Is there a July 2011 group?

like always day number 4 after chemos is my worst day..feeling very tired, joint pain and the taste   ...i only like ice cream yeahhh .

Glad to hear that you are feeling better misswim!!!

Shinypop:  I kind of agree with you.  I think doctors caution sometimes based on their own personal preferences.  Like the obstetrician who tells you not to ski because he doesn't ski, but that horseback riding is fine until the xth month because he rides.  Sushi is like that.  But I'll err on the side of caution and stick to the cooked rolls for a while.  Can't kill me.  The soy is the biggest bugaboo I think because it is so estrogen rich.  I've been encouraged by the oncologist and the cardiologist to eat lots of fresh veggies and since I'm switching from the rat poison warfarin to Pradaxa I get all my lovely cruciferous veggies back. I've been off them since 2007 when I was first put on blood thinners.  Glad to have them all back! I'll wash them.  

I avoid salad bars in certain venues because I don't think all of them are kept as clean as they could be.  Some of them are and some of them aren't -- so I'm picky with that. All fruits are fair game though. Wash and eat.  

Paulamati: Sorry you feel bad -- thank God for ice cream!  Me too! Vanilla with dark chocolate. I like those Klondike bars!

ANA: Good night. I'm going with the Red Hats (except our group doesn't wear the hats.  Well, I guess I will be wearing one. I have to go and make a red one before Friday...) next Friday to see The Help.  It was one of our book club readings and we all loved it. I heard the movie was good and I'm glad to see you also recommend it. Sweet dreams!

ellenquilt, I forgot to mention that I like the punk style too! 

bcisnofun, I did chew on ice during chemo, just as much as I did round during round 2...but this time they got me, I did slack on the baking soda washes a bit, but still did it once or 2x a day. I got a toothpaste that has the sea salt and baking soda a figured that would compensate. Then again round 3 was doomed from infusion so I think it just  was bad SEs all around. 

Including the bad SEs, the GERD and gassy pains in my chest, HORRIBLE from the first night til about day 8 or 9..easing off slowly at the end, I was told I can take my omeprazole 20mg up to 4x a day when it's like that...so I started 2-3  a day and it may of helped or it was just getting better anyways. 

I had a great day today, had dinner with the family and my couisin and her hubby in town from NY. Pretty tired now, nite all

xoxoxoxoxo 

hi 4honey, I don't know much about this but I am pretty sure it's the type of cancer or tumor, and I think it can change if there's a recurrance, but not 100% sure. I'm sure someone here knows more and will reply.

Morning  

I believe it's tumor related. I was Er and PR positive for my right breast and now for left it is TN and onco says it is not a recurrence but a newprimary.

dexxy: Never feel bad about being SE free!  Jeez! That's what we all want for everyone! Mainly because it does catch up so you have to hang onto the good days/weeks that are SE free. And you are right.  Having cancer is definitely a lifestyle shifter.  Hopefully toward a healthier lifestyle!

Today is my crash day after two days of Ridiculously Roided Mania. I've had a totla of about 7 hours sleep since Friday morning so I'm spending today napping, reading, computing, knitting and napping again.  I recorded a couple of old Montgomery Clift movies last night that were airing and invited my mom ( a real movie buff) to join me this afternoon for old movie day.  She won't be offended if I zzzzzzz during the movie.  She'll enjoy watching them.

Catch you all later in the day.  

Hi ladies. I'm sorry I've been MIA for a couple of weeks. I had my last round of AC on August 9th and it was rough to say the least. I was suffering from the anemia, with low blood pressure, and a racing pulse, and I was having sleeping issues. My anxiety was through the roof that Friday and I was scared I wouldn't wake up if I went to sleep. I almost went to the ER but called the doctor on call instead and somehow managed to make it through the night.

I spent last week recovering and I also had to start back up at work on Wednesday (fortunately I get to work from home), so I was busy working Wed-Fri last week and will work again tomorrow before being off again for my next round of chemo (starting Taxol) on Tuesday. So I just wanted to come on here and catch up with everyone and let you know I'm doing okay physically.

Emotionally, it was a hard week for me because August 16th marked the 1 year anniversary of my molar pregnancy miscarriage and August 18th was the 1 year anniversary of my D&C. So it's now been over a year since the rug was pulled from under me and little did I know then that I'd be dealing with breast cancer just 7 months later. I am okay most of the time, but there are times I get upset that my ability to choose my life's direction has been taken from me twice in the last year and will continue to affect me for years to come.

I'm going to have to try to catch up on personals, but it will probably take me a while....

I have just found this website and would love to join your July group.  I had my second session of TAC on August 9th.  I had a tough time with fatigue, mouth sores and bone pain but have been feeling pretty good for the last two days.  Thanks for all the great tips you post.  I am going to try and find the mouth wash you suggested.  You have also given me the feedom to eat all the ice cream I want.  Vanilla milk shakes are about the only food that still has a taste.

dexxy, ellenquilt is right, never feel bad because you feel good! We all want each other to feel good, cancer sucks and that's that  

J-Bug, I know exactly what you mean, my whole life now revolves around  a 21 day cycle, I talk about cancer 24/7 and think about it even more! But, the this forum and the caring bridge site have helped me so much, I highly suggest everyone use the site, mine is:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ellenjacobs  

it helps keep everyone update with one push of a button, don't have to sms, phone, email etc. everyone all the time.  

kk11, I wish you lived closer to me, I would come visit you and cheer you up a bit, this will all make you a much stronger person and we will help you get through this horribly tough time in your life. Ana is right, treat yourself to a pedicure, eat what you want, do what you want, make it all about you. Take care of yourself

welcome mary208, sorry you have to join us but we welcome you with open arms! That Mary's Miracle Mouthwash is only made by a pharmacist...and I think the oncologist pharmacies in particular, it was under $10 with my insurance but I was told if they had called it into the local pharmacy (instead of UPS delivering it from my oncologist's pharmacy) it would of been very expensive, no clue exactly what that means...but it works like a charm.

mary, send me your tx schedule, dates of what you've had done and dates to come, I'll add you to our group!

Nite all

xoxoxoxo 

kk11 I had a molar pregnancy 20 years ago...have wondered if it is related..no answer on htat...so sorry though...too much for you to deal with in such a short time...or ever...

bcisnofun  I have my 3rd TC tomorrow AM..on hte steroid buzz...I will look with a flashlight for tiny white spots in the places I have had prior mouth sores and as soon as I see one...will start the steroid. For me hte miracle mouth wash did not cure the sores...so glad it worked for rabbit...it is mylanta, nystatin and lidocaine or some type of novacaine.

J bug....yes..wish we could forget it but find when I am alone it is so easy to cry...

Francis..my best today...I think you are already getting chemo now...as you are 12 hours ahead of us...

I feel blessed my sister will go with me tomorrow. She is here from 400 miles away until after my chemo.

Thanks for all your support ladies...it took me all evening to catch up on posts, but I think I finally managed to catch up through when I posted last, but got a little lazy after that, so I'll have to re-read the posts from today tomorrow since I need to get to bed!  I hope I can pop on again tomorrow before my first Taxol treatment on Tuesday, but I do have to work, so it'll probably be evening before I log on. Wishing everyone hitting the chemo chair tomorrow an uneventful and S/E free treatment!


Rabbit - I'm surprised you got AF this far into chemo. I haven't seen had mine since June 22nd! Sorry your 3rd round wasn't uneventful and that you suffered from a bad migraine. My onc told me that Zofran can cause bad headaches for some people. They switched me to Kytril after my first treatment because I had a bad migraine, but it didn't really prevent me from getting migraines in treatments 2&3 (none in #4), so who knows. As for speaking at your BIL's school, I wonder if you can contact the American Cancer Society for some literature? And congrats on the tumor shrinking! That's GREAT news! As for getting our schedules posted on the first post of this thread, I did PM em0909 a while back and never heard back. Should we start a new thread?

Dexxy - You sound quite busy with the painting and fixing of things! I think you should be okay with the occasional beer if you feel up to it. I haven't really been drinking during chemo, but every now and then I'll take a sip of my husband's glass of wine, just to have the taste!

Frankenboobs - How did your 2nd round go? Mine was better than the first, though I have a different regimen. Hope it was for you too. I think for me it was just that I learned from mistakes I made during my first round. Hydration is key! Btw, I also had light sensitivity and didn't want to be touched in my first round along with a bunch of other side effects you experienced.

Luebbsgurl - Congrats on the baby news. I hope things work out this time for your son and DIL. It's hard enough with a miscarriage, let alone losing a baby shortly after birth.  As for forgetting to put your cover on when your food was delivered, that happened to me too recently. Our apartment complex had sent notices saying that maintenance would be coming in to check our smoke detectors (they do this annually) and I had pulled out my scarf to cover up and just completely forgot to put it on. DH told me after they left and I was amazed. I just feel so comfortable without any coverings. Did you ever get your trip to the mountains? As for the Neulasta, I'm surprised they cited age as the reason for not giving it to you. I'm 28 and have had to give myself the shot each time.

Mavinbook - I wish I read your post about eating the shaved ice before my last AC treatment! I find that my tongue is numb starting the week AFTER chemo all the way up to my next treatment! Ugh!

Snoopy - It does seem to take about 10+ days to start feeling normal again after each treatment. And then suddenly, bam, next treatment!

Ana - Lol about the red wig and showing a different side of your personality! I honestly thought I'd be wearing my wig a lot, but I have found that I feel quite comfortable in my head covers/wraps/scarves. I'm so grateful that my SIL surprised me with that package in the mail. I can mix them up with whatever I'm wearing. It's great! As for that biking "wax", I am disappointed. It was coming out like crazy and then just stopped! I was so hoping for the brazilian!

Sandy - How did your second treatment go? Hopefully better than the first.

Ellenquilt - I have yet to have the runs from chemo. I am constantly suffering from constipation. I'm dealing with hemorrhoids so every bm hurts! Your experience from your 4th Taxol makes me nervous for my first dose dense one on Tuesday. I hope you're doing better now.  And thanks for the info on what your allergist said about Taxol. I have a number of allergies myself, so it would not surprise me if I get a reaction this week. I'll have to ask about the stabilizing chemical. I'm glad that they gave you something else instead of the Taxol after the problems you've had. Is it still weekly? Love the bald head picture by the way. You have a nice shaped head like me. The first wig pic you posted looks like real hair! The 2nd does too, but a little less natural.

amethyst11 - Sorry I never responded to your post to me. I have heard herceptin isn't that bad, except that you have to do it for a year, but compared with the chemo, it's supposed to be easier. Like you said, everyone is different, so I'm sure there is at least one person out there who would disagree with that. I found that the chemo weeks didn't necessarily get harder each time, but the time it takes for me to feel better in my off week is a bit longer each time.

misswim - how is your fatigue? It's hard to work and go through chemo at the same time. I did that back in December 2010-February 2011 and it was brutal. After I got the breast cancer diagnosis in April, I decided not to push myself so much this time. Make sure you get the rest you need! Don't feel guilty about taking time off as you need it either! And I agree with dexxy, walks do help! Wow...that wbc was high at 28.4! I am lucky to have mine at 3.1, but my neutrophils were just 1.74 (though I've had them hit 1.2 before with the Act-d I received for the molar pregnancy, so I know it could be worse). I just barely made the cutoff for chemo last time. I will see how it is this upcoming Tuesday. I'm surprised they'd still have you get the Neulasta shot after such a high count. Maybe they could have given you a little break?

Phillybird - Your "the CHAIR" comment had me giggling.

Pinkpalette - I have had my snappy moments too since starting chemo and lack of sleep certainly contributes.

J-Bug - We are nearly on the same schedule! I finished my last AC on the August 9th and go this Tuesday for my first Taxol. Not really looking forward to a different drug with who knows what symptoms. I keep hearing about the excruciating bone pain, the neuropathy, some people losing their nails and eyebrows, and the potential of an allergic reaction! I hope it goes smoothly for both of us this week! Thanks for the latisse post. I will check it out! Sorry about the overworking director.   Clearly he doesn't recognize work/home balance! Hope things get better this week with your manager back. As for the palpitations, I would measure your heart rate to see what it is. I called the on call doctor late one night because I was scared and my heart rate was only barely over 100, though that's pretty high for me and made me uncomfortable. He didn't think I needed to go to the ER or anything and told me 140s resting heart rate would be concerning but not low 100s and said our hearts can handle quite a bit. I'd still mention it to your onc though. I plan on telling mine too.

Honey - I haven't had a period in about 2 months (last one was just before starting chemo). Whether it comes back varies from person to person. I'm only 28 and hoping to someday have children, so I'm praying it comes back for me! I take it you'd rather not have it back. Hope we both get our wishes! As for your neutrophils, sounds like the nuepogen did it's job! Maybe they want you to get the neulasta so it doesn't fall too low again? As for avoiding soy, I don't think that's so much an issue for you since you're ER negative. I think Soy is something those of us with ER + tumors need to limit. As for the receptors, it's my understanding that the receptors are tumor specific. If you had two tumors (even in the same breast), they could have different receptor statuses.

Mommaof4 - I received a halo wig when I went to the Wig Bank put on by the American Cancer Society. I've only worn it once though. I ended up gravitating towards wearing scarves, but I do like the idea if you like wearing hats and want to look like you have hair.

Jamie - You've had some bad luck with the chemo burns. I wish you had a port. Would have been so much less painful in that regard. I am really happy that you're 3/4ths of the way done...kind of jealous actually! I just hit the halfway mark...4 down 4 to go.

Catron - I'm sorry you've been feeling so lousy and that it seems to be worse each time for you. I hope the next 3 treatments fly by. For the next treatment, I'd take the meds pre-emptively since it's harder to stop the nausea once it hits.

Paintingmywaythru - I'm sorry you were feeling lousy last round. I had never heard of lichen plantis, but it doesn't sound fun. Hopefully the chemo DOES put it in remission. As for your artwork, it's very nice!

Ybrooker1 - I'm sorry your 2nd treatment didn't go too smoothly.

5kidsMom - I'm sorry your daughter has Chrohn's disease. We know someone who has battled that as well. I hope the fact that it's been diagnosed will help get her on the road to feeling better. It's horrible not knowing why you're feeling so lousy. As for the PICC, I had a PICC line for 6 weeks earlier this year when I was getting chemo for my molar pregnancy crap. It was awful. I did learn to live with it, but I had to cover it up every time I showered and in the middle of winter, I was having trouble getting it under my sleeves, so I had to wear only loose clothing. The worst part of it was the dressings and having to get them changed weekly. I ended up being allergic to Tegaderm Dressings, which is what they use now too to cover ports when they access them. I have to remind them each time. I hope your daughter doesn't have the PICC anymore and that it was just for her hospital stay. And I also hope you don't need a PICC line!

Izzy - Sorry you had a crappy TC #2. How was #3? Hoping you find out that the lump is just a cyst.  Please keep us posted.

Blessomel - What were your counts (when you were turned away for treatment)  if you don't mind me asking? As for the hair, I felt like you until I had DH buzz it off. After that, a sense of relief and I've actually enjoyed my bald (well buzzed) head. The rest of my hair stopped falling out shortly after we buzzed it lol. But it's much easier to maintain. I know when I'm done with the chemo, I'm going to want it back pronto, but I have an excuse to have no hair and I have come to love the shape of my head.

MemaSue56 - I think if you want a shot or two of Jose Cuervo, you should have it! I haven't really wanted alcohol since starting chemo, but it's important to find enjoyment where you can. What chemo regimen are you on?

Jenn-uk - I'm so sorry about your DH leaving for vacation with someone else, let alone another woman. You deserve someone to be by your side all the time. While we all know that BC doesn't just affect us but also our loved ones and caretakers, it's not like any of us chose to go through this. You definitely deserve better!

Melissaw - Welcome. I also had 4 rounds of AC and am now starting 4 rounds of dose dense Taxol. I've taken Claritin for the bone pain and so far it's been fairly mild.

Cathy_C - Hope you're doing well with your last AC. How nice that you get a break between your AC and Taxotere/Herceptin!

Mohonda - Welcome to the group, but so sorry you're here and that this isn't your first go round with chemo. I home the lxempra does the trick. As for being short of breath and feeling the blood pounding, I wonder if you're anemic? That has caused these symptoms for me.

bcisnofun - I have the exact same issue with bowel movements. I KNOW I've torn something and it cuts it back open every time I go. I also want a break! When you wipe, do you get small amounts of blood on the tp too? I've been using preparation-h to help with the discomfort. It does help, even if just a little. As for food restrictions, I don't recall having any in particular that they told me about. Maybe they just assumed I'm already pretty informed? Either that or my chemo brain just can't remember! I did attend a chemo class after my 1st treatment and was told that the no eating unpeeled fruits or raw veggies thing is actually an older recommendation from the American Cancer Society but they have since removed the recommendation saying it doesn't need to be followed unless wbc counts are too low.

paulamati - congrats on getting halfway through chemo! I have had my ice cream moments too. It's cool and non abrasive for my tongue! My SIL made me some blueberry frozen yogurt with very little sugar added. Makes me feel better about indulging from time to time!

Linda - Welcome. I also went on disability because I know it's important for my long-term recovery. I know we don't all have that option though. I am now back to work part time (with disability for the days I don't work) and working from home, but only because FMLA only covered me for 12 weeks and I don't want to have to pay for COBRA to keep my medical benefits.

mikamomof3 - Welcome and congrats on finishing AC and moving on to Taxotere. It's good to be done with the nasty red stuff!

Frances - Good luck with round 4 of chemo tomorrow! You will pass the halfway hurdle!

cshell - Welcome to the group. I also technically started in June (June 28th).

Shinypop - Interesting about the protein being necessary after a mastectomy. I suppose I should up my protein intake to help in that department!

Hi All, been out for a while and it takes a very long time to read all of this and get caught up.  Just finished my 2nd round of 6 on the 11th and I feel bad to say this after reading so many posts, but I have not had any problems with SE's or chemo at all.  I don't get it! I anticipate, prepare, and take the meds as instructed and I get very little of anything.  I ran my favorite 5 mile course today and have been biking as well.  Chemo is not getting me down....at least not yet.  It took my hair but has not taken my energy level.  I feel so lucky yet so bad for everyone.  At this point, I can honestly say that it has been relatively easy.  I did take Claritin this time before the Neulasta shot and it either helped a great deal or I did not have much side effects from it this time.  I have lost my taste for foods but figuring out what does taste ok.  I wish I had some words of advice, maybe the exercise I do has helped..I just don't know but thought I would pass on that it is possible to get through at least 2 rounds with little to complain about and I hope that helps someone out there to feel better???! Hugs to all of us warriors in pink!  

Rabbit, Thanks for the warm welcome.  Sor far my story goes like this, I discovered a swollen lymph node under my arm in February and did not see my gynocologist until May.  She set up a diagnistic mammogram on June 8th.  Had three separate biopsies all malignant.  The large tumor is 7cm and deep against my chest wall.  There is a smaller tumor behind the nipple and at least one lymph node is effected but they suspect several more.  The entire month of June was a whirlwind of tests, MRI, CT Scans, bone scan, MUGA, etc.  No additional findings outside of the lymph nodes under my arm.  Dr wants to do chemo first, 6 rounds of TAC started July 20th.  I am taking steroids and compazine one day prior and 5 days after each treatment.  After the chemo there will be a mastectomy then 5-6 weeks of radiation before reconstruction

Today is day 3 after my last AC and I feel poopy. I am doing much better with my fluids this round, but still poopy. Do any of you just "say" I can't do this. I know I have to and I will, but ugh I feel so  bad. I said "I can't do this" in front of by DH and I think he panicked. And then I think of all you ladies having so many more SE and life alterations than I and I feel like a whimp. Sorry I just need to vent. I am not strong today

K11: Sending you virtual hugs.  It truly sucks that this disease and the treatment for it take so much control away from us.  Know that we are all of us thinking of you and pulling for you.

Mary: It's funny how vanilla still works but chocolate doesn't seem to for me anymore. I'm joining you in the vanilla milkshake brigade.  Also vanilla pudding which still has some taste for me.

I think my crash day was really postponed.  Yesterday the wall hit me at 10:30 pm and I literally fell into bed where I stayed (with several bathroom calls through the night) until 9:30 this morning.  I have the shakes and feel like crap today. I'm going to try and lay as low as I can all day.  Which will be tough since my older son, who is bi-polar and who lives in my house,  is having a rough day too.  Life is certainly interesting.

I have a quiet week with no work until Thursday.  Then The Chair at the Spa on Friday for Round 6 of the first 12 , and the second with the Abraxane instead of Taxol.  Hoping for less steroids since they really screwed me up this weekend.  

Catch you all later. The weather, at least, is lovely here.  Hope you all enjoy the day with minimal or no SEs.