October 2011 Chemo group

AbqTiger

LuvRVing - love that red hair!



Fran - iced tea from Wendy's or Sonic, these carbonated lemonade drinks - come in a 6 pack of cans from Italy, I mix them with plain carbonated water - I lived on those the first 5 days after chemo. When my heartburn got bad I drank Kombucha- this weird fermented drink from the health food store that for some reason tasted really good - has probiotics in it. Good luck



LoriKristine: go for it with the naked!



Antienance- so happy you are almost done!



Lisa

perts1

I wish I'd lose my appetite!  Unfortunately, I'm just starving for about 4 days.  Along with feeling pretty awful and tired. I can't believe how hungry I get for those few days and how emotional I get.  I told a close friend about us being "The Bald and the Brave" and she added "Beautiful".  My DH added "Bodacious".  So we'd be "The bald, the brave, the beautiful and the bodacious"!  I think we're all those things and we're getting there!

Carla9112

Hi ladies - it's been a while since I posted.  Had my fourth treatment on Friday - two more to go.  My oncologist actually cut back my dosage this time because of the neuropathy.  I hope it helps.  I slept for about 20 hours too Tappy.  Not sure why I'm so tired this time.  Maybe it's because my steroids got cut back too.  Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Hope everyone else is doing okay and has a good day. 

wildrumara

Good afternoon ladies!!    Well, I am status post fourth treatment on Friday.  Usually, I am pretty good on Saturday and Sunday after which I've always attributed to the steroids,  but not this time!!  I have been in bed most of the day, but did manage to shower and put some make-up on, only to become emotional and cry it all off!   Last night, I did manage to get a decent meal in my belly, but have yet to eat today.  This is probably the worst part for me.  I can't get past the nasty taste in my mouth and eat and I'm not drinking much either, which I know is so bad for me.  Just sent my DH out to get me a milkshake along with a long grocery list....love him! 

 Saw my MO on Friday and my tumor is still not shrinking......is anyone else there on neo-adjuvant like me???   I've been told and I've read that ER/PR+ tumors don't always respond well to chemo and I know the main reason for my chemo was because of my Oncotype score,, but I am so discouraged??  I was going to have a mastectomy anyway and now I'm second guessing myself....should have had surgery first to see exactly what was going on with the tumors and then had the chemo, but the recommendation was chemo first by MO and BS.   MO said there is a very good chance that the inside of the tumors are filled with scar tissue, or that that tissue inside is dead, now.  It's tough to be in this position....second guessing my treatment plan.  

Sorry for the negativity.  I want this BEHIND me......don't we all??   Can't wait for my milkshake though

fredntan

Wildrumara- I think we all second guess ourselves. I sometimes think,  maybe I should have gotten rid of the second breast.  that does make perfect sense that if the tumor is filled with scar tissue, maybe thats why its not shrinking.

I am so bored. did practice my banjo-its really hard and did my arm exercizes

WIMusicMaker

Hi Everybody!

I am so tired! I ache all over-even my cheeks! I am hoping today is the worst and tomorrow I will gradually start to feel better. The heating pad is a good friend today. 

I think that we are all going through so much. There are changes to our bodies, our lives, our families and friends. We try to make the best decisions with the information we have at the time the decision needs to be made. Somehow we have to make ourselves feel okay about it. However, I second guess myself all the time....

WIMusicMaker

I just sent my DD out for a plain Culver's hamburger and a vanilla shake. Even if I pay for it later, it was delicious!

Eileenohio

Hi,  Iam curious why did you need 2 lumpectomies?  I hope you enjoy your burger & shake with no issues.  Hugs   Eileen

CCR109

I'll be starting late october.  Is anyone working  while undergoing treatments? 

TAPPY

I have found that Orbit Bubblemint gum is good for getting that nasty taste out of your mouth or at at least hiding it for a little bit.       Sometimes I can do other mint type gums but they tend to be to strong....I love my orbit bubble gum.....

oh and Iam sick of the biotene products...I use them, but the taste really turns me off now.

I am working, but just part time....I dont work the day of/after chemo...then on Monday I go back to work part time  8-11...if I feel better I stay longer, if not I go home.  Some days are better than others.....

 fI had a heart muugga test before AC just wondering if they will do a follow up to see what it did to my heart ?  Any one else have a follow up with this after they got off AC ?

LuvRVing

iI didn't like the Biotene products, either.  I found that ACT mouthwash without alcohol had an acceptable minty taste.  I used my regular toothpaste.  I didn't have any sores inside my mouth. 

Drinking lots of fluids helps to get rid of the nasty taste.  I usually noticed it on days 4 and 5 after each treatment.  That's when coffee tasted just awful.

Terry71

Feeling like poop still a bit, have hand and foot syndrome Grrrrr, Mouth is still yucky and Im 2 weeks out last treatment.... Sad thing I now have to have surgery AGAIN, a mast this time of the left breast so thats coming in a week or so :-(  A little freaked about it and broken hearted

auntienance

Oh Terry, that is tough news. Praying for the best possible outcome for you. Our shoulders are here for you.



Perts, does that make us the B4s (4BS?) Lol!

fredntan

Terry-I'm sorry sx again. but why now?

LoriKristine

Tappy- I had a heart scan before AC and they repeated one last week before I started the next drugs. I have to do Herceptin which is cardiotoxic like the adriamycin so I think they had to have a baseline before starting the Herceptin.





I miss my boobs.

TAPPY

My red blood cell count was low this time...and I know that is why I am so tired and short of breath....but this one kicked my azzzzzz.  I feel likeI could sleep for days....

 I am gong to a look good feel good class today, I hope it is worth my energy....I will report back.

 I go to see my cardio doc in Feb - so I may ask him to order a scan if my Onc does not.  (I am doing Taxaol)

Terry - hope you get some good news hun (((((hugs))))))

LuvRVing

Tappy - my RBC got really low and that is why I found a pre-natal vitamin that had a good dose of folic acid and iron.  I bought mine at WalMart and I will take them until they are gone.  Once I started those and focused on high-iron foods, my counts improved along with my energy.

auntienance

Woohoo! Just got out of the chair for my last (hopefully) treatment! Now to begin The Watch for Hair! Kathy I know you're right behind me, good luck!

sue_from_wi

Hurray for Auntienance and for Kathy! And for me - my last TCH is tomorrow. Will continue on H for a year. And will start radiation in January.

I had BC radiation in 2007. It was a drag and a grind but a piece of cake compared to chemo.

TAPPY

Luv -I think I will have to go and get some vits....I am just worn out and usually by day four I am better than this.

OH the look good feel good class is worth it - the make up is awesome.....if you can drag yourself in - it is well worth it.

perts1

Auntienance - I like it!!  The B4's!  We're awesome!  My DH will be so proud.  

Terry, I'm so sorry.  That's tough.  I hope you have many shoulders to cry on.  My heart goes out to you!

Carla9112

Hi everyone - so many mixed emotions today - sorry to hear about your situation Terry.  Hang in there sister and keep fighting - you will get through this; happy to hear that Nancy and others are fnished - whoo hooo.  I'm so excited for you.  I can't imagine how it feels to get out of that chair after your last treatment. 

Tappy this has been the worst treatment for me.  I am so tired and they even cut my treatment back this time.  I've done nothing but sleep since Saturday.  I've been working full-time since I started chemo but not sure that I'm going make it back to the office tomorrow.  If I feel like I do today I sure won't.  Like you by Day 4 I'm usually doing much better.  Oh well - just gotta hang in there.

I hope everyone has a restful evening.  Hugs!!

TheresaRenee

Hello Ladies!  

I just learned about this web-site from a friend.  I started chemo on October 17 and am anxious to following along with others on my same schedule.  I have completed my 4 rounds of AC (yeah!!) and will start Taxol and Herceptin on December 12th.  I will have 6 doses of the Taxol and the Herceptin will conitnue for a year.  That will be followed by radiation for  27 (wow!  I can't remember the exact number...chemo brain) treatments.  Had a bi-lateral mastectomy August 26th.  I can't believe it's been three months.  I had an echo before I started and have another on Thursday to see if there is any damage.  Trying to stay positive, but some days the fatigue is almost.  Need the motivation to get out and walk on those terrible days which has only been about 3 or 4 days each time.  Glad to find this discussion board.    Theresa

fredntan

welcome theresarenee

and congrats to our girls that are finishing up.

I've had a pitty party for myself today. stayed in bed. DH coming home tomorrow. thank god. my girls made me food. rediscovered Sonic happy hour-from 2-4 they have half off drinks-got some kind of cherry limeade or something. they are really good.

my goal for tomorrow is to make some chocolate chip cookies. I need to start making little goals for myself. havn't done my arm exercizes yet today

just so sick of being the patient. Ihate it! sick of my bedside table looking like a drugstore. when I get out I'm going to be the best nurse. nothing like been there done that. I dream of the day I am released from my exhile. I've got it all planned out. port out on thursday. Have my doc/nurse allready picked out. (I work in dept that puts in removes ports) then little party on friday. I want this thing out as soon as possible. I've lost weight and it sticks out

my dd told me funny story: when she was little were on grandma's farm. Megan must have been no more than 4. but we were in cow pasture. and Megan pointed out this cow with 5 legs!! kept saying look grandma at that cow with 5 legs!!! grandma keep going what cow. she was talking about the bull. I'm surprised she could count that high at such ayoung age.

WIMusicMaker

Hi,

So sorry Terry! I hope all goes well! This is not easy!

Welcome to TheresaRenee! Glad you found us!

Congrats to those finishing! 

I had a hamburger for dinner and it was like a switch turned on. I am feeling SO MUCH BETTER! Like many of you this time was tough for me too, BUT I stayed out of the ER so far and that was my goal. I have another long wait for my last chemo on Dec 27.

I admire all of you who have worked throughout chemo. I don't know how you do it.  

Thanks for the laugh Fran! You have a lot to look forward to this week.  

Take care and have a good night. Mary 

kathimdgd

Tappy,

I'm done with all my chemo,almost 3 years now,but i still come back here from time to time to see how everyone else is doing.

I also had a Muga scan before i started chemo as they wanted to put me on taxotere,cytoxan,and adriamycin(aka known as red devil.) My scan showed that the left ventricle was running/pumping too slow,so they decided i couldn't have the adriamycin.

Since i finished chemo i see the cardiologist every 6 months,i've had other muga scans and it came up a point or 2 from what it was,but he still keeps a check on me with ekg's,scans,treadmill bloodwork etc.Makes me feel better that he is still checking on me,even though he tells me i don't have to worry about a heart attack,but they run rampant in my family,especially on my mothers side.All 4 of my brothers died of massive heart attacks,and 3 of them were only in there 50's,my other brother was in his 70's.Almost everyone in moms family died either from a heart attack or a stroke,and they were a big family!!

Good luck to all of you as you go thru all these changes,and remember it's all doable!!

Kathi

auntienance

Fran, I know what you mean about small goals. Some days my only goal was to put the dishes away. But it felt good to have a daily goal and to actually achieve it. I too admire our sisters here who manage to work and do this. It's not easy a lot of days. But you will feel like you were released from prison after that last TX. My mo's NP told me nobody complains about treatment #4, lol! You'll have to excuse me now, I'm going to go look at my head in the magnifying mirror. PROUD TO BE ONE OF THE B4s!

Lady-di

Hi everyone,

No. 4 wasn't very nice to me. Today is the first day that I've felt a bit better. (only a bit). Glad to be done with the AC.. Usually on the Monday I'm on the upswing but not this time.

Fran..hope DH is home safe now and you are both enjoying those cookies.

Terry.. So sorry that you need more surgery. We are here for you and please keep us posted on your date.

Theresa.. Glad you found us. I just finished the AC portion also but will be moving on to 4x Taxol.

Tappy.. Glad you liked the look good class. I really enjoyed mine also and like most of the products they gave me too.

Juls.. Hope your still doing well with your first T tx.

Yeah to those finishing there tx's

Sorry if I've missed anyone and I do enjoy reading all your posts.

Lady-di

Nancy.. I want to hear all about your hair growth now!!! Lol.. You will give me something to look forward to.

Carla9112

Hi there - I am so ticked right now I can hardly see straight.  I've been sick ever since I took my treatment on Friday.  I've only been out to get my shot yesterday.  I contacted my leasing office and told them I would drop check for rent off today and asked about late fee (it was due yesterday).  Just got an e-mail that my late fee is $102.90.  Geez, I'm not trying to milk this cancer thing but I really just haven't been able to get down to the office.  I should have stopped on way home yesterday but just wanted to get back on couch.  I should add that I've never been late on my rent.  Oh well - lesson learned - people don't really care when it comes to money.