May 2010 Chemo

paxton

Definately got the blahs, too.  I'm not feeling horrible, but tired yet not sleepy.  I started crying when the baby woke up from his afternoon nap because I didn't have the energy to get him and knew I'd never make it through the evening.  BF steps up; don't know what I'd do without him.  He took the little guy out for a stroller ride to give me some quite. 

So, I took a kabob stick and roasted a marshmellow over the gas stove burner and made a smore after supper tonight.  Not sure it was a good idea but it sounded good.  I did that the last month of my pregnancy and I normally don't like smores.

Bleh

njbhwgirl

Good Evening All:

haven't been around much. Work was crazy all week. It took all my energy to make it through the day, come home cook then I watch my 10 month old granddaughter while my daughter goes to work. Thank goodnes she goes to bed early so I can too.

Had my 3rd treatment this past wednesday. I know tomorrow will start the downhill march..Will stick around for 4 days.. By the 3rd day I am depressed....blahs blahs...so know how all you feel.

Took me along time to catch up on posts that with this chemo brain forgot what happened to who but will say that I am so glad I am part of this wonderful group. You all give me hope and great tips to get through this... Going to turn in...night ladies....Sleep well 

packjen

Ladies,

Maybe I am just lucky so far, but I have not experienced "chemo brain" (began TC every 3 wks on 5/5).  I find my mind is functioning almost as normal (except for all the extra thinking required to get through this journey, as well as the emotional crap).  I don't know if this is the reason, but I have been taking a supplement called Acetyl-L-Carnitine since the beginning of chemo.  Originally my doctors wanted to put me on it for a clinical trial to see if it reduced the occurrence of neuropathy.  Then I checked it out online and decided not to do the trial, but just to take it on my own.  I have been taking 1-3 750mg pills per day since day one.  During the the first week of my chemo cycle (about days 1-7) I try to take it 3 times per day.  The rest of the time I take it at least once or maybe twice.  One of the main claims of the supplement is that it supports brain function / cognitive support.

It was not cheap, (around $40 for 90 pills at my local health food store), but it is available online -- even through Amazon.  I am using a brand called "Now" though many are available.

Take it for what it's worth.  Don't know if this is why my head is relatively clear, but I thought I would put it out there.

Jen

sacphotomom

LauraM  I woke with the feeling of a blister on my left foot today.there is no blister but a red spot.....it hurts to walk on it.... I'm going to put some Bactine on it tonight to see if that helps ...I'm with all of you so tired of all the SE's...

.I will have my 4th and final AC this Weds then I have almost 4 weeks off because of 4th of July..and they are not supposed to do A so close to T...really about 31/2 weeks...looking forward to it......then I start the Taxotere every 3 weeks for 4 doses...ugh another bout of what is it going to do to me syndrome...what SE's is this one going to give me...Yea Fotopet and Dancerme128  I hear you!

I went for a fitting of my Foobs today I have a large indent where my left breast used to be and this makes my Foobs two different sizes so they have to order them for me...the gal helping me couldn't get it into her head that I didn't want little skinny boobs...I wanted some that were some where the size my old ones were...I had very round full breast even though they were only B's..and no they didn't come out of my arm pits....I was about to say forget it...then by luck the gal had to leave for a home fitting, so I got the owner of the place...she was wonderful ..she found the correct ones but only in one size ..so I have to wait until the come in about a week....hopefully next week I will be walking around with my blouses hanging correctly...

PackJen  ...if you haven't seen it Valentines Day was a great no brain strain movie I watched this week ..if your into the chick flick light movies

Ca1Ripken

Paxton - hoping you can keep your RBCs up with the SE kicking in!!  Looking forward to your Dad's visit is nice.  It's not too far away   Your BF sounds like a saint - like he knows what you need. 

Day - hope the time passes fast until your BF returns.

Spininfool, sacphotomom - thanks for the info.  Sounds like its probably best to go alone.  I assumed everyone took someone... you know what happens when you assume!!   

Fotopet - I know what you mean.  Since all this started, I don't like to be alone, especially when I am feeling bad.  For your head - did you try any cream - hydrocortisone cream? 

Patricia - I want to just scream when you lose a long post.. grrr.  I have been walking a lot - maybe I'll get motivated enough to go for a run... just seems like I am always out of whack with the steroids keeping me up when I should be sleeping, then I fall asleep in the middle of the day... and, it's 90+ degrees here, and we're like vampires, only going out at night!  LOL 

LauraM - I asked my onc about rashes that I was getting... my hands, elbows and feet where my shoes rubbed them... she didn't know, but coritsone cream has helped.  Mine have not been blisters though, so I'm sorry I can't help there. 

Kim - great picture, love it.  Your hot flashes are probably no fun around hotlanta right now either!  Whew! 

GolferGirl - sorry your sister stole your make up; that is funny though.  Yes, I was sooo glad to see the chinnies go.  Will not be looking forward to those coming back.  NYC sounds great... you know I have been to alot of big cities (London, Tokyo, Paris...) and have never been to NYC!!

PackJen- YAY for your workout!  That sounds great.  Do you have a DVR or recorder so you can tape it?  And, my son just finished the 2nd grade too!  I'm sorry you are going to miss the trip with them, boo!  Do the pills you are taking seem to be helping with neuropathy also? 

DancerMel- I'm sorry you are having reactions too.  I don't know the answer to the SE issue and switching.  I know in the hospital if someone needs meds, we give them and handle SE accordingly... but I don't know chemo, so would have to trust the onc  Let us know what you are doing. 

NJ girl - I don't know how you are dong it - DD, and working, and taking care of your granddaughter.  I'm tired just thinking of all of it.  You are the bomb-diggity!  Whew... 

Sacphotomom - you made me LOL about not wanting little skinny boobs... really?  Why?    YAY for last AC this week!!!  And, time off will be a welcome break! 

We're back from Myrtle Beach.  Ryan is 8, and took 8th place in the final of the javelin (this was the State finals for the Jr. Olympics).  He won't go to regional, but with his birthay, he was 45 days away from being in the younger age group, and still has 2 more years to compete in this same age group.  And (exciting), one of his team mates shattered the State record... by about 5 feet!  I feel better this week with treatments.  The neuropathy seems to be getting a little worse and GI is about the same blah... but rested better - my onc gave me restoril which seems to be working much better than ambien was. 

G'night ladies!!  ((HUGS))

paxton

Had an up and down sort of day.  Bf took every opportunity to split and I didn't feel so hot.  I guess I managed ok, but sometimes you wonder.  I feel its like if he had the flu and I said, "well, I'm gonna go to some garage sales with my friend.  Be back later."  And then came home and took a big nap.  But guess you have to focus on the positive. 

packjen

Leanna -- I do not have and have not had any neuropathy.  Whether from the Acetyl-L-Carnitine or just lucky.  I do know I've had no brain fog though.  Check it out online if you have neuropathy.  There is a clinical study registered with the gov. : http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00775645

Jen

Charliebird

Anyone have some good ideas for mouth sores???  I had been sailing through my first AC treatment with no SE except for the first several days feeling tired and a bit nauseous . . . several days ago developed a sore on the side/back of my tongue.  My 2nd treatment is going to be on June 18th.  I have been rinsing with salt water throughout the day.  Even though it's not very big, it makes my whole tongue hurt and eating and talking (2 of my most favorite activties) are both difficult and uncomfortable.  I feel a bit silly complaining about such a minor SE, but it's just annoying right now.  Thank you for any ideas you might have and for all of your posts---I'm so grateful to have this group.  I am a 2nd grade teacher and am finally off for the summer, so I'm hoping to be able to respond to all of your helpful and encouraging posts more often.

Hugs!

Laura

Shrek4

I had my whole mouth a "sore". I had thought it was thrush (my tongue looked like someone had pressed the edge like for ravioli, had cracks and was all red) but my onc said it was "burn" from chemo. I couldnt' taste anything and it was hurting like heck to eat.

I went away in about 5 days. I did mouth rinses with hydrogen peroxide half and half with water and biotene mouthwash every hour or so (and definitely after every meal or drink that wasn't water).

patricia48

Hey Charliebird, it is sometimes the little symptoms that are the most irritating.  My onc said one half salt with one half baking soda to allow for a balance the mouth.  I rinse, like Day after every food or drink, and I have kept my sores to a manageable level..  I use Biotene Mouth wash once daily for oral care, in addition to the half salt/baking soda rinse, throughout the day.  There is also something that doctors can prescribe, called magic mouth wash,  you can read about it all over the internet.  Also, watch out for acidic foods.   I have not had to use this yet, but will if it gets bad.    Glad you are off for the summer.  Take time for yourself!

Shrek4

Oh yes, I used a little of that "magic pink" wash too when the mouth was an epitome of soreness. You just buy liquid benadryl and maalox (or the generics of them) and mix them in equal proportions. Shake them well and then use as a mouth rinse.

By the way, last evening I went outside to make my dogs run a little in the backyard (a greyhound mix and a whippet definitely need more than I can do right now) - I have a laser pointer, special for pet play, and they chase it all over the yard. I did put some anti-mosquito stuff on, but didn't realize I should have put some on my head too or cover my head or something. When I got back in the house I looked like someone had played with a hammer all over my head, all bumps. They weren't itchy though. I hope all those darn mosquitoes who bit me die from the chemo drugs in my blood.

Redbarb804

Laura: Try mixing malox and liquid benadryl then use a Q-tip and brush it on the sore.  Hope it helps.

Barb

KimLovesDachshunds

Yes, in Atlanta this time of year -- HOT FLASHES are bummers.  I have yet to shave my head -- hubby says to wait -- I think he is anxious about the 'look" although he says no.  But when you touch it hair falls out and if you tug a small bit several hairs fall out -- so I am thinking LET IT GO MAN.  But I am trying to wait till he is on board because he has been so GREAT to me.  (I had a friend who sent me a card that sings "HANG ON SLOOPY, HANG ON" -- don't know if any of you remember it -- but I thought -- that is perfect for chemo hair. - Anyway -some laughter!)  Positive prayers for you all that are having mouth sores (not had that -- only sensitive mouth) and definite chemo brain -- counselor calls it MONKEY BRAINS.  Second chemo is June 17th --- a little anxious about the fatigue/aches that I had after the first one -- but got Prozac to help carry me through.  We all do what we can.  I am blessed that I am out on short term disability for now and I have had excellent support from family/friends.  Postive prayers for everyone on this journey!

LibraryJenn

Hi Ladies,

I'm hoping everyone is enjoying their day.  Today is my son's 2nd birthday!  We are going to celebrate with my parents, who are bringing him back to us after my 2nd round of chemo (A/C) on Friday which was way worse than the first.  The anti-nausea meds they gave me also dealt me a nasty migraine within 30 minutes.  They had to switch me to plain old gravol.  I'm not sure which is worse, the nausea or the headaches?  Definitely having an issue with the positivity right now.  I'm still trying to envision the chemo attacking the cancer cells.  I find it helps.

Photopet - my head also broke into a rash after shaving it right down to nothing.  I decided that there was no better reason to cut into my massive aloe vera plant.  It worked wonders on making it feel better.  I slit the plant down the side and rubbed it in about 5 times that night and a few times the next day.  My head feels WAY better.  I still haven't worn my wig yet.  I find that it is too itchy and hot.  

Also, for everyone else out there that is like me and is wanting a cool head covering, I just found out about Fat Squares that you buy in quilting shops.  They are the best head scarves ever.  They are just big enough to tie in the back, and they are nice and light on hot days.  The best thing about them is that they are super cheap and come in hundreds of fabrics!  We went to the quilt shop before my chemo on Friday and picked out 11 of them and it was around $40.00.  Way less than 11 scarves!. They also fit nicely under hats.

I have a question though, did anyone out there get to voice an opinion on whether they got a PICC line or a Port?  I got a PICC line, but I'm wishing they would have put in a Port.  I'm tired of having to wrap it to shower, and it gets in the way of playing with a toddler all the time!  For those of you who have Ports, are you allowed to go swimming?

Also, does anyone have any recommendations out there for a gentle yoga dvd workout?  I try using the Wii Fit when I can, but I'd like a bit more variety.  Any suggestions?

Take care everyone, Jenn 

Redbarb804

Hi everyone!  Sorry to hear about all the mouth sores.  I hope you all find relief soon. 

Jenn: Thanks for the info on the quilt squares.  I will have to check into them this week. 

I am going to the Look Great Feel Good class tomorrow night.  I can't wait, after hearing all the great reviews.  Does anyone have a teenager (15 yr old boy) who is not coping well and personalitly has completely changed.  He is so nasty to me all the time.  I know some of it is the teenage years, but not to this extent.  I am trying to get him into couseling , but not even sure it he will go.  He has not talked to me about the cancer and when I ask him if he wants to talk he shuts down.  The cancer has been easy compared to dealing with him.  I feel like I have to walk on egg shells just so we don't have a major blow up.   I feel so bad for my 12 year old.  Anyone advice anyone has I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

Barb

patricia48

Hi everyone.  Hope your weekend has been s/e free.  LibraryJenn,  yoga dvd that I like is Rodney Yee, AM/PM Yoga.  I usually do my own routine, without dvd, things that stimulate the lymphatic system.  An assisted legs up the wall, or  a chair,  is great for the ending, and in the beginning an assisted forward bend with arms and forehead on a chair.  Also any pose that allows you to extend your hand and push toward the walls is great for the lymphatic system.  Warrior is great for that, because we are all warriors,  and breathe, so important to release toxins....I could go on and on .Redbarb  fifteen is such a hard age.  The good news is that 16 is much better.  I had my second child when my son was almost 15.  It is such an age of identity searching and so painful.  Therapy would be great, but most kids this age are not open to it, which means it is of little help (I am a retired therapist).  Some of the best talk time with my kids at that age was in the car, casual and without the  tension of  other times. Just engage his interests and try to ignore a lot of the negative, however hard it may be.  They get caught is such a trap of  their own emotions. Depression in the teen years looks like anger, so watch for that, but if everything else is stable, grades, friends, , sleep, etc.  it is probably not that.  Hope this might help, from a mother who did 15 twice, 15 years apart.  Best wishes to everyone, and thanks for being here for me. 

Redbarb804

Patricia: Thanks for the advice.  I will try.  Grades aren't what they were last year, but I'm hoping that was adjusting to high school. I will keep plugging away.  I'm just tired of all the fighting.  I feel horrible, but right now I like it when he's not home. 

Hope everyone has a great week.  Good luck to anyone having treatment this week!

Ca1Ripken

LibraryJenn - I have a port - but did initially ask my BS if I could have a PICC instead... I didn't like the idea of accessing the port over and over (and have seen first hand the scar tissue that develops where it is accessed), and she talked me out of the PICC.  On the lighter side - you don't get stuck everytime you go in.  Yes, you can swim with a port.  Happy Birthday to your little boy!!!  My youngest will be 4 in exactly one month! 

Kim - LOL at hang on sloopy!  My DH doesn't want the hair to go either!  He won't admit it... but says the same as yours... 'just wait.'   

RedBarb - That is such a tough age... my daugther and I were always at odds at that age, and my goodness, add going through cancer to it, and that's tougher.  There are some web sites for teens dealing with a parent with cancer, not sure if your son likes using a computer like that - to chat with or read about other teens going through the same thing. 

Feeling like doo-doo today... probably overdoing it out in the heat for 2 days for Ryan's track meet. 

Take care ladies!!  Another day down! 

Summer38

Good morning all,

Had a nice weekend, some bone pain in my lower back but nothing horrible. I did have to have my head "bic'd" because my crew cut was getting very splotchy. I live in a small town and the local barber was wonderful! He called me after the last customer left and he closed all the blinds so it was very private. I am sooo thankful that I actually have a pretty nice shaped head! No bumps or lumps, just very white compared to my face! LOL

 Sorry to all of you suffering with mouth sores. Mine is really dry but no sores.

LibraryJenn - Happy birthday to your son! And thanks for the quilt squares info.

Redbarb - I'm sorry about your son, I'm sure it is very difficult - especially now. You guys are in my thoughts. Have a great time at your LGFB class tonight.

Leanna - I hope you are feeling better!

fotopet

I am back from another weekend away. Working from home today.  Still very tired from TX.  No major bone pain this time - yeah!!  So maybe the Claritin helped that SE.  My rash-y head is getting better.  I am using Aveeno baby shampoo with oatmeal on it.  Very soothing.  I think it's just the newly revealed scalp combined with the awful humid heat we've been having lately that is making t rashy.  My mom would call it heat rash.  Just have to deal with it, like all the other SE's.  But I actually feel halfway done now that the major SE period has passed!!

Summer38 - It's nice to find out you have a decent head, isn;t it!  I've been going bald mastly at home and did quite  abit of errands yesterday wthout headcovering.  Don;t mind my look too much myself.

 Leanna - Hope you are feeling better.  The heat is a bitch, isn't it!

LibraryJen - It is tough to keep up the positivity.  Particularly when you feel bad.  Hugs out to you.  -- Also, I don;t have you on the list of people in the group.  I must have missed you in my chemo-haze.  If you PM me your info, I'll add it!

Redbarb - SO sorry about the 15 year old.  Mine is almost 17 and has evened out some but those years were awful!  Have you let the school know about your situation?  They might cut your son some slack with grades and stuff - mine did.

KimLovesDachsunds - Money Barins - yes, that is what it feels like!!! Also, I don;t have you on the list of people in the group. I must have missed you in my monkey brains. If you PM me your info, I'll add it!

Charliebird - I so agree with the others that sometimes, it's the little things. I had no mouth sores but got throat sores.  Biotene 3-4 times a day, plus the benedry/maalox rinse, worked wonders!

 Paxton - so srry your BF was not around for you.  Sucks feeling alone when you feel bad.  But the s'mores idea really sounds good. Hmmm - wonder if I have any marshmallows.

Day - Damn bugs!  I am right with you.  Hope they experienced the FULL effect of chemo!

sacphoto - sometimes you have to wonder about the people they have working in those stores.

DancerMel - I have decided to take the easy way out and leave the decision to my docs.  Early on, I said that I made my major decision picking he doc then will just do what h says.  So, now I am just waiting for him.  Apparently, one reaction may not be a "true" alergy to the  taxotere, but once you get another, they assume you are allergic.  And that can be bad.  I guess I would rather get two Adriamycin in then get anotther Taxotere reaction then have to switc.  Hm, so I guess I am leaning one way.  Wil have to let the doc know that.  This is such fun!!

packjen - my head rash has stayed to the head, so I am assuming it's a kindof shaving/eat rash.    

LauraM

LibraryJenn - I also started getting the mouth sore, mine started after AC #2.  I started using Biotene toothpaste and the Biotene mouth wash and they have been much better this time.  I got them a little bit, but very mild compared to last treatment.   I also rinse with saltwater when they are really bad.

Day - I am still chuckling about the mosquitoes.  I really thought until this weekend that because of Chemo they were staying away from me.  I was thinking with all the SE's I have been getting,  I could really handle if the chemo kept the bugs away.. but this weekend I had to put bug spray on... so much for that! 

Barb - Sorry about your son, mine is 11 and we have been worried about him lately too.  He seem to be to quiet and keeping everything in side.  My dh and I talked about it last night and he is going to make an effort to do more things with just him to see if he can get him to open up on his feelings.

Packjen - I hope your rash feels better soon!

LibraryJen - My doctors gave me the choice of a PICC or a port and I chose a port because with everything else going on, I didn't want the maintenance of wrapping it and taking care of it for the the summer.  My port has no maintenance and no swimming restrictions.

My last AC is Thursday!!! YEAH.  My RBC was low last time, so I am hoping that it stays at a good level so that I don't have any issues with finishing AC.  

I hope everyone else is having as good of a day as you can! 

njbhwgirl

LibraryJen:  yeah for your last AC...I hope you finish too!! Happy birthday to your little guy!!

Barb: My son who is 19 is having extremely difficult time. He just finished first year of college and up and joined the army reserves to help me.  I flipped...It has been constant struggle. Last week we had a major fight. Sometimes I think this is better because at least they get the anger out they feel. .Of course mine is double dose because I lost my husband 1 month before his graduation. He is still reeling over that. Boys are hard to go to therapy but rhey only lash out because they love you so. My son told me yesterday I was his life.. So see..there is light somewhere at the end of the tunnel. Just keep listening and engage him when you can.

Summer: worst is over..once you do the whole head...there is nothing else to dwell on.

Leanna: happy you enjoyed time with your son. Myrtle beach is on my list of places to see one day

Paxton: I cried all day yesterday. I am so sick of being sick... My 4th day after treatment leaves me in bed and I mean literally in bed. went to bed saturday night, could not get out until this morning.

Anyone else feel that lousy after treatment. I am so weak, dizzy lightheaded, nauseaus... Is there anything I can take...Feel like a mack truck hit me. my drs seem so conserative. I can take nothing, not even a vitamin.  just wondering if any of you great ladies had something in your bag of tricks to help me.   By tomorrow I will be better but ooooh day 4 and 5

KimLovesD: okay now you have that song in my head....funny

good day

KimLovesDachshunds

njbhwgirl  - so sorry to hear about the lost of your husband and troubles with your son but you are right about your son and I will keep you both in my prayers.  Teenage boys are just a rough time for both them and their Moms.   My son is wonderful and I know yours is too -- just a bad dip in the road of life right now for him.  I am sorry you are having such a rough time -- the onco office gave me anti-nauseau medication in before my treatment and then gave me pills -- (Prochlorperazine -- 1 every 4/6 hours as well as Ondansetron --1 every 12 hours as needed).  Fortunately, apparently the pre-chemo anti-nauseau medication must have worked -- haven't had problems.  I have eaten Mexican food twice -- mild -- tacos -- and ended up during the night feeling a little under and took one of the Prochlorperazone to help settle my stomach since we can't take just anything over the counter.)  Yes, I know day 4 and 5 and then the week right after -- my first one was NOT good.  So I am not looking forward to Thursday being my 2nd round.

 Hey, a funny for everyone -- my MONKEY BRAIN -- racing mind was thinking -- do any of you find that now we've survived this breast cancer issue -- the keen desire to wear like fancy or cute bras instead of the normal looking white or black necessary support bras.  I have found myself thinking -- I'll never take you gals for granted again!  In fact, it ran through my brain -- to get some really wacky ones and lay them out on the green grass in the front yard and take a picture of them -- call it the BRA PATCH!   Okay so perhaps I am weird!  I just think we need to like booster ourselves to another level of GREAT when we are going through this as well as from here on out-- use the good china -- stop holding onto things for company -- dance/ sing -- light the fancy candles -- GRAB the GUSTO of LIFE!  We were a whisper away from it being snatched -- on some level had there not been mammograms to help us. 

 Also, another note -- family and friends are being so wonderful -- I pray you each are experiencing a level of that as well.  It is overwhelming the kindness and I so want to pay it foward as well as give back on some level the love they are showing me.  Much love to you all!

sacphotomom

Kimloves  I know exactly what you mean about the bras ...last Friday when I went in for my fitting I was taken back by the ugly army issue support bras the lady was bringing me ...I kept telling her I don't like this type of bra...finally the other lady that started helping me finally heard me..and brought some pretty pink and sexy ones...funny story when I was going in for my mx a friend  (had gone through this 5 years ago) and I were talking about what to take to the hospital...there were the usual like take an extra pretty PJ's then she added ..oh yea take some really pretty sexy panties...I was oh no way I want my big ol granny panties I want to be comfortable!

oh yea Nordstroms has some really pretty bras, if anyone didst know that already...

LauraM... is Thursday your last Chemo.... all done? If so whoopee for you! I have my last dose of AC on Wednesday..looking forward to that...

Today is the 2 days before Chemo and I am craving a big old juicy steak or hamburger...my tastes buds are almost normal and I really want a big  glass of wine...OK I'll have a sip....or a big margarita ...ohhh even better a large gin and tonic with lots of lime... sounds soo good...OK now I'm dreaming...

..

LauraM

Sacphotomom -  My last AC is Thursday and the I will follow it up with 4 tx of Taxol.  I wish Thursday was my last chemo treatment,, I would be throwing such a big party. 

njbhwgirl - My doctors give me anti nausea meds also and they work ok, but not perfect, I still find that I am nauseous alot and have to take the meds and then I feel better.  I was really tired after tx 3 and that lasted quite a few days and I think I have cried a few times this week which I am hearing is normal.  I am just tired of being tired and a lot of this is because I really don't like to rest very much so I am always on the go and then my body will just shut down after a while and I spend the day in bed. 

Quick story....This afternoon my dd, age 9, asked me if the doctors have figured why the breast cells turn into cancer cells?  I explained to her that they didn't know this answer yet.  Then she asked me if they have figured out how to prevent breast cancer yet?  I told her that they had not figured it out yet.  It broke my heart when she started crying and telling me that they really need to figure this out quickly and then she followed that up with is anyone working on finding out?  I told her that they were working on it, but at least for now they know how to treat it.   It always amazes me with the way her mind works, so much older then her age. 

Ca1Ripken

LauraM - DD sounds so sweet!  Amazing, isn't it... future research scientist??  I have cried a few times this last week too... I feel well maybe 2-3 days a week, and it's just getting so tiresome.  I'm not quite 1/2 done with taxol, then go on the DD AC...

Paxton - I'm sorry BF split when you needed him!  I'm saying prayers for you! 

CharlieBird - GL with 2nd treatment this week!  Hope your sores are better!!

Summer - So glad you have a nice head!! 

Fotopet - 1/2 way - YESS!!!!!  All downhill, baby!   

NJGirl - I have to agree with you - I'd rather be arguing with my teenager then getting the silent treatment or no communication!  I'm sorry about your DH and all you are going through!  It's a lot to shoulder.. I know I feel bad for causing my kids pain because they have to deal with my cancer, even though it's not my fault... does that make sense?  Is that some of what you are feeling? 

As for the SE... my onc has given me anything and everything to take.  I have 3 anti-nausea meds... 2 sleeps... 1 anxiety... 1 pain... OMG... my DH jokes... 1 year for cancer treatment, 18 months for drug rehab!!! 

Sacphotomom - Enjoy a steak... and a drink....?!! 

Kim - I want a bra patch!!  That's awesome!  And, yes, I know what you mean... get rid of stuff... get stuff done... give back... I'm there; well, almost.. just let me finish chemo first!!     How's the hair doing? 

Thanks for all the well wishes!  I'm starting to feel like a human tonight; tomorrow will be better.  P&PT to all having treatment this week - and some finishing up!!  YAY! 

sacphotomom

I am so sick of lemon!

patricia48

Good morning all.  This Thursday is my 3rd A/C.  I notice I start to get nervous a few days before.  I am just starting to feel better (on the two week schedule) and then I am going back in.  I am so glad some of you are getting to the half way point.  I have 12  weekly taxol after my 4 A/C, if the original plan is followed.  Then radiation.... the end seems so far away. But I  am having a party after chemo is over.   Laura M.  I love the story about your daughter.  I just cried when I read it.  She is so right!  Kids have such wisdom.  We all probably wish they did not have to experience this, I know I do, even for my adult children.   Sacphotomom  I am sick of water and lemon!  I wish everything did not taste like dirt.  I lost 8 lbs between 1 and 2 chemo and I have eaten everthing I can, hoping not to repeat that.  My doctor and bf will be very upset if I lose again.  So  I put butter on everthing this week.  Ha.  It did not make me sick. which is a blessing.  I am eating very healthy foods, fruit and vegetables, protein.  Sometimes I feel I am just an eating and pill taking machine. Seems my body needs a pill to make everything stop or start.  Leanna, I can really relate to the rehab joke.   I was on zero meds before this, and I hate all this crap....  I  cry a lot because there are so few days I feel good.   I am just tired of  the  S/E and the way this has changed my life.  On an up note, my yoga teacher is coming today, and I get to see my Granddaughter this weekend.  I do not see her on the week my white count is low, because she is in day care.  Hope everyone having chemo has a s/e free, easy time. Everyone , enjoy the good moments, the jokes, and the love of friends and family! 

LibraryJenn

patricia48 - thanks for the yoga tips!  I'll keep an eye out for those ones.  I haven't had enough energy since 2nd round on Friday to even think about exercising, but I'm starting to complain more about the state of the house to my DH, so I know that I'm on the mend   I keep bugging him that I'll be around many years to nag at him, and he actually smiled.

 LauraM - thanks for sharing the story about your daughter.  I know what you mean.  My son is two and he is always gets a worried face when he sees my PICC line.  One more reason for me to ask if I can get a port instead. When I'm really down I just can't get over the unfairness that it is our kids that have to suffer through this, not just us.

KimLoves - thanks so much for your post - just when I needed a laugh!  I agree that we should be wearing the best sexy bras out there and never give in to the ugly bra

 Today is much better than yesterday.  I think I need to eat constantly to keep the nausea at bay, but at this point WHO CARES?  I'd rather be cancer free than worry about my pant size!  Today I'm going to go outside and enjoy my garden that some of my students and co-workers planted for me on the weekend (it's been raining like crazy up here so it will be late, but better than never!)

Good luck everyone who has treatments this week - and Sacphotomom, I hope your steak and margarita were wonderful!

GolferGirl

Hi Everyone!

Kim - When I walked in the 3 Day last year, they had a pit stop where the trees were all decorated with cute bra's.   I keep thinking I need one of those...I'm right there with you thinking I will not mistreat the girls with ugly, sensible bras anymore.

LauraM- your daughter is sooo cute!  One of my neices (who is 12) asked me if I thought she could be getting BC because her chest was sometimes sore.  I could tell she was realy worried.  I told her no, I think your just have growing pains.   She was happy and relieved! 

Day - I have been getting lots of mosquito bites, too.  You would think we'd smell weird and taste bad due to the chemo, but I guess not. 

LibraryJenn - I am eating every few hours, too.  I just can't seem to help myself.  I am now wearing my fat pants and even those are getting tight.  I say the same thing, at least I am killing cancer, but still it bothers me.  I did wieght watchers 3 years ago and lost 20 lbs.   Putting any of that back on feels like a failure to me.  I am trying not to think about it til chemo is done, though.  My onc said gaining 5 -15 lbs is normal for my treatment, so i am focusing on being normal!  And Happy Birthday to your son!

Sacphotomom, LauraM, Particia48 and everyoe else with treatment this week, Good Luck!  I have my 3rd TC treatment this Friday.