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Starting Chemo in Nov. 2011...anyone else?

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Comments

  • el-jaye
    el-jaye Member Posts: 25

    Boxcars  -  The canesten cream was just over the counter.  The onc had me do a round of the vaginal suppositories last round of chemo cause she was concerned about the amount of yeast that was showing up in my urine.  This round just the cream alone and I seem to be much better. 

    The cancer agency here has developed a really good mouthwash to help with the mouth sores.  Have you asked your onc if they have one?   

    Thankfully for me the taste is coming back.  I didnt have a smoothie today and I kind of missed it!

    My DH made me a fabulous Prime rib roast dinner tonight and I was able to enjoy ALL of it!!!  He really does spoil me!!

    Hugs to all of you!  Blessing for a peaceful night and a good week ahead!

  • Quaatsi
    Quaatsi Member Posts: 270

    Hello Everyone,

    Been reading the posts of the last week.  It seems like most women, including myself, are trying to figure out 1. how to deal with the side effects of the meds and 2. emotionally getting through this.

    I admire all of you-- there is no self-pity, no why me's-- just acceptance!  If only our well intentioned friends and family could see just how positive, naw, realistic... we really are being.  Telling us how to feel is quite a freedom others seem to have when they themselves don't have a clue, even how they feel!  Most times, I believe our caring supportive f/f  have a hard time dealing with their own fears of getting cancer. We don't worry about GETTING it, we got it!  Now, how to deal with it!!!  Kudos to all of you.

    I hear a lot saying that the food just sits there--  in chinese medicine that is food stagnation.  I am not offering medical advice but  I have found a few things that help--  getting supplemental food enzymes which get destroyed by drugs. This way what we do eat, gets used and discarded (shall I say..lol) more easily.  Also,  PROTEIN---  that is the building block of cells so when the cells get destroyed-- like in our esophagus (acid reflux, mouth sores, intestinal track problems like hemorroids) we need to be able to have something there to repair them.  Protein in higher doses than we are used to.  For me, since I seem to have a hard time eating much, I drink whey protein shakes.  Makes a big difference! Plus, I take 30 grams of l-glutamine daily.  Look up all the things thta amino acid does but in short order, it helps protect and repair cells of the GI tract, not to mention the idiosyncratic effect on neuropathy.    Just some thoughts here.

    On another note,  I had a lovely but exhausting day yesterday.  I went riding on my favorite horse for three hours and was out for 6 hours total.  As I was riding I realized something maybe you all could undertand.  When I am home, in the house or even at work, I guess that maybe 1/2 of my thoughts are about something cancer related, just a guess here. But, out in the mountains, on my lovely grey arabian,  I found myself only fleetingly thinking about the big C!  Despite my back hurting and being tired, it was soooo worth it! I hope that I can continue riding at least short rides for the duration of this treatment.

    Lastly, website question-- how do you know something has been posted to this site? or replies to your post?  I do not have time to go on everyday and check but ???

     thank you gals!  Q. 

  • claireinaz
    claireinaz Member Posts: 714

    Dear ladies, I have finished two AC dd tx and the next one is this Friday. It's good to read about other experiences; I feel less alone.

    Shaved my head last Wed and felt like it was a violation.  It's not something I can be lighthearted about, and I cried and still avoid looking in the mirror.  Any SE from Neulasta seem to be avoided with Claritin and ibuprophen; I'm taking Lysine (amino acid) for mouth sores and don't have any.  Have lost weight which concerns my onc. but not to a large degree.  The worst time for me after my tx seems to be 48-72 hours right after.  Nausea, fatigue, fog, and loss of appetite.  Then I recover, except for the loss of appetite. I'm just not that interested in food... Haven't found any food I can really eat during that post chemo time except for yogurt and saltines. 

    I've been able to keep up with my normal activity level, which was high, so far.  But I have to force myself sometimes to get out and hike, go to bikram, or go to the gym.  I always feel better afterward.

    No chronic digestive probs (constipation) but I do have milk of magnesia on hand, which works well and fast.  

    Now I'm just trying to negotiate the baldness...I hate the wig I got--itchy and just looks ridiculous to me, although I bought it from a professional who works with chemo patients. It's a good wig--I just hate the whole idea. I bought a hat with velcroed hair attached and that feels a bit better, but I can't wear it all the time.   I don't like the idea of scarves, since to me they scream chemo patient, so I'm going to use my half-hairpiece and a beret to get through my days of teaching at the U; all my students know about my problem and have been very supportive, so I'm not self-conscious about having to use something like this today for the first time. Mostly the elastic criss cross thing on top of my head just feels itchy and constrictive...I can igmore it for some hours though.  I can see myself just saying "who cares" in a few months and simply sticking a hat on my head and letting that be enough. 

    I cried on my mom's shoulder the other day when I showed her my bald head. I felt like a little girl, but I'm 53 and she's 83...I feel often like I am a little kid again, scared and wishing someone would rescue me.  My hubby's been good, but we cry at lot more at movies and he hates to see me go through this and gets emotional at times.

    But it sounds like we are all coping somehow. And there is light at the end of this tunnel.

  • claireinaz
    claireinaz Member Posts: 714

    PS one more tip about mouth sores--I used to get them (stress-related) before all this, and found out that using a toothpaste that is sodium-laurel-sulfate free helps a lot in healing and keeping them from returning. You can try Tom's toothpaste (found at natural food stores) or the brand I'm using which is Jason's,also found at natural food stores.

  • Renee728
    Renee728 Member Posts: 7

    Hello - I had my first TC treatment 11/18/11. I am completely anxious about the hair loss and over analyzing every little pain or possible side effect. The worst was having an accident the evening of my treatment (fortunately at home!!) and I have a skin rash that an antibiotic has calmed the itching and bizarre scalp irritation. It is so hard to explain this journey to just anyone so I am very happy to have found a place to share my experiences and I enjoy reading your comments.

     I look forward to coming back often. Best wishes to all!!

  • Kathy9433
    Kathy9433 Member Posts: 23

    Hi Renee,  Sorry you had to join us.....but WELCOME!  Hair starts going about two weeks after the first treatment and for me took four days till it was going, going, gone :O[  It really isn't so bad...just think of it as a temporary "new look".  This is a great board to get any and all information; no matter how bizarre your question seems.  We'll answer anything!!  Hugs to you and Hang In There  oxoxoxoxo

    Kathy

  • claireinaz
    claireinaz Member Posts: 714

    Hi Renee, my hair hung in there till day 17 about, after my first tx,, then I noticed it was beginning to fall. I had a wild idea that maybe I'd be in the 1% that didn't lose all their hair...but no. Yeah I can't sugar-coat it: it was awful for me after I shaved my head (last Wed), but I found comfort in knowing there were so many other women out there who are bald like I am now. And I have found a few ways to solve the problem where I look almost "normal", not to myself but to the general public.  That makes me feel calmer.  It will grow back. And it's a small price to pay for recovery.  Think of it that way.  We know how you feel...truly.  XXOO

  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045

    Hi everyone,

    Welcome to the new ladies.  tsKaiser75, wrkn, Renee728.  You will find a lot of support here.

    Well, my blood's all back to normal now.  Platelets rebounded very nicely, so now I get to have treatment #2 tomorrow.  Can't say I'm looking forward to it, but I am looking forward to getting a little closer to being done.  Onc. says I still don't "qualify" for neulasta the day after chemo. even though I ended up with neutopenia last time.  I'm not sure what he means, if it's the insurance or what, but I know the leukine shots they gave me last week did it's job of getting wbc up.  I got see 2 of the grand kids yesterday.  It was exactly what I needed, after being isolated for a while. 

    Hope everyone's doing better and able to manage their SE's. 

  • LynMichel
    LynMichel Member Posts: 87

    Lory thanks for the advice about extra virgin cocunut oil.  I'm so tired of the metal taste when I eat. 

    Boxcars and Beth I got the burning feeling in my throat too  after my chemo treatment last Tuesday.  But mine turned out to be problems with sinus drainage.  My DH said I coughed up a storm last night in bed.  My daughter told me why don't I take sudafed.  I took one this morning and feel much better.  I also got dry eyes after my last chemo.  That's something I had before BC.  My eye doctor recommended putting drops in more ofter during the day and using cold (AM) and warm (PM) compresses.

    Today I was depressed about my hair and my surgically different body.   The hair I wish I had it back to look normal.  I wish my scars would fade faster from my reconstruction.  My PS recommended using Vit. E oil. for the scars.  What has everyone else used that had reconstruction?

    GrandmaV sorry about the delay in your treatment.

  • TexasRose2127
    TexasRose2127 Member Posts: 106

    Quaatsi-  A big thank you for all the integrated/alternative med info.  I will give it a try if I experience any of the SE.   I have always been careful of what I put in and on my body & for the most part eat a healthy diet free of as much chemicals & preservatives as is humanly possiable.  I see a chinese medicine doc for accupuncture and herbs. I was really surprised when I signed up quickly to chemo & rads when I got my BMX pathology reports!  I plan to use the best of both worlds; medical science to kill any rougue cancer cells & natural medicine to handle the SE. 

    Love hugs & prayers

  • TexasRose2127
    TexasRose2127 Member Posts: 106

    claireinaz-  I started fantasizing today that I too would be one of the 1% that does not go bald!  I am on day 13- had my 1st AC tx on Nov 15th.  I am not looking fforward to the "bald" thing.  It was bad enough that lI cut my hair really short before my 1st chemo treatment.  I just have to remind myself that it will be all worth it to rid myself of any stray cancer cells. 

    I am really enjoying this diiscussion board.  All of you lladies are really great & I appreciate the open sharing of the good the bad & the ugly. 

    Love hugs & prayers to all!

  • Lory48
    Lory48 Member Posts: 266

    Rose, I am hoping for that 1% thing as well. I also started T/C on the 15th. I know I am just trying to be hopeful as my head is so sensitive. Last night it hurt to lay on the pillow, and this mornign in the shower I saw more strands than in previous days..so it is only a matter of time

  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 466

    Well, my fantasy of being in the 1% is coming to an end.  I just this afternoon noticed much hair coming out if I even put my fingers near it!  I am assuming in a couple of days I will have the Shrek look full-on.  I am dreading it and am scared to see myself bald.  I am going to have to call either my regular stylist or the person who styled my wig as I am feeling (at least at the moment) that a quick bald look may work for me better than seeing patches of hair hanging on my head.  I also hear you get a headache during this process sometimes and would like to avoid adding injury to insult.  On top of it, I have an abcessed cyst on the top of my leg (right where the elastic on your undies goes) and had that expressed (ouchie) today and am back on more antibiotics.  Today was going to be my first day back at work (to try and keep myself "normal"), but the doctor doesn't want me at work with an infection since I work at an elementary school. She asked me why I am so hard on myself. Could life be any more fun?  I doubt it.  I really try to keep a positive attitude and a good sense of humor, but even the doctor said I was pretty slammed with stuff right now.  I have to agree, but will try not to freak out too much when the hair goes...if I can.

    Sorry to whine, but I feel you can all understand my frustrations today and while family and friends can be supportive, they don't really know what this is all like to those going through it.  So, thanks for being there.

    Lory ~ Does the coconut oil trick really get rid of the metal taste?  I would love if it did.  Please let me know.

    Hope you are all doing well today and thanks again for being my support.  Linda

  • Nel
    Nel Member Posts: 597

    Hi All,

    I am not good at keeping track of all the names, but so much of what is here rings so true.  The depression issue, how could we get thru this and not have down or depressed days.  That would be nothing short of a miracle.  I was being treated for depression prior to my DX so had the counseling, med support all in place. My counselor is a life saver.  And thru the hospital I am going thru they have a peer to peer matching program.  My "buddy" had the same DX 16 years ago.  It is great to have someone to call when it feels like you have worn out your friends.  For the depression, let yourself feel it, see if you hospital or the Amer Cancer Society can match you with a buddy. Find a counselor if you do not have one. Love leaving my "stuff "  at his office.

    I too am better when I am out of the house and active. I am still working  and that helps my mental health so much.  The days I spend at home, without much to do, I begin to feel sorry for myself and tank so to speak. 

    I went and picked out a wig today.  This has been a tough one for me.  I don't want to be "outed" and have lots of people know. I have told very few folks and was hoping to keep it this way for sometime longer.  Once I begin with a hat and or wig, I am pretty sure folks will figure it out. My Reasoning, I don't like people hovering around me and I have no tolerance for people feeling bad for me.  Way too independent for my own good.  My close friends know, my soon to be ex and two family members.  Right now that is enough to help with anything I need.  Hair loss has been my biggest side effect and the awful taste in my mouth. I am able to maintain my regular day around MD appts.  Sorry ranting on this particular part of the process. 

    Get support where you need it, be OK with having a bad or really bad day and stay as acitve as you can within your normal routine.'

    Gentle hugs

    Nel 

  • Lory48
    Lory48 Member Posts: 266

    Linny, I have not once had the metal taste..food to my dismay (I need to get this weight off) taste wonderful..

  • sueshane
    sueshane Member Posts: 68

    Help! I have a really bad rash on my slightly bald and shaved head.  I put cortisone cream on it.  Has anyone else had the problem.  It looks like a rash/acne and itches like crazy.  I just started the cream tonight so I don't know if it will work.  Any suggestions anyone has would be great.

  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 466
    Lory ~ I am getting a chuckle about the food tasting too good for you.  I am so glad you can actually taste it.  I am a bit disappointed that even though everything tastes awful when  I got weighed at the doctor's today I only lost 1 pound since chemo 2 weeks ago.  What the heck is going on?  Anyway, I will have to try your coconut oil suggestion...desperate to taste something good.  Or, maybe once the metallic taste starts there's no way around it?  Will keep you posted.  Between that and the beginning of the hair loss I am beginning to experience and the abscess I am dealing with, it may be a wild and unpredictable week.  As the saying goes...onward and upward! 
  • kelleysgroi
    kelleysgroi Member Posts: 95

    Denise- I am also on the same regimine..I had 2nd treatment on Nov 23 and now how 2 more adriamycin /cytoxin treatments left then 4 taxol treatments.  So far it has not been as bad as i anticipated.  Hope you are doing well. 

  • bahamamom3
    bahamamom3 Member Posts: 275

    Hi, all.  I had a pretty rough day today.  I have only slept good the first night after chemo (Friday night).  I didn't sleep at all Saturday night, and I tried to sleep off and on yesterday.  I was definitely tired enough, but I could not get to sleep.  I just kept thinking about this whole diagnosis, all the tests, and treatments, etc.  I got up the last time I awoke anyway at 5 and decided to go ahead and start trying to get dressed and ready for work.  I felt really funny, like I was a ghost, like I had no weight.  I thought I was going to pass out for a while.  When I got back in bed, I lay there for a while and tried to figure out if I would get better or not.  I finally felt better, so I continued getting ready.  What normally takes about 25 minutes took me over an hour and 15 minutes this morning.  I went on to work, but it was a pretty bad day.  My students were quiet-Mondays are good days when it is rainy, thank goodness for that.  Anyway, I figure that today was day 4.  The first 2 were pretty good, and 3 and 4 were bad.  What is next?  Will tomorrow will be worse or better?  Please let me know so that I can sort of plan the rest of my week.  My doctor had said that if I had my treatments on Friday, I should be ready to go back to work by Monday or Tuesday.  Then Sunday when she called to check on me, she said that I would probably have flu-like symptoms on Monday or Tuesday.  Does that just last a day or so or longer?  My bones hurt, my mouth hurts, and I would love to be able to taste something good.  But I think my constipation/diahrea has leveled off some.  I am really hoping for a good night's sleep tonight also. 

  • bc50
    bc50 Member Posts: 12

    I saw my oncologist for the first time today.  My treatments will be AC/Cytoxan every two weeks X 4, followed by Taxol every two weeks X 4.  After that, 7 weeks of radiation.  I start on Monday, Dec. 5th.  Has anyone started the same treatment?  The oncologist told me that AC is nicknamed "The Red Devil" and I'm pretty freaked out by it all. 

  • bc50
    bc50 Member Posts: 12

    kellysgroi

    I just wrote a post looking for anyone with the same treatment as I am starting, then saw your post.  How are you feeling the second week after treatment?  My oncologist said most people on this treatment regime have their bad days about the third day after treatment and it lasts about 4 days.  Is this the case with you?

  • bc50
    bc50 Member Posts: 12

    Bonseye,

    Thanks for the good luck wishes.  How are you feeling since Friday?  Hope you are still doing well.  I feel better after finding out my treatment and when I start.  Bought a couple of wigs after my oncologist appt. to feel like I was taking a step ahead.  Started feeling anxious after I got home, though.  Decided to just keep my mind on getting supplies and getting the house cleaned up before the dreaded festivities begin on Monday.  Wishing you well.

  • Renee728
    Renee728 Member Posts: 7

    SueShane - I am on day 4 of antibiotics for the incredibly itchy rash that I have on my neck and scalp and even down there. My onc said it was probably a reaction to my chemo on the 18th and prescribed Levofloxacin 1 - 500 mg pill for 7 days. I don't have the itching and my scalp is not driving me crazy anymore. I used benadryl which helped relieve the itching but I think the antibiotic has done the trick. Good luck! I thought I was going to pull my hair out myself from it.

  • racerdeb
    racerdeb Member Posts: 114

    linnyhopp,

    Since you were just a day ahead of me on your first treatment, it's no surprise to hear that your hair is starting to fall out.  So far, I'm losing just a few hairs here and there (two weeks after my 1st chemo date), but I know the big loss will occur during the rest of this week. I plan to get my husband to buzz off my hair tomorrow.  I'm as ready as I can be, with a wig and several hats with the velcro bangs.  My sister is taking me on a short vacation this upcoming weekend to help me deal with the loss of my hair.  She said she's even bringing along several hats so we can "look cool" together! 

    bahamamom3

    I'm now starting Week #3 following my first TCH treatment, and I feel almost completely normal.  I'm no longer having any stomach problems (still had some diarrhea last week).  I'm even sleeping well again!  However, my second treatment is next Tuesday (December 6), so the whole cycle will begin again.  At least this time, I'll have a better idea of what to expect.  Again, all of the advice on this message board has been of tremendous value to me in dealing with the SEs.

  • Tipnas
    Tipnas Member Posts: 82

    Hi Ladies, I'm back from a wonderful break in Mammoth.  It was so nice to get away from it all and not have to think about chemo.  I've had a lot more nausea and fatigue this time round and I'm not looking forward to my 3rd tx next week, but as someone here said, onwards and upwards!

    Sue Sorry to hear about your itchy head.  Did you actually razor shave it?  I remember when I used to shave my bikini area it would get itchy and have little red bumps.  I guess that area and our heads, which are not used to being shaved, are very sensitive.  I used to apply cortisone and benadryl cream and it helped a lot.  Perhaps taking some benadryl orally might help too, at the very least it would help you sleep!  Are you receiving Taxotere?  My onc said that it can cause a skin rash and that's why they give us steroids and antihistamines prior to the infusion.  I hope you get some relief soon.

    Boxcars My heart goes out to you with your awful SEs.  I hope your drs visit went well today and they gave you something that will bring relief

    GrandmaV Yeah, so glad you got to see your grandchildren!  Just the tonic to lift you up before your treatment.  I hope all goes well tomorrow!

    Beth The NP at my oncs office told me to take Prilosec OTC.  I started a few days ago and it seems to be helping a bit.  I'm on day 12 of my 2nd tx and the nausea and fatigue have been a lot worse this time around.  I also think this chemo wreaks havoc with our hormone and consequently our emotions.  My extremely patient husband told me tonight that I seem to be a bit more sensitive than usual.  I think he's right.  We were with friends at Thanksgiving and out of the blue I felt really sad and started crying.  I felt a bit embarassed, but sometimes we need to have a good cry and just let it all out.  Our bodies and our lives are going through turmoil right now, so we have to be gentle with ourselves. Hang in there!

    Linda I too have the metallic taste in my mouth and nothing tastes the way it should. I'm day 12 today and I was able to enjoy a small glass of wine with my dinner this evening and it didn't taste bitter!  It only lasted about a week on round 1.  Someone loaned me a book called The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen and there are some great tips and recipes in there for taste bud troubles. The author talks about something called FASS - Fat, Acid, Salt and Sweet.  When things have a metallic taste she recommends adding a little seweetner like maple syrup or agave nectar and a squeeze of lemon.  Or you could also try adding fat, such as a nut cream or butter.  I just got the book so I haven't tried any of these tips yet, but will give it a try.  The metallic taste is very unpleasant.  You sound like you're having a rough time.  I hope you feel better soon.

    I'm sowly getting used to being bald and have been going topless with my friends and getting more confident going out with hats.  I have a really nice wig but somehow it just doesn't feel like me.  Still, it"s good have for state occasions. Have a great week ladies!  xoxo

  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 466

    Racerdeb ~ I see that you are going to go ahead and shave your head before you lose all of your hair.  I am thinking I will call and make an appointment to do that, too.  I keep waiting for clumps of hair to come out right now, but guess it would take a couple of days for that to happen according to a friend who went through this about 10 years ago.  I don't know how I will react to the bald thing but am hoping that once it's over I will move on quickly.  I also have my wig ready along with a hair halo for hats.  I have a bunch of hats, but it's so warm here in San Diego, I would have to go get a couple of cute baseball hats to wear right now as the warmer looking knit hats would look pretty silly.  But, it's supposed to get cooler and rain later this week, so I am ready for that.  Sounds like a fun trip coming up with your sister.  Enjoy the weekend before our next treatment.  There are about 9 girlfriends who are going out for our annual "Christmas High Tea" this Saturday and I am hoping my abscessed cyst issue clears up in time for me to go.  The girls want to cancel if I can't go, but I am hoping it won't come to that.  I wanna go and have fun!  I am also signed up for the ACS "Look Good, Feel Better" class next Monday and hope to get to that as well.  I am changing over to Tuesday chemo infusions, so we will be doing our treatments at the same time from now on.  By the way, I am feeling pretty good this week, too, except for the metallic taste and for that I am grateful.

    Tipnas ~ Thanks for the cookbook suggestion.  I am going to look on line and see if i can find it.  It would be great to find ways to make things taste better.  By the way, I am still laughing after reading about having your wig for state occasions.  Very funny!  I did see Patty to pick up my wig and hair halo last week.  She has offered to shave my head and the way the hairs are coming out right now, I think I may have to call and take her up on that in the next couple of days.  It's either that or call my hair stylist to schedule with her.  I am hoping my wig looks realistic.  One of my friends was telling me that when she shaved her head, her 3 year old grandson would actually shudder when he looked at her.  Ten years later she can laugh about it.  I just wouldn't want to permanently scar my 3 year old great niece emotionally with one look at me that way!  LOL!   I am impressed that you are comfortable letting your friends see you bald.  I hope I can just stand looking at myself.  Glad you had such a nice time in Mammoth.  I can understand the unexplained crying.  This whole situation is enough to make you cry rivers and sometimes you just have to release it all.  I feel it's another part of the process and an emotional healing tool.  Weird though that emotional times hit me at times when things seem to be OK and I have been able to make it through tough times with no tears at all.  Oh well, it's all a learning process I guess. 

     BC50 ~ I think you are doing the best things possible while waiting to start your treatments.  As so many people say (and I totally agree), the worst part is waiting.  Once you start you will be happy to have begun the journey so the end is closer.  Take care and TRY to relax!

    Bahamamom3 ~ I was supposed to start back to work (school) today, but due to the leg cyst issue, I didn't make it. But, I can understand that getting ready to go to work would be much more challenging at this time and I think I would have had the same issues.  I hope if you are going to work tomorrow, you feel much, much better and that your students are co-operative. 

    To all...pleasant dreams and hope you all wake up and feel great tomorrow!  Linda

  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045

    sueshane, I've not experienced what you describe, but it sounds so irritating.  I'm sorry I have no suggestion to offer other than what you are already doing.  Renee seems to have a handle on it, hope her suggestions can help.

    kelleysgroi, thank you for joining us.  This is a good place to come for encouragement and support.

    bahamamom,  We're not on the exact same regimen, but my worst day after tx 1 was day 8.  I just got progressively worse until then and then after it took only two days and I was feeling great.  Everyone is different, though, and some have managed to work throughout treatment.

    bc50, there are several here who are on that regimen.  Denise, the one who started this thread is one of them.  I think Kathy9433, gamergirl, bethu77 to name a few.  Adriamycin got that nickname back before they had really good medications to help control nausea, vomiting, and other SE's.  Also because it is red in color.  You should do fine, with the help of the meds and suggestions on these boards.  The anticipation and waiting is brutal.

    Tipnas, I hope you get some relief soon from your nausea, fatigue and metal taste.  That's enough to make anyone cry, let alone all the other stuff we're dealing with.  You are a valuable asset to our forum and we appreciate you very much.

    I hope everyone has a good night.

  • Bonseye
    Bonseye Member Posts: 124

    Bc50-I am doing ok.....I had my treatment Friday and never got sick...although until today have had quite a queasy stomach, no appetite...cold smoothies with fruit seem to help a lot. Solid food...ugh...I can't even talk about food. I slept well the first night-probably due to exhaustion from worrying....had issues with waking up over the weekend...could be worse so I can't complain....



    Yesterday I got the Neulasta shot and was like a dish rag last night....probably not related. Just over all tired. Went to the supermarket with my daughter and was ready to check out after a few aisles. I bought a special mouthwash that was made for chemo patients to help keep your mouth from getting sores...and if you get them to soothe them. It is called Prevention. No alcohol in it...using a few times a day. Hoping to avoid that otherwise in will live on smoothies. I am gluten free so looking like I need to get protein to put in them.



    Woke up this morning sweating and hoping I am not going into menopause...a friend said she use to line her bed with towels as she would wake up drenched...have to say I was feeling sorry for myself a little yesterday but know this is all temporary and I can get through it. Working on embracing the bald head idea...I love my think curly hair...but know it will grow back. My friend loved being bald...less maintenance she said-LOL.



    Bahamamom3-sorry to hear you weren't well. I too am finding day 3 was hard for me and today day 4. Have to go get a wig and get ready....will keep you in my prayers and better days are coming for us!

  • Quaatsi
    Quaatsi Member Posts: 270

    Texas Rose-- yes!! That is my plan also.  I think I surprised a few people when I didnt hesitate to go for chemotherapy.  To me, use what is available and best suited.  I am using Chinese Medicine to boost my immune system and low blood counts (mushrooms, etc) and to deal with SEs like constipation and hot flashes.  Not to say I dont have SEs-- just trying to ward off debilitating effects.  

    Grandma V-- hooray for the blood work--get it over with!!!   

    After 3 chemos I still have my hair.  About 7 days after chemo1 I got it cut short...really short.  Now I walk around with a boy look-- no boobs, flat topped hair-- what a sight!!!  LOL   sort of cute in a way....sort of...

    I put on weight from surgery-- I am normally very active and well, wasn't but kept eating... now I have to be careful to not put  more on.  I got on my horse and he said to me "WHOA MAMA cut out the cookies will ya???" 

    Q. 

  • wrkn
    wrkn Member Posts: 10

    Bonseye - I'm hoping I get thick curly hair when mine grows back that I always wanted! It hasn't fallen out yet, btw. Today is day 13 after first trmt, so I'm not expecting much loss.

     I'm having a real problem with dryness. When I wake up my eyeballs are dry, my mouth is dry, and the past few mornings my nose is so dry it bleeds a little. I can't afford a humidifer, does anyone have any home remedies that might help moisturize the air for me?