Starting Chemo June 2017
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my dog dexter last year
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heres another one of my border collie
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Hi Tpralph, Your border collie pic in the canoe should be on a calendar. He/she reminded me of another border collie that was on the "America Got Talent" show last Tuesday. His name was Hero. His act passed the "Judges cut" and onto the 3rd round.
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Loving the pet pics, too! I admit I am suspect of people that do not like animals (or vice versa!). I am going to pick up my friend's golden doodle later today to spend tonight and tomorrow with me. He is a great combination of super smart and super goofy. I'm looking forward to it. Day 2 of AC#3 and feeling ok. Went for my Neulasta shot this morning and then went for breakfast. I did a good job on some pistachio pancakes with banana and blueberries. Tasted good and felt good to have a full belly. Had a bit of fogginess but after taking the steroid and Claritin that seems to have gotten better. Another heat advisory here for today so I don't think I'll be doing much walking - except later with my four legged friend, Jake.
Kim/Wendeez: Saw my doctor yesterday and she said that Taxol is usually tolerated better. She said that the Neulasta shot may only be given after the 2nd dose (I only get 4). If WBC count is good, they may not need to do it again after the 4th. Apparently, it doesn't do a number on your WBC count like the AC does. I saw a sign about acupuncture when checking in today and will look into getting an appointment.
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Peachy Jean my mo is giving me neulasta throughout my taxol when I start it. Don't know if that is good or bad. I just wish they would all do the same thing. Makes it hard to know if you actually need something or not!
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Wendeez, I don't know what a Dignicap is. Please explain when you have time.
Tpralph, Funny picture in the canoe!
Peachy, There has been no mention of doing Neulasta for me with Taxol. Not sure how I feel about that.
Julia, Thankful that your extra node surgery went well and that all that seems fine now. I cannot tell you how much of a comfort it is at times to know that we are not the only ones in the world who have gone through this, though honestly I would not wish this on the most evil person in the world. It's just too much at times. I keep words someone told me in my head -- this is doable. Yes, we are doing it. Not likable but doable.
When I got to my PRN job this morning, I had a major hot flash then felt icky. I pushed through. It is pretty warm here, and I think my stomach got too empty. Interestingly 2 residents in their 80s told me they had had BC - one 32 years ago! One just 5 years ago, and she was like, "You are going to beat that with your sassy Southern self!" I am so inspired by older adults. So many life lessons and of such value in our society. The lady who drove us had BC 17 years ago and is doing well! Had the same chemo so many of us are having. She said that was the toughest part. I believe it! I think it was meant for me to be there today and hear these stories of hope. (Funny that a few residents didn't recognize me in my hat.)
I just want to say for those of you working through this, you are amazing and should be SO proud of getting to work while pushing through the challenging days. I remember how my first DH went back to teaching elementary school while on oral chemo. He was so tired, but he did it. I just don't know that I could be out of the house full-time hours right now. I just pray that your coworkers are treating you with the dignity and respect you deserve!
It's the weekend, and I pray each of us can find something fun/normal to do. We have some plans tomorrow and Saturday that involve the outdoors. Just need some of this heat to abate. I have an internal flame inside...
Love, prayers and respect to each of you!
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Hi Kimpossible,
I've been reluctant to mention it here as you all look absolutely beautiful without hair and wigs. The dinicap was approved by the FDA last year and I am lucky enough to have 2 places here in Colorado that have them and my insurance approved payment. It's a cap you wear one hour before Chemo, during Chemo and 3 hour after Chemo that preserves 50-80 % of your hair. Downside is it pumps liquid at 2 degrees through it the entire time and I have to stay at Chemo an extra 4 hours. It's very cold, give me head aches, and is extremely tight. After 2 A/C treatments I still have 95% of my hair just don't know if I can make it through 2 more A/C and 12 Taxol. You all seem just fine and I just wondered if anyone else was using it
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I love "This is doable, not likable but doable!" The day after chemo I'm ready to give up and quit. I say "why do I do this to myself? Is it the quantity of life or quality?" Then i see my kids and remember why I'm doing it. I have to say I have had two of my four AC chemo's which means I'm 50% done with that part before i start the 12 Taxols. I have managed to work everyday except the day of chemo. Yes it's difficult at times but it's doable. I do not have a sit down job. Im on my feet from 6a.m. til 4p.m doing surgical procedures. My bosses have been extremely accomadating and caring to me. They are surprised I'm able to do what I do. I'm hoping the Taxol will be easier, because if it has same side effects I won't have the extra 2 weeks to get back to normal!
As for the comments about the hair loss. I'm sure if you look over my previous posts you can see where that was my biggest fear and concern. But I can tell you after all the other side effects I've had, I would lose the hair everyday over any of those! I'm actually very secure bald. You eventually realize it's just hair. When I told my boss(a doctor) I lost my hair he said good that means the chemo is working! Made me feel better!
I'm eating everything in sight, not good. I'm afraid I may be the first patient to gain weight!
Not having hot flashes yet, hopefully it's not coming in the near future! But I am due for my period the first week of August. Wondering if it will show up! Oh be kind to me mother nature!
Prayers to all!!!
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Susie,
Agreed!!!! Do able not likeable for sure. I am also 50% done with AC and then 12 Taxol. I'm also right there with you working everyday on my feet but only 5 hrs a day. I had no idea how supportive my employer and the entire company would be. I almost resigned so as not to inconvenience anyone but so happy I did not.
I've read how liberating it was for everyone to lose their hair and I love it.... If the Dignicap becomes too much I will give it up as there are literally hundreds waiting to use it.
Thanks for the insightand hugs to all!
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Haven't been on in a while but have been looking at posts...the dog pictures are so cute..I couldn't figure out how to get mine with my dog up on here but he is a 13 year old lab mix and he is my little buddy..
SUSIE I too am gaining weight..all my life I have never been able to gain and go figure now I am..also it's been over a month now for me with no period so I'm not sure it will be coming back. That may explain the night sweats and the insomnia I have been having.
I went yesterday for accupuncture, went school supply and clothes shopping today and took my littlest for a well visit. .Tomorrow the kids are sleeping over at gram and pops so me and hubby might go out to eat and Sunday going to a wedding expo with my sister and mother in law
I am glad to see we are all tolerating everything well for the most part ..i think we are all trying our best to stay as positive as we can be ..I know it's hard but we keep going and that's most important
Have a wonderful weekend
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Hi ladies
Have my first chemo today and I just got super tired and my head feels like in the cloud. I am not sure other side effects might kick in I'm eating some ginger candies.
Susie you are such a strong woman i agreed hair is not the most SE I worried it is the other things worried me the most.
Good luck to everyone keep drinking water and eat
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Wendeez, Wow! I am glad you were able to use the cap and preserve your hair. It's the first I have heard of it. Too late now for sure, but honestly I have hair stubble returning after 3 AC treatments. ?? I wonder if it will fall out again with Taxol.
Susie, You must be an inspiration to your coworkers and your family. I admire what you are able to do now, and if it cannot be later with weekly Taxol no need for apologies. I somehow believe you are going to do whatever you set your mind to. (Insert Wonder Woman theme song here.)
HapB, You have each of us as support. We are words on a screen, but we are real people. We cannot be there for you physically, but please know that I am sure most of us would be if we could. I don't know what my future holds at the end of all this, but there is going to be some involvement somehow in reaching out to those in greater need. I've been a volunteer many years ago, in a few different roles, but I just feel that this experience has to change me to do more. I hope I can. One thing that has touched me deeply is receiving cards from so many of my friends, or friends of my parents (again, old people are great). I have received thoughtful gifts that have such special meanings of faith and hope. I have about 50 cards strewn about my fireplace mantle and hearth. I wouldn't take them down for the lady who is cleaning for me during this time. (Normally, I do it myself.) It takes so little effort to send a card, yet it has such a powerful impact when you receive it.
Paulette, You can do this. Rest and drink -- you are right. One down for you!! Yeah!!
Re: weight...I have lost about 8 pounds since Christmas. Right before I was diagnosed, I was just watching my soda/sugar intake and dropped like 3 pounds. (Funny, I'm not that concerned now...well, I am but just need to eat whatever sounds good.) So, weight is interesting. My first DH gained 24 lbs total on his oral chemo, so I "assumed" I would, too. Since there have been so many taste issues I guess it makes sense. I can drop 1.5-2 lbs just in a day based on food intake/bathroom schedule. Today, I was .2 lbs from my lowest since the diagnosis. I was CRAVING Asian food tonight and had a WONDERFUL meal out. I didn't eat everything, but I ate well tonight, so I suspect I will gain at least a pound back.
Prayers for good rest for all and minimal/no hot flashes or other SEs!
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Im now getting rust like stains on soles and palms of feet. Few but noticeable. Anyone else get this in Ac? Just happened day after chemo #2
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Dog sitting going well. Jake and my beau, John - smiles all around!
Added a headband to the headwrap. It is a sweat wicking material and oh so comfortable:
I have heard of the polar cap (or penguin cap, can't remember) and the Dignicap. My insurance wouldn't cover it and it was going to be over $700 per treatment. I opted out due to the lack of coverage, extra time commitment and not sure if it would work for me. The human hair wig was expensive but I should get about a third of it reimbursed and there would be no extra time added at chemo or any headaches.
- tpralph - no staining for me after 3AC treatments.
- re: weight: I'm holding steady. Even gained a few. But I have not been exercising like I was pre-diagnosis.
- Paulette - I felt the most spaced out after the first treatment. 2 and 3 haven't been as bad which is a nice surprise. Extra burpy/hiccuppy this time around, though.
Before my treatment on Thursday I got a gel manicure. No cutting of cuticles or anything, just had some polish put on and the nice hand massage. Even opted for a 10 min chair massage as well. Felt good. I think a neck, shoulder and/or foot massage would be a great option to offer while getting treatment.
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tpralph - I remember rebamacfan123 mentioned darkening of her hands and feet also after AC#2. I believe she used epsom salt scrub to fade it out. I've seen her post about it a few times, you could message her as I remember her giving out her routine to combat it.
Forgive me jumping in, I've been following you ladies since I realized I was starting my chemo in July, I'm about to have AC #2 Monday and your tips and advice has been invaluable. Thank you.
Theresa
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Hi ladies - I noticed some of you had posted about your vision being wonky. My MO told me to wait for 6 months after finishing chemo before I have eyes examined, etc. She said it takes that long for vision to settle down. Just fyi. I completed chemo mid April and eyes are still not what they were.
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So like the rest of us i have good days and bad days but is anyone else getting headaches on a daily basis or body aches..it's like a daily battle and I'm a week and 3 days out from nuelasta..i just have all this tension at the base of my head, neck, and upper back and seem to be taking Tylenol on a regular basis..my doctor offered to do a brain scan which i dont really want and my CT scan was done in may and came back fine but all these aches and all have me worried which I am sure causes more stress..
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hhuey,
Wow I was going to ask the same thing today... Yes I wake up with a headache every morning. It does go away by it self 1 or 2 hours later. I never have headaches so it's odd. I don't however have the neck tension and body aches on a daily basis. I'd say more like 3-4 days every 2 weeks. I hope yours are nothing! Please let us know. Big hugs
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I was waking up with headaches but I think I solved mine. Not sure why but if i drink a Boost right before bed, I don't wake up with a headache.
I only have neck tension and body aches when i dont drink enough water. When all else fails I take ibuprofen! My BS gave me a script for pain. It's 800mg. And takes the pains away.
My gums feel like they have been scraped with a knife. It's making eating a challenge. I don't have thrush or open sores just sore gums. Hurts to even brush teeth.
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HAPB I have been drinking so much water I swear I pee every 20 minutes..I seem to have nipped the headache today with a tylenol, aspiri, and caffeine which is in excedrin extra strength but I still have these body pains..I'm sure alot has to do with stress so I'll just be living in my car since my kids are driving me nutty lol..I'm also think a lot has to do with my old mattress and my pillow so I'll scrape up my change and see if I can get a new mattress..
Susie maybe I will try that boost too and see if that helps any..I asked the Dr if chemo messes with your blood sugar and she said no but I swear she is wring because I get jittery in the morning and as soon as I drink some orange juice I am good..
Other then these
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Hhuey I get the body aches from the neulasta shot. Was having daily headaches until I started sleeping better .
Teese I'll check her out . My name is Teresa too just a different spelling 😊
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hello,
Just my 2 cents. Claritin has a few side effects they are more fatigue, blurred vision and headache. I used to take 1/2 of claritin at 6am and the other half at 6pm during chemo to minimize side effects.
Mimi
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Susie 2017. I don't know why but drinking boost before bed makes sense. I'm going to try it tonight. Thanks!!
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Rebamacfan123,
Really?? Regarding Claritin. I guess I should have read the side effects but probably too small for me to see. That makes sense including my fatigue level during Claritin! Thank you so much!!
Big Hug!!!!
Wendy
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Hhuey: My family doctor was the one who told me chemo and the steroids definitely affect your blood sugar. I notice mine is higher the first three days after infusion which is the three days of steroids and the chemo. Then it seems to settle down. The MO of course had that "deer in the head lights" look when I mentioned it to her. Her response was that she doesn't deal with any of the other medical issues that I might have. Doesn't seem to matter that "her chemo" drugs mess up any other medical conditions you might have.
There's also a lot of side effects that they seem to ignore or pretend they don't exist. That's why this site is beneficial because we can all talk about what's going on with us.
Teese & Rebamacfan123: You're always welcome to join in! Knowledge is power.
Teese Keep up with that dreadmill.
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hhuey, I get occasional, mild headaches through this treatment. I believe mine is related to not enough fluids. I think that no symptom is really off the table with all the meds we are having to take to avoid the worst SEs and from just the chemo/Neulasta shots themselves. (not to mention the stress of this)
HapB, Just a few months before being diagnosed, we got a Sleep Number bed, and I finally bought a "My Pillow" because I was having issues. I am pleased with both. A good night's rest is essential through this for sure.
Had a great weekend being outside and doing normal things this weekend. My taste buds were better, and I enjoyed food and gained back a couple of pounds! Yesterday, my DH asked if I wanted to play cornhole. I said sure and proceeded to beat him 3 games to 5. Trust me, he didn't let me.
I realized afterward that was the first time since my LX in May that I had done anything like that. I was really amazed I had very little pain. A grateful moment for sure. This week is definitely so much better than last. Friday is my last of the AC, and a friend from VT is coming on Thursday to be with me on this last round.I wish each of you no SEs and continued strength as we get through this.
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HapB, It's a set of wooden boards with a hole at the top. They slant up. You use bean bags to toss in the hole, and you get 3 points if the bag goes in and 1 point for each time they land on the board itself. It's a fun outdoor game, and we usually play during the summer but just hadn't with all this drama going on. Makes me wonder if I could even bowl again...at some point. I'm just an occasional bowler, but I have always found it to be fun.
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Hi Ladies,
I don't have headache but top of my skull hurt/achiness sometime during the day. I touch it and it seems tender compared to other area of the skull. This may be due to the hair loss.
I have a dark spot on the nail of my right thumb (noticed it 2 weeks post round 1). Couple dark spots on the gums of my teeth too.
Anyone has persistent sinus pressure? I'm 17 days post round 2 of TC (round 3 will be this Thursday), but my sinus still feel wonky; Walking on treadmill just with speed just 3 miles/hour make me dizzy so I have to slow it down to 2.7. My head feels like a bobble head doll. This is the part that I hate most about chemo. My body just seems to slip out of my control.
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klt, You are moving! Doesn't matter how fast. I agree, though, my body doesn't seem like my own most days. I try to remind myself this is temporary!
As my peach fuzz is coming back in already, it sometimes hurts if I lay against the stubble just right. ?? Will the Taxol knock out what tiny amount is growing back? Or is the Taxol where lashes and brows say bye-bye, too?HapB, Whatever brings you joy, do it. (as much as you can for now) I'm sure missing out on what would have been upcoming travel, but I am dreaming of next year.
(Tired of looking at everyone's beach pictures on FB...haha -- just wishing I could transport myself there. My time will come again.)0 -
HapB, I am truly laughing out loud!!! When I moved to Colorado from Southern California a few people mentioned corn hole and I thought certainly that had to be a made up game or word. They looked at me like I was crazy for not knowing what it was. So now I know and actually have one... Bean bag toss game.
Hope you are feeling good today
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