Starting Chemo in February 2016?
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T shirts! Great idea! There are a number of places that print and ship on demandthat you can set up the design on pretty much anything and people can order straight from them. You can set the prices including shipping to whatever you want to include a profit or not. I've had a Cafepress store for years and it's been great. Happy to help if needed.
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Elizabeth- Cheers to your last round 1 treatment. I hope it's a good one.
LTF- I'm sorry you're feeling so down. I wish we were there to cheer you up.
MLP3- is there a way to mask your mask? Like with a scarf? I would say that she sounds like a really good friend and understands your situation. I'm sure she knows your heart and knows you wouldn't steal her thunder. That being said, if folks do look, it will probably be a once and done thing. " Oh, she has a mask on. Wonder why? Aren't the decorations beautiful?" I think humans are very distractable that way. Squirrel!
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in that case, I would probably consider not going, or if I do go wear a mask. I'm honestly not sure how effective they are, I remember during a lot of the flu emergencies they said they weren't as effective as people thought, but maybe you've researched it more than me (i haven't at all)!
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Jill...maybe a bubble bath?
MLP3 you gotta just be firm about the no hugs rule. And maybe some EmergenC or Airborne before you go? I have no idea if it really works but it makes me feel better.
Chambo, I'm with you on the tomatoes and tomato sauce. Usually I love them....
So I'm wondering what today's eating adventure will be!
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I actually almost thought of not going. I met the son the other night... From a distance, and he had a nasty cough that a healthy person would stay away from. But I have to go. She's such a dear friend and I'm so happy for her. It's been hard for her with an ex that cheated, abused and doesn't pay child support. I'm going to research the masks more...
Here's my lunch/food adventure today. Clean and full of protein. Not vegan, but I'm satisfied and happy😉 (That's 5 organic egg whites).
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MLP3 - Even your initial WBC is below the normal range (3.5-10.5). Maybe you could use the shots anyway? For masks, we were told they should be worn by the sickie, and they don't help those not sick. That meal looks good!
asher - Squirrel! So true!
For foods, chemo school said to avoid raw veggies, avoid undercooked foods, and even wash the outside of fruit before cutting (like watermelon). My last meal before chemo: eggs over easy with hollandaise sauce over hash browns. Now I eat omelettes with leftover cooked veggies. And ice cream. And garlic mashed potatoes with you guess it, BACON!
Definitely avoid your favorite foods that you think may trigger nausea/vomiting. I've only had food poisoning once while eating mussels. It's been over 10 years and still can't eat them.
I had a brilliant idea for work today. Take that, chemo brain! Can I be done now?
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sorry can't respond to all. Have read.
Just got home. Told to be prepared for a call from one of the team.
Still bought a hat for tomorrow night. Cancer can kiss my blarney! 🍀
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you're a riot Piper!
So... Correction on my counts... It's my neutrophils that they are watching and they say those matter the most. They are at 1.8 and are below the normal range. Lowest end of normal is 2.23. My WBC's are at 3.8 as of last Tuesday and low end of normal range 3.81. So... I'm still low all around, even lower this week.
When I meet with my mo on the 29th before my 3rd chemo, I'll ask if my counts are low and if I should get the shot heading into my 4th. Maybe that's why I'm so tired this time due to my counts...? If it keeps up, I may ask to get blood drawn next week. I don't want to have to put off chemo due to low counts.
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MLP my view is that you should put yourself first and decide what you would like to do, not what you think other people would like you to do. Everyone else will understand if you are not there, that you have good reasons, but if you want to go, go!
On food: I researched a bit about the so-called neutropenic diet, which basically says avoid all food which could give you a bacterial infection (essentially you eat mostly carbs). From my limited research, I found that this diet seems to be based mostly on common sense and "received wisdom" rather than on any scientific trials. In other words if you are neutropenic it make sense to avoid things which could make you sick. I also found a study which found that neutropenic patients did not do any better on this diet than on an unrestricted diet. The reason I was interested was because I wanted to avoid the injections and wanted to find out if there were things we could eat which would help with neutropenia. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be anything but vitamin C is supposed to help with white blood cell synthesis so I've been eating plenty of fruit and veggies, just making sure they are washed well.
Don't let's beat ourselves up guys, Cancer is one of those random things: loads of people get it, and lifestyle plays a part sometimes. Statistics are meaningless at the level of the individual person. Statistics are only relevant at a group level. We're doing our best in difficult times here, and that is just fine. We can only face forwards. Let's stick together, and help each other get through this dark time. We will see good days again! Love you all!
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Thank you Scotbird;)
Just got off of the phone with the groom and he just accidentally shared that they will keep his son away from me because he has WHOOPING COUGH and hasn't been taking his antibiotics!!!
30 people, one with known whooping cough, 2 small rooms with no open windows... There's a small entrance way with a door to outside. Do I go for the ceremony only with a mask and stand in that doorway with the door open? Then give the bride a wave n blow a kiss and leave...? I really wanted a glass of champagne
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MLP3 - Whooping cough?!? Maybe check with your doctor? I don't know how contagious that is.
Without hair, I seem to get cold quickly after drinking anything cold. I just tried hot water with a little ginger juice for the first time, and it's pretty good.
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SUPER contagious. I have me call into my mo and I'll let you know what she says!
A squeeze of lemon might be nice in that ginger warmth too... Of course after its scrubbed clean;
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Yes, please let us know what she says.
Out of lemons! Will add to grocery list.Maybe a bottle of lemon juice would be easier. Less likely to cut myself. I'm a major klutz.
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MLP3, I won't be mad at ya if you decided to stay home!
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MLP, just an idea. Get yourself a glass of champagne, get dressed up, record a video of yourself toasting the happy couple, and send it to them? Then you can be there, and have a drink, too, without exposing yourself to any nasty bugs. Take care, whatever you decide.
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I haven't really thought about why I got cancer. The fact that my mom has had breast cancer twice had me thinking it wasn't if, but when. I think it's appalling that people are essentially shaming people who have cancer by pinpointing some fatal error (held the cell phone near your breast? ate meat? didn't eat meat?)--it's really ridiculous. It's difficult for people to cope with uncertainty, or with the fact that not everything has a reason. I don't believe everything has a reason, some sh*#* is just random, and we have to carry on. For the rest, science will uncover more information I expect, and we can try to modify our lifestyles accordingly, as best we can.
I would note, however, that the "dictates" change:
My first child was born in 1989. I was taught that I must put him to sleep on belly to avoid SIDS. Of course I did so.
My second child was born in 2000. The hospital was plastered with posters proclaiming "BACK to sleep" and made it feel like child services might get involved otherwise. Of course I put her on her back to sleep. But felt a bit less convinced. So. There.
I would LOVE a t-shirt! Please count me in, you have all been so wonderful to have here with me through this.
I'll head to chemo tomorrow after I teach my morning class. I'm not looking forward to doing this again, but will feel positive that it is moving me closer to the end of treatment.
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Went to Look Good Feel Good class...they don't mince on the quality makeup swag and it was fun chatting in person with ladies in the same place healthwise.
Also got my free cancer wig...not sure how often I will wear it but I have named it Roxy (if my hubs wants to go out with a hair-headed woman, she should at least be named Roxy.)
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thanks Myra and Scotbird!
Chambo... You look great!! Love the name Roxy. Mine is named Pricilla because the first night I wore it was at an Italian restaurant and on the wall above us was a pic of Elvis and "Cilla
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love it ROXY! You look gawwgeous!!!
Seriously, we need a video chat room. There is one out there that is better than Skype that lets 12 people talk at a time. I can't remember what it is though. It starts with a V. If anyone wants to exchange handles let me know. I have FaceTime too.
I'm planning on a sleepless night and a great reunion dinner out with friends at a St. Patrick's party tomorrow night in the city. I'm so glad this is far enough post chemo that I can enjoy it. Am I allowed drinks?
🍀
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Hi All, I have to say, we are a very entertaining group of gals! I so enjoy our little corner of cyber space
Asher- I'm so down with the t-shirt ideas. 💗 The paying oncologist big bucks for this hairdo, lol! Yes, I think we could get cafe press to design and all pay through PayPal...don't want Piper footing the bill.
Piper- prayers to you today and tomorrow with tests. 🙏 (And I LOL about your Mr. T reference!)
My sister is going for stereotactic biopsy tomorrow, MRI was inconclusive. Her first mamogram at 35 showed a LOT of calcifications. A LOT. I met with her radiologist, and her and Breast surgeon are speculating DCIS, but of course, won't know for sure until biopsy results back. I hate that she sees what I am going through and then puts herself in my shoes. Praying it's just calcs...but our family BC history is frightening, to say the least...so staying realistic as well.
MLP- veggie stuffed potato from McCalisters was awesome and hit the spot! Just sent hubby out for some Greek yogurt Popsicles. Can't do most dairy, as I am lactose intolerant, but yogurt is kind to me for the most part. I would go to the wedding, but stay far far away from the sick kids and keep hand sanitizer on your table and wave to everyone from afar, like Princess Dianna 👑
Serenity - ah yes, Coke...seems like a lifetime ago that I had a fully leaded one. Why does something so bad have to taste so good?? Every once in a while, I'll have a Diet Coke...but have mainly been on water, and tea (and wine) for about 5 years.
LTF - sounds like our MOs have the same food philosophy! Mine just said no raw sushi. Then my husband asked about eggs and she said I can have but just cook them fully. That was it! I struggle with horrible sinus headaches this time of year as well. My "go to" treatment (don't judge) is two Advil and a sugar free Rockstar (for the caffeine) I know, it's "bad" for me...but it makes that 4 day headache turn into a 90 minute headache for me. Hoping you feel better soon.
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And Piper- I say YES to drinks!
Chambro - You are rockin it!!!!
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started running a fever. At the er :
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damn LTF please keep posted!
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Oh LTF, thinking of you and sending healthy thoughts. Let us know.
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Chambo, Roxy is amazing--you look great! A hair headed woman! LOL. Love this.
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waiting on bloodwork and chest X-ray.
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LTF- thinking of you and sending healthy vibes your way!
How high is your fever and why the chest X-rayReflect- Thursday is my day too. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow
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Uh oh, LTF! I'm sending you lots of fever blasting thoughts!
MLP3- I agree with Scotsbird. I'd be really reluctant to go. If you're confident you want to, your idea of keeping it short and sweet is excellent. Champagne it up at home. 🍾
Wow, Chambo. You are rockin' that wig! Beautiful!
Nola- Piper might have had other design ideas. I just thought those were cute. 😊 HUGS to you and your sister. She's very lucky to have you.
Piper- that scarf is totally St. Patty's worthy. Beautiful!
Scotbird- I agree. Who knows how we all hit the BC lottery. Folks need to lift you up and if they don't or offer unsolicited advice , smile and walk away.
My MUGA was good today and I did treatment 2. So far, so good. I'm tired, but I was at the hospital for 8 hours between the test and chemo. I sucked on ice during the Docetaxel so hopefully my taste buds will behave. I also have the Claritin hookup for the Neulasta.
Hubby's off to pick up Korean for the kids and I'm eyeing MLP3s dinner for myself.
Much love
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Well....tomorrow I go to get measured for a prosthetic and a mastectomy bra. This should be interesting!😁 Anyone else do this??
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fever got to 101.4. Chest X-ray because I'm coughing a lot, torule out a chest infection.
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