Starting Chemo September 2015; join us!
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Lila Claire – your beautiful picture made me weep. You look gorgeous!
Teacherhikermom – you are in my prayers!
Tessu – glad you are feeling better
AnnieB – Congrats on the grandbaby! Such a little cutie!
Soscaredhubby – I think everyone is different depending on
their chemo drugs among other things. The steroids were great the day of and
day after as they kept me energetic, happy, and feeling great overall. Day 3 I’m
feeling tired mostly and a bit sore from the Neulasta shot I received yesterday,
but all manageable with otc meds. I hope your wife does well and you get to
enjoy the game.Sailorgirl – Sorry to hear how emotional the port placement
was, but glad it’s done and you are doing fine. I cried a bit too just before being wheeled
away for surgery. It just seemed to be the first stage of acceptance that this
was all real.Edwsmom – glad to hear first round went well.
Southercharm - whine away girly! We are here to listen and join in. It's so nice to have a place to vent.
I am day 3 past my first round. Day 1 and 2 were a bit of a blur from the steroids, but that's not a complaint. I kind of enjoyed the extra energy, but couldn't possibly do it for another day. Glad to have the down time now. Neulasta shot yesterday - easy - but my bones are a bit achy today. Took about 18 hours for me to feel the effects. Other than some heartburn, aches, and lack of sleep, I'm good so far. All very manageable. Counting my blessings for sure! Oh, forgot about the tingly head. Yeah...trying to keep in mind it means the meds are doing their job and not focus on the dreaded hair loss.
Love and hugs to all of you!
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To so scared hubby: I say if she's feeling up for it then go😀. It might be nice to make the trip into something fun, not all about cancer. I felt ok on Day2. Was just super tired at night.
AnnieB: congrats! It's great to see positivity on here too!
Southercharm; I'm glad you're feeling ok still!
All the other ladies; I love hearing your 1st had accounts. Everyone is all in the same boat, but all so different with side effects and even what our MO seem to do and say. For mouth wash I was told to use baking soda and salt wash 4x s day. Still ended up getting little sores around my lips. Which I have been putting coconut oil on.
I got chemo the 1st time with an IV. Next trip is port placement and chemo all on 1 day.
Is anyone else using cold caps??
Hoping for a nice easy day for all of us here. xxxxx
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edwsmom- my MO and nurses all told me that how I feel this 1st time is what to expect of how to feel next round of chemo. So kind of taking notes in my journal of how I felt each day to prepare. Day 4-6 nausea. Day 3-8 big D. Day 2 dry mouth started. Day 5 everything tastes terrible.
Hopefully this info will help me since I know these will all be my symptoms again.
Sigh... and I'm just starting to feel better...
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starsaresta...I've had ones chemo session so far and I hope it stays the same for me as now I know what to expect. I've been dreading it getting worse with a cumulative effect. Does anyone know for sure if its standard experience to feel the same or is it all over the place. I can't seem to get a clear answer from medical professionals so who better to ask than those that are going thru it.
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Annie, try human wigs, that's what I have.
Check out Estetica brand too recommended on another thread here.
How about halo's on tlc.org. I have one too. They are way thinner. Just change up your hats.
Southerncharm - (((hugs)))
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I'm a mess about this wig business. I went to two wig places locally and decided on 2 wigs to choose from. Then I double checked my insurance and I HAVE to use an online company out of PA ( I'm in AZ) or it's out of network. The timing is all off. I got the paperwork back to them but I'm not home when they call and I called for over 3 hours today and no answer and then they are closed. They have no search feature on their website or prices listed. I'll probably wind up paying out of pocket just to have something. In the meantime I haven't cut my hair or anything. I did get a silk pillowcase to baby my poor head when it starts to hurt.
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New start date of 9/30.
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Mom2boo
Can you pick out the wig you like at the local store and order that brand and model from the place in PA? They may carry it. In my looking around it seems like most places carry the same brands.
I feel your frustration. My doctor just gave me the prescription for the wig to submit to insurance but I already bought the wig. I have to find out if they will reimburse toward what I bought. I did things backwards I guess
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I didn't think about insurance. I called and they do cover a wig. I'm going to get a consultation and get fitted for a good wig. Thanks for the help. I just never considered the insurance.
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LindyC, we are on the same regimen. The side effects are cumulative for the AC, but things should start improving a bit on Taxol over time. Taxol doesn't go after red blood cells, so the kicked in the stomach feeling will start to get better. 😉
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I'm 10 days post chemo and my taste buds completely died today. They were stumbling all week, but today the traitors abandoned thier post. I can no longer taste anything. Nothing at all. I has some gherkin pickles to test it out and all I got was a vague hint at what I was eating. I'm really sad. It's like eating paper. I can't even taste coffee.
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oh no, AnnieB43, so sorry to hear that...I think I'd rather go through the phase I did (almost resolved now, knock on wood) of things tasting awful, than lose the taste altogether! Big Hugs! I do know someone who had that happen after an illness (not cancer related) and they found that focusing on textures and temperature helped until the taste came back. Fingers crossed it doesn't last long!
xox
Octogirl
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Hi September chemo buddies may I please officially join the group. I met with my oncologist today and the tumor board recommended 4 cycles of TC and then radiation. I should start on September 29th.
To give a brief review,I was diagnosised with IDC of the right breast in April 2012 and had a double mastectomy with reconstruction and started on tamoxifen. In July 2015 I found a small lump in right breast which was a local recurrence. I had the tumor excised with clear margins and 0/3 nodes negative.
I am nervous but think this is the right plan of care. Ready to get this over with.
Thank you for sharing your stories and let's do what we have to and beatcancer and then move on!
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Hi all. Whelp...I started my 1st of 4 cycles of TC every 3 weeks on 9/10. It has been an interesting week. For the most part, things started getting a bit rough (back pain, nausea, fatigue) on Day 3 and lasted up until Day 6 (4 total days of feeling bleh). I think my feeling bad attributed to getting my period on day 3, neulasta shot on day 2 and not staying ahead of my pain and nausea with the meds that I had readily available but for some crazy reason didn't want to take (Note to self: Take my meds to stay ahead of all the nasty stuff). Day 5 - I went to my acupuncturist and I think there was benefit as i started to feel on the upswing by Day 7. Today, Day 9, I woke up with an appetite which is great because I lost it for about 5 days and I had energy to walk at a quick pace for 2.5 miles. If this is how it is going to be for the next round, I know better now what I need to do. I also am l cold capping bUT went wig shopping just in case capping doesn't work. I got fitted for one and took my hair dresser with me. I settled on esterica (sp?). Also, I am going to take advantage of this "feeling better time" to build up my strength again before the next round (ie, running , staying well hydrated, etc). I do think my acupuncture helped me and the good thing is my insurance also covers it along with the wig(s). It doesn't hurt to ask your insurance what they will cover bc I was pleasantly surprised they offered to pay for 2 wigs, and a nutritionist. Anyway, apologies for the long rant. I know everyone is going to be different but perhthis may help someone as to what they may expect. I promise my next post won't be so long.
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Warning: WHINE --- feel free to skip this
Got really depressed yesterday, day 8 after first Herceptin/Taxotere dose, because I STILL have headaches, and my stomach started hurting...was thinking all day, if I'm having such a rough time with only the first dose of these first three "easy" chemos, how the h*ll am I ever going to survive the last three "real" CEF chemos
When my temp started inching up again at bedtime, I just stopped measuring it, took a sleeping pill --- and slept till morning (now).At least this morning my head only hurts a little bit, and my stomach agreed to accept loose oatmeal
A mutual friend told my husband of two women friends of hers who quit their breast cancer chemo because they couldn't stand the side effects. I so very much DO NOT want to become one of them --- but I am getting really scared when my body feels like crap and I am just beginning treatment
:My poor dog doesn't understand when I'm too weak to take her out or even play with her much indoors, and she cries. She is already 11yrs9mos, old for her breed (toller), and up till now we have been extremely close, I sincerely hope she lasts long enough for me to get through then recover from this chemo (scheduled last dose Christmas Eve, her birthday) so she can have some "normal mommy time" with me again while she's still around. (Husband not into dogs, but thankfully has been taking her out to "go" when I can't, after a couple of near-collapses with neighbors helping me home when I've taken Misty alone. But Misty still protests going out with him when I'm at home.).
I had wanted to start a journal right when I found the breast lump, but never managed to write anything, I was feeling so overwhelmed. That (carefully chosen, quietly pretty little) notebook has now become the place I dump out all the deep dark scary fears that like to ambush me when I wake alone in the wee hours.
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Oh tessu. ☹ Definitely dump those scary fears in the journal and her. There has to be a safe place to share these things. I think you'll be better prepared for the effects the second time--your body is shocked by this right now and figuring it out. Have you spoken with your MO or her nurse? Big gentle hugs to you.
DoingwhatIhaveto--I'm really sorry you're joining us as well. I know it doesn't work like this, but it seems that you really should have been spared after going through a BMX. 😩 Let's kick it to the curb for good now!!
aj93--you sound like you're well on top of it all. Way to rock it, sister!! And long posts are welcome. I love getting to know everyone.
Well, my older daughter is sick just as my baby was last week. She was crying (and whining, which was irritating) over the fact that I can't snuggle her until she falls asleep. Not being able to mother my babies during their illness has been absolutely the worst part of this. My heart aches. But I'm trying to convey that Mommy getting strep throat would be catastrophic (in an age appropriate way of course 😉 ). My older one even said, "I miss having my REAL mommy." This part sucks worse than the pain.
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CarolinaAmy: I feel so ashamed now for being complaining that my dog is upset that I can't play with her --- when you are suffering because you can't hug your little kids
CANCER SUCKS! Isn't it bad enough that it wrecks our own lives and health ---- why does it also have to hurt our kids like that? My sons are both out of the house, at college; I guess I should be very grateful my cancer waited. I can't imagine your pain. I hope both your children are soon well ((((hugs))0 -
day 4 after first TC and now feeling it worse than other days. I get it about the kids.My 9 year old daughter is having a rough time with it. Uggh! I feel like a little piece of myself instead of the whole and want to be there for her completely.
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Tessu, we are here for your whining...and I know your husband is concerned about you, which probably shows and why the topic came up in his conversation with the friend, but my advice would be not to listen to those stories about someone else's sister, or friend, or whoever who had such a bad time they quit. Not sure they are helpful. Who knows what the real circumstances were? You are not them, you are you. So hang in there...and come here with the whines!!! Do be sure your care providers know...and glad it is a little better today! And of course it hurts when you can't play with your beloved dog.
CarolinaAmy: ouch! 'real Mommy'. That must have hurt. If it gets bad, I guess you could get some advice from a therapist about explaining it the children....My kids are adults (32 and 31, yes just 14 months apart) but honestly it is still hard to talk about all of this with them, because I am still mommy at some level. In fact, DS (the older) called the other day out of the blue: he lives on the other coast from me, 3000 miles away, and I only see him a few times a year, and he doesn't call much. Soooo.... I picked up the phone and started grilling him: 'Honey, what is wrong? Why are you calling? What happened? What's up? What do you need?' Pause on the phone and then "Mom, everything is fine, I just wanted to check in and see how chemo is going.." :-)
The good news on kids though is that there is a time when they come to you and say 'Mom, I am sorry I was so much trouble to raise but now that I have kids of my own I can really appreciate it and you were right about SO much.'. DS has no kids as yet but DD has two of the loveliest, smartest, most wonderful children/grandchildren to me anywhere, and it was a great moment in my life when she told me that! :-)
Jabe, hang in there! Days four and five were the worst for me and then it started to get better.
Hugs to all
Octogirl
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skittlegirl, got your new 9/30 date in there...still a September sister, although we'd love to have you here even if it went to October or later!
Please remind me if I missed anyone new...we welcome you and I'd like to add you on our list
Hugs to all
Octogirl
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Just had my second A+C treatment Thursday hairs was falling fast so I cut off pig tials and shved the rest. Could not stand watching it fall out. My issue is dexamathasone. Why do I have ot take that
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CarolinaAmy..not happy to hear that AC will have cumulative effects *sigh* but thanks for giving it to me straight. Best to be prepared. With 3 sessions left, I will be hopeful that I can grit my teeth and bear it. The following 4 Taxol treatments will be a whole new ball game, I'm sure.
I feel for you all with young children. I can't imagine how difficult this is for you. I have adult children and see the fear in their eyes. I'm still reassuring them that unless I'm told otherwise (and I haven't been), I've got this beat and am just doing this to prevent reoccurrence in the future. This is what I'm holding onto and so are they.
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Good morning ladies! It's the morning of day 9 for me. My mouth issues are calming down with diligent baking soda rinses but still not gone. I was not able to get my magic mouthwash prescription filled in my small town so they are mailing it to me.
thank goodness I'm not as miserable as I was a couple days ago. My eyes, nose and mouth are very dry. I took Unisom (Benadryl) to help me sleep last night but I think that aggravated the dryness. Yesterday I got hit with the terrible metallic taste. Yuck! I'm going to try to increase my fluid intake to see if that will help. Today here comes the big D so I guess I'm staying close to home. My energy level is fairly good this morning. Hope everyone is doing well. #fightlikeagirl. We got this.
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My body is trying to have a period. Bless it. 😄 (But could it wait until a few days AFTER chemo??)
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Hi ladies
Just home from getting the neulasta shot.
I'm tired today but overall feeling ok two days post chemo. Took Claritin last night, will again today. Trying to stay on top of the meds....
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May I please join your group ladies? I was originally diagnosed with DCIS is but I knew all along that I had cancer in my left lymph nodes. Hard to explain why, just knowing your body I guess. Well here we are post bilateral mastectomy and I start chemo on Friday. I had my port put in on Thursday and I actually found that experience to be much more difficult than the bilateral. I start round one of A/C on Friday to be administered in 4 doses over 8 weeks. I have 3 children, 2.5 y.o. identical twins and a son who is 14 mos.
Praying for all my sisters feeling tired, low, queasy, in pain, frustrated, bored, scared, and sad. Truly sending love to you all and big hugs!!!!
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Mom 2 boo and buzz, and all the other ladies, I found a great collection of many different scarves at WalMart for $3 and $5, (even though the tags said 7 and 9) so many great ones that I went back the next day and bought some more. I got about 10 scarves for the price of one at another place. There are some really nice ones out there too. I'm not a wig girl so scarves it is. :-)
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Happy Saturday ladiesSouthern told ya! about shrinking.
As for me i went to get some iv fluids yesterday for feeling kind of bleah and they found my neutrophil count to be a big fat zero. So guess where I am spending my weekend?
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So sorry Flower. I hope those counts go up quickly. 😷
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((Tessu)) It sure is hard to disappoint our furry kids. I have a mini Doxie and she's a ball of energy as she's still very much a puppy and it's hard to hear her complaining when I can't play or take her out like she's ued to.
((CarolinaAmy)) I can't imagine how hard it is not to be there for your little ones like you normally do but you have to take care of you now so you can take better care of them later. I don't know how you explain that to your kids though. If you figure that out pass that along.
SouthernCharm Congrats on the shrinking! That is wonderful news!
((Flower)) I hope your count climb quick and you can go home soon!
Today I went and got my hair buzzed and wig styled. I figure I had abut a week before it fell out on its own and I wanted to take back some control and I feel pretty good today so off I went. I will have to get used to the feeling of having the wig on but it looks good, my stylist did a great job thinning it out and trimming it toat home my normal style. I did get a little teared up when I first saw the buzz but it wasn't as bad as I expected. Here's a picture of the buzz....
And with the wig
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