Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013
Comments
-
I sincerely apologize for my sittle duck comment. Charge the offense to my head + not to my heart.
My sister told me that as she thought I wasn't moving for fear of getting a side effect. She saw that the fear of the unknown or what might happen kept me stuck. In my case, she was right.
I had no right to put those comments or expectations on you.
Make it a great day!
0 -
No matter what, please always remember to be easy on yourselves. This time in chemoland is not for the faint at heart. Some days, one can feel just fine and as if no chemo ever entered your body; and then there are other days, one can feel like she has been run over by a steam roller. If you are able to work while having chemo, that is great. If you have a job and are unable to work because of how you feel, that is fine, too. You see, each of us are very unique individuals--- not just in personalities and but also our physical bodies. When we arrived in chemoland, each of us has had different reactions physically as well as emotionally. You do need to be easy on your body and mind so when you come out on the other side, you will be ready to take on the next steps of your lives. Meanwhile, take good care of your bodies and minds. When you are tired/fatigued, rest. Keep feeding your bodies so there is fuel to heal. If you feel down and blue and need to cry, let the tears flow. Just know that you are not alone and there is a hand reaching out to help pull you up and support you. I have travelled through chemoland 13 months ago and so I do know and get how you are feeling. Again, take the time that you need to get through this time--- the time to get through the chemo and the time to heal from the chemo.
Sending many (((HUGS))) and lots of positive calming and healing prayers, thoughts and energy!!! Wishing for easy times in the BGC (aka Big Girl Chair) and minimal side effects.
0 -
Kbeee, I had issues with healing from my surgery also. I just wanted to get on with the treatment but they wanted everything totally healed so there was no chance of infection. You are so right - the waiting is the hardest part sometimes.
ckmoss, I too was in tears when I was pushing myself so hard to work. After a couple nights of coming home and crying I knew it was time to be realistic. People kept telling me to take care of myself but I don't think I really understood what that meant. Somehow laying on the couch didn't feel like taking care of myself!
I am at day 7 post TC #3. My SEs have been different this time. More nausea but less pain from the Neulasta. The bone pain has diminished each time but I'm not doing anything different. So maybe that can be some encouragement for those of you who got knocked down by the Neulasta. Some people have found the 3rd tx to be worse but not the case for me. Our bodies all respond individually to the chemo. Hope you all have a good week with minimal SEs. NC, do you go in for your last tx this week?0 -
I am just recovering from #4- and look forward to having #5 and 6 behind me- I found the SE to be cumulative -with #4 by far the worst of the bunch-I experienced shortness of breath with #4-my oxygen levels were pretty low so my onc ordered a CT Angiogram Scan of heart and lungs looking for inflamation-BUT the scan was clear (: so it is just another SE of the chemo and something that just needs to be dealt with-I am looking forward to the coming week and feeling relatively good as I gear up for number 5- I find for myself that rest is really an important part of getting through this struggle- I am retired fortunately, and do not have to work outside the home- just doing what needs to be around here is sometimes too much and doesn't get done the way it would were I well.
The one thing I have to remind myself of is that each case is different-and each one will react differently to the poison-I keep in mind too as bad at this is -it could be a whole lot worse..
I am wondering when the taste buds return? I get so sick of the always iccky taste in my mouth and of trying to find a food that tastes even a little like it should..
ck-do you have a group policy? My wig is not covered under my insurance(anthem blue cross) b/c it is an individual policy-
Let me just say to those of you have and are experiencing some of the worst side effects of chemo that I am SORRY and I wish it were not so-
0 -
I do have a group policy from my husband's work....In ref to your taste buds...I keep ice breaker mints on hand...they are wonderful at freshning your mouth and helping taste. It takes two though
0 -
Ohhhhhhhh. ice breaker mints, I'll get some-thanks(:
0 -
Nocompromises-
Let us know how #4 goes. So far, #3 worse/cumulative effect. Day 6 and I am still a little wiped out. Staying in because it is very hot today.
0 -
Thank you for the encouragement, Melrose. Had to admit, have had a few tearful times. Trying not to push myself.
0 -
Blah! Nausea today!!! I had a compazine early this morning and a Zofran about an hour ago. A few crackers about 20 minutes ago. I'm not sure what to do. I feel like I can't move around too much or I'm going to be sick. I also can barely keep my eyes open from a night with next to zero sleep and taking dilaudid for my bone pain.
Not sure if I should try to eat something. I might go for a little broth next. Any suggestions please??
0 -
Mellie289- If you don't start feeling a little better from the nausea, call your onco asap. Hope you are able to stay hydrated since you need to keep drinking fluids to help flush everything through. Keep us posted.
0 -
Have you tried saltines and cheese? I made myself snack on them and it would help. Try to eat small..something that will soak stuff up..like crackers or dry toast
0 -
Feeling better now after some oyster crackers and chicken broth. I think the dilaudid might have been harsh on my stomach. Thanks, everyone! It was so odd because anti-emetics were working well up until today. I'm getting a little cheese now too. Next time, I'm going to make sure I don't go so long with an empty stomach with all these drugs going in it.
0 -
Mellie289- Here are of the some of the bland foods I would eat-- plain baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, baked chicken, baked fish, jello, chicken broth, plain pasta and rice. I did not use any butter or salt because those two things just used to taste blech in my mouth. Just a little reminder, Zofran should not be taken on an empty stomach; it can cause nausea itself. Glad you a feeling better.
0 -
Hi Ladies
Thank you JeriG and biker girl YES, YES and YES it is #4 and MY LAST one.
))))))))))) Friday 13th
Can you tell I am excited..??.. Was thinking of dressing up the wig thing maybe cerise pink or something wacky whilst in the BGC
Have had no additional worries in #3 just the usual stuff. So BRING it ON - cant wait to finish ... Then on day 15 I fly to UK with DD and catch up with my mum, brother ( whom i havent seen in 6 years) and my 5yo nephew plus a side trip ( for DD) to eurodisney ... Hope I have my energy back again by then .... Still Need to get measured for a LE sleeve as an air travel precaution yuck !
Sara - my taste buds seem to get knocked out from days 4-8 then taste is ok again - yours isn't the whole time is it - that would be very hard
Off to get another round of golf in today before fri. It is interesting in #1 I found I got to hole 16 and felt a little puffs. Last Friday I was huffing and puffing from hole 11 !!! Still finished though
See what #4 does to the breathlessness - bloods on Thursday will check Hb levels
'Blah' is catching on for though crappy days between 4 and 7-8. It is just so descriptive of that lying on the couch phase wanting to do NOTHING - hope taxol eases up on some of you having issues. I though taxotere and taxol were very similar ( one natural and one synthetic) but from some comparisons seems maybe not - fascinating
My H gets angry with me he thinks I should be more ' affected emotionally ' and not viewing this all as one big science experiment but I do find it all quite an education and will be so much more empathetic and knowledgeable on chemo and BC to my customers in the pharmacy
Have a great week ladies, minimal SEs, positivity and did i say I am nearly DONE.))))))))
One Powerball and I'm outta here !!
( not really cos these boards are a lifeline to us all )
Xxxxxxx0 -
Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and for the very helpful tips.
I got one of my headcovering orders in the mail today. It was velcro hair and a headband intended to be worn under hats. When I fist tried it on with a ball cap, it looked like Wayne from Wayne's World. I about cried! When I put it on under a winter hat, it looked good, so it will be useful at cross country meets and for walks in the freezing Iowa winter weather. I am hoping my wig comes in soon. I may order a second. I told my husband just to smile and write the check...and not to look at the details of the credit card bill this month! When I am at the fire station doing stuff, I will be comfortable in a bandana, skull cap, or just bald (because they're shaving my head anyway...and many of them are shaving theirs too), but out at the store and at the kids' events, I want something I will feel confident in.0 -
Nocomp=Yeaaaa! I am so happy for you...One And Done!! That will be you! It sounds like ya'll will be having a great vacation afterwards! My hub and I go to Disney World in Florida every other year!! Love it! Take plenty of motrin and tennis shoes..loads of walking! But soo worth it!
Mellie=My onc RN recommended me eating cheese pizza/frozen or otherwise/..said that the bread and cheese would help SE's..I was a little leery because of spices..but I've ate a Tombstone Cheese pizza for lunch the past 2 days (just 1 rather slice..decent size too
...and it really helped me as well. Also, stopped the diarrhea.I'm day 5 ..hoping over with tomorrow. I am very tired of being in this house. For some reason, the chemo and nausea meds..cloud up my brain to where even if I felt like getting out..no way could I drive. My hub took me to grocery store yesterday to get one or two things..I wanted to see if it helped to walk some...Let me tell you, every joint in my body was screaming fatigue when we came out..but it still felt good to be riding and away from here. I soooooo miss my life and some semblance of NORMAL...
0 -
NC, I hope you do hang around here occasionally. I will miss you a lot! I love your analytical stance on this disease and treatments. It has really added something to our group that was needed and I'm sure not every forum is lucky enough to have a golfing pharmacist. : ). I hope your visit is everything you hope it will be. What a celebration!
ckmoss, I'm at day 7 and was still a little nervous to leave the house and drive to a short orthodontist appointment today. But it does feel good to get out even if its not for long. I seriously do not know how people are walking and working in their gardens and taking their kids places! So glad for those of you who can do those things.
Kbeee, I'm originally from Iowa and hear ya on those winters! When you say many of them are shaving their heads too, do you mean the people you work with at the fire station? That is so awesome. How great to have such support from your colleagues.
I have been relying on cheese and crackers and peanut butter on my yucky days. Plus fruit bars or pops for my mouth. Kind of a limited diet but I'm sure I'll make up for it later. Can't wait until a juicy steak, a baked potato slathered in butter, and an ear of corn on the cob actually sounds good to me (you can take the girl out of Iowa . . .)!
Best wishes to all having treatments and recovering from them this week.0 -
Nocomp-
Congrats!! Yay!!! Hope it goes well and you have a wonderful trip!!! Please visit us on this board when you can.
0 -
Mellie=
Please stay hydrated. Little snackie meals and fluids. Need to flush through the chemo so crystals don't form in your urinary tract.
Hope each day gets better.
0 -
Mellie=
Please stay hydrated. Little snackie meals and fluids. Need to flush through the chemo so crystals don't form in your urinary tract.
Hope each day gets better.
0 -
Ckmoss - love love that ' one and done' ....we went to Disney FL for our honeymoon 25years ago and took the kids there 10years ago - love it too - wonder if bad rollercoaster G forces mess around with LE ???
JeriG and biker girl - we have a lottery in AUS called powerball and their TV ads are very catchy hence the saying 'one powerball and I'm outta here' ( referring to work or boring chores etc )
Dont worry ladies I will be hanging around on these boards a wee bit as we have to pay it forwards like MM has for us and anyway what else can I do with my days with no bloods to do, drs to see, PT to see, infusions to sit thru -
oh I remember LIFE maybe ??
work
golf ) and EATING. )))
Happy days people we are all nearing the finish line day by day
Xx0 -
Nocompromise- I'll be doing the happy dance for you on Friday after you've had that last round of chemo!!! Ring that bell really loud so I can hear it here in Texas!!!( FYI: bell ringing to mark the end of the chemo is a tradition at some infusion centers in the US).
Glad you will continue to hang out here!!!! 
0 -
Congrats NC. You will really enjoy your trip. What a great way to celebrate the end. I plan on doing the same after rads if scheduling works out. Just don't forget to take your usual meds and follow the routine over the next couple of weeks. I felt done and forgot I still have to manage the mouth, the aches,and constipation. Of course my body reminded me!
I think we are all jealous of normal. I am looking to join a fitness center once winter comes. So I see a crossfit place and I look up a YouTube video to see what it is. Well it just made me sad. They are hauling kettle bells and jumping up on platforms. All stuff I feel like I will never be able to do. Or not for a very long time. I am struggling to walk 30 minutes!0 -
Twohobbies-
Also looking forward to being done with chemo. 6 wks of radiation won't be a walk in the park, but can't be as bad as chemo.
Also looking forward to getting back to the gym. Entertaining a trip to Cabo for a wedding in January.
I think we all have to look for that "light at the end of the tunnel" to get through this.
0 -
Thanks all for the suggestions and support. One issue I have is that I take Synthroid daily and I'm supposed to have no food for one hour after taking it, as food interferes with uptake. I've been taking that, Prilosec and Claritin first thing every morning for months now, and yesterday I added in some dilaudid and zofran. It was too much for my empty stomach, I guess! Today, I held off on the Zofran for about 40 minutes and had a bit of food with it (luckily, my bone pain has subsided mostly today that I didn't need the dilaudid anymore).
Day 5 is truly the worst day for me, so I'm happy to be onto day 6 today and feeling a lot better. ckmoss - looks like we're on a similar schedule! I also went out a bit Sunday and it felt good to just get out and move a bit. I hate sitting around doing nothing and wasting the day away. At least today I'm getting some laundry and cleaning done.
I don't know how people get up and get themselves to work on days like this. This cycle, I'm off until day 14 because I had to to take some sick leave for an administrative formality, but ordinarily it's around day 7 before I feel up to going into work for a little bit (and not a whole day) and it exhausts me to walk from my car to my office!
I'm going to have some mac and cheese for lunch. I don't know about the rest of you, but day 6 for me is a day that most food has a weird texture and feels like it full of dirt or sand. Yum.
0 -
Jerigrace, Yes, my firefighter coworkers on my shift are shaving their heads too...they came up with the idea. We are all going out to a bar ironically called the Clipper where some of them like to go. I will have a margarita (they will probably drink more) and then we'll all head back to my house for the big buzz ( my hubby and kids will help). I am nervous, but having them there will probably make it a bit more tolerable...the margarita will help too...which is one reason I am doing it before chemo. We are doing it next Wednesday and my chemo begins next Friday. One of the guys texted me last night that he can't wait to be hungover and hairless with me. I am not a drinker, so 1 drink for me, but the support is amazing, and will make an awful situation a little more tolerable. My hair is typically in a ponytail everyday, and the thought of losing it makes me physically sick...which is one of the other reasons I am doing it prechemo...I do not need anything else to be nauseas about.
I hope everyone having treatments this week has minimal side effects.0 -
Good Morning!
Well, day 7 and I believe over the most of it. Its hard to really tell what residue is left over sitting in my house. Funny, when you get out in car or outside even you can feel the tiniest diff. I am getting out today, though.
Mellie=I take synthroid too. I've heard is better to take on empty stomach..but I tend to forget and end up taking it whenever. I can tell though if I forget all together. I have about 3 days without it and I feel similar fatigue of chemo...That and one BP pill is all I normally take..so tend to forget. Of course, now I take preventative..just like yours, prilosec, etc..I have been better. By the way, did your synthroid just go up in price? I have to take the name brand..generic doesn't work at all for me.
KBee-Reading your last post is like reading mine back when I had my hair buzzed. I was like, I AM GOING TO CONTROL SOMETHING! ILL say when Im going to lose my hair! I took friend to stylist with me..actually, was going to have it shaved..but chickened at last minute..and went with buzz cut..it honestly was not that bad. I thought Id look horrible, but wasn't the case. I did it day or 2 after 1st chemo. When that started coming out..it basically, just irritated me having to clean up bathtub etc..so got husband to shave down the rest of the way..is very close..not all the way. I still have hair ..lost all on sides..but is really hard to tell as I look like a plucked chicken! Are you going all the way and shaving? or Buzzing? One thing I loved about the buzz...(still wore wig, didnt look THAT great!)..is so easy to get ready in the mornings..I had shouder length hair that had to be curled/styled every day..so that was great. I think its going to be ok for you..major support going on there. I cried when my appt was final with stylist but not a tear there. Guess I had accepted it.
Oh did find something else to go on crackers..homemade pimento cheese! A friend made me some..tasted great,
I hope that all of you will have a peaceful SE-free day today!
0 -
Just saw this morning there is a chobani recall for mold. I had two eight packs of this yogurt. I had opened one and took one bite and thought it tasted funny but thought that was due to my chemo taste buds. The bad ones have a code 16-012. I'm glad I didn't eat more as they say it could be bad for those with compromised immune systems.
Oh pimiento cheese yum. I wish I could get some of that up north.
Bikergirl, I am absolutely looking for the light at the end of the tunnel and it is getting closer. I start rads next week which takes me through most of October. But I also have to go to gyn next week to look at my ovaries and uterus which have been on watch. So that might be the next hitch in my schedule.0 -
Twohobbies-
I pray everything goes well with your GYN visit.
((Hugs)) sister.
0 -
Thanks BG. It's a long tunnel!
0
