can!  I believe it is great therapy. Being outdoors has really brought me tremendous peace and strength during this bc thing.

Thank you so much for the wash "recipe"!  I will begin it right away. I'm glad you're feeling better and that the venison and apricots worked.  We have a roast thawing that I plan on putting in the crockpot tomorrow.  I had my Neulasta shot today and breezed through it, so I'm hoping I'm past the point of the nausea thing.  I am not even tired, yet.  I'm trying not to brag, but I'm doing much better than I thought I would- just hope it keeps up for the rest of my tx's.  When is your next tx?  Mine is October 1 and I should have my last one Oct. 29.  Then onto the Taxol and Herceptin. 

Take care and let me know how your scouting/camping trip goes!

Best wishes,

Mary Jo

I live in central MN.  We rent a farmhouse (our landlord lives on the next farm over and uses some of the buildings on our place, but the privacy out here is awesome).    This part of the state has tons and tons of lakes, wooded areas and prairie lands (as well as farm fields).  The area we live in is mostly just a lot of small towns scattered around with the occasional larger town.  Minneapolis/St. Paul is about 2 1/2 hours southeast. 

I've lived in this area since junior high.  Before that time, I lived in the very southern part of MN which was mostly prairie; very windy.  When I was really little, we lived way up in the northern part of MN.  This area is thick timberland and quite beautiful.  Up that way, there are also iron ore ranges and beautiful cliffs.  I've contemplated living up there as an adult but the winters are so brutal.

The area we'll be hunting in is way up in the very tip of the east side just miles from Canada.  We're going to stay at a bear hunting camp run by the guy we sell our fur to during trapping season. 

Last night I dreamt about moose hunting; that my bf shot a bull and when I went the follow up shot, there were several and I couldn't tell which one was the one he had shot.  Guess the DNR impacted me with their long speech on what will happen if you accidentally shoot 2 moose. 

Well, that's what I know today.  Its cool to see my whole post with nothing about cancer (other than this sentence lol).

Hi Paxton,

And I loved reading your post without that "c" word in it-- that proves life does go on and happily and wonderful too!   You sound like you are doing great!  And the area you live in sounds absolutely awesome!!!  I am green at the moment!  I would so love to visit there.  Hubby and I are still planning our trip out to Oregon where he used to live, and then onto Washington State where he was born and raised (and was a fur trader), and I can't wait to see all the wide open spaces and huge mountain ranges. I love seclusion and lots of woods and wildlife.  I grew up in Waynesville, NC, about 10 minutes from Canton, and it was always rural with cow pastures mixed in with houses, but no more-- pastures are packed full of houses and my beautiful little hometown has changed so much.

And how neat that you had the dream about your moose hunt-- I think that is a good sign that you are going to get to be there and feel great during your trip!!  Best of luck to you both!!

Mary Jo 

Hi Rachel!

Aren't these boards great for all the info about chemo?  I have taken lots of notes too, and they have sure helped.

And thank you for your kind words-- I'm so glad I can help.  When I was first dx'd, I immediately thought the worst and did not have a positive attitude.  But the more I learned (mostly from this board) the more I realized how much hope there is in beating this!  And you will be fine too!!!  I hope you are healing well.  I am just now getting away from the pain that went with mine, which wasn't too bad.  The SNB was a bit uncomfortable, but now, unless I turn a certain way, I forget I had it. My port felt funky for a while, but strangely since I had my first blood draw last week and my first tx on Monday, it doesn't hurt now.  

I wish you the best tomorrow!  You sound like a strong lady and you will make it through just great!!!  I too had plenty of "freaking out" days when I just knew I couldn't make it through the chemo. I know all the stuff they give you to read at the chemo training is overwhelming-- mine was 9/11 (of all dates!) and my head was spinning when we got through, but the nurse really took her time and made me feel at ease.  And I have to tell you-- my first chemo was a total breeze!!!  I suppose I was lucky, because I personally know the nurse that took care of me and she was so comforting and explained every single thing she did and what I could expect.  I am sure they will do that for you too.  She also explained that today's chemo treatments are nothing like the ones in the past and that there is no reason to be sick with all the improved meds they have now. The actual infusion was a piece of cake, and I have yet to be anything beyond just a wee bit queasy, and just eating a light snack or crackers make it go away.  I have been sleeping the best I've slept in weeks, and that's helped me feel good.  I really feel a positive attitude is the only way I can deal with this-- being negative just causes anguish for me and my precious husband, who has stuck with me like glue.  I think if you can go in with the mindset that you are not going to get sick, it will work.  I know it's only been two days for me, and goodness knows what I'll feel like tomorrow, but I think I'm going to make it fine.  And you will too!!!  Please let us know how your first tx goes as soon as you feel up to it.

How many Taxols are you going to have?  I was originally scheduled for 12 weeks, then they said 16 weeks, now they say 12 weeks again.  I guess they'll have it figured out when the time comes.  

One more bit of advice-- ask all the questions you feel like you need to, while you're in the treatment room!  I had a long list on Monday-- even went back yesterday for my Neulasta shot and had another list for them, which they all cheerfully answered.  By the way, my Neulasta shot was a breeze too.  So far, no side effects at all, and no pain other than a sting with the actual shot.  The nurse did take the time to warm it up and she said that made all the difference how it felt going in, so you might want to ask about that.  And I had mine in the fleshy (fatty) part of the back of my arm, right above the elbow, as opposed to the stomach area where some have it, and that might have made a difference.  

Hang in there and I'll be praying for you and thinking about you tomorrow!!!  PM me anytime, ok?  We can help each other sail along smoothly since we are in the same boat!  Take care and best wishes!

Mary Jo 

Today is day 13 after my first A/C tx. I still have my hair. I'm curious when did most of you start to lose your hair? Not that it really matters. I leave on Sunday for a cruise and want to be prepared. If it happens I wish it would happen before I leave. I know...wishful thinking.

Cheryll

Hi Paxton and Mary Jo!

Not much going on here. I feel almost normal and have been catching up on laundry and basically getting stuff done around the house. I was going to try to go to the gym, but 4 loads of laundry and I was pretty tired, so that was my workout  

What is the neulasta shot for? I have not had one. I have my next tx in one week and just can't even think about it. I went to a support group meeting at the breast cancer resource center we have here in Santa Barbara, CA. The other women there reasurred me that the 2nd time will go much better...so I am hanging on to that.

I'm originally from Maryland and my dad used to hunt, it was interesting reading your posts about hunting, reminded me of when I was a little girl.

Take care!

Marietta 

Hi Mary Jo,

Thanks for writing back. Actually I did feel the "tingling" yesterday and today. It feels like when you have your hair up in a pony tail for a long time then take it down. Not really tingling or pain. Just wierd. And I must of jinxed myself because this morning I lost about 50 hairs in the shower another 25 or so in the sink, while doing my hair. Then when I grabbed a handful to curl with the curling iron, about 1/2 of it came out in my hands! That was a shock! So after work tomorrow, my best friend is going to give me a buzz cut!

As far as a metallic taste, no I have not had that. I do have a wierd taste and sort of dry mouth but it's not metallic. I know the gum I usually chew tastes different but most foods taste the same. And no I haven't any any mouth sores. I thought about using the biotene toothpaste just in case. How does it taste? I think I get some for the trip as I won't be able to get anyting on the ship. Might as well be prepared! Thanks again for writing back. Take care! My next tx is Oct. 4, so I be writing again soon. Your attitude is amazing! Keep it up girl!

Cheryll

Hi Paxton,

Good luck on that scouting trip and have loads of fun!!!  Take all your meds and be prepared and you'll do fine!!!  I know you're a bit nervous but I like your motto-- Do It Anyway!

I am awaiting the hair departure also and have even got a scarf tucked into my bag just in case it happens away from home. 

Have a great weekend, let me know what you find out there, and best of luck on Monday!

Mary Jo 

Hi Cheryll,

Well you're at the point that I am anxious awaiting- I almost wish I could just get it all over with.  You see how long my hair is in my pic-well that's the shortest it's been in years-- and this is going to be a real shocker, appearance wise, mostly to everyone else. But I know it will grow back-- not really fretting about that.  Glad you've got a friend to help you with the buzz cut-- (hubby and I went out and bought some clippers and he has been appointed the honor when the time comes).  Just think, you'll save lots of hair-fixing time while on your cruise!!!  Where are you going on your trip?  I hope it is beautiful and sunny!

As for the Biotene tooth paste, I think it tastes excellent, much better than I expected.  It is a little pricier than the regular, but I bought a big bottle of the Biotene mouthwash at Wal-Mart for a little over $5 and attached to it was a tiny sample of the Biotene toothpaste.  You might look for that special offer in your stores.  But the regular size tube is about $4-5 I think, but not that much more than the jazzed up fancy regular brands here.

Again have fun cruising and let us know how it goes!!!

Hugs,

Mary Jo 

Hey Methusala,

Been wondering about you, girl!  Thanks for starting this thread. I hope your trip to Disney was WONDERFUL!!!

Yes the boards are definitely different...

Hope your chemo is going well for you!  Please check in later and let us know how it went, ok?  

Best wishes to you!

Mary Jo 

Hi ladies,

I was cruising the boards and came across your thread.

I was dx a year ago,Stage 2A, no node invovlement. ER+PR+. I had 4 rounds of A/C and 36 radiation treatments.  I also had a medi port and Neulasta shots. As of this date - I am cancer free!!!

My hair started falling out after my second treatment. It was hard for me to deal with, but must of the time I walked around bald!! The Neulasta really helped keep my counts up so I could continue treatment.  I was on several anti-nausea med's which were a GOD send.  The only thing I really had trouble with was fatigue.

I just wanted you all to know that it is doable and if you have any ?'s feel free to ask.

I found your hunting stories incredible.  My DH used to bowhunt until he was dx with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma several years back.  He stopped. Mentally, he just couldn't do it anymore. Funny, how we're all so different.

Hang in there ladies, I'll check back often.

Valerie

Hi Nancy!

Thanks for joining our little group. You sure have been through a lot. Make sure you get those anti-nausea meds, they really are important. My two biggest problems were nausea and constipation. If you can tackle those two issues you'll probably find chemo easier to deal with. 

Good luck with the wig shopping! I'll be wearing mine starting tomorrow night. I have a lot of hair and it is coming out in handfuls, so tomorrow is the big buzz cut!  I'm actually starting to feel like it may be liberating to not have to worry about my hair...it's always been so high maintenance

Keep us all posted on how you are.

I hope everyone is doing well today, have a great weekend!

Marietta 

I start chemo next Thursday, they are doing AC x 4, every 2 weeks followed by Taxotere x 4 every 2 weeks.  I need to research about Taxotere, I have heard about Taxol.  I am planning on wearing tops that will allow easy access to my port.   I am going to bring a book and a bottle of water, figure I will be thirsty after being there.  She said to count on two hours.   The nurse assured me they will help me work through any side effects the best they can.  She said I will need to go back 24 hours later (they try to make it real close to 24 hours) for my Neulasta injection.  I am really trying to go into this with an open mind and not focus on side effects. 

The nurse said Emend (?) is very expensive and insurance doesn't always like to pay for it, so I will get two meds in my IV and then they have samples for me to take home.  She said I need to communicate with them on every side effect and how I felt, they encourage patients to keep a journal.  She said to call and let them know so they can adjust meds or replace them.

I have some stool softener I got before my surgeries and I was glad I had it on hand.  I will make sure I have flavored water, saltines and other stuff easy on my stomach.  I have read that people really crave certain foods and some foods are a complete turn off.

My friend will be buzzing my hair when it starts to come out.  I think I will get some caps and scarves too.  I know I want a sleep cap.  It will be hard on my elderly mom and my son too see me with no hair.  It's going to be reality, but I want to make it easy on them.  Mom has macular degeneration, lives with me and doesn't drive.  My son is 19 and has a connective tissue disease and deals with significant visual impairment and joint problems.  I am the only driver, but I have a great group of friends and church members to help me!

I love how we can support each other as we begin this segment of our journey in September.

Nancy

Hi Trigeek,

Welcome! We'll all get through this together!  I know that scarey feeling all too well, but once you get going, it gets much easier.  My first tx was Sept. 17 and I found it isn't as "mysterious" as I thought, and I have done much better than I thought I would. Keeping an open mind and determination not to get sick helped me a lot too.  Lean on us whenever you need to-- we're here for you!

Good luck and best wishes,

Mary Jo