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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Arthritis / May 2007

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Chemo Hurts

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DeeTee and Bob Taggart - 29 Apr 2007 09:18 GMT
Oh, not the actually taking in of the chemicals. That's no more painful that
having an IV for several hours. No, the second day out, I got what feels
like the fibromyalgia flare from hell. There is not a joint or muscle on my
body that doesn't hurt bad. It's been nearly impossible to sleep through it.
The pain medicine barely touches it. Thank goodness for the anti-nausea
medicine. That at least has been a God-send. I spent most of yesterday in
bed. It's 4 AM and I am feeling a little better. I am hoping the worst of it
is passing. Two days like this is certainly enough!

I have lost 21 pounds since this saga began. I just don't have any interest
in food. When I do get hungry, I try to eat, but it's not always easy to
make myself eat something. Saltine crackers seem to be the only thing at
times that will help.

On a more positive note, I got the new hats I ordered. I really like them.
I'm gonna look sharp when I do get to go to church. We went over to Wal-Mart
briefly yesterday since that's the only place that sells the cottage cheese
I like. I wore a mask and my cancer awareness hat and used one of their
little go-carts. We weren't even there a whole half hour, but it was outside
these four walls. Then we came home and I went back to bed.

DeeTee
Nann Bell - 29 Apr 2007 14:51 GMT
((((((((((((DeeTee))))))))))))))  you know, the past few months after I take
my enbrel I flare like the dickens for a few hours.  I think of it as my body
and the enbrel duking it out.  I wonder if something similar is happening
with your body post-chemo, but on a massive scale with the meds being more
massive.

I hope you are able to get some decent nutrition in you.  They must have
something worked out to help cancer patients get nutients - this just isn't
the time for your body to be nutrient deprived!  (Puddin' keeps insisting on
making me type one-handed, so signing off and take care for now!)

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Nann
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Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare

nanny - 29 Apr 2007 15:05 GMT
{{{{{DeeTee}}}}}  I know it must be a rough time for you right now.  More
than you deserve to go through.  Anything out of the ordinary done to us
brings a FM flare from hell, as you say.  And, certainly, chemotherapy is a
strong jolt to your body.  I hope you enjoy wearing your new hats and that
you will continue to retain the good attitude you seem to have.  Nanny
> Oh, not the actually taking in of the chemicals. That's no more painful
> that having an IV for several hours. No, the second day out, I got what
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> DeeTee
Cindy - 29 Apr 2007 15:22 GMT
DeeTee, I wasn't even thinking what it would do to FM...OWWW.
I know that when I am in a flare and finally go in for a shot of steroids in
the behind...That for a few days afterwards..I am going to be worse than
when I go in...Before it finally kicks butt and helps..I think that is why I
wait it out as long as I can..
I cannot even imagine what these powerful drugs do to your body...Not to
mention having to sit still in one place for that many hours at a time....
I know that I cannot sit still for long periods...And just getting over
surgery...The FM Monster must be verry po'd right now....
Lots and lots of hugs...
Cindy

> Oh, not the actually taking in of the chemicals. That's no more painful
> that having an IV for several hours. No, the second day out, I got what
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> DeeTee
jofirey - 29 Apr 2007 16:08 GMT
> Oh, not the actually taking in of the chemicals. That's no more painful
> that having an IV for several hours. No, the second day out, I got what
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> DeeTee

The walls start looking thicker and thicker, and then its time to get out.
I'm glad you were able to.

The right brand of cottage cheese is critical for those who eat it because
they like it.  What brand do you like?

I can't get either of my favorites any more.  Both dairies closed.

My youngest daughter is going through morning sickness nausea.  She said her
stomach is better it she makes herself eat a little bit all day.

I hope you were able to get out today for a little while.  Keep those walls
at bay.

Jo
shenmei9wise@gmail.com - 29 Apr 2007 16:19 GMT
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{DeeTee}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

m
DeeTee and Bob Taggart - 29 Apr 2007 19:28 GMT
Reiters small curd. It's always good. Any other brand, you take your chances
whether you'll get a good tub or not.

DeeTee

>> Oh, not the actually taking in of the chemicals. That's no more painful
>> that having an IV for several hours. No, the second day out, I got what
[quoted text clipped - 36 lines]
>
> Jo
Alex B., - 29 Apr 2007 16:35 GMT
Hi DeeTee,

> Oh, not the actually taking in of the chemicals. That's no more painful that
> having an IV for several hours. No, the second day out, I got what feels
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> DeeTee

Chemo may hurt, but the pain will end in time and you will still be
alive. Cancer hurts also but, cancer kills.

Your doctor should have given you information about what to expect from
the chemo. Sarah was given the choice of chemo or radiation and we chose
the radiation. This site has lots of good information on chemotherapy.
http://www.chemocare.com/

Sending Good Thoughts,
{{{{DeeTee}}}}

GrampaHugs,
Alex,

--

 Any information is included for informational
 or entertainment purposes only, is based on my
 personal experiences & is an expression of my opinion.

****************************************************
* Love radiating from 45.10n x 93.30w   M/SP Mn
* http://home.comcast.net/~apbarna/
* http://goldenmist.org/ahr_faq/index.html
* http://goldenmist.org/grampahugs/
* http://goldenmist.org/
****************************************************
Diane - 29 Apr 2007 16:35 GMT
ouch! that chemo is raging war against the bad guys in your body. it
sounds miserable, but also sounds like it's doing its job.

when john has a terrible (crohns) flare and can't eat much, he drinks
ensure. could you do that? it helps him get the nutrition and calories
he needs to keep going.

love you, sweetie. hang in there and know we're here for you even at 4
am.

diane
Gloria - 29 Apr 2007 17:08 GMT
DeeTee.....[(((((((((((((((gentle hug))))))))))))))). My very good friend
and neighbor is going through exactly what you are, and it is hard!  Right
in the middle of her worst part of chemo, her house burned to the ground, in
the middle of the night. She and her husband got out with only the clothes
they were wearing. (Her husband sleeps in only his underwear). I have taught
her to use the scooters at Wally World, and I can connect with your joy at
getting out of the 4 walls if only for 30 minutes. When she's feeling up to
it, she and I go "scooting".

Are they giving you pred dose packs? They give Judy a dose pack after each
chemo session and she feels great for a few days, then, she's in bed until
the next session.

Keep "scooting" as much as you can and know that many, many prayers are
offered up for you each day.

Gloria

> Oh, not the actually taking in of the chemicals. That's no more painful
> that having an IV for several hours. No, the second day out, I got what
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> DeeTee
Rosemarie Shiver - 29 Apr 2007 18:10 GMT
{{{DeeTee}}}

   Since the anti-nausea drug is working, ask your doc to increase the dose
of whatever you're taking that's for nerve pain.

   If you're not on anything for nerve pain, ya need ta be, m'dear!

Extra Gentle Huggings from Rosie

Signature

"If you wanna get it done, you gotta fight for yourself." -- Meat Loaf, Bat
Outta Hell II

> Oh, not the actually taking in of the chemicals. That's no more painful that
> having an IV for several hours. No, the second day out, I got what feels
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> DeeTee
Carole - 29 Apr 2007 18:27 GMT
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{DeeTee}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I do hope the worst is behind you and that you are feeling better with
each new day.

Gentle Hugs,
Carole
Donna G. - 29 Apr 2007 19:04 GMT
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ DeeTee }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Donna G.
.
.
.
ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
them FRIENDS......
Ashley - 29 Apr 2007 19:16 GMT
> Oh, not the actually taking in of the chemicals. That's no more painful
> that having an IV for several hours. No, the second day out, I got what
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
> DeeTee

((((((((((((((DeeTee)))))))))))))

I can't imagine what you're going through. Maybe a pred dose pack would
help with the pain? And maybe ensure or some other nutrient drink for
nutrition?

Lots of love,
Ashley

=========
~~AN.
Donna G. - 29 Apr 2007 19:48 GMT
Some cancer patients they will actually give pred to, to increase their
appetite.
.
.
.

Donna G.
.
.
.
ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
them FRIENDS......
Harvey R. Stone - 30 Apr 2007 12:50 GMT
> Some cancer patients they will actually give pred to, to increase their
> appetite.
>
> Donna G.
> .

Oh yes,,, it will do that,,,, cancer patient or not.
Harv
Squirrely - 29 Apr 2007 21:28 GMT
OH Sweetie, ouch I feel for you. Glad the nausea meds are working to help
you out though. That is good.

I am wondering since I had a flare up like that a few days ago with the pred
issue and dehydration thing, if maybe that might be what flared you too.
Could it be you needed more fluids to combat what you have been losing. Just
wondering. I hate to see anyone suffer.

If you have trouble with the nausea and such I am wondering if you could
drink pedialyte to keep your electrolytes in somewhat of a balance.

Signature

Love and Hugs to all
Jo the squirrely one

> Oh, not the actually taking in of the chemicals. That's no more painful
> that having an IV for several hours. No, the second day out, I got what
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> DeeTee
Kelly - 30 Apr 2007 04:12 GMT
I will piggyback to what Jo said.  My girlfriend (who is healthy and very
active in fitness - rowing, walking, running and weight training) found when
she was taking chemo for breast cancer that she ached everywhere afterwords.
The solution for her was water, water and more water.  She figured the
dehydration was part of the problem.

The food - well you will gain that back as you go - just keep on hand stuff
you like and eat many small meals - crackers, cheese, toast etc.  Try for
some high calorie things you might not eat - ie: butter on your toast, skip
the fat free yoghurt and go for the 2%, - those little things that we tend
to have lowered our calorie count for.  Try not to lean on empty calories
such as pop - instead go for cheese which is higher in calories but also has
protein.

As for the outings - well Diane those are really necessary.  They can be
short, even a drive in the car can count.  Trust me I do understand getting
out!  We went for breakfast this morning, home for pain meds and naps and
out to my in-laws for dinner tonight.  Really did not need tonight but was
nice to get out.

Hang in there - the rest of us are doing the prayers, candles and thoughts.
You have the hardest job but know we are all standing right behind you
(wouldn't that make an incredible picture - you receiving IV treatment with
100 of these prednisone laden gimpy support people leaning on canes holding
candles in the distance behind you!  A wonderful picture!)

Kelly in BC canada
> OH Sweetie, ouch I feel for you. Glad the nausea meds are working to help
> you out though. That is good.
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
>>
>> DeeTee
Ashley - 30 Apr 2007 09:38 GMT
> Hang in there - the rest of us are doing the prayers, candles and
> thoughts. You have the hardest job but know we are all standing right
> behind you (wouldn't that make an incredible picture - you receiving IV
> treatment with 100 of these prednisone laden gimpy support people
> leaning on canes holding candles in the distance behind you!  A
> wonderful picture!)

That is a beautiful picture! And very true :)

--Ashley

=========
~~AN.
Plantmistress - 30 Apr 2007 23:44 GMT
> Hang in there - the rest of us are doing the prayers, candles and
> thoughts. You have the hardest job but know we are all standing right
> behind you (wouldn't that make an incredible picture - you receiving IV
> treatment with 100 of these prednisone laden gimpy support people
> leaning on canes holding candles in the distance behind you!  A
> wonderful picture!)

Silly!  Now DeeTee's going to be laughing hysterically during her
chemo (when she pictures this) & the nurses are going to try to have
her committed for being crazy.

Really, though, it is a beautiful picture & just what is going on.

Feel better, DeeTee.

Shannon
Kelly - 01 May 2007 01:21 GMT
Yup - you can see it now can't you.  Candle drippings in their clean
hospital and all these mangy people. But it is a good picture.

Kelly

>> Hang in there - the rest of us are doing the prayers, candles and
>> thoughts. You have the hardest job but know we are all standing right
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Shannon
DeeTee and Bob Taggart - 30 Apr 2007 16:53 GMT
Yep - I have lots of those little 1 ounce bars of sharp cheddar. I have been
known even pre-cancer to make a meal of crackers and cheese. Love it!

I have a 32 ounce water cup that I fill repeatedly throughout the day.
Drinking water has never been a problem for me. When I get ill, I get
dehydrated and they usually give me an IV which makes me feel better. I'll
have to remember that the next time I go.

DeeTee

>I will piggyback to what Jo said.  My girlfriend (who is healthy and very
>active in fitness - rowing, walking, running and weight training) found
[quoted text clipped - 59 lines]
>>>
>>> DeeTee
Squirrely - 30 Apr 2007 17:04 GMT
What a picture  you explained there Kelly, now I will keep seeing that. ;-)

Signature

Love and Hugs to all
Jo the squirrely one

>I will piggyback to what Jo said.  My girlfriend (who is healthy and very
>active in fitness - rowing, walking, running and weight training) found
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
>
> Kelly in BC canada
Nell - 30 Apr 2007 09:44 GMT
((((((((((((((((DeeTee))))))))))))))))))

I have no suggestions but am thinking about you.

Nell
spodosaurus - 30 Apr 2007 14:28 GMT
Look on the bright-ish side: if chemo felt good everyone would be doing
it once a year for 'cancer prevention' and the people who need it (you)
would have to wait in line... This way there's no queue. :) (sorta like
the theme park noone wants to visit)

Ari

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Adelle - 30 Apr 2007 16:02 GMT
Dear DeeTee,

Enjoy your hats and your outings!!!! Keep up a spiritual practice at home
(people who meditating or pray often have better rates of recovery from
medical interventions) until you can get back to being in crowds.

Wish things were easier for you. Glad the anti-nausea meds work for you. My
Mom is in the group of people for whom they only work for about 48 hours,
then she needs to switch to a different med.

Keep in mind that feeling full and loss of appetite are both symptoms of the
disease and side effects of treatment. Here is a website with coping hints:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/eatinghints/page3

Here is a website for a very neutral protein I've been thinking of ordering
for both my Mom and my underweight son

http://www.unjury.com/reg/about.shtml

It looks pretty interesting.

Wishing you energy for coping and as much laughter as you can find in a day.

Adelle

> Oh, not the actually taking in of the chemicals. That's no more painful
> that having an IV for several hours. No, the second day out, I got what
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> DeeTee
DeeTee and Bob Taggart - 30 Apr 2007 16:55 GMT
Thank you. I have printing out the eating hints and will try them.

DeeTee

> Dear DeeTee,
>
[quoted text clipped - 48 lines]
>>
>> DeeTee
RhondaM - 30 Apr 2007 19:08 GMT
I am so sorry that you are having to indure such pain and suffering. I
really hope you start to eat a bit better. Have you tried to drink those
ensure drinks?. I know that they are awful, but it might help you in the
nurishment dept. You need good nurishment while you are taking chemo.
Getting out and about is so good for a person who is ill its good to hear
that you are getting out even if it is to the store..its better than the
same four walls. I am thinking about you and wishing you well ok?
((((Gentle Hugs)))))))))))
RhondaM
> Oh, not the actually taking in of the chemicals. That's no more painful
> that having an IV for several hours. No, the second day out, I got what
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> DeeTee
 
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