Anyone starting chemo in June 08

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited June 2008

    Pink - that's pretty much where I'm heading as well.  Could we have a more similar profile?

    KKing - I had a bilat mast with a full Level I/II AND.  I know with lumpectomies rads are pretty standard, but rads after mast and full AND with only one positive node is a real grey area right now. There's a huge clinical trial ongoing since 2000 that's right on point, but no preliminary results have been issued yet.

    Wow - you ladies are right on top of this - I'm impressed. I couldn't even think about dealing with the rads decision till I was almost finished with my chemo.    

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  • firebug1
    firebug1 Member Posts: 22
    edited June 2008
    Hi all, Well my first tx went ok. They had a little trouble with my port being blocked so that scared me a bit. I thought here we go, if I wasn't already scared enough. It all worked out and many hours later thing are ok and I feel great. I thank all of you for your wonderful support and guidance through this first baby step of my journey. hugsInnocent
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  • econmom
    econmom Member Posts: 73
    edited June 2008

    Joining you ladies for the first time.  I got a port today and will start neo adj. chemo next week:  4 wks. of A/C and 4 weeks of Taxol. 

    I am very nervous, but relieved to get this thing started.

    Once chemo is done, I will have a bilateral mastectomy and radiation. I haven't decided about reconstruction.

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited June 2008

    welcome to the group econmom.  You will learn alot from this website.  The very nicest of people are here.  Helped me a bunch and I had my first tx today.  You are in the right place for support! HunkyD

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  • Westie
    Westie Member Posts: 89
    edited June 2008
    Hi Vinogal, sorry about your horrible trip to TO.  Let us know how it goes with your Onc on Mon.  I recall I had 2 visits with Onc a week apart, 'chemo school', and an ultrasound, bone scan and chest X-ray before I started chemo.  This all happened within a 10 day period, though.  When you get started, we can sit together and raise a ruckus in the chemo roomWink!  You won't miss me.  I won't be finished 'til end of Oct.  Good Luck Mon.!
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  • mominaz
    mominaz Member Posts: 37
    edited June 2008

    KKING...my scalp was soooo painful around day 12 and 13 then it started falling out on day 14 just a little. It picked up quite a bit on day  15(no denying it) and on day 16 (last Sat.) I went and got a really cute very short cut. I was going to shave it but could not do it. SOOO, then I put up with it coming out but being really cute until Wed. the 20th day(to long to wait, trust me!! It got patchy.) and went to get it shaved to a zero. She does not "shave" shave where I go. My hubby will do it the weekend. It is still stubby and kinda hurts to put on and take off hats, but from what everyone says that will get better after I shave it. I can't imagine having someone close to go through this with because it is so personal, but I am not saying that is a bad thing at all. I think you have to shave when you are ready, but I know that time never really comes. It just becomes inevitable. It did for me anyway. This is the best answer I could give you.

    I hope all goes great for whichever choice you make. The best advice I can give anyone going through any part of this is still "Just take a deep breath and let it happen".

    I hope everyone has a great Friday. I will be having tx #2.

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  • LibraGirl
    LibraGirl Member Posts: 160
    edited June 2008

    Kking - I think we are on a similar sched; my first tx was June 5.  My hair started to come out yesterday (18th) but I had already gone ahead and scheduled the buzz cut for today.  All in all I'm glad I did it.  Very small handfuls came off continuously in the shower this a.m.  It was not as scary to shave it as I thought; I'm in an exercise study where most of the women have already gone bald/shaved their heads and they are a beautiful powerful bunch of women. My hairdresser was very sensitive and gentle.  She cut it short first, then buzzed it, then gave me a wash and scalp massage.  Felt great.  She says I have a nicely shaped head and I am surprised I agree.  It's only my ears I don't like! I will be trying out my wig on my coworkers tomorrow.

    It's nice you have someone to go with; my best friend had to go overseas for the summer and couldn't be with me, so I asked the receptionist to take photos for me to send her.  I didn't ask anyone else because I thought it might be asking too much/freak them out.  People have been great but sometimes it seems like it is just too much info for them.

    Anyway, do what feels right and positive for you!

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited June 2008

    Susan, I am going to GUH, Lombardi Cancer Center. Dr. Engwon is my onco.



    It is almost 2 am, I am wired for sound, said the steoroids could do that. Drank tons of water, switched to coke, had kids meal of pasta w/butter with son's new inlaws, who drove me. Feel good, even great. no pains, no nausea.



    I woke at 6 am. had toast and yogurt, threw up twice from nerves before I left the house. but kept drinking water. Onco appt before chemo, cried a river. but she and her nurse LOVED my " I have issues" tshirt. they had to sit down when they saw from laughing so hard. that took the fear out of me -- laughs.... Took b/p before onco appt, was high for me. took just before chemo, was back down to my normal usual low. I do NOT recommend as way to relileve stress... lolol.



    They gave me tuna sand, fritos, apple, cranberry juice, fig newtons. waited on me hand and foot. But worst thing and only thing i didnt like, nurse missed vein first time, and I have 4 inch long purple bruise.



    I do not have the port until June 30 then second tx on July 3. My son is going to take me so we will have mom/son time. They have wifi so he can get work done while waiting for me also.



    I (again) want to thank everyone for posting and for support. God Bless and I wish only good and speedy results for each of you.





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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited June 2008

    I forgot to add that they gave me a blond funky wig - had lots on the shelf... Here, take this with you.



    I tried it on and look like a blond hooker.. BIG hair style. But could be fun when I really dont want anyone to know who I am and my ditzy manner will go with the hair... lolol.





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  • texasmom
    texasmom Member Posts: 121
    edited June 2008

    Bonnie02, I didn't shave my head really close because I was worried about that prickly feeling. I also didn't want to cut it too close because I was afraid I might nick myself. My hair started coming out at what seemed to be a steady pace for a couple of days. I am glad that it wasn't long because it would have more of a nuisance. I think the mass exodus might have slowed down some and I see no bald patches yet. It just seems much thinner. Not sure exactly what is going on...

    Stickerlady, Glad that you have a house to stay in during treatment. That sounds like a good arrangement except for your having to travel back and forth for doctor's appts and stuff like that. My daughter played some basketball games in Anchorage and Fairbanks this past winter. She said it was really, really cold in Fairbanks but so bad in Anchorage. Have you spent a winter there yet? One year will fly by and you will soon be near a Walmart again.

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  • texasmom
    texasmom Member Posts: 121
    edited June 2008

    Everyone has been talking about the Look Good Feel Better sessions, but my oncologist didn't give me any info about them and I didn't know how to find out where they were being held. I happened to find it on the internet and thought I would share the website address with those that are interested.  http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org/

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  • firebug1
    firebug1 Member Posts: 22
    edited June 2008

    Hi everyone! I had my first tx yesterday and it was not so good at first. we couldnt get the port to work. I thought if this is how this thing is going to be then I am in for it. I broke down in front of all this people. After 45 minutes IT WORKED! Then the fun began. I was fine . Came home, in the evening got a funny flu like feeling out of the blue. Took the anti-nausea meds and stayed awake all night. Feel fine today. Went for my shot.  Other than that is this the norm? Can I stop the flu feeling? Thanks hugs

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  • KKing
    KKing Member Posts: 425
    edited June 2008

    Welcome econmom.  What day is your chemo starting... I have my second on Wednesday.       Vinogal.. it is taking so long for you for things to happen.  Keep our fingers crossed for you so you can get this thing going... waiting must be so hard.

    Mominaz and Libragirl and texasmom...  I ended up getting the buzz today.  When I woke up there was hair falling out and when I talked to my friend she said she was fine until she starting touching her hair and it cam out in handfuls.    We both went and got it done and had our wig fitted.   It was a very strange experience.   I didn't cry but it was hard looking in the mirror and knowing it was me. 

    Nancy and firebug1  glad you are both feeling so good.   The flu feeling took a couple of days to go away for me.  So, you just need to rest and drink your water and you should be good.

    Wishing you all a s/e free weekend. 

    Who else is scheduled for next week???

    Karen

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited June 2008

    Firebug1,

    Did they give you more than one anti-nuasea med for home?  Are you feeling nauseated today?  I was prescribed three anti-nausea meds for home but have only used one of them other than the Ativan for sleep.  I took one this morning more for prevention than anything.  Don't know if thats right or not.  Do you have antiobotics to take at home as well?  Guess I should have asked this morning when I got my shot more about the anti-nausea pills.  Later!  HunkyD   

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  • Bonnie02
    Bonnie02 Member Posts: 193
    edited June 2008

    kkking, about the hair removal, I went and had my hair taken off and my scalp was very sore and tender but it did feel better afterwards. The only thing is she just used a razor at the shop and it was still feeling brissley to the hand and did not feel good when I laid down. I took my leg shaver and did one side of my head so I could sleep on that side, but it took only a few days and all was fine. I think gettting your hair taken off is entirely a persons personal decision.  My hair was falling out in clumps, if I combed or brushed it there were handfulls of hair. That is when I said no more it is coming off, no more hair around the house now. I bought a cheap wig the same color and style of my own hair and use it for going out and a scarf for around home and bair head at night. Not so bad after all.

    Don't listen to others, do as you feel inside about it you will know what is the right thing to do.

    Take care

    Bonnie

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited June 2008

    wyoming,

    How did you get along with TAC tx. Hope everything went well for ya.  I went back for my Neulasta shot this morning.  Let us know!  HunkyD

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  • fishball
    fishball Member Posts: 1
    edited June 2008
     hi! i have to start my chemo by june 27,i have to talk to my doc about the possible side effect and also research so i can be ready,constant prayers to Jehovah God help me a lot to have more strength and courage to do all the proper treatment including MRM and CHEMO.Now,im fully ready to face the challenge of chemo knowing that i have Jehovah who always guide me tru the process and the full support of my family.I'm also thankful that i have a lot of friends that give me spiritually,emotionally and also financial supports.Many will survived,we will too!!!!!Kiss
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  • Westie
    Westie Member Posts: 89
    edited June 2008

    You can do it fishball!  Visit here often.  Tons of caring supportive people.  Lots of good info.

    I have AC #2 on the 24th.  Let's all have a relaxing weekend.

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited June 2008

    Hey there:



    First chemo was good on Thursday. Have 3 anti nausea meds to take in pill form for 4 days. Get the Neulasta tomorrow (saturday). No nausea, no problems except a love affair starting with the potty -- water in, water out. NO appetite, but I am forcing small meals. and LOTS of water. I woke at 6 am thurs - chemo day. finally konked out at 3 am after a warm shower.



    Glad they said urine would be RED, and it was slightly less each time and clean tonight. In fact before leaving the infusion it was brilliant red... if they had not told... yikes... added anxiety not needed.



    I have short hair but got even shorter after my son's wedding May 24. Am getting used to it as I walk into the bathroom with huge mirror all the way to the ceiling. onco said i most likely will be bald by next chemo on July 3 == dose dense AC every 2 weeks X 4 then taxol/herceptin every week X 12. then surgery. Better cure rate for me than surgery before.



    Rads may not be in the picture after surgery for me. left side lump, heart on left side. i also smoke and since I have not met with rad dr. was told by chemo dr that smokers are not good for rads. I will continue the herceptin for total of one year, and prob chemo after surgery to make sure all those bad cells are wiped out for good.



    My chemo before is more successful for my type of cancer. Onco showed me studies that 15% higher success rate, but is more aggressive. All my tests were good, Cat with dye of pelvis, chest and abdomen, muga with dye of heart, mri of breast, ultrasound of breast, blood work up and I forget what all else. Very thorough screening process and my team is 5 doctors who all came to same conclusion for treatment.



    The steroids do make one WIRED for sound... energy galore - my dresser drawers are all spiffy now, lol. I am widowed and of course live alone. Tough, but "doable". my son is home from his honeymoon and after my neulasta tomorrow i wlll stop and visit.



    Basically, I feel so much better now than before the chemo. that what is gonna happen is much less. find the infusion center, sign in, get the chemo, back home and take meds. get appointments all lined up, etc.



    Ask questions, the wise man knows when to ask the expert (the smart man who may not be all that wise).... If anyone says dumb question, ask who should you ask then if not the expert... Most experts are flattered and will give great answers in their field of expertise. My opinion and experience.



    try Y me hotline also. 1-800-221-2141. At 2 am no one I dare phone to talk with and they are 24/7.



    Gonna take a warm shower and see if sleep comes. I do not like sleep aids as they give me weird dreams and it is not a restful sleep.



    HUGS to all. hang in there. WE can do this, but we do NOT have to like it.



    Nancy









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  • Jo-Anne
    Jo-Anne Member Posts: 41
    edited June 2008

    I'm trying to catch up on everyone, and still they come welcome all new comers to this site - the ideas - and the support can't be beat.

    Firebug1 - we are practically neighbors - where are you taking your txs? - I think there are two more in the 270/15 corridor NatsFan and Flyrzfan? Also LeftyAKANancy may be close by as is Susansblues that's six of us from a rather close in proximity..

    Sorry I've not posted in a couple of days. I had a port inserted on Thursday with first chemo treatment starting next Wednesday June 25th - I have a huge bruise on the inner part of my elbow where they inserted the port. One of the nurses said 'you look familiar' I knew her when she was a student at the high school I was assigned to  as a Health Tech - needless to say I got excellent care!

    My dear mum passed away yesterday Friday morning - my youngest sister was with her, she said she went peacefully. I got the news as I was driving to a doctors appointment. I know that at eighty-eight mummie had lived a good life, she had a rough few months, and the quality of her life was gone. Very difficult being here and my 'sissies' are taking care of everything there, though they have been on the phone with me re: decisions.  

    Well I have a lot to do before I can call it a day

    Will try to bbl

    Everyone have a lovely day, enjoy every second.

    Jo-Anne

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  • mominaz
    mominaz Member Posts: 37
    edited June 2008

    Jo-Anne...I am so sorry. We are all here for you if you need anything. {{{hugs}}}

      

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  • BBLady
    BBLady Member Posts: 114
    edited June 2008

    Jo-Anne - I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom.  Isn't cancer enough to have to go through??!!  I was feeling pretty sorry for myself until I read your post.  I'm still kind of whiny, but recognize I'm not going through anything that you are.  I had my neulasta shot on Thursday because my wbc was 1.4.  Was told to 'hibernate' at home for 4 - 5 days so I wouldn't catch anything.  Well, last night my son called from the summer camp he's working at and is sick as a dog.  It's four hours away, so my hubby left this morning to go pick him up and just called that he's taken him to an ER on the way home!  He's got a super sore throat, congested, diarrhea and throwing up.  They think its strep.  And I'm not even going to be able to take care of him!  I have to pack up and head to my mothers for a few days.  I'm really bummed.  Sorry for whining.  It just seems cancer should be enough that we have to deal with.  Oh, and the bone pain started this morning, which I guess is a good thing.

    Kathy

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  • BBLady
    BBLady Member Posts: 114
    edited June 2008

    Jo-Anne - I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom.  Isn't cancer enough to have to go through??!!  I was feeling pretty sorry for myself until I read your post.  I'm still kind of whiny, but recognize I'm not going through anything that you are.  I had my neulasta shot on Thursday because my wbc was 1.4.  Was told to 'hibernate' at home for 4 - 5 days so I wouldn't catch anything.  Well, last night my son called from the summer camp he's working at and is sick as a dog.  It's four hours away, so my hubby left this morning to go pick him up and just called that he's taken him to an ER on the way home!  He's got a super sore throat, congested, diarrhea and throwing up.  They think its strep.  And I'm not even going to be able to take care of him!  I have to pack up and head to my mothers for a few days.  I'm really bummed.  Sorry for whining.  It just seems cancer should be enough that we have to deal with.  Oh, and the bone pain started this morning, which I guess is a good thing.

    Kathy

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  • firebug1
    firebug1 Member Posts: 22
    edited June 2008

    Jo-Anne  I am so sorry (((hugs))) We are all here for you!

    I go to get my treatments at the Cancer center next to the FMH hospital. Is that where you go? I was an early bird Thursday but plan to be an afternoon gal now.

    I am doing ok I am taking one anti-nausea med right now. but they said only for 3 day after chemo.

    Have a great weekend. hugs to all!!

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  • KKing
    KKing Member Posts: 425
    edited June 2008

    Jo-anne .. so sorry to hear about your mum.   God bless.

    Good luck to all the ladies taking treatment next week.

    To a s/e free weekend

    Karen

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited June 2008

    Jo-Ann.

    Sorry about your mom. 

    HunkyD

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited June 2008

    ((((( Jo Anne ))))) so very sorry about your mom. Mine is 95 and now maybe the oldest bc survivor. Double radical mastectomy in 1962. Although she never said the C word, and I was 16 and my sis was only 10 at the time. It was NOT a topic one discussed.



    I had my neulasta shot today and man did my arm ache, so I took extra strength tylenol and that helped a lot. and a mild headache, but I cut way back on caffeine to avoid sleep problems. It could be caffeine withdrawal. And today, second day after first A/C dose dense chemo, dry mouth and lips.



    And I think my overall good feeling is due to drinking water as recommended and small frequent meals. Then again, modern drugs are great... lol.



    Keep smiling and keep drinking your water. hugs, nancy

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  • Elliemae32
    Elliemae32 Member Posts: 72
    edited June 2008

    Hello ladies,

    This isn't a group that I had planned on joining just a month ago, but here I am.  I start FAC on Friday June 27th.  I am 32 yrs old, have a 19 month old son and am pregnant with #2 due Nov 8th!  I just had my ultrasound and it's a BOY!  I have been worried about giving my little man chemo, but the MD's have eased my mind. 

    Ellen

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  • Rovergirl
    Rovergirl Member Posts: 194
    edited June 2008

    I had my third infusion of taxol this week.  Have been very lucky that I have had minimal side effects but this week my neutrophils levels (WBC) were low and now I have to take neupogren shots 3 times a week.  Am not looking forward to this as I'm really a sissy when it comes to needles so the self-injection will be challenging.  But on a positive it's day #19 and I still have my hair!!

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited June 2008

    3rd day after A/C dose dense chemo on 6/19. slept quite good and not nearly as wired as past 2 days. Mild headache, but i cut way back on caffeine to try to get sleep. Decided to go back to my usual 2 coffee in the morning, but alternate coca cola and water to ease off the caffeine. Extra Strength tylenol helps.



    Had the neulasta shot and no s/e yet. arm was quite sore after, but gone now. I went over to see the newlyweds who just got back from their honeymoon Fri night. My one and only son -- we are very close and they only live 20 minutes drive away. Her parents took me for the first chemo and dinner after, so I am blessed with great son and dil and her parents for support. We are calling each other "outlaws" - her parents and me... since we are not " in laws"... bit of my "weird sense of humor".



    Parents gave me a goody bag with lotion, note pad and pen, magnet, soft hat with a cute bow, chapstick, and beautiful card.



    Econ, I am having same A/C every 2 weeks X 4, then every week of taxol and heceptin X 12. to shrink tumor before surgery, prob in November. Herceptin to continue for a total of one year. Team of 5 doctors all agree best success rate for me. 15% higher than surgery first. Aggressive, but all my tests before are great. Even though I am 62, they said my heart is excellent and that was the bigger worry for this type of tx, so I was told.



    My hair feels bristly today. could be cuz I had it cut pretty short and the ends are growing out -- or starting to dry up to fall out... lol.... Dr said to use baby shampoo. Had chapped lips and dry mouth and used biotene paste and mouthwash and sucking on lemon drops.



    Gonna add a touch of humor: I asked about bug bites, mosquito especially. Dr said fun to watch them fly off and die in mid air. We are no longer the ideal blood bank for mosquitoes. Made ME laugh...



    Have a good day and keep smiling. HUGS, Nancy





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