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

Addie29

Stephmoen I will be thinking of you and sending positive vibes. Good luck.

Addie29

well today is day after my first taxol treatment and I will feel good. No body aches yet and no yuck feeling. Today this afternoon I head back into the ps for another expander fill. Geeze I only opted for a C cup but am thinking that a D would be nice now- but I don't know if that's an option now. Maybe it's just because these expanders just seem to small. I know they usually keep the skin tighter so the implant gets a better tighter fit. And I know a D cup would just be too big for me. I was only a B before they took my boobies. Anyway I know everyone is doing well

littleblueflowers

Steph, sending you all the good thoughts I have for an easy ride today! Also keeping all my fingers and toes crossed!

Good luck to anyone heading to the chair today!

Dizzparkmom, wow, that's a big change for you and your parents! Being a little stressed seems like it would be completely normal under the best of times..

kbee, glad everything is going g well for you! How come you don't see your MO every week? Is that standard with weekly taxol?

Ksusan, I'm sorry to hear about your Dad,but I'm glad you have good memories of him..also, your toes look unscathed?

GingerChi

So glad your MO saw you yesterday littleblue, hope you were able to rest last night!!

Good luck today Steph! Sending up some prayers for you!!

Anyone else going to the spa today??

kbee, hope days 3 and 4 are a little kinder to you this go round. I understand what you mean about waiting so long to see the MO. I was told the first few Taxol treatments I will see her every week, then after that she probably wont see me that often. I am leary about this too, especially since several of my labs changed after my last AC. They had been great until then.

ksusan, I'm enjoying reading your daily posts about what you're thankful for. Even tho its a sad anniversary, I hope the memories of your dad give you comfort today!

dizzparkmom, I can ony imagine how stressful that is! Hang in there, tho its easy for me to say!! I have a similar situation in that my grown son moved in with me just before my BMX to see me through that and chemo. He's been alot of help, but there are days I want to run away from home! Far, far away. lol

I had a stressful night. My tummy stayed upset most of the day. My instructions say if I have 6 diarrhea episodes in 24 hrs, then go to the ER. I am 1 away from that Then my temp started going up.....around midnight it registered 100.5, so I started packing up to head to the ER. I took it again as we were going out the door, and it registered 100, then 99.8 within about a 20 minute span without me doing anything to treat it. So I started the 'Do I go, or not?' dance. I held off, but the thermometer was all over the place over the next hour. I finally sent my son out to buy a new one. It registered 100.0 pretty consistently, so I just kept drinking water through the night and this morning its back to normal. I figure I was probably a bit dehydrated...and the crappy Neulasta thermometer the MO gave me is now in the trash! lol The stomach cramps are much better this morning, but I'm afraid to eat anything and start the vicious cycle all over again...I still have a few hours before my 24 hr window is up. lol

Hope everyone has a good day today!

gingeel

Morning ladies! Hope everyone is having very little SE's today. I'm still waiting for the punch. Day 3 post Taxol, and I still feel pretty normal, aside from tender to the touch skin.....I had a migraine yesterday, and took Trexemet, and became really achy all over from that, but I think it was the meds, not the Taxol. My throat is a bit sore, though. I did take Ativan at night for sleeping. But, haven't needed Compazine or Zofran. My MO didn't even recommend L-Glutamine. Should I be taking it?

Littleblue, thank God, it is just scar tissue! Glad you can breath now.

Lynne and Kbee, thank you for saying that. I've only shaved my head once right after AC 2, and I have peach fuzz hanging on. I think I'm going to rock my purple wig this Saturday at my son's Best of the 90's show. (He's an 11 yr old drummer) It's certainly appropriate for a concert. lol

Dizzpark, listen, soak up all the help and attention while you can. I've sometimes felt, "do I really need my mother law here today to clean and cook?"....I too, would feel guilty, but I try to sit back and just let it happen. I'm grateful for the help. My husband just finished renovating our bathroom and basement, and it drove me nuts (even though I'm sooo thankful for it being done), it was too much stress for him and me while I'm doing chemo. So, I can relate. If any of that makes sense.

Ksusan, yeah, my hands and feet are jacked up, too. Even my converse hurt my feet. My thumbs are dark and ugly. Oh well.

BAT, happy for your good news.

gingeel

Oh, Gingerchi, sorry about your night....hope your tummy settles down today.

littleblueflowers

gingerchi, hope your tummy eases off. I'm seriously considering buying adult diapers for my treatment tomorrow...my diarea last time was that bad.

My brother has taken to calling me Fraulein Nohairline. I'd be insulted if it wasn't so funny, but I rub my head so much checking for new growth, I may rub it off lol

DizzParkMom

littleblueflowers....I just laughed out loud in a very quiet blood lab waiting room. Now everyone is staring at me wanting to know what's so funny. Fraulein Hairline...I don't think they would 'get' it. I spend too much time rubbing my head too...I think it's becoming a nervous habit.

Gingerchi, I'm so sorry to hear about your night. I've been there once or twice since this started and it's truly the worst feeling...being on the edge wondering if the worst is over or if it will start again. I'm praying that you'll be feeling better asap.

KBeee

Littleblue, It seems like you had a stomach bug going around your family last time, so it may have been totally unrelated to chemo; you may pass through this time with no tummy troubles at all. Let's hope so! Our practice sees weekly Taxol patients every other week. The week in between I still get blood work and the nurses take vitals. If the blood work comes back questionable, then they call the doc before chemo.

Gingerchi, Hope you are feeling better!

Gingeel, Ask your MO about the L Glutamine next time you see him/her. If you do a search on it, it's being studied to possibly help ward off neuropathy. MO says it can help reduce muscle cramps and pain as well.

Dizzypark, I do understand about your parents. I love mine very, very much, but they drive me crazy during treatments. I do understand it must be hard to have your child go through this, but they treat me like I am 12. They live across the country. Last time they were here for a visit during chemo their 10 day visit turned into 22 days and I went bat shit crazy. I had no privacy...they did not leave except to go to the store, so unless I locked myself in my room or left the house, I had zero alone time. I understand the double edged sword of appreciating the help, but going crazy too. Be sure you get some alone time.

KSusan, I am so sorry about your dad.

So far day 3 this round is fine. i just got back from 6 miles alternating running and walking each mile. I felt good and would have gone further if I did not have to work in an hour. I am hoping the good continues. So far I think I have actually felt better and better each round...much less fatigue the further out from AC I am. 1/3 done with Taxol!

Alibeths

yes steph you can take xanex!!!!!

Alibeths

http://www.teespring.com/survivor-shirtCheck out the TSHIRT I MADE!!!!!!!!!! I am getting the tank.

gkodad

Little Blue - good news on the checkup.  It's hard not to panic when something new crops ups, but usually it's nothing.  I guess I better get adult diapers before DD Taxol...I've had diarrhea on A/C while taking Zofran,, so it will probably be an issue with Taxol as well.  I've eaten so many bananas, I now routinely take one to bed every night for a "late night snack".

Met with doctor - wbc stayed up [hurrah], rbc count dropped outside normal range for first time.  BUT - he gave me an extra week before we start dose dense taxol to get myself back in "good fighting shape" so I plan to eat filet mignon every day.   

The idea of TWO WHOLE WEEKS with no doctor's apt, no chemo and hopefully no big SEs sounds wonderful!! 

ThePrincess

KBEEE! Oh my goodness I feel the same way about parents! My mom comes without fail, no matter how good I feel every Tues/Wed/Thurs and while I am so happy for the help, being hovered over constantly is driving me literally INSANE.

Alibeths

HAD TO SHARE THIS SHIRT I GOT!

http://www.teespring.com/survivor-shirt

Stephmoen

haha ali my husband found that shirt he's going to buy it afer my mastectomy

GingerChi

Ali, I have one of those shirts! Love it!!

GingerChi

gtodad, my MO gave me an extra week between AC and Taxol too! It felt so good!!

gkodad

Same here on parents, family and company.  I love them, but....they either act like I'm about to pass on to the great beyond in the next few minutes, or if I just tried harder, I'd feel better.    Some days I just need to lie on the couch mindlessly watching the cooking channel  and imagine what food will taste like when this is over.    On the other hand, I don't have young children.  I can't imagine what I would do if I did.

ksusan

Thanks, everyone. My father was a great guy. My goal is to get older than he did.

My mother was just here for a visit. She was very pleasant, and it was still tiring. She had a lumpectomy and radiation 5 or 6 years ago, so she has some idea what my life is like now, although her understanding of chemo is second-hand from friends. She bought me a necklace and my wife a pair of earrings, and paid for a dinner out. She and her husband have been generous with us, sending checks to help with the cost of the post-chemo hotel night and meals. We have a little money from them intended for post-chemo/port removal celebration.

TC #4 is more fatiguing, but I hope I'm on the upswing. I feel interested in exercising today (rather than obliged).

In hair news, I have definite fuzzage.

My big toenails are suddenly much more yellow and ridged. The other toenails have white lines. The fingernails have white, yellow, and red blotches. As long as I keep most of them, I don't care.

While my hands and toes are still slightly numb and achey, I may get out of this with no permanent neuropathy, yay.

Looking forward to my post-chemo week 4-5ish before radiation. I'm hoping my last drainage scar finishes healing in that window of new cell growth. I have a variety of medical activities in that period, including a manual lymph drainage training, a PT/lymphedema prevention appointment, a consult with a naturopathic doctor of oncology, the last blood draw from the port, trying the radiation stickers for dermatitis, port removal, and my RO appointment plus radiation sim. I also start my 3 summer intensive classes. I'll be done with classes a couple of weeks after I start radiation (29 + 5 boosts, last we talked), so I'll have comparatively more down time.

I'm looking forward to the PT/lymphedema prevention appointment. I've been very compliant and careful about arm strain, but I want an approved exercise program in addition to PT exercises. I want to add lifting and maybe Zumba to my week. Abdominal exercises. The go-ahead to backpack around another country next year. Realistic, non-exclamation-point-laden advice about gardening, washing dishes, general hand/arm care. In other words, getting back to my life.

raisemeup

Went for round #2 yesterday of Taxol, and instead I received 2 units of blood. My hemoglobin was 7.2 and I have been exhausted. For 16 days now I've had a low grade temp and a cough. MO can't figure out why. I will have round 2 next Wednesday. Today, I feel a bit better, but not as good as I would like. Stairs are a killer, and so is walking down the hall at work. I'm hoping my energy returns soon! I hope this isn't what I have to look forward to for the next 11 weeks!

Rpayton

To everyone having side effects, fevers, etc. Feel better fast. My hubby's 50th bday and I was well enough and had energy to make his favorite cherry cake. Celebrating little victories. Also home now to work on me physically, mentally, and what the future holds. Feeling calmer...

Positive_spirit

Stephmoen - praying all goes well for you today.

Littleblue - thank you, thank you, thank you for a little bit of Montana.

Ksusan - sorry about your dad; sounds like he was special.

Kbeee - Your running is really inspiring. I worry about AC and it's effects on my heart - anxiety. I am thankful for your advice, confidence, and experience. Same for Gkodaddy and others that have experienced cancer more than once - so full of admiration for y'all.

Gingerchi - hope you feel better

Gingeel - I also love your photo. very beautiful..especially the shape of that head I have a friend who when bald had a ridged upper head. So funny!

Alibeth - great t-shirt! Love the design. My 10yo will not allow me to wear it...

Rpayton - Happy birthday to your husband. 50 is a great achievement in my books.

Raisemeup - be gentle with yourself; your body has been through a lot. Hope you get your energy back and feel better. Sending you positive thoughts.

Lovilynne - Hope you have few side effects. Glad that you are getting a break from work and looking forward to vacation.

Since my dad died, my mom lives with us and so we are very, very lucky! She is my rock and I take her to all my dance classes with my cancer buddies. We rock it and they are always in awe of this 4' 11'' 76yo woman bouncing around the room. Fun times with this little lady and my kids cannot do without her.

Went dancing at the cancer connection today I got to dance, meditate, cry (again), and reflect. Love the women there - they have such soul and have suffered from all types of cancer. Going to MO visit, bloodwork, echo, and luprene next week. Wishing all those in the chair few SE and sending you my strength.

Stephmoen

I made it with no reaction woohoo!!

DizzParkMom

Congratulations Stephmoen! That has got to be a relief and confidence boost about the rest....is it 2 more?

Stephmoen

yes only 2 more just finishing up with carboplatin been here since 9 ugh

ksusan

Excellent!

Copperlisa

GingerChi.

Sorry, I went underground. I teach high school special ed. and I needed all my energy to just get well and get ready for chemo. I've got one round left.

Your question on a wound vac? Think of a seal a meal, where it vacuums all the air out and seals everything together. That's what it's doing, except it's attached to my MX incision. I had over 7 cm of undermining where the pectoral muscle was removed, and it didn't attach back to the skin. It wasn't healing, and this was the way wound care thought it would heal best. Negative pressure the whole time. I now have a fabulous looking incision, totally healed. I just had to pack a 5 lb pump for a month on my hip while it worked.

littleblueflowers

CONGRATS ON SMOOTH SAILING STEPH!!!!!

glad you are feeling better Rpayton! Cherry cake shared with your DH sounds like the best birthday ever!

raisemeup, hope your counts improve and your weekend is healthy and fun!

On parents...my mom drives three hours every other week to take me to treatment. My dad does the same and stays with me if my husband is ever gone. My MIL covers for them if they can't be here. My brother comes over the day befor treatment without fail and makes me a new tshirt to wear. I was extremely independent befor this happened, so it's been an extreme immersion in the practice of gratitude for me. Still, sometimes I wish I could be alone without everyone freaking out!

Any chemosabes riding with me tomorrow?? Ooooffffda getting nervous...don't want another barfathon...

Alibeths

yay STEPH!!!!!

KBeee

Littleblue, Hoping all goes well tomorrow. Hoping last time's ill ess was a stomach bug which never revisits you.

Stephmoen, So glad you had no reaction!!!!

Positive spirit, The dancing sounds like fun!!!

rpayton, Yay for little victories!!!!

raisemeup, So sorry you had to have a transfusion instead of chemo. I sure hope your counts come up quickly and tha the blood helps your energy level.

Alibeths, I have a similar shirt! I wore it to my KCA party last time. I will wear it to KCA 2 this fall. I am not planning a KCA 3 by the way...we are jus going to have a party every summer after this so we do not need cancer as an excuse to have a party.

ksusan, Glad you are on the upswing!

So I was looking closely in the mirror today and if you look closely...like really closely...like almost need a magnifying glass, you can see a little peach fuzz coming. It is about 1/16 inch long. Prior to today, any little hairsthat grew were dark (normal color) and would fall putonce 1/4 inch long. The peach fuzz means real hair will soon fill in. I know Taxol will keep it thin, and some may fall out again, but I did not have fuzz until 4-5 weeks post chemo last time. Excited to maybe be 12 weeks ahead of that. Happpy day!!