RE: [Breast Cancer]Ready or Not...

[Guest guest]

Hi All!

Hello All!

Here we go...I'm into the final countdown (I think I'm having a

dramatic moment - anybody have a paper bag??). Tomorrow morning is my

plumbing installation (a.k.a. my port), then comes my Fun with Toxic

Chemicals class on Tuesday at noon (goodie : ). At least I will have a

fascinating answer should someone ask me what I had for lunch: Adriamycin

and Cytoxan, what did you have? (ha!) Anybody feel like telling a big,

fat whopping lie and reassuring me that the next year of treatments will

fly by and be over before I know it?? (Actually, that sounds pretty close

to being a slappable statement so forget I said anything : )

I would also like to add a welcome to Di and Rhonda if your listening

(er, reading : ) This is a wonderful group of folks for information AND

support (I've certainly appreciated it). I think it is great that you

care enough about your friend (Di) and your profession (Rhonda) to join.

Does anybody know anything about the Center for Restorative Breast

Surgery in Louisiana? They are doing what seems to be amazing

reconstructive microsurgery using the flap method, but without

sacrificing any muscle - tissue only - and they can take it from your

THIGHS (hot DOG!!!) I have time to percolate, but I do love to plan

ahead... Especially if it includes a really big, really bright shiny

light at the end of a very long tunnel : )

Dreaming about " Days of NO Thunder " (in them thighs : )

- Jen

[Guest guest]

Hi All!

Hello All!

Here we go...I'm into the final countdown (I think I'm having a

dramatic moment - anybody have a paper bag??). Tomorrow morning is my

plumbing installation (a.k.a. my port), then comes my Fun with Toxic

Chemicals class on Tuesday at noon (goodie : ). At least I will have a

fascinating answer should someone ask me what I had for lunch: Adriamycin

and Cytoxan, what did you have? (ha!) Anybody feel like telling a big,

fat whopping lie and reassuring me that the next year of treatments will

fly by and be over before I know it?? (Actually, that sounds pretty close

to being a slappable statement so forget I said anything : )

I would also like to add a welcome to Di and Rhonda if your listening

(er, reading : ) This is a wonderful group of folks for information AND

support (I've certainly appreciated it). I think it is great that you

care enough about your friend (Di) and your profession (Rhonda) to join.

Does anybody know anything about the Center for Restorative Breast

Surgery in Louisiana? They are doing what seems to be amazing

reconstructive microsurgery using the flap method, but without

sacrificing any muscle - tissue only - and they can take it from your

THIGHS (hot DOG!!!) I have time to percolate, but I do love to plan

ahead... Especially if it includes a really big, really bright shiny

light at the end of a very long tunnel : )

Dreaming about " Days of NO Thunder " (in them thighs : )

- Jen

[Guest guest]

Hi All!

Hello All!

Here we go...I'm into the final countdown (I think I'm having a

dramatic moment - anybody have a paper bag??). Tomorrow morning is my

plumbing installation (a.k.a. my port), then comes my Fun with Toxic

Chemicals class on Tuesday at noon (goodie : ). At least I will have a

fascinating answer should someone ask me what I had for lunch: Adriamycin

and Cytoxan, what did you have? (ha!) Anybody feel like telling a big,

fat whopping lie and reassuring me that the next year of treatments will

fly by and be over before I know it?? (Actually, that sounds pretty close

to being a slappable statement so forget I said anything : )

I would also like to add a welcome to Di and Rhonda if your listening

(er, reading : ) This is a wonderful group of folks for information AND

support (I've certainly appreciated it). I think it is great that you

care enough about your friend (Di) and your profession (Rhonda) to join.

Does anybody know anything about the Center for Restorative Breast

Surgery in Louisiana? They are doing what seems to be amazing

reconstructive microsurgery using the flap method, but without

sacrificing any muscle - tissue only - and they can take it from your

THIGHS (hot DOG!!!) I have time to percolate, but I do love to plan

ahead... Especially if it includes a really big, really bright shiny

light at the end of a very long tunnel : )

Dreaming about " Days of NO Thunder " (in them thighs : )

- Jen

[Guest guest]

Anybody feel

> like telling a big,

> fat whopping lie and reassuring me that the next

> year of treatments will

> fly by and be over before I know it?? (Actually,

> that sounds pretty close

> to being a slappable statement so forget I said

> anything : )

you know, it really does depend - I had no nausea, and

though was wiped for a few days - I was still able to

get up and bring my son to camp every single morning;

and every morning - I did not miss a day, i went to

the french bakery across the street for my daily

treat. I ate pretty much what I wanted, and did,

pretty much what i wanted. Even had a frozen margarita

when i wanted. Not that i didn't feel crappy

sometimes, but I was basically able to do what I

needed to do (to take care of my son, which included

taking him to his friends', and scooting with

him...the worst " side-effect " for me remains the

sudden onset of menapause...it's so hard getting my

head wrapped around that.

good luck---it does all suck, but after your first

treatment, you'll be one step closer to it being all

over.

marisa (i remember the day before I started, I

practically WILLED myself into a state of non-thinking

inertia, and when I went in for the first treatment,

after dropping my son off at school in the morning, I

could not stop crying...)

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Anybody feel

> like telling a big,

> fat whopping lie and reassuring me that the next

> year of treatments will

> fly by and be over before I know it?? (Actually,

> that sounds pretty close

> to being a slappable statement so forget I said

> anything : )

you know, it really does depend - I had no nausea, and

though was wiped for a few days - I was still able to

get up and bring my son to camp every single morning;

and every morning - I did not miss a day, i went to

the french bakery across the street for my daily

treat. I ate pretty much what I wanted, and did,

pretty much what i wanted. Even had a frozen margarita

when i wanted. Not that i didn't feel crappy

sometimes, but I was basically able to do what I

needed to do (to take care of my son, which included

taking him to his friends', and scooting with

him...the worst " side-effect " for me remains the

sudden onset of menapause...it's so hard getting my

head wrapped around that.

good luck---it does all suck, but after your first

treatment, you'll be one step closer to it being all

over.

marisa (i remember the day before I started, I

practically WILLED myself into a state of non-thinking

inertia, and when I went in for the first treatment,

after dropping my son off at school in the morning, I

could not stop crying...)

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Anybody feel

> like telling a big,

> fat whopping lie and reassuring me that the next

> year of treatments will

> fly by and be over before I know it?? (Actually,

> that sounds pretty close

> to being a slappable statement so forget I said

> anything : )

you know, it really does depend - I had no nausea, and

though was wiped for a few days - I was still able to

get up and bring my son to camp every single morning;

and every morning - I did not miss a day, i went to

the french bakery across the street for my daily

treat. I ate pretty much what I wanted, and did,

pretty much what i wanted. Even had a frozen margarita

when i wanted. Not that i didn't feel crappy

sometimes, but I was basically able to do what I

needed to do (to take care of my son, which included

taking him to his friends', and scooting with

him...the worst " side-effect " for me remains the

sudden onset of menapause...it's so hard getting my

head wrapped around that.

good luck---it does all suck, but after your first

treatment, you'll be one step closer to it being all

over.

marisa (i remember the day before I started, I

practically WILLED myself into a state of non-thinking

inertia, and when I went in for the first treatment,

after dropping my son off at school in the morning, I

could not stop crying...)

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Marisa:

I am hoping I can hold on to about half my regular schedule (the full one

is go-go-go for 16-17 out of 24 hours : ). I took off Monday thru

Thursday from school (work) and told them if I wasn't too hung over from

my chemo party on Tuesday, I'd be back Friday (I hope). I do wonder

about the menopause...I am 40 and was already having technical

difficulties (2 weeks on/2 weeks off). It's funny because I literally

got my driver's license first (I was 16 and a junior in high school

before I started my period - talk about your late bloomers sheesh!) I

always thought that I would be about 102 before I hit menopause (ha, ha)

but apparently the opposite is true. The older you are when you start

the earlier the onset of menopause...I wonder what the chances are -

pretty high?

Can't vouch for tomorrow, but I am not really in distress (my bent sense

of humor - okay seriously warped - is my way of dealing, I guess). I had

a wonderful time this morning at church and am actually feeling quite

peaceful : ) Of course, I could always wig out tomorrow on the way to

the hospital. Thanks so much for your thoughts and support!

Wishing for a French bakery across my street....YUM!

- Jen

> you know, it really does depend - I had no nausea, and

> though was wiped for a few days - I was still able to

> get up and bring my son to camp every single morning;

> and every morning - I did not miss a day, i went to

> the french bakery across the street for my daily

> treat. I ate pretty much what I wanted, and did,

> pretty much what i wanted. Even had a frozen margarita

> when i wanted. Not that i didn't feel crappy

> sometimes, but I was basically able to do what I

> needed to do (to take care of my son, which included

> taking him to his friends', and scooting with

> him...the worst " side-effect " for me remains the

> sudden onset of menapause...it's so hard getting my

> head wrapped around that.

>

>

> good luck---it does all suck, but after your first

> treatment, you'll be one step closer to it being all

> over.

>

> marisa (i remember the day before I started, I

> practically WILLED myself into a state of non-thinking

> inertia, and when I went in for the first treatment,

> after dropping my son off at school in the morning, I

> could not stop crying...)

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Marisa:

I am hoping I can hold on to about half my regular schedule (the full one

is go-go-go for 16-17 out of 24 hours : ). I took off Monday thru

Thursday from school (work) and told them if I wasn't too hung over from

my chemo party on Tuesday, I'd be back Friday (I hope). I do wonder

about the menopause...I am 40 and was already having technical

difficulties (2 weeks on/2 weeks off). It's funny because I literally

got my driver's license first (I was 16 and a junior in high school

before I started my period - talk about your late bloomers sheesh!) I

always thought that I would be about 102 before I hit menopause (ha, ha)

but apparently the opposite is true. The older you are when you start

the earlier the onset of menopause...I wonder what the chances are -

pretty high?

Can't vouch for tomorrow, but I am not really in distress (my bent sense

of humor - okay seriously warped - is my way of dealing, I guess). I had

a wonderful time this morning at church and am actually feeling quite

peaceful : ) Of course, I could always wig out tomorrow on the way to

the hospital. Thanks so much for your thoughts and support!

Wishing for a French bakery across my street....YUM!

- Jen

> you know, it really does depend - I had no nausea, and

> though was wiped for a few days - I was still able to

> get up and bring my son to camp every single morning;

> and every morning - I did not miss a day, i went to

> the french bakery across the street for my daily

> treat. I ate pretty much what I wanted, and did,

> pretty much what i wanted. Even had a frozen margarita

> when i wanted. Not that i didn't feel crappy

> sometimes, but I was basically able to do what I

> needed to do (to take care of my son, which included

> taking him to his friends', and scooting with

> him...the worst " side-effect " for me remains the

> sudden onset of menapause...it's so hard getting my

> head wrapped around that.

>

>

> good luck---it does all suck, but after your first

> treatment, you'll be one step closer to it being all

> over.

>

> marisa (i remember the day before I started, I

> practically WILLED myself into a state of non-thinking

> inertia, and when I went in for the first treatment,

> after dropping my son off at school in the morning, I

> could not stop crying...)

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Marisa:

I am hoping I can hold on to about half my regular schedule (the full one

is go-go-go for 16-17 out of 24 hours : ). I took off Monday thru

Thursday from school (work) and told them if I wasn't too hung over from

my chemo party on Tuesday, I'd be back Friday (I hope). I do wonder

about the menopause...I am 40 and was already having technical

difficulties (2 weeks on/2 weeks off). It's funny because I literally

got my driver's license first (I was 16 and a junior in high school

before I started my period - talk about your late bloomers sheesh!) I

always thought that I would be about 102 before I hit menopause (ha, ha)

but apparently the opposite is true. The older you are when you start

the earlier the onset of menopause...I wonder what the chances are -

pretty high?

Can't vouch for tomorrow, but I am not really in distress (my bent sense

of humor - okay seriously warped - is my way of dealing, I guess). I had

a wonderful time this morning at church and am actually feeling quite

peaceful : ) Of course, I could always wig out tomorrow on the way to

the hospital. Thanks so much for your thoughts and support!

Wishing for a French bakery across my street....YUM!

- Jen

> you know, it really does depend - I had no nausea, and

> though was wiped for a few days - I was still able to

> get up and bring my son to camp every single morning;

> and every morning - I did not miss a day, i went to

> the french bakery across the street for my daily

> treat. I ate pretty much what I wanted, and did,

> pretty much what i wanted. Even had a frozen margarita

> when i wanted. Not that i didn't feel crappy

> sometimes, but I was basically able to do what I

> needed to do (to take care of my son, which included

> taking him to his friends', and scooting with

> him...the worst " side-effect " for me remains the

> sudden onset of menapause...it's so hard getting my

> head wrapped around that.

>

>

> good luck---it does all suck, but after your first

> treatment, you'll be one step closer to it being all

> over.

>

> marisa (i remember the day before I started, I

> practically WILLED myself into a state of non-thinking

> inertia, and when I went in for the first treatment,

> after dropping my son off at school in the morning, I

> could not stop crying...)

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

I was 14, younger sister 13, older sister 16 and I out lasted both of

them. Menopause at 53. Good luck, tomorrow. That seriously

" twisted " sense of humor will serve you well. I know it has me. As

the anesthesia resident was wheeling me to the operating room, last

week, he commented on my " dry " sense of humor. It was my day to have

the plastic surgeon do a " balancing act " on my chest.

Ruth

It's funny because I literally

> got my driver's license first (I was 16 and a junior in high school

> before I started my period - talk about your late bloomers sheesh!) I

> always thought that I would be about 102 before I hit menopause (ha, ha)

> but apparently the opposite is true. The older you are when you start

> the earlier the onset of menopause...I wonder what the chances are -

> pretty high?

[Guest guest]

I was 14, younger sister 13, older sister 16 and I out lasted both of

them. Menopause at 53. Good luck, tomorrow. That seriously

" twisted " sense of humor will serve you well. I know it has me. As

the anesthesia resident was wheeling me to the operating room, last

week, he commented on my " dry " sense of humor. It was my day to have

the plastic surgeon do a " balancing act " on my chest.

Ruth

It's funny because I literally

> got my driver's license first (I was 16 and a junior in high school

> before I started my period - talk about your late bloomers sheesh!) I

> always thought that I would be about 102 before I hit menopause (ha, ha)

> but apparently the opposite is true. The older you are when you start

> the earlier the onset of menopause...I wonder what the chances are -

> pretty high?

[Guest guest]

I was 14, younger sister 13, older sister 16 and I out lasted both of

them. Menopause at 53. Good luck, tomorrow. That seriously

" twisted " sense of humor will serve you well. I know it has me. As

the anesthesia resident was wheeling me to the operating room, last

week, he commented on my " dry " sense of humor. It was my day to have

the plastic surgeon do a " balancing act " on my chest.

Ruth

It's funny because I literally

> got my driver's license first (I was 16 and a junior in high school

> before I started my period - talk about your late bloomers sheesh!) I

> always thought that I would be about 102 before I hit menopause (ha, ha)

> but apparently the opposite is true. The older you are when you start

> the earlier the onset of menopause...I wonder what the chances are -

> pretty high?

[Guest guest]

Hi, Jen -

Two things in reply to your message.

You say " if I wasn't too hung over from my chemo party on Tuesday, I'd be

back Friday "

If I had my chemo on a Tuesday, I was fine for Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday

then wham! Friday to Monday was completely written off. Wait and see how

your drugs affect you - they may lull you into a false sense of security,

then hit you later!

And " I do wonder about the menopause...I am 40 and was already having

technical difficulties (2 weeks on/2 weeks off). "

Same problem here. Completely irregular, so much bleeding in the first few

days I didn't dare go out ... My great GP and Gynae consultant both said

" you don't want to have a hysterectomy, do you? " and when I said no they

prescribed a tablet called Cyclokapron (tranexamic acid) which is not

hormonal but discourages capillary bleeding. I found it was really

effective. I was still irregular, and kept going for up to three weeks in

four, but the losses were so much lighter I got my life back. You might

like to ask your doc about it. See

http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_drug_treatments_heavy_menstrual_b

leeding__000080_7.htm from the University of land's Medical

Centre/Center.

All the best, and keep smiling -

Margery.

============================================

margery@... in North Herts, UK

============================================

> Re: Ready or Not...

>

> Marisa:

> I am hoping I can hold on to about half my regular schedule

> (the full one

> is go-go-go for 16-17 out of 24 hours : ). I took off Monday thru

> Thursday from school (work) and told them if I wasn't too

> hung over from

> my chemo party on Tuesday, I'd be back Friday (I hope). I do wonder

> about the menopause...I am 40 and was already having technical

> difficulties (2 weeks on/2 weeks off). It's funny because I literally

> got my driver's license first (I was 16 and a junior in high school

> before I started my period - talk about your late bloomers sheesh!) I

> always thought that I would be about 102 before I hit

> menopause (ha, ha)

> but apparently the opposite is true. The older you are when you start

> the earlier the onset of menopause...I wonder what the chances are -

> pretty high?

>

> Can't vouch for tomorrow, but I am not really in distress (my

> bent sense

> of humor - okay seriously warped - is my way of dealing, I

> guess). I had

> a wonderful time this morning at church and am actually feeling quite

> peaceful : ) Of course, I could always wig out tomorrow on the way to

> the hospital. Thanks so much for your thoughts and support!

>

> Wishing for a French bakery across my street....YUM!

>

> - Jen

>

> > you know, it really does depend - I had no nausea, and

> > though was wiped for a few days - I was still able to

> > get up and bring my son to camp every single morning;

> > and every morning - I did not miss a day, i went to

> > the french bakery across the street for my daily

> > treat. I ate pretty much what I wanted, and did,

> > pretty much what i wanted. Even had a frozen margarita

> > when i wanted. Not that i didn't feel crappy

> > sometimes, but I was basically able to do what I

> > needed to do (to take care of my son, which included

> > taking him to his friends', and scooting with

> > him...the worst " side-effect " for me remains the

> > sudden onset of menapause...it's so hard getting my

> > head wrapped around that.

> >

> >

> > good luck---it does all suck, but after your first

> > treatment, you'll be one step closer to it being all

> > over.

> >

> > marisa (i remember the day before I started, I

> > practically WILLED myself into a state of non-thinking

> > inertia, and when I went in for the first treatment,

> > after dropping my son off at school in the morning, I

> > could not stop crying...)

> >

> > __________________________________________________

> >

[Guest guest]

Dear Jen,

My goodness that is wonderful, they can take your thighs and add them to the

breasts. Now if we can only make them not force us to have breast cancer to do

it!

I'm sorry I don't know anything about that center in Lousiana, but I am

working with a doctor from that state on Thursday. I will ask him if he knows

anything. I'm very familiar with your chemo drugs. I expect many people in

this group are also familiar with them if you have any other questions. I'm

glad you are getting a chemo class. It can be such an overwhelming amount of

information in the beginning.

I wish you all the best,

Rhonda

jbuzzard@... wrote:

Hi All!

Hello All!

Here we go...I'm into the final countdown (I think I'm having a

dramatic moment - anybody have a paper bag??). Tomorrow morning is my

plumbing installation (a.k.a. my port), then comes my Fun with Toxic

Chemicals class on Tuesday at noon (goodie : ). At least I will have a

fascinating answer should someone ask me what I had for lunch: Adriamycin

and Cytoxan, what did you have? (ha!) Anybody feel like telling a big,

fat whopping lie and reassuring me that the next year of treatments will

fly by and be over before I know it?? (Actually, that sounds pretty close

to being a slappable statement so forget I said anything : )

I would also like to add a welcome to Di and Rhonda if your listening

(er, reading : ) This is a wonderful group of folks for information AND

support (I've certainly appreciated it). I think it is great that you

care enough about your friend (Di) and your profession (Rhonda) to join.

Does anybody know anything about the Center for Restorative Breast

Surgery in Louisiana? They are doing what seems to be amazing

reconstructive microsurgery using the flap method, but without

sacrificing any muscle - tissue only - and they can take it from your

THIGHS (hot DOG!!!) I have time to percolate, but I do love to plan

ahead... Especially if it includes a really big, really bright shiny

light at the end of a very long tunnel : )

Dreaming about " Days of NO Thunder " (in them thighs : )

- Jen

---------------------------------

Get your email and more, right on the new Yahoo.com

[Guest guest]

Jen,

Usually the patients report that their anxiety is better once they get

started, after the dosing of the first treatment. It is then that they see what

their experience might turn out to be, how much fatigue, how much anti-nausea

medicine they needed etc.

Do you know if you are getting 4 treatments or 6? Some people find it helpful

to do a count down. It feels better as they get closer to getting done. Do you

know if you are getting any different chemo after the AC?

Rhonda

Marisa Steffers wrote:

Anybody feel

> like telling a big,

> fat whopping lie and reassuring me that the next

> year of treatments will

> fly by and be over before I know it?? (Actually,

> that sounds pretty close

> to being a slappable statement so forget I said

> anything : )

you know, it really does depend - I had no nausea, and

though was wiped for a few days - I was still able to

get up and bring my son to camp every single morning;

and every morning - I did not miss a day, i went to

the french bakery across the street for my daily

treat. I ate pretty much what I wanted, and did,

pretty much what i wanted. Even had a frozen margarita

when i wanted. Not that i didn't feel crappy

sometimes, but I was basically able to do what I

needed to do (to take care of my son, which included

taking him to his friends', and scooting with

him...the worst " side-effect " for me remains the

sudden onset of menapause...it's so hard getting my

head wrapped around that.

good luck---it does all suck, but after your first

treatment, you'll be one step closer to it being all

over.

marisa (i remember the day before I started, I

practically WILLED myself into a state of non-thinking

inertia, and when I went in for the first treatment,

after dropping my son off at school in the morning, I

could not stop crying...)

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Margery & Jen,

Hey, Decadron, a steroid can be given with the anti-nausea premeds. They make

you feel better than you normally would. That is not the reason it is given,

but it is a very nice side effect for once, don't you agree? The reason

Decadron is given is because it makes the anti-nausea medications stronger. It

is called a potentiating effect. It's like multiplying is better than adding.

BUT... (you knew there would be a catch didn't you?) When it wears off there

is a rebound effect. It makes you weak, it can even be a little depressing. I

wonder if that was contributing to your experience?

Rhonda

Margery Allcock wrote:

Hi, Jen -

Two things in reply to your message.

You say " if I wasn't too hung over from my chemo party on Tuesday, I'd be

back Friday "

If I had my chemo on a Tuesday, I was fine for Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday

then wham! Friday to Monday was completely written off. Wait and see how

your drugs affect you - they may lull you into a false sense of security,

then hit you later!

And " I do wonder about the menopause...I am 40 and was already having

technical difficulties (2 weeks on/2 weeks off). "

Same problem here. Completely irregular, so much bleeding in the first few

days I didn't dare go out ... My great GP and Gynae consultant both said

" you don't want to have a hysterectomy, do you? " and when I said no they

prescribed a tablet called Cyclokapron (tranexamic acid) which is not

hormonal but discourages capillary bleeding. I found it was really

effective. I was still irregular, and kept going for up to three weeks in

four, but the losses were so much lighter I got my life back. You might

like to ask your doc about it. See

http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_drug_treatments_heavy_menstrual_b

leeding__000080_7.htm from the University of land's Medical

Centre/Center.

All the best, and keep smiling -

Margery.

============================================

margery@... in North Herts, UK

============================================

> Re: Ready or Not...

>

> Marisa:

> I am hoping I can hold on to about half my regular schedule

> (the full one

> is go-go-go for 16-17 out of 24 hours : ). I took off Monday thru

> Thursday from school (work) and told them if I wasn't too

> hung over from

> my chemo party on Tuesday, I'd be back Friday (I hope). I do wonder

> about the menopause...I am 40 and was already having technical

> difficulties (2 weeks on/2 weeks off). It's funny because I literally

> got my driver's license first (I was 16 and a junior in high school

> before I started my period - talk about your late bloomers sheesh!) I

> always thought that I would be about 102 before I hit

> menopause (ha, ha)

> but apparently the opposite is true. The older you are when you start

> the earlier the onset of menopause...I wonder what the chances are -

> pretty high?

>

> Can't vouch for tomorrow, but I am not really in distress (my

> bent sense

> of humor - okay seriously warped - is my way of dealing, I

> guess). I had

> a wonderful time this morning at church and am actually feeling quite

> peaceful : ) Of course, I could always wig out tomorrow on the way to

> the hospital. Thanks so much for your thoughts and support!

>

> Wishing for a French bakery across my street....YUM!

>

> - Jen

>

> > you know, it really does depend - I had no nausea, and

> > though was wiped for a few days - I was still able to

> > get up and bring my son to camp every single morning;

> > and every morning - I did not miss a day, i went to

> > the french bakery across the street for my daily

> > treat. I ate pretty much what I wanted, and did,

> > pretty much what i wanted. Even had a frozen margarita

> > when i wanted. Not that i didn't feel crappy

> > sometimes, but I was basically able to do what I

> > needed to do (to take care of my son, which included

> > taking him to his friends', and scooting with

> > him...the worst " side-effect " for me remains the

> > sudden onset of menapause...it's so hard getting my

> > head wrapped around that.

> >

> >

> > good luck---it does all suck, but after your first

> > treatment, you'll be one step closer to it being all

> > over.

> >

> > marisa (i remember the day before I started, I

> > practically WILLED myself into a state of non-thinking

> > inertia, and when I went in for the first treatment,

> > after dropping my son off at school in the morning, I

> > could not stop crying...)

> >

> > __________________________________________________

> >

[Guest guest]

Margery & Jen,

Hey, Decadron, a steroid can be given with the anti-nausea premeds. They make

you feel better than you normally would. That is not the reason it is given,

but it is a very nice side effect for once, don't you agree? The reason

Decadron is given is because it makes the anti-nausea medications stronger. It

is called a potentiating effect. It's like multiplying is better than adding.

BUT... (you knew there would be a catch didn't you?) When it wears off there

is a rebound effect. It makes you weak, it can even be a little depressing. I

wonder if that was contributing to your experience?

Rhonda

Margery Allcock wrote:

Hi, Jen -

Two things in reply to your message.

You say " if I wasn't too hung over from my chemo party on Tuesday, I'd be

back Friday "

If I had my chemo on a Tuesday, I was fine for Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday

then wham! Friday to Monday was completely written off. Wait and see how

your drugs affect you - they may lull you into a false sense of security,

then hit you later!

And " I do wonder about the menopause...I am 40 and was already having

technical difficulties (2 weeks on/2 weeks off). "

Same problem here. Completely irregular, so much bleeding in the first few

days I didn't dare go out ... My great GP and Gynae consultant both said

" you don't want to have a hysterectomy, do you? " and when I said no they

prescribed a tablet called Cyclokapron (tranexamic acid) which is not

hormonal but discourages capillary bleeding. I found it was really

effective. I was still irregular, and kept going for up to three weeks in

four, but the losses were so much lighter I got my life back. You might

like to ask your doc about it. See

http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_drug_treatments_heavy_menstrual_b

leeding__000080_7.htm from the University of land's Medical

Centre/Center.

All the best, and keep smiling -

Margery.

============================================

margery@... in North Herts, UK

============================================

> Re: Ready or Not...

>

> Marisa:

> I am hoping I can hold on to about half my regular schedule

> (the full one

> is go-go-go for 16-17 out of 24 hours : ). I took off Monday thru

> Thursday from school (work) and told them if I wasn't too

> hung over from

> my chemo party on Tuesday, I'd be back Friday (I hope). I do wonder

> about the menopause...I am 40 and was already having technical

> difficulties (2 weeks on/2 weeks off). It's funny because I literally

> got my driver's license first (I was 16 and a junior in high school

> before I started my period - talk about your late bloomers sheesh!) I

> always thought that I would be about 102 before I hit

> menopause (ha, ha)

> but apparently the opposite is true. The older you are when you start

> the earlier the onset of menopause...I wonder what the chances are -

> pretty high?

>

> Can't vouch for tomorrow, but I am not really in distress (my

> bent sense

> of humor - okay seriously warped - is my way of dealing, I

> guess). I had

> a wonderful time this morning at church and am actually feeling quite

> peaceful : ) Of course, I could always wig out tomorrow on the way to

> the hospital. Thanks so much for your thoughts and support!

>

> Wishing for a French bakery across my street....YUM!

>

> - Jen

>

> > you know, it really does depend - I had no nausea, and

> > though was wiped for a few days - I was still able to

> > get up and bring my son to camp every single morning;

> > and every morning - I did not miss a day, i went to

> > the french bakery across the street for my daily

> > treat. I ate pretty much what I wanted, and did,

> > pretty much what i wanted. Even had a frozen margarita

> > when i wanted. Not that i didn't feel crappy

> > sometimes, but I was basically able to do what I

> > needed to do (to take care of my son, which included

> > taking him to his friends', and scooting with

> > him...the worst " side-effect " for me remains the

> > sudden onset of menapause...it's so hard getting my

> > head wrapped around that.

> >

> >

> > good luck---it does all suck, but after your first

> > treatment, you'll be one step closer to it being all

> > over.

> >

> > marisa (i remember the day before I started, I

> > practically WILLED myself into a state of non-thinking

> > inertia, and when I went in for the first treatment,

> > after dropping my son off at school in the morning, I

> > could not stop crying...)

> >

> > __________________________________________________

> >

[Guest guest]

Morning All!

Rhonda: I saw Decadron on the list of what I got when I checked out

(so I got some with my A/C). The " Toxic Chemical " class to which I

referred was me being a smart mouth - that was my actual chemo

treatment yesterday (I was thinking of it as more of a learn by doing

kind of class : ) I've already taken a couple of Phenergan; one

last night (I was turning a bit green), and one this morning (still

green).

The nurse told me to take it at the very first sign of nausea, because if

I wait too long it becomes too hard to control (and I REALLY hate

to throw up - ick!)

As to my treatments: I have 4 rounds (3 now - yay!) of A/C; then 4 rounds

of Taxol; then 8 rounds of Herceptin. About a year (oh joy), although My

doctor did tell me that if I didn't have any trouble tolerating the

Taxol, he

could add the Herceptin to it and shorten the time frame (O-kay! maybe

a reduced sentence : ) At the moment, I'm feeling " kinda puny " (that's a

southernism, by the way), so I guess I'll go crash on the couch for a bit

-

although I would like to stay up a little more to make some calls and see

if anyone caught the number of the bus that flattened me......sigh

Off to play Sofa Diva...Now, where are my Bon-Bons?????

- Jen

On Tue, 12 Sep 2006 16:51:01 -0700 (PDT) Rhonda Karl

writes:

> Margery & Jen,

>

> Hey, Decadron, a steroid can be given with the anti-nausea

> premeds. They make you feel better than you normally would. That

> is not the reason it is given, but it is a very nice side effect for

> once, don't you agree? The reason Decadron is given is because it

> makes the anti-nausea medications stronger. It is called a

> potentiating effect. It's like multiplying is better than adding.

>

> BUT... (you knew there would be a catch didn't you?) When it

> wears off there is a rebound effect. It makes you weak, it can even

> be a little depressing. I wonder if that was contributing to your

> experience?

>

> Rhonda

>

> Margery Allcock wrote:

> Hi, Jen -

>

> Two things in reply to your message.

>

> You say " if I wasn't too hung over from my chemo party on Tuesday,

> I'd be

> back Friday "

> If I had my chemo on a Tuesday, I was fine for

> Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday

> then wham! Friday to Monday was completely written off. Wait and see

> how

> your drugs affect you - they may lull you into a false sense of

> security,

> then hit you later!

>

> And " I do wonder about the menopause...I am 40 and was already

> having

> technical difficulties (2 weeks on/2 weeks off). "

> Same problem here. Completely irregular, so much bleeding in the

> first few

> days I didn't dare go out ... My great GP and Gynae consultant both

> said

> " you don't want to have a hysterectomy, do you? " and when I said no

> they

> prescribed a tablet called Cyclokapron (tranexamic acid) which is

> not

> hormonal but discourages capillary bleeding. I found it was really

> effective. I was still irregular, and kept going for up to three

> weeks in

> four, but the losses were so much lighter I got my life back. You

> might

> like to ask your doc about it. See

>

http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_drug_treatments_heavy_menstrua

l_b

> leeding__000080_7.htm from the University of land's Medical

> Centre/Center.

>

> All the best, and keep smiling -

> Margery.

> ============================================

> margery@... in North Herts, UK

> ============================================

>

> > Re: Ready or Not...

> >

> > Marisa:

> > I am hoping I can hold on to about half my regular schedule

> > (the full one

> > is go-go-go for 16-17 out of 24 hours : ). I took off Monday thru

> > Thursday from school (work) and told them if I wasn't too

> > hung over from

> > my chemo party on Tuesday, I'd be back Friday (I hope). I do

> wonder

> > about the menopause...I am 40 and was already having technical

> > difficulties (2 weeks on/2 weeks off). It's funny because I

> literally

> > got my driver's license first (I was 16 and a junior in high

> school

> > before I started my period - talk about your late bloomers

> sheesh!) I

> > always thought that I would be about 102 before I hit

> > menopause (ha, ha)

> > but apparently the opposite is true. The older you are when you

> start

> > the earlier the onset of menopause...I wonder what the chances are

> -

> > pretty high?

> >

> > Can't vouch for tomorrow, but I am not really in distress (my

> > bent sense

> > of humor - okay seriously warped - is my way of dealing, I

> > guess). I had

> > a wonderful time this morning at church and am actually feeling

> quite

> > peaceful : ) Of course, I could always wig out tomorrow on the way

> to

> > the hospital. Thanks so much for your thoughts and support!

> >

> > Wishing for a French bakery across my street....YUM!

> >

> > - Jen

> >

> > > you know, it really does depend - I had no nausea, and

> > > though was wiped for a few days - I was still able to

> > > get up and bring my son to camp every single morning;

> > > and every morning - I did not miss a day, i went to

> > > the french bakery across the street for my daily

> > > treat. I ate pretty much what I wanted, and did,

> > > pretty much what i wanted. Even had a frozen margarita

> > > when i wanted. Not that i didn't feel crappy

> > > sometimes, but I was basically able to do what I

> > > needed to do (to take care of my son, which included

> > > taking him to his friends', and scooting with

> > > him...the worst " side-effect " for me remains the

> > > sudden onset of menapause...it's so hard getting my

> > > head wrapped around that.

> > >

> > >

> > > good luck---it does all suck, but after your first

> > > treatment, you'll be one step closer to it being all

> > > over.

> > >

> > > marisa (i remember the day before I started, I

> > > practically WILLED myself into a state of non-thinking

> > > inertia, and when I went in for the first treatment,

> > > after dropping my son off at school in the morning, I

> > > could not stop crying...)

> > >

> > > __________________________________________________

> > >

[Guest guest]

Morning All!

Rhonda: I saw Decadron on the list of what I got when I checked out

(so I got some with my A/C). The " Toxic Chemical " class to which I

referred was me being a smart mouth - that was my actual chemo

treatment yesterday (I was thinking of it as more of a learn by doing

kind of class : ) I've already taken a couple of Phenergan; one

last night (I was turning a bit green), and one this morning (still

green).

The nurse told me to take it at the very first sign of nausea, because if

I wait too long it becomes too hard to control (and I REALLY hate

to throw up - ick!)

As to my treatments: I have 4 rounds (3 now - yay!) of A/C; then 4 rounds

of Taxol; then 8 rounds of Herceptin. About a year (oh joy), although My

doctor did tell me that if I didn't have any trouble tolerating the

Taxol, he

could add the Herceptin to it and shorten the time frame (O-kay! maybe

a reduced sentence : ) At the moment, I'm feeling " kinda puny " (that's a

southernism, by the way), so I guess I'll go crash on the couch for a bit

-

although I would like to stay up a little more to make some calls and see

if anyone caught the number of the bus that flattened me......sigh

Off to play Sofa Diva...Now, where are my Bon-Bons?????

- Jen

On Tue, 12 Sep 2006 16:51:01 -0700 (PDT) Rhonda Karl

writes:

> Margery & Jen,

>

> Hey, Decadron, a steroid can be given with the anti-nausea

> premeds. They make you feel better than you normally would. That

> is not the reason it is given, but it is a very nice side effect for

> once, don't you agree? The reason Decadron is given is because it

> makes the anti-nausea medications stronger. It is called a

> potentiating effect. It's like multiplying is better than adding.

>

> BUT... (you knew there would be a catch didn't you?) When it

> wears off there is a rebound effect. It makes you weak, it can even

> be a little depressing. I wonder if that was contributing to your

> experience?

>

> Rhonda

>

> Margery Allcock wrote:

> Hi, Jen -

>

> Two things in reply to your message.

>

> You say " if I wasn't too hung over from my chemo party on Tuesday,

> I'd be

> back Friday "

> If I had my chemo on a Tuesday, I was fine for

> Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday

> then wham! Friday to Monday was completely written off. Wait and see

> how

> your drugs affect you - they may lull you into a false sense of

> security,

> then hit you later!

>

> And " I do wonder about the menopause...I am 40 and was already

> having

> technical difficulties (2 weeks on/2 weeks off). "

> Same problem here. Completely irregular, so much bleeding in the

> first few

> days I didn't dare go out ... My great GP and Gynae consultant both

> said

> " you don't want to have a hysterectomy, do you? " and when I said no

> they

> prescribed a tablet called Cyclokapron (tranexamic acid) which is

> not

> hormonal but discourages capillary bleeding. I found it was really

> effective. I was still irregular, and kept going for up to three

> weeks in

> four, but the losses were so much lighter I got my life back. You

> might

> like to ask your doc about it. See

>

http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_drug_treatments_heavy_menstrua

l_b

> leeding__000080_7.htm from the University of land's Medical

> Centre/Center.

>

> All the best, and keep smiling -

> Margery.

> ============================================

> margery@... in North Herts, UK

> ============================================

>

> > Re: Ready or Not...

> >

> > Marisa:

> > I am hoping I can hold on to about half my regular schedule

> > (the full one

> > is go-go-go for 16-17 out of 24 hours : ). I took off Monday thru

> > Thursday from school (work) and told them if I wasn't too

> > hung over from

> > my chemo party on Tuesday, I'd be back Friday (I hope). I do

> wonder

> > about the menopause...I am 40 and was already having technical

> > difficulties (2 weeks on/2 weeks off). It's funny because I

> literally

> > got my driver's license first (I was 16 and a junior in high

> school

> > before I started my period - talk about your late bloomers

> sheesh!) I

> > always thought that I would be about 102 before I hit

> > menopause (ha, ha)

> > but apparently the opposite is true. The older you are when you

> start

> > the earlier the onset of menopause...I wonder what the chances are

> -

> > pretty high?

> >

> > Can't vouch for tomorrow, but I am not really in distress (my

> > bent sense

> > of humor - okay seriously warped - is my way of dealing, I

> > guess). I had

> > a wonderful time this morning at church and am actually feeling

> quite

> > peaceful : ) Of course, I could always wig out tomorrow on the way

> to

> > the hospital. Thanks so much for your thoughts and support!

> >

> > Wishing for a French bakery across my street....YUM!

> >

> > - Jen

> >

> > > you know, it really does depend - I had no nausea, and

> > > though was wiped for a few days - I was still able to

> > > get up and bring my son to camp every single morning;

> > > and every morning - I did not miss a day, i went to

> > > the french bakery across the street for my daily

> > > treat. I ate pretty much what I wanted, and did,

> > > pretty much what i wanted. Even had a frozen margarita

> > > when i wanted. Not that i didn't feel crappy

> > > sometimes, but I was basically able to do what I

> > > needed to do (to take care of my son, which included

> > > taking him to his friends', and scooting with

> > > him...the worst " side-effect " for me remains the

> > > sudden onset of menapause...it's so hard getting my

> > > head wrapped around that.

> > >

> > >

> > > good luck---it does all suck, but after your first

> > > treatment, you'll be one step closer to it being all

> > > over.

> > >

> > > marisa (i remember the day before I started, I

> > > practically WILLED myself into a state of non-thinking

> > > inertia, and when I went in for the first treatment,

> > > after dropping my son off at school in the morning, I

> > > could not stop crying...)

> > >

> > > __________________________________________________

> > >