Chemo May 2013

carla53

Patty - Don't overdue it! That's funny. It's like you know me. It's one of those new ways of living that is really difficult to embrace but that is important to do so. Hope you are feeling better today, day 7.

GoWithTheFlow-It is difficult to accept help. Since I'm so used to doing everything myself. Probably most of us are the same way. When one of my daughters offered a maid service next week, I said no at first. I don't want my daughter spending money on me. But then a little tiny voice said "accept help from others. You are doing them a favor too." So I said yes. She sounded relieved and happy at the same time. She said good, thank you. I can't get over there to help you and really want to do this.

ItisWhatitis-Glad you had a few hours of productive time. It's amazing how good it feels to be productive. How are you feeling today?

Teresa-Glad that the mystery itching is minimal.

My hand is still hurting. Grr See my plastic surgeon on Monday. I'm glad about that. The pain isn't getting in the way of good times (not much anyway ) One of our daughters, son-in-law, and two grandsons were over yesterday for the day and evening. I love that

when it happens.

A happy and blessed Sunday to all - Carla

lpc

Ladies



Once I started protonix for reflux I never needed nausea meds again. Reflux can really tear up the throat and cause serious problems. Please don't mess with it!



Some of the symptoms are that lump in the throat feeling and believe it or not a dry hacking cough. I thought my cough was sinus drainage but turned out to be symptom of reflux.



Lisa

Pattysmiles

Carla,

I'm an over doer too. Next surgery I will be putting on my blindfold and biting my tongue. I have an able bodied hubby who is retired, and three children10-14) that SHOULD be able to pitch in if needed. Yesterday, after having a meltdown regarding the condition of my home I wrote notes in sharpie and taped them all over the place. Kitchen table "I haven't been washed since Monday!" Toilet seat "it's been 2 weeks since someone scrubbed me". You get the idea. Trust me, i usually clean on a regular basis, this was my period to experiment. They need to learn!



Carla, make sure to tell your daughter what a great job the maid did! It will make her feel so happy she gave you that gift. What a thoughtful gift! And if you have another child that comes to help out give them as great a praise and don't mention the maid! I had to help out my mom for a number of months due to her breaking her back,I even had her live with me for a month while I cooked and cleaned after her and drove her to appointments, not a word of praise, just criticism. My evil twin sends flowers from down south and all I heard was praises for heaven about her! Yes, it bothered me! I'm sure others have more common decency than my family, but just wanted to mention it....



Thankfully today I woke up feeling fine.

We went to church, which has been a first since chemo started (yes I've been "bad"). I felt so good that as we were heading to church I had my husband text his family to see if they wanted to come to BBQ. They all said yes! So we hosted a last minute BBQ, I ran my self ragged getting the food, Beverages iced up etc, but it was so worth it to see all the kids in the pool and the adults too! I made a point to get a few of them drunk since I'm not drinking. Who can turn down a drink when on a pool float! Lol. I love last minute get togethers.

Pat

MzDiva

Hello Everyone,

I haven't posted in a while. Has anyone had any trouble with itching after getting your Neulasta? My mom has been itching and benadryl is not helping much.

MzDiva

GoWithTheFlow

MsDiva, is she drinking enough water?  Skin gets dry and itchy from chemo.  I know I had itches constantly.  

Pattysmiles

MzDiva, is it at the injection site?



Does she have an allergy to latex? (Something about that in regards to the needle. ,they made a point to ask me, and I know I've read that on the Internet)



Call the onc if it continues, maybe there is something they can prescribe or an over the counter they recommend.



Pat

kobrien

Hi all!

Anyone have any idea how to deal with this horrible sweating?? I'm waking up DRENCHED! Had my second TC on Friday and have to keep waking up to change my clothes--it's pretty bad..

I started with mild hot flashes before chemo ( I am 41) but nothing like this ever.

Thanks

Kerri

GoWithTheFlow

I've been sleeping for 6 months with a fan blowing on me.  Wore summer pajamas all winter too.  I bought an iso-cool pillow that is a bit cooler than a regular pillow.

Hope someone comes up with more ideas.  I can't believe my bald head sweats like this.

carla53

Patty-Good for you, letting your family know your needs. They may scream and hollor a bit, but in time, if you keep up with your requests, they'll settle down and just do it. Been there and done that. Just 6 monthd before I found out I had the big C, I started changing my ways and letting my husband of almost 40 years know my needs. My needs. Something that I had to figure out, communicate and expect. It was really a hard adjustment for both of us. But I knew I had to do it in order to survive. It was hard for me because 1. I have a hard time asking for help. 2. I had a hard time communicating my needs.. 3. I had a hard time letting him, in essense, having his tantrums and not just giving into

it. It was difficult for him because 1. He wasn't used to me having my

own needs that conflicted with his.2. My perseverance in obtaing the

outcome I needed to survive. 3. Not sure, but I'm sure there's a 3rd

one. We are still struggling with it, but it is so much better. I am so

grateful that this process with my husband started 6 or so months earlier because , for me, I dont think I would have had the strength I

needed to change my behavior and my husbands behaviors and deal

with cancer and its emotional rollar coaster. The good Lord knew and

put the fire in my belly ahead of the game so that I could have an easier

time focusing on myself now....By the way, you mentioned your next surgery. If I may ask, what will it be?



Kobrien and GoWithTheFlow- I had read that there are 2 antidepressants that reduce breast cancer hot flashes. Effexor and Paxil. Don't know of anyone tring it hut thought I'd throw it out there. I'm curious if either of you are premenopausal because chemo can cause women to go into premature menopause. The estrogen level drops, causing harsher hot flashes. At least that is my understanding,



Good night to all - Carla

Ukkate

Pat - YAY for impromptu "normal" get togethers.  I love stuff like that.  I felt really "normal" all weekend - I took the kids berry picking on Saturday morning and then I did that paint and wine night on Saturday night - and that was great to get together with my friends and do something so relaxing like that.  

Kerri - I've been having those hot sweats too - but they come and go really quickly and then I'm freezing again.  It's a wierd sensation.

Back to work today and back to chemo tomorrow, so G-d only knows what that's going to bring with it.

Pattysmiles

Kerri...I had read on one of the boards that someone keeps an ice pack on their nightstand and in the middle of the night they put it on their neck...she had said it was such a habit now she doesn't even realize she does it, provided immediate relief and apparently she has no problem sleeping with it !



Kate, berry picking...haven't done that in YEARS....wish my kids liked berries. I'm "allergic" to the sun and heat. (Well not really, but don't like it!) if there was a place that would set a nice cool tent for me to work......



Carla...thank goodness you were "ahead of yourself" in getting hubby to help out. Otherwise I'm sure he would blame the cancer for him having to do everything! I love how my hubby uses phrases like "since Pats diagnosis I've had to do more"...lol...lets just say he couldn't do any less than before diagnosis unless he were pushing up daisies. My next surgery is in my signature line below sign off. It will be double masectomy with DIEP reconstruction.



Well, it is 10:00 am. I told hubby right after breakfast I wanted to head out the door as a family. He is still sleeping. I should have told him breakfast needs to be done by 9:30, I won't make that mistake again. He would sleep til noon or later, as would my one son. It is going to be a Looooong summer! Lol

Also tried calling the "24 hour number" to get a prescription for thrush called in....apparently they did not give me the correct number or someone was sleeping at the helm. Disturbing! Time to try and find a "good" phone number.



Pat

GoWithTheFlow

Carla, I started slowing down my cycle two years ago.  First it came every two weeks for almost a year, then it was every few months.  I think it's been a year this month since I've had it.  So who knows.  I didn't keep track because I was just so damn happy it wasn't once a month or every two weeks.

Teresa_G

I had a full hysterectomy in 2010 which put me on hormones.....which most likely caused the cancer.  Hot flashes and nights sweats are the worst.  I am awake at least every hour, not good.  I talked to my Dr and he prescribed me something.  Sorry I am at work and don't remember what it is called.  But it does help. 

I can FEEL that my blood counts are low, we will see what they say at my appointment today.  I am sure they will say they are really low and hopefully they will rebound before July 5th. 

Pat- I love your notes around the house and the impromtu BBQ that is great!

lpc

This is my horrible no good week. Tomorrow is my 25th anniversary Thursday I will spend my 50th bday in the chemo chair while dh and ds drive to Charleston sc to watch other ds graduate from navy nuclear power school. This damned cancer is just robbing me of so much this week. I haven't cried so much in a while. I hate this f***ing disease!! These are the days I wish I never went for the stupid mammogram. Was feeling young and vibrant now not so much. I want to stomp my feet and shout THIS ISNT FAIR!



Thanks for letting me rant.



Lisa

Alibeths

It's really not fair Lisa. 😭

ItIsWhatItIs2013

I'm so sorry Lisa!! It's NOT fair! I'm sorry you are missing out on really important things & infusion on your bday? Let's kick you while you're down!



This is my horrible week too.... Each treatment seems to be getting harder to endure. Called for better meds than pepcid..... 3X. It feels sometimes like there's an elephant on my chest and it hurts clear thru to my back - No return call! Still taking benodryl for the rash (it has gotten a little better, tho).... My body aches so bad I can hardly walk (all hunched over and decrepit).... My face is now all blotchy and red.... I look hideous! I feel like the treatment will kill me & should have taken my chances with the cancer...



My SIL called today to say hi & tell me rads are good so far....(3rd rad today) Other than it really knocking her on her butt.... She's so tired when she gets home from her apt, it's all she can do to make dinner and go to bed for the night..... I burst into tears and told her I'm looking forward to rads... I felt like telling her she has no idea what getting knocked on you but really feels like.... But it's so hard! They don't know! How could they

know?



I was at the grocery store ive gone to for years and one of my fav cashiers asked (in a him-haw way).."are you sick?" I burst into tears... She tried to hug me and I told her "no" that I would cry even harder.... I was so embarrassed!



I am such a mess right now!



I realize I get down during my rough patch from treatment, but I'm getting fewer and fewer good days & the SEs are getting harder & harder. I hate it!



At least I can spill it out here instead of dumping on my sweetie.... He tries, but.... You know!



Whew.... Actually feel a little bit better now that I've vented! A little....



Hope everyone is doing as well as they can today



Lorrie

Ukkate

Ah Lorrie - the sucky weeks SUCK!  I was so weepy that week and i"m not one for crying usually.  But this week I've felt almost euphoric from feeling so much better...just in time to be kicked in the rear again tomorrow

I was actually planning to go to chemo alone tomorrow because my husband has to work but then 4 different friends volunteered to go with me so I'm having one of them pick me up...

Lisa - CRAPPYCRAPPYCRAPPY.  I can't believe you have to spend your 50th birthday sitting at chemo - that is the WORST....and missing the graduation  I'm so sorry....

So I have 4 really close friends - we all met when our little ones were 1 and they're all turning 7 this year.  One of them moved to Michigan but I have received a chemo basket from one of them the day before each chemo treatment.  How sweet is that??  You really learn who your friends are when you face something like this don't you.  I am wondering how my new regime of Taxol/Hercepten will compaire to the TCH I previously was having...I guess I'll know tomorrow

Hang in there ladies..

xx

ItIsWhatItIs2013

Good luck tomorrow, Kate! Thoughts are with you!



Kerri.... I had a few drenched nights after ... I think it was my first T/C treatment, but none since.... But YES it was a "change your jammas" & sleep somewhere else sweat.... My side of the bed was soaked, so I'd go into one of our girls' old room to not wake my sweetie! Lots of linen washes that week!



Diva.... I've been struggling with hives/itchy.... I don't get the N shot and none of us can pin-point why it started.... But it started toward the end of t#2 and is just now starting to subside 4 days after t#3....



Pat.... Jeesh! I, too, wish you were closer! We could secretly bitch about things in the corner while the party is going on.... My daughter's dad and stepmom and family will be here for the shower.... And so will my mother, whom i havent spoken to in over 10 years....Nothing like entertaining those you don't even want to be around while you look and feel like a poooooor cancer patient! OMG..... I'm beginning to think treatment isn't as bad as this weekend is going to be! Haha. I just hope it's the best day ever for my Daughter & her husband!

GoWithTheFlow

((HUGS)) to those who aren't feeling well.  When this is all over, you will look back and realize just how strong you are.  

kobrien

These hot flashes are AWFUL! I've always been the one in the house that is cold-- now, it's like every hour I'm fanning myself with something.. Sweat just all over my head..

I'm on day 3 post TC # 2 and can hardly eat due to heartburn and i also feel the thrush coming on again.. Had the Neulasta on sat.. Had excruciating bone pain from it last time- despite Claritin.

I as well am also feeling very depressed. A year ago at this time I was planning my wedding.. I was so happy-- and now I'm miserable..

This just sucks that this has to happen to us and our families.

I just want my life back!!

Thank you to all you fabulous ladies for listening

GoWithTheFlow

kobrien (and anyone else experiencing hot flashes/sweats),

someone in the rads thread mentioned the frogg togg cooling towel to use on your breast after rads.  I've also used mine to lay around my neck during flashes.  It does seem to work.  the only time it didn't give me relief was at my son's swim meet where it was 95 and very humid.  I just melted that night.

MichelleRN78

I spent some time with a friend today.  She was just diagnosed with BC in both of her breasts. (Different types)  I tried to offer emotional support as well as trying to let her know what is coming.  Sometimes I feel like it's too fresh and I can't be very positive about the experience.  I did try to find the silver linings.  

Lorrie, I went to Costco today and bought the Kirkland Omeprazole (Prilosec)  That is probably the best thing you could buy.  The doctor might give you protonix which is very similar to prilosec.  I got 6 weeks worth of pills for $15.

Pattysmiles

Lorrie, you just cracked me up..."treatment not as bad as the upcoming weekend".

I would love to be there in the corner with you. Sounds like you are going to have a true cast of characters. GOD BLESS!



To all my Sisters suffering along, I raise my glass of water and toast you.

Continue to fight the good fight. You are not alone. Thank you for sharing and thank you for listening. Here is to the future, cancer free.

Hugs to each of you.

Pat

Teresa_G

It really is great to have this thread to come to. Sorry to hear so many are having bad days. I had a fever at the Drs today. 100.3. I have been taking my temperature at least every other day with a new thermometer I bought before chemo started. Apparently it isn't working. The highest it read after the Dr was 98.7, I doubt my fever came down in an hour. So now I am still taking the pills for thrush and an antibiotic. My white blood count was even lower than between treatments 1&2. My Dr wasn't very happy. Hopefully it will make a great recovery before the 5th. No wonder I was so tired and exhausted working today when at this point I really should be having those two good weeks. Here is to a better tomorrow.

okiecountrygal

I go today for treatment #3 Of 6 which I feel is a milestone of being halfway thru the hard stuff. I did really well after #2 and am worried this one will not be so good. I've felt really normal til the last few days and I've started swelling in my hands, legs and feet. Anyone else having swelling? Sure hope it's not the herceptin doing something to my heart as i have to have it til next may . I will discuss it today with onc. Also having bad acid reflux. I take prevacid regularly which typically keeps it under control but it's not doing it's job.



Anyway gonna be a long day but it's one more down. Focused on the finish line.

elkatho

Okiecounty...congrats on the halfway mark. Mine is tomorrow. Definitely talk to your Dr about swelling. I would be interested in hearing what your Dr. tells you. I felt OK until a few days ago also. I have a sore throat and I think some acid reflux. I took my husband's prescription for his acid reflux and that seems to help.



TeresaG. Thanks for the info on your scalp. I read online to use shampoo with tree tea for scalp breakouts. My husband's dandruff shampoo has it in it so I am trying that for a couple days.



Hoping all have a "good"

Alibeths

Michele--how much Prilosec do you take?

Ukkate

Shelly - do you think it could be the steroids that are causing you to swell? I know they had that effect on some of my friends.  I will be thinking about you today my friend - what time is your appointment?  We'll be sitting in our chairs at the same time and I"m REALLY hoping that this round is similar to your last round and not nearly as rough as the first one...

Teressa, sorry about the fever and your white blood count not bouncing back  I hope you start to feel better soon.

My prescription heartburn med is Pantoprazole 40mg.  The label says one tablet by mouth daily but my onco told me to take 2 per day.  He also told me to take 2 per day when I was taking the over the counter prilosec.  I think it's okay in our situations to double our heartburn doses.

So i have to tell you about my "foob"  It's really huge now.  Before breastcancer I was a 34DD and I told my plastic surgeon that I would like to acheive a D cup again (my goal is to always have my breasts bigger than my stomach!!!).  So on my last fill he put in 100CC of saline and now it's this enormous melon that sticks straight out my chest and I keep walking into counters and stuff with it - it's the wierdest feeling!!!

But I did remove the underwire from the left side of two of my cute VS bras and I can wear them when I want to feel like I look a little more normal than usual and my tops look pretty decent again. Now to just lose this 10lbs I've packed on

Here's to an easier day for you all.....

lpc

Ladies



I am so glad to have this place to vent rant and cry. Dh tries to fix me when I get down and he cant fix this. I try not to burden family with my emotional ups and downs and this is just the right place.



I have 2 friends going to chemo with me on Thursday so I wont be alone. It is just not how I ever envisioned spending my 50th bday! Funk has hit me hard. Have so much to be greatful for and trying hard to focus on that.



Off to work where I can usually forget my problems. Hope everyones day is good or getting better.



Lisa

GoWithTheFlow

((HUGS)) LPC.  I didn't spend my birthday in chemo, but spent it on the sofa sleeping two days after chemo.  Bring a cake and celebrate.  Wear a fun wig (when else can you get away with wearing a bright colored wig).  I always try to find little things to boost me.  I still remember how hard christmas was being home doing tests instead of visiting family.  It sucks.  

Could you start planning a getaway for you and your husband to celebrate your anniversary when this is over?  I've spent far too much time watching "say yes to the dress" an have decided we are going to Vegas when this is over and are going to renew our vows.  Hubby just nods his head because how can he say no after all we've been through.