October 2011 Chemo group

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  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 293
    edited November 2011

    jewels: omg yes the ottoms of my feet are so sore I can hardly put my shoes on some days sheesh and my hands wow Looks like I have some kind of burn, I actually thought I had a steam burn on it until my nurse told me different yesterday Foot and mouth !!!!!!!!!! gave me hydrocortizone cream and it works very well...... I am very angry at times too and its the meds, I have been told this also by my nurse, emotional wow Cry at the drop of a hat, literally.... Im not and have never been like that, Im not a mean person, Im not rude and nasty, and I dont usually cry like I have been, Its crazy...... And I have also noticed my eyes get all puffy and leak, they are always watering its so annoying and hard to drive when they do that....... Am feeling much better the last 5 days just in time for my LAST treatment next Thursday the 17th... then bring on the joint pain, the crankiness, and just YUCK feeling for 10 days......  

    Have a great day all, hugs and love to all and anyone having treatment today Hope for No SE'S 

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  • julsjewels11
    julsjewels11 Member Posts: 66
    edited November 2011

    Dia 123- what support group do you belong to? I haven't accessed one yet...is it helpful?

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited November 2011

    I'm 44, a nurse or was a nurse, I'm a patient now. I work prn. so I've been off work since my sx in sept. they really can't touch me at work. can't fire me. think my job is safe. who cares.

    I'm not sure if I can or really want to be a nurse again. we'll see. I've been a nurse for 20 yrs. Love it. its my calling. its hard not having that. thinking I might want to be a physical therapist.

    anger-I just had to let it go. I had abnormal mammo in 09 with US-doc said it was fine. then in nov '10-mammo just showed same fibroglandular tisuue in that right breast-exactly where my cancer was. didn't do US. should have done one.

    I'm feeling pretty good. have little goals for myself each day. yest I tried to do spring rolls. that's definatly something thats going to take practice. today I'm going to try making Tom Yum soup.

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2011

    perts - seems like you and I are the "seniors" here lol.  My mind is still 30, it's only my body that seems to realize that ship has sailed.

    juls - I am somewhat better (thanks for asking).  Although I'm hesitant to jinx myself by saying so, the Nexium seems to have started helping.  I've also been VERY conscientious about not eating anything but small and bland frequent meals.  Also cut back my coffee to one cup a day Frown  I'm a "foodie" so this is really hard for me, but far preferable to the burning stomach and nausea hell I've been going through this past week.  I just hope #3 on Monday doesn't set me back.  

    Malinda -  yes I am drinking a yogurt probiotic and have been since tx #1.  It really seems to have helped with the diarrhea/constipation conundrum from round 1, but has had less effect on this particular issue. 

    I too, was struck by how many young women are having to deal with this horrid disease.  How much more worrisome for those of you with young children.  No wonder we can't sleep with the "night voices" in our heads.  Although it doesn't always seem like it, we ARE moving forward every day we check into these boards - one day, one treatment, one step and sometimes only one minute.  Here's hoping none of have to take any steps back for a while.  Have a great weekend!

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  • perts1
    perts1 Member Posts: 62
    edited November 2011

    I remember always being the "youngest" at everything.  Then I woke up one day and BAM!  I was the oldest!.  Had the Neulasta on Wednesday and feel awful today.  I thought I'd skated by the discomfort but obviously not!  Thiok I should just go to bed.  Darnit.

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  • julsjewels11
    julsjewels11 Member Posts: 66
    edited November 2011

    Nancy: Just thought I'd tell you that when I first saw your picture and your Antienanci name I thought you looked about 40-if that...so don't refer to yourself as the oldies...I am not far behind you! It is a matter of how old you feel although this cancer diagnosis,tx's,se's and being bald has made me look and feel old,tired and unwell. I hope when all is done I regain my youthful attitude and at least look my age- not so much older! Glad your stomach is improving. I have trouble with yogurt-makes my tummy sourish. Just talked with the onc nurse and told her I felt like I had morning sickness all the time and she said just eat small amounts of neutral,carby type foods- and often...so it seems like that is good advice all round.

    Have a great weekend all- I hope with good nights rest,minimal side effects and some joy.

    Warm Hugs and Happy Thoughts      Juls

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  • Lady-di
    Lady-di Member Posts: 150
    edited November 2011

    Juls- my support group is through wellwood. You may have received a pamphlet from your oncologist. It's in Hamilton. I do find it helpful but I think you get the same support here, just not face to face. I do look forward to going as they are a great group of ladies. It is for 8 weeks and will be done at the end of nov I think. They will probably start another session after that.



    Terry- I too have the watering eyes. They are constantly tearing up but they also at times seem very dried out. Does that make sense? Its wierd!



    I've also heard that if you get sore bottoms of your feet and finger tips it could be neuropathy which is a SE of chemo.



    Nancy- glad to hear that you are improving and hope it continues for you!

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  • julsjewels11
    julsjewels11 Member Posts: 66
    edited November 2011

    Terry: sorry to hear you have the same sore feet and hands that I have.Just talked with the onc nurse and she said that usually came with the Paclitaxol which I go onto next ( I have one Tx left on A/C next Tuesday) unless it was arthritis- not! Are you on Taxol now? If so, that would explain your symptoms.I can hardly walk about the house- feels like someone has beaten my feet with a cane and they feel bruised. I have been wearing slippers to cushion as we have wood and tile floors. At least they don't hurt when I'm not on them. I cry all the time too-just overwhelmed and sad. My DH doesn't know what to do-I am just not like that either. Can't even talk with family/friends without starting to blubber. At least I'm not the only one- thanks for sharing.

    Hugs Juls

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited November 2011

    I have been reading and keeping up w/the Oct. gals, just haven't felt like posting. Day 5 of fever, cough, vomit, and the big D. Haven't had a tx for bit now because of surgery, just caught a bug. Hoping to get rid of it to resume tx next Tues. Most I've gone w/no fever is 4 hrs. MO is putting me on new antibiotic this afternoon. Sure hope that works. Healing nicely (so far) from surgery last week. Hope the skin stays together this time.

    DX on my 45 birthday followed by dinner at Hooters. Told my teenagers I was boob shopping.

    Sounds like everyone is handling se as well as they can. I'm also dealing w/anger, tears, dread, and all that other stuff everyone is feeling. Nice to know we're not alone in this.

    Hoping you all have a nice weekend.

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  • TallM
    TallM Member Posts: 1,596
    edited November 2011

    Juls-

    My heels started getting sore a couple days ago. It's not really bad so I feel lucky. I hope yours is barable!



    So I'm shaving my head tomorrow. It's time. The deal I made was that when my hair started coming out in clumps it's time to go. When I comb or run my fingers through my hair big clumps, After my bath today the tub was covered. I know some of you have already done this & I'll live through your strength. No more hiding:o



    Take care all & yes I think we all draw strength from each other. Thanks to each one of you!



    Big hugs & Strenth

    -Malinda.



    PS-did my brain Chemo today! I was strong enough. Only 3 left:)

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  • TallM
    TallM Member Posts: 1,596
    edited November 2011

    Hi all-

    I thought this might be helpful for some of you. The breast cancer society has people who will come to your home & help you if you'd like. Below is a response to a post from there Facebook site w/contact info.



    The Breast Cancer Society, Inc. Hello Debbie, The Breast Cancer Society has a program for women who need help around the home during and after treatment. This is a nationwide program and I would be more than happy to send you an application for it. If you would like an app. please send me your name and home address in an email to taylor@breastcancersociety.org.



    Hope this is helpful-

    Malinda

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  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 293
    edited November 2011

    TallM: I had hair down past my butt got it cut to just below my shoulders, it started to come out a bit, it thinned, so got it cut to just above my shoulders and then it really started to come out in Chunks, it broke my heart I cried so hard 2 days later shaved and this is funny, I had and still have a little tuff on the top of my head like the rugrat lil hahaha so thats my nickname LOL Omg my heels hurt so bad, nd the neuropathy is horrid every now and then I get a tingly feeling in my fingertips and my toes its so annoying, My cousin Nancy is a 7 yr survivor as of Nov 2nd and she still has neuropathy, it hung around so she goes through this everyday, all day........ IT STINKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  mine burn too and my hands are swollen so much I cant even get my rings OFF Yikes.... dont think that is very good..... 

    Juls: Keep your chin up and SMILE always

    hugs to all xo 

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  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 293
    edited November 2011

    Id post pics but for some reason, cotton brain I still cant figure out how to :-(

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  • Lucie_inthesky
    Lucie_inthesky Member Posts: 9
    edited November 2011

    Hi all,



    Wow a lot of posting !!! I had my second chemo today it went fine better than the first time.



    Malinda



    Accupunture: I have a weekly accupunture appointment on my weeks without chemo. We do not focus on one symptom but work globally immune system, liver, renal systems. Basically my accupunter feel all the points like in reflexology with retroaction from me ... Big outch or it is fine and then he put needles on back for a good 30 minutes and than he does the front same 30 minutes. It is very very relaxing and it does help a lot. BTW at my hospital they had a conference on the benefit of accupunture on cancer symptoms management and in my support group they highly recommended it. All : If you choose this path make sure to have someone who is a member of an accupunture association - mine has 10 yrs experience. He use throable niddles and desinfect twice before puncturing.



    Massage : During my chemo week I get a massage to get the fluid moving as I am less active.



    Meditation/light yoga/exercise : Everyday I do 20 minutes of very light yoga with 20 minutes of

    medidation and I walk 30-40 minutes. I do a second meditation where I visualize the chemo killing the bad cells and where I stop the chemo from going to my heart, stomach and digestive systems.



    Nausea/Other digestive issues : I did not had any problem so I will share what I do... I took the anti nausea med for 3 days. During the first 7 days I did not drink juice nor milk. I had 3 meals with 2 snacks - all of them had a good protein source : chicken, beef, fish,egg, low fat cheese, greek yogourt which is high in protein, nuts with dry cranberries sugered with juice.My body is craving for protein.Lots of cooked veggies (nothing raw) and lots of fruit that I could wash easily. One or two bowls of homemade soup a day.NO sugar or any sweet and no greassy food. I ate my full plate but was very carefull to not overeat. I drink a lot of water 4 liters a day for the first 5 days after chemo some green tea and mint tea.



    Probiotics : We had a nutritionist at my support cancer group and she told us not to use yogourt with added probiotics as our immune system is low and does not need extra bacterias. She said she saw some intance of people wo had infection around the heart cause by this. First time I hear about this is this week and did not read anything about this.



    When to cut the hairs : I had my hair cut to clipper no. 3 (2 cm) after my 1st chemo treatment and my hair felt off on the day 17. Hair on the pillow, 2 hours of shower and it was still falling so I use the clipper to shave it off but not the rasor after. At first it felt like 180 sandpaper but it grew back a bit but now it is comfy. To ease confort I use a silk pillow. I did not cut it all sooner as it is cold here.

    But really when it is falling it is drastic (in my case anyway) so as my hair was allready short the remainng was easy to clip off...



    BTW I am 47 ...and I now have hot flashes since 2-3 days... No hair helps :)



    I hope this info helps some of you.



    Ciao girls !!!

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  • TallM
    TallM Member Posts: 1,596
    edited November 2011

    Lucie-

    Thank You SO much for the GREAT info! I'm so new to all of this & can only give opinions/things I've heard/learned etc:) I've heard great things about acupuncture in fact one of my friends does it prof too. I say whatever helps is what should be done.



    Good to know about the yogurt too. I guess it's an individual things? However I'm going to be more cautious. There is definitely to much research for 1 person to do. That's another great thing about this site.



    Love the silk pillow case idea. I'll have to get one. I didn't think about my head being lime sand paper:o I was going to try to hand onto my hair & cut it off slower but it's just coming out to fast. It's only to my shoulders & to long. An adjustment non the less.



    Love the massage, yoga & tips for nausea. I've found to that I'm craving more healthy food since my bodies started adjusting.



    Thank you again SO much for all the great info. Most helpful!

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  • wildrumara
    wildrumara Member Posts: 450
    edited November 2011

    Good evening ladies - I am 42, will be 43 in a few weeks.  Feeling a little discouarged this evening. Had my third treatment of T/C today...half-way baby!!    I am currently undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.  Two reasons: I have two tumors that are close together and approximately 4 cm together...no obvious lymph node involvement on CT or PET scan.  But, my oncotype was 25; therefore, MO and surgeon felt chemo was in my best interest before surgery.  Well, she told me that ER/PR+ cancer doesn't respond well to chemo and sure enough, my tumors have not shrunk at all.  It's a bit discouarging. I know that the chemo is also going though my body killing any potential rogue cells that might have made there way and settled somewhere.  Thus, preventing me from having a recurrence in the future and I realize  that is actually more important than anything.  

    Next, I told her that I was having headaches off and on, not being relieved by 800 mg of Advil.....have to take 1-2 more after a few hours to get relief.  Well, rather than saying she could give me some sort of prescription strength analgesic or to try something different...maybe Excedrin, or something along those lines....she ordered an MRI of my brain!!!   I know she wants to safe rather than sorry and so do I, but it makes me nervous!!!!   Having the MRI on Tuesday now.

     Anyone else having headaches on T/C....?? 

     As far as anger issues...I'm right there with you!!   So testy with the family.  My poor DH and my kids.   

     Have a good weekend ladies.  Thanks for your support! 

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  • TallM
    TallM Member Posts: 1,596
    edited November 2011

    wild-

    I'm sorry you're having a rough go but YEA for he 1/2 way:) I so sorry for the headaches! I too had NASTY ha & the Dr put me on Dexomethasone (a steroid to help w/the px). Tylenol would take a little of the edge but the break through pounding was almost unbarable. After my 1st Tx I had a bad rxn & started shaking because if the headache & the CNS can be affected by the type of cancer I have (doesn't mean you too-I not trying to make you nervous just hope to help).



    I had an MRI w/contrast! The MRI w/o contrast showed NO tumor. I hope for the best for you! When I found out it had gone to my brain to it was like I just heard I had ca. The place ca like to go is lymph, bones, liver, brain, lungs. Mine went to all but the lungs (so thankful). This is again what happens w/some. Everyone is so individual.



    I wish you the best. Prayers, & hugs to you. Not an easy road but all the ladies on here are so strong & fighters. We will all be behind you & buoy you up!



    Hugs

    -Malinda

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2011

    juls - hey thanks for the compliment, I'll take it!  

    dia123 - yeah, I get the dry/teary eye thing too. Ketotifen fumarate (Alaway) drops help.  

    Lori - bad news on the bug.  You must really be feeling like your've been run over!  Hope you feel better soon.  This is hard enough as it is.  

    Lucie - interesting info on the probiotic yogurt.  The nutritionist at the cancer center where I get treatment is the one who recommended it to me.  Go figure.  

    wildrumara - congrats on being halfway!  I know it's hard not to fear the worst and the waiting doesn't help.  I'm probably going to feel that way for the rest of my life about every new ache or pain.  Are you taking zofran?  I know it causes headaches in some people.  Sending you positive thoughts!  

    In fact, I'm sending everybody positive thoughts -- it's good to have friends on this crazy ride!

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  • TallM
    TallM Member Posts: 1,596
    edited November 2011

    Good morning all:) I love the strength you all give, the great ideas, suggestion etc. So pricelss. It's nice to be able to connect even though we are all spread out. Someday I look forward to meeting you in person:)



    I was asked by a friend to post a a response I left someone who made a comment on my Facebook account. I hope you may find it helpful too.



    I was told to post this from a response I left when I was asked how I could stay sane & not dwell on the worst could happen:



    Because I have such a peace about me & there's such a strength I feel from everyone. I've chosen to do what I can & that's be positive. I've already used my mind to heal my body. AND it's working! The Drs are so amazed & impressed w/my results. In fact they can't even find some of the tumors! There just GONE! I have a lot of images come to my mind too. I see the cancer cells/villains etc being killed & destroyed! Music has taught me so much about visualization. The mind is a VERY powerful tool. And I just KNOW that this is NOT going to be what gets me. This is just something I have to go through so I can have more empathy & help streghten others. I don't know why/how I know, I just do. Plus I have hope. W/o hope all would be lost:).



    Have a great day everyone. I hope it's a "red letter day" & the weekend is good to you!



    Hugs-

    Malinda

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  • TAPPY
    TAPPY Member Posts: 283
    edited November 2011

    Feeling batter today....the cold has finally taking a turn for th better.  It is still there, but I am not coughing anf gagging and weak.   Ate a decent dinner last night and slept all night - gosh what a treat.

    The air is cool - and it helps....never thought I would want cooler weather.

    I did condition my scalp last night and took with wash clothes to help rub itin and the hair (stubble)- came out in droves - it really felt good  to get that off my head - sure is less itchy.

    Beautiful day here -so I am glad I feel somewhat better to enjoy it...too bad in 5 more days I get another hit of chemo.

    Stay well and havea peaceful Saturday Oct ladies.

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  • TallM
    TallM Member Posts: 1,596
    edited November 2011

    Tappy-

    GREAT to hear you are feeling better! So happy for you:) AND to get a good nights sleep yeah:) I hope the weekend treats you well & you can enjoy. Indeed cold weather is not always the best but I agree the cooler are is easier to breath & sleep on.



    Hugs-

    Malinda

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  • Lucie_inthesky
    Lucie_inthesky Member Posts: 9
    edited November 2011

    Good day all !



    I am feeling extremely well for day 2 after chemo. Anyone here having to self inject Neupogen ? I have to do this for the next 5 days.



    Malinda : Great news about the tumors going away ! The book below inspired me a lot on how to adress cancer. I think you might like it.

    Anticancer, A New Way of Life, New Edition [Hardcover]

    MD, PhD, David Servan-Schreiber (Author)



    Wildrumara : How much water do you drink a day ?I am on T/C too and around day 4 of my first chemo round I had A terrible pounding headache that last all night. No sleep at all. I did not take any tylenol or else but flushed it out with water 2 glasses of 10 ounces per hour it was relieving but the thirst was coming back every hour with the pain...so I drank all night. The thing is during the previous day of the headache I did not drink ...now I am drinking a big glass of water per half hour- about 4 liters a day. I feel I need the water to flush out the chemo and get it moving and it does protect the renal system from getting too toxic...



    Auntienance : I know sometime there is controversy about what we should eat or not...oh well !





    Have a nice weekend all... I think we will have snow tonight LOL

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  • Carla9112
    Carla9112 Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2011

    Hi everyone - I haven't been posting in a while just because the past few weeks at work have been hell.  I just don't know if I can handle the stress that goes along with my job in management.  Anybody else out there trying to work full-time?  I have a team of 26 people - 16 here in states and 10 in Mumbai.  It is such a stressful job and I just don't think stress is good right now.  Oh well, nothing to do except keep moving.

    Had 3rd treatment yesterday and doing okay.  Usually days 3 and 4 are the worst though.  My Ativan pills though are working great in keeping the nausea at bay.

    Well, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

    Hugs! 

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  • barbyjean
    barbyjean Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2011

    Juls - I am 58, will be 59 on Nov. 30.  We are all too young to have cancer and face our mortality!

    To those of you with foot and hand problems, I had the burned, peeling fingertips which my chemo nurse said was neuropathy. So, I am making sure to take liquid B complex and 500 mg. L-glutamine every day, which I learned about on this site somewhere. And my symptoms went away in less than a week. I don't know if they would ease up in between chemos anyway, I am on day 18 of 2nd T/C. I also take nutritional shakes most days except for a few days before and after tx. 

    More later - I'm still catching up on reading posts.

    Barb 

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  • wildrumara
    wildrumara Member Posts: 450
    edited November 2011

    LUCIE - My neighbor, who is a pharamacist, asked me the same question....are you drinking enough water????.  Although I feel as if I am drinking more than I ever have, it probably isn't enough and that very well could be the problem.  I guess I will go ahead with MRI with contrast anyway.....better safe than sorry

     Thank you so much ladies.  Day one after treatment three and of course, steroids are kicking in and I don't feel so bad.  Will be waiting for the fall on Monday morning!!  

    TallM - You are an inspiration......God bless you!!!!

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  • TAPPY
    TAPPY Member Posts: 283
    edited November 2011

    Awesome news Malinda  - your energy and spirit is very inspriring to me.

    I just love having this small corner of the internet....Kinda like the old bar (Cheers) on TV.....were everyone knowss your name and they are always glad your came :)

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  • TallM
    TallM Member Posts: 1,596
    edited November 2011

    Sounds like all are on a good path to a great weekend. So happy to hear. As always I LOVE the great tips, books comments, all of it:)



    Do any of you do hydration days between Chemo? I have been going 7 days a week (3 for Chemo & the other for hydration. I won't be going 7 days a week much longer just till the brain Chemo is done. Sometimes getting the fluid right to the cells can be so helpful. I can't believe the difference after I go. If you have bad headaches you may want to look into doing some. They just use Lactated ringers (electrolytes) & always give me cytrol (for nausea-standard to most pts) & Dexomethosone (steroid) different for all. It takes about 1 & 1/2 hrs.



    Enjoy your weekend & let's all keep up the amazing job!



    Big Hugs-

    Malinda

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  • barbyjean
    barbyjean Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2011

    Juls - I am 58, will be 59 on Nov. 30.  We are all too young to have cancer and face our mortality!

    To those of you with foot and hand problems, I had the burned, peeling fingertips which my chemo nurse said was neuropathy. So, I am making sure to take liquid B complex and 500 mg. L-glutamine every day, which I learned about on this site somewhere. And my symptoms went away in less than a week. I don't know if they would ease up in between chemos anyway, I am on day 18 of 2nd T/C. I also take nutritional shakes most days except for a few days before and after tx. 

    More later - I'm still catching up on reading posts.

    Barb 

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  • reesefoggy
    reesefoggy Member Posts: 65
    edited November 2011

    wildrumara:  Yes on the headaches what seems to work is tylenol migraine. Nothing else worked for me.

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited November 2011

    I am 6 weeks PFC and still taking L-Glutamine and B-6 every day.  I had the tiniest bit of neuropathy in my feet and it is pretty much all gone.  I also took Acetyl-L-Carnitine during Taxol treatment to help prevent or minimize it. 

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