Starting chemo Dec 2007
Comments
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Marie, I think you're entitled to a little freak out. Let it out!
I took a long hot shower and bawled my eyes out. I felt a ton better. Like you, I didn't want anyone else to see me upset. I want to be strong for everyone around me, but I need to be fair to myself as well.My Mom was diagnosed when she was 46 (she's 71 now). She had 9 months of chemo and survived. She told me to "Just go in there and do it. The alternative is not acceptable." She's right. It was so hard to see that at first, but her words made all the difference.
It was not an unpleasant procedure. The oncology nurses were all so kind and supportive. The explained everything very well and nothing made me uncomfortable. The scariest thing for all of us (I think) is the unknown. What am I going to feel like tomorrow, the next day, etc... Call your doctor if your side effects are causing you trouble, accept any help that your family and friends have to offer, get your rest, and we'll be there for you!
I'll be praying for you!
Sharon
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Hi Terri!
What a small world. I am actually having my adjuvant therapy in Morgantown, but had my surgery at Johns Hopkins. My initial surgical consult here in Morgantown was NOT a good experience...the kind that made my husband and I drown our fears in syrup drenched crepes at Bob Evans. We did not get a warm fuzzy and felt that there had to be another way.
I contacted a neighbor that was a nine year survivor knowing that she had gone to Hopkins for her surgery. She was full of praise and told me that it made all the difference in her attitude toward her journey through breast cancer. My husband and I agreed that we would call and make an appointment for a consult. I requested Dr. Julie Lange and had an appointment with her in one week. The whole experience was amazing. We were fortunate enough that our insurance would cover any procedures at Hopkins and that we had enough saved for the five trips we made back and forth.
Dr. David Eisner performed an ultrasound (after a false-positive showed up on my breast MRI) and my Sentinel Node Mapping. He was so reassuring and very caring. I never had the pleasure of meeting Lillie Shockney, however, her book Navigating Breast Cancer was a Godsend in my darkest hours after diagnosis. Unfortunately, my surgery took place in October during breast cancer awareness month. I'm sure that Lillie was booked up. I met Deborah Stewart, the breast cancer survivor volunteer coordinator, and her strength was a true inspiration. She told me that this journey took faith, friends and family. If you are fortunate to have these things, you will do well. There were so many other wonderful people that I met there, but due to my current chemo fog, I can't seem to remember them all.
My oncologist here at the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, Dr. Jame Abraham, is equally as wonderful. I feel the same way about he and his staff as I do about Hopkins. I think that feeling confident in your medical team is a big part of this battle. I feel very blessed.
Good luck to you Terri! Be well!
Sharon
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Checking in after my first chemo treatment this morning.
All went very well - I ate a light breakfast and then snacked during chemo. Drank lots before and during, and at the end of the session I felt quite good. Then I got home and felt progressively more like I was suffering a really bad hangover. Head achy, stomach doing flip flops. They gave me 2 drugs for Nausea, which I took orally before and then they also gave me doses of same in the IV that went from 11am-1pm. Well I started feeling so nauseous late this aft (4:30) that I used the single med suppository they had prescribed. I still have in reserve the triple threat suppository which has 3 anti-nausea drugs. The challenge now is to keep up the liquids and food, but I am finding it very hard to think about putting much into this stomach. Small sips of water are staying down but I feel afraid to put more in there. Any suggestions/recommendations? I know it is most important to keep up the fluids and nutrients and realize this may be my biggest challenge, as I am one who typically does not eat, and who drinks only what is necessary to avoid dehydration, when she has an upset stomach. Am considering getting some Ensure to help on both fronts, and maybe take it in small swigs, just to keep myself going until this nausea feels a little less in control of me.
I am hiding out in my bed, trying to stay warm...we have hovered at 0 F/-18C since yesterday. Tomorrow it may warm up a few paltry degrees but not expecting much. Ahhhhh......dreams of warm tropical places. I think it is time for some relaxation therapy and mental imagery with that theme.....
There are not words to describe the comfort that comes with knowing that you are all out there - sisters fighting this same battle
. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. -
hee hee...
Well I lost this round in the battle against the nausea. I hadn't eaten anything since 3 pm, so around 8 I ventured into the kitchen to try some yogurt. I figured a spoonfull or two, well spaced, would stay down. But just the act of getting up and moving about started things rolling and I couldn't hold back. I have a lifetime of habit of not being able to keep the contents in my stomach if it's not happy (which fortunately happens extremely rarely these years). The good thing is I feel a whole lot better now, the bad thing is I lost everything I ate today, and fluids. Back to square 1....Armed with the triple-threat suppository. Getting out the big guns.
The chuckle is that in the kitchen I encountered my 20-year old son who requested my instruction on how to cook the chicken I ambitiously took out of the freezer this morning to cook. Giving cooking instructions while gagging and finally abandoning the process is somewhat funny, in retrospect. Hey, you have to get your (cheap) laughs wherever you can
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Oh, Laura! I'm so sorry to hear that you're having a rough time with nausea. My first suggestion is to call your oncologist and let them know that the prescriptions they have given you don't seem to be working. Did the triple-threat suppository work? I sure hope so.
I think I was dreading the nausea worse than losing my hair. I spent four months in the bathroom when I was pregnant and thought I could NEVER go through that again. I've been lucky SO far.
The most important thing is to keep up the fluids. Karyll said that Gatorade seemed to work for her when everything else tasted like heck. So far, water has tasted fine for me. I've heard that Boost and Ensure help too, but make sure that they are chilled well. Try crackers and gingerale too. Also, they have wristbands called "sea bands" that put pressure on your wrists that seem to help curtail nausea.
I'll keep you in my prayers today. Check in when you can!
Sharon
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First off, I'm sorry all of you had to join this club, but you couldn't of come to a better place! Talk to your ono. doc before getting a flu shot. I wasn't allowed to get a flu shot, while I was on treatment. I did 4dd AC, 4dd Taxol & Herceptin for a year. I started losing my hair on day 15. It really bothered me at first, but you really do get used to it. I only wore my wig on special times. I wore mostly hats and scarves. Drink a lot of fluids before, during and after to flush the chemo thru and always take you nausea meds like they are perscribed.
Best of luck
May God Bless
Sue
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Relief: Well thankfully the triple threat suppository worked against the nausea and allowed me to sleep very soundly. And when I woke up I felt normal, for an instant. Things feel much more stable and at 1 am I was able to eat a banana and a yogurt and the stomach is growling now with hunger, not discontent. Thank goodness for those drugs. It seems now the Zofran and dexamethasone keep me comfortable when the nausea is not so powerful, so I will just change the strategy for day 1 and use the triple threat right away.
Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement!
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Oh, Laura-I'm glad you are feeling better. I will have my first chemo Friday so was reading your posts with great interest. I had my port put in yesterday and that went well. It's a little sore today but I think I may have overdid a bit by going to the grocery store. I should've waited for hubby to get home this evening but couldn't stand the thought of getting back out in the dark & cold. I'll do 2 Darvocet at bedtime and then hopefully won't need them anymore. I go for chemo training tomorrow which is working out great as I was going to have it right before the chemo treatment (due to the fact I wanted to start chemo this week-no more waiting-I'm sure you all know where I'm coming from with that one!) So now I'll have a day and a half to soak it all in and get any additional questions answered. Finally got the Her2 result...negative! Laura, since we are so close together with our treatment, please keep me informed on any things that are working for you, of course, everyone here has great advice and if I feel nauseated I'll be willing to try most anything to get rid of it!
Thinking of you all and wishing you great days! Lori
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Hi loriann, yes we should stay in touch. Here in Canada I don't hear of the port being used so much, although a friend whose mother just went through chemo recommended it to me. Fortunately the IV didn't bother me at all so I hope it will continue this way in future. I hope you are feeling more comfortable.
I hope you will have a good first run. The anticipation/dread can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, and I confess I felt a bit down, thinking about the toxicity of what they were putting into me, but I do want to get rid of this cancer!!!!
The triple thread suppository contains three drugs - Gravol, Metaclopramide and Compazine (in that order of content). Thank goodness it worked. Anyway, I haven't had to use it again, and have been able to eat normally all day today.
I wish you a good first treatment (and the rest, too!)
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Hi everyone. First time poster here. This is the first time I've checked out these forums, but I think I've read every article on this site
Too much info isn't good, is it?I was diagnosed in Sept 21/07. Had US BX, 10/3,(1.7 IDC) followed by an MRI that found another lump. That was found to be ILC through an MRI Bx on oct 17. Surgery for Mast and SLN 10/25. Oncotest put me in mid-range for recurrence and I'm currently in the Arm C which means I'm doing the chemo/hormone tx.
Today is the day that chemo starts. Not really impressed with my onco as yet, mostly be/c I was called yesterday to inform me we'll start chemo today by his nurse. Have only spoke to him one time and it was difficult to say the least b/c of of his speech (english as a second language).
That said, i'm a little fearful, but have read and am following all your great recommendations by foremost drinking a lot of water yesterday and this am, in anticipation. I guess I'm lucky in that I'm only scheduled for 4 treatments of AC and don't have the prolonged treatments some of you are completing.
Ready to take this on and get it over with! Has anyone had problems with their heart in regards to AC? I had the MUGA scan on monday and am Ass.u.me'ing that it was okay at this point.
Any pointers for today? I've not received any handouts, info or anything yet. Again, I assume I'll get something today when I go in at 2:30 for the first infusion.
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Hey there Wishiwere,
I too was completely nervous for my first chemo treatment. You are 'normal' to be freaking out today. I got myself so worked up that I think it made #1 so much harder. The onco nurse knows what she is doing. She will probably be the most compassionate nurse you will have ever met. She will be absolutely trained to give you the right stuff in the right order. Try to relax and know you are in great hands. These nurses are specialized in oncology, and are usually the sweetest caring nurses you'll meet. I am on the TC regimen, so it is a little different, though I only have 4 treatments scheduled like you, thank goodness. Take one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time. We are all behind you. I get the TMI on the internet thing, but sometimes it is the perfect place to vent, or ask a question.
I wish you peace and patience today, and pray that treatment goes as smoothly as possible. Keep chugging that water ! My hair is COMPLETELY falling out today, so when my kids come home today, they are going to finish the job with the shaver, while I bust out a lime and corona for effect . So, I while you are continuing to drink all that water, I will be toasting you and that you have only three to go !!
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Jeez, wishiwere, no wonder you're reading everything here! It's hard enough to make decisions and go through this when you have people talking to you about it and guiding you through. Your oncologist really should have spoken with you face to face at least once before you start your treatments.
Anyway, I'm sure the nurses will have lots of info for you, and will give you some personal attention and care...
And, this is an awesome place to get information and support. I start my chemo at the end of next week, so I have no advice, only sympathy for your anxiety. You can do it!
Good luck, we'll be thinking of you--
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Hey Beasgirl,
How did your second opinion go? I laughed when you wrote that you are out of decision making energy. OMG, How true is that !!
I have a 15,10, and 8 year old. The week of treatment, I have the kids go home afterschool to a friends house: a friend in the SAME class with the SAME homework ! So when they come home before dinner, the homework is done, and they have had a great time with friends, and didn't have to see me not feeling too well. Everybody wins ! So next Tues. is #2 for me, and I have them with 'playdates' Weds-Friday (tx day was fine, still pumped up with the roids). Saturday is filled with basketball and recitals, so I am banking on them not even noticing Mom is not 100%. By Sunday last time, I was feeling MUCH better. What day is your treatment next week?
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Hi All,
Good luck wishiwere! Hopefully the nurses will help with giving you the care and information need today. I don't know about where you are but we get a chemo lesson a few days before the big 1st one. Am sending a big hug and lots of love your way.
Diane H and Mary B, I believe you both were also going in for #1 today. I really hope everything goes well and time passes in a positive manner. One down means one less to do .I'll be thinking of you & let us know how it went.
Laurita, sorry to here you were so sick, hope you have it a bit more under control now. I'm also in Canada and when i had my big intro appointment Monday, the oncologist was talking about intravenous and I just asked her if I could have a port & she ok'ed it right away. I have terrible veins they look so big and strong until that IV needle comes out! Then its bam they either disappear or blow out as soon as the needle touches them. I heard about the port from my sister in law who is a cancer nurse. I also read a lot on this site and it seemed like a good idea for me.
My chemo cocktail will start with 4X AC then 4X TAXOL every 2 weeks. I also will be self injecting filgrastim/neupogen on day 3 after treatment for 7 days each cycle
. I have never given myself a shot so I guess it will be another new experience. I'll be a pro by #56. Then it will be on to radiation. As scary as this all is, its a relief to finally know whats going on. Love & Hugs to all
Suz
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Hello to all the December Ladies,
I have laughed and cried my way through your posts. I have felt so many of the same emotions and had some of the same experiences. Thanks for sharing. It really helps when I am all inside my head and need someone who knows whats going on.
I started my "cleansing" (chemo sounds so toxix
) on Nov 26th then my second was Dec 3rd. I am doing a longer tx plan in order to reduce side effects. I will get CMF (if you want the full name I'd have to go look it up) on day 1 and 8 of a 28 day cycle and there will be 6 cycles. One down, 5 to go. This is in hopes of less nausia, fatigue and hair loss. I had the "vanity" discussion with my oncologist and he said that it's NOT vanity. He said hair and health are closely tied. Such a nice thing to say.Then 6 week of radiation. I should be done by the end of June if all goes as planned.
I have 3 beautiful children; 11 yr old girl, 10 yr old boy and an 8 yr old girl. We have been getting through this pretty okay, but so scary at first when you don't know anything. My wonderful husband has been even more wonderful. It's amazing how people have been through this.
You have all inspired me in different ways and I thank you for all you strength and information.
Hugs and health,
Jacqie
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oh, wishiwere - I, too, send best wishes and positive thoughts your way. I am sure that, as mentioned by others, you will be in good hands with your chemo nurse. It is really unfortunate you got off to a rough start, as we have the benefit here of a fairly organized approach and lots of information and classes before we ever get our first treatment. This makes it easier to know what one might expect. I know that you will probably feel much better once you have had that treatment overwith. So much of what is challenging is the unknown. clsd - I can identify so much with what you said about anticipating chemo #1! I know that since the needle biopsy that had a definite onerous air about it, this was the only phase of the entire cancer adventure so far that made me feel a bit emotionally overwhelmed - even moreso than the diagnosis itself. But here I am, two days after my first chemo and I am comfortable - eating, drinking, sleeping, working a bit, and taking things one day at a time.
As far as pointers, wishiwere - drink your fluids, use the antinausea meds, and eat small, frequent, easily-digested meals/snacks. Hopefully they will have given you more information when you went for your chemo. I have internet links to all the publications they've provided me with, so if you are looking for information just let me know.
Thanks and best wishes to all!
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Evening all! I'm so glad we are here for each other. There really isn't anything to compare to the understanding we can give each other! So glad I found you all! Sometimes, we just need a question answered and I have found very good advice here!
I'm just back from my chemo teaching, go to tour the infusion center, got my numbing cream for my port and will have my first chemo on Friday at 11 am. I will be doing dose dense "AC" for 4 cycles and then Taxol for 4 cycles, also every two weeks. I'll be getting Neulasta or Neupogen (depends on insurance coverage). If it's the Neulasta, I'll get it 1 time,24 hours after each chemo cycle...if it's the Neupogen, it will be for several days after each chemo cycle. I think I'm as prepared as I could possibly be....got plenty of fluids to drink, lemon drops, sour drops, the right products to battle constipation or diarrhea (though I was told with my "cocktail" about 80 % suffer constipation) which ever it may be. I am at peace and just ready to go! But, please...remind me on Friday of what I just said!! LOL Hope you all have good evenings, Lori
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"Is this a special club or can anyone join?" *sigh*
I'm a "startin chemo in DEC" gal too. But it look as if I've got some great cheerleaders to keep my spirits up, so that is a comfort. You guys are awesome.
So "Howdy" to all of you. My name's Sally. I had bilateral mastectomy 3 weeks ago, but all good news from my pathology report so I keep telling myself the worst is behind me (wish I could believe myself)... the chemo is just damage control.
I'll be getting the AC/T treatment... 4 of AC, 4 of T, every-other week (but they are giving me Christmas day off if I'm a good girl
). Then Tamoxifen, but that sounds like a breeze. I get my port put in Monday and am nervous as heck... I am the BIGGEST wimp on the planet and am worried that I'll have pain in that area as the weeks go on. *groan* But you ladies are right... take it one day/hour/crummy moment at a time.I get cocktail #1 on Tuesday. I've been practicing drinking lots of water... reading what you all say, sounds like I'm on the right track. Everyone at the cancer center I go to has been SO wonderful... I am hopeful that the oncology staff is super-duper too. You better know I will be coming to this forum and you ladies for updates and tips
Prayers and well wishes to you ladies.
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Hi Everybody,
I started my chemo today, AC x 4, surgery than Taxol x 4 every two weeks. It was far better than I anticipated. I have no symptoms at all and I will wait to see what the next three days bring. My nurse was fastastic and my doc keep checking in on me. My husband went with me and he was fantastic. It took about an hour, once it got started. My bone scan was clear and my heart is perfect. Wish me luck as I wish good luck and love to all of you.
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Welcome, posy and bibliowarrior! Sorry you had to join us. Sally, reading your profile I realize you really are a warrior!!! I have to say I have such admiration for the women on this forum - such a wide array of experiences with our cancers and so much support and sharing - and I am honoured to be in the presence of such brave women. We will all help each other through this, and hopefully make things easier for those to come. It really is a one-day-at-a-time thing, and having all of you here makes those days brighter.
Marie816 and Diane1954 and MaryB - you had your first chemos on Dec 4 and 5, respectively - I hope all went well for you ladies!
Thanks, and peace and strength to all of you.
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Oh Posy... what great news to hear that things went well for you! As someone else said earlier, that's one down!! You're one step closer to the finish line. Woo hoo!
Question for those of you that started this past week... if you did get "symptoms" (that sounds like much too nice a word), when did they hit you? I'm really hoping to continue working the days after my treatments, albeit at a slower pace, but am I being unrealistic? The doc said if you get symptoms, they usually hit around 2-4 days afterwards.
But more importantly, for those of you that started this past week... THUMBS UP!! You are SO brave! Sendin a great big, warm, fuzzy, gentle hug to all of you pioneers of the "DEC" group.
-Sally
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Bibliowarrior and Posy, Welcome! You have come to the right place for strength and courage!
Biblio - Sounds like you and I are on the same plan! I just had my port put in on Monday. I took the prescribed pain meds as directed (2 tablets every 6 hours)on Monday, took 1 pill Tuesday afternoon (after working a short day)then 2 more at bedtime and then switched to Tylenol on Wednesday. It is still a little sore but feeling better each day and will be put to use tomorrow for my first cycle. I usually hate to take pills but know that the body heals its self better when pain is not involved.. so that would be my advice - take the pain pills!!! They also said be sure to take them as directed....don't wait until you're in pain before taking them...there is no need to get to that point! You can do it!!
I'll sure let you know how it goes for me and if I figure out any great tips (that I haven't learned here already) I'll be sure to let you all know!
Is anyone here having to give themselves the Neupogen injections? How is it? I think that is what I will be doing so just wondering!
Posy, I was interested to see that you are doing 4 AC, then surgery, then 4 Taxol as that was mentioned to me as a possibility. How did your doc's come to that decision. My BS wants to do an ultrasound after my first 2 cycles and see what is going on at that point. I have not read much about doing the 4 AC, surgery, 4 Taxol....has anyone else read any info on this?
Hope you all have a good day! I'll check in this evening...will need to power myself up for that first treatment tomorrow.
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Hi all--wow, we're getting to be quite a group.
OK, so a friend of mine just sent me a link to the most awesomest thing EVER:
http://www.cleaningforareason.org/index.html
!!!!!! Right!!??? Now THAT's what I'm talking about.
Sally, I'm a Maine girl, too! Grew up in Kennebunk/Kennebunkport (but I'm not rich or snooty. Has to be said.) I have to say, being a librarian in Falmouth sound like a nice life. Any good book recommendations re: cancer crap? Anyway, welcome, and blah, etc. You give really good cyber hugs!
So I went for a second oncology opinion yesterday, and she had different recommendations for treatment--wants to do the herceptin from the beginning, which makes sense to me, as my dignosis was in early August, and her2 bugs seem to be something to not mess around with. But that means maybe a more unpleasant regimen--more treatments (weekly, not every three weeks...) I really have no idea. At this point, I just want them to decide. After all, THEY'RE the ones with the expertise, not me--how the heck am I supposed to know!?
I am sick from my flu shot, and very stressed out below the surface. It's mostly manifesting itself as TIRED. Maybe depressed...I just have a WHY BOTHER feeling about most things--I'm just starting to feel better from my surgery 5 weeks ago, but what's the point of recovering all the way if I just have another 3 months of unpleasantness to slog through? It doesn't help that I always get depressed this time of year and don't want to leave the house when it's so cold and dark... I'm just going to hibernate. For real.
OK, Done whining. Somebody else can have a turn. Like, somebody who's actually dealing with yucky chemo effects, for instance!!!
love to all-- Amy.
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Hey Loriann... Please tell me about the numbing cream you were given for your port. I do not have that, but it sure sounds nice. Did your surgeon give it to you or your oncologist? I'd like to get my hands on that. It's not that it hurts too much, but with all that we ladies have to go through it would be nice to reduce any unnecessary pain where possible.
Day 4 after treatment and still no extreme side effects for me. The fatigue and "why bother" feeling I have just come to accept as my new normal for now. But other than that....
Have a good day.
Hugs and health to all.
Jacqie
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bibliowarrior, here's how I've felt after first treatment. Day 1 (day of treatment), very nauseous, had to use all the meds available. Day 2 - much better, almost normal, ate normally. Day 3, stomach a bit fussy, doesn't like all the things I put into it but keeps the food down. Day 4, got a cold and I am feeling tired, so resting. Stomach still iffy. Don't have much desire to eat, so I really have to do small snacks. As far as working, I am very fortunate that I can work while lying in bed and don't have to go into the office. Today I was actually going to go to work but with the cold I just decided it would be better to rest. I feel tired, but am not sure if it's the chemo or the cold. The laundry is piling up and the house is untidy
One day at a time.....Hang in there, Amy. It is indeed difficult to be facing the uphill slog of chemo, but we are at war here, and you are not alone. We will be there in the bunker with you, firing away at those cancer cells with the chemo guns blazing. I try to focus on the end goal - that day in April or so when this will be over and I can get on with my life. I wish you strength! Don't let the b****rd get you down!!!
ps - that cleaningforareason website - this idea rocks!!!! fabulous!
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Jaxmos, I got the cream from the oncology nurse when I went in for the chemo teaching. It is called L-M-X4 Topical Anesthetic Cream (lidocaine 4%). I am supposed to put a dollop the size of a dime on the port then cover with an included Tegaderm patch 30 - 45 minutes before treatment time. I am glad to have it since my port area is still tender since it was just put in Monday. Normally, needle pokes don't phase me but considering how many I'm in for over the coming months, I'm glad to give it a try! I'll let you know how it works and if you think it would help you, I would definately ask for some to try!
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I, too, used a numbing cream - before the injections for the SNB. It was called EMLA cream and basically has the same ingredients as what loriann mentions. Application method was the same, except I wrapped my boob in saran wrap under my bra. They just sent me to the pharmacy and I asked the pharmacist for it. They keep it behind the counter but it is not a prescription. (This conjured up a memory when, as a child in the 60's, I and a friend found a playboy magazine in the garage of my friend's father. It included a picture of a nude woman wrapped in cellophane, like a gift. Something twisted reminded me of this, hehehe)
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Amy, thanks for the website on the cleaning service... my girlfriend had recommended I hire someone, but this is one step better! And good to know I'm not the only Maine-iac dealing with cancer. Or would it be more appropriate to say I wish I were the only one dealing with cancer, but dang it if there aren't so many of us
But as for you being down, Amy-- would it sound weird to say I was comforted to know I'm not the only one who has days when I've just HAD IT with this whole thing? Since last week I've had periods when I would just start crying out of the blue. My poor husband would ask me what was wrong and I would sob "I don't know. I'm just so scared. And I'm tired of being sore. And then I start chemo soon. I feel like I'm never gonna get better..." But you guys are giving me hope that this really is just temporary, and life WILL get better if I just ride out the crappy days. Hang in there, Amy!
I am definitely writing this port cream stuff down, because I get my port put in the day before my treatment. No time for healing. I'm a skinny little toothpick with no extra fat to pad the area so I just know I'm gonna be sore. Hell, I'm still sore from the surgery *sigh* But it's nice to know there is some possible relief for that one thing.
Laurita, thanks for the compliment (wish I felt more like a warrior than one who is going thru war; but as you mentioned, that's what we're doin here) and thanks also for the chemo recap. You folks that have already taken the first treatment are my heroes!! Jacquie... day 4 and you're still walkin tall-- wow. Loriann, thanks for the recap on the port and good luck tomorrow.
Anyone doing--or thinking of doing-- any "complimentary" therapies to help with things? I have a reiki massage next week... just a 15 min one, free at a cancer center, but I thought if it helped take the edge off everything I might look into having one each week. I was also told that the hospital where I'll be having my treatments has volunteers who will come in and give you massages during your treatment if you want... I might look into that too. I had therapeutic touch done on me after surgery... hard to tell if it helped, but that first week after surgery sure was the easiest of the past 3 weeks. Any suggestions? Acupuncture? Reflexology? Margarita?
Best wishes and prayers, ladies.
-Sally
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Hmmm.....I am going to the phamacy today to see if they have it behind the counter. If not, I will ask the onc nurse at my next CBC check up next week. I had the port put in on Nov. 15th and am still tender in one area.
I haven't tried any "complimentary" therapies yet only because I am still working through the basics of surgery and beginning treatments. But I am very interested in what your experiences are, Sally, so keep us posted. Margaritas are a good place to start.
Loved the Playboy/cellophane story, Laurita. Cracked me up.
Hugs and health,
Jacqie
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Ive been having acupuncture (5 needles each ear) & therapeutic touch for 3 months now for anxiety/stress. I enjoy it, it puts me in a very peaceful balanced place. I also have them place tiny magnets behind my ears that help in between sessions, sort of like acupressure. Maybe it helps because I believe it will
??? thats not a bad thing. Hugs to all! (I really believe in hugs)Suz
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- 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