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

Wow, I  see It's been a busy day of posts for us April gal pals! All I can say is: Thank you, thank you thank you!! I was on my bed crying like a big baby, feeling so freakin sorry for myself and decided to "check in" on the board (which is weird since I'm so, so sick of cancer right now all I want to do is run from it!!). It's day #5 after treatment and I'm still so damn fatigued and cranky. I walked the dog for a half hour this morning but that only made me more cranky b/c I needed to rest on the couch for an hour and a half afterwards...really!! But then I read all your posts and so much of what was said resonated with me and in a weird way-comforted me. From the down in the dumps feeling which just "takes hold" of you some days; the "do-gooders" who text every darn day to see how your feeling; having to tell everyone that your "OK and getting stronger" each day with a freakin smile on your face; the family members who still continue to go about their day/activities without even comprehending what all this is doing to us; the physical and emotional discomfort; the hair loss issues, even the prayer book...I just picked mine up off my dresser and read from it this morning (haven't done that since this whole ordeal began)-weird, huh? Anyway, I so wish each and every one of us did not have to meet under these "challenging" circumstances but we are quite the great group (heck, if you think about, we really only "got together" a little over a month ago!). I think these "experiences" do bond us in a very unique way & the support, comfort and even laughter that we bring to each other is a blessing. O.K. now I'm done rambling (that was quite cathartic I must say) and a note of thanks from one April Gal pal to the others!!!

Renee, if it wasn't the straw the broke the camel, it would almost be funny. Maybe we'll all find humor in some our our experiences some day.

lovlilynne - you have cared so much for your family. I wonder if there is family denial because you have always been there for them. Wouldn't be surprised by that. My family is sometimes there.

Reading all the posts and relating to the many stories.

GingerChi - are you going in for chemo #3 next week, too?

Finally, does anyone need chemo beanie look-a-like scarf/caps? Also knit caps. My local CancerConnection has some for free that anyone can have. I got two silk ones today and they feel good on my newly shaved head. If you need one, we can mail it to you. PM me via this forum.

Well said, Fran! And hope you recover from the fatigue soon!

lemonade...it's so ok to be however you feel here. This is a safe place. No need to be chipper if you arent, we support you no matter what! Hugs!

I'm on day 7 of my first cycle of dose-dense AC, and it seems we've all experienced different intensity of SEs.  For me Days 2-3-4 were the hardest physically, but on day 5 I started feeling a little more human and yesterday, after a shaky start. I had a pretty normal day.  I even went to art class and managed to paint, which was great for me psychologically!   Hopefully today will continue to improve.  

You ladies who are working and/or caring for children are amazing!  I admire you beyond words, and it makes my issues and complaints seem pretty small by comparison.

As for husbands, our only disagreement so far has been over the schedule, which also sounds like a common theme.  Once we got past him being upset with me for saying he was "oblivious" [which he heard as "not supportive"], we finally agreed that the schedule has to be better coordinated.  It's been a crazy six weeks since my diagnosis and he's as tired of doctors and hospitals as I am.  But we've got a long way to go.  So we sat down with calendars and marked out everything.  I told him when I think I will need his support and he agreed not to schedule something without talking to me first, or to reschedule when possible.   Some things are beyond his control but he now understands that him being flexible is key to my emotional well-being.  Since flexibility is one of his "needs improvement" areas, he's working hard on it and I appreciate it.   I'm working hard on speaking up when I need something rather than just smoldering over his failure to figure it out.  We'll be doing the calendar update every week. Fortunately, we are both self-employed so have some ability to control the schedule. 

I hope everyone is having a decent day, or see one coming soon!

Hi, I don't think I've welcomed all the newbies, but I've been adding to my list as I see them: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Goesf6x_13...

If you don't see your name on the list, feel free to add it - you can also add any other details you feel like sharing.

AndreaC, I have heard hair loss strikes around 17 days past first infusion. TC might be a little longer, so I think what you are feeling is a little early for hair loss.

SE have actually been a little better this cycle, except for dyspepsia - that has started early and strong. I was going to start Pepcid after weaning from the Zofran, but I started yesterday due to fiery heartburn. I also woke up nauseated, had to take my Zofran and stay in bed for a bit for it to take effect. I think taking my shot later (took it around 7:30 PM at home) helped a little bit. I've been having on and off chest heaviness/pain this morning, but I'm thinking it's just a side effect of the Neulasta.

Gwen is still home sick - temp has stayed under 100, quick strep was negative, but waiting on the longer test. Dr. thought it was viral.

Hair is starting to fall out - started in the basement, but this morning when styling, lots of hair in my hands - I mainly finger style, so noticeable. But, it doesn't hurt or tingle, so that's good. Maybe because it's already short.

Lynne

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28 minutes ago Karen30 wrote:

hello everyone- day 5 post AC and finally feel a bit better- I skipped all the extra decadron this time only had what they gave me in the bag during infusion- it definitely reduced the volume of the shakyiness but I still had it. My red devil is via push as well - interesting how some places have different protocols - it's really toxic so I'm glad they check and triple check as the give the push. My liver functions were out of wack as well prior to infusion so they are rechecking on Friday- I have avoided all OTC meds even emergenC this week- coconut water has been my rehydrate- I only had the plain one for days around chemo - it's not great tasting but after day 2 I've had the flavored ones and they are not bad at all.

I'm sorry so many of you are having a difficult time with hubby's- I don't know how you do it- I'm newly divorced and can't imagine having to deal with a hubby as well- I will say I found outy ex is now officially dating some poor woman- my initial thought was how unfair it was that he got to be living it up while I was dealing with this crap- I'm trying not to become the bitter ex wife- but it does suck - still as many of my friends have reminded me karma is a bitch - and I definitely don't want him back so all I can say is good luck to her she is going to need it!!

I hope those of you headed to the spa today have an easy ride , and those recovering enjoy our few days of "normal".

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Andrea & Karen30- OMG!! I was hysterical!!! 

OK just an FYI for you moms of boys...apparently "oblivious" DH's begin their training very early on-like at 17! My DS says to me this am (at 5:45 am bc I can't sleep)-"hey mom, what day is my graduation party?". You, of course, must understand my sincere surprised reaction b/c we have been discussing HIS high school graduation party since freakin EASTER (over and over again I may add) and we JUST ordered the invitations on SUNDAY-which he saw!! I So I calmly say, "it's 6/20-the day after graduation". He gets all pissed off and says "well, that won't work" (b/c apparently his best friend is planning on throwing his party that same day).. SERIOUSLY.... the only positive thing that we have had going on since the last five months of this hell began and he says, "that won't work"?????? Yep "obliviousness" in training!!!!!!!! 

Enjoy your day ladies-I'm going to see a movie tonight (the one with Blake Lively where she never ages) at 6:30 pm (yep, I'm being a rebel-leaving my family to fend for themselves & going out to the movies with a girlfriend of mine in the middle of the week-yep rebellion!)

Take Care,

Fran

My nails are getting a little discolored right at the 10th day after chemo 2. My hair began falling out at Day 17. My palms seem a little tender and dry (gotta put gloves on when doing any dishes)..lotion helps. I had high anxiety that is now tapering off and a slight scalp pain. With a lint remover, my stubble hair comes out easily. BUT the hair on my legs is snug - REALLY?!!! I was hoping for the benefit of leg hair loss. The games chemo plays are not funny!

what kind is test? For the blood clot

Melissa! So sorry about your port/blood clot. Do you have the power port? I had the neck and shoulder stiffness, but I thought it was from neulasta. It did go away . . .

Dry eyes - I'm using the super lubricant gel tears that come in individual disposable vials.  Doctor says just use them more often because they can't hurt you.  So far, that's about the only thing I've encountered in the last few months that doesn't come with a 5-page flyer explaining all the different ways it can kill me.  

it's morning of 2nd chemo treatment ugh it's bittersweet I finally feel myself just to go through it all again but I am excited to get it over with. I'm officially bald shaved it off yesterday if I get brave enough I may put a picture on here lol texted one to Ali who gave me a little confidence (love you girl!!) the great news is I FiNALLY saw my oncologist yesterday longest 3 weeks of my life and she was so impressed with how much my tumor shrunk she said it was remarkable after only 1 treatment and drastically smaller can barely feel it I'm really hoping for a pcR at the end of all this!! She said I'm respinding very well to treatment It better be killing that damn cancer after all the hell it puts is through! Will def be getting the neuprogen and iv fluids tomorrow hoping for better results with it good luck to all who are going to be in the chair this week!!

Have been coughing for three weeks. Had a fever of 101 last night. MO finally ordered a chest X-Ray and it turned out I have pneumonia. But MO didn't admit me to the hospital, only gave me oral antibiotics... Very frustrated ...