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CMF Question

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Comments

  • dash
    dash Member Posts: 173
    edited February 2007
    Hi Ginny,
    Thanks for asking. I am doing so well physically on this 'chemo holiday' time(love that phrase!) that it makes me dread my next--#7--infusion so much!
    I found a great shampoo--Sunsilk Anti Flat in a bright yellow bottle--it has given my hair a new life! I received a sample in the mail and was so happy with it, I bought a large bottle last week.
    I don't need to shave at all during treatment time and during my off time, I only shave once so I know my hair is not growing much. Shaving my legs once a month?? Unheard of previously. My eyebrows look very thin and light too--I fill them in with a pencil when I go out. One day a bunch of eyelashes fell out too--that better stop!
    I've been drinking a lot of water on this holiday. Lisa had a great tip--fill a container with your daily amount of water and pour from that all day. It's a great way to gauge how much you've drunk and how much you still need to drink.
    Ginny, #3&4 were the toughest for me--I hope it's not for you but I read it's common to hit a slump at #3 so make sure you prepare for it by taking all your support meds and hopefully you will coast thru it.
    ~~Love and hugs~~
  • 3ofus
    3ofus Member Posts: 201
    edited February 2007
    Hi Holly,
    Good to see you well and enjoying your "chemo holiday"! Just think you're past the 1/2 way mark and getting closer to a permanent chemo holiday I can't wait to be there.
    Thanks for the heads up re: #3 and #4, better prepared than to be shocked. At least I know what I can graze on (melon and toast). Just want to get it over with.
    I like the tip about the water. I was just checking off a little list ensuring I had at least 5 -16oz glasses a day. The container takes away the reminder process--
    I'll see if I have to shave during #3 &4. So far hair is coming off my head, but no where else. Would like to put an order in to reverse this.
    Hoping those eye lashes stop falling. I hear using eyeliner helps define your eyes when eye lashes are sparse.
    All the best.
    Love and hugs back,
    Ginny
  • b445
    b445 Member Posts: 980
    edited February 2007
    Holly good to see you. I hope things are improving on the home front. Sometimes they are just as scared as us. I know I still scare my hubby and i've been out of treatment since August.'06. But since I have the blood clot issure I have been under watchful eyes.

    You ladies please take care of yourselfves. if you have a chance to the the Look Good Feel Good program. do it for your s\elf. you'll be glad you did.

    Holly we've missed you over in the circle. Come sit yourself in the middle. there are lots of us there that are concerned for you.. Hug and prayers
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited February 2007
    I love this thread! Although I've posted on the regular Jan. chemo thread, the problems that the AC gals have are so different than ours that I sometimes feel a little displaced there. I am so encouraged by the lack of hair loss that you gals have been experiencing, as this was one of my main concerns.

    Holly, how well I understand how you dread #7. I have been feeling pretty good the past couple of weeks and am certainly dreading #2 on Friday. In fact, I think the Illinois weather...........9 inches of snow, a drifted lane, cold temps, and winter in general.........has also contributed to this dread and bit of depression. :-)

    Thanks so much to all of you, especially Sue, CY, and Ginny for your positive attitudes. You add so much to this thread. I love your idea of plotting all your treatments on the calendar, Ginny. That just might help!

    Take care of yourselves, ladies and come back often.
    Rita
  • Sue227
    Sue227 Member Posts: 45
    edited February 2007
    Rita,
    I remember when I started CMF I also felt out of place on the June board since they were all experiencing so many side effects I felt like I shouldn't complain about mine so this thread was a lifesaver for me. The side effects of CMF are not as severe but every bit as difficult as some of the other drugs, cmfers just seem to be a minority in chemo. The info was so helpful, glad it is now helping you. To answer your question earlier, I will take tamoxifen for at least 2 years maybe more and then switch to something else for another 3 years. At least that is the plan now, but I am always hopeful there will be something new discovered that will work even better. The calendar thing is a great idea, I still have mine and will keep it forever! Also, you should keep a journal, it helps! Good luck to all.
    Sue
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited February 2007
    Sue,
    I wouldn't be a bit surprised if there are not new advances in hormonal therapy out there by the time you're ready to get off tamoxifin. My oncologist told me that I would take some hormone therapy, probably Arimidex for 5 years. He said that by that time, there would probably be some type of pill with less side affects that could be taken for the rest of my life to minimize or eliminate recurrences. If they are as expensive as the Arimidex after insurance, I'd better find a part time job now! :-)

    Thanks again, Sue.

    Rita
  • b445
    b445 Member Posts: 980
    edited February 2007
    I kept a journal too. It helps to look back and see how I was feeling and tht I have come so far.

    Keep up the spirit
    hugs & prayers
  • JULY17
    JULY17 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2007
    hi
    I've also kept a journal and marked my calendar. You are right I also felt out of place since cmf isnt as severe as others. but still feeling symptoms. good luck all
  • 3ofus
    3ofus Member Posts: 201
    edited February 2007
    Hi all,

    The Look Good Feel Program is amazing. I highly recommend it too. You get great tips, it's fun and they give you all kinds of make-up (some really good stuff too).
    Thank you Rita. We really do help each other here with CMF.
    I just finished #3 and it went well, so far. I appreciate Holly giving me the heads up on this. I took Kytril for the day after my chemo (usually the hardest for me) and also the compazine. I was pretty tired, but nausea was suprisingly ok. I'd rather sleep
    Hair is coming out but not in clumps, more thinning. Not going to rush out and cut it...we will see how it goes. Darn leg hair keeps growing. Who knows?
    Anyway before you know it we will have spring and we will be that much further toward the end of this ride. We have tons of snow here in Ontario, Canada too. Looks pretty from inside...ready for it to melt when I go outside
    Take good care everyone,
    Ginny
  • SCMartin
    SCMartin Member Posts: 112
    edited February 2007

    I'm just checking in on all the CMF girls. Congratulations to July17 for finishing. What a great feeling that is. I completed CMF this past November, moved onto rads and now take Arimidex. Remember ladies, you will all get through this and I was always grateful that I was able to have CMF and not the other treatments. I continue to think of everyone and always come to these boards for support. Susan

  • dash
    dash Member Posts: 173
    edited February 2007
    Hi Girls,
    I had my 7th treatment but the onc reduced all my chemo drugs since my counts are out of whack--the red, white and liver. Might have to get a neulasta shot but I have to get another count done tomorrow. Evidently my white count plumeted sharply quickly and he's concerned. Let;s hope it all turns out fine!
  • 3ofus
    3ofus Member Posts: 201
    edited February 2007
    You're in my prayers. Hope your doctor can work everything out for you soon. Take care Holly.

    Ginny
  • JULY17
    JULY17 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2007
    hi
    I had to get a shot for my white blood counts before every treatment. my treatments were on tue so on the thur before i would go in only for a shot so that my count would be up and i could have my treatment. occasionally I also got one for my reds also. my onc did this so I could stay on schedule. my prayers are with you. God bless
  • JULY17
    JULY17 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2007

    how can I find out more about the look good feel program?

  • d23
    d23 Member Posts: 20
    edited February 2007
    Here's their web site:

    http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org/

    It's a great organization. I got tons of great makeup from them and great tips.

    Mindy
  • d23
    d23 Member Posts: 20
    edited February 2007
    I had to have neulasta shots with every infusion, but that was because I was doing it dose dense. It worked very well.

    Hope you get your counts up soon!

    Mindy
  • dash
    dash Member Posts: 173
    edited February 2007
    The lab said they never received the fax with the script for my test...grrrr...so I am stuck worrying all weekend and I wonder if they are in on Monday?! Add that with these horrible hemorrhoids...I am worried and uncomfortable. Darn

    July--I had a wonderful experience at the Lookgoodfeelbetter program. I received wonderful makeup and great application tips--really have helped me with my thinning eyebrows and lashes
  • socallisa
    socallisa Member Posts: 10,184
    edited February 2007
    I had to use neupogen for the WBC...
    But I made every treatment within a day..

    This is a great book for Make Up while on chemo

    Facing the Mirror

    Author is Lori Ovitz

    website link is
    www.facingthemirror.org
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited February 2007
    Hi Ladies! Just checking in on my favorite thread!

    I finished chemo #2 on Friday. Four more to go, but it sounds so much better to say that I am 1/3 of the way done. I've done very good until today...none of the headaches and the nausea. Today I woke up with the nausea so I'm hoping the compazine takes care of it. I hate feeling puny!

    Oh Holly, I wish there was something we could do to help you through this besides just giving encouragement. You are having such a terrible time of it. On the bright side.......there's only one more treatment to go isn't there? :-) You can do that! [[[HUGS]]]]

    You've talked me into it, gals. I signed up for the next Look Good Feel Better Class. It meets the first Monday night in March so I'm going to get glamourous, too! :-)

    Hope all of you are doing well. Have a good weekend.

    Rita
  • dash
    dash Member Posts: 173
    edited February 2007
    Rita,
    No I am on the 6 month treatment plan--I have 5 more Tx to go...if I remain on schedule, I finish at the very end of April....darn it.
    Enjoy your Look good program--I lucked out and got the perfect makeup colors for me.
    Hugs, Holly
  • b445
    b445 Member Posts: 980
    edited February 2007

    Holly, May will be here before you noe it and you'll be done by then! Keep that pretty chin of yours up girl!

  • dash
    dash Member Posts: 173
    edited February 2007

    {{{{{HUGS, CY}}}}}}

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited February 2007
    Oh HOlly...so sorry. I thought you only had 8 total to go and was trying to lift up your spirits some. Nothing like putting my foot in my mouth, eh?

    BUT....you can get through the rest. I will be here with you. I'll be doing radiation in late April and May and then have 2 more CMF treatments to go after that so I'm looking at late June. It seems forever when you plot it out, especially after the miserable nausea day yesterday.
    The sun is out today, though and there's no snow falling in Illinois today so it looks a little better! :-)

    How is your hair doing, Holly? I have some thinning but I'm hanging in there.

    Rita
  • dash
    dash Member Posts: 173
    edited February 2007
    (((HUGS, Rita)))) No 'foot in mouth' I'm not that sensitive! SO sorry you had the nausea--it's the pits for sure but I'm glad it's gone today!
    My hair is not looking like my own but using the Sunsilk shampoo really improved the fullness so much.
    It DOES seem like forever sometimes esp when I think about my bad mammo--that was last April. One year plus(since I'm not finished with the reconstruction yet) deidcated to BC! Yuck! I'm just so tired of it!
  • 3ofus
    3ofus Member Posts: 201
    edited February 2007
    I hear you Holly! Just recovered from what I believe now was a 3 day flu virus. Thought it was chemo at first and I was about ready to quit. I have 9 more! It was pretty challenging, but I found out that my nurse, mom and other relatives had the same very nastey 3 days of torture too. So I am trying to prep myself psychologically for #4 tomorrow. I will take Kytril for 3 days, not just 2 (hard lessons learned
    Anyway, I sure hope you are doing better. Remember, this does seem long when your in the midst of it, but it will be a distant memory and we will be healthy once again I need to hear this myself.
    Rita, you will love the Look Good Feel Good Program---it is fun, helpful and you get lots of great makeup...as a gift. Enjoy.
    My hair is falling out quite a bit daily (on my head only :( Always picking hairs off my shoulders... I must lose 200 at least a day. Have lots of it to begin with. How will it be in 5 more months? Britney Spears is crazy to willing shave her head. My rant for the day. Thanks for the indulgence.
    God Bless All---better days are coming!
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited February 2007
    Ginny,

    Good luck tomorrow with your chemo. You have a long haul of this, too, but your attitude is so positive, I know you will do just fine. As for the flu...........BAH! That's just what you didn't need! Hope you are doing much better now.
    Hope you're doing good today, too, Holly. We can do this! Maybe it would help if we'd start thinking of how we are going to reward ourselves once this is over! :-)

    Hang in there girls. Let us know how you do with #4, Ginny. We will be thinking about you.

    Rita
  • Sue227
    Sue227 Member Posts: 45
    edited February 2007
    Hey Girls,
    I rewarded myself while I was going through it! Retail therapy, hair done at the salon, whatever! You are worth it! Rita, it sounds like you are handling # 2 ok and 3ofus, don't worry about the hairs. Like I said earlier, I was always shedding, they were everywhere but it does stop. Hang in there all of you.
    Sue
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited February 2007
    Sue! Love you idea of the continuous rewards! :-)
    Rita
  • b445
    b445 Member Posts: 980
    edited February 2007
    I agree with Sue I lost hair every day, still do! I think from stress but hang in there it will be over before you know it. It could be worse! just remember that!

    Please reward yourselves often. You all deserve to be rewarded
  • JULY17
    JULY17 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2007
    hi
    thanks mindy I registered for a class today. Need to feel pretty having mast next week.

    my hair thinned alot also but had alot to begin with. still have to shave legs though.

    I like rewards - my niece who's 16 needed to feel special so we had a me and her day today. we went ice skating then to the empire state building took pictures and we had something to eat. I have a bruise on my knee but it was great. nice to forget about everything for awhile before it all begins again. take care ladies and have fun when you can.

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