August 2013 Chemo Sisters
Comments
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floruchag, It seems that everyone is different and experiences a variety of side effects. I didn't feel bad until the 5th day other than the nausea I brought on my self by eating fat in my soup. On my fifth day, I was just exhausted, more than I can ever remember being. I just laid around and didn't do much. There are great hints on here for pain, for nausea, and you name it. Scroll back and read or just ask a question. Someone will answer you. It really halps to read what others have experienced who are going through the same treatments. Hope you're doing well today. It really seems to come and go for me.
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Tanks a lot sharonna !
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Hi ladies - just back from church with lots of hugs, well wishes and incredible support. In fact, one great friend said I'm walking in victory already (after just one chemo, that may be a bit premature but I like her thinking!).
Tonya - yes, you're right ahead of me. I had my first of 4 AC on Friday so the second is scheduled on 9/20. This first one was a non-event - I took 4 pills over the past few days - no nausea - and didn't take any today....so far, so good.
Rayna - I'll have 6 months of chemo (boy, I hope it flys by!) then surgery, probably in March. The surgeon is saying mastectomy, even if everything shrinks alot since I have a lump at 4/5:00 and another area at 2:00. I'm not starting with much to work with so by the time they take all that out, it would be pretty much a mastectomy anyway! Oh well - a friend at church said since insurance pays for reconstruction from a mastectomy but not lumpectomy, I'm actually better off. Back to that new normal again, right???
Thanks, all for being there. Cyber hugs and support are pretty close to real ones at times!
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Your right naan, I can barley remember what I posted.
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Yesterday was very interesting. It was day 2 after my 2nd treatment + I had the Neulasta shot (in my stomach). I didn't feel bad, I just felt off. I walked for about 40 minutes then felt a little better. I kept dozing on + off.
Maybe it was the bean + kale soup (that'll do it) or maybe I drank too much water. I took a Ondansethron (too late, I'm sure). Out of no where I vomited (all water) then felt much better. Today I just feel lazy in this humid weather.
No bean + kale soup today, just bananas, yogurt + blueberries and possibly some white rice. Any other suggestions of a bland diet?
Much success to you all.
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Hello ladies,
I read your stories, and we have different types, sizes,shapes, stages, of this breast cancer. The fact is we have cancer, we are truly blessed to have today's medical technology. Each of us has our own dr, I personally love my Onco, she is a part of the mayo clinic , she explains everything to me ( sometimes I don't remember). I noticed a lot of you ladies get treatment every 3 weeks and mine is every 2 weeks. My treatment is basted on the guide line s of nccn.org. I agree with whom ever it was that said we need to get through this so I am taking all my meds as directed every day. I am feeling good today and have been the last few, Anxiety is my biggest issue, and my dr told me that anxiety can cause so many side effects. I am working on that. My second treatment is Tuesday.sept 3. I am already fearing the side effects... Ugh,,, God is Great, lean on him. Take care and make it a blessed day. -
SaltyJack: By law insurance must cover breast reconstruction whether you have lumpectomy or mastectomy. I had a lumpectomy and will be seeing a plastic surgeon Wed. for a consult on reconstruction. My lumpectomy left a considerable dent in my left breast due to the fact that I had a HUGE staph infection from the surgery. Sigh. I don't think I'll need an implant though. See what the surgeon says Wed.
How are you today Sharonanne? I feel better today like I actually could do something around the house which delights me. The nasty taste is in my mouth again but luckily does not affect the way food tastes. Water does taste like a shoe though so I flavor it or drink tea. My mouth alone is filled with bitterness unless I put some other taste in it which could get fattening! So sugarless gum is my friend.
Julie: So many hugs to you and your family. You have every right to be mad and though you may not want to waste your time on this now, your case may be something to pursue legally. I send many prayers and good thoughts as I can your way. You are so strong but it is certainly good to share your pain here as we definitely CARE. -
Wow we are a chatty bunch! LOL I love it. So much companionship and support!
gashgold you wrote- Lighthouse - just wondering if I understood you correctly..are you saying the mammogram only vaguely detected a 4 cm tumor? That's scary! I read somewhere though its harder for mammograms to pick up some tumors in younger women because of greater breast density.
Yes, I guess I am one of the unlucky women with dense breasts that mammograms have a hard time with. I've actually had mammograms for the past two years (starting at age 38), and even went back for a diagnostic one on the left side (where my cancer is) - never showed anything. Then when they did the ultrasound it showed a 2cm mass and a 1cm mass, the MRI showed it was actually one big 4+cm mass connected. Scary that the mammogram didn't show much of anything! I know mammograms work - they found my SIL's breast cancer - but they didn't work for me.
I'm so happy to hear about the ladies with the clear PET scans. I had one last Monday, but don't see the doctor until Wednesday to get my results. I'm anxiously waiting for good news! I know the cancer is in my lymph nodes, but hopefully that's all!
I think it's interesting how different we all are with how our bodies respond. So many have said that they feel ok for a few days & then WHAM it hits them. My SIL was like that. Mine hit me right off the bat a few hours after I got home from my infusion, but now three days later I'm feeling much better. Hopefully I'm going to stay on this upward spiral until my next treatment.
As for bland foods (I forget who asked about that ) - I've found that mashed potatoes and green grapes taste the best. LOL Odd combination, but you have to stick with what works. I try to drink water, even added some lemon, but this awful taste in my mouth just makes it NASTY. So I've been sticking with Sprite or lemonade for now.
With the cold caps, I can only wash my hair 2x a week.... and not 3 days before or after chemo. I haven't washed it since Monday, so today is the day! I can't wait. LOL
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Naan Julie,
I am devastated for you and all of us. I am similar in doing everything right but finding out that I jumped to stage 3, a late 3 too, from 2a when doing everything. I asked for a pet scan and was told I was really a 1b and cancer was so tiny that I'd get false positives. This is post lump, chemo and rads. So now 10 months post final rad I am late stage bc.
I believe that we can make it. I love you and am sending support your way.
V -
This is the day the Lord hath made, we shall rejoice + be glad in it!
I just took a shower + gave myself permission to lay around all day, if I want to!
Today's declaration: I AM more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus!
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Lisa, Thanks for asking. I feel fairly well today. Woke up with major pain all over, but it's ok now. I have thrush, but I got online and found that peroxice and water rinse would help, and it has. My tongue is no longer white, just scarlet red. I have one mouth sore up under my upper lip that I keep biting when I eat. I have an appointment Tuesday for CBC test, so I'm going to ask for a prescription. I am being lazy today. Believe it or not, my head is itching!!! Could it be?..........you know what..............so soon? I will wash my hair later on today because I am on call to sub tomorrow and next week.
Nan and HVV, I'm praying for both of you extra today. You two seem to have had the most difficulty. God is good. You two start thanking him for your healing. When we ask, believing, it is done. We don't have to beg, so I'm claiming a full cure for you both. God bless you today and forever. I'm praying for everyone else, as well. Sharon
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Raynaj: yes I agree the water tastes kind of "heavy or thicker" like oil
Naan: Rant and rave...that is what this is for. We can't stay strong all the time!
DebDylan: I use the obamacare issue to put a positive spin on my cancer. My husband has one of those Cadillac plans that is subject to a 40% tax. Therefore at the end of the year the benefits are going to go down. So I said if I have to get cancer, now is the time to do it. Yes it will be interesting to see what happens.
Lisa: I had a lumpectomy and yes you are correct by law they have to pay to "fix" you. I actually had them reduce my second breast to match and he fixed up the one with the hole. Of course I have always had biger breast so I was happy to get a reduction. It wasn't fun to then have both breasts messed with at the time...I think that was a worse surgery than the lumpectomy, but now that I am a month or so away from that I am so happy with my choice.
Cutiekool: you say you are being treated with a mayo clinic doctor. Are you going thru the clinic here in Minnesota or one of there other clinics? I live a few hours away from the one here in Minnesota and almost went to them instead of the Hospital in the twin cities...it was a matter of who could get me in first at the time.
Well for any of those still wondering and keeping track of when us ladies are loosing hair... last night my hair started coming out in small clumps that was day 13. It went from hardly anything to handfuls. I had even questioned if I was going to be one of those lucky ones who wasn't going to loose it...but I guess not. :-)
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Is anybody besides LHL trying cold caps? I read about them when I was first diagnosed and thought they sounded interesting (I'd always thought losing my hair was about the worst thing I could think of with cancer - hahaha, right?). When I found out I'd be starting chemo in a week, rather than a month or so after surgery, it seemed too complicated to try to figure out so quickly. You'll probably soon figure out I'm pretty lazy about alot of things! Anyway - good luck. I'll be counting down - based on Mankato, I've got 11 days left of hair. Do I understand correctly that your head tingles and/or feels funny for a day or two before hair starts falling out? I need to give my sister time to get here from Memphis!!
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mankatostate, I just washed my hair and curled it with the curling iron. I am in my day 7 today and my day 13 is the day of my husband's class reunion! I am trying to judge when mine will fall in clumps so I can sew some of it t a headband to wear under scarves. I want it to be clean when I cut it so I might have to wash it every day until that day comes. My head itched today, but maybe that was because I needed to wash it.
Bone pain, How long, in everyone else's excperience, is the pain from the neulasta shot? My hip pain today is significant. I almost thought it wasn't going to hold me up when I turned around. I feel like the pain is inside of the core of my body. It's much more than arthritis pain.
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SaltyJack some people have said you feel tingling. I really haven't. Up until yesterday I didn't even notice me "shedding" more than normal. Since yesterday afternoon all I have to do is run my fingers thru my hair and small clumps 8-10 groups of hair are coming out. I have a thick head of hair so I am not noticing it yet, but am afraid to really brush my hair today as I'm not getting my haircut/wig until tomorrow.
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Sharon : sorry I meant to post to you that my pain lasted really bad about 2 days. Then I had less pain for a few more days. Now I am feeling great. I usually take some pain for my arthritis in my knee but for the last couple of days I stopped because I was worried about blood platelet count. I haven't had any pain either of those days. My pain seemed to migrate. It changed locations kind of moved from inner body to outer limbs. I don't know if that is the way it is with everyone.
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For those of you with pain, are you taking Claritin? I took it the day of my Neulasta shot and the next two, and have had ZERO pain from it.
Question about the peroxide rinse...how much peroxide do you use? I've tried the salt/baking soda rinse and it just about makes me throw up every time. Yuck. I'm willing to try anything to get rid of this yuck in my mouth!
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Lighthouse and Sharon I have taken the Claritin both treatment times and still have joint pain. it usually lasts three days for me for it to go away. I can't imagine what it would be like without the Claritin. Today is my third day since my second treatment and I feel like I have major flu, naseau, headache, achy bones. Been in bed all day except when I do my turtle walk outside. I feel the need to exercise. Hoping for a better day tomorrow. Wishing everyone well.
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lighthouselady, 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 1 part water. I use 1 tablespoon of each. Swish it around for a minute. It has taken the white off of my tongue, but my tongue is really sore, like it's burned. I hope to get a prescription for lozenges or something on Tuesday when I go in.
I have takn Claratin every day since the day of infusion. My pain wasn't as bad in the beginning, but today, is really bad. It could be my age and my arthritis and the fact that I don't want to take take naproxen I take daily for arthritis pain. I am afraid it will mess with the platelet count. I will ask about that, too, when I see someone Tuesday.
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I DECIDED to feel better, so I feel better. I just put on my sneakers and plan to walk 30 minutes around my house.
Not sure if the Neulasta shot in my stomach had anything to do with the way I felt, but next time I'm going back to getting the shot in the arm.Let's CHOOSE to Believe God today!
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To all
I finished dose dense AC 4 treaments and then dose dense T 4 treatments in December 2012. I worked through the whole time- at a stressful job. I took my chemo on Fridays at 1230 and then spent the majority of the weekend in bed so I would be ok to work. I, who usually exercises couldn't even think of it during this time. I found work my salvation so I didn't want to stop that. But, that's how I deal with things. Everyone has to find what works best for them-there are no rights or wrongs on this journey.
As far as the hair thing, -my hair was long so before chemo started I had it cut short. After my second treatment I had it buzz cut. When it really started to all fall out (a pillow full of hair 2 mornings in a row) my husband shaved my head. He offered to shave his in support but I wouldn't let him do that. He's been so wonderful and so supportive!
You all need to walk the path that makes you most comfortable to deal with this crazy time in your life. Just stay strong and before you know it, you'll be done. I used a countdown system after each treatment which helped me. Take whatever meds you need to feel better. This time is all about YOU! And next year at this time, you'll be a survivor!
Love to you all,
Babs
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Deb, How true that is. I went from focusing on my son's wedding in our back yard to focusing on how to avoid nausea and bone pain. Your mother is a wise woman.
FMG, I like that. You CHOOSE to feel well so you're going to feel well. I'm going to try that. t
Babs, That is a very inspirational post. I hope you're doing well at this point. Thanks for lifting my mood tonight. I have a wonderful husband who is standing by my side He goes to every appointment with me and plans his day around my comfort. I'm blessed and it sounds like you are, as well. The women on this thread cannot be beat. They encourage everyone, pray, and help everyone figure out what to do in different circumstances.
Has anyone heard from Carol? Is she okay?
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HVV, Hurray to the nodes shrinking!! Yay! Only one more A/C to go! You go girl! :-)
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babs6287, thanks for your encouraging words. I agree, tap into what brings you joy. This is a time of an emotional roller coaster ride. Some times we'll be up + other times we'll be down. I pray for many more up times than down.
While we will ride a range of emotions, please don't let the negatives get the best of you. Tap into what gives you strength . . . your faith, your family, your job, laughing, cooking, exercising, etc. Protect your mind from thoughts of lack, limitation, fear, guilt + death!
This too shall pass! We've heard many witnesses of health, wealth + wholeness after experiencing cancer, chemo, surgery, radiation. Let's look towards the hills which cometh our help!
If anyone is looking for a mild walking tape, check out Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds. She has 5 - 1 mile walks.
Now I'm going to rebatch my Baking Soda soap.
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Ugh, the other shoe dropped today - felt like refried ass since about 4 or 5 am. Aching all over, was not comfortable in bed, heating pad & Tylenol only helped a teeny tiny bit. Brain was super foggy so I couldn't read, focus on a movie, surf the net, hardly replied to my husband. Tiny bit dizzy but eating protein helped that. Just laid in bed & whined all day - couldn't sleep, just felt crappy. Finally got up around 3:30p & no longer feel like a complete zombie. Ugh, that sucked!
I'm guessing that was all from the neulasta shot. Still, if that's the worst, I'll suck it up & deal. My stomach is fine & I don't have migraines, knock on wood. I have tomorrow off from work (would have taken it even if it wasn't a holiday in the U.S.), but I have meetings in the office Tuesday. Gotta be better for that! -
Tonya and SaltyJack,
Hurray to clear PET Scans!
You are so right about the new normal. One day at a time sisters, one day at a time.
We will get through this together. :-)
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Does anyone in our August group have fibriods while going through chemo? Just wondering how they're behaving.
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Rayna,
The blood clot happened right after my surgery for the sentinel lymph node dissection. It was not on the side of my IV, but I was covered from my neck to my waist front and back in a rash from the Hibiclens pre-op cleanser. It was in fold of my right arm, opposite of my elbow. It was a red, warm lump in my arm, so I went to the emergency room.
They did an ultrasound of my arm, and confirmed that it was a superficial blood clot. So warm compresses and Advil, (I wasn't on chemo. then), and it went away by itself. Thank goodness!
Sorry to hear that your disc in your back is causing your right leg to be swollen with only feeling in your big toe. Is there anything you can do to get that disc to calm down? My mother in law had an injection between her vertebra, they referred to it as a little spine cement, (it lifted up her vertebra and relieved her pain and nerve problems) from the disc. Maybe that would work for you? Rayna, what happened to your shin bone, or is it your ACL? Do you have to wear a splint?
I love the idea of celebrating with fireworks and celebrating NED, (no evidence of disease), at Christmas. A little heads up. I have four sons, and even though they are older now, (in their twenties 20-27), they usually have something always going on. Fantasy football right now. So we were at the Outer Banks a few years ago getting ready to let off some fireworks during the 4th of July, and my third son decides to light all 40 sparklers at once without telling anyone. So they all ignited at once and we spent the night in the ER with his burned hand. He's fine now, still an adventurer, (like his mom), will be a commercial pilot by December. :-)
Keep me in the loop about your upcoming surgery. I will be going in after you! We'll make it!
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Lighthouse,
I had two 3D mammograms, one in August of 2012, and a follow-up in April of 2013. In April, they said all was normal see you in a year.
At the end of May 2013 I felt a hard lump in my breast. I also have a 4 cm/2" tumor! I have lost confidence in mammograms in dense breasts. I think Ultrasounds or MRI's are the way to go.
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Wow Bellamomma...similar story! I guess the positive lymph node made me stage 3, where you are stage 2. Are you having surgery after chemo?
Batcatlady - did you take Claritin? I know it doesn't work for everyone, but I am taking it and have had no aches or pains from the shot.
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