Anyone.Starting Chemo in October 2016?

Luwusu - you've certainly had a lot to deal with the last 24 hours and sometimes we deserve a little pity party, just as long as they don't last too long. My port was sore after my last treatment too but it will feel better soon. I think you were very smart for getting it. We just have to keep our eyes on the prize and that's the day we have out last treatment and move on to the next cancer free part of our lives. Hang in there.

Thank you both. I know we were lucky to have our Rosie for such a long time. And I know this blah feeling will leave. And I know my port will feel better. And my hair will grow back. And my nose will stop dripping. I know

Luwusu, sorry to hear Rosie, I have 4 shih tzu's that are my world so I can only imagine how you feel. From me and my four legged girls to you and yours xoxoxo.

Not sure who asked but I've been drinking the Cira brand Aloe Vera juice but planning on picking up some pure organic at whole foods or trader Joe's.

For those on AC has anyone lost their eyebrows yet? What's the time frame on that?

My tastes buds where killed this 2nd infusion yesterday I noticed my tongue is disclored is this normal?

Dogwoodpos,

We are waiting for the genetic testing results for my daughter. I tested positive for BRCA 2 mutation, and I later found out that there has been a lot of BRCA 2 and breast cancer on my ex-husband's side of the family. My daughter is just 25 and I also can't believe I didn't know about these cancers. We are taking it one day at a time and if she comes back positive she will probably do rigorous screening until she has her family (she doesn't have a boyfriend currently, so this could take awhile) unless something shows up in an MRI or mammogram. It is a horrible thing to have to contemplate. It's one thing for me to be dealing with all this, quite another for someone her age, just starting out, to have to contend with. So fingers crossed that she's negative. We'll know within a few weeks--I hope negative, and I hope after Thanksgiving. She wants the genetic counselor to call me with the news so that she hears it from me, and I'm ok with that, but I'd like to get through the holiday first...but as we all know, we don't always get what we wish for.

Love,

Kate

Chickdude; Aloe Vera juice is good for acid reflux...thanks for the info on the brows I was just curious since they seem to be holding on as I approach chemo #3 in 5 days. Looks like we had similar se from reducing or not taking the steroids. Which steroid are you on?

Luwusu, some ppl don't think b4 speaking. I hate when they say "it's just hair it'd grow back" like how cold or heartless can you be. I get it that's it's just hair and eyebrows and that they do not define us but its still a part of us. Sorry for those comments they made.

Anyone else get their Gracie care package? I got mine today and sobbed while reading her journey.

Doesn't help that my only sister just sprung on me yesterday that she's moving to FL as of Monday with my nephew who I've helped raise since he was in her belly and has been the kid I have never been able to have (now 12 )

Hi Friends!

Sorry I haven't checked in for a while... I was really feeling crummy for 2 straight weeks from that constant nasty diarrhea, and nothing seemed to help for the longest time. It was going on so long that my blood potassium level dropped to 2.5, which is evidently dangerously low. I had to get 4 extra IVs to raise it up closer to 3.0 (normal is 3.5 - 5.0).

My Medical Onc. said it was most likely the Perjeta causing the problem, and she decided to eliminate it from my cocktail. Also, the due date for my second infusion was supposed to be this PAST Thursday, on 11/10/16, but she cancelled it because of the diarrhea, and the low potassium.

Then, glory be! The P A who I saw on the 10th recommended L-Glutamine, probiotic capsules, and BRAT diet. Now for more than 48 straight hours, NO DIARRHEA!! YAYY!! First time I've sorta felt like my old self since my first infusion on 10/20/16. So infusion #2 is now on schedule again for this coming Thursday, 11/17/16.

My Cancer Center is like a luxury spa.

They have free wi/fi in the infusion room. The whole room is glass windows, looking out on the mountains in Boulder, Colorado. The nursing ratio is one nurse to 2 patients. Every time I've been there, doggies come to visit and the little ones sit on your lap.

I looked over the qualifications for a therapy dog, and I think I might see if Dillon could pass the exam.

Betty - Welcome back! We missed you! Sorry to hear that you had such a rough time, and I'm glad that it has resolved. Your hats are lovely ... they look so nice on you. And that view from the infusion room ... wow. Really glad that you are feeling better.

Dee - What a shame that your sister and nephew are moving ... I can hear in your voice how much you'll miss them. Maybe technology can help bridge the distance? (Skype, etc?). Hugs.

Miles - How are you doing? After that long fever, is your treatment back on track? Hoping you find something to smile about today.

DogwoodPos and Kate - Crossing my fingers that the genetic tests come back negative.

Ella - Hope you're having a wonderful week with your daughter.

All is quiet here ... going to rake some leaves today. Have a nice day everyone.

Barb

ahh, deemendoza, that is indeed a bitter pill to swallow having your sister move away with your nephew. I'm so sorry.

B2alicia, we have a therapy dog. Molly has never actually been taken to anyplace to help anyone but she has qualified. My husband went through Pet Partners. The idea was that he was going to take her to places with veterans when he retired. He will retire Jan 1. Of course, now he's hauling me 1 1/2 hrs each way every time I see a dr or anything so he's going to be busier than he'd planned. I went with them when they did the testing and they were pretty rigid in their requirements. I really didn't think she'd ever pass it all and was quite surprised when she did. Molly is a Labradoodle

LOL, Dee, my TWIN!! I'll have to keep a close eye out for fight-picking pillows! So sorry about your sister moving...sisters are so special. I'm so grateful for mine. Even though she's far away in Oklahoma, we text every day and visit once or twice a year.

Hi Luwusu, so sorry about Rosie! Nothing hurts like losing your best friend. I'd love to hear all about her. I'm sure she had a happy life filled with love. My 'soul dog' was Frisco, who lived with me for nearly 18 years. Now I have 2 rescues, Percy and Dillon.

P

Percy is in the first photo with his groomer. (He LOVES her.)

Frisco is in the next 2 photos.

And little Dillon is in the bottom photo.

After 9/11, one thing that always stuck with me was from a short speech given by Queen Elizabeth when she visited.. "Grief is the price we pay for love." Somehow I've found that comforting , in a way.

***hugs***

Betty

Thank you Betty for posting those dog photos. They really perked me up in a moment where I was feeling down. Esp. the photo of Percy with his groomer. And I'm glad you're feeling better too.

I appreciate everyone who posts on here, even if I can't respond to everything. Every post brightens my day or makes me feel less alone.

Happy Birthday, Alla. You look so beautiful and happy in the picture!

Betty - your dogs are gorgeous. How do Percy and Dillon get along?

I had a scare with my dog Max today ... he was unable to stand up, and his eyes started rolling in his head. This has happened once before about a year ago ... it's called geriatric vestibular disorder (GVD), and it looks like the dog is having a stroke (but he's not). The first time it happened, I took him to the vet crying my eyes out (certain that this was it), and she said if it was GVD it would go away on its own after about 72 hours. So for 3 days we hand fed him and gave him water with an eye-dropper, and changed his sheets, and gave him anti-nausea meds, and eventually he was able to stand up and he recovered. Anyway, it looks like its starting again ... I gave him Gravol for now, and will take him to the vet tomorrow if it gets worse. Poor guy .. he looks miserable!

FightingTheFight - I love what you said, that " Every post brightens my day or makes me feel less alone." That says it all for me too!

Barb

Oh Alla! I LOVE that picture of the bald heads! What a great shot!

Barb, please give Max a gentle hug from his Aunt Betty in Colorado. I hope he feels better soon!

As to how Percy and Dillon get along..

Betty ... OMG they are adorable! Those pictures are priceless.

Hey All!

I am back! Man the last few weeks have been intense. I ended up with around the clock nausea, hospitalized with a neutropenic fever, acute kidney failure and poor liver function! whew. My body took quite the hit. I have been reading this board as much as possible, and I learned so much from everyone! The pictures and stories have been a bit of a life line. It was so tough to respond, that I am just now getting to it. I won't be able to address everyone individually, but know that your stories have helped sustain me. Good news, the second cycle seems to be going much better. My sister came and prepared a bunch of food in advance and being that I live alone, I had a really tough time getting the things I needed first cycle, so I set up a network of people to be on call if I need help. Let me tell you how tough it was to swallow my pride and ask people to come over and make me eggs, but if there is one thing I learned, you just have to go with it. In spite of everything that has happened, my spirits are good. It wasn't until I went to acupuncture to get rid of the headache I had for 3 weeks and told her everything that has happened did I realize how hard it has been. Sending out support to all. I am feeling especially cheesy tonight because I helped make a real dinner for the first time in about 3 weeks (Just give me the small things okay?). I have enjoyed all of the jokes, but I fear my humor is far too dark for this board... But - I will give you this little moment that brings me no end of pleasure. My sister - the constant mother - was visiting and I called her suddenly from my room "Carrie come here- " What did you need?" she comes running in worried as all get out. - My response - "Nothing, just come feel my boob!" - She started cracking up! It was the first time I had felt my lump sintreatment and you could really tell it had shrunk! Never in my life did I think I would ask my sister to feel my boob! Anyways - Like I said, I have an odd sense of humor.