April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

I don't know about everyone else but I'm haing a tough time coming back after AC treatment number 3. I've been so tired and queeziness just keeps hanging on. I'm going back to work today (day 7 after treatment) it's what I've been doing throughout...but as I sit here drinking Gatorade..it seems ambitious. I'm also more emotional this time...just feeling defeated.

I only have one more AC treatment before starting the T phase. I'm sure I can do this...but cripes!

I'm reaching for strength.

I had my hair shaved yesterday and I feel GREAT! All morning i noticed every time I put my hand in my head I was shedding from the root. So I called a friend who I had already drafted for the task and said it's time to go. I thought I would feel sad about the whole thing as it was being done but I didn't. It felt so much better to have control over the situation. I hated waking up every morning to look and see if anything was on my pillow. If anyone out there is on the fence believe me you can do it. We all have so much strength we don't even know about.

I'm feeling kind of beat up today, too, at tx#2 day 5, and mostly blaming it on the steroid crash. I was wiped out enough last night that it was an effort just to go to bed, and then I didn't sleep very well. I don't want to complain, though; using that energy to wish that Fierro gets to evict Jaxson soon!



My hair has really fallen out up from my hairline. I guess before too long I'll be quite shiny. And I'm wondering/hoping that I might really be done with periods - last one overlapped tx#1 and dragged on for 2 weeks. So far this time, nothing - and I can't really tell if I feel it coming.



I'm going to have to drag someone out of bed to put the trash cans by the curb.... later and hoping we all have minimal SEs today!

Thanks to one and all for the support.  I'm feeling less "full of pity" during the light of day.  I REALLY like Stacie's idea, but since that can't happen, I'm going to take Jaxson for a walk around the yard and maybe the block to get some fresh air and sunshine.  What better (other than a cancer cure) to help a mood?

Dancetrancer, I've had the fish test, but I cannot find the result right now.  It wasn't back yet when the original pathology test came back, but has since come in.  I'll keep looking.

Thanks again to all.  I've decided that I HAVE to get through this day better, with this many strong women behind me!  Let's do this!

I haven't visited the wall in a week or so. Buried my mom on Thursday and had my first Mother's Day without her on Sunday. Had CT chemo treatment #3 on Monday. And got hit with the big D Sunday night. Doc was right on it...called in a script for Lomotil and it seems to be working. Wheww!!!

Going in for my Neulasta shot this morning, additional lab work to make sure I didn't pick up a bug around all those people last week, and to get IV hydration. I can't believe the number of people I see coughing and not even covering their mouths..my goodness.

chapter4: praying for your strength. try not to be too hard on yourself. you've been through a lot emotionally and physically, and you're not defeated, you're winning this battle, with all of us cheering you on. you'll get there. rest when your emotions and your body are telling you to rest.

petagae: I love your attitude with the head shaving. I shaved mine two weeks ago. Decided to wear a wig to my mom's funeral because I didn't want cancer to be the focus AND it was pretty windy at the gravesite. Took the wig off in the limo and forgot it. So I was bald at the dinner afterward at the church. Felt very liberated and free.

I was looking through a basket of knitted caps at the Cancer Care Center yesterday when a lovely lady came over to me and said, 'honey, you don't really need those. You're absolutely beautiful the way you are. And I commend you for being free enough and proud enough to go natural.' She made my day!

pets: My dog has been such a God-send. When I got him a year ago, I named him Cayden which means 'Companion in Battle'. Had no idea he would be. I boarded him last week while I was out of town and after two days, I found a hotel that would let me keep him with me, and went and got him. He stayed by my feet every day, everywhere I went. Can't imagine what this would be like without him.

IndigoMont11:  Praying for you. If you're not sleeping well, make sure you get something from your doc (Ativan or Ambien or something). Rest is so important to your recovery. 

Minimal SE's, strength, and good vibes to all....you are amazingly strong and courageous!!! Have a great day!! 

Thanks Lynnbea! Actually, I think part of the problem last night was that I was scared I was getting a fever, but all good there. Peace and blessings to you.

I had treatment # 3 of AC/CT and I am dragging today. Yesterday was a good day but I think I over did it. My stomach is still upset which makes eating hard beccause nothing sounds good and I do not have hunger. My mouth is full of sores, which I medicine for, but nothing tastes good. My 3rd treatment was hard the night of treatment, very upset stomach and very dizzy until 5 am thursday am. Then I felt better for the day and then I felt like the mac truck hit me. I hope the 4th isn't as hard but I am dreading going. I keep holding on this is the last treatment for this drug coctail and the next Taxol hopefully will not be as hard, especially on my stomach.

Thanks for the support Dancetrancer...it means more than you know on days like this

Thanks lynnbea.....means the world to me that there are people out there like you.



This is no picnic ladies! I so admire all of you!

No fear,



My 3rd AC has been harder than the first 2 as well. Today is Day 2 and I've been very nauseous since last night. I can only I imagine how I'll feel on days 4-5. When I went for my Neulasta shot today I mentioned it to the nurse and she just said "oh yea" so I guess it's common.



They just keep assuring me that the nausea is much less of and issue with the Taxol which I guess is good. But I still need to get through this week and 1 more treatment!



Good luck to all,



Rose

Pauletta - it is theorized that when Neupogen/neulasta makes your bone marrow work hard to produce new white blood cells that there is a lot of associated inflammation - hence - the bone pain.  The Claritin keeps the inflammation, and associated bone pain, minimized. 

chapter 4 - any time!  I've had a rough ride and those who have held my hand at the worst times have been my lifeline to making it through.  You are right, it sure ain't no picnic!  So we'll just hold each other's hands and eventually we will all make it to the other side.  Kind of like crossing a raging river...we are all stronger together holding hands!  

Here's another idea for you all with the nausea...I've been wearing my anti-motion sickness wrist bands for the past couple days...and while my symptoms are heartburn (which is getting better)...perhaps the bands would be worth a try for the nausea?  I am taking a new med for the heartburn which I am sure is the big factor (Carafate), plus eliminating caffeine (wah! Switched to decaf green tea)...but, for what it's worth...thought I'd share!!! It's an easy thing to try!

Hope you feel better soon Rose_d.  

Rose

Did u experience any dizziness the night of treatment. Mine was so bad all I could do is lay on the couch. I explained my symptoms to my nurse the next day & she didn't say much either. I felt better by day 4 but am feeling beat up again. I am going to talk to a guy who owns a health store in my town & see if he can offer any help. I am so hoping the next 4 rounds are easier.



Everyone keep going - this too shall be over.

rn4babies - I know they both are antihistamines, but are different types of antihistamines...so I'm not sure - likely it would work?  But I really don't know.  Maybe you could call your pharmacist, tell him the purpose, and ask?  I found my pharmacist to be really helpful, more than I ever expected, when I called with some questions.