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Starting chemo August 2014

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  • oceanbreeze1818
    oceanbreeze1818 Member Posts: 43
    edited August 2014

    Pangtidor -I hear you on the Blah part!!!  Lol :-)

  • Kellya
    Kellya Member Posts: 159
    edited August 2014

    we left the center at noon.  Went to noodles and company.  I got Mac and cheese with Parmesan chicken.  I ate the chicken.  Not a lot of appetite.  Feel a bit dizzy but not awful.  Will take a compazine soon and three hours later will take lorazepam to stay ahead of any effects. Just laying on the sofa the rest of the day, just kind of feel tired, but not bad. They showed how to do the nuelasta shot, seems simple enough so will do that at noon or so tomorrow. As long as all goes well, my next appt will be next Tuesday for blood work to see how low my white cell count is. Took miralax to ward off constipation. Will use that instead of Metamuci once a dayl, they thought people had better luck with it. If the big D comes, I stop the miralax

    Take it easy all!

  • khillman9
    khillman9 Member Posts: 9
    edited August 2014

    Hi Ladies, i have been MIA for a while.  Some of my SE's have been difficult.  On the plus side, never completely lost my sense of taste.  So that was good.  Had no major problems until day 4 after treatment.  4 o'clock in the morning was the worst.  Stomach pains, sweat, chills the works.  The chills lasted for a couple of hours.  I was so worried about getting constipated that i over did the meds.  Then came Tuesday the 19th.  I was laid up most of the day with severe lower back pain.  Saw MO on Thursday, she feels the neulasta shot worked overtime on me and we are going to try round 2 without it.  Still have some twinges from the shot and yesterday and today, not sure where the fatigue is coming from but otherwise almost feel like me.

    Thanks for listening.

  • Catie57
    Catie57 Member Posts: 259
    edited August 2014

    kellya - glad things are going smoothly. 

    Sandy and Tabbygirl - my nose was running like crazy. I called the nurse and she said it may even be allergies and to take a Claritin. Which I did and it definitely helped.

    Windgirl - welcome to the August group. 

    Jetgal - we are on the same chemo cocktail. I have my second treatment on Friday. Trying to prepare for any SEs that may come. Do not want to feel like I did first time around. I think I could have been a little more aggressive with meds, but was scared to take them. I spoke w my MO and now have a plan. Sorry you have so much other stuff to deal with at this time. Try to focus on getting yourself well and lean on your other support to help you thru this time. You are strong and will conquer any obstacles that may come ur way.

    Khillman - another person I share same chemo cocktail with. Yes can relate to SEs, hope you are feeling better. It does get better!

    Cancer has no chance against this group. Hang in there!

    Feel like I'm nesting  (ha ha)  Stocking up refrigerator, got meds lined up, cleaning. Glad I have all this energy. Attending the wellness program they offer at Hospital tmrw evening after work. Hope to get some tips on how to apply makeup just in case I lose my eyebrows and eyelashes. 

    Cathie

  • jaycee49
    jaycee49 Member Posts: 1,264
    edited August 2014

    "It was a rough weekend for me...the 'hit by a truck', 'bad hangover' feeling, but I think I'm out of the woods. If I'm not, I'm going to pretend I am and see how that goes.Mumford,"

    Mumford posted the above in the July thread. I posted this to her in the July thread. In case you don't read July, here it is. 

    I had to come here and search through the posts to find your "pretend" one. I started in Aug. so am in the Aug. thread but read the July thread, too. I have been "pretending" not to have SE for about a week now and it seems to be working. It helps that I am in the third week since TCH combo but get H every week. I play lots of psychological games with myself to get through, including pretending I am as strong as everyone else here. I have also decided that when you feel sick, you think you will never get better and when you feel better, you think you will never get worse. Maybe that's just me. I hang onto my good times with all my strength to make them last. Second TCH tomorrow. Got my pretending juices flowing. I'm glad someone else said it so I don't seem crazy. 

  • Hope50
    Hope50 Member Posts: 76
    edited August 2014

    jetgal and Cathie I'm on the same as you as well and one day behind you jetgal.  What you describes is just like I've felt pretty much.  Sorry you have the other issues going on as well.  Good will come of it I believe for your family.

    Today has been my BEST day yet.  I have white cells again and the mouth sores are almost gone.  I worked a full day but sure came home exhausted.  It probably hit about 3:00.  Still having a hard time eating but hoping that comes back soon. Things don't taste like cardboard anymore, just weird and not good.  Noticed some hair shedding this morning.  Trying to get ready for that.

    Thank you all for your encouragement and support.  You all are awesome.

  • LLizz
    LLizz Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2014

    Well today sucks.  I tried to go back to work (its day 6) Every minute passes by so slowly.  I felt that I had done a marathon by 11 am.  After my lunch, terrible stomach cramps happened with profuse sweating.  I went home feeling useless.

    My honey wants me to try and work during treatments.  I havent yet had a period of 4 hours at a time when I did not feel like I had to lay down from an SE.

    I feel kinda defeated, but Im going to try again tomorrow.

  • SandyLovesLucy
    SandyLovesLucy Member Posts: 154
    edited August 2014

    Catie, thanks, I just started taking Claritin again.  I usually take it for seasonal allergies anyway.  Today my doc said that the nose hair is often the first hair to go and that makes the dripping more dramatic. Sure enough, I took a peek up my nostrils and most of the hair is gone!

    Jaycee and Mumford, attitude has been an important factor for me.  I think acting "as if" I am doing well can keep me from looking for all the things that don't feel right.

    Hope50, so glad you have some improvement with SE.  I'm cheering you on! The fatigue gets to me by late afternoon, too.  I've been forcing myself to go for a daily walk when I feel up to it and when I get back I feel a bit more energized.

    Khillman, so sorry your SE's have been so tough.  The moments when I feel almost like normal me are gems!  I wish you many more of them.

    jetgal, thanks for the update.  I'm sorry to hear of the family issues.  BC is such a huge thing to deal with and layering on those kind of difficulties must weigh very heavily on you.  Sending prayers for you and your family.  I have a very well meaning friend who keeps telling me "See, it could be worse!" when she hears of someone else's tragic situation.  I try not to pick apart the things that people who care about me say because I know they are trying to make it better for me somehow.  But when she says that I want to reply that breast cancer is enough for me right now, thank you very much. :)

    windgirl, welcome.  wishing you continued minimal SE's!

    Llizz, sorry your work day was so difficult.  I hope it gets easier and that you have an understanding work situation.  My boyfriend is driving me to my sales appointments because I don't want to take a chance driving a couple of hours from home and feeling too tired to drive back. Taking it day by day.

    Today was my third chemo session.  (Or as I like to think of it, 25% through with the weekly TH, woo hoo!)  My regular chemo nurse was off and the nurse who accessed my port had a hard time doing so.  That freaked me out a bit when she kept pushing on it.  When she removed it, it bled through the band aid and on to my shirt, yes my WHITE shirt!. Everything else went fine and I was out in 4 1/2 hours. My blood counts were all on the low side of normal, but okay. 

    Hope you all get through this week feeling well!

    Hugs,

    Sandy

  • justamy
    justamy Member Posts: 296
    edited August 2014

    Llizz you and the other ladies that try to work through this are my heroes. I cant imagine doing it with being so weak and all. 

    Today is day 5. Finally feeling a bit better. Have actually been awake for part of the day and fixed dinner and did laundry. No new SE's. That makes today a good day! D

  • SandyLovesLucy
    SandyLovesLucy Member Posts: 154
    edited August 2014

    That's great, Amy!  SO glad you had a better day!

  • Gatomal
    Gatomal Member Posts: 418
    edited August 2014

    sandyloveslucy-- feeling much less teary, blaming the Ativan, weak yesterday day 3 in the morning, power surged in the evening. today, day 4 didn't sleep too well, didn't take my nausea Meds as regularly, and then the sickness hit me real bad. Took a zofran and an Ativan. Maybe looking at the medical bills and talking to the not so helpful surgeon's scheduler was too much stress today? 

    Purplegurll--I have been taking Miralax everyday, sometimes two doses, and have been okay, even when I thought the bid D was coming, it was minor, and much better than zofran constipation which is miserable.

    LadyB- hope you are feeling okay. The babies have been moving around and I'm showing more each day. Actually started planning for the future a bit, like how am I going to homeschool four of them? Then decided it was a good sign that I'm thinking that far ahead, even though it made me a bit tense.

    Karina- hair to your shoulders is a good start. I'm cold capping and today, the day after my first oh so gentle wash (with hubby washing my hair like we were in Out of Africa) it is starting to itch a bit. Wondering if this is the beginning?

    LLizz-love the wedding photo and the infusion candid. You'll be back to wedding state sooner than it seems, I hope. 

    Justamy-- yes, I too am weak and fatigued, but can't sleep long stretches. We had great thunderstorms here today and I was happy to drift in and out of nap time listening to the storm. It's the little things.

    Wizard50-- you both look great with or without hair. Your daughter looks like a ton of fun and is surely a blessing in your life. 

    Jess1965--now that you've gone shorter you can really see your cool glasses. Rockin them!

    Good news on the insurance front;the $2400 for genetic testing turned into zero since (surprise, surprise) my deductible has already been met. Should get results in the next two weeks. Concerned that the results may necessitate additional surgery, or bad news for my daughters. We'll cross that bridge though. 

    Need to keep up on the frequency of my zofran. I've been eating okay today. Got a bit of a chemo cough, but had some jello and chicken broth and that seemed to help a lot. Hang in there everyone. I kinda can't wait for my second infusion. I wish they could just stick me in the hospital for a month,do everything, and discharge me. This two, three weeks between chemo is a drag. Maybe it won't be when we are feeling a bit better. 

  • ladyb1234
    ladyb1234 Member Posts: 1,239
    edited August 2014

    Windgirl: Welcome to the group. I have added you to our list.

    Hope Glad you are
    doing well better with SEs. My white count didn’t go too low, but for the
    mouth issues I experienced I was given a prescription for mouthwash that provided
    relief and worked quickly to heal the sores and thrush with a few days for me. Ask your MO about the prescription mouthwash
    and if it is appropriate for your SE. I purchased Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste as
    suggested by the Onc Nurse and my MO which really worked well. I also believe quite a few on this thread
    have purchased Biotene mouthwash and can offer their insight on their experience.

    JustAmy: Woot
    Woot!
    So glad you are on the up
    swing!

    Kellya: Glad you are doing well!

    Khillman: Hope
    you are resting and feel better. It does get better day-by-day.

    Jetgal: So good to hear from you! My thoughts are with you and your
    family. That is great news for your brother.
    I am so glad you have the support system
    that will allow you to also focus on you.
    As always we are here to support you!

    Cathie57: I am with you. I have adjusted my goody
    bag based on my 1st round. I
    have also discussed my down days with my job and indicated Monday –Wednesday are
    difintely iffy and that I will work from home on those days so that I can nap
    and if the SEs are really bad I may take a day off. I am so lucky that my job is being flexible.

    Jaycee: Thanks of for the post. Like your approach
    and will try to focus so much on my SEs and just handle them. I like to

    Gatomal: Awesome that you are thinking beyond our “temporary”
    normal. Such good news on the insurance
    front, YaY!

    All that responded to my port questions thanks so much!I
    just got my port on Wednesday so I will be patient and know that time will
    heal. Tabbygirl sounds like we are
    having a similar experience.  

    Reading
    these post, stories and suggestions on how each of you are handling the
    different SEs at varying degrees is extremely helpful. Thanks to a great group
    of ladies for sharing your experiences, information and support as we finish
    our first rounds and also head into our second round. Also thanks to those that
    have been on the boards for a while.

    Hugs All

    -Angie

  • windgirl
    windgirl Member Posts: 208
    edited August 2014

    Hi Karina,

    Thanks so much, yes I am on taxotere carboplatin herceptin and also perjetta. I also got the neulasta shot the day after. I did have bone pain for about 2 days but nothing too bad. i had a good 4/5 days during which I spent most of the day lying down, had a bit of the sore mouth and funny tongue, and dry nose. Pretty much all are gone since the weekend except for the D which seems to not resolve itself for some reason (I do have Imodium but didn't take it properly yet). I have started to shed but no clumps coming out yet, guess that's for day 14. Just hoping I keep a cover for 4-5 weeks more.  

    I also did fertility preservation immediately before (don't have kids yet) and had continuing side effects (major abdominal bloat) from that up until a few days ago so hoping next time will be better without this. I also will be doing the Lupron shots, although apparently the first one did not work properly as my hormone levels were too high from the stimulation for egg retrieval. Are you doing any of this too? Such craziness...

    Let me know if you have any questions as well :) i hope you are doing great.

  • ladyb1234
    ladyb1234 Member Posts: 1,239
    edited August 2014

    LLizz:Keep
    your head held high and you are not defeated. You are going through a lot of
    adjustments. I had to adjust how a went about my work day and take regular
    breaks (which wasn’t me) and learn that I begin to crash around 4:00ish. I
    also used my lunch hour to take a good rest/nap. When discussing my situation
    with my employer I was equipped to take advantage of the reasonable accommodation
    and FMLA. My employer has been very flexible
    and works with me so I haven’t had to pull out those two cards yet. Have you discussed your situation with your
    manager? I am allowed to Work from Home
    and adjust mu work days as needed. BCO
    has information at this link about working during treatment: http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/ask_expert/2007_09 and I have a few other links I can provide to
    you. Let me know if are interested and I
    will post the information. I am also in the process of reducing my hours just
    in case I can’t make up or work the full 40 hours over the next few treatment
    which will provide me with more flexibility.

    If you have to work take breaks to rest when you can.  That is what got me through and when I got home my first mission was to rest and sleep.

    Hugs and will be thinking about you tomorrow!

    -Angie

  • mullerin
    mullerin Member Posts: 18
    edited August 2014

    Day 16 and the side effects have subsided for the most part, with a few little surprises. My nose has been dripping continually for days, but thanks to Catie's post, I am now taking Claritin and hope for some improvement. Really appreciate all the suggestions, folks. I have assembled a bedside box of medications, but don't always remember what to take for which conditions. 

    I have been reading "The Emperor of All Maladies," Siddhartha Mukherjee's Pulitzer Prize winning saga of cancer and the history of its treatments. Far from being morbid, I found the book inspiring and quite the page-turner. I had a surgical biopsy 30 years ago while I was in grad school in a biology program. The mass was benign, and I can remember thinking how the new treatments then being investigated would benefit the cancer patients of the future. Now I am one of those patients, this is that future, and one of my drugs, Herceptin, is a monoclonal antibody specific to my cancer cells. And though chemotherapy still feels barbaric, we at least have drugs to counteract the nausea and many of the worst SEs. And of course we have the internet, and fora like this one to bring us all out of isolation and in communication with each other, an important part of restoring health during these treatments. .

    My next treatment is Tuesday, right after Labor Day. Wishing the best to every one of you through the end of our summer treatments. 

    Marilyn

  • Kellya
    Kellya Member Posts: 159
    edited August 2014

    cathie, let me know what you hear at your class.  I was disappointed the makeup one took place before I started chemo.  Next one is sept 8 from 4-6 and I do chemo that morning so won't want to drive back.  I live 45 minutes away.  Just wanted tips on eyebrows, although I've been pencil and powdering mine in because of my thyroid for years.

    Llizz , sure hope you are feeling better today! You gals who are working and taking care of little kids at the same time are true super women!

    Hope, I'm so happy for your good day!  I hope they continue!  Are you having mouth sores?  I am brushing with biotene toothpaste and after I eat anything I rinse for 30 seconds with biotene mouthwash.  I also have prescription magicmouthwash.  I know you also can make this at home with liquid Benadryl and malox I believe.  You can look that up on this site.  The magic mouthwash has litacane in it and you swish it and spit.  I get thrush when I take antibiotics so I swallow it then.

    Sandy, I am to take claritin the morning of chemo and three mornings after. I do the same thing when people keep comparing me to others.  I just say I'm happy for them but everyone handles the different chemos differently and the different kinds of BC too.  So sorry about your white shirt!

    Amy, happy to hear you are feeling better!!

    Gatomal, good for you for looking to the future!  Such a good way to take your mind off all this, even if it is just momentarily.  I think my genetic testing was completely covered too, although I don't have final paperwork.  I was overjoyed to be BRCA 1 & 2 negative, and the other 19 genes also!  I hope yours come out as well!  Even if positive, you will know to be more on top of things and if that's done, I truly believe you can catch this early.  Sitting around is the worst, isn't it? Feeling those babies has to be the BEST medicine!

    I am feeling good today, was dizzy on and off yesterday but nausea Meds worked.  I think drinking tons of liquids helped too! Last night I took the one nausea pill at 9:30 and fell asleep pretty easily, and I took the next nausea with something to help you sleep at 2:45 when I got up yo potty and slept til 7.  Not a big appetite today but enough to eat something.  Food still tastes as it should.  I've been rinsing with biotene after meals and rinsing by drinking  water frequently. I'm taking my ante nausea pills every 6 hours.  Still no dizziness today, just a bit weaker in the legs than normal. I gave myself my nuelasta shot today. Easy to do, saved me 1 1/2 hours driving time and he wait to get it done. Found out my insurance doesn't cover my wig, pretty sad about that.  Guess it depends on the type of plan you have and ours is a PPO.  Darn!  Oh well, it came in today and I will prefer that when I'm out I think.  Having a hat party the 9th I believe and will get some fun things there.  Will be a fun night...hope I'm feeling well enough. Hope everyone is on the upswing!

    Edited cuz I can't spell!, or type. Lol

  • Kellogg2006
    Kellogg2006 Member Posts: 159
    edited August 2014

    Day 4 and 5 have had me so incredibly weak and tired.  I did venture out to do 2 errands today but spent the rest of the day on the couch. Trying to eat and feel a little better.  One new SE is blisters on my hands.  They don't hurt just peeling skin really.   That's all I got  for now.  Hope everyone is going good! 

  • khillman9
    khillman9 Member Posts: 9
    edited August 2014

    I am sorry to vent but this chemo is crap.  I know i should be grateful, I only have 4 but so far one has not been the best.  Ended up in ER last night with a fever.  When i took it at the house it was 101.7 an hour later at the hospital it was 100.5.  Sunday hit me hard again with fatigue and Monday morning I felt ok so went for my walk when i came back had slight chills so I took a shower then laid down for an hour.  Then end up in the ER, they sent me home as my WBC were fine but now they dont know why i had/have the mystery fever (still running 99.9).  So MO put me on Keflex.  Keeps telling my round 2 will go better I don't believe her.

    Hope everyone else is doing ok today.

    Thanks, Kathy

  • barremom64
    barremom64 Member Posts: 122
    edited August 2014

    khillman9- Im starting the same cocktail as you on Thursday. Im sure you did everything right  to prepare its just so fustrating to feel so low. I hope you rest easier tonight and tomorrow is so much better!

    One down!

    wishing you strength 

  • thinkpink4ever
    thinkpink4ever Member Posts: 83
    edited August 2014

    Hey my friends, I have been trying to hang in there as much as possible, and praying for all of us every day.  My SEs aren't really anything prominent, just weak and lifeless with some diarrhea.  I did manage to go to work for a few hours yesterday and also went to Cancer Services to get some complimentary Boost and Biotene mouthwash.  I didn't go to work today, and haven't done much of anything but lay in the bed and sit in the recliner.  I haven't been drinking as much water as I should, but my taste bud are shot and even water tastes funny, if that makes any sense.

    Kellog, my days 4 and 5 were the same as yours.  I can't wait until we all start feeling better.

    Good luck on Thursday, barrenmom.  I hope your infusion goes well.  Let us know how you're doing...

    Kathy, I'm right there with you except I haven't had any fever.  But I am holding onto hope that my treatment #2 on Sept. 11th will be better with fewer side effects and more strength to just keep going. 

    Kellya, my insurance does NOT cover wigs either and I was kinda bummed out about that.  My daughter and I plan to go wig shopping on Saturday, and I'm just ready to at least get one wig so that I can check that off of my list.  The anticipation of losing my hair really hit me yesterday and I cried for the first time since being diagnosed on May 1st.  Good job on giving yourself the neulasta shot!  I guess I could do it if I had to, but would probably assign that task to my daughter.  Lol!  She's in nursing school - sounds like good practice to me...

    Mullerin, I can't wait for my Day 16.  I hope your days continue to get even better and hope your next infusion goes well - with no surprises this time!

    Gatomal, I tested positive for BRCA 2 and will get the testing done on my 24 yo daughter as soon as I'm finished with this chemo stuff. There's only a 50% chance that we pass it to our children, so let's just pray that we didn't pass it and the gene stops there. Take care of those babies and of yourself as well!

    Catie, I'm following your lead.  You're a little bit ahead of me, and seem to have things under control.  Unfortunately, I have not cleaned up, but I hope to get some of that energy that you have managed to muster up!

    Hang in there, friends!  And this too shall pass...

    One love,

    tp4ever

  • Nomatterwhat
    Nomatterwhat Member Posts: 210
    edited August 2014

    Khillman , You and I have the same cocktail and I am also thankful it is only 4, but it is still crap!!!!!  The only SE I have had so far is the nausea and as long as I keep drinking my Ginger Ale I am fine.  My nurse told me to keep moving and stay active.  I actually have gone back to work part time and I walk a little at night.  It does get better and it will be over soon.  Hang in there, HUGS!!! 

    barremom64, I will be thinking of you on Thursday.  WE can do this!!!!!!  HUGS to you!!!! 

  • LLizz
    LLizz Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2014

    Hey Everyone!  I worked from 9:30-2:30 today!!!!   WOO HOO! 

    I thought for sure that would never happen.  I met with my boss today and she told me a little bit about the ADA accomodations they were going to make for me, but while I was gone I acquired a new boss that I am meeting with tomorrow, who she says "knows what's going on" and because he is also a licensed therapist, she says it should be a good meeting. 

    Anyway, I went in for my 7 day blood panel and I literally got a gold star.  It really cheered me up.  I also got meds for my tummy problems.  I hope they work!

    image

  • Catie57
    Catie57 Member Posts: 259
    edited August 2014

    Kellya - so disappointed! I got out of work at 5:00 which is early for me and drove over to hospital for the "look good, feel good" class. Suppose to be from 5-6, got there at 5:25 and lights were off. Ran into woman who runs it and she said, they left early because no one showed up. My name wasn't even on the list either. What is that all about....not very organized to say the least. Anyway, just had to vent.

    Lizz - I love that you were literally given a gold star. Congrats! lol also glad to hear your stamina is coming back.

    Khillman - hope you are feeling better this evening.

    Barremom - good luck with first infusion on Thursday.

    LadyB - good advise, rest when your body needs it. All I could do on day 3-4 was lay down. Took several days to build up my energy again.

    For the ladies that are in there first week after treatment, wishing you all minimal SEs.

    Going for my blood work tmrw in preparation for second infusion on Friday.

    Cathie

  • Purplegurll
    Purplegurll Member Posts: 89
    edited August 2014

    Day 5 is trying hard to get me down today. Got to work at 8:30 and headed to a new client meeting about four hours later. Wouldn't you know that the elevator in their building was out so up four flights of stairs we go! Having some nausea again which the nurse said is normal about now with the push adriamycin that I'm doing. No real bone pain from the neulasta shot, I would describe it more as tenderness especially at the back of my neck. Hope everyone is holding up OK tonight. 

  • Kellya
    Kellya Member Posts: 159
    edited August 2014

    ate pretty good tonight, not sure if the food isn't  tasting a little differnt, but still good.  Got a pain sensation in my left knee, maybe the nuelasta?  Hope not.  Maybe I've not had enough activity! I m sure that's true.  Hope to go get my wig tomorrow. 

    Cathie, that is really disappointing!  Did you ask if they will do another?  If I hear back from the gal who runs ours, I'll share any information I get. I'd be venting too.

    Lliz, good job!!

    Purplegurll did you take Tylenol after the shot?  I was told to wait to see if it hurt.  If I do at night, I will take the Norco.

    Think pink, call cancer.org.  They have free wigs, they are gently used.  I had a call into them but thought if I had insurance I'd rather pick one that looked like my hair. I'm sure they are nice too! Worth a call.

  • StrongEnough13
    StrongEnough13 Member Posts: 96
    edited August 2014

    I agree with khillman9 and nomatterwhat, this chemo is CRAP!  And Mullerin, barbaric! I think I will check out that book, though. 

    Day 14, and I will now admit to you all that I was in denial all weekend about my hair. It started shedding more than normal on Saturday, a little more Sunday, and yesterday my hands were full of it every time I ran them through. Today in the shower, a LOT came out, and even more was sacrificed to combing. I cried. A friend is going with me to get shaved and we were planning for Thursday, but I just told her I can't wait, so we are going tonight, and my husband and her boyfriend are coming along and we will all get some dinner after. It will be weird, but I think it will be good to get that first outing out of the way right away. Like ripping off a band-aid. I ordered some hats today, and a purple wig yesterday, just for fun, and I have a couple scarves and a couple buffs. I wore a buff to bed last night to contain the hair that kept falling out & making my neck itch while we were watching a movie last night.  I might ask the stylist to bundle up a lock for me to keep before she shaves it off. Is that weird? I'm crying again. This sucks. 

    I am feeling better, almost back to normal, so I am thankful to have a week of feeling good before my next treatment. I had a busy day yesterday and ran out of steam early, fell asleep during the movie. Saw the periodontist about my gums in the morning. He didn't think the condition of my gums was bad enough to have landed me in the hospital, and said since I'm getting "a low dose" I should be able to wait until I'm done. I wondered how he would know if I'm getting a low dose, then he asked if I was told my hair would fall out and I said yes, it's already starting to, to which he responded, "oh, then you're getting a big dose."  What a boob. (Pun intended!) He was very rough with my mouth during the exam. I did not like him at all and prayed all day that the MO would say I don't have to do the gum surgery so I can find someone else later. Saw the MO in the afternoon & he said, "please, don't mess with your gums until we're done." Woo hoo! He said he worries about people with teeth rotting out and cavities below the gum line, but was not worried about my mild gum disease (but yuk, anyway). 

    Off to the salon. Thanks for letting me vent. Maybe I'll post a pic later...

  • Terri1975
    Terri1975 Member Posts: 45
    edited August 2014

    Hello all! 

    I've been so busy with work, I work in oral surgery, so everyone wanted surgery before school started. I've been doing great. My hair is almost gone, and I'll be happy wen it's all gone. It just falls out all day. I had it shave with a #3 on Friday, it was falling out in clumps. I'll admit, it was a bit traumatic, but I got over it and moved on and went to work. Tomorrow is chemo #2, I'll be happy to get it over with. I'm lucky, I have a friend that is my chemo nurse, I've known her for 15 years, oddly enough, I met her when I worked at the oncology center with her.(I was a medical assistant there)  It's nice to have her there! I hope you are all well! 

  • Terri1975
    Terri1975 Member Posts: 45
    edited August 2014

    image

    found this cute headband at walmart today! 

  • SandyLovesLucy
    SandyLovesLucy Member Posts: 154
    edited August 2014

    Llizz, I'm so happy to hear that you had a good day! Sounds like you have a supportive work environment and that's great.  And you topped off the day with a gold star! Awesome!

    Catie, so sorry about the missed class.  I just signed up for a session on Sept 9th and really hope it will be a go. I'm scheduled for chemo that morning but left them a message today asking if I can change my time and just show up when the LGFB session ends. (I think I said I REALLY want to attend at least three times in the message!)

    Strong enough, sorry about the hair loss. Sounds like you are prepared with options for head covers. I love the Buffs I got. I can't stop wondering how and when it will start.  The chemo nurse said that with my combo most people start shedding between day 18 - 21.  Today is day 16 and I'm exhausting myself thinking about it. 

    Barremom, sending good thoughts for Thursday.  I hope it all goes smoothly.

    I worked today and felt good.  The day after chemo is my "get things done" day.  Then the fatigue starts and by late afternoon I was wiped out. 

    Hope everyone is finding ways to manage SE's, stay rested and comfortable. Hugs to all of you.

  • SandyLovesLucy
    SandyLovesLucy Member Posts: 154
    edited August 2014

    Terri, you are looking super cute!