Ladies,

I think this is definatly due to the steroids, my onc warned me it's very easy to gain a lot of weight during tx and not so easy to take it off!!
I was the opposite, I lost so much weight they were seriously worried the cancer had spread at one point, and everyone who knew me really did'nt think I looked well.
I did regain my usual weight eventually but it took me eighteen months to do so. I'm not sure why some of have such an opposite reaction to these tx's, maybe its a metabolism thing who knows??
I'd have some low cal munchies on hand in the fridge just in case:)

Tricia Keegan...From Ireland Dx July '05 IDC 3/9 nodes pos..triple positive..a/c x 4..Taxol/herceptin x 12
Herceptin 1yr ..rads x35 oophorectomy Aug '06
Currently taking Arimidex
Carepage- survivortricia

Hi Nancy,

Yes, this time everything is so bland or not tasting at all and really quick too.  I still hold on to my lemon flavor propel, its not as good as usual bu so much better than plain water.  Fresh raw veggies still taste and cucumber ranch dressing is still good.  I get these Breyer's popsicles that are mango pomegranate and cherry pomegranate and blueberry pom and they all come mixed in the box and they taste great! But I didn't have any appetite at all for about 3 days and so tired this time.  But only one more to go!!!   November 23rd!!!   

Artlab, eggs do not taste at all post chemo for me, I feel them in my mouth but no taste what so ever...I did taste them the week before chemo the last 4 times and was really enjoying a veggie omelet a couple times on those weeks.  Meat still tastes and that's a good thing, trying to keep my protein levels up.  But eggs and cheese, nothing...

Hugs,
Paula

Paula

2/26/09 DX Invasive ductal carcinoma multifocal, solid and cribriform type, 6 masses total, largest 2.0 cm
4/15/09 Bilateral mastectomy, skin sparring, tissue expanders, 3 nodes removed, clear, Grade 1, Stage IIa
5/22/09 DIEP
5/26/09 Emergent removal of left flap, TE placed
7/2/09 Left Lat Flap
8/10/09 Started 6 rounds Cytoxan & Taxotere 
A MAMMOGRAM SAVED MY LIFE, START AT AGE 40, DON'T LISTEN TO THE 'NEW' RECOMMENDATIONS

Someone gave me a Dunkin Donuts gift card...got a cup of coffee...and it didn't taste "right".  DD coffee is one of my FAVs.

However, tonight, someone stopped at a little ice cream shop that sells Pumpkin Ice Cream...and bought me some.  It tasted WONDERFUL.  (I had mentioned in my caringbridge blog that I knew I wasn't feeling well when I passed by the shop and didn't buy my favorite fall ice cream... so they decided to bring me some for when I was feeling up to it!)

Tomorrow I'm going to my Weight Watchers meeting--just for inspiration!!

Hi guys -- a lot of this is ahead of me b/c I am not doing A/C yet -- that will be post-surgery.  Now I'm on neoadjuntive taxol/herceptin.  I did want to say hang in there and eat what you can.  I have lost 20 pounds since diagnosis, although it has leveled of in the last month, not trying to but just eating HEALTHIER.  I was eating a tremendous amount of junk, honestly.  This has scared me into cleaning up my act, with the result that 20 pounds of the 40 I need to lose are gone without any effort.  I'm eating lots of veggies now -- can't seem to get enough broccoli and esp cauliflower!  These are cruciferous veggies that are really good for fighting cancer.  I am TRYING to enjoy green tea (gave up my legendary coffee habit) but it's hard.  Tastes like bitter grass, ugh.  But won't give up b/c I know it is good for me.
 
Willowmother that is the BEST news!!!!  I won't be seen for measurement for 2 weeks.  On visit 5, I went from 5 cm to 3 cm.  I am so hoping next time that it will shrink more!  I just completed week 7.  Your encouraging news gives me encouraging news as well.  My last treatment is December 11, when is yours?  I will have a nice break during Christmas before surgery to give the chemo (esp herceptin) a chance to get out of me.  Then surgery in January.  Then A/C, then rads, then herceptin balance of the year.  True for you too?
 
NMB I love your beaubeau scarf in the picture!!  That's what I wear too, and I get so many complements on them :)
 
 

married 19 years to my wonderful husband
mom to a 4 year old girl, a 6 year old boy, and an 8 year old boy

diagnosis 8/14/09, neoadjunctive herceptin/taxol starting 9/4/09; bilateral mast. in 1/10; 12 weeks a/c chemo; 6 weeks rads; herceptin balance of year (9/2010).  invasive ductal carcinoma, stage IIB/III, her2+

I live in full expectation of recovery, so the foundation for cure is laid.
--Bernie Siegel

I have gained 10 pounds through all of this.  I have not had issues eating and am also more hungry.  The nurse also told me the steroids make you more hungry and add to the weight gain.  If you are steroids, that could also by why you are hungry a lot :o) 

I was what you would call a gym rat before all of this started, totally addicted to my work outs.  Since the surgery's and the chemo and everything else in between, my workouts are nearly non-existant now.  I manage to walk maybe 4 days a week, but that is it...  I am sure that is part of the weight gain.  Everyone tells me to just not worry about it because fighting the cancer is the most important thing.  I agree, but it is still frustrating :o) 

35 years old, married
Diagnosed May 2009
2 Lumpectomy's & sentinal lymph node removal
Stage 2, extensive lymphatic space invasion & 2 lymph nodes infected
4 rounds of dose dense A/C starting July 17, 2009 
12 weekly rounds of Taxol  
33 weeks of radiation
5 years of Tamoxifin
HER2 - 

Steriod i was just like you it is only temporary you will lost it later be nice to yourself relax gym will be there when you are done eat away you look great

Don't worry in the long run its better to keep food down and gain weight in chemotherapy yes it makes you tired i gained 10lbs in two months radiation lost 25 in 6 weeks everyone is different so happy i had that steriod during chemo with my manly looking body and bald head my hair grew back really nicely summer was good for balding head keep your head up good luck

Wow, Pilgrim that's interesting.  At first I was worried about your 20 lbs but it does make sense if you are eating healthier (now THAT's a silver lining)
 
So... most of you are Taxol ladies now so I assume they will want me to keep on the decadron through those rounds - has anyone refused it during Taxol?  Or, just had the IV and not the pills?   And, how long it stays in your system?  I'd think it would be out of mine by now since it's been a week...  Swear it makes me edgy too.

One more question :)  with Rads will there be any on-going meds??  Gosh, I am hoping not.

My scarf is not a beaubeau - it's regular but now I want to learn to tie them like Becfay's (very pretty)  and see I should not be wearing it over my ears (which is annoying since I take glasses on and off all day)  I get tangled up most time I tie them... getting better!  Most of the time I wear an ugly black fleece hat my sister in law sent me… so easy and comfy.

Tomorrow we are going outlet shopping and I'm going to try to wear my wig with a cap and pretend none of this is going on for a few hours :)

Karen - pumpkin ice cream would be the LAST thing which I'd crave now... ick....  glad you enjoyed it though - but I bet most would not crave chicken livers like I did.  Paula, does Propel have sweeteners?  If it does not I'll pick some up tomorrow.
 
 

Nancy
DX 7/15/09, IDC at age 47
Tumor 3.5 x 2.5 x 3 cm
ER/PR +, HER-2 -
Right Modified Radical Mastectomy w/expander 8/27/09
Stage II, T2, N1 (3 of 9 positive)
BRCA1/2 Negative with strong family history
Dose Dense A/C + Taxol (8 rounds) starting 9/28/09
28 Rads, Winter 2010
Prophylactic left mastectomy and oomph 2010
Longer term - Tamoxifin (2 yrs?) and AI (7 yrs?)

Hi Nancy,

I think propel has a little bit in there but not much, the calories are 20 a bottle if I remember right.  The good thing is the mango flavor has added fiber.  I was really chugging the mango flavor but since chemo Monday, back on lemon, I can't really taste the mango right now.  I also like the blueberry pomegranate but not after chemo for me.  

I usually just get it in the bottle but sometimes get the packets and add to plain water.   I also like the Special K fiber water and get the pink lemonade flavor.  

See if you can find those Breyer's popsicles, they are so yummy even with chemo mouth...

Hugs,
Paula

Paula

2/26/09 DX Invasive ductal carcinoma multifocal, solid and cribriform type, 6 masses total, largest 2.0 cm
4/15/09 Bilateral mastectomy, skin sparring, tissue expanders, 3 nodes removed, clear, Grade 1, Stage IIa
5/22/09 DIEP
5/26/09 Emergent removal of left flap, TE placed
7/2/09 Left Lat Flap
8/10/09 Started 6 rounds Cytoxan & Taxotere 
A MAMMOGRAM SAVED MY LIFE, START AT AGE 40, DON'T LISTEN TO THE 'NEW' RECOMMENDATIONS

Nancy...I took my wig to the owner of the salon where I get my hair done.  Her sister went through BC (she shaved her head in support of her sister!)...When I was in for my "extreme haircut" (the one in my photo), she had told me she would do this for me.  She had me put it on and then trimmed it to fit my face.  She also gave me tips of storage/washing, etc.  Then, she said, "I want you to wear it out of here!".  My sister and I were also heading to the outlets!!  I felt so uncomfortable.  I ran into 2 ppl who knew me from years ago...and they said, "Wow, I didn't recognize you with shorter hair...your hair looks great!"  My sister was trying not to laugh!  (I, of course, had to tell them it was a wig!! duh!)  I am SO much more comfortable in my scarves and hats.

I purchased a few hats from headcovers.com and also from TLC, which, I believe, is through the American Cancer Society.  My favorite are these little cotton hats.  The sell really cute twists and scarf-like things so you can mix/match.  They aren't as itchy as the wig.  From headcovers.com I purchased a terrycloth cap that you can wear under scarves to help them from slipping.

My son bought me 2 Coach scarves for my b-day (crazy college kid shouldn't be spending money like that!)...and I've worn them over the terry cap.  They are on the smaller side, so no "tail" like Becfay's  (BTY...I was struck by how beautiful you look, Becfay, in your scarf!)  One of the scarves is a beautiful purple color with the Coach "C's" all-over.  I feel so elegant when I wear it---MUCH better than when I have the wig on!

Nancy...I wear my scarves over my ears, too.

Today, my sister who is a florist, sends me a package.  I was so excited...thinking it was one of her beautiful floral pieces.  I open it up and it is a "Paris Hilton" hairpiece!!!  Comes with 4 hairbands.  It's called, "The Bandit"...has a picture of Paris saying, "That's Hot".  I don't know what she was thinking--I would be bald from the hairband forward!!!  (This is the sister who made the insensitive comment about my short hair and then went on and on about how guys like long hair!)  This sister has a masters degree, owns her own business...and was raised by the same parents as the rest of us!!!  I called to tell her the package arrived...but told her I wouldn't be able to use it until my real hair grows back.  She said the girl at Sally's Beauty Supply told her I could wear it over a scarf!!!  (You should see how hideous that looks!)  My sister said maybe I could get a dew rag!  AHHH...I know she is trying to be helpful....but honestly, I would have preferred one of her BEAUTIFUL arrangements!!!!!!

Of course, my nice "nurse" sister--whom I spent the day with yesterday gave me one of her beautiful antique-style rings.  She told me to try it on....and then said, "It's yours".  Her former husband is specialist at a big university city hospital and had given it to her as a gift.  The stone is a pinkish/purple color...so she said since I'm going through breast cancer, I should be the one to have it.

Isn't it amazing how children who are only 1 year apart from each other...raised by the same parents...can be so different???!!!!

By the way...Weight Watchers meeting was good today.  Good reminders to eat healthy...plan ahead...especially as the holiday season is upon us.  Eating to live is the right mindset.  Weight Watchers really stresses the importance of healthy eating...rather than weight loss.  As Pilgrim said...eating healthy makes the difference.  My downfall has always been that I am an emotional/stress eater.  I managed to overcome that over the last 3 years.  While on WW, my husband was going through difficult health issues that resulted in amputations of both legs...I'll never forget realizing how far I had come, when one day--I was very stressed out--and my thought was, "I really need to go to the gym and workout"...rather than, "I need chocolate!".  I had never had that thought before in my life.  This is what I want to maintain throughout this journey.  Eat to maintain good health.  Find other ways to deal with stress--like taking walks, buying a pretty hat, spending time with a friend...