Starting Chemo May 2008

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited June 2008

    Tomatpjuice,

    Please know we are all here for you. It's totally okay. I can't imagine your hurt, but we all share sort of personal pain and sometimes find it hard to face tomorrow let alone deal with today. Just remember, we will all survive this rock in the road and the memories of loved ones only makes us stronger and determined to live.



    Roxi

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited June 2008

    Oh, TJ: That's hard. I miss my sisters, one older and one "little", and they're still alive. (You have a way with words. Your mention of the paperdoll and the thumbtack . . . reminds me of some of Freda Kahlo's artwork.)

    Roxi, Cris, Otter, Eddie, Adrianne, everyone: How are you holding up this weekend with family, s/e, hair... ?

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited June 2008

    Jay-Jay,

    I just started May 22 and also have a long program...40 weeks herceptin plus the dense dose...BUT, you may want to check out June as some of these fine women are already graduating....check out both groups.

    And, to the rest of you...I shaved off my hair on our back deck this afternoon. Our friend, Larry, did it. Marty (my husband) took photos. I almost cried, but then I also laughed as Larry was having a good time. First we did a few inches, then a few more, then we went to the blade. My head is scraggly...it took some work to get my shirts off for my shower. I am told, and I read from you, that it'll be easier as I get all the way bald. I went public rights away -- thanks rockthe bald...actually, I wore a hoodie then revealed my head to two adults who were waiting for us to get Adam (our 11-year-od) at baseball practice. They reacted well and both of  my boys, who were slightly grossed out, smiled. So, I am one step deeper in. Saturday is a good day to do this. I am going to go with caps, scarves and bald...I can't even begin to get my mind around the wig thing. Okay, women, this was one big step for this Seattle girl, but it's a done deal. Happy birthday, Karin and I salute you women who are on your own. I am in awe of your strength. I am inspired by you and you don't sound like anyone whining. Good night.

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited June 2008

    Oh, Eddie!  I have learned to distrust the word "promise" but I wanna promise you that it does get easier.  (And frankly, the head just looks better as the days wear on. I spent those first 2 days feeling like I was badly photoshopped.) 

    I will be attempting wig in DC for three days next week. In 95 degree heat. I don't wanna but it's either that or deal with the complication and stress of having a bunch of complete semi-high-falutin' strangers up my professional life about cancer.  (Fortunately, I have good friends in DC and plan to spend evenings bald and fancy free.)   

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  • tomatojuice
    tomatojuice Member Posts: 382
    edited June 2008

    Hi everyone. Roxi Thank you for your kind and sensible words. They are so true. Rock I really appreciated your comment about frieda kahlo-art is what I do. Although I have not picked up a pencil or brush since my diagnoses.

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  • MsKarin
    MsKarin Member Posts: 647
    edited June 2008

    Gracie,

    Looks like you and I are on the same schedule. Also looks like our cancers were about the same. I'm thinking your grade must have been higher then mine because of treatment you are recieving, I'm getting 4 treatments of Taxotere/Cytoxin every 21 days.

    I also work around alot of germs, elementary school, 1st grade. I have however gone to work everyday. I just have been wearing a surgical mask to keep germs out and kids know they can't touch me: no more hugs :(. I keep a bottle of pruell hanging from my belt. They have had fun watching me pretend to be Dr. Karin and we have made a game out of it. There was a song in the movie Shark Tale, M.C. Hammers (I think) "Can't Touch This". We've changed it and the kids sing "Can't touch her" and I sing "Can't touch me".

    Enjoy the weekend, Karin

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited June 2008

    Tomatojuice -- My head is pretty foggy this morning so this will post will not be terribly cogent. I hope you can figure out what I'm saying, though.

    I am not a musician but I picked up my guitar a few weeks ago. Well, it turns out that the chemo is messing with my nerve endings in the fingers on my left hand so I should lay off the guitar. I'm thinking of playing the piano again, since it would be gentler.

    I don't really feel like going back to piano, but I know that I am spending way too much time thinking and writing and talking about cancer and need some less word-based outlet. 

    When you said you haven't picked up a brush or a pencil since diagnosis, I had two reactions:
    1) Boy, I wish I knew how to draw or paint.  (See the "Road to Hell" thread for my level/speed.)

    2) ...since diagnosis? Oh, I hope she takes it up again. I really hope she does.  

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  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited June 2008

    Yes, Karin, we are on the same schedule.  I've noticed that there aren't very many getting the FEC.  The first tx wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  I will have 6 of these followed by 4 rounds of Taxotere, then radiation and hormone therapy.

    Figure that my hair will start going sometime around the middle to end of this week.  I think I am ready.  Have a wig, but really feel more comfortable with just scarves.  Going to the Look Good-Feel Pretty seminar in the morning here.  They don't have one in July & August.

    Hope that everyone has had a great weekend! 

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited June 2008

    Tomorrow is A/C treatment #3. We moved it up a day since I have a family vacation to the OBX next weekend. I really want my taste buds for seafood. Yesterday I had two graduation parties. Everyone saw my new Jamie Lee Curtis hair cut. They thought it was cute but I informed them its coming off Sunday. My hbby is shaving me today. I can't deal with the constant shedding. So many people have told me to hold out and see what happens, I might not lose it all. Are you kidding me??? I have one more tx after tomorrow and then I move to Taxol and herceptin. I know herceptin doesn't cause hair loss but I'm pretty sure Taxol does. As for SE's, I feel great. My skin is getting pretty dark from the meds so I'm sporting a fake tan. Too bad I have the dark circles under my eyes but the make-up does a pretty good job covering it. Gracie, you'll get a lot of great tips and products at your class tomorrow. Enjoy.



    I'll keep you all posted how the buzz cut and tx goes tomorrow. Thinking of you all....



    Roxi

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  • MsKarin
    MsKarin Member Posts: 647
    edited June 2008

    Roxi,

    A friend of mine is doing A/C every 2 weeks, is that the schedule your on? If so are you amost 6 weeks since beginning? Just asking because sounds like you still have pretty much of your hair. Wanted to give her the good news her hair might hang around alot longer then mine.

    I too was looking to go for the Jamie Lee haircut but was affraid I would love it (always wanted to try short) so decided to leave it long till fall-out. Don't need to give myself another reason to miss my hair. When it grows back in will set her style as my goal.

    Gracie 

    Have fun at the workshop tomorrow. If you need a magnifing mirror to put on make-up, take it with you. They only have regular mirrors.

    Enjoy the weekend, Karin 

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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited June 2008

    Hello, all.  I've been offline for a couple of days, dealing with that post-tx energy crash we all know and hate.  Chemo and 90 degree heat is not a good combination.  AC #4 was Thursday; did well Friday (worked a full day and had dinner with friends, even), but have been sleepwalking and napping since then. 

    A walk or even a jog might perk me up but . . . it's just too freaking hot out there.  (Guess I missed my window of opportunity this morning, when I opted to snuggle with bf -- who left today, headed to a conference and then back to his home in NYC -- instead of making it out the door while it was still coolish and breezy.  The right call, but I'm still feeling sluggish and out of sorts.  And missing my bf, of course.)

    So, commiserations to everyone else who's stuck in those "blah" days.  And "atta goes" to those who are on the upswing.  And congratulations to those who are celebrating birthday or anniversary weeks and months and seasons.  And a big "I'm sorry" to those who are dealing with other problems and crises on top of cancer.

    Linda

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

    Hey, Rock the Bald, what hair?

    Today is day 5 of TC round #4 and I'm feeling better than usual.  My mouth isn't sore yet, and my appetite is still good.  No aches or pains yet, either.  (Oops--was that a little twinge in my hip just now?)  I am hoping round #4 won't be as bad as round #3 was.

    I am a bit tired, which goes along with last Wednesday's hemoglobin of 11.1. My onco isn't treating it, though, since this was my last tx and I have a low-stress life (retired!).  I did go out for a short walk this morning, before it started to get hot (today's high is supposed to be 98 degrees).  I am planning to go to the store for a quick shopping trip if my energy level holds up.  I need to buy some thread for all that scarf fabric I bought last month.

    I think I'll return the free wig I was given by the American Cancer Society office last month.  I've tried it on every week or so, and it still looks like a dead raccoon. Just too much hair, especially sticking out in front of my forehead.  Plus, it's getting so hot here that I doubt I'll be comfortable in a wig anyway.

    Let us know how the Look Good-Feel Better class goes.  I've heard mixed reviews, and I'm trying to decide if I should register for the one at my cancer center later this month.  Even though I've had my last chemo tx, there are rumors that eyebrows and eyelashes fall out several weeks after the 4th Taxotere/Cytoxan dose.

    otter 

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  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 336
    edited June 2008

    I'm going to the Look Good Feel Better class Monday,also and am looking forward to it. What I really want to learn is how to apply eyeliner (with pencil) so I hope they teach that. 

    Today I went to church sporting one of my new BeauBeaus and felt more comfortable and natural than if I had been wearing my wig.  Figured going baldbald would have been too much to all to deal with, and besides it's cooler again today.  Did get compliments from my gal friends and that made me feel great.

    Otter, glad things are starting out better for you this time.

    Roxi, hope all goes well tomorrow.

    Rock, don't you just hate that fog that seems to envelop your brain.  My 2nd treatment it cleared sooner than 1st. 

    Woops....it's starting to rain, better get our dogs in.

    TTFN 

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited June 2008

    Is it 98 degrees EVERYWHERE?

    Otter, I apparently signed up for Look Odd, Feel Like a Transvestite. It did a number on my ol' self esteem and made me feel like a weirdo.  (I bet there is some variation from program to program, and of course, reactions to make-up are probably about as varied as reactions to chemo!) What I did benefit from was a couple tips one-on-one from a young woman at a Sephora make-up counter who showed me how to wear a little eye make-up.

    Feel free to PM me if you have any spec questions, but it wasn't that complicated once someone showed me the very basic stuff.

    Personally, while I'm genuinely happy LGFB works for many people, I think my time (again, just me) would have been better spent having a glass of iced tea with a friend or hanging out with a book in a hammock.

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited June 2008
    So, how do I get a photo on board? I need to show you my scraggly head. I went out walking this morning and the cool Seattle air felt good!Smile I look kind of like that, but I'd rather throw a real photo on...
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  • MsKarin
    MsKarin Member Posts: 647
    edited June 2008

    eddie, 

    Go to your profile
    Click on Public Information Edit
    Scrool down to Upload my avatar
    Click the Browse button to locate your picture on your computer.

    Karin

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited June 2008

    Karin,

    Yes, I had really thick hair. I cut it short last week when it started falling out. I am on dose dense AC every two weeks and treatment #3 is tomorrow. They were surprised I still had hair at the onc's office. I also took about 4 days off from washing it. It really didn't look dirty and I knew the minute I scrubbed, it would come out. I dealt with the 30-40 hairs on the pillow every morning. Well, today I said screw it and gave it a good wash. I'm bald on top and actually look alot like my brother. We all got a good laugh. I decided to just throw on a scarf and go. I have a few bangs to pull down and will plan on shaving later today. It all comes down to how much you're willing to deal with the clean up. Like I said, I had hair everywhere and just decided enough. It's totally up to your friend and how she feels personally about her hair. Heck it'll grow back and you just need to feel comfortable no matter what you decide. Your decision is the only one that matters and only you can decide what's best for you.

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited June 2008

    Hey everyone,

    Glad to hear most everyone's doing o.k.  Seems like last weeks txs weren't too bad. 

    We had a whirlwind weekend with my oldest dd's birthday party yesterday.  But she had a great time sharing what she loves (gymnastics) with all her friends.  Our house was crazy for those 24 hours with 5 adults and six kids (5 of them were 5 and under!).  Toys, blankies, sippy cups, tiny pieces of paper (?), balloons, strings from the balloons everywhere - you get the picture!  I was so grateful I felt good (although everybody fussed and worried over me - sweet!) and could enjoy it all.  Even the cake - yay, my tastebuds came back!!

    Tomatojuice - I also so get the sister thing.  Mine lives across the country and I just got to see her for the first time this weekend since my dx.  It was not long enough, but it will have to do.  Sister hugs to you.  And I hope you can think of someone to ask to go to chemo with you (church, work/former work, etc.).  I agree that most people who offer truly want to help and I so wish that you could find someone to go with you.

    Roxi - Good luck tomorrow.  Do we know who else is on deck with you?  I have lost track.  I know there's several of us scheduled for the 19th. 

    Otter - So glad to hear this one is better for you (I'm knocking on wood right now).  One tip about the wig thing:  I think just about any hairdresser will style it for you, so if it has too much hair, you can get it cut. 

    I have to finish clearing out the whirlwind, but just wanted to check in.  I'll check back later...

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  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 336
    edited June 2008

    Rock - you make me laugh.  I'll give you my appraisal for the class tomorrow.  I am 52, have never worn a lot of make up, but since i'll be losing some of all of my lashes i wanted to learn after all these years to put on eye liner.  may be simple for some but i'm challenged with that technique.  And if i get a nice lunch and a few laughs then all the better.

    Robin 

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  • familyroks
    familyroks Member Posts: 575
    edited June 2008

    NO!  It is NOT 98 degrees everywhere!  Sheesh

    I'm wearing my winter knit cap in the house.  Its 58 in the Seattle area.  We'll be lucky to crack into the 60's this week.  How do bald men do this??

    On the Look Good/Feel Good class...I was disappointed with mine.  I imagine it all depends on where you are and what you are expecting.  It was held in a very small conference room (that seems like it was used more for storage) in our local hospital.  There were only 3 of us in attendance.  There were a few quality make up items in the bag but not overly impressive.  We were made up by the two instructors and not really shown "how to" apply the stuff.  They had free wigs and hats there for you to take but the wigs were ratty and obviously very old and the hats were all children sizes (and designs).  I hope others have a much better experience than I.

    On a more positive note, the weekend following treatment #3 seems to have been a bit easier.  While I was still tired, I wasn't so exhausted it brought tears to my eyes, like last time.  This was a relief.  It makes me wonder (because I like to know why and how things work) if my elevated WBC contributed to less dramatic s/e's.  On treatment day my WBC was 12.2...doctor said it was my body fighting my cold and nothing to be concerned about.  I just wonder if it gave me an advantage over the drastic drop chemo induces. 

    I hope everyone has had a good and uneventful weekend!

    ~Adrienne

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited June 2008

    Robin -- You WILL have a good time. (Heck, they're feeding you?! What's not to like!) When I went, they clearly didn't have any more "fair" bags of cosmetics so just declared all of us "medium" complexion and then proceeded to insist we all learn how to apply more make-up than any of us had ever worn before i.e., moisturizer, SPF, foundation, concealer, powder, blush, liner, mascara, lipstick,--some of it bright purple, shadow-- some of it green!  You can imagine the results!

    **** 

    My Sephora chicky showed me this "eyeliner brush" that you might want t check out. Instead of drawing a line ............................

    you put it down, move it to the next part and put it down again

    ....... ....... ........ ....... (only without the spaces in between).

    It was pretty nifty; I just didn't want to spend $13.

    As it is, I just use a wet q-tip, put it on the black powder, and smudge it in a line above and below my eyelashes (such as they are).

    What I use:

    Barescentual's eyelid primer. (it makes sure everything stays put once it's on)

    Stila Smoky Eye (it talks! and has labels! basically, idiot-proof. Has really specific instructions. Though I ignore the parts about different brushes. But I think it was about $40 which is my cosmetic budget for the last 10 years.)

    A brush that is about a half inch wide and angles.

    An Aveda indigo eye pencil, for when I'm too lazy to put on eyeshadow.

    And Burts Bees lip balm and a smile when even the pencil is more than I can muster.

    Eddie... I'm eagerly awaiting the photos! (Somewhere on another thread, someone posted instrux for using photobucket to add lotsa photos.)

     Cris: You sound good. I'm very happy.

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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited June 2008

    Robin, we'll have to share notes on the "Look Good Feel Better" class; I'm going to one tomorrow, too.  I figured, why not?  The one I'm going to is at the local Gilda's Club, in a big, rambling Victorian house, so it'll be comfortable, if nothing else.  And I'm sure there'll be snacks.  And freebies.  (Which my daughter and her friends will surely use, if I don't.) 

    I'm hoping to learn what to do about my eyebrows if Taxol and/or the delayed effects of A/C lead them to drop out.  (I know two women at work who actually remove their eyebrows and then draw them back in.  My goal is to not look like them (bless their hearts).)

    Linda

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited June 2008

    Has anyone decided this week's destination? I'm thinking the Caicos Islands, I've never been but heard it's gorgeous. I'm gonna try the list for this week. I know we have new friends that have joined so if I miss someone, please let me know. Here goes....



    Monday - Roxi #3

    Tuesday - SharonF (#3) and Janice (#?)

    Wednesday - Lenny (#3), Becky (#2), Gracie713 (#2)

    Thursday - Angels (#3), 2Grace (#2), Christine (#2), Kristy (Herceptin) and Randie (#?)

    Friday - Dana (#?)



    Here's to minimal SE's. See you at the pool!



    Roxi

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited June 2008

    Okay...so this is the normal me... if it works per Ms. Karin's instructions. If this works, I'll go with a shaved one soon. I am wearing a scarf. I am wearing lipstick today. What a concept.

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited June 2008

    Okay, women, I like my hairy avitar too much. If you want to see shaved photos, go to ewesterman.wordpress.com

    They are a hoot. I am not making light of this, though. Today was hard. Some stares. Still...we will get through.  

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  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 336
    edited June 2008

    Roxi,  I'm signed up for my third trip to chemo world Thursday

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited June 2008

    Fabulous. Fabulous, and gorgeous. 

    (Your expression in the third photo -- oh, it struck such a familiar chord with me...)  Thank you so much for posting these! 

    Eddie, women of May, we frigging rock. 

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited June 2008

    Thanks Robin, got it. Let me know if I'm missing anyone else...



    Monday - Roxi #3

    Tuesday - SharonF (#3) and Janice (#?)

    Wednesday - Lenny (#3), Becky (#2), Gracie713 (#2)

    Thursday - Robin (#3), Angels (#3), 2Grace (#2), Christine (#2), Kristy (Herceptin) and Randie (#?)

    Friday - Dana (#?)

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  • gm2kieri
    gm2kieri Member Posts: 8
    edited June 2008

    I started my chemo (DD A/C every two weeks) and will be having my third treatment this Wednesday.  After that I will have Taxol once a week for 12 weeks.  I had a lumpectomy on April 17th and did not have a clear "superior" margin so I will be having another surgery between chemo and radiation.  My biggest worry right now is that I have a very hard lump in the breast that had the surgery right below one section of my incision scar so I will be calling my surgeon in the morning to get her to take a look.  Has anyone else had this?  I'm hoping it's just scar tissue but it does worry me some.  I am 57 and got my diagnosis on April Fool's Day...some joke huh?  Anyway, the chemo is going fine...no nausea or vomiting.  I get a Neulasta shot the day after each chemo treatment and so far that has just caused minor bone aches.  The only real side effect that I notice is that I get tired pretty easily.  But I am still working (just not full time) and I actually played nine holes of golf on Friday.  So I guess everything is going well but this has sure been a shock to me.  Nobody in my family has ever had any kind of cancer (and I have a very large family!) so I don't know where this came from.  But I definitely have a positive attitude and expect to be here to see my beautiful granddaughter grow up.  Oh, and I am Stage IIB, Grade 3, and triple negative.  And I live in Maryland...anyone else from Maryland?

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  • EyesOTex
    EyesOTex Member Posts: 194
    edited June 2008

    gm2kieri...wow, your dx is very similar to mine but I had TAC x6 every 3 weeks for my first treatments in 2006.  I also had contralateral mastectomies.  Glad your se's arend too bad so far!

    to everyone; thanks for keeping me on the list.  I've had to drop to every other week tx as long as my counts are ok; they were bad last time, both red and white, so I had to skip.  Went last friday and my port was clogged so spent hrs w/ heparin (hopelfully not from china) and ended up w/ Liguid plumber (clot buster) but finally opened it so got on w/ cisplatin/gemzar.  now won't go again (to caicos???) until June 20.

    have felt really bad so thaty's why no notes from me.  don't know whether it's counts, just continuaing nausea & steriod hangovers, or what.

    glad you'r through w/ this part, otter.  rockthebald, i may have to join you in big bald jus tbecause this time (I turned in my wigs to Am Canc. soc in April before being rediagnosed in may...go figger) I wasn't prepared.  but I will say no tears this time to lost hair...it didn' fall out as fast as w/ TAC.  And a warnign...I lost ALL body hair w/ TAC.   A soft brush w/ eyelinger in brown works better for brows than a pencil...too harsh.

    they say they have all these classes here byt I never seeem to get hooked up with one...I like your description, rockthebald; I don't wear makeup now so I'm sure I'd look like a transvestite.

    happy birthday RTB and Kristyann.  and anniversaries...I just acn't keep up

    Christine, I wonder how similar the s/e's from cisplatin and carboplatin are?

    well, I've been incoherent long enough.

    love to all

    dana

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