March 2012 chemo

Options
1…8687899192…132

Comments

  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited May 2012

    Going to be a posting fool today...totally random but I saw this quote on another board and loved it...it is from a Leonard Cohen song "Anthem"

    Ring the bells that can still ring

    Forget your perfect offering                                                                                                      

    There is a crack in everything                                                                                                  

    That's how the light gets in

    I had never heard the song - in fact the only song I am familiar with of his is Hallelujah....but I really like it....

    That is all...for now.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited May 2012

    klt

    Can't really do the oatmeal.  My Mom made it every single solitary day on school days when I was a kid.  She still eats it everyday mind you and and is 84 with no cholesteral problems.  I know its good for us but I just can't.  Well at least not without a good serviing of brown sugar and lots of milk.  I haven't eaten yet!!  Time to throw on a boiled egg.

    triplem

    That's so funny!! Almost spit out my coffee!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lostinmo
    lostinmo Member Posts: 922
    edited May 2012

    triplem-too funny!

    Kltb - the funny thing with the gentleman I forgot to tell you was my mom was with me and on the way to the car she asked if I knew that man. I said no then thought about it and went "crap at least I hope I'm not suppose to know him".  My DH has a HUDGE family and I can never remember all of them. Hope it wasn't one of his uncles. LOL

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • onvacation
    onvacation Member Posts: 1,344
    edited May 2012

    klt - I hope you like the new halo - I thought about that one also, but I have already spent too much money on hair!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited May 2012

    I know right???  I am awaiting reimbursement on my "good" wig - I hope to get 90% of my $230 back.  Of course, when I email the insurance company - in my husband's "voice" since the policy is in his name - they email me back saying "we need to speak to Karri due to privacy issues so you have to call this number and get authorization, blah, blah"  I emailed them back and said basically "this is Karri, you idiots!  and it is email for Pete's sake."  Ugh.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited May 2012

    I have really only ventured out once around other people so far since buzzing off all my hair, without one of my wigs.  (Note that it has been quite cool here the last couple of days, and the novelty of the wigs hasn't worn off yet....) Anyway, I had just a baseball cap on and was shopping for a head buff.  There were no true awkward moments, but nobody made much eye contact with me.  I wasn't really surprised. 

    LOL about your son, triplem!  I'm older than you are - will be 52 on my birthday 6/11.  I work a lot with "elderly housing" on my job.  Elderly, per my agency's definition, is 62 and older.   Recently we have had a lot of housing sites decide to lease to people who are "near elderly" .  That is generally thought of in our industry as 55 and older.  Well, while working on a particular project a year or so ago, I discovered that our agency's definition of "near elderly" is actually 50 and older.  I was turning 50 myself at the time and it set me back just a bit.  I like the whole idea of "60 is the new 40" and all that.  And kids the age of ours think being 30 is old!!  Smile

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited May 2012

    Dang it.... the only thing I haven't been happy with my insurance about so far is, they won't reimburse me for any part of the cost of my wigs.... Even though the shop wrote up the invoice as "cranial prosthesis".  Oh, well.... they will reimburse me at least for 80 percent of the cost of my "fakes" and any special bras.  I hope the bras aren't as ugly and uncomfortable as I've heard.  Going shopping after nadir time this next treatment cycle. 

    Edited to add:  I like the song verse, kltb04.  I love the Hallelujah song although if I"m not in the right mood for it, I always cry when I hear it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited May 2012

    Ok, is everyone else seeing the new and improved site like I am - or has the chemo totally fried my brain, lol...it's different but I think I like it.

    Indigo - I was glad to learn that my insurance did cover one...but I really wish I had shopped around more for mine since I just get the one.   I was just so eager to get it done.  

    Speaking of hair, my stubble is getting uncomfortable again...it is growing ever so slowly, even on A/C and at night, I have to wear a cap or it pokes at me.

    I haven't gotten a darn thing done cleaning the room yet - and it's nearly lunchtime - I did bribe S (oldest) to help but she insisted she needed some "quiet time in her room" first.   So I have just been sitting here listening to jazz and researching vacay spots...the jazz is for the New Orleans research and then I am thinking a couple days on the Gulf Coast somewhere.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • onvacation
    onvacation Member Posts: 1,344
    edited May 2012

    My insurance company denied my wig also - was a bit surprised because everyone told me it should be covered.  Oh well, such is life.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited May 2012

    Yes!  At first I thought my computer hiccupped or something.  I did see there was a post about the new improved BCO - which I didn't bother to read, of course.  I am using my desktop PC at the moment but also use my Nook Tablet all the time - hopefully it works just as well with Androids; we'll see.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tellie_savalis
    tellie_savalis Member Posts: 121
    edited May 2012

    Well poop.  I was hoping to have this over by end of summer, at least by the end of the year.  No such luck.  Met with PS yesterday.  Good thing, I am a canidate for DIEP.  (sad thing, she said it was okay if I wanted to lose a couple of pounds even Surprised, I have put on a few).  I want to go with smaller boobs, B's, as I have always been larger, esp. since the kids.  Bad thing is surgery will be around June 11th, and PS said with my node involvement and mass size she can't see me getting away without rads and she likes to wait 6 months after the rads to do the DIEP!  We have reached our max out of pocket for this year, but that will start over next year.  Not to mention having that surgery hanging over my head all year will suck!  I keep telling myself that if that is my only concern after chemo and surgery I should be happy but it still makes me sad.  Looks like no Black Belt test next year either. Crap! 

    Last TX is Monday! I have imaging the 21st, and meeting with the Dr.s the 24th.

    Congrats to those that are/have finished. I am jealous. but in a happy, good way.

    TripleM- Too funny. My family jokes like that, at least after the steriods wear off...Wink

    Kltb04- New Orleans sounds like a great place to go! It is on my list of places I want to see.

    Well I had better get ready, I have a Pvt. lesson at the dojo.

    Corky

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KCB
    KCB Member Posts: 365
    edited May 2012

    Kltb: this lyrics are awesome. Got to find the song to listen to now

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited May 2012

    Corky - so glad you are nearly done - I understand the apprehension about the surgery, my mom was over here today wanting to discuss when I would be done with chemo/have surgery and I don't have any idea - I was like, let me get halfway through chemo before we start worrying about it.

    KCB - I listened to it on youtube...to be honest, not a huge fan of his voice and prefer cover versions :)  

    Ok, I got out of the room cleaning...I just didn't feel like dealing with it and told S that I would just make A do it (I will hereby be using these initals...memorize them.  S - oldest A - youngest Wink) Since I had offered her compensation, she said she wanted to do it so I said have at it!!  Took her about an hour but I paid her minimum wage, lol! I still need to go in and organize some stuff but the bulk of it is done!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MichelleMassey
    MichelleMassey Member Posts: 213
    edited May 2012

    Well as you all know had the huge tire blow out on way to get chemo yesterday. Today went and got the pump taken out then headed to Safeway to get some groceries. Clutch went out pulling into store parking lot! What a week and it's only Tuesday! At least I got to kiss the red devil goodbye for good!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited May 2012

    Ugh - yeah, vehicles don't work really well without clutches - what a pain!

    Ok, I picked the WRONG recipe to try tonight - the black beans and rice - it has all these extra things to make you add in - I have been in the kitchen nearly 3 hours...I may fall asleep before it is even done.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MichelleMassey
    MichelleMassey Member Posts: 213
    edited May 2012

    Still waiting for results of my BRACA test. They will call me tomorrow for my MRI date. And scheduled to see BS and PS July 10th. Things are starting to move along. And oh yah, my dh is being an ass tonight. What a day!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tellie_savalis
    tellie_savalis Member Posts: 121
    edited May 2012

    triplem- sorry you are having all the car problems and your DH is an ass but yeah on things moving!  Hoping for good things on your BRACA test.  The nurse tried to explain to me about the MRI and it sounded...well strange.  Something about putting your breast through a hole on a coil?  Dang, BC is glamorous!  I mentioned slight claustrophobia issues (with CT) so she suggested I take some valuim for the MRI.  Fun fun fun.  Congrats on being finished with the Red Devil.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited May 2012

    triplem

    Sorry to hear about the car, that just sucks.  But bye bye Red Devil though!  DH's do that sometimes.  I think it boils down to they're used to being looked after and not used to looking after anyone and their just plain lost when the shit hits the fan.  Blame it on their Moms LOL!  I do!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hopeful123
    hopeful123 Member Posts: 191
    edited May 2012

    Kltb04- hope the halo works. Like your minimum wage idea! New Orleans- love the music and the food. Has been so long since we went there.



    KCB- good luck with your next TX, and glad to see things are moving again.



    Michelle- sorry to hear about vehicle problems and good luck with BRCA tests. Mine will be done in mid June.



    Corky- glad to hear you can do the DIEP. Don't worry about losing any more. After I had my surgery I felt so tight that I wished I had some more so there could have been a little wiggle room.



    MLB- time it get my son to do more housework. Don't want my future DIL to blame me :)



    Caved in and got myself a human hair wig. Feels very soft and comfortable, feels like i am just wearing my care cap. The hairdresser made it look just like my long hair. When i came home my 3 year old said "how come you become old mom again". Made my day and didnt make me feel guilty i spent so much. Dont expect the insurance to pay for it after reading your posts.



    Ok off for ultrasound of abdomen to make sure I have no issues with uterus and ovaries. Then bloodwork and TX# 3. Long day......

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited May 2012

    tellie - is it just a regular breast MRI?  I had one when I was first dx (BS just wanted to make sure we weren't looking at anything other than the one "ridge")...anyway, I just had to put on a lovely ugly gown and hang 'em both through holes on the table that slides into the MRI.  Oh, also had to have an iv for the tracer they inject.  I wasn't really too claustrophobic but it wasn't the most comfortable thing ever.  Had to find a position where I was comfortable enough lying like that on my stomach with my head to the side - there was a pillow I think. 

    Michelle - hoping for good things on your BCRA test; that is another thing that hasn't been brought up to me yet since the first MO consult. 

    hopeful - thanks for posting about the halo - I forgot I haven't ordered it, lol!  You have to call in (can't order online) and I just haven't gotten around to it.  Yay on the wig - I don't think anything we need to do that will make us feel better should make us feel guilty.    Your 3 y.o. sounds so sweet :) Good luck w/u/s today - I really wish I had had one after that uptake on my PET but since MO didn't think I needed it, I didn't push it.  Let us know what you find out. Oh and TX #3 too - yikes, that is a long day.

    Ok, well, I am on my second cup of coffee - ironing on tap for today as well as doing that organizing in A's (now cleaner) room today that I didn't get done.  Then ME time tonight.  SIL and I are going to see a movie and going to dinner.  We usually don't do things just the two of us because I would always feel guilty about leaving the kids, spending the money...so we usually just got together at our houses with the fam...but again - no guilt allowed.  (DH is taking my kids to Chinese anyway).  It's not margaritas and karaoke time but it'll do :)

    I have lots to do between now and 2:30 so I better get to work....have a good day all... 

    Edited to add...my name...I really don't care if you use my name :) 

    :) Karri

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ihatemyboobs
    ihatemyboobs Member Posts: 83
    edited May 2012

    Quick question pretty please!!?



    Did anyone fine the SE's of AC different than T?- or am I in for more of the same? Next dose is my last AC then I do 4 dd T's and I'm clinging to hope that it gets better... Any opinions?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited May 2012

    Sarah, I am still on A/C so I can't answer personally but there are some on Taxol who have had some rough SE as far as neuropathy, pain, and nail issues.  Yet some are having a much easier time...I would say you could scroll back a few pages and read some of the stories but this board moves so fast, they are probably buried.

    I too, am hoping for an easier time...are you doing Taxol or Taxotere?  I am Taxotere (they are both taxanes with similar SE).  I have #4 of A/C coming up on the 21st so we are on similar treatment timeframes.

    :) Karri 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • galena_79
    galena_79 Member Posts: 107
    edited May 2012
    Argh, chemo, I hate you. I am just so sick of having indigestion.

    I am just beginning Day 11 of Tx4. While I am grateful that I have not vomited (yet) this time around, I am so very frustrated at how bunged up my gastric system has been ever since starting chemo.

    For example... At 6pm last night I ate some spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. They were delicious, but digestion is taking absolutely forever. Initially it felt like the food wasn't moving to my stomach at all, I was just so full. Then I felt some heartburn, so I took some Gaviscon.

    I watched TV for a few hours, distracted by borborygmi creaking and growling and howling. Several hours later I managed to fall asleep, propped up on pillows to keep my head and shoulders raised - which has become my normal sleeping position.

    It's now a little after 6am. I woke up half an hour ago feeling full, bloated and gassy. I know that soon I will suddenly feel ravenous and want some breakfast... but that will start the nauseous / indigestion cycle all over again. This just sucks.

    /rant.

    PS. Hey, the forum looks totes different!

    PPS. I still need to go back and read the recent posts... 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • onvacation
    onvacation Member Posts: 1,344
    edited May 2012

    Galena - I agree the digestive issues are a challenge!  It took me 3 days this last time to balance mine out and it took a lot of fibre, water and some yoga moves, but I am finally a little more regulated.  Hope you find some relief!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited May 2012

    Ah, galena, sorry :(  You have had such a rough time of it!  Are you able to take anything preventative like Prilosec or even Pepcid?  Indigestion is just so miserable and painful.

    I love the new forum look - some people hate it according to the boards at large - I noticed that they fixed the issue of the font size in the box you type in - much better now.  I think it looks much more clean and modern.

    Well, since I was able to convince my insurance company that I am me, and they could tell me about my claim, they emailed me back - I am going to be reimbursed for half of my wig cost.  Yay - I wish it was 90% but they said the "provider" was out of network - um, what provider would have been in network pray tell??  Maybe if I bought a wig at a hospital shop?  That seemed weird - I emailed them back and asked them but I guess I should be happy for the amount I am getting -  now that I think about it, the 50% price they quoted me is 50% of the total I bought that day which included the wig shampoo, conditioner, and hairspray I bought, not 50% of the wig itself so that is a few more dollars.  It is just going towards my vacation fund anyway :)

    :) Karri

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited May 2012

    Hi Galena

    I wonder if you could benefit from a probiotic?  I've read alot on BCO where some women swear by it and it helps alot with digestion.

    klt

    I don't mind the new format too much.  It doesn't seem as slow as it did yesterday I think anyway.

    Sarah

    I can only answer from my experience with Taxotere.  Icing the nails is important to prevent darkening and/or lifting but you may already do that now.  I experienced no nausea but I did take everything prescribed to me. The usual steroid crash came day 3 - 4 along with the lack of taste and aversion to anyting salty even though I love salt.  Because of the Neulasta shot I highly recommend Clariton 24 hour.  I didn't take it for TX1 and had the worst back spasms every.  Took alot of percocet which in turn made me have to take alot of Senecot S.  Clariton totally helped for the next 3 TX's, virtually no bone pain at all.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ihatemyboobs
    ihatemyboobs Member Posts: 83
    edited May 2012

    Karri, Taxol. I just HATE AC so much, I can't stand it. Perhaps I would be just as happy with equally as bad SE's as long as they are different but I doubt it :)

    Oh well, just gotta push through!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Caravanmom
    Caravanmom Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2012

    Hi all, I've been hanging around here since March keeping up with everyone's posts. I am only 7 days into my 2nd A/C treatment. It was delayed because I caught a nasty cold from my DD, who is 7 yrs old. Thinking I was ready for my next treatment, I went forward and when my WBC's dropped the bug came back. So I'm not only dealing with the regular SE's, I'm dealing with a nasty cold also. My DH, I'm sure is tired of hearing me complain, so I thought I would vent to ladies who know what I'm going through. At this point I'm just sick of being sick. Just to get up and walk across the room I feel like I can't catch my breath and my heart is beating out of my chest. I've been stuck in bed for over two weeks. I know I need to try and get up and walk to build my strength back, but I'm just so weak. I'm going stir crazy, I'm tired but I can't sleep, I'm sick of tv and movies and my iPad. I just want to feel better!!!

    I'm sick of the heart burn, and coughing my head off, and blowing my nose. The doctors just keep shoving more antibiotics at me in the hope that my cold doesn't turn into an infection, which is just making my nausea worse.

    Well, I think I'm done ranting, for now anyway. I feel a little better just letting it all out. I know I probably sound like a big wimp, but thanks for listening anyway.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lostinmo
    lostinmo Member Posts: 922
    edited May 2012

    Caravanmom Hope you getting to feeling better soon! Rant all you want, someone may even join in. I understand about sick of being sick.  I told my DH that "I didn't want to play this game anymore."

     Trying to get everything caught up the next two days so I'm ready for tx4 on Friday.  My last A/C!! And half way done.  Baby goals.

    Hope everyones day is going good and that all those not feeling well will start getting better.

    The goats keep yelling at me when I cross the yard.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • galena_79
    galena_79 Member Posts: 107
    edited May 2012
    Hi all, me again. I've managed to read a few pages of posts, but I'm still not caught up! ...

    Indigo- LOL about the New Zealand hotties. I have never watched Spartacus, so I had to google those actors. They both look like Maori fullas. I have similar colouring to them.

    Sissy- I am sorry to hear Tx4 has been so rough for you. I hope you're feeling better today.

    Kltb- You're right, just thinking of driving to the hospital makes me feel a little sick.

    Kadia and Shera- Congrats on having your final chemo!

    baldeagle- Thank you for your words. You're right, BC is a crapshoot - and we should not blame ourselves!

    lanagraves- I'm sorry to hear you had a rough time with your blood counts. I hope your infusion went well, and that you're doing okay now. How is your arm doing???

    Kam- Thanks for the heads up about Taxol. I guess I'll see what I get when I start it. I am having 12 weekly infusions rather than 3-weekly cycles. I wonder if this is meant to be any easier??? My last chemo is booked for August 6th. I hope there are no delays.

    onvacation- I am so sorry to hear about your friend. :( How have you been?

    Yvyc- I never had Neulasta shots. I'm just super vigilant about hygiene and monitor my temperature closely to check for infections. Haven't had any problems so far.

    CAYH- I'm like you, almost completely smooth down below now... but I haven't had any directional issues, lol.

    PS- Does anyone know how to make the font larger in this new forum style? I find this really hard to read!

    PPS- Everyone deserves a pat on the back! It's already MAY! We've done so well!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories