Starting chemo August 2014
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Made it to work today and actually felt good. Only worked half a day so went food shopping afterwards. Home resting now. Still taking Aleve and Claritin just in case bone pain wants to start. I am all for prevention this time around. Wore my chemo hat (beenie) into office today, since no Dr and no pts. Still I feel like I have a sign on me. Stopped at deli first thing and a gentlemen (complete stranger) starts telling my about is lung cancer and transplant. Then tells me about his basil carcinoma on his face. Oh boy! Then a pt came in to office to pick up drops and actually told me she doesn't like my hat. Lol who the heck asked her! I told her I was wearing it because I'm bald ( which is pretty obvious) I think, but she just pretended she didn't hear me. I have had such great support from family, friends and this group, but in general I don't understand why people need to be so stupid and ignorant. I am a pretty private person for most part, with a great group of friends. I would never approach someone like that and just blurt out something so random. I think I'll be wearing my wig to the office just to avoid the fashion police reviews. Otherwise I might snap at someone, which wouldn't be cool. Hope you guys are more tolerable then me.
Jet gal - I am a few hours south of you in Putnam county. Good luck tmrw.
Wishing minimal SEs to everyone
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Hi all lovely ladies. I do really enjoy all your pictures. 14 days post chemo, I still have my hair, I can see them shedding more. I can see my eyebrows&eyelashes hair on my fingers and phone screen today. I noticed more fallen hair on my shoulder and pillowcase. Well at least I won't have to spend time to dry and style my hair in the near future...:-)
I took several days off from work and the cancer finally hit me emotionally. I drove myself to the wood and just cried for hours. Have been trying to stay positive but I needed to cry. It did help. Just needed to let my angers and sadness out. I am stronger than this stupid cancer.
For the ones who just have the second round, how the SE do to you this time?
Hugs to all of you strong ladies... We can get through this...
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Well I shaved my head yesterday and it felt great. I was annoyed with having hair fall in my face and down my back. My husband helped and I felt so liberated after. I wore my wig to work and I barely noticed it. My 2 sons thought it was cool, but we had been telling them that Mommy was going to lose her hair. My silver lining is that the hair in my underarms fell out, one less thing to shave! I forgot who asked about the periods, but I had mine the day before my first chemo and then had another one only a week later. My MO said chemo really messes with cycles in women my age (I'm 33). He said be prepared for anything, really heavy cycles and then none at all.
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Catie, Geez some people have no filter. I have some responses that I practice for if and when anyone says anything that inappropriate. It's hard though to respond to someone in a work situation though. But I hope I will be able to shut DOWN people like that man in the grocery store!
Pangtidor, sometimes you've just got to get those tears out. I hope the break from work allowed you to rest and feel better.
Jetgal, thanks for the response about the nose issues. I marvel at the fact that my nose can be constantly drippy and still be dry and bloody!
Terri, you are the poster girl for looking fabulous with buzzed hair. All of you who have posted pix look wonderful. Women of grace, strength, and dignity.
Just had my fourth TH infustion today and I am exhausted now. This week's development is that I have oral thrush, which a couple of you have mentioned. Got medication for that. My counts are a bit lower, and I am slightly more anemic. My younger daughter did some research for me on iron rich foods and how to combine them to get the best effect. So I will be managing my diet even more carefully. This is the week when the hair loss will probably start to accelerate, it already seems that I am shedding more than usual. Not sure if I'll be brave enough to post a picture. Keep telling the nurse that bald won't look good on my round, Charlie Brown face. I'll have to be all about lipstick and earrings. AND, I decided that I am going to buy a pair of (inexpensive) earrings for each of the 12 TH treatments. Will pick out pair #4 tomorrow!
Sending caring thoughts and hugs to all of you struggling with SE's. I hope it will be an easy week for you.
Sandy
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Well my hair is everywhere except on my head. My boyfriend tells me I look like everyone else since I have super thick hair. Will buzz it off this weekend. Got a skull cap of my beloved team Ravens I will wear whenever they are playing. Lorazepam or Ativan same thing helps with nausea and sleep. Good luck to all.
I HATE THIS CLUB BUT,I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!
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I hope everyone is having a good day today. Today was a really good day for me - I had a little pep in my step, the Cream of Broccoli soup that I had for lunch actually had a pleasant taste to it, and I made a firm stool! I even had teeth cleaning by my dental hygienist who wasn't sure if she should do it while I was under treatment, but no one told me that the dentist was off limits. I still haven't had any mouth sores, and am thankful for that...
I love everybody's pics, and I am inspired to soon be bald and beautiful like those in the pictures. My "bald" time should be drawing near since I'm 12 days out from chemo #1. Also, today I received a beautiful scarf from Good Wishes with a nice card signed by some wonderful beautiful people! I love it and can't wait to wear it!
I pray that our SEs are always minimal to none. Let's all just keep on keeping on, my sisters!
One love,
tp4ever
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Thinkpink I got a scarf from them too. I too am ready for the inevitable hair loss....well as ready as I can be.
Got my wig in the mail today. Not sure how much I will wear it but it does look good. I figure I will wear hats and scarves most of the time. Feeling close to normal for a few days now...not looking forward to Fridays infusion but at least I'll have another one under my belt.
Hugs to those who are having a rough time today and praying for minimal SE's for those getting infusions this week.
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Hey Catie,
Every third person you meet is an ______. Once you realize that life goes pretty well. Forget the person today. !!!
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I have suffered from migraines since puberty and have one today. Isn't that just adding insult to injury? Sheesh! I can take my regular Rx for that so am hoping it breaks tonight. Had some nausea today today, and cramps. Ugh. Just not feeling all that great this afternoon/evening. Here's hoping for a better day tomorrow. I hope everyone gets a good night's sleep tonight.
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I appreciate all the compliments ladies. You will all look great too when your hair falls out. I still have my eyebrows and lashes, thankfully! I tried to weary rig to work today, it lasted about an hour. Bandanas and scarves are my choice at work. Hats on the weekends. I developed thrush again this round, started diflucan yesterday. Also, I have a new SE, hives/rash on my legs and arms. I called my MO, they will see me tomorrow and possibly prescribe antibiotics. It's from the taxotere, they believe. Damn chemo! Feeling tired, otherwise, no complaints. Hugs to all of you.
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Hi everyone!
I'm starting my first round of chemo tomorrow morning (Cytoxan/Taxotere). I've been following this board for the past few weeks to help me prepare. What an incredibly supportive community! I've learned so much before even starting my treatment--and I'm extremely grateful for that. Just wanted to say hello
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Welcome, LNMay. Sorry you have to be here but so glad you found us. It is a wonderful group of beautiful, generous women and I know you will find support and encouragement here. You'll find people who are on your same "chemo cocktail" who share info on managing side effects. Good luck tomorrow. I was really nervous about my first chemo session but found it went much easier than I expected. I hope the same for you!
Sending hugs,
Sandy
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welcome LNMay......
Thank you so much Sandy. I just need to be busy but I feel great after having some days off....:-) I was thinking to wear some big ear rings too ..:-)
Catie...I heard some a non sympathetic comments too. Many probably don't think their comments will hurt us. One friend told me, 'oh yeah my aunt had cancer and she looks a lot better and healthier now.' Or don't worry it's only the hair they will grow back. It didn't seem to be harsh before I got cancer because I have said the same thing before. I can feel that those are hard to hear now. Lol.
Purr, I'm 36. I still have my period but the cycle is 5 days shorter and it's lighter.
Terri my fingers were really itchy on day 10. I could see my hand swollen up and the tips of the fingers were really sore. I hope I won't get hives for the second round.
Amy, I'm trying many kind of hats . It's fun...:-)
Hope everybody have good day..........
Hugs....
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Hi Everyone,
Sitting in the chair for round 2! Was more anxious this time around but I'm here! Hoping for minimal side effects especially on Sunday since it is my youngest daughter's 7th bday and she is taking this the hardest! Sending positive vibes to everyone this week! Good luck to those going for treatment, minimal side effects for those dealing with them and those having good days I hope you are enjoying them.
4 more to go after this one so I'm 33% done....lol. Oh, and I actual was told last night I had pretty hair..I smiled and said thank you and in my head I said if you only knew it was fake ;-).
Hugs to all,
Karina
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ocean, hope today goes quickly!
Welcome lnmay! Lots of info here to help you deal with all this better.
Last night I tried something new to see if I could have a morning not spent in the bathroom. I've been up 3 hours and still good. So I thought if you are in this boat, try this. Before bed I had a half banana and a chobani yogurt. When I got up, I had the other half. About an hour later I had a yogurt and just now a bowl of cream of wheat. I think with me it might be an issue of eating lots of tiny meals thru the day to keep food in my stomach. Yesterday I had a cup of soup for lunch and a couple hours later a chicken sandwich and a couple hours later a hamburger. Has anyone else found this to work for them? I wonder also if my dizzyness I had was more of a low blood sugar issue you would have like when you are hungry.
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I had my second infusion yesterday, and everything went smoothly. The drip rates were faster, but even so the procedure ended up taking most of the day. My blood work looked good, and I had an even higher whit blood cell count than the first time. Not much sleep the night before, but the nurse reminded me to try taking lorazepam before bed, which worked well last night.
Here's a picture showing off my quilt from my incredible friend Jenn, my special Alaska Geographic Buff, and my painting of St. Agatha, who accompanies me on every procedure.
Wishing you all strength for September.
Marilyn
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Wishing you well today Marilyn! St Agatha-patron Saint of breast cancer I believe? I will pray to her today on your behalf. May your side effects be few!
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Oceanbreeze, you do look fabulous! I have my 2nd round today also, and I'm anxious, too, although not as much as the first time. Hope you're doing well with round 2! I'm doing a few things differently today, eating, for one! I opted not to get a port, since I only have 4 total treatments and the 1st one went without issue in my arm. Also drinking a lot to stay hydrated through the day. Doing everything I can to keep the vein accessible!
I'm also going to ice my fingers and probably my toes. I don't want to lose my nails, too; the hair is bad enough! Oh, and for those who say scarves are too much trouble or too complicated, I have 2 words for you: infinity scarf. You just lay it over your head like hair (seam off your head to one side), gather it in back like a low ponytail, cross the sides in back and bring one side up around your head again, then tie it in back or to the side with an elastic hair band. With a little experimenting, you can wrap it a 3rd time and no need to tie at all. I got one made of soft cotton t-shirt material from Amazon for like $6, and a loose, gauzy rayon blend one from Target. I wore the t-shirt one to a movie over the weekend and it was very comfortable.
Terri, you and your brother look great! Tonight is the head-buzzing event with the scout troop. My husband and 2 or 3 other scoutmasters (including one of the moms!) and several of the boys are all getting their heads buzzed to support me and raise awareness. Our local Regis salon is doing it for free, as they did for me and my friend a couple weeks ago. I'll post a pic of that later tonight or tomorrow.
Marilyn, that quilt is fantastic! And I love the Buff and painting, too. I didn't know we had a patron saint. My treatments take about 3 hours, and I'm on my own this time, as my hubby has class until the very end, when he will come and collect my loopy self. I think I will have to pack a suitcase this time to keep myself occupied and carry my frozen peas (for icing fingers), blankie, water, snacks, books, etc...
Hoping everyone is doing well this week, and hope everyone had a good, long, relaxing weekend!
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Marilyn: What a gorgeous quilt. And most of my favorite colors. And thanks for the tips on using the infinity scarves. Even though I bought a wig, I may visit consignment shops and Good Will to see if I can find scarves. I consider this a temporary situation that requires a temporary fix!!! I was told that St. Peregrine was the patron saint of cancer, so I guess that's ALL cancers. Just did some quick research and wasn't aware that St. Agatha is also patron saint. Hey...all the help we can get.
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Welcome LNMay. I am very new here too and had my first of 6 chemo infusions last Thursday. I'm sorry you have reason to be here, but it seems like a really great group.
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I have to jump in and say that I found about 12 great scarves at Goodwill this weekend, including one infinity scarf that is gorgeous. And now I know what to do with it.
I had a rough day yesterday, after feeling good up till now. Woke up headache-y and quite nauseated. Not sure I can pin this totally on chemo. I get these headaches sometimes but not so intensely. I am better today so will just hope and pray it is a coincidence.
Oh, yeah, and I think my hair is starting to shed. I thought I had another week or so but I guess I am glad not to have the dread anymore.
Welcome to the new members! It is so reassuring to be among these wonderful women! We are not alone.
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Looking good StrongEnough. That scarf does look great. I've been following your progress as we are on the same regimen, mine just started two weeks later. I am looking to you for inspiration and you have truly been a source of strength. Strength, peace and hope to you for the getting through the SEs of this 2nd round.
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LNMay, welcome! We are on the same cocktail and I'm just two weeks ahead of you. My second infusion in next Thursday the 11th. Hope tomorrow goes well for you, my friend! Just like Sandy said, my first was easier than expected.
oceanbreeze, hope your #2 today went well. 33% done sounds good to me. Next Thursday, I'll be 50% done!! Whoop, whoop!
Love, love, love the quilt, Mullerin! And may St. Agatha watch over us all during our treatment....
strongenough, now I know what to do with the two infinity scarves that I have....lol! Great tip!
Stay encouraged everyone!
One love,
tp4ever
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Welcome LNmay!
I'm loving all the scarfs and I'm definitely going to check out Goodwill. I've been wearing hats/beanies and I'm still debating on whether or not I should invest in a wig. Losing my hair was not a huge issue for me as I was more concerned about the physical side effects. I buzzed my hair 16 days after 1st chemo and what's left is still falling out. I left about 1/4 to 1/2 inch hair on my head but now it's patchy with bare spots. It's now looking ridiculous and I'm not sure if I should completely shave it leave it alone.
Tomorrow will be one week since 2nd round and I'm feeling good today. The fatigue wasn't as bad this time (except for yesterday) but I did have worse bone and joint pain which lasted about 4 days. I had a bit more nausea this time as well. I also had more of an appetite this time but lost my sense of taste so nothing taste good. I did try to stay more active so not sure if that has helped reduced the fatigue.
Hoping everyone is doing well and managing their SE.
Hugs to all,
Cathy
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strong enough- thanks! And, that's just great all the scout people and your family shaving their heads, so much support!
I went to the MO today to get my rash checked out, he thinks it was a reaction to the taxotere, wants me to take Claritin daily and Benadryl nightly until I complete chemo. Also, he will have me prophylacticaly treat my thrush, starting the Friday after my Wednesday chemo treatments. Thrush is no joke, very painful, so I'm happy to treat it before it happens! He also called me in a Medrol dose pack and I can get it if the rash worsens. He said he will also add additional dex to my next chemo treatment. Anyway, I'll take those Se's over nausea and vomiting any day! Looking forward to tomorrow, day 8 last time post tx, I felt great ! I look forward to hearing from all of you. Welcome newbies, we can make it through this! Hugs.
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OK, here goes. I'm gonna be brave like the rest of you guys. Here is my bald head! I have worn a wig this week to work. Rip it off as soon as I get home or in the car. Hope I don't scare anyone!! It's an adjustment and I can say you guys have helped tremendously through this process. Thank you so very much!! I go for my 2nd treatment tomorrow. Ready to see how this one goes. Been kinda down today, not sure why. Haven't felt real great. Gonna rest tonight and be ready in the morning for round 2. Thinking about each of you and hoping and praying the best. Hang in there!!
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Welcome to the new members and so sorry you have to be here. You joined the right group of women to get information, complain or whatever it is you need to do. Great support system!
Hoping for minimal SEs for those just starting treatment again. I have to say I am feeling good and have energy this time around. Had my 2nd treatment on Friday. Day 3 and 4 pretty useless but managed SEs with meds as soon as I felt one coming on. Was told that one IV was going to cause constipation, so immediately took myralax when I got home. Didn't go a lot afterwords but never had stomach ache. When I got neulasta shot, took 24 hr Claritin before and Aleve right after. Took daily after that and did not get achy. Did have nausea for 3 days and fatigue, but sucked on ginger chews, ginger ale and anti nausea meds I took 1/2 at a time as needed. Which I managed to keep under control also. Actually took Tylenol in between. Keep brushing w sensitive toothpaste and biotene. I was determined not to feel like first time. I have a runny nose today but still taking Claritin which helped. Worked today and had energy throughout day. I feel so blessed that I was able to keep SEs so far at bay. I can only hope the next 4 treatments can go well. Just to clear, Still sucks!
I love the scarves and pics. Hoping everyone feels good throughout the wknd and listen to ur bodies and be kind to yourself. Eating small amounts and healthy during this time is a good plan.
Mullerin and Hope - looking beautiful ladies.
Thanks for all the encouraging words after my last rant.
"Cancer is our enemy, and chemo is cancer's enemy". We are going to get thru this, one day at a time. Before we know it, we will be looking back at this time. I miss you guys already lol
Cathie
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YEAH HOPE! you're not only brave, you're beautiful! I love that you posed in front of that inspirational quote- "
LIVE every moment, LAUGH everyday, LOVE beyond words"
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Great photo, HOPE! I'm so glad you shared it.
I had a good check-in today, 6 days after my first infusion. Only my platelets are officially low, but they're not worried. My hemoglobin actually went up! I've taken one iron pill and one multivitamin with iron, so I guess that helped.
The only issue they want me to work on is my weight. I was low to begin with, and I've dropped some, so they're watching it. Could just be not enough fluids, though it has been hard to eat enough this past week. I have a new plan in place though and will make sure that next week's check-in goes even better. I have had some pretty bad constipation so will be more proactive about that next time around. Things are moving now but it was incredibly crampy and painful last night and today. No fun. I've started wrapping my head around the idea of my hair actually falling out. Your beautiful photos and tips help. Thank you to everyone who has been brave enough to share. So awesome to see your smiling faces.
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Hope50 - you look absolutely gorgeous! Will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending lots of positive vibes.
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