Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

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  • mary5454
    mary5454 Member Posts: 89
    edited January 2009

    Best of luck to all receiving tx today! I am day 9 tx #2 just bouncing back. Have the itchy red stuff on my scalp - suppose I should see if I need to take anything. The thing that bothers me the most is not sleeping through the night. I think I wake up because I am sooooo congested then cannot get back to sleep. Will try a humifidfier tonight. Feeling guilty because I haven't worked since my tx. I also have co-workers who worked through treatment- have to remember can't compare myself to others.

    In terms of people not helping out. I remember myself in their place- not knowing what to do. I find people around me try to downplay this to make themselves feel better.

    My best to you all. Busqueen - hope your dad is okay....hope you have some time to spend with your DH ...with your marriage being tested so early - you two will definitely go the distance!!!

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  • colleen1960
    colleen1960 Member Posts: 226
    edited January 2009

    Carrie - I am so happy to hear that your DH made it home safe and sound.  You must be very happy to have him.  I hope your Dad is doing ok and you to.  Isn't it enough with everything else we go through, but then we have to have all these other things going on to.

    I have not posted in a few days.  Once again #5tx did me in.  Today is day 5 and I am starting to feel less nauseas but still very tired.  And of course alway hungry.  It is horrible waking up around 4 am starving like I have not eaten in days.  And just when I start to feel better it is time to go back again.  Regarding feeling like a wimp, I thought the same thing.  The people I spoke to before I started the dense dose tx told me they had little to no se.  When I stated to feel bad, I thought to myself that I was a wimp and I should just be quiet.  But now I believe everyone of us is different and what bothers one may not bother another.  So I firmly believe that no one who goes through these treatments can possibly be a wimp.  We are very strong people who take on different se's.  So the next time anyone out there feels like a wimp.  Think to yourself that you are a strong women and you will get through this and it is ok to feel bad once an a while.  I just want to wish everyone a nice weekend and for those of us in the freezing weather, please stay warm.

    Stay Warm,

    Colleen

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  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited January 2009

    Colleen, I have noticed your absence lately.  I'm glad your naussea is subsiding and you're feeling a bit better.  Seems like after #3 I was nauseous pretty much all the time but it got worse in the evenings.  I was waking up feeling hungry too.  It was hard to decipher at times if it was nausea I was feeling or hunger.  It's still like that at times.  Sometimes I feel like a wimp at work but then remind myself "hey, I'm going through chemo!".  We have to cut ourselves a break sometimes and realize we're not superwoman.  As much as we'd like to be!

    Carie, I'm soooo glad he's home!  I bet your reunion was wonderful. I haven't had any itchiness with my scalp.  I've been washing it with Dove non-scented hypo-allerginic body soap.  It's very gentle and so far has been very gentle on my head. Have you asked your Onc for anything to help you sleep?  I did after TX1 and he prescribed some Ativan for me.  It helps me sleep and also helps with the nausea. When I have bone and muscle aches, I take one at night with some xtra strength tylenol and I sleep like a baby.

    Mary, glad to hear you're feeling better. 

    Just returned from getting my Nuelasta shot and I'm still feeling good.  Trying to get as much done in the house as I can before I crash.

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  • mary5454
    mary5454 Member Posts: 89
    edited January 2009

    Thanks Lainey - I do have Ativan but haven't used it - maybe that will help!

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  • sdavis
    sdavis Member Posts: 96
    edited January 2009

    Hi all , I know I havent posted lately. I log in most every day to read up but by the time I catch up I am too worn out to post. I just dont care most of the time. I get thru the day and then crash by 8 pm. cant even carry the laundry downstairs without resting. I use what energy I do have to work as my husband is in college and doesnt. My job isnt physical usually but there are days that I come home and feel like dying. today I only worked til noon but have to go in the office soon to check in with schedule for next week. dont even want to go outside again. its flipping cold here.

    -5 this morning and a windchill of -26 not too much better now still windchill below zero. oh well guess I am just tired again.

    until tomorrow. Sue

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  • mimiwhite
    mimiwhite Member Posts: 60
    edited January 2009

    Brenny girl, you are so strong!  Really. I wish you a relaxing weekend.

    TC#3 done on 01/12/09. Hard. 

    Take care ladies.

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  • mmliv
    mmliv Member Posts: 128
    edited January 2009

    Day 4 TC #3 - Weary and in some pain because of the Nuelasta shot. I am only taking Tylenol since the pain meds make me miserable.... so this is MUCH better. Nice to have an excuse to stay in on this cold day!

    Brenny - I agree with another post, let your son know you need him. He just may not understand the ups and downs of this treatment.

    SDavis - good to hear from you! My DH was in Escanaba a couple of weeks ago.... I kept thinking of you.

    Mary 

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  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited January 2009

    Had TX#3 today...they actually got me in on time and since it was my third time they pushed the Taxotere at full speed!  So we were out of there in 4 hours.  Now I'm heading out to teach Zumba...which I really need.  Sitting in that chair all day makes me tired! 

    Good to hear from all the ladies who have been MIA!!!!!!!  Sending good vibes everybody way!

    Stay warm....if that is possible!  Got up this morning and it was 16 below ...before wind chill.  I feel like I'm back in Marquette!

    Hugs

    Lisa

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  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited January 2009

    Mary, you should give it a try.  i'm sorry, I was just reading over my post and see that I got names messed up again.  After I read all the posts they get jumbled up in my chemo brain!

    Lisa, one more down!  It's always nice when they're running on time. Have fun at Zumba tonight.

    Sue, don't wear yourself out by doing too much.  I know that's easier said than done though.  Get some rest. :)

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  • havehope
    havehope Member Posts: 503
    edited January 2009

    Updated list 

    colleen1960            #4 - 2 Jan 09             CMF  

    jajebr3                     2 Jan 09                   4xAC+4xTaxol

    Lainey64                 #3 2 Jan 09          4xAC+4xTaxol  

    Texas357                #3 6/7 Jan 09        3xFEC+9xTaxotere 

    iktracey                  #2 6-Jan 09               4xTC 

    apfuentes                #2 6-Jan 09              4xTC  

    Mandy1313              #3 6-Jan 09             CMF 

    Kranie                     #2 7-Jan 09              6xTC  

    Bkokie                    #2 7-Jan 09              4xTC  

    mary5454                #2 -  8-Jan 09           4xTC

    teachgrade3            #2 9 Jan               TC  

    mombos                  #2 9- Jan 09             6xTC 

    Colleen1960             #5 12-Jan 09           CMF

    Grancy11                 #2 12 Jan 09              6xTC

    mmliv                      #3 13 -Jan 09        4xTC 

    busqueen                #2-9 Jan 09           4xAC+12xTaxol 

    mimiwhite              #3-12 Jan 09            4xTC 

    horsercn                 #2 12-Jan 09          4xAC+12 Taxol+Herceptin 

    LindaBusEd            #3- 13-Jan 09            6xTAC 

    zuffa                       #3- 13-Jan 09            6xTAC

    msbusdriver           #3   13-Jan 09               4xTC  

    Brenny                 # 3  14 Jan 09               4xTC 

    BreastCancerDiva    #4 15- Jan 09               4xFEC+4Taxotere  

    Catrenae                #3   15 Jan 09        4xAC+12xTaxol  

    Lainey64                 #4 15 Jan 09          4xAC+4xTaxol 

    lisasayers               #3-16-Jan 09                 4xTC 

    bobcat                    #3  16 Jan 09                 TC

    simvog                    #3  19- Jan 09           4xFAC+4xTaxol

    cebula                   #3    19 Jan 09               6xTC 

    Bold                        #2   19- Jan 09             6xTCH

    sdavis                     #3 19-Jan 09        6xTC 

    Firni                       #3   21-Jan 09              6xTC

    DrDecker               #2   21- Jan 09               4xTC  

    ptjen                      #3   21 Jan 09               4xTC

    Colleen1960           #6 22-Jan 09        CMF

    CindaD                  #3 -22 Jan 09                4xTC 

    horsercn                 #4 26-Jan 09          4xAC+12 Taxol+Herceptin  

    Mandy1313            #4 27-Jan 09             CMF

    iktracey                  #3 27-Jan 09               4xTC 

    apfuentes               #3  27-Jan 09              4xTC   

    kokie                    #3 28-Jan 09              4xTC

    mary5454              #3 - 29-Jan 09           4xTC

    busqueen            #3     30 Jan 09           4xAC+12xTaxol

    Grancy11                #  2 Feb               6xTC 

    LindaBusEd         #-4   3 Feb             6xTAC

    zuffa                      #4 -  4 Feb           6xTAC

    lisasayers            #4- 6Feb                 4xTCLaughing

    bobcat                   #4- 6Feb                  TC

    Good luck to everybody. Be strong,  we will make it!

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  • jajebr3
    jajebr3 Member Posts: 15
    edited January 2009

    Ladies, I have been reading trying to catch up on the post, bold, you will not be alone, I am straggling behind with you and can not see anyone abandoning us.

    I have been just terrible from my first treatment and am going monday for dose dense number two of ac and am not looking forward to it.  It has been almost two weeks since first treatment and the last two days are the only two I have felt well enough for life.  I did not realize how bad I would be feeling.  I will be speaking with my onc on monday about being so aggitated from the steriods, I could really crawl out of my skin most the time.  I have every anti neausea pill available at the time and it barely keeps it at bay and not for long if it does.  Then came the diahrea, learned quickly how to get that under control but now have a councel on tues with surgeon for hemeroids that are killing me.  Never had those before.  Not fun.

    I am just going to enjoy this weekend before doing this again monday. wish the weather were better negitive 27, new record low.  Has this been depressing enough.  I am really sorrry girls.  I will be better next time   PROMISE

    Alysssa

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  • LindaBusEd
    LindaBusEd Member Posts: 121
    edited January 2009

    Divas,

    Been reading the posts; #3 has been kinda uneventful, but Day 5 starts and I imagine I will be on the couch all day for the weekend.

    Chemo brain ladies, my son left a check for me to write out his car payment and I wrote it for 307 instead of 370. Of well, DH went to the bank. I told him to tell them it was the result of chemo brain! 

    Busqueen, watch for that cold. Right after my 1st treatment, I got a cough (usually turns into bronchitis and last year pneumonia). I called onc. nurse and they gave me the Z-pack and told me to get Municex (sp) DM; it did the treat!

    Ladies in the COLD weather I don't know how you do it! I am in the south and it is going to be 12 this morning. We are not as tough as ya'll. I will be staying in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I, too, noticed after #3, I seem to be eating more! I fixed chili last night (the last 2 txs I didn't want to look at food the first week). Hubby and mother (I took some to her) said it was spicy. It didn't seem spicy to me but it was good. I paid for it with ingestion, though.

    What wonderful ladies we have here that we can depend on! My sister is in OK and she has called me 3 times since I was diagnosed in Sept. But I have a DH and 2 children that check up on me and best of all wonderful FRIENDS. It like they say, you can't pick your family but you can pick your friends!

    Thinking of all of you this weekend. Stay warm!!!  Linda

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  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited January 2009

    Good morning ladies,

    I can relate to the chemo brain! I have been making some pretty silly word mistakes lately, forgetting things, etc.

    I'm entering week #3 after my last FEC and just starting to feel normal. I got my copy of Awakening the Warrior Goddess last night and stayed up late reading most of it. What I like about it is that she's not pushing an "all or nothing" approach. She gives several alternatives, all of which can add up to helping to prevent a recurrence.

    I have 12 chemo treatments in all, and the time is beginning to drag. The end isn't anywhere near in sight. So I've decided to focus on the dietary and lifestyle changes I can make right now to help make sure this is the last time I have to deal with this disease. Hopefully by the time I finish chemo, some of them will have become good habits.

    Simvog: my Taxotere treatment schedule: January 27th, February 3rd, 10th, 24th; March 3rd 10th and 31st; April 1st and 7th. Thank you!

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  • mary5454
    mary5454 Member Posts: 89
    edited January 2009

    Good morning!

    Lainey - thank you. I slept last night! I had the humidifier going to deal with this awful congestion. Took an Aleve for the muscle pain and an Ativan. And it was wonderful to sleep. I so appreciate the suggestions I get here. I have been reluctant to "take" things to deal with some of the problems but am making an action plan for #3 - to deal with the bone pain, constipation, sleeplessness, congestion etc... Appreciate any ideas that helped others. Thinking maybe I should start a mild laxative a day before and keep taking (Colace didn't do it for me) - have been wimpy in that area as afraid of rebound diarrhea.

    Alyssa - hang in there. talk to your onc- maybe they can decrease the steriods. My onc NP said they would if they bothered me. I think the one thing I am learning is speak up...don't suffer in silence.  Thinking of you.

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  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited January 2009

    Morning ladies.  I slept until almost 11 this morning.  Today is day 3 since TX and I guess the tiredness and fatigue is setting in.  No other really bad side effects other than that so I'm lucky. My coffee isn't tasting quite so good to me this morning though. 

    Alysssa, I'm sorry the DD is hitting you so hard.  Definitely talk to your onc about it.  I hope you will feel better soon.

    Simvog, please mark me down - I had A/C #4 on January 15.  My next TX is Taxol #1 on 1/19.  Thanks!

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  • rayhope
    rayhope Member Posts: 228
    edited January 2009

    Texas, I've finished 2 of 6 TCH and am also interested in dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent a recurrence.  I have several books and am really confused.  I am leaning toward a mediterranean type diet with low or no sugar, no soy or flax.  I switched to organic dairy prior to bc diagnosis and really enjoy it (greek yogurt, shakes with whey protein and frozen fruit, etc.).  However, some say even organic dairy is bad.  I also enjoy lauras lean beef occasionally; cows are not given anitbiotics or growth hormones.  I would welcome any opinions you have on this subject.

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited January 2009

    Hi Ladies and good morning!!  You go away for a day of treatment and miss all the news.  I had my 3rd TC yesterday like you Lisasayers and went ok.  I was exhausted when I got home but had a light dinner and glass of wine.  Just home from the Y and double spin class.  Now heading to the Jersey shore for a nice family dinner party.  Talk to you all Monday.  I have Cardiologist appointment in the AM - this never ends!!  BUT - we stay strong for each other.

     hugs, Bobbi

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  • sdavis
    sdavis Member Posts: 96
    edited January 2009

    hello to all, I am feeling okay today but here is another snow storm and its my weekend to work I have to drive thru this mess at least an hour away. oh well go slow and if im late they can just kiss my bald head. lol

    Mary - why was your DH in esky? small world huh.

    Linda- I made chili last week and made my husband check it before I added even my usual spices. was afraid it would be too harsh. my taster is way off. Coffee tastes aweful week one and two but by week three its heaven again. have switched to decaf for the most part and found some decaf french vanilla bean yesterday at the store and its fabulous. I know I wont want any after monday so am enjoying today and tomorrow.

    My Onc. nurse called yesterday and said the doc and been reviewing my chart and found the note about my feet. he is worried about it. I told them that it disipated after about three days and am feeling okay now. They were releived as neuropathy is serious side effect and they dont want to lower my dosage as this is my second time around with this cancer. We are going to talk about it on Monday. My vote is do what we gotta do now to make sure I survive if I have permanant problems with my feet oh well at least I will be allive. If I cant dance at my sons wedding at least I intend to be there.

    Good luck to all, hoping all have a SE free weekend.

    Sue

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  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited January 2009

    Rayhope: I also buy Laura's Beef whenever I can. Some other suggestions that seem to follow across the board include eating more cruciferous vegetables like brocolli and cauliflower, grinding 3 tbps of flax seeds and using them in your food daily, and using organic foods whenever possible to avoid the chemicals added that have been shown to raise estrogen levels in the body.

    There are also apparently some nutritional supplements such as Ginseng and CoQ10 that supposedly enhance the effect of chemo. But not having seen the actual studies, I don't know how true those statements are.

    I found a 2nd book by a cancer survivor and medical doctor called Anticancer: A New Way of Life. I haven't ordered it yet, but looking at the pages on Amazon, he appears to have come to most of the same conclusions as the Awakening the Warrior Goddess medical doctor.

    My oncologist does not believe that dietary changes make a difference, but I certainly believe that what we put into our bodies may have an impact, and I want to lower my chance of recurrence as much as possible! No way do I want to go through all this again!!!

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  • Mandy1313
    Mandy1313 Member Posts: 1,692
    edited January 2009

    I am vegetarian but Coleman's meats also are hormone free, etc.  And the other thing is to try to use dairy that is not from  bovine growth hormone treated cows. 

    More veggies is always good; but there also are quality of life issues. If the diet is going to make you miserable, then you have to take that into account too.

    Have a wonderful day 

    Mandy

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  • mmliv
    mmliv Member Posts: 128
    edited January 2009

    Simvog - please put me down for #4 TC on 3 Feb! My last!!!!!! 

    Day 6 TC #3 - Other than the usual fatigue, I have done OK. Actually felt better this time because I didn't take Percocet pain medicine and just used Tylenol. The Percocet caused nausea and even more weariness. So while the pain was a bit more..... I felt better.

    Diet - Eating healthful is not just for cancer avoidance.... it is good for us other ways! Same as exercise...... but there is no way that I am going to give up chocolate Laughing

    sdavis - My DH and daughter went up home to visit and of course to go to a couple of their favorite restaurants. They love Hong Kong Buffet in Esky and Borders in Marquette. Borders has a very nice, new facility.... they took pictures for me and then brought home some Gilbert's MIF icecream for me. Though icecream tastes terrible right now!Cry

    mimiwhite - how are you doing? You are just ahead of me in the TC treatment... you mentioned that this last one was tough.

    Mary L. 

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited January 2009

    Hi Ladies,  I've been MIA for almost a week!!!  I've been in a little bit of a dark place and I couldn't even want to write anything.  I was so depressed!  I know a couple of you went thru that with your 2nd tx too.  Then I got a letter from my ins. on Friday saying they weren't paying any of my recon. costs.  Bastards. The letter said they contacted my PS office for additional information to process the claim and they didn't get it.   I have to call the PS billing office and find out what additional information they didn't send to the ins. co.  Then I guess I fight.  One or the other or both.  

    My taste buds are MIA again too.  Last time they came back in a week and stayed.  This time they came back for a few days.  And now gone again.  Spicy is not so much and even fruit leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  Most raw veggies are ok yet.  Meat?  No way.  Not even ice cream is good.

    My hand/foot syndrome as well as the rash on my face has cleared up.  But I really have to limit what I do.  No extra walking, no activities that could produce friction on my hands, and nothing to do with hot water.   I'm going to have to figure out something else for exercise.  I was doing light resistance training and walking.  Maybe pilates/yoga.

    My neuropathy is gone as well.  I am concerned what Onc will say about treatments on Wed.  Sue, Let me know what yours says tomorrow after you see him about your neuropathy.  I still have 4 more tx.  I sure would hate to have it change to something else now.  

    I did go to my PS for a fill on Thurs.  He always makes me feel better.  After the exchange, many months from now, I'll be the size I am now.  I'll go for one more fill to "top off and fine tune".  He likes to overfill for a more natural look when he does the exchange.  All in all, the new girls are looking good.  Actually, my expanders look better than some of the final exchanges on the picture forum.   

    I hope you all are warming up in the north land.  It's been pretty nice here in Denver.  That arctic blast just missed us.

    Bobbi, How in the world do you do a double spin class the day after tx??? 

    Linda, I have 3 sisters who live in WI that never call either.  They might respond to an e-mail once in a while.  Well, my youngest sister did e-mail to say she was going to Jamaica.  Nice.  I'm so glad you all are here!!!!!!

    Alyssa, hang in there.  Each tx can be different.  Hopefully yours will get easier. 

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  • mary5454
    mary5454 Member Posts: 89
    edited January 2009

    Firni- welcome back. When it gets bad like that we have to remember that it doesn't last...it does  get bettter.

     Mary L- I am so glad things haven't been too bad after #3- you give me hope!

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  • mmliv
    mmliv Member Posts: 128
    edited January 2009

    Mary5454 - Looking at your stats, you and I are not too different. I too will probably do the dense dose radiation and tentatively scheduled to start the middle of February. I loved your reaction of your 14 yr old to your baldness. My 18 yr old daughter has been incredibly supportive and loving. I know that she and my DH help my attitude!!

    I too have tried to be proactive on the SEs and I think that all the hints here have helped.... though there is discomfort (Ha!) it is manageable.... so keep on going forward; there will be an end! 

    Firni - I cannot imagine fighting the insurance company as well as the cancer. Thank you for keeping us informed.... you need our prayers.

    Mary L. 

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  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited January 2009

    Hello my Friends:

    It's 2:12 in the morning and it is the night before TX.2.  I just get so wound up from the cortisone.

    I hope to get a few hours as I wanted to to us by six am.

    I will try to count my blessings. And take another adivan.

    Good night and good Morning.

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  • sdavis
    sdavis Member Posts: 96
    edited January 2009

    Well number 3 of 6 is today. have to report at 9:15 for blood work. I should be home this afternoon about 2. I work tomorrow which is fine I usually feel okay the day after but have the rest of the week off as I will be too tired to do much more than run to the bathroom.
    Have to talk to the doctor about the nearopathy in my hands and feet, not much they can do except lower the dosage and I am not sure I would allow that. we will see. maybe he can at least give me a pain killer for when its really bad.
    Other than tiring easily and a few days of walking on glass shards I am doing okay and looking forward to this being over. again. lol
    Love to everyone and hope your all doing well with this bitter cold and snow.

    sue

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  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,595
    edited January 2009

    Rayofhope - I am curious as to why you will eliminate flax from your diet. I thought flax was a good thing! I take 4 tblsp daily of organic flax meal Now I am concerned.

    God Bless Us All

    Lori

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  • rayhope
    rayhope Member Posts: 228
    edited January 2009

    Lori - I have read conflicting information on both soy and flax.  For about 6 months prior to diagnosis, I consumed 1-2 T of flax daily for heart health.  I enjoyed it and would like to add it back to my diet, but I'm just not sure.  I will try to find some of the info about it and post later. 

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  • rayhope
    rayhope Member Posts: 228
    edited January 2009

    Lori - I just did  a search of the discussion boards for flax.  It shows a lot of dicussions on the pros and cons.  I just feel if there is any question, I will stay away from it for now. 

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  • mimiwhite
    mimiwhite Member Posts: 60
    edited January 2009

    Firni I am sorry to hear about your nightmare with insurance.  It is just so cruel!

    xoxo

    Mimi

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