Starting Chemo March 2015

pboi

Thanks for your support everyone, it's really helping me get through today. I'm just trying to remind myself that by this time tomorrow the surgery will be over. I feel like such a wimp, like I should handle this better, and I see how strong you all are...it inspires me to try to be strong too.

Eileen...I understand how you feel too. So glad to hear you got a few things accomplished today, moving in the right direction yay!

Allison...I feel exactly like you do, it's is stressful and frustrating. As I'm cutting my sleep aids, I thought about having melatonin on hand, just in case. Then I read somewhere that some of the melatonin sold at GNC, didn't even have the dosage or something it stated on the label. Lack of regulations...aargh!!!!

PB

pboi

Yes..Katy about Lucy!!! I think I posted at the same time as you

PB

Jackbirdie

Eileen- good decision on the gym. A good deal. You go slow now and don't push. I think thinking about what you want to be when you grow up is a perfect matchup with a recumbent bike in an air conditioned gym.

It seems like now might be s good time to start your week of

Yes.

Wait for it

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEK EILEEN!!!!!

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🏆🏆🏆😁👀🔔🔔🔔🎉🎉🎂🎂🎂💐💐💐🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎂🎂🎈👑👑👑

SpecialK

Keep in mind on the L-glutamine thing - it is an amino acid and is produced by your body.  It is your choice whether to supplement with it, but you also can't eliminate it.  If it is feeding cancer cells, much like glucose (sugar) not much you can do about that - your body can't function without it.

ksusan

Carrie, I'm not at home to look at the brand, but there's a rice bran powder with good protein.

Jury is out on soy. All 3 of my docs say, based on large longitudinal studies, that some dietary soy may be protective against cancer. They advise against concentrated soy products.

Also, none of the 3 (one of whom is an oncological naturopath) has an issue with L-glutamine.

The best we can do is be moderate and keep up with studies, bearing in mind that new findings are often sensationalized and over-generalized, even, at times, in professional reports.

Italychick

My read on the l-glutamine thing is that yes our body does produce it, but additional supplementation can feed cancer. But I could be wrong. We get it naturally in things like red meat, but I believe supplementing it is a different issue. In any case, I am staying away from it. There are other things that can help with neuropathy without me taking the risk. But that's just me.

Now a glass of red wine full of resveratrol, however - that's another thing!

Lee, I had the radioactive tracer injected into my breast the night before surgery, no anesthetic. For me it hurt like a bitch, but only while it was going in. It felt like they were injecting lemon juice into my nipple - ouch!

Trying my "big ass, hills will whip my ass", bike ride this afternoon. Hope I don't end up walking up the hills - that would be humiliating!

so-she-did

My experience was like Theresa's. I wanted to back hand the guy! But, it was over quickly.

SueH58

When I was low on protein recoverying from hip replacement, the Dr told me to drink two boost bev's a day. Have you ever drank them? Nasty! I figured 2 greek yogurts were the same gms of protein and the same calories - 25g/each. A much more pleasant way to get in protein.

eheinrich

Thanks Katy!

SueH58

Getting tired....of this. After treatment 1, I was tired for a few days. Now it seems to linger, and I have infusion 4 on Wednesday and I'm still dragging. BP 116/62 today---maybe not enough fluids. I don't know if that contributes to my fatigue.

Just keep swimming....

Jackbirdie

Sue- it does seem to get worse each time. But you are almost done! Hang on girl!

And just keep swimming......

IndyGal35

Thanks for the truths, Gals. I'll talk to the nurse navigator tomorrow and tell her I want IV drugs for anxiety when I arrive. I'll also see if EMLA or even lidocaine is an option. I'm tired of hurting any more than necessary. They're lobbing our boobs and tissues off. Can't they cut us a little break on the other avoidable, painful crap?

Katy, my MO is Charlie Brown's teacher! Womp Womp Womp... Geez. I don't think that guy will ever speak the language of empathy. Allison, I want to fire my guy so much too. I think I'll see how it goes when I go to Herceptin only next month. If he's still spending 5 minutes with me, not having an open dialog, and billing $139.00 for it, I'm doing a mic drop and getting out of his care.

Eileen, getting a second opinion on the PS was one of my best decisions yet. It really gave me clarity. I hope your new guy is a perfect fit whether you opt out or not! (PS - my auto correct changed second to sexually. Even my iPhone knows this this wifey is needing some sugar and just too tired to partake. LOL!)

TerryMarie

Glad Im not the only one with eye issues (although I'm sorry others are experiencing it, you know what I mean), It's really bugging me, I'm squinting all the time. I decided I'd lie out back on a lounge chair about 2 wks ago, I made sure I was covered by a blanket , head to toe , and I was under an umbrella. I fell asleep for a good hour and a half, I woke up to discover I was mosquito food , I had about 7 bites on my head, one on my forehead has still not healed and theres a big scab on my forehead. I look awful. I'm guessing that everything takes ages to heal for a time. Things are getting better, my overall feeling of well being is returning and I'm feeling less and less like a sick person. Rad starts this Friday but I'm sure im past the worst of this whole thing.

Italychick

Lee, one of the things I have learned through this process is to be cool and calm with these doctors, but demand answers. Tell him excuse me, I need more than five minutes, and be firm. I go in with a typed list of questions (yes I am anal lol) but when the MO or nurse practitioner sees my list, they have to take the time to address my questions. Push them! You deserve to have your questions answered! Is Wednesday your last infusion?

I think the tracer injection was about 30 seconds, and I did pregnancy deep breathing through it. Once she was done, it didn't hurt anymore.

Survived bike ride, and no walking, rode the whole damn thing. I'm getting ready to try to kick its ass, legs are feeling stronger. At this point I think the extra weight is hurting me as much as anything. I need to staple my mouth shut or something to stop eating lol.

Katy, how are you doing side effects wise?

Sharon, I am so sorry about the lymphedema and I hope they can help you get it under control

Jackbirdie

T- great job on your bike ride today! Proud! Agree with your approach with the MO. Very professional.

I had a bit of a better day today, mostly just had to get through it. Some napping, some staring into space, some wondering why I still have damn nerve pain. The chemo aches and pains seem to stir up everything else. I am hopelessly attached to the oxy bottle now. No more fighting the pain.I just have to survive this somehow and deal with the consequences later, if there are any.

Jackbirdie

it's early yet, but I wanted to wish PB good luck and smooth sailing with your thyroid surgery today. I hope your mom has arrived safely and you get loved and nurtured the way you deserve to be.

And Allison! Congrats on halfway there through the a Taxoltoday! Hope all goes smoothly today, minimal SEs

Jackbirdie

and Lee (Indygal) you get your own special post today because

YOU ARE DONE WITH CHEMO!!! Yay!

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🔔🔔🔔🎉🔔🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🔔🔔🎉🔔🎉🔔🎈🎈🎈👏🏻😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

We are all so proud of you. You have been so brave,and so upbeat!

Don't think today about future treatment. Celebrate yourself and the accomplishment and milestone you have reached today. You have inspired me, and I know from getting to know you on social media that you have done the same for hundreds of others. Brava

mysunshine48

Katy, I find it interesting the hours we are all up with this. It is 5:52 in Florida, so I know it is 2:52 in Oregon. I just cannot lie in one position for very long, and these expsnders are really hurting, along with my entire body. I am also coughing a lot. Ugggggg

Jackbirdie

Oh, Lynn, I'm so sorry you are up too. I quite often find myself awake at odd hours, and although I'm sorry you are in pain, it's nice not to be alone. Hope you improve a bit during the say. Here's a kitty pic that might put a little smile on your face-

mysunshine48

Kitties are so soft and sweet. I have had several cats over the years.....all strays who decided being a house cat was pretty nice. One became diabetic and I gave him an insulin shot every morning and evening for around 4 years. About a year ago, his numbers went crazy, he stopped eating, and we tried several things, but, had to turn him over to Kity Heaven. Now, I hsve one left. Her name is Happy. My grand daughter bsked her about 12 years ago. She had been a feral. Now, she is definitely happy! She is pretty aloof, but does sleep on my bed and wants petted at night. I like dogs too, and want one, but need to get through this year first. Sun is coming up here.

Trvler

Love Tutti!

SueH58

Katy, can you even imagine life without tutti. I'm thankful (in a wierd sort of way) for rats. Without them, there would be no Tutti!

SueH58

talk about embarrassing. Sitting in the chemo joint getting blood draw for tomorrow's chemo. Tears streaming down my face. Just not feeling it today. Looking around the room and the whole thing bums me out. I just want the whole thing over with. Not sure why I just got the dump these last few days.

Jackbirdie

Sue- please don't feel embarrassed of all things. You've been through so much please be nice to yourself. You've earned your emotions. All of them

ninjamary

Sue - I find the chemo room to be very depressing. I recently made a friend (she finishes up this Thursday) which has made these last two weeks bearable. I think that is why I went right to sleep when the infusion started. All I see are people in their 80s and 90s getting chemo.

SueH58

all these people, all over Milwaukee, all over Wisconsin, all over America and the world getting chemo. Why is this happening? It's awful.

SueH58

and the nurses bustle around chatting, eating chips, ordering Jimmy Johns-- just their normal day. A world I never wanted to know. And down the other hall is radiation--just waiting for that.

Sorry to be so doom and gloom today. Just today's reflections.

rleepac

Contemplating going out on temporary disability for the last few weeks of Taxol. I'm on partial disability and down to working 2 days a week right now but those 2 days are getting harder and harder. But then when I'm not at work I feel guilty because I don't 'feel' or 'look' disabled. I mean...to me - disabled is like you can't get out of bed or care for yourself. I'm just exhausted with non-stop diarrhea and constant nausea - doesn't seem to qualify. I know medically it qualifies but mentally I just don't want to see myself as disabled.

Seriously...why can't I be either really sick or really not?!? DH is pushing me to stop working but a little part of me doesn't want to give it up. It will be financially crushing for sure but my body just isn't recovering enough between treatments to feel good. DH says 'you worry too much'.

I'm so torn on this!

Bekah

SpecialK

rleepac - do it.

Leighrh

Bekah...... I agree... DO IT!!!  I  go back and forth everyday on if I should take leave.... I have 12 weeks  I can technically take and have a short term disability through work, but I just don't for some reason.  I feel really ok.  I have taken off a 4 days for surgery, 2 days every 3 weeks for AC... and now just Thursday afternoons for Taxol.  I think the reason I don't do it is because I feel pretty good most days.  If I were in your shoes, with as many problems as you've had.... I would def pull that trigger!!   You only have a few left right?? A few weeks will prob do you good to just relax and take it easy.