Chemo May 2013

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited May 2013

    Shimmy- Have fun in Disney land! I used to live in San Diego....I so miss the wild animal park and seaworld, and the weather, the gas lamp district, Lojolla shores etcetcetcCool sounds like a great day to lift your spirits!

    Kate- so sorry you are still feeling poorly. Hopefully your docs will figure out how to make you feel better next time. Dont give up! The rest of your life is worth it! We all have our days of gloom, you are not alone. 

    May 2nd group: I have no hair now!Anyone else? It fell out duriung my shower in quarter size spots. I looked like a dog with mange! Soooo, I shaved it off with the help of my DH...never thought my DH and I would ever live that scene! Sooo depressed about it. Today I go to a LGFB session, I sure hope they are good, its going to take alot to make me look good and feel better!

    Have a good day everyone! 

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  • elkatho
    elkatho Member Posts: 159
    edited May 2013

    Day 6 and I was on my way to work and took my temp...99.3 so I am staying home. My temp is typically 98.3.I can do some work hours from home. I know I am to call my Dr if my temp is 100.4 but did not receive any other direction regarding a slight fever. Did anyone else?? I would prefer to get to'work and have some contact but want to avoid any road blocks I can to get through this.



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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited May 2013

    You are better off being home. If you have a temp your immunity might be down...I believe days 7-10 are most vulnerable to catching something? (That's if my lousy memory can remember what my dr. Said!)



    Perhaps consider calling your dr if you go to 100.1 (seeing as you typically are 98.3, and be sure to emphasize that!)



    Sorry I have no advice as to what to do for the fever.

    Pat

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  • okiecountrygal
    okiecountrygal Member Posts: 25
    edited May 2013

    This is day 6 for me and I'm still dragging. Think I felt better on day 3 and 4. Just so tired and my tummy hurts. Nothing tastes right now and I know I need more fluids. I did not get a neulasta shot so I feel like I'm just sitting and waiting for a fever to hit me. This is all very taxing on the emotions and all I keep thinking is I have to do this 5 more times. I know I need to for my own good but its just hard. So I guess it's one day at a time. Hope everyone else is on the upswing by now.

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  • Debwarrior
    Debwarrior Member Posts: 72
    edited May 2013

    Hi everyone,



    Kate, I'm so sorry you are feeling so bad. I hope the doc can find some drugs that help you. Can you get some help from friends or hire a party planner for a limited number of hours to help you with the bat mitzvah. I know though there's always things you want to do yourself. If there is anything I can do to help you, like make phone calls or send e-mails, send me a PM. I'm not working much right now, so I have some time. I send you my sympathy and hope that you start to feel better really soon.



    Hope everyone else in the May group is managing ok. I have my second cold in two weeks. No fever, just regular cold symptoms. Chemo sure does lower your immunities. I'd rather have a cold than nausea though, so I'm doing ok. Tried to sleep without taking an ativan the last two nights and didn't do so well. I don't really want to have to rely on ativan for sleeping, but need to get my sleep at the same time. I'm in with the cursing ladies. F&%* cancer. And kick it to the curb.



    My daughter's 15th birthday is this Thursday, on chemo day. Since Friday is my good day, high on steroids, I hope I feel well enough to go out to dinner to celebrate on Friday.



    Disneyland sounds like a good antidote.



    Deb

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  • argynis
    argynis Member Posts: 123
    edited May 2013

    My hair started falling out - I cut it shorter yesterday. When I pull lighty it is comming out so easily - boooo.

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited May 2013

    Argynnis,

    I just noticed the same thing. I haven't felt the "pain" people have talked about when their hair falls out, maybe it will be tomorrow? I have had odd tingling/tickles feeling though, more so yesterday than today.

    Oh well. Hope it stays in a few more days, I have a big Girl Scout event on Thursday night. . Would like to get through that. Then again, when IS a convenient tme to lose my hair, I've always got SOMETHING going on! Lol



    Pat

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  • MomofSam
    MomofSam Member Posts: 74
    edited May 2013

    Well, made it to work today.  I think that helped to take my mind off things.  Going to a Look Good Feel Better class tonight.  Maybe I'll meet some new friends :)  Hang in there everyone.  WE CAN BEAT THIS!!!

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  • argynis
    argynis Member Posts: 123
    edited May 2013

    Pattysmiles: I do also not have any pain - my scalp feels normal but when I pull on some hairs they just come out :(

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  • AmyJax
    AmyJax Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2013

    Ladies,



    I'm day six out and feeling pretty good (knocking on wood). Had nausea, for which I alternated zofran and compozine. Seems better today. I just started taking it as soon as I felt even a twinge on day two. Lost my taste for food for several days, and smells really bothered me (gag). Then just really tired, but with weird bursts of energy.



    I'm going to go back to work on Wednesday, for the first time since my first surgery. It's going to be strange, but I've got to get my brain going again. I hope it goes ok.... If any of you have back to work tips/suggestions.



    I am going to try my best to adopt Jenna's attitude about hair loss - the chemo is doing its job killing those random remaining cancer cells, and the hair is the sign that it's doing it. We'll see how brave I am when the clumps start coming out in just over a week!



    Amy



    P.s. Ukate, you gotta complain like hell to your MO. I still want you to go in and have them hang a bag of saline for you. I'm convinced your dehydrated!

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    So made it thru first day of work with wig! It was HOT!



    My scalp never hurt when hair was falling out guess I got lucky with that one. Can't wait to here how the look good feel better meetings go. Keep meaning to make appt and haven't done it yet.



    Amy my best advice for work is to take it slow and don't expect too much of yourself! This is my 2nd week back but today was hard wearing wig for 1st time.



    Momofsam glad you made it to work today. Work helps keep me positive and upbeat. Its kind of like my cancer free zone.



    Happy birthday to your daughter deb. Mine turned 21 right after mx. We decided we would have major celebration when chemo over. Just had small family dinner on day of bday.



    Hope all have good evening



    Lisa

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  • elkatho
    elkatho Member Posts: 159
    edited May 2013

    Thanks pattysmiles...I called the nurse because my tongue remained white after brushing. So now I am swishing with nystatin. If I am better by Wednesday Dr wants to see me.



    Would love to hear about the look good feel good session. I signed up for someone June 10th.



    amyjax. Good luck at work on Wednesday. I think I need to get back to work so I stop over thinking everything. I wonder if they could build a bubble around my cabbie to keep all the germs out:)



    I am waiting for my wig to come in and as soon as it does I am having them shave my hair at the fitting. Hopfully it will be the end of this week. I just need to rip off the bandaid.



    I have a difficult time keeping track of who is . Posting what but wanted to say you guys are so inspirational.

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  • Netter
    Netter Member Posts: 107
    edited May 2013

    Something unusual happened to me today.  I was walking across the track at the school.....some boys were throwing a football, it was missed and it hit me hard in my breast right on the incision.  Surgery was April 1  but very painful, even down my arm.  A 2 inch circle of a bruise is becoming visible.  Could this be a problem or just nothing?  I start chemo June 5.  Should I talk to my doctor?  I don't want to be a whiner...........

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  • AmyJax
    AmyJax Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2013

    Netter, it's probably just a bruise, but calling the doc can't hurt. They will have a suggestion on how to ID if it is a problem. Never feel bad about calling. Lord knows we've paid them enough to take calls.

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited May 2013

    Hey Ladies- I did the 'look good feel better" session today. It is definitely worth going to just for all the free stuff!. I got about 400 dollars worth of Elizabeth Arden makeup. Concealer, Eyebrow pencil and powder, blush, eyeliner, lip liner, lipstick, lip gloss, foundation, eye shadow kit, moisturizer with sunscreen, blush, nail polish, a full size scarf, a decorative scarf, for hats and turbans , and a T Shirt turban that we made from an old T Shirt. I learned how to draw an eyebrow, and put on eye makeup to camouflage eyelash loss etc..They also showed me how to do the "smoky eye" for evening, I have never learned to do that. It did make me feel a bit better and my makeup techniques are much better! I would do it ladies it was worth it.

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited May 2013

    Wow Gully,

    No wig?

    I was VERY late to my session last month, so they gave me the makeup, quickly showed me how to apply (well, more like they applied it on me) and then they gave me a wig. Also included with the wig was a wig stand and 3 wig care products,( shampoo, conditioner and I think spray?)



    No scarf or t-shirt thing.



    I'm actually going to another location tomorrow night. Will be bringing my kit, along with the wig (hoping to find something else,I'm not loving this one though it IS very nice).

    I would like to make it through the whole session so I can actually learn something! Shame on me for forgetting last time and nearly missing it all! Lol

    Will also bring along a beau and a long scarf, hoping they can show me what to do with them.

    Pat

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited May 2013

    Hi Patty,

    Did not get a wig or stand but they did give us the name of a place nearby that has a wig bank from the American cancer society. I think I will try that. She said they have many to choose from and would be a better resource for fitting color etc...I think I will call tomorrow. I have one that I like, but today she said you should have two. Maybe I can find something funkyCool

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited May 2013

    I loved the look good feel better class, I went to it last week.  I wanted to get as much stuff done as I could before starting chemo.  I only got make up at the class and hints on how to tie scarves and got to try on wigs.  I did go get my free wig from the Cancer Society, I really like it.  I don't plan on using a wig much......just for more special days. I think otherwise it will be too hot.  So I also got some scarves and hats to wear most of the time.  I'm also not wearing my bra I got last week that has a fake boob in it, saving that for special days too.  To be honest it is kind of uncomfortable with the little bit I have left from my mastectomy, but then again I am still healing from my surgery too.  I figure most people I see every day know what is going on in my life and I don't really care what others think anyway.  F**k Cancer, I am doing the best I can.  Chin up everyone!

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited May 2013

    Lol Gully!

    See if they have the wig care stuff for free!

    I had ordered wig stand and the whole care of wigs(shampoo etc) from TLCDIRECT.ORG but when I was given the stuff for free I sent back my order! (Along with a halo that I did NOT lIke).

    I have one wig I had ordered from a clearance online, it is "ok".

    I have the wig now from the look good feel better, but would like to swap it. Imlike my "ok" wig better.

    And then I have a lovely white and pink wig, which I will be wearing this weekend to a family60th surprise party. I figure if they are going to see me in a wig it might as well be a fun one! I am getting my nails done in pink/white too. Just need to find some clothes that will "go" with the wig/nails! Lol



    Told my kids my hair is falling out. My 10 year old is in tears. My husband almost is too. Sigh. Sometimes I have to remind myself that this can affect them as much as me. Generally I let it all slide off my shoulders...

    Pat



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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited May 2013

    Patty smiles... Good for u on the pink & white wig.... I joked with friends that I'm not going to do a wig (it's just not me... I'm usually always in a baseball cap) but if I found a hot pink afro, to watch out! Haha



    Had a check-in with my onc today..... Bloods are low & a bit anemic (I guess where theybare suppose to be) & when I was explaining the almost unbearable pain he asked if I took my steroids the night before my first treatment.... I said "what steroids?" he says he thought he gave me a prescription for them.... NOPE!



    I looked at my husband like... .?.??..?



    Well I got some now to take before my next treatment on the 30th.



    When my hubby said he didn't like my onc from day one, I told him... "keep those opinions to yourself because I need to trust my doctors... I can't have doubts!"



    Maybe my hubby has a better clue than me... Anyway, the doc says that this extra dose prior to, and maybe the day after, may help with the bone, joint & muscle aches...



    On the good news side, my youngest of 3 girls brought over my new grandson born on my bday...5/6 (3 days before first treatment)... Cheered me right up! I can't believe I'm 45 and can say I have grand babies! Hahaha



    Happy thoughts!

    Lorrie

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited May 2013

    Lorrie,

    Congrats on the grand baby. I started my kids late in life (33) and always said I'd be lucky to see grandchildren, especially if my kids start as late as I did!



    As for the steroids. Mine are for the day BEFORE , the day OF, and the day AFTER.

    Is he giving IV steroids on your day of, so you don't have to take them that day? (It doesn't look like you mentioned it above)



    Your birthday was the day I started chemo. You started chemo on my sons birthday!



    Good for you on the pink Afro. Why shouldn't we do what we can to have fun!

    Pat

    Pat

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited May 2013

    Pat,

    I get them in my IV the day of, so don't need to take them that day! I gotta say, I drove home a little upset that my first round could have gone better, but my sweetie reminded me that I'm doing okay now and we need to just look ahead..



    The other bit of news.... The vein where my first IV was is no longer useable according to the doc. Not even after it heals.... It's all lumpy and looks like a 6" trail up my arm. I have 5 more pokes to go... He says... "don't worry, they can get creative."



    Too funny about the birthdays... My daughter that just gave birth on 5/6... Her bday is on the 8th... We were all betting about when he would come, but when they said they wanted to induce, she asked for my bday.... Our first granddaughter was born on my hubbys bday! Now we're even! Haha

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited May 2013

    Patty my DH thinks my bald head is sexy...due to the fact that he is also pretty much bald! I told him he could borrow one of my wigs if he wants.....An old friend of mine said his bald head was his solar panel for his sex machine LOL! Not feeling very sexy at the moment, but at least my hubby knows what its like to lose your hair. He said at least mine will grow back. Cant argue with that! I ordered all the wig care stuff too! If I can get it from the ACS I will send mine back too! Thanks for the tip.

    My valium is kicking in so....good night all! Sweet Dreams!

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited May 2013

    Ladies.... Have a great day tomorrow! & happy thoughts!

    Lorrie

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited May 2013

    Omg... Omg... Ran fingers thru my hair an a lot came with them... I told myself I was prepared! I'm not! I hate this!

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    Lorrie

    Congrats on grandchild!

    Day hair started coming out was awful. I thought I was prepared too but I certainly was not! Funny thing is that when I went to get it shaved I was more calm. Maybe taking control helped. What I wasn't prepared for was wearing wig to work for first time. Seems like everyday is new bump in the road to get over.



    My children are 18 19 21 and 24. All but the 19 yr old is home. He is in navy in nuke school. I am lucky to have them here. They are quite good at building me up when I am down. Hubby wants to fix it and he can't so he is struggling with what to do for me. Sometimes the answer is nothing and I struggle getting him to understand that. Learning curve for us all.



    Insomnia is awful. It is 430 am here and have been awake since 330! Finally started pot of coffee after trying to go back to sleep. At least you wonderful ladies are here to listen.



    I am so calling look good feel better. It sounds wonderful. I could certainly use the make up tips. Especially the brows. Do they talk about skin care too? My skin is a wreck!



    Lisa

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  • elkatho
    elkatho Member Posts: 159
    edited May 2013





    Wow..woke up in the middle of the night with, back, hip, rib pain. Put a heating pad on and took some advil. Feeling better. Maybe I stopped the clariton too soon. If that is what it was. My DH ehinks I need to move around more.

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  • LJaeger
    LJaeger Member Posts: 58
    edited May 2013

    Catching up here after a few subpar days -



    Interesting about Zofran and Compazine. My nurses said to take Compazine first and then if that didn't work long enough to add Zofran. So far just needed 2 Compazine yesterday. Was feeling "off" as many of you mention, and it did help. Trying not to take pills if I'm not sure I need them- but it wasn't the feeling I was expecting when I think nausea.



    Feeling a bit better today despite GI issues last night and this morning. Hopefully this means I'm over the worst in the cycle (days 4-6)? Did most of you get over a hump and then feel ok other than having low immunity?



    I'm headed to a LGFB class Thursday - definitely looking forward to it. My hair is already super short now, but I know that mange look is right around the corner - oh boy. Super sexy. I too am glad to have a rather bald hubby. Think it makes the balding easier - we'll be twins.



    Love the pink Afro idea - brilliant! We've got to milk this for all it's worth and laugh and enjoy when we can.

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  • LJaeger
    LJaeger Member Posts: 58
    edited May 2013

    Elkatho - had same pain Saturday into Sunday. Odd feeling isn't it? I've continued one antihistamine each morning just in case. I figured it couldn't hurt. My pain and tenderness went away by Sunday evening so hopefully you'll feel better soon!

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    I take claritin everyday for allergies but I think I read some where to take it for 5 days after chemo.



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