first treatment

[rinaina]

Just thought I would update everyone. I had my first tx,(treatment), yesterday and all went well. So well that I actually fell asleep during the last 30min of it, can you believe that? I picked up my prescriptions on Tuesday and Wednesday, they had to order one, Endem, which by the way, I was blown away by the cost of that drug....for 3 capslules ,antinausea meds.....it was $422.50! Thank goodness for excellent insurance, as my cost was only $50. Anyone else have that drug. My treatment was at 1pm and we arrived home at about 5pm. I was tired and not much of an appetite. I took two meds at about 7, ativan and compazine and was asleep before 8pm, missed the show So You Think You Can Dance! I'm such a sucker for mindless entertainment! At least we can record things these days. I had a Muga first thing yesterday and was at 61% and then I went to my surgeon for a post op check up and all was fine. So I had a full day. My oncologist doesn't repeat the Muga until the end of tx, I am having 4, unless I present with symptoms. Is this the norm?

Rina
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[SherryS]

I'm so glad to hear that everything went well with your first tx. Sleeping for 30 minutes is excellent...the benadryl used to do that to me as well and it feels so nice to just drift off. The cost of the scripts is unbelievable and as you said Rina, it's a blessing to have insurance that picks up the bulk of the cost. Your muga was also good -- all things positive!

[rinaina]

Okay, so my tx was Thursday afternoon and today about 3 p.m. fatigue hit. Is this a bit soon for it to kick in? I'm sure everyone is different but i wasn't expecting it quite this soon. Past two nights i haven't made it to 8pm without falling asleep. Guess because I napped this afternoon, I may have bought an extra hour tonight. Thanks as always for listening and answering and caring.
Rina

[Bev]

Hi Rina,

I also did the Thurs. plan. I did pre-emptive naps on Thurs, Fri afternoons and sometimes Sat, so I was able to stay up later at night. I never napped in the day before bc. Sleep all you can now, I think it helps in the healing process. I did emend as well. I don't remember what it cost. I think the mugas are a few thousand. I can't imagine what someone would do without insurance. Hang in there. Treatment seems like it lasts forever, but you'll get there. BB

[rinaina]

I am beginning to understand the power of a nap. I just hope it doesn't interfere with my night time sleeping. Glad I am on Thursdays so far. Gives me the weekend to catch up. You are so right Bev when you speak about insurance. I would hate the added stress of worrying about that and costs. I'm hanging in and I know I will beat this cancer. Thanks for responding to my post.
Rina

[Sonja]

I too had my first chemo treatment on May 23rd and since then I have been okay. Quite tired and I try to nap but just can't seem to fall asleep. However, when 8:00 p.m. comes along I do the same as you Rina, I'm in lala land! Except for tonight, it's 1:30 a.m.!
The side effects I have had so far is a dry mouth and my tongue feels like it is 2 inches thick! The texture of everything I eat is like mashed patatoes! YUK! (even RAW carrots - go figure!). And I have been getting hot flashes - terrible especially with the hot weather! I am taking the FEC 100 (Bonneterre) chemo treatment. Has anyone else had this treatment? I know that it is given mostly in Europe but it seems like here in Montreal, Quebec it's the 'hip' chemo treatment! Well Rina, if we get off with fatigue and can skip the nausea and vomitting I'd say we're doing great!http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

[rinaina]

I haven't had trouble sleeping at night until tonight either. Here it is 1:37a.m. and I woke up not feeling quite right. Maybe a little nauseated but mainly just not able to sleep. Kind of restless I guess you could say. Having trouble getting comfortable in bed I guess. Fell asleep without a problem at 9pm but couldn't stay asleep. Felt like I needed some gingerale. Water which has always quenched my thirst doesn't taste good at all. In fact at dinner tonight, I asked everyone if the water tasted like I needed to change the filter in the refrigerator. Well Sonja, like you said, I guess if this is the worst of it, we are doing pretty darn good. Just wish I could sleep! Feel tired but can't get comfortable. Almost like a feeling of extreme fullness.

Rina

[Sonja]

Rina, this is funny because I used to drink abit of gingerale and club soda. Now I can't drink it - it tastes awful and burns going down my throat. I'm on water!
I also make a pitcher of lemonade then fill a water bottle with half water and half of the lemonade (so it's well dilluted) and this seems to quench my thirst. Now I never leave the house without a water bottle filled with ice cold water!
And now with summer here and the lemons so cheap I'll have my daily fill!

[rinaina]

I live for when water will taste good again. A friend of mine in Sacramento said all he could drink was apple juice while going through chemo. I just remind myself this is all temporary. I like the trick with the diluted lemonade so thanks for that one.

[callen03]

My tastes are strange the first week after my chemo. I can only drink tea, and my menu consists of grilled cheese sandwiches and soup. After a few days, things start tasting good again.

Sonja, it sounds like you may be having a reaction to the anti-naseau medicine they give you. I had this happen to me and was told it was an allergic reaction to Vicatin (not sure of the spelling). You may want to mention it to your oncologist.

[callen03]

Sonja, I just realized I wasn't specific in what the symptoms were in my allergic reaction (thick tongue & dry mouth).

[Sonja]

I certainly will ask my onc when I see her along with many other questions I now have.

Yum! Now grill cheese sandwiches and soup the first few days sound great! I had soup and crackers - Yuk!

Thanks for the tiphttp://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon14.gif

[SherryS]

You guys sound like you are handling the chemo well and managing the side effects. That's great!! I'm reminded of the food and beverage "merry-go-round" as you find things that satisfy or just taste "okay". For me it changed regularly, but there's always something you can find that will hit the spot. And I love that you are sharing ideas...any of you tried chocolate? That one seems to be universal! Hang in there -- you're doing it!!

[rinaina]

funny, cause i tried a chocolate cookie last night and it didn't taste great but i heard chocolate agrees with everyone's taste so i was shocked. think i will give it another try though.....maybe a chocolate ice cream or milk shake. i am sure that will taste fine and if it doesn't, guess that will cure my being a chocoholic from way back!

[SherryS]

Yeah, I never did the chocolate thing -- but I've read of so many who found it "the thing" they could eat and never tire of. I didn't care for chocolate much before chemo so that might be why. However, post chemo? I have suddenly developed taste buds that "like" chocolate. I don't eat a lot of it (with the 10 lbs. I gained on chemo can't afford to!), but when I do -- I really like the taste. Go figure!! Chemo gives you many surprises!!

[rinaina]

you can say that again, lots of surprises. actually though, the info we get here and from our drs and nurses does pretty much rule out any biggie surprises.

[Sonja]

I'm not big on chocolate either Sherry, I usually have a rage for it right before I start my period, that's about it! Before my first chemo treatment I was introduced to the 'Godiva' chocolate popsicle which was to die for!!! Acouple of nights ago, I decided to treat myself to THE 'Godiva' chocolate popsicle, took one bite and thought I was going to be sick! What an awful taste!!! I'm really into the water/diluted lemonade thing - I can't seem to get enough of it!

I went to the 'Look Good Feel Better' workshop today and WOW - it was great! Sherry, our volunteer giving the workshop flew in from T.O.! She comes to Montreal once a month to give the workshop.

We all did our makeup and they showed us wigs and turbans, etc. We went home with about $300 of beauty products - unreal!

One women got there with her face all made up, she had the 'thick crayon' eyebrows (from the 20's) and when the volunteer redid the makeup on her face and made up her eyebrows nice and natural looking, she was in tears! She was overwhelmed! It touched me so much to see how a little gesture made her so happy! I'm glad I went and if anyone is undecided about going, I'd think twice about it - it's worth it! I'm really happy and had such a great day today!!

[rinaina]

look forward to my look good feel good session in mid june, i booked it yesterday. i also look forward to trying someday, a godiva chocolate popsicle, never heard of it before, l love chocolate and yesterday had a few dove chocolates and unfortunately it did taste yummy, wish it hadn't, weakness of mine.

[SherryS]

I've never heard of a Godiva chocolate popsicle either...not sure I'd like it. As a kid I never cared for chocolate Popsicles (I liked the lime ones and I gagged at the thought of a banana popsicle -- couldn't stand the smell then...wonder what would have happened had someone given me one when I was having chemo!!? The way things went with my chemo, I'd have probably loved it!!). I do have a thing about Fudgesicles though...especially at this time of year...AND I have the hips to prove it!!

I'm so glad you enjoyed the LGFB session. You'll enjoy yours too Rina...the products are fabulous and we're really blessed to have so many companies that donate these products. That's wild that a rep from Toronto came to do your workshop Sonja!

I wasn't really impressed with how the one I went to was run. The woman doing it seemed tentative and unsure and she kept referring to me for things (!) -- I was the only one at the workshop who had lost her hair and I was talkative and open which helped. What I did really love about the workshop was the bonding -- the being with other women and sharing in this right at the start of the journey. Laughing, sharing beauty tips, watching ourselves transform. And you could see so many women relaxing -- as if they'd been holding their breath since they'd received the news.

I loved your story Sonja about the woman who had extreme make-up and the transformation from the volunteer's application -- how that brought the woman to tears. Made me well up. That's what I've found this whole bc journey to be about -- the reaching out, the kindness, the people we're meeting that we would never have had the opportunity to meet. And for that woman with the tears? It's probably way more than just knowing how to do her eyebrows now -- it was probably the realization of what it took -- breast cancer -- to get her to the point in her life where a stranger reached out a friendly hand and gave her that gift. It's a small gift, but with bc, every small gift is the gift of a lifetime. I'm glad you went home from that with a happy heart.

[Sonja]

Yes Sherry, I was moved by that woman. It was the second time I shed a tear since I found out about my bc. The first time was when I was diagnosed. Our spokeswoman was great but the one that did my makeup - Ouch! She was 'getting her wings' that day and let me tell you after she finished with me I think she flunked! I looked terrible (I thought so) but didn't have the heart to tell her! It didn't end there - I was having lunch at the café in the hospital with a friend of mine that works there!? So I ran to the bathroom and wiped some (most) of the makeup off and......guess what? the woman was having lunch with the others at the same café!!! Embarrassing or what!

You wouldn't believe what I'm doing - I actually have a dictionnary beside me because I can't remember how some of the simplest words are spellt?! I mean just the word 'spellt' is it one L or LL. lol. I think the chemo is killing some of my brain cells!! Oh well, have to joke about some things!

An update on my insomnia - last night was the first night I slept from 10:00 p.m. right thru to 7:00 a.m. WOW! I can't nap in the afternoon. I lay there and 'try' to think of 'nothing' but forget it, I can't, so I just lay there for 1/2 hour, then I get fed up and get up. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this 'sleeping thru the night' wasn't a one time affair!

[SherryS]

If you've only cried twice since you were dx'd Sonja, you are either very in control or very philosophical!! I know I cried off and on, even while having chemo & rads. I'd have so many really good days, and then a bad day of overwhelming feelings and the tears would just flow. Next day I'd be back to my philosophical self and even stronger than I was before the tears.

I've had a chuckle over your make-up experience with the LGFB volunteer who did your make-up. I was just at my girlfriend's to see her daughter in her prom dress (my son had his prom last week but it's not very exciting to see a guy in a suit & tie, though it's the first time I've ever seen him dressed that way -- with the exception of when he was 1 and he had a little suit & bow tie to wear for Christmas!) and she did her own make-up while some of her friends had their's done at the salon. We were talking about bad make-up applications we've had done at beauty counters in The Bay or Sears and how we'd come home and wipe it off since it didn't suit us. There's no worse feeling that someone doing your make-up and it's either way too much or wrong colours for you. You cracked me up though -- she was getting her wings that day and she flunked!! :) And to meet the woman in the same cafe after you'd wiped most of it off...at least you can laugh about it. That's the most important thing for me since I started the bc journey -- I need to make sure I laugh at least once a day.

Welcome to chemo brain!! Keep that dictionary handy...simple words, difficult words...they all disappear at some point. I'd be in the middle of a conversation, completely forget what I was talking about and just stop. People who knew about the bc would know what was happening and help me along. I just got to the point where I'd smile and say "chemo brain" or "cb" and they'd know. It's not just the chemo drugs...it's the stress of everything, keeping to the schedule, what you're putting your body through, how you are adjusting and coping with the cancer journey...the brain can only handle so much. But it does go when you stop treatment...I can remember being so happy when I got my words back!

The sleep disruption is normal too. It comes and goes and I think you're doing the right thing...when the body is tired, sleep. No matter if it's afternoon, evening...if you can't nap in the afternoon then you'll probably be up and down in the night and as long as you aren't stressing about it, it will find a balance and you'll find you have more nights where you sleep through. I finished chemo & rads at beginning of April and I'm still having good nights/bad nights. It all takes time. Best thing is to listen to your body, do what it wants and be good to yourself. It has so much work to do to heal and it uses that sleep/down time to repair. Sounds to me like you're handling all of this quite well!

[rinaina]

Can we talk about eyebrows!!!! I am not good at applying them now much less if I lose them but at this point I have bigger fish to fry so to speak. Like a very sore tongue all of a sudden. It feels as if I burned it but I didn't. I also have what feels like a swollen lump in my throat, kind of like a sore throat but not. No fever and don't feel sick. Another problem, not to bitch and moan....what do we do if we get a bad headache or migraine? I was told only take tylenol for anything....tylenol is not going to do anything for a migraine or a really bad headache.
I look forward to the LGFB program...you have all made it sound so wonderful. Can't wait to be in a room with all other b.c. My friends and family have been great but as you all probably understand, no one can truly know what we are going through unless they have it. Most of the time when someone asks me how I am doing I just answer "I am doing well so far." The truth is, I really am but don't want to complain about the little things because everyone has their own problems to deal with. Sometimes though, and I know this isn't right, I get upset with what people complain about. I do not wish this on anyone, but come on, our lives at are stake here, we have cancer. Can't think of a bigger problem other than world peace. Sorry to sound so synical. Guess I needed to vent. Did any of you bring a friend or relative with you to the LGFB program?
Sleeping better the last few nights with the help of one Ativan so you may want to try that Sonja. I still would like to try a Godiva chocolate popsicle someday. I too llike fudgicles...not much in the way of frozen desserts I don't like and I have the stomach to show for it!!!!!! I pray I don't gain any weight due to b.c. and chemo. Anyone ever do NutriSystems? Can we diet sensibly on chemo if we don't overdue and get the right amount of calories and nutrition?

[SherryS]

Rinaina, you will LOVE the LGFB program, and yes you are allowed to bring a friend. That's one of the nice things about it -- you don't have to go on your own. What I found, even though I brought my best friend, it was those of us with bc that were talking and laughing. I think bringing the friend (or relative) is the way to get you in the door. And I know my friend enjoyed it because she was able to participate and join in with a group of women going through this -- she could see how it affects us as a group and not just how it was affecting me. They will teach you how to pencil in eyebrows if and when your's fall out. This is so strange to be talking about this today...I just had my Christmas film developed (I'm one of those dinosaurs who is still using a 35mm camera!) and what an impact those photos had on me. My 18 year old just looked at them and shrieked...there I was on Christmas morning -- bald, no eyebrows, no eyelashes and here I am today with about an inch of hair, I coloured it last weekend (got fed up with the pencil led no-colour), my brows & lashes are back and I look like me -- what a comparison from Christmas to now -- I can see such a transformation. You'll cope with the brows, but as you said, you have bigger fish to fry.

I had the sore throat (not the tongue) and it would come and go as I would move days away from the treatment. It was a sore throat that wasn't a sore throat. Just make sure you keep it clean and gargle, rinse whatever so no bacteria gathers and lots of liquids was the only thing that helped me. I don't suffer migraines but I did use tylenol for headaches and my hospital would let me use Advil as well. That's worth an ask -- they may just let you use a heavier dose of something other than the usual (my 14 year old gets migraine and he takes 600 mg. of Advil as soon as he feels one coming on). And back to fluids -- they help w/headaches too.

I gained weight w/chemo (about 10 lbs.) and I'm still trying to get rid of it. Most of that was from the decadron and trying to find food that I could actually enjoy -- usually something that wasn't low-cal! I don't know about dieting -- I never even thought about it -- I just tried to eat properly and when I couldn't and a donut or ice cream called my name, I just went with it. I figured I deserved that for everything else I was going through. I'm exercising now and still eating sensibly while doing herceptin, but I'm keeping an eye on what I'm putting in my mouth.

Venting is good Rinaina. And I hear you when you get upset with what some people complain about. Compared to cancer it's usually "nothing" but to them it's a big something. It's not being cynical -- it's being realistic. We have the advantage of now knowing what things matter and what things have value and a better appreciation for what we do have vs. what we don't have.

It's a long hard journey, and just when we think we can't take another step, we do, and then another. And there's a good place when you finish treatment and you start to see life beyond cancer. Made every one of those steps worthwhile for me. Keep coming here to vent and laugh and that will help!

[Sonja]

Okay - I'm glad I'm not losing it with the 'chemo brain'! And I'm glad that it does come back! I work 95% in french and it's my second language. Can you imagine if I didn't come back. The 'chemo brain' is much worse when I speak or write french! And I hear ya with the being 'in the middle of a conversation and completely forget what I was talking about' - it's happened to me and again just this morning. I met a friend at the grocery store and we were chatting - I was talking and all in the same breath I'm rambling on and then telling her 'I can't remember what we were talking about!' She burst out laughing - I told her it must be the chemo. Then we both laughed about it!

Yes Sherry, I am in control and intend to stay this way! I have been through trying, devastating times in the past and I guess that is what makes me strong! You never really know how strong of a person you are until 'poop hits the fan'! I keep myself busy doing the things that I never had time to do because of work! I'm really enjoying this time off! I don't know if my sweetie can say the same - he just retired last year and didn't expect us to be together 24/7! So far, so good! No, jokes aside, we're doing great, we're like peanut butter and jam, Mutt and Jeff, Humpty and Dumpty! I nicknamed us this because we both shaved our heads at the same time and when we both looked in the mirror together that's the first thing that came to mind - Humpty and Dumpty! It was quite funny!

Rina - don't freak me out yet with the eyebrows! lol. As I said the woman I had wasn't very good appying the makeup - I still have my eyebrows and she wanted to experiment. By the time she was finished, I had the other women's 'thick eyebrows'! I haven't a clue how to 'make' my eyebrows when they're gone, but I'll worry about it then - LGFB gave us a step by step manual on all these 'procedures'! Ha!Ha! I didn't bring anyone with me to the LGFB. I decided to go on my own.

I wouldn't go on any diets right now with the treatments. I am eating properly (better than before) making sure I eat all my veggies, fruits, etc. but when I do have a craving for a bowl of 'Lay's regular CHIPS' I GO FOR IT!!

[rinaina]

Sherry, you are terrific. I loved reading your reply and take great comfort knowing how far you have come. I know in time I will get there too and honestly, I really can't complain much because so far I've been able to handle what's been given to me. My memory isn't too bad right now but I have only had one treatment so far. Although, I can't remember everything you wrote as I respond to you now!!!!!! Wish I could go back and forth....refer to your letter as I write a reply.
Sonja, didn't mean to freak you out about the eybrow thing. That is just my hang up. I don't have much now in the way of eyebrows, for some reason, I lost most of them from the mid point out to the end quite a while ago and I never mastered filling them in good. My good friend tried to give me a lesson yesterday. She is a master at it. She did one of mine and I tried to copy on the other. It came out okay but hers was definitely better. I hate the time it takes to do it too. I have better things to do with my time. I think my problem is that I am too much of a perfectionist so I will have to work on that and just deal the best I can with it.
Thank you Sherry and Sonja for all your appreciated support. You have no idea how much you have helped me up to now. I thank G-d daily for my new friends on this forum. Just don't know what I would have done with out you all.

[Sonja]

I, too am glad to have found all of you. It is a relief to write to people you can relate with.

Just thought I'd fill you in.... As of Saturday night I started losing hair and not on my head! Let's just say I won't have to do my bikini line this summer! The brows are still intact!

The thick, pasty tongue feeling is gone and my tastebuds seem to be back to normal! I still have the 'nasal drip' and insomnia! Once in awhile I get this tingling feeling on the root of my eyelashes, lasts for acouple of hours and goes away. I also have what look like 'zits' (more like little lumps) on my face and head only! Haven't had acne in over 35 years!

I keep thinking they didn't give me enough drugs because I feel okay? Oh well, I guess only time will tell as the treatments go on. Do the side effects get worse or will I be feeling worse?

[SherryS]

I'm so glad that you are both taking comfort from the board, going through this together and hearing from others that are ahead of you on the path. It's so nice to be able to "shout back" with encouragement. I used to do that with my little sister -- she could never keep up and I'd just keep turning around and encouraging her to keep those chubby little legs pumping! :)

Rinaina, if you're a perfectionist (hello, I have been there, done that...probably one of the best gifts I got from cancer -- I realized I'm perfect just as I am!! Seriously!), I can absolutely hear you on the eyebrow thing. They do make little stencils that you can use for a quick fill. Any pharmacy, Wal*Mart, Sephora -- anyplace that carries cosmetics should be able to point you in the direction for those. And there is just going without -- I admit, I didn't think I looked "right" without mine so I always made sure I swiped something across there. If one of my kids surprised me in the bathroom while I was doing make-up, or the phone rang, there were times I looked like I was so surprised -- a great big swipe up with the pencil and my how that changes the expression on your face!! I did have fun with all of this, even though there were days when I'd cry tears of frustration, there was always laughter. When I was bald, I told my best friend she'd have to paint my head for the holidays -- some holly for Christmas, pumpkins for Halloween...we never did it but we sure talked about it enough!!

So Sonja's doing the brazilian bikini!! :) Is that not a shock when that falls out?!? I remember looking in the mirror one day and thinking -- no hair on my head, arms, legs, and now this?!? I said to one of my best friends that I could very easily be some kinky guy's ideal!! Who knew I'd ever achieve THAT status. And then I got used to it -- I had to have an angiogram for some heart problems they thought I had and the nurse told me pre-test that I'd have to shave about 6" on either side of my groin. I told her I was having chemo and before I could finish she laughed and said "oh well, that's that done then, isn't it!" And it did come back.

Hmmm..acne, nasal drip, insomnia, lack of hair...and you feel okay....so you wonder if they didn't give you enough drugs?? Read those first 4 side effects again honey -- they are giving you plenty and it is doing what it's meant to do -- kill cells.

Every body is different. You might start to feel worse, but I doubt it. If you haven't by now. What you might notice is that the fatigue gets deeper and longer as the chemicals build up in the system and you have less energy. And that's the way it's supposed to be.

Just remember my friends to be good to yourselves, treat yourselves well and that this is just one bend in the journey you are on. Sorry if I rambled on...I see the two of you where I was only months ago and it was just an hour ago I said to my best friend, I'm having such a good day, enjoying the simple pleasures, I've reached a point of centredness in my life and is this a glimpse, the start of the "good things" we've been talking about being on the other side of cancer treatment? I think it is. Keep up the fight!!

[Sonja]

Sherry you are a sweetheart! I can feel your happiness in your writing! Though I don't know what you look like I have this image of you with a big smile on your face while your typing - just like me now! I just seem to feel that way all the time. Happy! I hope it never ends! Must be the good drugs! I know there will probably be days that I won't feel so happy but I'll handle that when it hits me!

You know, I was so stressed out while I was working that this time off is almost like therapy for me! A friend of mine who has just finished all her treatments for breast cancer told me to take this time off (I'll be off for year) as a Gift! For all those years I have worked, worried, and been stressed out, now I can just think of myself and my family! (I'm an Insurance Broker-oh no-what do people call us? ah yes, a Bunch of THIEVES!!.....take your money and then you don't pay out!) LOL!!! When I go back to work, I'd like to have that 'who gives a poop attitude'! Okay, that's it for my venting!!!

I'm now doing thngs I like to do but never had the time to do it - like shopping, I think I've become a SHOPAHOLIC!! I just have/love to shop!!! I practically have to hide my shopping bags when I come into the house! I get that 'don't you have enough stuff' look !!! Ah, what the heck, it's fun!

Sherry, you and Rina never ramble on - I love reading your posts, this forum has become a part of me in so little time!http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

[SherryS]

Thank you for your lovely comments Sonja. I am a happy person and I try to always have a smile on my face. I've learned (the hard way!) that if you smile through the bad things, they seem just a little bit more "bearable". Every time I go through a crisis or adversity, I feel myself become more centred, more at peace with myself and while I've always been optimistic and upbeat, through cancer I have come to not only like myself, I love myself and that happiness is probably just the window to my soul shining through. I can feel your happiness as well -- you come across as very positive but very realistic as well. It will carry you far with this. There are "bad" days, down days, days of frustration but for me, they were always like going to the bottom of the well to come back up refreshed and more energized to keep going. And the good days, far outnumber the bad.

Your friend gave you good advice in taking time off from work...any work is stressful while you are going through treatment -- it can be a godsend in keeping your mind busy, but if you have the opportunity to give yourself that gift, it's wonderful. Trading in insurance brokering for shopping is a trade "up" I think!! Nothing wrong with insurance brokers...2 of my oldest friends (husband & wife) are brokers. Enjoy the time to do the things you want to do, the things you haven't taken the time to do. There is no time like the present -- seize the moment and make it yours!

[rinaina]

Okay, so now that I am up to date on both of your posts, I can't remember all that was said to reply other than....you are both such an inspiration to me. Sherry and Sonja, you both keep me laughing hysterically and you both keep me prepared for what's to come and so far like the two of you, I have been able to handle what's been given to me...just annoyances. Sonja, I too have acne now on my chin and a huge headlight on my forehead but not too terrible. Look forward to that "Brazillian Look" Was never brave enough to even get waxed down there, although I never had a huge amount there anyway so losing what is there won't be difficult to handle! Can you believe the things we talk about? Gotta laugh. So far I too am very positive and upbeat and believe that if you keep telling yourself you will be okay and that you are positive your body and mind come to believe it...you are what you think and believe and I chose to live each day to the fullest I can. You want to talk shopping, I am now the queen of shopping and not just in stores but there is a world of online and network shopping I have discovered! Of course it is only things I really need...yeah right...my hubby doesn't quite buy that either but he has been so good about it. Heck, look at all the money I will be saving him at the hair salon...color every four weeks, haircuts every 5-6 weeks not to mention blowdrys weekly...yes girls, I like my mother and grandmother use to, I go every week now for blowdrys ever since my 4 level cervical fusion surgery made it next to impossible to blow dry my own hair decently. Their is an art to shopping I have learned and I have become quite the savvy shopper using coupons on sale merchandise and saving a bundle. Not sure my husband sees it as saving though, Lol!!!! Well girls, let's keep laughing and sharing and celebrating life.

[SherryS]

All right ladies, ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching...and Rina, if you can't get to the stores, on-line and shopping channel are the way to go! There is a feeling is there not of "why not have this...". When I was first dx'd, I decided I would re-paint and decorate my bedroom into something "spa like" so that when I came home from surgery I would have this little sanctuary. The walls were to be robin's egg blue, with one cool "stone" coloured wall...something soothing (I was even painting that room the day I went to the hospital for surgery...I wasn't scheduled until 2:00 and to arrive for noon, so I painted right up until about 11:30!! Finished it all too!). I remember going shopping for something just before I painted, my son was with me and I saw this lovely duvet set in a shade of mushroom that would go so well in the room. I picked it up and then put it down, saying to him that we really couldn't afford it right now (and I'll be honest, thinking -- why? I might not even come home from the hospital..) but oh it was so nice. And there he was at 13 saying "get it mom, you want it, it's perfect for what you are doing and you should have it." Part of that was him wanting me to feel good at a time when everything seemed so bad, and wanting things to be "normal". Part of my decision to actually purchase it (it was Martha Stewart no less!! I'm not a Martha Stewart fan, but the set was really perfect for what I was trying to create), was the thinking -- why not enjoy it "now". I spent so much time not buying things, "waiting" until the time was right. Well what if now was the "Only" time. So I bought it and every night I get into bed, I still think of that -- like a constant reminder of I'm going to make it, I'm going to enjoy this duvet, and to "live in the moment". Something else I used to do in times of crisis - shop and shop and then return it; and then shop for something else and return it -- I became the Queen of the Returns!!! Funny, for some reason, I didn't do that with the bc. So enjoy yourselves ladies and don't be too worried about what your husbands are thinking about these purchases. It is good medicine!

Rina, you make me laugh -- too afraid to try the brazilian -- and now look, you got one anyway!! :) And yes, can you believe the things we talk about? This is the best opportunity to be honest, upfront and true. And laughing every day is fabulous medicine. It releases all those good, healing endorphins. And you're saving all that money from the hair salon, so that's money you can spend on other things (see above!!!).

You have a tremendous approach to this -- mind/body. Having a positive attitude, deciding that you are in charge, you are in control, you are going to do whatever it takes, really does give you a fighthing chance. The nurse that spoke to me to explain chemo and treatments to me, told me at that first meeting that from all the experience she's had over the years, it's the ones who have a positive, upbeat, go get 'em attitude that have the best chance of beating this. I had that attitude/spirit then and I've still got it -- and lots to share.

The treatment part you are going through is a huge challenge but you know it's doable and that's so important.

[rinaina]

Glad I'm not the only professional shopper here. Sherry, your bedroom sounds wonderful and good for you, what a great idea to redo it when you needed a tranquil place to come home to. How many times do we pass on something and then kick ourselves later when it is no longer available? I know I have kicked myself many a times. So now if something is really calling out my name then I won't second guess anymore, I will buy it but don't worry, I won't be a squandorer. Even I have limits!!!!! Having cancer gives us an advantage...a new perspective on life and many things. Those little things just don't matter anymore. I always have been a happy person, now I am just a little happier. Sounds crazy because how can you be happy with cancer? I'm not happy I have cancer but I am happy that there is herceptin and I am happy I met such wonderful people and I am so fortunate that I got this now and not even 6 years ago. I am happy to be strong enough to be in this fight that I know I will win and I am happy to be in such good company but I wish there weren't so many of us. On the today show today, they did a bit on her2...it has really been in the news alot lately. Last week there was a scroll on CNN about her2 and herceptin. Glad it is getting the attention it needs to and the study it needs to. I am happy for this and for the cure to come that will spare so many.

[Sonja]

Well Ladies, I'm back - long story short, Eros (my sweatheart) went to New York to celebrate his aunt's 80th and I had to stay at my mother's!!! YIKES!! No choice I wasn't allowed to sleep by myself in my house just in case I passed out or felt sick! In the last four days, all I can remember her saying is - Are you okay? Are you eating enough? Do you feel okay? Maybe you should lie down and rest? !!!!!!!!! Finally I had to tell her (nicely) that I wasn't dying I just have breast cancer and I'm the same person I was before (in a manner of speaking).

Ahh, enough of that, I got home yesterday and it was the first time that I felt sooooo tired! I mean really, really tired! I was having supper and could have just laid my head down in the plate. Eros asked me if I was on drugs because he'd never seen me like that! He also said that I must be tired because I'm not on the computer all day!

Rina, you talk about the headlight on your forehead, I have a crater on the side of my mouth!! My bottom lip is swollen (infected). The swelling has gone down abit but it hurts so much. I've put ice on it, my mom said to try camomille tea (that worked abit) and then I got desperate and used SOUR CREAM! I know it sounds NUTS but it worked - it drew the yucky stuff out!! Gross but it worked! So last night I sat around with sourcream on my face!! LOL

Sherry, I too painted the house (most of it). I have been asking, bugging, pleading for the last two years to paint this house! I always got the same answer, it looks fine! It must have been hindsight because in January before I found the lump, we started to painted and put up crown moldings and redid the doors (and I only wanted paint)! We have the kitchen and bathroom left to do. And now that I spend most of my days here, I enjoy it and it makes me feel good. The colors are tranquil, relaxing. If I had to look at those old walls today, I couldn't bear it!

And the shopping, well I figure I'm making up for all the times I'd look and leave. Now I look and buy!! My God, I'm even buying accessories for the clothes! (shoes, earrings, necklaces, rings, watches, bracelets, you name it) If summer ever arrives here, I'll be able to wear the stuff! It's freezing today 14 degrees C. (60 F.) and rain for the next 4 days!!!http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon13.gif

[rinaina]

I hear you Sonja when you talk of fatigue. I had my worst day yesterday. I felt like everything had been sucked out of me and felt headachy most of this week. I ended up cutting my day short and coming home and stayed in bed and slept most of the day and night. Today i woke up with a fever...100.3 and called the onc nurse. She said she would expect me to feel my worst about now because I am 2 weeks after 1st chemo and white count should be at it's lowest so maybe that is why you felt the way you did too. I think I remember you are just a little ahead of me schedule wise. Anyway, I took a couple tylenol and feel a bit better now. If I comb my hair, it is combing out in huge amounts now so I retired my comb and next week will have my final fittings on my wigs. They said they have to final fit them when I am totally bald which I should be by next week and if I am not then off it comes by choice. I find watching my hair come out traumatic so I can now see why some just shave it from the get go. It feels like such a violation to your body. Oh well, I'm over it. I have theatre tickets though for Saturday evening and I really hope I don't go bald before then. Oh well, this all just proves the medicine is working so as long as it kills this cancer, then I am happy. Welcome back and enjoy your newly painted home. I have no powder room sink because they pulled it out to put in new counters but the new counter I picked out got discontinued so I haven't gone to pick out new granite yet. All in good time, something else took priority like b.c.

[Sonja]

Well Ladies, the hair on my head is coming out as of today!! I shaved it (to about 1/8 inch) it's just thinning out slowly so you can't really tell I'm losing it. If I had kept my mop, I'm sure there would've been loads of hair on the shower floor. But I didn't even notice it in the shower, I noticed it in the bathroom sink when I was putting on my face! At first I thought it was Eros' beard trimmings, but then I rubbed my head and there they were staring at me!! Wasn't much of a shock! I kinda liked the shaved look, I hope I'll enjoy the bald look!

[rinaina]

I started to lose my hair earlier then expected. I was told about the 18th day after first treatment but mine started coming out(in handfuls right away) by the 12th day. I haven't cut it yet because I am seeing my wig guys Monday night so they will cut it for me. They like to keep taking it shorter and shorter, but I am ready to get rid of it I think. It is too traumatic watching my beautiful long hair(not long anymore, lost all the longer layers already), disappear before my very eyes. If I comb it, huge amounts come out so I only comb it with a wide tooth comb once in the morning so I don't look totally goofy. I was told not to wash it now until I get it cut or most of it would come out in the shower. One thing with menapause, I don't seem to get oily hair anymore so it doesn't look dirty, just dry. Even though I knew like everyone else here that this was coming, this has been the hardest part. My hair to me was one of my more positive features. I also wasn't feeling well,(see above post) so that probably added to my emotional state. I am still running a low grade fever but not sick. The nurse said that at the 2 wk mark after treatment, this is when my white count is at it's lowest but it should pop back up by the next treatment. Hopefully that will be the case because by mid day I feel like the life of me has been sucked out. Start out pretty good in the morning, go work out about 3-4 times a week and then feel okay so I do a few errands, or I try to do a few errands and have had to stop midway through due to exhaustion...a type of exhaustion I have never felt before. I feel pretty good when I wake up and this morning I feel better so maybe finally today I will be able to maintain energy throughout the day. I am taking it easy today because we have theatre tickets tonight and I have been looking forward to seeing Valerie Harper's portrayal of Golda Meir. Hang in their Sonya and wear that short buzz cut proudly. Can't wait to join you.

[Sonja]

Rina, Hope you're feeling better - I'd get rid of the hair too, forget about cutting it shorter, shave it off, it really doesn't hurt! I know you'll feel much better! It's not as bad as it sounds!http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon14.gif

I haven't had any fever yet but I was extremely tired for that one day!? Go figure! Last night I had friends over for supper, I set the table, got the canapés ready, prepared the meal, got dressed and not one bit tired! It seems too good to be true - I keep thinking that one day I'll wake up feeling like poop!

Enjoy the theatre tonight and have a great weekend!http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

[rinaina]

I hope you continue as is and never feel worse. Hopefully I am through with the worst of it. Feeling better today so far and plan on continuing throughout today. Taking it easy though so I can feel okay for theatre tonight. You are right about the hair, it is just way to traumatic for me to continue watching it fall out indefinitely so I am hoping to get it all taken off on Monday night when I go for my wig which is already been picked out and will be in then. Have a great weekend and stay well.

[Sonja]

Hi Rina,

How was the theatre, hope all went well and you enjoyed yourself! Fatigue is creeping up on me and I seem to be okay in the a.m. but once afternoon arrives, I'm wiped. Try to sleep but just can't.

Today the stubble on my head is falling out at a fast pace! I figure that my tomorrow I won't have much left! Ha!Ha! Tonight I'm clipping it again because I do have almost 3 weeks of stubble on my head!

The tips of my fingers feel like they have been soaking in PALMOLIVE with MADGE! They feel "prunnie"!!http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon12.gif

[rinaina]

Well, I made it to the theatre, but as only you could understand, I had trouble keeping my eyes open. I tried so hard to try and stay awake but I struggled. Next time it will be a matinee if available! Ha ha! Like you Sonja, I start out stronger in the a.m. and gradually fatigue as the day progresses. But I will take this over how I felt most days last week. At least I make it out almost everyday so I am thankful for that. Today I went to a Jewish festival about noon and pooped out by 4 but at least I got to go. It is now almost 7:45p.m. here and I am just about to turn in for the night. Sonja, do you know why you have the Madge/Palmolive thing going on with your fingertips? Never heard of that before. Hope you are feeling alright otherwise. We must constantly remind ourselves to listen to our body when it tells us to rest. I hear you about your stubbles coming out. Every morning, which is the only time I comb my hair, huge amounts come out...never knew I had that much hair. My hair is fine but apparently I had a lot of it because I swear so far, it's like two heads of hair have come out already. Can't wait for tomorrow night's appointment with my wig/hair stylist. I want him to have my wig ready and then off with the rest.

[Sonja]

Well, I had my 2nd treatment and so far so good! My onc was late with her appts. so I almost missed my treatment. I had my appt. with her while I was receiving treatment. I was scheduled for 2:10 p.m. and got in the treatment center at 4:00 p.m. (they close at 5:00 p.m.) but one of the nurses said she would stay as the treatment usually lasts 1 1\2 hrs!

When I got home I was starved! It was so nice out, I decided to have a BBQ! Far cry from the 1st treatment where I ate soup and crackers!

This morning so far so good - I've been up since 6:00 a.m.(!), I was looking thru my journal so see how I was each day with the 1st treatment so I can keep tabs for this time. What kills me is drinking all that water for the 1st 72 hours. At least 6 - 12 oz an hour to flush out the meds.

I had a long list of questions for my onc and forgot to ask her about my palmolive finger tips!!! Next time!

Rina, how's the new hairdo! Did they end up clipping your hair? The onc told me for sure my 'shaved head' will be bald end of the week. She says after 2nd treatment goes fast!

I hear you with the outings in the evenings. I can't seem to keep my eyes open!

[rinaina]

Well, after three hours they couldn't keep my vein open to start the chemo drugs for 2nd treatment so tomorrow I am scheduled for surgery to place a port at 1pm and then straight from the hospital I will go back to onc for chemo treatment that was suppose to be today. Just a slight set back but what are you going to do. I purposely made the pont to my onc the first visit that I had terrible veins but he was adamant in wanting to try without because "his onc nurses are experts" at find veins. Well they had a bit of trouble the first treatment but got lucky and now this treatment they couldn't successfully find a vein that would stay open enough to ensure no leakage of adriamycin which is potentially very dangerous if it leaks for many reasons. So I sat with a drip of everything except the chemo drugs for hours and they kept checking for a blood return but then when they were going to start the adriamycin they couldn't get a blood return so they took I.V. out and arranged for a port tomorrow. Disappointing but what can you do. It is what it is and as long as they get me well and get rid of my cancer, that is what counts in the long run. My wig is GREAT! It truly looks so similar to my real hair. Going back to my wig guys tonight so they can cut in a few more layers, they were cautious not to over cut cause you can't put back what you take away but you can always take away more. I am so happy my hair is gone, it was so traumatice watching it fall out everyday and seeing how it made me look. I look better bald! Never would have thought I would say that but it is true and it was a huge relief to not have to deal with the loss anymore. Hope you are doing well.....sure sounds like it. Thanks for keeping in touch, I enjoy keeping up with you and others so much. It is of great comfort and a terrific source of support.

[Jean]

Rinanina,
I am sorry that you had a set back but tomorrow you will be right back on track with your trt. I do find it interesting regarding not being able to get the blood to backwash so to speak. Today the nurse was not able to pull back blood for blood testing but the hercpetin and chemo went into viens as a matter of fact my vien was a bit sore when the IV was running for the last 30 min.
YOu mention that they ran a drip for hours did the drip not go in? Could you clear that up for me (now I am a bit worried) since they could not draw blood back out ...she said everything went through fine....She had to draw blood
from another injection...I didn't mind but now after reading what you posted
I am a bit worried - if the blood cannot be drawn back are you saying your cancer center says the injection of chemo is not going into the vein?
Otherwise all went well today - but it took many additional hours they had
many people today who had bad reactions and they had to remain for additional time and therefore there was a huge backup. I have to go into
tomorrow for my shot - when I go in I will ask about this and check it out.
Thanks for the informaiton. I feel fine but I am tired have been up way too long - it was a long day for me. My husband and son took me out to dinner and it all just seem to take too long. Got started at 4 AM and had a difficult time falling back to sleep and then just got up at 6:00 and did some chores and paper work for my business and before I knew it was time to leave.
Please touch base after tomorrow. Will say prayers and will be thinking of you.

Hugs,
jean

[Jean]

Sonja,
Congrads on your 2nd trt - how many will you be having? Had my 2nd today and now have 4 to go so I am 1/3 done......

I wish you a peaceful and easy weekend....

Best of Luck...

Jean

[rinaina]

I am confused too that you are having chemo and herceptin at the same time Jean?!? My doctor won't even give me radiation and herceptin at the same time once done with chemo. Okay I will try to clear up for you what happened today and then off to bed for I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow. They took my blood and all went fine. Then the doctor checked me and we discussed my past 3 weeks. Next, I went back to the treatment area and the onc nurse tried to start an IV and failed two times. They have a two time rule, if you fail twice then they have the next person try. So the one who took my blood came in and had a difficult time but got it with only sticking me once however, because my veins are sooooooo small and superficial, (right under the skin), they cant feel deeper ones because of how tiny they are, she didn't know if it would remain open enough the length of time needed. The regular nurse kept checking for a blood return which ensures the chemo has a clear path to the open vessel. It was okay until it was time for chemo drugs. She didn't get a strong enough blood return which meant it would be a risk to give the chemo because it could possible spill over and travel to tissue or heart and that is too dangerous and not acceptable. I hope this helps make it clearer. I don't think what you were worried about is the same thing. Feel good and I will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

[Sonja]

2nd try!
Can you believe it's 4:30 a.m. and I have been typing in the dark since 4:00 a.m. replying to your posts! I pressed the wrong button and flushed the whole thing! And with this chemo brain, I can't remember most of what I wrote! Oh well, it was quite long anyway!

Rina, Sorry for the set back but once you get that port installed, it will be smooth sailing for you!

When I went to my 2nd treatment, I told you there were running late. Well, the nurse I had for the 1st treatment had 10 mins to go before the end of her day. She told the nurse that was staying with me she would insert the needle. When I explained that the 1st time, she used a 'baby bag' (small IV used as a hot water bottle) to find the vein, the other one said forget it, I'll see if I can find one myself. So she said she found a vein on the side of my wrist vis-a-vis my thumb.... well, I couldn't see or feel a thing! When she stuck the needle in I thought she was going to come out the other end! If I wasn't sitting down, I would've passed out! Even though I have been going for bloodtests once a month for about two years now (my ulcerative colitis) I am not used to the 'NEEDLE'! She told me the skin was 'tough' there. http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon9.gif It seems so thin to my touch!

Anyhoo, the I.V. for the decadron, Epirubicin and 5-Fu all went well when she 'backwashed' the vein however when it was time for the last med, Cyclophosphamide forget it, no blood return. She then just gave me the drip for 5 mins and my vein seemed to be receiving it well. She said my wrist wasn't swollen where the needle was, another nurse walked by and confirmed the same thing and said she wouldn't worry about giving me the last med. They are nurses, professionals, but somehow when you hear that it's like you want to tell them, 'Ladies, my life is in your hands, you know'!! So I ended up getting the last med and all did end well. Today I have a bruised wrist and my arm is sore up to the elbow. I hope for the next treatment I have the first nurse, I had no bruising, no soreness and I just had more faith in her even though this one told me she has been an onc. nurse for 30 years (must've started young).

Rina, give us some news when you are up to it!http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif
Thinking of you!http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon14.gif

[Sonja]

Jean,

I have 6 rounds of chemo every 21 days. They're giving me the 'FEC' cocktail. This was my second round.

I am also confused by the herceptin and chemo at the same time Jean. I asked my onc when I was going to start the herceptin and she told me that they don't give the chemo with the herceptin, but maybe it depends what type of 'chemo cocktail, they are prescribing for you. She didn't say if I was going to have it right after chemo, with or after rads? That will be my next question next appt. I had bought a pad full of questions to my appt. and when she saw it, I looked at her shyly and said 'I've been on the net, I'm on a support group site for HER2'. She smiled and said 'fire away with the ???' It was quite funny because halfway thru she was just reading the ??'s off my pad and answering them! http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon10.gifI guess that's why the nurses say she is such a nice person, the onc., but always running late. It's because she takes the time with her patients and not once looks at her watch or makes you feel like she's in a rush! She actually came back and told me that the scan on my arm was fine, a benign lesion!!! I'm not sure if I told you but when I went for pre-op tests they found a mark on my right arm between the elbow and shoulder. Asked me if I had already broken my arm there. No. So after the operation I was scheduled for an ex-ray, still couldn't see it properly?!?! Funny I wasn't stressed at all. So she requested a scan and luckily she came back to tell me all a-ok because it completely slipped my mind!

Here I go again - writing a novel!

Until next time ladies, I anxiously await your replieshttp://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Mgarr]

Good Morning.

Herceptin is given with Taxol and if you ladies are in the first few chemos you must be on A/C, Herceptin is not given with that because of possible cardiac toxicity.

Best of luck things do get better.

Mary

[rinaina]

After chemo I will be getting rads and after rads Herceptin. My onc doesn't like to give even Herceptin with rads because he said the rads still do give off a minimal amount of scatter rads even though it is my right breast which is a tad further from heart then left breast. Following rads I will get either Herceptin of Tykerb but no Taxol because I was node negative stage 1 er/pr-. Today I have to be at the hospital at noon and then at 1pm I will be getting a port placed surgically. My second chemo became a no go due to bad veins which if they had listened to me at my first consult about my bad veins they could have saved us a lot of trouble. 1st treatment they blew a vein but then got it. Following the port placement then I will go back to onc office and get my treatment so I am in for another long long day. Just another bump in the road but as long as the chemo works and I get well then I am fine with it. Have a great weekend everyone.

[Jean]

Hi all,
My chemo is Docetaxel and Carboplartin called as TCH.
I had the TOPO 11 test out in L.A. with Dr. Slamon and it came back negative, therefore A/C for me would not be advisable as it would only increase my risk for heart toxicity exp when joined up later with herceptin. I can have the herceptin along with chemo trt since it does pose any threat.

So far so good with my viens and I do hope it continues that way. Thanks Riniaina for explaining in detail what occured during your attempts it explains much - my 2nd trt went in fine just had to take blood prior to meds from another site. My arm is fine not swollen or sore today.

I will say a special prayer for you that all goes smoothly and well and you are back home fast to enjoy the week-end. A group of us on the site are joining together to say a joint prayer at 11 AM EST time - we believe in the power of group prayer.. So therefor girl you are on! Hang on there.....we are behind you 100% ....

Love, Jean

[rinaina]

Thank you for explaining your chemo situation, now I understand fully. Thank you also for your support and prayers. All of you ladys are the greatest and I know all will go well today because of your prayers and good wishes. Thank you for being there for me. Together we make one mean fighting machine and I just don't know what I would do without all of you. After today I will be halfway through and that much further into beating this b.c.

[Sonja]

Rina,

Just checking in to see how it went with the port?http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon14.gif Did you have it installed yet?

I'm okay - got the pasty tongue goin' on in my mouth!http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon9.gif My fingers are swollen, feel pudgy and my nails are brittle and breaking - other than that - I feel greaaaaaat!http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

Have a nice day! Supposed to be a hot one here today!

[rinaina]

Hi Sonja, things went very well with my "Peonie" port as I call her. No problems to date. I am so glad they gave me one because now my treatments will be so much easier to infuse. Sorry about your tongue, fingers and nails. I thought nails aren't a problem with chemo or fingers too? What's up with that? The tongue I know all too well from unfortunately. Drink a lot and suck on sugar free lemon drops. Have to keep that saliva flowing. Not as hot here today but rain in forecast. Will have to remember umbrellas from now on so as to not get my wigs all wet! Haha!

[Sonja]

Rina,

I'm glad all went well for you! My arm still hurts where THAT nurse stuck in the needle! From the inside of my elbow right down to my thumb! I hope it gets better before my next treatment! I wonder if it's normal that it hurts or if she really screwed up my veins! I hope I don't have her next time!

I was on another site and one girl was telling me that she had the samething - pruny fingers with the FEC cocktail. On the same site I was also glad to see that other women had the chemo FEC cocktail treatment.

And now I'm going to have my morning coffee outside and then will start to do some weeding!!

Have a great day!http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon14.gif

[rinaina]

enjoy your morning coffee outside and have a great day. sorry you have to weed though. Peonie is doing fine, a little tender but that's okay, just happy to have her aboard, will make things a lot easier for future treatments.

[Sonja]

Hi Rina,

Just checking in to see how you are?

Myself, I have been going thru hell! After my 2nd treatment my arm was getting sore so after two trips to the hospital, I found out that I have phlebitis. My 3rd trip to the hospital (emergency) and 16 hours later, I found out that it was aggrevated and my whole arm is affected!

Today, I couldn't have my 3rd treatment, they have to install a port-a-cath next week. Is that what you have? If so, did it hurt. Oh I'm such a chicken! With this phlebitis I have to give my self injections every day for 6 weeks!

At least with the port-a-cath I can swim and shower so I guess it's a good thing!

Other than that things are ticky pooh!

We went sailing once because it is either raining or no wind!!

I find my days getting shorter and shorter! I wake up around 8H00 and by 11H00 I'm running out of gas! I have a few naps a day and I can't believe it is 22H00 and I'm still up!

Oh well, I'm off to bed!

[rinaina]

this past week was better than last. last week i had many problems due to the white count plummeting. I had the usual burning throat and tongue, fever, stomach issues but I also had an infection in my eye and the skin of my upper chest area. I was a mess. I was going from one specialist to another until finally we figured it all out. Had my third treatment on thrusday and onc decided enough of this and set me up for a Neulasta injection yesterday. The good news is, now that I got Neulasta, I don't have to wait 3 weeks for my last chemo, I can get it in 2 weeks followed by another Neulasta injection the next day....Yeah! How cool is that. Then it will be on to rads and hercepin which he said we will discuss the program next chemo visit.

How are you doing? I hope a lot better than I was. Please bring me up to date on you.

[Jean]

Rinaina,
I am happy but also sorry to hear you were going through all of those reactions.
Glad that they are giving you the Neulasta shots...my onc. gives them as a routine with the treatment. I do advise you to take some Alieve prior to going in and getting the shot (1 hr.) can help take some of the edge off the bone pain (if it even happens) but the first shot did give me a bad neck pain the following day. Had my third trt yesterday also. All is moving forward very well. A little discomfort the last 15 min. of the infusion (no port) but I was getting a lot with the TCH and herceptin and some pre meds....but not complaining. Just thrilled I am getting this far w/o much trouble. God is good....I am half/way through the TCH trt and have only 3 more to go. Family has been so wonderful to me that when this is over I owe my husband and son a nice vacation to unwind.

Please keep in touch and I hope this week will prove easier with the shot to
keep your White Cell count up - take it easy - Will continue to say prayers
for all of us.

Hugs,
Jean

[rinaina]

thank you for your prayers and support sonja. i do appreciate it so much. all in all i can't complain much because things are moving in the right direction and in two weeks i will be done with my chemo, A/C and on to rads and herceptin and the worst will be behind me. I am glad all is well by you and pray it continues and it will. keep in touch.