Starting Chemo in Nov. 2011...anyone else?
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gamergirl,
My oncologist also told me that days 4-6 are usually the worst for alot of her patients. Others on this site were different. A very good friend of mine said that she felt bad the first 2 days and then was fine. I guess I'll have to wait and see. I did start my blog late last night and I got up this morning and already had 5 guestbook signatures! I'm surprised at how happy that made me so I think I'm going to like it.
3girls,
I am having the same treatment. The first one is on Monday also. The doctor told me 2-3 hours, but I'm sure, like the other ladies said, that the first one will probably take longer.
Has anyone used cocoa butter or anything else on their mastectomy scars and does it help at all? I'm mainly talking about the horrible one under my arm since no one is going to see the other ones.
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Racerdeb ~ Just wondering if you went ahead and shaved your head yet and how it went? I am going to have that done today. Just hate to do it, but the hair is falling out in handfuls and I think it's time to be brave and move on with it. I am sure I will not be a pretty bald woman!
Just wanted to add that my treatments are Taxotere, Carboplatin & Herception X 6 (3 week cycles), followed by Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year. I will also have rads, but not sure how many yet.
Hope you all have a great day and that I am graceful about the bald look as so many of you seem to be!!
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My treatment is taxotere/cytoxan X4 every 3 weeks. I will have rads after surgery, not sure how many either. I will be getting my head shaved Friday evening, I will have the company of a couple friends and sister on skype to hold my hand,along with my DH.
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Linda,
We didn't get my head buzzed last night, but I wish I would have done it. We'll definitely do it tonight. My hair was only about 1-1/2" long after my haircut, but I can't stand the mess everywhere! I lost about half of my hair when I washed it this morning. I already have some bald spots and my scalp is very tender and itchy.
I'm not sure about being graceful about the bald, but I've been planning for it with my wig, hats and hairpieces. Just like the anticipation for the chemo, I'm ready to get over this step and move forward.
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Lory ~ Glad you are going to have support for the "event." My DH rearranged his work schedule so he could take me this afternoon. A few of my friends offered to take me and I am grateful for their support, but think it's worked out best for him to go with me. Well, that's the plan anyway...LOL!
Racerdeb ~ Thanks for the warning about all the hair and the mess if you wash it. My DH mentioned that I could probably keep my own hair for a couple of more days, but I told him that washing it would probably be a disaster. Sounds like that would be true. I already had ordered and picked up my wig and hair halo since I was originally going to do chemo before surgery, but that changed. I am glad to have it all ready. I bought lots of hats, too. Hope i wear them all! By the way, my scalp is itchy and I have had a headache all night and this morning...guess it really is time to move forward whether we want to or not!
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Finding great support here about hair loss. I am 14 days from first treatment tomorrow and, just like most of you, it's falling out. The advice about washing or rather not washing is great. Been dreading the shower the last two days. Getting wig fitted tomorrow and it seems like that might be time to shave it off. Time to get this behind me and keep moving forward!!!
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Nel, I went to look for wigs and was quoted $400 for one. I got the name and style number and researched it online. I bought the same exact with online at e-wigs.com for $125. In fact I got a nicer wig AND the wig that was quoted to me at a salon for $332 (my insurance covers up to $350.00. The people at e-wigs were very nice. They told me I'd have the wigs by Saturday (I ordered them on a Tuesday) and I did!!! NO CHARGE FOR SHIPPING. They also emailed me an insurance bill so I could mail out my claim immediately. Good Luck.
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Thanks racerdeb. I'd never had anything like that happen to me before. My old dr did not want me on steroids at all, maybe that's why she liked CMF? I called the dr this morning and when I told him what happened he said no more steroids. the nurse had said that it would stop the nausea and i have to say i feel fine today. Maybe a little tired. And a little depressed. But not nauseous!
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My hair is just getting thin so I got a spray on thing that hides the scalp, It really does the trick.
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After reading everyone's posts, I'm thinking I may have my husband shave my head at the first sign of hair coming out. Only because I'm having visions of having to clean the nasty shower drain out!
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BC50, I have to hold out till Friday.. but wow what a mess for now..
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bc50- I am on the same tx plan. I started the AC on NOV 15th & had my 2nd tx today. Don't be fearlful of "the red devil". It gets its name from the color of the med & the horrible nausea & vomiting it used to cause. That is no longer an issue, since the meds they give you both in the infusion and in pills taken over a few days, diminish if not eleimate those SE. I did not have any break-through nausea or vomiting with either of my 1st 2 tx.
Speaking from experience, I got myself all worked up for the 1st tx, not knowing what to expect & I actually made it worse for myself. I was so updset on tx1 that I was shaking uncontrollably & they had trouble putting the IV in, it took a change of nurse who could hold my are still & put in the IV at the same time. Not fun, but it was not nearly as bed as I imagined.
From tx #1experience, I went for chemo #2 prepared. I took 0.5 mg klonipine & 5 mg Oxicodone immediate release 2.5 hours before my chemo. I took both again 1 hour before my iv insertion. Boy was I flying-- They put in the iv with only one try! And I did not feel any pain. Wow!!! If you do not have a port I highly recommend anti-anxiety & pain med. I happen to have both for a general axiety discordr & another condition.
Will be thinking of you on your first tx on Dec 5th, {{{{HUGS}}}} coming your way.
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Hello 3Girls--My AC treatments last 2-3 hours. I go back the next day for a Neulasta shot.0
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Well, it's done! The mess from losing my hair was driving me crazy, so my husband buzzed it to about 1/4-inch long (short). At one point, I started to cry, and he somehow he managed to humor me through it, tellling me that I still sounded the same!
I checked it out immediately afterwards, and now I'm avoiding the mirror. It's not pretty, but it does feel a lot better. My scalp doesn't feel nearly as sore and itchy as it did earlier today.
I guess I'll start wearing my hats and wig now, and then I'll move on to the next step in my journey, which will be Treatment #2 on Tuesday.
Just call me Kojak!
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Racerdeb ~ Well, we officially have the same hairdo...1/4" left. My husband went with me as I had the wonderfuly wig stylist shave my head and finish making sure my wig was cut to the way we had decided. My husband actually took it harder than I did. I had a really bad headache during the night, so I am hoping this next step will help. Not pretty for sure, but not as horrible as I had imagined either...thank heavens! My husband has assured me I don't look like Shrek which was my biggest fear...LOL!
I have my wig on right now and hope it looks as natural as I have been told it does. I will also be wearing my hats and the wig all the time. I will have my next treatment on Tuesday as well...moving on as you said.
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In 6 hours I'll be getting round #2 of AC. Then I'll be half way thru AC! (power of positive thinking) I'm dreading this infusion considering #1 was full of nausea and fatigue, but I'm hoping my Oncologist can maybe change up my after meds and find a combo that works for me. I've read where a number of you started losing hair on day 14, which is today for me. I keep having visions of me falling asleep in the chemo chair and waking up bald! wish it would happen that quickly! LOL! I'm seriously thinking about just shaving in before it starts coming out in clumps. I like to be in control, especially now when I have so little control of my life! I'm thinking if I could ever have a Mohawk for a day, NOW is the perfect time
Tomorrow during my chemo session a woman from ACS and the 'Look good, feel better' program is coming to discuss wigs and beauty tips with me. Might as well try to make the best of this since I'll be rocking the bald look for awhile! Next week I'm going wig shopping. I had planned on doing it this week while I still had some hair,but life happens and I never had a chance. Well, I should be sleeping....it's 2:00 a.m. Here in GA and Ive got a big, long day ahead of me. Hope all of you having treatments this week are feeling well0 -
Bc50, I'm also doing the same regimen as you and some of the other girls, dose dense AC every 2 weeks x 4, then Taxol every 2 weeks x 4. Then I'll also be adding Herceptin x 1 year since I'm HER2 +++. I'm so sorry you had to join this club, but it's a great group of women to go thru this with! I think you'll find the posts helpful and the women very supportive!
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Kim 137-sounds like we are having the same treatments...4 AC every other week...then 12 weekly of taxol. I have my second next Friday and plan to shave my head next week...getting my wig tomorrow. I was so against the wig thing but after trying them on it definitely made the idea a bit easier. My friends and I laughed and I am truly trying to make the best of it-not to say I won't cry when I have to shave my head...just days away. I plan to have a few Margarita's and a party! I want it on my terms most of all....but who needs to pay a plumber for cleaning out whatever goes down-LOL
I started a carepage and find it a great support and then friends don't have to be afraid to ask....my one friend used a recent post with his class at church to talk about gratitude. I am grateful for the medicine availiable and for all the people at home and now on this blog that can help!
Having difficulty with food still...the idea of eating gives me a lump in my throat and meat does not digest...seems to sit in my stomach..staying away from solids but trying to get protein. So far farina hot cereal with bananas or fruit....smoothies....scrambled egg beaters....and water...lots of water. I seem to be losing weight-which i have been trying to do for years (plus i was diagnosed with celiac disease weeks before the cancer) but the doctor said he would be concerned if I lost too much....we shall see....everyone is bringing goodies and I can't have any. My husband is enjoying them all and his pants are getting tight-think I will share with everyone at chemo. They have a table of cakes and cookies-glad i can't have any! I am concentrating on eating very healthy these days. I read no fruit...lettuce....has anyone heard or been told that? I was told no restrictions...very confused.0 -
Hi all,
racerdeb, linnyhop and bunchocats, like you all I shaved (within 1/4 inch) my head on Tuesday, My hairdresser, a friend for about 15 years did it for me. She also had two wigs I can borrow. She made them look pretty good, I am having touble doing the same! Like someone else here said, I think perhaps the wigs will be for "state occassions" Yesteday and today I am going about with the new look and a baseball hat when I go out. Grateful not to have the hair in the drain, on the pillow etc. My 13 year old hates the look, but I am OK with it and its not itchy anymore. The difficult part was "coming out of the closet' so to speak. i ahd limited who knows and now it is just kind of out there. UGH And it will grow back - keeping my eye on the big picture.
While you are waiting to have your head shaved, someone here suggested using a lint roller on your head. It was great, caught lots of loose hair, helped the itching etc. Freaked my kids out, but then again, they know I am crazy, so they will just add this to the list!
Gentle hugs to all
Nel
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Hello Ladies-
I am officially joining the November chemo club. I had a rt. MX on Oct. 26, then my first chemo on Nov. 21. (TCH X 6 every 3 weeks, then Herceptin for 1 year) I feel very fortunate that so far my side effects have been minimal. I still have my hair, but bought a wig and ordered head coverings from the tlc catalog.
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OneToughCookie, thank you for joining us. I'm on the same regimen. I just had my 2nd treatment of TCH day before yesterday and so far this time I'm doing ok. I expect my SEs to kick in about the 4 day after tx if pattern holds from last tx. I too have ordered from the tlc catalog. I have two wigs, and some hats and scarves, but decided one more wig might be nice.0
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Welcome to newcomers! I Joined the 1/4 hair club today as well. It was hard but had to happen. The falling out was not good. I was amazed I first showed fallout signs at day 12 after first treatment and by day 14 (today) was really ready for clip. Wonderful stylist! What compassion!
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Hi Ladies- Had my 2nd dose sense AC treatment yesterday. Only SE so far is consitpation which I am treating proactively. I expect the tiredness & fatique is creep in on day 5, if same as tx #1. And...........
Day 15 since my 1st treatment and my hair is starting to fall out, just a littlee but just the same I am on the same journey as many of you. I already am armed with a wig, scarves, hats and a skull cap to sleep in. I wil have my head shaved whenver I can't tolerate the "look". {{{HUGS}}} to all who are further along this process than I. I am guessing I will look even worse than Shek or Uncle Fester. In June I had a brow lift & I have a scar all across my foreead just behind my hairline which will be visible when I have my head shaved---- I'm thinking I will resemble Frankenstein! Good news is that I can hide it with all the hats, scarves hats & wig.
My second 4 treatments (starting in January) will be taxol. I am scheduled for dose dense- 1 tx every other week. On Wednesday when I visited my MO, his nurse practitioner suddenly wanted to change me to Taxol every week for 12 weeks, because some patients cannot tolerate dose dense taxol. The SE is neuropathy, which according to her is very painful. Most patients have to be treated with narcotic pain relievers. I told her I wanted to try the dose dense since I may not be the "average" patient. I don't know about you, but I would rather have 4 dense dense treatments than 12- especially since I do not have a port.; I am getting an IV in my vein every treatment. Anyone out there getting taxol & experiencing neuropathy? If so, I would love to hear your experience.
Love, {{{HUGS}}} & Prayers. & all have a good night-
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Just wondering how all the new members of the 1/4" hair club are doing...and of course I am not excluding all the rest of my friends on here! I had to to go to the doctor today for a recheck on my issue from earlier this week and I couldn't get that d#@* wig to look right, so ended up being brave and just wearing one of my hats. My doctor, a woman, noticed right away and was sweet enough to tell me she thought I looked really cute. Don't know about that, but at least it made me feel better. Got home and thought I better get out and do a bit of Christmas shopping, tried the wig again and still didn't think it looked like it should, so went out in my hat again, but with my hair halo under it. I ran into one of my very best friends and she asked me if that was still my hair! I was thrilled. She said I looked normal...hooray! Anyway, wondering if the rest of you are having or have had any adventures with your wig the first few times? I think part of it is that I have to wear a little skull cap and the wig moves it around when I put it on. Frustrating! Hoping that the sore scalp won't last long and I can put the wig directly on my head. Anyway, that was my adventure of the day and hoping you all had a great day and have a great evening! Hugs to all..Linda
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I went shopping today with my hat and velcro bangs. No one seemed to notice it or stare at me, so I guess I looked somewhat normal. I saw lots of gals in hats in the stores, so I think I fit right in with everyone else. My ears did get a little cold this morning, though.
I haven't worn my wig yet, but I plan to try it out sometime this weekend. My head is still sore so I'm not sure if I'm ready for it yet. I bought a monofilament-top wig, and it's really comfortable, cool and lightweight. It's a cute style, and I like the highlights. I also bought the halo, so I guess I'll try a different look every day. On the positive side, it sure doesn't take long to get ready now. My real hair was very thick and it took a long time to blow dry.
I'm planning to make each day a new adventure and keep a positive outlook about the hair loss. Hugs back at you, Linda!
Deb
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linnyhopp- I have a wig & have not worn it extensively yet as I haven't lost much hair. The place where I got my wig gave me a nylon skull cap to wearunder the wig while I still have hair. She will give me a cotton skull cap when I have my head shaved. I have tried my wig on for a short while I have hair & the nylon skull cap seems to hold the wig in place. Hoping that the cotton skull cap will do the same without my hair. Hope this info helps your deliema.
Love {{{HUGS}}} & Prayers
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Racerdeb ~ You are right, no one gave me a second glance in my hat and hair halo. Made me feel pretty good. Sounds like we have bought the same type of wig and I know we will get the hang of looking good in our temporary hair! For some reason I am not as freaked out about the bald look as I thought. Don't get me wrong, it's not pretty by any stretch of the imagination, but I didn't cry about it as much as I had thought I would. That being said, I can't wait for the chemo crap to be over and the hair to start growing!
Texasrose ~ The wig stylist gave me the cotton skull cap as well as the nylon one. She had warned me that the all cotton cap would stretch out and need to be rinsed and dried to stay on well. I wore my wig home with the cap on and didn't "shrink" it again and I think that's why I had a problem with it not staying in place. So, did that tonight and hope it works since I am going to go into work for awhile tomorrow to do some things that on one can seem to figure out (makes me feel good to know I am needed) and I hope the wig stays on. Thanks for the info though...sounds like we both have a good wig stylist. Guess this is all just a part of our journey and we will get through it, especially since we can all support each other here.
To all...take care and have a wonderful and peaceful night....Linda
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I am suppose to pick my wig up today...day 7 and so afraid to brush my hair any extra....hoping the first time I go out I can get over the "I have a wig on" feeling. I know plenty of women that wear them and never had chemo....can't be too bad. I am going to plan a head shaving party to include Margarita's and a fire in my outdoor fireplace (hope it's going to be warm enough here in NJ)....gotta laugh and be with some of the friends that have supported me. I did laugh when i tried on wigs and it did give me a sense of peace.
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Grandma V: Glad you are doing better.
My treatment plan was supposed to be just like yours. I cannot get Adriamycin which is the preferred chemo (in my situation) so I was supposed to get TCH X 6 but, since I have had an intense chemo many years ago, docs concerned about my bone marrow and are starting out slowly. I just went for my 4th (weekly) Taxol/Herceptin and will get probably 4 more and then, switch to the Taxotere/Carboplatin/Herceptin X4. btw, I still have my hair-- much to my docs amazement!
ClaireInAz: Mary Poore is great. I am more of avfriend/colleague with Mark James and don't know Mary personally. But, you are in good hands! hooray. I lived there-- home in Hidden Hollow-- for many years. Often I miss it but I do love Tucson, especially on the outskirts. Similar feeling to Flagstaff actually.
To all: I just got an insurance bill-- guess what my Herceptin cost???? ONE DOSE= $9,287! YIKES. I need 52 of those....LOL
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Bonseye my "party" is this evening..margarita's, wine, DH, friends and my sister on skype. If the wind does not pick up a fire in the firepit sounds awesome!!
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