Starting Chemo, November 2013 Group
Comments
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I meant melrose!!!!!!!!!!!! huggs! -
Oh.....byw....had the most bizarre helpful info!
For all of whys ...she has leave for an aoot constipated/stopped up/bloated sisters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have you ever tried vasoline balls dipped in sugar??????????????
A hospice nurse...my MO RHNP....was hospice and said....did pea sized vasoline balls in sugar.....powered or regular....swallow!
They arent half bad and lub you up like castor oil or the like!!!!!!! havent totally fixed my gastroperesis but it sure helps the flow of things!
Just dont let DH get some baby powdered scented!!!!!!!!!!!!1 lol.......well at least it makes your breath smell good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 -
wally momma...private!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you must be RICH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
egggggaddds!
Bec I guess your about 2 eeks.....I tried to correct it but it looks better this way..........headaches.............dulllll....dronning......unless I get hooked to the IV. I HATE this buddy........at least I can do at home. They are REALLY making you do your shot at home!!!!!!!!!!!!! unr3eal...I had to fight!!!
Like most of us.....we are seeing a sheer blend on situaitons! Attempting to communicate cohertly and keeping the names straight! At least we KNOW we are NOT ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry for the excessive post today....I need to TALK or I will strip and run NAKED down the street! 2 days of total NO SLEEP add to the 20 min naps!!!!!!!!!!!!! TG for the internet!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
Just getting in from yet (another) physician appointment. I ONLY go outdoors these days for medical appointments...tragic...lolololol. But I'm catching up again and you gals are the BEST! You have no idea how much you bring to my day and how you make me smile and laugh!
Lisa-you are too funny about your port and how they nearly positioned you on your head to access it...so so so funny! I cannot get that mental picture out of my mind.
Paulette-I so wish I had your positive and bright attitude, I really do! So many of your posts make me laugh!
Melrose-you have been my mentor and my ROCK...I am so glad you are out here and I appreciate it that you "check-in" on me...makes me feel special-smile.
Audra-did you say something about SEX? You had to see the looks on my husband's face and mine when the chemo nurse brought up the whole safe sex, swapping fluids, condom thing last chemo...sorry, ladies...that train has passed and it makes me GIDDY that I am a decade or more older than some of you...SEX???? Husband and I nearly burst out in laughter when the chemo nurse went through "safety" including closing toilet lids...don't ask...lololololol.
smrlvr-I'm sorry that you had a hard time the other day. I know WE REALLY UNDERSTAND ONE ANOTHER OUT HERE! Are you finding that people seem so clueless?
I don't want to down anyone or be mean...I know (and I want to believe) that people mean well. But I cannot believe some of the things I've heard since finding out I have breast cancer. The stuff that trickles from people's tongues is ridiculous sometimes...fringes on offensive.
But I want to believe "people just don't know what to say." Sigh. That's my sister's excuse for saying some of the cruelest and most insensitive things to me.
And husbands...don't even get me started!
Thank you everyone for being here. I hope those of you who are just post another chemo round start feeling better soon. I did notice that PUSHING FLUIDS...water with Crystal Light...pushing fluids seemed to help a lot! Pushing fluids and taking meds BEFORE things like nausea, pain, abdominal discomfort, heartburn, etc got too bad.
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Bec65 - congrats on your last AC tomorrow! I was told I would still need Neulasta on Taxol.
The hospital I am getting the treatment at uses electronic charts and I can access all test results online. -
Tonilee...THANK GOD we can go outdoors!! I did the same yesterday....mask and gloves...glad I did b/c the Onc "NN" did not warn me! I could have been worse!
I feel for our sisters in the great NOOOOTRH....dont hate FL...our summers are SUCCKY like 10 mo of year....We hybernate like yall do.....you cant even do your hair without it becoming a slivvering wet mop!
Makeup....WHATIS THAT...it MELTS!
anyway....
I am still waiting to hear back from the "cancer navigator"....sure hope my trust doest bite me on the butt!!!! -
FLUIDS....FLUIDS...FLUIDS....either IV or by mouth are the key!!!!!!!! I notice MUCH less symptoms w/fluids. W all my meds I must get IV which suck.....but at least Im getting em in. symptoms radically decrease w/fluids.
Even w/fluids....my fingertips hurt....but I am SURE it will be better!!!
I HATE the thought that they will put me in the hospital in the next 24 hours.........grrrrr............hope they have internet!
I guess all you chatty patties are on the week off of mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! bummer................... -
(((Paulette)))-I feel like I've missed something but why is your MO thinking of putting you in the hospital for fluids right now? Are you running a fever due to dehydration? Are you unable to keep oral fluids down? Are you severely dehydrated????
Concerned about you today...what is happening???? Is hospitalization a concern 'cause of your low WBC's???? Perhaps that is it :0(
Forgive me if you covered this but I don't recall reading anything about you and IV fluids and hospitalization when I read back :0(
(((Hugs to you)))
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I went to see my MO yesterday. She asked how I was doing and examined my infection site. The lump was this time a lot more defined, oval shaped with a small red area at the tip of it in comparisson to what it was a week ago. She decided to postpone my chemo by another 3 days and also sent me back to see my BS regarding the infection. That did it for me. I broke down and cried because it would not only mean another long trip across town to a different hospital, but even more delay in my chemo treatment.
When I saw my BS today at the minor surgery clinic, she didn't seem to recognize me. Before she would always smile and say hello, but this time nothing. When we finally got to talk, she realized who I was. I told her that she probably had a hard time recognizing me due to the wig I was wearing. She said she was used to seeing me with long hair, but certainly liked the short hair look as well.
She ordered another ultrasound. After examining it she decided to surgically open up the abcess, drain it and pack it. She was initially hesitant to do so. She said that under the normal circumstances ( e.g, not during chemo) she would just leave the small infection for the body to take care of it itself with the help of antibiotics. However, because of chemo, she felt that it would be best to clean it up, let it heal and then continue with the CT after it's healed. She didn't want this thing jump at me again later. In her own words: I'll be damn if I do it, and I'll be damn if I don't.
So here I am in limbo, not knowing when I would be able to continue with my CT. I find this situation very frustrating. I'd rather get on with the chemo business and get it done. Sigh.
Why should life be so complicated?
Why does it have to be me again?
I know I'm not the only one out there going through an infection or a delay of treatment, but this is yet another bump on the road.
As if, my ride so far has not been bumpy enough!
In a way I feel that you ladies are so lucky to be able to get treated. You'll be all done with this sooner than later while I'll have to wait.
This also teaches me a lesson that getting treatment on time without any delays is a blessing in itself.
Wish you all well and moving onward with your treatment! -
I suppose that is good for yall who dont feel like typing a lick during the off weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11 You get MEEEEE to rant on and veArbalize dialogue!!!!! Everyone of you who are still working.... -
Amazon-
I am so sorry, that must be awful! Good grief it does seem you are getting a bad break with this! I do think it was smart to open and get it cleaned out as the chemo seems to make even the smallest little wound NEVER heal! I guess first things first and that's to heal that wound. Then you will have plenty of chemotherapy, right? You'll be wishing you weren't wanting it maybe?? I wish you fast healing and you will get on the chemobus plenty soon enough...
Sending hugs and prayers your way for patience and peace..
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Amazonwarrior, honey I'm so sorry!!! I really can sympathize at just how overwhelming and depressing treatment delay can be. My surgery was August 19 and I just started chemo yesterday. It's so discouraging and can feel like it will never progress or end. My MO delayed due to infected wound needing to heal (nasty open wound) and I'm STILL keeping my fingers crossed it won't break down. Please hang in there and know you aren't alone in this. Feel free to vent and talk all you need. Honestly, I felt so grateful and joyful to get treatment yesterday. The set backs and delays really put it into perspective how incredibly fortunate we are to have chemo as an option at all. That's a legit silver lining. Big big hugs to you!!! YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS! -
The oncology nurse told me that a happy side effect of chemo (at least TC?) is that in killing all the breast cancer cells it also goes after skin cancer. She said not to be surprised if I get a rash in sun damaged areas as it works its magic. Woowoo!
Loving Hopkins oncology staff. Nurses were caring, patient and very warm. Hugged me good bye and the woman who takes your vitals when you check in is a ray of sunshine. Said she loves oncology and does all she can to make the patients as happy as possible. Today she was sporting a light up Santa hat, yesterday was camo antlers. She switched it up daily to give the patients a laugh and variety as some come to the unit daily. Told me people think its a sad unit but she finds it joyful. I get that. Every day you get to be alive is a good day. -
First off Amazon....Dont be frustreated GOD IS WITH YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Yes it sucks to delay....I org dx 7/1 with all the wackozoid "NN" issues....and I am a NICE...really NICE patient...but I seem to be a "NN" magnet! mannnnn........better safe ...take it from a 74 almost died person from TOTAL hot potaoto issue because of my VERYYYYYYY complex history. My Prim Phy was on vac and it almost killed me because the nurses and docs played....a hot potato game! I is an UTTER MIRACLE I AM HERE! to tell you that this is minor....thou a real pain in the patootie!
Like I said eairlier......I am gonna strip to my prepubescent body and run naked down the street screeming after not only today but the past....urrrgggg medical crapola!
This past week has been a general "normal" which makes me wonder about our whole medical system!!!!!! Dont get me started........SUBJECT CHANGE>>>>>>>>>> for all our goods!
My hubby is in with the MO...after I spoke w/the "navigator" about the problems and my health.....still no health issues resolved! I got a call from the upline administrator of the "facility"! AMBUSH!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course he has NO understanding of health issues....Just MAKE THE CUSTOMER HAPPY!
Notice.....customer!!!!!!!!!!!!!
phone ca'' grm mo after RN hubby went in to talk to her FACE TO FACE...NOW mgs....Will update.....I.n.teresssting! -
Amazon, so sorry to hear you are delayed again. It must be so frustrating. You have a right to be upset.
Bec, for taxol, my MO is having me take a premed called dexamethasone. I am to take 5 20 mg tablets 12 and 6 hours before treatment. It is a steroid which means I will not be able to sleep after I take it. I am not looking forward to that. I have enough problems with sleep. I think I am going back to work while I am in rads. I really miss it. It feels like a whole other life.
My MO practice also has the records on line. I forgot about that. I will have to log in, if I can remember my username and password. -
Im with Quirky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 VENT AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it is truly cathargic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol......EVERY ONE of Us needs somewhere where we can burp, fart, or perhaps crap your beautiful girl panties all the way down the hall!!
My DH has told me for years I dont have a sense of humor.....I have never quite felt why he says that...Thankyou for saying that I have even the most remote sense of humor?
I will share the wackadoodle day we had....Praise God my wonderful RNhubby had his early day today...only one a month! off in time to go head on with the MO and staff.....
I'm flushing fluids via IV and I gotta peepee....tonilee will give you the deep info shortly.....My CLEAN TOILET BOWL is CALLING!....cleaned with my wonderfully gloved hands and such..Man...my teeth hurt again.....
I sure hope I have at least the ones I paid for left by the time this is done!!!!!!!!
Otherwise......I will be sipping soup....and mashing potatoes forever!
All my chemo sissies!!!!!!!!!! Welcome home.....REST....FLUIDS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>did I say FLUIDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
Amazon...you are totally on my heart tonite~ -
Amazon I'm so sorry to hear of your additional delays. My thoughts are with you. Take care of yourself, amazonwarrior.
Tonilee - I'm with you on the stupid stuff people say. I am now of the opinion that it is often fear that makes the tongue wag uncontrollably. People see thier once healthy friend battling cancer and all they can do is verbally justify how it won't be them, and fear that thier friend won't make it (I think that when the advice starts).
Quirkygirl, glad to hear your back on the treatment track and getting good care. I don't know how those ladies do what they do and still remain upbeat and sane. It is a sign of true professionalism - I tell my nurses they are at the top of thier game, and they are!
On the fluids front, I just discovered low acid orange juice. I can't drink water now as it makes me vomit (seriously, who vomits from water...). Anyway the low acid orange juice is working.
To you southern ladies, enjoy the sunshine! We are suspose to get snow and -21 dec C weather this week. My vitamin D wil be of the pill form this week!
My best to you all.
JAB -
Amazon, I'm so sorry for what you are going through. I wish there was something we could do. Please know that you can vent to us any time you want, and we're all thinking of you!
Smrlvf, I take dexamethasone for the first four days of an AC treatment, so I'm used to that. And, yes, it does keep me awake so I don't bother wasting a Remerol the days I take it. On the bright side, I'm full of energy those four days, and it does help with nausea tremendously. It's sort of whacked out my adrenal glands, but they'll rev up again when this is over.
Cool beans about TC also zapping skin cancer. Anyone know what AC might get as an added bonus?
Our power is out for at least to hours. And I don't have a plan B for dinner. Boo hoo. -
Bec- for some reason I think it may be the Cyclophosphamide that does it. You may want to ask your MO. I already have precancerous spots so this is an awesome SE for me as I easily burn right through 45 sun block. -
Paulette: I too want to run naked down the street screaming! I feel I want to tear out my port, expose my stubble hair and yes, I would show the world one boob, just like a true Greek amazon warrior! Yeeeeeeh -
You ladies are a ray of sunshine on a grey and cold day in New England!
Wally, your bath story made me LOL!
Big hugs and my thoughts are with you all. -
Ok Amazon! Time to organize an event!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who's with me!!! We will all run NAKED, LAUGHING<<<< and screaming to out hearts delight...down main street to tell the WORLD ....>WE ARE ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Actually it issssssssssssssssssss do-ble! We just need to find a cool naturalist resort...work out the details and VOLA!!! What a HYSTERICALLY FUNNY fund raiser that would be!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Naked as the day we were born....real boobies...repurposed boobies...no boobies...bald heads...bald lady land parts and Naked HINIES!!!!!!!!!!!! Ladies only for the most modest! But and up and up ....BOBBIES AND BUTTS UP!
Hmmm what would we call it.....oh My....I think I'm on to something!!!!!!!!!!!! What awareness....with the obvious parts bleeped out!!!! But what fun it would be...and totally freeing!!!!!!!!!!
Who's in for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????? -
My dear RN hubby just came in and said...." how bout...I AM BOOBIEFUL!" -
Amazon - sending prayers your way. You will heal and catch up in no time!
I'm heading for my 3rd AC tomorrow all by my lonesome self. They made the appointment so early that my husband has to stay home with our 2yo. The baby normally gets up at 10am, it would make her horribly cranky if we tied to get her up at 6am. We are getting 4 inches of snow again tomorrow, I hope it comes later in the day and I'll be home by then. -
One of the Stage 2 Sisters suggested this yoga video:
http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Breast-Cancer-Patients-Survivors/dp/B0036LG0F4 -
Had my third infusion today. It was completed in 3 hours instead of the usual 4 hours. I wonder whether the faster infusion accounts for me being really sleepy (but could only doze) during the infusion, and really fatigued and fuzzy when it finished. Spent the 2 hour ride home wishing for my jammies and bed.
I have had people driving me for each infusion. The first two times, I was kind of embarrassed as I probably could have safely driven myself home. Buy boy, this time I was really grateful to have someone else drive.
Ellen -
Amazon, I'm so sorry about your delay. Don't worry, I'll still be around for awhile. After the chemobus parks I'll still have surgery and rad. And I don't mindreading anyones rants. Lets me know that what ever I feel is 'normal'.
Smlvr, The on-line test results are great aren't they? Can you get your appointments and past history there too? That's an awesome feature.
Tonilee, Not one person has said something stupid to me. Every one who knows me even the slightest, knows that tact is so not my strong suit. I can handle unintelligent, I can not abide stupid.
Paulette, Sorry, I'll have to run with you in spirit only, It's just 25 degrees here right now. But I think 'Boobieful' is great!!
Jab, Where ever you are beats us here in Kentucky. It's only supposed to drop to -16 (F) tonight. For here, that's awful. I don't think it's been below zero in a couple of years. I know it hasn't been as low as -16 in at least 15 years. Seems like I picked a bad night to get the head buzzed as it's going to be the coldest night we've had in years (if not decades). But just overnight, it started shedding like crazy, and boy did it hurt!. Creepy-crawly, and like a ponytail that was way too tight. Couldn't take it, so my younger daughter went with me to get it buzzed. It feels great. I actually like it. Hubby says he does too, and that I have a nice head. Something just isn't right when "You have a nice shaped head" is a compliment.
Hugs and good vibes to all. Especially anyone in the chair today or tomorrow. -
good luck tomorrow, inks! Hope the snow holds off!
Ellen, thanks for posting and letting us know how you are doing. So glad to hear you had a driver when you really needed it. I love your darling picture, your smile is contagious. -
warrior! Hang in there! Your building your testimony!!!! In time whatever you endure and OVERCOME will be used to help someone elae overcome!!! Even the smallest baby steps that we take...regardless how difficult it is to endure will give another person hope and victory!!!sometimes we think we will break and no one will notice...but many times people are watching from afar and are given hope!!!
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