Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Wanted also to mention after I shaved my head with a clipper, my scalp got red and very sensitive (a lot of us had the same thing).  I read to try shaving my head with a regular razor.  I was hesitant, especially because they say not to use razors, but I did and it totally helped. 

And someone earlier here mentioned being triple negative and what that means.  I'm triple negative.  It means you test negative for the cancer being fed by the known hormones er, pr, and her2.  Which means they do not know what feeds your cancer and so they don't know what specific treatment is appropriate and usually prescribe a standard treatment like what I had (chemo ACT).  If you're triple negative, they can't do that new oncotype testing that tells you the more about your cancer either. 

Hi everyone!  D1 I liked your thread about the "chemo orientation".  I have mine Wednesday after my MUGA scan is done.  We'll have to swap tips.  I'm leaving in 5 minutes for my expander surgery!!!  This one seems good-- I get a new boob for Xmas.  I hope to write more over the weeeknd.

Kathy

I am so glad someone started this thread.  I am supposed to be starting by end of year.  Have to have bone scan and MUGA scan first and then the fun begins.  I must say that eventhough I am apprehensive, I am so ready to be "doing" something and let the waiting stop.  Had bilateral Nov 2nd.  Healing well and getting strength back.  No matter what the side effects turn out to be, at least I will be feeling like I am fighting and not just sitting on the sidelines waiting to get started.  I was told I will be doing 4 treatments of AC and then 4 of Taxol depending on what the scans show.  Both scans are next week. 

It is so great that there is so much support here.  Even if just reading the posts, it makes it bearable to know that there are other warriors who led the way.

Sorry I keep popping in.  

It is important to go in to the ER if you have a temp (my onc said 100.3 but ask your's).  They want you to go in saying you're an onc patient and ask for a private room because sometimes the ER doesn't really seem to get that a temp for a cancer patient can be a big deal and they'll tell you to wait until your clinic opens, blah blah blah.  And the private room is in case your white blood cells come back from lab as really low so you don't catch anything. 

This happened to me.  I called the ER at 5am and they told me it was up to me whether I came in or waited for my clinic but they recommended the clinic.  Well, I went in and when my labs came back, a fuss was made and I was carted off to isolation.  Luckily I didn't catch anything.  I stayed in the hospital and got those shots that raise the white cells and I went home.   

Hi ladies, well I did it!!!! My first treatment of A/C. No problems at all. There was a little burning in my nose when the Cytoxan was started. Nothing I couldn't handle though. The Adriamycin wasn't in a bag like the Cytoxan, they used a syringe to insert it. The nurse said it's given like that so she can monitor any blood being backtracked. Other than that everything was fine. I'm on my way to being finished...yippee!!!

Paxton, thanks for the info.  They pretty much told me that I would not need radiation.  I had a bilateral so maybe that is why?

Glad you are near the end of chemo.  Hope radiation goes smoothly for you.

Hi - I'm from the January 2007 chemo group - just stopping in to let you know that this is doable and that you have started a great group here. I still post every day with the group on this board that started chemo last January and I can't tell you how much their posts have helped me. I hope all of you find just as much support and encouragement in this group.

Last Janauary I started 6 rounds of FEC after having 2 surgeries. I'm sitting here tonight with hair, eyebrows, a normal energy level and feeling great.

Best wishes to all of you! 

Hey vettegal, I haven't had my first treatment yet but thanks for being proud of me anyway.  You might have been reading Sharon's post.  She had her first one and did great!  Have you started your treatment yet?  And I love the name January Jewels.  The group that I walk the "Race for the Cure" is called Jordan's Jewels in memory of a coworker so it really sounds good to me.

Christmas is coming and I am blessed by the comraderie and good thoughts and info from the people on this website.

Hello Fellow January Jewels (love the name!):

D1-- your sister sounds great.  My step sister did the lock of love also.  It's pretty amazing.  My 5 year old daughter wants to grow her hair now, too.

I am post-op day 2 from my expander exchange and not feeling so hot.  I think I have a cold on top of surgery recovery.  Makes me nervous thinking about colds since we'll be starting chemo soon and colds aren't good then.  I have my MUGA scan and "chemo talk" on Wednesday and it's freaking me out a little.  It'll all be a little bit more real after that step.  I am just tired of being poked and tested.  And I don't wanna be bald in the winter.  I know.. waa waa waa!  Had to vent.  I'll be back to my positive self soon enough

I am glad I stumbled on to this website as well. I start chemo on December 27th. Haven't decided yet on the exact treatment. Either TC x4 or CMF for six months. We go in for the "teaching" tonight. I just want to get this started too.  The waiting is awful. Those on TC x 4, how has it been?