Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

Colleen, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom.  I went through the same experiences with my mom about 12 yrs ago.  Though at the time I wasn't going through my own personal battle as well.  My heart goes out to you and your family.  I wish there was something else I could say or do, but please know that God loves you and I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

As for me, it's 48 hrs post TX and it's hitting a little harder today but still not too bad.  My body is aching some from the Nuelasta shot but I've been taking tylenol to stay ahead of it.  I feel like I have a cold developing but my chemo nurse said I would feel that way.  My taste buds are off for sure.  And I have a headache but like the others, I think it's due to caffeine withdrawal.  I'm just feeling tired and a bit weak. I hope everyone else is doing ok today. 

Mimi, I'm glad your rash is getting better.

Hi Colleen I am so sorry to hear about your mom.  I will pray for you and her. What is her first name?  I am so sorry.  Huge hug to you!  Mimi

Angela, drink lots of water the day before and Senekot S is helpful the day before and after.  I had my first TC 12/01.  I also have found something that tastes good, Coke.  I always have had Diet Coke, but something about Coke at room temperature that feels good on the stomach.

Hi Elaine!

Mimi

Hello Ladies

Simvog...I was thinking of you all day, wondering how you were doing!  I slept okay last night and was up at 4:30 am to get my daughter to work.  Had my crockpot oatmeal for breakfast and worked on some blankets for Christmas gifts. 

I didn't take any of the compazine last night, as I haven't fel sick at all...been feeling hungry, but that isn't anything unsual for me.  I eat about 6 times a day!  Still drinking my water, but that is normal for me as well. 

Started doing my cookie baking today, but took a nap this afternoon.  Now I'm ready to eat again! LOL  I did have a slight headache, but I think that was due to the weather.  I plan on doing my detox soak tonight to help pull the toxins from my body.  Also been drinking my detox tea to help flush out my liver and kidneys.  Will take my herbal colon cleanse before bed tonight.

Take care ladies!  Be strong!

Colleen I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom...I know how difficult it is.  Last March my Mom was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer of the salivary glands and sinuses...she is still going through surgery and treatment.  She lives in Michigan, with the rest of my family...so it has been hard. 

Then two weeks before I was diagnosed with my cancer, my 38 year olds sister was also diagnosed with breast cancer...and hers was more advanced.

Three weeks ago my uncle was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer...he is now getting chemo three times a week.

I can sympathize with you....but try to stay strong and keep the faith!

Hugs

Lisa

Colleen and Lisa my prayers are with you and your families.  I can't imagine how hard this time is for you both.  Colleen don't beat yourself up about your feelings and lack of Christmas energy, I would think this would be a normal reaction for anyone in your position, besides Christmas isn't about our decorations or the gifts we buy.  Please rest and take care of yourself.

Day 3 after Chemo, I took my daughter shopping for a shirt to wear to her Christmas concert yesterday and could have easily took a nap on the dressing room floor waiting for her to decide what she liked!  Of course I couldn't sleep when whe got home!  But I did sleep more than 3 hours last night! Yeah for me!  I am also disappointed to report that my ALL TIME FAVORITE DIET COKE WITH LIME doesn't tast good this morning!  Boo-Hoo, I'm not a coffee drinker and it's my only form of caffiene in the morning!  Otherwise all is good, I too feel like I have a hangover, but not to bad and my bladder is getting a workout with all the fluids I'm pushing.  Went for a walk yesterday, only did a mile because of sharp left calf pain, what is that all about, never had it before, I had to hobble up my hill like an old women.  The fresh air felt good though.  Today I'm going to try again, or maybe do some Yoga.

Lisa, what detox tea do you drink?

Hope everyone is doing well.  We can get through this, it's not the end of world.  I just love this discussion board.  Take it easy and pamper yourself divas!

Cinda

Thank you for the thoughts and prayers ladies...it has been a tough time for the family, but we will ALL get through this! 

This is day two after chemo for me...and I've been baking cookies all morning.  I don't want anything sweet.....been craving salt.  My emotions are on a roller coaster, my hubby says it's like I'm pregnant...with the cravings and my emotions!  Didn't want my coffee or oatmeal this morning...had tea and toast.  Now I'm making egg salad! LOL

Cinda the tea comes from Arbonne....which I'm a consultant for, and why I hesitated to mention the name.  But I'm sure you can find something similar.  This tea is not meant to be a laxative, but is a gentle way to help the kidneys and liver cleanse themselves.  It is a blend of milk thistle, couch grass, sarsaparilla, peppermint, dandelion, lemon grass, uva ursi, burdock and fennel.  Hope that helps!

Time for more fluids! LOL

Stay strong divas!

Wow ladies I am impressed: baking cookies, shopping, decorating. I need to find out what you are doing right!

Saturday (yesterday, day 5, TC) morning I went to a meeting and I was WIPED out. Very weary; slept most of the day - didn't feel well, was achy and Tylenol helped....... but didn't cure.

Sunday (today, day 6 TC) more energy today, actually walked in the brisk 25°, did household chores and am now watching some slow football. Still achy, but it is better. 

Now am beginning to be worried about WBC levels - I've had no shot. What are you other ladies doing to ensure no infection?

Mary 

Well, I'm finally starting to panic! I'm feeling a cold coming and starting my treatment tomorrow. I know I'm going to be ok but I am just sooooo scared right now. I'm trying to keep it together for the kids, they're only 4 & 5 and are upset enough as it is that I don't need to be crying & flipping out right now. Hubby just left with the kids, didn't want to tag along. Feeling anti-social, plus I'm becoming a germ freak, I was scared that someone there might be sick and since I feel something coming.. Well, I just didn't feel like talking to anyone.

On the bright side, my port is finally feeling better and I'm able to sleep at night.

Firni - Hope all goes well with your surgery tomorrow

Mary - All my onc said is use your common sense, stay away from sick people, don't hug/kiss them at parties (so easy to do right now!), wash your hands a lot. You can also wear those hospital masks if you're in a public place that you feel if full of sick people, avoid buffets (even eating out, you don't know if the cook or waiter has a cold). Now the tricky one is all the Christmas parties, you really might want to consider eating before going to a party. Food sits out for a long time and gets as germy as buffets do with everyone touching the serving spoons. If you eat before, you'll still eat some at the party, but not as much. I'm seriously considering that one. We might have to look like rude people for a few months, but if we get real sick it can be very bad for us. Everyone as already been warned that I cannot be around sick people and that if someone has a cold to please let me know. Whenever we have to go out, I'll be handing a vitamin C to my kids & hubby before leaving the house and upon return. Since I can't do V-C, I'll at least boost their immune system a bit.

Good luck tomorrow, Caroline.  I hope it's true for you tomorrow that the anticipation is worse than the reality.  Let us know how you do.

I'm feeling ok about getting the port put in tomorrow.  I think because it is a two hour procedure and then I go home.  I'm probably just deluding myself, but it helps me sleep at night.   I'm not looking ahead enough to worry about chemo on Wed.  One day at a time.  Altho I did pick up a few things for chemo care today. I feel like I'm ready.  

It seems like a lot of stuff is going on with us the week of and weekend of my first chemo.  I hope I can go to some of them.  But we'll have to see how it goes.  I know it would be better to limit those any way.

Welcome to the group, Lisa.  I am sorry you had to join, but it is a great source of support.

Mary, I know a lot of people are getting the Neulasta shot the day after chemo to help protect them.  I know some don't have their WBC counts done until just before the next treatment and  then get a Neulasta shot.  I guess follow the recommendations Caroline gave and if you spike a fever, call your onc.  

Brenny, you just rock.  

I'm glad you're having a good day today, Colleen.  I hope it continues.  Well at least until the next tx.

Gee, Lisa, It sounds like you need to have a little bit of everything in the house.  I'll be so glad when my first treatment is over so I have a better idea of what to expect.  I hope everyone in your family is getting on ok.  It looks like a long haul for all of you. 

Hey December Divas!   Just checking in.   Today (Sun) is 3 days post-tx and I'm feeling pretty good.    Ate mostly toast until dinner time and then we had dinner at my mother's (Sunday ritual!) and she had spaghetti and that went down real well.    Yesterday afternoon and evening I was just exhausted, but it's amazing what about 15 hours of sleep will do for you!    Apparently I'm not having the issues with sleeping some of you have had.   I'm going to bed early tonight and plan to work this week.  

Cebula -- I saw in your note that you can't take Vitamin C.   Is that because of chemo?   My chemo nurse told me to take a Vitamin C, plus a B Complex.    My onco just told me not to take high doses of anti-oxidants.    Lots of confusing info out there!

Hang in there ladies.   We can do this!

I've read many places that Vitamin C & chemo doesn't mix. My onc's nurse even said to avoid all vitamins & supplement, but then again, she doesn't believe in them.

One day at a time, I guess that would be why I didn't start panicking until now! Even last night I didn't mind about the chemo.

Well, girls..........I have been hiding for a few days.  I didn't want to sound too depressing, but I think it will help me if I can just get things out to you all. You are all so supportive and I know you understand the wide range of emotions, worries, aches and pains that comes with this.  I know we can celebrate the small victories as they come too.  It sounds like you have all been very busy.  I am so proud of you who can continue working during this -you go!

I am missing my bus kids, if you can believe that!  I have driven a bus for 10 years and they kind of become your own after a while - even the little devils who give you fits.  I know I am doing the right thing staying away from all the kids while my resistence is down, but I do miss them.  I get an occasional card from them and that is nice.  My 13 yr. old son still rides our bus while I am out, so he keeps me up to date while I am home.

This is day 7, I am counting the day of tx as day 1.  I am having some really bad aches in my thighs and hips.  I guess my blood was pretty low and my marrow is really working.  I have a massaging/heating pad that I drug out and am laying on.  It helped me get to sleep last night and I am glad I remembered I had it.

Saturday night I was missing my Mom so bad......I don't know if it is the meds, the Holidays, or her birthday - it is Christmas Eve.  It doesn't really mattter what is causing me to miss her - I just do.  She passed away 10 months ago and I feel like a little girl who wants her mommy.  I am glad she doesn't have to worry about me going through this BC, but I still miss her.

On a lighter note...... my little dog, One eyed Jack, is so funny.  He has "protected" me so good! I don't know if ya'll are animal people or not, but, there is nothing like having a little friend to lay in your lap or lick your feet - I know somebody is saying "yuck!"  I got him last January and we have been through alot together.  You should have seen him jump when I turned on the massaging pad!  I thought he was gonna come out of his skin!

Thanks for listening to me once again.

Texas357 - My onc. said the same thing.  A multivitamin is ok but nothing else.  Good luck with your hair/wig appointment.

Cebula - Good luck today.  I'll be thinking about you.

Maureen - Thanks for the encouraging words.

LisaLisa - Welcome to our group.  (((hugs)))

Mary - I have just been washing hands religiously and avoiding peoples faces - turning my head for hugs and explaining why so they won't get their feelings hurt. : )

I know I missed some people, but I love you all.......  my BC sisters!

Oh darn, you know how you wished you would have said something when you had the chance?  My BF said I should have laughed at the manager who made the comment about my hair and said "Well, just wait til you see me bald!".  Darn darn darn!

Hi ladies,

 I had my port put in this morning.  No problem.  I don't remember a thing.  I'm not having any pain at the surgery site. I am however, having pain where the nurse blew my vein trying to "float"in an IV.  Now I have a giant bruise with an IV fluid bubble.  No nausea.  SO.  Now I'm really set for chemo on Wed.  I can hardly contain my excitement.  

Msbusdriver, I lost my mom suddenly to a heart attack about 15 years ago now.  But that first year especially, I would actually pick up the phone to call her and then remember and just bawl.  And while time has certainly eased that pain, there are still times when I just miss her so much. This first Christmas without your mom, especially being her birthday, will be difficult for you for you and your family.  I pray that in spite of everything going on this Christmas, you can find some joy.

Hi Ladyjane.  Welcome.  I would certainly start learning all you can about chemo and rads.  But I wouldn't do a lot of preparing until you meet with your oncologist and get a set plan.  Also, the surgeon doesn't always know what the next step is going to be.  When do you see your Onc.?  We've all been terrified by each step of this journey.  Most of the time we find out the anticipation is worse than whatever is being done.   These boards are a great place to find comfort, information, support and even opinions.  None of us are alone.  Together we can make it. 

Mary, my Onc nurse said that I would know when my hair was going to fall out because it would feel weird.  My scalp would tingle and my hair would hurt.  I don't know about feeling coated, but that could be a forerunner of hair loss too.

Texas, Yours is coming out fast! Did you have any of those scalp/hair sensations? 

Caroline, I'm thinking of you today and hope everything goes well!