Starting Chemo in July 2009

gillyone

Hello TJs

We have some very upbeat ladies posting here - great for our morale. I am amazed that some of you are closing in on the end of chemo. Awesome!

Glassist, I too am a post-menopausal experienced (but not old) lady of 54. I don't feel any different than when I was 35.

I'm enjoying wearing lots of long dangly earrings with my supershort thinning hair (after 2 DD AC) and wondering whether to just get rid of the rest or wait and see.

Jayne in UK -  I am just nosy, wonder where you are as I am from UK (but in US). Please pm me if you are interested in sharing.

Losing posts - I have noticed that if you look at another page while posting, it has gone!

Let's have a good week.

gillyone

A question I forgot to ask. I see that some people are having vision issues. I am a contact wearer, and wondered, not particularly about the vision, but about the comfort level when eye lashes have gone. Anybody had this problem? I'm just thinking ahead.

jewlls

well 2nd one down just 10 more to go got a smelly clay bandage put on arm after chemo for pain so to get hickman line fitted day b4 next round, really tired, good luck to all who have finished and to everyone who had chemo 2d hope all s well with minimal se

luv to all

leslie43

that is hilarious! 

leslie43

re. wine

oncologist said a glass now and then fine - best stay away from bubbles and def harder stuff. my taste has gone off tho and have lost use of my only 2 vices - coffee and wine.  in light of this sad reality i am trying to re-frame this as a spa year. any help with the mental imagery deeply appreciated

Jayne_in_UK

Gill I sent you a PM.

I am off to bed now as it is getting late here and I think today has worn me out

Good night all.

josybee

gillyone, My eyes have been bothering me more after  my 3rd AC, they have been very watery for the past week and a half.  Had my 4th & last AC today, my Dr. gave me a prescription eye drop to use twice a day. My eyelahes have thinned a lot but I haven't lost all of them, not yet anyway.

o2bhealthy

Gilly - good question! I have been too scared to wear my contacts since starting chemo (worried about eye infections)...

Is anyone else still wearing their contacts through out chemo?

Shaesallah

Hi to all the Ladies here-

It is after 2 a.m. and I am due to have lab, see the doc and have chemo in about 7 hours.....can't sleep!

I noticed the talk of the hair loss.  I actually had a friend cut mine, and she buzzed part  it and left some longer (maybe an inch) on top.  Had my Partner cut the top down.  Last Frifay I was 15 days from first chemo and I noticed in the shower the hair coming out all over my hands.  Same thing the next day in the shower also.  So Tuesday night I went ahead and buzzed my head just short of the scalp.  I have a baseball cap I wear outside and a scarf I can wear also.  Need to get a few more so I can at least have a change of color.

My biggest problem is sleeping so I guess I need to ask the onco about that......my days and nights are all mixed up.  I know alot of it is depresion....I find alot of things (reading, playing, checking e mail, even being on the pc) I used to enjoy I can't  do anymore, the enjoyment is not there  I sure hope they come back soon. 

Prayer and Hugs to all

Shae

PauldingMom

Same here Leslie- I've always wanted to kick the morning coffee habit. This has done it. I'm looking forward to a glass of wine that doesn't taste like rotten fruit juice. 

I have still been wearing my contact lenses. I've been taking them out earlier in the day and very careful about cleaning them. No eye problems yet except for dry eyes and some blurred vision when I am tired.

Shae-Be sure to talk to your Onc. about your feelings. I'm having a rough time first with anxiety and now on and off again depression. I've been trying to cut back on the meds. he gave me but somedays it's just harder than others. Be sure to smile even when you don't feel like it. Watch a funny movie or show, smile at a bird in the grass, or the shape of the clouds in the sky. I swear it will make you feel better.

My sis made it in early last night so we had time to visit before I feel asleep. Today rest arrive and we are going to make a big meal and celebrate life!! Also going to cut SallieMae's hair off. Should be an interesting day!

Sweet Prayers and Hugs to all,

Lisa 

DeniseM808

Michelle - I stopped wearing my contacts to minimize the risk of infection. Oncologist said that I do or not do contacts and left it up to me. Learning to give up many vanity/old normal related things: contacts, hair, underwire bra, tossing out a lot of old makeup, my little too tight wedding ring, long workouts at the gym, non-medical massage, coffee, wine, spicy food, etc.

DeniseM

Kathy16

Heading to chemo #3/4 today and sending good wishes and hugs to all, but especially to our mini group who seem to be on this 3-week schedule and having it this week - my list is upstairs, so I'm trying to recall from memory - glassist, Shae, Pdaw, Kim and I know I am missing some, but I take my list and in between sipping gingerale and eating crackers, watching dvd or reading I think of you all and say a quick prayer for you.  Take care all.  P.S. Hooray for Joanne, Connie, Stef for crossing the finish line - it gives us hope we can do it.

bootie1122

Thanks for everyones support. I really needed to find some place to vent and people that understand. This is a hard time for me. And I do have people around me that love me but I am use to being the strong one. I am use to being there for my kids. They have been great. I use to have long hair and after it was coming out so bad, I took the clippers and finished it. My kids think that it is something. They love to rub my "fuzz". lol. And it makes it easier to wash. Good luck to everyone and I hope everyone have a good day today.

LindaSueH

Hi All...

I have been wearing my contacts every day....they seem a little irritated by the end of the day, but otherwise, have not had too many issues there.

Paulding....Enjoy your time with your sis...I LOVED it when my sis was here!!!

Next Wed is #3 AC for me....almost done!

glassist

I'm also still wearing my contacts everyday.  Have any of you guys tried CLEAR CARE?  It's much stronger at cleaning the contacts because it's hydrogen peroxide based.  You can't even reinsert them for 6 hours after putting them in the solution because it will sting your eyes.  I started using it long before chemo and I think it might be a good choice during this time to help with possible infection.

#2 kinda knocked me on my butt - but I'm slowly getting back up.

Shae - I understand the loss of interest in the things you used to enjoy.  It seems harder and harder to find pleasure in day to day things.  But we HAVE to. (I'm preaching to myself here).  My 22 year old daughter is coming this weekend and she's such a hoot.  I'm looking forward to her visit.

Good luck to all with infusions this week.  Better days ahead for all suffering with side effects. Congrats and job well done for those finished.

stef58

Hello Triple J,s  Joanne and I are half done as of yesterday. YEAH We wereing doing DD. Connie will done Monday. Start taxotere on the 26th. This is every three weeks. i am havnig eyeball problems. Have an eye infection becasue of the pollen thing going. Eye sare very red and mattery. So everyone watch this time of the year. I do go outdoors alot as I live iin the country. Feeling better today. Took my miralax. and senokot.

Have a differnet problem. I have a friend whose is 39 and is scared to death about starting chemo. i have talked to her alot.  I need some good things that I can say. She is a young mother to 3 boys and has a very  aggrevive form of cancer. She is afraid of dying.  Any thoughts for her Hugs and strength Dianne

eliz46

Second treatment all is well. just feel washed out, and tired, i didnt get the nalasta shot this time my wbc was high. doc said we could skip it this time see how my body does, i do feel ok decided to stay home from work today and take a break...i have noticed if i keep my fluids high i feel great.. i am now drinking smart water with electrolites i bought a case..All of you here are so incrediable woman thank you for helping me through all of this .......

KarenVW

Hi everyone!

Back on the 'roids' and wide awake.  Tomorrow is TC #2.  Keeping fingers crossed all goes well.  Best wishes to all doing treatment this week!

I too have been wearing my contacts with no problems so far.  I am being extra careful with  handling them and keeping them clean, etc.

Glassist - Hang in there - I hope you recover quickly.  Thanks for sending the link to your website.  Your artwork is amazing!  I was especially touched by 'Feather Me Blue'.  

PauldingMom/Sally Mae - Enjoy your family time!!  Sounds like you will have lots of fun.  Makes me wish I could come to your house and get my head shaved. 

Today my sister sent me the biggest, most beautiful flower arrangement totally out of the blue with a card that read "Just a reminder I am with you always in thought & spirit on your journey.  Keep looking forward, I see the future is sparkling bright!"  MADE ME CRY!!  You have to understand my family is somewhat emotionally illiterate, so this was a big pretty deal.  I have to say BC has reinforced in a big way how many people truly care - family, friends, etc.  We are all blessed to have those who support us (and each other).  

gillyone

Just wanted a little moan. I have been doing so well. Today I went out for lunch with a friend and then have been incredibly tired since then. I have the beginnings of a mouth sore and am rinsing like mad to keep it at bay and have horrible indigestion. Don't want to eat as it will be horrible. Sorry girls. Hope tomorrow is better.

PS73

stef, my girlfriend sent me a song to listen to - Miley Cyrus - cry.  I know there is a thread somewhere on this site for songs that get you through.  It will of course make her sad and cry at first bc its close to home but they are meant to be inspirational.  I think Im going to now check out that thread and make a mixed cd.  My gf is actually really cute.  Im just out of the closet to a very large wave of ppl.  I kept it close to my chest bc of the wedding and wanting the focus to be on happy and not sad.  It feels liberating and on one hand nice to have a new set of people caring and thinking nice thoughts about you. ..but on the other hand, it is hard to have to say it again for the first time to someone new.  Its like reliving it to me.  ..so in that respect Im pretty exhausted and haven't been sleeping (has to be why).

im also having a family dilema.  my sister is coming into town but its on my awful day.  i told her i might not be able to pick my head up off the pillow yet she still wants to see me but obv would not if I asked her not to.  I know ill just break down.

 Karen, that is sweet.  I agree. Its nice to have the support from ppl.  As someone told me, people are wanting to be with you because they love you and want to support you through this any way that they can; take some of the burden off of you and walk with you.  Enjoy those flowers. 

Shaesallah

Well after not sleeping I made it to the appts for lab, and doc and got my chemo!  I was so tired whilte I received the treatment I was chilling, it took 2 of their warm blankets and I was able to warm up and even doze off!  Of course like the 1st treatment I was wiped out.  We had to go by the store on the way home and then I just changed to more comfortable clothes, ate a bite of dinner and dozrd in my recliner.

I had spoken to my doc about the emotionall issues and he cave me something different to for sleepong it is Ristoril (generic form)!  I took it went to bed.  I was back uo in an hour and not able to sleep for another 3 hours.  I figure from the exhaustion of not sleeping the night before and then the dozing earlier that may had effected how it would help me.  So I will keep trying it, doc aslo had said I can use it with the Ativan....so I will keep trying and see what happens.  I also got the talk about working on getting me better and try not to worry about grandson and other problems.....but I have always been a worrieer even since I was a lottle girl.  Old habits can be so very hard to break (I am 56). 

Sometimes I feel like such a whiner.....I have beem so very lucky in that no lymph nodes were involved, I only have 6 chemos to do and no rads.   So many others have been more devasted and yet they have so much inner strength!! I find hearing their stories uplifting and encouraging for me.

To any and all who fight this cancer monster, I know we can get thru it....we are each here to share our good and bad days, have shpu;ders to lean on ot be a shoulder for another to lean on.  We are woman, we will overcome our problems witht the support, love and friendship we gain here.  So to each of us here I raise my glass (orange juice) and I say 'We are Woman, hear all of us Roar, we will overcome and be stronger for all we have been thru.'

Prayer and Hugs to all

Shae

eliz46

Hi everyone all is still well here, just moving along in my treatment between drinking lots of smart water senokot and advil all is great ......i have switched my onco doctor thanks to all of you for the education class of bc live at breastcancer.org.  2 months ago i felt so lost and alone. now im bald,strong,and beating cancers butt.  congrats to everyone who has finished treatment .....

Jayne_in_UK

Hello Triple J's

PauldingMon and SallieMae I hope you are having a good celebration.

Karen how lovely for your sister to send you the flowers. I agree that BC can make you truly appreciate those who are there for you at this time.

Gill I'm sorry you have not been feeling well. Hope the mouth rinsing works, your indigestion goes and that you are soon feeling better.

Hope everyone else is hanging in there. Hugs to all.

Eph3_12

Hi Triple Js, Well, my crispy head is peeling-quite gross actually.  Be very careful in the sun-where I got it the worse was the back lower part of the skull, where caps & scarves don't cover (need those big floppy sun hats-which I have, but didn't think I'd need at the cool cloudy coast which was hot & sunny!!!) Also, on my temples-my glasses earstems reflected the sun onto my temples & no hair there anymore--blistered up!! 

Have a great weekend-stay covered up!!

Joni2   

jewlls

hi all well finally shaved head 2d and i feel totally drained and my mood is so low, i just feel like giving in right now, hopefully mood will change in morn.

luv to all

Gramof3

Hello Triple J's

I think I'm still an "honorary member" of your thread and I want to tell you how proud I am of all you J's and the way you've come together to support your sisters who are traveling this road.  This is a terrible journey to make, but you are fortunate to have the support of such a wonderful group of women--no one understands better than someone who is/has gone through this.

I do have one concern.  I post on the "Older women with b.c" thread, and I'd like to clear up a misunderstanding I read on a Triple J's post back on August 12.  Although we are "older" (we also call ourselves "seasoned," "mature," and "Chooks" at times), there is no age requirement--some are pre-menopausal, some are post-menopausal, some married, some single, some with grandchildren, some without, some working, some retired--we are simply breast cancer survivors supporting other survivors.  All are welcome to visit and post on the thread and I'd encourage you to do that (just please don't laugh when we complain about arthritis, or how forgetful we are, or how these $#@*%^ computers drive us nuts!). 

I hope all of you Triple J's have a good weekend with minimul side effects--keep being there for each other!  Helen     

White929

Good Morning Triple J's!!!!

 Sorry I haven't posted for a while, but been really busy.  I have canned 21 quarts of green beans out of our garden.  I had my 3rd tx Thursday...doing great so far.

I have a job interview on Tuesday..keeping my fingers crossed...hours are 8-2....sounds good to me!  It is with an accupunture place and I will actually be learning to be an assistant.  Includes FREE accupuncture treatments....hmm...thinking I might be able to use one or two of those.

I also postponed my chocolates for one week as I didn't get my chocolate until Tuesday and Tuesday evening my son totalled his car (was mine).  He severed a utility pole and mailbox and walked away with a broken toe for which we are very thankful.  6 years ago he totalled a truck and was in much worse shape.  12 days in ICU...didn't know if he was going to make it.  Crushed his chin bone and had to have a plate put in and wired shut 12 weeks. Also in wheelchair for 12 weeks as he had so many brakes along his pelvis area as well as his tailbone and hipbone....it was not fun at all.  When he is going to learn...I'm not sure...22 years and hasn't quite figured it out yet.  Although he has opened up lately and I'm hoping that continues because he has always been a nontalker.

For all you ladies with all the SEs....I pray you get feeling better soon!  I will probably hit the wall on Monday...but until then I keep the same busy schedule I always have had. 

Take care ladies...chat to you later!!

White929

Forgot....to anyone who would care to sample my chocolates...I could send a sample to all of you....simple message me and let me know your name and address!  They are yummmmyy!!!

 Kim:)

jenn3

Hi - I'm from the August Amazons.  I love reading your post and y'all have provided us with a lot of information and links to helpful websites - so I wanted to stop in and say thank you to everyone that has popped over with support and advice. 

gillyone

I have a question about "magic mouthwash". I have had mouth sores with both tx despite my good brushing and salt/baking soda rinsing after tx2. The mouthwash simply numbs everything, does nothing for healing. It is disgusting stuff - lidocine, bendryl and mylanta. (I understand every doctor has his own recipe.) Does anyone have a wash that helps heal? Or is the salt/baking soda wash supposed to do that? Or does the mouth heal on its own? I'm not sure if I should be doing both.