March 2011 chemo-lounge
Comments
-
Jules, hope everything went well for you today.
MDG, so jealous you'll be done tomorrow! Very happy for you though! You definitely have to keep hanging out in the lounge though.
Kymn, so sorry you're depressed. I think you should think about asking for some pills for it. There is no shame in that. My onc told me to let her know if I need them.
Supersally, thanks for the story of your DD. I think you and my DH are right, it was good for her to be there, and I think she really wanted to see what was happening and be there for me. It wouldn't have been right to turn her down. Our drive is too far (about half an hour each way) to really make it worthwhile to try to bring her to school and back with the appointment at 9:40 or I would have done that. We got out at about 1, but went to lunch downtown (which we all enjoyed), so no time to bring her back to school after. She was heart broken, not! But she is a good student, and I need to give her a break. She is dealing with a lot with this too.
I've got the constipation issues too. I take a colace in the morning and at night and one senekot at night. Then it undoubtedly turns into diarrhea at some point and I start cutting back until it turns into constipation again. A vicious cycle. I think that is the thing I will be happiest to be done with of all the SE's.
Sorry to hear about the colds. Hope they go away soon.
Good luck to anyone else in the chair this week.
A song for MDG as the first to be done with all this crap tomorrow... The No No Song by Ringo Starr
And I said
"No, no, no, no, I can't take it no more
I'm tired waking up on the floor
No thank you please, it only makes me sneese
And then it makes it hard to find the door"
Have a good one everyone!
0 -
Hi Ladies,
I attended the Look Good, Feel Better workshop today. It was FABulous! I'm going to guess that it depends entirely on the volunteers that are running each particular workshop. Maybe in some areas they are thin on decent volunteers so the program is not that great. This workshop had over 10 volunteers on deck and some had been volunteering with the program for 17+ years. That's committment!
The box of freebies was amazing. They had top shelf lines and these were not sample sizes. I got full-sized facial cleansers, moisturizers, makeup etc. I would never buy some of this stuff because it's too expensive.
It was a good group with maybe 12 ladies and a bunch of friends who sat in. I'm kinda' glad I didn't bring a friend because they didn't get anything and had to sit and watch. One lady was a character and she volunteered to be the model for the hair segment. She was a hoot. It was a fun afternoon with some good laughs.
0 -
Hi everyone,
Getting myself geeked up for the chair tomorrow, #3 out of #4. Can't wait to say "only one more". Wen't to my onc appointment today and just take this for what it's worth, for those of you doing 6 rounds of TC, my onc said that new studies show that 6 rounds have no more benefit than 4 rounds, research this yourself and if you find this to be true insist on only doing 4. I do believe they like to over chemo us.
Take care everyone
0 -
Well, I'd like to say it all wen't smoothly yesterday, but I can't. The first nurse that tried to start an IV got a little blood for my blood work, but didn't get a good enough flow to trust it for my treatment. She tried again, failed, and then said "I'm done. If I don't get it after 2 tries, I get someone else". Nurse #2 also failed after 2 tries. Nurse #3 put my arm in a heating pad for about a half hour and finally got a vein. So an hour after I sat down in the chair, I finally started my meds. I was in tears by this time, not from the pain, but from frustration and guilt and not choosing to get a port. The nurses kept asking "how many treatments do you have left?". 2 after this one. I know they are dreading it. I had good veins to start, but chemo is rapidly destroying them.
Oh ,well, off to see my PT for the last time and then a Nulasta shot. Have a good day, all.
0 -
Greetings from the cold war...lol! Thinking of buying shares in Kleenex if this keeps up. Thank God the SEs from A/C #4 were minor
pasmithx2-Does the saline flush really work? Is that the same as a netty(sp) pot?
I also have teenagers. DD is just trying to ignore the whole thing I think. She's almost 18 and I doubt she wants to think about life with 3 dopey men. She was my only real help around the house. My eldest DS, former honor student, just saw his marks hit the crapper for the first time in his life. I'm thinking he's not adjusting very well...Of course, he is 16...maybe it's just other girls bothering him
My baby DS is 14 is very helpful and always hovering. Think he would be awesome in a senior's home...not that I'm implying anything..but I do feel 85 some days!mdg-Good luck with your chemo finale! Man, that has an awesome ring to it, doesn't it? Can't wait to post that...June 23rd, baby!!
Huskerkkc- I plan on continuing with the Claritan/Aleve combo through Taxol. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? Fingers crossed
TheDivineMrsM-Not sure what a z-pack is. Maybe we don't have it in Canada...? Did it really help you?
Kymn-Please try to keep in mind that right now, it's all about YOU. Do what you need to do to feel better. Forget everyone else and how they feel. You have earned the right to be selfish and throw a pity party!!
0 -
Suebee48 - Good to here SE from #4 were minor, not sure I could cope with teenagers with this - although mine were not too much trouble. They are 24 and 29 now and have their own places, although luckily they are both within 15 mins or I woul dmiss them horribly.
Jules - sorry about the veins but they will find something for the next 2. I have my arm put in a bucket of warm water when I first get here, before they even try. I suggest you get them to do the same. There is no point stabbing around without warming you up. They also say drink lots of hot drinks for the few hours before you come. I get the same reaction when I arrive, its - oh no its you, but they are very lovely and kind and have told me they always manage to find a vein somewhere. I suspect all three I have left will have to go in the excision arm but there really is nothing available on the other one. After my experience with the port I reckon you are better off without one - its just given me 2 morelots of surgery.Good luck tomorrow leann56 - I am having #4 of 6 TAC on Friday. Not sure about the 4 rounds not 6 thing. My onc is definitely into more rather than less chemo, but now she has said 6 I feel I have to go along particularly as I am stage 3.
Pasmithx2 I also did the LGFB workshop at the weekend. Lots of freebies and good fun, I am not much of a make up wearer though so I gave alot of it away. The moisturizers and stuff were good though.
kay - same deal with the gut issues. Coloxyl and Senna for days 1-4 then its a question of finding the tipping point before I have to start immodium. How this stuff takes over your life!
Kymn - sorry you are down, it does seem to be affecting us more as the cycles go on. It will go when the drugs finish and till then we are allowed to be as miserable as we want and the rest of the world will just have to live with it
The DivineMrsM - hope the cold gets better. I sneeze alot and have a runny nose and eyes, but I think its more like allergy than a cold. I had a stupid women at work today come and sit on my desk, chat for 10 minutes then tell me she's getting the worst cold. She knows I am on chemo - could have smacked her. Glad the Prozac works.
Maria - congratulations - you are done, have a large real cocktail and we will all join you later. I can't thank you enough for starting this thread. It keeps me sane to be able to share this with people who understand. It would be so lonely handling the SE and particularly the sadness on our own. At least if we have to put up with this we can cry and laugh together.
0 -
good morning ladies, well I am at least up this morning that is an improvement over the last week, still started the morning with some lovely dry heaving, I just dont know if I can do this 3 more times. I do switch medication (poison) next round to doxetaxol maybe it wont be as hard on me with SE I dont know. I am supposed to go to work tomorrow and I just dont know if I can do it. I really dont feel strong enough right now but maybe tomorrow I will. I should get out of the house today, havent been out for a week could be adding to my depression. I miss my life
0 -
Sorry to hear so many of you are feeling rotten. I have been somewhat MIA around here since my A/C #4. It REALLY kicked my butt and had me feeling so depressed. Tomorrow, my first Taxol...I hope it's not as bad, for any of us.
Jules59, my veins have held up, but I had a terrible experience with one nurse who couldn't get the blood to flow. Really mean to me (like it's my fault). I understand bad days, but when you work in a chemo ward, you really should be exceptionally kind and understanding. I'm just saying.
mdg: yay for you being done with this garbage! So excited for you.
kymn and all, I have heard someone say that everyone who has cancer or is being treated for cancer is depressed. Don't be afraid to get some prescription for it. That's why they make the stuff.
I've got to read through several pages of posts here...a talkative bunch!
Good luck to all in the chairs this week. I am hope, hope, hoping that the taxol goes down smoother than the A/C!!
0 -
Kymn - get some meds from your onc or other doc. They will definitely help you to deal with this. There may also be a therapist/social worker/etc. that you can talk to. Both of those would ease your burden and help you deal with the remaining rounds.
Leann and Maria - good luck in the chair today. We'll be thinking of you in your cold caps. Hope your side effects are minimal. Maria you will be done!!! I'm so happy for it to be over for you!
Suebee and MrsM - take care of those colds. Rest up and drink lots and eat chicken noodle soup.
Jules - sorry about the vein ordeal. Are you planning on going on your riding trip? My advice is to go and just hang out even if you can't ride. You will feel better!
Kay - hope you are feeling ok after your round this week. Glad your DD went and it was a good experience for all. She will remember that day forever!
Hope everyone else has a great day!
0 -
Good luck on the Taxol Maxine! I do mine on Monday, the 16th. Had my last AC last Monday. So far so good. I actually asked the doc to fill out disability papers for me because I didn't think I could do work any more, but this last one has effected me the least of all so far. I think because the onc told me that Taxol was going to be much easier, no more emend, no more neulasta, no more steroids at home for 4 days. I am so psyched about that that I think it made me not feel the se's this round. If she is wrong about that, she's going to have one unhappy patient to deal with.
Glad you're up this morning Kymn. The dry heaves are the worst. Sending you good thoughts and hugs.
Good luck to all in the chair this week! Maria, I am SO JEALOUS! and so happy for you. You go girl!
0 -
Suebee48--the netty pot is used for a nasal rinse with a saline solution. You don't need a special netty pot but they are nicely designed for the purpose. I got one at Shopper's Drug Mart and it comes with little, pre-measured saline packets that are a fine grade to dissolve properly. I use body temp water and run it through both sides. It can really to get the junk moving and it's like gargling with salt to make the area harder for the germs to live in.
0 -
Suebee, a z-pack is an antibiotic, called Zithromax. It's called a "pack" because it doesn't come in a bottle, it comes in a blister pack (where you just press out the pills from the foil they're in). You take two pills the first day, then one pill for the next four days. So only five doses which is easier to remember than some antibiotics taken three times a day for ten days. Also a good antibiotic for those like me who are allergic to penicillin. It's slowly helping. I'm glad I'm taking it; still, I could feel a lot better......
0 -
Is there room for one more? I'm a little late to the party, but I also started chemo back in March. Wow, sounds like such a long time ago. First tx was March 10th (2 days after diagnostic!
). I did 3 tx of Taxotere and I will have 3 tx of FEC starting next week. I seem to be the only one who started with Taxotere before FEC. I'm getting a port-a-cath in on Friday. NOT looking forward to it AT ALL. 0 -
Penny, you're right about warming up the arm. The nurse who finally got an IV started first wrapped my arm in a heating pad. They told me to remind them to do that next time. You can bet I will.
Supersally, I'm still planning on going on the riding trip. I told the NP that I had more pain with the last treatment, also that the pain lasted longer. She said that it might be caused not only by the Neulasta, but also by the chemo itself. She gave me strong pain meds to take, so I plan to gather up all my meds and make the best of it.
Kymn, please contact you doctor and tell him/her what you're going through with the dry heaves and depression. I'm sure they can help you. Please don't suffer in silence.
0 -
HI youngmana and welcome, don't worry about the port its a minor procedure. I think each Oncologist has their own idea about what regime to use - not sure there is much to choose between them and I have read alot of the medical journals to try and find out whats best.
0 -
Maria-how do you ice your toes? I have been using little baggies and blue painters tape to keep them in place. Maybe there is an easier way to do it. I know some places say it doesn't help with the nails but it isn't any skin off their noses so I will continue.
You "MOMS" have my total admiration. If you didn't have cancer you still would have bad mom days so you should stop beating yourself up!! No on can be "on" all the time and little people can be such an energy drain. I am absolutley sure their love for you will be intact at the end of this crappy thing we are all going thru.
Dreading my Friday chair day but looking forward to my second visit with me new Onc. I have a page of questions for him and hope they have my scan scheduled for the following week.
I am of course bitterly jealous of those that are finishing-but I am cheering you on just the same. My physical appearance continues to amaze me-in a bad way. We have had 1 nice day in the last month here in Ohio and I went a little crazy. I burned my big old bald head and now it is peeling off in strips. Combine that with my huge moonface and little shrunken eyes that twitch (of course not in sync) and I don't even recognize myself. It makes me laugh when I realize how little time it takes me get ready to go someplace. Everybody that loves me tell me I look fab so I hold my shoulders back and stick out my mis-shapened boobs out and just strut my stuff!!
Attitude is everything and if I couldn't muster it on my on I would definitely ask for something that would help me fake it til I can make it. I didn't even have aspirin in my house before this but I now happily eat my Ambien every night. And take my supplements and eat nasty spinach and other things I used to hate. All these things are tools-no sense in not using whatever is available
0 -
young mama--I have always had crappy veins and knew that the port was a must-have. The procedure was insignificant. I was awake during it and listened to the dr talk about his vacation plans. I felt absolutely nothing and must have actually been pretty buzzed because it felt like minutes but was actually an hour.
It has been a godsend. Because the chemo mixes into the blood in a large vein quickly, there's no burning that happens in the small veins in the arms. It's fast and easy to draw blood, which is always a problem for me. There's no rooting around to get the IV in and there's no pain when the chemo starts running. It's painless to access the port and they always get it right the first time.
I've heard other women agonize over whether or not to get the port but the benefits far outweigh the effort to get it.0 -
Welcome Young Mama! There always be room in the lounge for one more. I definitely agree on the port. I have tiny veins and they always use the baby butterfly syringes to get blood from me (and with Herceptin for a year to boot), there was no way I'd make it through without a port. I was really tired that day after getting the port in. But there was no pain that I remember any way. I would definitely recommend it.
Lilylady, you're always the life of the party when you're here! You make me laugh. Keep strutting your stuff!
Feel better everyone. Be good to yourself!
0 -
Hey ladies - I am popping in quick. Welecome young momma! Glad you found us! This is the best group of gals to hang with!
Just wanted to say..I AM DONE WITH CHEMO! I had my last infusion today. It was uneventful. I got a bit sleepy and fell asleep for a while in between cold caps. My stomach was off...couldn't eat lunch at all. Felt a bit of heartburn and nausea but once the drip stopped I started feeling better. I finished every last cold cap...no more freezing my head, fingers, toes or mouth! SOOOO happy about that.
As far as freezing toes/fingers. I use quart size ziplock bags with ice on them. I put my toes on top of them on the floor and fold over the other half on top of my toes. For hands I use sandwiche size baggies with ice. I put on thin cotton gloves and put the ice baggies in socks. I stick my hands in the socks to keep them in place and jus push fingers into the ice baggies. That worked for me.
I just want to tell you that even though I am officially the first one to finish, I am hanging with you all and cheering for each and everyone of you til you are done with chemo! We sista's hang together through it all. I am buying a round of Watermelon Shooters for each of you now! It's time for a toast ladies....
To all the wonderful ladies I know - strong, courageous, smart, funny and most of all beautiful - cheers!
0 -
My chemo clinic provides the ice packs. They use a large, flat ice pack and wrap it in a disposable cloth. They then fold it half and tape the sides to form an envelope that I just slide my hands into to get the icing all around. I don't bother doing my toes and honestly see no difference. I'm not even sure it's worth it on my hands, but I figure there's no downside so what the hey! The ladies who do ice their toes use the same kind of envelope. They sit with their feet up and the envelope stays on easily.
0 -
I just read something in Canadian Living Magazine that I thought was amazing. It doesn't relate to me since my kids are teens who are bigger than me and self-sufficient (when they want to be.)
A woman who went through BC in 2008 developed a Nanny Angel Network to provide a volunteer-based nanny services to help women with BC who have kids under 12--for free. It's available in Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, and Vancouver. http://nannyangelnetwork.com
It makes me a bit teary. On one hand, the fact that a service like this is even necessary says a lot about how many women are in this position. On the other hand, there are women with huge hearts who want to do this for moms for no compensation.0 -
Good morning, happy Cinco de Mayo! That is a big day of celebration here in TX. Margaritas, chips, and salsa for everyone - on me!
It is another gorgeous spring day here. I'm feeling a bit stuffy/runny nose, sinus headache, etc. Hoping it is allergies, still. I keep taking Claritin and it keeps working. I'm not sure if anyone is going to the chair today. I know some are going tomorrow, best of luck.
Maria, hope you are having a SE free day. I'm sure it was easier to deal with the ones you had yesterday knowing you are DONE!!! Congrats and can't wait to join you.
Youngmama - welcome to our little lounge. It is a great place to hang out. What is your cocktail of choice? The port surgery was no big deal. I did it under general anasthesia, it took about an hour for the actual surgery. It is relative and a breeze compared to BLMX, however you can do it. I'm so glad I have it, it would just be one more anxiety and physical issue if I didn't. My veins are hard to find also. As the BS nurse told me, "no one ever regrets getting a port". There are some on here who had terrible experiences, PennyCookson is one, but most sail through.
I am done with the Anti-Cancer book. I'm going to re-read some parts of it. I found it to be an amazing way to think about my body and outlook, post-BC. I also have a tip for anyone wanting to try meditation who has an Iphone. I downloaded a $.99 app called Simply Being that has guided meditation, to music or not, that looks fabulous. I am eager to try it. I haven't meditated since high school, so I think it will be helpful and something I can do at my own pace and on my own time.
Have a healthful, happy day, all!
0 -
Hi guys - off to the lounge in an hour. I find the day of the chemo is OK once they have found a vein, and the nurses are lovely (despite the fact that they go "oh no its you! When I walk in , and then the young one backs away and gets the older one to try the vein search)
Its in a room with about 12 people and its quite amusing to watch them all.
There's one that goes "Oh Oh" loudly and then moans for 15 minutes when they put the needle in.
There's a strange thin health freak one that was very complementary about my cream chees and cucumber sandwiches on wholemeal bread. (all the right food groups). She wears a large floppy hat and meditates most of the time.
There's a doctor who discusses cooking recipes with my DH, and has a mean husband I want to smack.
The couple of posh ones who sat in full wigs, makeup and jewellery seem to have finished so they are not there any more.happy Cinco de Mayo! for yesterday supersally
I had a shock this morning, woke up and my toe nails and toes were black. Took me a while to realise the new black UGG boots my daughter bought me were leaking dye! I thought for a moment I had a new SE where my toes would fall off.
0 -
PennyCookson--I had to laugh at your shock of waking up to black toes. That would have totally freaked me out!
0 -
Penny, that gave me a laugh as well. At first I got very scared for you. I have to tell you I have a pair of Black Ugg boots too. I've had them for 2 years. Every time I wear them, they still make my feet black. I guess black wasn't such a smart choice for me.
Maria, I hope you're celebrating being done and are feeling fab. Hope all the colds are better too. Hope you're still feeling a bit brighter Kymn. Hope you enjoyed Cinco De Mayo SuperSally. I forgot all about it. Would have loved to have a margarita today. Just thinking about it is almost satisfying.
I start Taxol in 10 days. I asked the onc about the nails, and she said that AC is just as likely to damage them. She said they can turn black, but is very rare for them to fall off. She said since I've had no problem with them with the AC, she isn't worried about the Taxol with them, so I guess I'm going to hope for the best and go without ice packs. Hope I don't regret it.
Good luck to anyone else in the chair this week. Hope everyone is doing well. Take care everyone.
0 -
Hi ladies. Had blood work today and WBC is good, so the half-Neulasta shot is still working. YAY! They draw mine from the port (which I also agree-no regrets, an "easy" surgery), which sometimes has been a problem. I was bending over, stretching, coughing, twisting, to get the blood flow. It finally did but then the lab gal came back and said she thought the draw was not reliable. She ran two tests and my platelets were "all over the place". So then they were going to try again and I told her to just stick me. She thought she could find feel a vein and then decided no. Tried in the hand and it wouldn't draw. Then the wrist and got a good sample. FINALLY-then the numbers were good. So am wondering if I might have another blockage. Will find out soon enough next week.
Am feeling good this week and looking forward to Mother's Day. DH sent me a bouquet at school, which was sweet. Hope you all have a great Friday and are feeling well. Good luck to any in the chair!
Kristy
0 -
Okay, lost an email before posting... Congrats Maria!!! I'm in the chair tomorrow for final AC - then onto Taxotere. I'm putting on another Jackson Browne song "I'm Alive" - very upbeat and ends with "I thought that it would kill me but I'm alive." I look forward to all cheering each other across the chemo finish line. Happy weekend hopefully with no hangovers...
0 -
Had my very first Taxol today (with a side of Herceptin). When I met with my onc first, he couldn't say more about how he thought this would be easier and there are very few side effects. My heart scan also looked good, which was such a relief, as I could hear my heart in my ears all the time on my last AC. My heartrate has also consistently been in the high 90's for the last month (normally at least 20 lower) which he chalks up to my anemia.
But up on the chemo floor, they weren't messing around. I got not one, but two dedicated nurses for my first infusions of these puppies. They asked me if I wanted a bed instead of the recliner for this infusion and I found out later why (I refused). The giant benedryl iv made me feel like I was a prisoner or war and about to be interrogated...I could barely control what I was saying for about 15 minutes. They did the herceptin first, and kept coming in every 5 to ask if I was cold. The air was cranked at the place, so I had to keep asking them if they were cold to find out if I was having a reaction or just under a vent. Hour and a half later, herceptin down.
For the taxol, more benedryl and steroids and then the two nurses got a steroid shot ready (just in case) and went through the process of letting 5 drops into the iv. Each drop they would stand there are stare at me to see if I was turning red or itching. My mom was also there so there were 3 people staring at me like a monkey in a zoo (I felt like I should do something interesting...like throw my poo). Got through my "performance" with no reaction and then settled in for the LOOOONG diffusion time. My AC only took about 2 hours. This was over 5.
But no emend. No oral steroids. I am getting Neulasta tomorrow, but he said it will prob be my last as my levels are groovy and it's just for precaution. Feeling fine tonight...hope this continues.
Kay...I brought baggies for the ice, but then decided to skip icing toes and nails. They also told me it's extremely rare for them to fall off and there was so much other activity going on, it seemed like one too many things. I always polish my toes, but never my nails, as I can't seem to make a manicure last more than 2 days. But I went and got a calgel manicure. It goes on different (more like car paint) and my friend says hers last a month. It isn't supposed to damage your nails, and it makes thes A LOT harder, so I'm hoping it will help my avoid splitting or peeling.
I did start the l-glutamine yesterday. Keeping fingers crossed that I can continue to keep crossing my fingers/avoid serious neuropathy.
0 -
bikenyc - you will probably find its quicker next time. I am TAC together (The docitaxotere is similar to Taxol). They do the T part really slowly the first time so they can stop it if you get a reaction, then they speed it up as you have the next ones. May do it differently at your clinic though buts thats how they work here - so hopefully your next ones won't be as long.
I put nail hardener on (hands and feet) and use cuticle cream regularly. My nails are going a bit darker, and split a bit during week three but its managable as long as I slap the nail hardener on . I dont ice min.
Hoping you have no nasty SsE now your over the AC bit
0 -
Hi everyone
Day 6 of my cold...ugh. Biggest problem has been the coughing at night since I haven't slept well since diagnosis. Had a huge work week too, but tgif!! My SEs aren't too bad this time, thank God. But I sure am tired. Bought a neti-pot yesterday.What an experience but seems to be helping a bit. Never blown my nose so much in my life. Experiencing a lot of heartburn this go round. Very painful. Zantac does not help at all...any suggestions out there?
Is it possible they will cancel my first Taxol next Thursday if I still have this cold? Hope not....wanna "git 'er done"!
Penny-Loved the UGG story! Made me laugh
youngmama- Welcome!! I was a late joiner too. This is an awesome place to come for comfort and questions/tips!
bikenyc-anxiously following your posts as you are a week ahead of me in treatment. I wish you luck with SEs. Please let me know if you find the Taxol gives you bone pain
Off to work then dinner with friends...and yes, a glass or two of "suck it up" ;-) I've earned it!!
Cheers, Sue
0
