Calling all TNs
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Hello all:
I have just been so busy this week knowing that I wasn't doing chemo today - woo hoo! Been out with friends, been shopping, sitting by the lake, enjoying the sunshine - and no chemo means it only gets better. But agree with Inmate... the fatigue still sucks - but it will improve.
Welcome to the new ladies - you will find so much comfort and support and very much laughter here on this thread.
Kathyrnn - congrats on the clear mammo
LuvRving... great news about your son - wow!
Kathyrnn & LuvRving.... You both look so happy and relaxed.
Inmate - sorry about the skin mets - thinking of you sending positive healing vibes. Enjoy your friends party tonight.Painting: what beautiful art.
Jazzy - I agree with what everyone has said.. your DH will love you no matter what. We have to get over our own thoughts about being bald. Took me a while before I stopped even thinking about baldness, but now I am very comfortable without head coverings. Unfortunately my hair is growing back in patches... still a peach fuzz, but in some places it is very dark and others it is grey and others still a shiny bald patch. My DH loved to rub my head in the mornings before he left for work, he said like the Buddhist monks rub buddahs for good luck
!! and the other day he said to me "its gonna be strange when you have hair again, I've got kind of used to seeing you with none and I really like it".
Tookybum - hope your appt at the MO's went OK.
Cocker: how is your neuropathy? I sure hope its getting better. How's the old feller's cafe coming along... has he opened yet (have I missed posts??)
Bernie & Cocker.. thanks for the laughs.
Bornto... ouch for your DH !
I am really sorry if I missed any ladies but I think of you all and send you good wishes. Enjoy your weekend with minimal SE's.I am entering unknown territory this weekend... normally every 3rd weekend has been spent with crappy SE's of chemo... not this weekend though. So tonight I think we are going to celebrate by going a little bistro on the waterfront and I will enjoy sipping a nice glass of wine.
Love & hugs xxxxxx
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Painting,
You mentioned feeling low on energy and having a low Hermatechrit level...
Make sure they keep a close eye on your Chrit level. Mine got very low during A/C and I fainted, woke up to my nine year old asking me if I was okay...worst day of my life. I ended up in the ER ( not a place to be when you are a chemo patient) they finally admitted me after six hours and I had to have a blood transfusion. my WBC count was fine because of the Neulasta shot but RBC and hemoglobin were very low. The ER doc actually told me " when the gangbangers come in with gun shot wounds and they have a Chrit level two points above yours, we transfuse them so they don't expire".
Seriously ! It's Lutheran hospital not Denver general! Don't even talk about gangbangers and me in the same sentence! I was horrified. The good news is that I am still kicking and back to work as of last week! So happy about that: )
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Jazzy,
Sorry about your hair. That is tough. We have all been there so you are in good company. The eyebrows and lashes were the toughest for me as they fell out after A/C and during Taxotere. I had Benjamin Button hair and no lashes or brows. I cried to my husband about it one day, saying I looked like an alien, plus I was swollen from the steroids, feeling quite sexy. My husband never liked my bald look but he was wonderful, he told me to be grateful because I was alive, being cured and my hair would grow back. I nearly choked him! He was correct, however and in hindsight, I am very grateful to be healthy. My hair is finally growing back, about 3/4 of an inch and I have maybe 12 eyelashes. Lol.0 -
Jazzy - I had my hubby get as close as he could with his electric shaver. It was definitely a "bonding" experience...as if after 31 years we needed another one...lol!
Gemmy - the good thing is that the eyelashes come back rather quickly. Hang in there, it will soon be a distant memory!
Tazzy - enjoy that glass of wine and this great weekend "off". I have found that I can't drink red wine "straight" right now, but red Sangria is delightful, so it's all OK!Born - ouch! Your poor DH, what an awful thing! Hope he heals quickly! Every time my DH points to one of his "boo-boos" I point to my chest and say "bigger boo-boos!"
CS - glad you liked the picture, we took it just for you!!! Really, it is so awesome when I have the opportunity to meet someone from BCO!CS - glad you liked the picture, we took it just for you!!! Really, it is so awesome when I have the opportunity to meet someone from BCO! I almost teased you the other night when Kathy said she had a secret. But then there was mention of the guy next door, so it was more fun to just let you think she had a hot date. Well, she did but it was with me, not some eligible bachelor!Kathy - my son is doing really well in that poker tournament. He's on dinner break right now, but he has made the money. I am following him on Twitter (the only person I ever follow) and he is giving updates as things happen.Inmate - hope your onc comes up with a good plan to rid you of those skin mets, once and for all! You've been through so much, it's time for a break!I am packed and almost ready to leave early tomorrow morning. We are heading to Hanover, NH, where most of my family will cycle in The Prouty, a fundraiser for the Norris Cotton Cancer Center (associated with Dartmouth). It's not where I get treatment but it's a worthy cause and 80% of their money goes to research. I've pretty much sworn off Komen after having done the Race (???) for the Cure for almost 15 years. Then we are meeting some friends from Kansas City and staying in a B&B through Monday. The guys will play golf and the girls will do what we do best - shop, explore and eat fabulous food! I am so looking forward to it - my friend Donna is a 3 time BC survivor! She was a huge help to me when I was first diagnosed.0 -
Luv - that sounds like a perfect weekend! Enjoy!
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I am thankful to be able to come to this site and "listen" to these conversations. I was diagnosed May 31st with invasive ductal carcinoma,triple negative. I opted for a lumpectomy which i had June 13th,ended up in surgery again the same day because my breast filled up with blood and the surgical incision began to open.They placed a drain in and that was removed 2 weeks later. Had my port placed this Wednesday and have 1st chemo {AC} on Monday. The guy i had been dating became "freaked out" about all yhis and stopped showing up. I had wanted to be a hospice nurse since my dad was on hospice and passed away 5 years ago and i finally got a job as a hospice nurse this february,only to receive this diagnosis,haven't worked since June 6th,Oncologist said i won't be able to return to work until dec./Jan. I love reading all of your posts and feeling connected,love all the different personalities! The financial aspect of this illness takes a toll,have no disability insurance and am paying to cobra my insurance,trying to not stress about it,instead i focus on the positives! I find alot of comfort in coming to this site
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Fishinurse,
Wow, cancer stinks! Men can be jerks. I always want to hit people who tell me this but, this too shall pass. I wish you didn't have to go through this and that life were easier. You will emerge from this so strong, you will amaze yourself! The women on this thread have been where you are and will be here to help you fight through this. There are financial assistance programs for BC patients too. (Cobra is expensive) I'm praying for you.
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A man went to the doctor's for a check-up, and his wife came along.
After the exam, the doctor called the wife aside and said, "Your husband has a very serious disease which can be aggravated by stress. You must follow a certain regimen, or else your husband will die. Each morning, fix him a big, nutritious breakfast. You must always be pleasant and do everything to keep your husband in a good mood. Don't overwork him. Don't burden him with your problems. Most important, make love to him daily...twice a day on weekend. If you do all this, your husband should regain his good health."
Afterward, the husband asked the wife, "What did the doctor say to you?"
She said: "The doctor says you're going to die."
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Men are like a fine wine. They all start out like grapes, and it's our job to stomp on them and keep them in the dark until they mature into something we'd want to have dinner with.
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Baby Calva at 9 months - she's on the left 0 -
Aren't the marshmallows simply gorgeous?
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Welcome fishinurse. Sorry you had to join us but you will find comfort and support here whenever you need it. You may find that others in your life are also just too selfish to deal with your illness and may depart as well but understand that those who matter will be there for you. You are stronger than you know and by December you will realize how strong you were all along. You can do it sista!
Maggie
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Just want to wish you all a wonderful weekend and say hello to all the newbies that have joined this thread. It saddens me to see that this beast of a disease never seems to take a damn vacation, and that there are always new names added just beginning the journey we have all had to take. I do keep up with all the posts, but have just been so busy raising my grand-daughter, working and always attempting to dance as fast as I can so I don't stand in one place too long, I haven't been posting as much. I guess I think that a moving target is harder to hit with "the bullet" than one standing still, lol! Be well, and to all those just starting out, know that you are in good hands by being a part of this thread.
Hugs to all,
Linda
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Thanks Gemmy and Mags! Ikeep feeling like i need to be productive with this time,people keep telling me how "lucky" i am to have the summer off,do they not realize i am not getting paid and the bills keep coming in? I have worked since i was a teenager and now i have all this time on my hands. I tell myself to journal but,when i sit down to write, what i write is dull in comparison to what i am thinking. I feel great lonliness sometimes,betrayed that my boyfriend could actually depart at a time like this! I wonder if i will ever meet anyone who can overlook the scars. I am usually quite positive and focus on the blessings instead of the negatives,
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Fishinurse, you will meet someone wonderful. Right now, you need to focus on YOU! You are the most important person in your life. It is OK to be selfish right now. Do nice things for you everyday. You're a nurse for crying out loud, you have the rest of your life to do nice things for everyone else. This journey will allow you to be even more compassionate and empathetic toward your future patients. Don't worry about $ if you can help it. Also, take help that people offer, rides, groceries, meals, help cleaning your house. This was tough for me but it helps tremendously.
BTW I really think that when men see breasts, they don't notice the scars, they just think, how can I get my hands on those. Lol
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"BTW I really think that when men see breasts, they don't notice the scars, they just think, how can I get my hands on those. Lol "
gemmy..so true..my guy has had to help bath..dress..and tend to my wounds..he don't mind a bit...only time he doesn't hear..don't touch her..LOL
fishinurse..that guy wasn't worth the air he was taking from your space..hang in there..I can tell ya ..you won't be expecting the right one when he pops up..and he'll love ya..warts and all..big hugs..
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Sorry, been busy the last couple days and SO much to catch up on.
Jazzy - I know you didn't have a PET (either did I) but did you have a chest and abdominal CAT, along with a bone scan? Loved the story of the swimming grill. Hubby is going to love you no matter what.
Gemmy - your attitude is perfect, you're not lettin CA rob you of the daily joy in your life.
Beccad - hope you're feeling better.
Hope60 - still praying and waiting for an update.
Jan69 - woooohooooo to stable hubby and no hysterectomy. I have a tip for ants if you need it. (can't have cats, dogs it can be hidden safely from). Hot, dry weather drives ants inside because they're looking for moisture.
McCrimmon - talk to your doc about something to help sleep. I still have that same problem, wake up worrying about things that need doing. Doctor put me on Ativan for sleep, and it has been wonderful. (I don't use it every night, just so I don't develop a tolerance to it's effect)
Borntosurvive - Owie! Hope hubby is ok and if he whines to much, use Luv's "bigger boo boo " line.
Spica - thanks for the tip on that cream.
Tookybum - love the story of your name. Did you have your MO visit?
Tazzy - thrilled to hear you're out having.....FUN!!!!
Onvacation - I only took a picture to my barber once. She promptly
pulled out her Magic Wand and I got the hint. I did though by a wigas my hair was growing in, so she could head toward that as a style. (no magic wand, so I guess it was doable)
Riley - congrats on your new apt.
Mags - thanks for that info on the bloodwork. I'll see if I can cajole my PCP into it.
Titan - hope you won big!
Inmate - great to see you, but can I just say....f**king skin mets!!!! When you've had enough time under the rock, get up and kick their a**! ((HUG))
Painting - great to see an update from you! Your artwork is beautiful. I second the vote for pre-natal vitamins.
Fishinurse - sorry you have to be here but welcome. Sorry too, about your boyfriend, but there are many wonderful guys out there who won't be put off by a few scars. Please also check with a Social Worker, I seem to remember several of the women on here mentioning they qualified for short-term SS disability (I'm sure someone else on here will have info).
Cocker - I'm so glad I got to make you laugh. I baited that hook to suck you in with very carefully, and Luv was just as guilty. I knew if I did it just right......you'd jump to back-door-man, lol. Wish you could have been there too. Before I forget, how about some Benadryl for the itching. They give it along with taxol, so there shouldn't be any problem taking it.
And last (but not least). Great job with the picture, (and the prank) Luv. Gotta tell you all Luv's nickname should be TNT, she's dynamite in a small package! It wasn't like meeting someone, it was like catching up with an
old friend. (pssssst, Painting
is on the way to the casino if your interested). Thank you again Luv, the company was truely divine! Woohooo on your son's placing. Have a blast with your family and friends this weekend!
Well it's time for me to try and waddle off to a family get together. (both neice's are in town). I'm waddling because I spent all day yesterday blue shell crabbing, so I could bring some to the party. My hips and legs are not happy with me!!
((HUGS)) to anyone I missed. Have a great weekend everyone!0 -
Thanks to all who responded,glad to be a part of this great group! Was disgusted about boyfriend,more focused on day to day living. If anyone has tips on short term disability, i would be grateful!
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Hello Dear Ones,
Just reading through all the post. Loved the jokes. So glad Inmate checked in.
Hugs to the newbies.
Annie- send us a photo of the new cafe!
I've been crazy busing here. My 17 year old's girlfriend is here from LA. I just packed them up for two days at the beach house. 12 year old son, goes off to camp in VA tomorrow for a week.
Making plans to go to Salem, MA and to visit MIL at her summer home in East Boothbay, ME in August.
Live goes on... And I am so glad I'm feeling up to it!
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My first round of chemo is Tuesday any words of advice? The closer it gets the more I want to run the other way. My husband and my 19 yr old daughter will be there to drag me in, but they will have a challage.
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Browerl - best of luck on your first chemo! Everyone reacts differently, I was very lucky and had minimal side effects, the anticipation of what the first one was like was worse for me than the actual treatment! My 2 cents - drinks TONS of water, rest, eat well and realize YOU can do it!
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Hi Brower - I did the same chemo as you and would be happy to provide you with some tips based on my experience. Just let me know and I can send you a Private Message.
I love the jokes, too. You ladies are a hoot.
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It's been a very busy week, but I've got some sit-down time this afternoon.
Fishinurse-- When your pain and shock of BF taking off, you'll realize how lucky to find out what he's made of. Now you can focus on your health and not him. You'll get back to nursing soon. My son-in-law is a pediatric emergency room RN, and he's 45 years old, and only about 6 years into nursing. You will find your skills and compassion will serve you well now and in the future. Best wishes and hugs from someone who has been around this block.
Browel-- My advice would be to be prepared for constipation. Start today. You know, lots of fruit and vegetables. My chemo was last summer so I had lots of fresh fruit available. Cherries, watermelon, peaches, mangoes. So when friends and family want to know what to do for you, tell them to bring cut up fruit in bite sizes. I think I'm the oldest on this site so my SEs aren't so typical. My life during chemo was bed, recliner, bathroom. Period. That was a year ago and just today I canned 14 jars of pickles. I made it and today I'm NED (no evidence of disease). From what I can tell from my TN sisters, most of them worked during chemo. I was retired and didn't have to worry about a job.
Kathy-- I'd would appreciate your ant tip.
Inmate-- Just tie that knot in the rope a little tighter and hang on. Thinking of you.
Painting-- Absolutely love your art! And in watercolor, too. Thinking of you.
OBXK-- Whew! What a busy summer.
Tookybum--Thinking of you
Annie-- "haven't heard a dickie bird from her" I've got to remember to use this. Thinking of you and your hands.
BernieEllen-- Beautiful dogs, wonderful jokes
Luv & Kathy-- I'm jealous of your lunch meeting
Gemmy1 How do you freeze your peaches? Quail take off when the perceive danger. No photos. Sorry.
Jan
1in watercolor
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Browerl--Just remembered, If you have a laptop or I pad or some such thing, you can use them while being infused. I watched Netflix, googled anything I could think of, and wrote long emails to friends. Also, friends who wanted to help, brought me lunch. Bring a book, or if they give you Benadryl, you'll likely sleep through most of it. The actual infusion is not a big deal. I spent about 6 hours there each time, but I saw others come and go in much less time. If you get Neulasta the next day, that's just an in and out for the shot. My place had pillows and warm blankets which I loved.
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Thanks for the advice and private messages. I have saw a lot of post about Neulasta, what is that? My doctor has not mentioned that at all. They did say that I would be getting anti nausea meds and benadryl along with cytoxan and taxotere and I would get this Tuesday then have two Tuesdays off and then do it again until I get 6 treatments.
Thanks,
Loretta
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Ok I know I am full of questions tonight but I have been spending the last couple of days of obsessing over staring chemo this week and drinking alot of wine. So please bare with me.
1. It looks like most people get 4 treatments, the doctor told me 6, do you think maybe she will stop me at 4?
2. dose everyone on this gain weight?
3. What is a good skin moisturizer to use?
4. should I take stool softners or what for constipation? the same day as treatment or wait and see what happens?
thank you thank you it is so nice to have people to ask.
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Hello all. Smokes this is a busy place. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. The pictures posted are great. I love the painting of the bird and the marshmellows are adorable.
I did have my MO meeting on Friday. We were there for almost 3 hours. A lot of waiting. And then a tonne of info. So here goes. First thing my husband says is he has socks older than my MO. And we are only 41 and 42. I guess he is sort of an Asian Dougee Howser (problem is he probably wouldn't even understand the reference) Anyway very nice guy named Brian (yep thats how he introduced himself - not Dr Lee) Anyway he could tell I was very informaed so cut right to the chase. I get dose dense AC/T, 8 rounds every 2 weeks. I get my picc line Monday July 30 and start my first round July 31. Planning to sjave my head July 29th. Kinda make a party of it. Scared to death but moving forward. Planning on trying to explain to my 7 year old son tomorrow.
HUgs to all the beautiful women here. Thanks for all the encouragement. You have and will continue to be a souce of strength and corage for me.0 -
Loretta - one of my girlfriends is from Smyrna!
I was scheduled for 6 treatments, every 21 days.
You will gain some fluid weight.
I used a soft, bath brush and did a dry brush, before showers and used Dove bodywash.
I took stool softeners for the first few days, I found the nausea meds, constipated me.
I use to get a big milkshake to drink, while having chemo.
I just read that taking zinc, can reduce the metal taste you get while in chemo.
I've had breast cancer twice - chemo twice. It's doable!!! Just rest a lot and get good nutrition. Drink Boost, if you don't feel like eating.
You can do this. If you think of anything else... We're here0 -
Browerl--It's me again. I had chemo every 3 weeks x 6. I had the ACT, so maybe CT will be easier than all three. As for stool softners, since my bowels are usually sluggish, I would take them before hand. Those pre-chemo anti-nausea drugs are constipating, but might not bother you as much as they did me (I was 69 at the time). It is such a crime that we don't know before hand how all these drugs are going to affect us. I'm holding your hand. Jan
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Browed: There are so many different combinations for chemo..I did TAC (Taxotere/Adriamycin/Cytoxan) once every 3 weeks for 6 treatments. I also had neulasta about 24 hrs after each treatment. This is to hopefully prevent your white blood cells from taking a dive. The shot is given in your upper arm and will cause some bone pain about 7 days later. There are some gals here that have taken claritan to help prevent this SE but I didn't know about it then!..As always talk to your Onc before taking anything. I had severe constipation with chemo and had a supply of a little of everything at the ready to treat SEs. Your body will need lots and lots of fluids...Start the day before chemo and bring something to sip on while you are in the "chair' Also some light snacks--grapes-crackers-pretzels or the like. And a smallish comfy blanket from home(yep, even in the summer) Gaining weight: Many of us did for various reasons. Inability to continue with a strenuous workout routine, eating higher calorie foods than I was used to, being put into chemopause/menopause and then there is the steroids that are given each treatment to try to minimize SEs
Tookybum: proactive shaving of the head---Good for you, girl! Hopefully some of the advise that Browed waslooking for will be helpful for you too.
To all the girls starting or already in treatment---Hang in there. You can do this. It aint easy it aint fun but it is DOABLE.
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