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Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
Comments
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Hello everyone! I have had such a terrific day. First off, got up this morning to sunshine, blue skies, light wind blowing, 60 degree day. Went outside and just said "Thank you God for this beautiful day". Worked some, had an appointment with my accupuncturist and went to the weekly BNO (Broads Night Out). Several of my friends and I have been meeting every Wednesday night for two years for drinks and dinner. We start at 5 and the guys are allowed to come after 6. WOW I felt normal. The old normal. Does that make sense to anyone?
Catherine, so glad your first "cocktail" went down smooth. You have such a positive attitude and I loved your snack description this time! HAHA Was thinking about you and sending you a hug.
Karen good luck girlfriend on your virgin voyage. You'll do great I know. The whole IDEA of it is what is freaky. Sweet of your dad to want to be with his baby girl!
Leah, don't let anyone talk you into what they want. I would go as close to my real hair as possible. and you are so cute.
Kim and Leah both, Cheers on your 2nd "round" of cocktails.
Freethought, how are you feeling after the first round? Hope you are doing well. I didn't have the cheesecake yet but did bake some white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. Had one (or 4) in your honor!
Tropic, I am so sorry you are feeling down. It is so overwhelming, not some time but most time. I have my treatments at the hospital and had to go in for shots 5 days in a row and when I was there Sat and Sun there were people there getting treatments. Can you see if you can do them on the weekend so maybe you wouldn't miss work. Or even later in the day or morning. Honestly, the day of chemo is a breeze. You feel totally normal. You could probably work that day if you schedule for late or early.
Carynn, tee hee yes I called them!!!! Said get this boat on the water, we need her to be in her stateroom for us. Or at the bar screaming "Cocktails all around" You are too funny.
To everyone, sweet dreams, don't let the bed bugs bite. Marsha0 -
Leah, i am like you, I prefer calm and solitude during tx, too much to pay attention to... I asked my DH to drop me in the morning (9:30) and he came back when I was through (we live 20 min away from the hospital/cancer which helps). Because I am in a clinical study, the research nurse stayed quite a while with me (a sweetheart), then I read listening to classical music, going to the bathroom a lot to pee as much as possible... as i said in a post yesterday, it was the feeling of an airplane flight. Nothing hurt, no bad reactions (but the darling nurse made sure not to have the drip go too fast for the first treatment, will take less time next time). And to this hour (8pm in Denver), not a single side effect: never queazy, no nausea, great sleep last night, woke up as fresh as ever... go figure... I'll pay for the comfort of these 2 first days I bet...I had the Neulasta shot this morning (6000$... isn't this obscene???), and the only thing I noticed (and reported) is that I was flush when I got back home (red cheeks and red neck, but no rash nor swelling or breathing issues)... Looks good, mind you, like a countryside kid... I went right on a walk in fresh snow with my dog and it was great. no joint pain yet... I have another Emend to take in the morning (day 3), an Ativan tonight, and then, if needed Kytril in case nausea shows it's ugly face... Hopefully I'll just feel tired, which did not happen yet... But I am staying home, which helps a lot. Also, my appetite is OK and cooking appeals to me, (good) cooking smells do not bother me so far... So, don't be too anxious, it may go very well (the medical team does everything to avoid nausea, etc.).
Wishing you the best,
CatherineH
IDC 1.7cm, grade 3, stage IIa (2 positive sentinelle nodes), ER+/PR+
DD 4xAC + avastin, DD 4 x abraxane + avastin, then 9 avastin alone every 3 weeks and probably hormonal therapy, no radiation0 -
Phyl, the only thing I could think about which works for me is going to bed with my peppermint gum (until they find me dead having choked on it). This way I breathe easier and my throat stays moist... Ricola drops helps because they have menthol, whichever the flavor (sugar free is better)...
Take care,
CatherineH0 -
Karen(swimmingmom)I start chemo at 10:30am,so guess we will be holding vitural hands at the same time. Looks likea bunch of us are getting treated tommorow be it the first or second one. Its so cold here and snowing, I can't seem to handle the cold very well this winter since having two separate lumpectomy surgeries. My hubby took the day off to be with me during chemo.
Jan0 -
We are all with you tomorrow, chemocruisers, wishing you to get through OK... drink, drink, drink...
Bigs hugs and holding your hands in thought,
Catherine0 -
Was to have my first round of chemo today but the clinic decided that a port would be needed. Will have this done on Monday and then start chemo on Thurday. Have found it very interesting to read other's experiences.
My tumour was found on Dec 22nd. I had no lump so was shocked when the mammogram picked up a shadow. Further shock when the ultasound showed a 2+cm tumour and even more so when the biopsy report showed it was a rare cnacer with unusual growth pattern. Had surgery on the 19th Jan -modified radical mastectomy. The lymph nodes came back positive so have had a raft of further tests but so far all is OK.
I hope I can continue teaching throughout the chemo and radiotherapy which will follow. I have been so tired the last few days - I think returning to school two and a half weeks after surgery was a little early.
So I join the chemocruisers next week.
Alyson0 -
Guess I am joining your club too. Went to the oncologist today, starting chemo probably beginning of march. Stage 3A here, had one node affected but tumor size was 3 cm. He told me today I am going to have AC+T for treatment, 4AC, followed by 4 T. Then radiation, then hormone therapy. So guess I will be right in your footsteps.
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Can't sleep. Ugh I am so nervous about this whole thing now today (it is 3 am). am sure it gets better once I have gone through it once.
Carynn, glad your stickin with us.
Welcome tropicmom. Remember if you get an intermittent FMLA, which you must, you job is protected. I to must work as I am a single mom so we can so this together. Not sure if yo read my post a few days ago but a coworker only missed 1 1/2 days the whole chemo. Never felt sick only a little tired. But each of us will be different. We are all scared but you have to turn that energy into a positive fight!!
PS, about 2 hours after my port I thought I was going to die it hurt so bad and like others I felt it so much every time I moved. Took a percocet from surgery and the pain went away quickly. Plus I helped my daughter study for a test which was a nice distraction.
OK I could ramble on her forever but perhaps I will try t sleep again.
Leah, we are in the chair together today holding hands!!
Karen0 -
Leah, Karen, and Kim - -I'll be holding all three virtual hands today. It really helped for me to know that Marsha and Phyl were holding mine.
My treatment turned out to be a non-event -- everything went well. I had drunk so much water, that I peed red between the adriamycin and the cytoxan! I've got "good veins", so no port for me. They start at the hand and work their way up with every treatment.
I've been very tired. A friend drove me through the snow storm to get my neulasta shot, which I had in my stomach. It stung for several hours, but I can't feel it now. No bone pain yet. I've had three bouts of what I felt might be insipient nauseau, but took compazine and it passed. Only side effect -- more fatigue!
So far, my almost six-year old son was been fine, just a bit concerned about how tired mommy is. I manage to really for a couple of hours when's he home from school and put him to bed every night. I hope to do OK at his birthday party on the 25th!
Carynn -- Glad you're back on our cruise! We need your good cheer!
Welcome to our new cruisers. Lot's of good information and support.
-- Hillary0 -
Karen -
I'm so sorry you are scared! As you have been reading, most of us have already been where you are going - that was my solace for sure when it was my 1st turn! Honestly - the first time is actually non-eventful! The "unknown" factor is worse than the actual event. (at least for me) I am now starting Day 10 - with hardly any issues to date, thank goodness. I was like "waiting" for side effects that never came. The anti nausea drugs cause you to feel groggy and I wasn't hungry, but that was it. My DH kept asking me over and over, how did I feel>>> He was waiting too! But nothing! I have been frantically cleaning and organizing my house getting it ready to sell, and I have felt as normal as ever!
My biggest issue too, was not being able to sleep - up by 4am with too much on my mind - then I got a script for Ambien, and I sleep much better!
So, know that we are all here for you - you are NOT alone! This site has been the biggest help, source of comfort and information that I have found! So , USE IT!
Good luck and know we are all "holding your hand" as you join our cruise.
Hugs, Jen0 -
Your experience after mimics mine. It was easy to eat, and I rested a lot. I am hoping round 2 goes as well as the first!
I went and bought kasha and quinoa, which used to be favorites and I had gotten away from, but I am back based on your mouth-watering descriptions (no matter what Marsha said!
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So I will let you know how it goes. You might not have any neulasta effects, either. So good luck! Have a good day!0 -
Don't know what type of work you do, but I scheduled my treatment for 3 on Thursday, so I actually put in 3 3/4 days of work before I go. If your center is open 7 days (some of the big ones are), you might think about Fridays... anyway, this is all about you, and I am sure that they will accomodate you if they see this type of effort to accomodate them. Please don't worry, not good for you. Plan on the NEXT day off though,,, you will be sleepy from the anti-nausea meds if nothing else.
Let us know if we can help in any other ways...0 -
VA Girl, you gave me the best Valentine! If only 30% lose eyebrows, I plan on being in the other 70! Again, don't know why this vanity is showing up all of sudden, but I am really wanting to not have to deal with this. Well, I think I do know- I work with so many people in the company when they have Oracle (computer program) issues, I really don't want to have people pity me. Lots know what I am going thru, but the pity part would be hard to take.
No scalp feelings, no hair loss yet. Day 15!0 -
Karen, I actually had a good nights sleep, only getting up once to pee due to all the water. It has helped me tremendously reading here, being a part of this forum and group. I usually get a nervous acid stomach and get sick when I worry too much about the "unknown." Now I feel prepared knowing what might happen and to be alert for the side effects but also know it could be a breeze. Funny/weird thing is I was so worried the day of my first lumpectomy I made myself sick. I threw up before and after and nearly had to stay overnight because I was doing that but a second med they gave me stopped it. It also causes my IBS to act up when I get like that. The second lumpectomy I had 2 months later I wasn't sick at all because I had a good idea what to expect even though I had changed surgeons and hospitals. The "funny" part is after the second lumpectomy that included a SND. Even though I wasn't sick I was actually in alot more pain this time. So I've been calming myself down for chemo by reading these forums, yapping with you gals...telling my mind its just blood work and an iv which I've done many times before but just be aware of the side effects and now know what methods/weapons to use to combat them as I stocked up with my weapons.
I threw in a soothing music dvd and decided to change out books. Had a medical mystry book but decided a humorous motorcycle book would be better to read to get my mind elsewhere. I'm going to wear my "Don't mess with me, I raised a Marine and sleep with a Biker" t shirt today for some smiles and to make it easy for them to stick me. Will wear a sweatshirt over it then my heavy long winter coat to try and stay warm walking in this bitter cold.
I hope you were able to get some sleep Karen.
I wonder if I'm the only one not getting Taxol, I was told only 4 doses of AC then radation, then Tamoxifin. I also wonder if it has anything to do with the fact I have lots of allergies including penicillan0 -
Leah...when I told my biker friends about having BC I told them I don't want a pity party. I said I told you because I want your support and support me they have even if its just a hug or lending a ear!
Maybe if you tell people this then you might be surprised at the support you will get instead.
After reading what you guys said about a local bc support group, I am kinda glad I didn't seek one out as its true most people like to talk about the horror stories rather than the good stories when it comes to cancer. Instead I found alot of the support I needed right here, with my family, my husband, his coworkers and my biker and horse friends. I don't work so didn't have to deal with that.0 -
Hi Karen, Glad you are staying on the Feb Cruise.
Welcome Taurie to the cruise.
Marsha sounds like you are on a roll. Good for you:)
Leah, you are doing great, day 15 and have hair, Wow. I went and got mine buzzed day 15, but here I am day 17 and my GI Jel doo is still there. I hope I didn't react too soon?
Well ladies keep on sailing...... Anchors away:)0 -
GI Jel doo............laugh out loud that is so funny!
Marsha 0 -
Got to find the fun in this thing somewhere, right:)
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GI Marsha just doesn't have the same ring does it? M
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Welcome to Alyson and Taurie to a place where no one wants to be but darn sure glad we found it. You are at a scarey time in your lives and I would urge you to check in here often to find answers and reassurance as well as ASK whatever you want and one of the great ladies here will answer you. I can truly say that the fear I experienced was 10 times worse that what it actually came down to. Thats' why we've heard people say "read the book, it's better"....it's because our minds imagination runs wild and enhances the story.
While we've been through alot to come to this point ie md appointments, biopsys, mammos, surgery all that stuff and now we get to "settle down" and experience the chemo cruise and all that brings. It's really not terrible as long as you take the meds AT THE START of ANY queasiness...don't wait. Also don't do too much web surfing on breast cancer, I did and it scared the heck out of me and I'd go to bed feeling like doom and gloom.
Everyone on the Feb.Cruise is awesome and it's great to know that you are not going thru this alone. Stay as positive as possible and check in often.
Your new breast friend, Pat0 -
SHOUT-OUT to madoline....How ya doing!! It's 31 degrees right now in SA, how's Corpus??
Pat0 -
Grrrr...my hubby has a cold. I gotta feeling they won't let him sit with me in the chemo room. Maybe they have a private room...
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Leah, I am glad I made you remember the goodness of kasha... I better not forget it myself... Day 3 today, so far so good. neulasta gave me red cheeks and a red neck (better than waxy colors), bot no pain as of yet. No nauseous feeling either... I am gearing up for another walk in yet more fresh snow, in the company of a good friend, when it gets a bit warmer...
A nice day to all and smooth sailing to those in treatment or surgery.
Hugs,
CatherineH0 -
Wild -
I also am one of the few NOT getting taxol. I also am getting 4 tx of AC, (NO Neulasta shot either, NO port), then radiation, then tamoxifen, then AI - I think aromatose inhibitor.
So, do you have horses? or just "wild" about them?!? I own one horse (for now) and a donkey! About to move to the country and my plan is to buy at least 2 or 3 more horses before summer!!
If you do have a horse(s) what type of riding do you do? I ride western, english, jumping, trail riding - and I also do a little fox hunting! I can hardly wait to get back to a normal riding schedule!!
Jen 0 -
Hi all
I am also starting chemo this month (23rd). I was diagnosed just before christmas. Had a lumpectomy Jan 18 Margins clear, SNB clear, ER-PR+HER- (a rare combination, only 1-5% of all BC) I am starting 4 cycles of AC (1 every 3 weeks) but that is all. I am type 1 diabetic and we wanted to get the most benefits with the least risk to my major organs, so we are staying away from 3rd generation chemo drugs. I am 33 yrs old and have a strong family history of cancer so I am also going for genetic testing and will have radiation therapy as well. I'm a little nervous about the first treatment because I don't know what to expect, but also relieved that treatment is finally getting underway. I have short hair which i am not too attached to so I am going to go bald and beautiful and not bother with a wig.
Lori0 -
Hi,
Just got back from my 1st 6hr tea party - went by faster then expected. Had some visitors, lunch, slept. I will probably lay down after I write this as I am tired.
How did everyone else do at their parties today?
Steph0 -
SO I had my seecond AC today. I just got home a little while ago. I just feel tired from all the pre-meds of Benadryl and Ativan. I took the Emend and I don't feel nauseous. (thank God-even though I thought this was going to be my secret weight loss effort- HAHAHA) It wasn;t as bad as the first time. I think that now I am mentally prepared for it. So I am off to take a nap. Talk to you all soon.
Kim0 -
Name/User Name Loc Chemo Start
1 Karen swimmingmom Ohio 15-Feb
2 Hillary narberthmom Southeastern PA 4xT 2 weeks
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 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 Arizona Chemo 2/22 AC + T
29 Jel hockeymomfl FL
30 Lynn maclean
31 Steph TampaChick
32 Angel Angel
33 LindaDK
34 FreeThought 2/13, Chemo 2/14
35 ronnee07 15-Feb
36 Tonimad9
37 Sallyann
38 Tropicmom
39 Lorilat Eastern Ontario Chemo 2/23
40 Taurie
41 Alyson Chemo 2/220 -
I'm doing okay so far 3 hours after chemo, feel like I'm drunk though and a headache seems to be starting! Stopped and grabbed a McD burger since it was already after 2pm(I know I know greasy food?), took 4 hours from doc visit to infusion finish. I had a very nice lady sitting next to me who was on her last treatment of chemo and she said she had a wig on. I wouldn't have known it if she hadn't told me. She said she had a left side masectomy and was on her 5th and last chemo dose so was answering my questions as to how she did. She said they did find another area of cancer that nothing else found when they did the masectomy so she was glad she had it done. Her hubby is hard of hearing as I am and we had that in common. Wish I had her beside me for the rest of the doses. There was a very nice male nurse named Chris that checked on me several times after I was started. They told me he comes in twice a week so may not see him much. When they pushed the first chemo drug (adrimyicin) in I started feeling like I had to pee after the second syringe of 4. I had to wait till they got all 4 syringes in before I could run to the bathroom. I was so surprised to see that one was already coming out as it made me pee orange and I did that 3 times there. I got home and Im peeing light yellow. Only other thing I felt different is my sinuses got that stuffy clogged feeling when the Cytoxin was dripping in. I also found out I need to take this expensive nausea pill (Emend) just before every dose and the two following days.Somehow the pharmacy/doc got it mixed up and gave me just one refill instead of 3 refills. Luckly I remembered to ask him about it as I didn't know if this was to be taken each time I come in or if I was only to take it at this first chemo dose today. I'm praying the days ahead are going to go well but I'm sure once this stuff really starts doing its job I will feel it somehow. But maybe I'll be one of the lucky few who breeze through it all!
I just got a box in the mail today from a VTX biker lady in the Houston area whom we met in the Oklahoma pandhandle on the way to Colorado in 05, she sent me some winter berets she made in the mail about a week ago. This time she made me some summer turbans and they are soooooooooo cute and comfy I think they will definatly get alot of use!
Jan0 -
Hi Lorilat! Welcome to the Chemo Cruise! Your stats sound alot like mine and I'm having the same treatments!
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