Starting chemo January 2009?

You ladies are making me feel guilty that I have not really thought much about what I eat or don't eat.  I have been one of those people who lose weight, gain weight, lose weight, gain weight all my life. I have been a person who exercises - sometimes more than at other times - depending what stage of life you are in has a lot to do with that I think.  When my children were young I did not have as much time so I did not do as much, but as I have gotten older I have gotten more regular in the exercise thing.  Food has always confused me.  I can not keep up with what is GOOD for you and what is not.  Seems the experts change their minds all the time.  I have decided that moderation is the key.  Don't overdo anything but don't deprive myself either because that sets up cravings.  I have been spending all my time getting through treatments and keeping my job at the same time so haven't spent much time thinking about how I got BC and if I need to make some major life changes.  Being in my 50s makes me feel like I really just need to enjoy the time I have left and not worry myself about every little thing I put in my mouth.  I eat fairly well, I don't smoke, don't drink (excessively) was working out four times a week before dx - not so much now...hopefully will get back to that.  DH wants to take me and the two kids left at home to Europe this summer and I worry about the costs.  I hate fly...etc etc.  but know what..I think I'll take a valuim and get on that plane and have some fun..Enough ranting from me. In the meantime,  I am going to pick up some of the books mentioned here.  Thanks for motivating me to think pass tx.

Patti

ddlatt;  My hgb dropped by 2 gms after TC #2.    I felt short of breath and my heart raced with any exertion -- that is normal -- the body is compensating for having fewer oxygen carrying molecules.  I had to slow down and pace myself and rest more.   Your body will adjust and accomodate to this change... it takes awhile.     This is not an iron deficiency anemia, so increasing iron isn't the answer.     I am on day 6 after TC#3 - so my nadir is soon and I expect I might drop further.   My onc talked about giving me erythropeitin (sp?) if that happens - apparently it boosts the RBCs like neulasta/neupogen jump starts the WBCs.   I get my labs checked tomorrow... 

ddlatt - they told me I was borderline anemic just before they started the iv on my first treatment.  Then when they did the blood draw right before my 2nd treatment they said everything looked good except my platelets doubled and were very high so they told me to take an iron pill everyday.  This treatment I have alot more headaches and I'm wondering if things haven't gotten worse in that department but they don't check me between treatments so I guess I'll find out on the day of tx 3.  Sorry you are feeling bad...you seemed to be doing so well until lately... ugh... I hope you stay on schedule... oh well, at least you're in Reno... if I were there, I'd be playing video poker and trying to escape this madness for awhile...

kt57 - I loved your story about the M&M's.  Little moments like that will keep us going... finding the humor in all this madness... I like your husband and I haven't even met him..

spooky - I am so sorry you had to find us.. but I'm glad you did.  This is my 2nd time around too and it sucks.

Bev56 - we have more in common than the schedule... I'm snapping like a turtle at people when I don't feel good too.... lol.  As far as I know... I will get Taxotere again on tx 3... and we will all be nervously crossing our fingers when that damn bag is hung on that little pole... this time, I'll make sure the nurse doesn't leave the room....

Marymoir - geez this round I am having headaches galore.... in the middle of the night I wake up and I have one... I'm trying to fight thru hoping they go away... I was thinking maybe they were from a drastic drop in caffeine as coffee isn't my friend and all I do is drink water...  maybe I'll try some Diet Coke...

Alo - I'm thinking the same thing.. use the "good times" to beef up and get strong for the next round.. it's like in a boxing ring... that week, 10 days before the next round we're sitting there in the little chair in the corner and someone is putting that squeege of water down our faces and we're resting for a minute to go back out in the ring and put our fists up again... then the ring girl walks around with the sign that says ROUND 3 and we jump back out there with renewed energy to kick some ass... LOL  Ok, I know weird analogy.... just ignore me.

Alo---I LOVE THE BOXING ANALOGY!

ddlatt:  how many years in between for yours?

LisaLisa:  I lived at 761 35th street.  Love Manhattan Beach and hope to go back there someday.  Maybe when my daughter leaves for college.  She's in 8th right now.

I bought the 24 hr. claritin, who knew there were tons of kinds these days, so I don't really know if to take it this morning before my shot this afternoon or right after the shot.  Since it's the no drowsy I'm thinking tomorrow morning may be better for me.  Thanks for the tip, I just heard about claritin yesterday.   

HoltBolt:  You are a hoot.  Another good laugh for me this week.  Thanks for that.  Sorry about your reaction to the TC this time -- they will be prepared so it won't happen next time.   Glad you were able to finish it.  Four rounds will be plenty!  

REKoz -- the onc. nurse thought it could be the anti-nausea drugs at 1st, but then ruled it out b/c I'm still having them 2-3 weeks after my infusions.  But I'll ask the onc. about it next week.  Thanks!

Holtbolt:  Your boxing analogy ROCKS!!   That is a perfect description of what I feel like during days 8-21!  Mind if I steal your analogy for my CaringBridge site (I'll be sure to give you appropriate credit!!!)

Holtbolt....you are funny!!!  Glad we're on the same wave lenght!!! BAM!

WIGS--Help! I bought a new wig, and it looks sorta like my old style without any grey (my dd said it doesn't exactly match my face-oh well!). I'm having trouble with the bags though. They need to be thinned I think because they keep falling in my face. I'm afraid to have my stylist cut it though and make a mistake. Has anyone had theirs cut? Did it come out ok?

I'm hoping to wear it when I go back to teach. I'm so comfortable in my beanies around the house and even out shopping. The wig is itchy, but when I see it on me I feel sort of like the old me.

Year of the Hat-maybe I'll try a liner. I've got a bunch of fabric around and bought some silk remnants to make a scarf which of course I haven't done. Reading has been my savior for keeping my mind out of the dark places. I've been so enjoying the time to do it, so it's a bit of a silver lining to the dark bc cloud. My FMLA is done on 2-26, but I know I won't be able to work full time.

Hugs to all. I was feeling so dizzy and crummy today but the rain cleared today and I went for 30 min walk with a friend and it really helped.

I had a great experience with a wig stylist.  She advertises herself locally as a wig specialist.  I knew she did good work because a friend who had cancer a couple of years ago went to her and she looked so natural.  I know someone else here had a bad experience with it, but maybe try a recommendation from your local American Cancer Society.  

I wanted to comment also.....I have been thinking about the stage 3 and 4 people.  I read an article that advocated for them.  Even though it's depressing that that can happen to anyone, we also need to advocate for them to get the best life saving treatments possible and to be as comfortable as possible during treatment.  Personally, I only go to the on-line boards for my support so I am not saying it's necessarily productive to go to support groups for the stage 3 and 4s, but the article I read said we stage 1 and 2 gals kind of steal their thunder in the medical world and in the outer world because our cure rates are so much higher.  We are the darlings of the breast cancer experience.  I just think we have to remember that just because they drew the short straws, their care and well being are no less important than ours. They are us really....one for all and all for one.   

BerkelyKim--Are you getting lymphadema therapy?  Suddenly, my arm hurts soooo much.  My PS says to massage it, but that isn't even helping.  Whom do I turn to for physical therapy?  Kinda bummed I have to search this out and more bummed my "cancer team" isn't on board to help me.  Sigh.  I will get through this---JUST NEED TO VENT!

Lisalisa- I am so glad to see you write words of optimism and hope.  This is so much a part of getting trhogu the tx. 

 Hi everyone.

 shockedat39-I'm with you about some of us with stage111 and 4. There's hope for all of us. I happen to have IDC and IBC.

 My doctor is very pleased with my treatments. My blood counts have been excellent. I feel good most of the time. I pray a lot and am keeping a postive attitude. I plan on being around a long time. My oldest daughter graduates from high school this year and I plan on seeing my other daughter graduate in 3yrs, plus I just got married last year and I would like to spend a lot of years with my husband. Everyone just need to stay focused and take care of themselves and we will all get through this. Tomorrow is #3 a/c for me. Hoping I don't feel crappy like the last one. Take care.

Enjoy the day JillyG, keeping finders crossed for you!!!

Postive wishes for everyone today!!!!!

As a rad/onc I met said to me one day......he loves his job....he gets to cure cancer every day. 

Just got off the phone with my aunt who finished treatment for Stage III BC in 2001 -- she is doing great, no recurrence in 8 years!  (My step-mother is also a Stage III BC survivor -- just past 7 years out w/ no recurrence).  It was great talking to my aunt b/c I've been in that "dark place" the last few days, torturing myself with the "what if it comes back" line of thinking (I have a high Oncotype DX score, which is why I worry when my diagnosis is Stage I).  I asked her how long it took for her to stop worrying about that on a daily basis, and she said she never really worried about it...she just assumed that her treatment was going to take care of it, and that was that, and that if it was going to come back, then that was that, but worrying about it was pointless since she was already doing everything she could do wipe it out.  I'm going to try to think more like her, but I have a worry-prone personality, so it will take some work!  Guess my faith could definitely use some improvement!

Hi all--Just lost my post. Dang-here goes again.

Jess--I did get LE massage, which is VERY different from PT. It helped me alot, and they taught me how to do it because I got just 6 appts. I'm not as effective. Definitely ask for a referral. Anyone who has had lymphnodes removed is at risk. I just got fitted for a sleeve to fly with or to go to higher elevations. I've had sore shoulders and also sometimes pain under my arm running to my elbow. They said it's not "cording" but just tightness, which I try to stretch out gently. I was stretching in the shower today and unfortuantely pulled my back on the good side. Will it ever stop???

Year of the Hat and Bevr-thanks for the wig advice. I just don't want to ruin $200, but cutting slowly is a good idea. Do you use styling gel, and what do you wash with. I can't remember what my wig guy said, I think just gentle shampoo?

I think stage III is very good prognosis these days. I'm borderline with almost 4 lymphs and 3 separate tumors. When I told my onc mid AC that I hoped the tx worked, he said it will. Made me feel better but I know there's always the chance (especially since I've visited the rec/mets thread a few times). Makes you appreciate each day.

Marymoir, I love your aunt's attitude. I have never before worried about my health--always my kids' and DH's. I am definitely focused on myself now, not all for the good.

Pamela--you're right about getting  out in the sun. We finally have a really nice day before the rains hit again. I'm gonna get out, although the antibiotic warns about sunlight and a million other things (levaquin). Don't watch Idol too much, but loving LOST!!!

Plutz and JillyG (and whoever else gets tx this week!!!-I just look up a few post before and loose track of all us fighters!)--GOOD LUCK, and YOU CAN DO IT!!!