Has anyone started a Dec 2011 group?

Okay, that's sort of what I was thinking. I certainly have worn the heck out of my cardigans the past few months. I've managed to move back into pullover sweaters, but a few times I've needed help getting out...

Rachel I wore a sweat suit with a tank top.



So many people have given me sweat suits that I feel like a mixture of Sue Sylvester and Betty White.



Is anyone having bad headaches? My head feels like its going to explode. I'm starting to worry that its blood pressure.

Ok so this is where I am at emotionally. It is Christmas time and I have 2 wonderful boys and a wonderful husband. I finished my first treatment last Tues and was fortunate enough not to experience very many side effects. At this point I am waiting, waiting for me hair to fall out (plan to shave it next sat) and wait for my next treatment. I don't want to be a downer for my family. I am a little angry,depressed etc. I do think alot of it has to do with how on earth there has been so many 40ish year olds diagnosed with this disease when the percentage is supposed to be like 25%. Then the treatments attached to bc, chemo and rad. Where is the cure? How can billions of dollars be raised for research and yet we are still sitting with chemo and rad for treatment. It is crazy frustrating because it seems that no matter what your lifestyle was like you couldnt have prevented getting it. I personally feel trapped in this whole process and my life is on hold.



Six wks of radiation! Six weeks of driving 1 hour up and 1 hour back home for 15 mins of treatment. It just seems that the process hasn't developed in proportion to the money devoted for the cure. Please Lord bring us a solution to this awful disease. Whether it is breast, prostate, lung, colon, thyroid, whatever it may be.

Hi Seacret I had last treat Tuesday and yesterday I went out with kids and ended up with a blueberry smoothie, which I have been trying to avoid antioxidants, but I figured fruit was ok....let me tell you my bladder flushed yesterday like it had been holding for days... Constipation still a prob but I felt slot better. Might help bladder

Whatashocker - I'm with you. I've usually been supportive of traditional medicine, etc, but there are times now when I just don't get it - there are so many foundations and groups supporting cancer research now. I realize each cancer has its own peculiarities, but there has to be some common things about cancers that all this research has helped uncover. It is amazing how little we still seem to understand it and how to knock it out. On the other hand, these cells are basically 'us' (our own cells) gone rogue - no wonder we have to go in and kill off so many 'good' cells to get the bad ones.

There was a similar discussion on another thread about the benefits of chemo (well, it turned into a debate thread, but it's been interesting) about trials and their limits. If someone came to any of us and said, we think we've found something that might work better (or as well as) chemo with fewer SE - will you take the risk and try it rather than going the traditional chemo route... would you? I'd like to say I'd do it for the sake of future cancer patients.... but for the same reasons I'm putting up with chemo now, I'd probably say, no, give me what you already know does as good a job as you've got so far (at least being triple negative).

I'm trying not to stress over all this before I even start treatment, but I really can't believe how much my life is potentially about to change.

Okay.... I'm forcing a smile and now it's off to get a few things done. Feel better, all. 

This is the place to vent...let it out!  I am on day 4 after my first TCH.  I can echo what alot of you are saying...I just feel weird, kind of spaced out.  Not really dizzy, on the verge...maybe this is what they call "chemo brain".  I have been so lucky so far, a little consitpation that I got rid of this morning and some achey legs from the Neulasta that have prevented me from sleeping alot, and a bit of a headache.  Things taste funny but I still have an appetite so I will not complain.  I am supposed to go back to work tomorrow and I think I am most nervous about that.  My DH is laid off right now since he is a cement mason so I think I'll have him take me to work, just in case. One thing that really freaks me out is getting an infection...and I work for a group of pulmonary doctors where sick people are all day!  Luckily I am administrative and can hide in my office down the hall if need be.

Here's hoping everyone had a good weekend and that the SE's let up!

FLislander, blueberries used to be part of my daily protein shake. Now I'm afraid to eat them!



Were most of you told to avoid fresh fruits/vegetables? Hoping it's ok as long as they're washed and cooked.



For those of you working during your txs I'm so in awe! I wanted to get through a cycle first to gage by. Just getting out for appts lately has been exhausting, and with this foggy brain I can't even imagine keeping pace at work. But these days and nights at home are long and lonely so maybe work is what I need.



We all have such different txs as well, even those with similar dxs. Makes it that much more confusing to know what is best. But Mardibra is right, it's a crapshoot.



Laura

Although I have only had one tx so far, ive worked every day except tx day.  My plan is to work throughout.  My first experience tells me i can do it but I also know that AC has a cumulative effect.  Whats true for tx one may not be true for tx two, three, four, etc.  But thats the plan and my employers and coworkers (the few who know) have been very very accomodating.  Frequently offering to take care of some work things for me.  I have a client visit for two days next week which will surely wipe me out.  One of my coworkers has agreed to "draft" behind me to make sure he can step in if needed.  Very considerate given that this guy has a very full plate (more like a platter), My biggest request of him was to watch my shoulders....if i start dropping hair big time let me know! 

Gator, my tongue is doing better, did frequent mouthwash and took naps when I could, think i was just tired, u should try to get some rest when u can that should help.  Good luck and hope u feel better.

So sorry you had to join but welcome Laurieloomis.



I was nervous about the port, others on here too. Now I forget it's there. In the beginning it's more a fear of disturbing it. It was a little sore, more I think from the positioning of my neck.



Good luck with your port tomorrow, and you will find an amazing group of supportive, wise and compassionate women here as you move along your own journey.



This group and site is invaluable.



Hugs to you, Laura

Laurieloomis - Welcome. I'm sure you'll find some good information and support here. Getting my port was pretty uncomfortable, but a week and a half out, it really has just become a part of me. I hope you get a few good nights sleep over the next few weeks.

Laura - Boy, am I confused. I thought the whole idea of eating antioxidants was supposed to be good at preventing cancer, and I was glad when I really found I loved blueberries. I guess I should quickly eat up the small amount I have left and put them on hold. And I just bought a bunch of green tea products, hoping it might be drinkable during chemo. I'll have to ask my onc about that. Thanks for the heads up. 

Seacretgardn



I did not have that info. Does that also include blueberries, strawberries and pro biotic yogurt? It is funny how some of this important stuff is not mentioned. I wonder if it is because it hasn't yet been proven????

It seems there are two different concerns as far as foods and/supplements.



I was told by the onc to avoid antioxidant supplements and herbals, however, not food sources.



I was also told to eat only fruits and vegetables washed and prepared properly, avoid salad bars, etc.



Naan, you mentioned that since you were found to be neutropenic (low white cell count) that your onc cautioned you not to eat any fruits or vegetables, even cooked. I hope that changes for
you very soon. I have to say, I was surprised that even cooked were off limits. Were you able to eat canned veggies?



Whatashocker, no one said no to the berries or yogurt, my only concern with the berries is I was using frozen, and I can't really account for how they are washed.



Etherize, I'm sorry for what must be a very difficult decision for you. I wish you much success
and minimal SEs with your treatment. Yes, I got the same reaction when I asked about IC, drink lots of water, which I always do. Not much else offered in the way of prevention. I only hope I bounce back between txs.

Blessings and a good week to all, Laura

Laura, i asked my onc about the canned type and he said stay away from all of it for now and once my #s go up i can once again have some. 

Josie, welcome, although what u have is not worth celebrating, being among others who are in the same shoe as u will be worth celebrating.  Happy birthday, I'm gonna turn 40 in May, we're almost the same age, I too have 2 small children older one is turning 9 in a week and the younger one just turned 6, both girls so am concerned they may have to be careful in the future.  We're all here for u haven't heard of any of those hair products, but I'm sure someone here has, if not u may want to throw the question out to the Nov 2011 group they are a little ahead of us, so...

keepnfaith, welcome, you've come to the right place as far as getting info and support throughout treatment, surgery, and your journey.  I will have my second treatment tomorrow, what treatment will u be having, I'm due for 4x AC and 4x T every 3 weeks.  Depending on what treatments u will have, SE will vary and every person is different so, hang in there.  The fast pace is better, doesn't give your cancer time to grow, got to get started sooner the better.  Before u start may want to check the before treatment thread for a shopping list of things u may need prior to starting, don't bet on going shopping right after chemo, u need some down time.  If u need any suggestions many ladies here have plenty to share.  Good luck and hand in there!