Anyone starting chemo in June 08

Wow, I haven't checked back here for awhile and am surprised at how big this group has gotten so fast.

StaceyR - glad you found yourself a good wig. I haven't tried mine on since I got it, but I will bring it to the "Look Good, Feel Better" worskhop I'm going to next week (the same day as my first chemo). I think you start this Thursday too. How are you feeling? I am less freaked out about the actual treatments than I thought, but this week I have been more emotional than usual. I did one last trail run on Saturday, and it was bittersweet, feeling the wind in my hair, the air in my lungs, the sweet smell of cedar in the sun. I got a bit teary and had to stop and have a real cry. I am so glad to have running in the gym to keep me active, but know that 45 min on a treadmill is just not going to compare.

Texas Mom - thanks for the tip on Walmart for hats. Will check it out. So far I did find a couple of hats I like, one in particular that is almost like a "flapper" hat. I especially like that it covers more of the back of my head than most I've tried on. I did buy some cheap bandanas (3 for $10 at a place called Ardene's) but they do not provide much "coverage" at the back, its true. Have fun with that red wig. For my "transition" haircut, not only did I get it shorter, but I also added some blonde and copper streaks to my dirty blonde hair. Definately something I would never have done before this, but I'm loving it and the positve reaction I get from most people. I'm toying with the idea of buying a pink wig a la britney spears if I can find a cheap one.

I got my port today too. Procedure went fine and I am not too sore so far. Just limited mobility on that side for now. How did yours go?

It's so good to come hear to connect with others. I'm sending positive vibes to you all.

kking,

Hi! Yes I start Chemo on June 2,08. Very anxious and not sleeping well it's all I can think about the closer it gets! Reading these threads is very calming to me because it seems most people are handling it very well. I'm getting carbo, taxotere, every 3 weeks plus herceptin every week. What's your "recipe"?

Lets keep in touch and let me know when you start.

Donalee

Jill - my oncologist is in Victoria, Dr. McPherson, but I have another one in Duncan that just takes orders from him and gives me my chemo here in Duncan. When I am finished chemo I will have to have radiation for 16 days in Victoria. I have my brothers living in victoria but all my kids are married and living in Alberta, at times like this I wish we were closer, but they do come out during the summer of course.  I am not looking forward to loosing my hair am having a real problem with that, guess a person should just take it as it comes. Apparently they have a wig bank down there in the building that you can stay in if you have to. I think one day I will go and take a look at them, but I better get busy before I have no hair although it should be awhile I think.  I just had my first treatment last Wednesday not to bad so far.

Bonnie

I started chemo (TC every 21 days for 4 times) on May 19. Have felt fine all this past week. SE were really not bad. No nausea. Metallic taste drove me crazy. Other things not pleasant but definitely bearable. I hope that when my hair comes out this week some time it will be bearable too. I would like to get it over with already and see what I look like so I can begin adjusting to it.



Let's stay in touch.

A new shower curtain??  I don't get it.

I just wanted to wish the rest of the june girls starting this week a lot of luck and little se's!!  I hope all of you who started last week had a quiet se free weekend. my thoughts and prayers are with you all...

Bonnie - sorry to hear it is hitting you hard. I don't start 'til Thurs, so I have no idea how it will go for me. Altho I hope to be getting Herceptin (fingers crossed) I have to admit I don't know what the options are if the muga isn't good. Have you visited www.her2support.org yet? I'm sure some of the users there will have advice or common experiences to share with you. Sending you positive energy from Vancouver.

Bonnie02

I just had my first chemo yesterday. They started me on steroids the night before,(couldn't sleep at all), I took them yesterday and then again today, so I'm feeling pretty AWAKE! I get a neulasta shot today to keep my white cell count up. Did you have one? I'm kind of worried about the side-effects. So far, being only day 2, the only problem I'm having is some d-cramps! My chemo is taxotere and carbo, with herceptin.

  I hope you start feeling better!

  Keep in touch!

Donalee

I hope you are feeling better today Bonnie.

They also have a wig shop at the Cancer Clinic it is called Revive but those I believe you have to purchase yourself.The website is www.revivewigs.com if you are interested.I also think I will take the "Look good, feel good" program before I start chemo.I am just a week past having a mastectomy so I still have a few more weeks to go yet. I go for my post op today.

Karen, good luck tomorrow.

Donalee, I hope you are continuing to feel fine and to everyone else going through treatments and surgery, I hope you are all doing well.

Jill. 

Bonnie02 - I'm sorry its hitting you hard, I hope you are getting some relief by now.

Kiya - crossing my fingers on your scan...let us know

Karen and Donnalee - i hope u are making out well... keeping u in our prayers as you head out.

I had port put in today. The procedure was easy but neck is sore now that the meds wore off!! I hope it settles in and doesn't remain this way for the duration...I don't need anything else to worry about! It's not bad enough I start Chemo on Thursday with neuropathy still in my left arm, I had to start my dot today also. 6 hours in a chemo chair with cramps and a numb arm. Does anyone else ever wonder where God gets his sense of humor? Geeze!!

Anyway...good luck all - I'm praying for all of us.

Bonnie

Rovergirl,

Good luck on your tx tomorrow.  Sounds like you are really getting a big blast of all of it.  I have heard Seattle CCA is first class.  I wish i could just get on with my little chemo "cocktail" and i am from a much less populated area.  I just want to get ths show on the road.  I have just had my muga test and i'm sure I have a few more scans around the corner to make sure my body isnt playing hide and seek with anymore of the big C.  I have an appt. Friday with the the onc.  Anyway, I wish you luck. Let us know how it goes. 

Hi Ladies,

Newbie here, can I join you guys please....I should be starting chemo Monday or Tuesday next week, was going to start this week but got delayed. I'm a Brit who lives in Alaska, 48 last weekend, two lovely little girls 5 and 7, numerous pets and a generally optimistic outlook....[slight catch hate pain,  headaches and feeling sick, but then who doesn't. ]

Must admit you all sound a friendly bunch and some company sounds rather nice so pleased to meet you! (bearing in mind we'd all rather never have met.. & I mean that in the nicest possible way)

Hi momof2,

Yes, I'm going to Juravinski.  Starting dose dense every 2 weeks for 16 weeks on June 10.  Yikes!  You?

Welcome Alaska,

I am 46 with three kids. Girls 21,15 and one boy 11. I just started chemo June 2. Feeling O.K. Little stomache problems so far. What's your diagnosis? You can fill it out on the profile where you signed up if you want.

Keep in touch and good luck!!!

Donalee

Hi  everybody,  I am on my 6 day after 1st chemo finally starting to feel like a human being again, (not completely though lol). All of you starting chemo I found the first day was no problem at all, it was the days after that but if you do as you are told don't skip any meds even if you feel like you might become a bit nauseated take a pill, doesn't hurt to do so and can stop a lot of problems like being sick which I actually hate more than anything. To you newcomers this is the best sight to belong to the girls here are just wonderful at least it has been for me thanks again everyone.

Bonnie