Ok, I'm definitley in this sorority now

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  • CheeseQueen57
    CheeseQueen57 Member Posts: 933 Member
    edited June 2016 #122
    CheeseQueen Checking In

    Hi Gals!

    I'm preparing for my 7th chemo this week. So far has not been so bad. I've lost most of my hair but I've pretty much adjusted to that with various headgear. The hair started going about day 22 for me. And no need for a Brazilian!  Not that I got one of those anyway!  Despite using that expensive eyebrow gunk, I think the eyebrows are going too. 

    My little piggies are starting to get a little numb  I haven't had acupuncture for a couple weeks since my doc has been on vacation  But I get it tomorrow so I'm hoping it helps stop any more progression of the neuropathy   

    I had a horrible bout with constipation a couple days ago despite my best efforts and was concerned about neuropathy in that area, but I seem to have solved that problem  Howevwe, I was alarmed when after I inserted some Replens I noticed some blood on the inserter  I haven't noticed any spotting at all, but this alarmed me since I'm almost 3 months out from my hysterectomy and all this blab about vaginal cuff reoccurrence scares me  I'm not going to be getting radiation until probably September.  Guess this is a topic of discussion with oncologist Wednesday  

    I've also noticed that I don't "track" just right  The only way I can describe this is you know how back in the day when a movie on a reel used to kind of jump?  Well sometimes, for instance, when I'm in a store looking around, it seems like my eyes or vision ate a little behind when I look around.  It's a very weird feeling  

    I'm still trying to get my port incision to heal  it's not infected but still scabby and I would be hesitant to get in to a pool at this point  it seems like if I keep it covered with an antibacterial bandage it does better  I just want it healed  The port area remains a little tender.

    My doctor still has me on pretty high dose steroids because of the reaction I had the first day to taxol  I have not had any more reactions but my blood sugar shot up to 235 one week  I had pre-diabetes before all this.  I tried to convince my oncologist to put me on metformin but she just didn't think the risks were worth it.  I'm pretty careful with my diet and the blood sugar has been down the last few weeks  However, my potassium was low last week so they gave me some supplemental potassium and I've been concentrating on making sure to include high potassium foods in my diet every day.

    I've lost about 15 pounds, but frankly that's where I should be  I am eating, but I've changed my diet to no red meat, mostly vegetarian and chicken and turkey  Trying to avoid refined sugar (tough, I love sweets!)!  On days when I feel well, I'm walking 2-3 miles  it's amazing how good your arthritis can feel with mega steroids!  I get acupuncture every week and do guided imagery relaxation exercises every day.  M journaling on my CaringBridge site and have a huge amount of support from friends and family  I'm blessed  

    So, I'm still kicking.  Just want you to know that for some of us, the chemo so far has been managable.  I'm just praying it works.  I was Stage IIIc, Grade 3 Endometrioid adenocarcinima.  Total abdominal hysterectomy and DaVnci March 17, 2016.

     

  • Soup52
    Soup52 Member Posts: 908 Member

    CheeseQueen Checking In

    Hi Gals!

    I'm preparing for my 7th chemo this week. So far has not been so bad. I've lost most of my hair but I've pretty much adjusted to that with various headgear. The hair started going about day 22 for me. And no need for a Brazilian!  Not that I got one of those anyway!  Despite using that expensive eyebrow gunk, I think the eyebrows are going too. 

    My little piggies are starting to get a little numb  I haven't had acupuncture for a couple weeks since my doc has been on vacation  But I get it tomorrow so I'm hoping it helps stop any more progression of the neuropathy   

    I had a horrible bout with constipation a couple days ago despite my best efforts and was concerned about neuropathy in that area, but I seem to have solved that problem  Howevwe, I was alarmed when after I inserted some Replens I noticed some blood on the inserter  I haven't noticed any spotting at all, but this alarmed me since I'm almost 3 months out from my hysterectomy and all this blab about vaginal cuff reoccurrence scares me  I'm not going to be getting radiation until probably September.  Guess this is a topic of discussion with oncologist Wednesday  

    I've also noticed that I don't "track" just right  The only way I can describe this is you know how back in the day when a movie on a reel used to kind of jump?  Well sometimes, for instance, when I'm in a store looking around, it seems like my eyes or vision ate a little behind when I look around.  It's a very weird feeling  

    I'm still trying to get my port incision to heal  it's not infected but still scabby and I would be hesitant to get in to a pool at this point  it seems like if I keep it covered with an antibacterial bandage it does better  I just want it healed  The port area remains a little tender.

    My doctor still has me on pretty high dose steroids because of the reaction I had the first day to taxol  I have not had any more reactions but my blood sugar shot up to 235 one week  I had pre-diabetes before all this.  I tried to convince my oncologist to put me on metformin but she just didn't think the risks were worth it.  I'm pretty careful with my diet and the blood sugar has been down the last few weeks  However, my potassium was low last week so they gave me some supplemental potassium and I've been concentrating on making sure to include high potassium foods in my diet every day.

    I've lost about 15 pounds, but frankly that's where I should be  I am eating, but I've changed my diet to no red meat, mostly vegetarian and chicken and turkey  Trying to avoid refined sugar (tough, I love sweets!)!  On days when I feel well, I'm walking 2-3 miles  it's amazing how good your arthritis can feel with mega steroids!  I get acupuncture every week and do guided imagery relaxation exercises every day.  M journaling on my CaringBridge site and have a huge amount of support from friends and family  I'm blessed  

    So, I'm still kicking.  Just want you to know that for some of us, the chemo so far has been managable.  I'm just praying it works.  I was Stage IIIc, Grade 3 Endometrioid adenocarcinima.  Total abdominal hysterectomy and DaVnci March 17, 2016.

     

    My doc says my sugar jumps

    My doc says my sugar jumps because of the steroids and not to worry about it. I have my 6th and final chemo today. Good luck with yours:)

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,811 Member
    Soup52 said:

    My doc says my sugar jumps

    My doc says my sugar jumps because of the steroids and not to worry about it. I have my 6th and final chemo today. Good luck with yours:)

    Hey CheeseQueen - so glad to

    Hey CheeseQueen - so glad to hear from you! It sounds like you are tolerating the chemo well. I hope you continue to do so. Impressive on your walking! I wasn't able to go for more than a mile at anytime during chemo.

    Soup - Congrats! You made it. Last one. Time to celebrate in about 3 weeks once you get past all of the junky days. And, you get to watch all of your hair come back in! :-)

    Love and Hugs to you both,

    Cindi

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 789

    CheeseQueen Checking In

    Hi Gals!

    I'm preparing for my 7th chemo this week. So far has not been so bad. I've lost most of my hair but I've pretty much adjusted to that with various headgear. The hair started going about day 22 for me. And no need for a Brazilian!  Not that I got one of those anyway!  Despite using that expensive eyebrow gunk, I think the eyebrows are going too. 

    My little piggies are starting to get a little numb  I haven't had acupuncture for a couple weeks since my doc has been on vacation  But I get it tomorrow so I'm hoping it helps stop any more progression of the neuropathy   

    I had a horrible bout with constipation a couple days ago despite my best efforts and was concerned about neuropathy in that area, but I seem to have solved that problem  Howevwe, I was alarmed when after I inserted some Replens I noticed some blood on the inserter  I haven't noticed any spotting at all, but this alarmed me since I'm almost 3 months out from my hysterectomy and all this blab about vaginal cuff reoccurrence scares me  I'm not going to be getting radiation until probably September.  Guess this is a topic of discussion with oncologist Wednesday  

    I've also noticed that I don't "track" just right  The only way I can describe this is you know how back in the day when a movie on a reel used to kind of jump?  Well sometimes, for instance, when I'm in a store looking around, it seems like my eyes or vision ate a little behind when I look around.  It's a very weird feeling  

    I'm still trying to get my port incision to heal  it's not infected but still scabby and I would be hesitant to get in to a pool at this point  it seems like if I keep it covered with an antibacterial bandage it does better  I just want it healed  The port area remains a little tender.

    My doctor still has me on pretty high dose steroids because of the reaction I had the first day to taxol  I have not had any more reactions but my blood sugar shot up to 235 one week  I had pre-diabetes before all this.  I tried to convince my oncologist to put me on metformin but she just didn't think the risks were worth it.  I'm pretty careful with my diet and the blood sugar has been down the last few weeks  However, my potassium was low last week so they gave me some supplemental potassium and I've been concentrating on making sure to include high potassium foods in my diet every day.

    I've lost about 15 pounds, but frankly that's where I should be  I am eating, but I've changed my diet to no red meat, mostly vegetarian and chicken and turkey  Trying to avoid refined sugar (tough, I love sweets!)!  On days when I feel well, I'm walking 2-3 miles  it's amazing how good your arthritis can feel with mega steroids!  I get acupuncture every week and do guided imagery relaxation exercises every day.  M journaling on my CaringBridge site and have a huge amount of support from friends and family  I'm blessed  

    So, I'm still kicking.  Just want you to know that for some of us, the chemo so far has been managable.  I'm just praying it works.  I was Stage IIIc, Grade 3 Endometrioid adenocarcinima.  Total abdominal hysterectomy and DaVnci March 17, 2016.

     

    Watch for infection

    Hi Cheese, glad to hear that your treatments are going well and that you are feeling fit and strong!

    I agree that you should definitely talk to your doctor about the blood that you found. Also, watch for infection as the applicator may have "nicked" you and your body may have a hard time healing during treatment.

    My port incision took quite a long time to heal, too. They had to stitch mine because I had a reaction to the surgical glue they used for my surgery. The last stitch eventually came off after about 9 weeks.

    I recall there being a few posts about the DaVinci surgery and its affect on eyes a few months ago. They might have some useful information if you want to scroll through the older posts?

    Wishing you well on your treatments and continued strength and healing, Kim

     

     

     

     

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 789
    edited June 2016 #126
    Soup52 said:

    My doc says my sugar jumps

    My doc says my sugar jumps because of the steroids and not to worry about it. I have my 6th and final chemo today. Good luck with yours:)

    Congratulations!

    Soup, congrats on making it through all of your chemo treatments! Hopefully you do something wonderful to celebrate!!

    What are the next steps for your treatment?

  • CheeseQueen57
    CheeseQueen57 Member Posts: 933 Member
    What a Difference a Year Makes

    A year ago today I began my chemo treatment. It's hard to believe it's been a year. When I look back, I can't believe I went through all of it: the surgery, the chemo, the stroke, the swelling of the optic nerves, the external radiation, the internal radiation and the pelvic fracture. And I'm still kicking (although not as high!). It's really true that you are stronger than you know. I feel I really should have something profound to say but I'm just really thankful that I just survived all that and am eager to put it all behind me. Thanks be to God, I've got my life back again. 

     

     It will never be really behind me, but I'm getting better about not worrying about it all the time. On Monday, I have an appointment to get my port flushed and see my radiologist oncologist. When I asked how long I would have my port at my last appointment, the answer was, "Indefinetely."  The port, my surgery scars, and my radiation tattoos are constant reminders of from where I have come. 

     

    I still suffer a few residual effects. Toes are still numb. My eyes are not 100% (it's been 9 months!) but they are so much better and I'm driving and reading books again. I'm still suffering with bladder issues and am consulting with a pelvic floor physical therapist (which wasn't as awful as I anticipated!). So slow but sure, I'm finding my new normal. I'm trying to attend my "old lady" aerobics 3 times a week and just signed up for once a week "old lady" yoga. They offer Zumba but I'm so uncoordinated now that I think I'd only embarrass myself. 

     

    So, I'm looking forward to a spectacular summer.  In a couple weeks, we're going to see Madame Butterfly at the Kennedy Center. I'm so  excited not only to see the opera but to see the Kennedy Center.  And before I know it, we'll be cruising to Alaska. 

     

    I'm so thankful for all of the support I've had in this past year from all of you.  As I read through this thread I truly believe I would not be here today but for the support of this group (along with my family and friends). I will be forever thankful for each and every one of you who read this and especially to those who supported me who sadly are no longer with us. 
  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,811 Member
    edited April 2017 #128

    What a Difference a Year Makes

    A year ago today I began my chemo treatment. It's hard to believe it's been a year. When I look back, I can't believe I went through all of it: the surgery, the chemo, the stroke, the swelling of the optic nerves, the external radiation, the internal radiation and the pelvic fracture. And I'm still kicking (although not as high!). It's really true that you are stronger than you know. I feel I really should have something profound to say but I'm just really thankful that I just survived all that and am eager to put it all behind me. Thanks be to God, I've got my life back again. 

     

     It will never be really behind me, but I'm getting better about not worrying about it all the time. On Monday, I have an appointment to get my port flushed and see my radiologist oncologist. When I asked how long I would have my port at my last appointment, the answer was, "Indefinetely."  The port, my surgery scars, and my radiation tattoos are constant reminders of from where I have come. 

     

    I still suffer a few residual effects. Toes are still numb. My eyes are not 100% (it's been 9 months!) but they are so much better and I'm driving and reading books again. I'm still suffering with bladder issues and am consulting with a pelvic floor physical therapist (which wasn't as awful as I anticipated!). So slow but sure, I'm finding my new normal. I'm trying to attend my "old lady" aerobics 3 times a week and just signed up for once a week "old lady" yoga. They offer Zumba but I'm so uncoordinated now that I think I'd only embarrass myself. 

     

    So, I'm looking forward to a spectacular summer.  In a couple weeks, we're going to see Madame Butterfly at the Kennedy Center. I'm so  excited not only to see the opera but to see the Kennedy Center.  And before I know it, we'll be cruising to Alaska. 

     

    I'm so thankful for all of the support I've had in this past year from all of you.  As I read through this thread I truly believe I would not be here today but for the support of this group (along with my family and friends). I will be forever thankful for each and every one of you who read this and especially to those who supported me who sadly are no longer with us. 
    yep.... couldn't have said it

    yep.... couldn't have said it better! :-)

    I am 16 months out from chemo and 15 months out from radiation. I still have a bit of numbing but nothing that causes me any limitations... I noticed another level of improvement at the end of 14 months. I think I'm at my new normal now which is pretty darn good. So happy to hear of your improvements. You know all of your friends here are celebrating right there with you!

    Enjoy your Summer and have a blast on your Alaska trip.

    Love and Hugs,

    Cindi

  • janaes
    janaes Member Posts: 799 Member
    Hey Cheese Queen.  Yea you

    Hey Cheese Queen.  Yea you made it this far.  I wont forget when I started chemo.  It was the week after my birthday in June.  Im glad you are forgetting cancer more and more.  Thanks for checking in.

    Love, Janae

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    Yay Cheese Queen,

    What a difference a year makes ehh?  So HAPPY to celebrate this milestone with you and so HAPPY to hear that you are feeling better little by little and finding your new normal.  Tomorrow marks one year since my surgery!  I'm with you- wish I had something profound to say, but again, with you, just happy to be here!  Blessings in this new year of life - have fun in your new exercise classes, enjoy the opera and what a trip you will have to Alaska --- enjoy the journey (((HUGS)))

  • sshhaarrii
    sshhaarrii Member Posts: 38 Member
    One year anniversary is

    One year anniversary is something to celebrate, for sure! I hope you have a wonderful summer. One word that seems to stick in my head is "unreal". Everything that has happened seems more like a dream, now. And I'm only a few weeks out. It's funny how the mind works to block out those unpleasant memories.

     

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 789
    Every once in a while, it's

    Every once in a while, it's good for each of us to look back and see how far we have come. All that we have experienced or are currently experiencing - the good, the bad, the ugly. It's all important and profound. 

    Congrats to you, Susan! I hope you continue to celebrate every milestone and make tons of happy, wonderful memories for years and years to come! Kim

  • janaes
    janaes Member Posts: 799 Member
    edited May 2017 #133
    Nellasing  We were really

    Nellasing  We were really within days of each other when it comes to our timeline.  I just looked at my calender today and tommarrow marks one year since my surgery. 

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    janaes said:

    Nellasing  We were really

    Nellasing  We were really within days of each other when it comes to our timeline.  I just looked at my calender today and tommarrow marks one year since my surgery. 

    We sure are Janaes

    So many of us - it's like going to school together- wish we were all close enough to meet- I hold you all in my heart  (((HUGS)))