March 2011 chemo-lounge
Comments
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Good luck to you BlueCowgirl. I had my second Chemo yesterday. It went okay other than the difficult time they had finding a vein. Woke up this morning feeling a bit off, but not too bad. Hope it goes really well for you. Lets hope the saying "third times a charm" is meaningful in this context.
mdg is in the chair today and I think there may be others as well. I'm sending positive vibes to all of you.
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blue Cowgirl,
Heading to the chair in one hour. Doing #2 of 4. have been up since 3 A.M, Steriods! Good Luck to eveyone in the chair today
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Maria - I have kept doing weights - bicep curls, flys, triceps and bench presses. I only walk the first week after chemo, second week I do an hour 3 times but drop the weights a bit and add some cycling, then on week three I am pretty much back to normal training.
The physio said that would be ok, but then she is very pro doing as much as possible.Have you been told you shouldn't do upper body weights?
I train at my trainer's house though so there are not lots of people using the equipment
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Hi ladies,
So many posts, I don't know if I can keep them all straight.
It's chemo #2 today. I'm waiting to see the onc filling in for my regular guy who is off on holiday. They've already accessed my port for blood work and I should be in the chair by 10am. I'm feeling good because my sis-in-law is coming to hang out for a while. She's a pistol and we always have good conversations.
My DH says he has a cold coming on. He banished himself to the guest room last night and is over-rotating on the sanitizer etc. I hope it passes. He's run down after a whirlwind biz trip to China and too much work stress. I need him to be healthy so I'm worried.
I had a great workout yesterday. Gotta love the steroids. I'm hoping to get another set in with the trainer and a couple of cardio workouts in before the crash. I've been wiping machines before and after and head straight to handwashing and sanitizer after the weights. Yesterday was my first gym visit without hair and I used the Buff. My trainer said it's very trendy right now. I have one with some hot colours and the microfibre is actually ideal. It's breathable and I gave it a quick wash when I got home. Dried in no time. Highly recommend Buff, which I learned about here.
I have my bionic hair now and wore it at home yesterday to see how long I could stand it. I didn't want to wear it for a long day at chemo if it was going to bug me. It fits really well and I don't mind it at all. I still feel really self-conscious about it, but my oldest son and my DH both said it took them a minute to notice that I had hair again. My sis-in-law will be the acid test. She always comments on my hair so I will see if she notices.
The lint roller didn't seem to be picking up much, but I am noticing that my sleep cap is full of bitties in the morning. I've been thinking that I jumped the gun and could have gone a few more days before buzzing; maybe it would have just thinned. But I think I'd have been raining hair wherever I went and would have obsessed about bald patches. I'm no longer worried about it and can focus on other things.
The steroids don't seem to be affecting me the way they are some of you. I got so much done yesterday, it was amazing. I did not get to sleep right away and got up to get some hot milk and watch Big Bang Theory for half an hour. I must have fallen asleep ok after that and slept through to 5.30am which is normal for me.
adangel - I liked your review of why you're lucky. That's a good exercise to go through and I think I will do it tonight or tomorrow. Focus on the positive rather than the sucky stuff that comes with chemo. I need to do it before the crash.
I'm on a list related to my profession, but it's a tight group so there are personal posts as well. One of the guys had someone post for him that he was dealing with the loss of his wife. It quickly became obvious that she had breast cancer. I never knew his wife and maybe met the guy once, briefly. But I'm having a hard time reading the posts related to this. I just don't want to know that it took her. I need to focus on the positive and this is working against that. I only want to hear about the people like my mom who are still going over 20 years later with no sign of anything new.
Positive thoughts to everyone in the chair today and to those who are toughing out the post-chemo cr@p. Positive thoughts. I WILL not have a repeat of chemo #1. I WILL have mild side effects that are manageable.0 -
Good luck to BlueCowgirl, Maria, and Pasmith going to chemo today. I see PacMan working his magic for you! I hope you have minimal side effects and get lots done on the steroids.
Adangel - I loved your list of why you are lucky. I, too, really try to focus on the positive. Most of the time I'm really good at it, just sometimes my mind slips into the abyss.
Kymn - I'm so sorry you are still feeling so poorly and down, hugs! I recommend that you watch a funny movie or read a funny book or call a friend to come hang with you. You need to do something to get yourself out of the funk. My friend dropped off two of Chelsea Handler's books for me - "Are you there Vodka, it's me Chelsea" and "My Horizontal Life". They are perfect post-chemo reading. They are hysterical, I literally laughed till I cried at some points. They are not on-going, like a novel, so you can pick it up, put it down, really great. I'd recommend to anyone, I think there is another book as well. They are off-color and inappropriate, but really funny.
Have a good day, I'm off to push some paper around or something at work.
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HI ladies, feeling a bit better today and am going to head out into the world and get some shopping done for my DD 9th Birthday party on sat. I think I will stop and pick up that book Super Sally thanks I could use a good laugh. Good luck to all of you in the chair today and this week. Think I will get a new hat today to cheer me up too
Hugs Kymn
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Kymn - Retail therapy always works for me! Buy yourself something fun and definitely get the book! I'd drop it by if I could
Glad you are feeling a bit better0 -
Adangel,
Thank you for the beautiful reminder of all that is good and kind and supportive in our lives. I have lots to be thankful for. I think I will make that list today. I am normally a positive optimistic person, but have realized this week that much of my funk is probably a drug-induced SE from a new med I'm taking for neuropathy. Probably not the best combo to have my head shaved and be at the peak for the new drug at the same time. This depression is so unlike me. I understand why my husband was scared. Not of my bald head but of my behavior. I think it's time for the newspaper to come off the mirrors and face ME. This is a song by Christina Aguilara that I will put on REPEAT on the jukebox. Dedicated to all my chemo sisters in the chair today and rest of the week and especially to the beautiful sisters who are bald. Listen and take to heart these words sent out over the airwaves just for you:
Spoken:
Don't look at me
Every day is so wonderful
And suddenly, i saw debris
Now and then, I get insecure
From all the pain, I'm so ashamed
I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring me down
So don't you bring me down today
To all your friends, you're delirious
So consumed in all your doom
Trying hard to fill the emptiness
The piece is gone left the puzzle undone
That's the way it is
You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring you down
You are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring you down
Don't you bring me down today...
No matter what we do
(no matter what we do)
No matter what they say
(no matter what they say)
When the sun is shining through
Then the clouds won't stay
And everywhere we go
(everywhere we go)
The sun won't always shine
(sun won't always shine)
But tomorrow will find a way
All the other times
'cause we are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words won't bring us down, oh no
We are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring us down
Don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today
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carolk_cu and colodisneylover: I am on A/C too, and I am getting dark spots on my face. Have you found out/figured out what causes them? Will they go away??
I had my 3rd A/C last week, and I think it was better than the first 2. Interestingly, I had acupuncture during the treatment! The hospital "has a grant". I don't know if that helped...I told my DH I didn't know if you had to believe in it for it to work (like believing in fairies), but I'll take what I can get.
I envy those of you who are halfway done! But I am DELIGHTED for you! My last of 8 will be June 16...will that day ever arrive?
I continue to shed and am "shiny bald" in some spots. I suspect I will be all over pretty soon. My leg/body hair has NOT disappeared, just thinned.
I hope all of you ladies are doing well. Good luck in the chairs this week.
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Went in for my PEG injection today and decided to treat myself to a little retail therapy. Got a little carried away. OK - more than a little. Seriously more. But what the hell - I've got cancer - I deserve it!!!!!
Hope today went really well for BlueCoowgirl, Maria and Pasmith. And Kymn - sorry I keep spelling your name wrong! I hope you're feeling better and found a fab hat to buy today.
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MaxineO-I think I forgot to respond to your question about the Taxotere. The oncologist mainly said they are switching me due to the possibility of long term neuropathy. I didn't let him go on too much about it because I was panicked about the new drug, Taxol and was asking questions about that. Sorry I didn't get more info.
Also, I just wrote out all of my treatment days on my calendar. June 16 seems so far away, doesn't it? But, I have to remember it could be worse. I am trying to convice DH that we need to get away for a little break between chemo and the start of radiation. That way I have something to look forward to and June 16 will hopefully get here sooner!
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Hope all finds you ladies safe and well. Sorry for those of you with SE and the rest going through another chemo run. I wanted so bad to start spring cleaning today but no energy I keep hoping each day will add up some energy juice. I was always so active and now do the best I can but its like okay wheres my energy for spring. May we all have a better day ahead.0
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Went to a meeting with a nutritionist today on nutrition during treatment. Mostly, it was just common sense. She said nothing about not eating raw fruits or vegetables. In fact, she said a plant based diet is the best. But, the most important thing, according to her at least, is to maintain and not lose weight. If you lose weight, it will be muscle that you will lose. My chemo brain is forgetting why that is. Apparently, if you lose more than 10% of your weight, you have a high chance of getting hospitalized for some kind of complications. Also the fatigue will be much worse. You should take a drink and a snack to bed with you that has some protein and some carbs like peanut butter and crackers or cheese and crackers. Maybe that was just for me because I go to bed early. According to her, this is totally different than what they'll tell me for after treatment, but the biggest thing according to her is not to lose weight during treatment. She said the diet should be approximately 30% protein, 45% carbs and 25% fat for breast cancer patients. I did ask her about supplements and she said they definitley do not recommend mega doses of vitamins especially anti-oxidents, but a multi vitamin is fine. She did say I should ask the onc about taking a vitamin D3 supplement (my vitamin D was very low) and fish oil (Omega 3 supplement). She thought that would be a good idea. I didn't really get a lot of information out of it, but I am going to ask about taking the D3 and fish oil. It will make me feel like I'm doing something to help.
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Had 2nd of 6 TCH today-once again a sleepless night ahead. I can't really remember everything that happened 3 weeks ago when I had my first one other than a bad case of cactus butt and a head rush. I did pretreat with Pepcid for the heartburn which seemed to come and go. None yet tonight.
Insurance issues seem to be resolved...someone sent Bill Ford-the guy whose family owns Ford Motor Company-a letter about the problems I have had getting treatment. The letter actually reached him and he gave it to his personal assistant who then gave it to the corporate head for hourly worker insurance. She called Humana and slapped around the only lady that has been a help to me. She told me that ANY other issues to call her personally. She gave me her personal cell phone number and said don't hesitate to call it. I told her the ironic part of it was that I have had the BC parking spot at work for the last 3 years. You get the closest spot to the gate for raising the most money for BC. They have 4 spots total-one for each lot-so top 4 fundraisers get them. On cold wet winter days it is fabulous. I talk to my Humana lady on Fridays-I hope the Ford lady wasn't too hard on her-she REALLY has worked hard for me. I now have no argument on getting pretreatment drugs and was even offered Neulasta if I wanted it. Frustrating that they still won't prescribe a decent sleeping pill or anti-anxiety.
We are talking Friday about my second opinion options at a big cancer center somewhere. I am seeing a young Onc tomorrow-35 year old whiz kid-that I am going to pay for out of pocket. Don't want to have the insurance crap over the cost of the office visit. Depending on what he says or how close he is to agreeing with my current treatment I will make my decision.
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Hey ladies: So many people to respond to tonight....I had my 3rd of 4 chemo's today. Feels good to have one more under the belt! It was uneventful despite being there 8 hours (the cold caps take hours -I start 50 minutes before chemo, wear them during chemo and then an additional 4 hours after chemo). The worst part of the day is icing fingers and toes...lord that is 10 x harder than wearing a cold cap - honestly! If I had a nickel for every time I asked DH "how many more minutes" during that time Iwould be a rich woman. Ick! Thank god for good drugs...I was doped up on ativan and benedryl. Only 1 more chemo to go...in 3 weeks. I can't wait to be done. I know so many of you ladies have more than 4 chemos.....I feel bad only having 4. I just want you to know I am going to hang around with all of you after I am done...I need to pour cocktails for all of you until you are done!!!! I can't leave the lounge when I am done because this is where all the cool chicks and divas hang out!!!! You ladies are all truly AMAZING. When I think of being thankful today, I think of how thankful I am to have all of you wonderful gals in my life (even if only by cyber life). Your support, laughter, jokes, vents, music in the jukebox and strong desire to push through this brings a smile to my face every single day. I so wish we could all just drive to a local pub and hang out and chat.....It would be the BEST! I am thankful for all of you - truely.
Adangel: hangover or no hangover...status update needed!
LeAnn: How did you do today? How did caps go??
Pasmith: Glad you had a good workout yesterday. Keep it up..I believe it helps you get through the chemo better. How did today go??
Supersally: I am so glad to hear something brought a smile and laugh to your beautiful face! You needed that!!!
Kymn: I am so glad to hear some spunk in your post! Retail therapy is good. Tomorrow I am going out to get my 3rd Pandora ring for my 3rd chemo completed.....can't wait!
Husker: Beautiful song....should be the lounge theme song!!!! Eventhough it is easy to forget, we ARE all beautiful inside and out - despite hair, no hair, scars, breasts, no breasts, TE's, radiation burns and all. Breast cancer does not define who we are or our beauty.
MaxineO: I will be done with chemo but I will be waiting (anxiously) for my exchange surgery on June 23rd...so when you get done I will have another week before surgery. I know how fortunate I am to have only 4 rounds. I will be here to support you gals all the way through even if I am done!!! We stick together sister!!
Penny: My PS is not excited about me doing any weights with my upper body other than PT exercises. I wanted to start doing some light ones but I have my port in my arm for another month and it pulls a little when I use my arm certain ways. I think if I do any upper body weights it will be very light because of my stupid port. Once it's gone I will have a month to do some weight before exchange surgery. I did talk with my med onc today about all of the PA conversations about my exercise and how negative they have been. She had no idea. SHe said not to discuss this with them anymore and she cleared me to teach aerobics now if I want! I can't wait to get back on the schedule! She even asked me if I would get involved with the cancer center's intergrative medicine program as a speaker, exercise instructor, to talk about cold caps and more. She thought I would be an asset to them (what a compliment!). My degree is in Health Education so this is right up my alley. I may check into it....don't know if they can even hire anyone, but it would be a lot of fun (better than my full time job that I want out of anyway).
Colodisneylover: Get your DH to plan that mini vacation girl...you deserve that!!!
Lorenar: Keep doing the best you can...each day will get better and you will do more. Hang in there!
Kay: I met with a nutritionist too and did not get much out of it. I got more out of reading the Anti Cancer: A New Way of Life and Foods that Fight Cancer (my two new bibles...).
Lily: That is GREAT news!! I am so glad someone went to bat for you and you can get the treatment you need. Why can't they give you sleep aids? Rediculous! Can you take anything OTC for now? I wish we were closer..I have ambien that did not work for me at all. I rely on xanax. Let me know how the second opinion goes......I am hoping you will get some good news. Are there any other docs in network you can see? My friend works at Unv of Cincinnati at the cancer center there as nurse for a breast surgical oncologist. Have you been there yet? If not and if you need help, I can call her. She's my best friend and would do anything for me. Let me know. Otherwise like I said, Unv of MI is excellent up here. I know it's kind of far, but they are so well ranked. I had a good experience there. Very thorough and professional. If I can help in any way - I am only 1 hour from Ann Arbor....let me know.
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I have been away from the message boards for several days becuase I am still struggling with the rash. By Monday I took the 2+ hour drive to the med center where I am being treated and saw a dermotologist there. She said it wa the worse case of rosacea she has ever seen (at least she thinks that is what it is which I also thought based on my internet research - results of culture tomorrow). It is all over my scalp as well and so bad that I could not be seen in public. Even at the doctor's office the receptionist did not make eye contacdt - I am that scary looking. Between that and the bald head I had a major meltdown on Monday night when I looked in the mirror. Usually I can be pretty upbeat. Had a Herception infusion today and the onc ilooked at it and is still perplexed - has never seen it before and says it is not an allergic reaction. I will be taking less decadron on the nect TCH round next Wednesday to see if that helps which I hope does not cause me to have nausea. Will keep you posted. All this means that I have been literally down for the count not since March 30.
Lilylady - Great news - glad you are getting some results there and good luck with the second opinion. Also hope you don't have too many side effects from your cocktail today. I am a little ahead of you on that fron with #3 (2/3 finished) next week.)
Adangel - I have had some of the same thoughts - not nearly as many as you - but I am trying to use this as a wake up call to improve my life. Am going to have a hard time cutting my wine consumption though!
Since I am having the chemo before surgery, my onc is now saying that after 4 rounds I will have the surgery and depending on what they see I may have a few more rounds after surgery. I have not heard of this before - has anyone else? Not happy about this as it extends the time I will be bald by several months but I will do the most aggressive thing to get rid of this.
Thanks to those who replied re: the rash and thanks again to all who post - don't know how I would have gotten this far without knowing I am not alone.
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Chrissy, Sorry you are having such a difficult time with the rash. I have roseacea. It hasn't been bothering me for a little while now. When it was bad though, I took an antibiotic and it cleared it up right away. I do have some kind of a pimpley looking things on my back, my chest and a couple on my face. They are itchy too. Any way, I hope your docs get it all straightened out quickly for you. Good luck.
MDG, I am reading the Anti Cancer book too. I don't want to get through it too quickly. I am trying to take my time so I can absorb it. Some of the the advice is just so easy, it is a shame that doctors don't do a little more with some of the stuff that is not "medical". I am amazed (and I assume that it is true and some study has proven) that if you walk for 30 minutes 6 days a week, you lower your risk of reoccurrence by 50%. Why aren't docs telling patients this? I am not by any means an only alternative practices only person (in fact before the breast cancer I thought it was all garbage), but shouldn't doctors have a responsibility for learning things like this that might be as helpful as medications or other things they prescribe. I think GP's are doing more of that, but I haven't heard any of that from the onc. Maybe it's because I'm not thru chemo yet. Maybe once that is over, she'll have more advice about what to do to prevent reoccurrence like diet changes and exercise and maybe some vitamins and supplements.
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It's now post chemo#2 day 2. I'm up early to get to the gym. The good news is that I slept and even needed the alarm to get me up. Steroids rev me up but I seem to be able to get to sleep ok.
Chemo #2 went very well. I had my DH and his sister there and we had such a good time that I was barely aware of thee fluids being pumped into me. It was an 8hr day but the time flew by.
The dr dialed back the Taxotere to 80% in the hopes of keeping the big D at bay this time. We have agreed on a rather aggressive approach at the very first inkling that it's kicking in so that I don't end up with another 5 day's worth of IV hydration. Fingers are crossed.
I wore my bionic hair all day yesterday and my sis-in-law honestly thought I had not yet lost my hair. She was my acid test since my guys barely notice when I get my hair done and their opinions don't convince me of much.
My niece and nephew sent my a stuffed lion with their mom. My niece, who just turned 8, worked hard to make a tag for the lion that says "we love you" and "be strong!" I had an email exchange with them to determine that his name should be Ariel, which means "strength and courage." How cute!
Last night, I wrote a list of "I'm lucky..." statements as per adangel. I even used some of her list to trigger my own thoughts. It does take on a life of its own and I started to come up with so many that are unique to me. Great thing to do!
I feel good today. I'll take advantage of the steroids and get a good workout in this morning. I want to get a few things done today so that I can crash without guilt that something is being ignored.
It's supposed to bright and sunny today. We are getting a new roof and they need one more day to finish. More importantly, I am noticing the advance of Spring much more this year than I ever have. I'm not usually that impacted by the weather. This year, a beautiful spring day has such an impact on my mood. I already feel light and energized for the day.
I hope today is a good day for those in the chair today, for those starting into another round of SEs, and for those coming out the other end.0 -
lilylady: good for you, getting all the way to the top! That's the way to take care of business. I am happy to hear they are taking care of you.
colodisneylover: I keep thinking vacation between chemo and rads to. Do you have a start date for rads? I have been dragging my feet on making the appointment with the radiation oncologist...too many doctors.
I had heard that exercise was HUGE in preventing recurrence. I am trying to get into the habit now, but walking is all I can handle in the early days post-chemo treatment.
kay-from-philly: we could all form a support group when this is done to try and make these change. I really believe they work. I love the discrepancies between doctors on nutrition and supplements. I have been trying to improve my diet, but each step forward is 2 steps backward, between nausea, fatigue and mouth sores! I will heed the advice not to lose weight, even if I am tempted to do otherwise...
mdg: keep your positive spirit. I am excited for you and look forward to you staying around here when you sober up...gotta keep an eye on those of us still drinking!
chrissyw: sorry to hear about your issues. This is some brutal stuff, isn't it?
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Pasmith - I'm not sure I can get the I'm lucky list on paper. When I think about it, I start to cry. That is a very emotional thing to do. I have been journalling (sometimes) and that is a list for the journal because then I can just re-read it and add to it as needed. I'm glad yesterday went so well and quickly for you and that you are enjoying today.
Lily - are you seeing a therapist? I see two different ones. One I do most of my talk therapy with and the other I see occasionally for talk therapy - and he prescribes me drugs. He is actually the one who has me on Zoloft, Xanax, Ambien. And he has been very responsive (over time) to changing doses to what works for me and doesn't and also meds. I know it would be one more appointment to add, but someone like that could serve two purposes. Mine isn't covered by insurance, but some are. I hate to recommend one more thing for you to fight with them about, but just a thought. Glad you are getting some response. You could send a nice email to the lady that has been responsive at the insurance and thank her for the attention, apologize for the a@# chewing, etc.
Colodisney - definitely plan a get away! It would be great for you on so many levels, do it! I have 2 trips planned for the summer and am working on a third. It gives me something to look forward to.
Kay - I have "Anti-Cancer" on the nightstand but have not yet started it. You really caught my attention with the 30 minute 6 days a week walk, that is something you'd think EVERY onc would be saying. Much like they talk about tamox, neulasta, etc. Interesting info from your nutritionist meeting as well. I too thought eating organic, etc. was a bunch of hooey before BC.
Chrissy - hang in there. I'm so sorry you are having to deal with that on top of everything else.
I'm off to do some work, have a good one!
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MaxineO-I met with the radiation oncologist a few weeks ago mostly because I am in what my oncologist and surgeon keep calling a "grey area." I have one node positive, so I could decide to do or not do radiation. I wanted to see what the rad oncologist said, and he said the same thing, "grey area."
I am doing it. He said they'd see me three to four weeks after chemo is over to get everything started. I am assuming I'll start the week of the 4th of July after the holiday and will go for five weeks. I just keep reminding myself that it will be better than chemo!
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supersally - I did a draft on paper and then put it into my journal on the iPad. I will revisit and add to it as I go along. You're right that it's an emotional thing do and It did trigger a tear or two. But then a Tim Horton's commercial can set me off too. It's too easy to succumb to the "poor me" way of thinking when you're stuck in chemo-land and it's important to look for something positive to keep from sinking out of sight. You might feel emotional as you start thinking about it, but it does start to feel good.
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Morning ladies, well I am at work today, finally the fog has lifted completly sure wish my appetite would go away though damn I always want to eat aarrgggg. got some really cute stuff yesterday shopping, it was a fun day and I spoiled myself, was also able to come home and clean the bathrooms and make a fabulous dinner for the family, it was a lovely day feeling like a human being again.
My last chemo day is supposed to be June 30 but the Doc says to expect delays, I am suppsed to do treatment number 3 on the 28th but he doesnt think my blood count will be high enough by then so we shall see. When he fist told me this before chemo number 2 I was very depressed about it cause I had gone and marked every treatment on the calendar and now that had to change but after last week I kind of hope it gets delayed a week. I am not ready to go through that again.
Hope you are all well
Have to get back to work, prolly wont be on tonight my daughter has her spring concert
Love Kymn
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I am due for #3 today - half way there after this.
lilylady - so glad to here about sorting the insurance problems. - It should not be necessary but its a great result.
Kymn - Isn't it lovely to feel human again - one minute we are basket cases and then next we are feeling great because it all feels normal again. I have marked all my treatments on the calendar too - I hope they don't get shifted. My daughter's 30th birthday and my son's 25th are June 11th and 12th a week before my last chemo, so I am hoping I will feel well for those. If they change the schedule though it will mess it up.
pasmithX2, supersally - not sure I cam cope with the list thing - I did my will and a letter to my children before I went into surgery and its took ages - I just kept bawling every time I started the letter. Its good to think about all the good bits though.
colodisneylover - I think you have done the right thing. I would pretty much take any treatment if its a grey area - I can't help thinking that if we don't and then it comes back we would be pretty unimpressed withorselves.
I really must get the anit-cancer book - I don't think I am being careful enough.
MaxineO - I also walk for the first few days (and can't even do that on days 3-4). I also find that I can swim though even when I feel at my worst. Not sure what onc's say about public pools though, we are near the sea which i think is fine. I go back to the gym after the first week.
kay-from-philly - so good to get positive feedback on the walking - it makes it seem more worthwhile getting up at 5am to walk with my sister.
chrissyw - sorry about the rash - I did not get one this time (but mine was only on my arms last time)
Hope everyone in the chair this week is feeling ok (BlueCowgirl, Maria and Pasmith - have I missed anyone
Maria - brilliant about teaching the aerobics. I knoe what you mean about the port pulling, but since mine is unusable anyway I think what the hell.
Word of advice generally. I have a nailbed infection in one of my fingers (excision arm unfortunately as well) - I think its under control, but my sister (the nurse ) has advised me:
Keyboards are filthy - I use alot of other people's as a consultant - use hand sanitizer after you touch them.
(Phones can be pretty dodgy too)
Buy my own boxing gloves - I have been using my trainer's - stupid!
If you get any minor nail skin infections, soak the finger in salty water for 15 minutes and the put betadine onand just to prove that my mum does not mean to be tactless her latest email
"Hi, I am glad my special daughter has gone a bit outrageous & is not pathetic .I am proud of you. I have a sweet pea out in my garden which I send to you. There are also yellow pansies in a flower pot with pretty faces. Julia has nits [hair fleas] but the rest of us seem OK.
Good luck for Friday I am thinking of you & wish I could take your place. Thank you for being such a wonderful daughter with the best sense of humour ever.
Lots of LOve from MUMXXXXX"I love the fact that she felt obliged to warn me about my relative's hair fleas !!!!
I hope everyone has a good week
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Hi everyone,
Just checking in, I had chemo #2 yesterday, half way done!! Reading all your comments I feel kind of like a wimp, I take a whole week off of work. I am a hairdresser and stand on my feet all day so working the week of chemo does not sound like to much fun. Which brings me to my grateful list;
I am grateful for being able to take a week off every third week.
I am grateful for very supportive friends and family.
I am grateful for my husband for marrying me the week before chemo started so I could have my long blonde hair on my wedding day.
I am grateful for this trial in my life for it has strengthened my relationship with God,
I am grateful for this forum and meeting all of you, and being able to be on this journey with caring compassionate people like yourselves.
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Hey ladies....gotta love the post chemo steroid rush today! I feel great and was running all day. Did my 60 min on the elliptical and some weights. I finished my last day of PT so I am all done with that. I did go out and treat myself to another Pandora ring today!!! Yes, I get one after each treatment and so far I have three! I picked out the one for my final chemo in 3 weeks....so beautiful! I can't wait to go back and get it in 21 days (not like I am counting or anything!). I also hit Walmart and got some Easter goodies for my little one...it is around the corner ladies so if you have little one's get out there and get it done! (yes, you can all tell I am on the steroid rush).
Chrissy: so sorry about the rash! OMG! I hope whatever they gave you has provided relief quickly! Sounds like it has been so hard....I am so sorry. Please post an update..we are thinking of you! I know the thought of more chemo sounds horrible, but if it kicks this crap, do it girl! We will still support you and be here for you no matter how long you have do to chemo!!!! I have been kicking the wine habit...not drinking during chemo. I feel like I am poisoning myself. Read the information on alcohol and BC....scares me. I have decided I will save it for weekends out with friends and try to find wine with a lower alcohol content too......
Kay: I am glad you are reading that book. The other good one is Foods That Fight Cancer. My med onc has reviewed the exercise risk reduction with me before and in fact was talking about it again yesterday. I asked her if she had read the Anti Cancer book or was familiar with it and she said no. I plan on getting it for her when I finish my last chemo. Because I have exercised and kept hair with cold caps she said "You don't look like a cancer patient on chemo at all...how are you doing this?" I said "exercise, cold caps for my hair (making me feel normal), living as normal as possible and empowering myself with nutritional changes from the Anti Cancer book". I hope she will read it and at least share the title with other patients to help them. I do feel there is such a disconnect in the treatment...no one really reviews everything. I don't know what I would do without this website and all of the many helpful ladies that have shared so much information with me!!! I certainly would not be doing this well!
Pasmith: congrats on knocking another one out girl! Good for you working out...I am telling you it makes all the difference!!! I am sending "anti Big D" vibes your way girl!!!! Hoping all is ok in the GI tract for ya! I have the opposite problem with chemo (which is odd because I usually suffer from IBS with the Big D all the time!) but I a happy to report the GI tract is moving just fine a day after chemo! Thank the Lord!!!! I am starting to feel like an old person....obsessing about my poop!!!
Maxine: Exercise if you can! Obviously listen to your body but if you can even get out for light walks I do believe it will lift your spirits and give you more energy. I have always exercised and still got BC so I am not going to stop for sure now! In my mind I am going to blame the BC on birth control pills, having a child late in life, wine and not breastfeeding. I will continue to believe in exercise!!!!
Supersally: Glad you are reading the book too. We can share ideas....we can do this. I feel empowered by making the dietary changes in some way. I can't control everything, but I can control the food I eat and how much exercise I do. Feeling empowered these ways I do think helps emotionally. I feel like I am doing everything I can and believing it will make a difference. Let me know what you think when you start reading.....
ColodisneyLover: My chemo was in a gray zone and I did it. I had one onc say yes, one say no. I had to decide. I want to look back with no regret. Does it suck? Yes! But on the bright side I have all of you holding me up and getting me through. You have to decide what is right for you and what you can live with. It is such a personal decision...we support you girl!
Kymn: I get hungry after chemo too! Don't you remember last time I was talking about the ginormous bowls of popcorn I was eating???? Today I kept myself busy and away from the house so I would not eat. The weekend will be the worst...I have to get out so I don't eat. I gained 4 lbs since my last chemo....want to keep weight were it was so I am going to be good this round. NO pigging out! I am so glad you are feeling better! I am so glad you are feeling like yourself again! I know how disappointing it is to get the delays...I would cry! Are you getting neulasta shots? I can't remember. My counts on the shots are lower than they were before I started but have been high enough for chemo. I hope it stays that way.... Let us know what happens with your dates for chemo. Crossing fingers counts stay UP!!!!
Penny: I hope all went well today...no hangovers for you I hope! I love your mom's message. So sweet. She obviously loves you so much. That made me smile tonight! Get the Anti Cancer book. It is EYE opening really - even to someone like me with a degree in Health! I have overhauled our house. YOu don't even want to know how much food I gave away out of my pantry! I have gotten rid of so much and replaced it with healthier options. It feels good to me! It is hard to follow everything the book recommends but I am going to try my best to do what I can for me and my family with the food thing. Let me know how the next few days go....I am also waiting for the pending hangover.....it missed me last time - maybe I will get lucky again!
Leann: If you feel like a whimp then what am I ???? I have been off since my BLMX on Jan 27th! I would have had to be off for at least 4-6 weeks because my full time job is physical (I am a sales rep and drive all day and have a heavy bag I can't lift in/out of the car post OP and I also call on the hospitals as I sell products used in the OR to control bleeding during surgery so standing all day would be hard too!). Because I work in the hospital with lots of germs my Med Onc doesn't want me back to work until a few weeks past chemo to make sure blood counts are back up. I am ok with that but that means I won't go back until late May and then I go back out for another month for my exchange surgery on June 23rd. Thank God I have good STD insurance through work! I am just going to focus on getting better. No one at work knows I have BC except my boss. Since I am doing cold caps I won't even have to say anything about it. That will be nice. Congrats on the wedding!!! I am sure you will cherish that day and the photos forever! So glad you are half way done girl! Fabulous!!
I hope you all feel good today and have a great night. Good luck to anyone else in the chair this week...NO hangovers allowed, OK???? Hugs!!
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What is a Pandora Ring?
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Ohhhh...check out the Pandora jewelry website. The have all kinds of fun jewelry. They have different silver rings you can stack on one finger...all are different. I have bought a different one after each chemo as a treat. I now have 3 stacked on my right ring finger and my set of 4 will be complete after my 4th chemo in 20 days!! They have really cool bracelets too - you can add all types of charms/beads....
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Aaaahhhh. LOL! I was thinking it was some sort of maybe alternative medical thingy! I used to be a super chunky jewelry grrrl, but since I work as a pastry chef, gotta lose the rings and things. I do keep my multiple ear rings, since they are not likely to drop into a batch of flourless chocolate cake batter. I see a lot of alternative piercings and tatoos in this industry.
Can't wait to tell the restaurant kids about MY new tatoo. Yeah. Just a brown circle. LOL!
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Morning all. Day 3 post chemo 2 and feeling a bit low - just tired and worn out. Still not sleeping all through the night and the steroid rush is wearing off. Also finally decided to bite the bullet and go for the buzz. My hair is all over my flat and its making me crazy. Tomorrow, a friend of mine is taking me out for lunch, a stiff drink (?), and a buzz cut! Not sure if I should go for the Emma Watson boy cut, the GI Jane look, or full shave. Any advice? I'M PETRIFIED!!!!!
In more cheery news, last night we launched our new global TV commercial for Peroni Nastro Azzurro beer. We've also produced an amazing music video, re-recording the classic track, My Girl, with an amazing Italian soul singer, Mario Biondi. Have a look at www.peronimygirl.com to see it. I swear it will make you happy. I watch it every morning and it cheers me up immensely. Anyway, I'd love to hear what you think about it.
I love the idea of the Pandora rings - one to mark each cycle. Not sure I can fit 6 on one finger, but I'm all up for trying.
Thanks for all the reading suggestions - I need to get on Amazon and get some. Working with a dietitian but its very so going.
Hope everyone is feeling okay today.
XX
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