Has anyone started a Dec 2011 group?

rachelvk

Layla - I'd second dougieswife's advice. Especially if you're getting Adriamycin - it can really burn out your veins. And if you've had or will have nodes removed on one arm, you'll be limited to the other arm for future bloodwork/injections, etc, so you want to preserve as many veins as you can.

As to long-term effects of chemo, there can be. There are some other threads about the risks and benefits of chemo. However, many of us, no matter how much I'm praying we don't wind up with any major effects, feel that we'd rather take that risk than wind up with a recurrence or even as Stage 4.

You should be able to discuss all these with your oncologist. Good luck with all your choices. 

dougieswife

My hair hurts terribly.  It is falling out in clumps but no noticible thinning or bald spots yet.  Will shaving help with that "hair pulling" sensation and will it hurt while you are shaving it???  I knew it was coming, but, when it happens, it is quite emotional.  All of us, my husband and 6 year old little boy have all been super grumpy today.  It's quite terrible...we need to get out of the house...and I probably need to take a xanax.  

 /end rant.....

Hope everyone is well enough to ring in the new year with optimism and a little bit of fun!!!! 

Kelloggs

dougieswife - I shaved my head this week.  Mine was coming out pretty bad and I have alot of hair.  but my scalp was itchy and felt like when you wear a pony tail too long.  It was quite emotional when I did it but it felt soooooo much better to have it gone.   I'm sorry you have to go through it, but I think you will feel better.  And no, it didn't hurt my head to shave, just my pride.  Good luck to you!

mamabee

I'm 2 weeks out from from my first TX (TAC) and my right arm - which is also my port side - is slightly swollen and pinkish, compared to my other arm. I've also had a feeling on and off of my arm feeling like it's falling asleep. Has anyone else had something like this? I know Taxotere can cause neuropathy - does this sound like that? I don't really want to call or go to the ER on NY's Eve.

  

Mardibra

dougieswife - just like kellogs said, it didnt hurt to shave my head.  But, the stubble is a bit uncomfortable for about a week.  Not too bad though. 

mamabee - sorry your having troubles...i have only had AC so far so I cant comment on the effects of Taxotere.  But, do take care...you dont want it to turn into something bad.

rachelvk

mamabee - The falling asleep feeling could be neuropathy, but the swelling and pinkness sounds like something different - do call (your infusion center should have an on-call oncologist, but they might just tell you to go to the ER). If there's any sort of infection, you'll want that taken care of ASAP. Sorry you're having that trouble.

seacretgardn

Dougieswife it does feel more comfortable to finally shave it. I still have some stubble and can't remember who said it but my daughter used a lint roller to get off the loose stubble, less messy than in the towel or my current head cover. She thought it was pretty funny. Not!



Mamabee I hope you've called about your arm. The weekends unfortunately have been when my most troubling SEs seem to appear. hoping everything is ok.



I'll be ringing in the New Year hopefully asleep. My mouth is even worse than last tx, with thrush to boot. Ugh. Dont want to talk eat or drink.



I want to thank all the ladies here for your support and guidance and kindness. I pray for a good New Year for all. If you're not doing something fun tonight, I hope you are at the very least with good company, comfortable and safe.



Laura

markat

Happy New Year!



I hope everyone felt well last night. It was actually nice staying home, but too bad I still feel like I woke up with a hangover We ordered pizzas and played games with the girls. I'm pretty sure I fell asleep by 12:05.



Seacret my mouth is killing me this time. Gums are a mess. I'm sure my dentist is off til Tuesday. Hope you get some relief.



Mardi I think what you described is just a man thing, atleast in my experience. Hope you had a good new year's Eve!



Mama hope you're ok! Call the doc on call service!



I still have quite a bit of stubble. Its much more comfortable though. Gonna try and stomach some sauerkraut today for good luck.

laurieloomis

Ok, this officially SUCKS!  Day 4 after 1st A/C and I can't seem to keep anything down, even with all the antinausea. I have a killer headache, was wondering if that's normal? Maybe withdrawl from Diet Pepsi? The one saving grace, so far, the bone pain isn't bad, the Claritin seems to be working. 

Damn gotta go throw up again..

markat

Laurie I had a horrible headache after last tx. Could be a lot of things- steroids, zofran, stress, bp..I hope you feel better. Day 4 has been my worst after TCH. Let your onc know about headache.

Peacock

Laurie, My worst is the day 3 night into day 5 am, including a headache that had me sleeping with a bag of frozen peas on my head. Caffeine helped a lot. I think for me it was a combo of steroids, caffeine withdrawal, and being very, very tired. 

 As for the nausea, I simply wish you good luck. I am living on baked potatoes. 

 However, a friend who has serious health issues clued me into buying good, organic baby foods to mix into potatoes (or yogurt for sweeter flavors) to get some nutrients, protein and mild flavor. This has expanded my food choices enormously!  

laurieloomis

Marcia, Good to hear from you..it's helpful to know we're not alone.  I'll try a baked potatoe, hopefully that will stay down. The only thing that's stayed with me is toast.

Markat, I put a call into my onc, hate to bother them on New Year's Day, but this headache has a life  of its own,,yikes!

Happy New Year & minimal s/e to all

Laurie

GracieG

Laura, I suffered through thrush after my first treatment, it is the worst isn't it!  Like you couldn't talk or eat.  My hubs got pretty good at making protien drinks in the blender so I wouldn't go without eating altogether.  My OC put me on an anti fungal med, but it still took days to wrork.  It is gone now, but I'm dreading treatment #2 this Friday becuase I'm so afraid I'll get it again.  That, plus the couple of days of low grade fever were the worst days for me.  My OC did recommend an oral rinse called reBalance. It was formulated for cancer patients, but only one pharmacy in my area carried it.  My hubby and I went last Wednesday and got a bottle.  It is $20, but will be worth it if it prevents the mouth sores and thrush.  I have been rinsing with it 4 times a day.  

Laurie, so sorry about your headache, I hope you hear from your onc soon.

My taste buds have improved a little and I have been craving comfort foods, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese.  They still don't taste the same, but it feels so good just to eat them.

 I'm still surprised at day 16 I've got my stubble from my shaved head.  Hubs says he can see it thinning, but I thought for sure it would be gone by now.  The fatigue is my worst enemy now.  I went to visit my son yesterday, laid my head down and was out for an hour.

 Happy New year everyone.  Gentle Hugs. 

snobordkykmom

Laurieloo- Hang in there neighbor.  Went out with the dogs today to enjoy the sunshine.  Hubby is a bag of germs and I needed to clear the lungs.

I think I bit my tongue during a bad dream and it turned nasty.  Orajel Antiseptic Rinse worked for me, Hubby uses it for canker sores all the time himself.  It's a little powerful and may not work if everything is hurting, 4.1 % alcohol. Just another choice.

Son and girlfriend just cameover and hung out watching movies yesterday, while dad and I kinda crashed and recharged.  Love that kid! 

dougieswife

Laura, a friend of mine who has went through this as well said to mix equal parts liquid benadryl and mylanta and use that to swish in your mouth for the sores.  I had them pretty bad, too, but I didn't try it.  Also, call your dentist and let them know what is going on and they will give you a prescription for a tooth paste with flouride to just swab on your teeth and let it sit.  Dry mouth can breed bacteria which can cause cavities.  I have an appointment coming up this month and wanted to make sure that he still wanted to see me, so that is how I found out about all of this.

Hope that helps you...mouth sores are the worst!!!!! 

seacretgardn

Oh ladies thank you I'll try anything. My mouth and throat hurt so much I can barely drink water. Forget about talking. Im so sorry for those of you suffering with sore mouth or nausea.



Markat I'm sorry you have them. Mine came again on day 5 like clockwork. Did all the things I was told to do. Sigh. I'm worried because I go again on Thursday and my mouth needs to be clear. Is the sauerkraut something beneficial or a craving?



Laurie I'm so sorry about the nausea. Can you tolerate a little ginger ale or ginger tea? I think i get the headache from the steroids. But withdrawing from caffeine would also add to it. Steroids can also raise your blood sugar.



Dougieswife thank you, I think that may be part of what's in the "magic mouthwash" but will check with the doc. I also have a biotin spray to help with the dryness and keep a vaporizer running at night.



Gracie i will look for that mouthrinse. How long did your thrush last? Im on oral nystatin, yuck. I hope Your mouth stays clear after this next tx.



Peacock good tip on the baby food. Thanks!

dougieswife

Speaking of food....I was thinking about carrot ginger soup....

Basically, all you do is saute up some onions and/or shallots, carrots, and fresh ginger, then cover with chicken or vegetable stock and simmer till the carrots are cooked.  Put in a blender and puree.

I think the ginger would be soothing on the tummy and the carrots are full of good stuff...and it freezes well, too.  I think I am going to make some up before my treatment on Wednesday to have on hand.  I think I read that you can add any type of squash or other root veggie (parsnips) to it as well.  

On the hair note, I officially have a bald spot...I can't stop pulling it out.   I guess I will be shaving it off tomorrow...I don't know.  It's kinda like I'm okay with pulling it out but not shaving it.  

mamabee

Thank you to everyone for your advice and good thoughts. So I called my onc, and she told me to go to the ER because she was afraid I had a blood clot from my port. Well, she was right - I actually have 3 blood clots in 3 different veins. So now I'm home and get to inject myself with Lovenox (blood thinner). <sigh> I was so pleased with how I was responding to the chemo and then this happens - very frustrating. I'm told it's very rare for someone to develop blood clots so soon after getting their port (I've had it less than 3 weeks). I see my onc on Tuesday and will find out then how we'll proceed. My next infusion is scheduled for Thursday - don't know if we'll be able to use the port then so maybe it'll be delayed??  

 I'm sorry to hear of everyone's SEs. I guess if it's not one thing, it's another.

 Mmmm, that carrot-ginger soup sounds good.... 

Mardibra

Mamabee - damn! Glad you went to the ER. Hopefully the clots will clear for you.



Sounds like everyone is having some harsh SE's. I hope they resolve for you quickly. Me, just normal nausea and tired tired tired. Can't stop napping.



Happy new year and pleasant thoughts to all.

rachelvk

Mamabee - Blood clot??? You're right - if it's not one thing... But I'm glad you called and they were able to take care of it.

Snobord - I hope your tongue is feeling better. And I like your how-to-help list idea. I'll try to adapt it somehow, as I don't have many people in my apartment other than my bf.

Markat - So how was that sauerkraut?

Laurie - Sorry to hear about the nausea and the headache. What did they have you take for nausea? Do try ginger of some sort. My friend sent me ginger chews, and I've stocked the fridge with ginger ale. I hope it settles down soon.

Marcia - The babyfood sounds like a great idea. I've heard baked potatoes work well - I bought a few sweet potatoes in case I can stomach them. Might be a little more taste. So far, though, my taste buds are holding out.

Gracie - Glad you're having an easier time eating.

Dougieswife - Ginger soup... sounds yummy! I'll give it a shot. I was thinking soups might be a good way to go for the next few months.

Day 20 and the hair is shedding like crazy. My hairdresser can't see me until Wed to shave it. I may have to break down and wash my hair tomorrow just to see how much is left. But I'm glad I kept it through New Years. Since it's so thick, I haven't noticed much difference, but it's freaky when it comes out a bunch of strands at a time.

Wishing everyone a restful night with fewer SEs. My Mom is sick, so she can't come with me to my tx on Thursday. I'm bummed - my bf can come, but he has to take a day off of work (and he's part-time). He knew he's probably have to come with me at some time, and in general has been great, but I wish my Mom could have come. She's just a great support to have. I'm just glad I didn't go to that family Chanukah party. My nephew, who was sick then, spent last night in the hospital (he's 8 months old), my father got sick after the party, now my mom is, and my sister is also pretty sick. I thought they were being over-protective, but I can't imagine what shape I'd be in at this point. I'm just hoping my nephew, and everyone else, gets well soon. 

GracieG

Seacretgardn - My thrush started on a Wednesday and on Saturday I could finally eat and chew a banana. It still hurt a little, but I didn't care, it felt so good to chew. My onc prescribed Diflucan, 1 tablet daily for 7 days. Like you, I could hardly stand to drink even water, but forced myself to. The protein drinks helped too. I used 1 bottle of Ensure, 2 bananas & whatever flavor of yogurt sounded good, the blackberry was a personal favorite. Blended well in the blender & I had enough for 2 meals.



Mamabee, yikes about the blood clots, glad they caught them.



Since I'm on the 4 treatment regimine my onc decided no port. The wonderful nurse got my IV in on the first try, bless her heart. They are so good.



Good night everyone. Hope we all have a good nights sleep.

markat

Seacret the sauerkraut thing is just an old wives tale about bringing good luck for the New Year.  Pork and sauerkraut on the 1st.  It was pretty gross lol.

 Mama glad you went in and found out. That is scary.

Pretty sure I feel worse after this tx but maybe not.  Maybe it's just the whiplash from feeling better after the 1st tx.

 Hope everyone feels better today!

Mardibra

Is coffee ever going to taste good again?  Im forcing myself to drink it so I can avoid caffeine withdrawal headaches but damn, i miss a good cup of coffee.

mamabee

maribra, I hear you on the coffee thing. I'm on 3 week cycles and I also forced myself to suck down 1/2 a cup of coffee during the first 10 days or so to prevent a caffeine headache, but it definitely tasted better after that. Over this last week it's been fine and now on day 18 I'm enjoying my second cup. so, yes, someday you will enjoy it again.

rachelvk

Okay, I need a gut check. I feel really bad (guilt-wise). When I came out of the supermarket this afternoon, there were two women there (late 40s, mid-50s, maybe) who asked if they could get a ride. The bus wasn't running because of the holiday. I hesitated, and eventually said, I'd like to, but I'm in the middle of chemo. They immediately said okay, no problem. So I headed to the drug store (to pick up this round of Emend for Thursday), and felt really guilty. All those people who helped me after surgery, and I go and say no. It's not like I thought they were scamming - a big part of it was the concern that they might have something I could catch. But still.... So after I went to the drug store I saw them and went over and said I'd take them after all. They felt bad and said don't worry about it.

So.... was I being too paranoid? Hopefully when I'm past chemo I can be more charitable. I just feel like I missed an opportunity to do a random act of kindness. So much for New Year resolutions... 

Mardibra

There is no way I would invite two strangers into my car....chemo or not.  Your random acts of kindness can be many things.  Doesnt need to be a ride.

markat

I wouldn't have given a ride to a stranger...nope no way.

seacretgardn

Mamabee, I'm so sorry but thank goodness you called. I hope things improve quickly.



GracieG sounds like a good recipe. I've been living on protein shakes and yogurt. I've lost about 15 pounds since first tx. Not like I can't afford to lose it but didn't plan on it being because I can't eat.



Rachel I'm so sorry about your family getting sick. Hoping your little nephew is getting better. Glad you missed that bug. As for the 2 ladies, have to agree with Mardibra. There will be many other opportunities to show someone kindness. Sounds like they understood too.



Laurie, hoping your nausea has subsided.



Have a good night all.

momof3boys

Rachelvk, don't feel guilty. I don't think many people would give two strangers a ride. I certainly wouldn't. Maybe offer That I call someone for them, but not a ride.



Hope everyone's SE are getting better. So far, my most prominent one has been an achiness in my legs and hips. I guess it's from the Neulasta shot. My first treatment was 12/29 (last Thursday)

Baileybump

Mamabee - so glad you got yourself checked out!  Hoping everything heals up quickly for you. 

Rachel - you have to worry about yourself right now.  I would worry about germs, too. . . and safety. 

I buzzed my hair soon after my first treatment, bu the "stubble" came out pretty much on day 20 after my 1st taxotere/cytoxan treatment.  I just had treatment #2 on Thursday and now feel some numbness in my fingers/toes.  So far, I think the Claritan is working. . . along with Advil (and Pepto for my stomach).  I suffered more after treatment #1, but my MO said to take Advil, Tylenol, Pepto, Immodium for those particular SEs.