Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

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  • busqueen
    busqueen Member Posts: 176
    edited February 2011

    HaveHope ~ so sorry to see the bad news, but rejoicing in your good news.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you prepare for the surgery next week.

    Firni ~ that just sucks.:-(

    Cancer sucks.

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  • Mandy1313
    Mandy1313 Member Posts: 1,692
    edited February 2011

    havehope: good news and bad news describes the situation perfectly. My friend's mother had node positive breast cancer in the 1970s followed by ovarian cancer in the 1980s.  Well she beat both of those and lived another 25 to 30 years---died in her mid eighties from something unrelated to cancer.  So you are in my prayers for having a fully good outcome. cyber hugs to you

    cebula: it sounds as if you have been making some really good decisions about your health.  I am sending some hugs and prayers. 

    Firni: how sad to lose a friend.  you are right--the whole cancer business sucks.  But in the meantime if there is anything that I can do to ease your pain, let me know.

    Carie: glad to see you posting again.  Please take care and let us know how you are doing.

    Many hugs to everyone.

    Mandy

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  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited February 2011

    Geeze!! HaveHope I am soooo sorry! That just awful. The good news is that you have experience and the strength to deal with this.

    Ferni: My God can you believe the scope of evil this disease is!!! I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family.

    Carrie good to hear from you. Hows the healing doing. I'm praying you are kicking cancer to the curb!!!

    My MRI is today at 3:30.. Again I think I'm fine. I'll let you know.

    Enjoy this day it is a great gift!!

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  • BonnieK
    BonnieK Member Posts: 655
    edited February 2011

    Havehope -- so sorry your news wasn't better, but it sounds like this new primary cancer was caught early and, hopefully, the surgery will get it all.  You'll be in my thoughts and prayers...

    Firni -- I'm so sorry about your friend.  BC definitely sucks.

    Bold -- hope the MRI shows that there is no problem with your sternum.

    I have a general question  --  is fatigue fairly common after BC treatments?  I am so frustrated because I seem to need to sleep at least 9 hours and still feel fatigued a lot of the time.  I did have 2 surgeries in late October/early November and also have chronic pain from osteoarthritis and back problems, but just wondering if this fatigue is par for the course.

    My dad is making very slow progress at home since being released from the hospital a week ago.  He was scheduled to go to a rehab facility, but he refused and my sister arranged for caregivers at his home until he sent them away after a few days.  Now he has a visiting nurse every other day and a physical therapist is scheduled to visit him today or tomorrow.  It isn't an ideal situation, but he will not go to rehab, even though his doctor and others say he needs 24 hour care. 

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  • havehope
    havehope Member Posts: 503
    edited February 2011

    Thank you ladies for your support.
    Firmi, I am so sorry for your loss. This beast needs to be stopped!
    Bold, good luck with MRI. I wish you only good news.
    Mandy, thank you for the story. It sure made me feel much better.
    I am getting ready for the surgery. Reading about post ops and hospital bag. It looks like this surgery will be harder than breast. I am booked for 3 nights and then will see. I will have uterus, tubes, ovaries, cervix and omentum plus a couple of nodes removed. If they find cancer in nodes and/or peritoneum they will remove more maybe even portion of bowel, abdomen muscle, what ever they see affected. I will not know until I wake up the full damage. But, I am ready! I have my daughter and my DH to come back to. I know they need me and I cannot give up.

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited February 2011

    Lordy, havehope!  that sounds just miserable.  My prayers are with you and will be for an easy and no surprises surgery.

    Thank you ladies for your well wishes.  This is the second friend I've lost here and I have another one who is now dealing with a new lung cancer after finishing all her breast cancer stuff.  Geez, maybe we need to get out of Colorado or something. 

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited February 2011

    Bonnie, I hope your dad is doing ok at home.  It is sooooo hard to take care of parents that don't think they need to be taken care of.  You and your sister may have to be strong and insist that he do one or the other.  Caregivers at home or go to rehab.  A very difficult position to be in.

    I think fatigue is very common for quite a while after surgeries and treatments.  I'll be done with chemo for two years the end of March and I'm finally starting to feel a little more energized.  I still fall asleep tho if I just sit down to watch tv or read.  And while I used to be a 5 hr a night person, I can now sleep for 8-9 hours easily and still fall asleep as soon as I stop moving.   I don't usually feel tired  if I just keep moving.  I think rebuilding our bodies after the "chemo kill" takes a lot longer than we want to admit.

    Bold,  I hope your MRI went just fine today with nothing to show.

    Mandy, just having people still come here to chat makes me feel better.  It does seem tho that sometimes you just have to keep looking forward and marching ahead as people fall around you. It feels like a war sometimes.

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  • horsercn
    horsercn Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2011

    fatigue is very normal......I was diagnosed in oct 08 and still sleep more than most people

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  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited February 2011

    My goodness life can be so hard. The rewards of love and support are mandatory.

    I pray that your surgery is not complex and that you are left cancer free. You can beat this. I have met many women that have been through what your going through and have gone on to live full lives. The love you have will drive you and you will be stronger than you ever felt you could!!! I am so sorry that you have to go through this!!

    Why are parents so stubborn?? My dad is the opposite. He will not take help from us at all. He does not want to be a burden. Well sometimes that makes it harder because thing get out of control before we can do anything. I wonder what I'll be like.Undecided

    I had the MRI yesterday. Wow what a trip to be in the tube for 45mins. Claustrophobic and scared. The techs wife is a breast cancer survivor. He was very sympathetic to my fears. He said off the record that he did not see anything profound on my study.Whoo hoo. He of course is not a radiologist but. I believe that I am fine. I will get definitive results today. Nothing but good news I am sure!

    Can we just talk fatigue for a minute here. For pitty sake!! I am so beat up tired all the time. I start out in the mornings like a bat out of hell and then by afternoon its a push. So frustrating!!! I bought a juicer and have been pounding Kale and greens to stave this off. I am anxious to feel good again. I think the muscle and joint and back pain make me feel like something is wrong and then I start to entertain scary thoughts. I redirect and get on with things but I have to say there are large jobs that need to be done that I blow off because I have no energy. grrrr. I have tried to work out more and I plan to take some additional classes to see if that would help. aI am sure that the weight I gained is part of this problem.Embarassed

    Is anyone eyebrow challenged? I still have to pencil them in and dye the few I have darker. Ha cancer the gift that just keeps giving.

    I appreciate you all so much and as we continue in out journey I hold you in my prayers.Innocent

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  • havehope
    havehope Member Posts: 503
    edited February 2011
    I found this article on the nutrition board regarding fatigue. Hope it helps.



    Complex and varied factors cause fatigue, even after breast cancer treatment is completed. Nausea and pain, hot flashes, steroids, stress, and depression all may contribute to fatigue. What you eat can also affect your fatigue:



    Poor nutrition: Eating less and not getting enough of the nutrients you need because of treatment side effects can cause fatigue.

    Dehydration: You may be dehydrated because you've been vomiting or have had diarrhea after treatment. Or maybe you're just too tired to keep drinking liquids. This can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes and can make you feel weak.

    Learn more about the causes of fatigue and other steps that can help.



    If you're fighting fatigue, it's important to make sure you're getting enough protein as well as total calories. These amounts will be different for different people. Together, you and your doctor or your registered dietitian can come up with an eating plan that works for you.



    Here are some general guidelines for how much protein and calories you need:



    If your weight is staying about the same during treatment,you need 15 calories a day for each pound you weigh. So if you weigh 160 pounds, you need 2,400 calories a day to maintain your weight.

    If you've lost weight during treatment, add another 500 calories to your daily diet. So if you weighed 130 pounds and lost weight during treatment, you need 1,950 plus 500, which equals 2,450 calories a day.

    Protein helps heal and rebuild tissues. During treatment,eat half a gram of protein for each pound you weigh. So if you weigh 160 pounds, try to get 80 grams of protein in your diet each day.

    You should also make sure to get enough vitamins and minerals. Getting these nutrients from foods rather than from supplements is best. But if you aren't eating very much because of treatment side effects, ask your doctor about taking a multivitamin.



    Also make sure you're drinking enough liquids, especially water. If you have side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea, you need to drink more liquids than normal. Besides water, good choices are fruit juice, sports drinks, and broth. Caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, soda pop) actually can dehydrate you, so stick to other choices.



    How to eat when you're fatigued:

    Cook in bulk. When you have the energy to cook, make a large batch of something nutritious (vegetable pasta, tuna casserole, rice and beans) and freeze it in single-serving containers. Then when you're too fatigued to cook, you can quickly heat one container and eat. If your friends or family offer to cook for you, ask them to do the same.

    Eat a lot when you're feeling good. Try to eat your biggest meal when you have the most energy and the biggest appetite. If you get tired by the end of the day, eat more at breakfast and lunch.

    Eat several nutritious snacks during the day to boost your calorie and protein intake. String cheese, raisins, yogurt, baby carrots, and cut-up vegetables are easy to keep handy. This way you don't have to face eating a big meal.

    Try a prepackaged liquid nutritional supplement or an energy bar rather than skip a meal entirely. Every little bit helps.

    How to get more protein in your diet

    Good sources of protein include lean meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, nuts, dried beans, peas and lentils, and soy. To get more protein each day, try some of these tips:



    Add cheese to sandwiches, fish, vegetables, soups, casseroles, pasta, rice, and noodles.

    Add lean meat, fish, or tofu to pasta sauce, casseroles, chili, soups and sauces. Stir-fry it with vegetables for a quick and delicious meal.

    Use milk instead of water in cooking when possible.

    Eat hard-boiled eggs. Keep them in the refrigerator as a snack. Add chopped hard-boiled eggs to salads and sandwiches.

    Add nuts, seeds, or wheat germ to casseroles, breads, cookies, cakes, muffins, pancakes, and cereal. Sprinkle it on ice cream and fruit.

    Add several kinds of beans to pasta sauce and chili.

    Add peanut butter to sandwiches, toast, crackers, muffins, and fruit slices. Use it as a dip for raw veggies.

    Use yogurt as a dip for fruit and veggie slices or cookies.

    Add frozen yogurt or ice cream to your decaf coffee or tea, or hot chocolate.

    Mix cottage cheese with salsa and chopped avocadoes to make a tasty dip.

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited February 2011

    Bold,  I have NO eyebrows at all.  None.  Just naked brow ridges.  I also still only have about 1/3 of the hair on my head.  Large bald spots that are getting bigger since my last surgery.  Back to the wig. :(    I'm so happy that it looks like your MRI results will be uneventful.  That's what we all pray for.  I love the techs who will reassure you when they can.  Even tho they shouldn't.  

    Thanks havehope for the great article.  Fantastic protein suggestions.  My PS told me last week to make sure I eat extra protein to promote faster healing from surgery.  It does seem like I really need to drop a few total calories from my diet tho.  Well, I already knew that. Yell 

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  • BonnieK
    BonnieK Member Posts: 655
    edited February 2011

    Havehope--thanks for posting the article on nutrition -- great ideas for all kinds of things.  I do notice that fatigue always makes me crave protein, so will be eating more of that along with healthier snacks.  My weight is pretty stable right now, but I'd like to lose about 10 pounds.

    Firni--my dad decided yesterday that he is willing to go to a skilled nursing facility for rehab, but I haven't heard if he is still thinking that today.  He's a strong and stubborn guy and I think he can recover and be somewhat independent again if he will just get the help he needs.

    Bold and Firni--my eyebrows were mostly gone after chemo so I had them tatooed last year.  Overall, I'm pretty happy with the results because penciling them on was just too much of a chore.

    My hip and thigh are so sore today and I'm guessing it is from the osteoarthritis in my hip, but there is always that element of worry when things get painful.  I'm giving it the weekend and then calling for an appointment if it is not better.

    Have a great weekend!

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  • Mandy1313
    Mandy1313 Member Posts: 1,692
    edited February 2011

    havehope: just thinking about you and the surgery you have coming up.  You will be in my heart and prayers the whole time.  We will all be waiting to hear from you.

    ((((((((((hugs to all)))))))))))))))))

    Mandy

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  • Mandy1313
    Mandy1313 Member Posts: 1,692
    edited February 2011

    We've all been so quiet. Hope it's a sign that everyone is ok.

    Sending some good vibes.

    Mandy

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited February 2011

    Hi Mandy.

    I'm feeling pretty good and working too hard.  I'm finally getting off my ever growing behind and starting to get some exercise too.  Yea!!!! 

    Havehope, I'm praying that your surgery went well yesterday and things were not too bad.  Let us know when you can.  Hugs. 

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  • busqueen
    busqueen Member Posts: 176
    edited February 2011

    Thinking of you and praying for HaveHope....hope all is well.

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  • Mandy1313
    Mandy1313 Member Posts: 1,692
    edited February 2011

    Hi Busqueen, Firni and Bonnie K and my other December 2008 sisters!

    Hoping that havehope is doing well.  And sending good wishes to everyone. ..

    Mandy

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  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited February 2011

    Thinking of our sistahs that are still going through great challenges. My thoughts ans prayers are with you. Please keep us posted.

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  • havehope
    havehope Member Posts: 503
    edited February 2011

    Surgery went well I am home resting, very weak. All c is out, waiting for pathology 50-50 bc mets-ovca.

    Hugs to you, stay healthy.

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  • BonnieK
    BonnieK Member Posts: 655
    edited February 2011

    havehope -- so happy to hear that surgery went well and all c is out.  Rest and pamper yourself.  Sending you healing thoughts.... 

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  • Mandy1313
    Mandy1313 Member Posts: 1,692
    edited February 2011

    Havehope: Glad that your surgery is over and the C is out.  Do what BonnieK said---rest and pamper yourself.

    Hugs

    Mandy

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited February 2011

    It's so good to hear from you, Havehope.  I'm glad they got everything and you're home.  Take care, rest and heal.  Prayers that you are feeling comfortable and well soon.

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  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited February 2011

    Havehope!!!! Just relax and heal now. You have done what you needed to and now just sleep and chill.  Glad that its over and you are on a path of recovery. Remember that whatever news befalls you that you are ready to kick cancer to the curb!!!

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  • Mandy1313
    Mandy1313 Member Posts: 1,692
    edited February 2011

    Wishing all of my December 2008 sisters a Happy Valentine's Day.  Love, Mandy

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited February 2011

    Back at you Mandy and to all our wonderful December Divas!!!!

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  • BonnieK
    BonnieK Member Posts: 655
    edited February 2011

    Happy Valentine's Day, Ladies!  Today DH and I ended up bringing each other the exact same cupcake from the same bakery -- great minds think alike!

    My father is finally getting the care he needs in a skilled nursing facility, but his heart and lungs are compromised by COPD, he's on oxygen 24/7 and he has a large wound on his foot that is not healing properly.  He was in good spirits when we visited on the weekend -- he's 3 hours away -- and he looks much better than when he was trying to care for himself at home.

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  • lovemyfamilysomuch
    lovemyfamilysomuch Member Posts: 1,585
    edited February 2011

    Sending love and support to all my '08 sisters! xo

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  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited February 2011

    Thinking of everyone and wishing you all the best! We took a 7-day cruise a few weeks ago, and it did wonders for adjusting my mind. Despite all the permanent side effects, I finally am starting to feel like "me" again.

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  • havehope
    havehope Member Posts: 503
    edited February 2011

    Hello, my sisters.

    The pathology confirmed ovarian cancer, new primary, stage 3B. I need chemo which I still need to discuss with my onc. It is good news that the spread outside ovaries was only in one place and very small 6mm (missed at PET) and it was completely removed. Bad news is the tumor was grade 3 so very aggressive.

    I am now more calm, I am hopefull for a full recovery and I hope it never comes back!

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited February 2011

    Havehope, that is a mix of good and bad news.  I'm glad you are able to be calm.  Let us know what your onc says.  Prayers to you.  

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