April 2013 Chemo Group

Guess I better clean the guest room linens then:)



Thanks

PamelaKay, are you rinsing with baking soda, salt and warm water? I did this for a few days after my first infusion and didn't get any sores. I've heard it also helps with mouth sores you already have too. I also used Biotene. Hope you feel better soon.

I also had a sore mouth/throat (though not "mouth sores" if that makes sense??) and mashed potatoes and smoothies and miso soup went down best. That was all I ate for the worst days! I still need to avoid acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes, etc.) and anything spicy because that makes it worse, but it is feeling much better 12 days out. It felt like I had acid poured down my throat and then had my mouth sandpapered!

At this point it's mostly just general soreness, not any actual sore spots. I'm seeing if I can avoid the salt/baking soda mix as I am very sensitive to salt (even a small amount causes high blood pressure). So far Biotene helps; I just have to keep at it. 

I keep lowering the bar for what can irritate my mouth. I had my usual eggs with chopped kale and mushrooms for breakfast, thinking that would be soft enough, but the chopped kale felt like chewing glass. Right now I think anything tougher than avocados and yogurt will feel that way. Maybe I'll just start putting everything through the food processor. 

I'm also noticing that I want to eat more frequently (I think due to slight nausea), and lots (probably the steroids). I will have to watch this carefully as I really don't want to gain weight. If I'm lucky, maybe the mouth soreness will counteract the food cravings.

Anyone have any experience with mangoes since chemo? I bought a mango at the store the other day, thinking to have some with the yogurt. Then I wondered if it would be too acid or irritating. Or is that me just being paranoid?

Here here Irene...woman power....fight like a GIRL...

Irene I SO AGREE..this forum has really helped me a lot...I'm Virginia Ginger Stern on Face Book..

The way I look at the FEAR is nothing compared to the outpouring of LOVE and messages you get from folks who truly care about you. I've got the Brunswick stew recipe on my Face Book page along with a picture of it.... I"m no Face Book expert but I think  you can adjust the setting so only certain people see what you posted, but I'm a BALLSY kinda gal and if they see something they don't like, or are offended...F**k em......

ps..sent ya a Friend Request 

oh, hope the little icon's aren't too annoying, but I just discovered them here..along with Spell Check....bless me and my Alabama edumacation...LOL

Gardengirl~ I had my first treatment on April 4th and my hair started coming out on April 17th. By April 20th I had a brush full of hair every stroke as well as balding along my part. That's the day I buzzed it.



BeHereNow~ hope all goes smoothly tomorrow!



Erinm216~ I found the first few days were pretty uneventful. For me, it was the next few that I didn't quite feel like myself. Those might be the days to have someone bring you dinner and check in on you.



AllieM~ my doctor only said to take B-6 or B-Complex vitamin.

JC254, I am so afraid of exactly what you are going through. I am getting a port on Wednesday and my first chemo on Thursday. I am scheduled to go back to work the following Monday. I am wondering how I will feel. I know it is different for different people. Did you have your surgeon or MO fill out the paperwork for the Family Medical Leave Act? It can secure your job if you can't work for a period of time. My HR department told me to do it right away and I'm glad I did. If you can't work, DON'T! We have to get better!!!!

Going forward, I'm an independent contractor and not subject to the FMLA unfortunately.  If I don't work, I don't get paid.  With two kids in college, not working for three months is not an option.  I think I was kidding myhself that I'd be able to sail through chemo and not miss a beat. I know that the company I'm working for will arrange my schedule so that I can work from home on some days and we'll get it figured out.  I'm just having a bad night emotionally and think I should stay home another day to get my act together.

All of you ladies are the perfect dose of medicine when all I want to do is ball my eyes out. I just want to say thank you all for sharing your stories, for when someone is having a bad day ( like me) we know we aren't alone.



Hugs to you all!



Irene

Irene & JC -- sorry you are both having bad days! I've been emotional this weekend but tried to stay busy to keep my mind off things. It sort of worked but I know it will catch up to me eventually (fortunately I am seeing my therapist this week!) 

JC, I wanted to point out that missing one day today is just that -- ONE day. (Or 2-3 days if it turns into that!) That doesn't mean you'll need to take weeks or months off. It doesn't mean you'll go into debt or be forced to quit or anything else you may be envisioning. Even people not going through chemo need to take a day or two off once in a while! Just take it one day at a time & let yourself rest & relax today.

Good luck to all those in the infusion room today!

Erin, I would also say take the support if you have it! As I have said, my infusion room has 5 chairs, no room for friends to come - but if I could - I would!

I came through the 2nd treatment fairly well this time. Not sure if the Claritin worked or not, still haveing extreme (what feels like) muscle pain? I think mine may be related to my autoimmune disease. No vomiting and only slight nausea. But boy, does the nausea medication cause constipation. Also, does anyone take Compazine, and if so, does it constrict your pupils? I think this has been the medication affecting my vision, I noticed my eyes become pinpoints and my vision gets blurrier.

Again kind of off-topic, but is anyone else attending an in-person support group, and do you recommend it? I have been looking for one, but all seem to be during the day. I found one tonight (don't know if I will have the energy) but another chemo buddy recommended and she seems to really be getting a lot of support and knowledge out of it. Hoping everyone has a great week, chemo or no chemo!

                                                                                                Heather

Heather - I attend a once-a-month in person support group and get a lot out of it.  It is specifically for those who are in their 40s or younger with breast cancer - the Young Survival Coalition.  I went to my first meeting with them just shortly after I was diagnosed and it was and is helpful to see people at the different stages of treatment to help, not only with where I am now but to prepare me for where I will eventually be.  If there is a YSC group in your area, I highly recommend it!   Given the age of the members, there is frequent discussion of how to deal with issues surrounding our young children, dealing with premature menopause, sexual side effects of the treatment, and how body image can impact dating as well as established relationships (in addition to discussing side effects of treatment, choosing doctors, etc).  I found their support group on meetup.com.

Hi Girls

I just stumbled on this thread and wanted to give some support.

I'm now 5 years out from chemo but remember it wel!!!!!!!

It's so scary sitting in the chair waiting for the first....I just wanted to run........The rest isn't fun either, but it is worth it in the long run. You will get through this. I'm 5 years out and doing great.

Listen to your body, rest when you need to, and live it up when you can.

xx