April 2015 Chemo Crew... Starting in April? Please join us!

ThePrincess

lemonadehk - glad you are finally feeling better! I hope tomorrow brings you even more energy - thanks for the warnings, I will pay attention!!

KBee - you seem to be wonderwoman! I hope you feel even better tomorrow!

Tina

KBeee

I forgot to mention how interesting it is to hear different opinions from different MOs on things. Mine said tea is fine, especially decaf. I drink a cup of regular tea in the morning, and thenprbably 3 or 4 decaf teas later in the day...sometimes hot tea, sometimes iced tea depending on the weather. It is one of the few fluids that appeals to me!!!! I do limit my green tea to a few each week since I have heard that antioxidants are not recommended during chemo. My MO pretty much says anything like that in moderation is pretty much ok...just don't overdo it. I love his common sense approach to things.

Lynn, I hope all goes well tomorrow. Assure your daughter that sleepovers are ok in a few weeks, you just need timeto adjust. However if she wants to go to a friends house..... My kids have had sleepovers here, but the basement is their domain then, it's pizza for dinner, and something equally simple for breakfast. Kids are adaptable...sometimes it just takes time.

Lol, no wonderwoman here. Just enjoying any and every feel good day I am lucky enough to have. And when I am busy, I do not think about cancer, and I feel normal for a while. And feeling normal is good

Karen30

hello ladies- I've done ok after AC#1 even managed work today - but tonight I am tired- and head is fuzzy on and off- I'm thinking an early night is in order-

Good luck to everyone headed to treatment this week- wishing you all an easy ride

Vanmama

I managed to work all day today. I'm dealing with a very painful tongue with a painful place or two in my mouth AND a lousy sore throat. I'm trying to remember to swish peroxide/water when I'm home. I'm also dealing with body aches and pains so sometimes it was difficult to get up from my chair today.

But, hey it could be so much worse, right?

It IS very interesting to see what each MO has to say about food and drink. I just don't remember being told much more than making sure produce was cleaned. I drink peppermint tea pretty much every mid-morning at work.

Laura

gingeel

Lynne, good luck tomorrow. You seem fully prepared! I had booked a trip awhile back with the family to Mexico, and surprisingly MO says I can go, but I'm with you, I have no idea how I'm gonna feel, and I'd rather take a vacation when I'm feeling great. Kids are sort of selfish, and I'm sure your daughter doesn't quite realize what you will be going through. My 11 and 7 yr old says things sometimes that make me go, "really?"

It's day 4 after port placement, and still a bit sore, but it's nothing Tylenol can't handle. I also got PET scan results...no malignant cells, no Mets, no cancer! So I am beyond relieved! Still gotta get chemo, but I enter this process with a much happier outlook. I can really beat this! I don't care that it's gonna suck and hurt and really SUCK!....I just want to live for my 3 kids and my husband.

Good vibes a positivity your way, ladies!!! We got this.

ksusan

Today is the 21st anniversary of my best friend's death from AIDS. I still miss him. It's strange to reflect on this while I'm in chemo.

mamajencoz

Ac #2 done yesterday. They gave me 5 total anti nausea meds during the infusion because of my days of it from dose 1. Plus they gave me something for the headache that the Cytoxan causes. Afterwards I was so totally ready for a nap.. so I did. Then went to the store for the new anti med he RX for home. My head was full and swimmy most of the day but was better after a power nap or two. I slept on and off last night waking up to take meds and sip water. My hair decided to fall out in pretty nice clumps starting yesterday morning. I may just shave it today. Who knows. 1 minute I'm ready.. the next not so much. It wont be a decision in a few days now ya know. Hair clumps out Started at day 13 from 1st  ac treatment)

Anyway I'm praying for the best today and the next few days. So far we are starting out better then the first dose. I have physical therapy at noon today followed by my Nuelasta shot. I'm going to religiously take the Clairton this time in hopes it helps.I

I wish you all the best today!!!

((((huggies))))

ThePrincess

Ladies - I know every MO is different - I specifically asked mine yesterday about drinks she said nothing like Vitamin water and no green tea, unless that became the only drink I could hold down because of the anti-oxidants.

I hope everyone that everyone that started a cycle yesterday had a good night!!

Tina

gingeel

Mamajancoz, I'm not looking forward to the hair loss, but, I send you well wishes in getting through it. Hope you have a good "day after" your infusion today.

Alibeths

does anyone start this friday?????

slv58

Hi everyone, I apologize for not actively writing but I am reading everything. It seems like everyone is managing SE like true survivors! Arlene, I love your idea to have a container pre mixed with water, baking soda and salt! I just had my teeth cleaned yesterday and my hygienist said that they recommend biotin mouth wash more to keep your mouth moist as chemo can be very drying. This should help as a dry mouth can increase your chance of cavities.

I do find it strange how different MO's say different things regarding 'beverages' I remember last time I was told no green tea because of antioxidants. No supplements. I'll have to ask about vitamin D. I guess that also means no green smoothies.

ThePrincess I wonder if those drinks that replenish electrolytes is considered a vitamin drink?

Mamajencoz, I hope you have less SE this time around.

Ksusan, today is my Mothers birthday, I was 15 when I lost her to breast cancer. I find I do reflect differently now and appreciate the little things in life more. I'm sorry about you loosing your best friend. I wonder why they have come so far in treating AIDS in the 35 years it's been around and yet they are treating BC the same way my mother was treated in the 70's? I must admit since being dx with this recurrence, I've been feeling down.

Gingeel, I'm so happy you got good scan results! You go girl! Happy happy dance

Vanmama have you tried warm water with salt and baking soda to gargle with? I would think peroxide might be a bit harsh?

Karen30, be kind to yourself and don't overdo, your body is taking a huge hit and needs rest and lots of water!

KBee, your always so helpful, we all appreciate your valuable input! I wish I could feel your positivity dealing with this a second time.

Today my DH and I meet with my MO to get all the facts on my pathology and plan of attack. I'm feeling very apprehensive about this appointment, as if the axe is going to fall again. Finding out that I have metaplastic has really been hard to accept. I hope she can give me some hope. I'm suppose to sign consent forms and get my picc line inserted tomorrow and get my first chemo.

Thinking of everyone- minimal SE to all!

Shari

lovlilynne

Alibeths, according to cheat sheet, ajbenefield is starting this Friday. I haven't seen a post from her in a while, though.

Alibeths

awesome. I'm starting carbo, taxotere and herceptin friday. Anyone else doing this regimen? I'm doing the cold caps this time. I shaved my head the last time and I can't do it again. I hope everyone is feeling great!!!

Karen30

10 hours of fairly good sleep and I still feel weird today - light headed and tired and sort of shaky-- not sure driving is a good idea feeling like this

Fran2014

Good morning all,

I hope that those of you who have been experiencing illness and SEs keep "holding strong". Just keep in mind, take it one day at a time and it does get better!

Lynne- I have a daughter who just recently turned 14 yrs. old. and I chuckled when I read your post. While I do have to say that my kids (14 & 17) are really wonderful and have learned to "roll with the punches"- there are moments where I go, "WTF??" (in my head) when they ask me to do certain things or make certain "assumptions" (especially when I'm feeling like crap). I keep reminding myself that at least I'm doing a pretty good job of keeping things as "normal" as possible within our household & they are comfortable with asking ( & that and they are sometimes just being "oblivious teenagers"...LOL!). I do have to share a funny story... A few weeks ago, my daughter asks me, "hey, mom-do you get a wish?" (Of course my husband has no idea what the heck she is talking about). So I say, "Do you mean, Make A Wish-like the kids get?" She says, "yes, that's it!" (with a big smile on her face). I, say no but why do you ask..Her 14 yr. old response (looking quite dejected), "Oh bummer-because you haven't taken ME to Disney since I was 5 & I really want to go back!!). Yep-apparently even my "imaginary wish" isn't my own.... gotten love kids!!

Wishing everyone a good day

Fran

Fran2014

Alibeths- yes, I did that same regime December thru Feb. (carb, taxotere and Herceptin). I actually did OK with it and was able to continue to work (just took a few days off here and there). I was given oral steroids but still developed a rash at one point. As your taste buds will be shot (I mean it!!). I lost some weight b/c by the end, I couldn't really tolerate much (creamy vanilla ice cream is a must!). No worries though-after a few weeks of stopping that regime, the taste buds come back (and yep-I put back on the weight-so NOT fair!!). The new chemo drugs I started in April have very different SEs.

lovlilynne

MO and NP did not say one word about what to or what not to eat or drink. I just looked to see if I missed a pamphlet or something, but no. There's a flyer for a eating healthy for cancer survivor workshop, but nothing else about food and drink.

KB - I had my BB/BS pick up this morning, I've been purging also - long over due, and hours and hours of work left to do. I barely have the time for regular household chores, so hard to get to the big purge projects. Maybe I'll be able to use the steroid buzz to my advantage. Thanks for advice on sleepovers - I don't like the kids being affected by this, but then after I thought that I keep saying she needs to clean her room before she has anyone over, then she doesn't (or barely does), and she still has friends over, so this time I am putting my food down. She is also the T1D, and she has been very bad with controlling BS, so no rewards there either.

Beechbum, thanks for the info - I had forgotten about meeting with MO - that might fit into hour prep time I planned, but may add on so I'm up to at least 4 hours.

Fran - lol - thanks, ok, glad my kids aren't the only ones. DH too! This week is kids April vacation week, and yesterday he already had a different routine for pick up. But this morning he asks me if he is picking up Tess today - the 13yo, who he doesn't usually pick up only exception - I said no - Gwen, but from daycare. "Oh, yeah, that's right, they are on vacation." DOH. Then, "are you having a procedure today?" REALLY???? People ask me how they are doing with all this, and I either say "clueless" or "in denial" (if I'm feeling kind).

Ok, gonna go pack up last minute stuff for the bar and be on my way. I'm trying to decide if I should bring laptop. NP said I wouldn't have much real down time. I was hoping to get some blog writing down, I haven't had a post in a few weeks now.

-Lynne

lovlilynne

Ugh, this is what I mean with the bathroom - I made sure I drank more, added a big glass of ice tea this morning. Had to go at 10, now have to go again at 10:22 - how much fluid is retained when you just p it out???

ThePrincess

Ladies - I was researching my day 7 bloodwork from my dr and came across this bit of useful info:

What low blood counts mean and what you should do when your blood counts are low:

http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/low...

Karen30

ok ladies I need advice- clearly this weird light headed fuzy head - tired , lethargy is part and parcel of this treatment- I slept for hours , am drinking lots of water - what else can I do to get through this ? How long does it typically last

slv58

Karen30, I'm not sure what chemo your on, but when I was going through FEC, I experienced the same feeling. I couldn't watch TV or read. Good thing it only lasted 3-4 days and lifted. I found that sleeping was the best thing. I hope it improves quickly for you! It may not be a bad idea to call your oncology nurse and run it by her- if nothing else it will probably put your mind at ease! Hugs

eheinrich

Hi Karen

I'm visiting from the March board . Everyone's responses to treatment seem very individual both between regimens, between folks and even between cycles with each person. First round I escaped most SEs. Second round I felt like I got hit by a truck for about 5 days.

Hang in there

Rpayton

Fran2014: Love your make a wish disney story!

It is so great to hear everyone's different tips. Not enough time to reply to each, I wish.

So today, I had to start a doxycycline med. Had a small acne breakout at 49! Errrrghh my scalp does not like being shaved and need to prevent folliculitis.

Karen30: I had that light weird feeling all day yesterday. My 3rd day. It did pass I slept well, drank lots, took the nausea meds even though wasn't sure it was nausea. They helped. Today feel better. I guess we go with it hour by hour.

Renee

littleblueflowers

Karen30, I have had the light headed feeling, along with nausea, for about the first 6 days post dose 1. Long about day 9 the nausea took a hike, but flue like symptoms, no fever, and light headedness stuck around. Beginning to think that's just how it's going to be here in our little corner of hell. Sorry yr feeling yucky! Really all that helps me is little walks outside. Not more than three miles, and hydrate 6 times more than when I was healthy. Hope you get to feeling better quick!

littleblueflowers

When is my hair going to fall out? - A rant.

So, like a good little compliant happy BC sufferer, I shaved my head down to stubble 3 weeks ago. Now it's day freaking 12 and my stubble is still tight and happy! WTF?...And, the one side effect that I was looking forward to, not having to wax my eyebrows and ladystache, shave my legs, or my poor numb arm pits......of course all that is happy as well. Dear cancer, you took my health and my sense of immortality, and gave me chemo and miserable side effects. Can't you at least take the Damn socially unacceptable lady fuzz as well?! Dang it, this is not as advertised. I want my money back.

Ok ladystache, and head cold, and threatening period ( because why would that go awy? All the miserable side effects and none of the good ones! ) let's just see if you can survive dose number 2 on thurseday. Hopefully I'm healthy enough to get poisoned lol....it might break my brain to get off schedule. Ugh. Sorry ladies....feeling grumpy from this cold. Hope everyone is enjoying a healthy and side effect free Tuesday!

Karen30

I called MO s office they think it's withdrawal from the decadron and have said drink ,get some salt in and lay low it should pass - I completely freaked out- i expected nausea but not this weird feeling- basically stuck on the couch all day today I'm afraid

wrmbrownie

Alibeths - I start A/C this Friday. I just finished Taxol. Kinda scared.

Fran2014

Karen30- I wish I didn't have to type this but...yep, you're "basically stuck on the couch all day"-sorry no amazing words of wisdom here.   I was so stuck on the couch for two days last week (actually so light headed and "woozy" that I had my mother come over for the afternoon b/c I was so freaked out). Trust me when I say that patience is NOT one of my better virtues but in thinking about round #2 next week-it's a word I plan on repeating to myself over and over and over again.

Hang in there-you can do this!!! There are better days ahead! 

ksusan

Littleblue, I'm on day 19 and have lost only a sprinkling of hair.

Electrolyte drinks like Gatorade affect salt and potassium only. These need to be balanced, and drinking a lot of fluid washes them out. Vitamin drinks contain vitamins, some of which may interfere with chemo. A good thing to ask your MO about.

My MO added vitamin D and discontinued almost all other supplements. My D level is fine--I think she's anticipating me compliantly slathering 50 SPF and covering up when I'm in the sun.

I got no tea warning, so I'll be asking this week!

Rockerwife

Today is day 14 and on day 12 I had the husband buzz my head to a number 2. If I lightly pull on the hair on my head it will come out easily.Same with the hair in in other places