Chemo Starting August 2018
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Mactaz, I had 3 skilled surgeon opinions!, the first one wanted shrink tumor and do lumpectomy, the other two - single breast mastectomy. And I made the decision: not so much of a bigger bustyer girl - I needed something significant to cover a tumor. Initially they thought before surgery that I have 5 by 3 tumor - mri showed it . So assuming the size and look of my breast we did a mastectomy
, I feel like lumpectomy survival rates might be the same but recurrence is higher in my opinion .
But when I decided I don’t want radiation and lumpectomy , surgery revealed less smaller tumors both kinds just mm each ones but -6-8 of them do I knew it was right decision! But I had a small micromet in one node, so chemo was offered for precaution.
I see some girls have less clear margins with lumpectomy I’d rather cut everything ...
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My thoughts re sugar: sugar is doing nothing good for my body. White flour is doing nothing good. Ditto alcohol. So they are all out. I had three bites of cake on my birthday and a glass of champagne but that is about it since mid July. I was advised to stop dairy due to inflammatory properties. I used to drink milk quite a bit, and stopped this but still have small amounts of dairly like goat cheese in a salad or cream in my coffee.
I am basically eating vegetables, nuts & avocado, plus small amounts of animal protein favoring deep sea fish. I have berries once a day in a smoothie w/ several supplements, nut based Kefir and cocoyo coconut yoghurt for fat and probiotics. I am giving TLC to my digestive tract so it can have a microbiome.
All in all, kind of a low-red-meat version of the Atkins diet. Ketogenic most of the time, fasting mimicking before chemo and then I liberalize the week after and have some healthier carbs with pre-biotic properties or complete proteins, like brown rice, quinoa or a green banana.
To me, diet is something we control at a time when we do not have control over quite a bit. I have been looser on the worst 2-3 days post chemo, allowing myself whole wheat toast or a burger patty if that's what I sense I can actually eat, or a small serving of potato chips (they tasted good when nothing else did!). But the amount of "junk" I have had in 2.5 mos is very, very low.
When I make my am smoothie, I freeze the extra in a popsicle mold. That's a good "sweet" that's nutritionally rich.
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Bostoniangal25, thanks again for the info. I believe my BS might be concerned about additional small tumors not found with lumpectomy since I already have 3 identified areas. You have been very helpful.
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MACTAZ—-you may research the DIEP FLAP. I had a BMX with DIEP flap reconstruction on July 9th. They don’t take any muscle for that. They used to commonly do a TRAM flap and use muscle. I am very happy with mine so far but have to wait for Stage 2 of the surgery until after chemo is done. There are some threads on here regarding the DIEP surgery you could read.
Kelly
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thanks Kelly, that was the procedure I was interested in. It’s nice to hear from people who had this surgery. Was the surgery long and have you had any complications so far? I’m thinking I will have to do mastectomy first then later the DEIP Flap because of limited PS that perform this surgery here. Not best solution but might be my only one. Thanks again and hope all goes well for you
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Hi Everyone, My mind is spinning and I need to vent a bit.
Thanksgiving is in 2 weeks here. My sister-in-law is flying home to visit and is apparently staying here with us. My in laws called to see if they could bring something to thanksgiving dinner. Offered cranberries and bread.
Why would anyone think that I want to host out of town family, or cook a freaking turkey! I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know I was expected to host. I seriously didn’t know sil wanted to come here. I ducked and said I wasn’t planning anything...
I try to keep things normal for my daughter, but seriously I’m not making anything. Nothing. And I’m not making fresh beds and putting out fancy towels either.
Uuurrrggg!
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Kelly-Anne just stick to your guns. Can your husband be the buffer? Deal with the family? Tell them you will not be hosting anyone and will not be cooking dinner? The sooner everyone understands this the easier it’ll be on everyone.
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I would definitely not be able to have anyone over while going through so much and healing, let alone host people! I’m sure if you or your husband let them know that this year is out of the question, they’ll understand. This time is about you right now. No unnecessary stress. Even when my mom and sisters come over to visit, I make sure it’s only for a short while, at the most couple hours once in a while. This is why FaceTime is great!Otherwise, the only one I really want around is my husband.
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SantaBarbarian -- I admire you so much!!! Diet has been on my mind so much since my 3rd infusion is this Wednesday. I have a sweet tooth -- but could manage it if I just had a couple of M&M's at night instead of something bigger. And I have a hard time with black coffee -- so half and half would still need to be a staple. Ha .. I plan on making a big pot of lentil soup tomorrow to control the Big C, and soak some prunes to add to smoothies. Do you take anything over the counter to help with that as well as diet (Senecot, Miralax, etc.)?
CowGirlsDon'tCry -- Welcome to the board!! I am a big Juice Plus person as well -- but my oncologist said no to it during chemo since all of the anti-oxidants mess with the cocktail I'm on (Taxotere/Carboplatin), and don't allow it to kill those cancer cells as well. I'll start back up in October with my blessed JP capsules!
Carol
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Thanks Ingerp and Nisha, I think I’m going with your suggestions and put my husband in charge of planning something not at our house this year for his family. I’m so tired I don’t want to cave into hosting just because I was too tired to say no.
Cefinck; my sweet tooth is way overactive after chemo. I suspect it is all the steroids. My Onc said to go ahead and eat anything that I want. You would think I was pregnant again... scrambled eggs and jubjub’s for breakfast!
Thursday is round 3 for me. Somehow tired seems to be cumulative with every round. My mom is going to come for a few days this time to help get my daughter out the door in the morning. (DH travels for work and isn’t here during the week to help.). Maybe mom will make something yummyer than jubjub’s!
Hugs to everyone here!
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Kelly-Anne, best of luck for your third infusion... my third chemo is on friday..
Bostoniangle25, how are you doing this time ? what about SE?
is milk good for health ? i drink banana and mango shake quite often...is it good for health ?
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Kelly-Anne, best of luck for your third infusion... my third chemo is on friday..
Bostoniangle25, how are you doing this time ? what about SE?
is milk good for health ? i drink banana and mango shake quite often...is it good for health ?
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Ladies... I have my third infusion as well on Friday. Trying to soak up the next couple of days and enjoy it while it last. 😔
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Wow -- looks like many of us are going for #3 this week! I watched a Joan Lunden video on YouTube (yes, I have an exciting life) this weekend on diet with cancer, and she gave up wheat, dairy, and sugar. YIKES!!! She said they were a breeding ground for cancer cells. Might be true, but WOW -- that would be very hard for me. I'll probably just go in moderation for all.
Yes, SarahNola -- I'm enjoying my last days of feeling good with tons of energy!!!!!!! I told my dear husband that we have a date for lunch tomorrow to have Indian food! My last bucket list item before #3.
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Carol -
I take magnesium citrate for the constipation and it works reasonably well... 2-4 capsules at night. I have colace and colace w senna for if I need a stronger assist.
I am not a big chocolate person, but the kind of chocolate my integrative doc okayed is the 90% pure dark chocolate -- a little bitter, but you acquire a taste.... Maybe start with the 80% pure?
My glucose was high end of normal when I was diagnosed (96 I think?) Even though I am a fairly careful eater. Both my parents have diabetes so I may be on that spectrum (though they eat horribly!). There is a lot of evidence that metabolic problems relate to cancer (high blood sugar, etc). Remember your pet scan? That's radioactive GLUCOSE, that the cancer cells go crazy for. So getting off processed carbs is a very good idea: take away the cancer's favorite food source.
Looks like we are both TNBC and on the same drugs. I just had infusion #3 today. My adult middle son (27) is flying out from New Orleans today to be my helper this week. When he offered, I told him "I have plenty of helpers; you don't have to do that" -- but he replied, "Yes, I do. For me." Very touching.
If you want to clean up your diet, there is great info in the book written by the MD I consulted in Chicago. Dr Keith Block, "Life Over Cancer." It's an eating/supplement plan that can also fortify your system to reduce side effects and prevent recurrence. A discussion of important supplements. He advocates nutritional vitamin IVs also. I was seriously considering going to Chicago for treatment, but have been able to replicate the recommendations here in town with a naturopathic MD.
Dr Block also says to exercise diligently. He has me doing interval training 3 x a week, 30 seconds at moderate pace, 30 seconds at intense pace, then repeat this 3 times for 3 mins total. Then 3 min rest. Then repeat that whole cycle, for a total of 3. Not terrible-- 15 minute routine (if you don't count the last 3 minute rest)! And apparently very heart protective, and makes it far less likely that you lose muscle when you lose weight.
Laura
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A tip for people feeling daunted by changing their diet... The whole thing got much easier when I made a long list of PERMITTED foods that I really like. It is easier to select something satisfying and yummy when you have a list of loved foods to pick from, and lots of prepared veggies in the fridge where they are easy to grab.
Ideas: Egg white & spinach scramble, with a sprinkle of feta, herbs, salsa... Smoothie.... Avocado vinaigrette... broiled salmon and broccoli... Tom Kah soup... veggie soupe w fresh ginger... fresh pesto on zucchini curl "noodles"...
When I went off wheat and sugar, and really reduced dairy and whole eggs, there was a withdrawal period where I felt like crap, foggy, irritable. It passed in about two weeks. I think it was the yeast in my system dying and polluting me.
Nuts have saved my life. They are easy and filling and tasty. Best nuts, per doc, are almonds, macadamia, pecan, walnut, pistachio, w/ some brazil nuts for selenium. My natural food market has organic almonds in a machine where you can make fresh almond butter. There is another thread on diet and lifestyle changes with a lot of good ideas.
Hope everyone has a good week!
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Benji69. You and I are close to the same age. I will be 69 next month. Although I was so shocked when I found out I had breast cancer, I could not help but feel a little lucky that it had taken a while to find me. I had a best friend and coworker diagnosted 5 years ago at 48. She is 5 years cancer free but I remember so clearly being there for her through her chemo and thinking how fortunate I was to be so healthy. I still feel lucky when I read these post of all of the younger women dealing with cancer, kids, jobs etc. etc. Hope you are doing well. I had my third AC last Friday and am doing fairly well. I did have terrible bloating after my 2nd treatment, but am hoping I am better prepared if I have problems this time. Again just thought I would say hi, since we are from the same generation. Good luck. Hope this works not sure how it shows up, if it is even close to what you posted.
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Thank you, Laura! I looked up Dr. Block's book, and it is at my library. I will get it this evening. And, by the way, I LOVE dark chocolate. The darker the better. ;0). I don't eat a lot of dairy, but would miss putting it in my cereal. I tried almond milk, but didn't like it.
That is so sweet of your son -- enjoy your time together -- even if it is just being together. My boys are 12 and 14 -- my husband and I started real late having kiddos (I'm 53). I love my boys!
Thank you for the great advice. I have already made a mental list of the things I'll feel good (relatively, ha) about eating. Looking forward to making smoothies, soup, and avocado on whole grain toast (I'm going to try wheat-free).
Did you already have your surgery? I had mine back in June since my tumor was TN. Just two more treatments and radiation to go.
Carol
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No they are doing surgery after chemo. I am stage 2 so they felt it was already "out" of the breast and thus not such a rush to remove it; this way the chemo can happen while they had the tumor to watch to gauge efficacy.
Glad to help!!
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My SE have not been as bad the third round as prior in someways but in others I feel even worse. I did not have the vomiting at all, first week went pretty smooth. I was able to work all that week. Then Sat & Sun I had no energy and stayed down pretty much all weekend. Yesterday I was able to work about 6 hours then went straight to bed. I am up working this morning again accept for my appetite is horrible. But this is also the first time I have not gone in for hydration. I just did not want to drive an hour and half for treatment. Number 4 is approaching Oct 5th, I keep hoping they will say enough, but I think that is probably just a pipe dream. LOL!
I hope all you ladies have a great day, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hughope
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hughope1-
Unfortunately, the doctors say the fatigue will get worse with each round. That’s probably why you have less energy. But I’m actually proud that you’re still going to work. That’s a huge accomplishment! And that’s good you didn’t have vomiting. That’s takes so much energy, and you barely have any energy now to waste on vomiting. I’m sure the hydration would work, but I completely understand not wanting to drive so far for it. Can the hospital send someone to your house to give you fluids
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hughope...hang in there! hope you are feeling a little better. I have the same “pipe dream”’ by the way...haha!
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Santabarbarisn, thsnk ypu so much for sharing your dieting tips- I m literally taking pics of it!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Can I move in for couple of days for a healthy foodie bootcamp?🤗 I cut on carbs , less diary , more nuts, pumpkin seeds , green veggies!!!
Cefinks, I m sugar addict - was baking every other week , but now it’s out of my league! Eating more fruits instead!
Dear Sunshine, I m doing ok after #3, except my 3-d and 4-th days post chemo/ feeling not myself , not fatigue but still laying down - it helps!
But after that I bounce back , this time I noticed some stomach pain like I m hungry want to eat stomach pain .
How are you feeling ? Is your mom in law with you? I hope she is! It’s hard enough to be in a foreign country and battling this!!!
I read that dairy makes mucous in our bodies! I don’t drink milk personally , if you want some you can have a small glass! But I would avoid it because it’s inflammatory .
Hughope- glad to hear you!!!
Actually I m glad to have you all ladies as my back , you are strong and awesome!!!
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Bostoniangal - I get hunger pains too, around then, but nothing "sounds" good to me! Hungry but no appetite!
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the hunger pains when you can’t eat are the worst. For me personally, they cause nausea and dry heaving.
So after much back and forth, I have decided to continue with the chemo. My 3rd infusion is on Friday. All I can hope is that it won’t be as bad this time. We’re using some great advice we learned on here early to hopefully help combat some SE’s. I started taking Pepcid on Monday. I’ll start taking clairitin and anti nausea meds on Thursday. Any advice on what I should or shouldn’t eat before and during chemo to help with the SE’s?
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hi all, just checking in. This is day 6 of 2nd infusion, seems like I’m about a week or two behind most. Definitely now as bad this time, was able to work through constipation and now have a little of the big D but manageable. I have noticed more fatigue and aches, also keep getting pains in my boob. Not sure if that is due to latest biopsy or something working🤞. My best friend is flying in to see me for a couple of days, I’m excited. I don’t have much of a support group here and that is why I appreciate you all so much. You have helped me more than you know.
Hughope1 I’m glad you are feeling better, hugs to all and stay strong
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@Bostanangle25, i am glad you are back to normal...my mother in law is coming on 8th october so i will be on my own for my 3rd chemo this friday...i was feeling all good but from last one day i am having flue like feelings and eyes full of water
today i took antialergic. Nisha517, i am so happy to hear about your decision. hang in there...and from last two infusions what i have learned is to stay hydrated as much as you can...it helps alot...do eat 100% organic yogurt (without sugar) and drink orange juice (orange juice will help you boost your white blood cells).
Mactaz, after finishing my AC i will be getting four rounds of dosetaxel... could you please tell me about expected SE
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good morning all! Sorry I’ve been MIA, between the newbaby and now I’ve had a sore throat for about a week now with a really bad cough, it’s hard to get through the day.
Kwilli thank you for the support !! There’s nothing more powerful than the mama breast cancer group lo
Bostoniangal25 it’s so true idk what I’d do without it how are you feeling?? I’ve tried the water thing and it seems impossible I’m losing faith lol especially with this sore throat it’s hard to swallow anything
Moongirljesswhat did you oncologist say about this plan ?? I’m sure an extra week in between the new regiment is fine. Considering if your counts are down they would do the same thing
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this is kind of personal and I’m very hesitant and embarrassed to ask this question so feel free to just ignore but has anyone ran into problems , “ down there “? ;(
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smansmom-
Yes! Well my sexual urge is completely gone. My husband and I attempted to do “it” once after the first chemo and it was too painful for me. We tried lube but it still was too painful. We haven’t tried since then, and really I don’t feel like trying anyways. Hopefully I’ll get my libido back after all of this
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