March 2011 chemo-lounge
Comments
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Well girls I have figured out how to screw the insurance co. You don't want to pay for chemo? FINE!!! I am just going to start having major organs removed from my body and you can pay for that!!!
I went today for my post op visit to get my port checked and the BS told me my case got "presented" to the round table last week. They are unanimous in agreement that the bad parts of the liver need to come out ASAP. The plan now is to do the 6 weeks chemo, scan, then do the liver. I asked her if they take it out thru your bellybutton-she laughed at that and said they can take lots of things out thru the bellybutton but not chunks of liver. I was really thrown for a loop-just thought surgery was a far off option-like Sept. She again expressed that the report they are reading about my rotting guts just doesn't match up with what they are seeing sitting in the chair in front of them. They want to do the surgery while I am in peak health. I am more worried about the stuff pushing on my trachea and voice box but she said they should see a quick chemo response. She also said they are split on the lung thing-she feels it may possibly be histo lesions. It all will focus on the scan. Without doing biopsies they are only assuming C-if they shrink it would be confirmation of that. She only does breast so I will have a surgery consult with a liver guy.
As far as chemo today I left the house at 11 not knowing if I was getting a treatment or not. On the phone right up til the moment I left the house on the phone with yet another Humana rep. Got to the onc office and they treated me with "free" sample drugs. Good news is it looks like everything has been resolved. I have to call tomorrow to make sure that we are all on the same page. There were misunderstandings between them and the onc office but Humana was still questioning the treatment . After the onc himself spent 45 mins on the phone hopefully all is resolved.
Feels like another sleepless night. I won't be able to sleep because now I know when we meet up 1 day in the future I won't be able to walk down the beach in a bikini... apparently the cut for liver is pretty big and across your abdomen. (Just funning-I haven't walked anywhere in a bikini in a long time) I am not funning about meeting up 1 day though.
Maria-I need 2 umbrellas in my drink right now----and top shelf rum
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Well Lily, One step forward and two steps back! I'll join you in with the umbrellas and thinking rum...hmmm...daiquiris (had to look that one up!) have rum don't they?!!
Glad things are (probably) settled with insurance, but geez...liver surgery. But from reading so many of your posts I know you will tackle this head on and do what you gotta do. I'm smiling that BS said you are in "peak health"!! Isn't that great that she said that? That's gotta give you hope. And surely she will tell the liver guy what's what so you can get this taken care of and start seeing and feeling some progress!
Granny...a Husker? Really? You're the first that I know of since I've been on (Jan 2011). Go big red! Are you in Nebraska or "just" a fan?
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Hi march sisters....I enjoyed reading all your messages...you all are wonderful...sweet...so darling and full of life......count me in sisters....I just started my first chemo today.....I am on FEC for 6 rounds, was dx last feb 23, 2011 after 2 days of starting my dream job and lost it the
Third day I found out I was sick......it is unbelievable and having told it has spread out to my liver and bones....hey I am just 32 yrs.... Who have a beautiful 10'months baby, wonderful husband and a new house......then cancer hits me....it isn't fair right? But I have been so strong since the day I found out....my faith hasn't been shaken....and truly believe that he has a reason a plan for us.....going back to my first chemo cocktail....I just imagined I am having piña colada.....so all my sister while we are hAvin our cocktail....you can "bounce with me...bounce with me" ....oppps did I tell you that my nurse forgot to order my chemo meds? Geesh she did.... The nurse on duty in the
hospital has to call the pharmacy and was told I need to wait for another 2 hrs to prepare it! What a day hehehe... But u know what didn't stress out...thought was afraid emend and 2 another anti nauseous drugs won't be effective by time they administer them chemo meds lol.....well ended up
playing guessing game with my husband and a had good laugh....didn't even noticed the chemo meds came and was done after 2 hrs......what I can say is always see the good side whatever is happening inyour life....cheers to all of you.....
Bouncing sweet angel.....;-)0 -
grannysgym, welcome to our March lounge, you will find great support and info on the enitre bc forum here. Please, whatever your diagnosis (Dx) of breast canser (BC), feel free to unload your burdens with all of us. We all have our own issues to deal with and help each other thru. So don't feel guilty thinkin you are complaining about chemo, we all grapple with the enormous amount of information and decisions thrown at us after we are diagnosed.
mdg, your visual of all of us in the lounge....perfect! Sort of like Toby Keith's video "I Love This Bar" (if you've ever seen it) with all the variety it holds. I also picture a gorgeous swimming pool in the area for any of us wanting to cool off, especially those of us having hot flashes (yes, I'm experiencing mild night sweats -some in the day also - due to chemopause).
The song on the jukebox I'll play is Katie Perry's "Firework".
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag drifting thru the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin, like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?
Do you ever feel already buried deep, six feet under scream but no one seems to hear a thing?
Do you know there's still a chance for you, Cuz there's a spark in you;
You just gotta ignite the Light, and Let it Shine, just Own the Night like the 4th of JuLy
Cuz Baby you're a FirerorK, come on, show 'em what you're worth!
Make 'em go OH, OH, OH, as you shoot across the Sky-y-y!
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btw, mdg, I am one who also believes doctors prioritize procedures that make them the big bucks and put off the lower paying ones. I felt that way when my BS was going on and on about a mastectomy and saying little about lumpectomy (surely the mx makes her more money)...like I was going to jump on the fear bandwagon and say, take this out/off, now! But I what I was thinking was, I want to know all my options before making a decision. So I think due to my hesitation to make a big jump on a decision, she sent me to the onco first. Now the chemo is helping shrink the tumor so a lumpectomy may be more of an option than it was before. But I really think they prey on women's fears, hate to say it, but I have a 6th sense about some things and I don't like it when someone tries to pull the wool over my eyes and thinks they can get away with it like I'm dumb.
lilylady, your journey takes some interesting twists and turns. I believe your medical team finds you as interesting as we all do here in the lounge. Keep us updated. p.s.you can swim in your bikini in the gorgeous swimming pool in our lounge any time, scarves, scars and all!
sweetangel, I see you are a newbie and have been through so very very much already, and I will keep you lifted up in my prayers as you continue your new journey.
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Hey gals, I buzzed my hair, and as it continues to fall out, I think I'm going to go with the shave; the itchiness is so irritating. I'll join your cult, bikenyc
Welcome to sweetangel and granny! mdg is setting us up with a jukebox in the lounge, which I am really appreciating today. Some days this cancer just completely sucks. Well, every day, actually.
Regarding headaches: I was also told they would decrease if the chemo drip was slowed. That helped me, definitely (I'm on A/C + T)
mdg: sorry about the night sweats. I am expecting chemopause, but I don't know what to credit it with; haven't had night sweats yet. My period started the day before my first chemo, but I have always been so irregular, it could be weeks before I would even expect another. Oh well.
lilylady: holy crap, now liver surgery? I think you should still go around in a bikini and show off your tough scars. My dh and I went to some 'clothing optional' beaches several years ago, and he is determined to get me there again some day. With one implant and one natural breast, I think I would scare the natives.
We are a bunch of sexy, bald, carousing and drinking women, though, so you never know what will happen.
Thanks for being here, ladies, it cheers me up on some of these more depressing days. I don't have to pretend to be the upbeat and enthusiastic cancer fighter like I do with everyone else.
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LilyLady, that is such great news about your insurance getting with the program! Re: Liver...I am so sorry to hear this, but hey, the newest rage is high-rise bikinis that would probably cover your scar. There are some really cute ones out there!
Interesting 2nd AC for me yesterday...almost didn't get it due to neuropathic symptoms - doc told me "No chemo today" but acquiesced after I pitched a total fit. Sometimes it pays to be a demanding bitch. I posted another thread about this, wondering if others have had the same issues, but no responses yet...anyone here gone thru this? FWIW I already had neurologic issues before cancer Dx, they are just worsening. Which makes me think Taxol won't be an option for me. Crap. One day at a time, right?
The good thing is, I feel Soooooo much better on day 2 after AC than I did last time, so you women out there about to get your second round may feel better knowing it got about 100% easier for me!!!
Oh, and thanks for the tips re: total shaving of the head. Mine is about 3/4-1" now, I am starting to lose body hair, and my head is starting to itch. Shaving today! Anyone know a good barbershop walking distance from Longwood medical area in Boston?
My song on the jukebox is Sublime: "What I Got".
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thanks Thedivine mrs m. I will keep you in my prayer as well. I am managing the first day of my chemo very well....I didn't feel nauseous at all.....and had a good sleep the whole night. I am not sure within the next few days. Also I was told not to shave my hair, instead trim it, because I might get an infection with shaving it.
I would like to know if anyone had their bone scan after few days of Chemo? I am not sure how the bone scan will complicate my chemo, specially if I will need to take RYE or they will give me something to take before the bone scan. Sometimes I am thinking my Onco and her nurse are pretty mess up with scheduling....first I was told i will be having chemo tuesday, then call back....found out it was Wednesday, then on my chemo day the meds are not available because they forgot to order it for me....geeessh....I am now thinking of changing my Onco.....I just want to work with someone who I feel comfortable and spend more time with answering all my questions
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Good day, ladies! Maria you are right, all we were missing is music. I'm going to play "Brickhouse" by the Commodores
"She's a brick---house, mighty mighty just lettin' it all hang out. She's a brick---house, the ladies stacked and that's a fact, ain't holding nothing back" WOO-HOO - let's dance girls! LOVE IT
Maria, you will prevail over the PS, I have faith you will get what you want. Thank you so much for your great attitude and ideas, you are such a good support to us here. I don't have hot flashes yet. No period for the last 2 years after my hyster and I can say I don't miss it. It sounds like you had a wonderful day with your little man and your friend and retail therapy. I'm so glad you are feeling better and that DH will be home soon, you do such a good job of taking care of yourself. I get a lot of strenth from my DH, he is a rock.
Lilylady - I will welcome you to our beach party in a bikini, scars and all. I have a scar already from my hysterectomy, it's just under a bikini line, but I feel pretty much like Frankenstein (also have one on my ankle and on my shoulder, and of course on the foobs) I'm so glad to hear your insurance is starting to go the right way and sorry to hear about the liver, hang in there!
BikeNYC - I like your avatar pic. I think that length looks good on you. I told DH this am, I don't think I'm going to rock the bald look, he said I'd be beautiful anyway like a good boy. I have a long narrow face that looks best with bangs. I'm thinking about getting myself a fab silk scarf to wear daily for when I don't want to wear a wig. Hopefully someone can show me how to tie it. No signs of any hair falling out, I'm at day 14. I told DH I keep giving a tug to my pubes and he said "owww, why?" and I told him they are the first to go and if I pull a big hunk out and have a bald spot no one can see it yet.
I got a fill this week, so I'm starting to feel like a "brick house", LOL. I'm probably a full B at this point. Thinking 1-2 more and I'll be good to go. I asked DH if he liked this size and he rolled his eyes and said bigger, jk. I'm going to have a problem with clothes though. I need to buy a few shirts for work to get me through I guess. I can't really see me wearing turtlenecks in TX in July. I try to wear a high neck to cover the sports bra, port, silicone patches on the scars, etc, etc.
have a good day girls, enjoy the tunes! fire alarm going off at work, yikes, time to sign off!
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Re: Barbara, LilyLady, Silia, MaxineO and Maria,
I haven't heard back on the results from my ultrasound, so I'm thinking no news is good news. I do go in for my next chemo treatment on the 8th and I'll ask them then what was found. Maria your PM made me feel better because what you explained to me made sense and none of my doctors ever told me that. But I will ask them as to why there is still breast tissue.
To the ladies in this lounge, you are all awesome, beautiful and strong women. Don't ever forget that.
hugs, min
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Min-so glad to hear from you-I keep turning the computer on to see if you have checked in. If they haven't called you in for a special visit that seems like a good sign.
Supersally-are you old enough to be a disco diva? Brickhouse was our "GOTTA DANCE" song back in the day. We were sneaking into discos with false IDs as soon as we got our driver license. Drinking that horrible 3.2 beer-so drunk it took 3 of us to figure out what gear the car was in to drive home...I don't know how we lived thru that or didn't kill anybody. We thought we were so hot---and back then we were. There isn't 1 of my group that doesn't break into a huge grin when we hear that song. I am 53-graduated HS in 1976.
Thank God Maria put a jukebox in the lounge.
Welcome Sweetangel and Granny-you've come to the right place! Sweetangel our Kym is a Canada girl and also on the FEC. She is so ready for the spring-she had just mentioned more snow earlier in the week.
Bikenyc-hope to hear a good update from you sometime today.
Cancelled my plans to return to work on Monday-didn't make sense to screw up the disability if I was only going to stay a short time anyway. they probably think I am nuts-I spent the first 2 days this week getting everything signed and delivered-now I am pulling all the papers and going the other way. If I am going to spend the first part of summer not being able to lift anything ect from sugery I want to spend the next month getting my gardens started, patios dressed up (if it ever freaking turns warm), and getting some interior stuff done. Don't figure I can work 10 hrs, do chemo every week and all that. Disability pays sucks but I know how lucky I am to be able to stay home and draw it.
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To Lilylady,
First, you sound great. I am hoping that the ball is finally starting to move for you? Did you say you've had a chemo treatment? What were the free samples?
Wishing you a good day,
min
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Mouth sores?
I know someone must know a way to treat this. I was denying that I had any, but the roof of my mouth near the back feels quite raw. I have heard of mouthwashes available, but I can't remember what they were called or where to find them.
Thanks for you help, ladies.
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MaxineO
1. rinse frequently with baking soda and water--about a tsp per cup of water.
2. Biotene Mouthwash (http://www.biotene.com/Products/Mouthwash.aspx )
I've been using a combination of both. If it's really bad, ask your dr for a prescription for a mucositis mouthwash like MuGard. I haven't resorted to do that yet so I can't say how it works.0 -
So the update from the PS is that the nurse never called back yesterday. She called back this morning to see how I was and asked if I was going to continue to fill or just schedule surgery. WTH? So I said "so basically you are calling me back a few days later and offering me nothing different than our last conversation?". She said uncomfortably "yea". Nice....I said "you do realize what kind of message you are sending, right?" long pause.....then I said "you are basically sending the message that you are willing to take on new patients and squeeze them in within a few weeks and get them sucked in and when they are sucked in and in the middle of the process you basically tell them that you have no time for them and that they can wait until you do". Another looong pause. Well all I can say is she has messed with the wrong person....she has no idea who she is dealing with. I suspect they do this to all patients and most of them just accept it. Well I won't without a fight. After explaining to her that since the dr put my 1 implant over an inch higher than the other and the fact that I can't keep it in any kind of jog bra or bathing suit (the bottom of the one foob is so much lower it falls out of the bra/bathing suit) how exactly would she like me to explain to my 4 year old son that we can't go to the pool all summer because my foob won't stay in my top????? I told her I had no issue with the uneveness knowing these were temporary, but NO ONE ever said I would have to keep them for the summer because the dr is too busy to finish the job. Then she offered up an appt to meet with him on Monday. You can bet I am meeting with him...I also have a call in to the other PS I really liked at the other cancer center and am calling two more tomorrow. Screw this. If he won't fix this, I will! OK - I am done with talking about that...pass me a cold, frosty, frozen staweberry margarita (my wine won't cut it today!). On a brighter note, my DH flew home this morning and will be home tonight. God I missed him this week!!!
Lily: OMG! I am so sorry that you have to get surgery now. If the docs think it's best then move forward and we will stand with you. Maybe the scars won't be that bad and now you can have scars lasered to help fade them. I have a c-section scar that is right below the bikini line but you can't even see it and I did nothing to help it fade. Have hope! You can have whatever drinks you want on the house girl!!!
Sweetangel: Welcome to our little lounge! I am so sorry about your dx. You did come to the right place though! We are lounge lizards that like to have lots of fun and drinks. I wish you luck and come here any time for fun, support and venting....oh and the drinks are good of course! Everyone welcome Sweetangel!
Divine: I have not seen that video....will have to google for it! I love the Fireworks song....good choice! Love it!!! Now we need karaoke in our lounge too if we keep playing good songs! As far as the PS I feel that they probably do this to everyone and most patients just don't have the "balls" to challenge them. Well I have balls baby! They have messed with the wrong woman. I have a call into the other PS I really liked when I started this process and will see if they would even work with me or not. If not, I will look elsewhere and see if I can get what I want. I will also just wait and see what happens on Monday when I discuss this with the surgeon himself.
Maxine: sorry about the buzz cut. You are still beautiful!!! (and now more comfortable!!!).
Bluecowgirl: sorry about the neuropathy. Can they give you anything to help with it? I have read about accupuncture, Vitamin B, L Glutamine and such that people have used to help with that. See what you can find out...maybe something would help so you can continue forward. It can't hurt to ask or look into it. I hope something helps so you can finish chemo and not look back.
Supersally: I LOVE LOVE LOVE Brick House! That's a great dancin' song (but you gotta shake it and sing along VERY loud too!). I can relate to the Frankenstien feeling. I always say I look like a road map under my clothes. I had knee surgery years ago, now I have SNB scar on R along with drain site and MX. On the L side, MX and drain site. I also have a C-section scar from my 10 lb baby. Lord...I hope I can get some kind of a discount on laser treatments for all my scars after all of this is done! My pubs started going at 13 days. Tell your DH the "tug" was not weird...I did it for days too! (now I feel validated....thank you!). 90% is gone now.......an almost brazilian.
Min: I am glad you got my message but sad that your Surg Onc never shared that with you. I am going to remain positive and absolute that it's nothing. Please keep me posted....I can't be worrying about you girl!!!
I want to put a few good songs on the jukebox for you special gals....hmmmm. The first one is "Walking On Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves. You gotta move and smile to that one! I also think "Dancing Queen" by Abba is a must!
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timerdog -
I also started TC x 4 on March 17th (one day off from you) and am following your lead with shaving my head tomorrow. Yesterday (day 14) the southern patch started coming out and I know the head will follow.
My husband just left on vacation and a dear friend offered to do the job. I'd like to do outside so the birds and squirrels can use my hair in their nests. Isn't that a sweet image?
Thank you all for your tips on how to do this. I hope I don't cry.
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Cathyjoan, it will be alright. You are taking charge of when and how you lose your hair. It is a sweet image to let nature have your hair now that you can't use it. Hang in there!
Good choices on the jikebox, Maria. I am up and dancing for sure. Glad to hear you are working on plan B. You'll get it figured out soon. Glad DH is home to help.
Lilylady, I'm 40, so no first hand experience at the discos or drinking 3-2 beer, but "Brick House" is the kind of song that is timeless. I thought it was appropriate. I'm glad you are not going in to work. You need to do everything you can to help your body fight. The disability income is better than nothing, as you said.
Min, fingers crossed for you that no news is good news.
MaxineO, I kind of have funky mouth. No actual sores, but it feels like they could pop out at any time. Also, my lips are so stinking dry. I put stuff on them constantly. I've been rinsing my mouth out with a mixture of 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, and warm water. My onc recommended keeping it in a plastic jug or other container and I have it sitting on the counter, so it's really easy to just pick up and swig, swish, and spit. Biotene is the mouthwash I've heard about, for dry mouth.
And, I will leave you with another song - this time the BeeGees - "More than a Woman"
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Thank you Supersally.
I got a massage late this afternoon and no longer feel anxious about buzzing my hair. I left my undies on because I didn't want to shed on his sheets, but felt bad to see lots of my head hair all over. He massaged my head and must have had hair all over his hands - ick. Now I just want it buzzed - it's coming out and sticking to my neck and shoulders which are covered with massage oil.
One more day....
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Hi ladies,
It is ok to have a little cry cathy joan even if you are ready, I feel much better knowing I did it on my terms day 14 today and not sure if the nether regions are shedding lol I always had the brazillian
but my eyebrows sure havent slowed down any still plucking those suckers daily.Mdg I will keep you company and keep the drinks coming for ya hun, lets get that cute bartneder over there....see him the one without the shirt on .....oh bartender a round for my girls .
Would love to stay and chat with you all girls so sorry but have to run my DD to brownies and then work on homework with DS but will try and pop back on tonight if not then hugs and drinks all aournd
popping in a quater...... Ozzie Ozbornes Life wont wait for you my friend
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lilylady - I reckon the liver surgery is actually very good news, I read alot on treatment of liver mets when I thought mine was positive and they get really good results with surgery. The fact that the mean B*st*rds are prepared to do it indicates they think its likely to have a good result. It also means they can get to the bits they need to remove which is not always true.
Scars are just symbols of our strength.sweetangel - welcome, you have a wonderful attitude and that make a huge difference on our prognosis.
maria - glad your'e giving them hell - after all if they are going to run this like a business then we are the Customers
BikeNYC - Oh no - now I have an awful feeling I should let hubbie have a pull at the hair - I'm sure he would enjoy it, and they don't get much fun now.
For tying headscarves I usually use the braid style but tie it at the side so the braid comes down the side of my face and in front of my shoulder. If you are used to having long hair I think it feels better.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2310503_tie-headscarf-braid-style.htmlThere are lots of other ones here.
http://craftstew.com/sewing/how-to-tie-a-head-scarf
http://www.tlcdirect.org/articles.aspx?art=127Music - I am 55 an an old Motown girl. I went to a Motown concert last year - half of them needed zimmer frames but they could still belt out the songs. Martha Reeves was great, and there was at least one of the Temptations still alive (at least I think he was alive).
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Bluecowgirl, I have had trouble with neuropathy (after only one treatment on 3-17), but they told me they would probably adjust chemo for round 2, which is tomorrow, April 1. Some joke, huh!? I have considered accupunture just for theraupeutic reasons, but didn't consider for the neuropathy.
cathyjoan, there are quite a few of us that started 3-17. I am still in the tingling scalp stage and have only had a few stray hairs, but may buzz it this weekend while I'm home from chemo anyway. Have two wigs ready to go, plus hats, scarves etc.
MaxineO...good for you. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm close. Reading about everyone else is giving me courage.
Maria, all I can say is give 'em hell. I will be very interested to hear what doc tells you Monday. That will tell you all you need to know and if he can't/won't do it, then you will already have some other options in place.
Looking at a long treatment day Friday...they were unable to draw blood last week at my local hospital because of a fibron sheath, a little fibrous tissue that decided the port was a foreign object and nothing came out. It's like a flap; stuff can go in (meds, chemo, saline flush) but nothing out. So have to report at 8 for meds to take care of that, then bloodwork at 9, then see onc at 10, then pre-meds at 10:30, and finally start first chemo drip at 11:30. Will probably be out at 3:30 if all goes well. Then the dreaded Neulasta shot on Saturday. Maria, I took Claritan last time, but only Tylenol/Motrin. I think I will switch to Aleve and be prepared for hydrocodone if necessary.
Question to group...I asked about getting a massage and onc said it probably wasn't a good idea because they are manipulating (massaging) lymph fluid. There is no one close that specializes in massages for cancer patients. Can't see laying on my stomach with port on one side and tender rt side from lumpectomy in early February. But thought maybe in a massage chair or something? The nurse said to check with a massage therapist and if they had a different philosophy or felt comfortable doing it then they wouldn't object. Really? But he WOULD be okay with accupuncture. I would so LUV a massage, but have not "shopped around" to see who would be comfortable with a canser patient, so...maybe I'll make calls tomorrow while I'm in the chair for all the live long day.
Okay, I'm ready for my appletini...gotta have something to wash down all the steroids tonight. Five at 10:00 pm and five more at 4:00 a.m. I can't believe how much our poor bodies endure with surgeries and drugs and emotiional upheavals.
My song for the jukebox is Defying Gravity from Wicked. It's not disco, but these words speak to me, and Maria...this song's for you!
Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by
The rules of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes
And leap...It's time to try defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you can't pull me down0 -
Good evening ,
Just popped in to say Hi am watching my Canucks right now and its in between periods.
Husk I was told the same thing, no massages
the time I need one the most I say Poo. Also I have a hot tub and DH and I used it alot but Doc says no to that too apperently its a sess pool lol I told him only DH and I go in noone else still no again I say POOOO.lol have a good night all games back on
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Hi all! How's everyone doing?
MaxineO, I had some mouth sores. I have been faithfully rinsing with salt water several times a day, and also chewing gum. Something about the chewing gum getting your saliva glands going can get rid of the mouth sores. I think sucking on hard candy may do the same thing. I can tell you they went away after a while of chewing the gum. You might want to give it a try.
Lilylady, so glad your ins. troubles seem to be behind you. Sorry to hear you'll be having a liver operation, but I think that is actually good news.
I am day 11 from chemo and still haven't noticed any hair coming out. Although it definitely changed. I'm hanging on to it until I can't.
Good luck to those of you in the chair tomorrow. Hope you have an easy time of it. I'll be getting my turn on Monday. I'll leave you with a song by the Eagles, Take It Easy. Talk to you tomorrow ladies.
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Yikes! I never thought to ask if I should stop getting massages. Here is something I just found on massage and chemo. It's from this site.
Deep massage, or any type of massage that involves strong pressure, should NOT be used if you are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. People undergoing chemotherapy may have a decrease in red and white blood cells, so with deep massage, there is a risk of bruising. Since deep massage can be taxing to a system already vulnerable from chemotherapy and radiation, it is not recommended for people currently in treatment. Light massage can be used instead.
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Kristy...Defying Gravity is one of my favorite songs!! I was thinking you went today (I guess it's yesterday), maybe your port problems changed you for tomorrow...good luck!
Scarf tying: I am also def a bang person and was worried about that. I put mine over my head a little off center, cross the twoo sides bheing my head and then I kind of roll one side and cross it around front of my head, it brings a little texture and then tie on side in back...wish I could draw a daigram...play around with it, you'll get something good! I can't remember which post I saw this on originally, but look up gailafund.org for a free turban! American Cancer Society in your towns may also have free resources in this area.
I was half way done today so on to sleepless night, but finished with AC...yay! My friend is a dental hygenist and gave me a nice mouth spray for dry mouth and also recommended the biotene mouth wash for the sores and for the headache question, I seem to get them around days 6 or 7 through 12-13 after treaments, but ibuprofin usually takes the edge off for me.
Good luck on those hitting treamtments tomorrow!
My song isn't an upbeat dance song (it's a little late at night and I am lacking energy for dancing), but I figured it was appropriate for the joke box: Leona Lewis, Footprints in the Sand:
You walked with me, footprints in the sand, and helped me understand where I'm going
You walked with me when I was all alone with so much unknown along the way. Then I heard you say: I promise you, I'm always there. When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair.
I'll carry you when you need a friend, you'll find my footprints in the sand.
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Again it's 2 am and no sleep so here I am sending out thoughts to all of you.
Jenn-h I had to reread your post because at first i thought you said your friend was a
DENIAL Hygenist--now that's the kind of person I want on my team
Amazing how chemo brain and lack of sleep can make things so funny. I crack myself up...
I have no profound thoughts-just wishing everyone well and thanking all for the positive energy flowing my way this week. I have removed my name from clinical trial applications. If fixing my liver improves my overall prognosis and longevity that is better than the gamble that I might get one of the new exciting Her2 drugs in a trial..
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Hi again everyone,
Just checking in. It's been a bit of a week since my first round of FEC-T. I managed through it fairly well and feel myself again. Going to have my blood test today so we'll see how I'm really doing. I LOVE BRICK HOUSE!!! Always felt better about myself when it came on, what with my big boobs and all. I'm a total disco era brooklyn babe (although I now live in London). I've ordered myself an amazing wig of long Russian hair (I've named in Natasha). I figured spending lots on a wig is perhaps the best insurance against losing it. Its been 10 days now and I haven't had any shedding yet. Not sure this means anything but I live in hope.
I've been following all your posts and although a bit quiet myself, I do feel so much better being a part of this amazing group.
Lots of love to you allXX
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Just wanted to check in and say hello and best wishes to all the Friday chemo-ers. I am still doing great 2 days out from second round of AC after major struggles with side effects from my first round - here's hoping that's the trend for all the other March ladies too!
Re: mouth sores. I use the prescription Chlorhexadine rinse. FWIW I've seen on here that it can stain your teeth, but I haven't had an issue with that yet. I know it's working because when I moved I accidentally left it behind and got mouth sores again within 48 hours...picked up more and the mouth sores are gone again, only took about a day to get better. Highly recommend it.
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All: thank you for the advice on the mouth sores. I am working around the biotene, baking soda, and saltwater rinses, and I will definitely try the gum and look for the chlorohexadine. I knew I came to the right place. I was going to permit myself a glass of wine tonight...looks like that's off the schedule, so I'll just have to have virtual cocktails with my ladies here.
re: massages, my sister is an aesthetician/massage therapist and while she said she is trained in lymphedema massage, it is strongly recommended that those undergoing cancer treatment avoid it for the time being. Nuts.
pennycookson: thanks for the links for scarf tying. I have been afraid of scarves for fear they will fall off; I will try some of those techniques. I just ordered 2 buffs online (really, like they use on Survivor) to try since hats seem to be squeezing my head. Man, it's hard to find the right solution.
The hair started coming off day 14, really picked up day 17 (buzzed it day 18), and since then (today is day 23), the stubble is coming off big time. Lots of BALD spots.
All have an awesome weekend. Thinking of all of you Friday cocktail gals...drink water, avoid a hangover!
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I was referred for physical therapy for lymphedema and she has massaged me twice. I guess I assumed it was fine since it's light and certainly not deep tissue. I am supposed to do massaging on my arm and side twice a day to help with the fluid build up. I guess I will call the oncologist on Monday since I was referred for a lymphedema sleeve, too.
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