Starting Chemo in November 2017
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Ok - that’s what I’ll do is look up some scrub solutions. All I have in oil is mineral oil which is way too greasy. However I do have nonperfumed lotion that I could rub a bit onto my head. I did look up some expensive scalp conditioners that had witch hazel in them with tea oil as ingredients. I use to have some witch oil, but threw it out because I never used it and it was old. Today I’m wearing a black bandana, black t-shirt and grey crop leggings with black shoes/socks looking like a hoodlum gypsy (trying to clean my house up), The cotton doesn’t seem to cause itching like the knit stuff does. I was surprised to see my scalp was flaking. That’s got to go. Now we know how hair protects our scalps. I still have my brizzley stubs. They aren’t growing, but not falling out either like I thought they would. At least yet.
With my taste buds down and well knowing my wbc is probably at its lowest point, I fixed for breakfast some ramen noodles with precooked chicken for protein. It was actually tasty, not great, but at least got myself to eat a high protein breakfast. I’m icing my back trying to prepare it to be able to push my dinosaur Kirby vacuum soon!
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PS - Rljes- No, never went back to chiropractor. I left telling them I would contact them after I spoke to my oncologist, which was two days later. Not sure what to do about my back. I can’t take too many pain relievers because of heart.
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Hi Blair, If possible, I suggest going back to your chiropractor. I know its a hassle, but it takes going 3 times a week for a couple weeks to get any sort of relief. When My lower back goes out and I have to crawl to the car to go - He gets me back in shape. (and if they write it up properly, most insurances will pay for it) Hope you get feeling better.
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PS - BLAIR - Put the Kirby Down! that's the worst thing you can do for back issues is vacume and sweep!
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Lol - yes, I know. I’m being very delicate with this monster. It’s my upstairs vacuum - I’ve got a lighter one downstairs, but too back breaking to take upstairs. And tomorrow I clean downstairs- which I don’t normally take two days to clean - so trying to be careful - kind of. I move slowly now
As far as chiropractor- they told me my insurance doesn’t cover chiropractic treatments, so it would be out of pocket and pricey if I went several times a week. This may be something inflammatory that I’ll have to deal with until treatments are over. I want to talk to oncologist first.
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Good New Years' Eve!
I had my third round of TC this past Wednesday and still feeling "wonky." That dizzy, fluish, flushing fatigue. It is interesting, each one of my transfusions have seemed to be different combinations of SEs. My second went great, this third time is hard. I will be glad when I start to feel "normalcy" return a little bit.
Anyway, I have been reading and would just love to send out big, CYBER ((((HUGS))) to you ladies who are trekking this path unwittingly along with me. It's a sisterhood none of us ever wanted to join but here we are. And, here we are heading into a New Year tonight.
I want to wish each of you a Happy New Year! I pray God blesses each one of us in 2018! That is my prayer.
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Lizabeth, I hope you feel better soon. We are on the same chemo schedule. I've completed my second round and heading to the 3rd one on Jan 11th. The second round wasn't bad. I think the 3rd round will be the hardest for me psychologically. Can't say why. As for you, just one more! I know that probably doesn't help right now when you still feel bad. May you find peace and wellness soon.
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I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Decided to go out with my boy down to Clearwater Beach and join the festivities, watch the fireworks at midnight! It’s cool out so a stocking cap doesn’t look out of place! Me an by oldest!!
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Happy New Year to you too, Tina, and everyone else on this thread. Love those smiles!
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Happy New Year, everyone! I hope 2018 is an amazing year for all!
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Happy new year sisters. Hope we will forget these hard days forever.
Today my 2nd infusion, FEC protocol, I am really worry about that because SEs are bad but i will try to be better. Also I am afraid due to my high platelets. doctors told me that maybe your problem is iron deficiency. My ferritie test is 9 ( range : 4-120). TOO LOW. there is inversely correlation between Iron deficiency and platelets count. I stop eating chicken and meats and I also had an old problem with iron in my body. Did anyone test Iron deficiency with chemo sisters? if yes, can you compare the result with the platelets number. is their any relation? its will HELP ME TOO MUCH !
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Happy New Years everyone. Let’s hope this year brings us peace of mind and body at last! I was a complete party pooper in that I went to bed my usual ten o’clock time. I watched a Mrs. Fishers episode on Netflix on my iPad. Actually, wasn’t feeling so great with a slight fever, took some Tylenol and it went away. Don’t know what that was all about. Maybe the Kirby busted my butt. This second round has got me functioning very sporadically.
Tina - what a beautiful photo of you and your son - he’s a handsome fellow, and you are just sparkling with happiness. That pretty smile tells me it will be a good year for all of us sisters! And I love that hat!
Hope99 - if you dont eat meat, that definitely lowers your protein, which lowers your wbc. Iron would help your other problem, but again your doctor should help you choose foods to eat. Try some protein drinks like Ensure Enlive. Carnation Breakfast Essentials are high protein drinks and you can make smoothies out of them to make them taste better. I don’t understand your platelet count as it measures differently than my score. Where do you live? Different country maybe? For example my platelet score measured between a normal range of (130-400). My score in my last lab was 351. My hemoglobin is on the bottom of normal, but my wbc has stayed normal to high especially after the neulasta injection.
Worriedme77 - I see you’re a Louisiana girl from a city I lived in for 14 years of my life. Welcome and happy New Years to you! I went to LSU and hope they win today, although Notre Dame will be a hard team to beat. The Tigers definitely need to get their game perfected, but they’re trying. Geaux Tigers!
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Stopping by quickly to wish all of you the BEST 2018 EVER!!!! Glad some of you were able to get out and ring in the new year. I was in bed at 10:00...!!
What's your New Year's day dinner going to be? Mine will be the usual - pork, sauerkraut and mashed potatoes...one of my favorite meals.
Hope
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I haven't eaten meat in over 10 years. It is absolutely possible to eat healthy without it... And many doctors and scientists would say it is healthier. Forks Over Knives is a great documentary that shares scientifically based information about the health benefits.
The important thing is to talk with your doctor about the results of your individual tests and the implications of your diet, and how to make sure you can get all the nutrients you need. I get plenty of iron without meat. But Hope99, you may have other things going on that affect your iron absorption. Please seek out professional opinions from your doctor.
Today is day 4 after round 2. The nausea is real, otherwise, it's okay. Ready for a new year!
Happy 2018 everybody!
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Happy New Year Every one -
Meow- It always surprises me when someone says they have nausea with all the medications out there that can prevent. I'm so sorry that its not working for your. But i Do understand. My metabolism is way out there. What are some of the foods you eat instead of meat?
Take care everybody - I'm having traditional PIZZA - yummmmmmm
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I have all the anti emetics, but keeping them down is rough.
I eat lots of veggies and legumes. Broccoli and leafy greens are great sources of nutrients. I love pizza, but try to keep cheese to a minimum. Don't get me wrong. Cheese is delicious. Right now, with the nausea being so bad, I'm eating scrambled eggs. They are easy on the stomach. Normally, I try to avoid all animal products, and I feel better when I do!
And I don't miss meat. Beans, mushrooms, tofu.. lots of alternatives
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Meowmmy, I hope you feel better soon. Day 4 itsn't an easy number for most of us. Funny, but for me the anti nausea drugs are never fully effective. I don't eat much red meat. Chicken, fish are more to my liking and lots of vegetables. During my off days on chemo I sip on broth and eat apple sauce and cottage cheese. I can already tell that once I get past chemo I will forever dislike those things, lol.
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Managed some white rice! Go me!! Lol
Edited to add...And now I'm in the ER for IV fluids and anti emetics. Happy New Year!
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Meowmmy65 - yikes, it has to be hard to deal with the nausea. What? In ER? You poor thing! It’s bad enough without nausea. Keep us posted on what’s happening - when you feel better. Meanwhile, just rest and stay calm. We are here for you.
When I take all three types of those drugs, I think I feel worse - not nauseated, but wonder if they are part of that fluish feeling. The compazine is the one that knocks me out and I don’t like it. My OM gave me a bunch of it. I’m definitely going to try the other one Meow recommended. Fatique drags after my flu days, and this losing my taste buds has been frustrating. I think my taste is finally coming back - and then I get to start all over again - ugh!
Zofran - I don’t like the strawberry taste when I’m fluish - best to swallow it than melt it under tongue. That’s just for immediate effect in case you need immediate relief of nausea.
When I think of all the junk we have to put into our bodies to feel better - I want to scream - just get this over with!
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It's amazing what good drugs, IV fluids, and sleep will do for you!
Lowlevel nausea, but I have a patch and other goodies. Going home later today. In the meantime, Im going to nap again. 😘
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Meow, I'm so impressed; despite everything you have a smile on your face. I'm glad you sought help when you needed it. Feel better soon. And I'm with Blair, just get this over with! Here's to a good nap!
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Meow....Hang in there!! Glad you will be going home later. When my creatinine level was out of whack,, I was at the oncology facility on a daily basis (for several days) getting fluids. My onco didn't want me in the hospital for fear of picking up an infection. I hope all your "goodies" work for you. Nausea is the pits.
Hope
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Ladies, the worst of #3 chemo is passing and all that is left is some fatigue. Wish I could go take a walk...but, like many of you, the weather outside is an ICEBOX! Think it is 17 degrees at the moment! I am fantasizing about Spring..anyone else???
Meowmmy!! I am so sorry you landed up in the hospital..and you still are wearing your beautiful smile! You are such an encouragement! I am praying you are home again soon!
Blair-you mentioned nausea..something that is working for me is mixing about a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, squirts of lemon, teaspoon of honey and some shaved ginger in about 16oz of water. It also kicked whatever the white crud (not sure if it was thrush or not) off my tongue! It really settles my stomach and I'm sure it is doing a whole host of other positive benefits to my body as well! Also, my tastebuds are whack just after chemo and my apple cider conception helps a little with that, too.
NonaHope~your New Year's Day meal sounded delicious! Right now, absolutely nothing processed (food wise) sounds good-which is a good thing!
Magari~I hope the shedding has slowed waaaayyy down. Hang in there. My scalp got really dried out and my remaining hair as well. Last night, I made a concoction of olive oil and coconut oil and spread it liberally and left it on last night. Rinsed out today, scalp feels great and I think it helps those hair follicles who have battled chemo get stronger.
Hope99~I have an autoimmune disorder that I have had for almost 22 years. My immune system attacks my blood platelets so they are always low. The steroids and neulasta shot have bolstered my platelets and I am so happy about that. Having higher platelets is better than having lower ones..I know, I've had them as low as 17K when normal is 160-400K. I hope you are feeling better soon!
Klvans~when is your third round? One thing is for certain...each of my three infusions have been completely different and unpredictable with regards to the SEs. I am trying to use more supplements- B12, B6, Glutamine, Apple Cider Vinegar, Ginger, etc. to help with SEs and that does seem to make a difference. How many TC do you have to have? I am done January 17...can't wait.
Mom4-you are gorgeous! I see you are in Clearwater, my parents and my brother and his family live in Lakeland. I went to high school there as well. I wish I were there right now instead of frigid Virginia...although, my Mom has been telling me how cold she is down there.
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LizabethM - I’m in Lakeland. When and where did you go to school here? Now, I didn’t, but maybe you’re close to my daughter’s age. Just wondering. I’ve lived here 26 years.
I’m not having trouble with nausea, it’s just I can’t stand taking the nausea pills. I’m afraid if I don’t take them at least three days after the treatments, I will get nauseated. I was trying to say that I thought they were adding to the sleepiness and fluish feeling on my bad days. However, it’s probably just chemo flu.
Also Lizabeth - was your third treatment worse than 1 and 2? I’m dreading 3 and 4. This second time was worse for me. I’m on the same drugs as you. I think the taxotere is the burger of the two concoctions. Also, my scalp started flaking, becoming rashly red and got some organic coconut oil. I rubbed some in today and put a soft bread cloth on my head loosely. It does seem less itchy, but tonight I’m going to repeat it and then rinse/wash in the morning.
Meowmmy65 - hope you came home and tummy isfeeling better!
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I've had 2 rounds of AC ( started 12/11/17) DD every other week for 4 rounds. Other than feeling reflux, and indigestion, I had no awful side effects after the infusion BUT both times my WBC'S bottomed out to zero. At that point I have to stay indoors for 24-48 hours until they bounce back. I've been struggling with going back to work. Maybe I'm a wimp, but I can't get myself in to work due to one SE or another. Also, I work in a hospital so very high risk for infections. So using FMLA. I asked if they would reduce the dose and got a "no" for the answer. I don't know if I can survive the last 2 AC's! Then 12 weeks of Taxol which I'm told won't be "as bad". I'm frustrated and depressed and scared to death. It doesn't help that I'm a nurse and know too much. Any advice, kind words would be appreciated
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LizabethM- it is very cold here right now. Someone posted snow in st Pete last night. We aren’t used to it and our vehicles definitely aren’t. Idk if I have antifreeze in my truck, I never have to mess with it. Praying I do, they usually take care of that when I get my oil changed. Most in Florida don’t even own a heavy coat, I know I don’t. I had to wear a hoodie to work today, and a warm cap for the naked head!!
Jrzygrl- I’m not a nurse but I am am a tech, and I have been in nursing for 30 years. Hospitals are hard places to go to work when on chemo. I run patients on dialysis and for the most part my patients aren’t sick. It is flu season so there are some colds floating around. I wear a mask any time I am within 3 ft of my patients on days 7-14 just to be safe. Going back to work has been a Godsend. I went to work the day after chemo two and worked straight through this cycle. 12 hrs day/4 days a week. I had way less SE’s while I was working. I am also on fmla but now I am in intermittent, only if I need it.
Tina
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Jrzygrl0821 - Sounds like you are going through some stress and dread of your next treatments. I can understand that feeling well. Mine are three weeks apart and I’m tired of being tired and sickly. The fatique, side effects wear us down to a point we can’t function like we are use to. It’s psychology wearing.
Is there a possibility of your treatments being stretched out to three weeks apart? Do they have to be every other week? They can’t reduce your dosage, but maybe give you more time to heal a bit before each treatment. You are smart not to expose yourself to your work right now with all the flus and colds going around. That doesn’t make you a wimp.Can’t blame you there when your wbc is so low. Seems like your doctor should raise that up. Did they give you a Neulasta injection for that?
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jrzygrl, i don’t think there’s much i can tell you except take it one treatment at a time. It’s terrible to feel awful in order to get better but my brother told me something that helped me sort of look forward to each chemo session: remember that i’m receiving medicine that helps me be healthy again no matter how toxic it sounds.
i write a lot in my personal journal. everything that crosses my mind i write it down. i also use a meditation app called Headspace. and i am not the type to meditate but learning how to breathe helps calm me down or sleep too. otherwise if it’s a bad day I allow myself to have a bad day. because it’s more stressful to stop yourself from feeling bad vs allowing yourself to just have a bad day. friends have kept me supplied with books and coloring books and puzzle books to keep my mind busy on days when i don’t work. other days i work remotely. and i’m thankful for those days when i get distracted from everything.
i’m taking a blood test for infusion 9 of taxol this week. When i started with EC last september i used to cry about how long chemo will take. now i have 4 doses left and i promised myself to maximize those 4 doses. to not let them go to waste.
the road is long but doable. a lot of the ladies here have been very supportive and encouraging. and they have made a difference with how i approach treatment too. Jrzygrl, you’ll make it through chemo. you will
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Yes, Jrzygrl you will make it through your treatments and like mkn said we are with you. You aren't a wimp at all, rather you are smart to be cautious about exposing yourself to a risky environment. I work from home and sometimes I think work is a blessing in that it's a normal slice of life but at other times it can be stressful. It's important to find the right balance when you're going through chemo. I also find meditating helpful. Calling a close friend when I'm down helps too. However hard the chemo is I try and remember it's a door to being cancer free. Just remember you aren't alone. We are all rooting for you.
Lizabeth, my 3rd round is January 11th. One of my liver values came back too high for the second time and the Dr. is concerned. I'm stage 1A and had a small but aggressive tumor with no lymph node involvement. The Dr. thinks it might be a reaction to Taxotere. Hopefully she will clear me for my 3rd round. Ironically I had a pretty easy time with round 2. I'm nervous before every infusion though because I know they're all different. Right now my hardest symptom is dry, red eyes. I have been using over the counter drops and drinking more water but they remain irritated and well just make me look kinda weird.
Blair, you and Lizabeth and I are on the same regime. I agree that often the hardest part is the psychological. I just want to get through the chemo relatively unscathed. I keep wondering how long the chemo drugs stay in our bodies after our final treatment.
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