Starting chemo August 2014
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Everyone looks great in their pictures. Super pretty group of women. Proud to be part of it
Question? Has anyone else noticed a rash on their head? Looks like a heat rash. Does itch at times. I only wear scarves. I also have one spot on my chest. Not infected and that does not itch. Looks like a dot of impetigo. Just one small spot. Several on my head. I go to my MO for round 3 on Monday. I will ask him. Just curious. Shaved my head 2 1/2 weeks ago. Have done nothing since then to my head. Thanks.
FYI I found round 2 so much easier than the first. Claritin and Aleve worked wonders for me
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Cjt, thanks! I lived in Rockford during 3rd grade so don't know much about it anymore, lol. I live outside peoria now. Sorry it is such a long day for you, are you feeling well after round 3 od the AC?
Eileen, glad to have you here too! I'd call and see what you can use on the rash. I have a few little bumps on my head but nothing abnormal for me. If it's an allergy I'd think the claritin would help, so maybe they will suggest something to try til you get in to see them
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Ellen - had a rash on my head also and itchy. I did call my MO and confirmed that when hair folicals died off, rash may occur. MO suggested a dandruff shampoo. I use head and shoulders but also follow up a couple of times a day with aloe. For me it made a difference. Maybe ur MO has a better suggestion.
Hope everyone just completing round 3 are managing SEs. I have pressure in my ovary area and thinking of calling my MO tmrw. I am trying to keep hydrated. I know the chemo chemical probably has something to do with pressure and was hoping flushing out of system would help. Concerned it may be more. Otherwise the 3rd treatment has been manageable so far. Working a full day tmrw.
Thinking of you all and knowing we are kicking butt....
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hi all, Ellen I also have head rash.. I think it may be ingrown hairs busting out. Oddly, the very cheap VO five shampoo seems to be the best for it.
Catie, hope it is just digestive issues! That's the last thing you want to deal with right now...
Claririn and tylenol are working like a charm. Bone pain minimal. Just fatigued.
Not to be indelicate but there is nothing like having a solid bowel movement! After last months horror of the big D, I want to proclaim it from the rooftops! Sick, but It really is the little things. I had to branch out with food, eating way more processed than i wish, but the only appealing things are muffins, pudding, jello, chicken breast, mild frozen burritos, protein drinks and donuts. Soup and pasta repel me now, due to association with nausea episodes when i tried to force it down. Will try fresh fruit today as i am doing so well.
Have a great SE free day all!
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just an info for those who can not come to LGFB class, you can call 1(800)395-5665 and ask for the tutorial video. It is free, will be delivered after 2 weeks. I'm waiting my delivery. You could also register the LGFB class anywhere nearby you with that number. There are some videos you could watch on their website LookGoodFeelBetter.org on your desktop computer.
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Kellya: I really enjoyed visiting my in-laws when they were in Rockford. I think I'm really a country bumpkin at heart.
I came home yesterday from Round #3 and slept. The MO did say that the cumulative effect should be more fatigue. I did have my GI dr change my GERD meds last week and that made a huge difference for me. Today, so far, I'm feeling fine. My MO did tell me to try my best to walk daily and I was approved to do light weight strength training. She exercising more should help combat the fatigue. So far, can't really complain. My fatigue usually hit me days 4, 5, & 6 post Neulasta. I go for that shot later today. We'll see how the week progresses.
Have a great day everyone and remember...we lot each others' back here!
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thinkpink I'm not skilled enough to tie the scarf. The scarves I've been using are free from my cancer center and they are stretchable at the back of my head. I'm waiting for a long scarf from the website justamy posted (I think the same as yours$), I will google or browse the ideas on the internet/Pinterest. I tried the cheap bandana from walmart but it's to small, doesn't cover the bald scalp at the back of my head.
Kellya, you look great!!! Keep it up. Hoping for minimal SE for your 3rd round.
Cjt good luck with this 3rd round Carol. Hoping for the minimal SE.
Eileenpg, a day before I saw the oncologist, I went to see the dermatologist for my seborrheic dermatitis aka dandruff, he prescribed me a ketanicazole shampoo. When I started my chemo I was still using it after it was OK'd by my MO. After I shaved my hair I stop using the shampo and just put the coconut oil on my scalp. I wear wig at work, bald at home, and scarf or wig when I go out. No problem so far. When I wear wig, it will be itchy at the end of the day. When I reached home I just washed my scalp with the baby shampoo and let it open to air when I sleep. Tell your MO about your problem. Hope you have minimal SE with your 3rd round.
Wishing minimal SE for everyone. Stay strong.
Hugs to you all,
Shirley
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I have to share something that made me feel so happy this morning. I work at a small private school (58 students in the high school). I've been there for 8 years. Today, one of my seniors shared with me and our head of school some plans that the high school has for raising money and awareness for breast cancer for the first two weeks of October. They've got all kinds of ideas, and I'm so proud of them for showing initiative and leadership.
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They never cease to amaze you, do they? Probably because they saw it up close and in person moved them to do something to help!!!! Congratulations on your student's motivations! You should be very proud of them.
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Thanks for all the advise of my head problem. I used a soap today that is for after the pool to take chlorine off of hair and head. Then I used just regular shampoo. It is so much . better. Minimal to little itching now. Red spots are barely noticeable. I started swimming again and maybe the chlorine in the pool. My MO has been very adamant I try to keep up my exercise schedule I did prior to chemo. Feels you will get less side effects. So far so good.
Cassie cat= Loved about the school. Kids love to help and make a difference.
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Hey friends,
I hope all who've had treatment this week are hanging in there. I am really ready to get my #3 done, but I still have a week to go.
Speaking of heads, I still have quite a few crazy hairs that have never fallen out. So, I started shaving my head today with a razor. I mainly did my back neckline and the area around my ears. So I still have to do the very top of my head. I'll get around to it this weekend. All in all, treatment #2 continues to be much easier than #1. I consider myself blessed.
Stay encouraged, everyone! I'm praying for us all...
One love,
tp4ever
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Tomorrow is round 3 for me. Ready to knock it out. I felt so good today and am going to do my best to carry that through this treatment. I've heard mixed things on number 3 and I know it's different for everyone. Been thinking and praying for everyone. Keep fighting!!
Live every moment!
Laugh every day!
Love beyond words!
Bless you all!
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LadyB and Strongenough - how are you doing this round? Thinking of you guys.
Hope - good luck on # 3 tmrw. #3 was manageable for me, thank goodness.
Hoping all of you are managing SEs and feeling good.
Getting closer to the end, and kicking cancers butt on the way....
If I was getting manicures I would do this for upcoming breast cancer month.
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we got this ladies! Round 3 is best one yet for me, how or why, i do not know. Hoping the same for you all. Go hope50 and love the nails catie!
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Shirley:
I'm not that talented with the scarves either so I ordered from this company. Check out the pretied scarves. I'm hoping they arrive either today or tomorrow.
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did you see this this morning?
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Hope, I love that saying you have at the end!
Catie if I did my nails, I'd do that too! So fun!
Bippy, I was pretty tired yesterday, but so far, feel pretty good! We got this!
Think pink, I still have some stubbly, rough feeling areas on my head, doesn't feel smooth. Not sure if it ever does feel smooth?? More hair did come off after third treatment I think though, looks like it anyway.
We are redoing the front entry area of our house so I'm off to look at stone. Try to stay active everyone, drink plenty of water. Hope your SEs are minimal.
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hope50 kick the number 3 today !! You have kicked the first two asses, you can di it.
Catie loves the nail art. Couldn't have my nail polished at work :-(
Eileen nice to know your scalp is better now.
Cassiecat, I am touched with the students supports. Many events and fundraisings for oncoming breast cancer awareness. I always smile and have glassy eyes when I see somebody with the pink ribbon signs.
Cjt thank you for the link, cute scarves!!! May order few later.
Kellya I saved my head over a week ago, none grow back. I plugged my eyebrow right after my first round, none grow back. I sure wish my hair at the other unwanted regions are gone too but they have not. Lol.
Stay strong ladies.
Hugs to you all....
Shirley
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Good morning, everyone. I had a pretty rough day yesterday. It was all mental/emotional, and realizing that I want to be able to fix this and control every aspect, and I can't. Brought on a raging migraine from the stress. It was a wake-up call to me, I think, that I can control what I can control, but that I also have to let go a little bit. I'm not a laid-back person in real life.
I've read all of the replies since I last posted and so appreciate finding all of you here, despite the reason why. What a lovely and strong group of ladies.
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Panqtidor= Don't worry all your hair will be gone soon. My legs are like a babies. Everywhere else is pretty much gone. Still have eyebrows and most of my lashes.
Love the manicure!!! Super fun. My MO was against manicures and I not talented enough to do that. Guess I could just have some one file and paint them.
My #3 is Monday and I am DREADING IT!!!!! I hate finally feeling good to be knocked down again. Especially the inability to taste anything. All I eat is white fish salad on cracker and mash potatoes. That is for 3 meals a day. It is all I can stomach. I guess because it is salty and I can taste that. After this I will never eat again.
Good luck to everyone. Time is flying and this will be over too. I keep telling myself that!!!!!
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Well, today is Day #2 post A/C and Day #1 post Neulasta and I must say...I was warned of more fatigue and they were right. I have slept much of the day, on and off. I also don't much of an appetite so for supper I'm going to have some of my husband's awesome chicken soup. It's cool and damp here in RI and that should help with the chills. No....no temp!! I checked!!! I just haven't eaten enough today to fuel the body, that's all. A real bummer of a day.
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hey inspiring warrior women!
Sorry to be MIA for a while...work got crazy and I did keep checking in on your posts, but am only now sitting down to write. I was scrambling to get lots done before my 3rd infusion this morning. Am doing well so far...taking my compazine and lorezapam to manage nausea. So far so good. My neutrophil count had dipped to a low point and I haven't been taking the shots yet either. Nurse said that they may need to start that to boost that. Platelets are hanging in there...although I was noticeably more tired after round 2 than 1...and it makes sense that this will be the cumulative impact of the chemo as many of you oh have already chatted about.
I've been wearing mostly scarves and hats, partly BC I'm such an earth mama at heart..but also because I wasn't finding anything that resembled my short curly pixie cut that I had before hair loss. So I decided to give a wig one last try (it gets cold in wisconsin!) and ordered this mid length curly do that resembles the wa my hair looked 10-20 years ago when I wore it longer! It's kinda fun and I'm actually excited about trying it out.
Wishing all of you the best each step of this journey. Keep being kind and compassionate to your valuable selves. You are all so beautiful and are giving so much beautiful energy to this site...sharing your stories and being very vulnerable and real. I adore you all!
Lots of love and hugs, Jess
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cassiecat, sorry you are down. I relate to the control thing....it made me nuts at first, From a normal existence to an unemployed, sickly cancer patient in 10 days! I thought i had control over all.......was very career oriented, involved in complex cases where my talents were appreciated and welcomed. I had a great reputation professionally, that I worked at for over 20 years. Nowadays my biggest decisions are--Jello or dry toast, how many naps can I take, and hey, wonder what books they have at goodwill today! And you know, for now, it is okay. The less i cling to who i was, the better i feel. The energy required to mourn my former life is too costly. I did mourn it, but am letting it go.
I urge counseling too, if you have not done that yet, it is helping me greatly. Meds for depression and anxiety also are helping---this is all about YOU getting better! Do not be afraid to avail yourself of all help available. Hugs girlie!
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Hello my fellow chemo pals,
Completed round 3 today. My veins are shot. The gave me a whole bag of fluids this time after to hopefully help my veins. My MO said that to expect the fatigue. And "chemo flu" like feeling to feel stronger with each round. She also said to walk every day even if it's just a little and as time goes on she will be pushing me more. I do walk so that shouldn't be a problem, just not as far these days. She said to take good care of me and not overdo anything.
I go back tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday for neupogen shots and fluid and zofran if needed. I did not sleep much at all last night due to steroids yesterday. I'm really tired so hopefully catch some sleep tonight. Will try and work half day tomorrow.
My mouth is more dry already this time and food doesn't have much taste. Trying hard to drink lots. That will help a lot. I miss tasting food.
I wear a wig to work and on Fridays I sometimes wear a hat. At home I go bald, wear scarves or hats. It drives my daughter crazy never knowing what I'm going to be wearing. She's 23. I have a 3 year old granddaughter and she's been kinda scared of me. That's been kinda hard. She came and spent the night with me last weekend and she seemed better.
I will start 7 weeks of daily radiation 3 weeks after my last chemo. It looks like I will hopefully wrap it all up the last week of December! Might make the holidays even more tiring than usual but it will be ok!
I have twin daughters and one got married the weekend before I started chemo and the other is getting married the week before I start radiation. I hope I have the strength needed. I am suppose to give her away. I'm single and dad hasn't been in their lives in a long time.
I'm a fighter I can do this! Sorry so long.
Good luck to everyone. Sending positive wishes to you all.
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So I noticed tonight that the skin on the bottom of my feet is peeling...not just a little but like in a sheet...Has anyone had anything like that happen? It's never happened before so I'm thinking it must be Chemo related..
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Hi All, been off for a while and catching up.
CassieCat - congrats in your daughters ballet casting. How proud you must be!
Mullerin - what a wonderful vacation, Happy belated birthday to your mom!
Oceanbreez - you look great! There will be times we need to reflect individually but yet I always know during these times I am not alone and come to the boards to read and the post. I was told early on to stay away from the quack Dr. Google and I soon found out why. Find some reputable sites but stear away from others or like you said they will put you in a funk!
Catie loves the nail art. I am trying to keep my nails up too and may try that design
Cassiecat, Awesome and touched with support from the students
Think pink - love the pic you look great!
Jello I hope all is going better for you!
As always big ((((Hug)))) to you all....
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Caught up with the post and glad to read a lot of the good reports. Those with SEs hang I there!
Quick update round #3 from an SE stand point has been pretty good. One SE I don't like ( not that I like any of them but this one is ufggh). Is the black and blue tongue along with the thrush!!!!! I have learned how to Eat to ensure I don't loose a lot of weight. Small BRat meals and 5/6 times times a day with the baking soda and twice daily the magic mouth wash along with biotene. In all probably 10 times a day doing something to combat the mouth and GI track SEs. But we know a girl will do what a girl has to do :-).
Round 3 was harder from a fatigue standpoint but other than that I would say round #2 was much harder for me.
Now with all that said I am I the hospital with a port infection. They have decided to remove my port and insert a pic line. Initially they were going to insert another port on the other side. However during ultrasound they found a blood clot and changed course of action. I ask for your prayers as I go through the procedures tomorrow of removing port and getting pic line. I will also need to be on blood thinners for 3 months and have weekly follow-ups. I am in awe of my medical team. I have been a priority since I was told by the nurse to go to ER. And the specialist that have been in And out and the boards that met on my case. I just thank God for the coverage I have. But am saddened for those that my not have medical coverage or a good medical team that puts their needs first.
Hugs to all.
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LadyB - So sorry about the port. So glad as you mentioned that they know exactly what's wrong and are taking good care of you. Keeping you in my thoughts during this time. Yes, 3rd more manageable. I think this is the worst as far as the thrush for me also. Was up 2x last night rinsing my mouth.
Shout out to those who haven't posted in a while. In my thoughts always and not forgotten. Give a quick update if still reading the posts.
Wishing everyone minimal SEs.
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ladyB...sending prayers your way for your procedures. Hugs to you.
Waiting for #3 AC next Wed. Can't wait! I get a whole day with hubby as we change cold caps...which are really working beyond expectations. Babies get scanned again on Monday. Lots of shooting pain from tumor to nipple in breast. Some old posts say that means the chemo is working, but I'll ask my MO on Wed. Bra or no bra, still hurts.
Good luck and strength to all on this board. We are getting there, slowly but surely.
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Ladyb, thinking of you today and sending prayers and hugs. So sorry to hear about the port but glad your medical team is taking care of precious you!
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=t9fMNNsdPjU