April 2013 Chemo Group

Options
1252628303154

Comments

  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited May 2013

    Thanks, Anne. Tomorrow, I'm going to make an appointment with another MO.



    I could read what you wrote :). The chemo brain can't stop us!



    Hope you have a easy time for this round of chemo.

  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited May 2013

    Jen, I go Monday, too. I hope your counts go up so that you can stay on schedule!



    Take care :)

  • AllieM
    AllieM Member Posts: 44
    edited May 2013

    Good evening all,

    The Rollar coaster story was great!  (Sorry, I can't remember who posted what because when I try to go back to find it my message disappears and I have to start all over again.)

    Hives finally disappeared on Monday. Whew! Can't get an appointment with dermatologist until next month, and MO still doesn't think the chemo caused the hives (really?) so next chemo on Weds. Getting a PICC line put in on Monday since my veins have developed lumps where the IV's were and I only have two more treatments. It was nice to have an extra week to recover, even if I was itchy. Today I almost feel like normal.

    BeHereNow - I think its a good idea to get another opinion. Even if they agree with your MO, it will hopefully put your mind at ease.

    I'm not sure if I've already said this, but fruit popsicles were the best things when my taste buds were off. My second chemo I didn't have nearly the problems with my tongue swelling or taste being so off and the only things I did differently was I had started taking B6, I had Benedryl the day of chemo and I chewed ice chips during the T infusion. Don't know which part, if any, of that made a difference, but it was a big difference.

    Tried to think of something incredibly profound or humerous to say, but the "nothing" is there again, so goodnight y'all, sleep well.

  • indenial
    indenial Member Posts: 504
    edited May 2013

    So I've come to the realization that for 2 rounds now on the night of day 8 I inexplicably crave cheesecake & some kind of fried food. (I never ever ever eat fried food!) Tonight I was craving a blooming onion from Chili's. I think the last time I had one was when I was 12 years old! So I looked up their menu & come to find out, they stopped making it 5 years ago. I CRIED!!!! I can't believe I cried!! LOL this is like being pregnant (only without the cuddly baby in the end). My son looked at me like I was insane and said, "Mommy, we can just get an onion from the kitchen and cook it ourselves." hahaha

    Needless to say, it's nearly midnight so I did not get my fried onion (just as well, I'm not supposed to eat gluten) but next round I am going to plan for the weird cravings and eat dinner out on day 8!

  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2013

    well I think Outback still does blooming onions..and have you ever tried Fried Pickles..(my southern is showing AGAIN) YUMMY...some I've had are breaded in corn meal, so that might solve the gluten issue...

  • rockermom66
    rockermom66 Member Posts: 69
    edited May 2013

    I washed and blow dryed my hair but nothing is coming out.. BUT I had 2 of my hair extensions come out WITH hair. That was so freaky for me, I didn't even feel it! I have some extensions in and I hate taking them out so I'm letting chemo do it for me :)
    I took a pic, I'm for sure documenting how this goes :)
    Maybe more hair tomorrow, yay. Downstairs is starting to go slowly also, nowhere else yet.
    I am on day 15 after 1st chemo. Next is the 14th.

    My incisions had opened up after I was really sick last week with a sinus/virus/cold thing. I am packing them with gauze as per instructions twice per day. I really hope we can work through this healing and chemo isn't delayed. My oncologist will make the call next Tues. I go tomorrow to see my surgeon so he can assess how it's progressed since I went in on Monday.
    I was so upset this happened. I was almost all the way healed and then BAM. I don't know what happened other than chemo sucks.

    Nosebleeds...once I clot up I blow out or suck in the scab so it looks like a neverending situation. No gushers, just weird areas.

  • Tricia81
    Tricia81 Member Posts: 27
    edited May 2013

    18 was my magic number. Yesterday was 18 days after my first tx and when my husband came home from work I told him it was time I get out his razor. It was such a relief! My girls took it really well too (I wasn't sure how they would react since they are only 4 and 2). Anyway Im actually pretty happy how it turned out.



    My second tx is Friday. Just as I'm gettig my taste buds back. I'm getting a little nervous. The side effects were not too bad from first tx but I've heard they get worse each time. We shall see.

  • PamelaKay
    PamelaKay Member Posts: 107
    edited May 2013

    Chemogate: 5/9/2013


    Previously on Chemogate: Torn between conflicting advice from two doctors, Pamela Kay wonders what will become of her chances for completing her chemo before it’s too late.


    We join Pamela Kay as she discusses the situation with Dr. J, her MO, who says, “Dr. D rules. The chemo will go on. Next week.”


    “But….” our heroine stutters, “it looks worse to me…and, and what about the Massive Chest Infection?”


    Dr. J replies: “Antibiotics will overcome!”


    The next day, our balding and be-scarfed heroine reports to the office of Dr. D, her plastic surgeon, where Nurse Stoneface hands her a gown and leaves the room. Pamela Kay takes off her shirt. Her scarf comes off with it. No problem. Cap underneath. She struggles to pull her camisole off over her head without disturbing her last remaining head covering. Just as the camisole comes off, and the cap with it, she hears the door begin to open. Our heroine is now topless and bare headed. Mind racing, our heroine knows immediately what she must do. But first, a word from our sponsor.


    Chemogate : Brought to you by Moflo: the stool softener guaranteed to smooth out even the toughest obstructions and get you flowing like a river. No blockage is too sticky for Moflo!


    We now return you to Chemogate...


    With seconds to spare before Dr. D sees everything revealed, our half-naked, bare-headed, heroine dives for the floor, rummaging through her clothes. Finally, there it is! Pamela Kay grabs the cap and jams it on her head, just in the nick of time! With any luck, Dr. D was spared the sight of her mostly-hairless head before he hastily ducked back out the door.


    A few minutes later, decorum restored, Dr. D comes in and checks Pamela Kay’s benighted proto-breast, which to her looks like it has been daubed with raw hamburger, and says, “Looks like things are doing well.” Before Pamela Kay can wonder if he is looking at the same breast she is looking at, Dr. D is aiming a large needle at her filled with 50 CCs of fluid and has jammed it into the proto-breast. At this point, Pamela Kay realizes that the proto-breast may not be as numb has she had previously thought.


    “So,” asks Dr. D as he slowly presses down the plunger, “did you do your chemo?”


    “Well,” Pamela Kay replies, “not yet.”



    “Why hasn’t the chemo happened?”


    “It’s hard to…”


    “I told you to do the chemo last week.”


    “But…”


    “Just do the chemo!”


    “…”


    As Pamela Kay leaves the office, she realizes she now has the answer to a question that has been bothering her for some time. Why is it that this man, who has seen her breasts many times, compared them, measured them, drawn diagrams on them, and operated on them, is not allowed to be in the same room when she takes off her shirt? The answer is now abundantly clear: there are far worse things that could be revealed while undressing than mere breasts or proto-breasts. She sincerely hopes that she had that cap on her head before Dr. D had the door open enough to see her uncovered, sparsely-haired head!


    Next week on Chemogate, will Pamela Kay’s proto-breast continue its slide towards the hamburger side, or will it be healed enough to avoid the dreaded Massive Chest Infection? Will Pamela Kay be on antibiotics for the rest of her life, or at least the rest of her chemo treatments? Tune in next week and find out on Chemogate!

  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited May 2013

    PamelaKay, I love your chemogate updates, but I am so sorry you have the discomfort and anxiety of the Hamburgler Breast, robbing you of your peace!



    Gentle hugs and hang in there.



  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited May 2013

    Indenial, I have had food cravings, too. and it is so sad when the food of choice has been discontinued! I also hate it when the food makes me ick, or doesn't taste like I'd hoped.



    I was a hungry caterpillar last night. After not eating much for days, suddenly I was able to eat -- and I couldn't stop myself! It was great :). Even stayed up late so that I could get hungry again and eat more. Lol



    Hopefully today I can eat normally.



    Have a good day, all!

  • Rdhnow
    Rdhnow Member Posts: 22
    edited May 2013

    Just had my second chemo yesterday, everything went well, halfway there! I was very crabby last night. Does anyone want to share their opinion on having a glass of wine during chemo. I have been avoiding it, but sure would have loved one last night.

  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2013

    not a big drinker so can't help ya there Rdhnow.

    PamelaKay, YOU CRACK me UP~ Love it...love you ability to have humor and laugh though this g-d awful journey we're all traveling..but there is STRENGTH in Numbers and you ladies MAKE my DAY~

    woke up this morning and knew it was coming....voice was getting more froggy the last two days and this am while make coffee only a squeak came out..sigh...It'll be back, but just SUCKS can't do the early shows...Just texted my boss and I'll go in for 1/2 day where I don't have to TALK to run camera for 11p....just get a rush directing..oh well, this too shall pass......losing my voice is better than nausea or discomfort so that's ok, but guess this is MY chemo pattern...day 5 after treatment..VOICE is gone...at least it's a pretty day, and i can still work on the pintrest page for the station so I'm still being productive from home.

    Hoping for a peaceful day my sister warriors~

  • heather214
    heather214 Member Posts: 142
    edited May 2013

    BeHereNow,

    I am having great difficulty eating, have been going to the market daily just looking for something I want to eat. Everything tastes like cardboard. Then I get weak from not eating. Given that, I still managed to gain 6 pounds! Depression is settling in as well, trying hard to stay positive but it has been a struggle. Welcome newbies, and hope all are doing well.

    Thought for the day (for mothers): Happy early MAMA's day ladies!

  • Koru_
    Koru_ Member Posts: 15
    edited May 2013

    Just home from chemo #2.  I had a couple of popsicles and some ice chips while the Taxotere flowed; hopefully that will stave off the dreaded mouth sores that caused my MO to exlaim, "Holy Sh**!" when he saw them on Day 6 of Round #1.  I'm still sleepy from the benadryl they push as one of the pre-meds so I'll be settling in here for a nap soon.

    @Virginger:  YAY for Pinterest!  Sorry to hear about your losing your voice, that just sucks.

    @Pamela Kay:  Thanks for Chemogate - love the unfolding story and your sense of humor!  All hail dignity and decorum!

    @heather214:  I hear you on eating - stuff that I think I want and crave just doesn't taste like I think it will taste and I get so disappointed.  PB&J  still tastes the way I expect it to and so it has kind of been my go-to comfort food on the days I need it.  The other night I went to Outback-they were promoting a frozen lime and coconut margarita made with whipped up Pinnacle Key Lime Vodka; it sounded exquisite!  I asked the server if the bartender could whip me up a virgin version of it.  OMG!!!!! The concoction she brought me from the bar was the BEST thing I've had in forevah!  The sour of the lime made smooth by some coconut flavor was whipped together for some frozen bliss.  Just writing it has me craving it again; maybe I need another trip to Outback before the blech of Day 3 hits.

    I'll be raising my virgin lime coconut frosty confection in honor of all of my April Chemo Warrior Sisters!

  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited May 2013

    {{{{{{{{{{{{{{Heather}}}}}}}}}}}}}



    I love and appreciate your honesty and your strength.



    I also love your quotes and pics. How do you load the pics into your message?







  • anne11595
    anne11595 Member Posts: 101
    edited May 2013

    Ok first thing first Viginger OMG A hat from Eli Manning plus a note!!!!!! He is the man I'm a huge fan! Love the giant.Go to a game every year.Who is your brother and does he need a new friend! Lol.

    Pamela keep it coming,love chemogate!



    Now back to me. Had chemo yesterday did great .Not like first when I was sick all night.Some told me to load up a protein 3 day before chemo and it helped. Plus started to take drugs early before any thing happen.



    Got haircut today .I think she buzzed it with a 3.But now I can control it more.plus not to bad to look at.If not I will just go back and have it all off.All this talk about food is making me hunger but I just dont what to have! I own a pizza shop how silly is this!

  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2013

    LOL Anne, my brother worked for Ole Miss 23 years as Asst. Athletics Dir. for Ole Miss Sports Productions, yeah TV runs in the family. He just retired in April, why I started Chemo when I did...Eli played for Ole Miss...I remembering visiting J years ago and at lunch he said...see that KID over there eating by himself, that's Archie Manning's youngest kid Eli, he's a red shirt and might play next year...

    also got a sweet letter from Leigh Anne Tuohy the mother from the blind side..I'll share it with you ladies...

    Hello Virginia,

     

    My name is Leigh Anne Tuohy and I'm a friend of your brothers! I heard from that little birdie that you are in the middle of cancer treatment. I know that stinks. I currently have several friends in that exact boat. Unfortunately, for everyone it is a way and means to the end; for a happily ever after. As I told someone, you have to do what you have to do! I am so sorry that our meeting was over a chat about the "C" word but I wanted you to know that I was thinking about you and hope that we have the opportunity to have a face to face visit down the road. Its hard to understand the curve balls that life throws us sometimes and as we all know with each day that passes, we are not promised a tomorrow. I believe with all my heart that we were all created for a far greater purpose than this life we all currently leading. That thought process allows me to put both feet on the floor each day and go out and face all the ugly that is out there. We get so many letters, emails, calls, texts etc... from people/families in need that sometimes you forget all the beauty that is right under your nose. I remind myself as the Spring season is upon us that there is a renewal and a tomorrow and fight like hell to make sure we are a part of it! You take care of yourself and NEVER give up or give in!! All the Best!

     

    Warmly,

    Leigh Anne

     


    Leigh Anne Tuohy

    www.LeighAnneTuohy.com

     

    Didn't have the HEART to tell her I met her when Michael Oher played for Ole Miss and they were in Columbia, SC to play the gamecocks...

    Yesterday I got a hat from Heath Miller #83 for the Pittsburg Steelers....I'll let you guys know if you'd like what new ones I get....poor J is still living in Oxford and doesn't know how else to help me, so he reached out to his friends for hats.....

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited May 2013

    Sounds like several of us had chemo yesterday.  I had the Neulasta again today but ask them to give it in the belly since I read somewhere on here that the SEs are not as bad.  Also decided to pay for REAL Claritin to see if that would make a difference.  I know, I know - they should be the same.

    Herceptin was speeded up to 60 minutes instead of 90.  Do any of you remember reading that slower is less SEs?  Or maybe that's only Taxotere?  Also discovered that I won't get Benedryl any more since I didn't have an allergic reaction the first time.

    I rarely go in fast food places but found the most wonderful thing at a Burger King I wandered into yesterday.  Pina Colada smoothies !! Tasted better than the real ones.  They also have Strawberry/Mango if that rings your chimes.

    Rdhnow:  re the wine.  I asked my MO before this started if I'd have to stop a nightly glass of wine.  His answer was - maybe you shouldn't drink on the day you get chemo.  But frankly I spent most of the first interval riding the porcelain bus & eating the BRAT diet and wasn't even interested.  Maybe this time!

    BeHere - I agree about a 2nd opinion.  Let us know what you decide.

    I can hardly wait to see what happens with SEs this time.  Everyone different every time. 

  • PamelaKay
    PamelaKay Member Posts: 107
    edited May 2013

    Indenial, you can find gluten-free onion ring recipes on line. I have made them before. I also see that Ian's makes gluten-free onion rings (I think Whole Foods carries Ian's products). You could probably make a gluten-free blooming onion if you are determined.

    Rockermom, so sorry to hear your incision is causing problems. I hope you don't have to miss a treatment. I have had to go a whole month since my first chemo. In some ways, it's been nice to feel well for a couple of weeks, but really, I just want to get the chemo over and done with. And I really dread next week and chemo number two. At least I am prepared now with my Vitamix blender! Best wishes for speedy healing, Rockermom.

    I keep looking back on my appointment with Dr. D, thinking how weird it was that my first instinct was to cover my head, not the rest of my body. Then, when all my clothes slid off the chair and ended up in a heap on the floor, cap on bottom, I really panicked because I didn't want him to see my head uncovered! Before this, I would never in a million years have thought I would react like that; my usual attitude is, I am what I am: if someone doesn't like it, it's their problem. Strange how your priorities change.

    I'm having lots of fun with hats, scarves, and decorations. I have my basic ensemble: Buff topped with fancy long scarf (long ends over the left shoulder), decorated with a magnetic chain set tiara-style on top of the scarf(the chain really jazzes things up and adds definition to the look).

    Today I added a hat (an old fedora that belonged to my husband's grandfather). I tied a favorite small scarf around the brim with the ends trailing down to cover my neck. I also added a braiding scrunchie (two scrunchies linked together with a beaded chain)and braided it into the two ends of the scarf over my shoulder. I have to say, I quite liked the effect. All these decorations are things I have had sitting around forever (the scrunchie from years ago when I had long hair; it was just too pretty to get rid of). I guess being a pack rat pays off sometimes.

    I appreciate all of you on this board. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have somewhere to share all my experiences in this long, strange trip.

  • rockermom66
    rockermom66 Member Posts: 69
    edited May 2013

    Thank you PamelaKay

    I saw my surgeon today.. one side is looking good, the other has a ways to go but is improving also. He found a pocket of fluid hiding behind some dead tissue so it shouldn't ooze like it has been. I have to keep changing gauze and repacking and hopefully it will grow back healthy. I'm sure we can all deal with some gross things on here Laughing
    It's my oncologists call if I have a delay. I'll find out Tuesday morning. 

    I haven't lost any more hair today but then again it's been in a ponytail and covered up.. better go yank it some Laughing

  • jc254
    jc254 Member Posts: 439
    edited May 2013

    I had my second TC treatment yesterday and feeling pretty good this morning.  I developed chemo burn on my wrist from the first infusion and if it happens again I'll have to get a port for my last two infusions.  : (    The good news is that my WBC count is high (probably as a result of fighting the infection from the chemo burn) and I don't have to get the neulasta shot this time.  It caused bone pain last time even with the claritin.  Hoping for few side effects this time and happy I'm half way finished. I'm using cold caps and so far my hair is hanging on.  Wishing everyone a happy and pain free weekend.

  • Jen987
    Jen987 Member Posts: 145
    edited May 2013

    For those of you suffering from extreme pain from the Neulasta shot talk with your MO about getting Neupogen instead. I will be giving myself my 3rd injection today and so far the pain is nothing compared to Neulasta. It's given over a few injections instead of getting blasted all at once with the Nuelasta.

  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2013

    LOL My buddy from Work Dion caught he straighting out my chemo bag I carry to work every day....seeing the picture really made me laugh......

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=456745314401072&set=a.159808500761423.40087.146674682074805&type=1&theater

    Chemo Bag

  • daffyc
    daffyc Member Posts: 50
    edited May 2013

    Hi all, just had my 3rd dose dense AC yesterday.  Still feeling pretty good.  My worst SE the day after I'm guessing is from the steroids...feels like I've drank a venti coffee and I could ramble on and on and on:)  I just got caught up on the last week or so of posts so a few comments.

    I can't remember who asked, but I would highly recommend the 2nd opinion.  I'm soooo very glad I got one.  I'm getting care from a Naval Medical facility and have liked my surgeon (surgery awaits me yet), and LOVE my MO, RO, and interventional radiologist.  Feel very comfortable.  That said, while they are 'good' at what they do, my MO suggested the 2nd opinion with a known cancer center of excellence (something like that).  I also have a suspicious lesion on my liver that we can't get a biopsy on so that really drove me to the 2nd opinion.  The 2nd opinion was at Duke and basically confirmed everything we knew.  They offered one additional bone scan (which I did) and another shot at the liver biopsy-unable to obtain that.  A couple minor suggestions to tx.  Overall, I'm glad I have an in with Duke if need be down the road and really glad just to be reassured.  But, I'm really happy to be back with my MO and team at our Navy med.

    Also, as far as coming out on FB, just my story.  We live a long way from family and many friends being a military family.  So, I decided to start a Caringbridge page.  I'm really glad that I did.  I announced it ONE time on FB and that's it.  For me, I want FB to be a place that I can go and not be bombarded with questions and all.  It's relatively normal.  The CB page has also stopped the emails and FB private messages "don't want to bother you, but just want to know how you are doing".  I know people mean well, but this way I can control things a little more.  

    I also did the headshave about 10 days ago.  Can not believe the relief I felt afterwards.  I'm either bald or in a scarf at home and a wig a few times I've gone out.  I even wore just a scarf a few times out which I really didn't think I would.  My first big outing with a scarf was a couple days ago to the grocery store.  I stopped at the instore Starbucks to get an iced green tea before I shopped and a lady approached me asking me if I was in treatment.  She had been through it and wanted to offer her support.  Here I was thinking I was somehow incognito, but hadn't expected the comment.  I guess I need to think of some answers to have on hand on how to deal with this.  

    Hope you all have as wonderful a Friday you can have!  Think positive!!

    Cathy

  • heather214
    heather214 Member Posts: 142
    edited May 2013

    Beherenow,

    Back at you! Most I copy and just paste, others you can use the URL. I am no good to anyone right now, kind of in a pissy mood honestly, sick of being sick, damn straight sick of chemo. One more in a week pre-surgery, and already dreading. they are right, it is getting worse for me as the treatments move on. Hoping the attitude improves. =)

    As for the second opinion, I say if you don't feel comfortable, you BETTER! This is your life girl, no one is going to protect it like you do. No one. Good Luck! ((((HUGS))))

    Thought for the day:

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited May 2013

    Heather:  Great thought for the day.  Some days we need to convince ourselves !!!

  • Tricia81
    Tricia81 Member Posts: 27
    edited May 2013

    I have about taking the Claritin before the Neaupogen injections. If Im taking my injection at 4:30pm what time should I take the Claritin? In other words how long should I want to take the injection after Itake the Claritin? I tried asking my Oncologist but he acted like he never heard about taking Clartin to reduce side effects of the Neupogen shots. He said I can go ahead and try it but he doesn't have any information on it.

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited May 2013

    Tricia:  I'm taking the Neulasta shots so not exactly the same. 

    My MO told me 24 hour Claritin the day before chemo, the day of chemo, the day of Neulasta and for at least 3 days after that.  Because of my bone pain with tx #1, I'm now to take the Claritin for 10 full days.

  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited May 2013

    I had read to take the day OF and then for 7days after. That is what I am doing (heck i might even go to 10 days just to be safe?)

    i have had NO PAIN, I have even been back to the gym.



    I am taking the Claritan 24 hour.



    My Nuelasta shot was for 3:00pm the day after my chemo. I took the Claritan at 7:30am, when I was getting breakfast for my kids. And I have been trying to stick to that time every day.....I don't want to add bone pain to my woes!



    Yesterday I was completely exhausted, but made a point to mumble to my hubby "bring me my Claritan and Prilosec". , thankfully he did! Lol. No bone pain, no heartburn, life is good!

  • Tricia81
    Tricia81 Member Posts: 27
    edited May 2013

    Great thanks Ladies!

Categories