January 2013 chemo group

Anonymous

Nicole, then I say we pop in there and give them something to rave about. 

Shannon, I'm 5'2" as well . . . we won't discuss weight though. It is NOT good right now. It has really crept back on. Here is my new fear. I do have tastebud issues during chemo. So once chemo is over and everything is tasting good again how in the HELL and I going to stop myself??? I'm going to have to workout 3 hours a day - 1 hour is needed because of my age, 1 is needed because of tamoxifen, and 1 to offset the calories.

Anonymous

Shannon - I struggle with hopping on that elliptical every single day.  One thing that helps me is recording a favorite show or finding a good movie on netflix.  I can only watch it if I am standing on that elliptical.  It's nice "ME" time with a perfect non-selfish excuse!  Another trick is to tell myself I will do it for 10 minutes.  That is easier to commit to than 1/2 hour or so.

The newest struggle is my poor deteriorated muscles are exhausted the first few minutes i'm working out!  All the reason more to get on that beast.

I've said it many times now..but i love your attitude.  Your next target should be that exercise bike

smethot

...kick the stupid exercise bike's ASS...while beating my own ass into submission!!!  Husband is in...we start tonight...BEFORE dinner...take turns between the bike and the treadmill (which my grandmother calls the THREADmill) and start moving again.  Both torture devices are in my attic where the family room is...i just hate them and ignore them...but alas, no longer.  My giant ass needs taming...and i am the woman to do it!  Come on warm weather...always more fun to take the pugs for a walk than to work out...yuck!  Its also easier when you have someone to workout with you, too.  I love my husband. 

Here's to fitting into my shorts in a few short weeks!!!  Shan

kiwikid

Bahaha threadmill, that hilarious!

We got a dog a couple weeks ago and I walk him every morning for about 45 minutes. I'm not losing weight but I've stopped piling it on!

hope49

klaudiak, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.  That must be so difficult with everything else you have to deal with....it's nice that you were able to spend some time with her. I believe she is with you and I pray that she will watch over you during this journey.  My heart goes out to you.

hope49

LeeA, I cannot believe you haven't been to Disneyland parks!  If I lived there or Florida I would literallly be there every week...I'd probably end up working there, too!   It's always been my happy place and I go every chance I get.  Maybe you can get some free passes as a part of your integrative treatment at the Disney center? LOL

Tomorrow is my last treatment, and I can't wait to post that I'm done!  I'd love to hop on a plane straight to DisneyWorld...but have to move on to rads...sigh...working on my next trip there in the fall once I get my new boobs. 

Skigirl72

Thinking about going back to the gym. Early mornings after I drop off my son to school. I was thinking a treadmill. I am bringing my own wipes and purell. and I will look for a spot very far away from people. from what I remember, it was never that busy in the morning. I am also wearing my bio hazzard shirt. And I am going to go noggin nude...it will be way to warm to have anything on my head.  What do ya think about that?

LisaMM

I look forward to every one if your posts Shannon! You're like a daily dose if super-charged caffeine!



Have been soooo tired yesterday & today. Wondering if it's the time change business, the crapoy weather change business, or it could be the combo of my stupid allergies acting up+ PMS (we'll see about that-hopefully chemopause will kick in) + chemo + working, etc.



Does anyone else gave a problem with your eyelid twitching? Mine has been since about a week after my first tx & has ever since, now really starting to annoy (just one more thing to add to the list I suppose!).

Skigirl72

My right eye has been twitching since tx #1. The MO says its a SE. Settles down from time to time. She said if it keeps twitching just chew on some TUMS. I did not try it. I assume she thinks it's from a calcium deficiency. I take a multi and a cal/mag/zinc supplement. Worth a shot.

Still waiting for chemopause... the one SE I will invite in... willingly.

cancernoway

Skigirl - I take wipes and sanitizer to gym and go early in the morning as well.  I do the same and stay away from people.  My gym is less crowded in the morning. 

If I don't make it to the gym, I do Wii Zumba and Wii Fit.  Before diagnosis I would go to a Zumba class twice a week, but my instructor had surgery on her foot about the same time I was diagnosed and hasn't had class, so I haven't missed anything.  Should be interesting when I go back, lol.  The instructor and the whole class being out for 3 months.  Zumba is my therapy.  There are 9 of us that go together and ususally crack up the whole time making it that much more fun.  I use the treadmill at home too, but hate it. 

My eye twitches from time to time also.  I heard somewhere that was a sign that your eyebrows and lashes were going to start falling out.  Anybody else hear that?

I can't wait to start walking my dogs at the park.  They are chubby.  The one isn't terrible since she runs alot, but the other one is a chunky monkey.  He's lazy.  The weather needs to get warm and stay warm.  It is snowing here today. 

Agree, Shannon always makes me laugh.

russell33

Hi ladies, I am 2 weeks out from chemo #3 (cytoxan and taxotere) and have had a rash on and off for a week.  The first time it was like a bad sunburn on my upper legs and upper arms.  Took benadryl as directed by doctor and it did go away.  Now I'm just real itchy and break out with bumps when I itch it.  i changed my detergant and softer to dye free and perfume free.  I am still itchingl.  Just wondered if any one has experienced this. Still feel really tired from #3.  Don't have as much energy as I did with 1 & 2.  Next Tuesday is #4 and my last one.  Just wish this rash would go away.  Maybe I need to see a dermatologist. Any thoughts?  Thank you.  Hope everyone is doing well:)  Anne

LisaMM

skigirl-I think I will try the tums, I usually eat them all the time but not since I had to start taking Prilosec about a week after my first tx. I think our gym plan sounds good!

I am willingly inviting that chemopause into my house,there should be some fringe benefits this crap somewhere along the way!

Hope49-So happy for you that your last trip to the bar is tomorrow!  I think that deserves a happy dance!  I am thinking that rads will be no sweat after this chemo thing!

jinglebelle

Hi Ladies,

  I'm a little bit new here. I'm getting ready to start my chemo at the end of the month. I'm getting 4 rounds dose dense Adria/Cytoxen and 4 rounds Taxol (+Herceptin for a year). I guess what I'm wondering is if anyone can tell me what I might feel like after the Adria/Cyt? I had 6 rounds of Carboplatin/Taxotere 5 years ago and felt pretty bad for several days after (in part due to the steroids I think -- which I'm told are only used on infusion days with ACT).  Any info greatly appreciated, I'm trying to plan for family to come and help out with my kids 

Nicole503

Skigirl72 ~ When I go to the gym I sport a buff, wear my "stupid dumb breast cancer" t-shirt (sent by a friend of a friend in upstate NY who has an awesome Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer FB page and does a lot of fundraising and awareness raising), and I always get smiles! I'm definitely thinking about being a badass baldie (with the t-shirt) as it keeps getting warmer! 

Have fun!

Rhonda2

LisaM,



The nurse where I get treatment said the eye twitching is a sign that I'm not getting enough sleep, huh?? That sounds strange to me because I've been sleep deprived before (shift work) and never experienced this eye twitching like I do now. Last visit, the Onc said I needed to start taking 325mg of iron daily and so far my eye twitching has slowed way down. Don't know if it has anything to do with it, but can only tell you what happened to me. I also don't bleed through the nose as much or weep from my eyes.

Anonymous

Russell33 - I have had the rash/hives since 6 days out of tx #2.  With tx #3 it started about 8 days out.  According to my MO, it is a very common SE of taxotere and usually hits on #2 or #3.  Check with your MO of course, but i was initially instructed to use zantac, claritan and benedryl.  Those work for me but not for long.  I think i'll just be dealing until this is all over.  Good luck to you.  I get how the itching can drive you a bit crazy.

I have had an eye twitch since tx #1 (and lots of stomach twitches too...weird).  I was told that is also an SE of taxotere.  Luckily I have the rash to take my mind off the twitching )

Anonymous

Rhonda2 - i just saw the iron comment.  Interesting - I think i'll try that.

LeeA

Rhonda, hmm, very interesting about the iron...

I've had eye twitching and even inner ear twitching(?).  Taxotere is part of my cocktail and just found out today that I'm anemic (hemoglobin is 9.3 - probably not that bad but got fluids today for the first time and they said the anemia would explain the exhaustion).  I guess I need to go Popeye.  

--

hope49, yes, I am a Disneyland virgin - but not a DisneyWorld virgin.  You would love the Disney Cancer Center, if for no other reason than it's smack dab in front of (or across from) Disney Studios.  My husband calls it the Second Happiest Place on Earth.  The Mickey Mouse water tank is clearly visible from the infusion room.  And the fence in front of the studios is Mickey ears in iron (photo: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2504/4122069995_1349189562_z.jpg )

--

cancernoway, now I must google Zumba.  It sounds like a Greek vacuum robot.  On another note, I'm craving Greek food.  First food craving I've had in days.  

--

Welcome to russell33!  

SherylB

Hi all,

I am happy to report that tomorrow is my final chemo. I have an appt. 4/1 to start the workup for my 30 rads treatments. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Hugs. Sheryl

Anonymous

Skigirl I'm so glad you brought up the twitching eye thing. I have it so bad and finally asked my MO about it last week and have been meaning to share her tip. Yes, it is a SE of the chemo.  Cancernoway my eye has been twitching for weeks, probably a couple of months now so definetly not a sign of the lashes/brows about to fall out. I still have those. My MO suggested using a cool eye mask at night, such as a corn husk filled one. She said even the gel ones you put in the fridge would work, and also that if you prefer it warm to do that too. I haven't tried it yet because I haven't made it to the store to pick one up. My DH laughed and said to try spoons.

Rhonda2 that is interesting about the iron. I always took an iron supplement even though the docs said I didn't need it. I swear I felt better when I did. But I've been told no on that one for now.

ablydec

I haven't been on here for awhile; just too much going on.  Tonight I just got back from visiting my aunt in the ICU, for what will likely be my last contact with her.  And I just lost another aunt four weeks ago.  I've been pretty optimistic about my future this whole time, but for some reason, this just threw me.  I want to live, not just to watch my children grow up, but my grandchildren.  Also, it's really distressing to see just HOW sick sick people are.  I got scared!  And I can't tell anyone in my family, because I'm so busy "having a good attitude".  But I'm glad I can tell you guys.  Thank you for understanding.  Shoshana

P.S.  I'm scheduled for #4 out of 6 tomorrow, so wish me luck.

ablydec

About the twitching eye.  Anyone who finds a solution - let us all know!  It may not be painful, but it is definitely one of the more irritating parts of this whole experience.

Zorina

Does anyone have weird prickly stuff growing on their legs?  If it keeps up, I may have to shave next week. It's supposed to be short-wearing weather later this week in north Florida so I am probably not going to be able to ignore this problem. Then again, maybe the Taxol cocktail last week will kick in and resolve it. 

A first for 2013:  I walked home from the corner grocery store!  Sunset was folding up the sky, there was a cool breeze and a gentleman passed me and said,  "Isn't this amazing?"  "Truly amazing", I said.  The best part: I got home and I wasn't even tired or sore! 

Another amazing 2013 first:  Walt Disney World. Living in Florida, we go quite frequently but haven't been since October 2012.  DH booked a weekend at WDW for my birthday on the first weekend of May. If I can stay on schedule, I will have had two weeks to recuperate after my last Taxol.  I figure I can always rent one of those electric scooters if I am still sore or fatigued.

Humor:  I was chatting with the Onco nurse yesterday and told her I was feeling well enough to get my next Taxol TX early.  It took her moment to respond. She said she has never been asked that question before.  I don't think they have gotten used to my sense of humor yet....

martha323

I haven't caught up, but I plan to today after I get back from AC#4 - I hope everyone is doing well - looking forward to the latest posts!

klaudiak, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. You will receive all the support you need and more from this wonderful group!

Best wishes and prayers for all - Martha

Zorina

SherylB and Hope49 - CONGRATULATIONS!  I think you will be the first of us to complete chemo.  Hope the last treatment goes smoothly for both of you. <insert Happy Snoopy Dance>

Jinglebelle - They will give you steroids for A/C, so expect some similarities there. I don't have children, so I am not a good judge on your basic question. I am guessing answers may vary based on their age, but I think that having assistance for several days after treatment would help you a lot.  Treatments vary in terms of how they affect you, but you can expect the early treatments to wear you down less than the final ones.

Exercise:  Don't hate me because I lost about five pounds!  I want to keep it off because I really should lose another 25. I've already started to reign in the bad eating habits that I acquired these past few months.  I am also going to start walking daily, and I should probably dust off the Wii. I am going to avoid the gym because I don't have a Hazmat suit and we're lucky enough to have really good weather now. 

I have a cat that likes to take walks, so he has volunteered to participate.  He doesn't mind the leash, but he grumbles a lot if you don't walk where he wants to go.  So, it will only work as a warm-up. 

smethot

Walk the cat???  I love it!  My 4 cats would tell me to piss up a rope and claw my leg...or go to sleep...the pugs on the other hand, LOVE WALKS...come on warm weather!!!

I rode the stupid exercsie bike for ONE HOUR last night...yeah lazy-ass me!  I also figured that since its Mar 14th today, i may not get to workout tonight so i'd double up.  Does anyone else celebrate March 14th?  Google it...i think its awesome- and if your hubby is anything like mine, he deserves it...especially this year!  March 14th is the anti-valentine's day...a day for men...ladies, March 14th is known as "Steak & a Blow Job Day"!!!!  And quite frankly, i'm always up for steak.  Steak salad to make sure its healthy...live it up!!! 

xoxoxox  Shan

Nicole503

ablydec ~ I get scared sometimes too.  I think if we don't admit that breast cancer is scary, then we are not being altogether honest about our experience.   Like you, I try not to dwell there, but my philosophy is that we have to let the fear see the light of day in our thoughts sometimes in order to integrate it and be mentally healthy.  Plus, fear is a good motivator and as women with breast cancer we can use our fear to motivate us to eat well, exercise, and live life each day to the fullest.  I'm sorry that your Aunts are passing but I'm glad that you are able to connect with them as they do.

Zorina ~ Nice job walking home from the grocery store!  Last night my husband and I went for our first after dinner walk of 2013 and it too was a delight!  I am still noticeably more easily winded, but able to keep up a good walking pace for 30 minutes which is an improvement over where I was 4 - 6 weeks ago.  I don't hate you for losing 5 pounds while on chemo ~ I celebrate you!  (And I'm a little jealous, to be perfectly honest).  I too am noticing what might just qualify as the beginning of stubble on my legs.  I could do without that for the next 2 Taxol treatments, but it seems that Taxol is not as hard on hair growth as AC was.

smethot ~ I don't think you can use "rode the exercise bike for ONE HOUR" and "lazy ass" in the same sentence!  Awesome job on the exercise.

Martha323 ~ I hope AC #4 goes well for you and your SE's are reasonable to bear.  Congrats on being done with AC!!!  It's a thing to celebrate for sure.  

I sure do wish it was Friday.  I am weary and have to get through 2 more days of work and a variety of after school social engagements for my girls.  Ah well, weariness is my constant companion these days.  Wishing you all a good day.

Rhonda2

LeeA,



My Onc said my hemoglobin was just slightly low and said the iron a day would take care of it. He said to take stool softners with it because it can cause constipation. I've been on it for a little over a week and so far so good. I think I feel better on it as well!



I loved the picture of the Mickey Mouse ears! We are going to Disneyland the first week of June. Because we live just over the grapevine, the family has year long passes and goes several times a year. Me and DH usually make once or twice a year. Last year we made it to the "House of Blues" in Downtown Disney, but we just ate there during the day. I prefer the coastal areas and enjoy taking the motorhome to Avila Beach. It is such of a nice get away and is only 2-1/2 hours from where we live. After this cancer experience, I'm really not picky where we go. I'm just happy to be here and be a part of it all.

Skigirl72

LMAO- walk my cat..... oh that's good. My cat would shred me if I even thought about buying a harness for her old ass let alone try to put it on her. The other one would let me put it on him while he quietly plots his revenge. My choc lab would go everywhere with me. She was awesome.

I was just telling someone that I refused to think that I might die from all this. I have way to much to do still. My son is only 10. I want to be alive to see him marry, hold grandchildren and be down right old! I do wonder down that dark road sometimes and I have a healthy fear of it all now. I have to and must stay positive. When I am down, I lean on my friends and family. 'Just make me laugh' I tell them. They know right away whats up. God Bless all those caregivers!

jayjayc

Hi all,

My MO just told me to start taking Glutamine for my neuropathy (which I already knew about from all of you)..... but she also told me to take "alpha lipoic acid 400mg and acetyl L carnitine 200mg"....

Has anyone else heard of that??  And is that the right combination, because when I looked at the combined capsules in the store the acid was always a lower mg then the acetyl???

Thanks in advance for any info...... and minimal SE's to all!!!!