Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Hi Sherry...I started losing my hair on day 14 after treatment. However, my scalp was sore starting on day 8. I had my husband shave it all off (to about a half inch) on day 14. I had long, thick, very fine textured hair, so I didn't want to deal with tangling as it started coming out. It took until about day 18 until it started really coming out. I remember I had to spend 45 minutes in the shower just trying to get all the hair out of the drain, off me and out of the SOAP!

My husband is, well, shall we say "folically challenged" and it's kind of funny that my 18 month old daughter has more hair than anyone in our family!

Kimberly, I think I can answer your question about the steroids. It looks like you are going to have Taxotere and they prescribe Dexamethasone/Decadron to combat serious allergic reactions to that regimen. I haven't had any problems whatsoever. I pre-medicate with a day and a half of that steroid in pill form and then the infusion consists of a Decadron IV about 30 minutes before they administer the Taxotere. The oncology nurse stays with me for the first 5-10 minutes of the infusion to make sure that I don't have an adverse reaction. Evidently, it can range from mild to severe...something like anaphylactic shock. The last time I was getting my IV before treatment, a nurse came into the VAD area and said that someone had a bad reaction to Taxotere (did NOT make me feel comfy). When I asked the nurse about it as she was hooking me up to the IV, she said that the patient didn't pre-medicate with the steroids before her infusion and didn't tell them when they asked her if she'd taken all her medication. OOPS! 

Oh, and thank you for posting in my "Anyone else feel forced out on Disability Leave" thread. I thought your name looked familiar! I was forced out four days before my first treatment (thank you for the added stress!). I had exemplary performance reviews with this company for seven years and would never have seen it coming in a million years. I've talked to lawyers, the Patient Advocate Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. They all said that companies have found a loophole in the FMLA. If they force you out because of your illness, that's illegal. If they concoct a case against your job performance (truthful or not), that's legal. I don't want a fight. I just wanted a little support from a company that I've bent over backward for, for many years. So heartbreaking.

I hope all of you who have just completed a tx are comfortable and enjoying the weekend. For those of you who are awaiting their first...hang in there. The anxiety is the worst part and once it's over with, you'll wonder why you worried so much!

Take care!

Sharon 

Hi wvgirl! You and I have the same oncologist. What a small world! I have so much admiration for him. He has been nothing but patient, kind and willing to answer any (and every) question I throw at him. I've never felt rushed either...which is RARE these days.  I also just adore Angie, his oncology nurse. They make a GREAT team.

I live close to the Cheat Lake area off of Route 7. I work remotely (at least I think I still do) for a company in Northern Virginia and my husband is in school at WVU in Morgantown. 

If you ever need someone to go with you to an appointment or infusion, just let me know. If I am able, I'd be more than happy to help! I have my next treatment on the 9th, so I guess we are a week apart. Feel free to send me a private message and I can get you my contact info.

Take care!

Sharon 

Thanks Sharon for the info...and I'm sorry about your whole job situation...it sucks to give of yourself to make their bottom line fat so to speak....and to be tossed aside. How cool that you and WVgirl live in close proximity and share the same oncologist!



D1, sounds like you're doing REALLY well!!!!! OLE!!!! (Our Leader Extraodinaire).

A workout, a hair cut, xmas gift exchanging, and a Viking's game...sounds like a full day.



Yep, from what you and Sharon have said, it's my chemotini that is determining the use of this steroid.

I just want to get this party started darn it...



My DH has gone off to the mall...I can't deal with all the madness...so I'm here finishing laundry and checking in on how you are all are doing.



TaTa for now,

Your SIS (Sister In Survival)

Kimberly

Thanks Barb, I haven't talked to my oncol. yet but I have been reading about the immune system.

Kimberly, I decided against the trial, all four of them would take longer than I could do. My daughter is having a baby in June and I want to be ready for him/her when he/she gets here.

Here is the link for the study, if anyone would like to read about it. http://www.cancer.gov/search/ViewClinicalTrials.aspx?cdrid=334899&version=Patient&protocolsearchid=3948559

Hi Sherry, I will look into the stress tabs.

Not feeling as well today. Got really sleepy last night, took a Benadryl for the neck rash (unknown reaction), and with that and the Ativan I was pretty useless.

Very lethargic today, managed 15 mins on the treadmill early. Slightly nauseated, absolutely no appetite, little energy. Stuff is tasting a little weird.

Had some toast, a half turkey sandwich, a cup of Lipton's soup, and an Ensure high protein. Time to think about something for dinner ... something LIGHT. Don't even want to drink water.

Neulasta shot hasn't caused any trouble yet, got it yesterday at 4.

Hope tomorrow is a bit better .... 

I'm thinking the 1/2 hour on the treadmill isn't going to happen.

Maybe a shower will help.

Chins up ladies ... we'll get through it. 

Sharon, how cool to have met another survivor in your neck of the woods (wvgirl).  Hope you can provide extra support for each other!

Good morning Jan Jewels,

I'm Suz from Dec 07 gang  and have been been reading along with all your posts. I think you are all wonderful and strong so hang in there. 

KathyL, I had my port placed Dec 11 and 1st tx on the 12, 2nd on Dec 27 without any problems or extra pain. I hope this helps. Didn't even need the lidocain spray.

Take care all, and the worst part is the fear of the unknown.

Love and Hugs

Suz

Hi Girls: 

I think I lost my note I'd written, so I'll rewrite now...  Anyway, I am so addicted to this site, too.  It is the best therapy/support ever!  Thanks to all of you. I am on my computer a lot these days, but I think it will actually be nice when I'm home off work.  I'm taking a disability leave starting the day I get my port (Jan 14).  My onc wrote for 6 months, but I'll have to see what happens... I hope I'm not out that long, we'll be broke.  My onc is very supportive and basically said he'll write for whatever I want to do.  Anyone else having trouble with work though?  Mine has not been too supportive (though they think they are being supportive).  I am totally worried about being fired while I'm gone b/c I can't be there to work.  I am not working during chemo b/c my office is a very germy place (pediatrician office during the winter- yikes!) and it doesn't seem like there's a way to "alter" my job to make it safer.  I work directly with the kids being seen.  I am on my feet constantly without any breaks-- so I'd also be exhausted trying to keep the pace.  I have no time off left-- I used it all when I had my mastcetomy in October.  The work situation is a major stress for me right now-- almost worse than the thought of starting chemo soon.

Suz:  Thanks for your words on the port.  It did help.  It's really nice that people from "before" come to offer tips and encouragement.

Kimberly:  I knew about the EMLA cream, but they say they won't use it on a "fresh surgical site".  I'm hoping they'll use it all the other times after that.  I hope you get your dates soon-- there's that waiting thing again that we all hate!  Also, I asked everyone about the PT/OT (my PS, my, breast surgeon, my onc.).  It was my onc who finally wrote the RX and referred me to a group that specializes in breast cancer patients.  They are great... I got really lucky on that one.  So, I guess I'd just ask whomever you see next and push for the order.  It makes you feel so much better to see some progress and feel you're doing something towards a goal.

D1/OLE:  You are amazing, girl!  I feel the need to at least try and rise to the occasion of not being a total wuss about this chemo thing after reading your posts.  You do more on a chemo day than I do on a regular one!  And your posts crack me up-- I am so loving your sense of humor and the details don't bother me at all (we nurses are a sick bunch anyway!  My family used to censor what I'd say about my workday at the dinner table).  Oh, and just for the record folks, I am NOT an onc. nurse (I do pediatrics), so all this stuff is not my knowledge base.  Please share details and stories!

LJ:  Hang in there!  We are all behind you.  It is good to read your posts regardless of the day you had though-- we get the whole story good or not and that's helpful, too.  You can do this!

OK, an acronym I got!!!

Vettegal, hang in there, your just over a week from having surgery.  You will probably hit a point in the next couple of days where you are on the downhill slide from this uphill battle of surgery.  I love the shirt idea!!!!

D1 - I was reading your post to my dh, I said "fubc", he picked right up on that one.   What do you expect from a tug boater and trucker in the same house.   So is the shot all part of the txt plan?  I see I have alot more to educating to do. 

We're entertaining again tonight, trying to get it all in before the txt starts on the 10th.  Probably won't be doing to much then.  

What do you think, will we all remember this new years?  I'm looking forward to closing the chapter of 2007 and hitting 2008 with my fighting gloves on!!!

Carol

Hi Carol! From what I have read, the Neulasta shot is NOT automatically part of the tx plan. There is also a 5-day regimen called Neupogen. Both help the body produce red and white blood cells. My oncologist did not prescribe either for my first tx. Only 40% of women experience neutropenia (low white blood cell counts) during chemotherapy. I think he wanted to save me, A) the cost and, the misery if, in fact, I wasn't in that 40%. The average cost of one Neulasta syringe is $3800. Neupogen costs about $300 per syringe (x 5 days), so it costs around $1500 total.

Unfortunately, I did develop neutropenia, so my oncologist asked me which regimen I would prefer for this last treatment. I chose Neupogen for the following reasons... I have an 18 month-old, so the "moderate to severe bone pain" that Neulasta is famous for was not something I wanted to be immobilized by. Also, the cost of Neulasta is a little too high for my liking.

I volunteered to give myself the Neupogen injections so I didn't have to drive (actuallly have someone else drive me) to the cancer center and back five days in a row over the Christmas holiday. It definitely worked because my counts were GREAT when I had my blood work done the following week. I also had NO BONE PAIN which I was thrilled about. I'd rather stick myself with a needle than have that! I'm so sorry D1!!!!! ((((hugs)))) I understand it can be quite dibilitating. Ask your onc if you can try the Neupogen next time...and you don't have to give it to yourself. They can give it to you each time.

Carol, ask your onc what his plan is for you and weigh your options.

Have a peaceful evening everyone!

Sharon

Hi ladies -- I can't say I'm "happy" to join this thread, but I just found out my first chemo treatment will be this coming Thursday, January 3. It looks like you've been active for a while, so I'm not sure I'll catch up with all of the posts. I've read through some of them and will be happy to have the support of such a strong group!

About me - I am a 38 year old, married, high school business teacher, with a 12-year old son. My mother had bc at ages 32 and 38 - mastectomies both times. She lost her battle with cancer at age 46 after fighting a tough battle with ovarian cancer.

I had a complete hysterectomy two years ago - recommended by my mom's doctor when she was fighting the ovarian cancer. My sister had the hysterectomy and a bilateral mastectomy - prophylactic. I chose not to do the mastectomy at that time. Late November, I found a lump and was dx with invasive ductal carcinoma. I had a bilateral mastectomy on Dec. 11 and am recuperating from that surgery - my drains were removed about a week and 1/2 ago.

I just found out my chemo will include a combo of Cytoxan, Adriamycin, and Fluorouracil. I've been doing lots of reading, but am still a little nervous about how, exactly, it will affect me. I plan to return to work on Jan. 14 (I went on leave right before my surgery) and I'm hoping I'll be able to continue working through my chemo. I need a total of six treatments, every 3 weeks.

I'm glad I'll have you all to go through this with - I know it will help to have a connection with others who are going through the same thing.

Julie

Wow, I'm pooped from co. tonight but still want to see who's feeling what tonight.

Sheshe48, I'll check out chemo for dummies in the morn.  Thanks for the info, and I'm hoping I may not lost hair, as I've read on the CMF thread I found that thinning of the hair and loss of eyebrows and lashes seem to be the extent.  Who knows, I guess in the big picture, hair loss is not as bad as a boob thats been whacked!!!! 

JulieK, my oh my, what a journey you've been on, I lost my mom at 66 of melanoma and I thought that was pretty bad.  I'm so sad to hear your story.  I'm hoping for a full recovery from surgery and a tolerable journey of txt. in the near future.  I think with the ladies at this site, you'll have some great support!!!

Vettegal, tried this morning to shave the pit, I noticed that I raise my left arm straight up towards the ceiling to shave.  I've tried the last couple of days to do the same w/the right. Not even close...I'm kinda scared about doing something stupid I think I hit a couple hairs and that was about it.   Decided I'd try again about Thurs, the day of PT.  I dabbed a tiny bit of deo, on day 9 after surg.  My incision is a little lower than the pit, but I did not want any pit juice to hit the incision site so a dab would have to do.

Sharon, thanks for your info on the Neulasta injection.

D1 - hope you got a good nights sleep tonight.  This shot sounds like a pain in the a.... that you or others don't need.  Hoping after the big meal everything settled down.

Boy I'm so impressed by the postings of those of you doing exercise.  I need to get off my butt and hit the gym, or atleast walk around the neighborhood.  I have never been unfit, I have lost about 10 lbs, since diagnosis in Oct and I guess I've kinda used the "C" as an excuse to be kinda lazy.  I know that I need to get the exercise/diet thing on track here really soon.  I guess I'll be like many and get started on 2 JAN!!!!  My dh asked the onc about exercise and I raised my eyebrows to him and said, "I don't need to be told by a doc to exercise"!  Guess I better get to it!!!

Kimberly, hoping your afternoon matinee gave you some "fun" time this past afternoon.

Hoping to chat tomorrow, Carol

OK, I'll write more later.. gotta feed my little rugrats lunch... but I wanted to share about shaving the pits... my docs recommended using an electric razor (borrow from the hubby).  I did this until they gave me the OK to shave with mine (once swelling went down and incision site was healed; I think it was about 2-3 weeks, but I can't remember).  Also, wash the area daily with antibacterial soap to cut down on the BO (somebody else mentioned this... I read quickly and I agree).