| Blog for a Cure - A community of cancer survivors supporting each other. | Log in |
 |
 |
|
|
 wildspirit's Cancer BlogOctober 2, 2008
Just a quick note . . . dinner is almost here . . .Micky D’s tonight! OK, for the record and I’m not liking it, but yesterday I noticed that some of my fingernails are starting to pull away from my nail bed! I’ve heard people can loose their nails from chemo, but so late in the game (I only have one treatment left . . .tomorrow) so I thought I was safe. I talked to the doctor about it today and he said, yep, but they will grow back. How friggin’ long does it take fingernails t grow back At least winter is coming and I can wear gloves a lot. Hugs, 
September 20, 2008
After 5 chemo treatments I woke up yesterday morning, had an incredible headache and within minutes I was heading for the toilet. This is the first time I have experiences nausea or vomiting during all of this! About an hour later I was there again but thankfully that was the last time, knock on wood! Today I woke up at 5:30am and went back to bed about 6:30-7am. My hubby was working on putting up a barn at the neighbors house, so he was gone most of the day. I guess he came home for lunch and I was still sleeping. Then he came home again and that’s when I heard him and felt him touch me . . . I now know he was probably making sure I was still alive! Why, because when I finally opened my eyes and looked at the clock it was 4PM! I can’t believe I slept all that time . . . I guess I needed it although I’ve been getting enough sleep and I can’t believe I still feel so exhausted! For the first time also this week my ankles and feet have been getting swollen. I guess things really can and do get worse or at least different with each chemo treatment. Don’t ever think you’ve experienced all you are going to until well after the last chemo treatment. I’ve posted some new pictures that I took this week and I hope you will look at them and hope that you all will enjoy them. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it earlier but I am a photographer and due to all of this I canceled all my work for the rest of the year. It was very hard for me since I’ve worked my butt off for the last 2 years building my business, but I’m glad I did it. There is no way with how I’ve been feeling that I could have done what I had scheduled. Just FYI for those of you that think being a photographer surely can’t be that tough. I don’t do normal photos, well I do, but that’s not what I mostly do. I do horse shows and horse events, etc. These things run for 3 days and are easily 12 hours a day on my feet. Lots of hard work and very physically demanding. Then I’ll spend a week on the computer uploading them for all to see. Anyway, it’s been really tough for me to not be out there doing my photography. That is one reason I have been taking lots of flower photos . . . I just have to go out into my front yard to accomplish this and I think it’s helped me a lot to be able to do this. And I’ve gotten some pretty nice images that I can add to my portfolio. Right now, this weekend is one of the biggest horse shows I do each year. This would have been my 3rd year as the official photographer for them and just thinking about it makes me cry. But show management and the photographer they got to cover for me know that I plan to be back next year! OK, I’m wondering how Yuyu and Sonia are doing? Been thinking about you 2 a lot the last few days. If you read this, please let me know how you are. Big Hugs, Wendy, Hi Wendy, I am SweetE2 and I understand about the chemo reaction. After my 5th chemo treatment, I was so weak I could hardly move so stayed at my cousin Mary’s and just lay down on her couch all day & night for Sat & Sun (chemo started Wed and ended Friday morning). I was never that weak before, but no nausea. I called the nurse on Monday and they told me to come in and they’d give me 2 saline IV treatments. After the first one, I say I finally regained consciousness and was awake for the next hour of the second treatment. Thank God, I felt alive again! The doctor suggested and I agreed that they lower my dosage. I believe the chemo had built up in my system and had become toxic for me. I wasn’t as tired after the 6th treatment since they had reduced it by 10%. I did get a little nausea one day and hurriedly took my anti-nausea pill, which stopped the nausea and I was not nauseated again. Keep the faith but check with your doctor about maybe reducing your chemo just a little. It may help with the nausea and tiredness. You know, you are very courageous! Love and hugs to you, SweetE2 (sweete2) Sorry about the blank post, I forgot to log in. The only side effect that I have been experiencing fromthe pills is my bowels are a little loose and I was going several times a day (around 3), I have been on the pills about three weeks now and although they are still loose although I am only going once a day. Other than that I have not had any other side effects. Even though I only had four chemo treatments I also was experiencing that incredible fatigue and bone pain. I would sleep the entire day, get up for an hour or two and be ready to climb back into bed. After my last treatment I had the usual side effects, thrush, fatigue bone and body pain but within two weeks everything was gone. My hair started to grow and I felt really good. The only lasting effect is that I have some neuropathy in my one foot along with some swelling on hotter days, cooler days the swelling is next to nothing. Things will get better, and when people would say this to me I would think, yeah right! But they do, you are in my prayers. Keep me posted. Angelwthwingz@comcast.net Hi Wendy, You look beautiful with your wig. You must find it healing to be around horses. They are so beautiful and gentle. I think about going to ride one lately. Anyway, just wanted to say “hi”. I don’t think I have written before. I here for you. Kathleen
September 16, 2008
Ever since I started having chemo within a couple of days after treatment my body starts hurting a lot. At first I described it as bone pain from the neulasta shot but as time went on I began to question that. Then when I didn’t have the neulasta shot and still had the body aches, I knew it wasn’t the shot, but the chemo that was causing me to hurt so much. I have tried to explain this to my doctor and/or the nurses but I guess I haven’t been doing a very good job and/or other issues were just more important. But now after feeling once again like I’ve been hit by a train only worse and it’s lasting longer after this 5th chemo treatment, I did some more research and reading. So when I see my doctor next I will make sure that what I have been feeling is documented in my file. I’ve tried to share with them the soreness that I’ve been experiencing after chemo even into the 2nd and 3rd week after, and they say it really shouldn’t or couldn’t be chemo related that long after a treatment. Well, I’m sorry, but I think they are full of crap. I’m 47 years old and I know my body pretty well and I have no doubt that what I’m feeling is directly related to the chemo drugs, no matter how long the effects last. I get Docetaxel or Taxotere as it’s referred to as one of my chemo drugs. I got out the paperwork they gave me in the beginning that describes the drugs and their possible side effects, etc. Well imagine my surprise when I read . . . . . . less common side effects that only effect about 10-29% of patients taking this drug are . . . . Muscle/Bone/Joint Pain also can be known as myalgias and arthralgias. So I look up myalgias on the net and here is some of the definition . . . myalgia can also be caused by diseases, disorders, medications, as a response to vaccination. I got my neulasta shot yesterday and I feel worse today than I did before the shot so I know that shot makes the pain worse. I feel better feeling like I’ve kind of got this pain thing figured out and I can’t wait to tell my doctor, well sort of. I’m so glad I only have 1 treatment left . . . . it kicks my butt more and more with each treatment and my attitude is struggling also. Do or have any of you experienced what I am talking about? My symptoms start on about day 3 and usually last through day 6 and I’m in bed most of this time, then off and on after that. But this time it’s worse. Here is what I’m feeling . . . . . I keep calling it “flu like symptoms” but I’m not sure if that is correct either. It starts on my face and neck area, the skin is so sensitive that I can’t hardly touch it. Then over a day or so it spreads down my whole body. Every spot on me is sore to touch. It hurts to sit down, lay down, turn over, etc. My family will give me a hug or reach over to rub me on the back and I freak out because it hurts! If my arms rub against my sides, it hurts. Everything hurts and I’m weak and shaky if I stand too long or walk to far. It’s like when you are sick and have a fever and your whole body hurts . . . but the one thing I have NOT had is a fever. OK, I’m going to try to go get some sleep. It’s going to be a beautiful day today and although I won’t be able to do much, I can sit outside later and just enjoy the warmth for a little while. Hugs, Some time you have to show the Dr, the fine print so they know what you are talking about. Hug Sherri Hi, Wendy. Yuyu Hiya, Yes this was my first Chemo treatment and I am not looking forward to the next one. I wish I could drink chocolate milk as a Chemo treatment – wouldn’t that be grande? As far as the shots, I am not sure why he ordered six, but they are hell on me. They make me ache so bad. Within the first three days I gained almost 8lbs. I am happy to say they are gone. I eat like a pig now even through I can’t taste much. I was never a huge eater, but now it’s all I can think about. I have been trying to stay away from sugar(so hard) and eat raw foods. I have been juicing everyday and it makes me feel better. Hi Yuyu and Sonia, Yes it sounds like we are feeling the same things. My doctor lowered my neulasta dose at first and that helped a little. When I told him how much I was still hurting we tried it without the shot . . . BUT my white blood cell counts went way down and I felt sick and weak because of that and ended up getting the set of 3 shots anyway. So I got the neulasta shot this time and the full dose too! You can talk to your doctor about the your options, maybe he can lower the dose, or maybe you need it all. I think some of the things that can happen if your white blood cells get too low can be as bad or worse than the bone pain from the shots. I think it’s kind of a game of give and take and although the bone pain is terrible, how much worse might it be if you don’t get the shot? Sonia, I’m hoping that all made some sense. I’ve got major chemo brain going on so please forgive me if it sounds messed up :)
September 12, 2008
Thank you all for your encouraging comments. I was in the process of writing a mini novel to share with you all the things that have been going on with me that are causing much more stress than I can handle at times. But I decided it was getting way to deep and I’ll just list the high points ! I’ve been married for just under 2 years. During this time my hubby’s been in a hostile custody battle over his now 9 year old son. In March of this year we got full custody of him, except he goes to his mom’s every other weekend. I would have thought that finally getting full custody things would mellow out, but NO his ex has been doing everything possible to try and throw a wrench into the new custody schedule. Things that are actually verging on Harassment and we may end up filing charges against her. The 9 year old has a counselor that’s been involved in this almost from the beginning, she knows the details well and after 1 1/2 years of believing the ex’s twisted version of things and flat out lies and her being able to play the victim very well, enough time finally passed for the counselor to see the ex’s true colors and it was the counselor, with the judges permission to change the custody. The counselor is very aware of everything my hubby’s ex is doing to try and sabotage the new custody schedule and all she is really doing is digging her hole a little deeper. It won’t take much more for her to be getting supervised visitation if she is not very careful. I’ve been very involved since day one, fighting for what I believe is right. I’ve never seen so much bullsh*t from lawyers and parents in my whole life. I couldn’t just sit back and watch all of this, as much as I wanted to not get involved, my instincts took over and i jumped in with both feet. My problem with all of this is that it’s been really hard for me because I’ve been fighting for what’s right, but it’s not necessarily what “I” want. The little guy has real issues and although he is making some improvements since being with us full time, I’m not sure how much more of his and his mom’s crap I can take. I wish his mom was a good parent, I wish he could spend more time with her. But the worst thing that I’m dealing with right now is how my hubby is treating my 17 year old daughter. I know it’s partially due to the stress he is going through in all of this, including and most importantly, me having caner. It seems as though he is taking all his frustrations out on her. She is a really good kid and has been helping me all summer long. Compared to a lot of 17 year old kids, she is just amazing. BUT, he can’t see it that way. All he sees is what she didn’t do, what she should have done, what she “might” do, etc., etc. It doesn’t help that he does not like her best friend at all, but they have been best friends for years and I have no problem with it, but he has really targeted her friend as a sore spot for some reason. The issue is that my daughter does NOT deserve to be treated the way he treats her sometimes. She does not like my hubby at all, in fact she will readily admit to me that she hates him. She does not want to be here, etc., etc. and this just kills me. I think I could handle everything else if he would just lay off my daughter. She doesn’t deserve the way he treats her sometimes and I feel so guilty about it and I cannot and will not let it continue. I’m to the point where I need to see some real effort on his part to be more appreciative of her and all that she has done to help our whole family. At the very least he needs to just leave her alone. My daughter turns 18 in 9 months and she is just counting the days till she can move out. This hurts me and I don’t want her last 9 months of living with me to be miserable. To be fair I have to say that she has had her part in making things difficult with my hubby too. They just rub each other the wrong way. She does not like him at all and I think sometimes she does things on purpose to push him. I talk with her a lot about these things, but talking to a 17 year old is well, at least I can say I tried, but they know it all. I’ve gotten to the point over the last couple of weeks where I have seriously considered leaving. Trying to figure out how the heck I would do it. Not sure where I’d go, my mom has a full house already with my sister and her daughters living there. I have 2 horses I’d have to move somewhere, a dog and a cat, not to mention all my stuff I’d have to put into storage. Now, don’t get me wrong, if things get any worse, I will leave in a heart beat, not worrying about all the details. But my biggest concern is that fact that I’m so fatigued that I get overwhelmed at the thought of it all. Plus I have very little money and I’m not working right now. I’m not afraid to be alone through the rest of my treatments, etc. My mom and sister are very supportive and would do anything for me. Plus I think being alone would elevate a lot of the stress I’m going through right now. I do realize that I need to be careful and try not to make any major decisions while I’m under the influence of chemo brain, extreme emotions, etc. And I’ve just started seeing a counselor for myself to help me try to figure this all out. I’ve only seen her once and can’t wait for our second appt. I know there are ups and downs and good and bad in all relationships, but my goodness the good has to out weight the bad or we are in trouble. I guess I’m at the point of weighing the good and the bad . . . .but I’m a little afraid that the bad will win. I’m also a bit p*ssed off that my hubby just can’t seem to see the bigger picture. We have a lot of potential together and I’d love to see us work it out, but I can’t let it negatively effect my daughter in the meantime. Ugggg, ok, I thing I still wrote a mini-novel! Thank you everyone for being here for all of us. Hugs, Dear Wendy; You really do have some major problems here. First, I am glad to hear you have sought some counselling for yourself. I have a thought here. Perhaps she can recommend a marriage counsellor or she is qualified to do that, because without your husband participatiing in this, you have little hope of change. He is an adult that has brought his baggage from his first marriage over to your relationship. There are reasons why his marriage didn’t work out, but he has not faced that, nor will he, without some sort of understanding what went wrong the first time around. 2) Don’t stop your personal counselling sessions either. 3) Your daughter is igniting a mini fire towards your husband because she thinks she is protecting you, and she may just not like him period. Given she can’t move from your home for another 9 months, I’m sure this won’t change till she leaves. This however is not helping you which is what you need to focus on. YOU, Wendy who is going through treatments and living with cancer. 4) Since you have a leadership role here, perhaps you can have a family meeting where everyone gets their say, to air out the situation and find some compromises that everyone can live with. I know that sounds hard but until you all face this together, it will be one against another, dogging the flack. This is not what you need right now. Things have changed and that has to be vocalized. 5) The little boy is suffering from all the changes but he knows how to manipulate his parents pretty well by now. He’s learned the triggers and uses them to his advantage. He’s scared and rightfully so. He needs love and support and if you give him that, he will see where he belongs. Wow! I need to get you in touch with my sister! She has a blended family, psycho exes, and plenty of counsellors! Even the custody battles! By the time I gave up on my marriage, I couldn’t remember anything good. I couldn’t even tell you why I got married. Through the hard times all the bad things were magnified, and that’s all I could focus on. For my own sake, I agreed to joint counseling. Those sessions were horrible. But we were facing all of our demons. And we were actually talking. Its amazing what can be accomplished just through voicing your thoughts. You can only do so much on your own. If you can get into family counseling, I think that would help. Its not an easy process. It could actually get worse before it gets better. And I’ve also learned that not all relationships can be saved. I’m glad you shared. I hope we can help. Dear Wendy, Weezie, littleprincess & Patty, I have and will continue to consider most of the things that have been suggested by all of you. Thank you & big hugs, Wendy, You know, I went through what you are going through so I understand. You also have received some great responses to your dilemma. 1. Do not leave at this time. You are in no condition to handle any life changing moves, and leaving could be very detrimental to your health. 2. YOU MUST MAKE YOURSELF #1 in your life. It seems like there is a battle of control, maybe for your love, between your husband and your daughter—she’s almost grown. If at all possible do have a family powwow and tell them what YOU would like for them to do so that YOU can have some peace of mind. You are fighting a life and death battle called cancer and tell them so. Let them know how much this constant battling is tearing you apart—I know—it’s a horrible place to put you in the middle. Don’t accept it. I had to walk out on my oldest son (14) and my 4th husband when they started arguing again for the umpteenth time. I had had it up to here so I said a prayer for my son’s safety and walked out the door. I was no longer going to be the referee, and I wasn’t staying in the house to listen to them. So, I went for a walk. When I came back about an hour later, they both were just fine, thank you, and it was so peaceful. 3. Your husband is a grown man, but he is so overwhelmed with his ex-wife issues and especially your cancer. He is scared for you and all the acting out toward your daughter is to hide it and to vent the anger he feels because he actually feels helpless because he can’t fix your cancer and make you well. 4. Your daughter is a typical teenager and her venting toward your husband is because she feels helpless and afraid and angry about your cancer. My dear sweet one, hold on. Try to talk them into going to family counseling or if they don’t want to speak out because you are present, maybe they can attend a group just for the loved ones or caregivers of someone who has cancer. Your husband and your daughter need to get their true (and normal) feelings out into the open. Prayer also helps so I am praying for you and your family. Also sending love and hugs and most of all, understanding. Been there, done that. smile SweetE2
Well, 5 down and 1 to go! Long day for me, but not as crazy as Angels. I started out the day leaving the house at 9:30AM, did blood test, saw the oncologist and had chemo . . .got home at 5:15PM. I’m so tired tonight, but not able to get to sleep yet. The steroids do this to me and it makes me crazy. A bit of advice for anyone who gets real emotional while taking these steroids like I do . . . stay away from the Lifetime Movie Network (LMN)! Most of their movies are real tearjerkers, mushy love stories and not at all realistic, unless it’s true movie Thursday. My life is a bit of a mess right now and a lot of it has nothing to do with the cancer. Well, except I’m sure the fact that I have cancer and I get so emotional, it causes me to think about EVERYTHING in my life . . . the good, the bad and the ugly and right now “the good” is loosing! But it’s OK, I’ll get it all figured out one of these days. Hugs to everyone, Somehow we will all get through this and much of it will be the source of laughter. I am already laughing at my Chemo brain over sights and some of the things that made me cry. In all of this we are Blessed! Dear Wendy; Yeah! Only 1 more! I was sooo happy when I had that last one! I have the same problem with sleeping. I’ll be so tired, and then get in bed and just stare at the ceiling for hours. Or toss and turn. Its been over a month since my last chemo, but I still have that issue. It could also be menopause…I get very emotional. I can’t tell you the last time I watched a movie and didn’t cry at some point. I stopped watching the news because all the bad stuff they report upsets me. I didn’t talk about it in much detail. But when my cancer showed up, I was about to walk out of my marriage. I stayed because I was scared-being alone during everything, losing insurance. Robin knew, but let me stay anyway. I’ve changed alot and now things are much better. And we’re staying together. We still have a lot to work on, though. But at the beginning of treatment I was more worried about what I should do in my relationship. I vented my cancer concerns here. All the things I felt that I couldn’t say to those around me, I wrote down. Here or in a journal. (Some things I couldn’t say here). It felt good just to get those thoughts and feelings out of me, even if the problem hadn’t been solved. Don’t be afraid to share. Like Weezie said, maybe someone can offer some help and insight. And if you don’t want to post for everyone to read, my email is littleprincess1@hughes.net. Dear Wendi; a just got an email in my inbox that tells me you decided to give the story here. I’m glad you took my advice. I will be going there right now to post my thoughts. I have one question off topic. I see you only support angelwings, is that because you only want to support her? If that’s not the case you have to click when it asks if you want to support that person, otherwise you won’t get emailed when your buddy posts a new topic. Just curious that’s all. Hi Weezie, I think I’ve got it figured out and will be adding people to the list of who I support. Thank you, Well, would someone please tell me what it means to “support” someone. I still don’t understand. Love reading everyone’s blog and posts. Wish I only had 1 chemo to go, but 6 aint all that bad. WEll, that’s a lie—it makes me feel bad and that’s de truth. tee hee hee You know, I find that I don’t sleep well either Wednesday when I begin chemo—like tomorrow. I just can’t sleep; it seems I am wired and all I do is lay there and think about everything that happened in my life. I have to get up and do something or go crazy. The next day I sleep about 12 hours to make up for it. It is great that you are finished with chemo. I do wish the best for you. Love, hugs and prayers. SweetE2
September 7, 2008
Hello, The nurse called me on Wednesday and said that my white blood counts were really low and the doctor wanted me re-tested to see if they had improved. I did the blood test Wednesday morning and Wednesday afternoon the nurse called and said they had not improved and that I needed to go in for a series of 3 shots, one each day for the next 3 days. These shots are kind of like the nulasta but they are quick acting and don’t last very long that’s why 3 are needed. Well, they got my body busy producing white blood cells because I definitely felt the bone pain! I hope things are were they should be come Thursday because I don’t want to postpone my chemo treatment. I just want to get done with this. I’ve really been having a hard time with all of this. Mostly because it has really zapped my energy. The fatigue is much worse than I thought it would be for me. I am so fortunate that I don’t “have” to work. I don’t see anyway I could work through this. Crimany it’s tough enough just getting up in the morning to get the little guy ready for the school bus! I know some other stress factors in my life are not helping the situation. I started seeing a counselor last week to try and help me get through all of this. Wow, it’s hard for me to imagine much less admit that I can’t do this all “on my own”. I’m normally a strong, energetic, mover and shaker . . . . but this stuff is kicking my butt! Here’s a picture to help brighten your day. Well, I tried to add the photo right here, but must not have done it right. Check out the pretty pink rose in my photos! I hope things go well for you. Great pictures Hug sherri Great photo! Just think we are all here for you with what ever you need. You are not going through this alone. ;-) I had four chemo treatments, I also had the round of shots when I went into the hospital after the first rounds of chemo, the shots they gave me we neupogen, they were fast acting and did not give me any bone pain. My last chemo was three and 1/2 weeks ago, my first radiation is going to be next monday so I’ve had a four and 1/2 week break and for the most part I feel 93% like me. The other 7% is minor stuff I can live with, I am still having some swelling, some days I run out of energy long before activities. I thought I would never feel like me again but it does get better. Many blessing to you.
July 25, 2008
I’m having a bad week and just needed to write about it. I’ve had 2 chemo treatments and next Wednesday will be my 3rd treatment. The reason this week and especially the last few days have been so bad is because I have been feeling really crummy. Last time the week before my 2nd chemo treatment I felt really good, but this time is different. I had one really good day that I had energy, was in a great mood, etc., and that was last Sunday and it’s been going down hill ever since. I’m depressed, emotional, fatigued (I guess that’s what it is, I have no energy, no ambition, no nothing). I have my pre-chemo appt on Tuesday to get my blood work done. I’m curious to see how that turns out . . . . maybe my red blood cell count is way down and that’s why I’m feeling like this? All I know is that I do NOT like it! It’s taking everything I have to do things to keep my mind off of it and to try and keep busy. Not physical things, but computer work, checking the flowers in my yard, spending time with my horses, etc. The rest of the time I just want to go to bed. I’m sure it doesn’t help that I’m having some difficulties in my personal family life and of course I’m taking things really serious and really personal, so that doesn’t help. I know I’m going to be fine, but I just needed to write about it. That always helps me with whatever I’m going through in life . . . .to write about it. Angel, if you read this I’m curious to how you are feeling. You may be having or just had your 3rd treatment as you are just a little ahead of me. I know your first one was rough and you were in the hospital . . . I’m curious how you felt after your second treatment. Well, thanks everyone who reads this. Hugs, My second treatment was different than the first. I had the nulasta shot the day after my second treatment which kept me from becoming neutropenic but the bone pain was pretty rough and lasted about four days, I am always in a fog and really fatigued for day 5, 6 and 7. Then I slowly begin to feel better. After treatment #2 I also was nausea up until two days before treatment #3 which was yesterday. If yu would like you can email me at Angelwthwingz@comcast.net. Blessings I don’t now anything about chemo, but I do know that when I get bummed I love to spend time with my horses too. Keep in mind my “horses” are wrapped in steel with rubber hooves but I still feed them and pet them and clean their stalls….. Family can be tough. I found that since my cancer I have no patience for petty, or silly issues. I have to force myself to remember that I am one who changed attitudes. Be blessed and remember “this too shall pass” Hugz Fatigue was the worst part for me so I’ll give you my advice: put your health first above anyone else’s “problems”. Just rest and don’t feel guilty if you can’t do anything else. The worst I ever felt was because I had overdone it one weekend——traveling, not eating regularly, spending too much time in the sun, and not getting enough water. I paid for it, believe me. There’s nothing that will make the fatigue go away so just go with it and know it will get better. And of course, stay in touch with your doctor should you feel really bad. Wendy, I want to thank everyone who has responded to my post. I really appreciate your experiences, advice and kind words. The week before my second chemo I felt so good . . . I remember going in for my 2nd pre-chemo visit and I was so perky and everything was great. My third chemo is scheduled for next Wednesday and right now I feel like I’m going to have to drag myself in there! Last weekend I did feel really good, Fri, Sat & Sun. Sunday I did some yard work, not a big deal . . a little mowing, weed eating and watering…it felt great to do it. Monday and maybe Tuesday were ok and it’s gone down hill from there. I just didn’t think it would hit so hard after just 2 chemo treatments. But then again what do I know ! I’ve also heard some people breeze through it and others don’t. I just didn’t think of myself as one of the “don’t”! I work on my computer ALL the time and at times during the last couple of days it’s all I could do to sit here any longer . . .I just had to go lay in bed. This is just not good, I can’t hardly imagine going through several more months of this! Also, something that is weird, at least I think so, is that my breast where I got the lumpectomy has been hurting me pretty good the last several days. Thanks again everyone for all your comments! Wendy, Dear Wendy; It’s amazing the response to your post about chemo. I am learning constantly about so many things. I am so curious that I am not taking chemo. You and another girl had the same diagnosis as me but I only had the 26 radiation treatments and hormonal therapy. Not sure why but up here in Canada the Dr’s, or atleast my Oncologists don’t aspire to chemo unless absolutely necessary. They know the ravages and side effects so they are on the side of caution when dealing with such potent chemicals. I only hope they are right in not prescibing chemo. Sounds funny but I think we have all been brainwashed into thinking do whatever it takes to rid me of this cancer. Now I am second guessing their decision. I’m sorry you are feeling so punk (old fashinoned expression), because it is not very inspiring to carry on with the next treatment knowing you might feel just as crummy (another oldie). Whatever you can do to avoid emotional stress would be my best advice. If you feel like telling someone to take a break from their totally selfish needs, I would do that. You have the right to your own personal space for which you are paying dearly. They don’t have your shoe size and until they do, just get them to back off. It’s one thing to feel under the weather (god I have to stop with the old expressions), but for god’s sake people, family, friends, co workers or whoever need a reality check. I know get a bunch of chemo phamplets from the hospital and hand them to everyone who is bugging you. That would be my response. Ignorance is bliss so enlighten them and get them off of the bliss ride. Take care. Weezie Hi Weezie, One big difference between you and me and the other gal on here who is taking chemo, is that we (me and her) could NOT do hormone therapy. Our cancer is not hormone related (that’s the best way I know how to put it), so the next option is chemo. I’ve learned that many different factors help to determine what treatment is best for each person . . . and whether hormones or other things are involved, make a big difference. And I do remember saying “I don’t HAVE to do chemo” . . . they suggested it, but I could have said no. But the positive percentages were big enough in my case that I chose to go through with it. I just had my 3rd treatment last week, I should write a new post but haven’t been feeling very well. Thank you again for writing! I really appreciate it.
July 12, 2008
Today is Saturday, I had my second chemo treatment on Wednesday. The body aches started yesterday (Friday) afternoon/evening and are really kicking my butt today. I’m very thankful that after 2 treatments I have had very little nausea and my anti-nausea meds are working great because it’s very temporary and goes away quickly. It’s the Nulasta shots that are really getting me. I just keep telling myself that it’s got to be better than what could happen if I didn’t have the shot. I just have to say a few things about my family. My husband, (we’ve only been married just over 1 1/2 years) who is not a horse person at all went and got me 4 ton of hay yesterday. My daughter and her friend and the neighbor boy helped put it all up in the barn. These bales of hay weigh 95 pounds each and there was 86 of them . . . this is a lot of hard work! It was so hard for me to be there and only be able to “supervise”! As bad as I may feel or as bad as this may get I have to always remind myself of how very blessed I am! Hugs to all, Wendy, Joyce, Nulasta and neupogen shots suck, but they are nothing compared to having to sit in the hospital for 5 – 6 days with a neutropenic fever. Thats is what happened to me the first time I had chemo about 8 days in I ended up with a fever, infections out the wahzoo and ended up in the hospital on an isolation unit. Not fun. Pain from the shots are much better at home! Feel better! Dear Wendy; You are a trooper and it sounds like very little fun comes of chemo that is for sure. I have been lucky so far as I only had radiation but I always read with the knowledge it might one day be me. Your family is really wanting to make this easier for you and showed you that they love the horsie too. What a beautiful specimen of a horse. What is her/his name? Keep up the sporting spirit. It seems there are a few people out there that want to give you some pointers. Hopefully you will be feeling stronger next week. Weezie Hi Angel, Sherri, Weezie, Thanks everyone for the comments! Hi Wendy, Hi Wendy, http://www.speakupdesigns.com/buy_breast-cancer-awareness/fightlikegirl Hugs, Hi Joyce,
July 7, 2008
I’ve just joined this blog and want to say hello to everyone. I’ve just posted some photos on my other blog and I’ll post some here also. I’ve had one chemo treatment and will have my second one in 2 days . . on Wednesday the 9th. At day 14 I started loosing my hair, by day 16 it was getting very thin and just a mess so I buzzed it all off. Today is day 19 and I’m actually starting to get a little comfy with the bald look. 
Hugs to everyone, Great photos! Welcome to the group. Wendy, welcome to the site. You will find and meet some new supporters here. You look so tanned and fresh. Maybe this chemo is not so bad…... Good luck with the future ones. Our diagnosis date is the same as we are both triple negatives also. I am a little further ahead with chemo, I have had my second one almost a week ago. Clean nodes also. Blessings to you! I am on day 9 of my Chemo. I take those dreaded shots too, 6 after each treatment, and I hate them. I get the same pain you do. My shirt hurts on my skin, my arm hurts my side, the bones in my feet hurt. I hate them. I hate the pain. I went to the hospital over the weekend and had them check me out because the pain was so severe. they siad that means the shots are working. OH YIPPIE! I call them the shots from hell!
|
wildspirit's Calendar (9)
|
My Supporters:Advertising
Blog for a Cure InfoBlog for a Cure spends about $200 a month to keep this site up and running.
|
Posted on 
Posted on 
Posted on 
Posted on 
Posted on 
Posted on 
Posted on 
Posted on 
Posted on 
Posted on 
Posted on 
Posted on 
Posted on 
Posted on 
Posted on 
07.30.08 - 
Thanks for your support - ;){kind=link}
Hi Wendy,
Sorry to hear you are about to lose some fingernails. I have heard about that happening. Hopefully, it doesn’t take too long for them to grow back.
Winter is indeed upon us, you are looking on the bright side.
Take care,
Monica
Hi there, I wish they could come up with something that does not cause such bad side effects.
Love ya much Sherri
I have lost toenails from my ski books being too tight. I was always so sad when they finally fell off. I just painted a toenail on there. Probably can’t do that with finger nails. But I feel your pain.
I think painting on finger nails is a great idea. Try it and let us know. I had a friend once who chipped a front tooth and applied a fake fingernail to it until she could get to the dentist!
My nails became discolored, very thick and rigid. They are taking sometime to grow out but they are growing. I barely notice them anymore, so much of the abnormal becomes so normal. I feel your pain.
Hi, Wendy!
I’m sorry to hear about your nails, especially toward the very end of your treatment. It’s strange, why now? I hope they grow super fast after your last treatment!
Awwwwwwwww, I just want to hug you and tell you everything will be alright soon. I am sooooooo sorry you have to go through any of this. It’s just a nightmare.
((warm hugs))
Sonia
Geeze is there anything this chemo doesn’t destroy? The more I read lately the worse the side effects seem to be. What is with this health system. “Kill the plant cure the bulb”?
I sure hope you find this last treatment to be a joyous event when it is over. Just take a long rest and a big sigh of relief. Can you not get fake nails or would that destroy the nail bed? Not sure how that works but can’t the Oncologist’s recommend something. Either that or just start wearing glamourous looking gloves all the time. Well except when eating or sleeping or when you are alone. This is just damn creepy. Now I’m not so sure I would take chemo if I was told that I should. Oh my, what a dilema.
Take care, it will soon be over.
Weezie