Starting Chemo, November 2013 Group

Amazonwarrior

My chemo that was originally scheduled for today got cancelled. I told the nurse last week that I still have an open wound to heal first before I can have any chemo treatment. My next chemo date is January 7th. Yey! I hope that I will be healed and ready by then. 

I saw my BS yesterday, she checked the wound site and said that the lump that I am feeling in the area is normal. She originally wanted me to have a little battery operated suction machine that would draw away any fluids to speed up healing, but later abandoned the idea because she thought the wound to be too small for it. After she made that suggestion I responded that I will soon be like Iron Man with all these gadgets attached to my body: the port, now a suction machine! Wow!

I am going to go to my therapy shiatsu massage this afternoon. The massage always makes me feel so much better and a lot more relaxed. I need that!  This type of massage can boost the immune system and energy level.

Audra, The scarf looks great. I am also a big scarf fan. I hope you can get some answers as far as the lump goes. After our diagnosis, lumps or any other irregularities in our bodies will always be under scrutiny. 

It's also good to talk to someone about any anxiety issues. Talking about problems can help resolve a great deal. Forgiveness is many times the key to healing and helps us move in the right direction.

That's why this forum can be so helpful, because it gives you or anyone a chance to talk it out, knowing that there is someone who listens, understands and responds to any of your concerns in a meaningful way.

wallymama

Feeling way too good to have been in the big girl chair yesterday. Tiny little bit of fuzzy head, very small headache, lots of fatigue. Nothing like the first one. Kind of makes me worry for tomorrow. Is it just saving everything up to blast me then??

Tonilee, how are you doing after your shot? So far, there hasn't even been any talk about it for me, and my WBC went up between Mon and yesterday. I wonder if it was the Keflex they put in the IV during the re-surgery?

Audra, I sure hope your counselor can help you. That kind of anxiousness much be horrible, and it certainly can't be helping your recovery at all. Hopefully the counselor and maybe the right meds will help.

Wrenn, congratulations on your graduation from the big girl chair! I'm sure that making a decision about one health issue in favor of another was hard. But at least your progress with the cancer can be monitored and the other issues can get so bad so much faster. Positive you and your Mo made the right decision for you

Quirky, such pretty hair. It must have been hard to lose it. I always kept mine very short. Although I had a LOT of hair, the hairs themselves were so baby fine that if it got any length to it, it just separated into strands that just looked dirty, so I had no problem cutting it off. I'm hoping it grows back with a little more umph to it. And slushies, oh my goodness, I had hubby drive 10 miles out of our way yesterday so I could get one. Of course, I told him to go that way to avoid a traffic jam, but that was really the secondary reason.

The talk of shaving armpits made me think of something. All summer, every time I shaved my right pit, I'd get large, infected hair follicles. I have always gotten one once in a while, but they would usually clear up in a few days. This summer they were huge, and seemed to take forever to heal. The surgeon and MO said that they were not connected, (Big Ugly is on the right), but I can't help thinking they somehow are. Anyone else ever have such a problem? 

ellenkc

This is amazing: an all female group talking about our bodies and no one has mentioned weight! 

So what is happening with your weight while on chemo? Gaining? Losing? Staying even? They say some gain because of steroids etc., but the old saw was that you lost weight drastically with cancer. (My first time around, one of my first thoughts was "At least if I am going to be sick, at least let if be something that make me lose weight" only to find that wasn't true.)

Anyway, I have been losing gradually -- and at 5'4" and rarely below 200 lbs, I can more than afford it. However, the gradual weight loss started before chemo, so I am not sure there's a connection. I lost my appetite along with my husband when he was sick, and haven't regained it. For the first time in my life, I am indifferent to food. Just not interested. 

I thought of writing the "Stress/Grief/Cancer/No Alcohol" diet book, but I'm thinking that wouldn't be a best seller. -- Ellen

BigT16

Ellen my body weight has been the same, although I've lost a great deal of muscle mass.  I was a regular exerciser before BC.  The most frustration part of BC is not being able to exercise like I did this summer. I know this will be only temporary (~ a year), but I still frustrating that I can't walk my dog without getting short of breath and my heart rate racing.

I had a chemo brain incident this morning.  I went to the laundry room and brought up 2 pairs of work pants.  One I placed on my bed, the other one I ironed.  After taking a shower, I put on the pants that was lying on the bed (the one's I didn't iron).  I only noticed when I returned from work and my pants were still on the ironing board.

wrenn

I had lost about 40 lbs. after surgery and before chemo (10 of that was the removed breasts). I gained 8 lbs first night of chemo but lost it the next day and then over several days lost about 5 or 6 more. Once my appetite was back that 5 or 6 was back in a flash.  I find now I am really craving carbs and have to force myself to eat vegetables and meat. I hope I can get on a good routine in the new year. I have heard that breast cancer is the only cancer that doesn't cause weight loss. ;-\

QuirkyGirl

Ellen, you crack me up!  I gained 20 lbs post op because of the massive protein consumption in growing bleeping skin after the infection.  I'm down about 5 lbs in a week.  Food is icky, no appetite and then there is the big D that's been helping take it off, too.  Weight loss and management is going to be a huge issue for me after treatment so I'll take any head start I can get.   Got my hair buzzed super short today  and my son is dealing with it amazingly well.  The loss of it added 40 lbs and 20 years to my appearance.  Such is life.

jab

Hi all,

Its beem a while for me since my last post but I've been keeping up to date with everyone daily. Yesreday I had my port put in and was rather loopy, Today I'm  just stunned. Last night (4 am) I wrote this long post which I forgot to submit, which was a good thing. I pretty sure I was still stoned from the port insertion, and the posting was like a happy drunk had written it, Lots of "I love you guys" - You know the type. Anyway I'll try again today

To everyone - Thank you for you kind words with respect to my parents and the impact of chemo on our loved ones. I am not an emotional person but cryed when I wrote it - So I thank you all for your ears and words.

Audra - I think we are alike in a lot of ways. I am a bit of a perfectionist and like things to be a certain way. So going through cancer treatment has been difficult for me in that when I don't meet my own expectations as to how I need to be dealing with things, I can be pretty hard on myself. I also was pretty convinced that I must have done something to get those aweful desease. I kid you not , when I found out the details of the tumor and that it  was Grade 3, I researched every Oncology periodical on line in the world (that was english) to determine prognosis and potential causes. I also asked my BS  and Oncologist for a second opinion on the pathology. Wonky? Yup. But it was my way of being in control or finding control of the situation. The reality is that we all have cancer because of a cosmic combination of genetics (mostly), and environment. We drew the short straw. Anyway, I've decided that I can be as wonky as I want. I have cancer and have little control of my life and body right now and am darn insecure about that and my future. So if being wonky makes me gives me back some control, thats OK. I too need by hubby to be near, (which is also very unlike me) but its OK, I have cancer wonk.

Ellen - My weight is about the same - I might have lost a couple of pounds but nothing to huge

Wrenn - It must be hard to let go of the idea of Chemo. Afterall this time getting ready for it psycologically and now you are wonder whatis the  impact of not having it. That is not easy. Wrenn keep us posted on this.

Quirky - I just cut my hair too. (Yours it beautiful, BTW). I'm going at it with a trimmer tonight. I am not happy about how my chemo treatment is litterly now written on my head. I liked the anomymity of having hair. How do others deal with the stares and comments? I have lots of hats, but eventually they come off...

Wallymama - Glad your doing Ok after your treatment. With regards to shaving armpits - no issue here. BTW - My BS said - absolutely do not use a razor on your mast armpit going forward.

Lisa - GREAT list for keeping anxiety under control - Seriously, you should write for a magazine!

All - Has anyone seen "Crazy Sexy Cancer"? What did you think? I have very mixed emotions.....

I think I might have been the last on this Chemo bus having had my first one on Nov 28th. I really appreciate all the 'heads up' you are all providing. Tomorrow I will be getting my second treatment so had many questions for my docs' re drugs to deal with nausea. There answers might be helpful to other in this group.

Dexamethasone - Its sole purpose is nausea control - My BS said if its not helping, don't use it because then its just causing you not be able to sleep AND be nauseated.

Prochlorperazine - An old style anti nausea -  does not work on everyone

Ondansetron - It does cause headaches in some (It did in me, which just contributed to my nausea).

Emend - There seems to be better success with Emend for Nausea vs Ondansetron so it is a good option fr those who have issues with Ondansetron (but it is VERY expensive, if you dont have a drug plan)

Finally, my BS said if I cant get the nausea under control the key thing is hydration and to go to the hospital and get hooked up to saline. I did this with my first round but in hindsight should have gone back for more.

Anyway hope this might be helpful and again, thanks for your words.

JAB

Amazonwarrior

Ellen: Since I got diagnosed I lost about 7 kg or 14 lbs due to lack of apetite since I literally got worried sick. There was also about 1-2 kg or 2.2 - 4.4 lbs lost due to the mastectomy. In a way I like being lighter. It's less to carry around. Losing weight actually falls into one of the recommendations of the World Health Organization to reduce recurrence rate for cancer: Be as lean as possible, without being underweight.

After dx I changed my diet the following way:

- No dairy

- Very little red meat

- Limit high calorie foods (fat or sugar)

- Lots of fresh fruit and veggies (especially leafy green) mostly organic

- Limit salt intake

- Antibiotics and hormones free meat only

- Rich in estrogen lowering foods: cruciferous veggies, green tea, goji, citrus fruit, high fiber foods etc...

Wallymama: How did you know that you port flipped? In regards to the shoveling, I guess my outside life is nowadays so limited that I consider even shoveling as something special.

Wrenn: How do you feel about getting off the 'chemo bus'? Would you rather stay on? Are you going to have rads?

Pat: I guess we are going to stay in the trenches for a while, but one day we will leave the front lines. One day I hope, we can celebrate our Victory! As far as the face masks: I lived in Japan for about a year and a half and people there were wearing masks not only when sick, but primarily to PROTECT themselves from other people who were sick. It actually makes a lot of sense.

 BTW: Is there anyone here who does NOT have a PORT?

NorthwindsGS

@Tonilee....thank you!  I don't feel to pretty lately.  I do love my sweatshirt!  The saying is my favorite, Buck Cancer!

@Wallymama.....my dad had his original cancer twelve years ago.  He was cancer free for eight after that and a differant kind of lung cancer came back then in the same lung and spot.  Scares me as his doc said the second round was from the radiation, small cell lung cancer which took hi from us in less than 7 months.

BigT16

JAB- I'm on Emend.  My insurance did not cover it.  My nurse navigator got me qualified for the ACT plan.  ACT mail it for free.  It seems to work for me.

Amazon- I have a port. 

QuirkyGirl

I don't have a port and it was never mentioned as an option.

Thank you all for your sweet comments about my hair.  It was they color as a child and find it suits me. Had the rest buzzed off today and was shocked to see how much of my hair is silver.  Like tinsil.  

JAB - such wise words. I think I'm the last person who boarded the bus, December 9.  I tend to blame my weight but in reality though I'm sure it didn't help, stress is probably a whole lot more likely and I'm bad at managing it.  Looking forward to walking when I'm better, and can wear a bra again, and trying more yoga.  Will get genetic testing in the spring most likely.  Hope you all are doing well and SE are minimal tonight.

Haven't been shorn long enough for stares but I'm sure they are coming...

Amazonwarrior

To everyone:

How MANY cycles of CHEMO do you have in total to complete?

I have 6 cycles: 3 FEC and 3 D  (every three weeks - which BTW didn't quite work so far for me due to post surgical complications. Perhaps my MO started me on it too soon. I had my 1st chemo only 5 weeks after my surgery).

tonilee2

Thanks everyone for "checking in" with me and seeing how things are going. 

wallymamma: Just got in from the hospital where I had to go for my Neulasta injection.  I'm only 24 hours out from T&C this time but I already feel a bit of a drain.  Husband must work tomorrow-sigh-so I hope I can make it through the day, as Cycle #1, day 2 was pretty rough for me and the day when I began my downward slide...all the way through, really 'til day 8 or so (when I started feeling normal).  Didn't really feel like myself 'til the past 7-10 days.  First 11 days were pretty rough.

Regarding weight loss: Don't know if I mentioned here but due to my convictions that at 55 yrs old (I just turned 56), I needed to get "heart-healthy" 'cause EVERYONE in my family has died from cardiac disease and/or has cardiac disease, I had bariatric surgery in April 2013...was so convicted and convinced.  Was SO convicted I convinced I traveled to Tijuana Mexico, paid out-of-pocket and WENT ALONE for Gastric Sleeve Surgery.  Stayed in Tijuana and cared for myself for one week.  Flew home all alone, which was tough.  Emptied my drains, did dressings, etc.  Stayed in a "wellness hotel" after two days in the hospital and was transported to the Bariatric Center every day for a week...post-op checks, classes, drain removals, leakage tests, etc. 

Come August/September, 2013, I was diagnosed with breast cancer...very traumatic for me.  At any rate, I'm down about 80+ lbs...have about 12-13 lbs to go 'til goal weight...but my MO wants that last bit of weight loss "on-hold" for now...wants some reserve in the event I end up infected, neutropenic, anemic and hospitalized, etc. 

Gained 2 lbs overnight with all the darn Dexamethasone, IV fluids, IV pushes, oral water intake for hydration, etc, sodium sulfate IV solutions, etc, etc.  I'll lose again 'cause I can see that my appetite is already dropping off.  Hope I can make it 'til Friday when husband is home again ('til Tuesday).

Amazon I am doing 6 cycles of T&C, couldn't do Adriamycin due to heart woes/serious heart health history in extended family.  Will follow with 40 Radiation Treatments (5 days per week x 8 weeks) and (likely) a minimum of 5 years of oral Tamoxifen or Femara.

Pray for me ladies!  Keep a tight hold on me, as I have on all of you!

wallymama

Amazon, I didn't know that the port had flipped. I knew it was sore and moving around a lot, but the nurse discovered it was flipped when she couldn't access it. I wore a mask Sunday when I was in the car with my sick granddaughter, but I don't think I'll wear one very often. they fog my glasses up and I can't see.

Ellen,  lost 7lbs the week after the first chemo, but it's back.

Quirky/Jab, I've never been the type that cares very much what others think, so the stares don't bother me. I hope that it might even get someone to check themselves or go to the doctor.

BigT, I'm blaming everything on chemo-brain. There has to be one upside to this trip, I'm going to make it that I can be as wonky and forgetful as I want because I have chemo-brain. 

NorthwindsGS

Tonilee you are in my prayers!

Amazon, I am doing 4 dose dense AC chemos and then do 12 weekly Taxol treatments so 16 total..

inks

ellen - since the diagnosis I've lost 10lbs. I was freaked out and started kind of vegetarian healthy diet (no meat only seafood, no milk, eggs, low carb). Since I started chemo I gained back 2lbs and have not been able to follow any diet.

amazon - I don't have a port. I'm doing total of 8 treatments (dose dense 4xAC, 4xtaxol).

Tonilee - what a brave decision to take charge of your health with the weight loss surgery. Prayers heading your way! 

Veronica37

I have stayed the same, lost 8 the first go around but gains it back. Round 2 has been more tiring for sure but less gastric issues so far, I am only four days out though. Had chemo #2 of 4 last Friday, neulasta on Saturday. I was in bed most of Sunday and all of Monday. Felt better yesterday and today and will be back to work tomorrow. MO said reducing my dose by 10% helped with the horrible diarrhea and he will continue to monitor my liver enzymes but feels my body will do better at that dose. He did say I would probably get more fatigued with each:( I hope everyone is having minimal side effects. Thinking of you Audra: I had also found a bump and freaked, saw the surgeon and it was a ripple in my TE. Guess I need to get more familiar with my new foobs,lol. It sure stresses you out though!

Bec65

Hi everyone, 

I'm finally starting to feel normal again...day 8 of AC #4.  I haven't left the house in five days, but DD and I are going out tomorrow...yeah!  Only Costco photo counter and Target, but yeah!  

Lisa, I wish I'd known your aunt.  I want to be like her when I grow up.  How's your fever?

Wrenn, it sounds like you have a good plan going forward and have explored and done everything so that you can feel resolved about it.  You will stay with us, right?

QuiryGirl, your curls are beautiful!  I hope the halo works out.  I kept a lock of my hair in an envelope and keep it with the one my mom kept of my first haircut.

Tonilee, yeah for being 33.33333% done! I hope you fare well with Neulasta.  

Audra, I'm glad you like your counselor.  I like how good it feels to get anxieties validated instead of dismissed.  

Pat, I'm a total germaphobe...could totally picture myself doing what you did!

Northwinds, love your hoodie!  So I did AC dose dense too, and I'm doing Taxol the same.  My MO never talked about doing one dose dense and not the other.  What did yours say?  One thing she did tell me was that by doing Taxol over a shorter period of time, I might not have as much of the finger- and toenail issues.  One can hope.

Amazon, I hear you about the gadgets.  All you need to add in is a glow-in-dark retainer and night guard like mine!  (BTW, DD told me just today that she nearly fainted the first time she saw my port.  BMX scars no big deal, but the port....)  Oh, 8 cycles for me, exactly the same as Inks.

Wallymama, yeah for being halfway done with AC!

Re weight, I lost about 5 lbs after my BMX, but I've stayed about the same since then.  My boobs weighed next to nothing, so I don't know what accounts for the 5 lbs.  I LOVED drinking wine every night with dinner before all this, but it couldn't account for THAT many calories!  DH is (sort of) trying to make dietary changes to avoid having to take blood pressure medication, so we're trying to eat more of a DASH diet.   However, my MO wants me to eat more salt b/c of my crazy low blood pressure.   I guess the end result is less red meat, more fruits and vegetables, more spices and less salt.  I just snack on salty things when he's at work.  

JAB, I really related to your words to Audra re control and knowledge.  You articulated that really well.  Your rundown of the medications from your MO pretty much fits my experience.  My infusion nurses said that Emend has really helped people be able to continue dose dense treatment more than they had in the past.  It's off my insurance formulary so I have a $50 copay.  It's worked for me, but I'm glad to not need it once I start Taxol.  (BTW, I took Emend, dexamethasone AND ondansatron...no nausea but headache aplenty!)

Veronica, I can't imagine going to work at all.  Go you!

Sweet dreams, all!

audra67

Northwinds-

You look great and positive!  Wishing you no side effects and lots of cancer killing today!

audra67

Tonilee2-

How are you feeling?  you had infusion yesterday right?  Hoping you are doing well! NO side effects!

Wallymama and northwinds too!  You go girls!  Kill the cancer!  We are Warriors!  In battle!

Pat Alameda- how are you feeling?

Amazon = how are you feeling?

OMG!  Also wallymama- Somehow I missed some pages and just saw your post about ex husband...cracked me up!! LOVE It!!!

LOVE you all and reading about everyones days are a highlight and wonderful part of my day.  I LOVE having you all that relate and KNOW how I feel and that we share this whole rotten adventure together!  Thank God for all of us and this board!

And LOVE our Fairy chemo mother (is that correct) Melrose!  You are an awesome light and cannot wait to be on that other side too!

VirginiaNJ

I don't have a port - also wasn't even brought up....  I did 4 rounds of AC chemo and I year or Herceptin every three weeks without a port on 2007.  

This time I am doing 4 rounds of TC chemo b/c i cannot do the "red devil" (A) again.  I have completed 2 rounds so far.

My blood type is A+

I went on Weight Watchers last February and lost over 50 pounds by September (dx time).  Both the MO and the radiologist said it was because of my weight loss that they detected this cancer so early (most of my cancer was removed by the core biopsy).  I lost quite a bit of weight after my dx as I too was completely and totally devastated by being Dx'd again   This round of chemo is killing my taste buds and making eating not enjoyable as well.  Weight has fluctuated only about 5 lbs.  on the down side now.  Went to my company Christmas party tonight and ate like a piglet tho b/c my taste buds are rallying from last weeks chemo

NorthwindsGS

Thank you Audra67.  I try to stay positive and not let the scary issues get to me.  I usually do good all week and then lose it on Sundays for some reason,lol.  

Bec45 my doctor didnt mention anything about the AC dose dense vs Taxol lighter doses except that the Taxol will be easier to handle.  I did research some and the results are the same for Taxol dose dense or Taxol 12 weeks of lighter doses.  Side effects are supposed to be easier on the 12 week regimen.

I have noticed that each AC does I received has hit me harder and sooner.  I might be missing my first day of work tomorrow due to chemo.  Saturday has been the hardest day however las does it started Friday but I made it through work.  Now after receiving my 3rd dose today I am already feeling the effects, aches, headache, nausea and fatigue.  Don't want to miss work this close to Christmas.  Hope I wake up feeling better.

wallymama

First 24 hrs post big girl chair went good. Not so the next 24. I feel like crap today. Nothing specific, just generally crappy. And I can't get to sleep. Blah. And my front, bottom teeth have gotten terribly temperature sensitive. Double blah.

Amazon, I have 4 ACx 3 wks then 3 (maybe 4) taxotere x 3wks,then surgery, then 4 wks radiation x 5 days, then 5-10 yrs of targeted therapy.

Palameda

My blood is A+. Incredible congratulations to Tonilee and VirginiaNJ on losing all that weight! When this is all over I'm somehow going to get myself into the lean category from the overweight one. I haven't fluctuated too much. I had the big D for months from antibiotics which took me down 8, but now that I'm over that I'm up 3 from my start. It doesn't help that all I want to eat are rich dairy products and carbs and proteins. I admit, I'm scared of salads and haven't touched one since starting chemo. Since I'm only eating organic the threat of bacteria on raw vegetables has me spooked. As a Californian I'm used to a green salad at every dinner, so this is a big change. Then when I add in terrible gas problems, I'm not now a great fan of cooked veggies either. Sigh.

I'm looking forward to today. I'm in week 3, so I'm doing pretty ok. My son who's in grad school in the east is home and my son in undergrad is home. Today the three of us go into San Francisco to buy the two guys shoes for Christmas presents, our son who lives nearby and his girlfriend and my husband will then meet us. We'll do our family tradition of walking around and looking at the decorated windows and walking through Gumps (a gift store founded in the gold rush) followed by dinner at Tadich Grill (a restaurant founded in the gold rush), where I used to go with my grandparents, who themselves went as children. I am so happy that this C thing isn't going to prevent us from this part of our normal Christmas. So much has been taken away and compromised, that I'm grateful to have anything be normal!

ellenkc

Pat -- for getting veggies, have you looked at things like the Odwalla fruit/veggie smoothies? Around here, there's a section for smoothies/health drinks in the vegetable section. Most provide a couple of servings of veggies per drink. Not the lowest calories, but probably better than some of the major carb sources. I have found the Superfood and Mango flavors surprisingly delicious.

I just can't bring myself to face a plate of meat, veggies and potatoes. My understanding is that there isn't a problem with dairy in general, just with high fat dairy. Being 61 years old, there is also a major concern with getting lots of calcium, and being triple negative I don't have to worry about soy. So I supplement a lot with low sugar (Atkins or Glycerna) protein drinks, plus the fruit/veggie smoothies and interesting soups. 

My other favorite, since before chemo, is my fake Starbucks frappuccino drinks -- you know, the ones that come in bottles at the convenience stores. I was kind of addicted to these, but not sure what was worse: the high sugar/calories, the silly inflated price, or the waste of the glass bottles. So I saved up the bottles and found the recipe on the Internet. It is ridiculously simple and cheap, and I substitute decaf coffee, Splenda, sugar free flavoring syrup and non-fat milk so that it is harmless. Here's the recipe:

-- Make an extra strong pot of your favorite coffee. I use 1/3 cup ground coffee for 8-10 cups, which makes 6-8, 14 oz. bottles of frappuccino. 

-- Fill each Starbucks bottle to just above where it says Frappuccino. I am guessing that is about 3/4 cup for those using other containers.

-- Add a tablespoon of Splenda or sweetener of your choice to each bottle

-- Add the flavoring of your choice -- I do a dash of sugar-free vanilla syrup

-- Fill the rest of the bottle with non-fat milk, about 8 oz. 

So for about 90 calories, I get a third of my calcium for the day, 9 grams of protein, little fat of sugar and no guilt. 

The bottles do just fine in the dishwasher, and I have used them many times. 

Enjoy!

Ellen

wrenn

what great ideas Ellen. Thank you. I avoid splenda because it seems to aggravate arthritis but a bit of real sugar in the coffe drink won't make a huge difference i think. I am going to look for the smoothies.

Bec65

Wallymama, have you tried Sensodyne toothpaste?  I've been using it since I started AC, and I haven't had any mouth problems,  Usually you just have to say "canker sore" and I get one, so I've been pleasantly surprised.  I know it's supposed to help with tooth sensitivity mostly.

Pat, my whole family is going to see Book of Mormon in  SF Friday night (got tickets from friends).  I can't imagine 2 hours of driving each way, eating then sitting for the production for a few hours, and I'm actually glad to be staying home and having the house to myself!  I AM envious of your enthusiasm though and hope you have a fun day.  I too haven't been eating any fresh produce outside of the house.  DD and I are going out shopping in a bit and I'd love to have lunch somewhere, but it's so complicated.  Vietnamese sounds delicious, but the fresh stuff that I'm craving is a no no.

Northwinds, how are you feeling?  BTW, I'm going to ask my MO on Monday to go over with me again her thinking about doing Taxol 12 x weekly or 4 x biweekly.   I definitely want this over with ASAP and am willing to put up with whatever SEs I can tolerate, but it's all about the recurrence numbers at the end of the day.  She just got back from that big conference in San Antonio, so maybe there's new info to throw into the mix.  

I hope everyone has a good day.

smrlvr

Hi, ladies!  It's good to see you all hanging in there.  Had AC #3 on Monday, and this one is really kicking my butt.  Was in bed all day yesterday, and probably will be today too.  It's the nausea.  I can't eat anything that's not a carbohydrate.  They changed my anti nausea meds to Ativan and phenegran which make me sleepy.  Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow and can get back to my walking regimen.

I was definitely overweight before DX.  I was dealing with a lot of stress in that my husband had lost his job and I was working all the time.  The moment I found the lump I had so much anxiety that I immediately lost my appetite.  Since then I have lost 25 pounds.  I could still use to lose more.  I am trying to eat healthier, more vegetables and less meat and carbs.  This is difficult because the rest of my family doesn't like the veggies.  Anyway, the veggie thing is on hold now because I cannot imagine eating them right now with the way I feel.

Hang in there everyone!  

audra67

PatAlameda-

Wow, hope you have energy to do all that all day and night!  Sounds super fun!  Have a Wonderful day with your family!

I am still tired, didn't sleep well and just dragging today...hoping for some energy.

I am forcing myself to eat spinach and vegies and just had chicken and avocado for lunch...cream of wheat for breakfast for iron...and NOTHING sounds good in fact sortof nauseous at mention of foods...but they aren't seeming to get me back to normal yet...

I think the HUGE stress of last few days worrying set me back physically from healing...If I could Only control this mind of mine!

Northwinds- I can't believe you are working - you are amazing!  But take any days off you need - you need your strength to get through this!

Ellen- I have all of the smoothy, protein shake, boost, things like that and haven't wanted any, it's too cold here and I like those in summer....but I should try them to gain weight and energy...good ideas...and I love your recipe

Wallymama- I hope you feel better soon.  My dentist gave me trays and told me to wear them nightly with drops of fluoride in them to keep teeth from damage from chemo...maybe you could get some and it would help???

wallymama

Bec, I actually have a prescription sensitive toothpaste since tooth sensitivity has always been a problem for me. It doesn't seem to be helping the last couple of days. I talked to my dentist this morning and there's really nothing else she can give me. I do have a tube of colgate sensitive that I going to start using in between the Rx one. Maybe the two of them together will help. Funny thing is, it's just the bottom two, the rest of them are fine.

Ellen, have you tried that drink warmed up? It sounds good, but I really don't like the cold coffee drinks very much.

Pat, you can soak your raw veggies in a gallon of water with 2 tsp of bleach added for about 5 minutes. Then just rinse them well with plain water to get the bleach off. Won't affect the taste but will kill the bacteria. I'm keeping a small plate of raw veggies and a small dish of dressing on the kitchen counter so I can eat a bite or two each time I go in there. I'm hoping it helps head off the C. Don't want that particular problem EVER again.