2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

Options
1…2526283031…341

Comments

  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited November 2005
    my aunt just sent me a calendar today from a great website...just wanted to pass it on. each month has a different breast cancer survivor telling their story. it made me cry (in a good way!)

    www.sensationalinsurvival.org


    Aimee...I want to eat everything in sight and I've had 3 rounds of chemo. I don't know if I've gained weight because I'm going to the gym every day just to walk for 30 minutes, but I'm craving salt all the time. I just want to eat...things I didn't even like before chemo! I think it's normal, unfortunately. How crazy is it that I wish sometimes I was the chemo person who didn't have an appetite. I refuse to be bald and fat!

    -Amy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited November 2005

    I have been craving things like Virgin Bloody Marys and I have been eating pretty much what I want, but I did manage to loose a few pounds last week. I think it is because my cravings have switched from sweets (which I don't even want now) to regular food and especially spicy things!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2005
    Chocolate. This is my latest weakness. I'm still below my normal weight because I was only eating mashed potatoes, toast and oatmeal the first 5 days after treatment (that's all I could tolerate). But the cravings are so strong a week after, and I end up eating often. So who knows... I might end up gaining weight as well.

    I had a nice lunch with a beautiful, bald lady today. Her name is Nancy K. Met her right here!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracyNY
    TracyNY Member Posts: 434
    edited November 2005

    When I'm at home I graze like a cow!! I had to go back to work to get away from the refrigerator!! I am not sweating the weight right now, there have to be some comforts in life and eating does it for me at the moment.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RoseMarie
    RoseMarie Member Posts: 502
    edited November 2005

    I've been craving salty/spicy things too. I rarely buy "junk" food but bought Tabasco flavored cheese crackers the other day because they sure sounded good! I worry about the weight too but so far I'm maintaining. Lately everything I drink tastes sooo bitter. I'm trying to be good with the fluids but...yuck! Any suggestions???

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited November 2005

    my weight has fluctuated each treatment but overall has gained a few pounds, I think the first week after treatment I lose a few then after that I gain back I definitly want salty/spicy foods not sweets and lemon water from Dansani is what satisfies me the most for fluids 3rd AC is tomorrow hope it goes well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005

    After my first treatment I lost 6 lbs because I had no appetite because everything tasted funny and smelled bad....chemo #2 was a little better with the eating...I just went for chemo #3 yesterday and I gained back 2 lbs so I was glad about that.....Now after chemo #3 I actually felt nauseated, first time. Today I am a little better but appetite is poor ... I am forcing myself to eat and drink and actually I feel better after I do so....popsicles always seem to taste good when nothing else does..The nurse did tell me you usually gain weight with chemo so I wouldn't worry if I were you, you will probably lose it after..Grayce

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited November 2005
    Rosemarie...I love those crackers! I bought them after the first chemo and they were amazing!! So funny.

    The Vitamin water is pretty good when you don't want water. I also really like milk and chocolate milk.

    Thought I would share the weirdest thing with you, ladies. I got interviewed about my reconstructive surgery for the local news...here's the link. So weird.

    http://www.wusatv9.com/health/buddycheck9_survivors.aspx

    -Amy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005
    Amy, I watched the video. It was interesting and you look GREAT.....Looks like you have a good doctor too...

    Have any of you girls taken Lactulose(enulose)..The NP gave me the prescription for constipation? I went on line and looked it up and now I am afraid to take it, what else is new I am like that with everything....They use it for Pets, which makes me a little uncomforable. They did have it listed for people too but I don't like the side effects listed. I think I will stick to the over the counter laxatives and maybe some prune juice as someone suggested...I did take some Philips MOM last night but it isn't working .....I don't want anything too harsh that will produce cramping, etc. My niece suggested a supository, has anyone used them? I am trying to stay on top of things this time...Grayce
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    Quote:

    Just wondering for those of you who have already had 2 or 3 rounds of chemo if you've gained any weight? My appetite has increased awful and I've gained about 7 lbs after only 2 rounds. Even with my sour stomach I am constantly munching. I hate it and definately don't need the extra weight. It's frustrating!



    Yup! Even though at times I've been nauseous and not eating too much, I seem to make up for it and then some when I'm not nauseous--plus I know I haven't been exercising as much as I should. I gained 10 pounds after 2 treatments and I already needed to lose weight!

    I'm trying to be more careful about what I'm eating so hopefully I'll lose or at least maintain.
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    Quote:

    I got interviewed about my reconstructive surgery for the local news...here's the link. So weird.

    http://www.wusatv9.com/health/buddycheck9_survivors.aspx




    Hey Amy,

    That is so cool--you're a celebrity! Who knew you would become famous after being diagnosed?
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    Quote:

    My niece suggested a supository, has anyone used them? I am trying to stay on top of things this time...Grayce



    Glycerine suppositories can be pretty harsh, so I save them for when I'm desperate for immediate relief. Also, sometimes after use, I've found I go back to being constipated right away.

    You might want to try Senecot-S--it has a natural laxative (senna) and a stool softener. I've had good luck with taking 2 in the evening--if you don't get results the next morning, take two more. You can take up to 4 per day and they are fairly gentle.
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005

    Thanks Jane, I will forget the suppository's unless I get desperate. I was going to buy some Senecot S this evening but I was being cheap it was $31.00 does that sound right? If I have a problem tomorrow I will go and get it.....I have some Philip's MOM I will give that one more try....or if worse comes to worse I can try the prescription the doctor gave me that I am afraid of.......HA....I think that sounded harsh and since I usually have IBS I thought I better not..That's why I don't understand why nothing is working..I usually don't have a problem. Thanks for the advice......Graycie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited November 2005
    I bought two big jars of dill pickles today--can you tell what I am craving???

    I am concerned that they are going to postphone my chemo again this week. I took the last antibiotic for my infection (at the surgical site on my left breast) and the area is still a very light pink color. I really don't want to have to wait another week. Think good thoughts that the surgeon will give me the OK for Chemo on Friday!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • debbie444
    debbie444 Member Posts: 847
    edited November 2005

    Have any of you girls taken Lactulose

    I was given lactulose as a liquid to take along with senna. They give you lactulose over here ( uk) if you are in hospital and you can buy it over the counter, one nurse said it was fine to take as it was little more than a 'greaser' - lovely!!
    Amy - wow - we are in the prescence of a media star!!!

    Debbie xx
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracyNY
    TracyNY Member Posts: 434
    edited November 2005
    Am I the only one who seems to do "number 2" every time I sit on the bowl?! I crap like a duck all the time. I suppose that's a plus since some of us are suffering with constipation.

    When I was bound by vicodin, there was nothing like a few prunes and a swig of magnesia before going to bed. Loosens things up a treat!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2005

    I have had 4 rounds of a/c, one round of taxol (had a bad reaction to it) and 2 rounds of taxotere. One more round of taxotere and im done. I have gained 30 pounds during chemo. It has enhanced my appetite and I get food cravings. Sweet things always taste good to me. I figure, im gonna continue to eat whatever I want until chemo is done. Then come January 2006 will start an exercise program and diet. Good luck to you'

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited November 2005

    Nickii--How have you done on the Taxatere? After AC it is what I will be doing

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited November 2005
    "Am I the only one who seems to do "number 2" every time I sit on the bowl?! I crap like a duck all the time. I suppose that's a plus since some of us are suffering with constipation."

    I'm in the same boat...what is that about??
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2005
    Hi Graycie, Pitted prunes (2) are the only thing that worked for me (prune juice did not). They don't taste very good, but at least I'm not putting more meds into my body. How are you feeling? You had round three this week...? I have round three next Wednesday. I'm finally bald - whoever said the words - bald is beautiful - should be shoot (at least in my case!)!
    Laura (GTO)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marymelodi
    marymelodi Member Posts: 515
    edited November 2005
    Hi, Tracy: I have a pink breast also, below my incision also. Everyone - family doc, oncologist, surgeon, nurse practitioner, and surgical resident has examined it, squeezed, touched, etc. - and no one knows what is going on. I have been on antibiotics for an ear infection. The surgeon said that would have affected any breast infection, but there was no change in the color. No pain, no fever. Just a rosey pink boob with leftover blue highlights from the dye used for my sentinel node biospy 2 months ago. I think it makes me look very exotic.

    Amy & tda866: I am also in the non-constipated camp. I drink lots of water and take some diabetes meds which have always contributed to wastes "moving along". I wondered how chemo would change that part of my system and for me there has been a tendency toward diarrhea. I follow the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) eating plan, adding cheese which has always helped in these matters.

    Just wanted to share a moment of insensitivity. Last night, in a fit of frustration at my shedding hair, I took the clippers to my head and took it all off. I have peach fuzz now, and I thought it would be okay, but I do feel kind of emotional today. For the first time, at work I am wearing a black turban and feeling a bit insecure about how I look.

    A co-worker, who I dislike for a number of other reasons, came up and said, "Oh, now they'll think you are Muslim." I am the most WASP-Y person on the planet and could no more be mistaken for Muslim than Donald Duck. I suppose she thought she was making as joke. I just closed my eyes and bit my lips together to keep from shouting, "You insensitive b**ch!!"

    I have had few bad moments in this breast cancer journey, but today, this woman really pushed my buttons!!!

    Thanks for letting me rant.
    marymelodi
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marymelodi
    marymelodi Member Posts: 515
    edited November 2005
    Oh, by the way, the peach fuzz itches. Neither my husband nor I have the courage to take a razor to my head. I'll get to a salon tonight, I guess.

    marymelodi
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited November 2005
    Marymelodi -

    I also have a very insensitive co-worker (a guy who is just a jerk all the time). He is the reason that I decided that I would always wear my wig to work and not go with hats, scarves, etc. Now that I am not working, it is not an issue, but isn't it funny how some people are just downright mean? I am going into the office for a visit tomorrow - it will be the first time I have worn my wig since we shaved my head last week.....

    Hang in there, most people respect what you are going thru and the ones who don't aren't worth it.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited November 2005

    I tend to always have a diarreha problem when not doing chemo. With my 1st treatment, I had to hit the laxitives for about 4 days to get things moving, but then of course they started moving too fast and it seemed I was going every single time. My bottom got SO SORE so I bought some of the Preparation H moist towelettes to us and they HELPED A LOT! I also keep imodium so when things start getting too loose I take two of those and it makes things just about perfect.... Of course tomorrow with Chemo #2 - it all starts over again!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited November 2005
    I have a question...I've been struggling with this for a couple of weeks, trying to understand why I'm feeling like this, so I thought I would ask you all...

    My birthday is Dec. 5th and I'll be 29. For some reason, I'm so sad about it. I don't know why. I usually love my birthdays and get so excited no matter what we do. This year, it's almost like I view my birthday as something sad. Kinda like...oh, she's 29, I hope she makes it to 30. Does anyone feel like that with their own birthdays or even the holidays? There's something just sad about my birthday this year. My husband is making a big deal about it and throwing me a party to cheer me up, but inside, it's just sad.

    -Amy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited November 2005

    Amy I think this is just how I feel nervous about the holidays and my birthday in January I know I shouldn't but in the back of my head I wonder "Is this my last One"

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    Quote:

    I was going to buy some Senecot S this evening but I was being cheap it was $31.00 does that sound right?



    That seems a little high in price, but I do remember it was expensive. I did see some generic at the store the other day that was less (I can't remember how much less) in case you end up needing it, you might look for the generic.
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    Quote:

    I bought two big jars of dill pickles today--can you tell what I am craving???



    I read somewhere on these boards that dill pickles are good for avoiding leg cramps. Maybe your body is trying to tell you something
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    Okay ladies,
    I'm 50 years old, but was still pre-menopausal at dx. I was told that chemo might put me into menopause, but so far (I'll have chemo #3 tomorrow) I have kept on having my period. Well, this time it's been only 3 weeks since my last period and I'm having it again! WTF? I thought I'd be having my period less often not more often. At this rate, I'll be having my period the day before each chemo!!
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AnnaM
    AnnaM Member Posts: 1,387
    edited November 2005
    Amy, my heart goes out to you. My daughter will be 28 on December 15th (she was due on your birthday) and I realize you are only her age! I always celebrate her birthday in my head more than I celebrate my own. I am feeling that same sadness you talk about as I look ahead to all the December dates that are usually so important to me: that daughter's birthday, my husband's birthday, Christmas, New Year's Eve, my stepdaughter's birthday. I feel so melancholy about all those dates right now. I think it is because I keep looking back to the last time I celebrated them and I think: gosh, I was so carefree; if I had known then what I know now.... Maybe also all this happened too suddenly for you. You were just diagnosed in August, right? Just think what you have been through since then! All the things you have had to research; all the decisions you have had to make; all the changes to your body you have had to come to terms with; how to handle chemo. It's an awful lot to absorb and to contain. And you just got married this year, too. Don't they say a wedding, even that wonderfully happy event, is way up there on the list of stressers? Well, you have had a much less happy stresser to deal with as well. I know I will take a number of positive things out of this experience; still, most of the time I think I'd rather not have this opportunity to acquire those positive things. I will think of you on December 5th. (Did you know the world's greatest opera singer, Maria Callas, was born on that date as well?) I will do lots of my new exercise, which is to dance with abandon to Salsa music played at very high volume. I will always wish you well.

    Anna
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories