Starting chemo August 2014
Comments
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what a great picture Terri, you actually just look like you're having fun with a new hairstyle, not that you needed to cut it!
Purple, gosh, take it easy and get well over the next few days! How disappointing to cancel your weekend, maybe you will get one more yet this summer. I hope you can kick this cold soon, that's what I heard that we will catch things much easier and to try to be careful, but when you have young ones, it is going to be so hard!
Catie, I don't know cuz it hasn't happened...YET...but I'd say you are really close to your hair starting to come out.
Think pink , I agree with you that it's going to be weird to wear a wig, but on days I want to feel "normal" or not have strangers realize anything, I think I will like it. Hope you can start to find some food that will seem good to eat. I haven't lost my taste for food, it has to be miserable! I get full really fast and quit, but just keep my plate and pick at it til I get a little more in.
Need to do some grocery shopping today, suppose to rain, so doubt much else.
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I Love your brother. Mine has not offered and can't imagine in my wildest dreams he would. Wouln't even ask him. He would freak. I hope I look as good as you. My time to get rid of hair will be by the end of the week. It is holding on for now. Slowly,falling out. I did ask my boyfriend. He mouth said OK. His face look like the he just entered some horror chambers. So,I let him of the hook.
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I am enjoying the photos and positive stories. I had very long hair, so I decided to cut it and donate it last week. Now it's about chin-length, and I imagine I'll have it around for another week or so, if I'm lucky.
I got hit with a big spell of nausea when I got up today and walked across the house. I've got some dissolving zofran so took one of those and crumpled on the kitchen floor, waiting to feel better. I'm doing OK now. I'm going to make sure to keep some crackers or cheerios or something on hand so that my stomach never gets completely empty. Today is only day 5. This is not a fast process, is it?
Hopefully that was the worst of it for today! It's a beautiful day, otherwise.
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Feel better Cassie- Hopefully that Zofran will kick in ASAP! Day 5 for me also- hang in there-
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One thing I have noticed with posting the pics of shaved heads....I don't think people realize how absolutely stunning they are without hair!!! It makes your eyes brighter and pop and even those who wear glasses....you are all just gorgeous. No need to hide behind hair....the true beauty comes out!!!
I've learned as I get older...no hair dye, false eyelashes, fake nails can hide the beauty of a person inside. If the inside is ugly, the outside will be as well no matter how much money you spend on coverups!!!!
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Terri - love the new look. You look beautiful. You have an awesome brother too!
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CJT, I've thought the same thing.
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Wow! Looks great Terri!
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I consider this day 3 for me after 2nd treatment, since I finished about 4:30 Friday evening. I buzzed my head over a week ago with my husband and son. I noticed their hair is growing back, but I'm still losing. Not totally bald yet. I've been very tired and had some bouts of nausea. Able to eat lightly and just resting a lot. Took an Aleve earlier and going to take another Claritin so I don't develop aches. Thank goodness for meds....definitely helped me get thru this time better so far. I talked to MO and had a plan of action. "Cancer is my enemy, and chemo is cancers enemy." Keep having to remind myself why I'm putting myself thru this.
Hang in there ladies!
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I started chemo 8/27/2014. My bones feel like they are trying to come thru my skin. I read that the pain in my breast is a good thing. I'm just wondering when it will calm down.
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Try claritin and aleve. I never heard about the breast pain.
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Teri, you look beautiful! That is so sweet of your brother. Nice solidarity there!
LadyB, you look beautiful and I"m sure that your inner beauty will shine through as others have said about all of us losing our hair. Mine is almost nearly gone (I've really scrubbed at it in the shower with a washcloth because now I just want it all gone!). I bought a wig but don't really feel like it will work for me. Totally using the scarves and hats.
I'm sending out lots of hugs to all of you who just had their first infusion last week/last few days. Hang in there. There will be an upswing. I am dreading Thursday (#2)...but also looking forward to being 1/4 of the way done! Trying to look for the silver lining. Some days it's easier than others!
My daughter starts middle school tomorrow and had been begging me to let her bleach the ends of her hair so that she could color them with the bright-colored manic panic hair color (turquoise, purple, pink et al). After everything we've all been through this summer, I told her this weekend that she could totally go for it. Life is short. She's wanted it for a long time and 12 is the perfect age. So now she has this awesome turquoise hair ombre' thing going on. It's really awesome. It was nice to make it about her this weekend and her next chapter. I've hated being the center of attention this summer. It really felt good to be able to do that for her and finish up school shopping.
Amazing how much more I see the beauty in the ordinary now. I'm sure that you all really get that.
Hugs to you all. Jess
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BTW, here's a photo of the beautiful scarf that my daughter made for me this weekend.
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Oh and OCEANBREEZE, you look gorgeous and strong!
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THANKS! To all of you for all the sweet compliments, you all look beautiful! I am debating wearing my wig to work tomorrow, otherwise, it'll be a scarf. I just don't want to tell my story to every patient that I see, so, that's where the wig will come in handy. Hope you all have a great week, I did end up with a cold this weekend, so I'm hoping that goes away soon. Take care ladies!
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I'm now bald... Trying to get brave and post a picture. Have 2nd round this week and I sure would like to get a pedicure to make me feel better. Has anyone else got them while doing chemo? Just need a little perk right now.
Gonna wear a wig to work tomorrow. Hope that goes well. Doing hats and scarfs at home. No more bad hair days for me. It's the little things!!
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Huge hugs Hope. I was told no pedicures during chemo because of the risk of infection. Some Dr.'s say its OK if you bring your own pedicure kit. I would ask my MO.
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Hi Hooe,
Check with your MO on pedicures. I was also told no which I hate because pedicures are such a pleasure. I did my own toenails yesterday and boy, it sure doesn't look like the nail salon! Hooe you will have better outcome than me though
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Smukram - if you hurting that badly, time to give a call to ur MO. He/she is best to advise you at this point.
Jess - the scarf looks great.
Hope - I'm almost bald also. The wigs have worked out great for work, and getting use to headcovers now. Ordered a couple more because of sales over wknd.
Purple girl - totally one of the biggest bummers was being told not to go for a pedicure. I am doing my own nails right now, but not the same.
Terri - I love your brother, he is awesome. You have a good support team. Looking good with buzz.
Well, heading into work today, day 4. No way would have been able to go in yesterday. Only have to be there half a day, which is a blessing. Getting myself geared up to get ready. Will let you know how the day goes.
2 down, 4 to go!
Wishing Everyone a good day with no SEs.
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good morning all... I'm back now and feeling much better. Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement when I had my mini meltdown last week! Second chemo was Friday and I slept for the next 48 hours basically. I feel so much better today. Got the shot on Sunday have been doing Claritin and Tylenol-- no major bone pain.
When I think of where I was three or four weeks ago and how I planned to work through my treatment I have to laugh. I can't comprehend the idea of trying to go into that office today. It is such a blessing that I don't have to....
So today is better I'm on eBay sending along all the things I sold this weekend yay! And will be grocery shopping soon. I guess we can be considered old timers now since September
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hi all! Took two Benadryl last night and that must be the ticket, slept through the night!
I was told no mani/pedi too. I had read you could buy your own stuff to bring but I won't risk any bacteria in a salon.
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having back pain, mid back for the first time. Nuelasta shot was last Tuesday. Anyone have this?
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I hung onto the remnants of ny hair til yesterday and then I had my husband cut it all off. My son wants to shave me down to bare and I will likely let him tonight. The pictures you all posted inspired me, because you all look do good.
I also laugh to think I wanted to work through chemotherapy. I am still working but chemo requires a minimum 3 day absense, and that is because the 3 days span the weekend. If I had chemo earlier in the week I would have to take the whole week off.I think one week out of three I am fully functional.I am going in today, but I am not planning on a full day.
For me the pain from the shot is the worst, making Sunday terrible. I took a Vicodan and slept through it.
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I specifically asked about a mani/pedi while undergoing chemo. My MO says NO CUTTING OF CUTICLES!!! They can push them back, but not cut them. My salon autoclaves their tools and wraps them in packaging for each client. I'm more interested n the foot massage and and the pampering. BUT each MO has their own feelings on those and best to follow your MO. I am booked on Friday for a mani/pedi because I go for my 2nd round on Tuesday. After loosing our hair, feeling like crap and trying to hold the fort, why can't we be pampered?
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Kellya- I had back pain too. Did you take the Aleve and the Claritin regime? My MO suggests taking one Aleve and one Claritin on day of shot. THEN- take Aleve twice per day and Claritin once a day for 7 days after. Then stop- as they don't want to mask any fever that would indicate an infection.
I did find the Aleve/Claritin helped with the bone pain-
Best of luck
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Quick question did anyone have some breakthrough nausea as late as day 11 after AC? I get bad nausea with pregnancy, never any vomiting, but sick, sick, lay on the couch for six or seven weeks. I've been trying to come off all Meds, but took 8 mg of zofran yesterday (broke it up) then had to take both a compazine and an Ativan in the late afternoon/evening. We drive back to San Fran last night, in case I spiked a fever, and so my hubby could drive instead of me. Feeling okay this morning, just want to stop taking Meds. Maybe I'm extra sensitive because of the twins? Maybe because my dose was high? (100mg A)? Hugs everyone. I'm bummed about the pedis too. Just me and an orange stick and nail hardener, which actually makes my nails looks suoer nice and shiny.
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Hi all – sorry I’ve been MIA too…
My next chemo is tomorrow and no matter how hard I try, I am
not looking forward to it. My hair is
coming out heavily and my sister loaned me two buffs. I did not know she wore them! I’m so happy
because a scarf wasn’t doing it and I feel a bit better going out in
public. My aunt is coming over day after
chemo to shave my head. So glad to read
your posts as to how you felt and deal with this. I did not realize how sad this would make me. Otherwise feeling good and working heavily on
my pottery because I know how exhausted I will be after treatment. That’s why I’ve been off of here but I do
think about you all – solidarity with the August chemo sisters!!Terry1975 – I took Alleve last time after the shot. I still had stiffness but not really
pain. I’m going to try the Claritin this
time as my nose has been running non-stop (so maybe it’ll help both?) I don’t think I have allergies but maybe this
is something new and I read somewhere that if your nose hairs come out, you’ll have
to be ready with tissues. Also, thanks for the reminder about rinsing with
baking soda/ water. I did that after
first treatment and maybe it did help me.
I never got bad sores, just a couple that did not last after morning
coffee.I still use Biotene rinse and toothpaste and will continue
both – only 2x day for biotene but more times a day for baking soda and water
rinse (best after eating, and I ate a lot after my first chemo so I expect this
again.)Bippy – can’t believe you were fired from your job…I’m sure
it feels good to get out of a bad one but hope you can recover from this
financially. It sounds so heartless… I
do a little consulting work but my hours have been cut back to bare
minimum. When this is over I’d like to
get some new consulting work but not now. I have a basement pottery studio and
I sell it on Etsy.com and lately its been a blessing. I don’t have to leave the house much and I’ve
decided to cancel the rest of my craft shows.
For those who need to stay home and make some money, consider selling
what you make on Etsy.LLiz – you really do have something amazing to celebrate! I
hope you continue to have success in your pregnancy.Ladyb – Looking good in those photos!! Thanks for the reminder about icing nails. Since I make pottery I actually try to keep
them short, but they are still useful to me.
The thought of losing them and my hair is unthinkable. I saw my podiatrist the other day (regular
visit) and he said some people lose their toe nails, but not everyone.SandyLovesLucy – I had some serious nose dryness for about 2
weeks after my first treatment. Some
minor bleeding but I got some nose spray saline, in case I get it again. Right now my nose is dripping a lot so its
now the opposite.Jess1965 – I hear you about the hair coming out and mood
swings. I’m typically so easy going and
the mood swings are very hard. My 2 cats
are helping – they never say anything and it really helps to pet them. Also good to chat with some friends who just
want to help…Catie – great photo and yes, we’re on the same treatment. That’ll be me tomorrow with a good friend
helping out. What part of NY are you in? I’m in the Buffalo area.Terri and others – yes, I’ll be having radiation probably in
November. Not sure of dates – it was the
chemo that wasn’t supposed to happen but my Oncotype score was mid-range, and
then my Mammaprint test said high risk. So I have to endure both – like many others
here.Randomchance – I laughed when you said your family was
prepared not to talk to you after the shot.
I know I’ve been more irritable…and that’s just not me!Oceanbreeze – you look awesome!! I am not looking forward to my bald head, but
I hope I look as good as you. I’m
getting new glasses today so I’ll ask them to help me pick out a pair that will
go well with bald!! Anyone have any tips?May post some photos later this week. Hang in there ladies – so good to hear from
all of you, and keep the faith!0 -
Good morning everyone,
I am starting to feel a little better! I know now to start with the Claritin on the same day as the Neulasta shot next time around. The bone pain is subsiding and eating a few cheerios dry before getting out of me helped with the queasiness. I have just the slightest numbness in my fingers - nothing getting in the way of anything, but I'll mention it at my appointment tomorrow.
I'm taking a leave of absence from teaching, as my doctors don't think being around all those germs is going to be a good idea. It's hard to not be there, but at the same time I'm so grateful that I don't have to try. Teaching is exhausting, and I had some other admin duties on top of my load. Still, I miss my students and coworkers. I'm trying to still do some work via email and am staying in touch with my subs (both of whom should work out great). My daughter goes to the school I work at, so it's very strange to just be dropping her off instead of staying for the day. She and I agreed that we've been the ones who've had it kind of odd all these years (it's a preK-12th grade school and she's been there since K) - most parents just drop off!
I was grateful to feel well enough to make the drive this morning - it's about 34 miles roundtrip. Helps me feel useful and keeps me connected to her and the life of the school a little bit.I hope everyone has a good day.
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was able to cancel my dr. Appt today, got all my concerns addressed and everything is normal. The nuelasta shot is a long lasting shot so to have the side effects now is not abnormal. I will take extra strength Tylenol as long as it helps and if it doesn't, Norco. The mouth sores are starting so they called in a prescription for BMX which is better than my magic mouthwash and I can take it every 2 hours. If my throat starts to feel sore I can swallow it to treat gastrically too. My hubby got his flu shot today, I will ask when my counts will be high enough to get one.
I also asked about my stomach issues, too much time in morning in bathroom! It may be right now I need to be more careful with what I'm eating and maybe give up my coffee for a bit
. I tend to be pretty high fiber which may be an issue. She is having the nutritionist meet me durin chemo on Monday to give me some tips.I said I took two Benadryl to finally sleep last night. She said that was fine but I could also take 1-2 of the nausea pill with Ativan since it works well for anxiety and helps you sleep.
Made my appt for Friday at 6:00 to be buzzed and have my wig and halo trimmed, hope I don't cry, but Ive gone to her for 15 years so am comfortable if I do.
Anyway, hope those tips may help anyone who needs them
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Hey Ladies, Had the worst night so far. I know its the shot. My back was killing me. I took the ativan and finally got to sleep. I started my period two days after the shot. Does that have something to do with the extra pain? I thought the periods stop after the first infusion.
Anyway, feeling a bit better now. Some pangs of pain. Took my claritin and two Aleves. Hope this is the worst of it and will now begin to recover.
I am going to ask if they can take the strength of the shot down, I am sort of petite and am not tolerating it. Ugh.
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