Who is starting chemo in September 2016?
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beachbaby, I was told ovarian suppression is highly adviseable for me to further cut recurrence odds. Lmencken - you look great w & w/o a wig!!! I have my bird's nest tied with elastic in a makeshift pony tail where're my a few good hair strands are holding the dead hair together (a good tug I'm afraid will be transformational !) on account of my hair dresser traveling till Tuesday. He cut my wig but it's too short in front and too long in the back. So, need to fix it. He told me to come back when the hair needs a buzz cut. I tried the wrap, but since my hair-line has moved back a good inch and a half, the wrap doesn't look as chic as it did with my hair slightly showing when I first bought it. And wraps and beanies don't go with my formal business attire for work. I can perhaps wear more casual clothes but that means more shopping and I don't want to spend on clothes that will not fit soon (I've lost close to 10lb since dx)... I guess I'll have to wait and see how I feel with the wig...
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VLH, I was told to take it easy, no heavy lifting for a few days, but they didn't give me an actual weight. It was very vague instructions. It might also differ on how the port is installed too. Like if they stitched it to the muscle, there might be more restrictions on lifting I would think.
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Good Morning!
BeachBabyK I'm 52 and am technically still pre-menopausal. Although before Dx I was experiencing extremely heavy periods which were irregular. MO recommended I have an injection of Lupron monthly to suppress my ovaries from producing any more hormones. I will have to have these monthly injections for many years to come....or until my PCP is convinced I have successfully finished menopause. If I don't want to continue the Lupron injections (and who would?), I can have my ovaries removed after all chemo and radiation is done. Guess which one I'm opting for?!?! LOL Hard to think that far ahead but to me it's a no-brainer.
PEACE!
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Good Morning!
BeachBabyK I'm 52 and am technically still pre-menopausal. Although before Dx I was experiencing extremely heavy periods which were irregular. MO recommended I have an injection of Lupron monthly to suppress my ovaries from producing any more hormones. And, hormones feed cancer. I will have to have these monthly injections for many years to come....or until my PCP is convinced I have successfully finished menopause. If I don't want to continue the Lupron injections (and who would?), I can have my ovaries removed after all chemo and radiation is done. Guess which one I'm opting for?!?! LOL Hard to think that far ahead but to me it's a no-brainer.
PEACE!
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makeiki, would your choice have been as easy if you were 40? Both options lead to artificial menopause, and from what I heard, the impact combined with oral chemo can be a wicked roller coaster ride... I'm scared of Lupron, but the surgery carries a finality with it. In the back of my head there is a hope that perhaps there will be a new discovery which will be effective.
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For those of you who have posted pictures, you are all so beautiful. But what strikes me, is you all have a BEAUTIFUL SMILE on your face.
Keep strong
M
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smilethrupain I don't know what I would have done if this had happened to me in my 40's. What I can say is that the only SE I have experienced with Lupron during chemo is a headache the following day. What it does afford me is comfort in knowing that the cancer is not being fed. Just knowing that our hormones feed the cancer freaks me out. So, I feel in the end for me is Lupron is a win-win situation. Best of luck in your situation.
PEACE!
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Sorry, girls. I may sound a little whiny about the hair today. It's beginning to "get real up in here," as my high school students would say.
Seq -- I'm with ya. Spoke too soon. I was hoping my hair would be an exception -- that I would get to keep most of it -- but that's not the case. My scalp is mostly bald, so Friday night I cut mine off to about an inch in most places, although I missed a few spots. My best friend was with me, and we had a lot of laughs. She told me she couldn't believe how well I was handling it, but when she left I showed my daughter and shed a few tears.
BagSharon -- My hair looks almost identical to yours in the pic, but I am not as brave as you. I can't bring myself to post it. I've always had a horrible complexion and hid it with my hair so I look awful. I'm jealous of you girls with your beautiful faces. I'm kinda sad but handling it better than I expected to. I showed it to my family yesterday. My mom and sister-in-law looked a little sad. My dad hugged me and told me I look "pretty." This is not easy on them, but they are trying to make the best of it.
VLH -- Day 3 was one of my worst days. Flu-like symptoms. Fever. I went to ER, and they admitted me. Turns out, it was only a side effect of the Neulasta.
NotTheBoss -- You cracked me up with your purple wig. You're awesome, and BTW, I LOVE your profile name.
Lmencken -- You look AWESOME! Love the short hair. You can really pull it off. Thanks for sharing your pics.
Is anyone having cramps? This is Day 19 for me, and I've had what feels like menstrual cramps since Saturday. Also, my lower back and hips are hurting. Anyone else feeling that? I haven't had a period since early August so I don't think it's that. Not sure.
Also, how about those wigs from the American Cancer Society? I was told we can get a wig for free. Is that true? I'm not really happy with the one I bought but can't afford to purchase another one at this time.
My boyfriend and I attended an outdoor concert Saturday. I wore my wig with a cowboy hat, and we had a great time enjoying the music and beautiful weather. We then went for a "mini-hike." I was afraid to do too much. Don't want an injury and certainly don't want to end up in the hospital again, but I am determined to keep on living and enjoy life through this journey. Have a great day, girls!
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GonnaBePoz---YES!! Call your local American Cancer Society. You can get a free wig from them. The one I got is a human hair wig. The Pantene company has a program like Locks of Love where people donate their hair for wigs for cancer patients. Those wigs are then made and donated to the ACS. Looks and feels pretty much like my own hair. I took it to my stylist and she cut it the say way she cuts my hair normally. It's really thick hair though (way thicker than my own), so it is heavier than I am used to and doesn't hold curl very well. I'm wearing it right now in fact. I looked at human hair wigs when I bought my other one (before I knew about the ACS program), and they were $3000-$5000!!! They also had synthetic hair wigs too to choose from.
My hair is mostly gone too. I cut the long part in my neck over the weekend but left the rest. I need it to bobby pin the wig to as it seems to slip around a lot. It doesn't seem like much of what's left is falling out too much anymore so maybe its going to stop.
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Now that I think about it, I guess I used to use my hair to cover my face as well. I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and I was always either covering acne and/or unwanted facial hair. Chemo is actually helping both with the acne and the facial hair. Go figure. And I don't look nearly like a man without hair as I thought I would so I'm kind of flaunting it.
Today should be my bad day. I think the waiting for the pain to start is almost worse than the pain itself. When I tried to explain how bad the bone pain is to my MO (well, actually his NP because he is brilliant but has no bedside manner) I don't think she took it seriously. Motrin? Really? Oh, I can use 800 mg? Well, thank you! Luckily, I still have a few oxycodone squirreled away from the surgery. With all the side effects that everybody talks about here and the reactions from their care givers (or lack thereof), it makes me think that none of the healthcare providers actually "care."
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Sharon, is your bone pain from the neulasta or the chemo? I just started taxol and the front of my legs are killing me, days 3-5. Never had problem with pain on A/C. Even oxy hardly touches it
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I assumed the pain is from the Nuelasta but I've read that Taxanes can cause bone pain too. I agree that Oxy hardly touches it but at least it knocks me out. My husband tells me I was moaning in my sleep last time.
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When I first found the lump and they decided I need biopsies, the center couldn't schedule both the core biopsy and the stereotactic one the same day. There was the lump and additional two sites with suspicious calcifications. The minutes and days in between crawled so slowly, I was going crazy with worry and panic. And I remember sitting in the cold room for the mammo-guided biopsy, and the non- chalant radiologist asked me if I wanted to proceed with the biopsy in the light of what the earlier biopsy found. I looked at her perplexed, and she blurted out, "didn't your doctor tell you? The tumor was malignant. You have cancer" I sat there in disbelief, time seemed to stop, I thought my life was over. That was June 29. I looked at my calendar today only to realize that it was October already. How did time pass, how did life move forward? I think I'm just floating from sunrise to sunset, looking forward when this all is a distant memory....
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Today I guess I am feeling a bit down and maybe I'm being a big baby so I'm just venting. But how the heck did I get here?! To this alternate universe where feeling sick is the norm and feeling good is a blessing? Where my own body has revolted and is actually trying to kill me?! This is something that happens to other people. Not ME! Not MY family. And yet here I am. Hair buzzed off, trying not to feel self-conscious in the wig I'm wearing to work to minimize the reaction from everyone. Trying not to make my frequent bathroom trips noticeable. I'm honestly not sure which I hate more: the constipation from the Zofran or the diarrhea and vomiting from the chemo.
I had my second infusion Thursday. I'm working, as much as possible anyway, and I completely understand why my doctor advised me not to. I had to leave early Friday and was completely useless over the weekend. Of course, without work I don't have insurance - and I'd get the luxury of living in a cardboard box. Neither option sounds appealing right now. Especially since insurance was billed $156,987 for the first infusion. So basically, without work, I die both mentally and physically because paying for this without insurance is impossible and working keeps my mind off of this nightmare. I realize I could get disability and not work through this, but that isn't an option since I am the only person at work. If I weren't here, they would have to replace me and I would have no guarantee of coming back to my job after it's over. My employer has been very understanding so far, but I know they are frustrated with the amount of time I am missing.
I try to tell myself I am nearly halfway through this - okay, 1/3 through. But then I remember that surgery follows in January. More fun! I literally have a year of this left before I am back to a new normal. I've been pretty good at keeping a positive attitude so far, but dang!!! This sucks on so many levels! I am grateful my kids are grown and I don't have to worry about them but then I know this is so very hard on them also. Especially since they can't be here.
So there is my rant for today. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow and the next day. Maybe even a little more upbeat. I meet the plastic surgeon Monday - not sure how I feel about that since I never expected to be losing both tatas at 43. Sorry if I'm a downer, but man.... how do we keep this from getting to us every now and again?
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ThatFox - your rant is understandable. I'm sorry you're feeling so down but know that this is a safe place to let it go. I was just telling someone that I feel like this whole thing is an out of body experience/nightmare. You are also at the height of feeling crappy after your second infusion (we're actually pretty much on the same schedule - so tomorrow when I need to rant I'll read yours first
). I don't think we do keep this from getting to us but I do think we need to take every day at a time. As for work, I'm using it as a distraction. I worked every day after my first infusion but this one is so much harder. I'm so exhausted and can barely focus. My boss just came in and said "oh, no, you're not coming to our meeting." which lol no I wasn't going to but at least one look at me confirmed it.Anyway, I'm sorry you're down - today's a bad day but later this week you'll turn around and be able to fight again. You got this.
And GonnaBePoz - I get the worst cramps from chemo too!! Totally menstrual feeling and I never even got cramps before this. It's so bizarre. Mine last a few days immediately after my infusion. I was joking w/ a friend that I blame every single thing on chemo. Like my right knee pain, my random menstrual cramps, my neck ache, toothaches. Man I swear everything is heightened.
I saw a work acquaintance today who came up and said " you look 17 with that hat and glasses!" and I laughed and said "you do know I have cancer right?" which she didn't. But I have heard that chemo helps your skin look younger. What a bizarre world we are living in right now, ladies.
Hugs to you all - especially ThatFox. You got this.
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Smilethrupain, I have been told that hormone therapy would be needed for about 10 years. Not sure if that would be the case if the ovaries were removed. Like you said, that's still a ways away, but I can't help but consider options and ask as many questions as I can think of along the way. I have known a number of women that had hysterectomies around age 40 and they were mostly all positive experiences... That said, they were also done having children (as am I). At 47, it is certainly something I will consider - after a full recovery from chemo and surgery. Also, I am so sorry about how you found out about your Dx. Not that there is any good way (mine was a phone call from a very caring Dr), but at least I was prepared for the results when she called. It IS October! and every day that passes is a day closer to getting your life back! I have 75 days until my last day of "ugly" Chemo. I am happy to see the numbers tick down (they started well over 100)!! Anything to know that you are moving closer to being "done".
Makeiki3 - My Dr hasn't mentioned what the therapy might be, but I'm sure it's something similar.
GonnaBePoz - I have my class today with the ACS, so I'll let you know how it goes. I bought one too and I just can't wear it. It is hot and really think. Hoping I can get something cute!
ThatFox - Hang in there! We all have days when we feel exactly as you are describing! I haven't had a chance to meet the PS yet. (my MO hasn't even discussed it), but at least that's one more step toward the finish line!
Have a SE-free day Everyone!
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My local ACS wig banks are all closed - I called 3 spots that were listed that they were either wrong numbers or disconnected
Glad my insurance pays for my wig0 -
Hi all - trying to catch up. Will post about my 2nd infusion soon:
ThatFox - did you start chemo w/the Perjecta/Herceptin? Or just doing that first? I can't tell from your signature. Never apologize for your rants either - we are all feeling it, just not necessarily saying it.
MLMSC - I am jealous of your treatment - are you ONLY on the Taxol then? How come no A/C for you? I start the Herceptin/Perjeta with the Taxol, but supposedly have 2 more AC left. blech. I am scared for the Taxol sunburn feel - as I have several areas of sun damage on my arms! ack!
lmencken and smilethrupain - I hear you about the hair. That was the least of my worries with all of this, and now that I am sickly bald...I am majorly depressed. In fact, every time I touch my hat, wig, or whatever is covering my head - my stomach/heart jump into my throat and I start feeling super anxious and depressed. It is CRAZY!? I know it is temporary - but it makes me feel all sorts of horrible thoughts (like where will my daughter be in 5 or 10 years - and can she handle life if I am not here with her, etc.). I finally broke down and called a therapist/counselor today that my oncology social worker had given me...I thought I could handle all this on my own, but realize with this hair stuff I feel like I am losing what little internal emotional strength I had going.
lmencken - I LOVE the short hair! I was shocked at how easy the short hair was going to be too...although now it is all gone! lol. But good to know I can deal with short hair for the grow-back.
BagSharon - that is awesome your work did that! I am not a personal fan of the whole pink thing due to an amazing documentary I watched a few years ago (about how none of the $ for pink things actually goes to the research and things we think it is going to), but still think it's awesome for those that dig it! Good for them/you! Your posts are truly helping me feel better - thanks for the inspiration and bravery!
GonnaBePoz - are those your wig pics on your 9/30 post? Those are amazing if so!!!??
MFalabella - I am def on a chemo-sobby thing today...creepy weird. How do we get through it?
BoondockD - I hate the gatorade. Right there with you. The only one I have been somewhat able to tolerate is the grape one. ugh.
AngelaKS - what is Phenagren?
BeachBabyK - No one has advised it, but I have learned about it here on this board and would be all for getting my ovaries out if that would help w/my Her2 stuff. I thought chemo would bring on early menopause - but unfort mine just started yesterday. oh joy! And on day 4 of my 2nd round of A/C. bleck. Is Herceptin considered a chemo? I wasn't aware of that...
makeiki3 - did you start your chemo already? And if so - are you noticing any SE of the Lupron? I thinK i should ask about that - because I def don't want to also deal with my monthly period and SE during chemo!
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Had my 2nd infusion on Thursday, 9/29...this time I didn't drink a gallon and half of water (only did around 3 liters), took salt pills my MO prescribed, and ate lots of salty foods that day. By 3pm, I was still feeling ok...which was a HUGE improvement compared to #1 - as the SEs of the blasted Hyponatremia started at around 3pm. By 6pm I was still feeling good - so went to my daughter's cheer practice (I am a volunteer coach for her community league). Got home at 8:30pm feeling ok, but could tell something was wonky...so decided to take a compazine, thinking it might be the nauseau starting to set in. By 9pm - I took the rest of my nightly meds, as I felt my heart/pulse starting to increase and thought maybe my BP pill would help. I checked and my normal pulse of 57 had jumped to 91, and my BP was higher than norm. I took a salt pill -and thought I started to feel better and my pulse dropped to 77...which while still high for me, is considered normal-ish. I started to fall asleep and within minutes I was awoke with the horrible SE of Hyponatremia starting again...chest tightening, arms and legs tingling, losing support in my legs, and my head felt like someone could pop it with a pin. I told my hubby I think it was happening again - and off we went to ER AGAIN (after finding someone to come stay with my 12 year old who was trying to go to bed, but now was worried about me again). At least this time, as I told her, I could walk on my own and still talk in complete sentences. Got to ER around 10pm and same usual (and expensive) tests start again...chest CT, blood work, etc. While I was still doing 'ok' - the chest tightening/pulse thing kept coming and going...driving me nuts. Sure enough - blood work came back and my sodium was at 125. Thankfully not as bad as #1 (when it was 117), but bad enough that they needed to admit me AGAIN. This time though - I was only in hospital for a day+, and not 2 1/2 days like before. Got out just in time to get my neulasta shot (but because I was in hospital wasn't able to take my clariton in advance).
On day 5 now (day 2 of my period - oh joy) of 2nd infusion. Feeling ok - just having major depressing and anxiety everytime I look in mirror or feel head. Plus - my scalp HURTS! Had my DH cut off the long layers that were left on Saturday, after losing a TON in the shower...which was overall day 18. Only where I still had some longish hair did my scalp hurt bad...but not where it was already super short. weird. By the way, has anyone had a synthetic wig cut - or just the human hair? I am debating getting another one I got trimmed up - as it is finally closer to color, but I am not thrilled with how it is so poofy. My head still hurts - but only in certain areas...almost like when you wear your hair up too long and when you let it down it hurts just in that area.
Not really having too many other SEs, but then again...I am not sure if I have yet to know what the true chemo SEs are...since I have this blasted rare Hyponatremia! I talked with my MO on Friday -and he said I did everything right this time. It will keep happening. At that time - he gave me the option of just 'struggling through it and just going to the ER each time' or deciding if I want to stop or change up the chemo regimen to something different. Not great options. I am trying to get a 2nd consult as there HAS to be something that someone has done/tried to manage the hyponatremia SEs!? Crazy. However, he did actually call me today (big surprise there - but I think word got back to him that I am looking around for another MO) and offered me to stop doing just the Cytoxin (as that is the only chemo that has Hyponatremia as a SE) but keep doing the A stuff. He said because I have done 2, I 'probably have gotten enough' of it in me...and since I am doing 12 weeks of the Taxol, I can opt to not do the Cytoxen anymore. So basically the options suck either way - if I stop doing the Cytoxin for the remaining 2 treatments... I will always wonder and IF it comes back - I will wonder/blame myself if it was due to not doing the 2 more Cytoxens. But if I continue doing the AC - I will continue having these horrible sodium things that can lead to seizure, coma or death. Luckily we caught it early this time. I asked the MO if he could set up a room at the hospital to treat me for sodium the next time, so I could bypass the ER (and copays) and go right to the treatment...but he apparently isn't able to do that. Useless. So trying to get a 2nd opinion -and contemplate if I struggle through 2 more or stop the Cytoxin part of it.
Thoughts?
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Wow, so much to keep up with... Just a thanks to everyone who is sharing her journey.
Port: I was told don't lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for a week or two. I definitely didn't want to in the beginning, but it got so it felt fine shortly after 1 week.
Ovaries: I managed to have a hysterectomy 2 days after my breast biopsies and 5 days before cancer diagnosis. (At the time, it seemed like the biggest thing I was doing. HA) It was for unrelated reasons of heavy bleeding and fibroids. However, ever since, the doctors I've told have all been happy that that is out of the way. One less thing to worry about. However, the MO still put me on Letrozole for the next ten years due to estrogen still being produced in our adrenal glands. And that is what caused my liver enzymes to skyrocket. So, I guess I will be on something like that for 10 years, but hopefully not THAT.
I'm on day 5 of Chemo #1, and I'm hating all smells. Every one. Garbage, cooking eggs, air fresheners, bananas, soap. You name it. Also, my ears seemed super sensitive to sound last night. And, mostly because of the hysterectomy, I assume, I am having a gazillion hot flashes every day. And they seem worse after chemo. How am I going to keep anything on my head if I'm pouring sweat? Boo.
Went back to work today, and survived, but that is basically it. Tomorrow will be better!
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chemo #1 day 4 hit me like a ton of bricks about 2pm at work. Neck and shoulders started aching, lost my voice, felt like I was out of my body/head, legs got weak and just wanted to flop on my bed. Which is exactly what I did at 4pm when I got home! Took a 90 min nap.
I realize one thing is I definitely did not hydrate enough today. Is that why I Lost my voice tho? Does that happen to others? I definitely would describe it as chemo flu tho. Chills and all before I fell asleep. Feeling so bummed because the first few days went rather well. Hoping it's just one day and done of that! Stomach felt "tender" all day but none of those SE's today thankfully!
But after reading what some of the other things you gals are going thru, I consider myself to be doing ok in the scheme of things.
Hang in there!!
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HopefulYogi, I haven't read of others here losing their voice but it did happen to me off and on for a couple of days during my first round. The first time, I totally lost my voice for an hour or so; after that it came and went and was more a hoarse / weak voice than no voice at all.
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I haven't had cramps exactly but I have been having a feeling the past several days of a tightness in my stomach up to my chest/breasts. It feels more like it's on the skin ha than internal, not sure what it is. I took a Motrin after it had been happening a couple of days, that worked pretty well except last night when I wound up having another nausea incident and couldn't keep the Motrin down
Best wishes to all as we push through these long treatment regimes, and especially sending good thoughts to those who are seeing the most severe / scary SEs and stress levels.
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Thanks all who said liked my 'boy cut' as I call it. Funny, a lot of people like it but its like they forget its not going to stay! But still like someone said ....will be a good sign when it grows back and I have to rock the short hair again! My son really doesn't like my wig but I cannot go to work with a hat or this hair do. Maybe I should have it cut like some of you have if I can. It is a little puffy on top.
Kd - so sorry you experienced the hypoatremia again. There has to be a way you can go right from your infusion to somewhere to monitor you or treat you .. would definitely get another opinion especially as they know it will happen again!!! Glad you have someone to talk to. Sometimes our loved ones try but don't get it and we need more. It's not crazy at all. They should put a counselor on our team who checks In with us through this journey I think!!! By the way, your period may be weird.. got mine after my first infusion and was wacky..heavy, then light then regular....lasted longer too!!
Smilethru and Makeiki3 - I also struggle with feeding another bugger with my hormones. I may ask again Thursday when I go for 2nd infusion about taking pills sooner or ovaries out. My surgeon said that was aggressive but that's what I want to be with this!!
GonnaBePos - Yes. its like stages..stage 1 - getting ready for cutting your hair off.... stage 2 now getting used to NO hair. I handled the first one ok but now I need to gear up as I see all you ahead of me and what will happen. I will probably need to get more hats or start loving my wig!
I was lucky and during my infusion my nurse coordinator took me over to order a wig from ACS. I didn't expect that but I didn't even have to call. It was done during my treatment. Maybe you can contact them online to order...may as well have a spare if you can...especially if one doesn't work out. Oh and I also had cramping, pain for a week. Back, knees, hips..it did go away though.
ThatFox - venting is normal...and here is best place to do it!! No judging! One day at a time. It stinks about work though.. You'd think they should be grateful you are working through while feeling like crap!!! I hope you are on the upswing soon!!!! Sending you positive thoughts!
Wishing everyone well and sending good vibes to all as every day we are moving closer to our individual finish lines!
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I'm too lazy to go back and see who actually posted but someone mentioned feeling sunburnt on taxol... anyone feel that on any other meds? I had #2 of AC Friday plus neulasta Saturday which was new. This weekend my shoulders and back felt burned. And a sore throat and feverish/chills but no fever. I'm guessing it's the neulasta. Not the end of the world but really annoying. Wondering if this will just be normal now.
Hair - finally got the nerve to wash Sunday morning after only brushing for 5 days. Just about all came out. What didn't got tangled with what was trying to fall. Hubs cut the tangle and most of the longer hair off. Caught a glimpse in the mirror and haven't been able to look again since without a scarf on. Went to LGFB yesterday and they used me for scarf demos..I don't even know what my head looked like (thinking a zombie Charlie Brown) but at least there was only 5 others there. Hubs said he'd help trim up what's left if I want. He's trying and I know it's hard for him too. Anyone else have the pinching stinging scalp with the hair loss? Does it ever stop?
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KD, I'm not a fan of team pink, either but I don't think people know what to do to show their support. And to be honest, I think the over the top effort from my company may have been to play down an incident that happened earlier. On day 6 of my first infusion, I sent an email to my boss and the office manager that I would be working from home that day because I was feeling weak. The office manager sent back an email stating that I could not work from home when I am "under the weather" and that I had to take PTO. Shortly after that the bone pain set in and I ended up in a fetal position on the floor of my bathroom sobbing and wondering how the hell I was going to manage to work at all and pay my bills. It has since been resolved but I still get angry when I think about the needless cruelty from the office manager. There has been a news story locally about a woman pretending to have cancer to get money. I'm guessing the office manager thinks I'm faking it since I look really healthy, even though I've asked for nothing other than to work from home on bad days. Seriously, my skin looks amazing right now, I would be suspicious but it's kind of hard to fake this haircut (tweeze individual hairs for hours?
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oh Sharon! That is horrible to hear about your manager! Can't you bypass her and just work something out with HR instead? I'm glad there are at least some in the office who support you!! I hear you about work woes...while I work from home, my company is based in Spain and I have no 'normal' benefits...like medical leave, etc. So unfortunately I have to work thru all of this.
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It's all been resolved and I'm petty to even bring it up but I just wanted to show that not everything is wine and roses here. Speaking of wine, boy do I miss my libations.
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kdtheatre: Yes, I started the Herceptin and Perjeta at the same time as chemo. I theoretically have 4 more treatments (total of 6) but my dr. says not everyone can handle all six so he will give me as many as my body is willing to cooperate with.
About the hair - a tip a friend gave me.... use a lint roller. It pulls the loose hair out and makes your scalp far less painful. Sounds bizarre, but it works. I found that rather than rolling it over my head that it works best if I tear off a sheet and rub it over my head instead. I've given up on the prospect of keeping much hair and anything I can do to keep any small amount of pain at bay works.
Feeling a little better today. SOOOO tired. I pretty much sleep as soon as I get home from work. I understand it gets progressively worse with each treatment Yay!! I'm so looking forward to being a complete zombie by the end of this! Where is that light at the end of the tunnel? Because if it's there, I still can't see it. Believe it or not, I'm the "little ray of sunshine" at work usually. They are not much accustomed to seeing me down at all. I even cried yesterday when someone told me I looked good. Ugghhh! I can't wait to get through this!!
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Before and after ...0 -
ThatFox - total of 6 more what? I have 4 sessions of AC then 12 weeks of Taxol. My Herceptin and Perjeta starts with Taxol and I do the Herceptin for a year (the Perjeta for 4xs). I am envious of your treatment plan and wonder why I wasn't given that same 6 treatment option (instead of 5 months). They say because of my Her2+ is why I have to do so much chemo.
I have my 2nd consult with a different MO tomorrow - and plan to not only ask about the Hyponatremia ideas, but also something to push me into menapause quicker. Cause dealing with chemo day 4, and period day 2 - was HORRIBLE!
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