Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Determined1 · January 2008

Hells yeah, Jenn, the evil is going DOWN!

I hate unexpected bummer news. I'll bet you're all a muddle with the extended tx's and a port to boot. From what I've read, with 8 tx you're going to be happy to have the port. I'm a little worried with 4 tx's that I might blow some veins and with 8 I think the risk is far too great to take. Scroll back through our thread, there were some conversations about port placement a few pages ago that you may find helpful.

And do me a flavor, will ya? I'm trying to keep the Jewel Roll Call at the top of the page up to date (as is KathyL, who is double-checking my work via her written list), and need a little more info from you on your tx. You start 1/17 for 8 tx. But what is your chemotini? And will you imbibe every two or every three weeks or what? And then what's your tx with herceptin? I know, I'm a question girl. Sorry 'bout that.

Oh, and I sure understand how you feel about telling people. I was dx'd in August and am just now telling people! I mean, my family and close friends knew, but since I'm not full-time employed right now, I've been doing lots of volunteer work and haven't told many of the people I "manage" at my volunteer sites. A few know because I found heavy lifting impossible after my many surgeries (I was a monthly drive-thru surgery customer for a while!), but others are only finding out now because I'm tiring more easily and need to ask them to step up more. It was interesting the other day when I asked a woman to take a more responsible role for a project we have going and told her I couldn't really do it cuz I have bc and am in chemo. She was so surprised and then showed me her new girls, courtesy of her bc experience in 2004! It's so funny to me how we bc gals immediately pull our shirts tight to show off our survivorship! I find myself doing it to show off my lopsidedness! We're so sick. Anyway, my point (what was my point?) is tell people on your own schedule. Word'll get out some and that's okay. You'll know when it's time to share.

Onward!

D1

Jenn51 · January 2008

OK D1, let's see if I have this straight & be easy on me, I don't know all of the abbrev. yet. Chemo starts 1/17. Adriamycin + Cytoxan 1x every 3 wks for 4 treatments. Then Taxol 1x every 3 wks for 4 trmts. I believe the herceptin starts 1/17 once a week until chemo is done, then goes to once every 3 wks til 1/17/09. This is pending a good MUGA this Fri. After chemo is Rad. M-F for 33 trmts. Anything else you should know?

Cathy, I have been friends with my 16-yr. survivor since Jr.High & she is my hair dresser. At her house last Fri. we were picking out a wig when she decided to wash & dry my hair. My drain which wasn't out at the time really appreciated that. Anyway, while drying me she said "Geez girl, you really need a haircut!" I gave her one of those looks & we both laughed for 15 minutes. My hair is usually pretty short so I'm going to go until it gives signs of coming out. Then she will shave me & style the wig. I'm also on the lookout for some scarves because she says with my "hot nature" the wig will drive me crazy. Maybe I'll just paint my head Colts Blue with a white horseshoe.

billsgirl · January 2008

Hi Jan Jewels,

I don't have a whole lot to add about myself, but I do check in regularly to see how you ladies are doing and appreciate all that you share. I'm feeling pretty calm about Friday and hope that I can keep those nasty se at bay. Picked up my wig today - love it. If I feel up to it, I will go to the Look Good, Feel Good clinic Monday. Can't wait to see the makeup

KathyL · January 2008

Hi Girls!

One more day at work to go! Kinda glad to have that stress almost over. My dad pulled through his bypass surgery very well today-- thanks for all the good vibes for him. I'll get to see him Saturday (I think I'll suffer Jewel withdrawal being away from "y'all" for 2 days!). It was a long surgery (5-6 hrs I think), and he's still snowed from the drugs. Hopefully tomorrow he'll be more aware and maybe I can even talk to him on the phone.

D1: I checked my list. Is Debbie on your list Deb3girls? Jenn51 has given you some more info after your last post (I added to mine). Otherwise you've got what I have down. SIS Kimberly has some more upcoming dates added. On a personal note, D1, you seem to be doing ok with the hair coming out. I think I'll be a wreck when that happens-- I'm on the same stuff as you and the same frequency, so I read your posts and SEs in detail.

CathyCA-- you are the fiber queen! I'll remember to ask you for tips again when I'm "backed up" from all my antinausea meds. It could get ugly ...

Carol: Thanks for the ice chip reminder. I'll be asking for them.

Carol and LJ13: Good luck tomorrow with your treatments, special hugs to Carol as it's her first.

Jenn51: My fellow HER2+ gal.. the MUGA is a breeze. Don't sweat it. I am a freak about tests and needles and the MUGA by far was the easiest I've had so far. And I love your signature. I gotta think of something snappy to put down for me...

In case I don't get to post tomorrow (yeah right!)... good luck to Amy1971 and Billsgirl on Friday with your first treatments. The Jewels are all behind you both!

How are Deb102307, SIS Kimberly, and Deb3girls holding up with SEs??

TTFN-- see you tomorrow!

deb102307 · January 2008

Just wanted to say that still doing well. Had a bout of heartburn but took a Pepcid AC and seem to be better. Having a small dinner and then headed to bed. Made it through the whole day at work.

Saltines are my friends :-)

Hope everyone else is doing well. For those starting, a case of the jitters is definitely normal. After going to the first one though, I am feeling better about it. I know I have to do it and I might as well try to have a good outlook about it.

Good night all. See you tomorrow.

Determined1 · January 2008

Ya done good, Jenn! Thanks.

Thanks for the double-check, KathyL, I think we're good for now. Glad to hear your dad did well today. He'll be happy to see you. Be forewarned that bypass surgery patients have LOTS of tubage (I was taken aback when I saw my dad--he was always so big and strong and brave and I couldn't believe the guy on the bed with all the stuff attached was the same man.). And you'll be okay with the hair. The head hair comes out whenever I run my hand thru it--so weird. Even weirder is when you pull the panties down to relieve yourself and see whats stuck in the cotton! But it doesn't hurt, yet, so I'm just going to go with the flow.

Good to hear from you, Deb. Can't believe you're working! You go, girl!

Shout out to LJ13 and Carol!! Bottoms up, gals!

D1

LilWarrior · January 2008

Hi Ladies,

If you can keep my Dad in your prayers I would greatly appreciate it. He too has Cancer (stomach), but because of his age 85, and losing my Mom and brother to Cancer he chose not to have surgery or treatment. My other brother has prostate Cancer as well and he choses to wait for surgery; I realize WOMEN are much stronger then men and we are able to fight/challenge the trials and tribulations. I am the fighter in the family and the most Godly one so I will show them I will prevail thru all this.

Thanks for all the mouth sores rememdies, and the fiber foods. Each day I take notes for myself and questions for my Doctors. I really hope you all know that each and everyone of you inspire me to do my best and that I will survive. I am so blessed to have each one of you and I am proud not sadden to join you. What doesnt break us will make us stronger.

Thanks and Friday I will be back on to tell you my results from the Onco so I get your wonderful results. I hope you all feel better and there isnt a day that goes by that I dont pray for ya'll. (Sorry I am country).

Thanks for the wisdom and strength - you are all my strength..

Welcome to all the new survivors that join, you have joined some great marvelous women and they will hold your hand thru these times.

Oh yea, I got another A on my Nursing exam.

God bless,

Dana

texrn · January 2008

Hi all,

Came across this thread, & thought I'd join in, since my first treatment was on Dec.28th; I'm in for TC, every 3 weeks x4 ( 12/28, 1/18, 2/8, 2/29 ). I survived my first treatment - had the full range of GI symptoms, & broke out in a rash...then the clouds parted on day 6, & I emerged alive & well, & on a steroid "high".

These days I'm just waiting for my hair to fall out - for me, anyway, that'll be the last of the "big humps" - i.e. the "fear of the unknowns"!

I look forward to learning a lot from, & sharing a lot with, you all!

vettegal · January 2008

Hi ladies-i have been in bed since tuesday afternoon...made it to the dr and i have some sinus infection, got some antibiotics and coughed all night long...dh hubby has thee same thing..we kept each other up all night coughing...will check later..hope is well...

my3girls · January 2008

bumping....for a newcomer named Sheryl50!

Anonymous · January 2008

Welcome Therese ! Sorry you had to join us, but it's a good group, be sure to keep us all posted on your progress.

Jenn51, tell that onco of yours that you want the best SE medications. There is no good reason for people to be really really sick during chemo ... the SE drugs are very good these days. They haven't made one yet that lets us keep our hair, but many people are experiencing little nausea and no vomiting. Try to take some time to read through the thread, there are good hints about minimizing the nausea (small meals, exercise if possible, etc.).

Got my bloodwork results a few minutes ago, I'm good to go for Chemo #2. (Yippee?) After this one, I'm halfway through AC. How's that for spin?

See ya ladies.

SISKimberly · January 2008

Good Morning Jewels,

I've read all the posts since my last one and just love how much of a cohesive group we've become in such a short while. You guys ROCK!!!

So far, still only slight nausea...not even bad...a weird taste in my mouth, but not metalic like...just swish with Biotene wash after meals and that seems to help. Drinking lots of water and tea. I ate four small meals yesterday...just not really hungry, but no I should eat. I'm supposed to experience the potential Decadron crash...but I'm saying I don't want to do that, so I'm just not going to do it. So there. I could also experience achiness and flu like syptoms in the next day or so, from the C part of my cocktail and the Neulasta, but again, I'm saying don't want to...and so far nothing like that has occured...as far as 8:49am that is. ;-)

KathyL-How's dad doing? How are you holding up?

Carol- I'm going to need an extra large with the potential for shrinkage wouldn't you think? Good luck today Carol. Hope your cold is under control, and you do well.

D1/OLE- I'm glad you've found comfort in my reminder that you've done all the tests you needed and that non-cancerous stuff was found, and this could just be more of that 'doesn't feel right' stuff. Thanks for the reminders about eating small meals and all. We are so lucky to have you and others who have gone before us to give us a flashlight and guidebook.

How you doing, Deb102307. Has anyone heard from SheShe lately?

How did things go yesterday, My3girls?

If I've missed anyone, sorry. If you had treatment this week, or are still waiting to have it this week...good luck...and kick some Cancer Butt!

SIS Kimberly

Amy1971 · January 2008

Glad to meet everyone here......well the jitters are getting worse now knowing that i only have one more day then it all begins. I got coverage yesterday for the neulasta which makes me somewhat feel better. Rather the one shot than 8 getting tired of all the needles and they dont go over well with me ok call me a chicken. I am not getting a port at this point they want to see if my veins will hold up then if not they will use a picc and if that also fails it will be a port.

There is a waiting list here to get a port so my oncologist says we will start anyway and see how it goes. I have one wig ready and one on the way very scared to loose my hair just got it cut from almost the middle of my back to chin length. They advised me not to shave it until its fallen out because its much easier to clean up longer pieces than short little picks of it she also suggested wearing a hair net when it starts to fall out then it wont be so messy.....

what we all have to go through and how amazining everyone is here. I also hear about the baking soda and water rinse. Biotene is also a great product and you can also get fake saliva made by biotene if mouth gets really dry.

I havent gotten much supplies ready cause I really dont know what my se are going to be?????? my luck i'll get them all.

well good luck everyone

thanks for the support and kind words.

billsgirl · January 2008

Amy,

I start tomorrow too but I'm trying to stay busy and keep the jitters at bay. Although I say I'm fine, I know I've been a bit snappy with dh and family. I'm sure after tomorrow (which means one down, only seven to go!) we'll feel somewhat more prepared. It's so hard not knowing what to expect, with everyone's experience differing. I went out and bought everything I read about - biotene, baking soda, popsicles etc! Crazy, I'm sure, but I was just thinking I'd rather have it in the middle of the night than not. I'd be so happy to share Smile

Even though I don't contribute often, I do check in everyday, once or twice, to check on everyone. You ladies are amazing, keeping everyone straight and remembering who's doing what. My brain seems too foggy and I haven't even started yet!

Thanks for being there.

Determined1 · January 2008

Billsgirl/Amy--I tell ya, you guys are going to wonder why you were so nervous... The infusion isn't so bad, really. In fact, it's kinda nice to have people dote on you for a change. The key is to relax and try not to think about what you're doing. Take a book, iPod, whatever to distract you. Have your escort rub your legs/feet. You will be okay. And we expect a full report when you get a chance. We'll have you on our minds all day.

SIS Kimberly--you go girl! Keep that head pushing those se's away. Even if it can't completely eliminate them, it will help lessen them. Fingers are crossed you continue to be comfortable. Let us know.

LJ13 and Carol--how's it goin? Glad your bloodwork was okay LJ13. That's a huge concern of mine--that one of these times something won't be quite right and I'll have to postpone tx. I've got my head all wrapped around my schedule and would have to make some serious adjustments if there was a change. Please let us know how #2 goes, v. #1--you're our pioneer on that score!

Therese--welcome! There's always room for more in our club (did that come out right??). You're going to want to go back a couple of pages to get info on our January Jewels t-shirts! If you can't find it, let us know and we'll get you up to speed so you can order one if you want one.

DanaC--Way to go with the "A"!!! We'll keep your dad in our thoughts. I'm so sorry your family has experienced so much cancer. I'm always amazed to hear when a single family has so many cancer experiences. It's not right. I do believe you are going to be strong through your journey--and when you feel a little down, you know you can always lean on us for some support.

Oh no, Vettegal! You HAVE to get well!! Please take care of yourself and get better soon. Ommmmmmmm. Sending you get well vibes.

For everyone stocking up on se management tools, I have a new one. When I saw my gyn the other day I complained about my dry, bloody nose. He said to get some A+D ointment and put it on a q-tip and gently coat the insides of my nostrils with it. The nose has settled from the first tx, but I got some today for tx #2. Also picked up some of those flavored waters for when regular water starts to taste like foil/chemicals.

So I realize that I've been having back spasms every day since my 2 days of incapacitation. The spasms have been random and certainly manageable on a pain scale, but I'm realizing that they are there. Gets me to thinking, I wonder if I asked for physical therapy or massage therapy (not usually one for a massage, but I could make an exception) if that would help. I don't want to have to take more drugs than I have to and the problem with a muscle relaxant is that it'll make me loopy (I have enough problems already!). Has anyone ever used physical/massage therapy for a spasm problem? Do you think it would work? Good thing is, if it doesn't, I still have the muscle relaxant as a backup.

Hair report. I still have some. About 50 strands on the pillow this morning. Haven't showered, yet, so can't give a report on that score. (Don't judge--I went to the gym and ran a million errands and haven't had a chance, yet!) Pubic hair is about half gone already--suspect that's cuz that area rubs on my clothes all the time and it rubbed the hair out. I will say that a 50 year old unmentionable area is not as cute as those I saw on my baby girls! That space was meant to have a blanket!!!! Embarassed

Well, I should get off the soapbox and let someone else have a turn.

The Jewels totally rock!

D1

sheshe48 · January 2008

Hi everyone,

I'm so sorry I have not been on line, I have been so sick with the SE's. Chemo is not agreeing with me. I have not thrown up, just nausated and weak. I think that shot put me down big time. I couldn't get warm and I was so weak. They said the shot causes flu like symptoms. I feel like I had something worse than that. I'm coming out of it now. Sorry if I worried everyone. Good luck to everyone that started chemo this week and I had no promblem with the shot in the belly, I only felt a poke and on the way home it burned a little. no pain no soreness. I hope everyone is healing from surgeries.

Take care, Sheshe

deb102307 · January 2008

Hey Jewels,

Day 2 and so far so good. Slight nausea but small meals and modern pharmaceuticals seem to be working. More tired and am going home after work and taking a nap. Mouth more dry and funny taste but like Kimberly, not metallic. Not real hungry but am eating and trying to make sure that protein is in most snacks/meals. Trying to get the water down but need to better at that.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

Amy and Billsgirl - you are right. It is better once you get that first one done. The anxiety is the worst. Let us know how it goes tomorrow.

I'll try to catch up more later or maybe tomorrow. Hope everyone else is doing ok.

Vettegal - you get better soon. Don't want you to be down long.

Determined1 · January 2008

Oh Sherry, I'm so sorry the se's are getting you down. I'm happy to see a post from you and know everyone else will be relieved that you're still fighting. I thought that shot was a real f*cker. My onc and I will be talking about that one when I see him on Wed. before my infusion (my infusions switch to Wednesdays for the remainder--my doc is in on that day). Hang in there. If you wanna complain, please do so, we're all here.

Deb, on the other hand, glad you're still doing okay. You're smart to stay ahead of the game with the meds--it'll help you avoid some of the yucks. Keep smiling.

So I took my shower. I left a small rodent in the drain! I can literally run my hand through my hair and come away with a handful! I keep seeing this almost as an out-of-body experience. Am I really going to be hairless? Just doesn't seem real. I was thinking about it while I was trying to rinse the hair off my hands and I have come to the conclusion that the hair loss thing is so bad because we finally look sick. I mean, I've been sicker during this process--needing the handicapper parking spots, but still hobbling from the parking nether world when my poor arm/chest were in the throes of recovery. And certainly the day I was having my back spasms and having to hike through the hospital to have my bloodwork done. But when we're hairless, everyone knows what we're up to (either that, or we're some kinda kinky earth mommas who have shaved their heads as a political statement). Not sure I'm ready for the stares, be they out of pity, sympathy, or disgust (the latter stares from the folks that think I'm the kinky earth momma). I think I'd better get me some head coverings--and pronto!

Anyway, maybe it's time for some wine. Wish my dh were home. He's in LA on biz and doesn't get back till Sat. am (I keep telling him we're too old for the red-eye, but he wanted to be here for me, aww). Off to see what I have chilled.

D1

KathyL · January 2008

Hi girls! Glad to hear from Sheshe, but so sorry you are having a rough time. Know we're all thinking of you and pulling for you... hang in there!

Deb102307: can't believe you're working... so jealous! I hope you continue to do so well. What do you do for work? If you told us already, I forgot- sorry.

DanaC: Congrats on the A on your test. I too am sorry to hear of your family's cancer hx. I'll be thinking of them all, esp. your dad. Have you done BRCA testing? (sorry if that's too personal, I just thought of it with your family's hx)

Vettegal: Get well soon! It sucks being sick let alone with all the stuff you've got going on right now.

LJ13: 1/2 way there!! Yee-haw!

SIS Kimberly: So glad to hear you're doing well.

D1: Massage might me very helpful for the spasms, I'd try it at least. About the nose thing... Vaseline also works great (and it's clear, and cheap).

I, too am stocking up on things for round one next week: flavored water, lemons and limes to put in regular water, Biotene rinse and toothpaste, baking soda, Sennakot-S, smooth foods, tea, popsicles, bread to make toast, all my prescribed drugs, Fiber One cereal (thanks Cathy-CA!), ginger ale. Whew! It's a regular pharmacy/grocery store here. And after all that, I'll bet I'll have some side effect that we haven't come across yet-- that's how my crazy body works. But at least I feel prepared for the common things.

Dad is doing well. Less than 24 hrs. post-op and out of cardiac ICU. He's extubated and been out of bed 2x today. I'll get to talk to him on the phone later on (once hte kids are in bed).

Today was the last day of work for me. Tears and bittersweet. Will miss a lot of those people (since I have no idea when I'll be going back), and also the reality of what I'm leaving for is setting in. Thank God I still have you all to "talk" to! Goodnight JJs... see ya for more fun tomorrow! Good luck girls doing chemo-tinis then!

golfer779 · January 2008

As I reported on the CMF thread,

Hellooooo ladies, happy to report "so far so good"... woke up at about 3:00am layed there for about a half hour and decided to take a little anxiety med. Hubby had to wake me at 7:45, I was snoozing good. My appt was for 9:15, so I showered, put the EMLA cream on my port (gotta love that stuff), ate a touch of breakfast, tea, lots of water and we we're off. At about 9:00 I took a Zofran pill, met with the onc at 9:15, had a good chat and I said, "I'm ready, lets do it". I continued to drink water, in fact I had to pee twice before they even started.

I could not feel anything when she accessed my port. For any of you who don't care even for a pin prick, the EMLA cream is the way to go. She had me take orally my (3) cytoxan pills, and they started with the drip of some more anti nausea drug, then brought me ice chips to crunch on during the chemo portion which only took about 30 minutes. I continued to drink water the whole time as well, and munched a few pretzels.

Anyway, left the appt, told the dh, "lets stop for a bite to eat", I think he was surprised at that request, but happy to oblige. Had a small lunch, then to Costco.

I'm continuing to drink my fluids tonight, had a little of my leftover lunch, and will have a small bite of dinner in a bit. They told me to take another Zofran tonight. Hoping my next dose of pills in the morning goes as well.

Although most of you didn't need my daily synopsis, I figure somebody else may be going on CMF may get something positive from my experience as well.

Thanks gals again for everything, you had me prepared as best I could be, I'll be chatting again tomorrow, Carol

Determined1 · January 2008

Are you kidding, Carol, we live and breathe by your every word!! You're a Jewel, so we want to know everything! Glad today went okay--can't believe you guys did the Costco run! (Gotta do that this weekend--put it on the agenda after the wig.) (WTF, can't believe I'm getting a wig!!!!)

Fluids are good, so keep them up. And eat small meals at every opportunity to keep nausea at bay. Rest, rest, rest. You're an active gal, so try hard to kick back. You're going to be great. Keep us updated.

D1

LisaW · January 2008

Hi all,

I'm new to this but - started chemo Dec. 10th and had second dose January 2nd. Am getting AC with Tax. - neoadjuvant chemo. Attempting to shrink tumor prior to surgurey. This is all a bit tougher than I thought. Can't wait for next week - week three is always better. Anyone else doing neoadjuvant treatment?

Lisa

wvgirl · January 2008

Good evening Jewels,

I have been drained these last days. Its been a rough time at work there are a lot of changes going on. I feel over looked for a job and wounder if this BC has any bearing on the changes. There last few says I was ready to drop after coming home Really Tired part form chemo rest from stress.

I finally was able to get more than 4 hours sleep last night. Steroids are wearing off until NEXT time Cry

Kimberly I think I spoke to soon about SE's on day 5 I did have some bone pain. I am also taking the decadron the same way you are. I also have been feeling a little dizzy and jittery.

D1 a drear friend who works at the American Cancer Society gave me a tip about hair loss. She said when your hair begins to start falling out to wear a turban to bed. That way when you wake in the morning it will be all in 1 place and not over your bed. She aslo said it is a good idea to have at leat 2 wigs. You can get free wigs,turbans and bras at the ACS. That is wear I bought mine. Tonight on the way home from work I stopped by the Hospice thrift store. Must have been my lucky day I found several head scarfs. Smile

Dana,

My prayers are with you and your family as you go through this rough time.

Thanks to all on the tips for mouth sores.

I was eating chicken strips yesterday for lunch and broke off a piece of a tooth around the feeling.y

Called the dentist they told me when you are on chemo you need to do a daily fluoride rinse. They are going to sell me a bottle of the fluoride treatment they use.

I hope everyone is doing well in thier journey.

sista2 · January 2008

wow, i've been reading this convo, knowing i'd probably be starting in jan too but now my head is spinning from all of the posts. tried to keep track but phew, there's a lot here.

i'm starting my chemo next thurs and fri, 1/17 and 18. doing 6 doses taxotere, carboplatin and herceptin for a year. they're splitting up the herceptin for the first treatment only for some reason. so i have 3 days, with the booster being on monday. anyone else doing the friday chemo, monday booster thing? hope it doesn't compromise anything. and i haven't seen any of the jewels doing tch. anyone??

i am er- pr+ and her2 borderline. my onc said he is treating my borderline as positive because the number was over 2. going to ask more about that when i see him mon. am getting my port on wed (which i'm not happy about at all, by the way, though i know it's for the best with so many tx and only one good arm!).

i definitely want a shirt. i love the FUBC and will have to go back and reread all of the info about getting signed up for that. it's so helpful to read all of your information and be able to share with those that are just now experiencing the same crap.

golfer779 · January 2008

D1 - had to crack up again with the "WTF"!!! The sense of humor here is so much my style!!!

I'm not quite sure how I would/will feel about losing my hair. I guess the regimen I'm on "usually" just makes your hair thin. We'll see about that one, my hair is already quite thin, so it could be interesting. I think I would feel a bit like you, with no hair its a little harder to hide the fact (atleast when we look at ourselves in our own mirror) that we're in survivor mode. Try to have fun with the wig shopping. What am I saying, I think you have fun doing just about everything.

We're planning on going to the high school boy/girl b-ball game tomorrow night. Will be fun to see some of the parents from last years underclassmen on my stepdaughters team as well as rooting for the boys team!!!! The boys will be playing the team they lost to at the state championship game last year...to bad we graduated a couple of those guys!!!

Hitting the hay early, just told the dh, I think just a little soup would be good, and I'm jealous of the chilled wine, my "M" portion of my chemotini is hard on the liver so no nippers for me!!! Heck, I'll probably lose weight without those calories alone...!

SheShe - was bummed to hear that your having a heck of a time with se's. I recall someone saying to take notes as to what you are taking for the se's, food, the timing of when/what you take etc, and write how your body is responding or not responding. Hopefully you'll find a combination that will work for you.

Vettegal, had that hunch you came down with a doozy. Atleast you had it checked out so you can take something to knock it down. I was lucky and my nose full is tolerable, and the onc office said no problem with no fever, yucky nasal discharge yada yada, hope you get feeling better asap. How's that armpit doing? Sorry to remind you!!!!

Deb, YEAH to minimal se's, I don't know about you but I've never pee'd so much in one day. Seems to be working though.

I got your PM for shirt size change as well.

KathyL, glad to hear your dad is doing well. That has to help with your own anxiety level. I imagine that leaving work would be emotional, but being able to concentrate on taking care of yourself will be great. I believe my regimen is supposed to be tolerable as far as working goes, I guess as the months go on I need to be ready for the fatigue to really set it. I'm planning on plugging along at work, I have a very flexible boss (gov't job) and can pretty much take time when I need it. I can't ask for anything else.

I see you hit the grocery store too, my cart never looked so healthy!!!

Take care and rest well sister jewels, Carol

CarolC · January 2008

Hi Jewels,

I am just so grateful that I'm a member of this group! What a great bunch of women - and this kind of sharing is so comforting to me. I'm the kind of person that hates surprises - or at least about my body & life. As I get closer and closer to my *C* date, I'm getting very nervous. Reading about how prepared you all are, I realized that no one had told me what to expect next week or how to prepare for my particular regimen...so i panicked today and called my Onco's office, and told his nurse I needed to have some information about what to expect. She told me that they would go over that with me when I get there!! I had a strong reaction to that - how was I supposed to know if I would need a driver going home, what to eat ahead of time, steroids,etc? I admit I even told her I was a member of a January chemo group of women on BC.org and everyone else was prepared. wah! wah! Nursy seemed a bit frustrated with me until I asked her how she would feel if she was getting chemo for the first time and expected to show up without any preparation?? Surprised She sure changed her attitude fast -- called me back twice today telling me about the steroid prescription she called in for me, eat lightly, etc. LOL

you know, we've earned the right to have all of our questions answered....

D1 your hair loss saga is fascinating and is taking a bit of the fear out of it - you're right on in that it shows the world we're sick and that will be very uncomfortable for me. I need to toughen up, I guess.

But I have a hair loss question and wonder if anyone can help? I'm doing Taxol by IV and Xeloda orally. X doesn't cause alopecia.. Both my onco last week and now today his nurse, told me that usually women don't have much hair loss with taxol - thinning definitely but they have very little incidence of alopecia. Is this possible? Everything I've read on taxol including it's own literature says it often causes complete hair loss... my biggest fear was/is the baldness so I'm trying to hold out a bit of hope. Do any of you sister jewels know of anyone who didn't lose alot of hair with taxol?

Dana -prayers are winging your way for your dad...

Welcome to our newest jewels -

Carol - hope things went well today and I'll be sending positive energy for Billsgirl and Amy's first cocktail!

Determined1 · January 2008

Glad you're laughing, Carol. Keep that smile on your face. Sounds like your day way okay, as far as infusion day goes. Stay strong and positive--the chemo gods will test you, but you are far stronger than they can believe! FUBC.

Welcome sista2. My 16yo daughter was looking over my shoulder and said she liked your screen name. Not sure that's the welcome you were looking for, but there it is. I added your tx to the Jewel roll call at the top of each page, please check for accuracy and completeness.

In fact, call to all Jewels, will you take a moment and proof your entry on the Jewel Roll Call at the top of the page? More info is better than less, so if you want to add something to help us send the best thoughts on your tx days, then please let me know what to add. KathyL and I are doing our best to keep up, but it seems many of us have f*cking cancer where it hurts as a New Year's resolution, so it's a challenge (particularly when you're dealing with women facing chemobrain!).

Back to my shout outs: WVgirl, I'm so sorry you're dealing with some sh*t at work when you should have your full concentration on beating cancer. Stand back and try to evaluate with a neutral eye. Maybe it will all turn out for the best in the end (I'm a big believer in fate).

How are the rest of the 12/27-28 gals doin'? I know LJ13 has gone in for tx#2, but the rest of the group should be feeling good, pulling hair out, waiting for the next tx next week. Give an update, please.

((((Hugs to all))))

D1

Cathy-CA · January 2008

CarolC - I am having Taxol weekly for 12 weeks after the AC. I was told by the onc that my hair would probably start growing back about halfway into the Taxol treatment, so that would seem to indicate that it's not a big one for hair loss,

I had an echo today to make sure there are no underlying heart problems since A and Herceptin can both cause heart problems. I have a son with a congenital heart defect and a brother who died of a heart defect, so doc is a bit nervous with that history. The technician was really sweet about making sure she stayed away from any of the incision sites. I had been concerned they would stick an electrode patch right on top of the port site since the upper chest is normally where those things are attached.

golfer779 · January 2008

Billsgirl and Amy, hoping you both have a restful night. I definitely had some anxiety going into today, but I think it was more the fear of doing something for the first time, (the unknown). I was pleasantly surprised how mellow I felt once I took my seat in my lovely recliner. Everything that has been communicated on this post is so helpful, remember we're all pulling for you tomorrow.

CarolC, was happy to hear you finally got some answers. I think alot of us had appts with (RN's or ARNP's) at the chemo center before our first infusions to discuss all of the pertinent issue. I also reread alot of past post and jogged my memory last night of some good tips. There is no reason for you to have unanswered questions, I say ask, ask, ask, either here, or to your onc's office.

Night all, Carol

LilWarrior · January 2008

Help!!!!

Last friday I had an appt with a Onco and found out he is not under my HMO plan so they cancelled my appt and they sent me to another Onco and again he had to cancel me for tomorrows appt. I just got off of work and I will call tomorrow morning to reschedule and I will tell them I have to get this started ASAP. I had surgery almost 4 weeks ago coming this tuesday - just at little worried that they havent started my Chemo just yet!!!! Please someone tell me some good news but I am getting really concerned the longer the wait the worst my cancer can spread even though they said they took it all out.

Please give me some advice!

Thanks everyone for all the kind words regarding my family and the prayers needed for my Dad.

Kathy - what is BRCA??? I have never heard of that, and do you think I will still be able to do clinical hours while I am going thru Chemo????

I hope everyone feels better and sorry that I am not remembering all your names but please remember you are all in my prayers tonight and every night.

God bless,

Dana

Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

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