Starting chemo July 2014
Comments
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I'm still here...peaking in...
Puffin - love your hair. It looks like we're at the same stage! I had mine colored because it came back so white (i'm 43 and not ready to go natural yet) and it didn't take right. They never know how the virgin hair is going to absorb color, so for not it's a lovely light brown or dark grey. Next time!
Mags - keep your optimism! You've got good news from your docs. You've got to celebrate the little victories. Yes, bad news could be lurking around the corner anytime for any of use, but you've got to appreciate your wins when you get them. Fingers crossed you find a way to do rads. I know I'm trying to do everything I can to stop this crappy disease in its tracks.
Nancy -congrats!!
Pinkninja - love your spirit and your hats!
I'm three months post chemo and hair is growing in nicely. I swear overnight my eyebrows came back - and thicker and more beautiful than ever. Really nice - and who'd say that about eyebrows?? I'm impressed with them!
I did start Arimidex because one of my tumors came back 5% positive. But after six weeks the joint pain took their toll and I had to quit. I could handle it in my hips, but then it hit my hands and I couldn't do anything. For such a small percent, doc says it's not worth it. May try something else I have written down somewhere. All my other tumors were negative...so no drugs for me except a vitamin everyday. Feels like I should be loading up with special meds but nothing....a very strange feeling after all the chemo, etc.
Happy New Years to us and a much healthier 2015!!
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pinkninja: I love your new 2015 verse.
Mags: hope the knee feels better soon
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My eyebrow hairs are growing in fast and thicker too. I'm gonna have to get them threaded because they look dirty! Not long enough to look like eyebrows and I only have about 4 long ones on each side so it looks bizarre. The other day when I noticed it, I thought I had somehow gotten blue eye shadow all over my face. I hope I can get them threaded at least into some semblance of a shape. I started plucking a few last night and realized it's gonna take way too long to do them all. Why couldn't the hair on my head grow that fast! My armpits and legs are getting hairy again and it looks like my Brazilian is filling back in, lol.
I'm starting to feel much better since my last chemo on Oct 29 even though my bmx and te's were put in Dec 10. I've been eating way more protein, my green smoothies and trying to juice. My hgb is still very low at 8.5 and I'm gonna ask my onco about it at my next appt. I had to get the transfusions at 7.9 so I'm wondering how to get the levels back up. I asked her about taking iron last week ( before I knew it was 8.5) and she said it probably wouldn't help much since chemo anemia is different that regular anemia.
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Mags -- Hope your knee has recovered!
WalleGator -- my tumor originally came back 95% ER+; I'll never be able to escape hormone therapy.
Pinkninja -- my eyebrow hairs are all over the place, too. I've been penciling in my eyebrows, and the eyebrow hairs don't necessarily create a nice arc.
My hair is growing pretty quickly on my head, but it's fine hair. It's getting long enough that I have to tuck the front under my wig but not thick enough to hide my scalp.
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Pinkninja - that's funny bc my onc had me taking an iron supplement daily
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Boxofrockstar, how's baby doing? Looks like your hair is coming in nicely.
Mine is very fine and thin. Used to be long thick and wavy. Will be interesting to see what happens with it.
PinkNinja, my eyebrows and lashes are coming in white! They are short and stubby so I hope the real ones come in better. Not liking having to shave again. That was one of the few perks of having cancer!
Happy 2015 all! 2014 sucked and I'm also glad to put it behind me. Wishing you all health and happiness.
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Baby is great, thanks! He's growing like crazy - not quite 3 months and he's already starting to outgrow the 3-6 month sleepers.
I am kind of digging the short hair now that you can't see my scalp anymore, and I finally have more hair than Zack! I will probably keep it this way for a while, at least while the kids are little and I don't want to bother styling it every day. I love how easy it is right now. Mine was coarse and curly and it seems to be coming in straight and softer - that could change, but we'll see. Here's a clearer picture
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Boxof rocks, he's adorable and so is your hair!I have more baby eyelashes coming in, yeah!!!! My head is almost all covered up but a few bald spots still.I went to get my first te fill and I was so freaked out about the pain, etc because I've had so much. I'm on the small side with hardly any extra skin over my chest area so that's why the pain. The ps said my chest was so tight afte the mastectomy that he wasn't able to fill the te's at all. Today he only did half so about 30 cc's. I asked him how long did I have to take the Valium and he said only when I need it. I thought I was supposed to be taking it every 6 hours regardless! No wonder I've been so tired lately! I have Robaxin( a muscle relaxer) for my neck and shoulder that I haven't taken in 9 months. I asked my ps about it and he said to go ahead and take that when needed because it doesn't have any drowsy side effects. And hopefully I can start weaning myself off the pain meds.
After the doctors appt went out with hubby to lunch and was wearing my sock monkey hat then got a hot flash and decided to take it off. It's the first time I didn't have a wig, bandana or hat on since being bald! It felt so free!
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Boxofrockstar, he is so cute! I love his little smile! They do grow fast don't they? My oldest baby is starting drivers ed in a couple weeks. Seems like yesterday I was rocking him and changing diapers. You look great! I hope you are feeling better these days.
PinkNinja, I had the same thing happen. I was out with a girlfriend shopping at maurices when a hot flash hit so hard I had to sit down and take off my hat. It felt wonderful but I was a little self conscious. Can't wait for the hair to really come in so I can ditch the hats/scarves.
Finished reading The Fault in our Stars and had a good cry. Ahh one of those stay in bed pull the covers over your head days...at least until the kids get home.
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Mags, how's your knee doing? Are you ok?
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I've had a couple of occasions when people have seen me without something on my head. I don't wear a hat or scarf at the studio, and I've had some drop in visitors. Surprise! Sort of bald lady works here. My head feels fuzzy, but there is lots of space between hairs. That's what I call it... my hairs are growing. It hasn't made it to full fledged hair.
Yes, those te fills are definitely uncomfortable. Slower is better. You don't always feel it at the time, but later that night you certainly will if you agree to "add just a bit more."
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Box - he is too darn cute. I have no clue how you are doing all this while pg and now with a new baby. You are a Rock Star.
Damn Pink, you are a stripper, going 'topless'. Good for you! I've only done that during surgery and for a moment or two at doctors when my 'newborn cap' falls off or at my BC support meeting. But, I cut mine to 1 - 2", instead of shaving it, so it looks quite odd. BTW, I'm loosing that hair, and a new patch is coming in, in dark. I have tons of white fuzz acording to my husband, so I thought I had smudged something on it. Drove me crazy, until he woke up and told me, honey, that;s hair, like razor stubble.
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this is all I have but I'll take it!! I have a small part on the top that's been very slow to come in but I think it's because of the horrible case of folliculitis I had. I started taking biotin so maybe that's helping. I haven't lost my fingernails like I thought I would. The top half is white with a little black but it's still attached to the cuticle and growing out. I just keep them really clean and cut them down short. One of my toenails is weird, it's like a new one is growing under the old one. I've got tons of baby eyelashes and I'm super excited about it. I actually shaved my armpits today and was excited too! I'm kinda bummed that I'll lose the Brazilian for the summer though, lol. My eyebrows are coming in really full and it's so noticeable. I'm hoping to get them threaded soon.
I also decided to start taking iron again because my numbers are still low so hopefully it'll help. Glad to catch with everyone and so glad it's almost over!!!
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Hi all, I haven't been on in a while. I started chemo in July, taxotere and cytoxin, and finished six rounds October 30th. I started chemo again two weeks ago, this time on only Carbopatin. I was wondering if anyone else has done just carbo and what they experienced. I did really well the first time around but not so great this time.
My hair has grown back quit a bit and I hope it continues while I'm going through chemo again, this time it's not supposed to make my hair fall out. We will see.
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I didn't do that regime, I was Taxetere, CARBOPLATIN, Herceptin and Perjetta, but I think I remember reading somewhere ( I can no longer find the link ) that Carboplatin may cause pealing of the feet or hands. I FOUND MY POST - Here is what I posted earlier
Peeling feet - I cannot believe any of you get out. If I wear sneakers and socks for a bit (BC Support Group meeting, probably walked about 1 block to and from the car, sat in a cool room for 2 hours) the skin on my feet just peels in chunks. The callouses I have are amazing, like my husband's feet and he works on his feet all day. Once a week, me and my lava rock stone have a bath... YIKES. All the dead skin, on the bottoms of my feet, on the top skin, on my ankles. Just rubbing with my hands makes tons come off on the tops and ankles. I read that certain types of chemo drugs release in the palms and feet creating this. It is called hand-foot syndrom or Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia. Fortunately mine is not as bad as one of our sisters... chemo brain, can't remember which... explanation -http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/ha... more detailed list of chemo drugs - http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/side...
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Good afternoon Ladies
) I haven't been on in a while but just spent some time reading and catching up on all of you.. I am so excited to see all the pictures and posts of all the hair, eyebrow and eyelash growth that is going on
) I lost my eyebrows, my arm hair, my lashes completely after I finished the taxol. Eyebrows are coming in but I am still using a pencil to define them. My hair never fell out completely bald and is growing really nice but.............. my entire head was covered with WHITE hair..... OMG... although I have always dyed my hair I never really expected to see that lol.. I have already dyed it because I do hang out at home around family and friends without wigs or hats so I wanted to look more my age lol... This is a picture of me with the actual hair dye on lol... I wanted to also share a picture of the most compassionate, amazing, beautiful Oncology nurses in the world. These two ladies made my chemotherapy journey so safe, comforting and fearless. They send me messages like these all the time or videos of them dancing as they did while they were taking such amazing care of me.. I will forever be grateful for these two ladies and hope that all women who are fighting breast cancer or any cancer for that matter are blessed to have such wonderful people caring for them as I did. I completed my radiation simulation yesterday and I will begin my first of 33 treatments on Wednesday January 21st. Congratulations to all who have already crossed the finish line and Good Luck to those still fighting their way... You are all BEAUTIFUL, COURAGEOUS and AMAZING WOMEN !!! 
Mags, I am so sorry about all your shoulder pain and I hope they find a solution so you can complete your treatment and put this all behind you .. hugs...
Boxofrockstar, your baby boy is sooooooo beautiful and precious God Bless him
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JoeysMommy: It was so good to hear from you! I hope your radiation goes as well as mine did, I had hardly any skin reaction, just slightly pink, and just a few irritating zinging sensations in my breast.
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It is so nice to hear that life is becoming more normal for the July team. We are going to have bumps in the road, but finally climbing out of the chemo hell hole really makes a person appreciate the simple joys of life. Personally, I have decided that the fact that my biggest annoyance is that I am still quite bald is really quite thrilling. I truly hate wearing a wig, and when I am home generally wear nothing on my head, or if it is chilly, I still wear a cap most of the time. I dislike standing out in a crowd, so I don't have what it takes to go bald in public. Maybe I could have pulled that off 30 years ago.
After all these months, we finally made it into Las Vegas for dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant last night. We have had friends come to visit from freezing Maine, and believe me when I say that they loved our 65 degrees winter weather. We met other friends from out of town at my restaurant for a wonder dinner. It did not disappoint. There is a "however" here. I am really exhausted from three days on the go. Late nights and busy days filled with walking and sight seeing. A super duper point is that I did not cook one meal the entire time! I made fresh bread the day before they came, so we started the mornings with homemade bread toast slathered with Amish butter, sliced apples and oranges, and wonderful coffee from my Senseo. We were out the door to brunch at a local restaurant that serves breakfasts that are so good that bikers schedule their rides from LV (60 miles) to have breakfast there. Being "locals" we know to call ahead and get a table. We fine-dined our way around Southern Nevada.
I wish everyone a good week-end. We are going to finish putting away Holiday decorations.
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Boxofrockstar -- enjoy your baby! He's still in the "paperweight stage" -- you put him down and he doesn't go anywhere.
JoeysMommy -- thanks for the pix! It looks like your hair is about the same length as mine, only thicker. My hair is growing in, but it's always been fine so it never looks particularly thick anyways.
Coyote -- sounds like you had a wonderful meal! I'm excited to find that my tastebuds are returning, and that I can resume eating some of my favorite foods.
I finally had my surgery on Monday -- it was a lumpectomy with 20 nodes removed (Levels 1 and 2). The path report showed that all of the invasive cancer was gone and that all the nodes were clear, but they also took out a few tiny pockets of DCIS. I'm doing OK, but one of my sons had a paradoxical response to Risperdal and we're in the process to transitioning him to Abilify. Plus, my husband went to his aunt's funeral, leaving me in charge of the crazy kids. Thankfully, he's back so I can get some rest.
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Coyote: Sorry to hear your hair is so slow to grow. Your breakfast of homemade bread sounds delicious, nice you were able to enjoy an evening at your favorite restaurant with friends.
Elaine: great news that the path report showed the invasive cancer was gone, 20 nodes is a lot, be very careful with that arm and be sure and see a physical therapist trained in lymphedema prevention and management.
Our YMCA has a free program for cancer survivors called LiveStrong to rebuild our strength and stamina. The class meets twice a week for 1 1/2 hours and we can bring a family member. There's officially 10 registered but so far we haven't all made it to a class at the same time. They did baseline assessments on us and we'll each be getting a personalized training program. We did the leg machines on Wednesday and both Lew and I could hardly walk the next day. We get to use the entire Y facilities free for the 3 months we're in class so I've been trying out the different classes. Have learned I like level 1 yoga and zumba and that cycling is too hard on my knees.
The local breast cancer support group is having a fund raiser next month: silent auction, raffle, food, band. I volunteered to help get some donations for the silent auction from businesses, so far have gotten a 1 month family membership at the Y worth $125 and a $20 gift certificate and a canvas tote from an organic grocery store. The group paid my $25 fee to attend the breast cancer retreat last fall so time to pay it forward.0 -
Here's my 4 month post chemo photos taken Jan 18
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Awwww you guys once again I am so jealous. You all have your hair coming in beautifully and thick. Mine is horrible lol. It's white, thin and patchy. Bleh. Okay okay I just finished chemo nearly 3 weeks ago but patience is not one of my finer qualities ha ha.
You all look beautiful!!!!!
Nancy
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Nancy, you'll have to look back at my early photos, at 3 weeks I had so little hair we had to put a coin on my head so the camera would have something to focus on!
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lol puffin you look great!!!!
Nancy
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Coyote - I agree, hate the wig. I also hate most hats, but my head gets chilly. I had one little t-shirt fabric cap that gets grimy, because I hate to be without it long enough to wash it, so I used it as a pattern and cut up one of my husbands old undershirts. I made two this afternoon. I haven't used my sewing machine in years, and in the last 2 months I've made camis with pouches for my drain bottles and 2 little caps. I"m very impressed that they turned out! Now I'm thinking about if I can attatch a little cap like this to the inside of my wig, and would I like it more... at least in the winter.
Puffin, look at all that hair, and you can see it. I'm like Joeysmom, I feel a bunch of fuzz and if I look close enough I see 1/4 to 1/2 inch hairs, but most are white except for a few patches where it looks like I got into soot. I had forgotten about the coin photo. Maybe Nancy and I should do that, there might be something we are missing. My mother called short hair like yours, wash and go hair. When they moved into their retirement community, she loved being able to swim and take swiming exercise classes, because she had 'wash and go' hair.
Puffin - I had no idea about the LIVESTRONG program. Unfortunately no YMCAs in the entire state of Maryland offer it. But everyone else, 38 states offer this, here is the link: http://www.livestrong.org/what-we-do/our-actions/p...
Elaine - 5 cm tumor to NOTHING - chemo sucked, but gotta love the results!!!!!!!!!! And thank goodness your son's system stayed the course during chemo and you didn't have that on your plate too.
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Nancy and knmtwins: I've been saying all along that growing my hair back was like growing plants that like attention and to be talked to. When mine was going through the soft cushion stage I was always patting it and talking to it!
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puffin so that's what I have to do to get nice thick hair like your's? I'll do it!!!! Ha ha so funny
Nancy
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I went out today without a hat or wig. The hairs are white (just like last time), short and patchy. Here is the patchy solution for you white headed ladies. Get white cosmetics and apply it to your scalp. Rub it in well. It fills the gaps and makes them less obvious. I saw a photo of Amber Rose in the news this morning, and I figured if she can do it, so can I. Hubby tried to take a photo, but it didn't work out.
I had check ups with the PS and the RO today. PS said that the reconstruction came through the rads with what appears to be no damage. The RO is pleased with my post rad condition and that I need to stay vigilant. I'll see the PS in 4 months when we remove the port after my scans and the RO in a year unless I need to see him sooner.House guest sandwiched between the doctor check ups actually had tired me out a bit. Tomorrow I will put in a short shift at the studio. Yesterday, I finished a hammered copper, turquoise, chrysoprase, and silver bead necklace and earring set that I had started before we all started our chemo sessions. It felt good to go back and take care of that loose end.
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coyote that necklace and earring set sound beautiful. You are very talented.
Thanks for the tip on covering up the patchy spots with makeup. I had shoulder length hair - brown with nice highlights. If I went out now without a wig I think I would scare the crap out of the neighborhood. Ugh.
Also glad your appointments went well and you seem to be moving forward. Hooray! I go for my rad simulation later today. Tomorrow is port removal and Thursday I see the breast surgeon for a 6 month follow up. I believe I start radiation next week and tamoxifen. I'd rather do this than chemo any day lol
Nancy
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Nancy - when was your last chemo treatment... Mine was November 25th and I am beginning radiation tomorrow. I think they wanted radiation to begin within 3-4 weeks from last chemo but with the holidays and then I did not like the first RO I saw I got delayed.. Hope treatment is still as effective...
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