Anyone Starting Chemo in June 2016

Anonymous

NattyB,

OK, I will ask my ONC in July. Jeeeez I have thousands of questions to ask him. I am going to be in ALL day! I don't know why, but I just have an aversion to taking Tamoxifen. Not only that but what actual impact will it really have? I of course want to do everything possible to stop this thing ever returning, but is lumpectomy, chemo and rads NOT enough? I get grumpy when I then think of another tablet going into me. I dislike taking chemicals, pills and all that. I am going to be asking about this too in July. Are you 100% ER+? What does that actually mean? Is is bad or good? I was told I was pretty high in ER and PR. I should probably have asked more questions about this but at this exact same time, the surgeon was informing me that he was going to slice open my boob, remove my lump and then replace the tissue removed with part of my bum cheeks!!!!As you can imagine, ER and PR status were sort of not that important at that point haha. But I need to get more info as soon as possible about all this stuff.

Haha I laughed at Jack Daniels remark. Did hubby do his duty and finish it off? I do hope so. How are you doing with wig?

Dolly

LJ2016

NattyB-GREAT ADDITION! I would be the one wanting to finish the bottle off, and I don't even like Jack Daniels. I love vodka! I don't drink any because I'm afraid I'd use it as a way to cope with this nasty cancer and never stop!

I am posting a pic of my wig I got at the cancer center. It was not as expensive as the other one I bought $170.00, and when I wore it to work, people thought I changed my hairstyle and complimented me. I died laughing and told most of them it was a wig. It's light and not as hot as I thought it would be. I just shake it out and put it on after my 5 mins of make up I do. The lady at wig store is going to look at the otherone I bought and try to make it look better. I LOVE this one though. Very much like my bone straight hair.

Anonymous

LJ,

That is a great wig. It looks totally like your own hair. Is it real hair? Gosh, it looks so good.

D

LJ2016

Dolly- No, it's synthetic! It looks very real. The name on the tag says Noriko Collection, by Aderans. It has lace front so it looks like a real hairline and I can part it any where. Really light and not hot. When I tried it on is when I decided to shave my head. I had been depressed about it all but now I feel fine about it!

I can find out more on Wednesday when I have her look at my more expensive Raquel Welch wig that I'm not crazy about.

pepper43

Will read through and check back with everyone either early tomorrow morning (given my current waking schedule) but wanted to sound off with a quick, "holy crap, we've received our first medical bill!" $1500. Our share. Wow. And this is just before first month is up. Not even talking Neulasta or first chemo either, I don't think.

revnet

Quick update. I had round 1 TC on Friday, it is now Monday evening. I have felt okay so far. Last night I started getting achy neck and shoulders. Not sure if it's the taxotere, the neulasta or the cold caps! My appetite is out of control and I'm craving orange chicken, although I haven't ordered it yet. But it's a battle! I woke up this morning with more soreness all over and a bit of a headache.

I have really focused on hydration and my meals today have been watermelon and honey dew. Both very hydrating. I think hydration has the been the key so far. My focus is to keep my urine clear and I think it's helping. I am drinking water mixed with gatorade/powerade so I get plenty of electrolytes since I'm taking in so much fluid. I am feeling much better this evening that I did this morning. I am praying the worst is already behind me(and it wasn't bad at all), but I just don't know what to expect. Just mild aches around the body mainly at this point.

Time to get back to fighting the orange chicken temptation....
Goodnight and good luck to everyone.

Heathet

LJ - your wig looks great! It looks very natural !

revnet - I have been craving spinach, mash potatoes and this spinach chicken sausage my husband bought. I have never been a huge fan of mash potatoes but I'm really craving and eating them! Had my first TCH infusion Friday and I'm working on staying hydrated! Overall I feel tired and achy. Major napping too!

bbbb

Dolly - thanks for the hints - I have followed most of them already today - small bit if chicken for dinner and sipping water ALL day long. I did fall asleep from 5 - 7 p.m. and feel pretty good still! Thanks for the advice and encouragement! Husband just doesn't get a bunch of women sharing online about their experience but he's a guy, sooo...! He does know it is a tremendous help to me and he is beginning to listen when I say "the ladies online say ..." because you all have ALWAYS been right!

Next year - Hello fellow teacher! Thanks so much for the encouragement! I hope to be able to work - seeing how this first treatment goes and keeping a DETAILED (the teacher in me) list of what meds I take and how I feel everyday so I can gauge how things might be next time. I have the neulasta shot tomorrow - will let you know how it goes. Started taking claritin today to ward off bone pain (nurse's instruction) Sooo many meds - I NEVER took anything, except for an occasional Advil but now I have to keep a list to keep track of what I am taking!

Moondust - thank you for the encouragement about the great news about weight gain today! It is good to hear that it was not an issue for you. I am being VERY careful what I eat (which I guess is a good thing!) and I am going to up my activity a bit (hopefully if this feeling good thing keeps up!) Knowing that it is a possibility has gotten me motivated to say 'No that's not going to happen to me" and knowing that you have been able to avoid it gives me hope that it is possible to not gain weight!

Coffee Lover - love, love, love it! You inspire me to get it done - nurse advised today to go ahead and get hair shaved and I come home and see your post - this sisterhood sure does make things easier to bear knowing others are doing it and doing it well! Have to wait to go pick up my wig this week and then I am going to get courageous and get the job done! (I think!)

LJ - Wig looks fantastic! I am sure people thought it was a new doo too! You can add to your list of things never said before "Thanks, it's a wig!"

Pepper - feeling it too! And I have the best insurance plan from work with the lowest deductible/copay and, wow, low is not the word I would use to describe this! Also had one $500.00 bill for labs that was "out of network"'! Checking on that one as I can't see how part of the lab was "In network" and part was "out of network"! Crazy, but these are crazy times!

Revnet - Glad you are feeling good! Give me hope that I will do as well as you! I am not cold capping but I so admire those of you who are - it is quite a commitment and one that I was way to wimpy for! I like to keep track of how it is going for ya'll and praying you have great results from it!

Going to get rest like Dolly instructed!

Blessings to all from South Georgia!

Moondust

My hair has been mostly removed. We left a few bangs and sideburns. Actually I thought DH should have shaved it closer. I look like I have mange in the back! He said he'll touch it up in a few days. But at least now I can wear my wigs and hats comfortably. The photo shows the front and back of my head. Sure is nice in the blastedly hot weather.

SthrnYankee

thanks everyone! It's been a few days since I was here last & I am still panicking about Chemo. I start AC tomorrow & still don't have my head wrapped around all of it! I am going to ask about the L-Glutamine...thank yall so much for the kind words & advice!

lilyp6

Dolly, I finally got past the tiredness today. My next chemo is tomorrow. I know the steroids are horrible for my body, but they make me feel great. You must be very tough to get along without them. I should ask the nurse about the anemia. I rarely ate meat at all, and almost never red meat. My periods have been ridiculously heavy for a couple of years now, so I could have gone into this with anemia. Maybe it's not a feature of chemo at all. Hope you bounce back soon!

lilyp6

Lj, that wig is devine! My own favorite, on my avatar, was free from the ACS.

Moondust, you look fab, but that mange comment made me lol. I must be in the mange stage too.

lilyp6

Revnet, I've been having strange cravings too-things I never ate, like pancakes. They just pop up randomly. So odd...

krekre

bbbb – this is the worksheet that I use to keep track of SE's. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@nho/documents/document/acsq-009502.pdf

DistrictGirl – love love love your hair. Good luck! We have the same treatment. (Be prepared, they told me 5-6 hours and I was there 9 ½!)

Heathet – glad you are doing okay… was thinking about you.

NattyB – I made an appt with a naturopath who specializes in this stuff. I see him on Thursday morning. I'll report back on what he tells me about L-Glutamine and a whole host of other stuffs. I have the restless leg thing too… but in my whole body! Driving me nuts!

Dollydimple123 – Can't wait to hear what you learn about ovaries, etc.

LJ2016 – I love your wig! You look sassy!

Moondust – you look fabulous. Seriously.

Pepper – good luck! Hope everything comes out okay!

Coffee-Lover – you go girl! I'm not looking forward to that day! But you are smiling!

labscientistmom

OK, didn't get on compter till this evening, so feel Like I missed a lot. Can you tell I am NOT a facebooker? or twitterer?

Clarkblue: The fuzzy brain thing were you can't concentrate happened especially for me on week 2 but my son graduated and I was busy with my mom visiting and events, so I think I tired myself out. I have had it happen hear and there on weeks since then. It feels like I spent the day @the beach and my brain got too much sun. UUUuug! I have noticed that when I feel this way, if I add some coconut water to my ongoing bottle of herb/fruit tea, and have a protein shake, it seems to help. Not go away, but help.

Districtgirl, you are beautiful, but what a shock it is!!! Mine had been shoulder length or a bit more since college, and I am 49. Now it is about 1 inch short all over cause its coming out a lot and I was done with it everywhere and not wanting to sunburn my head. I am more at peace with it, but H*** C*** indeed!

Heathet & Pepper: re: constipation - bowl of raisin bran for breakfst is wonderful, has changed things for the better for me. I also been eating applesauce pouches with kale (target or costco) and Larabars peanut butter which is mostly dates and peanuts. Havn't had the turn yourself inside out stuff for several days, and it was BAD for the first few weeks. Pepper, Looking forward to seeing your youtube thing soon! (but not the one about pooping or not pooping, umm, anyway...)

So Dolly: ask if there is a UK cancer society that gives wigs for free! Havn't worn it out yet, cause its hot here, and its quite itchy. then you can go pick a color and be more of a bombshell than you are. BTW, you have to ask for genetic testing, and sometimes with HMO insurance, you have to wait for authorization cause, sister, its NOT cheap. Sorry you felt yucky, thats day 3-4 (Thur/Fri) after infusion. #SIX tomorrow YAY I am halfway through taxol. BUMMER,

I still have to do 2 more months of A/C and then rads. But I am working my way to defeat cancer!! yay for me. took steroids as my premed day, so a bit spastic and hyper. Took my son to two dentist appts, yay no cavities for him, spent some cool time @library and a couple other errands.

Moondust: I use my phone to remind me when to take zofran/tylenol during the day, or I will forget. I live north of the mountains from the beach, so sadly it was hot (and unusually sticky) today, around 100 so not as hot as last week, thank God!

Joeychen: glad your hear with us crazy people. sorry we all have to be here, but glad we are here together. the port surgery isn't too bad and I am so thankful for mine. Hope that goes well and your first session Thursday, HUZZAH, whoot whoot!

NattyB and Nextyear: this group is fantastic! I am so thankful for all of you! My friends here are golden, but they are also excited that I can encourage others actually going thru this and they ask me know, "what did your discussion board ladies say about that? "

Go us, fighter chicks of the world, UNITE!!! We are surviving killing off cancer cells, yay us! (can you tell I took steroids today??)

lilyp6

Oh, and Dolly, Pepper's Youtube link is at the top of page 20. Just click.

Daczahow

Starting chemo again in the morning this time it is 4 rounds of A/C I am so worked up tonight ! I don't think I will get any sleep ! Ugh ! I am not looking forward to this

Kdlee

Hello, I'm new to cancer and scared! I'm a 53 year old mom with twin 20 year old college juniors. Beginning chemo on July 15th and travel for work - usually a plane a couple of times a month. Any suggestions to keep myself healthy as possible through this process. I've been searching wigs....it's breaking my heart....there is as much to learn about wigs as cancer.....any ideas? What are the best kind?

Thanks group.....you all seem fun!

labscientistmom

And, here's more re[;ys from the second page of posts: I am off to take Ambien and hopefully sleep on steroids. the downside of steroids, hyper,and spastic. The good side, my banged-up-as-a-kid knee and hip don't hurt even close to as much. Yay antiinflammatory.

Hey Pepper, med bill: make sure you check online with your insurance website that they billed it correctly. ALL my weekly lab work claims and now the CAT scan claim have been denied because they billed it incorrectly. Just saying, maybe save you $$. Cause if you give it, they are NOT quick to give it back.

Also, remember everybody, don't drink too much coconut water, you can zap your heart with too much potassium.

EVERYONE looking at benefits of daily aspirin: please look at the dosage, weigh benefit vs cost: if your recurrance risk is only10%, then 60% of that isn't much. If its 40%, then its a bigger benefit. Also, aspirin regimin deactivates platelets, which means you will have easier bruising. So if you are active, or do stuff that bangs you around, you can get easier bruising or nosebleeds. I have had bleeding in my sinus and nasal septum every day since starting taxol, and I am glad it hasn't been worse cause my platelet counts been decent, but if you are getting aniemic or bruising, taking aspirin makes it worse. Just a science nerd cost/benefit (my economic teacher husband is so proud!) reminder.

LJ: wish I could find a cheap wig that LOOKS LIKE MY HAIR. never, NEVER have I had straight hair, and cooler sounds better. thanks for listing what kind. You look amazing!!

REVNET: watch out for gatorade and color dyes. don't need more weird chemicals. Lipton has a good tea/honey additive that my husband likes. Or use drip/drop at the pharmacy, I think JOhnson/Johnson makes it. I have been adding coconut water to my cold tea (fruit/herbal, so no caffeine) to help with rehydration. Makes it taste better. Also I get body aches too, day 3 - 5 (with day 1 being chemo day.) makes my back so tight, triggers my asthma then I can't breathe well. ppphooey, chemo, the gift that keeps on giving.

bbbb: see if you can contact American Cancer society and they can pair you with a person that lives near you with a similar diagnosis. Then contact them and have their husband talk to yours, I think its really helped my husband to talk to someone who has gone through it. He is a high school teacher too! Hope that you feel better. Maybe try some protein shakes? I got some good ones from Target, pea protein, No soy, lots of fruits and veggies. They make me feel better when I have one during the day and feel yucky. (oooh, very scientific, NO??)

Southern Yankee: I will be thinking of you in the chair tomorrow. Take some music, breathe, you can do this!!! and tell the infusion nurses about any weird feelings, they are all there to take care of you! I will try to post from my phone - its harder. Praying for you, you are stronger than you think. God is will you, be strong and courageous!! You go girl!

Lilyp6: watch out for iron supplements, they can add to the constipation. You can get applesauce packs with Kale from target or costco. also get a yummmy fresh hamburger from some place like InNOut that makes everything fresh. build that bone marrow!! Your wig looks amazing! I got mange looking too. (without the actual mange mites, eeeewwww). I am doing #Taxol tomorrow, be thinking of you too and praying for you.

Good night to all, more tomorrow on the chair or when I get home! blessings, ((HUGS)) and love to all, you gals rock!!!-A

Daczahow

If you can get a human hair wig it is the best ! You can treat it just like your hair ... Curl it blow it dry even highlight it/color it etc. they can be really expensive but I was lucky enough to find out that my insurance would cover the cost for one! All my oncologist had to do was write me a prescription for a "cranial prosthetic" so weird but I called my insurance and they told me about some medical prosthetic facilities that were in network. I had my wig the next week ! I would start with you insurance maybe you will get lucky like I did

Daczahow

KDLEE:If you can get a human hair wig it is the best ! You can treat it just like your hair ... Curl it blow it dry even highlight it/color it etc. they can be really expensive but I was lucky enough to find out that my insurance would cover the cost for one! All my oncologist had to do was write me a prescription for a "cranial prosthetic" so weird but I called my insurance and they told me about some medical prosthetic facilities that were in network. I had my wig the next week ! I would start with you insurance maybe you will get lucky like I did

labscientistmom

Kdlee: Welcome to our wacky women group fighting cancer! Sorry you have to be here too, but glad you are in it with us. did you already have surgery?? If you did, and clear margins, you got cancer OUT girl, just need to kill the little sneaky seeds DEAD so it never comes back!!! This is such a weird thing to go thru, I was freaked out and scared too, but once you have a plan and get moving with it, it does get a LITTLE< bitty, as Dolly would say, wee, bit better. Doing is better than waiting. Yes, hair losing broke my heart too. when it is all over your bathroom, and your drain and your hands, you heart is not as attached to it. it helped me a bit that its hot, and easier to get ready without having to deal with hair. and remember, as someone quoted here, you can grow back hair, but not a liver or brain or leg bone. That put it a little bit on the better of two evils choices for me. Make sure you find the starting July board too, so you can share info with others doing it at the same time, but keep us posted too. I will be praying for God's peace to wrap you up in a totally beyond comprehension way, don't be a slave to fear! He holds us all in His hand, loves us sooo much, and gives good gifts, not this malicious pit of hell thing called cancer. Focus on the goal, keep cancer away. AS far as flying, talk to your oncologist about lymphadema if you already had surgery, flying can make that harder. ACS gives free wigs, check out on their website where a local one is, call their wigbank and go get a free one. Then find a good wigshop near you and talk to them about options. If you live at the hotter part of the country, I would advise checking out chemobeanies.com - I love mine, its very cool and stylish. You can accessorize it with a scarf or sash or headband. Talk to your MO about infection control on the flight. He/she might have suggestions or a DR note to give the airline. Also, you can get masks to wear to keep from breathing everyone's germs. or they have some gel stuff I have seen at pharmacy taht supposed to help block allergens from your nose if you smear it there (doesn't that sound lovely.) I also heard if you get a seat in the front of the plane, then only the bulkhead in front of you, maybe less contagious there. hope this helps, breathe, you can do this! blessings, A

labscientistmom

ok, one more post: Pepper: bookmarked your Youtube page, that's a first for me! I liked your rant about people bagging on other people's stuff, TOTALLY agree with you. I like the 21 day plan, can I do it during chemo? I told my husband, I like this lady, she is gonna help me lose weight! I did weightwatchers points before, and that made sense. I have actually eaten better since getting my port placed and starting chemo than ever before (cause there's lots of stuff that makes my stomach catch on fire, that I am NOT eating any more, thank you very much). Most of those things are bad for me. I feel blessed to have lost 10 lbs in the last 6 weeks, even taking steroids 3 days a week. whoot whoot, huzzah for me, thank you Jesus. Anyhoo, gonna beef up on more of your info videos, and listen for your feedback on the during chemo question. but, gonna do that tomorrow and the end of the week when I only feel like sitting around cause I feel body achy and tired. good day to watch my new friends youtube.

Dolly: top of page 20. easy link. She's the bomb! (she actually reminds me a lot of you). blessings my friends, A

krekre

Is anyone finding it difficult to "come out" on FB? I haven't said anything yet. Thinking maybe a photo some day without hair will do... do I need to make an announcement? No, right?

Eleanora23

I just had my third Taxol of 12, 3/12, and so far only one Herceptin. My main issue write now is the highs and lows, roid rage

and LACK OF SLEEP (it is now 3 am and I could be up all night ) especially the first few days after infusion. I saw my MO first time after starting TX and I did bring it up. She spent more of her time scheduling stuff and looking at her PC, needless to say not super happy there. Anyway, the Steriods I thought since sleep is so important for healing and it is a ann issue anyway (if docs took time to know you personally she would certainly know about this) Like all the other potential and new SEs,the doc brushed off the Steriodal thing, except to say it would be at least several weeks before considering dose reduction. At least in our brief encounter I did confirm the primary use of it was to prevent allergic reactions (Taxol) however not to Herceptin (I had thought it was for both). I asked about sleep again on the way out, she said the clonapin I already use is enough, no to do much.

Here's to hoping to work tomorrow. I'm gonna skip GYM and second job tomorrow night and just rest and read. That is always the plan I start out with! Let's see if I finish

I don't have any cancer buddies, heck I only have a bunch of aquaintances in the rural area I live in. No one to throw a hair cutting party with! So I would like a buddy or two online...why not ? I have had friends in my life that life thousands of miles away.

A truly "meant " "HOW ARE YOU" and just an acknolwedgement can go a long away. I never talk about my cancery stuff unless I'm on here. Alaas that is for antoehr thread. You can ask but if others don't wanna know about it they don know about it. My new handle is "PINK ELEPHANT" I love it, very winky winky ## if you know what I mean.

DistrictGirl

Wowee everyone is looking so beautiful with their short hair and wigs!!!!!

Had my first infusion yesterday - honestly wasnt too bad. SO grateful I had almost a week to heal from my port surgery, that part went very smoothly yesterday. No reactions during my premeds or 4 infusions of HPCT - yay! Just very sleepy from Benadryl and Ativan. They gave me a private room since we had so much gear, felt good! My husband and dad were the cold cap kings and totally took charge, even while I was sleeping from the drugs! I had a new friend there as their mentor - she's been thru all of these treatments and cold capping last year and was a huge help.

I definitely felt like a huge line of 18-wheeler were driving over me in the evening, so I did an Irish goodbye on my guests and went to bed early. Feeling pretty good this morning - took a preemptive Zofran since my tummy feels jumpy and weird and want to stay ahead of nausea. Going in for neulasta shot today and meeting with naturopath doc to get a prescription for medical marijuana! Never had any before, so this should be interesting 😊

Krekre - regarding social media - there's no one right answer for everyone - just do what you feel most comfortable with. My aunt gave me wonderful advice by urging me to ask myself at every decision point - is this life affirming, or life diminishing? Do you think sharing it will be a burden, or that people's reactions will be too hard to deal with? Or do you think it will result in a lot of love and support that you think you need at this time? Answer is different for everyone, just listen to your gut. My aunt chose to keep completely silent during her journey except with fam and close friends and that worked best for her. Whereas I have a blog and chose to share publicly on that and am being very public on Facebook and that was the absolute best decision for me.

Also speaking of Jack Daniels, had to share my baby - Jack Daniels the dog! Here he is on a picnic last weekend!

pepper43

Wow! Do I have a lot of catching up to do or what?? Before I do a player by player, I'd love to ask each of you which supplements you're taking during chemo and why. I actually had a new bc friend recommend a specific supplement, but my onco's nurse tsk tsk'd it because of high antioxidant levels (oncologist indicated she wouldn't be rah rah for it, but wouldn't be a hater if it gave me better piece of mind). Since I'm on a cancer cell booty kicking mission that I don't want to jeopardize, I decided on siding with the nurse and just waiting to take it until 4 week break between chemo and surgery.

Alright, let me catch up with you ladies!

krekre- I feel you on the kids part- that's been really hard. Especially hard knowing that it's summertime and this stupid cancer has pretty much stripped our family of summer "normalcy." Is there a KidsCan program near you? I'm not sure if American Cancer Society plans these but they are supposedly very good support groups for kids. I'll be calling to register our youngest for the next meet-up today. Thanks for the link to tracking SE (this will be helpful!). I think I'm not the only one looking forward to your naturopath's report. As far as making it FB official, that's completely your call. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, don't. Sllly me took one of those mammogram selfies before my scheduled one- and then wound up resharing it after learning I needed to have my masses biopsied and that it was highly likely I had cancer. I'm typically a positive, funny, quirky lady- and it felt weird to me to keep all the worry & anguish private. Whatever feels right to you, do.

Heathet- I hope you're feeling less fatigued!

bbbb- Hurray on getting your first infusion done and staying positive (this, my friend, is a good chunk of the battle).

DistrictGirl- Look at you all FLY with that cut (love the snapchat!). How did your first chemo go?

Dolly- BRCA testing here in the states largely depends on whether your insurance covers it (or you're willing to spend $$$$). It's hella crazy expensive. Thankfully ours does- I think it's most helpful in determining whether you should consider bilateral mastectomy & even a hysterectomy given your genetic risk. I'm 100% ER positive and 30% progesterone positive and I'm leaning towards ovary removal (though I may change my mind after future research). You don't get a "no blockers" needed pass with ovary removal- you'll still need to take meds but will likely be switched to arometase inhibitors sooner because ovary removal = menopause. I've seen studies where it can reduce risk of recurrence. I need to do more digging and do a risk/benefit analysis. Since that's way down the treatment pipeline, I'm putting it to the side for now. I think you'll all appreciate my bowel movement yesterday- I texted the hubs "I pooped!!! Yay!!" Yet another reason to feel like this new bald look is suiting me; I'm crowing over making a doody. Ha! Here's my YT link again if you don't feel like digging for it: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNxr1fnP49rneZYZ...

Jo- Sounds like you've given chemo regimen much thought. Good for you for advocating for yourself. You're going to LOVE the port. It took forever and many ouches for a nurse to get my wiggling vein just to do the port procedure. I've had a chemo infusion once with my port and it was a relative breeze.

Coffee-lover- I love the GI Jane look! Haven't yet doused my head with sunscreen. I pop on a sunhat when out and about (which has been not too often given that "new chemo fatigue.")

LJ- I laughed out loud at "the anyone seen my bangs?"" And I love your new short wig. It looks amazeballs.

lilyp6- I've been keeping exercise to a short walk around the block and some errands/chores. I've been sidelined by fatigue. I'm hoping to do a Yoga Booty Ballet workout today. Wish me luck!

NextYear- *raising my hand for Neulasta*. I'm getting it for 4 AC infusions- not sure if they do it for Taxol as well. That reminds me I need to check into that.

NattyB- looooove the Jack Daniel's joke. 8-)

revnet- How did the orange chicken temptation fight wind up? And how are you feeling today?

Moondust- Hair is looking gooooooooood! And you're right. Bald/short does come in handy for the summer heat. That's a big pro.

StrongerYankee- keep us posted on your AC infusion! Hope all goes well.

Labscientist- Thanks for tips! You know, Raisin Bran was a surprise childhood fave cereal of mine (baffled my mother that I liked it). I may need to pick up a box. As far as 21 Day Fix during chemo, I probably wouldn't recommend it (at least not while you're in chemo). I think you'd need more calories. The macros are probably pretty much on point with many recommendations when it comes to "cancer" diets, but I think we've got enough on our plate during this time than to worry about following a set program. I think it's better to focus on eating small meals frequently, getting that protein in and listening to our bodies. I'd love to help you get on board when you're done though so PM me if you like at that time.

Daczahow - keep us posted on chemo!

kdlee- Welcome! Be sure to scroll to beginning of thread and read through- lots of tips to be found throughout! Take a deep breath and go day by day.

Eleanna- Definitely have a chat with your onco- either get a sleep medication or adjust your steroid meds. Sleep is so vital -especially now. Be vocal even if it's outside your comfort zone.

Phew! That was a long one. Wishing you all a terrific Tuesday!

pepper43

DistrictGirl- Jack Daniels is ADORABLE!!!!

DistrictGirl

Pepper - here's a post I shared with ClarkBlue on a different thread about the supplements I'm on.... with some slight modifications. Highly suggest seeing a naturopath and also coordinating with your MO! Hope this helps!

-----

Here's my supplement regimen so far (may need to be adjusted once chemo starts). Huge disclaimer that this is my specific plan that my doctors deemed appropriate for me based on my treatment (TCHP), age (30), test results, etc. Please ask your doctors before proceeding with any of this, everyone is different! I'm meeting with my wellness coach today to create a plan to phase some of this stuff in over the next week before chemo and to figure out when to take each of these every day (so i'm not taking 32342309480239 pills at once!)

To support my heart while on Herceptin:

• Fish Oil - Omega 3s (I use the lemon-flavored liquid Nordic Naturals) - at least 3000mg - WITH FOOD
• CoQ10 - 100mg
• Vitamin E - 800 IU/day

To help prevent/treat GI side effects from chemo: (note, I have minor IBS so I do the top 3 things every day anyways)

• DGL tablets (I LOVE the german chocolate flavored ones) - 2 before every meal and as needed for heartburn/indigestion/nausea (already REALLY coming in handy on my first day post-infusion!)
• Swedish bitters - 1 tsp before every meal
• Digestive enzymes - 1 tablet with each heavier meal
• L-glutamine powder (I use Metabolic Maintenance brand) - 3g, 2-3x/day - awesome for gut health, mouth sores, and neuropathy
• Probiotics (I have Klaire Therbiotic Complete Powder, this is super potent at 100 billion count, whereas I was taking 10B before. going to gradually work this in) - 1/4 tsp 2x/day
  
• Magnesium - 200mg - calming and good for gut health - can take more up to bowel tolerance to help with constipation

My Naturopath Doctor recommended I mix the L-glutamine with the probiotics with water at least once a day to swish around in my mouth and then swallow so I get a good coating that will help prevent and/or heal mouth sores. Can also put the powders in smoothies.

Other cancer-fighting stuff...

• Vitamin B (she was very specific about me getting this particular brand - Metabolic Maintenance phosphorylated B-complex) - 1 daily WITH FOOD (can upset tummy)
• Vitamin D3 along with Vitamin K2 - 4000-10000 IU/day (will depend on my D3 lab results, currently taking 4000)
• Melatonin - 20mg /day before bed - great cancer fighting properties, helps with breast health and gut health, also helps with sleep especially on steroid

Note - while Curcumin and EGCG (green tea complex) can be great for cancer-fighting, she told me to stop taking them because of my particular chemo cocktail, apparently it wouldn't mix well. Something to keep in mind and explore based on your particular circumstances and doctors' advice.

Miscellaneous...

• I'm getting my melatonin and magnesium in a formula called Prothrivers Wellness Sleep. It also has Theanine, which my ND described as "Nature's Xanax" - has a calming effect. I really really love this pill!
• I switched my allergy meds from Allegra to Claritin since it can help with Neulasta side effects

NattyB

Good morning girls - back at work for day 2 of the real world (kinda sucks). Chemo day is tomorrow (working fro home the rest of the week), just down the hall from my office - I'm sure at some point I will have PTSD from my professional and personal worlds colliding and decide I don't want to work here anymore. Not likely since we use my insurance. Speaking of - Pepper - I've looked at my Aetna online and it's laughable how much money is being tossed about and the bills are piling up and the first batch from surgery was billed to the old account number - I think I'm at $186,000 at this point which of course if the first pass at what the hospital bills to insurance. I kind of just wish I could give them my max out of pocket now and just say let's call it even but we wait....

LJ - that wig is amazing on you. I purchased 2 on my own but you have me thinking I need to check with the ACS and see what they have. Somewhere on these boards a woman said she was able to get a natural hair one for free from them.

Dolly - I am with you on the chemicals. I've only taken birth control - that's it and now I have my bottles sorted in baskets - just gross really. I think Pepper spoke to the percentages of Estrogen but yes fond out your numbers, it kind of helps guide you in terms of the long term. I am 100% ER and PR so my ovaries need to shut up as well as the other Estrogen hiding spots in my body which is why I am trying to get my body fat percentage down in this "cleansing" process of chemo. (Thank you Moondust for the inspiring comments there - let's keep us all motivated! - and btw, you really look great, like great great!)

Southernyankee - Thinking about you and chemo today, you've got us all in your pocket. The first one is stressful since there is the unknown, but hopefully it will be a non-event. You will find yourself just waiting for any twinge of anything thinking its a side effect - try and just live your regular life. Easier said than done but staying busy helped me not fixate.

Kdlee - welcome, glad you have found us, sucks to be here but this group is a blessing and very inspiring and fun. You can do this!

District girl - love love your dog, how can you go wrong with Jack Daniels? I'm a vodka and wine girl and sadly do miss that this summer - pretty sure some friends miss me drinking with them this summer but I have been a DD a time or two. Not sure I will continue in that role, kind of depressed me. I mourned my fun summer already, so whatever. I miss a tan too but I shall reward myself with something sparkly when this is over:)

Krekre - about the FB thing. I was kind of outed not super publicly by a friend who put together a meal train when I had my BMX. I wasn't quite prepared but it was a blessing since we had meals delivered for like 6 weeks which helped feed my hub and teenage boys. I've been debating whether to post my story or not - haven't decided. I'll take all the support I can but not sure I want to keep the cancer channel on all the time either, tough decision since we haved moved a lot and our circle is spread out across the country. I loved that advice (district girl maybe?) is it life affirming or diminishing - I find myself really introspective lately when I think about what this shitty BC thing means in my life long term. A few girls I know that are done with treatment that were diagnosed in their 30's with kids etc have talked about how they stay paranoid. I can totally see that and am aware of how crippling that can be. Anyways, it's on my radar as another to do - like don't be paranoid, check that off the list lol.

Hope you are all having a lovely morning so far:)