Starting chemo Thursday, May 31 - June Group?
Comments
-
Marcia1111 & SpecialK- You just never know where you are going to find the support you need just when you need it!!! Thanks to both of you because no matter where you are on your journeys, your words and support have helped me keep moving forward!!! HUGS!!!!
-
KeepMoving: I have only had the smallest amount of Neulasta pain each time and am now on number 3 of 4. As withthe hair loss, I found that the anticipation is far worse -causing anxiety etc. - than is the experience fo living with it.
Hang in there!
VVH
-
Ok the acne is unbearable. Is anyone else experiencing this???
It's bad enough that I am losing my hair and my boobs, but do I really need to have the complexion of a 12 year old on top of it? I don't have perfect skin, and ordinarily when I "take care of" a pimple (I'll spare you the details) that's it. It's over and healing. But these are unrelenting....filling up over and over. And they hurt.
I also have sensitive skin and chemical allergies, so I avoid OTC pimple creams. Anyone have a prescription from their onco for this, and is it working?
Ugh! As usual, I am all wrapped up in vanity instead of counting my blessings.
ElleBee
-
Ellebee
The pimples are horrid. Today my mo said that's he could prescribe a topical antibiotic but that oral ones would not be a good idea. He told me to try over the counter stuff first so I will. I will say that they receded after the second infusion so hang in there. BUT they are not completely gone and so I am introducing my usual neutragena grapefruit acne scrub tomorrow which I normally use to keep the adult acne at bay with great success. I have skin like yours from your description.
Best of luck!
VVH -
Ellebee, Pimples are a sign of youth. I am 45 and actually miss getting them!!! I used to get a lot too!!! My skin looks great at 45 so that extra oil is helping you!!!!! Google chemo and acne and see if you could find creams. I found out about Emend antinausea on the internet. If you read something good, you can ask your doctor. I have the olay sonic brush. It really is great. I am too cheap to buy the clarisonic brush but I bet it is better. Probably good to keep the pores clean.
Everyone, I just had chemo 3. A little knocked out. However, so happy I had treatment today. Going to take a quick shower before it kicks in more. See the advantages of no hair!
I may not write a lot the next few days. However, I think of each and every one of you.
Pam -
Oh my gosh Pam! I will NEVER miss pimples. I will be 37 next week, and most people think I am much younger b/c my skin looks good I guess...pimply and wrinkle free. My oily skin keeps me from cracking, I guess. I have had them since I was 10, so I have become an expert in make-up. I do my bondo job every morning....fill and sand, fill and sand (that was for you, Steve ;-)
But this is too much. Seriously. Worse than ever.
So I have already mentioned how I swill Bragg's Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar all day diluted in water. Have for ages. It helps control the acid in my stomach, keeps my body alkaline, good for liver detox, etc. etc. Well, it is also supposed to be a decent topical antibiotic and astringent for acne. So I tried it tonight. It stung a bit, but within a few minutes, the sebum (ooze) was pooling on my acne. An hour later, they feel drier and smaller and less painful. No visible white heads. (this is sooo gross, but i hope it helps someone else with raging spots). After the Bragg's, I used a tiny bit of triple antibiotic oint. to sort of calm and moisturize the areas. I might repeat before bead. I will let you know if it seems to help.
On a positive note: I am ALWAYS misplacing my tweezers. Why, I do not know. It's not like I travel with them. But when I need them, I cannot seem to find them. Tonight, as I was inspecting my skin, I noticed a few stray eyebrow hairs cropped up. ( a bit of surprise since my body hair seems to have nealry ceased in growing). Well, I was able to yank those nasty strays with nothing more than my stubby finger nails. All of them. Even the tiny ones. With no pain.
(Oh Steve, what have you gotten yourself into. This is locker room talk on the other side. Apologies, friend)
So there's that. An upside to hair loss.
Much love to all of you! Keep fighting the good fight and loving yourselves for the strong, beautiful people you are!
ElleBee
-
ElleBee--just wanted to jump in and let you know that I had HORRIBLE steroid induced acne from my first TC treatment! No one seemed to have a definite answer for how to get rid of it! I insisted that the MO on call come up with a solution. He gave me an oral antibiotic(keflex) as well as a topical antibiotic(clindamycin) cream to use during the first 5 days of each treatment. It's worked like a charm :0)
-
Hi ya'll,
Well no achne on Billiemae's part... at least not yet. As soon as you think your ready to settle into this thing they take the rug out from under you. She called today because she wasn't feeling very good and the nurse called her onc in Paris. She is now so concerned for her reaction that her next infusion is being postponed until they can discuss other treatment options. I guess time will tell as to what type of chemo she has in mind. The good news is that her port will be in before her next infusion...so no more pincushion treatment! Thank God for that much!!! And FYI ladies...I don't blush easily!! :-)
Have a GREAT NIGHT,
Steve
-
WAYYYYY off topic, but if you want to smile and feel good about life for a moment, click this link.
-
Shit Steve and Billiemae. I hope you both will get some answers soon and AT LEAST be able to settle into a treatment regimen...one that you can plan your lives around. The roller coaster ride must be exausting. So glad that Billiemae is still fighting and that you, Steve, are still right by her side! All my best!!
ElleBee
-
Good Evening from the drizzly, Oregon coast!
I have tried to post 3 times now, I use a laptop on the sofa and it is so sensative... it up and closes for no reason!! grrrr!
SpecialK.. loved all the very good information, I opened up a microsoft word page and copied and pasted it, so I will have my own little reference book to go to rather than sort back through all the posts. I'll copy other helpful suggestions I see also.
Ellebee, I think men just don't know what to do sometimes, they are suppose to be the strong guys, who fix stuff and when they get in these situations..... they panic. Early on when we were still in the crying stage, my husbaand would say almost talking to himself "I just don't know what to do, I just don't know what to do". And we all havee our places in the family when one pops out it throws the rest out of line, so we all have to adjust. Five years ago my husband had a heart attack and later another scare and now has a pacemaker, so I know the feeling very well of standing in th emergency room, you do look at life so differen afterward
There is a verse in Isaiah "Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, if one falls down the other will pick him up, but if a man falls down alone..... he is in trouble". That goes for marriages, families, churches, neighbors, friends.... You know I see our little group here just like a campfire.... you've seen how they take a couple of logs and stand on end leaning the tops together for support than add more around, each one holding the other up..... pull one out and they all fall into the fire!! We are each others support and strength.
Ellebee, regarding skin care. My husband used to get ingrown hairs on the back of his neck when he got a hair cut (Now I've told all of his secrets tonight, besides he cries!!) We noticed a cleanser in a surgical area Hibiclens, in a turq. bottle, cleanser is pink. He uses that and never get them anymore. I do like your vinegar idea though, I've used it for many thinks, hair rinse, diluted with water for mild sunburn.
To day was day 3 for my #2, and I can't believe the differene. #1 I was flat on my back for 5 days, then had the acid reflex and vomiting episode.... I actually lost 8# in 9 days, I just started feeling better the last 3 days before #2. So I am so glad as I heard they build and get worse. Sunday night my hair really started coming out, I could just pull little tufts out. I hd an appt at my hair dressers for wig styling today at 1, so knew I had to get busy, remember I was the one paranoid about the clippers and buzz cut. I used Pam's idea and just went in the bathroom and twisted little pony tails and snipped them off, I had probably lost 2/3 of my hair by then so wasn't hard. My upbeat young neighbor took me to the shop, she goes there also, I didn't want my husband to go, if I started crying then he would and that would probably clear the shop in a hurry and be bad for business!! It went so much better than I had even planned, the wigs I thought would be good looked like they came from the Golden Girls TV show, ended up with a straight cut, my years ago brown with highlights!! Both agreed I looked ten years younger (Hey, I may just keep this thing around) Need to get some bigger earrings, and a little more eye makeup. I still think I will wear scarfs around the house alot. I did notice my scalp feels dry and itchy the last few days, now that it's only 1/2 inch I rubbed some coconut oil on and it feels so good, also my arms.... coconut oil is used a lot in the middle eastern countries..... rub a little turmeric for even better inflamation fighting, that is if you don't mind an orange head! Well, think that is it for tonight, hope to get some sleep.... that is a big problem. I think the drugs keep my mind spinning. Sleeping aide my PC pres. works about 4 hours.
Good night my friends, sweet dreams, God bless you. Stephanie
-
Ellebee and Pam - I had terrible acne as a teen and young adult. At 51, I have scars that I hate and might see about getting rid of once I'm done with all this fun stuff. I don't have a lot of wrinkles, so I guess I can thank the oily face for that. I am going to buy the Bragg's, though, because I have used apple cider vinegar in the past for my stomach. I never knew it could work on pimples! My 16 year old will have to try it. I am so surprised that my chemo hasn't reactivated my acne. (Knock on wood) I wonder if it's Taxol related. Maybe I'll be dealing with it when I'm on Taxol. Pam, I can't imagine missing it! Ellebee, I don't think you're being vain about it. It's not fair, especially when they hurt!
StephaniJM - What a great idea! I'm going to do the same thing. I like that bible verse also.
Last night my husband and I went out with some good friends. I wore my wig and they promised me it looked good. We had such a great time. It was so nice being out and not thinking about cancer and chemo for a little while. I think the first time I wore my wig it was too tight. I loosened it and it was much more comfortable. I think I will feel better about wearing it each time. Tonight we are going to an outdoor party so I don't think I'll wear I wig. I'm thinking about trying on a bandana or scarf under a straw cowboy hat.
-
StephanieJM- Weren't those snips of the ponytails liberating? I'm glad to hear someone else did what I did with the hair. It's all about maintaining a sense of control when it at times, we may not feel like we are in control.
Minimal side effects to all as we all keep moving forward with our journeys!!!! HUGS and keep cool!!!!
-
Marcia, I am so glad you are getting out! Live and enjoy when you can. Remember, we all have the exact same face and let's enjoy our eyebrows while we can!!!
Tonight my community is having a concert in the town square. I had chemo yesterday. Today is my Neulasta shot. EVERYONE, goes, I really do not want to out myself. Plus, people drink and I get tired. Not even up for all that!
Stephanie, I love the way you put things. Your story about how we all lift each other up and are collectively stronger is so true! I know about day 3!!!! Tomorrow I will be day three. If we are all logs lifting each other up, me and you will be the foundation tomorrow as I will be flat on my back!!!!
Ellebee, I hope your skin heals. It will. I was sorry to hear about the eyebrows not needing a tweezers. So far my hair on my head has made me a chia pet! I have eyebrows and have been shaving my legs everyday. Still have not received a bikini wax, just saying to be funny! True though! I never got one.
Steve-Billie, excuse my last line. You have to laugh about this stuff! I am sorry to hear about Billie Mae. Is hee wbc count down? Is that why they are postponing?
Mary, how are you doing one month post chemo? Or are you still getting?
Pam -
Melrose, how are you? Just saw you pop up! Pam
-
pamelahope- I am feeling pretty well considering today is usually the day I crash. However, I think I'm just tired because I don't sleep too well from the steroids and I don't take any sleeping aids. I just don't worry about the not sleeping for a day or two after chemo since I rest/nap whenever. Besides, I usually get up to drink more water and go to the bathroom one or two times anyway. No biggie. I hope you are feeling okay today.
-
Goodmorning to all!
Ellebee- I loved that video! Now that's a wedding I would love to be at.
Steve and Billiemae- I do hope that they figure out a plan. The unknown it always the worst.
Stephanie- I also love that bible verse. We are nothing with out each other. I'm glad your hair appt went well. I know what you mean about the golden girls, I went with a straighter style also.
Marcia- The bandanna and cowboy hat sounds cute. I bet you'll rock it!!!! I enjoy wearing hats more than my wig.
Pam- Take care, your in the time when it is the hardest for me. My prayers are with you.
I'll be 42 next month and the ace has finally cleared up the last 2 years. Don't tell me that it will be back.ugh!!! Ive had very oily skin, chemo has dried it up a bit.
The apple cider vinegar sound interesting. Ive been putting fresh lemon juice in my water. I started it after surgery it get the inflammation out. I did some research on it first and found out that even though its acid, once its drank it becomes alkaline in our bodies. I haven't had any problems with it. I only use about 2 tablespoons a day.
Have a Great Day!!
-
Good Morning from Oregon,
I feel like the lazy bones here, but different time zone. Boy, really having trouble sleeeping. PC gave me sleeping pills, last about 4 hours, and we reaally need our sleep. Also, for you in the sunshine states has your onc said anything about staying out of the sun, mine said wear a hat, long sleeves and sunscreen. I know some drugs react to sun. We leave Sunday for our week in Eastern Oregon where it will be in the 70-80s and sunny. I usually love it and enjoy soaking up the rays, now am concerned so give me your thoughts, please. I did buy some 50 sunlotion.
Pam for just starting on chemo, I want to emphasis some things I learned #1 that has helped so much this time.
sore mouth- Don't use whitening toothpaste, eat crunchy chips, crackers, acidic fruit..... I woke up feeling like Jack the Ripper cleaned my teeth.... 5 times. I got bably toothbrush and use only baking soda, and took a week to heal, couldn't even drink hot coffee. So be alert. Also, read on intenet put 1/2 teas. salt and 1/2 teas. soda in pint water, swish and spit out several times a day. Dont' let it sit around, thow out each day and start fresh. I found pint bottle of waater works great to put it in.
Constipation- my dr. hs me taking Delcolax, stay on top of that.... you want all that dead stuff moving out!
Acid reflux- don't wait till it hits, I did last time and was miserable. The anti-nausea drugs are the cause. My onc. said take Zantac every day as a preventative.
I try to write down every thing I take and time, where I keep my meds, if I got sick my husband could tell the dr. what was going on.
Hope this is helpful and you are all doing well. Bless your day. Stephanie
-
Ellebee- loved the video..... boy, after all of that he must have been pretty confident she would say yes! That was great. Keep sending that stuff.... we need joy!
-
Hi All,
For the sore mouths, I've had good luck with Rembrandt Canker Sore Formula toothpaste. You should be able to find it online if you can't find it locally (I think I got it at drugstore.com). Also, for anyone who has "tape adhesive issues" from taping the plastic wrap over the numbing cream or anything, 3M makes a hypoallergenic tape called Micropore. My plastic surgeon suggested it after the tape issues I had from the port bandages. She also advised cleaning the area with the Hibiclens that Stephanie recommended for the acne...I'm glad to see that may work on the acne since I've now got that in my 40's once again like a number of you do! I'll have to track down some of ElleBee's vingar to try also I think. The heat wave we are having is not helping! Which reminds me of the sun....someone asked about staying out of the sun. I kayak, and my MO did say I need to both cover up and wear sunscreen.
-
Tammie, You are lucky you can kayak. I have gone a couple of times in Florida. So beautiful! I saw manatees and flying fish, maybe minnows.
Pam -
StephanieJM, BS is breast surgeon. I haven't had any surgery yet, but I did have one node that lit up on an MRi, so they biopsied it, and it was positive. I have good insurance, too, but I think they try to keep the costs down sometimes. My scheduled appts. include Neulasta after Taxol, too. I bet your's will be the same.
Steve-Billemae I misunderstood about the WBC after the chemo. I thought the dangerous period started right away and was 1-10 days after. It wasn't your fault that I didn't go to the mall!
SpecialK Thanks for the nadir info. I understand now.
Ellebee, Steelersluver, and SpecialK - thanks so much for the scan info. My dr. will be back from vacation next week, and I'm definitely going to ask her about the scans. I guess I'd want them for peace of mind. I'm chicken though. I want to know and at the same time, I don't want to know. Maybe someone on here knows the feeling.
VVH Thanks for the neulasta info. They give it here and they say, you're going to have bone pain, and when you don't, they look at you like you're crazy or lying. I think I had a little leg and ankle pain earlier, so I'm good.
Little draggy beginning today, but I made it through the work week. Desk job. Didn't push myself physically. Guess that was the key this time. Everyone have a great Friday.
-
About wanting to know and not wanting to know, I agree. Usually can face things pretty good. But every image, test, etc. just went from bad to worse. I hated to even answer the phone. I think emotionally we can just handle so muh if we kneww everything the first day, I would have just toppled over. One day at a time. Mine started out at 1.1 cm on images, ultra sound but lobular cancer does not show up well at all, had lumpectomy, surgeon said if she had any idea it was 5 I would have had mastectomy. So whole family was shocked. Then had to go back in 2 weeks to correct the margins. Over and done with now, and I am on the road to being well. Stephanie
-
Hi Stephanie: It does seem that it is the not knowing that eats at us the most, each of in our own ways. I'm finding that my temper(Road rage, employee's ect.) seems to be getting a bit worn thin. I have really addressed it in the last couple of years and am making entirely to many ammeds of late. This blog site has been a heaven sent, ya'll just don't know what you mean to me!! Billiemae is more the pull the covers over your head and I guess drift away from it??!! She can only say that she's seen me cry a couple of times, when I broke my arm the last time and didn't know how I could manage to make ends meet for us. And when this got real real for me, the day I turned the entire hospital upside down looking for her and when I found her she had that F'ing pic-line dangling from her arm! True sensery over load!!! Empathy, fear, anger, rage, inadequetcy and the list goes on.....none of which were fair for Billiemae to have to see!!! I'm blessed she has looked past it, just one reason I love her so much!!!
Keepmoving: Your correct, it was day 9 she was admitted. I only learned all about that while she slept next to me in the hospital, here on this site! Ya'll are AWESOME!!! What i've seen from Billiemae so far, is never push your self but live life!!!
Steve
-
Pam, I visited my mom in Naples in January and we kayaked with the manatees just before I found my lump. It was very cool! For now, I'm very pedestrian, and have only been out once briefly this summer with surgery/chemo, etc., but I was happy to be able to get out for a brief ride for some sense of my normal summer routine.
Ellendoo- How are you doing? Is your head getting sore yet? I think I'm a day ahead of you and mine started getting sore yesterday already with a noticeable number of hairs falling out in the morning. I hope you're doing better than the other day!
-
Hello steelersluver - glad to say today was my best day, even got out for a walk....no upset stomach, just some heartburn.....no sore hair yet, but am sure it will show up real soon. Looking forward to the weekend, Hubby is coming home and we may take a drive to see the Grandchildren, just have to be careful as it is day 9 for me and my WBC could be kind of low.....not too many hugs and kisses.
-
I'm glad to hear it Ellendou. We're not on the same "cocktail" (I'm on AC), so it will be interesting to see if our timing works out similar anyway. My stomach is much more settled the last few days also. I found that ginger candies really did seem to help me. Enjoy the weekend and carry lots of handsanitizer so you can enjoys those grandchildren!
-
steelersluver - My MO did say to be careful in the sun. We are photosensitive. One of my favorite activities is going to the beach. She suggested use lots of sunscreen and use an umbrella. I bought a gigantic sun hat and followed doctor's orders and got absolutely no color. I was fine with that. I mostly go for the relaxation, not the tan. She also said it's best not to go midday when the sun is at its hottest. I would think you're okay kayaking, but just be cautious. My MO feels that you should do whatever makes you happy and brings you peace. BTW, I tried kayaking, but I am extremely uncoordinated and did not do well! It's harder than it looks!
-
It is 3:15 a.m. here in Florida. I have tossed and turned all night and finally decided to give up. I have Restoril, but it is addictive and I don't want to use it every night. I hope I can take a nap later. I hope everyone else is doing well with your SE.
-
Wow, I have missed a lot. First of all I am ashamed that I asked for help and did not thank all of you for the suggestions. My mother would be mortified ;-). I had my first treatment Monday and lets just say the heartburn was just the beginning. I have been flat on my back until today. Not what I was expecting. My MO and BS felt I should be able to tolerate the chemo very well as of my age. Lol not so much. Of course I can't even take cold medicine so I should have known better.
I want to be of support too and felt bad I wasn't able to even think of picking up the computer or iPad to check on everyone.
Ellebee: As I have been trying to catch up on the last few days a post that struck me was yours. First thanks for the reflux tips. I felt like I had a blowtorch in my stomach. Also, I felt such a sense of relief to hear you say sometimes you get caught up in the vanity. I have felt shallow at times for worrying so much about the lost of my breasts and soon to be loss of hair etc whe I should focus on being healthy. It's refreshing to know that actually, we all feel it. Thank you for sharing.
I will catch up with the posts and get back in here to support all of you just like you have me....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_v7QrIW0zY
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team