Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Nadine, can you post a picture of your bracelets? I'd love to see what they look like. My cancer center always has crotchet hats in the donation room. I have a couple of them and love them. More than any other hat or scarf that I've worn. That is so nice of you to do that and donate. I know how much I appreciated being able to pick up some things from the donation room.
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Hi Ladies...
BE BRAVE AND SHAVE....for those contemplating buzzing or NOT...LOL
I will gladly donate my wigs when this is all done....I see that there is a basket at my cancer center full of crocheted hats...what a great thing to do Nadine...and the bracelets sound very cute.
You can only read so much...and TV is so depressing...I have been scrapbooking the pictures taken from all of my cruises...it helps me remember what I looked like with hair..LOL and also motivates me to get better so I can go cruising again.
I just got off the phone with my Insurance Nurse (AETNA) and she is sending me a form to complete to get reimbursed for purchasing my wigs. SWEET...I will have more money saved!!!
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HOORAY for all the ladies whom are finished this week and good wishes for the ones coming up next week, chemo is doable as we have all learned on this journey.
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Thanks so much for your thoughts about 4 or 6 tx. It's so helpful to hear about others experiences and opinions. I will take some time to ponder my options and seek out more info. from the medical community. A great weekend to all.
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I agree - I started having a few loose strands and a very tender head earlier this week, and woke up with a lot of hair on the pillow and tried to wash it - disaster!! We are shaving it tonight, I don't want to walk around like a giant shedding dog any longer than I have to. Plus, going back to some earlier threads, some other women have had horrible headaches as well - I have one that lasted all night and still is going strong. While I'm not keen on the bald look, I don't want to have hair all over the place!!
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Well, I thought I would experiment with the hair this week and see if it would grow. I have previously been shaving smooth for a couple of weeks. Now after one week I have full coverage but never got past the initial little millimeter of length so I look really silly again with this smattering of hair. I think I am going to shave again for a week and then try again. Anyone else have this experience?
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Chelev: My headache got a lot better when I shaved and got the weight of the hair off. Really didn't go away though until most of the hair was gone
babcat: yes, I'd intermittently shave down, otherwise it looked very scraggly. Just a few smatterings of hair grew through chemo and the rest was balk, it just looked very unkempt so I'd even it out
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Morning Ladies...
Shaving is a tough decision...its the unknown...I am so glad I took the buzz after the first week...I found clumps of hair in the shower and didn't want to look like my hair was thinning out and sparce...So my hairdresser came to my house and buzzed me and my husband....we felt so good and took pictures to share with the kids.
It does grow back...LOL
Have a great weekend Ladies...enjoy!!!!
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As everyone knows I had a terrible time with the thought of loosing my hair. When I decided I was going to beat the clock...I cried like a baby if not worse. I wanted to throw a fit but didn't have much energy for that. Told hubby to give me a buzz. After the fact I was so happy and continue to be so releaved not to have hair falling out all over the place and causing a mess that I would have to clean up....I felt I just couldn't deal with any more drama. Happy as a lark with no hair and really loving it.
So this morning I noticed a few places had grown a little (not much however), other places on my scalp was soft and rather shinny...hair gone from the follicles. I decided okay if we are going to play this game then I am taking action. I stood in front of the mirror, got out the electric clippers my DH uses on his mustache for a trim and decided to go to work. I worked the whole head. It took me a bit with trying to hold a mirror and see the back. The sink looked more like I hadn't shaved my legs in a few days however. Once, I just stood there and realized I hadn't shed one tear and was actually smiling at myself. There was not much hair left and maybe a few places that DH was extra careful like around the ears and neck area. Presto, its all gone again and couldn't be any shorter other than the shinny places are gleaming.
So since the follicles are shooting out the remaining hair...no hair on the legs and armpits and even loosing near all of the pubic hair I am on top of the world. Going to be hard one day getting back into the routine of fixing my hair and all of my hair products, blow dryers, curling irons and such. My body can take its time on regrowing the leg and armpit hairs however. So much time on my hands and actually loving it! Yup I seem to run out of poop pretty fast at times but at least I have time on my hands!
Best decision I ever made is to buzz the head once and yup again doing a quick run over buzz today. Guess I am done with the hair since I would imagine in a few days the whole scalp will be shinny and smooth as a bowling ball.
And to think I threw such a fit over my hair...go figure.
Nadine
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Nadine...it looks great....and with summer coming...you will LOVE it....
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Hi Everyone
Hope all is well-fantastic weather here-just bought some flowers for the garden and must get them planted before the blast on wednesday.Will try ice cubes on the eyebrows this time see if I can save them.
Good luck to all next week-keep writing the advice is great
Anna
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Nadine, good for you! I agree, I've had mixed emotions about it coming back in, it was so easy without it
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Hi, ladies - well I did it! Shaved it off last night - after a comical shower in the morning - I knew it was coming out, I was getting strands everywhere,and woke up with the pillow full. So, what do I do? Shampoo my hair - horror-film like, with hands full of hair and soap everywhere. It was funny! So, last night, my DH shaved my head down and now I look like my daughter's twin (she wears her hair like this on purpose), so we'll take a photo today and I'll post it. My DH then shaved his head, even though I told him he didn't have to - he has beautiful hair and I don't like his shaved - I told him, well, I have wigs and scarves and stuff, what are you going to do? But, he did it because if I have no hair, then neither will he. So . . . I would imagine the rest of the stubble will continue to fall out, right? I slept with a scrub cap on and will do that each night until it stops falling. About how long does that take?
On the upside, I no longer have a tender scalp (thank god!!) and the headache has gone bye-bye, and you know what? It WAS one of the most liberating things I've ever done. I wasn't sad at all, I was sipping on a beer (nerves, you know?) and just let it go. Now, what's the thing about ice cubes for the eyebrows? I'd like to try that, what do you do and how often?
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Chelev - My hair continued to fall out for the next week. Every time I took a shower I would shampoo my hair and rub my scalp. The stubbies would fall out in patches so don't freak out. I hear you on shaving is liberating. I received instant relief from the tender scalp. I am now 10 weeks out from my last TC and my hair is growing back. It is slow but it does come back.
Sonia
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Sonia, that's extremely encouraging to hear! Good for you for finishing your treatments too! I do admit, I'm liking the cool breeze while I whip around the house doing housework - even when my hair was up in a ponytail, it wasn't as cool!
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Chelev: Go girl! So glad you got it off. Just can't imagine loosing my hair in handful's. My DH has short hair...he likes to wear caps (drives me nuts because he has such nice thick hair). I buzzed his head years ago...OMG he looked like Curly on the 3 Stooges...I hope he just keeps his hair as it is. One bald person in this house is plenty...I don't look half bad...well really don't like him with no hair. Which reminds me I should give him a trim before the 22nd. I have worn a cap at night since my first buzz...last night the hot flashes were kicking me and I finally decided enough for the cap. Once I took it off the hot flashes stopped and sweet dreams after that.
TO EVERYONE WHO HAS JUST FINISHED THEIR TREATMENTS: So glad your done and so very glad you followed through until you finished. You really give me encouragement that I can do this and before I know it be joining the group of finished ladies! Still have a way to go but will be on the other side before I know it! So happy for you all!
Hope everyone is having a great day and a wonderful weekend to everyone...keep those smiles and humor flowing.
Nadine
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Hi Ladies...
Swest...so if my calculations are correct...I may be seeing some hair growth the first week of July...this is good news...
My last chemo is on Thursday...and you will all hear me yell "I AM DONE" all the way to Texas, Florida, Indiana and yes, even Greece....
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We will hear you loud and clear and join in! I will be cheering as well, because I will have 2 out of 4 down on Thursday. It's a beautiful thing, that you are finishing up!!! Congratulations!
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I will be cheering for you too chelev.....
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Hey everyone. I had my last of 4 tx's on March 6th. For those of you just starting, you WILL get through it. For me, the first treatment was the hardest in that I didn't know what sort of side effects I would have. But after that I just planned the hell out of pre-empting them.
On the hair issue: I had my head shaved around day 17, but not with a razor or smooth look. I had it done with electric razor only and remained fuzzy. There were patches that had lost more hair than other places at that point. I also remember being oddly fascinated by being able to just pull clumps of hair out of my head. Anyhoo...aside from a few short hairs that I would see in my knit cap, I didn't lose much more hair after that and my head has remained fuzzy. Also, lost some of my eyebrows, but not all, maybe a 1/4 of them. And I still have my eyelashes. I've read here that the lashes and brows WILL fall out, so I'm expecting that, but it has been awhile.
Also, have noticed a five o'clock shadow look around the crown of my head...and of the hair that never fell out, well, it turns out that I had more gray in the under layers of my hair than I had known, and yep...they're the ones that are already twice as long as the others. It figures.
We hit 90 degrees out here today... Man. Hair is hot. After running errads and appts., it felt so good to walk up the driveway and yank my wig off!
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cruise4life: congrats on finishing this week. You're pretty close with the hair growing back--just don't be shocked with how long it takes to fill in for most of us.
eadsla: found the same thing, much more grey then before--and the grey is much hardier then the other hair. My eyelashes and eyebrows thinned about week 6 after chemo, and all fell out about week 8. The eyebrows actually seem to be filling in quickly, but to my disappointment the eyelashes only grow as fast as my hair. You have to look really close to see the little stubs. What I find completely unfair is the hair on my legs grew back in thicker and faster then anything. There out to be a law.
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kmmd, I hear ya on the greys being hardier. Those cheeky bastards. Mine are like wires. My natural hair is pretty thick as I inherited "asian hair" from my mother who is Korean. But these greys...they are all bent like used wires, and they're more silver than grey...but still wtf?
I just checked the hair on my legs...whoa they have grown since the last time I noticed them. Some are about 1/2 inch already. They are pretty fine in texture or else I would probably shave them. And if I go by your timetable, the brows and lashes should be coming out soon. I'm not kidding myself into thinking that won't happen. The hair under my arms has also been pretty quick to regrow...figures.
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Nadine & Chev1 - I shaved last week and it was the best thing I've done so far! I love the new look. The best thing I've found to wear are ladies skull caps or doo rags. Go to sparklingearth.com and find ladies skull caps. They are the most comfortable I've found. Scarfs are ok but you have to wrap them, etc. This you just put on and tie. The interlock ones on page 3 are the most comfortable, they are softer than the cotton ones. Come in every color and design possible. Except for work, I'll probably only wear these.
Don't want to hear how fast the legs start growing back - that I can definately do without. Plus I've got enough gray, don't need more when it grows back. But I've got a ways to go for that. One thing at a time.
What is the time table for brows and lashes to come out? Haven't noticed that yet. Also, when do the menopause symtoms start? Haven't had any of that yet either!
My 2nd is today - not looking forward to it. I've done so well, I don't want to do this and start feeling crappy again!
Congratulates to those who have finished or on the last treatment, that must be the best feeling in the world!
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Cat1 - great suggestion - I'll check those out as well. I'm wearing one of my wigs today at work, and everyone says it looks just like my old hair, and if they didn't know . . . so I'm taking that either as a good sign I picked out the right wig or people are just being polite!
I wish I could have shaved my head closer down than with the smallest guard on, to really get rid of the stubby hairs - some are falling out, some are not, but I have these little strawberry marks all over my head (and arms and legs) and I know from personal experience shaving my legs (yes, the hair is STILL growing there - go figure!!) that if I nick one, they bleed really well, so I had to leave it with stubble. It's so itchy!!
Good luck on your #2 today - does that mean you only have 2 more?? Congrats!! I too am of mixed mind about getting #2 on Thursday - I want it to be over, but I've been feeling so great last week and this week that I am hesitant about feeling crappy again too. Hopefully it will be as the first one, and by next Wed., I'll be able to taste food a little and feeling better. I think now that we have the first one down, we know what to expect (hopefully no little curveballs thrown in) and kind of know how crappy it will be when.
I was wondering about brows and lashes too, and am hoping (crazy, I know) that maybe because of 4 treatments, maybe it won't happen.
I can't answer you on the menopause - I've been in it since 1997 and now that I can't take hormone replacement (did this for the last 2 years, then I get bc, so there - just when I was feeling really good!), and the hot flashes are back with a wicked venegance! Having one now, and let me tell you, it's hot under the wig when they happen!! It feels weird to have hair on my neck after cutting it short just a few weeks ago. How quickly we forget!!
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Cat1: So glad you got the hair gone. Checked out the site you posted...nice. I placed an order with http://www.fashionscarvesandshawls.com I like their items because many have a elastic in the back making it easier to fit. Scarves aren't working for me, takes me forever and a day to get tied and looking right. I only wear a head covering when outside or around others. I was going to donate when all is done my wig and head-covers but decided I will hold on to them just in case I should need them down the road. At first I found so many sites that cost way more than I was willing to pay and so glad we are finding nice head coverings and a cheaper price.
This is one of the many styles I ordered. I ordered a variety of colors...suddenly feel fashionable with many colors.On menopause, I have no idea what it really is. Do know hot flashes come suddenly...no mood changes. After being taken off of Premarin this was DH's worry that I would turn into dragon lady...so far so good on that not happening. When my head was buzzed it felt nice and soft. Do notice in the last few days the top feels like a Brillo pad. I keep applying lotion to it to keep it soft and have noticed the micro hairs are falling out in patches, but not to bad yet. The back of my head is still soft to the touch.
Cat1, I am right behind you on Wednesday with number two. Chelev, I am with you on not wanting to feel crappy again. I just can't imagine how you are working during this. My brain seems to be in lazy mode, I get things done but it takes me a long time and focusing continues to be a problem. Will be thinking of you Chelev on Thursday...
I also hope not to loose the brows and lashes. And when all of this is done and the hair is back I am going to put on make-up and doll up. For now blush and lipstick and a different head covering just to make me feel somewhat normal.
So marching on to Wednesday. Keeping the chin up. Thinking about everyone and wishing little and mild SE's for everyone. And remember we have to drink tons of fluids!
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Morning Ladies...
Good Luck with those of you ladies going in for # 2 and # 3 and lucky #4...I will be going in on Thursday for # 6 and final....YIPPEEE....
It is going to be pretty HOT here in California this week and cooling off towards the end of the week.
For those of you wondering about brows and lashes...mine started to thin out at #3 and really thin now at #5 (which is #3 of TC). I try to use mascara...the darkest..but with about 10 lashes it just is not the same. As for the head...I have some tiny grey long hairs and some dark patch areas in the back of my head...feels weird when you think you have no hair left and then you feel patches of hair in the back of your head. My skin is soft and spongy and dry like a windburn. Feet are peeling - heels mostly and toes are turning dark and losing the nails little by little. I don't mind the not shaving of the legs or underarms..like eadsla...but I am sure they will be the first to start growing once I am done with chemo.
I am not in a hurry to get my hair back...think about all the blow drying and curling that will be needed...so I am okay with the BUTCH look for the summer...and if I need the wig...slap it on...for a few hours. I am not into the scarves and I do plop on a hat to cover so the sun doesn't burn my head.
After all we have had chemo and we should be proud to show the world that we are survivors and that it does happen and it can happen to anyone when you least expect it. For me it is a way to tell others that we are human and that anyone can get this terrible disease. We just need to wear shirts that say...CHEMO SUCKS! Please donate to Breast Cancer and help stop this terrible disease...
We are the bravest women in the world...just remember that...and keep going!! We will get through this together....
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Chevl1 - hate to say but I've got 6 treatments, so after today I've got 4 more to go! Understand about the stubbly. I had to shave it off - couldn't stand it.
Cruise4Life - I love the CHEMO SUCKS shirt idea. I'm only wearing my wig at work - all other times, I've got a doo rag on. It's just so much more comfortable and let em look. Right now, my head stays cold all the time. I'm hoping it gets better, so I can go butch. One more - WAY TO GO, doing my happy dance for you!
Nadine - really like that head covering, I'll check it out. I've only got a couple doo rags right now, so need some more colors and styles.
We are strong, we will overcome!
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Hey all, well with the temperature in LA being in triple digits, i have to say, I'm digging the fuzzy head. I think I officially have three lengths of hair on my head: The five o'clock shadow which is now covering my entire head, the fuzzy hair that was buzzed but never fell out...and the grey hairs that are twice as long as the others. I finished my 4 TC txs on March 6th, so the hiar does come back pretty quickly. On average, my hair would grow about an inch a month, so I'm hoping that will still be the case.
For those of you still on the TC...you will be amazed at how this period becomes a weird memory.
Oh, also, I had my last period during the week right before my second tx. Nothing different about it. My onc said that my ovaries shut down after the third tx, and I started noticing the heat flashes sbout 2-3 weeks after my last tx. I only started taking megestrol this weekend because the flashes and coldness were so damned frequent. I've noticed a change already with it, and it's progesterone based. Also, my onc said it was easier to wean yourself off of it than effexor. This may not apply to most of you now, but maybe food for thought later.
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Good News / Bad Day - Went to 2nd treatment yesterday afternoon.
GOOD NEWS - they apparently have a program that re-evualates the staging and I've been downgraded to 3A (previously 3B). WOO HOO! That sounds better and puts me down a level from the top which sounds so much better. Still have to have 6 tx because of the size 7cm but I'll take it. Also, good news got my BRAC genetic testing back and it was negative which I wasn't expecting. With both my mother and sister having breast cancer, I was expecting it to be positive. Neither of them have every had the test ran. So that's a slight relief for my son and future grandchildren I'll have. Hoping this stuff skips a couple of generations.
Bad Day - they had trouble with my port and couldn't get a blood return which means they couldn't use it. Said it probabaly had something blocking the end of it. They messed with it forever and finally said I may have to have it checked out. They had to stick me 3 times before they found a vein to start the tx. They finally put some medicine in the port and got it to work and switched me over to the port 1/4 the way through. I know it caused problems and hope it doesn't again but I'm so glad I have the port - I really would hate to have them stick me every time. It took 4 1/2 hours to get my tx this time!
Hope everyone else has an uneventful tx this week!
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Hi Diane,
Yes I had the same combo. They switched mine up to the tax. & cytox. because the typical one they give would have been bad for my heart, I am not sure of the name but I heard it is red in color. I don't really have serious heart problems just an irregular heartbeat. I heard the Dr.'s are opting more frequently for this combo now. I did get sick but not as bad as yours was. It is not that it gets better as the treatments progress, you just know what to expect and can be prepared. BUT in your case it sounds like you had some serious issues so they need to think about that!!
I lost my hair 3 weeks after the first treatment. I thought it would be harder than it was. I had fun with the two wigs I had. One week I had long hair, the next it was short. My nails did turn a little black, especially the toes. They did NOT crack and fall off. It is a scary journey but I can assure you it will be o.k. and with lots of prayers you too will get thru this. I took my Dx (same stage as yours) so hard, and my treatments scared the crap out of me, but look I am here and I am done now (God willing) This will soon be you too. The journey continues but in a differnt way. You will find yourself wanting to reach out to other women to lend support in any way you can. God Bless you and remember there is nothing stronger than the power of prayer, and with that said I will pray for you!!
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