March 2011 chemo-lounge
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Hi Ladies. I am as well from the Jan. thread, but like to pop in with you as well. I go Monday for my last of this chemo, and after that I find out the road ahead before my masectomy. Since I am estrogen and her positive, I believe herceptin. I am not looking forward to Monday, last or not. I still have not been given ativan and plan to ask Monday whe I see my onc/ why? I still after 2 weeks past wake up every 2 hours on dot peeing even after taking 2 tylenol pm and 2 benadryl. Not right Huh? So sorry for you ladies not feeling well and dealing with se. I deal with them almost 2 weeks. I take my nausea medicine every 2 hours instead of 6 the first week where I get so dehydrated I suck icecubes. I have found more stubbles on my head coming back. Hope I get long ones soon. Ha. did find a way I could wear my wig was with a ballcap on it. It doesnt seem to look as fake. Questions ladies. I was never told by anyone to use any organic face or any products and wondering why you were. I go to Morgantown Wva, home of the finest and told to use anything on my face. I as well seem to have aged in the eyes and am 41. Oh well we will all look back some day and this part will be over for us all. Best wishes to my new family.0
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Quick update: had the neulasta shot, saw another oncologist that was there, they put me on a 2 hour iv drip of fluids, gave me Aloxi, Emend, decadron and ativen. I fell asleep and it was time for me to leave. My husband and I had to run to another doctors appointment.
Prelimary results from the PET scan show no mets. There is mirco-infiltation of one auxilliary lymph node, but the chemo should take care of that.
They gave me Emend, compazine suppossitories and ativan for future nausea. Haven't had a hit of nauseousness since that cocktail this morning. Yea!
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Maria - Best wishes for a nice, relaxing chemo cocktail. I will be thinking of you!!!
Annie
PS - will write more tomorrow...too tired!
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Hi girls...this is really late, but I actually went to work (school) today so am finally catching up online. Today is day 6 since first chemo last Thursday. Sooo much better today. Whoever said that you'll just wake up and feel so much better was right. Yesterday was horrible-today was fine.
I was supposed to hear from salon today about a price quote on two different wigs and realized too late that she didn't call! I'm sort of on a countdown here and figuring if I order it tomorrow it may or may not be here by the time I could start losing hair, which I predict will be around the 31st. DAMN. Why does everything require another phone call, another reminder, another step, another holdup?
Sending good thoughts and smooth sailing for my buddy Marie, who, by the time she reads this will be all done and feeling fine! Have you taken a picture with your cold caps on? It must be quite a production, but bless you and your darling husband for doing all you can to save the hair. Wish that had been more of an option for me.
Always nice to hear from you gals from other months, checking in with the "lounge lizards". It is so nice to hear how you are doing, giving us some hope and realization that while it sucks NOW, in just a short time (in the grand scheme of things) it will be behind us as well. It can be so hard to keep things in perspective when you're in the midst of the seeming darkness of this illness. I still have a hard time even typing cancer (I've taken to spelling it "canser" per the book CRAZY SEXY CANCER TIPS, so as not to give importance to such a small word) let alone saying it. A friend from church has bladder cancer and is still insisting on making a meal for my family because she is retired and feels okay and wants to help. Well, God bless her, how can I say no? People want to help. And I haven't cooked for two months and my husband and son would really appreciate a meal cooked by someone that can really cook!
Kymn, still hanging in there? Lily, I wish I could call or write a letter to someone on your behalf. What a deal. Like you don't have enough to deal with? Are we not warriors ? Battle maidens?
Sorry, am getting a little punchy after working all day with naughty children and going to a track meet. Wish I was better at responding to each post...but I enjoy reading them and wish all good things to all of you. This is my "off" week, so am glad for the chance to recoup and regroup. Now if I just can figure out the whole hair thing...I am going to try to see the social worker/therapist at the cancer center in the next few days if I can. I met her at first treatment and think she could be very helpful. Good night all night owls and good morning Wed morning early birds!
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Hello everyone.
this is my first posting but I have reading and learning so much from these boards since my diagnosis in February, which came as a total shock!!!
Yesterday I had my first chemo treatment in London - the first of 3 cycles of FEC and then I'll have 3 cycles of T. It seems a bit aggressive for a Stage 1 node negative tumour but my Oncotype score was a relatively high 29.
I have to say I'm very surprised by how good/normal I feel. Besides for the brain freezing cold cap, I found the entire experience absolutely fine and have no side effects yet. Course I'm not even 24 hours in. When do the side effects usually start? This sounds strange, but should I worry if I don't get side effects? Could it be that its not workings? Worries, worries, worries!!!
Hair is a big concern but I tried on a fab wig and that made me feel a lot better. I will still try to save it - wishful thinking, I'm sure. As anyone had luck with the cold cap whilst on FEC? I hear its the E that's evil.
I'd love to hear some tips, stories, advice, jokes and just to be in touch. My parents live in California, my old friends in New York, my husband in Brussels... Have many supportive friends here but no one who's gone through this (fortunately).
Have a great day all. Soon I'm off for my PEG injection.
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Lillylady, thinking of you today. Sending hugs and prayer your way. Keep us posted...we all love you.
mdg, my good attitude about my hair is fostered by my wonderful DH. He tells me my hair and breast are not important, but my future health is all that matters. Makes me feel good. I keep trying to exlain that women are supposed to have breasts and hair. Men, not so much, although I have seen some guys with some pretty good man boobs going on.
Tooksome ambien before bed last night and got a good night's sleep dispite the steroids. Will be getting my neulasta shot today.
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Lily: sending you hugs and positive thoughts. Hang in there, you're always in my thoughts.
Mdg, good luck, thinking of you.
Husk & Min: wow, ya'll working!! yah for u guys!! I'm on day 6 counting chemo day as day 1, am able to get up but feel that it's very labor intensive to breathe, maybe bc of the TE. I hope I get better soon, I'm running out of food and need to go shopping. Plus my 2 year old is fast losing patience, he's starting to pull my hair when he wants something.
Hello to newbies and good luck to everyone getting an infusion this week!0 -
Prayers, hugs and good thoughts to LilyLady.
And to all experiencing hangovers. Day 3 for me. Still feeling a little fuzzy in the head, but no signs of nausea, so I can't complain. Heading to work to see how long I'll be able to concentrate. Have a great day, drink up and be merry. You're in my thoughts.
Talk to you soon.
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Hey ladies, I just walked a block to the store and felt quite awful
. I believe this is day 7 for me since chemo on friday,i thought I would be able to handle a block. I'm hoping for semi normal days. I was so hoping I could work through this, being 32, young, relatively healthy. Ugh. I'm laying on the floor dreaming of better days.
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This group rocks! How much it has grown in just a few days, unfortunate we need to be here, but how wonderful to be able to log in and talk when we need to. I see many of us our young (ok, I am 47, but have middle school age children, so consider myself young). It is chalenging to keep families fed and try to keep homes and jobs going, but how strong we are. I am not sure many of our men could do all we do, since multitasking is not in their makeup. Someone mentioned aging, certainly my face does not look as bright and smooth as it did, but once the chemo is done I will treat myself to a peel and regular facials. I have been getting massages fairly regularly and these have really helped with stress and are a very nice treat. I was getting hair cuts every 4 weeks and color every 8 weeks, so I have the time and cash I was spending on this to treat myself. My husband encourages me to do anything that makes me feel good. I can not wait until we are all done and discussing our post chemo/BC adventures.
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Welcome all new members - a round on me!!
(I wish, I really do).Thinking of Maria, Malou, Jules, Penny, Bikenyc, love2trav, Silia and Mauimama as they get ready - like me - for another long sit in the chemo chair. Took my steroids this morning and am feeling weird, well, weirder than usual.
Spent too long trying to tie damn scarves this morning, after watching loads of online video how-to's by wonderful ladies with and wihtout cancer. I don't understand how they all look fabulous in their headwraps, but I look like a sick Golden Girls wanna-be or like I walked out of a film about Biblical times. Don't feel like practicing. *grr*
I put on a hat. Still no bald spots but thinning, shedding. Called and made an appointment with a wig lady in my area for next week. Hoping there are some funky options. Wonder what she'll say if I want a Lady Gaga wig - ?! LOL
Cooking ahead of chemo tx this time since my husband cannot cook more than one thing at a time. I'm a foodie, used to write a food blog before all this started, so we're used to eating a certain way: healthy but eclectic. He's a good cook, but multi-tasking - like making 3 or 4 components to construct a meal - is not his forte.
Soon my just-returned tastebuds will go on vacation again, so I thought I'd make a few dishes for him & my kids, so they can eat well while I lay around all weekend, drinking copious amounts of water ad orange Gatorade, and praying for no constipation. Sounds like a rollicking good time, right?!
Trying to keep my sense of humor...and my courage.
Feel good sisters - do something to treat yourself today, you deserve it.
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Hey ladies...sitting in the bar with my drink. Actually my drinking is done but I have 4 more hours of cold caps so it's a full day! I am feeling dopy from the ativan and benedryl but that helps tolerate the cold caps. We had a nice lunch and some snacks and are now having some down time to read magazines and play on the computer. I will be half way done today! I think there is light at the end of the tunnel. I will write more and welcome some of our new lounge lizards later when I am home and warm again. Take care!
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Good Afternoon ladies, wow I started reading this morning and took till this afternoon to get through all you chatty cathies I LOVE IT. I am happy to report that I am at work today and feeling normal, little tired, but Im a mom so used to being tired lol
Overy13 Welcome welcome welcome you have come to the right place for love and support and where you can just vent and ask questions.
MDG(Marie) Glad treatment is going alright for you, what a long day for you having to do those cold caps but if you get to keep your hair I am sure it is well worth it. They dont offer that in Lethbridge
.Lorenar Welcome glad you found us, I am on a different chemo plan than you but I am sure you will have lots of ladies here who can help you out with your questions. I am triple Neg so not getting herceptin I have to kick its butt with the chemo as there is no other treatment for me at this point and time but on the up side triple neg does respond well to chemo and i too am a stage 1. I am wearing the same makeup and deodarnt as always too, not really worried about that.
Djls Great news no mets yipeeeee. I too had micro infiltration in one duct and I think the chemo will kick its but if anything was left over.
Annie sorry your so tired, take all the rest you need and look forward to hearing how you are doing when you are up to it.
Husk I wore my wig today, I cut my hair super short while I was on my down week and hate it so decided to just transition into the wig first day back at work which is today yeah me
. I really like it and am getting lots of compliments on it. I will have to get a pic and post it for you all to see.Adangel. welcome to you too, I am also doing FEC-D (D is also a taxane) it is pretty aggressive but hey all the more to kill this with right. I am also triple neg so I really need to get it this go around. Hope your side effects stay away I too thought it wasnt working that maybe they gave me saline lol but seeing as I was peeing red kinda new I got the E in there.
Jules good luck with the neulasta shot today, I hope you dont get any bone pain that I have heard the other ladies talk about. Sending positive thoughts your way.
Dizzy Hang in there girl, tomorrow should be a better day, I was home from work yesterday and today am at work and other than a little tired feeling quite good.I am one day ahead of you so rest today and hopefully you wake up feeling fine tomorrow. It really does just lift.
Kay thanks for all your positive thoughts, hope the nausea stays away for you
Christine what a great idea a facial and a peel I am so going to book that when I am done yeah something to look forward too and hey we deserve it
Michelle LMAO at the idea of you standing in the mirror trying to tie those damn scarves, that is why I bought some beau beau scarves they are a bit pricey but they are pretied and ready to just pop on your head. I so know I would be looking like a drag pirate queen if I tried to tie them myself lol. You should post one of your favorite recipies I love different food and experimenting.
Ok gals have to get back to work, sure hope I didnt miss anyone if I did so sorry will catch you next time around.
Sending cancer free thoughts your way
Kymn
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I am at work again today! i was so tired by the time I left yesterday, I only worked 5 hours. Today, I came in a little later and feel pretty energetic. My brain is actually working, although kind of slow still. It feels good to use it for something besides remembering what channel HGTV is. It's good to be back to a semi-normal routine.
I'm getting my hair cut into a pixie tomorrow. I'm not having as much trouble with the idea of losing it as some of y'all. I've always had a love/hate thing with my hair - it's not curly, it's not straight, it's very fine. I do have a lot of it and the color is good. I just try to think positive about it and think how easy it will be to do. Although I'll have to be careful with sunscreen, it might be cool and freeing to not have any for teh summer in TX. I'm going to let my hairdresser dye it I think, why not? I never would do that before, so why not now? What will I look like as a red head?
Also, I'm an accessory lover, so I just view it as a hat buying opportunity. I laughed out loud thinking of you practicing with the scarves, Michelle, although I'm sorry for your frustration. I can see that happening to me too! I haven't gotten any scarves yet, actually. I'd like to get one truly fabulous scarf and that can be my only scarf. I'm kind of sensitive about what head coverings I'll wear as I want to look younger than my 40 years - not older! I was showing wig pics today and one of the ladies I work with said one of them looks like an "older style", that was enough, not buying that one!
My mother-in-law brought dinner over last night, don't even get me started about how healthy it was NOT. She had a few tactless comments for me, so I hear you girls on that one. I was just happy my family had a home cooked meal that I didn't have to make. My own mother never makes thoughtless tactless comments, so I feel so blessed to have her. She was a middle school guidance counselor prior to retirement and always knows just what to say.
I played the cancer card at the dentist today. I didn't even mean to, and I played it! I went to pick up a night guard and she wanted to take impressions to make me a new bleaching tray and I was like "um, now is just not the time" but then felt I owed additional explanation and launched into the story. It was AWK (as my 15 y.o. says)! I did learn how easy it is to play though. I read "Crazy, Sexy Cancer" and she talks about it in the book.
Hope everyone going this week has a good trip to the lounge with minimal SEs. Glad my chemo buds from last week are feeling better, as am I.
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Michelle, when my son was home from college, he brought his new girlfriend, and so I had to wear something on my head, usually I just go cammando Soooo i had this nice tan scarf all tied like they showed in the picture and he proceeded to tell me that I looked like one of the poor factory workers from the depression! I just cant rock the scarves and hats like a lot of people can. So its either my wigs (I have 3) or nothing.
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Just when you think you're being a trooper and handling it all there seems to be something else thrown on top to see just how much you can take. Had to do a full day of work yesterday (day 5 from chemo) then fly to cininnati for a meeting today. First time flying since diagnosis and it went off ok...wore my compression sleeve (had 23 nodes removed) and felt like a bit of an old lady but it was more comfortable than I expected.
It was also my first full public day in a wig. My crewcut under was itching and hurting big time as well as falling out in clumps. Just wanted it off of me so when we checked into the hotel I bought a razor and shaving cream from the hotel store. Got up to the room and tried shaving it off which turned out to be no small feat....there were only like 2 tbsp of shaving cream in the mini can and even thought my remaining hair wa a crew cut, it kept clogging the razor. Covered in hair I decided to quit and shower it off...turned on the shower and literally like 2 tiny steams of water came out. It would have taken an hour to wet a cat and I was covered in hair and shaving cream. Got on the hotel phone and asked for a new room and started crying when they asked if I'd like an engineer to come up. Of all the nights I've ever spent in a hotel, this was the one I really needed the shower to work. Told them to get me a new room, stuffed my wig in my suitcase, wrapped my head in a towel and relocated. I could have screamed when the bell boy implied that I'd had a problem with "water pressure."
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bikenyc: I am so sorry. How awful for you. Definitely thinking of you.
I noticed a lot more hair strands coming out this morning, so clumps are just around the corner...still dreading it, and it sounds like scarves are not nearly as easy as people make them look. And although I like my wig, I think it definitely makes me look like an old lady...
Glad we're all in this leaky old boat together.
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Hi Ladies.....so happy to join your group. I had a lumpectomy (2.5 cm) in January. Port placed in February and my treatment began March 1. AC followed by T (4 x 4). Neulasta injections two days following each chemo. Herceptin to begin with the Taxol treatments and continue for a full year. I also must get another surgery since my first surgery did not clear my margins. Radiation will follow my 2nd surgery.
I started my AC treatment on March 1. Neulasta injection two days later. The evening of my Neulasta shot starting feeling quite sick but no vomiting. Extremely weak for five days. My temp was extremely low (96.0 - 97.6). Had trouble swallowing food for three days in a row. Lost six lbs. in a few days. Had blurred vision and quite dizzy. I told the doctor all my symtoms when I went for my 2nd round of chemo and he lowered the dosage of Neulasta from 6 cc to 4cc. Apparently, it was too high a dose for me. This has helped a great deal. Got my 2nd chemo on March 15 followed by Neulasta injection. Still very tired but near as bad as the first go round.
I have been pretty depressed for the past five days as my hair started falling out. My face is drawn and pasty white. I covered all my mirrors so I didn't have to look at myself. I am usually such a happy go lucky, energetic person. I have a wonderful husband of 32 years and find myself getting more depressed each day. I am wondering if this is normal and if anyone else feels as I do.....
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Hi All,
Just checking in reading the post and having a laugh at the entire head scarf fiascos. I wore my today and it looked horrible! LOL I need to watch a few you tube videos. I am day 8 today and feel pretty good. I was told I could not go back too work from my oncologist as I work in a school. Yes, it does seem extreme as I see many of you work with children. Besides I am a single parent and the sole bread winner it was a tough cookie to swallow. Wasn't expecting not too work during chemo. Saying that....I have come to terms with it. Better safe then sorry. My oncologist was so dire when he was telling me about chemo. Hoping he is wrong as so far I feel pretty.
Made an appt. with my trainer at the gym to give me a new routine. One that involves less cardio and more strength training. I have noticed that core work is somewhat uncomfortable as my tummy does ache all the time.
Off to you tube to learn how to tie a scarf.
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Kim, I'm sorry to hear that you're still not better. I believe you and I had our first chemo on the same day. I know this might sound gross, but it helped me, pickle and cheddar cheese sandwich. I feel like I did when I had morning sickness and the pickle just made me feel better. Glad to hear you walked around the block today. Is it cold in Brooklyn?
Maria, you're a rock star. You go girl and you're half way done.
Yep, I too watched a video on you tube (dana farber) on how to tie a scarf. I only have one so I'll be hitting target this weekend.
WOw Barbara, you went to work? Good for you. I finally get to go back next wednesday. It's going to feel weird for me.
hugs to the rest of the ladies,
min
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countrywoman,
sorry you are feeling so down. I think we all have days (weeks), like this. I look in the mirror and hardly recognize myself some days. Not to mention I feel like an old church lady in the wig. Remember we are always more critial of our appearance than others are. It will get better, it has to. We are all here with you!
timerdog,
At first my onc said no work for 6 months ( I work in medical office) , I could not afford to loose my healthcare benifits, so we have compromised and I work some after nadir and wbcs are back up to normal. Discuss it with him, we are seeing less flu in the office, and I always have the option of wearing a mask if needed, or giving the patient a mask if they are sick.
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I realize over the last few days I have been taking and not doing much giving and for this I apologize. I do want to shout out to Overy 13 that there are 2 people in the lounge doing TCH like you. Kriskat and me. I had my first dose today and am having a little acid reflux so far. Just got back from walking the dog for 2 miles -hoping for the best. Kris was doing cartwheels on Day 5.
Glad to see howw many people like the tone and attitude of this group-the more we get the bigger our knowledge base will be.
Min-gave up on the scarf tying thing for right now-I got told I looked like a Russian peasant woman. I ordered some "Survivor" style buffs and some doo-rags. I lead a very casual life so they will work just about anywhere for me. All my BFFs are coming in this weekend so we will work something out I Guess.
Now for the bad stuff-I got the promotion that no one wants on their resume-I got moved to the top of the class-Stage IV. I even got the quality of life speech-believe me no one wants to hear that. Seems as though my body is one very efficient cancer producing machine. Golf ball sized met on the right lobe of the liver with heterogeneous uptake on the entire liver. Golf ball sized met in the left lower lung with many sub-centimeter nodules in both lungs heavily suggestive for metastatic breast cancer. Heavy uptake in paratracheal lymph nodes and smaller uptake in many of the axillary nodes right side.
I was offered several options and have decided no biopsies at this point. I wanted to get the chemo started and the surgery would only delay that. Another scan after the second big chemo to see if any of the other spots change. If the main tumour changes and the other do not it will be time then for another conversation. After the PET fiasco yesterday I had to go back today. I went there at 7am then from there to the onc office at 11 for first chemo.Only they put me in an exam room. A series of nurses came in and patted me so I was getting very anxious. Finally the onc came in with nurse Prac, physician assistant and 1 other nurse-Now this is a small room and I had already sucked the oxygen out of it. They had delayed the chemo til he read me the report-they had to wait for it to come in. Then they had to call the insurance because they had not approved the chemo because they wanted to wait for staging. When they told them Stage IV they had to have a peer-to-peer review to see if they would pay for it when the cancer is so far advanced. That was a real reality check. I left the house at 6am and just got home at 7pm. I have to confess I have never felt less like a warrior. I broke down and sobbed-in the office-which I have never done even 1 time since dxed. I was mortified-the whole snot thing and hiccups and everything. It happened after the onc left the room-praise God.
The one thing that keeps running thru my mind was when I first started researching this whole thing I was very methodical. First I learned about BC, then moved onto treatments, now working my way thru nutrition and supplements. The one thing that keeps sticking in my head goes way back to the first part of staging I read about. I was given a BIRAD 5 from the mammo-so my odds of being malignant was 97%. The article that explained that was also about the actual cancer staging. Stage IIIc is curable Stage IV is only treatable. SHIT
I have several of the books written by people who had incuable cancer and they fixed themselves with supplements and nutrition. I did not mention this but the PA came in with a business card for a guy that was an oncolgist with the practice who left and started a practice using Eastern style medicine practices. Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, ect. Does this mean she doesn't think they can really help me?
You guys have been propping me up since last week and the love has really helped-but I am promising this. I will be over feeling this negative and back on board cheering everybody else on like you have done me. The Divine Mrs M is also a IV and she is nothing but poitive so I am going to channel that energy and get on with this.
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Hi ladies, I have been reading and I have noticed some of you are getting Neulasta shots. I got some clarification today about my treatments. I am to have chemo starting the 30th Taxotere and Carboplatin. A shot on the 31st then I go back the next two weeks for Herceptin. I have the Neulasta every week. Then I start all over again. What are the Neulasta shots for? Also, sorry ladies another question! With chemo, when will I lose my hair? I am going on Friday evening to get it cut short and one more color, is this a good idea or should I just leave it. I also have to take steroids the day before, the day, and the day after. Why? I know I should be asking this at the doctors office but, working everyday before chemo up to 12 hours trying to get caught up from two surgeries and trying to prepare if I do not feel well after chemo and can not work. My husband says I need to prepare myself and not work but I have a hard time leaving things not done.
By reading all of your posts it seems everyone is different, I am so sorry for those that are sick. I can not believe those with children, how in the world do you do it. My two are grown and out of the nest. Husband on the road all the time so I just have to take care of myself. I have such great admiration for you all, you just have no idea.
Thanks for the posts and I feel the support from all of you. What a great bunch you all are. I am so glad I found this discussion board.
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Dear Lily,
I wish I could reach through the computer and give you a long hug and let you just cry your eyes out. So, considered yourself hugged! Sometimes there just aren't words to help sooth the soul in these situations.
djls
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Hey everyone.
Just finished my first chemo today!!!!! They changed me from ACx4,Tx12 to TCx4 Yeh!! I will be done in no time. My oncotype score was 24 so my onc didn't feel the need to be so agressive, hope he's right cause i'm not going to argue this one. Chemo went great, definetly not worth all the stress and anxiety we give it. Doing the cold caps, so stressed more about that than the list possible side effects that i could have during the infusion, in fact I wished she wouldn't of talked so much she almost made me late for a cap change, lol. My mother thought I was crazy, I can't control the chemo or the side effects but i can control my cap changes:)
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Lilylady,
I am so sorry to hear your news. We are all here for you. When you need to talk, we are here to listen. You will be in my thoughts and prayers tonight.
Christine
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Hello Ladies. Lilylady: So sorry for the bad news, keep us all updated please, they may be making a mole out of a molehill and prayers are with you that all will be fine. Countrywoman: I as well have some very down in the dump days that to pass, Sometimes I look into the mirror and wonder how I ever took my hair for granted, so its okay to have days where you don't feel as strong, my Mom said she could not be taking my news as well as I am but there's one thing we can't stop and that's death, so just hang it out with us ladies and if you need to vent thats why we are here for each other.(you are welcome to private mail me if needed extra support). I got a call from my nurse today who said my white blood cell count is 1.9 very low and to stay away from public blah blah. Go to er if in doubt and not feeling well so far just tired. Never offered a shot though. Sorry for you ladies having SE and glad for you feeling fine.0
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Bikenyc: I'm sorry for your day
I hope you are able to bathe and rest after.
Country: I'm starting to feel that way and I've only had one tx. I think it's because I've felt unwell and my kids are driving me insane asking me for every little thing. I think we have similar symptoms, I don't have too much nausea, what bothers me the most is feeling dizzy and weak. I'm going to ask my doc to prescribe an antidepressant, I'm not sure if you would be open to that? Sending prayers and hugs that you would feel better.
Min: I don't have any trouble eating, I just feel weak and dizzy. I'm out of breath and feel like I would pass out just going down the stairs. I had difficulty swallowing but I've been able to force myself to eat every hour. Today was probably not the best to go outside in brooklyn. I asked my mom what the weather was and she said cloudy.
We went out and it was pouring, hailing and snowing. But we had to get food. I had to ask/paid a stranger to help afterwards. I hope to feel closer to how you are soon:)
lily:, hugs and prayers , I'm so sorry. I'm in tears by your post and also feel very inspired. you're such an amazing person. 0 -
Hey ladies! I am officially 50% done with that nasty chemo! I spent 8 hours in the chemo office today doing my 2 hours of chemo and 5 hours of cold caps. It was a brain freeze day - you know like drinking a frozen margarita WAY too fast!?!?! Overall I tolerated the caps and meds well. Steriods kept me up til 2am last night and I had to get up at 6:30am with my little one this morning. It's been a long day, but I feel good. I get that horrible Neulasta shot tomorrow! I prefer tequila and I don't even like tequila. At least the hangover from tequila is more predictable and less painful! Ick!
Lorenar: as far as organic/natural make up - none of my doctors have made any recommendations on health care products or even foods to eat/avoid which is shocking and disappointing to me. I have done a lot of reading and now know how much certain chemicals and foods can have a negative impact on a breast cancer patient. I personally have made drastic changes. I do use only organic, chemical free, paraben free, aluminum free and sulfate free body care products and make up. As far as food, I have cut out beef/pork, eat all organic, I have cut out refined sugars, white rice/patsa and anything made with white flour. The only oils I will eat are olive oil and canola oil. I have added more fruits and veggies to my diet and will also be adding in green tea and turmeric among other natural foods that help your body fight cancer. The best book I can suggest that I have read so far is The Anti Cancer: A New Way of Life. It is really good in explaining everything that I have described. YOu can read it and make the choices for yourself. Doctors don't seem to involved with this. I do see a holistic MD too and he suggests some pectin fiber and green tea in addition to the regular vitamins/minerals I take (multi vitamins, Bcomplex, Vitamin D, Magnesium and probiotic). Get that book and you will be armed with knowledge on food and health care changes you can make to improve your chances of a healthy life.
djls: That's great news! I am so glad for you!!!
Husker: So glad you were a new woman today when you woke up! That's great. I did good today freezing my head off...I guess I had too many frozen margaritas and it gave me brain freeze. Caps went well today...we will see how it goes 2-3 weeks from now! I did take photos last time I was there as well as a video of my first cap going on and my reactions in case it helps others that are not sure. It's really not that bad....I would do it again if I had to.
Adangel: I am also doing the cold caps. I did my second round today but I am on taxotere and cytoxan. It's not that bad....I am 21 days after my first chemo with a full head of hair. I hope it continues this way! Welcome to the lounge!!! My side effects didn't start until 3 days after chemo and lasted 4 days. THen I was feeling completely normal.
Dizzy: I hope tomorrow you wake up feeling like a new woman. I was crappy from days 3-6 post chemo and on day 7 I woke up feeling great and have felt great since. It was just like it never happened. I hope you feel like that tomorrow. Hang in there. There will be better days!!
Michelle: I like the idea of a ga ga wig! Why not? I too am a foodie....I hate the days that all I want is potatoes or pasta - plain. I hope you get your taste buds back soon!
Kymn: So nice to hear you sound so peppy and back at work! That's great. Glad you are over the hangover. Now it will be my turn. If I puke, will you hold my hair (assuming it stays)? LOL!
Supersally: So glad you are up and around. You sound much better. Nothing wrong with playing the cancer card....you were delt it, so play it as needed!
BikeNYC: I am so sorry. How frustrating and emotional. It' so hard to go through this and have to deal with people and explain things that make us uncomfortable. I hope you were able to get your head in order and carry on for your business meeting. Hugs!
Countrywoman: Welcome to our little lounge. I am sorry about the hair...it's hard I am sure. I am glad you talked to your doc and got a lower dose. I hope you feel better with that change. THe neulasta got me pretty bad last time and I am dreading getting the shot tomorrow again - ugh!
Hi Min and Timerdog!!!
Lilylady: YOu can vent, cry or whatever anytime. You don't have to be cheerful or peppy - you just need to get through this...>We are here to help you do that. Don't feel bad....we all need to pick each other up. That's what happens in this lounge! I am so very sorry you have to go through all of this. Take a deep breath. Can you get some second opinions just to make sure everything you have learned is seen the same way as other doctors? I would keep looking into nutrition and other options....that is what I am doing too. I think Eastern medicine is a good thing to check out too. Right now you are completely overwhelmed and have every right to breakdown. I am only stage I and if I had a nickel for every person I have broken down in front of, I would be a rich woman! I am only stage I and did this. Don't feel bad. This is so much to go through. Oh how I want to hug you now and share a good bottle of wine and work through this with you. We are here for you....really!!!! Us lounge lizards stick together girl! Hugs hugs hugs!
Overy13: Welcome! The neulasta will help raist blood counts so you stay healthy. I get a shot the day after every chemo (I got tomorrow). As far as the hair, everyone is different. I am doing cold caps to keep my hair but my hair down south started shedding 13 days after my first chemo. Now I am 21 days after my first chemo (Had my second chemo today) and 25% of the hair down south remains. I no longer have leg hair or under arm hair either. That stopped growing within a week of chemo. Since I am doing cold caps, I have not lost hair on my head yet....if it works, I won't. As far as doing going through this with kids...it's hard but you do it because you have to. I am up every morning at 6:30am to get my 4 year old up for school even after chemo. It's hard, but the more normal he sees me he has no fear of me being sick. He does not even know about chemo as if I keep my hair there is nothing different. He knows I had surgery for a boo boo in my chest and I get tired sometimes. I just try to keep it normal for him so he has no worry. So far it is working. Whether you have kids or not, BC is hard. You are entitled to think it's hard too!
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Lily,
Please get the book, There's no place like Hope by Vickie Girard. It's written by a women diagnosed stage IV. She also got the quality of life speech and almost bought into it, but decided to find the people that would help her fight and gave her hope she lived to write her book. Also My clients husband was diagnosed with stage IV cancer went to mayo fought the fight and i did her hair yesterday and he is in remission with no sign of cancer, also got the quality of life speech, (if he would of stayed here locally to be treated he would not be here now) . Find the right people. Never put a period where God intended a comma. Never let any one take your hope away, If both of these people i mentioned went with the people that gave them the quality of life speech they would not be here, find the right people that are not going to settle for less than remission. The lady who wrote the book found Cancer Centers of America and they treat everything mind, body and the spirit not just the cancer. Sorry if I'm over stepping my boundries but I'm tired of hearing about doctors giving the quality of life speech to people when God is the only one qualified to give that speech, he is in charge of your destiny not a doctor. Your in my prayers.
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