Starting chemo Sept 05

marg1

Hi everyone. Marg Here

I am getting a cold. My tonsils hurt, nose is stuffy. What should I do? No temp yet (hoping it is just viral). I completely forgot what my onc nurse said to do. Any tips?

Marg

tinkermax

Hi Marg

I would phone them and tell them your symptoms, better to be safe than sorry.

Hope you feel better soon

Calico..Welcome
I have seen some of your posts on other threads and you are an inspirational lady. Good luck with your first chemo.


Day 15 today, and hair is starting to fall out when I run my fingers through it. I think I will get my sister around tonight to "buzz" me before I start leaving a trail of hair behind me.

Be strong ladies, together we will get through this.

Take care

Maxine

txred9876

I was just reading and Twinmom and Bubbles...you are both in my BIRTH city. I grew up and lived in Portland for 19 years. I was just there in June for a 9 day vacation (the first in 3.5 years and so glad I did it now).
I sure would like to be back up there where it is much cooler. It was 108 here yesterday (6th straight day of record breaking heat).

Well it is off to get ready for all my appointmtnets today. Have a great day everyone!
Tina

Pegk

Hi everybody! It's Peggy!
I went away for the weekend and it's taken me 2 days to catch up on all the posts, but I've read every one. I've seen your pictures, Marg. They'r beautiful, especially your family.
Welcome to newcomers, Sandra, Suzi, Calico. We're all in this together. Congratulations, Teresa. I hope you've beaten this for good.
It's amazing all that's gone on in 3 days-ups and downs, despair and inspiration, questions and advice, but I guess that's why we're here.
I had a great weekend, picking up my daughter at college, and all of us going to visit my mother and youngest sister and her family (she has 5 kids, so it was a lively group).
I felt great, so I could almost forget I was being treated for cancer except for the bandanna on my head. (also the look on my mother's face seeing my scalp for the first time since I was a baby)
I had lunch with my coworkers in NYC yesterday and came home with a shopping bag full of scarves, a hand knit hat, earrings(also very important when you don't have hair) and more videos.
I leave soon for tx#3. I'm trying to enjoy feeling normal for awhile and not worry too much about what's to come.
enjoy today.
Peggy

Pegk

Hair Loss Follies
Just to let you know-I'm about 1 1/2 week out from when the hair started to let go. At that point I had it clipped short over my whole head, but I haven't shaved because my scalp was too tender. Now I have uneven stubble all over my head (only smooth on the side that I sleep) This head will never be seen in public. You are very brave, Susan, Marg and anyone else who's going au natural.
By the way, the leg stubble is also hanging on.
We'll see what happens after my next dose of poison.

susan_02143

Peg,

I am so glad that you had a wonderful weekend with your family! This weekend sounds as special as that Monday you went in-town to get your daughter's haircut, etc. These moments really do make a difference, don't they?

My father stays with me on Monday nights, and yesterday was his first time seeing my bald head. Poor man became very teary, and this is a stoic Yankee-kinda guy. It is hard for our parents to see us sick, isn't it?

Take care of yourself today, and once again, my thoughts will be headed towards you and Calico. Warm and comforting thoughts.

*susan*

susan_02143

Marg,

I agree! Call your nurse. No reason to take chances right now, and these nurses are so amazing. They seem to know so many ways to help us stay balanced.

Take care of yourself.

*susan*

twinmom99

Thanks for the welcome ladies!



Marg, I was told that if I felt a cold coming on to call the nurse, she said they would probably have me take my usual cold medicine. With 5 year old twins just starting kindergarten, I'm bound to catch a cold before this is over.



I also agree with the poster (sorry, I should've written your name down) that said not to start an exercise program during this if you did not exercise before (that's what the surgeon and onc told me). But, everyone should at least go on walks, but leave the aerobics to people that are already aerobicized (lol). I did give up running because of surgery, it's hard on the bones, I don't want my port bouncing around or my breasts.



Again, thanks for the welcome and advice on the dry mouth. I need to get some of that Biotene toothpaste.

prayer

wow it is amazing that all our journies are so similar. Just when you think you are the only one who feels the way you do and you get on this board and read two or three people who are feeling the same thing. This board really is a God send for me....although privately....I think I am addicted! LOL. I get on here and read about how your guys are doing at least twice a day. Can't stay away.

Marg- my nurse said to call right away if I got sick in anyway. I wouldn't hesitate. Having young kidlets, I am sure we will get sick several times before this is over as we are coming into the cold and flu season. Make is a slow day for yourself...maybe grab some movies? Are your kids in school? I can't remember.

Calico- I often read your posts in other threads. You an I have a very similar diagnosis. I started with "oh you just have DCIS, it can't kill you." and it just degraded from there. Still I feel blessed to have found something so small and determined to find the lesson in the journey. My husband makes fun of me as he says there isn't always a silver lining....yes ladies, I married a pessimest. But he is a sweetheart.

Susan- How cool is it that your Dad comes to stay with you. Sorry he felt low about your head. I make jokes with my husband that my receeding hair line is still less than his. I think it helps him deal a little better as everyday he comes home...I am a little balder. I knew my hair was thick but who knew I had that much hair? I hope it grows back as thick.

Peggie- glad you are back. Was wondering what happened to you.

To all those that are new or will be joining us for the first time today. Welcome. I am glad you are here.

Well it's 8:00 am ladies...time to hunt my students down again and bribe them with coffee and donuts.
Take care.
Penny

jlpd

Greetings everyone...Well, prayer, I decided I couldn't handle my students today. I woke up with stomach cramps...took my nauseau medicine and it seems whatever I ate last night decided it was time to clean me out! We have some wonderful people at our church who have been bringing meals out now and then...last nights was good (now remember, this is day five,)...meatloaf, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, biscuits and apple pie...BUT,,,the meatload was a little too strong...too much onion I think. I feel this need to eat (I've always been one to eat when I'm tired)...but something didn't settle...either that or the the decadron wasn't making me constipated any more...I need to figure this all out for the next time. Any advice? So I decided Day six is a day of REST...I'm going to do nothing but nibble and baby myself. Another question...I laid my head on my desk yesterday between classes and woke up with a stiff neck...today the glands in the back of my neck hurt to touch...has anyone experienced that? Susan...you're so brave to bear your head...mine has a flat spot on the back....all I can think is that I'll look like that bald guy in those james bonds spoofs!!!! Need to run. Thank you all so much for sharing everyhing...it really helps. Janet

nmherr

Carol
I know how the crying jags work. I think of them as a massive chemical release. I've been through chemo before, different cancer, and I noticed I would have at least 1 real depressive day between treatments. So instead of looking at it as a weak moment look at it as a drug induced release of extra chemicals your body needs to let go. I would go to my comfort room and give myself at least half a day to cry. I sometimes would try to get it over with by forcing myself to try to cry. If you want to cheer yourself up at the end just try to force yourself to cry while looking in a mirror. The faces you make can be incredibly funny.
Instead of downing yourself when you go through hard times remember that being out of control emotionally is often from the drugs and not your own weakness. In this group all the weird feelings is actually normal. I loved all the posts signed from decadron highs. That is one drug I had not experienced before. Now I now why they call it roid rage in athletes.

nmherr

Hi everyone,
I just got tx#2 on Monday. I also faound a new to dry my hair. It started to fall out so instead of a blow dryer I cleaned the end of the vacuum and vacuumed it. No kidding. I didn't wnat to blow it all over the bathroom. Eyelashes went and Eyebrows are following. Now for the tabboo subject the pubic hair is going too. I just wanted to mention this because during my last chemo bout I found this the most irritating place not to have hair. Hair there protects you from rubbing the sensitive areas and so it may be a bit irritating. I found not wearing underwear with loose pjs wa more confortable. Just thought I pass this insight on.

nmherr

Susan, I love the decadron highs you write about. You make me laugh. I just started the internet at home and it is much nicer to be able to read every day. The chemo brain is in full swing so I have to learn more names. Hopefully reading them every day I'll get to know more people.
Riding high
Horsewoman

susan_02143

Janet,

I think we all need t-shirts: On Day 6, We Rest. It seems that all of us have our 'low' day on either Day 5 or 6; this is a distinct pattern!

Folks bringing food is so sweet, and can be the difference between our families eating and not eating. [Well, take out isn't the same.] But, I am finding myself hesitant to eat these gifts myself. For one, I have really odd cravings and try to listen to what my body says it wants to eat, and I don't actually know what went into the food. My husband on the other hand, eats everything that is brought with relish!

My routine for the first 5 days is tyrannical. Eat every 2 hours regardless, but in very small amounts. The foods I have found to be good have been: hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit/yougurt smoothies [peach is great this year,] oatmeal, quiche, meatballs, garlic mashed potatoes, smoked turkey, cheese, and occassional pieces of toast. As you see, I am trying to make every calorie count since I have been cautioned against losing weight during treatment. [Oh, right, I added avocado this round and boy was that good!] Oh, and corn is really hard to digest. That alone could have produced the results you describe.

I take 3 stool softeners per day along with Zantax. I haven't needed a laxative yet though I have them on hand just in case. Am I managing this without incident? Nope.... but with the exception of day 5 & 6, I really do sit at an eight.

And the hair.... today I had the ludicrious idea that I should get an old man Florida shirt and pants that sit up over my belly, perhaps with some suspenders because I certainly have the hair for this look! I was never beautiful, let me tell you, but now I look like my worst nightmare.

My best weapon is laughter and humor. What are the alternatives?

*susan*

susan_02143

Prayer,

It is very cool that my Dad stays with us weekly. He teaches ESL at a local community college and staying with us makes this possible. He has had this schedule for the past 10 years. This time with him has meant that his only grandchild, my daughter, knows her grandfather in a really meaningful way which has made a real difference in her life.

His tears were really about me being sick, not about the hair. Hard to deny what is happening though when the hair goes.

*susan*

monkey9cats

Good afternoon! I was just catching up on all the posts since the last time I came in. So many new people!! Welcome all!!! Sounds like everyone is doing pretty good though. I'm dreading my next treatment on October 6th. I've been feeling really good though. I think the reason is that after previous surgeries I'm not as sore as I have been and finally getting back to normal. (I know it won't last though!!!)

I had bloodwork done last friday. I guess that's standard after each treatment. I went to Lab Corp in town here and they were suppose to fax the results to my oncologist. My Dr. told me if I needed another Neulasta shot they would call me. I got to worrying about if the lab sent them the results or not (being the 1st time) and they did. The nurse said my blood counts were perfect (whew!!!). I think whats going to bother me the next treatment is when they put the needle in my port. Last time that hurt so bad when they put it in & took it out. Maybe that was because it was still sore from surgery???? I wonder if I hold an ice cube on it if it would help? I'm really not that big of a baby (ha ha.)

Susan....you have me so hung up on smoothies!!!!

Well back to work.
My hairs still hanging in there (13 days!!!!)

Cheryl

Calico

Reporting back from chemo....
(took my Emend, got decadron and Aloxi per IV) and then AC.
Have some other pills for later (hope that I don't need them)

Feel a little woozy but everything went well, slight nausea, lunch didn't help first (small! sandwich) and I just started NOT liking Diet Coke anymore how weird is that??
I plan to do this without extra nausea medication, ha!!
Just walked one mile, felt good.
I am already retaining water (I drank 3 liters like a good girl), figured that must be the sodium in the saline IV, decadron doesn't work that fast!

Hope you all are having a GREAT day!!! (it can only get better!)

God Bless

AussieMum

Marg - such beautiful photographs of a beautiful family.
How inspiring to start on a venture of photography: all the best.

nmherr

Hi ladies,
I was interested in the diet discussions. I am having eating problems and try to figure out what won't make my sensitive belly rebel. I lost 6 pounds last treatment and gsined back 7 before I went to the doctor. I try to eat cereal to keep my fiber up. Susan I know you are having problems with constipation so if you can't eat cereal try grinding it up and adding it to some other food like yogurt. I have given up everything with tomato, it seems to fight me. Noodles, chicken and carrots are what sustain me best. Tuna seems to go good. The hard boiled eggs sound good so I will have to try them. Any other food suggestions?
thanks
Belly flopping
Horsewoman

nmherr

In reply to the twitchy body feeling at night. I went a long time sleeping only 2 or 3 hours at a time because of it. My nurse suggested I try tylenolPM. I can only take 1 because 2 actually make me more jittery. It has been working for me.

susan_02143

Calico,

The walk is a great idea! Keep checking in here, and let us know how you are doing. As you know, the September Sister have a full range of experiences and are happy to share with you. Take good care of yourself.

*susan*

cazza61

Hi everyone
day 8 after #2 a/c feeling great in the mornings really tired in the afternoons.I have been getting alot of reflux and indegestion,dunno if thats from the treatment.
The other night my partner felt like a bit of a cuddle and what ever comes after that,I threw my boob on the bed walked out of the room and said if im not back in 10 start without me,he couldnt stop laughing.
Hope everyone is well and thx for all the advice.
love always carol

susan_02143

Quote:

---

The other night my partner felt like a bit of a cuddle and what ever comes after that,I threw my boob on the bed walked out of the room and said if im not back in 10 start without me

---

Carol,



Oh my goodness, this is hysterical!!!!!!! Good thing your partner laughed too.... now the real question, were you back in ten? :-0



*susan*



p.s. Yes, the acid thing is part of the treatment. Ask your nurse what you should do to alleviate that issue.

Pegk

These posts are great! I'm still laughing about the boob on the bed.
As for me... 3 Down, or to look at it another way-only one more A/C to go! This is going a lot faster than I thought.
I'm feeling a lot better at this time than I did 2 weeks ago. I asked one of the nurses about the cumulative effects, because I was worried that my jumpy stomach would turn into real nausea, but she said it was the fatigue that might increase, not the other side effects. Right now I feel weary, not sleepy. I took a walk with my daughter and my dogs this afternoon. It was such a beautiful September day that I felt so happy to be alive.
BTW I have carb cravings during these days following chemo, but I go along with the small frequent snacks and I try to include fruit and yogurt; and vegetables or salad with my "dinner" snack. And of course, plenty of water. I always have Tums nearby (doc's recommendation) for that burny feeling. I feel like I'm eating all the time, but I also have lost a few pounds.
One more thing-anybody who is feeling sniffly, it might be a reaction to the chemo drugs. But, in case it's not, don't take anything that might mask a fever. Any infection that you might get could be a lot more serious with a compromised immune system. I was told any fever above 100.4-Call your onc center! They'll know better than your personal physician how to alleviate the problem.
I hope you all have a wonderful evening.
Peggy

tinkermax

Hi everyone

Day 15 today.
Hair really hurt in bed last night whenever I moved my head and it was falling out a lot today so I called my sister around and she "buzzed" it for me.

I now have a grade 2 all over and it doesn't look as bad as I thought it would. It's shorter than my son and my husbands!

Mu hubby quite likes the GI Jane look!

I am still eating like a pig and really enjoying my food..long may it continue as I could do with the extra pounds.

Good Luck to everyone who has chemo this week.

Maxine

Pegk

Hair Follies Part 2
Congratulations Maxine, just think about all you'll save on shampoo and how quick your showers will go now that you won't have to blow dry or style.
I've just posted my GI Jane look on Fumi's Bald Picture Site.
I'm not ready to change my avatar yet, but you can check it out by contacting Timtam. If you've made at least 10 posts she'll give you the password. Many women are posting as their hair is coming back in. It's very encouraging.

Now I have a confession to make:
Last week, when I was wearing my wig to Open School Night and feeling very conspicuous (like everybody knew my too shiny, too full hair was a wig) I was thinking some pretty mean thoughts. It's a fairly large school (4,000 students),so I didn't run into too many people I knew. But looking around at all these women who weren't on chemo, I started thinking things like "You have hair, why don't you wash it?" "Hey Lady, don't you own a brush?" "Did somebody tell you that brassy blond stuff with dark roots look good?"
Sorry folks. I think I'm having one of those decadron moments.

prayer

Peg
All right confession time...
I too have had those "in my head moments", but usually they have to do with women who are exibiting destructive habits like smoking for example. I think "here you are practicing suicide on the installment plan (smoking) and I am sick?" I have others to. I'm just embarrased to admit them.
Penny

monkey9cats

Just a quick post before I head to work....day 14 LOOSING HAIR!!! Bandana WILL be in my purse today!

Cheryl

nmherr

I'm on day 3 of my second treatment. Neulasta always beats me down. I have been up since 4:30am so I decided a decadron was in order. I too get those mean thoughts of others. I just hope it doesn't develope into actual words. On occasion I still get surprised I have breast cancer. Like I just found out. It is weird.
I asked my 18 year old son to buzz me. I buzzed him for 18 years so it was his turn. He informed me 18 year old boys don't buzz thier mothers. I asked my close neighbor who has done tons for me while I'm sick, she turned pale and said not the hair. My husband is looking a bit stricken at the thought of anyone buzzing me. I feel like offering them my decadron and then asking.

nmherr

Anyone see Amazing Race last night? I am from the Southern part of Lancaster County. Most of my neighbors are Amish and I married into a Mennonite family. My in laws have no TV and actually we didn't until about 6 years ago. I am really wild having the internet.