Starting chemo August 2014
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Well it sounds like we are all experiencing the big "C" this time around. Sending my hubby out for prune juice, thanks for suggestion. Maintaining SEs so far thank goodness. Just got shot last night. Moving a little slower today.
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yes, water was not enough for me either, switched th G2 this round and it has been better. Blech, just got Neublasta shot and Dreading the bone pain. Took a claritin, and a tylenol, and a zanax. Hope it works! I just read that it can explode your spleen sometimes. Another lovely SE to worry over.
Feeling upset today and unhappy. Had 2nd chemo Friday. It is only 32 days ago from my dx. Going to go cry now. Still seems like it is happening to someone else.....
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Purrana, SO glad you are home and feeling better.
Ladyb, I've struggled with big C also. My doc suggested Senecot-S, Lax and softener and that helped. I love prunes, so I've been downing them, too. My "old lady" breakfast, hard-boiled egg for protein, whole wheat toast and prunes!
Cassiecat, welcome. Sorry about the aches. I've only completed 3 and we're not on the same chemo cocktail, but I found the week after my first infusion was the worst so far. I had bad flu-like bodyaches and was down and teary, too. It has been much better the last two times. I hope the same for you!
Kelly, I was very dizzy when I got up this morning and attributed it to not drinking as much water as I should. I like water but other options would be good to get. Although I love it and it makes my tummy feel good, I've tried to limit ginger ale. Don't want the sugar in regular and the artificial sweeteners in the diet version. Maybe I'll add some caffeine free herbal teas, both hot and iced.
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Well Ladies..I did it! I said goodbye to my hair and got it buzzed. Picture below..top left is the day after my first chemo..bottom left is when I got is cut to my shoulders and right is today buzzed. It was emotional at first but after that I was good to go!
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oceanbreeze - you look gorgeous!
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Look gorgeous Oceanbreeze. I love to see the pictures of our hair transitions :-). It was the hardest for me.
Strongenough, love the hat and scarve collection. I have to catch-up.
I will try the miralax too. I have the prune juice. Hopefully it kicks in soon as the bloating and cramping is not fun. I am very tired today and fatigued. Took a few cat naps as I have been up on and off since 5:30am. Trying to not let SEs stop me with that said I am resting when I need to?
Minimal SEs to us all!
Those one the up swing enjoy and hope you are having tons of fun this weekend!
Hugs as always,
-Angie
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Oceanbreeze - you look beautiful!
Bipsy - I had treatment on Friday also. I am managing SEs so far and taking it easy today. We are going to get thru this, just take one day at a time.
DonnaNJ - how are you doing today? I believe you are same schedule also.
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Way to go Ocean breeze! You have a beautiful head! Perfect. Hugs to you, you are so brave!
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bippy, it is hard! Feel the love around you! Do you have Norco? I took the Claritin for 4 days and on the day of the nuelasta shot, didn't need anything for pain although at night I took the Norco. Hope it isn't painful for you!
Ocean breeze, you look great! I will post next weekend as my plans are to have it shaved Friday. I used a heating pad on low a few times today, kind of like when I was a teenager with cramps! Anyway, I think it helped relax my tummy muscles. Really hoping I'm not getting diverticulitis again, feels like that, but maybe cuz ibe been going so much last night and today. Had chicken noodle soup for lunch so that should digest well and be lots of liquid too.
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oceanbreeze you look amazing. What an inspiration you are to me today. I am getting mine shaved today as well. It is a little emotional. I think I'm ready and yet I'm not. I think once it's done I will feel better.
Ready to get second round done this Thursday.
Hang in there everyone! Remember you're not alone!
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Hi Catie! I had round two on Friday. Yesterday was terrific. Today I'm a little shaky. My hands were shaky for a few days last time, but they don't visibly shake. I've googled the side effects of each of my drugs and can't figure what's causing it. I'm tired today, but am still laying around watching movies. Getting up shortly to shower and get the kids ready for school on Thursday. Last round I had a rough Tuesday and Wednesday, so I'm trying to be prepared for the same. That means being all ready for their first day now. My scalp is really sore. I'm losing so much hair, but had enough to still wear it uncovered yesterday. Not today! I'm debating having my hubby buzz it, but I still have bangs and sideburns, so bandanas and hats look better. I don't think I should buzz those yet. I can't really stand being covered in hair all the time! My hair was cut short, but it's very thick, so the falling out process is long.
I hope everyone is feeling great with minimal SE's! Some days are rougher than others, but if we plough through we get to the good ones soon enough! Sending hugs to all, have a great evening!
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Hey everyboday:
How long does the SE of Nuelasta (?sp) last? I had my shot last Wednesday around 5pm. I felt pretty good yesterday...did a few loads of laundry, some dusting, weeding in the garden and baked some muffins. This morning sitting on the wooden pews at mass was a bit painful. Had a bad headache (almost migraine-like) when I got home from church so I took Tylenol and took a nap. Feel a bit better now. My husband thinks I'm nuts but I am dying for a Whopper!! I gave up sugar & anything white after my DX so when he asked what do you feel like for supper, he was quite shocked when I said a Whopper! LOL!!!! I'm sure I'll probably feel like crap after for eating gluten but I've been thinking about that a few days now.
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CJT511, I Got my shot on Thursday. I felt good all day Friday. Saturday I started feeling achy but still went for a 50 minute walk. Sunday is harder. I feel pain in my lower back. Have you tried Claritin? I think that helped me a great deal. I took it the day of the shot and every day since. then. Hope this discomfort passes soon. Enjoy the whopper!
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Soooo, what does the Claritin do for Neulasta SEs?
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Claritin helps with the pain. It wont be as bad. You can google it, they are conducting studies.
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CJT,
I don't know what the Claritan does, but my doctor has me taking it for five days starting with shot day, and I've haven't had any side effects from the Neulasta! I recommend it! Good luck!
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I started Claritin last night (Saturday), after getting my first Neulasta shot on Friday. This is my first go-round so next time, I'll start the Claritin the same day. I am really achy all over.
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Oceanbreeze you look fantastic. So pretty. My hair is just starting to fall out. I was living in a fools paradise and thought it would not happen to me. Oh yeah, I thought I would never get breast cancer either.. Super healthy life style and no family history. Surprise Surprise!! Next chemo 9/8. Its got to be better than the first round. I did not know of anything to take for SE. Thought I would die. This time I am READY!!! Good luck to all and thanks for taking the time to share your experiences. I have learned so much.
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Thanks for all the compliments, Ladies! It was emotional at first..a few tears were shed and than I just said to myself ..you got this! And the tears stopped. Both my daughters helped shave my head and my oldest came up to me rubbed my head and kissed it and said it will grow back! I wore my "gym" wig today but wore a hat over it to be safe when I went to the gym. Got a nice workout in so that made me feel better. It's still kinda shocking to look in the mirror but boy doing my hair is nothing now...lol ;-)
I just keep telling myself...cancer is my enemy but chemo is cancers enemy! Gearing up for round 2 on Wednesday.
Hope50 - how'd you make out?
Positive thoughts to all!
Hugs,
Karina
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Oceanbreeze you look amazing! I should be starting to shed any day now (day 11 today). I am not looking forward to it but I am looking forward to that part being over so I can move on. It helps that my hubby tells me that I'm going to be one sexy bald lady. He tells me I'm beautiful every day but it means a lot to know he still will feel that way. I think I'm going to shave as soon as there is significant loss because it will just be less traumatic than watching it fall out...that's just me though. I don't work so a day either way doesn't really matter. Getting ready for round 2 next Friday by cleaning house and shopping etc. Feel nearly normal and was able to enjoy worshipping with my church family today. Hugs to all experiencing SE's. We can do this thing!
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Feeling lethargic and hope I get some energy back. Food starting to taste like cardboard but still eating and trying not to loose too much weight. Prune juice to the rescue it worked. YaY! And quickly it did.
Bippy thinking about you and hope you feel better today. Yes and feel the love and support around you. It gets real hard at times. I had to adjust my sails this morning and pull myself out of and stooper and I thought of this awesome group of women. I didn't have enough energy to go to church service today but had a visitor later in the day that helped and DH And daughters TLC today were amazing. They did my feet and nails.
Hugs to all.
-angie
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eileenpg, hang in there! Seems we are on same schedule! My first week I was so dizzy, today is the first day I feel good! I'm hoping to control the constipation, stay super hydrated and have a better first week for round 2!! Good luck to you!
I actually went out and did a "little" yard work today, gosh I miss my yard. Hope to be in it this week as weather cools down.
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Yes, Kellya we are both triple negatives. Different treatments. Who knows why. Different MD's? I felt great within 7 days. Back to my normal self. Off this week. Yeah!!! I going to go out to eat at a restaurant. I go to get my blood drawn for BRAC gene on Wed. Pray I am negative. I have a 25% chance of being positive. More surgery in my future if I am. YUCK!! Good luck to you. I hate this club we are in. Counting down the days until I get to go to radiation. That has to be easier.
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yep, I eat super healthy, kept my weight at a good level, no breast cancer in my family. Now feel this is such a random disease. BRCA genes were negative. Hope yours will be too.
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Managed my SEs today for the most part. Definitely better then the first time around. Pretty tired now and hope I sleep thru the night. Hoping tmrw will be even better. My scalp feels like it's breaking out and even more sensitive tonight. Anyone else having that? Ginger chews have been helpful with nausea and ginger ale.
I am wishing everyone a restful evening with minimal SEs.
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oceanbreeze, you look wonderful! My daughter and I did go wig shopping this weekend and I did purchase a wig, but I'm just not sure how I'm going to feel wearing it. It's pretty, but I think it's just going to be such an adjustment looking at myself in the mirror with a wig on, as well as going out in public. And I haven't been brave enough to cut or buzz my hair. I need to channel the strength of some of you who have been braver than I have!
I have still been kinda weak and lethagic, and been sleeping alot. Unlike so many of you, I have had problems with the big D for the past week. Immodium and the prescribed meds are not working. I've lost nearly 7 pounds since my first chemo treatment. My taste buds are horrible and everything I eat tastes horrible, except ice cream and sweet tea still taste pretty good. I have to force myself to eat, and I don't want to end up in the hospital due to dehydration. I also have some chocolate Boost which tastes good for the most part.
Hope everybody is hanging in there and dealing with their SEs. I'm praying for all of us!
One love,
tp4ever
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Hey everyone,
Gosh it's been a long few weeks. I had my first chemo on Friday the 22nd. Then the neulasta shot the following Monday. Went to work Tuesday and started feeling ill. Thought it was just SE's kicking in but realized I had picked up a cold from my daughter and have been fighting it ever since. Running a fever a few degrees above normal since Tuesday. Taking Aleve which helps with the fever and headache for awhile but then it always comes back. Usually a day or two and I bounce back from being sick but it just doesn't seem to be happening this time. Then I stupidly cleaned my house on Friday and my right breast (I had lat dorsi reconstruction with TE's) swelled to more than twice the size of the other breast. It's swollen and painful. Doctor told me Aleve (already taking for fever) and muscle relaxer and alternate heat and cold. I just feel rotten all around and bummed out that my husband and I cancelled a weekend at the beach because I wasn't up to it. I was really hoping to have some time to feel good before next round on Friday. Sorry for being down tonight but I will say the many beautiful pictures here did bring a happy smile to my face! Thanks to all you wonderful ladies.
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Oceanbreeze you really do look great with no hair!
My brother shaved his head, so we took a pic here it is.
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Hi everyone,
As a community member a few years ago (I had DCIS and UMX), I found these boards so helpful. Now my older sister has been diagnosed with Stage II. She starts chemo on the 17th. I did not have chemo, so I don't know what to expect. I'm traveling to see her (she's a couple of hours away by plane) and will be with her before, during and after her first treatment.
Since you guys are also new to this, I wanted to get some input on what she can expect in terms of SEs and what advice you can give me to provide support, get her meds/comfort items, etc.
Thanks!
Tara
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Terri!!! You look amazing! What a great brother
All the best-hope SE have eased for you.0
