Starting Chemo, November 2013 Group
Comments
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smrlvr- any liquids will count as hydration (like soups). I know some others have enjoyed slushies... I like smoothies (fruit and milk and ice cubes blended together). I also have citrus ice pops on hand... When I did AC chemo I definitely had a cumulative effect for the SE's as that treatment was every 2 weeks. Now that I am on TC - I go every 3 weeks so one week of feeling crummy-ish and 2 weeks do feeling mostly normal. The worst thing I am dealing with now is fatigue. I am very grateful that I have been able to get all of my holiday prep done done for the most part...
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i lived on beef broth and chocolate milk for,days.
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sniff...thanks.....my hub been a poop till lack-a-bookie fixed now he's peaches. ..hydration......ask about home IV...I I would b sunk w/o it!!! I hook up and sleep......all Pam lessened!
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sniff...thanks.....my hub been a poop till lack-a-nookie is fixed now he's peaches. ..hydration......ask about home IV...I I would b sunk w/o it!!! I hook up and sleep......all Pam lessened!
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food what is that......
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hi everyone
Paulette hugs that's for going through so much. Oh those flowers are so nice. Prayers going your way, also all those who are going through rough times. I thank God daily for not feeling so rough. I do find that I'm extra. Sensitive on smells and to watch I don't eat spicy and acidity stuff. What I know is helping me not to get dehydrating is I drink water like an elephant but I dilute my water by 3/4 water and 1/4 green canned tea. I am increasing my walking by going just a little bit further than before. Because it's so cold here I bundle up with layers of clothes. I make sure I use a wear a warm toque. My head is so sensitive so I have to bundle up.
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smrlvr- I feel you pain. This round I'm more nauseous than every. It seems to linger longer. Usually it's just the day of chemo. Today is day 3 and I'm still nauseous and ache from yesterday's Neulasta shot.
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My heart goes to all of you for feeling nauseated and not feeling well. I'm sorta feeling anxious for my next chemo. Leaving tomorrow staying two night in the city. I'll have blood work and seeing oncologist on Monday. Chemo early Tuesday morning. I'll be half ways done on chemo. Hooray! Next chemo is in January they're switching my medication then. Port is still sensitive I'm putting cream I got from the doctor to numb it for blood work and chemo infusion. I'm chicken when it comes to needles. I'm reading all of your posts from the time we start posting. A lot of reading but want to learn all I can from all of you.
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BigT and smrlvr-
Hugs and so sorry you are bad...it sucks! I hope each day you get a little or a lot better! REST!
I am liking pedialyte and cranberry juice mixed a few times a day, orange juice in ams and then I just drink untasty awful old water all day...the first week it's hard to choke it down but next couple I can drink 4-5 water bottles a day...still feel dry though...and my mucus seems to be thick and icky in my throat in ams...
Amazon- my darling husband has days he loses it too, usually because I will say something bitchy or notice the counters aren't clean or some little thing. .I am majorly type A and the house is always spotless as that's how I like it...we have counters in kitchen everywhere and you can see every spot if there is any...so I was always cleaning those suckers and now he is supposed to...anyhow I have been very short the last few days and he is a saint...he sighs or will say something but he also knows all I'm going through and is a saint I guess....
I suggested he and our daughter go on ski trip or something to get out...but deep inside I know I would NEED him to be here, and he declined saying he wouldn't want to leave me....He is so sweet...if I had family or someone near to be here with me I would totally be ok...I don't have anyone til a good friend coming in January....soooo...
I don't blame these husbands for cracking, caregiving sucks, that's why I quit nursing and stayed home with kids all of these years as I sure didn't want to care for people all day and go home and care for kids and husband too, soooo draining....
Hope you all feel better today!
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it feels so good to have a shower on my own. I couldn't use my right arm because of the sensitiveity of my port. I had my breast surgery the end of August. I exercise my left arm daily but I need to continue excercising it in order to be able to lift it up high above my head. I can just feel the stretch when I excercise it. Sometimes I think to myself what next? So much we have to put up with. I'm glad both arms are not swelling. The onc said that's a good sign. Right after surgery Istart to exercise it. Later keep working on yourself we're starting to see the end of the tunnel
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Dear Ladies,
I have been missing from posting bt no reading your comments for a while. I need to whine a little as well as your prayers and support. Please indulge me.
I had my first TCH on Thursday, Dec 12 and gave myself Neulasta on Dec 13. Felt ok for a few days, but due to having chemo rescheduled for 4 days, I had 5 extra doses of decadron, so no sleep.
Mon Dec 15 began with low grad temp and icky feeling but I took tylenol and Advil and just watched things. I was really having pain and aching in my legs and feet and called MD and they told me to call again if things continued. Tuesday night into Wednesday, I had a temp 101.6 and felt ill., I started to have bloody diarrhera. I also noticed that my right tissue expander with swelling an uncomfortable. I called and was told to go to the ED. I has so much incontinence of bowel and bladder that I took 2 doses of immodium and waited until I could go for 5 minutes without a stool. Came to ED and was admitted to a floor other that what I work on, which also upset me. Found out I had positive blood cultures and they were also concerned about infection elsewhere. Had an ultrasound of my rt tissue expander which showed a large fluid buildup around the expander. The skin over the expander looked angry. It was hot and red. Had a ct with dy of the chest and the tissue expander was intact but the area round it had definite infection. I had a drain placed outside the expander with a JP attached. They drained cc of fluid at that time and I still have the drain.
I am on Vancomyciin and Cefipime IV. I have a port right above the affected tissue expander.
I am losing both the port and the tissue expander on Monday. Going to the OR for removal of both,
My Dr, does not feel I will need to have the TE replaced as he can continue with the reconstruction without it and still give me a good result. What a poor outlook for Christmas.
Will write more soon.Prayers to all,
Gayle
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Gayle-Sending good vibes and hugs. I'll be praying for you on Monday.
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Gayle: My thoughts and prayers to you! What you are going through totally sucks. You've gone through so much already. You definitely need a break! Hang in there!
As you know, I am still dealing with an open wound from a post- op abscess that got drained and needs to heal before I can continue chemo.
I treasure your words of support when I was feeling down and left behind.
You are a good person and your words mean a great deal to me.
Let me know how you are feeling. I hope that everything goes well on Monday.
In the meantime: ((((hugs)))))
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Gayle - sending good thoughts and prayers your way. I hope the surgery goes excellent on Monday. Do they think the port caused the infection? Why are they removing the port? You seem to be handling it fairly well, only complaining about not getting to be on your work floor. I admire your strength.
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so sorry youmare going through this Gayle.
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This is for your info:
10 Best Cancer Fighting Foods For Your Diet
- By Ashley Henshaw
- cancer affecting so many people in the world today, it's no wonder that people are looking for more ways to help fight off this disease. While medications and therapies like radiation and chemotherapy are surely effective in treating cancer, more studies have been emerging that link lifestyle changes to beating this disease. One of the ways in which anyone can take steps to reduce their risk for cancer is by eating the right foods. Utilize these healthy options in your diet to help fight off cancer and improve your overall health.
1. Fish
Numerous studies have linked fish to lower rates of cancer. That's because fatty fish like mackerel, sardines and wild salmon contain high levels of long-chain omega 3s, which slow the growth of cancer cells. They are especially effective for tumors in the lungs, breast, colon, prostate or kidneys. Experts recommend eating fish at least two or three times a week for the best results, with fresh fish being preferable to frozen products.
2. Green Leafy Vegetables
Adding green leafy vegetables in your diet can give you an additional supplement of carotenoids, a type of antioxidant known to kill off dangerous free radicals and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. These veggies also have plenty of folate, which can reduce the risk of lung and breast cancer. For the best results, choose darker greens like romaine lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach and arugula.
3. Beans
The phytochemicals found in beans are known for their ability to prevent or slow genetic damage to cells. While this benefit makes them a great protection against many types of cancer, they are very closely linked to a reduced risk for prostate cancer in particular.
4. Whole Grains
Many of the compounds in whole grains, such as fiber, phytoestrogens and antioxidants, are closely linked anti-cancer properties. Include whole grain cereals, pastas and breads in a balanced diet to get these health benefits.
5. Apples
Apples contain several chemicals that are actually good for your body, many of which also inhibit the growth of liver, breast, and colon cancer cells. Always make sure to eat the peel of the apple, however, since this is where most of these beneficial chemicals are found.
6. Berries
Just about all types of berries - including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries and raspberries - contain substances called ellagic acids and polyphenols, both of which can slow the growth of tumors. Some of the polyphenols can also help kill off cancer cells. With berries, both frozen and fresh varieties are just as effective.
7. Dark Chocolate
Antioxidants, polyphenols and proanthocyanidins are all found in significant quantities in dark chocolate. These substances limit the growth of both cancer cells and the blood vessels that feed those cells. However, these benefits are only attributed to dark chocolate containing at least 70 percent cocoa, so check product packaging carefully.
8. Green Tea
This healthy drink contains compounds called catechins (especially a particular compound called EGCG) which may be able to reduce the growth of blood vessels which feed tumors. Green tea also contains plenty of antioxidants and detoxifying compounds which help to eliminate cancer cells from the body. Some studies have also linked green tea consumption to improved results from radiation in those who are undergoing treatment for cancer. According to Prevention, Japanese green tea is more effective than green teas because it contains more EGCG.
9. Garlic
Garlic has been found to extremely effective when it comes to lowering the risk of many dangerous cancers. Along with similar veggies like onions, chives and shallots, garlic helps encourage the elimination of breast, prostate, colon and lung cancer cells. For the best results, crush cloves of garlic and combine them with some olive oil. This will make the garlic easier to absorb.
10. Turmeric
There are plenty of spices which may be beneficial for reducing cancer risk, but few have been found to be as effective as turmeric. On top of being a powerful anti-inflammatory, this spice slows tumor growth, helps kill off cancer cells and can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Although turmeric is found in curry powder, it's more potent when ground fresh. You may need to search for spice shops in your area or online since many supermarkets don't have fresh ground turmeric.
Although these ten foods are some of the most potent when it comes to anti-cancer compounds, there are plenty of additional foods which may also help fight off cancer, such as tomatoes, avocados, soy and flaxseed. Talk to your physician about making healthy changes to your diet if you have any questions. Additionally, make sure to talk to your oncologist about making these changes if you are currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
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Oh Gayle, so sorry you are having such trouble. Why can't life just throw us only one problem at a time?? Sending you lots of hugs and warm thoughts
Pretty much spent the last 2 days hibernating. My MO said that since the SEs weren't too bad the last time that that they would probably be even easier this time. Except for the fatigue. And, boy was she right. I pretty much get up just to pee and drink.
Phebe, I'm trying to walk a bit too. Just around the yard because I live in a pretty busy area and I wouldn't want to get out on the street and have trouble. I am finding that I do feel a bit better if I can get up and move around a bit, but the fatigue this time is soooo bad.
Paulette, beautiful flowers. I love flowers, my dear elderly neighbor sent me a beautiful poinsettia last week. Any green thins time of year is nice.
Up long enough. Time for the 4th nap of the day.
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Well, they believe that I possibley had been harboring a slight infection since day one post op mastectomy. I had a UTI post op and then was on Bactrium for almost 5 weeks due to having post op drains that long. I developed a cellulitis on my left tissue expander in oct and was hospitalized for 4 days and home on Zyvox for 10 days. Then develops the flu and a sinus infection and was on abx for 2 weeks. Finally got well and got port on Dec 4 with first chemo on Dec 12 Nulasta on 13. Problems since Mastectomy. MD feels taht the chemo must brought me over the edge.
They would try to save the TE but would involve 6seeks abx and I probable will still lose ti. Port is in same area as te and I do not want to chance any possible link. I will need a picc for chemo and abx now. Not thrilled, but just want to start feeling well and on my way. I want to start taking care of patients again
I am praying that the rest is smooth sailing. I have an excellent medical team. This will not change my chemo schedule. My DH just wants me happy with whatever results I get. Boobs or no boobs, he is mine and I love him.
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So sorry ellischestnut, I have had several surgeries in my lifetime and have never had complications until breast surgery. I wonder why there seem to be so many complications?
I must say though that mine are finally resolved (touch wood) 4 months later. I only have a tiny opening from my last wound and expect dressing to come off this week. It does improve eventually but what a nightmare in the mean time. Take care of yourself....and to all the others struggling with things not going smoothly. xo
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Gayle, you poor thing. I'm so sorry.
Thanks for the posts, Phebe.hope the port feels better soon.
Day 12 and my hair is coming out. Glad I'd already buzzed. Not finding it upsetting. Drove four hours yesterday to bring my daughter home from school. Tired today, but so worth it! Feeling so happy grateful to have both my kids at home with me for two weeks. ❤
Hope those SE are easing up!
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Gayle -- hugs and support are heading your way from California. You are in my thoughts for a speedy recovery.
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Gayle.wrenn.bec. pheobe. Amazon.Audra.inks.quirk.Virginia.bigt.hugggss to all.....and everyone I cant scroll back to!!! lost my phone for last day .....wacko brain! now I have elbow pain. regardless of SE I know the best of life is yet to come!!!!! hope to be ready for Christmas by at least Valentine's! !!!! perhaps well do ALL our holidays for a whole week! having raised kids in a divorced family we have always celebrated to SEASON and not gotten tied up on a DATE! !! so much nicer!!!!! tired so off to my cozy bed!!! let yourselves be FREED from date constraints!!!!
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(((Gayle)))~my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sorry you are going through all of this. Please feel better soon.
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Oh Gayle, How trying. This entire breast cancer thing isn't what it's cracked up to be. Even if it all went perfectly, it would suck. Then when it goes awry it's horrible. And when it goes completely wrong it's incredibly hard. I think you made it into the incredibly hard category. I'm so sorry. This will end, spring will come and there will be beautiful flowers and good healthy times. You just have to get through this lousy winter.
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Happy holidays ladies!!! we are alive and will survive! we have the huggs and love from complete strangers...how much better can that be!!!! a community connected by sucky events yet we all find a common unity to Empower us!!! praise God for the simple and loving hearts of us all!!!!
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Huggs and Love to each of you!!!! No one is Alone!!!!!!!!! we are united forever because of this bizarre event but have a unique power now to touch others with hope!!!
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Is anyone else feeling like the cure may actually kill them?
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Ellen- So sorry you have to have more surgery...annoying to say the least. Glad you have good team and trust in them and your infection will clear and you will be on your way again...
I have urinary urgency the last 2 days, called my mo thinking bladder infection, even though I have been drinking copious amounts of fluids...
He said, could be beginning of UTI, or could be from no estrogen as I have stopped periods and having hot flashes every night hourly...he said the uterus doesn't shed lining and the pressure of that can cause the feeling of urgency. So I said if I am in menopause and this continues do I just have urinary urgency all of the time, he said I might need to take estrogen??? I am estrogen positive - no way...or see a gynecologist.
I am thinking the gynecologist, obviously he doesn't know or why would he suggest estrogen for my estrogen positive breast cancer...and I'm planned to take Tamoxifen. There is no way I would ever take estrogen.
He followed that with, hope that is not what is happening and this is UTI, hard to tell on weekend, duh...but I have had uti previously and this sure feels like the same pressure and urgency, no pain or severe pain yet...so started on antibiotics and will see this week how it goes.
Just made me annoyed that one thing always seems to cause other problems...so the no periods and hot flashes cause urinary urgency???
He also said that the lining will have to shed at some point....really? During menopause the lining doesn't ever shed?? I am confused...
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Audra, as an experienced menopauser, no the lining never sheds. But meno comes in fits and starts. I'm betting, once you finish chemo, some sort of shedding will occur, spotting, etc., if you truly have been pushed into meno. Don't know what to say about the urgency, never experienced it. I'll bet them there antibiotics will do the trick. But then, my medical degree is from one of those off off shore schools...like not on this planet, so what do I know?
As for me, I'm just exhausted. Couldn't make it through dinner last night, had chills and overwhelming fatigue, just bundled up and went to bed. No fever, no other symptoms. After 10 hours of sleep, chills are gone, but I have NO energy. Ugh. I got my blood work done yesterday in hopes that on Monday they'll have it and maybe I need a transfusion of something and they can order that before I sit in the chair on Thursday. I don't know if I feel strong enough for tx next week at this point.
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wallymama, the cure almost did me in but i had a pre existing condition (diverticulosis) that contributed. Hopefully oncs monitor closely to see that the benefits outweigh the risks. It is scary.
Audra, i have that urgency off and on and am up several times in the night but it never gets as bad as UTIs from the past. I hesitate to take more antibiotics because i have treated yeast twice and am contemplating a third time for that.
That is strange about recommending estrogen. Weird. A few years after menopause i had spotting and was found to have a "thicked" uterine lining (not shed) and was told it could be a symptom of uterine cancer so i had to have D&Cs a couple of times to biopsy and scrape the lining. That makes me think that the normal lining does indeed shed post menopause. I'm confused too.
Hope everyone is hanging in there. Paulette glad to see you posting despite the problems coming up.
Take care of yourselves everyone.
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