January 2013 chemo group

It amazes me that all day today I just wanted to see what all the girls were doing today and how everyone was feeling. Thank you for becoming my new family. Still doing good, was a little tired today but I didn't sleep great. Damn steroids. Glad that's done for a couple weeks.



Question? After Herceptin does anyone elses neck feel tender? The nurse mentioned I may have achy flu like symptoms but thought I would ask. My back was sore after the port placememt and I had everythingthe same day so it could be just getting back to normal. Its not bad, just tender.



We got out and about for awhile today. Figured I better do it this week since my counts will probably crash next week. Still hoping for the best though.



Have a great night my sisters!

Well after all those good plans to make that Kale recipee - now I am too tired after shopping ( Guess will make Sunday or Monday ) . Good thing I picked up a dinner to go at Whole Foods.  Love that market but wow things are a little pricey !

Picked up some nice cleanser and moisterizer with all natural ingredients though - and deodorent to.  I really worry about all the chemicals we put on our skin .

Welcome to the new ladies and bless you all an your families  - this group is so full of good advise and help ! 

Hey everyone, should I be able to start chemo Monday afternoon as long as my fever is gone and I have enough fluids in me? I have a stomach bug. I am keeping water down pretty good so far.

Thanks LeeA. Maybe if I am feeling fine I shouldn't even mention it. My mom just drove 3.5 hours to be with me for my first treatment. Is gatorade good too u think? I have some G2 here.

I am starting TC chemo, 4 rounds, on January 31st.  I am nervous, but I have been reading a lot on these message boards.  It has been so helpful.  I thought I was going to avoid chemo, but grade 3 on the pathology report put it back on the table.  I am 43 and teach kindergarten.  I am planning to work through this, so I know keeping things clean in my classroom will be important.  I am very happy to have found this group.

Welcome teacher Julie - we will help you through the chemo jungle ....



I am doing the same chemo as u so thought I would let u know that I do work from both home and go to the office occasionally . Days 3 - 9 are the worst for me and 7-9 is when u might be very susceptible to the little guys bugs in the classroom . I would suggest trying to time your chemo so that u can take one week or a partial week off followed by 2 weeks on . Not sure what state u live in but you should be covered by short term disability for the days u don't work and the school district can certainly get a sub for u !! Everyone is different in how they handle it so I would see how you feel after session 1 and then plan accordingly .

Don't be nervous it is "doable" and u are giving yourself the extra protection for the future

Colleen, I am with Bryona, full disclosure is best. There is just so much to all the meds/chemo more than we can know unless we are a doctor too. Trust you MO to do what is best for you. Better safe than sorry. The best is to hydrate your body. I recommend a gallon a day if no heart or kidney problems. Gatorade is great (notice I am from Gainesville Florida home of the UF Gators LOL). Pedialyte, water, broth, jello, etc. Popsicles are my favorite esp. Edys fruit ones.

Generally if no fever, well hydrated, and no nausea/vomiting you will probably be good to go. At least your mom will be with you no matter which way the decision rolls. My DH buzzed my hair the other night and I so wanted my mother (passed 2001), I have cowlicks everywhere and I remember she wrote in my Baby Book when I was 6 months old "I can't do a thing with her hair due to the cowlicks".

Hang tough, Sheryl

CancerNoWay, I joined this group because, like you, I kept checking on everyone's progress and decided that I wanted to be a part of such a loving, caring group.

KiwiKid and teacherjuli,  Like you, I am a teacher and still working.  However, as a college professor, I have the privilege of telling my students to stay away if they are sick.  I can use technology to catch them up on their work.  On the first day of class, we discussed my cancer treatment and plans for covering class if I got too ill.  My wonderful colleagues, who are willing to step in at moment's notice, came to the first day of class with me.  I am hopeful that I will be able to teach the whole semester.  

Colleen, I agree with the others.  Please discuss your flu before proceeding with your chemo.  Don't take any chances.

Have a blessed day everyone.  My husband and I love movies and are going to see "Silver Linings Playbook" later. We decided to have some fun while I'm still feeling good. 

Good Morning Ladies! I too think all day long about how all of you are doing. Wondering what kind of new catch phrase we've come up with, now pics and just our daily grind. I am so glad to have found all of you. You truly have made this journey emotionally and physically doable. ((Cyber High Five))

Day 3...TX#2... and I had the mother of all steroid highs yesterday. I was up at 7 and cleaned the house, took my niece to donate her hair, shopped for her flowers. I am doing her flowers (silk) for her. I did my own flowers and the were so pretty that she asked if I would do hers !! I thought Hell Yeah, with this steroid high I could have a bridal party of 12 with parents grandparents and ushers done in like a hour. lol. She is a great girl, I will cry like a baby when she is married.

So other than the high, nothing to report. Taking my meds when I am supposed to and just feel a bit tired sometimes. I wish all of you to have minimal SEs. I am so afraid of being sick.

3littleangels- Yes TX#2 My hair is gone. I started to pull some out at day14 and we buzzed it on day 16. I had very long hair and cut it short twice before I buzzed. Now (everyone is still laughing about this) I take the pet hair lint sticky roller to my head once a day to get the stubble off. It really works great.

Jubby- It gets better. I am not on the same TX as you but I do see others post that it gets better. Hang in there. It's tough not to give your all to your babies. Mine is 10 and I hate that I cant keep up with him right now.

Lauren- Good to get that port checked. Hopefully its some antibiotics and home quickly for you. Emergency rooms are not a place to be during all this.

SherylB- Great lyrics. Well stated.

Colleen- def tell them that you had a bug. I dont think that will stop chemo tomorrow. If you are feeling better, they should see that and you can belly up! I will say am extra prayer tonight for you to have a good day tomorrow.

To all you wonderful strong beautiful women.... Thank god for all of you. We are a small village of warriors. I am blessed to have all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I so speak of you often to my friends. I wish all of you wonderful memories and long lives!!

Beautiful Sunday here in upstate NY. Its going to be 27 degrees. I am going for a walk today...

Colleen - For my first chemo I had have a cold, the nurses checked up my temperature, it was ok, and they procced with the chemo.

Sheryl,

To me kale tastes like brussel sprouts, slightly bitter. To make it in a salad, make sure you massage the leaves after you tear it into bite size. This will break down the fiber so it won't be so tough.  Read it in a recipe once.

Also bake kale with some olive oil and sea salt until wilted taste good too.

These are all before chemo, don't know how it will taste during chemo though!

Thanks everyone for the advice. I will let my MO know about the bug. Hopefully it doesn't delay me being able to get my first dose of the red devil tomorrow. Skigirl, I can't believe you think 27degrees is warm enough to go walking in . Burr. It's been raining here last couple of days but generally we hit the 60's for the high. Sometimes even 70's. We had one week where the low was in the 20's and I froze my ass off! I should make a commune out of my house here and you can all move to AZ while we go thru treatments. That would be a hoot! Skimommi, I hope you get some energy back soon. Does anyone know if it would be okay to take immodium AD before my chemo? Don't want to be worried that I may have an accident while sitting there after this stupid bug.

Happy Sunday, friends!

Sheryl, thanks for the lyrics...we should make this our team song as for me, I feel this is truly a home I can come to that will uplift me and make me feel safe.  I, too wonder about all of you during the day and often tell my DH I have to go check in with my friends.  While I would certainly give back my diagnosis if I could the experience has not been all bad and I have learned to treasure the many blessings it has brought to my life of which I count you all among.   Have a beautiful day!

Skimommi I am sore too! My neck and shoulders and upper torso hurts to be touched. It was the same with round 1. I'm on day 8 now and it started about day 5 and is now improving somewhat. It feels like it could be muscular but I just think it's how my body processes toxins. I hope that gives you some comfort.