As we all know, I am kinda obsessed with fitness and nutrition. I have been an admirer of Jamie Eason, a fitness model, for 6+ years. I have strived over the years to get a physique like hers, but I loved junk food just way too much.
Unbeknownst to me, Jamie had breast cancer in her early 20s. I learned this about 3 weeks ago. It makes me love her even more, she is a 5+yr survivor and has transformed her body in the process. Her story has given me more hope than I can put into words. I absolutely adore her and in her interviews she seems so down to earth and nice, she has definitely had a hard road to travel. Now, if only I can channel her strength to be everything I can be. :-)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Exchange Surgery
I had my exchange surgery one week ago. I expected a lot more pain, but the pain is bearable. I still have some soreness at my scar-lines and at the revision lines. I am tired, but I know when to rest. The weird thing about this surgery is that I was cleared to drive on Monday. I didn't get drains, just antibiotics and a compression bra. I have been going on slow walks & I really think the walking and staying active has helped with my healing and prevention of a seroma this time around.
When I woke up from surgery, I honestly was pretty disappointed. The implants just looked small and square. Not what I expected FOOBs to be at all. Apparently the implants have to settle in their pockets to get the full effect and swelling needs to go down. Also implants are shaped much different from real boobs. They are wider and rounder, which means it may seem small but the overall "liquid" volume of implants is actually much larger than they appear. Hence, I tried on an old 34 C bra of mine & the cups were too small. The band was too big. I am now a little more excited to find out what I actually fit in and to go for a real bra fitting in 5 weeks.
Now, I have to wear a zip-front sports bra type thing. I got two from under-amour. I went with these before ordering "surgical bras", because I figured they could be re-used again when I can run again in 6 weeks. They seemed to have no preference on the type of sports bra that I got, as long as it wasn't too tight and that I was comfortable and felt supported. I ended up with a size L, I was so surprised that medium squished me! I used to be a size S, so this was a big ego boost too. I will be getting a stage 2 compression bra next Monday at my follow-up appointment. Apparently this is another type of ugly zip front bra that provides compression. I am also going to get a script for surgical bras, because my insurance covers 3-4 bras every 6 months. I might as well take advantage of this too. :-) All in all the surgery was great & I really won't know what the final product looks like for around 2 months. The implants have to settle & I am okay with that. They keep looking better everyday and my clothes fit wonderfully. I finally don't "disappear" in a size S top.
I also started Tamoxifen yesterday. Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogen therapy. I will need to be on Tamoxifen for 5 years. My oncologist said that he wasn't going to even consider removing my ovaries, which some BC girls do, because it puts me at worse risk for cardiac issues and osteoporosis if he does remove them. Also he is not going to use Lupron, to shut down my ovaries, because no studies have been published to show that Lupron + Tamoxifen is anymore effective than Tamoxifen alone. So here is to daily Tamoxifen for 5 years & more hot flashes post Chemo-pause. Tamoxifen will be the most helpful treatment for me...I was 95% Estrogen positive & Tamoxifen is the #1 treatment for that. Wish me luck!
Now onto the next step: Radiation. I have my planning session on Friday, so I will definitely post an update about that soon. I will most likely start Rads on June 20 or the 27th. The end of this journey will be here exactly before I am 27. Perfect Timing!!
When I woke up from surgery, I honestly was pretty disappointed. The implants just looked small and square. Not what I expected FOOBs to be at all. Apparently the implants have to settle in their pockets to get the full effect and swelling needs to go down. Also implants are shaped much different from real boobs. They are wider and rounder, which means it may seem small but the overall "liquid" volume of implants is actually much larger than they appear. Hence, I tried on an old 34 C bra of mine & the cups were too small. The band was too big. I am now a little more excited to find out what I actually fit in and to go for a real bra fitting in 5 weeks.
Now, I have to wear a zip-front sports bra type thing. I got two from under-amour. I went with these before ordering "surgical bras", because I figured they could be re-used again when I can run again in 6 weeks. They seemed to have no preference on the type of sports bra that I got, as long as it wasn't too tight and that I was comfortable and felt supported. I ended up with a size L, I was so surprised that medium squished me! I used to be a size S, so this was a big ego boost too. I will be getting a stage 2 compression bra next Monday at my follow-up appointment. Apparently this is another type of ugly zip front bra that provides compression. I am also going to get a script for surgical bras, because my insurance covers 3-4 bras every 6 months. I might as well take advantage of this too. :-) All in all the surgery was great & I really won't know what the final product looks like for around 2 months. The implants have to settle & I am okay with that. They keep looking better everyday and my clothes fit wonderfully. I finally don't "disappear" in a size S top.
I also started Tamoxifen yesterday. Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogen therapy. I will need to be on Tamoxifen for 5 years. My oncologist said that he wasn't going to even consider removing my ovaries, which some BC girls do, because it puts me at worse risk for cardiac issues and osteoporosis if he does remove them. Also he is not going to use Lupron, to shut down my ovaries, because no studies have been published to show that Lupron + Tamoxifen is anymore effective than Tamoxifen alone. So here is to daily Tamoxifen for 5 years & more hot flashes post Chemo-pause. Tamoxifen will be the most helpful treatment for me...I was 95% Estrogen positive & Tamoxifen is the #1 treatment for that. Wish me luck!
Now onto the next step: Radiation. I have my planning session on Friday, so I will definitely post an update about that soon. I will most likely start Rads on June 20 or the 27th. The end of this journey will be here exactly before I am 27. Perfect Timing!!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Anti-Cancer Summary 2
I wrote about "Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life," by Dr. David Servan-Schrieber a few months ago. I have always been into nutrition & eating healthy. I found this book to be amazing as the author is a two time Brain Cancer survivor, whom changed his lifestyle habits at his second diagnosis. Someone on my support group boards today posted a list that summarized the foods us Cancer-People should eat. I just wanted to put it on my blog, so you can also be informed.
Green Tea, 3 cups a day : it reduces the growth of new blood vessels needed for tumor growth and metastases.
Olives & Olive Oil: contains phenolic antioxidants & Omega 3 fatty acids. Other great sources of Omega 3 - Salmon/Tilapia, Fish Oil, Flax Seeds, Flax Seed Oil & Chia Seeds
Turmeric: Helps stimulate apoptosis (death) in cancer cells and inhibit angiogenesis (growth of vessels). 1/4 - 1/2 tsp of turmeric a day mixed with 1/8 tsp of pepper and a table spoon of olive oil. This combo helps your body absorb the benefits of turmeric.
Ginger: protects against certain cancers, it acts against cancer cells. Also helps w/nausea caused by chemo
Cruciform veggies (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, bok choy, etc): contains I3Cs-dindole-3-carbinols which are powerful anticancer molecules.
Garlic, onions, leeks, shallots : they promote apoptosis in colon, breast & lung cancers and prostate. Regulates blood sugars, this in turn reduces insulin secretion an dIGF and thus the growth of cancer cells.
Veggies & fruit rich in carotenoids (carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, apricots, beets, etc.) - contain vitamin A and lycopene which have the proven capacity to inhibit cell growths of several cancers, stimulate immune cells which then attack tumors
Tomatoes & Tomato sauce: must be cooked, has a whole series of anticancer nutrients, and mix w/olive oil to help your body assimilate the lycopenes.
Mushrooms ( shiitake, maitake, cremini, portobello, oyster....) : contain polysaccharides and lentinian which stimulate the immune cells. Often used in Japan as a complement to chemotherapy to support the immune system.
Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil and mint: very rich in essential oils of the terpene family and promote apoptosis in cancer cells and reduce their spread by blocking the enzymes needed to invade neighboring tissues. Rosemary is also an anti-inflammatory. Its capacity to enhance the effectiveness of certain chemotherapies.
Parsley and celery: contain apigenin, an anti-inflammatory that promotes apoptosis and blocks angiogenesis.
Seaweed: several varieties of seaweed commonly eaten in Asia contain molecules that slow cancer growth, especially that of breast, prostate, skin and colon cancer.
Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and cranberries) : contain elegiac acid and a large number of polyphenols. They stimulate the mechanisms of elimination of carcinogenic substances and inhibit angiogenesis, also promote apoptosis.
Plums, peaches & nectarines - 'stone fruit' contain as many anticancer agents as berries and are cheaper. A study at University of Texas observed that plum extracts had powerful effects against the growth of breast cancer.
Citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, limes, lemons & grapefruit) :contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids. Stimulate the detoxification of carcinogens in the liver. Flavonoids in the skin of tangerines penetrate brain cancer cells and facilitate their death by apoptosis.
Pomegranate Juice & Pomegranates - it has been used in Persian medicine for years. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have been confirmed and has the capacity to substantially reduce the development of prostate cancer (among others) even in it's most aggressive forms). In humans daily consumption of pomegranate juice slows the spread of an established prostate cancer by 67%.
Red Wine & GRAPES: contains polyphenols including the celebrated resveratrol. These polyphenols are extracted by fermentation. Reservatrol acts on genes that are known to protect healthy cells against aging. Only 1 glass per day, drank with food. Grapes are a better substitution IMO. More than one glass of wine daily, which I like to say weekly, should be avoided. Since drinking too much wine daily may lead to an increase of cancer & addiction.
Dark chocolate- Must be 70% or more. Contains a number of antioxidants, proanthocyandidins and may polyphenols. These molecules slow the growth of cancer and limit angiogenesis. Consume 20 grams a day. Do not eat milk chocolate, mixing dairy w/chocolate cancels the beneficial effects of the molecules of cocoa.
Vitamin D3- reduces the risk of several cancers. Studies published recently have shown positive effects of vitamin D3 on breast cancer, non-small lung cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer. Our bodies cannot metabolize more than 3,000mcg of Vitamin D3 a day. I stick with 1,000mcg in the AM & another 1,000mcg in the PM. We should be trying to get most of our Vitamin D from REAL food & going outdoors.
Exercise - Aim for 3 hours a week. I usually get in 6-8hrs a week, but he just recommends walking 30min a day.
Green Tea, 3 cups a day : it reduces the growth of new blood vessels needed for tumor growth and metastases.
Olives & Olive Oil: contains phenolic antioxidants & Omega 3 fatty acids. Other great sources of Omega 3 - Salmon/Tilapia, Fish Oil, Flax Seeds, Flax Seed Oil & Chia Seeds
Turmeric: Helps stimulate apoptosis (death) in cancer cells and inhibit angiogenesis (growth of vessels). 1/4 - 1/2 tsp of turmeric a day mixed with 1/8 tsp of pepper and a table spoon of olive oil. This combo helps your body absorb the benefits of turmeric.
Ginger: protects against certain cancers, it acts against cancer cells. Also helps w/nausea caused by chemo
Cruciform veggies (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, bok choy, etc): contains I3Cs-dindole-3-carbinols which are powerful anticancer molecules.
Garlic, onions, leeks, shallots : they promote apoptosis in colon, breast & lung cancers and prostate. Regulates blood sugars, this in turn reduces insulin secretion an dIGF and thus the growth of cancer cells.
Veggies & fruit rich in carotenoids (carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, apricots, beets, etc.) - contain vitamin A and lycopene which have the proven capacity to inhibit cell growths of several cancers, stimulate immune cells which then attack tumors
Tomatoes & Tomato sauce: must be cooked, has a whole series of anticancer nutrients, and mix w/olive oil to help your body assimilate the lycopenes.
Mushrooms ( shiitake, maitake, cremini, portobello, oyster....) : contain polysaccharides and lentinian which stimulate the immune cells. Often used in Japan as a complement to chemotherapy to support the immune system.
Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil and mint: very rich in essential oils of the terpene family and promote apoptosis in cancer cells and reduce their spread by blocking the enzymes needed to invade neighboring tissues. Rosemary is also an anti-inflammatory. Its capacity to enhance the effectiveness of certain chemotherapies.
Parsley and celery: contain apigenin, an anti-inflammatory that promotes apoptosis and blocks angiogenesis.
Seaweed: several varieties of seaweed commonly eaten in Asia contain molecules that slow cancer growth, especially that of breast, prostate, skin and colon cancer.
Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and cranberries) : contain elegiac acid and a large number of polyphenols. They stimulate the mechanisms of elimination of carcinogenic substances and inhibit angiogenesis, also promote apoptosis.
Plums, peaches & nectarines - 'stone fruit' contain as many anticancer agents as berries and are cheaper. A study at University of Texas observed that plum extracts had powerful effects against the growth of breast cancer.
Citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, limes, lemons & grapefruit) :contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids. Stimulate the detoxification of carcinogens in the liver. Flavonoids in the skin of tangerines penetrate brain cancer cells and facilitate their death by apoptosis.
Pomegranate Juice & Pomegranates - it has been used in Persian medicine for years. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have been confirmed and has the capacity to substantially reduce the development of prostate cancer (among others) even in it's most aggressive forms). In humans daily consumption of pomegranate juice slows the spread of an established prostate cancer by 67%.
Red Wine & GRAPES: contains polyphenols including the celebrated resveratrol. These polyphenols are extracted by fermentation. Reservatrol acts on genes that are known to protect healthy cells against aging. Only 1 glass per day, drank with food. Grapes are a better substitution IMO. More than one glass of wine daily, which I like to say weekly, should be avoided. Since drinking too much wine daily may lead to an increase of cancer & addiction.
Dark chocolate- Must be 70% or more. Contains a number of antioxidants, proanthocyandidins and may polyphenols. These molecules slow the growth of cancer and limit angiogenesis. Consume 20 grams a day. Do not eat milk chocolate, mixing dairy w/chocolate cancels the beneficial effects of the molecules of cocoa.
Vitamin D3- reduces the risk of several cancers. Studies published recently have shown positive effects of vitamin D3 on breast cancer, non-small lung cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer. Our bodies cannot metabolize more than 3,000mcg of Vitamin D3 a day. I stick with 1,000mcg in the AM & another 1,000mcg in the PM. We should be trying to get most of our Vitamin D from REAL food & going outdoors.
Exercise - Aim for 3 hours a week. I usually get in 6-8hrs a week, but he just recommends walking 30min a day.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Delayed Update
I have been trying to log onto this blogspot server for a WEEK to give updates, but the stupid google server was down. This is the first time my ever trusty Google let me down.
I finished Chemo on May 16. My last Taxol was very taxing. I never felt any nausea from the weekly Taxol until the 12th infusion. I ended up going home early from work on Tuesday and crashed in bed for 3 hours. I didn't even have energy to go running last week & I barely do most days this week. Good things are that Chemo did its job & I will never have to feel this fatigued again unless I get the flu.
Good News: I am growing hair. I am like a chia pet, but so far its all party in the back & business up front. Yes, I am growing a mullet. No, I will not post a picture of it on the internet. Its ugly, but I gave up my scarves in my house & I have been walking around with my Chia-Pet Mullet rocking out to some white-trash 80s rock.
Bad News: I have lost a total of 7 toenails. They have all grown back, but I can't wear flip flops until at least the two purple/brown toes grow out. I know gross. I could always just paint those two & start a new trend. That's something to think about. I also have had my thumbnails lift off the beds & according to TRUSTY Google & Wiki its a fungus. EW, I know gross. I have been soaking my thumbs in Hydrogen Peroxide. I apparently have to do this for 5days & then apply Tea Tree Oil. Isn't Chemo wonderful? Its truly a gift that keeps on Giving. In the meantime, I am paining my crusty fingernails & keeping them clean.
I saw my oncology-surgeon for my 6month follow-up this past Tuesday. All looks good & I will see her in a year. For breast cancer patients whom have had a mastectomy they do not do regular scans. They do signs of symptoms and then scans. They try not to do scans, because the radiation is more harmful & the scans won't detect small signs of cancer only signs where symptoms would be present. I will get MRIs every 3years, but nothing like a PET/CT scan unless I feel like I have any symptoms. My oncologist plans on doing blood work for tumor markers, but for breast cancer the tumor markers are very vague and not accurate. I really just have to stay aware of my body for symptoms & take very good care of myself to prevent Mets.
Today is my last day of work for a month. I have my exchange surgery next week. I have been walking around with rock-hard tissue expanders long enough & I am sick of my clothes not fitting right. I cannot wait for FOOBs. This is a good surgery. Tomorrow, I go to NYC to get my pre-surgical blood drawn to get my counts tested. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I start Tamoxifen on June 7th. Tamoxifen is the Selective Estrogen Reuptake Modulator that will "scoop" up any extra estrogen in my body. Tamoxifen and Surgery are the MOST effective treatments for my type of breast cancer for premenopausal women. My cancer was hormone receptive positive (95% estrogen & 10% progesterone). I will be on Tamoxifen for 5 years. I am actually looking forward to starting that, because then all I have left is to do radiation, which is supposedly easy & is just an "extra" insurance policy. I do not know much about radiation at this point, but I will on June 10th when I have my planning session with my radiation oncologist.
I have been feeling pretty down on myself, because I am finally fatigued and have had energy to either lift weights or sit on my butt. I haven't had much energy to run, but I am hoping that since I gave my legs some rest, I will be out running this weekend just in time to get myself pumped for surgery. Also, although I have been tired and lazy due to last-chemo fatigued. I do have to say that I am pretty impressed with myself. I started chemo on January 3, 2011 and ended on May 16, 2011. In that time, I exercised 97 times. In those 97 times, 49 of them included running 20min-70min. (BTW before anyone thinks I am crazy, I record my workouts to note progress & to plan my gym/workout time) I know, amazing.
I finished Chemo on May 16. My last Taxol was very taxing. I never felt any nausea from the weekly Taxol until the 12th infusion. I ended up going home early from work on Tuesday and crashed in bed for 3 hours. I didn't even have energy to go running last week & I barely do most days this week. Good things are that Chemo did its job & I will never have to feel this fatigued again unless I get the flu.
Good News: I am growing hair. I am like a chia pet, but so far its all party in the back & business up front. Yes, I am growing a mullet. No, I will not post a picture of it on the internet. Its ugly, but I gave up my scarves in my house & I have been walking around with my Chia-Pet Mullet rocking out to some white-trash 80s rock.
Bad News: I have lost a total of 7 toenails. They have all grown back, but I can't wear flip flops until at least the two purple/brown toes grow out. I know gross. I could always just paint those two & start a new trend. That's something to think about. I also have had my thumbnails lift off the beds & according to TRUSTY Google & Wiki its a fungus. EW, I know gross. I have been soaking my thumbs in Hydrogen Peroxide. I apparently have to do this for 5days & then apply Tea Tree Oil. Isn't Chemo wonderful? Its truly a gift that keeps on Giving. In the meantime, I am paining my crusty fingernails & keeping them clean.
I saw my oncology-surgeon for my 6month follow-up this past Tuesday. All looks good & I will see her in a year. For breast cancer patients whom have had a mastectomy they do not do regular scans. They do signs of symptoms and then scans. They try not to do scans, because the radiation is more harmful & the scans won't detect small signs of cancer only signs where symptoms would be present. I will get MRIs every 3years, but nothing like a PET/CT scan unless I feel like I have any symptoms. My oncologist plans on doing blood work for tumor markers, but for breast cancer the tumor markers are very vague and not accurate. I really just have to stay aware of my body for symptoms & take very good care of myself to prevent Mets.
Today is my last day of work for a month. I have my exchange surgery next week. I have been walking around with rock-hard tissue expanders long enough & I am sick of my clothes not fitting right. I cannot wait for FOOBs. This is a good surgery. Tomorrow, I go to NYC to get my pre-surgical blood drawn to get my counts tested. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I start Tamoxifen on June 7th. Tamoxifen is the Selective Estrogen Reuptake Modulator that will "scoop" up any extra estrogen in my body. Tamoxifen and Surgery are the MOST effective treatments for my type of breast cancer for premenopausal women. My cancer was hormone receptive positive (95% estrogen & 10% progesterone). I will be on Tamoxifen for 5 years. I am actually looking forward to starting that, because then all I have left is to do radiation, which is supposedly easy & is just an "extra" insurance policy. I do not know much about radiation at this point, but I will on June 10th when I have my planning session with my radiation oncologist.
I have been feeling pretty down on myself, because I am finally fatigued and have had energy to either lift weights or sit on my butt. I haven't had much energy to run, but I am hoping that since I gave my legs some rest, I will be out running this weekend just in time to get myself pumped for surgery. Also, although I have been tired and lazy due to last-chemo fatigued. I do have to say that I am pretty impressed with myself. I started chemo on January 3, 2011 and ended on May 16, 2011. In that time, I exercised 97 times. In those 97 times, 49 of them included running 20min-70min. (BTW before anyone thinks I am crazy, I record my workouts to note progress & to plan my gym/workout time) I know, amazing.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Tissue Expanders
Yesterday, I had my pre-surgical appointment up at Sloan. I almost hit another bump in the road as they wanted to move my surgery another week due to "surgery being too close to the end of my chemo." I understood their rationale, but my counts have been excellent and my oncologist even said my risk of infection 1 week will be minimal and 2 weeks will be 0 after chemo. Now, Sloan wants me in NYC on the 27th for bloodwork just to make sure my counts are okay. Now, I am starting to stuff my body with healthy things until the 27th just to make as many little white blood cells I possibly can!
I also had my tissue expanders over expanded & they look riddiculus. I look like one of those Fem-Bots from Austin Powers. Now, I cannot wait for these annoyances to be removed. They are planning on having 475-500cc implants placed on the 31st and I am expanded to 520cc...looks very horrible because tissue expanders have no shape and are hard like rock. I am really looking forward to having a softer look soon.
4 more days until my last chemo ever!!! I am celebrating with some chinese take-out. What an exciting life I lead! I will be having some party later on this summer but with surgery in June, a bachelorette, 3 weddings, family gatherings, and bridal showers, My Party will just have to wait until I am at least started with radiation.
As of now radiation will start on the 27th of June. I am not sure what to expect from this its supposedly short and takes an hour to get zapped and ready for each appointment. This is very exciting...(insert sarcasm). I will be half tan on top & I get to use a cream, Aquaphor, that apparently ruins all clothes except things that are colored black. I think I am just going to worry about this after I heal from surgery. This sounds like a plan.
I also had my tissue expanders over expanded & they look riddiculus. I look like one of those Fem-Bots from Austin Powers. Now, I cannot wait for these annoyances to be removed. They are planning on having 475-500cc implants placed on the 31st and I am expanded to 520cc...looks very horrible because tissue expanders have no shape and are hard like rock. I am really looking forward to having a softer look soon.
4 more days until my last chemo ever!!! I am celebrating with some chinese take-out. What an exciting life I lead! I will be having some party later on this summer but with surgery in June, a bachelorette, 3 weddings, family gatherings, and bridal showers, My Party will just have to wait until I am at least started with radiation.
As of now radiation will start on the 27th of June. I am not sure what to expect from this its supposedly short and takes an hour to get zapped and ready for each appointment. This is very exciting...(insert sarcasm). I will be half tan on top & I get to use a cream, Aquaphor, that apparently ruins all clothes except things that are colored black. I think I am just going to worry about this after I heal from surgery. This sounds like a plan.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Finishing Line
After today only 1 more Taxol :-). Three more weeks until surgery. Seven more weeks until I start radiation and then the I will start to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I cannot believe that this has all flown by so fast. It is just unbelievable how much my life has changed.
I finally decided to change some of my blog. As you all know, I have stayed active throughout this whole treatment process. I added some new Weight Circuit routines in my fitness page for those whom are interested.
I also added some things about Hair Regrowth in Treatment Tips. I have started to do topical treatments for my scalp. I cannot wait until I can start adding more vitamins to my routine for hair growth. Grow Hair Grow!
I cannot believe that this has all flown by so fast. It is just unbelievable how much my life has changed.
I finally decided to change some of my blog. As you all know, I have stayed active throughout this whole treatment process. I added some new Weight Circuit routines in my fitness page for those whom are interested.
I also added some things about Hair Regrowth in Treatment Tips. I have started to do topical treatments for my scalp. I cannot wait until I can start adding more vitamins to my routine for hair growth. Grow Hair Grow!
- A good Multi Vitamin with: Vitamin K 100IUs daily; Vitamin E 400IUs; Vitamin A 25,000 IUs; Vitamin C 100% daily value ; and Zinc 100% daily value
- Biotin : Word of Caution, Biotin in excess causes cell multiplication. It caused Acne in me in the past. Most Multi-Vitamins have a small bit of Biotin in it & I wouldn't over supplement the product IMO. I would also ask your oncologist about the supplement before you start it.
- L-Glutamine: It comes in powder or pill form. It is found in most protein powders. In the past, I found that Syntrax Nectar protein powders helped with hair health & also helped with exercise recovery. It is also found in all natural forms of protein, so eat up on your Beans, Poultry & Fish!
- Omega 3-Fatty Acids: Before chemotherapy I would take 1,200 mg Omega 3 daily. I would not start taking this until after Chemo & Surgery as it does thin your blood.
- Vitamin D3: 1,000IUs daily are recommended for hair health. I take this with my daily Calcium Supplement in the AM & also take an extra 1,000IUs of D3 at night.
- Hair Products I Used: Jason Organics Thin to Thick Revitalizing Scalp Elixir (daily before bed); Therma Scalp Natural Scalp Repair Spray (daily after my AM shower); Giovanni Wellness System Shampoo (daily on my scalp during each shower); Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner (daily before I lost my hair & plan on returning when it grows back)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
2 More Taxol
2 More Taxol....
Taxol has caused me to lose 1.5 pretty toe nails. Taxol has caused me to have pain in my nail beds. Taxol has caused me to gain 10lbs. I don't heal as fast as I used to & I bruise easily. That is about it.
:-) Toe nails grow back. Weight can be lost...thats why I joined Weight Watchers with my mom & its why I was given the ability to run my heart out. Bandaids cover cuts.
Taxol has allowed my hair to grow back. Taxol has taken away my arm and leg hair (BONUS!!).
Taxol has given me the energy to get back to running. I can now run 5.5miles again. I was only up to 6 before surgery, due to my prior knee injury a year ago. This is not too shabby.
I am getting antsy to be done with treatment. I am glad this leg of chemo was easier, but it definitely was a long haul. 10 down 2 to go!!! I honestly cannot wait to be done with my final surgery and move onto the next stage of things. This last year has been hard, it has sucked & I am ready for the next year to be better.
Taxol has caused me to lose 1.5 pretty toe nails. Taxol has caused me to have pain in my nail beds. Taxol has caused me to gain 10lbs. I don't heal as fast as I used to & I bruise easily. That is about it.
:-) Toe nails grow back. Weight can be lost...thats why I joined Weight Watchers with my mom & its why I was given the ability to run my heart out. Bandaids cover cuts.
Taxol has allowed my hair to grow back. Taxol has taken away my arm and leg hair (BONUS!!).
Taxol has given me the energy to get back to running. I can now run 5.5miles again. I was only up to 6 before surgery, due to my prior knee injury a year ago. This is not too shabby.
I am getting antsy to be done with treatment. I am glad this leg of chemo was easier, but it definitely was a long haul. 10 down 2 to go!!! I honestly cannot wait to be done with my final surgery and move onto the next stage of things. This last year has been hard, it has sucked & I am ready for the next year to be better.
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