2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

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  • daydream
    daydream Member Posts: 69
    edited November 2005
    Hi! I just had my second chemo yesterday. Side effects may yet be coming, but I don't feel nearly as bad as I did the first time. I've got heartburn (easily managed) but no nausea! I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop!

    Getting wool head scarves shouldn't be too difficult. I find most wools itchy--except for cashmere! I know it's expensive, but the prices are coming down. I even saw some seconds at a Land's End outlet that were quite inexpensive.

    Anyway, don't you deserve a little shopping spree?

    Susan
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  • Taff
    Taff Member Posts: 5
    edited November 2005
    Hi Debbie, just noticed you're from Derbyshire in the UK. Me too! I'm being treated at the DRI in Derby. Started my chemo in July and have two more to go.

    Love,
    Taff
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  • AnnaM
    AnnaM Member Posts: 1,387
    edited November 2005
    Amy: Thank you for the positive words. If the first chemo was the worst, I'm not going to worry about what is to come. That first chemo wasn't too bad. It's been eight days, and while I don't have a whole lot of energy, this is doable. My rounds are every three weeks, so this is going to take a while. I agree with Marymelodi about the Lands End polar fleece. It is really soft.

    I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

    Anna
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  • ravdeb
    ravdeb Member Posts: 3,116
    edited November 2005
    I had my A/C #2 this morning and I feel pretty good. I expect to feel terrific all week!!!! I felt pretty good after #1, too. Tomorrow we drive to the south of Israel, about 3 hours from here (4 because I'll need to have a few pee stops along the way with all the liquid I injest these days!)to a ceremony because my son, who is in the army here, is finishing the first part of his officers training course. It's very exciting! I just hope I make it there and back and still feel good!!! I insist on feeling good!!!
    I read some of the hair loss stuff written here. I got the buzz on Nov. 7!!! I'm glad I did it but I look like an alien without my new wig. I like my wig...looks pretty darn good! And my husband said that the scarf I wear around the house looks pretty on me :-) He's been so good through all this and getting the buzz and my wig was FUN! my wig specialist is terrific.
    ravdeb
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  • ravdeb
    ravdeb Member Posts: 3,116
    edited November 2005
    HI Jane and Debbie,
    Just found it interesting that you are both in Special Ed. I have my masters in special ed. had thought to work in Israel when I got here since a lot of my research in grad school came from here, but unfortunately after studying in the States and doing my practice teaching in the States, I was so dissappointed with the programs here. I chose to switch to English and I have a private studio where I teach. (am not teaching now because kids always come sick to me!) We in Israel are sorely behind in special ed though there is an inovative program in the Jerusalem area (far from where I live) that is run by the professor who wrote the studies I used for my masters program. I studied severe multiple handicaps/autism and he is a specialist in autism.
    I think that our experiences in sp. ed help us in our fight with breast cancer. What do YOU think?
    ravdeb
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  • daydream
    daydream Member Posts: 69
    edited November 2005
    I'm not a teacher, I'm a psychologist. I also see lots of kids with autism and lots of other syndromes, and delays. A lot of them are hard to put a name on--they are just not wired right! Very sad sometimes, rewarding others.

    I think our experiences do help! Anything positive helps!
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  • spirit
    spirit Member Posts: 52
    edited November 2005
    We sure have a lot of teachers & educators in this group. I am one as well...or was until I came to be a caregiver to my parents and now my dad. But in my heart, I will always be a teacher!!



    I went out today and ran a bunch of errands & out for lunch with a girlfriend. I did NOT wear my wig!!! It was like VERY liberating and kinda like I was sort of thumbing my nose at the whole world!!! But no one seemed to even give me a 2nd glance!!!!



    Soooooo.....tomorrow I have a date, and although he knows all about what's going on, he has not seen the buzz cut!! I decided I am not gonna wear the wig!!!



    It was very strange though...the wind would blow through what's left and I kept trying to push the hair behind my ear!!! We are such creatures of habit!!!!



    I am quite tired, but in a good way...and smiling about tomorrow!!!



    hugs,

    kate
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  • marymelodi
    marymelodi Member Posts: 515
    edited November 2005
    This is so interesting to hear from women all over the world. I am a secretary in an adolescent psychiatry program and I work with teachers, social workers, nurses, nurse practitioner, and a psychiatrist. I can also relate to may of the experiences you others are relating. I did 8 years of graduate work to become a psychologist but ended up not finishing when I found I would rather have a life. Actually, I got married late and tried to have children. That never happened so I continued in mental health in a supportive role and have never looked back. BC is making me re-evaluate what I am doing, where I am going, and how I want to live the next 50 years of my life. I have a pact with a good friend to celebrate our 100th birthday. I am determined to make it.

    Tomorrow is A/C #2. My new port site is still pretty sore but I'm going to trust that the onc nurses have done this enough times to be able to very gentle. Best wishes to everyone!
    marymelodi
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  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited November 2005

    Everyone out there please be careful of even bug bites!! Something bit me 4 weeks ago and just wouldn't heal and then in the last few days turned into a bad staff infection that is eating the skin around the area which is just below my knee. On antibiotics and hope it heals, DR says this probably occured because WBC has been low. Sure using my Hand sanitizer more now!!

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  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005
    That's it, Now I feel left out...HA....I am not a teacher but I do love children and have 3 of my own and two grandchildren...so I do a lot of babysitting....
    Mary, good luck tomorrow on chemo #2..I found #2 to be easier than #1...My port was also very sore after I had it put in, worse than the BC surgery. I wanted it out that is how bad it felt but I stuck it out and it did get better and I am glad now that I have it. It makes it so much easier.
    Grayce
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  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005

    Wow, that is scary....are you getting the neulasta shots? I hope it clears up soon for you...Do you have to wait with your chemo until it heals? Grayce

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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    Quote:

    I'm going to have to reread some of the earlier posts about mouth sores - my only complaint right now is my mouth! My gums are a mess and I'm going to call the doctor in the a.m. to see what I should do.



    Hi Rosemary,
    You might try 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. baking soda mixed in a small dixie cup of water to rinse your mouth with until you get something better from the doctor. I've had good luck with rinsing with this a couple times of day. The directions I got from my onc on this say you should rinse after each meal and at bedtime.

    I understand there are more effective treatments that a doctor can prescribe, but you might try this in the meantime.
    Jane
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    Quote:

    Jane, didnt explain that one very well did I??!!
    I am off of work still - prob till Easter time, but it is a mainstream school so my own kids go there. I am there every morning and evening dropping off and picking up so I am going through this with 350 kids watching every step!
    Debbie!



    Okay--that makes sense. I go pick up my daughter every day at my school too, but she is in the afterschool care program. I started her out in there at the beginning of the school year when I was working, and now she likes to stay and play, so she's still going. I see one of my students there almost every day. The rest, I haven't seen.

    Take care,
    Jane
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  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited November 2005
    Hi All,
    I also am on Chemo #2 this week (at least I sure hope so!). My infection that caused the trip to the ER on Sunday is getting better but my breast is still red. I am so hoping it is all better by Friday so that I don't need to delay #2.

    It sounds like all of us are doing pretty well with the chemo thing. Let's keep it up!
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    Quote:

    HI Jane and Debbie,
    Just found it interesting that you are both in Special Ed. I have my masters in special ed. had thought to work in Israel when I got here since a lot of my research in grad school came from here, but unfortunately after studying in the States and doing my practice teaching in the States, I was so dissappointed with the programs here. I chose to switch to English and I have a private studio where I teach. (am not teaching now because kids always come sick to me!) We in Israel are sorely behind in special ed though there is an inovative program in the Jerusalem area (far from where I live) that is run by the professor who wrote the studies I used for my masters program. I studied severe multiple handicaps/autism and he is a specialist in autism.
    I think that our experiences in sp. ed help us in our fight with breast cancer. What do YOU think?
    ravdeb



    Hi Ravdeb,
    How interesting to work in Israel! Too bad about the Special Ed. programs there, but at least you found something else rewarding to do.

    You have a point about Special Ed. preparing us for BC--although there are times I wonder if the stress from all the paperwork, recent budget cuts and subsequent staff cuts, and potential lawsuits contributed to my getting BC. I love working with the kids, but the rest sometimes gets very stressful and it's one of the reasons I'm taking leave now (in addition to the potential for germs).

    I keep wondering what I will be like when this BC journey is over--will I have the stamina to go back to how my days were before?
    Jane
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  • RoseMarie
    RoseMarie Member Posts: 502
    edited November 2005
    Jane, thank you, I'll try that. I forgot to call the doctor today anyway! I'll have to call tomorrow.

    I teach regular ed but my daughter is a Special ed. kid You special ed. teachers are truly special!!

    (BTW- I had a parent conference today that made me wish I HAD taken leave!!)

    Marymelodi, hope all goes well...I'm right behind you with chemo#2 - My appointment is Friday.
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    Quote:

    A lot of them are hard to put a name on--they are just not wired right!



    I have a few like that--they don't always fit the labels.
    Jane
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    Quote:

    It was very strange though...the wind would blow through what's left and I kept trying to push the hair behind my ear!!! We are such creatures of habit!!!



    I have done this as well--weird feeling when I realize my long hair is not there any more!
    Jane
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    Quote:

    Everyone out there please be careful of even bug bites!! Something bit me 4 weeks ago and just wouldn't heal and then in the last few days turned into a bad staff infection that is eating the skin around the area which is just below my knee. On antibiotics and hope it heals, DR says this probably occured because WBC has been low. Sure using my Hand sanitizer more now!!



    Oh Sherry!
    I have been wondering about you and wanting to know how you're doing. I'm so sorry you got an infection!

    I'm sending you good thoughts about how that antibiotic is going to clear that infection right up!

    Take care,
    Jane
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    Quote:

    Jane, thank you, I'll try that. I forgot to call the doctor today anyway! I'll have to call tomorrow.



    Wow--that sounds so familiar. I remember being so busy at school that I would forget to call to make doctor appointments or call to get results from blood tests or pap smears, etc.

    Take care of yourself, and be sure to call tomorrow!
    Jane
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  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited November 2005

    Hope everyone is well this week and Good luck to those taking another Chemo, My staff infection seems to be getting better not spreading and the redness is going away, Have had to take Clorox Cleanups and Lysol spray to work to keep office clean when people come in and out, Thank goodness we only have 6 people in our bldg. Some days I wish I didn't have to work but then at other times it makes me feel more normal and gets my mind off of this stuff. At least we have a 3 day weekend this week!! Boy am I ready, I am going to try to do a little Christmas shopping.

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  • debbie444
    debbie444 Member Posts: 847
    edited November 2005
    Quote:

    Hi Debbie, just noticed you're from Derbyshire in the UK. Me too! I'm being treated at the DRI in Derby. Started my chemo in July and have two more to go.

    Love,
    Taff


    Small world !
    I live in Chesterfield so am having my treatment there. Had op in May and started chemo Oct 13. Two down, 4 more to go.
    Where are you?
    Debbie x
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  • debbie444
    debbie444 Member Posts: 847
    edited November 2005
    HMMMMMMMMmmm- I have received more compliments about my wig than i ever did for my real hair - are people trying to tell me something ! ? !
    My sons barber even asked which hairdressers i went to today as he loved the colouring she had done. Now if only i was as confident!
    Debbie
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  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited November 2005
    Has anyone had the shot for anemia? It's called Aranesp? Holy moly it hurt like the dickens when they gave it to me!!! The nurse said it can have the side effect of bone aches afterward and I'm nervous...anyone else?

    -Amy
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2005

    I was wondering if someone could enlighten me as to why I have stubble all over my head. I have had stubble since my hairdresser shaved all my hair off. If the stubble won't fall out, does this MEAN... does this mean I was not supposed to lose all of my hair? Stubble just stays there...won't grow. I'm confused.

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  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005
    Brenda, I was worried about that too. Hopefully you didn't cut your hair for nothing.. How many treatments have you had? I have stubble but it is getting thinner everyday. I have 2 more A/C treatments to go so I figure it will probably be gone after the next one...

    Amy, I haven't had that shot yet but it's good to know they have something to give you for anemia....

    Grayce
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  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005
    Debbie, that is great you must have a very natural looking wig....Is it real hair? I am still looking for that perfect wig.....
    Grayce
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  • debbie444
    debbie444 Member Posts: 847
    edited November 2005
    Ha!
    My wig is bright red and rock chick style! Went ultra modern as thought no one would think it was a wig if i drew attention to it! Its not natural hair but it does look like it. Was a bit nrvous about choosing it but everyone has been really positive. My friend has asked to borrow it to take to her hairdresser to show how she wants her hair cutting! Some of them seemed really old fashioned - do wig makers think that all wig wearers are 70+? ( nothing against 70+ wig wearers - just i am not one !)
    Debbie
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  • debbie444
    debbie444 Member Posts: 847
    edited November 2005
    Brenda,
    my stubble seemed to sit there , but it is coming out slowly. In fact i went through a few days of looking like i had a square head as it came out in patches and the shading looked really strange! Stubble on the old legs going nowhere tho!

    Shook of the lethargy today. Put on my wellies and took my dog to feed the ducks at the village pond. Kicked through some leaves and felt good to be alive! ( Then it started raining and my hubby came to fetch me in the car - he panics bless him!)
    Take care
    Debbie
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  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited November 2005
    trust me...your stubble will fall out. mine started falling out about a week after the 2nd chemo and now it's non-stop. i bought a lint brush and rubbed it back and forth on the stubble...that actually worked

    had the 3rd chemo...big headache aferwards, but other than that...good to go.

    -amy
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