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Comments

  • kt57
    kt57 Member Posts: 75
    edited July 2009

    Hi TC Ladies  (and Dutch):   I bop back to this site every now and then - it was a godsend  when I was anticipating and going through chemo.   I am 3 months out from my last round of TC and life is almost back to normal.  You all stay strong -- take care of yourselves...this is definately worth it -- you will have peace of mind that you have done all you can to beat this beast.  

  • pjcrn
    pjcrn Member Posts: 18
    edited July 2009

    Arnie, thanks for the good vibs. I have a wig too, but living in Florida, it seems like it will be to hot to wear, so the ball caps are a great idea. I too am having my 2nd tx this week(thurs), but it sounds like(unfortunatly) you are an old hat at this chemo thing. This may be my 1sy chemo, but this is my 2nd time at the dance. 11 years ago,at 27, I had DCIS, lumpectomy and 8 weeks of radiation. So, yes this is a long journey and we are all strong fighters!!! Like I said, I am buzzing my head tomorrow,I will let you know how it goes. Like you said "control". Have a great day!

    Pam

  • arnie
    arnie Member Posts: 922
    edited July 2009

    pjcrn... Enjoy your party today!!!   Wow...you have been through it!  Bless your heart... I posted a pic of one of my baseball caps... I put all the pins that friends and family have bought me..just to feminize it a little bit.   I wear dangling earrings too...just to feel feminine.  lol  I have baseball hats in all colors to go with different outfits and they're just so much cooler than that darn wig...lol  I go bald at home... Wink  My husband and son love giving me noogies... lol  I'll be thinking about ya tomorrow...  ((((((((((hugs))))))))))))  janet

  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 673
    edited July 2009

    Janet, thanks for the pic, I bet you look fabulous in it

  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2009

    Hi Ladies and Dutch,

    Does anyone know if the peach fuzz wild hairs will stay in or what?  My peach fuzz hairs are wild as can be and most stick straight out about a inch long..;.the rest of the hairs are real short yet but can be seen.  The peach fuzz ones look like I stuck my finger in a light socket and are funny to look at.

  • lindaps
    lindaps Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2009

    Its so hard to hear so many "different opinions" each one convinced that "THEY" are right. Sometimes, I'm not so sure who or if there is a right.  I did get some good news and that is the FISH test which was to confirm whether or not the HER2 was positive or negative was negative so no Herceptin! However, I'm still battling the drains- I had one more removed yesterday but have the last of 4 still in.  Yesterday would be 3 weeks from surgery.  My onc is going on vacation so I did not get a chance to talk with him but the surgeon's PA thinks that by 1. con't with the drain, 2. con't another 10 days of antibiotics for what they think is an infection 3. an opening where 1/2-3/4 inch opening where the steri-strips had been and now is aren't has opened up slightly all will push back the date to start the chemo the week of 7/27.  I'm hoping not as I'd just like to get started with everything but I seem to be stalled. 

     I've just read Pam's and Caren's thoughts on losing your hair.  When I had chemo 9 years ago for Hodgkins, I was absolutely terrified of losing my hair and "looking like a cancer patient".  Believe it or not, even with adriamycin and 3 other chemos every other week, I never totally lost my hair but it thinned a LOT and my husband used to laugh at my bald spot on the top/ back of my head.  I'm sure I'll lose my hair this time and although I'm not pleased, I don't seem to be as panicked about it.  Caren, those are great reassuring words about losing your hair to someone who hasn't even started chemo yet but is concerned about how/ what it will be like.  Thanks again to all.  Linda 

  • eastender
    eastender Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2009

    Hi there,

    I have my 2nd TC comes up next week (22nd)  I have already buzzed my hair (I feel sooo much better) - Two weeks to the day it was comming out.  I was getting ready for work and it was comming out in handfulls, I finished my hair in tears hoping that it would last the day, I spent the day blowing my hair off the keyboard at work and fighting back the tears!  My first treatment was OK I had two really bad days two and three and then a horrid yeast infection!  Does anyone know if that is normal - I will be discussing this with my onc.

    We are all part of a very special club and not everyone is allowed to join.

  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 706
    edited July 2009

    Nadine, I finished chemo the first time, 4 years ago.....it took 3 months until I felt I could go without a hat or headcovering.....at 3 months, it was very short but it finally stopped that sticking up phase and lay flat on my head to cover it.....this time I finished 2 weeks ago but I look every day for signs of growth ...nothing yet. I'm assuming it will take 3 months again. Best wishes that you finally start to see a difference.

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 521
    edited July 2009
    Nadine,  I'm 4 months out from chemo now and I have the fuzzy stuff that sticks up on the top.You can see my scalp thru it.   The sides lay down and cover pretty good.  The back of the head "swirl" spot is still bald with stubble.  The longest hair is still barely 1/2 inch long.  I guess we just have to be patient.   Frown
  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2009

    Thanks Hrf and Firni:  If I worry about my hair I think less of other things.  I liked having no hair but its so hot with a  ball cap on.  Never realized before how much hair protected and cooled my head.  The hot flashes make the scalp sticky and hot.

    Nadine :))

  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 706
    edited July 2009

    It would be good if the only thing to worry about was the rate at which hair grows back. I wish my boobs could grow back.

  • pjcrn
    pjcrn Member Posts: 18
    edited July 2009

    Good evening all! My husband just buzzed my head, and it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be!!! He had me buzz his first, so I wouldn't be afraid. He is such an amazing support. It was actually pretty liberating. I hope everyone has a good night!!

    Pam

  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2009

    Hrf:  My boob is gone so at least I can cover it.  My head gets so hot with hats and hate to have to cover it.  I would rather worry about my hair or lack of than worrying about the medical bills all of the time.

  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 706
    edited July 2009

    Nadine, I agree with you. Overall it would be better if we didn't have any of these issues to contend with. I am probably the only person in town who is happy that it has nnt been a hot summer for exactly the reason you say. You should consider moving to Canada where medical bills are not an issue.

  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2009

    Hrf:  I think we all would agree life was good before BC.  I don't think any of us need additional worries, etc.. Nope on Canada...love where I am at.   We just do the best we can in life and hope for the best.

  • annadou
    annadou Member Posts: 46
    edited July 2009

    Hi Nadine

     I died my fuzz -t came out a peach colour- but looks better than the white and if itr all falls out so what -it never did all goon my head but the rest of me was totally brazillian

    Hope everyone has a good day 

    Anna

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 521
    edited July 2009

    Well, my hair has decided to come to a point at the top of my head.  I don't quite like the cupie doll look.  I know that isn't spelled right but you know what I mean.  

    My insurance finally paid the surgery center  for my exchange surgery in April.  They still haven't paid the surgeon or his assistant.  Istill have my co-pay, but that's better than the entire thing!

  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 673
    edited July 2009

    Helen, wish mine would grow back too

  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 706
    edited July 2009
    kmmd, one day "they" will figure out how to do it but it won't be in time for us.
  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2009

    Does anyone have weird things with their nails after chemo is done??? I have one toe nail and two fingers where it is white, pulling away from the nail bed.  It is really weird.  I don't know how to explain it really...I have no pain in any of them from this.  I did have bad pain only last night in the one finger nail but this morning it wasn't hurting.  I am one month and seventeen days out from chemo.

    Still fighting the swollen feet and legs.  The feet and legs are sore and feel like someone beat me up.  My feet look terrible with all of the chapping.  My whole body seems to absorb lotions as fast as I can put it on. 

    Anyone else having these problems?

    Nadine :))

  • KarenVW
    KarenVW Member Posts: 39
    edited July 2009

    I am getting ready to start TC x 4 this week.  I am expecially worried about potential cognitive effects (eg., memory loss, ability to think/react quickly, etc).  Has anyone had cognitive issues while on TC?  What about long lasting or late effects?   Thanks!

  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 706
    edited July 2009

    KarenVW - I found myself in a "fog" for a period of time after each treatment. I'm 2 weeks out of treatment and feeling better.....but only time will tell if there are long lasting effects I guess.

  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 673
    edited July 2009

    Nadine, I didn't have the swelling issues, but lost a couple of toe nails. It took months for them to start to grown back.

    Karen: this is the best link I've found regarding chemo brain 

    http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/living/chemo_brain.shtml 

  • kimby
    kimby Member Posts: 14
    edited July 2009

    Hi Ladies, i'm so happy to be here. My oncotype score came back at 16 and i opted to do chemo. The doctor prepared me for a 6 month schedule of Taxol followed by FAC? prior to the test result, so now that we have the low score she told me I only need TC x 4. I feel like it is a blessing! I start TX tomorrow. Can't wait to get started and get it over with. Your posts are really helpful in preparing me - still reading through them - thank you all for posting. I'll be sure to report back on SE once I get started.

  • greytmom_17
    greytmom_17 Member Posts: 48
    edited July 2009

    kimby - welcome to the club!  What time tomorrow?  My treatment is @ 11 tomorrow, # 3 out of 4, so I'll send positive wishes your way.  Good luck! 

  • jaelsne
    jaelsne Member Posts: 39
    edited July 2009

    Karen VW--I wouldn't try to predict your side effects.  Everyone seems to differ significantly.  I have had 3 TC infusions, and I haven't noticed any memory loss or fog that some experience.  Others find that they do.  I know when I read through the list of side effects, I got really scared before my first chemo.  Yet I've experienced few lasting SE's.

    Kimby--wishing you well with your first TC infusion.

    Jo Anne 

     

  • aoandrews43
    aoandrews43 Member Posts: 32
    edited July 2009

    Nadine,

    I finished about when you did and also got large white patches on my finger nails towards the tips. They haven't separated from the nail beds, but those fingers do look strange. I don't usually wear polish, but it does make them look better (and I figure the polish may keep them together). I keep wondering how long the side effects will continue--my eyebrows keep getting thinner as well, while I barely lost any during treatment.

  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2009

    Aoandrews43:  I see the Onc tomorrow and I am going to ask him about the nails.  I was using polish but want to make sure he can see what I am talking about.  I noticed there are weird lines on each of the nails...wonder if that is from chemo also.  My nails "used" to look nice.  You know the routine...everything that was nice now isn't.  My skin is absorbing lotions as fast as I can put it on.  Oh well someday we will be "normal" what ever normal is.

    Nadine :))

  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 86
    edited July 2009

    Those pesky lines are where the chemo "killed" the cells of the nails.....weird looking huh?  I didn't get them but another gal showed me her nails and there they were....I don't think she lost any of them however.

  • kimby
    kimby Member Posts: 14
    edited July 2009

    Thanks Lynn &  Jo Anne. Appointment is at 5pm. It'll be a long day tomorrow just waiting. I'll send you positive thoughts too Lynn.

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