October 2011 Chemo group

Dear October Ladies,

I am so sorry to hear from so many of you about the pain, both physical and mental, of losing your hair. Your head does feel a lot better once the hair is gone. I asked my beautician about caring for a bald head and she told me to still use shampoo and conditioner. My head was really tender at first but as it has been exposed it is less sensitive.

I have to confess I have been holding out on you. I was waiting for my appointment today. I had my 2nd chemo on 11/1. It was my first A/C because I was allergic to T/C. On day 3 post chemo I started to get a tightness in my chest. It continued off and on over the next few days until it got so bad I was having trouble breathing and made a trip into the ER. After getting some oxygen, having many tests and 6 hours of time, I was sent home. Over the past few days, I have felt the tightness off and on.

Today at my doctor's appointment it was decided I will have another heart echo next week and delay treatment a week to Nov 29 to hopefully allow the tightness to go away. Depending on the results of the echo and how I am feeling I might end up stopping chemo. The echo may decide it for me if there is some kind of damage. I would still have 6 1/2 weeks of rads and tamoxifen. I would be lying if I didn't say that I am doing jumping jacks at the possibility of never having chemo and terrified at the possibility of not completing my chemo regimen!

So I will be playing the waiting game to see what the next step will be for me.....

Here's hoping this evening finds all of you well with minimal side effects. 

WIMisicMaker-

I'm so sorry to hear that news yet I can understand the "excitement" of no more Chemo. I hope the echo reads well & that in the end you can have the final say. I'll keep my fingers crissed for you:) Big Hugs!



Su-

Welcome to the group:). I haven't tried acupuncture bit it interest me. I DO however have a very good friend that does regular reflexology Tx on me. I LOVE it & think it helps move things around. Plus it's relaxing:) I'm all for anything that helps to feel better:) As for being sick of h20 have you tried gateraid, vitamin h20, propel, crystal light, or there's the great things called fresh lemon/lime/orange packets in the cooking aisle or by the crystal light type drinks. Ya-h20 is not always tasty w/metal mouth.

Musicmaker, hope the test don't show anything too bad. Understand your ambivalence. There are positives either way!

I got acupuncture years ago for migraine (didn't help) but stopped after I got cellulitis from one of the needles...the base of my thumb turned red and swelled up like a balloon. And this was from a reputable acupuncturist, apparently it is one of the risks of acupuncture. Although the cancer support center near me offers free acupuncture, I certainly would not get it during chemo, or anywhere that might have lymphedema. 

Hi All:

I have been reading discussions, but not posting much. I am busy at work and really tired this time round.

I did have my head shaved to a 1/4 of an inch last Wednesday--then asked my husband to shave it even closer n Thursday because I was losing so much of my hair that the stubble was getting everywhere. When I showered, I looked like I had a beard:-)

The second cycle seemed a bit more difficult then the first round.More nausea and a killer headache.

Take care!

The doc started me on an antibiotic for the breast redness, etc. so they think it might be something that started as a nipple infection.  I have no idea but will be watching it closely.  Tx 2 was Tuesday and can't complain too loudly.  The lemon ginger water helps with hydration and Claritin and Aleve keep me comfortable (thank you for that piece of advice ladies!).  I feel like my bald head stinks so am washing my "hair" (scalp) more than ever.  DH says I don't stink but I think it does!  We're just about to make it through another week!  We are awesome!!!!

TallM-way to fight back-your attitude is amazing. Sounds like we are all struggling with one side effect or another and it seems that we must be flexible one day to the next as far as what we can tolerate and the changes that sometimes are needed. All in all, it's pretty scarey and out of our control. Heart issues have always worried me too although I seem to be okay on the A/C- one more to go of that- then Taxol- it worries me too because of the possible allergic reaction. One day at a time I guess.

As an aside....I feel I am getting to know all of you through snipits that we share about our personal lives. Does anyone else wonder what our age span is? I am 59. Is anyone else willing to share this info? If not, doesn't matter- it's personal I know-just interesting.

Hope everyone is coping. Today the bottoms of my feet are really sore- what next?

Hugs and positive thoughts...and love...to all,    Juls

I'm 37 & hope to have a LONG life. I have so much I want to do & plan on. It's not going to be ca that gets me but old age:). I'm an adjunct professor at Weber State University (going on 10yrs this year) & a nurse (new nurse as of April 2009) at the Ogden Clinic urgent care center here. I LOVE my jobs & they've been so understanding to pick up the slack & help since I've not been able to work for awhile.



I plan to become a HUGE IBC supporter, do benefit concerts & lectures when I get well enough. I'm a pianist & have performed all over the world. I plan to put my music & nursing to good use to bring more awareness to this nasty disease! Everyone should have support & age 40 is TO late to be check for breast cancer!!! I think the age should go BACK to 35 for a baseline! I'm not the only one in this boat to be younger than 40!



juls-there's my spiel. I've found that since I have ca I really spill my guts:on My opinions, ideas, thoughts have all been accelerated! A SE if chemo not sure. I usual stay to myself & give my opinion occasionally. Not any more evidently. I guess have one more thing that I'm passionate about! Cancer & kicking it's but right out of here!



Hugs to all for the fight is on today!

Malinda

juls-lol

You are young at heart I can tell:). Age is relative & 59 is still young:). I've had te nasty stomach issues too. Bloated beyond belief, Gassy, D (finally under control thanks to Lomotil & citrucel). Now to get rid of the NASTY hemroids! Ouch those little suckers hurt:o There getting better slowly I think (at least that's what I'm telling myself:)



Take care all & stay strong:)



Hugs-

Malinda

Sounds like I'm the oldie, here, at 63.  Re: the hemorhoids  -  try keeping everything moving freely like with Miralax.  The more freely everything moves the less stress on the hems.  Just found that out yesterday.  Evidently the swollen, red breast could be a form of lymphedema.  I'll call tomorrow if it doesn't get better. 

51 here.    I tried work again today...I tiny bit better, but I told my boss I dont know if I can take the stress right now.

I know the girl covering for me is tired of it andI feel bad about that. 

But I do believe it would be best if I just took STD and worked on getting well and if they replace me oh well (I am an HR director of a regional bank office) - so it is not like they have some one who is doing my job.

Had  chest xray and it was clear, but white counts were really low....this AC chemo is kicking my booty .....but starting a new antibotic med today for this "bad cold", is anyone else sick of taking meds ?   All I do is pop pills.....sick of being sick.

Does anyone else have these anger issues ?  I feel mad all the time - but I dont know who or what for, and I feel like I take it out on my family, I really want my old self back....I hate feeling bad....I was never a good patient.

Hope all the other OCT ladies are feeling good....prayers and cyber hugs out to all of you.  You all inpsire me daily...and I know you all understand.

I am 50 and hoping for a much better 51.

Good morning ladies-



Stomach issue help-I've found citrucel to be really good for me it's causes less gas & works really well for me. There is a fine line of diarrhea/constipation w/my med (chemo/oral) I'm sure you all have simiaar situ. I've founda prunes to be helpful too. I go between lomotil (antidiarhea, some like immodium) & colace (stool softener). Everyone is diff but the hems are so pxful. The tucks are priceless as are the savs like aquaphor, hydrocortisone cream (RX) & Dibucaine ointment 1% (OTC).

I know I've mentioned these before but I can't believe how much these have helped me. Also a good cleanser is one by cetiphil. It's even nice on the hems. It's really gentle & not harsh. Hope this helps

Someone.



In an earlier post I nmentioned that I did some reflexology. It's actually called a Foot Zone. The difference is that Foot Zones not only move things around BUT also work with the energys & helps things move by energy & not a forced movement. I'm usually not one of those "wowo" people but found that it really helps & works for me. Non-invassive & I feel SO much better after I have them. What do you ladies do to feel better?



Wow-so many great ladies on her & YOUNG! Just shows cancer doesn't care who it goes after:o



Nancy-

Have you tried yogurt to help replace the good bacteria in your gut? There a good Greek yogurt called Choban that has the fruit in the bottom. That way you can control how sweet or bitter you like. I also put honey on top to help sweeten it if I need more. I try to have 1-2 a day of those (or as many as you want. Its similar to a probiotic idea.



perts1-

I hope it's not a lymphodema:o You've had enough to deal w/. Are they going to give you an antibiotic or just keep a watch. Have they talked to you about exercises to help w/the swelling? Movment/exercises can be helpful. Have they talked tonyou about seeing a lymphodema specialist? They can actually help the body re-route the way the lymph nodes swell & help them drain.



dia123-

My mom is a 13 yr breast cancer survivor. However she had a completely different kind (Infiltratng invassive lobular interductal breast cancer w/lymph involvement. She has lymphoma but uses her arm. She was told not to use it but finds that if she does there's less px/swelling. She's had celulutis a couple if times (& put in the hospital 1x for it) but has been really lucky since & at the sign of any redness she goes on an antibiotics & is fine. We didn't know what was happening the first when ca was new & her arm got red streaks/blotches first, warm, swollen & she got a fever etc. Anyway-an FYI



Tappy-

Your health is first & for most. Hard to hear I know. I love my jobs but I'm realizing going back to the university to teach next semester may be too soon:( I hope to return but I have to heal & take time for me. I also LOVE my work at the urgent care center they've told me my job will be there when I come back & they don't want me to even worry about my job. I've only been there 1 month & 1 month sick. If you've been at your job as long as you have & are that loyal people are usually willing to help out. Every situ is different & I hope you can get some help from them. Have you applied for SSI? I have but it takes about 6 mo to start. I can't wait to get back to work & a somewhat normal life but right now I'm 7 days a week & it's all I can do to make all the appointments. Life definitely is interesting. Never a dull moment. Hang in there. There as saying my aunt in New Zealand says " All for a purpose." We don't always know why things happen but it usually works out better in the end than we could have made it.



I hope you all have a great day. I'm off to my spinal Chemo today which means I'm strong enough! WOOT! WOOT! The countdown begins again!



Big Hugs to all you wonderful, strong, beautiful wonderful women:)

Malinda

One more thing:)

If you haven't tried a sitz bath for the hems I highly recommend it. I sit in one a couple time a day w/the water as warm as I can handle for about 10 mins (whatever you want) with just a little water (whatever you want). The relief is so nice.



Enough from wordy me. I really am NOT this verbal but ca has changed me.



Tappy-

I forgot to mention the anger issue. It is most likely a SE of the meds. I too have noticed this & have to remind myself to say in my head before it comes out. Sometimes it's just not possible & I say something & realize later it was not nice. I do allot of letting the people around me know how much I appreciate them & they understand that I'm not who unusually am. Either is my morphing body. I just tell myself the most important thing right now is to get better then I can go back to my spin, zumba, body sculpt, & yoga classes that I love. Right now it's just not in the cards. Take care & don't be to hard on yourself.

Good Morning All:

What a lot of posts since yesterday-I can see we all rely on this forum and need the support and contact...I do anyway. Thanks for sharing ages and life stories- I think it makes us all even closer. I, too am awed at those of you who continue to work-even part time-and those with young ones to care for or no support at home-wow-must be even tougher. I agree that this is not the time to push things-some days I am like a slug- moving from bed to couch to bed again- I feel so useless,demotivated, and frustrated. I am not used to being uninvolved and am not a good patient!

I also am angry at times, but more so I have been really weepy and sad this time around-crying at almost everything. I am trying to put on a good front for my girls but they end up comforting me-it's just wrong! I suppose it's in part due to the meds but maybe just the situation too.

Anybody else got sore foot bottoms yet? and sore parts on their hands?

As far as taking time to do things I like,I read a lot and watch TV series on cd's-takes my mind off things and makes the time pass. I can't wait to get back on track after all this! I also like rides in the country.

Tappy- hope your cold is on the mend-I'm still hacking up goo- more than four weeks now!

Anyway ladies- I'm going to watch the Rememberance Day ceremony on TV and think how lucky I am to live in a country where we have such freedoms, and safety and good health care and thank all those who have given their lives to protect all these values....many died so young so that we could be free. We must all be grateful today for that.  have  a good day,

Love, Hugs and prayers to all,   Juls