Rodie

Hi Girls. Glad to hear we're doing okay. I have hats galore and a couple of scarves but like going "commando". I think it bothers my mother to see my bald head but my db is fine with whichever way I go. If people are uncomfortable seeing my bald head that's they're problem. I wear big dangling earrings and lip gloss and off I go. The other day I was at the department store and was telling my Mom a joke and the saleslady couldn't understand how I could be so happy! She could see the port tubing in my neck and was blown away by my attitude. I told her you have to laugh and make the best of things. I returned to the gym and treadmill today and really feel good. I guess it's about 5-7 days after treatment that stink. Next treatment is 2/21--I think that's Ash Wednesday so no chocolate!

Take care girls.

Hi Girls: I like reading all the updates. Have had such nausea and stomach problems from AC#2. Any one else having insomnia? Tomorrow I meet with onc. head nurse, last week for 2nd treatment found I was anemic so had shot and will have another one tomorrow. Was buzzed this week. Can't remember who had pics with buzz but you girls look so cute that way. It doesn't bother me going out like that--hatless. Looks cute.

Ireland: I read your comment about being a 19 on onco--me too and I've had the same doubts--after each session. That gray area--is it worth it. Of course, loved ones say absolutely but like you I wonder. The nausea and fatigue just get me down so.

T4T: what a great guy you are, thanks for posting here.

Hi Girls: To the girl who's husband is having a hard time with all she's going through, there is an excellent book called Breast Cancer Husbands. Well written and informational for us gals too. The book is good for husbands, partners, and best friends.

Missy--One of the books I read and I can't remember which one, Susan Love's Breast Book or Breast Cancer for Dummies has a section on insusrance and appeals to have the medical bills covered.

Robin, I'm glad you are not having nausea and after 4 or 5 days it probably won't show up now. Around days 14-21 you will have hair follicle or scalp pain just before the hair goes so it's too soon for that.

My hair has been falling out for about a week, I'm due AC #2 on Wednesday. For those who have been on this site for a while, I plan to meet Boo Wednesday--she has an appointment with our onc and I have infusion. That makes me look forward to Wednesday!

I think we're all doing great. I've ordered some cute hats and turbans, picked up several pairs of big earrings, some bright lipstick and on we go! Did a session of lite Jazzercise today and will rejoin Weight Watchers tomorrow. Weekend was yucky--stomach virus and fever but after 2 days the chocolate shake tasted wonderful!

Have a good weekend girls and just think by summer most of us will be over the worst of this nightmare!

Hugs to all

Amera--I have Activan but haven't taken for the insomnia. Of course, last night I fell asleep before the Pats game ended and didn't find out they lost till this AM. The insomnia allows me to finalize the plans for my DD's wedding.

Ladies: have you heard about what time the hair goes? I keep checking the mirror. I've heard anywhere from 14 days out. Second AC on Ja. 31.

MiniGrace and Thomcat: Mini--My first AC is tomorrow but I feel pretty calm right now though I didn't sleep too well and have been up for hours. The port installed on Thursday is uncomfortable. Keep me posted on how you are doing after your first treat. I won't be on steroids--my request--but will be taking Ativan and Compazine. I have little meltdowns from time to time not much though.
Thomcat--I hope #4 goes well for you. On one of your trips to Tampa we'll need to catch up in person over a cup of cafe con leche and pan Cubano. Yum. Good luck. I won't be taking Taxol after my 4 AC treatments it's on to radiation.

I'll like to hear from you and Minigrace to see how the first and last AC's go. I have scarves and was told loss in about 10 days--what about nails? I heard they come off-ugh! That's creepy.

Hugs to the two of you.

Hi Jan. Girls, I had my port installed yesterday--asleep the whole time. My surgeon installed tube thru neck and down to breast for the port. It took about 1 1/4 hours and recovery about the same time. Took Vicodin as needed. Today I had the bandages/needle removed and I'm set for Wednesday's AC treatment. Regarding blood draws, they took blood yesterday at the hospital and again today for tests. Oh well, what can one do? I understand they won't take blood from port but from veins. It was explained why but can't remember now.

Ireland and Amera--loved the idea of Cancer F_! hats. I'm having my port installed tomorrow, flushed Friday and chemo info session, and first AC on Wed. Jan. 10! Can't wait. Ireland--my surgeon, the best in the Tampa area!!!, God bless her, the first thing she told me today was I had made the right decision about going with chemo. If you recall, my onc. score was 19 and didn't know if I should go with chemo treatments. It meant so much to have her tell me I had made a good decision.

Well all Jan. girls one day this will all be in the past and we'll come through just fine!

Happy New Year to all!!

Hi Jan. Girls: Found out this week that port will be installed on 1/4 and first AC treatment will begin on 1/10. Anxious but ready to start on this road.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Hi VLFR. I had my electroc. today. At this point I know I'll start chemo in Jan because no time now for the port to be installed. Thanks for explaining the differences in heart tests.

Happy Holidays--next year this time it will all seem like a dream! I think???

Ireland: You may have helped me make a decision. Just found out my Onco number was 19 too. What a decision to make. Other than my tumor being 1.5 we are a match. If it wasn't that my daughter is getting married in May this would not be a hard decision--go for it. But, I hate the thought of being hairless and maybe 20 pounds extra packed on. What will your chemo be? Onc. said mine would be A/C--if I decide to go that route. I'm suppose to get back to him tomorrow. I'm leaning toward going for it. My track record since June (diagnosed with Lymphoma) and now bc in Oct. is not the best.