Starting chemo August 2014
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oceanbreeze, you and your hat look great! I wear them too, and care not a wit what anyone thinks.
Jello, sorry of your complications. Cannot help with FLMA, i was fired and am on unemployment. I joined cancercare.com, and they offer FREE counseling and support groups, led by licensed oncology social workers. My group starts in October. You do have to register but it will be anonymous with the screen name, etc. in group sessions. Know that It is a strong person that asks for help, not a weak person! Check your resources because you may have many locally available. Here they have group counseling and individual counseling, couples counseling, art classes, yoga, all free and available to me and my family.
Yes you can do it!!! WE can do it! there's not a person here who isn't thinking the exact same thing you are at certain moments, as to how can i do another freakin chemo--myself included! was told by social worker the trick is not to look too far ahead --- she said focus on what is directly in front of you only --- and that really works. My tumor pains as it dies encourages me. I LOVE that pain!
So was there a neulasta hijacking in Florida? Yesterday we went to get my shot and guess what, not only was the hospital out but he called around and two other hospitals were also out! I have to traipse down there later to get it.
got me thinking that I need to scrape together some funds that invest in the pharmaceutical company that makes it.... I never heard of the hospital running out of drugs! Bad inventory control or high demand?
Happy Monday all, and minimal SE's! I will be back to complain of neulasta soon
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Mornin' Jello: So sorry you are having such a tough time. I was told I HAD to take FMLA because I work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at our children's hospital. My MO said it was for my protection from what I could be exposed to while being immunocompromised. I collect temporary disability insurance weekly. I'm still uncertain if I will return to work part-time when done with chemo until I'm done with 36 doses of radiation. I have until February to make that decision. I go for my 3rd TX of A/C tomorrow. I know that I'm grateful I won't have to worry about trying to work and take care of myself at the same time. We battle through enough, we don't need the added stress of trying to work!!
As far as the shot is concerned (Neulasta), I would take it. If your counts can drop that low, I would definitely go for the shot. My only advice is no one told me about taking Claritin the day of injection and for a few days afterwards on my 1st TX. I did it on my 2nd TX and NO BONE PAIN!!!
Understand we all have down days and I'm sure we've all questioned if we can last through this. Just think of what the alternative will be!! Perhaps you might want to join a support group in your area. Our families can support us to an extent. Only another who is fighting the same battle can related. This group is awesome and you can say anything you want here and you will NOT be judged!!
If you wish, send me a private message.
Carol
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I, too, was told to take a leave, as I am a teacher and the risk of infection would be too high. So I'm on a temporary leave at the moment. As for the Neulasta shot, for me, if it were the bone pain vs. the risk of infection, I'd still take the shot. I get the shot on Friday afternoon. Saturday evening and Sunday I don't feel too great, but this morning I'm feeling better.
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Oceanbreeze, you are so cute in that hate! Love it!
Jello, you CAN do this (read my signature line below)! I wholeheartedly recommend taking FMLA. There is an option for intermittent FMLA, where you don't have to stop working completely, but will be protected for the hours equivalent to 12 weeks if you need to be off work for whatever reason related to your medical condition that's what I'm dong, as I need to keep working to keep our benefits (my husband is currently unemployed) and since I work from home, I have no additional risk of infection and can even work from bed if I'm just too tired to make it up the stairs to my office. PLEASE look into this, as it will protect you from wrongful termination during this time. I am still able to work full time and use paid time off for absences, so I have not needed the disability. (Hindsight is 20/20; if my husband had applied for FMLA, he would still be working. He didn't b/c he thought his employer was flexible and understanding. Not so much. And he had no recourse b/c he was not on FMLA for my health condition. I can't stress enough how important it is to protect yourself.) As for the Neulasta shot, my counts still go low after, I take the Claritin but still get the bone pain. I only got half a dose the first round, and landed in the hospital that time. Got the full dose the 2nd round, and still went low, got an infection and needed antibiotics, but at least stayed out of the hospital, so I guess it helps...
I go for round 3 tomorrow spending today hydrating and getting psyched up.
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Hello my friends, my prayer continues to be minimal SE's for everybody!!!!
cassiecat, congrats on your daughter's Nutcracker casting! My daughter performed in our local Nutcracker for a couple of years and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Wizard, hope you're feeling pretty good after last week's 3rd infusion. My 3rd isn't until October 2nd, and I'm rushing the days on the calendar so I can get it done and over with.
Hope, I go to LGFB next Monday and can't wait! Let me know how your session goes this week...
windgirl, I never understood how the lace front wigs worked. I assumed that you had to have hair in the front in order to wear one though. I guess I need to get some more into on them to really understand.
pangtidor, I got a really cute wig from the ACS via a local salon. The owner will actually fit you with a wig that suits you and give it to you for free. She also gave me an awesome scalp massage with Amla oil. I couldn't stop hugging her!
Mullerin, love the picture! You are blessed to still have your mom. I miss my sweet mom every day. I stayed in Cannon Beach, OR a couple of years ago. The Oregon coast is simply beautiful. I have a friend in Portland and plan to visit the Pacific Northwest again very soon...
oceanbreeze, glad the Disney trip went well. Your picture is adorable!
jello, sorry that you ended up in the hospital. I have had the Neulasta shot after both treatments and the Claritin really does help to aleviate the bone pain. And I didn't take FMLA while doing chemo, but I do have a little flexibility and sometimes go in to work late because I'm kinda slow moving in the mornings. Mentally, I just pray and rest, and take it one day at a time. And yes, you can get through this! We've got to fight, fight, fight!
Overall, I've continued to feel pretty good. I've had a few sporadic bouts with D, but nothing constant where I would get dehydrated. Y'all take care and stay encouraged. We are warriors!
One love,
tp4ever
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Strongenough, wishing you the best on tomrorow's round 3! I hope all goes well. Let me know how you are doing because my round 3 is close behind you - next week!
One love,
tp4ever
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This is a picture of me with the free scarf that I got from Good Wishes. The fake bun is balled up socks, and I took the scarf tails and wrapped them around the bun and tucked in the ends. It's such a cool scarf - colorful, comfortable, and feels cool to my bald head....
One love,
tp4ever
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Whoa! Ever Wonder How Cancer REALLY Works? This Short Video Is A Must-See!
Read more at http://blog.thebreastcancersite.com/cancercelldiv...Another video worth watching
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Karina/oceanbreeze, you look beautiful.
tp4ever, I like your scarf! It's very cheerful!
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random chance, hang in there! Get sleep when you're tired.
Karina, wear those hats! You look very cute in that hat! I particularly am a fan of baseball hats.
Jello, hang in there. Are you gargling with a water, salt, baking soda mix? With the sores do it 5 times a day. Then twice preventative treatment. Also is a mouthwash which is by prescription. Do the neulasta shit! It really keeps the white blood cell count up. Any pain you may feel I tell myself is because it's working. I take claritin the morning of chemo and for the next 4 days. This helps with the pain. The couple days I've felt it have been in the second week and tylenol has worked.
Catie, glad you're doing pretty well!
Pangtidor, when are you going back for more Indian food, yummmm!
I had round 3 today. All my blood work was real good. I asked if SE will be worse with this. She said shouldn't be much different except maybe more tired. Well, I came home and fell asleep watching a soap opera. That hadn't happened before, lol. So I will treat SE with my compazine and lorazapam as needed.
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think pink, that scarf is wonderful on you! When I saw it I wondered how you made it look like had long hair! Good idea.
Catie, that is another great video!
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tp4ever you look amazing! I am on day 3 after #3 and so far its been easier that either of the two before. Less tired etc. I hope it stays that way! Only 1 more AC then 4 Taxol...I feel like I'm at least getting somewhere. Hugs to all who have infusions coming up in the next few days. Amy
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hi all ....
Mullerin&oceanbreeze I'm happy you had great time on your trips... Nice pictures.
Jello we all have our down time. It's normal . Once is out, I feel better . It helps me.
Bippy, if you are not able to work anymore don't force yourself. I had a full time job& 2 part time jobs prior to this big C. I take off from my part time jobs for awhile because I will be exposed to the sick people all the time (hospital&nursing home). Flu season is coming and I won't have benefit at all from the flu shot. I keep my full time job for now because I work with the protective gears on all the time (mask, face shield, and isolation gown) and it has good benefits for now. I do really like my job, it always makes me feel really good and accomplished at the end of my shift no matter how busy I am. It is therapeutic for me psychologically. I may take leave if I'm too sick to work. I'm still doing OK so far.knock on wood....
Thinkpink4ever thank you for the oil info. Like your picture!!! That's my style when I'm not in the mood for the wig. I start buying the big earrings now, they look great with the scarf. ...:-)
Kellya, bland food now for the 2 weeks after chemo. I will dig in to my 'regular food' 14-20 days after chemo infusion. The food taste better and I don't have to worry with the big D...:-)
Random chance hang in there....
I learn something with the second chemo. I could be strong when I force myself to. The 'stronger part of me' will have to bitch and kick the 'weaker part of me'. I don't know if I said right or not.....:-) Anyway, it works !!
Have a great one everyone. Hugs to you all.
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Jello,
So sorry to hear about you being sick. The Nulesta shot works, it causes minor bone pain, but well worth your counts not dropping. Luckily, I've been able to work, I have chemo on Wednesday's, work Thursday and take off the Friday after chemo. Best of luck to you! Stay hydrated!
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Hi, everyone! Everyone on this board is so helpful and sweet. The pictures are all great. I wish I had been one of the luckier ones with the fewer SE from the Nuelasta. I took the Claritin and Tylenol around the clock prior to the injection and still got the terrible bone pain and fever. I still will agree to take it next round, even though I was ready to throw in the towel Saturday night.
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beatmon can you take or get a prescription for Norco? Would be stronger than tylenol which I was told I could take if tylenol didn't work.
I upgraded to os8, not sure why I can't post a picture here anymore.
Feeling ok still, my day will be Wednesday if it's like usual, but sure can complain about anything
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I napped twice today. I remember last time around fighting the urge to nap, but this time I am just giving in. Most the of the bone pain and muscle aches of the weekend have passed now. I'm finding I have heartburn, or something like it. I had started some prilosec at the tail end of my last cycle, and I think I'll try taking it again starting tomorrow morning. My husband is really wanting me to get out and walk, but today it just wasn't happening. I'll try again tomorrow.
As far as my hair goes, I am getting it buzzed tomorrow. It is coming out so fast now; it's depressing. So tomorrow, it just all goes! Any suggestions on how close to cut it? The gal I'm going to has done this before for other clients, and she is happy to help me. She's actually the parent of one of my students. She's a hoot and it should be fun - or at least as fun as it can be. I'm trying to have a good attitude about it. I figure once it's done, it's done and I'll have one less thing irritating me and hanging over me (no pun intended). I have all kinds of hats and scarves waiting, and have started wearing them already since my hair is bugging me so much. I'm glad I cut it short back when I did. I can't imagine having all of that hair falling out now. Yikes. If I get a good picture I'll share.
The picture below was last Thursday, waiting for chemo #2. I'd already shed quite a bit of hair but I don't think you can really tell. It's normally very thick.
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Very cute picture! I buzzed mine the first time to about an inch at my hairdresser. She kept it light hearted and I really had no problem with it. A week later I think my husband electric shaved it with the shortest attachment but the next day I finished it with my razor in the shower. My head still really hurt and the shaving helped that. Good luck!
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Cassie: My hair was always very short but I had alot of it. I was shedding more than my dog was!!! But once it was gone, the sore head went away. I bought a wig but I'm just not comfortable in it. It screams "I'M WEARING A WIG!!!
This is how I'm looking at this baldness thing. Ya know how for centuries now men going to war have to don some type of headgear (i.e., gladiator armor, war feathers, helmets) to show that they're going to war? Well, in our cases, we're only showing people how incredibly strong we are by going into war WITHOUT any armor!!! Yeah, our heads get cold now but when you look at beautiful women who are bald or with some peach fuzz, you can now totally relate with the battle they are waging and, from them, you can draw some needed strength. We are much stronger than any one of us ever thought, and, we will conquer!!!.
I will now step down from my soap box and go hit the shower. Preparing for Round #3 today of A/C. Onward Troops!
CJB:)
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CJT511, very good way of looking at it.
I'm so sick of my hair falling out that I'm ready to be done with it. It's like this alien creature inhabiting the space around my head these days but not longer connected to me or mine. Good luck with round #3 today!!!0 -
Amy, it's great to read that #3 is going better for you than #1 and #2. Encouraging!
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CJT, i like it. Rituals are so powerful, we need to bring them back!
So far number three is nothing compared to the first two rounds. I probably shouldn't even say those words, how can this be?! But it's true --- I'm nearly 5 days out and got my Neulasta yesterday and feel pretty good. I just have a very low-grade nausea but I'm working on but it's doable. NO BIG D! I'm cleaning the house and making Yankee pot roast for my DH.
Things helping me today: plain rotisserie chicken breast, special K protein drink, wearing sea bands, a fresh scented candle, sleeping in late, a hot shower, gentle yoga.
Hope you are all doing good!
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Catie57, thanks for that video! I like to have a visualization for what's going on during treatment. I took a sport psychology class in college and learned about using visualizations to improve performance, so have been trying to practice that with killing off cancer cells as well. The more detailed the visualization, the better it works. This will help.
CJT511, thanks to you for the image of strength with no armor going into battle. This will help me not be so self-conscious in public. Yes, ONWARD TROOPS!
ThinkPink, love the scarf! I'm still waiting for mine from Good Wishes; looking forward to getting it. It looks so cute!
This afternoon is my round 3, and I find I'm not nearly as anxious and irritable as the last 2. Maybe b/c hubby is out of the house this morning.
LOL He's taking a test for a potential job, but will be back in time to go with me this afternoon.I am going to shave off the rest of my head stubble today before I go. I thought it would have all fallen out by now, but few of the grey hairs have continued to grow and it just looks weird and kinda gross. Another girlfriend wants to shave her head this week and I'm going with her, so will need to be more presentable topless for the obligatory after pic.
Hope everyone is doing well this week. Warm fuzzies & positive thoughts for minimal SE this round for us all!
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Yesterday was my third chemo round, and after a nap and a light dinner I was actually able to do more than 2 hours so tai chi with my classes! Perhaps that's why I woke up feeling so well today. Something to remember for those days when I just don't want to get out of bed.
One of my artist friends sent me two beautiful hand-painted silk scarves. I sent him a photo modeling one -- a lovely dark blue and purple, and he returned the photo with further embellishments:
Stay strong, everyone, and let your inner beauty shine! I love the photos and stories we share here.
Marilyn
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Got myself up and out to work today. It felt good to push myself since I was a couch potato this past wknd after Fridays treatment. The fatigue hit quick and hard, but worked half a day. Home now and just relaxing again. Ate a good lunch, so appetite is back. Thank goodness I have been able to bounce back fairly quickly. Still a little fatigued but much better.
Good luck to ladies doing treatment today. You are in my thoughts. We are kicking butt!
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feeling great today! Cleaned floor, vacuumed, did laundry and just gor back from neulasta shot. I've got chicken green salsa and black beans in the crockpot. Hoping this keeps up!
What a great scarf Mullerin! Pretty talented friend and wonderful picture!
Good luck everyone going through SEs and those getting next round today!
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justamy, so glad that #3 has been easier than the first two. That's some good news right there!!! And I know how you feel about progress. It's such a good feeling to feel like you're getting somewhere and knocking these treatments out...
Kellya, glad you're having a great day! Dinner sounds delish! I actually ate a really good lunch of lasagna and corn on the cob. Tasted fairly well too!
Catie, glad you are out and about today, and feeling better after Friday's treatment. Keeping on keeping on, my sister!
Strongenough, I also have some stubborn hairs hanging on to my bald-ish head. I think I'm going to shave it soon. Hope round 3 goes well for you this afternoon....
Bippy, I love hearing (once again!) that #3 is nothing compared to the first two. It's encouraging to hear as my #3 approaches next week. I AM ready!!!
CJT, hope #3 went well today! Let us know if it's easier that the first two for you as well! That's my wish for you and every one of us...
CassieCat, love your picture. I was close to your age when I was first diagnosed in 2011. I was 40 with an 11 year old daughter. This second diagnosis in May found us a little older - 53 with a 24 year old. She's been a wonderful support system for me this time. The first time, we really didn't tell her much detail, and tried to keep her life as normal as possible.
pangtidor, yes the big earrings with the scarves - looks soooo good!! Are you skilled in tying them in different ways? I love trying to be creative.....
One love,
tp4ever
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Bippy, I'm so happy to hear round 3 is going so well for you, too! That is excellent news. I used Sea Bands as well over the weekend and yesterday, and I do think they helped.
StrongEnough, good luck with round 3 today!
Mullerin/Marilyn, beautiful picture.
I'm glad you were able to do the tai chi. That helps inspire me to go to yoga this Thursday. Catie, sounds like a good day of work and rest.
Kellya, you're on fire! Come to my house!
tp4ever, thank you for sharing about your daughter. We're doing what we can to help keep things normal for her. She's been an amazing support, and she's also let me mother her, so we're doing OK together so far.
I've got about half an inch of hair now. For all the hair I've lost, it looks like I still have a lot. Not sure I'll be brave enough just yet to go without a hat or scarf, but it sure does feel a lot better now. Another thing to check off the list...
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Cassie, you look great! I got brave about two days after and just my head and I walked the house. Then when I shaved it, a couple days later that's what I did and still do. But, going out I still wear my wig. I'm getting more use to it the more I wear it, anything like walks, I wear my halo and hats but am about ready to feel comfortable in just my hat. Everyone one is different in how they feel in just their skin so to speak, lol.
Fell asleep for about a half hour. Not sure if I will feel any worse this time around. Hoping not!
third round done yesterday, third neulasta done today!
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Kellya: Your wig is perfect for you!!! Beautiful!!! I came home from Round #3 and slept for awhile. It's just such a long day. The object of the game is to keep the SEs to a minimum.
I see you live in IL. My husband was born and raised in Rockford. He came to RI when his company shut the plant down in Rockford and move him out to corporate headquarters. That's how we met and we've been together now for 15 years.
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