Starting chemo November 2012

Sickofpink

Hi Ladies,

What is BMX?

I've been browsing the TCH string and rads and hair, and want to address every one of you wonderful women, but have nothing much to say except yay or to keep the faith.

So tired and achy and still trying to work too many hours but getting very little done. My publisher wants blog pitches and an essay for Ladies Home Journal and all I can think of are very dark things, not good. Scheduling events for May that I have no idea if I can do, but if I don't schedule them and sell books and teach, how will I pay all these bills? Need to organize guest lists and do my mom's taxes.....blech.

Txjunebugs, we're on the same path, but 10 days after number 5, friends are excited that I only have one more round, but all I can thnk of is that there are still 3 weeks of SE's (that I know of) after that and already, I can't exercise as much, still have tearing eyes, no taste buds, aching legs and mushbrain - and I have rads and Herceptin infusions until November. It ain't over! And maybe I'm afraid of not getting a break from folks who have been understanding when now I need it even more and when chemo is over, they may expect me to bounce back. Sigh. Sorry.

What is the baking soda/salt recipe for thrush?

Why cornstarch with the aloe for rads?

What supplements will help hair grow back?

How long after last chemo can I eat fresh fruit and veggies and salad and sushi and coffee and wine again?

Okay. Be well.

Anonymous

I had my last AC on Friday. I don't get Neulasta or neupogin as my treatments were every three weeks. But, I was looking over my blood counts this morning. My WBC and RBC are half of the lowest they should be. My WBC is only 2.5 yet I still got another AC with it that low.



I went to church today, but I wore a mask. My church family gathered around me to pray over me. They are really good about respecting my space right after I have treatment.



Has anyone else gotten chemo with numbers hs low? Scary!!!



Blessings

Paula

milkyway2

I m BrCa1 positive too. I had one cancer in 2004 at that time oncologist told me for prophylycyic mastactomies. I didnt want to ruin my married life. I only had my lympactomy last nov had another cancer i had to pay the price so this yr im planing for hystractomy and one mstactomy n reco. I dont want to hear the word Cancer anymore i m just fed up. Life been so uncertain. I have learn my lesson All BRCA1 positive ladies we are at higher risk. I felt my body is working against me. Get rid off ovaries n breast.these guys will give you trouble in future if you are young. 2 chemo are left n radio. Then recovery time n get ready for surgries how unfortunate of me

Eleni

Paula, I never had that low WBC but they told me that the most important number is the neutrophils number (one type of white blood cells). If that number is between the range, then I'd get the chemo, even if the WBC was low.

Eleni

Sickofpink, why do you avoid fresh fruit and vegetables? I eat them all this time, it helps me from getting constipated. And I feel I take my vitamins too.

Sushi and acohol I try at the third week. Altough now that I have taxotere, alcohol tastes weird.

Eleni

Michelle, I do hope you went out. I know how difficult it is, but you have to get up and put your clothes on.

Sickofpink

Soteria, I wish I knew more to help. Ihave no idea what my numbers are, I guess if they don't tell me anything (excpet for liver issues from first 2 rounds), then I don't ask.

Oh Milky, such a bummer. The day I learend I was at risk I crashed my car. To have to really do it ... I do know women who sail through, but what a long haul. And so horribly random. You deserve so much more.

Eleni, preC, I used to eat so many fruits & veggies, but onc said only peeled,thick skinned fruit and cooked veggies due to potential bacteria. Now when I have fruit, the texture is so weird...until the end of third week, but then I crave red meat, which I used to never eat. I miss grapes and biting into an apple.

Yes, Michelle, go outside and take a walk. A blue sky might help.

I wish we could all walk togetehr, Oh, wait, one day, we will do that march, right?

I can't remember who said her boyfriend did not understand - and can't imagine. There is safetly in marriage, I guess, knowing he'll have to stick it out.

My dad is in town fro, Ohio, excited about speaking in 11 cities in 17 days. Hello, germs. At my nadir? I wouldn't let him visit all weekend, but he'll come over for on his way to airport. His sister died of cancer (at 80) during his hoiday visit but when he left everyone got sick. I got all dolled up so he was pleased that I was doing great as opposed to my brother-in-law in chemo for lung cancer. I was, that day. I'll stay in pjs today, maybe not a wig either. Not competing, just really tired.

xo

Loafer

So sorry you ladies are struggling.



Sickofpink, I had your symptoms with the final two rounds of chemo. It has taken me 5 weeks post final treatment to feel normal again no aches, pains, and stamina has resumed enough to exercise. I did have fruits, veggies and salads throughout treatment. Not sure who told you not to eat them. You need your strength and these are good for you.



Did not have wine during treatment, but now drink on weekends. Taste buds came back after 3 weeks.



Ladies - hang in there - it will get better!!!

5LuvBugs

Hi Girls, I'm still hanging around but for some reason I don't feel like typing - or talking or much of anything.  Glad you made your decision Junebug - guess it is a no brainer with the 60% vs 2% stats..you made the right choice.   I miss all the chatter from this board but I guess we are all burning out a bit...

Today was my 6th radiation and my incision feels tight - I'll get through it just like chemo - I'm sick of wearing a wig because it itches and is hot but I do wear a lot of hats, more compy = what are you girls doing?

Wishing everyone a good night tonight and a great day tomorrow....Take care girls 

Eleni

I'm sick of being sick. This journey started in June, when I found out I have again BC. We're eight months further and I hate it. I do things, try to enjoy every day and be grateful (because think of the alternative, dead due to BC) but that's enough. One more chemo to go.

Eleni

Luvbug, just rest. Your body needs to rest, it has been through a lot. But I do hear ya about being sick of the wig. If I hear one more person telling me that my hair is going to grow again, I'll struggle him, or scream (that's more sociably acceptable).

txjunebug

Sickofpink - BMX is bilateral mastectomies.  Onc said there is a procedure where they can leave the skin and nipple part of the breast and just scoop out all of the rest and reconstruct at the same time.  Onc said in 30 years of practice she has only had 1 BRAC patient get breast cancer again after BMX and that was because the person had breast tissues high up in her armpit.  I also like the idea of not having to go thru radiation.  Am I weird that I would rather have surgery than radiation?

Milkway - I completely understand.  That's exactly what I worried about with my DH.  I have a friend who just had BMX and she said it is different in that aspect of her married life. 

My DH tells me to do what I feel I need to do.  If this will keep me alive then we should do it.  He has a very scientific mind, highly intelligent, in fact the most intelligent person I have ever met.  He can run all those numbers and percentages in his head and understand more of what they are saying than me.  He finally admitted a few weeks ago to our family doctor that he was having a hard time with me having cancer.  They prayed, listened and gave him some medicine to help with his stress.  He has been my rock.  Right beside me thru every appointment, every shot, works from home on my bad days.  I feel so blessed to be loved by him. 

On a happier note - today's my birthday.  The same day I stop the steroids and my energy tanks.  Think I'll sleep the day by. 

Anonymous

Happy Birthday Junebug. I know this isn't the best of days for you, but my prayer is, that it turns around and you find some true blessing in it.



Hang in there my Friend!



You will get through this, and be stronger & better for it.



Love & Blessings

Paula

Eleni

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you!!!!!! Eat chocolate! Even if it tastes like dust :-)

5LuvBugs

Junebug this one's for you   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GBO36wkGsc

Happy Birthday Girl....

Everyone enjoy this, I love it!!!

Sneakychiquita

Happy birthday, txjunebug!  

I've heard all the anger, frustration, fear, and depression but haven't piped in because I haven't known what to say that will help.  Perhaps I can't help, but know that I'm here to listen.  I was pretty down after my last round of AC, but the retreat I went on really lifted my spirits.  It was more about being surrounded by a lot of women who were on the other side of treatment and loving life again that brought me strength.  It reminded me that I will get there as well and that I'm getting a second chance at life, so to speak.  Sending positive energy to all of you.

Only 3 more days to vote for the blog, "Breast Cancer? But Doctor...I Hate Pink!" on the Healthline contest.  Ann has fallen into second place over the weekend.  Please vote for her blog if you can.  

Anonymous

LuvBugs~It's great to see you posting more often.



I hope Michelle across the pond is feeling better. She's in my prayers daily.



I remember when the Beetles hit the states. I was 12 years old. My mom showed them to me on the news, getting off the plane. I thought the hair was gross, but on Sunday night they were on the Ed Sullivan show. I took one look at Paul McCartney and fell head over heels in love!



I have homemade potato soup in the crockpot, and will bake multi-grain French bread to go with it. I cheated on the bread. Actuall bought it unbaked at the bakery department in Kroger. I can hardly wait for supper.



Blessings

Paula

maryah930

Happy birthday, txjunebug!  

Sickofpink

Yes, happy birthday txjunebug.. Best wishes for a happy, healthier year!

Xo

politicomama

Happy Birthday TX!

5LuvBugs

Sneaky repost the link for Anne's blog...hope she wins...

Soteria, I love to buy the unbaked bread at Shoprite - take it home, bake it and walla - fresh baked bread!!!

Seems like eveyone is posting less, burnout syndrome I guess...Well it doesn't matter if we post so much, we are still thinking of each other - right?

Anonymous

I always love to read your posts Tricia! I come here everyday to see if anyone's posting.



I'm a bit concerned about Michelle across the pond. I haven't seen her on for a couple of days.



I'm finished with AC. Yippee!!!! I just wish I cold taste something. It's like my tongue is numb. I start 12 weekly taxol on March 1, then on to rads. How are you doing with the rads? What are you using for your skin?



Blessings

Paula

Sneakychiquita

How to vote for Ann's blog:

Open your facebook account.  In the search field at the top of the screen enter "Healthline's Blog Contest", which should take you to their FB page.  Once there, select the "vote now" icon beside Ann's blog, "Breast Cancer? But Doctor...I Hate Pink!"  A box pops up afterwards which allows you to post the voting on your FB timeline, but you can just select 'cancel' if you don't want it to appear on your timeline.  It'll thank you for casting your vote (or something like that) regardless if you post your voting activity on FB or not.

She's back in the lead, but just barely.  Spread the word!  I've even got my ex voting these last couple of days

macyhen111

Hey everybody, I've been looking for you guys. I got lost with chemo brain fog and just now found y'all. I miss you guys and I hope everyone is doing well. HAPPY Belated Birthday txjunebug!!!..

I had my 7th chemo today and so far so good, still have all my hair, though it started shedding yesterday while my DD was combing it. I even have hair growing between my smooshed hamburger tits lol.

adagio

Maychen - did you lose your eyebrows and lashes? I am wondering how you managed to keep your hair? Did you only get Taxol as your chemo - no A/C?

macyhen111

No adagio, I still have eyebrows and lashes, they thinned slightly but still here. I have only received Taxol. It seems to be working for me so far. I will start Zometa after I finish the Taxol. I have no bad side effects, just on the 3rd and 4th days I get very sluggish, I control nausea with phenagan.

5LuvBugs

How do you spell Yea,yay,yeah?) meaning: happy, cheering - anyway

Yeay, Macyhen - we missed you glad your back.. Did you make this board one of your favorites so you won't lose us?  Top of page "make this my favorite" then when you get on this page will be listed...      How did you manage to keep your hair through 7 chemos? mine started falling out at day 15  - still no hair has grown back on legs under arms but I still have some "down below" like who cares about it down there - I use to have one hair growing on my boob but it didn't come back...lost some eyebrows and eyelashes thined out too. Hope your chemo brain goes away fast...

Sneaky, I voted yesterday and will vote today...Hope Anne wins..

Soteria haven't had my Rads tx for 3 days now -- machine is still broken and I am getting quite upset..at least they call early before I drive down there...So far no issues and I use pure Aloe gel after treatments and moisturizer daily...Of course I have a long way to go 6/33!!

Adiago good to see you..hope Michelle is feeling better, I worry about her.

Girls do you think I should cut off the rest of my hair because my scalp is showing a few gray hairs about 1/4 " - I still look like my Avitar, which is cute on a baby but not me....

Hope everyone has Happy Valentine's Day, even if you don't have any plans or spend it alone - go treat yourself to something nice - you deserve it!

5LuvBugs

If your on Facebook here's the link to vote for Sneaky's friend Anne - she was only 32 votes ahead when I voted this morning..

 https://apps.facebook.com/blog-contest/?fb_source=search&ref=ts&fref=ts

macyhen111

5Luvbugs, I am so happy I found yall. I looked through the members list and found your name thats how I got back .When I think about how I kept my hair, I think it might be because I have been taking Hair, Skin, and Nails vitamins for over a year, not sure if that has anything to do with it. Plus I am just on Taxol. I have hair everywhere which is a little strange especially the hair on my chest. I also keep my hair in tight braids that my dd does about once a week, I dont wear it out though, I wear caps, scarves and this ugly wig I bought.

michellej1980

Hey everyone! Just letting you know I am still here. Doing okay, much better than last week when fatigue knocked me down. Feeling kind of weird about the thought of my last chemo next week. Should I be happy? Not sure what I feel to be honest. 

Hope you're all doing okay.

M. X