CMF Question
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Malou - I did CMF and experienced some thinning and it sure seems like a lot when showering or combing your hair but really, it was barely noticeable. No bald spots or anything. If you are like me and others I have spoken to, you won't need a wig or hat or anything. It really only got thinner on the top. I had already let me hair go grey but I know others who actually did color, not many, but some. As soon as I stopped CMF, the hair growth resumed. Do you mean the score was 14 or the percent of recurrance?
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Hi Malou, So sorry to hear you will need chemo. I completed 6 cycles of CMF and had some thinning that no one but me noticed. I found the CMF chemo allowed me to live a pretty normal life, including regular exercise, work, cooking, etc. I did take more naps than usual. Not saying it was fun, but I got all my meds worked out and all so really the time just flew by and I never had nausea or vomiting. The women on this thread helped me so much to prepare and get through it. I wish you all the very best and please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
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Hi Ritajean, thanks for the nice words! I hope you will not be too nervous (like me) about your bloodwork and follow-up coming up. I'm glad you have gotten to where you don't think about bc every day, that is good news. I'm glad to feel well again after all this treatment, but there is that little nagging worry. My med oncologist said it's a discipline to keep pushing those negative thoughts out of my head. I will let you know about the book. Also, I'm on tamoxifen and it's going quite well, but it does seem to make me a bit more tense/anxious so I will have to practice deep breathing and keep on top of that.
DesignerMom - I agree we have to keep away from stinking thinking!! I guess the anxiety is pretty normal. I had my first mamo in Nov and it was normal, next is in May so I have 3 months where I should just think alls well and not worry about anything! I'm glad you are seeing a lymphedema therapist. I went to one also and found her to be very helpful. I am also glad you are getting a second opinion from another onc.
Hope you all are doing well! Have a great holiday!!!
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I lost about a half of my hair on CMF..but remember you "gotta do what you gotta do"
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Raincitygirl, Beanius and SoCalLisa,
Thanks for the reponses. The score is 14 and the percent is 9% with the hope to get it down to 6% with chemo. I wish I could do the grey but it is patchy and pretty unattractive. I am tall so some thinning on top would go unnoticed. I was happy with the downgrade to the CMF as I am hopeful that I can function pretty well with work who doesn't know about the dx, mastectomy, etc. I hope I don't take after SoCal and lose half but it is what it is.
I am sure I will have lots of questions, thanks for the support.
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Hi Malou- Like the other ladies, I found CMF very, very doable. I had my infusions on a Friday. By Monday I was functioning quite normally, though I did try to take it easy to let my body heal. My hair thinned, but not enough for anyone else to notice. I never needed a wig, scarf or hat. These ladies are wonderful and knowledgeable. Let us know if you need anything.
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Thanks DesignerMom.
I am feeling better about the hair thing and can't believe how responsive and helpful everyone is. This is my first day on the site and I have learned a lot and feel so less "odd" and alone. It is not that I am vain but rather it is more about how to stay strong in the mirror.
It is so nice to have the insight of those that have gone before me - good training for those that will regrettably follow me.
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I just started CMF 2-1/2 weeks ago. Will have my second tx next Wednesday. So far, I haven't lost any hair, although I chose a wig last week just in case. My scalp is feeling a little itchy and sensitive. I, too, color my hair and am due to color it tomorrow, but am afraid to do it. I wear my hair very short and so far so good. Ritajean colored her hair throughout her tx and didn't lose much of it. I really need to color my hair, b/c I'm completely gray and I wear it blond. Don't want to go around with gray hair and also think about the grow-out! Yuck! I may talk to my stylist about coloring.
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Malou, welcome and I can't really add much more than the ladies have already said about the hair. My hair did thin but was really only noticeable to me and my hair dresser. I didn't put any color or highlights in my hair while on chemo or for about a month afterwards. CMF is definitely a doable chemo but it is cumulative so remember to get lots of rest after your treatments, drink lots and lots of water/fluids, and all the ladies on this thread are wonderful and we'll be here if you have any questions or concerns.
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Well, today my hair began to shed. Right now, it's coming out in my comb, but quite a bit of it! No clumps yet, but don't know how much I'll lose. Played 18 holes today, which proved I have enough energy for that right now. My next tx is Wed so I probably won't feel like much for a few days after, and don't know how much more hair will be lost. You are all so wonderful and supportive and understanding! So glad to be here with you all.
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Golfergrandma.............glad you made it out on the course today. As for your hair, try not to worry about hair loss. I would be VERY surprised if you lose enough for anyone to even notice it.
Malou....I'm sorry that you are going to need chemo of any type but am glad that your found us because CMF chemo is doable and there's a really great group of ladies on this thread who will help you get through it. Tell us a little more about yourself and come back often. There is always somebody around who will help you in any way that we can.
I am home. I traded lovely, warm, Florida sunshine for Illinois gloom, but I have to admit that it's nice to be back. I missed Dave and the kitties and it appears that they all missed me, too. I get my bloodwork done on Thursday morning and then see the onc for the results and check-up next Thursday. I don't really think I'll ever get over the anxiety of these "routine tests." Perhaps that is just part of our new normal after the treatments are over.
Beanius.....glad that you're doing well on the Tamoxifen. It's funny that you mentioned the deep breathing practices. I have found that yoga helps me. Our cancer center offers a class called gentle pink yoga for bc survivors and it's all based around breathing, gentle toning, and release of tension. I could tell a big difference in my muscle tension the past three weeks without the yoga.
I'm off to do more laundry. I hope everyone is having a good day.
SoCal...I am really enjoying your photography on Facebook. Thanks for contributing a little "sunshine" most days!
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Golfergrandma: I was very gentle with my hair while I was on CMF so if there is some way to avoid combing it, I would. Even on a good day, I shed hair when I comb it. I did not wash my hair every day as I usually do but instead washed it every other day or every third day. Ritajean had recommended a particular shampoo and conditioner which I hated but used and it did seem to help---I think it was by Nioxin but maybe Ritajean will come on and tell you the right name.
try not to worry.
(((((hugs))))))))
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Ritajean,
I don't know how you keep up with all of us and your life. I can't imagine that "routine" is ever in our vocabulary again. I will be thinking of you on Thursday.
It appears that my onco was giving me the best case chemo considering my whining about my hair. He would do the more extreme chemo for the better chance and we are going to measure the advantage in the am to make the choice. I am a widow with 4 kids (includes both step and bio but all my mine) so maybe preserving a parent vs hair would be more mature. The onco doesn't get that it is not vanity but personal strength. It is how we look in the mirror to ourselves to get that "showtime" feel before work. You all probably think I am nuts, but I am just trying to keep the game face for everyone.
I tried the midwestern gloom of grey days years ago and traded it for the sunshine. I highly recommend a sunshine breeze in February to brighten your day and warm your soul.
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ritajean and Mandy - I have been very gentle with my hair. Since is short, I don't need to comb it that often. Actually, I just mess it and run my figures through it to style and for texture. Have to wash it today so we'll see. Thanks for the encouragement.
Malou - I agree that we need to think about preserving life instead of hair. I lost my hair 10 years ago with AC chemo so have been there before, but was encouraged to think CMF would save my hair. We'll see....
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Malou....Naturally preserving life is much more important than preserving hair. However, when I was right where you are now and worrying about losing my hair during the chemo, one of my friends said, "It's only hair." My comment was "But it's not YOUR hair." I didn't consider it a matter of vanity either. I just wanted to be able to look in the mirror each morning and not LOOK sick or look like a cancer victim.
There is something else to consider when choosing between CMF and the other harsher treatment cocktails. CMF is easier on your body (although none of it good to your body) and there are many less side effects. Everyone is different but when comparing CMF to other treatment plans, it doesn't take quite the toll on your body. Read up on the side effects of another treatment before you make your actual decisioin. Only you can decide for sure what is right for you. You willl make the right decision for you, I'm sure, and once you're comfortable with your decision, don't look back. Just go ahead and get it done.
Hugs to you!
Rita
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The other conversation I had with my Onc when considering which chemo was this. In my particular case, the benefit of chemo was marginal, but I felt I needed to do something. She originally chose TC, which she puts everyone on. I pointed out that I was more comfortable with CMF as it had a longer track record, fewer SE etc... I also pointed out that as it was a generation 1 chemo, if I had a recurrence, I would be able to have more options (generation 2 and 3). She confirmed this saying that if you use higher generation chemos, the lower ones are not effective later. I pray to God I never have a recurrence, but am glad to know I didn't "waste" the big guns unecessarily. Good luck with your decision.
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Oh that's right, DesignerMom. I forgot about not being able to go to lower chemo levels if needed at a later time. My onc talked about that, too. Good reminder to all of us!
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Yes but the newer drugs are a 50% improvement over CMF with mortality for me. Hopefully I only have to do this once, so the big guns may be a better choice in my case.
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Malou- Each of our cancers are so unique. I remember how hard the chemo decision was. Perhaps it might help you to get a second opinion from another Onc? My Onc actually suggested this to help me. Usually the doctors will agree that there is no harm in waiting a bit to start chemo. In most cases our cancers were there sometimes for years. Good luck with your decision.
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Malou...DesignerMom has a good suggestion about getting a second opinion if you are still uncertain which way you want to go. It takes a bit more time but might help you make your decision and feel better about it. I think that the decision making is really more stressful than the actual treatments. When breast cancer hits us, we are completely unprepared and have no knowledge and understanding of the various treatments available to us. It is such a lost and frustrating feeling............trying to make a decision at a VERY emotional time in our lives and having to decide what path we want to take when we're really not prepared to make the decisionl. You will make the best decision for you, I'm sure.
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I am signing off this link as I am going with a more aggressive plan. I know I could do an easier routine at this level of cancer but how do you when you are a widow with four kids. I am doing all that is possible and have a great onco. I wish you all well - you have been a great support for which I can not thank you enough.
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I wish you the best Malou! Please drop in every so often and let us know how you are doing! We really do care! I think it will be easier for you now that you have made your decision. Hugs!
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Malou- God speed on your journey!
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Had my second tx yesterday, and am feeling dizzy and tired today, but no nausea. I had not heard that a lesser regimen was as effective after a more intense tx. I had AC 10 years ago, but onc wanted me on CMF because AC can damage the heart. My AC was for 3 months, and this CMF is for 6 mos. Hope it works!
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golfergrandma: Glad to hear you are tolerating the chemo well and have no nausea so far. It must be tough to go through chemo for a second time, but I suppose at least it helps you to know what to expect and CMF is so much easier than AC.
You said on another thread that last time you had a different cancer and that it was HER2neu. Do you mean that it was HER2Neu positive the last time while this time it's HER2Neu negative? Just wondering if you were given Herceptin the last time. I know it was only approved in 1998, so maybe not.
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I had her2neu positive last time, and had AC tx for 3 months. This time it was ER, PR positive and her2neu negative. Am not tolerating the chemo as well as I thought. Had my second tx last Wednesday, no nausea, but today I feel as if I've been hit by a truck! Very shaky and tired. My hair is still shedding like crazy. My WC did not come up as much as the onc wanted (it was 3100) so I may need to have a neulasta shot next week. Anyway, what a bumpy trip!
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golfergrandma- Sorry you are feeling a bit shaky. It probably will not last too long and you will bounce back. Be sure to rest and drink your fluids. You might be surprised how well your blood counts hold up. Only once did mine dip below the cut off where I was offered the neulasta shot. I didn't end up getting it and was fine. My counts came right back up the following week Do take extra precautions to not be around sick people while you are more prone to infection. I washed my hands like crazy and didn't eat out in restaurants either. I had a few times where I felt like I had been clobbered too. What surprised me was that with each treatment it did NOT get worse, wasn't cumulative. Toward the end, I actually felt stronger and more normal. Oh, I would also say make sure you don't get constipated. Eliminating all those drugs, dead cells and toxins is important. If things get backed up, that can make you feel crummy.
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golfergrandma............I had my worst day on the 3rd or 4th day after chemo. I expected one "really off" day and was pleasantly surprised if it passed me by. Once I got over that 3rd or 4th day, I felt pretty good until the next one rolled around. I did have to have the neulasta shot and it didn't bother me at all. I could tell a big difference after it. Hang in there. Think as positive as possible, and it won't be long and you will be done!
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Thanks for the support girls! I am taking the miralax religiously and have had no problem with constipation. Also drinking plenty of fluids. Maybe tomorrow will be better....
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Hi Golfergrandma,
Sorry to be missing in action, but I am suffering from a bad case of flu (yes I had a flu shot). Anyway, everyone is different and everyone reacts differently to the various chemos. Unlike many others on this thread, I had alot of side effects. I found that allowing myself a full week to rest after each infusion made a difference. And, I had acupuncture once a week during chemo---it helped alot with energy, nausea, and edema. Juliechicago had suggested the accupuncture to me as she had found it helpful. I did eat out in restaurants since that is one of the things I enjoy. I am a vegetarian mainly, who eats some fish on occasion. For some reason during chemo, I had protein cravings which I filled with home cooking of things like mac and cheese.
The 6 months actually does go by quite quickly. I spent the last few months planning a trip to England for a cousin's 95th birthday (well he was my mother's cousin) and it gave me something to look forward to. I did make it to the party and had a wonderful time in the UK.
Don't lose heart. We are here to help you. Let us know if there is something that you need.
Mandy
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