New here/introduction
I am a busy, stay-at-home mom of 5 kids. I love to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle and am hoping to keep things as normal as possible throughout the chemo treatments. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to meeting others here.
Julie
Comments
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Welcome
You'll be glad you came. I have a consult regarding chemo on 4/26 so I have no wisdom to share as of yet.0 -
Welcome
This is a great place to be. 5 kids! Wow, you think that would be enough exercise. Lol
I had stage 3c with 18/20 positive nodes. Mastectemy. I live in the high desert and hiked during all rounds of chemo. Most were'nt very strenous, but the last hike was almost straight up and was a 2500 ele raise. Now everyone is different. I have found it harder to do hiking now that I am finished with all treatments. Laid around to much this winter.
Think everyone has there own pace. My onc never said to take it easy or don't do something. He said to listen to your body. Take naps. Which napping has never been an issue. Love to nap. Lol
I'm slowly getting back into a routine. Walking around alot, building up to hiking again. Take care of yourself. Katz0 -
Welcome!
You'll find lots of support here - wish I had found it sooner like you did. I started with 8 rounds of chemo, then mastectomy, then 33 rads. It's all tiring but the best advice I got was to listen to my body and do what it wanted. That included naps most days as the steroids kept me awake at night. I too had invasive ductal carcinoma but have had a clear PET scan. I've joined Curves to keep active (it's a different kind of activity) and added a few things to my diet. Best advice - ask questions, rest when you need to, and stay positive. FOcus on the good things, eat what you can and want during chemo. We started a survivor list on day one and added names to it constantly. It helps to focus on the victory.
Come back often pink sister!0 -
Welcome to this site. I was
Welcome to this site. I was also diagnosed in February with stage 2 invasive ductal. I had a lumpectomy with clean margins, no lymph node involvement. I had port surgery and my first chemo treatment the same day. I had the second of 8 treatments this past Thursday. I only have two kids, not five. You must be one busy lady. The treatments have been better than I expected so far. My parents come stay with me for the first four or five days since my husband is out of town a lot. I have been able to get some exercise in on most days. Not like before, but a couple miles walking or riding the stationary bike. I have done some leg weights but am afraid of the arm weights because of the port.
I am able to keep up with most of my routine but try to save energy for the kids activities and homework. I find I need to take a couple "cat" naps a day.
I believe staying active and eating healthy help your body recover faster. Just listen to your body and rest when it tells you to. That is the advice my onco gave me. Also, take any help that is offered to you. My neighbors have been great helping with the kids and moral support.
Good luck0 -
Hello Julie,
I hope you'll
Hello Julie,
I hope you'll find this site as helpful as I have. It has kept me sane on my journey.
My advice is drink lots and lots and lots of water while on chemo and rads. I started hydrating 2 to 3 days before each chemo and kept at it for at least a week after each treatment. I liked icy cold smart water because of the electrolytes. When on rads, you'll want to hydrate every day to help your skin.
I would also suggest that if someone asks how they can help, give them a job that will help you (clean the bathrooms, mow the lawn, bring dinner, carpool my kids, etc.). Accepting help is good for you and for the giver...in many cases they truly want to help, but don't know what to do. For you, it allows you to save your energy for the other things you consider more important.
Please come back with any questions, and to let us know how you're doing.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
HiGabe N Abby Mom said:Hello Julie,
I hope you'll
Hello Julie,
I hope you'll find this site as helpful as I have. It has kept me sane on my journey.
My advice is drink lots and lots and lots of water while on chemo and rads. I started hydrating 2 to 3 days before each chemo and kept at it for at least a week after each treatment. I liked icy cold smart water because of the electrolytes. When on rads, you'll want to hydrate every day to help your skin.
I would also suggest that if someone asks how they can help, give them a job that will help you (clean the bathrooms, mow the lawn, bring dinner, carpool my kids, etc.). Accepting help is good for you and for the giver...in many cases they truly want to help, but don't know what to do. For you, it allows you to save your energy for the other things you consider more important.
Please come back with any questions, and to let us know how you're doing.
Hugs,
Linda
I just by accident found this forum(on my home page).Was on another for a few weeks but get more knowledge here.AND I don't have time to check 2 boards.
I can't begin to tell you how much I've learned.My bc was non invasive ductal carcinoma. No chemo or radiation.Then I see here how much chemo entails and all the help everyone needs.I really don't know where I would get that help.Husband works non stop, sons work, daughter-in-law works,grandkids work or in school. All the neighbors are older but one.I don't talk to her or her son.She can't take care of herself, her son or granddaughter anyway. SO I have to assume it was a blessing with my dx.I would be lost. Not to say at times I feel like I should've had at least radiation.
I read about hydration.I had surgery many years ago.Bowel surgery.If I get sick within one day I dehydrate.Then I read all that you need to do when taking chemo.I had no idea you MUST drink drink drink.And I'm not a big drinker.I would probably puke drinking myself crazy.Just so much overwhelms me that I have to STOP to be able to take it all in.
I don't have alot to offer with your treatment but so many others can help.Good Luck.You came to the right group.After being on here I know at least some of what I MAY need someday.We never know when we might need chemo or radiation down the road.I never had anything explained to me because I did'nt need it.These ladies/gents can give you more insight than maybe the doctors.They've been through it. And some patients might have different effects than others.I have 2 friends who had chemo and radiation.Both acted differently with it.
Good Luck.Keep asking questions along the way of your treatment.What happens to one might not happen to another.Like my doctors say.We are ALL different.I try to tell myself that everyday.
Lynn Smith0 -
Hi Julie....5 kids, i kinda
Hi Julie....5 kids, i kinda know how that is cuz i have 4...they sure keep you on your toes...plus you inherit all their friends and before you know it you have a tribe or a full basketball team...hehe!
Well im sorry your here cuz of the whole stupid cancer thing but its nice to have you aboard...its a great sight. Unfortuantly i didnt find it till after chemo, but everyone has been awesome to me. It has to be tough going thru this with young kids but im thankful that my youngest was 18 at the time so they could help take care of me and they did...it was great! I was a very active person...i was always on the go doing everything and my job was very physical cuz i was a MA/CNA. Everyone has told you to listen to your body...well i usually did but there was a couple times my brain told me i could do something and my body freaked out and i paid for it cuz i over did it. Everyone is different in how they react to all our bodys go thru during this process. Some do pretty good and others dont...i was one of the other who didnt do so good especially with chemo...mine was a nightmare...me and chemo just couldnt get along and play nice...but guess who won that little battle...hehe! One thing that has got me thru all this is my faith and a good attitude with lots of humor!
Oh yah, I had IDC and IDIS, stage II, with lymphnode involvement, i had a lumpectomy and then a bilaterial mastectomy with reconstruction and chemo and hormone therapy but no radiation treatments. 0 -
Hi Juliejo jo said:Hi Julie....5 kids, i kinda
Hi Julie....5 kids, i kinda know how that is cuz i have 4...they sure keep you on your toes...plus you inherit all their friends and before you know it you have a tribe or a full basketball team...hehe!
Well im sorry your here cuz of the whole stupid cancer thing but its nice to have you aboard...its a great sight. Unfortuantly i didnt find it till after chemo, but everyone has been awesome to me. It has to be tough going thru this with young kids but im thankful that my youngest was 18 at the time so they could help take care of me and they did...it was great! I was a very active person...i was always on the go doing everything and my job was very physical cuz i was a MA/CNA. Everyone has told you to listen to your body...well i usually did but there was a couple times my brain told me i could do something and my body freaked out and i paid for it cuz i over did it. Everyone is different in how they react to all our bodys go thru during this process. Some do pretty good and others dont...i was one of the other who didnt do so good especially with chemo...mine was a nightmare...me and chemo just couldnt get along and play nice...but guess who won that little battle...hehe! One thing that has got me thru all this is my faith and a good attitude with lots of humor!
Oh yah, I had IDC and IDIS, stage II, with lymphnode involvement, i had a lumpectomy and then a bilaterial mastectomy with reconstruction and chemo and hormone therapy but no radiation treatments.
Welcome, we have a great group here and I am glad you found us. I also had IDC and IDIS. Sounds like you are very positive and this will help you get through just about anything. We are always here if you need us. Take Care and again welcome0 -
hello and welcomeKat11 said:Hi Julie
Welcome, we have a great group here and I am glad you found us. I also had IDC and IDIS. Sounds like you are very positive and this will help you get through just about anything. We are always here if you need us. Take Care and again welcome
I had 4 chemo treatments but no port. I found I was able to keep walking for exercise but just at a little slower pace. Hope you can continue to do what you like to help you get thru it all!
Blessings!0 -
Welcome Julie to the club
Welcome Julie to the club that none of us wants to join, but we're glad you found us! This seems to be a great group of very warm, concerned survivors and I am so glad I found it too.
My stats are very similar to yours. I was diagnosed with the same thing in mid January and also had a lumpectomy and re-excision. I also start chemo in the next couple of weeks. What cocktail will you be having? Mine will be Taxotere and Cytoxan.
I have 3 children, 2 young adult sons and an 11 y/o daughter, all still at home. I teach Kindergarten and love to work out too. Wait, that would be a lie. I do NOT love to work out, but I do work out. There, that would be more accurate!
Nancy0 -
Thanks all for the warm welcome!BioAdoptMom said:Welcome Julie to the club
Welcome Julie to the club that none of us wants to join, but we're glad you found us! This seems to be a great group of very warm, concerned survivors and I am so glad I found it too.
My stats are very similar to yours. I was diagnosed with the same thing in mid January and also had a lumpectomy and re-excision. I also start chemo in the next couple of weeks. What cocktail will you be having? Mine will be Taxotere and Cytoxan.
I have 3 children, 2 young adult sons and an 11 y/o daughter, all still at home. I teach Kindergarten and love to work out too. Wait, that would be a lie. I do NOT love to work out, but I do work out. There, that would be more accurate!
Nancy
Hi all, I would love to reply to you all individually but I must admit I am a little overwhelmed. Thank you - You all made me feel so welcome and I'm so glad to have found you! I've been going at this feeling kind of alone, and I certainly don't wish this journey upon anyone but I'm glad we can support one another. I'm not really familiar with this forum yet, but thank you again for your warm welcome wishes. I'm amazed at how similar some of our stories are, and also fortunate for the bits of information you shared withe me. I will definitely be back with questions and comments. I wish you all the best on your journey. You all sound very strong and that's good to hear.
Julie0 -
Julie .. Hello ...BioAdoptMom said:Welcome Julie to the club
Welcome Julie to the club that none of us wants to join, but we're glad you found us! This seems to be a great group of very warm, concerned survivors and I am so glad I found it too.
My stats are very similar to yours. I was diagnosed with the same thing in mid January and also had a lumpectomy and re-excision. I also start chemo in the next couple of weeks. What cocktail will you be having? Mine will be Taxotere and Cytoxan.
I have 3 children, 2 young adult sons and an 11 y/o daughter, all still at home. I teach Kindergarten and love to work out too. Wait, that would be a lie. I do NOT love to work out, but I do work out. There, that would be more accurate!
Nancy
Sorry .. that you've had no choice but to join this journey that none of us wanted to be on. Allow yourself time to absorb the information that is being given to you; take someone with you if possible to hear when you can't possibly absorb it all. Always, always make sure to refer to your Oncologist, Surgeon before resuming any activities. Then again with 5 kids, I don't know where you find the time, KUDOS to you! Oncologist worry about WBC (White Blood Cell Counts) which fight infections - during chemo therapy.
What is your treatment plan?
As for this journey, please know that it hasn't all been bad...far from it. You will find many wonderful, caring, uplifting, funny, amazing people along the way. Put your seat belt on, raise your arms up, scream and go!!!! My interpretation of my breast cancer journey .. Can we all say 'Roller Coaster'.
The waiting is really one of the hardest parts. Once you have a treatment plan in place, things will start to go a lot faster. We on this board know about the waiting and emotions one goes through -- so let us wait with you. Post whenever you feel the urge and we'll keep you company. I think at this point it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the new things happening in your life. It might help to take things one step and one day (sometimes even one hour) at a time. Just a suggestion.
If you are hesitant about anything, get a second opinion as soon as possible. I did get a second opinion when it came to chemotherapy, surgery and reconstruction. So happy with my decision.
Take a deep breathe, and put 1 foot in front of the other.
Strength, Courage and Hope
Vicki Sam0 -
My treatment planVickiSam said:Julie .. Hello ...
Sorry .. that you've had no choice but to join this journey that none of us wanted to be on. Allow yourself time to absorb the information that is being given to you; take someone with you if possible to hear when you can't possibly absorb it all. Always, always make sure to refer to your Oncologist, Surgeon before resuming any activities. Then again with 5 kids, I don't know where you find the time, KUDOS to you! Oncologist worry about WBC (White Blood Cell Counts) which fight infections - during chemo therapy.
What is your treatment plan?
As for this journey, please know that it hasn't all been bad...far from it. You will find many wonderful, caring, uplifting, funny, amazing people along the way. Put your seat belt on, raise your arms up, scream and go!!!! My interpretation of my breast cancer journey .. Can we all say 'Roller Coaster'.
The waiting is really one of the hardest parts. Once you have a treatment plan in place, things will start to go a lot faster. We on this board know about the waiting and emotions one goes through -- so let us wait with you. Post whenever you feel the urge and we'll keep you company. I think at this point it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the new things happening in your life. It might help to take things one step and one day (sometimes even one hour) at a time. Just a suggestion.
If you are hesitant about anything, get a second opinion as soon as possible. I did get a second opinion when it came to chemotherapy, surgery and reconstruction. So happy with my decision.
Take a deep breathe, and put 1 foot in front of the other.
Strength, Courage and Hope
Vicki Sam
Vicki Sam, thank you also for your welcome message and for your advice. I realized afterwards I was vague in mentioning my treatment plan (actually had to look it up for the names again). The plan for me is for Taxotere+Adriamycin+Cytoxan for 18 weeks (once every 3 weeks) followed by radiation for 6 weeks, followed by Tamoxifin. I must admit the one area where I'm still slightly unsure of is the lumpectomy/mastectomy/reconstruction decision. I have opted for the re-excision as I was told by both my med/rad oncologists that my chances of recurrence were the same with both, and also that once the treatment was done I could always go back and say I wanted a mastectomy/reconstruction. Both told me it was a personal decision and the whole thought of doing a bilateral mastectomy almost scared me more in terms of risk at this point. But when I hear others have chosen that route it makes me wonder...
I hear you on the roller coaster. I am finally done with all the testing. There were a couple unusual things that came up in my case that gave another scare, but both turned out in my favor, thank goodness. I also had genetic testing done which thankfully turned out normal.
Thanks again. I feel a tremendous comfort hearing from all of you.
Julie0 -
Welcome Juliejewels5 said:My treatment plan
Vicki Sam, thank you also for your welcome message and for your advice. I realized afterwards I was vague in mentioning my treatment plan (actually had to look it up for the names again). The plan for me is for Taxotere+Adriamycin+Cytoxan for 18 weeks (once every 3 weeks) followed by radiation for 6 weeks, followed by Tamoxifin. I must admit the one area where I'm still slightly unsure of is the lumpectomy/mastectomy/reconstruction decision. I have opted for the re-excision as I was told by both my med/rad oncologists that my chances of recurrence were the same with both, and also that once the treatment was done I could always go back and say I wanted a mastectomy/reconstruction. Both told me it was a personal decision and the whole thought of doing a bilateral mastectomy almost scared me more in terms of risk at this point. But when I hear others have chosen that route it makes me wonder...
I hear you on the roller coaster. I am finally done with all the testing. There were a couple unusual things that came up in my case that gave another scare, but both turned out in my favor, thank goodness. I also had genetic testing done which thankfully turned out normal.
Thanks again. I feel a tremendous comfort hearing from all of you.
Julie
I am sorry for your need to be here but glad you found it. I was diagnosed Jan-10 with IDC stage 1 grade 1 ER/PR+ HER- I am about 9 1/2 months out of chemo. I had Taxotere and Cytoxan 4 rounds followed by 30 rads and am now on Tamoxifen. I did not have a port so I can't help much there. I just wanted to welcome you and wish you the best. Prayers and God Bless
(((hugs))) Janice0 -
Hi Julie and welcome to this
Hi Julie and welcome to this discussion board where you will meet a great group of supportive women. I am really sorry for your reasons for being here.
With regards to exercise during chemo and with a port. I exercised the whole way through my chemo (Adriamycin and Cytoxin then Taxol and Herceptin) and radiation treatment which I finished in the fall of last year. During chemo I walked, hiked, did african dance, Zumba and NIA. I did a little swimming but was concerned about the low white blood count and possible ear infections (I had a lot from swimming as a kid). Towards the end of chemo and radiation I was tired and just took slow 2 mile walks in the neighbourhood and naps in the afternoon. I just felt a need to keep my body moving.
I still have a port since I am on Herceptin however this has not inhibited me in anyway when it comes to exercise. I still walk, hike with a backpack, dance and swim.
I ate a great deal of salads and fruit. I also juiced dandelion, cucumber and apples and took milk thistle (my Onc was alright with all of this). I was vegetarian but started eating fish and chicken and a little red meat because I found my protein needs were pretty high.
I was able to keep things as normal as possible for my 11 year old daughter. She did the same activities after school. I was able to do the grocery shopping and laundary and other chores around the house and still worked fulltime (mostly at home) except for a couple of weeks at the end of chemo. I did have friends help out when I really needed it and my mother came down to help a few times. What did change was that I started watching TV in the evening, it was great just to vegetate sometimes.
What helped me the most of was just taking it one day at a time, just focusing on what needed to be done right now, whether it be a nap or work or making dinner.
I wish you well on this journery through cancer treatment.0 -
Hi Julie,
Welcome to this great group. Glad that you found us, but sorry that you have to be here.
5 kids....wow! You already have your hands full. One of the most important things to remember when doing chemo is to keep yourself hydrated. Start the day before and continue a few days after. Anything works. I loved coconut water during chemo, but anything is good.
I had to take steroids the day before, the day of, and the day after my chemo treatments. This gave me a steroid "high" for a few days. I would take them Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I would begin come off my high on Friday evening. By Saturday, I just crashed the entire day. Couldn't do anything except go from the sofa to the bed. By Sunday I would start to get my energy back. So I would suggest getting some help, especially after your first treatment, just to see how you do.
I continued to work out and exercise during my treatments. Nothing too vigorous, but it helped to keep going.
Remember, come here anytime to read, ask questions, cry, scream, or just vent. That's what we are here for.
xoxo,
Jean0 -
Welcome JulieJean 0609 said:Hi Julie,
Welcome to this great group. Glad that you found us, but sorry that you have to be here.
5 kids....wow! You already have your hands full. One of the most important things to remember when doing chemo is to keep yourself hydrated. Start the day before and continue a few days after. Anything works. I loved coconut water during chemo, but anything is good.
I had to take steroids the day before, the day of, and the day after my chemo treatments. This gave me a steroid "high" for a few days. I would take them Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I would begin come off my high on Friday evening. By Saturday, I just crashed the entire day. Couldn't do anything except go from the sofa to the bed. By Sunday I would start to get my energy back. So I would suggest getting some help, especially after your first treatment, just to see how you do.
I continued to work out and exercise during my treatments. Nothing too vigorous, but it helped to keep going.
Remember, come here anytime to read, ask questions, cry, scream, or just vent. That's what we are here for.
xoxo,
Jean
My oncologist told me exercise was good during chemo and I walked every day up until the last cycle. She said walk - that it would help with joint pains, weakness and neuropathy. I didn't walk far and I didn't walk fast, but I did walk. I have no idea if it made me feel better or not as I had few side effects. I know it made me feel good that I could do it. A few times I thought about going to the gym, but I rationalized that I was putting my body through a lot and was doing enough to keep it healthy without hurting it. Only the last cycle was I too weak to walk, but it didn't last long.
Be sure and hydrate and take all anti nausea meds and steroids and other meds prescribed even if you don't think you'll need them, because if you don't, you'll soon find out why they're prescribed. Chemo has an end date, and you'll reach it.
Someone is here usually 24/7 and you'll very likely fine someone who has had the same or similar experience.
Suzanne0 -
I'm new too Julie!Double Whammy said:Welcome Julie
My oncologist told me exercise was good during chemo and I walked every day up until the last cycle. She said walk - that it would help with joint pains, weakness and neuropathy. I didn't walk far and I didn't walk fast, but I did walk. I have no idea if it made me feel better or not as I had few side effects. I know it made me feel good that I could do it. A few times I thought about going to the gym, but I rationalized that I was putting my body through a lot and was doing enough to keep it healthy without hurting it. Only the last cycle was I too weak to walk, but it didn't last long.
Be sure and hydrate and take all anti nausea meds and steroids and other meds prescribed even if you don't think you'll need them, because if you don't, you'll soon find out why they're prescribed. Chemo has an end date, and you'll reach it.
Someone is here usually 24/7 and you'll very likely fine someone who has had the same or similar experience.
Suzanne
Hi there, I'm a newbie too, I am set up for my bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders on April 27th. Hopefully I won't have any node involment so I can skip the radiation/chemo. We shall see. I have two children and a hubby and work full time. Best wishes to you friend.
SB0 -
Julie
welcome to this site. Ask any questions and the wonderful ladies here will help out. We like to listen and encourage. I had 6 rounds of Taxotere/Cytoxan with the Neulasta shot the following day. I had minimal side effects - lost hair day 15, drank lots of water, used Biotene toothpaste & mouthwash, and plastic silverware (never had metal taste in mouth). There are some great sites to get hats or if you prefer a wig go to a Look Good, Feel Better program that is sponsored by the ACS. I wish you well through your journey. I finished chemo Dec. 7, 2010 and rads Feb. 15, 2011. I had bilateral mastectomy in June 2010 for Invasive Lobular Carcinomna in one breast and Lobular Carcinoma in Situ in the other breast. I'm the 5th bc victim in my family. I'm the oldest of 4 girls and 3 of us have had bc. We are survivors.
{{hugs}} Char0
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