mikeysmom

Susie, my energy level returned to normal within days of finishing rads. I finished about mid-Feb. Is there anything else going on that might make you tired?

Cyndi

I was put on Aromasin too. My onc said in his experience it just had very few negative side effects. I was skeptical of that but after about 3 weeks so far I have NO SE's! I do have the occasional mild hot flash but had that before too and they really don't bother me.

A couple of positives since I started are that the joint and muscle pain I have had since Taxol seem better--could just be the time that has passed since Taxol. Also, my sex drive is greatly increased lately! Anyone else have this?

I take mine at night before bed when I take my blood pressure medication. Before bed is the only time I can remember to take any meds for some reason--probably just years of habit and because I always take a glass of water to bed so it's easy.

Cyndi

Hi contessa! You have come to the right place. There are all kinds of threads on here for all kinds of treatments. Everyone is different but others have surely been down the path you are headed on and the women here are happy to help in any way they can. You can probably find a thread that is for women starting chemo this month. I stayed with mine through (and after) my treatment and it was so good to have that support. And it's great to compare notes about different things that go on during chemo and different treatment options. Really it's too bad that you had to join us but you will get through this and you will meet some amazing women on this journey. Best of luck to you!!

Cyndi

Annaanne, congratulations on your great check up! And thank you for posting what your onc said about her stage 1-3 her+ patients. That just made my day!

Cyndi

I don't know what drew me to post earlier today but I just started going through some other threads and I came across the sad news that CY (b445), who started our thread, passed away last night. I feel so sad but truly hope that her family finds comfort in knowing she is out of pain. My thoughts and prayers are with them...

Hi everyone! I haven't been on here for a while...was really depressed during rads for some reason (I had no trouble with it--my pale skin held up great!). But just thought I'd check in and wow, look at how we are all moving on! A marriage, clean scans, painting, haircuts and color! I'm so happy for you all!

I've finished rads, still getting herceptin though and that makes it seem like I'm not exactly done but it's so easy that I really feel like I have my life back--different, but better in a lot of ways too. I started on Aromasin yesterday. So far no SE's. I still have joint and muscle pain which no one can say why except that for some people the effects of Taxol linger for a long time. But I'm used to it and it doesn't really hinder me in any way.

Got some hair and I never cover my head anymore! Impossible to say what color it is yet--let's just say BORING! But I will color it as soon as there is a little more. It's about a 1/2 inch. I actually love it short and will definitely keep it short for a while...I'd like some length on the top but I LOVE the fact that I can get out the door from shower to dressed in about 20 minutes. Got time for extra mascara!

I am so glad everyone seems to be doing well. This was the best support during this long journey and I am so thankful to have been on it with all of you!

Cyndi

I too have never heard of Neulasta being given on the same day. I was told it had to be 24hrs after chemo. But I only had one--my onc doesn't believe in giving it unless your wbc's are below a certain point. Mine never were and the only time I got Neulasta was when I was going on vacation the day after chemo and we didn't want to take a chance that I would need one when I was across the country from my own doctor. So I avoided the pain from that. Got plenty from Taxol though! I'm very interested to hear how the Claritin works. That would be great if it works.

I did not have any nausea from Taxol but of course I did from the AC. You are "lucky" to not be getting that. Emend worked the best for me--and I tried them all.

Whoever said day 3 was the worst, that was the case for me too and that was with both the AC and the Taxol+herceptin.

I am having a side effect that no one seems to have heard of. I got pink eye the last two times I had herceptin. I'm on a 3 wk cycle now so it cleared up after about a week and a half then the day after my next herceptin I had it again. This time it was cleared up in about 3-4 days. I've been getting herceptin since last Sept. so it might not be related. Has anyone else ever heard of that? Also, I asked them to stop the benadryl after the first herceptin since I didn't have any reaction except the runny nose. But maybe I should try it again for my eyes.

On a positive note, rads have been a breeze so far and I'm almost done!!

Cyndi

I'm getting left side radiation right now so yes, it is a triple whammy! But like I said, my muga was great and I had an echo after chemo and it was great too. It's so scary before you start but you CAN get through it.

I had a copy of my path report but I neglected to print a copy out and I can't open the format it was sent in now. I can get it again but at this stage, I don't care so much. I finished chemo in Nov. and will be done with rads on Feb. 6. Like I said earlier, I am the kind that wants all the tx!

I have a port on the right side of my chest and yes, I hated it but with AC it is a must and now that I've had it for so long, it doesn't bother me too much. Way easier than an IV every time.

I strongly you to find a group on here that is starting chemo at the same time as you. It will be an invaluable resource and great support. There is nothing like "talking" to someone going through the same thing at the same time. I said that before, didn't I! Chemo brain! See, you get to blame forgetfulness on chemo! There are some good points...

I think the risk for heart se's with herceptin is actually really low. Probably can find it on here somewhere.

I got whiny too so don't feel bad--still do sometimes and I still have days when I just feel so sad. But looking back, I am proud of getting through it!

Cyndi

I too hated the thought of losing my hair. I cried so much over it. But I have a 10 yr old and all I had to do was look at him and realize that I had to do everything possible to live as long as possible.

I had mine cut short before it fell out and also went way blonder than normal. I figured it was a time to experiment. And everyone thought I looked so much better with short hair! Younger too! Then when it started coming out I shaved it. Gave me a sense of control.

Please don't value your hair over your life. There really is no comparison. I'm still bald (2 months after chemo) but it's coming back and I have learned that I am stronger than I ever thought possible.

Cyndi

I live in Las Vegas where we have what claims to be the world's largest wig store. I went there before my hair fell out. I was really pressured to get a human hair wig by the salesperson (a survivor--she should know better). It was over $2000! I too tried to duplicate my "old" hair which was past my shoulders and blonde. I also tried on synthetics. My problem was they all looked wiggy to me and I couldn't see spending $2000 on something that did not look that much realer to me. I left the store and on the way home saw a small wig shop. I went in there and found a Noriko synthetic that looked so much like my own hair that people really could not tell. It only cost about $150. I later bought the same style in a darker color. Then I bought another one that was red and straight. My own hair was blonde and wavy. Everyone LOVES the red and says I look better with red hair.

What you should really keep in mind is that you don't know how you will feel until you lose your hair. It was REALLY hard for me but I didn't end up wearing the wigs as much as I expected. Because it was summer, I mostly wore scarves. Now that it's cold I wear knit caps a lot but don't like the look so much--I feel like a longshoreman! My hair has started coming in and as soon as my scalp is covered, I'm going topless! In the beginning, wearing the wig feels so unnatural but you get used to it. I never felt like mine wasn't secure and it can get very windy here. I didn't use any tape or anything.

I got to the point where I just didn't care so much about whether people thought I was wearing a wig or not. That's been one of the positive things to come out of this--I really don't care as much what people think and hey, it wasn't my fault anyway!

One thing I hate to bring up is that the reality is I felt so crappy during chemo (I had 6 months) that I didn't go out very much anyway.

Good luck to you whatever you choose!

Cyndi