The Chemosabe March Cruise

jacqniel

Charlie - sorry you are feeling so punk. You are right - keep drinking - it will flush it out and you will feel better quicker.
Angel - one more thing. Several people on this board have suggested a lint roller on the buzzed hair to pull out the little hanger oners, and it really does work! I figure the quicker I get those little hairs out the sooner my head will quit being tender. Jacque

marshabel

Charlie - Hope your headache goes away soon. I had one like that with my first treatment, too. I'm going to do my best to head it off at the pass next time.

GrammyNancy - please make my bar reservation for next Wednesday, April 3. Jack and Diet Coke, please!

Marshabel

GrammyNancy

Bar Reservations for week April 1 -7

Monday:
Tuesday: DMKnanny, GrammyNancy
Wednesday: Angel, Marshabel
Thursday:
Friday:

Drinks of choice will be served!

musicmom3

Add me on for Thursday, GrammyNancy, that is if my white count comes back up. Sounds like we have similar tastes, Marshabel, though I prefer my Jack with water. Don't get it often which is probably a good thing, but don't like to adulterate it with anything extraneous.

Anonymous

Hi guys!

grammynancy.. you can put me down for Thursday, too, and MisK for Friday. Thanks for starting the list. It will really help to see who is where doing what.

I am still home visiting with my white blood cell. I got an RX called in yesterday for a sinus infection and today I feel great!!

I also got a wig in the mail today and I love it! This is my second one and the first one I have been struggling with trying to get the front to look right. Now I'm packing that one up and shipping her back! AND the one I don't like was the most expensive one! Ka-ching!

Angel... I loved the collage. Definitely gave me a few chuckles.

Right now I am trying to figure out if I want to try to save my job against all odds, or just let it go. I wish I knew exactly what to do. I'm planning to go talk to them next week, but got a call from HR at the home office on Friday that wasn't entirely encouraging. I know I just have to trust God, and I do, but it's hard not to worry.

I hope everyone is feeling better and able to enjoy a beautiful weekend.

These are the daisies from my cuz in Fl....

[image]http://

Miss S

Anonymous

Charlie,

That is exactly what happened to me after my first chemo. I was told later that the Neulasta shot is the culprit in the headache from hell and will also cause flu-like symptoms. I think it was Playwriter who encouraged me to take Aleve before you go for that shot and to continue it after. If that is not strong enough, an RX pain killer. I'm asking my onc for just such an animal at my appointment with her before my 2nd chemo on Thursday,

Dk... I am so sorry for the loss of your sil's father. I know that it adds additional stress to you more than normal, considering all the details. my sister emailed me today and told me my cousin's obit was in the paper today. I didn't even know he had passed. He had moved to FL and his family didn't notify me. I'm getting ready to call my aunt. The obit suggested contributions to the ACS, so I am assuming he died from cancer. So sad.

Miss S

Angelflight

Thanks everyone for the tips on the hair. I guess I'll have to take the plunge and go for the buzz sometime this weekend. Probably tomorrow since my son's girlfriend is here today and I want to make this a private affair. I had heard about the lint roller thing but thought people were doing it before the buzz,,didn't realize it was after. I was just afraid if I buzzed it it would be stubly and rub on the pillow and irritate even more.

Nancy,
Thanks for keeping a running bar tab. It's been hard to keep up with who's doing which treatment and when. Great idea!

MissS,
Love the smiley face flowers. Happy and cheery. I love that the card matches too. Bet it brought a smile to your face.

Marsha,
I'm with you. Although my Cytoxin headache was mild this past time I'm going to ask for the slower infusion and try to head mine off at the pass as well.

Charlie,
So sorry you've been at the truck stop lately. I know the feeling. Now get with the program and get back on the cruise! Here's hoping you'll feel better soon.

Angel

whitecotton

Beth thanks for the support. We talked last night and I am happy to say I had strong arms around me last night. It is no fun sleeping alone through this we need support if we have it.
thanks Melissa

whitecotton

rosebud thanks for sharing with me. Actually my dh is my bo but we will be married someday... any ho he left his family in the States to join me in Canada. He drives 8 hours every other weekend to see his boys. he is an amazing dad and he has done so much to be with me. I feel so guilty at times that he left everybody to have to deal with all this. He does know I am here a 100% now thanks for your advice. You and I have a lot in common.
Jann maybe your idea of car meltdowns is not a bad idea. thanks for sharing.
Musicmom hope those counts go up soon. That is no fun not being able to go out.
Angel your girls weekend sounds like so much fun. How about going out to a singles club and making fun of everyone. My girlfriend said she went with a single friend and had so much fun watching people try to pick each other up. Good for laughs. Mostly the guys stocking and stuff. lol
Its day 11 for me and still have my hair. In fact I got frustrated since my hair was so do for a dye that I did it myself for the first time. actually it looks good. Thought I would have nice hair for one last weekend. lol. If dying makes it fall out one day sooner so be it at least it looks good. smile*
dmk I am so sorry for your loss... prayers and hugs for you and your family.
Nancy you were so right we did talk and all is well. thank you so much for you support.
Jacque Hold on to your hair maybe you will be the 1% that does not lose our hair. I know it is wishful thinking but someone has to be the 1%.
Charlie hope you are feeling better soon. Naps are always good.
Miss S loved the flowers. Sorry about your cousin. Was he/or she young? Not that, that matters. prayers sent to you too and your family.
Marshabel good luck with the jack and diet coke. Not to many....a forget drink as much as you can. we disserve it!

Melissa

LisaSDCA

Nancy - Please add me to the group gathering at the bar on Wednesday. And I'll have a tall Tanqueray and Tonic - double limes, please!

Lisa

GrammyNancy

Bar Reservation week of April 1 - 7

Monday:
Tuesday: DMKnanny, GrammyNancy
Wednesday: Angel, Marshabel, LisaSDCA
Thursday: MissShapen
Friday: MissK

Anyone else belling up next week?

GrammyNancy

Bar Reservations week of April 1 - 7
Monday:
Tuesday: DMKnanny, GrammyNancy
Wednesday: Angel, Marshabel, Lisa SDCA
Thursday: MissShapen, Musicmom3
Friday: MissK

Anyone else bellying up next week?

GrammyNancy

Miss Shapen, Good to hear you are feeling better, sounds like those WBC's might be bouncing back. Love those flowers, I'm sure they put a smile on your face. Where did you get your new wig? I paid alot for the one I have and I think it screams wig. Would love to find another. Hope thinks work out the way that is best for you with your job. You know that you are intitled to FMLA don't you?
Nancy

maxgirl

Nancy -- I'll be at the bar on Thursday for AC #3 -- I can't believe it! Make mine a vodka tonic.


Whitecotton -- Glad things are looking better. I've been in the caregiver and patient roles both, and neither one is fun. It's so easy to get completely drained that it's hard to help the other person.

musicmom -- Sorry your WBCs ruined your night out -- hope those little darlings climb back up where they should be.

Beth, jann -- Congrats on getting through #1!

Rosebud -- What a great post and wonderful attitude! Sounds like you've got a good guy there, too.

dmknanny -- Love your attitude too. I'm so sorry about your SIL's father; your SIL and daughter must be so stressed out.

Angel -- I'm at Day 22, and my buzz cut is finally thinning rapidly. (No pain so far -- just sudden, intense itching.) This morning I tried the lint roller for the first time, and it worked really well -- even if the roller looked disgusting when I was through. LOL I've been wearing a cap or wool hat to bed at night -- my head gets cold! -- and I just shake it out over the wastepaper basket in the morning.

Jacque -- I think I've been slow on the hair loss as well. I noticed today that my lower legs are pretty bare, but there's a strip of hair right down the front on top of the shin bones. And elsewhere things are very thin, except I could still use a bikini wax on the sides. Go figure!

Charlie -- Hope that truck has moved on and you're feeling better. Maybe your onco people have some ideas about preventing this next time. I would definitely vote for a Rx pain killer, too. My Darvocet has saved me a couple of times.

MissS -- Sorry about the stress over your job -- it's a hard call to make. But if you want to stay, can you push it? Nancy had a good idea about the Family Medical Leave Act, too. That way you can make sure a job is waiting for you when you're ready to come back.

Cool about your new wig, and I love the smiley daisies.

Keenie

Hi Angel,
Now, this may seem radical, but I used rolled up masking tape and gently pulled out my stubble! It didn't hurt a bit and was oddly fun to do! My wig is still itchy even though I'm almost completely bald now. I prefer my hats.

The daisies are adorable! Flowers are an amazing cheer-me-up. I have been receiving lots each week and I prefer it to casseroles and lasagnes.

I'm not "drinking" at the bar until the week after next. Fighting a sore throat, but the blood test says my white cell count is pretty good considering it's day 10 after round 2. Hope everyone has a lovely weekend.

Keen

Anonymous

Melissa, glad things are going better with your sweetie. My cousin was quite a bit older than me, but still young to die at 64. I found out he had bladder cancer.

GrammyNancy, I got the wig that I am keeping at paulayoung.com . They have a better return policy than some of the other websites, too.

Maxgirl and Grammy - about the FMLA. I am about to run out. I had a lumpectomy in January, then a mastectomy in Feb. and I have used most of it. It runs out April 11, I believe. I am pursuing every avenue possible. I know I should be able to get a four week extention and I think I am going to try to do that, as well as apply for the American Disabilities Act. The problem is, if I let them fire me my insurance is going to cost more than my house payment. So I guess I must find a way to get back.

I am so glad that everyone enjoyed my daisies. I will tell my cousin and I know she'll be pleased.

Hope everyone has a great Sunday!

Miss S

Angelflight

Well I did it. I buzzed it off. But now I'm so depressed. I tried one of my hats on and it's cute but it won't stay put. Keeps slipping off. It could be the material it's made out of. It's thinner than some of the others. My problem is that they all cover over the ears. I can't imagine trying to wear them in the heat we have here. I tried a scarf. It kept slipping too. How the hell do people keep these darn things on. There must be a trick to it. I havn't tried any of the wigs yet, but I probably won't wear those unless I have to anyway. It's just too darn hot here for that stuff.

Sure like the idea of going to a mens club for the girls weekend but none of us are drinkers or dancers anymore. We're all going to hang out here for the 4 days. I'm just looking for more stupid games for us to play. I'm off to a party shop tomorrow to see what I can conjour up there. I'm making up goodie bags for everyone and guess I'll hit the 99cent store tomorrow and see what they have.

I hate my head. I hate the look of my mast and I hate the way I look and feel right now. I've done nothing but cry all day. I knew my hair would be gone and I was fine with that. But now it's a reality and I hate it. I feel fat, ugly and bald and now have red eyes to go with all that. Then to top it all off I thought about getting in the jacuzzi with the girls and had to stop and remember I only have the one breast. Sure they could care less and all love me but I don't feel that way. I feel self conscious. I don't understand why all of a sudden I'm feeling so darn vain.

Angel

maxgirl

Angel -- Crying is a perfectly natural reaction when you're in mourning. I was thinking my feelings were vanity, too, but now I think it's more adjusting to a whole new image of ourselves. I hate looking in the mirror because the person I see is not the me I've known -- even as I've aged, gained weight, lost weight. Sometimes it's just going to make us sad, but we'll learn to deal with it just like we deal with other losses. ((((Hugs))))

As for the hats, I've got a cotton cap and a cotton scarf with cap that are staying on pretty well. Can you find a shop where you can trying different ones on, then order online if they are cheaper that way? I also have a stretchy cap to wear under my wig, but I haven't needed it yet.

MissS -- Sorry to hear you're nearing the end of FMLA, but it sounds like you have a couple of avenues to explore. Best of luck!

GrammyNancy

Bar Reservations week of April 1 - 7

Monday:
Tuesday: DMKnanny, GrammyNancy (#2)
Wednesday: Angel (#2), Marshabel, LisaSDCA
Thursday: MissShapen, Musicmom3, Maxgirl
Friday: MissK

Girls, if you let me know which treatment this is I'll add it.

Bar fully stocked, any cocktail available.

dmknanny

OK, I just spent like 30 minutes typing a response to everyone, and when I went to submit it it said the form was not valid - I even have a page of notes to work from so I could address everyone..........so here's the abbreviated version:
MissS -check to see if you insurance company has a patient advocate service. They would be able to tell you what you can do about your job and the situation there. If not, I would contact social security to find out what might be available there just in case...good luck
Angel & GrammyNancy -the ACS gives 2 free wigs, 2 turbans and some other stuff to breast cancer patients. They also have a catalog of wigs & mastectomy supplies, and there are several good tips in there about wearing a wig
To request a copy of "tlc", call 1-800-850-9445, or visit "tlc" online at www.tlccatalog.org.
P.S. Grammy - make sure to bring pictures of the grandkids to the bar on Tuesday for our date, and if you get there before me I'd like a cosmopolotan in a chilled glass please
Charlie -hope the truck has moved on and you are feeling better
Melissa - sounds like you have a great support sysem with your boyfriend
MusicMom -hope those counts are up this weekend
Beth & Jann - glad to hear #1 went well...I am 12 days out of that one and have had minimal side effects - Emend & Neulasta helped, I'm sure - hair still intact
Maxgirl -remember the tax deadline is April 16 AND you can always file an extension (I work in a CPA office and I have NOT missed tax season one bit!)
Rosebud -the important thing to remember about your daughter's wedding is that YOU will be there to share it with her, and THAT'S what's important! Make sure you wear something sexy and show off that breast that you're flashing in the chemo room....
Dawn -let's book your mom on an excursion the next time the ship docks, and make sure they don't bring her back until 1/2 hour AFTER we've set sail again
Linda - are you down from your buzz yet, 'cuz if not I would love to have you vacuum my house, even at 4 AM! Is there a way to cyberclean?
StephJ -you GO, Girl! Don't let that chick's 'tude get you down, and I think we ALL need to let people know when they say and do stupid things like that - if the shoe were on the other foot.........
Whitecotton -so happy to hear you are back in your bed, and back in your DH's arms....BC has given my DH & I the gift of being more open and honest about our feelings, fears, etc with each other in the past 3 months than in the past 29 years of marraige.....

Thanks to all of you for your condolences and prayers for John and the family - services are planned for Weds & Thurs because the state of IL does not issue death certificates on weekends, so he's there and we're here waiting for them to bring him home......my daughter came home furious from the funeral home last night as the funeral director was sharing some "personal" observations about the medical community here...we're a small town.........he was less that complimentary about a number of people, and since my daughter is an xray tech and works with most of these people she was highly offended...then when he slammed a "local oncologist whose name he would not mention" she about went throught the roof, as we're sure it ws MY oncologist her was referring to (whom I think very highly of!)...She would normally have taken care of things right then and there as Steph did but out of respect for her mother in law kept her mouth shut - guess I know what funeral home I will never end up in! Oh, this too shall pass........
Enjoy God's blessing and message this Palm Sunday
Diana

Anonymous

GrammyNancy, it's tx #2 for both me and MisK. Does that mean we get a double shot? I'd like some Jose Cuervo Black Medallion if there is any on board, please. Thanks and don't worry, I'm a big tipper.

Anonymous

Angel, I can totally relate to how you feel. I thought I was ready for all this, but now that it's starting to happen, I'm not so sure.

Like Rosebud, my pubes are falling out first. Now that is fine... I don't mind. However, it caused me to explore my scalp a bit and the hairs are not so attached there either. It's not coming out in clumps yet, but I know I probably only have a couple of days.

I'm very worried about keeping anything on my head. I don't have the little hose thing to put under my wig. I tried a knee high and almost cut the circulation off in my brain. My hats are just not that great and I don't have any scarves yet.

I am starting to freak. I know this will be okay, but I am feeling you sister!

Hang in there. One day the bald may rule the earth.

Miss S

dmknanny

OK Miss S and ANgel, now you'r starting to freak me out! I THINK I am ready for the hair loss too........but 2nd chemo is on Tuesday and nothing has fallen out anywhere yet.....the wigs are on the dresser waiting, along with the hats and scarves, and I have a cosmotologist student friend who is ready to buzz me as soon as it starts.......I got my hair cut short for the first time in my life after my surgery in February in so I wouldn't have as much to loose, and now it really needs cut, but I hate to spend the money to get it cut if it's gonna fall out the next day (yeah, I know, I'm cheap!)We'll see...and remember, Britanny is making us trendy right now~

HollyHopes

i am - 4/6

HollyHopes

I am BACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK...in the land of the living. Last week was sheer hell...one trip to the ED for fluids (9 hours) and rather than a co-pay they made me give them 8 tubes of blood!!

Went to work, then crashed for next 3 days. Woke up on Thursday to see my priest, a nurse from work and a social worker from work standing around me. They had hooked an IV bag up to my ceiling fan and were givign me fluids. Priest got sent to store for pedialyte pops and immodium. Social Worker made soup. Next day my 18 y/o son arrived from PHX ( I live in LA) to take care of me for the weekend...

I have finally realized that I cannot continue to work and will go on disability. Am totally scared about the $$. Have next tx on Good Friday....

Sending hugs,

HollyHopes

please add me - Friday (A/C #3)

refugee

Angel, I'm glad you're looking forward to having the girls over in May, but it sounds like you're doing all the planning and preparation! Be gentle with yourself and don't overdo

Does your husband like to bbq? Maybe one evening he could present a nice luauh(sp?) style dinner for everyone. Ask people to bring their favorite recipes if they want to cook a dish! (Then they can all go to the grocery store while you catch a nap )

Have a movie night with popcorn, an oldies dance night...whatever's easiest! Make sure you get some down time every day. Heck, some of the others might want a daily nap too!

Would a scarf or bandanna with a visor work? Some of the headcover places sell things that are supposed to prevent slippage, but I'm not sure whether they work any better than an ordinary headband.
e.g. http://www.headcovers.com/moreinfo.php?id=754

There's also this adhesive stuff:
http://www.headcovers.com/moreinfo.php?id=174

I guess any local wig place would have these things.

Has anyone looked into mast-friendly swimsuits and breast forms yet? Amoena has some gorgeous suits- sold by local dealers, unfortunately not covered by insurance (but the breast forms are). I don't know how the prices run.
http://www.amoena.com/us

Hope everyone has a decent week, with sunny spots in between the challenges and the "oh no" moments. We can do this- we can do whatever it takes!

GrammyNancy

Welcome Back Holly!!! I was just getting ready to send out the search team for you. So sorry that you had such a week...it's nice that you have some supportive folks around. Seems like your priest is always there when you need him..lol. Sendings you prayers and gentle hugs!!!!
Nancy

jacqniel

Miss S, dmk and Angel - Losing one's hair is traumatic, but it is so doable. I buzzed my hair, finally, last Tuesday (mine was in great need of a cut and color, too!). The good things: I can get ready very fast, I have many cute scarves and hats (and a wig I HATE - SO uncomfortable) and I can teach the world how to treat a cancer patient. I stand proud, look people in the eye and smile. No pity for this girl!
Angel, I like to wear a scarf and then put the hat on top of it. The scarves add color to your face and hides the side burn area. I wear the scarf over the tops of my ears so they don't get folded down with the hat and make me look like Dumbo.
Places I have found cute hats: Kohl's department store, Younkers (a department store), Coldwater Creek (on sale)and even WalMart and Target! Friends have also given me some cute ones! I have both long scarves that I tie and then drape over my shoulder like a pony tail, but I really prefer the square ones, as then I can take off my hat if I want and the whole head is covered.
Another source for hats, scarves and wigs is http://www.tlcdirect.org/ from the American Cancer Association. I haven't ordered anything from them - but they have some cute things.
This morning, getting ready for church, I put my wig on and then complained to my DH that it was so uncomfortable. He said, "So wear a hat, I like you better in a hat anyway." What a man! If only he had said that before I spent $140.00 on the wig I bought! LOL - Jacque

refugee

Jeez, Holly, it sounds like the Rescue Squad got there just in the nick of time! I'm glad you'll be able to stay home and rest a bit. The $$ worries are no picnic, but your #1 job now is keeping your health intact. I hope the social worker had the sense to make it chicken noodle soup, just like Mom's