Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
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OK, Have my flights booked..it'sa go. Leah, Melanie, Marsha..we're on. I wish we had the company of others to enjoy but we'll chart the new territory and estabilsh the rules. I wish you could all be there but (sigh).. we'll toast to you in your absence.
Kay, I don't know anything about HER2, I wish I could offer some/any insight, but I'm HER-.
I wish you could all be with us in person but you must know that you'll be with us in spirit. You're all in our hearts girls... present or not.
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Hello everyone:
I had my surgery on Jan. 29 and was in the hospital for 23 hrs. observation. I had a partial mact. Went back to doctor today to change bandage and he said it looked very good. I have an appt. w/onconlogist for Feb. 7 and the surgeon told my family I would be starting with chemo first. So I might be starting this in Feb, I don't know how long they like to wait after surgery. I've been reading your postings as I don't have any suggestions at this time but I will listen to who ever needs to talk. Also didn't get my lab reports back today so doc said he would call me on Mon. Waiting is a hard part.
Rose
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I hate this. You know I had my 3 month onc follow up appointment last week. I honestly didn't expect to hear from her office until the next appointment approached as she's taking care of the PET/CT preapproval. At work yesterday and my husband sends me a text message.. Call Dr. D and tel#. Sh#T! A few exchanged voicemails later, her PA speaks with me to tell me I need more bloodwork. Last week's test showed RDW anomalies. She tried to explain in layman's terms... shape, spacing and coloration of the red blood cells is off. Could be a folate or B12 deficiency. Could be too much alcohol. Could be... you know. It can be a sign that something's up with the liver. I'm going to have the additional bloodwork done on Tuesday at the 1month rad onc follow up. I'm a wreck with worry.
Hugs all.
Rose -- there's another thread for February 2008 chemo. We're the group from 2007, a little ahead of you in treatment.
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Good morning! It's so good to see you all!
Catherine - How did the dinner at the French restaurant go? That sounded very nice. I'm sure you looked lovely! Thank you so much for the compliment. I'm changing the avatar one last time (for now). I took a picture to document my one year.
Terry - I was so lucky with my port. The only issue I had with it was the area around it always itched! So I was glad to get it, and glad to see it gone! My scar is pretty visible, but it really doesn't bother me. I keep thinking I'll try some of that scar cream, but it doesn't bother me enough to remember to buy it! I am sorry that they've pushed back your surgery, but you might as well just get all the testing and such done at once and get it over with.
Hillary - I need to make "that" appointment too.
I figured I'd schedule in March as I don't have any other Dr's appointments then. Between my Rheumatologist, Oncologist, and all the other ologists's I see, it almost feels like a job!Pat! How nice to see you! My curls are about gone too. All that's left is kind of like the old "body wave" perms. At first it seemed a bit strange to fire up the curling iron in the morning after so long of the just wash and go!
Jan - Hope your DH is doing well. Surgery right around the corner. Wishing him in advance a very speedy recovery. How long do you think you'll be able to keep him off the trike?
Melanie - Yes I am a sports fanatic! My best friend is too. We don't shop together, we watch games together!
SammieKay - Good to see you too! I'm a bit sad too that I wont be in FL. But you and I will be raising the roof with everyone in spirit! As for the hair - I don't think a wig would keep it from growing. Have you tried Nioxin? I really swear by that stuff! I am so sorry to hear of Mike's cousin. Keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers. (((SammieKay)))
Alyson - Cant wait to see the pictures! Sounds like it was a beautiful day.
Marsha - Congrats on your success! Don't forget to post some stills for us. The play really sounds wonderful.
Twink - Any news on the big move? Sounds like you really have your hands full right now. Thinking of you and hope all is well.Cookie, Kanga, and Rose. Thinking of you as you begin your journey.
Yesterday was a pretty fun day for DH and I. One of the Vendors I work with gives us Skybox terrace tickets on the 16th hole to the FBR Open each year. The FBR is the largest attended golf tournament in the world. More people attend this event than the races with well over 125,000 in attendance yesterday alone. If you are not a golf fan, or haven't heard of the 16th, you would NOT believe your eyes (and ears for that matter). No "golf claps" on this hole. It's as loud as a football game. People make up chants for each golfer that comes thru, boo (then clap and laugh) at the poor guy who's furthest from the cup, sing happy birthday, when applicable, do the wave, chant the ASU fight song for ASU Alumni playing; and all kinds of other stuff. If you haven't seen it, turn the tournament on for a few minutes today or tomorrow and leave it on til you see someone go thru the 16th. You wont be disappointed! Anyway, we were there all day yesterday, followed by a dinner with the vendor. It's really a good time. We were so beat by the time we got home tho, we were off to bed by 8:00.
Things are crazy here in town with both the Super Bowl and the FBR this weekend. We're staying far, far away from the stadium this weekend, but we're going to a couple of different Super Bowl parties.
Hugs to you all from the most televised place on earth this weekend! See you soon!
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Twink -
You snuck in on me! I know this is easier said than done, but please try not to worry about the bloodwork. I have bloodwork every month for my RA and now at the Onc's too. My liver enzymes have come back whacked more than a few times. I'm not supposed to drink more than one alcohololic drink with the RA meds, and if I over induldge, they levels will reflect it. Some meds, like too much Tylenol or other anti inflammatories can raise the levels, as can alcohol itself. They ususally just re-test in one week. If you had a few drinks a few days before the test, the enzymes will be off. If you had a few drinks and took a tylenol a few days before the test, your levels can be way off.
It sucks tho that they called on a Friday so that you can think about it all weekend! Please dont worry too much about it. Just re-test, I'm sure that you'll be fine. (((Twink)))
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Hugs Carynn. Thanks. I know I have to keep this in perspective but you know how it is... I was just doing a little research though and I wonder if I might have stumbled across another explanation. Did I tell you girls that I still smoke...(embarassed). I'm trying to quit though and started taking a prescription smoking cessation drug... called Chantix. One of the infrequently reported SEs is anemia. I wonder... Maybe I should stop taking it before the bloodwork to test my theory? Yeah, why do they call on Friday... I don't get it.0
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Twink -
Just so you dont feel like the worst paitient in the world, I'll tell you a little secret, I still smoke too. DH and I had quit for 2 months when I was doing radiation. We started again during a really rough time in November (deaths of two dear friends and other day to day stresses). Our new quit date is Super Bowl Monday. He tried the Chantix, I didnt cuz I already feel like a walking pharmacy!
But you are right, I believe his Dr. did mention something about watching for side effects.....0 -
Hello Ladies,
This is my first visit to this site. I've been reading this thread and you all sound like amazing women!
I would like to ask some advice. My friend will be starting chemo soon, and I would like to know what I can do to help her. She and I are both single moms, and we live about 2 hours from the Tx center. I assume the treatment days will be quite long and tiring. We've been told to pack a lunch, and little bag with lotion, chaptstick etc. We aren't sure what to expect. Her treatment course isn't definite yet, but they have suggested a dose dense regimen of AC/T, starting with AC every 2 weeks.
Since you have all been through this, tell me - what helped most? She lives about 30 min from me, so I'm worried about her being home alone with her son after Tx.
Suggestions?
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Whoops, I'm sorry guess I better pay more attention to the year.
Rose
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Hi I am starting February as well! February 12th chemo to be exact. I am ER+, PR+ and HER2+. I have A/C for 4 cycles and then Taxol/Herceptin for 4 cycles and Herceptin each week in between. Anyone else have the same. Looking forward to joining the group as I know this will be a rough time.
Looking forward to the support.
Caren0 -
Hi Caren,
Your Dx and Tx sound just like what my friend has. She doesn't have a start date yet, but I think it will be within the next couple of weeks. How often are you getting AC? THey want her to have it every 2 weeks. We are both afraid it will wipe her out. She needs to be viable enough to care for her son.
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Just a fly-by ... got to help ds with his 100 day of school project.
Twilah -- Is your bloodwork at your local hospital or at HUP? Let me know ... I've got my mammo and MRI Tuesday morning at HUP. I'm sending you gentle hugs and wishes for the Chantix SEs.
Marsha -- Can you send us the link to any on-line reviews of your play? And we want to see photos!
Carynn -- Wow ... Phoenix sure must be hopping this weekend!
Hugs,
Hillary0 -
I have the A/C every two weeks. Sounds just like your friends. I have kids as well so I will keep you posted daily!!
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abj9799:
I have quite a few thoughts, but the most important is that someone needs to be there or someone should take her son. The drugs you get with the AC make you very sleepy/tired, and she might not be able to be as vigilant as she normally is. The anti-nausea stuff makes you sleepy, too as you take the pills. So she should have help if it is at all possible.
Other than that, how she does is not predictable at this point, but is she keeps up with her drugs, she should be ok late in the next day.
Some women did ok the next day after treatment, and then were a little out of it on Day 3. Also, depending on whether she needs to get a neulasta shot or not 24 hours after treatment, she will have to go back to the center and then might not feel so well the next day, as some women got joint pain with the shot.
So if arrangements can be made to help her, that would be terrific.Just my two cents!
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Twink:
It seems as if there is always a retest, so try not to worry. I know, I know... easier said than done. One of my friends, whose job it is to calm me before each exam, always is able to do it by saying, "the data is just the data. Worrying doesn't change the result". And somehow, I can get calm just be hearing that. Hope it helps... Call if you need to. ((((TWINK))))
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Would you recommend taking Tylenol before the Neulasta shot? I have to go the next day to take the shot each time. Do you need someone to drive you for the shot?
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Hi startingnow,
I drove myself to and from the day-after-chemo Neulasta shot without any problem. I also did not have the bone-aches that others experienced with Neulasta and didn't have to take any analgesic. I've heard others who took Tylenol or and NSAID (i.e. Advil) to help with the aches.
Also, just making sure you know that we're the February 2007 group. I know we're all more than happy to answer your questions since we all went through our own treatment last year. If you also want the company of women starting chemo now, I noticed there is a February 2008 chemo thread started. Come back here often with any questions or concerns. Hugs and good luck to you.
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Twink; That is what this site is all about...helping each other. I think we have all had amazing support here. I have gotten myself so worked up over bloodwork numbers until I finally accepted that it is what it is (thanks Leah).
Rose; The waiting game is so difficult when you just want and need answers....NOW. As Twink said, we are here to answer any questions that anyone might have. We have certainly traveled a similar road in the last year.
Leah; Hope you got the link to the house ok. I need to send it to Twink and Marsha also. Canit wait!
Carynn; The newest avatar is sooooo cute! You look adorable. Love love the hair. I am amazed at how straight it looks. Did you spend hours on it? LOL...like any of us have that much time for our hair.
Sammie; I am so sorry that I got you confused with Catherine. I send my deepest sympathies to you and Mike for your loss.
Marsha; All I needed was confirmation! I hope you didn't totally steal the spotlight from "Patsy"...ha ha...actually I somehow think you probably did. I hope you don't get too tired with that many shows. I bet you will be fine since you will be having a blast. That's what it's all about.
I am sitting in my truck while DH talks business. We are at a little sawmill and I needed a break from it all. Tonight is Monday night bingo with my gf's. We are the "loud ones" that always get "shhhhs'd" by the little blue haired ladies. Especially if we have a couple of drinks before we go...more fun that way. I "dob" faster.
Have a great evening!
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OK, they have already added another show for Always.....Patsy Cline. We never have a performance on a Tuesday but do now (Feb 19)! One of the local country music stations has already bought 200 tickets that they are gonna give away on the air and the theatre will sell the other 200. This article came out today:
http://www.ocala.com/article/20080205/BREAKING_NEWS/652063201/1340/NEWS
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Marsha -- Wow ...
I'm quoting from the review ... "Marsha ... playing kind of a redneck Southern country music fan, sparkles throughout the production. She interacts with the audience, plays Cline's fan-turned-friend and wins the hearts of everyone." You must be walking on air!
Hugs,
Hillary0 -
Great review! Oh my...you won't have any days off now. Please take good care of yourself and rest when you can.
Hillary; Thinking of you today and hope all your results are good. Hope you got that school project finished!
Sitting at home right now. I started on major dental work today. I have had bad teeth since I was a baby. Plus losing a couple to accidents. Today was the 3rd time that I have had crowns replaced because of gum issues. My new dentist thinks this will be the last time it has to be done. I certainly hope so. He cut off the 9 front crowns and put the temporary on. I was there for 3 1/2 hours. Yuck. He doesn't want to place my permanent crowns until I return from Florida. He said he doesn't want me that far away if I need adjustments. I am trying to rest right now so I will feel up to a friend's birthday party tonight.
Thinking of you all...
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Wow... Bravo l'artiste!!! Marsha, is this cool or what?? So happy for you, girl... now we need a few pix...
Hi Hillary, hope you are OK dear...
Carynn and Melanie: our dynamite ladies... do not envy the 3h+ at the dentist's, poor Melanie... hope you are not in too much pain...
I am working right now on a job I must send back by the end of the day, so I've got to go back, overlooking at the same time 3 doggies napping together (we have Gabriel over for a few days again, this time because his "dad" is undergoing surgery as we speak for prostate cancer, which hopefully is very very early stage). We have beautiful snow outside sparkling in the sun... we got a good 8 inches overnight.
Thinking of you all, special hugs to the newbies who have to go through the same scenario as we did a year ago... but look: Marsha is back on stage, and big time at that...
Take care of yourselves, girls...
Catherine
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I feel like all of my recent postings have been drive-bys or brief whines about my situation. I went back a few pages and reread your postings just to make sure I was all caught up on what's going on with each of you. I don't have any news on the blood work done earlier today but the rads oncologist assured me it was most likely related to the insults I've given my bone marrow and body in general this year... she'd never heard of this particular morphology being a symptom of BC. So, now, I wait again. I saw my Gyn this morning at 8:30, the Rads Onc at 10:00 and the BS at 1:00. I succeeded in spending a few hundred dollars on clothing between the Gyn and the Rads Onc. Silly me, I had a credit from a merchandise return at a local boutique so thought I'd stop by and spend that. Ahem... that and more! I felt like I was shopping for a cruise, thinking ahead to Florida. I got a little carried away. One thing that does make me feel pretty good though is shopping, I mean buying. My BS called me his posterchild and said I was doing very well! He said he was impressed. I told him he probably says that to all the girls. He stepped back and, very seriously, said, No, I don't. He proceeded to read the letter sent to him by the HUP oncologist who described my case as complicated... I never really thought about it. I guess it is (was). In any case, I don't have to see him until September but he wants an MRI before then (check on the chest wall he said). I'll see the HUP oncologist in July and she's ordered up a DEXA scan and PET/CT scan before that appointment. I see the PS in April for the ... ahem... nipples and a slight revision (I want bigger boobs and he says he can do that and correct a few minor problems at the same time.
Sammie Kay, how are you healing? Have the twinges settled down. I still have them periodically...more so since radiation but the docs all tell me that's normal and to expect this to go on for at least a year following surgery. I'm sorry you won't be joining us in Fl - I was really looking forward to meeting my Secret Pal. BTW, you should ditch the wig... short hair is cool and 1.5 inches is long enough to simply look like a deliberately really short haircut.
Catherine, you asked about my hair a few pages back. I use Redken products (a curl enhancer). It's nice because it doesn't make my hair feel dirty and sticky after a few applications. I try not to wash my hair daily, especially since it's now bleached blonde. I hope your husband is doing well and that his upcoming tests produce favorable results. Let us know how he's doing. And... How about you? How's the tamox SE's? Do you know whether a D&C is in your immediate future? We're going to miss your cooking in Fl, another disappointment. I had images of us all (your minions) chopping, slicing and sipping a nice Merlot as you (the Chef) prepared the dinner. (sigh) Suddenly I'm hungry. Oh yes, about my DH, he's a teacher (currently at a local college) and working on a grad degree in ESL. He seems to have found his niche and is very much looking forward to Dallas as the ESL instructor demand there is high. Up until this full-time ESL gig, he's mostly been teaching high school English or Socials. Yes, he's portable just pensionless as a result of all the moving about.
Pat, congratulations to your daughter on her graduation. That must me a nice feeling to see one's children successfully complete college and start out on their career of choice. I can hardly wait to see my own at that stage in their lives. I think my next haircut will eliminate my curls as it feels like it's growing in straight now. Despite my complaining, I will miss the curls I think... I'll be back to having to style it soon. I've enjoyed the vacation from blow dryers and flat irons.
Terry, done with Herceptin! Wow! Do you have hormonal therapy ongoing? I think learning how to NOT be a BC patient will come to us all with time. For some reason, I felt pretty happy at the end of the day today, like maybe I could be positive for a change. Just having all those docs say a few atta girl words, despite the fact that they're only words, was encouraging. I hope you're starting to feel positive too Terry. ... nothing like a little plastic surgery to raise the spirits! As for my skin following rads, I'm only one month out so probably not the one to ask... I'm tanned still and tight but no rash. As for dieting, join the club. I'm seriously trying to lose some weight before spring. Everything tasted soooo good after chemo... and it shows now.
Carynn, honestly, it sounds to me as though you work too hard! I was going to ask if you have any hobbies, but I suppose work can fill that space too. I honestly can't imagine an exciting golf game... no offense. I swore off the darn game back in my 30's. Soooo frustrating when you only play it once or twice a year. I too love your new avatar, the haircut is so nice on you and you look so happy. My dad is wintering in Phoenix right now and I was daydreaming about popping over to visit him. Unfortunately his wife's mother took a fall and they've cleared out to Northern Ca. for a bit to be with her as it's turned into a life threatening situation. I'll keep you posted though if the opportunity to visit arises.
Alyson, I'm anxiously awaiting wedding pics (as I'm sure we all are). I'm so glad the wedding and reception went off without a hitch (so to speak). All that preparation and worry and... in one short day it's over and done with. Special memories abide though.
Jan, I've seen some of your photos on the Circle thread. You're doing really well with those, and published I understand. I love the cold wintery views, especially from the comfort of warm family room and arm chair beside the fire. How did your husband's surgery go yesterday? I surely hope it's the last in his accident saga. How've you been feeling?
Hillary... a little late but the sentiments are sincere... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.... AND MANY MOOOOOORRRRE! Isn't five-O wonderful? I hope your appointments went well today. We can virtually hold hands and wait for our results together my friend.
Leah, Marsha, Melanie.... I'll save my yakking ‘til Feb 23rd... 18 more sleeps... I'm so excited at the prospect of hanging out with a celebrity! Melanie... I hate dentists but after this last year, I have them in perspective. I'd rather see the dentist than my onc.
Love y'all (practicing my Texas drawl)
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Oh dear, now it's my turn to only flyby.
DH is working the election at our preceint and wont be home for hours. I brought work home.
I'm going to assume the positon on the couch, watch the election returns, and try to at least put a dent in work email.
Hugs to all - I'll be back soon to catch up.
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Have any of you seen the storms that moved through my state today (Arkansas)? Major damage very close to my home and close to my heart. My office called and said DH had dashed out after a phone call. Our younger granddaughter (2 in Feb) was at her other grandparents in a area that was hard hit. They got in the hallway, the tornado went overhead (luckily) and dropped 3 trees in their kitchen. Whew....Can you imagine our relief to know they were all okay. Dh brought them back to town...safely, but he said he never seen anything like that. Tomorrow will tell the tale.
Twink; Your BS sounds very wise. You have done everything just the way you heart led you. I agree that having to visit the onc definitely trumps the dentist. LOL on the Texas "drawl". Just listen to me for a few days and you will pick it up. Most people guess me to be from TX anyway. The dentist did say that I will have a bit of trouble with my speech with this temp and might even have a lisp. DH has already told me that I was "talking funny" today. Bad timing I am thinking with the FL trip coming up.
Hillary; So sorry I missed your BDay! 50...how wonderful! I hope you had a really nice birthday.
Catherine; Thankfully I am not in much pain. I said "no thank you" to the prescription pain pills. He said to just take Advil. All 3 doggies asleep at the same time! I do hope your friend is early stage also. Twink said it perfectly...we were all looking forward to a lovely meal prepared by you with us being your sous chefs.
Carynn; Please do catch up soon!
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Another drive-by posting to say hello to everyone and everything's great over here. Twink you have every right to feel as you do and you WILL get over this hump soon I pray. Marsha....our board Celeb....awesome! Take care all!
Pat
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I hadn't seen anything about the storms Melanie. I'm glad to hear that your dear family members are unharmed though.
t
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Melanie -- How scary for you!! I'm glad that you and your family are OK. I have family in South Florida and worry over every hurricane! Also, I lived through earthquakes (no damage) and fires (lost everything) in CA, so I can totally empathize with your horror! I'm much happier back in the Mid-Atlantic, where we don't have extreme weather/natural disasters ...
Well, my mammo was clean and the MRI tech got an IV on the first try! I haven't heard anything about the MRI yet, but I meet with my onc on Tuesday.
Hugs to all,
Hillary0 -
Hillary; Oh my...lost everything in a fire. How awful. There were several lives lost this week. We feel so very fortunate right now.
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Sorry about the previous delete. I am trying to insert some pics, but I am having trouble with the new format. What am I doing wrong? I go to the insert box. Paste my url. Hit enter back at my post and all it does is show the url.
grrrrr
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