Starting Chemo September 2015; join us!
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Welcome to the community Paddlecakes!
We're really glad to see you've found us :-)
Hope to see you around here often and keep us updated on how your treatment is going
Cyber hugs from the Moderators.
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ladies,in our look good feel good class they gave tips on hair loss and regrowth.
Scalp may feel extra tender, dry, itchy - so use moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and sunblock.
No body lotions as they will block pores and may cause infection. Body skin is different from scalp.
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Grey, that is good news. You are welcome here regardless of when you start. It's a good question about the flu shot, I was wondering the same thing. Wish I had thought to ask before chemo started. Will ask MO on my next visit Monday. I agree about asking the MO first since we are all different.
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Greytmph2--While I was getting my first chemo yesterday, I spotted a flu shot poster from my recliner. I asked about it and they said I can still get one a few days before my next infusion or even the day of. They said they could have given it to me yesterday, but they wanted to watch for any reactions to my first infusion. I would most definitely ask for your MO's opinion. Mine is watching me like a hawk with labs every week and I'm only a 10 minute drive away from them and the ER. So glad you have a plan coming together.
edwsmom--So sorry about the ER trip. Hope you feel better.
Day 2 for me and so far just a sore port and icky taste in my mouth. Just waiting to see how I react after this Neulasta injector goes off tonight.
Take care everyone and welcome to all of our new friends.
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edwsmom: hope you feel much better soon!
Octogirl
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Annie- thank you.
Carolina - I'm having rads and an ooph after my chemo. Like you, I feel as there is no alternative but to get well. I'm going to be praying for your family and your special boys.
Teacher - it is the worst part. I'm not afraid to die, I'm afraid to leave my children motherless.
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Hi September ladies,
Thank you for being so open and sharing your experiences, I am learning so much! You are all an inspiration! Please keep sharing your hat ideas. I am trying to prepare and I think I am going to wait on buying a wig because I think I will feel more uncomfortable in a wig. Going to start with hats and scarves. I did my pre chemo shopping. My first chemo is 9-29 and it will be a very long day because I get my port in the morning and than my first chemo in the afternoon.
I got my flu shot on 9-19.
stay Strong
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Thanks everyone. I got home from the ER at 3:30 am and crashed in bed - thank goodness for Uber! My husband stayed home with our son so I just went myself. Two liters of fluids.
i'm glad that I did - I feel a lot better. I was trying to drink a lot too but I think I was just not able to keep up with hydration with the diarrhea.
My energy is better today. My stomach is better. I was able to eat an english muffin.
I too got a flu shot a few days before starting Chemo - got it at CVS, just ensure that it does not have any live virus.
I'm supposed to get my wig cut/styled tonight.
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Ok here's a pic of the wig. I really hate it but it doesn't look as bad in the pic as in my mind. Ordered the hat hair from tlc today. Hope that feels better. My natural hair was,about this color but super long, no bangs and rather fine textured. It's just so different with this wig. That's what is throwing me off. 0 -
AnnieB43: Wow, I LOVE your wig!!! I checked out the local wig shop just before starting chemo, and saw one just like yours (at least IMO) and had already decided to get that when my hair falls out --- if I decide to go the wig route (as husband hopes)
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It was relatively inexpensive. I got this at headcovers.com. it's Jon Renau Jazz. I've worn it out twice with no major oroblems. I got a roll on glue called It Stays. It's water soluble and seems to work well.
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Also for anyone who is interested. Wigs by Patty's Pearls has all kinds of videos on YouTube about wearing wigs and different kinds and just all around good info. That's where I found out about the glue which makes me feel more secure. She also profiles different wigs so you can see before you choose.
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Anyone else have acne from this? I'm broke out like I was 16 again. It's weird. I might need some Clearasil fir crying out loud!
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feel better Southerncharm. Naps are totally called for today
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The wig doesn't look wiggy to me Annie. Looks good on you. Of course we are all going to think meh to a wig because we like our own hair better but I think it looks good on you and wouldn't think wig if I didn't see your before pic.
I have seborrheic dermatitis on my face. After sx I was red bumps and itching and burning. That was just with anesthesia. Derm gave me rx creams which helped but with chemo, not sure it those will do it ..
And headcovers.com is da bomb for head coverings. Love their large selection.
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Edwsmom I am so glad you are feeling better! Nothing worse than prolonged D.
Thanks for the kind comments about my red hat. I do like the hats and scarves so much better.
Love your wig Annie. It looks very natural!
sitting here in my second chemo. Great nurses, nice facility. I have a corner to myself today so its peaceful. I feel better knowing what to expect afterwards. the hardest thing for me was the Neulasta reactions 3 days after shot. My MO said to take Aleeve or Motrin tonight and again tomorrow before my shot then for the next 3-4 days. She also said it would be OK to take a pain killer if needed. hoping for the best!
Wishing all of you the best!
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annie, the wig looks great!!
Southerncharm - feel better soon. Had my period too on my first infusion. Not fun.
Valerie- loved the hat and the cover.
Edwsmom- hugs
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Octogirl - May I join the list too please?
Loving the wig & hat pictures. My clinic gave me a catalog that I've been browsing through. Oddly enough, some not-so-expensive options that are cute:
tlcdirect.org (Everything in their gift shop was $40+)In other news, I'm slowly resigning myself to the idea that getting hospitalized in Virginia and missing my return flight along with a 1-year-old and my husband may not be worth it just to be at my brother's wedding. I hate this. I'm not far enough into chemo to feel bad enough to decline. But everybody keeps telling me "It's coming." I texted my brother and asked if he thought arrangements could be made to Live Stream the wedding (i.e. wifi availability). I know I have the best excuse in the world to not attend; it's not much comfort, though.
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Is there a way to add an additional targeted therapy to my profile? I am receiving both Herceptin and Perjeta, but I can't seem to add both of them. Thanks!
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greetings from chemo! and yes there are pink flamingos on my scarf!
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Annie, I would never know it was a wig!
I'm sitting here in front of a wig and scarf boutique and I can't make myself go in! I'm such a wuss.
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Geeze Valerie, with your cheekbones, you'd look good with nothing on your head. I'm so jealous!
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I love love love that pink flamingo scarf and the way it's wrapped is gorgeous!
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DLcygnet, adding you to the list! That is a total drag about your brother's wedding ...cancer sucks. can you wait and make a decision at the last minute?
Valerie, I am also jealous of your cheekbones!
Hope everyone has a good day and feels good, or at least better.
Octogirl
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Pattiecakes, I believe you can add the chemo regimen by going into treatments in your profile. You will have to make that portion of your profile public for it to show up on your signature.
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Had my Neulasta shot today. I took my Claritin like a good girl, and my fingers are crossed.
I felt weird immediately upon getting the steroids and anti-nausea meds at chemo yesterday, and crashed right after supper. Nauseated and gassy, although I never threw up. Which was a blessing because the perfect post-chemo soup I made for supper (chicken squash curry with loads of ginger and lemon) was also loaded with turmeric, which comes out of exactly nothing. I took the "as needed" nausea medicine, and felt better a few hours later. Slept OK, but got up to pee every hour or so. Felt completely normal when I woke up! Then took the steroids and anti-nausea meds, and immediately felt weird again. A small price to pay for functional.
I'm loving all of the hats, scarves and wigs!
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Octo, yeah it sucks. And no, a 31 December wedding makes air travel unaffordable if I wait more than a few weeks to make a decision. Additionally, my husband's parents were going to come up and stay with us through Christmas & the new year (help take care of me & the family) - the longer I take to decide, the longer they have to wait to make their tickets (though they are totally willing to fly out the 29th if that would make it easier).
Scotland, they gave me "take this no matter what" medication for the first 3 days after chemo. Steroids are wonderful; helped me keep eating too. The as needed Zofran is nice that it dissolves on the tongue. Getting up to pee at work every hour is getting embarrassing; meanwhile water is starting to taste metallic - so maybe that part will slow down if I just stop drinking. LoL
Happy thought: I could taste the soft serve vanilla ice cream at lunch. It was delicious!
P.S. LOVE the flamingos.
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AnnieB: you look wonderful! The wig looks very natural.
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Lila: absolutely gorgeous. Love the flamingos.
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Valerie, if I had your bone structure, I'd be the happiest woman alive!
Annie, I'd never know that was a wig. Seriously!I'm so sorry about missing your brother's wedding, Lisa. That's just adding insult to injury.
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