Starting chemo Dec 2007

Options
1…1415171920…45

Comments

  • wishiwere
    wishiwere Member Posts: 3,793
    edited February 2008

    Sal, just a thought, but the wbc's will decrease after chemo causing you to be at a higher risk of infection.  The RBC's will cause the anemia and/or tiredness more.  Of course that can be caused just by your body being out of whack with it all and trying to get to you to rest and drink and eat to get repairing the good cells that were injured by it all.

    Hope you doing better today ladies.  I must say, this trip with A/C has for the most part gone fairy well.  Headaches (slight to medium).  I'm seriously thinking the anti meds were the ones causing ME any of my problems!  SO HAPPY I'm past the last chemo!  WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • beasgirl
    beasgirl Member Posts: 241
    edited February 2008

    Sal, here's what the nurse said about pain management: keep yourself on alleve (naproxen) as if it were a prescription--2 when you wake up, 2 at night--they last 8-12 hours, I think...and then in the middle you can dose yourself with tylenol every 4-6 hours. She said that amount is perfectly fine. I have found that when it gets to be too much, the percoset from my operation DOES WORK, and is a giant relief. I asked the onc for more this week, and nobody said boo. I was reluctant to take it before now, but there are days when the other stuff doesn't seem to touch it, and though it's not awful, the relentlessness is wearing--those are the days I break out the percoset, usually in the mid-late afternoon.

    I haven't dealt with the Neulasta--seems like if the pain I'm getting is from UNDERproduction, and yours is from OVERproduction (ai-ai-ai) of wbc, that you ought to even out and feel better, once the shot wears down...? But I honestly have no idea. 

    Poor baby. Do what you need to do, and do tell the nurses/docs you're in pain--they will help!

    This stuff is crappy. I was just saying to my husband, I don't like to THINK about why I'm doing it, because it's scary to think about, so I end up just feeling like I'm sick all the time...a weird mental tight-rope to be on...

    sending good thoughts your way--

    Amy 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • loriann
    loriann Member Posts: 139
    edited February 2008

    Morning all!  We've moved to a new page so I hope I remember to say all I wanted.

    Sal, I am so sorry you are having a rough time.  I had some 800mg Motrin left over from a knee injury that I took and that helped me when regular tylenol wouldn't.  I should probably say that I have a high tolerance for pain and I am also a pretty big girl.  I'm 5'11 and thanks to the steroids (and my new 15 pounds) over 200 #'s!  (Side note: You guy's must be special!  I would never tell ANYONE else my weight! LOL)   Sal, I know you are a thin little thing and maybe that makes a difference also!  I'm sure you can get it under control though, just let your Dr. know!  Did I understand correctly, you are not going to get a Neulasta shot after your second Taxol?  I was wondering why not.  I will still get them after each tx.  Also wondering what your white count normally is?  Mine before any chemo was 8.8 and has stayed in the 8 range (8.3, 8.2 7.8 once) other than when I got the sinus infection.  A young girl (27) that I've met at tx (we have been at every tx together) has a problem with the Neulasta and even skipped one as her white count was in the 30's!!  Is the Neulasta keeping your count too high most days so that that may be adding to the body aches and pain?  I always thought your counts stayed low...did I misunderstand?  Oh, I wish I could offer better advice as I hoped Taxol would be easier on everyone else as it has been on me.  I really hope it passes soon!

    Hope everyone else is having a good day!  It's about 4 degrees here!  I'm staying in and trying to stay warm!  Lori

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited February 2008

    Sal, sorry your feeling so rough. I'll get right to the pain meds...... I hope its legible.

    So far I am still giving myself neupogen injections, so I'm working with the bone pain & migraines from those first. And the taxol se's 2nd... they are almost more like muscle pain/spasms and neuropathology.

    Ive been taking percosetes for bone pain every 4 - 6 hours as needed (this has been from wbc and pain has been in lower back hips thighs and knee's) and then Zomig Rapidmelt twice a day for migraines. The percs have been working pretty good on all pain so far. Also taking ativan in the middle of the night when I cant sleep.

    Taxol se's. My oncologist prescribed Gabapentin 300mg.(first heard about these from my sil who is a cancer nurse) I haven't filled this prescript's out yet, but its supposed to work incredibly well with the pain and neuropathy. I think the dose was 3 pills for 5 days.

    I wanted to wait it out at least through one tx to see what my current meds are helping and how much worse taxols se's are going to make it. Anyway I am filling that prescription out today, so I can do a little more follow up later.

    Ive had the same pharmacist for 15 years and she is incredible. She immediately red flags all drug interactions, so I want to run all this past her before I take any of it.

    Sal Im sending you a private message with my phone# so you can call if you'ld like more specific info.

    Amy, sweating is most definately a taxol se. Ive been waking up about once an hour soaked to the bone, then freezing as the sweat cools off. Add to this having to pee every hour all night and I might as well forget about sleep.

    In answer to your question a few days ago, yes I do walk the dog at least two miles a day. Its pretty hard getting motivated, but once Im out the door, headphones on, it becomes quite invigorating. But............ thats because I love to power walk. It clears my head-space. Before bc I used to power walk 5-10 miles a day. I plan on being there again.

    .

    Much love to everyone

    Suz

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited February 2008

    Amy, Just curious what color did you use across from your chair. I just finished my spa bathroom and found two incredible colors from Ralph Lauren. I used each color on two walls and it looks incredible. It seems dark if you do a patch but calms down once the whole wall is done.

    Ralph Lauren- Burlap NA11

    Ralph Lauren- Brompton Grey NA62

    I'm going to paint my living room,dining room & hallway in these colors as well. I always have at least 2-3 projects on the go at any given time. Its tough just staring at these areas waiting till you feel good enough to finish them.

    But soon......... I can get caught up in the excitement of fixing this old house up again

    Love & hugs

    Suz

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • clsd
    clsd Member Posts: 101
    edited February 2008

    Sal, I echo what A said with pain meds...Aleve really helped me, and when I really needed more, used left over pain meds from surgery (along with a stool softener/mild lax, since darv/perc always caused me some serious constipation) Onc nurse suggested/approved.

    After EACH tx, I had a Neulasta shot; it was protocal with TC treatment, so I agree with Lori, ask onc why you don't get it each time.

    What I wouldn't give for a full night's sleep (just 6 straight hours, not asking tooo much). Though I am wearing dh's boxers and my summer camisoles to bed,( how about that bald-i-licious visual ) I too am bouncing back and forth between sweating and freezing throughout the night. Add in potty breaks,( I really think I should put up a cot closer to toilet!) and a good night's sleep is just not in the cards right now...

    Suz, what a trooper! You just motivated me to go out and grab a walk, even though it is so windy and cold ( I love WARM weather )

    WiW !!!!  Hope you are still feeling well, and enjoying your graduation!

    xo cindy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bibliowarrior
    bibliowarrior Member Posts: 200
    edited February 2008

    Wishiwere-- I keep you and Cindy in the forefront of my thoughts... "That's gonna be me in 3 more treatments. I CAN do it. Hang in there." Thanks for the encouragement.

    And thanks EVERYONE for your encouragement. I feel like a real yakker today, posting so much, but wanted to let folks know I'm feeling much better tonight. I called my onc and got the ok to use my leftover hydrocodone. Wow-- it really took the edge off the pain and left me feeling slightly "Who cares" (if ya know what I mean). Wish they had given me a prescription to begin with... glad I had this leftover stuff to use. And I only have enough for another day + 1/2, so I hope the aches go away... prescription was made out by my plastic surgeon, and I'm not sure he'll refill it since I'm not technically seeing him right now. But I'll make calls and do what needs to be done, if needed.

    I'll have to ask about the Alleve... they've only mentioned Motrin and Tylenol for me... weird how we all seem to get different recommendations from our dr's/nurses for the same side effects?

    Such as... Lori-- regarding my Neulasta shot, the way they explained it to me I'm only gonna get the shot after tx #1 and #3 because it will work overtime on me and cause more aches/pains. Not sure why it will "work overtime" because my wbc counts have been really low compared to yours... 7.3 has been my highest, but I usually dip to 1.3 or .7 on my low days. I have faith in my dr's and nurses, but I swear when I hear how different we ladies are all treated it makes me wonder if they just spin a roulette wheel and that's how things are determined, know what I mean? I mean that jokingly, but it really is weird.

    Suz-- gonna go check your message. Thanks. You are all so helpful. 

    Thanks, everyone, for letting me whimper and whine, and thanks for the advice. I don't like to worry my family/friends when they ask how things are going, and they don't really understand anyway. But I always know that you ladies will understand, and that is such a relief to me... just to know that someone else truly understands what I'm going through. Thanks.

    Onwards and upwards. Hugs.

    -Sal 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bibliowarrior
    bibliowarrior Member Posts: 200
    edited February 2008

    Just wanted to post so Kate, who I see starts Taxol next week, won't think that Taxol totally sucks. It looks like I'm simply ahead of the pack when it comes to getting the side effects. Usually the pain etc doesn't hit folks until days 4-6, but I'm starting to feel a bit better today so apparently I get mine on days 2-4ish. Haven't had to take a pain med since 2 AM... have been doing Alleve like folks mentioned and seems to be keeping it under control today. Have a bit more energy today too. Things are slowly looking up.

    ------- 

    Total change of subject: my sister "stamps" cards in her spare time. With all the free stuff available at the onc clinic (hats, etc.), she wanted to do something too. So she made a pile of cards... there are 2 different packs, and she made 15 packs of each. Before I give them to the clinic, to a bunch of people I don't know, I'd like to offer them to anyone here who would like some. There are 4 cards/envelopes in each pack, blank inside.

    The first pack are all the same and read "Hope is believing in a brighter tomorrow." 

    The 2nd pack has a mix of 4 cards... I haven't opened them yet, but the top card looks like this

    If you'd like either or both packs, just send me an "email" with your mailing address through your "My home" section (or, if you can't figure out how to do that, just lemme know on here and I'll initiate the email for ya and you can just "reply").

    Love ya ladies,

    Sal 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bapnkat
    bapnkat Member Posts: 104
    edited February 2008

    Sal,

    Thanks for thinking of me.  I am kind of looking forward to starting Taxol because it means I'm half done, but also nervous to change since I know how the A/C stuff reacts to me.  I hope taxol is nicer. 

    My oncologist said they probably would not give me the neulasta during the taxol.  Not sure, though. 

    The cards are beautiful.  How much are they?  I have no idea  how to get me email address to you, but if I figure that out, I will.  What a nice thing for your sister to do.

    Kate

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bapnkat
    bapnkat Member Posts: 104
    edited February 2008

    Question.... is the nausea worse or better with taxol?  Do you still feel sick sick sick? 

    Kate

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited February 2008

    Kate, to send an email to Sal.. Click on her name Bibliowarrior, then when her page comes up click on send Bibliowarrior a message. To check to see if you have any messages in your mailbox click on your name then click on my activity. It will show if you have messages in your mail box.

    As for nausea, touch wood I haven't had any at all from the taxol. Today is the first time since Tuesday that I felt a little queasy but that is from my Neupogen shots, today is inj #4 and that is when I start getting the nasty se's. I'm not sure why I'm even having them as my wbc was over 30 when I had my last blood-work done. Hopefully this will be the last of the injections. Yell

    So far Taxols se's have been pretty good (as far as se's go). Had about 3 days of extreme fatigue and muscle aches. I have been sweating up a storm, so I go back & forth from being too hot and soaked... then too cold.

    Hope everyone is well. Big hugs

    Love Suz

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • beasgirl
    beasgirl Member Posts: 241
    edited February 2008

    Sal--the cards are so pretty! And Kate (Sal, you can kick me if I'm misunderstanding you)--I think she's giving them away!  I don't need more stationary (it's kind of a weakness)--but tell your sis they're lovely.

    I hope I, too, didn't freak you out, Kate. I'm feeling way better today, in spite of, I think, catching my younger kid's cold.  You can do it! Go Kate go!

    Nausea: I've had very little trouble with it, but I didn't do the AC so I can't compare. But for me, no, not sick sick sick.

    Hope everybody's doing ok. My housecleaning ladies came today and everything is all shiny--I could seriously get used to this.

    Suz--I painted a big sample splotch of "timothy straw" (benjamin moore) on my wall, and was disappointed because it looks more like cold pea soup than the warm pear I was hoping for. I think I'm gonna go with something much more neutral, to avoid marital strife (and ugliness). I'll check out your colors! I definitely forced myself into finishing the project by painting a giant ugly splot in the middle of the wall!

    love to all of ya's--hope it's a smooth week so far...

    Amy. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bibliowarrior
    bibliowarrior Member Posts: 200
    edited February 2008

    Hey Kate... I'm also knocking on wood with Suz... I haven't had any nausea at all. I've been eating like a pig, which is totally opposite from when I was on AC. Eventhough the aches & pains suck-- and haven't gone away, so I'm thinking they are here for the duration of Taxol-- I definitely "like" them over the mix of queasiness, sinus headaches, nose bleeds etc etc etc that I had with AC. My fatigue this time around only lasted a day & 1/2 as opposed to 3 & 1/2 days on AC, although I'm sure that will increase as I get more into the Taxol.The really bad aches/pains only lasted 3 days, like Suz said, but if I'd had pain meds from the start I'm sure I wouldn't have whined as much as I did... definitely ask your onc if you can have some pain meds just to be on the safe side.

    But for the most part, the Aleve and Tylenol have kept them (aches/pains) relatively in order the past 2 days. I'm following Amy's suggestion of 2 Aleve in AM and PM, Tylenol every 4 hours as needed. So far, so good. Dull aches. Every once in a while a twinge that causes me to sit down and let it pass, but it does pass. Time may see me singing another tune, but for now I'm back on the "Taxol rules over AC" train.

    The only thing that seems to aggrevate the aches/pains is the bitter cold weather... I notice the aches kick in as soon as I go outside where it's really cold... I'd always heard this specific complaint from folks who suffer from arthritis, so imagine it must be a nerve/bone/muscle thing. Nuthin to do about that except stay inside as much as possible.

    I am starting to get the hot flashes during the day too now, so Taxol must be turning up the heat as Amy suspected/hoped.

    Smile

    As for your question about the cards and how much they cost... not a penny. My sister wanted to "give something back" to the place that is treating me. And I want to give something back to you ladies for being such a valuable lifeline for me, so I'm just passing on the gift. The ones that are leftover, I'll donate to the onc clinic where I go, for other cancer patients to have. You ladies get first pick.

    Time for bed. Nighty night, ladies.

    -Sal 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • clsd
    clsd Member Posts: 101
    edited February 2008

    I am sooooo glad to read that Taxol has been better to you all than the dreaded AC regimen. You deserve a break, right ! ? I hope the se's stay away, and you can 'skate' through the final leg of your treament. You know I am rooting for you! I am doing the taxol tango for you beautiful ladies !! Sal, tell that sister of yours she rocks! So thoughtful!

    Spent last week getting set up for rads. Got the tattoos, CT scan,  and made the mold of my body in the treatment position. Since I am "small breasted", I am not able to get rad treatment laying on my belly ( preferred method ), so I  must lay on my back/side with my arm bent over my head. So there I am, in the warm, hardening mold, arm over my head, naked ( I was imagining Kate Winslet's  famous Titanic pose on the couch for the drawing by Leo ):however I am bald, tired, fat and ugly, and having one of my worst pity parties ever in my head, and then the tech comes in with a camera. HE tells me that he needs some photos so that each time I come in for treatment, they can put the photo up on the screen to make sure I am lined up exactly right.......what the f#%@ !!! I told him I did not want these photos to show up on the internet once I am famous. Gosh I will be glad when I am done with these txs.

    Last week I had to get finger-printed/photo, so I can coach my daughter's softball team ( yes, over the top), and had to fill out a couple of forms similar to a driver's license information application. Height, weight, eyes, HAIR !!............ what do I put???, None/not applicable??? The police officer and I had a good laugh..........

    Did I mention our family is taking a mini-vaca to the Florida Keys......tomorrow! Dr. said now would be a great time for some R&R, before RADS begin. We are all packed, and so excited. All three children are doing the official hour by hour countdown.....I think we all need a break from the cold and dr. appointments.

    Stay well, and keep the faith ladies. I will be thinking of you!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • beasgirl
    beasgirl Member Posts: 241
    edited February 2008

    Cindy, I had a moment a lot like yours at the plastic surgeon's last week--he needed to take pictures of me, and had an assistant and a resident with him...it's never bothered me before, but I just felt so shlumpy and exposed, with my extra poundage, my huge ugly scars (the main reason I was there, of course), and my general adolescent-like discomfort with my whole self right now...AND yet unwilling to take off the super-ugly fleece-print socks that were keeping my feet from freezing. That sentence had no verb. Anyway. STINKS. That's a good verb for that situation. I could think of worse verbs, actually, but some of you are ladies. Kiss

    Have a great trip, Cindy--you deserve a great time!! Are you starting to feel spunkier? Hope so. Even if not, you can soak up some warm and green. Aaahhhh....

    The weather here couldn't be worse. My mantra--don't think about California...don't think about California....

    Cry

    A 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • loriann
    loriann Member Posts: 139
    edited February 2008

    Hi all!  Had a few projects to finish up at work and been trying to get the house ALL cleaned up before tx on Friday!  Taxol #2 coming up and I can't wait!  Then 2 more to go!!  The end is getting so close I am starting to taste it...and it doesn't tasted metallic, that's for sure!!

    Sal, the cards are very cute!  I'm sure someone at your oncologist's office/treatment center will be thrilled to make use of them!  How very thoughtful of your sister!!  I'm glad your tummy is staying well and that you seem to be keeping those aches under control with Amy's suggestions!  I'm riding that "taxol is better than AC" train with you, girlfriend, and we will be pulling into the station before you know it!

    Is is just me or does it seem like our chemo days have gone by quickly....at least more quickly than the month between diagnosis and starting treatment/surgery...whatever way your tx went!  That month crawled by but this seems to have gone much faster! 

    Kate, I have also found that the nausea is way better with the Taxol!  I have not found the Taxol bad at all...just needed some Tylenol during the day and a 800 mg Motrin for 2 days.  Toes felt sore, not pins and needles though, more like blisters, but that passed within a few days also!  Hope you find it WAY better than the AC as well!

    Cindy, No wonder you are having a pity party!  Ummm, hello...pictures of me half naked on a radiation machine.  I take horrible pictures anyway....but thanks for the heads up!  I haven't read much about the radiation but will do so with great interest when the time is right...after surgery!  But you go ahead and wallow girl, then shake it off and keep moving along!  You will have a blast coaching your daughter!  I miss my old girl scout leader days when I had a troop of 15!  Well, maybe not miss it but look back on it with no regrets and great memories!  Have a great trip too!  I'm looking forward to my own vacations..Vegas in June and Disney World in September!  Ready for some signs of spring too!  My uncle did see 2 robins so that's a sure sign...it will get here eventually!

    Hope all the rest of our group are doing well!  Lori

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bibliowarrior
    bibliowarrior Member Posts: 200
    edited February 2008

    Oh Cindy, have an AWESOME time!!! Not that you need encouragement to do so... that's gonna happen no matter what!! Wow-- the Keys. Gorgeous. And this time of year... pretty sure they ain't shoveling snow, rain, etc etc. Enjoy enjoy enjoy!

    That sucks about the radiation rigamarole. I've never heard someone explain in detail about how radiation treatments work... they made it sound like a piece of cake when I met with the radiologist (before I knew I didn't need to have tx). But it sounds quite complicated in detail and pretty much a pain in the butt so far. Keep us informed of your very incredible, cancer-shrinking progress!

    Yeah, Amy, I had to have the imfamous photos at the plastic surgeon too. I remember laughing to myself, since I was having a double-mastectomy, wondering if they would be made into keepsake photos available in the lobby as a remembrance of what I used to have. I know, I know, sick humor. But we have our moments when we need to find the humor in things. Alas, no one has offered me the photos yet Tongue out but these "new girls" are workin alright for me so far so I'm not lookin back anyway.

    Got some good news today... minor... my wbc count was at 22 today. Whoa. That's more than double my count on a good day in AC. And my onc nurse said that my next tx should be easier since I won't have the Neulasta shot, which she said was what caused the pain I had. Woot! I'm actually looking forward to next week's chemo with anticipation. Weird.

    Gotta go finish supper. Hugs ladies. Give the sunshine a great big kiss for me, Cindy.

    -Sal 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wishiwere
    wishiwere Member Posts: 3,793
    edited February 2008

    Wow!  Ladies, it's FANTASTIC to come in today and read how everyone is fairing so much better on the new tx, as opposed to the old A/C combo!  YEAH!!!!!!!!!  I'm so happy for you all.  Putting them down one by one and getting to that end of it!  Great news everyone!

    Just wanted to touch base and let you all know, I am keeping you in my heart and prayers as you continue through this mess of txs.  I did really great after this last A/C last friday and am looking forward to getting the final blood tests down and on to maintenance!

    Only thing I can really complain about is this come and go gastro thing when I eat, but thinking it's better than it was.  AND....................... I am still having an itchy head!  Are you ladies still getting that?  Seems like I had stubble starting about the same time as this last tx last week and now it's itching like HELL-0 Yell again and coming out again?  How long till it quits, anyone know?

    Dang, I'm so happy you are all doing better this week, talking about cookies and trips and drinking with those cookies?  Ucky!  Tongue out  Milk is the best with GS cookies, don't you know? Wink 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited February 2008

    Glad to here everyone seems to be doing fine.

    Cindy, Lucky you... The Florida keys sound wonderful right now,  ahhhh basking in the warm sun on the beach. My favorite is going on long beach walks in the morning hunting down interesting rocks. I hope you have an incredible time and come back refreshed, rested & ready to tackle that radiation pose. You deserve a break.

    Sal, Great news on the wbc, hopefully #2 is gonna be an absolute breeze for you. Please thank your sister for me, that was a really nice gesture.

    Lori,  Wow #2 on Friday already. Your right things really do seem to be moving along much quicker now. We're almost done YAA HOOOOOOO. Counting down the days soon.

    Amy, I here ya on the socks. I hate cold feet & I'm not so big on the naked pictures Foot in mouth Maybe 20 years ago it wouldn't have been so bad........

    I'll have to stop in to Benjamin Moore and look up Timothy Straw, the color sounds nice. I know the colors I got looked soooo dark when I painted a small area but turned out fabulous when I finished the room. I think I'm going to use mostly the burlap in LR, DR and use the other as more of an accent. Just need to be feeling stronger for longer periods of time to tackle the job.

    Hope everyone else is feeling fine and relaxing this evening.

    Take care and stay warm. Love and hugs to all

    Suz

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bapnkat
    bapnkat Member Posts: 104
    edited February 2008

    I tried to send a message, Sal, but it only said error.  If you do get it somehow, I addressed it to Suz instead of Sal, must be the chemo.  Anyway, let me know if you don't and I'll try again.

    Have a great trip, Cindy.  Sounds like a lot of fun!  I cant wait to be finished with Taxol.  This week I have a lot of energy so I'm feeling really good right now. 

    So glad to hear most are having not a lot of nausea during the Taxol.  I guess mostly I worry about the allergic reaction thing.  Sounds scary. 

    Does anyone ever get aches and pains in the second week after chemo?  I have had leg/hip pain the last couple days.  Usually I only have this a few days after neulasta, but this time it almost seems delayed. 

    One thing interesting, I had a wart on my finger that chemo killed...hehe.  I had been trying to get rid of it for the longest time and now it just disappeared. 

    Wishiwere, my doc told me to take prilosec for the acidy gassy stuff and it really has worked.  What a difference.  I only need to take it for about five days or so and then I can wait til the next treatment.

    Well, hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's day.  Hubby bought me a pecan pie from collins street bakery...yum!  Take Care everyone!!

    Kate

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited February 2008

    Photobucket

    Hope everyone has an extra special day today.

    Love & Hugs

    Suz

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited February 2008

    Lori and Amy, Wishing you both the best today with no se's, You will both be in my thoughts and you go girls

    Hope everyony has a great day today.I'm with my book keeper all day Tongue out not my favorite thing to . But I can suck it up.

    So a good day to all, much love and big hugs

    Suz

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bibliowarrior
    bibliowarrior Member Posts: 200
    edited February 2008

    Kate, got your email and sent a reply. Smile Regarding your question about aches & pains... I remember thinking I had coasted through all the AC with hardly any aches & pains, but the last tx was different... I had more of them and they lasted a couple days. Not sure if that answers your question or if it is totally unrelated.

    Awesome about the wart... little blessings. 

    My sister-in-law is in town for a week. She's here from Texas, where things are slightly warmer and less snow-covered. She's here to see us, her other brother up in Fort Kent (Northern Maine), and our neice who lives in Massachusetts. I really like my sister-in-law, but listen to how selfish I'm being... I asked my husband if we could put her up in a nearby hotel. I told him that since I just started the new drug and still didn't know what to expect, since we have a very small house (1 bathroom, guest room in cellar), and since I don't feel comfortable being "sick" in front of anyone (e.g. wearing pj's and no wig/hat, laying on couch whimpering if I'm in pain, trying to stop my nose bleeds, etc etc) that it would be stressful for me to have company stay with us for that long. He was fine with it, and she has been really great about it too. I guess I figured this is my time in my life to be selfish and ask for what I need. But I still feel kinda guilty.

    Anyway, we're going out to eat tonight and I can't wait. I'm starving!!!!! 

    Hope you ladies are all well. Hugs to Amy and Lori.

    Love, Sal 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • loriann
    loriann Member Posts: 139
    edited February 2008

    Evening friends!  Just checking in to say I had another glorious day of Taxol treatment!  I am feeling great, a bit tired from the Benedryl, but still great!  We cut the dose of Benedrly in half and it still knocked me out!  My nurse said I was a cheap date and she is right!  For as big as I am you would not think that.  One mixed drink and my legs are tingling and wobbling!  I guess that saved me money back in my club going days!  LOL

    I don't remember if I ever mentioned the young girl (well, young to me, she's 27) that has BC and has been having the exact same treatment as me AND we have all the same Dr.'s AND we have been at evey tx together (within 1/2 hour of each other).  Anyway she has been 2 tx's ahead of me and has kept me filled in and answered questions about the Taxol, etc.  Well, today was her last tx so I stopped and got her a balloon (Sal, hope that "bite" doesn't hurt too bad! LOL) and she was really happy about it!  How exciting to be having your last tx...2 more for me and we will all be there soon.

    Amy, I know you have a bit longer to go but at least it will be every three weeks instead of every week and that should feel like a bit of a break for you!  You just hang in there!!

    Suz, oooh, what fun, the bookkeeper!  I hope, at least, it goes easy for you and no major headaches.....is it business or personal taxes!  If it's personal, here's wishing you a big, fat refund!!

    Sal, I know exactly how you feel about feeling guilty, but just do your best to put it out of your mind!  You did the right thing and I'm sure everyone understands...at least they should and if they don't....They'll get over it!!!  I had told my daughter that her boyfriend could not come over on the Friday's that I had tx but I did break that a few times and you know what...I still got on the couch, in my PJ's and little knit hat and it has been fine.  I figured it may even be good for him to be exposed to it...never to young to learn a lesson in compassion and understanding.  Let's face it...it's real life and here's how I'm dealing with it.  But remember, I have not had it too bad compared to some of you...everyone must do what works for them and that is for each of us to decide and once that decision is made, it becomes the right choice for you...no apologies or explainations required OR necessary!  Gosh, we ROCK!  We get caught up in treatment and forget how hard this thing we are doing really is!  We are awesome!!!

    Thanks for the hug & kind thoughts (Suz and Sal) and I hope everyone is feeling great!  Lori

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • beasgirl
    beasgirl Member Posts: 241
    edited February 2008

    Hi all--

    Checking in, too--treatment was fine, nothing new--only two more to go, and my parents have taken the kids for vacation week!!! I hardly know what to do with my lame-o self! (My experiments in painting have had mixed results, Suz--the wall I've been starting at looks great, but the darker color I picked for the hallway changes drastically in every light--is it green? is it brown? grey? who knows??!)

    Lori, all I have to do after I'm done with taxol (2/29!!) is herceptin for a year, which everyone insists is truly nothing--NO SIDE EFFECTS. This from my very honest and kind nurse, who I trust wouldn't lie to me, and was very nice last week when I was whining to her about what a wimp I am with the Taxol. So I'm counting myself as done with chemo when I'm done with Taxol, though I'll keep my port in. 

    I've been thinking a bit harder about my "touch up" 2nd stage plastic surgery...he's going to fix my "chicken wings", as I call them--these two little pouchy flaps at the sides of my abdomen scars on my hips, which is very good, as they creep me out. He COULD also lift my remaining breast to match the recon one, and go back in and bust up some of the fatty necrosis (I know, ew!) in my new breast. I'm a little more apprehensive about that part of the surgery, as I don't want to make anything worse, and it's OK now, just not exactly even. Fine with a good bra. Anyway--anybody else facing this kind of stuff?  Sal, you had reconstruction, right? What kind? Are you done? You know, one of things my nurse said when I was whining was that I had to remember I was still probably recovering somewhat from the surgery, which was huge. 

    As to visitors/privacy--Sal, I totally hear you, and I'm sure everybody understands. We Mainers are private people...I feel the same way. My MIL has been chomping at the bit to come and "help", and I just SO don't have the psychic energy, as well-meaning as she is. I have put her off til now, but my younger son's b-day is coming up, and that's her excuse to invade, bearing ham, invited or not, so I'm bracing whatever I have left for that. Ugh.

    Well, time to see if I've got any tastebuds left, or if it's sawdust again for a few days...can't wait for things to TASTE again...

    love--A 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bibliowarrior
    bibliowarrior Member Posts: 200
    edited February 2008

    Lori-- congrats on another Taxol down! *We're dancin. We're groovin. Let's get this party movin* Only two more!!

    And aren't you so sweet to remember that young girl and get her a balloon! What a very kind thing to do. Kiss

    Amy-- only two more for you too?! I'll bet at this point we bi-weekers are wishing we were in your shoes... you'll be done twice as fast as us!  Wow!!!!

    And I'm REALLY glad to hear that your next drug-- herceptin-- will be easy. You deserve it after a weekly barage of nastiness!! Cool

    I need to start asking questions about Tamoxifen. I'll be going on Tamoxifen for 5 years, and was hoping that it would be a breeze since I'll be on it for so long and it's just a pill, but I've already had two different people talk about "the problems" with Tamoxifen. I'm sure it will be WAY better than traditional chemo, but the prospect of another 5 years of never-quite-feeling-well has me slightly depressed. But don't count your chickens before they get eaten, Sally (or something like that)... wait and see how it goes for YOU. (That was my own personal pep talk)

    Have you heard/read anything about Tamoxifen, KMK? I see you'll be taking it too.

    Regarding reconstruction, Amy... because I'm a skinny Minnie, the only option my ps gave me was silicone gel implants. That made me nervous because I remembered the silicone gel problems from years ago. But the place he works at doesn't use saline implants anymore, so I literally only had the one option. At the time, I was under the gun to make a decision so we could move forward with removing the cancer-- hello, way more important-- so I went along with it. But I read up on the silicone gel, and asked questions of my general surgeon too, and it seems that silicone gel is supposidly much safer and more durable than it was in the past (but of course, since they just started using them again, it isn't like they can point to a history of usage, which my ps seemed to gloss over as unimportant... I really am not very fond of him) (focus Sally-- back to the issue at hand!).

    Right now, I still have the tissue expanders in, which are hard as rocks. Once I finish chemo, we'll have the implants swapped in-- supposidly it's an easy out-patient procedure. And I am looking forward to having those, as everyone says they are way softer and more "breast like" in their appearance. It is weird how stiff these tissue expanders are. They fill up the bra different than normal breasts do... I actually had to get a larger bra size, not because the cup size was larger but because they were so immobile that they filled up the bra wider. Hard to explain.

    So as for your dilema regarding having one real and one reconstructed breast... I can totally picture it... the two breasts really are different. I'm not sure what I would do. If they look "normal" or if I was happy with my appearance when I was dressed, I think I'd probably say "Hey, I've been through enough... let's leave it alone." But on the other hand, if I wasn't happy with my appearance when I was dressed, or if it bothered me to see the obvious difference when I was un-dressed, I might go for the additional nips-and-tucks. That IS a tough decision. Does your hubby have an opinion either way?

    And yeah, I had both my onc nurse and my physical therapy nurses tell me, on days when I was feelin kinda down physically, to remember that I was still recovering from the surgery. I guess it's hard for me to see that, since I kinda felt that once I was able to move around like my old self I was recovered. But my scars are still there, though fading a tiny bit every month, so that alone should tell me that I'm still recovering. Kinda makes me wonder how much more "recovered" we'd be if we hadn't had to go thru chemo, eh?

    Time to go get dressed and do some grocery shopping. A woman's work is never done-- even when she's on chemo.

    -Hugs, Sal 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • joyh
    joyh Member Posts: 91
    edited February 2008

    hello everyone,   I did go have my blood count done on the sixth, and saw onc on the eighth for results.  He said  all  counts  looked  very good; so I explained about the  mediation on the 19th.  He looked at me and said "what do you want to do".  So I told him that if he thought I was able I would like to move up chem from coming week to Fri. 10th.  He said with my counts he didn't see any reason why not.  So that is what I did (five days early).  Had my nulasta shot on Monday and boy have I been down for the count since then.  Today I am feeling a lot better so think I have timed it just right as we go to Knoxville tomorrow for 3:00 meeting with attornies to finetune strategy and then on to mediation at 9:00 AM Tuesday for all day session.  Last week-end on Sun (my last good day) our former IT whiz came out for the day and pulled all kidnds of reports off of quick books.  His name is Daniel and he is such a whiz.  When he worked for us he was still in school at UT but has since graduated and landed a wonderful job with an international steel plant (engineer) with a plant here in Knoxville.  He will be running it soon.  I called him the previous week and asked him to come out and told him about my bc.  He was of coursed shocked and when he got here he just held me and held me.  He is about 6 ft 4 in and 24 years old and his Mother raised him and his brother right, kind, responsible and accountable.  They are both wonderful boys.Anyway, one of the people we are sueing said in the last medication that I had entered all of the information in the quick book files, at the time I could barely send an e-mail, so Daniel wrote a letter for us stating that Doug was the only one with the password to quick book account and that Doug had had Daniel set up access for him so that he could enter information from his home office in Dallas Tx.  Bless Daniel!

    We,ll see how it goes.  Our accountant is going with us to testify about what a mess the quick books files are, and they are completely unreliable.  I really don't know what will happen.  The mediatior was chosen by our attornies because of his reputation for being aggressive.  He did make the statement last time that the four guys we have sued "have lost all credibility because of some of the things they have done, such as closing out a bank account with $40,000 in it and keepiing it although we have partners.  We have never seen a penney and it's been over two years.

     

    Enough of that.  We want to be through gathering everything up  before the 500.  We lived  in  the Daytona area for 20 years and guess it gets in your blood.  Go Jr.

    Lori- We'll have a great time in Fl.  Do  you like seafood?  There is a place less than a mile from the condo where you can sit outside and have buckets of shrimp and pitchers of ice cold beer.  We were there one day and a mother and baby whale came swimming by just barely off the coast.  It caused a traffic jam, people were pulling over and getting out.  it was amazing, in twenty years the first time we ever saw whales.

    Amy, enjoy your time without kids.  My hair also is completely grey.  Who knows it if will stay that way.  If it does, I know what to do.  I am through with wigs and hats also except for one Tommy Bamaha golf cap I have had for years.  I do have a big black (hopefully power hat) for mediation next week.  My onc was funny when I explained and asked did I want him to arrange a  wheel chair for me. You are not the only one to feel guilty about being on the receiving end.  I have always been the giver.  On the other hand has this happend to you yet "as long as you are up would you mind getting me some ice water " and being met with a sign and long face (dh and dd)  Think this is getting as old for them and it is for me.

    Kate, Hope Taxol is easier on you.  So sorry about your cousin.  I have had four taotere with no nausea.

    Suz,  my dates change and I never know.  I go for  my blood  test, see the onc two days later and he then sets the date.  I have had four now, two to go.  Glad you are in on the Fl trip  Sounds like you are doing well and glad you are keeping up the walking.

    Lori  Same at my grandmothers.  They would fille a huge wash tub with ice  and all sorts of soft drinks imaginable and put it in the yard for all us kids.  Their farm was directly across from the church and cemetery and my counsins and I would go over there and scare ourselves to death.  It was such a fun time and also in Ky.

    Sal, I was waiting and hoping you would be lucky on tax.  My onc nurse told me to take only advil (after nul asta) and take it every six hours without fail for four days.  She said DO NOT let the pain get ahead of you or you won't be able to catch up.  This has worked for me since the first tx when I was a non believer.  i am not a small talker either - get to the point.  Absolutely a hotel for your guest, I have learned from this that I matter too.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bibliowarrior
    bibliowarrior Member Posts: 200
    edited February 2008

    Joy-- good luck with your mediation, and so glad your onc let you move up your chemo date so you could concentrate on one huge thing at a time. I hope things go in your favor all the way around.

    Suz- good luck with tx tomorrow.

    -Sal 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bibliowarrior
    bibliowarrior Member Posts: 200
    edited February 2008

    wishiwere-- did you ever get relief from your itchy head? I've been very lucky... no problems with it yet. Hope your onc or nurse can suggest something to help. I shampoo with baby shampoo every-other day, and put hand lotion on my head when I get out of the shower. No clue if those things help or I'm just lucky. Not sure how long til it stops, as you asked. My onc nurse said my hair might start growing back a little on Taxol, but I haven't really noticed anything yet. Not sure if, when it does, I might start getting the itchies too.

    Good luck. Let us know if you found a solution that works for you.

    -Sal 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wishiwere
    wishiwere Member Posts: 3,793
    edited February 2008

    Thanks for asking Sal.  No, I didn't find a solution, didn't ask the docs yet. It's subsided some now.  I think it was started to grow already before the 4th tx of A/C and then after that it started itching again.  So maybe it was that, maybe not.  But........

    About a week after the last tx, my palm has gotten these little bumps, I though was contact dermatitis, but it's only one hand?  THen after they they show, they get a little red, and then turn into white heads like.  They itch at that point and then break open and ooze this watery stuff.  anyone any ideas?  It's only the left palm and it's on the mastectomy side, so that's worrisome.  Today I thought they were clearing and now they are looking a little infected.  They are little about 1/8 inch and then turn kinda of a burgany afer they've burst.  Just a little worried with edema in that arm and all is all.

    So?  ANy ideas from you experts would be appreciated?

    I've been reading, just not posting much on this thread, but I keep you all in my heart and prayers and keep hoping this next step in your tx's continue to go well!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories