Starting chemo November 2012

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited March 2013

    FACT: We all have/had breast cancer

    QUESTION: Did anyone here change anything about their lifestyle or diet?

    Seems to me sooooo many things have soy products in them Hellmann's Mayo', Bumble Bee tuna, all kinds of things and now I even notice it's in one of the Wen hair products - what the heck = estrogen + means no soy!!!  But in other issues, has anyone started doing anything different like switch to organic or vegetarian or begin an exercise program, etc. and

    the big question is After Surgery, Chemo and Radiation do we still have cancer or not?????Undecided

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2013

    Tricia, I don't have the energy to try anything new right now, at least in the area of exercise. I've been fighting dead skunk tastebuds too much to think about eating healthy, but when I finish chemo, or get my energy back, whichever comes first, I plan to get on my gazelle and try to cut back on carbs and eat more fruits and vegetables.



    In answer to your 2nd question, this is how I choose to look at it...........................

    The surgeon cut the cancer out. Now we're using WMD (weapons of mass distruction) to kill any insurgent cells that might be lurking.



    So, I say.......NO CANCER!!!!



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited March 2013

    I decided to change my avatar since I cut off the few remaining hairs that made me look like that baby in my last avatar. This is a recent picture of me with a short wig and my favorite hat...So now you know the real me, soon I will have real hair...Do any of you wear a scarf? I have a few but don't know how to wear them - need some instruction or pics....

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2013

    Tricia~You look adorable!



    I hate my wig. It's cute short layered bob in my natural auburn color, but it just seems like too much hair to me. I've worn it to church once. I usually wear hats, scarves, or t-shirt wraps.



    I have my 2nd taxol today. I hope it's as easy as the last one. I just desperately need some energy, before my house starts to look like an episode of Hoarders.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • Eleni
    Eleni Member Posts: 130
    edited March 2013

    5luvbugs, you look great. To answer your questions:

    - the tumor is gone, so you HAD cancer. (That's how I was feeling the previous time, at least. Now, I'm afraid and say that I have BC. I just have to learn to live with the idea that cancer is part of my life/body).

    - eating habits: I'm trying to drink green tea every day and more broccoli. They say turmeric is helping but I have to find recipes to use it. I plan to do everything possible to lose weight, 8 kilos.

    - wig. I'm gettig sick of it, I hope I'm brave enough to go bald once my hair starts coming back.

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  • Eleni
    Eleni Member Posts: 130
    edited March 2013

    Talking about hair. The previous time I used shampoo and conditioner nioxin to stimulate hair growth. I can't say it really helped, it just gave me the feeling that I was doing someting to that direction.

    This time I'll start using Mediceuticals, it was suggested by my wig hairdresser. I thought to let this week pass and chemo to do its work before I start stimulating the hair cells. Or maybe it doesn't really matter what we're doing.

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited March 2013

    Paula maybe you need a petite wig, that's what mine is, I also have a regular size but can't wear it because it's so big/ 

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  • DZLassie
    DZLassie Member Posts: 10
    edited March 2013

    Hi everyone. I've more or less been a lurker here since my diagnosis in Sept. I have really appreciated all the good advice and thoughts you all have shared over that time. I just wanted to celebrate that I finished my last chemo of taxotere and carboplatin on Wed. and while I feel awful at the moment, I am counting the days until I start to feel better again. I am trusting that the Herceptin only will not be so bad - I so need to get on with my life. So thanks for being a lifeline for me even when you didn't even know I was there!

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited March 2013

    Welcome DZLassie so you've been hiding in the bushes all this time -  As you could guess by my posts, I could never keep my mouth shut that long Kiss  Hope you feel better soon and your next chemo tx is much easier for you...Now don't go back in hiding - talk to us a little...Laughing

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  • michellej1980
    michellej1980 Member Posts: 342
    edited March 2013

    Just popping in to say hi.

    Love your pic, Tricia!

    Final chemo was two weeks ago. it has totally wiped me out. Feel crap. Can't be bothered to go anywhere, getting worried at th thought of going back to work - makes me so miserable.

    started my anastrozole today so hoping that doesn't turn me into a hormonal wreck.

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  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited March 2013

    Cute picture 5Luvbugs!!!

    Michelle - this round #6 has kicked my butt! Are you more tired than the other rounds?  Also have more muscle pain and the neuropathy is worse, too.  At least we can celebrate that we did the full 6 and we're done.

    I met the plastic surgeon.  I think I'm going to have the DIEP flap reconstruction but he wants to do it as a two step procedure.  First the mastectomy and expanders then in three months do the flap surgery.  While most of you are moving on to radiation, I'll be going back to under the knife. 

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited March 2013

    Congrats to you Michelle and you Junebug on finishing chemo...Michelle let me know how you make out on that med because I will be on it in a few weeks - going back to work may be just what you need - not necessarily the work but the people around you....   Junebug - we are all here for you - just post and we'll find you - laugh, cry, bitch & moan -whatever you want, we are here, we are your sisters after all!Kiss 

    Glad you all like the picture - I couldn't stand looking at that babies pathetic hairdo anymore....Cry

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  • marianelizabeth
    marianelizabeth Member Posts: 1,735
    edited March 2013

    txjunebug, just back from the knife yesterday. I have a T/E now and radiation after surgery healing and I do know there is a big % of failure with rads but such is life.

    michelle, how did you feel after the anastrozole? I too took my first one today as scheduled and was immediately nauseated and vomited eventually. Was not sure what it was as I had taken my antibiotic and some plain Tylenol at the same time but then read S/E and first one was possible nausea when first starting on it thus my question to you. I called the pharmacist at the cancer agency and she suggesed taking it tomorrow evening and with a snack.

    Home care nurse came and changed my dressing and incision loooked good and not too much drainage but I feel like crap. In bed most of afternoon and when I went down to try some dinner I was immediately nauseated and back in bed.

    5luvbugs, I love your new avatar!

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited March 2013

    Marian sending wishes for a speedy recovery, keep us posted and let me know how that med is working out because I will be on it in a few weeks - yuk!

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  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited March 2013

    Marian - sending you hugs for a quick recovery!!!   Laughing

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  • Loafer
    Loafer Member Posts: 121
    edited March 2013

    Great to see all you gorgeous ladies!! Love your pics! It makes it more personal to see what you look like.



    Marian sending good vibes for a speedy recovery!



    Junebug - Good luck with your decision. We will cheer you on until the end! I understand its a difficult road when everyone else appears to be moving on...



    Paula and I are also members of a FB secret society ( or that's what we call it) with a group of fabulous and crazy gals. If you need cheering up and no off limit topics, let me know and I'll extend an invite. Most of the gals have several more treatments ahead of them. I think the majority are from the December boards.



    Hugs to everyone!







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  • michellej1980
    michellej1980 Member Posts: 342
    edited March 2013

    Junebug - yes, this one has been worse. It's lucky I have finished because I really don't think I could take another one. 

    Have only taken two doses of anastrozole but no problems so far. It's early days though I guess. Good luck to those starting it soon and hope it's not that that made you vomit Marian.

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  • Sickofpink
    Sickofpink Member Posts: 190
    edited March 2013

    5 luvbugs- cute pic ! To tie a scarf, first use knit cap or head cover pad to add thickness and allow grip

    Instead of slipping. Center scarf with triangle tail in back the swoop

    Ends to one side by war and either knot or use scrunchie to keep ends together then hanging down by ear. Finally, tuck the back triangle in and ---- viola.

    As for missing eyelashes, i'm trying heavier eyeliner - and thicker glasses frames!



    I think it was Soteria or Loafer who asked about healthy eating... I'm not doing it yet either . Chemo lils everything, so why bother intil this intense part is over? Plus i'm avoiding raw, can taste mostly carbs, and am hungry for red meat. When i can taste everything i want to splurge on chocolate and ribs and chips etc for at least a week before getting healthy. so swollen now extra pounds won't make a difference i hope.Have avoided soft drinks, coffee and alcohol though.. But a glass of cabernet is in immediate future once nausea meds are digested.



    Welcome DZ!

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  • Eleni
    Eleni Member Posts: 130
    edited March 2013

    Ahh I'm so happy today.

    For some time now I was feeling ugly and insecure having one breast way smaller than the other. A trip to the shops for some spring clothes ended up in tears and me running back home depressed. But today I went to a shop where I bought a nicely fitted breast prosthesis and I keep on admiring myself in the mirror :-)

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  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited March 2013

    Eleni ---happy for you!!Laughing

    Anyone has suggestions for my upcoming mastectomies?  Anything I should purchase in advance to help around the house.  I know I will need some pins for the drains and lots of button down pajamas.  Should I invest in more pillows?  Also what are you doing about bras after the mastectomy?  I will be returning to work hopefully 4 weeks after and I don't really want everyone to know I don't have breast anymore.  I thought about using those fiber filled implants for my bra so that I could remove some as they fill up the expanders.  Any advice would be appreciated!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2013

    Txjunebug~A post mx camisol that zips up the front is great. It gives the extra support you'll need if they do an axilary node dissection. It comes with 2 inserts (foobs) in case it's left, right, or both. It also has 4 velcroed on pockets for drains.



    I had surgery in October, but I still wear the camisol on days I'm not dressing up. Either with or without the foob.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • DZLassie
    DZLassie Member Posts: 10
    edited March 2013

    Hi. Luvbugs. I am feeling more tired and nauseous than usual after my last chemo. But I guess it is to be expected after 6 poisonings. This is the hardest part for me - making myself sit back and rest when all I want to do is be busy with my kids. The rational part of me realizes that this is short term stuff. I should be getting back to myself by the end of the week at the latest. But right now, I am frustrated (and nauseous - sooooo not helping). So I tell myself tomorrow will be better than today and hang on to that. I need to get better quickly because I am looking at having my implant put in fairly soon. I have been having recurring large seromas around my TE and my PS wants to deal with it as soon as I am recovered from chemo to prevent infection. I am onboard with that plan as my sister-in-law is getting married in May and I want to be fully recovered from surgery for that event!

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  • DZLassie
    DZLassie Member Posts: 10
    edited March 2013

    Txjunebug - I have had drains twice (one lept for freedom early and had to be replaced) and I found the easiest way to deal with them was with a lanyard that had two large baby size safety pins on them that I could run through the plastic loops on the drains. It kept them out of the way and not stretched at the suture sites. And I got my post mastectomy front closure bras at WalMart - they were basically like sports bras.

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  • PrincessPincushion
    PrincessPincushion Member Posts: 74
    edited March 2013

    Oh, goodness, thank you for posting your "chemo brain" stories. I feel so much better! Twice this week I've made stupid mistakes when cooking - once I grabbed the wrong measuring spoon - I even double checked it! - and put in twice as much seasoning as the recipe called for (my husband said it was the best spaghetti sauce ever!), and then I totally misread another recipe and somehow turned "1/2 cup butter" into "2 sticks" in my head. Ugh! Then yesterday I had to go for a CT scan to get set up for my radiation. At the hospital registration desk, the woman asked for my script. All I could do was look at her blankly. I honestly couldn't remember if I'd been given a script the week before! I'm looking forward to getting the cotton out of my head so I can think again.

    The rest of my chemo side effects are starting to go away - although I bumped my fingernail on something yesterday and almost ripped it off. I think that the loosening nails is somehow harder to deal with than the loss of my hair and eyebrows. It's so hard to do things when your fingertips are so sore!

    I'm loving the new avatar pics. I may need to go figure out how to attach one, too, if everyone else is enjoying seeing faces as much as I am.

    5LuvBug, there's a website called TLCdirect.org where they sell hats and scarves for cancer patients. They have a page with pictures and directions for tying square and rectangular scarves in different ways. It's been a life-saver for me! I chose not to get a wig, so I have to get creative with hats and scarves.

    Keep up the good fight, sisters! Laughing

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  • Hhbelle
    Hhbelle Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2013

    Hi everyone.  I am new to the site and have been reading all your posts.  I wish I had found this site earlier. You are all such strong, brave women.   I had my double mastectomy 10/2012 with tissue expanders, no lymph nodes removed. I'm due to get my expanders exchanges with implants in the next 6 weeks. I finished my last treatment of A/taxotere 4 rounds (one every three weeks) on 1/31/2012, no radiation needed. I will be starting Tamoxifen in about 2 months.  The whole process has been hard to get through but I can't believe it's almost done. At the time it felt like forever. I definitely have had and still have "weak moments". The doctor put me on Xanax and this has def helped with the mood swings from the chemo. I'm still having hot flases 6 weeks later. UGH  I too had a hard time with picking out and wearing my wig. I found a great site called Girl on the go.  It was founded by a BC survivor, and the wigs are great. Nobody can tell it's not my real hair. I too check my head everyday in the sunlight to look for new growth. I lost my hair 16 days into treatment just like my MO said. Although I still had spikes here and there. I couldn't bring myself to shave these few. LOL. I've been told the hair really starts to come in full 6 weeks after treatment ends.  We will see!!

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  • Eleni
    Eleni Member Posts: 130
    edited March 2013

    Today I went for a back massage. It was great. I'm glad that the masseur knew about BC so I didn't have to explain to her about the lymphnodes.

    How long after chemo can someone have pedicure? I feel that I need to pamper myself.

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  • Hhbelle
    Hhbelle Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2013

    Hi Elena,

    I'm not sure but I think once your bloodwork levels are ok, it shouldn't be a problem to get a pedicure. You should pamper yourself, I say get a manicure too!!  You've been through alot. we all deserve pampering. 

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  • Sickofpink
    Sickofpink Member Posts: 190
    edited March 2013

    Eleni, my onc said today to wait 3 months post last chemo for anything elective..including pedi - due to immune system weakness and potential for infection...

     Soon!

    Had first Herceptin only and first rads today...forgot how much the nausea meds helped with the triple chemo, so now I know what to do next time, sigh. Back in bed.

    Fingers still bleeding - if anyone else has the nail problem, onc called specialist, said to dip in half water, half hydrogen peroxide to keep clean..

    hurts to type so  that's all..

    xo

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2013

    Eleni, my onc said, if I went to a salon for a pedi/mani to just be sure to take my own santitized tools. They're worried about places that don't clean them effiently.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited March 2013

    Sickofpink - My nails haven't come off but have one that might.  Onc's office said to put tea tree oil on them to keep them dry and prevent infection. 

    Welcome - hhbelle!! 

    As for pedicures, I'll ask on Tuesday but right now my toe nails are so sore I couldn't handle anyone else messing with them!  I was told during chemo class that they were okay as long as you use your own equipment.  Haven't had one in months and do I ever miss them!!

    My mastectomies are scheduled for May.  I wanted a few extra weeks to recoup from chemo and it works better with hubby's traveling schedule. 

    Heading back to the office next week.  Actually looking forward to a half way normal schedule!!

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