Starting chemo November 2012

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    Sfrey, I haven't lost any hair yet - wigs are in the box.   Wishing for a glass of wine but haven't had any.  Hate the port but it works...Eat ginger snaps or saltines - you will eat Turkey Smile

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  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2012

    Well I had my first treatment this afternoon.  So far so good.  Feeling normal.  Go back in the late morning for my Neulasta shot.

    Tricia -- thanks for the chicken soup recipe.  It sounds yummy!!! 

    Welcome to all the new members. 

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  • michellej1980
    michellej1980 Member Posts: 342
    edited November 2012

    Tricia - thanks, I do plan on getting some baking soda. I can't deal with these bitter tastes for the next few months!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2012

    Trisha please don't slack off on posting. I don't post here often, but I read all of yours & the other girls.



    I just turned 62 this week. I'm waiting to see onc again on the 26th to go over scans I'm having next Wednsday. We will discuss port placement and start of chemo. I'm hoping for the end of the month.



    Taking vitamin A helps to have a healthy mouth. It might add some protection from chemo thrush.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • teacher911
    teacher911 Member Posts: 853
    edited November 2012

    Finished my first round of AC today. So far so good. My best friend drove 8 hours to sit with me during my first one. It was so wonderful. The result of my bone biopsy came back positive so my oncologist wants to add a new medicine for the bones to the next round. Is anyone dealing with the cancer in their bones? I go for my shot of Nuelesta tomorrow morning. Hoping that goes well also. So hard saying goodbye to my students yesterday.

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  • Megan2
    Megan2 Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2012

    Hi Everyone - 

    Thanks for the welcome - I have resurfaced on the other side of a gross plane ride, but made it. Of course I got seated in the same row as a sick kid... great. Am glad I made a break on day 3 when hopefully I wasn't as vulnerable. It is nice to back home - even with my own sick and crying kids:) 

    So far the side effects are manageable for me - got my first shot this morning so a bit worried about that will bring. There is lots of great info in these posts - so thanks to all. I am going to have to try to get my hands on some of that gel - not looking forward to the eyebrowless look.

    Am I the only one who's scalp hurts a bit - is this early? I also have tingly feet. Anyone else? I stuck my hands in ice water (which greatly amused the nurses, who had never heard of that before) but not my feet. I had read that helps with this for TC. 

    Also good news on the vitamins and mouthwash - I get mouth sores every now and then anyway, so really would like to avoid a whole mouthful of them. 

    m

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  • Sickofpink
    Sickofpink Member Posts: 190
    edited November 2012

    TriciaM please keep up all the posts you're my touchstone! And thanks forvthe thrush advice, just got it day 8 - but also took first walk on beach and had first real food (salmon) after scheduling al my nausea and heartburn meds on phone alarm. Still sitting up to sleep tho!

    Sfrey glad about ur daughters. My older one wont be in town yet when i shave and younger one is shopping for Tday but she sure has been nicer since all this!y friends think my bc has been good for her lol

    Litmguy id love to tell u about my novel its about how far a mother would go to protect her child, but i thought we were sposed to be anonymous? Tricia's pic looks real tho..thoughts Triciam?

    . I dont care about keeping my bc secret, tho i didnt do anything wrong! Sure i stressed over family stuff but did yoga and hiked and ate pretty healthy..,,im even posting about it a bit on FB and have found a lot of support from friends i forgot i had... Still professsional on the author site tho cuz dont wanna be cancer babe - all those pink ribbons made it so cliche, then it happens to us and..,, and and.....

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  • Tlym
    Tlym Member Posts: 115
    edited November 2012

    Hi Ladies-Haven't been on the boards all week and just read through several pages of posts! Welcome to all the new ladies; sorry you have to join us but know this is a wonderful group who provides advice, love, and encouragement.

    I am at day 15 and have been feeling even better than before chemo. First 7 days were challenging, but day 8, I was a new person again. Aside from avoiding certain foods and increasing my hand washing and surface wiping, I have been living a normal life, enjoying spending time with my family, going to lunch with friends, shopping, and taking daily walks. I'm hosting 25 for Thanksgiving and couldn't be happier!

    Hope everyone has a great weekend, mild SEs, and is able to spend some time doing what you love!

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    GIRLS- I have changed my info,  I am now 5LuvBugs - thanks to sickofpink I decided to go incognitoCoollike my new hairdo? I was TriciaM..

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  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2012

    5LuvBugs  thanks for letting us know the change in user names.  I would have worried why I hadn't seen your post!!!!  At your advice, I stocked up on Greek yogurt.  Extra protein and the don't want fire down below.  I still giggle at your post about that!!

    TYLM - wonderful news that your doing so well.  I declined hosting the usual Thanksgiving feast at our house.  Usually have 20+ guest, too but this year I thought I would take it easy.

    Got my Neulasta shot this morning then went to Costco with DH and DD.  A little mild stomach cramps this afternoon but that's it so far.  Drugs seem to be keeping nausea at bay.  Smile

    Hope everyone has a great Saturday!!

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    Junebug I am still laughing at your post about the "fire" trust me it works. Glad your feeling good but I bet by tonite you start feeling achy & tired..fear not it will go away. Do you like my new pic? It's my new hairdo :0) not, it's my 5th grandchild in a doggie hat...hence 5luvbugs. Tada ! Enjoy the rest of your weekend

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    TYLM I agree I feel better than I have in 2 months! They must have put some good juice in our veins !Kiss

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  • Thankful4mylife
    Thankful4mylife Member Posts: 56
    edited November 2012

    Hi everyone:)



    I woke up with the most bitter taste in my mouth and I can't shake it! Thrush???? My tongue doesn't look white or anything tho?

    Has anyone tried baking soda or apple cider vinegar?



    Hope everyone is doing great :)

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  • Tlym
    Tlym Member Posts: 115
    edited November 2012

    Thankful-I had some weird taste buds for a couple of days as well. I just brushed teeth more often and rinsed with an alcohol-free mouthwash (mine is German: Lacalut Activ, but I've seen some other brands at drug store). It went away after about 3 days.

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  • michellej1980
    michellej1980 Member Posts: 342
    edited November 2012

    Hey thankful. I had a metallic taste the day after chemo which became more bitter at the back of my tongue and the roof of my mouth felt rough. I also started to get cracked sore corners of my mouth which I've just read is another symptom of thrush. Yesterday I noticed some white spots. I got some anti fungal liquid from the doc and it already feels better.



    I didn't think I'd succumb so quickly. I started using mouthwash the day of chemo. I'm going to get baking soda tomorrow and give that a go too.

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    Michelle use mouthwash or regular toothpaste, they will make it worse.  My doc said the 2tbsp of baking soda w/ 1 qt water and swish 4xday and after meals, it will work.  Hope you girls feel better soon. 

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  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2012

    Michelle - my doctor has had me rinsing with 1 tsp of salt & 2 tsp of baking soda mixed in 4 cups of water.  I brush after every meal and swish 4 to 5 times a day.  Hope you feel better soon.

    5LuvBugs - Your new picture is cute .  Mine is my Boston Terrier puppy - Ellie.  She is a year old now but still a ball of energy!

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  • nanatwo6
    nanatwo6 Member Posts: 18
    edited November 2012

    Hi ladies, Picked up my new scripts today for nausea,,,ativan and compazine,,,thought for sure he'd give me zofran. What seems to be working for all of you ? I also seem to have a rash all over my chest where the port was put in, trying hard not to scratch it Yell

    5LuvBugs...like your new name and picture

    teacher911...I will be following your progress as it is the same as mine, are you doing every other week ?

    Enjoy the rest of your weekend !

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2012

    Txjunebug our Boston Terrier, Dandy, just turned 15 years old last Saturday. He's always been in pretty good health, but now he's deaf and has doggy dementia.



    Your is a cutie.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • DivePuppy
    DivePuppy Member Posts: 29
    edited November 2012

    I've been using Zofran and adding Phenergan if needed.  Still have some mild nausea, but tolerable.  Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!!

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  • Thankful4mylife
    Thankful4mylife Member Posts: 56
    edited November 2012

    Thank you everyone for the responses......I'll see what the next couple of days bring. I was so happy to have a "normal" taste in my mouth yesterday and then I woke up with this....YUCK!

    Every day is sure an adventure!

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  • Megan2
    Megan2 Member Posts: 70
    edited February 2013

    Hi Everyone,

    Glad to see some are feeling so well - that's amazing!

    I feel ok physically, but am having a rough time being back at work. I am hiding in my office. I just started this job 2 months before the fateful Dr appointment 4 weeks ago that sent me packing from the country for surgery and my first chemo - so I really don't know any of them. People are being nice, but I don't relate to them, can't really confide in anyone, and of course have to weather the usual few fools who stick their foot in their mouth with dumb things to say (like "I know how you feel, I had a scare once but the biopsy came back negative" Do you know how I feel? Really? Do you have 3 kids under 8 and are living in a strange country, surrounded by strangers and trying to cope with cancer?).

    If I don't work, we have to pack up our house, move from Asia, find a place to live in Canada, find a school for two of our kids, find a DOCTOR (a big one) and do all this while I try to keep on with my treatment. It is a no-win situation, and I just have to get through it. There is obviously no ideal time or ideal place, and I am grateful for the rapid medical assistance I have received so far. Now if i can just hide out in my office and pretend to be working for three months in between treatments....:)  

    These down moments are to be expected - just wish I could have them surrounded by friends and family. On the up side, being surrounded by poverty, I am certainly doubly grateful for my good fortune at having medical insurance and access to excellent medical care, through which I will get better.

    ps I am swirling that baking soda and salt, but my throat is sore. Tongue a bit white. Anyone else have a sore throat? Is it mild thrush, or something else to worry about?

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  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2012

    Megan - call your doctor.  That was the advice mine gave me.  If in doubt -- call them. 

    Nanatwo6 - I'm taking the avitan compazine so far at day 3 no nausea at all.  Hope it helps!

    Sorteria205 - aren't Boston's just the best dog EVER????  Sorry to hear your's is declining in health.  We had two that lived to be 14.  Rough when the passed but the vet made an imprint of the paws for me and I treasure that gift.  Like I have a piece of them with me to hold near.  My four we have now are a female age 7 and her two sons are 5 and now the 1 year old puppy.  She is a hoot and keeps the older ones on their toes!!  I do live on a acre of land with 3/4 as a fenced in backyard so they have lots of room to run and play.  Also living in the southern part of the country means the weather is nice most of the year.  Some may say I'm crazy but oh well....  They love me unconditionally and always seem to know when I need some extra love. 

    Day 3 and so far no aches or pains from the shot or nausea.  Keeping my fingers crossed that it continues!!!

    Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    Oh Megan, I wish there were something that I could do to make your life a little better.  I can't imagine what it's like for you and it almost makes me feel guilty for all that I have.  Anyway girl, you may not have friends at work and your kids are too young but there is one place you can go and vent and discuss your concerns and get some support and girl, this is the place.  We are here for you!!!  How many treatments do you need and do you have to leave the country for all of them? 

    As far as the sore throat, I seem to get them in the night - when my mouth is closed or I am snoring - yeah thats probably it - snoring - because otherwise my mouth is usually open and chattering Kiss.  Watch the foods you are eating, I noticed that my tongue & mouth are sore today and I ate some spicy food yesterday, so try to keep it a little bland...

    Hope you feel better and hope to see you back here whenever you need a friend Wink

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2012

    nanatwo6 how is your port, still red and itchy?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2012

    I was in such a horrible mood yesterday, I totally couldn't even stand myself. I haven't even started chemo yet, but I felt like people on other threads have said they feel at a certain time during treatment.



    Thank God I'm better today. I have so much faith in The Lord & His Word, I just couldn't understand my bleakness yesterday. I usually have a great attitude, and even when I don't feel cheery, I always wear a smile, with a great attitude. If someone asks how I am, I tell them, "I'm blessed!"



    Maybe I was on GOOD ATTITUDE OVERLOAD! Maybe I just needed to just be human for a day. I don't know. Still waiting to get last drain out Tuesday, scans on Wednsday to determine if its still stage III or if its a IV.



    You ladies all seem so brave! It's a pleasure to know you all, even if its only in cyber space.



    Thanks for letting me vent. I'm almost ready for church and that always makes me feel better.



    You know, I'm still out of sorts from the election outcome, husband is desperately searching for a job, and I feel like I'm hanging in limbo here waiting to start treatment.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • Sickofpink
    Sickofpink Member Posts: 190
    edited November 2012

    Oh 5luvbugs i was actually hoping youd say we didnt have to be incognito so we could continue a real friendship long after this (and id tell u the name of my book which is googleable).



    Thrush came to me as well despite using a Bioten rinse from day 1, but your baking soda mix is helping the most.

    Nanato6 My port was itching so much inactually broke the skin over the tubing that rises up my neck, so need ointment. As for nausea yes the compazone helps plus at night a marinol(pot pill) adds to help me sleep.



    Mostly the 2xday protonic and Calamere sudoension antacid are making life better - i sety phone alarm to take them in time and am finally eating on day 11.

    Oh Megan i cant imagine how difficult this is and can only send you xo and hope that you can be strong yet allow yourself to ask for whatever help you need - and deserve.

    Anyone else find mysterious cuts?

    Bloody stools despite nightly stool softener?

    Anyone else tearing up privately several times a day - but never enough to get it over with and accept that this is real and ok? Not ok.



    Kudos to ambitious holiday folks - i am still avoiding grocery stores and humbly accepting favors from friends to avoid germs.

    My husband got back to town last night (my longest drive - to airport) had not seen me except on skype since the port and chemo, was nervous but amso much better now and all the meds i take - at least 8/day....

    Anyone losing hair yet? Is it silly to shave on day 13 to avoid it coming out on Thanksgiving or doing it myself day 15?



    Anyway, isnt it amazing what relief a few days can bring amd what we can get used to tolerating?

    The New Normal

    Xo

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  • Dakota212
    Dakota212 Member Posts: 1,153
    edited November 2012

    Ltmguy-

    That's stinks. I have been getting mg since I was 32 because of my sister. This year was the first abnormal one so glad it was caught early.

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  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2012

    Meagan - let me repeat what 5luvbugs said -- we're all here for you.  Vent frustration, celebrate the small stuff or just to say hi.  Know we are here for you 24/7. 

    I guess I spoke too soon this morning.  Woke up fine no aches and pains but now lower back is achy and mouth is very dry.  Tongue feels a little funny and is white.  Funny how a few hours can change things.  Still using my baking soda/salt wash.  Didn't think my tongue would change so quickly.  Anyone else have this issue on day 3

    Nanato6 - my skin broke out after the port installation too.  Nurse had me putting hydrocortisone on it 3 times a day but I swear it itched like poison ivy!!  Benedryl and the hydrocortisone helped me the most but that was before I had my first treatment.  Thankfully it cleared up before 1st chemo on Friday. 

    Soteria215 - so glad you're feeling better today!

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  • michellej1980
    michellej1980 Member Posts: 342
    edited November 2012

    It seems so any of us are getting thrush! I still get a nasty taste but since using my anti-fungal med it's getting better.



    I'm still getting a lot of diarrhoea/loose BMs. Anyone else? I spent about an hour in total on the loo this morning!

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