Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Zoom Meetup! Register here: Tuesdays, 1pm ET.
Take our poll: How are you feeling as we near the New Year?
Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
Comments
-
Karen, I think I mentioned that I have been doing accupuncture. I started 3 weeks before chemo to boost my immune system and work on my state of mind. Once chemo started she changed up my needles and now works on naseau and other side effects and also to protect and boost my other organs that are affected by the toxicity of the chemo. Honey I come out of her office feeling like a million bucks. I am swearing by her! Mine was an RN for 35 years (dealing with alot of cancer patients) then she went back to school to the shcool of accupuncute (this is a three year degree). I see her once a week. Just went last night. I am day 14 so right about the time counts are at there lowest and was feeling tired. Came out last engergized again. So YES YES YES check it out. She also practices Chinese Medicine and has me on a regiment of herbs. One is to lower toxicity. I take that the day of chemo and 4 days later then switch to one that tonifies the Qi and blood until the next chemo.
Captain Kanagroo????? Boy that brings back memories! I was more of a Mr. Green Jeans kind of gal! OK I humbly accept the title of Captain of the Humor Cruise. Karen you are the travel agent since you put this cruise together and Catherine, the travel writer on board. GI Jel is in charge of security simply cause you have that really cool name. And obviously Steph is the Cruise Director in charge of entertainment since she is the one worried about getting preggers (you must still be having a good time) And guys thanks for the thanks on keeping up with the list but I can't take credit for that. Carynn is the one keeping the ships logs.
Tropicmom, Phyl is right, we are kicking you off this crazy boat at the first sign of the Port of NoMoreCancer. Hopefully it will be real close to the Bahamas and you can soak up some healing rays.
Jan, glad you are feeling better. Maybe hubby should sleep in the other room if he can't keep his germs to himself! haha
Hillary glad you are feeling better. It is amazing to feel like total crap and wake up the next day a new person.
And Jel you tell your onc he better figure something out for you cause we are not pulling back into port to let you off!!!
Leah, while I know the hair loss was very traumatic, I have to tell you I laughed my ass off at your description. The blow by blow just got funnier to me and by the time I got to the part about the leg and armpit hair still being there I was howling with laughter which led tears streaming down my cheeks, which then led to a nice little cry for you and the rest of us. My DH and 2 dogs were looking at me like I had lost my mind. Girlfriend, you are priceless!
Kay, I am sorry you had to learn exactly how your mom felt by going through the same thing yourself. I'm sure you really miss her, especially right now.
Carynn, we are thinking about you, hope all went well. Hurry back, Hillary wants the list updated LOL and for some reason I am getting credit for all your hard work.
Freethought, I too am feeling very European. I could braid that hair growing out of my armpit but you know what? I stopped plucking my eyebrows too, just couldn't bring myself to pickingshaving my own hairs off. AND it is winter so the extra layer of hair on my legs is keeping me warm. teehee
Got to have my labs checked today. Went to the LGFB class yesterday and highly recommend it. LOTS of free make-up from big name manufacturers. The thing they spent the most time on was drawing eyebrows. Don't want us looking like we have caterpillars above our eyes. Also how to make a turban out of t-shirts, cute, cute cute and easy! Man do I have alot of old t-shirts that are going to get cut up.
Everyone have a good day. For those with treatments or procedures I am thinking of you today and holding your hand with a big hug attached. Love, Marsha0 -
Good morning everyone! Lots of posts yesterday, took me a while to get caught up! Thank you all for your good wishes for me. My thoughts are with all of you who are feeling a bit under the weather, or going thru treatment today.
Phyl - Ward Burton? He has my driver's (Robby Gordon) old 31 car. And Mainframe to boot! We just put in anew Z9 last Wed.
Ok, so here's my update from yesterday. First of all, with all of the great info on this board, why didnt anyone tell me, or how did I miss the part about 4 shots right into the sick "girl"??!! This was the worst part for me. I had my first ever reaction to a drug. The Tech took me back to radiology, slathered on the iodine, then sprayed pretty much the whole breast with a novicane like substance. He left to get the Dr who would be injecting the dye, and within about 5 seconds, it felt like someone poured lighter fluid on me an lit the match! So they come back all smiles and chatty, and I actually waited for them to finish thier conversation before saying, excuse me, is this supposed to burn? Does that mean it's getting numb?(Still pretty calm at this point) When all of the sudden it got worse! The Dr yelled at the tech to go get a warm washcloth and wash it off. As soon as he did, the burning stopped. So, on with the shots, with no numbing agent. It completely and utterly sucked. It was really painful:(
So, back to preop where I met my OR nurse - he was hot (I'm not dead yet either), and my Anesthesiologist, who was a hoot! Surgery started at 12:30 and my next memory was about 3:15. She took 4 nodes (3 because they were questionable, one cuz it was in her way) and no drains! Port is on the right side and so far doesnt hurt a bit - the area feels stiff - some pain from the SNB, taking vicodin, but stretching them out few and far between.
So, long story short, all ready for chemo day Thursday.
Will check in later. Hope you are all having a great day!
Carynn0 -
Name/User Name Loc Chemo Start
1 Karen swimmingmom Ohio 15-Feb
2 Hillary narberthmom Southeastern PA ACX4 (every 2wks), TX4 (every 2wks)
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 Port 2/19 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 -
Good morning fellow chemo cruisers,
Hope everyone is feeling well today. You are all always in my thoughts. I'm off this morning for Chemo#2. I'm sure it will go well but I'm a little anxious. Luckily, the first thing they do is put Ativan in the IV to mellow you out.
Marsha, I asked for something new to help me sleep since the Ambien wasn't working and they called in a prescription for Lunesta. Checked my ins plan and, of course, another $50. This BC is costing a fortune.
I'm on Day 15. My sister's hairdresser came by yesterday and gave me a very short haircut. It's actually kind of cute but I know it won't last long, especially after today's chemo.
Well, off for the cruise......
Linnie0 -
Hi Marsha,
Thanks for the funny update today. I love the cruise assignments. I'll defintiely keep an eye on security.
Yes I hope this onc can figure out what to give me that won't kill me, because I sure felt like my heart was going to explode yesterday.
Have a great day ladies and Linnie and others who have treatment today, best of luck and we are with you.
Jel0 -
That Neulasta shot must really be working on me! Yesterday my WBC was 9.79 and all the other #'s were great also. Here's something strange. I decided to do a test as I know my blood pressure is normally...well...normal. When I go to the lab for my workups, it is always high...140's over 90's. Before I left home yesterday it was 124/72...lab was 146/91. The nurse said they expect that...hmmmm. I didn't think I was anxious, but maybe so.
Today is day 14 and when I run my hands through hair, there are quite a few long strands. I think about Leah when it happens. I hope you are hanging in there girl. Just think what I am. If you see me bald, I am trying out the new "Britney Do". I figure we will be shaving it this weekend. I love the idea Carynn brought up about shaving the driver's number there for a few minutes. We are actually friends with a couple of the older ones, but they don't know about me yet as we only see them a couple of times a year. Do you think Ken Schrader would freak out if I emailed him a pic of head with his number shaved in it? He would think I had finally lost my mind...I am giggling just thinking about it.
Melody, I was wondering if anyone else was having those "bursts" of energy. My husband will walk in with me in the middle of reorganizing closets and tell me to go sit down. But I feel so good for awhile and then it is like someone let the air out of my balloon...whooooosh.
One thing that is truly bothering me right now is my upper right arm. I have told all my docs, except my onc about it. Next week I tell him. It started hurting mid-Nov and actually quit hurting for 1 week after my lumpectomy, then started hurting again. Of course, after my mast, the nerves being damaged, I pretty much didn't feel anything. Now it has been hurting again for 2 weeks. Very worrisome.
Determination is Power...0 -
Hi Kay, Thanks for visiting my journal. I started it just for this reason. I hope it can guide you through some of the hard times. I also started it for my friends and family to keep them updated. I hope you are doing good. I just emailed you!
Take care
Trish0 -
Name/User Name Loc Chemo Start
1 Karen swimmingmom Ohio 15-Feb
2 Hillary narberthmom Southeastern PA ACX4 (every 2wks), TX4 (every 2wks)
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 Port 2/19 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 2/22
42 Angelflight-Chemo 2-28 6x Taxotere,Adriamiacin,Cytoxin0 -
I anyone here doing the Taxotere, Ariamiacin, and Cytoxin regimin. If so I'd love to know how it's going since I will start 6 rounds of all 3 next Wed.
Angel0 -
Marsha? just so you know horsegal and I will be down in the "hold" taking care of the animals on this cruise!
I told hubby to find someone to take him to surgery tommorow, just not feeling up to it and the flu going around kinda scares me!
Anyone dealng with a greasy face? Feels like oil poured over my face its so greasy!0 -
Click on the link below....VERY powerful, brought tears to my eyes, of course I now cry at the American Express commercials of "Priceless" too but JAN & JEL you two will especially like it. Turn on your speakers. Marsha
This is an amazing video... The beginning has no sound but just wait.......
Did you hear about the horses that were trapped for 3 days on a tiny piece of land in wind and rain in the Netherlands?
Apparently it had the nation mesmerized, watching about 100 horses huddle against the wind, and sadly having to watch 18 of them die. First firemen, then the Dutch army, tried to rescue them - both unsuccessfully.
So four women on horseback rode out to the rescue.
Here's a video of it.
http://video.google.nl/videoplay?docid=-45849132782898601600 -
OMG did anyone see the post by the moderators asking if anyone had tries accupuncture for chemo? A writer for Complimentary Medicine is writing a story about it. I e-mailed and said sure I'm doing accupuncture on chemo. She just called me and interviewed me over the phone! She said it is for the June edition. I made her promise if she used me and my name to not make me sound stupid and laughed and said I had enough trauma in my life! HAHAHA Marsha
0 -
Sign me up for the cruise, guys. I saw the onc for the 1st time today. i have a stage 2 IDC grade 3 removed last week and because it was fully differentiated and fairly agressive, he is recommending chemo.
i don't have her2/new results back yet so i'm either having chemo once every 2 weeks -- 8 doses or 1 every 3 weeks, six doses.
i'm scheduled for an echo, CAT scan, bone scan, and to have my port put in this week. chemo should start next week. not sure when the SNB or dissction is going to be.
looking foward to getting to know y'all.0 -
Hi,
I'm back from chemo#2 and it was uneventful. I did have an interesting coversation with the nurse about hair. I took off my hat to show her my new short "do" and she said that not everyone loses all their hair. It's very individual and some people lose "patches" and they'll have regrowth. It's nothing that I had heard before but it made me happy just the same. A little ray of hope that I thought I'd pass along.... and don't forget the eyebrows (only 30% lose them).
Linnie0 -
Playwriter,
Welcome to our cruise! It's a wonderfully supportive site with a wealth of information to help you cruise through on calm waters. Sounds like things are moving pretty quickly for you. I felt like it took forever to get to the chemo part so I'm glad I'm here now and 25% done as of today. Ah... the little milestones in life....
Keep us updated on your progress.
Linnie0 -
Welcome Playwriter! We are sorry you are here, but glad that you found us.
You will find hope, comfort and a wealth of knowledge. I've added your name to the February Chemo Cruisers list.
Please check in often to update or ask a question.
Name/User Name Loc Chemo Start
1 Karen swimmingmom Ohio 15-Feb
2 Hillary narberthmom Southeastern PA ACX4 (every 2wks), TX4 (every 2wks)
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 Port 2/19 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 2/22
42 Angelflight- CA Chemo 2-28 6x Taxotere,Adriamiacin,Cytoxin
43 Playwriter Texas0 -
Well, Carynn, a big hurdle out of the way... I would assume you were warned about the constipating effect of vicodine... I was not... do not forget your sonokot at bed time... and rest plenty before Thursday... wishing you a prompt recovery from this surgery. Sleep well, CatherineH
0 -
Angel; I am doing all three for 6 rounds every 3 weeks, but instead of the Adrm, I am doing Epirubicin, which I believe is similar to the Adrm. I will go for my 2nd treatment next Monday. It does seem to me that not a lot of us are put on all 3 at once...usually it seems Tax is given after AC. I planned on quizzing my onc about this next week as to the reason why.
0 -
Thank you Catherine! Doing ok, just really sore. I'm taking the vicodin about every 7 or 8 hours today and plan on taking the last one before bed. I hope to use Tylenol tomorrow instead. As for the other side effect, DH mentioned it today. Even tho I've only taken it for just over 24 hours, I'll probably take the senecot before bed just to be safe.
0 -
Marsha you do make me laugh every time. Thank god for you!!!
Well tada!! day 6 and the nausea went away. Not sure if it was that or yesterdays IVs and drugs. I felt semi normal and put in a whole day of work. Actually made decisions and told people what to do and such! Guess they don't know about chemo brain. Hillary I think that is when you felt better too, day 6.
Neulasta must be working because my back hurts like crazy. Good part is two advil and it is gone in a few minutes. Just can't let it get too bad. Nurse said the bone pain starts on day 5ish and lasts for three days. I just traded one problem for another.
Welcome to angelflight and playwright! Keep on these boards it has helped me a lot.
Marsha, my onc nurse said no to the acupuncture. Said my platelets would be too low with dose dense treatment. What do you think? Still thinking about looking into it. Does you insurance cover any of it? Think I will call tomorrow but wondered if anyone said anything to you about platelets.
Leah and Linnie helpful to hear about the hair situation. Lets me know what to expect. I was going to shave it off when my son shaved for the swim meet but changed my mind and decided to keep it as long as I could.
jan my skin is the opposite, dry big time. Using lotion all the time. Wonder why yours would be the opposite. Maybe the decadron-a steriod.
Carynn glad to hear minus the allergy part that the surgery went well. I will tell you the first time the accessed my port it hurt a bit more than I thought. Nurse said it was because it was swollen. Helped to take big deep breath when she "poked" me.
Melanie my BP does the same thing. I don't feel that bad but I guess I am nervous too0 -
Angel, My wife is getting the AC+T regimen. Started on Feb 7 and Neulasta on Feb 8. Next tea party is Feb 28. So far, she has been doing exceptionally well. The first couple of days she was a little tired because she couldn't sleep. Got scrip for Ambien which took care of that. Otherwise, you would never know she had a treatment already. She has also been drinking LOTS of water. One down, Five to go.
We are having a bit of a break in the winter weather so took advantage today with a nice walk to Munising Falls. Also set up the telescope to take a peak at God's creations in the night sky. Nice to get out in the fresh air.0 -
Marsha -
WOW! What an awesome video! I definitely would have loved to be one of those women saving those horses!! The music was perfect too! Thanks for cheering me up before bed! LOL
Jen
0 -
Linnie -
Maybe good news about the hair! I'm finishing up Day 15 and I can actually "pull my hair out"! Took a shower and did my hair this evening kind of a last time of doing my hair kind of thing. Very emotionally hard, but I am not going to shave unless I absolutely HAVE to! I guess that I keep thinking MAYBE I won't lose it! LOL
So, glad to know that not everyone does lose it all. I will hold out as long as I can! I am known to be a bit stubborn, so this fits!
Jen0 -
Hi girls, I started chemo on November 7th and finished my last one yesterday. You will all make it through this ordeal. I am so excited to be done and you all will too. It seems like forever, but as long as you have each other on this board, it keeps you strong. I have to do radiation now, but from what I hear that is rather easy.
Stay strong and know you will get through the chemo. Good luck to you all. Bonny0 -
y'all, i am just so scared. this has been so sudden: didn't even know the lump was cancerous till after they took it out last monday, now i'm facing chemo and the bone scan and cat scan and chemo and having the port put in. i don't even know what stage it is because the her2/neu results aren't back yet.
0 -
Melanie and Scott,
Thanks for replying. The onc did explain why it was done that way but for the life of me can't remember what it was now....lol I finally got a tape recorder and used it last time if ya know what I mean.
Scott
I'm so happy to hear that the wife is doing good with it so far. It's the accumulation each time where I think we'll see some of the problems. I'm just praying I don't get any of the mouth sores, or bone pain etc. I've stocked up on the Biotene Toothpaste and mouthwash just in case. Keep me posted after each of her treatments as I'm curious if there might be a problem I'd like to know ahead of time what to watch for. (Other than everything)
Melanie,
Have you had any probems yet? What I wanted to know is if we're doing all 3 at one time how the heck do they know if there's a side effect or problem which one is the cause of it.???..hummmm guess we'll never have all the answers. I know of the 3 regimins I could pick from that one was the most agressive and the other 2 they used Taxol which I wanted to avoid like the plague. But who knows I may regret that decision eventually too. I was just wondering about their side effects if any yet and if so let me know so I can be prepared.
Thanks,
Angel0 -
Marsha, the accupuncture sounds amazing. I too have had it before for back pain and it worked wonders. Problem for me is insurance. My insurance will not cover it, "the thorn in my flesh" is my insurance company. I have to fight them for everything. By the way, we changed my name because I had used my full name and my dh was worried about spiders, viruses and me getting more spam....Lord please "no more spam". I hope my name can be corrected on the list. Sorry for any inconvenience. I was on the lobular site and noticed you are there also. I was wondering how many on our cruise are "lob girls".
I had my second treatment today. My red blood count was down, so I also received Procrit. So far no reaction, except insomnia(as you can see from the time of this post). They did say my low rbc explained my fatigue. I am hoping this count falling so soon(after one treatment) isn't a bad sign. At least they are jumping on it with the Procrit right away. They say the Decadron causes the insomnia, so I am taking this opportunity, while I am awake and alert to post.
To all my FCC's, please note the name change, as I explained in post above. I didn't realize, until I read it on this board ,that it was not good to use fullname. Sammie is my first name.
I spoke with a woman today that was finishing up her Taxol and she said her hair started coming out after two weeks,so I am glad I have my wigs ready and waiting. I need to see about scarves. I have a feeling I will like cloth headcovers more than wigs. Especially by May when I start A/C. It gets very hot here in South Texas by the middle of May.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all of you. Sammie Kay0 -
Welcome Playwright. Sorry you have to join us, but this group is a true blessing. Others have been where you will be going and will share their experience, strength and hope with you. All of the build up to chemo, i.e. surgery, biopises, port insertion, etc., can be overwhelming. Reading here and getting encouragement from all these brave ladies has given me much courage.
I live south of Houston (120 miles) between Houston and Corpus Christi. I have 4 daughters living in Houston, Tomball area, Cypress, Galleria, and Sugarland. Good luck and God bless you on your journey. Sammie Kay0 -
Karen, I don't want to encourage you to do anything your onc inn't comfortable with. However I will say that I've never bled from it. The needles are about the size of a VERY thin piece of wire and I'm not sure they even go in a vein. I had blood work done yesterday and my platelets were in the normal range. The only insurance I know of that covers it are the ones that cover "preventative" treatments. I really lucked out, mine is a dear friend of my dear friend and she is seeing me pro bono. But you really need to have a serious talk with your onc and see what you can do to illiminate your side effects. There has to be SOMETHING.
Scott and Theresa, my next cocktail is also on Feb 28. Here's to another smooth ride!
Linnie, glad to hear your 2nd was uneventful. I love uneventful! I had heard 99% lose the hair so I am just assuming I will be in the 1%! After all I fell in the 20% of the old saying "80% of lumps are benign" . LOL
Welcome playwriter!!! Honey we were all scared out of our minds at first too. My ordeal went very fast too, except for waiting to start chemo. Be glad you don't have all that extra time to imagine the worse. Come here often, we promise to get you on board and up to speed about things. Questions? Ask away!
Angel, I am not doing the same treatment and you but I too have worried the most about mouth sores. So far so good. I started using the biotene products before I even started chemo. Am curious to know what about the Taxol you wanted to avoid. I have 3 more A/C tx and then move to Taxol. I thought Taxol was suppose to be easier. YIKES this whole thing sucks, huh?
Hey Kay B, right? I love the name Sammie, my older brother is a Sammie and I wish mom had saved the name Samantha for me so I could go by Sam. Yeah, the acupuncture is good but understand lots of people just don't have the means to try it. Yes, yes a lob girl myself. Fell in the 20% of the lump thing and then the 15% of the lobular thing and now DEMAND to be in 1% of the hair thing LOL
Carynn, we got a change to the ships log. Kay Beeson is now Sammie. How are you doing sweetie? Port feeling any better?
Melanie, I would be interested in hearing what your onc says about your cocktail. I guess different potions for different paths? I would much rather to AC and taxol at the same time and get this crap over with!
Have a good day all, if you are having a treatment, procedure or waiting on results, know I am sending out hugs! Love, Marsha0 -
Good Morning Chemo Cruisers:
I've got mostly good news and only a little bad news from my mid-treatment visit to the hospital yesterday.
First, the good news -- I'm BRCA1/2 negative! I can keep my ovaries, though it's not like I'm going to have more kids (LOL!). Most importantly, my two sisters can breathe a sigh of relief. Mom had bc 25 years ago, and died ~ 4 years ago from pancreatic cancer.
Now, the little bad news -- my WBC and ANC counts were lower than expected. I've got to go back on Friday to get tested again, and then I'll get tested before my chemo on Tuesday. And this is with a Neulasta shot! Let's hope my counts rise -- I want to stay on the dose-dense version of this cruise!
Caryn and Marsha -- it's a joy to have you two shepherding our cruise.
I'm also sending out hugs and virtual hand holding to all having treatments today ...
-- Hillary0
Categories
Join Us on Zoom: Upcoming virtual meetups. Read more...
Give your account some personality! Add a profile photo.