2010 Sisters
Comments
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Oh Jag, God bless your son and know that my prayers are coming every day for all my sisters AND their children. They feel this as well.
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Jag - I get my port tomorrow. I am sorry you are still having pain and to deal with ignorant co-workers. They just don't get that there is no "quick fix" to BC. It is a long road, but we are all going the same direction and together we will beat this as we love and support each other. Here is a GREAT BIG HUGG for you. Hope you have a restful night and a better tomorrow. You have a sweet son and I how god blesses you and your family.
Joy and blessings
Amy Jo
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Jag: Just have to say, how sweet of your son!0
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jag-I hope you are sleeping soundly and dreaming of healthy, cancer-free days. God gave us sons for a reason. My 11 YO is so protective of me. I know he is worried. I found it helpful to "assign" him things that will help me get better. He is my water boy on the days after chemo and MAKES me drink my liquids. He also gives me fabulous foot rubs with peppermint cream. He bought me a "donate for cancer" pin yesterday that says "love, hope, faith". I wear it on my purse. By the way, I'm glad it isn't pink! I hope you wake tomorrow and your port has settled down and you are comfortable.0
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Thank you for your prayers. Hope today is filled with some wonderfulness (for a change). Thinking about all of you and your individual trials and moments of fear and anxiety. Just remember you are not alone, we are all here with you! Now a cyber hug is not as great as a real one, but know that we all care and that is fabulous any way you can find it!
3rd Chemo for me today. So far, all things are great, blood work, blood pressure, weight, temp, everything is a "go" This puts me at the half way mark for my chemo. YAY!
take good care and just breathe. . .
Teklya
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Jag, tell you son and his teachers thank you. My 13 year old is very protective, like his dad.
My port site was uncomfortable for about a week. But now I do not notice it.
Hugs to all, and may the Gods give us strength.
Peace and laughter,
Cheryl
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Jag, give the a week at least. A couple of days is not long enough. Try ice packs and Advil. Sleeping in a chair is the way to go.
Your son is a sweetie!
Teklya - Way to go! Half way is awesome! You will be on the downhill slide now. Good riddance to the FEC!
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Am I being paranoid about germs and eating out? I'm on Day 9 of my treatment and feeling fine. My brother invited me to go out to lunch with them and at first I said yes, Then I declined. My WBC is below normal, but still okay. But all I can think about is other people handling my food and eating utensils. Am I worrying too much? I know they think I crazy.
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I would not go either.did you ever work in a restaurant???? i did. but then i worry too much too.
id rather eat a can of dog food then eat in a restaurant.
takin it to the extreme.lol
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grannydukes- Oh girlfriend, you DO tell it like it is! LOL! I'm with you about restaurants being filthy, and I am NOT a clean nut. Scrabble- when you do go to restaurants (and you will), choose carefully and I would only order cooked foods, no salads. I would also avoid fountain drinks, frozen yogurt machines etc... They don't get cleaned well.0
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DM and GD-with you on restaurants.
Wanted to update you gals. THREE nights in a row of 6-8 hours of sleep with melatonin. A miracle drug. I can't believe how much better I feel with just some sleep. Also got a shrink appointment for Tuesday. That should close the gap and get me back on track.
Again, I love all my sisters and without you I would have lost my mind. Thanks so much!!
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Barbara- I'm with you on the sleep. Is the Melatonin a prescription or over the counter? I would love to get more than 4 hours of sleep...I know it would do me a world of good. Sorry if you already mentioned it and I missed it....
AmyJo-Did you get your port placed? If you did I hope you are resting and take Advil if you can every 4-6 hours to keep pain down. I've had mine for two days now and I do feel better than yesterday, but still on the mend. I find laying in my over sized chair the most comfortable.
Peace and love to all my wonderful sisters....don't know what I would do without you all!
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Jag-melatonin is a supplement. Get it at the health food store. Comes in 2MG tablets. I take 2MG and if I do wake up to go to the bathroom, I am groggy but fall right back asleep. It also kills cancer but the theraputic level is 30 MG. I would seriously have to work up to that level. I plan to up it to 4MG next week. I can't imagine 30MG. I would be crawling to the toilet with that much, I think.
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Hi all sorry its been a few days and I see things are moving along for some.
I had my port in and it was pretty sore ,well extremely sore for 3 days had to take percocet.It pulled alot too and couldn't sleep.it is getting better now so those of you that just got theres it gets better.
I also had my 1st chemo treatment yesterday I was so nervous but they were so great.All the meds they give you for nausea is amazing. Thats my biggest fear.So far so good.I was afraid to eat much yesterday but was good.Although today I haven' tfelt that great.No energy and no nausea but intestinal stuff. Flushing from the steroids.Now the diarrhea has started so more meds for that. I guess it could be worse as long as its not the dreadful nausea. I don't even think I have the right to complain because it could be worse right?
I do hope I feel better tomorrow but still have lots of meds to take me through sunday.I'm not planning on going anywhere till then so I'll keep drinking and try and rest.
Wow one session down only 5 more to go:(
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I got my port today and everything went fine until the numbing med wore off. Tylenol did not even come close to easing the pain so my DH went on a late night run to the pharmacy to get the prescription for pain meds. After I took that things were better. At least I can type now. Mine is on the underside of my upper left arm. After discussing all the options with the dr. I decided that this would be the best option for me. Fewer risk for other health issues. At least he told me it would hurt for about a week and gave me the prescription and said not to let the pain get out of control to take the medicine. He knows I hate to take pills for anything. I am so glad I have good dr that have taken time to get to know me as a person. He called a little while ago to be sure I was ok and that I had not had a reaction to the pain med.
Hope everyone is having a peaceful evening and is able to get plenty of rest tonight. After some of the advice offered I will just stay in my chair and not even try to get up and go to bed.
Joy and blessings
Amy Jo
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Glad it went well Amyjo!0
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BarbaraA- So glad the Melatonin is working. I THINK chemo kills melatonin, that's why they tell us to wear sunblock. I wonder if someone has looked into this. Wouldn't it be sensible to supplement things that are being blasted by chemo?
Amyjo- So glad it went well. I also hate to take meds. However, these are different times, aren't they? It is really important to take both pain or nausea meds at the first sign. If you wait till it is really bad it is hard to play catch up. Hope this finds you pain-free and resting.
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Ditto Designer Mom. Ladies, please take your pills! There is no sense in us having to suffer unnecessarily. Take pain pills and nausea meds BEFORE the pain or sickness sets in. Take it on schedule to prevent. None of us like having all these drugs in us, but it is for the short-run so we can make it to the long-run with as little pain & suffering as possible.
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Best wishes to all going through chemo! and that sounds like a lot of you.
My dear mother flew over to be with me during my first two chemo treatments. I didn't really get any nausea but did have some pretty significant indigestion/heartburn/etc. We had three chemo cookbooks and the one with the best recipes was "What to Eat During Cancer Treatment" published by the American Cancer Society. I ordered it through Amazon. There were some great recipes and helpful information. Even my husband liked the food.
Costco now has frozen packs for making smoothies - I found that I could always drink a smoothie. AND it has been a hot summer here in New Mexico.
Look Good Feel Better - I attended one of their programs here last week. They do a great job - are very organized and have lots of free goodies for you to take home. They recommended that you throw away your old cosmetics and start over. Which I was happy to do.
I agree about drinking the fluids - all the time. I got lazy after my last chemo and really sufferred the consequences with constipation. My daughter is a nurse and she said what the "old people" like at her hospital (I'm only 57!) is room temperature prune juice and milk of magnesia (Philips MO). I couldn't get myself to drink the prune juice but the MO worked exactly as labeled. So don't plan to get more than six hours of sleep after you take it.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
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I have IBS and deal with constipation. I second Phillips MO! Dried fruit (prunes, dried aprocots if you can digest them) also work. Water and a diet high in veggies also has helped. I also take a probotic with yogurt daily. Will be interesting to see what happens once I start chemo next month.
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I started out in my chair last night, but ended up in bed with I think final count was 9 pillows. I slept better in the bed than my chair. The pain is under control as long as I take the meds The bruise where they put the port is not a big as they told me it might be, but it is really sore. It is interesting trying to do things with my right hand, especially since my right arm is still sore from the node dissection they did during my surgery on the 2nd. I kind of feel useless. I have come up with some creative ways to get showered and dressed. My DH was going to help, but I told him I had to at least try to do it myself, so he just stood there and laughed as I "did it myself." I was exhausted by the time I was done so I have zoned out or dozed off most of the day today. I start chemo on Tuesday so hopefully my arm won't still be so sore by then. Next week is filled with dr appointments, but they should slow down after this next round or check-ups. Every doctor wants to be sure that I am healing like I should. At least I don't have to see the BS again until Dec. That should be about the time I finish chemo and start radiation.
Hope everyone is healing and having peaceful days.
Joy and Blessings,
Amy Jo
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Amy Jo we start chemo on the same day.....I will be thinking of you especially on that day.
I had to go to express care tonight, I was having some kind of reaction to the bandage or glue on my neck. I'm still pretty sore but can at least sleep in bed for a few hours. My stomach is also reacting to all the Advil I need.
I go to get my hair cut and wigs fitted tomorrow......the fear of losing my hair is killing me. I know it is temporary and cosmetic, but it still overwhelms me.
Peace and love to all my 2010 Sisters
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Jag - I will be thinking of you as we start chemo on the same day. My DH is taking me hat shopping today. I think a wig would drive me nuts so i am opting for hats and scarfs. My hair is already short so it won't be such a dramatic change for me. Your hair looks beautiful and I am sure if I have hair like yours I would be overwhelmed at losing it. Good luck with the new hair cut and I hope you can find the perfect wig. Sorry to hear about your reaction and having to go to the express care. Hope things are better for you now. My arm is a lot better this morning I even managed a shower and shampoo my hair and brush my teeth all using my left hand! Yeah!! The pain meds helped me get the sleep I needed so I guess that helped me heal a little easier. I really am praying that there are no problems with either of our ports on chemo day.
Joy and blessings
Amy Jo
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amyjo- I already know how special and strong you are. I just wanted to say, I think your DH is such a great guy. Taking you hat shopping, so sweet! I hope you two have fun picking some fantastic ones out! The American Cancer Society catalog "Tender Loving Care" has some very cute and stylish hats, scarves and accessories. They also have these stretchy sort of head band things that you can wear under the hat. It sort of covers your ear and back of neck so it doesn't look like a hat on a post. www.tlcdirect.org As it is non profit, the prices are great.
jag- So sorry about the reaction to the tape. I also had a terrible reaction. I have heard SO many of us reacting to these darn plastic dressings! I am just wondering what chemicals are in them! Your feelings are completely normal. It will get easier once you really get started, you will see.
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Well the hair is gone. I didn't buzz it off I had it cut short so I can still wear it before I totally lose it. I left the salon with my wig on. I was so self conscious of it. I went into a drug store just to see if I would get any weird reactions. LOL
I proceeded home to pick up my youngest and he said, "what took you so long you didn't even get your hair cut". We went to my "middle" son's high school football game - I live in a really small town and everybody is at the game. No one could believe I was wearing a wig, not even my 3 kids! I can't tell you how much better I feel knowing that I can at least put on a wig and feel that I look "normal" especially at work.
It truly does look like my real hair and it even feels like real hair although it's synthetic. My stylist helped me pick out a wig a few weeks back and then cut and styled it while on my head today.
I wanted to post this for those considering wigs. For me it's a great option. I will also be buying scarves and a shorter wig for when I don't want to deal with the longer wig.
2 days till chemo.....
Peace and love,
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We found 2 hats and 2 new scarfs. One hat my DH really likes, but I am not so sure about. The other one we both like. Now, I just need to learn how to tie the scarfs. Been watching videos today. Some seem easy and look cute others are way to complicated to remember how to do them. My arm was doing better today, I only had to take 4 Extra Strength Tylenol until about 10 minutes ago. My DH says it is time to go to bed so I guess I will give in and take a real pain pill and go to bed.
DesignerMom - I found the tlc site this afternoon and ordered the headbands and a hat liner for my new hats. Thanks for the information.
Hope everyone has pleasant dreams and heals quickly. 2 day till chemo...Jag and I are starting on the same day.
Joy and blessing.
Amy Jo
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DesignerMom - I'm not allergic to one single thing in this whole world EXCEPT surgical tape!! What in the world do they put into it? So they'll use paper tape on me, but that eventually gets to me, too. Whatever it is must be some horrible kind of poison!0
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Well this morning is starting out good. No pain yet in my arm where they put the port. Hope it stays that way. I think my DH will let me go to church this morning and if my arm is still not hurting when he get up I may even try to drive. It is only about 3 miles and just a couple of turns. We'll see. The onco gave me the forms to take in for a Handicap placard, but I don't know if I will get it or not. Some say to go ahead and get it and others only get it if I think I need it. Any opinions out there?? It makes me feel like an "old person" and I am only 60. My DH is older and he probably needs it more than I do since he gets so out of breath easily.
I will be calling my onco tomorrow to get information on what drug I will be getting and how many treatment I will e getting. He told me before, but I did not write it down so of course I don't remember. I also need to find out if they will be giving me the Aredia for my bones at the same time or if I need to get that another day. I have to be that direction Mon., Tues, and Wed. already so if they could do it on any of those days it would save me a least one 46 mile trip over there.
These may be weird questions but after a node dissection how long before your underarm stops feeling tingly and numb? Also has anyone else felt sticky like there was tape residue under your arm after surgery? If so, how do you get rid of it? I have tried everything except Goo-Gone! There is no tape residue, it just feels sticky.
Hope everyone has a good day and heals quickly.
Joy and blessings
Amy Jo
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Hadley - If you are the least bit concerned ask you BS or your oncologist. We have enough to deal with just dealing with the cancer. No need to have extra worries added. I ask a lot of questions most of which are just to reassure myself? Questions never hurt and the answers always help.
Thanks for joining us and this is the right place to come for anything at any time.
Joy and blessings
Amy Jo
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Amyjo - I only had 3 nodes removed and my armpit is almost completely numb. I can hardly feel it when I shave. My oncologist said that the feeling will come back - maybe as tingling or brief sharp pains over the next 6+ months. She said a lot of her patients have the pain and think the cancer is coming back - but it is just the nerves coming back.
Hadley - I second May Jo - if you are concerned you need to talk to your surgeon. We don't need unnecessary worry right now.
Amy Jo and Jag - good luck with the chemo next week!
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