The Chemosabe March Cruise

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  • marshabel
    marshabel Member Posts: 142
    edited April 2007
    Nana -Welcome to our cruise! Meet me in the casino before it's time to belly up to the bar again - maybe we'll get lucky on the slots!

    Playwriter - sorry you're feelin poorly. I hope that your headache and yucky tummy get better soon.

    Diana - thanks for the site about scarves. I am also kind of challenged in that area. I did buy some really cute hats yesterday at Kohl's.

    Angel - glad you are doing so well! It's good that you've been able to eat so normally. I've been struggling in that area, only being able to eat normally after about day 13 or so. And even then, I can't seem to do spicy, even though I want to.

    Good wishes to everyone this week ......

    Marsha
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  • marshabel
    marshabel Member Posts: 142
    edited April 2007
    Oops - sorry, Angel and Rosebud.....I got the scarf tying sites from you two. Thanks!

    Marsha
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  • jacqniel
    jacqniel Member Posts: 720
    edited April 2007

    Marsha, Are you taking any type of acid reducer - such as Nexium? This has really helped my stomach with treatments. Jacque

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  • taurie
    taurie Member Posts: 84
    edited April 2007
    Sorry I am behind and havent read much. Chemo really played it hard on me my first treatment. I need some advice here. I am on day 6, 4 and 5 were very hard. I had the constipation, did the colace, finally going now. Everytime i sit up I have dizzyness and hot flashes. I have extreme pains in my upper stomach. Is this normal? And if it is, how the heck do I get rid of it. The two bad days my family was very worried because i figured if i slept there was no pain, so I would not leave the bed. I had dry heaves if i even tried going to the bathroom.
    I am miserable and need to get back up and active to live some sort of normalcy before next treatment, but you know what girls, I can actually see where someone older might say the heck with this and decide against treatment.
    Dawn
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2007
    Hello my friends,

    Welcome to Nana! It's never too late to join. Our cruise picks up people from lifeboats and rafts!

    It has been rainy and cold here, although today it died up a bit was warm enough to take my friend's grandbaby to the park after we went out for Chinese buffet (still chilly, though!).

    I have done pretty well since my second infusion, but I did manage to catch a small cold and I have a UTI. I'm going to call the onc tomorrow and mention the UTI, as Thursday is my day for Chemo #3. I have not had a UTI in over 20 years, so I guess I didn't drink enough water.

    Jacque, I love your pics... what was the name of that wig? Is it the Olivia? It looks great and very natural! I have the TLC book and plan to order a couple more wigs.

    Someone in the February group took pictures with different wigs and posted them. I thought that was very interesting. It's amazing how different you look in each one. I seem to be having trouble getting one to fit me. Either it's so big it spins on my head, or it's so snug, it pulls back. I do have a big egghead, but I have to find something I don't have to fiddle with every five minutes if I want to work.

    Speaking of work, I am feeling more and more confident that I am going to get back by my required time.


    Actually, the scarf tying looks great, too. I still have not tied one successfully, though. I would love it if we could share some more wig and scarf pics! I might even try to be brave and post one myself!

    Diana, I also love your picture with PB Moss! You ladies are so beautiful. You have gorgeous eyes, Diana! So does Jacque! In fact, I am thoroughly enjoying all the pictures that are being shared. It really adds to the bonding and time spent here.

    PW, I hope you feel better. I have one more day til my next infusion and I am very hopeful. I have been taking Metamucil every day and when I get home from chemo I am taking a Senokot. I also eat Activia every day. Maybe I can get through an infusion without croaking from C.

    Here's hoping we all get spring weather very soon! I'll let you guys know how #3 goes!

    Miss S
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2007
    Dawn,

    I am so sorry to hear you're having such a rough time. Days four and five are the hardest for many people. If you're sleeping a lot, do you make sure you're drinking enough? We have to drink and drink!

    I have had extreme pains in my lower abdomen, but not too much in the upper. You could try Alka Seltzer. That has helped my stomach pain, plus it has aspirin for the pain, and it's more fluid going into your body.

    You should not be having all this nausea, either. Do you have pills to take for that after you get home? Like Zofran?

    I really think a call to your onc is in order, Dawn. You should not be suffering so much! My thoughts and prays will be with you!

    Miss S

    PS.... your IIIA diagnosis really calls for chemo....
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  • maxgirl
    maxgirl Member Posts: 407
    edited April 2007
    Jacque and Diana -- Great pix! You really have good features that stand out without the hair.

    3boys -- It's wonderful that you were able to have a good time in Hawaii (despite your hair deserting you). I hope your counts stay up so you don't feel wiped out. I push protein now when I start feeling tired.

    Nana -- Welcome aboard! I know a few people have their feet on two different cruise ships, especially those who start at the beginning or end of a month. I share your feelings about work. Sometimes it's a drag -- mostly it's a mental health saver.

    Nancy -- That's interesting about grapes helping blood counts. Time to send DH to the store again anyway.

    Lisa -- I haven't tried anything so energetic as lawn mowing, but I do try to get more done during my "strong" week, too. Unfortunately, other people are catching on to my patterns, too.

    PW -- Hope you pull out of the SEs of this treatment quickly.

    onlygirl -- I got my hair buzzed off fairly soon, and I had hardly any soreness or pain when that started falling out. It's almost like it's the weight of your hair pulling on your scalp from what other people have described.

    Angel -- Like others here, I have several problems with food. First, the metallic taste in my mouth for 5 or 6 days after chemo makes things taste terrible. Then the mouth inflammation makes it impossible to eat anything spicy or acidic (that is, with flavor!) or too hot or too cold or too rough (even bread crusts are hard to chew sometimes). Then, even in the second week, I get full on about half the food I usually eat. I made the mistake a couple of times of trying to force myself to eat a "normal" meal -- I felt bloated and miserable. Now I split up a meal over a few hours. And the last thing is that even after the nausea goes, I have a lurking queasiness, which makes it hard to drink a lot of water or eat things like watermelon without anchoring them down with something a little more solid. I've actually been drinking a lot of milk because it sits better on my stomach.

    Marsha -- I miss spicy too!

    Betty and Diana -- Hope you're doing OK after today's tx.
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  • maxgirl
    maxgirl Member Posts: 407
    edited April 2007
    Dawn -- I'm so sorry you're feeling this bad, and I ditto Miss S on keeping up the fluids and calling your onc. They should be able to do something about all the symptoms you're having. One thing is I would be careful about taking anything with aspirin or ibuprofin (Advil, Motrin) if you're having sharp upper stomach pains. I ran into a really painful gastritis a couple of years ago because of taking Advil for my migraines. Now I'm not supposed to use it at all. They gave me Darvocet for the stomach pain, and now I use it for migraines, too.

    MissS -- I've had more trouble with the C this time, mainly because it's hard to eat enough fruits and vegetables. I was taking Colace almost every night until the last gelcap made me gag and came right back up. So I started eating more beans at night, and now things are more normal. Hope the C doesn't get you this time!
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  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited April 2007
    Good evening!
    Thank you three helpful sisters for posting scarf-tying hints. I could certainly use the guidance. Today is Day #14 after my 2nd treatment and I think my hair loss, which stalled at Day #17 of round one, is picking up again.

    MissS - definitely let your onc. office know aboutyour UTI in time to make 'corrections' before your infusion on Thursday. I don't think they want to be smackin' down your immune system with UTI challenges going on.
    Dawn - don't give up, hon. These are the worst days you have been enduring right now. Make it to Day#8 and it will slowly turn around. Drink what you can, suck on popcicles, eat sweet fruits - anything to soothe your mouth and keep your fluids up. The lower esphagus, upper belly is my most painful spot, too - felt like it had been roto-rootered wth knife blades. My MD gave me an Rx for Carfate liquid for this round and I think it helped a little. Next round I am going to use it plus some Zantac or something. Hope to hear you are back on the upswing soon!
    Okay, Jacque - now two of us have asked about that wig from tlc. Cough up the details, sis! I've got a big ol' head and would like to order a 'large' and see if it helps eliminate the headache that the other wigs give me.
    I've found myself really craving crunchy salty foods the last couple of days. From day 5-9 I can't have any at all because my mouth is so tender and sore. Now that it's stable again, it's like I want to make up for lost time. Not good. I don't even have any chips or snacks in the house and found myself getting into my Saltines in desperation. Pretty pathetic.

    I've already taken my sleep meds, in hopes of maybe getting more than 4 hours this evening, so I am going to say nite-nite and go snuggle in bed with my book.

    Hugs to all,
    Lisa
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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited April 2007
    had my neulasta shot today, tired and achey.
    love and blessings to u all.
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  • rosebud1962
    rosebud1962 Member Posts: 196
    edited April 2007
    Went for my cbc yesterday and my white blood count was actually above my count when I got my chemo a week later. The count never dipped it went higher. This chemo thing is weird, I thought I understood it but now. The nurse told me that since it actually rose that it won't dip any this time. Guess that Nuelasta shot works pretty good even though it hurt like heck.
    I also have a weird SE that I thought I'd throw out there..under my arms (the pits) I have some discoloring. It is spots of dark red that almost looks like bruises. Showed the nurse but he didn't think it was anything to be concerned about. No fever, no itching, no broken skin, just spots..wierd huh? It's just the pits..hahaha..you guys knew I was going to say that...

    Dawn ..I hope you feel better and call your Onc about the issues you are having. The first time is hard but write things down and next time you'll be able to tell what worked and what didn't. Hugs all around..Rosebud
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  • jacqniel
    jacqniel Member Posts: 720
    edited April 2007
    Hi all, This wig - the Olivia - is the most comfortable one out of four that I have owned. My first wig was a $250 one that was long and drove me CRAZY by getting in my mouth, scratching at my neck and causing pressure points on my skull. My next one was a hundred dollar one that was short, looked better, but was like a vice on my huge noggin. This go around I purchased a large, $150 wig that once I wore it I didn't like the style and I felt dumpy in it - plus also left pressure points. When I saw the TLC catelog, and saw that I could return the wig if I didn't like it - AND they were cheap - I ordered one and I LOVE it. Yes, it is still hot, but it is so big I actually had to tighten the velcro strips. It doesn't give me a headache and it is the most natural looking wig out of all of them. You can go online to TLCdirect.com to look/order them or request a catalog. Look at their cotton liners, too - I ordered a couple in large as the one I got from the wig salon is a bit smallish on me.
    My onc nurse suggested Senekot-S for a laxative. I tried Colace and Ducolax and ended up using an enema - yuck - to get relief. That big c is a REAL pain in the butt (sorry - couldn't help myself). Jacque
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  • pmarsh34
    pmarsh34 Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2007
    Today is day#8 after tx#2 for me. I am feeling almost human today. I had a cup of coffee and it didn't make me want to hurl! For those of you struggling with se's, remember, it does get better. Today I am going to the "Lovely Lady". It is a store in Cary, NC that specializes in wigs, prosthetics, hats, scarves, etc. I am going to go try on some wigs. Thought I wouldn't wear one but hey, maybe my bf needs a "new" girlfriend this week! lol.
    Prayers to everyone.
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  • Angelflight
    Angelflight Member Posts: 163
    edited April 2007
    Dawn
    I agree with everyone else that you should contact your onc in regards to all of these problems you're having. I'm curious as to what chemo meds you're doing? TAC? AC/T?
    I have a prescription for Decadron and Zofran that I take for 3 days after chemo. Then if I have any neausa I go to the Compazine after that. On day 3 I start anti-biotics for 10 days which is what causes my diarrhea. I also have a prescription for pepcid (stronger than the over the counter) which takes care of the heartburn. I found that with the 'c' the Senekot S worked a lot better than the Colace although the Colace is supposed to be better for us. I get lower stomach cramping with the 'd' but have a prescription for that as well.
    Let us know what meds you're doing during chemo as well as what meds you are supposed to take at home. It might give us a better understanding what might or might not help for you. You should not be suffering like this and if I were personally I think chemo would be on hold till the onc could curb some of this.

    Angel
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  • marshabel
    marshabel Member Posts: 142
    edited April 2007
    So funny, I was signing on so to post a question to you all about pain in my upper stomach, and wouldn't you know that's what everyone is talking about! I can always count on my BC sisters for help. My pain sort of feels like the stomach muscle is sore, no cramping. I am also having a lot of problems with excess gas (sorry if TMI!) It seems to be trapped and causes pain under my shoulder blade, etc. I have been taking Prilosec OTC for heartburn, and Colace or Dulcolax for C. Yesterday, I felt like my heart was palpitating all day, but then wondered if that could be a side effect of the trapped gas. It's better today, and I see my Onc on Friday, so I will get some answers. This is day 14 after treatment #2, with #3 scheduled next week on the 25th.

    Dawn - sorry you are feeling so bad. I also had a very difficult time with my first treatment. Not nausea so much, because I have a prescription for Kytril to take for 3 days after chemo (twice a day), and Promethazine for any break thru nausea in addition to the Kytril. It works pretty good. And even though I could barely get off the couch for more than a couple of minutes at a time, it seemed to help to walk around a little bit. Couldn't venture far, so I just went in the back yard and walked around it a couple of times in the fresh air. That seems to help whenever my stomach gets really uncomfortable. I agree with whoever said Day 8 will be the beginning of better days. Hang in there, sweetie!

    Marshabel
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  • Cynthia1962
    Cynthia1962 Member Posts: 1,424
    edited April 2007
    Hi everyone,

    Hugs to everyone feeling like crap. I had my 2nd tx a week ago last Monday and I'm still nauseous. Ugh. Everyday it's a bit less, but still there all day. I wasn't expecting this since last time it was almost completely gone by day 5 and only in the morning. Guess I'm not the only one having this experience.

    Marshabel - trapped gas and other tummy troubles causes my heart to act up, so that could be what's going on with you. I use GAS-X (the generic kind) a lot (I also have IBS) and it helps the gas to escape. It works by making smaller gas bubbles combine into bigger bubbles so they can escape easier and you release more at one time.

    Angel - how many mgs is your Pepcid and how much do you take? The oc Pepcid doesn't help me much.

    I did have some good news this Monday. My rbc and hgb was normal (a week post tx) so I didn't need a Procrit shot like last time. I'm so glad I started taking iron tablets after my 2nd Procrit shot a couple weeks ago, but I wish my onc had mentioned that iron tablets would be a good idea and even helps the Procrit work better. Sheesh.

    Dawn - so sorry you're feeling so badly. I'm sending positive thoughts your way and hoping you feel better very soon.

    Is anyone getting dark spots on their face? I now have two dark lines along my temples, and dark areas on both sides of my jaw bone. Not sure how to hide it and I have fair skin.

    And, my hair is still growing in areas...so I have to keep buzzing my head. I was hoping for a smooth, bald head by now.

    Oh, while at Trader Joe's this week, a woman approached me and explained that she had been in treatment for bc since the end of 2005, and that chemo is definitely the worst part and it gets better after that. I could have hugged her and it was all I could do not to cry. I've been having such a hard time dealing with this emotionally, and the two days before that day had been especially bad, so she was such a blessing. We talked for a bit and she gave me different suggestions for dealing with se's and told me how bc had affected her life for the better (I'm not there yet). What a wonderful thing she did, taking a chance like that to approach a stranger in the hope of offering support. I hope I can do the same for others someday.

    Warm thoughts to everyone dealing with side effects. I hope we all feel better soon.

    Cynthia
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  • rosebud1962
    rosebud1962 Member Posts: 196
    edited April 2007
    I can't remember who posted the Heavenly Hat Foundation web site but Thanks!. I filled out the info there last week and today I received a box with 6 new hats of all kinds for chemo patients. It was super and the hats I can't wear, I'll be donating to my cancer center for the other patients. The web site, if any missed it is www.Heavenlyhats.com Thanks Rosebud
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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited April 2007
    rosebud, glad u got the hats! i'm still waiting for mine.

    hugs to everyone. i'm still feeling tired and yucky, so not much to say.
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  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited April 2007
    My daughter came down (she lives about an hour and a half away) for a post-op appointment on her knee (she's fine) and came over to finally buzz my head. We were both amazed at how much hair I had left 35 days into chemo. She joked that I had 'reverse male pattern baldness' since my hair was still so thick on top. We agreed I don't have to worry about high testosterone levels. I would have left it if the front and sides weren't looking so sparse - but it was time for the big step. She said she thinks I look 'tuff' with it buzzed and that helped ease the shock some when I first looked in the mirror.
    I've now had a wig on for about four hours and have a headache like you wouldn't believe. A big head can be a curse.

    Jacque - thanks for confirming that yours is the Olivia wig. I'm going to get me one to try. But mine will be dark blonde, so don't worry, we won't be twins, even with our similar big noggins. The clincher for me is NO headache.
    Patti - so what did you get at The Lovely Lady? Will your bf have a hot date tonight?!?
    Terri - so sorry you are still feeling yucky. Take the time to rest plenty and you'll soon be back on your feet.
    Cynthia - how cool that you had a survivor reach out in support at Trader Joe's. I'm sure you will make a great BC 'ambassador' someday, too. Hope your SE's go away ASAP.
    Marshabel - we're on the same infusion schedule. Hope your heart palpitations and "gut" issues are behaving themselves soon. Let us hear what your onc. says about the heart.
    Rosebud - Glad your blood counts were rockin'! I got my hat-pack today, too! Although it was a bit puzzling. I requested something soft and pink and I received four ball caps. At least one of them is pink! I guess a ball cap can be good for over a scarf? Or if I put on my 'fall' hairpiece - but with a gap in the back, how else are they useful for us bare folks?

    Wondering if I dare to make Thai for dinner tonight - I really miss spicy!

    Lisa
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  • marshabel
    marshabel Member Posts: 142
    edited April 2007
    I got my hat package today, too. Some ball caps, newsboy caps, and one really cute suede cap with different colors of pink with gold threads. If you haven't signed up for this site, I highly recommend it!

    Rosebud - I hate the gap in the back of the ball caps, too, cuz I think my neck looks fat, so try tying a scarf or bandana thru the hole. I did that today and it looked OK. I got bandanas at the drug store for 99 cents.

    Terri - hate that you are feeling bad. Hope tomorrow is better.

    I'm trying so hard not to worry about this, but my 26 yr old daughter found a lump in her breast a few days ago. She went to her primary doctor, who said she thinks it is nothing, just a ridge of tissue, etc. Of course, this is the same doctor who told me mine was just lumpy, bumpy tissue. Anyway, she is having an ultrasound tomorrow morning. I just want to make it go away for her. Everyone please think positive thoughts for her!

    Marsha
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2007
    Marsha,

    I am praying for your daughter that this will be nothing! I know it must be terribly frightening. Please keep us updated!

    Miss S
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  • rosebud1962
    rosebud1962 Member Posts: 196
    edited April 2007
    Marsha ..I pray it will be nothing. My heart goes out to you and I wish I could hug ya..

    Lisa ..The funny thing about the hats, I asked for baseball hats and got some soft pink frilly things..that's way too funny..

    playwrite ..You're the best and I hope you start feeling better soon..hugs all around..rosebud
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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited April 2007
    I got my hats today, too! 3 baseball hats and a white floppy one that's too small for my big ole head.

    Refugee and Keenie -- haven't heard from u in a while! As well as some of the others. What, we've got like 38 people on this list, we want to know how y'all are doing!
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  • Angelflight
    Angelflight Member Posts: 163
    edited April 2007
    Cynthia1962
    The prescription for the Pepcid is 20mg. I can take up to 2 at a time if I need to but usually only take 1. The first few days after chemo are the worst so I automatically take one before lunch and 1 before dinner. I've even taken it after I had heartburn and it takes it away which I didn't think would work but it does. Try taking 2 of the over the counter ones and see if that works, if not talk to the onc about something stronger.

    Angel
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  • Keenie
    Keenie Member Posts: 258
    edited April 2007
    I'm still here! But, I find the first week after tx, I'm sorta loopy and the chemobrain is pretty engaged. Thank you for checking up!

    I'm meeting with the radiation onc tomorrow to find out how many tx and when I can start. My last chemo is May 2 and I hope I can start rads fairly soon after. It's my prayer to be done everything by July 1. Anyone else had a rad consult yet?

    Christine
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  • JannM
    JannM Member Posts: 23
    edited April 2007
    Sorry I haven't posted. It's been a rough week at work and at home. Very tired. Haven't been to the gym all week because I felt my energy would be better 'spent' at work. Next week won't be much better because my coworker will be out all week on vacation, so calling in sick Monday - after my second visit to the bar tomorrow - is not an option. Probably could go home early if I had to, though. The shedding continues, but the only comment I've gotten so far is it looked like I dyed my hair. I said no, the grey was just the first to go. LOL. Anyway, other than being tired and the shedding, no other SE's so I feel lucky in that respect.

    Hugs to everyone.
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  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited April 2007
    Hello Girls,

    My DH and I decided to run away for a few days and are at the beach (Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina). Although a little cool, I'm enjoying walking, watching the waves and the birds.

    Jacque...I love your speeding story...way to go girl and good for that police officer for not giving you a ticket. Maybe we should start a post that includes positives that we experience from chemo and bc...yours could be the first entry.

    Marsha, so sorry to hear about your daughter. I'm sure this is very stressful. Sending you and see many prayers and positive thoughts.

    Taurie, Sending prayers and hugs to you for a speedy recovery...do call your onc, you should not be suffering so.

    Playwriter....prayers and hugs your way for a quick back to normal.

    I haven't read all the post so for those that I've missed...know that all of you are in my prayers and thoughts. For those of you experiencing SE's, a speedy recovery, those of you stepping up to the bar, prayers for no hangovers and for those of you feeling well, enjoy each moment.

    As far as the gas issue goes, pre chemo I never had a problem. I now toot almost continuously, which can be pretty embrassing, especially right after I eat.

    Well, I think I'll go walk on the beach again....practicing my desire to be a beach bum!
    Nancy
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  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited April 2007
    Update for those stepping up to the bar Friday.

    Friday: HollyHopes (#4), JannM (#2), Maxgirl (#4), Jillrush (#4), Onlygirl (#2)

    Good luck!

    Please let me know if you will be stepping up to the bar next week, April 22- 27.
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  • jacqniel
    jacqniel Member Posts: 720
    edited April 2007
    Wish I could claim the speeding story, but that was Dianna! Jacque
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  • rosebud1962
    rosebud1962 Member Posts: 196
    edited April 2007
    Here's a pic of the positive thing about bc and chemo..I have had time to do this..
    image
    This quilt has been in my mind for a year and now since I'm off of work I've had time to complete it. It's named "Flannel Cult" after the guys I work with on the dock. We always wore flannel all winter long and the truck drivers would ask us if we belonged to a cult since the three of us looked alike. It's made of all recycled material..old flannel shirts and pants. I know I wouldn't have had time to do it otherwise. rosebud
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