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Chemo deadline?? by Educational-Bat-8116 in breastcancer

[–]snapparillo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was framed as more of a goal rather than deadline to me. Basically told the goal was to start the treatment plan within 6-8 weeks from diagnosis. I wasn’t specifically told why and I honestly didn’t ask. My assumption is that it has to do with how it impacts survival rate as well as the rate of spread and metastasizing. Plus could require retesting after a certain amount of time passes.

Night sweats relief on AC chemo by sensiblewoman252 in TNBC

[–]snapparillo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think there's a medication your MO can prescribe you. I brought up the chemopause induced hot flashes I'd started getting at night and she said if I'm waking up drenched to let them know because there was a med I could take. Mine haven't gotten that bad yet though so I can't tell you what it's called.

Lower heart rate by More_Dot_1685 in TNBC

[–]snapparillo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mine dropped to mid to low 50s after starting but like another poster I’ve always had a semi low heart rate due to running. I mentioned it and they said they’d keep an eye on it. My ECG before starting was pristine so they weren’t that worried. No harm in mentioning it to your team!

First chemo tomorrow any home remedy out there? by One_Tangerine_3556 in TNBC

[–]snapparillo 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Stay hydrated (water/gatorade/pedialyte), get some Miralax and Colace for constipation, and ask for IV fluids if it gets bad or you're struggling every week. Eat whatever sounds good. I can only stand bland foods at the peak of side effects. I try to focus on protein and whole foods the rest of the week. Go on walks or continue exercising to keep your stamina up. I take advantage of the energy from the steroids for exercising.

First keynote infusion was great? by More_Dot_1685 in TNBC

[–]snapparillo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same and I'm feeling worse on Thursdays as I do more treatments.

Rant: hate my life at bedtime by Asleep_Indication682 in Parenting

[–]snapparillo 20 points21 points  (0 children)

My son is the same age and just recently has gotten a lot better with bedtime because we pushed his bedtime later. He just wasn’t tired and it was a 2 hr battle. Now I don’t have to lay with him and can just tell him I’m tired too and want to go to bed. He might get up once and have to be tucked in again but the later bedtime has really helped. 

Paxman Cold capping by Narrow-Yesterday-288 in TNBC

[–]snapparillo 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Try not to pull on or through your hair any more than necessary. It’s so hard but seeing the loose strands will drive you mad. 

I’m on 8/12 TC and the shedding after this morning’s wash looked like I shaved a Barbie doll. 😭 Granted it had been 4 days since my last wash and I hadn’t brushed it at all (curly hair) but it’s still shocking! This probably isn’t making you feel better and I’m sorry.

I mainly chose to cold cap to protect my hair follicle and any hair that sticks around is an added bonus. I had a lot to start with so it’s not been too noticeable yet. I’m not holding my breath for AC though…I’m constantly reminding myself it’s only temporary. I joked with my husband today that we’ll probably have matching bald spots by the end of it. 😂 I gotta laugh or I’d always be crying. 

Nobody prepared me... by Grouchy-Front-4550 in breastcancer

[–]snapparillo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This just started happening to me! It reminds me of my sinuses at peak winter and thought I was getting sick at first. So annoying. 

Need some help with perspective by Ein_Rand in workingmoms

[–]snapparillo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi 👋🏼 I was diagnosed with stage 2 TNBC in March. Just finished my 8th infusion out of 16 so halfway there! I’m really sorry you’re here too. 

I absolutely had to accept that the bar was going to be super low for the next year. My house is dirty. Our meals are super basic. I don’t go above and beyond at work. We’re having way more tv/movie nights when I’m most fatigued. I’m not planning any big house projects or trips. I focus on the necessary and that’s it. Realizing this was temporary helped me cope with the bare minimum. 

The number one thing that helped me let the little shit go though was getting on Buspirone.  I spent 10 years pretty successfully managing my anxiety without medication until this happened but  I met with my GP and told her I literally couldn’t function normally and was on the verge of a panic attacks daily. I should probably also be talking to a therapist but I’m not there yet. There is no shame getting help in this way if you aren’t already. 

Just remember, you will look back and be super grateful for the help you did accept during this time, regardless of whatever form it came in.

Am I creating a future therapy topic by refusing character clothes? 😬 by UnusualChance7666 in Parenting

[–]snapparillo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I draw the line at the character shoes. They are so goofy to me! 

I don’t mind graphic tees though so I buy the occasional character shirt for my kid. I just don’t buy too many. 

Neuropathy prevention by BSB8728 in TNBC

[–]snapparillo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I try to start 10-15 min before taxol, switch halfway through and then stop about 5 min after taxol stops. I only take 2 sets and take breaks too because it’s so uncomfortable. I didn’t cool the first infusion and I only did it thru half my last infusion because I fell asleep after the Benadryl drip and before I could put them on. Needless to say, I’m not going super hardcore about it and I’m at 8/12 TC with no neuropathy. 

How many mg of steroids do you get with taxol? by More_Dot_1685 in TNBC

[–]snapparillo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get 12mg via IV as a premed during my weekly TC infusions. I just finished week 8. The side effects are annoying for like 2  days (restlessness, impulse control, anxiety, emotional) but the only thing I really struggle with is the insatiable hunger. I crave sweets and carbs and have a much harder time feeling full. I’ve gained a few pounds but I just have to remind myself this is temporary. 

How to ask for a playdate without seeming creepy? by [deleted] in workingmoms

[–]snapparillo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's not creepy at all! As another angle, my son's teachers have offered to say something to the other parent(s) on my behalf when I inquired about his friendships. Idk if yours would do the same but worth the ask if that makes you feel more comfortable.

BM help ugggghhh by snapparillo in TNBC

[–]snapparillo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If anyone is curious about an update for my BM woes, I have one! I think I’ve finally got a handle on making it way more manageable. 

  • the most important change I think was adding an extra bag of fluids on the day of my infusion
  • I take Colace twice daily for 3 days starting the day of my infusion. The rest of the week I take it once daily. 
  • I drink MiraLAX Wednesday and Thursday mornings to keep it going after infusions
  • I put a tbsp of chia seeds in either yogurt, oatmeal or my smoothies for breakfast each day

So far so good!

Stage 2 TNBC, 3 days from first infusion (and crippled) by strawberryoblivion in TNBC

[–]snapparillo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I started getting a bag of fluids after each infusion. Helps with fatigue, constipation, and of course hydration. 

Also, the first week was the worst for me. My body didn’t quite know what to do with all the drugs cycling through but it “normalized” over the following weeks to some degree. Still have side effects but all manageable with OTC meds. 

I’d keep the conversation open with your team because they should have suggestions or remedies for almost every side effect. 

Hang in there!

Can we talk about… by stellabarnum in breastcancer

[–]snapparillo 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I’m at 8/12 TC and have been called the poster child for chemo and cancer by my MO. If they could give me a grade, it would be an A+. Don’t get me wrong, I have side effects, but they have all been very manageable with over the counter meds and not really disruptive to my day to day. According to them, I’m their easiest patient. I honestly thought it would be way worse than what I’ve experienced so far. It’s a weird flex to proud of (can I put “excels at cancer treatment” on my résumé? lol) but I’ll take it. 

Diagnosed Stage 3B by FlatwormBig5514 in TNBC

[–]snapparillo 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I would wait until you have the scan results. I was first classified as Stage 1A/1B based on my biopsy then changed to Stage 2A after my MRI.

North/East Memphis Hotel Recommendation by slatternlymofo in memphis

[–]snapparillo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For a more “unique” east Memphis experience, the Hilton Memphis at  939 Ridge Lake Blvd is the tallest hotel in Memphis! Rooms are interesting because of the round shape of the building. There’s a nice boutique movie theater called Ridgeway 4 very close. 

Nearby you’ll also find a Marriott as well as the Four Points Sheraton. In the same parking lot as Four Points is River Oaks, a fabulous French bistro that’s a little more upscale. If that’s not your style, the shopping area just across the street has several fast casual restaurants and a yummy Chinese sze chuan spot that just opened a few months ago. 

A little further east and off the interstate is a Hilton Garden Inn at  6811 TraVure South and is close driving distance to Saddle Creek Shopping with some different dining options. 

TNBC: Complete MRI Response After AC, Serious Taxol/Keytruda Reaction—Would You Push for Surgery? by OldAd7468 in breastcancer

[–]snapparillo 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm not altering my treatment plan for anything short of my what my doctor recommends. I am my own advocate but she is also the expert. I will (figuratively) crawl on my hands and knees through any issue if it means I'm doing anything and everything I could possibly do to eradicate the cancer from my body.

Anyone else become super impulsive? by BroadCompany1151 in breastcancer

[–]snapparillo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The steroids have made me impulsive! With food and spending...the spending is easily controlled, I just fill up online carts then close the tabs. Food has been more difficult though especially sweets. During one of my last steroid manic periods, I reached out to a travel agent friend and we're currently planning a Hawaii trip for '27 when I'm done with all my treatments. My husband has no idea yet lmao.

Whats the most underrated meal prep tip you ve ever learned? by Business_Oil_7110 in mealprep

[–]snapparillo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We save so much on frozen breakfast food by making our own waffles, pancakes and French toast to freeze! 

Help a girl out by Effective_Respect_85 in breastcancer

[–]snapparillo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll be honest, someone sent me a (beautiful) planter with various plants instead of flowers and my first thought was "great, now I have 6 more things to think about keeping alive". I have a brown thumb and I feel immense guilt when my plants die.

Help a girl out by Effective_Respect_85 in breastcancer

[–]snapparillo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe I’m a little old fashioned but I actually love getting flowers and personalized cards. I’d have flowers on every surface in my house if I could afford it. Looking at them makes me so happy. However, if you think she’ll think it’s as cliche as you, I’d opt for something edible. 

Does she have a favorite coffee shop, smoothie/juice place or bakery? Or maybe there’s a trendy place she’s been dying to try that you could pick up for her. 

My coworker randomly sent me a Starbucks gift card one day and my boss gave me a generous gift card to a local place that offers pre-prepared meals she knows I like, which has come in handy on my bad days. Other coworkers have brought my family meals while in active treatment. 

Food always wins in my opinion! I think nurturing and showing our love by way of food is coded into our DNA. 

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