The Chemosabe March Cruise

LisaSDCA

Also wanted to mention:
playwirter {terri} - good luck with your wig shopping today. I'm sure you will look maahvelous with your new Easter Bonnet!
And gosh, musicmom [jeanne} - your sister's gift of rose-colored glasses brought tears to my eyes, too. Aren't our sisters some of the sweetest blessings?!?
Nanacy - I'll be thinging of you, enjoying your time having family home for Holy Week and Easter. Lots of extra doings, so be sure to have a nap or two at some point. My company doesn't come until Saurday morning, so I am hoping to be both prepared and rested.

Lisa

jacqniel

Lisa, I bought the liner at a wig shop. It was under $4.00. I wore it, with the wig, to the grocery store today and it was much more tolerable than when I wore the wig out to supper a week ago.
My head is still tender as I have stubble left so hopefully, once I am totally bald, it will feel even better. I still won't wear it most of the time. I prefer hats and scarves - especially in the hot, humid summer! Jacque

sybilvox

Hi ladies,
Hope everyone is doing well after treatments today. Today has been hard for me.. nausea, gas, big D, etc... I know it will pass and hopefully tomorrow will be better.
I have a question about facials - I am thinking of getting one tomorrow or Sat. and didn't know if it would be a good idea? I had one a couple of months ago and it went well and I am not having any problems with my skin so far, so I was going to treat myself. Anyone have any experience with getting one as we go thru chemo? What do you guys think? Good idea or not? I can always just do a pedicure(no cutting).. Any thoughts would be good - thanks.
Playwright - I am 46 and had regular periods and got mine about 9 days after 1st chemo - it lasted almost 2 weeks, and I am supposed to get it next week. It may seem weird, but I don't want to lose mine before it's time I'm fine with keeping it.
I hope everyone's Easter plans are going good. It is really cold here in the Northeast - going to be a cold Easter.
Everyone take care,

Sybil

playwriter

Went wig shopping with DH today. Got a cheapie to wear under a hat for church.
DD had a great time cutting my hair this afternoon.

jillrush

Hey everyone! Back from AC #3. So far I'm feeling good. The zofran they give me in the iv before the AC seems to work wonderfully. Had it last time and really didn't have any SE. Also take the neulasta and it's working great. Told my dr. I wondered if she really gave me chemo last time. She couldn't believe I did so well since my first treatment was horrible. I'm just praying it all goes good this time around.

Sending out lots of hugs and wishing everyone a Happy Easter. Our God is Awesome!!

marshabel

Hi, everyone - still feeling OK after AC #2 yesterday. I was handed a copy of my upcoming appointments as I was leaving, but didn't bother looking at it until today. I noticed that on my next chemo, instead of Adriamycin/Cytoxin, it showed Aredia/Cytoxin. My onc didn't say anything about it when I saw him on Tuesday, but I also haven't discussed my bone scan with him. (Dumb chemo brain made me forget to ask.) I know Aredia is a bone strengthener, but now I'm really wondering if there was something bad on my bone scan. SURELY HE WOULD HAVE TOLD ME, RIGHT? I'm calling tomorrow!

Marshabel

Anonymous

Jill That is so good to hear.... I hope it continues to go so well.

I went for tx #2 today and it went okay. My port site was swollen and bruised and it hurt like the devil when she poked the thing through it. AND she kept pushing on it because it wasn't long enough. I was yelling, cuz it HURT! Then she had to start over with a longer one. I asked for numbing and she said they had none, I had to bring my own. I asked her if she could use my arm, but my pitiful veins didn't entice her and she persuaded me to let her try the port again. The second time wasn't so bad for some reason and she got it in.

She was very apologetic, but a couple of tears had escaped and my friend who took me started crying! It was so touching. She couldn't stand to see them hurting me. It was a combination of it being so deep and already sore and the guage of the IV is thicker than a normal syringe they put into your arm. Anyway, I am getting an RX for the numbing stuff, so this shouldn't happen again. I felt like a baby. Oh well, not the first time. When I got home and looked at the area, there was blood all over my bra! Sheesh!

I drank the grape juice, chewed the ice, had them slow down Cytoxin, and hopefully I'll see an improvement. I only had some slight nasal problems and a mild headache when we left. Oh yeah, I also took Tylenol before I left the house early that morning and more when I was getting the Cytoxan.

Right now I feel reasonably well. I fell asleep on the couch and woke up doing ok. I took a Zofran and an Ativan around 7 PM. I did have another long wait at the cancer center to the tune of about an hour and a half after appointment time.

My onc is not going to change any of my regimen because she thinks my symptoms sound odd and that perhaps I had the flu last time. I doubt it, but if that was a once time reaction, I am all for it! So we will see. I do fear the Neulasta, though. I am convinced that is the culprit. Maybe I'll breeze through now. She said just to call if I need anything and they are really good about trying to help, so that should be fine.

Terri I still have periods every month, even though I'm 50. I was having a period when I got the first tx and it lasted two weeks. I thought it would never end. Mine usually last about 3 days. If that was my last one, it will be right for me. I'll keep you updated.

Lisa and jeanne, both of your gifts were so touching. Brought tears to my eyes. I am learning so much through this ordeal and I hope to be more of an encouragement to my friends and family through the examples I see here.

Nancy, your words about the Lord being with us through this and how He has done so much more for us than anything we will ever go through was so soothing to my soul. I am blessed by each one who gives glory to the Lord at this time.

When we found out my cancer wasn't DCIS after all and that I had several positive nodes, it was very hard for my sons. I told them that I had a wonderful life and even if the Lord took me now, that was very okay with me. He let me raise my children and that was the biggest job I was given here. He gave us years of living at the beach, and friends who were close, and food, and a shelter, and abundantly more than we ever needed. He protected us and we knew He was holding us in the palm of His hand. He's not going to stop now. Now, I probably won't die now, but if I do, don't be mad at God. He would be taking me home because He loves me. It would be the right thing.

We all cried, but a couple of days later when my son was asking the blessing on the food he prayed, "God, I ask for your will concerning my mother." I almost cried to hear him say those words and I know it was nothing less than the Lord working in His heart.

So while all this is hard and horrible and awful, in the midst of it, the Lord is here, working in us and through us. This was also evidenced by His provision for our sisters without insurance!

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

You guys not only give me tips and keep me encouraged; you also help me to keep my eyes on the Lord. You are so precious!

Miss S

jacqniel

Miss S, you brought tears to my eyes - your son's prayer was a wonderful affirmation of your guidance as well as God's. God bless, Jacque

Angelflight

pmarsh34
So glad you were approved for Medicade. I too had no insurance and here in California our program is called Medi-Cal. I was approved the 1st day - doesn't matter income and had my card within 5 days. Have been so happy everything has been covered. I know the relief it is.

musicmom3
Love the rose colored glasses story. It will hit home again some day when you have to pass them along I'm sure. What a nice thought.

JacqueN
I just bought some new hats and head covers again a couple of days ago and found one of those and ordered it. It even looked more comfortable than what we've all been using so far. I'll let you know when it's here and how it goes. Should be this week sometime.

1stlite
Let us know how your buzz party goes. I know you've been kind of looking forward to it.

Nancy
Hope you enjoy your Easter weekend with your family. I miss the family party thing and spend more time with my friends and in-laws from my 1st marriage than my own family. Well we have known each other for over 35 years. Looking forward to the 5 days we'll all be together on Memorial Weekend.

Been using my lint roller all day. Looks like thousands of ants marching accross it I'm getting so much hair out. I think I'm about done for the next few days and it's amazing how many stubbles I still have sitting on my head. Why is it the darker ones seem to come out first...hehe Go figure. I do have to admit my hair is almost all blonde now and I can't see an ounce of brown left on my head...looks kind of funny to me but actually I'm getting used to it right now.

I was at Wal-Mart the other day and they had some really cute new hats out for summer. Picked up some and they're searsucker so really light weight for the heat here. Also they had a great idea for storing scarves. Theirs were hanging on a ring that they just stuck them through and I thought about all the ones I have stashed and folded in the drawers. I'm going to buy a ton of those round plastic curtain rings you use on tiebacks for curtains and just stick them in there on a hanger. That will keep them from wrinkling or showing the folds and easier to see which one I want to pull out. Just a thought if you're interested.

Good luck to everyone doing their treatments this week. I wish you all smooth sailing and clear skies while bellying up to the bar.

Love to all
Angel

jacqniel

Angel - I love your idea for storing the scarves! Any thought on how to store the hats? Right now mine are stacked on a shelf in my closet. Jacque

whitecotton

Missed you girls

It has been a really tough week. My daughter seems better as she is on antibiotics and they seem to be doing the trick. They did do some tests so we are waiting to make sure it is nothing serious.

I on the other had have been in the hospital. To make a long story short it seems that I did not drink enough water and my stomach lining broke down, and created an ulcer. It is so painful and I thought I was having a heartattack.

They also of course did blood work and my white cell count is at 0 so when they sent me home they put me on house arrest. This sucks because my middle daughter was goming come from school but since she has a cold she is going to my ex. My youngest daughter is also a little sick so she is at his house now too. I was supposed to have a nice outing to my parents for dinner this week but that is out too. My dh is away visting his boys in the states so it is just me and my oldest daughter. She works at the movie theater so she has double shifts all this weekend.

I have med for the ulcer pain but I can't eat solid foods for awile. If I do it hurts so bad. I am so glad I bought the ensure ahead of time.

Also my hair is falling out so fast, not sure what to do with it since I can't go out to get it buzzed. I would hate to do that alone anyway.

I am so sorry ladies to have my pitty party but I have really missed you guys and so wished I could have posted in the hospital.

Still have my possitve attitude overall but just got the wind knocked out of me.

I will post again to respond to all that have posted since I was away. I will take me a bit of time to catch up.
more later.
Melissa

onlygirl4

Melissa,
I am so sorry to hear how hard it has been lately for you. Stomach ulcers are painful by themselves but mixing it with treatment and a low white count is awful. I wish this weekend could have turned out better for you as well. Maybe you can still have some close one-on-one time with your oldest daughter even though she has to work. Please take care of yourself and give your body and spirit time to heal. It sounds like you really need to focus on you. My prayers are with you.

Beth

fireba

Hi all,

Finally checking in one week after my first AC. It went really well, and I felt so great for the first few days that I thought I'd escaped any serious side effects. Wrong! Day 5 hit like a ton of bricks. Well, maybe a half-ton, with the second half crashing in the next day. I could barely move! But now I'm on the upswing again, so I should be all ready for round #2 next Thursday.

I do have a question for everyone, though. My port is settling in nicely, the soreness is almost gone and there is absolutely no sign of infection. (It was put in last Thursday, the same day as my first infusion.) But when I inhale deeply, I feel a sharp pain in my ribs. Yesterday it was just in the front, right under the port site. But today the pain goes all the way around to my back, though still on the side of the port. Again, it's only when I breathe deeply, and it's definitely a sharp PAIN, not an ache. Is this kind of rib pain normal from port surgery? Or could I have slept funny on my side last night to cause the pain?

Thanks, and hope you're all cruisin' along, too!

Sara

playwriter

jill -- hope u keep feeling good, and can enjoy the beautiful weather
marshabel -- let us know what the onc says
missS -- SO good to hear about God working in yr son's heart.
angel -- thanks for the tip -- i will ck at WM for some hats. i only have 2.
melissa -- yikes! that SUCKS about the ulcer and the house arrest. i agree, maybe u can have some time with oldest DD. can u watch some movies maybe?
sara- i haven't have any pain like that from my port, just itching. u may want to call onc if it persists.

we went and took pics today among the bluebonnets (Texas state flower -- it's a tradition in this area to go among the fields of bluebonnets and take yr kids' pics). about a 40 min drive. i slept all the way home, tho....

maxgirl

Well, I was going to say that 1stlite's truck made a right turn and slammed into me, but I think the force of the collision hit whitecotton, and I just got into a fender bender. Melissa,, you are having one rough time this week. It's really disappointing that you can't see the kids, but I hope everything starts looking up soon.

I had tx 3 of AC yesterday with Emend beforehand, and took compazine and Ativan when I got home after a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Slept for a few hours, then woke up sick, sick, sick. I didn't have much to give, but I couldn't even sip a little bit of water without it coming back up.

Finally in the evening I called Kaiser after-hours advice line and got a Rx for Femurgan (sp), an anti-nause suppository. That at least dulled my queasiness, but I still couldn't eat or drink. So today it was back to the onc center for IV fluids, Anzemet and -- yes, I broke down and took it -- Decadron. I slept through the 2+ hours.

Part of the problem may have been that I was kind of queezy going into this treatment, and I might not have been getting enough to drink to begin with.

Anyway, I've had my first meal in more than 24 hours, so I'm hoping I've turned the corner.

That's wonderful that those of you without insurance were able to get Medicaid or other state programs. What a relief at a time when you don't need more worries.

Lisa, musicmom -- Your stories of your sisters brought tears my eyes. It amazing what kinds of things our loved ones can think of to support us.

Sara -- Even four weeks later, my port side can hurt if I lie on it the wrong way, but what you're describing certainly sounds like a cracked rib. Time to see the doc, methinks!

Hope today's chemo brunch crowd has smooth sailing.

Keenie

Dear Miss S,
When I first found this message board, I looked for one that was for Christian women. I wanted to connect and share what blessings and glory could come from this diagnosis, and I'm so thankful to read about so many women of faith here on this "cruise".

Maintaining a strong faith and testimony is hard at the best of times. It's a blessing for me also to read about how others can glory in the bad times as well as the good.

I hope everyone has a lovely and blessed Easter weekend.
Christine
aka Keenie

whitecotton

Beth thank you so much for your prayers. It means a lot to me.
Playwrighter your so sweet too. I have to tell you a am a big scrapbooker too.
Maxgirl I am so sorry you are not feeling well. this is a real rough ride at times. We need to keep our eyes on the road and hands on the wheels. lol I hope things get better soon.
Christine I agree with you as well. We are all in Gods hands.
melissa

Angelflight

JacqueN
Not sure how to store the hats etc as yet. Been trying to come up with an idea on that one too. They're starting to take over the drawers and now I am finding them sitting around everywhere....lol Have to get a system worked out on that one but I'm sure it will be someway to hang them in the closet. How about just a clothespin on a hanger? That might even work. Maybe I'll take a metal hanger (if I can find one somewhere) cut it open on the side and make a hook where I can unhook it and slide them on and off. Most of the ball caps etc will fit inside of each other so shouldn't take up too much space.

whitecotton
So glad to hear the anti-biotics are working for your daughter. Let's hope nothing serious comes out of this. As for your hospitalization so sorry to hear about that. I know the feeling though as I was there for the big 'd' that I just couldn't get rid of. It knocks you for a loop when it happens. Then all of a sudden you're back on track again. Your white blood cell count will come on back up and the meds will start working soon. Just don't let it happen to you again that's all. Have your pity party here all you want you're entitled to and we're here to listen. Believe me I've had my share already. Just take this time to heal and don't worry about the daughters, dinners etc and take care of YOU!

Sara
As for the port pain. It doesn't sound anything normal to me. There shouldn't be any pain whatsoever after it's healed unless there's an infection. I would call the surgeons offive on Monday morning and bring it up to them. See what they say if it's not better by then.

maxgirl
You sure have had your share of problems lately. I know a lot of people here try to avoid the Decadron but I've been taking it since day one of the first treatment and swear that's what's been making me feel so much better than some here. I havn't had a weight increase from it being a steroid or anything and don't see that I will in the future either. Glad it's working for you and you're on the mend.

Keenie
Sometimes when I'm mad at the hubby and d-son all I have left is the Lord. I've had to turn to him many a time to get through the days over the past years and not just the chemo.



Have a nice Easter Weekend everyone.

Angel

maxgirl

Thanks, Melissa and Angel. Feeling shakey but a lot better today. Angel, glad you didn't have the weight gain with the Decadron.

At one time or another, my sons had clip holders on a frame for all their baseball caps. I think we got them in K-Mart or at some place like Sports authority. Don't know if it would work with all the various women's hats, but it might be worth a try.

GrammyNancy

Bar reservation week of April 8 -14

Monday: Jacque
Tuesday: Rosebud (#2)
Wednesday:
Thursday: Sybilvox (#4, last AC), Fireba (#2)
Friday:

GrammyNancy

Hello Ladies,

Miss S ---what a wonderful blessing from your son. Doesn't it make you so proud?

Angel....love the scarf idea...thank you.

Melissa,sorry to hear about your stay in the hospital. Try to take care of yourself and I am sending you prayers for a quick complete recovery.

Sara, sorry to hear about your crash with a ton of bricks..prayers sent you way for quick recovery. Take care of yourself. I think you should probably talk to your surgeon about your port to be on the safe side.

Maxgirl...hope you continue to feel better. Prayers being sent your way.

Hope everyone has a blessed Easter Weekend!
Nancy

pmarsh34

Tommorrow will be my first real outing since the hair is gone. It will be interesting to see how the people at church react. I don't have a wig to wear so it will be obvious when I come in wearing a scarf!
Grammy - add me to the bar reservations for weds 4/11 (tac#2).
I have a hard time responding to everyone's posts like some of you do but I read each and everyone of them and pray for you all as much as I can.

rosebud1962

fireba...I'm not saying this is the source of your pain but it is worth asking about. After my port was put in they did a couple x-rays and I asked why, they said they where checking to make sure they didn't puncture a lung. I never realized that was possible but I guess it is. I don't mean to scare you but it kinda stuck in my mind.

Whitecotten..I'm so sorry you had such bad problems but I hope all is going better for you. Drink that water darling..

I do have a question for everyone..has anyone experienced food cravings? I know this sounds funny but I have and for food I haven't eaten in years! Also, has anyones skin turned very soft? My DBF noticed it the other day and I can't figure if this is one of the SE or not.

I pray everyone will have a blessed Easter, we have 5 inches of new snow with more on the way..lol It feels like Christmas not Easter. But, I am grateful none the less..Christine..a.k.a...rosebud

whitecotton

Nancy thanks for the prayers I need them. I am going for tx#2 FEC on 4/10.
Rosebud we get to go to the bar together again. I'll pay this time! LOL YOu sound so much like me. I never look sad I always smile at everyone. It is amazing what a smile can do to someone that looks down. I feel so good when they smile back at me. Feel like I sent them a prayer and it came back. Ok kind of deep but I never let thing get me down overall.
Pmarsh34 I still have hair but going so fast I can only imagine what it will be like on your first outing. let me know how it goes.
P.S. feeling much better today. seems like the ulcer med are doing the trick. Just hope my white cell count goes back up so I can get up with chemo.
Hope all are well.
Melissa

Anonymous

Jacque, Keenie, Terri, and Nancy Thank you for your comments about my son. He is a great blessing to me.

Keenie, you are right. This cruise has many women who love the Lord and I feel like this was also a gift to be here with them. There is perfect timing in everything. Even though I was worrying and fretting about things taking too long.

Melissa, what a horrendous experience. I am so sorry.. and now you're alone at home. My prayers are with you, but I am so glad that the meds seem to be working and you're on the mend!

Maxgirl so sorry to hear about your difficulties, too. I have heard many stories about tx #3 being worse than all the others. Don't know why. Glad you're on the mend.

Sara, that is strange to feel so good til day 5! Bummer! I definitely will chime in and say to have that pain checked out from your port. My port still hurts, but it's localized pain and it's still swollen and bruised. The doc just looked at mine and said, "Looks goood." *shrug*

This is day #3 for me and I woke up with a headache. I had been doing really well for the first two days and I was hoping to just breeze through. I am also constipated again, even though I thought I was guarding against it better this time. I am sipping a glass of prune juice as I type.

I have a bit of a dilemma. An old friend from the beach has a son who goes to school nearby me. She has offered to come and stay with me for 2 or 3 days after she brings him back from spring break. I do feel pretty rough, but my house is a mess and I don't want her to see it. Also, my heat went out a couple of days ago, so the only heat I have is a space heater in the living room. I don't know what to tell her. I would love some help, but we were never very close. EEK!

My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially those getting infusions this coming week.

Miss S

HollyHopes

Feliz Pasqua to those wwho observe this Feast Day! Had A/C#3 yesterday and all went well. My darling BF (who happens to be an MD) is here with me till Wed making sure I take all meds on time and serving up tasty little tidbits to tempt my appetite which is nil!

Gave myself the Neulasta shot today and predict tomorrow and next couple of days will be rough sailing. Maybe I'll get lucky this time.

I think Grammy was wondering where I live in SoCal - NOrth Hollywood in the San Fernando Valley. Blessing on 1stlite and pmarsh for no more insurance worries..

Love to all of you...

Keenie

Hi,
I'm up for AC #3 on Wednesday, April 11, if my CBC is good on Tuesday!
Christine
aka Keen

dmknanny

Rosebud---funny you shouls mention the food cravings.......mine have been bizarre! After 1st treatment I craved iron - chicken livers (never liked them before) salmon and fresh spinach, along with a big assorted container of olives & veggies from the mediterrenean bar at the grocery store that I devoured on the way home! This time my mouth feels metallic and I am craving cold things.....
Melissa----my heart goes out to you. So sorry you had to be hospitalized - especially since you had so many worries with your daughter. Hope the weekend is calm for you and next week is better.
I wish you all God's blessing as we celebrate this joyful season. To all of us going to church tomorrow for the first time in a wig, scarf, hat, whatever - hold your head up high, keep that smile on your face, and know the Lord is with us all as we continue on our cruise to a better tomorrow! We will all be STUNNING in our Easter Bonnets (although half the country will also need wool hats because it's so freakin cold!)
Diana
P.S. Would wear rose colored glasses too if I had them - LOVED that one!

whitecotton

I hadn't washed my hair for three days in fear of it all coming out in the shower. I went to pull out all the loose hairs before I showered and I just kept pulling and pulling. When I was done I had less than 1/4 of my hair left. Since I am alone and can't go out I got out the scissors and cut it about 2 inches long. When I was done I looked in the mirror and cried. I was so ugly. Then I had a bath and my daughter came home. She knocked on the door of the bathroom and asked if all the hair fell out. I told her what I did and she asked if I was ok. I started to cry. She told me how beautiful I was. I told her that was when I had hair. She said I was like an awesome cake now just without the icing. She said you can always put on the icing but it's the cake that really counts. She made me smile. When I was done I put my make up on like I was told at the look good feel better and then put on one of my new hats. I looked in the mirror and smiled. I actually looked good. I think it may be a shock when the dh comes home though.
Miss S thanks for the kind words and prayers it helped me so much. about your dilemma I am not sure what to say. I know when my mom and dad came to stay with me I was embarrassed at the condition of my house but I got over it. They really don't care and they totally understand. Actually I think they like to clean up makes them feel helpful. But I don't think I would want someone that is not to close to me to come by. My life at home is very personal to me and I would only be comfortable with family and close friends. But we are all different and you should just go with your gut.
Holly I don't think I could ever be able to give my self a shot. One thing that suck here in Canada is that we do not get the Neulasta shot. I am also jealous as It is still only 38 degrees here. I will need my new night cap to keep my head warm. lol
Diana thank you so much I hope next week is better too. Thanks for your blessings as I will be wearing my Easter bonnet at home this weekend.
Melissa

playwriter

Got the head shaved today. DD took some pics. Only prob is, it's cold on my little old bald head!
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happy easter, everyone!