Starting Chemo in April 2014
Comments
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WOW mmtagirl. You look fab either way!
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I have my appointment with my Onc. tomorrow for either a pre-treatment briefing or my first infusion of Taxol. I am reading everything I can find and after reading some of it I think I should stop BUT then I come back here and feel so much better reading the experiences of people like me. Thank you.
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Hoping today goes well for you, Shelley. And, good luck tomorrow, mame and brigadoon.
OK. I did it - got my short cut today. Woke up feeling good on Day 6, so thought I would go to the salon before the wbc's totally disappear. Took some pics as we were doing the cut to text to the grandkids in California. I think I am probably the oldest in the group at 60, but I have to thank you young gals for the courage to take this next step (I was pretty down about the whole thing yesterday).
A wig I got off the internet just to try - it's probably a little small, although will be better when I am bald
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Sharon you look so beautiful!!! I love your short cut!!!! I love the wig too...you did a great job picking one so close to your style!!!!! I am getting mine shaved today because I am shedding so much it is driving me crazy. I am hoping I feel relieved after. The anticipation is always so hard. Do you feel a little relieved?
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Sharon you look great!
Well this morning at 8 am I was waiting to have my port inserted. I was called in at 8:30. Despite very kind and empathetic nurses I started balling. They let my hubby in while they discussed where they would insert the port. Since I had cancer on the left side I was told that the port would be inserted on the right. The dr looked at the right and left sides of my neck and upper chest then decided on a spot on the right side
The prep for the procedure seemed to take 20 minutes. The nurses sterilized the area and covered me with blankets. They taped my skin down to ensure that the area was right. Then put an oxygen mask on then the dr came.
He applied freezing and then came the meds. They didn't knock me out but I was sure relaxed. Nothing hurt - the port was inserted - stiched up then wheeled to recovery where I stayed for approx half am hour with my hubby.
I then had blood work using the port. Then met with my MO. He said that he fed that there is an 80% chance that the cancer will not return and dies not think that I will have a hard time with SE other than bone aches and tiredness. He suspects that I might gain up to 10 pounds and told me not to worry about it. He is wonderful to work with
Everyone et the credit valley hospital has been awesome
So I'm ready to go! Bring it on!!!!
Funny. One of the nurses at the chemo suite has seen our band perform. What a small world!
I feel slightly tired so I'll be snoozing as I have to be awake later do that I can watch the ranger game tonight
:-)
Hugs to all!!
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one question - I will be eating lunch during treatment tomorrow. Any suggestions with what I should eat? Thanks all!!
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Footballnut-Whatever sounds good! I had manacotti last week, it was delish! My first round of chemos I ate mostly sandwiches. I gained about 10 lbs but I was hooked on these seafood sandwiches and frozen custard.
If you are nervous about getting sick stick to something bland and small until you know how you will react.
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Wow, everyone looks so cute with their bald heads and their wigs!!! Ladies, you all ROCK!!
FBN bring whatever appeals to you. Nothing too heavy, but you do want something in your stomach.
Re weight gain ... what is up with that?!?!? Somehow, I had a mental image of a cancer patient LOSING weight and that doesn't seem to be the case. Especially not with the types of foods I am craving right now :-) Seriously, I was hoping for a silver lining to this huge black cancer cloud ... lose weight :-) I have decided that when I DO lose my hair, a positive will be that I will be able to take a quick shower like my boys with their buzzed hair cuts ... no more planning to allow time to also dry and style my hair :-) Not having to shave pits and legs when it gets warmer .. win! And if my eyebrows come back thinner than they are now ... bring it on!! LOL
Had my mid treatment bloodwork today and got a call from the MO office ... white blood cell count is 600 and needs to be at least 3,000. :-( Explains why I felt so crappy and TOTALLY fatigued yesterday. And also why I spiked a temp of 100.3 last night. Supposed to call office if it gets to 100.5 ... was on the verge of calling but then it started dropping. Ranging from normal to mid 99 today.
So, they advised me to basically stay away from people for the next few days. I did go to work yesterday but decided to not go in today ... everyone was fine with that as I am there before patients come in on Tuesdays. We are closed Wednesdays, but I was also going to go in Thursday morning. I work in a dental office, lots of people coming in and out, so am not going in. Why do I feel guilty about this? I didn't plan on getting breast cancer. It isn't something I can reschedule. But, there it is. Feel guilty that the others have to pick up my slack.
Have to wash hands obsessively. Drink lots of fluids. Don't eat anything that can't be peeled or cooked. Eat soft foods. Starting with mouth sores as well, so rinse frequently with either Biotine or baking soda/water rinses.
The Neulasta should get the WBC up enough to get treatment next week ... I sincerely hope so as I don't want anything delayed. If there are cancer cells still floating around in my body, I want them nuked out of existence before they can spread their poison.
I picked up my wig today while I was at the hospital for bloodwork .. .so excited about it!! I look like ME with it on! Will get my head shaved next week as that is when I am due to lose my hair ... lady at the store will then trim the bangs after I am bald. Yes, will be traumatic to lose my hair, but at least I will look like me when I am wearing it. The color and cut is spot on!
Everyone have a good rest of the day ... very dreary here in SE PA, but this too shall pass.
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Has anyone heard anything about whether coconut oil pulling is okay for the mouth when in chemo? I use coconut oil to brush with and I employ pulling several times a week. I start chemo within the week and I am trying to avoid mouth problems or at least reduce the SE's. I think the coconut oil would be a balm for the soft tissues of the mouth and brushing with it would keep from getting the stained teeth that some talk about with the mouthwashes. Any input?
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Day 6 post round 2, and had to go in yesterday for IV fluids. Still ridiculously nauseated even with the med changes. However, I am less dizzy than last go around. So that's a plus
Also the first 2 days were better than the last time. Last time I bounced back on day 9 or 10, so hopefully by Friday I will manage because I have my beautiful daughter by myself all day. My daughter asked me last night if she had to play without me forever 
I know that I am doing this for her, but it is so hard not to be the mom she wants right now. Big hugs to all the moms and grandmas dealing with the same feelings. -
This was more emotional than I thought it would be. I walked into my salon in tears as if I was offering up my first born…..She was awesome though. Just said "let me know when you are ready". Then she refused to charge me. Well it is done and now I can say I am relieved.
I had an appointment with my rheumatologist Friday because I have to see him every 3 month for SJogren's syndrome. This was the first time since cancer. He drew for labs and called last night because my WBC was 30,000. He wanted to make sure I wasn't feverish or sick. I am not I feel great. It must be the neulasta shot making it so high. MO must not be concerned because they drew for Day 10 labs yesterday and I haven't heard anything.
Football nut - I am glad your port placement went well! Also I ate a Chipotle rice bowl (mild)
Makelemonade - I hope that count comes up!! I am so glad you liked your wig…mine is ok…I am having trouble getting used to it.
Clarn - I hope you feel better quickly and can enjoy your daughter.
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Sharon and Nana, your pics are beautiful. Let's give ourselves a big (((hug))) for being the courageous, fierce women we are!
Brigadoon, I don't know the answer to your coconut oil pulling. I just heard about pulling a few weeks ago and don't know much about it.
I have lost about 5 lbs since round 1. I contribute it mostly to not being able to eat for 3 days in the hospital. I suspect by round 2 on Tuesday I will be up the 5. I seem to be on the macaroni and cheese diet this week!
Wore my wig to work today. Everyone was very nice. But, Holy Hannah, I wanted to rip it off my head by 2pm. Instead, I went to the bathroom stall and sat on the toilet and took it off and rubbed my head for 5 minutes. I put it back on in the stall, waited until no one else was around and did the fine tuning in front of the mirror. It is going to take some adjusting. Bald is beautiful!
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Brig, I also brush with coconut oil. I mix it with baking soda and peppermint oil. I think it is awesome for chemo. I have no experience with oil pulling so I can't comment to that.
Nana, look at you! You are stunning without hair! Way to be brave and get it done!
Today was my second infusion and it went great! It's still a bit early to say, but I believe that limited diet totally helped with SEs. No nausea yet and it's been 7 hours. I was definitely nauseous the first time just a few hours after. Also no dizzy feeling when I left there. So far I feel just fine, just a very mild stomach upset. Feeling optimistic!
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footballnut - glad your importation went well. As for eating during infusion, I ate cookies - I was soooo hungry from the steroids. Next time I will take a sandwich.
MakeLemomade - ha! This whole weight gain thing really ticked me off too. I'd just worked hard to take pounds off, then we have to add insult to injury ... Harrumph.
Brigadoon - I know nothing about the oil pulling, but have read on some of the other threads where people do it. Maybe send a pm to melrose?
Clarrn - good vibes so you can bounce back soon and be with your sweet daughter.
Nana - awwwww - you look lovely. You have a beautifully shaped head (I know that sounds like a strange compliment, but it is a serious one ). Thumbs up to you for this step - I'm going to save your photo to help me next week. Funny - I had a Chipotle Rice bowl for lunch, too. I did sneak a little,spice on and it was good.
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Hi all!
Sharon - you look fantastic in short hair! Your wig looks great too! You aren't the oldest one here - I am also 60. I am also shedding hair all over the place so I guess it's time for my buzz. I just can't imagine myself bald. I will never again complain to my hairdresser about my hair being too thick!
Nana - You look fabulous! The bald look really brings out your beautiful eyes! You have given me courage to get buzzed. I hope your aches and pains have subsided.
I'm off for my second round tomorrow morning. Sure hope there are no glitches this time. I had to call my MO again. On top of the phlebitis, I now have a UTI. Ugh. He put me on an antibiotic so hopefully, that will clear up quickly. DH tells me he wants to get buzzed when I do. I told him we will really look the pair then!
To everyone else - I think you are all so brave! This is such a frightening disease to deal with. Most of you are SO darn young! I can't imagine trying to deal with all this stuff while raising children and/or working!!! My hat is off to all you special ladies!
Wishing you all peaceful sleep and no SE's.
Hugs, lilyrose
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MakeLemonade - Sorry to hear you are doing the dance with low WBC's. I doubt low WBC's made you feel crummy but the infection/temp you were having would. There were many days I felt good, but after a blood draw found out I had low WBC count. Nurses said only when RBC's were low would that make me feel crummy. I'm surprised your nurse wasn't trying to put a mask on your face at 300! Glad to hear you are being careful! Its ok to ask those around you to wash their hands too. Also, NO soft cheeses like blue cheese etc... you are more sensitive to mold at this point.
What a great group of gals you all are.
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Quick note this morning to say how inspiring you all are to me. I finally start Thursday afternoon and it's bee a tremendously long and anxiety provoking wait. The nearer the date, the more amped up my nerves seem to get but reading your honest posts about the SEs and how you are managing them and forging ahead gives me strength and reassurance I can as well.
Thank you so much. Have a wonderful day, ladies!
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Howdy all - started chemo yesterday and everything went great with that - no reaction to any of the infusions - nurses were great and I got to wear my chemo hat which brought smiles to all the other patients around me and I liked that!! I feel very good this morning - slept well last night - gonna go to work for a bit today and see how it goes. It feels very good to finally be starting and not have all the pre anxiety!! Thanks to all of you for your courage and support - I just don't know how anyone would get through all this without this site!! Here I am at first chemo
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Yesterday was round one. Met some Very Funny people there & that helped. I was ok last night till bed. It's 6:34 in morning & I feel like crap. I ache, my cheeks are flushed & my ear is bothering me. And I'm TIRED. But I go back in a couple of hours to get the neulasta shot so I'll tell the doc then.Are there any Atlanta ladies here?
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Linda, that picture and that HAT are fantastic! Gives the true flavor of the experience. You really rallied for the occasion. Let's hear it for "intestinal fortitude" as they used to call it!
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Sharon, call the American Cancer Society, I got mine there for free. Very easy to do.I am a brunette(gray) & I thought about going blonde, but hubby said uh huh, no way.Your's looks good.
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Sharon and Nana - you ladies look beautiful!!!
Merg - feel better soon!
linda - LOVE the hat girl!!!!
kazzy - good luck sweety!!
Round 2 is scheduled tomorrow, had my blood draw yesterday and meet with my MO right before the infusion center. I am so hoping all my counts are okay and I can get round 2 done as planned!
Ive been putting off the big buzz for a few days and just wearing hats 24/7, but hubby and I decided it will be tonight. We're trying to find a way to make this emotional milestone fun and light hearted.... any suggestions?? I didn't cry when I cut my long hair down to a pixie, but have a feeling this will be a tear fest for me ; (
Xoxo
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You're cracking me up, Linda - that's the spirit!
Thanks, merg. Hope you start to feel better soon.
Good luck tomorrow, Kazzy. You've had a long wait, so getting started will probably be a big relief for you.
Oh Sunshine - try to have fun tonight with the buzz. Maybe you need to get a hat like Linda's so you can take some fun pics. Taking silly pics may make it more fun.
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Linda...lLOVE LOVE LOVE THE HAT!!! I will keep thinking about that as I meet with the MO today!
Sunshine...I didn't cry when I cut my long hair off either. It was a relief to have it short when in the hospital with surgeries...but, that was MY decision. Losing it with the chemo, NOT!!!
I am sure I will cry then too, I'm not even sure I can bring myself to shave it, seems like giving up...WHICH I AM NOT!!!
Hang in girl...we will do this, we like the other option even less!!!
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lakegirl - I agree 100%, I felt powerful and in control when I did the pixie. Seeing my hair fall out in clumps feels completley out of control. I am hoping the buzz will at least eliminate the pain of seeing my hair disappear
My phone won't allow pics to upload to my posts here grrr. Only from my pc which I don't use very often at home.
Do any you ladies want to be Facebook friends or start a fb group where we can upload and share pics more? Just a thought?
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Just wanted to say good luck to everyone today on whatever is headed your way! I think about all of us, across the country, getting up and doing the deal everyday. Being able to share with you and see I'm not the only one gives me hope. I go in to the MO to get blood results and possible PET scan results. I completed Radiation on March 26 so we will see if those pesky bone mets are zapped!
Hugs to all!
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Kazzy, I'm getting my second infusion tomorrow morning, we can check in on each other if you like! I'm sure you'll do fine!
Now that I have an idea of what SEs hit me when from my first infusion last week, I'll try to stay on top of it this week and be prepared.
Linda--LOVE the hat!!!
Good luck everyone!
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Good morning Ladies - I had round two yesterday. So far I feel ok except for the fatigue.
Linda - Love the hat and your spirit
Kazzy - I also experience an immense amount of anxiety pre-chemo. My 2nd session was yesterday. Monday I woke up a moody very mad woman. Amazingly, it did not go away until I saw my Oncologist and then went into my infusion center. This is a hard experience and understanding that we must go through this rollercoaster is something that we sometimes forget. Just remember after the lows and the anxieties it DOES GET BETTER! Hang in there girl we are all here for you.
Sunshine - You are beautiful! I had very long hair and now my shaved head is starting to get tiny bald spots. Embrace all of your beauty. It is not just your hair that makes you beautiful. You may be pleasantly surprised at the outcome! Have you found a "look good feel good" session? If not talk to a social worker and register. Mine is next Monday. I am totally excited!!!!!
Merg - Hope you are feeling better today! If not, you will get there. One day at a time. I really believe in that philosophy. Just push through today and welcome tomorrow.
Lakegirl - Look at all your options - bandannas, scarves, wigs or the natural beauty of being a bald woman. Remember women are beautiful because of our spirit, kindness, eyes, cheekbones, lips and just how we carry ourselves.
Brig - I have never heard of coconut oil. What are the benefits.
As for me - My oncologist has decided I will not get the Neulasta shot today. I had back and neck aches, but most the most horrible leg cramps on day three through six. I really had difficulty walking, I cried all three days, moved constantly, raised my legs, had the hubby move and massage them. Nothing helped. I now have to take my temp three times a day. Avoid public, use my Lysol all over the house, wash wash wash my hands. The doc ordered percocet to start immediately. Guess the fatigue and the narcotics will keep me down most of the next week +.
As always good luck to all of you ladies
XOXOXOXO's
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Nana, I LOVE your picture! You look great!!!
So, I awoke this morning with discomfort from the port. Yuch! I actually felt a bit nasuous last night - perhaps from the sedative. I called my Nurse and asked for painkillers as Tylenol Extra Strength just aren't cutting it so I have to pick that up at some point today.
I will be having my first infusion today - it's scheduled for noon. For breakfast I had oatmeal with bran buds and a banana. I'm bringing 2 hard boiled eggs with me plus an apple and celery plus 2 bottles of water. I'll try a salmon sandwich on all grain bread for dinner with dark lettuce. I already drank 2x500ml this morning and am working on a third!!
I hope that the chemo goes well today and that there is no pain. Yesterday when they were drawing blood from the Port, the nurse mentioned that it was difficult to flush and that she had to push the port up to facilitate the process. Why must they mention things like this? It only made me more anxious. The process didn't hurt but now I fear that it will today and was only pain free bacause I still had some freezing let over at the site.
I'll do my best to update timely.
Have a good day all!!
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footballnut, did they give you skin numbing cream? If not, ask for some! I put some on my port then cover with saran wrap about 45 mins before they access my port and I don't feel a thing.
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