October 2011 Chemo group

TallM

Wow! Thanks everyone for your comments. When I'm just to tired to dig any deeper you guys lift me up. This site is a gift:) I hope you all have a good week. I have 2 more weeks of brain kicking Chemo that really kicks my trash. After that it's back to body Chemo & brain Herceptin! I can't wait till the next 2 week is over.



Enough rambling. Hang in there all & I promise to do the same. Miracles happen everyday. We can fight this fight & know we've given all we have. Fight on!



Hugs to all

-Malinda

cfdr

Juls, during the first cycle I felt very wobbly for a few days and I attributed it to low red blood cell count. Don't know if that's truly the case—I also had a low grade fever at the time—but it seemed to make sense. I would find myself grabbing onto a wall or a counter a lot...not that I was in actual danger of falling, but I didn't feel as steady on my feet as usual.

fredntan

I find it hard to get going in morning. Usually I wake up early. lye in bed. not sure what to do with myself. just trying to do one day at time. my mind keeps going over things. that little voice just won't shut up sometimes.

WIMusicMaker

Good Morning everyone!

It is a dreay, rainy day in Wisconsin. I am feeling better after #2 but I found fatigue to be incredible this round. I did change chemos from T/C to A/C. I had a lot more energy on T/C and was able to walk almost every day. I always felt better after walking. On A/C I did not have the energy to exercise and I spent a lot of my time watching TV and napping. Yesterday (day 7) was the first day I felt up to being active. 

As far a nausea, I was told I could continue to take Zofran as long as I felt nauseous. Zofran only takes about 20 minutes to start working and I found it to be very helpful. 

I also have gained weight this round. I am constantly hungry and what I want to eat is carbs! Toast is my favorite food! I like to make it crispy and it did help my stomach calm down. 

I hope for an easy day for all of you!  

perts1

Thanks for the advice - I'm off to TX 2 so will be walking & try to keep some energy up.  I really appreciate your advice!  Good luck to all of us and lots of prayers!

TAPPY

6 days post chemo and I am finally able to get off the nas meds.

Still fighting a chest cold.....got some antibotics - but they are slowly working and  I am sure will cause tummy issues next.

Doc said to take sudafed - but that wires me at night, so I dont know what else to take.

I feel so light headed I am almost afraid I will pass out.

What do you ladies eat for energy, nothing appeals to me right now.

WIMusicMaker

Hi Tappy

Is yogurt appealling? How about almonds? Plain turkey burger? Scrambled eggs? These are my go to foods when nothing else appeals to me. 

TallM

Go to foods: Yogurt, scrambled eggs, kettle corn gets rid of my metal mouth, pretzels help too. Hot tamales & skittles work as well for me to get rid of the nasty taste.



Mind wont turn off: When my mind won't turn off @ night I listen to my ipod audio books & that helps me so much. Or music can help too.



Hope that's helpful. Going in to day for #5/8 spinal infusion for my brain. The countdown is on:) Yahoo!



Good luck today all w/Tx & energy:)

-Malinda

lizzybc

Hi Everyone,

I woke up early Monday morning with pain in my breast an it was very red and warm to the touch.  Got in to see my surgeon and he sent me to ultrasound where they drained 160cc's of fluid out.  They put me on antibiotics and the surgeon said no chemo this week but my onc said yes you are having chemo.  You are on a dose dense therapy and you will have it every two weeks.  Now my breast is still red, a little less painful and itchy and I am exhaused.  I'm not looking forward to going into chemo tired.  Anyone else experience anything like this?

julsjewels11

I find foods change each session. My go to foods are poached eggs, chicken noodle soup,plain oatmeal,cheese and saltine crackers and ginger cookies although these days nothing really tastes right. Strangely I have sore foot bottoms today as well.

Dia123-how you doin? Are you finding you're more nauseated this time around? Today I feel really yucky and may have to take extra meds...drat!

Tappy- sorry about your cold- I had the same one and it was nasty and is still lingering past four weeks now. Just makes everything worse doesn't it? Take care of yourself.  Hugs Juls

auntienance

I did find that switching to a baking soda toothpaste helps with the metal mouth.  Best foods for me:  chicken noodle soup, saltines, caramel/cheese popcorn (weird I know), ice cream, ginger cookies, sharp cheeses (mild flavors don't cut it), hot chocolate, toasted bread of all kinds, a plain grilled lean hamburger patty and the occasional pretzel.   I love eggs but post chemo, not so much .  If I do eat them, they have to be cold boiled only.  I seem to lean towards only white foods (like turkey or bagels) some days.  Strange stuff this is . . . .

Lady-di

Hi everyone,

I'm on the mend today and just came back from a walk. My hair is pretty much gone now. I spend more time rubbing hair off my head in the shower then actually washing. I still have alot of leg hair which I wish would fall off. Lol.. Foods for me this time have been soup, crackers, and unseasoned chicken. Chicken seems to sit well for me and not upset my stomach. I buy frozen chicken that can be used in wraps. Throw in a few veggies and make a stir fry.



Juls- think I was a bit worse this time but no alot worse. I havent needed any extra medication yet but I hope you take it if it's needed. That's what it's for. I'm like you and don't like to take things unless needed but this isn't the time for that.



Melinda. Good luck today with your treatment. I don't know anything about spinal infusion but I hope it's painless and has no SE for you HUGS.



WIM.. Glad to hear that you did okay on the AC tx. I wouldn't have liked it to have to change like that. How many will you have and how often? I have done 2 of 4 AC, then 4 of T every 2 wks.



Hope everyone has a good day!!

AbqTiger

Hi all,



Thanks for writing. It helps to know how everyone is doing, good and bad.



As for the stomach stuff, about day 10 post chemo tx 1 I stopped all nausea meds and switched to pepcid for my upset, burpy stomach and 1/2 to 1 imodium daily for diarrhea or bloaty crampy intestines. The combo has really helped settle my gut.



Love AbqTiger

Lady-di

Fran.. My minds been busy like yours also. Last night I was wide awake at 3 am. I find once I wake during the night, that's it, I'm up. So I just get up and start reading my book. Was able to fall back asleep around 5. 30 or so. I'm not going to nap today so I hope to sleep longer tonight. Let's hope!

Hope you sleep better tonight...

barbyjean

Hi, ladies. Hope everyone is having a good day or at least getting through it! I am really encouraged by those of you who have more advanced cancer diagnoses and have great attitudes. It helps me to know that if you can fight it, I can too!

After this second tx, my balance continues to get worse. I have to be very careful on the stairs, after I almost went down the basement head first when I wasn't paying attention. I also get fatigued much quicker this time around.  

Those early morning thoughts also can keep me awake. I either turn on the tv and listen with my eyes closed, or try some other mind game. I can deal with most things during daylight that overwhelm me when I'm tired and it's way too early to wake up.

My go-to protein is rotisserie chicken from the store, or packaged tuna (hickory smoked). I like salty and it goes down better when I feel yucky. Plus, no preparation time is good. And ginger cookies and ginger tea help the tummy. I still haven't made the lemon-ginger tea, I keep forgetting to buy ginger!

Oh, BTW, after I realized I was having neuropathy, my fingertips were funny and peeling, I started back taking L-glutamine (500 mg., 2 or 3 per day) and sublingual B complex, and now after about 5 days my fingers are almost back to normal. I don't know if this would have happened anyway by day 14, but I'm going to keep it up. I've been taking the sublingual B for a couple years and it always made my hair and nails grow much faster. So I definitely think it will help after chemo is done. It's available at Wal-mart, Walgreens, etc. in a dropper bottle. 

Enjoy every good moment!

Barb 

Carla9112

Hi everyone - whew it sure is hard to work while going through chemo.  Today has been one of those days.  It's not even 7:00 and I'm getting ready to go to bed. 

Lizzy - I have been having the same problems as you with fluid build-up.  I had a double mastectomy and have had to have both sides drained twice already.  Last time surgeon was afraid of infection because it was hurting and red - he put me on antibiotics and it cleared it up.  Mine are so bad that it looks like I have boobs.  I'm not sure when this fluid build-up will stop.  Dr. doesn't seem to be too worried about it and says my body will eventually absorb it. I'm not so sure.

As far as the metal taste goes, a friend of my mom's that went through chemo told me that she learned that if she crunched on ice or ate popsicles (which she would bring in a cooler) during the treatment that she didn't have any metal taste.  Not sure how that would work but I'm going to try it on Friday.  I just hate that everything tastes so gross after treatment.  My foods of choice during treatment are just about the same as you ladies except for kettle corn.  Wow - I'm going to have to try that - I love it.

Fran - I have a hard time getting up some days too.  I just want to stay curled up with my kitty and sleep and sleep and sleep.  I'm just so tired but some days just don't want to deal with the bald head, feeling like crap, etc., etc. 

Tappy - glad to hear that you are feeling a little better.  It must be horrible to have a cold on top of everything else.  Take care of yourself.

WIMusicMaker - I crave carbs too and have gained weight.  What the heck?  It's kind of hard to believe that I'm going through chemo and have gained weight!!  My doctor says now is not the time to worry about dieting but I sure hate gaining weight.  I don't have the energy to exercise right now.  After working all day all l want to do is sleep.

I hope all of you have a great night and Wednesday. 

Hugs!

TallM

Love this site:) You ladies are all so inspiring! I feel like I say that each time, but knowing that you have done it & continue to helps. Plus to even think that you are working too! Unbelievable.



The food choices do seem tone similar & definitely change:) I'm craving pickles, humas, yogurt, & veggies are starting to taste good esp tomatoes. Even apples which at first bleak.



Well today's spinal infusion didn't happen:o I have a Chemo face rash from the Tykerb (brain med), fever & was just to take more brain Chemo methotrexate via the spine. (They remove some spinal fluid & replace it w/Chemo). Its really not painful just the SE=total exhaustion. Only a couple more weeks of that then they'll switch to Herceptin via the spin. Then another MRI & only body Chemo:) The countdown is on.



Eonough on me & that! What do you guys do when you feel well? Any fun activities/movies/hobbies that are fun & don't tire you out?



barbyjean-thanks for the info on Vit B. I've cut all vits out but wil have to look into that one.



lizzybc-sorry to hear you have to go through that kind of px! I wish you the best. They say it gets worse before it gets better. Not sure it's true but I'd say your due for some good!



dia123-rubbing your hair off:( I'm not ready for that. Is your head tender? However I no longer need to shave. That's a bonus & saves much time & energy.



Good luck all! It's the tough days that will make us stronger. Sigh.



Hugs-

Malinda

Lucie_inthesky

Hi all,



I am back after a wonderfull 2 weeks (weeks 2 and 3) almost with no side effect.The only notable effect is hitchy hands...very weird. I shaved my head yesterday and it is interesting to see how people react to a bald woman. Strangely with a bit of eye make-up I feel sort of excentric sexy LOL.



2nd round of chemo is Friday ... (( I am nervous and scared ... Do we get stronger at facing the chemo as the cycles goes ?



Lucie

TallM

Lucie-



I hope we get stronger as we go but from what I've been hearing it may get a bit rough at times. Could be wrong & hope we get stronger. With having to have Chemo 3xs a week (1x for body 2xs a week for brain via spinal infusion) I've noticed it puts me pretty much knocks me flat. I did notice that the body Chemo didn't affect me as much so hopefully that's all you have to do. 



Sorry about your hair. BUT kudos to you for saying when it comes out. I'm in the same situation. I'm trying to prep myself to shave mine off. I no longer need to shave so I'm pretty sure I'll lose my head hair. I want to be in control & NOT let the cancer say when it comes out. Plus I don't want to start to find little clumps of hair randomly on my pillow-gross. What made/helped you decide to shave it? I to start cycle 2 Mon. Here's keeping our fingers crossed that we will stay strong, healthy, w/minimal SE!



Hugs to all-

Malinda

julsjewels11

Carla-I'm with you on the just wanting to sleep-I look forward to evening cause I know I can toodle off to bed soon-just an escape mechanism I suppose and I usually feel better lying down. I just want this time to pass! I am so awed at those of you who are working,I don't know how you do it. I have my daughter and two of my grandchildren coming this morning to visit and I am so  looking forward to seeing them, it will be a highlight in my day.

About ice chips- I sucked on them last tx and maybe the metallic taste wasn't so bad but everything for the next week still tasted off and actually still does. It's strange that I remember what things are supposed to taste like but they don't-weird!

Malinda-my heart goes out to you...we all have our specific types of cancer to deal with but you  have been dealt a more involved path to recovery- I sense you have the heart and strength of a lion so I know you will be okay. We all have the same worries,fears and se's and so are in this boat together.May we gain strength from one another!

The bottom of my feet hurt now-anyone else have this! They feel sort of bruised-maybe it's the neuropathy they talk about. My hair is still all bristly and not completely gone,but the leg hair is gone-yeah!

Lucy- glad you had 2 good weeks and a great outlook on the bald look! Exotic eh? There's a new take on it all!

How's your cold Tappy? Dia123-having good days?   Hugs Juls

perts1

When I started "shedding" it started slowly and by day 7 had really picked up the pace.  There was icky hair tumbleweeds & I thought it was just filthy so had my head buzzed.  I'm kinda like Lucie:  I'm rather an exotic creature when I put on enough makeup. 

Had treatment 2 yesterday (taxotere & cytoxin) and I'm just done in today.  Had a nice evening so wasn't expecting to feel this bad today.  Hemmorhoids are killing me and my stomach is crampy.  No point in going on with complaints:  we're all feeling a lot of the same things.  I am drinking my lemon, water & fresh ginger this morning & it seems to help.  I've got to go get my nuelasta shot & I don't even feel like showering.  I'm turning into a slug, darnit!  You know, Malinda?  I also believe in miracles.  Read Tappy's bi-line.  I absolutely love it.  

TallM

juls-



Thanks. Indeed I do have the heart of a lion as I'm a Leo:) I can be pretty stuborn & fight like crazy:) I believe we are each given what we can handle. Mines no worse or better just different. I'm just SO lucky that the treatment is SO effective on me. I've been doing a lot if mental/visualization & have already seen myself well & healed. The mind is so powerful & my music training has taught me this:) 



perts1-

I LOVE Tappys bi-line. So true! As for the hemmroids I too have the nasty things. Have you tried Tucks? This maybe TMI but it totally helps. I use the Tucks pads to cool between D isssues (helps the bleeding px too) & will often use 1-3 per session (as many as I need) just to get through. The witchazel is so refreshing! My ing also gave me a foam I use 2xs a day (morning/night) w/an applicator-Ahhh. Then my ing gave me some Hydrocortizine cream 2.5% that I use for my bottom 1-4 times in between. Sorry for the TMI but it really is helping. I'm also taking lomotil till I can stop/control the D. I've heard that one of the ladies on here takes 1 imodium (OTC) a day & that seems to help her. Don't know if any of that's helpful for you but there it is:)



I hope you all have a great day. I know mines already better than y-day:) Yeah. Prob cause my ing is giving me a break from the Tykerb & it's nasty SE. Yeah for the small things in life:) You ladies are awesome & have helped me SO much already. I don know what I do w/o you & these awesome conversations:)



Big Hugs to all

-Malinda



Thought you guys would like this too:



http://flippincool.com/bad-hair-day/ 

perts1

Thanks for the info and NO!  It's not tmi.  Can there be tmi?  I think not.  I'm using baby oil wipes and tucks and that seems to help.  Went in for the Neulasta shot today and they found that my right breast (where I had the lumpectomy and snb) is swollen, hard and red.  I have no idea what's up with that but they're giving me antibiotics?  Anyone know anything about this?

julsjewels11

Tallm:You are so right in that at least they have developed tx's for various types of cancer and quite target specific- they aren't nice but have been proven to work. You are an inspiration to me with your attitude. This time around I feel like the same as I did when I was pregnant and had morning sickness all the time. Those who are moms will no doubt understand that feeling-Yuck!

How do I access Tappy's biline?- I would like to read it.

Lady-di

Juls- just look at tappys last post closer at the top of this thread. It's right above her diagnosis.



Malinda- about 2 weeks ago I went and had my hair cut short. So that my neck was bare. My hair was past my shoulders and has never been that short before. I wanted to get the feel for that first. When my hair started really coming out in my brush, I had my husband use the clippers on my hair and he cut it about 1.5 cm long. Probably too short, but oh well. My head was getting really sore and uncomfortable. It was like having a tight helmet on or a tight pony tail. I found that it felt better as more hair fell out. With it being so short it wasn't just falling off anymore so I found when I was in the shower that if I ran my hand over my head that the hair was coming off and sticking to my hand. It's almost all out now except for some peach fuzz. And no more soreness. I am about 22 days from my first treatment date on the AC. And I've had 2 tx.

Hope that helps with your hair dilemma!



Feeling a bit better today and decided to go get a few groceries. This was my first time in public being bald. I used a scarf as I haven't found a wig yet that I want to wear. It was horrible. I think I had tears in my eyes the whole time. It really hit me then, and it was right there for everyone to see. Before being bald, strangers looking at you would have no way of knowing what you are going through but now, with a glance they do. ok, time to put my chin up now!!

dechi

I'm 2 weeks post first round of AC.  I feel pretty good but the hair is starting to fall out.  Had a little cry last night about that but now I'm okay.  My ANC is pretty low today at 0.1 but they didn't give me anything.  Using lots of hand santizier etc but have a houseful of teenagers coming over tonight so I think I'll hide out in my room to avoid any bugs :-) 

TAPPY

I tried work this morning, but 4 hours was all I could do....I always over do...I should have done 2 hours.       I think I will just work part time when I feel like it.  I have been there 17 years and never missed...so I hope they cut me some slack.  I have good short term leave benefits....but only 12 weeks of job protection.       

Dang it - my cold is wearing my down.   I finally called my onc last night at 9:30 pm  and DEMANDED he call me in some of the GOOD cough syrup - and he did - so I did get some rest with out coughing my head off.   I am just surprised they dont seen to concerned about this.  Maybe I am over reacting....

I hate when they make you keep asking for something and tell you to try this or that......MAKE ME FEEL BETTER NOW LOL.  I need to kick this.

I am so inspired by all you ladies....you truly keep me going.  No one else REALLY understands how down this makes you.

TAPPY

As far as the hair...2 weeks after my first treatment it started coming out.

So I had it shaved.  Like some one said...this I can control....so I did.     I am glad I did because at least I am not dealing with that now and feeling bad.  The stubble is starting to fall out, but at least it is not a big mess.

I did wear my wig this morning to work and it was hot hot hot...it never really is winter in South Louisiana - so send me some cool weather.

TallM

pertz1-



Totally forgot to mention 3 other things that totally helped me. A sitz bath does wonders w/the h20 as warm as you can stand. Then there are 2 other OTC products I use. 1) aquaphor healing ointment from eucerin. It's also great for lips when chapstick is to drying. They have nice little purse/pocket sizes @ Walgreens. 2) Dibucaine Ointment 1% is a nice change too. Some things work better than others so I hope these are helpful. Being a nurse I tend to talk openly about anything & sometimes can be TMI. I think your right though theres no TMI here. Good luck!

TallM

Hi to All-



I am woman hear me roar! And roar today we did. I'm hoping to be strong enough Fri to do more brain Chemo. I couldn't do Tues cause I was to weak. Not gonna lie-LOVED the break. As of now the plan is to do brain Chemo just 1x week so I'm not so bushed:). Then just 1 body Chemo a week:) Yipee.



Pertz1-

I'm sorry to hear your breast is red! That's what mine was when I was Dx. Red, hard, hot, itchy, peely. I was Dx w/inflammatory breast cancer. So do they think you have that OR do they think it's a mastitis (an infx). That's what I though mine was then I found my lymph nodes were swollen. I was put on Keflex. Just depends on what the dr wants to use. Its similar to an infx you'd get if you were breast feeding. You prob know that already though. It can be pxful but I hope you can get it under control & move forward.



Thanks for all the hair tips! It really is a delima. So true that when the hair is gone there's no hidding that we have ca:o At this point I still have quite a bit of hair. It may just get thin but I too want to control the outcome.



Tappy-

Glad you got something to help you sleep. It's so important & I'm sure none of us are getting enough:o



dia123-

You BRAVE woman. I can't imagine how tha must have felt. Tears are ok & healthy. I bet you are just as beautiful bald:). When your out there just think of all of us right there with you & you'll never walk alone!



You are ALL on my mind throughout the day. Knowing your out there making it gives me strength. It helps me get through the rough moments:)



Be Strong & I promise to do the same!



Big Hugs to all-

Malinda

You sound like me. Go go go. I love to keep busy but I think our bodies are saying hey you-take a break:) I hope your job understands. Mine have been very understanding & if you've been there that long & been that loyal that should be the last worry for you. I hope you keep that nasty cold away.