Calling all TNs

CanuckMom,

You have to understand I am a weird case. I have a LOT of allergies. My doctors have been known to consult with medicine specialists to figure out drugs for my illnesses.  I have sinus & food allergies too. I prayed chemo would be ok, but had concerns. I was to be on adriamycin & cytoxan for 6 doses - 2 weeks apart. Those two drugs are cumulative in the body (building on each other). After the 2nd, dose 4 days in - I developed a raging fever. Called MO, was told to be at office at 10 next day. By that time I was a mess. Got to office saw doctor was told to go to hospital. My husband was talking me as I was a mess & getting worse fast. In ER my pulse was faint, white blood count below 400 & playlets "in the toilet" according to admitting doctor telling my husband. Was taken to ICU & put on isolation. With my problems they were afraid infection, virus, cold or most anything could push me over. It finally came down to whole blood transfusion as I couldn't take the drugs given in this situation.  After better & home I discussed my situation with BS as ditched MO for a laundry list of infractions. BS at same hospital at that time & reviewed my records. We were on the phone for over 1 1/2 hours one late afternoon discussing me. Since I have lived with my allergies for years, I really keep in touch with my body. Was always one to go "moderation in all things" philosophy. 

It finally came down to the cumulative factor. No one could guarantee I could withstand 3rd treatment & no meds I could take to help. So truly no option. I stopped. 

It took me 6 months to be able to go back to my yoga. I couldn't even walk far earlier. I developed tinnitus, accelerated my arthritis & shot my eyesight. Just with 2 doses. But everyone must realize my system is not normal. I still have memory problems with short term recall. 

So I had to go with my body. I have given it to my Lord & will be grateful for what I have every day. My last treatment was 2/28/2013. I do not take any drugs. I do take B12 & D3 along with multi vitamin & try & eat healthy & AVOID sugar. Now I need my back muscles fixed to get rid of the headache & I'll be ok again. 

So that is my story. I am so proud of each of you ladies for being able to complete your chemo schedule. I wish us all the best for our new lives for the rest of our lives. 

Marsha

Looking, 

After hearing your story, I feel very lucky. I too have severe allergies...as a child the dr actually told my parents it was easier to tell them what I wasn't allergic to...food, grass, dye, clothes...I was a mess. However I took allergy shots for 7 years and got things under control.  I tolerated chemo exceptionally well...even got a break from allergy and arthritis trouble thanks to mega doses of benadryl and prednisone.  But now, thanks to the chemo wiping my immune system. I'm almost back at square one with the allergy.

BanR, no pain while breathing. Just movement.

Hey Marsh...Will your friend fly to NY? Lol

Yes..isn't massage great.

Bak94,

The calories in, calories out thing makes sense mathematically, but I don't think it's the only factor. When I was a teenager (back when our bodies were amazing performers) my two best friends were much heavier than me. We walked EVERYWHERE and covered miles and miles each day. They were perpetually asking me how I stayed skinny and they didn't. We were together almost 24-7, ate the same things and had the same exercise...there is your genetics.

As an adult, one of my best friend's wives is a fitness model. She is the picture of healthy eating, exercise, and weight training. She is also a licensed dietician. Her big enemy is water. She drinks a lot of it (as we all should) but her body loves to hold on to it. She will drop 15 pounds before a meet by taking water pills (not something I recommend for people who do not pose on stage for a living) but it shows that even the healthiest among us with perfect calorie intake still have other factors that determine weight.

Bak - I managed to put on about 30 pounds since treatment (10 pounds a year like clockwork), and I was alreay 10-15 lbs overweight then.  I just started Weight Watchers in March and am down 21 lbs so far.  If you do the math, that's only a little over a pound a week, but at least I'm 21 lbs lighter then when I started!  And I've had a couple of vacations in there where I gained a few pounds and had to get them back off.  I'm about halfway to my goal.  I am exercising more but made big changes in my eating habits.  It's very easy to do, and after a couple weeks on the program it really became second nature.  My husband also has lost weight during the process because I'm cooking a little differently.  This program really helps me make lifestyle changes so I don't gain it all back.  Because, let's face it, after going through chemopause, my metabolism has definitely changed permanently.  Just something to consider.  I really struggled to make a commitment to weight loss, but after having a couple of successful weeks, my motivation hasn't faltered.  Good luck!

Kathy

I did Weight Watchers too and  had real good success with it.  

Great news Mags!! So happy for you!

Interesting link on the moles...I do have many of them.

I had my first follow up today, 3 months since treatment ended. My Onc said everything looked and felt good, normal healing. Scans in 3 months. Happy.

Awesome, Mags! I'm so happy for you!

Great Job Mags!!! That is Awesome News!!

Great news Meadow - Keep on healing!!!!

Going in for the breast MRI tomorrow - taking drugs and going into a different machine - feet first!!  Hopefully this will be all good when done!  Vacation next week and want to leave with good news.

So happy for you Mags!!!  You too Meadow!!

Yes, good luck Boston!!!

Meadow fabulous news, so very happy for you!

LPBoston, good luck today, keep thinking of that vacation!

I'm still waiting to hear about my brain MRI. I called Friday and told the nurse navigator I'm really anxious about results and she passed this on to MO, but still haven't heard. Waiting sucks. I'm off to yoga, I just started and am finding it really makes me feel good and is helping me keep sane.