Starting chemo August 2014
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Sandy loves Lucy.
THNAKS!
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Strongenough, you are my inspiration tonight. My hair is coming out like crazy as well. I'm trying to hold off til the weekend. I have super thick hair, but it's really thinning out.
Terri you look great! Very encouraging to me.
Had another good day. Come home tired. Able to eat a little more. Mouth sores are better.
The new thing that has happened is my feet/ankles hurt really bad. Kinda of a cramping in a weird spot by my ankle. Anyone else have foot pain?
Better days ahead!! We will make it!!
Continued prayers!
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love the headband! You look so cute it it! I need to look for that. Maybe if I still feel good tomorrow I will look.
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good luck tomorrow Terri on your 2nd infusion. Praying it goes smoothly with little SEs. My 2nd is next week. Anxious to hear how everyone does on the 2nd one.
Sweet dreams fellow fighters! We've got this!
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Hi all! Thanks for all the compliments
I have 2 daughters and my youngest is the one who shaved her head. They are both incredibly supportive and loving. It's been just the 3 of us for years and and we are all close. My youngest daughter is also my "little protector" and there was no stopping her! I haven't been on here for two days so I have a lot of catching up to do. I hope everyone is going well dealing with their SE. I have round 2 on Thursday. Definitely not looking forward to it but also there's a huge relief knowing what to expect this time.
Jess1965 & Terri - you both are looking good!
Ladyb - I was skimming through the posts and you were asking about a gel for eyelashes. It wasn't me who recommended anything but I have read on other threads that Latisse has been recommended.
Sending hugs to all and thinking of everyone who's either starting chemo this week or going for round # 2. Stay strong and positive
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Kellya, my LGFB
class is also scheduled on 9/8. I missed
last months by a day. I am also looking for tips on eyebrows. LoL.Hope50: Woot Woot
Nomatterwhat:glad your SEs
are minimal.StrongenoughI think
losing my hair will be the hardest for me. I started wearing my wig to work
this week and it feels like a helmet . I immediately take it off when I get
home and I like my cut but know it won’t last long…..sigh…..Wizard: must be
chemo brain and that is probably why I couldn’t find the post (big smile).Kellogg, thinking
of you and hoping your SEs stay minimal and that you bounce back soon.Khillman: Oh no! I hope you are doing better with the
new prescription. I hope you rest better tonight and the next few
daysLLiz: Great news on the gold start and thinking of
you as you meet with your manager. I am
glad you have a support and flexible
work environment.Barremon, I may
not be on the boards tomorrow so want to wish you luck on Thursday with your
infusion. Do you have your goody bag
prepared?Terri, I go for
chemo #2 tomorrow also. Will be thinking of you! Love the headband!ThinkPink My
insurance didn’t cover wigs. I bought 2 wigs then went to cancer.org. They
will give you 1 wig and a few hats and scarves at no cost.Thinking of everyone going into their 1st
treatment this week and those starting round 2 of treatments this week. Big
Hugs and stay strong!-Angie
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What is a buff. I guess I can google but would rather hear from my August Sister.
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In preparation for the next week, I have done laundry, cleaned-up,
paid bills, grocery shopping for necessities.
Filled my car and my daughter’s car with gas. I also have my goody bag
and personal pharmacy in order. If I
miss anything DH an my daughter can fill in the gaps :-).What is a buff. I guess I can google but would rather hear from my August Sister.
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ladyb1234, a Buff is the name brand of a piece of headwear that consists of a long (maybe 24") seamless tube of thin t-shirt material. You can wear it 12 different ways (or more), and the web site (buffusa.com) has a video that shows them all, on a man and a woman side by side. You can scrunch it up into a headband or pull it all down on your neck like a neck gator, make several different styles of hats/do-rags, and even make a balaclava (hat/face mask combo thing) out of it. They run about $20 each for the basic model in a multitude of colors and patterns, and there are some with extra uv protection for a few bucks more. They also make a slim version, and since I have a pin head, I bought one of each to check the fit. Slim is too small, even now with no hair. I will probably order more. It's comfy and easy to wear. I also ordered 3 hats from headcovers.com today, and I may break down and get a wig after all. Just not digging the shape of my head with no hair. My insurance covers one, so I might as well.
So here is my hair progression:
Aug 9
Aug 10
Aug 26
My friend Kimmie went with me & got hers shaved, too. She said it wasn't something I should have to do alone. My husband got it on video, and then we all went for Filipino food in the mall. I only caught a couple people staring; the mall was not very busy on a Tuesday night. The 2 stylists shaved our heads for free (Regis). I cried some more. But it was a good night.
Hope50, thanks. I was trying to hold out a couple more days, but it was such a mess trying to wash and comb today, it just wouldn't stop coming out every time I touched it. I thought I could just let it thin but I think if I had kept on combing it all night, I might have pulled it all out. I finally had to just stop & tuck it behind my ears & not touch it any more. I miss it already. Hope yours hangs on a little longer for you.
Terri, the headband is very cute on you! Good luck with round 2 tomorrow. Keep us posted, I'm anxious to know if the 2nd is easier than the 1st. You too, ladyb. My 2nd round is a week from tomorrow. Warm fuzzies to you both!
G'night.
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hi all....
Thank you soo much for posting your pictures!!!! They gave strength as I'm counting 'no hair' days now.
Like others' suggestions , check your local American cancer society. They will give you one free wig or several hats/scarves.
My MO office called me yesterday 6 day post chemo and asked how I'm doing and the SE I have had. The cancer center has many volunteers and I look at them with my new admiration and respect.
For working issues, I talked to our HR representative who handles our benefits and leave. Keep on track on how many sick days, holiday days, personal days and vacation days you have. I used my family leave for my second baby and c section so I won't be eligible for 12 weeks leave 12 months from my last family leave but I could ask for some days off using my vacation, sick days etc. my co workers have been supportive, an other thing that I'm grateful for.
Hope everybody is having a great day today. hugs to you all....
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ladyB and Terri - thinking of you as you prepare for tmrw. Terri love the hat!
Strong enough - thanks for posting info on buff, going to check out the website. You look great and you have awesome support.
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Eileen 8/18 started chemo.
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Teri you look super cute! Ugh I can't even think of going back to work. I don't know if I can do it. I'm still feeling tired and week day 6. I'm still sore from my bilateral masectomy. I just want to feel and look normal. I tried to wear a normal sort of fitted tee shirt yesterday and I just felt like everything looked so awkward so back to baggy zip up hoodie it is.
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Hi Ladies -
Just checking in to see how everyone was doing and by reading the posts we all are having our good and bad days!
Good luck to those ladies going into treatment this week. Positive thoughts that your SE's are minimal. And for those ladies dealing with SE's...here is to hoping the subside soon!
I am really liking the hair/no hair pictures. I have been struggling with the hair loss for a few days now...knowing today was D day of the start of hair loss and guess what...I am shedding big time....I really thought I could handle this and maybe I will surprise myself and I will but right now I feel totally defeated. I do have my wigs and headwear lined up, but ugh just to have to see myself with a buzzed head will not be fun. But as one of you mentioned looking in the mirror the first time will be like ripping off a band end. It will hurt and than get easier.
Since last Friday I have truly felt back to my normal self. I guess this is what the mean about an up swing week - feeling close to normal as possible. I am kinda liking it. But I know this weekend I will be running around crazy getting things prepared for my 2nd treatment next Wednesday. I am really hoping by that Sunday I feel okay because that is my youngest daughter's birthday and I want to be able to celerbrate it with her. I know deep down I will find the will power and energy to be there for her on her day.
I am heading to the doctor's on Friday to get blood work done before treatment and get things checked out. Here is hoping everything is in place and looking good.
Everyone one of you are in my thoughts and prayers each day. I even tell people how women I don't even know have helped me so much on my journey and how we all support each other. I really love how we can get on here and laugh, vent, be angry, etc with no judgement and to know that you all understand exactly what I may be going through or someone else really helps.
Hugs to all,
Karina
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Second TCH yesterday. Woke up with mild stomach pain. Took 10 mg Bentyl, 2 Tylenol, 1 Tums and the steroids you take the next day. If something works, I won't know which one. The GI issues didn't start for 3 days last time. I'm staying on top of it this time, I hope. The only suggestion my MO had yesterday was yoga. People with MS can't do regular yoga but I do have a DVD called "Yoga for the Rest of Us" for people with disabilities. I also have a relaxation CD I like. I will bring both of these to my next appointment with him to show him how compliant I am trying to be, since he thinks my SE's are from anxiety. The pain has diminished a little. I have Imodium multi symptom but it has to be taken on an empty stomach or 2 hours after eating. I knew I needed to eat breakfast so I'll wait on the Imodium. The D has not started, yet. I'm hoping that since this started sooner after treatment, it will be over sooner. DH always says "hope is not a plan." I think it is.
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well glad to see some are doing better today. I looked at the buff video. Looks like something fun to have and nice to have when my hair grow back since I drive a convertible! At our condo in Florida they are having a motorcycle rally called thunder beach. I bet they sell these. We were suppose to be on a family vacation there oct 4-11 but won't make it. But our kids will, they may have to look for one for me.
Woke up today at 3 and took the lorazapam since it has the sleeping drug in it. Slept ti 8:45. Much dizzier feeling. Hope this C ends soon. The doctors off called today and said to try miralax twice a day til I get success so I will try that today. Had some oatmeal and drinking water and hoping this dizziness goes away!
So I guess day two for me might be an errand day for me. I think I could have driven too, about 4:00 I felt a tired wave come over me but that was it. This morning I'm still feeling tired almost three hours since I've been up. Wonder if it stays? Anyone know?
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Hey August ladies,
First, all you that have taken the plunge and shaved your heads are so brave. It must be a relief in some ways to have what is, for me, one of the hardest steps in this process decided and over, although the shock must be great. You all look beautiful, brave, and strong. Braver than me for sure!
I am still clinging to hope that the cold caps will work, but may follow you sooner rather than later. I am day six post AC, and I have been losing less hair than usual, since I have barely washed or brushed it. It really looks stringy and awful.
Today I felt the strongest since tx, so I decided to get some sneakers for the kids at Walmart. My first outing by myself. Felt okay getting there, parking and getting in the store, but pushing the cart around and bending down for little shoes, looking for sizes, etc. just wiped me out. I felt lightheaded and super weak, like I was going to faint. I thought "please don't let an ambulance come to get me out of the walmart aisle"! Not very "warrior" to pass out by the Dora the explorer underwear! But I made it home, and got to bed. Feeling a bit better, hope to continue to get stinger, but I guess days 7-14 are low points for white blood cells, and therefore I assume red blood cells? Taking my flinstone vitamin every day, the only one I can deal with when pregnant. Nausea has been a bit harder day 4,5 but taking my zofran. Trying to avoid the compazine and Ativan, they make me a bit low and teary. My toddler girls are enjoying their Dora the explorer underwear...over their diapers for now!
Hang tough everyone. Hugs.
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Thanks Ladies for all the well wishes. Today is a better day although the hair has started to come out and scalp is itchy. But I will be glad once it is all out and I move forward. I at least feel like me today.
Terri, super cute. Will look at my Walmart for one.
Strongenough, glad you are feeling better and you don't have to worry about your gums right now.
Barremom- you will get through this as well. I am looking forward to Halloween. My last chemo is 10/16 and by Halloween I should be close to me again. Gives me something to look forward to. I see NJ, whereabouts? Most of my childhood was in Lodi and Clifton. Have family in Toms River and Iselin.
Catie57 - thanks for the encouragement. Glad you are doing well. Sorry about your class.
Hope everyone who is beginning this week, is easy on themselves and has minimal SE's.
Hugs to all.
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Strong thanks for the info on the buff headgear. I know I will order one or maybe two :-). Love the pics you are looking great!
Arrived at the center to start my 2nd treatment. I asked to go to a shared room today as I wanted to interact with others. I had a great chat with the other ladies in treatment and passed the time away. Mi also think it was good for the family members to see others that are going through this journeys.
Last night I expressed to my DH how much I dislike BC and chemo, it's impact on my body and life style. Change is hard but I am adjusting my sails as I go through this life changing journey. As we were talking it reminded of a post that I read on one of threads that used an old proverb. The post went something like this "Cancer is my enemy. Chemo is cancer's enemy. The enemy of my enemy is my friend." Chemo and us we have a common enemy and we we will work with one another to achieve a goal which is to kick cancer's butt. I will do my part and chemo will do it's part!
Ladies hang in there and remember the Goal is too Kick Cancer's butt!
Hugs to each of you.
-Angie
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LadyB - I'm writing that proverb down. I was just telling my MIL that if I am putting myself through this, then I can't work against what the chemo is suppose to achieve. Listening to the restrictions (not that many) my MO gave
meand will be good throughout this experience.Khillman - October is a great date to finish up and not too far away. I have 6 treatments so will finish up just before Thanksgiving. Will get a break for a few weeks, then do 5-6 weeks of Radiation.
Gatomol - glad you were able to push yourself to get out today. Between pregnancy and chemo, please be good to yourself.
Kellya - hang in there, it will get better.
Kellogg - I hope your fatigue passes soon for you. Right now just wear comfy clothes and rest. Some moments feel more like a struggle then others. Hang in there.
Jaycee - hoping for minimal SEs for you. Keep us posted on how ur doing.
Oceanbreeze - glad you are having a good week. I have been feeling pretty good this week also.
MO almost switched my 2nd infusion from Friday to Thursday, but all worked out, just going to another facility to do treatment instead. Went shopping with my beanie on today, quite comfortable. I felt like a gypsy with it on, but matched my outfit nicely. I got a headgear filler for under the beanie because it lays so flat otherwise. My leg hair is getting lighter, but still have to shave. Lol I'm starting to get anxious since only 2 days away now. I am crossing my fingers and toes that the second time around for all of us is much more manageable, especially since we now know what the possible SEs are.
We are Kicking cancers butt....
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eileenpg, welcome to the this awesome group of support women. I have added you to our list. We look forward to getting to know you virtually.
Oceanbreeze, glad you are having an up week! Take advantage and some fun stuff before your next treatment.
Gatomel, Sorry I had to laugh at the Dora reference. Now in all seriousness take it easy and listen to your body when it tells you it is time to rest. I had to learn that the hard way the first infusion round -- but learned very quickly.
Kellogg - how are you doing with the fatigue today?
Jaycee - good to hear from you! Listen to your body and push for results with the SEs. I have had a few that the MO and nurses discussed and they ended up prescribing me something or suggesting OTC suggestions. Multiple times a day I relax and listen to soothing music to just restart myself.
Terri how are you doing today?
Finished with my second treatment and feel Ok; however more achy than last time and earlier. Not as amp'd up as I felt after the 1st infusion -- I was superwomen to say the least on the steroids 1st round. The Zofran headache is sitting in big time already and that didn't start until day 2 the 1st round. For achiness any suggestions -- it is flu like achiness if that makes sense.
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Ladyb - I had the flu like achiness day 3..took 2 Tylenol and that helped.
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my head is so very tender. Hair is really coming out. Trying to wait til weekend to shave it. Woke up in the middle of the night with the back of my head hurting. I ended up sleeping on an ice pack. It is just so tender to touch.
Worked a full day. Doing much better. My next infusion is next Thursday. I go tomorrow for blood count check. Food is beginning to taste better.
God bless each of you!
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Hope50 - I am starting to relate to the head hurting. I was shedding today and I notice the itchiness and periods of time myhead hurting. I'm waiting till weekend as well to finally just shave it and get it over with. We can do this...hang in there!
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ladyb- got home at 4:30, I actually fell asleep for about 45 mins during chemo. I'm really tired this time. Nulesta shot tomorrow. My MO said this time I can take aleeve since my counts were good one week post last time. Hopefully all goes well. He said the first treatment is usually a gage on how you'll do on the subsequent treatments. Praying that is true! I'm planning in working tomorrow. My hair is almost completely gone now. Honestly, I'll be glad when it's all gone. How are you?
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Hi all,
Not sure you know this, I didn't pay attention last time. You should start rinsing several times a day after chemo with a mix of 4cups water, 1 tsp baking soda, 1tsp salt. I started this as soon as I got home, they said to do it religiously for a couple weeks. Hope this helps. I got thrush last time, so I will be a rule follower this time.
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ladyb...try breaking the zofran into smaller bits, taking them maybe 30 min apart to work up to a full dose. I got migraines a zofran, so for three or four days before, I took little bits of the pills to work up to a full dose. Very little headache action from it. Could take a full pill without a problem.
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Thanks all for the feedback. I am more tired this time post chemo session. I just woke-up from a 2-hour nap and feel a little better. Headache is minimal and achiness is gone. I am not sure if the tiredness is from the headache or just chem. Last time I was zipping around on day 1-3 (counting chemo day as day 1).
Oceanbreeze: I took a Norco for the aches and headache and feel a lot better after my nap! I was wondering about the aches I thought I was getting sick......
Gatomal, I will definitely take the approach of breaking-up the Zofran. I called the chemo nurse before I went to sleep and we discussed the headache as it was pretty intense and I didn't want the headache to turn into a migraine. I already suffer from migraines and don't want one on top of any SEs that may crop up. Next infusion they are going to try a different nausea pill.
Strong -- ordering my buff (or two) tonight before I call it quits :-).
Terry, seems like we are both a little more tired 2nd round on chemo day than during our first infusion. My MO and Onc Nurse also indicated the 1st infusion is usually a gauge on the SEs. They will watch dehydration closer since I lost so much weight. They also suggested the rinsing to minimize the chance of the thrush SE. I did not rinse last time and developed the thrush. I will also follow th rule with the rinsing and using the biotene mouthwash and toothpaste.
I am off to eat, take my walk and hopefully get some sleep. MO recommended Bendryl for the sleepless nights and don't take the any PM meds for long periods of time.
Those on the up swing enjoy your time and have a bunch of fun! Those just starting treatment wishinig minimal SEs and stay ahead of all of them as always rest, relax and take your meds. Those starting your next rounds -- go get 'em and incorporate your lessons learned from the 1st round.
If there are typeo's incorrect words, etc, please blame it on the chemo - will edit later. LoL (big smile).
Hugs to All,
-Angie
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Hey Everyone,
I am here to report that I feel ALMOST normal on Day 8. Except of course for the raw mouth. Anyone else have a raw mouth?
Anyway, I am here to try and cheer up anyone else who might need it. I received pictures of my embryos from my onco-fertility treatments. My new husband (of 5 months) and I are very blessed to have been able to create some embryos prior to my chemo treatment. The timing was just perfect and we were able to get 8 rapidly dividing embryos.
They've now been cryopreserved, but we have been assured that for as long as we like, they will not even notice the passing of time. Here are their
yearbookpictures.
I think it is pretty amazing that this is what we all started from and someday one or two or however many of these 8 might grow into my child. In case you couldn't tell, I got all sentimental today about it.
The Livestrong Foundation and my local reproductive specialists were the only reason this was able to happen.... oh yeah and I guess my husband helped too. Anyway, I am wishing everyone to feel well today, or as good as you can.
Oh yeah, and the dark masses in the embryos are what will turn into the fetus, and the shell that they will eventually leave will turn into the placenta.
Love to you all.
Llizz
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Llizz - the pics are amazing and congrats on successful IVF and embryos!
Insomnia strikes again! Its midnight here on the west coast and I'm wide awake thanks to Dexa. Tomorrow (or should I say later today) is round 2 and like last time I'll probably get only a couple hours sleep. Tylenol PM and Benadryl take forever to kick in and then I wake up groggy. Even pain meds keep me awake. Ok, I'm done whining lol
Hoping everyone is feeling good and managing their SE. Hugs to all
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