Starting Chemo September 2015; join us!
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I went to the oncologist's office today for prechemo blood work. My oncologist stopped in to see me and I mentioned that I can't find the tumor anymore. He went in for the feel and guess what? He can't find the tumor either! The chemo is definitely working. It's not just me being crazy or overly optimistic; the tumor has really shrunk to the point where is must be tiny or nonexistent at this point. Round #2 of 7 starts tomorrow.
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Hi Shadow! I'm sorry you have to be here but very glad you found us. Constipation knocked me out during my first round and was easily the most painful side effect. For the second one, I started stool softeners the night before the chemo treatment and took two pills (Colace) morning and evening on the recommendation of my oncologist. It kept it at bay this time! Of course, I have had issues with diarrhea, but... LOL I'm so glad I figured out how to keep the constipation at a minimum this time around and highly recommend using a stool softener preventatively.
teacherhikermom!!!! I'm in tears I'm so happy for you!!! And in just one treatment? That's HUGE!
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I read aloud all of the posts about husbands being stupid to my DH. His response was, "Why would you want pictures of breastfeeding your kid?" (just doesn't get it). Men are so clueless sometimes.
You know what really seriously helped us? I got him this book called Breast Cancer Husband and he read the whole thing. It actually really has made a difference. When I was first diagnosed he acted like I was overreacting (he actually said that, "overreacting." I was like, seriously, WTF? How can you overreact to a life threatening illness, to CANCER?) After reading the book he lets me vent (most of the time) and is sharing with me better. He is taking on a lot more duties at home, took me (and stayed for) first chemo and is taking me (and staying for) second chemo.
This is the amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Breast-Cancer-Husband-Diagnosis-Treatment/dp/1579548334/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443153438&sr=8-1&keywords=breast+cancer+husband
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teacherhikermom, that's great news about the tumor!
Thanks for the link...hubby is actually reasonably supportive but I think he would read and appreciate the book.
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teacherhikermom that's great about your tumor shrinking.
Shadow I manage constipation with stool softeners. I take them the day before chemo and for a few days after. I also try to have higher fiber foods when my stomach can handle them in my diet like oatmeal, pears. I find prunes, lots of water and walking also helps.
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My PET scan picked up random things. I am going for an ultrasound of my thyroid and will go see an endocrinologist because of a nodule found on the PET scan. I also have a small benign tumor on my femur that was found during the PET scan.
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AnnieB43: Yes, luckily that tough meat softened in the crockpot after I diced it and let it simmer several hours
So I at least have a dinner for tonight I want to offer my deepest sympathy to those of you with husbands/boyfriends/partners like my husband:
who belittle you and criticize if you express any worry over your cancer or its treatment, and mock you if you break down and cry;
who refuse to (or are completely uninterested in) going with you to any of your doctor appointments;
who "go out" for hours at a time when you are most sick and weakened from treatment side effects (leaving you to try to walk your dog to "go" when you can barely stand up yourself);
who ask "Where's dinner?" "Where's my clean laundry?" instead of helping do some of that themselves;
and who otherwise make dealing with breast cancer so very much more difficult (((((((hugs)))))))
Thank god this cancer waited to hit until I was already in psychotherapy with a wonderful, supportive, understanding psychologist (in part because of the husband difficulties) ---- if the cancer had hit a year ago, I doubt I could have coped at all
Wishing everybody a better day than yesterday
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To prevent/treat constipation from chemo and opiod pain meds, I've had good luck with generic Movicol (macrogol) 6g twice a day with a glass of water ----- it's something that stays inside the bowels and binds water to keep the stool soft. I also walk at least a little bit each day.
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Welcome Shadow! I will put you on our list...If there are rules I don't know them, so relax, pull up a chair and join us! Any topic is welcome, as are all questions: this is a great and supportive group of brave fighting women.
I am doing well, though I've been having sleepless nights wondering if each tomorrow will be the day my hair stays on my pillow and not my head. Totally a waste of time to worry about, I know. I am shedding more but my hair is hanging in there. It is short and thick, and the changes I can see aren't noticeable to others. yet. My goal, as I think I've said, is to just last till Monday when I have my next chemo apt, just to prove the MO wrong since he said it would be gone by then. But I do want to enjoy a weekend without worrying so I guess I will need to just walk, distract myself, whatever.
I used OTC generic stool softener and took it before and for the first two days of chemo. I was a little nervous about doing that because of fears of the big D, but I am VERY prone to constipation so took that chance, and it worked. What d I've had (which falls into the little d category really) was not until two weeks after chemo and could have just as easily been whatever I ate that day...I also agree with those who say to walk a lot, and drink lots of water, both helped me.
Meanwhile, the online pharmacy called yesterday to say that the nueprogen, which I need for round two and was supposed to arrive today, wasn't shipped after all because the R%(()*$)( insurance company didn't approve it. Argh! I need it no later than Tuesday! Called MOs office who agreed that it is completely stupid that it was approved for round one but not for round two, and they hope to get an approval today. Still VERY annoying to have to deal with!
Hope all have a good weekend!
xoxox
Octogirl
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Hi Ladies
Had my 2nd round yesterday morning and aside from crashing into an immediate sleep in the afternoon, no other side effects. Today is another day and I woke up feeling ok...hmmm...definitely different from round 1, two weeks ago. So, we shall see how it plays out over the weekend.
I had some constipation the first time around but stool softeners, fibre supplements and a laxative took care of it. The following week leading up to round 2 day was light D so I've held off on the stool softener today.
DH has been wonderful. I feel guilty for complaining about anything now that I see how difficult it has been for many of you. My hubby had taken over the cooking from the date of my surgery until I was able to get back at it last week. He never really did it before and fortunately was able to work from home so decided to have some fun. He did very well and enjoyed it so much that he enrolled in a cooking class. Last night was first class and he came home with a wonderful vegetable minestrone soup. This can possibly be the best outcome from this horrible disease. After 30 years of marriage, I won't have to do all the cooking anymore..YAY!
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Anyone have good solutions for nasal dryness?
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Twiggy..I just had that as well and am headed to the drug store soon. I'm thinking of trying OTC saline nose spray. it should just lubricate and ease the dryness. Worth a try.
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Lindy: that ROCKS!!! Yay for your hubby! I also feel for those with hubby problems as mine is mostly clued in, and yes, he has been cooking and cleaning. This week I've felt fine and have done much of the cooking as I am a better cook, but I am happy to eat what he makes too. Besides, I found out that when everything was tasting metallic in week one to week two that the best tasting thing was El Pollo Loco Grilled chicken and mashed potatoes, and hubby can do take out as well as the best of them! -) but homemade minestrone sounds so much more nutritious and comforting! I bet the cooking class is a good stress reducer for him too.
Twiggy, I haven't needed it for that though I have used it for other things...but have you tried coconut oil? the women in the March group swore by it for just about anything...and I don't think it would hurt. Maybe put a bit on a q-tip and try swabbing (but stay very shallow in the nostril)?
Octogirl
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Twiggy I use Polysporin Visible Lip Health. I didn't do squat for my dry lips but one day when my nose was so dry I shoved a bunch up both nostrils. And I mean nosebleed, scabbing on the septum dry. It's unscented and it is a cream not an ointment so it massaged right in. Worked like a charm. I keep it in my purse now and I usually need it 2-3 times a day from about day 6-10, and then as needed.
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dry nose I used chapstick. Worked awesome! White tongue I scraped it off used baking soda paste and rubbed it all over then rinsed. Used the magic mouthwash 1 day and no more mouth problems at all. Constipation I used Colace with the added stimulant laxative. Bloated stomach I used Uber strength phazyme.
Totally rocking the hat today with a pin on flower, dangle earrings and a new pink chapstick. Today is the first day I felt really good. Too bad monday is round 2.
My husband aparently bought that cancer husband book last week without me knowing. See there's always hope!
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Well, I got the magic mouthwash - start that today. Thanks very much for suggesting I look into getting that prescription!
Can't wait for my mouth to not feel like it's gone through a meat grinder!
The Big D has let up some too for which I'm very grateful.
I had my wig cut last night and I'm very happy that my hairdresser was able to cut it similar to my usual hairstyles. I'd like to have him highlight it though, it's a little too dark compared to my actual hair. I also ordered a back up wig and that should arrive this weekend so I'm looking forward to fussing with that.
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Day 15 and hair is falling out heavily. I think this is the last day I'm going to be able to get by with normal hair. used a ton of hairspray to keep it in place.
Mr hairbrush broke this morning. I think it's telling me something.
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Got the mouthwash yesterday. Felt improvement in my mouth after first use. It really is magic. Steroids kicked in this morning so I cleaned the bathroom...lol..thats it for today. I know better than to push it. Day 15 for me. My hair is really coming out so I'm keeping it in a pony tail until I figure out when to do the big deed..It still looks full so I've got some time.
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Just go back from the MO's office. It's a group practice with two MOs. I met the second MO today and he is so different from the first. I like them both though. One is overly cautious according to my surgeon, and the second is just so darned confident and no holds barred kind of guy. He said the red breast was probably just a reaction to the war that the chemo was waging on my cancer. The breast wasn't hot to the touch and I have no fever. It's not even pink now. He said I'm doing really well 4 days out. He was very encouraging. Now, if I can just get past the big "D". Ugh.
Hope everyone has a good weekend. I'm taking the plunge and getting my head buzzed. I can't stand the waiting game.
Hugs to all!
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GreytMPH2: So sorry you had to jettison the boyfriend. I've no doubt that it was the best, healthiest thing to do, but it has to be so terribly hard right now. I'm at home, processing my isotopes for a bone scan in an hour. Every test is a new terror. My brain knows that this scan will probably find nothing of concern, but I'm not processing nearly as much with my brain as I used to. I'm hopeful that this is the last diagnostic scan for both of us.
My husband pointed out yesterday that my cancer is a second job, and he's right. Six appointments this week, six last week, but only four next week! I left my house at 10:00 yesterday, did a PT appointment, met him for a quick lunch, and then spent the rest of the afternoon as a mastectomy fitting. Traffic was delightful, so I got home after 5:00. I now have a real foob, which we are all horrified and fascinated by. It does its job nicely, but this is a strange world we live in.
Day 4, and I'm still sleepy. This is the last day of the steroids and anti-nausea (may cause drowsiness), so I'm curious as to what tomorrow will bring. Taste buds are wacky, but not overtly hostile just yet. They are clearly planning a mutiny. Crackers and ginger cookies taste pretty normal. I can mostly taste dairy and salt. Nothing tastes actively bad yet, so I continue to count my blessings.
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Southern - what kind of wig did you get? I've now become obsessed with wigs!
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Hello Sept Chemo Group,
I would like to join your group, I was happy to find it! A quick intro, I am 48 yrs old, married, work full time, have a busy 11 yr old at home, 1 at college, and 1 graduated college living nearby who is helping me out. I did my first round of AC on 9/21, have 3 more to go and then will follow up with Taxol and radiation. I am doing the cold cap treatments as well. So far so good I guess, does it get harder each treatment?
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Hey Scotland! I agree. I took 4 weeks off of work because I had appointments every other day for SOMETHING following my surgery. They left me to heal that first week, but after that, full steam ahead. Chemo felt an awful lot like "hurry up and wait." So now I'm waiting. Waiting to see how 'bad' things are going to get. Waiting for my hair to start falling out. Waiting to schedule travel vs. family visits. I want to "schedule" when I shave my hair off. I want to have a party. I just have no idea when would be a good time to do that without leaving clumps everywhere. (Is there a day by day timeline?). Tomorrow, Day 11: Get hair styled & get family Christmas portraits taken. Day 19: Seahawks Head Shaving & football party? It seemed like a good idea to me. I just need some temporary tattoos for my head.
Hello Here2win! Happy Unbirthday to you and Unwelcome to the group! Day 6 of AC was my worst so far when the steroids wore off (felt like I was fighting through a Benedryl/Nyquil/Sudafed haze with no caffeine). Felt great the day after. Mostly, as long as I get up and walk around my work site and pick up my heart rate, it clears up any of those feelings. I'll let you know how round 2 goes.
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Hello Sept Chemo Group!
Looking to join your group, a quick intro - I am 48 yrs old, work full time, married with a 3 kiddos, 1 busy 11 yr old at home, 1 at college and 1 that has graduated college and helps me out with all this craziness! I did my first round of AC on 9/21, have 3 more to go, then Taxol and radiation. I am doing the cold cap therapy, not sure what to expect there. I imagine the side affects of chemo get worse with a couple more treatments?
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I ordered my wigs from wigs.com and 1 from headcovers.com. both are jon renau wigs. I don't like the short one so I ordered one called "heidi" that is just like my natural hair style. It won't be here for another week. My husband likes the hats better than the short hair wig so I'm just sporting a hat today. He bought me some new earrings and made me pick out some pink lip balm. I feel really good today which is nice since I've been battling depression over the hair stuff.
I started Nexium in anticipation of taking the decadron on sunday. Sunday I'll also start the colace and claritin. I'm totally getting ahead of the SEs this go round.
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BTW whoever suggested the lint roller for your head is a genius. It takes care of the tiny hairs and the itchiness. TOTAL GENIUS!
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That's a cool tattoo. 0 -
welcome here2win! Will add you to our list. Please jump in with any questions or whatever..I'd love to hear how the cold capping goes. I did consider it, but found the logistics too daunting given that I live in a small town located quite far from where I get the infusions. Hope it works for you though!
Hugs
Octogirl
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DLCygnet: I'm getting buzzed on Day 12. I keep hearing that the shedding hits hard around Day 14 or so. With loads of long, thick, curly hair, I want to get ahead of it. I could practically hear the shower drain and vacuum cleaner begging me to deal with it this morning, and my scalp isn't even tingling yet. I'm going for a wig fitting on Monday. My hairdresser friend said that my head is so small I might need a child -sized one. Cancer is hard on the ego!
I hate not being able to schedule anything with certainty. My last treatment is on December 29 (if all goes as planned), and I wont even start on Taxol until November so I have no idea how I'll react to that. The family wants to know the Thanksgiving/Christmas scenario, and I'm clueless. Everything gets played by ear this year, folks! I'm so grateful that there are no plane tickets involved, or that no one is getting married/giving birth. On the bright side, I'm going to refuse to sit in the rain at a high school football game tonight and no one will think less of me.
They didn't want any extra pictures are my bone scan, so I'm calling that a win. When I pulled my diesel VW away from the pump on the way home, there was a hearse waiting for my pump, so I'm not getting cocky.
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Southern - I haven't been on that site yet.
I found a blog post where someone reviewed all the different wig websites.
One that came up as top was a site called Name Brand Wigs.
I went on wigs.com to pick a wig and then went on Name brand wigs and bought the exact same one for less $ there. I bought a Louis Ferre wig.
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