how about drinking?

Oh no Tiedye, I am so so sorry hon. So much for that big burst of energy, eh? You are having lots of chit put into your body and at 2 week intervals. Some get through it easier than others, sure wish I knew why that is. But hang in there, you CAN do this, as several of us have done it. It just sucks, and SUCKS BIG TIME. Do you have anti nausea drugs? Only 4 more to go, and after the next one, you will be half way there. I took a ton of supplements while on chemo, but I have said this to you before, and will say again.....

1. DRINK LOTS OF WATER

2. IF YOU ARE TIRED, NAP. DO NOT FIGHT IT......REST!

3. EAT AS MUCH PROTIEN AS YOU CAN, TRY AT LEAST 40 grams per day. If you can do more, GREAT, as 40 is really not that much. But when you feel like chit and are sick, it's a lot. So look for things that are small, and high in protien. I know nuts are good, or peanut butter. Yogurt, if you can tolerate that, and Greek yogurts even have more.

Wow Scuby.............seems like our BOTD just keeps getting stronger and stwonger, and swonger and and and and and.....................

Tiedyemom...

Ah, the dreaded Neulasta shot. That is what did me in each time as well. I was on dose-dense chemo, every two weeks, for six treatments. I am now six months out (also did rads). I started losing my hair just days after the 2nd treatment. One thing that helped (a little) was to take a Claritin and two Aleve the day before, the day of and the day after the shot. It wasn't a great improvement for me, but for some it is VERY helpful. Also, if your white blood counts stay high, ask if they would consider a half dose of Neulasta. That made a world of difference for me, but not all oncologists will agree to that. Also, watch out for the dreaded constipation. That can be as bad or worse than some of the other SE's. Goldie's right on about the protein...I ate a LOT of Greek yogurt, almonds. Dried fruits (craisins, apricots, etc) were also good when nothing much else had a taste. PM me if you want more details. I'd be glad to share more tricks to surviving chemo!

Kristy (aka Huskerkkc)

Seven days and counting.....Merry Christmas!!!!

Arrived at my parents this afternoon....I am roasting in the apt.....Mom turned the thermostat down a bit....like to 80.....at dinner Dad was cold so he comes and just flips it without regarding and has it close to 90....Mom turned it back down....She keeps asking if I'm comfortable, and I am honest and tell her I'm hot, but to leave it....I have the bedroom window open and celing fan going, but its still too hot for me....I guess I'll get used to it by the time I leave!!!  Dad looks good.....tomorrow, we have the lady coming to do the evaluation on him and give recommendations....Mom is NOT ready to even consider placement for Dad....and now that he can't go to the Garden Brigde program (where he had been going), he doesn't like the new place because it is locked and Mom probably won't send him...the other day, they said he is "high functioning"  whatever that means.....BUT I'm worried about Mom...when she is driving in an unfamiliar place...omg!!!! coming back from the West Palm Beach airport which she hadn't been for 6 months she gets on the free way going North instread of South.....She was in the correct lane, even said I need to go towards Miami, then switches lanes to go North....Once its too late to make a crazy move, I tell Mom she's going North and to get off at the 1st exit and to turn around....and she misses the exit...so I tell her, get off the next exit...she sees the ramp for I-95 south and doesn't get in the left lane like she should, but the far right lane...so again I tell her...now not as nice...I tell her to turn at the first right.....by now she is a befuddled!!!  I told Mom to let me drive...and thank goodness she let me....She scares the day lights out of me on the highway.....I told her that tonight and her come back was...when I know where I am going I do fine...I told her again, that I don't like her on the highway, that she is not safe, that she has trouble staying in the lane (she veeres left) and goes between 45 and 65....of course she  denies it...I told her I don't want her driving on the highway and that I have seen her have this trouble the past 2 or 3 times I've been here....and I will keep telling her that everyday.....She is fine on the city streets....but please G-d, I am so afraid of her getting into an accident on the highway.....at the airport, she ran over one of the cones....the guy was so ticked that she was on it!!!! and she didn't even know....I so don't want her taking me to the airport on Thursday....I know she will let me drive there, but she has to get home....and will she go the wrong way again or not!!!!  I told DH and he is worried too.....Dad doesn't drive and hasn't for over 5 years and no longer is allowed to (not that he is interested in driving), so Mom is the only transportation.....and no way will I take it away....I leave that up to her doctor to make that decision.....I know I am a nervous passenger to begin with.....Mom moves so much slower than she used to.....now I don't know if this is slow for her age group, or its just me comparing Mom to a few years ago....I know my MIL who turned 84 todays, says that she doesn't move as fast as she used to, but its different when its your own mother.....Well, we'll see what tomorrow brings....Dad is getting a 24 hour heart monitor (Mom is not sure the exact reason).....she said the doctors are driving her nuts!!!  Mom had an MRI last week and blood work but she doesn't know what the neurologist is looking for...she has an appt for the 29th to get results....I figure it news was not good, she would hear sooner....Sure wish there was someone to go to dr. appt with them.....mom just doesn't get all the info.....Well....I've gone on and on and on about my folks...should probably post it on the aging parent thread....think I'll copy this....No wine to drink, so will need to say cheers virtually....but tomorrow I will go out and get one or 2 bottles of wine....maybe just one as Mom and I are going out to eat Tuesday while dad plays poker...so its just Monday and Wednesday night dinner......can't look like too much of a lush!!!!

Hope everyone had a good week-end.....Husker....have a great winter break!!!!  DorK...when is your surgery?  I know its sometime this week, right?  Chrissy.....cheers....so glad to see you checking in....I found a home for your coat....donated it to an organization that gives clothes to women re-entering the job force.....also took some other "interview" type clothing....

Kathy.....how are your folks doing back in HI?  Claire...not sure I've seen a post from you in the past couple days.....

NM....how are you doing?

Kymn....glad to see you posting....

Welcome to all the new gals....you found the best place in town.....Hugs to all...Beans, Goldie...Scuba, Tied, Lulu, Bernie.. and all the other loungettes!!!!  Sweet dreams...

I'm here.  Alternating Hot Toddys with wine as DOTD.  Had a fun evening on Friday with dinner (I cooked) and lots of wine.

Yesterday was cycling, errands, and then a party.  However, I could tell I was coming down with something.

Today, I woke up with the creeping crud.   See comment above.  No cycling or church.  I did get out for a walk and a few errands.  Then a dinner of leftovers with fresh veggies.  Plus wine.

Hoping for a long healing sleep.  If you see anyone sneeze....RUN.  Trust me, you don't want this.

I think that veggies only help up to a point as can't fit any more in my fridge.  Am eating veggies (kale, chard, carrots, squash etc) like crazy and I STILL got the creeping crud.

Herb tea, and an early night.  BottomZ up. - Claire

Seems like there are lots of family berfdays going on, with siblings, DH's, grandkids, etc. So happy birthday from de Goldie to all of those having one.

DorK, I did see that little stow away on the back end of your caddie, we have them out here too. They are so quick and sometimes startle me. As for Stella, she has hair now, that is an old picture of her. Kathy, so sweet of you to mention my son's tat, thank you. He did that when he came to visit me while I was in Tulsa having radiation treatments. He has recently made the comment that the pink ribbon is fading, and he would like to get it redone. I told him he did not have to do that and of course $ is tight for him too.

Oh Lulu, aren't we special? To have Santa come hang out with us before his big travel night. I'm sure he heard what good girls we are and how much fun we are, that this is where he chose to hang out. Love the Merry *hic*......mas!

Kathy, I love the idea of blaming someone else....count me in. I just hope Santa doesn't find out! Never heard of junk and a ho....ha ha, I mean Jan Ken Po. But do know the English version.

Karen, sorry about the issues with your folks, hope you all can get if figured and enjoy some of your time there.

Rebel, I cannot wait! "Your dirty little phone" that is too cute.

DorK, I think Beans, the Wenches and myself have the UFO all set for TWOsday, when you get TWO new boobies, how appropriate. Have a good day at work today, I see Stella is tagging along, and I am going to start praying for you today, in regards to your surgery. Especially that your body accepts them, and there are no problems or rejections. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE....when you get home, TAKE IT EASY!

Hey Mrs Vino, way to go girl.

A man lay sprawled across three entire seats in the posh theatre. When the usher came by and noticed this, he whispered to the man, "Sorry, sir, but you're only allowed one seat." The man groaned but didn't budge. The usher became impatient. "Sir, if you don't get up from there I'm going to have to call the manager." Again, the man just groaned, which infuriated the usher who turned and marched briskly back up the aisle in search of his manager.
In a few moments, both the usher and the manager returned and stood over the man. Together the two of them tried repeatedly to move him, but with no success. Finally, they summoned the police. The cop surveyed the situation briefly then asked, "All right buddy, what's your name?" "Sam," the man moaned. "Where ya from, Sam?" With pain in his voice Sam replied "The balcony."
 

Hi tyedyemom, I found that cold rice pudding was easy on the stomach during AC.

on a happier note then.

Hello All,

 I wanted to pop in and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Kathy, I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom, I certainly will hope and pray everything will be all right. I know how worried you must be.

NM- very funny how you mixed up Stella with a cat, could it be a reference to her "cattiness"? Glad you are feeling better, sounds like it was pretty rough for a while

Kim, very happy to hear you are surviving the Holidays - I know this one will be difficult

Bernie- I have just loved your wicked jokes and humor! Wonderful! I knew I loved Irish people!

Goldi- Still have snow?

Beanie, my friend- hope all continues to be well for you

Astorm??? 

Dorkie - love reading about all of well everything....

Karen- whew I do feel for you with your Mom and driving... can't imagine....

Anyway, have to run but wanted to at least quickly pop in. Can't comment on everyone and don't know all the news ones yet but glad to see the thread and HTL is ready for the Holidays and Pants and Jocks and still up on everyone favorite cocktails. I thought I'd try and make one of the pointisettia - can't spell it - drinks for Christmas... I figure with enough drinks ahead of time no one will notice if dinner isn't perfect- not that it ever would be if I'm cooking. This year will have somewhere between 7 and 11 people!! Anytime it would be lovely to really know how many but bought a tremendous Turkey so all will be fed, just hope it actually fits in the oven... 

Kathy, sending prayers your way. Hope and pray she is over this soon!

Tiedye, Taxotere was horrible for me, hated it. Just being honest. My last treatment was August 22nd, and I still have lingering back pain. Doesn't happen to everyone, though. Hoping you weather it well, and maybe it will knock out that monthly visitor from hell for you!! lol

Hmmmm Allison, I guess if you want to celebrate how long you are "cancer free" then it WOULD be, I guess, after chemo, since you had that? I really don't know. I celebrate the "survival" time myself, so I start on the day I got called with my dx. And every day after that is a survival day. I am sure you will have MANY different opinions on this, and I guess we each can decide how we want to count it. Thanks for the prayers!

Whew....just FINALLY got off the phone with Delta....about 2.5 hrs, talking with 3 different agents. The first one was soooo nice, and after waiting forever, then we got cut off. Then the next guy was not so nice, but we were on forever too. Then the last guy, to reticket, was the winner! Because they already changed our Lisbon res 2x in less than a month, we got booked on better flights coming back, AND instead of having to drive 4.5-5 hrs to Atlanta, we now will leave and return here. YAY! But I didn't think about changing the flts going, as we leave so late and get there the next night at almost midnight. But celebrating, with a Seagrams/Diet Coke. I also will finally see the foot dr tomorrow, as those nails were really killing me last night, and one is coming off. Ouch!

Pau Hana time!!! Anyone here????

Hello goils,

Kathy, I am here for Pau Hana with you but sadly, I have to dwink cyberly. So if you could have a few extra for mese, I would appreciate it very much. Sorry that your tootsies hurt I hope they feel better. I will be praying that your dear mother feels better soon. Hoping for an update on her with some good news.  I have to tell ya, I got a good laugh out of your sign off last night "Mistletoe, Bags of Dough, Elizabeth the Ho, Jan Ken Po".  If only I could remember that for rock, paper, scissors. And uh, you offended John boy, he sez Elizabeth is not a ho. Whatever, John Boy, ya nerd!

Lori, thanks for the reminder to take it easy. Love the people you gathered to give me that message, so cute.  And Stella sez tank ewe for making her so purdy for her first dey of work.  Seeing that little brush she is holding reminds me of a cute story. Last week, while my sister was cleaning, she says to me "I found your pink shoes and hair brush you have been looking for". I am like "huh"??? She then opens up the palm of her hand and has a little pair of Barbie shoes and a lil tiny pink hair brush. They were in an old cookie tin where I keep hooks for Christmas ornaments, extra light bulbs etc. I forgot that I had them in there. I think I picked them up off the floor many years ago and tossed them in the can and forgot all about them. Maybe you had to be here to appreciate that. Tell your DH that I love him, how funny that he FARTS in public then quickly vanishes. My Dad would love your DH too. We were raised to love a good fart (forgive anyone who is offended but hello, farts ARE funny things)! I could tail ya some good fart stories.

Stanzie!!! So nice to see you pop in the lounge. Whatcha dwinking? Pants, serve her up. I wish you a very Merry Christmas too. Come back again soon, I have really missed you in de lounge. I am sure your turkey will come out great.

Claire, sorry you got a cold. You really should give your body a rest though so you do not get something more serious. NO BIKING for you, missy. How is your MS doing?

Cindy,  yes, I am a fellow pyro. When I was at my parents house, the boys were "burning" just about everyday.  LOL at your comment "why cut your grass when you can burn it". I don't think I would get away with that here but it sure sounds like a great idea. We enjoy outdoor fires too. There was a time a few years ago when I would have a fire a few times a week all throughout the winter. And the bigger, the better. I am sorry you are having such a hard time with your treatment. I hope you get it done and over with and it gets easier. All I can say is that time goes fast and you will be done soon, you got this far and you can do this. I will pop into de HTL chapel and say some prayers for you too.

Karen, I am so sorry you are having such a hard time dealing with your parents. I will keep you in my prayers. I hope that you are able to find some joy in the time you are spending wtih them and that it is not all stress for you. Sending you a hug cuz I think you could use one.

Allison, nice to see you pop in, it's about time! The tenders was axing about you. You sound great, I am so happy for you. You have every right to boast about how great you feel! I think about when you first popped in de lounge, you were so afraid and now look at ya living life to the fullest. I agree with Kathy that you can make your cancerversary whenever you like. I sailabrate mine the day I had my titties lopped off, 7/20/10.  Weird, I just realized that my last surgery was the 20th of Oct and tomorrow of course is the 20th of December. Anyway, I hope that you are done with everything and get your nips done then back to life as if "it" never happened.

Scuby, my arrival time at the Neuroscience Building is 6am tomorrow. Stop by only if you can. If you are able to make it, you can meet Steve.  He has sure heard a lot about you. I hope that your final work day goes fast and easy and that you are able to enjoy that well deserved time off. And hey,where's me BOTD? Don't make me pick cuz you know it is only Miller Light for me.  I will have to check out a map and figure out where your office is.

NM, how was your weekend? I miss you in de lounge. I hope you are feeling better with each passing day.  Have a nice time with Lisa, I wish I could join you gals!

Well I am off to eat my 2nd dinner. I plan on stocking up on calories for tomorrow's surgery.  I would not be as nervous if it was just the exchange but with the lipo and revision, I do not know what to expect so I am a bit anxious. I did well at work today although I could have fallen asleep at any moment. I was nice seeing my comrades. There were sooo many people that are new hires, the walk to the building has gotten longer as I think we added 500 employees in the past few months. Thankfully, my legs are doing great.. I have learned a lesson this time and will think twice before doing something that can potentially hurt me. I am so lucky that my SI joint seems to have healed. Two weeks ago, I was sitting on the heating pad and wearing pain patches and also taking advil around the clock. Today, nothing! I escaped this past "accident" and learned a valuable lesson. Well I have to go and feed Stella, she is planning on pig facing the night away (eating). She got on the scale at work today and it said "TILT"! haha.

Thank you all for your support. I will see you all when I wake up. Be good. And Kathy, no pinching the resident's cute hineys! (Lisa can tell you that the hospital we use is a teaching hospital and there are a lot of hot young residents. Oh baby!! I want someone to take notes on what de doctor sez about me while I am sleeping! I always tell them that I heard what they said about me! It would be funny if I could quote them hehehe. Okay, maybe not that funny. My humor is a bit warped without de likker.

Cheerz and ho ho ho's (from Elizabeth de ho)!

Peace, love and joy to each of you ladies. Love ewes all...

DorK

ps Stella will be by later to say hailow to youz!!