Anyone Starting Chemo in June 2016

labscientistmom

justmetoo:Its good for all of us to remember, this chemo is our friend, it will make us stronger, and kill off the cancer cell seeds that might be lurking. WE NEED to keep that in focus, it supports our body being able to get through this in a healthy way. So glad it gave you hope. I do think its more likely and my experience that each dose of the chemo is a little tougher to get thru and bounce back from. Its all cumulative and meant to work that way. I don't think a tolerance is even possible: the chemo kills cells, that's what its supposed to be doing, just kills our dividing healthy cells along with the cancer, and the healthy cells have to regenerate. the killing and regeneration is what causes the SEs, so supportive care for our bodies to do that is what makes us feel better. I also think this is why everyond has a bit different experience, every body is different. Lots of water, lots of protein, some excercise to keep the bowels moving, fruits and veggies and fiber too, all the supportive stuff and meds ---think of this as a war of attrition, we have to survive well longer than the cancer cells. If you feel bad, think of how much the cancer cells are DYING!!! #rant over, sorry

LIttle Red: only 5 more chemo treatments. 9 weeks to go!! blessings and {{hugs}} back to you!!

wheeler: glad you are here, and getting through it too. Consider getting l-glutamine power ASAP and start taking it, it really helps the neuropathy pain and numbness in your hands, fingers, feet and toes. I have seen a big difference in my fingers since I started taking one scoop two times a day mixed with a drink of some kind. I also have been icing my feet and hands and that does help too. No hit with a hammer, slammed my nails in a door pain since the l-glutamine.

blessings to all, A

Anonymous

Labscientist,

How are you doing? I am hoping chemo went well and you are being good to yourself and taking things very easy. Those first few days are the bad ones aren't they? I am not looking forward to this Friday.

I am glad you have an appointment to see about sinuses. This is totally linked to chemo though is it not?

How many lymph nodes did you have out Labscientist? Did you have them all removed? I just had 3 taken out. My arm is totally normal. I am concerned though about the effect that rads on lymph nodes will have as I have since decided to have rads done on them too. I might as well!

D

PS Did I say how much I hope you are not feeling unwell?

PPS To everyone else, I am so hoping we are doing OK and getting closer to the finishing line. Remember this is temporary...and it's only a few months.

labscientistmom

HI Dolly: I will be thinking of you and praying for you on Friday. Yes, the sinus problem is totally linked to chemo, if effects my eyes too, they feel especially dry and sometimes I can't focus. The inside of my sinus lookes like its been splashed with acid, and the right side is swollen closed some and perpetually filled with bloody goo. I am hoping to see the ENT sooner than two weeks, but that's when I could get in as of now. Only one more taxol infusion, but MO is concerned with how yucky it is, and maybe I need something done to help it get better sooner, being as my sinus is right next to my brain and eyes and I need them.

I had 12 lymph nodes out, only one was taken over by cancer that they saw on the ultrasound and biopsied. I am glad I have access to lymphedema PT specialists, I am confident they will get me ready for rads and help my flexability. I already have quite a bit of fluid build up in my underarm, side along ribs and in the left breast where I had surgery. Its good to get it moving OUT.

Thanks for your concern, I am tired today, and drained as usual (I always feel especially dry, all the time, the taxol drys me out!) but I took an hour nap earlier, so I felt better, had a lovely rotisserie chicken and veggie dinner from a meal train friend and then had a nice visit /chat with another friend who comes by on chemo nights to talk and visit and schmooze with my cats.

Yes I agree, I hope to be feeling ok the next few days, there aren't many left of summer. hope you have a good sleep, talk more with you tomorrow. I enjoy your funny selfies on facebook, silly beautiful lady. blessings and {{hugs}} -A

to everyone else, good sleep and a great and healthy day tomorrow, find joy!! -A

Heathet

labscientistmom - glad they are getting you in to see an ENT, wish it was sooner for you! Maybe they'll have s cancellation. I've noticed Istill have a little swelling on my left side just under my armpit. I had 7 lymph nodes taken out and now I'm wondering if I should see a specialist about getting that fluid moving. I see my PS Thursday so I'm going to ask him.

I saw my MO today and my counts were low - esp platelets and hemoglobin. She recommended lots of fruit and walking to help with platelets and of course continue with iron supplements. She also wants me to start a multi-vitamin. I explained how bad my fatigue is and she wants me to try ginseng. She said there are studies out that show it helps with fatigue. I can get it in pill form or a tea. I also explained my hot flashes and mood swings so she wants me to try an anti-depressant. She prescribed Effexor. I'm going to give it a try - I'm hoping to stop those repetitive thoughts and be less anxious and emotional ! I'm hoping by Friday that counts are back up so I can get my chemo! Never thought I'd hear myself say I actual want to get a chemo treatment! I just want to be one step closer to the finish line!!

I think someone asked if chemo is cumulative or is the SEs get better with each treatment because we build up a tolerance - I think we're all different when it comes to how we will react to the chemo. For me, it seems cumulative. My second treatment was harder than the first - the SEs seemed more intense, especially fatigue. But for others this isn't always the case.

Moondust

Dolly, enjoy the heck out of your days until the next infusion! I am doing a lot of healthy cooking this morning. I know how much you hate that cold cap, but your hair looks fabulous for what you are going through, so I'm glad you are putting up with the discomfort. I think it is a good decision to have your nodes radiated. There could be some bad little cells hiding there. That's why I am a little freaked out that the bumpy lymph node in my neck has disappeared. All of my doctors felt it and said it was not concerning, but why is it gone now after a few years of always being there? I wish I had monitored it more closely right before I started chemo. If it was cancer cells that are now gone, that is great, but they did not radiate my nodes because the one sentinel node was negative. Now I'll always be a bit nervous about that.

Heathet, I hope the additional meds help you cope. Surprised at the multi-vitamin recommendation, since they usually contain high levels of the antioxidants we are not supposed to have. I think the swelling under your armpit is normal at this stage after surgery, but no harm in getting it checked out. The real problem is if your arm starts to swell.

Labmom, I'm glad you are getting a chance to take it easy!

I had a very nice hike on Sunday, but didn't take photos, except that I snapped a pic of the lovely private cabin I was invited to stay at the night before. I wish it were mine! And a fantastic surprise - we found morel mushrooms growing along part of the route! It was not a real trail, so there is hardly anyone who ever goes that way. I brought home five nice morels and cooked them last night! Yum!

justmetoo

Mondust, Heathet, DollyD, labscientistmom and all new comers....

Thank you for sharing so much of your experience, I'm learning as I go and you all are making it easier.  Today I signed up for Susan G Komen race and I'm putting together a  team.  I have found that there is so much healing for me personally just telling my story.  I know that's a personal decision but I'm just speaking for me.  I just wanted to say thank you to all for sharing, you are helping me in ways that I can't explain.

Thanks

Marie

Anonymous

Moondust

Thank you soooooo much. I am ready for this next infusion. Did massive tidy up today in house. Went shopping for all my ice lollies and bottled waters and juices. Have also changed bed and got my wee pink bucket out ready for action. I have all washing done and have even baked some lovely sugar free organic cheese scones as they seem to be something I can manage to eat when going through my little bit of sickness.

I am glad you agree with me on the radiotherapy and the nodes. I was told by my surgeon that this is the 'gold standard' but that there is a new school of thought that now says maybe there is no need for women like me who are stage 1B with micromets in just one node, to even bother with radiotherapy in the nodes. I was not sure what to do, but once you actually get close to the end of this treatment, I think you become more sensible and more willing to do everything and anything to protect yourself. It might be that I get a dodgy arm as a result, but so what, I have a dodgy boob and I was never 'quite right' to begin with anyway hahaha....so I am defo going to do RADS on lymph nodes too.

Has your lymph node in neck gone since you did chemo? Surely you would not get cancer in a node in the neck with breast cancer...would you? At any rate is gone now. Can you not ask for RADS still in underarm area? The thing is though that chemo would have dealt with whatever was there. I feel so glad actually that I did have micromets as that is what got me my chemo and I keep thinking that I might have come back as a false negative and then not had any chemo. There is some comfort for us all knowing that we have had this vile chemo treatment.

Thanks for hair comments. Oh God, I am panicking about the cold cap totally. I had such a horrible time with it the last time. I have heard that it gets worse as you go along. But for what it is worth I am pretty impressed with my hair too. I am still getting out and about and nobody is any the wiser.

Chemo has proved to be a good pal to me so far. She is clearing my body of cancer and still keeping my SEs to a minimum. And the Paxman machine is my best friend ever...although on Friday there will be a short falling out for a period of 4 hours. But once I get home, I will be fine and dandy.

That pic was taken just a few days ago. That is 9 weeks after first chemo. I have only 6 weeks left after Friday!!! Yes!

Your cabin looks so cute. Did you get lots of lovely walks done? I am impressed with your fitness levels during all of this as I have felt tired at times. What did you cook today? I am looking for dishes or recipes or any sort of food that will boost calcium levels as I have cut out all dairy. Do you know of any foods that might help? I have spinach and turnip and certain fruits, but am still looking for low cal ways to boost calcium levels daily.

Dolly

labscientistmom

Heathet: The lympoedema PT said that the fluid in my breast and under my arm/above ribs is considered lymphoedema because its' been more than 6 weeks since my surgery. She also several times stated the problem is infection risk as that lymph fluid is protein rich so attractive to bacteria. I am also glad she will be helping stretch the tight scar tissue where the 12 lymph nodes were removed. I have good range of motion, but it is tight. Bummer about your low blood counts. Praying for strength for you and no delay in your treatment.

Moondust: thanks for the pic, lovely place to stay. Glad you got out and about.

Dolly: you are lovely as ever. I also think the rads are wise. kill all the possible cancer meanies DEAD.

Justmetoo: you go girl, doing the race thing!! Whoot, whoot! Glad we are encouraging you!! Your are brave and strong!

Blessings and goodnight to all, A

Anonymous

Labscientist

I am defo doing RADS in lymph nodes. I was initially hesitant as I was fearful of damage to arm...but seriously, I am just desperate to kill all those wee buggers that think they are going to get at me again. No way Jose....

I did get told today that I was not getting a boost with RADS though. Anyone know anything about this? I had thought I'd get an overall whole breast rad and then a more concentrated one where the lump was. But apparently I have not been put down for a boost. Anyone getting a boost and if so, why?

I also said I was refusing the tattoos, doctor NOT too impressed. Sat looking at me as if I was daft. SO I then just said I don't want any reminder of this whole period in my life. He then went into huge explanation as to why I needed tatts. Apparently should I ever need radiotherapy in the future they need to know exactly where they zapped me in the past. I am off to look further into this.

Moondust

Marie, it is wonderful that you are forming a team for the Susan G Komen race! You go!

Dolly, I want to say again that the rad tattoos are so small that you will have to hunt for them after this is all over. Just a tiny dot, smaller than a mole. I just had a look for mine and could barely see it. Your breast will never look exactly the same as it did before surgery, so there's no way you will ever be free of reminders about this part of your life anyway. I think you should let them place the tattoos.

A lot of the non-dairy milk substitutes are fortified with calcium. I don't know if your UK nutrition labels list the calcium as ours do. My almond milk contains 45% of my daily calcium requirement per cup. I think you said you are using rice milk. That may have calcium or not. Have you tried almond milk? Oranges have a fair amount, and orange juice is sometimes fortified with calcium. If you eat canned salmon or sardines with tiny bones, that is a good source. Turnip greens, collard greens and kale are good sources, as well as white beans, figs, and almonds. Tofu is a great source but not if you are avoiding all soy. And don't forget broccoli and bok choy. But actually, I think it would be a good idea to take a couple of calcium supplement pills throughout the day. Calcium Citrate is the form best absorbed, and make sure you take your Vitamin D with it.

Yesterday I made some chana dal in the slow cooker. It is an Indian dish using a special type of garbanzo bean (aka chickpea), many Indian spices, tomatoes, onions and garlic. It turned out delish! Dolly, since you are diabetic, you would be interested in reading this about chana dal and diabetes. I also made some avocado chickpea mash because my hubby wanted some on a sandwich. Today I will be making something with the rhubarb and strawberries I bought. Maybe a pie, maybe muffins (or both!) Rhubarb is not grown here because of the heat, so it is difficult to find and usually very expensive, but I got a good deal on it. I also need to use up some fresh basil, so pesto is on the list too. And I have a nice cucumber I'll make into some sort of salad. Cooking is very relaxing and satisfying these days!

Anonymous

Moondust,

My boob is almost perfect...(my scar is sitting right around the areola) Sooooo, I will forget about this period of my life. Watch me...haha. I was told by doc today that he would fill in on my records that I was not happy about the tattoos and he will get them to speak to me. However I am still digging my little feet in the ground. I am not having them done. I do appreciate that they are small, but I just don't want them. If they say it is dangerous for me NOT to have them, then maybe I will change my mind. But I need them to tell me that I am most definitely going to put myself at risk by refusing them. We shall see what comes of it.

You have been cooking furiously Moondust. I read that link and have never heard of this bean before. I may have to go see how where I can buy it. My major task this next week AFTER all my SEs are over, after tomorrow's chemo, is that I need to get into that gym and get moving my backside. I was told today exercise is vital in the no cancer returning thing. So I need to get exercising every single day. I need to get to that gym every night after work. I am also hopeful that this aspirin trial will also help me too.

I am thinking of just moving out to USA and staying with you Moondust. You seem to be very homely and making lots of good foods and healthy stuff. I think you might just want to adopt me????? I will be good honest! ahaha. I love rhubarb. It is just divine, I have rhubarb bushes in my back garden and also blueberry and gooseberry ones. I am planning on using the blueberries in my smoothies.

I had a similar list to your one on the subject of calcium. I need 1000mg (?) of calcium a day. So it means a whole lot of spinach and orange juice. I am going to see what calcium is in my rice milk but had heard that things that are fortified with calcium are not really that good and they prefer it to be pure calcium and not foodstuffs and not things fortified. I need a dietician I think.

So I am now on a mission. I plan on losing weight in the next month. Just 7lbs. I am being realistic and sensible. I am going to do my very best.

D

PS Your husband is a rascal demanding you make him lots of lovely dinners. Have you not trained him better to do the cooking for you?

ClarkBlue

Alice... Love Chana Dal... Please please please post recipe!!!

Had an interesting encounter yesterday that I will post later... We have friends coming over in a bit and I need to get off my ass and get myself together, grab some things at the store, clean out the pool, etc.

Chat soon,

-keely

lilyp6

Moondust: All that you mentioned sounds wonderful. I'm imagining a nice (virtual) dinner party for this group. I'll help! I am good at prep!

Acie

dinner party? I'll bring wine. (I wish!)

revnet

heathnet - thanks for the aquaphor suggestion. It's on my shopping list tomorrow.

lilyp6 -- lolla was awesome! I saw Foals, M83(one of my favorites of all time), Miike Snow(swedish indie pop), and Radiohead! I too went to the original lolla in 91 and 92, and even beyond for a few years. And since moving to Chicago, now that it's only here and not traveling, I try to go most years. I didn't stand all day. I found a great spot to the right of the stage on a little hill so got to lay out a blanket and had a great view of the stage and the large screens. I walked around the festival a bit, but mostly sat around as all the bands I wanted to see were in the same field! It was awesome.

labscientistmom - I'm was not too tired from the music festival. I took it really easy and music seeing live music gives me life! It's kinda my thing and in reference to your post about chemo being our friend during treatment. I too view it this way. In fact, before the bag gets hung up and I get plugged in, I ask to hold it and i send it my gratitude and thanks. I like to send it good vibes going in!

moondust, I just bought an instapot pressure cooker and have a bag of chana dal waiting to be cooked up!

As for my update, I'm heading to my 3rd TC treatment in the morning. I have my cold caps on ice. My last treatment went really really well for me as far as SE's go. I feel good until Sunday night, then I get some soreness in my neck and around my body. then Monday night or Tuesday the SE's from the Neulasta start kicking in and I deal with those for a few days. But my fever last time was short, so no hospital visit, and I take claritan to avoid most of the bone pain from that. I think it works pretty well. Just some annoying jolts of mild pain.
I am hoping that round 3 will be similar! I have big plans Sunday night to see Dolly Parton in concert, so I am hoping to be able to use my previous experiences to leverage how I'm gonna feel. Probably not great, but definitely not terrible. Good enough to enjoy Dolly! I hope!

Wishing you all good things.

Anonymous

Chemo 4 done. It was not too bad. I am in bed feeling OK so far and it is 10.30pm! Hoping to get a sleep right through the night. And no pink buckets either....

Dolly

bbbb

Officially back at work for two days and it was great! Next infusion is Monday and I am thinking positive that it will be better than last time. MO scheduled me for fluids on Wednesday along with new meds for the big D so hopefully this will help me feel ok for the first day the kids come on Thursday. If not, my fabulous principal has assigned a helper to be with me on Thursday so I can leave, restroom, go sit and rest for a bit , or do whatever I need because as a teacher you can't just leave the room when you have to go to the bathroom, you have to wait until someone can come watch your class - not exactly a great scenario if the big D happens! My coworkers have been great, supportive but not treating me like I'm "sick". We are having lots of fun with wig jokes!

My mom has also been visiting for the past week and that was a nice treat.

Dolly - YEEAAH - 4th treatment done ! Praying you have NO SE's this time around!

revnet - hoping you are doing well after third treatment!

Anonymous

Ladies,

4th chemo, was a doddle. Not one single feeling of sickness. Not a single anti-sickness tablet taken or needed. Only thing pissing me off a tad is the red face I have from chemo, or is it steroids? Anyway that will go in a day or so.

Also cold cap was my best friend this time. It did not even feel cold! I was given a mild sedative before having it put on and think that totally helped me. So all in all....fingers up to chemo...you have STILL NOT floored me and never sodding will!

Dolly

labscientistmom

Glad you are doing so well DOLLY!! Loved your picture with the silly cold cap and blanket! I have more numbness in my fingers and tired the last two days, but doing ok overall. My port was really hurting today for some weird reason. My son got his yellow belt in karate today! Was glad to be there for the test. Planning on lunch with my neice tomorrow, she moved back in the area recently. She's a pediatrician been working in Manhattan, just moved to Los Angeles to do her fellowship in peds oncology at Children's Hospital.

Hope everyone's SE's are manageable tomorrow. Blessings, A

justmetoo

Dolly Dimple so glad your not having major side affects. My next chemo is Thursday, I made it through the first A/C treatment with minimal side affects and I found myself waiting around for it to hit me. I was really fatigued on Monday but I was ablee to push through it. You give me hope with both the hair and treatment. 

justmetoo

labscientistmom,

I'm so sorry your having trouble, saying an extra prayer for you.  I too never thought I would say I'm looking forward to chemo this Thursday but I am as well. I just want to get it over with and I know its shrinking my tumor which is comforting.  I hope you get back to where you need to be to get your treatment plan back on track. 

Heathet

So this Chana dal sounds good! What is it ? I had round 3 on Friday and I'm not feeling to bad. I got up after a good night's sleep and used my new bullet blender to make a smoothie for breakfast. I did some cleaning around the house and rode my exercise bike for about 30 minutes . I'm down for a nap now but I'll be getting up later to go for a walk with my hubby.

bbbb - I'm so glad to hear you're back at work and getting lots of support ! I bet it's a wonderful feeling to be back with your kids in the classroom !

Revent - have a blast at the Dolly Parton concert!

Dolly - I'm glad to hear that you're feeling good and didn't need your pink bucket! I also have a very red face and neck . I look like a tomato but the good thing is it'll be gone by tomorrow .

Hoping everyone has a great Sunday!!

pepper43

So sorry I've been MIA! It's been a pity party kind of thing going on since kidney diagnoses and news of yet another surgery.

So much so that my MO has prescribed Effexor for me as well. Had my last dance with the red devil on Thursday and will start 12 weekly doses of Taxol on August 18.

On bright side, we'll be celebrating our littlest one's 8th birthday on this coming Friday at Bounce U where they'll handle everything from pizza to cake to goody bags. ;-) This fatigue thing is really getting to me- but I have been able to do nice 3 mile walks first thing in the AM from time to time. I've also aimed to do a little strength training routine while watching TV about 3-4 times a week where I rotate from sets of 15 of shoulder presses, bicep curls, overhead extensions, push-ups on knees, Arnold Presses, hammer curls, skull crushers, more push-ups on knees and then one-armed concentration curls, single tricep extensions and a final round of push-ups on knees. It doesn't take that long to get it done and I go light on weights.

Sending love and virtual hugs to all of you!

Little-Red-Corvette1

Haven't been on for a while.... Moondust the cabin was lovely. Dolly so glad all went well and no pink bucket. I really need to was my bed linens and bathroom before my appt tomorrow but I'm too dang tired. Going to nap then probably be up tonight doing it! All the foods and dinner parties sound nice! Revnet You get to see Dolly Pardon Awesome! Labsmom I'm praying for your SE's to fixed!

I had my nephews baptism today. It was nice. I made a nice all fresh vegetable pasta salad. Saved some for myself.

I have some concerns for my MO tomorrow.... My glands are swollen- feel like grapes. And the same lump in my breast is back. Originally he said it was scar tissue but it feels like it did before the lumpectomy. Could it be possible? I am actually freaking thinking I have tumors back. It's going tone a long night.

J

Anonymous

Hello Everyone,

Heathet - I am glad my wee Friday friend, that you too had an easy one. Isn't it so lovely when you don't have to tolerate those two or three days of sickness. I have been amazed at how easy this one (number 4) actually was. Although, I do have to say that I actually hate that needle in my hand. Gad also your red rash will be gone by now.

Labscientist - So glad you are doing OK too. Also glad that you have managed to get out to son's Karate test. It is important to still be able to do all the normal things. I hope the fingers ease off a bit. Is there nothing you can do to make them less numb? I have a rather sore vein today with chemo but am massaging it furiously and wrapping it up in my heat pad. I await my sesame oil too. So will report on how that works. I do hope you had a nice lunch with your niece. Is that your sister's daughter? How long til work return happens? God I am soooooooooooo trying to track down a millionaire in the next few month, so I don;t ever have to return to work hahaha...never going to happen.

Pepper - You have had a rough time in these last few weeks. However we are all here for you and this is going to be dealt with as quickly as they can get you in there to deal with it. I now realise that the operations are the easy bit...Hope your wee girl had a lovely birthday party and the pizza and party bags were great. When does your son go off to college? You sound amazing with all this exercising you are doing. I have been very very bad with this. I am going to gym tomorrow to sign up. Had tried to do this earlier on but had been too unwell in first few weeks of chemo...now am off to get an annual gym subscription and to make use of it DAILY. You are my inspiration.

Justmee - I am so glad to hear you made it through your first chemo. How was it? Was it as horrendous as you thought/had imagined? I bet it was NOT! Well done you. I am glad to have brought some positive feelings to you about all of this. If you are cold capping, then keep at it. It works. My hair is pretty normal looking to most people...although I of course know it is much much thinner...but it is passable and I feel very fortunate to have it at all. Keep positive about all of this. I came in on Friday night, was tired and my parents had left me alone to go home for an hour to gather stuff before returning to me and this is my time for my shouting and screaming at cancer and chemo. I was calmer this time around. I spoke in a ladylike manner to both of them. Like an FBI negotiator I stated what I wanted. I wanted a sick-free night, no pink bucket action and a good night's sleep. The two villains gave into my demands. As I say it can often be about the mind as much as the body. I hope you will do well on this next chemo on Thursday.

Littlered - I hope you are doing well. Get those sheets cleaned before chemo - what a difference it makes having a lovely fresh bed to jump into on infusion day...

Dolly

labscientistmom

Dolly: Lunch was great with my neice. She's my brother's middle daughter (I have two older brothers, they both have 3 kids with kids of their own, except this neice). She's a pediatrician, just moved from NY where she was working in Manhattan in a peds ER, to start her fellowship at Children's Hospital here in Los Angeles for peds oncology. I am super proud of her and so glad to see her for the first time in several years as she was traveling around doing residency, then travel, then working in NY. Hope to get together with her sister and kids and her in a couple weeks. I got the auth for my echocardiogram to have before starting A/C chemo. Feeling tired today and my ankles are swollen, don't like that one bit!!!

So glad to hear that folks are doing ok. Pepper, my neice said most of the time the kidney tumors are benign and they don't even need to do anything about them. Just passing on what she said.

SBB

Hi everyone. Really appreciate all the posts. Seems no one here has had abraxane....we decided to try it last thursday and I didn't need to use any pre meds just anti nausea meds with the abraxane infusion. I had NO nausea during or after treatment. Since Thursday I have had some periods of slight nausea and low appetite. I was worried about neuropathy and last night I woke at 2 am with my hands and feet burning. It eased up finally and I did take glutamine today. Again tonight, my feet were swollen and red and I noticed my toe nails turning into streaks of white. I have been using OPI's nail envy. I just saw the post about tea tree oil and black nail polish....havent heard that one. I would rather have the nausea than neuropathy.

Moondust

LIttle-Red, you do not have tumors back. It is scar tissue. Tumors take a long time to grow. I have a lump of scar tissue in my breast also, and it seems to come and go.

Revnet, I am jealous that you get to see Dolly Parton! I've been a fan forever. She'll be in Los Angeles sometime this fall, but I hate the traffic so much that I won't drive down there for the show. I wish she would come to Bakersfield.

Pepper, way to go with the exercise. I've been doing weight training too, and I actually think I am gaining strength on chemo! I finally made it back up to 20 pushups, which I haven't been able to do since surgery in January. It seems easier to do weight training on chemo than to do any type of cardio. It's probably because weights are not a constant challenge to our heart like cardio is. Hiking up hills is difficult and I have to catch my breath quite a bit. Keep it up!!! I find that weight training is such a positive activity it helps keep my mind from thinking negative thoughts. Hiking keeps my thoughts focused too, although usually it's on how my legs are killing me going up the hills!

Dolly, you can come stay with me any time! I've always thought about what it would be like with a daughter instead of a son, although I would have only been 15 when I had you I don't know if you'd want me to adopt you, though, because you would be disappointed with your inheritance. But you'd get in tremendous shape helping me around the ranch! No gym needed! I noticed your comment about a flushed face this time. Did they give you a small amount of steroids in your infusion? I'm glad the pink bucket was unused this time around. Take some of your lovely baked goods whenever you are around doctors. You may find one who is single and wants more cheese scones

I will post the recipe I used for the chana dal. It is rather long so it will take me a little while to write it up.

Hi to everyone! I will catch up with all of you in a little while, but I have to get some outside things done while it is still under 90 outside.

Little-Red-Corvette1

Moondust Thank You I am getting AC right now then my MO is going to take a look at my breast probably more for my piece of mind! Other than that treatment plan is is going on track. Your ranch sounds great. You all have inspired me to try some weight training! I do walk but not consistent.

Love and Hugs to All

Red

Anonymous

Moondust,

You live on a ranch??? How lovely. That's it I am now officially adopted. Gosh, do you have horses and wear cowboy boots? Oh my...you are a proper American!!! haha

Yes, I do get 60mg of steroids on infusion day but that's it. I was thinking that would be OK and not cause too many difficulties, but I asked the other day about whether 60mg was enough to put weight on with, and nurse said absolutely. I feel like my weight is getting a bit out of control with me. I am also doing very little due to feeling tired and delicate. I cannot wait to be off this garbage and back to a normal clean life...(still not sure about Tamoxifen featuring in my life). But at least cannot wait to not have poison going through my body every 3 weeks.

I am getting fed up with my hair too. It is so rough and yucky...and I can only wash it once a week. OMG, I cannot wait to be able to shower again and wash hair thoroughly and once a day. I can also smell chemo on my skin. Anyone else get this? By day 3 of infusion, I can actually smell the chemicals coming out of my pores. It is vile.

Dolly