Sept 2012 chemo

Options
1…108109111113114…165

Comments

  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited January 2013

    Fight, been following and praying for the best. We are here to support you regardless.



    Damiana/Hope, I wondered if I was the only one who thought she looked like a conehead..lol.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hopex3
    Hopex3 Member Posts: 397
    edited January 2013

    Any of you after treatment become anemic and feel really weird? My RBC counts really dropped after my last treatment. It is 2.88. My onc knows about it but didn't say anything other than, you are anemic.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cherioo
    Cherioo Member Posts: 305
    edited January 2013

    Cublet welcome honey. We are all here for you .

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marianelizabeth
    marianelizabeth Member Posts: 1,735
    edited January 2013

    Hope, what is your hemoglobin as that is key for anemia. Seems that below 80, transfusions if we are on chemo.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Faith-Focus-Finish
    Faith-Focus-Finish Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2013

    Hope - I don't think it is uncommon.  I had so many pains (all over) while receiving Taxol.  Sharp pains would come and go.  My MO also said it was a side effect of Taxol.  If your MO also said it was from the Taxol, why was he/she going to send you for an MRI?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited January 2013

    Hopex3- If you are anemic, you may get light headed and notice that more when you get up from lying down or bend over to pick something up from the floor/ground.  You can eat red meat, liver, dark green veggies ( spinach is the best/ romaine lettuce)  and iron fortified breads, grains and cereals (Cream of Wheat/ Total) to help boost your red blood cells.  You can go to the livestrong.com website and put in a search for "Foods to Increase Red Blood Cells".  You can also ask your onco if you can or should take an iron supplement such as Slow Fe.  I watched my Red Blood Counts continue to drop during my 6 rounds of chemo.  I asked my onco about iron supplements but she said she wanted to change my diet to get more iron in through foods.  The change in diet did help it from dropping further.  It did improve but stayed in the upper part of the low range.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hopex3
    Hopex3 Member Posts: 397
    edited January 2013

    Thanks for all your tips...my hemoglobin is 9.2 so I guess I'm ok there. My DH just fed me a big fat steak and spinach salad with fruit. I'm going to buy the cream of wheat tomorrow.



    Faith...I guess my onc likes to order MRI's after her patients are done with chemo to see what changes have taken place. But my surgeon trumped that and said No. My BS said she doesn't trust the results and why have the extra radiation. So, I'm not having any tests before surgery except bloodwork. How long did your pains last? My last Taxol was a week ago.



    Sure appreciate all your advice and feedback! Thanks :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Faith-Focus-Finish
    Faith-Focus-Finish Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2013

    Hope - I am almost 3 weeks PFC (Taxol was last drug I had) and still have pains that come and go (in back, shoulders, legs).  Also, I noticed a new pain yesterday.  My left wrist is hurting me a lot and I don't know why.  I am going to keep an eye on it and call MO if it doesn't subside soon.  I was wondering too, about the extra radiation.  Why put ourselves through more stuff if we don't have to.  Right?

    I also have been using Tom's deodorant for several years now.  Haven't tried other products yet.  Maybe I'll check out the cream and toothpaste.  Thanks.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mariposa123
    Mariposa123 Member Posts: 267
    edited January 2013

    Hi All!

       Hope:  my MO says he tries really hard not to do any transfusions- and was talking about giving me some kind of shot if my numbers got any lower (I was at 2.85 - but my hemoglobin was also okay  9.6)  I think it definitely adds to feeling tired and unmotivated.  When I had my short little chemo break, the numbers went up a bit which was nice.  Even a little rise in the numbers seemed to mean way more energy.

       For arm deodorant - I use Trader Joes brand:-)  It is natural as well and works better for me than Toms.  (and it is cheap - if you have a Trader Joes near you)

    Jojo:  Been thinking about you!  I know you have surgery pretty soon.  Let us know how you are doing.   I can imagine you are in prep mode.

    As for potty training- we had a great day today!!!  Thanks everyone for all of your support and help.  Backwards on the potty was super key:-)  We had prizes and tried to just stay very positive no matter what, and he hasn't had an accident all day (knock on wood).  He has told us every time he has wanted to go without us taking him and forcing him to sit on the potty.  So that feels nice.  I just wanted this to happen before surgery.  So, I am feeling pretty good tonight.

    I started a small diet -but then I got a package from my mother full of homemade cookies today.  I was doing so well too!!! Oh well.  There is always next week.

     



    // <![CDATA[
    var __chd__ = {'aid':11079,'chaid':'www_objectify_ca'};(function() { var c = document.createElement('script'); c.type = 'text/javascript'; c.async = true;c.src = ( 'https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://z': 'http://p') + '.chango.com/static/c.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(c, s);})();
    // ]]>
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited January 2013

    Mariposa, what a great idea backwards on the potty, I can see how he would think that is an adventure. Glad you both had a great day!



    I have decided to get serious tomorrow with losing those pesky 14 lbs...I hid all the chocolate on the top shelf of the pantry....bad thing is I know where it is, but I will only nibble in moderation..and try hard to stick to my plan. It really is hard to get motivated when you look in the mirror and just do not feel like you....



    JoJo good luck with your surgery, you will do great. Do you have to have a SNB at the same time or was that already done at the beginning of your treatment plan?



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EnglishRose75
    EnglishRose75 Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2013

    Hello everyone,

    I haven't posted in a while but have been checking in regularly.  Huge congrats to everyone who has finished or who is about to finish chemo. Fight4two--keeping my fingers crossed for you.

    I started rads last week.  Two down, eighteen to go...No SEs so far, apart from a slight feeling of tightness in my breast and underarm in the mornings, although that may just be in my head...  I've been slapping on the aqueous cream morning and night too to hopefully avoid any major skin problems.

    Faith, I know what you mean about worrying about every ache and pain.  I've been experiencing some weird pains in my back and chest, non-cancer side, but I'm not sure whether it's psychosematic or real.  I've also developed a bit of numbness in two of my fingers on that side, which is weird since I didn't have any neuropathy when I was on the Taxotere, but doing a bit of reading about it, there are some people who seem to develop some of the side effects after they finish treatment.  In any case, I'm trying to live by the "two week rule".  My DH wants me to go and get every ache or pain checked immediately, but as I said to him, if I do that, I may as well just take up residence at the doctor's office! 

    Does anyone else here have any opinions about aspirin and breast cancer recurrence?  I've read alot of articles that suggest taking low doses of aspirin daily can prevent recurrence, although it hasn't been clinically proven yet.  Is anyone else planning to take it or have you asked your MOs what they think?  Mine said that it's not proven, so he can't officially recommend it, but he's not going to tell me not to (a covering his butt legally answer, I think.)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EnglishRose75
    EnglishRose75 Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2013

    PS, Bearcub, I was told not to lose weight before the end of rads since all the calculations are based on my current dimensions.  I don't think a few pounds here and there makes a difference, but it could give you an excuse to continue with those treats for the next few weeks :)  Like you, I am planning to seriously take myself in hand as soon as the rads are done. Can't wait.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Faith-Focus-Finish
    Faith-Focus-Finish Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2013

    Good Morning All,

    I had a strange dream last night....I went back to work (which I really am thinking about doing tomorrow).  I was feeling confident, had some energy.  Everyone was super nice, said 'hello', 'welcome back', etc. but I did notice that many had a strange look on their face.  They also seemed like they were whispering too.  This went on for most of the morning.  I saw my boss at lunch and she too welcomed me back.  I recognized that same 'look' on her face and wondered even more 'what was up.'  A short while later, I went into the restroom to find that I wasn't wearing anything on my head.  I had forgotten to get that part of me ready before I left the house for work.  I was mortified.   I returned to my office, retrieved my purse and barely ran to my car (to leave).  I guess I am having anxiety about returning to work! : )

    Hugs  :)))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Faith-Focus-Finish
    Faith-Focus-Finish Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2013

    Mariposa-Yeah on the potty training!!  I don't have kids but remember what my siblings went through with theirs.  I also remember the boys loving superhero underwear.  It was such a motivator for them.

    Bearcub-Originally, I lost 30 lbs when this whole ordeal started.  After receiving the Taxol, 15 lbs seemed to make its way back somehow.  I too need to keep up on the exercise.  Slowly but surely...

    EnglishRose-I am going to ask about the low dose aspirin the next time I see my MO.  Adding it to the list of questions I have for her.  I'm loving my lists!  My MO also told me some SE can show AFTER treatment.  I had some delayed SE's when I was in treatment, so I am anticipating them to continue to pop up. Two down!  You are on your way!

    Hugs :)))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited January 2013

    Faith, I had a similar dream before I returned. The worst things that happened to me were a strong gust of wind almost took my wig off one day and forcing myself to climb the steps I would arrive gasping for breath. Other than that everyone was so nice and caring.



    Yes, tomorrow is surgery. I am having the SNB at the same time as lumpectomy. I knew I had node involvement from the start as I requested a PET scan which showed a bright glowing mass under my arm in addition to my tumor. Both had high SUV so confirmed the very aggressive nature of my cancer early. MRI later showed at least 3 nodes clumped together. They have since shrunk so hoping the SNB shows good results.



    I am traveling this afternoon to spend the evening near the hospital (2hr drive). Will be relaxing with my daughter and DH and enjoying a nice early dinner.



    Updates soon! Have a great Sunday.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Amy4978
    Amy4978 Member Posts: 473
    edited January 2013

    Thinking of you jojo and Saying a prayer all goes smooth! Your on your way to being fully freed....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • damiana9
    damiana9 Member Posts: 389
    edited January 2013

    Jojo- good luck tomorrow.  I will be thinking of you.  I hope you have a super quick recovery!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cgesq
    cgesq Member Posts: 319
    edited January 2013

    JoJo,

    Good luck tomorrow!  Will be thinking of you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hopex3
    Hopex3 Member Posts: 397
    edited January 2013

    JoJo...good luck tomorrow! I will be praying for you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • butterfly14
    butterfly14 Member Posts: 253
    edited January 2013

    JoJo - Good Luck tomorrow, praying for great results!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited January 2013

    Good luck JoJo I also will be praying for a speedy recovery and good path results. ..Enjoy the evening pre surgery with your family, and yes you are almost done!!!..

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited January 2013

    English Rose I asked the RO about that and he said it wouldn't really matter I can only assume he figured with 3 weeks of rads I wasn't losing much weight. So I think what I will do is eat better, continue to exercise and get hard core for a few months after the 24 th. of January. I had rads Thursday and Friday and did notice a bit of a pink look to my breast by Sunday..I have been using lots of glaxol, so I am a bit surprised to see pinkish skin already....yikes....I have been a fair redhead, hope my skin can handle this.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mariposa123
    Mariposa123 Member Posts: 267
    edited January 2013

    Jojo:  I will also be thinking of you tomorrow and sending lots of healing energy your way!!!  Praying for a super easy surgery and speedy recovery:-) 

    I have also read the studies about aspirin and was planning on taking it as well.  I did't even think to ask my MO because I am afraid he would say no if I am in the study for the diabeties drug (chemo brain- can't remember the name right now)

    Okay - I am off to make pancakes!  (up very late today)

     



    // <![CDATA[
    var __chd__ = {'aid':11079,'chaid':'www_objectify_ca'};(function() { var c = document.createElement('script'); c.type = 'text/javascript'; c.async = true;c.src = ( 'https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://z': 'http://p') + '.chango.com/static/c.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(c, s);})();
    // ]]>
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited January 2013

    My Jo .... I will be praying for you we are almost done .... Enjoy your day..,,

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Amy4978
    Amy4978 Member Posts: 473
    edited January 2013

    Seriously dragging ass today!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Neta69
    Neta69 Member Posts: 203
    edited January 2013

    Jojo, best of luck with surgery tomorrow! Praying for a successful procedure and quick healing for you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Neta69
    Neta69 Member Posts: 203
    edited January 2013

    Bearcub and English, try to save your skin (esp the underarm area) from irritation by going braless when you can, wearing loose clothing and cotton for air circulation, and tucking a small pillow under your arm to let air get to the area when possible. Treat the skin gently and avoid hot water, scrubbing and rubbing when washing. Also, drink lots of water to stay hydrated. I am really fairskinned but I did ok until the very end of rads and healed quickly after. My breast now looks like it did before rads and I had 28 sessions.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EnglishRose75
    EnglishRose75 Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2013

    Thanks, Neta.  That's really good advice.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marianelizabeth
    marianelizabeth Member Posts: 1,735
    edited January 2013

    Jojo, I too will be thinking of you tomorrow. I remember my lumpectomy and SNB well from September and I suspect you will do well. I read what you wrote about the PET scan so I know you will be looking forward also to dealing with those "lit up" areas. 

    SmileMarian

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Faith-Focus-Finish
    Faith-Focus-Finish Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2013

    Jojo-Sending positive thoughts hugs and prayers your way for tomorrow.  Today, just put everything aside and enjoy the time with your family.  Best wishes for a speedy recovery from surgery.

    Hugs : )))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories