2013 Sister Warriors

Renee~Either take a generic stool softener with you or ask them when you're admitted to prescribe it for you. The anesthesia & pain meds cause constipation.



Chemo attacks fast growing cells, that's why it goes after cancer first, then our hair, nails, digestive tract, etc. you can avoid the mouth sores from chemo very easily. Make a mixture of 1 qt. of water, 1TBS baking soda, and 1 TBS of table salt. Rinse your mouth several times a day starting on day of chemo and use it for about a week. Of course, if you like, you can use it all the time.



To prevent thrush, (which is a yeast infection cause by chemo killing off the good bacteria), take an acidophilus everyday starting day of chemo. I also try to eat a yogurt everyday. Again, you can do these things for a week after treatment or do it always. It's very healthy for you.



Momtotenkids~I had a bone scan 2 weeks before chemo started. I remember the anxiety. It's a really easy test. The hardest part as usual is waiting for the results.

I'll remember to pray for an excellent report.



Blessings

Paula

Paula, I really appreciate your presence on these discussion boards and sage advice from one who has been there, done that! It is so reassuring and loads of help to us newbies!

lemon68 and pacools- I understand completely those mixed emotions about chemo. Because my decision to do the chemo was based on my Oncotype score of 28 and not because I had positive nodes, I have/had all those mixed emotions as well. So many big decisions to be made on the BC journey and over such a long period of time. I guess we just have to do it one step at a time.

Lots going on for sure with the warriors.  I wish everyone well!  My news is Chemo day went well.  took forever since the first round they do very slowly to check for any reactions.  I passed with flying colors.  I had good training from the nurse and she gave me lists of things to get to help ease symptoms.  I've got dry mouth as my side effect so I am rinsing with Biotene.  You can get it at Target and I have a little flushed face thing going on.  The senocot works great and not constipated (now I feel like its TMI! ). The only time I felt a little nausea was when I woke up this morning on an empty stomach.  I've turned into a nibbler so no nausea the rest of the day.  And yes I can tell the taste buds are starting to go. 

DH is making Greek chicken and lemon soup for dinner.  Had the neulasta shot this afternoon,  they recommend I start on claritin for 5 days along with your pain med of choice (advil, tylenol, etc) as that helps with the bone pain which is the most common side effect. 

Soteria, thats a good tip about the yogurt.  I use it in fruit smoothies now, so thats good thinking to help prevent thrush.  Neither the surgeon or MO rushed to call me with PET results that came in yesterday, so I am happily assuming the stupid cancer didn't take up residence elsewhere since they didn't adjust any of the original chemo orders.  I meet with the MO next week so he can check me at the 10 day mark after first chemo.  Will see how I'm feeling and if up to it will check in this weekend.  Have a good weekend everyone! 

Just wanted to say "hi" I've been on bco awhile,I was diagnosed jan.9th, but have been mostly on the triple positive thread. Having my pre op MRI Tuesday, and hopefully surgery soon! The waiting is just as hard as being diagnosed

barberchic & Cuetang~The waiting is the hardest part. My DH changed jobs so we lost our major medical 3 days after I was diagnosed at the end of July. I didn't have surgery until Oct. 22, and didn't start chemo until Dec. 7. In between there were all kinds of scans, then waiting for results for those.



Surgery was the easiest part of all I've been through so far. I finished final AC 2 weeks ago. Starting taxol next Friday.



My heart goes out to you both. You will get through this, and be stronger because of it.



Renee~I'll be thinking of you and praying on Monday. Please check in with us as soon as you can.



Blessings

Paula

Thanks ladies

I'm just praying that I'll feel like things are going somewhere after MRI. The nurse said it would, we'll see! Everyone have a blessed day!

Angie

ReneeinOH - Good luck and praying for you!

TMM60 - 72% dark chocolate barely tastes like nestle toll house milk chocolate chips.  They are not kidding that everything is tasting flat!

Barberchic - definitely the waiting is the hardest. Once it gets moving its better.

Lots of naps today...

TMM60

Sorry to hear about your neuropathy. Check with your MO but I was told to take b6 all during my taxol treatments with are in the same family as taxotere. I had 12 weekly treatments and did not start feeling any tingling til about the 6th treatment and it was very minor which never stayed that long. My MO said that was key. As long as it went away it was good and would not be permanent. So make sure you stay on top of it and do ask your MO about it :-)

Melissa

reneeinOH- thinking of you today.

Kimberly- I wish I could reach out across the internet and give you a huge hug. I'm so sorry that you are tired and in pain. I hope your heart test is OK. It's not fair that you are having such a hard time. Love and hugs being sent your way!

TMM60 - thats good to know. I've been drinking the Kirkland chocolate protein shakes (20g), but hey, oatmeal tastes like oatmeal..yippee!  My MO put me on b-complex, like Melissa, especially B-6 and B-12 preventatively for the neuropathy.  So far all the pills to prevent this or treat that and I feel like a chemistry set!   DH is making burritos  tonight.  Hoping I can taste some spice.  He had a challenging grocery run today too.  Must be Monday.

Kimberly - I want to reach out too and give you a huge hug as well.  I am also so sorry you have the added heart issue to get through, too.  You will make it!

ReneeinOH - I hope you are done and out of surgery.  hugs to you as well as you start the next phase in the cure!

Welcome TNmother, your in the right place for brave women!

Renee- CLEAN NODES.. yahooooo..... will say a prayer tonight for a restful sleep for you and your family. xoxoxoxo

tnmother- welcome, we are glad you found us!

reneeinOH- clean nodes- YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!! Rest well, warrior sister.