News Keeps Getting Worse :(

It is yours to tell so you tell who you want when you want....I am a parent advocate that help parents learn how to advocate for their children in the mental health, juvenile justice, educational fields...I get your job, but you need to try to keep the stress level down.  You will eventually have to tell your supervisors but until you have anything definate to tell them, no worries....it is such a scarey time now take 1 minute at a time...write things down if you to, take a tape recorder or someone with you that will take notes...make a list of things you need to do, now and then a list of things you have to do down the road....having cancer means we no longer have control of our bodies...if you get get some control over something you will feel empowered....good luch

Sandy aka blondie

Hi Liz,

Hang in there girl!, you will need to only tell the ones that you have to tell... Make arrangements so that your workload will be lighter for you... Take some time for you to be as angry, sad as  you want to be.. Just take one day at a time!! I am going for my biopsy today for my right breast - they think that it is stage 2 and so do I- I am getting ready for the fight of my life and I am not afraid to say- that I am very emotional right now- Good Luck!!

Liz, I read your post and thought I'd offer what worked for me... you can just click "next" if you aren't ready for my advice - and I won't be offended I promise!

When prepping for chemo, I read everything and anything. It is scary because you hear what each person goes through and begin to think - I can't possibly do this. I'll be a walking zombie with no fingernails, no hair, rashy skin, vomiting, fat, going to the bathroom every ten minutes, and sleeping like Rip Van Winkle from extreme fatigue or up all night like a steroid infused college student cramming. I had myself so convinced this was going to be the worst ever. But, here's what I did. 

I read all of the prepare yourself lists and bought the reasonably priced stuff.  I set down a challenge to myself that I was going to kick the SE's in the butt and not let them get the best of me. Yes, I haven't used all of the stuff I bought, but I will tell you having an arsenal of the typical stuff (Immodium, aquaphor, ginger chews, biotine etc.) was such a relief. If a symptom popped up, I'd go to my stash and zap it down. So, knowing what can happen and how to stop it can be very helpful. I just built my arsenal and remained very positive that I wouldn't need the stuff. For the most part, I haven't. If the some of the roughly $100 I spent goes "to waste" then that will be fine because it will mean I felt fine. I'll pay the stuff forward to my neighbor who was recently dx'd

I also started to realize that many people don't have extreme SE's but they don't post because that would be silly "Hey, look at me. I'm a rockstar." Kind of feels mean if you know others are struggling. I only post about not having a symptom to encourage (like now) or if someone is interested in what may have worked for me. 

Take your time. Only read what you can handle. If you are still reading - At a minimum, I'd suggest having:

Immodium (although I went off it because it gave me stomach cramps but it seems to work for most). 

Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash

Salt / baking soda for rinses

Coconut oil to swish and pull out the toxins from your mouth

Ginger chews and mint

lotion for your body to help with drying

Aquaphor or a plant based ointment for your nostrils (just a dab helps keep it from getting dry and bleeding)

Those are the things I do daily and they've helped me out with great success.

I've also added L-glutamine powder a B complex vitamin to help prevent neuropathy (numbing in hands/feet).

I'm so sorry that you are going through this. I know it's overwhelming and maddening and scary. You're doing the right thing by reaching out. I found this forum invaluable because there are so many "veterans" that know what they are doing. Also, don't assume you won't be able to work. Again, everyone is different. I was off for the summer because I teach but I feel like I could have done my job well - not to the full level, but definitely at a very acceptable level.

Hugs!

Good point, Jan. I haven't had to use a laxative yet (some days it seems like a better option - sort of a would you rather game combined with "be careful what you wish for"). The soft brush is a great idea too!

Hi Liz,

Glad you are doing the IVF and starting chemo soon! That's great. 

If you care to share, are they doing a sentinel node biopsy before chemo starts, to see how many nodes, if any, are positive? Sometimes they like to do it before chemo starts so that they can see where things stand before chemo starts working. If knowing the # of nodes doesn't change the treatment plan, they may not think it matters. But it can be helpful later in measuring response to chemo.

one more thought. If you get a rash with plastic tape insist they use paper tape to avoid. 

Liz. Just checking on you. How's things going? 

glad to hear mom is around to help. Wonderful you donated your hair. That must've been a really tough moment. 

Hugs to you. Thinking and praying all goes well on Sunday too 

What type of chemo?

Hi Liz....coming in a little late !! I was 10 yrs older then you at diagnosis but still considered young (hmmm) but looks like we have similar diagnosis !! I just wanted to let you know that though the last year was hard I'm here doing wonderful Take one step at a time one day at a time !! Me and my husband (of 25 years) are closer then ever!!  You will be just as strong as you have to be but non of us would ever want to have to be !!! Hang in there

Lizz - i am sorry you have to meet us here....glad your mom is in town to help you and be there for you. this too shall pass.....

Liz, Hope you feel OK after your first chemo.

Hi Liz, there is an August chemo group for ladies that started treatment in August.  We share our stories, support, encourage and suggestions from MOs, etc.  Please stop by and Read through the thread.    There is a July and  June chemo group also with a lot of information and help and support on getting through the tx.  It has helped me tremendously to walk this journey with others and get questions answered or just get the support.  

LLizz:

Dropping by from the December 2013 thread. I was also diagnosed with grade 3, high ki67 of 47, and at 44 apparently was "young for this." Lots of good info and helpful chemo tips on the December 2013 thread and some really cool ladies there too! We made it through chemo, lost our hair, and found our hair again, even if it is a different texture and color for now! Most of us have finished our initial surgeries and are on our way to implant exchange. 

I don't have anything earth-shattering to add. Sounds like you've got a good support system, and that will go a long way! My husband has never missed an appointment or chemo treatment, and it sounds like Sean will be there for you also. My doctors would be disappointed if my husband missed an appointment! I'm the anxious, crazy one who is always taking notes and asking questions, and he is the one who actually HEARS what the doctor says. Probably a good balance.

Definitely keep a side effects journal. Funny that I never really kept a journal of my feelings during my initial treatments, but I wrote how I did with treatments every single day. I would summarize my side effects and have it ready for my next oncology visit. My MO expected that at every visit, and it helped me (and hubby) with what to expect when. I worked the entire time during my chemo, and I hope you can also (if you want to, that is).

Best of luck to you! You've got this! 

Keep smilin', keep shinin'...