Starting Chemo May 2008

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  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 336
    edited May 2008

    It's been a while since I've posted personal responses but wanted to welcome out newest club members.  I also want to wish minimal SE for those bellying up to the bar this week.

    Otter - you seem to be having a rougher time of it and I'm sorry for that.  Thanks again for being our research professor.

    Susanblues - congrats on the completion of "phase 1"

    Craftygal - what a drag concerning the brakes on your car.  So glad you came to a safe stop and the dx is assisting you.

    Roxi - so the moon is shining bright in WI???  Your kids are funny.

     `````````````````````````````````````````````````````

    Finally I am feeling less traumatized with my bald head.  There is a wig I like , sort of, and am wearing it out more often.  Initally I was certain each person looking at me was thinking "Nice wig Lady", I just knew they knew it wasn't my hair.  Yesterday at Sam's club, feeling more confident I kept my head up and watched people's eyes, expressions and realized that no one gave a flip what my hair was like.  Then later in the day I ran into someone whose opinion is important to me and she gave me the kindest compliment!  What an ego boost.  So when I got home I ordered another wig that I've been admiring and am excited for it's arrival. 

    Enough about that.   Blessings for each of you today!

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  • ranD
    ranD Member Posts: 373
    edited May 2008

    Leaving for the pool in 5 minutes.  The center supposedly has WiFi, if so, am bringing the laptop next trip, but I'll need a pack mule!  I packed my chemo bag (used on of those messenger style backpacks, its in pink and Wally world had it marked down to $5 SCORE!) and my binder and my hot tea an my cold tea and all that's left to do is buy popsicles if the center doesn;t have them...

    later alligators!!!

    deep breath......

    BELLY FLOP!!!

    randie

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  • Becky--IL
    Becky--IL Member Posts: 31
    edited May 2008

    Hello Ladies,

    I made it thru my 1st chemo yesterday. It wasn't as bad as I was anticipating. It was more a mental problem for me about having all the toxic drugs going in my body and praying they will do more good than harm.  Treatments should only take about 90minutes, they said, which is great considering how long some patients have to stay.  I am getting the drugs Adriamycin/Cytoxan for the first 4treat and then Taxotere(spelling?) the last 4 treat. So 1 down and 7 to go. Treatments are every 2 weeks.  I also get injection each time of Neulasta.

    Onc wants to do another CT scan and PET scan after 4treat, hoping the chemo will take care of the 2 "hotspots"(L chest wall) that showed on PET couple weeks ago.(PET was done after surgery).  Keeping my fingers crossed.

    Feeling ok so far, nothing worse than headaches and little tired/achy.  Trying to push the fluids a lot and eat small frequent meals.  Trying not to stress about the hair loss that will happen but I know when it happens it will be emotional. 

    I hope everyone going thru treatments this week, whether the 1st one or further along, are doing good.  If you are yet to get your 1st, I can say as some other have, that it isnt so bad, it's doable.  I will comment again on that after I have a few treat under my belt. lol.

    Though I read more than I post, I feel very fortunate to have found the site for it has helped me a lot and am sure it will more as I go along in my course of treatments. The shared information and caring among everyone here is awesome.

    Take care and everyone have a good daySmile

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited May 2008

    Robin K

    Can you add me?

    ewesterman 

    Joined group May 28

    Thanks.

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited May 2008

    Robin K

    Can you add me?

    ewesterman 

    Joined group May 28

    Thanks.

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited May 2008

    Robin K

    Can you add me?

    ewesterman 

    Joined group May 28

    Thanks.

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited May 2008

    Robin K

    Can you add me?

    ewesterman 

    Joined group May 28

    Thanks.

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited May 2008

    Robin K

    Can you add me?

    ewesterman 

    Joined group May 28

    Thanks.

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  • familyroks
    familyroks Member Posts: 575
    edited May 2008

    Hi Eddie - Robin has you on the list for having started chemo 5/22...I think that is right?

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  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited May 2008

    Today is day 1 after treament.  Went in for my Neulasta shot today.  The nurse said the med. would be painful, but it barely stung.  I've had worse.  I used to work with this particular nurse at the hospital a few years ago, so that made the whole experience easier.  She said it kinda bothered her when she saw my name on the list before my first treatment because she knew me.  I told her not to worry--this cancer thing isn't going to change me, just slow life down a notch for a few months.  The only SE's so far is the metallic taste and some things don't quite taste the same.  Had a little acid reflux earlier but Reglan took care of that.  Let's see what tomorrow holds in store! 

    Good luck to my poolside buddies who went in yesterday and to those going today! 

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited May 2008

    Only add me once. Something is so wrong with this computer. I guess I ought to only use my MAC at home....

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited May 2008

    Yes, Familyrocks....stared on the 22nd. I feel so much better today than I did yesterday, it is like two completely different worlds. I will check in with you tonight and try to learn how to properly use this website. Thanks for your patience.

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  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 336
    edited May 2008

    Ewesterman - as familyrocks mentioned, you are on the list.  Glad you are feeling better today.  I had my 2nd dip in the chemo pool the 22nd.

    When you add a comment, take a slow deep breath while it loads.  If you hit the submit button more than once it will post that many comments.  Don't worry, I won't change you to starting chemo 5 times.  That would just be wrong.

    Welcome to the club.  Keep in touch with us - this band of chemo sisters.  You'll be better for it.

    Robin

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  • angie27
    angie27 Member Posts: 863
    edited May 2008

    Hi Carmen:

    I was also told to drink ensure by some of my friends who had b/c before, however, after reading about it, they say that it contains soy,, which is suppose to feed the cancer as far as estrogen is concerned, so what I do, is that right after I have chemo, I just drink two cans the first two days, to boost up my immune system, since I don't eat to much with the meds, and then I don't drink it anymore.

    I just wanted to share that with you.

    Good luck

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  • SharonF
    SharonF Member Posts: 38
    edited May 2008

    Otter-How are you doing today? Feeling better, I hope? A sinus infection on top of everything else really stinks. At least you didn't have to go to the hospital! Miss ya!

    Welcome Eddie to the group! It's a great place to be (if you have to be here)!

    Sounds like everyone has done fairly well with tx's this week.  Let's keep the ball rolling!

    Sharon

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited May 2008

    Okay, just got to vent....I've been back to work three weeks. In that time, my employer has moved me from an office to a cube (which I need to make a special trip in this weekend to do), they've hired a Marketing Director for added support and taken away many of my responsibilities. Of course, they say it's to make my life easier, however I keep hearing them talk about re-evaluating my position. I'll have 5 years in December and be fully-vested. My DH says move on, don't deal with this, you have enough to go through now. I've been scouting the ads but not sure if I can pull off a major job change with all the treatments. The added stress is killing me. I really belief they see me as an added liability and want me to quit. So sorry but I had to get this off my chest.



    Roxi

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  • gogators
    gogators Member Posts: 39
    edited May 2008

    Good evening everyone.  I hope everyone is feeling well.  I am one week since my first tx and boy was it hell.  Tx day was fine, friday was fine, saturday tired (and got called in for two inmates escaping from our facility - fun,fun) sunday abdonimal cramping (you can physically see my stomach moving) doubling me over in pain, sores in mouth/thrush, diarreah...monday still the same, tuesday fever and still the same, wednesday started on daily IV regimine of fluids, 2 antibiotics, steroids, and ativan and will be taking that everyday until monday.  Lab drew blood samples and I gave them urine and stool samples, results to be in tomorrow.

    I have really been defeated by this this go around.  The onc wanted to admit me to the hospital, but I have no one to take the kids for me, so we are doing this as outpatient at her office.  I am starting to feel better tonight, thank goodness. 

    My onc is going to reduce the tx by 10% next time to see if that helps with the severe ab cramping.  She also prescribed diflucan for the thrush, magic mouthwash for the sores and bentyl for the ab cramps. 

    I have been using biotene faithfully, gargaling with baking soda, salt and water 6 times per day.  I guess I will try the ice cube thing.  Could the sores also come from the length of time for the meds to be given?  Would extending the drip/push time help?  Just wondering.

    Here's to minimal se's for those who recently had treatment and those with one coming soon.

    Sorry to gripe, but maybe someone has some suggestions for me. 

    Tina

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited May 2008

    Maui (at least the East Texas version) was VERY crowded today - my little 30 minute drip took a total of 3 hours from lab to finish- seems like there was a little quirk everywhere I went today. All is well and tomorrow is graduation day for my oldest daughter (high school)- fortunately Im in the feel good phase of the chemo so it should be enjoyable.

    Rock- the strawberry drink was great today!!!!

    My chemo nurse- a bc survivor herself- suggested Vegas as a destination- she saw the movie about What happens in Vegas- and she thinks we would all like there for a weekly treatment!

    Kristy

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited May 2008

    Hi Ladies,

    Just back from my first tx.  Robin, would you add me to the "big" list for today?  So far, it's o.k.  I am a little tired of sitting (we were there 6 1/2 hours, not 5), but they were also really, really busy.  I am also feeling a little loopy and have a slight headache.  And here's a weird one - my jaws ache and my teeth just feel "weird".  Like I had dental work but it's not painful.  We'll see if it gets better or worse.  DH was great - stayed all day and got us sandwiches halfway through. 

    Becky - looks like you and I are on almost the exact same schedule.  I follow the Carbo/Cytoxan with 4 rounds of Taxotere also.  Yep - one down, seven to go!

    Tina - I was beginning to wonder where you were.  Sorry you've had such a hard time.  I'm glad to hear it's getting a little better.  Wish I could send some of my friends here to help you and your kids.  It's so comforting.  Sending hugs your way.

    My brain's not functioning too well, so I think I will go lay down...instead of sit.  I'll check in a little later...

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  • S3K5
    S3K5 Member Posts: 606
    edited May 2008

    Hi

    I have been reading all the posts about the 'first' experience.It has been very helpful.

    I will be starting chemo tomorrow (4 cycles of AC- every two weeks).

    Can someone add me to the 'May 2008' list?

    Desi. 

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  • gogators
    gogators Member Posts: 39
    edited May 2008

    Christine:  glad to hear that things went well...  I also had the jaw and weird teeth thing, I thought it odd, I want to say it only lasted until maybe the next day.  PS I needed the hugs.  Thanks.

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited May 2008

    Hi Desi - welcome to our "poolside bar".  Sorry you're here, but this is a great group.

    Just wanted to add, I asked today about the multi-vitamin thing, and I was told: don't take one on the day of chemo, but otherwise it's o.k. and no mega doses of anything.

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  • Jeano77
    Jeano77 Member Posts: 237
    edited May 2008

    Hello All -

    I have been reading all the posts about was hoping that I could get added to the May 2008 List.  My first chemo treatment was on 5/21. 

    I get (4) cycles of AC every two weeks, followed by (4) cycles of Taxol.  Each treatment is followed by an injection of Neulasta.

    Any runners in the group?  I would love to join, please add me to the list if possible.  Thanks.  Jean

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited May 2008

    This has been a busy week for the May team.

    Gogators/Tina had the week from hell; every day Roxi goes to work, her desk is closer to the door; Cristine is feeling loopy; Eddie is starting chemo 5 times (just to be sure she gets it right?); Gracie's taste buds have left town; and Kristy is doing so well--today, anyway--that she's planning a trip to Vegas...

    I've been sitting here looking at this screen for half an hour and can't think of anything witty or helpful to say.  I'm beginning to realize that my tx #2 was the smoothest, but only because I didn't know how to deal with the SE's during round #1 (there is a learning curve with all this).  This round (#3), I am more tired and the tiredness is lasting longer--ordinarily, by day 16 I would be feeling great.  I guess I should be happy, because I'm on the home stretch (tx #4 is next Wednesday). Maybe I'll be more cheerful this weekend.

    Hugs to all of you...

    otter 

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  • EyesOTex
    EyesOTex Member Posts: 194
    edited May 2008

    all i can say is love ang hug to everyone.  i'll be missing my tx tomorrorw because my counts are too low so i'm going to every other week instead of every 2 wk + one wk off.  I'll miss Maui but i''ll still have my umbrella in my drink and wish one for everyone else...I do love Maui...

    eyes

    love to otter, tina, drcristine, rockthebald, and everyone else...

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  • beergirl
    beergirl Member Posts: 334
    edited May 2008

    Try Boost instead of Ensure. It has less soy I think. I don't like to drink it, but if I freeze it so it is like frozen yougurt texture, it is really good.  Try adding a little fruit to it and eat it with a spoon. I asked my onc if the benefits were lost by freezing it. She said no.

    I started TC on Saturday, May 24.

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited May 2008

    beergirl, how are you doing today?  Are your SE's manageable?

    otter 

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited May 2008

    Okay lovely ladies,

    First off, thanks for putting up with me yesterday. I believe it was the worst day since my diagnosis. I am floored and amazed how different it is today. I have been reading all of your posts and I will look forward to gettig to know each of you. Congrats on graduating seniors, by the way. Hope the graduation goes well.

    I am quite new to this as I have only done one chemo so far. A/C for now then on to taxol. Your experience and wisdom will be very useful and my plan is to support you as you go through as well. Hey, Bremerton, I looked for that toothpaste, but couldn't find it in PCC. Got ideas? My next chemo is a week away. It is possible that one can feel pretty yukky for the first week after then feel okay for the second then start the cycle over? Or, do you think each time it'll be different? I guess I'll find out soon. Meanwhile, ladies, I wish each of you a night full of good dreams, calm sleep, hope and I thank you ahead for welcoming me. I think, today, I am figuring out how to actually navigate the website. Thanks for supporting me in my maniacal stage yesterday.

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited May 2008

    And Desi, you will get through your first chemo with flying colors. I wish you well.

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  • collector
    collector Member Posts: 193
    edited May 2008

    I'm Day 11 from first T/C treatment and have a little energy back but now have the red blisters on my scalp, the "pulling" feeling at my hair roots and very very red, chapped, itchy hands.  I did make it to my long awaited needlepoint seminar today and hope to go again tomorrow.  I am really going crazy with the constantly dripping nose.  Hoping to sleep through the night.  My anxiety level over the looming hair loss is escalating. 

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