Starting Chemo April 2020
Comments
-
Jess,
I thought I messed up your schedule. Well , good luck. I've had an easy time with my port. The insertion as I said before was the insertion - it is really a minor surgical procedure and all that entails. But the nurses in my unit and everyone in the procedure room were beyond believable and was the interventional radiologist. The oncologist put in my record that it was up to him to decide where the port would go. I am "quite happy" with the work. It is healed and I'm pleased I don't really notice it is there anymore. The incisions will fade with time along with some reddness that I appear to have picked up from the tape that seem to be lingering. I did find the way they dressed the incisions to be a bit "itchy": special adhesives, steristrips, etc. But the med team will help you with any of this if you notice it. I took some Claritin, after checking with my team, to calm it down and it worked well enough. I also put some ice on it ( in a ziploc bag) which really helped too. I didn't find it especially sore but they recommended I ice for a while. Tylenol, etc. to prevent swelling and soreness. I think I recall this correctly. Having a bit of brain fuzz today...(or is that everyday...?)
It really helps during chemo and I find my nurse is exceptionally skilled at accessing it. I notice they scrub the area down before interesting the special needle with sterile gloves on and I wonder if some sort of numbing med is in there but since they insert the needle so quickly after cleaning the area, it probably is not.
Anyway good to hear from you and thank you for all the work you do in responding to everyone.
Allie
PS Just saw your lovely, lovely photo! Beautiful!
0 -
Brain fuzz E'RRDAY! "Chemo Brain" is reppin' strong in my house!
Most of my productive part of the day is spent walking to one room and forgetting what I was getting, then going back and putting something down in a weird place and not being able to find that thing later, then repeating that cycle for like four hours so I end up not really getting much done, then I get a snack and lay down. lol
0 -
Jess: I LOVE your hair right now! My sister in law is my stylist and I was going to ask her to cut it into different styles I have never brave enough to try. I didn’t because...COVID, but she is going to shave it when the time comes. I’ll probably need to buzz it soon. It has been slowly falling out for the past couple of days.
Les: I’m sorry your first day was rough. I had no idea what to expect either. I had taxol #4 today and I’m still learning the ropes! It is tough when all the educational sessions have been canceled.
Because it has been a topic of conversation; i take my zofran as a preventative and have had very few side effects. I take a zofran chemo night (Friday) at bedtime, when I wake up and 8 hours later Saturday and Sunday. My hubby has been working weekends due to COVID so I can not afford to feel ill and try to take care of our 4 year old who has endless energy. I drink a ton of water and try to do 30 minutes of cardio a day. I struggle with getting enough protein. I try to eat a healthy diet but lately the only thing I can stomach are bland carbs, everything is just so unappetizing. I’ve been eating lots of toast, pasta, and cereal. I don’t eat dairy so no milk, cheese, yogurt etc. My husband is vegan and I rarely eat meat, but may need to change that.What are you ladies eating to make sure you’re getting enough protein?
I had taxol #4 of 12 today so I’m 1/4 way there (I’ll be getting 4 AC after taxol)! Everything went well today and I’m still feeling pretty good. Only issues was the pharmacy took almost 2 hours to get my chemo ready. I wasn’t too bad because I had an extra infusion for low iron but I was there for 5 1/2 hours but hey, I was able sit and catch up on some Netflix so it’s not all bad!
Stay strong!!
Lise
0 -
We are more than our hair ... wasn’t sure how I would feel since my hair has been shoulder length my entire life. Knew it needed to be done. My husband and son did it for me today. I’m 60 years old and my hair doesn’t define me. My strength in adversity does. It feels so liberating and healing knowing it’s one step further in the direction I’m going. I still feel like me
I’m Debra .... love sharing in our group - It’s very therapeutic 🌺0 -
Hi everyone,
Finally got a start date for chemo - Monday the 4th - and it was worth waiting as the tests came back with interesting results. The oncologist had another FISH test and an oncotype test done on the mastectomy tissues and even though the FISH for the biopsy was HER2+, the FISH for the mastectomy was not. Weird, huh? The oncotype test was also illuminating as the result was 27, just barely over the line for needing chemo. But my oncologist and the second opinion doctor from Dana Farber think it's best to have it, so Monday I’m going in.
Has anyone else had this total turn around in diagnosis from further testing?
Hope you all are hanging in. Your tips and encouragement are wonderful and inspiring, and I feel very privileged to be a part of the April group. You are so kind to keep me. Good luck over the weekend and stay well
Xoxo
Nan
PS - I texted my daughter in law just now and begged her to cut my hair short next weekend. If she can do it outside and we wear masks and I have plenty of hand sanitizer available, maybe she'll do it? Fingers crossed.
0 -
Hi Jess,
I just wanted to chime in on the pain in the wrist that you mentioned. When I had BC in the 1990s, all of the lymph nodes under my arm were taken out on the cancer side. (That’s what they did back then. It was much worse than the lumpectomy.) For about 3-4 years afterwards, the lymph nodes up and down my arm hurt in an achy, ouchy way and I couldn’t wear a watch or bracelets. Eventually the pain went faded away. But I remember how annoying it was. I took to wearing an old watch necklace left over from my teens (this was before people had smart phones). Hopefully your pain won’t last long.
Nan
0 -
Finally have a few minutes to myself to pop on and cheer you ladies on!
Nan - how far we’ve come in terms of BC treatment. It’s reassuring to hear that your pain eventually faded away - thank goodness for that. I am hopeful that your experience this go around will be much less invasive while remaining effective. And while I haven’t experienced conflicting results, it must feel reassuring to finally nail down a start date for chemo. As for your DIL cutting your hair, as long as she has been symptom free and sheltering in place I say YES to the haircut and having a bit of bonding time with the necessary precautions. The emotional component to all of this is so important. My aunt is spending time helping us right now and it’s such a blessing to spend time with her (she will be my stylist when the time comes).
Debra - love that smile and you are straight up rocking your new ‘do!
Lise - smart move on the Zofran at regular intervals. I’m doing the same thing and even though it’s only day 2 for me, so far so good. As for vegan protein, I’m the complete opposite as I’m on a keto diet, but the little I do know is that it’s all about lentils, chickpeas, almonds...I’m not sure if soy products are recommended for your type of BC - have your MO set up an appt with a nutritionist pref one that has experience working with vegan patients. They can provide helpful advice. Lastly, sorry about your last marathon infusion, but it sounds like you made the most of your time there.
Jess - your hair is killer! Makes me want to break out my clippers ASAP. BTW, for those in search of a clipper, my husband scored something called “balding clippers” which were the only ones *not* sold out online. He then bought all of the guards to go with them. Works great! And I’m so sorry to hear about chemo brain...I’ve heard about this from another friend who was dx’d a year ago and it sounds like a hassle...good thing it’s only temporary tho!Allie - thx for your kind words...and thx for the port heads-up. I’m sure it’s helped many already and I’ve made several mental notes should I need one installed in the future.
Les - I was so bummed to read your post. You’re my chemo start date twin and I wanted everything to go well for you. I echo all of the other women on here in terms of speaking up esp if things aren’t clear to you. My hospital doesn’t allow visitors and so it’s really up to me to advocate for myself. I ask my MO and the nurses tough questions all the time (like why do I need XYZ medication and what about this XYZ alternative treatment). I find myself being much braver than I have ever been in my professional or personal life. Because you know what? Our lives literally depend on it and *you* know your body best.
Gotta run! Looking forward to catching up some more with y’all soon.
0 -
Thanks for all the warm welcomes.
Debra and Kris - So far I've experienced all the same side effects I had the 1st time and 2 new ones decided to make an appearance. Thankfully, the diarrhea has been much less severe. The new side effects are a "coated tongue" with dark spots and the ball of my left foot is red, tender and swollen; thank goodness it doesn't hurt to walk. My prayer is that the side effects are consistent or lessen. I cut the rest of my hair off, now I'm beautifully bald. My plan is to have a double mastectomy in late summer/early fall. It is definitely comforting to know both of you are on the same journey, a journey I wish none of us had to take. The analogy I'm using for this round of cancer, "The first time it was a sprint, this time it's a full marathon and I'm going to cross the finish line with my hands raised in victory!"
J - First I love your name, By His Grace Twice! I'm still reading through the Triple Positive group, so much info. Sorry your 1st treatment didn't go well. My 3rd infusion is 5/14.
0 -
Jess & Debra, you both look AMAZING!! I got my hair cut really short today, too. Not quite comfortable sharing pics yet. I wasn’t worried about losing my hair, but now that I’ve seen how ugly my head is, I’m a little nervous! Between the steroids and lack of hair, my head has gained quite a few inches. 😂😂
Lise, I have the worst eating habits. Seriously, I eat like a five-year-old. However, I’ve been trying to do a bit better and eat more protein. Peanuts have become my go to. Shelling them calms me a bit, too. Plus, I don’t have to eat a lot to feel full. Maybe that would help?
I’m on Day #2 after the first round of chemo and haven’t had any side effects yet. From what I understand, those nasty little side effects will probably pop up next week. Game face on and Zofran in hand!
0 -
Jess — thank you.
Everyone, especially the newbies. Jess was referring to a little thing I've brought here to share with y'all. I do this with my daughter and GrandChuckles at the end of every visit and phone call.
Here's a super sized virtual hug and kiss being blown to you from Texas. Catch them and place them on your cheek.
Whenever you're ... sitting in the infusion clinic all alone ... awake in the middle of the night when everyone else is asleep and your head is spinning with uncertainties ... feeling lonely ... feeling scared ... trying to decide what to do ... tired of throwing up or going to the bathroom for the upteenth time ... frustrated because your body is not letting you do what you want ... not feeling well ...
or you're ever so sad because you don't live in Texas ...— put your hand on your cheek and you'll feel my arms wrapping love around you with a big Texas hug and hear me whispering in your ear
“Everything's going to be ok."
j
0 -
Michelle — thank you.
One of the many blessing which has come with breast cancer is the privilege of sharing my faith with others in a positive, non confrontational way. I've never been pushy preachy but am not shy about my beliefs.
When asked or someone expresses sympathy with my medical situation, I reply I'm not afraid to die. I get to go to Heaven and see my Mom. It may be sooner than expected, but I'm totally ok with it because I really miss my Mom. I know my daughter and Grand Chuckles will miss me, but I'm confident their faith in God will endure and I'll see them again in Heaven. I'll introduce them to their Great GrandMom-A. They'll love her as much as I do.
I've been surprised with how many people say “You really believe that don't you?" I sure do.
j
0 -
Debra and Jess - you guys look ADORABLE!! Love the haircuts.
Jess - we'll be praying for easy port placement on Monday. Great idea to draw your bra line!
Nan - same to you on Monday for your first infusion. How interesting about the test results! Definitely let you DIL come cut your hair.
Michelle - thanks for the side effects update. Tracking mine already on Day 2 of Round 2.
J- SO with you on the faith train. It's what carries me through. My core group of friends have nicknamed themselves my God Squad. And so many others have jumped on that as well. On my CaringBridge, I post what I call God Squad Requests at the end - VERY specific prayer requests by day. I can't tell you the number of extended friends and family who have actually thanked ME for giving them something specific to ask in prayer. I actually text my core group and my sisters and brother during chemo infusion, as each drug goes in, so they can pray right then and there. It helps me to feel that, and it helps them knowing that they can do something specific for me when I'm alone in the infusion room.
All - Round 2 was yesterday. Went well. So far, everything feels like last time. I had a short bout of diarrhea yesterday afternoon after I was home, so I bellied up to the Immodium bar right away and took one. Not going to try and tough that one out this time. So far, nothing more. I slept fine last night. I definitely feel the tiredness already creeping in. I'll walk today for sure and try to keep that up daily. Even when the bad exhaustion crept in during Week 1 last time, it did make me feel better. Had coffee this morning and it still tasted good, which made me happy. But YA;LL - chemo brain is a REAL thing. I'm noticing this morning that I cannot multi-task in my usual way. I have had to look up a phone number (my Mom's cell!) this morning because I wasn't sure of the last 4 digits. And she's had the same number for 2 decades. And I couldn't remember the last numbers of my library account - also had that memorized forever. And in putzing around the kitchen this morning, I started multiple things and then totally got distracted and came back later realizing that I never finished. I'm going to have to me mindful about focusing this week until it wears off. Crazy, these things!
I did want to share about what/how I'm eating - recommended by an MD friend who has done a ton of research, plus my PCP who is an integrative MD, and my naturopath. I'm eating a modified keto diet - really focusing on good quality protein and fats, along with lots of yummy veggies. I have COMPLETELY cut out sugar and "bad" carbs. There is some good research on this, and a great book called the Metabolic Approach to Cancer that is really informative, if you are a person who likes to look at food as another tool in the healthy body toolbox. Part of that (also recommended by the same people) and what I've done twice now for both treatments, is a short fasting period in and around chemo day. My day is Friday, so I eat normally up through Wednesday, then fast on Thursday and Friday, and resume eating normally on Saturday morning. It has been super easy and it's a modified fast, so I have some bulletproof coffee/tea throughout the day - liquid with healthy fats so you're not hungry. Plus anything I want to drink. Plus I make a bunch of chicken or beef bone broth ahead of time, and a batch of veggie broth. I drink that throughout the day also. I have never felt hungry or deprive and the research indicates some efficacy in two areas - really reducing or eliminating the nausea side effect - I have had none of that and my appetite has remained good and my food tastes good. Plus, when you body is in a fasting state, the healthy cells tend to shut down temporarily to protect you body, but the cancer cells do not. When they are deprived of a food source, they actually open up. So the research shows that in a fasting state, the chemo can better target the cancer cells and tends to bypass healthy cells more easily. Anyway, happy to answer any questions about that if anyone is interested. My chemo is spaced 3 weeks apart, so easier. I would imagine if you are someone who is weekly, it would be more challenging.
Kris
0 -
J, your virtual hug is beautiful and is definitely making me feel better! Like you, I’m relying on my faith and God’s grace to carry me through this journey. I hope to emerge from all of this with a greater appreciation of everything with which I’ve been blessed. I’ve certainly been blessed by all of you AMAZING warriors!
0 -
Nan: You have a start date! Woohoo! Congrats! I hope you do get your DIL to help you cut your hair. I love what Vilija said about the emotional component being so important right now. That connection with loved ones can make all the difference right now. And thanks so much for the tip about lymph nodes as a possible reason for the tenderness in my wrist/forearm. I had not heard of that and it really might explain what’s going on!
Debra: Great pics! Thanks for sharing!
Lise: About protein: I eat a lot of peanut butter, grilled chicken, eggs, and milk (cereal is my current addiction, and I love chai tea lattes). Sorry those aren’t helpful ideas for a vegan or vegetarian household. In general, I’m a super relaxed, junk food lover who kinda still eats like a college student addicted to fast food.
However, my boyfriend has come up with a plan to grill some chicken thighs (marinated in Italian dressing) every Sunday so that I have some chicken to use for the week in whatever way I want. I love this plan! Maybe added to my favorite broccoli pasta salad, maybe added to a package of instant ramen as comfort food/late-night snack, maybe turned into fried rice, maybe snacking on it plain, with some garlic spread, or with some cucumbers or asparagus for a healthy meal. All of this is a huge improvement on my crappy eating habits. I‘m super interested in what Kris said about cells and fasting, and using food as a tool in my healthy body toolbox. I’m inspired! I will start my own research and see what healthy changes I can do for myself.
Kris and everyone: I had not heard of CaringBridge so I’ll check it out! Does anyone else use other ways to connect with friends and family who want to share updates about you and support you? I have a text group that I send updates to and it’s ok but I have to initiate it and would like a different format in which someone else can send updates for me sometimes. I also started an Amazon wishlist for times when people ask if I need anything, but haven’t shared it yet because it feels too ask-y and I’m not comfortable with asking for stuff, you know? Should I get over that and learn to just say what I need? My best friends from high school want to start a GoFundMe page but I said no to that, but maybe that is just too specifically about money, which is different than asking for meals, prayers, cozy socks, etc. I guess I’m still not used to seeing myself as the patient in need. How do you all direct and receive help/support, and how do you feel about it? Would love to hear different points of view on this
0 -
Kris! I've been looking for someone to share my keto journey with and trade tips with! I posted on the complementary/alt med forum and received zero hits. Mind if I DM you? Cheers!
0 -
Viliaja - just sent you a DM with my email and cell. I would love that!
Jess - Caring Bridge has been a great tool. I set it up so my husband and my best friend are also administrators in case I ever want them to post something for me. I do a post every couple days just to update everyone. That way, I can just share that out and I have told all our friends to feel free to share. I still text those closest to me, but it was exhausting to remember who to update, etc. This is WAY better. And people can post messages back to you. I would also be uncomfortable allowing a GoFundMe, but I did let my best friend set up a Meal Train for us - I get meals every chemo cycle, starting the Friday I have my infusion, through the Tuesday after. It's been SO awesome not to have to think about feeding my family when I start to get the fatigue. I have found that people REALLY want to do something, and they feel so helpless, so letting them be concrete with assistance is a good way to let them feel like they are part of this. I also try and remind myself that I would do anything for my friends if they were in this position, so why should I think that my friends wouldn't do the same. Plus - you are giving them the grace and gift of generosity. Allowing people to be generous to you, is truly a gift to them. I think of all the times I've helped others without a thought of anything in return, and now I'm letting people do the same, and eventually, I will be able to do it again for someone else. So share you Amazon list if people ask "what can I do to help?" Ask for meals, ask people to grocery shop for you. Remember that when they ask, they are really wanting you to tell them! It's hard to see someone you care about going through something hard and feeling like you are totally helpless.
That's my soapbox for today!!
Kris
0 -
Kris - thank you! I'll be in touch!
Jess - re: how to keep friends and fam in the loop, I use the Marco Polo video messaging app. It's free, but both you and your friends/fam have to install it on your phone. Marco Polo allows you to send short video messages that can be viewed either in real time or later on. I send vids on key days (surgery, key lab results, chemo infusion) and it's a wonderfully quick, efficient, and personable way to keep everyone posted. I looked into Caring Bridge, but found it much easier just to record myself rather than having to type everything up. Friends/fam can reply either directly to the group or to you personally via their own reply video messages. PS: thank you for the Amazon list and meal train ideas. Once C19 hit, I sort of lost hope in relying on others since everyone is dealing with their own problems right now.
0 -
Kris and Debra — so excited for y’all — you’re going to have a GrandChuckle; they are more fun than puppies!
Kris and All— you may want to check with your doc on the Imodium. My RO preferred Kaopetate; said it wasn’t as harsh but just as effective. I learned Kaopetate and Pepto Bismal have the same primary ingredient Bismuth subsalicylate. It has something in it similar to aspirin. I can't take aspirin so it's isn't a good option for me. The label warning says shouldn’t he given to children and teenagers for danger of Reyes syndrome.
j
0 -
First, everyone that gave food advice, it is much appreciated! Kris, I will get a copy of metabolic Approach to Cancer. Sounds interesting
Second, I said good bye to my hair today. Started falling out by the handful so I went to my sister in law’s house (she my regular stylist) and she buzzed my head for me. Looks much better that I expected!
Stay strong ladies!
0 -
You look awesome, Lise! Strong and ready to fight!
Ladies, for those who are further along on this journey than me, after how many days of your infusion would you say you experienced “bad days”? Trying to be prepared for what lies ahead.
0 -
I have loved catching up on everyone's posts over the past couple of days. Welcome to our new peeps! We are so glad that you found us and are sharing your journeys with us. I have learned so much from everyone here.
So last Thursday, my hair started to shed. So I decided I would hold off washing my hair for as long as possible and be super careful when brushing in the morning and the evening..,I usually wear my hair up in what I call a little “claw clip". I felt like I was doing okay...yes, hair coming out with each time I brushed, but okay. I finally had to wash my hair two days ago on Thursday. I was super gentle in the shower with shampoo and conditioner. When I got out I was so relieved to not see much in the drain; HOWEVER, even though I was being super gentle with my wet brush, a TON of hair came out!😢. So for, my Chemo Day #2 yesterday, I still was able to put it up in a an even smaller “claw clip". The pictures are deceiving,,,the top of my head is very thinned out. I KNOW I need to just cut it and buzz it, but it is soooooooo hard.
Other than that, I am still doing good after my chemo yesterday. Praying for everyone to sleep well and feel well....love the advice to just take the meds and to focus on water, walking, and protein. I like Orgain brand protein shakes that I get from both Sam's Club and Costco...if you are in the US. Similar to Premiere Protein, but I felt like healthier ingredients....I believe they have a vegan option as well.
Erin
0 -
Struggling with rashes/ache on my face which appear about 2 days after the chemo. It seems the Taxol causes it. The rashes/acne cause pustules which appear at the beginning of the week, are a bit painful and then slowly subside. But as the weeks go on, I get new ones. Anyone else experiencing this?! Need some tips!!!
I love everyone’s new look. I buzzed my head before my hair started to fall on its own.
Erin - completely get how you feel about taking the step to buzz. When I asked my husband to give me the cut, I felt I was the one in control. Felt rather empowering. Good luck with taking that step!
Zarin
0 -
Lise - you look AMAZING!!!
Les - I just had round two yesterday. In my first round (on a Friday), I felt pretty good over the weekend. The "bad" days were late Monday through Thursday morning, and then I could feel myself recovering. I was SO fatigued - but not "take a nap" fatigued, brain tired. And I was DONE for the day by about 8 or 9pm. I also struggled with diarrhea off and on the whole week, but I'm doing some prevention this time to get ahead of it.
Erin - I know it's hard - especially when you have lovely hair like you do. You'll know when you're ready - and as Zarin said, it does really give you a feeling of empowerment. I actually kind of like it now! I hardly even wear a hat or anything, unless I need sun protection on my head. Although I'm also trying to get as much Vitamin D from the sun as possible - it's SO good for making it through this. But a hat on my previously "haired" head nonetheless. But I'm digging the shorn look.
Kris
0 -
Zarin and Kris...thanks so much for your encouragement with the buzz cut! I know I will do it soon and wonder what all the fuss was about!🥰
Erin
0 -
Happy Sunday,
Allie ~ How are you feeling ? I hope you're hanging in there and feeling stronger each day
Les & V ~ Hope you guys are both working through the issues we all have to after that first dose. I'm ready for Round #2 on Wednesday of this week and being on Day 18 from 1st one I am feel pretty great today !! Lot of energy which feels like my old self. I'm guessing that is the cycle. Go down for the count for a few days and work your way back up.
Jess ~ Thank you for starting this thread. Starting to learn the names of everyone and connect the dots. Love your pic with your half buzz and half natural. It looks very hip and I love it ! The dog grooming kit was the bomb when we did mine on Friday. I am surprised that I feel so good and definitely empowered from doing it. Doesn't look as bad as I thought and each day gets easier. Still feel like me and those that care and love me don't really care and think my smile still shines through and they admire my strength. How cool is that ? We have the power to guide our family through this in a positive way and they in turn help us through this journey with their love and support.
Lise ~ You look great !! I love seeing the pics. It helps to put a face to a name. No shame here in this group. We are all supporting of each other and its great to let it all hang out. We are all so vulnerable and I for one haven't shared this with many people. I've always been on FB and am pretty transparent but this diagnosis has been very private for me. I just haven't shared it yet on my social media. Sharing it here among other women going through the same has just been profound for me.
Zarin ~ I also suffered from the acne. Mine sounds exactly like what you described. It lasted for about a week. I finally got an RX for a Clindamycin Gel once a day and encouraged to use Cetaphil Face Wash. It did the trick. Glad I have that remedy when it rears its ugly head again.
Erin ~ Love your pics as well !! It's so nice to put a face to a name. Thank you for sharing
Nan ~ Good Luck tomorrow !! Let us know how you do and know that we will be sending you positive vibes !! You've got this !!
SunandSea (V) ~ Love that screen name ! Nothing like being at the waters edge ... I can't wait to be able to go walk on the beach when we are able to safely do so. Is that an ice pac on your lap ? Can you tell me where you got that? I have the socks for icing on Wednesday and was just going to take a few blue ice gel pacs from my freezer for my hands. Yours looks pretty awesome and a better option. Maybe for Round 3-6.
Michelle ~ I like your analogy "The first time was a sprint, this time it's a full all out marathon and I'm going to cross the finish line with my hands raised in Victory" We are kindred spirits with that thought and mindset !! Thank You
Katie ~ Hello .... hope you are well and enjoying this beautiful day !
By his grace twice ~ Also, love you screen name. My daughters virtual baby shower went so well yesterday. It was actually quite fun doing it through ZOOM. All her friends and our family showered them both with everything they need for their little baby due in July. I had it planned for my home yesterday and with the Coronavirus and then me being diagnosed with BC ~ being able to still have some form of a shower made me feel thankful. Your Faith shines through on my screen and with your words. It's what is getting me through this for sure. It's my cross to bear in life and he has placed this before me and walks before me and leads the way. Be still and know that I am GOD. He is always in control and is always there when I need to find my strength. Happy you have the same and you are an inspiration.
Kris ~ Loved reading about your approach on Food and Fasting and Keto. I have always believed Food is Medicine. It's how I put 10 years between my previous diagnosis and this one. I think I let my guard down and know that I can do better. It's always made me feel empowered to fuel my body with good nutrients and makes me feel more in control. I'm intrigued by this fasting before chemo and have researched it a little further and it seems to be a pretty positive thing. I'm going to do this before Wednesday's treatment. I'm not new to fasting so I know it's not as hard as one might think. I'm one that would do like a 16/8 window. And the weight does come off. I felt the energy shift when I followed that 16/8 cycle. It also allows the body to heal in a lot of ways because it doesn't have to always by digesting food. I also dabbled with KETO and also like Melissa Hartwigs Whole 30 concept. I completed a Whole 30 three different times. That always made me feel amazing ! Kind of like a reset. But definitely white flour, white sugar and processed foods are things none of us need. Very intrigued by integrative health after this chemo is done doing its job in my body. Trying to learn as much as I can about that along the way. It's how I plan to empower myself for the future. Every time we eat food ~ those foods are either feeding or fighting inflammation which eventually leads to disease in our bodies. It makes sense to me.
Tomorrow I go in for the pre blood work before my next cycle on Wednesday. Excited to put another one behind me. I walked 12,000 steps this morning. I like my FitBit. Anyone else have a FitBit. I'm up for a challenge if anyone does them on this group. My daughters and I do them They have daily, week or weekend challenges. It really does push you to get your steps in.
Debra
0 -
wahoomama87
Can you elaborate a little on your modified keto diet ? I start my first chemo session on Thursday and frankly, I’m very scared. I’ve been reading a lot about how nutrition plays a role in feeding cancer cells and have considered starting a keto diet but worry that I will lose too much weight or that it will affect my energy level during treatment. As it is, I’m not eating right due to anxiety and digestive issues.Do you monitor calorie intake or grams of fat, carbs and protein? Have you noticed a change in energy level due to low carb intake? Do you recommend any other supplements? And how is the fasting working for you during chemo?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
0 -
Debra -
Happy to share how I do the fasting and pair with the Keto. Definitely being on Keto makes the chemo fast easier - it's really not hard and I don't feel hungry or deprived. Let me know if you want more specific information. Glad the baby shower went well!
For the icing packs - someone gifted me Elasto Gel mitts and booties from their chemo. I keep them in a freezer at home and bring them in a cooler to chemo, with extra ice packs. The recommendation was to put them on 15 minutes before taxotere infusion, the whole 60 minutes of the infusion, and 15 minutes after. I find they only last by themselves for about an hour, so once I feel them warm up, I get the ice packs out. I put my regular socks back on and just rest my feet on top of the ice packs, and I hold packs in my hands and slide them back into the mitts. Seems to be working so far. I know Amazon carries the Elasto Gel.
Kris
0 -
Debra- I have a fit bit and I love it!! Sadly late 2018 and 2019 I did not use it as much related to my initial round of chemo and recovering from it. This time I'm really trying to stay up on being more active and having a healthier lifestyle during treatment. Sadly right now with being off work and the isolation issues I do not move around like I know I should. Having someone help encourage/ push me would be awesome!!
Erin- your hair is very cute!! I like your facemask too, it looks fun!
I hope everyone has a good week of treatments and side effects are at minimals!! Keep up the fight to kick cancer's ass!!🥊🥊
~Katie💗
0 -
Katie -
I just came in from a walk that I did NOT want to do. Fatigue from Chemo Round 2 is creeping in. But I made myself and I actually feel so much better, at least for the moment. It really does help get the chemo moving through. I told my husband it's his job to nag me out the door every day. Sometimes I just go around the block for 20 minutes, but I really do feel better when I move a little. Hope that helps get you moving too!
Kris
0 -
Katie ~ I agree with Kris. This morning the last thing I felt like doing was walking. But I just went with it. Once I was outside I just kept walking because I really did feel better and I knew I would. Sometimes the house can be a bit claustrophobic these days, right ? Sometimes new habits are hard to form but I do think moving my body will help me through this. The beauty of walking is you can walk as slow or as fast as you want. Music helps me. I do have my headphones in and can escape through some great music. I hope you can and the weather permits you to take a few steps this week. Start small, then just keep building from there. One day turns into one week turns into a few weeks. You look back and you amaze yourself how you created a new positive habit in your breast cancer journey. We all have to start somewhere. Positive Vibes & Energy coming your way !!
Kris ~ I just ordered something on Amazon for the hands. My daughter had bought me the footies for my feet with ice gel insets. They won't be here in time for Wednesday but they will be here for the 3rd round. The pic that V SunandSea posted was pretty cool looking whatever she was using. Thank You !
Debra
0
