I will join the chemo gals

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lovelylola
lovelylola Member Posts: 279
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I've made my decision and I'm at peace with it. I will have the chemo. I am going to try the veins in my arm first before I have a port put in since it's only 4 sessions. I'm not going to let grass grow under my feet either. First session is next Friday. All the scripts have been ordered for before tx, during and after. Nausea meds and I did ask for an anxiety med as well. Since I was so stressed out today, I may need it for the day of!

I can't remember if I posted that I got a snorkel sail gift coupon for my birthday. It expired 12/31/09 but I called the company and they extended until June 30, 2010. It was that or start the chemo another week later and try to get in this week. Now I have a treat to look forward to when I'm done!!

Thank you to everyone who helped me through today. I'm going to go back through some of the threads on what to have ready when I go this week. I know I've read some good information in the last week but I think my mind wasn't ready to actually absorb it as I was still hoping that it might not be necessary.

Everyone have a great weekend - I plan to. Lola
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  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
    #2
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    Lola,
    You are totally living
    Lola,
    You are totally living up to your WE CAN DO IT avatar. It will probably be so much better to start next Friday. Less time to anticipate and worry. And how wonderful to have a treat all set for the end of treatment.
    My prayers will be with you during this time and beyond.
    Stef
  • pitt
    pitt Member Posts: 387
    #3
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    I know you are probably
    I know you are probably still in shock, so when it wears off and you want to talk, feel free to private message me. I was so scared before my first treatment, and my second, so I will answer any questions you have and help in any way you need.

    Let me end by saying, you can do this. Instead of thinking of chemo as the "wicked witch" try using some positive mental imagery instead. I was thinking of it as poison until someone helped me think of is as high-powered cleanser. Now when I go for treatment, I tell them "I am here for my cleaning!!!" It's the only way I can get through it. I'm known for some panic attacks...If I can do this and laugh, you will be able to as well.

    Spend this week getting your meds filled, organizing whatever you would need done the following week post-treatment, putting together a Chemo Bag (magazines, puzzles, DVD). The first treatment will take several hours. Ask your friends and family if they can help with dinners (2-3 times per week is a great help!)

    You will get through this!
    Love,
    Liz Pitt
  • always
    always Member Posts: 256
    #4
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    pitt said:

    I know you are probably
    I know you are probably still in shock, so when it wears off and you want to talk, feel free to private message me. I was so scared before my first treatment, and my second, so I will answer any questions you have and help in any way you need.

    Let me end by saying, you can do this. Instead of thinking of chemo as the "wicked witch" try using some positive mental imagery instead. I was thinking of it as poison until someone helped me think of is as high-powered cleanser. Now when I go for treatment, I tell them "I am here for my cleaning!!!" It's the only way I can get through it. I'm known for some panic attacks...If I can do this and laugh, you will be able to as well.

    Spend this week getting your meds filled, organizing whatever you would need done the following week post-treatment, putting together a Chemo Bag (magazines, puzzles, DVD). The first treatment will take several hours. Ask your friends and family if they can help with dinners (2-3 times per week is a great help!)

    You will get through this!
    Love,
    Liz Pitt

    What I have learned 3 days out
    Lola,

    I am only three days out of treatment one of four. So I am no expert. The advise you are going to go through is so awesome. I have learned a few I am not doing well at so thought I would give you a heads up. I think I am drinking enough water. But I need to drink more. Do eat a little every few hours it keeps the gut from getting nauseous and helps my heartburn a little. Heartburn is knocking me around so the thread today about heartburn was a prayer answered. Take all the chemo bag stuff everyone suggests...but I may sound weird I loved my chemo room and people. It was like a bunch of you were there. There was one poor woman who thought she was done with treatments and had to come for on more. She was in a bad way. Everyone worked to keep her up and involved in positive happy conversation. You will find angels in the chemo room. Best to you. I know you can do this.

    Becky
  • aztec45
    aztec45 Member Posts: 757
    #5
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    always said:

    What I have learned 3 days out
    Lola,

    I am only three days out of treatment one of four. So I am no expert. The advise you are going to go through is so awesome. I have learned a few I am not doing well at so thought I would give you a heads up. I think I am drinking enough water. But I need to drink more. Do eat a little every few hours it keeps the gut from getting nauseous and helps my heartburn a little. Heartburn is knocking me around so the thread today about heartburn was a prayer answered. Take all the chemo bag stuff everyone suggests...but I may sound weird I loved my chemo room and people. It was like a bunch of you were there. There was one poor woman who thought she was done with treatments and had to come for on more. She was in a bad way. Everyone worked to keep her up and involved in positive happy conversation. You will find angels in the chemo room. Best to you. I know you can do this.

    Becky

    Yor Are So Right
    Becky is right. You can do this and I too feel at peace, almost happy in my chemo treatment room. You know why? Because it is the one place where people understand me. They know what it is like to go through chemo. You can discuss your side effects with each other and get tips on how to deal with it without people getting grossed out. You don't have to explain yourself, your disposition, how you feel - everyone in the room knows and understands you. In some crazy way, the chemo room has become kind of like my sanctuary.

    Good Luck,

    Pat
  • Skeezie
    Skeezie Member Posts: 586 Member
    #6
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    Good for you...
    Don't hesitate to get some anti-anxiety medication. I have been taking Ativan since I found my lump in June. It really gets you thru those days and nites. It really helped the week before chemo started. I had my second chemo yesterday and they always hang a bag of Ativan with my chemo along with a 4 day acting anti-nausea. So far no nausea.

    That fist day I was so nervous and scared but it's really a relaxing day, the chemo room is wonderful with good people and staff.

    You sound like you're getting your ducks in a row and have a good attitude. For me it feels good to finally be at this phase of treatment. I don't take Ativan in the daytime anymore, just to sleep at nite.

    These boards are marvelous and right now there are several of us just within days apart of treament and it's great to compare notes.

    I'll be thinking of you and wishing you a good treatment. Keep us posted on your progress.

    Hugs, Judy :-)
  • cindycflynn
    cindycflynn Member Posts: 1,132 Member
    #7
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    Lola
    I don't have any words of wisdom about chemo since I haven't been there yet (I'm still where you were before you got your score - hoping to be able to skip this step), but I wanted to wish you the best as you go forward.

    I love your attitude, and I know from your posts that you definitely have the strength to get through this with flying colors. So glad you were able to get it scheduled so quickly to get it over with and also that you have already scheduled a really nice and well-deserved reward for when you're finished.

    Take care,
    Cindy
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    #8
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    pitt said:

    I know you are probably
    I know you are probably still in shock, so when it wears off and you want to talk, feel free to private message me. I was so scared before my first treatment, and my second, so I will answer any questions you have and help in any way you need.

    Let me end by saying, you can do this. Instead of thinking of chemo as the "wicked witch" try using some positive mental imagery instead. I was thinking of it as poison until someone helped me think of is as high-powered cleanser. Now when I go for treatment, I tell them "I am here for my cleaning!!!" It's the only way I can get through it. I'm known for some panic attacks...If I can do this and laugh, you will be able to as well.

    Spend this week getting your meds filled, organizing whatever you would need done the following week post-treatment, putting together a Chemo Bag (magazines, puzzles, DVD). The first treatment will take several hours. Ask your friends and family if they can help with dinners (2-3 times per week is a great help!)

    You will get through this!
    Love,
    Liz Pitt

    Hi Pitt, so happy to see you
    Hi Pitt, so happy to see you posting. I had my 2nd chemo this past Tuesday. The After effects were much harsher this time. I was in bed round the clock Thurs and Friday with nausea. I'm feeling tired, but much better today. I recall you saying you had a tough time on days 3 to 5 after your 2nd round. I took zofran but it just wasnt cutting the mustard, so I called the onc and they prescribed another pill, which will not even be available till today. Walgreens had to call around to find the med. Insurance would only approve 2 pills. I dont recall the name. What kind of sypmtoms did you have days 3 to 5?
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    #9
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    LOVELY.......
    I toughed it out also, no port...for 4 infusions....I have really "good" veins so no problem until the third infusion and even this wasn't bad....I was "stuck" 3 times for the third and fourth infusion, but I much preferred that to a port for 4 infusions as did my oncologist. I think if I had more than 4 the port would have been the way to go.

    If I can help in anyway, let me know.....be glad to
    Peace be with you
    hugs, Nancy
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    #10
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    Lola I finished my 2nd round
    Lola I finished my 2nd round of chemo this past Tuesday. It was harsher for a couple of days this time around but I feel better today. This is what I want to share. After my 1st chemo, I had after effects, but got thru it. I started questioning my body's capacity to handle this when my white blood count went down to 1.9 and I had just about zero energy. The count went down one week after my first treatment. On the upside, my counts climbed bAck up to 6.3 the 3rd week following my first chemo, so now I know my body can do this. My appetite returned, I had energy, and even took an interest in fixing up with makeup. Like I've said before this is no cake walk, but it is doable as mentioned by so many brave women on these discussion boards. Wishing you an uneventful next Friday. The fear of the unknown was far scarier than the actual first chemo.
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    #11
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    I hope your side effects are
    I hope your side effects are few and your chemo treatment runs smooth. They said I had good veins so I didn't get a port and had no problems. Good luck with treatment.
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #12
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    Marcia527 said:

    I hope your side effects are
    I hope your side effects are few and your chemo treatment runs smooth. They said I had good veins so I didn't get a port and had no problems. Good luck with treatment.

    I am sorry that you have to
    I am sorry that you have to take chemo Lola, but, you can do it. And, it is another part of your armor to fight bc! We will all be here to help you!

    Sue :)
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    #13
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    Ritzy said:

    I am sorry that you have to
    I am sorry that you have to take chemo Lola, but, you can do it. And, it is another part of your armor to fight bc! We will all be here to help you!

    Sue :)

    Lola
    If I got through it anyone can, I am a certified coward.............You do it, It's done, you live again..........Job Done!..............

    Hugs Jxxxxxxxxxxx
  • ppurdin
    ppurdin Member Posts: 1,181
    #14
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    Welcome.
    Just wanted to welcome you and wish you the best.I think the first treatment is harder on us mentaly.My daughter always goes with me.And like becky said I also enjoy the Chemo room.I like talking to the nurses and who ever needs someone to talk to.The time goes pretty fast for me that way.I will have my 3rd. of 4 treatments done after this Tues.Can,t wait to be done.You will be saying the same thing soon.Take care.Good luck.(Pat).
  • muse23
    muse23 Member Posts: 15
    #15
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    Chemo strength
    HI,
    I went through 4 months of it and took xanax to help with the anxiety. the doc didn't give me Emend the first session....He could have saved me a wretching experience. Hope you get Emend up front.
    i have just received my complete CD, nifty cover ...for people in chemo. I was there and this is my contribution since I've been on the path. Cleansing Waters: Pura Vida. It ought to be up on Amazon and iTunes and via my site eventually.

    Guided visualization or imagery during the chemo drip. 3 tracks of ambient instrumental music. I used music and various (many) meditation type recordings.
    If anyone is interested and needs this "cushion" or "blanket" I've got a few more to give out. Since it's a free resource at the moment you can contact me on my website. vickirichards dot net. Drop me a note and where to send one. To your oncology unit if you like....

    I've got a fledgling blog. Just a way to share the success after all chemo and surgeries are done.
    So far I've gotten mostly spam-like automated responses.

    I've enjoyed playing music in hospitals and at a cancer support center in Miami, FL. Have MD and PhD recommendations for this audio CD. There's a link to a radio interview where I "went public" about breast cancer, my life after plus much about the music...main part of my life.

    Drink lots of water, get the most comfortable PJs to hang in and let people know you will need a little help. good Luck! It's not an easy decision.
  • lovelylola
    lovelylola Member Posts: 279
    #16
    Options
    muse23 said:

    Chemo strength
    HI,
    I went through 4 months of it and took xanax to help with the anxiety. the doc didn't give me Emend the first session....He could have saved me a wretching experience. Hope you get Emend up front.
    i have just received my complete CD, nifty cover ...for people in chemo. I was there and this is my contribution since I've been on the path. Cleansing Waters: Pura Vida. It ought to be up on Amazon and iTunes and via my site eventually.

    Guided visualization or imagery during the chemo drip. 3 tracks of ambient instrumental music. I used music and various (many) meditation type recordings.
    If anyone is interested and needs this "cushion" or "blanket" I've got a few more to give out. Since it's a free resource at the moment you can contact me on my website. vickirichards dot net. Drop me a note and where to send one. To your oncology unit if you like....

    I've got a fledgling blog. Just a way to share the success after all chemo and surgeries are done.
    So far I've gotten mostly spam-like automated responses.

    I've enjoyed playing music in hospitals and at a cancer support center in Miami, FL. Have MD and PhD recommendations for this audio CD. There's a link to a radio interview where I "went public" about breast cancer, my life after plus much about the music...main part of my life.

    Drink lots of water, get the most comfortable PJs to hang in and let people know you will need a little help. good Luck! It's not an easy decision.

    I would love a CD
    to use at our chemo clinic. As a counselor I know the benefit of guided imagery. Just haven't felt the need for myself until now. I sent you an email also from your website. Thank you for your thoughts and this is for all of you the rest of the chemo gals as well. My daughter is going to help me get together my "chemo bag" and I'm going to try to relax through this one. Hugs to all. Lola
  • muse23
    muse23 Member Posts: 15
    #17
    Options
    lovelylola said:

    I would love a CD
    to use at our chemo clinic. As a counselor I know the benefit of guided imagery. Just haven't felt the need for myself until now. I sent you an email also from your website. Thank you for your thoughts and this is for all of you the rest of the chemo gals as well. My daughter is going to help me get together my "chemo bag" and I'm going to try to relax through this one. Hugs to all. Lola

    audio for chemo
    I haven't received an email yet. I'll report to the webmaster. You can contact me directly at
    vlnrichards@gmail.com
    Relax...yes...the only thing we can rely on is change...let the meds rinse away those cells we don't need and begin healing.
    My good friend used to give me a message the night before chemo sometimes. It seemed to help. As did xanax.
    As one person said it's not a walk in the park. Where I went there was a lake and very lovely. Noticing what was beautiful in nature before I went in was calming.
    Night Lola,
    Vicki
  • lovelylola
    lovelylola Member Posts: 279
    #18
    Options
    muse23 said:

    audio for chemo
    I haven't received an email yet. I'll report to the webmaster. You can contact me directly at
    vlnrichards@gmail.com
    Relax...yes...the only thing we can rely on is change...let the meds rinse away those cells we don't need and begin healing.
    My good friend used to give me a message the night before chemo sometimes. It seemed to help. As did xanax.
    As one person said it's not a walk in the park. Where I went there was a lake and very lovely. Noticing what was beautiful in nature before I went in was calming.
    Night Lola,
    Vicki

    Thanks for the insight
    My daughter is a massage therapist. It's funny that yours is the first post reply I read right after she went home this evening. She just asked me if I wanted a massage this week. I am getting one either Wed or Thurs night depending on her schedule at the spa. I will start taking the ativan this week as well to help calm me and get prepared. Good night to you and good wishes. Lola
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    #19
    Options
    muse23 said:

    Chemo strength
    HI,
    I went through 4 months of it and took xanax to help with the anxiety. the doc didn't give me Emend the first session....He could have saved me a wretching experience. Hope you get Emend up front.
    i have just received my complete CD, nifty cover ...for people in chemo. I was there and this is my contribution since I've been on the path. Cleansing Waters: Pura Vida. It ought to be up on Amazon and iTunes and via my site eventually.

    Guided visualization or imagery during the chemo drip. 3 tracks of ambient instrumental music. I used music and various (many) meditation type recordings.
    If anyone is interested and needs this "cushion" or "blanket" I've got a few more to give out. Since it's a free resource at the moment you can contact me on my website. vickirichards dot net. Drop me a note and where to send one. To your oncology unit if you like....

    I've got a fledgling blog. Just a way to share the success after all chemo and surgeries are done.
    So far I've gotten mostly spam-like automated responses.

    I've enjoyed playing music in hospitals and at a cancer support center in Miami, FL. Have MD and PhD recommendations for this audio CD. There's a link to a radio interview where I "went public" about breast cancer, my life after plus much about the music...main part of my life.

    Drink lots of water, get the most comfortable PJs to hang in and let people know you will need a little help. good Luck! It's not an easy decision.

    Hi Vicki
    If you have any
    Hi Vicki
    If you have any extras I would love to have a copy. I tried a bit of visualization this past treatment. I Viewed the chemo entering my body and ridding it of bad cells. I've just come off a very uncomfortable 3rd and 4th day post chemo. I stayed in bed for 48 hours and mostly slept. The nausea was much worse this 2nd round which I received Tuesday 10/27. Odd thing happened to me this past round of chemo. While in bed getting thru days 3 and 4, with my eyes closed I had a vision of "round cells with very ugly faces". It happened once. I want to believe I'm cancer free, and going thru the process to clean my body of anything negative that may be floating. That vision was surprising to me. I'd be happy to send postage if you have an extra CD. I live in Florida, the Orlando area. The email address didnt work and I couldnt get to your website.
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #20
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    natly15 said:

    Hi Vicki
    If you have any
    Hi Vicki
    If you have any extras I would love to have a copy. I tried a bit of visualization this past treatment. I Viewed the chemo entering my body and ridding it of bad cells. I've just come off a very uncomfortable 3rd and 4th day post chemo. I stayed in bed for 48 hours and mostly slept. The nausea was much worse this 2nd round which I received Tuesday 10/27. Odd thing happened to me this past round of chemo. While in bed getting thru days 3 and 4, with my eyes closed I had a vision of "round cells with very ugly faces". It happened once. I want to believe I'm cancer free, and going thru the process to clean my body of anything negative that may be floating. That vision was surprising to me. I'd be happy to send postage if you have an extra CD. I live in Florida, the Orlando area. The email address didnt work and I couldnt get to your website.

    Just wishing you good luck
    Just wishing you good luck with chemo Lola. Look at all of the chemo chicks on here that will help you with it! And, us non chemo chicks will too! We are here for you!

    KYLEZ ♥
  • pitt
    pitt Member Posts: 387
    #21
    Options
    lovelylola said:

    Thanks for the insight
    My daughter is a massage therapist. It's funny that yours is the first post reply I read right after she went home this evening. She just asked me if I wanted a massage this week. I am getting one either Wed or Thurs night depending on her schedule at the spa. I will start taking the ativan this week as well to help calm me and get prepared. Good night to you and good wishes. Lola

    Massages
    Lola, did you have any lymph nodes removed? If yes, please make sure that your daughter is qualified to give you a massage post-lymph node removal. You will have to be very careful on the side(s) where the nodes were removed. I was told by my oncologist to only go to a person with certification in node removal for the rest of my life.

    As for positive imagery, you aren't going for chemo...you are going for your cleansing!

    The first session takes several hours. Mine was 7 from the time I sat down to the time I got home to bed. You will be very tired and woozy that first day because of the pre-chemo drugs they give you...some will take the edge off.

    The second day you will feel fine. But you will feel the Neulasta shot by day 3 or 4. For some people it is no big deal. For others (me) it is like having the flu or being hit by a truck. Ibuprofen (3-4 caplets) per time and you will feel better. By day 5 or 6 you will feel like yourself again...hopefully sooner.

    good luck and keep us posted!

    Pitt

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