April 2015 Chemo Crew... Starting in April? Please join us!

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  • sheshe3
    sheshe3 Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2015

    Lynne, thanks for putting my name on the list. My MO told me to massage tea tree oil into my nails but I have developed a strong aversion to smells and that is so strong smelling! I used at night time for a few nights, but it was just adding to my nausea I stopped. I'm with you... I can't go the black polish although I do have some blue that I like pretty well. Hmmmm... maybe a shopping trip is in order to see what's out there.

    The main-pedi sounds like a fun mom-daughters outing. I hope you three have a blast with it and be silly with your girls and giggle a lot!

    Thanks again for the tip!

    Sheila

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  • sheshe3
    sheshe3 Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2015

    Lynne, thanks for putting my name on the list. My MO told me to massage tea tree oil into my nails but I have developed a strong aversion to smells and that is so strong smelling! I used at night time for a few nights, but it was just adding to my nausea I stopped. I'm with you... I can't go the black polish although I do have some blue that I like pretty well. Hmmmm... maybe a shopping trip is in order to see what's out there.

    The main-pedi sounds like a fun mom-daughters outing. I hope you three have a blast with it and be silly with your girls and giggle a lot!

    Thanks again for the tip!

    Sheila

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited April 2015

    hi all

    I am sorry I am so bad with names. I shd do this with pen and paper. I am a little ahead because my first TC was 3/26. My roughest days were days 4-8, if I count chemo day as day 1. Keep 20oz bottle of water with 1tsp salt, 1 tsp baking soda added, in ur bathroom. Rinse Every time ur in there! I had beginning of sore on tip of tongue, and it went away in 2 days. Eat small meals every 3-4 hrs, eat a couple of prunes every day, use that Claritin! I had 4 hrs of back and leg pain on day 7, and motrin 600mg took care of it. Drink 80oz of fluid a day that first week. My biggest prob was headaches and dry eyes. I wear contacts and had to use glassesa few days. Genteal Gel works great for eyes. I had to see opthalmalogist for the eye presure( have glaucoma) and he also gave me Restasis. Take a colace every day for constipation. I found a cool nail color from Revlon, Intrepid, dark teal, surprised I like it!and have dark metallic purple on toes. Buzz cut on day 16. I will try to add helpful hints as I remember them.

    So far, it has not been as bad as I anticipated. I think the Decadron is the worst part, and am kind of dreading that feeling come this wed. But the decadron is what makes us ok for the first 3 days on TC. I wish you all good luck and Hugs! And i am hoping second round no worse than the first? I can deal with 1 rough week and two decent. And its kinda fun wearing the blonde wig. ;)

    Love

    Arlene

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  • Karen30
    Karen30 Member Posts: 135
    edited April 2015

    hello ladies- hope you have all had a wonderful weekend- I got to spend mine at moms weekend with my son who is just finishing off his masters, it was lovely to give my crazy mind a break from all the thoughts that have been going around and around it these last few weeks - port area healing well- feeling better now- back to work tomorrow and then chemo starts Friday- thanks for all the great advice I think I'm as ready as I will ever be to get this started

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  • GingerChi
    GingerChi Member Posts: 252
    edited April 2015

    georgie61...American Cancer Society has a lodging program for situations like yours, their contact # is 1-800-227-2345.... here's the link for more info:

    http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/patientlodging/index

    PositiveSpriit, looks like we both have our first day in the chemo chair tomorrow......sending prayers! :)

    Lynne, I see what you mean about the expense of getting all the items together, yow! I still havent finished and am headed out to Walmart now.

    Sheila, glad Herceptin isnt giving you any new SE!




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  • lovlilynne
    lovlilynne Member Posts: 405
    edited April 2015

    Sheila, I have an aversion to strong smells too - really any aroma can hit me the wrong way. I read the coconut oil with lavender was recommended, but I was afraid to get the lavender because I think it will bother me. My friend puts hand lotion on all the time, and sometimes I'll get an instant head ache from the smell - don't want to tell her, but some of it smells like bug spray!

    I just remembered another thing to get - although I won't need it for another couple of weeks - a satin pillow case for my head. I'm going to try to wear a cap (something like this: http://www.caseyschemocaps.com/most-popular-1/) to bed, but I guess they can slip off. That's all I need, one more thing to not have a good night's sleep.

    -Lynne

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  • lovlilynne
    lovlilynne Member Posts: 405
    edited April 2015

    Arlene - good info on the nail polish - dark teal sounds good! I had you as 1st on 3/29, so I'll update to 3/26.

    Karen, glad you had a good weekend with your son!

    I'm a big reader, and my mom wants to go in on buying a Kindle or some sort of reader. I've used Amazon Kindle ap on my my phone and kid's touchpads, but have resisted buying the readers because I still like the feel of a book. But, I am in a book club at work, and I can see how it would be handy, especially now that you can take out ebooks from the library. Anyway, do any of you have one? Any recommendations? If you're wondering how this fits in with chemo, I'm planning for the reading material I'll take with me to treatments.

    Lynne

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  • wrmbrownie
    wrmbrownie Member Posts: 114
    edited April 2015


    I have a Kindle Fire (reader with internet access.) I love it! I like the feel of a book too but it's nice to be able to load up on many books without having to carry them. And you can use the Kindle Fire to read this forum (with wifi) of course! I have one for each of my younger kids too (I ordered the screen covers and Kindle covers at the same time I bought them.) I've never had any trouble with any of ours.

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited April 2015

    Hi lynne, for some reason my tablet won't let me add my name to the spreadsheet either. Would you mind adding me? Thanks!

    Jen

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  • lovlilynne
    lovlilynne Member Posts: 405
    edited April 2015

    Jen, I added your name. I don't know if you want to add your treatment plan info.

    Are you on iPad? I'm wondering if the Apple IOS doesn't like Google? I just did a quick search, and I guess there's a "Docs" app for your iPhone, pad, etc.?

    wrmbrownie, thanks for the info - I was wondering what the Fire was compared to "just" a reader - hm, more things to consider. BTW, added you to our list, even though you started in Jan, I see you are starting AC on the 24th.

    If you are wondering why I'm on here so much - doing my brother's taxes, and letting myself be distracted.

    Lynne


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  • sheshe3
    sheshe3 Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2015

    Lynne, I also have a kindle fire. I love it! I'm using it right now. It's great for just toting inside my purse or chemo bag. I'm with you and. wrmbrownie, I love real books and will always own many. But the convenience of my kindle fire is something I've become quite attached to.

    Arlene, oooh... teal.... that sounds like something I'll be looking for!

    Karen, sounds like you had a great relaxing weekend with loved ones. Good for you!

    I have re- taken up crochet and am on my 2nd hat for my soon to be bald head. The first one is a really cute newsboy style. I'll perhaps model a couple for you ladies once I start wearing them. I figure I will get a wig, but will be found most often wearing one of my (hopefully) very cute hats!

    Sheila

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited April 2015

    Does anyone NOT have a port?

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited April 2015

    ali

    I do not have a port!

    Arlene

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  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 5,938
    edited April 2015

    I have some great scarves for chemo time I am going to give away. They are large square. Just email me you 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice. I am limiting one per person and you can email me at callaway206@gmail.com include your mailing address and I will get them in the mail.

    image

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  • mamajencoz
    mamajencoz Member Posts: 52
    edited April 2015


    Finally a strong day!!! Eating regular and no signs of nausea. This week I have 2 physical therapy appointments and I see my MO for an update before my next round. I'm hoping he can add something for the nausea to help me next time.

    We had beautiful weather today and it was almost healing to sit in the sun for a moment and feel the warmth. I hope all had a restful, relaxing, healing weekend with minimum SE.

    Have a great week!

    mamajen

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  • Rockerwife
    Rockerwife Member Posts: 63
    edited April 2015

    Mamajen- so good to feel normal

    Ali- I don't have a port

    • So, after being literally down since Thursday afternoon, like Mamajen I had a good day. So good, in fact that my ex in laws came over to visit and my husband made them dinner. I am still achy but no whereas bad. Never had a. Nuelasta shot so now I need to be careful during the Nadir time, Anyone else seem to be breaking out in body acne? It is under my arms and by my neck. It is a little itchy. Not too bad just out of the ordinary for what is normal. What is normal now for us? LolHave a good night everyone.
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  • Positive_spirit
    Positive_spirit Member Posts: 218
    edited April 2015

    I am thinking of all of you in various stages.

    Gingerchi ...we will do this together. We are both on for chemo tomorrow and I am sending prayers your way for a smooth session and no side effects. I am going to get some rest tonight and I leave for the hospital at 7am.


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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited April 2015

    imagewell, here it is...

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited April 2015

    imagemy dear husband and i...my brother shaved his head also, but is the photographer..I love them so much more than I can say!

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  • Karen30
    Karen30 Member Posts: 135
    edited April 2015

    these hats look great- I was wondering what to wear at night- I know it's really stupid but the whole idea of being bald is absolutely freeking me out- the chemo and SEs I seem to be ok with but the hair thing I just can't seem to come to terms with-

    I have a IPAD and a kindle fire- I use them both- love to read and usually have something going on each plus book club books - I prefer the kindle though it's not as heavy . I like audible as well for in the car- also nice if you are not feeling great sometimes listening is nicer than actually reading

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  • Karen30
    Karen30 Member Posts: 135
    edited April 2015

    Littleblueflowers your pictures are beautiful- you are totally rocking your new "do"-

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited April 2015

    Karen30, I have been in tears all weekend over losing my hair. I totally feel what you are saying. Hair is such a huge part of our identity. For me, turning up the music and just doing it with my husband and brother to support me was the best thing. No more worrying. It's one more thing to put behind me in this terrible journey. Wishing you peace and hugs...

    jen

    ps. I listened to a lot of against me while getting sheared. Music can make you strong!

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  • Rockerwife
    Rockerwife Member Posts: 63
    edited April 2015

    LittleBlueflowers- YOU really do look amazing!!! I have only cut mine short. I keep running my fingers through it looking for hair. I think sometime this week I will surrender as well.

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  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited April 2015

    littleblueflowers, your pictures are amazing! It does speak a 1000 words, he's a keeper! And your brother too, awesome!

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  • AnewBeginning
    AnewBeginning Member Posts: 536
    edited April 2015

    Greenae

    Im starting my A/C on Wednesday every other week for 8 weeks and am trying to get all the tips and tricks I can find so

    Thank you for all the helpful sugggestions. Why do you say the Decadron is the worst part? Im hearing from some that the first tx you dont get too many s/e? I so hope that is true.

    (((hugs)))

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  • AnewBeginning
    AnewBeginning Member Posts: 536
    edited April 2015

    Iowa

    Sorry to hear this is your 2nd time around just like me. Starting my A/C Wednesday and am still really nervous as I dont know what to expect. I am so thankful for all the good suggestions and opinions I have gotten on this wonderful site.

    We're in it together.......Good luck!

    (((hugs)))

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  • AnewBeginning
    AnewBeginning Member Posts: 536
    edited April 2015

    Littleblue

    Your pics are amazing!!

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  • Stephmoen
    Stephmoen Member Posts: 563
    edited April 2015

    littleblueflowers you look beautiful I hope I look that good bald!

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited April 2015

    Little, you look great!!!!!! LOVE those photos....Are you done with chemo???

    how r u guys doing without the port? I had it last time, and I can't do it again.. : (




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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited April 2015

    Just starting chemo and trying to nerve myself up for dose 2 the week after this. Thanks for all your kind words ladies, I bet each and every one of us has a beautiful bald goddess just waiting to get out and give us strength to fight even harder! I was looking up cultures where women shave their heads at major life changes, and there seem to be a lot....the Spartans at marriage, the Egyptians, some Indian cultures...the list goes on. So being bald is not without precedents....courage and bravery sisters! We can do this!

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