April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

eyelid rebellion!! sounds like my tongue!  don't really know how to describe it!  I hope it's not thrush tho!

Maybe eyelid ulcers?  Sounds painful!  I  bet steroid eyedrops would help.  Really eased my eye scratchiness/discomfort after Lasik surgery.  Sounds like time to call onc to me. 

I put drops in it (like half the bottle haha) and put a wet washcloth on it and left it there for an hour. No more scratchy eye. I tried to flip the lid up and couldn't really see anything, so I think it went away. So Im hoping it was just a sty. I have no idea if you can get thrush in your eye, but Im hearing some weird places on here that I never knew you could get it. 

I think I'm going to put the cloth on it again and go to bed while I am ahead. I also got a jar of coconut oil. I slathered that on my feet and put on some socks. Hopefully that will help with the dry cracked feet. We'll see in the morning.

Feel better Stacie!  

IndigoMont11 - If you need to cry, you need to cry.  You are not crying of nothing.  You are fighting a horrible disease and you have every right to cry!  Maybe the tears are helping get the chemo out of your system faster!

Wow, gals, it's like each day you just hope nothing new comes up. I had my first good day in weeks-even my fingernails feel a little better. and I then worry. I havent had neuropathy yet- should be doing something to prevent it?

Glad your eye is better, sandik.

No woman left behind.  I like that.  That way, if someone sees the light at the end of the tunnel and it turns out to be a gorilla with a flashlight (it happens,) we can take him down for you.  If we confirm that the light you are seeing is the PFC light, we'll guide the way.

Although I got up at 3, I'm feeling a bit better.  Also, I found a packet of instant oatmeal, which sounded bland enough for me, and it was good!  WooHoo!  Something other than saltines for breakfast.  (What a sad thing to have to celebrate, but I'll take it.)

This is making me feel so old.  I carry around a bag of pills, wear out at the least bit of physical exertion, and yell at neighborhood kids on my lawn.  OK, not really on that last part, but I do feel way older than I am.   

Oh yeah, and the hair is going fast.  You can't tell to look at my head yet, but the slightest pull (like from the towel or a hat) produces a lot.  DH is willing to buzz it when I'm ready, but I'm waiting to see exactly what it does.  

The thinnest spot is where I sleep on it (TE is so tight on the left that I have to sleep on my right side) and I can tell it's thin by feeling it, but not by looking.  As fast as it's going, I know it won't be long.  I'm ready.  It's not like I have a choice.  LOL  

sandik - glad the eye is feeling better!!!

neuropathy supplement options:

B6 - 100 mg/day (or 50 mg like me if you are sensitive to it)

acetyl-l-carnitine:  1000 mg 3 x daily (total 3000 mg/day)

l-glutamine: 10 g (don't buy capsules - instead get it in powder form) stirred into a non-heated drink 3 x day) for total of 30 g/day

If you already have sx, IMO (humble), it is NOT too late.  I read some studies that showed ALC taken by diabetics helped reduce their neuropathy.  So if it were me, I'd try it.  Also, if you are having a loss of sensation and balance issues (1) make sure you wear shoes at all times so you don't cut your foot and don't know b/c you can't feel it (2) tell your onc just in case your dose needs modified.   Most of the time neuropathy improves after chemo but in some cases it becomes chronic, so don't dismiss it - discuss with your onc.  

chapter4, I agree there are more answers here than from the doctors.  I don't know what I'd do without you and this place.   So many strange SEs, weird symptoms, and of course...the emotional roller coaster. 

I have not been to our church in years, but got a meal card from the compassion ministry this week. Yesterday, a woman stopped in with a beautiful hand-crocheted prayer shawl, another gift card to our local grocery store for meals and visited for a  few.  My friends have been doing meals twice a week, but I noticed that someone that I don't know from church is bringing food on Monday.  I am overwhelmed by the generosity of people I don't even know.  Hubby says I am a good person, but I really don't feel deserving of all of this.   He asked me yesterday how we will ever pay every one back and I told him that we don't - we pay it forward and help those that need us when we are able.

Yesterday was my first pill-free day. Not one!  I even had a glass of wine with dinner. It didn't taste very good, but it made me feel like me and that counts for something.

Hugs to all of you.  I hope you have a relaxing Saturday.  I'm going to enjoy my weekend, cuz Monday I'm back in the BGC!

"Shoot me down...but I won't fall. I am titanium!"

Karen, what a beautiful thing you did!  I'm sure that woman will never forget you for the rest of her life.

Oh Karen - you are such a kind woman. I too have been very surprised and overcome at the generosity of people through this experience. I have always been a pay it forward kind of gal, but I think I will have to take to another level, when I am up and around. It makes me feel good, and somehow I always manage to have money. It may be because I don't care much about money it is just a way to make life a little easier, whether for myself or people in need.



My kids are the same way. If they see a person who is down on there luck in the street they always ask us to give them money.



I am two days post treatment and surprisingly I am waiting for the crash to hit me - nothing yet. I will say no more about this so I don't jinx myself. Have a great day ladies and stay cool!

Very kind of you, Karen. (What's WM?)

Good luck Monday to you, vballmom. I go Tuesday. By the way, my MO requires the Neulasta shot 24 hrs. after infusion, but they are closed on Wed. due to the 4th.  Do they ever give the shot 48 hrs. later? Anyone know?

Not as nervous as first time around, but still a bit nervous.  I think it's cause we never know how a new round will hit us.

But, I'm having a normal and fun weekend so am trying not to overthink what's coming up.

Karen, must have felt good to lift stress from someone else so quickly. Generous and great action.

Yesteday our sons came over for dinner(25 and 24 next week) we had a nice dinner, looked at a photo album, walked the dog. It was a lovey evening too. I think they were to glad to see me eating and laughing more like normal. Very relaxing.The air was lighter. My kids .

Thank you all.  I am crying as I am reading all your responses.  God, this chemo makes me so emotional.

RoulaG:  I feel exactly the same way  as you do.  I think we are kindred spirits. All my friends have said if I only had a nickle to my name, I would give it to someone who needed it.

Kjiberty that is awesome! So many wonderful ladies on this board. Seriously, I learn so much from here. More that at the dr's.

Fierro, yay for oatmeal!! Haha So sad the things we celebrate these days.

I never even thought about not going barefoot in case I cut my foot. I hate wearing shoes. I am always barefoot in the summer. That sucks!

Been putting drops in the eyes every couple hours. So far so good. My mom said a wet tea bag on the eye will take a sty away. So, if it comes back I'll try it.

Getting ready to take a little nap before the party Im working tonight. Photo booth for a graduation party. Outside. But, I'll be under a tent. Already chugging water. Hope they have a bathroom! Haha