December 2012 chemo group
Comments
-
Bren58 - good luck on Round 2 today - you seem to have such a positive attitude - keep it going as it will help so much! And it helps me too.
Sjessse12345 - welcome to the forum - glad to have you ! You and I are on the same chemo schedule - let's support each other through it!
Steiner18 - glad to see your post. Wow you have a lot on your plate. I thought my plate was full but wow yours is! I like the tip about the kids taking vitamins - I am going to try that with my kids. I also have them change clothes and wash hands immediately when they get home to avoid germs from school and daycare.
judajen , friendgwen and others - thanks for the encouragement on the wig - i think I will go this week and at least look at them and have that option.
MTjulie - glad you are doing ok - keep your chin up and keep smiling and laughing.
And to any that I have missed and to all on the board - I leave you with these quotes - have a good day everyone!
The most important thing in illness is never to lose heart. ~Nikolai Lenin
Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death. ~Author Unknown -
Today's the start day. Was in a tailspin of panic this weekend. FedEx failed to deliver my neulasta, and by the time the deliver it the dose will go bad. So that means I probably have to come back to the hospital tomorrow--though I'm going to beg my Oncs to figure out a way to get me a dose to bring home. I sobbed over a lost package. But I was really sobbing from stress and fear.
So here I am. Embarking on dose 1 of 8: let the games begin. Waiting now to get my arm port placed. Seems it's a pretty new approach--I'm hoping its the best plan for me. My friend Jim said to me last night, "you're the unwitting hostess of a biochemical event this week." I asked, "is there an evite for that?" Hugs to you all! -
I had first chemo on fri. Last night I woke up with terrible pain in my right hip/ leg. Stayed up and took xtra strength Tylenol. Fell back asleep about 1 1/2 hour later. Do you think trying to go for a walk will help? Also, are people rinsing mouth proactively with salt water baking powder. Is anyone avoiding crowds ? Will you be participating in Xmas celebrations with family or isolate because of chance of catching something?
-
Dwihtd~I went to church on Sunday following my Friday chemo. Most of us know each other and there's lots of hugging & hand shaking. When approached for an incoming hug I just casually raised my hands and said, "I'm sorry, I'm in chemo, so no hugging or hand shaking." Everyone was very gracious about it.
Just let family & friends know, in that week or so after chemo, that you love them very much, but for now no hugging, kissing, or handholding. They will understand.
Bansky~I'm also on ACT. I didn't get Neulasta at all my first treatment.( I think Medicare won't pay unless absolutely necessary) Ive had no problems as far as getting sick. I haven't missed church on Sundays or Wednsday. We even had a Christmas potluck at church last week and I ate.
So, stop stressing yourself. I'm sure you onc can work something out for you.
Blessings
Paula -
Dwihtd- i really feel like the walks help me to feel better. It is so hard to get going and head out the door but once I am finished I feel so much better. I wish you the best. I also did the baking soda/salt rinse for a proactive measure - didn't get any mouth sores. I am also taking a probiotic to try to prevent yeast infection (and thrusH) - so far so good on that front also. I did avoid crowds and stayed at home a lot until my doc told me my counts were ok.
-
Dwihtd, Good question. I am really trying to avoid crowds and am doing most shopping online. Don't have a family gathering but for those who do, beware those school age children. I look back and think of how many colds I had just in time for Christmas, courtesy of my school age kids. I will venture out to see The Hobbit (but almost feel like I should go MJ and wear a surgical mask.) Guess I will settle for a LOT of hand washing all season long.
I've been thinking about the salt/soda rinse. You have to be proactive about it. Once you get any mouth sores, the chemo will block the healing, so by all means use a soft toothbrushe and the non-alcohol mouthwashes as well as the rinse to keep your mouth as clean as possible.
-
All you ladies on here are the greatest. If i start feeling sorry for myself, I read about one of you who are doing so much more than me, and I feel a little braver again.
I started the soda salt mouth rinse when my tongue started feeling like I had burnt it. So far it has prevented any sores, but last night I developed a cold sore on my lip. Must mean my immunity is weakened since I had been getting them for the last year or so when I was coming down with something. So that is a drag. I have also had diarrhea which keeps me up all night. So, all in all, I am not enjoying this. I really do admire you ladies who are managing to live your lives despite chemo. I feel like a wimp! -
Steiner - I'll check on the Vitamin D dose when I get home and let you know. I'm really clueless on dosages.
MTJulie - don't feel like a wimp!! Each cycle and each day is different for each one of us. At the moment I'm enjoying the pretty normal way I feel but I'm sure my share of feeling cruddy will also come. Baby yourself when you need to!
Yesterday I went for a hike with my husband while he ran. Thirty seconds into it I decided to run and did so, at a very slow pace, for two miles. I felt so invigorated I took a picture of myself sporting my new pixie and texted it to some of my rocks (my supporters). It was very empowering running in the crisp December weather ten days post chemo! Spent the afternoon rearranging the living room (after seven years!) and setting up the tree. I actually cleaned out the buffet of my girls' arts and craft items and replaced it with MY stuff! Wow. I think now that they are both in college the boxes of glue sticks and stickers are no longer necessary. DD1 is a fine arts major so she has moved on to higher quality art supplies.
Have a great Monday ladies and know we are another day closer to putting this journey behind us and moving full steam ahead into health!
-
Bren & Runnergirl, yes while I do have a lot going on, BC was never planned to be on my already full plate! But thankfully school is done for the semester and I can take some much needed rest. Because it was getting hard to carry on with all of that stuff simultaneously! I lightened my load for next semester knowing that I don't want to overdo it.
For those who asked about avoiding crowds...I probably would get scolded by my MO but I've been doing everything pretty much as normal. I went out for dinner with my family Friday, to Costco on Saturday, church this weekend. I am being extra vigilant about handwashing and what I touch. And making sure not to eat or touch my face/mouth/nose/eyes without having first washed my hands. Speaking of hands, they are getting DRY from all the handwashing! I've got some good hand cream though so I just need to start using it more.
MTJulie, don't feel like a wimp! That was me 10 days ago, and will be me again after my next treatment Dec 26. I'm learning that we'll have ups and downs as we go through this. But I am grateful for the ups, and will celebrate and live as much as possible when in those "ups" and feeling good! Then when I hit the "downs" of my chemo treatment I'll let my body be the judge and just rest as much as possible. Hope you start feeling better soon, and can get some rest without having to get up all night to use the bathroom ((hugs))
-
BTW everyone, I'm Day 14 from my 1st treatment and noticed this morning while doing my newly cropped hairdo that LOTS of it was falling out all over the bathroom counter, floor and my hands. I think a buzz cut will be needed before this week is over.
-
Wow Steiner - that 14 days hair loss think seems to be dead one. That means Thursday for me. Today I am in my wig at work and so far I have had about 7 compliments on my "hair cut". Honestly I think folks have forgotten about my BC which I have not been too vocal about. Works for me!
-
Yikes...it is day 14 tomorrow for me.....I am nervous!
another hurdle to overcome! -
Thank u for your input. I am going out to take a walk. Then when I come home, I will do the mouth rinse. How wonderful to have such support. We are strong and winners. Fight!
-
Have any of you had a beer or a glass of wine since starting chemo? I'm pretty sure my onc nurse said to not drink but I can't remember if that was throughout the entire treatment of just the first few days after each infusion. I had no desire the first week because I was hydrating myself like crazy and then my taste buds were screwy but I'd really like to think I have have a glass during my Xmas Eve dinner. I'm not currently taking any meds. I will ask the Physicians Assistant who I meet with on Thursday but really I'm hoping if I ask enough folks I'll find the answer I want.
-
friendgwen -- i have tried both wine and beer after chemo...both tasted horrible...but i found i could drink one of either vodka and tonic or a caesar (vodka/clamato)..i didnt bother asking doc if i could and printout that the nurses gave me said alcohol wouldnt effect it...but i waited 8 days before i did have one... and the only thing i noticed is that you get a little tipsy faster because you havent had a drink in a long time......
-
Just left my chemo class...with a headache. I can't get a grip since they changed my dx to triple negative...so hopeless. I hope the chemo kicks some serious ass, I am so worried - I think going back to work will help. I have too much time to think about death and every ache and pain. I went from being a power player to a total crying wuss. DAMN IT.
-
Jenjeni~You can do this! Just refer to your own motto...TAKE THE GOOD WITH THE BAD, I WILL SURVIVE!!!
On the plus side, they caught it early. The fact that no nodes are involved is very promising. Look this Beast in the eye! Don't blink! Then KICK CANCER ASS!!!
I will be praying for you. Go ahead and cry all you need to, then put your Fighting Boots on Honey.
Blessings
Paula -
Yeah finally good news my tumour is smaller went for 5x5 to 3.5x3.5 in ten days yeah............... next chemo Jan 4 will be trying different anti nausea meds. Happy dance and happy holidays too all.
-
Yeah finally good news my tumour is smaller went for 5x5 to 3.5x3.5 in ten days yeah............... next chemo Jan 4 will be trying different anti nausea meds. Happy dance and happy holidays too all.
-
Steiner- I do admire you for keeping up with all you do. I used to be like that when I was your age and younger! Now I am getting pretty good at taking it easy (lazy?). On the handwashing subject, I stocked up on hand sanitizer from Bath & Body Works. They have these mini bottles with holders that you can hook onto your purse or wherever, and I have a couple stashed around the house. So, when my hands are not visibly dirty, sometimes I use the sanitizer instead of soap and water. Not sure if this is as good as soap and water, but it seems to be working for me so far.
Hugs and positive vibes to all of you who are feeling down. Kind of silly, I guess, but I am a little envious of those of you who can cry. I really haven't had a good cry since dx. I think I cried all my tears out earlier in my life!
My "hair drop" date is quickly approaching, too. Probably by next weekend will be buzzed and wearing scarves, hats or wigs. I have a couple of really short wigs already, and splurged this morning and ordered a long onel I figured why not have a go at the shampoo commercial look one time in my life!
Love and warm hugs to all of you.
-
volleymom - Yay!!
-
Pands - Thanks! Yours was the answer I was looking for!
jenjenl - Take a deep breath, know you are doing everything right with getting the best treatment there is and assume you will be absolutely fine. Then try and stop what iffing and thinking about it beyond what you need to do for treatment right now. Working will help you focus on other things which is a big help. You got this!
Volleymom77 - that is incredible news. Wow. It's really amazing to realize how powerful these chemo drugs are and that they are doing exactly what they are supposed to. I like to think my surgery took all the cancer out of my body and now the chemo is like this mid-life oil change that only us lucky ladies get to have to assure us we have the most kicking genes to keep us going another fifty years!
-
If the 14 day estimate is on, I am due to lose mine on Christmas day. Joy! I haven't had a chance to look for a wig, yet. Maybe this week, but my life is way too complicated. My mother is having hip replacement surgery today. I really wanted to be ther for her but I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will feel up to the three hour drive to her house when she comes home on Wednesday or Thursday. I have a list of things I need to get done before I go, but I am not getting them crossed off very fast. One day at a time, right? And if I can't go, other people will just have to step up and be the caregiver.
-
Banksky - Hope everything went well for you today. Let us know. BC just makes us all emotional, youare not alone in your tears!
Gwen - I did try a glass of my favorite wine with my MO's blessing. It tasted terrible! MO said that the occsaional glass is not harmful, especially towards the end of he 3 week cycle. But I am not sure it is worth it since it tasted so bad.
JenJen - you can still be a power player! I reitterate everyone else's comments. You can do this! You can be strong!
Paula - loved your encouraging words!
Dwihtd - I do try to walk on most days, it seems to help. I did the rinse proactively but still got one giant mouth sore. Thankfully a scrip for Magic Mouthwash helped to clear it up.
MTJulie - You are not wimp! We all have those days when we are not our best, but then we have days that we are stronger and more normal. Hang in there!
Steiner - Between the handwashing an the antibacterial gel, my hands are dry, dry, dry. I have to make sure I put super moisturizer on them at least twice a day.
Volleymom - YAY for the shrinking tumor!!!
-
i am getting different chemo and had first dose 18 days ago . I have had beer and wine . My MO said 24-48 hours before and after should avoid but if feel ok then its ok to have occasional drink. I also have been doing everything I normally would be doing . I work as a school nurse and have only missed work the morning of first treatment . Pretty sure not many places more germy than my offices. MO said as long as counts stay good ok to work . I am even giving live flu vaccines to kids and staff. I had constant nausea for 2 weeks but have found if drink huge amounts of water that helps . Also if you drink alcohol would suggest 2 glasses of water for every alcoholic drink. Sadly thats literally a buzz- kill. Hope thats the answer you were looking for.
-
Ok I am so bummed - I can't drink alcohol right now......i just like my occassional glass of red wine and I can't do it. My blood counts were awesome after the neulasta shot BUT my liver counts were a bit high most likely due to the Tylenol I took. My MO wasn't concerned about them yet and I am getting more blood work done tomorrow to keep an eye on it. But I couldn't have any wine in the meantime. Have a glass for me ladies!
Did anyone ask their MOs if the probiotic would help to prevent mouth sores or thrush? Do the MOs recommend anything else besides the baking soda/salt rinse to prevent the mouth sores?
-
Runnergirl, the only thing I heard suggested for the mouth sores was the rinse and also to brush after every meal. I would love to have a glass of wine for you, but will stick with water since even my favorite wine tastes so bad. Everything else is back to tasting pretty normal though.
-
all drugged up and on my steroids, clariton, depression meds, xanax. I have had quite the back and pelvis aches (for a while now...maybe 1.5 weeks) and headache (not eating enough) I am drinking lot's of water. List made for tomorrow, bag packed, list of questions for the MO...after my dx I had a CT scan which was clear (but I understand it identifies larger/pronounced area's of concern) now that my dx switched to TN I want a baseline PET scan bc of some of the pains I've been having with my back and pelvis....he's gonna hate me but I would rather baseline and check now vs starting chemo since those are SE.
Making a dinner tonight since I know I will LOVE it. No bath for the kids tonight...yay! Tomorrow - drop kids off, go to church, then off to treatment. Calling it treatment is a huge step for me before I called it poison.
Recieved nice flowers today and a box from my boss. She has sent me a box of goodies every 2 weeks for the last few months.
I feel a little more peaceful today, i guess I just know IT'S TIME TO DO THIS SHIT! Tomorrows game time is 9:15!
-
jenjenl.... the week that I was waiting for my oncotype test to come back, I had already decided to do chemo no matter what my score was.... I did nothing but think about my cancer and death... and I felt like I cried every five minutes... the minute we scheduled the chemo, I really felt better, like I had some control... And then I order my wigs... I'm not going to lie, I'm still scared, but as soon as I got this process started, I felt better. I did my first treatment on December 6th. and my next treatment is December 27th. you can do this!!! It will be hard, but you can do it!!! And we are all here for you!!!! I don't cry as often any more, but hell yeah, I still cry...
By the way, I took my blond wig, out for test run today, as my hair is starting to fall out when I comb it a little... it was a little weird, but it was okay... my husband said it is sexy... he is such a nerd... and I love him for that..... -
Hi judaday - looks like I will starring my first TC treatment on the same day as your 2nd . I am trying to stay positive but am scared at the same time - just don't know how my body is going to handle this - I feel so good now .... So hard to think about making myself feel so bad .
I will be in touch with u on the 27th !
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