The Hermit Club
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Oh Jinkala I'm sorry veins are very tricky and it's not comfortable either---I have a port in fact It was used for 2 IV's yesterday cuz they can't use my arms so I kept it and don't feel a think and they draw blood and use it for so many thins. So far I'm keeping it. LOL
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@Jinkala, I recently finished 6 months of chemo with CMF. The first four months the nurse usually managed to get the IV in on the first try--after that it was 3 pokes the next week and four the week after that, which was enough for me. I had a port put in the week after that which was used for the rest of my treatments. It may be that your veins are through with cooperating. How many treatments do you have left with the herceptin? If it's only a few, it might not be worthwhile getting a port, but if you still have several to go the port will save you a lot of unsuccessful sticks and many black&blue marks.
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Jinkala, sorry about your iv
I had a port too, and still do. I always had them run my H for 45min, maybe just didn't want to test the 30min. I read that some had side effects from 30mins.
So I tried this sample of a hair product called "Crack". It was from Ulta, but they sell it at salons too. Oh my gosh my hair almost feels normal, haha. It's soft and smooth instead of chemo wirey. I might try a cheap version from the drug store before shelling out the $20.
Hope all have a great weekend!!0 -
I've still got several months to go on the Herceptin but I really don't like the idea of more surgery. They do 30 minute transfusions on it and I haven't had any side effects from it at all (unlike the chemo). Last time the nurse got it on the first try but this time the same guy took several tries (after the other nurse tried a couple first). He found a vein two times and had it collapse before he could thread the needle in the rest of the way. Most of the time it doesn't hurt me much when they stick me a few times but he tried near the underside of my wrist which just hurt like heck and he said that's probably why the vein wouldn't work because I tensed up so much that the vein constricted.
My little bit of hair is really soft - like velour or velvet - so weird. I can't see any curl to it yet so I'm not sure if I'm gonna get the 'chemo curls' or not. My hair was almost totally straight before with only a slight wave to it. I can't really tell the color yet either. I think it's coming back in blonde like before but it's hard to tell right now.
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Jinkala it might g smoother next time lets us know.
Markat CRACK an appropriate name for something that gives u the idea that u'r hair feels great. Maybe spray it all over and see how good u feel--not for children--does it say that?
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Good morning fellow hermits- I survived a very tough week at work! Now I am working on shifting gears to get ready to head out on wed to part 2 of my internal rad treatment. I appreciate you reminding me to not overdo it Skittle, as my client is becoming too needy with me!
My valentines day gift to myself was a spa treatment last night! A wrap and foot treatment. Oh so good, and I came home relaxed and slept deeply!
Jinkala- my sister also has bc and is HER2 pos, and is doing the ongoing hercepin infusions. She has had her chemo and surgery and is doing infusions every three weeks. I know it gets old.
As part of the hair stories, my hair has been falling out a lot since having two surgeries last fall (Oct then Nov). Not clumps of hair falling out like you get with chemo, but just many strands in the brush or drain. I decided to get a new style to shorten it up today and make it more stylish. I know many are dealing with hair returning after chemo and if I hear of any good products from my stylist, will send it along. My stylist is working towards having her own business towards helping women with BC, including having a good wig shop.
I hope everyone made it through their work, their weekly medical care and that you all had a lovely V-day this week!
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Jazy that was the purrfect gift for u'rself. Great idea especially since u had such a terrible week and Wed. u'r leaving for u'r treatmen--altho u explained it I don't quite understand it--too new for me, but it sounds better than the other. And that's the last one right? (I hope)
Well as u all know I spent my wonderful Vlentines day in ER all day so mine wasn't pleasant and I'm sure I told u guys everything so Another week of tests--I wish (like I said before) they could all come to my house and do all tests here and then leave hahaha--like pizza delivery only tests delivery. Oh well I just hate to get dressed and just go the the hospital--good thing I wear no make-up or I'd be doing more to have to go. No vanity here.LOL
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Good morning ladies!
Jazzy, I can relate to you about the craziness with work. Sometimes the source of mine is the client and sometimes it is the people I work with. For such a small office, there is a BIG amount of DRAMA! We are starting a training class Monday which will more than double our number of employees. The first of March we are moving to a much larger office. It will be interesting to see how the “personality” of the company changes. I am hoping for the best, but waiting on pins and needles!
Teka, hope you and your hubby are feeling better and over the colds.
Skittle that was so sweet of your DDs! You are blessed!
I am SINGLE, not just single, but SINGLE. No BF, not dating, no interest in anyone right now. I have not found any eligible (or should I say, worthy) bachelors in this area! I will admit I don’t look very hard either. So…my Valentine’s Day was uneventful. A card from my wonderful DM and a nice long phone call with her, a phone call from my DS, and a text from a Dfriend.
Jinkala, my hair was that same really soft when it started coming back in. Mine had it’s own mind…straight on the sides and top and lots and lots of crazy chemo curls in the back. Mine was probably an inch long before the curls in the back started. Everybody is different. It will be interesting for you to see the progress as it grows out longer.
Hi Camille, curveball, bgirl, market, shambles and all other hermits!
HAPPY WEEKEND TO ALL!
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Jazzy, what a nice way to treat yourself! I like that. Glad you enjoyed it. Best of wishes to you while you prepare for your trip for your 2nd internal rad procedure.
Camille, sorry to hear your spent the day in the ER. I do hope you are better now.
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Oh Fl it was all right well I mean I'm single too and I spent the day being felt all over the place by a 40ish good looking Dr. so he was my date. LOL
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Hi Hermits- thank you for your notes and for the single ladies, our local news had a day last week called "Satisfied Singles" dedicated to those who are single and okay with it. Count me among that group right now. Like FL Warrior and a few others here, I am truely single and not dating either. Like Beyonce says "all the single ladies...."
FL Warrior- sounds like you are in the thick of it at work too. I can relate to the drama statements.
Cami- sorry to hear about the trip to the ER. Are you okay? I like the idea of doing home tests. Home health can sometimes do some of those things, but not everything. It is hard to go have tests when you don't feel well. Let us know what you find out from your tests if you want to? I am glad you had a hot doctor at least!
I am having a good day like I have not had in MONTHS. Good energy, got a great haircut today too. I am having almost what I call the first normal feeling day since I got sick last fall with a few things. I am grateful for today, even if this does not last.
And to boot, I had a bunch of errands to do and no one in the stores today where I live. Presidents Day weekend any everyone gone I guess?
Blessings to you all. Sending some of my energy your way.
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Camille I must have missed that you were in the ER!! (((Hugs))) I should rub that hair stuff all over and see if it works, lol!!!
Jinkala, I don't blame you for not wanting another surgery! I'm not sure if I'll ever have nips or get this port taken out for the same reason
If I can stay out of hospitals,then that's fine with me! My hair was super soft right after chemo, but during herceptin it started growing in rough and wirey, when it even grew. I'm one of those that had very little growth during herceptin and then it started really growing when I was done.
Jazzy,so glad to hear that you are having a good day! A spa treatment sounds fab!
Fl, hope the growth at the office calms some of those dramatics down! I usually send my mom flowers on Vday but I forgot this year We've just been so busy. I'm a total jerk.
Well, I've got a sick DH (where's the xanax!) and DD2 is also sick. DD1 is out running around with her cousin. So I'm trying to clean and sanitize everything.0 -
Jazzy I love to hear good day, may they keep on coming and staying.
Markat oh u've got sickness in u'r house I'm so sorry no rest for the wicked Bwahahaha. Do they both have the same thing? Geeze u have to make sure u have some meds in the house and chicken soup OY--and take care of u'r self.
My monday tests are cancelled again--ohohoh he doesn't want me to have it with the infections I have and ro drink all that stuff--It was funny in ER I probably told u the er DR/ said I passed a kidnewy srone I was hysterically laughing cuz there was no pain like they say so I know I didn't, but they did do a ultra sound on my kidnewy and bladder and there was all goofy infections so more meds and pain stuff now. This has een a little hurting tho. Then the winning thing he said was How are they treating the cancer in u'r back by my kidney--I said what cancer--Oh did he feel bad so he apologized like crazy and said he's not an expert on that just follow up with my Dr. I told him don't get so upset then I thought cancer WTF is he talking about. LOL Anyway h gave me strange pain pills just for thhe area of my kidney and bladder--I never heard of such a thing. But u know me I really don't pay much attention. So again it's postponed. Ugh they'll never get to my diarhea. LOL
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It's been awhile since I joined this thread, have been a hermit even here!
I'm starting my low SE week before next taxol so tonight I will be joining my DD, grandson and husband to celebrate my SIL' s birthday at a fancy restaurant. So today I will be tearing thru my closet to see if anything appropriate fits!
I'm going to do that right now so if I have to shop for something I'll have time. Torn between wearing a comfortable but definitely "I'm getting chemo" scarf on my head or an uncomfortable wig you'd never know it is a wig. Leaning toward the scarf for comfort over a long meal but aware that it bothers my DD to be reminded on a very visual level that I have breast cancer.
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Cami- sorry to hear about the ER experience. I hope you can get on the other side of the infection and pain so you can get the test done around the diarrhea. I had a month of bad diarrehea last year related to another medical issue, and it can really worsen fatigue, and create a lot of other issues. I hope you have a better week, this last one was a doosey.
Teka- I love the catnip comment!
Markat- sorry to hear about all the sick family. Take care of yourself too so you don't get sick.
PeggySull- good luck with your chemo. My sister went through chemo last fall and we found this very cool baseball cap that has hair coming down from it. My sister got a wig for her time at work, but the hat is something she wears during off work time instead of a scarf. If your local wig shop does not carry it, I am sure they could order you one! My sister still wears the cap as she only has about an inch of hair back so far. It is not hot either, like the wig can be if you are wearing it for awhile.
Will be signing off for awhile until I get to my destination for the rad treatment. Will check in with you fine ladies later in the coming week once I am past a few things.
Wishing you all a good week with healing and the rest!
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Jazzy try hard to keep in touc when u'r gone to tell us what's going on. please.
Oh Peggy u sound a little unsettled. When I had to wer something before I even lost my hair I got a few really pretty hats, and I did get turbans, but not the regular kind I got them with fun different colors like in one turban, and a couple of scarfves. But with hats I usually wore a big pin on the side and big earring to match the pin, turban I didn't cuz they usually had enough going on but always earrings to match and that jazzed it up to a more in syle look rather than just a hat. And I hardly wore the wig but I did get one with no part in it, it looks better. And of course u'r DD is no doubt upset, but if u make some fun with it--it's not so dreary and of course u'r makeup and somehow u can make it funner. I know about pushing u'rsel trying to find something to wear but try to match everything up so u'r DD can handle it better. I even had (have) a red and purple sequin ballpark cap to to knock around and wore red or puple earring--I might have looked silly but for some reason I didn't feel that way. Sometimes we have to bite the bullet so other people feel more comfortable arond us. I'm going on my 7th bullet.LOL Good Luck and come back and tell us how it goes for u.
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Well DD1 woke up sick this morning. I think it's strep. Hopefully the walk in clinic will be open tomorrow.
Teka, too cute.
Peggy, sorry to hear about your daughter. I always chose comfort over other people's feelings. Except for church things that I didn't want to remember having cancer in future pictures. Except now I have pictures of me looking like a ghost with an obviously uncomfortable wig on.
Jazzy, best wishes with this treatment! Sending you good vibes!
Camille hope you have a good Monday!
Hugs to all!0 -
Everyone doing okay? A whole day without any posts? Not sure that's ever happened
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I know our hermits are fleeing the nest. I'm still hermitting I still don't feel that well since my ER visit so I'm pretty much down and I'm taking a new med (for me) and it's strage (to me) the antibiotic is a normal one but this one is different?? I really don't know what it's for all I know is my pee is bright red.---it reminds me of the red devil which memories are not dond. Hahaha I'm still hurting but he said thiswas a bad one so I'll just wait. But I'm here.
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Camille, hugs! Is your urine supposed to be red!? Like that's a normal side effect? That would freak me out. Cancer has cured my hypochondria, but that would probably make me call the doc!
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Markat yea it is, but of course I forgot (as usual) just another SE from a new med. hahahaI'll be fine. markat I keep on getting stuff that's all. My immune system is shot.
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Teka I love this eating out thing u do. That's what I like to do.
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Ah, sweet ladies, I am still in the hermit nest. Wishing I had stayed in it all weekend. DH and I ventured northwest about 250 miles to "get away"... and ended up dealing with inept hotel personnel and then becoming a part of a crazed-woman-caused 911 call when the driver she was verbally assaulting (after leaping from her car, screaming) decided to move forward after she had planted herself on his front bumper. It was awful. DH goes into rescue mode (Navy training) and I run into the little ice cream shop we had just emerged from, telling the manager to dial 911. Emergency vehicles came roaring in after 15 minutes of waiting. The woman's eyes indicated severe drug trauma. The driver was in disbelief. It was crazy and so out of "Judge Judy" and so out of hermit comfort zone. Awful.
Camille... I hope you feel better soon. Never had red pee before. Dramatic for Valentines season!
Wishing you all well. Hoping se's aren't too much to deal with. Am in a cranky mood with se's at the moment. (Doesn't mix well with teaching, so I have to put on my happy face.)
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Skittle u could have been on TV with that crazed week-end geeze when u go out u really shake things up. No wonder u like hermitude--u have a real reason. LOL I watch enough of that in TV I don't need real life stuff. WowU'r DH was lucky to keep safe, u never know what people are up to.
So back to quiet work tomorrow--me I take my quiet at home.
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Teka sounds good
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Hey all, getting over cold. Went to a bday party out of town this weekend for my aunt. She was so good to my sister and I when we were taking care of dad this summer that I felt it was worth leaving hermitude for.
Cami - red pee doesn't sound very romantic...lol
I hate drama too these days.
Hear you on the SEs .... ready to toss out tamoxifen .... so tired of being tired, acid reflux, gyn problems, dry skin that is blistered like a sunburn, muscle pain, injured joint that won't heal ... oh and did I mention not sleeping ...
Working on trying to be grateful, but having a hard time .... ok done whining ... maybe will feel better once I go from exhaustion from cold back to just being very tired.
Doing my business year end to get ready to go to tax accountant ... maybe when I am done that it will improve my mood too!
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Jane I know it's all crap these Se's we all (Mostly) hav crazy ones but there's a fine line that happens between SE and something real and that's what I hate. U know I was in ER last week and here I had 2 bad infetions that mimiced SE's so I feel lost sometimes cuz I wait to long, but I'm not going to call the Dr. everyday either. I guess I just get aggrevated not know what to call about and what to suck up. No wonder I'm so confused all the time LOL
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Skittle, oh my. That is definitely something that would happen to DH and I. I hope you guys could laugh about it later. Not a mean laugh, but a, omg what just happened laugh.
Teka, love your style. We don't go out to eat because of the cost, but get take out at least once a week. I made some delicious sausage and peppers and another baked ziti this weekend. The sausage and peppers recipe is one of Giada's. I tweak it a little and usually serve it with a pasta or hoagie depending on what the clan is in the mood for.
Bgirl I hear you on the Tamoxifen. My whole body hurts on that junk. My onc wants me to start just taking Advil or Aleve to treat the pain SEs, um no. I'm sick of it. I'm going to try halving the dose for awhile if she won't help me. I love working and feel so much better, but part of that is because my pain is under control. I'm not a drug addict and I hate to be treated like one! Before cancer, I would have a little too much to drink on a few occasions, but that's it! Wah I'm just pissy because the nurse was rude when I called for a refill. Maybe it's time to see a pain management doctor.
Camille, if I were you I would call them every darn day I had the d until they could get it under control. I was reading on another message board about a man that had the D everyday and no doc could figure it out. They ran every test known and still couldn't figure it out. I think finally they decided to treat it as an allergy and he had to eat like 1 type of food for a week and then the next week another type of food, and so on. They were trying to see if it was dietary. Anyway, hugs to you my friend!
The ladies are back to school! Yay. Both had strep and God love them, they were little terrors. I'm hoping to stay healthy.0 -
Big waves to my fav hermits!
So, the *rain* has stopped. No sunshine yet, my mom passed recently. It was really peaceful and for that I am grateful.
It has been a tough few months, many left my life in such a short time. Have to say it has been overwhelming but I have managed to keep my humour, my DH and 1 spoiled cat.
Hope all are well, I think of you often.... I can't keep up right now as work had piled up and I want my paycheck
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(((Hugs Whaevah))) I'm so sorry about your mom. Sending love and good thoughts.
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