Starting chemo August 2014
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Hope, you look beautiful and strong! I love the "head" pics from everyone. On another thread, someone posted that when they see these images, they see strength, love, courage - BEAUTY. It's so true.
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Hope,
You look gorgeous!! Stay strong my friend! Round 2 will be uneventful I'm sure!
I found this today and thought of all of us! I truly believe this quote is right on...at least for me it was spot on to how I feel some days. Xoxo :-)
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Terri:
What was recommended to treat your thrush? I don't have it yet but the mouth is starting to tingle so I want to be proactive.
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Ok folks...another question from the newbie here. My 1st treatment was on 8/26 and I will be treated every 14 days with A/C for 4 rounds and then 12 weekly doses of Taxol. If my SEs weren't that horrible on round #1, should I expect to feel worse as the treatments progress? What has been everyone's experience here? Thanks for taking the time to assistance.
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CJT- the first time they called in a miracle mouth rinse, it contains several ingredients; including nystatin, lidocaine, I think milk of magnesia. Not sure what all is in it, that didn't help. So then I got diflucan, after taking it for about 4 days my mouth was much better. So this round, I just went ahead and took the diflucan on Sunday when I could tell the thrush was going up start again. Lucky for me, I worked in oncology several years ago and I worked with my chemo nurse, we are still friends, so I can ask her stuff without having to call the office every time I have a question. The symptoms have started off the same both times, sore throat, sore teeth, sluffing of cheek tissue, and then the tongue just starts getting white coating and red marks. It hurts! I'm almost back to normal, hopefully tomorrow I'll have a turning point and feel better. Hope that helps!
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CJT,
As for side effects, mine were almost exactly the same. I was more tired this time. My doc said the first tx is usually the precursor to how you'll do with the rest. Although, I did develop the body rash this time, which he said was a delayed reaction. I'm still tired! But I do work for a very busy oral surgery practice, so I get NO REST throughout the day. But I love what I do!
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Thanks Terri. I have been prophylacticlly rinsing with baking soda, salt and warm water a few times a day and so far, that's been working. I just remember watching my late sister having to put orajel on her mouth sores in order to have a glass of wine this past Christmas. Thanks again for your quick response.
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Hi all,
Tomorrow I am going to get my hair buzzed off. I went to lunch today and left a HUGE pile of hair on my chair. They must think I have some strange disease. For the person who said they did not know if that wanted to spend the $ on a wig. Have your MO write a prescription for a cranial prothesis. You should be reimburst. I also went to my local American Cancer Society office yesterday and they give wigs and scaves for free. Google the local office near you.
Good luck everyone. I go Monday for my second treatment. I have to do better. I was totally throw off by the first treatment.
Eileen
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my doctor said it gets worse because it cumulative, but I actually feel much better this round. Probably just better prepared for what's going on.
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Well, if my 1st round is indicative and I can keep the SE at a minimal, then I shouldn't be too bad. Just trying to figure out if I'll be able to make a celebration on 9/23. I work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at a children's hospital and our Clinical Manager was named "Manager of the Year". I miss seeing everyone and this would be a great opportunity to see my "peeps". You are so helpful, thanks so much!
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Well, randomchance, my nausea was well controlled with all the meds. I also have this great personal nurse (my husband) who made sure I stayed on top of the nausea. My worst SE was the bone pain from the Neulasta. Next time I will treat with Claritin on day of injection and for a few days after. If I can control that pain, I am very encouraged!!! I wondering if we do get smarter and can better control the SEs as the time goes on. I'm just hoping so. I am the cockeyed optimist!
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Marilyn, what a great picture! Love the Buff and the gorgeous quilt. I am a quilter and work as a sales rep for several quilting fabric companies. So I am surrounded by quilts every day. I received a comfort quilt at my first infusion and bring it with me every week. Will try to post a picture of it. It was made by volunteers from a local quilt guild that I used to belong to so it came from friends.
Hope, I love your picture! You and your messages are so beautiful. Good luck tomorrow!
Strong enough, love what you did with the scarf. I've got a lot of rayon batik infinity scarves and will try out your technique. I was playing with some scarfs a few days ago and my cat got freaked out like he didn't recognize me! So funny!
Tabby girl, I started losing a lot of my hair this morning. I've spent so much time wondering when it would happen that now it is kind of a relief. It happened the morning after my 4th TH infusion.
Ocean breeze, I'm praying that you will feel great on Sunday for your daughter's birthday. Seven in such a precious age. But I have loved every age with my two daughters. I now lie about their ages because they are grown and making it harder for me to lie about mine!
Terri , My doc gave me medication in lozenge form to treat the oral thrush. Hope you can avoid another bout with it. My tongue feels like I burned it eating food that was too hot.
Hugs to everyone as we all get through the week.
Sandy
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nice reading all the entries! Love the head shots. I don't know if I will be able to do that Friday or not, take a photo I mean. I will try...between tears I'm sure.
Really dealing with sores in my throat. Doing the magic mouthwash every 2-4 hours but any time I eat something, man oh man does my throat burn! I'm glad to know there is something better if this doesn't do the trick. Other than that I feel good.
Cjt we are doing the exact cocktail and exact plan. I started one day before you. I was told also that the first is an indicator of how you'll do. The first four for us are the hardest. Supposedly we will have an easier time the last 12 weeks.
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Hope, you look strong and beautiful. You can see your inner spirit, joy and kindness shining through!
For all my 2nd round buddies tomorrow, Hope, Purrrrana and khillman9, I'll be sending you all good vibes tomorrow as we all do this! Hoping that I manage this time around better...less nausea/vomiting.
.but if not, this time I've got my lorazapam to knock myself out! I keep minding myself that I'm closer to getting through this and closer to kicking cancer's arse!
Hugs to all of your inspiring, brave and compassionate women!
Jess
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Thanks jess1965, and praying that any SE's we all have can be cured with a nap or a walk. Good luck tomorrow round 2 buddies.
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Ok, round 2 down, 2 to go! I found a friend to sit with me at the last minute, so didn't have to bring so much stuff to occupy the time. Hubby had class & came to drive me home at the end. I got the last 2 tx moved back to Tuesday, so he can come with me. The holiday weekend threw us off this week. Uneventful so far. Last time I felt pretty good the 1st couple days, just increasingly tired. I did get scolded by the nurse about not calling her to report my gastric SE. They are referring me for a scope to make sure I don't have an ulcer. Yikes! I'm also getting the full dose of Neulasta tomorrow, since I got neutropenia last time & ended up in the hospital. MO asked about my nails, and he recommend tea tree oil. I googled it & found it recommended to treat and prevent bacterial and fungal infections that can develop under the nails due to decreased immunity from the chemo. One source said daily, one said 2-3 times daily. A couple cautioned against allergic reaction, so if you've never used it (like in shampoo or something), be on the lookout. I have used it, and happen to have a vial of it, so started that tonight. Also iced my fingers in baggies of frozen peas 15 min before and after the taxotere. Toes just seemed too much of a hassle. Hope I don't regret that later.
My plan for the next week is to take it easy, eat lots of chicken soup, drink lots of water (flavored when it starts to taste bad) and milk (tasted good the whole time), monitor my temp, take Norco for back pain if/when it hits this time, brush and floss religiously twice a day, and take Pepcid twice a day. These are all things I was not so good about on the first round, at least some of the time. I'm putting this down in writing in the hope it will motivate me to stick to it.
Here are some pics from the head buzzing scout meeting. The turn out was fantastic! We pretty much took over Regis! A total of 11 boys and 7 leaders got buzzed, and another boy whose mom told him no and a few other parents and siblings came out as well. It was so touching, I had a hard time keeping it together. But we had a blast! The local paper even sent a reporter and a photographer, so we will be in Saturday's paper! Great publicity for BC, Regis, and the troop! We all had ice cream in the food court after, and I didn't feel weird going topless! Just blended right in!
Hubby and me, after. In the background is my friend Kimmie's (who went with me last week) boyfriend, who is an assistant scoutmaster.
Some other representative shots, and the whole gang at the bottom, including the 3 stylists who donated their time.
SueBe, thank you so much for the kind words! I've been thinking about you, too, hope you are doing well with minimal side effects 1st round!
Sandy, my cats don't seem to care what I have or don't have on my head, but I have noticed they don't sit in my spot on the couch when I'm not there anymore. I think it's because I don't smell right. They do still sit on my lap or beside me to be petted though.
I'm glad I could help with the infinity scarf tips!
Hope50, you look great! I, too am enjoying all the head shots!
It's very, very late; gonna try & get some sleep! Sweet dreams of healthy days to come to everyone!
P.S. Geez, I'm long winded! Sorry! I'll try to do better in the future. More frequent, shorter posts, I think.
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strong enough, what an amazing night for you! And I just love photos!
Good luck to all having their second round today! I'm sure it will go smoothly. I think it will be or will seem better since we know what to expect and are prepared better to deal with things that come up.
This version of magic mouthwash is working better than what I had from my diverticulitis before. Any time I take antibiotics I get thrush. The nurse at cancer care said they are the same ingredients but in different proportions. I hope today when I eat it doesn't hurt!
I got all my summer pillows etc put away yesterday and fall ones put out. Also will finish all the candles etc today. Going to take out some of my summer flowers in my pots and put in some fall things so that is done. We have our pumpkin festival the end of next weekend so usually around here everyone starts placing pumpkins, mums, hay bales etc in their yard. I live in a town which is the pumpkin Capitol of the world. We have a Libby's plant here and the pumpkins have been coming in for a couple weeks now. Haven't noticed the smell yet though. Hope today is a good one for everyone!
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My 2nd chemo was yesterday and have mostly good news to report with a few interesting twists. Long day as I go downtown to get the blood test and see my MO. Then drive fast to a suburban satellite location for chemo. Happy to have a terrific friend with me throughout the day. My news is 1) my blood numbers look great, in fact higher WBC so that's great - sticking with the neulasta shot tomorrow at the suburban site, 2) they are reducing my steroid pills in half as they say I must have a sensitivity to it - causes my face and chest to flush and get red and my rabid appetite is due to that (maybe it'll help with the insomnia too), 3) got prescription for mouthwash - I think there are several medicines combined so I'll start that maybe today or tomorrow to stave off sores and thrush (I did ok last time, but I'm most worried about sores), 4) I will take claritin and alleve before the shot and daily in the morning. I woke up to sore throat yesterday and my sinuses are drippy plus watery eyes - they don't think its due to chemo but rather rhinitis so the claritin can help with that and the bone pain. Nervous about potential fevers again but maybe I'll be ok this weekend. Last night I slept well for about 3-4 hours but couldn't get good sleep after and I was not peeing though I'd been drinking lots of water. However about an hour after I woke, it became non-stop but at least I'm flushing out those toxins!! Feeling better though tired today.
Here is yesterday's chemo photo with dear friend. I'm wearing a buff that my sister gave to me and I love it, but will invest in more of them and maybe a wig. I should be getting my head shaved by my aunt later today at home. Photo later...my best to all of you and keep up the great photos!! Stay strong - we can do this together!!
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jetgal, that is a beautiful photo.
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jet gal, you look great! The mouthwash is definitely helping me! Did you rinse several times with the water, salt and baking soda? That just helps clean your mouth. Thrush is NO fun!! I hope it doesn't hurt when you eat, my throat just burns when I eat, but today s better because of mouthwash.
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HI everybody. All the pictures look great! Such beautiful ladies. I didn't realize when my hair started falling out it would be so painful. My head really hurts! Has anybody else experienced head pain and tenderness? If so, is there anything that can be done? I tried advil. Not helping.. I hope everybody's doing ok and side effects are minimal.
Diane
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My head hurt too. At the roots if I could describe it. I did not do anything for it. It has gone away.Except when I push down on my head. I got my head buzzed today. I feel like I am in the movie Fiddler on the Roof and going to sing " Matchmaker Matchmaker". Not posted pictures. Then I know it is real. Hope my second chemo goes well on Monday. Praying for WBC count that is high enough. I was too low first time and had to put chemo off for the week. UGH. My MO thought I had a type of leukemia. Breast cancer and leukemia. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Luckily my WBC went up on their own. Been using Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste. It seems to help with dry mouth.
P.S My boyfriend tells me I am cuter and look younger bald. He is a keeper!!
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jet gal - great photo and love the buff. I think I'm going to have to buy one.
Strong enough - that is so awesome that the scout group all shaved heads for you. You are a very lucky woman. Will have to try the tea tree oil on nails.
Didi and Ellen - my head is definitely more sensitive to touch and still itchy. I am still losing hair at this point also, my sides are now bald, but still have some top and back. Maybe will shave it tmrw.
Ellen - boyfriend is definitely a keeper.
Had another good day. My stomach acting up a little, probably rejecting all the meds I took for my SEs. Lol Met with nutritionist at wellness center. She gave me pamphlets and a good resource book to refer to if problems w eating before, during and after treatment. Actually have a good appetite and thinking about dinner now. I'm off tmrw and hoping to get some exercise in.
Wishing minimal SEs for people just finishing 2nd treatment.
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Tomorrow is my 2nd infusion of 8. I feel a lot more prepared this time and a lot less nervous....I am however dreading the down week. I went shopping today and bought foods that I ate successfully last time and made some others. I also bought easy to cook foods for my family as they will be on their own a few days. The worst part time of tomorrow is just the boring 3 hours or so it takes for the infusion. I do get to eat out after though. Me and my husband celebrate each one that way. Hugs to everyone else doing their second ones...praying for minimal SE's for everyone.
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I had my very first treatment today--it went well! I was super nervous as the Taxotere went in, but I had no reactions--PHEW!!
Almost as soon as I left the cancer center, my tongue started feeling fuzzy, which I'm guessing in a fairly typical response.
My sister, who went with me, and I decided to run a few errands since my kids were with a friend. After about an hour and a half, my heart started racing and felt like it was pounding through my chest. I broke out in a cold sweat and felt dizzy. I pulled it together but that was almost an hour ago. The sweats and dizziness are gone, but my heart is still racing. Has anyone else experienced that?
I know that during the infusion that is a sign of an allergic reaction, but this was two hours after I was through with my treatment. I'm a little nervous.
Thank you for reading! Sending peaceful thoughts to everyone!
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LNMay - don't hesitate to call MO if you are not sure of any reactions. Could be the steroids, but better to know then guess.
Justamy and Purplegurl - keeping you in my thoughts for your second infusion tmrw.
Purplegurl - great photo of you and your hubby.
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Today is the day I've been dreading since I learned I would need chemo. I had to say goodbye to my long hair. Tomorrow is day 14 and chemo #2. I had started to shed quite a bit over the past few days. I did not have the heart to watch while they buzzed my hair, but they saved my braid so I can Velcro it in under hats and it will (maybe) look like I've got hair. I ordered a beautiful wig which is highlighted and cut so much like my own hair, it's really hard to tell the difference. My 17 year old daughter didn't even notice so I guess it must look good! The nicest moment.of the day though was my husband, who surprised me by coming home with a buzz cut himself tonight in support. I think this is one of my favorite pictures EVER of the two of us.
LNMay,
I have severe allergies to insect bites and what you describe does sound like it could be an allergic reaction, but mine have always kicked in almost immediately so Im not sure about the delayed onset. I would definitely say check with your MO on call tonight though to make sure nothing to worry about.
Hugs,
Robyn
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lnmay, call your center. They want you to. You will feel better after talking with them.
purple, what a beautiful picture!
I honestly can say I love these photos of everyone!
I went out tonight and bought Pepcid. Chewed one as I walked out of the store. It feels a little better, ugh, I wish this burn would go away!
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LNMay call your MO. Make sure your reaction is OK. Don't take any chances. We are dealing with heavy metals and I don't mean a rock band from the 80's
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chemo #2 tomorrow. Even though I now know what to expect I am still pretty nervous and anxious. I am going on my own which means commuting via train on the commuter train I took when I was working. This makes me nervous because I haven't seen my "train friends" in almost 3 months. I'm just pretty self conscious about everything lately and seeing people i know but who don't really know what's going on with me makes me more anxious. I think an Ativan is in store before I leave the house tomorrow. Good news is I think my friend is working a half day so she will meet me when my infusion starts.
Good thoughts to everyone!!
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