Ladies in their 30s
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I guess I'm in this group, too. I'm 36. Married, no kids.
Currently scheduled to start pre-surgery chemo on the 23rd to try to reduce the tumor size. I'm also getting ACT. (Though my MO called it TAC- that would probably be the same, right?) Six doses, three weeks apart. Neulasta the following day.
My hair is already in a pixie cut, it's getting a bit shaggy right now and I'm debating having it cut one more time or just waiting for it to come out. Though I won't be coloring it again. I'm trying to shop online for some funny cosplay hats (with fox ears, for example) because I'm not interested in getting a wig. My wardrobe has always been a little "quirky" so I don't feel like I need to fit in with this, either.
My MO said it was "possible" I won't lose my hair, but I figure I'll just get a couple hats now. If I don't lose my hair, I'll still enjoy them. My hair has always been both thin and fine, but it grows very very fast. Hoping this will help speed it up in growing back!
I've been in a kind of bad place for the last week, emotionally, but right now I'm really ready to get started on the treatment. I'm so tired of getting test after test, and not DOING anything.
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The waiting is the worst part! Feeling like we should be doing something when all we can do is wait for the next MD appointment. Ugh! Hang in there girls!
Cottontail, I bought 2 wigs and never wore them, I'm much more comfortable in a pretty scarf or funny hat! I even go bald some days, especially when I'm hot......thank Chemo-pause for that!
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So.... I did it!!!! I cut/shaved my head... It was very difficulty to drive there and do it, but as soon as it was done I was so relieved i did it and so releived it was over. I feel like i got rid of alot of anxiety and stress over it. Also, i was scared of how i would react to myself in the mirror each day and its not bad at all!!! I'm not as brave as kim to go bald... or maybe im just not there yet. I have a wig that actually looks like i just like my real hair. Kim... good luck with your appointment tomorrow
cottontail... I totally understand that you just want to get treatment already. I was diagnosed on February 13, had a doctors appointment on February 17, and had my surgery on February 23. I just needed to act and get everything out of me. I guess my case was different, because I didnt get many tests. The pathology was enough in combination with having a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy. It all sucks and is so hard but getting it 'taking care' of makes you feel like you are nearing the road to recovery
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borntosurvive, I just wanted to thank you for your response to my anxiety-ridden message. Your words brought me tremendous comfort, realizing that I am not alone in having such horrible thoughts. Thank you for being so honest and open. You've given me a great peace of mind! Much love, Jen (Esmerelda).
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Hi everyone - I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer on 2/28/12. I'm 30 years old, single, with no kids. The plan is 8 rounds of chemo (going for my 3rd round this coming Tues), then surgery (double mast), then radiation, then finally Tamoxifen. My first round of chemo was terrible, but the second was much better. I've actually been feeling pretty good this week, and have been able to get out and walk a few miles every day. I've been looking to connect with other women my age so I'm happy my friend pointed out this thread to me.
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Hi Sar843.... glad you found our thread. Sorry you had to though!
Everyday there's more and more of us 30-somethings being diagnosed, cancer sucks!!! Which chemo regime are you going through? Did you already go through the hair loss process? For me that was the worst part of it.... i had hair halfway down my back that i just adored, i cried for days. Now, I'm sporting a VERY short pixie cut waiting for it to grow....
Chemo is definitely no walk in the park but you'll get to the other side of it!! I promise!
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Yay Jennifer!!! I'm sure you look fabulous!
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Jen: You're welcome. I am happy to know that I have helped a little bit. I'm still on the anti depressants as I just don't feel ready to get off of them.
Jennifer: Good job on being brave enough to cut your hair. I had my hair cut really short (and saved my pony tail) and then after my 2nd round of chemo it was falling out so my husband shaved my head while my 3 year old son held my hands. It took me awhile to recognize myself in the mirror but I would just stand there and think "If I get to live......I can live like this". And I know it's all temporary. I am 2 week post chemo and have TINY bits of white fuzz on my head.
Sar843: Sorry you have to be here but this is a very supportive group. Welcome and hope your chemo continues to go well for you. My first round was horrific too but it did get easier. I had my last dose of chemo on April 5th and although the days seem long, the time did go quickly. Hang in there.
Best part of today: It is my "chemo Friday" and it's my first one that I don't have to go because I am done now!!!!! I am on holidays with my family in South Carolina enjoying amazing seafood, the beach and the sunshine. Sure beats being hooked up to IV.
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Was just wondering what others with small children have done re hairloss. Firstly, I havent started chemo yet, but am aware that I will be losing my hair. My kids are 8, 6, 3, 3. My mother is bugging me to get a wig. It really isnt something I can see myself wearing, so I am in no hurry. Maybe others can advise me there. But my question is how did your children respond? My mom thinks they may be afraid. I see borntosurvive, your child was present while your head was shaved. Would love to hear others experiences.
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My son is 3.5 years and another is 21 mos. So my youngest really hasn't noticed or cared that I am bald. I told my oldest that "Mommy was going to the hospital to get special medicine. The medicine is so speical that it will make my hair fall out". I told him that I would look like Cailou (the cartoon boy) who is a bald happy kid. He was fine with that. Yes he was there when my husband shaved my head. We celebrated with suckers afterwards. He's been fine and actually prefers me wiithout my wig. He will ask "Are you putting your hair on?" but seems to be happier when I just wear a hat. I think it's all in how you handle and explain it. I was always very upbeat with him about it (even if that's not really what I felt). My hospital has a lot of books and things for kids so maybe look into that for your oldest. Also there are Social Workers at my hospital that will talk with the kids if needed/wanted so see if they'll do the same for you. My oldest always knew it was only temporary. I am just 2 weeks post chemo and he'll say "Mommy......you still look like Cailou!". Yep.....still bald
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Borntosurvive thanks so much. my kids will understand the caillou reference. The suckers too, just like the hairdresser. Love it. Will look into the library at the cancer centre. The SW helped a lot re the surgery and how/when to tell them.
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And maybe your mom is more concerned about you wearing a wig because of her own reaction and she's just using the kids as reference. I found that I protected my friends and family a lot by wearing my wig and then one day I was just like screw this.....I am in my own home so I am not worrying about my wig. And no one cared and I didn't feel like I had to appologize or explain. I'm sure it was a bit shocking for them to see my bald but they stayed so it must not have been to terrible. Just be true to yourself and remember that YOU know your kids best. Don't feel any pressure.
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Hello everyone. Im new to this forum. I was 37 when I was diganosed. Heck, I'm still 37 :-) I intially was diganosed with DCIS and had a mastectomy on March 12, 2012. Then once I had my surgery, I was told they found a tumor and now I am triple negative. I started chemo on April 19th. So far not many side affects. I had body pain on day 2, and on day 5 I was a bit tired. Im now on day 13 and I am not sure if its the norm or not, but I have not had any hair lost yet. Im praying it stays that way, but I guess I am prepared if it does start to come out. I have a husband and 2 kids. My children are 13 and 3. It was hard for me to tell my son, because he worries so much about me. However i reassured him that mom would be just fine.
I will go for my second chemo treatment next week on May 3rd. I am taking taxotere and cytoxan. I have been wearing a wig in anticipation of my hair falling out. I love the wigs and the different looks they give me, but there is nothing like your own hair. I wish i knew when my hair was going to start to shed or come out. What has been the expierence here of when it normally started to shed?
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Jaebon welcome to the boards. Sorry you have to be here though. I lost my hair on day 13 after my first chemo. So you should expect it any time.
You will find alot of sweet ladies here that will be happy to help you along the way.
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Hello, Happy to have found this thread. I am 39, diagnosed at 38, with stage 4 meastatic, triple negative. I have 5 children ranging from 20, 16, 12, 5 to 3. Overall they have been handling the news well. The children have all reacted well to the hair loss. My youngest will walk by and rub my head when I dont have on a hat or wig, it's funny.
I have chemo every third week, Taxotere and also take Xeloda for 2 weeks. I get lots of side effects, Yuck!, but it seems like it is worth it. It appears the chemo is doing a good job as my Onc is moving my next PET scan up a whole 3 cycles :-) based on results from a CAT scan.
My husband is supportive, my family is supportive as they can be even though they live far away. My mother is actually up for about a month to help out and so far it is great! I am loving it, getting a nap almost everyday is just lovely!
My thing is trying to figure out if getting a mastectomy/reconstructive surgery is going to be worth it, and what kind to do. the soonest I could be looking at that would be around August. My Onc has said it is about 50/50 to do or not to do as the cancer already escaped the breasts but it is in too many lymph nodes to do more surgery. He also just brought up RADS at my appointment on Monday, but I am not sure about that either. I guess now is time to research radiation therapy a little more.
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Hello, all. It's a pleasure to meet you, even though I hate that I have to meet you all here.
I'm 39, diagnosed just 2 weeks ago. I'm still new at this whole breast cancer game, What I do know is I'm Stage II, TN. I had a muga scan and pet scan yesterday, and will meet with my oncologist tomorrow regarding the results of those and the next step. I first met her last week, and the game plan then was chemo, lumpectomy, then radiation.
I'm married, with a 7-year-old son. I'm worried for my boy, but we're trying to keep as informed as we think he needs to be. I also work full time, and am planning on continuing to do so during treatment. I have a desk job, so I'm hoping it's not too taxing.
I'm researching the bejesus out of this breast cancer nonsense, and I'm about ready to hit my wall of what I'm reading. I'm fretting about chemo, I'm fretting about radiation...ugh. So I'm currently obsessing about scarves, hats and wigs because at least that's shopping.0 -
Hey there! Thought I would join this thread instead of just reading it every day. I am 36 and was diagnosed in December. I had UMX in January and started chemo - TCHx6 - in February. I also did fertility preservation right before chemo started and froze some embryos.
I started to lose my hair on day 15 and shaved it to 1/4" that day.
Also - I worked full time for the first month of chemo...a desk job as well...then switched to 5.5 hrs per day since then. I have only missed work for my infusion day. Some days are hard to get up and come to work but I have made it through okay. Its much better working a little less and taking an afternoon nap.
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Hi ksmatthews. Thank you for the warm welcome. I have my 2nd round of chemo next thursday. I dont know how I got confused but I thought that I would be doing 4 cycles of TC, but found out today that it is 6 cycles of TC. I was a little bummed by that, but oh well, I guess I have to do what I have to do.
As far as the hair loss, I am on day 13 and so far no hair loss. Keeping my fingers crossed. LOL.. Dont know how much longer it will hold out.. I have a feeling it may start after my second session. But.. who knows when it will start.
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Jaebon: I had dose dense ACT and my hair started to fall out after my 2nd round of chemo. They told me that it would happen between my 2nd and 3rd likely and it was just after my 2nd that it started. I found it on my pillow and things and then it started to really fall out and I was breathing it in at night. I had my husband shave my head one morning while my 3 year old held my hands. If you have any nausea make sure you ask for Emend. It saved me!! Watermelon helps to with nausea. I would lie in bed and suck on pieces of watermelon. You will come out the other side, it just may not feel like it at times. PM me if you need anything.
Welcome to all the new sisters. Sorry you're here but this is a great place to be - especially when you feel alone
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Thank you so much borntosurvive. I think i saw tonight some pieces starting to come out. I will see or take a closer look tomorrow to see what happens once i wash my hair. So far i have not had nausea but i do have meds for it. I love watermelon, so i may have to try that out.
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Hello ladies. My name is Kim and I am so glad that I found this board. Here is my cancer journey I was diagnosed in August 2009 with stage iv with mets to lungs. Then in 2010 I was diagnosed with brain mets x2 ,followed by liver and bone mets in January 2012. I am currently on Gemzar,Herceptin,zometa,cisplatin. It has been three years since diagnosis and I still have good and bad days. My family has been great through the ups and downs. But there are some things that they don't understand that only fellow cancer patients understand. I hope to meet some very interesting people on here. 0
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Hi Ladies,
Sadly I am here to join the group :-/ I am 38, just diagnosed and started AC (then T) chemo last week. I am married but no kids - actually we were trying to have kids for the last 3.5 years :-(
My hats go off to those of you who worked during chemo. I am not working right now but am struggling big time. I also caught a cold and ended up in the ER due to high fever, so maybe next cycle will be better.
Oh and Cottontail, thanks for the name of the cosplay hats - I bought a cheetah one at a local fair right after diagnosis, but it is too small and wanted to look for a new one but didnt know how to start my search. I think it will be fun to wear one around the house, but am going to get a wig for wearing in public.
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Radioactivegirl: Sorry you are here but I am happy you found us. It's always hard to feel alone but know you're not. We're all here for you!!! I also could not work during chemo and I've been off work since my surgery November 22/11. I did not fair well with chemo but did find Emend to work for my nausea so ask your pharmacist for that if you're struggling. Hang in there. You will make it out the other side of chemo. HUGS to you xoxo
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welcome radioactive girl. I hope you find lots of support and comfort here, I know I have. I have had 5 of the 6 chemos I am going to have so far. Each one has been different; they say they get progressively worse but mostly mine have been different but not really worse. Be honest with your onc about your side effects; my onc and his team have been great with having me try different things for mine and at this point I have plenty of pills to keep things under control. I normally hate taking pills, but I am so grateful for what I have and how well they all control the SEs.
Best of luck to you.
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Hello everyone! So glad I finally found a website with a tremendous amount of support and knowledge! Wish I knew about this last year when I was going through my treatments but excited to learn more about life after treatments and others' journeys.
I was diagnosed last year, three days before my 34th birthday....worst present ever. Lol. No family history and never imagined I would be diagnosed with bc. Chemo was tough; radiation wasn't bad but daily trips got overwhelming. Work and my family kept me busy and motivated through treatments. Now I'm a few weeks away from the 1 year mark and excited things have been going well so far!
I have been happily married for almost 12 years and have an 8 year old son and 4 year old daughter. I bought two books from Amazon that were a great help in explaining to my children what I was going through: "Mom has Cancer!" and "Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings".
It's unfortunate we have to meet this way but I'm glad we can support each other through our experiences and hopefully find comfort in knowing we're not alone.
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Thanks for the warm welcome ladies :-) I did get IV Emend before the chemo, but I guess there are pills that they can give you too?? I did have compazine, but it did make me very drowsy :-( I think my bigger issue is that I caught a cold, yeah horrible timing but given the stress I have been under lately it kindof makes sense. I also dont think I drank enough water the day before chemo and I didnt have enough of the right kind of food in the house. I am going to approach the next one very differently and hope that means I wont suffer as much :-)
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I had Emend in pill form. I took the first pill before chemo and the next 2 for the 2nd and 3rd day after chemo. I found that watermelon really worked for nausea and the sugar helped when I couldn't eat anything. I had the dose dense A/C T and found I was extremely nausious and felt awful for the A/C part and was better on the Taxol. I ate a lot of mashed potatoes and found which days my taste buds were off so I'd eat bland stuff. I couldn't really tell the difference between hot and cold so I had to be careful with soups and things that they weren't to hot. You will figure out what works for you and it's total trial and error.
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Hi ladies,
I was diagnosed last year at 34. I found my lump on my own. I was almost refused mamogram because of my age.
A few days ago my hand began to swell up and I'm pretty sure it's lymphedema. I don't know what do.
Take care of yourself ladies.
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Braveheart you should find a Lymph massage specialist. I had 10 weeks of treatment and my arm and body are doing so much better. They will help train your lymph system to drain more efficiently. It really did work for me and the German doctors I see really push for all their BC patients to go at least 3 times after sx or while in the hospital. I'm not sure how popular it is in the US, but I'm very happy with the results. Good luck and I hope you find some relief.. Tracy
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Braveheart - I would definately do something. Do the massage like oadtolivo or talk to your docs.
I am going to ask for emend in pill form - I got decadron and zofran plus emend via iv. but i want to go home with some emend next time :-)
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