Starting chemo July 2014
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Slappy, those hats are awesome.....I' m asking for a lot....but do u ship to Canada?? My daughter would flip over them. I could put in some orders and send u a check. U have a new career!
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Dancingdiva, I've not shipped any to Canada but I'll give it a try. Was there a particular color/style you think she would like? Did you look at the free patterns at this site?
Shirley
http://www.crochetforcancer.org/chemo-cap-patterns...
PS, I don't charge for my hats. I just want to give back to the wonderful brave women who are helping me thorough this cancer journey. If it wasn't for this site and the women here educating me, I still would not know I had breast cancer.
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Mine has started shedding heavily yesterday and today. Asked Hubby to buzz it for me but he was too chicken. He gave me a bob instead. Didnt know he was so talented. He bought me flowers to make up for the loss. Oooooohhhhh!
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Mine has started shedding heavily yesterday and today. Asked Hubby to buzz it for me but he was too chicken. He gave me a bob instead. Didnt know he was so talented. He bought me flowers to make up for the loss. Oooooohhhhh!
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dancingdiva, this is one of the biggest reasons I love this forum, and this thread especially. We are getting to know each other, the nitty-gritty, warts and all, deep down inside where the cancer gets us women and I just want to say that I have come to know a deep affection for each of you. Many of you, I'm old enough to be your mom. (My one son is 44.) You are, each one of you, special and dear to me.
What you were saying about family hit home for me. I am the middle of 5 sisters, I have one brother (whose wife is a BC survivor). My next younger sister's husband died of cancer when their kids were preteen and when he was going through treatment and after he died, my DH and I were always there for those kids. When the boy got into trouble in high school we took him in and he lived with us until he graduated. DH was like a dad to both of them. Not a word from any of them. I apparently just fell off the face of the earth. My oldest sister's DH is clergy. Not a word. I've talked to the youngest a couple of times but she is so distraught over the whole thing she keeps her distance. I've had more support from my SIL than my sisters; she PMs me on Facebook to keep up with me. So much for family. It's true, the world keeps turning and we are expected to keep on keeping on and that's hard. I'm so fortunate – and I know it! – to be retired and have such a sweet DH (most of the time) who wants to take care of me.
Now I will gift you with the cobbler recipe; it takes 5 minutes to put together and 40 minutes to bake. You can use about any fruit, it's the only thing I use fruit packed in heavy syrup for.
Preheat oven to 350°. Put half a stick of butter in a 9x12 (or thereabouts) pan, put it in the oven while it's heating up.
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
Mix together with a fork. Add
2/3 cup milk
Stir well. Pour into pan on top of melted butter and spread to the edges.
Add fruit. My favorite is sliced peaches, you can use one large can or two smaller ones (I don't remember the can number) but it's basically about 2-3 cups of fruit. Arrange the fruit on top of the batter. Add all the syrup. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar (this is what makes the crust crunchy). Bake 40 minutes at 350°. Serve warm. Don't cover it or it will get soggy! (Remember soggy crust?) Really good with ice cream or whipped cream.
Guaranteed calorie free. (Just kidding.)
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Blownaway, I'm going tomorrow morning to get shaved. My sweet hairdresser has been so good to me I wouldn't dream of letting anyone else do it.
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I thought I would share my experience with you all today. Went to my friends who is a hairdresser to shave my head because between me and two dogs the shedding is unreal. However my daughter and friend convinced me to just go short for a few more days.... maybe I'll make it to chemo #2 with my own hair... any ways here is a pic of my daughter helping cut my hair. I have documented every step by pics because last time I wouldn't let one person take my pictures through treatment.
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too_young, beautiful pic, beautiful daughter, beautiful you!
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Thank you Mags
It was fun.... she will help do the shave in a few days
I have about 9 wigs that we played around with and had a lot of fun but right now in Vancouver it is way to hot for one so short was a good idea for now.I have no problems going bald as I never wore a wig last time, but I think it helps make things easier for my daughter if I wear one as she is shy and doesn't like people asking about it, so I told her I would wear one at school and cheer for her
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Mags - Have you stocked up on scarves turbans hats and wigs? Im pretty well stocked up. Im scared Ill have a head shape like Andre Agassi!
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Chaos - I hear you! Although my husband has been good, the stress is wearing us both out. We had a tiff last night because although he has been nice to me (for the most part) - I asked him to go to the store and get me Prep H towelettes (my butt was killing me!) and he said "do I really have to?". He then said that he was "hurt" that I told him that the kids were tired of him barking at them (he has taken out his stress on them). He said that he's just tired of the kids expecting to still be the center of the universe (he does have a point there).
Anyway - I think that hubby's aren't built to be caregivers (for the most part - there are some good male nurses) so they fake it - they are really out of their comfort zone and some even shut down. (sounds like both of ours did that last night - so here's another SE for newbies to note - at day 9, expect hubby/partner to wear out).
At any rate, I've been really trying to contain my irritation - but I'm irritated! I think it's like a cup - you can only take so much before it spills over and I'd say that our cup is just about full with the chemo crap - and most anything else spills out.
And onto relatives.......after not hearing from my mother, my husband finally called her 3 days into chemo and told her that I wasn't doing well and it would be nice if she called me. (I live in SC, she lives in PA). She did call me the day after but hasn't called since then. I know she is busy enabling my addict brother who lives with her (now, that's another story!) Our teens have been typical.....moments of empathy but for the most part, they are self-centered. I try not to get upset about that but at times, I remind them that I'm not feeling well. I'm wondering after our hair falls out - do kids get it? The woman who has been helping with cooking and driving the kids places has tried to get it across to them....
Speaking of which - got my purple cap from Shirley - I have to post a photo! Thanks so much....what a nice surprise today.
Irish Mom Deb
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MTI, about the burning...someone told me to use that white diaper paste we used on babies. I might be needing it soon....constipation is settling in and had some reflux today too. And dizzy. Woohoo.
I find this disease very lonely..you have family and friends but their life keeps on turning which is normal even though u want to be selfish, but also within the immediate family....I realize it is just me..people can help but they have to keep moving around me as children and husband and caregiver,etc...but at the epitome of it is just me. That's what I love about this place or knowing people that have been through similar. Because we know what that feels like.
anyways, fists up everyone...have a great wk-end!!
Good night to all!
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mags, thanks for the recipe...that' s for indulgence day!!!
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Exactly so, dancingdiva, no matter how much they love you, they can't really go through it with you. Even if they're totally there, they're not going through it. In the end we are alone except for our pink sisters. Found another today when I posted that pic of my hair, a friend in New Zealand PMed me that she had been through the same thing and just finished rads. So many of us don't share this with all their friends, I sure didn't until I just happened to post a check in from the cancer center my first chemo. Then today, and all kinds of people commented and sent PMs. As far away as New Zealand and Scotland. My world may be pretty restricted, but somehow I have accumulated far flung friends.
And, you're welcome for the recipe, you will love it!
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MomtoIrishQuads - did you decide to take the great advice to switch to taxol instead if stopping chemo? I hope so!!!
So it's 4:35am and I am awake...it's day 2 1/2... Got really tired around 9:30pm (after a full day of work and @ 1 1/2 mile walk) and went to sleep but my Dexamethasone must have kicked in and now I'm awake.
So far so good with s/e...a little heartburn which I had before all of this. No nausea so far...ate well today...was more full because I am drinking 150-200 oz of water. Starting to get dry mouth...but that could also be the vitamins I take too. I also got my Neulasta shot yesterday and took Claritin as well.
I plan to take today (sat) and Sunday very easy...and back to work on Mon. Sunday I get to wash my hair... I'm a Penguin cold cap user...hoping this works!
I know the s/e don't usually hit till day 4-8...but I'm hopeful!
My fiancé has to work tmrw night, so a good friend may come over. The weird part is she went for a 3D Mammo last week (freaked by my situation) and got called back. Had a biopsy...says LCIS with some ductal calcium differentiation (not poor differentiation which is bad)..so have been walking her through it all too. Next up is a surgical consult...though I think it might be a wait and watch scenario. I hope it's nothing. I read she can take tamoxifen which reduces the chance of LCIS from developing into BC, but she doesn't want to...
How long does the port hurt? I only got it a day before chemo...that gives me more pain so far than s/e's, though glad I have it...chemo was a breeze!
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JennLiza,
Sorry - I must have missed the Taxol recommendation. I'm not familiar with Taxol - is it similar to the "T" in TC? My oncologist didn't talk about it today. She just kept saying that AIs, rads are most important for type of BC and that we have no idea to know if chemo will help me until the research comes back next year on the middle range oncatypes.
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MomtoIrishQuads- Someone earlier suggested that you switch from Taxotere to Taxol. Taxol is a weekly chemo, but has less severe side effects. The person wrote that she knew someone who made the switch and was quite successful.
MO's are not always right. You need to advocate for yourself. The last thing you want is to wonder if you did enough. Trust me, I feel that 6 tx for .6cm of IDC is a bit overkill. I plan to do it unless my s/e's are bad...but still intend to do 5 tx as a minimum.
In the end you need to decide...but ask talk to our MO or see another MO. Also reach out to other Taxol users in here.
This sucks, I know...I'm still in disbelief I had chemo 2 days ago!
Sending you hugs and support and hope you do what's best for you!!!
-Jennifer
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Hello ladies. I'm new here and this is my first post. This thread is really helpful and makes me feel less alone. Thank you
Jennifer- my port installation hurt for like 10 days. I keep reading that people had no problems, but it's been a month now and it still feels weird and the stitches are still there and it's uncomfortable. I hope yours feels better soon.
Mags- thanks for the recipe and your kind words! Can you use fresh apples?
As for family and friends- it's really surprising who goes away and who comes out of the woodwork with an overabundance of support. I'm sorry for those of you who do not have a support system. I'm single, so I'm kinda on my own. I'm finding that keeping my eye on the end date (surgery in October, hair by Thanksgiving, etc) helps. I can do anything for a few months. I tell myself to just be thankful for those who try to help, but ultimately, taking care of yourself (eat well, get some exercise and fresh air) helps everything. And let your loved ones off the hook sometimes- they're going through a lot (I feel so bad for my teenaged daughter- I'm always trying to find something for her to do so she doesn't have to deal with this all the time)
I'm triple negative, stage 1 or 2 (they won't know til they do surgery if the lymph nodes are involved). Not sure if I'll choose lumpectomy or double mastectomy with reconstruction. It's a hard decision- docs say I should do lumpectomy. My biggest side-effect has been heartburn! It's horrible, but I haven't heard many people complaining about it. Doc has me on a script for Prilosec. It's gotten better.
I wish you ladies peace and comfort. This blows! Stay positive.
-Patti
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Just finished this one. It's a soft, light pink cotton sent to me my Magdalene. (Thanks again Magdalene!)
I like the way the alternating stitches give it a little bit of texture. If someone wants this one let me know, and I'll mail it out Monday! First come, first served!
PS, I shipped out hats this past Wednesday and Thursday so they should be arriving soon.
Shirley
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msred14 July 23
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Jennliza, glad you're doing well so far. Fingers crossed it continues. And best wishes for your friend. My port was sore for about ten days or so, now it's almost 6 weeks I hardly know it's there. And it bugged the snot out of me to be honest.
Welcome, Patti, I know you will find the love and support here we all have, along with tips & advice. Add it to your favorites so you will find us right away. When is your start date? I'll add you to our list above.
As far as the cobblers, let me just say that when I use fresh or frozen fruit I do a little prep work. Berries are easiest, I add enough powdered sugar to make a nice syrup, and crush them a bit, then let them sit for an hour or so in the syrup. I've not made it with fresh apples, but I would suggest adding some powdered sugar and maybe cinnamon and cook them until they are a bit tender, as the fruit does not seem to really cook that much in the cobbler (like a pie would) and also because you really need the syrup from the fruit to make the crust work properly. But this is a good one to experiment on, I certainly have done my share of that in the more than 40 years I've made it!
Shirley, I love that pink hat, it turned out just as I imagined. You do such beautiful work and you have blessed our July sisters so dearly. Thank you.
OK, here's the pic of the day: My shave. Went to my wonderful hairdresser and he cut it then shaved it, shampooed my head, charged me nothing, gave me hugs, his wife was there, all teary. Sometimes I think the emotional part of this disease is harder on others.
It feels really weird. Not smooth (yet), kind of the texture of lightweight velcro.
I look like my brother (but he has more hair).
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Hi Shirley,
If that pink one you just posted is still available I would love it. Just diagnosed in the past two weeks and starting chemo shortly..no definitive date yet either end of July or begin of August. Although I'd rather be with the July sister...you have all kept me somewhat sane in reading the posts on here and I already feel connected to all of you!
Warm regards,
Karina
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Hi ladies,
These was my cut hair " party" . I just want to do something fun to make easy on my baby girl. I think I accomplish that. She was playing with my hair and saying Mommy hair cut and would kiss me. I think it was hard on my friends and for the support I'm grateful ...
I will shave as soon as the shred gets heavy but I think my baby will barely notice the difference now
Just want to share this important moment with you and say to all my bald friends here that we rock
XO
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JennLiza,
Thanks so much for bringing the Taxol thing to my attention. It's not so much that I can't tolerate it - it's more the cost-benefit analysis. I can tolerate anything if I know it's going to be effective and help, not harm me.
My oncatype score is 21 and I'm Stage 1. There is NO evidence that chemo is effective for this type of cancer according to my MO. Why would I subject myself to chemo and all the temporary and permanent damage if it's not going to help - and may in fact, harm me? (which is what happened this past week).
My surgeon told me with a nod and a wink that the data collection shows that it is likely not effective for middle range from the preliminary data (these surgeons talk informally with each other at the conferences).
I think that my emotional and physical energy which is limited (I have 4 self-centered teenagers and a brain injured husband) is better spent reducing my estrogen and living a healthy lifestyle (which I haven't done in the past 2 years).
But I do appreciate your concern and tips. I hope your SE's aren't bad this week.
Irish Mom/Deb
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Blownaway, too yang and Mags lots of good energy to you and you look beautiful with or without hair. I always see people as beautifully as the light that they reflect and you guys have a brighter light for sure!!
Xo
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Mommy Mel......what a great idea - a hair party! Love it!!
You have amazing friends and family.....and YOU seriously rock...
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oceanbreeze, the pink one is yours! PM me your name and address.
Shirley
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Mommymel : love the hair party!!!! Back in 2007 I had a bye bye boobie party :P
Your little one is sooo cute
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Just saw the other photos.....Mags - love your bald head!
Speaking of which, I think I'm in serious denial about this hair thing - I haven't bought or researched head coverings (besides the purple one from Shirley which required no effort on my part).
What does one do? I'm not that handy with scarves etc - is there somewhere we can go to get shown how to do this? Options? Do we have to cover our heads at night? (we are in SC so we have some serious AC here). What beanies are recommended? I think I have avoided the subject for long enough - hair will be falling out this week.
BTW - I told my MO that cold caps work and I've seen the photos. She didn't comment.
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MomtoIrishQ, thanks for that! There is a boutique in a mall nearby that is specifically for breast & hair prosthetics. It has some kind of connection with my cancer clinic but I'm not sure what. They also had a nice selection of turbans, sleep caps, etc. They filed all the insurance for my wig right there while we waited. And they said if I want foobs, they can send a fax to my surgeon for rx. I may do it at some point... but what do I need boobs for?
oceanbreeze, welcome to our group of awesome pink sisters! Add the thread to your favorites and come often. If you'll notice, we already have an August member, so it's no problem if you want to stay. I am still with the June thread since I thought I'd start in June (missed by 1 day) and it's certainly helpful to see what those farther along are going through. I felt well prepared. Of course, there's no way to really prepare since chemo hits all of us differently and at different times.
I know that if I thought that the chemo would only improve my odds by 1 or 2% I wouldn't have put my body through it. But my chances of recurrence were 83% with surgery alone, 56% with surgery, rads, and hormone suppression, and 41% adding chemo to that. So it really wasn't an option for me if I didn't want to keep dealing with this for the rest of my (probably short) life. And that's just reality for me. 41%.
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