Starting chemo August 2014
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Day 6 after treatment #2 for me today. Worst day so far, but not as bad as last tx. Had a low grade fever last night, so took Tylenol and then Norco 8 hrs later. Mild headache, pretty bad joint pain and very achey and tired. Also having numbness in my toes since yesterday, and fingernails are tender and sensitive, but not really numb, maybe b/c I'm using my fingers typing a lot today & yesterday. Went out for a few laps around the patio earlier, which felt better after a few min, but my hips and shoulders are painful and weak!
Also my head has broken out in an itchy, ugly rash. I think this happened last time, too, but I had hair to cover it up. I'm thinking in a few days the last of the stubble will let go. Might try some benedryl later.
Staying on the Norco today for fever & pain control. Didn't sleep well last night, and now having trouble staying awake for work. Taking it easy by doing on line training today.
Ladyb, I've noticed softer skin as well, and my heels are not as dry and cracked as usual.
Another improvement, very little or no gastric issues this time, except the big C, of course. Maybe the Pepcid is doing the trick.
I go for blood draw tomorrow, hope my WBC is ok. MO follow up on Thurs. Just hope I don't end up in the hospital again...
Warm fuzzies to everyone & hopes for 2nd round improvements!
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Wow Stongenough, you are going through a lot. I hope it will get better for you from this point. Sending good energies...
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pangtidor, those birdies are adorable.
How sweet!StrongEnough, I hope tonight and tomorrow get better for you. Keep reading your screen name! You definitely ARE!
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that's is so cute they are sending you pictures!! Yep, no need to compete with the chemo, that's for sure! I figure I'll try the stencil, if it doesn't work I'm not out much. I guess they may be even with it though?
Just got back from getting the nuelasta shot. Now resting before my bunco group throws my hat party.
The back and top of my head hurt today, getting close I guess. Hubby will shave it off when it starts to shed from this shorty cut.
Off to rest a bit.
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strongenough hope you feel better. Hang in there, be strong. We could do it..even though it's hard. My fingertips are really dry and numb too, will try to grease them at home...:-)
Kellya, my hair just fall big time today. Literally everywhere, just so gross. I will have to shave it within few days. No headache just itchy scalp.
Cassiecat thank you for the eyebrow tip links !!!!! I was browsing them and liked it!!!!
Chemo#2 done today. Hopefully I will be better prepared. Lol.
Hope everybody has a good day and minimal SE.
Hugs to you all August ladies....:-)
Shirley
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Waiting for stat CBC blood draw now... Fever went to 100.3, so went in to get Rx for levaquin and the blood work a day early. Trying to stay out of the hospital this time. Feel like complete doodoo. This is no fun.
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StrongEnough, I'm keeping you in my thoughts. Hang in there!
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Strongenough:I hope you feel better soon. Gentle hugs coming your way.
My fingertips are dry too...I have been feeling a bit nauseous today and discovered that I have lost my anti nausea meds. I have one that I take for three days after chemo but I lost the one I take as needed....so frustrated.
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hang in there Strongenough! We are here for you. Sending prayers and strength your way.
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sending you good thoughts Strong Enough! Hang in there!
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Thanks, everybody. Got my results back, counts are low. Orders to stay home until MO appt tomorrow afternoon, unless I get nausea, shaking chills, etc, then to the ER. Had a nap & some Tylenol & feel somewhat better. Chicken barley soup on the menu for tonight.
Also on schedule for tonight, chat w/ my BFF since 1st grade, who just found out her mom has stage IV lung cancer. When it rains, it pours.
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Just me and my bald head. Hubby did it tonight.No tears
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You look great, justamy! And no tears...awesome!!!
One love,
tp4ever
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Amy, you look fabulous! Yay for no tears!
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I little on why I was so amped after my LGFB class. I won’t
use all the tips as I don’t wear that much makeup but it was good to get
the tips and be prepared:1) How to correctly wash and prep your make applicators to not
cross containment – use disposable sponges, applicators, etc. If not
disposable, wash brushes with shampoo and placing foundation, etc. on external
object.2) I learned how to fill in and draw on eyebrows, YaY! I was
able to repeat it this morning.3) Learned how to correctly put on false eyelashes. I brought my own and ask them to show me as
they didn’t supply the false eyelashes.
I need a lot more practice here just in case I need to use them L.4) Learned how to put on eye shadow the dramatic look,
natural, etc.5) Learned how to correctly use an eyeliner pencil for top
and bottom lids. I don’t wear makeup so
this was an effort to get the lines straight and not put too much on.6) Final touches, blush, lipstick, etc. for
dramatic vs natural look.8) Learned how to make a headdress from a t-shirt, learned several
styles to wear scarves, how to make my own bang, full or partial halos and to
use accessories to spruce up the scarves/headdress (broaches, creative
hairpins, clips, etc.).My favorite part of the class was the encouragement. The teacher lead us through brief meditation/
relaxation techniques while going through chemo, se’s, etc. At the end she spoke positive things and gave
suggestions on books to read.May be I was so excited about the class as I usually don’t
wear makeup, not creative with a scarves or other accessories. Now I have sooo soo many options without
spending a ton of money. I also can be creative and not wear my helmet to work
all the time. I am also a touchy feely type person and loved
the relaxation/mediation suggestions, talk and books. Along with both of them just engaging the
class. An example as they went through the
section of the class they would just give out gifts to someone in the
class. There was one lady who was
distraught in losing her hair and while the teacher was describing the
different types of wigs she walked over to the lady and gave her a hat and scarve.
She used her as the model on how to tie
a particular scrave style and placed a hair clip underneath the scarve and she
was just beautiful. I think my teachers
went above and beyond to make us feel like they were in this journey with
us.Hope your teachers go beyond!
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Strong enough – You are in my thoughts! Big bear hug coming
your way ((((HUGS)))). Remember to rest
and take it easy.Pangtidor – love the birdies! It is so sweet for the school
to engage with the center. Hoping
minimal SEs and just stay ahead of them.Cassiecat thanks for the eyebrow link.
JustAmy – love the pic – beautiful. YaY! And no tears J.
Wizard50 & Oceanbreeze – how are you doing? Hopefully on the upswing.
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I think I have turned the corner, day 7 & 8 after second infusion. I had an appointment with my naturopath today at a teaching clinic here in Seattle. They have recommended L-Glycine 3x a day to help protect my digestive tract ( also helps prevent neuropathy) and Maxxum 4 multivitamins to replenish what the chemo depletes. My oncologist is ok with supplements, but has suggested I stay away from oil based vitamins, aspirin and ibuprofen as they all increase bleeding. I am also on a green tea regimen, steeped overnight and drunk throughout the day!
I will be going to the Oregon coast with friends (no driving for me!) and my mother, who will be celebrating her 91st birthday on Thursday. I'm really looking forward to some relaxation.
I am enjoying the photos. I have gotten used to my buzzed head -- not much hair falling out yet -- but still am surprised in the shower when I try to wash my hair. And I can dry off in minutes! That's a nice plus.
Best of luck to all.
Marilyn
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strongenough so sorry to hear about another big C news in the family. Hope you feel better after that levaquin!!
Justamy you are gorgeous !!! Love the smile , couldn't even tell you are out of your puky pills!!! Keep it up ! I greese my fingers and hand with coconut oil, it helps a lot . I have to wash hands many times at work so it makes the dryness worse too.
Ladyb thank you so much for the tips and good luck wish. Will be off this week so whatever happens I will be at home.I am a no make up girl too ( got rid of the acnes after no make up at all) but have to draw my eyebrow and put fake eyelashes soon by myself!!! May have to practice more on putting the eyelashes on...;-)
Mullerin have a great trip to Oregon!! I drink the green tea too with lemons. Glad you start feeling better.
Hugs to you all....
Shirley
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strongenough - I hope you are feeling ok I day.
Catie- your wig is awesome! You look great.
I had my abdominal/liver ultrasound yesterday. Couldn't eat or drink til noon. That was a big mistake in day 4 post chemo #2. I was light headed and shakey all day from it. But the results seemed ok. I will see what my MO thinks with my bold test results. My hair I super short now and is still conf out everywhere and feels like little pins on my head. My almost two year old mls teething and not sleeping well. But all in all things are ok. Armless I don't have to go to work after a night of no sleep. I am talking to my job today to tell them I'm not coming back until me treatment is done. Probably after thanksgiving. They have been good and I hope there is no issues. I just can't deal with this and work.
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strongenough, I hope you are feeling much better this morning! I also found out that a neighbor is going through ovarian cancer ...since January. She isn't telling anyone. We talked about 45 minutes on the phone, was good for us both.
Cassie, I will be checking out your eyebrow link, thank you!
Justamy, just call the pharmacy and reorder that! I bet they will with out a problem. When my hubby shaves my head I'm afraid it will hurt. Mine is really sore in some places. Did yours hurt? And you look really cute in your he bald head!
Ladyb, what a cool class! I'm going to call and get signed up for that today. Glad you told us what's involved, I'm sure ours is similar, it is two hours.
Marilyn, have a great time on your trip, such a gorgeous area!! Glad you are feeling better! Do you have digestive issues or just from this chemo? I have diverticulosis with two bouts of itis.
Kellogg I think you'll enjoy the time off just taking care of you
I had my hat party last night, it was so much fun. I got lots of hats, a scarf, a warm blanket homemade pillows, a little pillow that goes around seatbelt so my port is more comfiest, socks, lip balm. Wow! They all had pink on. Took some silly photos and have some great ones in my hats.
Gonna be a down on the sofa day today I believe, at least this morning. Feel zapped. Looks like a nice rainy day to do it though.
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Good morning, not out of bed yet, but I think i feel better... Not achey any more, which goes a long way.
Ladyb, that class sounds amazing! I asked at my clinic but they only do them quarterly (this is a small-ish town, lucky to have a clinic at all, I guess), so I am going to get on line & see if there is a class in Tucson I can sign up for before I'm done. I'm thinking I should be fine by the weekend, and my hubby will drive me the hour & a half. I haven't worn make up either, for years, except very occasionally a little mascara. But with they tall me my face will be naked by the time I'm done, so definitely need those brow, eyeliner, & fake eyelash tips!
Time to try & drag myself to my upstairs office...
Hope everyone has a great day!
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Kellogg hope you feel better now. Glad to hear that you will be off for awhile and focus on yourself !!! Hugs to your little one.
Kellya I'm glad you had a great hat party. I only tell my big C to the close family members, close friends, and the coworkers&manager who actually work with me. I live in a small town farm area, couldn't see my neighbors at all. But oh boy the family members spread the news really fast. This website is the only social network I talk about my big C. I will join the support group. We have to drive for 2 hours for each support group meetings and the chemo-MO appointment. I sleep most of the time on the trips. Sure will I'm the big fan of that port pillow:-).
Strongenough. I'm glad you feel better today.
Glad to hear some good news today.
Hope everybody else can get through well today . Stay strong .
Hugs to you all
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Going to get my genetic testing results in a few hours followed by my AC infusion#2. Total insomnia at 3am. Took half of an Ativan at 5:15, now super sleepy. Scared in the pit of my stomach today, like I'm going into battle again. Last time the day after. I was ready to go again and kill the tumor. Now the day is here and I am scared. Long day in front of us, should be home by 10pm since the cold capping adds so much time. Good luck people!
Stay in bed strongenough for the whole day if you like! Do what you need to to stay out of the hospital this time. What a scary turn.
Justamy...you look beautiful! You can really see your eyes! I know you didn't cry, that was very brave! But cry if you need to...there is no shame in tears, I was crying at 3am on the couch with the dog, but really quietly so I didn't wake anyone up. I'll have to save my pillow screaming session for daytime when everyone is out of the house!
Kellya and pangtidor, take care of yourselves this week. Thinking about you. So glad ladyb had a great time at her class. Ladyb? Was your class at highland hospital? I see you are in the bay area too.
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strongEnough=Hang in there. This is a tough road ,but we all can do it. Post 2 days chemo. Feel pretty good. I did Claritin before neluasta shot and one aleve both days. Also,1 mg of lorzepam at night. Miralax this am.
Loved the pictures of the birds. !!!
Is anybody else having trouble spelling? I make more mistakes then ever.
Going for my beauty day next Monday. Looking forward to it. I live in a tiny town and no one knows me. Don't have to worry about who I talk too.
Just Amy looks so pretty.
Showering has become a breeze. I am ready in 10 minutes. Kinda like it.
FYI you MO can write a script so maybe your wigs are free or hat covers. Be sure and ask.
Wish the best for everyone.
All the best.
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insurance companies themselves are so different. Our plan doesn't cover wigs because it is a PPO. Could get some back for flexible spending but felt defeated and gave up.
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Just a goofy one. Put the halo as a bears. Lol
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Kellya: my head hurt before I shaved it but it doesn't hurt now...maybe the weight of the hair...I feel much better now that its done. Also I think you said that your insurance doesn't cover wigs....mine doesn't either. I went to a web site called crickettsanswerforcancer.org and filled out a form and they bought me a wig. You even get to pick the one you want from the hundreds at wigs.com. They order it and send it straight to you...I got mine in less than 2 weeks after I asked for it...just in case you want to get one. You look very cute in your hats! I need to get more. Have a great day!
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Hi Ladies,
Just reading last posts.
Kellya - love the idea of a hat party. I think I may own a couple that you posted lol.
Hoping all the ladies just starting a another round are able to manage your side effects. Keeping you all in my thoughts at this time.
I just picked up my magic mouth wash. Actually fine right now with just using biotene, but ready. Food still tastes a little off, but hungry which is good.
My head was really itchy. My MO said to use a dandruff shampoo. I have been the last couple of days, plus aloe in between. Not so itchy right now.
I feel very fortunate this time around. Got my energy back by end of 6th day and feeling good. My eyes and nose keep running. The Claritin helps.
I rescheduled my class at end of month, since the first didn't work out. Hoping to get some good ideas with makeup tips.
Be strong! We are getting thru this and in no time will be done....
Cathie
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