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Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?

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Comments

  • ErinsGram
    ErinsGram Member Posts: 150
    edited March 2007
    Stopping by to give a #3 update - This one started out a little different, as I was severely short on sleep. That started Saturday night with the time change, as I have one of the few computer/operating system combinations that still requires a manual update. Had some hardware issues which elongated the downtime in conjunction with losing an hour and a choc lab who's on the same 5:00 a.m. schedule regardless. Also had one of those 'sleep like a baby for 2 or 3 hours, then wide awake' Sunday night - should have taken an Ambien CR instead of Restirol. So, I had 2 sleeping pills for which I was unable to get the required amount of rest - very very sleepy going into the infusion. As has been the case, the infusion was uneventful - took the Emend, 3 Zofran, 1 Ativan and the 5 Decadron. Headed out to lunch with my DD and DM getting progressively sleepier and was bouncing off the guardrails (figuratively, of course)on the interstate going home. I'm blaming it on the previous 2 nights' lack of sleep, but it could also be increased sensitivity to the anti-emetics. Just be aware if you're one of those who drives yourself . . .

    Sybil - hope you and your home are safe and you fared well yesterday. Please update us.

    Hugs and hands to Hillary, Catherine, SammieKay and Patti today.

    Marsha - we got back late Friday night - didn't want to leave. I was REALLY enjoying the temps down there - by the time we got home, it was 25 deg. Looking forward to mid-60s today tho - planning to do my 4 miles outside with my DP - hoping I don't fall asleep along the way.

    Love to all - back to work.
    Phyl
  • CommandoBarbie
    CommandoBarbie Member Posts: 474
    edited March 2007
    Good morning all! Hope all is well the gorgeous Tuesday morning!

    I was going to do a work from home day today (no issues, just tired, and still cant quite shake this cold from before surgery), but I logged in to work first and now see where folks thought today would be a good day for meetings. Ack! Oh well.

    Phyl - bummer about the DST. Isnt there always one! We have one old system we're always limping along until we can migrate to new and it is constantly giving us fits (SNA Printing). It did however play nice with DST. Hey Leah - did you have any that gave you fits?

    Maryjo - hope your Mom is feeling better today. Seems most of us have a couple of just yucky days right after but do well as we get a few days under our belt. Please let her know she has all of our support and best wishes with her.

    Well, guess it's time to go get ready. Those with bar reservations, hope the band and drinks are to your liking today.

    Smooth sailing.

    Carynn
  • Pepper1073
    Pepper1073 Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2007

    the 2nd tx kicked my butt. I am actually thinking of not doing anymore a/c. I had tx on thursday and still exhausted. will have to go back to work tomorrow. the nausea was also worse for me this time. Just taking a shower was exhausting. I know my wbc are down but I thought the rbc is what would make you tired. anyone else experience this?

  • NarberthMom
    NarberthMom Member Posts: 382
    edited March 2007
    back from my third imbibing of the red liquid. It went fine, but I'm feeling a bit shaky, so I'm going to crawl in bed and write more later. Hope that others are doing well.

    -- Hillary
  • TinkC
    TinkC Member Posts: 9
    edited March 2007

    I'm new here, I've just been lurking. I got diagnosed in January and had my first treatment 2/20. I go for my second one tomorrow. I'm also 17 weeks pregnant so that's made things even more interesting. I'm so glad that I found others who are going through the same thing at the same time!

  • marshakb
    marshakb Member Posts: 796
    edited March 2007
    Welcome Tink! Please don't lurk, we love new shipmates and we all know we couldn't do this without each other. I go for #3 tommorrow so we can hold hands.
    Hugs, Marsha
  • marshakb
    marshakb Member Posts: 796
    edited March 2007
    Piper, do you have the option of not doing any more? Are you DD every two weeks or every 3 weeks. If you did every two weeks maybe they should switch you to the 3 week one. Gives the body longer to build counts up. I go for #3 tommorrow and just got home ffro having blood work. I am DD so getting the Neulasta shot. My white count was great, 11 with most of the that Neutrophyls (sp?). The DD seems to be better for me.

    Hillary, dang #3 did it huh? Maybe you just need a good nap and then the steroids will kick in and give you the buzz high.

    Phyl, bet that weather was a shock after being in Sunny Florida!! You and Hillary both seem to have got your ass kicked by #3!

    MaryJo let your mom know we are asking about her and including her our prayers.

    Hugs to you all, Marsha
  • Pepper1073
    Pepper1073 Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2007
    Marsha,

    I am dose dense 4 a/c then 4 taxol. I am not going to do the taxol because of possible neuropathy side effects. I am taking the neulogen shots. 1 everyday for 5 days after treatment for wbc but obviously it was not enough for me.
    I was given the option of doing this from the beginning. Onc says increases my chances of not getting C 22%. So I chose the chemo now not sure right decision. I can not do radition because I have had it in the past.
  • Mtnfrog
    Mtnfrog Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2007
    hi all...
    finally got my test results and I belly up to the bar for #2 on friday. I will be doing dd 4x ac tnen 4 t. Got the major headache today so taking it easy and getting ready for friday.
    Good luck to all od you at the bar this week...ask for a slice of pineapple and that little umbrella....go tropical.
    have a sunshine day
    Patti
  • linnieva
    linnieva Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2007
    Hi everyone,

    Went to see the onc for my followup after A/C #3 (#4 is next Tuesday). We talked about the upcoming Taxol treatments and the meds. Decadron was the main med, no Emend. I hate decadron because I still can't sleep so I was disappointed to hear it was still in the regime. She'll have me take the Decadron the night before, morning of, and then for 3 more days. Their biggest concern seems to be an allergic reaction to the Taxol during the treatment so they monitor you closely. Hey, at least there won't be anymore daily neupogen shots! Not alot of nausea so Compazine/Ativan if needed. We did discuss neuropathy but she didn't seem to think it would be too much of an issue. I even mentioned that I used to smoke thinking that my circulation might be a concern but she said that shouldn't have an affect.
  • Alyson
    Alyson Member Posts: 3,737
    edited March 2007
    Morning everyone
    Have been to the onc this morning blood count was evidently very low last week. That just might explain why I was so tired last Thursday and Friday. Chemo 2 will go ahead on Thursday but they have said that the next round might be delayed.
    Welcome Tink good luck for tommorow
    That pesky bell has gone so must move.

    Alyson
  • marshakb
    marshakb Member Posts: 796
    edited March 2007
    Piper, I was told by my onc the ONLY way you can do dose dense (every two weeks) is if you get the Neulasta shot.

    The neulogen is for the 3 week chemo. No wonder your counts are so bad!

    My first onc had me on 3 weeks with 5 days of neulogen. After I fired him the 2nd onc moved me to dose dense and gave me the Neulasta and again said that is the only way you can do dose dense. Hugs,Marsha
  • swimmingmom
    swimmingmom Member Posts: 121
    edited March 2007
    Read everyone's posts. Sorry I can't respond to each one of you but STILL very nauseated and it is really, really wearing on me. Went to work today for five hours and I am beyond exhausted. Then along comes a co-worker and rings my bell with dinner for the family. Then comes a huge box delivered by UPS- a quilt all the nurses at the hospital I worked at TWO years ago made for me and all signed. My goodness, people are so nice it makes me cry (but if I cry I throw up-how horrible!). Best of luck to everyone who is stepping/ed up this week. Welcome to TInk, come often. Marsha you gotta keep me laughing!! I need it!
    Karen
  • SammieKB
    SammieKB Member Posts: 164
    edited March 2007
    Mary Joe, Welcome and let your Mom know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. What a gift to have daughters. I have four and they are my heart. As well as my 2 sons, who call me faithfully after each chemo to see how I am feeling.

    Well I am home from Taxol #5 and everything went well. I didn't have to have procrit today. I didn't get the number for my RBC's, but they had told me they gave it for anything under 11, so I am assumming mine must be up from 10.8. I was talking to another patient taking chemo. She had finished the 12 Taxol treatments. She said she was severely fatigued. I haven't been, but maybe that will happen after #6 or #7. She said that is when her's clicked in. Oh well, one day and a time. I lost 4 lbs. good for me as I had gained 6 lbs since Feb 13 and first treatment. I know most of you are losing weight. Maybe I will go that way on A/C starting in May. I did ask for the decadron to be reduced as it increases appetite.

    Have a funny granchild story. The 3y/o wanted to see my hair(gray fuzz), so I took my wig off and let her see. She smiled. I let her feel my head. The next morning I got up before she did and when she got up I had my wig on that looks most like my pre-chemo hair. She said "Gammie,did your hair grow back?" It was so cute. Must be confusing to small children. Now you are bald, now you have hair. The 6 y/o seems cognicent,sp.ck., of the treatment and it's benefits and side effects. They are such a blessing. We really enjoyed having them for a couple of days.

    Linne, thanks for the info about hats, scarves etc. That website is great. You are right, more spring and summer hats. That is what I am looking for.

    Marsha, what cute pics of you and Theresa. What a blessing to have friends like you have. I have a friend like that. We read each other's minds. We used to change subjects and anyone else in the conversation could not keep up, so we started raising our hand when we were changing the subject. She and I were the only ones that could keep up. LOL

    Hillary and all, thanks for holding my hand through chemo today. I hope that Taxol is as easy for you all as it has been for me. My friend who did A/C, then Taxol said Taxol was a piece of cake compared to A/C. I haven't had neuropathy, yet. But that may start next treatment. I will keep you posted. Sorry you and Piper are feeling under the weather after your visit to the bar. Take care.

    Leah and GI Jel, I know the waiting for results is very nerve racking. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Karen, taken care. Hope you don't get the flu. LOL About your house smelling like Clorox. I relate. I have become quite the "germophobe" since starting chemo.

    Maisy, thanks for the glamour tips. I need those. I think I will try that new Covergirl lipstick. Sounds great.

    Catherine, hope you are doing well. Hope you enjoy the new facility. It is frustrating when the crew that gives you chemo is in a whirlwind. Hope your side effects subside soon.

    I heard on the evening news about a newly approved oral chemo for advanced breast cancer. That is great. Maybe it will help my young niece and my friend from church.

    Well here's to all who embibe this week. I tip my glass to you....here, here.

    Take care and know you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Sammie Kay
  • NarberthMom
    NarberthMom Member Posts: 382
    edited March 2007
    Good evening all - I hope I get all of this right, but I'm still pretty out of it ...

    Bar reservations for the week:
    Monday: Phyllis and Sybil -- still need to hear back from Sybil
    Tuesday: Hillary, Catherine, SammieKay -still need to hear back from Catherine
    Wednesday: Marsha, Wendy, Mary, TinkC -- We'll be thinking of you four, especially our new TinkC! Also, Linnie's MRI!
    Thursday: Twink, Alyson, Leah
    Friday: Maisy -- glad that you could schedule it for this week.

    Still pretty out of it -- I really loaded myself up on Ativan. It cuts down tremendously on the anxiety levels. I have had the same wonderful phlebotomist and same wonderful chemo nurse each time. It's great, because they get to know your little foibles. For example, I don't like to the see the IV injection site, so the nurse covers it with a towel and also places my whole arm on a towel.

    I'll try to catch up wil all the posts tomorrow. Pleasant dreams to all ...

    -- Hillary
  • BettyeE
    BettyeE Member Posts: 136
    edited March 2007
    I started today 3/13/07. I am getting 12 TAXOL once weekly, then CEF X4 every three weeks. I was scared to death today, but it was nothing. I still feel fine. I know that as I go down this trail it will be a bit different....but today I am ok.
    Bettye
  • Primel
    Primel Member Posts: 652
    edited March 2007
    Phyl, Sammiekay, and all of you... good to read your posts. I was back at 3:30 (went at 9), in summer weather (70's here in Denver). I feel a bit spaced out like last time and have a very puffy face, but that will go away by tomorrow... other than that, things went decently well, although not quite as smoothly for several reasons: a different nurse, nice, too, but for some reason placed the needle not quite in te right place on the port at first (had just the saline on), and it felt as if a wasp got stuck on my arm... I realized I would not be able to take the "discomfort" throughout the whole thing, so I asked her whether she could do it again, and she did, and it was not painful that second time around. The new facility is so new that there were contractors all over the place adjusting doors, etc. Tall young (very tattooed) guys... I could not help it: I stopped at a group of 2, with a big smile on my face, and warned them: if they don't get the job finished in time, they'll end up both hooked to an IV pole to get the orange stuff... they laughed, but I did not think they had a clue... bless their heart, ignorance is such a blessing. Then there is the "plush" surroudings: first the place is huge and no "personal touches" anywhere yet... the other place had a "homy" and "cosy" feeling to it, but the staff was running into one another all day long because of lack of room... watch the needles... So this new one must be the best money (whose?) can buy as far as the latest in "Medical facility design" is concerned: earth colors (soothing, but not terribly cheerful), lots of (expensive looking) wood, the recliners are not vynil anymore but soft leather of the best quality... but... designed by people who have no idea of what they are for: the arm rests were wide and cushiony before, now they are useful only to "knock on wood" all day long: very narrow, slick looking exotic wood (japonese style of some sort), but even pillows don't stay easily... as far as the reclining part goes, I am not heavy enough to make it recline the way I want, and my feet don't reach the floor... not for small people... Of course nurses are taking notes for feedback to the top... consumers first... In the end I manage to rest comfortable (with warm blankets, new and nice... when I did not have hot flashes, that is... oh well...) and everything went OK. The big question is how I'll be faring this time... They recommended I took claritin for Neulasta pain AND runny nose (apparently works well for Neulasta, although nobody has a clue of why).
    I have been busy unpacking parcels from my cousin in Paris (France, not Texas -- great movie by the way "Paris, Texas" by Wim Wenders)in the mail with tons of books and cd's (Stabat mater, Pergolese, which I love, and Gabriel Faure's Requiem -- I am not dead yet, right Marsha? -- but I love requiems, Mozart's in particular... this helps me through chemo and lowers my blood pressure)...
    Well, I'll come back later... time to go have a bite...
    Thinking of you all and wishing you the best,
    Hugs,
    CatherineH
  • CommandoBarbie
    CommandoBarbie Member Posts: 474
    edited March 2007
    Good evening all; and welcome to Betty and Tink.

    Short post tonite as I am tired .

    Catherine it sounds like once they get the kinks out of the new facility, it will be nice.

    Hillary, you are so right, it is so nice to always have the same folks who get to know you. At my Oncs office, they make such a big deal of all of our little milestones, and I admit I eat it up.

    Well, couch potato time then bed. Best wishes to all at the bar tomorrow.

    Sweet dreams!
  • MelanieW
    MelanieW Member Posts: 276
    edited March 2007
    Catherine; I guess the designers were not worried about comfort as much as asthetics. Hopefully they will get all the kinks worked out soon. My center will also be opening a new expanded chemo treatment facility in a couple of months, but I doubt it will be "purty". The current one is pretty bland and usually very crowded. Patients are even advised to bring their own blankets! I love my doctor, but really dislike the tx center. I guess I didn't know about the Neulasta side effect of a runny nose...sniff sniff. I just kept thinking it might be allergies. But my WBC was 13.3 yesterday, so I guess it is doing its job!

    Sammie K; Out of the mouth of babes...it's amazing how intuitive they can be. We also had our 21 month old last night and today. I had so much fun playing with her. She doesn't quite know what to think of my bald head, but it doesn't seem to scare her at least. She will take my hat off and try to put it back on and say "there you go".

    Sybil; I hope you are doing Okay.

    TinkC; Welcome! Will be thinking of you and Marsha tomorrow. I can't imagine going through this and being pregnant. I hope you find the info and support you need here to help you get through this difficult but also happy time in your life.

    Alyson; Good luck...I hope you don't have a delay in your tx. Are you able to get the Neulasta or Neupogen shots? I hope your students are being "little angels" during your tx's. What grade do you teach?

    Karen; What a nice surprise from your friends! And it sounds like perfect timing also.

    Hillary; I keep hoping for a nurse like yours. Yesterday, I did get a nice young man that did my blood work that really took extra time with my veins. He was shocked that I had gotten this huge purple bruise from last week's workup. He did have to stick me twice, but no bruising...yipee!

    Here's to smooth sailing for everyone this week...
  • Primel
    Primel Member Posts: 652
    edited March 2007
    Melanie, it's the Cytoxan that gives a runny nose and sinus congestion, not the Neulasta (bone aches is enough...). My WBC was 15+ today, I got concerned it was too high, but the nurse said that everything was fine (Neulasta does that)... I went from 6-7 before chemo (surgery effect still, I was told) to 12.5 and now 15... hm... interesting... I feel pretty good, I must say.
    Take care,
    Catherine
  • MelanieW
    MelanieW Member Posts: 276
    edited March 2007
    The Cytoxan...AHA. It seems we are always learning during this process. At least I am! I also was concerned about my WBC being too high. I was assured, as you were, that it was not a problem. I too, feel amazingly well. I hope that doesn't change through my next 4 tx's. I can handle feeling "down" for the first 5-6 days after tx, as long as I know it's going to get better.

    Thanks!
  • linnieva
    linnieva Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2007
    Piper,
    I don't know if there's a difference between neulogen and neupogen shots, but all the ladies in my onc's office seem to be on dose dense and we all take the neupogen shots but for 8 days (starting on day 3 after tx) not 5 days. They come in boxes of 10 but that's not a good enough reason not to do more if you need them. I just get one box plus 6 shots taped to the top and that lasts me thru 2 cycles.

    Linnie
  • Overthemoon
    Overthemoon Member Posts: 33
    edited March 2007
    Hi, All, I am checking in but it will be brief as I seem to be coming down fast from my Decadron high which I took advantage this afternoon to rush around cleaning toilets and sinks and bathtubs. I meant to vacuum too but didn't get to it. Now I feel ready to drop like a fly. My mind is still going a mile a minute but my body feels heavy.
    Chemo #2 went fine yesterday, I hadn't slept but 4 hours from the fire scare (missed us by a mile -- many miles,thankgoodness), the Decadron, the time change, and anxiety about the next day's tx. So the IV Benadryl made me drowsy, while I listened to a retired judge tell stories
    about his time on the bence, very interrestting, but what is the question? (does anyone remember what TV show that came from?)
    Ok, maybe I am not quite done with my high, but I am fading...my body feels heavier yet.
    I complained to my onc yesterday about my fatigue and shortness of breath, sure enough I was anemic enough to cause those symptoms and they tried to get authorization from my ins. co. to give me an injection to boost my RBC count. But it didn't come through while I was there.
    So today I had to see my cardiologist in the morning and I had to go for my Neulasta shot at my onc's in the afternoon because even though my ins. co. ok'd to cover it if I injected it myself, they wanted me to demonstrate that I could do it.
    I did great, well, my hands were a little shaky but it was because I was nervous being scrutinized, it only stung a little bit at one point so I slowed it down until it passed, then I sped it up again and it was done! YAY!
    The authorization hadn't come in for the other injection so they called again and it came through, so I injected the other one for RBC's (can't recall the name, what's new?) on the other side of my belly and it stung worse but I could control how fast or how slow and it was done, too. YIPPEE!
    Okay, I really have to wind down now. Thanks for being there. Thanks for your great posts. Thanks for caring.
    Now if I crash tomorrow at least my toilets have been scrubbed clean.... love to all, good night, Sybil
  • SammieKB
    SammieKB Member Posts: 164
    edited March 2007
    Bettye, Welcome. You and I are on the same regime. I started the Taxol on Feb.13. I had dose 5 today. So far, starting with dose 3 and 4 I have had some very mild nausea two days after receiving chemo and some increase in my chronic back pain on day 3 & 4 post chemo. I did start off anemic and received 3 Procrit shots to stimulate my RBC production. It worked, as today, I did not need another shot of Procrit. That indicates my hemaglobin is back up over 11.
    Hope you continue to do well. I was told my hair might just thin, but mine was coming out so fast after dose 2 or day 18 post chemo, that I had my best friend clip it all off. It was just such a mess. I didn't want to be shedding all over my patients at work( I am a nurse in a Recovery Room(PACU).
    Take care and keep coming back. I have learned so much from all these wonderful ChemoCruisers. Everyone is so generous with their knowledge and experience.

    Catherine, would you believe this is the 3rd post I have had to repeat because I somehow have lost them. I know you mentioned a way to retrieve "disappeared" messages. Will you repeat please? Sorry, I am too tired to go back and find it(you may also be too tired to send out the info now and if that is the case, don't worry about it). I know it was Alt. plus someother keys. Hope you are feeling ok. Take care. Glad you are having some warm weather there in Denver. {{{{{Catherine}}}}}.
    Good night to all. {{{{{{{{{{{ChemoCruisers}}}}}}}}}}}Sammie Kay
  • SammieKB
    SammieKB Member Posts: 164
    edited March 2007

    Sybil, I am laughing at the site of you running around cleaning. I wrote a long post to all you guys and promptly lost it. Then I wrote another (chemo high) and lost it. So now I am trying some short ones and maybe I won't "expire". LOL. I just get real ADD after the chemo. Take care and hope the crash is a soft landing. Sammie Kay

  • SammieKB
    SammieKB Member Posts: 164
    edited March 2007
    Amen about the "little people". Truly out of the mouths of babes. They are such a gift from God. Truly a blessing.
    Take care and smooth sailing to all. Sammie Kay
  • NarberthMom
    NarberthMom Member Posts: 382
    edited March 2007
    Good morning -- well middle of the night for some!

    After sleeping away most of the day, I woke up in the middle of the night and have been reading the boards.

    We've heard from the Monday and Tuesday drinkers, so now we can focus on the rest of the week.

    Wednesday: Marsha, Wendy, Mary, TinkC
    Also, Linnie's MRI!
    Thursday: Twink, Alyson, Leah
    Friday: Maisy

    I've got two beaty tips from the LGFB classes that I forgot to mention. Loreal Touch-on-colour for Eyes and Cheeks in Rose Cashmere is a color that looks good on most complexions. Also, Nioxin Scalp Therapy and Shampoo is something that will help hair come in faster. I'm planning on starting that after chemo is over.

    Maryjoe -- Glad your mom is doing OK. With the Zofran, you really have to keep on it. Also, it can cause constipation. If it doesn't work, as the onc for something else.

    Catherine and Sybil -- Your post chemo-post were funny -- did you both have decadron highs? I think that I was so doped up on ativan (my choice), that my decadron high is only just kicking in!

    Melanie -- Make sure that they warm the area before drawing blood. It will really help them get the vein the first time. Also, ask them to use a butterfly needle and to go really slow. If only checking for WBC and RBC, then they just do a finger stick. We've discovered that my middle finger has less nerves and more blood than my fourth finger, so that's what we've been using. It too gets warmed up prior to needle prick.

    Piper -- I had a rough time after my second AC treatment as well, but I'm not giving up. We can help you through this. Is there anyway you can take some extra time off work on the really bad days? You should also talk to your oncologist about weekly taxol vs dose-dense. Maybe you'll have an easier time with the weekly treatments.

    SammieK and Melanie -- Too funny about your grandkids and the hats -- a perverted game of peek-a-boo! My 6 year old has made it very clear that he does not want to see my bald head. He's OK with either hats or wigs or scarves, as long as my head is covered. He was very interested in seeing the wig off my head!

    Tink -- I'm glad you found this site and stopped lurking. We're a congenial group as you can see, with a couple of real humorists that lighten the trip. Do you have any other children? We'll be thinking of you and holding your virtual hand at your chemo treatment.

    Marsha -- I also have the neulasta shots for dose-dense AC. I was offered the option of being trained to give it to myself, but opted to come in the next day and have it done at the chemo center. I'm still too doped up to drive and dh has to work, so I've arranged for different friends to drive me in. Do you know if we need neulasta for the dose-dense taxol? I keep forgetting to ask my oncologist.

    Also, Marsha -- It doesn't seem as if you need anti-depressants, but the new one that I'm on -- remeron -- helps with nausea and appetite. Something to ask your docs about ...

    Caryn -- You sound tired. Can you take a few days off work, now that the big project is done? You deserve it!

    {{{{Hugs}}}} to everyone, especially those with treatments left this week ...

    -- Hillary
  • talbrig13
    talbrig13 Member Posts: 358
    edited March 2007
    Good morning Cruisers,
    Mary...my deepest sympathy to you. I lost my brother 17 years ago in a house fire. He is still age 29 in my heart...hugs to you (((Mary)))

    I am so glad to have all of you and have been catching up reading all of your posts.

    I have been pretty down since my treatment last Thursday. It really knocked me down. Nauseous and exhausted. Been keeping up with my work schedule and running the kids. But is really tiring me out.

    So I am feeling sorry for myself. But you all cheer me up and I realize I could be much worse off.

    Atleast I get an extra week break this time. I take my 17 year old daughter to her dance competition next weekend (the 23rd) so onc moved my chemo out an extra week so I wouldn't be sick while I was away. Maybe I can get some of my "oomph" back in the next 2 weeks.

    Don't know why my nausea is worse this time. I felt so great after the 2nd treatment.

    Well, enough of the pity party.....those of you that posted pics look wonderful! My hair is coming out in handfuls...mostly in the shower, so it won't be long I think till I am wearing my wig also. Hope I look as good!

    Hope you all have a wonderful day...I will be thinking about all of you at the bar this week.

    Love to all,
  • steph_j
    steph_j Member Posts: 35
    edited March 2007
    Hi to all you February troopers! I'm Steph and I was diagnosed Jan. 15th and had my lumpectomy and axillary node dissection on Jan. 30th. (Stage IIb, 2.1 cm, 2+ nodes, ER/PR+ HER2-neg.

    I am employed F/T, but I can take off as needed as my job has a really good medical leave plan. I also have two boys ages 3 and 7, so my life is pretty busy. Before my diagnosis, I was also working on my MBA P/T but the oncologist recommended that I take off during the treatment. I really didn't want to, but everyone(especially my husband) is concerned that I'll tire myself out.

    I am leading off the March chemosabe cruise, as I began my treatment on March 1st -- DD ACx4 followed by Tx4 with neulasta the day after treatment at the office. Since I am ahead of everyone in the March group, I like checking in with your group to see how everyone is doing and know what to expect.

    Piper - I am scheduled for my next AC treatment tomorrow (3/15) and my doc told me the with each treatment you tend to get more tired. The first treatment went as expected - I felt pretty bad the first few days (nausea & diminished appetite); tanked out on Monday/Tuesday; and then by last Wed. I felt pretty good, such that when they did my blood work last Thurs. I was surprised that most of my counts were low. They gave me an Aranesp shot to get my RBC up. So since then through today which is Day 14 of Cycle 1, I'm doing fine. Hopefully everything will be back up by tomorrow before my next treatment.

    The one thing that developed is a rash around the incision site where my mediport was installed. I went to the surgeon's office this morning to have it looked at and thank goodness it is not infected - just an allergic rxn. probably to the steri-strips. I was fearful that treatment would be delayed, and as much as I don't like chemo, I want it over as soon as possible!

    This morning I also noticed some hair shedding, but I already bought a wig last week. I need to decide whether to have it shaved off just as it starts or when it becomes noticeably thin. The place that I got my wig also make these halos where they take your own hair and put it on a headband that you can wear under a hat or scarf. So if I decide to do that I need to have it shave off before it begins to really shed so they can put it in the halo - any thoughts about that???

    Well, I will let you all know how it goes for me tomorrow and thanks for all the posts, as they really make me feel that I am not in this alone!

    All the best to everyone!

    Steph--
  • MelanieW
    MelanieW Member Posts: 276
    edited March 2007
    Steph; Hello! You know you are close enough to February that you could join us. Always room for one more!

    Hillary; I will try the warming technique...thanks!

    Sammie; I think Catherine said to do Ctrl + C to copy and then paste. Here's what I do...I peridoically go down to the bottom of this page, hit continue (leave "I want to preview my post" checked) and then on the next page go to the bottom and finish typing. If it is a really long post, then I will hit continue on that page and keep going. I hate losing posts!

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