Anyone Starting Chemo in June 2016

labscientistmom

Dolly:

Hi there gal. I smell the chemo sweat too, and it irritates my skin where I sweat. I have had lovely breakouts on my neck and inside my elbows the past week. yuck!! did they tell you on the 2nd morning after your chemo infusion you should wash your sheets to get rid of the chemo sweat? I too am ready to NOT have the poison that is my friend going thru my body. It's been every week, and next week hopefully I will have the first of the final 4 infusions!! YAY ME!! My final taxol #12 is tomorrow. going for my echo on Thurs. Hope to start A/C next week. I am also sick and tired of steroids!! My ankles have been swollen the last couple days, I do not like it Sam I Am!!! blessings, A

Moondust: I love animals, I would be thrilled to come help on your ranch!! I Live near 118 and 405 so about an hour 1/2 from you.

Little-Red-Corvette1

Hi All, Not sure who is on for this week but mine was today. There is a lovely lady there named Sharon who Knitted and croched me 2 beautiful hats and a tote bag. She attached a beautiful card stating to enjoy them during treatment, then pay them forward. They were perfect and so was she.

Now I have been wanting to join the Facebook group but......, Here is what happened today. I usually do not sleep more than 4 or so hours the night before infusion so I'm usually tired to start. They gave me the amend for nausea, then the steroid......I was on Facebook....when I looked later I had posted a picture of my hairdresser in Italy, A picture of my sisters pool- just the empty pool, and a quote. LMBO

So I think Dolly is an expert at keeping everyone straight! How are feeling other than icky? I don't notice an odor but someone told me to be careful around large dogs you know. You can walk up to them as you normally would and they don't recognize your scent.

Pepper you have had much going on? Your little girl turned 8? Is she sassy? I have a niece that age. You indeed turned me on to some light weight training. My legs got stronger from the surgery, not lifting. Need the upper body to catch up. Then work on stamina. I don't usually work out. I know I should but I unload freight all day at work so I have always had upper body strength and stamina.

Justmetoo how are you feeling this week? For me same as you I had a crash day first week- by 2nd weekend I felt almost normal. Well other than being here with crazy, heartfelt group!

Moondust I saw Dr. Fein today and Dolly he is Fine! You are right. He was very thourough. After they take blood, he comes in and goes over #'s. Hemoglobin is low from the Chemo. He examined me after treatment. BOth breasts and my neck. He said its scar tissue but he will re-examine in a few weeks and if he's concerned he'll call Susan the BS. He really is matter of fact but put my fears to rest. He also reviewed no neulasta after taxol.

So 1 More AC Then on to Taxol

Labscientistsmom I'm getting my glucosamine

Dolly I'm getting my tea tree oil

KNOLEDGE IS POWER:

CANCER IM STILL KICKING YOUR ASS!!!!

labscientistmom

LittleREd: I am on for tomorrow, glad you got yours done today, hope you feel ok tomorrow. I am so done with steroids, my ankles have swollen the last two days, so NOT liking it. Had a lot of asthma stress and coughing the last two days too, heard about a fire in San Bernadino. Maybe that's making it worse? Ran errands and had LymphoedemaPhys therapy this am too. then stayed home and tried to put my feet up. Watched some Olympics. We are champions too ladies, with no training and pampering, but all the hard work. HOPE tomorrow is good, and I am finished with taxol as of tomorrow. Blessings, A

Anonymous

Labscientist - I hope tomorrow is a good one for you. I will be thinking about you. I am glad to hear you are also getting fed up with things now, like me. I had a call from my breast cancer nurse today as she had heard I had been upset on Friday. She said it was normal and that I would naturally be fed up with things and that I had to remember it is coming close to last infusion. I have found out that there are certain things that make me feel unwell since all of this cancer thing.

1. Snow and ice of any sort makes me want to be sick. Not sure how I am going to manage this winter in Scotland!!

2. Seeing any sort of hair lying anywhere other than on a person's head.

3. My big huge blue veins in my hands and arms, make me seriously want to throw up!

4. Strong smells such as washing up powder, shower gels. I think I am associating them with the 'chemo days' and for this reason I have banned myself from wearing my Anais Anais (fave perfume ever)...don;t want to have that make me feel sick.

5. The words infusion, chemo, icing, cold cap and side effect, all make me seriously unwell.... so after having typed them I now have to follow up quickly with the words, wallpaper, green leaves, deserts, leather shoes and daisies....(any old word to divert me away from the bad words).

6. Sugar and milk - I am now seeing them as potential killers.

On a sadder note, I learned today that my surgeon (brilliant and amazing man, wins awards all over the place) has BROKEN both his arms!!! OMG...I am so sad to hear this. This guy is saving us Edinburgh ladies and he has TWO broken arms. I do hope he repairs very soon. His arms are his tools....Good God, I hope he gets both arms back in action very very soon.

I am having a lazy day today again. Labscientist, I am off to change bed linen right now and also I am washing my hair today too. I am fed up with the mess it is in. The chemo smell is vile. It goes after a few days though, but oh god it is another one of those things that makes me want to vomit big time.

BTW, Labscientist and Moondust - I do not believe that you both live within 30 mins of each other and have not met up for a coffee and a natter. Please please meet for tea and scones and have a wee cuddle with each other. If I lived so close to either one of you, I would have made a nuisance of myself by now haha...Labby, go to the ranch. It sounds amazingly calm and restful.

LittleRed - are you living in Italy? If so then Moondust is getting booted and you are my new mum now haha....I think it is lovely that you were given those wee hats and told to pay it forward. I think we all will do this in some way after this is over. I hope you are doing OK with your chemo and feeling OK. Are you on the FB page?

Anyone know how to get another person on the FB page? Justmetoo wants on FB.

Dolly

ClarkBlue

Good morning all! I am wearing my sexy compression socks today... my feet and ankles have swollen up every day since Friday... feeling extra sexy. My right hand/arm is still a problem as well. Seeing Oncologist this Thursday - thinking it may be time to see a PT. UGH...

I know Taxotere is infamous for edema in hands/feet/abdomen, and I'm only 2 1/2 weeks out from my last treatment - swelling has gotten progressively worse over the weeks so I wasn't TERRIBLY worried... anyone else having issues with swelling???

-Keely

Anonymous

Keely,

I think Labscientist has been having swelling.

D

Little-Red-Corvette1

Labscientistsmom I hope your last taxol is the EASIEST! The steroids from the AC don't make me swell at all but I can't seem to stop doing things! I slept about 5 hours again last night. After treatment I was out at the pharmacy, drug store, and Grocery store! I then made a lovely green salad filled with fresh vegetables and of course chicken! LOVE The Dr. Seuss reference! I don't eat fish so I always say.... I do not like fish I do not like it Sam I am! About 10pm I was scrubbing kitchen counters! I almost made Eggplant but decided against that project!

• Dolly I do wish I lived in Italy but I live in New Jersey USA, right by New York City. My father immigrated from Teora Italy. I come from a family of 6. My parents passed over 25 years ago so we are all very close and see one another regularly. My middle sister is AMAZING shes 57 she's she works 2 jobs raised 4 children alone now grown. Has an 8 yr old granddaughter, 5 month old grandson, 2 -1 year old twin grandsons and a granddaughter on the way in November. And another baby due in February which she helps with childcare. She just made all the Italian food for the Damien's Baptism for 80 people. I of course did the pasta salad. She's a weight watchers guru too! My idol. I have another 8 great nieces and nephews and I plan on seeing their many milestones!!!

• ClarkBlue When I first got my surgery I received a whole packet. There were booklets on Lymphedema and some excercises to do. I had a big lump and tightening and cording in my arm. I found the excercises really helped. I'm not sure where you are with it but definitely see a PT if you think it's time. There's 3 different stages. Good luck! Pulling for you!
• For all I was told if we ever fly againwe should wear compression sleeves on the arm/arms where we had surgery because we will always be susceptible to Lymphedema because of the node removal.

revnet

ClarkBlue - I'm pretty sure I"m having a lot of swelling in my abdomen. I feel so bloated all the time. I have been gaining weight since my diagnosis from stress eating, but there is some intense swelling in my belly. My ankles are not swelling anything crazy, but I feel like my abdomen is stretched out and bloated and I can't do anything about it. I thought this was just me getting really fat.... but it's more like bloating than anything.

Anonymous

Revnet,

Could it not all be down to steroids? They are crazy bad for weight gain.

Dolly

Heathet

revent - I feeling like I'm retaining fluid in my belly! It's bloated and when I walk around in my tank tops that used to fit my bloated belly sticks out! Looks kinda silly but the neighbors haven't complained yet! My ankles also feel a little swollen today. Going to try and go for an evening stroll - maybe that will help.

Icandoallthings

I posted in another thread, but I think it's not being used anymore...

I had my radiation consultation today, and I'm left feeling very nervous about the whole situation. The fact that I could get cancer because I do radiation makes me nervous. I have stage one IDC, and my sentinel node had Less than .03 mm of cancer in it.

If I do have a recurrence, can't I just read it then with radiation or a mastectomy. I'm nervous about using my ticket for radiation now and having a reoccurrence and not being able to do it later, or having cancer because I did radiation

Anyone else opt out?

labscientistmom

LittleRed: my hubby is 3/4 Italian too and from Long Island. His siblings still live there, both parents have passed in the past year. I would love some healthy Italian recipes, that would be awesome. We do a lot of pasta, but trying to be healthier about it. I had trouble sleeping the last few days too, last night from the steroids and caught a yucky cough. Had a lovely asian salad from a mealtrain friend for lunch after infusion with some chicken. she brought stuff to heat up for dinner too, whoo hoo! So glad to be done with taxol, I won't miss the icing and want my fingers and toes to start recovering from the neuropathy.

Keely/ClarkBlue and Heathet, and revnet: DO< do, do, get a referral to a Lymphoedema PT ASAP!!! I just started going in the past week, and she is great! I can see improvement in the fluid in my breast already!! My arm has a little bit, but she is doing massage on that too, and kinesiotape on my breast which had amazing improvement in 24 hours. She also is teaching me to do lymph fluid movement massage myself, which is super easy, but need to know how to do it in order for it to work. Then she is helping me stretch the scar tissue under my arm to get ready for rads. Trunkal lymphoedema is a problem too, any time that fluid builds up we are at risk for infection. At least get a consult and check it out. I got my referral from the rads oncologist. I see her again in September and start rads sometime in October. Only 4 more infusions, yay!!

Dolly: laughed at your post, you are so funny, but it is goood to avoid the things that make us sad. Between the benedryl and the taxol, my eyeballs feel like they are gonna fall out. Caught my husbands cough finally, maybe or from some other sick person who didn't wash their hands....anyway, was ok'd for my taxol today, but waiting two weeks to start A/C and started antibiotics today to get rid of the bronchitis. You should hear me squeek when I breath. I am tired of not sleeping well from coughing. BTW, I live about 1 and 1/2 hours from Moondust, but would love to visit her, when she is home and not off hiking somewhere cooler and exotic. I am happy to have you visit, we have milder winters here. I would love to come visit you inthe next couple of summers. England and Scotland would be lovely to visit. My dad's family was from England (Tibbetts) and my mom's mom from Ireland. (McGraw). I love your cottage. We did exchange vacations with a German family we met once on summer vacation, so we gotta make it happen.

clarkblue: I have had a tough time with swollen feet the last few days. UGGH, glad to be done with taxol.

wishing all of you here a lovely, acceptable low SE day tomorrow. blessings, A

ClarkBlue

Littlered - thanks for the tips. I believe I will get a referral this Thursday.

Icandoallthings - I don't think anyone here is at that point yet for radiation. You make a good point though, and worth considering for sure.

rev and Heather - yep same with me. Lots swelling in my abdomen which I know is a side effect. Keep an eye out ladies... It got worse with every treatment. I'm 18 days out from my 4th treatment and the ankle swelling started about 4 days ago. Abdomen started shortly after treatment... Like 4-5 days. I've searched and searched for how long to expect it to last... All the answers are "everyone is different". Argh!

Dolly - I doubt it's steroids... We only get them the day before, during and after treatments and that's every 3 weeks so we really haven't taken very many. I really believe it's the Taxotere... It's a known side effect. I'm just hoping it will pass soon!

Keely

Moondust

Here is the Chana Dal recipe. I have included a photo of the chickpeas I used, but you could also use dry lentils or dry yellow split peas. Like most Indian food, this recipe has a long list of ingredients but it is SO GOOD! You can see in the photo that these are a very small variety of chickpeas. They are different from your normal chickpea but taste very similar. I found them at Walmart in the ethnic section. Recipe is after the photo. If you have any questions let me know!

Slow Cooker Chana Dal

 1 cup yellow chana dal chickpeas (or dried yellow peas or lentils), soaked in cold water for 1 hour (I did not soak them and they came out fine)

 A few whole peppercorns, cloves, bay leaves and cardamom pods if you have them

 3 cups water



 3 tomatoes, diced (I used one 14 oz can of no salt petite diced tomatoes)

 1 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil or other oil (I used canola oil)

 1/2 tsp cumin seeds

 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds ( I used yellow mustard seeds)

 1 medium red onion, finely chopped ( I used a yellow onion)

 5 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced (or minced or whatever)

 1 tsp ground coriander seeds

 3/4 tsp ground turmeric

 I added ½ tsp amchur powder (green mango powder) but you can leave it out. Not many people have this strange ingredient!

 1/4 tsp cayenne

 1/4 cup minced cilantro leaves

 1 tsp salt

Step 1: Add the chana dal chickpeas (or yellow peas or lentils), whole cloves, peppercorns, bay leaves and cardamom pods, and 3 cups of water to a slow cooker. Cook on high for 4-6 hours. Then add the salt. Remove the whole spices before proceeding to step 2. If you don't have the whole spices, you can skip them.

Step 2: When your chickpeas or peas or lentils are close to done, heat oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add a couple cumin seeds to test out the heat of the oil. If they pop, the oil is ready to go! Add all of your cumin seeds and mustard seeds and let cook for 10-15 seconds (until the seeds pop). Then add your coriander, turmeric, cayenne, onion, tomato, and garlic, stir for 30 seconds, and turn the heat down to medium low. Let it cook until the onions become translucent and the tomatoes break down.

Step 3: Add the onion/tomato/spice mixture to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Top with cilantro and serve! If you hate cilantro, do not use it.

Tips: Measure out all your spices beforehand. Keep the mustard seeds and cumin seeds in a separate container. Put the other ground spices, garlic, tomatoes, and finely chopped onion in another container to add all at once.

If you do not have some of the ground spices, you may want to buy a small jar of dry garam masala to substitute. It has a mix of ground coriander, cumin, black pepper, cardamom and cinnamon.

Moondust

Labmom, I live one hour north of Bakersfield, so you are probably 2.5 hours from me. If you want to drive all that way to see my Painted Desert sheep, a bunch of scrawny chickens, 7 cats and 2 dogs, you are welcome any time I'm home! Oh, there is a reason I called it Moondust Ranch. It sounds so charming, but in reality the soil is so dusty that it poofs up like moon dust when you walk! And my dog Spot was just diagnosed with Valley Fever, so you don't want to visit when your immune system is sub-par. Otherwise, we can get together in Bakersfield some time when both of our immune systems can withstand a public meeting. Or, you can meet me in Bakersfield at the East Hills Mall (that's the one I call the ghost mall), where we can walk and eat Ben and Jerry's Frozen Yogurt Not many people or germs there! There are other eating places close by there too.

Dolly, I do not have horses or wear cowboy boots (although I have some, and a complete Western outfit including Stetson hat, tight black bootcut jeans and Western tailored jacket with fringe to wear on fancy occasions). We have 30 flat dusty acres, not really the enormous spread you see in the American movies. I prefer to walk around it for exercise. If you think that sounds better than New Jersey, just let me know

Little Red, I grew up on Staten Island. (For Dolly, that is one of the 5 boroughs of New York City, known sometimes as the forgotten borough because it is the least city-like). I went to high school in Manhattan and had to ride the Staten Istand ferry every day.

I have noticed my ankles swelling a tiny bit overall, but especially after chemo day. Probably my dedicated 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day helps control the swelling.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is my final infusion! I can hardly believe it is here already! It seemed so distant when we all started on this forum. Sorry I don't have time for more comments right now, but I have to pack.

Little-Red-Corvette1

Keely Google Taxotere lawsuit. I read an article that in some cases the hair does not grow back. I certainly hope this does not affect your situation. Knowledge is power.

I haven't noticed stomach bloat but I weighed 290 pounds 4 years ago. No I'm at 196. Getting and staying at a healthy weight is a priority. Needless to say I wouldn't see it, but I don't feel bloated.

About the steroids... I get Roid rage after treatment. I can't even drive. I go nuts! That's what my nurse called it.

Like Labscientistsmom I am sleeping very poorly! 3 to 5 hours a night. At this rate I am expecting a crash day by the Thursday or Friday. How are you sinuses doing! Still bleeding? Next week is ENT right? Moving in the right direction!!

Peace and hugs to all!

Jo

labscientistmom

Little Red: after I stop steroids I do sleep better. really want to get rid of this bronchitis so I can sleep again. Felt like my eyes were gonna fall out all afternoon when i got home from chemo. Yes ENT next week, echocardiogram tomorrow, more PT/kinesiotherapy on Fri started antibiotics today, will be interesting to see if it helps my sinus too. ankle swelling a little better. glad for eztra week break before next chemo.

Everyone starting taxol, there is tons of info on the "weekly taxol" board. would recommend it.also gr8 info on preparing for rads board.

Blessings and goodnight,

Anonymous

OMG Moondust,

I am so happy for you. LAST infusion tomorrow is just fabulous news. I bet you are so looking forward to tomorrow. What on earth will you do after this. Will you not be bored to death ?? Hahaha...you lucky lucky devil. Hope SEs are ZERO on the last one my friend. Thanks for writing all that recipe out, I have scanned a look at it but will have to go out and buy some of those fancy ingredients.

Labscientist - hope you are doing OK with SEs. I am sorry to hear you have caught a cold and please take care of yourself whilst you have this. You are most welcome over here any time dear lady. It would be lovely to meet you and your family. It is weird to feel such friendship with so many women who I have never met before. Isn't life strange?

Dolly

ClarkBlue

WOO HOO!!! Thanks for the recipe Alice!!

I am in a much better mood today... Although I don't know WHY - I stepped on the scale and since my third infusion I have gained 20lbs. That was on June 30th - 5 weeks ago. I get that I haven't eaten the BEST, but 20lbs??? WTF??? My clothes don't fit all that badly, so I gotta think it's fluid retention???

Any ways - my attitude is better and I can see the light again. So thankful that it passes... I know it does, it's just hard to remember some times.

Tomorrow we are seeing Rocky Horror with a group of friends at a local theater group - can't wait! Saw it several years ago and had a blast. Also headed to Chicago this weekend... UGH - why did I book myself so many things to do in August??? Apparently I thought I would feel much better than I do lol...

LittleRed - no problems with my hair - I see i growing back, and I never lost it ALL. I don't think I will have that issue... it's the fluid retention that worries me more - I am so uncomfortable.

For anyone doubting L-Glutamine's effectiveness... Sometimes I forget to take my vitamins - maybe a day or two, or I just am not feeling well and don't want to... it doesn't happen often... and I also only take one/day although my nurse told me to take three... Anyways, I've been battling with some neuropathy and extreme sensitivity to cold things (even laying my arm on a desk causes a lot of discomfort and I need to lay a sweater to rest my arm on) the last 3-4 days. I missed my vitamins over the weekend one day when we were kayaking and noticed the tingling symptoms set in about that time. It makes it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep...Well yesterday I made a concerted effort to take three a day - and WOW what a difference! Today I am having no issues with cold sensitivity and sleeping was a little easier!

-Keely

Acie

little red - I get that anxiety the night before too. I did not know it was worth mentioning but I did and I got some Ativan for the night before and day of. It also helps with bauseau. It was a win for me. You may want to ask about it. Also, I sleep poorly when I am takin oral steroids the first 3 days after treatment but it goes away. Perhaps the Ativan could help with that too.

On bloating, I find worse the few days after treatment. Does yours improve? I also find if I eat really tiny meals it helps. The good news it's not permanent, I guess.

Also, I have cowboy, boots 2 pair in fact, but I am a Texan. Too hot to wear them now but this fall I will.

I am thinking of buying a short wig that's easier to wear when it's not. I love mine but was something I can through on instead of of a beanie, which screens "yes I have cancer". What do you gals think? Too indulgent to have two wigs.i may post some ideas in FB. Just easier there.

Have a great evening all!

labscientistmom

Acie: I think you look lovely in the beanie. But....if it makes you happy, Find a wig you like and go for it.

ClarkBlue: sooo glad you are better!!

Moondust: huzzah and whoot, whoot from across the mountians on your last infusion. Only 4 more for me!!

Dolly: Hi there! Still some neuropathy in my fingers and toes. Looking forward to recovering from that. I started the antibiotic for my bronchitis yesterday, happy to say I slept better and more last night. I skipped the walkabout at the zoo, we shall go another day. I was out of breath and wheezing just getting ready, so I stayed home and my husband & son went to play mini golf. My nose has bled some and sinuses are sore today, will be interesting to see if the antibiotics improve my sinus pain. It was an ok day becasue I took it easy. Watched Olympics!!

blessings to all of you, A

Anonymous

I looked back on these posts last night and wow what a 'journey' we have all done so far. I hate that phrase 'journey' when used alongside cancer. Not sure why but I do. I think it sounds stupid!

But we have definitely all moved along in a huge way in the last 2 months. I mean, in just 8 weeks, we have all taken on diagnoses, biopsies, stagings, operations, and treatments. We have all learned how to cope, and on some days NOT cope. We have learned what nail polish is needed, what vitamins, how to apply eyebrows, makeup, wigs, hats. We have learned what foods are going to help us fight off recurrence. We have learned what foods will boost our immune systems during chemo. We have learned how to cope with that dreaded day before chemo and those dreaded days after chemo. We have learned what questions to ask our doctors and how to stand up for ourselves. In between all of this many of us have continued to work, keep families going, feed kids, go shopping and some even start university courses! We have done all of this ladies with such grace and strength and I for one am proud of every single one of us. We have shown how strong women are. How women are never beaten down by anything. How we take what is thrown at us and just 'get on with it'.

I feel this has been a very strong and supportive group of women. May I say thank you to all of you, for those days when you kept me feeling OK and even cheery about my situation. For those days when I learned something new and could then go investigate further. Some of us have finished treatment now (Keely and Alice) and others are about to and I pray that every single one of us will have a happy return to our normal lives. We need to all be positive and know that we will remain well.

Dolly

Acie

Dolly - I agree "journey" just isn't right. I don't like it and I am not sure why. I also am tired of people telling me I am strong. They mean well enough, but it bothers me for some reason. Just getting through its acceptable to me. If I can feel kind of normal along the way, then that's great. You are also right about how much we have learned. My life is so different now. Again, I just need to get through, and reclaim the life I had, which was truly charmed and wonderful.

Little-Red-Corvette1

Dolly You have a have a wonderful way with words!

My brother said to me yesterday did you find a support group? ( I was discussing Keely's experience with l glutamine ) I told him yes THIS IS IT!

Everyone's shared experiences, advice, humor, and yes love is here and I Thamk You ladies

Anonymous

This has been a good thread. A good group of women to go through this with. Breastcancerorg.com should be proud of itself too for setting up such a website for us all.

D

labscientistmom

Acie & Dolly: saw something recently that said "I promise not to call your health issues a "journey" unless I buy you a cruise:" Your comments made me think of that.

I was wearing one of my chemobeanies today and the lady in the bank asked me, "why are you wearing a shower cap on your head?" I think I made her feel bad, cause the only thing I could think of to say was, 'no this is my I-have-cancer-hat." Don't know why I said that, but....I also can't get over everyone congratulating me on "how great" I look. I know we have all soap-boxed about that before, and like Acie said about being "strong" I don't know why it bothers me.

I too am thankful for everyone here, you are all amazingly supportive, and encouraging,

Little-Red-Corvette1

Having my day of rest with bouts of nausea. All in all can't complain too much. Labscientistsmom I do have issues with friends/family telling me how beautiful I am or how positive. I sometimes think I have to be that way for them more than vice versa. If I have a breakdown they are totally at a loss so I do not do so in front of them. It's me and Rico my little man, the only one who understands me.... My chiuauaha.

I live with my oldest brother who is 68 and mentally handicapped. My next older sister is 64 and in my opinion out there. Then there are 2 other women whom I've known my whole life that live here. Marilyn is 68 and just had a quaddruple bypass, and Tammy who is severely orthopedically challenged. Both have type 2 diabetes.

So why all the background info???

You should see the crap that they EAT!!! Pizza, Hot Dogs, Ribs, Burgers, the smells can be nauseating!!!

So why the rant? They shave their heads to show their support but don't cook a healthy meal we all can enjoy together or clean whatever they can. Which would benefit all of their health!

It perpetrates the feeling of isolation.

I know it is not to be hurtful but......

ClarkBlue

I am grateful for all of you as well - it's encouraging knowing that I can vent, and no one freaks out. LittleRed - you hit it on the nose - if we have a breakdown, no one knows what to do. Most people just stare at me, or they just try and say the right thing as to not set me off again - which in their defense can be a difficult thing lol.

Lab - what else could you have said that wouldn't have made her feel bad? Nothing. It is what it is - you wear it because you have no hair due to chemo. Not much dancing around that. Don't feel bad.

Moon - have you fired your oncologist yet?? LOL... are you going on to Hormone therapy? I fired my oncologist yesterday after all that drama. Feels so good!!

Saw Rocky Horror last night at a local theater - Gosh I love that show - so entertaining!! Headed to Chicago this weekend - not sure what we are doing, but I'm sure it won't be good hahaha

-Keely

Moondust

Hi everyone! Sorry for being so quiet the last few days. The Perseid meteors were everything I imagined - just wonderful! I saw about 50 shooting stars with 5 of them being quite spectacular. It is not like watching fireworks because there are long periods in between sightings when you just stare at the beautiful stars, but it was very peaceful and rewarding. I am very tired today, puttering around doing a little of this and that, and resting in between. Today I had to remind my husband that I am still not out of the woods with my immune system and should not be working around dust and dirt for a while. We began a shed cleanout project. I intend to be here for the duration until we are all done with our chemo. You ladies all mean so much to me!

Labmom, how rude of that bank lady!! I am getting less tolerant of those type of remarks. Why do you care if she feels bad? Next time maybe she will hold her tongue.

Little-Red, that is SO true about people "supporting" us in silly ways but not in important ways like cooking healthy food. It is easier, that's why they do it.

Keely, my MO came out to see me while I was having my infusion! I think her office scheduled her to examine me the day of, because I have not had any bad SE's and there is no need for me to drive back in next Wednesday. She was actually fairly friendly and reasonable. She will prescribe the name brand Arimidex for me instead of the generic since I was already having SE's on the generic. I will find a new MO soon but I'm too tired to deal with it right now since it is not an emergency. I'm glad you fired yours!

Dolly, thank you for your nice thoughts! You have been a great inspiration to me with your continuing encouragement and upbeat attitude throughout all the hell we have been through. I always enjoy reading your posts! People always say that crap about how I am a fighter and have a great attitude. I guess I have a good attitude because I refuse to get upset about something I can't control. I consider myself "stoic" instead of a fighter. We all take it one day at time and sometimes one hour or minute at a time.

BoobsBGone, are you still in hospital or are you home now? I can't believe you got so sick!! Thank goodness your Mom is there for you. I am thinking of you!

The weekend seems to be a quieter time, probably because no one is having treatments until Monday. I hope everyone is hanging in there and coping with any side effects. Rest when you need to, cry when you need to, and know that you have a good long life ahead of you!

boobsBgone

hi all. Sorry I've been MIA for so long. I totally agree with how Dolly stated her comment about this thread. Definitely has been a source of strength for me as well. I feel you guys are all like sisters.

I am still in the hospital as it is right now, I've been here since Monday. The idea was to go home this coming Monday, however the vomiting is still not under control, my blood count is too low and if it drops any further they are talking blood transfusion. I'm not sure what my body is doing but it's really confusing the hell out of me. I'm still vomiting every other day. Sometimes more. Still having trouble eating an appetite is less than a bird and struggling each day. Not giving up of course. This is getting old and I am getting bored with it. My infusion number for supposed to be next Friday after a long discussion with the oncologist about what is happening with me. They keep telling me this typically doesn't happen, but I'm living it and we need a solution. In all honesty, I would rather not starve to death before I beat cancer.

Welcome to all the newcomers. You would definitely find a lot of information, support and additional advice for whenever you need it. We are all here as often as you need us.

I want trying to be more consistent on posting, but you know what it's like when you can't sit upright and your head hurts all the time. My family has been super supportive. My husband is super wonderful and we even got to bring my dog into the hospital room for a short visit. It's just too hot outside to walk across the pavement, so she won't be coming again to visit. When I get home eventually, I will post a picture of me and my dog and my hospital room. Keep smiling ladies it makes me smile too.