Starting chemo August 2014
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Gatomal= Oh My!!! I hate that you are going through this. NOT FAIR!! I hate that anyone is going through this. Hope all the best for you and your babies. I do not think I could have done this pregnant and with young children at home. YOU GO GIRL! You are one tough chick. I will keep you in my prayers. Healthy beautiful babies in your future and health to you.
Still funky taste buds. I have now realized when I get rid of this fluid retention I have probably lost 10 lbs. I can tell by my face. My legs and and ankle are still puffy. I have been taking lasix on days it is bad. Usually for 3 days then a few days off. Not out of bed yet,so can't tell how my acne looks. I have not had a breakout like this since I was 18. Chemo =just full of surprises.
Wishing everyone a great day. I am doing nothing except taking a walk. Saving my energy for my son's arrival tonight. My son has aspergers. So, sometimes he takes more energy just because he is anxious about something. Also,language delayed so I explain things several times if he did not get it.
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Mullerin, cute photo.
Thanks for the chuckle.Gatomal, I agree you are one tough cookie! I can barely get through what I'm doing, and look at all you've done. I too wish I had some way to get through this faster and with more guarantees. But we will get through it. They don't do any icing or cold caps here at my center, and I'm not sure if I could have tolerated them on top of everything else, especially with all my headaches.
Bippy I hope you have a good day with less nausea and D. Let us know how your appt. goes.
Eileen, enjoy your day and your visit with your son.
Last night I went downhill a little bit. Big C is setting in, which made everything feel bad last night. It's hard not to get to feeling down, and all I could do was just lay on my bed. I'm hoping for a better mental attitude today, and I'm going to go for a short walk and try to get things moving, too. Last night was definitely a night for feeling sorry for myself a little bit. I'm on to bigger and better things today!!! I also need to stop obsessing about my hair. I was really attached to my long, thick hair, and I miss it!
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thanks for the support August ladies. I'm feeling a bit better today, and we all have complicating factors in our lives that makes this hard in different ways. But I woke up to see the sun on the city of San francisco, and I'm glad I'm here to see it. It's a beautiful day, I have a scan later to see the babies in greater detail, and things are going to be okay. We (I) just have to keep believing! Prayers and hugs and strength to all. Have a great Thanksgiving!
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humm, lost this topic from my favorites. Go figure -- I was wondering if noone was posting. Then while typing an updated the site just shut down on me.
Gatomal, ditto on what everyone is saying. You go girl -- glad you are feeling better this morning and that you have your csection date. I admire you and Nurseshark and others that are in this journey while pregnant. I am not far from you and the sunrise was beautiful this morning. Nice warm day in the mid-70s today in the bay. Not a bad ride into the city this morning no traffic and you know that is a miracle.
Nurseshark, how are you and our honorary nephew Levi doing. How are you guys settling in? Thinking of you as you approach 3 weeks with your bundle of joy.
Cassie, hoping today is better for your mentally and physically. I had a hard tim last night with aches and pains and just blahhhhh.
Mullerin, love the photo! I got a good chuckle out of that one.
JeniferE and Randomchance, so glad to see you post and get an update. Thanks for the encouragement.
Randomchance, Hope you are feeling better today. Congrats on finishing the last chemo.
Beamon, how are you? I think of you often. How are the treatments coming along!
Eileen, i hope the pictures from the wedding cheered you hope! I was teary eyed when I read your post on this.
I have my blood test today to determine if I am on for #5 Taxol tomorrow -- the day before Thanksgiving. The Onc Nurse says may counts have been really good through #4. Praying counts hold up for #5. I should be able to last through our Thanksgiving Day since I will be hyped on steriods. So glad that my SILs, Mom and Sister are doing all of the hosting for me. We are expecting a large crowd as we have a large family and can't wait for family to get together with the ups, downs and sideways things that happen -- it is still family -- gotta love it. There are quite a few flying in this year and I think it is due to my dx. I believe Eileen you said something similar. But I want to make sure my dx is not the center of attention if you know what I mean.
I feel pretty good today, but yesterday was a bear -- got so fatigued and the big "D" hit in the middle of the work day. Interesting that you guys were talking about accidents. I thought I was going to have an accident yesterday when the big "D" hit. So I went home a early just to veg, nurse my GI tract and that helped out quite a bit.
Hope everyone has a great day.
Hugs as always,
-Angie
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Anyone else like to share some things they're grateful for as we move through this week? It always helps me to focus on what's good, especially when I'm wallowing!!
Some things that come to mind for me today...
- A walk with my dad and my dog that included a view of the islands of the coast here. It's beautiful in So Cal today.
- No migraine!
- Enough cash on hand to suggest lunch out with my DH and dad.
- Other moms looking out for my DD when I can't be there to keep an eye out for her.
- Coworkers who've stepped up big time to fill in for me while I've been out on leave, and a boss who's been beyond amazing in her support.
- My mom is hosting Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings.
- My pets and family are all healthy.
- My mom or dad coming out every three weeks to help out and make sure that DD can get to school and ballet without any interruptions or hassles.
- My neighbor randomly engaged my dad in a conversation about quitting smoking and shared his struggles. Good thing I had on dark glasses - it brought tears to my eyes.
- My DH never loses his patience with me and always tries to help, including reading the signals when doing nothing is the help I want at that moment.
- Supportive friends who keep on commenting on my blog, even when I start to feel like a broken record!
- Feeling better today than I felt yesterday, and optimistic that tomorrow might be better still.
- The community here of all of you, giving me a place to go that is full of people who really, really get it.
I would LOVE to read what others are feeling grateful for, too.
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I am so GRATEFUL for my BF of 14 years. I dumped in the beginning because I thought he was not good enough for me. Then only went out with him again because he had season RAVENS tickets and the football season was just about to start. LOVE my Ravens. (He knows it and still kids me about it all the time.) Turned out to be the smartest person I have ever meet. Kind, thoughtful,and generous to a fault. Most of all LOVES my son like it was his own.
My friends who constantly send me cards and gifts. They never forget me.
My brother and SIL. Fantastic and proud they are my family.
My job. They have been super during this treatment into a votex of HELL.
My Chemo discussion board. This has been a life saver. I never would have know about Claritin for pain. All the support I get from this group with no judgement.
I feel so lucky for being unlucky. LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Ellenpg - Sounds like a lot going on. You are a strong woman and I have confidence that all will work out for you. I hope you get all the answers you need soon for peace of mind. I know ur family will be happy just to be with you during the holiday. Everyone knows this is a rough road at this time. They just want to be there for support. Let them love you.
Gatamol - Jan 15th WOW! I like that they are waiting for those kids to develop more. I give you so much create with having twins and going thru treatments at the same time. Question? Did the cold caps help? Did you keep your hair? Good luck to you.
Cassiecat - We are all going to get thru this together. It's a difficult time, but I know we are going to look back on these days and remember how we conquered and destroyed. We are survivors! I sometimes think about how much tougher others have it and compare my situation. I know this is tough, but I know it could be worse. I try to focus on the positive and usually am successful. Please keep your chin up. Getting closer to the end.
Justamy - I really hope you are doing better. You have had a rough time. You are awesome! Hang in there..
LadyB - Hoping your digestive system is treating you ok. I hope you can enjoy your Thanksgiving food with your family this year.
Mullerin - I am hoping by Feb to see some of that peach fuss on my head too.
I have been very fortunate with the extra steroids and fluid this time around. I strongly recommend talking to your MO about getting thru tougher days. It really made a difference. I haven't slept a lot, but no fatigue or really feeling ill. I am getting a red face here and there. It's a workable trade off for me. Anyway, DONE with chemo. Rads next....
We are kicking cancers butt.....
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Just wishing everyone a blessed, peaceful, safe Thanksgiving day. Love, Jean
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i will be grateful tomorrow. Today I will wallow con my misery.
Ok, I am grateful for the support that has come from EVERY WHERE.
And the freedom to wallow in my nursery.
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grateful for family, friends and BCorg!
Just was able to eat some subway sandwich and grateful for that too. First food in days. Tasted unbelievably good.
Setting surgery for 3 weeks out, to give me time to recover fully. BS is amazing. He will do a SND before doing full AD. Will take only as much nodes as necessary in his pro opinion...i trust him. Ladies, we will do this. I will forever be grateful I found you all here, at the worst time of my life, when I was convinced I was dying and there was no hope. No one else really gets it, though many try hard to. Without this community, I am not sure where I would be.
So.....everyone, thanksgiving blessings and wishes to you all, for a wonderful day filled with joy and peace
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I'm grateful for many things and as soon as I list them, I will forget something. First I am grateful to live in a country where I can still worship God freely. I am also grateful for all of my friends and family that have gone through this junk with me. My community and my husband's work have both been so very supportive along with my church family that prays for me and brings me meals w I just can't cook. I'm thankful that I win my disability case and now all the doctor and hospital bills that were overdue can now be submitted to medicare (all the way back to Jan 2013!)I'm thankful for chemo....even though I hate it, it is saving my life. I am thankful for my wonderful husband who has done whatever I needed no matter what the hour and has told me how beautiful I am even when I'm bloated, bald and wearing pajamas for days.Last but not least I am thankful for all of you....no matter if I'm suffering or cerebrating you all are there with me. Hugs to all of you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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I am grateful for this online community. Your stories, advice, and encouragement have helped immensely.
I am grateful for my doctors and their support staff.
I am thankful for these drugs that are melting away my cancer.
I am thankful for my faith, I have found hope and perspective as I fix my eyes on Jesus.
I am thankful for my daughter and her beloved. They just got engaged on Saturday! Woo hoo!
Happy Thanksgiving, sisters.
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catie57...the cold caps have worked for me so far, I haven't lost any hair. I had 4 AC and now one taxol (#2 tomorrow) but it could be my pregnancy helping keep my hair too. We will see.
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damnit! Setbacks suck. Was feelin good, ate a little, a friend came over and visited, life was good!
I have to abbreviate this because otherwise I will hurl. We had bought trashbags that had odor control. DO NOT BUY THOSE CHEMO LADIES. The otherwise pleasing smell just made me hurl like I was possessed. Lucky I had not eaten much. It was the smell from the drawer! Poor DH just had to trade them out with a neighbor, the very thought of them, UGH.
I may give this advice to chemo newbies....to save another. Was not expecting it and it was awful. Feelin better now, medicated and sitting very, very still.
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So sorry Buppy. It is strange the things that can set us off. Hope you feel better soon. Prayers going up. Love, Jean
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So sorry Bippy, relax and take it easy.. I had one of those reactions and had to take the offending material out of my house. You are right it is interesting what sets us off. Agree with you that I am also now very careful on what chemicals come into my house.
Sitting in chair getting taxol #5, going well so far. I am going to appreciate the steriods to last through tomorrow (big smile).
What am I thankful for . I know I want list them all but will start:
- First off I am just grateful for life. Even though this hand has been dealt to me I am grateful that I have be given a chance to reflect on who I am, how I respond and most of all how I thank those that help support and make this journey easier and what lessons I learn.
- I am grateful for this online community of fellow warriors, peps, sisters. The sharing of experiences, your encouragement, support, advice, the freedom that each of you feel to share your must inner thoughts and situations, all the above I am grateful for as it allows us to grow, learn, feel comfortable andmost of of all endure this journey. Thank you for being there through the good times, mediocre times and the bad/low times.
- Grateful for my daughters who have covered me and stand by me.
- Grateful for my mom who calls me every day, comes to every treatment and has taken over some things that I have not been able to handle in the ministry.
- I am grateful for my Mom, 3 SILs, DD, DH an DS that have just taken the reigns to make sure Thanksgiving is handled and I don't have to lift a finger.
- I am so grateful for my medical team they are wonderful supportive and follow-up on the "littlest" thing and remember my whines and heartaches from visist to visit. I had one nurse bring me an ointment for my feet as I complained that they were dry and cracking now with Taxol. The oinment is working wonders and she asked me if I still had enough and to let her know if I need more.
- I agree with JenierE I am grateful that God has anchored me in my Faith and that through this journey, my hope and faith have increased on my prespective on things that I though I had a good perspective on have matured even more and I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.
- I am grateful for family and friends that have stood by me through it all.
- I am grateful for my DH who loves me and continues to encourage me, rub my back, cleans-up after me, studies with me, prays with me and helps me the way he knows how. He even hired a maid to take care of my OCD with cleaning (big smile).
- I am so grateful for my friend who sends me a card weekly that range from touching to just down right hilarious. I thank her prayers and just being there for me..
- Grateful for my manager and co-workers. They have been so supportive through this all covering me when needed. My manager has just been awesome
- That I feel better emotionally and physically than I did at the start of chemo and I have theh right support team around me to help bring me out of my downer days.
- My intercessory prayer team that covers me and those on this thread and board.
- Just grateful to have a state of mind to be grateful.
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Happy Thanksgiving to all that celebrate. Wishing you much happiness as you gather with family and friends. For those who do not celebrate relax and enjoy a quite day.
Wishing all minimal SEs and/or smooth transition to next phase of treatment. For those that are PFC with no further treatment I am thinking of you and my thoughts are with you as your body and minds recovers from this treatment and emotionally that you reach out to this board or others for support.
Hugs,
-Angie
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I'm so glad to read what everyone sharing - the good, the down and everything in between.
randomchance, I hope today's been a better day for you. {{hugs}}
Bippy, so sorry you had that experience! Yuck.
I had a good check-in today. My counts are relatively normal (for me, that is) for day 6 after chemo, so I can still travel this weekend. Just need to be cautious, of course, but I'm cautious anyway the first week or two out! I asked a few questions about what comes next. Looks like we'll do another ultrasound and PET/CT scan after my last chemo. We'll also do another ecg/echo to check on my heart function as I finish chemo and move into Herceptin-only. It sounds like how much/where (if any) radiation will be determined based on what my surgeon sees and the pathology that comes back, as well as what we see on the ultrasound and PET/CT scan. My last ultrasound showed nothing, and my hope is that nothing is what we see again on my follow up scans! Hopefully I can get those done before the new year.
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I'm still here, just getting caught up on the posts...
I have a quick question for now: Has anyone flown anywhere during/after chemo? I'm wondering, if I wear a hat or scarf, will TSA make me take it off to go through security? I had decided to not take a chance and just wear a wig for the flight to Salt Lake for Thanksgiving, but now not sure I want to mess with it... Just don't want to be standing in the security area trying to get my scarf arranged while 150 people watch, and don't want to show my peach-fuzzy-bald head in public.
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Stronenough/ I can't imagine that would make you take off a scarf. Many religions keep their heads covered. You can call TSA. Just google the number. I have called them for other reasons. Very nice and helpful.
Don't have my taste buds back post 17 of chemo. Everything still has a horrible metal taste. Might have to eat scambles eggs for dinner tommorw night. I hate watching others eat. I am so jealous. Also,my sense of smell now is incredible.Everything smells great. Even meat that I have not eaten in 38 years.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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finally better....
Resting and getting over the hump. Eileen, try pickles to clear your palate...worked for me, may not for you but worth the try. Had taste issues today and that worked like a charm! I hope it comes back before next tx but aint that like Monday? I am making a meal for Dh later in the week. Gettin stuff tomorow if well enough to shop. Turkey, taters, stuffing, all of it! No black friday for me.
Today was awful and glad i feel better. Thanks all for wishing it so! My kitties are all over me in the bed, they are pretty smart creatures, it is nippy tonight
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Bippy= What kind of pickles? I am pretty tired of this horrible taste bud SE. It is now the entire three weeks and then another treatment. Yes,Monday 6th and final round. I really want to eat with everyone tomorrow instead of just watching.
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Eileen, just a fee midget dill gherkins. Hope it works and you do enjoy food today! It is so awful that it has tortured you this long. Hope you can get some taste back before Monday!
Slept okay, feel okay. Still battling the Big D, but I prefer that over the episode yesterday. Finally, I am losing weight, haha. Managed to make some plain tortellini with light butter sauce for DH and it made me feel so good to be able to nurture him. Also made him a cracker and cheese tray! Small things mean so much. Now that chemo hell is over, I can comcentrate on getting things done, like financial aid and decluttering. I really do not want to be in financial ruin when my tx is over. My pal works for the state, and when it is time I am applying there. Less salary, but good job, low stress, benefits galore. I am ready to take it down a notch.....
I frequent the newbies on the board, and post to encourage them and give info that is helpful. It seems like yesterday I appeared there too, in shock, horror and reeling. Their posts echo my own back in July, when I thought the world ended. I find it very helpful to me to help them! Anything I can do, I will, to lessen the trauma for someone else. I feel for the gals doing chemo especially.
Enjoy your day everyone
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Bippy, glad you are feeling a bit better. Enjoy your turkey dinner whenever you are able to make it! Glad your kitties are there to comfort you. Mine has been an extra cuddle bug since I was diagnosed I can cry and whine to him and he never complains!
Eileen, Hope you are able to enjoy some food today. I made an apple pie for today and would be very upset if I had to watch everyone else eat it.
Cassie, love your gratitude list. I had a couple of weeks of feeling so down that it was hard to see all that I have to be grateful for. Family and friends who have really been there for me in every way possible. Great doctors who are getting me through my treatment so this cancer can become part of my history not my present. Good insurance and financial means to pay for treatment. Work that I enjoy and look forward to getting back into full time. Goofy friends and family who love to laugh and have fun. A comfortable home, my kittiy, my hobbies. A life that I loved before cancer. And it is still here if I will just see it!
Also grateful that my echo and bone density tests came back okay. Radiation is scheduled to start next Monday if my breast infection/ seroma are better by then.
So grateful for all of you. As Bippy noted, we have all come a long way from the scared newbies we were. We are getting through it all together. Be well my friends and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Hope you are all surrounded by much love today.
Hugs, Sandy
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Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
I had a headache last night that did indeed go to migraine stage.
I took my meds at 4am and I'm hoping that one dose will do it. Between that, and some big C, my stomach's upset also. Not too fun. Despite all that, I was determined to do something this morning for my family that was special, so I made some baked chocolate glazed mini-doughnuts. Nothing tastes right to me these days (which makes me sad for dinner later today) but DD said they taste alright. DH is out on a long bike ride but will be home soon, and then we'll be leaving in an hour or two. I was hoping to be feeling better today than I am, and have more normal taste buds, but it is what it is. It could be worse! At least I can make the trip.I hope everyone has a very nice day and feels as good as possible!!!
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aww cassie feel better soon! Your donuts sound wonderful. Brownies, cakes all that stuff tastes fine to me....i suffer migraines too, but my depression meds stopped them thank goodness. I know how awful they are and feel for ya. I hope they never return. Best wishes for you to enjoy todays feast.
One more round of labs today, had a great nurse but she forgot to get enough and had to stick me twice
. She promised me a donut to make nice! Only 3 more labs to go, PFC. Thank gawd, that chit is gettin OLD.We have no plans today, will make or go get some food later. It is sunny and so beautiful here, it defies words. Glad that I can rest and do whatever I want. Interestingly, I did not take claritin and bone aches are minimal. Day 7 PFC and countin!
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Cassie, hope you feel better, but so glad you are feeling good enough to make the trip and spend quaility time with your family. I suffer from Magraines adn used to have them at least 2 twice a month. What is strange since my surgery for ALND I have not had one migraine, I told my MO and PCP -- hopoefully I don't jinx myself by writng it here
. The donuts sound wonderfully delicious. Bippy I love to give back also.
Sandy so glad your echo and density test came back with good news.
The weather is wonderful here, forecasted for mid-70's so that we can go on the patio and outside for our gathering today. I am so thankful that I will be surrounded by much love today with family and friends. This is the year we bring both sides of the family together. We are hosting at my house and the first time I have not had to lift a finger. I was order out of kitchen and preparation area. I am still on steriods so should have enough energy. I am like eileen I won't be able to taste much but I can eat now since starting the prescription medicine for the GI tract issues.
Have a wonderful day and a Happy Thanksgiving my friends. Remember to relax, let it go and let others do for you and relax.
-Hugs all.
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
I have those horrible taste buds still. Everything taste like metal when you put in your mouth. Will try pickles when I get my hands on some today. Will try anything. My SIL is going all out and I can sit and watch. What fun. Chemo the gift that keeps on giving. !!!!!
Monday is my big day. Last chemo. I bought a goodbye card and wrote all quotes from end of movies on saying goodbye. I am taking in a cake and getting super dressed up.
They do not do anything where I go for chemo. We are lucky enough to get a seat. The room is filled and we sit in a big circle. No where to even have a friend come with me. Sometimes someone brings someone but, they need to give up their seat and come back later. I tell my MO it is the party room and they are serving cocktails in there. Yeah cocktails with metals in them. YUM YUM
Wishing all NO SE. We are sick of them.
P.S I am loving my son here. I hate to see him leave tomorrow.
Eileen
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hi ladyb, do enjoy your day today. A family like yours is such a blessing. Sounds so wonderful and fun! Hope,you,can taste--what meds are you taking for GI? My GI tract is blown. I wonder how a normal BM feels, not to be indelicate, but I really cannot remember!
My WBC is down again, so back on Cipro. Explains the horrible SEs and extreme lethargy at least. Takin it very easy and chattin on the phone to friends today. I will stay away from black friday crowds too. It is makin me so house crazy! I have hardly left except for medical appts this whole week. Sorry to monopolize the forum today but.. Am tryin to not watch any more freakin tv.
Anyone doing shops today/tonight/weekend
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I'm avoiding crowds too. My mom suggested seeing the new Mockingjay movie but I'm afraid to risk the germs. Bippy, don't ever apologize for posting. I love hearing from you.
Angie it sounds like a lovely day ahead for you.
Eileen I like your last chemo ideas! I'll still go in every three weeks for herceptin infusions through next August, so i won't be saying goodbye on the 15th, but I still want to do something to celebrate the last chemo.
Writing from the car. Almost there!
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