Anyone starting chemo in June 08

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited May 2011

    Vino,

    How was your Birthday?  Hope it was a good one for ya.  How's the hair holding?  I got a wig today that I ordered but I am not sure how much I will wear it.  It is really not too bad but the scarf thing for me is so much more comfy.  We'll see how often the world makes me wear it (the wig).  Hope you have a incident free treatment tomorrow and are feeling good enough to go get the buzz.  Later HunkyD

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  • LeggyJ
    LeggyJ Member Posts: 726
    edited July 2008

    My second chemo, was a little over a week ago, and I've had a tough time of it.  The fatique is the main side effect. Last week, I was able to struggle through, working three and half days, then had enough.  The 4th of July, I was sick all day, with an growing fever.  Called the hospital, at 101.1, like it says in my info. packet, and they said come to the ER.  They took me to a private room, immediatly, no waiting.  After numerous tests, and exray, it tured out to the beginnings of, pneumonia.  So,  I had  an IV for fluids, and one for antibodtics, and six hours later, my friends were able to drive me home.  I missed the fireworks.... Already had a appointment with my oncologist, yesterday, and he said my lungs, were clear.  Wow drugs, in a bag, work pretty good.  Went back to work today, but it was 106 degrees, so I left a little early.  Geeze, I thought I was tough, but chemo is tougher, it's not for sissy's.

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited July 2008

    LeggyJ, hope you feel better. It is amazing how bad we can feel. I have my 2nd treatment Thursday and hope if goes better than the first. Chemo is definitely not for sissy's. Those of us going through it know that we are not sisssy's!!!

    Went to get my wig today, my hair dresser custom fit it to my head. Feels and looks pretty natural. I had a lot of bald spots so decided to shave off the rest. Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I'm sure my family will give me crap but I will give right back. Money mouth Both of my son-in-laws and my husband have shaved their heads so we can compare.

    If you can hook up with "Look Good...Feel Good", you can get makeup to have fun with. I got mine and there are colors that I wouldn't normally buy but, will play around and have fun!!!

    Have a good day everyone.

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  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 439
    edited July 2008

    Hey HunkyD

    Birthday was great......hair is coming out in clumps.......head feels funny........but it still looks fine.......I have my appointment for the "Big shave" on Thursday evening.....so we'll see how it looks by then.......she'll also style my wig a little when she shaves it......needs tweeking......I don't love it........have been practicing tying scarves tonight........and think I'll do that a lot.....plus some great hats......hope your treatment goes well tomorrow.......it's nice that we are on the same day.....I'll be thinking about you.......what's your cocktail?

    Cheers

    Jax

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  • Kellke
    Kellke Member Posts: 424
    edited July 2008

    Does anyone get a sore head from wearing a scarf or headcovering?  At the end of the day at home I love to just go bald to quit having the pressure on my little stubby hairs.  Is it because I shaved it and it would be sore anyway from the chemo?   Good thing my boys are teens, nothing fazes them, they just keep going without even blinking when I walk around without hair...

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  • Kellke
    Kellke Member Posts: 424
    edited July 2008

    How do you all get that dx note under your post? 

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  • Bonnie02
    Bonnie02 Member Posts: 193
    edited July 2008

    Hi Everyone,

     Feeling a whole lot better right now, although it is chemo time again tomorrow. Oh how I hate that when you are just starting to feel like a human again.  I have not been on here much lately, just trying to recuperate from my last hospital stint, sure hope that doesn't happen again. I have mouthwash, Tylenol and of course water (yuk) have been trying everything to get away from the water just can not find something that taste good. Glad to hear that the water thing isn't just me, sounds like a regular thing with the chemo.

    Caroline welcome to the June group, a really nice bunch of people on here.

     Think I will ask my oncologist for a prescription for the screw off medicine, I really need some of that, lol

    Take care everyone, and hopefully have a good day

    Bonnie

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  • BBLady
    BBLady Member Posts: 114
    edited July 2008

    Hi

    Don't know if it's the 'cumulative effect' starting or what, but it's taking me longer to get over tx2.  Had it last Thursday, and still feel exhausted.  By now on the 1st one I was feeling pretty good.  Though, I didn't get my neulasta shot until day 8 the first time and got it with my treatment this time.  I don't know if that makes a difference.  But I totally agree chemo's not for sissy's! 

    Bonnie02 - if you find anything that helps with the taste of water, please let me know!  I've tried lemons and limes and it's still horrible!

    LeggyJ - sorry you had such a rough time.  Guess I really shouldn't be complaining since I only have fatigue.  Glad you're doing better.

    Hoping to get some energy soon...

    Kathy

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  • KKing
    KKing Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2008

    Kelke... to update diagnosis... once signed on... go to MY HOMe  and it has a spot to edit diagnosis.... at the end of the edit it asks you to check a box if you want it to be public info.

    LeggyJ... It is amazing that you are working between chemo... that takes one tough cookie.   That is probably why you feel so fatigued.  Sorry to hear you ended up at the ER.

    Good to hear most of us are getting through this so well.     Jax and HunkyD.. it seems you are both in treatment today??  Hope all goes well for both of you.      My 3rd is next Wednesday....  not looking forward to that.    What choice do we all have.

    Take care

    Karen

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  • Jill_45
    Jill_45 Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2008

    I was just wondering if anyone has tried the bottles of flavored water. My daughter works in the pharmacy at the Cancer Clinic here and she asked about it and they said any non caffienated liquid counts toward the 8-12 cups a day needed so flavored water would be okay. I am not a great fan of plain water to begin with so hopefully someone has tried this.

    Bonnie02... does the mill there have any effect on how you are feeling? I know when I lived in Chemainus and the wind was that way it wasn't very pleasant.

    Hope you are all enjoying a sunny day! Cool

    Jill. 

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  • StaceyR
    StaceyR Member Posts: 136
    edited July 2008

    Jill,

     I'm all over those flavoured waters these days, but I tend to find them too sweet and like to actually mix them with regular water.  I miss plain old water - I used to love the stuff, but it tastes like crap now.  I'm actually a big fan of Perrier these days - straight or mixed with tap water - it's perfect.

    I agree with anyone who says that the second treatment was harder than the first.  It took me a long time to feel like myself again, and I'm dreading #3 next week.  I'm now referring to the chemo and aftermath as "going underground" since it feels like being in a dark place waiting to emerge into daylight again.  I'm just going to try and savour these next few days of "normal".

    Stacey

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited May 2011

    Vinogal,
    How was your cocktail hour?  They must have been having a hell of a happy hour where I was becuase the place was packed.  Thought for a minute they were going to start moving in folding chairs.  I think they were playing catch up after the 3 day holiday weekend.  My cocktail is TAC X 6.  My port worked perfectly today.  She was the first nurse to get it going right away.  Enabled me get out of there a little faster anyway. I came home and crashed. Tomorrow back in for the neulasta shot and then wait and see how volatile this round becomes.  Hope your hair appt. goes well. 

    Bonnie:  Hope you are able to get your Screw Off Script.  I'm not sure my provider is going to cover it but it might certainly be something I am willing to pay for myself.    HunkyD

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  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 439
    edited July 2008

    My plan won't cover the "screw off".........but will cover the genric "f*#k off"......so I'm all good.......aside from the 2 and 1/2 hour wait for the mixing of the cocktail.......today went well........gained 2 pounds since last time.......so that really blows.......onco agreed to let me try this round without the steroids.......so we'll see how it goes.........I filled the script incase.......I will have to have the roids with the taxol.......but hopefully I can avoid them for a few rounds with the AC.......got the first appointment with my onco for the rest of my treatments........I'm hoping this will help with the wait time.........hair is really bugging me now.....6:15 pm tomorrow can't come soon enough.......

    Hunky D.......Neulasta's just the one shot.....is that right?......we don't get that here....I have to inject Neupogen on days 3 to 10.......one shot sure would be easier.......but you have to go somewhere to get it?......I get to do my own at home.....

    Fingers crossed for everyone........few SE's

    Cheers

    Jax

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

    Vinogal,

    I go to the same infusion center for the shot.  Takes about 5 minutes.  Also, I live close to the place too which is a plus so its no big deal. If I had an hours drive that would make me mad.  

    Wishing everyone a good week.  HunkyD

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  • LeggyJ
    LeggyJ Member Posts: 726
    edited July 2008

    Hi everyone,  today is the first day, since my 2nd chemo. on 6/27, that I can say I feel pretty good!  This week, I've cut back on my work hours, mainly because it's now 106 degrees outside, and I work outside. Working while on chemo. is tough, I'm cutting back, and we'll see how that goes, but it's not looking good.  Today, I could only work 5 hours, and really started to feel tired after 3 hours.  Thanks for all your well wishes!

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  • econmom
    econmom Member Posts: 73
    edited July 2008

    Hello, all and good luck to everyone in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.  I get my second AC tomorrow.  No hair loss yet, but my wig, hats and scarves are ready to go.

    cdccpa:  Welcome!  I too am getting neoadj. chemo.

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  • Bonnie02
    Bonnie02 Member Posts: 193
    edited July 2008

    Jill

    The mill has no affect at all, actually it is really good now, so good I don't know when the last time we could smell anything from it at all, maybe it is where we are situated in crofton but I don't think so.

    Went to the onco today and he is lowering my wonderful cocktail by 25% so hope I won't get as sick this time.  I am wound up tonight taking 2 steroid pills this morning and 2 tonight probably won't  get much sleep oh well will get lots done.

    Take care all

    Bonnie

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  • Jill_45
    Jill_45 Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2008

    Good luck tomorrow Bonnie. Let us know how you get on. 2 more weeks then I get my first chemo treatment.

    Hope everyone had a great day! 

    Jill 

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  • Bonnie02
    Bonnie02 Member Posts: 193
    edited July 2008

    To Everyone ;

    Has anyone on here been on the hormone treatment? If so I would like to know if their are any side affects to it. The onco's are considering it for me as a possibility if I can not take the Herseptine he said they will probably redo the mega scan which is the heart test to see if there is any difference to the first time. So as it stands everything is up in the air till I finish these 4 chemo treatments.  All I know about the hormone treatment is that you just take pills not like chemo.  Any knowledge would be helpful.

    Thanks

    Bonnie

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  • Kellke
    Kellke Member Posts: 424
    edited July 2008

      Now I am worried, I have chemo #3 of 4 next monday the 14th (ac) and I have been doing pretty well with it.  It sounds like the cumulative effect of each chemo makes the later ones worse.  I am just trying to go back to work part time this week.   Then I start the weekly taxol and again I won't know what to expect because it will be new to me.   yikes

       I was nervous to go today with no boobs and no hair, but it went pretty well.  I wore a scarf with prettty sparkles because my 6 year old told me it was the best one.  :)

      Kelly

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  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 439
    edited July 2008

    Kelly.....glad it went well for you.......I'm getting the big shave tonight........so I will have to wear the wigs and scarves and hats that I have accumulated........I think getting the 6 year old to judge is the way to go........my 6 year old daughter has more fashion sense than anyone else in this house........and who are we kidding.......my lttle Paris Hilton......always wants mommy to be able to keep up to her........why do I hate coffee these first few days after treatment?.......that and the horrible taste of plain water have been my worst part of this so far......

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  • Bonnie02
    Bonnie02 Member Posts: 193
    edited July 2008

    Vinogal - Don't feel bad I always had coffee in the morning but can not drink that or tea anymore taste awful, water being the same thing although I tried lemon in the water and no that was no good but the lime helped a lot. I put 1 piece in a glass and the first glass of water was ok but not great and then I would leave the same piece of lime in the water and the water seemed to get better with each refil. Could give it a try, hope it will help for you.

    Got to go chemo in one hour (wish me luck)

    Bonnie

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  • Elliemae32
    Elliemae32 Member Posts: 72
    edited July 2008

    Morning ladies,

    I had my port placed yesterday morning and can I tell you I am SORE!  I have taken more pain meds than I did for both my mastectomy and lumpectomy combined!!  My second FAC treatment is scheduled for next friday.  I don't think my hair will last until then : (  I didn't have any problems with my first treatment so I was thinking I would be ok for this leg of treatment but my oncologist said I will hit a wall after treatment 3 or so.... I told him I would stop working when I see that wall!  I need to save my time off for after the baby.  Stupid short term disability, who knew a 31 year old would need long term disability... that's why I never signed up. 

    I hope everyone else is doing well

    Ellen 

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  • SuePeet
    SuePeet Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2008

    Hi Sarah - There are 3 grades - 1 is low grade which means slow growing, less likely to spread - 2 is moderate and 3 is high - tens to grow slowly most likely to spread.  THe stage is the the important one and it goes 0 - to 5.  I am assuming it would be the same in US as it is in Canada.

    I have had 2 treatments so far and the third coming on Monday.  The first treatment gave me every se they could think of!  This second one not so mant SE's as they reduced my anti nausea drugs by half.  Still get mouth sores - but if you drink water with a bit of lemon juice that will keep them away.  The bowel movement thing - yikes ended up in ER for that because cement elephants don't come out that easy!  But every thing else isanageable except--- I seem to have extravasion - which is where the chemo leaked into my skin aroung the injection site.  3 weeks later just getting worse and have seen 2 doctors and the onc nurse - no help - any suggestions!!?????

    For the hair thing - I wear ball hats, if I want to dress up a bit I do the scarf thing and for really special occasions I wear the wig.  I kind of like not having hair - less work - (I was never good at doing hair!)  I have a ball hat for most colors - thing with the wig is everyone likes it so much more than my regular hair - I will be disappointing so many people when it grows back!

    Sue for Red Deer Ab

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  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 439
    edited July 2008

    Eureeka........I've found it.............tangerine grapefruit crystal light......tastes great in the water.......and only 5 calories......I've tried the lemon lime thing but I just can't do it.........I have always loved the taste of regular water.........and guzzle it by the gallon.......so I'm glad I finally found something that I actually enjoy........getting a little bit nervous for the big shave tonight........but I'm hoping that I feel the relief that everyone talks about........head feels weird.......can't describe it.......just doesn't feel right...........and can't take the hair everywhere.......keep going outside to run my fingers through.......with th hopes of getting all the lose stuff off..........problem is........it's all lose stuff........and I'd like to have some left to shave.........I will take the Dh for support and to capture it on film..........I'll post pics if I'm feeling brave.......

    Cheers

    Jax

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  • kiya123
    kiya123 Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2008

    Hi

    I started my AC on June 17.  I had two AC rounds so far. SE were not as bad as I thought.

    However after first round, on 7th day  I had to rush to emergency because of the high palpitation.

    Every thing was normal and I got second dose. Now my oncologist had involved cardiologist in the treatment just to make sure.

    I think I am being monitored closely but now I am concerned.

    Does any one know anything more about AC and Heart?

    I know it is Heart Toxic but don't know more...where should I look for?

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  • sarahsewer
    sarahsewer Member Posts: 79
    edited July 2008

    SuePeet, I made the same trip to ER. I pity to doc who had to address my back eside. Next chemo I plan to be chock full of senecot BEFORE hand.

     Vinogal, I love tangerine grapefruit crystal light too, but so far water doesn't taste icky to me. We have high iron water and it always tastes like metal.

    Does anyone else have crazy cravings for things like swiss cheese? Spaghettios?

     Does anyone know if eyelashes always fall out? I am hoping they stay put.

    Does anyone have a feel for how germ phobic we should be? Can I safely go to the horse barn to watch my daughter ride? 

    Sarah 

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited May 2011

    Kiya:  I have already had one muga prior to starting and two ekgs.  My doc is keeping tabs on it although everything is normal and in the correct range.  Don't know if it is common or not for these tests throughout treatment but, even though you only have two more AC they may still my test you.  Better to be safe.  Good luck....HunkyD

    Had to edit this because I am still laughing at the cement elephant story and it gave me the hickups.  Sorry, I know its not funny but the phrase just caught me off guard.  One instance I guess you hope for a breech eliminiation. 

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  • collector
    collector Member Posts: 193
    edited July 2008

    I am finding that I can drink a large amount of seltzer instead of water which is tasting terrible right now.  I found a brand that has no sodium and has a slight lemon flavor or comes in plain or orange as well.  DH is also drinking it which is a real miracle.  We'd both prefer to be drinking a wonderful CA ZINFANDEL but are being relatively good - at least on week nights!  This one is produced by the Boylan bottling company in NJ. 

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  • cdccpa
    cdccpa Member Posts: 42
    edited July 2008

    Sarah - Your question about weird cravings caught my eye...I have been craving Spaghettios too for some reason!  I actually ate them twice this week for lunch since that was the only thing that sounded good.  (My 4 year old is going to be upset with me when he realizes I've eaten them!)

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