October 2011 Chemo group

Options
1…2627293132…48

Comments

  • Carla9112
    Carla9112 Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2011

    Hi everyone - it seems like a lot of our folks must be busy with the holidays as there aren't near as many posts as before.  Hope everyone is doing okay.

    As for myself, I am just so sad about the holidays.  I don't know why.  Even my good old antidepressants aren't really helping.  I have to travel four hours to go home tomorrow and I don't even want to go.  I haven't seen my mom since my mastectomy surgery so this is the first time she'll see me in the midst of chemo - everyone else too.  A couple of good friends want to visit me while I'm in my home town but I just don't want to see anybody.  I just don't know what is wrong with me.  If my kids weren't going to be there I would just stay here.

    Anybody else feeling blue about the holidays?

    Sorry to be such "downer" when it's supposed to be a happy time of year.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited November 2011

    Carla= I understand what you mean about feeling blue. My family, on the other hand, made no plans and now I'm somewhat regretting it. I think I'll handle things differently for Christmas. Don't feel bad about being a "downer". If you can't do it here, where can you?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TallM
    TallM Member Posts: 1,596
    edited November 2011

    fredtan:Don't worry about not getting out much! I don't either right now because I just don't have the enrgy since doing body/brain chemo-So exhausting I feel like I'm in a coma for 5 days. I get out for tx, the occasional drive, & occasional walk into a store.  Just do what you can & thats all you need to worry about:)

     Tappy:You still amaze me that your out working. Kudos to you:) 

    I too hope the limited post are because everyone is doing well, having fun with family, getting ready for fun & not because of SE or other unpleasant issues.  I hope everyone has a great holiday & fun memories.  I'm off to be with family that live close by & even venturing away for a night:o It's like a vacation even though it's only an hr away.  I haven't been away from home since I was dx:)  So excited. I won't be going shopping Fri (germs, & lack of energy) but fun & games are planned at the home:) 

    GOBBLE GOBBLE-Malinda xx

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited November 2011

    arrgghh just got so frustrated just now. my doc wrote for the diflucan for 7 days and insurance denied. said its usually only given once. one pill. diflucan is usually just one pill. has anyone else had it for 7 days. my daughter is bringing one pill home. and of course DH hadn't fixed our phone situation. could only recieve cell phone calls if you go up by window. I just fixed the problem myself and can now make call on cell without dropping.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • julsjewels11
    julsjewels11 Member Posts: 66
    edited November 2011

    luvrving-I"ve made note of your meds for while on Taxol and am going to check with the onc tomorrow to make sure nothing conflicts with what they have me on. I think you said you took the Claritin too in a previous entry but I can't find it...can you let me know what dosgae you took please? I have been okay on the neulasta so I hope that continues. Thanks again for the info.

    Have a good weekend and travel safe to those of you who are on the road. I admire your spunk and determination- I don't think I would undertake a major outing right now.I'm sure it'll be nice to be around family and friends.

    Dia-I made it one shop today to look for the grandkids tree decoration for this year and that just about was all I could handle but I did find what I was looking for.I am feeling better this week I think although more tired.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited November 2011

    Juls - I don't have a Claritin package to look at, but I took the standard dose - once a day in the morning for five days. 

    I found it helpful to get out a couple times a week, even if I just walked around the mall or a single store for about an hour.  I did the grocery shopping most Fridays (DH is home to carry in the bags), we went out to eat at least once a week, sometimes twice, and we had family visits at our place on Sundays.  I didn't really avoid anything or anyone unless I knew they were sick (grandkids especially).  I'm not really a "germaphob" and I truly tried to be as normal as possible.  That is what sustained me.  I didn't feel like I "couldn't" go anywhere or do anything.  Only once was I walking around a store and questioned why I was there.  So I got in the car and drove home. 

    I hope you all are able to enjoy Thanksgiving and a little of whatever makes you happy this weekend.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2011

    Hey everybody -- just checking in.  Day 10 of round 3 and I'm just starting to feel normal.  Fatigue hit me pretty hard this time, but really seemed worse the first 7 days.  Each day now gets better.  Stomach issues seem to be under control at the moment, so that helps.  Taste buds are not great, but again, getting better each day.  We're skipping the big family gathering tomorrow, but will do dinner here on Saturday with a much smaller group (no kiddies, the little germ magnets that they are lol).  This will be the first time I've seen my family since losing my hair, so that's feeling a little weird and depressing.  My DH and I are used to how I look, but I'm not sure how others are going to react.

    I attended a Look Good Feel Better class on Monday.  Really fun and got some nice cosmetics, as well as some good makeup tips.   I recommend going to one if you can.  I'm a hopeless failure with the t-shirt turban trick though. 

    Eleven days till my final chemo -- now THAT'S something to be thankful for!  Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday, however you choose to spend it.  Cheers!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Normandy18
    Normandy18 Member Posts: 30
    edited November 2011

    Hi All:

    I am half way through! I just completed my 3rd round of FEC on Monday. I have 3 cycles left and will start Taxotere on Dec. 12th.

    With this 3rd round, I felt more tired and a lot more nauseated. It is difficult to tell if I am hungry, or just plain nauseated.

    Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving!

    Take care! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited November 2011

    what are the drugs/vitamins everyone is recommending with Taxotore?

    I get my final round of AC next wed, then its on to T

    did someone say something about cold things on feet?

    I currently take L-glutamine,B6, and 2000u vit D, and that other reflux drug-not prilosec, but its real expensive. heard I switch to prilosec for the T 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TAPPY
    TAPPY Member Posts: 283
    edited November 2011

    I have always felts holiday blues....but this year is different.   am not going to make a big to do over them.  I plan on doing gift cards this year  (I love gift cards so I think everyone else should to )  Hubby maybe working overseas for Christmas any way....and my daughter is old enought she does not need me to decorate (and she loves gift cards) - so in a way it will be less stressfull and we have so many good places to eat around here, it will be easy to pick up something tasty to eat if I feel up to it.

    I am happy to lay on my sofa and watch sappy lifetime Christmas movies with happy endings.

    You know I made my hubby dinner last night, nothing fancy, but it felt so good to do something for him for a change.   I feel good just to feel good - the little things.

    And Iam going to look into a netii pot to - good suggestion.

    My final AC is next week to...but I believe I am doing Taxol not Taxotere - are they they same ???

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited November 2011

    I think I had brain fart. It is Taxol I'm doing too. can't remember nothing

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lady-di
    Lady-di Member Posts: 150
    edited November 2011

    Hope all my american friends were able to enjoy their dinners last night.



    I'm actually thinking of starting to decorate for Christmas this weekend. I've never decorated this early before but think that it would be nice. I think I have to do it now on my good weekend because the next one I won't be up for it. Feeling kind of down about the holidays this year so maybe this will help!

    Is anyone else thinking of decorating early?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • julsjewels11
    julsjewels11 Member Posts: 66
    edited November 2011

    Hi Dia: My DH got our stuff out a couple of weekends ago and we turned the lights on last week...earlier than usual but I think he thought it would look cheery and it does! We have some lights inside too and it does look happier when they turn on at dusk. The weather so nice and his fingers didn't freeze off so maybe that was the reason too! I have the Christmas tune station on the radio too. Our Grandies from St. Thomas are coming tomorrow to visit and they will like to see them. You must be feeling a little better- glad to hear that.

    I, too, hope all our American friends enjoyed their Thanksgiving and get home safely.

    Nancy-nice to be nearing the end of your treatment-it is such a long time.

    Hugs Juls

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited November 2011

    We are actually decorating the house today. My kids are looking forward to it and I think I am too. I agree, it might make for a more cheery atmosphere. Already made plans for Christmas so we won't be sitting at home alone. We had family stop by last night and bring us food. We'll be eating turkey for days. No cooking. Yay!

    I have wondered why the lack of posts too. I am hoping it's 'cause all is well, and everyone is out and about. I know for myself, the 1st wk after tx I am sooo exhausted, I don't even wanna get on the laptop. I do make myself take a walk around the block everyday. Just to keep the blood moving. Other than that...nothing.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moonflower83
    Moonflower83 Member Posts: 92
    edited November 2011

    Hello,

    can I join this group? My name ist Anna,I´m 28 and from Germany.

    I started chemo at october the 4th, it was the third session of TEC and still 3 to go.

    Tody I wanted to decorate for Christmas, but I was too sad... I often think, that I want to get my life back, knowing, that it never will be the same again.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TAPPY
    TAPPY Member Posts: 283
    edited November 2011

    Welcome Anna - and of course - join right in.

    Lots of info and support her.....

    I think we all hit low spots and sad spots now and I again, it is hard to feel good when you are hurting or in pain...or just so tired you cant hardly moved.

     Ok ladies - I am having quite a few of  lower back (????)  spasms....It feels like it is inside and not really my back..., I dont know, is this a side effect of chemo meds or just me being old......(I have never had this before and they are pretty constant).....ugh.  running low grade fever of 100 -wonder if it is a kidney infection.

    Off to take some meds for the low grade fever...this is supposed to me my good weekend.  Hope this does not spoil it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TallM
    TallM Member Posts: 1,596
    edited November 2011

    Anna: A BIG welcome:). The more the Merrier:) We are glad to have you:) I was Dx Oct 4:) we have another thing in comon:). I hope you feel better mood wise. I to hav had my ups & downs but the good days outweigh the bad ones & all the ladies on here are amazing & will give you alot of strength. We are all there w/you so you won't be alone in this.



    Tappy:Oi-back px/spasms. You have delt w/alot & it seems like you get to try everything out before we do:o. I hope it leaves soon & is nothing that will linger. Over 1 hurdle then on to the next. You are so strong & positive & keep going:) I'll keep my fingers crossed for you & hope that some of the other ladies have some ideas for you.



    UK friends:thanks for all the thanksgiving wishes. Mine was great & I actually was able to eat & enjoy! No brain coma after my spinal. So thankful for the miracles:)



    It sounds like Christmas plans are underway for all. Take care & I hope all are well:) We made it through another week!



    -Malinda xx

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AbqTiger
    AbqTiger Member Posts: 24
    edited November 2011

    Hello fredntan and all,



    I noticed you said you had a lot of intestinal issues. How did you address them?



    I am day 10 since my 2nd TCH and my gut is not happy! First treatment, I got diarrhea and acid reflux, but pepcid and 1 imodiom a day really helped. This time around pepcid plus prilosec plus up to 3 immodium a day are not working. I don't have diarrhea, just this gassy, crampy, bloated belly and a sore throat from so much reflux. It's driving me crazy. Any suggestions?



    Thanks for all that you all write. I don't write a lot...I think during the first week after chemo I don't feel like doing much. And last time I started feeling better around day 12, started exercising and seeing friends more and wanted to forget that I was getting chemo! Then my hair started falling-out, I cut it all off with the help of some friends, my man's clipper and champagne and chocolate --and funny how much harder it is to forget about chemo when you're bald!



    Although I don't write a lot I have taken lots of good advice from you smart gals. Thank you.

    -Lisa.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WIMusicMaker
    WIMusicMaker Member Posts: 78
    edited November 2011

    Hi Everyone

    I have been missing for a while as I was just enjoying time with my family over Thanksgiving. My boys are home from college and I just don't get enough time to spend with them!

    I have been thinking a lot about my job and if I would like to do something else. I am worried about being up for it when I go back. I am also very concerned about insurance now. I did have to complain to my insurance company because they were denying payment on both of my ER visits. It was sorted out once I complained to my HR department and they are now going to cover them.

    I had lots of ideas about all the things I was going to do during "my time off" and I laugh right now when I think about it. I love to quilt. My sewing machine is out and I barely touch it. I have done a little cleaning and throwing out/donating of things. Most of the time I do the daily chores and that's about all I can get done in a day. 

    Fred My oldest son has diabetes. He was diagnosed at age 3 and is now 22. He is doing really well managing it.

    Welcome Anna! So sorry you have to join us but we are glad you found us!

    Auntienance so glad you are approaching your final chemo!

    I am feeling a little anxious as next Tuesday nears. In my head I keep saying to myself this time chemo will be a breeze. Do you think if I repeat that enough I can make it come true?

    Take care everyone and have a great day! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TallM
    TallM Member Posts: 1,596
    edited November 2011

    Lisa:I'm sorry you're having intestinal probs. Mine aren't as bad as they were @ 1st, maybe I'm just getting use to it. I've used prunes & eat those & that seems to help a little. Prune juice may also help get things moving (I haven't tried that yet but have thought about picking some up). Also carbonation seems to help. It help burping & releasing some of that gas:) Good Luck:) Reflux-no real suggestions there. I take the prilosec & it helps a little. I just have to remember to take it BEFORE I eat (I forget frequently:o). Hair-ya much easier to "pretend" your healthy when the hairs not gone. I keep trying to tell myself I'm not ugly w/o hair, just morphed:o My family says people don't see me the same bald. They see me as brave & fighting. So I try to think of that. We are brave & bald.



    WIMusic-I'm glad you enjoyed your boys & had a good time:) I think if you keep saying Chemo will be a breeze it will. What do you have to lose? Picture yourself feeling well & visualize how you'll be after. I guess it's worth a shot. I've totally been using my mind & visualizing & I think that's why the Drs are SO amazed @ the results:) I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.



    Have a good weekend all! Cheers to the bald & brave:)

    -Malinda xx









    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited November 2011

    Welcome Anna, glad to have you join our group.

    Rock on Auntinance!

    WIMusic=love it. Could be a self fulfilling prophecy. Think I'll try it on Tues. as well.

    Tappy and Malinda= you two continue to be an inspiration

    Got the house decorated and even a little shopping done. Having a bit more energy every day. Trying to take advantage of it, 'cause I'm about to start the crappy cycle all over again.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • perts1
    perts1 Member Posts: 62
    edited November 2011

    The bald and the brave!  I like that.  Happy Thanksgiving weekend to everyone.  You made me feel like starting to get ready for Christmas so it's decor and lights this week.  Moving forward. . .

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Carla9112
    Carla9112 Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2011

    Hi everyone - just catching up from being out of town for holiday.  This was my first trip home since getting sick and being bald.  I cried like a baby when I walked in my mom's house.  It was just so good to be home and with family.  I really didn't want to go (four hours away) but once I got there I was so glad that I did. 

    After the crying then I was able to eat like a little piggy.  I have fourth treatment this week so I was fully taking advantage of the fact that I lose about 8-10 pounds the week after treatment.

    You gals have got me in the Christmas spirit.  I'm going to start decorating tonight!

    Hope you each have a good evening.  Talk to you soon!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited November 2011

    Is anyone else having hair come in? I think I started AC maybe oct 20? final round this wed, then one to Taxol. But its about 1/8" long and won't pull out. I had called Doc office and nurses said it was normal, everyone is different. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited November 2011

    Good for you on moving forward Perts!

    Carla, glad you enjoyed your turkey day and there's no place like home. I would have felt the same way if I weren't around my family all of the time.

    fredntan=I have been a bit regretful over the fact I shaved my head when the hair started falling out. I have quite a bit of stubble left that never fell out. I wonder what would've happened if I wouldn't have been so quick w/the shears.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AbqTiger
    AbqTiger Member Posts: 24
    edited November 2011

    Thanks Malinda,



    I like the brave and bald too!



    I stayed away from Mexican food today and the gut was a little better. Hmmm.



    Anyone having trouble going back to the gym bald? I haven't done it yet and really need to.



    -Lisa.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited November 2011

    I'm too afraid of the germs there. and they have mirrors right in front of every eliptical thing I used to like. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TAPPY
    TAPPY Member Posts: 283
    edited November 2011

    I still have quite a few "patches" on my head to...some that are growing.....but for the most part I am bald.   I had to stop wearing mascera because my eyelash would fall out and I would have a big ole mascara glob on by face.

    The antibotics my Doc called in is working - no fever. - but I slept away Saturday.

     I think I will just decorate my dinning room table and mantle this year.

    Of course I woke up at 4 am with this burst of energy so I am doing laundry !

    I am sure may family wants me to get back to a normal sleeping scheduled.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cfdr
    cfdr Member Posts: 549
    edited November 2011

    WiMusicMaker--I also had a bunch of plans of what I was going to do while I was on chemo. Ha! I've basically kept up with laundry and cleaning and a few client projects and gotten some exercise. In the evenings I've been working on needlepoint, but there are times when even that seems like more than I can handle.

     Yesterday I got out and ran a few errands, and when I got home, sat down to take my boots off. I fell asleep before I even got one shoelace untied! I hadn't even felt that tired but as soon as I sat down it hit me. Makes it hard to plan even a day's worth of activities since I never know when or how hard the fatigue is going to hit.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • julsjewels11
    julsjewels11 Member Posts: 66
    edited November 2011

    Hi Everyone: Boy, from hardly any posts to so many I can't possibly reply individually but I am with all of you! So nice to hear that your turkey day went well and that so many got to be with family- it is so important. I still feel uncomfortable about no hair- I just don't like looking like this- but the "Bald and Brave" is a good idea...thanks for that. St,Jude- I shaved mine off too and wonder if I should have...I still have stubble although thinning-haven't noticed any growth yet. I start Taxol Tuesday-a bit(no-a lot) worried about this and not knowing how it will affect me but it's the next step- so may as well just get on with it! We have to drive an hour to get to the centre and it is a 8:00 o'clock appointment so it will be a really early start- I am definitely NOT good at mornings! I guess they do this IV really slowly so we will be there most of the day I suspect.,Have to start the steroids tomorrow ( ahead this time).

    I am heartened by all the positive and supportive comments as we all struggle through this as best we can. Sorry can't comment to each of you but I am with you and keep wishing you the best! Welcome to moonflower-our group keeps growing

    Good day to all, Warm Hugs, Juls

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories