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

happy birthday blue! 💗💜💋

I CANNOT wait for chemo to be over. We went out shopping today and the whole time I felt like I was in a fog. Couldn't enjoy the day with my family. Only 4 more to go- that's all I have to keep telling myself.

Cherie - basically, the NP wanted to know if I could still do small motor tasks - like buttoning a button, holding a pen/pencil and writing, etc.. If that was ok, then I was cleared for chemo. I have had the neuropathy since T1, but it stayed about the same level - it would get better (but not gone) before the next chemo, but then come back worse. They'll monitor your closely, but they will continue if doesn't seem to get worse. I hear you on the weird feeling - as everything chemo, it's hard to describe. Sometimes I feel like my feet are flippers.

Thank you so much (KB, Susan, etc.) for advice on edema. Part of this hole process is "hmm, I wonder what they would have me do if I called?" So knowing that a diuretic would be prescribed is a big help. I decided to wait until tomorrow to call MO's office. Aren't diuretics OTC? Also, I take a prescription for an over-active bladder, which stops me from p'ing frequently, so diuretic seems antithetical.

So, knowing that alcohol is a diuretic, I drank a bunch of light beers when I was painting today :-)

Speaking of the p'ing problem - has anyone else had any issues with the urgent/frequent need to urinate? Of course, I already had this issue, but I have found it much worse lately - with embarrassing consequences.

Jen, sorry to segue into your birthday from that topic :-( Sounds like you had a great day. I had some chocolate covered almonds to celebrate you. I really need to bake a chocolate cake now though because you put that in my mind. DH's birthday is the 17th, so I'm sure i will be making one for him. Always a challenge in the dog days of summer! His mother switched to ice cream cakes when he was about 7 :-)

KB - those oreo balls/truffles are really making the rounds lately. Did you make them?

Katy, love love love your view - I'm sure the rest of the place is just as peaceful. Do you feel like you are in a hotel? I remember the first few days in my house when it was new - you have to figure out a whole new routine.

I got the first coat on the deck finished - bonus: Fitbit Charge thinks brush strokes are steps, and so I have 25k steps for today :-) I really want to start rolling the 2nd coat tomorrow, but painters (for the house) are coming to power wash it, and I don't know how much I'll be able to get done and I'll have to avoid where they will get the deck wet.

I have another really busy week coming up - looking forward to being deported on Friday. I see MO on Thursday for follow up. I feel good, even though, in theory, my WBC should be something like 1. I guess that doesn't effect how you feel unless you get an infection.

I have to go pick up DS at the airport tonight at 11:30 PM! Guess I better go take a nap.

Lynne

Happier topic...we spent our day hiking on the Mohawk Trail and wading the Deerfield River. And a few days ago we picked the last blueberries of the season.This country is so beautiful!!!!!!! Thanks Littleblue for telling me to post.

Positive - What a beautiful day! By the way, R U anticipating DCIS this December, or was it perhaps last year??? :-)

Terrible bladder issues on AC. Had to wear a pad. Argh. Have improved somewhat on taxol. (Knock on wood!!!).

Random surgery question for those of you who did bmx. When and how many post surgical follow-ups did you have? My brain is waking up from chemo fog and obsessing on things not happening for another 9 weeks....that's just how I roll.

About neuropathy...I started having the pins and needles in both feet (toes and pads) and in right hand (fingers and palm) after tax/carb #1.....despite icing during infusion and taking 10g of l - glutamine 3x/day. It started on day 7 and was completely gone by tax/carb #2. This time....exactly the same...day 7, same pins and needles/same extremities. Thus round, I was also started on 400iu vitamin e to see if it worked. I can't say that it did, but I am absolutely not any worse...that is if it goes away again. At the very least, I am choosing to believe that without the icing/glutamine/vit e, it would be much worse...so I will keep at it. One positive benefit of dead taste buds? I can swish and choke down the l - glutamine in plain old water. No concern about that anymore.

Katy! Congratulations on your move. I know you got a lot of help with the move, but I can still imagine that it has been stressful and taxing. I hope that settling into your new home brings you much more time for relaxation and enjoyment of that adorable dog.

Both our dog (16 y.o) and cat (20 y.o.) passed away in February and not a day passes without me wishing they were here to get me through this 'crap'. I know how wonderfully dedicated a loved animal can be. I know you and Jack will have great times in the new house.

About

Thanks for all the neuropathy input!! It really helps! My MO isnt in today, so I'm going for treatment tomorrow and will talk with them then.

With my BMX, I had to see my BS weekly for 3 weeks...then after that I think I saw her one more time 2 weeks later. I see her again in September (my BMX was in Feb). Alot will depend on when your drains are removed. You'll have to measure and note the daily output of each drain....your Dr will use that to determine when they come out. I had 5 drains and it was 3 weeks before they were all removed, so I kept having to go back weekly until then.

When I had BMX, I saw my surgeon after a week to check drain output, and then when one wasn't ready to come out, I saw him again a few days later. That's it. Basically he just said to call him if I needed anything after that. Yup- surgeons are a one night stand, or at best a weekend fling. But, I didn't do recon, so that would probably lead to a longer relationship.

Bladder issues: It feels like I have lost feeling in my bladder or something. So when I have to go..I have to go RIGHT NOW. No slow warning buildup.

Neuropathy: Smashed feeling in a few of my fingers even 3 weeks out. and the tops of my toes itch. Don't know if its neuropathy, but its been going on since mid taxol. Super annoying.

Sad day- I think I've developed an allergy to coconut oil. I am on my 3rd jar since chemo, and its making me itch. Grrf. Anyone else have a good non-toxic all natural cruelty free non-carcinogenic option? Also coral reef safe and preferably edible and retained in post consumer recycled container? LOL

Hope all the chemosabes riding today are kicking ass, taking names, and are rewarding themselves with big, fat, naps!

ksusan, if we are all going to look like old, bald men, it stands to reason that we should be messy in the bathroom as well. At least we know how to clean up our own mess. Ahem! DH, DS, DF!

Thanks for the info about bmx. I'm still 70% on bmx without reconstruction. I just want it over and done. I've decided to go with the wonderful surgeon that I met with at the cancer center in Illinois. That means staying in Illinois after surgery until I feel like flying and then going back for follow ups. Since the drains seem to be the biggest issue dictating when and how many follow ups...and there is no way to know how long my body will take to 'drain'...it looks like I will have to play it by ear. I talked to a woman who flew back to Tennessee a few days after umx and diep and then flew back to Illinois a week later and never had another follow up. I guess she was a fast 'drainer'.

Good question. I see a grownup science project....

I have tried to scope out which restroom the old guys don't use at my radiation clinic. Between the heavy stale cigarette smoke and the man-toilet-behavior, it can be pretty repulsive!

Kbee - a super HOORAY for you. You have been through so much, while staying so strong physically and emotionally. Youare such an inspiration I certainly hope this is the end of the shit sandwich for you. And prayers that your mom has nothing but support for you.

Hugs! I'll be thinking of you at this time tomorrow!!!