Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

sheshe48 · January 2008

Hi Jewells,

I have spent 2 and half hours catching up today, WOW! I have missed alot. Welcome to all of our new jewells. I also had bone pain for one night in my chest. I had severe constipation, I used dieters tea, or laxative tea worked like a charm. My mom is in the hosp with pnuemonia, she is not doing well. For over 5 yrs, she has been dying of COPD, and other health issues. I know the time is coming when she may not come through it. Her younger brother just died Dec 26th of lung cancer and pnuemonia,sp) Sat night I kept waking up through the night with my heart racing. I had to call the on call oncol and she said to monitor my pulse and keep track what time and how long episodes last, and watch for the other syptoms of congested heart failure. I'm ok for now, slept much better, no episodes. I'm a wreck, I hope everyone else is getting through this better than me. We were laughing at church I was saying thank God bald is in now. Cancer is kicking my butt big time.

KathyL I will keep your dad in my prayers too, and thanks for the chemo calander, I copy and pasted to my desktop to keep track of everyone. I hope port surgery and your first treatment goes well.

AZdonna Glad you checked in, I was worried about you.

Dana I will keep your dad and brother in my prayers too. Sorry you are being treated bad by the insurance companies, it's not fair. I hope it gets resolved soon.

Vettegal and Julie Hope you both are feeling better, I'm sorry you were so sick Julie, I hope you both are coming out of it now.

D1 Thanks for all the encouragement, glad you got your wig, I also felt like they did not want me to try on many wigs, I guess its just hair and it will do. My hair should start falling out by Thursday or so, I have already lost half my thinkness, since I have been diagnosed with cancer. That's great you are going to the gym, I have been stuggling to go for a walk, I will try harder. And my eyes ran like nobodies bussiness, and my lips cracked bad, and my mouth was just UCK!! Yell I also look sick and pasty face.

Carol Glad you are coming out of the SE's they are a butt kicker. Thanks for the tips, you are right, we need a jounral to keep track of anything. I hope your anxiety is better.

CarolC Shame on that cancer place, the day before I started my treatment I had to attend a chemo class, and the oncol nurse wrote me out 2 scripts for Emend and Decadron. and gave me instructions and yes, you do have to have a driver to drive you there, chemo makes me out of it and blurrs my vision, gave me a bad headach. I'm glad you took care of it. And they gave me this notebook full of stuff to read all about cancer, what to eat, what not to eat, handling SE's ect...

Good luck to everyone getting ports and starting their 1st and 2nd treatments this week.

PAlady I'm sleeping the same way, not good.

Jenn51 Sorry your team lost Cry I'm a baseball fan myself, love the Detroit Tigers.

Lj13 I also can feel the catheter line in my chest, it's not as bad as the first week, I have a picc line in my left arm. It is a strange feeling.

To anyone working during chemo, my heart goes out to you. Chemo has me so confused and I have vision promblems since I started this. Anyone else? I won't be able to look for work until April, I hope I survive this insanity. Bless everyone this week.

Kimberly Can't wait for the poam, hope you are feeling better.

(((((((((((HUG)))))))))))))))))) Sherry

sista2 · January 2008

i'm anxiously awaiting port reports, hope everyone is doing okay....

met with my onc today and my chemo has been postponed a week. he wants to do path tests on my tumor to be sure we're doing the right treatment. thank goodness because that her2 borderline thing had me a little unsure. herceptin for a year is great if it's going to be beneficial. although i wanted to get this thing going, i feel better that further testing is being done. ugh, more waiting. i told him i WILL need anxiety meds soon.

D1- i'm wondering about the redbull too. i love that stuff.

Jenn51 - i'm in florida. bucs fan actually. have been pulling for dungy since he left. he's a good man. like manning too. but now it's onto 'go packers' !!!

I got a work-related thing in the mail today about a new insurance offering. LIVESTRONG cancer insurance. thanks. a little late...

Jenn51 · January 2008

D1 & Sista2, add me to list wanting Redbull. Actually caffine of any kind. I heard a nasty rumor that we shouldn't have it anymore. It's on my list of ? for the onc Thurs.

The Port IS IN!!!! I got the general afterall so all the worry was for nothing. It took 1/2 hr & I was walking out of there about 4 hrs after I walked in. It hurts but nothing the pain meds can't take care of. I really feel it stab me if I move the wrong way (of course I don't know it's the wrong way until I've already moved) but I understand that is only temp. Work tomorrow is questionable.

Sista2, Sorry about the delay but double checking the path can never hurt. I am not a good waiter & feel for you. Fla. huh? We drove to the hosp. this AM in the snow.

Kimberly, I was a Tigers fan when Magnum was on wearing one of their hats. Kiss

I'm off to have some KFC. A friend from work brought some for din-din tonight to best get it while it's hot.

I'm hoping all my port jewels did as well as I did today. Hugs to everyone getting chemo, ports, labs etc. the rest of the week. Mine is Thurs.

KathyL · January 2008

Jenn51: Glad your port went well! I was thinking of you today as I listned to Fergie on my I-Pod pre-op. "Fergalious", "Glamorous", and "Clumsy" got me pumped up for surgery.

So for those who want some port details... I was such a big girl I didn't even have to lay down for my IV--that's a first for me. The anesthesia guy was great. I told my breast surgeon who placed the port to be careful of my new "rack" as I really like it, even though I know she'd do a great job and wouldn't be messing with that part of me. So I had MAC (like twilight) anesthesia. Was awake and blurry within 1 hr., out the door and clear-headed after 1 1/2 hrs. Home and eating in 2 hrs. I did great! I'm a little tired now, probably b/c I had to starve until noon. I've only taken some Tylenol for pain-- it really just feels sore/bruised where the catheter line is, the bump of the port doesn't hurt at all. We'll see what it's like tomorrow, but I'm just gonna take some more Tylenol before bed. Tomorrow I have to start all the pre-chemo drugs and I really don't think I'll need anything stronger for pain.

Hope all the Jewels are doing well tonight. I'm sure I'll have more juicy details as the week goes on and chemo starts! Vettegal: we have them same TC cocktail, some others have done it too (D1, TexRN). Trudy starts it this week and so does PALady. Sista2, let us know your new start date. Sorry your is postponed, but better to get the mix right the first time! See y'all tomorrow!

Determined1 · January 2008

Oh Sherry. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. And your uncle. And now your heart issues. Haven't you had just about enough?? Hang in there. You're kicking cancer's butt--not the other way around! Where are you in Michigan? I grew up in Flint and went to college at Kalamazoo College. I am still a Tigers fan, and deep down a Pistons fan, although I'm trying hard to like the baseball and basketball teams here in DC. I'll never be a Redskins fan--the Vikings are my football team!

Sista2--sounds like the delay is the right move for you. I know it's difficult (I was the queen of waiting all fall and HATED it!), but everything will come together for you when its right. I changed your entry in the Jewels roll call at the top of the screen to show you start tx on 1/24, please let me know the correct day so we can all send our very best vibes your way.

Hey Jenn51--Hip hooray about the port! I hope it continues to go well for you. New pic? (Sorry, short term memory was shot before the chemo, so I have no real excuse.) I really like it. I should get my sh*t together and post myself an avatar. Maybe I'll get one of my balditude (thanks to Amy from the Dec. thread for that expression--I love it!). Oh, and what's not to love seeing Tom Selleck in Magnum with that Tigers cap on???

I hope everyone else is doing well tonight. I think about you guys all the time.

D1

Determined1 · January 2008

KathyL--you posted whilst I was in composition mode. So glad to hear the port insertion went well. Gotta get me some Fergie for the iPod. Keep meaning to spend my iTunes money, but never seem to get around to it. Santa will start breathing down my neck if I don't get on that as I put it on my list this year. Anyway, hope you continue to do well. Thanks for the report.

D1

golfer779 · January 2008

Hello to my new 31 friends ...

D1, what the heck did you create here???!!!!! Smile And I agree, WTF happened to the Seahawks? It was pretty funny, normally I would be really bummed about the loss, but I was just elated, that I had no nausea during the game!!!

Thanks to D1 and KathyL for keeping us up-to-date.

Hoping those of you who had ports put in have as good as luck as I did with my first txt via port. I'm sure you've heard, but just in case you have not, I'd recommend a prescrip for EMLA cream, it numbs the skin prior to having the port accessed. I didn't even know the needle was in me until I asked.

Vettegal, how's your arm doing? I know you have had yourself a heck of a time with other issues, but hoping that your pit is healing up. Sounds like you have your game plan for txt, and I can only wish you well when you start.

Jenn51, I noticed a few post back you asked about supplies, I say have everything you've heard could help almost any se, better to be prepared and never need it, then wishing you had it in the house. I have to agree with somebody who said their bathroom counter looked like a pharmacy. Ditto here!!!

wvgirl, love the name of the recommended tea "Smooth Move". I have found there must be a fine line between anti nausea drugs and anti constipation drugs, I'm trying to find the right balance if you know what I mean.

Kimberly, I'm sorry but I had to laugh when you talked about nausea, constipation, gas, bloating, all in the same sentence. I could relate at the time, although I've been very fortunate to just have a touch of each, but tolerable. Thank god since I have to take this oral cytoxan for another 9 days before a "vacation".

Trudy, here's to a good day tomorrow, you hang in there, and if you need to vent, we're here.

T-shirt update, we have 13 of us on my list for a t-shirts. With new ladies on-board almost daily I feel we should hold off a few more days before I place the order. Anyone interested there is a post a few pages back, or just ask.

I'd love to chat more but I guess dinner will not cook itself tonight and the dh has the ugly commute this evening. I guess after 4 days of him cooking and bringing me eggs and toast in bed for breakfast I can grill some chicken!!!

Take care and hope you all have a good nights rest!!!

Carol

Determined1 · January 2008

I'm off to bed, but wanted to wish Trudy luck tomorrow. Go beat some cancer butt, my friend!!!

D1

(You sound good, Carol, keep it up!)

CarolC · January 2008

Hi Sister Jewels...

Just thought I'd pop in to say hello to you all... what a stressful past few days I've had - not due to health but severe computer/email problems..I won't bore you with the details but we all know that isn't fun. I was able to read but not send messages. Ick.

I'm getting more and more apprehensive for Thursday - D -Day.I can't stop thinking about it - I feel like I'm going to the gallows. Today I picked up my steroid script. I hit the store for several items in preparation over the weekend but now see all kinds of other things I need to grab - Slow Move Tea - I drank that a few years ago - Great idea...I'll grab some of that.

I've been writing to Edge of "Breast Cancer Watch" and he suggested a few things for my Xeloda/Taxol regimend..."Acetyl-l-carnitine for the neuropathy/numbing I might get from the Taxol, Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6, at 150mg / daily in three divided doses) for Hand/Foot Syndrome often a SE of Xeloda; probiotics like lactobacillus (from any health food store, and many pharmacies) during chemotherapy to re-seed the GI tract with beneficial flora and Traumeel S gel for mouth sores". He's been a goddess send to me!

My taxol tx will be 4 hours long. Sigh.

I am so exhausted tonight after work and playing catchup; but please know I think of everyone on their tx days and am sending positive energy your way.

I wish you all mild SE's.

CarolC · January 2008

Trudy,

Just want to wish you good luck today starting your tx. !

Wishing everyone else a good day of mild SE's..

deb102307 · January 2008

Just wanted to send good thoughts to Trudy this morning. ((((Trudy))))

camazur · January 2008

Well Jewels,

Today I take my first dose of Steroids for my chemo tomorrow.

CarolC--I'm taking the Gallows walk as well.

I am so scared. Afraid I won't be able to do what must be done during my se's: drive 35 miles to food shop for my mom who has dementia and a live-in I hired for the duration of my chemo. Right now mom is being difficult about it adding stress to my load. I do have some backup for the shopping, but have to spend a full day with her day 4 after chemo. I'm worried about the weather interfering with my plans and appointments. Scared, worried and nervous. This is really going to happen. It all was kind of abstract til now. But now it gets real.

You ladies have been a godsend, and I pray I get thru this with your support.

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and I will do the same.

Maz

KathyL · January 2008

Hi JJs!

Maz: I too am feeling the worry about tomorrow. I took my steroid this AM with some cereal (Fiber One-- thanks Cathy-CA!). I see my therapist soon and then off to my onc's with my list of questions for tomorrow. Soooo not looking forward to it tomorrow-- but I tell myself it'll be one down and 3 to go (not counting the year of herceptin...)

Feel pretty good about the port. It is a bruised mess and sore, but I've only had to take Tylenol (yesterday, I actually didn't take any today so far). I always ooze after surgeries and this was no exception-- what a bloody mess it was today. I had to take the dressings all off down to the fresh incision, clean it up, and redress it. Thank God I'm a nurse and had steri-strips and gauze on hand. Looks better now! Well I gotta run to my appointments. Good luck Trudy-- thinking of you today. And of course, thinking of all the JJs also and hoping everyone has a good day.

texrn · January 2008

To Trudy, KathyL, Maz, & CarolC,

You are all in my thoughts & prayers. Had my first treatment almost 3 weeks ago & I can tell you, the fear of the unknown is much worse than the reality. Throughout this journey I've found myself waiting constantly for the next storm to hit - the waiting & wondering has been the worst, at every step. The best thing we can do is prepare ourselves, in every way possible, for each "storm".

You'll get through it.

Remember, you're not alone...we're all here for you.

-Therese-

Determined1 · January 2008

Thinking about Trudy today.

KathyL, Maz, CarolC--Okay, it's weird to start taking the meds today, isn't it? Seems like you've been working on getting your head ready for weeks, but taking that first steroid makes it real, doesn't it? It's okay to feel apprehensive and scared. You don't know what to expect, for crying out loud! Keep telling yourself that others have done this and laugh afterward and so will you. Just take a deep breath in the morning and put one foot in front of the other. You've all done more difficult things in your lives, of this I am sure, and you will be okay tomorrow. Be sure to pack lots of diversions in your bag--reading material, iPod, crossword puzzles, knitting, whatever. You may even want to pack yourself a snack and a drink, just in case your center doesn't provide those things. Dress comfortably (what to wear was a big deal to me, for some reason). I wore jeans, t-shirt and sweatshirt over the top. Since I get mine via IV, I could wear crewneck stuff. But if you have a port, maybe a zip sweatshirt would be a better choice (some ladies find infusion rooms on the chilly side--hence the sweatshirt suggestion). And take your lovey (if you've had kids, you know what this is!) if it makes you feel better. Oh, and be sure that your escort brings stuff to amuse him/herself. My sister always had her escort massage her feet for a good part of her infusions, so she packed foot cream. My dh would sooner jump from a bridge than massage my feet! (But it does sound nice, doesn't it?) We'll all be with you in spirit!

I, too, am off to imbibe at the chemotini bar tomorrow. Even though I kinda know what's coming, I'll have to admit that taking my steroids was tough. I went to the gym this a.m. and found myself unusually light-headed after my aerobic workout. Had to sit for about 20 minutes before lifting. Not sure if I can blame that on the steroids, or just the stress of infusion. But I finally finished (took me just under 2 hours to do my workout, which usually takes about 1 hr. 15 mins.). Now I'm doing laundry and have to get to my bills (I think I go in to nesting mentality). Then if I have time, I REALLY want a pedi/mani (since the dh won't rub my feet, I'll pay someone to do it!). Guess I should get started on this stuff--time's a wastin'!

Bottoms up!!!

D1

SISKimberly · January 2008

Good morning Jewels,

vettagal-so glad the hear you're doing better...at least up and well enough to go to your Onc. appt. I think it's a good idea to heal completely from this bronchitis/pneumonia bout. And diarreah... yet another SE to contend with...Good news you've got a plan now. 4 treatments is very doable...

D1/OLE- OK, so I didn't get to everything I wanted to...but I did get everything but the sweeping and vaccuming done....hmmmm, I wonder if that was subconscious. :-)

Kathy L- You asked for it...you got it.... You asked for a poem about SE’s…and I’m thinking this qualifies as Free Verse…Enjoy.

The Side Effects Circus 1/15/08

Ok, you’ve all been there.

You know what I mean

that morbid curiosity,

that little part of you

that wants to see the freak show

even though you know it isn’t polite

to look…let alone stare?

Well, have you been to the

Side Effects Circus lately?

Ladies and Gentleman,

people of all ages,

welcome to the only show on Earth

that will gladly exploit misery

and encourage you to watch…applaud even.

But more importantly…to laugh!

In this ring, with her posse of Pugs,

our very own juggler, Mucus Maiden.

She’s a veritable contradiction.

Her nose runs

and yet is so dry it bleeds.

Her eyes water,

and yet she needs eye drops to keep them moist.

Her mouth and throat

are filled with sores

and…well…there is no opposite of that.

Notice her tool belt, and how deftly she manages

everything she needs with flawless effort?

Let’s ooohh and aaahhh everyone.

She’s sponsored by Kleenex, the makers of

saline nose spray and eye drops,

Blistex, and Biotene.

Overhead, on the flying trapeze,

Our Dame of Digestive Distress.

Look at her pale complexion

and how it morphs into a lovely

shade of green when she’s nauseous.

If you haven’t put on your rain poncho,

you may want to do that now.

You never know when she’s going to blow.

Be glad she’s overhead,

she’s so bloated from constipation

and the build up of gas,

she’s being studied

as an alternative energy source.

Give her a round of applause.

She’s sponsored by Colace, Gas Ex, Preparation H,

the makers of Compazine, and Pepcid AC.

Performing with the clowns,

our Ambassador of Annoying.

Her skin itches

and has become so dry,

she looks to be aging before our very eyes.

Her nails are brittle and discolored, and

her taste buds have left her in a state of blah.

But there is good news…

there is a rumor that she will be the spokesperson

(make up and soft focus lighting can do wonders)

for what advertisers are calling the next diet craze…

The Chemo Diet.

Isn’t she a site to behold?

She’s sponsored by Gold Bond lotion, Bare Minerals,

and the manicurist’s and pedicurist’s union #356.

And now…

The one you’ve all been waiting for…

Our main attraction in the center ring

riding the elephant,

our very own Heiress of Hair Loss.

Notice her bald head…isn’t it great?

There isn’t a hair on her head,

or anywhere else for that matter.

Smooth as a baby’s butt.

She’s been known to drop handfuls of hair,

like Hansel and Gretal dropping bread crumbs.

What is most amazing about her

is the fact that she’s a master of disguise…

we never know who will appear

from her dressing room after the show.

And can she tie a scarf…

like a Navy Seaman can tie knots!

Give it up for our Bald Beauty everyone.

She’s sponsored by the makers of DustBuster

and Draino, the Wig Makers Association,

and Scarves Are Us.

Thank you all so much for coming in today

to see the amazing Side Effects Circus.

Please stop by our gift shop on the way out

to sample all of our sponsors’ products

and to get a closer look and maybe an autograph

from all of our amazing circus performers.

SIS Kimberly

golfer779 · January 2008

Kimberly, oh my god, toooo gooood!!!!! Had to sneak a peak from work to see whats happening this morning, glad I did, what a smile you put on my face!!! Thanks, Carol

Jenn51 · January 2008

Happy Sunshine Jewels,

The sun is shining in IN today & that makes everything a little better. Although our forecast is for snow on Thurs, my 1st chemo.

Yes D1, I added a pix last night. That's me & Joey, my 1st grandson. He's 5 now & my reason for living.

The port is much better today as long as I don't move the wrong way. But even that stab is not as sharp as yesterday.

Not that I want to take them, but why don't I have steroids before chemo. Is it the specific drugs I'm getting (AC)? I have nothing to take before Thurs.

I think I got most of my supplies Sun. night. I'll look for the Smooth-Move tea & Biotene at CVS tonight. I'l borderline constipated most of the time anyway I'm not sure what will happen if that is one of my SE. Best stock the BR up on reading material.

KathyL, I sent a shout out to The Man Upstairs for you too as I walked into the OR. I was there at 7:00 am. At least I got to eat & drink sooner but that early without coffee??!?!?!?

Trudy, you are in my prayers right now. Doesn't look like we are getting the same chemotini but good luck with what ever SEs come along.

Any of you gals had your AC yet? Looking to hear what SEs might come with that particular cocktail.

Better go. I'm supposed to be paying bills on line but you know what it's like when my MSN home page comes up. Just a quick peek to see who is doing what.

texrn · January 2008

Kimberly,

What a fantastic poem! You really hit the nail on the head with that one.

To all those who just got their ports -

It only bothered me for about a week after I had it put in...then all of a sudden, one day, I didn't even notice it was there.

I'm looking forward to getting my 2nd treatment over with, on Friday. I just didn't think I'd still feel so drained this far out from my last treatment. Besides occasional rest periods, I don't know what else I can do for this particular SE.

Speaking of rest periods.........

jkiss75 · January 2008

Hello Ladies,

I have been offline running around getting second opinions. I can see there has been loads of activity here. I was supposed to start treatment on Jan 3rd but didn't. I now have a new Onc and the decision has been made: Taxotere/Carboplatinum (edited-oops typed the wrong drug) 4 x3wks with Herceptin 1wk for a year and treatment is starting Jan 25th.

I am feeling down today because he really is pushing getting a port, I don't want to but I also really dont have a very good vein in my good arm. The port procedure is scheduled for the 23rd only 2 days before treatment.

I am looking for port experiences from you beautiful jewels was it bad getting it put in? Should I try without it?

Thanks, Jenny

sheshe48 · January 2008

Hi Jewells,

I hope everyone is recovering from port surgery. Jenny you do have another option. The Picc Line, that's what I have, talk to your oncol and find out all your options. I have to admit I hate it, it is making the treatments go smoother and painless. Our biggest fears are the unknown. Welcome to our group.

D1 Thanks for all the encouragement, my mom is doing better. I live in New Boston MI. not far from Metropolitan Airport in Romulus. I also live close to Monroe and Monroe boarders Ohio. Wow you are also a Michagander. That's great, I love the Detroit Tigers and yeah I also love magum too. He is too sexy, I know where Flint is, I just went to WCCC college, my daughter Brandy graduated from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. I love all our teams, right now i'm not into football, but sometimes I am. I get so mad at the Lions all the time. I have always heard Washington is a beautiful state. Is this a permanent move for you? So far no more episodes of my heart racing, it's a mystery to me.

Kimberly Loved the poam you nailed it good.

Take care and stay well, Sherry

deb102307 · January 2008

Jenn51 - I am also taking AC and have had one treatment. I do not take anything except anti nausea meds the day of my treatment. The only side effect that really bothered me was the bone weary fatigue. I was achy and so tired but not real sleepy. This hit me hard the 3rd day but was already feeling a little better by end of day 4. Appetite has increased but mouth soreness has started bothering me since day 5. I had no nausea but kept taking the anti nausea meds for a week before I stopped. Heartburn has been mild and controlled with Pepcid AC. Oh, very important, remember the Colace and start taking it Day 1. I will not forget that again.

Kimberly- great poem once again. Are you feeling better? I think I have my next treatment before you this time (the 25th)

Jenny- I had my port the day before I started treatment. I am glad that I got it as I only have one arm they can use and my veins are not that great either. It really isn't so bad once you get a week behind it. I will ask for the EMLA cream next time though. The sting doesn't last long but there is enough to deal with to not be comfortable. You and I will be having treatment the same day. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Vettegal - looks like you start on the same day that I have the 2nd treatment. Hope you are feeling better and ready to go. Will keep you in my prayers.

D1 - the foot rub sounds great but where I am, no one is allowed in the "chemo bar" except those having "chemotinis". Next time, I think I am taking a DVD player or my laptop to watch a movie.

Hope all the other Jewels are having a good day, feeling better, and less apprehensive.

Determined1 · January 2008

Honest to God, SIS Kimberly, you are the greatest!!!! That poem is GREAT! Thanks for taking the time to keep us all smiling.

Hey Jenn, I updated you at the top of the thread. Glad you got another opinion and seem to be more comfortable with this tx plan. Check with others, but with the year of Herceptin, you may want a port or a picc line, as suggested by Sherry. You have time to do some research and talk to your docs. Make yourself comfortable. It's worth the time now so you don't constantly second guess yourself throughout your tx.

I know where New Boston is, Sherry. My dh's parents lived in Rochester for years and we'd make the drive from Kalamazoo to Rochester several times a quarter. Took us down 94E to 75N--we went right past you! I live in the "other" Washington, though. Washington, DC (well, technically, I live just outside of DC in northern Virginia). Wish I lived in Washington state--it's one of my favorite places to visit. Enjoy your next week. If it goes anything like mine, you'll feel pretty good, except for those moments when you suddenly realize that you're totally drained and have to sit for a minute!

Speaking of Washington, how are your se's, Carol? Thinking about you.

My hairdresser is coming by this eve to shave me. I look like Chucky in those horror films! This has GOT to go! Made it through most of my to do list (college girl used the stove today and messed it up. I'm hoping she'll do the right thing and clean up after herself!). Bad news is that my nail girl is off today, so I worked my own nails over and now just have to paint them. I went out and bought a new polish so I have some reason to celebrate! Also have to pack my chemo bag, which shouldn't take too long (famous last words!).

I'm ready to rock it! FUBC!!!!!!!

D1

golfer779 · January 2008

D1 - sneaking a quick peak again at work, I'm doing quite good. I take a anti nausea pill in the morning 5:15am and then my 3 pills of oral cytoxan at about 7:00, so far so good the last couple days. I go in again on Thursday for another infusion of the "MF" (a fittingly appropriate abbreviation) portion of my "CMF" txt. Just trying to figure out the constipation thing, I think there was a fine line I crossed over the weekend of those remedies Surprised .

Hey Deb, you may want to see if you can get your EMLA cream prior to your appt, I put mine on about 2 hours prior to really get the area numb. I hate needles as well and I did not even feel her poke me.

Checking back in this evening, Carol

KathyL · January 2008

Hi girls! The afternoon went well. Feeling ready to rock and roll tomorrow! Thanks to all of you, I actually don't feel too bad about tomorrow. And my onc and his NP really put me at ease about the days to follow. I guess I'm as ready as can be. Have the bag partially packed for tomorrow and will check in with everyone afterwards. Mine takes 4-5 hrs. the first time, so I won't be home until the afternoon.

SIS Kimberly: The poem rocks!! I don't know how you do it. Totally made me laugh. I especially like the Dame is Digestive Distress!

Jenny (JKiss75): we're doing exactly the same chemo. My herceptin is every 3 weeks though for a year. Go for the port girl! It was sooo easy and you really don't want to be stuck that often; a year is a long time. It'll be a royal pain in the a**, or should I saw arm. I also got my port 2 days before chemo, so after I do chemo tomorrow I'll let you know about how sticking the port went. I'm going to ask for lidocaine spray before they stick me. I can't do the EMLA cream on a fresh surgical site tomorrow, but my onc told me I can do it in the future if tomorrow doesn't go well with the spray.

D1: Good luck with the shaving tonight. Can't wait to read your next post after that. You are a riot even in the face of adversity! And good luck tomorrow with round #2. I also updated JKiss75 on my list as you did already. I also gotta plan my outfit for tomorrow-- it's important to at least look good, right? I've got some comfy windpants, a camisole tank, zip-up sweatshirt, and slip-on Skecher sneaks.

Jenn51: I think the chemo meds. dictate the pre-meds. Lots of us are doing steroids/decadron before getting a taxane (Taxol or Taxotere) b/c it has a high incidence of allergic reaction. Since you're getting AC-- they'll tank you up on anti-nauseas as that's AC's biggest MO.

Gotta go make dinner. The dh will be home soon.

Jenn51 · January 2008

Deb, Kathy, Thanks for the info. I've said before I'm not a good at waiting & this waiting to see what going to happen is not on the top of my list of things to do.

Kimberly - What a piece of work. I haven't suffered any of these SE yet but I'm already laughing about them. Think I'll print it & hang it in the bathroom.

D1, I can't wait to hear your description of the shaving. You are so funny You really pick up my spirits.

I have to work on my bag for Thurs. We are going out to eat tomorrow night with BFF Marty. We were told we would be the for the better part of the day. That DH could run out & bring in lunch, but since he can't drive we will have to pack something. Any word on this no caffeine thing? I would like to take some Diet Cokes. I guess we get a private room for the 1st time, cool, huh!

Jenny, I had my port put in yesterday & right now it's hardly bothering me at all. I can't imagine getting an IV as often as I will have to this next year. I had nodes removed so only 1 arm is available. If those veins collaspe then what?

It's time to see about food & make a drug store run. Blessing to all of you.

JulieK_11_30_07 · January 2008

Hi Jewels!

Trudy ~ I hope you're doing okay after today - you've been in my thoughts.

KathyL, Maz, and CarolC ~ go get 'em tomorrow! You all sound like you are very prepared for anything that could possibly come at you in terms of side effects!

I have some questions for some of you gals further along in your treatments than me -- is there ANYTHING that I can use for my scalp itching like CRAZY???? I'm not losing any hair yet, but I'm on day 12 and my scalp is doing this burning/itching thing, but also "hurts" to touch it! Any ideas?

Also -- what's good for heartburn?? I've actually kept food down for the last two days now, but I have terrible heartburn no matter what I eat! Any suggestions?

Now that I'm back among the living, we actually think I may have had a touch of the flu after getting my treatment last week ~ of all FREAKIN things!!! I'm certainly hoping that's the last time that happens b/c it was NOT fun! I'm definitely on the mend, though, and am looking forward to at least a few good days before my second treatment next week.

Have any of you gotten the free wigs through the American Cancer Society?? My Cancer Center has a free wig Wednesday so my sister and I are going tomorrow -- I've heard they're actually good ones and decent styles - we'll see! Since I've been so sick, I haven't been able to get to the wig store to get my wig yet, so I figured I better at least get my freebie so I have something just in case! Kiss

Well, my stomach is telling me it's time to eat something -- haven't heard that for a while so I better feed it! Good luck tomorrow to all of you precious Jewels going in for your chemo-tinis!! Cheers!

Your SIS -

Julie

sista2 · January 2008

jkiss75 - i feel just like you about the port. but, i'm getting it tomorrow. just about everyone says it's the way to go and i still don't want it. i was originally scheduled to have chemo the day after getting it in so i guess that's not an issue.

jenn51 - glad to hear your port isn't giving you any problems. i have a friend at work who keeps throwing out my diet cokes. she wants me to be healthy. good she doesn't live with me!

i know this isn't at the top of the list of concerns but how are your chemo rooms? and i know it's the care you receive that's most important so i'm trying to let this go. but seeing the room i could be spending a significant amount of time in for the next year, made me very sad. i don't expect a resort or anything but it's, let me just say, not very nice - old building, very dreary, crowded. my sister, husband and i all just looked at each other with "that" look. very depressing. the hospital right next door that my doc is affliated with is quite nice so i was quite surprised.

SISKimberly · January 2008

Man...I'm off line for only half a day and WOW...so much chatting.

For all of you who loved and laughed along with The Side Effects Circus...thank you!

OK, so I've gotten lots of good ideas for constipation-thanks to one and all ( I take fiber daily and took Senna once it was clear fiber alone wasn't going to do the trick, but I guess once you're there...it's hard to break the cycle)-Carol laughing with me is totally OK by me....put I wasn't prepared for heartburn- Pepcid AC is now in my cupboard. Now, I have hemroids to add to the list...The Dame of Digestive Distress could my twin-heeheehee.

I'm not feeling really chatty...overdid it yesterday...so I'm just going to say...yeah, what everyone else said. ;-)

SIS KImberly

Cathy-CA · January 2008

Glad everyone is sounding nice and cheery today! I met with the onc this afternoon and we have decided to change my treatment plan. After researching ACTh vs. TCh, I was uncomfortable with the higher potential for heart problems on ACTh. So, chemo is still starting January 21st, but it will be TC + Herceptin every three weeks x6. The Herceptin will continue every three weeks for a full year. The caps and scarves I ordered arrived today, so I'm all set.

Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

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