Starting chemo July 2014
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Shirley - got my purple cap. Thanks so much! I'll post a picture when I start using it.
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Not sure how to be added to this list; knmtwins July 16
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knmtwins,
Magdalene51 will add you to our group. She's been having some bad side effects and is resting but she'll add you soon. this is a great group for support and info
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Hello Ladies
I am with you all , MAGS, Maidentiredofwaiting, CoyoetNV, jujubes ... I feel for all of us going through the side effects and I am so grateful we have each other to lean on.. I am now on day 6 from 2nd treatment (AC dose dense every other week) and my biggest complaint is the ajeda, bloating, gas and diarrhea.. I am grateful that I am strong enough to be able to go to work being there is no stress where I work and if I am not feeling well I am able to rest. I just keep telling myself that this is only temporary and in a few days I will start feeling 100% again as I did with the first treatment. I have to admit I am not a huge fan of wearing wigs... I wouldn't come to work without one but for some reason they make me feel like I am wearing a helmet.. I am so much more comfortable with something light covering or nothing at all while I am at home..
Pinkninja ~ same happened to me, came out in clumps then I buzzed it all... Now the scalp sensitivity kicked in and the buzzed look is looking bald
You look adorable with or without hair - keep smiling
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This is for all my BC sisters
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MAIDENTIRED - I felt sorry for myself after my first chem when I was so sick also. Just be kind to yourself and only commit to doing those things that must be done until you spring back. Hugs to you too.
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It really is heartening to see how good everyone looks with their bald/buzzed cuts! Of course, it would be much nicer if everyone got to rock that look because they chose to. My hair isn't quite clumping out yet, but I'm definitely pulling out handfuls when I wash or style it. Buzzing it within the next few days I think.
So sorry for everyone still dealing with the side effects, I hope they pass quickly. It is hard to stay positive when there are so many negatives working against you. I've never been a praying person, but I might have to start...
I just got the call from my OB that my blood sugar levels were elevated, which means I have to do another glucose tolerance test, to make sure I don't have gestational diabetes. This involves fasting from midnight on Tuesday, getting up at the crack of dawn Wednesday morning, going to the lab and drinking a glass of basically sugar syrup, and then getting my blood drawn once an hour for 3 hours. Then I get to eat. I had to do this with my last pregnancy, and while i didn't end up having GD, the test itself made me feel so sick - nauseous and dizzy, I had to lie down after a while and you can't throw up or you have to start all over again. I'm dreading doing it again. Then I have chemo the next day. I want to do it before treatment, because I'm worried about being too nauseous after, but now I'm getting nervous about getting all those blood draws the day before the IV. I called the onco's office and they said not to worry about it, but man...I hope my veins can hold up. I'm also anemic and they want me taking iron supplements, but I don't know if that's ok with the chemo drugs or not, so I'm just pretending it's not there until I can ask the NP on Thursday.0 -
Pinkninja, with that smile, who would even notice you have no hair? Beautiful.
Jujubes, I will add you to our list above. Welcome to this wonderful group. So many supportive encouragers sharing all the ups and downs of chemo and SEs.
My weekend was not so good. If you were around the second week of July, you might remember I had a major meltdown that weekend, which was the second weekend after chemo; this weekend was also the second weekend after chemo, and the same thing. It felt as though the bottom dropped out emotionally. I think some of you were really bummed out by it, so I didn't want to do that again this time. Next time I hope to head it off, but I really didn't see it coming. Perhaps it's the hormones, or lack of them, even though I'm taking herbals it's not the same as actually having estrogen. Guess my body was used to it or something. I am recovering, though not 100% yet. Actually, I don't know what 100% would look like at this point.
Today I'm itching all over and realized it's the buzz cut falling out and sticking me through my clothes.
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Ugh. I hate when I post then find there's another page and I've missed stuff.
knmtwins, I have added you to our list above, and trust you will find the support and encouragement we all need during this time.
JoeysMommy, thank you for that encouraging pic. A needed reminder. Boxofrockstar, we will be praying for your test Wednesday, that it's all good.
Oh, and some good news, Big D is absent this morning. Yahoo!
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Mags, hope you're feeling better. Yeah on the no big D!!!
Joeys mommy, I bought a couple wigs for a lot of money and I have found in the last few days that I really like just wearing a bandana. It's hot outside and I think the wig will be itchy and my head is so sensitive too. I'm gonna wear the wig for church.
I bought a men's hair shaver and gonna buzz it all off tomorrow. Even though it's only an inch of hair, after I got out of the shower this morning, it looked like I killed a small animal and it's fur was all over the floor!
When I put mascara on, I'm praying that they won't fall out! I'm scared to use an eyelash curler for fear it might pull them out!
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Pinkninja - I stopped using the curler and mascara and started using heavier eyeliner instead when I noticed that my lower lashes were half gone and the uppers had blank spots. I tried to save them by continuing my Latisse but about the same time, the little bottle was empty and since it obviously wasn't helping anyway, I didnt get a refill - its just too expensive.
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blownaway, I know I'm gonna lose them and my eyebrows
I've always been heavy handed on eyeliner and I hope I can figure out how to draw on eyebrows or else gonna order some fake ones too! I already have fake eyelashes on standby.
The other thing is I guess I'm losing my nose hair cause my nose is seriously dripping all the time! I will be glad when I don't have to shave my legs or armpits too!
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Just popping in to check on all of you, beautiful pics ladies
My 3rd chemo treatment is tomorrow so in prep mode as well... at least since I know how the treatments are going to affect me I can better prepare! Cooking up some meals to throw in the freezer for hubby this time so I won't have to worry about cooking on those days that I'm dragging, found a few books to put by my night stand to read on those days too... paid all the bills that fall due the for the next two weeks, now I'm exhausted. So, it's off to napland I go.
Hope you all have a pleasant se free afternoon!
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pinkninja: hadn't even thought about my nose hairs, so THAT'S why my nose is dripping
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Puffin, I read about it somewhere then it clicked! I have to carry tissues everywhere now!
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saw this and couldn't resist, buahahahaha
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pinkninja...I bought RapidLash on Amazon....I dont know if its going to work....but it was worth a $30 investment. For non-chemo people it helps grow eyelashes and eyebrows. I'm hoping it helps us retain what we have..... I also switched my mascara to an organic mascara...no chemicals, parabens, etc....I also bought in Amazon. I can look up the name if you are interested.
I wish I can say if these things work....but you and I started chemo @ same time...so not enough time has passed to know. So far my eyebrow and eyelashes are have been holding on.... I have noticed I dont need to shave my legs often....one nice perk :-)
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I'm clinging onto my eyelashes but know they will be gone soon
no worries, I'm gonna do my best to pencil in eyebrows and use my false eyelashes. I noticed today when I went to shave my legs, I only had light fuzz and my armpits haven't grown back! It is a nice perk and I am interested to see how the "brazilian" will work out, lol. It's falling out a lot slower down "there"
It's hysterical how much we share here when I would never be talking about parasites, eyebrows or pubic hair with anyone else!
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Thank you for adding me, Mags (I'm guessing)
Thank you for suggesting this site, PinkNinja, although it has taken all day to get to the 'end'. Since Cycle 2 is Wed, I think I'll take a zanex to help with sleep tonight and tomorrow. I'm getting worked up about the stupid SEs. Oh, I do not like them! Hair is really coming out, I'm wearing a bandanna today so as not to frighten anyone with the bald spots. That 'Brazillian' is half way there and I think I'm losing my eye lashes. I'm going to sign up for the Cancer Societies Look Good Feel Better class, as I am NOT experienced with more than a little bronzer on a big fluffy brush and some eyeliner 'crayon' that always smudges.
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well, I just buzzed off the rest of my hair and I feel so free! I'll post a picture tomorrow when I at least have some makeup on, it's less scary, lol. I'm actually enjoying the time I don't have to spend on my hair and loving it!
I've prayed for everyone on here today, especially those who are going thru nasty SE's. One of my favorite verses helping me thru this is in Romans 12:12, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Hope everyone has a great and restful evening
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WalleGator- thank you for the encouraging words. It really does help.
Pink Ninja- a friend who went through treatment a few years ago swears by the anastasia brow kit which you can get online at sephora. It has brow stencils/shapes to help you draw them on. I'm going to order mine soon although The brows have just started thinning. Maybe I can finally have those lovely arched eyebrows I always wanted!
ChaosRains- you and I are on the same schedule! I have my 3rd dose dense AC tomorrow as well. I wish I was as prepared as you but I'm just too pooped after running around today with the kids. Just have to get the last load of laundry done and lunch/snacks for tomorrow put together. Thank goodness for take out for poor husband! Hope you get to rest and relax a bit.
JennLiza- how did your trip go??
Mags- sorry you had a crummy weekend. Hope the upcoming week is better for you!
Boxofrockstar- ugh- I so remember that horrible fasting/glucose test! Hoping it goes well for you and that it's not as uncomfortable as it was last time for you. When I had to do it for my 2nd pregnancy it was oddly not as bad as the first time around. Smart to do it before your treatment.
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oh and LadyB1234, I also do not have a port and (knock on wood) so far so good. My onc said that they only install ports if there are proven issues with the IV or there is something about the treatment plan that would specifically point to needing it. He said that the number of people that really require ports for treatment is very small, but that many treatment centers will err on the side of covering their asses liability wise with the ports even though he sees many more complications with port installations and clots etc.
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wow, what amazes me is how much hair you ladies have!! I have alopecia and already had thinning hair. SO MUCH hair has fallen out but on most of my head I still don't see scalp except the top, but I could have seen scalp even beforehand. So I still have not cut it, but I wear, my hair piece which I've always worn. All that to say nice pics everyone!!
jujube, welcome, this place is great. Lots of info. are you taking EMend for the nausea, because it is amazing.
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Joey, thank you, your little words put a smile on my face. We are beautiful!!!
box, hugs!! Seems u are going to have a rough week just like me. hope all goes well.
Pink ninja, lol, hysterical pick. So cute!! I' m dreading the eyebrows more than the hair.
Tomorrow I get the port installed. Scared as hell how I will hold up. I' m going to so freak and fall down like a house of cards. Remember that song Freak out, c'est chic???ages AGES ago....well I was thinking of blasting it as I go into the doctor's office, chemo room, everytime I see a needle, etc....for all these occasions.
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But just think, diva! Once the port is in, you never have to see another needle!!! Don't freak out, chill out, don't fall down, rise up and claim your needle-free chemo experience!!
Oh dear, I think I've lost it. Better hit the sack. Nini ladies.
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hysterectomy is over and I'm in my hospital room for the night!
Shirley
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Thinking of you Shirley. I hope your recovery goes quickly and painlessly.
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Dancingdiva, don't sweat the port surgery. I was so worried about it and it was over before I knew it. I'm getting used to mine now and it's really not so bad. I was wide awake and remember everything, even though they have me versed. My surgeon and nurses were great and I'm glad I had it done. Good luck! It will be okay!
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Veruka.- so my trip went well except for my fiancé's mother. Ok ready for this...
So she fancies herself a wise ass, but her comments are just plain mean.. Not more than a 1/2 hr goes by...were on our way to the hotel....She says "hmm, notice Bryhiem brings someone new to each of the last 3 reunions." She then repeats that several times to different family members throughout he wknd. At one point, she says "so should we keep her or trade her in for the next family reunion since Bryhiem seems to bring someone new each time." A cousin in law said to her "Georgia, don't say that...she may be your future daughter in law." I then said "I will be her future daughter in law" and showed her my ring. She was like I'm offended for you...
It gets better.... When I tell his mother I think we found a location., she says "oh I'm not going to NYC again for a wedding, I already did that." Bryhiem was previously married...
I wanted to say Good, don't come...the rest of the family will and we will have a great time without you!!"
She does gives jabs to everyone and Bryhiem said to ignore her....but I just don't think she's funny.
Well...the rest of his family was great...I really liked them and I think they liked me. Oh and it turns out that several members of his family had breast cancer. One is dealing with mets to the brain right now. I reassured her daughter (the bride) that I have read many posts on here from women who have had stage IV and have been posting for 10 yrs...that it's not the same diagnosis as it used to be. I hope she pulls through this...it's her 3rd battle (yet 1st time doing chemo???).
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glad it got there!
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