Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

havehope

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 

Majanumba1           #3 19-Jan  09              TCH

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 

simvog                   #3  23- Jan 09           4xFAC+12xTaxol

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

mimiwhite            #4  -1-Feb            4xTC 

Grancy11                #  2 Feb               6xTC 

LindaBusEd         #-4   3 Feb             6xTAC

mmliv                  #4  3-Feb                4xTC  

zuffa                      #4 -  4 Feb           6xTAC

Brenny                 # 4- 4 Feb              4xTC  

lisasayers            #4- 6Feb                 4xTC 

bobcat                   #4- 6Feb                  TC

sdavis                   #4 9-Feb               6xTC

cebula                   #4 9 Feb            6xTC

havehope

My WBC was too low to have the treatment today. So my 3^rd one was moved to Friday, Jan 23. Not to happy about it but I had no other choice.

Majanumba1

Hi, I admit I have been stalking this page for awhile and that you have given me alot of support in the past month and 1/2. I am on the TCH regimine every 3 weeks with a herceptin infusion every monday and a Neusasta shot 24 hrs after the biggie. Usually the big 18 wheeler mows me down on Tues. night after the TCH and I pull myself together about Day 8. Went for tx 3 today and it was hard knowing what might be coming. nausea and vomiting are not my friends. The second half of the second week and week 3 just get better so I really can't complain toooooo much ( at least on my first posting) I was prompted to join to let Firni know that her insurance cannot turn her Reconstruction down. A law was passed by Congress in 1998 and signed by Clinton that gives every woman the right to have reconstructive surgery to restore her breasts and make them match up!!!(very important when one the real one is saggier than your pretty new one. I am sure that your PS knows this and that they just dropped the ball in billing. Iam sorry that this has caused you unnecessary stress but I know you will get it cleared up. Glad to meet you amazing, wild crazy breast cancer sisters and I want you to know lots of healing love is flowing from my fingers to my macand over the internet to each one of you

Firni

Majanumba1-  Welcome to our group.  I'm glad we've been able to be here for you.  And I'm sorry that the 18 wheeler has you down for a week!  Are you doing 4 or 6 TC?

Thank you for joining in and letting me know about the 1998 law on recon.  I know that many states mandate recon, but Colorado is not one of them.  Federal law overrides state??  I did call the billing office and they said they sent the info to the ins. on 12-15.  They said I probably just have to call them and let them know the surgery was for recon, not cosmetic.  Ins. don't read between the lines and even tho they paid for the mx and 100% for my chemo they don't know I have cancer.  What BS.  Anyway, I called the ins. co. and they are closed for MLK day today.  sigh... Tomorrow is another day.  

I'm gearing up for Tx 3 on Wed.  Maybe I can do some mind over matter and just have normal and expected SEs this time and not all the weird stuff.

I hope all of you having Tx today are doing well.  That is a drag you didn't get in today simvog! Oh and congratulations to Mimi, Mary and Lisa for getting happy faces on their next and LAST Tx's!

Brenny

simvog - sorry for your delay in tx!  Put me down for TC tx4 on Feb 4 -- the last one!

Firni - hope you are doing better today -- sometimes I think trying to be Wonder Woman just gets to be too much and pulls us under!! 

Day 6 after tx3 -- doing okay.  Broke another nail (unbuckling the setbelt) - they just aren't what they used to be! And I am guessing they aren't going to grow back any time soon....

Lainey64

Hi ladies.  I have also been MIA for a few days.  It's day 5 since TX #4 and I feel pretty bad.  Yesterday I forced myself to walk in the park with my DBF but was totally exhausted afterward.  I know this is par for the course and expected the SE's to continue to be worse.  I am supposed to return to work tomorrow but not sure how that will go.  The Onc gave me some new pills the other day that I have to take 6 hrs prior to each Taxol.  I have to research and see what these are.  Is anyone else taking premeds 6 hrs prior?

Mary - I'm glad you were able to get some sleep!  Sleep is one thing I don't mess around with

Simvog - I'm sorry you didn't get your TX today.  I haven't had to experience that yet but know I would be extremely disappointed.  Hang in there.

Majanumba1 - Welcome.  I'm sorry you had to join us but you found the right place.

BonnieK

Firni -- I'm sorry your insurance company is being such a pain.  My ps told me that the insurance companies are bound by law to pay for reconstruction for breast cancer patients, so we just resubmitted everything a couple of times and they finally paid.  I hope you are able to do the same!

Sue -- I'm sorry you have such painful neuropathy.  That is no fun for sure.  I'm having some foot issues too and wonder if it is neuropathy.  When I get up in the morning it is super painful to step down on the bottoms of my heels and my toes on both feet are numb and tingle sometimes too.  My hands are suddenly super weak, but not numb or painful.  Guess I'll talk to the onc at #3 tx next week, if not before. I hope your tx was reasonably uneventful today and you aren't having any SEs.

Bold -- hope your tx went well today and you are able to get some sleep tonight.

Take care, everyone.  -Bonnie

Brenny

I was feeling a little sorry for myself - a friend sent me this inspirational message..

Please watch.  It's only 3 minutes but you'll never forget it.
 
      Your problems won't seem nearly so big after you watch this.

   A Giant of a Man - Meet Nick Vujicic - I hope you can see the video - inspiring!

   http://www.4marks.com/videos/details.html?video_id=723 (copy and paste)

sdavis

Firni -- talked to my doc about the neuropathy and he was happy to hear it cleared up mostly by the end of three days. He said as long as it doesn't last more than a few days to just take the pills I need to to get thru. He isn't worried about it being a lasting side effect just an inconvenient one for now.

We also talked about the Gene testing (BRCA ! & 2) and turns out Medicaid doesn't cover them. Was really hoping to get that done so my sis and brother and their kids could get the secondary test and be sure they were cancer gene free.

I also am having a insurance company nightmare. I have Michigan Medicaid. I have a deductible that I must meet each month which is equal to half my monthly salary. If this isn't bad enough I must resubmit paper work every single month to be covered. My Caseworker has stopped returning my calls and the last paper work I got from them said I was covered for Oct 25 -31st, Nov. 8 - 30 and Dec 9-31st. I had surgery on Oct 24th, Bone scan Nov 6, surgery on Nov 7 and port placed on Dec 8th. The biggest and most expensive things I am suppose to cover?? I added it up tonight and its over 18,000 dollars. OMG how do they propose I pay for that on 8.75 an hour and 20 hours a week that I can work right now. I can't even cover the rent and all the utilities. If I didn't have a little nest egg we would be freezing our buns off in the car which wouldn't have insurance.

I have my stack of bills all set I am showing up down there without an appointment tomorrow, since she won't call me back to make an appointment and if she won't see me someone will. I refuse to let them drive me insane.

On a good note I had Tx today and am feeling good, went to the grocery store and stocked up on easy to cook foods so the hubby can cook after he gets home. I work tomorrow but have the rest of the week off and since my son is off school on Friday my parents are taking him overnight from Thursday morning til Friday afternoon. Gotta love the grandma and papa. I am off until Monday morning so have quite a few days to just sit and veg if the housework doesn't distract me ( it never does. lol)

Okay this is long enough I guess. Hope every one else had a good day.

hugs

Sue

Firni

Honestly Sue, how do they expect you to survive?   I know things are hard all over but your medical deductible shouldn't be half your monthly salary.  I don't know how you even keep up with what's covered and on what day.  And shame on your caseworker.  Medical costs are just out of control and wrong. As far as my deductibles and co-pays, I just pay $50.00 a month to every medical person or place that I owe.  Right now there are 7 of them.  As I pay one off, I'll allocate more $ to the rest.  It might take me years to get things paid, but I guess the alternative would be to have not done anything and just die.  I just pretend I'm buying a new car.   I'm glad your onc was not overly concerned about your neuropathy.  Mine isn't nearly as bad as yours.  I haven't had to take anything stronger than Tylenol and it only lasted a couple days.  Get some good rest after tomorrow!

ptjen

About flax and soy - I've been avoiding soy on the recommendation of my oncologist b/c I'm ER+ and soy has high phytoestrogens. But I've been adding flax seeds to everything b/c they are supposed to be so good for you. My daughter pointed out that alot of foods besides soy have phytoestorgens so I checked it out and discovered that flax seeds are higher (by alot) than soy. So I'll be talking to my oncologist but it looks like flax seeds are out!  Here's a link to a list:

http://www.dietaryfiberfood.com/phytoestrogen.php 

Firni

How much phytoestrogen is too much?  There are a lot of foods on the list that look high to me.

Bold

Sweet ferni:Life is to hard without this crap. It is fair that they should support you. This is not a criminal act. You should be treated with compassion and answers,  Good luch My thought and prayers are with you.

Rayhope: I went to an eastern doctor and she advised me to eat flax the type that has to be refrigerated only every morning. with four tablespoons in cottage cheese, She is affiliated with Cedars Sinai Hospital. Not that is matters but her DH is the director of Iron man, She sure had him loss a lot of weight. But he looks great. She put me on Fish oil, Co Q10. Weatgrass. Lots of veggies and fruit. Vitamin D, Calcium, Vitamin b6. Oncput put me on  Prilocec 40mg, Ativan when needed.Baby aspirin.  Some other anit nausea drug I have not tried. And steroid before during and after Chemo. So I thin I gaining weight from all thie pills (just kidding)

I had my TX two today. and I feel just a little bit loopy. It seemingly hard to type. I hope that I get a good might sleep. Nuelasta tommorw. Ugg   Oh yeay claritin d and Sennakot complete. Two more yummy treats.

Pease to all and hope that tomorrow is normal and you go at least an hour not even thinking about it. good luck.

Grancy11

Majanumba1 - welcome, so sorry you qualify to join us but so much support and info here

Sue - glad your TX went well, good luck with the Medicaid office - will say an extra prayer for you that you can get this aggravation behind you, extra stress is not part of what you need now! ...you might look into other financial help for the gene testing, I think I read somewhere that there are groups that help with that

simvog - sucks that you had to delay your treatment, hope you're good to go Friday, do they have any idea what is causing the counts to stay low, or anything to counter it?  thanks again for the list, love seeing those smiley faces!!!!

bold - good luck with SE's from TX2

lainey - hope the taxol treatments are a lot better for you, and SE's from this last TX ease up

firni - hope the reconstruction snafu resolves with just a couple of phone calls - maybe some of the insurance people were taking time off in Dec. and your paperwork just got shuffled to the bottom of a pile...

blessings to us all and especially those with treatments this week

goldie0827

Bold and Rayofhope

Now I am really confused and scared in regards to the flax. There is so much contradicting information out there. Should I continue the flax or shouldn't I? DAMN I hate this disease!

Bold, I take alot of the same supplements you do that were prescribed by my naturopathic doctor, including the flax. The flax I use is Bobs Red Mill Organic Flax Seed and I grind it into meal and keep it in the freezer. I go back to my cancer center in Feb and will ask about the flax, in the meantime, do I stop or continue??? Not sure what I will do. Maybe email him and ask. CRAP!

God Bless Us All

Lori

havehope

Thank you all for the kind words.

Grancy11 :

My schedule was shuffled a bit due to winter holidays and the 19 was at 20 days apart from the Tx2. After my first tx I needed 22 days to go up to 6,500. Most likely I will be ok Friday since it will be my 24^th day since tx2.

horsercn

Hope everyone is doing ok today....found this web site "Patient Advocate Foundation" that is supposed to reimburse you for all of your copays and deductibles if you are poor like me.  I do have very good insurance that covers alot but I am currently not working so I'm hoping they will reimburse me based on that.

Simvog: my final ac treatment is 1/26/09.  I forgot to look to see if you put that in.  then it's 12 taxol with herceptin tx.  Thanks for keeping the list going.

I'm sorry for all of you that have the bad SE's. just remember we are going through alot and we are survivors and very very strong women.

Love to all

Tricia

mmliv

Day#8 3rd TC treatment. Yesterday felt as if my body was starting to return to normal. Fatigue easing, pain gone (except for occasional twitching), and digestive processes returning to normal. So no more pills and cutting back on prunes! Still drinking at least 3 quarts of water every day..... I think that really is helping me; I actually feel that sometimes I should have consumed more water! My energy level is maybe about 75% of normal. The cold and weather have prevented me from walking 3 miles so I am jogging around the house for 30 minutes. I am leery of cold air in my nostrils since I seem to have incipient nose bleeding. 

Of course the taste buds are still wacky, but since they allow me to enjoy veggies and meat - I am happy. Which mean that it will soon be time for another cornish pastie meal!!!!

Hope these updates are providing useful info for those approaching #3. By treatment #4 will this all be routine?

Mary L 

lisasayers

Wow!  I've missed so much.  Today is day 5 after TX3.  I will say this one has tired me out more...had a hard time getting through and hour of Zumba yesterday.  Slept more this morning and am feeling better.  So SICK of this taste in my mouth!!!!!

Okay...it really TICKS me off about the whole insurance thing that many of you are going through.  As if this damn disease wasn't enough...to have that on top of it is CRAP!  I'm sorry you are going through this!!!!!!!

As far as the phytoestrogens.  They have weak estrogen effects...rather than the strong estrogens in our bodies that cause us the problems!  Phytoestrogens lock into the estrogen receptors and block the strong estrogens.  The also are shown to slow down cell division.  The problem is there aren't enough studies being done to show the benefits....because there is no money to be made!  If it is natural, it can't have a patent...so the drug companies aren't interested in looking into it!  I use ground flax every day.  Just keep asking questions and doing research....

Hang in there ladies....

Lainey64

Hi Divas, it helps me so much to read everyone's updates.  I don't feel so alone anymore.  I'm back at work today and it's such a lonely feeling at times.  Everyone is buzzing around and doing their normal thing and I'm just sitting here feeling terrible and terribly sorry for myself.  My boss came up to me awhile ago and asked me how I was feeling.  I told him that honestly I wasn't feeling good but I'm here and making my best effort.  He asked me "What's wrong"?  I couldn't bite my tongue and I said "I'm going through chemo".  I didn't mean to be ugly or rude, but it just bothers me when people have to ask why I feel bad.  I thought it was obvious.   So I know he loves and cares about me because we've worked together for several years, but I guess people just don't know what to say sometimes.  I'm going to try and put on my smile.   Today is Day 6 since A/C 4 and I still feel nauseous and so fatiqued.  I don't want to take any meds because those will just knock me out.   Thank you everyone for reading and for being here. 

Mary - my taste buds are whacked out at the moment!  I'm doing all I can to get some dry toast down this morning.  But for the first time in weeks I'm enjoying fresh fruit.  I'm glad you're feeling a little better today!

Lisa - I'm sick of the crud taste in my mouth too!  Thank you for the links you sent me.  I have to do some research to see what I need to make myself healthier.  I feel so out of the loop because I don't know anything about flax.

Big hugs to everyone

Elaine

bobcat

Hi All -

Lisa - I am day 5 from 3rd TC and not as good this time either - energy, stomach, taste buds, you name it!  But I am trying to rest and get good sleep.  Good luck to you.  I did exercise today but now exhausted.

Everyone that is having insurance troubles - I think there is a law that says reconstruction MUST be covered.  It was put into law years ago because so many of us were left paying for our own recon - which is just not right. 

My brain is also mush so I'm reading posts more than posting!  Thanks for all the information and support ladies.

Bobbi

Firni

Good morning everyone,   

Lainey, I'm glad you didn't bite your tongue when your boss asked what was wrong.  The people outside of our bubble just don't get it and I think they need to be reminded from time to time when we aren't doing well.  Especially at work.  Not that any of us want sympathy.  A little compassion would be nice tho.  I'm sorry you're feeling so bad yet on day 6.  Hopefully you're doing better today.

Bobbi, so far I haven't had any chemo brain.  But then I don't use my brain much these days as I'm not working and pretty much just hang out at home.

Lisa, Tx3 must be bad to be getting you down.  Of all of us, you have been the powerhouse.  I hope you're feeling better today too.  If the phytoestrogen blocks the strong estrogen in our bodies, why is soy bad for ER+ ?  Is there something in soy that isn't in some of the other stuff like flax?

Mary L, I've been having some nose bleeds too.  I think it's because my nose runs constantly and sometimes I blow my nose to hard.  Then it bleeds.  I don't know if any of these Tx's will become routine.  It seems like each one gets worse.  I'm a little scared of Tx3 much less 4,5 and 6.

Brenny, my fingernails have stayed pretty strong.  I usually have them pretty long but cut them short right before Tx 1.  They have not grown back at all yet.  However, my toenails seem to be growing faster than they used to.  Strange.

Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement on my ins. issue.  I tried calling 2 times yesterday and was cut off after holding for around 1/2 hour both times.  I'll try again today.  Once I get the recon. out of the way, I can start working on the oncotype test which I got a letter yesterday saying they won't pay that.  I do have the number for the genome testing place and I'll give them a call today as well.

I go in for Tx 3 this morning.  I expect to have blazing energy this afternoon.  I'll get the house cleaned, laundry done and the beds changed.  By late tomorrow afternoon (after neulasta) I expect the SEs will begin to settle in.

I hope everyone has a good day and is feeling good.  Well, at least better. 

colleen1960

Hi All - I have not posted in a while.  After tx 5 I really felt bad for the next 5 days.  Started feeling better by the weekend which was good since it snowed my DH had to work 12 hr shifts so I had the kids by myself for 3 days.  We had a very busy weekend.  I got a call from onc yesterday and she wants to see me today instead of tomorrow.  So I will find out this afternoon if I can get my next tx or if I have to come off the trial.  At this point I not sure of what I want.  I am feeling so much better I hate to be sick again.  But whatever it is I can't change it.  I also started to get the sores in my mouth this time.  So I am constantly rinsing.  My SIL said to stay away from sweets, I said I can't that because it makes me feel better lol. 

Regarding the ins. issue, my SIL also is having problems with hers.  They would not cover a pet scan (she has thyroid cancer) because she did not meet the criteria.  She told the girl if having cancer does not meet your criteria then you are all crazy.  She finally got it covered.  My adivce is also to check with your drs. office.  Some Drs. have office staff to deal with ins. companies.  They have all the medical codes and sometimes that is all it takes.  Also I know my ins. company has a advocate that deals with people who are going through serious illness and they switch me to that office anytime I call with any problems.  As far as paying out of pocket, I suggest you call the ins. company and tell them you can only afford $5 per mth (or whatever will not hurt your daily living)  from what I have heard as long as you pay that $5 a mth per your agreement they can't bother you.  I hope some of this info helps.

Good luck to anyone going today for tx.  I will let you know later what happen at the drs.

Colleen

lisasayers

Hey Firni...good luck with your treatment today!  And for everybody else getting treatment!

TX3 just gave me more fatigue...but I'm fighting back! LOL  Taught Zumba to a troupe of 24 brownie scouts last night!  LOL  I wore them out!  But I am feeling better today.  Plus my husband says I don't give myself enough rest, so maybe with everything...the holidays, work, etc. it was just catching up with me.

As far as soy....the verdict is still out on that.  Because there aren't a lot of studies, doctors like to err on the safe side and tell you to stay away from it.  From my research, soy biggest benefit comes when it has been a part of your diet/lifestyle since your were born. 

Because natural stuff cannot be patented, we aren't going to see big studies or trials being done on soy or flax, etc...that is because the pharmaceutical companies can't make any money from it!  So we are just going to have to continue seeking information from those who are doing the small studies and go from there.  STINKS!

Colleen is right....as long as you are making some type of payment...they can't do anything!  $1, $5 ...whatever!  I know, as my Mom went through this when she had her cancer.  She also got some help from the ACS.

Hope eerybody is staying warm!

bobcat

Good morning Ladies -

Good luck today Firni - I too found more fatigue with #3 but like Lisa - fighting back and plan to run with a friend this morning in 20 degrees - slow and steady in the sun

Mary L -  try saline nose drops for the dry sinuses and nosebleeds.  I use them constantly and although I still have problems they are not as severe as they could be. And use them ALL the time - they really help.

And I agree with everyone facing all these insurance issues and copays, as long as you are making a monthly effort to pay your bills they should accept that.

Love and luck to all today as we wait for the next SE or hurdle.

Bobbi

swest

Hello Ladies!

I have been following everyone since December 1st.  However, not had the guts to post.  Well here goes.  I am new to this so bear with me.

I am currently taking 4 TX of TC every 21 days.  I just finished my 3rd TX on 1/19/09.  Just one more to go on 2/13/09! Yea!  It will be my luck the onc will say "lets do 2 more TX for good measures".  I am having quite a bit of fatigue during this TX so I have decided to stay home from work to get more rest.  I am feeling a bit guilty since this is the first day I have taken off (except for treatment days).

 I have a question for all of you strong women who are exercising during treatment.  I don't know how you do it.  I just don't have any energy on week 1, On week 2 I'm trying to get things back in order from week 1.  Also, I am not taking Neulasta so I have to stay away from the public.  So that leaves week 3.  I would love any suggestions or just a swift kick in the hiney to get me moving.

 I hope that everyone has a wonderful day of no or litte SE!  Thank you agian everyone for keeping me going.  You are all an inspiration to me!

 Sonia

Lainey64

Good morning Divas.  Today is a little better.  I figure it's now day #7 since TX so I HAVE to start feeling better sometime!  My taste buds are still off and my appetite is weird again but it's manageable.  I'm at work again and made a major screwup just a few minutes ago.  It's just my scattered chemobrain I'm sure.  I had to go apologize to my boss and he was nice and told me not to worry about and that mistakes happen.  I almost started crying again but thankfully just bucked up and moved on.  Oh well.

Sonia - Hi there.  I'm glad you have finally posted.  I know there is a lot to digest and I hope we've been of some help to you.  As for exercise, I was able to go to Curves after my 1st TX but have not gone again.  I'm like you, by the time my 2nd "good" week rolls around, I'm too busy trying to catch up from the lousy week I had.  I make myself feel better by telling myself I come to work and do enough walking and moving around here.  I probably need to do more.  Let's try and motivate each other!

Firni - I hope your TX goes well and uneventful for you today. 

Colleen - Hi there.  Have missed you.  Let us know how your Dr's visit goes today. 

lisasayers

Welcome Sonia...so glad you posted! 

As far as the exercise for me...part of it has to do with it is my business!  I have two home based businesses and I have to work...pays the bills!  But the other thing is Zumba really makes me feel better!  I know after TX#2 I didn't teach as much, because classes were off for the holidays...and I felt worse! 

I'm on day 6 of TX#3 and am feeling "normal" except for the nasty taste in my mouth.  This treatment really gave me more fatigue and I did have a harder time teaching class on Monday, but last night I taught a brownie troupe and felt better after class.  I know I have less pain from the Neulasta shot the more active I stay.

Trust me, I don't always feel like going to class, but once I get there and turn on the music...it takes me to another place and I can forget about this damn disease! 

So maybe just turn on some of your favorite music and move around the house...dance and let yourself just be!

lisasayers

Oh, for those of you interested in bio-identical hormones...Oprah is having a show on that subject this Thursday!  Thought I would pass the information along

mmliv

Sonia - Welcome to our group! The more input... the more learning. As far as exercising, I am only trying to maintain a routine similar (but at a lower energy level) to what I had before I started treatment. I find that exercising helps with keeping my energy level higher. But, if I am very fatigued (as on days 4 and 5) I may only do half as much. I also told my husband to encourage me; so he has been going out with me. Also I seemingly have been lucky with SEs so that I am able to exercise.

Bobbi/Firni - I can't do saline, salt is so incredibly nasty tasting to me now. If I do saline - well, it is ugly. Fortunately I have not have had a problem.... yet..... but my nasal membranes must be very fragile right now. Firni I don't know how you are handling the nose bleeds, when I lived in CO the cold dry air in the winter wreaked havoc with my nasal passages!

Prayers to all with insurance issues. It is bad enough to fight cancer!!!!!!!!!

I've discovered that I cannot realistically answer the "how are you feeling" question. How I feel seems to change by the minute! :-) I just let people know the trend..... getting better, getting worse..... I am thankful that people care or are brave enough to ask. At least they are acknowledging that I am enduring a pretty nasty medical regimen.

Mary L.