Ottawa ladies?
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Cristalle, good to hear you are done with rads..I can't help you in the natural remedies for hot flashes, but I may join you in that department. I think I had my first one ever yesterday. What a weird feeling. I'm waiting to hear whether I'm in the Monday BCA class. Don't think I'm interested in a daytime BCA group but then again once I start chemo who knows?
I would like to meet up again for lunch and I'll post something again once I've got through the next 10 days. I'm transitioning my work to take the next few months off and it's been tough...no, actually it's been awful. Worried about money because I'm self employed but need to do this. So Tuesday is my last day for awhile. Chemo starts next Friday! ( gulp)
Melodie, so interested to hear your experience and I will make damn sure I have that 24 hour number. My kids are wondering if I'd have medical marijuana for anti-nausea and well, try to explain to 2 young adults that it isn't quite like that...! I'm glad that you were "right as rain" after a time. Thinking good thoughts as you proceed.
Fiddler, I'm so glad that your mom and sister are coming and I hope that lifts your spirits. The waiting is truly awful. I will keep my fingers crossed that you'll get into oncology pronto and you can get going. Things moved quickly once chemo was indicated for me. Almost too fast!!!! Did you decide to do Headstart or not?
I did the Look Good, Feel Better seminar/ workshop last night. It was fun, and relaxed me. I don't wear much makeup however it was some helpful beauty tips through chemo, and lots of free products. The wigs they showed us were really quite lovely too. I have a friend who is making me some headscarves( well, I think it's supposed to be a surprise) and I have another friend who is giving me a bunch of elegant scarves she used while in treatment. I am going to start wear earrings again, and perhaps I'll look better than I do now!!! Lol
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Beth, if you are interested in cannabis for easing side effects, you can ask your doctor for a referral to the Cannabinoid Medical Clinic http://cmclinic.ca/
There is a referral form on their website. My appointment with the doctor there was very informative and helpful. They definitely discourage burning cannabis, and recommend using a vaporizer instead. Much healthier, and just a very light fresh scent like iced tea or something. I will be able to use it indoors no problem, will not be stinky like burning it would be. I go to pick up my shipment from Tweed (the supplier) at the post office today. My plan is to use it only when necessary.
My family doctor called me yesterday and said the report the cannabinoid clinic sent back to her about my case was the most detailed and thorough she's ever seen from any doctor. I'm going to ask for a copy sometime.
If i can get relief from suffering, by golly i will. I anticipate it will be useful for nausea relief and pain relief that does not mask a fever. The original nausea medicine i was rX'd had side effects of its own that i didn't like. (I was woozy and out of it, and i'm not even sure it worked for me.)
These are modern times. Medical cannabis is now quite civilised, it seems. I would recommend a visit to that clinic to anyone preparing to manage side-effects.
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Here goes!
I hope i clean the fck out of my house this morning. Then hit the gym, and show up on time for school pick-up like a champ.
It is delicious. Tastes like bergamot tea. Light and subtle flavour. Feels like breathing lightly aromatherapy-scented air.
Update: had a small amount at first and it was useful for inspiring me to clean house. Got a lot done! An hour later i had some more thinking it was pretty mild, but this time it came out stronger and bitterly toasty. The experience was better at a low dose. After the higher dose i did some very gentle yoga and listened to James Taylor's greatest hits (music that feels like a warm bath). Glad to be learning how to use the vaporizer in advance of when i need it. Small amounts a bit at a time seems the way to go.
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thank you so much for sharing Melodie. I will keep this info handy. Does it make you hungry???
bet
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Very interesting hearing about the cannabis....never liked smoking pot, it just made me feel weird, and kind of sick, so never did it in college. I get bad migraines and have heard it's supposed to be good for that, but never tried it for that.
I finally heard about my next appointments! And they are soon, I am seeing the radiation oncologist tomorrow and the medical oncologist next Wednesday. Since I was on the fence about the Babes4Breasts programs, when they called with my oncologist appointment for Wednesday, I decided to drop out of that program. The oncologist is Dr. Clemons, I looked him up and he looks fantastic, he made a major research breakthrough in the treatment of metastatic cancer. I think I usually get referred to the really good doctors because I have a rather "unique" medical history. (long story....)
Anyway, I am very relieved to be getting going so quickly. Will keep you posted. And since I'm not doing that one program, it would be nice to find another support group in Ottawa, if you know of any. The Look Good seminar sounds great, I have always thought I would like to do something like that.
Hope you are all well!
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Hey Ottawa ladies, just thought Id check in after a long time, ive been discharged from the cancer centre!!! yay!
but feel free to reach out if anyone wants a chat or advice.
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congrats Redninrah!!
For me it has been 2 weeks post heart surgery. I saw my Oncologist yesterday, unfortunately the heart tumour and lymph nodes are all Cervical mets. He is trying to meet with Gyne oncology to figure a plan. However he said he can only give me a year, possibly 2. I am devastated.
I cannot find any cervical cancer support groups to see what treatment they have had etc. Really frightened.
Marple, if you are still on here, hi. We met at lunch at the Blackdog years ago.
D
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Oh I am really sorry to hear this. Sending you hugs.
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Tunegrrl- what is this product?? Sorry I missed the earlier posts and saw these pics, im curious..........
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22dragons: I have no words. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this.
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JoJo and I met at the Monday Maplesoft class this morning, only 5 ladies but all troupers. And the instructor's name was.....JoJo!
Beth is joining us next week I believe.
I will try the daytime support group but it means skipping the St Laurent fitness class once a month.
Best wishes for any experiencing chemo, I was fortunate not to go through it just now. Sending positive thoughts to you all.
Cristalle
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22dragons, SO sorry to hear this terrible news. It must be very difficult for you. Do you have a lot of family support? Ihope you can find a support group that would also help you.
I am wishing the best for you, peace, and will be thinking of you.
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Cristalle, it was nice to finally meet you as well. I actually had sore thigh muscles yesterday! Now I know I'm really out of shape cause we didn't do that many lunges/plunges.
Anyone going to meeting tonight? I had plans to go.
JoJo
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Hi, I'm sorry to hear about your news, but know that God does miracles and what humans can't do, God can! and he has the last word. Have faith, I will pray that he gives you more days and years to spend with your family! Have faith!
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JoJo then you should be glad you weren't in the St Laurent class yesterday. If it doesn't say Level 1 I guess they are all Level 2! I can't do the side lifts due to heavy thighs, and now my left hip is acting up (bursitis).
It is not a nice floor as at Maplesoft and it was crowded (16). Music was great (80s) but the very perky instructor did not check enough on the newbies. Leeann was there too and she seemed to do fine. I think three weeks post radiation is too soon for this class.
Are there notes for last night's meeting? I will go to the daytime one as I teach music on Wed evening. I will see you and Beth on Monday
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Christine, JoJo..I will be happy to join the two of you at Monday's class.
Today was my first day of chemo, well, almost...screw up in my prescriptions so I was delayed until Monday afternoon. Really disappointed as I felt emotionally ready to do it and I had to spend 2 hours there anyway. Came home with my BFF, had a few drinks and ordered a pizza. Not healthy but well, it made a crappy day a bit better.
How's everybody doing?
B
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Beth - that must have been frustrating to have your chemo delayed.
I had my first Taxol treatment on Thursday. I was okay until it was almost over, then I felt dizzy. My husband said I was really pale. The nurse said that it's a common side effect. The dizziness didn't last long and I was feeling okay soon after.
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Beth--sorry to hear about your chemo being delayed. Frustrating! Chantal, I hope the Taxol doesn't cause any more problems.
So I finally got some news...I am ER/PR- and HER2+. So that's a little disappointing. Had my first appointment with the MO on Wednesday and he's really good. I really like him. I'm going to be treated with Taxol and Cytoxan, but not the "A" one (Adriamycin?), because that one has a rare side effect of causing leukemia, which I would be at risk for due to a rare blood condition I have--I was so glad he knew all about it and was taking it into consideration, it was one of my worries with treatment. Starting with the second chemo treatment I will also be treated with Herceptin and then will continue with that until I will have had it for a year--it's an IV so I will have to go to the hospital every three weeks to get it. Hope I don't have too many side effects since I will have to be on it for a year! HER2+ makes my prognosis not as good but I'm going to try not to think about that.
Now I have four medical appointments this week, but I will have to wait to start chemo until I get the prescriptions sorted out. We don't have any extended health care insurance right now so luckily they are setting me up with home care so that Ontario will cover the cost of the prescriptions (Neupogen is $1,000!!!!). I'm hoping chemo will start the end of this week or beginning of next.
I'm kind of freaking out about the hair loss...they said it happens 10-14 days after the first treatment. Chantal, does this sound right? If so, I guess I will have to get busy and get a wig soon. It's just too hard to think about.
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Alana, i also have a HER2+ tumor, and can tell you that although i was quite distressed about it at first, i then learned that Herceptin has levelled the playing field. The prognosis is on par with HER2- now, thank dog.
I've been cold capping, but keeping the hair that comes off in my hairbrush in tiny baggies to see how the shedding unfolds. For me, shedding began on day 16, peaked at day 19 then tapered off.
So yes, you probably will have your hair (without cold capping) for about two weeks.
I'm on the same chemo regimen as you, and it seems the side effects are less harsh than AC side effects. I still have my sense of taste after two rounds, and nausea has been the main issue but only for a few days after each infusion. Zofran is my new best friend. Stemitil, Metaclopramide, Gravol and Nabilone were not cutting it, even in combinations. Next time i'm going to request the home care visit earlier on day 2, so i don't need to wait so long for the Nosenan anti-nausea injection.
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Chantal, you are more than halfway through.! I hope that it goes well on Taxol. When I was there Friday, the bell was rung and I wished that was me. Did you enjoy the LGFB?
Today, I'll be on steroids so I'm hoping it gives me bottomless energy but not too much so I can sleep tonight. I do plan to do some cooking and stock up my freezer a bit.
Alana, I've been waiting on your post to see when you start chemo. So far, I've bought a couple of headscarves and played around with them and that's about it. I'm going to make an appointment next week to see the CCS wig salon for a potential freebie. Later in the week, I'll get my hair buzzed off before I start shedding. If you would like to join forces to see wigs, I'd be happy for the mutual support and fashion show....please Pm me.
I also don't have private insurance. The CCAC put in the paperwork/ approval for the Ontario Drug Benefit Program on my behalf ( I didn't fill out a thing) so all the post chemo drugs are free, including Neupogen. They did this apparently when I had surgery and yesterday when I picked up my new drugs it was smooth! Tip: fill scripts ahead of chemo or fill them at the hospital since neupogen isn't always on hand in a local pharmacy and may need to be ordered.
Beth
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Beth, thanks for the offer to go together for the wig. I really don't have any close enough girlfriends here in Ottawa to do this with and my husband has no fashion sense.
I was also going to go to the CCS salon-- will send you a PM later as I am actually leaving to go to work today.
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Alana, I lost my hair around day 14.
Beth, I really enjoyed LGFB,
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First infusion, day and night one survived. I have not scrimped on the anti nausea (and I kept the 24 nurse number handy too), and they made me sleepy so I haven't been as wired on the steroids. Thank goodness, it was difficult concentrating even on that darn exercise class yesterday, which as JoJo and Christine both know was fairly simple to follow. Other SE from the anti nausea but my gassy dinner ( oops on that planning of precooking a vegetarian dish), its all good.
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Beth, i'm so happy to hear you had a smooth first day and night after your infusion! For me the first night is the worst and i get better from there.
It is a grey day, but anyone planning to go on the OICC river walk at noon?
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Is it every Tuesday at noon? I missed that info somehow last week...
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Yes i think so. Turned into a perfectly beautiful day yesterday. But i got busy tidying at home instead.
Happy to be seeing some of you this evening at the headstart program
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Any tips on what to out in a stinging surgery scar? I've googled it, but wondered if any of you have put anything on your scars thus far that was really effective.
Beth
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Beth, I didn't have any scar issues. I have some breast cancer books and will look it up.
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Beth, google dysesthesia...perhaps this is what you are feeling.
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lunch?
Was thinking we need a lunch again, how's next Thursday September 29? Location TBD depending on who's coming but again we'll pick central.My tastebuds have taken a holiday so as long as I have selection, I'll be fine.
Beth
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