Chemo Starting September 2018
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good evening ladies
So inspiring and coming to read through recent posts. Ginger hang in there. I too am so saddened by losing my hair, but it’s a cold comfort to be able to make that choice rather than going through The shedding process. KK I haven’t noticed any increased sensitivity at my Masectomy site But i’ve been seeing a lymphedema therapist regularly. She is wonderful and the massage is great. The strengthening routine has helped me immeasurably.
I’m sorry to hear about people having allergic reaction‘s and colds-It’s so hard to track these many side effects. It seems once You get a handle on one another one Rolls right up.
So in my chemo world the dental saga culminated today in having the broken tooth extracted. Honestly having teeth pulled is a hard-core childhood fear of mine. I saw a very scary orthodontist back in the 70s. Just think “Little shop of horror‘s“ all dressed up in the 70s regalia. This may be the reason why my teeth are a bit jacked. I do go in periodically for dental work but typically only when I’m on the verge of an emergency. I even like this dentist- he’s pretty awesome, never makes me feel bad for not coming regularly, and is kind of cute. Telling thing is he didn’t even recognize me when he came in to do the work. I guess the chemo etc. has taken it’s toll. I had to go in yesterday to the MOs Office to get labs in order to move forward with seeing the dentist. Labs were good so the dentist went ahead and took one look at the tooth and said he had to pull it. It was funny it really didn’t phase me. I guess I have a new definition of fear. Anyway he was truly sweet and waived my co-pay. Very kind. I’m supposed to go in for my second round of AC tomorrow and I’m a little freaked. I’ve been reading up about the healing process of a pulled tooth it’s all about platelets etc. And a lot of posts online say that many on MOs will wait at least three days to let the mouth begin to heal. I kind of think my oncologist is going to want to go ahead with the chemo tomorrow. He’s pretty old school. I mean obviously they’ll do my labs first but I have this terrible fear that The labs will look good and they will go ahead with the chemo and sometime on Sunday or Monday I’m going to have some big bad trouble with my mouth. Infection or what not. Not sure if I should be really vocal tomorrow after my labs. I know the squeaky wheel gets the grease but Part of me doesn’t want to delay. So many scary decisions. I’m just really tired I guess
Fairchild I feel you about reasons why we are on the specific cocktails, even more so there are times when I feel like there is this cookie-cutter approach to women with our diagnoses. It’s like we’re at a great disadvantage because it is so medically complex to navigate through. I mean I’m no dummy but it still makes my head spin.
In Any case thanks for the continued support ladies. If anyone has any sage advice I would truly appreciate it- vanilla ice cream is on the menu for dinner tonight. I guess that’s a small silver lining.
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Hi team,
I have been MIA for a bit. Enjoying week 3 post-AC, but have also been working full time and feeling quite exhausted. Probably I am trying to do too much which is typical of me. Hair-wise, I finally started shedding in earnest yesterday (day 16). Good timing as I have my wig appointment today. I don't know if I'll end up wearing it or not, but I have a subsidy for it so I figure I may as well give myself the option.
KK - I have def had increased sensitivity around my incision since starting chemo. Also some swelling and soreness and new nerve-type pain. I saw the specialist breast nurse last week who confirmed that I have a seroma and unhelpfully said it was all probably chemo related but that they "don't really understand" all the effects. I asked about lymphedema and she wasn't very forthcoming except to say I could see a therapist on my own (but it won't be covered). I will probably do that just for peace of mind eventually. Things have settled down considerably this week -- hope yours has gotten better, too.
MandM - if you are hesitant I would ask to delay. I really wish I had delayed my first chemo coming off the back of a bad cold, but I couldn't decide if it was a good enough reason and I really kind of wanted to get on with it, plus my MO didn't seem worried. Of course I ended up with a sinus infection and on antibiotics and spent the entire time petrified I would end up in the emergency room with a fever. I'm not sure I'd call that sage advice, but that's my experience anyway.
Fairchild - glad this round is more manageable!
Heather - sorry to hear about the low counts! I didn't find the neulasta side effects so bad, especially if you keep up the claritin. Hope it is manageable for you.
Hope everyone else is hanging in there!
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Ladies, I have a problem that I suspect only y'all could understand. I've been invited to the wedding of my son's best friend, a young man I absolutely adore. it's the end of October. I had been really looking forward to it, but I just found out my ex-husband and his wife will be there.
It's more than the typical post-divorce uncomfortable-ness: My x left me when I was recovering from an amputation as part of the treatment for my first cancer 20 years ago (a bone tumor). He was horrendous...he actually testified to the court that I "invented" my cancer as a way to get the sympathy of our kids, then 6 and 9 years old. Unfortunately, the judge seemed to actually believe him. My x then dragged out the divorce process while I was in treatment, eventually forcing me into bankruptcy from the combination of medical and legal bills. A really bad situation.
I have managed to interact with the x appropriately over all the years since then, for graduations and other milestones in my now-adult kids' lives, but now I have cancer again. And the idea of being at this wedding, which is in another city where I won't know anyone, is really stressing me out. At the same time, not going, when I really love the couple getting married, is also stressful.
In an ideal world, I'd get a date and go anyway, but it's too close to the wedding to get a date now, and I certainly don't feel like dating while going through chemo. The thought of being around x and his new wife while i'm without my breasts and my hair is, well, really painful. I guess if you're going to see an x, it's always best to feel really good about how you look, and I don't at the moment, you know?
Can you think of any way to make this workable? I could go only to the wedding and skip the reception, which might be ok, given that I'll be tired anyway. I wish my kids would hang out with me, but despite their best intentions, I think that's unlikely, given that there will be fun to be had. I don't think the wedding is terribly large, so I don't think I could avoid x and wife completely. Any ideas? Thanks!
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Heather - How was your white blood cell level today? Mine was a bit low couple weeks ago but the level went back up. Hope it doesn't impact your chemo.
Umakemehappy - That's such an awesome summary! I just finished Taxol #5 too. I did start feeling numbness in my hands and feet already though. Hope they don't get too much worse...
Fairchild - Sorry you had to go through so many difficulties and now has to face this kind of dilemma. Personally I would put on a wig (or nice hat), makeup and anything that would make me look good and go. But that's just me. I guess I'm more of a defiant type. As for the drug options, I would write down my questions so I can remember to ask my MO everything.
I skipped running for a couple of weeks and finally started again this week. I guess I was mourning the loss of my hair, busy trying to find hats/wigs, and didn't like the idea of my hair flying off as I run. Now that my hair is no longer shedding much, I can “proudly" say I still have more hair than my dad. I definitely began to stare at all the bald/balding men I come across, and wonder... Why is it OK for older men to have combovers but not women?
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Fairchild? If it were me I would not go.
I'm all about avoiding unnecessary stress. There is almost no event I wouldn't avoid if it would damage my mental health to be there. You need to be taking care of yourself right now being around this ex of yours? doesn't sound healthy.
You come first.
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hello Sept. Group. I'm glad u found each other. I just dropped in from April chemo group.
MandM37, I had to have a tooth extracted due to abscess. I had completed Ac treatment and was on taxol. So my white counts were low even with my weekly injections. Mid june doc. Stopped one week of chemo.I went to dentist my normal infusion day had tooth extracted and start back up the following week. It took awhile for the area to heal. I ended chemo Aug.23rd and seen dentist again Sept. Still pink at extraction site. But now Its healed.
I would review ur blood work with ur doctor and talk to then about it. Also I was on weekly taxol. It might have been different if I was on AC since that was every 14 days, maybe no need for them to stop.
Keep me posted..sending good vibes..
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Fairchild, if you're really set on going do you have a friend who would go as your "date"? But honestly I'm with pcranky and I would skip it. I have often tended to do things out of obligation and felt guilty missing stuff like this, but have come to realise I'm the only one putting that kind of pressure on myself. I'm sure the groom won't mind and you definitely have the best excuse in the world. Do what's good for you.
So I just came home from an hour and a half of trying on wigs with a sore scalp and hair that's coming out by the handful... and my normally lovely and supportive husband said: can we dye it a different colour? Not exactly the response I was looking for.
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I had my first round of TC on the 27th. A few minor side effects- shaky for the first few days after treatment, day 3-6 I was soooo tired and just didn’t feel good. Day 3 was the worst- stomach cramping was so bad I spent the day crying and praying. Drinks don’t taste the same, neither does ketchup. I also have a constant slimy feel in my mouth. Gross!! No hair loss yet, but I had to shave my head due to a terrible mishap of color and overprocessing. I was trying to go shorter and shorter and add some fun, but it dried it out too much and was like having a bed of straw for hair. Yikes! I have 2 awesome wigs now- I just need to feel comfortable within myself to wear them and not feel like everyone is staring at me.
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Good morning - umakemehappy, I loved your post. Thank you for sharing. I got a giant bottle of coconut oil and have been using it on everything, body, nails, scalp and have had no issues with dry skin or nails. I also swish with it and water in my mouth. Forget who told me to do that. No mouth sores this last round at all. I have kept up with my coffee, I do a couple shots of (black) organic espresso in the morning. Since I don't abuse it I'm keeping it. I'm being more careful about it when I don't make it, only a shot if not organic or getting organic. I have researched so much about coffee and I don't believe the coffee is harmful. Plus it helps with constipation.
I am now noticing two small bruises, one on each hand over a vein - I had an IV for chemo on 8/29 on my right hand and the IV on 9/18 in my left. Will be curious to see what they say. Neither hurt.
Heather - neulasta is given where I am - everyone gets it, so find it curious that it varies so much.
Fairchild - ask the oncologist. Mine explained each one and I got fact sheets on them and I did my own research. Your cocktail is different, though I know the Herceptin is for HER2+. Someone recommend that I read the making of Herceptin (or something like that). Apparently getting it to market was incredible political and it almost didn't happen. Being a politics geek and studying public administration it sounds right my alley bookwise.
So sorry for all of you that are sick, dealing with tooth issues, etc. Life happens right....I'm petrified of getting a cold and something delaying my next round. Going to go into partial hibernation this weekend though I have my nephew's baptism this weekend. My sister in law scheduled a private services on Saturday in part because of me. I thought that was very sweet.
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hello ladies, thankfully my white count came up to 1.8 higher than the needed 1.5! Praise the Lord! No Nuelasta needed this time
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Fairchild - It seems to be a common thing to pair a taxane with an alkylating agent. The taxanes (like Taxotere) affect the microtubules - the part of the cells that is involved with communicating about cell growth. So they inhibit cancer cell growth that way. The alkylating agents (like carboplatin for you and cyclophosphamide for me) affect the cell's DNA to make them unable to replicate. I think the combo is far more powerful than either alone. Why they choose one particular alkylating agent over another, I couldn't say.
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Ladies, thanks for your wise words about the situation with x, and the info about the chemotherapy agents. My doctor did give me printouts on each drug individually, but I haven't seen much about this combination, so this was helpful. About the wedding....I decided not to decide for the moment. I'm still symptomatic from my chemo and not feeling well affects everything, you know? We'll see how I am closer to the actual event. But the good news is that I'm clearly reacting to the chemo better this round. For one thing I'm not throwing up anymore. My white cell counts were a little low, but not horribly. My red cell counts were in the anemic range, and he said he'll have to treat me for it if it gets any worse. I can tell I'm anemic because I'm breathless just walking across a room and cold all the time. But this is still way better than last time!
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Thanks for all the birthday wishes!
BT - I had the same experience, thinking I'd be done after surgery and then having a high oncotype score. Really threw me for a loop. I really did NOT want to do chemo, but here I am. And I'm half-way through, so I'm trusting a little more that I'll get through it all.
KK - I noticed sensitivity in my incision sites this past week and hadn't thought to connect it to the chemo. But that makes sense.
Fairchild - I do think that it's fair to not feel obligated to go to any event during. If you decide you want to at the last minute, that's okay, too.
I definitely feel more tired after this second round. The first one, I dragged a little my first day back at work but felt pretty normal after that. This week, it's been a little like walking through mud. I may take a little extra time off after my final round if this next one is harder still.
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Today’s conversation with cancer:
"Yay! My dozen do rags arrived!"
"Cant do Wednesday. It's day 8; I'm expecting bone pain."
"I hope my eyelashes last until your wedding."
"General Jones, thanks for letting me nap in the Command Suite."
"I wish my hair would hurry up and fall out."
"Please make sure everything on my plate has reached 160 degrees."
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ok...first infusion down. I know its October but I still stalk and chime in here and there in yours. Haha
2 questions I wanna ask you experienced gals. How long will I pee red (ac+taxol) and am I ridiculous for trying to plan something tomorrow? I know the crap se's will start if/when they do but I just dont want to waste good days with the kiddos anticipating them? Hope that makes sense?
I'm sure I'll be asking more questions and will eventually be your annoying little sister. Haha!
Have a great weekend everyone!!
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Hi all
Hope your weekend is going well. Isn’t it amazing that life goes on around our personal maelstroms?
Ccaxt, the first couple of days after your infusion will likely be not too bad, especially if you’re on steroids for those days. It’s really important to keep on top of any nausea or heartburn. If the drugs you have for that aren’t letting you eat and drink as you should be, ask for more.
Fairchild, you are so wise to be gentle on yourself about the wedding decision. I wonder if you could even arrange another occasion to catch up with the newlyweds to congratulate them, when you can enjoy their company without those whose company won’t bring you joy. We actually have a pretty full time job at the moment.
Well I’ve been no-hair Nanna for a week now. Like a fool, I cancelled my shave appointment as my hair was fine, then didn’t get another chance in time to avoid a fairly harrowing evening of hair shedding. Pretty horrible and bothered me far more than I expected. Thanks to YouTube I’m doing OK with the scarves. Ball caps are not such a thing for us baldies here. Scarves, stretchy turbans or wigs are the go. It’s been interesting letting my young grandchildren get used to it.
After a month off work, I’ve gone back, working from home this week, and back in my city office on Monday. I’m only planning to go in a few days each month, mostly because of infection risk. I was looking forward to Monday very much, but that’s been reduced by a bizarre email suggesting that because of the risk to anyone who might potentially be pregnant presented by sharing a bathroom with me, would I mind working from home and attending any meetings by Skype. Well, yes, I would mind, and there followed a fairly firm conversation. What a disappointing thing. I’m pretty gutted by it as it was so completely unexpected.
Love to you all xx
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Sue - That's ridiculous asking you to work from home. I have read that he first couple of days after an infusion are sketchy if you share a bathroom with anyone (we have only one bathroom here and were more careful about disinfecting those first two days), but after that it doesn't matter. Ignorance. It reminds me of when my son was a toddler and had to have brain surgery. We were out and a woman yanked her child away from him when she saw his healing scar and said, “What's WRONG with him?" I wanted to deck her.
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Ccaxt. Hi I'm from April Chemo group and peeing red only last the first day but that's just my experienc. And it was out of my system by evening.i agree with the comments Sue. Get rest the first night and then next day should be doable. But dont push urself too hard..
Sending you good vibes..
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wanderweg yes it’s wrong in so many ways ( not least violating our Australian workplace, anti-discrimination and privacy laws). Just stunning, and it turns out based on misinformation. Proving you don’t have to be stupid to be ignorant :-) and the same person has been the architect of extraordinary kindness to me and many others.
I’m praying for grace all round when I roll in on Monday. Late, because I need to go for bloods in the morning.
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Has anyone thought about a vacation for when chemo is done? If so, where would you go? What would you do?
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thanks to all for the words of wisdom. I did end up doing round two of the A/C on Thursday. My white counts were good and the doctor prescribed nystatin for my mouth. It’s a swish and swallow and though I haven’t had any problems with my extracted tooth yet, it’s been really hard on my stomach. I opted not to use the PRN Ondansetron for nausea much this round since the last time I was so constipated. I finally caved and took a half a pill a couple hours back. My first day was so much better than today is. I even have the thought yesterday that this was going to be easy, ha ha Ha ha ha- been sipping down ginger tea and sucking on ginger candy all the while frantically brushing my teeth and swishing and swallowing. Consulting my yoda pipe all the while. Had a productive morning though I did give myself a very short crew cut as my once long and beautiful curly hair refuses to give up the ghost and still keeps growing and shedding and growing. Went out and bought some biscuits and gravy, everything I’m eating a soft because I’m so paranoid about getting food bit stuck in my freshly pulled Tooth hole
Does anyone have an any insight on the steroids? Why do we take them, are they supposed to treat nausea? I sort of feel like they cause Nausea or maybe I’m just so ridiculously nauseous that everything causes nausea.
Sue from Sydney how ridiculous about that request from your job. Way against the law. You’re more likely to catch something from them then they are Chromeo. I actually have my own little bathroom cleaning kit.
I get it though. People are treating me differently at my job. It’s really weird, not all of them but a lot of them. Some of them just kind of stand by my desk and give me this bizarre eulogy like this confession about how much they’ve always liked me and anything they can do to help me and etc. etc. people that I just know I’m passing is kind of weird and it could disingenuous or maybe it’s genuine how people tell deeper thoughts when they’re under pressure, mostly I think they’re just uncomfortable, I don’t know what to say to most of them. I mean some of them I think are trying to make themselves feel better. All I can really think about is when they’re standing there and I hope they don’t get too close to me because I’m worried about my white count and want to get on with my work- which incidentally does not give a shit that I have cancer.
I just love the normal days. I had about three really good normal days last week where I felt really healthy. I too have not given up my 2 cups of coffee in the morning. It helps keep me regular and I would just be a basket case without it. I have given up on my double shots and daytime coffee us as well as any caffeinated soda. Ginger ale for me.
Well hopefully tomorrow’s a better day for me and all you lovely ladies. You are so inspirational. Sorry about my rant, but if I can’t blow it out here I don’t know where else I can.
Hbluv- I have thought about where I’m going to go on my chemo, then heart surgery, then rads are done.
I really wanted to go to Corfu off of Greece, but my fantastic boyfriend and tireless caregiver is a ridiculously silly Game of Thrones fan and I think we may be going to Belfast to look at one of the GOT castles- maybe we can do both. Seems like such a long time away but it’s nice to have something to look forward to.
I hope we are Sleep well tonight.
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Hope everyone is doing well! M-and-M37, I really hear you about how odd people act. I was working up till the mastectomy, and the other people at work were just so uncomfortable. I started to kind of feel sorry for THEM!
Yesterday I went to the grocery store for the first time since chemo started. I thought I'd be fine, but I was exhausted by 45 minutes in the store. Anyway, a lady I've never seen before walked up to me and asked if she could pray for me right there. I was so surprised I said yes. Normally I don't mind -- in fact, I love it if a friend offers to pray for me. But it made me strangely uncomfortable for someone I don't know to pray for me in the middle of the store. Have y'all ever had this happen?
The situation made me think about how people perceive cancer patients in general. Many people have told me how brave I am and how strong I must be. That also feels awkward, because all I'm doing is going through a treatment most people would choose under the circumstances. To elevate that experience to the point that it means I'm uniquely strong or brave makes me feel too responsible for my recovery. It comes close to the idea that our strength determines our outcome. But if treatment works and cancer never reoccurs, who knows why we are that fortunate? If I accept that my bravery might make me cancer-free, then does that imply that those who die of cancer were less brave? There are so many variables that determine one's outcome, and I doubt that personal characteristics have much impact. Maybe this is apparent to y'all, but I've been trying to figure out why this compliment about strength feels so uncomfortable to me.
Maybe people don't mean that when they say I'm so strong. Maybe they mean that the fact that I'm going through treatment seems to them to be a sign of strength. But I would think that most people when diagnosed with cancer go through most of the prescribed treatment.
Or maybe people just want to say something positive. But overwhelmingly people seem to talk about strength and bravery and that seems surprising.
I'm sorry for droning on about it. I've been thinking about this for a while and trying to sort out what it means and what's a graceful way to handle these attributions of strength that I don't think I exactly deserve.
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m and m...I had to have my 1st chemo delayed a week due to 6 extractions! Super scared about infection. Figure if I can get through 1st round I'll be good?? Only 2 days in but feeling ok. SUPER neurotic about rinsing my mouth about 10 times a day. Drinking Tons of water! I haven't had any nausea yet (knock on wood) but again, i just had infusion 2 days ago. Super nervous about the bone pain! Took my claritan so PRAYING that helps. I was told steroids help with nausea and energy? Not sure I'm a fan of the energy! I've been getting flushed (face feels really hot) but was told completely normal..GREAT! And you want me take this for 3 more days! Ugh. haha
So sorry your dealing with the stomach issues. Have you looked into acupuncture. I'm on the hunt now. Have heard good things about it and figure it cant hurt. Also trying to get a weekly massage. All obviously gonna cost a bit but I figure, were pretty social so I guess my $$ that goes to us normally going out can go to these things now! Great logic, right? Haha
Hbluv...my high school senior has a big baseball tournament in Florida in March...praying we can make a family trip out of it, just not sure of timelines
Sue...alls I can say is wow! I read so many of these posts about work issues, and feel so blessed that hubby and I are self employed. My thoughts, I'd be super pissed but, if possible, I'd put it on the back burner and focus on your healing. If that's at all possible. Meaning try to not let them add additional stress? We all know, probably including them, they are definitely in the wrong!
Undrago... thanks for the info! Pee seems back to normal. Lol
Hope everyone has a great Sunday! Goooo BRONCOS!
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Hi Everyone.
-Fairchild--the whole, "you are so brave, so strong' thing makes me feel uncomfortable too. Like what do you say to that? I am definitely not brave---I am an 'anxiety-ridden-edge-of-tears-can't-sleep-no-hair-insecure-mess-inside', maybe, but not brave. I just ignore that part of their comment and carry on. On the outside maybe we look like warriors, people say we rock the bald hair tough chick look, but they don't know the turmoil in our minds. Nobody does until they are here. My current challenge is looking at photos of myself when I was healthy (damn those Facebook memories), and not dissolving into tears at realizing just how much I took my health for granted, and how healthy and happy I looked...compared to now. I must remember..."it's just a phase, it's just a phase, I'm gonna come out the other side of this"
I am on Day 4 after Round 2 of AC/Red Devil. some weird things to note for me:
-hives on buttocks only (?)
-carb cravings,,,french fries, potato chips, crackers, bread, pizza, candy (skittles and chocolate). I feel like I did with appetite when pregnant..or when a 10 year old kid....anyone else? I am going to have to be careful or I am going to gain so much unhealthy weight. Makes me wonder why my body is craving this.
-general throat, jaw, neck, shoulderblade pain...like it's bruised..neulasta maybe?
-Dr said I didn't need to take the steroids and anti-nausea for Day 2 and 3 after this time. I didn't, and I didn't get that ongoing headache--improvement for me.
I don't post much, but I read everything, and this forum has become a lifeline for me in a new world. Having cancer put me into a whole new world that I didn't even know existed. I am stunned by how many people have this, how full the wait rooms are, how busy the chemo pods are, how nice the nurses are, and how kind people in general are, despite their misguided comments about being brave, or rocking the biker chick look. I just want it all to be over, so I can begin healing. And I am only done #2 of 8! Such a baby I am! In Canada it is Thanksgiving Weekend, so I will say Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and I will be thankful for all that I have going for me. Thanks for listening.
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Elizabeth, the carb cravings may be a side effect of the steroids. My doctor let me half the inital dose this time, which was much better. Steroids make me cry, even when I'm not sad...it's a weird feeling, for sure. And I can't think clearly on them. But of course, they also minimize the risk of an allergic reaction to the drugs we have to take. For that reason, I keep the prescription with me at all times in case one sets in.
For what it's worth, I woke up with this terrible nausea the very first morning after chemo. I hope this means that if you don't have it at this point, perhaps you won't. And the nurse prac told me I was on a tremendously large dose of chemo that first time. The second time when they lowered it by 25%, he said it was still a big dose and I haven't been as nauseated. Plus the medicine I was getting was great.
Unfortunately I ran out of it yesterday. The pharmacy can't refill it because the insurance won't let it go through, and she told me one patch costs $1500. I guess I'll have to call the doctor's office tomorrow, because I can't afford to buy that out of pocket..
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hbluv - My husband and I went on a trip the week before my mastectomy, figuring we wouldn't be able to travel for a while. We went to Aruba and did a lot of snorkeling and eating great seafood. It was relaxing, although hard for me not to be thinking about the surgery I was dreading. Our plan is to get back to a beach once treatment is over, including the surgery it looks like I'll need for the neuropathy that happened during my exchange surgery. Not sure where we'll go, but I want to breathe in the salt air and walk in the sand.
I don't like being called brave either. The problem with thinking about cancer as a fight is it seems to suggest that people who "lose the battle" just weren't trying hard enough. That's not fair. And I'm not doing chemo because I'm brave, I'm doing it because it seemed like a better choice than dying.
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After an emergency second wig purchase at 9pm last night, this morning I looked in the mirror and decided I couldn't quite do it so am at work in all my shaved-head glory. In response to the curious looks, I said to my (all male) coworkers: Sometimes you just have to shave it off and start over!
Second AC tomorrow and not looking forward to it as I've been enjoying feeling good and it was a beautiful weekend here.
MandM - I also wondered if the steroids were causing nausea for me. On days 3 and 4 last time, I felt ok in the morning until about an hour after I took the steroids. It could be a coincidence, but nausea is listed as a side effect. I'm going to ask if I can cut the dose in half this time and see what happens.
Re: trip planning - I canceled a trip to the US to visit my brother and his family in Portland, OR so am hoping to be able to try again when this is all over. Maybe with a stop in the Cook Islands or Hawaii on the way.
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beeline - that’s a great line about the shaved head! I had a first-time appointment with a podiatrist a couple weeks ago and when the receptionist asked for my co-pay, I told her I’d met my out of pocket max for the year. She looked surprised, so I pointed to my scarfed head and said “These bald heads don’t come cheap!” She laughed hard at that.
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I haven't thought about a vacation, but I have determined that I will deserve diamonds after treatment is finished! Large ones I will buy for myself that will always remind me that I worked hard at getting through this!
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Has anyone else had cardiac symptoms?
A week after the first chemo, I walked into the pharmacy to get rx's and suddenly had incredible chest pain. Like a stab-- so strong that I couldn't walk anymore or even talk. The pharmacist saw me and called the paramedics, who determined that I wasn't having a heart attack, thank heavens. Within about 30 minutes, the pain had faded and I could breath again. They said my heart rate was really high, though (120?).
I asked the NP about it last week. He didn't seem particularly alarmed, but he also couldn't suggest any reason for it. The day that happened was also the day that I felt most ill from the first chemo. I had seen my onc earlier in the day, and he commented on my high heart rate, too.
Frankly, it scared me, especially because I don't know why it happened. I've never had anything like that happen before...
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