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Starting Chemo June 2017

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Comments

  • JuliaJazz
    JuliaJazz Member Posts: 175
    edited July 2017

    hhuey.  Bought the boots on amazon> let my fingers do the walking as usual.  Here is the link.  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017CB29XK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

  • T-Sue
    T-Sue Member Posts: 207
    edited July 2017

    Hi everyone, I LOVE all the pictures and getting to know the "non-cancer" side of folks. Although I haven't been super active in this group, I follow the conversations and appreciate everyone's advice and sharing. Here's a little about me personally.

    I am a Coloradan – 47 years old with a husband and a 9 year old son. I am a teacher though the past few years I've been contracting part time in professional development (either by travelling to teacher trainings or working on presentations remotely from my home office). When I was diagnosed in March I had to let go of all of my travelling contracts for the remainder of the year. I hope to pick up some remote work again this fall when I complete chemo treatment.

    My son and I have homeschooled the last two years which one of the best decisions I've ever made. Our lives were pretty disrupted this past spring as I was dealing with my initial diagnosis and the slew of calls and appointments and a double mastectomy. Fortunately I had signed my kiddo up for a bunch of terrific summer camps and we have enough friends on summer break that he is keeping busy during my "summer of chemo" and I don't have to worry about us missing "school."

    One of the things that has astounded me is how friends and family have stepped up to help out in so many different ways. There's a meal train and taking my kid during appointments but there is also texts to pick up groceries, help with gardening, and this weekend a scarf party that a girlfriend hosted.

    My husband and I dubbed this whole thing "Project 2nd Base" (see my profile pic – a T-shirt from a friend) which we nickname "Project 2B" for my son who thinks it means Projects 2 breasts Winking

    Here's a picture of me in my new wig (thank you American Cancer Society!) and a sassy scarf. Hope everyone is gathering strength this weekend for the week ahead!

    imageimage

  • JuliaJazz
    JuliaJazz Member Posts: 175
    edited July 2017

    T-Sue, you look beautiful.  Sounds like you have been able to arrange your summer so that your son is doing very well.  Cancer can sure put a crimp in our plans.  We would normally be on our sailboat in Wisconsin for three months to escape the Florida heat, but not this year.

    Here is my new transitional haircut, short in bsck and a bit longer on top.  Haven't had bang for 50 years. You can hardly see them in this picture, but they are there. Just don't look at the top of the head where there is very little hair left.  I am having absolutely no symptoms at all with Round 2 of my chemo.  One dose of smooth move tea fixed me up with the constipation and I have had no bone pain and last time it had started by now.  So I guess it is a good thing I am losing my hair or I might think the drugs weren't doing their job.  Have a great week everyone.

    image

  • pink_is_my_colour
    pink_is_my_colour Member Posts: 265
    edited July 2017

    Julia, you look amazing. Glad to hear round two is going good

  • T-Sue
    T-Sue Member Posts: 207
    edited July 2017

    Thank you for the encouragement JuliaJazz. So glad your round 2 has been manageable. I love your big earrings! My hair is thinning quite a bit on top also. I haven't had short hair since college and I've slowly been cutting it shorter. I told myself it was to help my kid get used to mom without long hair, but in reality, it's been helpful to me to give up the length bit by bit. ALMOST ready to buzz cut it off. :-)

  • KimPossible818
    KimPossible818 Member Posts: 287
    edited July 2017

    T-Sue, So glad you have such amazing support. It sure makes a difference getting through this! You look great!!

    Julia, Looking good! Great on no SEs after round 2. Where in WI would you normally be? I am in northern IL - almost to the border. Today's high is 76 here. It's been nice. Getting warmer starting tomorrow.

    No real complaints after round 3. I was pretty tired after church yesterday, but I managed to walk 2.6 miles with DH. I felt like a walking Zombie through it, honestly, but the day was cool and I knew it would be good for me. The very bad taste issues that plagued me last round do not seem to be rearing their ugly heads this time...knocking wood. I do feel like my mouth always has a slight salty taste. Chocolate would be my preference, but you can't have it all. ;)

    Thankful one more is behind me!


  • MsLin
    MsLin Member Posts: 64
    edited July 2017

    Good morning everyone! I thought I'd check in. I've been quiet/absent because we've been traveling. I needed to get out of the house at least for a little bit this summer so I planned a road trip to my cousin's goat farm in Hereford, AZ. We drove down in a marathon 2 days (not my husband's choice), but will drive back in 3 with an extra day stop in Las Vegas. We used to live there and I haven't been in 14 years. It will be fun with lots of hand sanitizer.

    Today is day 11 of AC#4. I've felt great the past 3 days. No nausea meds needed. Had plenty of energy. I even stayed up until almost midnight last night chatting with my cousin. This morning is a little rough. I'm a little more tired than I normally would be on a day 11, but I've had lots of "activity" the past 3 days. Riding in the car never seems like activity, but it always wears me out. I also may have let myself get too hungry. I didn't eat very much last night. I'm hoping a nice cup of tea and breakfast will help. I have plans of learning how to make goat milk soap today

  • MsLin
    MsLin Member Posts: 64
    edited July 2017

    Good morning everyone! I thought I'd check in. I've been quiet/absent because we've been traveling. I needed to get out of the house at least for a little bit this summer so I planned a road trip to my cousin's goat farm in Hereford, AZ. We drove down in a marathon 2 days (not my husband's choice), but will drive back in 3 with an extra day stop in Las Vegas. We used to live there and I haven't been in 14 years. It will be fun with lots of hand sanitizer.

    Today is day 11 of AC#4. I've felt great the past 3 days. No nausea meds needed. Had plenty of energy. I even stayed up until almost midnight last night chatting with my cousin. This morning is a little rough. I'm a little more tired than I normally would be on a day 11, but I've had lots of "activity" the past 3 days. Riding in the car never seems like activity, but it always wears me out. I also may have let myself get too hungry. I didn't eat very much last night. I'm hoping a nice cup of tea and breakfast will help. I have plans of learning how to make goat milk soap today

  • moodyblues
    moodyblues Member Posts: 393
    edited July 2017

    MsLin:  Sounds like a lot of fun!  You will have to let us know how everything goes with the soap making.  I am glad you were able to get out and about and enjoy life and the sweet things that each new day brings.  :)

  • KimPossible818
    KimPossible818 Member Posts: 287
    edited July 2017

    MsLin, How wonderful and deserving to have such a fun trip! Safe travels back! #inspiring

  • peachyjeanne
    peachyjeanne Member Posts: 155
    edited July 2017

    Good morning all. Hoping side effects continue to be mild for the June group. I go for AC#3 on Thursday. If that goes well, I will dog sit for my best friend's golden doodle, Jake, this weekend. Some intense dog therapy. :-)

    Welcome T-Sue. Glad you decided to post. This is a great place for info and support. Love your scarf. I need to learn how to get creative with tying. Love Project 2nd Base.

    Susie..you and your DH are looking great!

    Enjoy the road trip MsLin! Goat's milk soap sounds so soothing

    Keep on feeling good Kim. Walking does help. Maybe it is the movement, maybe the fresh air...probably both.

    Julia, you look great. Your skin has such a nice warm glow and tone. I look in the mirror and feel a little washed out.

    I am still struggling a bit with my wig. It is just so hot in this July heat and humidity. And, it frizzes, too, since it is human hair. Geez, to pay so much and still have bad hair days doesn't seem right. Oh well. A trip to the salon may be in order to get it thinned out a bit.

    Has anyone attended the Look Good Feel Better makeup classes? I am signed up for August but I may have to reschedule to Sept if I can arrange a trip down to the Outer Banks in between treatments.

    Still cannot post pictures for some reason.

  • moodyblues
    moodyblues Member Posts: 393
    edited July 2017

    Looking good JuliaJazz, lookin' good! 

  • JuliaJazz
    JuliaJazz Member Posts: 175
    edited July 2017

    PeachyJeanne, why not get a synthetic wig free from the Amrican Cancere Society.  Their Look Good, Feel Better program  http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/   has a make up session with about $200 of free makeup which might get you some of the glow I get from the Florida Sunshine all year round. I enjoyed the class but don't put the makeup on except for a special evening or something like that. At the end of the session most places have a room full of wigs they can help you try on.  You take it and most people bring it back when they are done for the next person to use.  OH, now I reread your post and see you signed up.  If you can't get in for the makeup session til September you might ask if you could stop by and check out the wigs sooner.  Not sure how often someone staffs the rooms.

    Thanks to all for the kind comments everyone.  I am not used to seeing my ears - lol.  But it is a lot better than the scraggly mess I had left on my head and I can get away without a hat for now which is good in the Florida heat.  I have some nice scarves and turbans if I want to dress it up a bit. 

  • T-Sue
    T-Sue Member Posts: 207
    edited July 2017

    PeachyJeanne, I just attended a Look Good, Feel better class last week. It was terrific. As always, part of the appeal is meeting other women undergoing cancer treatment. The two trainers were volunteer cosmologists who were also survivors. They walk you through every step of makeup application with your new big bag of fancy cosmetics. I haven't had so much practice since I was a teenager with a teen magazine in the bathroom trying not to poke my eye out with a mascara wanna. Loopy

    They also had some tips for wearing wigs and we did some scarf tying practice.


    My training did not have wigs available, though I DID receive a free wig from ACS through my facility's Breast Cancer Navigator. Saved a ton of money definitely worth looking into.


  • susie_2017
    susie_2017 Member Posts: 142
    edited July 2017

    Thank you HapB for that link. I was glad to see they included gluten free options.

    I'm glad that some of you posted about your experience regarding the Look Good Feel Good program. I was offered a chance to go but was debating on it. Now I think I'll go. I know if I lose my eyebrows I'll need all the help I can get.

    Happy to see most of you are living your life as much as possible without having cancer taking away our happiness. All pictures of hats, wigs or bald heads are still a welcoming sight when I log on. Reminds me I'm not alone!

    I'm on day #3 post chemo #2, I had a rocky start to my morning, felt like I was going to pass out in the shower but I got out quick and laid down. Managed to go to work for a full day. Finding it easier if I graze on food All day and not let my stomach get empty. Still having a hard time with the water intake. My appetite is much better this time round than last. Hoping the mouth ulcers don't return. I'm using the salt water rinses before bed. But overall I'm feeling ok. Hope all of you are feeling semi normal and enjoying yourselves this summer day!

  • LTWJ
    LTWJ Member Posts: 118
    edited July 2017

    I had my 3rd treatment TCHP last Friday. Today has been my worst day( although my husband says I slept for 3 days after my first treatment, I don't remember). I am not nauseous because of some new meds so I am eating ok. Everythingtastes bad but I'm still eating. I feel like I'm wearing a 50 lb lead coat, but I keep moving. I did get the neulsta shot but I feel like I have the mumps, face and neck glands feel swollen, ears hurt a little too. I did take a Claritin this morning. Of course the diarrhea has started again but I have meds for that. Is this mumpy feeling ok? No fever. I had an awesome third week within the last treatment so I know it will get better.

  • KimPossible818
    KimPossible818 Member Posts: 287
    edited July 2017

    I did to the Look Good, Feel Better program last month and got a lot of nice makeup. I have used some. I think the techniques they teach, mainly about using a foam wedge to apply your makeup and not cross-contaminating, were very helpful. I did not have wig options at my event. There were only 4 ladies, so it was nice and intimate.

    Day 5 post round 3, and I am tired -- the most tired I have been thus far. I really feel like this is starting to catch up. Managed to get to the PO today to mail a package, but that was the biggest part of my day. I rested, because I had to, but I don't like this. Still struggling to find a liquid that tastes good. My poor DH, will make this to eat, buy that... He's been a trooper, but if he tires of me, I will get it. ;)

    Stay strong, Ladies.



  • susie_2017
    susie_2017 Member Posts: 142
    edited July 2017

    LTWJ I have the same feeling as you do in my neck! Feels like I have the mumps! Guessing it's a normal side effect.

  • Tpralph
    Tpralph Member Posts: 281
    edited July 2017

    Ltwj same feeling here 24 hrs after neulasta and runs for three days.

    My chemo #2 today. Missed last week due to abdominal wound infection. But good to go this week. Having three weeks off bit so you feel normal again. Almost all hair is gone.

    I'm going to the look good program in two weeks. Heard it is excellent and all the free goodies. Looking forward to learning how to put on eyebrows and fix eyes so when the brows and lashes fall out.

    Hopefully round two similar to round 1. Mild SE. Except neulasta that gave me one rough day ever bone...I mean EVERY bone aches all day and all muscles. Tylenol helped

    Happy chemo to all this week and prayers for minimal SE

  • hhuey
    hhuey Member Posts: 121
    edited July 2017

    6 days out post #4 AC...days 1 and 2 tired but functional with just dry mouth, days 3 and 4 sore throat feeling in neck and in my mouth like under my tongue but think it's from the neulasta and day 4 fog setting in and mush mouth taking effect.day 5 super achy from the neulasta like headache, muscle aches (thank god I go for acupuncture tomorrow to straighten me out)..but all in all it could be worse. I took the kids to the movies yesterday so that was fun and took my mind off everything else. I hope everyone is doing well with their treatments and side effects. I have to do back to school shopping and kids Dr apps this week and next so I will be super busy before my first taxol treatment on the 28th.

  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 1,279
    edited July 2017

    Ladies

    I enjoyed all the information and pictures that gave me something to look forward to 😓😓 I'm going to have my first chemo in couple days very nervous so I'm reading up all the information I could find.

    You gals look good with the hats and scarves.

  • KimPossible818
    KimPossible818 Member Posts: 287
    edited July 2017

    LTWJ, I think if you are still feeling "mumpy," perhaps you should contact your dr's office. I felt more achy last round from Neulasta. I was told to continue the Claritin beyond the days listed on my chart if it happens again. I am sorry.

    hhuey, Mushmouth for sure (see below). I think having diversions is essential to getting through the more difficult days.

    Today is a better day. Whew. It's odd how I KNOW the Mon/Tues post are just not my best. I want to say it's mind over matter, but this is as real as anything I have ever personally experienced on a physical level. I pray and have to believe Taxol will be easier.

    Questions for all you brave warriors:

    1) Does anyone wear contact lenses and had more burning in their eyes than normal? (Hands up here!) I've worn my glasses more than normal just to avoid potential irritation. Also bought Visine drops for dry eyes.

    2) Do any of you have super sensitivity to smells? I may have a potential job with the FBI or TSA when this is all said and done, because I believe I could smell out anything that has the potential to be bad! One thing that is bugging me like cra-cra is the smell of my own head! (It's ok to giggle.) I typically wear a turban at night, as it just hurts my scalp less when I flip/flop due to hot flashes. If I do not sleep with a hat on, my pillow smells so chemically! It HAS to be the chemo. For some reason it grosses me out and makes me angry. A person of strong faith, I am actually hitting a bit of an anger stage. I'm thinking I may sign up for some one-on-one counseling to address.

    3) Spittal! How can I spit so much? It's like all this frothy spit forms in my mouth, and I just have to spit in the sink multiple times a day. Any ounce of feeling like a lady has flown the coop!

    4) Finally, but not at all that last means least, does it taste like you have a perpetual block of salt in your mouth? This started round 2, and while it was not as bad round 3, and it is better today (PTL), I fear I may never be able to be near a salty sea again.

    I am going to get out and walk with a friend today and attend an outdoor, local concert tonight as long as the rain holds off.

    Making it a better day, despite all the quirks above! :)

  • CurlyN
    CurlyN Member Posts: 18
    edited July 2017

    KimP, I am definitely experiencing some of the same smell issues! My husband buzzed all my hair off last weekend (big relief to get that done) and I had a super dry scalp underneath all that hair. I used some Head and Shoulders to try to fix it, but all I could smell was that nasty chemical shampoo smell all day! It was just nauseating. It's better now that I switched shampoos, but I am still switching out my pillowcase every couple of days - the "scalp smell" hits me right when I lay down.

    As for me, I'm on Day 9 post AC #2. The fatigue definitely stuck around a little longer this round. I should have done more to keep moving those first few days instead of spending so much time on the couch - I know a few short walks would have made me feel better. Just didn't think about it when I was flat on my back and my brain was mush. Will try to remind myself next week when the feeling hits again....

  • bji
    bji Member Posts: 116
    edited July 2017

    KimPossible 818 - I wear contacts everyday (extremely nearsighted) and yes my eyes have gotten very dry. I have been using eye drops morning and night, make sure you use a brand that contains no preservative. I have also noticed that my vision isnt as clear, was told that was SE from chemo, hopefully returns to normal when done. Also no eye exams til several months post chemo.

  • Wendeez414
    Wendeez414 Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2017

    MSLin! You are positively adorable. 😁

  • klt5817
    klt5817 Member Posts: 32
    edited July 2017

    Ditto with Kim & CurlyN about hypersensitive to smell; I think our brain is trying to compensate for the lost of taste by heighten our olfactory nerve.  And yes, please do use artificial tear without preservative such as "Refresh Plus"; Taxol is notorious for causing dry eye due to excessive tear.

  • moodyblues
    moodyblues Member Posts: 393
    edited July 2017

    KimPossible, OM Goodness!  I couldn't express clearly to my husband what I felt like... my taste buds feeling salty (chemo brain I guess).  The perpetual block of salt in your mouth is such accurate description.  Mine started round 3 and it is a tad better today, It is so bad that it makes me gag.  A constant swell of salivation from the taste of salt.  I thought it was me!

  • KimPossible818
    KimPossible818 Member Posts: 287
    edited July 2017

    Thanks to all for reiterating what seems to be the same for many of us. We are not alone. Hate that we are dealing with it, but at least we are not singled out in the universe. I will check my eye drops to make sure they have no preservatives.

    BJI, My vision is worse, too. I am super nearsighted as well. I noticed a big difference when I drove yesterday. Seems a little better today. I'm pretty sensitive about vision issues, since my first DH went blind from his brain tumor.

    Walked 2.7 miles. Was sweating a bit, too. (Poison out!)

  • susie_2017
    susie_2017 Member Posts: 142
    edited July 2017

    KimPossible Yes! YES! Yes! I can sympathize with all of your symptoms! I too suffer from extremely sensitive to smells. Even when I brush my teeth, letting the water run, I smell the fumes coming up the sink drain! My husband made hot dogs yesterday and I smelled them before he even told me what he was cooking, they made me gag.

    I don't wear contacts but I do have dry eyes. I was told to use Refresh fake tears. Makes sense since my mouth is extremely dry that my eyes are too!

    Overall I'm feeling ok today. Hope all of you are coping with your side effects and enjoying life as much as possible!

  • susie_2017
    susie_2017 Member Posts: 142
    edited July 2017

    KimPossible Yes! YES! Yes! I can sympathize with all of your symptoms! I too suffer from extremely sensitive to smells. Even when I brush my teeth, letting the water run, I smell the fumes coming up the sink drain! My husband made hot dogs yesterday and I smelled them before he even told me what he was cooking, they made me gag.

    I don't wear contacts but I do have dry eyes. I was told to use Refresh fake tears. Makes sense since my mouth is extremely dry that my eyes are too!

    Overall I'm feeling ok today. Hope all of you are coping with your side effects and enjoying life as much as possible!

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