The Chemosabe March Cruise
Options
Comments
-
not too mcuh to say today, feeling crappy literally -- big D has struck. going to go lie down...love to you all.
-
awww playwriter, sorry to hear your not feeling well, rest hon and i found if you can stomach some cheese it helps
-
Bar Reservations week of April 22 - 28
Monday:
Tuesday: Nana (#2), Bettye (#7), GrammyNancy (#3)
Wednesday: Angel (#3), Marshabel (#3), Lisa (#3)
Thursday: Sybil (#1 Taxol + Herceptin)
Friday:
Please let me know if I've missed you!
Good Luck Girls,
Nancy -
Horrible day yesterday. very tired, Major"C", achey, naueasted when I move around, cranky, etc. All I wanted to do was cry. Better today, thank goodness, and hopefully even better tomorrow. Trying to work today and hoping to get out of here 'on time', so better go. Just wanted to check in. Hugs to all.
-
We returned from the beach and had a wonderful relaxing time. I was even able to forget about bc sometimes. I've always wanted to be a beach bum so it was fun to pretend for a short time. Now back to reality.
Lisa, what a small world...your Mom and sister born in my old stomping grounds. My Mom and Dad lived in Wilmington for 35 years. My Mom died 11 years ago and my Dad died Feb 2006. I sure do miss them but know that they are here with me as I fight this battle. Do you ever visit your Mom in Wilmington. The Outer banks are beautiful...always enjoyed visiting there. I bet your Mom has some interesting hurricane stories.
Playwriter...so sorry to hear you are feeling so poorly. Eat that activia yogart, take that immodium and don't let yourself get dehydrated. Sending prayers your way.
Sybil...hope you are feeling better real soon. Would love to hear about your experience with herceptin as I start that as soon as I finish chemo. Sending prayers your way.
JannM...sorry to hear you felt so bad but happy to hear you are feeling a bit better. I admire your girls that continue to work...don't know how you do it. Prayers for you for continued improvement.
It amazes me how each of us experience different things at different times. I seem to be okay the week of chemo but am wiped out the week after and then the third week I feel very normal. As I head for chemo tomorrow I am dreading what next week will bring, sometimes I think about just calling it quits. I know I won't but it can be so hard sometimes. Sorry to be such a downer...just needed to get that off my chest. Thanks for listening!
Nana and BettyE will be thinking about you tomorrow...hope things go well for you. Let's make an agreement...no hangovers.
Love to all my sisters,
Nancy -
Sybil, Playwrite and Jan, Praying this finds you all recovering and on your way to feeling better.
Also praying that all who step up to the bar this week have minimal SEs and tolerate their 'cocketails' well.
Hugs to you all. Jacque -
Sending strong and positive vibes for our three hitting the bar tomorrow - Nana, Bettye, and GrammyNancy.
Hope it's a smooth trip and that you bounce back quickly!
Lisa -
Well, we're going through some ups and downs, aren't we? What an exhausting cruise this can be. I've been more tired this time, and I haven't even hit days 5 and 6, which are usually my low point.
Lisa: Thanks for the encouragement on the fluids and proteins -- it's amazing what a battle it can be. My onc said to treat it like taking medicine, and my thought was, "Yes, you try taking 2 quarts of barium solution every day!" I've been pretty good on the liquids, getting at least 62 oz the last two days, but I couldn't eat much yesterday, so I didn't even bother to count the protein.
I hope your sister is able to come down and give you some TLC -- just being able to let go that little more helps.
Nancy: Welcome back to the real world -- your escape sounded wonderful. It really is difficult to gear up for the next one, isn't it?
Nana, Bettye: Hope your treatments go/went smoothly.
PW, Sybil, Jann: Hope you are all feeling better today, so your spirits can pick up too. -
Good morning my lovely ladies,
I'm finally feeling pretty good today... day #6 AFTER TX #3. There were really only a couple of days that were BAD, though. The others were more tolerable, but not really able to do anything kind of days. I managed to almost totally escape the big "C" this time. What little I had was NOTHING compared to the agony of tx #1 AND 2! So apparently drinking Metamucil daily, plus Activia, plus a Senacot upon arriving home from chemo was the ticket! Of course, I had to drink tons of water, too. I'll be extremely happy if this SE is behind me now for the duration.
I feel so bad that we have so many feeling poorly! Terri, Sybil, and Jann..... I hope this new day finds you feeling good again.
I ordered a bunch of stuff from the TLC catalog last night. I am beginning to panic a bit about going back to work. I spoke with my supervisor yesterday and they seem to have no concept of what I am going through. They are willing to work with me concerning what hours I work (but not less than 40). Fortunately, I work in the training department of a large company and it is no problem for me to work 2nd shift most of the time to accommodate all my daytime appointments. That is nice, but they don't understand that I am probably not going to be dependable to be there 40 hours a week. I am armed with the info I got from Lisa about ADA. I also found a great government website that specifically lists adjusting one's schedule (even to part time for a while) to accomodate someone going through cancer treatments!
ACCOMMODATING EMPLOYEES WITH CANCER
I wanted to share the link in case anyone else is going/will go through something similar. I also appreciate all the feedback I get encouraging me in this area.
At the moment the bottom of my feet hurt like they have been injured. I'm thinking it must have been shoes I wore, but I don't know how it happened. It seems like I read it could be a SE of Taxol, but I'm not even taking that yet.
I'm thinking of you ladies getting infused this week. Hang in there and know that you're scratching 1 more treatment off the list! Together we can make it!
maxgirl, I am working with you to get those liquids down! I'm also trying to eat a little red meat, as my BS told me to at the beginning of all this.
I just got a call from my HR girl and she is having my doctor fill out the ADA paperwork and 'legal' is contemplating making an exception and letting me come back to work if my days missed will be something that can be anticipated. She is checking with my manager to see if that is acceptable. *anticipation*
To brighten your day: a couple pictures of my son and his new puppy.
-
MissS: Thanks for the pix of the two cuties!
I had the same problem with the bottoms of my feet the week after tx3 and then it went away. My onc said you can get it even with the AC. I have it a little this week, but not as bad. He told me to always wear shoes, with as much cushioning as possible.
Thanks for the ADA link -- that could come in handy. Hope you can work everything out with your higher-ups. A full shift of work after running around to MD appts. during the day sounds like a bit much. -
I am praying for everyone who is experiencing a hangover now. I hope that the se's go away very soon. I wish you all well.
MissS - Okay so here is something funny. I was reading the discussion boards and scrolling down when all of a sudden I saw a very close buzzed hairdo, I expected it to be a picture of you! -
Heh. Do you like my beard, too?
That IS funny!
Miss S -
It is very sexy MissS - rofl
-
Well back from #3 (half way done--down hill from now on) and feeling okay. Sure hope it stays that way.
Maxgirl, hope you continue to feel better and here's hoping that days 5 and 6 are smooth sailing. Sending you positive thoughts and prayers.
MissShapen...happy to hear you've come up with a plan to help your SE's expecially the big "C". Love the pictures of your son and puppy. They are so cute. Good news on your company working with you...hope things work out well.
Sending positive thoughts and prayers to those stepping up to the bar on Wednesday...Angel, Marshabel, and Lisa. You girls behave.
Nancy -
Ack! My tongue tastes like I licked the back tires of a semi right after it got off the interstate. Blech! I'm going to need another bottle of Biotene sooner than I thought.
MissS -- I had the same thought as pmarsh when I saw the top of the buzz cut. Your son has the look of my younger one (24). His beard and hairstyle are always changing, though -- it's hard to keep up.
Nancy -- Congrats on reaching the half-way mark! Thanks for the good thoughts, and return good wishes to you that the SEs are kind to you this time. -
hi girls, My port has totally settled and I am feeling almost normal. I have been at work almost every day last week and this week. I did get a bladder infection but got med for that. I seem to not get normal SE but the weird ones. I get my blood work done tomorrow so I am hoping it is ok. I have been getting checked out closely by a gynecologist specialist. Since my mother took a drug called DES it gave me vaginal wall cancer when I was 19 now it is being linked to BC in both the mothers that took it and there daughters. This was one nasty drug and lab rats show it goes down 4 generations. I am so worried for my 3 daughters. I have had a pap, lower ultra sound and on Thursday I go for biopsy of the vaginal wall, all four sides. There is quite a bit of information on this drug if you google it. The web sites do say that you should check out if you ever took it or your mother ever took it while she was pregnant with you. It seem to increase risks for BC. They are also law suits for the victims of this drug. Just thought I would share the info.
Rosebud - beautiful quilt!
Playwriter - you always seem so happy and I can tell you are not well, hugs your way.
Maxgirl - I hate the tire licking taste
Nancy - Thanks for the updates I know it is early but I am up for tx # 3 next Monday
MissS - So Sorry your feet hurt hope they feel better soon. Cute puppy and son. lol
Jann - hope you are doing better too. take care of yourself
It is hard to keep up with all of you so more later.
take care all of you at the bar this week and Hugs to all of you!!
Melissa -
Goodluck girls tomorrow at the bar. Hope no ones SEs are outragious. The quilt inspired me, my bday is Monday so talked DH into buying me a new sewing machine for my present. I started a quilt last night. I showed it to my mother, told her it was for her bday and she is so excited she is going out her next check to start buying things for her room to match it.
All is well on this end I guess, been feeling wonderful, today woke up with a sore throat and its worse tonight, nose is stuffed up too. And a bit of the big D. Now this is just appearing 2 weeks after the bar. But I have an oncologist appt tomorrow so will address these.
I have it in my head, the good days now I am going to enjoy the most I can to make up for the down days, so laid by the pool for a couple hours today, worse part of it, the sun really drains me now, I was exhausted. I seem to be sleeping only every other night. I am going to ask about this too. It is amazing the different SEs we all get, but I could not have gotten through most of mine if I hadnt met you wonderful women and so many notes being compared. I was prepped for most. This time I am armed with Colace too. Dont know what the recommendation is, but think I should start taking them the day of Chemo.
Also its day 14 and no hair on my head coming out yet YAY. (cant say that about other places lol)
Dawn -
Dawn..Maybe you'll be that 1% that don't lose their hair. Take a pic of that baby blanket, I'd love to see it. I so glad you are feeling somewhat better. I find that if I sew a little everyday, it keeps my mind off my SE.
Whitecotten..I'm praying for you girl.
Everyone who's going to the bar or has already been..you are all in my prayers! rosebud -
Hi ladies,
Just checking in.
I've been staying busy around here so havn't been around in a while. I've been feeling pretty good except the past week I've been experiencing severe pain in my knees. I thought maybe it was just me (have bad knees anyway) but have finally ruled it's coming from the Neulasta. I've decided to stop it completely and only take it if my white blood count goes down. I kind of hate doing this as I've been doing so well with my chemo so far. I hate to rock the boat, but I'm so unstable on my feet sometimes I almost fall and can barely get up and down from a chair. I'm sure the onc won't approve but he's not going through it I am. Oh well for him.
I'm sorry some of you aren't feeling well and I'm kind of dreading my #3 today since most people say it's the worst. We'll see I guess.
Loved the quilt; it's beautiful.
Dawn,
Glad to see you're finally on the mend. Don't forget that you're not supposed to be in the sun with cancer. It will really damage and break down your skin I hear. Keep an umbrella over yourself if going to be out by the pool. I'm glad you got a new sewing machine. I love to sew but go in spurts. I'll sew for weeks then put the machine away for another year. I have so many cabinets and closets full of sewing and craft stuff it's pathetic. Hubby tells me if I bring one more thing into the house he'll have to give up his side of the bed.....lol
The weather here reached into the 90's the past 2 days and it's nice to be back outside again even if just for a while each day. Been hanging around on the back covered patio and doing some painting etc.
Playwriter,
I'm sorry you havn't been doing well lately and hope you feel better soon.
I love to scrapbook but havn't done it in a while. I started when my 20 year old son was killed 8 years ago. I realized how important all the thousands of pics were we had taken of the kids that could never be replaced. Everybody here knows that if the house catches on fire the photo albums are the first things to be thrown out the windows.....lol I was at Michaels the other day and saw all of the new stickers and stick-ons that are out there now and couldn't believe how much new stuff there was for scrapbooking. I guess I'll have to take my stuff out and work on some this summer. I only have 1 album left to do right now.
Marshabel and Lisa I'll see you at the bar today and I don't mean the one on the poop deck if ya know what I mean.....lol
Sending good thoughts and prayers to everyone on the cruise.
Love
Angel -
Good Morning Ladies!
Maxgirl..that must taste just aweful, licking the back tires of a semi. I just bought another biotene product, it is called biotene oral balance...dry mouth moisturizer, refreshing liquid for moisture relief plus protection. I haven't tried it yet but will let you know. Hope this clears up quickly.
Melissa, thanks for the interesting info about DES..I guess I need to do some research..my mother has passed away so I guess I will see if it was being used when she was pregerant with me as I too have a daughter. Sending you prayers for good results with your biopsy.
Dawn, my onc says okay to be in the sun as long as you cover yourself with sun screen. Good news that you are feeling normal...and that you were inspired by Rosebud's quilt and are making one for your Mom. Fingers are crossed that you are the 1% that keeps their hair.
Angel...good to hear from you..I've missed you and your humor. Sorry to hear about your knees...maybe the onc could give you some meds to help or a different shot than the Neulasta that would not effect your joints so much.
Playwriter, hoping that today is a better day for you. Sending prayers and hugs your way.
Prayers and positive thoughts to Angel, Marshabel and Lisa for your trips to the bar today...no over indulging girls.
Nancy -
feeling better today. the pain is managable. even ran some errands.
if any of y'all want to fly to Houston on June 9th (LOL - since i know y'all have so much money laying around), we're planning a BC sister get-together at a fondue place. so far, we've got about 9 ladies who are going to attend. i'll take a pic and post it here afterwards. -
It's after 7pm my time and I am just now getting home from infusion #3. My appointment was for 1:40 - dang does this ruin a whole afternoon!
The dog is hungry and I am spent - so I'm going to give him something to chew on and try to clear my head. May be back later, surely tomorrow.
HALF-WAY TO THE FINISH LINE!
Lisa -
Maxgirl - I can appreciate the semi tire comment! I hope you don't mind, but it made me laugh because I've got the very same taste in my mouth and you described it to a "T". (I really needed the laugh,too, so thank you) Biotene works wonders.
Playwriter: Hope you're feeling better.
Hope everyone at the bar yesterday is doing okay now, and good luck to those going later this week!
Feeling better today, so looking forward to that continuing for the rest of the week. Got my hair cut short today. It's still thinning out, but not noticeable yet. I just couldn't handle the fly-away length anymore, so I figured it was worth the cost of the cut even if it all fell out in a few days. My head is very sore in places, and itches, so I told the lady what was going on so she'd be gentle, and she was. -
Went to the onc today, he changed my regimen. Because of the chest pain last time and hospital visit, even though it looks like the heart is ok he is taking me off Adriamyicin. Now the plan is 3 more tx of Taxotere and cytoxin, and then four tx of just Taxotere. He changed the way I take the steroids, added Ativan to the drugs, and Nexium. I went to the pharmacy, Nexium was 160 bucks, pharmacist said prilosec is basically the same thing, so take it cause its cheaper if i couldnt afford the Nexium.
Blood counts were a little low, but they said not enough for Neulasta. My office wont do it unless you need it, so Angel I think you should be fine. Anyone on Taxotere fill me in, I havent stuidied up on this one yet.
Dawn -
hey, yall, i just figured out how to add someone to the "Friends Online" bit of your home page here. it's when u send them a private message. u put in their user name, and then check the box that says "add to your address book" or whatever. then, when u log on, and go to yr home page, u can see at a glance if any of yr buddies are here, too! hope this makes sense.
-
i'm too tired to do shoutouts to everyone, but i'm thinking and praying for y'all. just wanted to say Angel, I'm proud of u for taking charge of yr healthcare and telling yr onc what's what.
and Lisa, SO glad you're 1/2 way there! i'll be 1/2 way on the 3rd. it'll be smooth sailing from here on out! -
Awww playwriters, I am so sorry your not feeling your perky self, you are a great inspiration to me in here.
-
Playwriter ..I hope you start feeling better soon!
Dawn ..I take Prilosec OTC and it works great for my heart burn. My onc told me I can take it everyday till my tx is done. I tried another brand and it didn't even come close to helping me but prilosec seems to clam my tummy and helps me bounce back after chemo.
Next May 1st is my 3rd tx and my half way point and I am sooooooo looking forward to that. I'm ready to get this done and over with! Since I finished my quilt and started making purses and I'll post a few pics when I get them done.
Here's hoping all who feel yucky feel better soon..Hugs all around..Rosebud -
Morning Ladies,
Playwriter--I'm so happy that you are starting to feel better. Would love to join you for your fondue outing but will have to enjoy it through your pictures. Hope y'all have a wonderful time. Thanks for the tip on how to add buddies.
Lisa...Yahoo for you..half way done..why do your treatments take so long? Hope you are feeling well and having no SE's.
Dawn...glad you meet with your onc and came up with a new plan. Sending you positive thoughts that this will take care of the problems you had last time. Just hang in there girl...you are a survivor!
Jann..I can relate to the hair loss...I went ahead and spent the money on the haircut and was happy I did it but I lost all mine before my second treatment... Happy you are feeling well.
Rosebud...you are one industrious lady...making purses..can't wait to see the pictures.
Sybil..positive thoughts and prayers coming your way for your treatment today...check-in when you can.
Nancy -
Hi Dawn,
I'm on a taxotere IV every three weeks combined with oral Xeloda for 14 days. I've tolerated both with the some side effects such as hair loss, muscle aches and pain, tired, heartburn, etc...
Good luck with your treatment,
Lisa
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team