March 2011 chemo-lounge
Comments
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I got two of the survivor buffs at www.planetbuff.com didn't know about the other site but I have two that I have been alternating at night. Think they would be good for summer too. Just depends on your style/mood.
Kymn, It is windy here too and the wig switch reminded me that I should always have a scarf or hat or something in my bag, just in case!
Kay, perfect song for the jukebox...love it!
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Well, I officially pulled out most of my hair last night....literally. I decided to pull it out instead of shave so I woudn't have to deal with stubble. I pulled a little more out tonight. I really want the rest out.
Had my second chemo today. Went well. We didn't use Aloxi, since it is closely related to the zofran and he thinks that's what is causing my headaches. We'll see. I took Emend at the office and they gave me kytrel. I do have a bit of a headache.
I can say that having the hair pulled out already has made a difference in how itchy and tender my scalp is. Every time I'd touch my hair, it would hurt. Now not as much. It's also kind of funny that when I get home, I sometimes like to take my chemo cap off and let my head "air out." Who would have thought?
I did go for a walk this afternoon after chemo and then took a nap.
The doctor examined my breast and lymph nodes. He said the margins of the tumor are not soft and squishy, not hard like it was. He says that is very good. We are seeing an improvement after 1 treatment of a/c. I'm pleased!
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Hi everyone! Sorry it has been so long. But my treatment threw me for a loop! Wednedsay was my treatment and slept the whole night. Which was good because I did not sleep Tuesday night at all. I did have problems with the first chemo. They had to stop it but finished the second. Now they have changed things to every three weeks and it is adriamycin/cytoxan. I have read everything on these is there any more info from you all??? I will have to do the herceptin eventually but not until I get three other treatments. I will be having a port put in on the 14th. Yahoo! Another surgery, another scar, no more mirrors in my home!!! My next treatment is on the 20th. Thursday I actually went to work, until I needed my shot. I was really tired. But I did it. Not sure why. Finally went back today, Monday for a few hours before my surgeons appointment. I know how it feels to come back to a bunch of crap on your desk that is never there when you are there everyday. It is like people have forgotten how to work. My boss was an ass. But, I guess I should expect nothing else. He was upset that the appointment for today was not on the calendar. My husband made if on Friday, I found out on Saturday due to how sick I was. He is such a jerk. I just walked away from him when he started on me. One of these days my calendar will be where the sun does not shine for him!!!
I guess the way my treatment went is the way it is for everyone. Wed. chemo, Thurs. okay then shot, Fri. bones hurt to the point that I just did not move, Sat. dry heaves, Sun. still dry heaves but better. Mon. just real tired but able to keep more food down.
My hubby and I discussed it, if I do not feel like going in then I will not go in. Ya!!! Right!!! It sounds good while he is on the road! Makes him feel better.
Thanks for listening!!! You all are the greatest. Now I am going to catch up with all of you!!!!!!
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Hi all Marchers from a 2010 March 'graduate':
I remember last year so vividly -- all my fears, chemo, rads, in my case infections.I lost every single hair on my body, almost every white blood cell, horrible reactions to the taxotere, exhaustion, hospitalization for staph. And guess what? Today I am not 100%, but I am close! Good energy, my brain clears more all the time. My hair is 3" long and thick!
It is/was no fun to do this, but it will be over faster than you can imagine. I have no idea where the last year even went. Take care of yourselves, sleep when you need to, eat little bits as often as you can, and lean on your sisters here. You can do it!
Be well,
Toni
(feel free to PM me if you'd like)
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Hey my girlfriends! I hope everyone has been feeling good today. Was anyone in the chair today?? If so....hoping for NO hangovers. I met with PS today. I was able to talk calmly with him and explain what was going on and he was really nice. He scheduled my exchange for June 23rd. I am so glad. That sound so much better than late August or early September! I am so relieved....I was pretty upset for the past 6 days over the nurses not taking care of this. I also got a fill....I am 470cc's right now! Lordy! One more fill then I can sit and wait until June 23rd. My husband is obsessed with the boobs.......like a kid on Christmas. He had to check out the new size as soon as he got home. I also did get a call back from the one plastic surgeon I was trying to switch to....he would take me on if I want to go there. It is so nice that I had a choice. I think I will stay where I am since the surgeon fixed the issue and since he started the job. Now we can resume our vacation plans...I had to let the reservations go so I will try to re-book it tonight online.
Penny: We would all LOVE to see that photo! I am so glad you have found a way to smile and laugh through this! Good for you!
BlueCowgirl: I am glad you are OK with rocking the bald look. I also have had my inner cancer bitch come out a lot in the past few months. I was so glad she did not have to come out today at the PS's office...I was worried she was going to come out like crazy if they did not schedule my surgery! What a relief!
Kymn: I can relate to trying to get your records. When I tried that a few months ago it took 3 days of phone calls. I finally said to one woman on the phone at the cancer center "ya know, getting cancer pretty much sucks, but right now you are making it even suckier". Yes, I actually said that...my cancer bitch comes out when she feels like it...it also seems to be triggered when people make things harder than they need to be for cancer patients. I also hope you got home and were able to lint roll your head while drinking a glass of wine.......
Michelle67: Congrats on being half way done! Good for you. I hope you are feeling better.
PasSmithx: We too had the big rain today! I guess it is better than snow. It's suppose to be 60 here in Detroit by Thursday! Ya hoo!!!
Supersally: Sorry about the hair...hugs! I had read coobie bras were good...I did not buy any though. I settled on some tank tops I have with a shelf bra in them and some jog bras that have thin straps (not racer back either) that I got at Walmart...3 for 10 bucks! I think they were Fruit of the Loom...not sure..can't remember. They came in a 3 pack of white, black, and light gray. I wish they had a flesh color but they did not. I decided I just didn't want to spend a lot on bras I would only wear a few months so I just got those instead of ordering coobie bras. I am doing OK with these. I did read from other gals the coobie bras were good. I have to be honest....my TE don't move at all. I don't really need support! They stand up on their own!
Cellomom: I am in the gardening thing....I have a full perrenial garden in the front of my house. I can't wait until summer when the gorgeous hibiscus come up! I also have my stunning purple clematis. Right now crocus are blooming, tulips/hyacinth and daffodils are growing but not open yet. By Easter they will be in full bloom....it always makes me happy to see them!
Divine: I hope you are feeling better. I want to bring you my homeade chicken soup right now.....Hugs!
Mauimama: So well said!!!
Kay: HOpe you are on the mend and feel better after a good night's sleep!
SweetAngel: I really did not have hardly any SE this second time around.....celebrate feeling good! I did!
Husker: LOL! Someone would think you were a bank robber or something with a disguise! Do you always carry an extra wig? It may be kind of fun to keep changing them when you feel like it!
OK...I could only get through half the many posts from today! I will have to check in with the rest of you tomorrow! Have a fab night sweet girls!
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I am inclined to drift into the lounge, ladies --invitation so gratefully accepted. A lot of character here. Some real inspiration. I hope I fit in. My poison of choice is Talisker (single malt scotch) on the rocks - just one, nursed ever so slowly. Just being around happy people is intoxicating.
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Ha! Remembered to list my cocktail and forgot the real poison --sorry! 4AC / 4T DD 3/8
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Maria, Ha ha. Never considered the wig disguise! Bank robber, wouldn't that go over in my little town! The only reason I had both with me was because I was going to the Look Good class and thought they might have some styling tips or something. Next time I will have a hat or scarf! Don't want the cops pulling me over. Maybe that's my song tonight "Let's Give 'em Something to Talk About, a little something to figure out..."
Off to bed, getting a little punchy I think. Next step is crabby and the boys could probably do without Mama Crab tonight. TTFN
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Hello Lounge Buddies,
Guess it's my turn not to be able to sleep. I guess those steroids from the pretreatment in the morning are doing a number on me. And DH is working the overnight shift 7 to 7 so I am all alone. Well DD is in the next room and the dog is sleeping in DH's spot. I am so tired, but my eyes feel like they can't shut. They are just stuck open. I think I might have to call and ask for some Ambien. I don't think I can do this again tomorrow. Other than that, no side effects from treatment #2 today. Hope that continues.
On the hair thing, saw my cousin today. She's my age, we were good friends when we were small. She told me to tell my twin sister that she'd shave her hear off if my sister does. I told her heck I have two sisters, I'll tell them both. haha Can't wait to hear what they say. If they actually say they will do it, I'm not going to let them. But I don't think the cancer card has that kind of power with them. They'll probably make some kind of a funny reply. Will let you know. I am going to get the dog's hair shaved though. But I was going to do that any way.
Divine Mrs M, how are you doing. Thinking of you.
Song: I Didn't Get to Sleep at All by the Fifth Dimension. ( I really do know some new songs, but I can't think of any appropriate ones.)
Oh-uh-oh last night I didn't get to sleep at all no, no
The sleepin' pill I took was just a waste of time
I couldn't close my eyes 'cause you were on my mind
And last night I didn't get to sleep, didn't get to sleep
No, I didn't get to sleep at all at all0 -
Good Morning,
Hoping most of you got to sleep last night. I take zoplicone (sleeping pill ) that really does the trick. In fact I would be a wreck without them. They are suppose to non-addictive ( not sure because I know I look forward to my little blue pill ) and the are very effective. First time in many years I have had a good nights rest.
I have my second chemo this morning. Even though I know what to expect I am still very anxious, guess that is normal. I will walk myself up to the hospital, walk home then I booked a pedicure. My ass BF, commented "oh wow aren't you the big spender these days." I just shook my head at him. For the love of God man, I deserve a treat ( actually a whole lot of treats ) I'm going through chemo!
I can hardly wait until I'm all done this BS and then I will let him have it!
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I am feeling more up today, girls, thanks to all of you for your kind words. Someone on here posted a link about the woman who's an 18 yr survivor of stage iv bc who recently wrote an article for Oprah's mag, so I went and read it and it started lifing my spirits. The article mentioned a few other things that I followed links to, and after awhile I was drawing out of my slump.
timerdog, thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers as you go thru round 2 today. God bless.
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Good morning ladies,
Divine mrs M so glad to hear you are feeling better today, its tough when we get into those slumps isnt it but I do notice that we all come out of them and keep fighting the fight one foot in front of the other. YEAH US.
TimerDog, I use the same thing to sleep best thing EVER, love my little blue pills, I find I dont even need a whole one I break them in half and they still work just as quick. I also put it under my tongue and swallow with lemon or lime juice and that helps alliviate that metal taste that they can cause.Good luck today with cocktail number 2 I am right behind you girlfriend cocktail number two coming up on thursday and good for you getting your toes all prettied up for spring, my DD did mine lol she is 8 you can imagine how they look.
Kay from Philly, sorry your not sleeping either I would ask about the zoplicone it really is amazing and you dont feel at all groggy in the am from them. I never sleep well when DH is not in bed with me need to be able to reach my foot out and touch him.
Husk how are you feeling today? I see your drinking in both lounges lol. Wouldnt it be great to really meet in one one day.....you never know maybe next spring we all go to Vegas.
welcome ultra plus nice to have you at the lounge we will have our hot hunky bartender send a drink down the counter your way
. What stage are you at in treatment?MDG I am so jelous of your garden blooming, I have a hybiscus in my house it would never ever survive out side in Alberta, I still havent seen my grass yet lol and more flurries for today.
teemee thanks so much for your post and to encourage us, it seems like such a long road right now but your right a year really can fly past. Although I was hoping to have more than 3 inches of hair by next March just saying lol.
Ok sorry if I missed anyone have to get working, kind a what they pay me for lol
hugs all around have a great morning
Kymn
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Kay - hoping you got some sleep last night. Definitely call and get something to help you, we really need our rest more than ever these days. I like it when the DP (dear pooches) stay up with me when I have insomnia. I'll go in to the couch and they follow me in there. It makes me feel less alone. I know exactly what you mean about the heavy eyes, too.
Maria - So glad you got it worked out with your PS. I'm glad he came around, I thought he would.
Huskerkkc - Hope you held Mrs. Crab at bay, I'm crabby today. I think the hair is doing it. Plus I'm not feeling well. Slight headache, probably from the hair.
Kymn - I'm with you, girl. Thursday, back to the chair.
Going after work to get the head shaved. it's noticeably thinner. Ugh, must go, phone call with boss. More later.
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Ultraplus - welcome! I'm from the Boston area too - started my AC on 3/10, just after you. Where are you going for infusions?
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I don't have too much to report today. My PS office called back to let me know there is a slight possiblity my surgery could be bumped because they gave me a timeslot they usually hold for those that need surg ong/plastic surgery on the same day (mastectomy) and if something comes up and they really need that time slot it COULD happen. Whatever...I asked her when I would be rescheduled if an emergency case came up and she said within a week or two. I am sick of fighting with them...really. Whatever. She acted like she was doing me some big favor and I was ungreatful to have the appt. I did get a call from the other PS and he is willing to take me if I want to. I just don't have the energy to spend on this so I think I will stay where I am and just pray nothing bumps me. I am booking my vacation for August (re-booking it) and if my surgery is delayed, my family and friends going will just have to wait on me hand and foot! I know the recovery from this will be easier than the last time so I am not going to worry about it and plan my beach trip! I made sure the house we are staying in has a blender for frozen cocktails too!
Djls: I am sure you feel better with the itchy scalp being gone. That's great news on what the doc said! I am also so glad you got to head out for a walk. I committed to myself that I will exercise 5 days a week during chemo. I am half way there and still going...hope it continues. I think exercise makes all the difference. I took a step aerobics class today...I can't wait to get back to teaching my aerobics classes (my med onc won't let me during chemo eventhough I feel good...boo!)
Overy: I would like to take down your boss! I can't believe some people....that's horrible! Don't frett about the port...it was OK for me but I have mine in my arm, not the chest. Don't know if it's easier that way or not, but it was not that bad at all eventhough I was scared and anxious. I hope the next chemo round goes better. I did not get the bone pain/aches when I took Aleve and Claritin for a few days after chemo...
Teemee: We love when veterans pop by the lounge and offer advice and encouragement. The drink is on us! What are you having??
Ultraplus: Glad you wandered into the lounge. This is the most FUN, supportive, upbeat and good group of gals! Hang with us for a while. I will get you a Talisker and add you to the roll call at the top!
Kay: Love that your pooch will have a shaved head too! You should both get matching bandanas to wear! I hope you finally got some sleep girl!
Timerdog: How are you feeling after chemo? Spend away girlfriend.....you deserve WAY MORE than a pedicure my dear friend! Don't you worry about him.....
Divine: I am glad you are feeling better today.......hoping you are smiling...even just a little.
Kymn: I thought it was bad in Detroit....but you do have it worse. You will have flowers soon...or in a few months?
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I've been in a funk this past week and just sitting off here in my corner nursing a Victory Hop Devil... Since yesterday my mood has been lifting, thank God. Am LOVING the jukebox addition to our little lounge!! So many great songs including the Wicked soundtrack and Closer to Fine. Think I've known every song except for the Ozzy one (and maybe I know that and don't realize it - lol!) I'd like to blast Pink's Raise Your Glass -- it's impossible to hear it and NOT feel in a good mood.
Toni, thanks for encouraging us. Your perspective is priceless (and I'm tearing up just typing that).
Timerdog, LOVE your new photo. Wishing everyone no hangovers and solid sleep...
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How is every body doin today? I hope everyone is okay.....it's been 6 days since my first round of chemo and glad not too much SE.
@ Kay, I am starting to have difficulty sleeping the last few days too, could be the chemo SE as well. I probably ask my ONCO for some sleeping pills.
@ Kymm, how nice of you.....I will love to have one of your scarves......not too bad to save something so I can buy some good earrings too :-)....I will private message you my address. Thanks in advanced sister.....and Yah....VEGAS next spring? how's that......sounds like a plan....
@ Mdg...I hope your schedule works with the way you plan it...sometimes it is so frustrating when something like that happened.......I am learning now, reading from the post here gives me idea. My Onco never talked to me about my surgery......I have no idea what was the plan...all i know is I am having 3 rounds of FEC......next time I will bring a load of questions.....and ask her about the plan....as I am also planning to have a vacation in DECEMBER....( to Philippines).
OH yah, I just had my bone scan today.....and the way I look at the chart (monitor) there is something showing in my spine......though not confirmed yet
.....they even asked me to have x-ray on my spine after the bone scan....hmmmmm should I expect another bad news on tuesday when I see my ONCO......I am not feeling good about it......Maybe I can have my Pina Colada for the day......anyone would like to join me....and maybe we can karaoke.......with the tune of (DANCING QUEEN)~
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing queen
~~ Friday night and the lights are low
Looking out for the place to go
Where they play the right music, getting in the swing
You come in to look for a king
Anybody could be that guy
Night is young and the music’s high
With a bit of rock music, everything is fine
You’re in the mood for a dance
And when you get the chance...
You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tambourine
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing queen
You’re a teaser, you turn ’em on
Leave them burning and then you’re gone
Looking out for another, anyone will do
You’re in the mood for a dance
And when you get the chance...
You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tambourine
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing queen `~~~~~~0 -
Just coming out of the fog now - 2nd TCH last Wednesday, March 30. Still, everything pretty manageable in relation to the fear that I had so I am grateful. Think I have now learned what works - should have taken the Colace on Day 4 instead of waiting till there was a problem. So far, just very slight twinges of bone pain - credit the Claritan - took it Day 0, 1 2 and 3. Days 5 and 6 low grade nausea and loss of appetite.
Hair almost all gone - no more grey - only dark hair left - hoping it grows back lush and dark!!!
I am currrently scheduled for onlt 4 TCH - most others seem to be on 6. I am doing chemo first and Onc mentioned last week that perhaps I might get more rounds after surgery! Was on wat to treatment and just did not feel like addressing it at the time. I can process a little info at a time right no..Anyone hear of this?
I have been keeping up with all your posts and they have been an inspiration to me - not to mention the laughs. My drink of choice is glass of big big Cab (although since I started chemo you could not pay me to drink - never thought that would happen!)
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Just sitting here "airing" my head out after wearing a cap and hat today.
Sweetangle...praying it won't be mets to your spine. I hate breast cancer.
Timerdog, I would have let him have it on the spot...or in the car.....or at home....or all of the above.
Kay from Philly: Make sure you get something for sleep. I'm actually using a variety of medications and I rotate them, reducing any chance of addiction. I take lunesta, ambien cr, zanaflex (muscle relaxant for fibromyalgia), and Xanax. Some people take benedryl, which is an otc drug. I'm one of the few people benedryl doesn't make me drowsy. I can take it during the day without any problems. I knocks most people out.
I need to ask everyone a question: If you are using a sleep cap, are you having problems with the thing rotating around your head while your sleep or coming off in your sleep? I'm finding it to be very, very annoying. I may not even bother wearing a sleep cap....I like my head warm and I was trying to spare my husband the view of waking up to his nearly bald wife, but this is driving me nuts!
Today wasn't a good day emotionally. I've been weepy on and off all day. A woman at the supermarket was trying to get my attention to tell me to move. I have hearing aids and I have a hard enough time hearing people behind me, but I was also wearing my 2 hats and the chemo hats cover my hearing aids. She went around the corner and when my mom got back with a cart, I cried on her shoulder at the market. Then a friend came over after work and I cried on her shoulder a little. Then husband came home and I cried on his shoulder for a little. Now I'm having a little bit of wine.
And watching the Philadelphia Phillies lose to the NY Mets! Pfffttt! Go Phillies! I had thought as to whether or not the dexamethasone I'm taking with the Emend could be causing me to feel a little depressed. Or it could just be that I had my second chemo and I have very little hair anymore. Either way, plenty of reason to be feeling a little weepy.
Tonight is a good night to visit the lounge and read about others going through the same stuff I am! Helps me remember I'm not alone in this. Hope you ladies have a good evening!
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djls, I have found after round 4 of AC that this whole chemo thing really kind of works on schedule. Dexamethasone makes me hyper Thur after chemo and I don't sleep well for three nights. Sunday I crash and I have a lot of difficulty getting through the work days Mon/Tues. Sun/Mon are my crying jag days. Tues-Thur start the headaches and the tingling in the fingers and toes. By the weekend I am feeling almost normal again and can get some nesting done to get ready for treatment again...back to the whole buff thing...those are what I wear to bed and they have stayed in place quite well.
mdg, I was curious where you lived as all my family is in Detroit area: West Bloomfield, Royal Oak...We will be coming up for Easter, will be nice to get away from all this!
and I am so up for Vegas in theSpring!!
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djls yes my sleep cap is rotating too,last night was the first night I wore it though cause DH was creeped out now that I am shedding
. Good thing it is so short now awfully glad I had shaved it. I was weepy girl yesterday and I have chemo number 2 coming up on thursday. After I bounced back from number one I put it out of my head for a good 10 days but now that the appts start up again, blood work today, meeting with Onc tomorrow, chemo thursday and then the ithcing and shedding well yah had lots of tears yesterday but today am better again. such a roller coaster hey.hope everyone gets a good night sleep
Hugs Kymn
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Sweetangle... positive thoughts coming your way
I am good for a karaoke session, but I will need a drink first, what do you think the reaction of the chemo nurses would be if we burst into song?
I must admit when we were all waiting for our scan results I was very tempted to break into the Monty Python version of "Always look on the bright side of life" in the waiting room.
Timerdog - what? are you still keeping him around. I guess maybe just make use of him till this is done, but he sounds like a complete waste of oxygen.
djls, kymn - I gave up on sleep hats and hubbie just has to put up with bald in bed.I get emotional around day 3 and I allow myself one teary night. Mind you yeserday I was leaving the car park at work , and the little car park man waved and said "Have a good evening beautiful". I promptly burst into tears, so maybe I am not as controlled as I thought.
Maria - I am so glad you are keeping your holiday - something to look forward to.
Taking my mum away this weekend for her birthday - expect lots of tactless comments to be reported on Monday.
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Good morning ladies! Maybe since it's morning we should order up a round of bloody Mary's or something......I hope all sitting in the chair today do well and those that had the chair already have no hangovers. Today it is cold an rainy again.....ugh! My agenda for the day is exercise, blood draw and appointment with the nasty PA that I don't like and getting our vacation re-booked. One more week until chemo #3. The weeks in between go SO fast...too fast! T
Jen: I live in Troy...I am close to those areas and have family in those parts of town! Let me know if you want to meet up for a coffee or something when you are here. I would love that! It would be so cool to meet up with a real lounge lizard! Vegas would be so much fun....Can you imagine us invading a real bar and doing all the stuff we write about on here? It would be fun for sure....we would need find a bar with a cute bartender where ever we go....we need eye candy. I can see us all doing Karaoke on stage.....
Silia: I had been wondering where you had been girl...pull up a chair and let's have a drink and catch up. I am sorry you have been in a funk....you are entitled. We are here to pick you up (in Italian....tiramisu...did you know that means "pick me up"? Just some odd trivia.....). I think we all get those days where this gets really emotional. It's OK to do that....I did it last week for a few days. This is hard and it's hard to be strong all the time. Quite honestly I find it exhausting to be strong for everyone else all the time. Last week I was finally home when my cleaning gals came. I have not seen them since my dx...I am never home on Thursday morning when they come. She wondered what was going on (pillows in the bed, flowers all over after surgery, pill bottles everywhere, etc..). When I told her she started crying horribly....I had to keep telling he I am OK over and over. That was hard given I had been in a funk for a few days myself..............I feel like I should be nominated for some Academy Awards for "best performance" after all of this or something!
Sweetangel: You definately should talk to your doc's about the sugery schedule....don't get stuck like me! I would try to get things confirmed as soon as you can. I hope the bone scan was OK. Sending good vibes your way and a hug for luck! Please keep us updated. I just ordered you and extra BIG pina colada....and I will sing Dancing Queen with you anytime girl...LOVE that song!
ChrissyW: I hope you only have to get a total of 4 chemos but if it is going to make a difference...you will get through the other ones if you have to. I too have not been drinking....I am pretty sure the nation has lost revenue on Pinot Grigio sales due to me getting BC! I also think Italy has been importing less Pinot Grigio and losing money too! My friends all joke about this and say my BC is affecting the economy and import sales! To funny.........Glad your hangover has been minimal.
Djls: we all have those weepy days...trust me - it's OK to have those days. HUGS!
Kymn: Good luck tomorrow. I have blood work today and have to see the mean PA again...ugh. I am sick of the PA's at my med onc office. If I get one more lecture on exercising from them I will lose it! (they lecture me on every appointment about the fact that I exercise....they think I should lay around, eat bon bons and feel like crap and complain about it or something...). Since they yell at me about exercise I wonder what they would do if I told them I smoked a cigarette or something really bad......(I don't smoke, but it may be kind of fun to tell her that today just for fun....yes, I am getting annoyed and synical.....he he!). I can see me saying "since you are not happy with my exercise during chemo, I have taken up a new hobby - smoking". Then say nothing and just sit there.....sounds kind of fun.
Penny: We will be anxiously awaiting your mom's words of wisdom for us all....I am happy to report when my mom was over on Sat night she did not talk about dead people.....what a relief.
Lilylady: when are you going to watch the "whacko-video"? We need our proper treatment for BC......he he! I will give you a strong drink first so you can watch it.
To anyone else hanging in the lounge...have a fab day!
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Good morning ladies. I haven't been posting because I was in a bit of a funk myself. Turns out many of you were feeling the same way, so I should have just come here to drown my sorrows!
djls and kymn, I have been wearing a sleep cap to avoid the bald look, but it definitely takes some getting used to. One is too tight, the other too loose.
This morning, I made breakfast for the girls bald...for the first time (I usually keep on one of my buffs), and my younger daughter (7) was NOT pleased. She has trouble expressing herself, so it usually comes out as anger, but it is really hard on me. My dh thinks I rock the bald look (at least he wisely says so), but the girls, not so much. I kind of got mad (I know, bad mom) and told her "If I don't take the medicine, this disease will kill me!" So now I feel crappy about that.
penny: I am dying laughing thinking of us all linking arms and singing together "always look on the bright side of life!"
sweetangel: good thoughts coming your way. I hope it's just a smudge on the scan monitor.
ultraplus: we're on the same chemo cocktail. Have you started?
3rd chemo tomorrow, and of course my anxiety is through the roof. And waiting for spring is getting exhausting. A nice rum and coke on a beach in Jamaica sounds lovely right now...
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Hi Everyone,
Thanks for the tip on the sleeping pills Kymm, never thought of splitting them. You are much braver then I taking them under the tongue! I slip them way back to my throat and swallow with a big gulp of water.
Just finished round 2 of chemo, I hate the way the steroids make me feel, weepy and depressed. Not to mention highly emotional. I hate the the hospital I have to go too. So small town and just downright ignorant. I had a very high WBC ( white blood count ) it was 22.4, the high average is 10.5, I asked why this occurred and could someone please explain what these numbers mean. The Onc nurse got all huffy ( last time she told me that 7 year olds handle chemo better then I do ) and stated that I was the only chemo patient that ever requested a copy of the bloodwork.
She doesn't like me and I do not like her! Needless to add that she explained the work in a unprofessional and abrupt manner and I did not catch a word of it. Went home and googled "High WBC' and discovered the steroids probably were the cause. I have a call into Sudbury to gather more info.
I'm pissed off at the world today, off to the gym to think, breathe and chill the hell out!
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mdg- what's this about exercise? Are they telling you NOT to exercise? How bizarre. Everything I have read and what I am being told by my onco and the primary nurse is that exercise can a) help you control the weight gain which gives you confidence and a sense of control, b) keep up your muscle mass, and c) make you feel better generally.
I know someone who participated in a study all through her chemo and participants were divided into a cardio group, a weight training group and a control group. She had to show up for her fitness classes at the hospital regardless of how she felt and she said she ALWAYS felt better afterwards.
timerdog - Don't feel intimidated about asking for copies of your reports. I have demanded a copy of every pathology report and now I'm getting the bloodwork reports too. Granted, I'm in Mississauga at a larger cancer centre and they seemed to expect it. The chemo nurse actually brought me copy at the first chemo without me asking. I should think they'd appreciate an informed patient.0 -
Timerdog - feel free to let that inner cancer b*&#h out! Sometimes that is what you need to get some answers. Might be hard with an onc nurse, but there should be someone around that will respond positively to a full on fit. Tawanda! (from Fried Green Tomatoes movie)
well, I got my head shaved last night. Definitely had a case of the blues, even though I didn't cry. Despite everyone telling me I look good with it like that, I'm not a fan. I know it was my choice to shave, take control of hair loss, blah, blah, blah - still. I got some cap thingies at Nordstrom that have a string so you can tighten and loosen them. I slept in one last night and it was perfect. Soft and warm and didn't move. And, my hair is still coming out, it's just 1/4 inch long now. I'm going to be honest here, I did have ONE glass of white wine with dinner last night. It was nice. DH and DD went with me to hair place to get it shaved, which was nice of them. My head still itches...
Stressed about chemo tomorrow. I assume I can still take Ambien tonight to help me sleep? After tomorrow I will be half way done, that is what I keep focusing on.
Have a good day Lizards!
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Supersally, I always take Ambien the night before chemo...and every other night too. The only time it interferes or doesn't work as well is when I have the steroids. 4-5 am and I wake up, but sometimes can get back to sleep. I also take an Ativan (anti-anxiety) at bedtime and also the morning of chemo. Has not been a problem for my two treatments and they know I am taking it (I always take a list of meds I've taken for the weeks in between.
I always request a print out of my labs and the nurse is always willing to provide. In fact she asks me if I want a copy. I also got the pathology reports. That is your right to have a copy and I don't know why it would be such a big deal. Talk to someone else. In fact, let 'em know that you want it every time. When you are seeing several different people, I have found it extremely helpful to pull out the lab report or whatever and show them. The first time I saw the onc he was flipping through a hundred papers. I pulled out my copy from the BS and showed him. Very helpful.
Timerdog. As for a nurse saying your're the only one to request a report OR to have the adacity to say a 7 year old handles chemo better is outright UNPROFESSIONAL. It is not too late to share your concerns with the onc, or nursing supervisor. I know we hate to make a fuss and sometimes it just isn't worth it, but that was totally unethical. You don't have to suffer in silence or be made to feel guilty.
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So strange how different one doctor can be from another. At my oncologist's office, they give me a copy of my blood work every time, without me even asking. He also told me at my first consultation to remain active and continue to exercise, and that it would be vital to my recovery. Since then, they have revised that a little and said to take it easy around day 10 when my white count is at it's lowest. Still, I haven't missed one day of going out for my 30 minute morning walk.
Kymn , I too thought I had to wear a sleep cap to cover my bald head, until I got the folliculitus (which by the way is very slowly improving). It caused my scalp to be so sore, I ditched the sleep cap and haven't worn one since, which is okay because they didn't fit right anyway. I do, however, put a bandanna or scarf on the minute I get up.
Barbara, maybe I will get brave and have a glass of wine with dinner this weekend. Sure do miss it.
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Ladies,
It looks like today, day 15, could be the day. Until this afternoon, I had virtually no hair coming out. Maybe a strand or two when I washed it. Now I can run my fingers through my hair and come up with 5 or so hairs each and every time.
How close do you think it is to dropping off my head en masse? Do I risk waking up with half my hair on the pillow tomorrow or do I buzz it tonight? I want to control this and not see myself with chunks of hair missing, but I also don't want to rush it even if it is inevitable. Besides, my hair actually looks good today. Dam^!!0
