Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Hello Jewels!  Wow!  I'm feeling awesome today.  Too bad I gotta do this again tomorrow.  Saw my onc today-- my counts were all WNL so I'm a go for round #2.  H/H was a little low, but actually a bit higher than when I was in the hospital and my WBCs have settled back into normal range.  I told my onc "I'm still standing so hit me again tomorrow, I'm ready!"  No iron or Procrit needed.  I plan on eating lots of iron-rich foods when I can this round.  Bring on the burgers!  Maybe some lentil soup, too.  Yum!  Went to lunch with my dh today for Asian.  Gotta enjoy it while I have tastebuds for another day.

SiSKimberly:  Go for the red wig!  I LOVE mine (was blonde before) and have gotten a ton of compliments so far.  I haven't even worn my blonde one yet.

Diane B:  I agree with Cathy-CA's info.  It really does depend on your type of cancer and some other factors like age, BRCA, etc.  I was 36 at dx, aggressive cancer (grade 3 and HER+), but largest area of IDC was 4mm, which they got all of on mastectomy. my BRCA1 and BRCA2 were negative.  My nodes were negative, too.  My onc said he did not recommend b/l mast. b/c my chance of having cancer in the other breast was only 1-2% higher than the general population and it would be considered a whole new cancer so not really a recurrence.  I did only a left mast. given those facts. Also look at how skilled your center is at doing mammograms.  Mine does digital and is very good at doing implants' mammograms (my right boob got augmented)-- so I feel very confident they'd pick something up early again if it happened (which I don't plan on having happen after this chemo!).  Hope that helps some

PALady:  I got your date change for the weekly list.  I know D1 will see it soon to change the start of the thread, too. So nice to be moved UP to your original date... 

Good afternoon, Jewels! I am FINALLY caught up on all of the posts - WOW! We've had some really crappy SE's over the last week or so. So sorry to my sister Jewels who also had it rough. I am finally starting to feel human again, but am now starting to dread tx #3 next week already!

CarolC - it sure sounds like you had food poisoning - sorry you had it so tough! Thank you for the advice with the creditors. My dh is "on it" as I tend to get too upset when I even think about it. He made some calls yesterday and seems to think we'll be "okay" and will make it through. I'm feeling better about it, but am still worried, of course.

WVgirl - I am so sorry about your DH. Hang in there and we'll all pray that he comes around. Just remember how important it is that you take care of yourself and your needs. And remember that your "sister" Jewels are always here for you and you're welcome to vent to us!!

LJ13 and others with the antiemetics  advice - here's what I'm getting: Aloxi at time of infusion, Emend (3 days starting day of tx), Zofran (3 days starting day after tx), Ativan (7 days starting day after tx), Pepcid (3 days starting day of tx), and of course Decadron (3 days starting day of chemo). I take everything religiously as I have a "weak" tummy to begin with and my doc said to take it all regardless b/c it's better to head it off than to get rid of it once you've got it. SO, it's not as though my onc has not given me all of these things - they're just not working for me. Are there any others that you are taking that I'm not??? I'm at my wits end with it and am just dreading my next four treatments if they're going to be like my first two.

To all of our newest "baldacious babes" --- you all TOTALLY ROCK THE BALDITUDE!!!!!! I love the pics!!!! Everyone's wigs look so good! I haven't worn mine out yet - I just keep wearing my little head wrap and ball cap when I go out. My 12-year old told me last night when I picked him up from tae kwon do that I've "GOT to wear the WIG!!" He said my look just "wasn't doing it for me." Can ya feel the love of my pre-pubescent teen??

Also - as for the hair - I shaved day 21 - day of my 2^nd tx. My hair was close to coming out in clumps at that point. My head was really itching this past weekend and the stubble was falling out in my little caps, so my dh did a "clean shave" for me and it feels much better. For those of you in the same situation, a friend of mine who is "hair challenged" and shaves his head regularly told me that you MUST use baby oil on the scalp. He said it really helps keep it moisturized and will stop any itching or chapping.

Those of you looking for caps, scarves, etc. check out: http://www.headcovers.com/. I ordered several things from there and really like everything I got!

D1 - I'm so glad you had a nice visit and dinner with college girl. My parents did that a lot for me my freshman year of college (I lost my mom my soph year) and their visits meant so much to me. Your daughter will always remember those times you doted on her and bought her steak.

Dana - I'm so glad you found a doc who will treat you. I hope you get things figured out soon and can start your tx plan. You've been in my prayers - I'm sorry you also are dealing with an insensitive DH. Take care of YOU!

DianeB - Like Kimberly, I also chose to have a bilateral mast. My lump was in my left breast, but I did a bilat b/c my mother had bc twice, once at 32 and again at 38. She had only removed her left breast the first time, then it recurred in the right six years later. I ditto what Kimberly said about it being such a personal choice and you need to talk to your drs about your risk for recurrence, etc. My sister did a prophylactic bilat two years ago b/c of our family history. I chose at that time not to do it, and am now on the bc journey - I've, of course, done a lot of "what if" and questioned my decision at that time, but I realize you can't turn back time and I have to focus on the future and what's ahead. So, that being said, do your research, talk to your docs, and do what's right for you.

OH - and another thing - I saw that some of you are thinking about hysterectomies/oopherectomies - I did a prophylactic complete hysterectomy two years ago b/c of my mother/grandmother/great-grandmother all dying of ovarian cancer. I'm 38 and have been through "forced" menopause, so I can answer any questions you have about dealing with all that crap too. BTW - I do NOT miss Aunt Flo AT ALL - sorry about all of you having to deal with bad periods at this time on top of everything else.

Okay - I think that's long-winded enough!! Sorry so long, but I had a LOT of catching up to do!!

For all my sister Jewels bellying up to the chemo-bar in the next few days, get up there and kick some BC butt!!!! {{{{HUGS}}}} to all!!

Julie

Hi, Carol - I'm nearly 3 years out from tx but had the same protocol (4 AC/4 Taxol over 4 months, with Neupogen shots to keep my cell count up).  My hair started falling out around day 14 after my first chemo - I cut it all off on day 12 and then shaved it around day 16 when it started driving me crazy.  I also live in San Francisco.  Do you have a support group in SF?  Feel free to PM me if you would like.

Alicia

Quick typing tonight as my mom arrived (she's going with me tomorrow), and I need to get my chemo bag in order...

Vettegal:  Glad you're on the upswing.  My taste buds seem to reappear about day 12-14.  I also think your feelings are totally normal.  I know I have days where I'll be PO'ed or wonder if I'll ever feel the same/"normal" again.  My blessed therapist (whi is herself a BC survivor of 20 years), says it seems to hit hardest about 4-6 months after treatment is over and everyone "expects" us to be "normal" or "over it".  I plan on seeing her for a while, and also plan on talking it out here with all the Jewels.  I find it's best to talk about it rather than keep it in and get quiet-- that spells trouble.  So keep venting!!!

Julie:  Girl, you're on EVERYTHING!  Can they adjust doses of meds, or even your chemo to make it more tolerable??? Another thought:  IV fluids the day after with maybe some IV anti-emetics instead of PO.  IV seems to work better and faster overall than PO.  Zofran can be given IV.  I hope they find something that works for you b/c it has to be better than what you're doing now.

D1:  I got 2 Ipex bras without underwires and I love them.  Wish I'd gotten more, they're my favorites.  Tomorrow I'll be wearing a bra, my Jewels shirt and a scarf/hat to #2.  At least I'll be stylin' while the chemo infuses:)

TTFN, sleep well gems!

Yeah, I'll be joining D1 and Kathy tomorrow, bottoms up gals!  I'll be sporting my T-shirt, I'll try to get a pic.  My mother-in-law is taking me tomorrow, although the drugs themselves are tolerable for driving I am going to take a Lorazepam for my "self induced" anxiety on infusion day.  Atleast I get a day off from work!

Jenn51 - hope all is well, havn't seen you on the post in a while.  If you get a chance fire me off your home address so I can forward your T's.

Gotta cook dinner, Carol 

Vettegal - I think like that now and I havent even started chemo - so there is someone out there that gets overwhelmed as well.  Smile

Ladies if all goes well I am having chemo on tuesday and this GREAT ONCO wants to make sure and double check my pathiology report because he wants to make sure I am HER2+ .  He is really good and i love his sense of humor.

Carol - thanks for the shirt sweetie - God bless ya.

Take care and talk to you on Sunday

Carol. Hi The look good feel better class went well. Not much time for talking they did invite me back to a support group that meets for dinner next week My brother is the one who shaved his head for me (just to see his sister smile he said)

CarolC It does sound like you have food poisoning. Hope you enjoyed your class as much as I did mine. They talked me into brining home a short Blonde curly wig. Getting the courage to wear it to work this week.

Kimberly So glad your feeling better. I have left things as is with the DH at least I have stopped crying. He just is not there for me I can not even caring on a casual conversation with him at this point. I am happier to be at work than at home.

Julie Hope you can get something figured out with your doc on all your SE'S

Vettegal-How lucky you are to have a dh instead of a DH lol

KathyL You are so right about talking about things not keeping them inside. I vented with a good friend who works at the local ACS  last night it helped she suggested to me to ask doc for a referral to a therapist ? I told my friend I am to the point I don't care

Enough of me venting ladies I don't know what I would do with out you all.

 PALady, Kris and anybody else who wants a T ...  I copied this from a old post a few weeks ago, hopefully it helps with the sizing.

The best way to do this is to have you go to http://www.tunagraphics.com/ .

At the bottom left, it will say "click here" - you'll want to do this.

At the upper right side it will say search - enter S10C

A Hanes Silver for Her - Classic Fit Rib T should come up.  Click on it.

For sizing, click on download Spec Sheet

As far as pricing, its quite reasonable, $11.74 for small - xlarge ,

$13.24 for xxlarge and $14.52 for xxxlarge.  Note:  the print shop suggested ordering one size larger than you would normally want due to shrinkage.

If you did not see my posting earlier, the front will have "FUBC" on the left side, and the back will be JANUARY JEWELS (arched up) and SISTERS IN SURVIVAL (arched down) with the ribbon symbol in the middle.  Color ordered will be black with hot pink lettering.

PALady, speaking for myself, I ordered a Large, should have gone for the Med.  I weigh 120, and have (1) small "hoot"!!!  Hope this helps, Carol

Well, here's a new one -- it's 4:10 a.m. and I have YET to be able to fall asleep!! I also had trouble getting to sleep last night, but finally fell asleep about 3:00 -- thought it might be partly b/c of the "train" I was sleeping next to.

Anyone else have this issue around days 12-13?? If I don't visit sleepy-town before my son is off to school, I'll be trying some Tylenol PM's in the AM!!

Julie,

Just checking in and saw your post about sleeplessness - mine was about a week or so out. Constantine, our wonderful breast cancer research guru gave me the name of a wonderful product for those nights which I picked up at a health food store - or you can order it online through Vitacost. check with your onco but I find when I can't sleep that this does the trick "Knock-Out" by Schiff - a combo of Melatonin w/Theanine & Valerian. No aftereffects at all for me....

Sorry about your weather - how horrible these tornados have been  - were you getting some of that residual effect? We've just got blustery snow here in Omaha today.

Off to work but wanted to send my best wishes to all my sisters in survival.

ps. my 2 cents if it helps with the shirt sizing - I'm a size 10 or 12 but a bit large boned ... I ordered the Large and even after washing it - it fits fine - it's very generous and I could have probably taken a Medium but wouldn't want to chance it after washing.

Hi January Jewels -- I'm new here, it's taken me a while to catch up on all the postings and now that I have, I wanted to say hello from Minneapolis and introduce myself.  I'm Tina, 45 yo, married to a most amazing man, mom to 20yo and 18yo boys and two cats.  Employed outside the home full-time (still working most days), and hating the frigid cold here in MN. 

I was diagnosed at the end of November, bi-mas surgery on Dec. 10th, started chemo Jan. 10th.  I get a/c tx every two weeks - #3 is tomorrow.  This cycle ends with #4 on Feb. 21st.  I also get the neulasta shot each Friday following tx.  Starting in March, I'll have taxol tx every two weeks, four rounds.  Tx #1 was tough...got dehydrated and had to learn how to manage all the anti-nausea drugs.  Tx #2 (1/24) kicked my fanny.  Fatigue, cold virus and icky mouth have taken its' toll.  I was expecting one bad week and one good week.  The good never came.  I'm hoping the cold virus is the culprit and will not play a role with the next tx. 

That's the trouble with getting chemo in the winter months, isn't it?  Staying clear of all the REAL sickies out there -- flu bugs, cold viruses, etc.  Luckily, I have arranged with my employer to work exclusively from home.  Of course, the bubble idea did cross my mind...

I, too, lost my hair right after tx #2 (days 15-16).  So, I've joined the baldy bunch!  I have a nice wig that I wear when I go out.  But, for quick trips/errands it's all about the polar fleece (thank goodness for that stuff!).  Around the house I'm usually in a bandana.  

Carol -- I would LOVE to order a t-shirt.  Please reserve one for me -- medium.  I will send you a pm.

To everyone else -- I am in awe of your positive attitudes, your supportive natures, your guidance and your determined outlooks!   I am honored and thankful this support mechanism is here and to have found you all!

Best wishes go out to those getting tx today.  Positive vibes go out to those dealing with se's.   Will check in later...

Tina 

D1/KathyL -- Change to my Tx plan: From "then T/Herceptin every 2 weeks x4, then Herceptin alone every 3 weeks for one year via port" to "then T/Herceptin every week x12, then Herceptin alone every week for one year via port."

Daunting prospect, weekly infusions for a year. And changing from 8 weeks of Taxol to 12 weeks. But the dosage of T is lowered, meaning lighter SEs (hopefully).  

Good Afternoon Jewels,

So, I was up early…didn’t sleep well..bones aching this time around…hmmm Nasty Lasta? I took some Ibuprophin this morning, and that seemed to help. Note to self, take at bedtime! This morning, the dh and I went to sign papers on an investment property we’re buying so our college son can live there- why keep paying his rent if we can get a tax write off…and he can live off the rent from roomies. His lease is up at the end of March, so this worked out perfectly. Then I did my weekly labs.





Kathy- I so went for the red…it’s awesome. Everyone at the shop just raved how great the color was on me. My first wig is more blonde, I guess…and now that I’ve got the red, I’m liking it better…Maybe, with different wardrobe choices one over the other will be the choice of the day.



D1- I like going au natural around the house or out for a walk or to the store with a ball cap on, but I also have found a few tres chic scarves that are really fun. The wigs are more for fun. I have a cap I wear under my wig so it doesn’t itch. My gal also took tucks in the cap to fit my head…if it doesn’t fit well it can ride up or slip. She also cut it to fit the style I wanted.



Bless your heart for being the Snack Bar Mom…I recall working the snack bar when my son was in high school…and that was fun and all, but I can’t even imagine making sure everything was there that was needed, that the shifts were covered, etc…



Oh well, don’t feel too badly about showing up topless at school…embarrassing our children is part of the privilege of being a parent. God knows there are times our children have embarrassed us. When my son was little, he asked an older woman why she was so old…OK, I was deeply embarrassed and apologized to her…she laughed and told him she was so old because she lived a good life and laughed a lot. Whew!!!! It could have been ugly.



Bummer about the potential lymphodema. Keep us posted.

I still have swelling on my left side under my arm…I wonder if that’s a problem. I’ll have to ask my doc when I see him next week.



Glad this infusion went better. Here's to hoping the added steroids help the bone pain.



Diane- Both my dad and twin were BRCA negative, so I’m feeling safe enough to say I am negative as well. I’m sorry that the change in tx has you down. Hang in there.

Hope your child gets well and that you don’t catch whatever it is.



Julie- I will definitely be talking to you if I decide to do the hysterectomy. I agree with the other Jewels that your oncologist has to help you get a handle of this…are you having a reaction to one or a combination of those drugs? Is it dietary? I don’t blame you for dreading the next tx, who wouldn’t after your horrid reaction each time?

Glad you’re feeling better now…enjoy the good days. Sorry you couldn’t sleep…I was up too, with bone pain. I should have gotten up and checked in.



Vettagal- My plastic surgeon and my oncologist say that it takes at least the same number of months you were in treatment to feel ‘normal’ again…so I’m saying when you have the good days…celebrate!!!! You and your dh sound like you have fun together…that’s great!



Bummer about your work blocking you from the site. I wonder if when I go back to work, I’ll be blocked. It’s a school, so the word ‘breast’ will probably throw up the FireWall pretty fast. HaHaha



Dana- Everything always works out as they should…sounds like you got yourself a great oncologist. BRAVO…and good luck with your first infusion.



Joan- You went to work on Day 6? Man, I was so laid out…I can’t even imagine. Glad you made it through…listen to your body…you need to rest as much as you can…and watch those germs…your immune system is vulnerable.



wvgirl- I’m glad your Look Good Feel Better class went well, but mostly that you’ve been invited to a support group. That is great!!!! Sounds like you need to be thinking about yourself and what you really want in your life from this point forward…you deserve to be loved and supported…not treated like you’re not a valuable human being. If your DH thinks more of the dog than he does of you, maybe he and the dog need to find another place to live…maybe the dog house? Sometimes it takes a big event to show us who and what really matters in this life. Your brother…a big matters…your DH, doesn’t matter at this point since he chooses not be there for you when you most need him. Wasn’t that part of the marriage vows…in sickness and in health? If this were him…the one who was sick…I’ll bet he’d be expecting the world from you…and I’ll bet you would have been there for him. Sorry, didn’t mean to sound preachy…it just makes me so mad that you have to deal with this.



CarolC- Well, gosh…thanks! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my writing. About the wig, once you get your wig cut the way you would normally wear it…shorter bangs, thin out heavy spots, etc…it makes a world of difference. Also, getting the cap tucked if needed so it fits your head helps.





Peg- A bet huh? Hope the stakes are high enough to buy you a great wig or some great hats or something.



Tina- Welcome. You sound like a positive bundle of fun…you are so going to fit right in with us...So, tx 2 kicked your butt, too? I’m on TAC every 21 days, so even though yours is separated…same se effect. What a great thing your employer lets you work exclusively from home!!!!





LJ13- OK, good news and bad. Good news is a lower dose of Taxol for 12 instead of 8 with hopefully lesser se’s…bad news that Herceptin will be another full year after once each week. That’s a time commitment for sure, but from what I’ve heard…a really good drug for HER2 positive gals. What se’s are expected from the Herceptin?



ARDeb-Hang in there…you got the right attitude…only one more AC, then just Taxol. Hope your bath and good night’s sleep boosts your energy for tomorrow.



sunshine- Glad to hear from you...sounds like you're pulling out of the fog a bit.



To all who have had/ will have tx 2/6 and 2/7…don’t forget your chemotini glass and Supergirl cape…I know, I’ve got to get my dh to post my pics for me again.



I’ll check in again tomorrow,

SIS Kimberly

Hi Jewels!  Boy it's been a busy day on here!  I'll do my shout-outs first...

Good luck to everyone doing their treatments tomorrow.  Hope they go smoothly and we all weather the next few days of SEs well!

Dana:  Penciled you in for your start day as next Tuesday.  Let us know of other dates or changes.  Glad you have an onc you like-- it makes such a difference.

D1 and Carol:  Hope you did well today.  I got pics of me in my T.  Someday they'll make it here with my hair cutting pics...

WVGirl:  It breaks my heart to read about your dh/DH.  I agree with SISKimberly.  Unfortuantely times like these bring out some true colors.  Keep your chin up-- we're here for you. And I also say take up your friend's suggestion about counseling-- you cen never talk it out too much.

Glad some of you got to the Look Good Feel Better class-- it was cool and I love the makeup I got.

On sleep issues:  I'm there with ya, too.  I was up at 4AM last night and never returned back to sleep.  Damn steroids!

Peg:  Good luck with your "hair watch".  It'll probably start sometime in the next week...

Tina:  Welcome.  I've got your info down.  D1 and I try to keep eachother "abreast"  (hahaha) of what's going on!

Diane B:  Vent away, girl.  It's so needed.  Hope tomorrow goes well for you.  Don't know much about CMF, but I'm sure Carol can fill you in.  Wear a mask and wash ahnds like crazy with the sick kid around

LJ13:  Got the change!  Interesting... curious why they changed it on you if you care to share. Herceptin weekly should be fine, just time consuming.  And the T sounds like it may be better since lower dose.

Deb102307: #2 seems to be kicking everyone's butt if that's any consolation to you.  Gee, can't wait to see what's in store for me this weekend...

  OK, so my day.  You should all start learning by now... I'm the fun one!  Today was round #2 and I did not escape unscathed.  Had a reaction 5 minutes into my Taxotere-- saw white lights, flushed face and neck, and couldn't breathe.  Thankfully they were right on top of me, stopped the infusion, gave me saline and oxygen, Benadryl, and Decadron.  Waited a half hour and then restrted slowly.  I did fine the rest of the time.  But it was kinda scary.  So now I'll get the extra decadron and benadryl each time with the slow infusion.  Hope it doesn't happen again.  I was there 5 1/2 hrs. today and that will probably not change much for my next 2 rounds.  My onc said "you're at it again"- I reminded him I wanted to make the most of my 4 rounds and thought this way everyone would remember me!  I am pretty tired (probably the Benadryl-- maybe I'll sleep better tonight).  Never a dull moment with me!  Tomorrow I'll return for my Neulasta.  Not looking forward to the SEs of the weekend... hope it's not as eventful as today (MAYBE I can get a break???). 

TTFN, I'll check in tomorrow!