Starting Chemo in February 2016?
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chambo & __asher__ consider trying a probiotic which will help to get the "bad" yeast under control! this is the natural way to build up the good bacteria & yeast in your body. i would always take them with antibiotics to prevent yeast infections as part of my daily life before all this cancer stuff even started. this is also why you will hear docs tell you to eat yogurt... it is full of good bacteria. prebiotics can also be increased in your sytem to feed the probiotics in your body to function even better to kill off the yeast and other icky stuff that may be causing problems in your gut, GI, etc. You can up your fiber intake when you tummy feels better or get some more inulin in your diet.
my integrative doctor started me off with probiotics 200 billion but just upped me to 400 billion. there are a ton of them out there out there that provide you with various strains of this good stuff so he suggested i switch brands after I run out of each bottle. there are ways to test your deficiencies via blood work but these tests can be expensive so it helps to switch things up to help expose our bodies to the different strands with out having to spend 1k+ on a special blood test. these can be found at any nautural food store but must be kept refrigerated.
hope this helps!
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Thanks, 33Triple. I had been taking Probiotics and staying away from sugar, but maybe not enough? I'll have to go check out prebiotics.
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asher, exactly, i was taking a less expensive lower dose (8 million i believe) thinking i was ahead of the game, came to find out that wasn't doing much for me at all! the higher the number the more expensive but effective. the bottle i bought the other day was 50 billion per pill but about 40 USD per bottle. there's so much i'm learning about all of this stuff. who knew?!?!?
ugh now time to try to get some shut eye on these steroids and get ready for tomorrow! guess i be taking a couple of ativans
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I just started my chemo last Friday the 26th. Taxol weekly with Herceptin. Chemo Lite they called it! No issues at first, then woke up last night with intense leg and foot pain. Shooting stabbing pains in legs and especially feet. Aching hips, knee and ankle joints. Hurting all day today. Sitting is the worst. Gotta keep walking! I am diabetic Type 2 trying to keep blood sugars under control while undergoing chemo. Normally blood sugars in the 6.5 range on A1C. All day after chemo blood sugars were in the 300 range! Yikes! My endo and I added another med so that seems to be bringing them down. So many things to worry about!
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Hi everyone, I m into my 3rd week after chemo and the 2nd course is on the 7thmarch. This week has been good compared to the 1st one.... Building up my confidence n willpower and I truly like the quote
Cancer can take away all my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart and it cannot touch my soul. And those three things are going to carry on forever." Jim Valvano
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morning lovelies!
Elizabeth-thank you for the nose neuropathy tip.:)
Frances-thinking of you yesterday through chemo#2. You look beautiful.
Elise- our emotions run the gamut don't they? I'm sorry you are having a hard time. Big hugs and understanding.
reflect- big hi and hugs to you
HRwinter-calming thoughts.
imani-hang in there!
HausFrau-my head as well!
33triple-thank you for the compliment. Holistic ways are amazing. Thinking of you. Bye bye tumour!!!
asher- hope WBCs are on the rise and the tumour keeps shrinking. Great news!
kymberly - positive thoughts your way
Ashley- love that quote. Thanks for sharing.
Rest of gang- I think of everyone daily.
Hi Jill
Piper
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day 11 of first treatment:
I've been okay for several days with nausea.
Sleep patterns are all over the map.
I may not be losing my hair on my head yet but am "elsewhere" along with some sores. I'm not liking that at all. So uncomfortable. It's not thrush. A boil or two. Maybe my MO nurse can get me a script.
I'm surprised the tops of my gums have gone back to being smooth. I'm happy. Maybe I did just burn my tongue on hot tea as well.
~ "it's a beautiful life"
Piper
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hi ladies. Wanted to share a great brow product. I have been coloring in my house with a pencil or powder, but recently I received this in the mail, I ordered it weeks ago and had forgotten about it! It is a brow gel and colored. It will not work if you have no brows but if you have the roast in a defined to her you have, and colors in between it. It's very quick to put on, like mascara, and I was blown away by how good it looks!
http://www.bhcosmetics.com/products/flawless-brow-...
I will add a picture, with and without the gel:
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Loves to fly - your brows look great! Thanks for the tip on the gel. I have been using Brian Joseph's Lash and Brow conditioning gel. I read that it helps you hold on to the lashes and brows. So far so good...but it's only been 1 week.
Chambro - itching is miserable. Short story - Right after I delivered my son, I developed this fire itch on the bottom of both of my feet. I was taking a bristle brush to scratch! I did a little research, and it did happen to a very low percent of women, post delivery. I read about soaking my feet in a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. It WORKED! I did for about 3 days on and off and itching subsided. It wouldn't hurt to try...all natural.
Kymberly- we are on same chemo regimine Taxol/Herceptin. You started the day after me :-). I had pain in my thigh that night after infusion. I read on one of the BC.org discussions that some women experience said pain after Herceptin. However, it is not listed as a SE. I'm going to mention to my MO tomorrow and see if she suggests a remedy. I'll report back
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33triple, asher - so glad to hear your tumors are shrinking! On probiotics, do you take them every day? During chemo school, they placed probiotics including yogurts on the no list. I drank some milk kefir the day before chemo started and would like to keep it up. The probiotics capsules that are milk based do have more probiotics than the water based.
Kymberly - hope you can feel better. I have sciatica so very familiar with those shooting pains
LovesToFly, NolaGirl - Thanks for the brow tips. Jill, you look great!
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Second time's the charm! Same day port placement and chemo is doable, but I would prefer them to be on separate days.
Port placement was uneventful. Had the versed, but no sedatives. Recovery was interesting, because I was at an old hospital for the procedure. I was placed in a thin hallway next to a supply rack (no meds found though) to wait a few minutes for transport to the recovery room. Had to wait 2 hours even though I felt well enough to get to the next part of the day. Plenty of time to notice a hockey fan had decorated the room.
Then onto the new hospital for chemo. I walked into the treatment center without waiting and started right away. The new port is awesome! Infusions went quickly at 30 minutes each. I chewed ice chips throughout and got really cold. I had 2 blankets, a wool scarf, and a wool hat. I may keep my coat on next time. If I keep my hat and shoes off, would it be like reverse cold capping/icing? My fingers certainly felt frozen.
Only side effect so far is a little heartburn. Sleeping elevated helped with that.
Hope everyone has a good day today!
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Asher - only 1?I got 10 days worth - though I only needed 3. I have took 4 days to be on the safe side and saved the rest for next round just in case.
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LTF- your brows look fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
Re: stomach issues with steroids, I finally got some tums and Prilosec and they worked so well for the pain and discomfort in my tummy and chest.
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33triple- If you take more than one 8 million/cap, do you get more probiotics?
Kimberly- yikes! I hope that blood sugar behaves itself and the leg pain has subsided. Now I'm starting to wonder if the Herceptin was causing all my leg pain or the Neulasta.
Ashley- that's a great saying ❤️
Piper- thanks! Healing thoughts to you, too ❤️
Jill- thanks for sharing. Great product!
Nolagirl- I'm curious to hear what your MO says about the Herceptin and if there's something to do about it.
Serenity- I hadn't heard about that with the probiotics. Hmmm... I take mine daily with CoQ10, D, and flaxseed. The only thing they suggested not taking are the Pau D'Arco and green tea.
You're a rockstar to do chemo & port in one day!
Chambo- it was 150mg, one tab. Almost 24 hrs later & I feel much more relieved.
MLP3- thanks for the info, I'll have to remember that when round 2 comes about.
I woke up feeling okay, but TIRED. I guess all that yeast fighting takes it out of a girl. 😂 Happy, healthy thoughts to you all.
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Hi Ladies:
Update from the head of the February pack here (started 2/1). Had my 3rd AC infusion (out of 4) yesterday. A few notes, as this last round became fairly "climactic" fairly quickly. Ended up in the ER with the flu very early on day 4, less than 2 days after my Neulasta shot. I've learned a few things I wasn't aware of, so passing it along with the cautionary tale:
- Neulasta apparently only protects against bacterial infections. We have no protection against viral during this.
- It's a terrible flu season, with apparently a new strain that the shot does not protect against.
- Apparently (who knew?) I was supposed to get the shot before starting treatment. My MO apologized for the oversight with an uber professional "my bad", which I didn't find all that reassuring.
- You can't move quickly enough if you get a fever. I woke up at 4:15am, with 100.8. Called the on-call doctor and was at Urgent Care by 5:15am. Diagnosed with the flu and given Tamiflu and some saline by 7:30am. Still with a full day rest, Tylenol and Tamiflu, I was spiking at 102.5 that night/day. Very scary and a reality check for sure.
- As a note, I work from home, have had my parents and boyfriend taking shoes off at the door, wiping the dog's paws before she comes in, have had a separate towel for washing my hands vs. guests, am not taking public transportation. Basically living in as close to a bubble as I can imagine as it is, but open to any tips on how to protect against viruses for the next month. My MO didn't seem to have any suggestions other than "be really careful" the next 4 weeks.
- Thankfully all good now, but just a reminder that our immune systems are seriously down during this (especially those of us on AC as I understand it) and that Neulasta is not a cure all. Please be careful!
Beyond that, word of warning to those shaving their head. Yes, for me it was the right decision to avoid clumps coming out and take back a bit of control. Was like clockwork, day 14. Yes, it looks super bad ass for 1-2 days, sort of GI Jane-ish. But, it quickly turns into the look of hair plugs of an aging car salesman. Not the best look. Once past that, seems to be still a bit spotty in the back, but much more doable. Just be prepared that it doesn't all come out in a lovely uniform way one day. Get your scarves, hats, and wigs all lined up in advance.We're one month in. Just counting down the days! Hope you're all hanging in there!
-Tara.
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33Triple. - yep Acidopholus + antibiotic always and I'm a no sugar girl too...didn't matter...with the Zpack came the thrush and a yeast infection. I think its just the old immunity can't handle it. I'm taking probiotics the whole time now, just to keep building good bacteria up to try to ward off a 2nd round during my 2nd infusion.
NY30 - yes GI Jane won't be around for long...my pillow was dusted with my really short hairs this morning and I spent time brushing wet hairs off my face when I got out of the shower...Day 14...clockwork. It just seems less traumatic to lose a 1/4 inch piece of it than a 6 inch piece of it each time (plus those will actually go down the drain without clogging, I guess...lol). I have to run some interviews at work today, so I am actually wearing a hat anyway...just to avoid turning my head to fast and fwoosh! hairs flying off in the breeze like when my dogs run through the living room a little hairs follow them floating down.
Loves2fly - I found a 2 in one gizmo for brows...pencil on one side and mascara-type wand on the other. With only 4 rounds I am hoping, hoping, hoping I'll just thin out and not lose them. But three cheers for not having to shave legs this spring, eh? #chemoperk
On a side note - I was having a conversation with a friend who teaches Sociology at our local community college, and we were talking about the weirdness of notifying friends about your cancer. For example, there is the inner most circle - who you tell right away. The next closest circle, who you might tell after you have the details and plan for treatment. The next layer out who you fill in when you next see them, if the timing is right...party? probably not, ladies' afternoon coffee get together? maybe. And then there are just the people you know, maybe socialize with 3-4x a year, but they aren't really you're people people. I have a gathering I will be attending with "that" group near the end of May. It feels really awkward to just show up bald and all cancer-y with no notice which then makes the occasion all about the "cancer girl" - yet, these are not really people I would pick up the phone and say, "hey, I need to tell you about my health situation" -either. We're just not that close. So, so, so awkward. My sociologist friend was like, "this is a whole area no one talks about...from the perspective of the sick person." I hated to burst his bubble and tell him "oh we talk" :-)
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NY30- I'm so sorry that you were so sick. My mo told me to get the flu shot ASAP before chemo started. I almost didn't because I haven't had a flu shot in 15 years. I'm not taking neulasta and I forget why. My AC treatments are 3 weeks apart and my mo said the third week is to let my immune system recover.
I just sent all of my beautiful orchids to my neighbors house.. Hopefully they survive the change in environments!
I'm on day 15 today and my buzzed head is tingly. I'm sure I'll wake up with it on my pillow tomorrow.
Trying as hard as possible to keep this mild sore throat at the mild end of the chart. Just exhausted today and a little lousy feeling as the day goes on. I have so much that I need/want to do, but I don't have the energy. I think I'll take a little recharge power nap;)
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Tara, glad to hear you're feeling better and thanks for the warning! I'm going back for round 2 on Friday and I have to admit to being pretty cavalier this last week about being out and about. Mall, supermarket... So I should probably knock it off for a couple weeks post infusion just to be on the safe side.
I did learn some nifty things on the mall visit... There's a store called The Art of Shaving and we bought some extra rich shaving cream and oily aftershave that gets a much closer shave than regular shaving cream. We also got the Gilette 5 blade razor and it's a much closer shave. No more 5:00 shadow.
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NY30- thanks for the reminder and I'm so glad you made it through that situation okay. Are you saying your MO said you should have the flu shot or the Neulasta shot before treatment?
Chambo- you have such a colorful way of describing situations it makes me laugh!
MLP3- I hope you're able to stave off that sore throat. I feel the exhausted thing. I feel that way, too.
Keep well, beautiful cancer warriors
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Hi Everyone,
I don't post a lot but I would like you all to know that I do read all your posts and think of you all. I love the pictures, the different things I can learn from each of you and the positive vibes! I'm sorry I can't list you all individually and respond....hopefully one day I will get to that!
I just had my second treatment yesterday FEC. I saw my MO on Friday and he said my BC numbers were good. He asked me whether I felt my first session was what I expected, worse or better. Better for sure. Yes I suffered from the constant heartburn/reflux feeling (I'm already on daily meds for that), and the up from the steroid followed by the crash after, but all in all it was better than expected. I told him the worst part for me was the port, I don't know why but it was terrible and it is actually still swollen in my neck from over 2 weeks ago. He did tell me when I switch over to my other treatment weeks 4-6 it will be more bone pain and tiredness.
So, needless to say I was scared crazy about having them access my port for the first time yesterday. Seems like such a silly thing! And it was in the end. All my worry for the day it was put in was for nothing. I had even asked for a prescription for the freezing but when my insurance would now cover the 68.00 I decided to tough it out. It was a breeze! I am so glad it was put in, we just have to keep an eye on the swelling for next time. I don't think I'll ever get used to it in the next year, but I have accepted it and am thankful for it now.
I have virtually no hair. It started coming out day 14. I had already transformed from long hair to a pixie cut about 2 weeks earlier, so on day 14 I chose to buzz it all. Since then most of the buzz has fallen out, although not all...kind of spotty. I did get a wig but choose not to wear it much. I prefer the beanie hats and have bought some material to make some bandanas. I find it kind of liberating to think about my hair growing back and maybe trying things I never would have done with it! I'll try to post some pictures next time, I feel the need for sleep coming my way!
Thinking of you all and wishing you quick recoveries for any SE's you may be experiencing! We will get through this and be stronger coming out
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Starting cutting my hair down today. I discovered my sore throat was really thrush today so I am on my way to pick up a mouth wash prescription. I hope it helps because last night I swore my entire throat was closing. I am 5 days out from my first infusion and I am tired but not exhausted. Im hoping this continues until my next infusion on the 17th.
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Karen- The port has taken some getting used to on my part, too. I'm glad it's there for blood draws and treatment, but I'm not getting attached to it.
I'm excited, too, to do all those daring things with my hair I would've never done had it not been for it falling out. Sounds like 10 or 14 is the magic number.
Imani- You look beautiful! I'm sorry to hear about the thrush 😕 I will say the Diflucan has worked wonders so quickly.
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Hello everyone - I'm on day 12 after my second FEC (joined the wrong thread in confusion at start and too late to change now!) and so far so good. I've been out and about doing normal stuff: shopping, dog walks, Pilates (not going to office though, just working from home). Days 5-8 after the treatment were the only ones when I felt really tired, it was exactly the same both times. Went to bed at 7pm one night and did not generally move much after 6. Hair is definitely coming out but only when I wash or brush it, so I'm keeping it in a pony tail and only brushing or washing it every 3 days or so, I just want to hang onto it as long as possible even if it looks terrible and straggly with horrible grey roots! In the hospital here they have Paxman Cool Caps which anyone doing chemo can use. It's basically an ice machine with a pump attached which pumps the ice around your head. It works only partially and is painfully cold, but bearable. I had an emotional time around the second treatment, very tearful but seem to have got through that now and am actually looking forward to number 3 which will be a milestone as we can say we're halfway through, yay! Loving all your posts and photos, can hardly beleive how many of us there are in this sorry boat though. Lots of love to all you Fab Febs. X
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you're so cute Imani!
Thanks Asher
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Hi everyone! I am on day 18. I have an appt. for labs tomorrow and Round 2 on Friday. I am doing PCC and today is the day I have noticed I am shedding much more than normal. I am trying to remember what other users have said that you WILL shed QUITE a bit and to not freak out!! I am REALLY trying! Every time I run my fingers through....more and more.....scary!😱😨 Anyway...nervous how I'll feel after Round 2. I just don't want the SE's to get worse each time. Anyone willing to give some insight? Thanks ladies!
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suzted - I overheard one of the onc nurses telling a patient that however you react during the first session is generally how your body will react to subsequent sessions and they don't get progressively worse.
Just finished #2 on Monday and I'm feeling good outside of my sore, flaky scalp. MO recommended Hibiclens. I will give it a try in the am.
Good night!
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Scotbird- that's so nice there's a cool cap for anyone to use. It's good you've stayed active. Cheers on treatment #3.
Suzted- good question about the side effects. I'm glad it won't get worse, but I had hoped it might get better since it's a lower dose.
Today I am one week out of my first treatment. I have had a heck of a time today with upset stomach. Husband brought home Ensure and it promptly sent me to the bathroom with D
I've been doing the SE meds today, but still feel icky. I pray the rest of you are feeling fabulous0 -
Suz I am almost done cycle three. Cycle two was actually my best cycle! Cycle three with only bad because I got a cold near the end of it. If not for that it would've been fine I have not found that my side effects have gotten worse at all, oh far they have all come and gone like clockwork on a schedule! This last cycle it did take me about a week longer to get my energy back, but like I said I think that was more the cold symptoms than the chemo. Those side effects and fatigue do tend to get worse as chemo goes on, that is not always the case (Mo told me that too).
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I don't post here much either (I find that my computer and phone screen hurts my eyes sometimes on the worst days) but I do try to get on and read everyone's thoughts and responses! It is so comforting to have this community, whether I'm reading about tips like the Neulasta and the Claritin, or just finding some comfort that someone's feeling the same SEs as me.
I did want to pop in and say that day 14 my hair fell out like clockwork (I'm having AC-T) so I did the buzz and have been very comfortable in hats. Also, my hubby brought home Cheez-its when I was having trouble finding something that sounded good and they have been my saving grace- decently bland/mild but still more flavor than a saltine...
Here's the new do! Didn't go as short as possible but I think the little stubbies will fall out soon.
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beautiful ^^^
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