Starting Chemo Feb 2010?

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  • mofend
    mofend Member Posts: 140
    edited March 2010

    Does anyone else want to tell a relative (like a sister) to not come over each and every time you have chemo and stay for five to seven days?  My sister, love her dearly, has come each time and I do appreciate it but she wears me down - she never shuts the f&#( up!   And I'm not kidding.  She walks out of the guest room in the morning and hasn't even hit the stairs and she's talking - like I can hear her from wherever I am in the house.  She just told me she's planning on coming out again (from Chicago to PA - driving each time even though I offered to fly her and I get to her all the complaints about the drive).  I feel so bad making up a lie and I just don't know how to tell her straight up without hurting her feelings.  She is helpful when she's here, to a point, and even my 13 year old doesn't want her to come because she talks too much.  Any suggestions?  Mo

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  • ariesrottie
    ariesrottie Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2010

    Hey Girls! Went today for my2 tx.. Hafd another reaction to taxotere.... Blood pressur186/102/ Pulse 92... Gave me something to slow heart rate down and the Benadly.. I got 100mg in total.. Finish taxotere on slow drip... Now stomach pains, diarrhea... all that good stuff.....Dex flush ..etc..... At least I finished it on a slow drip was there for 6 hours instead of 3.... So 2 more to go..... I hope tomorrow is a better day with  little SE for me and you girls...

    Night Night I bushed......

    {{{HUGS}}}}

    Donna

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  • retrievermom
    retrievermom Member Posts: 522
    edited March 2010

    Donna:  Sorry to hear that.  Hope Fri is a much better day for you and you get a good night's sleep.

    My round 3 went smoothly.  Lots of water yesterday and today, and I started stool softeners and heartburn otc's as a precaution.  I can't take the benadryl in the tx drip, and the nurses know I'm supposed to get claritin instead, but for the second time, they didn't have it.  Last time, I had some with me just in case, but this time my DH had to run to the store.  

    Every time I see the onc, I have questions, and he responds, "that's a good question!"  Then he gives me more negative news than I want to hear.  Since my invasive aspect was grade 3, the stats say if it comes back, it will be very bad news.  The next 3 years will be the most likely timeframe for recurrence, but he said it could recur in 30 years, but not as bc.  Once I get through chemo and rads, I'm doing some traveling to see family and do more dog showing.  My DH is really coming through, and I'm grateful for that.  We had some hard times last year, and Donna, my bp was so high they thought I would have a stroke.  It's all under control now.

    Relish the good days, soldier through the bad.  I feel another dexe flush coming on, so it's time to stripSmile

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  • writer
    writer Member Posts: 208
    edited March 2010

    Oh, Mo, on top of the blood loss you have to have Sister Small Talk 24/7?!?! It's just too much!

    I set boundaries early on. My family is more the type to always be afraid of intruding, so my sisters would never show up, but I had friends who wanted to really be here more than I can handle. One tried to convince me why I needed a chemo buddy to sit with me all 5-7 hours of chemo day. I really really didn't want that, and I was clear about it. I knew I'd want time alone, and I do-- and I'm so tired from the steroid sleep deprivation and the benadryl that I'd be terrible company.

    It's not too late for you to set boundaries. I think you sholuld just be straight. Say that what you've gone through really took it out of you, and you so greatly value and appreciate her help, but for this next round you need quiet rest. Lie if you need to and say it's doctor's orders that you not have any company.

    You have to take care of yourself!!! 

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  • me2u
    me2u Member Posts: 52
    edited March 2010

    hi everyone, am back!! :)

    hi mo, really sorry to hear about your ordeal. and just as you thought you gonna have peace, you have your sister talking non-stop (pardon me, but its amusing and i can understand cos somehow my hearing gets sensitive now and every little sound seems to set me awake!) talk to her, am sure she will understands, actually come to think about, my eldest son (aged 8) talks non-stop too :) i will tell him "mommy needs peace", he will be quiet for say max 5mins and starts making noises again....he's still a kid and instead i tell myself, am glad to still be alive and listening to his noises, so i try to accomodate instead. but er, your sister is different scenario, talk to her.

    hi lindee629, nice picture and a beautiful smile :) really encouraging to know you are already halfway done and of course ours will be soon! i do not have a port or PICC, hence cant advise much. so far, my direct infusion through veins are ok (crossing my fingers tight tight!).

    have a mini meltdown the other day, cried alittle and pick up quickly again, felt better after the cry. its a beautiful and cool weather here in singapore and i love it!! spent sometime doing some scrapbooking cards for my 3 oncology nurses, will post up pictures if i can :)

    hang on tight everyone and we are all going to die gracefully of old age and not of cancer, of course!!! * hugs and kisses to everyone *

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  • mofend
    mofend Member Posts: 140
    edited March 2010

    Good morning, my friends - well, thanks for listening to me moan about my sister last night.  I was having a moment because on top of her phone call to say she's coming, I had also started to bleed again - even after the Lupron shot and all the drama of this week.  I spoke with my OB/GYN and they said that it's okay as long as I'm not bleeding buckets full, like earlier.  Sooooo, I was freaked out last night and was really bummed/pissed/scared, so you all got to listen to me complain about my sister.  If the bleeding gets worse I won't be able to have my 3rd treatment on Wednesday and that's something I'm concerned about, because I don't want to prolong this treatment.  So far today, I've been staying very still thinking that that will help - the doctor kind of laughed at that and said that if it's going to happen, it will even if I stand on my head - lovely vision there - kind of like a fountain!  Oh, that made me laugh anyway.  Thanks for all the advice - I definitely think I will have the nerve to tell my sister than I need some alone time.  Hopefully she won't be too upset - believe me, if she is I'll hear it from one of my five other siblings - she loves to bend their ears if something is wrong, too!  Hugs and thanks to everyone - Mo

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  • lbreedl
    lbreedl Member Posts: 59
    edited March 2010

    Mo: I had that same deal with my MIL. She just had to be here to "help" and I just did not want to have to put on my happy face 24/7. It's extra stress to have "guests" even if they are there to help. I always want the house perfect, meals, all that so even thought she was here to help I would get no rest. I was in the same spot as you. My mom finally just explained it to her that I needed rest and to just be able to have family time & let hubby and kids take care of me. She totally understood. She wanted to do something to help so bad and that was her way of coping too. Good luck!

    I've gained 10 lbs. :(

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  • writer
    writer Member Posts: 208
    edited March 2010

    Sorry about the weight gain, lbreedl. That's simply not fair.

    Mo, lbreedl hit the nail on the head. Some of those nearest and dearest to us need a way to help, and that's how your sister knows how to help. Maybe you can come up with another job for her? My mother was so hard hit by my news, but she is so not the type to come stay with us. When I invited her along on the college tour I'm doing with my daughter after round 3, she was thrilled-- not only because she loves to travel and loves my daughter, but it was a way she could help-- she'll be there if I'm really beat or get sick again (which I WON'T) and can help with driving, getting Emily to a tour, etc. Maybe you could have her do some email organizing of friends bringing food? or ask her to research something for you? It's kind of a stretch, but maybe there's something she can do that doesn't involve being at your house for a week!

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  • faithfulc
    faithfulc Member Posts: 284
    edited March 2010

    Mo, I hope you feel better and have a bleed-free day very soon! Annoying as it may feel to you, your sister presumably won't change at least in two regards: (1) she is genuinely trying to help and (2) she will not stop talking. I'm with Writer, you could channel your sister's enerty some other way. Just so sorry that this requires a bit more work on your part when all you need is rest rest rest!!

    Just came back from the Neulasta shot.  The nurse took my vitals.  Blood pressure was at 75/53, an all time low for me, I think.  Perhaps the fatigue will set in this afternoon as it did for round 2 last time, but so far I'm feeling OK.  Still it was a shocker.  The shot in the tummy again went in without a fuss so I'm back at work.  I do think I'll take off for the afternoon, though.

    Got a spam of an email that shouted at me in its title: "LASER HAIR REMOVAL."  Made me laugh out loud.  

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  • Bambaloos
    Bambaloos Member Posts: 85
    edited March 2010

    Hello Ladies, I thought I would finally post some details of my journey.  First I would like to say what an amazing bunch of ladies you all are - the information on here has been wonderful, and the encouragement and strength is coming through.

     I am 49 yrs old - no kids - and found a lump in January, 2010.  After a needle biopsy found out I have not one, but two types of cancer.  Invasive Mucinous Carcinoma and DCIS with lymphovasular invasion identified, basically stage 3, ER and PR positive.  I started Chemo (taxol weekly) on 02/08/10 for 12 weeks, followed by Fluorouracil/Doxorucicin and Cyclophosphamide for another 12 weeks - then surgery - then rads - then (if I am up to it - reconstruction) PHEW (oh I forgot - they are suggesting a hysterectomy at the same time as my breast surgery).

     I feel I have been fairly lucky with my SE's.  The worse is not been able to sleep at night - the Onc gave me Ambien - it gets me to sleep but I am sill waking up 3-4 hours later. Anyone suggest anything better???

    I have the flu symptoms every week - usually 4 days after treatment, it only last for 24 hours. My hair is very "whispy" - but still have not had the courage to buzz it yet - I am getting close as it is looking so bad, maybe this weekend. 

    The other thing I need advice on is my eating is out of hand! I know it is the steroids, but I am constantly hungry. I don't understand why I have to eat so much as nothing tastes good (can you imagine what would happen if it did taste good???)  I am still working and bring in healthy snacks, but seem to finish everything by noon!!

    I have the usual aches/pains with numbness in the feet/hands and the dry skin, but I feel I am coping well with all the SE's so far. My bloodwork has been normal since this whole thing started, so I am very relieved about that.

     I have my next treatment on Monday 03/22 (#7) - quite frankly I am ready for this journey to be over with. 

     Sending healing thoughts to everyone out there! (Thanks for listening)

    Mandy

    I

      

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  • ariesrottie
    ariesrottie Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2010

    Hi Mandy ! Welcome aboard....Great place to be with great SISTERS!!!!! Lots of information .... They are always there for us... We are in this together.....

    Mo- Hope you are having a better day today.... Feel good. In my thoughts and prayers.

    Me2u- Hang in there... We all have our meltdowns... We are entitled...

    I am having a better day then yesterday... Yesterday Chemo put me over the edge... Any Idea how to get my Blood pressure down without the use of more meds????

    Going to take my claritan for I get my Nuelasta shot in 1 hour....

    Feel great everyone... Enjoy the beautiful weather we are having.

    TTUL-

    Donna

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  • makmak
    makmak Member Posts: 632
    edited March 2010

    Just got my Vitamin D results.. and they are low.. but 34000 which is within the range which is 32000.. SO I can take a supplement just not a high one..   SO.. basically.. my Vit D is normal.. my thyroid just got checked and is well controlled with current dose.. my tumor markers are normal.. my liver function and blood work is normal.. THEN my conclusion is that maybe all the C results and biopsies are mixed up and I AM HEALTHY... LOL.. wishful thinking can't hurt... :)

    Lbreed and Bambaloos I am in the blimp club with  you.. can't stop eating.. and gaining.. which sucks as I lost all my pregnancy weight before starting this chemo and was so proud of doing so in 11 weeks.. Now I look pregnant again!  I actually have been told to meet with the cancer nutritionist who says she can help me eat right and feel good about it.. BUT.. she is he same person who told me to add Whey Protein to my diet to avoid nausea and to eat sardines for the Omega 3.. which I do.. but it is NOT going to help me lose weight.. I eat every 3 hrs to help digestion and SE's and it works.. but unfortunately it makes me gain.. and all they say is "we'd rather see  you gain then lose weight".. WELL.. I WOULD RATHER LOSE.. if it was not via diarrhea or puking that is...

    My baby has a horrid cold and my DH just walked in back from work at 2.. sick as a dog.. This will be a lovely weekend.. nanny has it off!! Once a month and has to be this one.. so I get night duty and Sunday... this will be fun.. as I'm recovering from my cold.. and my DH does NOT want my parents around as he is in the same camp as the rest.. rather deal with it himself then hear them talk all day...

    Hope everyone who has the same beautiful weather as we do today (64 and sunny here) can get out and enjoy the day!!

    Marina 

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  • retrievermom
    retrievermom Member Posts: 522
    edited March 2010

    Ok, I'm not the only one who feels like a blimp!  I don't know why I'm gaining, since I'm not eating as much as normal, and have cut out things like soda.  I'm probably not as active as before chemo, but darn it all!  I hate having to buy bigger pants.

    Few SEs so far after round 3 and even managed to show my dog today.  In the midst of the heeling, I felt very weak, and my hand starting shaking (dexe?), but I made it through and even placed in a large class.  Back in time to get to the clinic and get my neulasta, now home to rest.  If all goes well tonight, I'm headed back to the show tomorrow.  Bless my DH for all the help schlepping and driving.

    Writer:  I loved doing college tours.  If you want to tell more, send me a message.  We considered schools on the West Coast, but were advised my son would have a better shot going East from Utah.  I do believe in that "right fit" philosophy, and hope you find a great place for your daughter.

    Mo:  My family talks around these issues.  Everyone knows but the person who needs to.  It should be possible for your sister to hear and understand "I need quiet time now."  I would love to get a phone call from my sister, but it would drive me nuts if she came to stay.

    Mandy:  I hate ambien.  Had it after hip surgery.  Built up tolerance, plus had horrid nightmares.  Have you asked for something else?  Ativan, maybe?  Hate to think of you having to have a hysterectomy on top of the other surgery.

    Colder here.  Snow in the mountains.  

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  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 631
    edited March 2010

    Beautiful weather here, but I'm pretty much too down to go outside.  Having a hard couple of days with the boredom.  I couldn't fall asleep until 5am last night, so I stayed in bed until 2pm.  The kids are so good about doing their own thing (they're on Spring Break for 2 weeks.)

    I seriously wish I didn't have to quit my job-all my friends work, so I have no one to talk to during the day.  I've cleaned as much as my chest will allow me to, pulled weeds, played on the computer...holy cow, staying home all day is driving me crazy!  Maybe I could speed my treatments up to every 2 weeks to make the process go quicker...

    I originally lost 6 pounds after the surgery and first treatment, but I've gained 4 back.  I'm holding steady at that-my appetite really isn't what it used to be, probably because everything is really bland tasting.  Cooking one of my favorite casseroles tonight and I'm going to load it with garlic!

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  • me2u
    me2u Member Posts: 52
    edited March 2010

    thanks donna, am feeling much better and happier, must be the nice cool weather! makmak3030, love your conclusion, haha, really tickles me :) hi mandy, sad to say, after chemo due to the steriods, i was not able to sleep at night too and activan works for me.

    i am the opposite from most of you here then:- losing weight, not working, spend whole day at my inlaws place (home in the evenings, we lived closeby 10mins drive), napping, reading, surfing, watching tv, learning to cook nice dishes from my mother-in-law, facebook, scrapbooking and etc. at times, too much time on hand to think about nonsense. i think some of you ladies are really superb, some are still working, some with babies, wow, wonder woman :)

    k, got to go, my eldest son is eyeing at my computer to play his games. take care gals and chat again tmr! :)

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  • CinD
    CinD Member Posts: 163
    edited March 2010

    I hope everyone is having a great start to their weekend with no SEs.

    Retrievermom, I also had my third treatment this week, yesterday. I see you're also on four total treatments, so we're coming close to the finish line. Mine was also a grade 3, and I spoke more with my oncologist about this yesterday. My oncotype score was a low 11, and I asked him how this could be with a grade 3. He told me to keep in mind that grades were subjective. They are assigned by a pathologist by looking under a microscope, trying to determine how different the cells look from normal breast tissue and trying to determine how quickly the cells are dividing. No matter how good the pathologist is, it still is subjective. I love your idea of traveling more and doing more dog showings. I'm trying to think of what I want to do when I'm done my main treatment phase.

    Mo, I hope the bleeding has slowed or better yet, stopped. Loved your fountain image! Please keep us up on what happens with your sister. At least her heart is in the right place, now if only her mouth would follow!

    Jessica, I'm glad you're feeling better now.You always seem to have such lightness and joy around you. Those mini-meltdowns can really help us move forward sometimes. Great picture, by the way!

    Kim, I hope that casserole did the trick, and that you're more up today.That not sleeping can take a toll on us physically and mentally. I've been tempted to ask my husband to just knock me over the head with a frying pan before bed!

    Marina, sardines, YUCK! I'll take salmon over sardines any day. You're a trooper! Sorry you're still being plagued by that pass-around cold. Hope the weekend turns out to be better than you think with your night duties pending. I got the official OK from my onc yesterday to take 1,000 of Vitamin D. He's checking my levels but said to go ahead with it for now. I got a Rx for Ambien yesterday to help me sleep a little better. My hot flashes have been getting worse and keeping me up, so I'm hoping the Ambien will let me sleep thru them some. Wishful thinking, probably. I've also got the thin, wispy hair going on. I can't believe I still have any after three treatments, and I know I'm pushing it hoping it will last thru my last treatment in three weeks. Still, I can go out with just a hat and have some of real hair, which I cut short, sticking out the bottom. I'm the oddball who couldn't shave it, but once I got over the initial shock of it falling out, I got used to the thinness. Cutting it short took away that pulling on the scalp, so that helped. About the eating, I think some of us are tempted to eat more when we can't taste much, because we want to get that taste thing going again. It doesn't feel as if we've eaten unless we can taste it, if that makes sense. I keep some sweetarts around to get a burst of flavor now and then, and that seems to help.

    My third treatment was yesterday, and so far so good. I have a great onc, and we really had a good conversation. Because I have very bad flushing from the Dex and haven't had any reactions, he let me cut it back from 8mg twice a day to 4mg twice a day. So now it's drink and pee, drink and pee, then later the Neulasta shot.

    I hope everyone has a great weekend with no side effects. Hang in there, everyone!  We're getting thru this!  Take care.

    Cindy

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  • writer
    writer Member Posts: 208
    edited March 2010

    Cindy, I think you're right about eating more in an attempt to taste. I always thought I had more sensitive taste buds than the average person (I KNOW I have more a more sensitive sense of smell, because I can barely stand perfumes and scented candles and people with BO), and smell and taste are so connected. Now that my taste buds are artificially limited, I know my lifelong tendency to overeat comes not from emotional issues (because I'm really not an emotional eater) but because I just LOVE the taste of good food and have trouble stopping when it's really good.

    I've lost weight so far on this regimen, although I've felt so good these last few days that I've been eating assiduously and have gained a couple, but I think they'll come off next week with round 3 of TCHA. I have found that the Breathsavers mints help give a sense of taste and help me not eat too much. Also, the one flavor that comes through is citrus-- can't eat it in the first bad chemo week, but after that, fresh oranges and foods/drinks with a good citrus buzz seem to be the only foods that really taste like I remember, and they give me that satisfaction without eating too much. Maybe that's worth trying?? Tangerines instead of chips? Don't know, just blue-skying. That said, I did eat a whole basket of chips at a Mexican restaurant last week, and boy was that fun.

    Colleen 

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  • retrievermom
    retrievermom Member Posts: 522
    edited March 2010

    I showed my dog again today.  He is such a sweetie.  Some mistakes were the result of my barely being on my feet, but some were his.  I show in obedience trials and have always been very competitive, despite my mobility issues.  It's good to get out.  For every kind person, there's someone who's grating (my nerves are on edge I think, and I'm sound sensitive), and I truly appreciate the little touches.  Came home and crashed for hours.  Now back in bed with one of the Labs snoring away beside me.

    I'm going to try some of your suggestions concerning tastes and foods.  My first chemo round, all I could stand was mashed avacado, but I haven't been so nauseated these other rounds, hence the ability to eat garlic shrimp last night when we stopped by a friend's place.  

    I hate the flushes.  Hate the tremors.  Hate the muscle weakness.  My neck is really tender to touch.  Eyelid twitching.  Darn it all!  I'm calling in sick Monday. 

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  • ariesrottie
    ariesrottie Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2010

    Morning Girls!!!! Hope everyone is enjoying the weather.... I feel ok today just foggy head...  No aches and pains as of yet.....I am getting a little eye twitching and jaw pain once in awhile not happy about that....

    Cooking today for my daughter goes back to College this afternoon... Need her to bring some home food back with her...

    Hope everyone is great todday with little or NO SE's...........We can do this. TOGETHER!!!!

    Donna

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  • ariesrottie
    ariesrottie Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2010

    Is there anything that we can to to help with the eye twitching??

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  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 631
    edited March 2010

    Dang, I started my period!  It was a week late, so I thought I wouldn't get it.  So far, it's normal-I hope it stays that way.  Mo's experience has been frightening (speaking of that-I hope the bleeding is under control, Mo-I'm sorry you're having to go through this!)

    Went to a family reunion yesterday-stepmom's side of the family, so I really only know about half of the people there.  Went in just a bandana so I wouldn't get my wig all sweaty-everyone gave me some hearty hugs, so that was nice.  I did get sunburned pretty badly on my neck and chest-ooops.  Aren't we more susceptible to the sun right now?

    Hope everyone is having good weather, and a terrific Sunday!

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  • lbreedl
    lbreedl Member Posts: 59
    edited March 2010

    Since my taste buds are wacked out with chemo mouth and everyone seems to agree that we are probably eating just to find something that tastes normal, I am only going to eat what I know is good. Ice cream, brownies, better still a brownie sunday! Why waste my time and gamble whether something will taste good? Tonight, nice juicy rib eye & my fav broccoli. 

    I'm reading about more than 3 alcohol drinks a week putting us at higher risk for recurence. Is wine in that or is it considered different? Anyone? I'm not a big drinker but I do indulge and hate to have to keep score. My hubby says right now, "What's it going to do, give you cancer?' My onc says I can have a few drinks now. Just checking.

    We met a man last week in Houston who is there with his 40 year old daughter who has hpv cancer and it is an awful story. My daughter had the Guardasil vaccine last year and I just wanted to bring it up here to anyone with a daughter who may benefit. I hope someday there will be a vaccine for what we have.

    I go to onc tomorrow and have 8th TH! I will be 3/4 way though my 1st chemo! Woohoo! Then on to the FEC. Someone told me they call it the 'red devil'!  It hasn't met me yet! HA!

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  • mofend
    mofend Member Posts: 140
    edited March 2010

    Hi, everyone - Good news, the bleeding has stopped - I had a scare after the Lupron shot and it had started again, but that just lasted a day (probably leftovers!) and I've not bled since Friday!  That's such a relief.  To be able to walk around without feeling like your inside are falling out is very exciting.  Seems like the new blood has kicked in, too, because I did more yesterday than I've done in a very long time and wasn't even tired - no nap (unusual) and I felt great.  So, hopefully that nightmare is over.  On to third chemo this week as long as my platelets have rebounded from last week - if not, they won't give me the chemo.  We'll see on Wednesday. 

    Lbreedl - good luck with your treatment today.  I was under the impression that we weren't supposed to be drinking at all during chemo, but I didn't ask the oncologist - curious what everyone else has heard on that one.  I was at a dinner party on Saturday and that bottle of wine was calling my name from across the table, I swear!  Like you, I'm not a big drinker, but I love wine - especially with a fabulous dinner.  So, I abstained and was the designated driver, which is a good thing, considering how much my husband drank!  I think the last week almost made him go running for the hills, so I think he tried to drown out the week.  Glad he doesn't do that too often - the snoring was horrendous! 

    Hope everyone has a good SE free day - Mo

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  • ariesrottie
    ariesrottie Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2010

    Morning Sisters!  You will all be in my thoughts and prayers,, whoever is going through treatment or SE.

    Burley- OH NO!!!! not looking forward to that... Had it last month... Can't go through that again....Feel good. I'm glad it stopped for you.

    lbreedl- Know what you mean about taste bud... I need to have something in my mouth all the time for I can't taste anything... It works with plain turkey breast....Even my rib eye  over the weekend wasn't worth the calories....But somenathing has to be in my stomach so I don't get the acid tast or metal taste in my mouth...

    Good Luck with your treatment today.......3/4 done.... Great job.

    Enjoy the day today girls... Check in later.

    Donna

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  • kshep
    kshep Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2010

    Hi sisters!  I have been away from the computer- spring break! Had a good time in Colorado (with no snow) and then back to Kansas where it snowed a ton!  Came back for a St Patty's tx. Sent my DH off to Ok City to watch basketball. Then my girls and I took advantage of the steriods and painted two rooms.  That was the good times, now its back to the SE's- my worst is being so thirsty and NOTHING tastes good, water, pop etc...its all gross.

    I can relate to the visiting relatives- for me its my mother.  She and my husband seem are going head to head, he trying to "protect" me from her "you poor thing" visits. She was here a lot when he was gone this week and I tried to let her do all sorts of things to see if that would help make her feel better. My girls stepped up and ran some interference.  I know its tough for her- but enough!

     I have been one of the lucky ones to be losing weight. I usually take off 5 or 6 pounds this first week when its so tough to eat then gain back 4 or so, thats giving me an overall loss of about 5 pounds so far, I looked in the mirror this morning and thought- if I felt good and had hair I would be so proud, instead....

    Hang in there everyone, someday we will be done.

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  • Ezscriiibe
    Ezscriiibe Member Posts: 598
    edited March 2010

    lbreedl, two things,

    First, alcohol is alcohol is alcohol is alcohol. It's the same thing whether it's in beer, liquor or wine (or champagne). The body metabolizes it all the same.  But having said that, I'm highly skeptical of "studies" like that. There are a great deal more studies that show that moderate alcohol consumption (roughly 4-5 drinks a week), leads to greater heart health. And heart disease actually kills more women than breast cancer does. We each have to weigh our own risks individually, based on sources we trust and understand.

    Second, kudos on getting your daughter vaccinated! Wouldn't it be exciting to see this particular cancer all but eradicated in our lifetimes?

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  • writer
    writer Member Posts: 208
    edited March 2010

    kshep, I hear about being proud if only I wasn't bald and yucky, at least for the first half of the three-week cycle! I'm the same as you-- losing weight during the first half of the cycle, and then gaining some toward the end, when my taste buds are a little better and my digestive system isn't angry. I got a little carried away last week with eating because I felt good. Heading in for tx #3 today, so weight loss begins again-- I don't want to feel bad, but I'm ready for it, and at least I'll stay in my new smaller jeans. And the bland diet the nutritionist gave me really helped last time, so I think I'll be okay this time.

    As for the drinking.... I've read up quite a bit on it, because I am a proud regular (but always moderate) drinker, and I write about food, and wine is a food. I was really worried about the link between BC and drinking. I'm going to talk more to my oncologist about it (he doesn't seem worried about it, but we haven't talked in depth), but from my careful reading of the research (and I used to be a health writer for national magazines, so I have a little experience in reading these things), the links are more correlative than causal. The links between moderate drinking being helpful for other issues, like heart disease, are much stronger. My husband, for instance, is under doctor's orders to drink more! He's not as much of a wine drinker as me-- often just as happy with an iced tea with dinner.

    Thusfar I have not been drinking in the first 10 days or so of the chemo cycle, because my taste buds and appetite are bad and wine's no fun if you can't taste it. But I've been returning to it for the second half, albeit in smaller amounts than usual. And the other night I lived it up with a big margarita-- citrus tastes cut through chemo mouth!

    If stronger links are established I'll reconsider my position. But I eat a healthy diet, as organic and fresh as possible; I exercise regularly; and I don't drink to get drunk. I was also blessed to be born with an inherently positive and proactive personality, which they say is huge in fighting disease. The other things that are huge are exercise (which I do) and keeping stress at bay, which exercise helps... as does, for those of us who enjoy it, the social, moderate enjoyment of wine, beer or a good cocktail. So I'm keeping that in my life, cancer or no.

    Colleen 

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  • makmak
    makmak Member Posts: 632
    edited March 2010

    Lbreedl,  I specifically asked about alcohol last week at tx.. and was told it's not allowed the day before, of or after tx, but otherwise it's OK in moderation...

    I too had my daughter vaccinated at the age of 11 as I had myself an abnormal Pap and a procedure to erradicate 'suspicious' cells 5 years ago.. should have known it may be a pre-cursor to this.. but my paps have been normal ever since.. Plan to get my baby vaccinated once she is 11 as well.. ANY cancers that can be cured is an amazing step in the right direction... Just so wishing something can be done for BC before all our kids ever have to face what we are going through...

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  • writer
    writer Member Posts: 208
    edited March 2010

    Also, I wanted to share with you all (or those who haven't already found it) an essay written by the eminent scientist Steven Jay Gould years ago upon his diagnosis of mesothelioma, an almost-always fatal cancer. My brother-in-law sent it to me back when I was newly diagnosed and swimming in a panicky sea of research and statistics, and it helped me tremendously to calm down:

    http://www.phoenix5.org/articles/GouldMessage.html

    Colleen 

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  • grdnslve
    grdnslve Member Posts: 310
    edited November 2010

    so any of you on ac 3week cycle, what have your experience of se been?  when do you start to feel good after treatment?  have any of you ever ended up in hospital neutropenic?  just hoping i don't have this to look forward to each treatment.  had hoped to enjoy some of the 'off' time without being so very sick.  give me hope.

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