I ate today!

[Mickey527]

Just wanted to let you all know what is new with me.
Chemo hit me like a mack truck. I couldn't get out of bed from Thursday night until yesterday. I went to the Dr for a shot of Neulasta to build up the WBC's that the Chemo was destroying and the side effects of that stunk too. Body aches so bad I couldn't even lift my head off the pillow.
I finally got my appetite back today since Chemo on Thursday. Cheese soup would be teriffic right now. And some of the mushroom appetizer from the UK.
I ate cottage cheese and peaches for bfst, tuna sandwich for lunch and Steak and salad for dinner. Richie made twice baked potatoes but they didn't appeal to me, and garlic bread but I didn't think I should push it with garlic bread. I never knew he was such a good cook, guess I am going to have to let him take over that job when I am better.
But boy food sure tastes good again finally. Not metallic anymore.
I know, no biggie for any of you but to me it was a big thing. I was thinking food would never taste good again.
I have lost 10 lbs since the surgery. I need to lose some so it is good but not right now, after I am better. But boy my stomach is flat! sorry Lynnie, I had to stick that in.
I go to get fitted for my wig tomorrow. Haven't lost any hair yet but they said the 2nd Chemo will do it in. So they want to match my haircut and color now while they can. Someday I will get pictures.
Richie ordered me a hat yesterday. I approved it so it is not being mean. It says "Wish you were HAIR"
Only 7 more Chemo treatments to go.
Will keep you updated but today was a good day. Peggie

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Hi Peggie,
Glad you are holding your own. I remember those body aches very well. I couldn't get out of bed for 36 hours once and was afraid they might never go away.

When I picked out my wig I got two: one that looked like my own hair and one for "fun" (which was red and very sporty). Well I wore the one similar to my own hair once and decided I really liked the fun one so that's what I wore for the rest of the course. I couldn't believe how many people didn't know it was a wig - I even fooled a hairdresser once! Make sure whatever you buy is comfortable or you won't want to wear it. Many prefer scarves and hats but I actually liked my wig. I'm happy to report it's been 6 months since I finished chemo and I have a beautiful head full of new curly brown hair! I'm so happy to have it back!!

Eating does present a challenge. I was told by my oncology nurse (herself a BC survivor) not to eat my favorite foods right after chemo because of possible negative associations later. I've found that to be somewhat true. Right after my first chemo I was feeling so good I forgot the advice and went out and had sauteed vegatables and pizza for lunch. Let's just say I have a hard time with peppers and onions now (but will always love pizza ).

One word about chemo. I know you are a nurse and so am I. It is hard to think about getting chemo in your body. Luckily, I found my way to a wonderful support center started by a nurse and a social worker. They taught me to think of the chemo in a positive light instead of a negative (though signing those consent forms was tough, wasn't it?). I learned relaxation techniques and practiced them when I got to the chemo room. I pictured myself in the most soothing place I could imagine and put a "white light" around the chemo going all the way from the bag/syringe down to my veins. I then pictured the GOOD things it was doing in my body: killing any renegade cancer cells - well, actually (with my kids in mind), I liked to picture Buzz Lightyear zapping those nasty cancer cells! It helped me keep things lighthearted when I was feeling overwhelmed. I hope maybe it can help you a little too.

Keep up the good work! The further you get into treatment the closer you are to the end! Remember, take it easy. I know we nurses are tough but really, just accept that your life will be on hold while you go through this and you will resume where you left off when it's over. As I was ordered by my caregivers: Do something nice for yourself every day, wear things with your favorite color, and make sure you read only trashy magazines - no cancer journals or books!

 

[JudithM]

Peggie, it is good to see you posting! You are an encouragement to others who are sick. Continued thoughts & prayers ...

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

Knock 'em dead, Peggie -- Of course, I mean any remaining bad cells.

I'm sorry you got flattened, but I know it won't last. I'm glad you're up and posting again.

I like this countdown thinking....<i>only seven more to go</i>.

Maybe you need a <i>counter</i>-counter: Only ____ months until your Disney cruise?

Hugs, HUGS, and <b> MORE HUGS</b> heading your way!

 

[GotAnyPins]

Even though I am a Canadian...and the Cheese Soup is from Canada, and it is now sooooooo easy to get from those little kiosks...I have decided not to eat any 'till Peggie can eat some too....

They even screwed up my order on Sat, and when I ordered the (sorry) the Maple Walnut Fudge... they handed me the Cheese soup by mistake....BUT I prevailed...turned it down....and just took the fudge.....

See the sacrifices your friends are willing to make for you Peggie....now when you get here, I want to go have the Cheese Soup w/ you..

till then..hang in there..w/ help from Buzz Lightyear..get those nasty cells zapped...get yourself a "fun" wig...and enjoy all "hugs" being sent to you by all your friends....

I liked Robyns' post...hugs, hugs, and more HUGS...

Oh, and by the way...do NOT get a wig like Eddie wore last year at the Chef Mickeys' Dinner..

 

[RamVA]

Peggie,

I remember whenever I started labor, I would tell myself, in 24 hours this will be over, and all of the pain will be a memory. Granted, 24 hours is a much easier hurdle to wrap your mind around, but you can do the same thing. There is an end ahead to the chemo, so every day that goes by gets you closer to that day!!

Kudos to Ritchie for being such a big help and hanging in there!

Talk to you soon

 

[LynniethePooh]

Peggie...so sorry I have eaten the cheese soup!

I liked Linda's (Pea n Me) advice! Maybe you should eat stuff you don't like and then you can say "see I told you it tastes like crap!"


Hang in there!

Hugs

 

[suzanneb]

feeling better, Peggie....hope the 2nd round goes smoother than the first...
Thinking positive thoughts for you!

 

[lovingthemouse]

I am so happy that you are feeling stronger - can;t wit to see the new wig - ok, fess up, what color so we can recognize you?...and this flat stomach thing-wowwwwwwwww. Talk to you soon. Caroline

 

[Tinkertude]

When I was in tx 8yrs ago I wanted a hat that said "No hair day" Hang in there. Check out Y-ME it is a peer to peer national support group. I know it has a silly name. But it honors our beginning in the ywca

 

[Luv2Roam]

My SIL went the chemo route. (She battled multiple cancer issues.)
She also was heavily involved in support groups and Komen.
She was asked to answer questions to new chemo patients.
One of the questions was, "How often should I wash my wig?"
Her answer, "It depends on how often it falls into the tiolet while you are throwing up."

Good to hear things are better for you. We wish you well and will keep you in our thoughts.