Chemo May 2013

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  • robin_in_SJ
    robin_in_SJ Member Posts: 46
    edited June 2013

    Hi Ladies,

    Well today I’m starting to feel normal again and catching up with everyone.  I hope this feeling last for a few hours.

    Lorrie,

    Did you just have your 2nd treatment.  I just finished my first and feel so tired all the time.

    Hope you were able to get some work done and sorry to hear people are depending on you.  It’s good to feel needed but I find I want a lot of down time now.

    GoWithTheFlow, Thanks for  the link, I ordered mine.  How kind of people to be taking time to make and send out the scarves.

    Carla, Twilight means you’re awake but under some anesthesia.  It was a weird feeling.

    I had my my first treatment on Friday, (5/31) and it was not a good day, I had a mind headache, nausea and major anxiety during the infusion. Saturday and Sunday were better but I was on steroids and had some energy.   Today, I’m dragging and since chemo started I’ve been getting sharp pain in my stomach that seems to get worse as the day goes on.  Sometimes it’s hard to stand up straight or walk.  I guess I’ll call the doctor (which one) if this continues.  I also have the feeling of being drugged but it’s manageable. 

    Tori39,  Yes, mine was pounding some this afternoon a resting rate of 88…high for me.

    Theresa, Sorry to hear you’ve had such a hard week but glad to hear that when you called the doctor they took you right in.  I’m loading my body up with Aquaphor.  My taste buds have changed and I find that I am adding a lot of sugars and salt to my foods something I’ve avoided.  I made some sweet potato soup yesterday and kept adding maple syrup. I hope you’re week improves and try and keep us updated.

    UKKATE, Thanks for giving me a big smile, I am so happy that you were able to have such a great day with your family and to celebrate with your daughter.  I don’t know how you did it but it sounds wonderful and I am so happy for you.

    Mia, Sorry to hear you got into the chair and had to reschedule.  Hope you’ll be better for the 7th.

    MomofSam, My oldest hired a cleaning service after the surgery and it was a great treat, my youngest daughter comes home a few days a week and is helping with the cleaning, laundry and cooking.  I am so proud of how my family has all stepped up to help out but I feel bad at times about having to ask for help or things not getting done.

    Lpc, wow!  1st call out, that’s amazing.  I am taking short term leave, I have a few other health issues and feel that I need to give my body a fighting chance.

    I'm off to a look good, feel better class.  Looking forward to attending and getting some tips.

    Robin

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    Reddheadmom and everyone else losing their hair,

    I shaved my head in january.  Still only have a bit of stubble on top.  It's summer here in Virginia and the humidity is terrible.  Although I still miss my hair, it's such a quck morning routine now.  No shaving, no brushing hair, no blowdryer, no styling products.  I've gotten to the point that I may or may not throw on my Boston Strong baseball cap when I go out.  Even if I do, it usually ends up off.

    I found wearing hoop earrings or something dangly helps me to feel a bit more feminine.

    ((HUGS)).  In this case, you know it's only temporary.  

    Lisa, keep some dill pickles, watermelon and anything else lilke that (easy to grab and eat) around.  Eat small bits all day.  I still find if I eat a bigger meal, I feel yuk.  Watermelon is good for hydration and is very refreshing, pickles you can taste which is always nice.  some days i'd eat 1/2 a jar.

    Kate, I was told I could take tums for heartburn.  Doesn't last a heck of a long time, but I dreaded adding more pills to my nightly routine.  At that point, I was taking at least 10 pills a night.  

    I'm down to 8 now, but one of them (the potassium) has to be cut into quarters because it's so damn big, so technically, that's 13.  /sigh/

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    Someone else mentioned cleaning for a reason last night.  Here is some info from a facebook post this morning:

    Help us spread awareness to women with cancer, any type of cancer, in need of FREE housecleanings. 

    ALASKA: Openings in Girdwood

    ILLINOIS: Openings in Aurora, Bloomington, Buffalo, Chicago, Mahomet, Naperville, Niles, Palatine, Plainfield, Rockton, Springfield, and Utica

    LOUISIANA: Openings in Baton Rouge, Broussard, Kenner, and Monroe 

    VIRGINIA: Openings in Barhamsville, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Cumberland, Hampton, Midlothian, and Sterling

    WISCONSIN: Openings in Ixonia, Kenosha, Madison, Menasha, Nekoosa, Prairie Du Sac, Shawano, and Sheboygan

    MANITOBA, CANADA: Openings in Headingley, Minedose, Portage La Prairie, and Winnipeg

    Woman with cancer can apply for free housecleaning atwww.cleaningforareason.org. Don’t see your area on the list? Go to website and click on the apply tab to see if we have a maid service in your area.

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  • LJaeger
    LJaeger Member Posts: 58
    edited June 2013

    Hello All - rougher weekend this 2nd time around for me. Nice to check back in and read up on how everyone is doing. DH and I were laughing together at how slow I was on Friday night (day 3) - I could barely chew my dinner! 

    At least the "off days" are predictable, though already with 2nd time it was a longer stretch. Keeping positive that each day will be a little better now until next Friday. Phew.

    Wearing a bandana to work for the first time today - hair is falling out like crazy - it's short now, but when showering I pull my hands through it and the hands come back looking like a wearwolf! Ha.

    Anyone else have a weird "stuck in your throat" kind of feeling? It's something like having popcorn shells stuck in my throat folds (or what I've read are "Tonsil stones"), but nothing is there now. I've tried garling, drinking lots of water, etc. and it still feels like there is something caught in there. It's driving me crazy!!!

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited June 2013

    Ljaeger. Yes yes yes to throat. I thought it was from sinus draining. I try to cough at it til I am gagging!



    Lisa

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    Ljaeger, I had a similar feeling if I ate too much at once.  Just kind of felt like integestion or like I'm too full.  I was told to take a nausea pill for it.  I didn't really feel nauseaus but Full.  Hope it gets better.

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  • tmb173
    tmb173 Member Posts: 111
    edited June 2013

    Had my first TC chemo May 22.  SE were not to bad- a little nausea, bad taste in mouth, fatigue etc.  Biggest problem has actually been blurry vision- I couldn't wear my contacts for a few days and could not drive for about 4 days.  I also cought me son's cold (darn compromised immune system :).  Next treatment is June 12 and I am just hoping that no new side effects start up.  

    BTW used cold caps and so far, no hair loss- excpt for my eyelashes :)

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    could the vision/contact problems be because of the drying effect of chemo?

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  • tmb173
    tmb173 Member Posts: 111
    edited June 2013

    I really don't know- and my doctor wasn't certain.  I have read that taxanes can change your field of vision but it is temporary.  Honestly, that's how it feels.  Like I have the wrong perscription.  My contacts are slightly different per eye and I feel like one is "off."

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  • MichelleRN78
    MichelleRN78 Member Posts: 64
    edited June 2013

    @GoWithTheFlow  How are you doing since your recent BMX?  I had mine in March but it seems like 3 weeks after I was still having a hard time.  Hope you are healing both physically and emotionally.

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  • ReddHeddMomma
    ReddHeddMomma Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2013

    Gowiththeflow - Turns out the haircut this morning was actually less traumatic than the large chunks of hair that were coming out in my hands. It looks a lot like a military head shave for basic training, but it isn't horrible. And now my balding patches aren't so in your face. Taking control of the hair loss was definitely the right move this morning, it was just the trauma of anticipation before the trim that was tough.



    I am so glad that I got my wig beforehand and already got it trimmed. We have to go to a conference this weekend, and I will probably wig it most of the weekend, but I doubt that I will bother with anything beyond the occasional scarf day to day. We'll have to see how I feel once I get out and about and have to deal with stares, right? One step at a time.



    Thanks to everyone here for all the supportive comments. Even when you are talking to someone else, the support lifts me up, too. We have a really great May group and I am just so grateful for the boost that I get from all of you every day.

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited June 2013

    LJaegrr - I get that weird feeling in my throat sometimes. I think it has to do with digestion issues. Try 1 or 2 pepcid a day or tums throughout the day. Hopefully that will help.



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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited June 2013

    LJaegrr - I get that weird feeling in my throat sometimes. I think it has to do with digestion issues. Try 1 or 2 pepcid a day or tums throughout the day. Hopefully that will help.



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  • angieinohio
    angieinohio Member Posts: 17
    edited June 2013

    Hello all,

    I'm having muscle spasms and muscles jerking is anyone else having this? I'm doing tacx6. It's not numbness or tingling its actual twitching.

    Hope all is well. I'm finally doing better just gearing up for round two on Monday.

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  • Worrywart9390
    Worrywart9390 Member Posts: 101
    edited June 2013

    I've been having eye twitches!!!!  but thats it as far as twitches.

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited June 2013

    Angie, call your doctor.

    Could be low potassium?

    Pat

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  • angieinohio
    angieinohio Member Posts: 17
    edited June 2013

    Thanks Pat I will call!

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  • MomofSam
    MomofSam Member Posts: 74
    edited June 2013

    Jen987 - Thanks!  I'll have to check it out :)

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    did you call Angie?  I had low potassium after my surgery.  I woke up two days after surgery and threw up, and felt terrible.  I've been much better since taking potassium pills and eating bananas every day.

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  • elkatho
    elkatho Member Posts: 159
    edited June 2013

    I was away from the board longer than I thought. Just catching up. I had my head shaved today and it feels great...and I still look like...me!! I know that sounds weird but I was nervous to look at myself and all I saw was me! I think I finally I swept on the loose strands that feel out. I have my second T/C tomorrow. A little anxious ... will take some advil pm to help me sleep. Hope everyone rests well tonight.

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    Momo,

    Glad your experience with your new wig was a positive one! Sounds like you work with good peeps!



    Annie,

    I still feel twinges of pain in my lumpectomy and underarm (from nodes removed) where I'll actually jolt in my seat... But then it goes away. I think chemo is slowing down the healing. My surgeon said 4-6 weeks for healing and I had surg on 4/15 (lump removed) & 4/25(remove clotting).



    Ipc,

    Sorry it's worse! Ugh! Just when we think it couldnt possibly be any worse! I hope you start feeling better soon!



    ReddHedd,

    Good for you! It was oddly relieving when I buzzed my head. Much less traumatic than seeing my hair coming out & takes much less time to throw a hat on in the morning than doing my mass of hair. Although during Dinner Sunday, the girls pointed out a pic if mype with my long curly hair & I almost lost it! It'll come back! It'll come back!



    Robin,

    Yep I'm on #2... last thursday.



    Leaguer,

    I get a thick saliva feeling in my throat that makes me cough a lot.. :(



    Kate,

    About the intimacy issues.... At first, my hubby didn't want to hurt me. And I felt unattractive.... When you feel well & time is right, it'll happen! Trust me! ;) !

    Even hand holding or snuggling is good to stay connected throu a rough patch!



    I'm actually feeling better today... Whew! This round, I feel, hit me faster and harder than round 1... But I feel like I'm feeling better faster as well!... Of course, when we say we are felling better, that in itself would be anyone not going through this' worst nightmare! It's not just the obvious SEs... But all the little weird things that happen to our bodies....



    Anyhoooo..... I hope all of you wonderful women are doing your best today!

    Happy thoughts!

    Lorrie



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  • rockermom66
    rockermom66 Member Posts: 69
    edited June 2013

    I get the eye twitches too! It makes me laugh.. just a SE. My potassium was ok today after seeing my bloodwork.
    I haven't gone into public bald or with a scarf. I just can't. I don't want the attention or looks. I just want to blend in.
    One of my clients gave me her chemo wig, it's super nice but darker than I'm used to. I might wear it.

    I had chemo #3 today. It went fine. It was weird because my sons elementary principal shared the room with me! I thought I recognized her! We had great talks. Our next treatment is on the same day so maybe we will get to hang out again.

    I had a major snafu with the Neupogen shots I was supposed to take home. My insurance was being a jerk. I had to make phone calls and figure things out. They wanted me to pay 50% copay which would be $946. I was so pissed.. I can't afford that, don't want to use a credit card and I have to get the shots asap. So.. I figured out that I can go to the hospital to the injection room for 4 days and it's only 20% copay and I'm billed. I was so terrified that I wouldn't be able to get the shots because I have had neutropenia after every treatment. Whew! I just hope I'm not dragging ass getting there! I don't care, it's worth it.

    I am having the peeling finger thing going on. My chemo nurse gave me some Cavilon Moisturizing hand lotion that is WONDERFUL!
    So there is a heads up if you need some good lotion!

    Hope everyone is hanging in there! I like the May group better than the April group :)

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  • Lily28
    Lily28 Member Posts: 10
    edited June 2013

    Hi all. I too am losing my hair now.

    It makes me nauseated to see clumps when I run my hand through my hair. So I'm getting it cut this morning and my wig styled.

    It will be a relief I think. But sad too.

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  • elkatho
    elkatho Member Posts: 159
    edited June 2013

    Rockermom.great job on the reaserch with the insurance. You will make it in for your shots..you are strong.



    Lily I think.it will be a relief for you to.cut your hair. You will notice all.the other beauty on your face..youreyes, smile maybe some freckles (if you have them) ((hugs to))

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  • Ukkate
    Ukkate Member Posts: 292
    edited June 2013

    So 1 day past Chemo #2.  It went a lot faster yesterday - they pushed the Hercepten in 30 minutes instead of 90 and also the Taxo and Carbo was quicker.  They must've given me a big dose of Bennydril because I started to feel really tired and twitchy legged around 2 hours in and ended up falling fast alseep for a solid hour.  My brother came with me to treatment and it was so nice to have him there.  Doc gave me that emmend in my pre meds so I'm hoping that helps.  Doc said he was hoping for 80% improvement this time around and I told him I'd be happy with 50% improvement!!  Today I feel a little nauseas and less than 100% but not too terrible yet...

    I HATE wearing my wig.  It feels hot and tight on my head and a little scratchy.  I made my buff into a cap and that feels really good.  The rest of the time I've been wearing my scarfts.  I did wear my wig all day Saturday.  I'm trying to hold onto the fact that I've had two treatments and I only have 2 to go....

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited June 2013

    Rocker mom, way to go on that insurance thing. Sounds like you could almost take a taxi there if you needed and it still wouldn't be as much as having the shot at home!



    Kate, home that nausea stays away for you.

    I LOVE my buffs. HATE my wig, maybe I need to take it to be trimmed.

    My 14 year old was getting an award last night, so I asked him what he wanted me to wear on my head. "Whatever makes you comfortable mom"...this kid should have gotten an award for understanding! He is not the least bit concerned with himself. I nearly cried.

    So I wore a really nice shirt from kohls and one of my buffs is a close match to it. I was VERY comfortable.



    Btw, I'm 5' 11. So there is no missing the woman in the "buff". (You do know its a head covering brand!). I'm sure there are people taking their sideways glances, good for them, I would too. Life goes on.



    Pat

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited June 2013



    Feeling much better today so off to work I will go.



    I only wear my wig to work. It is hot and uncomfortable so everywhere else I wear ballcaps. It is amazing how fast I adjusted to baldness. I work retail mgt -kohl's glad you found nice shirt Patty - and just cant bring myself to go commando there. So far haven't liked the scarf look on me.



    Kate - only 2 to go that's great! I have 1 more ac to go then 4 taxols. I have heard taxol is easier so keeping fingers crossed it is. Hoping you have an easier time this round.



    Lily I found shaving head less stressful than seeing those clumps come out! You will be amazed how fast you adapt to the new you.



    Good day to all



    Lisa

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited June 2013

    My MO told me that there are no steriods witht he ac part of the treatment???   Just the Taxol part?  I see a lot of you guys are getting steriods for AC...ANyone?Tongue Out

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited June 2013

    I take steroids night before and morning of ac treatments but mo told me last time I could stop til taxol started. I have had few se's so think I will continue as usual since only one ac dose to go.



    Lisa

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    Elkatho,

    Have an uneventful treatment today!

    Everyone, make it a great day today!

    Other than being too sleepy to want to get out of bed & sluggish, I think the worse of # 2 is behind me.... I can't wait until around this weekend whe I start feeling 'normal' for a while before #3..



    BTW, duct tape was a great idea! Haha I took a pic if one little piece and sent it to my oldest (26) who just bought a house in Portland & she freaked... "why would you do that?"... I told her the whiskers would itch my shoulders like after a haircut & that I'm not pressing it down to my scalp ti like 'wax' my head! Just using it as a lint brush! Haha



    I can't remember who, here, asked about the scalp with the duct tape, but I only lightly pat it on the whiskers to take off loose ones. I'm not tearing my hair out! :)



    Happy thoughts to all of you!!

    Lorrie

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