Starting Chemo October 2009

Options
1…2526283031…113

Comments

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited October 2009

    Anita, congrats on finishing up some treatment.

    Kimberly,  welcome to the group, we are glad to help you in any way that we can.

    I finally broke down and went wig shopping today.  My hair hasn't started falling out yet, but it will in about a week and I want to be ready.  I go a human hair and a synthetic one.  I will pick up the human hair one next week and have it styled.

    I felt much better today, but still had to come home and take a nap.  Will wait and see how it goes when I try to go back to work next week.

    I hope everyone has a great weekend.

    Juannelle

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited October 2009

    Jaclyn: Congratulations on completing your third Tx Smile. I found it encouraging to hear that you were able to walk 3+ miles on days 4-14. I'm now on day 3 and thought I would become more tired over the next few days and be unable to walk much. I did three miles on Wednesday (Day 1) and five miles yesterday (Day 2) and was a little disappointed to give up after 3.5 miles today. The exercise and just being outdoors on these beautiful fall days gives me a boost too. So I'm hoping I can keep up the walking as your do.

    Shelby: I've always loved ginger prior to this, but I think I'll never want to taste it after this is over. I know it's supposed to be good for nausea so I stocked up. Trader Joe's ginger snaps were tasting great until yesterday. Today I tried to drink some ginger tea but found the smell revolting. I have two packets of ginger candies that I don't think I can eat. And I know I probably won't use all that ginger root that I've stashed in the fridge. Ginger ale is still Ok with me as it doesn't taste and smell so strongly of ginger. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited October 2009

    I am so jealous of anyone that has the energy to walk a mile a day. The weather in Texas has been rainy and overcast all week, so it wasn't a good  week to go for walks.

    Maybe next week I will have the energy.

    Happy Halloween to everyone.

    Juannelle

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Dear all,



    There is no ginger in gingerale :-)



    Crush fresh ginger and squeeze free lime juice. Add club soda

    Salt to taste. You will love this real thing.





    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeredithK02
    MeredithK02 Member Posts: 86
    edited October 2009

    Welcome, Kimberly...this is a really great group, even if none of us wanted to join!  I had my first chemo session last week and it wasn't as bad as I'd been worried it'd be.  Somehow I imagined everything much scarier than it actually was.  I was really groggy from the meds for about three days afterwards, then sat around a couple days feeling tired sorry for myself before going back to work.

     For drinks post-chemo, I really liked pink lemonade (the Simply Lemonade brand) watered down.  Enough sharp flavor that it didn't taste off, but not overpoweringly sweet.  I didn't have any problems with acidic foods, though, so that might be something to avoid for some people.  I also drank a lot of Republic of Tea's "get relief" tea for digestion.

     Oh, and I'm a blond now!  DH helped me dye what little hair I had left tonight so I could be blond for Halloween.  I just got some brown dye, though, and think I'll give being a brunette a shot before all the hair falls out!

     

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited October 2009

    Onty: thanks for that recipe. Might try that out over the weekend.

    Meredith: pink lemonade sounds nice. Is that Simply Lemonade the one with the wired cap?

    Juanelle: even if it's overcast, I try and get out for a walk. Being outside really seems to boost my energy level, and if I tire during my walk I sit for a while. Granted I have a really nice walk route near me along Long Island Sound. I would be less inclined to walk if I was forced to walk on city streets.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited October 2009

    Meredith, you are a hoot.  Have a good time dying your hair before it falls  out.  Then you can tell people you dyed it for  Halloween and it all fell out. lol

    Have a great one.

    Juannelle

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited October 2009

    Mary, I live in the country and we have a dirt road.  It is very narrow and muddy at this time.  The area of Texas that  live in is very small and we do not have  any nice parks or walking trails.  We do have a state park, but it is muddy also.  We have  had about 25 inches of ran in the last two months, that is almost  all  we usually get in a year.  Now I know I could  go to town and walk, so I am just making excuses. 

    So, I should just  get off my bottom and get out there and just do it.

    Thanks for the encouragement and I will  do better starting tomorrow.

    Juannelle 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeredithK02
    MeredithK02 Member Posts: 86
    edited October 2009

    Hi Mary, I'm not sure about the wired cap, but the Simply Lemonade comes in a 59-oz glass bottle, and also has limeade, orange, apple, and grapefruit juices.  I will admit that prior to this week I'd only bought the limeade, and then just to mix with vodka.

    All you ladies talking about walking has me feeling lazy!  I think I'll hit the gym tomorrow, and remember to wipe down the elliptical before using it.  I do my best exercise with music and a magazine for distraction.

     

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RaiderDee
    RaiderDee Member Posts: 150
    edited October 2009

    Hey Meredith, rock the blond look while you can!  I hope everyone has a fun Halloween, or at least a nice weekend.  This is the first Halloween in many years that the hubby and I have said, "Nope, not gonna do any costumes or parties this time."  I don't really have any business out with the crowds during chemo and quite frankly, I'm just not feeling it this year.  I never was a big drinker and as of now I'm being really good and staying away from alcohol all together.  I don't miss it too much but by the same token, I don't really want to be in the middle of a big party with all of my drinking friends while I sip on my caffeine free diet coke with lime.  They understand and fully support me but it can get very old very fast when you're the sober one.  Oh well, there will be other holidays.  Glad to hear everyone seems to be doing pretty well as of now.  Take care, get some rest and hang tough ladies!

    Dee

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nancy724
    nancy724 Member Posts: 11
    edited October 2009

    welcome kimberly.  thank you so much for all the great beverage ideas.  i am going to buy the simply lemonade tomorrow.  i did have a cup of hot green tea this afternoon and i liked it so i will continue to drink.   i saw my oncologist  this morning and I told him that one week after third AC dx still not feeling very well, especially my stomach.  he recommened i take otc prilosec because the chemo is hard on your stomach. anyone else going through

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited October 2009

    Hey, Canada Dry is made with real ginger!!  I'm too lazy to make my own, although it sounds good.

    Have you tried the Simply Lemonade with Raspberry?  Oh, it is delicious!!!  The raspberry makes it smooth, yet tangy (if that's possible).  

    Dee, I don't blame you for not wanting to go out for Halloween.  I'm not really into it this year either.  Do what makes you happy!

    Peace... 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • snuziq
    snuziq Member Posts: 107
    edited October 2009

    Welcome Kimberly - I love how you described your diagnosis like it was the Miss America pagent.  you're going to fit in well!

    1L - totally understand the not walking.  I, too, have no desire to be out in the "get soaked in 10 seconds" rain that we have had lately.  Not to mention the darn wind that has been changing directions every other day.   Of course, that doesn't excuse me from not riding my stationary bike..but I'm looking for excuses for that as well.  

    I went to the final home game of the season to watch the marching band last night and now I'm not sure it was a good decision.   I'm hoping the head ache and soreness is the allergies -- my favorite culprit for everything.   It was a good game and of course the band was awesome.  I guess some day I will have to realize that my husband is right and I am not Super Woman or Marvel Girl.  Although, I think I'm going to make them prove it to me!

    I hope everyone has a great weekend!  

    Suzi

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited October 2009

    Hi there wonder women

    well on day 8 of my first tx and im still extremly tired going up one flight of stairs to my bed scares me and the thought of a five mile walk is out of the question an ambulance would have to come for me after 1/2 a mile im sure just going to the doctors and on the way home the suppermarket with my husband driving and doing the shopping with me at snail pace behind him is so hard im just sooo tired i think ill call my self  jo jo just  from now on i told my onco about the fatuge and he is not worried about it i just feel like im not even here sometimes ohhh i hope it will lift im sure it will im eating really healthy and eating a lot of energy foods i might get on to the alt ernative forum and ask for any ideas its holloween here to in australia and im usually waiting for the kids to come knocking  at the door and give them lollies and a bit of a joke but tonight i think i will put a note on my door to say go away no lollies here just a cranky chemo glowing women  oh dear oh dear oh dear my anger and frustrations seems to come out when im tapping away at this stupid key board ok feel bit beter now i am glad that every one is feeling good after their TX  oh now i am lying  just a bit now too  oooh im sorry but im sooo jelouse im very lucky in other ways hy husband is fantastic and so are my children and my parents are the best coming around once a week to fill my freezer with home made meals and isnt mummys cooking the best !!!!! my two older sisters are my best friends  and i dont have to work thank god for that one imagine me the hairdresser falling on the floor in the middle of a haircut for a 2hr nap oh how funny well im going now cause im tired my self right out with all this typing so good nigh my BC FRIENDS

    LOVE FROM  JO JO JUST HA HA

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited October 2009

    My cousin and I dress up like witches and hand out candy at her house.  We have such a great time doing it I hate to give it up.  So we are going to dress up and sit out on the street with a big bucket of candy and let the kids get their own, then I wont have to touch the snotty little things.  I know I am taking a chance but I will need something to lift my spirits today.

    I have decided to cut my hair today and I woke up all night and cried each time.  I don't think it is really about cutting the hair, but looking like  a chemo patient.  So far, you know  I have looked healthy and no one would be the wiser, but the hair is it.  The beauty shop that will do it closes at noon and they are  going to stay open for me to come in and have it done when no one is there.  I am ready I have my wigs and scarves and I  can't wear either one until  I get the hair off.  I know that one day next week I am going to run my fingers through my hair and I will have a whole hand full  of hair.  I am not sure that I could take that.

    Why does every decision we make and everything that we go through have to affect us so. 
    We are nice women going through a tough time and now everyone that  looks at me will  know that  I have cancer and is going through chemo.  Its not that  I really care if they know, I just  don't want to look like that.

    I feel good about the decision to cut my hair, it just makes everything so real, so very real.  I guess as long as I could look in the mirror and still see me, then I didn't have to think about it, but after today, when I look  in the mirror I will see the new me.  I hope I like that person.

    My husband really liked my wig, because it has lots more red in it than my natural hair now.  But he hasn't seen it on me, but I am sure he will continue to like it.

    Thanks for letting me rant, you gals are the best.  I guess I will have to put on my big girl panties today and do what needs to be done.

    Happy Halloween,

    Juannelle

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited October 2009

    Juanelle: Since you already have the appt, I know you will be brave enough to go through with this. I picked out a wig a couple of weeks ago, but need to go back with an Rx to pick it up. I couldn't face going to a hair salon to have my hair cut. I know the wig place does haircuts, so I thought of having it done there on the day I go to pick up my wig, but it's making me cry even as I sit here to think of doing that. As an alternative, I've bought one of those Wahl's haircutting kits from Costo. I though of running that through my hair gradually to take off a little this weekend. My hair length is currently about the same as yours in your picture and I think it would be very traumatic for me to suddenly go to a buzz cut.

    I'll be thinking of you at midday. Look at all we've come through already. We can do this. And tonight you'll sit outside your house and hand out candy to snotty-nosed kids and have a laugh with your cousin.

    Joanne: I think it's normal to feel fatigue during days 3-10 or so. Then hopefully a few good days before the next treatment. The fatigue hasn't hit me yet. Today is Day 4 for me and I'm still wired from the steroids. I found it hard to sleep again last night. I'm tired now but can't sleep. And I feel hungry, but find the idea of most food nauseating. I find I have to switch channels on the TV when food ads come on. Anyone else do this? 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lainieo
    lainieo Member Posts: 53
    edited October 2009

    one-L I know what you mean about the hair coming off making it all so real. I feel the same way, Good luck today. I am going next Saturday to do my hair at the wig salon. They are cutting my long hair and attaching it to a band to wear with hats and scarfs and I will pick up my wig there as well. They will buzz me at the same time.

    MaryNy I know what you mean about the food. Almost every ad on tv is food. I am still queasy, but can eat small things.The SE are there, but not too bad and managaeable.

    I have been pretty fatigued since the chemo. Today is day3. I slept on and off yesterday. Went out to get my eulasta shot and stopped for some food at the grocery. I gain some energy each day, but am sleeping a lot. The steroids do not give me much energy. They seem to make my tissue expander feel fuller from my reconstruction. Hopefully will go to work on Tuesday. A happy weekend to all!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • azdiva
    azdiva Member Posts: 201
    edited October 2009

    Good morning Ladies!

    I guess this is Day 4 (?) from tx #2!  Just feeling fatigued.  I think it is more of an anxiety thing than anything else.  Will I feel the same way as last time?  Will it get worse?  Etc., etc.

    DH and my son went to the dunes yesterday.  Wish I could have gone.  But me and my daughter are here.  She has a dance convention that I am taking her to in a little bit.  Then I don't have to drive for the rest of the weekend!  Halloween is set up and ready to go, but I need a few more bags of candy.  A friend is coming by to help hand it out.  No pumpkins this year . . . No energy!!

    Better run for now.  Got 4 tween girls who will be ready to go in about 20 min and I'm not even dressed!

    Love to All -

    Laura 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited October 2009

    Thanks all you wonderful ladies for the encouragement.  I know I will make it through the day it is just another step on this journey and it to will pass.  I will be stronger, oh whatever, you know what mean.  lol

    Juannelle

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited October 2009

    Juannelle- I will be thinking of you today.  I'm sure you will be fine today.  Just think of all the free time you will have now that you don;t have to style your hair. Besides if we can got through chemo, surely we can go through a few weeks of no hair.  We will hold our bald heads up high. Ok I 'm sounding a little corny now.

    So I have decided to write abook when this is all over.  The title will be called"  five pubes in my undies"...LOL.  And that is how it all began last night.  So I run my fingers through my hair and came up with a good hand full..Oh well.  My DH is going to buzz it all off today.  I thought I would let my daughter go at it with the scissors, since she loves to cut hair.  Then my husband will get his turn. 

    Later gals..

    Michele

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited October 2009

    Honestly, I think for me the hair thing has been the hardest.  I had mine cut really short, but not buzzed off.  Then I just wore little caps around and shook them off into the shower when I removed them.  The funny thing?  My isn't all gone.  I have what I would call "baby fuzz".  AND I still have some very thin hair in front of my ears which I like if my cap or scarf slips back.

    Juan-L, when I don't want to feel like I look like a chemo patient I wear my wig...at least for strangers, they don't know the difference.  It IS odd with people I know who look at me strangely and comment on my hair.  Oh well!

    Onty, the Ginger Ale drink sounds good........I need to prepare for my next drug day Monday, so I'll see about that. 

    About energy, my only thought is we have to go with our bodies.  It sounds like Mary was accustomed to long walks, so her body is more ready to do so.  Chemo affects different people differently, and we all have to pay attention to what our bodies need most.  I do an exercise class, but I've only been able to get there toward the end of my cycle.  I bring my own handweights but still use hand sanitizer the second it is over.   Earlier in my cycle I walk if I have the energy/can find the time because with the chemo/neulasta achiness I think the maneuvers in class would be too uncomfortable. 

    Good idea to let the kids take their own candy.  I'll be home tonight for trick or treaters and will do the same, in between keeping tabs on my teenagers.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hollycan
    Hollycan Member Posts: 33
    edited October 2009
    Just joined so I am still not completely sure how this works but here goes...I've been "surfing the web" this morning trying to find out if I am going to lose my hair (due to Chemo) or not.  I stumbled on this website and it's exactly what I was looking for!  So cool!  I love that I will be able to connect with so many women who, like me have been diagnosed with breast cancer.  FYI, I am 40 with two young children (5 and 2) and I figured I'd start with a post on this forum (there appear to be quite a few). Anyways, so my question is, will I lose my hair?  I had my first chemo treatment (TC) on 10/21 and was thinking about shaving my head this weekend because I don't think I can bear to have it start falling out in "clumps".  However, my husband is convinced that maybe I will be one of the few who don't experience this side effect and he doesn't want me to shave it.  I have heard from a few people that the TC form of chemo ALWAYS makes your hair fall out, does anyone know if this is true?So glad I found you all, I look forward to future communications.  :-)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Dear HollyCan,

    TC will most likely lead to hair loss. Wait till it starts to fall. Then buzz it down to 1/2". Then after a few days down to 1/8". This way you will feel in control, you won't see hair all over the house and it will not be a shock either.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 287
    edited October 2009
    Welcome Hollycan Boy I wish we could tell you different but between 14 and 18 days your hair will more than probably fall out in fairly big clumps. I waited til then to cut and then anothe few days til I buzzed it w/ a #1 shaver so it looks like GI jane and holds a wig if thats what you like (or even holds a scarf better). Have never heard of anyone on the " taxes" keeping their hair tho I have wished it for them! It really is not bad tho - u get to see what your face really looks like and no fuss, no muss in the morning! The only thing I hated was cutting it down to 2 inches (i liked that) but then showering and having the hair fall out all over the place. That was kind of gross. But now - no big deal. Its amazing what you can get used to!  Be good to yourself - Valerie
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited October 2009

    Hi Hollycan:

    Welcome to this thread. You will find lots of useful advice and answers to your questions from the women on this and the other starting chemo threads. Since you just joined, you will find that you can only post five messages a day until you reach some magic number of posts (not sure of the number) which can be a bit frustrating. But in the interim, you can PM people directly. To send a PM, click on the member name and on the right side of their profile page click on "send member a private message."

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeredithK02
    MeredithK02 Member Posts: 86
    edited October 2009

    Hi ladies,

     Well, no gym for me today.  I started feeling icky last night (sore throat, achy neck, headache), and it was worse this morning.  I took my temperature and it was 99.3, so still in the safe zone, although I usually run a little cool (96.5-97.0).  I waited an hour and took it again and it had gone down a degree, so no emergency room for me!  DH dyed my hair brown while we waited...the blond was short-lived, and I told him I would've felt silly waiting in the ER with yellow hair.  I like it a lot more than the blond, but I'll stil be happy after it falls out then grows back again.  Hair usually comes back the same color, right?  I've heard different texture, but wasn't sure about the color.  Anyway, I'm in PJs and lounging on the couch for the day.  DH is making me a lot of Throat Coat tea with honey.  He's great.

     Hollycan, welcome to the group!  I cut my hair short when I knew I'd have chemo, since I figured I wouldn't mind as much when it fell out.  I'm waiting to buzz it just like you, since my husband and a few friends have said, "you might be one of the lucky ones!"  I've decided against wigs for now, since everyone I know knows I'm going through chemo and would know it was a wig anyway.  I certainly reserve the right to change my mind once I'm bald, though!

    Michele, mark me down for one copy of your book!  I think a sense of humor helps, at least for me.  You could easily have a sequel book, too!  Or a 12 days of Christmas-style  franchise: 4 chemos remaining, 3 anti-nausea meds, 2 fancy wigs, and 1 boob left after a mastectomeeeeeeee."

    Lainieo, good luck with the wig appointment...I'd love to see pics!

    Juanelle, please let us know how the haircutting goes.  I think we started tx on the same day, so I think I'll be following in your footsteps soon.  It's great that the salon is staying open for you...you must know someone on the inside!

    Laura, tweens?!?  Just reading your post makes me tired.  I have a hard enough time having the energy to deal with adults, so I don't envy you the storm of tweens!

    Jo, good luck with Halloween!  I laughed at your "cranky chemo glowing woman."  I guess one of those radioactive signs on a t-shirt should count as a costume for all of us!

    Dee, enjoy that caffeine free diet coke with lime.  You know what I hear goes well with it?  Rum!  Wink

    Mary, I'm so impressed with all your walking!  I'm hoping I'll do more after my next tx.

    Hi to anyone I've missed!  I think i's about time for a nap!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited October 2009

    Meredith,

    I am trying to have fun with this crazy cancer thing...It is my way to cope...No point being sad.  Now I ahve that 12 days of christmas song in my head....

     Welcome Hollycan....it is a great group as you can see

    Hi to all, must go and carve pumpkins...

    Michele

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CAtharsis
    CAtharsis Member Posts: 52
    edited October 2009

    On the walking and/or exercising during chemo, the following book helped me:

    Cancer fitness from Anna L. Scwartz, a survivor.

    Before reading this book, I was afraid to even think about exercising as I wrongly thought it would interfere with the efficiency of my chemo or drain my energy. Now, I'm on FEC and I walk every day and do spinning classes 2 to 3 times a week.... at my own pace but still, it is great for the mind and body.

     That being said, I totally understand that the SE are different for each one of us but I thought the sharing could be helpful some of you.

     Keep on fighting.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MeredithK02
    MeredithK02 Member Posts: 86
    edited October 2009
    Thanks for the tip, CAtharsis, I just added the book to my hold list at the library.  Next exercise for me might be walking to pick it up!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited October 2009

    hi there

    wow the hair thing is such a major  thing  im day 9 now and the last two daysmy hair has  been coming out more than normal sooooo i was thinking that since my 2 daughters are here for the weekend im might get them to run the clippers over my hair today just a number 5 all over this is going to be harder on my poor husband i think more so than me for him it will just verify the whole cancer thing with my hair still intact i still look normal to him i think we will cry together so ----------

    JUANNELLE  im with u today sister ill be holding your hand as we both do this big step together and a big cuddle for after

    i whent onto the natural girl thread yesterday so very interesting asked them for any tips on taking somethink for fatigue  while im on chemo and their sugestion was COQ10  any one heard of it app its hard to get dont know how hard here in aus but ill do some reserch on it. now to go tell dh about my decision on my hair  oh holloween last night i put a sign on our front door saying sorry no goodies here tonight im sick oh and was i the worst one in the house then never mind we arnt so big over here on holloween not like over in america 

    Hey i carnt find the nov chemo thread and i do hope that they do the same idea as our clever Mary has done with the smiley faces hey Mary maybe you can sugest it

    well to all the princesess here big kisses and hugs and juannelle il be chating to you soon be strong and think of all the positive things it will grow back no more bad hair days and we can change our look me so than people who have their hair

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories