Calling all TNs

Una2008- Thank you. I hate that you are going through this also. Why do any of us have to? I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason though. Maybe its us because we a strong enough to handle it.

I am glad you are handling the chemo well.



((Hugs from TX))

Una - your daughter is precious!



Ladies - here is are a few tips you need.



At some point in your treatment you may receive Neulasta or Nepogen (?sp) to increase your white blood cell count. This drug causes severe bone pain in many people. There is no research on why this works, but many MO's recommended this to women on here. The combo is Claritan (the one without the decongestant), Zantac and a pain reliever. (I'm not sure if it was Tylenol, Ibuprofen or Asprin. One of the other Sisters will see this and let you know which one). There we different recommendations on when exactly to take it. I took it the day before the Neulasta, and then four days after. I had NO bone pain, and that's pretty amazing for an Old Woman!



If you feel queasy eat something small like a couple crackers. When I read that tip on here. I thought it was nuts, but it really does work.



I'm not one to drink a lot of fluids, but during chemo the advice from everyone is to drink, drink and then drink some more (I was told a minimum of 96 ounces per day). During chemo I would brew green tea and ginger and put it into gallon containers. The day before chemo and for 3 days after, I made sure the container was empty by the end of the day.



I also want you to know that how chemo affects everyone is different. I was 57 when I had my first chemo (12 Taxol, 4 AC). My side effects were minimal. I got queasy a few times but never vomited. Two weeks after my last chemo I celebrated by doing a Trapeze Swing. This is definitely doable ladies.

Welcome to the newest members of the tn family. You may also want to join at www.tnbcfoundation.org. Lots of great ifo there as well.



My two year ck up with onc is Tuesday. Thise time she did bloodwork but no scans unless numbers are elevated. Carring you all with me in my pocket!



Maggie

I took Claritin and Advil- really worked!

Been thinking about Luv (Michelle) and hope she is doing better! She is one hell of a lady and I hate to hear she is having a hard time.

I don't know if this link will work but here is an article about chilled caps used during chemo which may eventually prevent hair loss. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57594881/testing-underway-for-cooling-caps-that-prevent-hair-loss-during-chemotherapy/  As some of you know, chilled gloves and boots are used during some chemo treatments to prevent finger- and toe-nails from discolouring and/or falling off - so this makes sense. They just have to be sure that it doesn't prevent the chemo from working, etc.

Doreen

Poopadoo obxk. Love and kisses

Hi All.  During my chemo, I started producing excessive tears which caused my eyes to drain constantly resulting in a constant runny nose.  I went to an ophthalmologist  who said my tears had thinned and they were no longer coating my eyes well.  This made my eyes dry which in turn caused the excessive tearing.  To keep the tears in my eyes to keep them lubricated, he placed tear duct plugs in my lower tear ducts.  He said my eyes would more than likely correct themselves  in the months following the completion of chemo.  Well, here I am 1 year and 5 months later and I still have the plugs and my eyes are still terribly dry and I’m still constantly sniffing due to my runny nose.  My eyes feel like sandpaper in the morning.  It’s terrible.  Did anyone else experience this and if so, did it get better?

Thanks!

Beachbound- I had that toward the end of my chemo but it went away a few weeks after I finished my last doseof chemo. So sorry that you have had this problem for so long!

OBXK I hate this! Big big hugs.

Just an update guys - I just spoke with Luv. She is home and "doing the best she can". She is still having trouble with her coordination and walking. She will be seeing her oncologist on Wednesday. *concentrates and prays for positive results*

OBXK: Sending you strength....grrrrr I hate cancer

Jami...I would be surprised if you even get a chance to slow down.  Your girls will keep you active, busy and alive.  Before you know it, you will be done with your treatments and wondering where the time went.  That's a really good thing though   Hugs and kisses

We are loved indeed Karen...very much so.

Just back from my Onc ck up and woo to the hoo....circulating tumor cells are 0 and CA 27-29 is 16...lowest since diagnosis.  Approaching the 2 yr mark and so happy.  I almost did not want to post my news but thought the TN family could use a shot in the arm.  We are all in this toether with the good the bad and the ugly!  Love you all so much

Maggie

To everyone on the recurrence chemo couch - my mid-chemo CT scans came back clear! The Evil Ixempra and her sister Zelda (Xeloda) are working. I'm having #5 of 6 right now.



I wonder if it's okay to dance down the hallway with my pole and tell all of the other patients? Oh wait, I don't mean a real pole dance!



Phyllis