Starting Chemo March 2015

Amy: Aww…so cute!

My coconut oil is a liquid. I think I got it at Trader Joes.

Hello,

I remembered some posts a while back about using dark nail polish to help protect the nail beds.  One of my work friends used to sell these things like stickers that you can use instead of polish, making them super easy to use and change.  I'm haven't tried them but thought someone may want to check them out.  They're called Jamberries and I think you can buy them like you would Tupperware, from someone in your neighborhood.  They look pretty fun: https://www.jamberrynails.net/

Have to see if I can find some coconut oil as my mouth/tongue are starting to feel a little scary.

I am still having trouble walking but MO says that is normal and won't get better for a while, but that eventually it will.  And she didn't think it would get worse.  So went to work yesterday and was surprised how much walking around I do all day, even the printer is a walk around the corner.  Probably over did it by the time I got home and realized I still had to take the recycling out.  Every trip up and down the stairs is a consideration. But managed to drag myself up to my apartment and get something to eat.  Seems like the upset stomach is also worse, but maybe because they switched me from Zantac to Prilosec or maybe because just don't feel like eating so let hours go by in between.  They do think there may be some association between H2 blockers like Zantac and foot/hand syndrome so I changed as instructed.  Just have to remember this is temporary and hope it really is temporary!

Meanwhile trilliums are starting to open up in the garden and enjoying along with the blood root, grape hyacinths, anemones and daffodils.  So lucky to live in an apartment and still have a garden.

So grateful for everyone's posting. 

P.S. MO has decided to split up last Taxotere/Cytoxan by 2 weeks so this odyssey will be longer but hopefully end of it won't be so bad.  Anyone else getting their treatment schedule adjusted to mitigate side effects???

Maryellen- I keep forgetting to tell you that on your advice I did sign up for chemo Angels and it has been very nice. I am one of the last of the snail mail brigade, and always appreciate opening my mailbox and there being something in it! So thanks!

Also, I thank you to the link to the blog. What very good writing it is, and just my style. Intelligent and snerky. (I mean what I like to read, not how I actually manage to write myself). I got quite a jolt, emotionally, from her honest reveal of emotions and clever use of imagery to convey her points in language anyone could understand, even those not on this "dumbass journey" with us. Thank you. Here's what made me really smile:

Katy... I commend you.... I would have def eaten the whole box instead of just half.... LOL  I wouldn't dare have a box in my house for that very reason

On the weight front though... I really haven't gained but I am def on a yo yo.  The week after tx I am usually down about 5lbs but then the two weeks after I put them back on.  I am def a foodie, I afterall live in Louisiana. We are professional eaters and drinkers! But all this chemo business has really put me off food.  It's just not that appealing to me right now.  I really start to get an appetite back and I have my next tx, and there it goes again.  Hopefully once I am done with AC my appetite will come back.  Who knows?? I am not too worried.  I prob needed a break from food and I will get back there!  I do still have my sweet tooth though... the week of tx I live on milkshakes and ice cream

Coconut oil is sold if it's under 76 degrees but melts to liquid starting at 76 degrees. Don't worry if it goes back and forth as your home temperature changes - it's still ok to use

The only downside (as previously mentioned) to using it as a sexual lubricant is when you're cooking with it - DH turns in to one of Pavlov's dogs and thinks he's gettin' some hahahaha...

Bekah

uh... Leigh... For fear of falling further into the Brian Williams "conflation" trap,....

THAT WAS the second half of the box! BAAAAHAHAHAHA!!! Ate the first half over two nights. So bad

And NinjaMary HOORAY!!., your last day of AC. Great job. I know we are all so proud of you. It hasn't been an easy road with the port problems and incompetency..but you and your Triple Navy Seal commandos have done it! Almost. A few hours to go. I'm with u in spirit....

Bekah- As you begin this new leg of the "dumbass journey" I wish for you a much smoother ride. I hereby pray (and I seldom do) for an upgrade to your ride, pimped up with the best suspension money can buy. In this way, I am hoping if there are bumps in the road, physically and/or emotionally, you won't feel them, because you are protected.

I think you have been so very brave, so very dignified, and helpful, and funny. Even though you have suffered so much. My hat is off to you. Let the fanfare begin. 👣 I am walking with you

Bekah, both of us have now finished the 4th AC, and start Taxol today. I agree with you that I'm not really recovered from the fourth AC, but I'm back in the chair today for Taxol. My Taxol is scheduled to be dose dense, four rounds, so it will probably be different from yours taken over 12 weeks. I'll be thinking of you, hoping for an uneventful spa day and minimal SEs

Best wishes to all today

Thanks for your prayers Katy...it means a lot!

AVMom you're right that ours are slightly different but let's hope we both have minimal SEs

Bekah - hope it goes well today!! Just got home from AC #2, 1/2 way done w/that nasty stuff!

Hi Ladies,

Thanks for the birthday shout-out Katy. I spent my birthday at chemo. Another long 6 hour day because of the cold caps. My hubby surprised me and brought our girls-pulled from school- and my parents to chemo with flowers and balloons. It was bittersweet. I was happy to see them all there but not really happy to have them see me hooked to an IV and the crazy blue huge ice helmet on my head. This was my 8th treatment and only my husband and girlfriends have been with me. My father became all weepy which made me weepy and then it spiraled from there. I hate when that happens.

Although yesterday did give me a chance for reflection...6 years ago, I spent my birthday at the hospital with my husband who was admitted during his cancer treatment. Yes, you read that right, he also has had cancer. He was diagnosed with Stage IV Throat cancer at the young age of 36. After finding cancer in his tonsils that had spread to his lymph nodes, we were told to go home and get our affairs in order. They gave him less than a 25% survival chance. We had just relocated to Minneapolis and had zero friends or family here. Our girls were 3 and 6. The surgeries happened almost immediately and then it was chemo and then radiation. A very aggressive radiation. 3 weeks daily followed by 3 weeks twice a day. My 6 '4" husband dropped from 210 pounds to 155 and became wheelchair bound. I was driving him 4 hours a day to radiation, blending all his meals & feeding him, suctioning his mouth, changing morphine drips and pain patches, trying to potty train a 3 year old and sleeping when I could in the guest room - oh, and training for a half marathon. Once we were even trapped in the elevator at the U of M's hospital-- wheelchair and all. I broke down and was sobbing by the time help arrived. Funny when I think about it now. Anyway, back to my birthday 6 years ago. I truly didn't know if Brad was going to live or die, if my girls would have their father, if I should be bringing them to the hospital to see him or not...I was alone, in despair, helpless and so afraid. Fast forward to yesterday--- it made me realize that even though this cancer diagnosis and all that goes with it totally sucks rocks, I would take this situation any day of the week over that day 6 years ago. I have an attitude of gratitude and am so thankful God has filled my life with wonderful friends and an incredible support group. Even though I spent my birthday at the anti-spa, it was still memorable and enjoyable and filled with love, laughter and friendship. That is a good day.

Avmom- I'm probably late in saying this, but good luck in the chair today. Hoping for an uneventful remainder of the day and a good night. Trick those darn steroids somehow!

Princess- 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 on getting halfway there

Saying goodbye to my sister, before the tears..

I haven't checked in for awhile and I'm overwhelmed by all the posts I've missed. My DS and BIL came on Monday took me to chemo Tues and Neulasta Wed. I started wearing my fitbit and blew my goals out of the water, feeling really pretty good and walking a lot. Then today came. I woke up sad and lethargic, my tastebuds gone again and my sis leaving to head back to Alabama. I balled like a baby saying goodbye even though we aren't terribly close. There's just something about family during a time like this...they really wanted to be here to help me and I wasn't really in need of physical help the whole time. Now I don't know if I'm just super sad because I'm alone again or the chemicals are destroying my joy...

Anyways I'll get back to myself soon and get the bracelet sent out this week to Maryellen I believe.  Hugs to you all and thanks for being "out there."

Diane: I am sorry you are having a rough time today. I have two sisters and we have never been very close either. Cancer has brought us closer, which obviously I have mixed emotions about. It's hard to know if the feelings are due to the chemicals. I still find myself trying to hold the feelings in. I have a hard time letting them out in front of other people.

Thanks Jackie. Just like w bc it's always nice to hear from someone who gets it. I start a slow weaning off of one of my meds. She keeps a close eye on me - been together for almost 10 yrs. She assures me that she has had patients in similar situations and all has been well. Still concerning though. I have NO desire to go back to that dark dark place......

Some of my hair is growing...in patches. I guess the ones that hung on and didn't fall out. Leg hairs do the same thing, just patches growing.