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Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
Comments
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Good evening everybody... First of all thank you all for asking about us the Feb. 13th gals, and thank you for the virtual hands holding... This may explain why this first session went so well (so far... I know it may change any minute). The port worked like a charm, this was a major concern of mine... I started out with a perfect blood count, and good blood pressure, even after the avastin (clinical study "add-on") known to send blood pressure higher...
My overall feeling of the day: like having been on a long-distance flight (rather than a cruise) -- went in at 9:30 left at 3:30 -- with extremely attentive and friendly "flight attendants" (they call them nurses, i believe
), comfortable in a first class recliner... the research nurse (for the clinical study) stayed with me a lot, then I read a lovely book that I had just received yesterday from friends in France, autobiographical novel staged in an area where I grew up (near Cherbourg, Normandy) by an excellent writer (Didier Decoin, Une vue sur la mer for those of you who read French) and I listened to classical music... So when Peter came to get me, I felt I just landed, a bit "off" but not that much (I too took my IV many times to the bathroom...). I had rice and sesame crackers with skim milk swiss cheese and ginger snaps as munchies, plus sucked on ice all along, here and then, and had ricola cough drops I like (except that the are not sugar free here)... I felt like having yogurt (plain, fat free, full of cultures -- highly recommended by the nurse), a fresh biscuit with some ham and a little bit of sheddar as a snack when I came back, and my DH had gotten all kinds of goodies at WholeFoods. I have frozen portion of home made veggie soup and chicken dishes (light). I now feel like drinking mint tea, which I do. Because I had 32 ounces of saline drip for hydratation when I was there, they told me not to overdo it with water tonight (no more than another 32 ounces) for not loosing my sodium, etc.
Well, I guess this is it for now: no side effects yet, but if they kick in 6 hours later... I will take an Ativan at bed time (and a small square plastic bucket by my side...), Emend 80 tomorrow morning and the next morning, and then, if need be, Kytril and Ativan...
Have all a good night and my best wishes to all of you getting ready for something tomorrow... We can now form a fairly impressive virtual "ronde" (a circle formed by holding hands to play or dance, like children do... I do not know the word in English right now) as many as we are on this cruise.
Love and hugs to all,
My best,
CatherineH0 -
Okay ladies, here's a white blood cell count question. My mom went for her 1-week check-in after her first A/C today, and her level was at 48, with 2000 being the norm. They told her no crowds, no fresh fruits or veggies, only cooked foods. Put a damper on the day when she was feeling well enough to plan a birthday/Valentine's night out with my dad. The nurse didn't seem too worried. They gave her a big antibiotic. How expected is this, and what happens if the count isn't up enough by next Tuesday for tea party #2?
Peace to you all,
Julie0 -
Pat, copy and paste the link below. Happy 50th!!!!!! Sorry for being late.
http://www.hallmark.com/ECardWeb/ECV.jsp?a=0535802262163M174665653Y&product_id=
Karen0 -
Leah,
I LOVE your picture! Everytime I see your smile, I smile back. It is infectious.
Karen0 -
Well...add my name to this Chemoribbean Cruise. Boarded on the 6th with a few rough patches but looking forward to smooth sailing now!
Hopefully someone can clue me in on how to import a pic of myself to here.0 -
Hi ladies,
Glad you all did so well today.
Marsha good on you for firing the Onc. We too often put up with things that are not right. I am proud of you.
Steph, I am living in Palm Beach.
Carynn, stay with us in Feb. Worse case, you can be in both:)
Leahrc, My hair started to shed day 14 one or two strands at a time. Today day 15, I noticed when I gently pulled it bigger clumps of hair were in my hands. So rather than wait for it to end up on my pillow the next couple of days, I called the wig shop and went in. Shed a tear at the thoughts of having to do this, but was fine when they did it. My DH came with me for moral support and watched as I got buzzed. He was very supportive and said he liked it. My new name by the way is now G.I. Jel, lol. In fact my husband likes my wig better than my real hair and said why would women worry about keeping their own hair up to date with coloring etc. Just keep a couple of wigs on hand and wear them. Nice of him to say, but he obvioulsy doesn't understand the value we ladies place on our hair.
I have to admit I do like my wig though. I went for the real hair. Color not quite the same as mine, a little lighter blond, but it will do. My 7 and 11 year old sons didn't notice right away that my hair was different. Then the 7 year old said mom is that a wig? I asked him why he asked and he said that it looked fuller on top. They both asked to see my buzzed head. I was concerned they would get upset. But surprisingly the 7 year old thought it was cool and wanted to touch it. The 11 year old, who normally is very cool about things was concerned that I cut it off before I had too and that he was sad for me. They are both fine now though.
Hillary, don't do what I did. Didn't take the compazine as told after infusion and waited until the nausea hit. They say it is better to be ahead of it.
Will keep you posted about the shedding. Off to the Onc tomorrow. I hoping my counts are still high. Next treatment 2/19.
Have a wonderful evening. Keep the positive vibes going and "We are sailing" 0 -
I'm sailing away, set an open course for the virgin sea
I've got to be free, free to face the life that's ahead of me
On board, I'm the captain, so climb aboard
We'll search for tomorrow on every shore
And I'll try, oh Lord, I'll try to carry on
I look to the sea, reflections in the waves spark my memory
Some happy, some sad
I think of childhood friends and the dreams we had
We live happily forever, so the story goes
But somehow we missed out on that pot of gold
But we'll try best that we can to carry on
A gathering of angels appeared above my head
They sang to me this song of hope, and this is what they said
They said come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
I thought that they were angels, but to my surprise
They climbed aboard their starship and headed for the skies
Singing come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
(Styx Come Sail Away)0 -
Hey Friends, Happy Valentines Day......Have a Great Day
S0 -
Post deleted by NarberthMom
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Happy Valentine's Day!
We're waking up to inches of snow and sleet, and I'm supposed to go back to the hospital for my Neulasta shot this afternoon. Don't even know if ds's day care will be open today.
The single compazine, as well as a simple supper of toast and tea, followed by low fat chocolate pudding helped. No more nauseau problems. I should probably start taking a senokot S at night (as per suggestions on this thread).
Catherine -- we're on a different regimen, but sounds like similar precautions. Hope your night went well.
Kay -- are you out there?
Linda (lindasuzy), Kim (nynurse), Jel (hockeymom) -- do you have your second treatments this week, or are you one the three week cruise rotation?
For all you who are starting to lose hair -- I had my first treatment on 2/13 and have my son's birthday party on 2/25. Will I still have enough hair to look presentable? I have second treatment on 2/27 and was planning on going to hairdresser on 2/28 or 3/1 for buzz cut and wig adjustment. Does this sound right?
Many thanks ...
-- Hillary0 -
Happy Valentine's Day Friends.
Hillary & Catherine - thanks for updating us. Sounds like your days were quite pleasant overall. Haven't heard from Kay yet - hopefully she's doing well.
Mary & Freethought - virtual hugs and hand for you today.
Karen - Hope your port install goes as planned. Haven't seen your snow accumulations yet.
Marsha - tx for the update on the green tea. I had no idea and I love it.
Julie - did your Mom get a Neulasta injection? It's given 24 hours post-treatment to boost white count.
Melanie - Welcome aboard.
3rd day post tx for me. Took my last Emend and 2 steroid. Also took a Zofran but I don't think I needed to. Gave myself the Neulasta injection yesterday - no problems. No bone/joint pain yet. I think I'm gonna do some mileage on the treadmill today and try to ward off any issues - particularly fatigue. Nose was a little runny during the night - just on the verge of making me sneeze but it didn't happen. Also noticed my mouth was a little dry - I keep some Halls on my nightstand - anyone know if we can use them?
Hillary - how much snow did you get?
V-Day Hugs to all!
Phyl0 -
Phyl, my Mom did get Neulasta, the day after her treatment. We were not expecting the low counts. Good for you for hitting the treadmill. I am trying to do so also, post surgeries and in prep for the Avon walk in October.
Peace to you,
Julie0 -
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Welcome, Melanie, to our group. I started on Feb 6th, also, so we may be on the same schedule. I'm having treatments every 2 weeks.
Jen, my head ITCHES like crazy -- like I have fleas.
Catherine, sounds like you had a good first treatment. Hope you're feeling well this morning. Seems like most of us are feeling better than expected.
Marsha, good for you! You had mentioned early on that you felt the onc was a cold fish and you weren't happy with him so better to change him OUT now while it's still early. I think I'm going to see a new surgeon going forward. Mine is a sweetheart but I need to go to someone who communicates more with me.
I had my one week followup appt with the onc yesterday and everything looks good. My SO has been giving me my neupogen shots so my white blood cell counts were good (not as good as Day 1 of chemo) but still in the ok range. I've had no bone pain with them so I'm thankful for that. My results remain inconclusive for HER2 so we decided to forge ahead with my compressed schedule (4 months) and revisit the Herceptin issue afterwards. Like everyone here, I just want it over with as soon as possible.
Linnie0 -
Thanks for the card Karen !! Very sweet of you and I hope you are doing well. Today is 6th day post tea party and I'm feeling 100% well. I did go yesterday to get a shortie hair cut since I think the big fallout is just around the corner. My hairdresser said wheneve I'm ready to come in and she'll buzz cut me and slap on the wig, a freebie. Today I'm going to shop around for scarves although the only ones that work for me are the 30 inch ones that you can't find just anywhere. I've had luck getting stuff online from TLC and Headcovers but if you need it fast they charge alot more so don't wait.0
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Happy Valentines Day everyone:)
Hi Hillary,
I have my next treatment Monday 2/19/07.0 -
Thanks for the Welcome!
Linnie, I am doing Taxotere, Epirubicin, Cytoxan every 3 weeks, 6 rounds. I am triple Neg, 2.2 cm, clear margins, clear scans, 3 of 13 nodes involved. I had my bilateral mast 1-3 and my onc allowed me to go to Hawaii for 2 weeks on 1-21...I was so excited! Had a wonderful trip with DH and 7 friends.
I have felt great the last 2 days. I did come down with a sinus infection, antibiotics, then thrush. I think if it hadn't been for the infection my symtoms would have been minimal. I had the neulasta shot the day after tx. My counts were good this week.
DH has been so wonderful, but I am thinking a bit overprotective. He has our secretaries to do all of my shopping and errands. I only go to work on Sunday when no one is at the office and only for a couple of hours. Everything is constantly being disinfected around here! I am hoping that I do well after my next tx and maybe he will see that I can be out and about some. His fears come partly from a teacher here in our town that had just finished her second chemo and was bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile disease and her immune system could not fight it. I think maybe they didn't find out till later what had actually happened and therefore didn't know what they were fighting.
These boards have been such a wonderful source of information and support. My wish is that everyone with bc finds their way here...0 -
I hope all are having a Happy Valentine's Day. I am and I would like a chance to share about it. You all may be aware that I have been writing a blog concern they adventure of BC that my wife and I are facing. Today's entry was very exciting for me to write and I would like to share it with you. It is at http://movieguy9.spaces.live.com/?lc=1033 Be sure to read the entry titled Happy Valentine's Day. The entry is about what others are doing to encourage all of us. Thanks for looking, Have Great Day
Scott0 -
Scott and Teresa, very beautifully done. I love the fund raising ideas and admire you for taking a negative situation and turning into a positive in some way. I love your devotion to God, I NEVER blamed God, just thank Him everyday for that day. While I don't feel that it is my time, I said from the beginning "Thy will be done". Have had many positive moments, down right goosebump God moments, since my dx. You two are awesome. Marsha
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Thanks so much.. I might even take another picture in 2007 with that encouragement!
Since I started on 2/1, cycle #2 is tomorrow. I am hoping it goes as the first one did, and I will grant myself a holiday on Monday for an extra day of rest. I bought Lance Armstrong's book, and have lots of library books to read, so maybe I will actually relax.
If I feel ok Friday, I will go back and do the final cut on the wig. As you can see, I wear my hair pretty short, with short bangs, and the hairdresser seems to want me to have this hairstyle which leaves me with lots of hair all over my face. Not going to happen. We may come to blows!
She wants to buzz me, but I am not letting go a moment before I have to!I can get it buzzed anywhere, so I will wait till last minute.
I had thought I would want someone with me during the treatment, but I think I am goign to go solo tomorrow. I have a friend taking me, and DH will come like last 1/2 hour. It seems to be so active, with almost no time where the nurse isn't there, so any visitor is kind of in the way. If I have some downtime, I would love to just plop on my Ipod and relax to some music. So I will let you know how all that works out. The treatment was 1 3/4 hours, so that should show you how little downtime there is. I may change my mind, but for now, the solitude might be nice.
So, late afternoon tomorrow (EST), think of me and raise your glasses!0 -
Leah,
I think about you daily and will, again, tomorrow during your 2nd treatment. I really admire your strength. You're right - it's so active at the treatment center. I brought my IPOD for my 1st treatment ready to chill out and didn't get a minute to listen to it. It's also hard to chill out when you're trying to chomp on ice nonstop. My 2nd treatment is next Tuesday so I'm right behind you. So, tomorrow would be Day 15 and you haven't lost any hair?
Someone mentioned on the Jan site that their onc told them that only 30% of women doing A/C lose their eyebrows. I don't know how true it is but I was happy to hear it.
Hope all our chemo cruisers who had their treatments this week are doing well. Karen, good luck tomorrow!
Linnie0 -
Leah -- I'll be holding your virtual hand!
-- Hillary0 -
Made it to the port, weather held out long enough and my blessed brother drove me. They were WAY behind schedule so it turned out to a very long day. Didn't get the power port. Radiologist said I was too small and it would stick out quite a ways. So went conventional. Oh well, I can't feel it. It is accessed for tomorrow's chemo.
Tomorrow I join the tea part. I am worried I was sick through all nine months of both pregnancies and I am horribly allergic to compazine. I hate the idea of throwing up. I start at 10:15 am. Dad is arriving in one hour tonight to join me. Kickin cancer's butt!
Karen0 -
HI all, been hanging around here waiting to see what my onco decides. Well, met with him today, and he wants to start next week!! Yikes, I'm glad to get moving,but scared now. Just had a reexcision on Friday and drain out today. Yay, feels better already. I'll have the port and Muga on Friday and start next Wednesday. Scared to death. I need to keep working for income and insurance. But the bad part is tx went from once or twice month for 3 months to weekly for indefinite. We are going to jump right into taxol and herceptin weekly. Yikes! I didn't get a wig yet. I thought I would have a little more time. Plus I'm just now comming back from this last surgery. NOw I have to tell my boss I will have to miss at least one day a week until whenever. I don't think I can do this. I'm sorry to be such a downer, you all are so cheerful and strong, I hope to be inhaling some of that strength in the days to come.
Thank you0 -
Dear Leah and Karen. Best of luck tomorrow. Karen, I also found out that compazine does nothing but make me feel worse. Zofran was great.... Maybe that will work for you.
Virtual hands with you tomorrow and prayers.....
Jel.0 -
Hello all,
I have my second treatment thursday. I am every two weeks. So Jen you said day 15 is when clumps of hair came out? That would be on friday for me. I am really bothered by that. Everything else I can deal with. I have two wigs but I feel funny like everyone is looking. I guess I better get used to it.
Kim0 -
Linnie -
If you are having tx every 2 wks, did you have your 2nd yesterday? You're doing AC, right? Wonder why your head itches so bad! Wonder if you are having some kind of alergic reaction to one of the drugs? I wash my hair every other day, using Garnier shampoo - the fruity kind (it was my daughter's and seemed mild!). I have NO itching at all (thank goodness!)
I hope you feel better !
Jen
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Linnie -
Oh wait! Stupid ME! (OH NO~ Chemo brain already??) It's only been ONE week - your next tx should be next tuesday! Sorry!
Jen0 -
Welcome to the cruise Tropicmom. Everyone here will tell you that you are entitled to moments like that. But if you keep it up for too long, someone will kick ya in the pants! You can do it!!
Ok girls, here's my update and you wont believe this one! Yesterday I tried to disembark from the cruise. What did you all do, call and tell on me???
I am having the SNB ton 2/19, and start chemo 2/22! Yikes! It's a lot to take in right now, but like I've said all along, I want to keep this momentum.
Like so many, I'll do 4 cycles of AC, followed by 4 cycles of Taxol. Also found out that I'm triple negative. Like I said, a lot to take in.
Hope everyone is doing well today.
Hugs (((( ))))
Carynn0 -
Here is this weeks update -
Name User Name Location Chemo Info Special Thoughts
1 Karen Sween Ohio Chemo start 2/15 - Port 2/15
2 Hillary narberthmom Southeastern PA Chemo 2/13 4XAC (every 2 wks) then 4XT (every 2 wks)
3 Marsha marshakb Florida Chemo 2/7
4 Melody maj01 Texas 2/5 port 2/9 Chemo 4xAC
5 Phyllis erinsgram Central PA 2/12 4xAC (2 weeks) 4 xP 2 Weeks
6 Cynthia cynthis1962 California 2/16 - surgery and port
7 Linnie was Linda #1 linnieva Virginia 2/6 Chemo 4xAC (2 weeks) 4xT
8 Pat wayover20 Texas Chemo 2/8 big birthday on 2/11 and need for hugs!
9 Catherine cahterineh Colorado Chemo 2/13
10 Leah leahrc Massachusetts BX on 1/29 Chemo on 2/1 Our first + thoughts for March Surgery
11 Linda lindasuzy Seattle 1/29 surgery Chemo late Feb
12 Kim nynurse NY Start 2/1 (first of the group)
13 Mary reggio113 South Jersey Port 2/5 Chemo 2/14 Happy Valentines!
14 Jen horsegal Ohio Chemo 2/6 - 4xAC (3 weeks)
15 laronson laronson Surgery the week of Feb 5th
16 LuLu (Linda #3) piper Port 2/12 - Chemo 2/22
17 Kay kaybeeson Port on 2/5 Chemo 2/13 12 weeks taxol - Then FAC
18 Terry talbrig13 Altoona, PA MUGA 2/7 Chemo 2/9
19 (Sheryl49) Sheryl49 Chemo 2/7 4xAC (3 weeks)
20 Jan wildabouthorses Claremont, OK 4xAC (3 weeks), 4 xT 3 Weeks
21 Nancy Nancy053` Chemo 2/8 4xAC (2 weeks) 3xT (2 weeks)
22 (Joey85) Joey85 Boston, MA Chemo 2/9 4xAC (2 weeks) - 12 Wks Taxol 1 Yr Heceptin
23 Sharon Misspell Chemo 2/19 or 2/22
24 (KimberlyC) KimberlyC Ventura County Chemo 2/20 ACIV dose dense x4 - Taxol x4
25 Julie for Mom (jch) jch Chemo 2/6 AC
26 Tracy madoline Texas Chemo 2/8 ACx4
27 Scott and Theresa lightphoto
28 Carynn comandobarbie SNB/Port 2/19 Chemo start 2/24 A/Cx4 then Taxol x4
29 Jel hockeymomfl FL Chemo 2/19
30 Lynn maclean
31 Steph TampaChick - A/C X 4 then 6 weeks radiation
32 Angel
33 LindaDK
34 FreeThought port 2/13, chemo 2/14
35 ronnee07 port 2/15
36 Tonimad9
37 Sallyann
38 Tropicmom0 -
Leah,
Just wanted to tell you that I think you'll love Lance's book! A really good friend of mine at work was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Way before I knew of my dx, this coworker has been my inspiration. I've never seen anyone handle anything with such grace and dignity. He shared the book with me and I couldnt put it down. Honestly, now that you mention it, I just may read it again:)
Let us know how the tx and the wig trim go:)
Carynn0
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