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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 187
    edited November 2009

    I think I read on this site from a lady named magoob that there is something for nails that works good its been 15 months since my chemo ended and 7 months since Hercepten ended and I still have problems with my nails I try and keep them painted so I dont have to look at the ugly things can you tell me what the product is called to use and where to buy it from I do have Tree Oil it works after a few weeks but smells ...
    thanks

    Maura

  • magob
    magob Member Posts: 242
    edited November 2009

    Hi Maura - Sorry to hear about your nails.  The stuff I use is called Nailtiques - my sweet sister bought it for me after my oncologist suggested it.  You just paint it on like nail polish.  It's clear. The onc says to use it throughout chemo and after until nails look normal again.  Not sure, but I think it is kind of expensive.  So far, I've done well with it.  My sis got it at CVS.  Hope this helps. 

    Tomorrow is the beginning of week 6 pfc.  Still trying to shake off side effects in the central nervous system.  Ears are still ringing - can be bothersome at night.  Muscles are still stiff and sore.  Proud to say I can get up the stairs without stopping!  Since all genetic tests are negative, the onc suggests radiation.  I still think about BMX - so scared that there will be another lump someday and I'd have to go through all of this again.  Any of you cross this bridge yet? 

    Love and strength to all of you.  XO, Mary

  • Adnerb
    Adnerb Member Posts: 727
    edited November 2009

    Hi Mary,

    I got my BMX on 9/02/09.  I'm presently doing chemo and expansion at the same time.  Am I crazy?  I thought TC was going to be easier than AC.

    Sorry about your side effects.  They will go away eventually, right?

    Take care.

    Brenda 

  • lottie
    lottie Member Posts: 160
    edited November 2009

    Baldy Valerie - thanks for the warning on the razor. My little stubborn hairs are still they're and I think I'll just let them be. Today I'm headed into my office in Boston for a few hours, first time since July. I have an hour or so to decide which hat to wear. The one that says F&^k Cancer is definitely not appropriate.

    Lottie 

  • arnie2two
    arnie2two Member Posts: 374
    edited November 2009

    Thinking about all you brave ladies today...for those having chemo and those dealing with SE's...

    (((((((((((hugs))))))))))))

  • echosalvaje
    echosalvaje Member Posts: 73
    edited November 2009

    Hi Lottie and those of you that are just losing hair,

    sometimes it doesn't all fall out. I lost about 3/4 of all the hair on my head and continued to shave the remaining 1/4 through my treatment. Don't shave it clean off with a razor like your legs, use clippers that don't take it quite down to the skin so that you don't aggravate the foliculitus.  Foliculitus is when you have those little sore bumps on your scalp, it's a common issue when all the hair falls out and the follicles get sore.

    I completely lost my eyebrows and lashes and the "fu-manchu" on my lips (one of the perks), all the hair on and under my arms and my legs. Now I am 9 weeks out from last chemo and the first thing to start growing in was NOSE HAIRS! The hair on my head is coming back and I see eyebrows starting. 

  • cherneski
    cherneski Member Posts: 149
    edited November 2009

    I used a lint roller at first but it just wasnt enough.  So I used duct tape, it didnt hurt.  I sure did look funny.

    Good luck all!  You can do it!  Keep going!

    Much Love Deb

  • Tenacious_P
    Tenacious_P Member Posts: 10
    edited November 2009

    Hello ladies,

    I have not written on this forum for awhile. It sounds like everyone is hanging in there. I'm so sorry to hear that some of you are having awful SE. I agree with what has been said...tell your Dr everything and they can try different drugs to lessen SE.

    I have been very lucky and have suffered few SE: no nausea (I do get Amoxi IV before tx along with Decadron, and I have taken a few compazine more out of fear than need), some constipation (Senna S takes care of that), I buzzed my hair to 1/4 inch and still have most of it (just finished tx#3 yesterday), WBC and RBC regain/remain normal by the time of tx. My only problems have been fatigue, irritiability (ties in with fatigue), some chemo brain, and lately trouble sleeping due to "menopausal symptoms" - hot flushes. I like to refer to them as flushed because I don't wake drenched in sweat, but I do wake because of the hot/ cold thing going on at night. I rest when I can and my husband has been very understanding and supportive. I consider myself very luckly to be tolerating everything this well. Just wanted to let newbies know that although there are a lot of fears and complications, you may not experience them all.

     Everyone hang in there and kick cancers butt!

  • jenw
    jenw Member Posts: 31
    edited November 2009

    I'm DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    WHOOOO WEEEEE!!!!  I finished 4 of 4 today!!!!! I am so happy this part of the story is over! It went well-except they it took them 3 sticks to get the IV in, and I have GIANT veins, but oh well!  In the past I've had trouble with the taxotere, the drip would have to be slowed, but this time it went through with no trouble. 

    After it was over, my husband had invited friends and family out to lunch, so we had a big NO MORE CHEMO party! It was wonderful, but I am so emotional I cried half the day!  I blame the Decodron! But everyone has been so nice and supportive, we wanted to share the day with them! I won't start feeling really bad til after my Neulasta shot tomorrow, so we took advantage of today. 

    I also get a bag of Aloxi prior to chemo, also on Decodron (eek) and I have a script for Compozine(sp?) which I have not had to take ( lucky ). 

    Now it's on to a new unknown- Radiation and tamoxifen.  And watching my hair come back!!!!!!

    To everyone just starting this crazy journey- I remember vividly telling my husband after #1, I can't do this again, and I really believed it.  But I did do it, and you can too!  And I for one am glad I did, even though it was rough, I am stronger, and healthier, and I know I did all I can to prevent having to do this again.  Please keep your head up and spirits high, you will have your No more chemo day too! (And I was fortunate to have 4 as opposed to 6 ). 

    Hair-  I am growing it back already and was really concerned that maybe the poison stopped doing it's job, so I asked my onc and he said sometimes your body will adjust to the chemo, and it doesn't mean it's not working.  It's not filled in at all, but the hair that was falling out, is now staying put- so I'm happy to watch the progress.

    Sorry to keep going on and on... blame it on the excitement of the day, and the decadron high!!!!

    Wish me luck on side effects!! 

    Revricki- GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Everyone, please know this website has been my savior through all of this, I truely love you ladies and thank you for all your positive attitudes and unbelievably valuable information! I really don't think I could have made it with out it!!!

    Please be well - stay strong

    Jen

  • jenw
    jenw Member Posts: 31
    edited November 2009

    Janet- Your poem is incredible, and says so much!  Thank you for posting it here to share!

  • Tenacious_P
    Tenacious_P Member Posts: 10
    edited November 2009

    Jenw

    Congrats! A no more chemo party sounds wonderful. You can be very proud of yourself for doing what you can to be stronger and healthier. Keep the up great attitude and gratitude and you will kick butt through the next phase of your treatment.

  • positiveme
    positiveme Member Posts: 29
    edited November 2009

    Hello Ladies

    I'm back. # 3 on Thrusday kick my butt. I was totally wiped out for 3 days. Had bowel issues that wouldn't stop and now they won't start. Chemo brain is here. I read all the post but can't retain any of it. I did remember to say Congrats to Jenw. I can't wait until 11/19 that is my last tx and I will be as happy as you are. Back at work for a few hours but heading home for a rest. Just wanted to keep everyone posted.

    Thanks for listening

    THINK POSITIVE

    Catherine

  • lottie
    lottie Member Posts: 160
    edited November 2009

    Hi All

    Just got home from #3. Time to drink, drink, drink. My blood counts were great so next time we will probably commit to going all the way through with 6 tx. I'm feeling a little loopy from the benedryl but I thought I'd check in and send my best wishes to everyone today. Hope you're all doing well.

    Lottie 

  • magob
    magob Member Posts: 242
    edited November 2009

    Way to go, Jen - you did it!  Take good care of yourself and enjoy life for a while.  I kow there is more to come, but I am wishing you a speedy and peaceful recovery from chemo. 

    Catherine, hang in there. Sounds like you are in the icky days right now.  It will pass.  I'm thinking about you and wishing a fast rebound for you. 

     Lottie - glad to hear you did #3 and it went well.  Best to you this week.

    Ta all of you - be good to yourselves this week.  Sending much love, Mary

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 653
    edited November 2009

    Jen, I am so proud for you.  You have reached the finish line.  I have only 1 down and 3 to go.  But that is one less than when I started.

    Lottie, good work today.  I hope your ses are mild.

    Catherine,  good work for you today aso.  I hope  all your ses get straightened out.  I know how hard it can be.

    Juannelle

  • dogsaver
    dogsaver Member Posts: 110
    edited November 2009

    Congrats on all who have finished and all who are doing this treatment, its definately an emotional and physical commitment, but manageable.we can understand what each other is going through! And long after we've finished, we will keep checking on here to help the next start group. Sending good thoughts

  • azdiva
    azdiva Member Posts: 23
    edited November 2009

    Heading to Mexico, Ladies!

    My side effects have been really minimal this go around (tx #2).  My WBCs are up (thank you Neulasta).  And I just want to go and try to do some of the things I would "normally" do.  I posted the following in the October 2009 Chemo thread, but wanted to share with you as well:

    I am really, truly headed to MEXICO this morning!  Should have internet, so I may even be able to send some pics!  When I cracked the henna paste off of my head, the stain was light.  It is darkening up now, so you will be able to see the tattoo.

    I bought a bathing suit yesterday because  I realized I didn't have any that fit the "no boob" me.  Almost started crying right there in Nordstrom.  My chest area just looked horrible.  Thankfully, my shopping gal helped me find something that didn't suck the air right out of the room.  Unfortunately, it still looks like I'm giving birth to the alien baby, but that is really fat and I can't blame that on cancer.  OK, I'm blaming it on the steroids.

    The reason I say this is so that you all can be prepared if you go shopping.  I think if I had just mentally prepared myself for the sight, I would have done better.  Yes, I've seen myself with the shirt off a hundred times since surgery, but there was something about the bathing suit that just hit me.  I'm supposed to have cleavage - lots of it from the perky DD here - and to have nothing was jolting.  And worse than nothing since left foob (cancer girl or Venus) is in my armpit and right foob (necrosis side or Serena) is pointing toward my neck.  And my skin is right down to the sternum, making it look like I'm anorexic from the boob area up.  (Not below, because that is the domain of the alien baby, and will be fixed at implant exchange, as assured by my wonderful PS)

    I think I recovered ok with the help of my shopping gal and my friend who was with me.  I got a suit with a bandeau (kind of tube) top, that ties in the back.  Fully covers the underarm area and the other weird area.  It was just an unexpected jolt of cancer fear in what was otherwise a really nice day.  

    I need this vacation!  I am sending big, warm, ocean scented hugs and love to you all.  Minimal s/e's to everyone, uneventful stressfree tx's, and lots of moments where you can just remember the person you are and the people who mean the most to you!

    Laura  

  • positiveme
    positiveme Member Posts: 29
    edited November 2009

    Hello Everyone

    At work today but I am leaving alittle early to take a nap. Still pretty tired.

    Lottie- Gald #3 is behind you. Get plenty of rest.

    MAGOB- & one-L- Thanks for the good wishes.

    asdiva- Have a blast in Mexico!

    THINK POSITIVE

    Catherine

  • Adnerb
    Adnerb Member Posts: 727
    edited November 2009

    Laura, glad to hear that your second round is not giving you a lot of side effects.  Are you also going through the reconstruction process?

    I tried to convince my ONC today that I should not even go back for more chemo.  He talked for an hour, and convinced me to do another round, and to talk to him again after that.

  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 79
    edited November 2009

    No #2 has definitely been easier than #1 - I hope  am not jinxing it.

    Azdiva I am jealous of the mexico trip -remember the sunscreen ! For the tat! And newly bald head! 

    Positiveme  I am glad u r feeling better-it feels so good when it stops!

     Adnerb I gotta say evntho its a drag and of course everyone's individual decision - I am glad u r going to try again- it sucks but there is worse -Good luck 2 you-Valerie

  • Gin52
    Gin52 Member Posts: 272
    edited November 2009

    Hi Everyone,

    I had a bilat mx and diep reconstruction on 9/10, had to go back to have stomach drains that had fallen out put back in on 10/19, and IF i can get the drains to cooperate, I will start 4 rounds of TC on 11/19.  This is my second cancer (1st in 2001- same breast, but 1st was her-, so this is new primary).  They did put my port in when I went back to New Orleans on the 19th, and I got that flushed the first time today, so not as scared about that now.  Anyway, any suggestions will be appreciated.  I know there is a lot here and I have been reading, but if there is anything that you "swear by" please let me know.  Also, not sure if everyone knows, but Amer Cancer Society will give you a free wig if you are having chemo....   Ok, enough for 1st post here!  I know I am in awesome company here!

  • azdiva
    azdiva Member Posts: 23
    edited November 2009

    Gin52 - I swear by Claritin if you are getting a Neulasta shot after treatment.  Also, ginger supplements really helped with nausea the first round (haven't had any the 2nd) when I wanted to stay alert.  I found that compezine and phenergan made me sleepy - which is good for when you can't sleep!  I had very bad constipation both times so far.  The second was a little better because I started taking Senekot-S the night before treatment.  On about day 3 or 4 I added Miralax to the mix.

    Have a good one, Everyone!

    Laura 

  • magob
    magob Member Posts: 242
    edited November 2009

    Hi Brenda - Sorry to hear you are having trouble with tx.  It can happen to some of us.  How are you doing?  Positiveme - are things going a little better?  Hope so. 

    I am still thinking over BMX vs. radiation - need to decide soon.  It's so hard.  But I've made it this far - I can get through the next challenge. 

    TGIF ladies - hope this weekend is kind and gentle for all of you.  XO, Mary

  • positiveme
    positiveme Member Posts: 29
    edited November 2009

    Hi All

    Just checking in. I feel better today. More energy today. I have a slight burning in my eyes. Anyone else expierence this?

    Gin52- Welcome to the club nobody wants to join. You are in good company. My advise is listen to your body and don't hesitate to call your dr. if you have any questions and problems.

    Everyone rest, relax and enjoy the weekend

    THINK POSITIVE

    Catherine

  • Pamelajo
    Pamelajo Member Posts: 124
    edited November 2009

    Mary,

    That decision is such a tough one, but for me it was easy.  Before I even knew for sure I had BC, I knew if it turned out to be so, I would have both breasts removed.  My life is so much more important than breasts.  I never want to go through this again, and my odds are so much better having had the bmx. 

    I will never have sensation back in my chest, nor will I ever have lovely ladies like before, but I know bc will not be the end of me, and I will have lovely new ladies that will never sag :)  So, it's a trade off, but it is one I was more than willing to make.  I wouldn't change a thing.

    Your decision has to be your own though, and you have to do what makes YOU comfortable.  Trust yourself enough to make the right decision for yourself hon.  It's all going to be fabulous.  You will be fabulous!

    Hugs,

    Pamela

  • dogsaver
    dogsaver Member Posts: 110
    edited November 2009

    Does anyone have a good recommendation for eye drops? lately mine feel strained all the time and dry. ive tried visine, refresh, but need something stronger. any recommendations would be much appreciated

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 653
    edited November 2009

    Dogsaver, try Genteal gel.  It is a lubricant and seems to work very well for me.  It was recommended on the thread on things that are needed for chemo. 

    Catherine, I am glad you are feeling better. 

    Mary, you will make  the right decision, sometimes you just have to really think about it.  There is nothing easy about the decisions we have to make when we have BC.

    Gen52, welcome to our thread.  You have found a place of peace and great women.  We are all in this together.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend.

    Juannelle

  • chynadollsmom
    chynadollsmom Member Posts: 43
    edited November 2009

    Hello all.  I am due for my 3rd TC next Wednesday.  Lost a bunch of hair on day 12 after my first TC.  Had my beautician take it all off by day 14.  But I haven't lost much hair after my 2nd TC.  Just wondered if anyone knows if I'll lose any more hair now, or if it all pretty much comes out after your first round.  I'm only having 4 TC rounds, so I'm half way there!  Enjoy your weekend everyone.

  • Torona
    Torona Member Posts: 16
    edited November 2009

    I am on day #9 after 3rd treatment and haven't feel well until yesterday.  Was able to work a couple of hours from Wed. on but it was such an effort.  Much more fatigue than last time.  Frustrated because of the continual weight gain and the struggle to find food that tastes like food.  I have a new development with phlebitis (inflammation of vein) from my IV arm site (on top of hand to the elbow).  It burned when they started the first IV and continued to hurt throughout the entire infusion.  Now is looks like I have been burned and the entire length of the vein is red, swollen and hurts.  The onc looked at it yesterday and said to take Ibuprofen and use cortisone cream.  Anyone else have this problem?  Glad I only have one tx left - think I'll be switching arms even though I had a snb on the other.  Hope everyone has a good weekend!

  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 673
    edited November 2009

    Dogsaver, haven't tried the drops one-L mentioned, Bausch and Lomb Soothe-XP worked well for me, at night Refresh-PM, the later are a thick ointment drop no good except for when you plan on sleeping and keeping your eyes closed for awhile.

     Torona, yes, had the same thing you mentioned.  Sorry to hear, it, very painful and makes finding a spot for the next IV a little harder.  My Onc had them give an extra dose of steroids IV right before the taxotere and it helped keep the phlebitis down for the next infusion. Happy for you that it is one more to get through.

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