Chemo in July 2015

melinda531

gargengirl09 - I've been struggling with what to drink that tastes decent as well. After my first treatment I was only able to stomach lemonade but after my second treatment that no longer tasted good so I was back to all water with lemon which gets crazy boring. This week I discovered unsweetened iced tea.....it has at least some flavor! Good luck! The loss of and altering of my taste buds continues to be the worst side effect for me that's ongoing

Thunder7

MissBee123 thanks for the encouragement. I had a great time at the banquet. Everyone was wonderful. One sweet artist lady did not know about my diagnosis and loved the shaved head! Her husband had to take her aside and explain I was the wife of his friend who was going through chemo :-). I did not mind at all as she is adorable and truly liked my shaved head. It actually was an icebreaker as many knew but did not know how to approach me.

Have an awesome head shaving party - mine involved Maker's Mark.

Yes, you calculated correctly - 4 days of fasting. It really is not hard. I am at 36 hours right now. It is well worth the no side effects. The first session it ended up being 88 hrs, this time will be a little less as my infusion is a couple of hours earlier. I have an advantage as I have celiac disease and I already eat very low carb, so my body runs mainly on ketones. Or in other words it can efficiently run on stored fat. As for the stored fat I do not mind losing it.

Zuwali glad you were able to shave your head. I found it quite freeing. Actually I am getting pretty good at shaving. There are a couple of places that continue hanging in there.

Want2BCamping and Mary thanks for the encouragement it really helped! WanttoBcamping.- love your name that is what I want to be doing too. We had a 2 month trip set up for August and September - next year I guess.

GardenGirl09 you are right about the Goldens they are the best. It is amazing how comforting they can be. I will be thinking about you for the coming next round for it to be easier for the start of school.

Aurora, Suzanne50 and CinderellaNC glad you are here

Thunder7

Gretagirl

Good morning to all. Trying to catch up on posts. So much info! Thanks to everyone for sharing so great to hear ideas and advice. I had to shave my head Sunday or at least my husband shave it for me. Right now it's like a buzz cut I have some hair it feels cool! I am sure this too will be falling out soon! I have second TCH tomorrow. Praying it goes well.

Gargengirl109 I mix Gatorade and water like RuthElizabeth does. I have trouble finding something to drink as well!

JAnnG

Thunder: You look fricking awesome! Go and know that you look good and hopefully feel good. Enjoy the good things right now. AND you better be receiving some kind of golf award! I miss my golf right now. My goal is to maybe play one round in another week.

Greta Girl...welcome you must have arrived when I was in the fog. Day 6 out from second treatment and I am back to being human. As for something to drink. Try a little cranberry in water. Just enough to give taste and get the juices going. I did well on water the first go round but it is not doing it for me now. Also, tonic water and a juice mixed in. Somehow the tartness helps. Strive for at least 70 oz of non caffeine liquid and it really helps!

This week was bad. DH taken to a hospital 2 hours away with an "as yet to be diagnosis" He woke up and couldnt walk. Theyve ruled out all the bad stuff, but Im in one place and hes in another and luckily my son is here with me.

Taking each day at a time

Ann

courtleboo

Tomorrow I go in for round 3. I'll be 3/4 of the way done. Tomorrow is also the first day of school for my kids. Thankfully my appointment is at 10 so we (Hubs and I) can still drop the kids off and not feel too rushed.

Hoping and praying for the same or similar results as round 2. I felt pretty shakey and fatigued the first 5 days but mostly felt good the rest of the time.

I've been having a terrible time with my PICC Line. Initially my Onc didn't think I'd need chemo so I didn't get a port. This PICC has been an issue since week 1. I have an allergy to the adhesive in the bandages. Nurses have tried everything. I still have a horrible itchy rash on my arm. May have it removed tomorrow after treatment. Nurse put in a note to the doctor yesterday.

This board and group has been wonderful. I know I don't post often, it is a comfort to know we are all in this together!

Thunder7

Gretagirl I am sure you look great. I was amazed at how cool I felt sans hair. The other bonus it takes about 5 minutes to shower and be ready to go!!

JAnnG I was just released today to play NO MORE THAN 9 HOLES - geez, you would think they know I tend to overdo :-) No award for me this time but I will be working on it. They are have a Mystery Dinner Theater - Murder on the 19th Hole at the end of the month so I am going for the best golf dressed award. I made plus fours and bought argyle socks and sweater. As we say if you cannot play well - look good. The outfit will be complete with a Payne Stewart style hat. Hope you get back out soon. I just got back from Lymphedema Therapy and first thing got my 7 iron out and made a few swings. I have to tell you it is different without my former DD's in the way LOL!

Praying for your DH too!

Courtleboo I have my second TC tomorrow at 10AM EST I will be sending good thoughts your way. I don't have a port or a PICC line since it was just going to be 4 sessions. Sorry about the adhesive allergy, have the tried "VetWrap" I am sure there is a name for the human product, Okay I found it MEDca Self Adhesive Cohesive Wrap. It only sticks to itself and has no adhesive. They do have it at my oncology center. Below is a link:

MEDca

This stuff is wonderful, we use it on the dogs exclusively. It hold bandages, etc in place but only sticks to itself. We also used it all the time for my father in law since he had that elderly paper thin skin.

Thunder7

coffeetoffee

Husband here.....

Wife had here first TCHP chemo on July 31st. Had a rough first week, she is still going through a emotional roller-coaster.

Thunder7

Coffeetoffee, that is normal. Never know when emotions will hit. Adding her to my prayers

Thunder7

courtleboo

Thunder they have tried everything, I have used something that is what you are talking about looks a bit like an ace bandage and sticks to itself. Also tried gauze. I think my body is pretty much rejecting it all together.

Thunder7

Courtleboo, do you think you might be allergic to the PICC itself? Or more likely chemo gremlins. Man this stuff can really suck. Thunder7

courtleboo

Thunder I'm not sure. I had about 3 weeks with no reaction. But now I have an itchy bumpy rash only near the site of the PICC no where else. Now starting to move down my arm. It's miserable. I am hoping they will remove it since I only have 1 more round.

Want2Bcamping

Thunder7 - sorry to hear about your cancelled plans. DH and I usually camp every weekend during summer but this has made us stick close to home. We do plan on going Labor Day weekend as long as I'm up for it. (And I am very ready mentally for a break from this crap!

JillyB

Pea brain - that's great!

I am finally back from a much needed get away. Went to visit my family as my mom had gone through open heart surgery the beginning of July. Talk about keeping up with medical issues.

Just caught up with the posts and looks like we are all hanging in there. I was supposed to have my third treatment tomorrow but got a call from the PA yesterday. My liver numbers are elevated. They think one of my treatments is causing this since my previous numbers are normal. I'm on TCH. So I have to go in tomorrow for more lab work. Talk about putting a damper on my treatment. I just want this chemo to be over and now it's going to be delayed. UGH!

Anyone else having liver problems? Would love any advice.

Thanks and keep strong!

Zuwali

Sharing pics today. Had my port put in today so I'm a little tired. As always, enjoy reading all the posts. You guys are great!

Want2Bcamping

you look beautiful Zuwali! I love seeing these. We are some awesome women here

Zuwali

Thank you Want2Bcamping! As you can see, I love me some earrings.

Thunder7

Zuwali, you look awesome! Plus a girl after my own heart - love the earrings. Thunder

Thunder7

Want2Bcamping, weekend trips are great. DH and I are fantasy planning a Sante Fe trip. Fir when this is over. Thunder

RuthElizabeth

morning everyone. Question Thunder7, do you have lymphodema? I see you mentioned therapy. My right hand on top and a bit up over my wrist has been hurting. I was even at the doctors yesterday and forgot to ask. This morning, my wrist has just a little swelling on it. Now I'm a bit worried. Any advice.... Thanks. Rut

Suzanne1971

Thunder! I, too am planning a Santa Fe trip when this is over! It's one of my all time favorite spots (and Taos), so I hope to make it next Spring.

Ladies, I am inspired by all the positive attitudes here. I was nervous about joining this group, as I knew I needed to surround myself with positivity (and sometimes Discussion Boards can bring out the "worst" cases, if you know what I mean). A big Thank You to all of you!

I am a week away from my 3rd treatment (of 6)- that will mark the halfway point for chemo (hooray!). Surgery date is TBD, but probably will be in December. This is a marathon, isn't it?

Anyone else starting to feel TIRED? I don't know if it's truly the chemo fatigue, or just a bad patch of disrupted sleep, but the other day I got home from work and slept for 2 hours, and followed it up with an 8 hr sleep at night.

MissBee, where did you find those tattoos!? So great.

Thunder7

Dear RuthElizabeth,

I do not actually have lymphedema but I have been going to the awesome Occupational Therapy Lymphedema Clinic. My BS sends all of his patients there if he had to take out more than the sentinel node. It really is great, I learned how to do lymphedema massage, strengthening exercises, Range of motion exercises. I had some cording in my left arm and both underarms. She was able to break that apart - EXTREMELY painful but made a huge difference in my movement.

I do have some swelling, It is not to the level of lymphedema but is an indication it could occur. They keep a record of my arm measurements. I have a bilateral compression sleeve that I love! It really calms everything down. I have gauntlets too but I only use them when I am lifting weights or pulling weeds (under garden gloves).

I urge you to call your doctor and get set up with a lymphedema specialist as soon as possible. This can be a life long serious problem and early intervention can make a huge difference. It is amazing the simple massage that you can do your self makes a world of difference in my swelling.

Thunder7

6feetover

Zuwali: Love the naked noggin, earrings, and cap! If you don't mind my asking, did you find the cap online, perchance? It's adorable!

6feetover

Suzanne1971: Re: the tiredness: heck yes! I'm out of Round 3's body-and-brain "fog" and have been for days, but I feel so tired after the smallest amount of effort (like going up and down stairs to the laundry room) that I feel like I need to lie down each time. When I do, I fall asleep almost immediately. It scares the crap outta me! I was clinically diagnosed (i.e., not via genetic testing) with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome last year, for a number of reasons; that causes an almost permanent state of low-level, full-body pain and fatigue. The cumulative effect of the chemo has exacerbated all of that to the point where I basically can't function normally at all, anymore.

Cheesequake

Morning all, hope the July ladies are doing well. I had my second TCH on Friday. Sunday and Monday I had my first experience with chemo brain - couldn't remember what I was saying for the life of me, mid-sentence. Monday I tried to work from home and it was very confusing, I couldn't concentrate, multitasking was impossible, it was actually making me anxious. Thankfully that seemed to right itself by Tuesday. SEs otherwise have been a bit milder than last time (so far) - weakness and achiness on Monday, a mild sore throat and the typical unsettled stomach, but less diarrhea. Hoping it stays like this! Seeing a bit of acne on my scalp, thinking I'm gonna shave it smooth here shortly myself. Good luck all!

mdoc524

Hello All ...

I have the most unbelievably sad and ironic news to share .. my puppy Quinny who is only 5 and the sweetest dog you would ever know has been sick for the last 2 weeks and on Sunday my Husband had to rush her to Vet .. she has hypercalcemia which they are 99% sure is being caused by Cancer!!! Lymphoma! The lab results on biopsy did not come back yet so there is still a small chance it is not cancer but the Vet seems pretty sure!! I was like "is this a bad dream seriously" - sobbed for hours! Had to explain to my boys that no one else in the family will get cancer - this is just a horrible coincidence!! Still hoping for a miracle ... I'll post a pic of her soon

MissBee - No not a teacher just mentioning that when my kids go back to school - all the lovely school germs will be coming home everyday - Yippee!

I see some are struggling with what to drink .. I bought those individual packets of flavor to add to Water and they are not bad.. I got all different Kinds - Propel Drops, Crystal Lite, MIO, Minute Maid .. all different flavors - some you just squirt some in your water and others you put the whole packet in .. I got mine at Target and they were in the Aisle where you would find the Iced Tea Mix ... hope that helps... I find as long as it is cold I can drink it and I too shoot for 70 ounces per day and Dr said if I can get 70 ounces in it is perfect... Tip - I shoot for 3 - 24 Ounce Water Bottles per day .. if I don't use my water bottles I do not drink enough .. also don't forget anything that melts counts - popsicles, water ice, etc

PeaBrain - Rub On Nipples - HaHa - Who knew .. thanks for sharing made me smile!

JAnnG - hope your DH is OK - hugs for you both

coffeetoffee - so sorry your wife is struggling - emotion part sucks! Glad you found us - anything we can do to help - let us know! We are rooting for her!

Zuwali - You are so Beautiful - love the hat and the earrings .. wish I could wear them!! I was born 3 months premature with a twin brother 46 years ago and we survived and the only thing I have as a result is abnormally small ears and have never been able to wear earrings

courtleboo - hope your PICC issues subside - that is horrible for you!!

JillyB - hope Mom is OK and on road to recovery and that you are not delayed too much! I have my date marked for last day of Chemo (12/11) if all goes as planned and don't want anything to change that so I understand !!

Suzanne1971 - I am tired all of the time - most days feel like there is something holding me down .. its different than just being tired - I think it has something to do with blood counts dropping or fluctuating - just my guess no one has said that LOL

Hugs to all- hang in there! We all are awesome!

Mary

Thunder7

Suzanne1971,

Maybe we will be in Sante Fe at the same, if so I propose we get together for a cocktail to celebrate!

Thunder7

RuthElizabeth

hi all. Thunder, thanks for the lymphodema information. I need to check it out... I talked to the doctors office. I also found a lymphodema therapist 25 miles away. I will check into what I have to do to go see her.

Mary, my heart goes out to you, about your puppy. I had a 11 year old lab, Diamond. She was my pride and joy. Got a tumor on the inside of her leg. I had to finally make that decision. She was having trouble walking and the vet said her other leg would eventually break from carrying all her weight and compensation. I finally set a day, the Friday before Memorial Day. It was the worse day of my life. And three hours after she passed the rainbow bridge, I got the call I had cancer. Talk about a fog.... I wish you all the luck with her. And the kids.... Bless you...

I'm ready for my next AC. I haven't had a bad time this second one. A few days down, but am trying to work a few days a week. I'm ready to be done with this stuff. I hope you all have a good day. Love and peace for you all. Rut

Thunder7

Mary,

We are sorry to hear about your beloved pup Quinny. This situation is hard enough when you are not going through treatment. I cannot even imagine how hard this is for you.

Hugs,

Thunder7

gargengirl09

Mary sorry to hear about your dog. Such faithful companions. Hoping it isn't cancer. We lost our black lab to cancer.

I survived my fourth and final round of AC chemo yesterday. Boy, even looking at the adrimycin makes me sick. Wrong that something like that is red!

I had acupuncture today and am feeling pretty good. I really think that helps. Really trying to drink lots. Found some juice that tastes good.

All this talk of vacations is great. I'm trying to plan a trip over Christmas to Sanibel Island, FL I think my husband and 8 year old daughter and I just need to sit on a beach and relax…look for shells, build sand castles. Most importantly celebrate that the hardest part is over. I need that carrot dangling in front of me to make it through the next 12 rounds of Taxol and Herceptin. A light at the end of the tunnel if you will.

Hope everyone is feeling great!

Lady is our 10 year old golden retriever. She lays next to me the minute I get home from Chemo. Our flat coated retriever lays on the floor next to me. Such faithful companions.

Gretagirl

Mary sorry to hear about your puppy. I have three dogs inside and they are like family! Hope your boys understand that cancer is not contagious.

I am home second infusion felt real good when I got home so I jumped on my bike and took a ride. Energy from steroids. Heartburn has kicked in already!

Hope everyone has a great night!

Zuwall you look great . My short buzz is shedding so I will probably be shaving soon!