May 2010 Chemo

Sacphotomom - So glad to hear that your dad is doing better.  I know I don't have to post the benefits of positive thoughts, but just so you know, I'll be sending lots out to you and your family!

Leanna - sorry to hear that you are having trouble with the wigs - that the last thing you need!  Shaving off our hair is such a personal thing, and I can't imagine what I would have done if a complete stranger asked me if I considered shaving it off.  I'd probably come back with a "you first!" Personally, I love that I shaved my head, but having to re-shave it is a bit of a pain!  Those nasty little hairs fall out all the time, and I'm constantly cleaning the tub.  I did find that using my husbands razor was the way to go though, way better blades.  Razor burn is not something I want!

GolferGirl - I hear you with the weight gain, but the way I see it, my family would much rather have me around weighing in at 10lbs more than not having me here  It's a perspective struggle that I have to remind myself about everyday (especially when I'm craving junk food!)  Here's to being healthy - whatever weight we are!

Day - I hear you about just passing time doing computer games or whatever.  I've spent more time on Facebook than anything!  My friends like it though, as I can let them know if I'm up for company, or am having too bad of a day (thank goodness there aren't many of them.)

Snipinfool - here is to ending chemo in October!  I should also finish around the middle of October (just in time for my 29th birthday!)  We'll really have something to celebrate then hey!  I still have to do surgery and rads, but heck, I was more scared about chemo, and I'm getting it done with first.

Tomorrow my son will be home (he's been with my parents as I just can't manage a two year old for the first few days after chemo.)  I can't wait to see him!  His smiles and laughs can make me forget about this crappy disease so much faster than anything else.  Some of my other family will also be up this week to help me out - my poor garden has too many weeds!  We have had so much rain up here that it is hard to get out in the mud, but I managed a few hours yesterday.  Hopefully my younger brother will come visit soon too.  I know it's hard on him, but avoiding his bald sister won't make this go away!

Hugs to everyone, and here's to keeping positive.  Smiling makes everything better. 

x-raygirl, yes, the stinging nettles tea generally helps with weight loss. It is one of the most efficient plant teas out there. Do not expect though miracle weight loss of 10 lbs a week though, and of course you have to have a balanced diet. Normally when I want to lose weight, I use the stinging nettles tea (about 1/2 to 3/4 gal a day instead of water), add lots of cabbage in my diet (it helps also lose weight) and reduce 10% of my normal calory intake - and of course, cut off fats almost completely, only 1 slice of bread a day - I still eat whatever else I want, just less caloric. Let's say, if I crave sweets, instead of pie or cake, I eat watermelon (or other diuretic fruit) or boiled rice with milk, honey and cinnamon.

The stinging nettle is a very good diuretic, but there are other beneficial efefcts too: it helps with PMS (and with the chemo-induced menopause.... ), helps with allergies, arthritis, and it is awesome for anemias (high iron content). I do add to it the corn silk (another diuretic) or dandelion leaves (again diuretic) and from time to time yarrow bloom (now that is another  "miracle plant").

I have been raised in a "all natural and plants" environment, where if you have a health problem, you first go to the dried plants cabinet and use what is in the medicine cabinet only for things plants can't cure. And you wouldn't believe how many things plants can cure better than prescription or OTC medications.

Day - That's great you had no reactions!!  I love sherbert - it has been a staple in our house since chemo!  Have you applied for the ACS Cleaning Service?  I was shocked that I was picked and how quickly they came out!  Maybe a week from the application to them cleaning!  It was very easy to apply also.  It took a load off of us, and allowed me to focus on some other things around the house and outside - was able to do some landscaping early in the morning over the weekend.  I play computer games too... yes, it's a great way to engage in mindless distractions!   Do you know anything about the effects of asparagus on cancer?  My husband read some stuff on it - and we'll be starting in the morning with 2 doses of asparagus every day. 

Summer - Thanks!  He has been great so far, I just know it's a lot.  I probably worry more than he does about it... and well, that would probably sum up how I handle most things (the infamous worrier!!).    That's awesome that your son and his friends are so great! 

Fotopet - The wig place got better when I called them today!  They said that actually my insurance only covers $319... huh, that's an odd amount.. DH and I figure that must be 319 + 9% tax... I dunno... are you suppose to tax medical prescriptions... they don't at the pharmacy and I have a script for this???  I told her to forget it, I didn't want a wig.  (I'll wait to see if I get a $45 bill from them for their "time.").  And, I will go to MUSC's place this week to get the other wig I ordered. 

LibraryJenn - I was with you ending chemo in October, but onc agreed to do AC DD, which should have me ending sometime in September, so I'll be around for a while too!  And, wow, I wish I could have come back with the "you first!"  I bet you are soooo excited to see your son!!  You miss them so much when they aren't around! 

Daiva - (how do you pronounce your name? It sounds beautiful the way I am saying it, and wonder if it's right).  Yes, I have had the runs.  It came at a time when my white count was low.. but I also take softeners.  This is TMI, (but I'm over feeling funny about sharing TMI with my sisters here) but the chemo pellets that happen if I don't take just enough softeners have tore up my rear, and it's painful.  I had the runs once for about 2 days.. was fearful of taking imodium and it went away on its own.  My GI track has been totally out of whack since chemo!  Wishing you safe travels back home!! 

My treatment today was at the center closer to my house... and it was incredible!  I think everyone there was being treated for breast cancer (only 6 treatment chairs total), and my heart went out to a lady who was there... 24 years old, with a 6 week old baby and she has been in treatment since January .  The nurses were great - and it was so fast... started around 12:15 and was done with everything by 3:00.  That's much better than the other place where I would get there at noon, and maybe be leaving at 5 or 5:30. 

HUGS to all!!!!!

Sacphotomom - I don't know what happened to my post to you... I'm so glad your Dad is doing better - it sounds like he is in good hands where he is and getting great treatment.  If you have any questions, remember I am a nurse, and work onc/med surg.   I've frequently treated patients with DVTs and PEs, and post-operatively.  There is so much they can do - and they will monitor him closely!!  ((HUGS))

Okay, I just figured out "chemo pellets" - LOL!  I'm curious if my WBC is low b'c I had the runs for the past 2 days. 

Leanna ~ my name is pronounced like "Godiva" (chocolates) - minus the "Go".  It's a traditional lithuanian name.  What's ACS cleaning service?  I just applied for Cleaning For A Reason - they're nationwide and will come out 4 times while you're going thru tx.  I haven't heard from them yet.  

Sacphotomom ~ hope your dad's doing well.   

Sacphotomom, so sorry to hear what your Dad has had to go through.  I had a DVT once and it is very scary and I only had to be hospitalized a few days and on coumadin for one year.  It is still scary to think that you can get something like that and not really know.  Glad he is doing much better.

Golfergirl, I have put on about 6 pounds, it is very frustrating.  Hopefully, when this is over it will come off as quickly as it seems to have been gained.

Leanna, the wig place I went to first wanted to charge me $25.00 for helping me, right....I just walked out.  Happy to hear your treatment went so quickly.

Day, sounds like to you a like of 'natural' foods, drinks.  I admire you for that.  I don't know what half of what you are talking about, but think I may make a visit to the store to look around.

My sister came for a visit, which is why I have not been blogging.  Anyway, she gave me the best 'feel better' card.  It had a turtle with a bandage on it.  Thing is my dad used to stop and pick up turtles on the road and carry them across to 'safety'.  She wrote in it that she sawa it and felt like my Dad was guiding her hand to it.  (He passed away 3 years ago)  It really hit home, that he is up there looking down, willing me to get better.  Little things like that make all the difference, don't you think?

 Feel good everyone!

Judy

ARGHHHH!   I want to scream!!!!  I just got on the scale and hit a record high with my weight.  I'm only half way through my tx and have officially gained 15 solid pounds.  I used to between 167 and 170 (5'10") and was 10 lbs overweight then.  Today I hit 185!!!  $hit!  I can't keep going up.  Is it the steroids?  I quit boot camp before my mast. in March, but I've been trying to walk, drink water, etc.  Yes, I eat sweets - craving them a lot!  It's SOOOO frustrating!  And, nothing fits!   Just needed to vent...  Not happy today!  Hope the rest of you are having a good day.

Chemo pellets. LOL! But sadly...so true!

X-raygirl, you have my sympathy on the weight gain too. Nothing fits me either. I have had to go into clothes I haven't worn in 2 years because they're too big. I can't even handle wearing my tight old clothes--with my GI track in such distresss, it just hurts!

I feel like I'm on the upswing from my last chemo. Today I feel sunburnt and sore all over...weird! Did I stay outside too long yesterday? I didn't think so...

Hi Everyone, I have been relaxing at home with my Sweetie( BF), who just left this morning for his home, 110 miles away.  I miss him when I am here alone, but I have great friends who live nearby.  We watched a great funny movie. I laughed till I cried.  Find your favorite humor, and go for it.  It was very, very therapeutic!

x-ray girl -  I like Louise Hay too.  She has one CD called Cancer, discovering your healing power. She is a cancer survivor too.   I use this cd as well as one by Kanta Bosniak called Surviving Cancer, a sacred journey.  Kanta is also a cancer survivor.  Anyway, I use them almost daily, to help me visualize a cancer free future.  They are available at Amazon, if anyone is interested.   Tuffy(my wig) is great, but I love my baseball caps and my daughter just returned from Hawaii with two hats for me. One is by  Roxy, and it is so comfy.  Tuffy only comes out on special occasions.  

golfer girl and fotopet- my best friend just completed radiation, and it is correct that they do not want you to loose any weight during rads because of the markers changing.  She did not have to have chemo, but she had 35 rads.  She learned of her cancer, 2 months before mine. 

sacphotomom  I hope your dad continues to improve. 

Day-  I drink Nettle tea too.  It has so many healing properties.  I also have been using fennel tea for tummy settling, also mint tea.  I have a tea for everything.  Ha.  I also have the bladder leakage problem, on certain days(wish I had a tea for that), but I am not sure what the connection is.  It is not a fun thing.

Leanna, loved the chemo pellet comment.  I get so tired of taking pills for everything...Another good tea for constipation is Smooth Move.  It is effective and not  harsh.  Maybe you know about it too.

For those wanting to make positive diet changes, s great book about cancer fighting foods(like asparagus) is Beating Cancer With Nutrition. I have been following it since dx. I have a food Vitamix blender and when my tummy can tolerate it, I drink dense with veggies and fruits.  I have very little sugar, except honey,and  natural fruits.  I like R W Knudsen Spritzer drinks, has a little carbonation, and fruit juices.  You can get these at the health food store.   I am dreading the weight gain with the steroids and taxol.  I lost weight on A/C, but worked to gain it back because my onc was upset. He felt it was a bad trend and I was at a  very good weight to start with. I had just lost 15 lbs at weight watchers before my dx.   I get my readings at every visit and my onc talks with me about them.  That is how I learned I needed the transfusion.  I get copies of this lab work.  Sometimes I have to ask for the copy.

I am still walking and doing yoga.  I get up early before the 100 degree temps here that just melt me. I love reading everything you guys write.   I say a prayer for each of you daily, and hope that we all  claim our right to full health, and peace, and the happiness that comes from knowing what each day is worth! 

LibraryJenn - OMG, the peeling mouth sounds terrible!!!

Sacphotomom - I am pretty much eating like I did before I started chemo. I am not a big eater and what I do eat is generally healthy. Don't get me wrong.... I love me some pizza & pasta but I am not overeating.  The few days after chemo I find that carbs ease my nausea. And I'm not a big sweets girl. I am definitely not as active as I was but up until my 3rd AC I was walking about 3 miles 4x a week and I was still gaining.

 Wow, I'm posting a lot today! Obviously work is not keeping my attention LOL!

Daiva - yes, Cleaning for a Reason... same thing.  Make sure to check your junk email - they were very quick getting back to me to let me know they got my application.  And, that is how I thought your name was pronounced... just beautiful. 

Summer - I ask the nurses to give me my labs every week. 

Judy - Crazy about the wig places.  Shame on them!  That's cute about the turtle card, and your Dad.  I have appreciated cards more than almost anything! 

Fotopet - sorry you are feeling down.  I have my times with sleepless nights (last night), and the crying a combination of everything that going on, and being tired!  Sending you (((HUGS)))!!

JennyB - I don't have to be outside very long for my skin to feel tight and sore.  And, I'm with you - I cannot stand to have anything on my stomach!  Just compounds the blah-ness! 

Summer38 - I get that too... you look great, how are you feeling.  Depending on my mood, the answer is "crappy, but thanks for asking."  I don't have the right answer... I know people don't know what to say... maybe they mean, you look good, considering.  I don't know what they could say that would make me feel better! 

Patricia - Smooth move... will definitely look into it.  Great job on walking and yoga!!  And, thanks for the prayers! 

LibraryJenn - I'm sorry today is a down day.  I feel like I got hit with elephant doo today too... need to shower... my gf is brining dinner in 30 minutes, and Ryan has another bb game tonight at 5:30.  ((HUGS)) and prayers to you too!!

Sacphotomom - yes, DVT = deep vein thrombosis.. that would be the clots in his legs... when they move to the lungs, they become PEs or pulmonary emboli.  There are options for treatment... putting him on a heparin drip or another blood thinner... if they do that, they monitor his bleeding times very closely to make sure he is therapeutic and unlikely to "throw" a clot (have it move from where it is).  They can also put a filter in.  Those can 'catch' any clots he may throw.  Ask your family what medication he is on... or better yet... get his 'code' and call his nurse.  Tell his nurse where you are, and that your family doesn't know what questions to ask and hasn't given you much information.  Tell her/him that you cannot come because you are going through treatment (there are some times when pulling the cancer card will gain you sympathy and information, and this is one of those times).  Ask her why he is still in the ICU, when he is going to be moved, and what the treatment plan is.  They should know about how long he will be in the hospital, and if he will still need treatment at home.  Maybe coumadin pills or lovenox injections (blood thinner injected in fatty tissue).  If it were me, I would go straight to his nurse.  You can also ask the nurse to leave a note for the doctor to call you after they make rounds next. 

OK - just after 3 pm... must get in the shower now!  I did clean out the desk this morning, and finally organized all my medical bills and EOBs this morning.  And, praise GOD... DH got a job.  It's a "tween" job... not great, but something... and he will continue to look for something better.  I guess it's a blessing that he got a job, but I am going to MISS him soooo much at home, and now I have to care for our 8 and 3 year old by myself every day.... seems overwhelming to think about!!  

Forum:  Breast Reconstruction - Exchange City, or just click on Active Topics and go down a few; you'll see it! 

  I still can't sleep from the steroids.... and scanxiety for my MRI on Tuesday....

Hi All- getting ready to head out for my last TC treatment, yay!  I'm anxious and nervous at the same time.  I felt pretty crummy after the last one, but since this is the last one, I want it over!  I am doing the caps, so it makes for a long day of freezing.

fotopet- My best friend had BC 5 years ago and this year is the first year since then that I am not doing the 3 day.  I give you a lot of credit for doing it, I just don't have the energy for it this year.  I always thought I would lose weight doing it, but never did.  They feed you well on the walk!  Good luck.  Which weekend are you walking?   Oh, and good luck onyour treatment today!

patricia48- thanks for the tips in the CDs.  I've been trying to find some like this so will definitiely check these out.  I really liked the book "Anti-Cancer" by David Servan-Schreiber.  He's an MD and a brain cancer survivor.  Lots of good info in that book.

sacphotomom- I'm glad your Dad is doing better!  Hopefully you've been able to talk to his nurse and get your questions answered.  I've been eating pretty healthy but just MORE.  I am hungry ALL the time!  My boyfrien laughs because I always tell him that I am not hungry, then end up eating half of whatever he makes because once I see it and smell it, I want it!  He's been great and doesn't care about my weight gain, I am the only one stressing about it, but I hate that I've had to buy pants a size larger because nothing fits.  Oh well, like LibraryJenn said, better fat and here than not!

Ok, I'm of to start the freezing process.  Hope you all have a great day! GG