September 2013 Chemo Group

josgirl

yes baby oranges!!! Maybe there is a chemo citrus connection?? Lol

lighthouselady

I'm eating clementines as we speak!!! I hate oranges, but these little ones and tangerines, OMG I devour them!!!!

josgirl

And I am eating clementines right now!!  I know I can down 4 or more in a sitting and then wonder where they went....

KBeee

Well I try to avoid cameras at work, ESPECIALLY with my wig. That was impossible yesterday, so here's a news story on Toys for Tots which has a short clip of me. I need to watch the back of my "hair" when I have thick coats on...oops! Oh well. At least my wig didn't blow off; it was windy! Not sure if the link will work, but if it does, you can see me in my wig (I am the female getting out of the ambulance).

http://www.kcci.com/news/central-iowa/Iowans-donate-on-Toys-For-Tots-Tuesday/-/9357080/23420900/-/4o3jgj/-/index.html

lighthouselady

I saw you Kbeee! :-)

josgirl

way cool. I saw you too kbee!

kjsimpson

Would someone please invent baby grapefruits?  Right after you cure cancer? 

josgirl

KJ - I am totally with you - those would be awesome!

KBeee

I'd like grapefruits that were pre-sectioned to avoid the need for a grapefruit spoon.

kjsimpson

Lighthouselady,

I love your blog!  Hang in there! 

PeacockGirl

shot from last Friday. ONE more chemo. just one more and only 8 days away. I'm so tired of feeling and looking like crap. Taxol is certainly a sneaky bugger, eyelashes 99% gone, yellow fingernails, even my arm hair is disappearing...now if they would just stop poisoning me I could get ON with my life! ps-those "lovely" wall hangings I will happily throw on the burn pile with the mauve "pleather" chemo chairs when I am done.

audra67

Love the mauve pleather chairs, that's what we have too...barf!

Kbee - funny about the wig!

Got my wbc and it is 4.1!!!  WOOOHOOOO!!! No wonder I feel better than when it was 2!!!  HUGE difference!  I went to lunch and shopped a little with my husband and now EXHAUSTED!  AMAZING how out of shape and tired I get...I used to could go all day!!! PLus work out!  This is crazy!!

So I got to Dr's office, waited 45 minutes for blood ( I was to get it out of port today per Dr since my left arm so bruised and from infection sore still) I go into infusion room, nurse says wheres your ticket?  I had no idea so I went back to get ticket, they didn't have mine so had to go ask another nurse then print then I went back to infusion room- which was packed , as usual, and saw only 1 nurse for like 25 people~~~ she was frazzled and I decided to just go get blood taken from my arm rather than her mess up or take another hour wait...so I did...then waited another 15 minutes for results...anyhow, very happy with nuelasta if that's what it does!

Although it is messing with my stomach and I have had busy morning with the toilet...and after lunch churning again...??  Or is it the spicy food I insist on NOT giving up?  I LOVE my hot sauce and pepperoni pizza!  At least I can taste those...

Behind on water again...drinking my first one today NOW!!! OH NO!!!

lighthouselady

Audra - I'm impressed you can even drink water. I haven't been able to since chemo started. It tastes rotten to me. I only force myself when I take my pills, and I take so many that I have to down almost a whole bottle every time. LOL Great on your WBC!

Peacockgirl - Yep, we have the mauve pleather chairs too. Ugh. Just one more - yay!!! My eyelashes are just about gone, and I only have about 25% of my eyebrows left. Looks pretty scary. Even makeup can only do so much.

KJ - Thanks for the compliment on my blog. I hate to write negative things because I don't want people to read it and think "Oh, poor Michelle".... but some days I just can't put on my ass-kicking shoes, you know?

Ugh - these post-chemo emotions are out of hand. I feel like I have PMS and I'm pregnant all at the same time. I'm grouchy and crying at the drop of a hat. What's up with that??? Went to my son's 6th grade Christmas band concert and I was tearing up in there. WTH!?!?!??!

mercedes60

cravings oh yeah, grapes, apples, apples, apples, chicken noodle soup, roast beef, kraft dinner. Crazy

Afranco congrats!

Had taxol #2 this morning, ok, hyper as usual after treatment, couldnt wait to get home to my recliner to snooze, taste was mot bad today actually enjoyed my tuna salad wrap and spinich salad just hope that overpowering metatlic tadte doesnt return after this treatment.

My hemo was down again. I like are u guys hoing to transfuse or are we waiting til i pass put somewhere. The onco nurse contacted my onco snd he said it wasnt that bad really? 93 count thr normal min is 120. I have to take a break going up my second floor, he said my last AC was extremely hard on me and it will take a couple of weeks to recover..... Ok enriched diet here we go again

Hugs to everyone keep on rocking!

Cheryl

VintageGal1111

YAY! for you Peacock Girl and what a great pic!

I just had my 4th Taxol, 8 more to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope I keep the lashes & brows! And nails! But who knows!?

VintageGal

VintageGal1111

Mercedes60

I don't know the protocol for transfusions but I was anemic, low red & white blood counts for a month & no transfusion. I did get fluids infusion one day after I'd been on the couch for days too exhausted to do a thing.

I am starting to bounce back finally. BLOOD BUILDER is a supplement you may want to look into.

VintageGal

simplelife4real

The one food that I have been able to tolerate it home made cole slaw. It's about the only thing that tastes normal to me.

I got contacted by my insurance company today (Cigna). They want to assign a case manager to me. I'm a little surprised this hasn't happened sooner. I was wondering if any of you had insurance case managers and, if so, did you find them helpful or a hinderence. It appears I have a choice about this.

Kay

Miss_Mama_Bear

I went to the PS and RO both today. What a long day. I think I am more confused than I was before. I don't like the PS and even though he is considered one of the best in my area, I don't think I would see him. He was pretty adamant that I should have a lumpectomy and seemed irritated that I was wasting his time. I told him about the spot in my right breast that they saw on MRI and he said "so get a lumpectomy and if you get cancer in your other breast then you have cancer. Those are the cards you were dealt and you just have to deal with it." WTH?! Seriously? No thank you, I would rather just not have cancer again. The RO was wonderful and helped as much as he could. He said I was really in a grey area too, though.

I just wish that I could have the decision taken away from me somehow. I envy those of you that HAVE to have a BMX in a way because you don't have to decide. I keep hoping that someone will just say I have to do it so that I will never have any regrets when I look back and can just say that I had no other choice. I think it would be less depressing somehow that way, I don't know. The PS said that he thought I would be too devastated to have a BMX because I was wanting to do a DIEP because I could have the very slight possibility of getting some feeling back. And that is the other decision I need to make: DIEP or implants. I just don't know how to make all these choices when my head is less clear than it ever has been.

mercedes60

vintage gal, thks for info where do u get blood builders? My onco nurse told me to try beet juice from a natural food store! Sounds yuk to me even i love beets dont know about this juice, i had beets couple of weeks ago couldnt eat them tasted strange. Your right about transfusions protocal, i believe yourcount has to be low 80s. So i guess i will knaw on raw steaks this week, my dogs will, definitely want yo fight me for it lol. God im nuts..........

Lighthouse, my 16yr old daughter has a music concert on friday snd i need to go, she does a solo playing guitar and singing Hallejuah, this song makes me cry allthe time and seeing her sing i will definitely lose it thk god hubby is with me , poor guy. Like you i am very emotional, i hope to contain my emotions and not sob uncontrollably or hubby will gently escort me out bald head snd all. Lol hang in there

Cheryl

knightzoo

Mamastewart, I'm sorry things aren't more straight forward for you.  I was leaning to DMX and felt very lucky on Tuesday that was the way my BS was leaning that way too.  Made my decision much easier.

KBee-what specifically did you try to strengthen that you thought helped with your surgery recovery? I'm guessing core? I vaguely remember a post about that and need some motivation to MOVE!

So I'm on day 6 after first AC, still extremely tired - when does the honeymoon before the next one start?!  I have no idea how I'm going to be ready for Christmas.  Ugh.

You ladies crack me up on your cravings, I haven't had anything yet, but I've been able to eat normally all along for some reason.

KBeee

You can order bloodbuilder on amazon. It is basically ground beet, but is a natural source of iron to the best of my knowledge.

Mamastewart, That PS has no excuse to treat you that way. it is your body and your decision. It would have taken every bit of restraint to not walk out of the office if i was treated that way. I hope you can find one who is more receptive and open to a variety of choices. Good luck.

I hope everyone's blood levels rise and energy returns all around. I do like the idea of a bonfire with chemo chairs!

simplelife4real

MamaStewart, I don't know what I'm going to do either in terms of surgery. Most people that are triple negative like me get a BMX, but both my MO and SO think my chances of survival are the same with a lumpectomy and they have suggested I go that route which surprises me. I've decided that it will depend on my BRCA results. If I'm negative, I will trust my doctors and go with the lumpectomy. If I'm positive, I will get a BMX. It's a huge difference in surgeries with each option carrying it's own risks. In my case, I'm not leaning toward reconstruction at least not until I'm at least three years cancer free. I'm scheduled to get my BRCA results Dec. 31, New Year's Eve. I could get them sooner, but I would honestly prefer to wait until after Christmas to get the results of that test.

Knightzoo, I slept for 7 solid days after my first AC infusion last week. On the 8th day, I only had one nap and went to our weekly ballroom dance class and out to eat afterward. I felt like a new woman. Today is day 9 and I still had only one nap. I can't say that I'm full of energy, but the hibernation period seems to be over. In my case, my blood pressure was really low for an entire week and I think it was the low BP that was making me so tired.

lighthouselady

mamastewart - How did you find that PS? Did you pick him, or was he recommended? I would ask your MO for another name.... this person is in charge of part of your health care, there is no excuse for him to treat you like that. It's not like you're deciding whether to have a tooth pulled or not! I do know what you're saying where you wish the decision would just be made for you. I certainly don't like the odds of recurrence with BRCA+, but I'm glad in a way that my surgery decisions are made for me. I could still opt for a mastectomy on one side, but that would be pushing my luck in a way I would never want to risk. If I wasn't BRCA+, I'm not sure what I would do. I would love to go for just one side so I could at least still have one healthy breast with feeling....but I would probably always worry and be obsessive about any little lump or bump I felt on that side.

knightzoo - are you having AC every 2 or 3 weeks? I was always down for the first 6-8 days and then would feel almost normal until my next one. So I'd have just about a week of "good". Of course I didn't have AC after taxol, though, so it may take your body longer to bounce back simply because of the cumulative effects.

KBeee

Knightzoo, Core and legs. I knew I would not be able to use my arms or chest muscles to get up. Being so tired, I would probably do a few sit ups when you wake up, a few before bed, and 5 before each meal...they add up. It does not have to be all at once. Sleeping in a recliner helped sooooo much after the surgery. my recliner is still my "base" where I hang out and relax. Find your recliner, or wherever else you will hang out the first few days, cross your arms across your chest, and try to get up. You will use your legs and abs...that is what you will do after surgery, so if you can do it a bunch leading up to surgery, it will help you to be able to do it when you get home. I could not put the legs on the recliner down by myself the first 3 days, so I put my legs over the corner (between the legs that were out and the cushy arm), scooched to the edge, and could stand up. Ditto for the toilet. Cross your arms and just stand up...little things like that...if you do them all the time between now and surgery, your muscles will be ready!

knightzoo

LHL-every two weeks, thanks!  And simplelife too.  So nice to have people who have been there!  So hopefully by Friday I'll have more energy!  Maybe I can power shop Monday.  I hate weekend shopping. 

As far as surgery, when we were discussing single MX and my chances of BC on the other side and how I'd have to have yearly MRIs because this tumor didn't show up on mammogram, my best friend and my mom said they could just see the fear in my eyes - I don't want to watch for cancer to show up again!.  As much as I can be strong and do this, I do NOT want to do this again, I do not want to do this to my family again.  My BS said with my age and already having had an occurence, a new BC in the other side in the next 20 years was 60% chance. 

knightzoo

Thanks KBee! I'm going to try walking on the treadmill too, maybe 15 min at a time.  We don't own a recliner, but my mom has one we will borrow and plant in the living room for my recovery.  I'm happy to have a surgery plan and something to work towards - one step closer to the end of the tunnel...

lighthouselady

Great tips, Kbeee! Thanks for the advice. I will practice doing a little bit of situps at a time. Honestly the littlest thing wears me out.... we walked through the mall tonight and I was out of breath halfway. Luckily my hubby bought a recliner over the summer and it's electric, so I will be able to put the leg rest down with just the push of a button. :-)

audra67

She is so right about core and abs...with my bmx we were at our (family ) plastic surgeons moms house...and I slept in a bed...the VERY worst part was getting upright...it killed...very sore ...my husband actually would push me from back to upright as I couldn't bear the pain...and had to get up to go to bathroom of course during the night.  The recliner would be perfect!!!

Lighthouse- glad your decision was easily made

Mamastewart- that guy sounds like an ass!  Do not see him again!  There has to be a better plastic surgeon near you or even farther away...you need to feel happy and at peace with your decision and he should guide and assist as needed with his professional expertise...not be a creep!

I have NO cravings but have been eating bad foods that I usually don't eat...such as chik filet, fries, chocolate milk shakes and frostys from wendys!!! I don't even feel guilty...wish I craved oranges...have a ton here just looking at me..

I have a headache again....and had extreme rapid heartbeat awhile ago after taking Claritin...looked up its side effects and it says those are some...great....I am NOT going to take it tomorrow and hope to not have this headache....I was fine all day...weird...

lighthouselady

Audra - I had rapid heartbeat (like 110-120) for a few days following each of my taxol treatments. Never had it with AC and I took Claritin throughout. So I wouldn't be too quick to blame the Claritin for that. So many chemo side effects and we never know what to blame it on!

simplelife4real

Kbee, great tips about practicing getting up without using arms beforehand.

Knightzoo, I feel the exact same way about not wanting to go through this again. I'm 60 yrs old but want to live to be 90. With triple negative BC, it's a bit scary to go with a lumpectomy, but I also really trust my MO and SO at Vanderbilt.

On the other hand, if I'm BRCA positive, there is no way, I'm going with a lumpectomy. I'll know soon enough.

My husband just left a couple minutes ago for a 4 day trip. He has been my rock. I haven't cooked anything in several weeks. He has been doing it all. I miss him already! I think it will be good for him to get off away from me and away from cancer for a while. It's hard on caregivers and I hope he gets a good break from it all. He's going to visit with his best friend from high school down in Florida. I could have gone, but just didn't feel like going. It would have been too tiring for me. I plan on having a Hallmark Christmas movie orgie while he's gone! He tried to stock the kitchen with things that are easy for me to fix while he's gone. He's a real keeper!