Is there a July 2011 group?

Hey rabbit - I like the new hat :-)

Today is one of those days when I am just wishing and waiting for some energy to come back. Am at work and can't wait to finish up the day so that I can have a quiet restful weekend. The first tx, I had already gotten a burst of energy returning by this time. Frustrated that I'm not feeling that right now.

Yesterday a co-worker came into my office and kind of stumbled through telling me she hoped I was ok and that people are talking about me. Not what I needed to hear. I thought everyone knew what was going on with me (many do) since on the face of it they all seem to have taken my transition to scarves in stride. But this person, who works practically right next to me, had no idea. So I explained. She was sweet and wished me well and hugged me. But it made me uncomfortable thinking people are talking about me. I don't know what I expected. She just made it seem like there was this confusion and it made me self-conscious. I've tried so hard to be upfront with people and not hide what was going on. I'd rather them say something to me or find out the truth from someone who knows rather than speculate and wonder why I'm looking different these days.

Mostly, I'm grateful because I work in a great place. Very supportive of me. But every now and then it makes me more tired to feel like I am managing other people's feelings. Sigh.

Sorry - just came in to vent today :-). Thanks for listening. Hope everyone has a good weekend!

khs- good point! Ana - try not to stress about others, I know easier said than done.  I've kind of made a game out of it, I'm horrible I know.  But whenever someone gets nosey or complains about how bad their life is blah blah blah.  I say " well at least you aren't doing chemo"  or " how about you do chemo and I'll deal with (whatever they are complaining about)"  hehe  It does make people stop and think about what they've said and where they are in life.  Realization is half our battle on the road to a better self and life

I'll also like to share some advice on antioxidants, there is long standing debate on chemo and antioxidants.  Most Dr.'s suggest not taking any during chemo, the fear is Antioxidants may decrease chemotherapy-induced damage of normal cells by inactivating free radicals, but the same damage may also be decreased in cancer cells.  Unfortunately there has not been any trial or study to prove or disprove this theory.  Also many green vegetables and fruit are full of antioxidants so do you stop eating those as well?  Here is my take and what I have been doing for myself under the guidance of an alternative dr.  I'm taking herbs an supplements but I do not take them the day before chemo - day 3.  on day 4 I start slowly, and by day 8 I'm up to normal doses that help my body rejuvenate, build my immune system, and increase my WBC.  This idea is so that the chemo can work without the interference of the supplements.  It has 3 full days in my system, and they say by day 3 if drinking enough fluids you should have flushed it out of your system by then.  My SE's are minimum and no neulasta required.  I actually feel healthier now then before. crazy right?  I did do a lot of research on all of this and also informed my Dr on what I was taking.  Just food for thought.  Hope all are well and have a great weekend

Allenan: You handled the noisy one very well.  I hate when people go on a fishing expedition.  If you have a direct question, and you believe it isn't rude, just ask.  If it IS rude be prepared to get shot down. You get points from me.  Good thoughts for a brighter lighter mood soon.

Rabbit: The eye ointment (some goopy preservative free Refresh prodcut), and the preservative free
Refresh Optiva have already helped my eyes. I'll see how I do with the prescription grade Omega 3. My onc is good with the supplements I take: Lysine, Acidophilus, Calcium+D and a multi so I keep on taking them. 

I went through some caffeine withdrawal after my diagnosis, which gave me some awful headaches. Now I indulge a little bit with tea and dark chocolate.  My coffee is all decaf these days.  

Session #3  was this morning.  I went with my "GO" bag packed -- power strip, laptop, chargers, iphone, book, and knitting plus some healthy snacks and water.  After looking at the bloods today, my dr. decided to pull the Taxol for today, along with all the premeds that go with it.  Seems my white cell count is down a little. Not enough to have to do anything other than cut the Taxol this week.  He isn't too concerned at this point.  We'll reassess next week. In a perverse way, I was a little disappointed to get in and out so quick.  I was looking forward to a relaxing afternoon plugged in. LOL   Chemo is my spa day.  Bizarre.

Hope you all have a fabulous SE-free day!

Allenan, I try to walk every morning, though I'm not a regular exerciser (trying to change that though!). I think it does help to do something to get myself moving. The most challenging day last time around was on Sunday, which was the day that the Neulasta really kicked in. I woke up feeling so sore; but my nice easygoing walk made it a little more tolerable. 

Ana, I found out about my diagnosis AT work, and there is absolutely no privacy in our cubicles. So, pretty much everyone right around me knew something was up from the start, and the rest of them found out soon enough. Honestly, I really don't feel that everything is about cancer. I discovered that I have some very supportive co-workers, but you know... we still deal with the everyday situations at work, and that has nothing to do with my diagnosis. My boss has been great about discussing future projects with me, planning for things that I'll be working on come fall semester--as though cancer isn't even part of the equation. At the same time, he has absolutely no issues with me working shorter days during weeks after treatment. I had my second round yesterday, and he was very surprised to see me at work this morning. But I felt good enough to go, so why not?

Ok, for those of you who have had Neulasta more than once... my first injection stung pretty well. This one? Hardly at all. The oncology nurse mentioned another patient said something similar today, so I was wondering if anyone else had that experience? Not that I think it'll make a difference in the outcome later this weekend...  

Hi all!

I just wanted to say that I like Rabbit's salmon colored hat too.  It is cotton?  I just worked out at the gym with my multicolored wrap cap - sort of hard to describe - but it has long ties in the back that you can tie around the top of your head or leave long in the back.  This is just to hold in the hair I have left, for now, but it will be perfect for when I am bald too, I think.  It sops up the sweat very well too!  I even got a compliment from the guy who works in the gym.  So chic!

MemaSue - my heart races from time to time.  It is not really supposed to be a SE, but I think that I just get anxious and need to calm down.  Try closing your eyes and slowly breathing deeply for 10 minutes; it works for me. 

Okay, everybody - have a great weekend and I will sign back in after my chemo #2 day (Tuesday, the 9th).

dexxy thanks for that info, I really have to get my onco to come around more on the alternative therapies. 

Allenan..thanks Good luck Monday in case I forget to tell you!

ellenquilt if I start having those problems, I will definitely look into that eye stuff, thanks!

sandy115 thanks too! It's funny how such small things can make us happy, like a favorite head cover or cap LOL, I have another one almost like it, close to the same material, but it's dark blue with little flowers on it, very cute and thin for the hot weather.

MemaSue56, I get heart palpitations and a racing heart during the first 5 days or so, steroids I'm sure! but you should mention it to your dr.

PhillyBird, yes it's cotton, so comfy.

J-Bug, I hope you get past that SE soon!! Eucerin is awesome, I love it.

Take Care all!

xoxoxoxo 

Rabbit- you are rockin that cap girl!!! 

Valbee - love that wig!!!     Also how about those Neulasta shots.  Owwwww! Mine stung like a bee second time, first time nothing.  I was wondering what the onc nurse did differently. 

Otherwise, 5 days since second round.  Still feeling lousy, unable to sleep.  The taste in my mouth is awful.  I keep trying to wash it out.  Everything I eat is nasty flavored, especially water.  Loving Fudge pops!!!  Tried to walk at the park and felt exhausted.  I really wanted to do it, need it, did it anyway. 

Sorry this is a rambling mess.  Can't sleep.  Aggravated!

Thanks for the reply PhillyBird!  I have the Biotene.  It does feel soothing, but that gawd-awful taste just keeps coming back.  I gagged on the salt and baking soda.  I haven't found anything that will relieve that taste...bleeeeehhhh!  I will try the ginger you suggested.  Ginger snaps sound good too....I wonder if they'll taste good?

I am just south of PA state line but west of you, 5 min from Hanover PA, 15 min from Gettysburg.  Often shop in Lancaster.  I love PA, wish I lived there.

Best wishes to you.  Hope you have an SE free weekend.

Hugs, pp

Pinkpallette,



A week into round one water tasted so bad I was having trouble drinking enough. I ended up dumping in some sugar free artificial flavor and ice and found it tolerable. Normally I would never touch that kind of stuff, but at this point I'm popping so many pills I figure, why not.

I also have used alcohol free mouthwash unstead of baking soda/water at work because it's less hassle and it made my mouth feel fresher for a while. Btw, by week two things were tasting normal again. Round #2 is next Wednesday and I'll see if I get the bad taste again.

Morning all

ty pinkpalette, and your paintings rock girl!!! yes, ginger snaps taste good....that and ice cream are some of the few sweets that actually taste good to me those first few days after chemo. 

As for the water, I normally put a nice chunk of lemon in mine but that first week or so after chemo, it tastes like metal with or without the lemon. And once in a great while I love a ginger ale, but after chemo, it tastes like metal LOL. I found some juices taste ok and I just drink the water, it taste better without lemon but still not right. 

Honest Tea (posted this before) is awesome for that first week for me..they make plain old unsweetened green tea which is good for us, and some flavored with natural flavors, no artificial stuff and very little sugar...the mint is awesome. You have to do the trial and error with drinks, for me, the 2nd time was easier and didn't last as long as the first, hoping it gets better on number 3 and 4!!

Going to attempt a quick walk while it's not so hot this morning....hope everyone enjoys their weekend. I am off to bingo tonight with my family and best friend. It's my big outing every 3 weeks, that Saturday before the next chemo.

Hugs to all!  

Good morning ladies.....I feel great today! Im 10 days out from 1st AC tx and going to take my girls school shopping.....they'll be thrilled to know I feel like me again ;-) I've been blessed to have minimal SE....mostly just the fatigue. Here's to a blessed SE free day for everyone....enjoy!!!!

dexxy  

I love your sass with people. can't imagine the reaction when oyu offer to trade places.

I like the suggestion re; the benedryl for bone pain. I take claritan and it helps but doesn't alleviate it...today is AM 4 after neulasta and I woke with shooting leg pain. the onc says it is the neulasta and could possibly be the taxatere.

I agree on ginger cookies..they help a lot and a lemon squeexed in water, but delight water works great too although very expensive. 

Ana...I hate that people may be talking about me. I hadn't wanted anyone but a few neighbors to know other than my firends but it seems it has spread through the neighborhood. I look them in the eye and don't say thank you, I love my new haircut when they comment on my wig.

MemaSue56..my heart races for several days after chemo.....the onc says it is the steroids. I sometimes have to stop when walking as I get out of breath.

Pinkpalette..what type of art do you make?

I am an artist...actually have 2 shows  going right now. Do you have a link to your work?

mine is  www.susanmedyn.com

Going to the ocean this afternoon for the weekend. Weather may be grey but the sea glass is still out and the water is  warm.

Hope everyone has an SE free day as much as possible.

Alright sisters; I had a little set back w/ A/C#2.  My neurtrophils made it up to 552, from 133 last week, but is was not enough to have my treatment yesterday 8/5.  Has anyone else had this problem?  There are elderly ladies having chemo & I don't understand why their body handles it and my 40 year old body isn't.  Frustrated...but spirits are still high.  She assured me it wasn't because my body is rejecting the chemo, but that this does happen, just not normally as low as 133.  They gave me a neupogen shot and will again on Mon & Wed and I'll have my blood drawn again on Wed.  We are shooting for chemo#2 on Friday, 8/12.  This time they will give me the neulasta shot 2 days later on Monday the 15th.  Wish me well and hope all of you have an awesome weekend and my prayers are with you and those going for another round.

My honeybees are doing well & we did our final "honey extraction" 2 days after my 1st chemo.  I can't help w/ the bees right now when my levels are low and during chemo.  I'll also have to be careful not to get stung in my left arm where my lymph nodes are missing from.  We are just thrilled that I don't have to give it up b/c it's our kid's business (8 & 10) and we all love it so much and it very relaxing and mesmerizing to watch them (odd I know...but every beekeeper will tell you this)

Honey

Does anyone has red, blurry, sore eyes, or photophobia since your first treatment?