Starting Chemo September 2015; join us!
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My chemo days are Thursdays, day 1, and I've been instructed to take my Neulasta on Saturdays, day 3. Interesting how different our treatment plans can be. Round 1 was tough, feeling excessive fatigue and flu like symptoms but had Round 2 last Thursday and not feeling anywhere near as bad..of course, today is another day so we shall see but I'm optimistic. Also, gave the shot into my ample belly and didn't feel a thing. Much better than the thigh shot I did the first time around.
TFoxy, I agree with fighting with everything we've got. I could have given it a pass as well but living with that hanging over your head is not the way to go. So many on here don't have the support that I do and I feel for you. It's hard enough to keep up a brave face when surrounded by loved ones fussing over you too. No one knows better than those of us here as we all face similar challenges so yes, come here and get the support and suggestions for help that we all need. Have a great side effect free day, my friends!
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Well I did it. I went last night to my hairdresser and had her buzz off all of my long hair. I can't control much right now, but I took control last night. We actually had a good time. We took pictures of different stages. Everyone laughed at the Mohawk moment. When we were done, my daughter asked if I wanted the scarf we brought, and I said NO. I walked through that mall with my bald head held high. Then I came home and took my dogs out and saw my shadow. Hmm, Uncle Fester lives here now. LOL.
Is there such a thing as phantom hair? I keep trying to touch what's not there.
Now if I could just get rid of this relentless diarrhea. Day 6 and my booty hurts.
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Wow Figet..you're so much braver than I am. I've decided to do it tonight but do it at home. Hubby will do it for me as he's buzzed our boys when they were little so he knows how to do it. Got my hats/scarves/wig so no more excuses.
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Good luck tonight Lindy. I wasn't feeling very brave before I left home yesterday. Something just hit me. I honestly don't know what happened. I was never one for picture taking, but last night, for one night, I just didn't care. My daughter and hairdresser both blasted pics on their facebook pages and I was good with it. My daughter is still amazed. I think maybe I'm in the anger phase with cancer.
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Yes, I hear you on that anger thing. I can handle the physical discomforts with some discretion but the hair loss is in everyones face. I don't look forward to the "poor you" looks I will be getting. That makes me angry because Im a fighter and I know I'm doing this to up my odds for no reoccurrence so don't feel sorry for me. I may take a few pics and then decide later on if I want to share. I still need to reconcile all this devastation to my life too.. It just hit too fast and we can't possibly be prepared. But I'm finally ready for head shave..there will be tears but I'll get over it and move forward.
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Lots and lots of shedding and maybe even a few clumps this morning, but like Tessu, I am still not ready for the buzz. I am not sure I will ever be able to do it. I admire your bravery so much, fidget, and hairdresser is standing by, I just can't bring myself to do it. As you say Lindy, it is the 'poor you' looks I most dread. And I know it is completely irrational to worry about that, especially since the shedding is REALLY getting on my nerves and it itches like crazy. Why put myself through this for a bit of vanity, especially since otherwise I've really had a relatively easy ride?
Although I will admit that walking through the mall sounds less scary than going to work, where only a few people know I have bc and where I am in a fairly public position. I just can't STAND the thought of some of those people coming up to me with the look in their eye and asking 'what happened'? Nor can I stand the thought of wearing a wig.
well, my hair is short at least, but it is very thick. or should I say, WAS very thick. Obviously I am obsessed. Thank you kind ladies, for letting me rant. Especially those of you having much bigger issues to deal with.
Octogirl
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by the way, many thanks to whoever mentioned the lint roller! Even though I haven't buzzed, it is helpful for getting the shedding hairs and feels good! Probably will be going through a lint roller every few days until it is gone, at this rate! :-(
Octogirl
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lindy, it will be hard but I actually felt a little relief that it was finally over with. I don't have to obsess any more about it. Now I just have to get used to looking in the mirror. 😕
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The bald has been nice when having hot flashes!
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AnnieB43, we can always count on you to find the humor in things!
I'm nervous about my 2nd chemo on Wednesday. Last time I was in bed Saturday, Sunday and Monday. DD has her first homecoming this weekend and I had to tell her she can't have friends over to get ready 😢. We've always been the meeting up house. I hope she can go to a friend's for her sake but then I won't get to see her. Cancer sucks!
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Cancer totally sucks. I haven't been able to go see my brand new 1st Grandson! I'm going to try this month. Cancer blows!
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Started the decadron this morning at half dose. So far so good. I feel a little trippy but my stomach is good so far. Chemo tomorrow at 830.
I also took:
Nexium, claritin, arthritis strength tylenol.
I'm asking for mega pain killers this month. I'm not suffering like last month.
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I just ate a can of spaghettios. It was the tastiest meal I've had in 3 weeks. It's usually pretty gross, but I might eat another can in a minute
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Annie, didn't you have bad constipation last time? If so, maybe start stool softener or fiber also.
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Twiggy last time my abdomen swelled up huge and I had constipation. I'm starting the stool softener tonight and keeping the anti gas phazyme close at hand!
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Hopefully with all the advance prep things will be better for you this go round.
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Hi All,I haven't been on for a couple days, feel to awful. Had my Chemo Thursday the 24th, Nuelasta on Friday. Then Saturday (yesterday) I felt like I had the flu times 10, I feel awful today too. Food does not appeal to me at all. I choked down some toast with milk and been forcing water down. How long does one feel this bad before you feel somewhat human again? I was hoping to go into work tomorrow, now I'm doubting it very much :-( How many days does this horrible feeling last? Help.....thanks so much!Hugs and prayers for all of us
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cat lover, try to choke down some protein if you can. I read hereand other places that we need protein during chemo to allow the body to repair. Maybe a scrambled egg or a protein smoothie if you can manage it.
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I managed to feel like maybe I wasn't dead on day 9.
I lived on milkshakes for 2 weeks. I still can't taste much and tomorrow is round 2.
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Happy Sunday Everyone!
It's a beautiful fall day here in the midwest and I am oh-so-very-thankful to be a part of this group, just finished getting caught up on the posts from this week. Thank you all for sharing your experiences!
Sailorgirl15: Thanks for pointing out that we have the same start date! and other 9/21'ers (HazelFrances, Shadow19, Scotland?).
How are you all feeling???
Someone mentioned Day 6 being the hardest and I was glad to see that because I felt pretty good the few days following infusion. I worked (from home--kudos to you still going into work!), steroids help I'm sure, some burping (okay, need to avoid pizza next time maybe) and kept up generally speaking until Friday night. I took my DS to the homecoming football game (an important event at his age). It was crowded, hot, and there was nowhere to sit and I came pretty close to fainting. Saturday, same thing, felt weak, and like I would pass out after small exertions (taking DS his football game, running errands etc.). Sunday morning, I have handed kid running over to DH and am taking it easy today. Does the energy level come back a bit before the second treatment? I hope so!
Octogirl: and others dealing with the hair loss. I have been told by friends who watched their mothers go through BC years ago that this was one of the hardest things to deal with. We have valid concerns based on exactly what you pointed out, people's reaction to our "sick appearance" when in actuality we will be stronger, healthier in due time. And often times, people's "reactions" are not well thought out or helpful. Thanks goodness we have each other!
A couple of you asked about the cold caps I am doing to preserve the hair. It is a lot of work, especially the day of treatment. Caps are on 50 minutes before infusion and 4.5 hours afterward and have to be maintained on dry ice, changing them every 25 minutes! Lots of work for my capping team, I am questioning if its worth it since there is already plenty of stress and details to manage without worrying about hair and I could be getting some work done during chemo. Jury is still out on that point, but so far, I still have (unwashed) hair.
On a side note, I did ask DS if he would shave his head in unity with me (been trying to get him to cut his "hockey hair" for about a year now), that was a no go.
I will try to keep up better next week and avoid such a long post! Wishing everyone a great Lunar Eclipse! Love + Hugs!
-heretowin
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here2win, thanks for the words of support and for the cold caps update. It was the 'hassle factor' combined with lack of encouragement from MO that led me to decide not to do it (In fairness, MO said it was fine if I wanted to try, just said it hadn't worked well for his patients who had tried. Have to wonder if more encouragement from MO and MO's staff would have made a difference or not...). But honestly the biggest barrier was the dry ice thing! I live in a small town sixty miles from MO's office, and I couldn't even figure out a place to buy dry ice here in town. I hope it works for you!
and long posts are good...I like hearing from all of the September sisters!
Octogirl
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Cat Lover, last round it took me until day 9 to stop feeling like complete shit. I am on Round 2, day 3 and feel bad today.
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Hi ladies! Can't believe I only just found this group! Anyone mind if I join? I had my first chemo on Thursday, and am feeling better than I expected, for sure!
Cat Lover - I agree with the protein comment. I have really been enjoying scrambled eggs the past few days. Not much else is appealing, but the eggs are delicious and satisfying, once I finally convince myself to eat them!
Anyone struggling with bone pain from Neulasta? I think that may be my biggest complaint so far, ugh!
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Bone pain was my biggest SE.
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good morning every one in my time zone
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Making apple butter and my house smells like Christmas!
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here2win - my 14yo DD offered to cut her hair gorgeous mane of red curls for me, I said no way! She is in show choir and I want to see that hair flipping all over the stage. I asked my 12yo DS and he said no way LOL. His last hair cut was in May.
Aggiemegs welcome! This is an awesome group of supportive women!
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crap I meant to edit that last post.
But we'll try again. Good afternoon every one in my time zone. Just started watching the Jays Game! Go Jays. I wanted to mention to those who were worried about the sad looks from folks. I haven't had many. I usually look a lot of people right I the eye and give a big smile. I think it's from my work as a uniform police officer. When I first became a police officer I was surprised by the number of people who come right up and talk to you like you're old friends but I truly believe that has been the key for me. Now I find either they smile genuinely or they look away. Some of the the coaches at our kids gym have come up and asked, offered any assistance and carried on per normal. This is my daughters first year in competitive dance and her studio has been outstanding. I'm not sure if that helps you but I also found I was encouraged by all of the strong ladies i saw walking around my cancer centre. You could see they were well into treatment yet they walked with their heads up and with energy in their step. I found that I didn't think they looked sick and that's how I wanted to be. I think it's worked. Tampa has the lead but not for long!
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aggiemegs, welcome. Pull up a chair and sit a while. I will add you to our list.
Octogirl
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Hello ladies,
I too will introduce myself. I am a busy mom off 3. A 12 yr old daughter and 6 yr old twin boys.
I will be starting chemo sept . 29. I will have 3 treatments over 4 weeks (tc). Not sure what to expect.
Never thought I would be facing this battle but here I am.
For those of you that started chemo, how are you doing?
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