April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

Marcia1111

mom24 - no urinary tract infection, so far, but I do notice a  funny odor to my urine.

kjiberty - The day I wore my wig in public, I did get compliments, but it was from people I had never met before.  No one who knew me saw.  I am going out to dinner with some friends Thursday night and might give the wig another try.  I might have had it on too tight.  There are some velcro straps I can adjust.  Do you wear a cap under your wig? I did wear a scarf last night at a friends house and got lots of compliments.  Not sure if they were just trying to be nice, though.

vickilind61 - OMG!  That's awful.  I hope your house will be okay, but so glad you are somewhere safe.

I have the opposite problem from a lot of you - I have no food aversions and a huge appetite, but I get full VERY fast.  I keep eating because I know I need the nutrients, but I become so uncomfortable, before my appetite is satisfied.  I'm sure those of you who are naseous and unable to eat would love to have this problem.  Sorry   I guess whatever I'm eating isn't the right thing, though, because I have a huge roll of belly fat that I never had before.   I'm just wondering if I'm the only one who gets unbearbly full after a few bites.

Fierro6 - So sorry the Ambien didn't work for you.  It never worked for me either.  Last night, I could tell I wasn't going to sleep, so I took Restoril at 11:30.  I slept a little, woke at 1 -ish, but fell asleep again until 7:15.  I hate having to take it, but I also hate feeling washed out all day.

Vballmom - Good luck with work today!

Fierro6

I don't have either of those.  Are they prescriptions?  I'm getting pretty good at asking for drugs.  LOL  I wondered if I needed to give it more than one night to work better.  I'll ask the nurse today while I'm there.

kjiberty

Fierro:  Yea, they are prescriptions.  The pharmacist was the one to told me exactly what to do with both these drugs.  I trust him (not to mention he went to HS with my son--oops, I am showing my age!)

Marcia:  No, I do not wear anything under my wig.  It used to kill me when I first wore it, and I thought I would scream.  So I went to the gal who fitted me for the wig and I found out I was wearing it wrong--go figure!  The velcro in the back can be adjusted.  I usually grab it by those two things by your ears.  Throw it on and pull it down in the back.  Here's where I went wrong:  I was wearing it too high on my head.  You need to put in on BELOW your hairline (or where your hairline used to be).  The gradually pull it up a little bit.  Again, it needs to be just a little below your hairline on your forehead.  I had it too high on my head. I hope this helps.  If not, just take it to a wig store or a hairdresser that sells wigs and they will show you at no charge how to do it.  

Again, as I sit here bald, I only wear it out in public.  I do take a one week break the day of treatment.  Don't wear it then, and usually don't go anywhere else for about a week so hang out in this 100 degree weather cool with no hair! 

Marcia1111

Fierro6 - As kjiberty said, Restoril is a prescription.  Originally, I was on 15 mg. and it did nothing.  Once it was increased to 30 mg., it worked great!

Kjiberty - Thanks for the wig tips.  Maybe I'll be a redhead next time!

Melrosemelrose

Fierro- Good luck today with the fill and infusion.  Hopefully you'll get some rest after you get home later.

Stacie

For the 1st 2-3 days post chemo I take a .25 xanax, put in a sitcom, watch one episode, take my Ambien, the drift off during a 2nd episode.

dancetrancer

Congrats Stacie!!!

Best wishes to all else - can't reply much - gotta get out the door so I get my Herceptin on time.  My infusion nurse is SOOOOOO slow.  Grrrrr!!!!  

vballmom

I am starting to research reconstruction. I am already sick of getting dressed every day being a challenge.  I am tempted to throw out my entire wardrobe and start again.

TriChick

Fierro:  I second what Kliberty said - I take a lorazapam around 8pm (read or watch TV for a bit) and keep an ambien on my night table.  If I wake up, even as late as 3am, I take the ambien and I can sleep til around 7 or so.  I have not tried it the other way, but I am sure that would work just as well!  My doc assured me that taking ambien as late as 3am is okay and you will not feel "icky" if you have to be up early (6  or 7), for me this has held true.  Other sleep aids, OTC and script, I have not had good luck with the groggy morning after feeling. 

Marcia:  I am with you on the food.  I have gained a couple unwanted pounds through this process and am a bit pissy about it.  My appetite on days 1-4 is odd, but not suppressed, I crave unhealthy foods like starchy carbs, salt, crunchy chips.  Then as days 5-8 roll by it gets more normal and by my second week I am craving my more normal foods: lean meats, fruits, veges, cupcakes, icecream   I even baked a fresh strawberry cake last week and fresh strawberry scones.  Never got a scone, my husband ate them all!

I have a dull headache, low, low energy but am happy that I will not have to have a Neulasta shot today, my WBCs were up at 9.0 (not sure the scale is the same as some of your docs use but that is mid normal range), with no Neulasta from the last round.  With one more to go July 10 - I should be free of that dreaded drug!  I will go in for hydration, maybe even a bag and a half this time --  

Saying prayers for all of you in CO, especially Vicki...I am so sorry you had to leave your home, that must be so scary and on top of everything else you have going on....my heart goes out to you and your family.

I realize I am somewhat of a broken record on the this but I have heard and I have found for me personally, if you are having troubles eating and/or sleeping - getting some low intensity exercise even for 15-30 min can help both.  I am talking a leisurely walk around the neighborhood...Some days (like today for me) it is impossible due to intense SEs and some days impossible due to weather (100+degrees!) or other logistics.  But I remember one day during my 4th A/C I could not exercise due to SE's so I cleaned out my husband's closet (to his major dismay!)  That took a good hour and I was tired enough for a good 2 hour nap after that!  Obviously the key is not to over do it, just do it.

Good vibes to all in the BGC today, minimal SE's to all and stay safe in CO please!

Ok, I just heard the garbage man coming down the street and took a mad dash to the side yard to be sure our garbage was out....exercise done for the day for me...phew.  Must....catch...breath...now.

Stacie

I read that the average weight change during chemo for bc is +4#. I lost 8# on WW Jan-Feb then was diagnosed. Between surgery and chemo I ate a stellar healthy diet and lost 8# more. Over my 4 rounds thus far I have lost 10 more. It is a challenge I am here to tell ya. The carb cravings are ferocious from the steroids. The other day I got IN N Out and went directly through Crispy Creme for 2 donuts. On my really high carb craving days well past my chemo I give in and enjoy what I want. After chemo nothing looks good so those balance out. In between I eat very healthy. I don't know how I will do after. But my research has taught me that maintaining an ideal body weight, exercise, and nutrition can reduce recurrance GREATLY. Right now, my fear of EVER having to go back through this is a motivator. And my history in this area of lifestyle changes is horrible. I pray to maintain my resolve over the long haul.

Marcia1111

TriChik - It's good to hear that I'm not the only one this is happening to!  I have also heard that those who get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day do better on chemo.  I went to the gym yesterday and today.  I've always done kind of a whimpy workout, but now I'm doing even less.  I was on the elliptical for 5 minutes and felt winded, so I walked on the treadmill at a rather slow pace.  I managed 35 minutes, though, and am glad I did it. 

Your husband sounds like he eats just like mine.  I put half of a banana bread out yesterday and if I hadn't taken a small piece first, I wouldn't have gotten any!

Stacie - Good luck with your weight.  I try not to worry about it now.  We have enough to deal with!

IndigoMont11

I confess I have succumbed in large part to carb cravings and so I'm trying not to be too worked up about putting on some pounds (since starting chemo, 7 or 8 pounds).  My doc said 5-10 pounds on the average.  It does seem to have leveled off.  I agree, too, the hardest thing to do is to maintain lifestyle changes!  Motivation from the rest of you helps.    I didn't take my walks the last few days because by the time it was anywhere near cool enough it was way too late and too dark.  I am going to take one this evening and get back on it.  

Marcia and anyone else who isn't wearing anything under their wig - I would strongly recommend that you go to TLC.com and order the cotton wig caps. I haven't found the caps to make the wigs signficantly warmer and I can only imagine how bad the itchiness would be without them!  When I bought mine I was given a couple of these "pantyhose" type caps, which are fine for covering up your own hair under a wig, but not so comfortable on a bare head.  If you are comfortable without, then do what works for you - just saying, though, I think the caps help a lot, and they don't cost much.  

Having said all that, I haven't worn my wigs in a good week now, with this major heat wave.  It finally broke yesterday to the point that it was 76 degrees at 11 p.m. when I went to bed.  This morning I could hear the air tankers flying over on their way to the fires, and I'm listening for news updates on the Waldo fire (the one near Vickilind).  They are predicting rain and thunderstorms; hoping we get more rain than lightning!!

Fierro, ha ha, I've been thinking the same thing, that I'm getting good at obtaining prescriptions.  I thought about counting all of them but decided not to.  Hope the combo of ambien and ativan works for you!  

RoulaG

I was never one who craved sweets or carbs. I would workout five times a weeks and crave protein all the time. Now I find myself eating any carb I can get my hands on. I have gained about 7 pounds and am only half way through my chemo - cancer sucks!



On a lighter note - I have never slept so well. I can sleep for 10 hours straight. I use to wake up at least 2-3 times a night - not anymore, I sleep like a baby, without any meds, go figure.

Fierro6

In the BGC, waiting for my meds to come up.  Ol' lefty got 60cc today.  LOL  Although I didn't sleep as long as I wanted, I have not had a headache yet today.  We'll see what happens, but it's 11:00 and I don't think I have gotten this far into a day without it,  yet.  Maybe I slept more deeply?  I don't care what caused it.  I'll take it!

sandik

Good luck Fierro and the rest getting infusions today.

Vickie, glad you made it out ok. Hope hubby did too. Have some friends there who's families lost their homes last night. Very sad.

Speaking of cravings and munchies, my daughter worked til 10 last night, then went to the gym after. I made her bring me home potato chips. I had a BIG craving for chips. I stayed up until 12:30 when she got home with them and munched out on half the bag. haha I have finally gotten most of my taste buds back. I've lost 14 punds since I started chemo, which I don't mind a bit. MO was concerned until I told her that I am eating, and eating a lot. It's just fruits and veggies, eggs and chicken cause that was all I could taste. 

Marcia1111

IndigoMont1 - I have been thinking about ordering one of those caps.  I've spent so much money on various hats, caps, and buffs,  I was thinking why buy one when I will never wear it again after my hair grows back, but with your recommendation, I think I'll get one.  I still think I'll be more comfortable in scarves and buffs, but when I go back to work in AUgust, it might be better to wear a wig.

Fierro6 - Yay for no headache!  I hope you continue to feel well.

sandik - I just ate lunch, then polished off a bag of sweet potato chips.  Probably not the wisest choice, but I enjoyed them.  To top it off, I ate a cookie.  I was afraid the cookie was going to put me over the edge into uncomfortable fullness, but it looks like I'm okay!

dancetrancer

Fierro - fingers crossed you stay headache-free!  

Stacie - couldn't agree with you more on the diet, exercise stuff.  If anyone is looking for a great book on nutrition/lifestyle and cancer prevention, I highly recommend Dr. Schreiber's book AntiCancer - A New Way of Life.  Very well researched, evidence-based recommendations.  Also, he does not poo-poo standard treatments like a lot of other "alternative" books - he believes in integrative oncology - do your standard chemo, etc., but also learn what you can do to try and complement it with diet and lifestyle changes to try to prevent recurrence.  

P.S.  I too craved carbs and gave in during chemo.  I think we all get a pass when we are feeling like crap; we are lucky we have appetite for anything at all!  

Herceptin only went well this morning.  Whites indeed are a bit low again, but not scary low.  No neupogen.  Also had a low-grade fever again.  Go figure.  Reds continue to be low (down a bit more).  Can't wait to get past day 21 (now day 14) and see my body recover!!!  

lsharvey822

I hope everyone in the BGC today/this week is doing well!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you on the headache Fierro!  And we're all thinking of you Vicki.  Hope everything's ok.

Fierro6

I promise you that I've had more fun today than ANYONE should be allowed to have in the BGC.  DD 1 Skyped me and started dancing for me.  I was laughing SO hard.  Then, the nurse came in (who also has teen daughters,) and was laughing right along with me.  Then, DD 2 joined her (after waking up to her sister dancing for over 30 minutes above her bedroom, LOL) and they both danced.

Then, DD 1 played guitar and sang for me, we told corny jokes, and the nurse finally said, "In 23 years of doing this, I've never been serenaded while pushing Adriamycin.  She laughed SO hard, and engaged DD 1 several times.  When she brought in the Cytoxin, she asked (via Skype) "When's your mom's birthday?"  DD confirmed it for me.

Now I'm going to expect this of her every time.  That was fun.  Totally kept my mind off of what was going on.  (Way better than DH did last time.  Shhhh) 

nofear2012

Today was a really hard day emotionally post 8 days second taxol..I woke up very depressed & just wanted to sleep all day. Anyone else feeling this way? I have 2 more treatments & I am done & I wonder how am I going to get thru the next 2. Didn't sleep well last night, I think the Ativan is losing its effectiveness, so I am going to try tylenol pm. I tried ambien & I had a bad experience w it. Just feeling very overwhelmed & wondering if I will ever feel good again.

Stacie

Fierro YAY on the no headache day!!

nofear I have on and off VERY emotional days.  AND am so fatiged it hurts to lift my legs to walk.  I am just staying simi-active as much as I can and trying no to alienate the whole family.

I tell my family "give me feedback at your own risk".

Good news on my blood work again it is good.  My doc says I am the poster child of blood work.  I said, "How can you be this fatigued and have good blood?"  He said, "Because you are being poisoned".  He is funny really with his super honest answers.  LOVE my MO. 

Off the next 4 days and about to sign off my work computer for the day and rest all night.  BGC in the A.M.

 s

nofear2012

Thx stacie I sorta figured I wasent alone but this has been a hard journey to manage both emotionally & physically. Never have I had both & I know one influences the other. I just want to be done but even then it will take some time b4 I start to feel better.

BTW in response to some of the other posts I have continually lost weight. My stomach has been a big struggle, I almost always have a full feeling & have to force food down & guage where my full feeling should be.

Melrosemelrose

nofear2012-  I know chemo has been a struggle for you in many ways but you are doing a great job hanging in there.  At least you recognize how you are feeling and know that one day you will feel better.  It is still one day at a time for all of us.  Some days are just good days and some days just aren't--- they suck.  Sending you lots of (((HUGS))) and glad you are here with us travelling through chemland.  

lsharvey822

Nofear - I'm 6 days post TCx3 and I've spent the last 2 days breaking into tears at the slightest thing!  This is a whole lot of cr@p we have to deal with and I think it just gets overwhelming eventually.  Hang in there!

Fierro - those apples didn't fall far from that tree did they!  you keep us laughing and they keep you laughing!  They sound like keepers to me!

RoulaG

No fear - I know what you mean. I am right there with you with the emotional aspect. My "depression" begins on the third day after treatment and lasts about three- four days. Actually that is the only tx SE that has remained consistent over all three rounds of chemo. All the other SEs are different each round.



Hang in there, it will come to an end soon enough!

Melrosemelrose

Isharvey822-Passing you that big box of Kleenex I have here for the boo-hoo sessions.  I know how you feel because I felt like that after Round #2.  Crying is good because it releases stress plus there are chemicals in our bodies that need out and tears are where they come out.  You are so right that at times it is all overwhelming but somehow we get a grip on it and know we are going to get through this journey!  I just had #4 yesterday and a Neulasta shot today.  Hope you are doing well with minimal side effects!!!!  HUGS!!!!

kjiberty

Melrosemelrose:  Good luck with the S/E's--hope they are minimal.

I too, don't have the appetite and get full quite easily which is good because I haven't really gained or lost any weight during chemo.  That's not to say I don't lose three lbs a few days after tx and then stuff myself with carb-loaded food and then gain it back.  All in all, though, I am down about 10 lbs. from January, which is great.  I want to look good in the mother of the groom dress  bought the day after my diagnosis.  Actually is has to be taken in on the top.  Boobies are the first to go when I lose weight--I have lost a total of 25 lbs. since October.  

Fierro:  Sounds like you a had fun treatment.  Your kids must have the same sense of humor their mom does.  That's wonderful.

Vicki:  Hoping you are safe.

Stacie:  See ya tomorrow and ((hugs)) to you in the BGC.  

NoFear:  I have my highs and lows, especially the week right after treatment.  You are not alone.

Marcia:  I did a little too much retail therapy in the headcover department and don't wear half the stuf, including those nylone caps that remind me of a pimp.  I am going to donate all the ones I don't wear to the cancer center tomorrow when I go in for my last chemo (happy dance).  I do have a cotton terry cap I wear under certain scarves, etc.  I have decided when I take the train to Chicago next week, I am wearing a buff.  I won't know anyone on the train, and I want to be comfortable.  Am asking for early check-in at the hotel, so if I appear to be bald, maybe the front-desk person will find a room for me sooner than the 4 pm check in time.  

I can't remember who has their treatments this week, but good luck to all of you, and wishing you minimal S/E's.

Sandi:  Do the potato chips mean you are getting your appetite back?  If so, hurray!! 

lisa2012

Fierro, here I am proud that I ate toast and jam for lunch, after Malt o meal for breakfast. Ooh, when I read your post suddenly I wanted Fritos so badly!!! Mmm. Yes, I am doing a bit better, food seems like it might work better now. The banana smoothy was good last night.

Sleep: I heard you are not supposed to take Ativan and ambien near each other. Ambien used to work ok for me but now its 3-4 hours, depending in dosage. Ativan: a 10 mg one late in the evening helps me, even if I wake up at 2 or 3 I can usually go ack to sleep. Having an extra half by your bed, ready if you get stuck being awake, can help too. I know feeling desperate for sleep is very stressful. Thinking about you.

Vickilind, hope evacuation is ok. Glad you have family to stay with, hope DH is safe too.

dancetrancer

I was so tired this afternoon that I actually fell asleep and napped (that is rare for me, no matter how tired I am).  I had the most vivid, scary dreams.  I dreamt that I was wiped out from the chemo, laying on the pavement, trying to voice to DH "take me to the Dr., take me to the Dr.!!!"  And he was freaking out, etc., etc.  And I was trying to crawl but couldn't get anywhere.  Oy!!!  That wasn't a very restful nap!  LOL

P.S.  The thrush is back.  Yippee.  Day 14.  Was hoping I was rid of it for good.  Nope, it's just gotta come back and torture me one last time.  Gaahhhh!!!

 Ok, done venting.  Thanks!   

Fierro6

Lisa, they were amazing.  But now, as I expected, I want nothing to eat.  The family is having pizza and all three of them have come in to try to offer me a slice.  Nope.  Nothin doin'.  At least they know that my hunger will return, since it's our second go-'round.  They shouldn't worry as much (I hope.)

I was sitting her a few minutes ago and my ears started ringing.  Before I could think "Oh NO!" it stopped.  I hope that's not a new SE that I'm going to get.  I know it happens, but I didn't have it with TX1.