Calling all TNs
Comments
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So glad I peeked in here tonight. I have my chemo teaching appointment tomorrow, Monday, 7/16 and will be getting my medi-port put in on Tuesday and a MUGA scan on Friday in preparation for chemo to start on 7/26, my husband and son's birthdays. I am so scared but it is also reassuring to read the posts of those who have done it and can truthfully say it wasn't that bad.
I suggested to my oldest son that we all shave my head together - he said no way, that he would be a sobbing idiot, I told him that is exactly why I don't want to go to my hairdresser to get my head buzzed. I know that this is just a temporary thing but it is scary just the same. I like the spunk of the lady (my apologies for not remembering your complete name!) who said that she did not get a wig and is comfortable with either nothing on her head or a scarf for work -- you go girl, and I hope I develop your confidence.
Actually, each of you have been so helpful!
Browerl and fishinurse, I will be watching to see how both of you are doing and will add any advice you give to my growing list, thanks to all of the lovely ladies who have shared tips and tricks before you.
So, thanks to all of my new sisters, as we get to know each other better...
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Hi Browerl, Calva is a Dogue de Bordeaux (french mastiff). Ben is a beagle/terrier (rescue dog). Gunnar is a pitbull/rottweiler. He is 2 and the gentlest dog I have ever owned.
I live in the country so lucky enough to have room for them all. Plus the pony, chickens, turkey and goats - all pets. Have five small chicks just born this week. Can all be a bit manic at times.
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Three college roommates -- two females and a male -- began
to argue after dinner about whose turn it was to do the dishes.
"All right," one of the girls said, "the first one to speak has to
do them."
The trio retired to the living room to watch TV. When their
neighbor, a school football star, came by, the three remained
silent. The visitor shrugged and led one of the girls into her
bedroom.
Forty-five minutes later, the young man emerged and
approached the second girl. Through sign language, they
agreed to adjourn to her bedroom.
When he came out, he began to fix himself a cup of tea but
burned his fingers on the stove.
"Hey, where's some petroleum jelly?" he hollered from the
kitchen.
"Oh, hell!" the male roommate said, jumping up. "I'll do the
dishes."0 -
Hello & Welcome fishinurse,
I fully understand your "need to be productive". Being a nurse, you are used to multi-tasking and being busy your whole work day. It is natural to feel that you have to "do" something. It is not natural to suddenly "have time on your hands".
My former career was as a histotechnician in a hospital pathology lab ( yep - I'm the tech who handled the breast specimens, breast biopsies, ER/PR, pathology reports...go figure ). I, too, was crazy-busy until MS sent me home.
I used to get so frustrated, because I wasn't getting all these things done. I had this "free" time, and I wasn't using it. I mentally beat myself up - alot. Then one day, I came to my senses and realized that "hey stupid, you're home for a reason...if you could do all those things...you'd still be working!!! Duh". Oh, I still get mad/sad about it, but I just keep plodding (wobbling!) along, and do what I can at the speed that I can. Of course, BC put a whole new wrinkle on my story, but I got through it - probably easier than most, because I was already used to infusions, meds, and endless appointments. Plus -and a very big plus - was becoming a member of this website and its discussion groups. At first I just read - and learned so much. Then I started chiming in. Now it is nice to actually be able to pass on advice and stories about my BC experience. Makes me productive!!!
You are not "on vacation". You have a new, albeit temporary job - taking care of YOU and beating BC. Gather up all that determination and hard work that you put into nursing school, and throw it into defeating this beast. BC is tough...Nurses are tougher!!! (Watch out, ex-boyfriend!)
As for your friends and coworkers saying that "you are lucky to have time off", they are just talking without thinking. I heard the same things. Most of them mean well, probably just trying to make you feel better about missing work. Of course, some may actually be jealous that you aren't working - because you sort of have this 'excuse' not to work. They have no comprehension of what having BC entails - they are completely naive to the situation. I'm sure most of us were, pre-BC dx. Your friends will learn more about it as they travel this rocky road with you, and they won't say those goofy things quite so easily. Like many of these gals have mentioned, you will find out who you're true friends are... the ones who are there through the good times and the bad. (and for us chemo ladies, for the good times and the bald!)
You, too, will get through this. You will tell future BC-newbies your story, and will help guide them along their BC journey. AND...you will be one fabulous, loving and caring hospice nurse!!!
Take Care ~ Shar
P.S. Do you love to fish?
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A couple was invited to a swanky costume party.Unfortunately the wife came down with a terrible headache,so told her husband to go to the party alone. He being a devoted husband protested, but she argued and said she was going to take some aspirin and go to bed. And there was no need for his good time being spoiled by not going.
So he took his costume and away he went..The wife after sleeping soundly for about an hour, awakened pain free and as it was still early enough, decided to go to the party.
Since her husband did not know what her costume was she thought she would have some fun by watching her husband to see how he acted when she was not with him.
She joined the party and soon spotted her husband cavorting around on the dance floor. Dancing with every nice woman he could, and copping a little touch here and a little kiss there.
So his wife sidled up to him and, being a rather seductive babe herself he soon left his current partner high and dry, and devoted his time to the new babe who had just arrived.
She let him go as far as he wished naturally, since he was her husband. Finally, he whispered a little proposition in her ear and she agreed. So off they went to one of the cars and had a nice quickie.
Just before the unmasking at midnight, she slipped away, went home, put the costume away and got into bed. She was wondering what kind of explanation he would make for his behavior.
She was sitting up reading when he came in, and she asked what kind of a time he had. He said: "Oh,
the same old thing. You know I never have a good time when you're not there." "Did you dance
much?" "You know, I never even danced one dance. When I got there I met Pete, Bill Browning, and some other guys, so we went into the den and played poker all evening.But you're not going to believe what happened to the guy I loaned my costume to."
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OMG! Laughed so hard!
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Wow! THank you for your response! Yes, i love to fish,got my fishing license before diagnosis,between lumpectomy on the right and a port on the left,haven't gone lately,but i plan on it when i get to feeling better. I always catch and release. So glad i joined this,everyones's responses have brought me alot of insights. Getting to know so many awesome people just like you!
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Thanks Pinky,going for 1st chemo today,AC. The nice thing is that my sister works there,i am the "uninhibited one" and she behaves herself,the staff there can't get over how different we are,cracks me up,i am always thinking of ways to get her laughing,gives mesomething to focus on and it's fun too!
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Wow,beautiful dog,reminds me of one of my dogs,shadow. I found him when i went fishing a couple years ago,very thin,not able to walk well, Took him to the vet,he had been abused,guessed his age to be around 5-6 months. He is the same color,is a boxer mix,someone told me he resembled a french bulldog,and,looking at this picture,i would say he is right! I call him shadow because he is practically attached to my hip! I love him and he is a great comfort to me.
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Good luck today fishinurse, we are all there with you
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Good Luck today, fish. And same to you tomorrow, brow.
I see ther e are more new girls here over the past few days. A big welcome to all of you.
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Hey Jazzy!! I too read everyones's posts,that is what calm's me. Regarding the hair,i have a friend who is a hairstylist,she gave me a treatment to put on my head tp promote hair growth. She had me come in to cut my hair,we just couldn't do it! She ended up coloring my hair because of my grey rooys, i could have cared less about the roots but it made her feel better! She is gonna do the haircut when it's time. I just hope she can handle it! LOL!
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Isn't that something how they can do that? Funny thing is,he is a boob man,my first reaction to the diagnosis was to get a mastectomy,wow,he just about lost it! I have already moved on,i find myself thankful for everything and everyone and focus on the positive. I was joking with my mom the other day, i have had so much radioactive subsytances injected in me that i could put a cape on and be a superhero and promised to use my powers for good! We were laughing so hard! Thats the sense of humor i am taking into this !! Life is good,he didnt end my world,he merely disappointed me,if he can't take it,it's good that he moved on!!
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Thanks ladies! Going in with a positive attitude,one of my friends double dog dared me to try chemo planking,omg,will have to do it
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you can do it fishinurse!! Take your meds before you feel queasy..had two and rotated every 4 hours. Check in later to let us know how you are doing
Maggie
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Sending good thoughts to Fish and Browerl! The anticipation really is worse than the actual treatment!
Inmate- CRAP!! Those dang skin mets just need to go away! Hope your MO gets them under control.
Beccad- thinking of you!
There are so many of us here now, I can't keep up! Happy Monday to you all!
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Tifj I hope that the anticipation is really worse than treatment because I am freeking out today, I am amazed how much shaking I am doing.
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Sending hugs and strength,we can do this. Focus on good things in your life,I will keep you in my thoughts
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Wishing you all positive healing thoughts. The anticipation of going for the first tx is way worse and it does get better as time goes on. We're here for you. Keep us posted.
To all you lovely ladies, hope you have a great day/evening.
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brower1 and fishinurse - we are here for you. I had 4 DD A/C every other week, then 4 DD taxol every other week for a total of 8 weeks. I had a worse time with taxol than A/C. Just hydrate and take the med's even if you don't think you need them and rest a lot. The anticipation is worse than the treatments. You will be a pro and through it in no time. You will find which days after treatment you need the most rest and listen to your body. I had a lot more "up time" with A/C than taxol.
Haven't heard from Minxie or Hope. Sending healing ((hugs)).
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Catwhispurrer - that is the exact treatment I am getting I start July 31. Did you work? Everybody looks at me like I am insane that I want to work through it. Really doubting my sanity right now.
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Tazzy--I just heard about all the rain and then landslides and flooding. Hoping you are OK, and your neighbors are, too. It's too bad that your excessive rain can't be sent to Kansas where things are desperate.
My former co-teacher and friend for more than 10 years died of brain cancer Friday. For her it was just a 12 week journey and she was conscious to the end. I worry so for her husband who is nearly 80. Family lives hundreds of miles from here. Hugging my DH more than usual lately.
We're off to see the grandkids. Life is good. Jan
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CatWhispurrer & Tookybum - I was also on the DD A/C x 4 followed by the DD Taxol x 4 and I worked all through tx. Don't get me wrong, it was not easy some days but I am the type that would rather be at work doing something productive as opposed to laying around at home feeling sorry for myself. I am blessed with a wonderful support group in my co-workers and management and that made it a lot easier, as did the fact that I was able to work primarily at my desk with people helping me with the other things that required a lot of up-and-down activity on the bad days.
Whatever your decision, make sure it is the right one for you and not what someone else says you "should" do. Everyone is affected differently and need to make their decision accordingly.
I wish you luck and health through tx and will keep both of you in my prayers.
Blessings...
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Bernie... ha ha ha ha !!
Jan69 - The landslide is approx 5 hours from me (same province) - thanks so much for asking. Such a tragedy. They have recovered one body and now trying to recover 3 others... so sad. Then there was a 2nd mudslide in the same area and has closed the highway. I wish some of the rain would go your way. We haven't had rain here for a week, which reminds me, must go out and water the plants.
So sad about your co-workers wife - she is in a better place now.0 -
To work or not to work?
My aunt worked all through tx, she had mx on Friday and went back to work on Tuesday! She is made of tougher stuff than I am. I did not work for six months! Just started back to work the week before last. My aunt did tell me that if you don't feel well don't push yourself, you won't heal as quickly. Listen to your body.
Bernie, love your goats! My daughter has been begging for goats for years. I keep telling her we are not zoned for them! We have a wonderful, rescue dog. A bichon frise who thinks he is a mastif. He had a battle with a Pekingese on out walk this morning. Now he thinks he's really hot stuff. He has been a huge comfort to me throughout this journey.
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Good afternoon ladies
Oh Mitty....so good to hear from you.
Karen.....ditto.
The picture of Kathy and Luv is just fabulous. What beautiful ladies you are. Good job on keeping the secret. I so wish that I could meet you all.
Fishin and brower......May I suggest taking a project or coloring book with you. Coloring is such fun and is a great way to occupy your time, both mind and body. Also, remember to eat several times a day. I found that protein helped my nausea. It doesn't take much, but sure helps. Good luck to both of you today and tomorrow. It will be a lot easier than your mind is telling you.
All the jokes on here got both my husband and I laughing this morning. It was a great way to keep our minds off my appointment this afternoon. If I can figure out how to do it I will post some pics of my kitties later. I also owe some pictures of the tulips from spring and the beautiful flowers I planted in honor of Laurajane.
Off to hit the showers and make that drive to the hospital. Have a wonderful day!
Love to you all!
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